《The Female Psychology PhD Who Time Traveled to the Royal Harem》


 Chapter 1

    Chapter 1


    "p!"


    The moment Jiang Xinyue traveled to the Great Yan Dynasty, she was soundly pped across the face.


    Before she couldprehend what had happened after being struck silly, her legs were kicked, causing her knees to hit the pebble path of the Imperial Garden with a "ck".


    Under the scorching sun, the beautifully adorned woman wearing an borate headdress had piercing phoenix-like eyes that made one''s heart race. Her snow-white skin radiated a luminous glow, her nails encased in jewel-studded armor, the very picture of a top-ranking concubine.


    "How dare Noble Consort Jiang act so rashly? Our Concubine had set her sights on that hibiscus flower as a token of good fortune. You snatched it away,pletely disregarding the hibiscus'' auspicious meaning."


    Her face and knees burning with pain, Jiang Xinyue swayed and pressed her forehead to the ground. "Concubine Li, your servant was unaware that you had chosen that hibiscus flower. Had I known, your servant would never have dared topete with you, Concubine. You are the moon in the sky; your servant is but dust at your feet. How could I dare?"


    ttery gets one everywhere. Not knowing the full situation but finding herself in a disadvantageous position, the best option was to swallow her pride and submit.


    In short, she was in the wrong, gravely so.


    "Hmph!"


    "Since you acknowledge your mistake, then kneel here for two full hours to engrave this lesson in your mind. Layue, return to the pce by pnquin."


    The mockingughter and strange looks from the surrounding consorts and pce maids did not faze Jiang Xinyue. Before transmigrating, she was the top psychological healing therapist at the prestigious Jing City noble private hospital.


    She had majored in psychology and perfected the art of understanding each VIP client''s psyche, a lethal skill that led her to be the highest-paid director of the psychology department within a year.


    A few taunts were mere jokes to her ears.


    Under the zing sun, Jiang Xinyue sweated profusely, her disheveled appearance like that of a stray mutt.


    Suddenly, memories not her own flooded her mind, and she realized she had transmigrated into the non-existent Great Yan Dynasty of history.


    Her original soul was a daughter of a minor noble family, the Ministry of Rites. Despite being the most beautiful among her sisters, she had been chosen, along with her older legitimate sister, to serve the Emperor in the pce.


    Originally, the Jiang family intended for her to support her dignified and graceful legitimate older sister in gaining the Emperor''s favor. However, the original soul was a beautiful but empty vase, earning the Emperor''s affection for just two days before bing arrogant.


    Yet she dared to confront Concubine Li, the most favored concubine in the harem.


    Just yesterday, she was pushed into ake by Concubine Li''s pce maids for insolence and fell severely ill. Now, with a high fever, she was dragged to the Imperial Garden and publicly humiliated.


    Whether she died from illness or anger, her soul had departed, allowing Jiang Xinyue''s otherworldly spirit to take over her body.


    Adopting a "when in Rome" attitude, Jiang Xinyue carefully considered her situation.


    There was no returning to her previous world. She had been in a terrible car ident while on duty, trying to save a strange old man, her body severed in two. Survival was impossible.


    So, transmigrated into this cutthroat harem where genuine affection invites death, how could she conquer the Emperor, preserve her life, and steadily rise in status?


    As the saying goes, a transmigrated woman who doesn''t aspire to be a concubine is not a good employee.


    Since she was here, she couldn''t leave without making her mark in history''s annals.


    "How unsightly."


    After everyone had left, a fair-skinned woman in a pink-purple pce dress and an ornate hairpiece stood before Jiang Xinyue. "Father always said your beauty would help me rise effortlessly in the harem. But look at you now? The harem is filled with beautiful women, yet none are as foolish as you. You''re digging your own grave, but don''t drag me down with you."


    Her tone dripped with disdain and loathing, hardly befitting Jiang Xinyue''s original body''s sister, more like an enemy.


    Enduring the searing pain in her knees, Jiang Xinyue looked up.


    The original soul had relied on her beauty, acting willfully even in her family''s estate, openly feuding with this hypocritical legitimate sister. Entering the pce only worsened their rift, each despising the other.


    "As if I need you, a mere Pce Lady, to drag me down? Look at your ordinary countenance; who would believe you''re my sister?"


    The original soul was targeted for her exceptional beauty. This average-looking woman wasn''t worth the effort.


    Jiang Yutong''s face flushed red with anger. "You''lle begging me one day."


    "Why would I, a Noble Consort, beg you, a lowly Pce Lady?"


    The original soul had at least earned the Emperor''s favor for two days and the title of Noble Consort.


    "You...!"


    Jiang Yutong, infuriated, stormed off with the help of her maids.


    The maid behind Jiang Xinyue sighed, "Mistress, you''ve only been in the pce for a few days, yet you''ve offended most of the powers that be. This won''t end well."


    "Indeed, it won''t."


    Jiang Xinyue had no intention of taking the gentle, demure path, but she wouldn''t openly provoke everyone either.


    The original soul must have been a dog, barking at everyone with two snide remarks.


    She had offended Concubine Li. Nothing in the harem escaped the Emperor''s notice, so she would likely lose his favor soon.


    That wouldn''t do. She couldn''t sit idly and await her demise.


    The Cooling Heart Pce housed over a dozen ice tubs, keeping the interior refreshingly cool, not a hint of stuffiness.


    The young, formidable Emperor set down his brush. "Wang Dequan, did anything of note ur in the harem today?"


    "Nothing significant."


    Wang Dequan presented a cup of perfectly tempered West Well green spiral tea and calmly recounted Concubine Li''s punishment of Noble Consort Jiang''s kneeling.


    "Noble Consort Jiang?"


    Likely an exceptionally beautiful woman, but after enjoying herpany for two days, he had forgotten her, indistinguishable from the harem''s many women.


    "She dared defy protocol and sh with the Concubine. She deserves to kneel as punishment. Convey my edict: have her transcribe the pce rules twice as penance to Concubine Li."


    "Yes, Your Majesty. I shall have someone ry the edict to Xihuo Pce immediately."


    Everyone in the pce knew that Concubine Li was the Emperor''s dearest. They would sooner offend the Empress than Concubine Li!


    This newly arrived Noble Consort Jiang was truly a reckless calf unafraid of the tiger, actively courting death.


    After this, there would be no such person as Noble Consort Jiang in the harem!


    Jiang Xinyue had just been helped back to Xihuo Pce, her bottom not yet warm, when the Emperor sent a eunuch to berate her, adding insult to her already severe injuries.


    Over a thousand pce rules, and she had to transcribe them twice!


    The feudal society''s hierarchical system was deadly.


    She silently thought to herself, "Dog Emperor, wait until I conquer you, and I''ll make you transcribe two thousand rules for beloved concubines."


    For now, she could only have her maids apply medicine to her bruises while transcribing those damned pce rules.


    Changxin Pce¡ª


    Layue wasbing the long, jet-ck hair of her master, letting out a low chuckle: "I thought she was quite formidable, but it turns out she has such little ability. Compared to my master, she pales inparison. The Emperor cherishes my master, and even punished her by making her copy the pce regtions!"


    A blurred, beautiful face in the copper mirror said: "How dare anyonepare themselves to me?"


    Beauty, what of it?


    Are there not beautiful women entering this pce year after year?


    Yet has any of them surpassed her?


    Beauty is the least noteworthy asset for a consort in this imperial harem. She should make it her weapon.

 Chapter 2

    Chapter 2


    The next day, the heavens were not kind, pouring down torrential rain.


    Concubines of the seventh rank and above from the imperial harem had to go to the Yikun Pce of the Empress to pay respects.


    Fortunately, Jiang Xinyue was just granted the rank of a seventh-grade nobledy, so she didn''t have to endure the sarcastic insults from those women.


    Otherwise, she would have be aughingstock, first being punished by Concubine Li, and then by the Emperor, losing all favor.


    After copying the pce rules all night without finishing, she rubbed her aching wrists. "Xi Que, let''s go appreciate the lotuses! Viewing lotuses in the rain must present a unique sight."


    Xi Que trembled with fear, "Ah? Young Miss, we should... better not go out!"


    Mainly because her young mistress always caused trouble whenever she went out!


    "If you don''t go, I''ll take Shuang Jiang."


    With that, she had already pulled Shuang Jiang, who was holding an umbre, and rushed into the rain.


    Xi Que was a maid Jiang Xinyue brought from her mansion, wholeheartedly serving only her young mistress. Shuang Jiang was a pce maid assigned by the pce. Not feeling reassured, Xi Que hurriedly grabbed an umbre and followed.


    It was August, and the lotus flowers in the pond were in full bloom. Raindrops pressed on the emerald-green lotus leaves, creating a sound like pearls falling on a jade te.


    If one''s heart was at peace, the sound would be soothing.


    "Xi Que, Shuang Jiang, hold me, I want to pick a few flowers to put in a vase."


    "No, Young Miss, let us servants pick them! Please be careful."


    On this side, the noisy rain drowned out the approaching sounds of the Emperor''s entourage.


    The bright yellow imperial carriage stopped not far away, and the Emperor parted the curtains. "Why have we stopped?"


    Wang Dequan looked troubled. "Your Majesty, it seems there is ady picking lotus flowers ahead, blocking the way."


    It must be one of the newly arrived pcedies; the experienced pce servants were used to such sights and wouldn''t brave the rain to appreciate lotuses.


    The Emperor''s brow furrowed slightly. "These new pcedies have no manners? How dare they act so recklessly one after another?"


    Girlishughter came from the lotus pond. "You don''t understand, one must pick the flowers themselves to fully appreciate their beauty."


    The Emperor jumped down from the carriage, and Wang Dequan hurried to hold an umbre for him, feeling pity for the youngdy picking lotuses.


    Whether it was a breach of rules, intruding on the Emperor''s procession, or simply picking flowers innocently, it would still incur the Emperor''s disdain.


    She would likely be disfavored like Concubine Jiang from the Xihuo Pce.


    "What are you doing?"


    Xi Que and Shuang Jiang were startled by the voice and turned to see it was the Emperor. Terrified, they quickly knelt to pay respects.


    But their reflexive kneeling doomed Jiang Xinyue, who cried out and fell into the lotus pond.


    "Young Miss!"


    Xi Quey on the railing, trying to pull her up, but couldn''t reach.


    The Emperor didn''t expect these two maids to be so timid either, and the ssh startled him, making him take two steps back. He quickly recovered and ordered the attendants to rescue her from the water.


    "Ssh!"


    Before they could enter the water, a stunning beauty emerged from between the lotus leaves and pink lotuses.


    She was like a fresh lotus blossom, without makeup yet charming and alluring. Water droplets trickled down her forehead, beautiful eyes, jade-like nose, and cherry lips, each feature more exquisite than thest, utterly captivating.


    The wet pce attire clung to her body, tracing her bewitching, voluptuous curves.


    Truly embodying the phrase: "Emerging from the mud unstained, bathing in the clear stream untainted."


    If Wang Dequan didn''t recognize Jiang Xinyue, he would have thought this beauty was the Lotus Fairy herself.


    The beautiful woman''s heavy breathing amid the rain had a unique sensuality, adding a contradictory sultriness to her pure, youthful demeanor.


    The Emperor''s gaze darkened as he reached out to the obliviously seductive Jiang Xinyue in the water. "What is my consort doing? Quick,e up before you catch a chill and lose your beauty."


    Jiang Xinyue was like a startled little rabbit, blushing as she shyly took the Emperor''s hand.


    "Ah!"


    But the Emperor was still quite virile, giving just a light tug to pull her into his embrace, eliciting a shy cry from Jiang Xinyue. "Your Majesty!"


    Wang Dequan was astonished, seeing that the Emperor seemed to have forgotten who the beauty in his arms was. He quickly stepped forward. "Your Majesty, you and Consort Jiang are drenched. The Xihuo Pce is just ahead; why not go there to bathe and change clothes? I''ll inform Concubine Chu."


    "Mm! Go ahead!"


    Consort Jiang?


    This woman was so different from the one he favored a few days ago. He didn''t even recognize her at first.


    Was she usually this... lively in private?


    Jiang Xinyue didn''t care what others thought of her. Today, she had put in so much effort to intercept the Emperor at the Xihuo Pce. If nothing unspeakable happened, she wouldn''t let him leave.


    Although it was summer, the rain brought a chill to the air. After emerging from the lotus pond, Jiang Xinyue was shivering from the cold.


    Xi Que and Shuang Jiang hurried back to the pce to have the servants quickly prepare hot water for the Emperor and their young mistress to bathe.


    "Your Majesty, I''m sorry, it''s my fault... I''ve implicated you. You... Achoo~"


    Nestled in the Emperor''s embrace, the beauty covered her mouth, her dewy eyes looking at him with shy innocence.


    Too adorably pure.


    The Emperor set her down, unable to resist pinching her soft cheeks. "Let''s see if you dare do something so dangerous again."


    Jiang Xinyue shyly covered herself as Xi Que undressed her, then swiftly entered the water, peering over the edge of the bathtub with herrge eyes. "It wasn''t dangerous, I know how to swim."


    Her blinking eyes seemed to silently invite him.


    The Emperor would never disappoint his beloved consort. As his throat moved, he had already dismissed the serving maids and joined her in the bathtub.


    "Your Majesty..."


    Finally able to seduce a man, Jiang Xinyue was a little excited.


    In the novels, the emperor was said to be vigorous, coupling seven times a night, leaving his favored consorts unable to get out of bed.


    This Xuanwu Emperor looked fierce with his sharp brows and starry eyes, his imposing figure suggesting he must be quite skilled in that aspect too!


    As he approached, the maiden trembled, her snow-white skin flushing pink through the steamy mist, appearing bashfully alluring.


    But when the majestic Emperor drew near, though shy, the maiden resolutely wrapped her arms around his neck and tilted her head to kiss his lips.


    Their bodies pressed tightly together in a passionate embrace.


    After the bathwater cooled, the Emperor carried the pliant, spring-water-like Jiang Xinyue to the bed, fiercely taking her several more times.


    The woman''s voice, body, and the bedroom utterances she let out while doing that act, her daring frankness, all deeply stimted his senses.


    This feeling was too marvelous.


    In the harem, there were women who adhered to rules, elegant and graceful ones, lively and charming ones...


    But absolutely none like her... one so... so perfectly in sync with his body, making his very soul tremble.


    By the time the Emperor finished, it was time for the noon meal.

 Chapter 3

    Chapter 3


    Jiang Xinyue was utterly exhausted. She had stayed up all night copying pce rules and now felt too tired to even move a finger after all her exertions.


    The Emperor called for another tub of water and bathed the limp Jiang Xinyue, washing her body.


    The woman''s skin was as fair as snow, smooth and delicate. As he washed her, the Emperor could not resist his desires.


    The Emperor''s hands rested on Jiang Xinyue''s sides as he moved closer, but she pushed against his chest, softly protesting: "Your Majesty, no more, this concubine cannot bear it..."


    What could be more arousing for a man than those words?


    Jiang Xinyue, the noble concubine, still did not understand men very well.


    But it was precisely her innocence and naivety that made her so alluring, provoking the Emperor into further intimate activities with her.


    Only when Jiang Xinyue was nearly fainting did the Emperor dry her body, dress her, and carry her back to the bed to rest.


    The woman''s steady breathing showed she was soundly asleep. Wang Dequan did not dare look around carelessly when summoned by the Emperor.


    "Do not record today''s events in the books. I will overturn Jiang Xinyue''s token tonight before making any record."


    Wang Dequan nced up, unable to avoid admiring Jiang Xinyue.


    "Yes, is Your Majesty leaving now?"


    "Yes, to dine at Concubine Li''s Pce."


    ncing at the sleeping Jiang Xinyue, the Emperor''s gaze fell on the pce rulesid out on the small table beside the bed.


    He paused in his step. "This handwriting of Jiang Xinyue''s..."


    Wang Dequan looked and nearly wished to gouge out his own eyes.


    He wished for eyes that had never seen Jiang Xinyue''s writing.


    The Emperorughed. To the kneeling Xi Que, he said: "Half of these pce rules have already been copied. I will take them to appease Concubine Li, so your mistress need not copy any more."


    No need to waste such fine paper and ink.


    Even a dog writes better calligraphy than her.


    "Thank you, Your Majesty, for your consideration. This servant conveys the mistress''s gratitude."


    "Wang Dequan, go to my storage and fetch two jars of premium healing ointment. Jiang Xinyue''s knees are quite injured."


    "Yes, your humble servant obeys."


    Their Emperor was a willful master who loved and hated clearly. Those he loved, he let live. Those he hated, he wished dead.


    Just yesterday, he felt Jiang Xinyue was uncultured and had offended Concubine Li, nning to send her to the Cold Pce. Yet today, his attitude waspletely different.


    No other concubine had regained favor as swiftly as Jiang Xinyue after the Emperor''s disfavor.


    Jiang Xinyue could be considered the first to be restored to grace in this harem.


    After the Emperor left, Jiang Xinyue immediately opened her eyes and sat up in bed.


    All at the Xihuo Pce were delighted - when the mistress gained favor, her servants benefited.


    In the pce, servants were loyal to one mistress only. Other pce mistresses did not want used goods, so yesterday they had worried that if their young mistress lost imperial favor, they might be sent to toil at the Laundry Bureau.


    Who could have foreseen this reversal of fortunes?


    One could never be sure of rise and fall, glory or disgrace in the pce until the veryst moment.


    "Young Mistress..."


    After closing the door, Xi Que could not help but ask: "How did you know the Emperor would pass by the Lotus Pond today?"


    Stretchingnguidly as she rose from bed, Jiang Xinyue yawned with a confused look. "I did not know the Emperor woulde. I only wished to pick a few lotus flowers to put in a vase."


    As soon as the words left her mouth, a eunuch''s voice came from outside: "Noble Concubine Jiang, this servant delivers fresh lotus flowers as instructed by His Majesty."


    Shuang Jiang weed him in, found an empty vase for the lotus flowers, and rewarded the eunuch with a purse of silver pieces before sending him away. She then carried the vase over. "Mistress, look at these beautiful flowers."


    Jiang Xinyue had gone to great lengths to obtain them - how could they not be beautiful?


    She truly did not know if the Emperor woulde to the Lotus Pond. But that morning, a pce maid from the Changchun Pce passed by the Xihuo Pce and said that Concubine Chu was ill and wished to see the Emperor. She went to request the Emperor to visit on her mistress''s behalf.


    Concubine Chu was a beauty prone to illness. She would summon the Emperor seven or eight times a month, and in eight summons, the Emperor would answer one.


    From the Changchun Pce to the Heart-Nurturing Hall, or from the Heart-Nurturing Hall to the Changchun Pce, one had to pass the Lotus Pond in front of the Xihuo Pce.


    Jiang Xinyue gambled on that one-in-eight chance, and luckily her wager paid off.


    Could she be said to have made her mark in history for seducing a chaste Emperor in broad daylight?


    Probably not.


    The Emperor did not even allow the Pce Eunuch Office to record the incident.


    It was fortunate they did not record it, or the entire harem, even the dogmatic ministers of the previous dynasty, would have condemned her as a cmitous consort ruining the nation.


    They say serving beside an Emperor is like keeping a tiger, but Jiang Xinyue found the Emperor easier to please than the VVIPs she had known in modern times.


    As long as she indulged his whims and satisfied him in bed, was he not quite considerate?


    Outside, the rain pattered on the banana leaves. She could only pray that Concubine Chu did not truly fall severely ill ande to make trouble for her.


    "Young Mistress, Concubine Chu from the Changchun Pce has arrived, saying she took shelter here from the rain while out viewing the lotus flowers."


    Well, there it was - speak of the devil!


    "Wee Concubine Chu and I will join you once I am dressed."


    In the main hall of the Xihuo Pce ¡ª


    Concubine Chu''s maid Hong Xi pouted: "Your Ladyship, this Concubine Jiang is too much. She knew the Emperor wasing to see you at the Changchun Pce but still dared to intercept him halfway. We must give her a taste of her own medicine, or else..."


    The beauty in crimson pce robes raised her hand to silence her. "Thunder and rain are both Heaven''s gifts. Who the Emperor wishes to see or favor is the Emperor''s business, not for a lowly maid like you toment on."


    Hong Xi''s face turned deathly pale as she knelt. "This servant knows her error."


    This was the scene that greeted Jiang Xinyue as she entered - she could not tell if Concubine Chu was disciplining her maid or issuing a warning to her.


    But Jiang Xinyue still paid her respects properly. However, as Concubine Chu was upied with her maid, she did not acknowledge her at first.


    Jiang Xinyue''s already injured knees suffered further strain from the prolonged kneeling. She could feel her legs trembling and feared she might copse if Concubine Chu did not allow her to rise soon.


    "Since you know your mistake, rise then!"


    Concubine Chu gave Hong Xi an indifferent nce, then seemed to remember Jiang Xinyue. "Noble Concubine Jiang, why are you still kneeling? I was disciplining my maid, not you. How pitiful, quickly take a seat."


    Jiang Xinyue rolled her eyes inwardly but replied with humility: "It is my fortune to receive guidance from Her Ladyship Concubine Chu."


    "Ah yes, she was well-trained by the Imperial Noble Consort."


    Concubine Chu smiled and said to her, "I see that you''ve be much moreposed these days. That''s good, but you must maintain thisposure. Don''t let down Concubine Li, who has guided you."


    To cut her off abruptly like that would be too unrestrained!


    Within the depths of the pce, women must carry themselves with grace. Even insults are delivered without vulgarity.


    Those pce drama shows on TV where the consorts constantly bicker and fight are totally unrealistic.


    Every one of them is ady of decorum.


    Jiang Xinyue smiled softly, "You''re right, Concubine Chu."


    After all, if you scold me, you must be justified. That way, I can''t find any reason to punish you!

 Chapter 4

    Chapter 4


    Concubine Chu viciously criticized Jiang Xinyue, both directly and indirectly, but Jiang Xinyue acted as if she didn''t understand, feeling as though the insults were merely hitting cotton.


    Concubine Chu came fuming with rage and left with even more anger pent up inside her.


    "Is the Young Lady alright?"


    "What could possibly be wrong with me?" Jiang Xinyue leaned back on the couch, loungingzily as she nibbled on delicious pastries from the table.


    "Cough cough..."


    As she was eating, she caught a whiff of a pungent herbal scent and covered her nose. "Where is that smelling from?"


    Shuang Jiang poked her head out from behind the waist-high bronze brazier in the shape of a qilin. Her face was smudged with soot. "Young Lady, we are next to the Lotus Pond, and summer is the peak season for mosquitoes. The Internal Affairs Department delivered these mugwort leaves to the Xihuo Pce for us. They''re a bit damp, but at least we can use them."


    The Xihuo Pce received these damp mugwort leaves only because Jiang Xinyue had been favored for a couple of days. Otherwise, they wouldn''t have even gotten these poor-quality leaves.


    Jiang Xinyue felt her throat was irritated and waved her handkerchief. "Stop burning them. What mosquitoes could there be during the day? Save it and burn itter when His Majesty arrives to fumigate the ce."


    Xi Que gave her a puzzled look. If the Young Lady herself couldn''t stand the foul smell of these low-quality mugwort leaves, how could she let His Majesty endure it?


    But then she realized that her reckless and guileless Young Lady had learned to subtlyin without leaving any evidence.


    This was good. This way, she could go far in the pce.


    In the Changxin Pce¡ª


    After the Emperor left, Concubine Li''s expression instantly darkened.


    The Emperor had clearly be disenchanted with Noble Lady Jiang, yet earlier at the meal, he brought over the pce regtions written by that vile woman, saying her writing would pollute Concubine Li''s eyes, and told her to stop pursuing it.


    Although his tone carried a hint of disdain, anyone could discern the underlying note of defense for Noble Lady Jiang.


    "Layue, go and find out why His Majesty visited the Xihuo Pce today."


    She understood the Emperor well. Once he had taken a dislike to a concubine, none of them had ever been able to rekindle his favor.


    What exceptional quality did Jiang Xinyue possess?


    This was something Concubine Li would never have the chance to know.


    After all, only the Emperor could experience Jiang Xinyue''s extraordinary skills in the bedchamber.


    The Emperor had already mentioned that he would favor Noble Lady Jiang tonight, so the Pce Eunuch Office wouldn''t be sending over the green head token anymore.


    Before nightfall, a eunuch came to the Xihuo Pce with the announcement: "Tonight, the Noble Lady will be in charge of the candles in the Xihuo Pce."


    Xi Que and Shuang Jiang were overjoyed, as if it were the New Year, and they eagerly began grooming and dressing Jiang Xinyue.


    The previous owner of this body was also very attentive to her appearance, and the dressing table was well-stocked with fragrances, pomades, lip balms, rouge, and cosmetic pencils.


    "No need for any of those." Jiang Xinyue dodged the heavily scented osmanthus hair oil. "And no borate hairstyles either. Just tie it up loosely with a jade hairpin."


    She didn''t apply any makeup to her face, only a light dusting of pearl powder for a smoothplexion. Then she applied a touch of fresh flower lip balm, giving her lips a subtle tint.


    Compared to her pure, natural look during the day, her evening appearance in the candlelight made her seem more refined and alluring.


    When the Xuanwu Emperor arrived, he saw a vision of an ethereal consort, wearing light garments that made her appear as if she might take flight at any moment. She held a pcentern, standing outside the steamy pce gates with a gentle smile, weing his arrival.


    The soft glow of thentern entuated her beauty, and even her loose strands of hair swaying in the breeze added to her captivating charm, drawing the Emperor''s adoration even further.


    The Xuanwu Emperor strode over, tenderly tucking a stray lock behind her ear. "Why torture yourself standing out here in this heat, my beloved? You should have waited inside."


    Her delicate hands were hot to the touch, and her flushed cheeks warranted sympathy, indicating she must have been standing there for some time.


    Jiang Xinyue lowered her head with a softugh, her plump, fragrant tresses brushing against the Emperor''s chest like a fluffy kitten.


    "Your humble consort knew Your Majesty wasing, so I didn''t feel the heat at all. In fact, it felt refreshingly cool!"


    The Emperor caressed the top of her head, feeling the alluring curves pressed against him, his throat tightening involuntarily.


    His arms tightened around her waist, and Jiang Xinyue ced her hands on his chest, but her shoulders drew inward deliberately, revealing a tantalizing glimpse of her deep cleavage as she pressed against him.


    Their heated gazes met, the atmosphere thickening with desire. The Emperor''s eyes burned with an aggressive hunger, and the scorching heat of his hands made Jiang Xinyue flush crimson.


    Wang Dequan silently dismissed the pce attendants, leaving the pair alone to guard the door.


    Once the room was quiet, the Xuanwu Emperor pounced like a ferocious beast, capturing her sweet lips in a searing kiss.


    After a long moment, he finally released her lips, both of them panting heavily, a smoldering look passing between them.


    Jiang Xinyue touched her swollen cherry lips, giving the Xuanwu Emperor an abashed re that exuded coquettish allure, making him unwilling to wait any longer. In the flickering candlelight, passion consumed the chamber.


    In the imperial harem, the concubines were all exquisitely beautiful, yet in the bedchamber, they were all alike, allowing the Xuanwu Emperor to dominate them absolutely. Over time, this grew tiresome and nd.


    But Noble Lady Jiang was different!


    She boldly directed the Son of Heaven, speaking with an audacity that quickened even the widely experienced Emperor''s pulse.


    This feeling was so novel, so thrilling!


    He couldn''t get enough, only wanting her to be more indulgent, revealing more tantalizing gestures and uttering more intoxicating words.


    The romantic novels lied¡ªthe Emperor couldn''t go seven times in one night, at most four or five times, but he made up for it with vigor and stamina.


    It was unknown whether the Xuanwu Emperor, this virile stud, was as insatiable in the other consorts'' chambers.


    Inter times, men envied the Emperor''s fortunate life of nightly pleasures, but Jiang Xinyue felt the Emperor''s existence was rather pitiful.


    So many women in the pce, all waiting to be serviced by him alone, whether he desired them or not. To maintain the dynasty, he had no choice but to oblige them.


    However, Jiang Xinyue didn''t feel sorry for him at all.


    As the saying goes, one must fulfill the duties of their position.


    Just as she had now be a member of the Imperial Harem''s army of courtesans, using every trick in the book to curry his favor and secure a life of luxury and privilege.


    "Ahem..."


    After the sumptuous feast, the Xuanwu Emperor cleared his throat softly, his hand pausing as he dressed. "Wang Dequan!"


    "This servant is here."


    Sounds came from outside the door as several eunuchs carried in hot water, pouring it into the bathtub behind the screen.


    The woman on the bed had her eyes tightly shut, her butterfly-like longshes fluttering slightly as her fingers clutched the bedding, too shy to open her eyes.


    The Emperor chuckled softly, embracing her and cing her in the bathtub. Wang Dequan heard the gentle rippling of water as the Emperor spoke withmanding presence, "Have the Internal Affairs Department send some mugwort incense to fumigate the Xihuo Pce tomorrow."


    Catching a whiff of the low-quality herbal scent in the air, Wang Dequan hurriedly nodded in assent.


    His mind raced, wondering if he had somehow offended the formidable Noble Lady Jiang Xinyue to warrant such treatment.

 Chapter 5

    Chapter 5


    "Mmm~"


    Jiang Xinyue was only pretending to sleep at first, but the Emperor''s gentleness afterwards lulled her into a genuine slumber.


    The next morning, as the Emperor prepared to attend the morning court, Jiang Xinyue, still sore all over, didn''t rise. Instead, she sat disheveled on the bed, draped in a white outer robe, swinging her delicate, pinkish-white feet, and smiling at him.


    She was bewitchingly inviting.


    "Why not sleep a little longer?"


    After the Emperor dressed, he sat back on the bed and tucked her exposed feet under the warm quilt.


    Jiang Xinyue embraced his muscr waist, nuzzling in his arms, "Thinking about how long you''ll be away from me makes it hard for me to sleep."


    She was clearly being yfully coquettish, but her eyes reddened, and there was a hint of choke in her voice.


    It led one to wonder, was she truly reluctant to part, but dared not express her true feelings, so she yed the coquette, voicing her feelings in a joking tone?


    The Xuanwu Emperor''s heart ached. He pressed a kiss to her forehead, "Silly girl, I''lle back to you tonight. Don''t be sad, okay?"


    The beauty in his arms'' eyes lighted up, sparkling with youthful radiance. She immediately rejoiced, "You said it yourself, Emperor. I''ll be waiting for you tonight."


    The Emperor chuckled, pinching her nose, "Yes, I said it."


    This Concubine Jiang, her audacity was too great, daring to demand a promise from the Emperor.


    Wang Dequan, who had served the Emperor for a lifetime, had never seen a consort as unconventional as her.


    If she miscalctes and crosses the Emperor''s line, a lifetime in the cold pce is guaranteed.


    How does Concubine Jiang manage to dance so precisely within the Emperor''s boundaries?


    While the Emperor attended court, the women of the harem were not idle either. Early in the morning, before the sky was fully lit, they had to go to Yikun Pce to greet Empress Zhu.


    Among the hall full of beautiful women, none could match the beauty of Concubine Li.


    Consort Liang fingered the begonia in her hair, her gaze falling on Concubine Li''s red nails. She chuckled, "I heard the Emperor was in Xihuo Pcest night. Quite unusual."


    What was unusual was how in previous years, any new beauty who dared to challenge Concubine Li was sent to the cold pce by the Emperor. Why was Concubine Jiang different?


    Or was it that Concubine Li had fallen out of favor?


    Without batting an eyelid, Consort Jiang, sitting below Concubine Li, responded, "There''s nothing unusual. Concubine Jiang is the most beautiful among the new consorts. Wasn''t Consort Liang also favored for her beauty?"


    But what happenedter?


    When she grew older, the favor faded before her beauty, and she spent her days leaning against the heated cage.


    Angry, Consort Liang only sneered, "Who in the pce isn''t beautiful? Is Consort Jiang ugly?"


    Consort Jiang''s beauty was not outstanding. Surrounded by beautiful women, she was just a small jade among them, and was very sensitive to attacks on her appearance.


    Seeing a fight about to break out, Empress Zhu put down her tea cup, "Enough, it''s a good thing to have another favored consort in the pce. Another sister to help continue the royal lineage is great. You who have been in the pce for a long time should also work hard, don''t let the royal lineage wither."


    Concubine Li gave a coldugh. Empress Zhu, childless herself, was here uttering lofty words.


    Perhaps the one least eager for concubines to bear children in this harem was Empress Zhu!


    The Emperor was in his prime, his pce filled with the eldest princess from Consort Liang, the third prince and the second princess from the now deceased birth mother, and the fourth prince.


    Empress Zhu had two princes in her early years when she was still living in the hidden residences as the wife of the fifth prince. Who knows if it''s because she''s done too many unjust things, but the two princes fell ill one after another and died young.


    After the concubines dispersed, the Yikun Pce was filled with a faint scent of sandalwood. Fen Yun, serving Empress Zhu, helped her change out of her heavy pce attire. "Empress, do you want to probe for the truth about the one in the Xihuo Pce?"


    Empress Zhu looked at her mature face in the copper mirror. More than a decade in the harem had worn away the light in her eyes, revealing a hint of aging.


    She hid a strand of white hair among her ck ones. "That illegitimate girl from the Jiang family has be arrogant after being favored for a few days. She became a pawn for others after a few words of instigation. What truth is there to probe? Just have someone send some congrattory gifts. I''m afraid another Concubine will be added to our Yikun Pce tomorrow."


    Fen Yun quietly gathered the fallen hair and tucked it into her sleeve. "Although she can''t achieve much, she''s still in Concubine Li''s favor."


    Empress Zhu chuckled lightly. "Concubine Li punished her to kneel in the Imperial Garden for so long, her dignity lost. She must be holding a grudge inside, and will pay it back sooner orter."


    Not long after the Emperor left, the Xihuo Pce, which was the focus of the entire harem, weed a wave of rewards and a decree of promotion.


    "Consort Zhen, you may rise now! This servant has to return to the Heart-Nurturing Hall to report."


    "Thank you, Eunuch Wang."


    Jiang Xinyue got up, not paying any attention to the silk fabrics and jewelry. Instead, she held her shiny fingers a bit shyly. "Eunuch Wang, will the Emperor reallye tonight?"


    Her bright and direct question left Wang Dequan wondering whether to call her naive or uninformed.


    "The Emperor promised you, so he shoulde."


    He didn''t dare to be too affirmative. After all, the Emperor had already favored her many times, and he couldn''t be sure whether the Emperor would change his mind tonight.


    In the entire harem, only Concubine Li had the honor of being favored by the Emperor for three consecutive nights.


    But...


    The Emperor also had feelings for Consort Zhen.


    Yesterday, when Concubine Chu came to the Xihuo Pce to assert her authority, the Emperor wrote the word "Zhen" for Concubine Jiang, signifying preciousness.


    Wang Dequan thought the Emperor was afraid that Concubine Chu would bully Concubine Jiang, so he would grant a title after promoting Concubine Jiang to Concubine.


    A titled Concubine is more noble than an untitled Concubine Chu.


    Who would have thought that the Emperor would change his mind this morning, promoting Concubine Jiang directly to the rank of Consort Zhen, a full rank higher than Concubine.


    With the Xuanwu Emperoring tonight, Jiang Xinyue, eating the fresh dishes sent by the royal kitchen, was thinking about how to keep the Emperor interested in her.


    Shuang Jiang lit the mugwort incense sent by the Internal Affairs Department. "Mydy, the weather outside is excellent today. Would you like to go for a walk?"


    Jiang Xinyue shook her head. "I''m just a living target now. Instead of going out and being plotted against, I''d rather stay in the pce and wait for the Emperor."


    "The Empress is right to think so."


    Xi Que served another adorable ice bowl: "Empress, please taste this. It''s a new milk tea ice dessert developed by the Royal Kitchen, a gift from the Internal Affairs Department to the Empress."


    The rich aroma of the milk tea is unlike the instant milk teas of the future,den with various essences. You can taste that it is a genuine dairy product.


    Jiang Xinyue sighedfortably, her hard work in courting the Emperor was all for these carefree days of eating and doing nothing!


    "Crash!"


    In the Changchun Pce, Concubine Chu smashed a set of Ru kiln tea ware.

 Chapter 6

    Chapter 6


    Hong Xi knelt on the ground, not daring to make a sound.


    After a moment of silence, she suddenly sneered: "Isn''t Jiang Baolin from the Imperial Pce the elder sister of Consort Zhen? When the younger sister is promoted, how can the elder sister not go and congratte her?"


    After the Emperor''s rewards, all the pces sent congrattory gifts, even the Empress and Concubine Li sentvish gifts.


    In Concubine Li''s gift, there was even a pot of night-blooming cereus.


    Xi Que and Shuang Jiang secretly went to observe their mistress'' expression. Seeing that she was unperturbed, they cautiously picked up the flowerpot, preparing to throw it into the storeroom.


    This Concubine Li was really too adept at provoking others, even using flowers to mock their mistress'' favor as fleeting as the night-blooming cereus, not worth taking to heart.


    Jiang Xinyue stopped Shuang Jiang: "It''s too much of a pity to throw away such a beautiful flower."


    She pointed to the sunny window: "ce it there! If it blooms at night, I''ll still be able to admire the flowers with the Emperor, which would be a delightful event."


    What fleeting beauty, what wilted flowers of tomorrow? She never likened herself to flowers, so whoever mocked her with flowers, she didn''t take it to heart.


    A person is a person, how could they bepared to lifeless things?


    Heart-Nurturing Hall¡ª


    "You''re saying... Concubine Li sent a pot of night-blooming cereus to Consort Zhen?"


    Wang Dequan nodded: "Directly sent from the Mansion of Treasures, a new variety cultivated by the flower farmers this year, called ''Ethereal Cereus'', said to only bloom for an hour at night."


    Precious, but too fleeting.


    The Xuanwu Emperor was editing imperial edicts, his vermilion brush strokes striking arge cross on the memorial: "Then send all the night-blooming cereus from the Mansion of Treasures to the Xihuo Pce. A single night-blooming cereus is not enough to admire, an entire pce filled with their blooms would be fitting for my cherished Consort Zhen."


    Even if the beauty was fleeting, a sea of night-blooming cereus would leave an evesting splendor in one''s heart.


    When the Empress Zhu heard about this, sheughed again.


    The Emperor was treating Consort Zhen like a ything. Such favor, she didn''t know if Consort Zhen could withstand it?


    To truly love someone is to protect them well, not make them a target for everyone''s jealousy.


    Consort Zhen, nothing to worry about.


    After spending nearly two days without makeup with the Emperor, tonight Jiang Xinyue was resplendently adorned, radiant and luminous.


    She wore a long robe with a pink base embroidered with butterflies and flowers in four colors, draped in a gauzy outer robe thin as cicada wings, and matching pink flower-patterned shoes. Her graceful demeanor and lithe movements were captivating.


    Her hair was styled in an upswept bun, with a vibrant floral ornament crafted with colored gem iy, and a colorful tassel hung on one side.


    This appearance left Jiang Yutong who came after hearing the news speechless with admiration.


    She had always known Jiang Xinyue was beautiful, but had never seen her so borately dressed up: "You... you..."


    "What does my sister want bying here?"


    Jiang Xinyue, reclining on the kang, nced at her askance: "If it''s nothing, hurry back. The Emperor will be here soon."


    "Have you forgotten what Father told you before entering the pce?"


    Jiang Yutong red at her: "You''re nothing but a lowly concubine. At home, you were merely my attendant. Don''t think that just because you gained some favor in the pce, you''re any different."


    Outside, the pcenterns flickered a few times, casting the shadows into greater relief, though Jiang Yutong facing away from the door didn''t notice.


    Jiang Xinyue would never miss such an opportunity to clear her name, sitting up from the kang and letting two pearly tears fall: "Since entering the pce, I''ve always heeded Father''s teachings. When I first gained the Emperor''s favor, you said I should give the Emperor to you. So I deliberately angered the Empress to give you a chance to show your care for me, letting the Emperor take notice of you. But not only did you fail to protect me, you turned against me. Now that I''ve unexpectedly regained the Emperor''s affection, what more do you want me to do?"


    "You can try the same trick again. This time, I swear I won''t neglect you."


    Jiang Yutong grasped her arm frantically: "Xinyue, I''m so tired of being ignored in this pce, bullied by everyone. Help me onest time. Once I gain the Emperor''s favor, I''ll repay you, okay?"


    "No! From now on, I won''t give up the Emperor anymore."


    "Why not?"


    Jiang Yutong pushed and pulled forcefully, knocking Jiang Xinyue to the ground. Her frantic actions scared Xi Que and Shuang Jiang, who shielded their mistress.


    Questions were raised, but no one answered.


    Through the half-opened window, they glimpsed Consort Zhen sprawled on the ground, her previously immacte coiffure now disheveled with a few loose strands framing her face. Tears streamed down her cheeks, adding a touch of fragility and pitifulness to her radiant beauty.


    A weeping beauty, utterly captivating.


    She bit her lip, her gaze filled with stubborn determination as she looked at Jiang Baolin.


    A momentter, Jiang Baolin burst into raucousughter: "You fool, you''ve fallen in love with the Emperor, you''ve given him your heart. Jiang Xinyue, do you know there''s no room in the harem for a woman in love with the Emperor? You''re an utter fool, beyond help."


    Consort Zhen''s lips were nearly bleeding from biting them, her voice trembling as she spoke: "It was my heart that moved, the South Wall I chose to crash against. Even if I end up defeated and disgraced, I''ll never me anyone. Having loved, I have no regrets."


    "So you''re saying you won''t help me anymore?"


    Another silence, then suddenly Jiang Baolin raised her hand and struck out.


    "p!"


    The sound of the p echoed through the Xihuo Pce, but Jiang Xinyue didn''t feel any pain on her face.


    She trembled, opening her eyes in fear, only to see a magnified handsome face drawing near, lifting her up from the ground and holding her in a concerned embrace.


    And the one sprawled on the ground, dazed from the p, was none other than Jiang Yutong.


    "Your... Your Majesty?"


    Jiang Xinyue''s eyes were wide with shock and gratitude: "When... did you arrive?"


    Her trepidation, her nervousness, all proved that she had deeply concealed her love for the Xuanwu Emperor, afraid he would discover it.


    "I just arrived, and saw Jiang Baolin assault you in front of the Emperor."


    The beauty in his arms visibly rxed, relieved that her confession of love wasn''t overheard.


    She nestled in the Emperor''s embrace, softly and sweetly: "Your Majesty arrived just in time. This concubine is unharmed, please let my sister return! I don''t wish to see her."


    The Xuanwu Emperor''s gaze shed with anger: "Jiang Baolinmitted insolence before the Emperor, she is demoted to Court Lady and exiled to the Pce of Exile."


    "Your Majesty, spare me! Your Majesty, spare me! Sister, save me... sister, save me!"


    The eunuchs dragging Court Lady Jiang out muffled her cries, restoring tranquility to the Xihuo Pce.


    Consort Zhen gently pulled at the Xuanwu Emperor''s dragon robe, tearfully gasping: "Your Majesty... please don''t be angry..."


    It seemed she was worried about angering him, the little fool didn''t even think toin.


    "We are not angry, Our beloved Consort. Please don''t shed more tears."


    The Emperor gently wiped away the tears from her face with his fingers. "We made you Consort Zhen so that you would have the authority to stand up for yourself. If a mere Jiang Baolin can bully you, what good are you to Us?"

 Chapter 7

    Chapter 7


    Jiang Xinyue timidly lifted her head from the embrace of the Xuanwu Emperor, herrge, limpid eyes that seemed washed by rainwater blinking earnestly at him. "But...this concubine fears conflict with the others, which would put Your Majesty in a difficult position. This concubine does not wish to trouble Your Majesty."


    Only one who deeply loves someone would be so considerate and put themselves in such a humble position for the sake of their beloved.


    Even the cold-hearted Xuanwu Emperor could not help but be moved by this.


    In the inner pce, he had favored many women, each iming to love him. But he could see that they loved more the power and status he bestowed upon them.


    From a young age, he had known that not only were emperors heartless, but imperial consorts were even more ruthless.


    Even the most innocent and kind-hearted girl, after being immersed in the inner pce for many years, would be utterly transformed.


    This deep pce was a gaping maw of a beast, devouring all the beautiful qualities of these women.


    How long could Jiang Xinyue''s love for himst?


    That night, the Emperor did not explore the secrets of the body with Jiang Xinyue, but instead held her hand and watched the room full of night-blooming cereus flowers all night long.


    Early the next morning, the Xuanwu Emperor pinched the cheek of the sleeping beauty and whispered in her ear, "Little liar, you said you loved me deeply, yet you''re still sleeping while I''m already awake."


    Jiang Xinyue: *Rolls over and continues sleeping.*


    At dawn, one side of the bed had already grown cold. Xi Que and Shuang Jiang were attending to Jiang Xinyue''s dressing and grooming.


    Today was her first public appearance before the other consorts in the inner pce. She did not intend to conceal her brilliance, nor did she wish to be a target for criticism.


    A green robe entuated her refreshing and extraordinary beauty. Her exquisite hair bun was adorned with tassels of the same color. Her skin was snow-white, her eyes bright and teeth lustrous - she was as beautiful as a pristine magnolia in the misty rain of Jiangnan, untainted by the mundane world.


    Yikun Pce¡ª


    Jiang Xinyue arrived neither too early nor toote. The hall had already gathered quite a few consorts waiting to pay respects to the Empress.


    As soon as she entered, over a dozen scrutinizing gazes fell upon her simultaneously.


    She steadied herself with Xi Que''s hand and walked calmly inside. "This concubine pays respects to the Empress."


    Empress Zhu smiled kindly. "You have been fortunate to receive the Emperor''s favor. Cherish it well, and do not be as willful and arrogant as before."


    Jiang Xinyue blushed. "This concubine thanks the Empress for her guidance."


    Empress Zhu shook her head. "It is no guidance, merely a word of advice out of pity that you lovely youngdies have to fritter away your years in this forbidden pce. Just an old woman''s words."


    Consort Liang joked, "If the Empress is old, then we longtime pce dwellers have no right to speak. Your Majesty looks as radiant as when I first met you."


    Concubine Chu coughed into her hand. "Speaking of which, Consort Zhen should thank Consort Li. If Consort Li had not gifted her that pot of night-blooming cereus, how could His Majesty have ordered all the flowers from the imperial gardens moved to the Xihuo Pce?"


    A single remark intended to provoke two people.


    But Jiang Xinyue seemed not to detect the provocation in her words, sweetly thanking Consort Li, "Indeed, I must thank Consort Li. A room full of night-blooming cereus was the most beautiful sight I have ever witnessed in my life."


    You said I was a fleeting beauty, didn''t you?


    Well, let me tell you, the most beautiful flower, even if it only blooms for a moment, in that single second before its petals scatter, it can leave an impression for a lifetime.


    By revealing her ws at the opportune moment and letting others mistake her for a wed vase that cannot contain her temper, no one would hasten to deal with her.


    Consort Jiang blew on her hot tea. "Consort Zhen, my servants told me thatst night, Court Lady Jiang went to the Xihuo Pce to see you but was demoted to a courtdy and sent to the cold pce by His Majesty. Is this true?"


    "Court Lady Jiang...is your own sister, is she not?"


    Jiang Xinyue feigned a look of surprise. "This concubine dares not specte on His Majesty''s intentions, so I do not know why my sister was sent to the cold pce. If Consort Jiang is curious, you should ask His Majesty directly."


    Empress Zhu sipped her tea, a smile ying on her lips, pretending not to notice Consort Jiang''s embarrassment.


    Over the years, Consort Jiang had relied on Consort Li''s support to repeatedly undermine the Empress, but this time she had kicked an iron te - now it was her turn to suffer.


    "Insolent!"


    Consort Jiang mmed her palm on the table. "I asked you a question. What do you mean by deflecting to His Majesty?"


    "Please forgive this concubine, Your Majesty."


    Jiang Xinyue knelt directly before Empress Zhu. "Consort Jiang''s question, this concubine truly does not know the answer. Whether His Majesty demotes a consort or promotes a concubine, this concubine does not dare specte on the reasons. Since Consort Jiang seems eager to know, this concubine only suggested she ask His Majesty directly. This concubine meant no disrespect."


    She just wanted Consort Jiang to gomit political suicide, nothing more.


    "Enough, enough..."


    Empress Zhu rubbed her brow, mediating. "Court Lady Jiang''s demotion was surely because she vited pce rules. All of you should be warned - if you dare cause trouble in the inner pce, her fate today will be yours tomorrow. Do you understand?"


    "Yes, we heed the Empress''s guidance."


    A chorus of beautiful voices answered in unison. Within a single cup of tea''s time, they had all dispersed.


    Consort Li had a carriage and the highest rank, so she always left first. Next were Consorts Liang and De.


    Consort De was silent and reticent, with hardly any presence, but the sense of danger she gave Jiang Xinyue was greater than Consort Liang''s.


    For an unassuming woman to safely give birth to the Emperor''s child and ascend to the rank of one of the four senior consorts in the treacherous inner pce was itself inconceivable.


    After the Emperor favored Jiang Xinyue for two consecutive nights, on the third day he flipped over Consort Li''s que in the Changxin Pce.


    The pce servants could not help but marvel - if anyone truly enjoyed the Emperor''s ultimate favor among the six pces, it was indeed the unparalleled Consort Li.


    Yet for Consort Zhen to rise from a courtdy to a consort in just three months after entering the pce was no small feat either.


    Late at night, the moonlight poured down like water, illuminating the graceful figure by the window.


    The soft moonbeams seemed to coat her in a silvery glow, making her appear not quite human, but rather a celestial maiden about to take wing and return to the heavens.


    In the unpolluted ancient skies, the stars shone brilliantly, causing even the moon to seem purer and more radiant.


    Xi Que gazed at her with pity, wanting to speak but holding back. "Your Ladyship, don''t wait any longer. His Majesty will note tonight."


    Mistaking Jiang Xinyue''s admiration of the view for pining after the Emperor''s affections, Xi Que thought she wasmenting her unrequited love.


    Jiang Xinyue decided to y along, a hint of sorrow in her eyes. "Xi Que, do you think His Majesty and Consort Li are looking at the same moon as I am?"


    Xi Que could not bear to say that the spring night was painfully short, for Concubine Li and the Xuanwu Emperor had already retired.


    Changxin Pce ¡ª


    After their intimate moments, Concubine Li fell into a deep slumber.


    The Emperory on the outer side of the bed, but the pungent fragrance of Concubine Li''s hair oil made him feel ufortable.


    This had never happened before.


    The sultry weather was already oppressive, and that floral scent made the Xuanwu Emperor dizzy.


    He rose directly, treading lightly so as not to disturb Concubine Li: "Do not wake the Concubine, I shall go out for some fresh air."

 Chapter 8

    Chapter 8


    "Your Highness, pleasee down. It would not be good if someone saw you!"


    Jiang Xinyue, who was holding a wine bottle, had already climbed up the peach tree in the courtyard of Xihuo Pce. She had lifted her pink skirt to her legs, exposing half of her snow-white calves, swaying and dazzling anyone who looked at them.


    There was no one as bold as her in the pce.


    "Shh!"


    A slightly tipsy Jiang Xinyue put her index finger on her lips: "Quiet down, we are in our own pce, we won''t be discovered."


    In her previous life, she was a psychotherapist, often having to apany patients for a few drinks to bridge the gap between them, making them trust her.


    Back then, she was known as the one who could never get drunk.


    Just now, she identally discovered a Daughter''s Red wine that had been buried under the peach tree for many years. Overjoyed, Jiang Xinyue dug them all out.


    She had only entered the pce three months ago, and she was the only concubine living in Xihuo Pce. The wine was buried by her predecessors, who had not had the chance to drink it. She, as the sessor, was lucky to have found it.


    Her posture while drinking was elegant, she was lyingzily among the branches. The peach blossoms had already withered, otherwise, it would have been a perfect picture of a beauty lying drunk underneath the blossoms.


    "A pot of wine among the flowers, I drink alone, with nopanion. I raise the cup to invite the moon, then turn to the shadow which makes us three."


    The mncholy and sentimental voice of the woman fell into the ears of the Xuanwu Emperor.


    He didn''t know how he ended up outside of Xihuo Pce, and stumbled upon Consort Zhen, drunk and reciting poetry.


    She was like a spirit from the mountains and wilderness, out of ce in this harem, full of love, making her stand still in this deep pce.


    The Xuanwu Emperor''s always lonely heart seemed to findfort at that moment.


    In the vast world, there was someone who came for him.


    If Jiang Xinyue could hear the inner voice of the Xuanwu Emperor, she would definitely mock the ancient emperor for his wild imagination.


    She just felt utterly content lying on the tree, looking at the stars in the sky, with the sounds of frogs and cicadas in her ears.


    It was only the beginning of the night, equivalent to nine o''clock in the modern world. She was not sleepy and was just mimicking her childhood days at her grandmother''s house in the countryside, climbing trees.


    "I didn''t know my beloved consort was so talented, even able to write poetry."


    Jiang Xinyue squinted her eyes, tilted her head to look at the Xuanwu Emperor, then chuckled, jumped directly over the courtyard wall, and pounced down.


    Xi Que, Shuang Jiang, and Wang Dequan were all scared nearly to the point of screaming, but seeing the Xuanwu Emperor dashed over like a flying bird, catching her steadily, they finally breathed a sigh of relief.


    "Hmm?"


    The culprit who scared everyone was not aware of what she had done wrong. She poked the emperor''s face with her finger: "You... you look a lot like someone."


    Wang Dequan lowered his head, while Xi Que and Shuang Jiang immediately knelt on the ground, sweating for their mistress.


    Such disrespectful touching of the emperor''s dragon body was a serious breach of etiquette.


    A drunk mistress was too frightening.


    But to their surprise, the Xuanwu Emperor did not get angry. Instead, he weighed the person in his arms, held her more securely, and asked with augh: "Who do I look like?"


    Her face was flushed, her eyes were dreamy, and she was charming.


    She squirmed in his arms, lowered her eyes, and dared not look: "You look like... the person I... like."


    After saying that, she covered her face with both hands out of excessive shyness, not daring to look at the Xuanwu Emperor again.


    The heart of a young girl, depicted in its fullest.


    The Emperor''s throat bobbed twice, but thinking of Concubine Li''s temperament, he still carried Jiang Xinyue back to the Xihuo Pce, instructing Xi Que and Shuang Jiang, "Take good care of your mistress, and do not allow her to get drunk again."


    He did not want others to see her in this seductive state.


    "Understood."


    Just when Xi Que thought the Emperor would stay, he returned to the Changxin Pce.


    Once he left, Jiang Xinyue opened her eyes.


    She was scared to death!


    Thank goodness the Emperor did not spend the night here.


    She dared to snatch someone from Concubine Chu because Concubine Chu was not particrly favored, and she had no strong backing behind her.


    Concubine Li was different.


    Not to mention that she was already highly favored in the harem, ranking only below the Empress, and she had the authority to manage the six pces.


    Just the fact that her father was the Grand Chancellor of the Great Yan Dynasty, a position the Jiang family could not reach even if they tried, was already significant.


    Not to mention their family full of high-ranking officials.


    If she truly angered Concubine Li, it would be as easy for her to crush Jiang Xinyue as it would be to squash an ant.


    The Changxin Pce was brightly lit. Concubine Li woke up halfway through the night to find the Emperor not around and had already had a fit, smashing several vases and injuring several pce maids.


    When the Xuanwu Emperor returned, Concubine Li hadn''t had time to wipe the anger from her face, and a pce maid with a palm print on her face was picking up the shards on the floor.


    "Em...Emperor?"


    A sh of shock and regret passed over Concubine Li''s face, quickly reced by a look of grievance and frailty, "Your consort... for the Emperor..."


    "What happened, my dear consort?"


    The expression on the Emperor''s face was unreadable. He reached out to support Concubine Li by the elbow and pulled her into his arms, "Did some blind servant upset my dear consort?"


    He gave her an out, and Concubine Li immediately took it, "The ice basin in the room was used up, and those ves didn''t refill it. I was awakened by the heat. You were not here, Emperor, and I was scared for a moment..."


    Scared, so she smashed things and beat the servants?


    More likely, she was angered by the Emperor''s absence and took it out on the pce maids!


    Wang Dequan muttered in his heart. Eight years ago, when Concubine Li first entered the pce, what a charming girl she was!


    Pure and innocent, kind and lovable, and absolutely beautiful, she deeply won the Emperor''s heart.


    Now, she''s no different from those calcting women in the harem.


    Thinking about it, it''s not hard to understand why the Emperor would be attracted to Consort Zhen.


    Consort Zhen of today truly possesses some of the charm and temperament Concubine Li had in her early days.


    "Why is it raining again?"


    Xi Que held the umbre, nking Jiang Xinyue on one side with Shuang Jiang, "The weather has been so unpredictabletely, I don''t know how to dress anymore."


    It was indeed the season where wearing too much was too hot, and wearing too little was too cold. It was also rainy and asionally windy.


    Jiang Xinyue found it annoying too. She wasn''t a high-ranking consort who could ride in a sedan. Walking from Xihuo Pce to Yikun Pce took nearly half an hour. For someone aszy as her, who would take a cab for a ten-minute walk, it was torture.


    She was so tired that she had to get up a bit earlier every day, so she wouldn''t bete for the morning greetings at Yikun Pce.


    "Consort Zhen is indeed early today. It seems that when the Emperor is not around, Consort Zhen has to be a bit more diligent."


    Concubine Chu held resentment towards Jiang Xinyue for her attempts to usurp the Emperor. She always looked for opportunities to take a jab at her.


    However, everyone in the pce was like this; those who didn''t vie for power had long since met the King of Hell. Wasn''t it true that Concubine Chu herself had snatched something from others?


    Jiang Xinyue seated herself at a higher position than Concubine Chu, her eyes full of indifference, "If that''s the case, then Concubine Chu should be the most diligent of all. Why don''t I see you getting up early to pay respects? Are you cking off in your heart towards the Empress?"


    As a concubine with no favor, she should be the earliest to arrive.


    "What nonsense are you talking about?" Concubine Chu''s face turned pale as she knelt on the ground, "Empress Zhu, please discern the truth. I absolutely do not have such intentions."


    Empress Zhu didn''t even spare her a nce, "Consort Zhen is just joking with you, how could you get so frightened?"


    Fen Yun nced at Concubine Li, Concubine Chu was Concubine Li''s person. She must be feeling guilty!

 Chapter 9

    Chapter 9


    "The Empress clearly knows that Concubine Chu loves to joke around," said Jiang Xinyue, sowing discord between Concubine Chu and Empress Zhu with hidden intentions. "Concubine Chu, I was only teasing you. Surely you''re not angry?"


    Of course not, of course not?


    You can take a joke, can''t you?


    Concubine Chu gritted her teeth. "Of course not."


    Concubine Li rolled her eyes, clearly unimpressed with the foolish Concubine Chu.


    If not for the Chu family''s usefulness as a loyalpdog in the imperial court, she would never have taken this stupid, pig-brained woman under her wing.


    Always missing out on the good opportunities, yet eager to be a trailzer, but without the quick wit of Consort Zhen. Truly an eyesore.


    "It seems Concubine Li is not looking well. Is she feeling unwell?" remarked the Empress.


    If she truly was unwell, her favored status would be in jeopardy, uncertain when it could be restored.


    The Empress'' sinister intentions did not escape Concubine Li''s notice.


    Concubine Li lounged back in her chair, a mocking smile on her lips. "Your Majesty rarely bestows favor these days. How could you understand the hardships we concubines endure? Isn''t that right, Consort Zhen?"


    Jiang Xinyue smiled faintly, her words inscrutable. "The Empress oversees the entire harem, ever concerned for the well-being of herdies. Who could be more diligent than Her Majesty? This concubine''s ignorance knows no bounds."


    Hmph!


    Hypocrite!


    Concubine Li shot her a disdainful re, impatiently fiddling with the ornament on her finger. "This concubine has matters to attend to. If Your Majesty has no further need, I shall take my leave."


    That Consort Zhen was but a shadow of her former self, merely a ything for the Emperor. Why should Concubine Li lower herself to rival her?


    The Empress would delight in pitting them against each other, securing her own position.


    Keeping that vague resemnce of Consort Zhen around only served to announce Concubine Li''s favored status.


    Before the Empress could respond, Concubine Li rose and swept out of the room, her entourage of concubines trailing behind her.


    Jiang Xinyue had made enemies of Concubine Li and her ally Concubine Chu from the very first day she arrived. For now, her only option was to side with the Empress.


    Thus, she remained with Consort Liang and the others, making no move to leave.


    "This Concubine Li shows utter disrespect for Your Majesty. You ought to punish her severely, lest she forget her ce. You are the sovereign of this harem, Your Majesty."


    The Empress, seated in her position of authority, showed no sign of anger, her expression gentle. "What''s the use of feuding with someone of her temperament? The Emperor dotes on her, so a degree of arrogance is to be expected."


    Upon hearing these words, the remaining consorts in Yikun Pce wore looks of indignation.


    Jiang Xinyue thought to herself: She certainly knows how to subtly turn others against Concubine Li. No woman in this harem is as innocent as she seems.


    "Your words ring true, Your Majesty..." Consort Liang''s gaze shifted to Jiang Xinyue. "Yet not all who receive imperial favor are as demure and pleasing as Consort Zhen."


    You give me too much credit. As a new arrival, how can Ipare to the long-favored Concubine Li?


    At least she had that much self-awareness.


    But it seemed the Empress and Consort Liang saw her as nothing more than a pretty, empty-headed vase.


    Jiang Xinyue could only sigh inwardly and continue ying the role of an innocent, outspoken girl. "Though I am favored, I am but a concubine! How could a concubine ever supersede the principal wife? Back home, any disobedient concubine would be swiftly sold off by my birth mother, the principal wife. Your Majesty is far kinder. I shall strive to show you greater respect henceforth."


    Look! Even a mere ything understood propriety. Concubine Li''s affected ignorance stemmed solely from the Emperor''s doting.


    The Empress gazed upon the youthful, fresh-faced Jiang Xinyue, whose beauty rivaled Concubine Li''s, a satisfied smile upon her lips.


    One could only imagine Concubine Li''s reaction if she ever realized her own recement had usurped her ce in the Emperor''s affections.


    The Empress smiled faintly. "Your sincerity is admirable. I once had a younger sister with a disposition much like yours. Looking at you reminds me of her, filling me with joy."


    "Your kind words honor this concubine."


    No doubt the Empress would say the same even if their personalities were pr opposites.


    After all, she intended to pit Jiang Xinyue against Concubine Li.


    After leaving Yikun Pce, Jiang Xinyue tilted her head back, gazing at the sky.


    The rain had stopped.


    The air was thick with the earthy scent of damp soil. The rain had washed away the dark clouds, revealing a brilliant azure expanse.


    These four pce walls could never confine her lofty ambitions.


    She did not fear being used. As long as she had value to exploit, they would grant her equal favor.


    If they wished to use her to topple Concubine Li, they would at least have to elevate her to the status of a favored concubine.


    Otherwise, how could she possibly challenge that immovable object?


    The most sophisticated hunters often appeared as prey themselves.


    Who knew, in the end, which would be the user and which the used?


    "Your Ladyship seems delighted," remarked Xi Que, following closely behind Jiang Xinyue. "Has something fortuitous urred?"


    "The Empress'' kindness and benevolence are cause for joy, are they not?" Jiang Xinyue shook her head with a smile. "As amoner, I knew from a young age I could never be a principal wife. I merely hoped that if I became someone''s concubine, I would be obedient and well-behaved, never causing grief to my lord or his principal wife. I hoped the principal wife would treat me with gentleness and care. Now my wish has been granted, so of course I am delighted."


    Hearing this, Xi Que wore an expression of pity for her poor, unfortunate mistress.


    She had served Jiang Xinyue since childhood and knew far more than anyone else.


    Had it not been for her beauty catching Master Wang''s eye, Jiang Xinyue would have long been married off to some wealthy official''s household as a concubine or servant girl, on Madam Wang''s orders, never attaining her current status.


    Even after entering the pce, Master and Madam Wang had intended for her to attend upon the Miss as a mere handmaid.


    Did they not realize that the Miss'' delicate charms paled inparison to Jiang Xinyue''s breathtaking beauty?


    The Emperor must have been blinded, ignoring such a stunning woman to dote upon the Miss instead.


    Jiang Xinyue''s words were spoken just outside Yikun Pce, reaching the ears of both the Emperor and Empress.


    The Emperor thought: "Three parts affection, now seven parts."


    The Empress thought: "A grateful soul, worth cultivating."


    Night fell, still as water¡ª


    The Xuanwu Emperor had been pining all day for the alluring sight of the drunken Jiang Xinyue, and still heard her demure words echoing in his mind. After handling the memorials, he flipped over the namete of the Xihuo Pce.


    If only he could coax the charming Consort Zhen to drink a few more cups of wine, then in her inebriated state...


    Just thinking about it aroused certain changes in his body.


    "Wang Dequan, hurry up."


    The sedan chair was already swaying as if about to take flight. The eunuchs carrying it were practically wearing holes through the soles of their shoes with their haste.


    But the Emperor had spoken, so Wang Dequan could only urge the pce attendants to move even faster.


    What could he do?


    Was this what they meant by "a day''s absence feels like three autumns apart"?

 Chapter 10

    Chapter 10


    A slender new moon traced across the exquisite corner tower, casting a dim, mellow glow within the high walls, bathing the Xihuo Pce in warmth and tranquility.


    From afar, the pce perched above the lotus pond was partially obscured by flowering trees, its zed tiled roofs peeking through, enticing one''s curiosity like its mistress.


    Today, Jiang Xinyue donned a soft, flowing gown of delicate pink hue, her waist cinched by a sky-blue silk sash tied in an ample butterfly bow.


    Her hair was loosely gathered, with just a freshly plucked pink lotus blossom tucked behind her ear as the sole adornment.


    She stood outside the Xihuo Pce, the evening breeze rustling the lotus petals and her flowing sleeves, as if she were dancing.


    An indescribable charm ¨C innocent yet alluring, spirited yet graceful.


    Whenever Jiang Xinyue paid her respects, the Xuanwu Emperor would pull her into his embrace by the arm. This time, she boldly flung herself into the Emperor''s arms.


    No need for the Emperor to make a move ¨C she took the initiative, offering herself to his embrace.


    With this soft, fragrant beauty in his arms, the Xuanwu Emperor felt his bones melting.


    Inside the pce, a dainty wine pot sat on the table, exuding a faint yet alluring aroma.


    The Emperor raised an eyebrow, "Has my beloved consort been drinking?"


    With an alluring, downcast gaze, Jiang Xinyue murmured, "Shuang Jiang and Concubine Xue mentioned that my concubine was drunkst night, so I wished to try the wine that could intoxicate me so."


    Thinking to herself: Why else would I drink, if not to indulge your unmentionable little fetish?


    The Xuanwu Emperor chuckled, "So my beloved has an impressive tolerance for wine?"


    Jiang Xinyue insisted eagerly, "Of course, Your Majesty. If you don''t believe me, let us share a few cups together. This time, I assure you, I won''t get drunk."


    This time she wouldn''t get drunk, implying she had gotten drunk after just a few cups previously.


    Those with poor alcohol tolerance often boast of their capacity to drink, while true drinkers downy their abilities.


    Like the concubines of the harem, each iming to drink endlessly, yet as soon as they were before him, a couple of cups would have them feigning dizziness, seeking to nestle in his embrace.


    He was the Emperor, not a fool. Without even a flush, they imed to be drunk ¨C a mere ploy for intimacy.


    Not like this one before him...


    "Drink up! Why aren''t you drinking, Your Majesty?"


    Jiang Xinyue''s face was flushed crimson, as if ready to drip blood. Not just her face, but her ears, neck, even her arms were all flushed red.


    If the Xuanwu Emperor were a modern man, he would recognize the phenomenon of "alcohol flushing."


    Jiang Xinyue took it to the extreme ¨C alcohol flushed her entire body.


    Like a beauty entranced, she danced with the wine pot, sipping from the cup before downing it in one gulp. Her steps unsteady, she swayed as she danced, parting the pce''s pink silk curtains.


    The Xuanwu Emperor deliberately lured her forward as he stepped back.


    Jiang Xinyue''s hazy eyes seemed to look at him, yet not at him. Her disheveled robe slipped off one shoulder, revealing the snowy curves and deep corbone that entuated her ethereal allure.


    Amateur. She had watched countless actresses portray drunken consorts in television dramas like ''Empresses in the Pce'' ¨C even Yang Guifei had bewitched An Lushan into rebellion. Surely she could master at least seven or eight tenths of that act?


    For all the Xuanwu Emperor''s vast experience, he had never encountered a beauty from a thousand years in the future, versed in such dramas,ing to seduce him!


    The wine stains trailing from the corner of her lips, down her pointed chin and into the unfathomable valley between her heaving peaks... Her loosened tresses framing her face, swaying precariously...


    "Plop!"


    Suddenly, her eyes zed as she tackled the Xuanwu Emperor to the ground, straddling him with a dazed smile, "Caught you! You''re not getting away!"


    If Wang Dequan were present, he would surelyment Jiang Xinyue''s outrageous impropriety once more.


    But the Xuanwu Emperor was no prudish eunuch like Wang Dequan. He let out a muffled groan, grasping her slender waist, "Your Emperor has no intention of fleeing. How does my beloved consort intend to treat me?"


    The inebriated beauty tilted her head, struggling to keep her glistening eyes open as she shook her head vigorously, dislodging the lotus ornament to fall pitifully to the ground.


    Her partially undone tresses now framed her doll-like face, evoking a protective urge to gather her fully into one''s embrace for passionate adoration.


    Thinking thus, the Xuanwu Emperor proceeded to do just that.


    Outside the Xihuo Pce¡ª


    Hong Xi pleaded with Wang Dequan, "Duke Wang, mydy Consort Chu is suffering from her old ailment again, crying out for the Emperor! This servant is heartbroken. Could you please inform His Majesty? I only ask to take a quick look, and as soon as mydy falls asleep, Consort Zhen can send someone to call for the Emperor''s return."


    She spoke so lightly.


    Not to mention his reluctance to disturb the Emperor''s intimate moments with Consort Zhen, but if the Emperor did go to the Changchun Pce now, would he evere back?


    Consort Zhencked the audacity to summon the Emperor, and any pent-up resentment would surely fall upon this eunuch''s head.


    If the Emperorter favored Consort Zhen again, and she vented her grievances with a mere flick of her pillow, what would be of him should the Emperor take a dislike to him?


    He would never jeopardize his own future prospects for a minor Consort like Chu.


    "If Consort Chu is unwell, send for the imperial physicians at the medical academy. The Emperor governs the nation''s affairs ¨C we cannot disturb His Majesty''s rest when he has finally retired, Hong Xi. Please return."


    Disturb the Emperor''s rest?


    Listening to the sounds emanating from the Xihuo Pce, Hong Xi inwardly cursed Jiang Xinyue as a shameless hussy, solely focused on keeping the Emperor entangled in bed.


    Resentful as she was, Hong Xi dared not show it before Wang Dequan.


    Upon her return to the Changchun Pce, Consort Chu would undoubtedly throw another tantrum.


    Hong Xi could only wait outside the Xihuo Pce, attempting to make some noise to draw the Emperor''s attention.


    The Xuanwu Emperor had captured the "delicate" Jiang Xinyue, whose eyes were now flushed red as she feebly struggled to escape.


    But in her drunken state, the more she squirmed, the more the Emperor''s desire was inmed, pushing him to the brink of desperation.


    "Stay still."


    Gripping her shoulders, he buried his face in the crook of her neck, his restraint hanging by a thread as he gently nipped and kissed the delicate skin.


    Within the canopied bed, the crimson silk sheets undted. The flickering candlelight danced as the moon''s glow enveloped the Xihuo Pce, the lotus pond''s pair of mandarin ducks nuzzling intimately.


    Where there is joy, there is also sorrow.


    The Changxin Pce remained lit even past midnight as Concubine Li continued to dance the long-sleeved dance in the hall, her movements watched with concern by Layue, who said, "Mydy, please stop now. If you keep going, your body won''t be able to take it."


    After an intense whirl, Concubine Li copsed, and Layue rushed to help her up. Wiping the sweat from her brow, Concubine Li said, "I suppose I''m just getting old. In the past, I could dance all night without feeling tired."


    "Mydy is still in the prime of life. How could you be old?" Layue saidfortingly as she helped Concubine Li sit, "Everyone in the pce knows that you are the most beautiful, the one the Emperor cherishes most in his heart."


    "Is that so?" Cupping her still-youthful face, Concubine Li''s mood soured. "Am I still the one he cherishes most?"

 Chapter 11

    Chapter 11


    Whether Concubine Li was still the apple of the Emperor''s eye was not something the pce maids could discern simply by observing her outward appearance.


    It was more evident that the mistress of the Xihuo Pce could now share some of the Emperor¡¯s favor once heaped solely upon Concubine Li.


    The Emperor was currently enamored with her, treating her with a certain degree of affection.


    Justst night, he had stayed in the Xihuo Pce. By early morning, a stream of gifts had made their way into the bedchamber of Consort Zhen.


    This morning, when she paid her respects at the Yikun Pce, she harvested another wave of resentment. But now, the Empress considered her one of her own, and Consort Liang, with her sharp tongue, spared no one. All she had to do was well up a little, and others would charge into battle for her.


    "You''re perfect in every way, except you''re too timid," said Consort Liang in the Imperial Garden.


    Jiang Xinyue, half a step behind Consort Liang, responded to her evaluation with a shy smile, "With the Empress and Sister Consort Liang protecting me, it doesn''t matter if I''m a little timid."


    Consort Liang wanted to say more, but seeing Jiang Xinyue''s eyes welling up again and facing her innocent gaze, she said, "I was born to a concubine in my family and was alienated by my legitimate sister and half-sisters because of my good looks. I''ve always envied the sisterly love others have. Just now, when Sister Consort Liang stood up for me... I was truly touched."


    She even used a handkerchief to dab at her eyes, as if to prevent tears from falling.


    "Oh, isn''t this Consort Zhen?"


    A group of beautifully dressed women walked towards them, led by Consort Jiang, who had just "bullied" Jiang Xinyue in the Yikun Pce. "Look at those red eyes. Even I feel sorry for you, let alone the Emperor!"


    She used Jiang Xinyue of ying the victim, trying to win the Emperor''s sympathy and seduce him.


    Jiang Xinyue retorted, "Actions speak louder than words. The Emperor indeed cares for me, as evidenced by the many jewels and essories he has bestowed upon me. Consort Jiang, are your expressions of concern just lip service?"


    If Consort Jiang called her fake, she''d call her insincere, and see who''d get angrier.


    Consort Liang was very pleased with her response and despised the minions of Concubine Li. With a snort ofughter, she said, "The sun is about to rise. You should go back. The Emperor might have more rewards for you. Remember, you are now the Emperor''s favorite."


    Unlike Concubine Chu and Consort Jiang, who were not in favor and had to rely on Concubine Li to get by.


    Jiang Xinyue, happy to avoid a verbal spat with them, held Hong Xi''s hand and headed back to the Xihuo Pce.


    "Stop right there!"


    Concubine Chu, who was heading back to the pce in the same direction, followed her out of sight from Consort Liang before daring to stop her. "Jiang Xinyue, didn''t you hear what I said?"


    Hong Xi was terrified. Her mistress had been in a foul mood the night before, waiting for the Emperor who never came. Her resentment towards Consort Zhen had probably peaked.


    "p!"


    As soon as she approached Jiang Xinyue, she was pped. "I am Consort Zhen, personally appointed by the Emperor. Concubine Chu, not only did you not bow to me, but you also spoke rudely and referred to yourself as ''I''. Are you dissatisfied with the title the Emperor bestowed upon me?"


    The rank of Consort Zhen was naturally higher than that of Concubine Chu.


    Concubine Chu was left dazed by a p. Regaining her senses, she red fiercely at Jiang Xinyue, "My father is the Vice Minister of Revenue. How dare you, a mere Secretary of Ministry of Rites'' daughter, strike me?"


    "I hit you, not your father," Jiang Xinyue retorted, her demeanor haughty and willful. "Besides, once we enter the pce, we all be the Emperor''s women. What does your past have to do with me? Are you going to tell your father every time we have a quarrel? Where does that leave the Emperor''s dignity?"


    Contacting the previous dynasty was a grave taboo for the imperial concubines.


    Yet, every word from Concubine Chu wasced with a sense of superiority, as if Jiang Xinyue''s audacity to hit her would surely lead to her demise.


    "The Emperor arrives¡ª"


    The Emperor, who had been watching the drama from behind the artificial hill by the lotus pond, finally emerged. With a single nce, Concubine Chu burst into tears, "Your Majesty, you must stand up for me! Consort Zhen... she hit me without reason. It hurts so much."


    She deliberately exposed the half of her face marked with a red handprint for the Emperor to see.


    The Xuanwu Emperor remained silent, his face stern as he looked at Jiang Xinyue, creating a tense atmosphere.


    Concubine Chu stole nces at the Emperor''s expression, then lowered her eyes, a cold smirk ying on her lips.


    Hmph!


    The Emperor still cared for her.


    After all, she had been in the pce for six years. The time she spent with the Emperor was not short. Consort Zhen, this vile woman, was so arrogant and domineering upon her arrival. How could the Emperor tolerate her?


    As she was contemting how to make the Emperor despise that vile woman, she heard the Xuanwu Emperor say, "Wang Dequan told me today that Concubine Chu was unwellst night and came to Xihuo Pce to find me?"


    The Emperor must be nning to punish Consort Zhen for the incidentst night when someone at Xihuo Pce stopped Hong Xi from entering.


    Concubine Chu''s eyes lit up with joy, her tone carrying a hint of coquettish pride, "I thank Your Majesty for your concern. I was indeed unwellst night, unable to sleep. Seeing me ill, Hong Xi, who could sleep peacefully by your side, took it upon herself toe to Xihuo Pce. But who knew..."


    She quickly nced at Jiang Xinyue, as if afraid of her, then quickly lowered her head again, "Perhaps Consort Zhen didn''t hear it!"


    You know what... you really wouldn''t know...


    Last night, the Xuanwu Emperor had tormented her to the point of death and back. Moreover, in the Emperor''s eyes, she was so drunk that she waspletely out of it, of course she wouldn''t hear the quarrel outside the pce.


    The Emperor apparently thought the same as her.


    Because after Concubine Chu finished speaking, the Emperor raised an eyebrow, his gaze falling on Jiang Xinyue''s tender red lips.


    She timely showed a mix of embarrassment and annoyance, her face flushing red, sessfully turning the tense atmosphere into one of ambiguity.


    "I intended to visit Concubine Chu at Changchun Pce today..."


    Concubine Chu looked up, a smile appearing on her face. She was about to speak, looking triumphantly at Jiang Xinyue...


    "But just now, I saw you berating Consort Zhen. You didn''t greet her when you saw her, and you kept referring to yourself as ''this pce''. You certainly don''t seem ill, it seems you''ve recovered."


    The Xuanwu Emperor''s gaze turned icy as he looked at her, "Since you''re not unwell, for your disrespect, I''ll punish you to kneel here for two hours. Next time you see Consort Zhen, remember to bow to her."


    After speaking, he extended his hand and wrapped it around Jiang Xinyue''s shoulder: "My beloved, your face is so red, could it be that you''ve been sunburned?"


    He was intentionally teasing her.


    Jiang Xinyue pouted, her face filled with embarrassment. She broke free from the emperor and, in her panic, ran back to the Xihuo Pce.


    When she reached the door, she ran into the door frame, the pain making her grimace as she rubbed her forehead.


    After rubbing it for a while and realizing that the emperor was still watching her, she became even more embarrassed and wished she could disappear into a hole in the ground. She covered her face and vanished behind the vermilion doors of the Xihuo Pce.


    Concubine Chu was left dumbfounded by her series of frantic actions.


    Consort Zhen... how could Consort Zhen be so bold?


    How dare she let go of the emperor''s hand? How dare she run away in front of the emperor, and it appears that the emperor isn''t even angry?

 Chapter 12

    Chapter 12


    Her little mind could notprehend it, so she could only kneel outside Xihuo Pce, watching the Xuanwu Emperor chase after the back of Consort Zhen.


    If she could understand it clearly, she would not need to kneel here.


    Jiang Xinyue returned to her bedchamber and buried herself under the covers, refusing toe out no matter how much Xi Que and Shuang Jiang pleaded, with not a single movementing from under the covers.


    The Xuanwu Emperor smiled: "All of you leave. Let Wang Dequan bring the meal. I will join your mistress for lunch."


    The mistress acted like this, yet the Emperor was not angry?


    Xi Que and Shuang Jiang stood dazed, but happily withdrew.


    After they had all left, Jiang Xinyue "swooshed" and threw off the bedding, her beautiful eyes ring at the Xuanwu Emperor: "Your Majesty did it on purpose."


    "What did I do on purpose?"


    Did he purposefully flirt with her outside, purposefully making her recallst night''s intimate moments? Or did he purposefully speak in a mocking way?


    Then he was guilty. He did indeed deliberately tease her, wanting to see her reaction.


    It had been a long time since there was such a lively person in the harem.


    If Jiang Xinyue did not speak, she would turn her head away: "Earlier, Concubine Chu maliciously ndered me first, yet Your Majesty helped her."


    This was a false usation against him.


    The Xuanwu Emperorughed and sat on the edge of the bed, tugging at her bedding: "Come out first, it''s hot inside, don''t suffocate yourself."


    Seeing that she did not move, the Xuanwu Emperor directly threw the snow-white silk cover aside, pulled her into his arms, and sat her on hisp, their foreheads touching: "When did I help her?"


    "The way you looked at your concubine..."


    She imitated the Xuanwu Emperor''s expression at the lotus pond, but without the samemanding presence, appearing cutely fierce: "Like this..."


    The Xuanwu Emperor couldn''t help but lightly kiss her pouting lips. Jiang Xinyue looked dazed, and he kissed her again, and again...


    Eventually, it turned into a deep, long French kiss.


    This was something the Xuanwu Emperor had learned from Jiang Xinyue.


    In passionate moments, a woman''s supple, agile little tongue danced yfully with his, making even a kiss interesting.


    He increasingly wanted to conquer her mischievous, provocative organ.


    "I''m not... I''m not angry anymore, I''m not angry anymore."


    Jiang Xinyue pushed away the Xuanwu Emperor, panting, with blushing cheeks, avoiding the Emperor''s approaching face: "Your Majesty said earlier that you came specifically to see Concubine Chu, but now what are you doing?"


    Saying she was not angry, but she was still upset!


    "If I did not say that, wouldn''t they unite even more to bully my beloved consort?"


    He was still considering her interests.


    If she were the original Jiang Xinyue, she would probably be lost in the Emperor''s deep affection.


    But...


    Was he not just using her to suppress Concubine Chu?


    For six years, Concubine Chu had always pretended to be ill and fragile, and Jiang Xinyue could clearly see the Emperor''s attitude towards her.


    His tolerance of Concubine Chu, no... of Concubine Chu and the Chu family, had reached its peak.


    From the moment she first arrived through transmigration and gained his favor, the Xuanwu Emperor had already nned how to use her to achieve his goals.


    Otherwise, the Emperor would not have directly elevated her over Concubine Chu, making her Consort Zhen instead of just a noble consort.


    Was it not just to give her the power to suppress Concubine Chu, enraging Concubine Chu to bring about her own downfall?


    Jiang Xinyue''s greatest strength was her self-awareness. How could the Xuanwu Emperor, who had seen through the beauty of the harem and ruled the Great Yan Dynasty with peace and prosperity, truly develop feelings for her?


    However, fortunately, she was only y-acting her part.


    Today''s p in the face to Concubine Chu was to satisfy the Xuanwu Emperor, letting him feel that everything was proceeding ording to his n.


    Correspondingly, he would certainly give her somepensation.


    Because soon, Concubine Chu would strike back.


    In this pce, if you were pped in the face but did not retaliate, you would be theughingstock of the entire harem, bullied by everyone.


    Only by sessfully retaliating could you tell others that you were not to be trifled with, thereby maintaining your outward dignity and status.


    With a touched, smiling expression on her face, Jiang Xinyue leaned against the Xuanwu Emperor''s embrace, a glimmer of wisdom flickering in her eyes.


    And the Emperor, with his chin resting on her head, also seemed lost in thought, as if contemting something.


    The noon meal was exquisitely prepared. With the Emperor present, the Imperial Kitchen did not dare to neglect Xihuo Pce, serving with exceptional care.


    Jiang Xinyue was used to taking a beauty nap half an hour after lunch, but the Xuanwu Emperor did not have such leisure time. After some more intimate exchanges with his "beloved consort," he had to return to the Imperial Study to handle state affairs.


    "Mistress..."


    After seeing off the Xuanwu Emperor, Xi Que and Shuang Jiang immediately returned to tell Jiang Xinyue: "Just now, when the Emperor was leaving, Concubine Chu fainted at his feet. Guess what happened?"


    Jiang Xinyue, her hair neatly tied up, was applying a sticky mixture of crushed lotus leaves and honey as a face mask: "The Emperor would say, since Concubine Chu is weak and frequently ill, from this day forth, the green gue sign will be removed from Changchun Pce, and she will be confined and forbidden from leaving to recover. When she is fully healed, then she cane out again, to prevent spreading her sickness to the other consorts anddies of the harem."


    Her words matched exactly what Shuang Jiang had witnessed the first time she saw Jiang Xinyue apply a lotus leaf and honey face mask, leaving her even more astonished: "Mistress, how... how did you know the Emperor said those things?"


    Not a single word was different.


    Jiang Xinyue used her fingers to massage the face mask, promoting absorption, and calmly said: "Because your mistress is the worm in the Emperor''s belly!"


    What was so difficult to guess?


    In the past, when the imperial inws held power and the Dowager Empress controlled the harem, the position of Empress was essentially ceremonial. The Wu family, relying on the Emperor being the Dowager Empress''s own son, shamelessly engaged in selling official positions and titles, crossing the Xuanwu Emperor''s bottom line.


    As a result, the Wu family was confiscated, the Dowager Empress was ced under house arrest in Cining Pce, and the Wu family, from the Emperor''s own maternal uncle down to distant branches ten thousand miles away, regardless of age or gender, were all exiled to the bitter cold of Northern Ning.


    This showed his cold-heartedness, having already renounced all rtives.


    Now that he was unwilling to tolerate Concubine Chu any longer, he would naturally strike at what she valued most - her imperial favor.


    A shudder ran through Jiang Xinyue''s body, reminding herself once again to preserve her intact heart and never let the Emperor enter it in the slightest.


    All of his kindness towards her was calcted and weighed, and even if Consort Zhen did not exist today, there would be Consort Zhang or Consort Li...


    She just happened to appear at the right time, with stunning beauty and an undistinguished background, so there was no need to worry about her family causing any major disturbance.


    Because she had never developed feelings, she would not be heartbroken.


    She was rather grateful that she possessed something the Xuanwu Emperor, the Empress, and Concubine Li wanted to exploit, for those very things would only help propel her higher and farther.


    She had no intention of bing the Empress, nor did she wish to be a drudge working for the Xuanwu Emperor, constantly dealing with petty grievances and false usations.


    Her ambition was grander ¨C she wanted to be the Xuanwu Emperor''s favored concubine, so pampered that she wouldn''t have to kowtow to anyone, living a carefree and unrestrained life as his cherished consort.

 Chapter 13

    Chapter 13


    That night, the Xuanwu Emperor did not flip the card, but slept in the Yikun Pce of the Empress, as it was the fifteenth day of the month.


    ording to tradition, on the first and fifteenth day of each month, the Emperor should sleep in the Empress''s pce. Although the Xuanwu Emperor had no particr affection for the Empress, he would not break this rule. He was willing to give this respect to his Empress Zhu.


    "Did I hear correctly that the Emperor punished Concubine Chu today?"


    "Yes!"


    The Emperor turned over in bed, his back to Empress Zhu, showing no intention of exining.


    Empress Zhu''s eyes reddened, and a tear rolled down from the corner of her eye, disappearing into her hair.


    She quickly wiped away the tear: "Concubine Chu has always been close to Concubine Li. If the Emperor punishes Concubine Chu, I fear Concubine Li will be upset."


    "I will speak to Concubine Li properly tomorrow. Empress, I am tired, let''s sleep."


    The lights in the Yikun Pce were extinguished, but the Changchun Pce was restless.


    Concubine Li sat in the main seat, her face full of anger: "You fool, don''t you understand why the Emperor punished you?"


    Concubine Chu retorted defiantly: "It''s all because of that vixen, Consort Zhen. She looks somewhat like you, and the Emperor is fascinated by her novelty. She must have whispered in the Emperor''s ear."


    Otherwise, how could the Emperor be so angry?


    "ng!"


    A teacup exploded at her feet. Concubine Li pointed at her head: "No matter how much the concubines in the harem fight, it''s all minor squabbles. The Emperor will never favor anyone. But you, you fool, you brought up your family background to oppress others. Don''t you know that the thing the Emperor hates most is the involvement of the previous dynasty with the harem?"


    Just like when the Empress Dowager colluded with the Wu Family, leading to rampant corruption and the selling of official positions. This disgusted the Emperor so much that he personally dealt with his own mother and the entire family of his uncle.


    Only then did Concubine Chu realize the severity of the situation, and she begged Concubine Li for help in panic.


    "This pce will help you onest time. If you continue to be useless, this pce won''t bother with you anymore."


    The next day, the temperature must have reached thirty-six or thirty-seven degrees. On the way back from paying respects to the Empress, Jiang Xinyue almost fainted from the heat.


    There was not a breath of wind in the air, making it difficult to breathe.


    Why pay respects in this kind of weather?


    One should be lying in the Xihuo Pce filled with ice basins, sleeping a beauty sleep, and also preparing some beauty treatments for skincare.


    A beauty will never refuse to be more beautiful, and the Emperor will not refuse either.


    Whether he loves them or not, sleeping with an ugly woman is the same as sleeping with a beautiful one. Why not sleep with someone who is pleasing to the eye? At least after sleeping, looking at such a beautiful face can improve one''s mood.


    Just like Jiang Xinyue, if the Xuanwu Emperor were a smelly old man in his fifties or sixties who didn''t like to bathe, she would rather live peacefully in the Pce of Exile for the rest of her life, rather than be a favored concubine.


    So ugly, it would ruin her appetite, let alone... that desire.


    Under the scorching sun, between two and three in the afternoon, there was no one to be seen outside all the pces.


    The doors of each pce were tightly closed, everyone was hiding inside to escape the heat!


    "Ah¡ª¡ª"


    In the middle of the day, while Jiang Xinyue was still sleeping, she heard a high-pitched scream, as if it came from the Xihuo Pce.


    "Miss!"


    Right after, Shuangjiang pushed open the door, startling Xi Que, who was dozing off by the bed, "What happened? What''s the matter?"


    Behind Shuangjiang, two pce maidservants fell to their knees, trembling, "Consort...Consort Zhen...someone has hung themselves in the Xihuo Pce side hall."


    Jiang Xinyue quickly got up, Xi Que hurriedly draped her in a coat. All three of them, along with the chief eunuch of Xihuo Pce, Jiang Chuan, headed towards the side hall.


    A few young eunuchs and pce maids were gathered at the entrance to the side hall. After Jiang Chuan scolded them, they knelt down in a row.


    Jiang Xinyue waved her hand: "Do what you are supposed to do, stop crowding here."


    Jiang Chuan led the way, choosing two eunuchs to follow, "Mydy, please step aside to avoid being shocked. We will bring the body down first."


    Without Jiang Xinyue''smand, no one dared to touch the hanging body.


    She looked somewhat frightened, her face pale. She walked to the door covering her eyes, then tremblingly said, "Go ahead..."


    With a sh of the red dress, the silhouette hanging from the roof beam was brought down. Xi Que suddenly shouted, "Mydy, it''s the young mistress!"


    "What?"


    Jiang Xinyue, who had been peeking through her fingers, no longer cared about her fear. She ran forward in three steps, and upon seeing the ashen face, she screamed and passed out.


    Wang Dequan rushed to the emperor''s study. Along the way, he met several high-ranking ministers, but he did not stop to exchange pleasantries and hurried inside.


    "Your Majesty, there''s been an incident in Xihuo Pce."


    After speaking, Wang Dequan noticed that Consort Jiang was standing behind the emperor''s desk, grinding ink for him.


    Consort Jiang may not be the most beautiful woman, but her grandfather was a cab schr, and her father had just been promoted to the Ministry of officials.


    The Jiang family was renowned for their literary pedigree, dignified and cultured, giving her a schrly aura.


    Sometimes the Emperor would enjoy thepany of Consort Jiang in his study.


    The Xuanwu Emperor''s wolf hair brush paused, and a drop of ink fell onto the rice paper, ruining the character "Yuan" he had just written. He had been writing Consort Jiang''s real name, Jiang Yuan.


    But upon hearing about the incident at Xihuo Pce, the Emperor dropped his brush, and without a word of concern, left the study with Wang Dequan.


    Consort Jiang had no choice but to follow, "Your humble servant will apany you, Your Majesty."


    She wanted to see what had happened in Xihuo Pce. If Consort Zhen dared to snatch people from her, she wouldn''t be as easy to deal with as Concubine Chu.


    "Physician, how is mydy?"


    "Consort Zhen''s pulse is slow and tight, deep and faint, as if she has been greatly shocked. Her blood cirction is obstructed, and her spirit is weak. I will write a prescription for her, please have someone go to the imperial hospital to get the medicine."


    The Xuanwu Emperor strode into Xihuo Pce, his expression stern, "What happened? How could Consort Zhen be so shocked?"


    The vibrant beauty on the bed, who was alwaysughing and scolding, full of vitality, was now pale, her brows furrowed, seeming to have a restless sleep.


    She looked weak and ill, and it hurt his heart.


    Jiang Chuan had already told Wang Dequan everything. As soon as the Emperor asked, he informed the Emperor about how Court Lady Jiang from the Pce of Exile hanged herself in a side hall of the Xihuo Pce.


    "What are the guards of the Pce of Exile doing? How could they let someone run off to the Xihuo Pce?"


    The Pce of Exile, located in a remote area and often unupied for years, had guards that frequently cked off.


    Consort Jiang seemed to casually remark, "Court Lady Jiang was Consort Zhen''s sister, wasn''t she? What kind of grudge could possibly exist between them? Was it worth her going to such lengths to escape from the Pce of Exile, run all the way to the Xihuo Pce, and hang herself in a red dress?"


    There was a rumor among themon folk that those whomitted suicide in a red dress could transform into vengeful spirits, returning for revenge on the seventh day after their death.


    She was simply reminding the Xuanwu Emperor that Consort Zhen might not be as kind as she appeared on the surface.


    Otherwise, why would her own sister harbor such intense malice towards her, not even letting her go in death?

 Chapter 14

    Chapter 14


    She did not know that the Emperor Xuanwu had already learned of the discord between Jiang Xinyue and her elder sister.


    It was on the day he demoted Jiang Yutong to a Court Lady that he overheard Jiang Xinyue say she had developed genuine feelings for him.


    What grudge could there be?


    It was simply that Jiang Yutong envied her younger sister Jiang Xinyue for winning the Emperor''s affection, and demanded that Jiang Xinyue y the viin again, transferring that affection to her. When Jiang Xinyue refused, Jiang Yutong resented it and sought revenge.


    However, as her wicked nature was exposed to the Emperor Xuanwu, and she was banished to the Pce of Exile, realizing she had no chance of redemption in this life, she tried to frighten Jiang Xinyue with threats of suicide.


    Such a person was utterly malicious, and Consort Zhen suffered innocently.


    With such an extreme elder sister, one could only imagine the torment Jiang Xinyue endured back home.


    The Emperor Xuanwu''s tender feelings for Jiang Xinyue were now undisguised.


    He sped his hands tightly behind his back, and instructed Xi Que and Shuang Jiang, "Take good care of your mistress. I have matters to attend to, but I will returnter to see her. Wang Dequan, apany me to the Imperial Hospital to fetch medicine. Ensure the physicians treat her with utmost care."


    What did he mean by utmost care?


    Naturally, he wanted the physicians to treat Consort Zhen meticulously, leaving no lingering ailments.


    Consort Jiang did not get a chance to speak before the Emperor left to apply medicine to Jiang Xinyue''s eyes.


    She could only instruct, "Take good care of Consort Zhen."


    And then hurried after the Emperor Xuanwu.


    The main gate of Xihuo Pce closed, and Xi Que heaved a sigh of relief, "Mydy, the Emperor has departed."


    The supposedly gravely ill Jiang Xinyue lying in bed opened her eyes, showing no sign of sickness at all as she sat up and used a small bronze mirror to examine her face.


    Hmm...


    This sickly makeup was applied well, it should garner more of the Emperor''spassion.


    Especially since she had just offended Concubine Chu, and now this incident urred, anyone would suspect Concubine Chu was behind it.


    "Why would the elderdy attempt suicide?"


    Xi Que muttered, "She was so arrogant, boasting of bing the Empress back in the manor. It''s only been two months since she entered the pce, how could she resort to such an act?"


    If news reached the manor, the Lady would surely raise a storm!


    "Don''t dwell on what you can''t understand, it has nothing to do with us."


    Jiang Xinyuebed her long hair, "The Emperor will handle it."


    Even the original soul had no feelings for Jiang Yutong, let alone this imposter.


    In the Yangxin Pce¡ª


    The Emperor Xuanwu massaged his brow, "Summon the Empress Zhu from the Yikun Pce to investigate the attempted suicide of Court Lady Jiang. Also...Consort Zhen is timid, she cannot remain in Xihuo Pce any longer. Have the Empress select a better pce for her residence."


    Upon receiving the Emperor''s decree, Empress Zhu immediately brought century-old ginseng to visit Jiang Xinyue in Xihuo Pce, apanied by Consort Liang and Consort De.


    Jiang Xinyue, leaning weakly against the bed, was refusing the bitter medicine prescribed by the physicians when Empress Zhu and the others arrived.


    She tried to rise butcked the strength, copsing back onto the bed.


    Empress Zhu helped her sit up again, concern evident in her eyes, "You are unwell, there is no need for such formalities. Are you feeling better?"


    Jiang Xinyue obediently coughed and her eyes welled with tears, "Thank you for your concern, Your Majesty. Your humble servant is much better."


    She did not look better at all!


    "I justmented on your timidity, and you proved me right by letting a deceased person frighten you so."


    The outspoken Consort Liang remarked, "You''ve fallen into that vile woman''s trap. She aimed to terrify you to death with her own demise. You must not indulge her malicious intent."


    Jiang Xinyue forced a bitter smile, "Consort Liang speaks wisely. Your humble servant will recover soon."


    The bitter medicine she had refused earlier, she now picked up and drank in one gulp after Consort Liang''s words, grimacing.


    Finally, she asked Xi Que for a candied fruit to eat.


    The gentle Consort De smiled, "No need to me her for being frightened, she is only fifteen, still a young child! Her way of taking medicine reminds me of the second princess."


    The second princess was nine years old, six years younger than Jiang Xinyue.


    Consort Liang''s expression softened as she thought of her own eldest princess, "Do not worry, the Emperor has made all the arrangements for you. Once you recover, you will move to a new pce."


    Empress Zhu nodded, "I have selected three pces for you - Jingren Pce, Hexi Pce, and Shunan Pce. Jingren Pce is close to my Yikun Pce, so if anything happens, you can seek my aid swiftly. Shunan Pce is under Consort Liang''s charge, and I see you get along well. However, it is up to you to decide. Hexi Pce was chosen by the Emperor himself, being closest to the Chengqian Pce."


    Empress Zhu was testing her.


    Jiang Xinyue blushed, regaining some color in her face.


    She fidgeted shyly, "Your Majesty and Consort Liang have been so kind to your humble servant. Jingren Pce and Shunan Pce are both excellent options. But...but your humble servant wishes to be closer to the Emperor. Please do not take offense, Your Majesty! I will surely visit you often at the Yikun Pce to keep youpany."


    "You''ve said all there is to say, how could I take offense?"


    Empress Zhuughed lightly, "Very well, I understand your intention. We shall not disturb your rest any longer. Recover swiftly so you can move to your new residence."


    Jiang Xinyue nodded vigorously.


    After seeing off Empress Zhu and the others, Xi Que scratched her head, "Mydy, you rejected the Empress''s suggestion, will she not..."


    "She will not."


    Jiang Xinyue caressed the century-old ginseng, "Store this in the repository. Inform the kitchen to prepare century ginseng soup for me in theing days."


    "The Empress truly bears no ill will?"


    Consort Liang followed behind Empress Zhu, "We shielded her so, yet she remains ungrateful."


    Empress Zhu touched the finger guard on her hand, "If she had chosen Jingren Pce or Shunan Pce, then we would need to be wary of her."


    Consort Liang did not understand, "Why do you say so, Your Majesty?"


    Empress Zhu pretended to straighten Consort Liang''s cor as she whispered in her ear, "If she chose you or me, it would prove she is adept at concealing her true intentions and harbors grand ambitions. Such a person, even ten of you could not defeat her. However, she chose Hexi Pce without a second thought, revealing her straightforward nature devoid of scheming - easy to control."


    What woman in this pce would not wish to be closer to the Emperor?


    It was the right choice for an innocent person like Consort Zhen to choose the Hexi Pce.


    ying mind games day in and day out with a group of women and a man would be quite taxing on the brain.


    After Empress Zhu left, Jiang Xinyue fell asleep.


    This led to Concubine Li and Consort Jiang being refused entry when they came to see her.


    The Empress Dowager had decreed that no one but the Emperor was permitted to disturb Consort Zhen''s rest and recovery.

 Chapter 15

    Chapter 15


    Concubine Li did not genuinelye to see her; she only came because all the other high-ranking consorts had visited, and she could not be absent or the Emperor would think she was petty-minded.


    After being stopped outside the door, she did not even disembark from her sedan chair, instructing Layue to hand over the gifts to Xi Que before returning to her own pce.


    Consort Jiang had visited with the Emperor during the day, and now she came again following the usual custom of delivering some medicinal herbs for Jiang Xinyue before leaving.


    That evening, thentern duty belonged to Consort Jiang''s pce, and the Emperor did note to the Xihuo Pce.


    This disappointed Shuang Jiang somewhat: "Didn''t the Emperor say he woulde to see ourdyter? Why did he go to Consort Jiang''s pce instead?"


    "The Emperor can go wherever he wishes. You may say such things in front of me, but if I hear you spreading them outside, I will not spare you."


    Jiang Xinyue rarely lost her temper, so when she scolded Shuang Jiang for the first time, she seemed exceptionally stern.


    She took the opportunity to address the pce maids and eunuchs serving inside: "I am generally good-natured, as long as youmit no wrongdoing. But if I find out any of you gossiping outside about your masters'' affairs and implicating the Xihuo Pce, don''t me me for not warning you - even if such servants were beaten to death, I would not intervene. Do you understand?"


    "This servant dares not."


    "This maid dares not."


    "All of you, leave!"


    It was better that the Xuanwu Emperor did note!


    Jiang Xinyue was toozy to pretend to be frail. Shey on the bed, attended by Xi Que and Shuang Jiang, while the other pces dared not neglect her, providing her with delicacies and luxuries. Her days passed in indulgence.


    Seven days psed in the blink of an eye, and today was the seventh day after Court Lady Jiang''s death.


    She was indeed startled, but not to the point of fainting. Jiang Xinyue simply could not be bothered to deal with the pce women, for if she appearedpletely well, she would likely face a torrent of malicious gossip.


    So she feigned being severely shaken, and the pce physicians who frequently dealt with the pcedies had long be experts at knowing what to say and what not to say.


    Moreover, Jiang Xinyue did not exactly lie, only slightly exaggerating.


    Jiang Yutong had hung herself wearing red robes, and Consort Jiang said it was so she could return for vengeance on the seventh day.


    Hence, Jiang Xinyue pretended to be ill for seven days.


    She wanted to see who would attempt to scare her with ghostly tricks.


    During those seven days, the Xuanwu Emperor spent two nights with Concubine Li, one night each with Consort De and Consort Liang, and two nights with Noble Consort Su, who had risen from the rank of seventh-grade consort along with the group ofdies-in-waiting who entered the pce with Jiang Xinyue. For one night, the Emperor did not pick apanion and slept alone in the Chengqian Pce.


    Although he did not visit the Xihuo Pce, he would asionally send gifts of pastries, lotus flowers, or clothing...


    So while Noble Consort Su''s status seemed poised to surpass Consort Zhen''s, the other pces still dared not neglect her.


    The night was pitch-ck and gloomy, even the moon hiding behind clouds, while the chilling wind howled outside, apanied by the rustling of leaves in the trees.


    Suddenly, a dark shadow flitted past the window, but the outside was eerily silent, as if the darkness would devour everything.


    "Whoo¡ª"


    A gust of wind blew in, flinging open the bedroom windows and extinguishing all the candles in thenterns, leaving only a few faint rays from thentern under the eaves by the door.


    Xi Que and Shuang Jiang huddled together in terror, squeezing their eyes shut.


    Theirdy had instructed them - if they were afraid, just close their eyes, and she would deal with any ghosts or demons.


    Tonight, the pce maids and eunuchs of the Xihuo Pce were all strictly forbidden from going outside, as their mistress intended to catch the ghost herself.


    "Thump!"


    Suddenly, amidst the eerie gusts, a figure with disheveled hair, wearing red robes and a pale face, hung upside down from the window.


    Shuang Jiang could not help but open her eyes, immediately letting out a terrified shriek before squeezing them shut again, shaking her head frantically and screaming: "Ah! Ahhhhh... Ah! Ahhhhh... A ghost!"


    Xi Que also peeked open one eye, though she did not scream. Her face had gone pale, and her eyes were wide with fright.


    Jiang Xinyue let out a derisive "Tch," rolling her eyes before striding forward, grabbing the "female ghost" and flinging it to the ground - it was merely a cloth dummy.


    This ghost was far too poorly made, much worse than the haunted houses Jiang Xinyue had experienced in her previous life, where she would chase after real human actors.


    She had been a dreaded guest on the cklists of major haunted houses, making the ghost actresses kneel and beg for mercy.


    Such a petty trick was hardly worth her attention.


    Shuang Jiang''s screams subsided as she looked at Jiang Xinyue, then at the "ghost" on the floor, her heart seeming to crumble with disillusionment.


    So much for the frail beauty...


    "Swish!"


    Another dark shadow appeared behind them, apanied by a ghostly female voice: "Little sister... I died so tragically~ Come join me~ Ahhhhh..."


    Before the ghostly voice could finish, Jiang Xinyue swiftly pushed open the window, grabbed her by the throat, and dragged her inside from the dangling rope.


    "Xi Que, light themps!"


    The room was illuminated by candlelight, and the "ghost" on the floor cast a human shadow, squirming to avoid being recognized.


    Shuang Jiang and Xi Que restrained her on either side, brushing aside her hair before letting out a shocked gasp: "Hong Xi? How is it you?"


    Hong Xi from Concubine Chu''s pce was clearly the sacrificial pawn.


    "Creak¡ª"


    The bedroom door swung open, and the Xuanwu Emperor appeared with a stern expression: "Wang Dequan, go summon the Empress, and bring Concubine Chu from the Changchun Pce as well."


    Jiang Xinyue flung Hong Xi aside and rushed into the Emperor''s embrace: "My lord has not visited this concubine for so long - have you forgotten about me?"


    The Xuanwu Emperor embraced her slender waist: "You naughty girl, if I had forgotten you, why would I have Wang Dequan deliver gifts to you daily?"


    He did not visit because he wanted the culprit to drop their guard, thinking he no longer cared for Consort Zhen, so they would boldly make their move against the Xihuo Pce.


    Jiang Xinyue could discern his intentions, so she did not truly take offense, merely acting petntly and yfully.


    "I see my beloved has quite the audacious spirit, daring to capture ghosts with her bare hands."


    He had arrived outside the Xihuo Pce early with Wang Dequan and guards, and sure enough, witnessed five or six pce maids and eunuchs disguised as red-robed female ghosts, sneaking into the pce.


    He had originally intended to y the hero, rescuing the damsel and elevating her admiration for him to greater heights.


    Yet unexpectedly, she showed no fear at all, but rather an "intrepid" demeanor, which gave the Xuanwu Emperor a new perception of her.


    Jiang Xinyue arched her eyebrows proudly and said in a slightly coquettish manner, "What nonsense about spirits and ghosts, this concubine doesn''t believe in such things. Even if there were ghosts in this world, how would they dare to manifest themselves in the imperial pce? Your Majesty is the true son of Heaven, capable of subduing all demons and ghosts in the realm. This concubine does not believe in ghosts, so it must be someone ying tricks and feigning supernatural forces. What is there to be afraid of?"


    This ttery struck the Xuanwu Emperor''s heart squarely.

 Chapter 16

    Chapter 16


    He pinched Jiang Xinyue''s nose: "My dear consort speaks truly. I too do not believe in ghosts, which is why I''vee to help you catch this ghost tonight."


    "The Empress has arrived¡ª"


    Empress Zhu entered, and Jiang Xinyue withdrew from the Emperor''s embrace to pay her respects.


    "No need for such formality from the Cherished Consort."


    Before the Xuanwu Emperor, Empress Zhu maintained her poise and elegance: "Were you not frightened?"


    Jiang Xinyue nced warily at the Emperor, her face flushed as she replied: "No... not at all!"


    The Xuanwu Emperor teased: "I would have said a prayer of thanks if she was not scared by that ghost."


    As he spoke, Wang Dequan had already brought in Concubine Chu and her attendants before the Emperor and Empress: "Your Majesty, Concubine Chu has arrived."


    "Vile woman, it was you who went to the Pce of Exile and incited Jiang Yutong to hang herself in Xihuo Pce. And it was you who had your maid pretend to be a ghost to frighten the Cherished Consort?"


    Concubine Chu was so terrified that her legs went weak and she fell to her knees, trembling as she stared at Hong Xi, too petrified to speak.


    Empress Zhu sighed: "Concubine Chu, do you admit your crime?"


    Concubine Chu lifted her head, the feigned gentleness in her eyes now reced by resentful res directed at Jiang Xinyue, cowering behind the Xuanwu Emperor''s back.


    "This concubine is innocent!"


    Concubine Chu stubbornly protested: "This concubine did not go to the Pce of Exile. It is the Cherished Consort herself who is wicked, despised even by her own sister. She cannot stand to see this lowly one rise in status. This concubine merely had Hong Xi pretend to be a ghost to frighten her, but she was unharmed. What crime is there in that?"


    "That is only because I had His Majesty''s protection, or else I might have fainted from your fright."


    Jiang Xinyue brushed away imaginary tears as she feigned distress: "The imperial physician said I was severely shaken and needplete rest. If I were to be frightened again, I could fall gravely ill beyond the cure of any medicine. Was Concubine Chu trying to scare me to death?"


    The Xuanwu Emperor took this opportunity to punish her: "Concubine Chu is cruel and vicious, plotting against the other consorts. From this day forth, she is demoted to the lowest rank of pce maid and sent to the Criminal Servants'' Prison as a ve."


    Whether or not she truly went to the Pce of Exile to release Jiang Yutong, the Emperor had spoken, so it must be true.


    Jiang Xinyue did not mind going along with the Emperor''s judgment against the newly demoted Chu, given the resentment she harbored.


    As for the true mastermind behind the scenes, Jiang Xinyue was not in a hurry. That person should be the one feeling anxious now.


    After all themotion, the Xuanwu Emperor rested in Xihuo Pce.


    Seven days apart had made the Emperor''s passion run high, leaving Jiang Xinyue struggling to keep up. After their lovemaking, Wang Dequan dutifully brought the customary "nourishing soup" as usual.


    Observing her drink it down so readily, Wang Dequan felt a twinge of guilt.


    The Xuanwu Emperor tenderly kissed her cheek: "Is there anything my beloved desires?"


    Yet no sooner had he asked than he regretted it.


    A ruler''s word carried great weight - what if the Cherished Consort made an unreasonable request that put him in a difficult position? Should he grant it or not?


    "This consort desires..."


    She embraced the Emperor''s sturdy waist, gazing up at him as if he were her entire world, her eyes brimming with pure adoration that made him avert his gaze.


    The innocent girl offered her true heart clumsily yet sincerely: "This consort is rather greedy... I desire Your Majesty''s heart."


    Her response was unexpected. The wariness in the Emperor''s eyes melted away as he tenderly replied: "My heart belongs to you already. See for yourself?"


    He took her hand and ced it on his chest.


    Feeling the firm muscles beneath, her heart raced, but she suppressed her excitement and feigned a shy, bashful demeanor as she pressed her face against the Emperor''s solid chest.


    Jiang Xinyue did not believe the honeyed words of this man prone to uttering pleasant falsehoods.


    Yet that did not stop her from indulging in another long night of passion with the skilled Xuanwu Emperor.


    From being so bold and forward, the next day Jiang Xinyue experienced firsthand what those novels described - the leadingdy rendered too weak to leave the bed after being thoroughly ravished by the domineering male lead.


    That morning when the Xuanwu Emperor went to court, she had intended to dote on him by helping him dress. But the moment she tried to stand, her legs turned to jelly and she tumbled forward.


    Had the Emperor not caught her swiftly, she might have fallen t on her face in an utterly disgraceful manner.


    With a look of deep satisfaction, the Xuanwu Emperor scooped her up and deposited her on the bed: "I have already sent word to Yikun Pce that you are unwell today, so you need not go pay respects."


    "But I cannot do that!"


    Jiang Xinyue shot him a resentful look: "This consort had intended to ask the Empress today to have servantse move my residence. I must go."


    "I will have Wang Dequan instruct the Imperial Household Department to send people. Just obey me."


    Jiang Xinyue wrapped her arms around his neck, her eyes alight with adoration: "This consort understands the Emperor''s consideration and is delighted. But I have not paid respects to the Empress for seven days already. If I do not go now after spending the night, others will say I have grown arrogant and unrestrained through the Emperor''s favor."


    "I am happy to indulge you; you may grow arrogant with my favor if you wish."


    Yes!


    When favored, he was happy to spoil her, finding even her willful behavior charming and appealingly innocent.


    But the day his favor waned, everyone - including the Emperor himself - would condemn that same "arrogance andck of restraint" he now indulged.


    "This consort does not want that."


    The indulgences other consorts could only dream of, she dared not ept: "The Empress has always treated this consort well, as has my senior sister Consort Liang. I do not wish others to say I am disrespectful to the Empress or make her lose face. This consort would feel deeply upset by that."


    She clung to his neck like a spoiled child: "Your Majesty... please do not be so... vigorous next time! My legs have gone quite weak."


    The beauty''snguid murmurs in his ear nearly made him lose control again. To prevent the situation from bing even more improper, he swiftly took his leave.


    Jiang Xinyue smiled faintly, then immediately rose and summoned her maids Xique and Shuangjiang to assist with her grooming and attire.


    She wore a bright pink pce dress with a hem that trailed along the floor, the pale green silk embroidered with peach blossoms, butterflies, and other intricate patterns in various shapes and vivid colors.


    The ornate ensemble only enhanced her already striking beauty, making her appear all the more gorgeously alluring.


    With her hair simply styled and adorned with earrings, bracelets, hairpins, silk flowers, and hair ornaments, she exuded elegance and nobility.


    Lastly she put on the ornate dress robe, leaving her maids Xique and Shuangjiang utterly enchanted by her radiant appearance.


    At Yikun Pce¡ª


    The concubines in the room all stared at the entrance, as Consort Jiang had recently been favored. She wore a pink pce dress, looking even more beautiful, and covered her mouth with a slightugh, "Consort Zhen attended His Majesty''s bedchamberst night. She should be in high spirits, so why hasn''t shee to pay respects to the Empress?"


    Consort Liang praised Consort Zhen for being sensible, saying she was not like Concubine Li, who became arrogant due to the Emperor''s affection and disrespected the Empress.


    What a p in the face!


    It seems that in the pce, once a woman gains favor, she bes haughty.


    Consort Zhen was no exception.


    The bright sunlight shone through the entrance of the Yikun Pce hall, and a graceful figure appeared, "It''s only been one night, and Consort Jiang already misses me so much?"

 Chapter 17

    Chapter 17


    In the scattered rays of sunlight, a beautiful and charming youngdy appeared, dressed in a pink gown, gracefully walking into the bright light.


    "This concubine pays respects to the Empress Mother. Last night, this concubine was frightened and fell ill, causing my tardiness. I beg the Empress Mother''s forgiveness," she said humbly, giving Consort Jiang a p in the face while greatly ttering Empress Zhu.


    Empress Zhu was pleased to return the favor, "Noble Consort Zhen need not be so formal. Rise and be seated. Although Concubine Chu acted outrageouslyst night, the Emperor favors you. Now that you are well, I shall have the Imperial Household Department help you move into the Hexi Pce."


    "Move into the pce?" Everyone except for Consort Liang and Consort De, who already knew of this matter and remained expressionless, were surprised.


    Although Concubine Li did not show it, she was also very astonished in her heart. The Emperor had not visited the Xihan Pce for seven days and had instead favored Noble Consort Su, who resided in Consort De''s quarters. She had thought the Emperor''s new infatuation had passed.


    How did this matter of moving into the pce happen without her knowledge?


    Concubine Li tapped her fingernail guards, "The Empress Mother shows great kindness to Noble Consort Zhen, which is her fortune. However, for such a significant matter as moving into the pce, should the Empress Mother not consult the Emperor''s wishes first?"


    Jiang Xinyue thought that while Concubine Li could keep herposure, she was no match for Empress Zhu.


    Concubine Li''s question was exactly what Empress Zhu wanted to hear.


    The Empress Mother smiled slightly, in a pleasant mood, "Although I am the Empress, as Concubine Li said, for such a significant matter as moving into the pce, how could I make the decision alone? Noble Consort Zhen''s move into the Hexi Pce is by the Emperor''s direct imperial decree."


    The long fingernail guards pierced Concubine Li''s palm, yet she did not feel pain. She smiled coldly, "Then congrattions to Noble Consort Zhen. The Hexi Pce is merely a stone''s throw away from the Chengqian Pce. The Emperor truly dotes on you."


    All the concubines in the room looked at Jiang Xinyue with envy and jealousy.


    Jiang Xinyue thought to herself, the Empress Mother had brought up Concubine Chu''s attempt to harm her, yet everyone in the Hexi Pce was focused on the Emperor''s decision to let her move into the Hexi Pce.


    She could only sigh and feign a startled demeanor, acting overly dramatic, "Concubine Li is unaware thatst night, the Emperor visited the Xihan Pce with antern and saw that this concubine was so terrified by Concubine Chu''s actions that she had lost her wits. He was furious, saying that there were those in the pce practicing witchcraft without any regard for the Emperor. This concubine has been fortunate in my misfortune, and I must thank Concubine Chu... oh no, I mean I must thank the criminal servant Chu!"


    Concubine Chu? Everyone then realized that Concubine Chu had note to pay respects to the Empress Mother.


    Empress Zhu took this opportunity to announce that the Emperor had demoted Concubine Chu to a lowly maid and banished her to the Criminal Servants'' Prison as a ve.


    She did not forget to warn the other consorts, "I have repeatedly reminded you all to live in harmony and not engage in any unsavory schemes behind each other''s backs. Chu did not listen, and this is her fate. Do not think that only you are clever and view others as fools. Our wise and martial Emperor does not tolerate any impurities."


    This veiled reprimand was highly sophisticated.


    Jiang Xinyue gently bowed, "This concubine shall abide by the Empress Mother''s teachings."


    With her leading the way, whether willingly or not, all the other women had to follow and bow in submission.


    Empress Zhu was extremely satisfied with the result, and when the Imperial Household Department came to assist Jiang Xinyue in moving into the Hexi Pce, they were exceptionally attentive and diligent.


    As long as Jiang Xinyue''s requests were reasonable, they fulfilled them all.


    Of course, Jiang Xinyue herself was not one to take advantage of the situation. All her requests were aimed at winning the Xuanwu Emperor''s favor.


    The Hexi Pce was not as austerely elegant as the Yikun Pce nor as exquisitely luxurious as the Changxin Pce, but it exuded a warmth and childlike charm throughout.


    A beautiful swing was set up under the wisteria trellis, and beside the swing was a small wooden house from which the sound of puppy whimpering could be heard.


    In the front courtyard garden, the beautiful flowers were nted together on one side, blooming closely packed. On the other side, the soil had been freshly turned, and a few eunuchs and pce maids were watering the ground.


    The head eunuch, Wang Dequan, was supervising the work, "Be careful, everyone. Our lord has said that whoever is responsible for the vegetables and fruits ripening first in autumn will be greatly rewarded."


    Just as everyone thought that the Emperor would surely visit Noble Consort Zhen''s residence that night since she had just moved into the Hexi Pce, unexpectedly, the one favored was Noble Consort Su from the side pce of the Yanqing Pce.


    Xi Que and Shuang Jiang were afraid their mistress would be displeased, so they specially had the Imperial Kitchen prepare many of Jiang Xinyue''s favorite dishes.


    Looking at the table full of various meat dishes, all prepared in the same style, she shook her head and had a sudden idea, "Have the Imperial Household Department send two baskets of charcoal and a bronze brazier, as well as any iron mesh they have."


    She wanted to grill some barbecue.


    Although life in the Great Yan Dynasty was good, with all needs for food, clothing, and shelter taken care of, and all she had to do was be a pampereddy, Jiang Xinyue was very particr about her food.


    The cuisine of this eracked the variety ofter times, with everything either steamed or stir-fried, and not even any chili peppers. No matter how delicious, eating the same food day after day would eventually be tiresome.


    Jiang Xinyue, who came from ater era, was a Xiang girl who loved spicy food. These past few months, her mouth had be so nd it was practically bird-like.


    She remembered that the Imperial Kitchen did have chili peppers before, but the imperial chefs did not seem to know how to cook with them. They felt that chili peppers were unbearably spicy when eaten alone, and thus unsuitable for dishes, so they had always used them to feed pigs, dogs, sheep, and the like...


    Jiang Chuan did not know what his mistress intended to do, but he obediently went to the Imperial Household Department to request the items she wanted.


    The eunuchs of the Imperial Household Department were not as eager to help as before, but they still did not dare to disregard the status of the Hexi Pce.


    After all, this Noble Consort Zhen was not only favored by the Emperor but also held a respected position in the eyes of the Empress Mother.


    As for the Imperial Kitchen, Jiang Xinyue went there herself.


    The ingredients for grilling were quiteplex, and she was afraid that Xi Que and the others might not exin clearly, so she decided to prepare them herself.


    The Imperial Kitchen was vast, and it was the time for preparing the evening meal, so all kinds of ingredients were readily avable.


    Jiang Xinyue had the imperial chefs slice five tes of beef, three tes of mutton, five tes of streaky pork, two tes of potato slices, two baskets of lettuce, sliced garlic, rings of green and small chili peppers, one te each, as well as salt, oil, cumin, five-spice powder...


    The imperial chefs all wondered if Noble Consort Zhen had gone mad, taking so much raw meat back with her.


    There was no small kitchen in the Hexi Pce, how could this meat be cooked?


    In the Hexi Pce, everything was prepared and ready, and in the Chengqian Pce they had already begun the evening meal.


    The Xuanwu Emperor frowned as he looked at the obviously reduced amount of meat on the table: "Has there been a famine somewhere recently?"


    Wang Dequan was also puzzled and shook his head nkly: "I have not heard of any!"


    The Xuanwu Emperor''s voice was calm and emotionless: "Then why am I being treated so harshly?"


    He questioned himself, his appetite for food and meat was not particrly strong, but the few meat dishes on this table were so meager in portion that how could he, a meat-eater, even pick up his chopsticks?

 Chapter 18

    Chapter 18


    The pce chef hurriedly knelt down and said, "To respond to Your Majesty, today Consort Zhen herself went to the pce kitchen and took away most of the raw meat, especially...especially the meat reserved for Chengqian Pce. The Consort took away arge portion and said that if Your Majesty asks, just say that she wanted to eat it..."


    To dare snatch food from the Emperor, Wang Dequan truly admired Consort Zhen for being bold.


    When the Xuanwu Emperor heard it was Jiang Xinyue, half of his anger dissipated, estimating that she was jealous he favored Noble Consort Su, so she was deliberately throwing a tantrum at him.


    However, her act of snatching food from the dragon''s mouth still left the Xuanwu Emperor with a slight feeling of being offended.


    Regarding this, Jiang Xinyue only wanted to say that after being offended so many times, she had be ustomed to it, and habit is a terrifying thing.


    She tested the waters by offending him bit by bit, and the Xuanwu Emperor tolerated and overlooked her behavior each time, so she would go a step further the next time, and his tolerance would expand infinitely.


    Eventually, no matter what Jiang Xinyue did, he would not think anything was wrong, and might even indulge her.


    It was just a gradual umtion that became habit. Outsiders would think the Emperor deeply loved her, hence allowing her to act so spoiled.


    This was the goal she aimed to achieve.


    Subtly and quietly training the Xuanwu Emperor was the most crucial task for her to be the favored consort.


    When night fell, a rich aroma of meat wafted from Hexi Pce, so fragrant that one could say it permeated ten miles.


    The Xuanwu Emperor, who had not eaten his fill, was about to depart for Yanqing Pce in the imperial carriage when he noticed white smoke swirling above Hexi Pce in the distance.


    He straightened his body, "Wang Dequan, has Hexi Pce caught fire?"


    Wang Dequan also craned his neck to look, "It doesn''t seem like a fire, this servant will go take a look."


    "Let''s go together!"


    At the Emperor''smand, the eunuchs carrying the dragon carriage promptly set off, having sensed the Emperor''s urgency.


    The closer they got, the more intense the aroma became, making one''s mouth water.


    A pce maid who had received a meat bun hand-wrapped by Consort Zhen was happilying out of Hexi Pce, about to eat the novel and delicious bun, when she saw the imperial carriage stop right in front of her.


    She quickly raised the bun over her head with both hands, presenting it, and knelt on the ground, "This servant...this was gifted to this servant by Consort Zhen, who made it herself. Please, Your Majesty, have a taste."


    What was she but a mere servant?


    She had only helped the Consort move a stove, how dare she eat the meat roasted by Consort Zhen''s own hands?


    It should be offered to the Emperor instead.


    Wang Dequan took the greenery-wrapped bundle and unwrapped it, "Your Majesty, it''s beef with garlic slices and green chili peppers, cooked."


    The pce kitchen said Consort Zhen wanted raw meat, didn''t they? He thought thatdy was just throwing a tantrum out of jealousy. Could he have misjudged the situation?


    The Emperor''s meals must be taste-tested for poisons before consumption.


    He raised his chin, "Wang Dequan."


    As the Emperor''s close attendant, Wang Dequan understood the Emperor''s gesture - today, he had no choice but to eat this messy-looking meat dish.


    He hoped Consort Zhen was reliable enough that he wouldn''t get diarrhea from eating it.


    The kneeling young eunuch watched helplessly as his roasted meat was eaten, swallowing repeatedly as drool poured from his mouth, his eyes filled with unfathomable heartbreak.


    Could it really be that delicious?


    Wang Dequan took a bite, and the spicy aroma shot straight into his nasal cavity. It was so delicious that he nearly swallowed his own tongue.


    He never interfered with which consort the Xuanwu Emperor favored, but after eating that piece of meat, he licked his lips with lingering craving, "Your Majesty, you didn''t have your fill for the evening meal, did you? The night is still young, why don''t you go to Hexi Pce and eat your fill before going to Yanqing Pce?"


    It was that delicious!


    Truly too delicious!


    After exchanging a nce with his master, the Xuanwu Emperor nodded, "Approved."


    Since roasting meat produced a lot of smoke, Jiang Xinyue had changed into a gray short robe, her hair covered with a headscarf, looking every bit the roasting meat beauty.


    Xi Que and Shuang Jiang had learned her true techniques, busily fanning the mes in the front courtyard of Hexi Pce, their small fans almost smoking from the effort of roasting meat for their mistress.


    Jiang Xinyue ate while swaying her petite shoulders, her mouth bulging as she chewed contentedly, her eyes squinting in satisfaction as she bobbed her head, her joyful demeanor infecting everyone present.


    Some eunuchs and pce maids were also eating roasted meat, though they dared not sit at the same table as their mistress, instead standing off to the side, taking small but rapid bites.


    Wang Dequan was stunned by this scene of master and servants enjoying together, temporarily forgetting how to speak.


    The Xuanwu Emperor did not reprimand his oldpanion''spse, for even he himself had been entranced by Consort Zhen''s rustic charm.


    "What are you all eating?"


    A thunderous voice fell upon everyone''s ears, and all the maids and eunuchs turned to look, terrified into kneeling on the ground. A few who had roasted meat at their lips, not yet blown cool, shoved the scorching pieces into their mouths, heads lowered as they grimaced in pain, yet unwilling to spit them out.


    Jiang Xinyue heard the Xuanwu Emperor''s voice beside her ear just as she was about to swallow a mouthful of pork belly. Startled, she could neither swallow nor spit it out, only letting out a burp, "Hic...this concubine...hic...greets Your Majesty..."


    At Yanqing Pce¡ª


    Noble Consort Su waited with bated breath, her gaze piercing the pce road, yet the figure of the Emperor was nowhere to be seen.


    Her personal maid, Shuhua, said, "Mydy, you''ve been standing for half a shichen. Go inside and wait! The Emperor flipped your token, he will surelye."


    Noble Consort Su''s face fell in disappointment, leaning on Shuhua''s hand unsteadily before reluctantly walking back.


    Consort De was taking a stroll with the second princess to aid digestion after their meal when she noticed Su''s troubled expression and could not help but console her, "It is not yet the hour for attending the Emperor. His Majesty has gone to Consort Zhen''s pce for a meal. You need not be so anxious, Consort Zhen is an extremely kind person."


    The implication was that Consort Zhen surely knew that Noble Consort Su was scheduled to attend the Emperor tonight, so she would not detain him.


    Noble Consort Su nodded, "This concubine understands."


    Back in her side chambers, Noble Consort Su wept silently, overwhelmed with grievance.


    Consort De was clearly biased in defending Consort Zhen.


    It was already well past the pce''s mealtime, how could the Emperor possibly go to Hexi Pce for an evening meal at this hour?


    Rumor had it that when Consort Zhen initially fell out of favor, she regained the Emperor''s affection by intercepting him on his way to visit Concubine Chu.


    She had only recently gained the Emperor''s favor, yet Consort Zhen already felt threatened by her position and was making a move against her?


    Why was her life so miserable?


    The whimpering cries were fine and broken, like a pitiful, helpless kitten.


    "What''s the matter, my beloved consort?"


    Having been satiated with food and wine by Jiang Xinyue, the Xuanwu Emperor was in a good mood as he entered Noble Consort Su''s bedchamber. Hearing her cries, he did not turn away but asked, "Why are you crying?"


    Noble Consort Su abruptly raised her head, her swollen, reddened eyes fixed on the Xuanwu Emperor. She hastily wiped away her tears, "Your... Your Majesty, this concubine... thought you would note."


    The Yanqing Pce was far from the Hexi Pce, yet she knew he had visited Consort Zhen there?

 Chapter 19

    Chapter 19


    The previous good mood hadpletely vanished.


    The Xuanwu Emperor''s smile faded, instructing Wang Dequan, "There''s an odd smell about me. Go and prepare bath water."


    The roasted dish from Consort Zhen was, in his 28 years of life, the most delicious food he''d ever eaten.


    He was the Emperor, the first to possess all the best things under heaven. He''d never tasted such a delicacy, and hardly anyone else had.


    It seems he wasn''t indifferent to gastronomic indulgences; he just hadn''t encountered a dish that truly tantalized his taste buds.


    Thinking about how he had eaten most of Consort Zhen''s roast today, and how she was so upset she didn''t even pay him any mind when he left, brought a light chuckle to his lips.


    Noble Consort Su, looking at the handsome Emperorughing, couldn''t help but blush and snuggle into the Xuanwu Emperor''s arms, "Is Your Majestyughing at your concubine''s love for weeping?"


    The Xuanwu Emperor lowered his head, "Did my beloved use osmanthus hair oil today?"


    Noble Consort Su, dressed up from head to toe, twirled her hair, "Does Your Majesty like it?"


    He even noticed she had changed her hair oil; surely he held her in his heart.


    If it wasn''t so, with so many women in the harem, how could he single out her changes?


    The Xuanwu Emperorid her down on the bed, "Beloved, you are naturally beautiful. Even without those things, you could captivate me."


    Noble Consort Su shyly smiled, "Your concubine just wants to show you her best side, lest Your Majesty forget me when you find someone new."


    The extinguished candle brought silence, Wang Dequan shook his head and closed the pce doors.


    This Noble Consort Su really had no perception. The Emperor wasn''t praising her at all!


    He disliked the scent of hair oil, and disliked even more the taste of rouge and powder!


    If anyone truly understood the Emperor, it was undoubtedly Consort Zhen. Even Concubine Li sometimes couldn''t grasp the Emperor''s intentions, but Consort Zhen understood him with just a nce.


    Perhaps this was the difference between sincerity and pretense!


    Poor Consort Zhen, so deeply in love with the Emperor. Who knows how long she can hold his affection?


    Hopefully, it will be for a long time. Otherwise, it would be too pitiful.


    The next day, the imperial edict promoting Noble Consort Su to the rank of Consort arrived. However, the usually ecstatic Consort Su was not as ted when she visited Yikun Pce to pay respects to the Empress. Another edict from the Emperor had promoted Consort Zhen to the rank of Concubine Zhenji.


    Consort Su was promoted because she had served the Emperor in his bed. What merit did Jiang Xinyue have?


    Once the edict was announced, the envious nces at Consort Su diminished greatly.


    Wang Dequan almost doubted if the Emperor''s real intention wasn''t to promote Consort Su, but to elevate Concubine Zhenji''s rank. He feared promoting her alone would draw too much attention and lead to schemes against her, hence he included Consort Su as well.


    This dangerous thought made Wang Dequan shake his head.


    How could that be?


    He had served the Emperor for over twenty years, and he had never seen him so invested in a woman before.


    Concubine Li had once held a fraction of the Emperor''s affection. That small fraction allowed her to be the most favored in the harem for over a decade. How long has Concubine Zhenji been in the pce?


    Impossible.


    While everyone envied Jiang Xinyue for her rapid promotion within just three months of entering the pce, she herself didn''t seem very happy.


    Concubine Zhenji...


    In the Sichuan and Chongqing regions, there''s a first-ss protected animal called... the Hazel Grouse.


    It was rather a dull appearance.


    Above Concubine Zhenji was a jewel of the sixth rank¡­


    A precious chicken¡­


    emm¡­


    Had she known that a barbecue meal would lead to Zhenji''s promotion, she would have preferred to skip that mealst night.


    However¡­


    Not long after she returned to the Hexi Pce, Wang Dequan arrived, stating that he would dine with Concubine Zhenji that evening and asked her to prepare well.


    Jiang Xinyue looked at the tworge pear wood tables set in the courtyard,den with various meat skewers, slices of pork belly, and all sorts of vegetables.


    There were even more side dishes thanst night.


    Even the royal kitchen''s chef came over, stating he wanted to observe and learn, asking Concubine Zhenji not to withhold her culinary wisdom.


    It turned out that Jiang Xinyue''s cooking skillsst night, and the Emperor''s stay at the Hexi Pce, had already be the talk of the harem.


    It was said that the Emperor wanted to stay with Concubine Zhenjist night, but she persuaded him to go to Concubine Su''s ce.


    It seemed that aside from Concubine Li, Concubine Zhenji was the most favored.


    It must be said, a beautiful misunderstanding.


    Last night, Xuanwu Emperor had no intention of staying at the Hexi Pce, and Jiang Xinyue did not want to be the target of everyone''s arrows. She didn''t intentionally flirt with him, even bing slightly upset because he ate all the meat.


    Jiang Xinyue gazed at the sky, seemingly foreseeing her miserable fate of being treated as a royal chef by the dog emperor.


    But on second thought, if she wanted to get rid of the title of Concubine Zhenji, she had to try her best to win over the Xuanwu Emperor.


    As the saying goes, to capture a man''s heart, capture his stomach first.


    This phrase is universally applicable.


    With a determined look in her eyes, she changed into a more efficient outfit, instructed Xi Que and Shuang Jiang to assist, and began marinating the meat.


    Last night, she didn''t have enough time, and the marinated meat wasn''t vorful enough. ording to her taste, it wasn''t delicious enough.


    But today, there was plenty of time. Tonight''s barbecue would be perfect.


    Pour oil, sprinkle salt, add white wine, spring onions, ginger, bay leaves, five-spice powder, knead and mix, then let it rest. After a dizzying series of steps, the royal chefs were left dumbfounded.


    Could something prepared this way be delicious?


    They were uncertain, but continued to observe.


    "Xi Que."


    Wiping the sweat from her forehead, Jiang Xinyue said, "Go to Yikun Pce, Yanqing Pce, and Shunan Pce. Invite the Empress, Consort Liang, and Consort De. Oh, and bring the eldest princess, the second princess, and the third prince to dine here this evening."


    To convince the Empress that she truly had no ambition to fight for supremacy in the harem, mere ttery wouldn''t suffice, her actions had to show sincerity too.


    It was a hot summer day, and Jiang Xinyue was worried about the meat spoiling, so she had the Household Department bring ice again and again.


    Although it was a bit troublesome, there was no other choice. Who could me her? There was no electricity or refrigerators in ancient times!


    Yikun Pce ¡ª


    Consort Liang wasbing the Empress''s hair. Hearing Fen Yun''s words, she was slightly surprised, "Did someone from Hexi Pce really say that?"


    Fen Yun nodded, "Yes, they also said that the young masters coulde along. The young pce maid said that Concubine Zhenji mentioned that a barbecue is more enjoyable with more people."


    Consort Liang marvelled, "Most people would covet the Emperor''s attention for themselves. What is she thinking, not taking advantage of the opportunity to be alone with the Emperor, yet inviting the Empress and us over?"


    "She must have some sincerity."


    Empress Zhu examined the ornamental hairpin on her g in the copper mirror, switching for a more understated one, "Since she''s asked us to dress simply, let''s not be overlyplicated. The eldest princess should also keep it minimalistic."


    Seeing that Consort Liang was eager to leave, Empress Zhu did not hold her back, urging her to hurry back and guide the eldest princess on what to say and what not to say.


    The opportunity was provided by Zhen Ji. Whether the eldest princess could seize it depended on herself.

 Chapter 20

    Chapter 20


    At noon, the Xuanwu Emperor ate very little, causing the Imperial Kitchen to spend half a day investigating whether there were issues with their cuisine and vors.


    It wasn''t until the two imperial chefs who went to the Hexi Pce to "learn the craft" returned, that they learned Concubine Zhenji was going to make barbecued meat again that night.


    Many veteran chefs who had worked in the pce for decades didn''t think much of it, believing the Emperor only indulged Concubine Zhenji''s whims. If it were another consort, they doubted he''d be able to swallow such food!


    To the few young chefs eagerly discussing how novel and interesting these barbecuing methods were, the older chefs felt the youth didn''t take things seriously and simply wanted to take shortcuts.


    But cooking has no shortcuts¡ªeither the food is delicious or it''s not. The noble lords anddies in the pce all had discerning ptes and could taste everything.


    To make a name for oneself in the pce, one needed real skill.


    Jiang Xinyue also believed this.


    To win over the Xuanwu Emperor''s heart and conquer his stomach, she needed real culinary skills.


    Fortunately, she hailed from a future era renowned for its cuisine. Casually whipping up some barbecue or hotpot would suffice to impress the food-deprived ancients.


    Having not eaten his fill at noon, by 3 pm the Xuanwu Emperor couldn''t hold out any longer, his stomach growling audibly.


    "Wang Dequan, has anyone from the Hexi Pce sent word on when we''ll dine?"


    Wang Dequan was also hungry and hadn''t eaten enough, grimacing as he replied, "Your Majesty, they said it won''t be until 7 pm. Perhaps you''d like the evening meal served first, and treat the barbecue as ate-night snack?"


    "No!"


    The Xuanwu Emperor sternly refused, forcing himself to ignore the emptiness in his belly as he diligently reviewed the memorials.


    He had already waited so long, how could he give up now by dining early?


    "Wang Dequan, do you smell the aroma of barbecued meat?"


    After a moment, the Xuanwu Emperor sniffed the air. "Is Zhenji grilling the meat already?"


    Wang Dequan''s eyes lit up as he hurriedly said, "This servant will send someone to inquire."


    "No need!"


    The Xuanwu Emperor felt that asking so persistently made him seem overeager and unrestrained.


    He closed the memorials and changed into a deep purple robe. "Since I''ve finished my official duties, I shall go see for myself how this barbecue is prepared."


    Jiang Xinyue had scheduled the barbecue for between 7 pm and 9 pm.


    On summer evenings, darkness fell slowly. At 7 pm, the sky was not yetpletely dark, so for a bonfire gathering, it would be better to wait until night had fully set in.


    The Office of Music and Dance in the pce received orders from Concubine Zhenji to perform instrumental music for the Emperor, Empress Zhu, Consorts Liang and De, and the young princes and princesses that night, requiring rehearsal.


    During pce banquets, they usually sent beautiful dancing girls and singing maidens, with the instrumentalists merely apanying them.


    It was rare for Concubine Zhenji of the Hexi Pce to favor instrumental music, so the musicians seized this opportunity to showcase their talents, meticulously rehearsing a piece thatbined twelve different instruments.


    The Xuanwu Emperor arrived at the Hexi Pce a quarter before 7 pm, but the lively scene before him made him wonder if he hade to the wrong ce.


    It was Jiang Xinyue who first noticed him, waving him over. "Your Majesty,e over here! We''ve been waiting for you."


    Her rxed, casual demeanor made the Xuanwu Emperor feel as if he were a wealthy merchant, and she his wife casually weing her hardworking husband home to dine.


    "This concubine greets Your Majesty."


    "Your son greets His Majesty the Father."


    The Xuanwu Emperor''s thoughts were abruptly pulled back to reality. Zhenji was not his wife, but rather his wife was d in in robes, her beauty now faded with age, though the glow of the bonfire hinted at her youthful, unmatched beauty.


    Jiang Xinyue held a small brush in her left hand and a skewer ofmb in her right, smoky and charred. "Your Majesty, this concubine is not very graceful today, so please forgive any breach of etiquette at this family gathering."


    The Xuanwu Emperor stared at the meat skewer in her hand, but did not forget to help the Empress Zhu to her feet. "Our dear Concubine Zhenji has taken on the role of imperial chef tonight. How could I find fault?"


    He patted the third prince''s head. "What did you think of Concubine Zhenji''s barbecue?"


    Caught in the act of sneaking food, the third prince licked his glistening lips, eyes sparkling. "Father, Concubine Zhenji is so amazing. This is the first time I''ve tasted such delicious ''foreign tubers.''"


    "Foreign tubers" referred to potatoes, as they had been brought from abroad by an envoy a century ago.


    The child''s innocent words drewughter from the crowd.


    Several tes of grilled skewers were alreadyid on the table. After the Xuanwu Emperor took his seat, the Empress Zhu, Consorts Liang and De also sat down.


    Xi Que and Shuang Jiang took over the barbecuing duties from Jiang Xinyue so she could enjoy the meal.


    She had to teach thedies the proper way to eat barbecue.


    At first, the Empress Zhu found the manner of eating barbecue rather uncouth, but after trying the pork belly skewers following Zhenji''s example, it was as if she had opened the door to a new world.


    Seeing the Emperor, though still dignified, devouring the food with gusto, clearly quite familiar with the ritual, Zhenji even personally rolled a skewer of beef into a lettuce leaf with fresh green chili peppers and garlic, stuffing it into the Emperor''s mouth.


    Far from taking offense, the Emperor reciprocated by wrapping one for Zhenji to eat.


    To the onlookers, they resembled an ordinary but affectionate couple from themon folk.


    The Empress Zhu suddenly understood¡ªperhaps the Xuanwu Emperor did not see Zhenji as a younger version of thete Noble Consort Li, but rather genuinely liked the girl to some degree.


    This young woman possessed a weing charm that, when she extended her goodwill, made anyone want to be close to her and befriend her.


    Just look at how the usually arrogant eldest princess, the typically aloof second princess, and the mischievous third prince had all fallen under Zhenji''s spell, addressing her respectfully as "Concubine Zhenji" with obvious delight.


    This barbecue feast was truly enjoyable for both hosts and guests.


    After the meal, when all the noble guests were stuffed, Jiang Xinyue had the performers from the Office of Music and Dancee in to y instruments.


    The pipa, zheng, xiqin, guqin, xiao, dizi, se, qin, sheng, guan, and ruan.


    Each instrument had its own unique range when yed solo, yet they blended harmoniously together, sometimes grandiose and powerful, sometimes gentle and soothing...


    The children''sughter mingled melodiously with the music as the pce maids and eunuchs joined Jiang Xinyue, hand-in-hand around the bonfire, dancing.


    Seated beside the Xuanwu Emperor, the Empress Zhu''s perpetual artificial smile faded, revealing some genuine feeling. "It''s rather like the grand feasts the Mongol people hold after a winter hunt on the grasnds."


    The Xuanwu Emperor turned his head and smiled at her as well: "Mongol roasted meat is a whole cow or sheep cut into pieces, not as refined as Zhenji''s method, which is more suitable for us Great Yan people."


    At this moment, Jiang Xinyue had already changed into a pce consort''s attire. In front of the bonfire, her countenance was like the bright moon in the sky, emitting a soft glow.


    Her smile was radiant, as if it could dispel all gloom and darkness, making one want to pursue that beauty.


    Empress Zhu looked at her with kind eyes: "No wonder the Emperor favors her. She is so innocent and pure that even we consorts cannot dislike her."

 Chapter 21

    Chapter 21


    Empress Zhu had never thought of hiding her inner thoughts from the Xuanwu Emperor, for she knew that in the harem, there were no secrets from the Emperor.


    Her every action and deed were known to him.


    But she was the Empress of the Central Pce, and if the concubines were disrespectful to her, she had the right to discipline them, regardless of whether her methods were proper or not. This was the dignity and respect that the Xuanwu Emperor had bestowed upon her as his principal wife.


    He was well aware of her distaste for the likes of Concubine Li.


    The Xuanwu Emperor looked at Jiang Xinyue with an unnoticed tenderness in his eyes: "Zhenji... is indeed wonderful."


    She had never spoken ill of any concubine in front of him, nor had she tried to turn others against them.


    Those she thought were good, she treated with sincere affection, like the Empress, Consort Liang, and Consort De.


    Those she deemed unworthy, she didn''t even bother to put on a pretense, maintaining a respectful distance from them.


    For instance, at today''s roast meat banquet, had it been for other concubines, even if she disliked Concubine Li, Consort Jiang, and others, she would have invited them since the Empress and others had already been invited, to maintain her image of benevolence and magnanimity.


    But with Jiang Xinyue, she disyed her likes and dislikes openly.


    The Xuanwu Emperor appreciated this fresh and unmasked honesty.


    The sound of music and dance drifted from the Hexi Pce, filled with the aroma of roasting meat.


    Concubine Li, who hade to the Chengqian Pce to deliver a nourishing soup to the Xuanwu Emperor, looked up at the swirling white smoke above the Hexi Pce, her eyes growing increasingly cold.


    Layue cautiously nced at her: "Your Ladyship, shall we..."


    "Return to the pce."


    Concubine Li took Layue''s hand and stepped into the pnquin: "This consort does not eat leftovers."


    If she hade to the Chengqian Pce and the Emperor had apanied her, it would have been Zhenji''s loss of face. But if she had forced her way into the Hexi Pce and caused such embarrassment, where would her own dignity lie?


    Cries could asionally be heard from the Yanqing Pce: "She did it deliberately to slight me. She knew I was residing in Consort De''s Yanqing Pce, yet she invited Consort De but excluded me. She did it on purpose to humiliate me, trying to win over Consort De against me."


    Shuhua, thinking her mistress''s thoughts were too extreme, tried to reason with her: "Mydy, you shouldn''t overthink it. The Empress Zhu doesn''t know you, so how could she slight you on purpose? This servant has heard that Zhenji is the Empress''s woman, so it''s only natural for her to have good rtions with Consort De and Consort Liang."


    "When she moved into her pce, the Emperor came to see me. Who knows, he might have been plotting his revenge against me!"


    Lost in her thoughts, Concubine Su began to cry again.


    Jiang Xinyue was unaware of the events unfolding outside the Hexi Pce. She didn''t end the lively "family banquet" with the Eldest Princess, the second princess, and the third prince untilte at night when the young masters were all exhausted.


    Within the Hexi Pce, there was a room called the "Ear Room," which was a hot spring pool built by the Internal Affairs Department to curry favor with the Emperor when the pce was first constructed.


    Jiang Xinyue and the Xuanwu Emperor emerged from the hot spring an hourter.


    The sshing water at the edge of the hot spring had already informed the attending pce maids that their services were not needed inside.


    Gazing at the candid and smiling Jiang Xinyue by his side, the Xuanwu Emperor nuzzled her neck and said: "My beloved consort, give this Emperor a son!"


    The depths of the harem were lonely, and he could not always apany her. Giving her a child would be a blessing.


    Since he was destined to neglect her, he might as well indulge her with affection.


    If he couldn''t give her his true heart, he could at least dote on her.


    Jiang Xinyue was startled. She was only fifteen years old and didn''t want to have a child, at least not until she turned eighteen and became an adult.


    So many women in ancient times had lost their lives due to difficult childbirth before their bodies were fully developed. She didn''t want to take that risk.


    Did this dog Emperor think that forcing her to have a child was a favor to her?


    "Why a son? Can''t it be a daughter? If a concubine gives birth to a princess, will the Emperor no longer favor her?"


    "What nonsense are you talking?"


    The Xuanwu Emperor flicked her forehead: "If we have a daughter as adorable as you, this Emperor will find her a husband as good as myself."


    No way!


    Jiang Xinyue didn''t want her daughter to marry a phnderer like him.


    She had transmigrated into the harem and be the Xuanwu Emperor''s consort,peting for his favor with so many other women, because she had no choice.


    Her daughter must not follow in her footsteps.


    Her daughter''s future husband must love her, respect her, and be devoted to her for life. If he couldn''tmit to being her one and only, he would not be permitted to marry her daughter.


    Fickle men need not apply.


    On the following day''s morning court, Concubine Li did not attend, citing illness.


    Jiang Xinyue assumed that she was probably upset because the Emperor had spent the previous night dining, attending the bonfire party, and conversing with her, the Empress, and others, angering Concubine Li.


    After the court session, Consort Jiang, along with Consort Wan and Consort Jin, waited for her on the path she would take back to her pce.


    "p!"


    Concubine Su knelt on the ground, her face stinging from Consort Jiang''s p, only daring to shed silent tears.


    "Concubine Su has been favored by the Emperor for a couple of days, and she''s already forgotten her ce. How dare she block Consort Jiang''s path? We veterans should advise you that the Emperor''s heart belongs only to Concubine Li. The rest of you ignorant girls are merely the Emperor''s ythings."


    "As ythings, you should know your ce and not put on airs or make a spectacle of yourselves trying to attract attention."


    Jiang Xinyue walked past them, casually bowing: "This consort greets her sisters. What seems to be the matter?"


    She stood up, not giving Consort Jiang an opportunity to deliberately embarrass her.


    Consort Jiang wasn''t as foolish as Concubine Su and wouldn''t dare confront her directly.


    "Sister Zhenji, you''ve arrived at the perfect time."


    Consort Jiang narrowed her eyes: "I hear you and Concubine Su entered the pce together, so you must share a bond. As I was walking along, she blocked my path. Do you think she deserved to be pped?"


    This wasn''t about pping Concubine Su at all; it was clearly an attempt to p Jiang Xinyue''s face.


    "Concubine Su was indeed careless."


    Jiang Xinyue clicked her tongue: "On such a wide path, Concubine Su should have grown eyes on the back of her head. When she saw it was Consort Jiang, she should have immediately stepped aside. After all, you are the elder, and she is young. A few extra steps wouldn''t have hurt her. Don''t you know to respect your elders and be kind to the young?"


    By saying "respect your elders," she was implying that Concubine Su should have deferred to Consort Jiang. But by adding "be kind to the young," she was suggesting that Consort Jiang, as an elder, should have been more gracious to the younger Concubine Su.


    "This consort has matters to attend to in her pce, so I won''t disturb Sister Jiang any further in her guidance of the neers."


    She tilted her head and curtsied with a wave of her handkerchief, then took Xi Que''s hand and leisurely made her way to the Hexi Pce.


    Consort Jiang was so enraged that she pped Concubine Su twice.


    Jiang Xinyue had no inclination to y the role of a savior; she avoided meddling in others'' affairs if she could help it, for that was her principle for surviving in the harem.


    Since she had transmigrated into the body of a consort, she wasn''t there to make friends. Her goal was clear: to be the favored concubine in the depths of the pce.

 Chapter 22

    Chapter 22


    Concubine Li fell ill, and naturally, the Xuanwu Emperor was concerned. For five consecutive days, he stayed in Concubine Li''s pce.


    Such favoritism, she truly was the most favored in the harem.


    The Internal Affairs Department bestowed gifts like a flowing river, ceaselessly pouring into the Changxin Pce. Many were waiting to see the joke that Hexi Pce would be.


    After all, ever since Jiang Xinyue entered the pce, she had shared half of Concubine Li''s favor. The concubines in the harem were all looking forward to the two pulling each other''s hair out!


    Even the Empress and Consort Liang hinted several times, suggesting she do something to win back the Emperor''s heart.


    Jiang Xinyue pretended not to understand, spending her days with Xi Que, Shuang Jiang, and Jiang Chuan, along with a few other pce maids and eunuchs, researching delicious food behind closed doors in Hexi Pce.


    The two young imperial chefs in the Imperial Kitchen had mastered the secret of roasting meat. It was said that they were even summoned by the Xuanwu Emperor to the Changxin Pce to roast meat exclusively for the Emperor and Concubine Li.


    The dog Emperor really knew how to use her achievements to curry favor.


    This made all the imperial chefs green with envy.


    Those old imperial chefs who had previously looked down on them were now shamelessly asking for the method of roasting meat.


    Everyone thought that Concubine Li had not taken Concubine Zhenji seriously before, so she did notpete for favor. Now that she realized the threat of Concubine Zhenji, she made a move that caused Hexi Pce to lose favor.


    The hottest part of summer had passed, and it was already autumn.


    Jiang Xinyue, with her unparalleled culinary skills of this era, did not live a hard life as the other concubines in the pce had imagined. Instead, she seemed to have be more rounded.


    There was no choice, as autumn arrived, she had stewed many nourishing and lung-moistening Cantonese soups in the Imperial Kitchen. Drinking them made one''splexion rosy and radiant.


    Even Empress Zhu, Consort Liang, and Consort De had some sent to their pces. They all felt that their bodies had improved this autumn.


    The eldest princess, the second princess, and the third prince, ever since they had tasted the roast meat in Hexi Pce, woulde to Concubine Zhenji''s ce every now and then to enjoy the food, only leaving when their bellies were round.


    Half a month had passed, and the Emperor had not visited Hexi Pce.


    Because Concubine Li was ill, the Imperial Physician said it was a disease caused by worry. She needed to rest and could not be stimted. Otherwise, her body would copse, and it would be difficult for her to conceive in the future.


    Chengqian Pce¡ª


    The atmosphere in the entire hall was very low. The Xuanwu Emperor''s temper was not very good recently, and the pce maids who served him were trembling with fear, daring not to make any mistakes.


    "Your Majesty¡­"


    Wang Dequan''s heart was in his throat: "Concubine Zhenji has gone to Yikun Pce again."


    Carrying a pot of beef soup with radish and dried tangerine peel¡­


    "Snap!"


    The wolf hair brush in the Xuanwu Emperor''s hand was snapped in half. The ink sshed on his hand, but he didn''t care. He pulled over a piece of paper to wipe his hand and said expressionlessly: "I know, you can withdraw!"


    Concubine Zhenji had been stewing nourishing soup for half a month, but not once had she sent any to Chengqian Pce, even though the two pces were so close.


    The Xuanwu Emperor felt blocked in his heart, sour and ufortable.


    Concubine Li and Consort Jiang, even Consort De and Consort Liang had sent some several times.


    Yesterday, when the Xuanwu Emperor went to Changxin Pce, he saw Jiang Xinyue at the door of Hexi Pce. She had be even more beautiful after not seeing her for half a month.


    Her figure was ample, a picture of rounded and polished beauty. Her skin was so white it seemed to glow, making her all the more charming. Yet, she retained a touch of girlish innocence.


    In short, even without the Emperor''s favor, she lived her days in carefreefort.


    After half a month of leisure, Jiang Xinyue returned from Yikun Pce. As she passed by Chengqian Pce, she finally felt a pang of conscience and decided to visit the Emperor.


    Just as she approached the steps of Chengqian Pce, she ran into Concubine Li, who wasing toward her.


    "I pay my respects to Concubine Li," she said.


    Concubine Li didn''t even spare her a nce. She lowered her head and took the food box from Layue''s hands, then allowed a young eunuch to announce her arrival. Very soon... Wang Dequan came to invite Concubine Li inside.


    As Concubine Li moved aside, Wang Dequan finally saw the smiling Concubine Zhenji standing at the foot of the steps.


    His eyes widened. He wanted to exin something to the Emperor, but he saw Concubine Zhenji wave her hand and run off with her handmaids Xi Que and Shuang Jiang.


    Wait!


    Why did he feel guilty, as if the Emperor''s meeting with Concubine Li was a betrayal to Concubine Zhenji?


    How strange!


    As he closed the doors of Chengqian Pce, he looked at the retreating figure of Jiang Xinyue, thinking: Perhaps it was the Emperor''s particr concern for Zhenji that made him feel this way.


    "Your Majesty, please taste this pig stomach soup. I had it prepared in the small kitchen of Changxin Pce."


    The Xuanwu Emperor, who disliked offal, politely took a few sips. Seeing Wang Dequan''s hesitant expression, he said to Concubine Li: "I have many state affairs to attend to today. You have just recovered, so it''s best if you return to Changxin Pce to rest. Wang Dequan, use my royal carriage to send Concubine Li back."


    Concubine Li didn''t want to leave, but the offer of the royal carriage was too appealing to reject: "The state affairs are important, Your Majesty. Please take care of your health. I won''t disturb you any longer."


    That was the royal carriage!


    Even the Empress had never ridden in it. She would be the first concubine to do so.


    This honor would surely drive others mad with jealousy.


    Let the woman in Hexi Pce see who the Emperor really loved.


    After sending off Concubine Li, Wang Dequan hurried back: "Your Majesty, when Concubine Li arrived just now, Concubine Zhenji was also outside, presumably to see you."


    "Wha-"


    "What did you say?"


    The chair beneath him was jolted, making a harsh noise. The Xuanwu Emperor walked a few steps then stopped: "Why didn''t you say so earlier?"


    "I only saw her when I went out. I asked the eunuch on duty at the gate, and he said that Concubine Zhenji arrived first."


    "Why was Concubine Li announced first if Zhenji was here earlier?"


    The Xuanwu Emperor frowned: "Change all the eunuchs on duty at the gate today. They are not following the rules."


    They must have looked down on Concubine Zhenji and didn''t announce her!


    In Wang Dequan''s heart, Jiang Xinyue''s status had subtly risen another notch.


    Back in Hexi Pce, Jiang Xinyue said to Shuang Jiang: "I want to have lotus seed pig stomach soup for dinner. Go and notify the Imperial Kitchen."


    Shuang Jiangplied and left when the time came, but she did not return for a long while.


    The autumn wind is deste, in the backyard of Hexi Pce, fruits and vegetables have already borne fruit, they are shiny and green, looking quite appetizing.


    Thentern at the door was swaying in the wind. Xi Que, kneeling at her feet with a stew pot, said, "Your Highness, please don''t cry anymore. Although we don''t have pig stomach soup, we still have Tianma pigeon soup, and it''s just as delicious."


    "Am I crying over pig stomach soup?"


    Jiang Xinyue''s voice choked up, "It''s all my fault. I shouldn''t have intentionally provoked the noble concubine because I lost favor. Now, you all have to suffer with me during Layue. I''m so useless."


    "I don''t feel pain."


    A sound of teeth gritting and gasping followed. Jiang Xinyue¡¯s tears flowed even more fiercely, "Shuang Jiang, don''t be afraid, I will definitely not let you have a scar on your face."


    The door creaked open as the Xuanwu Emperor entered¡­

 Chapter 23

    Chapter 23


    Jiang Xinyue sat in front of a copper mirror, with Xi Que and Shuang Jiang kneeling at her feet. Xi Que held a tray with the pigeon soup she had mentioned.


    On the other side, Shuang Jiang''s chin rested on Jiang Xinyue''s hand, which lifted her face to inspect the red marks on her cheeks.


    Some areas had even started to bleed with dark crimson beads.


    What had Layue used to strike Shuang Jiang''s face so severely during this lunar month? Was she being heavy-handed?


    "Your Majesty!"


    Jiang Xinyue didn''t expect the Xuanwu Emperor to visit. She hurriedly knelt on the ground, not in formal attire but in a simple sleeping robe with her hair loose, looking rather unkempt.


    Yet a beauty remains a beauty; even wrapped in rags, she could carry the aura of haute couture gowns worth tens of thousands.


    Though appearing unadorned, each strand of her hair was styled with minimal makeup to highlight her beauty to the utmost.


    Her eyes were as red as a rabbit''s, adding a touch of fragility.


    Jiang Xinyue had arranged with the eunuch guards to shake antern whenever the Emperor arrived.


    This lord was fond of eavesdropping.


    "What happened here?"


    The Xuanwu Emperor helped her up from the ground. "Were you mistreated?"


    He needn''t have asked, for the question alone brought tears streaming down Jiang Xinyue''s face.


    Afraid her voice would break into sobs, she stubbornly bit her lip,rge teardrops rolling unceasingly as she shook her head, unwilling to speak.


    Shuang Jiang kept her head lowered until the Emperor addressed her, "You tell me."


    Shuang Jiang nced at Jiang Xinyue, who turned away. "The Emperor asks you a question. What are you looking at me for?"


    She seemed intent on seeking justice for Shuang Jiang.


    The Xuanwu Emperor had never seen her so angry before.


    Even when she was punished by kneeling, or when Zhenjimitted suicide in her pce, leaving her bedridden from shock, she had not shed a single tear.


    Emboldened, Shuang Jiang pursed her lips and replied, "To answer Your Majesty, this servant was at the evening meal when..."


    The Imperial Kitchen had prepared lotus seed and pig''s stomach soup for all the pces that day, which Concubine Li had served to the Emperor in the morning.


    Zhenji had stewed her own soup, but there was only a small portion left after serving the Empress and some others.


    The Third Prince''s throat had been sore and inmed for the past two days, so Consort De had him stay at the Yanqing Pce for care instead of returning to the Prince''s residence.


    Seeing his pitiful state, Jiang Xinyue gave her portion of soup to Consort De''s pce.


    At the evening meal, when Shuang Jiang heard there was pig''s stomach soup, she went to get some, intending to add angelica sinensis.


    It so happened that Layue from Concubine Li''s pce was also in the kitchen. Upon hearing Shuang Jiang''s request, she mocked that Zhenji couldn''t wait for the Emperor, so she was deceiving herself by eating angelica sinensis.


    Shuang Jiang retorted, and Layue struck her.


    "This servant only said that our mistress has an imbnce of qi and blood. The Imperial Physician said angelica sinensis tastes sweet yet heavy, so it can nourish blood. Its qi is light yet pungent, so it can also promote blood flow. It supplements while moving and moves while supplementing, making it a vital blood tonic. Our mistress taking it does not imply anything..."


    She cautiously looked up, eyes downcast to avoid gazing directly at the imperial countenance, revealing her injured face. "Layue said this servant was being disrespectful to Concubine Li and struck me ten ps."


    If it were just one p, her face would not have swollen so badly.


    "Impudent!"


    The Xuanwu Emperor mmed his palm onto the round table in rage, the thunderous sound startling all the pce maids and eunuchs into kneeling.


    Tears streaming, Jiang Xinyue hurried to hold the Emperor''s reddened hand and blow on it before eximing angrily, "Had I known Your Majesty would be so enraged, this concubine would not have let Shuang Jiang speak. Injuring your body only pains me."


    Shuang Jiang kowtowed fearfully. "This servant deserves to die."


    "I did not mean you two." The Emperor waved his hand. "Take her to be treated, and heed your mistress'' orders. Do not let her face scar."


    After everyone had left the room, the Emperor embraced Jiang Xinyue from behind, consoling her, "Concubine Li is of noble birth and inevitably arrogant. Her pce maids have taken on some of her haughtiness, wronging my beloved."


    Not a word about punishing Concubine Li''s maid!


    Did her servant''s life not matter?


    Jiang Xinyue lowered her eyes. She knew that if she spoke words of understanding now, the Emperor would only feel sorrier for her. But her mood was foul, as if she had fed her previous two meals to the dogs.


    She remained silent with downcast eyes, tears flowing, a sight that truly pained the Xuanwu Emperor. He could only gently soothe her as Jiang Xinyue pouted, "Concubine Li may be noble, but how dare her maid take advantage of her status to act so audaciously? Layue is but a pce maid, yet she presumes herself equal to Concubine Li, truly outrageous. If she ever disrespects this concubine again, I shall not spare her."


    She was preemptively warning the Emperor, lest he defend Concubine Li the next time she struck Layue.


    She could not reprimand the esteemed Concubine Li, but was she to fear a mere maid?


    She did not believe in tolerating mistreatment for temporary peace, nor did she subscribe to the notion of "A gentleman avenges insults after ten years."


    As the saying goes, "Tolerate once and risk ovarian cysts; retreat a step and invite breast tumors."


    If wronged, she would retaliate immediately.


    If her pce maids were struck, she would strike back, devising ways to return the blows.


    In Concubine Li''s Changxin Pce, when word spread that the Emperor had visited the Hexi Pce that night, the guilt-ridden Layue revealed that she had struck Shuang Jiang. "I knew that pig''s stomach soup was made on your orders for the Emperor, yet she insisted on adding angelica sinensis, clearly mocking you for monopolizing the Emperor''s favor. Ten ps were merciful. I only feared... feared they wouldin to the Emperor... bringing trouble upon you, mydy."


    Concubine Li paid no mind,zily lifting her eyelids before blowing on her fingernails, tinted with fengxianhua juice. "She''s just a servant. So what if she was struck? Do you really think the Emperor would make an issue over Zhenji?"


    Reassured by Concubine Li''s words, Layue''s arrogance grew unchecked.


    Any concubine disliked by their mistress could be struck, for their mistress would protect them.


    Only after the Xuanwu Emperor doted on Jiang Xinyue again did the pce realize that during Concubine Li''s illness of half a month, the Emperor had not visited any other concubines, except the Empress on the fifteenth.


    As soon as Concubine Li recovered, the Emperor went to the Hexi Pce.


    How dare they mock Zhenji?


    They were the trueughingstocks.


    Concubine Li had note to pay respects to Empress Zhu for a long time, but this did not prevent her from learning about Layue''s whereabouts.


    The hibiscus mutabilis was Concubine Li''s favorite flower. At present, the hanging hibiscus mutabilis specially nted for the Concubine in the Imperial Garden was blooming vibrantly, and Layue woulde every day to pick a bouquet to cheer up Concubine Li.


    Jiang Xinyue held the hand of Xi Que, carrying the potted nt steadily. She turned to Shuang Jiang, whose face was covered with a veil, and said, "Don''t hesitateter. When I order you to strike, you strike. Understand?"

 Chapter 24

    Chapter 24


    "But, I''m afraid... If Noble Consort finds out, she might implicate you, mydy..."


    "I''m not afraid, let here and find me if she dares."


    Jiang Xinyue fearlessly said, "Those who hit me must pay the price. Do you think you can bully me easily?"


    Although her status is low, the Emperor dotes on her!


    Favor is the best immunity from death. Otherwise, how would Concubine Li dare to provoke the Empress time and time again?


    Shuang Jiang''s eyes were filled with struggle and tears, but under the encouraging gaze of Jiang Xinyue and Xi Que, they turned into determination.


    When they arrived at the Imperial Garden, Jiang Xinyue nodded at Xi Que, who hid herself behind a pir.


    "These begonias are really beautiful."


    Xi Que, pulling Shuang Jiang, ran all the way to the weeping begonia, and before Shuang Jiang could stop her, she had already broken off two branches, happily saying, "Tomorrow, we''ll use these flowers as hairpins for ourdy. She will definitely love the begonias by her temples."


    "How dare you!"


    A furious voice rang out, startling Xi Que, but when she turned around and saw it was Layue and another maid from Changxin Pce, she didn''t move.


    She was too calm, showing no fear, which made Layue''s face even darker. "It seems that Concubine Zhenji hasn''t learned her lesson after being disciplined by our Noble Consort. This weeping begonia was nted by the Emperor especially for our Noble Consort. She, a mere Sixth Rank Imperial Concubine, dares to pick these begonias without the Noble Consort''s permission. Today, if I don''t teach you a lesson, you won''t learn the rules of this pce."


    She walked over and raised her hand to p Xi Que, but Xi Que, who was prepared, grabbed her wrist and pushed her back. Layue almost fell to the ground.


    "We are all personal maids to our masters, but Sister Layue, you have quite the air about you. You say you''ll hit us as you please. Is this a special privilege given to you by the Noble Consort?"


    This was the first time Layue had been defied by a maid. The maids and eunuchs walking around slowed down and pricked up their ears to listen to themotion.


    Feeling humiliated, Layue''s face turned red with anger. "You audacious servant, I''m disciplining you on behalf of the Noble Consort, and you dare to fight back? Guards, seize her."


    "Who dares?"


    A furious Concubine Zhenji emerged from the corridor, striding over with a gust of wind. Without a word, she pped Layue across the face, then lifted her head proudly. "Even if I am a mere Sixth Rank Imperial Concubine, I am not someone a lowly servant like you canment on. You''re so arrogant, if I didn''t know better, I''d think the Noble Consort herself was here!"


    Layue, covering her face, red at Jiang Xinyue. Although she didn''t speak, the resentment and indignation in her eyes were clear. She must have cursed Jiang Xinyue a thousand times in her heart.


    "Concubine Zhenji, even if I am a dog, I am the Noble Consort''s dog. You hit a dog, but have you considered its owner?"


    "Pfft~"


    Jiang Xinyue covered her mouth andughed. "This is the first time I''ve seen someone happy to be a dog. Yes, when you hit a dog, you should consider its owner. But when the dog''s owner forgets to leash her pet and it bites my people, I hit back. Does the dog''s owner n to kill me for that?"


    "You..."


    "What do you mean by ''you''?"


    Jiang Xinyue kicked Layue''s knee, causing her to kneel in pain. "You don''t even kneel and salute when you see me. It seems like you''re the one who hasn''t learned the rules. Shuang Jiang, hit her for me."


    "p! p! p! p..."


    The crisp sound of ps echoed in the Imperial Garden. Layue was initially stunned, as if she had been pped silly.


    By the time she reacted, ten ps had alreadynded. Her face flushed red, she screamed and grabbed Shuang Jiang''s hand, ready to fight back.


    Seeing this, Jiang Xinyue quickly pulled Shuang Jiang back and grabbed Layue''s hand, pping herself in the face with it.


    She let out a cry as she was sent flying, her nose hitting the ground and blood flowing from it.


    "Concubine Zhenji!"


    "Concubine!"


    Xi Que and Shuang Jiang rushed over, crying and shouting, "Concubine Zhenji is bleeding! Layue, how dare you hit Concubine Zhenji?"


    Jiang Xinyue smeared some pre-prepared pigeon blood under her nose. With the help of the pce maids, she got up from the ground, gave a gloomy look at the stunned Layue, and turned to leave.


    Layue was terrified. Although she often punished pce maids and eunuchs, she had neverid a hand on a mistress or concubine.


    The mistresses of other pces had always been tolerant of her because she was the head maid of Concubine Li. Those who were beaten could only swallow their anger and never thought of seeking justice.


    Why was it different in Hexi Pce?


    Heart-Nurturing Hall¡ª


    After sending away thest minister, Wang Dequan handed a cup of hot tea to the Xuanwu Emperor. "Your Majesty, a doctor has been summoned to Hexi Pce."


    The Xuanwu Emperor didn''t even lift his head. "Is Concubine Zhenji unwell?"


    Wang Dequan pondered for a long time, unsure of how to say it without offending either side.


    The Emperor lost his patience and frowned at him. "Speak."


    "Sigh..."


    Wang Dequan reluctantly said, "Concubine Zhenji was hit... and it''s said... she''s bleeding."


    "What?"


    The Xuanwu Emperor found it unbelievable. "How could such a thing happen in the pce? Only the Empress has the right to punish in the pce, and she gets along well with Zhenji. She wouldn''t punish her. Could it be..."


    "It was Layue... from Noble Consort''s side..."


    What?


    Absurd!


    Presumptuous!


    Bold!


    He thought it was Concubine Li punishing Zhenji again, but it turned out not even to be a high-ranking consort, but a lowly pce maid who dared toy hands on his beloved concubine. Who gave her the audacity?


    Just yesterday, this Layue had beaten Zhenji''s maid, and today she hit Zhenji herself. Who exactly is targeting Zhenji?


    The Emperor knew it as clear as day.


    Apart from Concubine Li herself, who else couldmand the head maid of Changxin Pce, Layue?


    "Prepare the carriage, to Changxin Pce."


    The Xuanwu Emperor stormed off to Changxin Pce, and by evening, the news of his quarrel with Concubine Li had spread throughout the harem.


    The head maid of Noble Consort, who had been bullying the pce servants for a decade, the notorious Layue, was severely beaten by the Pce Eunuch Office with fifty heavy blows, her buttocks blossoming with bruises.


    It was said that it was because Layue had injured Concubine Zhenji of Hexi Pce.


    The pce maids and eunuchs all apuded, their admiration for the fearless Concubine Zhenji skyrocketing.


    Empress Zhu shook her head with a smile, "I was actually worried she wouldn''t fight back, but I didn''t expect her first move would be to break Concubine Li''s arm. I underestimated her."


    Seeing the Empress in high spirits, Fen Yun chuckled along, "The mistress'' kindness towards her hasn''t been in vain after all, now that Concubine Li has gotten hereuppance."


    A thought seemed to cross Empress Zhu''s mind, and her smile faded instantly, "In this harem, she''s the only one who dares to quarrel with the Emperor, yet he doesn''t punish her... Zhenji... is still far behind."


    In the Hexi Pce¡ª


    Beneath Jiang Xinyue''s small and straight nose, a ball of cotton was stuffed, and on the other side, a streak of light pink blood stained her nostril.


    Marks were clear on her half face, like a child who had done something wrong. She pulled at the Xuanwu Emperor''s dragon robe in a coquettish manner, "Your Majesty, your concubine realizes her mistake. You are magnanimous, please do not be angry~"

 Chapter 25

    Chapter 25


    The Xuanwu Emperor sat on the round stool, turning away and ignoring Jiang Xinyue.


    Jiang Xinyue pouted pitifully, looking as if she were about to cry. She knelt on the floor and shuffled along, with her two tiny fists propping up her chin and blinking herrge, aggrieved eyes.


    Her eyes brimmed with tears, resembling the little white dog kept near the swing in Hexi Pce.


    The Xuanwu Emperor sighed and stroked her bruised cheek, lifting her up and cing her on hisp. "Does it hurt?"


    Jiang Xinyue quickly shook her head, seizing the opportunity to cling to him obediently with a smile. "No, no...it hurts the Emperor more."


    "What hurts the Emperor?"


    "Striking your humble servant wounds the Emperor''s heart!"


    She embraced the Emperor bashfully, their foreheads touching, rubbing her nose against his. "Your Majesty, your humble servant was wrong, causing the rift between you and Concubine Li..."


    Her face flushed red. "Your humble servant had no idea it would escte like this. I just...wanted to let off steam at Layue."


    She did not deny purposefully approaching Layue.


    "You still do not realize your mistake."


    The Xuanwu Emperor turned his head aside, looking at her sternly. "There were many ways to vent about Shuang Jiang, yet you chose the most foolish by harming yourself. Layue is merely a pce maid - you could have punished her directly, but you chose self-harm instead. Were you foolish or not?"


    Jiang Xinyue rolled her eyes inwardly, thinking: If I did not harm myself to make you worry, how would you punish Concubine Li''s maid so severely?


    Pce maids in service to different mistresses had different fates.


    "There are many clever consorts in the pce. Your humble servant has the Emperor; I need not be so clever. Being a little foolish...doesn''t the Emperor protect me anyway?"


    "You seem rather proud of that, don''t you?"


    Jiang Xinyue pouted and shook her head slightly. "A little!"


    The Xuanwu Emperor understood - she meant that with so many clever consorts in the pce, she was content being called foolish yet protected by him. She did not mind him calling her foolish.


    Had he said the same to Concubine Li, she would have been crestfallen, secretly trying to prove her intelligence and change her image in his heart.


    Although the Emperor, he was not divine and would inevitablypare Concubine Li and Zhenji.


    In this regard, he preferred Zhenji''s nature.


    Pure yet slightly spoiled, kind yet not timid, spirited yet not hurtful. She never concealed her little thoughts before him, adorably naive and lovable - impossible to be angered.


    Wang Dequan had received orders to fetch the Emperor''s scar-healing medicine for Xi Que and Shuang Jiang to apply on Zhenji.


    However, the Xuanwu Emperor took the medicine from Xi Que and silently applied it on Jiang Xinyue himself.


    He gently dabbed, careful not to hurt her, frequently meeting her gaze and blowing on the medicine every few dabs. The doting eyes he would give a dog brimmed with indulgence that could unwittingly captivate.


    Fortunately...the recipient was Jiang Xinyue.


    A modern twenty-first century woman determined not to be lovesick, but to be a pampered concubine living freely.


    The Emperor was but a tool for herfortable life.


    After Concubine Li''s great humiliation yesterday in Yikun Pce, everyone expected a confrontation between her and Zhenji...oh no...


    This morning, the Emperor decreed Zhenji the fifth-grade Zhen Fangyi, another promotion as Jiang Xinyue wished - not the sixth-grade "Precious Chicken."


    A catfight?


    Impossible.


    Concubine Li had many to punish consorts she disliked.


    In Hexi Pce was a pure white puppy the size of two palms, a gift from the Internal Affairs Department weing Zhen Fangyi''s move.


    Usually, Jiang Xinyue left it to her maids, only holding it asionally out of interest.


    The adorable puppy was especially affectionate towards its master, earning the name "Little Ai Jiang" from Xi Que.


    On ordinary days returning from Yikun Pce, Little Ai Jiang would be the first to greet Jiang Xinyue.


    "Where''s Ai Jiang? Why didn''t Ai Jiange out?"


    Jiang Chuan rushed out of Hexi Pce, only to find his mistress had returned. He knelt and kowtowed. "Forgive me, Mistress. Little Ai Jiang was lured out by someone with food. We are searching for her."


    He presented a gnawed bone found at the gate, clearly eaten by Little Ai Jiang.


    Jiang Xinyue nced at the bone. "Ai Jiang is so small and rarely leaves. Search everywhere and ask around all the nearby pces."


    She had been so focused on protecting others that she neglected the puppy''s safety at home.


    Biting her lip, she felt guilty.


    Though Little Ai Jiang was affectionate, she was extremely timid and would never stray far from Hexi Pce.


    If someone had lured her out, it must have been a treacherous servant in Hexi Pce - Little Ai Jiang fully trusted the pce maids.


    In Yanqing Pce¡ª


    "Ahhh!"


    A shrill scream pierced the pce grounds. Consort De frowned and covered the third prince''s ears. "What happened? What mischief is she up to again?"


    The senior maid Jinyan rushed in. "Your Highness, a dead dog was hung at Concubine Su''s chamber door. She was so terrified that she fainted."


    Jinyan had seen it - bloody and gruesome, utterly horrifying.


    "A dog?"


    Consort De immediately thought of the puppy from Hexi Pce that the third prince and second princess adored. "Who keeps dogs in the pce?"


    Jinyan pondered. "Many keep cats, but it seems only Zhen Fangyi keeps a dog."


    Consort De massaged her brow. "Zhen Fangyi has provoked someone again? Such a cruel method...s...go to Hexi Pce and inform Zhen Fangyi..."


    The third prince said Zhen Fangyi doted on Little Ai Jiang. This would surely devastate her.


    Before Jiang Xinyue arrived at Yanqing Pce, the Xuanwu Emperor and Empress Zhu came first.


    It was because after regaining consciousness, Concubine Su insisted through her sobbing that Jiang Xinyue wanted to harm her, sending maids to summon the Empress to judge the matter.


    The Emperor, happening to dine in Yikun Pce, heard about Hexi Pce''s puppy''s gruesome death hung at Concubine Su''s doorstep and followed the Empress over.


    The Empress was already there!


    Concubine Su rushed into the Emperor''s embrace, saying: "Your Majesty, what has your servant done to offend Zhen Fangyi? Ever since I was honored by your affection, she has targeted me at every turn, and now she has pulled this stunt. I was truly terrified, wuwuwuwu..."


    Empress Zhu looked disdainfully at her dramatic disy and said coldly: "Concubine Su keeps using Zhen Fangyi, but did you not see with your own eyes that she hung Little Ai Jiang at your doorstep?"


    Concubine Su sniffled and lifted her head from the Emperor''s embrace, shaking her head again: "Besides her, who else would hate your servant so much?"


    "Who hates you?"


    Jiang Xinyue hurried over and overheard her usation. Rolling up her sleeves angrily, she squatted down: "Your servant pays respects to Your Majesty, and to the Empress Mother."

 Chapter 26

    Chapter 26


    One would hardly believe it was to send off the Emperor and Empress to the realm of immortality.


    After all, Zhen Fangyi''splexion looked awful.


    After the Emperor summoned her, she did not even spare him a nce, instead pulling Concubine Su out of the Emperor''s embrace: "Exin yourself clearly, who hates you so much? Although we entered the pce on the same day, I had never met you before then. After entering the pce, apart from the day when Consort Jiang struck you for blocking her path, the only time we had any interaction was when I said a few words to you as I passed by. When did we ever have any other dealings? Are you saying that I would cruelly kill my beloved pet to terrorize you?"


    Even when she went to Yikun Pce daily to pay her respects to the noble consorts, she was always apanied by Consort De and Consort Liang, never once going with Concubine Su.


    How could she have offended her, to the point where the other would use the words "hate" to describe her feelings?


    Concubine Su kept looking to the Emperor for help, but he was too preupied watching Zhen Fangyi, who resembled an angry little bird, not sparing her a single extra nce.


    She had no choice but to brazenly say: "If Noble Lady Fangyi does not resent this concubine for receiving Your Majesty''s favor on the day you moved pces, why did you invite Consort De to eat roasted meat that day but neglect this concubine who resided in the same pce as Consort De? And when Consort Jiang struck this concubine, why did you stand by and do nothing to help this concubine?"


    Jiang Xinyue was so angered she had tough. It turned out there really were people like Concubine Su in this world.


    As if she was the center of the universe, everyone had to revolve around her. Not helping her was hating her, not ying with her was hating her, notplying with her wishes was enviously hating her.


    Wasn''t this just pure madness?


    Not only did she find itughable, but even the Empress found it unbelievable: "Just based on your own imagination, you maliciously use Zhen Fangyi without a shred of actual evidence, ndering a consort of higher rank than you. Don''t you know this vites pce rules and warrants corporal punishment?"


    Concubine Su froze for a moment, her gaze shifting evasively: "This concubine... was only making a reasonable guess, not intentionally using Noble Lady Fangyi. Please, Your Majesty, in light of this concubine''s fright, do not pursue the matter."


    Look at that, call her stupid, but she still knows how to look out for herself and avoid harm.


    The body of Little Ai Jiang had been covered with a white sheet. Jiang Xinyue reached out to uncover it, but the Xuanwu Emperor stopped her: "Don''t look."


    Everyone in Hexi Pce adored Little Ai Jiang. If they saw its gruesome state with its eyes gouged out and body cut open, they would inevitably be heartbroken.


    Jiang Xinyue nced at the Emperor, shaking off his hand and slowly pulling down the sheet.


    "Ah!"


    Seeing Little Ai Jiang''s furpletely stained red with blood, its chest and belly sliced open with its innards spilling out, Xi Que let out a terrified scream, covering her mouth.


    She had acted improperly in the Emperor''s presence and knelt on the ground: "This servant deserves to die. Please, Your Majesty, forgive me."


    The Xuanwu Emperor paid it no mind, feeling her reaction was understandable.


    Everyone in Hexi Pce treated Little Ai Jiang like their own child, which was why it had such an amiable nature.


    Suddenly seeing their "child" meet such a gruesome death was simply too much for anyone to bear. Zhen Fangyi and her pce maids had shown remarkable restraint.


    "I told you not to look."


    Arge hand suddenly appeared before her tearful eyes, blocking her view.


    The familiar scent of dragon saliva enveloped Jiang Xinyue from behind. Indignant, she could not fathom how someone could be so cruel as to treat a small dog in this manner.


    As expected, the ipetent could only vent their resentment towards her on weaker beings.


    Such a vile person deserved to be found and executed to avenge the poor pup.


    Longshes brushed against the Xuanwu Emperor''s palm as warm liquid seemed to swirl in her eyes, the heat sshing onto his skin and tightening his chest.


    Unable to tell if it was heartache or something else, he turned Jiang Xinyue around and held her under his arm, covering her with his cloak as he walked out: "Wang Dequan, take Little Ai Jiang back to Hexi Pce and bury it."


    At the gate, the third prince handed Jiang Xinyue some candies: "Lady Jiang, don''t be sad. When Xuan''er recovers, we''ll alle visit you with eldest sister and second sister."


    Jiang Xinyue ruffled his hair, forcing a smile more unsightly than crying, and left without a word under the Emperor''s escort.


    With the Emperor gone, Empress Zhu also had no interest in staying, leaving in her sedan chair amidst a flurry of support.


    Concubine Su''s legs gave out, and she copsed to the ground. Clearly, she was the one most frightened by this incident, yet the Emperor only cared about Zhen Fangyi. The Empress didn''t even bother to investigate, simply using her of ndering Zhen Fangyi...


    Why was her life so miserable?


    Why did no one believe her?


    Mournful sobs rang out as Consort De shook her head and instructed her pce maids: "Go clean up the bloodstains outside Concubine Su''s quarters, and have the imperial physicians prescribe her a calming tonic."


    The Xuanwu Emperor had ordered Little Ai Jiang to be buried, so Wang Dequan dared not neglect the task. A makeshift small coffin was hastily prepared by the Ministry of Works, the white sheet-wrapped puppy''s body ced inside.


    Changxin Pce¡ª


    Concubine Li, dressed in light robes with a headband marking her frail state,y reclined on her noble concubine''s couch: "You''re saying someone killed Zhen Fangyi''s dog and hung it outside Concubine Su''s quarters, and now the Emperor wants to hold a funeral for Zhen Fangyi''s dog and have all the pces send representatives to mourn?"


    Layue had been punished with fifty strokes of the rod and was still recovering in her room. Even if she recovered, she would never be allowed to serve Concubine Li again.


    To employ someone the Emperor loathed would be a tant defiance of the Emperor''s will. No matter how much the Emperor favored her, she dared not openly defy him.


    Chunhe, formerly a second-rank pce maid, was now Changxin Pce''s senior pce maid.


    She stood with lowered head and humble manner: "Yes, the Empress, Consort De, Consort Liang, Consort Jiang, Consort Wan, Consort Jin, Consort Rong, Noble Consort Rong, and the pcedies from every quarters have all gone."


    With the Emperor''smand, who dared disobey?


    Concubine Li exhaled heavily: "The Emperor indulges her antics. If the Empress Dowager were still overseeing the imperial harem, would such a spectacle be allowed? Mobilizing everyone just for a dog''s funeral¡ªthe Empress is simply ipetent."


    She was still displeased with the Emperor, who had not evene to console her. Instead he was upied with Zhen Fangyi. Did she have to lower herself first?


    She refused to do so.


    "Mydy, there''s no need to get upset. I''ve already declined on your behalf, and the Empress said you should focus on recovering and need not attend."


    "Well done."


    Concubine Li massaged her temples as Chunhe promptly came to assist her.


    The Hexi Pce had never been so lively since it opened its gates.


    Beautiful women filled the courtyard, plump and slender, dressed in red and green, striving to catch the Xuanwu Emperor''s attention with their beauty.


    Yet it was theirvish adornments that made Jiang Xinyue''s snow-white robe embroidered with peonies stand out as stunningly graceful and elegant.


    Complementing her delicate, exquisite features, it lent her an air of fragileeauty.


    Jiang Xinyue''s eyes wandered around, her gaze bing ever more pitiful and forlorn.

 Chapter 27

    Chapter 27


    Thinking she could defeat her on her own turf with beauty?


    Sorry, but the moment she shows her face, all the concubines in the pce would have to kneel and call her father.


    When ites to killing with beauty, if she ims second ce, no one dares to im first.


    Sure enough, as soon as Jiang Xinyue appeared, the Xuanwu Emperor''s gaze was glued to her, unable to hide the amazement in his eyes.


    Everyone couldn''t help but sigh: Emperor, is he really just treating Zhen Fangyi as a substitute for the young Concubine Li?


    Consort De, Consort Liang, Consort Rong, and Noble Consort Rong, who entered the pce around the same time as Concubine Li, had all seen the beauty of Concubine Li in her youth.


    To be honest, they really couldn''t lie and say that Zhen Fangyi wasn''t as beautiful as Concubine Li.


    This girl was only fifteen years old, and she already possessed the peak beauty of Concubine Li in her twenties. If given another five years, wouldn''t she be even more unparalleled in beauty than Concubine Li was back then?


    Clearly, her beauty surpassed that of Concubine Li. It''s just that she was still young, and her features hadn''t fully developed, which is why everyone thought she was a substitute for Concubine Li.


    Wait and see, her glory and favor will surpass that of Concubine Li.


    With the Emperor present, Consort Jiang and others, no matter how dissatisfied, didn''t dare to vent their feelings openly. They could only roll their eyes in secret.


    Jiang Xinyue had Xi Que call all the eunuchs and maids who served in the Hexi Pce. They lined up in front of Little Ai Jiang''s body: "Speak up! Who took advantage of my absence at the Yikun Pce to pay respects to the Empress, and lured Little Ai Jiang out of the pce with a meat bone?"


    The scene fell silent...


    Shuang Jiang, with a cold face, said, "Do I need to check the Imperial Kitchen to see who took the meat bone?"


    With so many eyes, so many masters, and even the Emperor and Empress present, the few servants under scrutiny, even those who hadn''t done anything wrong, were trembling. Not to mention the one who had.


    "Thud--"


    A little eunuch who did rough chores knelt on the ground, shivering, and kowtowed heavily: "Master, spare me... Master, spare me... It... it was me... I fed Little Ai Jiang the meat bone, but I swear I didn''t harm Ai Jiang. Please, master, see the truth!"


    "Ai Jiang''s food has always been my responsibility, along with Shuang Jiang''s. Why did you feed it? And that bone was found outside the door. Do you still dare to argue? Who instructed you? The Emperor and Empress are here. The crime of deceiving the Emperor can lead to the extermination of nine generations of your family. Think carefully before you speak."


    For a dog, exterminate nine generations of a family?


    The Emperor raised an eyebrow at Jiang Xinyue, who shifted her gaze away guiltily, not daring to meet his eyes.


    What''s wrong?


    Like master, like servant. What''s wrong with scaring the eunuch a little?


    The little eunuch didn''t seem like a seasoned wrongdoer, otherwise, he wouldn''t have left such important evidence as the meat bone at the entrance of the Hexi Pce.


    In the cold autumn, ayer of cold sweat had soaked his back. His wet clothes clung to his back, and the cold wind blew, chilling to the bone.


    The little eunuch was on the verge of fainting, but the usually kind Zhen Fangyi was looking at him with a pair of cold eyes, showing no intention of letting him off.


    With red eyes and trembling fingers, he pointed at... Consort Jiang.


    All eyes turned to Consort Jiang, who was wearing a gloating smile that she hadn''t had time to hide. Her smile froze on her face, and then she said angrily, "Zhen Fangyi, what do you mean by this?"


    Jiang Xinyue ignored her and continued to stare at the little eunuch, "Didn''t you hear Consort Jiang''s question? What do you mean by pointing at her?"


    The little eunuch closed his eyes, his body shivering, "It was Consort Jiang... Consort Jiang threatened me to lure Little Ai Jiang out. I really didn''t know that Consort Jiang would kill Little Ai Jiang."


    Doing these things behind the scenes, it''s fine if you''re not discovered, but once you''re found out, everyone will despise her for her ruthless heart.


    It was just a defenseless little dog, was there a need for such a cruel method?


    How dark and twisted must her mind be?


    "You''re talking nonsense!"


    Consort Jiang''s eyes were wide open, "I... I didn''t kill it."


    "So, you admit that you had him lure the dog out?"


    "It was me, but I..."


    In her extreme anger, Consort Jiang quickly admitted to what she had done, but quickly rified for herself, kneeling at the feet of the Xuanwu Emperor, "But Your Majesty, I just wanted the dog to disappear for a while, to make Zhen Fangyi anxious. I really didn''t kill it."


    "But during the time it disappeared, it died. Whether or not it was Consort Jiang who killed it, it died because of you."


    As soon as Jiang Xinyue''s words fell, Consort Liang chimed in, "That''s well said. You can''t just shirk responsibility by saying you didn''t kill it. If you hadn''t lured it out, would it have died if it had stayed in the Hexi Pce?"


    The Xuanwu Emperor pulled back his dragon robe and kicked Consort Jiang to the ground, "Consort Jiang is cruel and unfit to be a consort. Demote her to the rank ofmoner, move her to the Xihuo Pce, and confine her for three months."


    In an instant, she went from being a third-rank consort to amoner. Now she was on the same level as Jiang Xinyue''s Zhen Fangyi.


    No!


    Jiang Xinyue still had the title of "Zhen", but Consort Jiang did not. Strictly speaking, she was not as noble as Jiang Xinyue.


    "I remember that the Xihuo Pce is where Zhen Fangyi used to live. Didn''t someone die there?"


    "Who says it isn''t? The Emperor has plenty of ways to get back at her for Zhen Fangyi."


    All because of a dog, ten years of hard work went down the drain.


    As long as Zhen Fangyi is favored, Consort Jiang will never have her day. It''s really not worth it.


    Today, the Emperor overturned Consort De''s card, and the Hexi Pce returned to calm.


    Xi Que felt suffocated, "After all, human life is precious. Our Ai Jiang suffered so much, but Consort Jiang only got demoted. It''s really unfair."


    "It''s already good enough."


    Jiang Xinyue sneered, "In this harem, there''s nothing more important than rank. By demoting Consort Jiang, it''s like taking half her life."


    "Did Consort Jiang really kill Little Ai Jiang?"


    Shuang Jiang filled a cup of tea for her mistress, "I looked at her, and she seemed to have been wronged."


    Jiang Xinyue believed that it was not her who killed Ai Jiang.


    She must have taken Ai Jiang to a remote ce, not wanting them to find her. Thinking that a dog would always find its way, and if the pce maids discovered her, they would return her to the Hexi Pce, she just abandoned Ai Jiang without a second thought.


    But she never expected that someone would take advantage of the situation and set up a trap.


    Indeed, her malicious act of taking Ai Jiang away led to Ai Jiang''s brutal murder, and the emperor''s punishment for her was well-deserved.


    Although someone else killed Ai Jiang, Jiang Xinyue has no ns to tell Xi Que and Shuang Jiang, lest they feel like they have a fishbone stuck in their throats; hard to swallow.


    The one who did the evil deed and sessfully med others will not stop at one wrongdoing. Sooner orter, she will trip herself up.

 Chapter 28

    Chapter 28


    November was when the ginkgo leaves carpeted the entire pce road, and the concubines inside the pce started wearing their light padded jackets.


    In the blink of an eye, Jiang Xinyue had been in the pce for half a year.


    The Xuanwu Emperor said he wanted to give her a child, but she had just celebrated her sixteenth birthday a month ago, and her belly showed no signs of movement.


    For this reason, the Emperor had specially summoned Imperial Physicians skilled in gynecology from the Imperial Hospital to examine her.


    The Imperial Physician only said that Zhen Fangyi seemed to have suffered from cold in her youth, resulting in internal cold symptoms and irregr menstrual cycles. She needed to take medicine to regte her body; otherwise, it would be very difficult for her to be pregnant.


    What a twist of events!


    How wonderful!


    Jiang Xinyue secretly rejoiced, finally not having to sneak out after each night of intimacy.


    The weather was cold, and it was truly an ordeal to go out in the middle of the night.


    Meeting the Xuanwu Emperor''s affectionate gaze, Jiang Xinyue smiled and nestled into his embrace reassuringly: "Your Majesty, it''s alright. Without a child, your concubine and you can still enjoy our private world! Besides, the Imperial Physician said that as long as your concubine takes the medicine, she will definitely be able to conceive in a year or so."


    It was truly heartbreaking that she had tofort him when she herself was utterly devastated.


    "Your Majesty... Your Majesty..."


    Just as he was about to indulge in intimacy, Wang Dequan, that insensitive fool, barged in: "Your Majesty, Consort Li has fallen into the water, I''m afraid... I''m afraid it''s not looking good."


    "Boom!"


    The Xuanwu Emperor''s expression changed drastically, and he suddenly released his embrace of Jiang Xinyue, nearly causing her to fall to the ground.


    Before she could steady herself, the Xuanwu Emperor had already takenrge strides towards the exit, his steps somewhat disorderly: "What happened? How could she have fallen into the water? How is she now? Where are the people from the Imperial Hospital? Order them all toe to the Changxin Pce immediately."


    "Master, are you... alright?" Jiang Xinyue''s expression was unsightly, as the dog Emperor had nearly caused her to fall t on her backside.


    She straightened her clothes. "I''m fine. The Empress must have received the news by now. Let''s hurry over there too, lest anyone gossips."


    Jiang Chuan hurriedly followed: "I''ve inquired about it. It seems Consort Li''s health had improved, so Consort Jiang invited her to the Xihuo Pce for a visit. But when they passed by the lotus pond, the carriers of Consort Li''s sedan chair identally bumped into the railing, causing it to break. Consort Li fell into the water and hit her head, bleeding profusely, and everyone was terrified."


    Xihuo Pce... lotus pond... Consort Jiang...


    Jiang Xinyue had an ominous premonition, as if the peaceful days she had enjoyed for so long were about to face turmoil again.


    After all, these three factors seemed to be rted to her.


    Before leaving, she instructed Xi Que: "Go to my trunk and take some silver pieces to hide on your person."


    Although Xi Que didn''t understand, she still did as told.


    To be extra cautious, Jiang Xinyue also hid some silver on her own person, as no servant would dare to search her.


    The Changxin Pce was deathly silent -


    After the Imperial Physician stopped Consort Li''s bleeding, he said to the Xuanwu Emperor: "Your Majesty, Consort Li has suffered from near-drowning and lung injuries. She also struck her head on the stone ground of the lotus pond and lost a significant amount of blood. Tonight is critical, and she must be closely monitored. If she develops a fever, medicine must be administered immediately, or her life could be in danger. If she can make it through tonight, Consort Li will be out of danger and can recover with careful rest."


    "Order the Imperial Hospital staff to take shifts guarding the Changxin Pce. Report any developments to me immediately; I will be here."


    The Empress Zhu narrowed her phoenix eyes and looked at the kneeling Consort Jiang sternly: "What exactly happened? How did Consort Li fall into the lotus pond?"


    Consort Jiang shook her head tearfully: "Your servant has only recently moved to the Xihuo Pce and has never been to the lotus pond before. Your servant is also unaware why the railing of the lotus pond would break without warning."


    Her words carried a strong implication, and everyone turned their gaze towards Zhen Fangyi, who stood beside the Empress.


    Sensing the Emperor''s suspicious eyes, Jiang Xinyue knew her premonition was about toe true.


    She didn''t say a word, merely meeting the Xuanwu Emperor''s gaze with defiance and determination.


    She didn''t exin, and the Xuanwu Emperor gritted his teeth: "Investigate this."


    At themand of the sovereign, officials from the Ministry of Justice dared not defy, and within half a day, they discovered a saw under Xi Que''s bed in the Hexi Pce.


    The size of the saw teeth matched perfectly with the sawed railing of the lotus pond.


    An eunuch from the Internal Affairs Department testified that on the fifth day of the seventh month, a pce maid from the Xihuo Pce had borrowed a saw from the department, and it was recorded in the register.


    As for which pce maid from the Xihuo Pce, due to the passage of time and personnel changes after Zhen Fangyi''s relocation, she could no longer be found.


    The Xuanwu Emperor recalled that the fifth day of the seventh month was precisely the day he had encountered Jiang Xinyue at the lotus pond.


    Consort Jiang cried bitterly: "Your servant has heard that the reason Zhen Fangyi gained Your Majesty''s favor was that on the fifth day of the seventh month, she fell into the lotus pond by chance and was rescued by Your Majesty. What a coincidence! The sawing of the lotus pond''s railing on that day might have been Zhen Fangyi''s attempt to gain Your Majesty''s favor. After seeding, Zhen Fangyi forgot to repair the railing, leading to Consort Li''s peril today. Your Majesty, you must uphold justice for Consort Li!"


    While using schemes to gain favor was not a major offense among concubines, causing harm to the Emperor''s most beloved consort was a capital crime.


    The Empress Zhu wanted to say a few words in defense of Jiang Xinyue but was stopped by her, who shook her head: "If one wishes to use, there will be nock of excuses. I won''t deny my actions, but even if I did do it, I wouldn''t be foolish enough to bring the incriminating saw from the Xihuo Pce to the Hexi Pce, leaving it in the Xihuo Pce to be irond evidence of Consort Jiang''s plot to harm Consort Li."


    She pointed out the w in Consort Jiang''s words with pinpoint uracy, saying no more.


    But the eunuch from the Internal Affairs Department insisted that it was Jiang Xinyue''s pce maid who had borrowed the saw, unable to rify further.


    At this moment, Xia He, an attendant of Consort Li, suddenly knelt down and questioned: "Zhen Fangyi, everyone in the pce says you are Consort Li''s recement. Don''t you harbor resentment? Don''t you want to take her ce?"


    Her words drew a collective gasp from the crowd.


    In front of the Emperor, this maid dared to utter such words, truly loyal to Consort Li, and unafraid of angering the Emperor.


    But what she said was true.


    "This servant does not know how to respond to you. I have never heard His Majesty say that I am Consort Li''s recement, so you should ask His Majesty on my behalf - am I truly Consort Li''s recement?"


    Jiang Xinyue stood in the center of the hall, dressed in a peach-colored banner robe embroidered with scattered osmanthus flowers, padded with quilting, and covered by a sleeveless fur cape with a cor of white rabbit fur, exuding an aura of sweet and lovely innocence.


    Concubine Li had always been strikingly beautiful, with bold and vibrant colors, but never before had she possessed such an adorable charm.


    If Jiang Xinyue knew that she was favored for her resemnce to Concubine Li''s appearance, she would never have dressed in such a manner. She should have imitated Concubine Li instead.


    "p!"


    Xia He''s face was struck by the Xuanwu Emperor''s hand.

 Chapter 29

    Chapter 29


    He red with his imposing eyes: "Where did you hear such nonsense that you dare to be insolent before me? Wang Dequan, take Zhen Fangyi away and give her thirty heavy strokes of the rod."


    Zhen Fangyi was Zhen Fangyi, she had never been anyone''s substitute.


    "Your Majesty is protecting Zhen Fangyi, where does that leave the Honorable Consort? Has the Honorable Consort suffered for nothing?"


    Consort Jiang kowtowed on the ground, her forehead bleeding: "This concubine begs Your Majesty to severely punish Zhen Fangyi, or else all the concubines in the pce will learn her ways of courting favor."


    "Your Majesty, please punish Zhen Fangyi severely!"


    Behind Consort Jiang, a group of concubines aligned with Concubine Li were kneeling down.


    In contrast, Empress Zhu seemed feeble and weak.


    This also made her, as the Empress of the Middle Pce, feel the threat of Concubine Li once again.


    How foolish!


    Before this, Jiang Xinyue had never believed that Concubine Li would risk herself and use treacherous means to attack her.


    But seeing Consort Jiang, Consort Wan, Consort Jin, and other concubines from Concubine Li''s faction all kneeling in unison, indignantly demanding the Emperor to punish her, she knew the truth.


    Concubine Li was fine, the one in trouble was her - this was a trap set up deliberately to target her.


    Ridiculous!


    Did they really think the Emperor would favor concubines who forced his hand?


    Concubine Li was sacrificing all of them to achieve her own ends!


    A temporary setback is not necessarily a bad thing.


    The Xuanwu Emperor looked at Jiang Xinyue with aplex gaze, and she looked back at him, her eyes quickly filling with tears. While giving the Emperor a faint smile, she also slightly nodded her head.


    Her eyes seemed to speak, saying she did not want to put the Emperor in a difficult position, letting him follow the wishes of Consort Jiang and the others and severely punish her.


    "Wang Dequan..."


    For the first time, the Xuanwu Emperor felt unable to look directly into those eyes filled with emotion, and had never thought that issuing an order to punish a concubine would be so difficult.


    "Zhen Fangyi''s behavior has been unbing. From this day forth, she is demoted to the rank of Royal Lady and exiled to the Pce of Exile."


    Even Consort Jiang had not expected such a severe punishment - being demoted to a mere Royal Lady and exiled to the Pce of Exile, what kind of Royal Lady was that?


    It was practically a death sentence.


    Look, the Emperor''s affection for the Honorable Consort was truly deep and unmatched, no one could rece her.


    "Your Majesty."


    Empress Zhu felt the punishment was too severe and wanted to plead further, but the Emperor waved his hand: "All retire. I will keep the Honorable Consortpany."


    Who could have imagined that not long ago, the Emperor had demoted Consort Jiang to the lower rank of Consort for the sake of Zhen Fangyi''s dog, but now, for Concubine Li, he was demoting Zhen Fangyi to a Royal Lady and exiling her to the Pce of Exile.


    The situation in the pce truly changed in the blink of an eye, unpredictable.


    Who could say when this former Royal Lady, who had once been shunned by the Emperor only to regain his favor through her talents, might suddenly be favored by the Emperor again and return to the spotlight?


    After all, she had also been scorned by the Emperor before, only to rise again through her abilities.


    Furthermore, not to mention the future, even now, none of the pce maids or eunuchs had ever seen a concubine exiled to the Pce of Exile being sent off by the Empress, Consort De, and Consort Liang.


    The third prince even hugged Zhen, the Royal Lady''s legs, crying with a runny nose and tears streaming down his face, clearly truly reluctant to part with her.


    The eldest princess also had reddened eyes: "Lady Zhen, you must take care of yourself in there. I... I will definitely find a way to speak to Father and have him release you."


    Jiang Xinyue shook her head: "I am touched by the princess''s intentions. But you need not find a way to rescue me, this is a matter for us adults. If you truly wish to help Lady Zhen, just take your younger brothers and sisters to the Hexi Pce more often, and help Lady Zhen tend to the fruits and vegetables there. Pick and eat them, so my efforts in nting them were not in vain."


    She did not actually want the eldest princess to care for those vegetables.


    She wanted the princes and princesses to frequently visit the Hexi Pce, so that the pce maids left in the Pce of Exile would not be bullied by others.


    The second princess immediately agreed: "Lady Zhen, rest assured, I will often go to the Hexi Pce."


    "Me too, me too..."


    Empress Zhu sighed: "Royal Lady Zhen, do not me the Emperor. Concubine Li is still in a precarious situation, so he had to punish you. Once Concubine Li recovers, the Emperor will surely release you."


    Consort Liang and Consort De also echoed, saying that since the pce maids of the Hexi Pce were not dismissed, the Emperor likely intended to release her eventually.


    Jiang Xinyue thought to herself: It will probably not be that soon.


    But she still acknowledged their kindness, curtsying deeply: "This concubine has been in the pce for half a year, and I thank the Empress and the two Consorts for your care. When I am released from the Pce of Exile, I will repay the favor."


    She made a grand promise here, so Empress Zhu would do her utmost to ensure the Emperor did not forget about her.


    Her beauty was right here - Empress Zhu could not find another concubine as beautiful to divert Concubine Li''s favor.


    There are often beautiful women in this world, but rarely are there women of transcendent beauty like herself and Concubine Li.


    "You must take good care of Royal Lady Zhen. If anything happens to her, I will hold you responsible."


    In the pce chamber, wisps of fragrant smoke drifted about as Empress Zhu removed her makeup in front of a bronze mirror, revealing a youthful bare face.


    As the pce maid Fen Yun and others applied hair oil to her long hair, she asked: "Your Majesty, what did Royal Lady Zhen mean by what she said at the entrance to the Pce of Exile today?"


    Empress Zhu curled her lips slightly: "She was telling me that she understands repaying favors. As long as I asionally mention her to the Emperor, she will find a way to regain his favor. Once she is released, she and Concubine Li will be mortal enemies, and she will help me eliminate Concubine Li."


    Fen Yun was astonished: "Does she have such ability?"


    "Then think about it - today she was exiled to the Pce of Exile by the Emperor, did she show even a hint of panic?"


    Fen Yun''s movements stilled for a moment: "Your Majesty means..."


    "I dare not underestimate her anymore."


    A contemtive light flickered in Empress Zhu''s eyes: "Who knows if she will be the next Concubine Li?"


    She did not want to defeat Concubine Li only for another Lady Zhen who was even more formidable than Concubine Li to appear.


    But...


    Royal Lady Zhen was different from Concubine Li. Lady Zhen was still young, with a clear sense of right and wrong, likes and dislikes.


    In her world, things were either ck or white. Those she liked were good people, those she disliked were bad people.


    She had a bit of cunningness, but used it only against her enemies.


    Towards her, Consort Liang, and Consort De, she had not the slightest guard up.


    "Then will Your Majesty still help her?"


    "Why not help her a little?"


    Empress Zhu remarked meaningfully, "I am merely making subtle hints. The Emperor has no interest in her, so my words will be futile. However, if he does have feelings for her, even if I remain silent, he will still be infatuated with her. Such is the way of men; they desire what they cannot have. By going along with the prevailing sentiments, I can win their gratitude. Why not do so?"


    Concubine Li was also bewitched. The more she disparaged Zhen Fangyi, the more the Emperor would perceive his love for her as filled with obstacles.


    Men relish challenges, and the Emperor, being the most esteemed man in thend, was no exception.

 Chapter 30

    Chapter 30


    "Cough, cough, cough..."


    Xi Que pushed open the door to the room assigned to her by the eunuch and was immediately caught in a fit of coughing from the dust.


    The eunuch guarding the Pce of Exile came over with a bucket of water obsequiously, "Oh dear~ Lady Xi Que, please step back, you mustn''t trouble yourself with such menial tasks. This humble servant Xiao Xuanzi will clean it up right away."


    Jiang Xinyue took two steps back to avoid getting her clothes soiled by the dust, for if nothing went amiss, she would be wearing this outfit for a long time.


    She took a few broken silver pieces from her sleeve and gave Xiao Xuanzi a sweet smile, "Xiao Xuanzi, you give me too much credit. We are both servants attending to our master. There is no high or low, noble or base. Thank you for your hard work. Let us quickly clean up so our master may move in!"


    Xiao Xuanzi was stunned as he epted the reward, and under Jiang Xinyue''s gentle smile, he joined Xi Que in cleaning the room.


    To be honest, he only tried to curry favor with Consort Zhen in front of the various imperial consorts to gain some benefits.


    He had expected thedies demoted to the Pce of Exile to arrive haughty and arrogant, looking down upon him at first.


    They would either beat him, scold him, or verbally abuse him as a dog of a servant, which he was long ustomed to.


    In the end, thosedies would either go mad or die, kneeling at his feet begging him to seek the Emperor''s pardon.


    He had seen all manner of human nature.


    But never before had ady treated him with such evenness, gentleness, and warmth as Consort Zhen.


    Even her pce maids were courteous, showing no disdain for him as a eunuch of the Pce of Exile.


    Now he understood why even the Empress and other consorts hade to bid farewell to Consort Zhen.


    Who would not adore such a disposition?


    There was little to clean, just some dusting and sweeping.


    The rooms of the Pce of Exile were bare, containing only a bed, a table, and two stools.


    The bed was nothing but bare boards with not even proper bedding.


    Xiao Xuanziughed awkwardly, "Mydy, the Internal Affairs Department rarely sends provisions to the Pce of Exile, maybe two or three times a year..."


    In other words, the provisions meant for the Pce of Exile were likely being pocketed by corrupt officials.


    Jiang Xinyue nodded, "Then please trouble Xiao Xuanzi to make another trip to the Internal Affairs Department. I will have Xi Que write you a list of what I need. Do you have any paper and ink?"


    "Yes, yes, yes..."


    Xiao Xuanzi did not expect the Internal Affairs Department to provide, but he clung to a slim hope.


    What if they did?


    Then he would have done a service for Consort Zhen.


    At Changxin Pce¡ª


    In the evening, Concubine Li indeed came down with a high fever. The Xuanwu Emperor personally wiped the sweat from her brow, attending to her untilte into the night before her condition finally improved.


    The Emperor had not eaten all day.


    Although Xia He had been pped, the Emperor had already demoted Consort Zhen to the Pce of Exile, so she bore no resentment toward him. Instead, she could not help but advise, "If the Consort knew how worried the Emperor is about her health, she would surely wake up soon. Please take care of your imperial body as well, Your Majesty, lest the Consort be saddened upon learning of your distress."


    The Xuanwu Emperor stood up but was momentarily dizzy, fortunately Wang Dequan supported him. Xia He was startled and nearly reached out to help before retracting her hands.


    The emperor looked haggard, "We shall return to Chengqian Pce to dine first, thene backter. Take good care of the Consort, the imperial physicians are waiting outside. Summon Us if anything arises."


    Xia He nodded, "This servant will see Your Majesty off."


    After leaving Changxin Pce, the weariness on the Emperor''s face vanished, and his steps quickened, "Zhen Fang... Did Consort Zhen go to the Pce of Exile?"


    Wang Dequan had to jog to keep up, "In response to Your Majesty, she went there this afternoon."


    The Emperor''s footsteps faltered for a moment, and the atmosphere grew quiet.


    Wang Dequan carefully studied his expression, gauging the Emperor''s thoughts, "Consort Zhenes from a schrly family and likely never experienced such hardship growing up. The Pce of Exile is dpidated. Should this servant arrange for the Internal Affairs Department to prepare it properly?"


    In truth, the Emperor had already investigated Consort Zhen''s background. Although from a schrly family, she was the daughter of a concubine, and her birth mother had been a famous dancer in the mansion of the Marquis of Ruyang ¨C of rather lowly origins.


    Consort Zhen was not valued by the Vice Minister of Rites as a child, and her official mother viewed her birth mother as a thorn in her side, constantly mistreating the two.


    This abusive life continued until Consort Zhen was eleven and her extraordinary beauty blossomed, finally improving their circumstances.


    The Vice Minister of Rites had sent her to the pce to pave the way for his official daughter Jiang Yutong to gain the Emperor''s favor.


    "As you see fit."


    The Emperor''s reply indicated to Wang Dequan that he still cared for Consort Zhen.


    He wondered if the Vice Minister of Rites regretted using his lowborn daughter as a stepping stone, only for her to capture the Emperor''s heart while his official daughter met an early grave, her prime years buried within the depths of the pce.


    When Xiao Xuanzi returned to the Pce of Exile, he was dumbfounded.


    Never had he imagined a day when he couldmand the officials of the Internal Affairs Department who typically looked down on everyone.


    Yet they politely brought everything Consort Zhen requested.


    A wooden bed frame, gauze canopy, dressing table, charcoal brazier, wardrobes, folding screens, bathtub, and all necessary living provisions were delivered in full.


    The cold, bare room was instantly filled to the brim with furnishings, taking on the semnce of ady''s chambers.


    Xiao Xuanzi was in awe of Jiang Xinyue.


    At the first light of dawn, Concubine Li groggily awoke from her unconscious state to find the Xuanwu Emperor dozing at her bedside.


    "Your... cough, cough..."


    She managed to utter one word before her hoarse throat failed her, coughing heavily twice to clear the obstruction.


    The Emperor instantly woke, "My love, you''re awake?"


    Concubine Li closed her eyes and sat up with the Emperor''s assistance, "Your Majesty, what happened to this concubine?"


    The Emperor instructed Qing He to bring warm nourishing porridge, "My love fell into the water and lost consciousness, giving Us quite a fright."


    Concubine Li seemed to recall and embraced the Emperor''s waist, tears streaming down, "This concubine... thought she would never see Your Majesty again."


    "Silly girl, how could that be?"


    The Xuanwu Emperor patted her back, "We would never let any harme to you."


    He took the porridge from Xia He, blew on a spoonful to cool it, and fed it to Concubine Li, "You were unconscious for over a day without a single grain of rice. Quickly drink this porridge."


    Gazing across the entire imperial harem, the only consort who could make the Emperor stay with her for an entire night, and personally feed her porridge, was Consort Jiang.


    That Xi Que... oh no... even if Consort Zhen was favored, she could notpare to the preciousness of Consort Jiang''s little finger.


    In the Xihuo Pce, Consort Jiang let out a heartyugh: "Tomorrow, shall we go visit Consort Zhen in the Pce of Exile? After all, we are like sisters; we cannot let her be disheartened, can we?"


    She did not yet know that Jiang Xinyue had not neglected herself even in the Pce of Exile.

 Chapter 31

    Chapter 31


    Although a portion of the pce maids in Xihuo Pce were dismissed, a portion remained, all of whom had served Consort Zhen Jiang Xinyue.


    Consort Zhen treated people with kindness and never imposed overly strict rules on the maids and servants, able to jest with them as well - she was an excellent mistress.


    But this Consort Jiang was overbearing and treated servants like dirt, especially the old servants of Xihuo Pce, tormenting them terribly.


    A few maids and eunuchs with connections to the Internal Affairs Department exchanged nces, none of them telling Consort Jiang about Consort Zhen going to the Internal Affairs Department to request items, and getting them.


    They wanted to see how ridiculous Consort Jiang would look when she got pped in the face the next day.


    After feeding Concubine Li congee, the Xuanwu Emperor instructed her to rest well.


    There was already a pile of memorials awaiting in Chengqian Pce that he had to process swiftly.


    After all, she had just woken from aa, and the Emperor did not wish to stay and make the exhausted Concubine Li expend energy conversing with him.


    "Your Ladyship..."


    After seeing off the Xuanwu Emperor, Xia He quickly returned to Concubine Li''s bedside, reporting their victory: "His Majesty has demoted Consort Zhen Fangyi to Consort Zhen and exiled her to the Pce of Exile."


    Concubine Li rose and walked to the bronze mirror, finding the cotton cloth wrapped around her forehead unsightly, and untied it.


    The wound on her forehead was not severe at all, merely a small cut that had nearly healed after applying medicine for two days.


    The surrounding redness looked frightening, but it was only a superficial injury.


    "Your Ladyship!"


    Xia He was terrified and quickly re-wrapped Concubine Li''s forehead, looking around to ensure no maids were nearby before saying: "Your Ladyship, Imperial physician Xu said that the false wound he made for you would heal at the normal rate, so you cannot remove this bandage for a month, or else His Majesty will find out, and that would be disastrous."


    It turned out the horrific wound on her forehead was fake.


    Concubine Li gripped her forehead in vexation: "To get rid of that vile woman, I had to mar my face - I will never forgive her so easily."


    Her indignant words made Xia He imagine the miserable days awaiting Consort Zhen in the Pce of Exile.


    The Jiang Xinyue who would lead a "miserable" lifey on a chaise longue in the sunny grape trellis of the Pce of Exile.


    ording to the little eunuch Xiao Xuanzi, this grape trellis had been there for a long time and would bear grapes in summer that the surrounding maids and eunuchs knew were sweet, oftening to pick them.


    Jiang Xinyuemented that she had not been exiled earlier, or she could have eaten freshly picked grapes too.


    However, back then she had not yet left a deep impression on the Emperor and earned his favor, so if she had been exiled, she might never have been able to leave.


    Thinking of this, not eating grapes no longer seemed so regrettable.


    The warm autumn sun felt wonderful, and her maid Xi Que was massaging her shoulders - she was so rxed she could fall asleep.


    "Consort Jiang, without an edict from the Empress, you cannot enter."


    Consort Jiang hade? She was truly eager to see the joke yed on Jiang Xinyue!


    Xiao Xuanzi could not stop Consort Jiang, and Jiang Xinyue felt a shadow fall on her, causing her to open her eyes to that hateful face.


    She stretchedzily, slowly rising from the chaise longue, limp as a ragdoll, and gave a perfunctory curtsy: "Greetings to Consort Jiang."


    Then she sat back down.


    Consort Jiang''s personal maid Mu Tan red: "Insolent! You''re just a lowly consort, yet you dare rise without our mistress''s permission?"


    Jiang Xinyuezily looked up with disdain: "But I am still a consort! When you, a lowly maid, saw me, did you pay your respects?"


    Mu Tan fell silent, ashamed, and Jiang Xinyue chuckled: "When you point one finger at me, remember three point back at you. If Consort Jiang wants to unt her superiority over a concubine, just say so - no need for excuses."


    The spacious Pce of Exile, and Jiang Xinyue upied the best sunny chambers, the doors open so Consort Jiang could see the furnishings inside - no lessvish than her own quarters.


    Consort Jiang stood haughtily: "It seems Consort Zhen is living quite well in the Pce of Exile; I, as the elder sister, worried too much."


    She gestured to the maids behind her: "I feared my little sister might not get her favorite horse-hoof cakes here, so I specially instructed the Imperial Kitchen to make some - sister, try them and see if the taste is the same as before?"


    What did she mean, "the same as before"? Cakes only had one true vor. Consort Jiang was just using the cakes to mock her reduced status and imply that in her fallen state, even the Imperial Kitchen no longer put in effort for her, so naturally the taste was inferior to when she was Consort Zhen Fangyi.


    Randomly showing up at the Pce of Exile to deliver cakes - the wicked fox was currying favor with the hen. Her intentions were clearly malicious.


    "How about it? Sister won''t ept my goodwill and won''t even try a bite?"


    Behind her were two eunuchs rolling up their sleeves in eagerness, as if they would grab Jiang Xinyue''s head and force the cakes down her throat if she refused to eat.


    That would not be pretty.


    Only after watching Jiang Xinyue eat the cakes did Consort Jiang reveal a wicked smile, her mood apparently good as she flounced out of the Pce of Exile with the cake box.


    Seeing how appetizing the cakes looked, Xi Que asked her mistress: "Mistress, may this servant have one bite?"


    *SLAP!*


    Xi Que''s outstretched hand was struck as her eyes went wide in shock: "Mistress?"


    Jiang Xinyue upended the te of cakes on the table and closed her eyes.


    There were truly many people in this pce seeking her life!


    Blood trickled from the corner of her mouth as cramping pain gripped her belly, and beads of sweat formed on her brow. Xi Que screamed in terror: "Mistress! Mistress! Xuan Eunuch, go fetch the Imperial physician, fetch him quickly!"


    Jiang Xinyue gripped Xi Que''s hand tightly, the agony wracking her body: "No...no Imperial physicians, go...go to the Yikun Pce and find the Empress, quickly!"


    She pushed Xi Que away, grimacing as she coughed up another mouthful of blood.


    Her mistress must have known the cakes were poisoned, that''s why she forbade Xi Que from eating them.


    With tears streaming down her face, Xi Que turned and fled from the Pce of Exile. Xiao Xuanzi did not stop her, but instead used Jiang Xinyue''s own handkerchief to catch the blood she coughed up, then stuffed the handkerchief into her hand, hoping that whoever came would take pity on Consort Zhen in her pitiful state.


    Jiang Xinyue, slumped in the noble chair, had already passed out.


    Back in Xihuo Pce, Consort Jiang could not help butugh at the thought of how thexative in the horse hoof cake had tormented Jiang Xinyue, leaving her sickly and haggard.


    Mu Tan brought her a bowl of warm sheep''s milk. "Mydy, I have ordered someone to keep watch at the entrance to the Pce of Exile. Soon, the whole pce will know of Consort Zhen''s embarrassing diarrhea."


    "Hmph!"


    Consort Jiang raised her head arrogantly. "If she had not just entered the Pce of Exile, making it inconvenient to take action, I would have rewarded her with Crimson Crest Poison."

 Chapter 32

    Chapter 32


    "Honestly, the Empress is too indulgent. That little slut Jiang Xinyue has been exiled to the Pce of Exile, yet she still has a chance to rise again? The Empress has even instructed the Internal Affairs Department to treat her so well."


    In Consort Jiang''s view, the preferential treatment Jiang Xinyue received in the Pce of Exile was due to the Empress Zhu''s special intervention with the Internal Affairs Department.


    Otherwise, where did those extravagances in the Pce of Exilee from?


    She had originally intended to mock and humiliate Jiang Xinyue after entering the pce, reducing her to a state of utter shame and despair.


    But all her ns were ruined.


    At least, she had fed Jiang Xinyue some horse hoof cakesced withxatives.


    "Poisoned?"


    The Empress Zhu and the Xuanwu Emperor were dining in the Yikun Pce when they received the frantic report. The Empress turned to the Emperor, whose expression was inscrutable, and said, "Your Majesty...this servant..."


    "Go ahead!"


    The Emperor leisurely blew on his hot soup to cool it before taking a sip, then said without rising, "Consort Zhen may be lowly, but she is still one of my consorts. If someone dares to poison one of my consorts within the pce, the Empress must investigate this thoroughly."


    The Empress nodded. "Then this servant shall take her leave."


    She bowed and beckoned for a few pce maids to apany her to the Pce of Exile.


    Seeing that the Emperor did not even look at her, Xi Que felt disappointed and hung her head low as she followed the Empress out of the Yikun Pce.


    The Xuanwu Emperor stared at Xi Que''s retreating figure, his brow deeply furrowed. "Wang Dequan, go to Concubine Li''s Changxin Pce and tell her that I have a headache and am feeling unwell. Summon Yan the Imperial Physician to the Yikun Pce."


    Indeed!


    All the imperial physicians were currently at Concubine Li''s Changxin Pce. Without the Emperor''smand or the Empress''s personal visit, if Concubine Li refused, the physicians would not dare leave the Changxin Pce.


    Yan the Imperial Physician was the most skilled in treating poisoning at the Imperial Hospital.


    The Emperor did not actually have a headache; he was heartbroken that Consort Zhen had been poisoned and innocently harmed.


    Xuan Eunuch closed the dpidated gates of the Pce of Exile and paced back and forth outside, asionally gazing into the distance.


    After a few strides, he noticed a young pce maid lurking by the gate and ran over to grab her as she tried to flee. "Which pce are you from? Why are you sneaking around the Pce of Exile? What are you trying to see?"


    The young maid, no more than nine or ten years old, was so frightened by Xiao Xuanzi that she burst into tears.


    This tactic did not work on Xiao Xuanzi. He seized her cor and dragged her into the Pce of Exile.


    Regardless of whether she was guilty or innocent, he would hand her over to his masters when they arrived, and let them interrogate her.


    Jiang Xinyue found herself engulfed in darkness, but at the end of that darkness appeared a path filled with light.


    In her bewilderment, she unhesitatingly walked towards that light.


    "Your Highness the Crown Prince, Your Highness, where are you? Hurry back to the Cining Pce, or the Empress Dowager will worry."


    Amidst the dense canopy of a camphor tree in the imperial gardens, a young boy d in a purple dragon robe, with delicate features like carved jade, was hiding.


    It was the young Xuanwu Emperor!


    He had a cold, detached expression as he wiped away the tears streaming from his eyes. "The Empress Dowager will not worry about me. She only favors the Wu Family and even sent my pet snake, Little Flower, to Wu Chengyi."


    Little Flower? Wu Chengyi?


    The scene shifted to a young boy around the same age as the young Crown Prince, dressed in a blue brocade robe. He sat in the main hall of the Kunning Pce, a colorful little snake coiled around his arm. He stroked the snake''s head from time to time, ring provocatively at the young Crown Prince.


    Behind the pearl curtain sat an elegant figure. "Ah''er, be a good boy. You''re three months older than Little Yi, so you''re the older brother. As the elder, you should make concessions to your younger brother. It''s just a snake. Tomorrow, I''ll have the Internal Affairs Department send you another one."


    "But it won''t be Little Flower," the young Crown Prince replied, tears welling up in his eyes. "If it''s just a snake, why doesn''t the Empress Dowager let him choose a new one instead of helping him take my Little Flower?"


    "p!"


    "Insolent!"


    The Empress pped the wooden table in front of her. "I am your mother, the Empress Dowager, and Little Yi is your uncle''s son. You can sit on this throne as the Crown Prince only because of me and your uncle. Not only a snake, but if Little Yi wants anything under your royal behind, you should satisfy all his needs."


    But Wu Chengyi always enjoyed taking things that belonged to him.


    Whenever he liked something, as soon as Wu Chengyi entered the pce, it would be Wu Chengyi''s.


    Even the maternal love he had always longed for was the same. Wu Chengyi would run over, nestle in the Empress Dowager''s embrace, and whine, "Auntie, you''re still the best to Little Yi. Can Little Yi stay in the pce a little longer?"


    "Little Yi can stay as long as he wants. Just make yourself at home in the pce."


    "The Empress Dowager is biased," the stubborn young Crown Prince muttered, his unshed tears reddening his eyes as he red at his aunt and cousin embracing behind the pearl curtain.


    The Empress Dowager had never hugged him.


    "You''re bing more and more unruly."


    The Empress snorted coldly. "Guards, lock the Crown Prince in the punishment chamber for reflection. Don''t give him any food. He cane out whenever he realizes his mistakes."


    The scene changed again, and the young Crown Prince was locked in a pitch-ck punishment chamber with no light at all, so Jiang Xinyue could not see where he was.


    She could only hear muffled sobsing from a corner.


    Then, the iron door of the punishment chamber was pushed open, and the light from outside was so blinding that the young Crown Prince could not open his eyes. He shielded them with his hand as a dead snake''s body was tossed in.


    A maliciousughter rang out. "Hey! Don''t say I''m not good to you. I saw how lonely you were, so I specially sent your Little Flower to keep youpany. Take your time and bond with it! Hahaha..."


    It was intentional!


    He had intentionally killed Little Flower and thrown its corpse at the young Crown Prince!


    The young Prince cradled the snake''s body in his hands, unmoving for a long time. After a while, he finally stood up and walked out of the punishment chamber, letting the snake''s body fall to the ground without a nce.


    But from that day on, the young Crown Prince learned to hide his feelings. The more he liked something, the more indifferent he pretended to be. The more he disliked something, the more he feigned fondness for it.


    Wu Chengyi could no longer take the things he truly cherished.


    "Huff!"


    Another ckout, and Jiang Xinyue''s body sank rapidly as she convulsed sharply before snapping her eyes open.


    "Mistress! Mistress, you''re awake!"


    There was amotion by the bedside, but Jiang Xinyue felt dazed, the noises around her seeming unreal. Her mind was filled with the young Emperor''s cold, indifferent gaze.


    Was that... the Xuanwu Emperor''s past?


    "Consort Zhen, how do you feel? Is your stomach still hurting?" She simply shook her head, speechless, staring nkly like a dazed fool.


    Wang Dequan''s heart raced: "Yan the Imperial Physician, this..."


    Yan the Imperial Physician continued to take Jiang Xinyue''s pulse: "This shouldn''t be! I''ve never seen anyone take a small amount of arsenic and have it affect their mental state!"


    "Mydy, please don''t frighten your servant, wuwuwu..."


    Empress Zhu also frowned tightly, seemingly deep in thought.


    Jiang Xinyue suddenly woke up and said to Empress Zhu: "Your humble servant thanks Your Imperial Majesty, the Empress Dowager. Your servant was merely feeling unwell, but is now without any major issues."


    Indeed, there was no difort anymore, only ack of energy.

 Chapter 33

    Chapter 33


    "This is normal."


    Yan the Imperial Physician stroked his beard: "Old servant will prescribe two more remedies for Consort Zhen. The pcedies will bring them over shortly. Consort Zhen still has residual poison in her body that needs to be purged. She must take the medicine on time for the next few days. In seven days, old servant will return for a follow-up examination."


    "Thank you for your efforts, Yan the Imperial Physician."


    Jiang Xinyue propped herself up and watched Wang Dequan and the Imperial Physician leave together.


    Empress Zhu shook her head: "You were too careless. Consort Jiang holds a deep grudge against you after being demoted. For you to eat the pastries she sent is quite reckless."


    Jiang Xinyue let out a feeble cough: "This concubine did not wish to eat them, but in my current fallen state, anyone can trample on me. If I refused, she would have forced me to consume the poison anyway."


    Empress Zhu sighed: "Fortunately, she did not get the dosage right. Yan the Imperial Physician said the arsenic she used was diluted enough that it would not im a life. Nevertheless, this was a close call for you. In the future, you must be more cautious."


    Jiang Xinyue nodded again, her expression dejected.


    Empress Zhu smiled faintly: "The Emperor still cares for you in his heart, or he would not have arranged for Yan the Imperial Physician to treat you. Be patient a while longer, and persevere - you will eventually be freed."


    Jiang Xinyue nodded once more. Empress Zhu patted her shoulder: "The eunuch overseeing the Cold Pce has captured Consort Jiang''s maid. I have instructed Consort Liang and Consort De to escort her before the Emperor. With such concrete evidence, Consort Jiang cannot escape punishment. Rest assured, I will ensure justice is served for you."


    Only then did some light return to Jiang Xinyue''s eyes, tears welling up: "Your Majesty has shown this concubine immense kindness. This concubine is forever indebted and willy down her life if Your Majesty ever needs anything from her."


    Having received the promise she wanted, Empress Zhu rose to leave: "Then I shall not disturb your rest any further. Xi Que, take good care of your mistress."


    "Yes, farewell Your Majesty."


    Jiang Xinyue knew she would be poisoned, but not that it would be arsenic, almost costing her life.


    Her strength utterly spent, after Xi Que helped her take the medicine, she fell into a deep slumber again.


    In the Yikun Pce¡ª


    Consort Jiang knelt in the hall, nked by the trembling Mu Tan and the maid.


    The Xuanwu Emperor, Empress Zhu, Consort Liang, Consort De, Consort Rong, Noble Consort Rong, and numerous other consorts were all seated, as if holding a formal court session. The atmosphere was solemn and stifling.


    "Bam!"


    A te of unfinished horse-hoof pastries was thrown in front of Consort Jiang. The Xuanwu Emperor''s expression was stern: "Eat."


    Consort Jiang likely guessed that her attempt to poison Consort Zhen had been exposed. She stole a nce at the Emperor''s icy demeanor, feeling confused.


    It was just meant to make Consort Zhen embarrass herself, right?


    Why was the Emperor making such a fuss over this? Did he still harbor feelings for that vile woman? Was demoting her to the Cold Pce his only reluctant option?


    They had clearly schemed against Consort Zhen, and the Emperor had thought she intentionally caused Noble Consort''s drowning ident to curry favor, right?


    Consort Jiang''s expression was grim, her eyes darting about - a clear sign of guilt.


    To the Xuanwu Emperor, there was no need for further questioning. Consort Jiang''s face was etched with the words "I poisoned her."


    "What''s wrong? What did Consort Jiang put in the horse-hoof pastries? Why won''t you eat them yourself?"


    Consort Liang had always been harsh when dealing with Noble Consort''s faction, let alone now that they had almost killed Consort Zhen: "If you won''t eat them yourself, why send them to Consort Zhen?"


    She must have been trying to take Consort Zhen''s life!


    Consort Jiang knew denial was futile at this point. She kowtowed directly: "Your Majesty, this concubine will never do it again. Please spare me this one time!"


    Consorts Wan and Jin exchanged bewildered looks, as if unable to believe Consort Jiang had confessed so quickly.


    Did her hatred for Consort Zhen truly run so deep that she was willing to go to such lengths, even at the cost of her own life?


    But the poison dosage was too low, and Consort Zhen did not die - she was even revived!


    Confessing now was utterly pointless.


    "Are you deaf to your Emperor''s words?"


    With her head pressed to the ground, Consort Jiang gritted her teeth and picked up a piece of the horse-hoof pastry to eat.


    At worst, she would just have diarrhea. She could get some medicine from the physicianter.


    The Yikun Pce fell deathly silent, not a single consort or servant daring to speak.


    At first, Consort Jiang was nonchnt, but gradually, she sensed something was amiss.


    She coughed up a mouthful of fresh blood, clutching her agonizingly painful stomach, too tormented to utter a word.


    The Xuanwu Emperor watched her, but his gaze seemed to pass through her, as if looking at someone else. His expression and eyes betrayed no emotion, but his heart had already been torn asunder.


    Did Consort Zhen... suffer such pain too?


    She was so delicate, crying over the slightest scratch,ining that whatever cut her finger had bullied her.


    In such agony, how terrified must she have been?


    Consort Jiang also lost consciousness, but the Emperor did not show her any mercy this time by calling a physician.


    He immediately demoted her to a pce maid, banishing her to the Cold Pce without even a single personal attendant. From then on, she would serve any concubine sent to the Cold Pce.


    "This is thest time I will say this - my imperial harem has no ce for venomous vipers. Anyone who employs such underhanded tactics to harm others will receive no leniency from me."


    With those words, he returned to the Chengqian Pce with Wang Dequan.


    Empress Zhu cast a warning nce: "You have all heard the Emperor''s words. I will not repeat myself. Keep them in mind, and restrain your actions by considering the consequences for your families. Commit a transgression, and not only will the Emperor discard you, but your entire n will suffer."


    "We obey Your Majesty''s guidance."


    When Jiang Xinyue awoke again, it was already deep into the night. Xiao Xuanzi had fetched a light dinner from the imperial kitchen and also brought a steamed stuffed bun for the new Cold Pce maid, tossing it carelessly by the door.


    Jiang Yuan had been poisoned and, with no physician to treat her, remained unconscious when she was carried in.


    Xi Que set out the nourishing vegetarian meal on the table - four dishes and one soup, all prepared ording to the Imperial Physician''s instructions.


    Xiao Xuanzi nced at the tightly closed room opposite, pondering how differently those banished to the Cold Pce by the Emperor were treated.


    Jiang Yuan had brought this upon herself. If only she had remained a good consort instead of trying to harm Consort Zhen. She deserved her fate.


    "Another arrival to the Cold Pce?"


    Jiang Xinyue asked as Xi Que helped her to the table. "Is it Consort Jiang?"


    If Consort Jiang enters, her departure won''t be far off.


    Mentioning her, Xi Que was furious: "What Consort Jiang? The Emperor has demoted her to a pce maid. She''s now on the same level as servants. I''m just waiting for her to wake up."


    They were both pce maids, but she was Consort Zhen''s personal attendant, while Jiang Yuan was a disgraced maid in the cold pce. Since Jiang Yuan dared to poison her own mistress, she would surely take revenge on her mistress fiercely.

 Chapter 34

    Chapter 34


    After taking Chinese herbal medicine for two days, Jiang Xinyue''s health had mostly recovered, but there was no movement from Jiang Yuan on the other side. Xiao Xuanzi tossed two steamed stuffed buns towards her door every meal, forming a small pile, but she didn''t move at all.


    "Do you think she''s dead?"


    Xi Que stood at Jiang Yuan''s door, discussing with Xiao Xuanzi: "Should we... go check on her?"


    Xiao Xuanzi ced his hand on the door, pushed it a crack open, then withdrew it: "But what if she''s really dead..."


    "Open it!"


    Jiang Xinyue walked over, gently pushing the door open with a lightugh: "If she''s really dead, we''re the only ones who can take care of her remains."


    This west-facing room rarely saw sunlight, always cold and damp. The three of them shivered as they entered.


    Xi Que pulled Jiang Xinyue''s cloak tighter around her: "Mydy, be careful with your health."


    A foul odor emanated from the room, and Jiang Xinyue covered her nose with a lightly scented handkerchief.


    Xiao Xuanzi, however, seemed used to it: "Consort Zhen, it''s the smell of filth - she must be awake."


    "Jiang Xinyue, prepare to die."


    Hiding behind the door, Jiang Yuan swung a round stool at Jiang Xinyue. Xiao Xuanzi rushed forward, grabbed her arm and twisted it back, forcing her to drop the stool in pain.


    Xi Que kicked her in the knee, forcing her to kneel on the ground: "Insolent maid, not kneeling before Consort Zhen?"


    The foul odor came from Jiang Yuan herself. She had been awake for two days, but poisoned, constantly vomiting blood. Fearing Jiang Xinyue would retaliate, she hadn''t dared sleep.


    Xiao Xuanzi tossed the steamed stuffed buns to her door every day, but she was afraid Jiang Xinyue had poisoned them, so she never went out to take them.


    Now she looked like a mad woman, nothing like the graceful Consort Jiang of the past.


    Her fierce gaze fixed on Jiang Xinyue as Xiao Xuanzi restrained her: "I never poisoned you, it wasn''t me. I only gave you axative. Go exin it to the Emperor."


    "Does it matter if it was you or not?"


    Jiang Xinyue countered: "Isn''t it because you wanted to harm me that someone else had the chance to frame you? Didn''t you want to poison me to death?"


    "You..."


    Shock flickered in Jiang Yuan''s eyes: "What do you mean? You... you knew all along that I didn''t poison you?"


    Jiang Xinyue smiled wryly: "It makes no difference to me - the one who poisoned me wanted to turn me against Concubine Li. You were just a pawn. To me, you''re an enemy too, so it doesn''t matter who poisoned me. What matters is, you''ll never have a chance to rise again in this life."


    After pondering for a while, Jiang Yuan copsed to the ground,ughing madly: "Hahaha... it was the Empress, it was the Empress... hahaha... she must have thought her n was wless."


    Jiang Xinyue... Jiang Xinyue had been ying the fool, deceiving the tiger. Jiang Yuan was never her match.


    Afterughing, she looked at the smiling woman again, gloating: "I can never rise again in this life, but do you think you can? Don''t be stupid - once in the Pce of Exile, you have one foot in the grave. The Emperor will never favor you again."


    "We''ll just have to wait and see!"


    Jiang Xinyue turned to leave, saying as she reached the door: "Xiao Xuanzi''s steamed stuffed buns - you should eat some. You have to stay alive to witness my rise, don''t starve to death in the Pce of Exile."


    After leaving that room, fresh air rushed into their nostrils.


    Xi Que nced back at the door, still angry: "Mydy, why didn''t you let this servant teach her a lesson?"


    They were all just maids, how dare she act so arrogant?


    "Why bother fighting with someone destined to die?"


    After washing her hands, Jiang Xinyue took out a travelogue, and just as Xi Que thought her mistress would read quietly, Jiang Xinyue spoke slowly: "Her room doesn''t even have a bed or quilts. Poisoned and frail, it''s hard to say if she''ll live through this winter. Xi Que, she''s just a scapegoat."


    Only then did Xi Que recall Jiang Yuan mentioning the Empress, which seemed unbelievable: "But..."


    "There are no buts."


    Jiang Xinyue flipped a page, her eyes never leaving the book as she said indifferently: "In this pce, I trust no one but myself."


    Not even the Emperor, let alone her rival the Empress.


    Concubine Li had been falling out of favor recently, all because of Consort Zhen.


    This woman was like a deity...


    When the Emperor favored her, she defeated Concubine Chu, and the Emperor even sent her to the Pce of Exile, yet she still managed to get Jiang Yuan exiled with her.


    Bringing down two consorts in session, while Consort Zhen remained unharmed - the other consorts mocked her as a paper tiger behind her back.


    That night, as Concubine Liy in the Xuanwu Emperor''s embrace, she cooed: "Your Majesty, although Yuan made a mistake, she has apanied this concubine in the pce for so many years. Tomorrow... could this concubine visit her?"


    "No."


    The Xuanwu Emperor immediately refused: "Your injury hasn''t healed yet. The Pce of Exile is a ruined ce full of yin energy, snakes, insects and rats. What if something happens to you?"


    Concubine Li suspected the Emperor didn''t want her going after Consort Zhen.


    If so, then she really couldn''t let Consort Zhen off.


    "My love..." The Xuanwu Emperor gently stroked the bandage on her forehead. "You must take care of yourself for my sake. You can visit once you''ve recovered."


    He didn''t actually stop her from going, just worried about her injury.


    Concubine Li''s poisonous eyes softened, and she smiled sweetly: "This concubine will listen to Your Majesty."


    If she couldn''t go, her maids could, and they wouldn''t let a mere consort off so easily.


    "Rumble¡ª"


    Before dawn broke, a thunderp lit up the sky, followed quickly by a bright sh of lightning.


    Then heavy rain poured down...


    "Bang!"


    A bolt of lightning struck the side pce of Xihuo Pce, sting off a corner of the eaves and sending sparks flying.


    The downpour hadn''t even started when the deafening thunder and lightning frightened Jiang Xinyue into calling Xi Que inside from outside to sleep by her bedside.


    As the thunderps roared, unable to sleep anyway, Xi Que sat up and leaned over Jiang Xinyue''s bed: "Little Miss, you were also scared of thunder when we lived at the manor. Aunt Ruan would sneak in to soothe you to sleep, while I kept watch outside. If the Madame came, I''d hurry Aunt Ruan away to hide."


    That familiar ''Little Miss'' made Jiang Xinyue feel a warmth she hadn''t felt in a long time.


    A beautiful countenance shed into her mind, bearing a seven-tenths resemnce to this body, but with an expression that could move all beings. Her face was forever graced with a gentle smile, making one feel serene.


    Xi Que prattled on: "I wonder how Aunt Ruan and the Second Young Master and Third Miss are faring after we entered the pce. With no news of the Elder Miss, the Lady is sure to take it out on Aunt Ruan. Let''s hope that for the Elder Miss''s sake, the Lord will offer some protection to Aunt Ruan."


    "He will," Jiang Xinyue said from the darkness, patting Xi Que''s head. "My father is a wise man."

 Chapter 35

    Chapter 35


    But if one was a bit foolish, they would not deceive their birth mother and elder sister by iming to send Jiang Xinyue to the pce to pave the way for Jiang Yutong.


    He said it backwards--


    Allowing Jiang Yutong and Jiang Xinyue to enter the pce together was to enable Jiang Xinyue to use her simple-minded birth sister to pave the way for herself, maximizing the value of her beauty.


    The Deputy Minister of the Hong Chan Temple calcted everything, but he never expected that his own devastatingly beautiful illegitimate daughter would be so useless. After the Xuanwu Emperor favored her for two days and spoke some sweet words, she forgot her own surname and recklessly provoked Concubine Li.


    Who was Concubine Li?


    She was the granddaughter of the current chief minister, the supreme concubine who had reigned over the harem for ten years and held the Emperor''s deepest affections.


    Although the reincarnated Jiang Xinyue relied on her stunning beauty and cunning tricks to gain the Emperor''s favor for a while, she ultimately ended up in the Pce of Exile.


    Once again, it was because of Concubine Li.


    "Rumble--"


    The thunder roared. Fortunately, Xi Que had chirped to Jiang Xinyue about many things that happened in the Jiang Household, so she finally fell into a dazed sleep in thete night.


    "There''s a fire! There''s a fire!"


    Not long after she fell asleep, noisy footsteps could be heard outside. Jiang Xinyue sat up, and Xi Que rubbed her eyes: "Mistress, you rest. This servant will go check."


    Before Xi Que could leave, Xiao Xuanzi knocked on the door from outside. After a while, he said, "Precious Consort, did I disturb your and Xi Que''s sleep?"


    Xi Que put on an outer robe and opened the door: "What happened?"


    "The Xihuo Pce caught fire. A side pce was struck by lightning, and the eaves fell inside, igniting a ze. Two pce maids were burned to death."


    Jiang Xinyue heard this and frowned, thinking: "The Xihuo Pce again."


    It seemed those two pce maids were the ones who secretly swapped Consort Jiang''sxative with arsenic.


    How could there be such a coincidence?


    It was simply a case of human malice taking advantage of a natural disaster to silence them.


    "Never mind."


    Shey back down: "Close the door, it has nothing to do with us."


    The Xihuo Pce was in the direction of the Pce of Exile, but still some distance away. The Xuanwu Emperor nced towards the cold, dark direction of the Pce of Exile, without even a glimmer of light.


    The next day, Jiang Xinyue stretchedzily as she woke up from her slumber.


    Outside, Xi Que''s energetic voice rang out: "Here, here... and here, clean it all up."


    "Didn''t you eat? There''s still dust here. My mistress sunbathes here every day, so the branches must be trimmed so they don''t block the sunlight."


    "You dare re at me? Still think you''re Consort Jiang? You''re just a sinner in the Pce of Exile now. Anyone can order you around, understand? Don''t act so high and mighty, or you won''t get any food."


    She had quite the arrogant servant''s attitude.


    Jiang Xinyue draped an outer robe over her shoulders. She didn''t need Xi Que''s assistance, as a basin of hot water would already be prepared for her expected waking time.


    After washing her face, she stepped outside.


    "Xi Que."


    "Mistress, you''re awake! Xiao Xuanzi went to get our breakfast."


    Her quick change of demeanor was astonishing.


    "Jiang Xinyue!"


    Jiang Yuan, whose poor health often caused her to cough up blood, had been tormented all morning. Seeing Jiang Xinyue, she threw the broom in front of her: "I may be the daughter of the Ministry of Officials, but you let your maid humiliate me like this. Don''t you..."


    "p her mouth!"


    "p!"


    Jiang Yuan was struck dumb by the p from none other than Jiang Xinyue''s lowly maid: "Jiang Xinyue, you..."


    "Hit her again."


    Jiang Xinyue yawned and twisted her neck, saying nonchntly: "Keep hitting her until this sinner in the Pce of Exile learns how to bow and address me properly."


    "p! p! p..."


    Xi Que had disliked Jiang Yuan for a long time. Now that she had her mistress''s orders, she rolled up her sleeves and struck left and right: "For insulting my mistress! For trying to poison my mistress! For conspiring with Concubine Li! For scheming against my mistress!"


    While Jiang Yuan was being beaten, Xiao Xuanzi returned with the breakfast. For Jiang Yuan, it was still two cold, hard in buns.


    Jiang Xinyue only drank half a bowl of porridge before her throat started hurting, so she shook her head and refused to eat more.


    She never wasted food, as the leftovers would go into Xiao Xuanzi and Xi Que''s stomachs.


    The golden abalone and sea cucumber porridge emitted a tantalizing aroma. Xi Que''s hand paused for a moment, giving Jiang Yuan a chance to catch her breath. Using her hand to shield her face, she weakly said: "Don''t... don''t hit me anymore. I... I''m... this sinner... greets the Precious Consort."


    If Xi Que kept hitting, Jiang Yuan might have been killed by her fists instead of the arsenic poison.


    Her mouth felt like some teeth had loosened, her lips were stinging painfully, and her throat burned incessantly. She spat out a mouthful of fresh, ckish-red blood.


    It was truly a wretched scene.


    When Consorts Jin and Wan arrived, they were startled by the brutal sight and couldn''t move.


    "You!"


    After recovering, Consort Wan pulled Consort Jin and rushed forward: "Precious Consort, you''re so domineering, even after being exiled to the Pce of Exile. Aren''t you afraid the Emperor will punish you for such violence?"


    Originally sitting under a tree and eating while enjoying Jiang Yuan''s misery, Jiang Xinyue now weakly reclined on a noble chair when the two came: "Please forgive me, Sisters. This concubine is still quite frail and cannot bow to you both. I''m sure kindhearted Sisters will not me me."


    She reminded them that Jiang Yuan was the culprit who tried to poison her, nearly costing her life. She was merely disciplining Jiang Yuan, yet Consorts Jin and Wan rushed to defend her.


    Well...


    Since they were so kindhearted as to let the one who tried to kill her off lightly, they surely wouldn''t me a sick person like her for not greeting them properly.


    Otherwise, it would be too hypocritical.


    Consort Wan was briefly stunned, her face flushing: "The Emperor has already demoted her to a pce maid. She has received her due punishment. If you are dissatisfied, you can appeal to the Emperor."


    Hinting that Jiang Xinyue was defying the Emperor''s decree,ying a trap for her!


    "Indeed!"


    Jiang Xinyue said randomly: "She is already a sinner in the Pce of Exile."


    Just as Consort Wan was puzzled by her meaning, [Consort Jin] suddenly looked at Consort Wan coldly: "For a mere concubine, a lowly prisoner has dared to point her nose at me and shout insults. Should I not punish her? This trivial matter also requires troubling His Majesty, but who knows whether he will punish my crime or the crime of you two sisters."


    It is only natural for a master to punish her servants. Has Consort Wan never disciplined her errant maids before?


    "Sharp tongue," Consort Jin red at the nearly fainting Jiang Yuan. "Did you not greet me and Consort Wan upon seeing us? Should I not p you as well?"


    Jiang Xinyue stood up: "Since Consort Jin has deliberatelye to the Pce of Exile to make trouble for this concubine, I have no choice but to pay my respects..."


    Before she could kneel down, she swayed and copsed onto Xi Que.

 Chapter 36

    Chapter 36


    "Ah!"


    Xi Que let out a shrill cry, hugging Jiang Xinyue as she wept, "Mydy! Mydy? Wah wah wah... You were right, mydy, once you lost power, there are people everywhere who want to take your life. We were doing just fine in the Pce of Exile, not bothering anyone. Why is it that one day we''re being poisoned, and the next we''re being harassed? Waaah... My poordy! My ill-fateddy!"


    The sound of weeping spilled out from the walls of the Pce of Exile, and passing pce maids and eunuchs whispered amongst themselves, while some bolder ones even peeked furtively at the gate.


    They could not see what was ahead, but from their vantage point, they only saw Consort Wan and Consort Jin looking down disdainfully at the seemingly unconscious Consort Zhen, whoy sprawled on the ground.


    With Jiang Yuan''s prior downfall as a cautionary tale before them, Consort Wan flicked her handkerchief, "How inauspicious."


    With Jiang Xinyue lying there on the ground, there was nothing they could do. If the Emperor found out, he would use them of bullying her again.


    After they left, the Pce of Exile fell silent for a long while.


    Jiang Xinyue was a slippery eel, no matter what schemes and plots you hatched against her, she always had a stroke of luck that allowed her to turn misfortune into good fortune.


    If you tried to oppress her with status, she would appear frail and sickly, gasping for breath every few steps, coughing incessantly, until everyone in the pce thought you were bullying her, before she could even say a word.


    Recalling the Emperor''s words when he forced Jiang Yuan to eat the poisoned pastry, none of the other consorts dared to make a move against her.


    In the blink of an eye, it was the twelfth month, and the leaves of the camphor tree in the Pce of Exile had all fallen, leaving only bare, deste branches.


    Jiang Xinyue had not gone to bask under the tree for a long time, as it was too cold. Ever since she had recovered and the Imperial Physician stopped visiting, the Internal Affairs Department had notpletely forgotten about the Pce of Exile, but they were not as diligent either.


    "Cough cough cough..."


    Indeed, the charcoal they sent was no longer the high-quality red charcoal from before, but the inferior pine charcoal used by the pce maids and eunuchs. Not only did it fail to provide enough warmth, it also produced a lot of smoke and ash, stinging the eyes and causing incessant coughing.


    "Mydy, don''t look down on this charcoal. Among all the consorts in the Pce of Exile, you''re the only one who gets this allowance. It''s better than nothing," Xi Que tried tofort her, afraid that she would be disheartened.


    Jiang Xinyue opened the window a crack, "When have I ever been the sort toin? This hardship is only temporary; our good days are still ahead of us."


    In half a month, it would be New Year''s Eve, the grandest pce banquet of the year when envoys from various nations woulde to pay tribute to the Great Zhou empire.


    Jiang Xinyue''s opportunistic father was a junior minister at the Ministry of Rites, in charge of overseeing ceremonial arrangements, weing foreign envoys, managing etiquette, and so on.


    If the Emperor still had feelings for her, he would find an excuse to release her from the Pce of Exile before the New Year.


    Of course, she would not put all her eggs in one basket. Even if the Emperor did not care for her, there was still the Empress Zhu!


    The court needed her father''s services during this critical time, and the Empress Zhu would not let such a good opportunity slip by.


    "Mydy... Mydy..."


    A furtive figure approached Jiang Xinyue''s bedchamber, with the young eunuch Xiao Xuan leading someone in, "Consort Zhen, you have a visitor."


    Xiao Xuan''s guest was likely one of their own people, not an adversary from Concubine Li''s faction.


    Mistress and servant exchanged a nce, and Jiang Xinyue motioned for Xi Que to open the door.


    "Shuang Jiang! What are you doing here? Quick,e in!"


    Shuang Jiang, bundled up in a thick winter coat, entered and shoved a food box into Xi Que''s arms before rushing to Jiang Xinyue''s bedside in tears, "Mydy, I finally get to see you! Are you feeling better? Have all the aftereffects of the poison been purged? Did Consort Wan bully you that day?"


    Thinking of her beloveddy suffering in the Pce of Exile, Shuang Jiang could not stop her tears.


    Jiang Xinyue hurried to console her, "Don''t cry, don''t cry. When you cry, it pains my heart. How are things in the Hexi Pce? Have you all been mistreated?"


    Shuang Jiang shook her head, "Before mydy entered the Pce of Exile, you entrusted us to the Empress, the First Princess, the Second Princess, and the Third Prince. The young masters and mistresses often visit the Hexi Pce to pick fresh fruits and vegetables for the Imperial Kitchen to prepare for the Emperor. The Emperor has evene to check on us a few times, instructing me to tend the gardens well. The Internal Affairs Department officials dare not neglect our pce out of respect for the Princesses and Prince."


    So it seemed the Emperor did intend to release her, or else he would not have instructed Shuang Jiang in such a manner.


    "Shuang Jiang, you brought charcoal!"


    Xi Que opened the food box to find the long-awaited red charcoal inside, and immediately broke into a smile, "You don''t need to worry about ourdy anymore. Ourdy is not the sort to suffer in silence, but where did you get this charcoal?"


    Shuang Jiang nced around the room, noting that the furnishings were no worse than those in herdy''s chambers in the Hexi Pce, before wiping away her tears to exin, "Consort Liang and Consort De spared some from their own monthly allowances, afraid that Concubine Li''s people would notice if they sent the good charcoal openly. I had to disguise it as food provisions."


    Although the Emperor still had some affection for herdy, it was not muchpared to the favor he showed the noble consorts.


    If there were more conflicts, it would only bring suffering upon herdy. It was better to have one less trouble.


    After swapping out the inferior charcoal, the air in the room felt much fresher. Shuang Jiang could not linger, or else she would overstay her time and risk being mistaken for an assassin by the Imperial Guards on her way back, with no one to plead her case.


    Under Xiao Xuan''s guidance, she slipped away from the Pce of Exile once more.


    From the adjacent room came the sound of something heavy dropping to the floor, followed by curses, "You all im to be good sisters, but now that I''ve fallen on hard times, not a single one of you has sent me bedding or nkets. Have the people from the Internal Affairs Department died? Are you trying to freeze me to death?"


    Jiang Xinyue instructed Xi Que to gather up the inferior pine charcoal, "Have Xiao Xuan send it over to her."


    "Mydy!"


    Xi Que stomped her foot in protest, "You can''t..."


    "I''m not taking pity on her."


    She would never pity any consort who had tried to harm her and ended up disgraced.


    "I said before that I want her to witness with her own eyes as I rise step by step to greater heights. If she can''t endure this winter, how will she ever see the day I leave the Pce of Exile?"


    Herdy always had her own calctions. As long as she did not let maternal affection cloud her judgment, it would be fine - the imperial harem had no room for such soft-heartedness among the consorts.


    "These charcoals were sent by Consort Zhen?"


    Jiang Yuan shivered with cold. There was no silk quilt, let alone an ordinary cotton quilt on the wooden bed. There was only a tattered, thin sheet that was barely a covering, and a nket that provided no warmth at all, its purple-red floral pattern faded from repeated washings.


    Xiao Xuan set down the charcoal brazier, a polite smile on his face: "Consort Zhen is kind-hearted."


    Jiang Yuan let out a coldugh: "Kind-hearted? Any kind-hearted woman in this pce has long since gone to meet King Yama. She merely hides her true nature well."

 Chapter 37

    Chapter 37


    Xiao Xuanzi didn''t speak, his eyes showing no hint of emotion, still smiling at her.


    Jiang Yuan smiled viciously, "You''re so loyal to her, only hoping that one day she''ll be restored from the Pce of Exile, and you can ride on her coattails to sess. Let me tell you, don''t dream about it. She''s only pretending to be nice to you because she''s temporarily fallen out of favor. Once she regains her power, that will be the day you die."


    In the pce, there were too many masters and servants who stood by each other through hard times, but on the day the master regained power, the first thing they did was turn on their loyal servants.


    Only because that person had seen her at her worst and knew her deepest secrets.


    Xiao Xuanzi sighed, "The goods have been delivered, do with them as you wish!"


    He was trying to curry favor with Consort Zhen. In this pce, masters and servants were all the same, wanting to avoid being bullied, so who wouldn''t want to climb up the ranks?


    He had previously served the favored consorts, but because the chief eunuch was jealous of his capabilities and feared he would threaten his position after receiving praise from the master, he had him transferred to the Pce of Exile, where he would never rise again.


    He had lived in the Pce of Exile for three years, originally resigned to his fate. But heaven sent Consort Zhen his way, practically handing him adder to climb. Would he be a fool to not climb it?


    But Jiang Yuan was wrong about one thing¡ªpeople exchange sincerity for sincerity.


    If Consort Zhen was only using him with no genuine feelings, then he would treat her the same.


    Yet after spending so much time together, he could sense that Consort Zhen possessed a simplicity and genuineness that most consorts in the pcecked.


    She was cunning and scheming, but her calctions were directed only at her enemies. With her own people, she was extremely protective.


    This could be seen from how she risked being caught by Concubine Li to deliver the hot coals to the Pce of Exile during the first frost.


    The howling north wind swept through the hall. Jiang Yuan never dreamed that on her first winter in the Pce of Exile, when she was nearly freezing to death, the first warmth came from her enemy.


    She felt no gratitude at all, even thinking that Jiang Xinyue was just showing off¡ªthey were both exiled consorts, yet she lived in luxury with servants attending to her needs, while Jiang Yuan suffered cold and loneliness.


    Now, even to wash her clothes, she had to fetch water herself.


    Zhong Cui Pce¡ª


    Consort Wan knelt on the ground, her eyes as red as a rabbit''s, her tears unshed, looking utterly pitiful.


    But the Xuanwu Emperor on the throne was stony-hearted, unmoved. "Consorts are not permitted to meddle in state affairs, yet Consort Wan made suggestions to me about making the Secretary of the Ministry of Rites the Vice Minister. Do you know that Vice Minister Jiang studied abroad and speaks fivenguages? He is the most talented man in the great Yan dynasty."


    The Emperor seemed angry. Consort Wan dared not speak. Wasn''t it the Emperor who had expressed reluctance to rehire the Vice Minister of the Ministry of Rites in front of her, showing his difficulty? To help resolve the Emperor''s dilemma, she had casually suggested the Secretary.


    She was a woman who had never left her familypound before entering the pce, and had been locked in the inner pce since. How could she know how talented Vice Minister Jiang was?


    She only knew that the Ministry of Rites oversaw foreign envoys and guests, determining their ranks and hosting them with proper ceremony, assigning them quarters, greeting them upon arrival, bestowing gifts, and hosting banquets for them. It also warned the relevant departments to make preparations in advance.


    If there were tribute items, it would record the quantities and report them to the Foreign Quarters, then escort the envoys to present the tribute.


    How could she have known they needed to speak so many foreignnguages?


    For her interference in state affairs, Consort Wan of the fourth rank was demoted to the fifth-rank Concubine Wan. This caused many of the other consorts who had hoped to make a ssh at the New Year''s banquet to quiet down.


    None of them wanted a decade of effort to go to waste in a single day.


    So when the Ministry of Ritescked enough trantors, leaving the Emperor at a loss, Empress Zhu suddenly announced the findings of the investigation into Concubine Li''s drowning incident from some time ago.


    It was all because the wicked servant Jiang Yuan, jealous of Consort Zhen''s favor and her own demotion over the Xiao Xi incident, harbored malicious intentions toward Consort Zhen.


    First, she sawed through the railings at Xihuo Pce, then lured Concubine Li there, deliberately greasing the already damaged floorboards, causing the eunuchs carrying Concubine Li''s sedan to slip and drop her into the water.


    Afterward, she bribed a eunuch from the Internal Affairs Department using a nonexistent pce maid to frame Xi Que, Consort Zhen''s attendant, then manipted the uninformed consorts into pressuring the Emperor to exile Consort Zhen to the Pce of Exile.


    Her goal was to have Consort Zhen ingest arsenic that day and die a miserable death in exile.


    "What an evil mind," Consort Liang chimed in. "So Consort Zhen suffered that injustice for no reason?"


    Empress Zhu smiled slightly and suggested to the Emperor, "I once heard that Vice Minister Jiang''s daughters were all taught foreignnguages from a young age by their father. Five talented linguists. Since there is a need for such talents at the New Year''s banquet, why not release Consort Zhen to make amends and have her apany and trante for Your Majesty? Would that not better showcase our great nation''s tradition of having educated and talented women?"


    In short, the Xuanwu Emperor would look good to have such an aplished consort.


    Sitting in her seat, Concubine Li seethed with hatred. The injury on her forehead had actually healed in just three days, but to sell the act, she had bandaged it for over a month.


    She had worked so hard to put on this show, only for a wrench named Jiang Yuan to be thrown into the works, even preparing bridal garments for Jiang Xinyue.


    But what could she do?


    Jiang Yuan had be a sacrificial pawn, and the Emperor''s expression told her that he was tempted by the Empress''s proposal.


    She certainly couldn''t go against the Emperor''s wishes just for the sake of Jiang Yuan.


    Consort Wan was demoted for suggesting that the Secretary of the Ministry of Rites rece Vice Minister Jiang.


    Sometimes Concubine Li felt utterly confused. Was the Emperor angry at Consort Wan for bullying Consort Zhen in the Pce of Exile? Or was it really because she interfered in state affairs?


    When the first snow of the year fell in the great Yan dynasty, Jiang Xinyue had Xiao Xuanzi fetch the imperial chef she had previously taught to make roasted meat, and had him bring the ingredients she needed¡ªshe wanted to make fried chicken.


    The Korean drama trifecta: fried chicken, beer, and a handsome man.


    The handsome man hadn''te to find her yet, so she''d have to make do with just the food for now.


    The two chefs, having gained status in the imperial kitchen by learning Jiang Xinyue''s roasted meat recipe, quickly prepared all the ingredients she requested upon hearing that Consort Zhen wanted to cook something delicious again.


    They didn''t care whether they went to Hexi Pce or the Pce of Exile. What mattered was learning the skills to impress the Emperor and the consorts, so they could gain whatever they desired.


    Gazing at the array of stoves and pans before her, Jiang Xinyue rolled up her sleeves and got to work: "Let''s marinate the chicken first."


    Otherwise, once battered and fried, the meat inside would be vorless and not as tasty.


    "Mydy, you have some flour on your nose, allow this servant to wipe it off for you."


    Before Xi Que could act, the Imperial Edict arrived, causing everyone to immediately kneel on the ground, disregarding the mess on their hands.

 Chapter 38

    Chapter 38


    "By the grace of Heaven, the Emperor proims: Jiang Xinyue, a woman of virtuous conduct, knowledgeable and wise, respectful and filial. We hereby consult you, Jiang Xinyue, who has long supported the inner affairs, conducted yourself with propriety and embodied the spirit of a noble family. We are greatly pleased. We now confer upon you the title of [Consort Zhen] as a sign of Our imperial favor. May you cherish this grace, conduct yourself with propriety and filial piety. This is Ourmand."


    Guiyi, Guirong, and Guiyuan were all titles for consorts of the fourth rank.


    Previously, Consort Wan held this position, but now Jiang Xinyue had attained it, while Consort Wan had been demoted by two ranks, falling behind her.


    From Lady Jiang to Consort Zhen, then Zhen Fangyi, and now leaping several ranks to be named Consort Zhen, she had achieved this promotion in merely half a year.


    This was a pace of advancement that ordinary consorts might never achieve in their entire lives.


    Even Concubine Li, who had risen from a humble talent to Consort Li, had taken three years.


    Now, everyone was still in disbelief, feeling that this title was something Jiang Xinyue had won with her life, nothing to be envious of.


    But if they thought about it carefully, they would be rmed. It seemed that every time Jiang Xinyue was wronged, she would advance two ranks.


    When her life was in peril, she leaped four ranks, a truly terrifying prospect.


    "Your humble servant thanks Your Majesty for your boundless grace."


    When Jiang Xinyue rose from the ground, tears streamed down her face, a mix of the anguish of clearing her name, the joy of being able to see the Emperor again, and the release of the suffering she had endured.


    Wang Dequan could not help but feel heartache when he saw this, and said, "Quick, don''t cry anymore, Consort Zhen. His Majesty has sent attendants from the Bureau of Pce Affairs to assist you in dressing and freshening up. The entire imperial pce now awaits at the gates of the Pce of Exile to wee you back to the Hexi Pce!"


    This was an immense honor. Never before had any consort been regarded so highly by the Emperor, not even the Empress or Concubine Li.


    From this day forth, no one would dare look down upon Consort Zhen, nor would anyone consider her a mere substitute for another.


    She now had the capital to rival Concubine Li''s charm.


    Two imperial chefs were stillmenting that they would not learn the wondrous dish called "fried chicken," when Consort Zhen turned and said, "Move all of these things to the Hexi Pceter. I wish to treat His Majesty and Her Majesty the Empress to fried chicken."


    Oh my, how delightful! Fried chicken, beer, and handsome men ¨C she had it all.


    Outside the Pce of Exile¡ª


    The Emperor and Empress stood under the eaves, sheltered from the snow, with hand warmers tucked in their sleeves, surrounded by a throng of pce attendants, not feeling the cold.


    Concubine Li, Consort De, and Consort Liang were high-ranking consorts, each attended to by their own servants. Though they could not stand alongside the imperial couple, they had pce maids holding umbres for them, protecting them from the snow.


    Only the lower-ranked consorts who had fallen out of favor suffered, standing in the freezing snow and watching the Emperor heap all his affections upon another woman, unable to voice any grievance.


    The goose feather snow showed no signs of abating. The Empress looked back and said, "Your Majesty, perhaps they should take shelter in the gallery?"


    The Xuanwu Emperor observed the carefully made-up consorts, their appearances ruined by the melting snow soaking their makeup and hair, looking like ghosts.


    Indeed!


    Not everyone could remain radiant bare-faced like his precious Consort Zhen, whose unadorned beauty was still breathtaking.


    Yet these consorts had not trulye to wee Consort Zhen''s release from the Pce of Exile. Their faces betrayed resentment before they could conceal it, caught by the Emperor''s gaze.


    "Only Consort Jin may remain. The rest shall take shelter in the gallery."


    Caught red-handed, Consort Jin felt deeply embarrassed, her face flushing as she lowered her head, not daring to meet the Emperor''s eyes again.


    As everyone retreated to the gallery, Consort Jin''s dishevelment became even more apparent.


    "Consort Zhen has arrived!"


    d in an elegant snow-gray silk gown embroidered with seasonal flowers, with a fur-lined overcoat of a deeper shade, a pale pink fur trim framing her porcin face norger than a palm.


    Despite her prolonged stay in the Pce of Exile, her beauty remained untarnished. In fact, her slightly thinner frame lent her a poignant, delicate air.


    Yet her eyes shone with tenderness, tears welling up before she could speak, her demeanor so alluring that one wished to pluck the moon from the sky and gift it to her.


    Her face was bare of makeup, for she was only sixteen, at the peak of youthful radiance, embodying the notion that true beauty needs no artificial enhancement, the foremost among flowers.


    "Your humble servant greets Your Majesty, and greets Her Majesty the Empress..."


    As she began to kneel, a strong hand firmly supported her arm. The Xuanwu Emperor''s gaze burned with longing barely restrained as he embraced her, saying, "My beloved has suffered."


    Clearly, whatever truthy behind Concubine Li''s mishap, it must have cleared Jiang Xinyue''s name for her to emerge so triumphantly from the Pce of Exile.


    Jiang Xinyue shook her head, a crystalline tear rolling down, searing the Emperor''s heart. "As long as Your Majesty remembers your humble servant, I do not suffer."


    She was telling the Xuanwu Emperor that she understood and trusted all his decisions.


    The Emperor''s heart swelled with affection, cherishing her even more.


    Xiao Xuanzi stood behind the door, envy shing in Jiang Yuan''s eyes as she said bitterly, "Do you see? She has risen to such heights now, yet has she spared a thought to elevate you? For all your kindness to her, you have been repaid with indifference."


    Though Xiao Xuanzi knew Consort Zhen was not that sort of person, the prospect of being left behind to guard this deste Pce of Exile while they departed filled him with sadness.


    Yet just as he resigned himself to merely catching glimpses of Consort Zhen from afar in the pce, avoiding her, the Xuanwu Emperor''s gaze fell upon him.


    Soon after, the head eunuch Wang Dequan approached him, saying, "You must be Xiao Xuanzi."


    To Jiang Yuan''s astonishment, Wang Dequan continued, "I have heard that you were attentive to Consort Zhen during her time in the Pce of Exile. She is grateful and has requested you from His Majesty and Her Majesty. From now on, you shall serve in the Hexi Pce."


    What incredible fortune!


    But this good fortune was earned through his own kindness.


    Tears welled up in Xiao Xuanzi''s eyes as he knelt, kowtowing, "This servant thanks His Majesty, thanks Her Majesty the Empress, thanks... Consort Zhen."


    With Wang Dequan leading Xiao Xuanzi back to Jiang Xinyue''s side, a grand procession escorted the Emperor and Consort Zhen back to the Hexi Pce.


    Of course, Concubine Li and the others had no opportunity to sample the delicacy of fried chicken, but the Hexi Pce was more lively than during the New Year celebrations that day.


    Rejected at the gates were Concubine Li, Consort Jin, and others, forced to return to their own pces, their ambitions thwarted.


    The Empress Dowager, Consort Liang, and Consort De assumed that Consort Zhen, having just returned from the Pce of Exile, must be eager to rekindle her intimacy with the Emperor.


    But no...


    Not only did she not dismiss the others, but she also summoned Xi Que and Shuang Jiang to bring over the Crown Princess, the Second Princess, and the Third Prince: "Consort Zhen is making a delicacy today that you children will surely love! Consider it Consort Zhen''s way of thanking you for looking after the Hexi Pce."

 Chapter 39

    Chapter 39


    The same scene, the Xuanwu Emperor and the Empress were conversing, but the Emperor''s expression was not as gentle as when he first ate the roasted meat: "Empress, Consort Zhen is innocent and pure-hearted. Despite being harmed by the dirty schemes of the pce, she bears no resentment. Isn''t that rare?"


    Empress Zhu, thinking the Emperor was being sincere, agreed: "Yes, it is indeed rare."


    "Therefore, I do not wish for anyone to ruin this rarity. Empress, do you understand?"


    Empress Zhu trembled, rooted to the spot, herplexion turning somewhat ashen.


    The Emperor, he knows everything!!


    "Your Majesties, what are you whispering about?" Jiang Xinyue waved at them: "Come over here! Try the fried chicken I made. The eldest princess and the second princess love it."


    There was mulled hawthorn wine warming on the small stove, just a little sip for the princesses, pleasantly sour and sweet, not spicy at all.


    The third prince couldn''t have any, as he was only seven years old, too young.


    The two imperial chefs were immensely grateful to Consort Zhen for teaching them new culinary skills, praising the fried chicken profusely.


    Although such greasy food shouldn''t be eaten too much, it was still irresistibly crispy and fragrant. Just smelling the aroma made one''s mouth water. While not suitable as a main dish, it made for an excellent snack to stave off hunger.


    Moreover, Consort Zhen said that anything could be fried. When they returned, they would follow her recipe to fry some chicken wings, drumsticks, and what was it... oh yes, popcorn chicken.


    They would then send it to the various princesses and consorts to try. If the response was good, it would be another aplishment.


    There were no musical instruments this time, but it stirred pleasant memories for the Xuanwu Emperor. He turned to Wang Dequan and instructed: "Remind me tomorrow after the morning court session to have the ministers of the Honghuisi and Minister Jiange to the imperial study to discuss the new year''s banquet."


    "Yes, your servant will remember."


    Wang Dequan nced at Consort Zhen. This Minister Jiang was indeed her father.


    That night, after seeing everyone off, the Xuanwu Emperor could no longer restrain his emotions and embraced his beloved consort.


    Jiang Xinyuey on his chest, listening to his strong, powerful heartbeat, her mind undisturbed.


    How could she possibly harbor no resentment?


    She had done nothing wrong, and yet the Emperor, in order to cate Concubine Li, had her sent to the cold pce. Was it not because the value she provided was not as high as Concubine Li''s, so one had to be abandoned, and she was the one discarded?


    It was no use saying the Emperor had not treated her poorly before, secretly ordering the Imperial Household Department to look after her. She was meless, yet suffered such injustice for no reason. That was the least the Emperor should have done.


    A man worthy of her love would stand firmly by her side, trust her, protect her, and understand her.


    The Xuanwu Emperor was merely a stepping stone in her path to advancement.


    He could divide his affections between Empress Zhu, Concubine Li, Consort Liang, and Consort De...


    Too cheap. She did not covet it.


    She had no desire topete with other women, having received a higher education in the 21st century, even studying abroad, her thoughts were rtively open and bold.


    There were so many men, if someone tried to take him, she would happily give him away.


    But s, she had transmigrated into the imperial pce, bing the Emperor''s woman. If she did notpete with the other women, her fate would either be to die a lonely death in the pce, or be framed and killed.


    She did not wish for that.


    Thus, she would treat the pce as her workce, the Emperor as her boss, and the consorts as colleagues obstructing her promotion.


    With this mindset, the workaholic Jiang Xinyue immediately regained her vigor.


    That night in the Hexi Pce, water was summoned three times, and it was not until thete night that the Emperor finally fell asleep with Consort Zhen in his embrace.


    The next morning, after the Emperor attended the morning court session, a stream of rewards flowed into the Hexi Pce.


    It was after Jiang Xinyue had finished her breakfast that a pce maid from the Yikun Pce arrived. With a curtsy, she said: "Consort Zhen, the Empress is ill and asked this servant to inform you. There is no need for you to pay respects for the next three days."


    Jiang Xinyue showed concern and guilt: "The Empress is ill? Could it be from waiting too long outside the cold pce yesterday and catching a cold?"


    The little pce maid quickly shook her head: "It has nothing to do with Consort Zhen. Our Empress has a recurring headache during the winter. The imperial physicians have already been summoned."


    Only then did Jiang Xinyue breathe a sigh of relief: "That''s good then. I''ll go visit the Empress after she recovers, lest I burden her by visiting now while she is ill."


    The little pce maid smiled: "Then this servant shall take her leave. There are still other pces to notify!"


    This was a subtle way of telling her that the Empress valued her,ing to notify her first before the other pces.


    Xi Que smiled and took the little pce maid''s hand, slipping her a pouch of silver pieces: "Let me see you out, sister."


    The new year''s banquet was only three days away. It seemed the Empress was too busy with the preparations to engage in her usual morning banter with the pce consorts.


    Not having to pay respects was a relief. Jiang Xinyue took off her clothes and had another nap.


    She slept until lunchtime. The snow had been falling all night and only stopped at noon when she woke up. Xi Que, Shuang Jiang, Jiang Chuan, and Xiao Xuanzi had already built several tall snowmen in the courtyard.


    Consort Zhen was generous, so the pce maids and eunuchs in the Hexi Pce were livelier than those elsewhere. Even when the other pces were gloomy, this ce still had a warm, lively atmosphere.


    The sound of pleasantughter drifted in. Jiang Xinyue put on a robe and watched them from the window, smiling.


    She had to keep receiving the Emperor''s favor!


    Only by continuously receiving his favor could she maintain this vibrant atmosphere in her pce.


    Xi Que, Shuang Jiang, Xiao Xuanzi, and all the pce staff in the Hexi Pce would then be able to live in peace.


    "The Lady is awake!"


    Shuang Jiang, who had just finished shaping a snowball amidst theughter andmotion, immediately dropped it. She brushed off the snow from her clothes and entered with Xi Que. They stood by the charcoal fire for a moment to dispel the chill before approaching Jiang Xinyue.


    "Why didn''t you call us to attend to you when you woke up, My Lady?"


    If the pce tutors knew, they would surely y them alive for breaching protocol.


    Jiang Xinyue yfully teased Xi Que: "Oh? You were all frolicking outside, while I had no one to attend me by my bedside. Aren''t you the ones being improper?"


    "Please forgive us, My Lady!"


    Xi Que was unfazed, but Shuang Jiang was so frightened that she knelt down: "It was my fault. I saw the heavy snow today and wanted to build some snowmen for you to see, so I called Xi Que and the others to help. Please forgive this servant, My Lady."


    Jiang Xinyue and Xi Que nced at each other, and among the three of them, there was indeed one honest person.


    "Shuang Jiang, ourdy is just teasing us!"


    Xi Que helped Shuang Jiang up. "Mydy, look at yourself."


    She was truly mischievous.


    Only then did Shuang Jiang dare to raise her head and look at her mistress''s expression. Seeing that she indeed had a smiling countenance, she finally breathed a sigh of relief. "Mydy, you gave this servant a fright."


    Kind mistresses were truly rare in the pce.


    In private, every one of them was difficult to serve. Being able to encounter Consort Zhen was a blessing she had cultivated over three lifetimes. She did not wish to serve any other mistress.

 Chapter 40

    Chapter 40


    Today''s lunch was Southern cuisine prepared by the imperial chefs, all because Jiang Xinyue mentionedst night that she wanted to savor the delicacies of the South.


    The staff of the imperial kitchen certainly knew how to return a favor.


    The courtyard was nketed in thick, white snow. A few pce maids swept the snow in the courtyard, creating a world of silver and white that was enchantingly beautiful.


    Inspired by the scene, Jiang Xinyue''s poetic spirit soared.


    After much contemtion, she could only muster a line from Song Zhiwen''s "Encountering Snow in the Garden": "I know not if the kes that fall are today''s, or if they''re flowers that bloomed inst night''s haze."


    Just as she was about to recite... no... recite another line, Wang Dequan''s figure appeared, walking in from the pce gate.


    Jiang Xinyue hurriedly dressed herself and sent Xi Que to greet him. Xi Que, with her honeyed tongue, greeted him, "Eunuch Wang, on such a snowy day, what wind has blown you here? Even this magpie is chirping at your arrival."


    The implication was that Eunuch Wang''s visit surely brought good tidings to the Harmony Pce.


    Wang Dequan smiled, quite pleased, "Has your mistress had her meal yet?"


    Xi Que pondered whether to say she had or hadn''t. Surely the Emperor wasn''t nning to summon her mistress to dine with him?


    Wang Dequan, seeing her expression, knew she was overthinking. He waved his duster and said, "Vice Minister Jiang is in the imperial study with the Emperor, discussing the reception of foreign envoys for the New Year''s banquet. The Emperor sent me to invite your mistress over."


    Many consorts who enter the pce never see their families again, but the Emperor was particrly fond of Consort Zhen and specially sent him to bring her to the imperial study.


    Though not explicitly stated, wasn''t the intention clear?


    Was she about to meet this body''s convenient father?


    Jiang Xinyue recalled the dynamics between the father and daughter...


    Fortunately, her convenient father had five daughters, each one meticulously groomed to enter the pce and pave the way for the Jiang family.


    Jiang Yutong was the legitimate daughter of the Jiang family, originally not ted for pce life. Her convenient father treated his three concubine-born daughters asmodities but didn''t count his two legitimate ones.


    It was that fool Jiang Yutong who fell in love with the Emperor at first sight during a pce banquet, starving herself and threatening to hang herself, forcing her way into the pce. Only then did her convenient father package her along with the others and send them in.


    Why couldn''t she have transmigrated into Jiang Yutong or her younger sister Jiang Yulin?


    Being the legitimate daughter of the Vice Minister of the Ministry of Rites wasn''t a low status. She could have married a suitable, handsome young man outside the pce as his primary wife and lived more freely than in the pce!


    Lost in thought, she arrived at the imperial study.


    From afar, she saw two slightly hunched figures talking to the Emperor.


    Her sixth sense told Jiang Xinyue that the tall, thin middle-aged man on the left, with a somewhat upright and handsome back of the head, was her convenient father.


    After all, someone who could produce such a beautiful daughter couldn''t possibly be the short, fat, gray-haired old man on the right.


    "Your subject greets Your Majesty."


    A gentle, clear voice rang out. Vice Minister Jiang and the officials turned around to see an exquisitely beautiful pcedy curtseying gracefully.


    Vice Minister Jiang smiled, "Greetings, Consort Zhen."


    "Father, please don''t be so formal."


    "Beloved,e to my side," the Xuanwu Emperor called.


    Jiang Xinyue only had time for a close look at her convenient father before quickly walking towards the Xuanwu Emperor.


    As expected of this body''s birth father, he was indeed quite handsome - sword-like eyebrows, star-like eyes, and deep-set features. In modern terms, he would be called a "high-contrast beauty."


    But her convenient father was a high-contrast handsome man.


    Jiang Xinyue''s features seemed tobine the best of her father and mother. Beautiful yet pure, lovely yet alluring, both innocent and sensual - four parts resembling Vice Minister Jiang.


    The remaining six parts must take after her mother, the great beauty whose fame echoed throughout the capital.


    Did the Xuanwu Emperor call her here just for a father-daughter reunion?


    Impossible, he wasn''t that kind-hearted.


    "Vice Minister Jiang has a fine daughter. My Consort Zhen has brought me many surprises since entering the pce. The roasted meat and fried chicken We discussed earlier with Our beloved ministers were her ideas. The twelvedy orchestra at the banquet was also her arrangement. We think... it might be clearer if she exins it herself."


    In Yikun Pce¡ª


    Fen Yun looked worriedly at the sickly-faced Empress Zhu, half-lying in bed. "Your Highness, Consort Zhen has been in the imperial study all afternoon and hasn''te out yet."


    Empress Zhu, her face deathly pale, coughed a few times before saying, "The Minister of Rites and Vice Minister Jiang are in the imperial study. His Majesty is showing her kindness, finding an opportunity for her to see her father."


    Fen Yun pouted, "Your Highness, first the cold pce wee, now the imperial study arrangement... isn''t the Emperor paying her too much attention?"


    Remembering the Emperor''s warningst night, Empress Zhu coughed more severely. Fen Yun hurriedly patted her back. After a while, Empress Zhu said, "I remind myself time and again not to underestimate anyone in the harem, yet I''ve repeatedly underestimated her. Let''s wait and see. If she''s as ambitious as Concubine Li, I absolutely won''t tolerate her."


    Even if the Emperor would be displeased, she must maintain her authority as the head of the harem.


    After all, the Emperor had never had any real feelings for her; it was just an alliance of interests.


    She had the right to maintain her dignity, and the Emperor must give her face.


    Emperor and Empress, they were one entity.


    Today, there was neither moon nor stars. The sky was gloomy, with a sense of impending storm.


    Jiang Xinyue walked side by side with her convenient father. The Emperor had specially permitted her to see her convenient father out of the pce.


    Taking advantage of the moment on the way, they could chat a bit about family matters.


    She didn''t really care about the Jiang family''s well-being, but having upied Jiang Xinyue''s body, she felt obliged to show some filial piety.


    After much hesitation, she broke the silence, "Father, how are Aunt Ruan, Brother Ze, and Yan Sister?"


    Vice Minister Jiang stopped walking, and Jiang Xinyue followed suit.


    "Your legitimate sister''s death, did you have anything to do with it? This is what your stepmother asked me to inquire. When news of Yu Tong''s death reached home, your stepmother went mad, insisting on beating your aunt and Yan Sister to death. I know your life in the pce is difficult, so I''ll only ask you one thing: did you personally do it?"


    "No!" Jiang Xinyue replied. "It was her own stupidity. She lost the Emperor''s favor, was instigated by others, and came to my pce in red clothes to hang herself, hoping to be a vengeful ghost and kill me."


    "Your word is enough."


    Vice Minister Jiang smiled gently, "I will take good care of your aunt, brother, and sister. You focus on serving the Emperor well. Your father will handle everything at home."


    Jiang Xinyue nodded. At least her convenient father had said one humane thing.


    "You''ve been in the pce for nearly half a year now. I hear His Majesty dotes on you quite a bit. Why is there no movement in your belly yet? In the depths of the pce, it''s better to have an imperial prince by your side."


    To pave the way for your career, I suppose?


    Just a moment ago, she was a human, and in an instant, she turned back into a dog.


    But Jiang Xinyue still agreed, ying the role of the obedient and filial daughter to perfection.


    After all, it was her womb, and whether she wanted to conceive or not was entirely her decision. She couldn''t be bothered to argue with these people.


    They chatted a bit more about Brother Ze''s recent situation before the pce gates loomed before them.


    Whether it was the lingering emotions of this body or something else, Jiang Xinyue felt a lump in her throat, and tears threatened to fall for no apparent reason.

 Chapter 41

    Chapter 41


    Vice Minister Jiang bowed deeply to Jiang Xinyue, his eyes slightly reddened: "Mydy, this is where I must leave you. It will soon be dark, and the road is treacherous. Be careful not to trip and fall. When you were young, you were always the clumsiest among your sisters, constantly stumbling. In the pce... take good care of yourself. This ce is not like home; if you fall, there will be no one to pick you up but yourself, for your father cannot embrace you here."


    These words carried severalyers of meaning. Though there was an undertone of selling his daughter for glory, there remained a semnce of a father''s love.


    Tears streamed down Jiang Xinyue''s face as she returned the farewell bow: "Father, take care of our family and yourself. Your daughter will not disappoint you."


    "Let us part here."


    Turning away, father and daughter simultaneously wiped the tears from their faces, their expressions equally cold and indifferent.


    Had Wang Dequan witnessed this, he would have remarked: "Truly, a family of drama queens."


    The Hexi Pce was brightly lit. The Xuanwu Emperor, holding a copy of The Book of Lord Shang, sat by Jiang Xinyue''s bedside. Hearing a sound, he looked up and smiled: "You''re back. Hungry? I''ve ordered supper. Will you join me?"


    The red-eyed beauty''sckluster expression suddenly shone with a dazzling radiance. In a sh, she threw herself into the Xuanwu Emperor''s embrace.


    She held him tightly, burying her nose in his chest. After a long while, she lifted her head, her eyes shimmering like a shattered frozenke, exuding an exquisite beauty.


    "Your Majesty, you have been so good to your humble servant. I grow fonder of you each day. What shall I do?"


    The ancients were reserved in expressing love, seldom voicing it aloud. But Jiang Xinyue followed a different creed: love should be boldly proimed.


    Even if she did not love, she would tter with honeyed words until the recipient was utterly besotted. Was this not the way of the scoundrels ofter ages, deceiving maidens with their silver tongues, leaving them spellbound?


    Evidently, it is human nature to crave sweet words¡ªeven emperors are not exempt.


    Though Jiang Xinyue did not know why she had dreamed of the emperor''s childhood while unconscious, it was a golden opportunity bestowed by the heavens, not to be wasted.


    If hecked love, she would give him love in abundance.


    If he did not speak of love, she would express her affection for him daily.


    Let him know that in this world, no one else could love him so unreservedly, like a moth drawn to a me.


    "So my beloved only had a little fondness for me before?" The Xuanwu Emperor embraced her, teasing. "What must my beloved do to give me all of her affection?"


    Jiang Xinyue gazed at him with tender adoration. Bashfully, she reached up, cupping his face and gently pulling it down. Rising on her tiptoes, she ced a loving kiss upon his eyes. "ording to the customs of my aunt''s family, when a woman kisses a man''s eyes, it means she wishes to enter his heart and offer him her boundless love."


    Her voice trembled, as if she had summoned great courage. Nervous, she looked at him, her heart and eyes filled with love for him alone. "My darling, will you... ept this ardent heart of mine?"


    Addressing him intimately, referring to herself humbly¡ªher passion was fervent and true.


    Xuan was the emperor''s given name.


    Meeting her expectant gaze, the Xuanwu Emperor felt, for the first time, a desire to flee.


    Such candid, straightforward deration of love made him feel as though he had been carefully ced in her heart, truly and deeply loved.


    He had never experienced such a novel sensation, as if his very heart had been set afire.


    Silently, he drew her into a tight embrace, avoiding a direct answer: "I like hearing you call me ''my darling.'' Say it again for me, would you?"


    If there was a woman destined to enter his heart, he hoped it would be his precious Consort Zhen.


    At that moment, he thought not of Concubine Li or Empress Zhu... The woman who had kissed his eyes had won a cherished ce unlike any other.


    Truly, bestowing upon her the honorific ''Zhen'' (precious) had been his most prudent decision.


    The dog emperor evaded and changed the subject¡ªa sign of difiture.


    No matter. Jiang Xinyue rallied herself. One day, she would reign supreme over the imperial harem, forcing the dog emperor to kneel and sing "Conquest" to her.


    The courtyard of the Hexi Pce was nketed in white. As the Xuanwu Emperor rose, he nted a kiss upon Jiang Xinyue''s eyes, as if answering her question from the night before.


    After quietly getting up, the Xuanwu Emperor did not forget to instruct Wang Dequan: "Go to my treasury and bestow upon Consort Zhen the white fox fur cloak tributed by the Jin Kingdomst year."


    "What?" Wang Dequan''s eyes widened in disbelief.


    The previous year, the Jin Kingdom had tributed many fox fur cloaks¡ªyellow, gray, and multicolored varieties. But among them, the most precious was the sole white fox fur cloak. This cloak was not easily obtained; it had been made from the underarm fur of foxes from Mount Wanhu in Jin, requiring immense resources andbor.


    The saying "gathering underarm fur to make a cloak" originated from this very item.


    The previous year, not only the Empress and Concubine Li, but even the ailing Grand Empress in the Cining Pce had expressed a subtle desire for this cloak. Yet His Majesty had not given it to anyone, instead keeping it in his private treasury.


    And now... he wished to bestow it upon Consort Zhen?


    Wang Dequan''s astonishment was too apparent. The Xuanwu Emperor frowned displeasedly and with a nce that caused Wang Dequan to immediately respond: "This servant will have it sent over right away."


    "No hurry." The Xuanwu Emperor slipped on his boots, ncing again at Jiang Xinyue. "Wait until I return from the morning court session. You will deliver it personally."


    To demonstrate the emperor''s favor.


    His gaze lingered on Jiang Xinyue''s abdomen, and his brow furrowed once more.


    Vice Minister Jiang had been an unfit father, allowing his own daughter to suffer such hardship in her youth, letting his principal wife bully and oppress her.


    He wished for this woman to bear his offspring, to enjoy lifelong wealth and prosperity, peace and happiness.


    Only after the Xuanwu Emperor''s gaze left her did Jiang Xinyue stretchnguorously and emerge from the thick bedding.


    Shuang Jiang thought herdy had impable timing for rising, always about an hour after His Majesty''s departure.


    Today, there was no need for the morning greetings. Without having to dress early, Jiang Xinyue, her hair unbound, gathered with Xi Que and a few others around a table for a game of shuangluk.


    This was an ancient Chinese board game yed with dice, simr in spirit to the modern-day game of Ludo or Parcheesi. yers raced to be the first to move all their pieces off the board ording to the rolls of the dice.


    ying chess dryly was a bit dull, so Jiang Xinyue turned it into a flying chess game, incorporating many interesting elements. Shuang Jiang and Xi Que were both ying excitedly, sighing one moment and shrieking withughter the next, creating a harmonious atmosphere.


    "What are they ying?" asked Consort De, leading the second princess over.


    From a distance, they could hear theughtering from Hexi Pce.


    After Jiang Xinyue rose and paid her respects, she pulled the second princess along, saying, "Come, second princess, shall Consort Zhen teach you how to y flying chess?"


    "What is flying chess?"


    "It''s this game... Learn it well, and you can y it with the third prince when you return."

 Chapter 42

    Chapter 42


    Consort De watched for a while, and also found it quite interesting, estimating that the second princess could y for an entire day. Only then did she feel reassured, saying: "Younger Sister Lao, please help Sister take care of the second princess. Empress Zhu probably has some matters she wants to pass on to me regarding the arrangements for the New Year''s banquet."


    Empress Zhu could not handle it all by herself, so she called her trusted confidantes Consort Liang and Consort De to help manage pce affairs.


    Jiang Xinyue waved her hand nonchntly: "All right, all right, this consort will take good care of the second princess. Sister De, you should go quickly! Please send my regards to the Empress."


    Consort De smiled and shook her head helplessly. She truly was childlike, no wonder the children adored her so much - they saw Concubine Zhen as a ymate of the same age.


    After Consort De left, the eldest princess and the third prince arrived as well. Xi Que, Shuang Jiang, and little Xiao Xuanzi stopped ying and allowed the three young masters to join Concubine Zhen.


    When Wang Dequan carefully presented the white fox fur robe, the four were so engrossed in y that they burst into unrestrainedughter, quite unbing.


    "Precious Consort Zhen, this servant has brought you the Emperor''s reward."


    The four paused, and Jiang Xinyue walked over first: "What reward is this?"


    Wang Dequan extended his hands, revealing a soft, snow-white fox fur robe.


    The robe waspletely pristine, almost blinding under the sunlight, with a slender cut and a pale apricot cor embroidered with peony flowers and fastenings. The hat had a full ring of fox fur trim that could envelop her little face, protecting her from the wind and cold.


    Even Jiang Xinyue, who was used to modern synthetic and real mink and fox fur coats from the future world, was amazed by this exquisite work of art.


    The wisdom of the ancients sometimes exceeded modern people''s imagination.


    At least Jiang Xinyue felt that modern people would never make a true coat entirely out of white fox fur.


    They would mix in 80% synthetic fur, then charge you a heartbreaking eighty thousand.


    Especially in this non-existent Dayuan Dynasty, dressed in Qing-style banners with Qing hairstyles and lotus shoes - the entire nation probably couldn''t find five white foxes.


    It was evident that this reward was extraordinary.


    "The Emperor said that Precious Consort Zhen should wear this fox fur robe to the New Year''s banquet, as the evening banquet will be held outdoors. He doesn''t want you to catch a chill."


    Xi Que took the reward, and Wang Dequan cautioned further: "Precious Consort, when you''re not wearing it, be sure to store it carefully. This is the only fox fur robe in the entire Dayuan Court."


    It was truly precious!


    If it wasn''t treated like a national treasure, a shrewd man like Wang Dequan would not have said so.


    Jiang Xinyue nodded: "Thank you for the reminder, Honorable Wang. This pce understands."


    After seeing Wang Dequan off, the eldest princess, second princess, and third prince gathered around, staring at the dazzlingly bright white fox fur robe, eximing in awe.


    But none dared to touch it.


    Although Jiang Xinyue knew it was precious, clothes were meant to be worn, right?


    She directly reached out, gave the robe a swoosh, and draped it over herself in one smooth, dance-like motion.


    Especially since she was aware of her own beauty, she twirled on the spot. The white snow and white fur robeplemented each other brilliantly, making the beautiful woman resemble a snow fox that had taken human form after descending from the snowy mountains, ethereally enchanting.


    This white fox fur robe simply belonged to her. Everyone present felt that no one else could do justice to its pure, unblemished color - it was not the clothes adorning the person, but the person adorning the clothes. Consort Zhen looked breathtakingly beautiful.


    The third prince was awestruck: "Consort Zhen looks like a fairy descending to the mortal realm!"


    Jiang Xinyue pinched his nose: "Our third prince certainly has an eye for beauty."


    She had transmigrated from the 21st century, so wasn''t she a fairy descending to the mortal realm?


    The eldest princess and second princess looked on enviously, but their gazes were clear and without malice.


    Regardless of how vicious or hypocritical the consorts of the rear pce could be, these children were all raised exceptionally well.


    It was said that after the age of seven, princes and princesses would study, live, and receive guidance in the princes'' academy, with teachers personally selected by the Emperor. The servants attending to the princes were also from the Chengqian Pce.


    It seemed the Xuanwu Emperor was aware of the misceneous characters in his rear pce and feared the consorts would corrupt the princes and princesses, so he made preparations early.


    Like today, when the princes'' academy was closed for a break, they came to y in Concubine Zhen''s pce.


    Their curiosity about the fox fur robested only a short while. After Jiang Xinyue took it off, they went back to ying double sixes.


    Concubine Zhen always won, so the three of them teamed up, determined to defeat her this time.


    "Your Highness..."


    On the way back from the imperial garden to the Changxin Pce, Consort Zhang gritted her teeth so hard that her silver tooth was about to break.


    She had been demoted from Noble Consort Wan to Consort Zhang for interfering in state affairs and angering the Emperor. Meanwhile, the root cause of it all, Zhen, had been elevated to Precious Consort Zhen.


    Not only did the Empress treat her with kindness, but the Emperor also doted on her immensely.


    Earlier, she had run into Wang Dequan carrying something carefully towards the Hexi Pce.


    It could only be a reward from the Emperor for Precious Consort Zhen.


    She took a few deep breaths, reminding herself to remain calm. Precious Consort Zhen held a more important ce in the Emperor''s heart than she had imagined. She could not act rashly again.


    Otherwise, her fate would not be much better than Jiang Yuan''s.


    She had seen through Concubine Li - when she sent them to charge ahead, she would merely make empty promises. If something happened, she would not help them.


    "Forget it."


    Consort Zhang shook her handkerchief and tucked her hands into her furry sleeves. "Let''s go back!"


    That night, it was supposed to be the Hexi Pce''s turn to keep themps lit, but Noble Consort Rong from a side pce of the Changxin Pce was suddenly revealed to be two months pregnant. Concubine Li sent someone to summon the Emperor over.


    Although Shuang Jiang was young, she was an elder in the pce. After closing the pce gates, she sighed: "Consort Rong is pregnant. The Cining Pce side will probably be causing trouble again."


    Jiang Xinyue looked over curiously. Before she could speak, Xi Que had already asked on her behalf: "What do you mean by that?"


    Shuang Jiang nced around and leaned in to whisper: "Consort Rong and Noble Consort Rong are the Emperor''s cousins, the nieces of the Empress Dowager''s family. Previously, when the Emperor dealt with the Wu Family, the Empress Dowager was furious and closed the gates of the Cining Pce, iming illness and refusing toe out. But this servant believes she is not one to relinquish power so easily. Consort Rong''s sudden pregnancy is a sign that the Empress Dowager intends to resurface."


    Jiang Xinyue''s eyes lit up, "Not bad! Even Shuang Jiang can make you think of so much?"


    "Your Highness~"


    The little maid stamped her feet, "This servant is reminding you, that person in Cining Pce is no good, you must be wary of Noble Consort Rong''s sharp tongue, otherwise you will suffer."


    "Really?"


    Jiang Xinyue narrowed her eyes and smiled, "Me? The thing I fear least is suffering a loss."


    The old saying goes well, suffering loss is a blessing.

 Chapter 43

    The Wu family was the one Jiang Xinyue saw in hera, the same family that Wu Chengyi, who bullied the young emperor, belonged to.


    She believed that if she suffered a few more losses and staged a few more idents at the hands of the Wu family, the emperor wouldpensate her in some other way.


    However, there was one thing she found very strange...


    "Why does Consort Rong, whoes from a noble background and is the maternal cousin of the Empress Dowager, live in the Side Pce of Changxin Pce, despite being a consort?"


    Shuang Jiang seemed hesitant to speak, but finally mustered the courage, covered her mouth with her hand, and whispered into Jiang Xinyue''s ear: "The emperor dislikes the Wu family. When the Wu family was raided, Consort Rong knelt outside the Chengqian Pce until her knees bled, but she couldn''t change the emperor''s mind. Concubine Li, who had an old grudge with Consort Rong from their youth, took her under the guise of goodwill and ced her in the Side Pce of Changxin Pce. The emperor didn''t say anything."


    At that time, the Empress Dowager was too preupied with her own affairs to care about where Consort Rong was ced. By the time she reacted, everything had already been settled.


    In terms of being politically savvy, Noble Consort Rong was much smarter than Consort Rong, which is why Noble Consort Rong still had some favor.


    The emperor might not say it out loud, but he still had some affection for his cousin, with whom he had grown up.


    The strange thing was, the one who was pregnant was not the favored Noble Consort Rong, but Consort Rong, who had long lost the emperor''s favor.


    The rtionship between these two sisters was worth scrutinizing.


    The snow in the courtyard of Hexi Pce had not melted, unlike in Changxin Pce. Concubine Li disliked the cold and snowy weather, so the pce had been cleaned up early.


    The bluestone path was damp. As Concubine Li came out to greet the Xuanwu Emperor, her skirt was stained with dirty snow and mud.


    "How is Consort Rong?"


    "This morning, she fainted when she came to pay her respects to me. It scared me half to death. The imperial physician said it was a joyful pulse when he came to take her pulse. Consort Rong has been saying that she hasn''t been resting welltely, so it must be because of this."


    "Hmm!"


    The Xuanwu Emperor nodded, his footsteps already entering the side hall. Consort Rong was leaning against the head of the bed, drinking the nourishing soup fed to her by the pce maid.


    Seeing the emperor and Concubine Li enter together, she tried to get up to pay her respects, but was held down by the Xuanwu Emperor: "You are weak, no need for formalities."


    Consort Rong''s eyes reddened, and she lowered her gaze, no longer speaking. The only sound in the room was the faint sound of her drinking soup.


    After sitting for a while, the Xuanwu Emperor felt awkward and stood up to instruct Wang Dequan: "Remember to go to Cining Pce tomorrow to announce the good news to the Empress Dowager."


    Wang Dequan didn''t even lift his eyelids, he bowed respectfully: "Your servant obeys."


    The Empress Dowager had always med the emperor for not showing enough favor to Consort Rong and Noble Consort Rong. Now that Consort Rong was pregnant, her resentment towards the emperor should lessen.


    Concubine Li held onto the Xuanwu Emperor''s arm: "Your Majesty, let Consort Rong rest well! It''s gettingte, I have prepared hot and spicy soup at my ce. If Your Majesty doesn''t mind, you cane to my ce to have a bowl of soup to warm up."


    "If my beloved concubine says so, wouldn''t she be heartbroken if I didn''t go?"


    Concubine Li gave the emperor a yful nce and left the side hall arm in arm with him.


    Mei Xiang closed the door, her eyes red with anger. "Look at her, unting herself. You''re the one who''s pregnant, not her. What''s she so pleased about? The Emperor clearly wanted to spend time with you today, and she just had toe and steal him away. She''s utterly shameless."


    "Mei Xiang!"


    Tears fell like crystal beads. Consort Rong closed her eyes. "Enough. What good would it do if the Emperor stayed? You want me to grovel and please the man who killed my father..."


    She had said too much.


    When Consort Rong opened her eyes again, the deep, unshakeable sorrow in them was hidden. She looked at the door, her eyes as cold as ice. "The women who fall in love with a king are the most pitiful. They see a world of beauty and splendor, but it''s all rotten on the inside."


    When she looked at Concubine Li, she saw nothing but a beautiful corpse.


    Mei Xiang knew her mistress was thinking of sad things again and sighed. "Even if you don''t think about yourself, you should think about the child in your belly. Now that you''re pregnant, there are many in the pce who see you as a thorn in their side. If you don''t pull yourself together, how can the little prince be born safely?"


    Her words seemed to touch Consort Rong. She touched her t belly, unable to believe that there was a tiny life inside her.


    She gave a beautiful smile. "You''re right, I need to pull myself together. I hope it''s a little princess."


    She didn''t want her child to be caught up in the power struggle between the Empress Dowager and the Emperor.


    The next morning, Jiang Xinyue got up early for once. From her hair and jewelry to her clothes and makeup, everything was carefully chosen.


    Xi Que and Shuang Jiang helped her get dressed, and they were so amazed they couldn''t speak.


    They had never realized their mistress was so skilled at makeup. The pearl powder on her face was applied so subtly it looked like she wasn''t wearing any, making her skin look rosy and smooth.


    And her eyebrows were not the thin, delicate ones she usually wore, but thick, wild ones. They arched slightly at the peak and tapered to a sharp point at the end, adding a striking beauty to her face that was dazzling to behold.


    Her high, delicate nose, her full, rosy lips, her small face with its pair of almond eyes that sparkled and shone, were all captivating.


    Her face was naturally fair and wless, but she had added a mole under her eye and on her cheek, which made her radiant features even more charming and alluring. She didn''t need to make any expressions to turn heads.


    Xi Que couldn''t help but praise her. "Mistress, you''re going to outshine all the otherdies in the pce today!"


    Jiang Xinyue touched the luxurious ne around her neck and smiled like a fox. "I can''t let such a beautiful face go to waste."


    The Xuanwu Emperor had hinted that she should dress up for the New Year''s banquet. How could she disappoint her boss?


    At Yanqing Pce, Concubine Su was delighted to receive a gorgeous dress from the Weaving Bureau.


    Shu Hua frowned when she saw it. "Mistress, the pattern on this... it seems to break the pce rules. You''re a seventh-rank concubine, but this six-petal flower pattern is only for concubines of fifth rank or above."


    As she spoke, tears fell from Concubine Su''s eyes once again. "This is the dress sent by the Weaving Bureau for me to wear at tonight''s New Year''s banquet. I suppose it''s somewhat luxurious. Shuhua, do you also think, like others, that I''m not favored enough to deserve such beautiful attire?"


    It was as if she would burst into a great sob if Shuhua attempted to deny her the dress.


    Shuhua felt a chill on her scalp. She had been serving this master for just three or four months, and had already witnessed what it meant to be a beauty as fickle as water.


    The old nanny behind Shuhua shook her head at her, signaling her not to get involved in the pce disputes.


    How could the people from the Weaving Bureau not know that this sixyered pce satin could only be worn by concubines of the fifth rank or above? Knowing this, why did they deliver it here?


    It was clear that someone was setting up Concubine Su!


    Concubine Su was naive and dim-witted, and the pce maids serving in Yanqing Pce were all considering finding a new mistress.

 Chapter 44

    The pce could not tolerate those who betrayed their master, but if the master was already dead, those things would no longer matter.


    At Concubine Su''s unwillingness to hand over the calligraphy and paintings, she could only let out a sigh.


    Concubine Su saw that Jiang Xinyue did not speak, and she raised her chin triumphantly, admiring the pale apricot-colored embroidered jade hairpin and magnificent robes on herself, unable to let go.


    No wonder everyone in the pce wanted to climb higher - the higher the position, the more beautiful the clothes and the more luxurious the jewelry, which woman could resist such temptation?


    During the day, banquets were held in the pce, attended by ministers from the court, who dined with the emperor in Taihe Hall, sharing the same joy between monarch and subjects.


    Fortunately, it was sunny today, not too cold, and fire pits were lit in Taihe Hall, so the arriving ministers could take off their cloaks.


    Envoys from the four nations had also brought their families, but this was the battlefield for men, engaging in verbal warfare, with no one daring to bring their families inside.


    Only when night fell did luxurious carriages from various households gradually appear at the pce gates.


    Jiang Yulin secretly lifted a carriage curtain, marveling at the majestic pce in awe.


    "p!"


    Soon, the back of her hand was struck, as the noblewoman in a silver-gray patterned robe red coldly at her: "Uncouth behavior, have you forgotten what I told you before entering the pce?"


    Only then did Jiang Yulin''s excited expression subside: "Your daughter remembers, Mother said for me to serve the Emperor in the pce, to rece Jiang Xinyue."


    Lady Zhou nodded: "Although your father said your sister wasn''t killed by her, but why should your sister die while she gains imperial favor? Since she didn''t save your sister, you will avenge your sister''s death."


    Hmm...


    To be honest, when Jiang Yulin thought of Jiang Xinyue''s beauty that made all things in the world pale inparison, she felt ack of confidence.


    But in front of her stern mother, she dared not voice her doubts, or else she would be scolded again.


    Things like "sapping others'' ambition and diminishing one''s own authority" and "relying on beauty to receive favors, which cannotst forever"...


    More importantly, Jiang Xinyue was so cunning!


    In the past at home, her sister would bully her, but looking back, the one scolded most harshly by their father was the one who bullied her the worst.


    She was adept at feigning innocence in front of their father.


    Lost in thought, eunuchs had already arrived to invite them to disembark, and after passing through Taihua Gate, they would walk to Baohe Hall.


    There were exceptions, such as Lady Wang, the Empress''s mother, and Lady Pei, the mother of Consort Li - they had special sedan chairs to be carried in, earning envious nces as they were carried through Taihua Gate, heading to Yikun Pce and Changxin Pce respectively.


    Jiang Yulin rolled her eyes: "Wasn''t it said that Jiang Xinyue was also highly favored? Why didn''t she send a sedan chair for you, Mother?"


    Lady Zhou sneered: "No matter how favored she is, she''s just a lowly Guirong, without the status to ride in a sedan chair. How could she send one for us?"


    "So she''s not that impressive!"


    Jiang Yulin pursed her lips. Once she entered the pce, she would definitely win the Emperor''s heart, making him love only her from then on.


    "You are different from her," Lady Zhou patted her head. "You are the legitimate daughter, while her lowly birth means she cannot bepared to you."


    If it weren''t for Aunt Ruan''s beauty, she would have died on some corrupt official''s bed long ago, let alone have the fortune to marry into their family as thedy?


    A ything''s daughter could only be a ything.


    Inside Baohe Hall, a golden carpet wasid on the main hall, with red couplets andnterns hung all around, exuding a festive New Year atmosphere.


    The pirs were round, with a carved dragon connecting each pair, its head protruding from the eaves and its tail extending into the hall, perfectlybining functionality and decoration to enhance the emperor''s majestic aura.


    As it was the grandest and most joyous festival of the year, everyone was dressed up, with beauties and schrs everywhere, an unprecedented scene.


    The emperor would certainly not be the first to arrive, but at this hour, all officials and their families had already gathered.


    Jiang Xinyue checked her attire again to ensure there were no ws, then put on her fox fur cloak and walked out with Xi Que''s help.


    "Mydy! Mydy!"


    The little eunuch Xuan hurried in from outside, his joy barely contained: "Wang Dequan has arrived."


    And he didn''te alone, bringing a great reward.


    Jiang Xinyue quickened her steps and saw an ornate pnquin waiting outside the gates of Hexi Pce.


    Five and a quarter feet high, with a seat two and a quarter feet high. Four shafts, painted red. Two middle shafts, two side shafts. The canopy towered three and three-quarter feet, with four pirs five and a quarter feet long, and four red curtains.


    Each curtain was intricately carved with gold flowers and figures of deities and immortals.


    "Wang Dequan, what is this...?"


    Jiang Xinyue was puzzled, as her rank and status did not entitle her to ride in a pnquin.


    Wang Dequan bowed humbly with a smile: "Today, Cining Pce rewarded Consort Rong with a pnquin. The Emperor, mindful that you were previously poisoned and might still be unwell, instructed this servant to retrieve another pnquin from the Internal Affairs Department and deliver it to Hexi Pce. The hour iste, so please allow yourself to be carried, Lady Jiang."


    Excellent!


    Very good!


    Even before she had a chance to cause trouble for Cining Pce and Consort Rong, the Emperor had decided to make her a target.


    How should I put this?


    If used well, it would be entirely beneficial for her without any harm. If used poorly, it could be a double-edged sword, potentially harming the Empress Dowager or herself.


    From another perspective, Emperor Xuanwu was giving her a choice!


    She might even get promoted again.


    Excellent!


    I can work with this!


    Jiang Xinyue gave Wang Dequan a sweet smile, an innocent look, as four eunuchs carried her towards Baohe Hall.


    Along the way, the pcedies and maids they encountered all lowered their heads, not daring to gaze directly at Jiang Xinyue''s exquisite, unparalleled beauty.


    "Could that be Consort Li?"


    "It must be! I''ve heard Consort Li is the most beautiful in the harem, just now thatdy''s divine looks were unmatched, if not Consort Li then who else?"


    "Ah? My father wanted me to attend the selection in three years, and hired an instructor to teach me pce etiquette at home. But seeing how youthful and gorgeous Consort Li is, she could remain favored for at least twenty more years. Maybe I should persuade my father against sending me to the pce after all."


    "Same for me, how could a small jade like me possibly outshine the sun and moon?"


    Xi Que and Shuang Jiang both looked up: "Mydy, should we go tell them you are not Consort Li?"


    Jiang Xinyue shook her head nonchntly, half-leaning against the sedan chair, exuding azy and sensual demeanor. "No need. Once we reach Baohe Hall, who won''t know my identity?"


    It was better to let them mistake her identity first, so that when they learned the truth, they would be utterly shocked.


    Wouldn''t it be more credible for them to learn about her from others than from her own mouth?


    "Precious beauty arrives¡ª"


    As the small eunuch finished singing, Jiang Xinyue''s sedan chair stopped outside the archway. She was assisted in alighting by Xi Que and Shuang Jiang, her snow-white attire causing amotion among the crowd.

 Chapter 45

    "Who is this? Such exquisite beauty."


    "When did such a remarkable figure emerge from the imperial harem? A closer look, she bears a resemnce to Concubine Li."


    "Your standards, my friend? Thisdy appears far lovelier than Concubine Li. To describe it precisely, Concubine Li is an abstract beauty, while the one before us is a realist beauty."


    The implication being that thedy in white before them was more delicate and particr, whereas Concubine Li had only a general semnce of beauty that faded upon closer inspection.


    "Am I seeing things? She seems to be wearing the white fox fur robe that the Jin Kingdom gifted to the Emperorst year!"


    "What? The one that the Emperor treasured and never gave to anyone?"


    Somedies well-acquainted with Lady Zhou grabbed her hand, both confirming and doubting, "Lady Zhou, does that imperial consort not bear a striking resemnce to your niece, Sister Yue? Hmm...did your family send Sister Tong and Sister Yue to the pce during the early summer selection this year?"


    If so, that would undoubtedly be Jiang Xinyue.


    For a moment, Lady Zhou was taken aback, finding it hard to believe that the seemingly sacred and untouchable imperial consort was the same pitiful girl from her household.


    s, in the pce setting, she could not loseposure. Otherwise, she would have rushed over to examine closely whether this was indeed a vixen wearing a human mask.


    How could the harsh pce life allow her to grow more beautiful?


    Seeing Lady Zhou''s cold silence as she red at the consort, and the absence of the eldest legitimate daughter of the Jiang family, the others began to sense what was amiss.


    Lady Zhou must be resentful towards the favored consort from a lowly background.


    Vice Minister Jiang was an astute man, but his wife had a narrow perspective, sadly.


    Such an otherworldly beauty born into another family would undoubtedly be cherished as a rare treasure.


    One who could bring rise or fall, glory or ruin to a n - no matter how disliked, they would be forced to put on a smile.


    The pcedies eyed the fox fur robe adorning Consort Zhen, their gazes filled with envy and resentment.


    What sorcery did this vile woman use to make the Emperor repeatedly break rules for her?


    They had all just witnessed Consort Zhen arriving in a pnquin.


    Pce rules clearly stated that only consorts of the fourth rank or higher were permitted to use pnquins. As a mere concubine of the fourth rank, how dare she ride one without the Emperor''s permission?


    First the fox fur robe, then the pnquin - even some of the higher-ranked consorts felt jealous, remarking acidly, "Consort Zhen is truly the apple of the Emperor''s eye. That fur robe evaded everyone''s grasp, yet it found its way exclusively to her. Some were eager to deliver it right to her pce."


    Wang Dequan pretended not to hear the "eager" remark, observing outwardly while inwardly feeling anxious.


    He was merely a humble servant following the Emperor''s orders; the consort needn''t direct her ire towards him.


    "His Imperial Majesty arrives - Her Imperial Majesty the Empress arrives!"


    The little eunuch''s announcement allowed Wang Dequan to breathe a sigh of relief as he swiftly returned to the Emperor''s side.


    Jiang Xinyue''s position was arranged after Consort Jin and before Consort Zhang, with wolves before and tigers behind - yet she remained perfectly poised as she took her seat.


    Xi Que and Shuang Jiang stood vignt guard, wary of any ill intentions from the others that might soil their mistress''s fur robe.


    Despite the warm spring-like atmosphere in Baohe Hall, Jiang Xinyue had no need for the fur robe to ward off the cold. After unting it for all to see and garnering enough attention, she removed it and handed it to a young maid to carry on her arm, retreating to a less crowded corner.


    That should do it!


    An imperial gift could not be carelessly damaged or lost. If anyone dared to ruin her fur robe, there would be heads to roll.


    "Oh?"


    Someone nced between Concubine Su and Consort Zhen, suddenly eximing, "Concubine Su, why is your dress identical to Consort Zhen''s?"


    This was impossible!


    The dresses of the harem consorts were all produced jointly by the Weaving Bureau and Office of Music and Dance. The colors and patterns each consort wore were strictly regted - there could be no mix-up.


    Everyone turned to look at Jiang Xinyue and Concubine Su, but they quickly realized that in a case of matching outfits, beauty determined the awkwardness.


    Consort Zhen''s tall and graceful figure, her elegant bearing, ttered the peach-colored dress embroidered with jade hairpins and floral designs, entuating her curvaceous figure. Her snow-white skin outshone the dress itself,plemented by her rosy lips - truly a bewitching sight.


    With her bejeweled hair ornaments and overall air of opulence, one felt she was naturally meant to be so beautiful, refined, and captivatingly gorgeous...


    In contrast, Concubine Su''s in appearance, without any additional adornments, her hair simply tied back with a dangling pink tassel - she aimed for an aloof, schrly air.


    Viewed alone, she was still quite lovely, even more radiant than usual.


    But her opponent was Jiang Xinyue. in porridge could notpare to abalone and lobster; there was no basis forparison between the two.


    From the throne above, the Xuanwu Emperor had clearly taken notice, his brow furrowing slightly as he gestured for someone to approach and receive hismand.


    "Take Concubine Su away. We mustn''t upset Consort Zhen."


    Without the Emperor''s consent, she had vited pce rules and must be disciplined. Not everyone could be treated like Consort Zhen.


    Concubine Su was gagged and escorted away.


    After the small interruption, the banquet formallymenced. At Wang Dequan''s resonant call of "Let the banquet begin!", pce maids streamed in, carrying a feast of delectable dishes.


    Jiang Xinyue''s roasted meats and fried chicken were indeed among them, prominently positioned as if the featured cuisine.


    In hindsight, she should have opted for a hot pot instead. With so many gathered around one table, it would have saved money for the Emperor''s treasury!


    Talented and beautiful singers and dancers from the Office of Music and Dance skillfully performed to the apaniment of music, creating a lively and joyous atmosphere.


    Jiang Yulin stared unblinkingly at Jiang Xinyue, struggling to ept that the girl who once had to curry favor with her mother had be a consort so favored by the Emperor that he would speak up for her without a word from Jiang Xinyue herself.


    The Xuanwu Emperor''s handsome countenance and unparalleled majesty made Jiang Yulin''s heart flutter with admiration.


    Time waits for no one. Among those present who wished to enter the pce as imperial consorts, who would want to wait three more years for the next selection and endure years of hardship without earning the Emperor''s favor?


    They would much rather gain the Emperor''s attention as the chosen one, thereby gaining an advantage from the start.


    Xi Que heated the roasted meats on a small brazier, wrapping them in chili rings and garlic slices ording to Jiang Xinyue''s preferences. However, Jiang Xinyue shook her head, "No garlic, please."


    She might need to be in close proximity to the Xuanwu Emperorter, and if her breath smelled of garlic, her efforts today would be in vain.


    Although her kind father had thoughtfully provided a cup of lemon water for her to rinse her mouth, she would y it safe and avoid garlic altogether this evening.


    Concubine Li came along with the Emperor and Empress Zhu, her position being directly to the left of the Emperor.


    Thedies who had just been discussing Jiang Xinyue on the pce path opened their round eyes in apparent shock.


    "That... that wasn''t really Consort Li?"


    "She''s Consort Zhen... I knew it, with her looks, it was only a matter of time before she entered the pce. She''s the illegitimate daughter of Vice Minister Jiang from the Ministry of Rites."

 Chapter 46

    "Hah! Currying favor with the masses."


    Consort Jin red at Jiang Xinyue: "Don''t think you''re special just because the Xuanwu Emperor rewarded you with some clothes. Relying on beauty to serve others is not a long-term n."


    Jiang Xinyue smiled faintly, unfazed by her words. She simply wiped her mouth and said, "One''s appearance is given by one''s parents, dear sister. What can I do about it? Sister says I serve through beauty, but that''s a groundless im. Do you really think the Xuanwu Emperor is so shallow as to favor consorts solely based on appearance?"


    The phrase "serving through beauty" could offend every favored consort in the pce if it spread.


    "You..."


    Consort Jin stared at her angrily, clearly not meaning it that way.


    Jiang Xinyue raised an eyebrow: "Sister, that fried chicken in front of you is golden on both sides. It''s best eaten while hot; it won''t taste as good when it''s cold."


    Even with food to fill your mouth, you stille looking for trouble with me.


    For some reason, both Consort Zhang and Consort Jin sensed anotheryer of meaning in her tone.


    "Hahahahaha..."


    A deepugh came from the front, and a dark-skinned, curry-vored middle-aged man stood up, bowed to the Xuanwu Emperor, and then spewed a torrent of not-so-authentic foreignnguage.


    The gist was that he felt the fried chicken was the best dish at this banquet and asked Vice Minister Jiang how it was prepared, hoping to learn the recipe.


    Shuang Jiang whispered in Jiang Xinyue''s ear: "This is Sultan Han, the prince of the Shulibotu Country."


    It sounded like a Buddhist country, undoubtedly the future India.


    The Indians were speaking English this early?


    Then again, considering that the Great Yan dynasty she found herself in did not exist in history, everything could be viewed from a fictional perspective. In that case, the appearance of an Englishman would not be surprising.


    How could one trace the historical trajectory of a fictional setting?


    The Vice Minister could not answer his question since he did not understand the foreignnguage, so he yielded the floor to Vice Minister Jiang.


    Vice Minister Jiang then introduced his daughter: "This is what my daughter did..."


    The Xuanwu Emperor smiled: "Beloved Consort,e to your Emperor."


    There was an ominous feeling, as if he wanted to show her off as a pce talisman.


    With every step she took, she could feel the malicious intent from the consorts around her. But encouraged by the Xuanwu Emperor''s approving gaze, she walked with unwavering determination.


    If the Emperor wanted to establish her authority against the Consort Ci''s faction, why shouldn''t she use the Emperor to gain influence and assert her power?


    Only those who forge ahead with courage and resolve can stand firm in the pce.


    She stood beside the Emperor, and the two exchanged smiles. The Xuanwu Emperor held her hand but did not have her sit on hisp, as he still wanted to save face at such an important asion and avoid appearing like a ruler infatuated with beauty.


    "Wang Dequan, arrange a table and chairs for me beside you, so I can drink and chat merrily with the envoys from various countries."


    Sultan Han remained standing, awaiting Jiang Xinyue''s response.


    He did not believe the Great Yan pce had consorts who could speak foreignnguages, as there were no women in his pce who spoke the Celestial tongue.


    The foreignnguage of the Shulibotu Country was not their native tongue, just as the vassal states under Great Yan had their ownnguages but had to learn the imperialnguage.


    The four envoy countries, including Shulibotu, as well as Persia, Gaul, and Ancient Rome, were supposedly early forms of those nations.


    Jiang Xinyue called them early forms because in the history of Hua Country, there were no records of any dynasty that had all four of these countries sending envoys simultaneously to pay tribute.


    Under the rule of Western powers, their officialnguage was the foreign tongue.


    As for India...


    She could handle that curry-vored foreignnguage with her eyes closed.


    "This is fried chicken..."


    Sultan Han''s eyes grew wider as he listened, astonished that this woman spoke the foreign tongue so fluently. Moreover...


    His gaze turned toward the fair-haired, blue-eyed envoy from Gaul, as if to say: How can she speak the foreignnguage as well as you?


    Then, the envoy from Persia deliberately challenged the Xuanwu Emperor by using obscure and difficult words that even Vice Minister Jiang struggled to trante.


    The clumsy trantion made the Xuanwu Emperor frown, and the envoys from the four countriesughed arrogantly.


    Jiang Xinyue did not wish to stand out again today, but recalling the future plundering behavior of the Western world, she coldly retorted in the foreign tongue: "We in the Celestial Empire hope that Persia will soon unite the West. We also hope that Persia will then invite envoys from our Celestial Empire to visit the West and behold your vast and fertilends."


    It should be noted that among the four envoy countries, Gaul was the dominant power. The other three had just been following Gaul''s lead. Jiang Xinyue saw this clearly from her vantage point.


    Persia had just mocked Great Yan''sck of authority over its vassal states, but now they fell silent in fear.


    If the King of Gaul truly believed Persia was rebelling and sent troops to suppress them, they would be Persia''s eternal viin.


    The Xuanwu Emperor caressed Jiang Xinyue''s hand under the table: "Beloved Consort, what did they say earlier?"


    Jiang Xinyue''s expression changed as she smilingly exined: "The envoy from Persia, representing the four envoy countries, wished Your Majesty eternal prosperity and longevity!"


    Is that so?


    The Xuanwu Emperor raised his cup: "And I wish you all sess and a happy new year."


    After Jiang Xinyue pped them down, the Xuanwu Emperor offered them a sweet jujube, making it seem as if the imperial couple had rehearsed their act, so seamless was their coordination.


    The envoy countries did not fare well and left to disparage the Celestial Empire, giving way to the vassal states'' turn to pay respects.


    Goryeo, Fusang, Jin Kingdom, and others presented tributes from their rulers to the Xuanwu Emperor, and officials from the Ministry of Rites recorded them, ensuring that gifts ofparable value would be sent to those countries when their envoys returned home.


    As the banquet drew to a close, Empress Zhu showed signs of fatigue, and the Xuanwu Emperor expressed concern: "If the Empress is unwell, she may return to the Yikun Pce first and rest. I will join herter."


    On New Year''s Eve, the Emperor had to stay up to wee the new year, so he gave Empress Zhu due respect.


    She coughed a few times, her lips pale: "Thank you, Your Majesty, for your concern. I shall take my leave."


    The Emperor is a man of his word. He said he woulde, so he will definitelye. There is no need for you to keep fretting.


    Concubine Li''s handkerchief under the table was practically wrung to shreds, yet she still wore a gentle smile: "Now that the Empress has left, why doesn''t Precious Consort Jiang take the Empress''s seat? This would allow me to be closer to the Emperor as well!"


    Tears immediately welled up in Jiang Xinyue''s eyes. She fearfully knelt beside the chair: "This servant dares not! That is the Empress''s seat. I have no such ambition."


    Concubine Li was ambitious, always instigating others to vie and grab for power, benefiting from their efforts like a fisherman reaping the rewards without lifting a.


    Since she enjoyed inciting others so much, she should just shout out her thoughts and see how she could conceal her intentions?

 Chapter 47

    "Concubine Li is just joking with you, don''t be afraid."


    In the past, those words "don''t be afraid" would have soothed all the pain in Concubine Li''s heart, but today, the Emperor had said them to another woman instead.


    She felt a twinge of pain in her heart, but her smile became even more sincere: "Your humble servant was indeed joking, but I didn''t know Consort Zhen was so timid. Back when Concubine Chu pretended to be a ghost to scare you, you were so bold! I thought you were fearless!"


    She deliberately brought that up to let Vice Minister Jiang and Lady Zhou hear it, trying to instigate trouble since her provocation had failed.


    The Emperor took a deep breath and sighed heavily through his nose. He stopped holding Jiang Xinyue''s hand, a sign of his impatience.


    There were tears flickering in Jiang Xinyue''s eyes, but due to the solemn asion with countless eyes watching her, she forced the tears back and smiled charmingly: "It turns out Her Ladyship Concubine Li cares so much about your humble servant, I''m truly terrified. But you''re wrong, Your Ladyship! I''m not afraid, it''s just that with His Majesty here, what ghost or demon could get close to him?"


    Empress Zhu had ordered the incident at Xihuo Pce, where there was rumored to be a ghost, to be covered up. From Concubine Li''s words, it seemed she knew every detail of Jiang Xinyue''s reaction.


    Concubine Li was so provoked by the Emperor''s favoritism towards Jiang Xinyue that she let something slip without realizing it. The Emperor pondered whether Concubine Li had nted spies around Consort Zhen so early on.


    The once charming, bold, and radiant woman had been dyed too long in the pce''s vat, bing almost unrecognizable to him.


    Concubine Li wanted to say more, but Xia He, who was by her side, suddenly eximed and spilled wine on her dress.


    She quickly knelt down: "Please forgive me, Your Ladyship. Your servant was distracted by the music in the hall. It was unintentional."


    It wouldn''t do any good to get angry since Xia He was one of her own people.


    Ever since Layue, Xia He had sessfully be the head pce maid of Xinyuan Pce, now acting as Concubine Li''s new right-hand woman.


    She wasn''t normally so careless and reckless.


    "Your Majesty, your humble servant''s dress is wet. Please allow me to go change."


    The Xuanwu Emperor nodded and frowned at Xia He: "This pce maid of yours has repeatedly shown ack of discipline, not even as good as the previous one."


    Xia He''s face instantly turned pale!


    What did the Emperor mean by that?


    Was he angry because Concubine Li had just tried to embarrass Consort Zhen, and was venting his anger on Concubine Li''s pce maid? Or was he simply displeased that the maid had spilled wine on Concubine Li''s dress?


    His words had a double meaning, allowing different people to interpret them differently based on their own understanding.


    Only Jiang Xinyue knew that the Xuanwu Emperor was not dissatisfied with Concubine Li, but simply disliked Xia He.


    Because thest time Concubine Li was injured and unconscious, Xia He had said in front of all the consorts and concubines that the Emperor treated Jiang Xinyue as Concubine Li''s recement.


    The looks the other consorts and concubines gave her now had an added hint of fear and apprehension.


    That wasn''t a bad thing. They knew to be afraid, so next time they tried to harm her, they would hesitate and consider whether they could bear the consequences if their plot was exposed.


    "Your Majesty, Jiang Yulin, daughter of Vice Minister Jiang; Wang Run, daughter of the Minister of Rites; and Meng Wanru, daughter of the Academician of the Imperial Academy, will perform for Your Majesty."


    Originally, it was Jiang Xinyue''s whim to select members from the Office of Music and Dance to form the Great Yan Women''s Twelve Music Troupe based on a girl band she loved in her previous modern life. But now, three of the performers had been reced by the daughters of high officials.


    One of them was even her half-sister from her father''s side.


    What was going on?


    Were they trying to imitate Consort Rong and Noble Consort Rong by having sisters serve the same husband?


    How twisted!


    To be honest, although the three daughters of officials were the most attractive among the musicians, their musical skills were not as good as the original three female musicians from the Office of Music and Dance.


    The Xuanwu Emperor''s sharp eyes revealed a fierce displeasure, his thick eyebrows looking like they were painted with ink, exuding a great sense of intimidation.


    He was unhappy that his arrangements had been suddenly disrupted.


    Those further away couldn''t see his expression clearly, but Jiang Xinyue, being close to him, could see it inly.


    She tugged at the Emperor''s sleeve and said softly: "Your Majesty is the Son of Heaven, and all officials, civil and military, must follow yourmands. For these few daughters of officials to perform and entertain Your Majesty, even a reward of gold, silver, or a simple silk flower would be a great honor."


    Regardless of whether Consort Rong and Noble Consort Rong found the idea of two sisters serving one man disgusting or not, Jiang Xinyue certainly did.


    Even if she wasn''t the real Jiang Xinyue, even if this body wasn''t really hers, the education she had received never taught her to ept such a vition of moral values.


    Since the Emperor didn''t like them either, she might as well go along with his wishes and block their path into the pce.


    Seriously, with all the beauties in the pce that she hadn''t dealt with, she couldn''t handle having a few more romantic rivals brought in. That would be too much work for her.


    The music ended, and thunderous apuse erupted in the hall.


    After all, the threedies came from prestigious families, and their skills in music, chess, calligraphy, and painting were exceptional. This performance, though not perfect, was the most brilliant one the officials and concubines had seen in recent years.


    The annual pce banquets were usually organized by Empress Zhu herself, except for the New Year''s banquet, which involved the Ministry of Rites due to the presence of foreign envoys.


    Some people praised the Ministry of Rites for doing a good job this year, but more praised Empress Zhu''s elegant taste for arranging such a wonderful program.


    The cuisine was also different from the usual Manchu-Han grand banquet, very innovative and delicious.


    Most importantly, it was unique - they had never tasted anything like it elsewhere.


    Consort De nced at Consort Zhen sitting beside the Emperor and saw that she didn''t seem upset about Empress Zhu taking credit for her ideas. Only then did she breathe a sigh of relief.


    The fried chicken with wine, roasted meat with hot pot, and the pce women''s Twelve Music Troupe that everyone was praising as novel - all of these were Consort Zhen''s ideas.


    She didn''t ask the Emperor to acknowledge her contribution at such a time, but instead gave all the credit to the Empress, showing great tact.


    Many of the consorts and concubines in the pce couldn''t evenpare to her in this regard.


    Fortunately, Concubine Li''s dress had been soiled, otherwise she would havee out to expose the truth and undermine the Empress''s standing, which she had never wanted to be stable, considering her own noble status and desire to be the mistress of the pce''s three thousand beauties.


    "Hahaha..."


    The Xuanwu Emperor was greatly delighted by the ttery, feeling that his quoting of Consort Zhen''s method had received unanimous praise, proving that he still had an eye for talent.


    "Rewards, rewards for all," he dered with a sweeping gesture. "The Office of Music and Dance shall be rewarded with one thousand taels of silver, and as for the daughters of the three beloved ministers... material gifts would be demeaning to your status..."


    His hesitation sent the hearts of the three racing wildly.


    "I shall reward each of you with a silk flower from the brocade weaving viges of Jiangnan!"


    Ah? That would have been better than material gifts!

 Chapter 48

    Jiang Yulin nearly fainted.


    She was to enter the pce and be an Imperial Noble Consort, who wanted these broken silk flowers?


    Wang Run and Meng Wanru looked utterly dejected as they received the silk flowers sent by Wang Dequan, supported by their maids as they descended.


    These two women had set their sights on the Imperial household, offering their skills voluntarily, but they failed to catch the Emperor''s eye. After leaving the pce, they could no longer marry into respectable families.


    Wives with such lofty ambitions were avoided by ordinary officials'' families, for fear they would cause unrest in the household once they entered.


    Facing Lady Zhou''s stern gaze, Jiang Yulin pinned the silk flowers the Emperor had bestowed upon her into her hair, smiling sweetly: "Your Majesty, this humble servant and my sister have always been very close. May I have a word with her?"


    When she smiled, two adorable dimples formed at the corners of her lips, making even her false smile seem utterly charming.


    The Xuanwu Emperor had extremely high standards for his consorts. He knew the rtionship between Jiang Xinyue and Jiang Yulin better than Jiang Xinyue herself.


    He turned to ask, "Would you like to go over, my love?"


    Jiang Xinyue shook her head. "This legitimate younger sister of mine has never understood propriety. I am a person of etiquette; how could I be on good terms with her?"


    She did not take on the persona of a gentledy, but the Emperor was already ustomed to her frank nature and did not find her unkind at all. Instead, he believed that her open disy of disdain for Jiang Yulin in front of him was because she trusted him.


    This reassurance was gratifying to the Xuanwu Emperor.


    He smiled, "Vice Minister Jiang''s several illegitimate daughters seem to have received decent upbringings. How is it that his legitimate daughter..."


    He tilted his head, expressing dissatisfaction, "My love still needs to put in more effort. If only she could be as straightforward and honest as Consort Zhen, that would be ideal."


    There were already enough sweet-faced but wicked women in the pce; there was no need for another like Jiang Yulin.


    If Wang Run and Meng Wanru''s earlier exit could be described as a devastating blow, then Jiang Yulin''s expression could only be described as utterly dejected.


    What respectable family would be willing to marry a woman whom the Emperor had deredcked proper upbringing?


    Even impoverished schrs would prefer to marry daughters from humble backgrounds.


    "Mother..."


    Jiang Yulin looked lost and forlorn. Jiang Xinyue would not console this sister who had bullied her previous incarnation in the Jiang household.


    As night fell deeper, a few stars hung in the sky, heralding good weather the next day.


    "My love, it''s gettingte. Shall we retire to your pce..."


    Suddenly, a rapid drumbeat interrupted the Xuanwu Emperor''s words. Six muscr, bare-chested men wearing red headbands carried arge drum, walking in steadily.


    Everyone present was drawn to the woman in a red dance costume atop the drum face, revealing a glimpse of her snowy white, soft waist.


    If Consort Zhen embodied a graceful fusion of coyness and purity, elegance and beauty, then the woman atop the drum, veiled in sheer fabric, exuded ultimate allure and seductive charm.


    "Concubine Li..."


    Jiang Xinyue murmured the name, her lips curling into a faint smile as her hand beneath the table silently unclenched.


    The Xuanwu Emperor gazed upon Concubine Li with a hint of nostalgia in his eyes. Jiang Xinyue nced at Consort Jin, their eyes meeting in midair.


    Her eyebrows arched slightly: Serving with her body?


    Wasn''t it Concubine Li who relied on her physical charms to serve?


    Consort Jin seemed to understand Jiang Xinyue''s gaze, her fair face flushing red as she hurriedly averted her eyes.


    Damn it!


    She had hoped to see Consort Zhen''s embarrassed and flustered expression, but instead, she was the one caught being awkward.


    After the seductive belly dance ended, the Emperor had reverted from addressing Concubine Li as "Consort" to "my love". As the banquet drew to a close, the Imperial carriage carried the Emperor and Concubine Li away together.


    With the Emperor''s departure, the banquet was essentially over. Vice Minister Jiang had to arrange for the foreign envoys and postal inns, so he did not leave with his wife and daughters.


    From a distance, he could only see his illegitimate daughter''s dejected and forlorn figure seated in the pnquin.


    In the past at home, his second daughter was the one who loved to act coy with him the most, clinging to him and treating him as a respected and affectionate father.


    After entering the pce, their rtionship had grown more distant.


    However, he understood the changes in his eldest daughter. After all, only those who had experienced life in the pce could trulyprehend its hardships.


    From the Xihuo Pce to the Hexi Pce, from the Hexi Pce to the Pce of Exile, and then back to the Hexi Pce again, she must have endured unimaginable suffering, so how could she not have changed profoundly?


    That ignorant woman, Lady Zhou, truly believed the pce was a desirable ce, having already lost one legitimate daughter there. Yet she still wanted to send her only remaining legitimate daughter to the pce, just topete with her elder sister.


    Sheer foolishness!


    "Consort Zhen."


    As the pnquin passed by the Chuxiu Pce where the pcedies resided, a pleasant voice called out from behind, "Consort Zhen..."


    Yet, this voice sounded strangely anguished.


    The distance was already quite close. Although Jiang Xinyue wished to avoid getting involved in any conflicts, she could hardly escape now.


    She could only turn to look and saw Consort Rong leaning back in her pnquin, her forehead beaded with sweat despite the cold weather.


    "Consort Rong!"


    She signaled for her pnquin to stop and hurried over to Consort Rong''s pnquin. "This servant greets Consort Rong. What seems to be the matter?"


    Consort Rong bit her lip tightly, letting out a low groan from the unbearable pain as a warm liquid flowed out of her body.


    She clutched Jiang Xinyue''s hand in panic, "My child! Consort Zhen, save my child!"


    Jiang Xinyue held her hand in return. "To the Imperial Hospital! It''s too far from the Changxin Pce, but the Imperial Hospital is nearby. Let''s go there now, quickly!"


    After giving the order, she ran alongside the pnquin, inquiring to Consort Rong''s pce maid, "What happened to your Mistress?"


    Mei Xiang wiped away her tears and exined, "Earlier, my Mistress was leaving the Baohe Hall when one of those lowly serving maids spilled oil at the entrance and didn''t clean it up properly. My Mistress slipped and fell, but she protected her belly. We thought she was fine, but after walking this short distance, my Mistress started bleeding. Wuuuu..."


    Jiang Xinyue did not believe this story.


    Wang Dequan was responsible for overseeing all the eunuchs and pce maids during the banquet, and he was always meticulous in his duties. How could he have allowed an oil spill to remain at the entrance of the Baohe Hall?


    Not to mention that there were pregnant consorts in the pce; even if it were a foreign envoy who fell due to his negligence, it would not be easily overlooked.


    Consort Rong clearly did not believe it either, her expression filled with anguish as she struggled to speak, "Consort Zhen... escort... escort this one to the Imperial Hospital. This one... will owe you a favor."


    In the pce, the most difficult thing to repay is human sentiment. She showed her sincerity, hoping that Consort Zhen was a kind andpassionate person.


    After all, it was a small life. Jiang Xinyue leaned on the carrying chair, her expression solemn: "Xi Que, Shuang Jiang, go ahead and scout the path. Xiao Xuanzi... go to the Changxin Pce and summon the Emperor."


    This te was too big for her to handle alone. It would be better to let someone capable share the burden.

 Chapter 49

    The lights in Changxin Pce had been extinguished. Xiao Xuanzi thought that the pce maids there were as arrogant as their mistresses.


    If he just went there himself, he feared he wouldn''t be able to see the Emperor and would be driven out.


    He gritted his teeth, stepped back a few paces, then charged forward with a loud shout: "Your Majesty! Your Majesty! Consort Rong has met with trouble. Consort Zhen encountered her on the way and is now escorting her to the Imperial Hospital! Your Majesty, please save Consort Rong''s child!"


    He couldn''t say that his master had sent him to summon the Emperor, or it would bring trouble to his master.


    After all, he was rescuing Consort Rong, so he had no qualms about letting her take the me.


    There was a moment of silence in the room, quickly followed by the sound of dressing and what seemed like shattering objects.


    The Xuanwu Emperor rushed out in a flurry. Wang Dequan spotted Xiao Xuanzi at a nce, but before he could greet him, the little fellow kept his head down and swiftly followed the Emperor, running out.


    Wang Dequan nced at Concubine Li, who hade out after them, and immediately understood that Xiao Xuanzi was avoiding her, so he didn''t say a word and followed the Emperor''s footsteps as he departed.


    "Mother..."


    "p!"


    The little eunuch saw that Concubine Li wasn''t wearing shoes on this cold day, and he had meant well by reminding her that the cold starts from the feet, but before he could speak, he was struck senseless by a p across the face.


    After Concubine Li had vented her anger, Xia He approached and asked, "Who was the eunuch shouting loudly just now? Which pce is he from?"


    Everyone knew that the Imperial Concubine had a bad temper and was favored by the Emperor. Who in the pce would dare ruin the rtionship between her and the Emperor, unless they had a death wish?


    If there was such a person, the Imperial Concubine had ways to make them regret being born into this world.


    The eunuch who had reported the news crawled in, knelt down, and began shouting, keeping his head lowered and wearing a cap that covered half his face. In the dim light, his appearance was impossible to make out.


    But Concubine Li was clearly in a foul mood, so the eunuch dared not feign ignorance. Without much thought, he blurted out, "He is Xiao Yizi, one of Consort Rong''s attendants."


    Xia He hesitated, ncing at Concubine Li. Upon hearing it was Xiao Yizi, her heaving chest gradually calmed. She shot a vicious re at the pce maids guarding the door, then turned and went back to her own chambers.


    Xia He instructed the eunuchs behind her, "Go find out what happened to Consort Rong."


    "Ahhh..."


    Jiang Xinyue stood guard outside the medicine room of the Imperial Hospital, listening to the piercing shrieksing from within. She understood that Consort Rong would likely lose this child.


    She had done everything she could and had a clear conscience, feeling no fear in her heart.


    Only Shuang Jiang''s expression showed anxiety as she said urgently, "Mistress, why don''t you return to the pce first? This servant and Xi Que will stay here. When the Emperor arrives, we will return, all right?"


    Why was Shuang Jiang in such a hurry for her to leave?


    "The Dowager Empress has arrived¡ª"


    Before the Emperor''s arrival, the legendary and overbearing Dowager Empress hade first.


    Shuang Jiang''s worries had materialized. She quickly pulled on Jiang Xinyue''s sleeve, saying, "Mistress, the Dowager Empress will surely vent her anger on you. What should we do? Why hasn''t the Emperor arrived yet?"


    A crowd of people rushed into the Imperial Hospital, with a beautiful woman who appeared to be only thirty-five or thirty-six years old enteringst, leaning on a eunuch''s arm.


    She wore a high-cored ck outer robe with dark red embroidery. The patterns on her clothes seemed toe alive with movement, shimmering in dark hues like fireflies.


    Her hair was gathered into an borate bun and adorned with strands of small pearls that emitted a soft glow. A golden crown in the shape of a twelve-petaled lotus flower encircled her bun, exuding an aura of grandeur.


    This was the well-preserved Dowager Empress Wu, who looked youthful but was likely over forty-five years old.


    Her icy gaze swept over them, making Jiang Xinyue feel as though she had been targeted by a venomous snake.


    "This concubine greets the Dowager Empress..."


    "p!"


    "Kneel before this Empress!"


    The stern voice apanied a p across the face. Jiang Xinyue did not dare defy the Dowager Empress'' authority and immediately knelt down.


    Xi Que opened her mouth, but Shuang Jiang pulled her back, and she too knelt on the ground.


    The pce maids and eunuchs surrounded the Dowager Empress as she took a seat, leaving Jiang Xinyue and her servants looking like helplessmbs encircled by wolves.


    The Xuanwu Emperor arrived shortly after the Dowager Empress, so he witnessed her pping Jiang Xinyue.


    "This prince greets the Mother Empress."


    A strong fragrance of dragon''s saliva wafted over as the Xuanwu Emperor stepped in front of the Dowager Empress, shielding her view. He extended his hand and pulled the pitiful Jiang Xinyue up, saying, "Thanks to you, Consort Rong''s life was spared. You have no further business here, so return to Hexi Pce and rest."


    His cor was stained with Concubine Li''s lipstick, like a cunning vixen marking her territory against the official wife.


    A crystalline tear fell onto the Xuanwu Emperor''s sleeve and burst open. The poor, bullied Jiang Xinyue did not raise her head but simply curtseyed before being supported by Shuang Jiang and Xi Que as she fled unsteadily.


    The Dowager Empress let out a cold snort. "This Empress has been absent for too long and did not realize when the Emperor''s harem acquired such an exquisite beauty. But who knows what evil heart lies beneath that pretty face, daring to harm Consort Rong and threaten the Imperial Heir?"


    The Xuanwu Emperor disliked how the Dowager Empress always acted so domineering and unwilling to listen to reason.


    Seeing Jiang Xinyue''s mistreatment reminded him of his own childhood.


    But this was no longer childhood, and he was the sole ruler of the Great Yan Empire.


    His cold, hard expression grew stern as the Emperor spoke dispassionately, "It was Consort Rong who sought her aid. She risked her own safety to escort Consort Rong and instructed her attendants to summon this prince from Changxin Pce. If the Mother Empress finds such a person to be evil, then perhaps no one in this entire harem is worthy of your approval."


    That foolish woman probably didn''t know about the tense rtionship between him and the Dowager Empress, which was why she didn''t let him see the mark on her face after being pped, afraid it would cause a rift between them.


    After returning to Hexi Pce, Xi Que immediately brought medicine and tended to the bloody scratches on Jiang Xinyue''s face, shedding tears of sympathy. "The Dowager Empress was too unreasonable. Even if Consort Rong is her niece, she shouldn''t hit people indiscriminately. If not for our mistress, Consort Rong would have..."


    "Xi Que! Say no more."


    With a p mark evident on her face, Jiang Xinyue shook her head: "The Dowager Empress was merely acting out of concern, albeit misguided."


    Being pped for no apparent reason at the start of the new year, no one''s mood would be pleasant.


    But she wasn''t the only one in a foul mood. Many in the pce were disheartened, and if grievances were tallied, perhaps the Empress would be the most unhappy of all.


    On New Year''s Eve, the Emperor should have spent the night in the Empress''s pce, yet he was whisked away by Concubine Li. Wasn''t this a tant insult to the Empress?


    Jiang Xinyue understood the Xuanwu Emperor to be a calm andposed ruler who held the world in his heart. Such ack of regard for the Empress had never urred before.


    What was the reason this time?

 Chapter 50

    There were many small, key fragments in her mind, but she could only piece them together into a vague outline.


    Whenever the Xuanwu Emperor took a step, Jiang Xinyue would break that step down into ten, analyzing its deeper meaning slowly and meticulously.


    "Bang, bang, bang..."


    The pitch-ck night was illuminated by the colorful fireworks, revealing a series of dazzling scenes.


    Shuang Jiang opened the window and turned to Jiang Xinyue, saying, "Mydy, they are setting off fireworks at the city gate tower."


    This was one of the essential programs for the annual New Year''s banquet, symbolizing universal celebration and allowing themon people to feel that the Emperor shared their joy.


    "Go to the imperial kitchen and have a table of dishes brought here. You all have been busy the whole day attending to me without properly sitting down for a meal. Tonight, let''s celebrate the New Year together in Hexi Pce without any distinction of status."


    After instructing Shuang Jiang, Jiang Xinyue then instructed Xi Que, "Go and fetch some gold beans so we can distribute lucky money to the pce staff."


    The imperial concubines received countless rewards throughout the year and lived in luxury, but it was the pce maids and eunuchs who worked the hardest.


    With the pce gates closed due to the incident involving Consort Rong, they dared not make too much noise in Hexi Pce. Instead, a dozen or so people sat together, quietly enjoying a meal, sharing their hopes for the new year, receiving the red envelopes bestowed by theirdy, and guessingntern riddles. They yed until midnight, wishing each other a happy new year before retiring to rest.


    Meanwhile, the Emperor''s busyness began at midnight.


    s, Consort Rong''s child could not be saved and was taken by the Empress Dowager to Cining Pce for care.


    At the first quarter after midnight, the Xuanwu Emperor had already left the Imperial Hospital and gone to the southeastern room of the Heart-Nurturing Hall to perform the opening calligraphy ceremony. As the inscription above the door read "Bright Window," it was also called the "Bright Window Opening Calligraphy Ceremony."


    But that was not the end of it.


    After the opening calligraphy ceremony, the Emperor had to lead the imperial n members and high-ranking officials who had been waiting outside the pce gates to the imperial ancestral hall east of the Yonghe Gate, across the moat, to perform the grand ceremony of sacrificing to Heaven.


    Following the ceremony of sacrificing to Heaven, the Emperor and Empress would proceed to Kunning Pce to sacrifice to the gods.


    Initially, due to the Dowager Empress''s intervention, Empress Zhu was unable to reside in Kunning Pce. However, the location for the ceremony of sacrificing to the gods could not be changed, so the Emperor and Empress needed to pray together for the gods to bless the prosperity of the Great Yan Dynasty in the new year.


    After sacrificing to the gods, the Empress and Emperor would part ways. The Empress would return to the rear pce to receive kowtows from the concubines, while the Emperor would go to the ancestral temple to sacrifice to the ancestors'' spirit tablets.


    Once all these ceremonies werepleted and daylight had arrived, the sleepy officials would finally have the opportunity to greet the Emperor, signaling the end of the New Year''s celebrations for the day.


    Jiang Xinyue wore a festive pce robe in orange, with her hair tied in a simple style adorned with jade ornaments. The slight injury on her face was concealed with powder.


    Empress Zhu looked frail, having just recovered from a severe illness and further losing weight.


    Her mood seemed sour, so the concubines did not dare to bicker with her as they usually would. All in all, this New Year''s Day had passed rather peacefully for her.


    "My dear Jiang Xinyue."


    Just as Jiang Xinyue had left Yikun Pce, Noble Consort Rong approached her gracefully, "Thank you for saving my sisterst night."


    "It was a small effort. Noble Consort need not thank me."


    Noble Consort Rong smiled, "My sister can visit Jingren Pce to chat with me whenever she is free. In fact, when you were about to move out of Xihuo Pce, the Emperor had intended for you toe to Jingren Pce to keep mepany. But the Empress said you had chosen Hexi Pce yourself, and so we missed the opportunity to reside together."


    So there was such a n?


    Jiang Xinyue smiled as well, "It seems I have disappointed Noble Consort''s kindness. I will certainly visit when I have the chance, and Sister must not scorn me for being a chatterbox."


    "Then I shall await my sister''s esteemed visit."


    It was not until lunchtime that Jiang Xinyue finally caught a distant glimpse of the Emperor.


    This was the time for the Emperor to bond with his family.


    The Xuanwu Emperor was also looking at Jiang Xinyue. The makeup on her face had faded after such a long time, revealing a bright red mark on her right cheek.


    Xi Que whispered something in her ear, and she panicked, covering her face. After ensuring no one was paying attention to her, she hastily plucked a few loose strands of hair to conceal the injury on her face.


    The Empress Dowager''s hand must have been exceptionally heavy, intent on disfiguring her!


    Fortunately, he had arrived earlyst night, or else he could not imagine how his beloved consort might have been further tormented.


    His dear Jiang Xinyue had suffered grievances.


    "Empress, convey my decree to promote the consorts in the rear pce!"


    Empress Zhu nodded and instructed the head eunuch Eunuch Yang, "Go and announce the decree!"


    The so-called "grand promotion" referred to the advancement of consorts below the rank of Noble Consort.


    Those previously holding the rank of Consort would be promoted to Noble Lady, those who were Noble Ladies would be Honorable Consorts, and those who were Honorable Consorts would also move up one rank, and so on.


    There were exceptions to this rule for Jiang Xinyue, Noble Consort Rong, and Consort Jin Chongyi.


    Originally, Consort Jin outranked Jiang Xinyue by several levels, but the Emperor elevated Jiang Xinyue multiple ranks, conferring upon her the title of Honored Consort.


    Although she herself also became an Honored Consort, she could not feel happy about it.


    Noble Consort Rong was transformed into one of the four Consorts, receiving the title of Virtuous Consort. Now, with Virtuous Consort, Benevolent Consort, and Chaste Consort, only the position of Aplished Consort remained vacant.


    Aplished, Benevolent, Virtuous, and Chaste ¨C the Aplished Consort was the highest ranking among the four Consorts.


    With the positions of the four Consorts so scarce, those beneath them would once again strive to attain them.


    Concubine Li felt aggrieved, realizing she needed a child now more than ever.


    She had held the position of Noble Consort for three years, but the Emperor had yet to grant her the title of Imperial Noble Consort, presumably because she had no child, giving him no legitimate reason to elevate her rank.


    It seemed she needed to write more letters home, asking her father and mother to seek out some secret methods for bearing children.


    Following the Emperor''s gaze, the Empress''s heart skipped a beat as she saw Jiang Xinyue kneeling among the concubines.


    Had the Emperor pped herst night because she poisoned Honored Consort Jiang Xinyue and framed Jiang Yuan?


    The thought shed through her mind but was immediately dismissed.


    Impossible!


    No matter how much the Emperor favored Honored Consort Jiang Xinyue, he would not use Concubine Li to p her, the Empress.


    The Emperor''s decreest night had also included Concubine Li''s name, intending to grant her the title of Imperial Noble Consort.


    However, since the reign of the Great Ancestor Emperor, the Emperor''s great-grandfather, to prevent the Imperial Noble Consort from surpassing the Empress and threatening her position, a rule had gradually emerged that an Imperial Noble Consort would not be appointed while the Empress was still alive.


    The idea is that in the harem, if there is an empress, there absolutely cannot be a noble consort, including the golden books and golden treasures that were previously given to the empress and noble consort individually. Under this unwritten rule, only the empress would receive them.


    So she refused, and even had a few arguments with the emperor over this.


    Concubine Li is still the first person in the emperor''s heart. The emperor would never use Concubine Li to vent his frustrations on Consort Zhen Zhao, as their status is almost interchangeable.


    Then... is it because she hasn''t given birth to a surviving child?


    After the new year, Jiang Xinyue will turn seventeen by traditional age reckoning. At an age when she would still be a high school student in modern times, in this elerated ancient era, she has already reached the age of being urged to bear children.

 Chapter 51

    "Has Consort Zhen been in the pce for about half a year now?"


    After the family banquet dispersed, the Emperor returned to the imperial study to handle state affairs. Empress Zhu kept Consort De, Consort Liang, and Jiang Xinyue behind.


    Before they could exchange pleasantries, Consort Liang looked at Jiang Xinyue''s belly, her eyebrows slightly raised: "Speaking of which, you''re one of the most favored consorts in the harem besides Concubine Li. How is it that Consort Rong is already with child, but you still have no news?"


    Although Consort Rong''s child wasn''t kept, at least she had conceived!


    Jiang Xinyue put on a dejected expression: "His Majesty had the imperial physician examine me. The physician said I suffered from cold exposure in my childhood, which damaged my body. I need to recuperate for two or three years before there''s a chance."


    By then, she would be eighteen when she got pregnant, which was better than conceiving now at sixteen or seventeen. After reaching adulthood, her physical condition would also be much stronger.


    She wanted to rise in status, true, but she couldn''t risk her own life for it. One needed to be alive to enjoy wealth and glory.


    Consort Liang covered her mouth in shock, seemingly not expecting this reason. She gave an awkwardugh and looked towards Consort De: "It''s actually not a big deal. Consort Zhen is still young, waiting two more years is fine. I was in the pce for several years before I conceived the eldest princess. What do you think, Consort De?"


    Suddenly called upon, Consort De was startled for a moment before saying: "It''s nothing to worry about. Sister Consort Zhen still has the Emperor''s favor! There''s no rush at this moment."


    The two women''s ability to lie through their teeth was quite impressive, but seeing Consort Zhen''s mood improve slightly due to their constion, both of them breathed a sigh of relief.


    The imperial physician said it would take two or three years of treatment, who knew if she would even be able to conceive then? In two or three years, new candidates would enter the pce, and who knew what the situation would be like? By then, would there even still be someone called Consort Zhen in the pce?


    Even if she truly maintained the Emperor''s favor and was bestowed the title of Consort, she would be yesterday''s news, unable topare with those fresh young buds.


    Empress Zhu sat in the main seat, feeling both disappointed and relieved.


    She was disappointed that she couldn''t use Consort Zhen''s womb to bear an imperial son that could be recorded under her own name. She was relieved because if Consort Zhen couldn''t bear children, she wouldn''t meet the hard requirement to be Empress, at most she would be bestowed the title of Consort.


    She would have to find another suitable womb instead.


    Actually, if Consort Zhen could bear children, it would be best. After all, she was of superior beauty and favored by the Emperor. In the future, if she gave birth to beautiful and well-behaved children, the Emperor would show them extra favor for their birth mother''s sake.


    Upon leaving Yikun Pce, Jiang Xinyue''s expression remained displeased.


    Xi Que and Shuang Jiang exchanged a nce, not daring to speak, following quickly beside the sedan chair.


    "Quicken your steps, don''t keep thedy waiting."


    Jiang Xinyue felt a blur before her eyes as a sedan chair carried by four people shed past her.


    "Who was that?"


    Shuang Jiang looked up and replied: "In response to mydy, that was Concubine Li''s mother."


    Concubine Li''s maternal grandfather was the Minister of the Privy Council, head of all civil officials in Great Yan, including Jiang Xinyue''s adoptive father.


    So the arrogant daughter of the Minister of the Privy Council, now married to the Prime Minister and be the Prime Minister''s wife - Concubine Li''s mother - didn''t even stop her sedan chair when she saw Jiang Xinyue, let alone get down to pay her respects.


    In her heart, she probably thought Jiang Xinyue''s status was too lowly and should have given way to her!


    This was good...


    Everyone thought she couldn''t make any waves, that she was just a novelty toy for the Emperor''s amusement. They all wanted to scheme against her yet looked down on her at the same time.


    This way, she could survive in the cracks and gradually win over the Xuanwu Emperor step by step.


    With imperial favor, next woulde exclusive favor. With exclusive favor, everything she wanted would be within her grasp.


    Those who looked down on her would then realize that it was toote to get rid of her.


    Empress Zhu coveting her womb was not a good thing.


    Before retiring for the night, Jiang Xinyue said to Shuang Jiang: "Have the people from the Weaving Bureaue again tomorrow. I feel like I''ve gained quite a bit of weight. Have them take my measurements again, so this year''s spring clothes won''t be made too small for me."


    Shuang Jiang was a bit confused. Her mistress was bing more and more beautiful, seemingly because she was getting older, her features maturing. On top of her youthful delicacy, she now had an added touch of mature charm that made it hard to look away.


    She wasn''t fat, but she did seem to have grown taller since entering the pce, her figure bing more graceful.


    Thinking this, she nodded: "Yes, I''ll go first thing in the morning."


    It was just in time for the Weaving Bureau to release new patterns, going earlier meant she could choose prettier ones.


    Tonight was Xi Que''s turn to keep watch. She pulled out a note from her sleeve: "Mydy, Concubine Su bribed a young pce maid who tends to the flowers in the Imperial Garden. She had a ''chance encounter'' with the Emperor in the Imperial Garden tonight."


    On the night of the New Year''s banquet, Concubine Su and Jiang Xinyue had worn the same outfit. The Xuanwu Emperor ordering her to be dragged out had already caused her to lose face, and afterward, she was punished by Empress Zhu with two months'' deduction of sry.


    Concubine Su tried her best to clear herself, saying the clothes were sent to her by people from the Weaving Bureau, and she didn''t know they vited regtions.


    But after investigation, no one from the Weaving Bureau admitted to sending clothes to Yanqing Pce, and pce maids from Consort De''s pce could testify to this.


    In the end, the matter was left unresolved.


    No one had imagined that the outfit had been sent by Jiang Xinyue''s good friend from the Weaving Bureau, from before she entered the pce.


    In the Great Yan Dynasty, nobledies entered the pce through selection, while daughters of wealthy merchants entered through examinations to be female officials in the inner court.


    Thetter often had special skills and entered the Pce Domestic Service or the Weaving Bureau, using their talents to serve the imperial consorts and bringing great benefits and conveniences to their family businesses.


    The original Jiang Xinyue and the eldest daughter of the biggest fabric shop owner in the capital were close friends. When the original Jiang Xinyue participated in the selection, that girl also passed the Weaving Bureau''s examination and became a ninth-rank female official in the Weaving Bureau, the lowest rank.


    They hadn''t had a chance to meet until just before the New Year''s banquet, when the Emperor had people from the Weaving Bureau bring fabric samples to Hexi Pce for Consort Zhen to choose from. Only then did that girl learn that her good friend had already be the Emperor''s favored consort.


    In their excitement, the two couldn''t help but talk about their recent situations, mostly with the girl talking and Jiang Xinyue listening.


    It was just asking her for a small favor, to make two almost identical outfits from the pce satin she had chosen. One more borate for her to wear at the New Year''s banquet, and the other to be falsely imed as damaged during the tailoring for Consort Zhen.


    Fabric damage was not a serious matter in the Weaving Bureau, and with pce maids from Hexi Pce testifying for her, no one suspected anything.


    Although Concubine Su was sobbing and weeping, her appearance was still quite alluring. The Xuanwu Emperor was someone who valued looks highly - even when raising snakes, he preferred the most colorful ones, regardless of their venom.


    Jiang Xinyue believed that Concubine Su would be able to captivate the Xuanwu Emperor and gain his favor.


    "Mydy..." Xi Que frowned, half-reclining on the footstool. "Is Concubine Su really the true culprit who killed our Little Ai Jiang?"


    She appeared so delicate and fragile, crying at the slightest provocation. Since entering the pce, rumors had spread everywhere that she was as soft as water, extremely timid and weak.


    How could such a personmit such a cruel act?


    Little Ai Jiang was such an adorable little puppy. Even now, thinking about it made Xi Que''s heart ache.

 Chapter 52

    "There is more than one person in this pce who uses false personas to hide their true nature."


    Jiang Xinyue replied to her, "Concubine Su is the daughter of the Director of the Gate Office from the Ministry of Punishment, a ce infamous for devouring people without leaving a bone behind. Do you think someone born into such a household would be such a timid soul?"


    More importantly, Jiang Xinyue had visited an experimental center in the 21st century, where the researchers dissected small animals cleanly and precisely, with neat and orderly incisions that showed the skilled hands of veterans.


    On that day when the Xuanwu Emperor stopped her from seeing Little Ai Jiang''s body, she insisted on seeing it, and it was her insistence that made her instantly identify the culprit ¨C Concubine Su, from a family of interrogators at the Ministry of Punishment.


    She studied psychology and had encountered all kinds of people with mental issues.


    Generally, when people reach the peak of fear, they would feel dizzy, nauseous, have chest tightness and difficulty breathing, or even feel like vomiting. In more extreme cases, they might experience suffocation.


    If the anxious emotions were not relieved, it could also trigger certain physical actions and behaviors, such as trembling voice, restlessness, inability to calm down, and overall anxiety.


    However, Concubine Su exhibited none of these signs.


    Her fear was only superficial, with no trace of fear in her eyes. When she looked at Little Ai Jiang''s body, her trembling didn''t seem like fear, but rather... excitement.


    Jiang Xinyue was almost certain that she was a deviant who enjoyed torturing small animals.


    Xi Que looked at her master with some concern, "But if Concubine Su is so terrifying, why did you let her know that you were the one who framed her?"


    The room fell silent, with only the conversation between master and servant, and the howling winds outside. After a long silence, during which Xi Que thought Jiang Xinyue had fallen asleep, a voice like a dream murmur said, "Because I want to avenge Little Ai Jiang."


    Everyone thought she had turned the page, but only she knew... No, she hadn''t.


    She couldn''t be considered a dog lover, but she couldn''t ept her pet being so cruelly killed while in her care.


    The person who killed Little Ai Jiang must pay the price.


    No!


    To put it more broadly, she wanted revenge for all the small animals that died at Concubine Su''s hands.


    In Yanqing Pce¡ª


    Concubine Suy in the Xuanwu Emperor''s embrace, "Your Majesty, do you believe your concubine now?"


    Outside, Fang Rumeng, a ninth-rank female official from the Weaving Bureau, knelt shivering in the cold on the long corridor.


    Jiang Xinyue was right ¨C nothing ventured, nothing gained. She had been suppressed in the Weaving Bureau, unable to fully showcase her exquisite skills. It would be better to change jobs to the Bureau of Pce Affairs.


    The bargaining chip Concubine Su used to persuade her to testify was that she had connections in the Bureau of Pce Affairs, which could secure Fang Rumeng a position as a female historian in the Garment Department.


    There were four female historians in the Garment Department, and if she found the right patron, she could be promoted to Chief Wardrobe Manager in no time, allowing her to fully disy her talents.


    Moreover, she could hide her rtionship with Jiang Xinyue, and no one would ever suspect that the woman who betrayed Consort Zhen tonight was one of Consort Zhen''s own people.


    "Your concubine truly does not know what she has done to offend Sister Zhen. Your concubine... would like to apologize to Sister Zhen in person tomorrow. But your concubine is afraid. Could Your Majesty apany your concubine?"


    The Xuanwu Emperor was somewhat skeptical. Consort Zhen was kind and innocent, treating the princes and princesses like friends. How could such a sincere person send clothes to frame Concubine Su without any reason? Was it just because of some minor grievance between the two?


    No!


    Consort Zhen was not a vengeful, malicious person.


    But what if it were true?


    Would the woman he adored eventually be unrecognizable?


    If so, he would be deeply disappointed.


    The next morning, after attending the court session, the Xuanwu Emperor went to Yanqing Pce, where Consort De was teaching the Third Prince in the front courtyard.


    Concubine Su had been dressed and ready for a long time, but Wang Dequan informed her that the Emperor wanted to apany Consort De and the Third Prince for their noon meal before going to Hexi Pce.


    She couldn''t help but cry another round of tears.


    Shu Hua had already be numb to her tears and no longer went tofort her, as Concubine Su would act as if nothing had happened after each bout of crying, eating and drinking as usual.


    In Hexi Pce, after Fang Rumeng finished taking Jiang Xinyue''s measurements and conveying the message, she left.


    Upon learning that the Xuanwu Emperor would bring Concubine Su to "seek justice," Jiang Xinyue whispered to Xi Que, "Go to the Internal Affairs Department and find a small dog that looks simr to Little Ai Jiang. Say that I miss Little Ai Jiang too much and want to raise another one."


    Xi Que understood the importance of the matter and immediately called Xiao Xuanzi to go with her. Xiao Xuanzi was very resourceful, and with two of them, they would have a contingency n in case of any unexpected circumstances.


    "Your Highness, Your Highness..."


    In Concubine Li''s pce, Xia He could barely contain her excitement, "Concubine Su has led a group to Hexi Pce."


    Concubine Li swallowed a bowl of bitter medicine and quickly put a candied fruit in her mouth to keep from vomiting. Upon hearing this, she merely raised her eyes slightly, displeased with Xia He''s reckless reaction, "So what?"


    Concubine Su was a hopeless case, how could she do anything to Consort Zhen?


    Yesterday, her mother came to the pce and scolded her for lowering herself to confront Consort Zhen, needlessly angering the Emperor and elevating Hexi Pce''s status.


    She felt her mother was right. Her top priority now was to have a son and a daughter for the Emperor, otherwise any favor from him would be meaningless talk.


    It was strange, though ¨C she had been in the pce since she was sixteen, and now at twenty-five, almost ten years had passed, yet she had never been pregnant.


    At first, her family thought the Emperor didn''t want her to conceive, but yesterday her mother brought a woman disguised as a maid to examine her, saying that her body had difficulty conceiving, and prescribed her many medicines.


    From now on, she would have to change the medicines every seven days. She could only try to persuade the Emperor to let that female doctor stay when her mother entered the pce next time.


    Xia He leaned closer and whispered something in Concubine Li''s ear. Concubine Li''s bright, cat-like eyes lit up, "Really?"


    Xia He nodded, "Absolutely true. That female official from the Weaving Bureau was Consort Zhen''s friend before she entered the pce. This time, that woman betrayed Consort Zhen for the sake of promotion. I wonder how she feels in her heart?"


    Concubine Li sneered, "Concubine Su is too naive. It''s just a piece of clothing, and she didn''t do anything major. The Emperor won''t do anything to Consort Zhen."


    But...


    The divide between men and women often arises from the smallest things, as mutual distrust grows, and the divide bes wider and wider, eventually leading to estrangement.


    "Woof, woof, woof..."


    In the Hexi Pce, a series of barks from dogs echoed.


    The Xuanwu Emperor waved off the reporting eunuch and entered with a group of people.


    "Ah!"


    A snow-white puppy leaped from Jiang Xinyue''s embrace andnded securely in Concubine Su''sp.


    "Aahh..."


    After getting a clear look at the puppy''s features, Concubine Su screamed and flung the puppy away, flinging herself into the Xuanwu Emperor''s arms. "Your Majesty... Your Majesty! It''s that dog, it''s that dog!"


    Xi Que was prepared to catch the puppy, ensuring it didn''t hit the ground.

 Chapter 53

    This time, she was truly scared, her fingers covering her eyes trembling.


    When Jiang Xinyue got up and looked at the Xuanwu Emperor, upon seeing Concubine Su in his embrace, her bright eyes dimmed a little: "Your Majesty, you and Concubine Su are..."


    The Xuanwu Emperor pushed Concubine Su away: "There are some things I want to ask you."


    Holding another woman in front of Jiang Xinyue always made him feel ufortable, though the Emperor himself couldn''t pinpoint the exact reason for this difort.


    Wang Dequan stepped aside, revealing Fang Rumeng''s delicate face. Jiang Xinyue was taken aback at first, then her face darkened with anger as she turned her back, her eyes already reddening quickly.


    The Xuanwu Emperor had forgotten that he hade to reprimand, only wanting to hug his little darling andfort her well.


    However, the apanying Concubine Su was rather tactless. Seeing Jiang Xinyue turn away, she thought she had found Jiang Xinyue''s weakness and pushed Fang Rumeng forward: "Does Consort Zhen recognize this woman official from the Weaving Bureau?"


    Jiang Xinyue couldn''t help but roll her eyes. When she turned back, the anger in her eyes was undisguised: "It was just sending you a piece of clothing, even if you didn''t recognize that pce brocade, the pce maids around you should have reminded you not to wear it, right? But you still wore it, and you were reprimanded by His Majesty because of it. What does it have to do with me?"


    If she were someone who followed the rules, she wouldn''t have worn that dress in the first ce.


    She just wanted to draw attention to herself, but didn''t expect to sh with the more beautiful Jiang Xinyue while wearing the same outfit, making herself look like she was trying too hard and incurring the Emperor''s displeasure, losing facepletely.


    So she insisted that someone had wronged her, that she wore it out of ignorance and was innocent.


    The Xuanwu Emperor''s gaze swept over the pce maids and eunuchs behind Concubine Su. Xi Que was so frightened that she hurriedly lowered her head and knelt on the ground, not speaking or looking up.


    Her reaction had already proven that she had indeed reminded Concubine Su, but Concubine Su didn''t listen.


    Jiang Xinyue had just set a ringly obvious trap that everyone was aware of, and it was Concubine Su who willingly jumped into it.


    "Then why did Consort send a dress that vited the regtions to a concubine?"


    Concubine Su bit her lip but still refused to admit defeat: "If you didn''t send it, how would this concubine have worn it?"


    "Why would I send it? Doesn''t Concubine Su have any sense? Do you really want me to say in front of all these people what disgusting thing you did?"


    Jiang Xinyue took the puppy from Xi Que and stroked its soft fur, her cold gaze fixed on Concubine Su.


    Concubine Su looked uncertain, swallowing hard, like a pumpkin with its mouth sewn shut, unable to say a word.


    Xi Que opened her mouth but then closed it, clearly it was her!


    The Xuanwu Emperor couldn''t understand the undercurrent between the two women, but he could see that Jiang Xinyue had the upper hand, indicating that Concubine Su must have done something to harm Consort Zhen, and Consort Zhen was simply striking back.


    Even when taking revenge, she used such a gentle method, attacking the other''s character, allowing the person to willingly fall into the trap, but without any intention to harm. It was merely a small lesson.


    Concubine Su was in the wrong first, yet she still clung to Consort Zhen''s minor mistake and wouldn''t let go, truly petty and narrow-minded.


    "Enough!"


    The Xuanwu Emperor waved his hand, stopping Concubine Su who still wanted to argue, feeling somewhat annoyed: "Concubine Su was in the wrong first, Consort Zhen didn''t really wrong you. Withdraw!"


    Outside, the bright sun was shining, but for Concubine Su, it was like she had fallen into an ice cer.


    Her tears were useless this time. The Xuanwu Emperor hugged the red-eyed Consort Zhen and gentlyforted her: "I didn''t doubt you. Concubine Su insisted oning to get rity, and since she didn''t want you to be misunderstood, I came with her. I''ll have Wang Dequan send the full-body mirror that came from overseas to the Hexi Pceter. Don''t be angry with me, my beloved Consort, alright?"


    The Great Yan Dynasty had obtained a few mirrors fromter eras, which reflected people very clearly, far superior to bronze mirrors.


    Not only did Concubine Su fail to get Consort Zhen punished, but she had also made the Xuanwu Emperor feel even more affection for Consort Zhen. A storm was rapidly gathering in her wild, crazed eyes.


    A delusional madwoman could be triggered by the slightest contradiction, awakening the demon within and losing all rationality,mitting horrific acts of insanity.


    Jiang Xinyue turned her head, ignoring the Xuanwu Emperor, while giving Concubine Su a challenging look, as if saying: So what if I schemed against you? His Majesty still believes me and not you.


    Seeing Concubine Su''s breathing be rapid, her eyes filled with reddened blood vessels from anger, looking like she was about to have a fit, Jiang Xinyue handed the puppy to Xiao Xuanzi: "Concubine Su, if you''re not leaving, are you waiting to apany my beloved pet on a walk?"


    The puppy had just eaten some meat bones, so Consort Zhen instructed Eunuch Xiao Xuanzi to take it out for a stroll to help digest the food.


    A dark red shed in Concubine Su''s eyes as she followed Xiao Xuanzi''s movements, unwilling to back down as she curtsied: "This concubine... will withdraw."


    As soon as she left, Consort Zhen''s tears began streaming down in big drops, her lips pursed in utter dejection. Wang Dequan, seeing this, hurriedly had all the pce maids leave, allowing space for the Emperor and Consort Zhen.


    It wasn''t appropriate for the likes of them to witness Consort Zhen''s tears, which were meant for the Emperor''sfort alone.


    "This concubine... this concubine has been wronged, but I didn''tin to Your Majesty... This concubine... wuwu... This concubine only wanted to teach her a lesson, to have her scolded a little. Is this a capital crime? Your Majesty... wuwuwu... Your Majesty is biased wuwuwuwu..."


    She cried like a child,pletely losing herposure, but the Xuanwu Emperor found it terribly endearing. Rather than unreasonably throwing a tantrum, it was more like she was being coquettish with him, voicing her grievances.


    "If Your Majesty wuwu... if you like someone else now, just tell this concubine directly. This concubine will never be the third wheel. From now on... from now on, this concubine will never trust Your Majesty again, it''s all lies... lies to deceive this concubine."


    "Tsk..."


    Even though he knew it was just angry words, the Xuanwu Emperor''s heart still felt hollow as he covered her babbling mouth: "Don''t say things like that, my heart isn''t made of iron either."


    It would also ache.


    Jiang Xinyue thought to herself: Your heart isn''t made of iron, it''s cast from gold. On the surface it appears soft and mushy, able to leave a dent if bitten, but in reality, after being fired and cooled, it can regain its original hardness, even more formidable than sturdy iron!


    Jiang Xinyue was secretly wiping her tears on the Xuanwu Emperor''s dragon robe, thinking her vengeful little act could be hidden from the Emperor. Little did she know that her indignant look, like a bristling kitten, was both adorable and... ferocious?


    Not long after the full-length mirror entered the Hexi Pce, Consort Zhen''s delighted voice came from inside: "Wow! Is that me in there?"


    The Emperor fondly patted her head: "In this harem, other than my beloved Consort Zhen, who else could be so beautiful?"


    Feeling a little shy, Consort Zhen smiled and twirled around, lifting her skirt as she gazed at her reflection from left to right, with an expression of utmost wonder.


    Finally, she stood before the mirror, thoughtfully stroking her chin and nodding: "Your Majesty''s taste is indeed exquisite..."


    The Emperor thought she was praising the craftsmanship of the mirror,plimenting his choice of gift.


    But instead, she said, "Truly, I am the most beautiful one."

 Chapter 54

    Her arrogant and coquettish little demeanor drew augh from the Xuanwu Emperor, who couldn''t resist teasing her: "When others praise your beauty, you don''t know how to be humble, do you? Have you no shame?"


    Jiang Xinyue shook her head yfully, "Your Majesty, excessive humility only makes people dislike you. It''s like if I were to praise you as a diligent and benevolent Emperor, wouldn''t you agree that I have good taste?"


    After all, how could the Emperor say he wasn''t?


    Indirectly ttered, the Emperor''s dragon countenance beamed with delight as he embraced her from behind. "During the Vernal Equinox in the second month of spring, I shall lead the officials to the countryside for spring plowing. Would my beloved consort like to join me?"


    Jiang Xinyue had heard of the ancient tradition of Emperors personally "guiding the plow" during spring plowing ceremonies, but had only seen it in television dramas. She was quite curious to witness the spectacle herself.


    Her eyes widened with eagerness, having already cast aside any displeasure over the Emperor''s previous suspicions. "Could this servant really go? Truly?"


    The Xuanwu Emperor was charmed by her timely emotional response. "If I say you can go, then you can go."


    On the day of spring plowing, the Empress would also attend, so bringing along a couple of consorts wouldn''t be an issue.


    In the Cining Pce¡ª


    Although the Dowager Empress didn''t manage the affairs of the harem, she knew full well which consort the Emperor favored and which he bestowed gifts upon.


    A pungent medicinal scent wafted through the air, revealing Consort Rong''s haggard and pallidplexion.


    The pce maids in the Cining Pce were more solemn than elsewhere, their footsteps so light they were almost inaudible, their breathing shallow. None of them smiled or spoke to one another.


    The elegantly adorned Dowager Empress sat by the bedside, while not far away, a woman with a delicate and refined beauty knelt on the floor.


    "Your Highness..."


    Consort Rong''s hair was disheveled. "My sister has been kneeling for two hours now in this bitter cold. If she develops any ailment from this, you will feel pained too."


    The woman kneeling on the floor, her face turning bluish, was none other than Consort Shu who had already been elevated to that rank.


    The Dowager Empress let out a cold snort. "Consort Shu is so high and mighty that even when the Emperor humbled himself to seek her forgiveness, she refused to pardon him, driving the sovereign out of the Jingren Pce. Now Consort Zhen has reaped the great benefit. Now that I pity Consort Rong''s miscarriage and wish to help her find the true culprit so that she may regain the Emperor''s favor, Consort Shu is unwilling to help. It seems she is hoping for us members of the Wu family to die sooner!"


    Consort Shu''s heart was filled with grief, the deep sorrow in her eyes refusing to dissipate. "Why must you torment me so, aunt? The Emperor''s past affection for me was just an act, staged for you and my father. Ever since the fall of the Wu family, the Emperor has long grown weary of me. Now that the lives of over two hundred Wu nsmen separate the Emperor and me, how can I possibly vie for his favor as you suggest?"


    "So you wish to wait for death in this harem?"


    The Dowager Empress was well aware of the Emperor''s wariness towards her. Years ago, the Emperor''s initial choice for Empress was supposed to be Consort Shu, but he had secretly selected the daughter of the Yu family instead, infuriating her.


    "If you quickly bear a son of Wu lineage, I shall have the Emperor name him Crown Prince, and our Wu family will prosper once more."


    If her son disobeyed, she would simply rece him with her grandson. Where was familial affection in the imperial household? What she desired was supreme and unrivaled power.


    "That wretched Consort Zhen cannot be allowed to remain. I see she has already bewitched the Emperor, body and soul."


    For the sake of that lowly maid, he even defied his own mother. Utterly unfilial.


    "Sister!"


    Consort Rong grasped her sleeve. "It was Consort Zhen who saved my life."


    "p!"


    The pale little face bore a stinging p, revealing a sickly flush. The Dowager Empress withdrew her sleeve and rose. "You''re both fools, how did our Wu family produce such vexing fools? In any case, I leave you with these words today. One of you must give birth to an imperial son. Otherwise, you know my methods."


    Upon hearing this, Consort Rong and Consort Shu both turned deathly pale.


    Though their father was dead, their mother and brother still suffered in the Ninggu Tower. If the Dowager Empress threatened them, Consort Shu knew... she had no choice but toply.


    Over the next few days, the Xuanwu Emperor bestowed his favors evenly across the harem. Apart from the first and fifteenth nights spent in the Yikun Pce, he spent three nights that month in the Changxin Pce with Concubine Li, two nights each with Consort De and Consort Liang, one night each with Consort Jin and Consort Zhang.


    What surprised Jiang Xinyue most was that Consort Shu of the Jingren Pce, the Dowager Empress''s niece, was granted six nights of apaniment.


    The remaining nights were either spent resting in the Hexi Pce or retiring alone in the Chengqian Pce.


    Even the most virile of stallions required moderation, lest he suffer the fate of "death by overexertion."


    Among the pce maidens who entered the harem alongside Jiang Xinyue, some were favored once and then forgotten, while others had been there for over half a year without everying eyes on the Emperor.


    All they could do was gaze wistfully at the moon and sigh, for there was no one in the pce who would pity them.


    The Emperor was but one man, how could he satisfy them all?


    Before long, the second day of the second month arrived. Early that morning, Wang Dequan came to the Hexi Pce to inform Jiang Xinyue, by the Emperor''s orders, to dress simply and modestly, and gather at the Taihe Hall.


    Jiang Xinyue donned a silver-gray shortened coat, paired with a coarse linen skirt that peasant women often wore, and beneath that a pair of lotus-green trousers. On her feet were in gray cloth shoes, her raven tresses bound by a headscarf, with only a single deep red sandalwood hairpin for adornment. The overall look was understated yet tidy.


    She wasn''t the first to arrive at the Taihe Hall; the Emperor and Empress were already present, with Consort Shu standing by the Emperor''s side. d in a coarse cotton robe and a thick overcoat, she exuded a refined and ethereal beauty.


    It seemed Wang Dequan had visited the Jingren Pce beforeing to the Hexi Pce.


    Jiang Xinyue didn''t know if this was the Emperor''s intention or Wang Dequan''s own initiative.


    Last year during the spring plowing, Concubine Li, ustomed to luxury, developed rashes all over after wearing the coarse linen garments provided by the Imperial Household Department. This year, she refused to attend no matter what.


    Thus, among the consorts, only the Empress, Consort Shu, and Jiang Xinyue herself would be present.


    As the lowest-ranked among the four, it was only natural that her pnquin would be cedst.


    This was Jiang Xinyue''s first time leaving the pce since her reincarnation, her first glimpse of how the ancientmoners truly lived.


    Shuang Jiang drew back the curtains by the window, allowing her a better view of the outside and some fresh air.


    Consort Zhen was truly an excellent mistress. She was sold into the pce as a maid when she was only six years old, and she had long forgotten what the world outside was like.


    So on this asion of leaving the pce, she deliberately brought Xi Que along, as she had not brought the bird before.


    With the Emperor and Empress traveling, the street vendors had been ordered to clear away early. The streets were cleaned spotlessly, leaving only curiousmoners held back by officials, lining the sides and craning their necks eagerly to catch a glimpse of the procession emerging from the pce gates.

 Chapter 55

    It was somewhat disappointing not to see the scenes from television dramas ofmon people living peacefully and prosperously, with taverns and shops lining the streets.


    It seems that not everything shown in historical dramas is true, like emperors casually strolling the streets with their consorts after spring plowing. In reality, local officials would have already cleared the area, with all shops closed.


    Shuang Jiang exined that these shops would only reopen after the emperor''s procession returned to the pce.


    This was to prevent assassins from hiding inside, posing hidden dangers to the emperor''s outing.


    In fact, the Great Yan Dynasty had already seen three emperors, each of them far from mediocre, managing their reign with prosperity and peace for the people.


    The Xuanwu Emperor was truly an enlightened ruler among enlightened rulers. He did not indulge in pleasure or be obsessed with women. For 365 days a year, except for the New Year period when he refrained from work due to regtions, he handled state affairs in the imperial study or Chengqian Pce without a single day of cking.


    Jiang Xinyue didn''t think any fool would rebel and attempt to assassinate the emperor.


    But the officials feared the worst, and their protective measures were thoroughly in ce.


    So thorough that all she could see were the closed shop doors on both sides and a sea of indistinguishable heads.


    "Junze, stop pushing, stop pushing! It''s not safe to squeeze in further."


    Among the mass of indistinguishable heads, there was an eight or nine-year-old boy, hands propped on the shoulders of servants, jumping up to see the long procession.


    Behind him, an eleven or twelve-year-old girl tightly gripped his clothes, worried he might be trampled by the surging crowd.


    Seeing that the procession was about to pass, Jiang Junze was sweating profusely with anxiety. He pped the back of the servant in front of him, "Squat down, quick!"


    The servant hurriedly squatted, and Jiang Junze immediately straddled his neck, then shouted, "Stand up! Quick, quick, quick!"


    The servant stood up at once, and Jiang Junze''s view suddenly cleared.


    He swayed left and right, eagerly searching for Elder Sister''s carriage. Father had said that for this spring plowing ceremony, the emperor would graciously allow Elder Sister to participate, so he and Second Sister hade to the pce gates early in the morning to wait.


    Because they arrived early, Jiang Junze wasn''t too far from the procession. After being lifted by the servant, he quickly spotted Elder Sister''s beautiful face behind the raised curtain of a carriage.


    He waved excitedly, "Elder Sister! Elder Sister! Look at me, I''m here!"


    Shuang Jiang pointed at the small boy waving frantically, "My Lady, look quickly, isn''t someone over there calling to us?"


    Jiang Xinyue leaned out to look. The boy became even more excited, while the servant beneath him was suffering greatly. If not for hispanions supporting him, he would surely have fallen.


    "Junze?"


    Logically, Jiang Xinyue shouldn''t recognize her original body''s brother, but the original''s memories made her instinctively respond upon seeing the boy. She rushed to the window and enthusiastically waved back at Jiang Junze.


    Jiang Junze''s smile was radiant. "Second Sister, I saw Elder Sister! She''s waving at me!"


    "Where, where?"


    Hearing this, Jiang Xinyan couldn''t maintain herposure either. But unable to ride on a maid''s shoulders like her brother, she could only stand on tiptoes, straining her neck with difficulty.


    By the time the procession had gone far towards the fields, she still hadn''t caught a glimpse of even a strand of Elder Sister''s hair.


    Jiang Junze jumped down from the servant''s shoulders and grabbed Jiang Xinyan''s hand to run. "Now Aunt can rest easy. I saw that Elder Sister looked extremely well, even more beautiful than when she was at home. It seems the rumors in town are true; Elder Sister has indeed be a favored consort who can rival Consort Shu in beauty."


    In the past, Elder Sister had acted like a white lotus at the Jiang residence, winning Father''s affection and making life better for the siblings in the household.


    Later, when she entered the pce, it was also Father''s intention to use her beauty to climb higher in status.


    Now it seemed to have seeded. Lord Father spent much more time in Aunt''s chambers than before, and the servants in the household no longer dared to look down on Aunt.


    But Jiang Xinyan was also a woman. In her heart, she wished that her future husband need not be too talented or too handsome; a modest family background would suffice. She wanted a husband who would be devoted to her alone for life.


    Elder Sister... probably wished for the same, right?


    In this world, what woman who deeply loves her husband would willingly share him with so many other women?


    Sigh...


    For Elder Sister, it was hard to say whether this was happiness or misfortune.


    Jiang Junze looked back to see Second Sister''s troubled expression andforted her, "Second Sister is overthinking and being sentimental again. What you desire doesn''t necessarily represent what Elder Sister wants. In my eyes, Elder Sister was born for wealth and nobility; an ordinary family couldn''t contain her."


    Such extraordinary beauty would be a disaster anywhere else. Only by entering the pce and gaining the emperor''s favor could she enjoy a lifetime of glory.


    Second Sister sought a devoted husband, while Elder Sister sought only glory and favor.


    How can one know the joy of fish unless one is a fish oneself?


    Jiang Xinyan understood the meaning behind her brother''s words. She blushed slightly and said with a smile, "As long as Elder Sister gets what she wishes for, that''s the best oue."


    The spring plowing ceremony was quiteplex, with various officials managing different aspects, all standing in their assigned positions. As each procedure came up, specific officials woulde forward to guide the emperor and his consorts.


    The Governor of Shuntian Prefecture managed the green box, the Vice Minister of the Ministry of Revenue oversaw the sowing, and elderly members of the imperial n were responsible for covering the soil.


    The Empress also had to go down to the fields to symbolically nt rice seedlings.


    With the Empress descending to the fields, Consort Shu and Jiang Xinyue couldn''t stand on ceremony either. They all rolled up their trouser legs and walked down into the paddy field.


    Consort Shu seemed to have never done anything like this before. When the dirty mud submerged her calves, her entire face instantly lost color, and each step was extremely difficult.


    The Xuanwu Emperor turned back to look at Consort Shu and Jiang Xinyue. Jiang Xinyue was already holding rice seedlings and had nted a whole row. She was even chatting animatedly with the old man beside her who was teaching her how to nt, seemingly discussing how to nt faster.


    Seeing the emperor look over, she waved at him with the seedlings in her hand, her eyes full of sparkling light.


    But because of herrge movement, she nearly fell. As she stumbled forward, the Xuanwu Emperor almost turned his body to catch her.


    However, the old man beside her steadied her. She smiled and bowed to the old man, "Thank you, Old Uncle."


    How could anyone dislike such a person wherever she went?


    There probably weren''t any. Themon people all followed behind her, praising her for nting well and for being polite and unpretentious.


    The Xuanwu Emperor''s spring plowing was meant to bring him closer to themon farmers and show the court''s emphasis on agriculture.


    In previous years, no concubine brought out had truly aplished this. Consort Zhen... indeed possessed a strong and pure heart.


    Looking at Consort Shu, although she was forcibly restraining her difort, her paleplexion already told everyone that thisdy found farm work dirty and distasteful.


    Though she didn''t say it aloud, her physical reaction couldn''t deceive anyone.


    Consort Shu followed behind the Xuanwu Emperor, her frail body swaying unsteadily. The emperor reached out a hand, silently holding hers: "If you''re not feeling well, you can rest in the carriage."


    With the Empress maintaining herposure and Consort Zhen beaming with joy, this spring plowing ceremony could be considered quite sessful.

 Chapter 56

    Consort Shu grasped the Emperor''s warm,rge hand, feeling a warmth in her heart. She shook her head, "This concubine is fine. Perhaps it''s because I haven''t had breakfast, so I''m feeling a bit weak and dizzy."


    This was indeed a good excuse.


    Though the Xuanwu Emperor''s eyes were on the rice seedlings below, his peripheral vision was filled with Consort Shu''s figure. Jiang Xinyue, taking advantage of walking at the back of the group, used the crowd as cover to observe them.


    From a psychological perspective, the Emperor''s subtle expressions, nces, and movements had already betrayed him.


    He hid it well, but who could fool Jiang Xinyue, a professional in these matters?


    The intimacy between people can be deduced from the way they look at each other.


    Unable to resist caring, wanting to get closer, yet afraid of others noticing, he could only secretly make small gestures, deluding himself that no one would notice.


    Others might not notice, but Jiang Xinyue wasn''t just anyone. She was herself, a different kind of firework.


    Her gaze fell on Consort Shu''s face again, noticing that although she didn''t resist the Emperor''s touch, her eyes were disconnected from her actions, filled with pain and torment.


    There was still time. It seemed Consort Shu hadn''t opened her heart to the Emperor yet. The Emperor''s efforts were one-sided!


    Well done, Consort Shu. It would be best to torture him.


    This dog of an Emperor pretended to be affectionate in front of her, acted as if he only favored Concubine Li, but in reality, the person he truly cared about was Consort Shu, his childhood sweetheart and cousin.


    The Wu family was detestable, but he hadn''t taken out his anger on the Wu daughters. Both of the Wu family''s legitimate daughters had entered the pce as consorts.


    Jiang Xinyue didn''t feel discouraged. In this world, childhood sweethearts often couldn''tpete with destined lovers. She, as the destined one, would push Consort Shu out of the Xuanwu Emperor''s heart.


    After all, since Consort Shu refused to ept the Emperor, she shouldn''t mind if Jiang Xinyue picked up what she discarded, right?


    Even if she did mind, it didn''t matter. They were all the Emperor''s women, each using their own abilities to achieve their goals. Jiang Xinyue could ept this kind of healthypetition in the workce.


    As long as she didn''t love the Emperor and treated him like her boss, Jiang Xinyue didn''t care who he loved or cared for.


    The only thing she feared was that the Xuanwu Emperor might not y fair. In the future, when she and Consort Shu crossed paths, he might favor Consort Shu.


    Then when it came time for her promotion... no, advancement in rank, she would have a formidable opponent.


    Was Consort Shu a good person?


    Uncertain. She''d have to observe more.


    "Ah!"


    Just as Jiang Xinyue was lost in thought about Consort Shu, Empress Zhu suddenly cried out and fell into the mud.


    The Emperor''s hand was hidden in his wide sleeve, holding Consort Shu''s, so he couldn''t catch Empress Zhu in time. He could only watch helplessly as she fell.


    The two intertwined sleeves separated, and Empress Zhu thought she had imagined it, not paying much attention. She looked down at the small, blood-red worm wriggling on her calf and nearly fainted.


    As the mother of the nation, it was her unique privilege as the Empress to join the Emperor in the fields, nting side by side.


    She always took this seriously, so despite being from a noble family like the other consorts, she could maintain herposure while Consort Shu couldn''t.


    But this disgusting worm burrowing into her skin made her shudder. She couldn''t bear it anymore and crawled towards the shore, trying to pull off the blood-red creature with her hand.


    "Don''t move!"


    Jiang Xinyue rushed over in a few steps, grabbing Empress Zhu''s hand. "This is a leech. It''s specifically designed to suck blood. If you forcibly pull it off, it will worsen the bleeding."


    As she spoke, she quickly picked up a shoe from the shore and said to Empress Zhu, "Your Majesty, please forgive me."


    She rapidly tapped the shoe''s sole on the spot where the leech was attached, making a "pat-pat" sound. Empress Zhu''s calf turned red from the tapping, and she was about to lose her temper when she heard excited voices exim, "Mydy, it really fell off!"


    Moreover, because it wasn''t forcibly removed, there was only a tiny wound on Empress Zhu''s calf.


    A farmer brought clean water to wash it, and couldn''t help but praise Jiang Xinyue: "Thisdy seems to know a great deal about farming. Not only is she good at nting rice, but she even knows how to deal with leeches. It''s truly remarkable."


    Jiang Xinyue modestly waved her hand, "My father is the Vice Minister of the Ministry of Rites. Our home may not have much, but the study is filled with various books. I learned all this from reading."


    It was safer to im she learned it from books. How else could she exin how a sheltered youngdy from a noble family would know such things?


    The Xuanwu Emperor''s gaze softened as he looked at her. Together, they helped Empress Zhu to her feet. "Consort Zhen acted quickly to save you. Surely the Empress won''t me her?"


    Empress Zhu felt embarrassed, but Jiang Xinyue had indeed saved her. During previous spring plowing events, she had seen officials bitten by leeches. Those unfortunate souls weren''t as lucky as her; after a flurry of mishandled attempts to remove the leeches, their wounds wouldn''t stop bleeding, and they nearly lost their lives due to infection.


    She shook her head and smiled at Jiang Xinyue, "I should be thanking you. How could I possibly me you?"


    After this brief incident, the spring plowing continued.


    By the time the plowing was finished, it was almost 10 AM.


    The plow and whip were handed over to the Minister of Revenue and the Prefect of Shuntian Prefecture. The Emperor sat facing south on the plowing observation tform, with the princes and officials standing in their designated positions.


    Next, the princes and officials took turns plowing. The princes made five furrows, the Nine Ministers made nine furrows, and the Prefect''s staff carried blue boxes to sow seeds, while the elders followed, covering the seeds with soil.


    When the ceremony was over, the Emperor went to the fasting pce. The Prefect and elders paid their respects. Thirty farmers carrying farm tools followed. After the farmers finished plowing the remaining unplowed fields, the Minister of the Ministry of Rites announced thepletion of the ceremony. All officials offered their congrattions, and a banquet was held for the princes, ministers, and elders, while the farmers were rewarded with cloth.


    Originally, the Minister of the Ministry of Rites should have announced the ceremony''spletion, but he wisely gave this task to Vice Minister Jiang, allowing him to gain favor in front of the Xuanwu Emperor and Consort Zhen.


    He only regretted that he was too old and hadn''t been able to produce a beautiful daughter to enter the pce and win the Emperor''s favor.


    His daughters had all been married for many years, and his granddaughters were already of marriageable age. The youngest granddaughter, at sixteen, had gotten marriedst year.


    Now at the ripe age of fifty-one, even if he wanted to provide the Emperor with another consort, he was powerless to do so.


    During the meal, Jiang Xinyue was arranged to sit on the Emperor''s left side, with Empress Zhu on his right.


    This time, through her own abilities, she had caught the Xuanwu Emperor''s attention, pushing Consort Shu aside.


    If the Xuanwu Emperor didn''t show his fondness for her, those farmers would think that the Emperor didn''t favor a consort who was knowledgeable about farming, but instead cared for a consort who despised the dirt and toil of agriculture. They would believe the Emperor wasn''t truly invested in farming and was merely putting on a show.


    Aware of all theseplicated matters, Jiang Xinyue ate the food the Emperor had picked for her with a blissful expression, her heart unmoved.


    Consort Shu had a bird-like appetite. Even when she was in the pce, she didn''t eat much. She only tasted two dishes ced in front of her by her maid, and after a few bites, she imed to be full.


    Jiang Xinyue, who was happily gnawing on arge chicken leg, felt awkward.


    Should she keep eating? Or should she keep eating?


    Surely the Xuanwu Emperor, that scoundrel, wouldn''t think she was a pigpared to his true love, would he?

 Chapter 57

    Indeed, when Consort Shu said she was full, the Xuanwu Emperor, Empress Zhu, and several princes and princesses turned to look at Jiang Xinyue, who had already stuffed half a chicken leg into her mouth.


    The differences between people are truly vast.


    Jiang Xinyue''s movements were refined, appearing graceful, but in reality, she quickly finished a chicken leg. Then, blushing, she smiled sheepishly and said, "Sister Consort Shu doesn''t indulge in food, but I''m afraid I can''t help it. I love eating the most."


    Indirectly praising the host who prepared the feast for the excellent dishes, someone replied to her, knowing that in the eyes of themon people outside the pce, whether emperor or consort, all were masters: "Consort Shu is wonderful, and so is Consort Zhen. Being able to eat is a blessing; Consort Zhen is truly fortunate."


    The titles "Consort Shu" and "Consort Zhen" clearly distinguished their ranks.


    Everyone at the table echoed the sentiment, but Jiang Xinyue didn''t take it to heart. If she weren''t in favor today, she would have been met with mockery and ridicule instead.


    The Xuanwu Emperor looked at her indulgently: "Don''t praise her too much. She can''t be ttered. Who will youin to when she eats you out of house and home?"


    "Your Majesty~"


    Jiang Xinyue yfully protested as she took another big mouthful of rice, displeased with the Emperor''s public teasing. Her indignant little expression was no different from that of an innocent child.


    "See? She can''t even take a joke."


    At the officials'' table, the Minister of Ministry of Rites poured a cup of wine for Vice Minister Jiang and nodded towards the Emperor''s table: "Consort Zhen has been in the pce for over half a year, rising rapidly from a talenteddy to her current position. Her promotion speed is almost supernatural. When you soar to greater heights in the future, brother Jiang, don''t forget about us old friends!"


    The officials from the Ministry of Rites all raised their cups, their attitudes noticeably more cordial than before.


    Vice Minister Jiang humbly shook his head: "I wouldn''t dare, I wouldn''t dare. It''s all thanks to your guidance that I''vee this far. I hope to progress together with all my colleagues... together we progress."


    By mid-afternoon, all the spring plowing procedures had concluded. Jiang Xinyue sighed in relief that it wasn''t summer plowing; otherwise, those of them unustomed to such physicalbor would probably have fainted from heatstroke.


    As they returned to the pce, there were fewermoners on the streets than when they had left. After all, each family had their own affairs to attend to and couldn''t spend the whole day just watching the spectacle.


    "Aunt... Aunt, look, Father is over there! Right in front of Big Sister''s carriage."


    Aunt Ruan, wearing a veiled hat, was supported by Jiang Junze and Jiang Xinyan as they moved forward. The surrounding crowd wasn''t too dense, and seeing the group''s rich attire, they made way for them.


    Jiang Xinyue, as if telepathically connected, lifted the carriage window and immediately spotted Aunt Ruan''s beautiful face ¨C one that could bewitch any man whoid eyes on it.


    She finally understood that her own top-tier beauty indeed resembled her birth mother by eighty percent. It seemed that back then, her father had been captivated by this beauty, disregarding others'' opinions to request the Marquis of Ruyang to bestow upon him a lowly dancer as his favored concubine.


    It''s worth noting that in the Great Yan Dynasty, social sses were strictly defined. Officials were officials,moners weremoners, and even amongmoners, there were distinctions between lowborn and freeborn. A marquis''s dancing girl was considered lowborn.


    Although it had be quitemon for singers and dancers to be concubines nowadays, more than a decade ago, it was considered degrading. Schrs and intellectuals even somewhat despised the practice.


    Jiang Xinyue couldn''t help but admire her father''s foresight once again.


    Upon seeing Aunt Ruan, she realized that her own face resembled her birth mother''s by ny percent, with only ten percent taking after her father.


    "Xinyue, my child..."


    Aunt Ruan, with tears in her eyes, waved at her. Jiang Xinyue responded enthusiastically, her face full of smiles, using her demeanor to assure Aunt Ruan that there was no need to worry about her ¨C she was living extremely well in the pce.


    Empress Zhu and the Xuanwu Emperor shared a dragon pnquin carried by sixteen men. The open-air pnquin was only draped with pearl curtains to allow themon people to glimpse the Emperor''s countenance.


    "Those must be Consort Zhen''s younger siblings, right?"


    Because the dragon pnquin was so high, with an unobstructed view, Empress Zhu turned her head and saw Jiang Xinyue leaning out of her carriage behind them.


    Looking at the eye-catching mother and children in the crowd, she pointed them out to the Emperor: "Vice Minister Jiang''s children are all blessed with good looks."


    The Xuanwu Emperor nced in that direction, fully aware of the Empress''s intentions, and felt inexplicably annoyed: "Consort Zhen just saved you earlier."


    Empress Zhu felt a momentary pang in her heart at his rebuke: "Your Majesty misunderstands me greatly. I had no other intention, I was merely making an observation."


    The Emperor nodded coldly, seemingly epting her exnation. As for whether she truly had no other intentions, only she herself knew.


    No matter how beautiful Consort Zhen''s sister might be, he wouldn''t harbor any other thoughts. He always had a certain fondness for Consort Zhen and didn''t want to see her upset.


    Since ancient times, when sisterspeted, had any evere to a good end?


    Putting himself in her shoes, if he were Consort Zhen, he certainly wouldn''t want his own sister topete with him for the same husband.


    As they entered the pce gates, the imposing red doors blocked out any prying eyes. Jiang Xinyue, supported by Shuang Jiang, stepped out of the carriage.


    The Xuanwu Emperor, with one arm around Consort Shu, said to Jiang Xinyue: "Consort Zhen, return to your pce to rest first. I''lle to keep youpanyter."


    This meant he would be visiting Hexi Pce tonight.


    Jiang Xinyue obediently curtsied: "Yes, Your Majesty. I shall take my leave."


    Empress Zhu watched the Emperor and Consort Shu''s retreating figures, her dark eyes revealing a trace of displeasure. With a flick of her sleeve, she sat in her sedan chair and returned to Yikun Pce.


    As Jiang Xinyue bathed, she analyzed the current factions in the pce harem, which could roughly be divided into four groups.


    One faction included Empress Zhu, Consort De, Consort Liang, and others. Another faction was led by Concubine Li, including Consort Jin and Consort Zhang. The third faction consisted of the Empress Dowager''s supporters like Consort Shu and Consort Rong. Thest group wasprised of independent consorts like Jiang Xinyue herself, who outwardly aligned with higher-ranking mistresses but actually pursued their own agendas, aiming to win the Emperor''s favor without belonging to any particr faction.


    The Emperor seemed to favor Concubine Li exclusively, but in his heart, it was Consort Shu. As for Jiang Xinyue, it could only be said that she held a novelty factor plus a bit of liking, and perhaps there was a suspicion of using her as a shield for Consort Shu.


    Consort Shu''s behavior at the dining table today might have been intentional, trying to make her lose face.


    Although Consort Shu had shown goodwill towards her before, the hearts of those in the pce were difficult to fathom. One moment they could be sisters, and the next, they might be at each other''s throats.


    Moreover, behind Consort Shu stood the ambitious Empress Dowager. She had to interpret Consort Shu''s actions with the utmost suspicion.


    "His Majesty the Emperor arrives¡ª"


    "This humble consort greets Your Majesty. Long live the Emperor, long live, long live."


    Jiang Xinyue stood gracefully in a white robe embroidered with raised floral patterns, her hair flowing loose, yfully teasing.


    The Xuanwu Emperor helped her up, saying, "If I were to live for ten thousand years, wouldn''t I be unable to grow old together with my beloved consort?"


    Jiang Xinyue lifted her head from his embrace. Just half a year ago, she had only reached the emperor''s chest in height, but now she had grown to his chin level. This gave the emperor a sense of aplishment, as if he had raised a consort for himself.


    "These are my true feelings, Your Majesty. Please don''t jest," she said earnestly.

 Chapter 58

    Her eyes were filled with admiration and reverence: "Your Majesty, beforeing to the pce, I had no opportunity to experience all of this. I used to hear my father speak of the hardships of themon people, and I imagined they lived in poverty and neglect. But today, when Your Majesty took me to observe the spring plowing, I discovered that although they may not be wealthy, everyone seems to live happily. Even with patched clothes, they all looked clean and tidy. I believe... the empire Your Majesty governs is what the books describe as a world of great harmony."


    A glimmer shed in the Xuanwu Emperor''s eyes, and he looked at Jiang Xinyue with curiosity and interest: "What is this ''world of great harmony''?"


    Jiang Xinyue paused for a moment, then responded thoughtfully: "When the Great Way prevails, the world is shared by all. The worthy and able are chosen for office. Fidelity and friendliness are valued. People care not only for their own parents and children but for others too. The elderly live out their days in peace, adults are gainfully employed, and children are nurtured. Widowers, widows, orphans, the childless aged, and the disabled are all cared for. Men have their proper roles and women have their homes. Goods are not left on the ground, yet they do not have to be stored in private. Work is done, but not for one''s own benefit. In this way, selfish scheming does not arise, and bandits, thieves, and otherwless elements do not exist. Hence, outer doors do not need to be shut. This is called the Great Harmony."


    She had forgotten that the dynasty she had traveled to was a fictional one that didn''t exist in history. People here didn''t know Li Bai, Du Fu, nor were they familiar with famous thinkers like Mencius, Laozi, or Zhuangzi.


    Precisely because the Xuanwu Emperor was also unaware, Jiang Xinyue had managed to impress him greatly.


    She could clearly sense that the Emperor''s gaze upon her had changed. He excitedly murmured to himself: "The widowed, the orphaned, the childless, and the disabled are all cared for; men have their roles, and women have their homes..."


    This had been his guiding principle since he was the Crown Prince, and he had strived for this ideal all his life.


    Yet he had never shared this political aspiration with anyone. How did Consort Zhen... how did she know about it?


    No!


    Rather, why did Consort Zhen understand him so well?


    In just a few sentences, she had summed up the lifelong wish of an emperor with grand ambitions, stirring his emotions and leaving him deeply moved.


    And for Consort Zhen to say that he had already achieved this great harmony, how could he not be excited?


    The Xuanwu Emperor let out a genuinely delightedugh: "My dear, your description of ''great harmony'' is the most pleasing words one could hear. My grandfather, my father, and now I have sat on the throne ¨C it has taken three generations of effort to barely reach the threshold of this great harmony. To truly achieve what you describe, where all the disadvantaged are cared for, I ¨C I have a long and arduous road ahead."


    The Xuanwu Emperor had unconsciously begun to confide in Jiang Xinyue.


    He had ced her in a position of equal dialogue, rather than just discussing trivial matters of love, treating her as mere entertainment.


    Among all the women in the harem, who wasn''t just the emperor''s ything?


    Concubine Li had earned two parts of the emperor''s true affection, but even that wasn''t much. If she truly upied all of his heart, he wouldn''t be so kind to Consort Li and herself, Consort Zhen.


    "Your Majesty still has plenty of time to realize your ideals. In my limited experience, I already feel that you have done exceptionally well."


    The Xuanwu Emperor helped her sit down: "Where did youe across this concept of ''great harmony''? Did Vice Minister Jiang tell you about it?"


    The Xuanwu Emperor disliked discussing state affairs with his harem consorts, believing that overly intelligent women could be excessively ambitious, as exemplified by the Dowager Empress Wu.


    Therefore, he was even less fond of historically renowned talented women. In the harem of the Great Yan Dynasty, no famous talented woman had ever been favored.


    Jiang Xinyue replied: "In my father''s study, there were many misceneous books. I often helped my father organize his study, so I read quite a few books. I vaguely remember it was said by someone called Confucius, but I can''t recall which book it was from. Last summer, when the servants were lighting candles, they identally burned quite a few books in the collection. I''m not sure if we can still find it!"


    It would be a shame if such a talented person couldn''t be found.


    Jiang Xinyue thought to herself, even if you turned this Great Yan Dynasty upside down, you wouldn''t find anyone named Confucius!


    "Vice Minister Jiang is also a rare talent."


    The emperor seemed lost in thought. Jiang Xinyue smiled slightly, realizing she had achieved her goal.


    If she wanted to rise in status, she needed to make her convenient father elevate Aunt Ruan''s position. A favored concubine was still just a concubine, but if she became a secondary wife, that would be different.


    Aunt Ruan''s ve contract was still in the hands of the official wife. She refused to have Aunt Ruan''s lowly status officially removed at the government office. Previously, it was to control Aunt Ruan, but now it was to suppress Jiang Xinyue.


    But Vice Minister Jiang was a clever man. Today, Jiang Xinyue had put in a good word for him with the emperor. In the future, he would surely give her what she wanted.


    Moreover, of Madam Zhou''s two daughters, Jiang Yutong hadmitted suicide by hanging herself, and Jiang Yulin had been publicly humiliated by the emperor at the New Year''s banquet, ruining her reputation. Among the five daughters of the Jiang family, only she couldpete for a ce in the pce. Her honor and disgrace were now tied to the Jiang family.


    If she couldn''t be promoted due to her status, Vice Minister Jiang''s career prospects would also be unlikely to advance in the short term.


    At the Jiang residence¡ª


    After returning from the morning court session, Vice Minister Jiang couldn''t stop smiling. He had the servants gather everyone in the front courtyard, saying he had a big announcement to make.


    Madam Zhou had recently been worrying herself sick over Jiang Yulin''s marriage prospects, with several strands of her hair turning white from stress.


    Hearing that her husband was all smiles and about to announce some good news, she thought it might be about the marriage proposal she had begged him to make to the Marquis of Ruyang''s household for their son to marry Jiang Yulin. Her worried face immediately brightened.


    "Go bring the third young miss here. It must be about her bing the heir''s wife. She''s been confined at home these days and hasn''t been in a good mood. Let her be happy for a while."


    The maid, wanting to please the young miss, told Jiang Yulin what Madam Zhou had said in advance. She excitedly ran to the front courtyard, only to hear her father say to her mother: "I''ve already taken Aunt Ruan''s ve contract to the government office and had it nullified. From now on, she will be equal to you as a mistress of this household. You will all address her as Lady Ruan, and she will share the responsibility of managing the household with you."


    Although the status of a secondary wife was lower than that of the principal wife, from now on, her children would be considered legitimate and eligible to inherit the family property. Moreover, she would no longer have to pay respects to Madam Zhou as a concubine or suffer her humiliation.


    "I won''t ept this!"


    Madam Zhou shrieked, "I am the legitimate daughter of a Privy Council editor, a youngdy from an official family! How dare you make me equal to a lowborn dancing girl? Jiang Yankun, you''ve gone too far!"


    Lady Ruan, startled by her shrill voice, hid behind the man and said, "Sister, my husband must have his reasons for doing this. I won''tpete with you for the right to manage the household. Please take care of your health and don''t get angry."


    Vice Minister Jiang nodded, "That''s right, Qing''er speaks wisely. During this morning''s court session, the Emperor has already approved Minister of Rites, Zheng''s petition to retire. I am now the head of the Ministry of Rites."


    How did this rte to elevating Lady Ruan to the status of an equal wife?

 Chapter 59

    "I am of lowly birth, fit to be bought and sold."


    How could that wretched Lady Ruan be a primary wife? How would she now threaten the lowborn offspring of that pce harlot to find a good marriage for her own daughter?


    "Do you really think I was appointed as Minister of Ministry of Rites due to my own merits?"


    Jiang, Minister of Rites looked at Lady Zhou and said, "Before Lord Zheng resigned, the name he rmended as his sessor in his memorial to the throne was Wang Vice Minister of Rites."


    The Ministry of Rites has one Minister, and one Left and Right Vice Minister each. Under them is the Office of Secretaries with one Secretary in charge of document management. The Ceremonial and Protocol Offices each have one Deputy Director, four Ceremonial Announcers, and fifty Ushers.


    He was the Right Vice Minister, and his rival was Lord Wang who held the position of Left Vice Minister.


    This windfall had suddenlynded on his head during the morning court session today. At first, he couldn''t quite grasp what was happening, but after the Emperor summoned him for a private audience following the court session, the two engaged in a delightful conversation. They found many of their views on state affairs to be in surprising agreement.


    During their talk, the Emperor mentioned Jiang Xinyue''s concept of "Great Unity for All Under Heaven," which left him utterly astonished.


    But now that his daughter had presented him with thisdder to advancement, there was no reason not to seize the opportunity.


    Correspondingly, he would need to repay the favor.


    In Hexi Pce¡ª


    Jiang Xinyue patted the little white dog''s head, then took out an apricot-colored handkerchief from her sleeve. She wrapped it around her palm, releasing a rich fragrance of gardenia.


    She stroked the little white dog''s head with her covered hand, causing it to emit contented "purring" sounds as itzily sprawled across its mistress''sp, basking in the sunlight.


    Xi Que hurried in from outside: "Mydy, we''ve leaked to Concubine Su that the Emperor will visit the Third Prince in the Princes'' Quarters today."


    Jiang Xinyue nodded, then tossed the handkerchief wrapped around her palm into the charcoal brazier, burning it to ashes.


    Shuangjiang opened all the windows, allowing a cold breeze to blow in and dissipate the gardenia scent into the air.


    "It just so happens that I had the imperial kitchen send over some fried chicken today. I might as well bring him a little snack!"


    She stood up, cradling the little white dog: "Come here, would you like to go with sister? If you don''t say anything, sister will take that as a yes. Be on your best behavior, alright? Sister will protect you."


    The newly acquired puppy in Hexi Pce was named "Come Here."


    Although spring had arrived and the weather had warmed considerably, the temperature difference between morning and evening remained significant. Jiang Xinyue still felt somewhat chilly.


    She wore a in-colored padded cape over her shoulders, with only a lc-colored pce satin jacquard cheongsam underneath, giving her an elegant and demure appearance.


    The spring flowers in the Imperial Garden were in full bloom, with a diverse array of species filling the air with their fragrances. Concubine Su felt that even the gardenia-scented pce satin brought by Lady Fang today wasn''t as fragrant.


    "Mydy, it looks like Consort Zhen''s sedan chair is up ahead," Shuhua reminded Concubine Su, hoping she would be sensible enough to greet Consort Zhen first and avoid foolishly provoking her.


    Instead, Concubine Su quickly ducked behind the nearest artificial mountain. She had no desire to pay respects to that wretched Consort Zhen.


    "Why is she here?" Concubine Su peered out from her hiding spot. "Could she also be trying to ''identally'' encounter the Emperor?"


    "That''s unlikely," Shuhua replied. "Everyone in the pce knows that the First Princess, Second Princess, and Third Prince are extremely fond of Consort Zhen. She also cares deeply for the young royals and often brings snacks to the Princes'' Quarters. I imagine that''s why she''s here today as well."


    Consort Zhen had no need to spy on the Emperor''s movements. She was already in his favor and on good terms with the Empress and others. If she wished, she could openly seek out the Emperor.


    Unlike Concubine Su, who was not among the Emperor''s favored consorts and had to resort to buying information about his whereabouts in secret, then staging chance encounters in hopes of gaining his attention.


    "Hmph!" Concubine Su refused to believe Consort Zhen could be so kindhearted. Her eyes glinted with venom. "She''s skilled at deception. Who knows, maybe she''s been pretending to have a good rtionship with the Third Prince just to get closer to the Emperor. There''s no one truly pure-hearted in this pce."


    Who says there isn''t?


    Consort De, the principal upant of Yanqing Pce, was renowned for her kindness. In her decades in the pce, she had never been at odds with anyone.


    Respectful to her superiors and gentle with her subordinates, it was for this reason that the Emperor praised her virtuous conduct and bestowed upon her the title of Consort De, one of the four highest-ranking consorts.


    This showed that one could indeed have a longsting presence in the pce without resorting to constantly harming others or being harmed.


    However, Shuhua dared not voice these thoughts to Concubine Su, and could only grumble silently to herself.


    "Isn''t that Consort Zhen''s dog? What''s it doing here?" A pce servant suddenly pointed at a small white puppy that had jumped out from the bushes. Finding it adorable, he tried to y with it.


    The little white dog, however, ignored the young eunuch and instead circled around Concubine Su''s feet, wagging its tail happily.


    Once malicious thoughts began to surface, they became impossible to suppress, growing and spreading uncontrobly.


    "All of you, leave!" Concubine Sumanded.


    "Mydy?"


    "I said leave!"


    Concubine Su suddenly burst into tears. "With Consort Zhen here, what ce is there for me? Do you all want to stay and watch me make a fool of myself?"


    Her words left no room for response.


    They were all servants attending to Concubine Su; how could they dare to mock their mistress?


    But when Concubine Su cried, she refused to listen to anyone. The others assumed she had been upset by Consort Zhen''s presence and wanted to be alone, so they reluctantly withdrew.


    With no one else around, Concubine Su watched the little dog happily bouncing around her. She found it increasingly reminiscent of the detestable Consort Zhen, and suddenly kicked the puppy far away.


    The little white dog let out a piercing yelp, but havingnded on the soft, damp earth by the edge of Liyu Lake, it wasn''t severely injured and quickly got back on its feet.


    However, the puppy couldn''t understand why this "mistress" who smelled like its real owner had suddenly struck it. It crouched in ce, trembling, with wet eyes, making pitiful whimpering sounds.


    This cruel scene was witnessed in its entirety by Jiang Xinyue, who had "coincidentally" encountered the Xuanwu Emperor. She covered her mouth and eximed softly, "Xi... Xi Que, quickly rescue Come Here! She''ll... she''ll kill Come Here!"


    Xi Que held back her mistress, who was about to rush forward, her face full of indignation on behalf of Jiang Xinyue: "Your Majesty, didn''t you want to know why mydy used pce satin to teach Concubine Su a lesson? Perhaps if we follow and watch, you''ll understand why."


    "Xi Que, that''s enough!" Jiang Xinyue pushed away her hand and appeared to walk forward without hesitation. In reality, she maneuvered skillfully, pulling the Emperor along as they discreetly followed Concubine Su. With reddened eyes, she said, "I''ve already failed to protect Little Ai Jiang. I can''t fail to protect her child as well."


    The Xuanwu Emperor was leftpletely bewildered by her words, but still obediently followed her lead: "What do you mean by that?"


    "Does Your Majesty think that I''m treating Guo Lai as a recement for Little Ai Jiang?"


    Isn''t that the case?


    Guo Lai and Little Ai Jiang might not be exactly identical, but at least to the naked eye, there wasn''t much difference between them.


    Both were pure white and looked adorably sweet.


    "Guo Lai is the offspring of Little Ai Jiang and another small white dog from the Rare Treasures Chamber of the Internal Affairs Department."


    She wasn''t treating Guo Lai as a recement, but rather showing affection by association.

 Chapter 60

    Jiang Xinyue had carefully analyzed the Xuanwu Emperor''s childhood.


    After Wu Chengyi deliberately killed the young emperor''s little snake, he arrogantly threw it in front of him.


    In the end, the young emperor only discarded his "beloved pet" in the torture chamber and never kept any pets again.


    To some extent, Jiang Xinyue felt that the Xuanwu Emperor''s worldview was somewhat simr to her own.


    This was also why she didn''t believe it when everyone said she was a young version of Concubine Li.


    In fact, the emperor didn''t disappoint her.


    If the emperor liked to find substitutes, when Little Flower was killed by Wu Chengyi, it would have been effortless for the emperor, as the supreme ruler, to raise another little flower snake.


    But he didn''t. Instead, he hid all his interests, carefully nned, and step by step led the person who killed his beloved pet into an inescapable abyss.


    So Jiang Xinyue wouldn''t use any substitute tricks to evoke the Xuanwu Emperor''s empathy. She wanted to do what the emperor had always wanted to do but didn''t dare to do freely.


    She wanted him to feel that Consort Zhen was another version of himself in this world¡ªthe young him who was controlled by the Dowager Empress and the Wu family, unable to act on his own will.


    A stealthy figure made its way to the north wall of Hexi Pce. Wang Dequan had already led his men over, but they tread lightly, curious about what game Concubine Su was ying.


    A small, curved knife slipped out of her sleeve. As the dappled sunlight fell, Concubine Su raised the thin, curved knife in her hand and stabbed at the little white dog.


    Jiang Xinyue only saw a blur as a figure in imperial yellow shot out like an arrow released from a bow.


    "Bang!"


    "Ugh..."


    "Woof, woof, woof... mmm..."


    The dog, thinking its owner had been hurt, bared its teeth and barked at the Xuanwu Emperor. After one nce from the emperor''s eyes, it trembled all over and shrank into the emperor''s arms, its whole body going limp.


    "Come here!"


    Jiang Xinyue shouted. The dog immediately stretched its neck, its ears twitching, then leapt from the Xuanwu Emperor''s arms with shining eyes, running straight behind him into its owner''s embrace.


    Concubine Su was kicked away, the curved knife falling from her hand. Wang Dequan picked it up and presented it before the Xuanwu Emperor.


    When interrogating heinous criminals, officials from the Ministry of Punishment would use thin, sharp curved knives to cut their wrists and ankles, then use curved swords to hook out their tendons, torturing them bit by bit until they confessed the truth.


    So the question arose: why did a concubine in the Xuanwu Emperor''s harem secretly possess such an interrogation tool, and use it on a defenseless animal?


    In an instant, Concubine Su''s face ovepped with Wu Chengyi''s in the emperor''s mind.


    "Your Majesty!"


    Seeing that the situation was turning against her, Concubine Su wept bitterly: "Your Majesty, it wasn''t me... it wasn''t me... it was Consort Zhen, Consort Zhen framed me. I didn''t mean to, I really didn''t mean to. It was all because Consort Zhen provoked me... I... I..."


    "Silence!"


    The Xuanwu Emperor''s temple throbbed violently: "You have a vicious heart and a mouth full of lies. I saw it with my own eyes, yet you still try to me Consort Zhen. Do you take me for a fool? Wang Dequan, strip Concubine Su of her title, demote her to amoner, and send her back to the Su family. Tell the Minister of Punishment to remove all of Su Wuyang''s positions in the ministry. I never want to hear the name of this family again."


    This was far more severe than a mere demotion or banishment to the Cold Pce.


    Implicating her family and incurring the emperor''s disgust, a concubine stripped of her title and sent home had only one path left¡ªdeath. There was no way out.


    Jiang Xinyue, stroking the chest of the kicked dog, suddenly cried out, pointing to the corner of the north wall: "What... what is that?"


    The Xuanwu Emperor took a few steps back, embracing the trembling Jiang Xinyue. He found her as timid and docile as the little pet, evoking his sympathy.


    Following her pointing finger, Wang Dequan waved to several eunuchs behind him: "You lot, go and see."


    The soil, washed by melting snow, was soft and loose. A piece of apricot-colored fabric peeked out from the brown earth. The knotted part of the fabric hade undone due to the passage of time, exposing dark red and ck soft tissue.


    As the eunuchs approached, they caught a whiff of a strange, foul odor that nearly made them vomit.


    But with the emperor present, they dared not truly loseposure. Forcibly suppressing their nausea, they dug up the soil and pulled out a small, hardened package.


    "Huh?"


    Shuang Jiang tilted her head: "It looks like the dress ourdy wore at the New Year''s banquet."


    "It''s not ourdy''s," Xi Que observed for a moment before saying, "The one ourdy wore had silver thread embroidered on the cor. This one doesn''t. It should be the one Concubine Su wore."


    The ckened clothes faintly showed embroidered daffodil petals. Afterpletely untying the knot, Xi Que and Shuang Jiang turned deathly pale, covering their mouths as they ran frantically.


    Only after running far away did they lean against a tree trunk, vomiting violently.


    "Your Majesty, what happened?"


    Jiang Xinyue, crying and peeking out from the emperor''s embrace, blinked her innocentrge eyes and asked confusedly: "Why does your subject seem to smell a foul odor?"


    The Xuanwu Emperor used his own cloak to cover her head, shielding her view. His eyes, cold and murderous, red at Concubine Su, who was frozen stiff on the ground. Through gritted teeth, he said: "They found Little Ajiang''s internal organs."


    The body that had just calmed down in his arms began to heave violently again, this time from anger and sorrow.


    This Consort Zhen reminded the Xuanwu Emperor of himself when he was young.


    Back then, the imperial inws held power, with the Dowager Empress controlling both the court and the harem, making even breathing feel heavy and oppressive for him, the rightful emperor.


    The Wu family was arrogant and domineering, not taking him seriously. He was suppressed both in the court and in the harem.


    Little Flower was the first and his favorite pet. Every time Wu Chengyi entered the pce, he would y with Little Flower until it was half dead.


    Back then, he would cry in Wang Dequan''s arms just like this...


    During that visit to the torture chamber, Wu Chengyi even killed Little Flower to mock him.


    From then on, he never dared to show his feelings for the things he loved.


    At that time, he was weak and powerless, unable to protect what he cherished.


    Now he was the ruler of the world, and all threats had ceased to exist. Couldn''t he help Consort Zhen avenge her pet and protect what she loved?


    "Wang Dequan, before escorting Concubine Su out of the pce, use the same torture instrument she used to kill Jiang Xinyue''s beloved maid to cut out her ankle tendons. I want her to experience the same agony Jiang Xinyue''s maid felt before dying."


    "Yes, Your Majesty. I will obey yourmand."


    In Yanqing Pce¡ª


    Consort De''s hand trembled, spilling half of the bird''s nest soup she was feeding to the Third Prince. Her eyes widened in fear as she asked, "What? You''re saying... it was Concubine Su who killed Consort Zhen''s beloved maid and then hung her at her own door to frame Consort Zhen?"


    The pce maid nodded, "My Lady, the news has spread throughout the pce. The Emperor flew into a rage to avenge his beauty. Concubine Su... no... the criminal Su, had her ankle tendons severed and was sent out of the pce, bleeding profusely."

 Chapter 61

    "Crash!"


    The bowl in Consort De''s hand fell to the ground, shattering into several pieces. The third prince''s thigh was scalded by the still-hot bird''s nest soup, causing him to burst into tears.


    "Don''t cry, don''t cry... Xuan''er, don''t cry... Cui Yin, quickly bring some clean clothes."


    She held the third prince, fearfully stroking his cheek. The terror in her eyes had not yet dissipated. "Thank the Bodhisattva for protecting us. It''s fortunate we discovered this early. If we had allowed that vicious Lady Su to continue living in Yanqing Pce, who knows what harm she might have done to my Xuan''er. Thank heavens... thank the Bodhisattva..."


    Cui Yin hurriedly had someone fetch burn ointment. Luckily, the third prince had only suffered minor redness from the scalding. With someforting, he soon stopped crying.


    He pouted, "Mother, Concubine Zhen has a new puppy in her pce named Gui. Can I have one too? Gui is so cute."


    "I''m afraid not," Consort De said, pinching his little nose. "You''ve seen how Concubine Zhen''s puppies always end up killed by bad people. If your puppy died, wouldn''t you be very sad?"


    The third prince furrowed his brow in thought. If Gui were his pet and Su Consort killed it, he would indeed be very upset.


    He sighed, "Alright. But on my days off, can I go with the Eldest Princess and Second Princess to Zhen Consort''s Pce to y with Gui for half an hour?"


    "If they''re going, of course you can go too."


    Children''s emotionse quickly and go even faster. Having received his mother''s permission, he was so delighted he started jumping up and down.


    In Kunning Pce¡ª


    Seated before the Dowager Empress were Consort Shu and the now-recovered Consort Rong, while Empress Zhu knelt on the ground.


    A massive, phoenix-shaped incense burner stood behind a screen, wisps of blue smoke curling from its beak as it burned agarwood incense. The entire great hall of Kunning Pce was suffused with a solemn,posed fragrance.


    Empress Zhu had turned pale, her already frail body¡ªworn down by overwork¡ªswaying unsteadily.


    "Smack!"


    A folder of documents struck Empress Zhu''s forehead, causing spots to dance before her eyes.


    "Empress," the Dowager Empress began, "I entrusted you with the imperial seal to manage the inner pce on behalf of the Emperor. My intention was for you to ease his burdens, to prevent the women of the harem from hindering him. But look at this... For the sake of a mere animal, the Emperor has been swayed by Consort Zhen''s whispers, using such ruthless methods against a defenseless imperial consort. Isn''t this a p in your face as Empress? How can you still tolerate her?"


    As Empress Zhu pondered how to respond, she heard the Dowager Empress continue in a somewhat threatening tone: "I hear your health has been poor since before the new year. If you feel overwhelmed managing pce affairs, I can have Consort Shu and Consort Rong help share your burdens. Your most important task now is to quickly restore your health and bear the Emperor an heir as soon as possible. Otherwise, if this continues and the Mother of the Nation fails in her duty to produce offspring, do you think your position as Empress will remain secure?"


    Her fingers dug deeply into her palms, as an unhealthy flush colored Empress Zhu''s cheeks.


    Had she truly never given birth before?


    In her first year of marriage to the then-Crown Prince, now Emperor Xuanwu, she had borne his first child. Two yearster, she gave birth to a second son. But her fortune was poor, and she couldn''t keep either of them.


    The eldest prince had been found drowned in ake just after turning ten, while the second prince sumbed to smallpox at age nine while staying outside the pce.


    The Zhu family had used all their connections to investigate, but the conclusion was always that it had been an idental drowning.


    Since then, her heart had struggled to warm again. Whenever she heard talk of bearing children, she felt a deep resistance.


    But as the Empress, having no princes by her side was ultimately untenable.


    The Dowager Empress didn''t know of her ns to use a surrogate. If she found out, she would likely urge Emperor Xuanwu to depose her immediately.


    "The Empress has managed Our harem very well. There''s no need for Mother to concern herself," came the Emperor''s voice.


    Fen Yun followed behind Emperor Xuanwu, his steps subtly approaching Empress Zhu. Together with Wang Dequan, they helped the Empress to her feet.


    Emperor Xuanwu didn''t even bother with superficial courtesy anymore, taking Empress Zhu''s hand and preparing to leave.


    "Bang!"


    "You stop right there!"


    The table resounded from a mighty blow as the Dowager Empress, supported by Consort Shu, rose to block Emperor Xuanwu''s path. "So the Emperor''s power has grown so great that he no longer shows respect to his own mother? Do you want all under heaven to point at you and call you unfilial?"


    "No one would dare criticize Me," Emperor Xuanwu replied firmly, meeting the formidable Dowager Empress''s gaze. "I have reigned for twelve years since ascending the throne at sixteen. I know how to use people well, selecting the virtuous and capable, keeping My word and cultivating harmony. I have ensured that the strong have purpose and the young are nurtured. The realm is at peace¡ªwho would dare say I have ruled poorly?"


    Who would dare criticize?


    Emperor Xuanwu''s face all but spelled it out: No one would dare, except you, Dowager Empress, who abuses your position to throw your weight around the harem, borrowing the tiger''s might to sow chaos.


    The Dowager Empress was so enraged she nearly toppled backward, her chest heaving violently as her voice quavered, "I... everything I''ve done was to secure your position on the throne. Must you fixate on this one point? What''s wrong with the Shen family bing stronger? Would your uncle harm you? Would I harm you?"


    Emperor Xuanwu''s gaze remained cold and impassive in the face of her anger and agitation. His tone was as calm as ever: "Mother, do not forget that this empire bears the surname Shen, not Wu. I am a son of the Shen family, not your spineless pawn to manipte the court."


    What nonsense about doing it for his own good?


    She had only supported his ascension to the throne because he was her biological son and therefore easier to control.


    Disguising her ambition as maternal love, finding high-sounding reasons to continue harming her own son with a clear conscience¡ªit was utterly absurd.


    As soon as they exited the main doors of Kunning Pce, Emperor Xuanwu released Empress Zhu''s hand and turned to instruct her: "In the future, if Cining Pce summons you again, send your pce staff to decline. If I hadn''t arrived in time today, you would have been in for some real trouble."


    There was still a hint of concern in his tone.


    After all, they had been husband and wife since youth, and there was still affection between them. No matter how fiercely they quarreled in private, when it came time to present a united front, the Emperor never left Empress Zhu to face things alone.


    More often than not, it was Emperor Xuanwu who rescued Empress Zhu from dire straits.


    How could she not harbor inappropriate hopes and feelings for her husband in light of this?


    "I understand," Empress Zhu nodded, her gaze soft. "How is Consort Zhen doing?"


    The Xuanwu Emperor shook his head: "The Imperial Physician said she has cold energy in her body. After recuperating for most of the year, she''s almost fully recovered. This recent bleeding is actually a good sign. After taking a few more doses of medicine, it shouldn''t affect her ability to bear children."


    When Lady Su was expelled from the pce, she rushed at Consort Zhen like a madwoman. If the Xuanwu Emperor hadn''t reacted quickly, she would have injured her.


    However, Consort Zhen seemed to have been frightened by the incident, and a lot of blood flowed from her lower body. The emperor thought she might have been unknowingly pregnant and quickly summoned the Imperial Physician.


    Fortunately, it was just a false rm, not the miscarriage everyone had feared.

 Chapter 62

    The charcoal brazier in Hexi Pce burned vigorously. Xi Que had closed all the windows, leaving only a few cracks open to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning from the burning charcoal.


    Shuang Jiang brought in a bowl of hot brown sugar water with a whole egg inside. The sweet liquid also contained red dates, goji berries, longan, and other nourishing ingredients.


    "Mydy, you really scared me to death earlier. I thought..."


    She had feared that her mistress was already pregnant and had miscarried due to their negligence.


    In the northern corner of Hexi Pcey some of Little Ai Jiang''s body parts, discoveredst year when Eunuch Jiang Chuan arranged for young eunuchs to clear snow.


    He immediately issued a strict order forbidding anyone from leaking even a bit of information, threatening to send anyone he caught to the Criminal Servants'' Prison for hardbor.


    After Jiang Xinyue learned about this, she set up today''s scheme, finally allowing Little Ai Jiang to rest in peace.


    However, she hadn''t expected to experience "bleeding" herself, and in front of so many people at that. She truly wished she could live on another.


    With Jiang Xinyue''s menstruation, she couldn''t serve the emperor in bed for seven days, so the Pce Eunuch Office removed her green card.


    For the first two days, the emperor stayed in the pces of Concubine Li and Consort Liang. On the third day, news spread that while on his way to visit Consort Rong, the emperor encountered a courtdy crying behind a rockery and favored her.


    Early this morning, the emperor''s decree was announced throughout the pce: Court Lady Ye from the Candidate Pce had been promoted to Pce Lady, the lowest rank in the harem.


    The ninth rank in the harem was only slightly better than being a pce maid. Jiang Yutong, for instance, had suffered endless bullying after being promoted to Pce Lady, which led her to pressure Jiang Xinyue to pave the way for her.


    As usual, Empress Zhu''s Yikun Pce was bustling with activity.


    Jiang Xinyue''s stomach still ached, and she rested with her eyes closed before the empress emerged. No one dared to disturb her.


    After all, a few days ago, Lady Su''s feet had been crippled. From Yanqing Pce to the pce gates, droplets of bright red blood stained the stone path for quite a distance, making onlookers wonder if she would die from blood loss.


    Rumors suddenly spread in the pce, iming that Jiang Xinyue had severed Lady Su''s tendons and that the Su family''s forced departure from the capital was also due to Jiang Xinyue coaxing the emperor into stripping Su''s father of his official position.


    Such ruthlessness, all for the sake of a dog¡ªtruly a vindictive personality.


    Now, when people in the harem spoke of the emperor''s favored concubines, they mentioned not only Concubine Li but also Consort Zhen with equal frequency.


    However, Concubine Li''s noble background still gave her an edge.


    After nearly a year of effort, Jiang Xinyue had finally cultivated the image of a favored concubine.


    "When will those begonias bloom? I''d like to transnt one to Shunan Pce. The emperor would surely like it when he sees it."


    Consort Liang and Jiang Xinyue were walking towards Hexi Pce, chatting idly when they overheard these words. Jiang Xinyue rolled her eyes and looked ahead, saying, "That''s Ye Baolin. The empress arranged for her to stay near me. I really don''t know what the empress was thinking¡ªI don''t like her at all."


    Consort Liang was known for her straightforward personality, but she wasn''t one to speak ill of others without reason.


    Jiang Xinyue curiously observed Ye Baolin, who was breaking off begonia branches. She wore a light green banner gown, looking fresh and lovely in the April spring breeze. "I think Ye Baolin seems quite easy to get along with. What has she done to upset you, sister Liang?"


    Consort Liang''s face reddened as she whispered something in Jiang Xinyue''s ear, then lowered her head in embarrassment.


    Jiang Xinyue''s eyes widened slightly, not because of shock at Ye Baolin''s actions, but because she hadn''t expected to encounter another concubine in the harem who employed simr unconventional tactics.


    "She... she was so loud. Only a cat in heat makes such noises. I felt embarrassed just hearing it. How could she greet me so nonchntly the next day?"


    Jiang Xinyue could only conclude that Ye Baolin possessed considerable skill to make even Consort Liang, who had served the emperor for nearly ten years, blush.


    What man could resist such allure?


    Moreover, their emperor was known to indulge his concubines on a whim, never denying himself. With such a temptress avable, how could he not partake?


    Yet Jiang Xinyue also believed that her soul from another world made her a superior huntress, capable of conquering both heart and body. Ye Baolin was merely a passing fancy.


    As they drew closer, Consort Liang nced at Jiang Xinyue''s light green banner gown, then at Ye Baolin''s simr attire. Suddenly, she gasped, "I was wondering why she looked so familiar this morning. Don''t you think... her makeup style resembles yours?"


    Even the style of clothing and hairdo bore striking simrities.


    Jiang Xinyue raised an eyebrow, as if recalling something amusing. "Does sister Liang remember when I first shed with Concubine Li? It was also because I plucked a begonia flower."


    She had only picked one flower and was punished by Concubine Li to kneel for two hours. Ye Baolin was bolder, breaking off entire branches.


    "You..."


    Consort Liang was about to speak when she noticed Concubine Li''s sedan chair approaching. She quickly pulled Jiang Xinyue aside, revealing Ye Baolin happily breaking flower branches.


    "How dare you!"


    The begonias here had been nted during the passionate days of the Xuanwu Emperor and Concubine Li, bearing witness to their most intense love affair. Concubine Li cherished them dearly.


    Now, in the begonia''s blooming season, with many buds adorning the branches, Ye Baolin had crudely broken off three or four branches. Enraged, Concubine Li immediately halted her sedan chair and strode over furiously. "Who are you? Which pce are you from?"


    Ye Baolin was startled. Looking up, she saw Concubine Li''s almond-shaped eyes wide with anger as she rushed over and pped her.


    Everyone in the harem knew Concubine Li. Ye Baolin and her attendants immediately fell to their knees.


    "You insolent wretch! Who gave you permission to touch my begonias?"


    It was merely history repeating itself. Uninterested in watching the drama unfold, Jiang Xinyue tugged at Consort Liang, skirting around the scene of conflict and returning to Hexi Pce.


    In the small vegetable garden behind the rear hall, various fruits and vegetables were growing vigorously. The pce maid behind Consort Liang filled a basket with fresh greens: "Our Grand Princess was thinking of the vegetables from Consort Zhen''s pce. She said the vegetables here taste even better than those from the imperial kitchen."


    Jiang Xinyue added more vegetables to the basket for Consort Liang: "Then let the Grand Princesse anytime she wants. She can pick whatever vegetables she likes."


    Consort Liang was still pondering over what had happened earlier. The more she thought about it, the more she believed her suspicions were correct: "She couldn''t be trying to not only imitate your face, but also mimic how you''ve been promoted all along, could she?"


    How else could one exin why Ye Baolin insisted on provoking Concubine Li?

 Chapter 63

    "A counterfeit is ultimately just a counterfeit. I''m not in a hurry, and neither should Sister Consort Liang be," Jiang Xinyue said with a smile as she saw Consort Liang off. In her mind, she was rapidly calcting.


    Ye Baolin was... the Empress''s person!


    Last time when the Empress urged her to bear a child, she cleverly used the excuse of a cold womb to avoid it. The Empress had then given up on the idea of using her womb to bear a child.


    How long had it been since then?


    She was already impatiently pushing forward another pcedy.


    If she hadn''t guessed wrong, this pcedy was the one the Empress had found - a new child-bearing machine.


    Was she in such a hurry because she herself... could no longer bear children?


    Jiang Xinyue, who had inadvertently guessed a big secret, tapped her fingers rhythmically on the table.


    "How disgusting," Xi Que said frankly, cing a hand warmer in Jiang Xinyue''s hands to keep her warm. "That Ye Baolin entered the pce on the same day as you, mydy. When we were in Chuxiu Pce, she even lived with us. When our roommates bullied her, we even helped her."


    Who would have thought she would use imitation of her former benefactor to gain favor?


    It was so revolting!


    "His Majesty didn''t favor her because she resembles me. In the future, don''t reveal any ws in front of the Emperor. Our Emperor doesn''t like ying with lookalikes. Besides, with me as the genuine article, how could His Majesty fancy a concubine who is inferior to me in every way?"


    Why would someone who could afford the real thing use a high-quality fake?


    "Mydy, mydy!" Jiang Chuan came in from outside. "I''ve found out that this morning, the Emperor also dealt with a batch of pce maids from Chuxiu Pce. They say it was those who werezy and deceitful when Ye Baolin was there."


    Jiang Xinyue knew that the Xuanwu Emperor wouldn''t favor a pcedy who was willing to imitate others without reason.


    He was just using this opportunity to ce his own trusted people in various pces.


    Previously, Chuxiu Pce was managed and controlled by the Dowager Empress Wu. The pcedies sent into the pce were also selected and determined by the Dowager Empress Wu for him.


    The harem of the Great Yan Emperor was like a sieve, leaking everywhere, filled with the Dowager Empress Wu''s people.


    He wanted to solve the problem from its root.


    Especially...


    It was said that yesterday the Dowager Empress Wu had summoned Empress Zhu, and the mother-inw and daughter-inw had a very unpleasant exchange, even rming the Emperor.


    Apart from the Dowager Empress, the Xuanwu Emperor, and Empress Zhu, Consort Shu and Consort Rong were also present.


    Combining this with Empress Zhu arranging for Ye Baolin to intercept Consort Rong, it must be that she suffered some grievance in Kunning Pce and was retaliating against the Dowager Empress''s faction.


    For Empress Zhu to take such serious action, Jiang Xinyue couldn''t think of anything other than the Dowager Empresspeting for her pce power.


    Consort Shu and Consort Rong had been pushed to the forefront by the Dowager Empress topete with Empress Zhu.


    Let them all get caught up in it!


    While they''re all tangled up, she could develop herself sneakily for a while longer.


    "Mydy, mydy!" Xiao Xuanzi ran in again. "Something big has happened! Just now, the Emperor personally supervised people from the Internal Affairs Department to cut down all the begonia trees in the Imperial Garden. And Ye Baolin, the Emperor won''t let her kneel anymore. When this servant wasing back, Concubine Li was making a fuss!"


    Xi Que''s mouth fell open, she couldn''t believe it. Those begonia trees that had caused her mistress so much suffering, had they really been cut down?


    But hadn''t her mistress said the Emperor didn''t truly like Ye Baolin? What was this all about now?


    Her brain wasn''t sufficient, and she couldn''t figure it out even as her mind was about to smoke from overworking.


    Remembering that night when she was bleeding profusely, the Emperor had rubbed her belly whileforting her: "Don''t be afraid, Yue''er. In the future, I won''t let anyone bully you."


    So, those begonia trees were actually cut down to avenge her for the punishment of kneeling back then?


    Who would have thought that just by setting up the Su family once, it would make the Emperor empathize so deeply, projecting all his youthful experiences of endurance, grievances, and concessions onto her, creating an effect greater than the sum of its parts.


    Concubine Li was an unexpected bonus.


    Ye Baolin was just unlucky.


    Wanting to imitate her, she ended up being used by the Emperor, bing a ready-made target to help Jiang Xinyue get revenge.


    However, she wouldn''t say these things to Xi Que and Shuang Jiang. At this moment, she was just a foolish girl whose heart had been broken by her beloved.


    As night fell, the eunuchs from the Imperial Bedroom Service routinely brought the green jade tablet for the Xuanwu Emperor to select hispanion for the night.


    There were still a few thin scratch marks on his neck, from when Concubine Li had argued with the Emperor at noon. When Ye Baolin had stepped forward to mediate, Concubine Li, in her anger, had swung a p. Ye Baolin instinctively dodged, and the pnded on the Emperor''s neck.


    The Imperial body had been injured, and the Imperial Guards immediately drew their swords and held them to Concubine Li''s throat. With just one word from the Xuanwu Emperor, Concubine Li would have been charged as an assassin and executed.


    In the end, the Emperor still softened his heart and didn''t allow the Imperial Guards to harm Concubine Li. He only had Wang Dequan escort the frightened Concubine back to Changxin Pce, not allowing her to step out of the pce gates without the Emperor''s permission.


    His right hand hesitated repeatedly between the names of Consort Shu and Ye Baolin on the jade tablet. Finally, the Xuanwu Emperor sighed and chose Consort Shu.


    In fact, he wanted more to see Jiang Xinyue. He wondered if she had understood his good intentions? Would she be angry that he had helped another concubine get revenge?


    After arguing with Concubine Li today and getting injured, he really didn''t have the energy to coax anyone else.


    Moreover, Jiang Xinyue was menstruating, so her green jade tablet had been removed.


    The air in the hall was oppressive, making it difficult to breathe.


    He got up and walked to the door of Chengqian Pce. Just as the eunuchs from the Imperial Bedroom Service were about toe out from behind him to notify Jingren Pce to light themps, they heard the Emperor ask, "What''s that?"


    In the dark sky with twinkling stars, the not-so-bright night was illuminated by several flying papernterns. Something seemed to be written on them.


    "They look like prayernterns," Wang Dequan also looked up. "This servant has heard that there''s a folk legend: if you write your wish on a prayerntern and let it fly to the sky, the wish fairies in the sky will take those wishes and report them to the immortals and heavenly lords, and the wishes of those who pray will alle true."


    "Nonsense," the Emperor scoffed. Where were there any immortals in this world?


    "Oh! Onentern has fallen down."


    The dimntern flickered and happened to fall right at the entrance of Chengqian Pce. Seeing the Emperor staring at thentern, Wang Dequan astutely picked it up.


    "My beloved Ye Lang, may everything surpass your expectations."


    Signed: A devoted heart.


    After Wang Dequan read the words clearly, he could feel the heavy love of the person who made the wish.


    It must be some concubine in the harem who had long admired the Emperor but didn''t dare to express her love directly. So she prayed to heaven, hoping that the person she loved would have everything turn out even better than he wished.


    "May everything surpass your expectations" meant hoping that everything would turn out even better than one could hope for.


    She hadn''t even revealed her own name. She truly only wished for the Emperor''s well-being, only wanting the heavenly immortals to remember the person being blessed, not wanting them to pay attention to who was making the wish.


    "Heh!" The Xuanwu Emperor chuckled softly. "Wang Dequan, whose chicken scratch handwriting does this resemble?"


    Chicken scratch?


    Wang Dequan suddenly recalled an old incident. The Emperor had once said that Consort Zhen''s handwriting was worse than even indecipherable scrawls, barely legible at best.


    "This... this is..."


    The Xuanwu Emperor''s lips curled into a faint smile as he addressed the eunuch from the Imperial Household Department behind him: "There''s no need to go to Jingren Pce. Tonight, I will apany Consort Zhen in Hexi Pce."


    "But..."

 Chapter 64

    The eunuch from the Pce Eunuch Office wanted to say that Consort Zhen was indisposed due to her menstruation, and ording to custom, the Emperor should not visit her.


    "Hmm?"


    The Emperor uttered just this simple, threatening syble, and the little eunuch from the Pce Eunuch Office bowed even lower, respectfully saying, "This ve obeys."


    He figured, the entire pce belongs to the Emperor, and the rules were made for the Emperor. If he himself was willing, who was a mere eunuch to question anything?


    One''s head on one''s shoulders was more important than rules.


    Xi Que frowned at the wine bottles strewn across the floor: "Mydy, stop drinking. Too much wine is harmful. No matter how many prayernterns you write, the Emperor won''te."


    Shuang Jiang chimed in: "You won''t even let us servants write your name on them. At least if one fell and the Emperor picked it up, he''d know who was thinking of him! Who does things like this?"


    Jiang Xinyue, her cheeks flushed red, hugged a wine bottle as she sat on the railing of the long corridor outside her room. With misty eyes, she said, "I''m not writing these... for the Emperor to see. I''m writing them for the gods in heaven to see... Isn''t it enough if they can see them?"


    Xi Que stomped her foot in frustration: "Then who is this sullen drinking for, mydy?"


    "For... for..."


    Jiang Xinyue stood up unsteadily and walked to a flowering tree. Holding the wine bottle, she began to dance gracefully: "Who could it be for? Yes, for whom am I so despondent?"


    The pcemps of Hexi Pce flickered, signaling the arrival of an honored guest.


    Jiang Xinyue threw the wine bottle to the ground andughed softly, self-mockingly: "The person I long for can never belong to me, so I''ll drink for myself!"


    The wine bottle was thrown far away, shattering. Consort Zhen was swaying drunkenly, but still she danced, singing in opera style: "In thisnd of flowers and brocade, she sings of meeting an old friend in a foreignnd, each step and word filled with longing..."


    Moonlight gently bathed the earth. The peach trees nted in front of Hexi Pce had begun to bloom, and when the night breeze blew, a shower of petals fell.


    Under the tree, the beauty was dressed lightly. A white wrap top was so short it couldn''t cover her t stomach, her willow-like waist swaying like branches in the wind.


    She wore matching white loose pants, the fabric soft and flowing. Over this, she had donned a gauze robe as thin as cicada wings. As she danced, a sudden gust of wind made her hair and clothes flutter, as if she might fly away at any moment to be the goddess Chang''e in the Moon Pce.


    Her singing voice was beautiful, her operatic style even more stunning, but the tune she sang was mncholic and lonely. After spinning more than a dozen times, Jiang Xinyue''s final pose was unsteady, and she fell backwards. A warm,rge hand caught her around the waist.


    Jiang Xinyue hid her triumphant smile and gazed hazily at the handsome face that appeared above her, not reacting for a moment.


    The pce servants of Hexi Pce had already knelt: "Greetings to the Emperor, may the Emperor have boundless fortune and peace."


    The beauty in his arms blinked twice. She didn''t smile, but a tear rolled from her left eye, winding down her cheek and finally gathering, crystal-clear, on her chin. One drop, two drops, three drops...


    The floodgates opened, and the beauty cried silently, finally fainting drunk in the Xuanwu Emperor''s arms. Her fragile body made him realize that Consort Zhen seemed... to have lost a lot of weight?


    The spring night was cold, and she was dressed so scantily, drinking and dancing¡ªshe really didn''t take care of herself.


    The Xuanwu Emperor felt a moment of anger. He carried Jiang Xinyue into the bedchamber beforeshing out: "You pack of dog ves, how have you been taking care of Consort Zhen? How could you let her act so recklessly?"


    Xi Que and Shuang Jiang were Consort Zhen''s personal attendants. When the Emperor became angry, they were the first to kneel: "Your Majesty, please understand. Consort Zhen is kind and loving, treating us servants like family. We would never dare neglect her, even if it meant our deaths. But... but recently, the Consort has been worried, barely finishing half a bowl of rice at each meal. Today... today, for some reason, she suddenly became emotional, saying... saying..."


    Xi Que bit her lip, unsure whether to continue.


    The Xuanwu Emperor frowned: "Why are you stammering? Speak up!"


    Shuang Jiang''s expression turned resolute, and she kowtowed: "Your Majesty, Consort Zhen has a nature to report only good news and not bad. She doesn''t like to confide in us servants either, always dealing with her hardships alone. Ever since the Consort was poisoned in the Pce of Exile, her health has never fully recovered. The Empress Dowager... has also been giving the Consort a hard time because of Consort Rong''s miscarriage. And then there''s Concubine Li and the Empress, who have been... both openly and secretly... Today, she also heard that Your Majesty had scolded Concubine Li on behalf of Ye Baolin, and she couldn''t help but... couldn''t help but feel overwhelmed with sorrow..."


    Shuang Jiang spoke vaguely, but the Xuanwu Emperor''s mind had already conjured up several scenes of Jiang Xinyue being bullied.


    This was telling him that Consort Zhen had suffered so much, all just to be able to stay by the Emperor''s side. But the Empress Dowager wouldn''t ept her true feelings, Concubine Li was constantly scheming, and the Empress, though outwardly kind, who knew what she was like behind the scenes...


    Consort Zhen always showed her best side to the Emperor, never wanting toin to him or use others. She was always so happy, as if she never had any worries. Whenever the Emperor was with her, it was when he felt most rxed.


    It turned out that she had been bearing so much on her own.


    "Your Majesty..."


    Jiang Xinyue, already drunk and confused on the bed, reached out and grabbed the Xuanwu Emperor''s sleeve: "Ye Lang... don''t... don''t..."


    She seemed to be having a nightmare, her tightly closed eyes trembling, but unable to open.


    "All of you, withdraw!"


    Two peopley on one bed¡ªone calcting, one caring¡ªthis was truly a case of sleeping together yet dreaming apart.


    The Xuanwu Emperor held the deeply sleeping Consort Zhen in his arms. Fearing her stomach might still hurt, he warmed his palms and ced them on her lower abdomen.


    In the past, when concubines had their menstruation, let alone sleeping in the same bed, they weren''t even allowed to appear before him. This was a rule passed down from the ancestors, and he had never made an exception for anyone.


    At first, he had paid attention to Consort Zhen only because her beauty was unparalleled in the harem. Later, he found her nature to be innocent and lively, sincere and kind.


    Now, he himself couldn''t tell whether he liked Consort Shu more, or if Consort Zhen was more to his liking.


    The dead of night was the perfect time for contemtion.


    Consort Shu was his first love from his youth, so he treated her differently in every way.


    Concubine Li was the woman who brought him the most joy among the many he had since ascending to the throne. She was the most radiant and vivacious woman he had ever met...


    He felt respect and guilt towards the Empress, but no love.


    And what about Consort Zhen?


    She possessed a beauty that surpassed both Consort Shu and Concubine Li. Her personality seemed to be a blend of Consort Shu and Concubine Li, yet she also had a whimsical and imaginative nature that neither of them possessed.


    Sometimes, the Xuanwu Emperor felt that Consort Zhen was like a younger version of himself.

 Chapter 65

    So he couldn''t help but pity her, cherish her, and want to make up for the harm she had suffered.


    He had never felt such uncontroble emotions for a woman before, but Consort Zhen repeatedly broke his rules, making him make exceptions for her.


    Could this be what people called "liking" someone?


    Did he truly like Consort Zhen?


    This thought shed through his mind, startling the Xuanwu Emperor into sitting up in bed.


    Impossible!


    He loved his empire, his people, and even the ministers he employed, but it was impossible for him to give his true heart to a consort in the harem.


    The person beside him turned over, nestling closer to the Xuanwu Emperor with great affection. Her face, glowing with a pink hue, was turned up without any guard.


    In themplight, even the fine hairs along her hairline were clearly visible.


    His heart, which had just hardened, softened again when faced with Consort Zhen''s face.


    Never mind, never mind...


    She was utterly devoted to him, so what harm was there in showing her some favor?


    The Jiang family was ordinary, not a great n. Consort Zhen''s father, Jiang Yankun, was from a branch of the Jiang family in Yizhou. The Jiang ancestors had been the wealthiest merchants in Yizhou, and they were still well-off today.


    But Jiang Yankun was not from the main family line, so before he entered officialdom in Yizhou, his life was notfortable.


    The main family line had used all their resources on their legitimate sons, hoping to cultivate several important court officials from among them.


    Unfortunately, these expensively trained legitimate sons only managed to secure minor official positions. The most sessful turned out to be the coteral rtives they had once neglected.


    Jiang Yankun now held the highest official position in the Jiang n.


    But the main family line in Yizhou still clung to their status, refusing to acknowledge Jiang Yankun''s excellence. It was precisely because he had no family support that he had set his sights on his illegitimate daughter.


    However, the Xuanwu Emperor was unaware of thisst point.


    Jiang Xinyue secretly opened one eye a slit, observing the emperor''s expression at this moment.


    Only now did she confirm that she had managed to chip open a crack in the Xuanwu Emperor''s heart, and her image had found a ce within.


    But this was far from enough.


    The Xuanwu Emperor''s heart was like his harem, a sieve full of holes. One hole housed Concubine Li, another Consort Shu, and it wouldn''t be surprising if others lived elsewhere. She had merely upied one corner.


    To be the most favored consort in the harem, she needed the three characters of her name, Jiang Xinyue, to upy at least half of the Xuanwu Emperor''s heart. Others like Concubine Li or Consort Shu should be squeezed into some obscure corner to y in the mud.


    Entering the emperor''s heart wasn''t difficult for Jiang Xinyue; the challenge was to remain there, to be like a bowl of white rice on the emperor''s table ¨C indispensable.


    Unfortunately, she couldn''t serve the emperor in bed today. Otherwise, getting pregnant a bit earlier wouldn''t have been impossible.


    She wanted to let the Empress know that she wasn''t a pushover, and shouldn''t be bullied with dirty tricks.


    In Shunan Pce¡ª


    Consort Liang had just lulled the eldest princess to sleep when amotion broke out in the side hall, startling the princess awake again.


    "Are they trying to get themselves killed? What''s all this wailing about in the middle of the night?"


    "My Lady..." the maid Chenxin entered from outside. "Ye Baolin has vomited blood, saying she''s been poisoned. Her maids are making a fuss, demanding to see the Emperor for justice."


    Consort Liang patted the eldest princess a few times before handing her over to the nanny to take away. Once sure the princess was out of earshot, she said, "Isn''t Consort Zhen serving the Emperor tonight?"


    Though it was said she was serving, Consort Zhen had her monthly period and wasn''t in a condition to do so. But the Emperor was so fond of her that after not seeing her for a few days, he missed her terribly. He even disregarded the ancestral rules and risked bad luck to go to Hexi Pce.


    With the Emperor so enamored with Consort Zhen, even if Ye Baolin wanted to intercept him, shouldn''t she have chosen someone less favored?


    Consort Zhen was right indeed ¨C an imitation is just an imitation, not even one ten-thousandth as good as the real thing.


    But Ye Baolin had been ced in her pce by the Empress, clearly with the intention of having her protect Ye Baolin to some extent.


    Consort Liang sighed, "Tell Ye Baolin''s people to rest. Have Xiao Guizi go to Hexi Pce and exin the situation properly, without making a big fuss."


    The pce maids of Hexi Pce had always been on good terms with Shunan Pce. As long as they didn''t act aggressively, they wouldn''t hold a grudge against Consort Liang.


    Xiao Guizi stood at the entrance of Hexi Pce and exined the situation carefully to Jiang Chuan. In the end, he added with a reproachful look, "That Ye Baolin is quite a troublemaker. Our Lady really had no choice. With her vomiting blood and fainting, our Lady fears something might happen to her. Even Concubine Li was reprimanded and confined by the Emperor because of her during the day. My Lady asked me toe and inquire if we could inform the Emperor."


    As for whether the Emperor would go or not, that was no longer Consort Liang''s concern.


    Although Jiang Chuan was somewhat troubled, given the different rtionship between Consort Liang and his own mistress, he still asked Xiao Guizi to wait outside while he went in to inquire.


    Xiao Xuanzi, guarding the door of the bedchamber, heard Jiang Chuan''s words and snorted coldly, "It''s not like we poisoned her, so whye to Hexi Pce? Is the Emperor some magical elixir that can cure poison just by seeing him?"


    Jiang Chuan reluctantly agreed, "Who says otherwise? But someone from Consort Liang''s pce hase to ask, and I can''t be too blunt in my refusal."


    "First, invite Xiao Guizi to the side room for tea. We''ll discuss it when our Lady wakes up."


    If Ye Baolin still had the energy to make trouble, she probably wasn''t in serious condition. Consort Liang was considerate and must have called for an imperial physician for her.


    So what difference did it make whether the Emperor went early orte?


    They would inform the Emperor of this matter anyway. How and when to inform him was Hexi Pce''s business.


    "Where is the Emperor?" Ye Baolin''s lips were bluish-ck as she spat out another mouthful of blood. "Why... why hasn''t the Emperore yet? Did you not inform him?"


    Cui Yin rolled her eyes impatiently, "Ye Baolin, the Emperor has already retired to Hexi Pce. Everyone in the pce knows how favored Consort Zhen is, don''t you think?"


    Why else would she imitate Consort Zhen''s dress and sometimes even her small mannerisms when speaking? If not for long-term observation and meticulous imitation, how could she have learned to mimic her so well?


    "You..." Ye Baolin was truly exhausted, unable even to muster a fierce expression. Panting, she said, "This mistress''s favor is earned through my own abilities. It''s not for a mere pce maid like you to criticize. Dare to speak out of turn again, and this mistress will have you pped."


    Cui Yin rolled her eyes once more, this time not even bothering to respond. She simply turned and walked away.


    As the sky began to lighten faintly, the Xuanwu Emperor rose from bed. Jiang Xinyue, who had been drunk the night before, was still not awake.


    "Wang Dequan," the emperor called, straightening his robes. "Go to the Imperial Hospital and have Yan the Imperial Physician check Consort Zhen''s pulse for signs of pregnancy. I want to know if Consort Zhen is capable of conceiving now. If she is with child, can the safety of both mother and child be ensured?"


    Could it be that the emperor wanted Consort Zhen to bear him a prince?


    Wang Dequan swallowed the words about Ye Baolin''s poisoning, fearing that if Consort Zhen overheard, she might make things difficult for him.


    The Consort Zhen of today was no longer the young, bullied Noble Lady who had just entered the pce.

 Chapter 66

    Wang Dequan didn''t speak, but Xiao Xuanzi couldn''t remain silent.


    However, as a servant of Hexi Pce, his words would undoubtedly favor his mistress. Wang Dequan didn''t mind doing him a favor, possibly earning some goodwill for the future.


    He chose his moment skillfully. Just as the Xuanwu Emperor had stepped out of Hexi Pce''s gates, Xiao Xuanzi spoke up: "Your Majesty, it seems Ye Baolin was poisonedst night. Consort Liang said she was in a terrible state, insisting that you visit her. But Your Majesty, the Consort had been drinking and was surely fast asleep. Not daring to disturb your rest, I waited until now to report. I humbly await your punishment."


    To punish the head eunuch of Consort Zhen for the sake of Ye Baolin? Wouldn''t that be a p in the face to Consort Zhen?


    The Xuanwu Emperor waved his hand dismissively. "If she was poisoned, why not call for the imperial physician? What use would I be?"


    Yesterday, because of that Ye Baolin whose face he couldn''t even remember, Consort Zhen had already been driven to jealousy and heartache. He couldn''t bear to hurt her feelings again over this woman.


    He continued towards his imperial pnquin, showing no concern for Ye Baolin''s poisoning.


    Jiang Xinyue opened her eyes, all traces of drowsiness gone, alert enough to take down a tiger: "Ye Baolin was poisoned?"


    Xi Que helped her get up and prepare for the day: "Making poor Xiao Guizi run all the way here in the middle of the night, who knows what she''s thinking? Yesterday she already caused trouble for Concubine Li, and now she''s trying to provoke us at night. Does she really think she''s the most favored in the harem?"


    When it came to imperial favor, Xi Que believed that Concubine Li couldn''tpare to her mistress anymore.


    If it weren''t for her prominent family background, and the Emperor''s inability to offend Concubine Li''s maternal grandfather''s Pei family, her paternal grandfather''s Song family, and her father the Prime Minister, she might not even have the superficial favor she currently enjoyed.


    Elder Pei held the position of Minister of the Privy Council, the head of all civil officials. Minister Pei was Concubine Li''s maternal grandfather, while the Song family patriarch was the Chief Grand Councilor,manding all six ministries of the imperial court.


    The son of Prime Minister Song, Concubine Li''s father, was the current Prime Minister. It could be said that all the civil officials at court were their people.


    In the past, when the Emperor favored Concubine Li, who could say whether it was out of genuine affection or political necessity?


    But no matter how glorious her past, yesterday''s events were enough to shift the winds of the pce.


    Jiang Xinyue sat in her sedan chair, supporting her forehead with one hand, lost in thought.


    Something wasn''t right...


    The Empress was a woman who nned ten steps ahead. She had managed to poison Jiang Xinyue before her rise to power and frame Jiang Yuan for it, leaving no evidence behind. A person with such deep, unfathomable thoughts couldn''t possibly choose someone like Ye Baolin ¨C who was spoiled by favor andcked any wit ¨C to vie for the Emperor''s attention and bear his child.


    What else did she have nned?


    "Ah¡ª"


    A scream erupted from Changxin Pce. Jiang Xinyue opened her eyes to see the Empress hurriedly approaching with arge group of people.


    Xi Que helped Jiang Xinyue down from her sedan chair. Seeing the string of concubines following the Empress into Changxin Pce, she followed suit.


    "Whack! Whack! Whack!"


    The sharp sound ofshes apanied by screams filled the air. When Jiang Xinyue entered, Concubine Li''s chambers were already in chaos.


    Jiang Xinyue stared in shock at Ye Baolin and Concubine Li rolling on the ground, with eunuchs and pce maids trying to separate them.


    "What... what happened?"


    Consort Liang, barely containing her glee, exined: "It''s all because Ye Baolin is stubborn. She believes Concubine Li poisoned her. Last night, the imperial physician made her vomit, putting her through great suffering. The Emperor didn''t visit her, so early this morning she went mad and burst into Changxin Pce, saying she wanted to kill Concubine Li!"


    Jiang Xinyue''s eyes lit up, shing with understanding. A memory from her time in Chuxiu Pce suddenly came to mind, and she nodded knowingly: "No wonder Ye Baolin has such a temper. After all, she''s the legitimate daughter of the Zheng Xi General. Like father, like daughter!"


    The legitimate daughter of the Zheng Xi General had entered the pce, yet her status was only that of a lowly concubine, promoted to Baolin only after gaining favor.


    It was because the General didn''t want his daughter to enter the pce, so he had been hindering his own daughter''s "prospects." But Ye Baolin herself was infatuated with the Emperor and insisted on catching his eye.


    Previously in Chuxiu Pce, the pce maids who bullied Ye Baolin were acting on the Zheng Xi General''s orders, hoping to make Ye Baolin give up and return home to marry the talented young man her family had chosen for her.


    Unexpectedly, she was saved by Jiang Xinyue, who happened to share her quarters, and by a twist of fate, Ye Baolin stayed.


    During their time in Chuxiu Pce before gaining favor, the two of them often learned pce etiquette together as roommates.


    Since Jiang Xinyue gained favor, she seemed to have forgotten about her good friend from Chuxiu Pce. So Ye Baolin took the initiative to approach the Empress, offering to cooperate by imitating everything about Jiang Xinyue to catch the Emperor''s attention.


    The results proved she was quite sessful.


    However, Jiang Xinyue knew nothing of the deal between Ye Baolin and Empress Zhu. Before today, she had even forgotten Ye Baolin existed.


    "Quickly separate Ye Baolin and Concubine Li! This is outrageous!"


    Outrageous or not, everyone had already witnessed the spectacle. Concubine Li had finally escaped Ye Baolin''s grasp, her hair and clothes inplete disarray.


    Ye Baolin, pinned to the ground, had a whip mark across her face, swollen and purple, with beads of blood seeping through.


    After themotion, the Emperor was finally alerted. The Song family and the Ye family ¨C one the head of civil officials, the other a perpetually victorious military general ¨C siding with either would cause discontent in the court.


    So, the Xuanwu Emperor took the most brutal approach ¨C helping neither side.


    Concubine Li was suspected of poisoning Ye Baolin, so he ordered the Investigative Bureau to investigate. Ye Baolin, for assaulting a superior and offending a concubine, was confined to her quarters and ordered to copy the pce rules.


    Though the plot had developed differently from Jiang Xinyue''s case, it ended with the same punishment of copying pce rules. This Ye Baolin had truly taken the imitation of Jiang Xinyue to the extreme.


    As she was being escorted away by pce servants, Ye Baolin passed by Jiang Xinyue and shot her a fierce re.


    Jiang Xinyue felt little about it. Ye Baolin was deeply in love with the Emperor, so no matter how close their rtionship had been before, they could never be good sisters now.


    There was only one Emperor, and all women in the harem were rivals.


    Whether they loved him or not, it was a fight to the death.


    But Ye Baolin probably felt betrayed by her good sister, who had stolen the man she loved.


    Empress Zhu came early in the morning to mediate, and no longer had the mood to let the concubines pay their respects. After the emperor returned to his study, he told the concubines to disperse.


    Consort Liang and Consort De made ns to visit the princes'' quarters together. Jiang Xinyue had something on her mind, so she sent her sedan chair back to Hexi Pce first, while she took Xi Que and Shuang Jiang for an aimless stroll.


    "Ouch!"


    Shuang Jiang suddenly drew in a sharp breath and crouched down, clutching her ankle. "Your Highness, this servant... this servant has twisted her foot."


    They had reached the edge of the misty artificialke, where the pebble path was uneven. Shuang Jiang had slipped and injured her foot on the stones.

 Chapter 67

    It was early morning, and the pce maids were busily attending to their masters in their respective pces, with few peopleing this way.


    "Concubine Zhen!"


    A young pce maid appeared under the willow tree, respectfully bowing to Jiang Xinyue: "This servant is from Concubine Shu''s pce. Our mistress would like to invite Concubine Zhen to Jingren Pce for a chat. Would now be convenient?"


    Jiang Xinyue looked at the maid''s face, recognizing her as someone she had seen around Consort Shu before. She recalled that Consort Shu had mentioned wanting her to visit Jingren Pce for a chat, but she hadn''t gone yet. Now they hade to find her.


    Xi Que, supporting Shuang Jiang, said to Jiang Xinyue, "Mydy, you should go! I''ll escort Shuang Jiang back."


    Shuang Jiang nodded, indicating her agreement.


    As a gentle breeze rippled across theke, there was a ssh of someone falling into the water. Then, two figures emerged from nearby bushes.


    "Mydy, they''ve fallen into the water. Should we...?"


    Consort Zhang cast a cold, almost indifferent nce at Jiang Xinyue struggling in the water, then looked away. "We saw nothing today. Do you understand?"


    The pce maid was instantly struck silent, feeling a chill run through her body. She lowered her head and followed behind Consort Zhang, not daring to utter another word.


    In Yikun Pce¡ª


    Empress Zhu was sipping Biluochun tea, freshly brewed by the pce''s most skilled tea-making maid. The lingering fragrance on her lips and teeth made her eyes close in contentment.


    The daily greetings from the concubines made her life tiring. Facing a room full of delicate beauties, she had to put on a brave face and deal with them, despite her extreme reluctance.


    Those women, clever or not, all had their eyes on her position as Empress. They were just waiting for her to make a mistake, to drag her down from her pedestal and climb over her fallen body to take her ce.


    Over the years, she had exhausted herself, treading carefully with each step. Outsiders only saw her glory, second only to one and above all others, but they didn''t see her heartache and suffering.


    The tea grew more bitter as she drank, yet it pleased her more.


    Though bitter tea was astringent in the throat, the more bitter it was, the more fragrant its aftertaste, lingering endlessly.


    She hoped that although the first half of her life had been bitter, thetter half would be like this fine tea, full of pure fragrance.


    "Your Majesty, we''ve found out that yesterday''s wishingntern came from Hexi Pce."


    Her half-closed eyes suddenly opened wide, a smile gradually appearing in Empress Zhu''s gaze. "I heard that yesterday the Emperor chose Consort Shu''s tablet?"


    Fen Yun nodded: "Although Consort Shu isn''t greatly favored, she still holds the position of the Emperor''s cousin and has the Empress Dowager''s protection. The Emperor won''t neglect her. This time, Consort Zhen intercepted Consort Shu''s move. Even if she''s usually easy-going, the Empress Dowager won''t let Consort Zhen off easily."


    Empress Zhu let out a scornfulugh. "That old hypocrite still thinks the Emperor''s heart and eyes are full of nothing but Consort Shu! Little does she know that people''s hearts change easily. Now, Consort Zhen is the one the Emperor cares about most."


    In this pce, the one least favored by the Xuanwu Emperor was the Empress, yet the one who understood him best was Empress Zhu.


    She was the only one who had entered the Xuanwu Emperor''s harem when he was still the Crown Prince. They had been together since their youth, already thirteen years.


    How could she not recognize the look in the Emperor''s eyes when he favored a woman?


    Long ago, he had looked at Consort Shu that way. But after the Pei family fell from grace and Consort Shu began to hate him, their feelings faded with time.


    Later, he looked at Concubine Li the same way, but Concubine Li was arrogant and domineering, unable to tolerate others. When she became jealous, she was uncontroble, more than even the Emperor could bear.


    Not to mention that the Pei and Song families were bing increasingly disrespectful to the Emperor in court. Several times, it had angered the Emperor so much that he came to Yikun Pce in a rage, venting his dissatisfaction with the two families.


    It was likely that whatever affection the Emperor had for Concubine Li had long been worn away by her family members.


    Until recently, she noticed that the Emperor looked at Consort Zhen in much the same way he had once looked at Consort Shu and Concubine Li.


    She understood then that Consort Zhen had already entered the Emperor''s heart.


    But the Emperor''s emotions were as intense as they were fleeting. They came quickly and left even faster. Who knew how long Consort Zhen would remain in the Emperor''s heart?


    If she were like yesterday''s Consort Shu and Concubine Li, it wouldn''t be worth expending much effort over.


    This was how she had survived all these years. As long as she didn''t make any major mistakes, no one could shake her position.


    As she was lost in thought, a eunuch rushed in from outside: "Empress! Terrible news! Consort Zhen was pushed into theke. The Imperial Physician says she may have been entangled by underwater weeds and swallowed a lot of water. They''re still trying to save her. The Emperor flew into a great rage and had all the servants of Hexi Pce beaten with nks."


    Empress Zhu remained calm internally, rising gracefully. "Let''s go to Hexi Pce and see."


    Has the Empress Dowager made her move so quickly?


    "What use are any of you? Consort Zhen knows how to swim. Even if someone pushed her in, she should have been able to save herself. Why did you leave her alone by theke? Was someone holding her down underwater? Now you im to know nothing. What use are you to me? You should all be beaten to death!"


    "Your Majesty, please calm your anger!"


    As soon as Empress Zhu entered, she heard the Emperor threatening to execute everyone. For the sake of reason and emotion, as the Empress, she should step forward and advise against it: "Let''s not speak of the others, but Xi Que, Shuang Jiang, Jiang Chuan, and Xiao Xuanzi are Consort Zhen''s most trusted servants. If she wakes up to find these four gone, how sad would she be?"


    The Xuanwu Emperor let out a cold snort, suppressing the anger in his heart. He turned to look at Jiang Xinyue lying on the bed, her head full of silver needles, and felt a wave of panic and fear.


    He didn''t know what was happening to him, nor did he have the heart to investigate. He just wanted the woman on the bed, hovering between life and death, to wake up quickly.


    Xi Que secretly raised her head to nce at Empress Zhu, finding her beautiful face suddenly repulsive.


    While appearing to plead for the servants of Hexi Pce, she was actually inciting hatred against the four of them, and even dragging her mistress into the scheme.


    What did she mean by "let''s not speak of the others"?


    Wasn''t she clearly telling everyone in Hexi Pce that apart from the four of them, the lives of others were unimportant? That even if they were beaten to death, Consort Zhen wouldn''t say a word in their defense?


    Wasn''t this sowing discord?


    Fortunately, she had learned a lot by her mistress''s side recently. Otherwise, she might have felt grateful for the Empress''s apparent familiarity in those words!


    The Xuanwu Emperor also knew that while Xi Que and the others were at fault, their crime didn''t warrant death. They had already received twentyshes each. If he pursued the matter further, there would be no one left to attend to Consort Zhen''s bedside.


    Shuang Jiang was still fine. She had grown up in the pce since childhood, and beforeing to serve Consort Zhen, she was just an unremarkable pce maid. Getting beaten was amon urrence for her.


    After receiving twenty strokes, aside from the initial pain, she waspletely fine now.


    Xi Que was different. She had grown up alongside Jiang Xinyue. The most suffering she endured as a child was apanying her young mistress in hunger and cold. Lady Zhou wouldn''t personally hit people, fearing it would dirty her hands and displease her husband.


    So when Xi Que was beaten this time, her movements became somewhat stiff, and her buttocks stung with waves of burning pain.

 Chapter 68

    "What on earth is going on?" Empress Zhu''s face darkened as she looked at Xi Que. "You tell me, Consort Zhen was fine when she left Changxin Pce, so how did she suddenly fall into the water and end up like this?"


    Some time had passed since Jiang Xinyue had fallen into the water, and the concubines in the pce who needed to know had already been informed. They gradually gathered in the main chamber of Hexi Pce, paying their respects to the Emperor and Empress.


    Consort Shu had arrived early and had already heard Xi Que report the details of the incident to the Emperor.


    As the Empress began to inquire, before Xi Que could answer, Consort Shu stepped forward and said, "Xi Que and Shuang Jiang insist that it was a maid from my pce who pushed Consort Zhen into the water. However, today is the day the Empress Dowager worships Buddha. I went to Kunning Pce early, and all my attendants apanied me to the small Buddha hall in Kunning Pce. All the maids and eunuchs in Kunning Pce can testify to this."


    Consort Jin, who particrly disliked Consort Shu''s perpetually cold demeanor, spoke in a low voice, "The Empress Dowager is Consort Shu''s aunt. Naturally, she would side with Consort Shu. The testimony of the people in Kunning Pce may not be sufficient evidence."


    "Is Consort Jin suggesting that the Empress Dowager cannot distinguish right from wrong and would shield wrongdoers?" Consort Shu retorted.


    "I didn''t mean that. I''m just making a reasonable guess," Consort Jin replied. It wasn''t a secret that the current Empress Dowager and the Emperor were at odds. What did it matter if she disrespected the Empress Dowager? After all, she wasn''t present.


    The Xuanwu Emperor gazed intently at Consort Shu, clearly harboring suspicions about her.


    Last night, he had first turned over Consort Shu''s tablet, but midway through, he had gone to Hexi Pce. Anyone with ulterior motives would know, upon investigation, that it was Consort Zhen''s wishingmp that had drawn him there.


    The Empress Dowager had been wholeheartedly trying to help Consort Shu regain the Emperor''s favor and restore the Wu Family to its former glory, making numerous efforts and arrangements to this end.


    Just when Consort Shu had finally agreed to reconcile with the Emperor and mend their rtionship, a Consort Zhen had appeared out of nowhere, constantly interfering between the Emperor and Consort Shu. Naturally, the Empress Dowager had grown weary of Consort Zhen as well.


    Last night, Consort Zhen had once again disrupted Consort Shu''s ns. Even if Consort Shu didn''t mind, what about the Empress Dowager?


    The Xuanwu Emperor''s thoughts aligned with those of the others present.


    Every time...


    Every time he had something or someone he cherished, as soon as his mother discovered it, she either made him give it to others or forcibly took it from him.


    He understood that as an emperor, he shouldn''t let others guess his preferences, nor should he have beloved individuals who might cause him to lose his necessary rationality and judgment.


    But...


    He was no longer a child. He had the ability to protect the things or people he loved, and he wouldn''t be led by the nose. He knew how to distinguish between true feelings and false pretenses.


    Why?


    Why did they always have to control his life?


    He was the Emperor, the Son of Heaven. Even the Empress Dowager must act ording to his wishes.


    Gritting his back teeth, the Xuanwu Emperor said sternly, "Convey my imperial decree: I will elevate Consort Zhen to the rank of Noble Consort Zhen."


    Didn''t the Empress Dowager want to kill Consort Zhen?


    He would deliberately take her under his wing, bestow upon her the highest honor, making everyone envious and jealous, yet unable to harm her.


    Not to mention how the Empress Dowager would react when the news of Consort Zhen''s elevation reached Kunning Pce, Consort Shu copsed to the ground, weeping in disarray: "Your Majesty, is this action meant to anger me?"


    "How dare you!" The Xuanwu Emperor red at her. "Are you questioning me?"


    Consort Shu stood up, her back straight. "It wouldn''t be the first time I''ve been presumptuous. Your Majesty used to indulge me, saying my frank nature was rare and precious. Now, let me be frank once more, and ask on behalf of the Yan Lang and Rong''er of the past: do you... no longer trust me?"


    If he had been deeply in love, he would certainly have trusted her.


    But when a man no longer loves, asking such questions only invites humiliation.


    A flicker of tenderness passed through the Xuanwu Emperor''s brow, but upon ncing at the unconscious Jiang Xinyue, it cooled again. "Trust you about what? Trust that you''re not deliberately ttering me for the sake of the Wu Family? Trust that you''ve never had feelings for me? Trust that, like the Empress Dowager, you only care about the Wu Family?"


    Consort Shu was nothing more than another Empress Dowager.


    His series of questions made Consort Shu''s confidence bleed.


    Perhaps she hadn''t loved him at first, but how could she not have developed feelings after ten years of gentleness and doting?


    After all, she was just a fragile woman.


    The Empress Dowager had entrusted her with the burden of reviving the Wu Family, while the vengeance for her father''s death tormented her. She was already exhausted in body and mind.


    "Ah!" A concubine screamed.


    With a death wish in her eyes, Consort Shu pulled a golden hairpin from her hair and plunged it directly into the side of her neck. The sharp pin pierced her flesh without hesitation, blood spraying out. The Xuanwu Emperor rushed over, snatching the pin and throwing it to the ground. "Have you gone mad?"


    Consort Shu smiled bitterly. "I am willing... willing to prove my innocence with my death. I have never... never harmed Consort Zhen..."


    "Quickly, summon the imperial physician!" Empress Zhu''s face was full of concern. "Your Majesty, please take Consort Shu back to Jingren Pce! I will take care of Consort Zhen here, she will be fine."


    The Emperor had just announced Consort Zhen''s promotion to Noble Consort, yet both Consort Shu and the Empress still addressed her as Consort Zhen. Neither wanted to acknowledge the Emperor''s decree and allow Consort Zhen to be promoted!


    Apart from Consort Shu''s younger sister, Consort Rong, no one in the Great Yan''s harem had ever been elevated to the rank of Noble Consort without bearing children.


    Consort Rong had relied on the then-powerful Wu Family and the Empress Dowager, but Consort Zhen depended solely on herself.


    All the concubines in the harem hoped that the Emperor was merely acting out of anger and didn''t truly intend to promote Jiang Xinyue.


    The Xuanwu Emperor looked at the bleeding Consort Shu, then at the pale Jiang Xinyue. He reluctantly released Consort Shu''s hand and pushed her towards Empress Zhu. "No need. Empress, take Consort Shu back to Jingren Pce for treatment. I will stay here with Consort Zhen. She''s timid, and if she wakes up without seeing me, she''ll be frightened."


    Empress Zhu opened her mouth but couldn''t utter a word.


    Not daring to dy any further, Empress Zhu immediately ordered Fengyun to summon the imperial physician to Jingren Pce. She supported Consort Shu onto her own sedan chair and hurriedly set off for Jingren Pce.


    In truth, if the Emperor truly cared, he shouldn''t have moved Consort Shu, who was severely injured.


    There were three imperial physicians treating Consort Zhen in Hexi Pce. Sparing one for Consort Shu and treating her in a side hall would have better ensured her safety.


    Why go to such lengths?


    It was nothing more than finding Consort Shu''s self-harm in front of Consort Zhen''s bed inauspicious and being annoyed by Consort Shu''s behavior.


    Their emperor, when she loved, she granted life; when she hated, she desired death.


    "Drip! Drip! Drip!"


    A few raindrops fell into the pond housing seven or eight ornamental koi. Soon after, the sky darkened, and a heavy downpour began, shrouding the entire imperial pce in a cold, damp atmosphere.


    "What a pity, she always has such good fortune."


    Inside the grand hall sat a concubine dressed in opulent robes. With her back to the entrance, she spoke without a hint of disappointment or excitement in her voice: "Has everything been taken care of?"


    The pce servant kneeling on the ground replied, "It''s all been handled, Your Highness. There''s no way it can be traced back to you."


    The concubine selected a golden hairpin and ced it in her hair. "She won''t... always be this lucky."

 Chapter 69

    "Your Majesty, you haven''t eaten all day. Please, have a little something. If Consort Zhen wakes up and finds you copsed..."


    Wang Dequan knelt with the meal at the feet of the Xuanwu Emperor, "If Consort Zhen wakes and sees this, she will scold me for my carelessness."


    He truly was the most trusted servant of the Xuanwu Emperor, even invoking Consort Zhen''s name at this moment.


    Wang Dequan saw it clearly; when Concubine Li was severely injured and unconscious, the Emperor was frantic with worry, staying up all night by her side, yet he still managed to eat and drink and didn''t dy handling the petitions.


    Even after leaving Hexi Pce, he was still concerned whether Consort Zhen, sent to the Pce of Exile, was being mistreated, hinting at him to instruct the Internal Affairs Department to ensure she was not neglected.


    At that time, the Emperor had sent Consort Zhen to the Pce of Exile, perhaps as his way of protecting her.


    Otherwise, just look at today...


    Consort Zhen fell into the water unconscious, and without investigation, the Emperor concluded that Consort Shu and the Empress Dowager had conspired to endanger Consort Zhen''s life, forcing Consort Shu tomit suicide to prove her innocence.


    Even so, the Emperor showed no pity for Consort Shu, ordering her to return to her pce to recover from her injuries.


    Wang Dequan could imagine, if Consort Shu hadn''t taken her own life, her fate would have been grim.


    It seems the Emperor''s affections are mostly feigned towards the many consorts of the pce, with Consort Zhen being the exception.


    Oh no...


    He is the Emperor''s servant; he shouldn''t say the Emperor is insincere. His feelings for Consort Zhen are genuinely deep.


    "I can''t eat."


    The Xuanwu Emperor held Jiang Xinyue''s icy hand, his eyes bloodshot: "She climbed ashore herself to seek help. The maid who saved her said... said that Consort Zhen pointed to the water before she fainted, saying someone was pulling at her legs. Can you imagine how frightened she must have been? She trusted me so much, yet I''ve disappointed her time and again, putting her in danger when I could have protected her."


    Wang Dequan didn''t know how to respond; he certainly couldn''t say that the Emperor was heartless, indifferent to the life and death of the consorts.


    But now, with Consort Zhen, the Emperor surely couldn''t bear the thought of her dying; he wasn''t that heartless.


    He had seen all the affection Consort Zhen held for the Emperor; she deserved his care.


    A nimble young eunuch ran into Hexi Pce, kneeling before the Xuanwu Emperor to report: "Your Majesty, Consort Shu''s bleeding has stopped. The royal physician says she needs to rest well. Consort Shu... is pregnant."


    The silence in the sleeping chamber was deafening as the Xuanwu Emperor slowly turned to him: "What did you say?"


    The young eunuch, sweating profusely, sensed the Emperor was not pleased, his voice even quieter: "The Empress... the Empress sent me to bring the good news... Consort Shu is one month pregnant. She was just too emotionally agitated and sustained severe injuries, which caused some spotting. The royal physician says she needs to rest well, otherwise... she might miscarry."


    The Xuanwu Emperor closed his eyes, taking a deep breath: "Wang Dequan, go to the royal pharmacy and get some tonics to send to Jingren Pce."


    If he showed no concern, the Empress Dowager would me Consort Zhen.


    Today she was nearly drowned in theke; what about tomorrow?


    As a former master of pce intrigue who ultimately became the Empress Dowager, her cunning and strategic tricks couldn''t be underestimated.


    He couldn''t let Consort Zhen risk herself anymore.


    After Jiang Xinyue lost consciousness for three days, the Xuanwu Emperor would stay in the Hexi Pce except when at court. Even when the Empress Dowager held a banquet to celebrate Consort Shu''s pregnancy, the Emperor could not be persuaded to attend.


    All the concubines finally understood that Consort Shu had thoroughly fallen out of favor.


    The Emperor med her for harming Consort Zhen... No... two days ago, she officially became Consort Zhen.


    The emperor had Wang Dequan proim the imperial edict -- no one could object.


    Initially, Consort Shu¡¯s pregnancy was a happy event, but the next day, Empress Zhu revealed another startling matter.


    Located far from the six pces of East and West, in the remote Yanxi Pce, Court Lady Lan gave birth to a little prince.


    In Hexi Pce, as Empress Zhu presented the baby to the Xuanwu Emperor, she pleaded, "I found out about it just a few days ago myself. Ironically, it coincided with the time when Consort Zhen fell into aa. No sooner than Court Lady Lan was about to give birth, that I rushed the midwives there. Right after the birth, I immediately sent someone to fetch the little prince. Court Lady Lan was so unlucky that she passed away after the delivery. I couldn''t bear her pitiful situation, and I specially came to plea for a favor."


    The Xuanwu Emperor asked knowingly, "What favor?"


    Empress Zhu knelt on the ground with a ''thud'', "I plead with you to allow me to raise the Fifth Prince."


    Compared to the Song family, the Zhu family, where Empress Zhues from, is not the most prestigious among schrs, but it¡¯s not weaker than either Song or Pei''s families. Otherwise, the victor of the selection for the imperial harem couldn''t possibly have been Empress Zhu.


    Concubine Li has opposed the Empress all these years because the two families were evenly matched. They had been rivals since before they married into the pce. In terms of beauty, Concubine Li was one step ahead, but in terms of grace and talent, Empress Zhu was more favored.


    If Empress Zhu also had a legitimate son, who knows what kind of madness Concubine Li would fall into.


    Jiang Xinyue only felt aching pain through her nose and throat. It was when Empress Zhu mentioned Court Lady Lan from Yanxi Pce that her consciousness finally began to clear.


    But she didn''t immediately open her eyes. Her mind was still a little bit fuzzy and if she opened her eyes now, she would inevitably be dragged into the dispute between the Emperor and his Empress.


    Being a favored concubine who always had the Emperor''s best interests at heart, she was sure to upset the Emperor''s ns and instigate him to think of Consort Zhen as one of ''his own''.


    But she didn''t want to.


    First, her head was still hurting badly. Speaking out now might offend Empress Zhu. Second, she didn''t want to face off against the Empress so early on.


    She could imagine how important a legitimate son was to the Empress, even with her eyes closed.


    Ye Baolin is not the Empress''s person!!


    No!


    It should be said, only Ye Baolin herself thought that she belonged to the Empress.


    So, it seems that Empress Zhu didn''t find Ye Baolin to ''bear the child'', but rather Ye Baolin went to the Empress voluntarily, willing to be her pawn.


    However, even Ye Baolin didn''t realize that she was merely attracting attention to allow the Empress to distract Concubine Li from Yikun Pce. Meanwhile, Empress Zhu had already selected a womb and had sessfully given birth to a child without anyone¡¯s knowledge.


    Empress Zhu''s feint sessfully fooled everyone, including Jiang Xinyue.


    Indeed, she is the queen who stands firm and unyielding at the peak of the mountains, the ever-resilient Empress Zhu. Her resilience is something admirable.


    The sound of Empress Zhu''s voice continued to swirl around, "Your Majesty, my eldest and second princes have departed from this world many years ago. The pain in my heart is ever-present and unbearable. The court officials, noting myck of an heir, are urging me to abdicate and yield the throne. I beseech you, Your Majesty, to provide me with a path to survival!"


    She is challenging the Emperor with her life at stake.


    However, seeing Empress Zhu''s anguish and repeated sobs, the Xuanwu Emperor just couldn''t bring himself to express anger. The premature death of their two legitimate sons was indeed a bitter pill to swallow.

 Chapter 70

    In fact, Empress Zhu suddenly adopting a prince wasn''t necessarily a bad thing for Jiang Xinyue.


    After all, she had never aspired to be empress and didn''t have any conflicts of interest with Empress Zhu. On the contrary, if she helped Empress Zhu sessfully adopt the Fifth Prince, Empress Zhu would likely lower her guard towards her.


    "Mmm..."


    Deciding to act, she covered her forehead and slowly propped herself up with her elbow, making a noticeable sound: "Your Majesty? Empress... Your Highness? What happened to me? Cough cough cough..."


    Empress Zhu wiped away her tears and stood up from the ground. Jiang Xinyue pretended to be clueless, looking at Empress Zhu with wide eyes: "Em... Empress... You''ve... you''ve already given birth to a little prince?"


    She acted utterly incredulous, rubbing her eyes. Seeing that the infant in Empress Zhu''s arms hadn''t disappeared, she stiffly turned her head to look at the Xuanwu Emperor: "Your Majesty... Could it be that I''ve... been unconscious for ten months?"


    The Xuanwu Emperor was amused by her words: "What nonsense are you talking about? This is the Fifth Prince born to Court Lady Lan from Yanxi Pce. Unfortunately, Court Lady Lan was ill-fated and passed away after giving birth to him. The Empress is asking me about the child''s future. What do you think, my beloved?"


    Empress Zhu looked at her nervously.


    "I... I don''t understand these matters. I just think we should choose someone who truly loves him and will raise him as her own son, someone who won''t harm him!"


    Empress Zhu had lost several children in session and might not be able to have more in the future. If she adopted the Fifth Prince, she would likely transfer all the love she had for the eldest and second princes to the Fifth Prince. She would be an excellent mother.


    Concubine Zhen spoke with the innocence of a child, not considering the convoluted pce struggles, but instead focusing on what was best for the child.


    The Xuanwu Emperor was reminded of his own situation by her words. When it came to raising children, sometimes even birth mothers might not do as well as adoptive mothers.


    He raised his hand and stroked Jiang Xinyue''s smooth hair: "Empress, raising the Fifth Prince in Yikun Pce was Concubine Zhen''s idea. Did you two discuss this beforehand?"


    Empress Zhu immediately knelt down to beg forgiveness: "Your Majesty, please understand. I only learned two days ago that Court Lady Lan was pregnant and about to give birth."


    Two days ago, Jiang Xinyue was still unconscious. How could they have discussed it?


    "Wah... wah... wah..."


    The little one in Empress Zhu''s arms suddenly started crying. Still kneeling on the ground while holding him, she could only rock the baby, trying tofort him.


    She made "shh shh" sounds to soothe him, clearly experienced in handling children.


    Jiang Xinyue quickly tugged on the Xuanwu Emperor''s sleeve: "Your Majesty, I didn''t know about this little baby before. I just thought that the way Empress Zhu looked at the Fifth Prince was the same as how my aunt used to look at me. Empress, you must love this child very much!"


    Because her aunt had loved her dearly too.


    The Xuanwu Emperor didn''t immediately tell the Empress to rise. Instead, he smiled at Jiang Xinyue: "Your aunt has already been elevated to the status of equal wife by Minister Jiang. Didn''t you know?"


    How could she not know?


    Her opportunistic father had already written a letter and sent it in with a eunuch who was out shopping.


    But the Xuanwu Emperor disliked pce consorts maintaining contact with their families, so Jiang Xinyue pretended not to know.


    "Ah?" She widened her eyes again in surprise: "Who is... Minister Jiang?"


    Her adorably foolish reaction pleased the Xuanwu Emperor, who affectionately pinched her nose and said: "I''ve already promoted your father to the position of Minister of Ministry of Rites. Perhaps he felt that you had contributed to this and therefore elevated your mother to the status of equal wife."


    Jiang Xinyue''s eyes reddened, and she sniffled, speaking in a muffled voice as she acted coy: "I thank Your Majesty, but Your Majesty should inform my father that I didn''t say a word to help him be the Minister of Rites. It''s all because he encountered Your Majesty, a true talent-spotter. If he wants to thank anyone, he should thank Your Majesty."


    She was joking, of course. She had almost been lumped in with those used of meddling in state affairs from within the pce.


    "Ahem..."


    The Xuanwu Emperor had only been teasing her. He coughed a few times to clear his throat: "In that case, Empress, take the Fifth Prince back to Yikun Pce to raise him. I have difficulties with producing heirs, so let the people below be careful."


    "Yes, I will give instructions ordingly."


    As Empress Zhu was leaving, she gave Jiang Xinyue a grateful look.


    "She''s gone."


    The Xuanwu Emperor held her in his arms, patting her back in relief, though it wasn''t clear if he wasforting himself or Jiang Xinyue.


    His deep voice carried a hint of hoarseness: "Tell me, what really happened?"


    "I don''t think it was Consort Shu..."


    At that time, Shuang Jiang had twisted her ankle, and Xi Que was supporting her back to Hexi Pce. The woman who imed to be a pce maid from Jingren Pce led her towards Jingren Pce.


    There was a vermilion wooden bridge over the artificialke, which one had to cross to reach Jingren Pce.


    Jiang Xinyue knew how to swim, so she wasn''t too concerned about safety. Who would have thought that in this moment of carelessness, the pce maid would suddenly strike her back with her palm, pushing her into the water.


    Very quickly, someone underwater grabbed her ankle. Although the eunuch who went down to investigate said it was tangled water nts, Jiang Xinyue had grown up by the sea and was an excellent swimmer who could hold her breath for three minutes underwater.


    The person wearing a mask to cover their face was a guard, tall and strong, with strength dozens of times greater than hers.


    She could only y dead. After tricking the guard into loosening his grip, when he wasn''t paying attention and came to check her pulse, she suddenly opened her eyes and plunged the golden hairpin in her hand into his chest.


    She had used all her strength, but due to the resistance of the water, the hairpin only prated halfway into his chest. Even a guard as strong as him couldn''t have escaped.


    "If it was really Consort Shu, how could she possibly use someone from her own pce to summon me? It''s nothing more than someone trying to frame Consort Shu. The one who harmed me definitely wasn''t Consort Shu."


    The Xuanwu Emperor let out a long sigh of relief. If Concubine Zhen had insisted on punishing Consort Shu without considering the consequences, it would have put him in a difficult position.


    With the Wu family gone, keeping Consort Shu and Consort Rong in the pce as figureheads would also serve as a gesture to the Empress Dowager.


    Now that she was pregnant, it was even more impossible to take action against her.


    Fortunately, Concubine Zhen was sensible. Both in terms of appearance and personality, shepletely matched his expectations.


    "I''ve already ordered Wang Dequan to have the Investigative Bureau search for the pce maid and guard you mentioned."


    The Xuanwu Emperor rested his chin on top of Jiang Xinyue''s head: "But I advise you not to get your hopes up too high. Anyone who would do such a thing would have surely covered their tracks thoroughly."


    That young pce maid was either dead or hidden away, and wouldn''t be easy to find.


    As for the guard...


    The imperial guards who could serve in the pce all had impressive backgrounds. Those without family status had connections, and those without connections hadworks. Investigating them would be fraught with difficulties.


    However, Concubine Zhen''s watery eyes were filled with grievance as she gazed at him with adoration. "No matter how powerful they are, can they be more powerful than Your Majesty? This consort believes that Your Majesty will surely capture the viins who harm the concubines in the harem."


    She clenched her small fist, her face eager and determined. "When that timees, this consort will definitely let those viins taste the vor of her fist."


    In an instant, her pale face became animated once again.

 Chapter 71

    If it were anyone else, they would undoubtedly be crying and wailing at this moment, begging him for justice, dragging down this person and that, essentially trying to trample on every favored concubine in the harem.


    Even if they didn''t resort to such tactics, they would at least disy their vulnerability, subtly guiding him to suspect certain concubines.


    But Concubine Zhen was different from anyone else.


    Concubine Li held a grudge against her, yet she didn''t even mention it.


    The Empress had also schemed against her, and whether or not the Xuanwu Emperor knew, she still spoke in the Empress''s favor. This foolish girl, helping count the money for those who had sold her out.


    Thinking back carefully, it seemed that Consort Jin and Consort Zhang had also given her a hard time, but she appeared to have forgotten it instantly, not taking their bullying to heart.


    There were only two exceptions: once when Shuang Jiang was beaten, she rolled up her sleeves the next day and thrashed Concubine Li''s maid.


    The second time was when Concubine Su killed Little Ai Jiang; she plotted against Concubine Su and was reprimanded by him. Each time, she only retaliated for the sake of those close to her or her pets.


    It was his excessive doting on her, coupled with his failure to protect her, that made everyone in the harem think Concubine Zhen was good-natured and thus easier to bully.


    If the harem concubines knew the Emperor thought this way, they would probably all be kneeling at the gates of Chengqian Pce, crying out in injustice.


    If we turn back time to when Concubine Chu was still in Changchun Pce, she had instigated Concubine Zhen''s sister, Jiang Baolin, to hang herself in Xihuo Pce and even pretended to be a ghost to frighten Concubine Zhen.


    Where is Concubine Chu now?


    Oh!


    She has been demoted to the lowest rank of consort and sent to the Criminal Servants'' Prison as a ve.


    Let''s look at Concubine Su from Consort De''s Pce...


    She killed Concubine Zhen''s little dog and falsely used Concubine Zhen of hanging the dog''s corpse on her door to intimidate her.


    When she tried the same trick again, she was caught red-handed by the Emperor. Not only were her leg tendons cut, but she was also sent home. To avoid disaster, the Su family moved out of the capital entirely.


    There''s no need to inquire about Concubine Su''s fate; she''s surely dead.


    Then there''s Jiang Yuan, formerly known as Consort Jiang, now a Cold Pce Criminal ve. Though not at the height of favor, she had quite a bit of face with the Emperor before Concubine Zhen entered the pce.


    Because she poisoned Concubine Zhen, she fell out of the Emperor''s favor and has no hope for this life anymore.


    There''s also Consort Wan, who was demoted to Consort Zhang by the Emperor on the pretext of interfering in politics, just for saying a few unkind words about Concubine Zhen in the Cold Pce.


    With so many cautionary tales, none of the harem concubines dared to easily move against Jiang Xinyue.


    If the harem concubines knew that the Emperor still felt he hadn''t protected her despite such fierce protection, they would truly be angered to the point of spitting blood.


    "You should focus on recuperating. I will seek justice for you," the Emperor said.


    Jiang Xinyue fell limply into the Xuanwu Emperor''s arms. "Your Majesty, I too wish to find out who harmed me, but I''m well aware that in your position, it''s lonely at the top, and there are many things that cannot be said. If this culprit cannot be touched, I won''t ask for revenge. As long as Your Majesty is good to me, I don''t care about anything else. Even if it costs me my life, I''d be willing. So, Your Majesty, promise me you won''t make things too difficult for yourself, alright?"


    Giving up her life was impossible, but this didn''t stop her from sweet-talking and moving the Xuanwu Emperor.


    How could she be so soft? How could she be so willing topromise for the sake of her loved one?


    The Xuanwu Emperor held her tightly, as if embracing a treasured possession that had been lost and found again. "Yue''er, don''t say such inauspicious things. It was my fault before for not taking care of your safety. From now on, with me here, no one will be able to harm you."


    The next day dawned bright and clear, with warm sunshine and a gentle breeze. The Xuanwu Emperor decreed that a grand martial artspetition would be held in Wude Hall within the pce, ordering all pce guards to participate.


    The champion would be selected and appointed as the Emperor''s personal armed guard, so no one was allowed to be absent. Every pce guard had to participate.


    However, with the vast number of pce guards, gathering them all couldn''t be aplished in a single day.


    Those who could quickly assemble on the first day were already ruled out as suspects by the Xuanwu Emperor.


    The rest ¨C those who called in sick, went home to visit family, were injured on duty, and others who didn''t gather promptly ¨C became the Emperor''s focus of attention.


    All were young talents, each tall and imposing. The harem concubines had been dressing up beautifully these days, going to the training grounds of Wude Hall to watch the guardspete.


    Although they were all the Emperor''s women, aside from the Empress, Consort De, Consort Shu, Consort Liang, Concubine Rong, Concubine Li, and a few other "veterans," the rest were all young men and women in the bloom of youth. The surge of hormones was unstoppable.


    "My Lady, won''t you go and watch?" Shuang Jiang had just finished feeding meat bones to Guo, washed her hands, and returned to the study of Hexi Pce. Standing beside Jiang Xinyue, she said, "I heard that both the Empress and Consort De have brothers serving as pce guards. This martial artspetition is grand, and almost all thedies of the harem have gone to watch!"


    The only exceptions were Concubine Li, who was confined by the Emperor, Ye Baolin, whose face was injured, and of course, her own mistress, Concubine Zhen.


    "What''s there to see?" Jiang Xinyue tossed a newly written piece of calligraphy paper into the fire basin. The delicate handwriting was instantly devoured by the mes, turning to ck ash.


    Shuang Jiang was confused. "My Lady, why did you burn such beautiful writing?"


    Jiang Xinyue smiled. "It''s not that good. You just think it''s nice because you''re biased towards me."


    Not understanding what her mistress meant, Shuang Jiang still stood by her side, helping her grind ink while watching her write.


    It truly was beautiful writing.


    The character "Zhen" leapt off the paper, the final stroke not yet added when they heard Xi Que''s voice from outside: "Ye Baolin, Ye Baolin, you can''t go in! Our Lady..."


    "Get out of my way!"


    With a loud bang, the study door was kicked open. Ye Baolin rushed straight to Jiang Xinyue, her eyes zing with anger.


    The red marks on her face had not yet faded as she immediately questioned, "Jiang Xinyue, you did this on purpose, didn''t you?"


    The wolf-hair brush was heavily ced on the brush rest. Jiang Xinyue looked at her with emotionless eyes. "Didn''t the matrons in Chuxiu Pce teach you manners?"


    Ye Baolin ced both hands on the table, narrowing her eyes and speaking in an unfriendly tone, "I pped Concubine Li, and the Emperor didn''t do anything to me. Who do you think you are to lecture me about manners? Do you think you''re something special just because you''ve been favored for a few days? Do you believe that I..."


    "p!"


    Jiang Xinyue was not about to indulge her bad behavior. With a p, she struck her head to the side. "I am Concubine Zhen. You are merely Ye Baolin. Who do you think you are to dare shout at me? Xi Que, p her mouth."


    After all, this was Hexi Pce, Jiang Xinyue''s territory. How could she allow Ye Baolin to be so impudent?


    In no time at all, she was held down by several eunuchs while Xi Que struck left and right, adding fresh wounds to her face.


    In the end, Ye Baolin had to be taught that within the pce, one''s status and nobility were not determined by family background, but by the rank and position of a concubine.


    Those who offended their superiors deserved to be beaten.

 Chapter 72

    "I..."


    It wasn''t until Ye Baolin''s cheeks swelled up, trying desperately to break free from the eunuch''s grip, her movements bing increasingly frantic, that Jiang Xinyue finally ordered them to release her.


    Her tone was icier than ever before: "Think carefully before you speak again. Otherwise, I won''t hesitate to tear that foul mouth of yours apart."


    Ye Baolin, who had initially doubted Consort Zhang''s words, now had no choice but to believe them.


    This vile Jiang Xinyue had indeed approached her only because of her good family background. Now that she had gained power, the wench''s true, hypocritical face was finally revealed.


    As Ye Baolin''s expression grew more venomous, Jiang Xinyue let out a coldugh and stepped out from behind her writing desk. "Speak! Who put you up to this,ing here to make a scene?"


    "You..."


    Ye Baolin gasped for air, straightening her disheveled clothes, and red at Jiang Xinyue fiercely. "I need no one''s instigation! We entered the pce together as candidates. I treated you like a sister, confiding everything in you. How did you repay me? You knew... you knew I had feelings for His Majesty, yet you still... you still... Jiang Xinyue, I was wrong about you. Remember this: one day, I''ll make you regret it."


    Having spewed her venom, the enraged Ye Baolin tried to leave, but Jiang Xinyue grabbed her wrist. "What exactly were you wrong about? We were both candidates. Who wouldn''t want the Emperor''s favor? Why is it eptable for you but not for me? Did you expect me to be cast into the Pce of Exile just to preserve our sisterly bond?"


    She snorted derisively. "You gained the Emperor''s favor by imitating me, and I haven''t even med you for that. Yet here you are, trying to turn the tables on me. Ye Baolin, don''t you find yourself disgusting?"


    From the beginning, Ye Baolin had merely seen Jiang Xinyue as her subordinate, a mere servant. What sisterly affection?


    She had only befriended Jiang Xinyue because of her outstanding beauty, deliberately revealing her true feelings for the Emperor to pressure Jiang Xinyue not topete with her.


    "We''re both foxes from the same hill. Why are you putting on this act for me?"


    Ye Baolin retreated step by step under Jiang Xinyue''s intense gaze. Her guilty eyes darted around, unable to meet Jiang Xinyue''s. Her lips trembled, unable to utter a word.


    "Hah!"


    Jiang Xinyue released her hand. "Ye Baolin, don''t try to guilt-trip me. I have no such thing as a conscience."


    Havinge to reprimand Jiang Xinyue and make her feel guilty, only to have her intentions exposed, Ye Baolin could only flee in disgrace.


    Jiang Xinyue calmed her anger and summoned Xiaoxuan: "There''s been a lot of rat-catching in the pcetely. Take Gui to Zhong Cui Pce and say you heard from the maids that Consort Zhang''s pce is infested with rats. Tell her I''m kindly offering to help clean them out."


    Consort Zhang was still basking in the joy of having instigated Ye Baolin to cause trouble for Concubine Zhen when a servant came to report that Concubine Zhen''s beloved dog had arrived.


    Concubine Su''s tragic fate after killing Concubine Zhen''s dog was still fresh in everyone''s mind. Consort Zhang didn''t have the courage to harm this precious pet.


    Xiaoxuan led a group of eunuchs and maids, bringing Gui into Zhong Cui Pce. "Good Gui, the rats in Consort Zhang''s pce are as big as people. You must catch them one by one. Don''t let these filthy sewer rats escape!"


    "Woof! Woof! Woof! Woof!"


    Gui stood on his hind legs, poised to charge. Before Consort Zhang could react, Xiaoxuan released the leash.


    Gui lunged forward, leaping towards Consort Zhang, who screamed in terror: "Ah¡ª"


    The snow-white dog''s agile body traced a perfect parab over her head,nding and darting straight for Consort Zhang''s chambers.


    "Bang!"


    "Crash!"


    "tter!"


    In the ensuing chaos, Gui shattered numerous precious porcins and decorations in Zhong Cui Pce.


    Consort Zhang''s bedchamber suffered even greater losses, with even her bedding soaked in dog urine, filling the air with a foul stench.


    "You... you''ve gone too far! What are you trying to do?"


    Xiaoxuan cradled Gui, whose ears drooped, his expression even more indignant than Consort Zhang''s. "What''s wrong with your Zhong Cui Pce? Why spread false rumors? There clearly aren''t any rats, yet you imed there were, causing our mistress to send us to catch them. Our Gui is an infallible rat-catcher, and now he''s suffered a blow in your Zhong Cui Pce. Not catching a single rat must have dejected him. If he bes depressed because of this, our mistress won''t let you off easily."


    He red at Consort Zhang, then stroked Gui''s head lovingly, gathering the dog in his arms as he headed out. "Don''t be sad, Gui. The rats here have be spirits. It''s normal that you couldn''t catch them. I''ll make you some meat bones to eat when we get back!"


    Consort Zhang wanted to order her people to seize the wretched dog and Xiaoxuan, but they were from Concubine Zhen''s pce. Her own people might not dare to act.


    A dog catching rats¡ªwasn''t this a veiled criticism of her meddling?


    Impossible!


    She had been so discreet; Jiang Xinyue couldn''t have discovered that she was the one who had soured Ye Baolin''s rtionship with her.


    In Chengqian Pce¡ª


    The Xuanwu Emperor finished reviewing a stack of memorials, the corners of his mouth curling into a barely perceptible smile. "She sent Gui to Consort Zhang''s pce to wreak havoc?"


    Wang Dequan couldn''t help butugh. "Indeed, Your Majesty. Concubine Zhen is childlike in her ways. Not only has she won the affection of the princes and princesses, but even the animals she raises seem exceptionally intelligent."


    Consort Zhang had instigated Ye Baolin to cause trouble in Hexi Pce, hoping to reap the benefits. She never expected Concubine Zhen to y outside the rules, directly retaliating and leaving Consort Zhang with no grounds forint.


    After all, she could hardly tell the Emperor that the reason Concubine Zhen''s dog came to wreak havoc in Zhong Cui Pce was because her own misdeeds had been exposed.


    Unaware that the Emperor knew the truth, Consort Zhang was now kneeling in the imperial study, tearfully pleading her case: "Your Majesty, Concubine Zhen is abusing your favor and has bewless. She allowed her pet to humiliate me. I beg Your Majesty to uphold justice for me."


    The Xuanwu Emperor looked up from the tall stack of memorials, his expression unreadable¡ªwhether angry or something else¡ªand asked with curiosity: "Do you actually have rats in your pce?"


    Consort Zhang''s sobs abruptly ceased. She looked at the Xuanwu Emperor with a strange expression. "I... my pce doesn''t have a kitchen. How could there be rats? Concubine Zhen was clearly trying to cause trouble for me. If Your Majesty continues to protect her, it truly breaks my heart."


    The Xuanwu Emperor felt a twinge of disappointment.


    How could there be no rats?


    If there were any,ing over wouldn''t have been in vain. Its title of "Mouse-Catching General" would truly be well-deserved!


    Though regretful in his heart, his face turned cold and stern: "How did Concubine Zhen insult you? Did she use you of passing by theke and refusing to save her? Or did she wrongly me you for encouraging Ye Baolin to cause her trouble?"


    Consort Zhang was shocked and terrified. Her legs gave way, and she fell to her knees, her face showing extreme fear: "Your Majesty, I''ve been wronged... I... On the day Concubine Zhen fell into the water, I... I didn''t know about it at all!"

 Chapter 73

    "Oh?"


    The Xuanwu Emperor stopped writing and looked up at Consort Zhang. "Wronged? You don''t know? Do you think I''m blind?"


    Wang Dequan lowered his head, not daring to look at the Emperor''s enraged face. He wanted to remind Consort Zhang that it would be better to confess quickly.


    In this pce, there were no secrets the Emperor couldn''t uncover if he wanted to know.


    These past two days, the Emperor had turned the entire pce upside down investigating Concubine Zhen''s fall into the water.


    To find the guard with the chest injury, he had organized a grand martial artspetition, even using the position of imperial guard as bait. So what was strange about discovering that Consort Zhang had passed by theke at that time?


    Consort Zhang made a desperate attempt: "Your servant did pass by theke that day, but I didn''t hear anymotion, nor did I hear Concubine Zhen calling for help! Perhaps... perhaps someone dragged her underwater, and I walked by too quickly, so I missed it. Your Majesty, I really didn''t..."


    "Enough!"


    The Xuanwu Emperor didn''t want to hear any more of her excuses. He directly ordered Wang Dequan: "Consort Zhang is willful, jealous, and vicious. From this day forward, demote her to Consort Zhang and confine her to the side hall of Zhong Cui Pce."


    He wasn''t even going to give her the main quarters of Zhong Cui Pce, instead making her move to the side hall.


    The Emperor knew how to kill with kindness.


    For the women of the pce, rank and face were more important than life itself. He had instantly grasped Consort Zhang''s lifeline, gripping her by the throat, causing her face to turn ashen in an instant.


    Wang Dequan gave a signal, and immediately eunuchs came to support the limp Consort Zhang... no... Consort Zhang as they took her away.


    In a daze, Consort Zhang was thrown onto the cold floor of the side hall. She suddenly grabbed Wang Dequan''s robe like a madwoman: "Why? Why is the Emperor being so cruel to me? Concubine Zhen also caused Noble Consort Li to fall into the water before, but not only did nothing happen to her, she even got promoted. I just passed by without saving Concubine Zhen, why is the Emperor treating me like this?"


    Wang Dequan mercilessly pulled back his robe, his face a mask of pleasantness, his smile unwavering: "Mydy is confused. Concubine Zhen is now the Emperor''s most beloved. If you cause trouble for Concubine Zhen, the Emperor will only make you more miserable. Don''t me the Emperor for being heartless, me only the mastermind who made you go against Concubine Zhen."


    Consort Zhang was slightly shocked, her pupils contracting for a moment in surprise.


    She took a few steps back, appearing extremely afraid of the "mastermind" Wang Dequan had mentioned.


    This secretive, tight-lipped behavior was all observed by Wang Dequan. When he returned to the imperial study, he reported truthfully: "The one who frightens Consort Zhang so much is probably..."


    He didn''t finish his sentence, but the Xuanwu Emperor understood what his oldpanion meant to say.


    "The Empress Dowager!"


    The one who wanted Concubine Zhen''s life was indeed the Empress Dowager!


    The Xuanwu Emperor could almost be certain that his cruel mother once again wanted to take away something he loved.


    "Crash!"


    A pair of fine official kiln famille-rose porcins shattered in the Ci''ning Pce. The Dowager Empress Wu''s hand gripping the chair back showed bulging blue veins.


    Her chest heaved violently, her face terrifyingly gloomy: "The Emperor has now lost his head over a woman. I am his birth mother, yet he dares to treat me like this. It seems I''ve been dormant for too long, to the point where even a mere concubine dares to use me as a stepping stone for favor."


    Behind her, Granny Gui tried to soothe her: "Empress Dowager, please calm your anger. The Emperor is just momentarily blinded by that treacherous concubine, he''s not truly opposing you. Please don''t ruin your health over someone unworthy. The Emperor will understand your good intentions."


    "Can I still count on this unfilial son?"


    The Dowager Empress Wu pped the chair back with a resounding "bang": "I knew from the moment that unfilial son overthrew the Wu Family that he was just like his fickle father. I shouldn''t have expected him to give face to the Wu Family, to give me face."


    She trembled with anger, and after forcing herself to calm down, she sat in the chair, her eyes glinting with scheming light: "How is Consort Shu''s health now?"


    Granny Gui respectfully answered: "With Your Highness''s loving care, Consort Shu is naturally doing extremely well. The Qu Physician who gave Your Highness the safety pulse reading is a master of pregnancy care. Consort Shu and the little prince will both be safe, Your Highness can rest assured."


    Only then did a smile appear at the corners of the Dowager Empress Wu''s mouth. She sped her hands together in front of her chest and bowed: "May Buddha bless us... May Buddha bless us..."


    She only hoped that Consort Shu could give birth to a prince of Wu Family blood, then she could overthrow her own son and support her grandson''s ascension to the throne.


    By then, she would be the Empress Dowager ruling from behind the curtain, truly above all others.


    In Hexi Pce, Yan the Imperial Physician, who hade to take care of Jiang Xinyue, stood bent over to one side. Although the weather was neither cold nor hot, perfectlyfortable in April,rge beads of sweat kept rolling down his forehead.


    Being an imperial physician... could bring glory to one''s ancestors... it was the lifelong pursuit of all who studied medicine... but being an imperial physician... also meant having one''s head tied to one''s belt, ready to sacrifice one''s life at any moment for the pce intrigues.


    Yan the Imperial Physician felt that he was about to lose his little life now.


    Who could have imagined that Concubine Zhen, the Emperor''s beloved favorite, would be such a good actress?


    What falling into the water unconscious, life hanging by a thread?


    It was all an act put on by Concubine Zhen, and she had forced him to y along.


    "Is Physician Yan very hot?"


    Jiang Xinyue smiled at the old man, a smile that Yan the Imperial Physician found creepy no matter how he looked at it. "No, no... This humble servant is not hot... not hot at all..."


    "Xique, bring a chair for Physician Yan. Please don''t stand on ceremony, Physician Yan."


    How could Yan the Imperial Physician dare to sit? He thought Concubine Zhen was just trying to intimidate him. His knees went weak and he fell to the ground, crying and pleading: "Concubine Zhen, please spare my life! This humble servant... This humble servant knows nothing and will say nothing. This humble servant has elderly parents and young children at home, I beg Concubine Zhen to spare me!"


    What''s going on?


    Jiang Xinyue felt that her attitude had been very kind already. She quickly had Xiaoxuan pull the man up: "Physician Yan, when I was previously poisoned in the Cold Pce, it was thanks to your miraculous skills that saved my life. I have always remembered this with gratitude. How could I possibly want your life?"


    She just wanted to win him over and bind him to her cause, that''s all.


    Yan the Imperial Physician cautiously raised his head, examining the face of Concubine Zhen that looked like a beautiful but venomous snake no matter how he looked at it. Trembling, he asked: "You... you really won''t kill this humble servant?"


    Jiang Xinyue nodded, her expression particrly sincere.


    Yan the Imperial Physician finally breathed a sigh of relief, wiping the cold sweat from his face with his sleeve: "This humble servant thanks Concubine Zhen. Your Highness has spared my life, and I swear to keep your secret to the grave, not revealing even a fraction of it."


    "It''s not that important," Jiang Xinyue said with a smile ying at the corners of her lips. "Even if you were to tell anyone, no one would believe you. Who would risk their own life to gain the Emperor''s pity without implicating anyone else?"


    She had been pushed into the water, but she hadn''t told the Emperor who had done it, nor had she even hinted at who she suspected.


    Not only that, but she had also staunchly defended Consort Shu''s innocence in front of the Emperor.

 Chapter 74

    Who is the real culprit?


    Naturally, it''s whoever the Emperor suspects or guesses it to be.


    Even if every woman in the harem were to be suspected, it would have nothing to do with Concubine Zhen.


    She is the biggest victim, nearly losing her life!


    Yan the Imperial Physician, who had just put his heart back in his chest, felt it leap again: "Con-Concubine Zhen, this humble servant is too stupid... I truly don''t understand Your Highness''s meaning. Please enlighten me."


    Jiang Xinyue used both carrot and stick, seeing that Yan the Imperial Physician was nearly at his breaking point. Judging the time was right, she sighed and said: "Uncle Yan, Xinyue''s entry into the pce was not by choice. My father sent me here for wealth and glory. You''ve witnessed all the schemes and harm I''ve faced along the way. If I don''t know how to protect myself, I''m afraid there will soon be no such person as Concubine Zhen in the pce."


    Her gaze was sorrowful, with tears glimmering: "Uncle Yan, our two families are old friends, and Xinyi was my closest friend before I entered the pce. My hardships are untold; I can only share a bit with you. Will you help me, Uncle Yan?"


    Yan Xinyi is Yan the Imperial Physician''s only daughter, truly innocent and kind-hearted, without any guile.


    Before entering the pce, the original owner of this body knew Yan Xinyi''s identity and deliberately befriended her, thinking that after entering the pce, she could use Yan the Imperial Physician to gain the Emperor''s favor.


    Now it benefited Jiang Xinyue, who had crossed over from another world. It was perhaps the only good deed the original owner had done.


    If the original owner hadn''t made so many enemies everywhere, Jiang Xinyue wouldn''t have to be schemed against by so many people. So she felt no guilt in using the original owner''s connections.


    Moreover, in this pce, whether you fight for favor or not, those who aren''t smart enough are doomed.


    That person impersonating Consort Shu''s maid did exist and was indeed the Dowager Empress''s person. Shuang Jiang twisted her ankle because they had applied oil to the cobblestones in advance.


    The Dowager Empress, as the highest-ranking figure in the harem, far above Empress Zhu, had countless spies reporting Jiang Xinyue''s movements to her.


    If the Xuanwu Emperor investigated this point, the Dowager Empress couldn''t escape being the mastermind behind the scenes.


    But after sending away Xi Que and Shuang Jiang, that maid only had someone catch her, p her face, and tell her to behave and not covet things she shouldn''t, such as the Emperor''s favor.


    The Dowager Empress must have been angry that she had snatched the Emperor away from Consort Shu, thinking she intentionally opposed Consort Shu.


    She probably wanted to teach her a lesson but didn''t want to strain the fragile mother-son rtionship with the Emperor further, so she could only intimidate Jiang Xinyue this way.


    But her tactics were clearly not enough against Jiang Xinyue, a top schr of "Empresses in the Pce."


    So she turned the tables, using what she had learned from her psychology doctorate to hypnotize herself on the spot.


    Consort Zhang, passing by theke, only saw the maid push Jiang Xinyue into the water. She didn''t see that Jiang Xinyue had deliberately provoked a conflict with the maid, and in the scuffle, even the maid couldn''t remember if she had pushed Jiang Xinyue in or if Jiang Xinyue had lost her bnce and fallen in.


    As for the guard pulling at her foot underwater, that was a character she had fabricated.


    However, the water weeds at the bottom were real and had been deliberately tied into knots.


    If someone fell in identally, they would certainly get tangled in panic, unable to untie them, and eventually die at the bottom.


    But fortunately, she wasn''t pushed in unprepared. As soon as she hit the water, she changed her posture, diving headfirst. When she felt the knotted weeds, she immediately swam to a safe ce.


    She held her breath underwater for a full three minutes, deliberately swallowed some water to appear as if she was choking, and then surfaced to call for help.


    When the Xuanwu Emperor questioned her, including her dizziness upon waking, it was because she was still under hypnosis, truly believing someone had been pulling at her foot underwater, and that she had barely escaped with her life after stabbing the attacker with her hairpin.


    When people lie, some subconscious expressions, movements, and eye movements can''t deceive others.


    The Xuanwu Emperor is a shrewd person who is very good at observing micro-expressions. If such a person were to study psychology in the modern world, he would likely be a master in academia.


    Jiang Xinyue dared not underestimate him.


    Lying might be seen through, but if even she herself was deceived by her own lie, how could it be considered lying?


    What she said was all true!


    She was certain that even if she hadn''t fallen into the water this time, someone would have pushed her in eventually. Those knotted water weeds at the bottom were specifically prepared for her.


    But that person probably wasn''t the Dowager Empress. This time, the Dowager Empress was destined to take the me for someone else behind the scenes.


    Jiang Xinyue had, by chance, avoided a fatal fall into the water that would havee to her not long after.


    As Yan the Imperial Physician left Hexi Pce carrying his medicine box, he looked up at the square blue sky and truly felt for the first time that the imperial pce was a cage that devoured people without spitting out bones.


    It could turn an innocent, unworldly young girl into someone so deeply scheming and terrifyingly cunning.


    But Concubine Zhen was right. He was getting old and had no heir to inherit his skills. The head of the Imperial Hospital had always been someone from Empress Zhu''s faction. No matter how skilled his apprentices were, they had no hope of promotion.


    After he passed away, there would likely be no one to take care of his only daughter.


    Without the support of her maternal family, her future husband''s family would bully her and look down on her.


    But what if his daughter was friends with a favored concubine in the pce?


    Which official''s family wouldn''t treat his daughter like a treasure then?


    Ordinary families wouldn''t dare to make his daughter unhappy in the slightest.


    Concubine Zhen...


    Concubine Zhen had indeed fallen into the water and was seriously injured. He couldn''t let the Emperor easily forgive those who had harmed Concubine Zhen!


    Xi Que patted her chest: "When did the mistress discover something was wrong with that maid?"


    If she hadn''t discovered it early, she might have lost her life.


    Jiang Xinyue looked at Shuang Jiang''s swollen ankle and said: "I knew something was wrong when Shuang Jiang twisted her ankle. How could a cobblestone path be so oily that it covered the soles of Shuang Jiang''s shoes?"


    And it was such a coincidence that just as Shuang Jiang twisted her ankle, Consort Shu''s maid came to invite her to Jingren Pce?


    Too many coincidences are not coincidences, but deliberate actions.


    Look at how the Xuanwu Emperor is turning the pce upside down for her sake. Consort Shu has fallen out of favor, and even the Dowager Empress is furious. Who knows what the oue of the investigation will be!


    The biggest winner is her!


    Not only did she get a promise from the Xuanwu Emperor, but she was also granted the title of Concubine Zhen.


    Although the Emperor''s promises can change as quickly as the wind and aren''t worth much, it proves that her status in the Emperor''s heart is already different from ordinary concubines.


    The Emperor''s promises were worthless, but he himself didn''t realize this. Any woman worthy of his promise was, at that moment, the one he loved most.


    Consort Shu and Concubine Li were both too foolish. They failed to secure more benefits for themselves within the Xuanwu Emperor''s limited affection.


    She was different. She wanted everything except the Emperor''s love.


    "But..." Xi Que looked at Jiang Xinyue with concern. "If His Majesty can''t find a guard with a chest wound, wouldn''t that prove that you, mydy, are lying?"

 Chapter 75

    "Think about it some more," Jiang Xinyue said, giving her a gentle push on the head. "Use that pretty little brain of yours. Which high-ranking concubine doesn''t have a brother working in the pce these days?"


    Even if they didn''t have blood brothers, there was always a rtive or two from their extended family. Otherwise, how would these concubinesmunicate with their families?


    Not only did the Empress and Consort De have such connections, but Consort Liang, Consort Jin, Ye Baolin, and even Concubine Li and Consort Wan all had them too.


    Of course, their backgrounds varied, and so did their abilities, which led to different levels of sess.


    Those who hadn''t fared well naturally envied those who had. When a rare opportunity presented itself, who wouldn''t seize it?


    Xi Que gazed into Jiang Xinyue''s eyes, feeling her own foolish reflection staring back from her mistress''s wise gaze.


    Jiang Xinyue wasn''t in a hurry. She let Xi Que think it through on her own while she sat by the gauze window, her elbow propped on the desk as she read a book.


    "Ah!" After a long while, Xi Que finally eximed, "I understand now! If we spread the news that you stabbed a guard, they''ll start framing each other."


    Jiang Xinyue nodded. "When that happens, they''ll go to great lengths to frame one another, even fabricating wounds that match the golden hairpin I supposedly used. Why should I exert myself when others will perfect the lie for us?"


    By evening, news of Concubine Zhen stabbing a guard in the chest had spread throughout the imperial harem.


    Concubine Li grabbed Xia He''s hand. "Is it true that Concubine Zhen herself said this?"


    Xia He nodded vigorously. "Yes, My Lady. Concubine Zhen told the Emperor herself. Three imperial physicians were present at the time. If you don''t believe me, you can summon Dr. Yan to confirm it."


    "It must be true then," Concubine Li paced back and forth in the great hall, visibly excited. "I knew it. The Emperor''s sudden decision to hold a grand martial artspetition was all for Concubine Zhen''s sake. He wants to find the injured guard."


    "It''s been two days already, and they haven''t finished testing all the guards who''ve gathered. I wonder if they''ll be able to find him?"


    Xia He''s eyes darted about as she spoke. "My Lady, I heard that the Empress''s second brother has gone back to Changan County to visit family. It will take a few days for him to return. He serves as a fourth-rank guard in the pce."


    A fourth-rank guard was considered a fifth-grade official. While not a particrly high position, it offered great potential for advancement, unlike her own family''s illegitimate brother, who was still just a sixth-grade musketeer in the imperial guard.


    "Go, write a letter to grandfather. Tell them they must intercept Zhu Eng and find out what Concubine Zhen''s golden hairpin looks like. This time, I''m determined to deliver a crushing blow to the Empress."


    Concubine Zhen''s status was too low to bepared with hers or Empress Zhu''s. No matter how much the Emperor favored her, she could only remain a concubine for life¡ªa mere ything, not worth worrying about.


    Only the Empress posed a real threat in the harem. To have a chance at bing the next Empress, she had to bring down the current one.


    If Concubine Li could think of this n, so could Empress Zhu, Consort De, Consort Liang, and the others.


    Suddenly, the number of letters leaving the imperial harem multiplied several times overpared to usual.


    The Xuanwu Emperor kept one eye open and one eye closed, instructing Wang Dequan to make a record of all the guards, maids, and eunuchs who delivered messages for the concubines. When the time was right, he would rece them all with his own trusted servants.


    In this way, he would have both the court and the harem under his control.


    "Your Majesty, only Consort De and Concubine Zhen haven''t sent any letters out of the pce. Almost all the other consorts and concubines have written and dispatched messages."


    The Xuanwu Emperor snorted coldly. "Look at this. Is this my harem or a den of spies? Out of three pces, six courts, and seventy-two concubines, only two are loyal to me."


    That wasn''t entirely urate. The Emperor didn''t care much about the concubines he hadn''t favored, whether they wrote letters or not.


    It was just that among those the Emperor had noted, only Consort De and Concubine Zhen hadn''t sent any messages outside.


    Wang Dequan could only report which concubines had sent letters; he dared not open and read the contents.


    The more illustrious the family, the more careful they were with their secret codes in correspondence.


    If he were to break the seal and destroy the code, it would alert them and ruin the Emperor''s n to rece them.


    Fortunately, the Emperor wasn''t curious about the contents of the letters. He only wanted the list of names so he could arrange for his own people to take their ces.


    "How''s the martial artspetition going?"


    The Xuanwu Emperor had only presided over the first day at Wude Hall. After failing to spot any guard with a chest injury, he''d left the matter to the Commander of the Imperial Guards and Wang Dequan to oversee.


    "Your Majesty, there are still about thirty guards who, for various reasons, won''t arrive for another two days. We''ve already tested most of those who have arrived. At most, it will take five days to get the results."


    There were only two possible oues: either they would find the injured guard, or they wouldn''t.


    If even the Emperor couldn''t find this person, it would mean the mastermind behind all this was terrifyingly skilled at concealment.


    One had to wonder if Concubine Zhen could escape unscathed after crossing such a formidable adversary.


    Jiang Xinyue, the one considered to be "deeply hidden," had pretended to be gravely ill for two days before finally getting out of bed.


    Her cat, freshly bathed and smelling sweet, jumped onto her and rolled around. Its snow-white fur tickled her neck, making her roll about on the bed.


    "As a concubine, youck all sense of decorum and cultivation. How can you possibly serve the Emperor well? Concubine Zhen, you should learn proper etiquette."


    Although Hexi Pce was usually quite rxed, they never allowed outsiders to barge in at will.


    Jiang Xinyue quickly sat up, controlling her yful cat. She saw a stern-faced old woman with her hairbed immactely, ring at her with severe eyes.


    The door to the bedchamber was wide open; this old woman had pushed her way in directly.


    Before Xi Que and Frost could speak, they were gagged and forced to kneel by a group of people.


    It wasn''t just the two of them¡ªthe entire courtyard was filled with kneeling, gagged servants.


    Jiang Xinyue understood. The Dowager Empress''sckeys hade to make trouble for her.


    She slowly rose and walked up to the old woman. Raising her hand, she delivered a resounding p across the woman''s face. "Who are you? How dare you intrude into my chambers and manhandle my maids and servants without cause? Aren''t you afraid the Emperor will have your head for this?"


    What did it matter? The woman hadn''t introduced herself, so it was perfectly normal for Jiang Xinyue not to recognize her.


    "You!" Granny Gui clutched her cheek, her face a mask of disbelief. "You dare to strike me?"


    She was the Dowager Empress''s trusted attendant, having entered the pce with her at the age of twelve. Now forty-five years old, she had risen from an obscure pce maid to the chief attendant at the side of the ruler of the inner court. Who wouldn''t show her some respect when they saw her?


    Even the Empress treated her with courtesy when they met. Yet this Concubine Zhen dared to strike her!


    "This Imperial Concubine will strike you if she wishes. A mere servant dog dares to offend her superior¡ªshould This Concubine thank you instead?"


    It was her own fault for barging in and causing trouble, without even announcing herself properly. Now that she had been struck, she could only ept her fate.

 Chapter 76

    "This old servant is Granny Gui from the Dowager Empress''s side. I''vee on Her Majesty''s orders to summon Concubine Zhen to Kunning Pce for questioning."


    Granny Gui''s face darkened. "Concubine Zhen, striking this old servant is like pping the Dowager Empress herself. When Her Majesty takes offenseter, you''ll have to face the consequences."


    Jiang Xinyue kicked Granny Gui''s knee again, causing her to fall to her knees in front of her. Anger flushed Granny Gui''s entire face red. "Concubine Zhen, what exactly do you mean by this?"


    "You say you''vee on the Dowager Empress''s orders to summon me for questioning? Is this how you invite someone? Anyone who didn''t know better would think I''dmitted some crime and you were here to drag me off for interrogation!"


    "Is this how the servants of Cining Pce behave? Not kneeling to greet your betters, but instead brazenly scolding the Emperor''s concubine? Well, old woman, if you say Ick manners, I absolutely refuse to admit it. Striking you is like striking the Dowager Empress? Who gave you, you ck-hearted old hag, such importance that you darepare yourself to Her Majesty? Shall I call the Emperor here to see if you''re really his mother?"


    Granny Gui had only said one sentence, but Jiang Xinyue''s retort left her speechless.


    That clearly wasn''t what she had meant, but with Concubine Zhen putting it that way, it did seem to sound like that.


    She was utterly unable to defend herself.


    While Granny Gui was still stunned, Jiang Xinyue walked out of the bedchamber, her icy gaze sweeping around. "If you don''t release my people immediately, I''ll make sure you all walk in here standing and leave lying down."


    If even Granny Gui had been dealt with so swiftly, how could the servants from Kunning Pce dare to oppose Concubine Zhen? They all watched as Granny Gui struggled to her feet, then meekly released their hold.


    Xi Que and Shuang Jiang immediately scrambled to their feet, ring fiercely at the two matrons who had been holding them down, before quickly running back to Jiang Xinyue''s side.


    Xiao Xuanzi also pushed away several eunuchs and, with Jiang Chuan''s help, got up and assisted the servants of Hexi Pce to their feet.


    Granny Gui hadpletely lost face. With a gloomy look, she said, "Now that Concubine Zhen has finished showing off her power, can you follow this old servant to Kunning Pce?"


    "p!"


    Another pnded on her face, presumably payback for the p that maid had given her by theke earlier. "Whether I''ve shown off my power or not is none of your business, you dog of a servant. When you truly be the Dowager Empress, then you cane and show off in front of me."


    She lifted her chin haughtily, perfectly embodying the phrase ''overbearing arrogance''. "Right now, you''re just an old servant. So keep to your ce as a servant, and don''t wave a chicken feather around here pretending it''s an imperial decree. I won''t fall for your tricks."


    After all, in the Dowager Empress''s eyes, any consort whopeted with Consort Shu for favor was not a good person. They were all obstacles to the revival of the Wu family. No matter what she did, she wouldn''t get any goodwill.


    So why should she try to please the Dowager Empress?


    Rather than mentally exhausting herself, it was better to go mad and torment others ¨C this had always been Jiang Xinyue''s life motto.


    Granny Gui was nearly driven mad with anger, but Concubine Zhen was indeed favored by the Emperor. No matter how senior she was, she was still just a servant.


    Concubine Zhen kept calling her "dog servant" over and over, and though it made her grind her teeth in hatred, she could only swallow it down and force herself to adopt a respectful posture and apologize.


    She just wanted Jiang Xinyue to hurry to Kunning Pce so she couldin to the Dowager Empress and let Her Majesty teach this presumptuous little Concubine Zhen a lesson.


    As Jiang Xinyue sat in the sedan chair, she continued to find fault with Granny Gui. One moment she''d say Granny Gui was walking with her head held high and chest puffed out, not looking like a servant at all. The next moment she''d use her of ring, asking if she was dissatisfied with her.


    She kept at it until Granny Gui bent her back and lowered her eyes, only then did she let up.


    None of the maids and eunuchs who hade from Cining Pce dared to look directly at Jiang Xinyue.


    There was no help for it ¨C her tongue was far too sharp. If they didn''t do exactly as she wished, she would sarcastically use them of disrespect, insubordination, improper servant behavior, or having ambitions above their station. They wouldn''t even have a chance to defend themselves before Concubine Zhen ordered someone to p their mouths.


    In the past, which consort hadn''t been trembling with fear when summoned by the Dowager Empress, walking on eggshells, afraid of offending the Emperor''s birth mother? They would even fawn over and try to please servants like them.


    Concubine Zhen... why didn''t she follow the usual script?


    No one from Cining Pce dared to raise their heads again. Jiang Xinyue gave Xiao Xuanzi a meaningful look. Xiao Xuanzi nodded, taking one step forward and three steps back, leaving the group.


    Her mistress was about to put on another good show. She had to hurry and invite the Emperor toe as an audience. Otherwise, her mistress''s heartfelt performance would go unappreciated.


    In Cining Pce, Consort Rong stood next to Consort Shu''s seat, looking worriedly at Concubine Zhen kneeling below. She gently tugged at Consort Shu''s sleeve.


    Consort Shu turned away, pretending not to notice.


    The Dowager Empress picked up the hot tea from the table, slowly blew on it, then took a small sip. She smiled benevolently at Consort Shu. "This is the finest Snow Tea from Tianshan, tribute from Jin Kingdom to our Great Yan this year. We only received a few pounds in total. If Consort Shu likes it, I''ll have Granny Gui send some to Jingren Pceter."


    Before Consort Shu could respond, she tapped her forehead. "Oh my, I forgot. Consort Shu is with child, so it''s best to drink less tea. Why don''t you send it to Chengqian Pce on my behalf? It can be a token of my deep maternal love for the Emperor."


    What utter nonsense!


    Jiang Xinyue really wanted to roll her eyes. Did this Dowager Empress think she didn''t know about her rtionship with the Emperor?


    Otherwise, she wouldn''t be putting on this act of maternal kindness here, hinting that she was the Xuanwu Emperor''s birth mother, that whatever she told the Xuanwu Emperor to do, he would do, and that Jiang Xinyue should know her ce and not goining to the Emperor.


    It seemed they were determined to teach her a lesson today!


    Jiang Xinyue had been kneeling on the ground for a while now, but the Dowager Empress and Consort Shu were chatting amongst themselves,pletely ignoring her.


    Jiang Xinyue wasn''t in a hurry. She calcted that by now, the Xuanwu Emperor should have reached the doors outside the main hall of Cining Pce. Only then did she suddenly stand up on her own, a mocking smile on her lips. "If Your Majesty summoned this concubine here just to punish me by kneeling, why not have me kneel outside the hall? It would serve as a better warning to others."


    "Crash!"


    "How dare you!"


    The Dowager Empress, who had been waiting for Jiang Xinyue to lose her temper, seemed to have caught her prey. A cup of hot tea came flying, shattering at her feet.


    Jiang Xinyue let out a loud cry, covering her face with both hands and using her sharp fingernails to scratch her cheeks.


    Under the bewildered gazes of Consort Shu and Consort Rong, she tore at her own clothes, messed up her hair, and even pped herself across the face. Tears quickly welled up in her eyes as she halfy among the shattered teacups and spilled water,menting pitifully: "Dowager Empress, you may not love the Emperor, but I do. You may not cherish him, but I will. What wrong have I done in simply hoping that you, as a mother, could think more of your own child? The Emperor is not a god; he is a living, breathing person! How can you hurt and harm him like this? Just because he''s the Emperor, do you think he doesn''t feel pain?"


    The Xuanwu Emperor, hearing the scream, came running over withrge strides.

 Chapter 77

    The sound of a shattering teacup and the Dowager Empress''s angry shout reached his ears. Despite his hurried rush, he had arrived a moment toote.


    Granny Gui, who had been standing beside the Dowager Empress, rushed forward when Jiang Xinyue went berserk. She intended to grab Jiang Xinyue''s hands, fearing she might harm the Dowager Empress and Consort Shu.


    However, just as she grasped Concubine Zhen''s hand, a vicious kick struck her chest. The impact sent her flying, crashing into one of the great hall''s pirs. It felt as if her internal organs had been rearranged, leaving her writhing in pain on the floor.


    The Xuanwu Emperor''s furious gaze swept past the Dowager Empress, who wanted to exin but didn''t know where to begin, andnded on the stunned Consort Shu.


    The disappointment in his eyes deeply wounded Consort Shu. She red back at the Xuanwu Emperor, refusing to back down even an inch.


    Jiang Xinyue, cradled in the emperor''s arms, revealed half of her face marred by bloody scratches. Nestled in his embrace, she shook her head and pleaded, "Your Majesty, I''m fine. Please don''t be angry, alright?"


    Despite being the injured party, she was the oneforting the Xuanwu Emperor, not wanting to upset him further.


    The Xuanwu Emperor held her tighter, drawing her closer to his chest. He addressed the Dowager Empress, "Mother, I''ve shown you leniency time and again out of filial respect. But don''t forget, I am the Son of Heaven of Great Yan. Whom I choose to favor and honor is my prerogative. If you continue to stir up trouble in my harem, I''ll have no choice but to send you to the summer pce."


    The summer pce was far away in Qin Province. Though it boasted a pleasant climate year-round and the emperor led his officials and consorts there every other year to escape the heat, it was still just a temporary residence. How could itpare to the luxury of the true imperial pce?


    The Dowager Empress stumbled back two steps, seemingly ovee with anger. Trembling with rage at both the Xuanwu Emperor and Jiang Xinyue, she pointed a shaking finger at the emperor. "Well... well done, Emperor... I gave birth to you, raised you, and this is how you repay me? Such filial impiety! Shouting at your own mother for the sake of a scheming consort ¨C if word gets out, people will curse your name!"


    The summer pce housed several deposed, childless, and mentally unstable imperial consorts from the previous emperor''s reign, many of whom held grudges against the Dowager Empress. Who knew if those madwomen might take out their frustrations on her?


    An emperor who disrespected his birth mother was morally deficient and unfit to rule Great Yan.


    The Xuanwu Emperor''s gaze turned sharp and cold as it fell on Consort Shu''s belly. She instinctively cradled her stomach.


    His Majesty had looked... terrifying just now!


    Jiang Xinyue felt as if she had be the viinous white lotus character from a female-led novel.


    She looked at the Xuanwu Emperor with concern, shaking her head slightly. Then, putting on an extremely pitiful expression, she addressed the Dowager Empress, "Your Imperial Highness, Consort Shu, all the me lies with this humble concubine. Please don''t fault His Majesty; he... he was merely worried about my frail health. This concubine begs forgiveness from Your Imperial Highness."


    The more Jiang Xinyue acted this way, the more enraged the Dowager Empress became, her eyes reddening with anger.


    Yet reason warned her not to lose her temper, lest she fall into that little hussy Concubine Zhen''s trap.


    The original n had been to provoke her into a rage, but now Jiang Xinyue had turned the tables. Not only that, but the Dowager Empress now had to suppress her own emotions and take the way out that Jiang Xinyue had offered.


    The Dowager Empress restrained herself, barely resisting the urge to rush over and tear out Jiang Xinyue''s hair. With a coldugh, she said, "Concubine Zhen''s apology is more than I deserve. Since the emperor protects you, there''s nothing I can do. I hope that in the future, you''ll behave yourself and stop plotting against Consort Shu. She''s nothing but a kind-hearted child, as you, Emperor, know better than I do."


    The Dowager Empress, a veteran of pce intrigues, managed in just a few sentences to sow seeds of doubt in the Xuanwu Emperor''s mind about Jiang Xinyue while evoking fond memories of Consort Shu.


    The reason he had initially favored Consort Shu was because in his youth, neglected by the Dowager Empress, he often brooded alone. Only Consort Shu noticed his mncholy and alwaysforted him, doing everything she could to cheer him up.


    When Wu Chengyi deliberately bullied him, unting the Dowager Empress''s affection in front of him, it was only Consort Shu who would step in to rebuke Wu Chengyi, forbidding him from disrespecting the future emperor.


    He had married the crown princess at thirteen, but the one who truly held his heart then was Consort Shu, still unmarried at the time.


    The Wu family''s refusal to marry Consort Shu into the Eastern Pce wasn''t just because they felt the Dowager Empress''s presence in the pce negated the need to sacrifice another daughter ¨C wasn''t it also because they looked down on him?


    The passion of his youth, after years of persistence and effort, had finally been rewarded. Yet he discovered that Consort Shu didn''t truly love him; she had only acquiesced for her family''s sake.


    That was why the Xuanwu Emperor had transferred his affections to Noble Consort Li.


    For all these years, he had guarded this secret well. No one knew that Consort Shu had been the woman he loved most, yet the Dowager Empress had exposed it with a single remark.


    He halted his steps, his expression barely changing, but Jiang Xinyue knew that at this moment, a fierce battle was raging in his heart.


    On one side was Consort Shu, his first love; on the other, Concubine Zhen, his new favorite. Both were equally dear to him.


    "Your Majesty..."


    She struggled out of the emperor''s arms of her own ord, and the Xuanwu Emperor didn''t insist on holding her.


    Jiang Xinyue covered her face with a handkerchief. "Your Majesty, Consort Shu has suffered a shock. She''s with child ¨C you should go check on her. This concubine is fine and can return to her pce on her own."


    She smiled obediently, but the sorrow in her eyes was impossible to conceal. Before her tears could fall, she curtsied to the Dowager Empress and the emperor, then turned and ran out.


    The tears fell too quickly; as she fled, the Xuanwu Emperor caught sight of teardrops rolling down her delicate chin.


    Suddenly, his heart clenched painfully, as if gripped by an unseen hand.


    The emperor looked at Consort Shu and finally sighed, extending his hand to her. "Wang Dequan, summon the imperial physician to Jingren Pce."


    Consort Shu''s anxious heart finally settled. Weeping, she grasped the Xuanwu Emperor''s hand.


    She hadn''t lost...


    Between her and Concubine Zhen, His Majesty would always choose her.


    Xiao Xuanzi looked perplexed, ncing at Jiang Xinyue with an expression that suggested he had something to say but was hesitating.


    Noticing his indecision, Jiang Xinyue sat up straight and said, "If you have a question, just ask. If I don''t tell you, I fear you won''t be able to sleep tonight."


    Xiao Xuanzi finally let out a long breath and asked, "My Lady, we went to such lengths, even hurting yourself, to create this scene for His Majesty. Why didn''t you strike while the iron was hot and invite him to Hexi Pce? Instead, you let Consort Shu seize the opportunity."


    "So you think Consort Shu won as well?"


    Jiang Xinyue looked at the nodding Xiao Xuanzi, her mood seemingly good as she smiled and said, "The Emperor must surely feel the same way."


    If every time she faced off against Consort Shu, she had topromise and retreat step by step, not only would it embolden Consort Shu''s temperament, but in the future, should Jiang Xinyue fail to yield even once, Consort Shu would experience a psychological gap and inevitably harbor resentment towards Jiang Xinyue.


    Moreover, relying on the Emperor''s special treatment of her, Consort Shu would cause scenes with the Emperor. After several such incidents, the already diminishing rose-tinted sses of first love would shatterpletely.

 Chapter 78

    At that time, when she, this considerate and gentle flower of understanding, takes advantage of the situation, would she still fear Consort Shu''s gray and faded moonlight obscured by dark clouds?


    It may seem that Consort Shu has won for now, but the Emperor''s thoughts may not necessarily be on her.


    In Jingren Pce¡ª


    After examining Consort Shu and confirming her pregnancy was stable, the Imperial Physician worriedly said, "Consort Shu, your worries and mncholy are extremely harmful for a pregnant woman. Your fetus is still small, and if this continues, I fear it may harm the imperial child. I will prescribe some medicine to stabilize the pregnancy and help you sleep. Please try not to think too much in the future."


    "Imperial Physician, please follow me. I will grind the ink for you."


    Only Consort Shu lying on the bed, the Xuanwu Emperor sitting beside her, and Wang Dequan standing behind the Emperor remained in the bedchamber.


    After the Imperial Physician finished reporting his diagnosis, the Xuanwu Emperor remained motionless, his gaze not on Consort Shu at all, but staring absent-mindedly at the pale blue bed curtains, his thoughts drifting somewhere unknown.


    Seeing this, Consort Shu coughed lightly. The Xuanwu Emperor,ing back to his senses, blinked and pushed away the tearful face in his mind. He tucked the thin nket around Consort Shu and said, "Did you hear what the Imperial Physician said? Don''t overthink things. Give birth to a beautiful little princess for me soon."


    He hoped Consort Shu would have a little princess because if it were a prince, things would be veryplicated.


    Consort Shu''s eyes were gentle, her whole being radiating maternal light: "I also hope it''s a little princess."


    She was telling the Xuanwu Emperor that her heart was always with him.


    "Just now..."


    The Xuanwu Emperor wanted to ask Consort Shu what had happened in Kunning Pce earlier, why Concubine Zhen had been beaten.


    But after some thought, he realized the Dowager Empress was taking revenge for Consort Shu, and Consort Shu had been present but didn''t speak up to plead for Concubine Zhen.


    It wouldn''t be fair to Concubine Zhen to ask Consort Shu about this.


    Consort Shu''s eyes moved subtly as she reached out to hold the Xuanwu Emperor''s hand: "Your Majesty, Concubine Zhen was injured today, but your aunt didn''t mean to do it. You and she are still mother and son after all¡ªblood is thicker than water! Concubine Zhen also wouldn''t want you to be at odds with your aunt, inviting others'' criticism. For the sake of me and Concubine Zhen, please don''t be angry with your aunt, alright?"


    She was clever enough not to defend the Dowager Empress or expose Jiang Xinyue''s act.


    Firstly, she had no evidence, and secondly, even if she said something, the Emperor wouldn''t believe her.


    In that moment of distraction, the Emperor must have been thinking of Concubine Zhen!


    Had she truly... not lost?


    These past few days, Empress Zhu had maintained an attitude of contentment with having a son, refusing to get involved no matter how Jiang Xinyue and Consort Shu fought.


    One was protected by the Dowager Empress, the other was the Emperor''s beloved consort. Helping either of them would only bring trouble to the Empress herself.


    It was better to pretend not to know.


    Every day when Fen Yun came to report, it was always Concubine Zhen at a disadvantage, with Consort Shu always managing to draw the Emperor away from Concubine Zhen.


    Fen Yun sighed, "The Emperor never seemed to like Consort Shu this much before! How is it that since she became pregnant, the Emperor neglects even Concubine Zhen and shows such favor to Consort Shu? What is the Emperor thinking?"


    Seeing the Empress close her eyes without speaking, Fen Yun continued, "This Consort Shu is truly formidable, quietly pushing Concubine Zhen down."


    "You think Consort Shu is formidable?" Empress Zhu slowly opened her eyes, "I admire Concubine Zhen''s tactics. She managed to force Consort Shu, who always hid behind the Emperor withoutpeting, toe out and vie for favor, moving from the background to the forefront. Her days ahead won''t be easy."


    Concubine Li would be the first to make things difficult for her.


    Come to think of it, she knew the Emperor liked Consort Shu.


    Years ago, when she happily married the young man who had captivated her at first sight, that young man, drunk on their wedding night, called out Consort Shu''s name.


    Later, when the Wu family fell from power, Empress Zhu realized Consort Shu was no threat to her and stopped paying attention to her.


    Now, with this new love and old me, evenly matched, who would the Emperor favor in the end?


    Empress Zhu hoped it would be Concubine Zhen, as she appeared to be on her side, at least on the surface.


    At night¡ª


    The scar on Jiang Xinyue''s face had already healed. After the Emperor was intercepted by Consort Shu several times, she was happy to rx and had been sleeping early these past few nights.


    Tonight was no exception, but shortly after lying down, she felt someone caressing her face.


    A surge of irritation welled up, and she swatted away the offending hand with a loud "smack."


    "Ouch¡ª"


    The force was so great that the Xuanwu Emperor sucked in a sharp breath of pain, arge red mark appearing on the back of his hand.


    Having vented her frustration, Jiang Xinyue''s gaze turned cold, a sh of resentment in her eyes. As she sat up, she already wore a confused and innocent expression, as if just waking up.


    In the dim candlelight, Jiang Xinyue''s eyes widened in surprise. She was about to rise, but the Xuanwu Emperor pressed her down: "It''s alright, I know you didn''t mean it. No need to beg for forgiveness, I forgive you."


    Hah!


    Men!


    She had clearly done it on purpose.


    In this harem, besides the Emperor, who else would dare to caress a consort''s face like that?


    She had struck at the Xuanwu Emperor, this fickle, indecisive pig''s trotter of a man.


    While inwardly scoffing, her body obediently nestled into the Emperor''s embrace: "Why has Your Majestye? Earlier today in the Imperial Garden, didn''t you say Consort Shu had a stomachache?"


    At the mention of Consort Shu, the Xuanwu Emperor felt a moment of difort. He knew he owed Concubine Zhen a great deal, but for the sake of his youthful love, he had made Concubine Zhen suffer.


    Consort Shu wasn''t actually unwell; it was just that since bing pregnant, her emotions were more vtile. Seeing him with Concubine Zhen made her jealous, and when jealous, sheined of difort everywhere, demanding hispany.


    This was the first time Consort Shu had openly expressed her love for him. He should have been happy.


    But for some reason, his mind kept reying images of Concubine Zhen''s enchanting face.


    If she knew he liked Consort Shu, if she knew Consort Shu liked him too...


    That... that foolish woman, how heartbroken would she be?


    So he hadn''t responded to Consort Shu''s confession, fleeing from Jingren Pce in a panic, unconsciously making his way to Hexi Pce.


    At the pce gates, he hesitated, wavering for a long time before entering.


    Concubine Zhen in his arms nestled into his embrace like a fledgling returning to its nest. This woman loved him deeply and singlemindedly from the bottom of her heart.


    He shouldn''t have hesitated! He shouldn''t have been so indecisive!


    He feared that his attitude had already hurt Jiang Xinyue, so he deliberately exined to her: "I became the crown prince at the age of thirteen, and throughout my life, anything I wanted was presented to me with both hands. But I understood from a young age that love alone cannot be forced. In my youth, my mother did not love me, nor did Consort Shu. After I ascended the throne and destroyed the Wu family, both my mother and Consort Shu had to rely on me. To this day, I can no longer distinguish between their true feelings and pretense."


    The Xuanwu Emperor sighed, stroking Jiang Xinyue''s long ck hair: "Yue''er, only today have I truly seen my own heart clearly. The one I... the one I have feelings for... has always been you."


    Has always been...


    This "always" is very much worth pondering over.

 Chapter 79

    At this moment, Jiang Xinyue had no doubt about the Xuanwu Emperor''s sincerity.


    She lifted her head from his embrace, her glistening eyes full of surprise and delight.


    Then, suddenly, Jiang Xinyue burst into tears.


    She pushed the emperor away, turning her back to him, and curled up into a ball as she wept.


    The Xuanwu Emperor, feeling heartbroken, gently turned her back to face him. Seeing the little girl crying so hard she was huping, tears streaming down her face, he didn''t know whether tough or cry.


    "My love, what kind of reaction is this?"


    He wiped away her tears with his hand, cradling her face as if it were a precious jewel. "Did I frighten you?"


    Jiang Xinyue shook her head, sobbing: "I... I thought Your Majesty... Your Majesty loved Consort Shu and Concubine Li the most. I thought... I thought it was all one-sided on my part, that Your Majesty didn''t care about me at all, waaah..."


    It seemed as if she wanted to cry out all the grievances she had suffered during this time: "When I first entered the pce, Your Majesty even punished me by making me copy the pce rules. I was so upset I felt like I was dying, waaah... During the spring plowing, I saw Your Majesty secretly holding Consort Shu''s hand. I saw it all, but I held back my tears, only to cry in secret when I returned. Your Majesty, is falling in love with someone supposed to be this painful and bitter? Waaah... Before Your Majesty came, I had already decided never to fall for Your Majesty again. I was afraid... I''ve really cried enough, waaah..."


    When she said "I had already decided never to fall for Your Majesty again," the Xuanwu Emperor felt a sharp, throbbing pain in his chest.


    He pulled her into his arms, holding her tightly without even the slightest gap between them: "It''s my fault, it''s all my fault. My dear Xinyue, please stop crying. Your tears are breaking my heart. I promise you, from now on, I will be good only to you, alright?"


    "I don''t want to be hidden away by Your Majesty. If Your Majesty likes me, I can''t hide it for even a moment. I want Your Majesty''s favor to be open and unashamed."


    Perhaps in the past, the Xuanwu Emperor believed that if he truly loved someone, he shouldn''t show too much favor, lest it provoke jealousy and harm from the other women in the harem.


    That was how he had treated Consort Shu in the past, but their rtionship had only grown more distant, and he found himself understanding her less and less.


    He was willing to give Concubine Zhen his full favor, but he worried shecked the ability to protect herself...


    "Your Majesty, I can protect myself," Jiang Xinyue said, wrapping her arms tightly around his neck. "Besides, Your Majesty''s favor is also a form of protection for me! Doesn''t Your Majesty have confidence in keeping me safe within the harem?"


    The Xuanwu Emperor was powerful, and this power was reflected in his ability to bnce the court and control the harem.


    As long as he was willing, protecting a concubine in the harem was not a difficult task for him.


    Jiang Xinyue wanted him to invest his heart and soul in her. Only by expending a great deal of energy and time on her would the Xuanwu Emperor never allow anyone to harm her, because failing to see a return on investment was something that would make him very unhappy.


    If someone were to harm Jiang Xinyue despite his heavy protection, it would prove the ipetence of the mighty emperor.


    In the end, the Xuanwu Emperor would always want to reap the fruits of hisbor.


    And that fruit would, of course, be a sweet romance with the young and beautiful Jiang Xinyue.


    The Xuanwu Emperor nuzzled Jiang Xinyue''s neck with the tip of his nose, his hot breath tickling her ear, sending shivers down her spine.


    "My love, I''m truly grateful that I was able to see you again by the lotus pond that day."


    As his wet, hot kisses fell upon her, Jiang Xinyue closed her eyes, her longshes trembling slightly. "As am I, Your Majesty."


    The one thing thatforted Jiang Xinyue was that the emperor hadn''t fallen in love with her original self before she arrived in this world. Otherwise, she would have felt that the emperor only loved Jiang Xinyue''s stunningly beautiful face and alluring body.


    Sessfully making an emperor fall in love with her was quite an aplishment.


    Who could me her for taking advantage of this scoundrel?


    It wasn''t wrong for her to use him a little, was it?


    It had been almost a full year now. She had gone to great lengths to please him, acting her part so well that she almost believed it herself. It was time to reel him in.


    If she couldn''t capture the heart of the Xuanwu Emperor, this great yer, she would start to doubt whether her doctorate in psychology was even real.


    As it turned out, all that studying had paid off.


    A night of passion, the room filled with a heady fragrance...


    As the swaying bed curtains gradually settled, the Xuanwu Emperor didn''t call for water. "Xinyue, will you bear me a little prince?"


    The woman clutching the bedding was the picture of allure, letting out a melodious sound from her throat. Feeling as if she were floating on clouds, she sighed, "Your Majesty hasn''t agreed to my request yet... Will you... will you copy the ''Beloved Consort''s Handbook''?"


    She was certainly holding a grudge.


    She had remembered the punishment of copying pce rules from a year ago and was now seeking her revenge.


    The Xuanwu Emperor took it as her way of being coy with him. "Will you give me a little prince, hmm?"


    Jiang Xinyue bit her lip, trying her best not to make a sound, answering his question with actions instead.


    The veins on the Xuanwu Emperor''s temples and neck bulged, clearly showing he had reached his limit of endurance.


    "Your Majesty, will you copy the Beloved Consort''s rules?"


    The culprit, the woman, still wore a look of pure innocence, smiling at him and nting kiss after kiss on his body. "If you copy it, I''ll let you off the hook."


    Sweat had already broken out on his broad back. The Xuanwu Emperor closed his eyes briefly, hisbored breathing nearly making Jiang Xinyue lose her resolve.


    But when she thought of all the persecution and scheming she had endured since arriving in this world, all rted to the dog emperor before her, she steeled her heart.


    "I''ll copy, I''ll copy..."


    The Xuanwu Emperor was nearly driven mad, the nerves in his brain taut. "Whatever you want me to copy, I''ll copy it all. My dear Xinyue, please have mercy on me, won''t you?"


    As soon as he finished speaking, Jiang Xinyue''s body melted like a pool of spring water, allowing the emperor to have his way with her.


    Afterwards, the Xuanwu Emperor wouldn''t let Jiang Xinyue remove the pillow from under her waist. "I''ve consulted with Yan the Imperial Physician. This position greatly increases the chances of conception. You''ve been in the pce for almost a year now. If I want to confer the title of Consort upon you, you must have a child."


    Conferring the title of Concubine without a child had already caused quite a stir in the six pces. Now that he had recognized his true feelings, he naturally wanted to consider Jiang Xinyue''s position more carefully.


    He hoped she could be rightfully titled as a Consort.


    Jiang Xinyue thought to herself, she had entered the pcest year at fifteen and a half, turning sixteen in October. This October, she would be turning seventeen.


    It was now mid-April. If she conceived this year, she would give birth by January next year at thetest. After the new year, she would be eighteen, which was about the right age to have a child.


    She snuggled against the Xuanwu Emperor''s chest and said softly, "This humble consort also longs for a child with Your Majesty. Boy or girl, it matters not¡ªas long as the child is ours."


    The corners of the Xuanwu Emperor''s lips curled into a smile. "The little princess would have to be as adorable as you to meet my approval."


    Privately, he thought to himself that since Concubine Zhen was so beautiful, it would be most worthwhile to have several children inherit her exquisite features.

 Chapter 80

    The next day, the emperor opened his private treasury. This time, it wasn''t for Wang Dequan to select precious treasures to bestow upon the imperial consorts, but for Noble Consort Chen from Hexi Pce to personally enter the treasury and make her own selections.


    Whatever caught her eye could be carried back to Hexi Pce.


    Such indulgence was enjoyed by Noble Consort Chen alone among all the imperial consorts.


    In an instant, Jiang Xinyue''s prominence became unrivaled, reaching a level where even Noble Consort Li had to temporarily yield the spotlight.


    But this was merely the imagination of others. After all, since Ye Baolin had burst into Changxin Pce and fought with Noble Consort Li, Changxin Pce had been quiet for a long time.


    As for Ye Baolin, due to another victory by the Great General of the Western Conquest, she was on her way back to the capital. The emperor had already bestowed upon her the title of Noble Consort Ye.


    Out of every five days, she could enjoy two days of the emperor''s favor.


    Perhaps seeing no hope with the Empress, Noble Consort Ye had turned to the Empress Dowager''s faction, joining Consort Shu and Consort Rong. She spent her days instigating them to deal with Noble Consort Chen.


    Her motives were so transparent, yet she thought others couldn''t see through her intentions. When Consort Shu and Consort Rong didn''t follow her ns, she set her sights on Consort Wan and Consort Jin.


    The Fifth Prince in the Empress''s pce had been given a name. The emperor personally chose the character "Sheng," to signify the nobility of the Eastern Pce''s legitimate son.


    Soon it was time for the Fifth Prince''s full moon celebration. The arrival of this child meant that the Empress''s position was solidified. No one could use the Empress''s childlessness to attack her or demand that she step down in favor of another.


    Thus, for the Fifth Prince''s full moon celebration, the Emperor and Empress ordered grand festivities.


    Changxin Pce, which had been silent for a long time, was also released from confinement by the emperor.


    Jiang Xinyue had just bid a reluctant farewell to Emperor Xuanwu, and the affection in her eyes disappeared as soon as he was gone.


    She wore an borate smoky pink g gown, embroidered withrge peonies in gold thread. When the candlelight shone upon it, it radiated a dazzling brilliance, making all other colors in heaven and earth mere apaniments to her splendor.


    That beautiful face, the most stunning in the entire harem, was indeed difficult for Emperor Xuanwu not to love.


    After admiring herself in the ss mirror for quite some time, Xi Que finally arrived with news: "Mydy, I''ve found out that this time when the master entered the pce, he didn''t bring the first madam. He brought our second madam, along with the third young miss and the second young master."


    Among the Jiang family''s daughters, Jiang Xinyue ranked second, Jiang Yutong who died in the pce ranked first, Jiang Xinyan ranked third, Jiang Yulin fourth, and there was also a fifth young miss, only eight years old, born to Jiang Yankun''s second concubine.


    Due to her young age, she had little presence in the Jiang family and no conflicts of interest with her older half-sisters.


    Jiang Yutong, Jiang Yulin, and the already sixteen-year-old Jiang Dng, who was showing promise in the imperial examinations, were all born to the first madam.


    Because the first madam had targeted their birth mother, Lady Ruan, since they were young, Jiang Junze always called Jiang Xinyue "eldest sister" and Jiang Xinyan "second sister."


    In his heart, Jiang Yutong and Jiang Yulin were not his sisters.


    Last time, she had greeted her original self''s mother and siblings from afar across a crowd. This time was different. She was highly favored and could bring her birth mother and siblings to reunite in Hexi Pce.


    Although she had already gleaned information from Xi Que, Jiang Xinyue was still a bit nervous.


    She wasn''t afraid of fighting against heaven or earth for eternity, but she was afraid people would realize she wasn''t the original Jiang Xinyue.


    Although Emperor Xuanwu didn''t believe in supernatural phenomena, if Jiang Xinyue''s birth mother couldn''t recognize her own daughter, that would be hard to exin.


    Even if he didn''t believe it, he would have doubts.


    "Mydy, His Majesty has instructed me to bring the second madam, second young master, and third young miss here," Jiang Chuan stood outside the main hall. "His Majesty said that since the banquet hasn''t started yet, it''s fine if you arrive a bitter."


    Xi Que was already eagerly going to lift the curtain: "Madam, Second Young Master, Third Young Miss, pleasee in quickly. Thedy has long prepared iced bowls waiting for you."


    Lady Ruan, on her way here, had witnessed the exquisite elegance and luxury of Hexi Pce, and only then did she gain a clear understanding of the extent of her eldest daughter''s favor.


    Not yet bestowed the title of Imperial Consort, she was already the mistress of a pce. Under such great favor, no one dared to disrespect her daughter. Even on her first visit to the pce with her husband, she received extremely courteous treatment.


    Everywhere they went, pce maids and eunuchs were respectful.


    Is this the benefit of gaining the emperor''s favor? The taste was indeed sweet.


    Lady Ruan shook her head. No, no, she was too easily dazzled by wealth and status. This could easily be a burden for her daughter...


    Stay vignt, she must stay vignt!


    Compared to Lady Ruan''s caution, Jiang Junze and Jiang Xinyan were much more excited. As soon as Xi Que appeared, they widened their eyes in delight and began chatting with her.


    Upon entering the main hall, they saw that the interior was constructed with cloud-top sandalwood beams, crystal jade walls formps, pearl curtains, and gold-iid column bases.


    On the three-foot-wide century-old redwood throne sat a stunningly beautiful woman in pce attire.


    Lady Ruan felt that the aura of authority around Jiang Xinyue seemed even heavier than that of her husband. She hadn''t noticed from afar amidst the crowdst time, but now, looking at her directly, she felt her heart racing.


    "This humble servant greets Noble Consort Chen, Noble..."


    "Mother, what are you doing?" Jiang Xinyue had already walked down as she was about to kneel, reaching out to support her arm. "There are no outsiders here, mother doesn''t need to observe such formalities."


    Lady Ruan''s tears began to flow again as she gripped her hand in return: "Xinyue, are you well in the pce? Is... is His Majesty treating you well? I... I am now your father''s equal wife. Everyone in the household knows you''re now Noble Consort Chen. The first madam can no longer mistreat us. Don''t worry about home, you must... you must take good care of yourself."


    Jiang Xinyue, who had been worried about exposing herself, felt her nose tingle and her eyes fill with tears. She shook her head: "Mother, I am well in every way. For you and Sister Yan, for Brother Ze, I will absolutely be fine."


    Jiang Xinyan and Jiang Junze also gathered around, telling Jiang Xinyue about their recent experiences. Following Jiang Dng, Jiang Junze was also going to participate in this year''s autumn imperial examinations.


    Jiang Xinyue nodded thoughtfully: "Brother Ze is twelve years old this year. If he passes the autumn examination, he can participate in next year''s spring examination. If he doesn''t pass the spring examination, it''s alright. Brother Ze is still young, it can be considered a learning experience, there will be more opportunities in the future."


    It was quitemon at that time for some to be top schrs in their teens, while others couldn''t even pass the provincial examination in their seventies or eighties.


    If Jiang Junze didn''t pass this time, he would only be fifteen when he could try again in three years.


    She said this also to remind Lady Ruan not to use her name to engage in cheating or bribery outside the pce.


    Lady Ruan nodded, "I understand."


    Jiang Xinyan''s eyes were timid as she said, "Brother Ze still has a chance if he fails the exam, but it seems the eldest brother won''t make it. If Father asks the Empress to help, you should be prepared."


    The students in the capital were a hidden pool of talent. With his learned and talented father guiding him, Jiang Dng did indeed have some reputation for schrship.


    However, passing the imperial examinations wasn''t just about having an empty reputation - one needed to have real knowledge and skills. This was precisely what Jiang Dngcked.


    As the Zhou family''s influence waned further, they had no means to advocate for their eldest son. It seemed Lady Zhou had set her sights on Jiang Xinyue, who held the position of Noble Consort.

 Chapter 81

    The Empress had given birth to a precious son, and all the concubines in the pce, whether sincere or not, had to attend the one-month celebration of the Fifth Prince.


    In previous years, Concubine Li had always arrived thetest, and this year... this year was no exception.


    Although the Emperor had told Jiang Xinyue that it was fine for her to arrivete, her goal was not to be like Concubine Li, who had only a title but no reputation. She wanted to be powerful and influential, to the point where no one in the harem could touch her or find any fault with her.


    Empress Zhu was very pleased with her discretion. So when the Zhu family asked if they should deal with the Jiang family, Empress Zhu replied, "This time, I was able to adopt Sheng''er so smoothly, thanks to Concubine Zhen speaking up for me in front of the Emperor. When she first entered the pce, she offended Concubine Li, and it was I, along with Consort Liang and Consort De, who helped her. I see that she is someone who remembers kindness and returns favors. She is very attentive to the eldest princess and the third prince. Just watch! If she can be useful to me, I don''t mind rewarding her with the position of a consort."


    The position of the fourth consort was still vacant. She wanted to promote either Consort Liang or Consort De, and then make Jiang Xinyue one of the four consorts.


    In this way, among the four virtuous consorts, only Consort Shu would not be her ally.


    This didn''t matter, as long as the Emperor grew tired of Consort Shu, Concubine Zhen could immediately take Consort Shu''s ce in the Emperor''s heart.


    It seemed that Consort Shu wasn''t as favored as Concubine Zhen now, but in reality, the Emperor was harboring resentment, angry that Consort Shu had never wholeheartedly loved him.


    Compared to Concubine Zhen, Consort Shu was not as sincere in her treatment of him.


    Men are like this - the more they can''t have, the more desperately they want to possess. Especially when this man is the Emperor whomands the submission of all under heaven.


    The less Consort Shu loved him, the more he wanted to conquer her.


    Concubine Zhen was currently the woman who loved him most in the Emperor''s eyes, so he wanted to take care of her and repay her love. It was also to tell Consort Shu that if she didn''t love him, there were better women who would.


    Empress Zhu felt that as an outsider, she could see things clearly. Only Consort Shu and Concubine Zhen were blinded by their situation, both pitifully indulging in the Emperor''s tenderness.


    The Emperor was both passionate and fickle. Once he withdrew his love, both Consort Shu and Concubine Zhen would go mad.


    This truth had taken her ten years to understand.


    So, she no longer yearned for the Emperor''s love.


    As long as her son could be named Crown Prince and ascend to the throne, her mission as the daughter of the Zhu family would be fulfilled.


    Empress Zhu didn''t intend to warn Concubine Zhen. These women should all experience the path she had walked, suffer and save themselves as she had done, so that she could find somefort in this suffocating harem. Only then would she feel that all women in this world were as pitiful as herself.


    Then her misery wouldn''t seem so miserable.


    What she didn''t know was that Jiang Xinyue had not only seen through the Emperor, but also through her, the Empress.


    When the Emperor and Empress approached hand in hand, and Empress Zhu''s gaze fell on Jiang Xinyue, she timely disyed an expression of loss - as if seeing her beloved with another woman, unable to change the situation.


    But remembering that today was a joyous day for the Empress, she forced herself to cheer up, revealing a bitter smile, and knelt with the other concubines to pay respects to the imperial couple.


    Not to mention how heartbroken the Emperor was seeing her expression, Empress Zhu was already very satisfied.


    Another fool who had fallen in love with the Emperor.


    Her gaze gradually moved to Xuanwu Emperor''s face. With his godlike handsome features, coupled with the Emperor''s vigorous and domineering aura, it would be hard for any woman in the world to resist his charm.


    Hadn''t she fallen for it too?


    Jiang Xinyue sighed, lowering her head and rolling her eyes in boredom.


    Day in and day out, the Emperor stared at her, the Empress stared at her too. She was already tired of pretending to be a favored concubine deeply in love with the Emperor. When could she be arrogant and overbearing, be a wicked favored concubine who only cared about her own pleasure and could irritate others to death?


    "My subjects and beloved concubines, please rise¡ª"


    As the Emperor spoke, his eyes remained glued to the dejected Jiang Xinyue.


    Although he couldn''t clearly see Concubine Zhen''s expression, he could discern some loss and sadness from her figure.


    She never spoke of deep love, yet everywhere was restrained and controlled passion.


    In contrast, Consort Shu, who was closer, constantly professed her love for him, yet didn''t even look at him, her expression cold, showing neither joy nor sorrow.


    How could someone who loves another remain so indifferent when seeing them intimate with someone else?


    Jiang Xinyue took the opportunity to quickly nce at Xuanwu Emperor and Consort Shu as she rose.


    Oh my~


    The man''s expression was subtly angry, his jaw almost clenched to bursting; the woman''s face was cold, but her averted eyes were full of grievance and sorrow.


    These two were acting like two sealed gourds in front of her!


    She had once heard a line in a TV drama: "Two equally proud people together will never have a good oue."


    Xuanwu Emperor and Consort Shu were living examples of this.


    But this was good. Consort Shu''s strength of character gave her an opportunity to exploit.


    In the workce of her previous life, sucking up to superiors was the way to get promotions and raises. What was wrong with ttering the Emperor a bit in this feudal dynasty?


    Besides, her ttery was purposeful, so it couldn''t be called sucking up. She was strategizing to win over the Emperor.


    Having convinced herself, Jiang Xinyue sat down in her seat, feeling confident again.


    She looked up at Xuanwu Emperor, putting on an expression of wanting to speak but holding back, barely containing her heartbreak. She hid her body behind Consort Rong, not wanting others to see her affected state.


    As long as Xuanwu Emperor saw it, that was enough. Men all fall for this trick.


    "Concubine Zhen, are you feeling unwell?"


    A cup of warm water was offered to Jiang Xinyue. Consort Rong frowned, looking at her with concern: "I... I''m sorry. You saved me before, and I said I owed you a favor. But... but when the Empress Dowager was giving you a hard time, I couldn''t help much."


    She looked very remorseful, timidly gazing at her, afraid she wouldn''t ept her apology. She even started to withdraw the cup of warm tea.


    Jiang Xinyue smiled and quickly took the teacup, drinking it all in one go. She said to her, "Sister Consort Rong, there''s no need to feel guilty. When the Empress Dowager wanted to punish me, it wasn''t something you could have prevented. I appreciate your kind intentions."


    Consort Rong smiled apologetically, her eyes asionally looking towards her, then lowering again, as if she had some unspoken difficulty.


    If it were an ordinary person, they would have probably asked Consort Rong what she wanted to say by now. But Jiang Xinyue wasn''t an ordinary person - she was an extraordinary one. So she pretended not to notice and didn''t ask any unnecessary questions.


    Curiosity killed the cat, and she certainly didn''t have nine lives.


    "Sigh..."


    A sigh reached her ears as Consort Rong spoke, seemingly to herself: "After my miscarriage, I was afraid the Empress Dowager would direct her anger towards you. I specifically instructed my sister to remind you to be careful of the Empress Dowager. I heard about yourter incident of falling into the water - they all said it was orchestrated by the Empress Dowager. It seems my sister must have forgotten to pass on my warning to you."


    Forgotten? More like deliberately chose not to warn her!


    Consort Shu and the Empress Dowager - one concealing treachery within, the other openly disying malice - neither of them were good people.

 Chapter 82

    Consort Rong''s words suddenly enlightened Jiang Xinyue.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0


    Her eyes widened, clearly revealing her thoughts: Could it be that all of the Empress Dowager''s actions were actually Consort Shu''s intentions?<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0


    It wasn''t the Empress Dowager being stubborn and controlling Consort Shu, but rather Consort Shu hiding her true nature, seeking favor by making the Empress Dowager y the viin while she remained pure and meless?<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0


    Jiang Xinyue narrowed her eyes, a sharp glint shing as she scrutinized Consort Rong: "Why are you telling me all this? Aren''t you and Consort Shu usually thick as thieves?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0


    As sisters, they should naturally rise and fall together.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">3


    Consort Rong knew that Concubine Zhen was a clever woman. With just a little hint, she would understand the deeper meaning behind her words.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0


    Her sister was a refined egoist, willing to use even her own sister as a stepping stone if it benefited her.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0


    "Hah!"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0


    A coldugh tinged with bitterness escaped her lips. For a moment, Consort Rong''s eyes shed with resentment, but it quickly passed.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0


    She immediately returned to her innocent facade, blinking herrge, guileless eyes as she said, "Has sister Concubine Zhen ever heard of an elder sister killing her own younger sister''s unborn child to regain favor? Thick as thieves... Ha ha ha ha... Have you ever seen such ''solidarity''?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0


    What?<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0


    This truly shocked Jiang Xinyue to her core.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0


    She had previously suspected that the Empress Dowager might have harmed Consort Rong''s child to force Consort Shu topete for the Emperor''s favor.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0


    But whether Consort Rong''s child lived or died, and who harmed her, had little to do with Jiang Xinyue, so she hadn''t investigated further.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0


    The Empress''s inquiry had concluded that a pce maid had identally spilled oil on the floor while serving food, and the matter was settled with the execution of a single maid.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0


    Could it really have been... Consort Shu?<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">3


    If so, her schemes were terrifying indeed.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">3


    In the Xuanwu Emperor''s heart, she was the purest and kindest, someone who would never do anything malicious!<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">3


    "That time she invited you to Jingren Pce, it''s a good thing you didn''t go."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0


    Consort Rong''s eyes shed with mockery: "If you had gone, she would have found a way to frame you for the murder of my child. With her whispering in the Emperor''s ear, you would have been sent to Kunning Pce for interrogation. What awaited you there would have been unbearable torture, and you might not have survived."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0


    How venomous!<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">1


    Truly venomous!<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0


    It took Jiang Xinyue a long while to calm her emotions after hearing this: "But since I entered the pce, I''ve never offended her. Why would she target me? Why does she want my life so badly?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0


    In truth, she already believed Consort Rong''s words, but... she couldn''t understand Consort Shu''s hostility towards her.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0


    At that time, she wasn''t particrly favored. There was Concubine Li before her, and Consort Liang and Consort De after, all beloved by the Emperor. Everyone saw her as merely Concubine Li''s recement, and no one truly considered her a rival in the pce struggles.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">1


    "The Emperor looks at you differently."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0


    Consort Rong''s gaze was firm as she looked at Jiang Xinyue: "Ever since you regained favor in Xihuo Pce, the Emperor has looked at you differently. Consort Shu grew up with the Emperor, and if even I can see it, don''t you think she noticed long ago?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0


    She had long noticed the Emperor''s different treatment of Concubine Zhen, so she rushed to act, wanting to eliminate her early.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">3


    She just didn''t expect her to be so lucky, escaping by chance time and time again.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0


    Jiang Xinyue''s mind raced...<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0


    Consort Rong''s implication was that Consort Shu, whom the Xuanwu Emperor had always regarded as his unattainable love, had deliberately approached the Emperor from the very beginning... many years ago... as far back as over a decade.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0


    There was never any kind, innocent girl who pitied the Emperor and apanied him,forted him, bringing light into his dark life.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">3


    It was all the Xuanwu Emperor''s own delusion.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0


    There was also no Consort Shu being forced to enter the pce and ept his favor; it was all part of her n.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0


    If the schemes of Concubine Li and her ilk were child''s y, Jiang Xinyue had to admit that Consort Shu was on an entirely different level. She could truly be called a worthy opponent.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">1


    She was even willing to risk her life to prove her innocence ¨C wasn''t she afraid of actually dying?<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">3


    Gambling addicts are frightening, but those who gamble with their lives are even more so.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">1


    Consort Shu''s persona was that of the Xuanwu Emperor''s unattainable love, hiding behind the Empress Dowager whilemitting all manner of evil deeds, eliminating any concubine who threatened her position. On the surface, she remained calm and aloof, presenting an image of conflicted pain: "You love me, but I can''t love you because of my family." This both frustrated the Emperor and aroused hispetitive spirit.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0


    The unattainable is always alluring.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0


    Jiang Xinyue''s appearance made Consort Shu feel greatly threatened, so she used Concubine Li and her faction to carry out a series of persecutions and schemes against Jiang Xinyue, while hiding in the shadows, waiting for the chance to deliver a fatal blow.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">1


    Unfortunately...<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0


    From the very beginning, Jiang Xinyue had never believed that any of the concubines in the pce were good people.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0


    Among those who could preserve their lives and maintain a presence before the Emperor, how could any truly be kind and gentle?<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0


    Although the incident of falling into the water was Jiang Xinyue''s own design, Consort Shu wasn''t entirely innocent.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">1


    Combining Consort Rong''s implications, Jiang Xinyue suspected that the water nts at the bottom of theke were likely prepared by Consort Shu.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0


    She was just waiting for the right moment to push her into the water, where she would be entangled by the nts and "identally" lose her life.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">2


    By then, with the person dead, what could the Xuanwu Emperor do?<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0


    If things went awry, the Dowager Empress Wu would be there to take the me. As long as Consort Shu cried and imed ignorance, she would remain the unattainable love in the Xuanwu Emperor''s heart.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">2


    One human life meant nothing to her; it wouldn''t affect her in the slightest.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0


    Consort Rong must have known that after hearing all this, Jiang Xinyue would never let Consort Shu off the hook. Nevertheless, she put on a somewhat angry expression and looked at Jiang Xinyue: "You''re telling me all this because you want me to avenge you?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0


    Consort Rong smirked: "I have no intention of making an enemy of you. I''m merely warning you that even if you don''t go after her, she will never spare you. I just thought that perhaps you could defeat her in this power struggle. If you win, my revenge will beplete. Surely this doesn''t count as using you, does it? What do you think, sister Concubine Zhen?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">2


    So telling her all this was actually for her own good?<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0


    Jiang Xinyue''s eyes crinkled with a smile as her gaze met Consort Shu''s across the distance. Her smile grew even brighter: "Indeed, those who have made me suffer will endure a thousandfold of what I''ve experienced. Consort Rong, you and I are now allies. In the future, if Consort Shu makes any moves, please inform me in advance. I will surely avenge your unborn child."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0


    Consort Rong said nothing, but she returned a faint smile, silently acknowledging their newfound alliance.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0


    Jiang Xinyue''s smile didn''t reach her eyes, causing Consort Shu''s heart to race. She frowned and whispered a few words to the pce maid beside her. In no time at all, that maid stood behind Consort Rong and said with a concerned tone, "Consort Shu has sent me to bring you some pigeon soup to replenish your blood and energy. Consort Rong, you''re still very weak. If you''re tired, I can escort you back to rest."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0


    Using Consort Shu''s sedan chair to send her back would make it appear to others that the two sisters shared a deep bond.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

 Chapter 83

    Consort Rong''s expression was weary as she yawned. "I''m truly exhausted. I''ll have to take my leave. Sister Concubine Zhen, let''s get together another day."


    Jiang Xinyue pretended to look at thete-arriving Concubine Li, but from the corner of her eye, she was watching Consort Shu.


    Seeing her feign drunkenness and quietly slip out for some air, Jiang Xinyue also frantically spilled a cup of wine on herself.


    The Xuanwu Emperor saw her hurriedly stand up, patting the wine stains on her skirt, and telling Xique with a red face that she needed to go change her clothes.


    He looked at his own hand intertwined with the Empress''s, thinking to himself that Concubine Zhen''s feelings for him seemed to be growing deeper.


    Such a beauty-loving person, yet she would knock over her wine cup and soil her own clothes because he was holding hands with the Empress.


    "Wang Dequan, Concubine Zhen is afraid of the dark. Take one of the new crystalmps from the Internal Affairs Department to light her way back to Hexi Pce."


    Wanting tofort Concubine Zhen and let her know he was thinking of her, he used the gesture of sending amp as a subtle way to express this.


    The new crystalmps from the Internal Affairs Department were exquisite and luxurious. In the imperial harem, only the Empress''s Yikun Pce had them; the other consorts and concubines did not.


    Jiang Xinyue followed Consort Shu all the way to a pce corridor outside Baohe Hall. Wang Dequan pursued closely behind, but seeing Concubine Zhen acting suspiciously, he didn''t make a sound. It wasn''t until Jiang Xinyue noticed him and raised her index finger in a "shush" gesture that he lightened his footsteps as he approached.


    The pce servants trained in Chengqian Pce had footsteps that were nearly silent. When he reached Jiang Xinyue, he didn''t make even the slightest noise.


    The dark pce corridor was illuminated by a fewnterns hanging from the eaves. There should have been nowhere to hide, but the corner of the corridor that Consort Shu had her back to happened to be an uninhabited pce. She pulled Wang Dequan to hide behind the door with her.


    "Concubine Zhen, you..."


    "Shh!"


    Jiang Xinyue extinguished the crystalmp and pointed in Consort Shu''s direction.


    Wang Dequan poked half his head out. In the dimmplight, Consort Shu and Consort Rong stood facing each other, the atmosphere seeming tense and confrontational.


    What was going on?


    His eyes were full of confusion. Jiang Xinyue didn''t speak, but raised her chin slightly, gesturing for him to listen.


    Consort Shu had her back to them, so Wang Dequan couldn''t see her expression, but her tone didn''t sound like the usual aloof pride she disyed in front of the Emperor.


    Instead...


    It revealed an aggressive, oppressive aura.


    Consort Rong''s eyes nced in Wang Dequan''s direction, a faint smile tugging at her lips. "What''s the matter? Is big sister afraid her image of being indifferent to fame and fortune, kind and pure, will crumble? Afraid I''ll expose your true face?"


    "p!"


    A vicious blownded on Consort Rong''s face. Consort Shu''s tone was seething with rage: "I''ve told you before, everything I''ve done is for the sake of our family, for mother and brother to return to the capital sooner. What''s wrong with you making a small sacrifice? Must you resent me to this day?"


    "Don''t use such high-sounding excuses to fob me off."


    Consort Rong shouted through her tears: "Is your child''s life worth more than mine? You make it sound so simple. How about I kill your child now too? See if you''d hate me then?"


    She wiped her tears furiously: "Don''t think I don''t know. It was you who secretly suggested to Concubine Li the idea of framing Concubine Zhen for a fall into the cold pce by having her hit her head and fall into the water. You also guided Concubine Su''s hatred towards Concubine Zhen. You even designed the deadly tangle of weeds at the bottom of theke where Concubine Zhen fell in. Don''t say it''s all for the family, for mother and brother. Everything you do is for yourself. You''re ambitious, scheming for the position of Empress and the Emperor''s heart. Do you really think you''ve covered all your tracks?"


    She now knew that her child had been killed by her own sister and aunt.


    "p!"


    Another harsh pnded on Consort Rong''s face. Consort Shu grabbed her cor, pinning her against the pce wall, revealing an unprecedented, ruthless side: "I''m warning you, if you dare to say anything to Concubine Zhen or the Emperor, I won''t hesitate to kill my own sister with my own hands. After all, I''ve already spilled plenty of blood on my path here. One more life or one less makes no difference to me."


    Those bloodthirsty eyes were like those of a man-eating beast. Consort Rong trembled, lowering her gaze in fear: "But... but you killed my child... She never even had a chance to see this world, and you... you took away her life. Why... why use me and my child to pave your way? I..."


    Her voice had clearly weakened. Consort Shu pushed her away forcefully, the cold smile on her lips looking particrly cruel and callous in the cool moonlight: "The Emperor won''t care about the life or death of the child in your belly, but I''m different. I need to use this as an excuse to vie for favor. Even if the Emperor investigates in the future, I can say Concubine Zhen was the real culprit who killed your child, deserving death. I''ll say I just couldn''t bear to see my sister heartbroken and was only seeking revenge for you."


    By then, even if the Emperor were to hate someone, it wouldn''t be Consort Shu, but Consort Rong.


    Consort Shu would just be a sister wanting to avenge her younger sister. The me would fall on Consort Rong for always crying andining to her.


    Consort Rong cried until her eyes were red. Consort Shu frowned: "Alright, wipe your tears clean for me. Don''t let anyone see anything amiss. If you want children, once I''ve eliminated Concubine Zhen and Concubine Li, I''ll naturally rmend you to the Emperor. The Emperor is in his prime; are you afraid you won''t have children?"


    The two sisters parted ways. After Consort Shu had gone far, Consort Rong''s frightened gaze turned venomous.


    The moment the child flowed out of her body, she had forgotten the meaning of fear. She was now just a walking corpse, only wanting revenge.


    But this Concubine Zhen really could bring her surprises.


    She had thought that after warning her tonight, it would take at least half a year for Concubine Zhen to bring down her sister. But less than half an hour after she finished speaking, she had brought Wang Dequan here.


    The speed was so fast, she had barely had time to arrange the words she wanted to say.


    Jiang Xinyue and Wang Dequan stood stupidly in the weed-overgrown pce, staring at each other, not knowing how to react.


    If Jiang Xinyue knew of Consort Rong''s admiration for her, she would certainly be embarrassed.


    This was entirely Consort Shu''s own misfortune, running into the Emperor sending Wang Dequan to deliver a pcemp to her!


    At most, she had merely extinguished the crystalmp, allowing Wang Dequan to find an excuse to reveal tonight''s secret to the Emperor upon his return.


    "This... this..."


    Wang Dequan''s mouth gaped wide enough to fit an egg. He pointed at Consort Shu, then at Consort Rong, and finally looked at Jiang Xinyue with a panicked expression. "Concubine Zhen... what... what exactly is going on here?"


    As the Emperor''s personal chief eunuch, he was more aware than anyone of how much the Emperor favored Consort Shu.


    Although Concubine Zhen had now entered the picture, Consort Shu...


    After all, she was the Emperor''s first love, and that affection was unique!

 Chapter 84

    How could it be that from what Consort Shu just said, she... never actually loved the Emperor, but instead sought revenge for the Wu Family and wanted the Emperor to pardon their rtives?


    If the Emperor found out about this, it would be disastrous. The entire pce would explode.


    Jiang Xinyue''s face also showed fear as she clutched her handkerchief to her chest: "I... This Concubine... This Concubine was chatting with Sister Consort Rong at the banquet earlier, and noticed something off about her tone. It seemed to be about her miscarriage. This Concubine was worried something might happen to her, so I wanted to follow and check. But fearing I might have misunderstood and be aughingstock, I deliberately wet my clothes as an excuse toe along. When I arrived here, I discovered Consort Shu was also present. I thought the two sisters would be able to talk things out better, so... so I nned to wait until they finished before leaving... I never expected..."


    She never expected Consort Shu to utter such shocking words.


    Wang Dequan''s expression was quite unpleasant: "Concubine Zhen, why don''t you let Xi Que and Frost Fall escort you back to Hexi Pce? This servant still has matters to attend to with His Majesty!"


    "Eh?"


    Jiang Xinyue quickly grabbed him, stammering: "Eunuch Wang, this matter... this matter should not have been known to This Concubine. If you... if you intend to tell His Majesty, could you avoid letting him know that This Concubine also overheard Consort Shu''s words? To think there''s actually a consort in the harem who doesn''t like His Majesty - she doesn''t even like the Emperor, This Concubine truly doesn''t know what kind of man Consort Shu likes. This Concubine is already furious upon hearing this, how heartbroken would His Majesty be if he knew! Eunuch Wang, let This Concubine preserve some dignity for His Majesty by pretending to know nothing!"


    For an emperor, what could be a more unforgivable humiliation than having his own consort not love him?


    And for this humiliation to be overheard by another consort - it would be losing face to the extreme. The Emperor would hold a grudge against Jiang Xinyue as well.


    Ah, emperors!


    They never think they''re inadequate or at fault - it''s always others who are wrong.


    If Consort Shu doesn''t love him, it''s because she''s blind. If Concubine Zhen overheard his embarrassing moment, it''s because she was wandering around without reason, not following the rules.


    In short, anyone who makes him lose face is at fault.


    Jiang Xinyue had no desire to be coteral damage in the rtionship between the Xuanwu Emperor and Consort Shu.


    At least Concubine Zhen''s words made Wang Dequan feel that there was still someone in the pce who truly loved His Majesty.


    He smiled at Jiang Xinyue: "This servant knows what to do."


    As night deepened, without the crystalmps, the pce corridors remained dim.


    Xi Que supported Jiang Xinyue as she boarded her sedan chair. Looking up at her mistress, she asked, "Will Eunuch Wang really not tell His Majesty?"


    "He will tell him."


    Jiang Xinyue smiled, resting her chin on her hand. "Wang Dequan is His Majesty''s confidant. He reports everything that happens in the pce to the Emperor. How could I, a mere Concubine Zhen,mand him?"


    "Then why did you..."


    Why bother saying those things?


    "Because he will also repeat what This Concubine said word for word to His Majesty."


    In this way, Wang Dequan became the fuse she nted for Consort Shu''s fall from favor.


    Xi Que recalled her mistress''s words: "To think there''s actually a consort in the harem who doesn''t like His Majesty?" and "She doesn''t even like the Emperor, This Concubine truly doesn''t know what kind of man Consort Shu likes."


    Her eyes suddenly widened!


    If Consort Shu didn''t like the Emperor, then who did she like? Did she already have a lover outside the pce?


    Thinking further... Consort Shu... could she have cuckolded the Emperor?


    If even a small pce maid like herself could think of this, then surely His Majesty would...


    Xi Que dared not imagine further, feeling that the Emperor''s fury was something a lowly pce maid like her could notprehend.


    As the pce banquet dispersed, Jiang Yankun was surrounded by several officials preparing to head to a tavern outside the pce for a second round.


    With his daughter in high favor, naturally there were many officials eager to curry favor.


    Feeling depressed about not having found a chance to speak with his daughter all night, Lord Jiang asked Lady Ruan in the carriage: "Did you mention Elder Brother''s matter to the Concubine?"


    Lady Ruan shook her head: "I briefly mentioned that Ze''er would also be participating in the Autumn Imperial Examination. The Concubine then said that her position in the harem is precarious, and she absolutely forbids Ze''er from using her name to cheat or ept bribes. We shouldn''t be fooled by her current favor - it was all earned through great peril and risking her life. I thought, even if our Jiang family is humble and of little influence, unable to be the Concubine''s backing, we at least shouldn''t be her burden. I didn''t have the chance to bring up Elder Brother''s matter."


    Jiang Yankun pondered for a moment, then nodded: "You were right not to mention it. As for Elder Brother... let''s see how his fate unfolds! If he doesn''t seed, I''ll arrange a nominal position for him in the Ministry of Rites and let him try again in three years."


    Barring any unforeseen circumstances, in three years Xinyue would surely be one of the four senior consorts. By then, even if he didn''t pass the imperial examination, the entire Jiang family would rise to prominence. Since Elder Brother didn''t like studying anyway, it wouldn''t be bad for him to be a talented and wealthy idle gentleman.


    It''s just that Lady Zhou was quite muddleheaded, always wanting her children to surpass Lady Ruan''s.


    She should think about it - Xinyue was now a favored consort deeply loved by the Emperor. What could she use topare?


    He needed to find a way to muddle through this.


    In Chengqian Pce, nomps were lit. The crystalmp meant for Jiang Xinyuey shattered at the bottom of the steps. A crowd of pce maids and eunuchs, including Wang Dequan, knelt on the ground in the main hall.


    In the darkness, the Xuanwu Emperor''s weary figure emerged, his eyes gloomy: "Consort Shu, did she really say that?"


    Wang Dequan''s head touched the ground: "This servant dares not deceive Your Majesty. Little Xia Zi and Qiu Shi, who apanied this servant to deliver the pcemps, both saw and heard it with their own eyes and ears. Consort Shu... Consort Shu was indeedpletely different from her usual self. Consort Rong was pped twice, and in their conversation, there was mention of Consort Rong''s miscarried child. All of this... it seems... it seems to have been done by Consort Shu."


    "And the one who plotted against Concubine Zhen... was it her as well?"


    "This servant speaks nothing but the truth!"


    The Xuanwu Emperor thought that upon confirming once again that Consort Shu didn''t love him, he would be furious, just like the first time he learned of it, with mes of anger nearly consuming him.


    But this time, as he listened to Wang Dequan speak of Consort Shu not loving him, he surprisingly felt little reaction.


    Instead, he felt as if something heavy in his heart had been set free, experiencing an unprecedented sense of lightness.


    What truly angered him was Wang Dequan saying that Concubine Zhen had been harmed several times, and Consort Shu was behind it all, pushing things along.


    "Wang Dequan!"


    A cold gleam shed in the Xuanwu Emperor''s eyes. "Arrange for someone to investigate outside the pce. Did Consort Shu have any close rtionships with men before entering the pce?"


    Didn''t Concubine Zhen say it?


    If Consort Shu didn''t even like the emperor, then what kind of man did she like?


    Perhaps she already had a lover before entering the pce.


    He wanted to see what kind of man could subdue a woman as venomous as Consort Shu.

 Chapter 85

    If Concubine Zhen had overheard this conversation and told him about it, he might not have believed it.


    A woman''s jealousy can sometimes be more dangerous than a venomous snake. He would have suspected that Concubine Zhen was exaggerating out of jealousy because he once favored Consort Shu more.


    Of course, given the current situation, even if Concubine Zhen had exaggerated Consort Shu''s words, he would have found her jealousy quite endearing.


    But these words didn''te from Concubine Zhen. They were ryed by Wang Dequan, his trusted eunuch who had served him since childhood and had heard it with his own ears.


    Concubine Zhen had only been in the pce for a year. Her position was still unstable, and she didn''t have the power tomand the Chief Eunuch of the Inner Court.


    Moreover, in this pce, apart from him, the Emperor, no one could privately order Wang Dequan to do anything.


    Concubine Zhen, that foolish girl, was even worried that he would be upset and hurt. Fearing it would damage his self-esteem, she actually told Wang Dequan not to inform him.


    Was she nning to face Consort Shu''s persecution alone and swallow this bitter pill by herself?


    No one had ever considered his feelings like this before. Even Consort Shu, in the past, would simply give him what she thought was best without ever asking what he wanted or if it might hurt his pride.


    Concubine Zhen truly cared for him, fearing he might be hurt or upset. How could he let her suffer again and again because of Consort Shu?


    He must teach Consort Shu a lesson and make the Empress Dowager understand that their wild ambitions were now exposed.


    If they thought he would pardon the Wu family, they were dreaming!


    "Your Highness, Your Highness..."


    In Hexi Pce, Jiang Xinyue, who had subtly undermined Consort Shu in front of the Emperor, was selecting new fabric patterns from the Department of Imperial Wardrobe when Jiang Chuan rushed in, out of breath. "Your Highness, this servant..."


    All the women in the room paused their activities and looked at him. He nced at Jiang Xinyue, who was having her measurements taken, and quickly lowered his head.


    It was clear that he had important news that shouldn''t be discussed in front of others.


    Fang Rumeng, who had just finished recording Concubine Zhen''s new measurements, perceptively bowed and said, "This official has safely stored the designs drawn by Concubine Zhen. Once they arepleted, this official will deliver them to Your Highness."


    Jiang Xinyue nced at the two female historians behind her and deliberately elevated Fang Rumeng''s status, saying, "This Concubine has always trusted Lady Fang''s work. Thank you for your efforts, Lady Fang."


    "Your Highness is too kind. It is merely this official''s duty."


    Their eyes met, both confirming that their friendship and mutual support remained unchanged. Fang Rumeng and the other two female historians were then escorted out of Hexi Pce by Shuang Jiang.


    As soon as Shuang Jiang turned around, the smiles vanished from the faces of the two female historians.


    "Hmph! Some tterers are just too good at currying favor. Who knows what backdoor she used? She''s got Manager Zhang and Manager Hong from the Department of Imperial Wardrobe wrapped around her finger, and now even Concubine Zhen treats her specially. I wouldn''t be surprised if our department gets a new manager surnamed Fang soon."


    "Exactly! She''s even trying to ingratiate herself with the servants in Hexi Pce. She''s clearly ambitious. Who knows, she might be hoping to encounter the Emperor in Concubine Zhen''s pce and rise to power in one go!"


    Fang Rumeng turned around, smiling at the two of them. "Indeed! If I be the manager of the Department of Imperial Wardrobe, the first thing I''ll do is beat you two gossips to death. And if I be the Emperor''s concubine, my first act will be to have you two brought to me as pce maids so I can torment you day and night."


    People in the pce usually spoke in roundabout ways. Even if they thought such things, they would never say them so directly.


    Fang Rumeng''s blunt, almost naked malice shocked and frightened the two female historians. They feared that one day she might indeed rise to a high position and deal with them as she had threatened.


    "You... you''re... you..."


    "Yes, I''m unreasonable. I''m vindictive. In the future, you two had better watch what you say about me. As you said, I got in through the back door."


    Getting in through the back door implied she had connections. With such backing, they dared to gossip about her to her face? How foolish.


    The two female historians shrank back, lowering their heads and no longer daring to meet Fang Rumeng''s gaze.


    Concubine Su was no longer in the pce, and as time passed, people in the Department of Household Affairs only knew that Fang Rumeng had some connections, but they didn''t know who was behind her.


    "Your Highness..."


    When Shuang Jiang returned to the main hall, she heard Jiang Xinyue''s slightly surprised voice asking, "Are you certain about what you''re saying?"


    Jiang Chuan nodded solemnly. "Your Highness, this servant saw it with his own two eyes. This servant dug out the medicine residue and took it to the Imperial Hospital for Yan the Imperial Physician to examine. It is indeed..."


    Jiang Xinyue''s index finger tapped unconsciously on the table, the urgent sound particrly jarring in the quiet room. Shuang Jiang felt inexplicably nervous as well.


    "The servants in Changxin Pce are managed by Xia He. It''s not asx as when Concubine La Yue was in charge. How did you manage to see it without anyone else noticing?"


    From his initial racing heart when he ran back to report to his mistress, Jiang Chuan''s burning enthusiasm was now doused by a bucket of cold water. After calming his agitated emotions, he slowly spoke, "Then... does Your Highness mean... we should do nothing?"


    That would be too much of a waste. What if it were true?


    Concubine Li''s hatred for Concubine Zhen was second only to the Empress''s among all the imperial concubines.


    If she were to... how could his mistress have any peace?


    "No!"


    Jiang Xinyue shook her head. Her finger stopped moving, and she looked up at the bright spring scenery outside the window. Standing up, she said, "Xi Que, Shuang Jiang, go to my room and bring out the new kites I made. Consort Shu was injured because of me. I should personally go to Jingren Pce to apologize to her."


    And while she was at it, she could ask if Consort Shu wanted to go to the Imperial Garden to watch her fly kites, given the beautiful spring weather.


    Pregnant women shouldn''t stay confined to their pces for too long. Some moderate exercise would be good for her health.


    It was May, and the weather was neither hot nor cold. Jiang Xinyue wore a pea-green banner gown, looking like a tender spring shoot. She exuded both the charm of a young girl and a hint of mature allure, appearing beautifully captivating.


    When Consort Shu saw her in Jingren Pce, the veins on her temples began to throb visibly.


    Last night, the Emperor had slept alone in Chengqian Pce. Consort Shu had sent someone to invite him, but was refused. After a sleepless night, dark circles had formed under her eyes, which even ayer of powder couldn''t fully conceal.


    Pretending not to notice her fatigue, Jiang Xinyue smiled brightly and curtsied. "This concubine pays her respects to Consort Shu."


    Initially, it was Consort Shu herself who had asked people toe to Jingren Pce for casual conversation. She could only muster her energy and say, "Concubine Zhen, there''s no need for formalities. What brings you here today? It''s rare for you to grace our Jingren Pce with your presence."


    Jiang Xinyue looked at the bandage wrapped around her neck with some remorse and said, "Previously, this concubine was feeling weak and didn''t daree to Jingren Pce for fear of passing on any illness to sister Consort Shu. This concubine is responsible for the Consort''s injury and should rightfullye to offer an apology."

 Chapter 86

    Consort Shu''s hand touched her tightly wrapped neck. She hadn''t used much force, merely breaking the skin - it looked more frightening than it actually was.


    In her youth, she had often witnessed her brother cruelly killing animals. She knew exactly where to pierce with a hairpin to cause profuse bleeding without being fatal.


    What she hadn''t expected was that she was pregnant. She had nearly caused her unborn child to suffer along with her.


    Thinking of this, Consort Shu''s aversion to Jiang Xinyue grew even stronger.


    "How can this be your fault?" Consort Shu shook her head, her face a picture of amiability. "I fell for someone else''s scheme. We''re both victims here."


    Jiang Xinyue seized the opportunity to stand up. "Let''s not dwell on unpleasant matters."


    She took the kite from Xi Que''s hands and waved it. "The weather outside is lovely today. I painted a new kite yesterday. Would you like to join me, Sister Shu? I heard from the imperial physician that pregnant women should go out for walks and breathe fresh air. It''s said the child will be more lively and cheerful when born!"


    More lively and cheerful - wasn''t that implying she was carrying a prince?


    This Concubine Zhen certainly knew how to please with her words.


    Consort Shu smiled gently. "Then my child thanks you, Sister Zhen. I hope he truly grows up to be as lively, cheerful, and healthy as you say."


    She might as well have openly expressed her hope of bearing a prince.


    To this, Jiang Xinyue merely smiled nomittally, then waited as Consort Shu arranged for her pce maids to apany them to the Imperial Garden.


    Using Consort Shu to test Concubine Li was indeed convenient.


    As the wind blew and clouds drifted, the chubby butterfly kite soared high into the sky. The Imperial Garden was a riot of colorful blooms, a truly picturesque scene. The passing pce maids and eunuchs couldn''t help but slow their steps to admire this beautiful and harmonious tableau.


    Xizhu, the pce maid attending Consort Shu, red at the skipping Jiang Xinyue. "Mydy, you are Consort Shu, while she''s merely a concubine. Why do you need to be so nice to her? Just yesterday you were saying those insincere words to Consort Rong. What if it reaches His Majesty''s ears? You... you clearly have feelings for His Majesty in your heart."


    A bitter smile yed on Consort Shu''s lips as she replied helplessly, "If I didn''t speak that way, do you think Consort Rong would have let me be? She''s my younger sister and knows too many of my secrets that can''t be revealed. I can only restrain her in the name of our family. As for His Majesty, he loves me, and I have deep feelings for him too. I believe His Majesty will understand my intentions."


    She had no idea that the words she spokest night had already exhausted what little affection the Emperor still held for her.


    "Oh?"


    "Oh no! The kite string has broken, the kite is flying away!"


    Jiang Xinyue chased after it for a few steps before stopping. She trotted back to Consort Shu, "Sister Shu, my chubby butterfly seems to have flown towards Changxin Pce. I... I have some old grudges with Concubine Li. I''ve heard that you have a good rtionship with her. Could you perhaps apany me there?"


    A sh of surprise crossed Consort Shu''s eyes. Her rtionship with Concubine Li wasn''tmon knowledge. How did Concubine Zhen know about it?


    What else did she know?


    "Sister Shu?"


    Tears welled up in Jiang Xinyue''s eyes. "What... what''s wrong? You look frightening. If you''re unwilling, forget it. I... I can go by myself."


    Her voice wasn''t particrly quiet, and several nearby pce maids and eunuchs overheard.


    Consort Shu snapped back to reality, regaining her kind smile. "Sister Zhen, you''ve misunderstood. I was just thinking about something else. I have no objections to apanying you."


    "That''s wonderful."


    Changing her expression as quickly as turning a page, Concubine Zhen immediately beamed with joy. She instructed Xizhu, "Support your mistress well. Don''t let her fall."


    Xizhu didn''t need her instructions; she had already steadied Consort Shu and was walking ahead of Jiang Xinyue towards Changxin Pce.


    Having sessfully unsettled Consort Shu, Jiang Xinyue followed behind them in high spirits, not at all offended by Xizhu''s attitude. Meanwhile, Xi Que had already arrived at the entrance of Changxin Pce.


    A eunuch at the door blocked her way. She bowed respectfully, a smile on her face, and said, "I am a pce maid from Hexi Pce, serving Concubine Zhen. Could you please inform those inside? My mistress was flying a kite in the Imperial Garden with Consort Shu, but the string broke and the kite flew into Changxin Pce. Could someone bring it out? Or I could go in to fetch it."


    "Rip!"


    Xia He tore the chubby butterfly kite to shreds and threw it into the pond of Changxin Pce.


    As soon as the paper kite touched the water, it immediately began to blur and dissolve into a paste.


    Concubine Li''s face was pale, exuding a sickly beauty.


    She gritted her teeth in anger. "Consort Shu... she dares toe? I listened to her advice on how to deal with Concubine Zhen, and that''s why His Majesty grew to despise me. She hid her true nature so well, turns out she''s been the one in His Majesty''s heart all these years. She''s the one who can''t tolerate Concubine Zhen, yet I''m the one who ended up taking the me."


    Xia He dusted off her hands and supported Concubine Li. "Mydy, now is not the time to be angry with them. You need to protect yourself first."


    Concubine Li bit her lip. "To protect this hard-won child, I deliberately quarreled with His Majesty, causing him to confine me here. Now the imperial physician says my child is stable. How can I let them off easily?"


    She waved her hand, not allowing Xia He to persuade her further, and slowly walked towards the pce gate.


    Xi Que caught a glimpse of new movement and quickly turned back. "My mistress is here."


    She turned and ran, catching the eunuchs off guard. Xi Que was already standing behind Jiang Xinyue before they could react.


    Since Consort Shu outranked Jiang Xinyue, she walked two steps behind Consort Shu. Thus, Consort Shu''s group was at the forefront, making it appear as though Concubine Li was confronting Consort Shu and Jiang Xinyue.


    "Has Consort Shue to find the kite?" Xia He tossed a wet paper ball from behind, the dirty objectnding near Consort Shu''s feet, staining her moon-white skirt hem.


    "My apologies, Consort Shu. This kite fell into our Changxin Pce''s pond. It waspletely soaked by the time you arrived. It seems it won''t be able to fly again," she said, her gaze aggressive, as if alluding to Consort Shu''s current situation.


    Xizhu frowned, about to react, but Consort Shu grabbed her hand and looked towards Jiang Xinyue. "This kite belongs to Sister Zhen. Sister Zhen, what do you think about this...?"


    What kind of pool water could turn a kite with a protective film into a soft, mushy mess?


    It was pool water, not sulfuric acid.


    That appearance clearly showed it had been deliberately torn to pieces and then thrown into the pool water.


    Jiang Xinyue sighed, "There''s nothing we can do about it now. Consort Shu, please don''t be angry. This concubine will make an even prettier one for you next time."


    She hadn''t even said this butterfly kite was meant for herself!


    Consort Shu was at a loss for words and could only bow slightly to Consort Li, saying, "If that''s the case, then this consort and Concubine Zhen will take our leave now."


    Consort Li waved her hand, and the eunuchs and pce maids immediately surrounded Consort Shu and Jiang Xinyue. "You''ve disturbed my rest, and you think you can leave so easily?"

 Chapter 87

    How could there be such a good thing in this world?


    She could settle old scores with Concubine Zhenter, but she had no intention of letting Consort Shu off the hook for using her to attack Concubine Zhen.


    Consort Shu protected her belly, while Xizhu shielded her from behind. Jiang Xinyue, who was well-prepared, had already grabbed Xi Que and pushed past one of the unsuspecting eunuchs, running to the side.


    She didn''t leave either, but stood nearby with a concerned expression: "Concubine Li, let''s talk this through calmly. We mustn''t spoil the harmony."


    In her heart, however, she was screaming: Fight! Fight! Come on, start fighting!


    Concubine Li shot her a piercing nce: "Of all the fools in the pce, you''re the biggest one. I truly don''t know how you''ve survived until now. You still think Consort Shu is a good person? Let me tell you, she was the one who schemed to have you sent to the Cold Pce back then."


    If Consort Shu hadn''te to her, saying that the Emperor cherished her and couldn''t bear to see her hurt, urging her to take care of herself and not waste her health on unworthy opponents, she wouldn''t have harmed herself to frame Concubine Zhen.


    At that time, she had various grievances against Concubine Zhen and was in a heated state of mind. A slight suggestion was all it took for her to act impulsively.


    Afterward, when she pondered it over, she became very suspicious of Consort Shu''s intentions.


    Apart from Concubine Zhen, who else in this pce was aplete fool?


    Consort Shu, in particr, was crafty to the core. How had she not noticed it before?


    Jiang Xinyue, who was considered a plete fool," immediately put on an angry facade: "Concubine Li, although we''ve had our differences in the past, that''s all behind us now. The Empress has also cleared up that it wasn''t me who harmed you. Why do you still call me stupid?"


    She appeared deeply offended, her eyes reddening and her breathing quickening. The maid beside her tried tofort her: "Mydy, don''t be upset. I think you''re the smartest of all."


    Why did they only hear the first half of what was said and ignore the crucial second half?


    The image of Jiang Xinyue as a fool had already taken deep root in Concubine Li''s mind.


    Jiang Xinyue herself didn''t mind when others referred to her as a brainless beauty.


    In fact, she hoped that others would see her this way.


    ying dumb to outwit others was the key to long-term survival in the back pce.


    Concubine Li couldn''t be bothered to argue with a "fool" and signaled with her eyes for Xia He to approach. Xizhu screamed: "What are you doing? Concubine Li, don''t do anything rash. This is the imperial pce; concubines are not allowed to use violence."


    As the eunuchs gradually closed in, Jiang Xinyue couldn''t see clearly what was happening inside. She only heard Concubine Li cry out in pain, and then the pce servants dispersed, revealing the scene within.


    Consort Shu was straddling Concubine Li''s stomach, her eyes filled with terror, but it was Concubine Li whoy on the ground, screaming in agony.


    "What are you doing?"


    A thunderous voice rang out. Jiang Xinyue knelt on the ground in fear, looking up at the neer: "Your Majesty, they... they..."


    She appeared to be in shock, unable to exin the scene before her.


    The Xuanwu Emperor quickly walked over, grabbed her hand, and forcefully pulled her up from the ground, sheltering her in his arms.


    In the Emperor''s entourage, Jiang Xinyue saw Layue, whom she hadn''t seen in a long time, following at the back.


    It seemed that Concubine Li had been prepared, sending her to fetch the Xuanwu Emperor.


    She thought to herself...


    Concubine Li''s pregnancy and the fact that she was taking medicine to stabilize it should have been the biggest secret in the entire Changxin Pce. How could it be that Jiang Chuan just happened to stumble upon them disposing of the medicine dregs?


    If she were Concubine Li, she would have buried the dregs within Changxin Pce and never disposed of them outside, let alone allow others to see.


    If she were truly that careless, she wouldn''t have deliberately fallen out with the Emperor and retreated to Changxin Pce to nurture her pregnancy.


    "Ah¡ª"


    Xia He let out a sharp cry: "Mydy... mydy, you''re... you''re bleeding!"


    The Xuanwu Emperor pushed Jiang Xinyue behind him and said gently, "Don''t look. Go back to Hexi Pce first. I''ll have Wang Dequan summon youter."


    Concubine Li appeared to be having a miscarriage. Concubine Zhen was still young and had never seen such a bloody scene. The Xuanwu Emperor feared it might frighten her and cause her to develop a phobia about pregnancy and childbirth, which would be troublesome.


    Jiang Xinyue sniffled, nodding and agreeing outwardly, but in reality, she took a detour and crouched behind the pce wall, curiously peeking out.


    Wang Dequan saw half a head and a pair of sparkling eyes peeking out, and he didn''t know whether tough or cry.


    He shook his head and blocked Concubine Li and Consort Shu''s line of sight, earning an approving look from the Emperor.


    "I... This Concubine... This Concubine is pregnant?"


    Beads of sweat formed on Concubine Li''s forehead, the pain making it difficult for her to speak: "This Concubine''s... child... Your Majesty! Your Majesty! Save This Concubine''s child!"


    Consort Shu''s hands were stained with blood. She was pushed aside by the pce servants, and Xizhu immediately shielded her, using her own clothes to wipe the blood from her hands: "Mydy, don''t be afraid... Little Guizi has already gone to Kunning Pce to request the presence of the Empress Dowager."


    Consort Shuposed herself and coldly watched as the Xuanwu Emperor carried Concubine Li into Changxin Pce, shouting: "Summon the imperial physicians! Quickly summon the imperial physicians!"


    Concubine Li''s childlessness was his deliberate doing.


    If Concubine Li were to have a child, given the Song family''s position in the court, half of the officials would immediately petition to have that child named Crown Prince.


    But he was in his prime and would not allow anyone to covet his throne.


    A favored concubine could have his love, but she absolutely could not have his child.


    His gaze fell upon the anxious Consort Shu, unsure whether to thank her for solving his problem or to hate her for killing his child.


    He had deprived Concubine Li of the right to be a mother, which was why he had shown her such favoritism over the years, trying to make up for the debt he owed her.


    He had never intended for Concubine Li to be pregnant, only to miscarry, subjecting her to such unbearable pain.


    Jiang Xinyue returned to Hexi Pce, her heart still pounding wildly.


    If she hadn''t run away quickly and stood far off earlier, she probably wouldn''t have been able to extricate herself from the situation.


    Let''s rewind to this morning when Jiang Chuan encountered the pce servants from Changxin Pce disposing of the medicine dregs.


    Concubine Li had initially intended to frame her!


    She just hadn''t expected that she would bring the equally pregnant Consort Shu along.


    At that moment, Concubine Li changed her mind, deciding to take revenge on Consort Shu who had used her, while also implicating Jiang Xinyue. She would eliminate them one by one if she could, and if she could get rid of both, Concubine Li woulde out on top.


    Using the long-awaited child as a sacrifice to strike at them was clearly impossible.


    Jiang Xinyue believed she wasn''t qualified enough topare with Concubine Li''s child. Although that child had not yet been born, it already possessed all of its mother''s love.


    Unless...


    Jiang Xinyue suddenly widened her eyes and said to Jiang Chuan and Xi Que: "Go to the Imperial Hospital and send a message to Yan the Imperial Physician. Ask which physician is responsible for Concubine Li''s regr pulse readings. Find a way to help me obtain Concubine Li''s pulse record."


    She had a bold conjecture!

 Chapter 88

    Perhaps...maybe...for instance...


    Concubine Li''s child was never meant to be born alive!!


    So today, if she hadn''t taken Consort Shu as the scapegoat by her side, Concubine Li was in fact nning to frame her with a child that was never meant to survive.


    Everyone in the pce knows how eagerly she yearns for a child. Who would believe that she would harm others with her own child?


    A shiver ran down Jiang Xinyue''s spine.


    The Song family was overwhelmingly powerful, and the Jiang family held a minor fifth-rank position. If they were used of plotting against the heir to the throne, a hundred Jiang Xinyue would not be enough to pay for the crime.


    Though the emperor wished to protect her now, Concubine Li''s maternal grandfather, Minister Pei of the Privy Council, her paternal grandfather, Prime Minister Song, her father Prime Minister Song, along with many officials in the court who were followers of the Pei and Song families could jointly present a letter to the emperor, requesting punishment for the criminal who plotted against the heir. Even if he loved her, the emperor would have to consider the consequences.


    Concubine Li was nning to get rid of her all at once!


    But lucky for her, she fled swiftly.


    As long as she fled swiftly, no plots or tricks could catch up with her.


    "That was close!"


    Jiang Chuan shook his head, looking at Jiang Xinyue with admiration, "Your Highness has a brilliant foresight, knowing it was a trap against our Hexi Pce. If we had really acted against Concubine Li, as suggested by this servant, I think we would have lost our lives."


    In the dim candlelight, Jiang Xinyue¡¯s beautiful face betrayed devilish allure, "Even if we have to act, we cannot dirty our own hands. Consort Shu is adept at using others to do her dirty work, isn''t she? We should learn from her."


    However, to Jiang Chuan, Consort Shu was not as intimidating as his mistress, who could smile at an enemy upfront, and then turn around to stab them fiercely.


    Of all the eunuchs originally assigned from the Internal Affairs Department, he was the only one who chose Hexi Pce. The others had opted for mistresses with stronger family backgrounds.


    Look at the situation now.


    In the harem, the only pce staff who could chat andugh with the emperor''s close attendant, Wang Dequan, were from Hexi Pce.


    After having a peaceful meal in the pce, Wang Dequan came to summon Jiang Xinyue, "Concubine Li has had a miscarriage. The imperial doctors say that she is severely injured and might not be able to have children anymore. Since you were the only witness present at the time, the Empress Dowager and the noble consort are waiting for you.¡±


    As both Consort Shu and Concubine Li were involved in the incident, their servants'' testimonies would be ignored, favoring their own mistresses. Only Jiang Xinyue¡¯s testimony could be considered reliable.


    Jiang Xinyue was well-prepared, rose calmly, had Shijie and Shuangjiang follow her and asked Wang Dequan: "How is the noble consort?"


    Wang Dequan sighed, "My consort, stop worrying about others. Xizhu from Consort Shu''s side says that you insisted on taking Consort Shu to fly kites. Empress Dowager is furious, using you of maliciously framing Consort Shu. She wants to hand you over to appease the Pei and Song families!"


    The emperor had sent him to inform Jiang Xinyue, in advance, about the risks she might face in the meeting, so as not to catch her off guardter.


    "What?"


    Jiang Xinyue bore a face of confusion: "I... I, because ofst night...st night I listened to the conversation between Consort Shu and Sister Rong along with Eunuch Wang. I thought...wanted to meet her to possibly clear up any misunderstandings. I didn''t want the Emperor to be put in a difficult situation because of us, where did I know that the paper kite would fly into Changxin Pce? Concubine Li herself didn''t even know she was pregnant, where should I go to find out? And how could I be able to n all of this?"


    No!


    The direction of the wind when releasing the paper kite was something Jiang Xinyue had measured. From the Imperial Garden, the west wind would blow the kite into Changxin Pce.


    She knew about Concubine Li''s pregnancy. She had the intention to test her.


    But she didn''t n for Concubine Li to have a miscarriage!


    It wasn''t her doing, and the Empress Dowager had no evidence to wrongfully me her.


    "Don''t rush, dear Lady Zhen."


    Wang Dequanforted her: "As long as the Emperor believes in you, no one can harm you."


    As long as Lady Zhen was clearly the first person in the harem, he believed in doing her a favor. If one day he would offend the Emperor''s taboos, he believed Lady Zhen could return his favor.


    Listening to his words, Jiang Xinyue choked back the tears welling up in her eyes. Her face flushed a poignant red, stirring pity.


    The grand hall of Changxin Pce was eerily silent, but the atmosphere was filled with suffocating tension. All the pce women kept their eyes lowered, and even when Jiang Xinyue knelt in the hall, none of them dared to raise their heads.


    Presumably, before she arrived, there had been a fierce battle without gunpowder smoke.


    "Your servant..."


    "Enough, no need for superfluous talk."


    The Dowager Empress cut her off: "Lady Zhen, tell me, were you the one who dragged Consort Shu to the Imperial Garden to fly kites today?"


    Jiang Xinyue raised her head; her clear and bright eyes appeared to show a touch of incredulity as she looked towards the Dowager Empress, "Your Majesty, I am somewhat confused by your words. I did invite Sister Shu to fly kites with me. If Consort Shu was unwilling, I wouldn''t be able to force her. Where does the remark about ''I dragged her''e from?"


    "Don''t try to argue your way out of this."


    The Dowager Empress mmed her hand onto the table and the booming sound caused Jiang Xinyue to jump, her body shuddering as she knelt on the ground.


    "Would it not be you, who dragged Consort Shu despite her neck injury, to go there? Tell me, weren''t you aware of Concubine Li''s pregnancy and deliberately nned this so you could kill two birds with one stone, getting rid of their children?"


    "I did not!"


    Jiang Xinyue squeezed her eyebrows together, the embers of anger igniting in her eyes: "Your Majesty, I respect you as the Dowager Empress, but I beg you not to distort the truth and nder me. When Concubine Li and Consort Shu started their quarrel, I was at a distance of five meters away. Would I, a human, have the ability to make Consort Shu sit on top of Concubine Li? Or are you saying, Consort Shu told you herself that I forced her to fly the kites? A dignified Consort would actually be pressured by me, a mere Lady Zhen? Do you believe your own words, Your Majesty?"


    Not just the Empress Dowager, no one here believes it.


    Concubine Li''s mother, Lady Pei, is also present. Her face is highly disgruntled as she stares at the Dowager Empress: "Your Majesty, Consort Shu is your blood niece. Your intention to protect her, I can understand. But if you need a scapegoat, shouldn''t you prepare their statement in advance? Now, Concubine Li can no longer be a mother. Logically speaking, shouldn''t the child that Consort Shu bore be under the care of Concubine Li?"


    If Empress Zhu can adopt an imperial prince, her daughter is in no way inferior. Since she can''t conceive, she might as well adopt.


    Now, the verbal joust is between Lady Pei and the Empress Dowager. Surprisingly, the emperor became an outsider in the matter.


    He gently encircled his arm around Jiang Xinyue''s slim waist, tucking her behind him, and silently listened as the two cunning old foxes sparred.

 Chapter 89

    Fearing she might be frightened, he kept his hands behind his back, gently squeezing Jiang Xinyue''s hand, and turned to nod at her, saying softly, "Don''t be afraid. I believe you."


    Believe you, my foot! He had seen with his own eyes Consort Shu straddling Concubine Li. How could he possibly me her for that?


    Outwardly appearing moved, Jiang Xinyue sniffled, her mouth downturned, looking like she wanted to cry but was holding back¡ªthe very picture of a poor, bullied little thing.


    The sight made the Xuanwu Emperor feel even more protective of her.


    The other woman kneeling in the hall, Consort Shu, wasn''t having such an easy time of it.


    She was the culprit behind Concubine Li''s miscarriage. From the soft couch at the back of the hall, Concubine Li struggled to sit up and dered, "I don''t want her child. She killed my baby, so she must pay with her life."


    Lady Pei stopped arguing with the Dowager Empress and entered the inner hall to reason with her: "Your Highness, don''t be stubborn. You won''t be able to have children in the future. How can we reassure your family? It was Consort Shu who caused you to lose your child, so she shouldpensate you with one of her own."


    "I said I don''t want it!" Concubine Lished out, knocking the medicine bowl from Xia He''s hands. It flew across the room and shattered behind a screen, the sharp sound of breaking porcin echoing through the chamber.


    The room fell silent, save for Concubine Li''s shrill cries: "Every time I see her, every child I see will remind me of the baby I lost. Why keep her child to torment myself? What? She plotted against a imperial concubine and poisoned a royal heir. Is that not enough to warrant her execution? If the Emperor and the Dowager Empress are dead set on protecting her, I don''t mind asking my grandfather and maternal grandfather to seek justice for me."


    Elevating the matter to the court level wouldplicate things far beyond simply demanding Consort Shu''s life. The ministers would question the Emperor''s ability to handle affairs and shake their resolve to assist a wise ruler.


    "This is all my fault," Consort Shu finally found an opportunity to speak. "I beg Your Highness to show mercy and not trouble His Majesty. This humble consort deserves death, but the child in my womb is innocent. I... I am willing to give the child to Your Highness. I... I request to go to Cold Mountain Temple to pray for Your Highness''s blessings."


    The Cold Mountain Temple in Gusu was a popr pilgrimage site among themon people.


    Jiang Xinyue raised her eyes slightly. Consort Shu was indeed clever, finding an escape route for herself in an instant.


    Throughout the history of the Great Yan Dynasty, emperors would tour Jiangnan every decade. The Xuanwu Emperor, diligent in state affairs, had yet to make such a journey to appreciate the beauty of the water towns.


    Consort Shu was banking on the certainty that the Emperor would tour Jiangnan within the next three years at thetest, which was why she volunteered to go to Cold Mountain Temple.


    Empress Zhu, who had been silent like a bystander, neither helping Consort Shu nor Concubine Li, finally spoke up: "The Cold Mountain Temple in Gusu is indeed the most scenic temple in Great Yan. Consort Shu has certainly found herself a pleasant retreat."


    Another shrill voice came from behind the screen as Concubine Li retorted, "Send her to Dazhaosi Temple in G instead. Let her give birth there, leave the child behind, and go alone to Dazhaosi Temple to pray for my lost child."


    The Dowager Empress''s brow furrowed deeply, her phoenix eyes sharp as des: "G is thousands of miles away, and its people are known for their fierce temperament. Concubine Li, are you trying to send Consort Shu to her death?"


    "A life for a life¡ªisn''t that fair?" Concubine Li let out a coldugh. "I''m willing to adopt her child; she should be grateful. Or does the Dowager Empress think Consort Shu''s life is more valuable than my child''s? If this is uneptable and that is undesirable, then let''s just have Consort Shu pay for my child with her life."


    Jiang Xinyue could barely suppress augh. Concubine Li''s tactic of feigning retreat was actually a way to force the Dowager Empress and Consort Shu to hand over the child for her to raise.


    She and Lady Pei were ying good cop, bad cop, leaving the Dowager Empress with no way out.


    No wonder the Dowager Empress had always wanted to restore the Wu family''s power, and Consort Shu had been constantly urging the Emperor to recall the Wu family members from exile back to the capital.


    This was the confidence that came from having a powerful family backing them.


    Consort Shu''s forehead hit the ground heavily: "This humble consort is willing to go to Dazhaosi Temple. I only beg Concubine Li to... to treat my child kindly."


    She wept pitifully, but among those present, only the Dowager Empress felt sorry for her. The Emperor had turned his head away, engaged in conversation with Jiang Xinyue.


    After a long moment, the Dowager Empress''s face darkened, her eyes ring daggers at Jiang Xinyue as she spoke through gritted teeth: "You both have your reasons, but since Consort Shu is willing topromise, we''ll do as Concubine Li suggests! However, if it weren''t for Concubine Zhen going to fly kites with Consort Shu, none of this would have happened. Concubine Zhen must also bear some responsibility. Let her be confined for a month and have her green token revoked!"


    By saying this, she had already determined Jiang Xinyue''s punishment, leaving no room for the Emperor or Empress to object.


    The strong scent of herbal medicine wafted from behind the screen, making Jiang Xinyue''s stomach churn with nausea.


    The Xuanwu Emperor knew that if he continued to protect her now, it would only intensify the Dowager Empress''s dislike of Concubine Zhen. He couldn''t always be by Concubine Zhen''s side, and when attending to matters in the outer court, he wouldn''t be able toe to her aid in time. Fearing the Dowager Empress might further mistreat Concubine Zhen, he remained silent, his face impassive.


    Jiang Xinyue tugged gently at the Emperor''s hand, smiling at him before stepping out from behind him and gracefully kneeling: "This humble consort epts the punishment."


    Compared to Consort Shu''s fate, her punishment was hardly a punishment at all. A month of self-cultivation and reflection was nothing. She wouldn''t have to pay her respects to the Empress, which meant she wouldn''t have to see those two fools, Noble Consort Jin and Consort Ye. She was actually quite pleased with the prospect of some peace and quiet!


    The Xuanwu Emperor escorted her back to Hexi Pce, reluctantly bidding her farewell while holding her hand: "My beloved, the results of the imperial guards'' martial arts assessment are out. Wang Dequan said there are two guards with chest injuries. I had originally nned to bring you to identify them, but since the Dowager Empress has confined you, I will bring them to Hexi Pce tomorrow for you to identify them in front of the hall."


    "Two?" Jiang Xinyue blinked herrge, watery eyes, clear and bright, without a hint of guile. "Who are they? I''ve heard that most imperial guards have powerful backgrounds. What if the person I identify has strong connections? Won''t that put Your Majesty in a difficult position?"


    The Xuanwu Emperor let out a cold snort: "No matter what background he has, if he dares toy a hand on my woman, I''ll make sure he never has a chance to rise again in this lifetime."


    This hatred seemed toe out of nowhere.


    Laying a hand on the Emperor''s woman?


    There must be anotheryer of meaning to this.


    Jiang Xinyue''s eyes flickered slightly, unsure if her earlier words to Wang Dequan, meant to sow discord between Consort Shu and the Emperor, had taken effect.


    However, it was certain that the two guards with chest wounds tomorrow would not be ordinary individuals. They were likely to be family members or brothers of high-ranking consorts.


    Despite all their scheming and calctions, they had failed to see clearly that the final say was not in their hands, but in Jiang Xinyue''s.


    She was the perfect "victim." Whoever she pointed to as the culprit would be considered the culprit.


    It seemed that tonight, her Hexi Pce would be bustling with activity.

 Chapter 90

    Consort Shu''s pregnancy was only three months along, with seven months still to go before her visit to Dazhaosi Temple. Who knew what could happen in the meantime?


    Perhaps fearing that time would bring unexpected changes, Concubine Li moved Consort Rong out of Changxin Pce and had her move into Jingren Pce. She then relocated Consort Shu, who had beenfortably living in Jingren Pce, to her Changxin Pce, under the pretext of "taking care of the child in Consort Shu''s womb."


    After all, this child would call her "Mother Consort" after birth.


    This arrangement also eliminated the possibility of the Xuanwu Emperor summoning Consort Shu tofort her.


    In Jingren Pce¡ª


    Consort Rong''s delicate hand brushed over the simple yet grand decorations in the hall, a smile appearing at the corner of her mouth.


    The pce maid Lianqiao knelt at the bottom of the great hall: "Congrattions, mydy, on escaping Concubine Li''s control. After so many years, you''ve finally seen the end of your suffering."


    "What do you mean by the end of suffering? This is what I rightfully deserve. I''m merely reiming what belongs to me."


    What use were blood sisters?


    When she first entered the pce, Concubine Li had arranged for her to be tormented in Changxin Pce. She had begged Consort Shu hundreds of times to speak with the Empress Dowager about moving her to Jingren Pce.


    How did Consort Shu respond?


    She said: "Yaoyao, the Emperor already feels estranged from our aunt because of our father and brother. The influence of the Pei and Song families at court is so great that even the Emperor must tread carefully. We were sent to the pce relying on that insignificant childhood friendship with the Emperor. Having a ce to stay is already fortunate enough. If you ask our aunt to offend the Pei and Song families for our sake now, wouldn''t that push the Emperor and our aunt further apart?"


    At the time, she didn''t find anything wrong with Consort Shu''s use of "we." She thought that as sisters, they should stand together and help each other.


    Later, she realized there was no "we." It was always only her who suffered and endured hardships. The Emperor wouldn''t let Consort Shu experience even the slightest difort.


    Though they were sisters, Consort Shu held the rank of Consort, while she was merely a Concubine. Consort Shu could live alone in the main hall of Jingren Pce, while she had to squeeze into Concubine Li''s Changxin Pce, suffering her abuse and bullying.


    Consort Shu could enjoy the Emperor''s favor, while she had to scheme and struggle under Concubine Li''s thumb just for a bit of attention.


    Clearly... with just one word, Consort Shu could have asked the Emperor to arrange for her to move to Jingren Pce, but she was unwilling.


    When Consort Shu needed to use her, she showed no hesitation or softness of heart.


    Consort Shu repeatedly told her not to trouble the Empress Dowager, but every time Consort Shu was in difficulty, didn''t the Empress Dowager always step forward to protect her firmly?


    The Empress Dowager... she always listened to Consort Shu and only had Consort Shu in her heart. So why should she continue to ce hope in those two?


    Concubine Zhen truly surprised her!


    Late at night¡ª


    The Emperor brought amp to Changxin Pce, but not to see Consort Shu. Instead, he went to the main hall to visit Concubine Li.


    The lights in Hexi Pce flickered. When Empress Zhu entered carrying the Fifth Prince, Jiang Xinyue was sewing a pair of tiger-head shoes.


    Though the embroidery wasn''t particrly beautiful, the stitches were dense, and the chubby pattern was interestingly cute, clearly made with care.


    "Why are you still embroidering sote? Be careful not to strain your eyes."


    "Empress?"


    Jiang Xinyue quickly put down the half-finished little shoes and rose to curtsy: "This humble consort pays respects to the Empress..."


    Empress Zhu freed one hand to help her up: "There''s no need for such formalities between us."


    It''s only because you need something from me that you''re waiving the formalities!


    Otherwise, Empress Zhu was known to be the person who cared most about such ceremonial etiquette.


    Jiang Xinyue smiled and instructed Xi Que and Shuang Jiang to serve tea. She then reached out to y with the still-awake Fifth Prince: "When I first saw this little one, he was all wrinkled and not very pretty. But in such a short time, he''s grown so adorable. It''s clear that the Empress has been taking excellent care of the Fifth Prince."


    Empress Zhu loved hearing praise about how well she treated her adopted son. Smiling, she handed the Fifth Prince to her: "He sleeps most of the day. The imperial physician says that such a small child should sleep a lot to grow well. I don''t know if it''s true, but I don''t dare wake him even to feed him."


    Jiang Xinyue, never having raised a child, seemed unsure how to respond. In reality, she deliberately didn''t reply, hoping Empress Zhu would skip the small talk and get to the point.


    She was expecting another group of visitors soon!


    Empress Zhu, perhaps realizing that Jiang Xinyue was young and uninterested in child-rearing advice, had the wet nurse take the Fifth Prince away. After dismissing everyone else, she said: "Do you know that they''ve found the guard who held your foot underwater on the day you fell in?"


    Jiang Xinyue nodded: "I heard the Emperor mention it briefly, but weren''t there two? The Emperor asked me to identify them tomorrow!"


    "Yes..."


    Empress Zhu paused for a moment, studying her expression before continuing: "To be frank, one of them is my brother. He had returned to our ancestral home recently and, coincidentally, couldn''t make it back in time for the Emperor''s martial artspetition. He rushed back as soon as he received the summons, but was intercepted on the way and stabbed in the left chest with a golden hairpin. I suspect someone is trying to muddy the waters and pin the me for the attempt on your life on me. Concubine Zhen, will you believe that I have absolutely no intention of harming you?"


    You mean you have no intention for now, right?


    Back when she was in the Cold Pce, wasn''t it Empress Zhu who reced thexative Jiang Yuan had put in the pastries with arsenic?


    Afterwards, she even started a big fire that killed two pce maids in Xihuo Pce.


    If she hadn''t guessed wrong, those two pce maids were the ones who had helped Empress Zhu switch thexative.


    Did she dare to speak so boldly because she thought there were no witnesses left alive?


    Jiang Xinyue, feigning ignorance, responded anxiously: "How can the Empress say such things? Since this humble consort entered the pce, I''ve always remembered your care and kindness. How could you possibly want to harm me? To think that you''vee personally to exin this small matter¡ªit''s truly my fault for causing you such trouble."


    Empress Zhu felt half of the weight lift from her heart: "Do you know who the other person is?"


    Tonight, Empress Zhu seemed to be speaking less directly than usual. Jiang Xinyue shook her head: "The Emperor didn''t say, and this humble consort doesn''t know."


    "It''s Consort Jin''s brother."


    Consort Jin? What does she have to do with this?


    Jiang Xinyue had originally thought that the other injured person would be either Consort De''s brother or one of Concubine Li''s cousins!


    Could it be that Concubine Li had only schemed against Empress Zhu''s people, and Empress Zhu hadn''t retaliated?


    The confusion on her face was too obvious. Empress Zhu leaned close to her ear and whispered, "Consort Jin''s father was once a subordinate to Consort Shu''s father. Later, he reported the Wu family''s misdeeds, which led to his promotion, taking over the Wu family''s position. However, Consort Jin''s brother seems to have been romantically involved with Consort Shu in the past."


    This was all gossip circted privately before Consort Shu entered the pce. No one could say for certain whether it was true or false.


    Empress Zhu didn''t need to verify the truth of it. The ambiguity was perfect¡ªthis way, both the Emperor and Concubine Zhen would believe it.


    Consort Jin was aligned with Concubine Li, so it would be ideal to implicate Concubine Li as well.


    The Empress Dowager would surely not miss this opportunity for revenge either.

 Chapter 91

    Jiang Xinyue could deduce with her little toe that Consort Jin''s brother had likely been set up and framed by the Empress or some faction allied with her.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0


    Why was she so certain?<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">1


    Because she had jumped into theke herself, and the story about someone grabbing her foot and trying to take her life was a lie she had fabricated deliberately to make the Emperor worry about her.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">2


    It was also to muddy the waters in the harem, making those who had schemed against her, or were nning to, think twice. Every time they harmed her, she would gain a promotion, and the Emperor would mobilize forces to find the culprit for her sake.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0


    She was the type of person who would seek revenge a hundred or thousand times over for a single injury.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">1


    When Consort Shu hid behind the Dowager Empress to scheme against her, having the Dowager''s people p and warn her, Jiang Xinyue made it so Consort Shu couldn''t even stay in the pce, and her own child had to call someone else "mother."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0


    In truth, she could have plotted against Consort Shu''s child, but having received a modern education inw and ethics, she had more moral boundaries than these nobledies raised in grand households.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0


    As long as the women in the harem didn''t harm her unborn child, she wouldn''t harm their children either.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0


    However, what little kindness she had left also had an edge. If any fool dared to harm the child in her womb while she was pregnant, she would stop at nothing to kill their entire family.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0


    Even if there were young children, she would kill them without hesitation.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">3


    "Your Highness, the Imperial Kitchen has prepared a sweet soup with white fungus and lotus seeds today. Imperial Chef Gao specially set aside a bowl for you. It''s been simmering on a small stove and has be quite gtinous. It must be delicious."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0


    Imperial Chef Gao was one of the chefs who had learned cooking from Jiang Xinyue. There was also Imperial Chef Li, who had recently beenpeting with Gao for the position of head of the Imperial Kitchen. The two were no longer as close as before.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0


    Moreover, Jiang Xinyue knew that Imperial Chef Li had already allied himself with Empress Zhu, probably thinking that Jiang Xinyue had already shown all her culinary tricks, and he could now establish himself independently and climb higher, no longer needing to tter Jiang Xinyue.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0


    Imperial Chef Gao was still a grateful person. If it weren''t for her teaching them how to make roast meat and fried chicken, given their seniority, they might still be just errand boys assisting the older chefs with food preparation.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0


    Last winter, she had originally nned to unveil her secret weapon - hot pot - but at that time she was in the Cold Pce. Fried chicken required simpler ingredients than hot pot, so she changed her n to fried chicken.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0


    At that time, Imperial Chef Gao and Imperial Chef Li had received rewards for this dish at the New Year''s banquet, and their status had risen ordingly.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0


    The old manager of the Imperial Kitchen, who had reached retirement age and was nning to leave the pce, wanted to learn those roast meat and fried chicken recipes to open a small tavern outside. Imperial Chef Gao, knowing these dishes were learned from Jiang Xinyue, said he needed to ask for Concubine Zhen''s permission before responding to the old chef.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0


    However, Imperial Chef Li, in order to get ahead, secretly approached the old manager to get the recipes.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0


    Although the old manager had epted the recipes for the two dishes, he rmended Imperial Chef Gao to the Ministry of Internal Affairs to take over his position.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0


    Because of this, the rtionship between Imperial Chef Li and Imperial Chef Gao had be quite ugly.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0


    Jiang Xinyue took the white fungus soup handed to her by Shuang Jiang, sniffed the sweet scent of red dates wafting from it, and set the bowl aside. "Imperial Chef Gao is thoughtful. Go to the Imperial Kitchen and convey my message. Thank him on my behalf and tell him that I very much enjoyed his white fungus and lotus seed soup. Remember to put some gold beans in a pouch for him."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0


    Shuang Jiang nodded and went to the inner chamber.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0


    Jiang Xinyue stirred the soup with one hand while the other rested on her belly, her eyes flickering with alternating light and darkness. "Xiao Xuanzi, follow Shuang Jiang quietly."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0


    Xiao Xuanzi, who had received the order, raised his eyebrows in surprise, but upon seeing her ruthless gaze, he suppressed his feeling of trepidation and bowed his head even more respectfully. "Yes, Your Highness."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0


    Who could it be?<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">3


    Someone had managed to discover her pregnancy despite her strict precautions, and had even added safflower to her food.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0


    Beneath the sweet soup of white fungus, red dates, and lotus seedsy a handful of bright red safflower.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0


    Those unfamiliar with the effects of safflower might think it was just a new vor from the Imperial Kitchen.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">2


    Most women in ancient times had only limited education and weren''t well-versed in herbs that could both nourish and harm the body.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0


    Jiang Xinyue was fortunate to have been born in a future civilized society. Her basic knowledge was thousands of years ahead of the pcedies, allowing her to repeatedly escape assassination attempts.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">1


    The reason she so readily agreed to the Dowager Empress''s confinement, not letting the Emperor argue on her behalf, was to follow Consort Li''s method of secluding herself to protect her pregnancy.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0


    Who knew that this ck hand would still reach into Hexi Pce?<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0


    After Shuang Jiang packed the gold beans, she headed towards the Imperial Kitchen. Xiao Xuanzi, catching Jiang Xinyue''s silent gaze, immediately followed her out of Hexi Pce.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0


    Under the moonlight, several people hurried about. Where they were going, and how many eyes were secretly watching them, was unknown to all.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0


    Let''s see who would be impatient enough to reveal themselves first.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0


    Shuang Jiang, hearing the cicadas chirping outside the hall, suddenly looked dejected. She tightened the porcin bottle in her sleeve and, when she reached an inconspicuous rockery, threw a blue bottle into it.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0


    As she left, there were tears on her face.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0


    Xiao Xuanzi, crouching, quietly walked to the rockery and picked up the bottle Shuang Jiang had discarded. He dusted off the dirt and put it into his own sleeve.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">3


    The memory of Shuang Jiang delivering coal to Concubine Zhen in the Cold Pce was still fresh in his mind. Xiao Xuanzi really didn''t want Shuang Jiang to do anything to betray her mistress.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0


    The people of Hexi Pce were all of one mind, having been through so much together. It shouldn''t be like this.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">3


    After discarding the bottle, Shuang Jiang hid and cried for a while. After wiping away her tears, she went to the Imperial Kitchen and delivered Jiang Xinyue''s message. In front of many imperial chefs, she gave the pouch filled with gold beans to Imperial Chef Gao.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">2


    That pouch was naturally not Concubine Zhen''s handiwork, but was embroidered by the pce maids of Hexi Pce, specifically for rewarding subordinates.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">1


    Afterwards, she returned to Hexi Pce, not interacting with anyone from other pces along the way.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">3


    "Your Highness, I..."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0


    Shuang Jiang''s eyes fell on the small blue porcin bottle on the table, her eyes almost popping out of their sockets.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0


    She fell to her knees with a "thud," and without a word, started kowtowing repeatedly. After about ten times, blood began to flow from her forehead.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0


    Jiang Xinyue tossed the small porcin vial beside Shuang Jiang''s leg, her expression weary. "I dislike those who y dumb when they know the truth. Back then, you let Jiang Yutong into Xihuo Pce, allowing her to hang herself in the side hall. Whose orders were you following? And now you bring saffron to harm me. How should I deal with you?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">3


    Shuang Jiang, disregarding her bleeding forehead, sobbed uncontrobly as she tried to exin herself: "Your Highness, I... I didn''t mean to harm you. I... I was indeed nted as a spy in your household, asionally passing information to the outside. But Your Highness, I swear on my life, apart from Jiang Baolin''s suicide in Xihuo Pce at the beginning, which I was involved in, I had nothing to do with anything else."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0


    Jiang Xinyue felt a twinge of sadness in her heart, sighing at the cruelty and heartlessness of the imperial pce, where one could never truly discern people''s intentions.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

 Chapter 92

    She remained silent as Shuang Jiang copsed to the ground. Instead of further exnation, she spoke with resignation: "This servant entered the pce at six years old. Before meeting you, Concubine, I served many masters. I''m not good with words and couldn''t please the masters, so I was often bullied by other pce maids. Sometimes when the masters were in a bad mood, beatings weremon. Only you, Concubine... You taught me to fight back. You even beat Concubine Li''s most favored maid to avenge me, not minding your own injury."


    She sobbed: "Concubine, no one has ever been as kind to this servant as you. Please forgive this servant. I can''t reveal who''s behind me, but I... I''ve never harmed you. Because the information I passed on wasn''t important, the person behind me became suspicious and forced me to drug you. I didn''t know what was in the bottle and didn''t dare seek a royal physician. But I never used the drug on you, please understand."


    "For our time as master and servant, for your kindness, this servant will repay you in the next life."


    Shuang Jiang finished in one breath and ran out. A loud thud was heard, followed by Jiang Chuan''s rmed cry: "Concubine! Don''te out, Shuang Jiang hit the pir!"


    The sound was so loud; she must have been determined to die.


    She didn''t shed blood in front of Jiang Xinyue, fearing her gruesome death might shock her.


    Even now, she considered the child in Jiang Xinyue''s womb. She must have been in great pain and conflict.


    The small green bottle was full; she indeed hadn''t harmed Jiang Xinyue. When she threw away the bottle earlier, crying so hard, was she threatened, feeling death was near for not following orders?


    Jiang Xinyue''s hands trembled violently as she stood up from her chair. Xi Que knew she still cared for Shuang Jiang; after all, even a dog would form deep feelings after a year together.


    She ran out quickly to see blood smeared on the pir by the door. Shuang Jiang''s face was covered in blood, but she smiled weakly: "Don''t... don''t save me. If I die... she won''t... threaten me to harm Concubine Zhen anymore. Xi Que... Xi Que... knowing you and the Concubine has been the greatest happiness of my life. I... you must take good care of the Concubine..."


    Despite the pitch-ck night, Shuang Jiang''s lifeless eyes stared at the sky above the courtyard, as if returning tost summer when she first served Concubine Zhen.


    How beautiful she was!


    Like a fairy descending from heaven, she saved her from being bullied by other maids and told her that from then on, with her protection, no one would dare make her wash clothes for the entire maid''s quarters alone again.


    Although this scene was also aimed at Concubine Zhen, specifically arranged to ce her in Xihuo Pce.


    But...


    The act was fake, but the experience was real. That person saved her with ulterior motives, to use her for their own purposes.


    Concubine Zhen saved her without wanting anything in return, just to save her.


    The memories of her time with the people in Hexi Pce shed before her eyes like a flipbook as shey dying.


    They were all... beautiful memories!


    How could she... how could she possibly harm Concubine Zhen?


    Anyway, she hadn''t followed orders tonight and had nned to face death alone tomorrow.


    It was better this way, letting Concubine Zhen discover the truth. It would prevent her from being "identally killed" tomorrow, leaving the Concubine unaware and grieving for such a spy.


    "Carry her inside and summon the royal physician."


    Jiang Xinyue''s voice was terrifyingly calm, as if brewing a great storm.


    Shuang Jiang''sck of free will and her painful dilemma were the result of her own failure as a master.


    In fact, since Jiang Yutong had hanged herself in Xihuo Pce, she had been wary of Shuang Jiang.


    This wariness was undetectable; she simply never involved Shuang Jiang in important matters, instead instructing Xi Que, Xiao Xuanzi, or Jiang Chuan.


    She said she was kind to her and taught her to fight back against bullies, but it was also a way to win her loyalty.


    She just wanted to see when Shuang Jiang would finally confess and reveal who was behind her.


    Or perhaps she kept Shuang Jiang to prevent another unknown maid from recing her if she were sent away.


    Now she was in the dark, and Shuang Jiang in the light. Whatever she did, Jiang Xinyue could anticipate and guard against it.


    Despite all her precautions, she never expected Shuang Jiang to switch sides, willing to lose her life rather than harm her.


    "Did Hexi Pce summon a royal physician?"


    "Master, did Shuang Jiang seed?"


    "Wait until dawn to inquire if there was blood in Hexi Pce. That dog of a servant Shuang Jiang, when asked to do something, hesitates and dawdles, extremely unwilling. I don''t trust her."


    "Yes, this servant will arrange it immediately."


    The beautiful face in the bronze mirror was blurry and unclear.


    The pce was in secret uproar over Concubine Zhen summoning a physician in the middle of the night, but on the surface, everyone pretended not to know.


    Concubine Li was in postpartum confinement, Consort Shu was attending to Concubine Li, and Consort Zhang hadpletely fallen out of favor, no different from an abandoned consort in the Pce of Exile.


    The only two who could still make moves were Consort Jin and Noble Consort Ye.


    "I heard Concubine Zhen summoned a royal physicianst night. Shall we visit Hexi Pce together?"


    The one breaking the eerie silence was Noble Consort Ye, who often imitated Concubine Zhen.


    Today she wore a crimson pink embroidered robe with crabapple flowers, Concubine Zhen''s favorite. Her hair was styled in a small bun, adorned with kingfisher feather fluff and hairpins. Her makeup was bright and docile, making her look even more like Concubine Zhen.


    Empress Zhu knew something was happening in Hexi Pce today. She was waiting for good news and wouldn''t let Noble Consort Ye, that troublemaker, go and disrupt things.


    "Concubine Zhen was confined by the Empress Dowager to reflect on her actions and improve herself. If you all go and the Empress Dowager finds out, it might cause more trouble for her. She''s already summoned a physician, so she must be unwell. Why burden her further with your presence?"


    She waved her hand: "I''m tired. You may all leave now."


    Noble Consort Ye flicked her handkerchief and left, swaying her hips. Outside, she caught up with Consort Jin: "Consort Jin, since the Empress won''t go, shall we visit together?"


    Consort Jin narrowed her eyes, a meaningful smile ying at the corners of her lips. "I was thinking the same thing. Noble Consort Ye, why don''t you join me in checking on Concubine Zhen?"


    The Emperor had just finished his morning court session when Wang Dequan informed him about the imperial physician being summoned to Hexi Pce the night before. He immediately rushed towards Hexi Pce.


    Before leaving, he didn''t forget to bring along two guards who had injuries on their chests.


    Consort Jin had initially hoped to see Jiang Xinyue make a fool of herself, but once they reached Hexi Pce, it would be Consort Jin who would find herself unable to cry even if she wanted to.

 Chapter 93

    The bloodstained scent in Hexi Pce had beenpletely eliminated. When the Xuanwu Emperor arrived, there was no sign of anything amiss.


    "My beloved!"


    Jiang Xinyue wore a white nightgown, looking somewhat frail but still stunningly beautiful as ever.


    The emperor steadily caught the beauty who flew into his arms, lovingly stroking her ck hair. "Wang Dequan said you summoned the imperial physicianst night. What happened? Are you feeling unwell somewhere?"


    Jiang Xinyue''s smile was as radiant as flowers, dazzling the Xuanwu Emperor''s eyes. He couldn''t help but smile along with her. "What''s this? You''re smiling so happily. Is there some joyous news that I don''t know about?"


    The beauty''s eyes sparkled with a captivating light, brimming with countless emotions, the very picture of irresistible charm.


    The Xuanwu Emperor''s affectionate eyes suddenly lit up with immense joy. He carefully pushed her away, holding her waist as he asked, "You... are you with child?"


    Her delicate white hand caressed her t belly as Jiang Xinyue nodded gently. "Yesterday in Concubine Li''s pce, I felt nauseous at the smell of medicine. I didn''t think much of it at the time, but when I threw up while drinking white fungus soup in the evening, I had a feeling I might be pregnant. I summoned Imperial Physician Yan to check, and it turns out I really am. But it''s still early, not even a month along!"


    She took the Xuanwu Emperor''s hand and ced it on her stomach. Though nothing could be felt, her face was filled with happiness. "My love, there''s actually a little baby living in my belly. It''s so miraculous. I''m going to be a mother. Quick, help me listen. Is he moving?"


    She was just like any normal mother, experiencing the joy, bewilderment, emotions, and anticipation upon learning of her pregnancy... Countless emotions blended into something called love, overwhelming the Xuanwu Emperor.


    Unlike his mother, the Dowager Empress, or his other consorts who, upon having children, only thought about how to use them to gain favor.


    This normalcy felt so warm in the deep pce, giving the emperor a sense of home.


    Seeing her in good spirits, he found her presumptuous behavior quite natural.


    "Silly girl..."


    The Xuanwu Emperor embraced her as they sat down. "It''s only been a month. How small do you think he is? He can''t move yet! You need to be more careful now. You can''t be as careless as before. Now that you''re with child, you must behave like a royal mother."


    Jiang Xinyue pouted, saying unhappily, "Well! The baby''s still in my belly, and Your Majesty already considers him more important than me. I won''t stand for it. Even with the baby, I must be second in Your Majesty''s heart."


    "Why be second, and not first?"


    "Because..." Jiang Xinyue wrapped her arms around the emperor''s neck, her eyes twinkling like little stars, "Because I hope that no matter what, Your Majesty will always put your own feelings first. No one is worth Your Majestypromising yourself for."


    For instance, in the matter of Consort Shu, the emperor had already conceded too much.


    "This is a novel idea. It''s the first time I''ve heard it said that you always put me first in your heart. I also hope that you will consider yourself first in everything, before caring for others."


    Jiang Xinyue thought to herself: As if you need to tell me that. Of course I put myself first.


    Her "deep love" for the Xuanwu Emperor consisted of nothing but her own empty words, with the rest left to the emperor''s imagination.


    To some extent, he was quite love-struck as well.


    It could also be said that he was overly confident, believing that a naive young girl like Jiang Xinyue should be utterly smitten with him.


    "All thedies in the harem are wonderful, and their hearts are all set on Your Majesty. It''s already a blessing from three lifetimes of prayer that Your Majesty keeps me in your thoughts. How could I not consider Your Majesty in everything I do?"


    Her warm hand covered the back of the Xuanwu Emperor''s hand, full of tender affection. "Your Majesty, could you promise me to spare an hour each day to visit me? I heard from the old pce maids that if a child in the mother''s womb can feel the love of both parents, the baby will be born with a strong sense of security and better health!"


    The Xuanwu Emperor raised an eyebrow, clearly hearing this idea for the first time. But seeing Jiang Xinyue''s apparent deep belief in it, he couldn''t bear to refuse. "Alright. Wang Dequan, remember to remind me."


    He was diligent in state affairs, often forgetting even to eat. His nightly visits to consorts relied entirely on the Pce Eunuch Office''s daily reminders. If he had to check in at Hexi Pce every day, he feared he might promise and then forget.


    Wang Dequan quickly bowed, "Yes, Your Majesty."


    Suddenly, several guards appeared at the doorway, silent but immediately noticed by the Xuanwu Emperor.


    He took Jiang Xinyue''s hand and walked towards the exit, whispering in her ear, "The people I told you about yesterday have been brought here. Come with me to identify them."


    A glint shed in the emperor''s eyes, which Jiang Xinyue lowered her head to pretend not to see.


    Empress Zhu''s visit to Hexi Pcest night definitely wouldn''t have escaped the emperor''s spies, yet he still brought Zhu Eng and Consort Jin''s brother.


    If Jiang Xinyue were to use the Jin Family Young Master, the emperor would believe she had already allied herself with the Empress''s faction, no longer the pure, unaffiliated consort in his heart who could only rely on him and needed his pity.


    In the front hall, four or five guards were restraining a pale-faced young man and a youth of about twenty. Seeing the emperor emerge, they all knelt and bowed.


    The Xuanwu Emperor pushed Jiang Xinyue forward. "My dear, look closely. Which of these two is the one who tried to take your life underwater?"


    The young Zhu Eng''s eyes were full of smugness, looking contemptuously at the Jin Family Young Master, as if to say: You''re done for.


    The Jin Family Young Master, on the other hand, red at Jiang Xinyue with eyes full of hatred, his face flushed red with bulging veins.


    Jiang Xinyue appeared frightened and looked back at the emperor. The emperor''s face was full of encouragement, urging her forward.


    That dog of an emperor, he''s digging a pit for her to fall into!


    Indeed, the imperial family was deeply suspicious. Even if he had fallen into the web of love and revealed his heart to you, he still wanted to test your character and intentions, fearing that the object of his love might be unworthy.


    Jiang Xinyue looked for a long while, and in the silence, the Xuanwu Emperor''s heart grew heavier and heavier.


    Has Consort Jiang truly allied with the Empress?


    "Your Majesty, I have reached a conclusion."


    Lost in thought, Jiang Xinyue turned and ran to his side, grabbing his arm and pulling him down. "Your Majesty, neither of them is the person who was underwater that day."


    The Xuanwu Emperor''s eyes lit up. "Is that so? But among the pce guards, only these two have the wounds you described!"


    Jiang Xinyue shook her head: "This humble consort does not know how they received their injuries, but it certainly wasn''t by my hand. How could I possibly have such strength? Besides, their build is quite different¡ªthat person was taller and more robust. Although they wore a mask, judging by their eyes, they were not a handsome individual,pletely unlike these two gentlemen."


    Not only did the Jin Family Young Master breathe a sigh of relief, but the Emperor''s gaze towards Jiang Xinyue also softened somewhat: "Is that so? Then it seems I was mistaken."


    How could assassins arranged by the Dowager Empress be so easily uncovered?

 Chapter 94

    Concubine Zhen had not allied herself with the Empress.


    Jiang Xinyue watched him act silently, a cold smirk hidden in her eyes.


    Hah!


    So he wanted to y this game with her?


    Let''s see who''s the better actor!


    "Brother?"


    Consort Jin, who had witnessed the entire scene while standing at the entrance of Hexi Pce, spoke up. Noble Consort Ye followed closely behind as they both stepped into the front courtyard.


    Consort Jin rushed in and grabbed her brother''s sleeve. "Brother, what''s happening? Why are you tied up?"


    She was merely feigning ignorance.


    Jiang Xinyue smiled. "Don''t worry, Consort Jin. It''s just a misunderstanding. Your Majesty, please release them! Otherwise, Consort Jin might think I''m causing her trouble again."


    With this yful remark, the tense atmosphere immediately rxed. The Emperor ordered the release of Zhu Eng and the Jin Family Young Master, sending them back to the guards'' quarters.


    Consort Jin felt she could no longer understand Concubine Zhen.


    She was Consort Li''s ally, and in the past... no... even now, she had always been causing trouble for Concubine Zhen.


    Before, she had worked with Consort Zhang. Later, when Consort Zhang fell out of favor and was demoted, she conspired with Noble Consort Ye, all to bring down Concubine Zhen.


    But today, with such a perfect opportunity - she could have used her own brother of being the culprit, which would have spelled doom not just for her, but for their entire Jin family.


    Why didn''t Concubine Zhen implicate her brother?


    Was it really because she was kind-hearted and unwilling to wrongly use an innocent person?


    Noble Consort Ye, however, paid no mind to their grudges. As soon as she saw the Emperor, her eyes lit up with a dazzling gleam. She rushed towards him, nearly colliding with Jiang Xinyue. Fortunately, Wang Dequan stepped in front of Jiang Xinyue, gently pushing Noble Consort Ye away.


    The Xuanwu Emperor retreated a few steps in rm, and guards immediately raised their swords to block Noble Consort Ye, preventing her from getting closer.


    "Your Majesty!" Noble Consort Ye cried out anxiously, but to no avail. She could only push against the guard in front of her and re at them fiercely.


    The Emperor sidestepped Noble Consort Ye and embraced Jiang Xinyue. "Zhu Qianyi, Jin Wuyong, you have suffered unjustly this time. I hereby appoint you as my personal armed guards. Report for duty in the pce tomorrow."


    "We... thank Your Majesty for this great honor."


    "Your Majesty, I..."


    "Wang Dequan!" The Xuanwu Emperor''s head began to throb at the sound of Noble Consort Ye''s morous voice. He quickly said, "I will be dining with Concubine Zhen. Please escort the others out."


    With that, he ignored Noble Consort Ye''s displeased expression and led Jiang Xinyue into the hall.


    It would take some time for lunch to be served. Jiang Xinyue specifically sent Xi Que to bring Imperial Chef Gao, giving him a chance to make an impression on the Emperor. Whether he could seize this opportunity would depend on his own abilities.


    Although it wasn''t yet midsummer in May, ice blocks were already being supplied to the imperial kitchen. Many precious ingredients needed to be preserved with ice.


    "This fresh steamed bass is for the Empress to eat tomorrow. Of course, we need this ice. Concubine Zhen, if you want to eat fresh butterfly fish, you''ll have to wait until the day after tomorrow!"


    "Li Guitian, don''t push it too far. I applied for this ice from the Chief Steward two days ago. It was allocated for my use. If the Empress wants to eat fresh steamed bass, you should have applied for ice in advance. You forgot to apply, and now you''re trying to take mine. What kind of logic is that?"


    "What are you implying?"


    Imperial Chef Li sneered, "Are you suggesting that the Empress''s desires shoulde second to Concubine Zhen''s? Do you dare say that in front of the Empress?"


    "You-!"


    Imperial Chef Gao pointed at him. "Don''t try to change the subject. We''re talking about applying for ice in advance. Let''s stick to the facts and be reasonable."


    "In the pce, putting the Empress first is the rule. What''s this, Imperial Chef Gao? Is Concubine Zhen coveting the Empress''s position, refusing to yield like this?"


    This usation was a serious crime. Imperial Chef Gao couldn''t possibly respond to it. He was so angry he could only pant heavily, refusing to budge an inch from the ice chest.


    Li Guitian had already won over about half of the kitchen staff. At his signal, a group of people rushed forward to snatch the ice.


    "You- you let go-"


    "Bang!"


    "Ouch!"


    Wang Dequan had heard everything clearly from outside the door. He was about to enter and stop the fight, prioritizing the Emperor and Concubine Zhen''s lunch, when a flying chest hit him squarely in the eye as he stepped in.


    With a cry of pain, Wang Dequan fell to the ground, feeling dizzy and seeing stars.


    He felt a coldness between his legs, and looking down, he saw that a chest full of ice had spilled onto hisp.


    "Lord Wang!"


    Everyone in the kitchen was stunned. The responsible chefs all knelt on the ground, trembling like sieves.


    Xi Que shouted, "Li Guitian, how dare you ambush Lord Wang! Do you know the consequences of your actions?"


    Li Guitian''s face turned as pale as paper. He knelt on the ground, kowtowing. "Lord Wang... please forgive me. I didn''t mean to... No! It wasn''t me... It was him... He wouldn''t give me the ice, that''s why this happened. It''s all his fault."


    He pointed at Imperial Chef Gao, retreating in fear.


    Wang Dequan took the handkerchief Xi Que offered and pressed it against his bleeding forehead. He hadn''t heard anything else, just Xi Que whispering in his ear that Li Guitian had ambushed him.


    But now wasn''t the time to dwell on that. He extended a hand, pointing at Imperial Chef Gao. "You,e with me to Hexi Pce to serve the Emperor and Concubine Zhen''s meal. Hurry up."


    When the Emperor dined, besides having food tasters, there were also serving chefs. For each dish the Emperor sampled more than twice, the serving chef had to announce its name, exin how it was prepared, and describe its benefits and effects on the body.


    That''s why Jiang Xinyue had called for Xi Que.


    Imperial Chef Gao quickly donned his chef''s attire, pushed his ingredients cart, and selected three assistants who had helped him earlier. They followed behind Wang Dequan and Xi Que, pushing a stove.


    Therge gash on Wang Dequan''s forehead looked painfully deep.


    Xi Que pulled out some medicine from her sleeve. "Lord Wang, if you go in like this, you might frighten the Emperor and Concubine Zhen. This is a healing balm I always carry with me. Why don''t you apply some first?"


    Her white handkerchief was now stained with blood, looking disturbingly gruesome.


    Wang Dequan had no choice but to instruct his adoptive son Tang Shiliang at the main hall entrance of Hexi Pce to lead the imperial chefs inside to serve, lest they dy the Emperor''s mealtime.


    Meanwhile, Xi Que led Wang Dequan to a side hall, calling for Xiao Xuanzi to join them in helping to treat the wound on his forehead.


    The Hexi Pce had somemon hemostatic medicines on hand. Xiao Xuanzi rummaged through the storeroom to find them and bandaged Wang Dequan: "Eunuch Wang, you must not let water touch this wound. It could be infected if it gets wet, and that would be quite troublesome."


    Wang Dequan drew in a sharp breath and waved his hand: "This old one understands. Don''t fuss over me anymore, hurry along to attend to Concubine Zhen."

 Chapter 95

    Wang Dequan truly lived up to his role as the emperor''s close confidant. Even with blood still flowing from his own head, he didn''t pursue the culprit first. Instead, as if nothing had happened, he calmly returned to Hexi Pce to arrange the Xuanwu Emperor''s meal.


    As Magpie entered the inner chamber, Jiang Xinyue looked up and asked casually, "Where did Eunuch Wang go?"


    Tang Shiliang was Wang Dequan''s adopted son. Logically, he should have been the angriest about his adoptive father being hit.


    But his face showed no emotion as hedled a small bowl of savory broth for the emperor and said with a smile, "He identally bumped his head while going to the imperial kitchen. Magpie and Little Xuan applied some medicine. Master said he was worried the smell of the medicine might affect Your Majesty and Consort Zhen''s appetite, so he sent me to serve instead."


    Pce rules were strict, forbidding eunuchs from having adopted parents or forming cliques. So Tang Shiliang called Wang Dequan "master" in public.


    In truth, the emperor was somewhat aware of high-ranking eunuchs adopting children. But eunuchs were castrated, so even if they left the pce when they got older, they couldn''t have descendants.


    Wang Dequan had been serving by his side since he was six years old, for over twenty years now. Even if he adopted seven or eight sons, the emperor would turn a blind eye.


    The Xuanwu Emperor raised his eyes to look at Tang Shiliang, doubtful in his heart. Wang Dequan wasn''t so careless, and it was impossible for him to bump his head.


    Such an obvious excuse, the Xuanwu Emperor couldn''t miss it. But considering he was still dining with Consort Zhen, if his old friend was really injured, it wouldn''t be appropriate to appear before Consort Zhen. So he let it go for now.


    Imperial Chef Gao cooked on the spot, allowing Jiang Xinyue to taste the phoenix-tail fish she had been craving, instantly opening up her appetite.


    Magpie hinted to the Xuanwu Emperor from the side: "Your Highness, you''ve eaten about two more ounces of rice today than in the past two days. It seems Imperial Chef Gao''s culinary skills have improved again."


    Jiang Xinyue''s face flushed, and she quickly put down her silver chopsticks, ring at Magpie with puffed cheeks: "You also think I''m eating too much, don''t you?"


    Magpie immediately picked up the silver chopsticks and ced them back in her hand: "How dare I, Your Highness? I''m praising your good appetite. When the little prince or princess is born in the future, they''ll surely be very healthy."


    Easily pleased, Jiang Xinyue shook her little head proudly: "Of course! They''ll be as healthy as their father."


    Tang Shiliang, remembering what his adoptive father had told him earlier about how he was injured, suddenly spoke up: "This Imperial Chef Gao, isn''t he the one who made the roast meat and fried chicken that impressed the foreign envoys at the New Year''s banquet?"


    Jiang Xinyue had finished eating and moved to the Xuanwu Emperor''sp, finding afortable position to lie in: "Eunuch Tang, that''s right. He learned those two dishes very diligently."


    The Xuanwu Emperor finally remembered that such an incident had urred, and Wang Dequan had mentioned it to him. The previous manager of the imperial kitchen had grown old and was released from the pce as per custom. The position of chief steward had been vacant for a long time.


    "I heard from Wang Dequan that the previous chief steward of the imperial kitchen has been released from the pce. Why hasn''t the Internal Affairs Department rmended someone yet? I think this Imperial Chef Gao is very..."


    "Her Majesty the Empress arrives¡ª"


    With Jiang Chuan''s announcement, a figure in vermilion entered, bringing with her a cowering silhouette.


    That silhouette fell to his knees, crawling: "This ve... this ve Li Guitian from the imperial kitchen, begs Your Majesty and Eunuch Wang for forgiveness!"


    Jiang Xinyue didn''t even raise her eyes. She took the napkin Magpie handed her, wiped her mouth, and then drank some lemon water with the emperor to rinse her mouth.


    After gracefully letting the pce servants clean up the dining table, she finally rose to greet the Empress.


    Empress Zhu was annoyed with her at this moment. This morning, her brother had gone to Yikun Pce and said that Jiang Xinyue hadn''t actually used the Jin family''s eldest son, rendering their careful arrangements futile.


    Just as she was about to have lunch, that fool Li Guitian came begging to her, saying he had identally injured Wang Dequan while arguing with Imperial Chef Gao.


    Because the dispute involved both the Empress and Consort Zhen, she had to skip her meal and personally bring Li Guitian to Hexi Pce.


    She thought Jiang Xinyue''s pce maids had already reported the incident, so she hurriedly stepped forward: "Your Majesty, this dog of a ve used my name to throw his weight around in the imperial kitchen and even injured Wang Dequan. I truly had no idea. Wang..."


    "What did you say?"


    The emperor stood up abruptly, his eyes filled with anger and shock: "Wang Dequan was injured by him?"


    The Empress was still in disbelief, her gaze turning to Jiang Xinyue. Jiang Xinyue, meeting her eyes, shook her head, indicating she hadn''t said anything.


    What did she need to say?


    Wang Dequan''s head had been split open, and there was still some blood on Magpie''s sleeve. It must have been a serious injury.


    The emperor had his own eyes, and Wang Dequan had his own mouth. Rather than having ite from her lips, which might seem like she was sowing discord, it was better to let Wang Dequan speak for himself. This also avoided the emperor suspecting that her rtionship with Wang Dequan was too close.


    Who was Wang Dequan?


    He was a wolf-killer who had ovee many obstacles and eliminated all those who coveted the position of chief eunuch by the emperor''s side. How could he swallow this insult without retaliation?


    What was Li Guitian thinking?


    "You dog of a ve, get out of the way!"


    The Xuanwu Emperor kicked Li Guitian aside and strode out, with Empress Zhu, Jiang Xinyue, and others following behind.


    "Tang Shiliang, where is your master? Tell him toe out!"


    He, the mighty emperor of Great Yan, how could his own man be bullied and then hide from him? What kind of logic was that?


    Wang Dequan had already heard the emperor''s angry shout. Enduring the pain in his head, he walked out from the side hall. He hadn''t had time to change his blood-stained clothes, whichbined with the unprofessionally wrapped white bandage on his head.


    His eyes avoided contact, his hands hanging at his sides clutching his eunuch''s robe. His entire being looked weathered and dejected, like a delicate white flower ravaged by the cold wind.


    Jiang Xinyue inwardly apuded Wang Dequan. At forty years old, he could still pull off this fragile, pure white flower act¡ªtruly remarkable.


    So she widened her eyes and carefully observed him from head to toe, left to right, mentally rehearsing how she would perform it herself.


    Eunuch Wang''s hands acted the best, with fingers clutching his robe hem in panic, evoking sympathy.


    She would try that next time.


    But her expression, in Empress Zhu''s eyes, looked like shock¡ªmeaning Jiang Xinyue truly didn''t know Wang Dequan had been injured and hadn''t reported it to the emperor.


    In her haste, she had once again shot herself in the foot.


    It seems that next time she shouldn''t judge a gentleman''s heart with a petty person''s mindset. Zhen Consort was indeed on her side and wouldn''t do anything behind her back to harm her.


    Jiang Xinyue: You''re rejoicing too soon!


    The imperial physician was summoned to re-bandage the wound on Wang Dequan''s forehead. The Xuanwu Emperor felt pained seeing the half-inch long wound.


    When he felt the pain, others would lose half their lives.


    Li Guitian had all his gold and silver confiscated and was demoted to amoner, expelled from the pce. Moreover, the Xuanwu Emperor explicitly forbade him from using the culinary techniques he learned in the pce to open restaurants or taverns, or to seek employment as a chef. In short, he was cut off from any future career as a cook.


    If he dared to disobey, his head would be chopped off.

 Chapter 96

    In the Emperor''s words: "Isn''t his name Li Guitian? Then I''ll just let him roll back to farm thend."


    Return to the fields, return to the fields... you were ultimately destined to be a farmer!


    Li Guitian''s miserable life after being banished from the pce is a story for another time. In any case, Imperial Chef Gao weed his second spring.


    At the mere age of twenty-five, by the Emperor''s personal decree and the Imperial Household Department''s announcement, he was appointed as the Head of the Imperial Kitchen.


    Before leaving Hexi Pce, the Xuanwu Emperor specifically said to Jiang Xinyue: "My beloved, after much consideration, I still think your confinement order should be extended for some time. The news of your pregnancy cannot be revealed too quickly. I think... the Empress Dowager has many misunderstandings about you. After your month of confinement is over, you can visit the Empress Dowager at Kunning Pce to clear up her misunderstandings about you."


    Fine!


    Let her go and provoke that old woman, angering her enough to confine her for another three to five months, is that it?


    The Emperor speaks in such a roundabout way that without some ability to interpret, one truly wouldn''t understand what he''s saying.


    Since he was being so considerate of her, and to protect the child in her belly, Jiang Xinyue was willing to give it a try: "Whatever Your Majesty says is what shall be done. This concubine wouldn''t dare to disobey."


    Seeing that she understood, the Xuanwu Emperor kissed her forehead again: "My beloved, take good care of yourself and the baby. I wille to see you every day. When you give birth to the little prince, I will bestow upon you the title of Consort. The Imperial Astronomer says there won''t be a severe heat wave this summer, otherwise I would have taken you to the summer pce to escape the heat."


    This way, she wouldn''t need to be confined. After all, it would be enough to keep the imperial concubines and the Empress Dowager who threatened Concubine Zhen in the pce.


    "Your Majesty can bear it, but the Empress Dowager and the others might not. Actually, if this concubine weren''t pregnant, I would have loved to experience the year-round spring climate at the Qinzhou Imperial Vi!"


    The Emperor, suddenly enlightened, straightened his posture: Indeed! If Concubine Zhen couldn''t go, why not send the Empress Dowager, Consort Shu, Consort Jin, Noble Consort Ye, and the others all to Qinzhou? When Concubine Zhen''s pregnancy reached four months and was as stable as could be, they could bring them all back, couldn''t they?


    "But..."


    The Xuanwu Emperor continued: "In that case, I need to think of a way to stay behind."


    Jiang Xinyue pushed him away: "Your Majesty should return to the study! Empress Zhu is still waiting outside! This concubine dares not make her wait too long."


    The Emperor felt a bit jealous, thinking: She doesn''t dare to keep the Empress waiting too long, but she dares to push me out.


    But Concubine Zhen used to be so cautious around him, fearing his displeasure. Now that she had finally be a bit more casual and intimate with him, he didn''t want to say anything that might scare this little turtle that had just poked its head out back into its shell.


    After Empress Zhu and Jiang Xinyue saw the Emperor off together, the Empress''s face instantly darkened: "Concubine Zhen, we spoke so wellst night, why did you betray me?"


    Jiang Xinyue had already knelt down smoothly, even knowing which side of her face to show to best evoke a sense of protectiveness when she knelt.


    A clear tear rolled down her cheek, her face contorted in unbearable pain, crying so hard she could hardly speak.


    Empress Zhu: ?


    Fen Yun: ?


    What''s the meaning of sitting on the ground and crying her heart out before even counting to three after kneeling?


    Could it be that she''s faking it?


    Her Empress hadn''t even touched her!


    After crying until Empress Zhu''s displeasure with her reached its peak, Jiang Xinyue finally took a deep breath and said, clutching her heart dramatically: "Empress, it''s not that this concubine was unwilling to identify him. It''s that His Majesty was testing me. He suspects that this concubine is in cahoots with you, Empress. This concubine didn''t dare to identify the Jin Family Young Master! Empress... do you think... do you think His Majesty truly cares for this concubine? He tests me at every turn, never trusting me. How much of the love he speaks of is true or false? Hahaha..."


    The beautiful, seemingly unhinged woman sat on the ground, crying andughing at the same time, which was quite heart-wrenching.


    Her heartbreaking sobs reminded Empress Zhu of the countless days and nights she had silently wept, sharing a bed but not a heart with the Emperor.


    She too wanted to ask if the Emperor truly had a heart. Which woman did he genuinely love?


    But she couldn''t ask. She was the Empress of Great Yan, and had to maintain her dignity, elegance, and magnanimity at all times.


    "So that''s how it is."


    Empress Zhu, feeling guilty, helped her up: "I didn''t know about this. I''ve wronged you. Please get up!"


    Jiang Xinyue wiped the tears from her face with her sleeve: "Empress, His Majesty has arranged for the Jin Family Young Master to serve as an imperial guard in the pce. Do you think he knows about the rtionship between Consort Shu and Guard Jin? This concubine''s heart feels uneasy. Could it be that His Majesty suspects Consort Shu and Guard Jin? His Majesty cares so much for Consort Shu, it''s clear he doesn''t love this concubine..."


    As she spoke, she was about to burst into tears again.


    Empress Zhu''s head was splitting from the crying of this "foolish woman" trapped in the emperor''s love, but she took her words to heart.


    Was it because the Emperor suspected that Consort Shu had been unfaithful that he kept the Jin Family Young Master in the pce?


    If that were true, the Emperor must have left people to monitor the two of them.


    Empress Zhu was overjoyed internally, but didn''t show it. Instead, she perfunctorilyforted Jiang Xinyue with a few words before hurriedly leaving with Fen Yun.


    The Jin Family Young Master must remain in the pce!


    Keeping this secret weapon here could one day lead to Consort Shu''s demise and severely damage Noble Consort Li - killing two birds with one stone. She would have to discuss this thoroughly with the Zhu family.


    As soon as the Empress''s entourage left, Jiang Xinyue stretchedzily. In the blink of an eye, only coldness remained in her eyes.


    With just a few words, she had set the three most troublesome women in the harem - the Empress, Noble Consort Li, and Consort Shu - at each other''s throats. Jiang Xinyue was truly one of a kind in the Great Yan harem.


    The Emperor''s n for a summer retreat ultimately didn''te to fruition, because the very next day, a memorial from Qinzhou arrived on the Emperor''s desk.


    Local officials in Qinzhou had been epting bribes and selling positions at the Emperor''s vi. Any family that offered gold and silver to the local government could send a beautiful woman to the vi, and they would even be arranged to stay in Jiuzhou Hall where the Emperor resided.


    Many wealthy merchants had also given gold and silver, just to buy a spot to dine and enjoy performances with the Emperor.


    It was said that these merchants had already hired painters, determined to create a painting of themselves in the same frame as the Xuanwu Emperor, to hang in their homes as a disy of their status.


    These merchants were no fools, spending a fortune just to be in the same picture as the Xuanwu Emperor.


    They had calcted everything very carefully!


    Holding portraits featuring themselves alongside the emperor, neither cooperating merchants nor officials dared to give them much trouble, fearing they might have powerful backing. This made earning money much easier for them.


    The Xuanwu Emperor flew into a rage at being treated like an object, a tool for online swindling, and amodity to be sold to the highest bidder. Heshed out at several officials from the Song Family faction in court for days.


    The reason was simple: the local official in Qinzhou who had been selling the emperor''s image as amodity was a prot¨¦g¨¦ rmended by the Song Family.


    Moreover, the person who reported this official was his own advisor, who, as it happened, had close ties to Jiang Xinyue''s adoptive father.

 Chapter 97

    Mr. Jiang was from the direct line of Yizhou''s Jiang family. ording to seniority, Jiang Xinyue had to call this man her great-uncle.


    The main line of the Jiang family was not very close with the sidelines, but apart from monopolizing all resources in the official path, they were never harsh on the sidelines, like Jiang Yankun, in terms of money.


    Therefore, life was not so hard for Jiang family members. The financial resources of Jiang family, Yizhou''s richest, were not to be underestimated, and they were not going to let their reputation be tarnished.


    So when Jiang Yanxi arrived at Jing city''s Jiang family residence, weary and haggard, Jiang Yankun couldn''t turn him away, and took him in.


    This was a direct hit to Concubine Li''s heart.


    Outsiders didn''t know what was going on inside the Jiang family, but seeing that Jiang Yankun had taken in Jiang Yanxi, who had exposed the corrupt Qinzhou prefect, they subconsciously thought that the harem struggle had spread to the court.


    In his wrath, the Emperor ordered the Ministry of Punishment and the Ministry of Personnel to go to Qinzhou to jointly investigate this case. The vice minister of the Ministry of Personnel, of the Jiang family, was the father of Jiang Yuan, the sin-ve in the Pce of Exile.


    "Your Highness, Jiang Yuan has been made a courtdy, she hase out of the Pce of Exile."


    Xiao Xuanzi was still well-connected in the Pce of Exile, and got the news right away.


    At that time, Jiang Xinyue had just drunk a bowl of nourishing ck chicken soup. She wiped the grease from her mouth and said, "Jiang Yuan is the legitimate daughter of the vice-minister. The Emperor wants him to go to Qinzhou to investigate the corruption case, it''s surely not a simple investigation. If he can give the Emperor what he wants, what''s wrong with letting his daughter out of the Pce of Exile?"


    "Why don''t we bring her in and stir her up a bit to pit her against Empress and Concubine Li!"


    Xi Que upgraded to viinous, she thought she''d be praised but instead got a smack on the head from her mistress: "I see you''re developing a talent for ying the evil antagonist!"


    "Hehe¡­"


    Xi Que scratched her head bashfully: "Really? I was just thinking of using Court Lady Jiang to avenge you!"


    Jiang Xinyue took a sip of tea, felt the vor of the ck chicken soup fade away, and handed the teacup back to her. She rested her chin in one hand andughed softly: "When Court Lady Jiang was still Concubine Jiang, she couldn''t even fight against this nobledy, and you''re hoping she can make Empress Zhu and Concubine Li back down?"


    It was a valid point.


    If she were smart, she wouldn''t have let Empress Zhu use her as a pawn.


    "Lemme her go! The most important thing for me right now is to take care of myself, being pregnant. Everything else can wait."


    She had to be careful against the other courtdies plotting against her child.


    Meeting with Court Lady Jiang might not be the wisest choice, in case she got the urge to assassinate Concubine Li or Empress Zhu one day. If the Emperor found out she''d seen Court Lady Jiang after she was released from the Pce of Exile, wouldn''t that spell trouble?


    Even if there wasn''t a connection before, one would have to be established.


    Jiang Chuan bowed respectfully to Court Lady Jiang, "Court Lady Jiang, please go back. Our mistress is currently grounded by the Empress Dowager. By rights she cannot see anyone, nor can she leave the pce. I hope you understand."


    Once upon a time, Jiang Yuan, although without staggering beauty, possessed a clear and elegant charm in the harem full of beauties. She was not ugly by any means; only in the grandeur of the harem did she seem ordinary. But in the outer world, she was quite a good-looking youngdy.


    However, now her previous spirit was totally gone. Her face was pale and worn, and even her straight back started to hunch significantly.


    The hands that the emperor used to grind ink on when he painted, now transformed grotesquely with swollen joints, covered with hideous scars left by frostbite.


    After Jiang Xinyue left the Pce of Exile, the treatment and severity she endured had worn out all her reluctance and self-confidence.


    The only thing left was resentment.


    She nced behind Jiang Chuan and looked around the whole Hexi Pce, then she said with a smile, ¡°Then, I shall not disturb Concubine Zhen¡¯s rest anymore. I need to pay a visit to both the Yikun Pce and the Changxin Pce.¡±


    She had actually skipped those two and directly came here to the Hexi Pce.


    Jiang Xinyue sneered, ¡°She sure calcted well. To attract the wrath of the empress and Concubine Li towards me, so that in the future when she makes a mistake, and I don¡¯t save her, she can turn today¡¯s matter against me. Even with ten mouths, I would not be able to argue myself clear.¡±


    "Ah?"


    Xi Que frowned, ¡°She is obstinate. Must I chase her down and teach her a lesson?¡±


    Jiang Xinyue stopped her, ¡°How can you argue with someone shameless like this? Wait until the emperores tomorrow, and then you canin to him. You go see if Shuang Jiang is awake?¡±


    There were many questions she wanted to ask Shuang Jiang!


    In the chamber of the inner pce, two young pce girls whispered to each other in front of a brazier, ¡°Only because of the kindness of ourdy, was Shuang Jiang''s life spared. If it were any other master, they would probably have wrapped her in a mat and tossed her onto some deserted burial mound.¡±


    "I''m telling you, Lady Zhen is toopassionate! How can you trust someone who has betrayed you? I''m afraid she won¡¯t understand how she died, causing trouble for us pce maids, and then we get sent back to the Internal Affairs Department for reassignment¡±


    ¡°I heard that Lady Ye¡¯s father won another battle. The emperor is nning to promote Lady Ye to the position of concubine! With General Ye¡¯s extraordinary achievements, Lady Ye will surely be crowned a concubine. Should we find a way to serve in the Shunan Pce?¡±


    "Thunk!"


    The door was pushed open rudely by Xi Que, she walked over and pped one of the pce maiden¡¯s faces, ¡°Is our mistress cruel to you while being kind to Shuang Jiang? You¡¯re drawing your sry from the Hexi Pce but idolize the Shunan Pce. You don¡¯t need to find any connections now, I¡¯ll send you to Lady Ye at the Shunan Pce right now, let her take in this ungrateful creature.¡±


    The pce girl was pped and forced to kneel on the ground without making a sound.


    Xi Que grabbed the other pce girl and pushed her out of the room, ¡°Both of you kneel here. Let me ask the mistress how to deal with you.¡±


    In the chamber, Shuang Jiang''s head was wrapped in a thickyer of white cloth. Her face was so pale that she appeared to be knocking on heaven¡¯s door.


    Her lips trembled, and so did her hands, tears slid down her eyes. It was obvious that she had overheard the conversation between the two young pce maids and was furious about it.


    Xi Que, both angry and distressed, gently helped her sit up. Her face was stern, and her tone was fierce, "Cry, cry, cry, is that all you know? Why don''t you go tell the Empress about who wants to harm her! Do you understand redemption through good deeds? Or have you really prepared yourself to be sent back to the Internal Affairs Department?¡±


    A servant returned by the master of the pce, whether a pce maid or an eunuch, would never have a good ending thereafter.


    Thest fate awaiting Shuang Jiang was to return to the days when she was at the mercy of others.


    No!


    She was the one that Concubine Zhen returned, offending the emperor''s current favorite. Her days would only be a hundred times more miserable than before.


    Shuang Jiang gave a bitter smile, "Xi Que, we can''t fight against her with the current power of Concubine Zhen. If I speak out, and let Concubine Zhen show the slightest bit of caution when facing her again, she will notice it. I can''t speak... at least not now."


    Could there really be someone hidden so deeply in the harem?

 Chapter 98

    Xi Que was unaware, so she could only ry Shuang Jiang''s exact words to her mistress, Jiang Xinyue, and ask for instructions on how to deal with the two maidservants who were nning to betray their master.


    What else could be done?


    Shuang Jiang had been threatened, and she had resisted at the cost of her life, refusing to harm her, therefore she had earned her forgiveness.


    Those two maidservants were third-ss maidservants. They were sly and dishonest. They had served Jiang Xinyue for a year and had not been promoted to second ss. This showed they were not useful.


    Jiang Xinyue ordered Xi Que, "You go and draw them out, see if they know about my pregnancy. If they don''t know, send them back to the Internal Affairs Department."


    Xi Que pursed her lips, "And...what if they do know?"


    The fact that Shuang Jiang attempted suicide and the doctor was called to the Hexi Pce was something only known to those inside the pce.


    What excuse did Concubine Zhen use to dismiss the Emperor?


    "If they know..."


    Jiang Xinyue''s eyes closed and opened again, the fierce look in her eyes startled Xi Que.


    Her voice was icy cold: "Those who betray their master cannot keep secrets. If they know, we''ll see who they''ve turned to, and I''ll make an example of them!"


    She had said before, she would not harm anyone unless provoked. But if someone was nning mischief on her unborn child, she would not show mercy.


    Xi Que nodded and was about to go, but Jiang Xinyue added, "Take good care of Shuang Jiang. When she is fit again, let her attend to me. If she does not disclose who are behind her, I will find a way to learn it."


    That said, it all depended on Shuang Jiang''s cooperation.


    Changxin Pce ¨C


    Concubine Li personally monitored Consort Shu, forcing her to eat an excessive amount of food before sheughed and said, "Dear Consort Shu, don''t me me for being brash. After all, you''ve been missing your meals these days, if this continues it will affect my little prince¡¯s health. I hope tomorrow when the maides, she will tell me that you ate tworge bowls of rice. Then you won''t have to suffer anymore."


    She looked defiant,pletely ignoring Consort Shu¡¯s retching and tear-streaked face, and left with arge group of people carrying food boxes.


    Tears welled up in Consort Shu¡¯s eyes, they filled with resentment.


    As soon as Concubine Li was out of sight, she scrambled up and ran to the camphor tree by the door, furiously inducing vomiting with her finger.


    "Vomit! Vomit... Vomit!"


    "Your Highness!"


    Lianxin¡¯s eyes were swollen with tears. She supported Consort Shu, "Your Highness, shall we go seek His Majesty¡¯s help? Ask him to let you move back to Jingren Pce? This Concubine Li... she''s so overbearing, she will harm you."


    They had just moved a few days ago, and taking the pretext of Consort Shu having grievances that might harm the unborn child, Concubine Li kept forcing her to overeat three meals a day. She saw it, Consort Shu had already thrown up blood.


    Consort Shu vomited violently before she managed to throw up all the excessive food in her stomach, she felt slightly at ease.


    She slumped under the tree, shedding tears of despair, "No need! If I seek the Emperor now, all my efforts up until now would have been wasted."


    "But..."


    "There are no ifs and buts!" Consort Shu harshly wiped away the sour liquid at her lip''s corner, "Concubine Li won''t let me bear this child. Rather than her torturing me under the pretext of my baby, and then losing the child anyway, we might as well imitate her once."


    Using a child who wouldn''t survive anyway, to trap the person she dreaded the most.


    The person most dreaded by Concubine Li was Consort Shu, so among Concubine Zhen and Consort Shu, she chose to tackle Consort Shu first.


    But what about Consort Shu?


    She hardly took Concubine Li seriously. The person she wanted to scheme against was not Concubine Li.


    On the second day, the Xuanwu Emperor came to Hexi Pce after the early court under the reminder of Wang Dequan. Jiang Xinyue brought out the "fairytale storybook" that had been prepared long ago, asking the Xuanwu Emperor to narrate stories to the child in her belly with a soft voice.


    Eunuch Wang, though injured, persisted in serving by the Xuanwu Emperor''s side, receiving the care of all the maids in Hexi Pce.


    This relieved the old man''s heart.


    In this pce, indeed!


    Concubine Zhen had the most human touch. The servants were the reflection of their master. The goodness of Lady Xi Que and Little Xuan was indicative of her kind character.


    A hint of gratitude appeared on Wang Dequan''s face, to which Jiang Xinyue responded gently, without appearing overly enthusiastic.


    It''s not worth her thanks. In interactions, Jiang Xinyue used Wang Dequan more often.


    He was close to the Emperor, it was impossible for her to trust him with her heart!


    Many people misconstrue the difference and correct approach to avoidance andpassion.


    Being too cold might lead Wang Dequan to feel disdained. If he spoke ill of her to the Emperor in a crucial moment, it would be hard for Jiang Xinyue to maintain the Emperor''s favor.


    Being too eager might tip off the Emperor. Being too purposeful, she wouldn¡¯t win Wang Dequan''s approval either.


    Whates too easily is never cherished - not just applicable to the Emperor, but to all of mankind.


    Jiang Xinyue was excellent at grasping this bnce.


    For instance, when Wang Dequan was injured by Li Guitian. It seemed an innocent stuck in conflict between imperial chefs, when in truth, the discord was instigated by Empress Zhu and Jiang Xinyue.


    In this matter, Jiang Xinyue had to evade suspicion - she couldn''t mention any wrongs of Empress Zhu in front of the Emperor, much less speak up for Wang Dequan.


    The Emperor, the absolute monarch of this feudal society, liked everyone around him to be dependent on him alone. Any person he valued, he liked havingplete control over.


    Therefore, the people both Wang Dequan and Jiang Xinyue trusted and relied on could only be him. This gave the Emperor a great sense of aplishment.


    While Wang Dequan was injured and serving the Emperor, Jiang Xinyue could take care of him. This demonstrated her good nature, and indicated her gratitude towards Wang Dequan''s attentive care for the Emperor.


    It further indirectly proved her genuine love for the Emperor.


    Layer byyer, even heroic figures drown in this beauty''s trap.


    Having read thest part, the Xuanwu Emperor gently closed the book. "This year, I will not leave for the summer pce. The Qinzhou local official corruption case was reported by your great uncle. I heard he is now living in the Jiang Household, taken in by your father, otherwise, he might have fallen victim to a cruel plot."


    The Song Family''s minions are scattered across the court. Silencing a minor Qinzhou official would have been a task too simple?


    But now, he has been taken in by the Jiang family. Jiang Yankun might not be worthy of fear, but the Jiang family has a daughter in the pce, who is now the highly esteemed Concubine Zhen. Should they offend Jiang Yankun, a word from his daughter to the Emperor might leave them in an undesirable position.


    Why is the Xuanwu Emperor telling her this?


    Jiang Xinyue struggled to find words, "My great uncle? I have never visited my parental home. In previous family sacrifices, only my elder brother and Zhe apanied my father. My sisters and I have never met the rtives there. As for my great uncle... I don¡¯t know what he is like."


    The Xuanwu Emperor smirked, "Do you think I am asking you if I can trust him?"

 Chapter 99

    Is that not so?<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0


    The Xuanwu Emperor thought that his beloved Consort Jiang Xinyue was indeed adorable. Every emotion was etched on her face, as if inviting everyone to see right through her.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0


    He gently tapped on Jiang Xinyue''s supposedly "innocent" head, "The Prefect of Qinzhou is but a minor official, I do not believe he has the audacity to act in such a high-profile manner on his own. There must be someone pulling the strings from behind. If Minister of Rites Jiang has any other evidence, he shouldn''t fear retaliation. Simply hand it over, I am here, I won''t allow wicked spirits to cause amotion."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0


    What a bold move!<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0


    It''s as if he had the words "Targeting the Song Family" stered on his face.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0


    Just as Jiang Xinyue thought! <span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0


    During the miscarriage of Concubine Li, she forced the emperor to punish Consort Shu and brought up both Pei and Song families to pressurize the Emperor and the Empress Dowager. Surely, she won''t be ending up well.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0


    Looking through history, which influential nobility who fails to adopt a low profile, keeps their talents hidden and remains unabatedly arrogant ends well?<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0


    None!<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0


    Absolutely none!<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0


    They all believe that their powers extend throughout the Great Yan Dynasty and even if the Emperor is unhappy, they can do nothing to them.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0


    But they have forgotten the ancient phrase: "If the monarch wants a minister to die, the minister has no choice but to die."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0


    Even without evidence, the Emperor would hint at his ministers to fabricate some.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0


    Jiang Xinyue nodded, "Your Majesty is correct. Unfortunately, I, as a concubine, cannot summon my father into the Pce. Otherwise, I would surely convey Your Majesty''s words to him in full."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0


    Right, the Emperor forgot. Though Jiang Xinyue ascended to the rank of concubine within a year of entering the Pce, concubines below the position of consort do not have the privilege to summon their own family. Only with the Emperor or Empress''s approval can this be done.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0


    "Do you miss home?" the Emperor asked, rubbing Jiang Xinyue''s small hand, every bone massaged through thoroughly, "It''s not difficult. The Empress''s birthday is in the eighth lunar month, and the Tubo Royal Family sent us some gifts. The Ministry of Rites is due to discuss with me about the return gifts. Why don''t youe with me to the Imperial Study tomorrow?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0


    The Xuanwu Emperor did not wish to reveal his enmity with the Song Family and intended to push the Jiang Family to the forefront. <span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0


    Being the Emperor of a country and saying she missed home, could she deny it?<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0


    How to put it?<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0


    It''s a mix of good and bad, actually.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0


    The good part is that currently the Jiang Family is not very noticeable. Dear father is still just an official of the Ministry of Rites, while Concubine Li''s grandfather holds the highest position in the Internal Council and Department of State Affairs. The rank and actual power are far too disparate with the Jiang family.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0


    If the Emperor wished for Jiang Yankun to confront the Song Family, he surely needed to elevate the Jiang family''s status first.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0


    If the gap is too wide, a confrontation would leave the Jiang family with no option but to take it on the chin.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0


    At night, the Xuanwu Emperor stayed at Concubine Li''s Pce. However, as she was still in confinement after her miscarriage, she could not sleep with him and instead sent a beautiful pce maiden as a substitute, hoping to please the Emperor. But this backfired and irritated the Emperor, leading him to visit the nearest Jingren Pce.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0


    The Jingren Pce was formerly inhabited by Consort Shu but the current upant was her younger sister, Consort Rong. The following day after the Emperor went to court, Wang Dequan took the decree promoting her to Noble Consort to Jingren Pce.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0


    Everyone in the inner court believed that Consort Rong was benefiting from her elder sister''s influence. The emperor waspensating for the suffering Consort Shu had undergone under Concubine Li by showering affection on Consort Rong.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0


    Jiang Xinyue touched her not-so-obvious baby bump, her thoughts starkly contrasted with the others in the imperial harem.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0


    If the Xuanwu Emperor really cared for Consort Shu, he could have simply moved her from Changxin Pce. He didn''t need to shift his affections to Consort Rong, who looked nothing like Consort Shu and could never act as her substitute.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0


    The Xuanwu Emperor appeared to be a passionate man, he loved Consort Shu, Concubine Li, and even her, Jiang Xinyue ¨C theter who ended up on top.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0


    However, the reality was he loved none of them. He adored himself the most, and if their interests ever intersected with those of the previous dynasty, he wouldn''t hesitate to abandon them.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0


    Such an emperor might be good for his subjects, but he was far from being a good man to his wives.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0


    Jiang Xinyue tilted her lips slightly, relieved that she was a spirit who had traversed time from the 21st century, rather than a well-breddy of this feudal society.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0


    Not that thesedies weren''t good, they were quite wonderful.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0


    Like Concubine Li ¨C she was breathtakingly beautiful with alluring dance moves. In the future era, she would be a widely recognized superstar with a queue of eligible men from one end of the Yangtze to the other, vying for her attention.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0


    Take Empress Zhu for example ¨C she was decisive, smart, and resourceful. In the future business world, she could easily establish her ce, keeping arge corporation running smoothly and sessfully. If she desired to resign from apany, the boss would undoubtedly offer an attractive sry to retain her. She wouldn''t need to be an old maid for a man who didn''t love her, without the choice to resign.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0


    Within the royal harem, Consorts Rong, Jin, Zhang, and Noble Consort Ye, each had their own strengths.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0


    But it was a pity that these wonderful women spent their entire lives scheming against each other and causing pain for the sake of one man...<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0


    Such a waste.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0


    If they had been born in Jiang Xinyue''s time, they surely could have had a remarkable life on their own.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0


    "Sigh¡­"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0


    It was pointless to pity them; she was the most pitiful one.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0


    Having seen how vast the world was, she was now trapped in this small world, her discontent greater than anyone else''s.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0


    "Your Highness, Your Highness¡­" <span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0


    Jiang Chuan ran over breathless, "The people of the Empress Dowager and Concubine Li are fighting in Changxin Pce. The Emperor has confined Concubine Li, and the Empress Dowager has forcibly taken Consort Shu back to Kunning Pce."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0


    Xi Que couldn''t helpughing, "Concubine Li is getting increasingly impulsive, isn''t she? She had just been released from confinement and now, she hasnded herself back into trouble."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0


    Xi Que didn''t understand, but Jiang Xinyue could empathize with Concubine Li.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0


    The person who didn''t want her to conceive was the Xuanwu Emperor.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0


    From the moment she became the Emperor''s wife, she was destined never to have her own child.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0


    One time, Jiang Xinyue had met Lady Pei, Concubine Li''s mother in the pce. Apanying Lady Pei was a woman carrying a medicine box whoter appeared by Concubine Li''s side.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0


    She guessed that the Song family, seeing that Concubine Li had not conceived for a long time and that she was getting older, sent a doctor into the pce.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0


    There were thousands of maids in the pce, with individuals being transferred daily. Even Empress Zhu, who was in charge of the harem, might not catch onto this.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0


    The medical woman was quite nondescript and usually did not attend to Concubine Li, Jiang Xinyue had just happened to see her once while passing by Changxin Pce.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0


    As a woman inspiringly determined to be a favored consort, and then to be a grand concubine after the death of the emperor, she is acquainted with all the maids in the pce who serve the noble imperial consorts.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0


    Of course, most importantly, she has met that medicine woman who serves Lady Pei.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0


    Concubine Li must have known it too!<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0


    The reason she couldn''t conceive was due to her physical impairment. Even if she managed to conceive, she would easily miscarry.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0


    Therefore, after all the hardships she went through to conceive this time, she still used the child to frame Consort Shu.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0


    She knew all too well that the child she carried was doomed to perish sooner orter!<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0


    Yet, it is uncertain whether she would think that the person who shattered her dreams of bing the queen was Empress Zhu.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0


    If that were the case, how wrongful it would be for Empress Zhu.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

 Chapter 100

    When the month-long confinement ended, the guards outside Hexi Pce departed, and Jiang Xinyue finally emerged from the pce.


    The Xuanwu Emperor, under the guise of quarreling with the Dowager Empress, seemingly out of spite, had a small kitchen built for Hexi Pce. Others merely thought Concubine Zhen was fortunate, benefiting from the Emperor''s sh with the Dowager Empress.


    In reality, the Emperor was concerned for Jiang Xinyue, fearing someone might poison her food. The incident with the bowl of saffron and white fungus soup had made him vignt.


    The Investigative Bureau had been investigating for nearly half a month. They had thoroughly questioned all suspicious individuals in the imperial kitchen, using torture when necessary, but still couldn''t uncover the mastermind behind the plot.


    In recent years, only the eldest princess, second princess, third prince, and a forgotten fourth prince had grown up in the Emperor''s harem.


    The fourth prince was already six years old, and the pce hadn''t weed a new prince or princess in four years.


    All pregnancies had ended in miscarriage not long after conception.


    One or two could be coincidence, but when it happened to everyone, it was clear someone was harming the pregnant concubines.


    Concubine Zhen was his beloved, and he would not allow any harm toe to her under his watch.


    Thus, the day Hexi Pce''s confinement was lifted coincided with thepletion of the small kitchen.


    "The Emperor is bing increasingly absurd," the Dowager Empress fumed, having just settled Consort Shu in her quarters and returned to the main hall of Kunning Pce. She struggled to contain her anger. "Who does Concubine Zhen think she is? A mere illegitimate daughter, being a Noble Consort would be the height of her ambitions. Yet he treats her like a treasure, and I''m not even allowed to touch her."


    Granny Gui, who had been the Dowager Empress''s personal maid since before she entered the pce and was now the highest-ranking elderly servant in the pce, brought over a cup of warm tea. As she rubbed the Dowager Empress''s back, she said, "Your Highness knows she''s just the illegitimate daughter of a fifth-rank official. No matter how much the Emperor favors her, at most she''ll be one of the four consorts. You are the Dowager Empress. If you want to deal with her, it''s as easy as lifting a finger. What can the Emperor do to you, no matter how angry he gets?"


    The Great Yan Dynasty ced great importance on filial piety, and the Dowager Empress was the Emperor''s birth mother. When the Emperor had purged the Wu family, he had already gained a reputation for being cold-blooded and heartless. If he were to do anything to the Dowager Empress now, the people of the world would point their fingers at him and call him unfilial.


    The Dowager Empress dared to oppose the Xuanwu Emperor so boldly precisely because she knew he couldn''t do anything to her.


    Her anger subsided a bit at Granny Gui''s words. "You''re right. The Emperor''s passion for Consort Shu back then was far more intense and fervent than his current infatuation with Concubine Zhen. But I see that the Emperor is exactly like his father, falling in love with every new face he sees. If I hadn''t yed hard to get, this position of Dowager Empress wouldn''t have fallen to me."


    That''s why she had Consort Shu follow in her footsteps, keeping the Emperor on his toes.


    As she pondered this, the Dowager Empress''s anger red up again.


    If it weren''t for Concubine Zhen''s sudden appearance, Consort Shu would still be the only woman in the Emperor''s heart.


    Now... now all their years of scheming had been ruined by Concubine Zhen.


    "Your Highness, Concubine Zhen is outside requesting an audience."


    The Dowager Empress was still seething with anger when Jiang Xinyue conveniently presented herself.


    "She dares toe here?" The Dowager Empress mmed her hand on the low table beside her, her fury almost visible. "What does she want?"


    The eunuch kept his head lowered, not daring to look at the Dowager Empress''s expression. "Concubine Zhen says... she says the Emperor bestowed upon Hexi Pce over ten catties of top-grade Da Hong Pao tea from Nine Clouds Mountain. She thought... she thought Kunning Pce might not have any, so she specially brought a few catties for Your Highness to try."


    Wasn''t this tant provocation?


    "Crash!"


    The sound of porcin shattering came from the inner chamber. Jiang Xinyue patted her belly, worried the noise might startle the little one inside.


    Shortly after, a young pce maid emerged. "Concubine Zhen, the Dowager Empress invites you in."


    The maid lifted the curtain, and Jiang Xinyue entered with her maids Xique and Xiaoxuan, her face still wearing the smile the Dowager Empress despised.


    "This concubine pays her respects to the Dowager Empress. May the Dowager Empress enjoy boundless fortune and longevity."


    "Hmph!"


    "If you''d stop irritating me, I might actually enjoy some fortune and longevity."


    The Dowager Empress deliberately didn''t tell her to rise, intending to make her kneel longer. She had heard that when Jiang Xinyue first entered the pce, she had offended Noble Consort Li and was punished to kneel for half a day, injuring her knees. Even now, the Emperor had ordered the Imperial Hospital to treat her.


    Why couldn''t she have just died from kneeling?


    "How can the Dowager Empress say such things? How would this concubine dare to irritate Your Highness? I respect you more than anything."


    But who was Jiang Xinyue? What was she here for today?


    She hade specifically to irritate the Dowager Empress, so how could she let her have the upper hand?


    As she spoke, she stood up and nonchntly sat down to the Dowager Empress''s right.


    "How dare you!"


    Granny Gui immediately scolded her, "The Dowager Empress hasn''t told you to rise, let alone granted you permission to sit. Concubine Zhen, your disrespect towards the Dowager Empress is tant. Do you have some grievance against Her Highness?"


    "Oh my! Granny Gui even knows that the Dowager Empress was going to tell me to rise and grant me a seat!" Jiang Xinyue tilted her head, feigning innocence. "But I saw that the Dowager Empress didn''t ask me to rise, and I thought perhaps Her Highness had forgotten. I''ve always been considerate and wouldn''t want the Dowager Empress to feel guilty."


    Guilty, my foot!


    The Dowager Empress nearly burst out with vulgarnguage at Jiang Xinyue''s brazenness, but her refined upbringing held her back.


    Jiang Xinyue waved her hand, and Xique presented a red wooden box to Granny Gui.


    "This is what the Emperor gave me yesterday. I kept some for myself and brought the rest to you, Dowager Empress."


    The implication was that the Da Hong Pao tea in the box was what remained after Jiang Xinyue had selected the best for herself, leaving the inferior tea for the Dowager Empress.


    The Dowager Empress looked into the box that Granny Gui had opened and felt her head buzzing.


    Indeed... indeed, she shouldn''t have harbored any hope for Concubine Zhen.


    The red wooden box contained a pile of tea stems and some finely crushed tea leaves.


    While Kunning Pce didn''t have Da Hong Pao tea from Nine Clouds Mountain, she was the Dowager Empress. The Internal Affairs Department and the Bureau of Pce Affairs always gave her the best of everything. Was she a beggar who needed to drink the dregs Jiang Xinyue brought her?


    "You give me..."


    "Mother!"


    The Dowager Empress''s hand was already raised high, clutching a white teacup with blue flowers. If not for the Xuanwu Emperor''s sudden shout, she would have brought it down.


    "Your Majesty!"


    Jiang Xinyue threw herself into the Xuanwu Emperor''s arms, pinching her own arm to bring tears to her eyes as she sobbed.


    The Dowager Empress widened her eyes: Has it begun? Has it started again?


    That familiar feeling of being manipted by Concubine Zhen''s cunning acting returned.


    "Mother, Concubine Zhen is still young. If there''s anything she''s done wrong, you can guide her. But please, in the future, don''t let me see you constantly berating her with harsh words or resorting to physical violence. It''s unbing of your status and highly improper."


    The Dowager Empress: ?


    She hadn''t even had the chance to do anything yet, had she?

 Chapter 101

    The Dowager Empress turned and swept the remnants of the Da Hong Pao tea that Jiang Xinyue had brought onto the floor. "You say I raised my hand against her? Your heart has strayed so far from the truth. Look at what your precious Concubine Zhen sent to me!"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    On the crimson carpet of Kunning Pce, there were some fine debris, but more prominently, tea leaves exuding a rich aroma.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The sun-dried tea leaves were plump and full-bodied, worth a hundred gold pieces for just two ounces, yet the Dowager Empress had carelessly scattered them on the ground.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The Dowager Empress instantly understood. It was that scheming woman, Concubine Zhen, who had covered the good tea leaves with a thinyer of tea debris and stems. She had anticipated that the Dowager would knock over the box.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Vicious! How utterly vicious!<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Jiang Xinyue twisted her body, putting on an act of great grievance, and tugged at the Xuanwu Emperor''s sleeve, pouting, "Your Majesty~ I knew the Dowager Empress deeply misunderstood me, so I specially inquired about her preferences from the Empress. That''s why I brought the finest Da Hong Pao tea from Nine Clouds Mountain, hoping to please her. I didn''t expect... wuwuwu... It''s my fault... It''s all my fault. I''m so clumsy with words, I''ve upset the Dowager Empress again."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The Xuanwu Emperor thought to himself: Concubine Zhen truly can''t act, nor can she lie. Look at her panicked gaze when she looks at me, her flushed cheeks, and her fingers nervously clutching my sleeve. She''s like a frightened kitten, her whole body bristling.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    If she stays any longer, she might faint from fear.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The Emperor, in his obliviousness, couldn''t see through the act, but the Dowager Empress was shaking with rage at Concubine Zhen''s masterful performance.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    She also realized that the Emperor was indulging Concubine Zhen to run wild in her Kunning Pce.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    If Concubine Zhen were to leave here unscathed, how would the other masters and servants of the harem mock her?<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Guards, seize Concubine Zhen and give her fiftyshes. Let her learn her lesson and stop treating others like fools."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Fiftyshes? That would be the death of Jiang Xinyue!<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Her fingertips loosened, and she dove into the Emperor''s embrace, seeking protection like a delicate bird.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The pce servants hesitated to approach. The Xuanwu Emperor, holding Jiang Xinyue, roared, "Who dares?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    With the Emperor protecting her so fiercely, indeed no one dared. The servants looked at the enraged Dowager Empress, then at the ring Emperor...<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    They couldn''t afford to offend either side. Better to kneel and beg for mercy!<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The servants fell to their knees en masse. The Dowager Empress, one hand clutching her chest, the other trembling as she pointed at Jiang Xinyue, said, "Very well, very well. Emperor, you truly are my good son. Today you refuse to punish Concubine Zhen, is that right? Fine, I shall apany Consort Shu to Dazhaosi Temple to beg forgiveness from the Shen family ancestors. Let them see how my good son forces his own birth mother."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    These words were quite severe.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Moreover, Consort Shu''s visit to Dazhaosi Temple was because she had been framed by Concubine Li. Themon people believed Consort Shu had harmed the imperial heir, so her going to pray for Concubine Li''s child was not inappropriate.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    But the Dowager Empress was different!<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    If she went to Dazhaosi Temple, the subjects would think the Emperor couldn''t tolerate his own mother from the Wu Family.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    There was a moment of silence in the air. The Xuanwu Emperor, with a grim expression, held Jiang Xinyue tighter. "Mother, must you punish Concubine Zhen today?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "I..."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Mother, think carefully before you answer. Who do you care about most in this pce?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Of course, it was herself, Consort Shu, and the child in Consort Shu''s womb.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Are you threatening me?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Your son is merely using your own tactics against you."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Hadn''t the Dowager Empress just threatened the Emperor with public opinion?<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The Dowager Empress didn''t believe the Emperor would harm Consort Shu, but seeing how he protected Concubine Zhen, it seemed as if the woman in his arms was truly the Emperor''s most beloved.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    She dared not gamble, nor could she afford to.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Consort Shu was herst chip for restoring the Wu Family''s glory.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The Dowager Empress, with a long face, reluctantly said, "The death penalty can be waived, but punishment cannot be avoided. Concubine Zhen has repeatedly disrespected and mocked me. Emperor, what do you think should be done? You must give me an exnation."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The initiative was once again returned to the Xuanwu Emperor and Jiang Xinyue. Both of them let out a sigh of relief.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The Emperor, feigning difficulty, exhaled heavily through his nose. "Then let her be confined!"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Emperor, are you trying to fool me? Do you think I don''t know what you did during her month of confinement?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    What did he do?<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    He had pampered her with the finest food and drink, sending all manner of delicacies and rarities to Hexi Pce, as if deliberately opposing the Dowager Empress. She had revoked Concubine Zhen''s green token, yet the Emperor still visited Hexi Pce daily. Even without staying overnight, his daily visits were a p in the Dowager Empress''s face.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Most infuriatingly, the Emperor had allowed Concubine Zhen to overstep her bounds by building a small kitchen in Hexi Pce.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    This small kitchen had always been a supreme favor bestowed by emperors to their consorts, not mere concubines.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    A concubine of her rank had no right to a small kitchen. Even when she was the previous emperor''s most favored in the harem, she didn''t have this privilege as a concubine.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The Xuanwu Emperor pondered for a moment before saying, "Then I shall confine her for six months, until the end of the year. That should suffice, right?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    His face clearly said, "I advise you not to push your luck." The Dowager Empress, knowing when to stop, seized the opportunity to make a request, "Consort Shu cannot go to Dazhaosi Temple. Emperor, you must persuade Concubine Li to change it to Sheng''an Temple in the capital."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Dazhaosi Temple was far away in Jialuo, a half-year journey by carriage from the capital, or three to four months by swift horse. Located between Goguryeo and Fusang, with uncivilized and rude customs, how could Consort Shu endure such a journey?<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    At least in the capital, the Dowager Empress''s words still carried weight. She could help to some extent, and the chances of returning to the pce were greater. Regaining favor wouldn''t be difficult.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Jiang Xinyue carefully nced at the Emperor. This man hated it when others tried to bargain with him. Would hepromise for her?<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    To Jiang Xinyue''s surprise, the Xuanwu Emperor agreed without hesitation. But the coldness in his eyes was clear to her.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    It seemed... he nned not to visit Sheng''an Temple at all. The Dowager Empress''s clever n might have backfired.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    But...<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    As the saying goes, for every measure, there''s a countermeasure. The future was long, and who could say who would be standing behind the Xuanwu Emperor, smiling, a year from now?<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    It was already the end of May. With six months of confinement, it would be around the Lunar New Year when her belly would be seven or eight months along, making it difficult to miscarry.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Moreover, Jiang Xinyue was confident that under the protection of the Xuanwu Emperor, she would be able to give birth to her child.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The one who was most delighted by Jiang Xinyue''s confinement was none other than Noble Consort Ye. She believed that she had gained the Emperor''s favor by imitating Jiang Xinyue, and now that the original was confined, she, the imitation, could take advantage of the situation.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

 Chapter 102

    Yikun Pce¡ª<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Some were giggling, covering their mouths: "How strange! Why is Concubine Zhen under house arrest along with Concubine Li? What business did she have provoking the Dowager Empress?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Empress Zhu smoothed the stray hairs at her temple, examining herself in the bronze mirror: "It shows how power can cloud one''s judgment. The once cautious and kind Concubine Zhen has learned to throw her weight around, relying on the Emperor''s protection and bing arrogant in her favored position."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The Emperor had once praised Concubine Zhen for her purity and admired her sincere heart.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Now that she had be the Emperor''s favored concubine, how much of that purity and sincerity remained?<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The Xuanwu Emperor felt that Concubine Zhen was increasingly meeting his expectations.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Empress Zhu still hadn''t grasped the Emperor''s nature. When he liked someone, that person could do no wrong in his eyes. Even their ws became endearing qualities to him.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Before Jiang Xinyue returned to Hexi Pce for her confinement, the Xuanwu Emperor deliberately took her to the Imperial Study to meet Jiang Yankun. Her adoptive father was shocked to find himself discussing state affairs with the Emperor while his daughter, who had supposedly offended the Dowager Empress, appeared before them.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The Emperor patted Jiang Yankun''s shoulder: "No need for formalities, Minister Jiang. We''re alone here; there''s nothing we can''t discuss."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Jiang Xinyue''s eyes sparkled with joy as she stepped forward to support her adoptive father''s arm: "Father, I heard from His Majesty that my elder cousin is now staying at our residence. I haven''t had the chance to meet him yet! He''s so brave, standing up to authority and daring to expose corruption among his superiors. I truly admire him."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Jiang Yankun nced at the smiling Emperor, then at his daughter''s meaningful look, and hastily pleaded: "Your Majesty, my cousin Jiang Yanxi barely escaped with his life from Qinzhou. He has faced multiple assassination attempts at my residence. I... I wanted to send him to the pce for protection, but we''ve encountered one obstacle after another. I fear these aren''t mere coincidences but deliberate interference. Your Majesty, I''m afraid that if my cousin continues to stay at my home, even my family and I might be in danger!"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Jiang Xinyue raised an eyebrow, impressed by her father''s skillful maniption of the situation.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The Xuanwu Emperor had expected the Song family to be brazen, but he hadn''t anticipated they would go to such extremes.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    They seemed willing to attack and kill even the father of his favored concubine, a fifth-rank official in the capital, showingplete disregard for the Emperor''s authority.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Throughout history, there had always been powerful inws. The Wu family had just been removed, and now the Song family had taken their ce.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The court indeed required a delicate bnce of power. While Empress Zhu''s family was content with their domain in Changan County, ruling like local kings, the Song and Pei families now faced no rivals in the capital. No wonder the Song family had be sowless and arrogant.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The Xuanwu Emperor''s gaze shifted to Jiang Yankun. Perhaps because he was Concubine Zhen''s father, or because his features somewhat resembled hers, he was an exceptionally handsome official. Either way, the Emperor found himself increasingly fond of him.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    For Jiang Yankun to have be the Minister of Rites without any help from the Jiang family''s main branch, he must have considerable skills.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    One only needed to look at Concubine Zhen to see this. She was well-read, talented in both appearance and ability, and fluent in foreignnguages. When discussing world affairs, she could converse on any topic, impressing others with her knowledge and eloquence.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Minister Jiang must surely be as sincere and loyal as Concubine Zhen.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The subsequent "dirty" deal¡ªno, discussion¡ªbetween the Emperor and her adoptive father regarding the Song family''s potential involvement in the Qinzhou corruption case involved many details that Jiang Xinyue was not privy to.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Having fulfilled her role as the Emperor''s pawn, Jiang Xinyue tactfully excused herself and returned to Hexi Pce.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    As soon as Jiang Chuan saw Jiang Xinyue, he bounded over, gently gripping her skirt with his teeth and rolling around yfully at her feet.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Jiang Xinyue initially wanted to pet him but remembered that pets could carry germs that might indirectly harm the baby in her womb. She stopped herself: "Jiang Chuan, take Guo Lai to the Imperial Hospital and have Doctor Yan examine him for any parasites."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Jiang Chuan felt that his mistress had be increasingly cautious since her pregnancy, insisting on having every cat and dog that crossed their path examined.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    But such caution was good, after all. The mistress was carrying a royal child, and if she were to give birth to a little prince, their entire Hexi Pce would rise to glory.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Jiang Xinyue had barely entered the inner chamber, about to summon Shuang Jiang through Xique, when Jiang Chuan returned, his face filled with indignation: "My Lady, the Dowager Empress''s guards have sealed our pce gates. They won''t let us out."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Dowager Empress Wu was clearly determined to make things difficult for her, afraid she might be toofortable likest time.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Jiang Xinyue rolled up her sleeves: "What, does she think only her Kunning Pce has people? That our Hexi Pce is easy to bully? Jiang Chuan, go fetch Xiao Xuanzi and gather our pce guards and eunuchs. Arm yourselves and drive thosepdogs out. His Majesty confined me to the pce, not the entire Hexi Pce. I won''t stand for the Dowager Empress''s two-faced behavior."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    With her orders, the pce servants of Hexi Pce were emboldened. They had all had enough of the arrogant guards from Kunning Pce during theirst month-long confinement. Now that Concubine Zhen had lost her patience, it was time for them to settle old scores.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The guards at the Hexi Pce gate, unaware of what was about to unfold, were still chatting amongst themselves: "Remember Shuang Jiang fromst time? She was a real beauty. Didn''t the Dowager Empress tell us to teach them a lesson? I copped a feel then. What do you think? If I put in some effort this time and get her for myself, leaving Concubine Zhen short-handed, do you think the Dowager Empress will reward me handsomely?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "So you''ve got your eye on that little minx Shuang Jiang? Well, let''s make a deal then. That spitfire Xique is mine. She''d make a perfect fifth concubine for me. My mother always said women with big bottoms are better for childbearing."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Hahaha..."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "You know, Concubine Zhen is quite the looker herself. No wonder the Emperor is willing to defy the Dowager Empress to be with her. Tsk tsk... I bet she''s quite something in bed... Hahaha..."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Having received their orders, the guards were freely insulting Jiang Xinyue, but as they got carried away, their words began to cross the line of pce taboos.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Jiang Xinyue wasn''t particrly angry, just feeling somewhat offended.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    It reminded her of a time in her past life when her car was restricted due to license te regtions, forcing her to take the crowded subway. On the train, she encountered a few sleazy, creepy men who leered at her figure and, seeing her designer clothes, assumed she was in a disreputable profession, asking how much she charged for a night.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Inter times, constrained by thew, she couldn''t have beaten those few people to a pulp. But here, she was Concubine Zhen, supreme under imperial authority.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Pearls don''te from a dog''s mouth. You dare to fabricate stories about me and the Emperor? Beat them for me. Beat them to death if need be."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    When she turned vicious, it wasn''t just the minor scuffles of the Dowager Empress. She went straight for lives.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Once the shackles ofw were cast aside, nothing could restrain Jiang Xinyue, the unhinged psychology professor.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The guards were skilled in martial arts, but they were outnumbered by the people of Hexi Pce.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    With each person wielding a stick, the guards didn''t even have a chance to draw their swords. They could only cover their heads and cry out in pain.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

 Chapter 103

    Xi Que, who had served Jiang Xinyue since childhood, had been raised with the manners of a nobledy, even if she wasn''t one by birth. It was outrageous that she was being publicly discussed in such a manner.


    Moreover, her mistress was as noble and beautiful as a celestial fairy. How dare these vulgar men discuss her so carelessly?


    She utterly despised those men and was particrly vicious in her actions.


    Passing pce servants all ran far away, truly frightened by Xi Que''s ferocious appearance and Concubine Zhen''s cold demeanor.


    People immediately began to inquire about what the guards at the entrance of Hexi Pce had done to offend Concubine Zhen.


    Upon asking, they learned that Concubine Zhen had been confined to her quarters by the Empress Dowager again.


    This time, it wasn''t just for a month or two, but for a full six months ¨C half a year!


    In the pce, new faces constantly reced the old, and the imperial concubines were ever-changing. The Emperor might refuse some unwanted attention for Concubine Zhen''s sake due to a momentary fondness, but he was the ruler. It was impossible for an emperor to remain faithful to one woman for life.


    Those who had long been dormant, suppressed by Concubine Zhen''s influence, all became active again. Suddenly, various parts of the pce became extraordinarily lively.


    With the most favored Concubine Li, Consort Shu, and Concubine Zhen out ofmission, it was Noble Consort Ye, Consort Jin, Consort Liang, and Consort De''s turn to shine.


    Jiang Xinyue couldn''t be bothered with the bloody storms outside. After all, she had the Xuanwu Emperor''s promise. No matter how favored others became, no matter how busy the Emperor was, he would always make time to visit Hexi Pce every day to tell stories to the little one in Jiang Xinyue''s belly.


    On the fifth day of her confinement, Shuang Jiang''s head wound finally stopped bleeding. At the urging of Xi Que and Xiao Xuanzi, she took the initiative to seek out Jiang Xinyue in the main hall.


    However, what she didn''t expect was that the mastermind behind it all, as revealed by Shuang Jiang, was someone she had never even considered before.


    Shuang Jiang knelt on the ground, looking dejected. "If My Lady is wary of me and doesn''t want me to serve by her side anymore, please punish me by sending me to the Laundry Bureau. Before My Lady entered the pce, I was working there."


    Jiang Xinyue helped her up. "Who said I don''t want to keep you anymore? I can see your loyalty to me clearly. You, Xi Que, Xiao Xuanzi, and Jiang Chuan ¨C we''ve supported each other since entering the pce. The bond between us is irreceable. I trust what my heart feels more than what my eyes see."


    Sometimes even one''s own eyes could be deceiving, but the heart wouldn''t lie. She believed that Shuang Jiang had been forced into a desperate situation.


    She wiped Shuang Jiang''s tears with a handkerchief. "Don''t worry. When my father visited the pcest time, I already gave him the letter you wrote. He will rescue your parents and brother from your home."


    The Emperor had asked her to subtly inform her father that he could use this corruption case against the Song Family. She took advantage of this opportunity given by the Emperor to let her father rescue Shuang Jiang''s family.


    Shuang Jiang cried until she had no voice left, kneeling on the ground and trying to kowtow again. Xi Que held her back. "When will you break this habit of always kneeling and kowtowing? We in Hexi Pce are all tough cookies. We even dared to beat up the Empress Dowager''s people. What''s that person to us?"


    It was only then that Shuang Jiang learned that her mistress had actually beaten up the Empress Dowager''s people, and Kunning Pce hadn''te to make trouble yet, apparently afraid of her mistress.


    She felt that her previous self had been so foolish, doing such stupid things out of fear of implicating her mistress.


    In reality, if she had truly followed that person''s orders, she would have harmed Concubine Zhen.


    After finallyforting Shuang Jiang, now that she knew who the mastermind was, Jiang Xinyue naturally wanted to repay the favor.


    Come to think of it, since she entered the pce for the selection, that person had been trying to get rid of her in various ways.


    When Jiang Xinyue''s soul first transmigrated into the original body, it was at the moment when the original owner was being pped and punished to kneel.


    If her memory served her right, it was that person who said the crabapple blossoms in the Imperial Garden were in full bloom and wanted to pick one to wear in her hair.


    Even though the original Jiang Xinyue was quite cunning, expert at ying innocent and weak, her scheming was limited to the inner chambers. How could a mere concubine''s daughter know that the weeping crabapple in the Imperial Garden was a token of love between the Xuanwu Emperor and Concubine Li?


    That person picked the flower but suddenly said it would look even better on the beautiful Jiang Xinyue''s head.


    Who doesn''t like hearingpliments about their beauty?


    As soon as the original Jiang Xinyue put it on, Concubine Li had already rushed over and pped her across the face.


    It turned out that branch of crabapple wasn''t picked by her at all!


    In Changxin Pce¡ª


    "My Lady..."


    Xia He whispered a few words in Concubine Li''s ear. The sharp-featured beauty, half-reclining on a soft couch, immediately sat up straight, her eyes wide. "Concubine Zhen is pregnant? Who said this? Is it reliable?"


    The child in Consort Shu''s belly irritated her. She always felt that Consort Shu''s child had caused the death of her own child. She didn''t want that ill-fated child to be her prince.


    But if it was born from Concubine Zhen''s womb, it could make Consort Shu experience the pain of separation from her flesh and blood, and she could have a beautiful little prince who somewhat resembled herself. That, she did want.


    Xia He''s gaze was determined. "This servant heard the news from an unfamiliar pce maid, but My Lady, think carefully. Concubine Zhen has always been cautious, rarely stepping out of Hexi Pce without an invitation. Why would she go to Kunning Pce to deliver some lousy tea leaves to the Empress Dowager, knowing she''s not in her good graces?"


    Concubine Li pondered for a moment. "You mean she deliberately provoked the Empress Dowager?"


    Xia He nodded. "The Empress Dowager wanted to punish Concubine Zhen, and coincidentally, the Emperor arrived. Coincidentally, the Empress Dowager needed a favor from the Emperor because of Consort Shu''s matter. On the surface, it seems the Empress Dowager wanted to punish Concubine Zhen, but in reality, Concubine Zhen and the Emperor set up this scheme, seeking this six-month confinement to protect the dragon seed in her womb."


    Concubine Li''s beautiful eyes were full of disbelief. She looked up at Xia He. "But the Emperor wants to send Consort Shu to Sheng''an Temple. It''s possible that the Emperor is deliberately using Concubine Zhen as a shield to protect Consort Shu."


    Losing to Consort Shu, Concubine Li could still console herself that she lost to the youthful affection between the Emperor and Consort Shu. But losing to Concubine Zhen... her pride and arrogance refused to acknowledge it.


    Who was Concubine Zhen anyway?


    When she entered the pce, she was just the concubine''s daughter of a fifth-rank Vice Minister of the Ministry of Rites. It was only through nepotism that Vice Minister Jiang was promoted to Minister of Rites.


    Recently, due to the corruption case involving Qinzhou officials, the Song Family has been overwhelmed with work. To make matters worse, that old scoundrel Jiang Yankun even dared to enter the pce and file aint, using the Song Family of attempting to assassinate Jiang Yanxi.


    Just days ago, the Emperor issued an imperial edict reprimanding both the grandfather and father, stating that if Jiang Yanxi were to die or Jiang Yankun were to be injured, the Song Family would be held ountable.


    The edict further dered that even if the Song Family had not participated in the corruption case, they would still be considered equally guilty.


    Just listen to that ¨C is this something a reasonable person would say?

 Chapter 104

    She had already written back to inquire with her grandfather and father, and they both said they hadn''t instructed the Qinzhou governor to use the Emperor''s name for personal gain.


    Concubine Li thought, not only would the Song family not care about such a small amount of silver, but even if her grandfather and father were involved, so what?


    It was merely borrowing the Emperor''s reputation, and did the Emperor suffer any loss?


    Not only was there no loss, but the pce would gain one or two beautiful concubines next year. She really didn''t understand what he was fussing about.


    He insisted on fixating on the point that the Qinzhou governor was a prot¨¦g¨¦ of the Song family.


    And then there was Jiang Yuan''s father, the Vice Minister of the Ministry of Personnel, who used to be nothing more than a watchdog for the Song family. Now, with the Emperor''s backing, he dared to challenge the Song family.


    Concubine Zhen was pregnant...


    Concubine Li tapped the edge of the table. "Leak the news to the Yikun Pce. The Empress now has the fifth prince and is eager for the Emperor to name a crown prince. If she learns that the Emperor is colluding with Concubine Zhen to protect the child in her womb, it will be clear that this child is more favored than the prince born to that nameless, unpopr Court Lady Lan."


    So, being born into the right circumstances is indeed important.


    Most importantly, now that Concubine Li had her eye on Concubine Zhen''s pregnancy, she wouldn''t make a move against her.


    As for whether Empress Zhu would act against Concubine Zhen, that was none of Concubine Li''s concern.


    In any case, whether Concubine Zhen''s child survived or not, she didn''t care.


    There was just one point: she wouldn''t harm the child herself.


    Not because she was too kind-hearted to do so, but because if she did such vicious things too often, and one day the Emperor found out, what man would like a woman so ruthless and without boundaries?


    Didn''t Empress Zhu like to give infertility potions to the pce concubines? Now that Concubine Zhen threatened her interests, could the two remain as close as before?


    In the blink of an eye, Jiang Xinyue was already three months pregnant.


    This pregnancy was extremely stable. She ate well and slept soundly. The baby in her belly had hardly troubled her at all. She had experienced some nausea and vomiting three months ago, but as soon as she hit the three-month mark, her appetite returned with a vengeance.


    Adhering to the principle that men don''t understand the hardships of pregnancy unless they experience it themselves, every time the Emperor came over, she pretended to be extremely unwell, as if she had been vomiting to the point of exhaustion.


    Shuang Jiang had even cried several times in front of the Emperor because of this. Perhaps out of guilt, she cried so convincingly, full of genuine emotion and heartache.


    Her superb crying performance had scared Xi Que so much that she hadn''t dared to appear in front of the Xuanwu Emperor for several days, fearing that her own tears wouldn''t be as genuine as Shuang Jiang''s, causing the Emperor to question her feelings for her mistress.


    "What are the Imperial Kitchen and Imperial Physician Yan doing?" The Emperor held the pale-faced Jiang Xinyue, who had vomited so much, his eyes reddening with distress. "Concubine Zhen''s morning sickness is so severe, howe they haven''t found a way to improve her appetite? I see that Consort Shu has be quite plump during her pregnancy, why is Concubine Zhen getting thinner and thinner?"


    Consort Shu wasn''t plump, she was truly fat.


    Concubine Li had forced Consort Shu to eat so much excessive food, and using pregnancy as an excuse, confined her to bed all day, not allowing her to move. It was said that even for using the toilet, Concubine Li had pce maids bring a chamber pot, making her relieve herself in the room.


    With such a lifestyle of eating and sleeping, sleeping and eating, Jiang Xinyue felt she could gain six jin in five days, let alone Consort Shu who had stayed with Concubine Li for a whole month.


    If the Dowager Empress hadn''t forcibly rescued her, by the time of delivery, Consort Shu would probably have weighed around 180 jin, like a Tang Dynasty beauty.


    Now she had only gained about 20 jin, which was quite well-controlled for Consort Shu.


    If she really reached 180 jin, she would likely have a difficult delivery, possibly resulting in two deaths.


    But Concubine Li couldpletely absolve herself of responsibility. She could im she only wanted to provide more nutrition for Consort Shu, to help the baby grow better. What was wrong with that?


    She couldn''t have known it would make Consort Shu so fat.


    There were countless ways to kill without a trace in the pce. Jiang Xinyue examined herself daily, looking for aspects where she hadn''t mastered the essence, and then improved upon them.


    She would eventually be the most cunning favored concubine in the Great Yan pce.


    No, now that she was with child, she aimed higher ¨C to be the most cunning Imperial Noble Consort in the Great Yan pce.


    "Your Majesty, please don''t be angry." Jiang Xinyue sniffled, letting two clear tears fall from her beautiful eyes as she curled up small in the Xuanwu Emperor''s arms. "Chief Steward Gao and Imperial Physician Yan have been very attentive. It''s just that my body is weak. I originally thought I would never be able to have children in this lifetime. It''s all thanks to Imperial Physician Yan''s careful treatment that I''m even able to conceive. I''m very grateful to him. Please don''t me him, Your Majesty."


    "Oh, you!" The Emperor tapped her forehead. "You''re just too kind, always thinking of others. That''s why people treat you like a pushover. The time you led the pce maids to beat up the guards at Kunning Pce was quite good. In the future, you need to be that tough with people who bully you. Only then will they respect and fear you, understand?"


    Inciting his favored concubine to p his own mother''s face, the Xuanwu Emperor was probably the first in Great Yan history to do so.


    At least, Jiang Xinyue had never seen such an emperor in all the pce dramas she had watched.


    "Your Majesty, please don''t tease me." Jiang Xinyue blushed and sat up from the Emperor''s embrace, ring at him. "It''s bad enough that they used vulgarnguage to discuss me, Xi Que, and Shuang Jiang, but they even... even mentioned Your Majesty. I... I won''t allow them to gossip about you."


    "What do you mean it''s bad enough they discussed you?" The Emperor poked her forehead again forcefully. "Shuang Jiang and Xi Que are your personal maids. How dare they covet them, even wanting to make Xi Que a concubine. It''s outrageous. I''ve already had Wang Dequan send those two guards to the Office of Careful Punishment to have their tongues cut out. From now on, no one will dare disrespect you again."


    Jiang Xinyue hadn''t left the pce, and in the past few days, Hexi Pce had closed its doors, with no pce staff going out. Naturally, she didn''t know what big events had urred outside.


    Those two guards who had their tongues cut out were paraded around the pce to acknowledge their crimes.


    Now everyone in the pce knew that the people of Hexi Pce, from top to bottom, from masters to servants, were untouchable.


    Concubine Zhen wasn''t in the pce, yet tales about her circted everywhere.


    No wonder...


    Jiang Xinyue had been wondering why the Dowager Empress had no reaction when she beat up her people. At the very least, she should havee to Hexi Pce to make a scene and throw a tantrum!


    It turned out she had been frightened by the Emperor''s thunderous actions and was hiding like a quail in Kunning Pce.


    Her peaceful days were all thanks to the Dowager Empress bearing the burden for her!


    Jiang Xinyue embraced the Xuanwu Emperor once again, saying, "Your Majesty has done more than enough for this humble consort. I only wish to be with Your Majesty for a long, long time. As for everything else... I care for nothing else."


    Because she loved him deeply, being able to stay by his side was already satisfying enough. She asked for nothing more.


    "I n to promote your father to the position of Minister of the Ministry of Punishment, and have him work with Minister Jiang of the Ministry of Personnel to investigate the corruption case of the Qinzhou governor," the Emperor said.


    This was clearly a move to elevate her father''s status to counter the Song family, and it was quite a promotion - straight to a high-ranking official position of the third grade. Some people were bound to be envious.

 Chapter 105

    Jiang Xinyue looked confused and said, "Huh? Why? Did my father aplish some great feat?"


    The Xuanwu Emperor didn''t know whether tough or cry. "What''s the matter with you, my precious consort? When other concubines hear that I want to promote their fathers, they immediately kneel to thank me. But you? You ask me why?"


    Jiang Xinyue quickly tried to please him, pulling the Xuanwu Emperor to sit down. She personally poured him a cup of hot tea and even massaged his back, saying, "Of course I''m happy that Your Majesty wants to promote my father. But I don''t want Your Majesty to promote him just because of my rtionship with you. When I was at home before, my father taught me that one shouldn''t ept a sry without merit. He also told me that if one is too ambitious and covets things beyond one''s control, it will surely backfire. I''m afraid... afraid that if my father''s abilities are insufficient, it might end up troubling Your Majesty and inviting criticism from the court officials. That wouldn''t be worth it at all."


    She hugged the emperor''s neck from behind, her cherry-like lips lingering on his sensitive neck. "My father and I think alike. If he is to be promoted, it should be solely because of his strong abilities, with no other considerations."


    The emperor spoke seriously, "I have been observing Lord Jiang for a long time. He is capable of holding the position of Minister of Justice. If not, I wouldn''t waste such an important and powerful position on him."


    Previously, the father of Noble Consort Su, who had killed Jiang Xinyue''s little pet, was a Section Chief in the Ministry of Punishment. But because he failed to educate his daughter properly, he lost his official position due to Noble Consort Su''s misdeeds and couldn''t survive in the capital, eventually returning to his hometown.


    The former Minister of Justice was a close rtive of the Su family, and he too was dismissed by the emperor. The position of Minister of Justice had been vacant since then. Both the Song Family and the Pei Family wanted to ce their own people in the position, but the emperor had been stringing them along, letting them fight among themselves.


    Now this great opportunity had fallen onto Jiang Yankun''sp. The dangers he would face in court were likely no less than those his daughter faced in the pce.


    Receiving the emperor''s affirmation, Jiang Xinyue beamed with joy. She nted a big kiss on his face and said straightforwardly this time, "Then I''ll thank Your Majesty on behalf of my father first!"


    The Xuanwu Emperor grabbed her hand and pulled her into his arms. "Does my beloved consort only thank me with words every time?"


    Jiang Xinyue thought: What else did you expect?


    As his kisses fell gently, Jiang Xinyue''s delicate hands rested on the Xuanwu Emperor''s shoulders, her fingers intentionally teasing his earlobes, making his kisses even more passionate.


    "My love, can we..."


    "No, we can''t!"


    Jiang Xinyue panted, pressing a finger against his hot lips. "The little baby in my belly has already taken shape. How can you do... do that kind of thing in front of him?"


    Even though she was about to be a mother, her mindset was still like a child''s, actually believing that the baby in her belly could see them doing such things.


    The Xuanwu Emperor loved this innocence of hers and had no intention of ruining it. He lowered his head and took a deep breath at Jiang Xinyue''s neck, then finally gave her a light peck on the cheek. "It seems our child has already reced me in your heart before even being born."


    Jiang Xinyue thought: That''s because you have no sense of your own ce in my heart.


    "My Lady..." Xi Que''s gentle voice sounded from outside. "It''s time for you to drink your soup. Chief Eunuch Gao has prepared a Chinese yam, lean pork, and pigeon soup for you today. I''ming in!"


    Shuang Jiang had just reminded her at the door to announce herself before entering because thest few times she came in, the emperor was not behaving... no, that''s not right... the emperor was being affectionate with her mistress.


    Jiang Xinyue quickly seized the opportunity to push the emperor away, nearly knocking him off the chair.


    She had finally gotten her revenge for when the emperor almost dropped her on the ground when Concubine Li fell into the water.


    Xi Quedled the fragrant pigeon soup into a small bowl and handed it to Jiang Xinyue with both hands. "My Lady, be careful, it''s hot."


    The Chinese yam had been stewed for a long time, infused with the savory vors of pigeon and lean pork. It melted in the mouth, so delicious that one could almost swallow their tongue.


    But Jiang Xinyue only took two sips before refusing to drink more. She pushed the entire soup pot in front of the Xuanwu Emperor, her bright eyes misty with pleading as she looked at him for help.


    The emperor was used to this by now. In recent days, he had been helping to finish all the nutritious soups that his precious consort couldn''t finish.


    Before, he thought he would never gain weight no matter how much he ate. Now he didn''t think so anymore. In just a few short days, his imperial robes had tightened by a whole size.


    A woman''s pregnancy was truly more tiring than his court sessions. Court sessions were mentally exhausting, taxing on the mind. Pregnancy was exhausting both mentally and physically, with the constant worry about whether the baby was growing well in the womb and if it could be born safely.


    The number of imperial consorts who had died from difficult childbirth in the pce was too many to count on both hands.


    So this time, with Jiang Xinyue''s pregnancy, the Xuanwu Emperor was particrly nervous.


    Every seven days, Jiang Xinyue would summon Fang Rumeng to Hexi Pce. On the surface, it was to make clothes for her, but in reality, it was to measure her waist circumference.


    In the 21st century, Jiang Xinyue had been a psychologist at a private elite hospital. Besides the psychology department, the hospital also had gynecology, andrology, pediatrics, and obstetrics departments.


    Even if she hadn''t experienced it herself, she had seen how it was done. She knew the basic prenatal checkup procedures.


    Measuring the waist circumference was to know how big the baby had grown and whether she would have an easy delivery.


    The Xuanwu Emperor had seen Fang Rumeng measuring her waist circumference several times. Fang Rumeng was terrified, but Jiang Xinyue told her that the emperor only remembered stunningly beautiful women and wouldn''t remember her at all, so she should rx.


    Fang Rumeng didn''t know whether to feel relieved or angry upon hearing this.


    Fortunately, her ambitions didn''t lie with the emperor, so it didn''t matter whether she was good-looking or not.


    Jiang Xinyue indeed understood the emperor well. Despite encountering her so many times, he never recognized Fang Rumeng as the female official from the Weaving Department who had testified for Noble Consort Su back then.


    Jiang Xinyue had whispered a few words in his ear, saying that Fang Rumeng was now just a low-ranking female historian in the Imperial Wardrobe, and because she always called for Historian Fang to take measurements, it had aroused suspicion and dissatisfaction among others in the Imperial Wardrobe, causing Historian Fang to be ostracized.


    After inquiring with the Internal Affairs Department, the Xuanwu Emperor learned that there was a vacancy for a Chief Clothing Officer in the Imperial Wardrobe. Manager Lin and Manager Wang of the Imperial Wardrobe had originally nned to promote one of the two sixth-rank Clothing Managers.


    However, the Xuanwu Emperor made a sweeping decision, directly promoting Fang Rumeng, a seventh-rank female historian, to the position of fifth-rank Chief Clothing Officer.


    Now, things were getting interesting in the Clothing Department. The other three female officials had always resented Fang Rumeng for clinging to Noble Consort Zhen''s favor. Now, relying on Noble Consort Zhen''s support, Fang Rumeng had suddenly be the second-inmand of the Clothing Department, effectively bing the superior of their immediate superiors.


    The lower-ranking female officials'' opinions hardly mattered, but Fang Rumeng had taken a position that should have gone to the Clothing Manager''s promotion. This meant that Fang Rumeng had essentially offended the entire Clothing Department.


    However, both Jiang Xinyue and Fang Rumeng were ambitious women. Otherwise, they wouldn''t have be such good friends in the first ce.


    Adhering to the principle that "only the mediocre are free from jealousy," both women were quite satisfied with the Emperor''s decision.

 Chapter 106

    Jiang Xinyue didn''t concern herself with the conflict in the wardrobe department, unless Fang Rumeng came to her for help.


    Everyone has their own destiny. If Fang Rumeng wanted to advance, she needed to have the ability to handle such situations. Otherwise, even if Jiang Xinyue helped her repeatedly, there woulde a day when she would be unseated.


    Moreover, the Hexi Pce was facing a major problem!


    Empress Zhu arrived with Consort De and Consort Liang. The three of them sat in the main seat and the two seats to its left and right, making Jiang Xinyue, the actual hostess, seem more like an outsider.


    Her face betrayed no emotion, but in her heart, she thought: What''s meant toe will always find its way.


    It was likely that the person behind the scenes who knew about her pregnancy had spread the news of her secluded confinement.


    Empress Zhu silently observed Jiang Xinyue, who was kneeling on the ground. She wore a loose sleeping gown with a sheer, flower-and-bird embroidered robe over it. Without any makeup, she still looked charming and delightful, a sight for sore eyes.


    Consort Liang and Consort De exchanged nces, wanting to speak but hesitating because Empress Zhu hadn''t yet opened her mouth. They dared not rashly ask Jiang Xinyue to rise.


    Jiang Xinyue secretly raised her head to look at Empress Zhu, furrowing her brow with eyes full of grievance.


    This furtive nce was well-timed. Empress Zhu, as if just noticing, gestured to her: "Why is Concubine Zhen still kneeling? I heard you''re with child. Quickly, take a seat. If something were to happen to you from kneeling, I wouldn''t know how to exin it to the Emperor."


    Getting straight to the point without any pleasantries showed that Empress Zhu was truly anxious.


    This was understandable. Typically, when a pce consort became pregnant, it was registered with the Pce Eunuch Office and then reported to the Empress. The Empress would choose an opportune moment to inform the Emperor, who would then bestow rewards based on his favor towards the consort.


    Others might be excused, as some concealed their pregnancies to avoid harm. But Concubine Zhen was supposed to be on her side, yet the Empress had to learn of her pregnancy from others.


    Wasn''t this a sign of guarding against her, the Empress?


    Jiang Xinyue looked guilty, unable to meet Empress Zhu''s eyes, and asked softly, "Is Your Majesty angry because I concealed my pregnancy?"


    Seeing her ask so directly, Consort Liang quickly said, "You really are something, keeping it so secret. What kind of rtionship do we have? How could we possibly harm you? Look at Concubine Li''s group - Concubine Li is childless, and Consort Jin, Consort Zhang, and the others from before aren''t allowed to get pregnant. Now look at me and Consort De, we''ve both had children. Do you think the Empress would allow us to bear children but not you?"


    Consort De nodded in agreement: "The imperial physician used to say your health was poor and it would be difficult for you to conceive. Now that you''re pregnant, we''re all happy for you! Don''t hurt the Empress''s feelings."


    Jiang Xinyue touched her still-t belly and exined, "It wasn''t my intention to conceal it. On the day I found out I was with child, the Emperor was present. He said my pregnancy was joyous news and that we should report it to the Empress Dowager at Kunning Pce. He thought perhaps Her Highness would forgive me then."


    She looked utterly perplexed: "The Big Red Robe tea from Nine Clouds Mountain was a gift from the Emperor to me. I don''t know why the Empress Dowager flew into a rage at the sight of it, saying she wanted to give me fiftyshes. I was scared to death. Thankfully, the Emperor arrived in time, or I might have lost my life. The Empress Dowager said she didn''t want Consort Su to go to Dazhaosi Temple, so the Emperor proposed confining me for half a year as a condition for Consort Su to pray at Sheng''an Temple. I didn''t even know what was happening before the Emperor sent me back to Hexi Pce. I simply didn''t have time to tell Empress Zhu, Sister De, and Sister Liang!"


    She pushed the me onto the Emperor. After all, this was something they had done together. Even if Empress Zhu tried to probe, she wouldn''t be able to find out anything, and might even anger the Emperor. Surely she wasn''t that foolish.


    Consort Liang''s face paled again. "The Emperor... he..."


    Had he really gone to such lengths for Concubine Zhen?


    Jiang Xinyue blinked her innocent-looking big eyes: "Empress, please be magnanimous and forgive me!"


    "What has my beloved consort done wrong that requires the Empress''s forgiveness?"


    The Xuanwu Emperor, dressed in his dragon robe, strode in from outside, protectively shielding the "poor little Concubine Zhen" behind him. "If it''s about her not reporting her pregnancy, I told her to keep it secret. If the Empress is angry, direct it at me."


    He might as well have said: Why are you bullying a young girl?


    Everyone except Jiang Xinyue looked displeased, especially since the Xuanwu Emperor had barged in as if the three of them were so terrifying they might kill Concubine Zhen.


    Empress Zhu''s lips began to tremble. After more than a decade of marriage, he didn''t even have this much trust in her.


    "Your Majesty has misunder-"


    "Your Majesty has misunderstood."


    Jiang Xinyue cut off Consort De''s words, peeking out from behind the Emperor with a smile. "Empress Zhu brought Sister De and Sister Liang to see me. I was just joking with the Empress when you happened to arrive, Your Majesty."


    Consort Liang, knowing to give Empress Zhu a way out, quickly added, "Yes, Your Majesty. Concubine Zhen''s pregnancy is such wonderful news, and she just told us. We were saying we should punish her. She''s always been good at acting coy, and knowing the Empress is softhearted, she was just being yful with Her Majesty!"


    The four women presented a united front, leaving the Xuanwu Emperor embarrassed. Seeing this, Jiang Xinyue squeezed his hand and whispered in his ear, "But Your Majesty''s concern for me is deeply felt. I''m very touched. Tonight before bed, I''ll tell our baby in my womb how much their father loves them."


    The Xuanwu Emperor had invested more emotion in Jiang Xinyue''s unborn child than in all the children in the harembined. He was pleased to hear her praising him to the child, even though it wasn''t born yet.


    Empress Zhu and the others watched as the Emperor, who had been angry and embarrassed and might have taken it out on Concubine Zhen, was easily cated by a few words, his eyes now full of tender affection for her.


    Then, Concubine Zhen effectively dismissed him, sending the Emperor away.


    Amazingly, not only did the Emperor not get angry, he even kissed Concubine Zhen on the top of her head and said to Empress Zhu, "Empress, I was simply too worried about Concubine Zhen. Please don''t take offense. Things have been unsettled in Hexi Pcetely, and I''ve been quite anxious. Have themps lit in Yikun Pce tonight. I''ll go see the Fifth Prince."


    After saying this, he nced at Concubine Zhen again, as if to say: "I''ve done everything as you suggested. Are you satisfied now?"


    Concubine Zhen pressed her palm to her lips and kissed it, then waved her hand towards the Emperor. The Emperor made a grabbing motion in the air, as if catching the kiss, and tucked it into his chest pocket, patting it gently to show he would keep the flying kiss safe.


    Such a presumptuous act, and yet the Emperor indulged it. It seemed the winds of change were indeed blowing through the pce.


    Concubine Li had once mocked Jiang Xinyue as yesterday''s news, a fleeting beauty. But now, it appeared that those words applied to Concubine Li herself.

 Chapter 107

    Empress Zhu was not the type to suffer for the sake of pride, so she graciously epted Jiang Xinyue''s goodwill.


    After the emperor left, she asked with concern: "What''s going on? Weren''t you confined? Why did the emperor say Hexi Pce is not peaceful?"


    Apart from Concubine Li, who deliberately leaked the news to her in an attempt to sow discord between her and Concubine Zhen, who else knew about Concubine Zhen''s pregnancy?


    Concubine Li wouldn''t act herself. They had been rivals for so many years, but she had never seen Concubine Li harm a pregnant woman or child.


    However, it was possible she was using someone else, like trying to use Empress Zhu herself to eliminate Concubine Zhen''s child this time.


    Empress Zhu thought that Concubine Li was treating her like a fool. Given Concubine Zhen''s status, it was impossible for her to be empress. Even if she were lucky enough to bear a prince, at most she would be given the title of consort, like Consort De and Consort Liang. She wouldn''t threaten Empress Zhu''s position, so why would Empress Zhu do such an evil deed?


    Moreover, she was one of the few who knew the emperor had spies in the harem.


    If she were to act, and it was immediately reported to the emperor, her days as empress would be numbered.


    She wouldn''t do anything to dig her own grave. Concubine Li had miscalcted.


    Jiang Xinyue sighed, looking worried as she said, "This concubine doesn''t know who wants to harm me either. When I first found out I was pregnant, the imperial kitchen sent a bowl of white fungus soup mixed with safflower. Later, poisonous insects that could cause miscarriage were found on the dog I kept. Since then, the emperor has sent two nannies here, saying they are knowledgeable and can take care of me."


    "Nannies?"


    Consort De raised her eyebrows. "Which nannies?"


    Jiang Xinyue said to her maid, "Go invite Nanny Li and Nanny Xiang."


    "Is it the Nanny Li who serves in Chengqian Pce?"


    "I believe so!"


    Jiang Xinyue replied with a smile, "The emperor said Nanny Li used to be in the Empress Dowager''s pce, andter was sent to serve him. She has been serving the emperor for twenty years now, and he told me to treat her with respect."


    That confirmed it.


    Empress Zhu was relieved that she had chosen to investigate the situation first. Otherwise, if she had rashly acted against Concubine Zhen, she would likely have implicated herself.


    Nanny Li was the head servant of Chengqian Pce. She could manage the emperor''s quarters so cleanly, without any hint of scandal, and keep all the maids and eunuchs in line. She was definitely not a simple character.


    Nanny Li and Nanny Xiang entered the inner chamber, bowing to thedies in perfect unison.


    Consort Liang and Consort De dared not ept Nanny Li''s bow, slightly turning their bodies away. Only the carefree Jiang Xinyue smiled and epted the greeting.


    It seemed she truly didn''t know how formidable Nanny Li was.


    Although they had never seen Nanny Xiang before, her serious expression and clear, determined gaze suggested she was no ordinary person either.


    After the two nannies had paid their respects, they quietly withdrew. Consort Liang''s expression, which had only been slightly unpleasant when the emperor was protecting Jiang Xinyue, now turned truly ugly.


    She couldn''t help but sneer, "In my opinion, Concubine Zhen is the luckiest one in this pce. I fear that as soon as you give birth, the emperor will make you a consort. In just a short year, you''ve gone from a mere nobledy to nearly a consort. Why don''t you teach me how you''ve bewitched the emperor''s heart?"


    Jiang Xinyueughed. Why didn''t Consort Liang just outright say the emperor was possessed?


    She was always like this. When Jiang Xinyue was down on her luck, Consort Liang was more concerned than anyone. But once Jiang Xinyue gained favor, and the more favored and better off she became, the more unhappy Consort Liang seemed to be.


    This was like some fake friends in the modern world. When you''re doing poorly, they''re all care and concern. But when you''re doing well, they be jealous, mock you, and try to drag you down into the mud with them, not allowing you to shine brighter than them.


    "Sister Consort Liang is always so outspoken," Jiang Xinyue said in a joking tone. "This concubine isn''t even a noble consort yet, and Sister Consort Liang is already urging me to ask Empress Zhu for favors? Unlike Sister Consort Liang, this concubine can''t predict the future and doesn''t know how the emperor will reward me."


    "As for how I bewitched the emperor, Sister Consort Liang should ask him that, since he''s the one who was bewitched by me."


    The implication was clear: it wasn''t that she had bewitched the emperor, so asking her was useless. If Consort Liang had the guts, she should go ask the emperor instead of making insinuations here.


    Consort Liang''s face alternated between red and white as she was countered so forcefully.


    This aggressive side was something Consort Liang had never seen before.


    Empress Zhu cleared her throat lightly, and Consort Liang extinguished her anger, ring at Jiang Xinyue resentfully. No matter how she looked at it, that face seemed like a fox spirit that had taken human form.


    Jiang Xinyue red right back at Consort Liang, not afraid of her at all.


    Consort Liang still thought she was dealing with the old Jiang Xinyue, who would smile apologetically even when insulted!


    She was too spoiled!


    Consort De took a sip of her now-cold tea and said, "With Nanny Li here, Sister Concubine Zhen can rest easy during your pregnancy. If you feel any difort, you must tell Nanny Li immediately. She used to be a favorite of the Empress Dowager. Back when thete emperor''s harem was full of intrigue, the Empress Dowager feared for the current emperor''s safety and sent Nanny Li to serve him. With her protecting you, Sister Concubine Zhen, no one will be able to harm you or your child in the future."


    Jiang Xinyue stared intently at Consort De, as if trying to make flowers bloom on her face.


    Consort De looked back in confusion, touching her temple. "What''s wrong? Why are you looking at me like that, Sister Concubine Zhen? Is there something on my face?"


    Empress Zhu and Consort Liang both looked over, confirming there was nothing amiss on Consort De''s face, before looking back at Jiang Xinyue.


    "There is something," Jiang Xinyue blinked. "Sister Consort De looks quite beautiful today."


    Knowing that Jiang Xinyue''s rtionship with the Empress Dowager was not good, Consort De deliberately told her that Nanny Li was the Empress Dowager''s person, making her subconsciously distance herself and be wary of Nanny Li, suspecting she was on the Empress Dowager''s side and here to harm her.


    If she distanced herself from Nanny Li and didn''t rely on her, there would be many opportunities for foul y in Hexi Pce.


    But Consort De also hinted to Jiang Xinyue that Nanny Li was highly capable, and with her around, Hexi Pce would be like an iron bucket, imprable to any dirty tricks against Jiang Xinyue and her child. They would be very safe.


    Wasn''t this just encouraging her to use her favor with the emperor topete for people?


    When the Xuanwu Emperor gave her Nanny Li and Nanny Xiang, he hadn''t said they would stay in Hexi Pce permanently, but rather that they should take good care of Concubine Zhen until she gave birth.


    Consort De was good at scheming. Whether Jiang Xinyue trusted Nanny Li or not, it would leave a bad impression on the Emperor.


    Not trusting her would be seen as ungrateful, while trusting her andpeting with him for people would be seen as not knowing one''s ce, causing annoyance.


    How had she not realized this before?


    Consort De was truly a master of pce intrigue!


    Consort De, who had beenplimented on her looks, felt that there was something odd about Jiang Xinyue''s gaze. But her smile seemed sincere, and Consort De couldn''t quite put her finger on what was strange about it.


    She could only awkwardly touch her own face and say, "Is that so? Perhaps it''s because I''ve been sleeping bettertely!"


    The Internal Affairs Department had sent several bottles of Lon beauty essence to Yanqing Pce. Had Concubine Zhen noticed its effects so quickly?


    She certainly had a sharp eye.

 Chapter 108

    After seeing off Empress Zhu and the other two, Xi Que pouted, "We''re confined here to ensure a peaceful pregnancy, but now look! You''ve learned everything you should and shouldn''t know. How will you ever find peace from now on, Your Highness?"


    Jiang Xinyue smiled, seemingly unbothered. "Are there ever anysting secrets in the pce? I never expected to prevent the news from spreading. What I''m guarding against are the schemes of the lower-ranking concubines."


    Those in high positions are especially wary of taking risks, fearing that one wrong step could lead to losing everything.


    Even if they knew about Jiang Xinyue''s pregnancy, none of them would dare to act rashly.


    Especially now that she had revealed her trump card, Nanny Li. Even those with ill intentions would be powerless.


    But their reluctance to act personally didn''t mean they wouldn''t incite others to do so. Lower-ranking concubines might be tempted to take risks if offered sufficient rewards.


    These were the ones Jiang Xinyue was guarding against.


    With her confinement, those lower-ranking concubines who weren''t close to her couldn''t enter her Hexi Pce.


    With Nanny Li and Nanny Xiang present, it was impossible for anyone to harm her attendants.


    Now, when the pce maids of Hexi Pce left and returned, they underwent thorough body checks to prevent them from bringing in anything harmful that could endanger Jiang Xinyue''s child.


    These maids were given by the emperor and served as his eyes and ears. While Jiang Xinyue trusted them to an extent, she remained cautious, maintaining the same level of difort in front of the emperor as before.


    The Xuanwu Emperor''s iron-d protection made Consort Shu the most jealous.


    In Kunning Pce¡ª


    The Dowager Empress, startled by the sound of shattering mirrors from the side hall, quickly stood up. "What''s happening? Who dared to ce mirrors in Consort Shu''s chambers again?"


    Granny Gui supported the Dowager Empress, exining, "It wasn''t an outsider, but Noble Consort Rong. She said she received a new Western mirror from the Emperor and didn''t dare to enjoy it alone, so she sent it to pay respects to you, Your Highness. However, Consort Shu saw it being delivered and thought it was for her, so she had it taken to the side hall."


    The Dowager Empress''s face darkened. "I knew Noble Consort Rong wasn''t on our side. She''s been jealous of Consort Shu for a long time and wouldn''t miss this chance to upset her. Sending it to me was just a pretense; her real intention was to distress Consort Shu. The Emperor gave her the title of Noble Consort, and now she thinks she''s invincible. If we don''t teach her a lesson, she''ll forget her ce."


    With a wave of her hand, the Dowager Empress whispered some instructions to her head eunuch, so quietly that even Granny Gui couldn''t hear.


    "How can this person in the mirror be me? This isn''t me! Get out, all of you!"


    The shattered mirror on the floor clearly reflected a face with a double chin. The once delicate and refined Consort Shu had be as round as a ball.


    At first, when Consort Shu was forced to eat more than she could handle, she thought it wouldn''t be a problem as she would throw up most of it afterward.


    But as time went on, her appetite grew. Before, half a bowl of rice was enough to fill her, but after leaving Concubine Li''s pce, half a bowl barely satisfied her. She often needed two bowls of fragrant rice to feel content.


    Having grown ustomed to the rich, heavily seasoned food from Concubine Li''s pce, she lost her appetite for the nd dishes she used to eat.


    Unconsciously, Consort Shu had the imperial kitchen change her menu to include more oil-rich dishes.


    Being pregnant, she couldn''t see the changes in her body and assumed the growing belly was just a natural part of pregnancy.


    Butter, when the Dowager Empress removed all the mirrors from her chambers, she began to suspect something was amiss.


    It wasn''t until today, seeing herself in the mirror, that she nearly broke down.


    How could that fat person be her?


    The Emperor loved slender, willowy beauties. How could she captivate the Emperor''s heart looking like this?


    Although the Dowager Empress consoled her, saying she could lose weight and regain her former figure after giving birth by controlling her appetite, Consort Shu still couldn''t ept her current appearance.


    Her sister had told her that Concubine Zhen, who was also pregnant, was now the most favored in the pce. The Emperor unfailingly spent half a day with Concubine Zhen, reportedly telling stories to the child in her womb.


    Not only that, but to ensure Concubine Zhen''s peace of mind during her pregnancy, the Emperor had sent Nanny Li to Hexi Pce to care for Concubine Zhen and her unborn child.


    In the pce''s history, who had ever received such treatment during pregnancy?


    Perhaps only when the Empress was carrying thete Crown Prince Duanhui, the Emperor''s first son, did the Emperor cherish and favor them enough to send Nanny Li to care for them for a while.


    Jiang Xinyue¡ªwhat right did she have to enjoy the same treatment as the Empress?


    As for the child in her own womb, Consort Shu had an ominous feeling that it might not survive. The imperial physicians kept gently suggesting that she eat less and exercise more to avoid difficulties during childbirth due to the baby''s size.


    She had be pregnant three months before Concubine Zhen, and now at six months, her belly was asrge as someone about to give birth.


    Arge baby leading to a difficult birth...


    Her belly was already oversized.


    This child... couldn''t be kept.


    She feared a difficultbor, and in the past, she wouldn''t have worried about the Emperor choosing to save the child over her. But with her current appearance, she feared... her chances of survival were slim.


    Consort Shu''s hand gripped her belly tightly, her eyes cold as she addressed her maid, "Lianxin, prepare the sedan chair. I''m going to Changxin Pce."


    She couldn''t harm Concubine Zhen now, but her child couldn''te into this world for nothing, leaving her in this state. The root cause of her misery had to pay the price.


    "Your Highness..." Lianxin''s face showed deep concern. "Concubine Li is already so arrogant. Why should you..."


    "I left something important in Changxin Pce, a token of love between the Emperor and me," Consort Shu said quickly. "Go and ask the Emperor toe to Changxin Pce immediately!"


    Before leaving, Consort Shu took a slice of hundred-year-old ginseng and held it in her mouth.


    Meanwhile, Jiang Yankun and Minister of Personnel Jiang Hewei, apanied by Jiang Yanxi, were in the imperial study, meticulously listing dozens of crimesmitted by Prime Minister Song and Minister Song.


    These included selling official positions, cheating in imperial examinations, murdering officials, intercepting memorials to the throne, and deceiving the emperor. Each offense was serious enough to warrant execution of the entire n.


    After three months of rigorous investigation, several officials in the Song faction were found to have engaged in corrupt practices. The Song family had suppressed all these incidents, never allowing them to reach the Emperor''s attention.


    "Bang!"


    The inkstone on the desk in the Imperial Study flew down, crashing heavily onto Prime Minister Song''s forehead. "Song Jiangming, We think your Song family is trying to rebel. To betray Our trust like this, you truly deserve death!"


    ck ink mixed with blood, and the illustrious Prime Minister Song appeared in such a wretched state for the first time.


    But he had no mind to maintain his image. Kneeling on the ground, he cried and pleaded his innocence: "Your Majesty, I have not done these things. These are false usations, Your Majesty. Someone must be... someone must be framing me. I beg Your Majesty to investigate clearly."


    He was implying, of course, that it was Jiang Yankun and Jiang Hewei who were behind this.

 Chapter 109

    The daughters of these two men were in the emperor''s harem, so they might have framed him topete for favor.


    So, having an extremely brilliant and formidable father isn''t always a good thing. Prime Minister Song still hasn''t realized that it''s not Jiang Yankun and Jiang Hewei who want him dead, but the emperor himself.


    "With both witnesses and evidence at hand, and even those officials in prison confessing that the Song family instructed them tomit evil deeds, how dare you still quibble?"


    The Xuanwu Emperor spoke these words with great skill, not mentioning Prime Minister Song directly, nor uttering a single word about Prime Minister Song.


    In the end, whether Prime Minister Song took all the me upon himself to clear his family''s name, or Prime Minister Song sacrificed himself to save his son, the emperor would profit greatly.


    In truth, the person the Xuanwu Emperor most wanted to bring down wasn''t the son, but the father.


    Song Jiangming was merely a obedient puppet under Prime Minister Song''s tutge. His position as the current Prime Minister was entirely due to having a good father.


    Though hecked great talent, he also had no wild ambitions. Whatever Prime Minister Song said, he would do. His strengthy in his docility and obedience, which allowed him to sit firmly in the Prime Minister''s position for decades.


    As long as Prime Minister Song fell, the Song family would no longer be a threat.


    Song Jiangming truly didn''t understand. His father''s actions had been so covert, how on earth did Jiang Yankun and Jiang Hewei uncover them?


    He cast a venomous re at Jiang Yanxi, who was cowering in the corner. It was all because of this meddler. If he hadn''t reported the corruption of the Qinzhou prefect, how could the emperor have followed the trail to the Song family?


    Jiang Yanxi felt he had been wronged!


    He had only identally discovered that the prefect was privately selling spots for the summer pce retreat. He thought that by reporting it to the court, perhaps the higher-ups wouldmend him, and this achievement would make it easier for him to get promoted in the future.


    He had used a bit of cunning, mixing his report in with the prefect''s letters to be sent to the capital. It was his luck that the Song family''s servant sorting the letters was unwell that day, dizzy and mistaking the report for a "letter of rmendation."


    In the Great Yan Dynasty, there were two paths to officialdom: the long and arduous path of the imperial examinations, or the shortcut of being rmended by a fourth-rank or higher civil or military official.


    The Song family servant directly treated the report as a letter of rmendation, sorting it together with the memorials to be given to the emperor.


    The emperor was very diligent in handling state affairs. Both Chengqian Pce and the imperial study were his workces, and in both ces, Wang Dequan had arranged for young eunuchs and pce maids to organize the documents the emperor needed to review daily.


    As soon as the report appeared, it was reported to Wang Dequan by a young eunuch. Wang Dequan didn''t dare dy and immediately presented it to the emperor.


    This led to the series of charges that shook the entire Great Yan Dynasty: the Song family''s corruption, selling of official positions, murder, and so on.


    On his way to the capital, Jiang Yanxi faced several assassination attempts. Fortunately, the emperor knew the importance of this matter and arranged for dozens of pce guards and secret agents to escort him, saving him from death.


    But he didn''t quite believe the emperor would deal with the Song family. Fearing he would fall victim to Concubine Li''s poison as soon as he entered the pce, he proposed to first go to his n brother''s home to get his affairs in order.


    Seeing that he wanted to go to the Jiang family, the emperor understood his concerns. So he used Jiang Xinyue''s words to promise that as long as he testified to frame... no... to reveal all the things the Song family had done, which the emperor was well aware of.


    If there was no evidence, they could fabricate it. If there were no witnesses, they could use threats and bribes to turn criminals into informants, using the Song family of their crimes.


    Now, wasn''t everything in ce, both witnesses and evidence?


    As Song Jiangming was being taken down to the dungeon of the Ministry of Justice, Prime Minister Song was still gathering all the members of the Song family for a family meeting.


    Everyone was trying to persuade him to abandon his son, to consider the bigger picture, not to ruin the Song family''s great foundation because of one descendant.


    However, Song Jiangming was his only son by birth. The other descendants were all n rtives, with whom he shared a weaker blood tie.


    Those people kept telling him to give up his own son for the sake of the n, but when he suggested using any of their illegitimate sons to take the me, they all refused with high-sounding reasons.


    "Our son is just a coteral illegitimate child. If you let him take the me, even I wouldn''t believe it. Aren''t you treating the emperor like a fool?"


    "Our good-for-nothing won''t do either! He''s just a seventh-rank petty official, how could hemand so many people? Uncle, it really can only be the Prime Minister who takes the me."


    "That''s right, that''s right, Uncle, you''re the pir of our Song family. Don''t do anything foolish like going to confess to the emperor!"


    Prime Minister Song''s spirit seemed to be drained in an instant, his hair turning half white: "Ni Er is still in the pce. If something happens to Jiangming, her position as a favored concubine will also be over. All these years... how many benefits has she obtained for you all? Search your conscience. If her fathermits a capital crime, won''t all those consorts in the pce push her down when the wall falls?"


    "The emperor favors Concubine Li. At most, she''ll just be demoted in rank. There won''t be any danger to her life. Perhaps because of this incident, the emperor might even pity the concubine andpensate our Song family even more."


    "I say this is all because of that Jiang Yanxi from the Jiang family. We''ve never heard of this person before, and he suddenly appears now. It must be that Jiang Yankun''s doing. I heard his daughter was once punished by Concubine Li when she entered the pce, and they became enemies because of it."


    "Ni Er has made too many enemies in the pce these past few years. She doesn''t know how to conceal her sharp edges. Now that she''s offended so many people, she''s finally hit a snag! I said from the beginning that her temperament wasn''t suitable for the pce. It would have been better to send my daughter instead. She''s the most cautious and prudent, and would never make enemies everywhere."


    Concubine Li hadn''t even fallen yet, and someone was already thinking of recing her, and this person was from her own n.


    Prime Minister Song gave a cold smile, straightened his robes, and rose from his chair: "Very well, then I shall go to the Ministry of Justice now and persuade Jiangming to confess and ept his punishment."


    Everyone present breathed a sigh of relief.


    If Song Jiangming were sentenced to death, the position of Prime Minister would be vacant. With their n leader''s abilities, the Prime Minister would still be someone from the Song family, and each of them would have a chance.


    "Your Highness! Your Highness! Something terrible has happened!"


    For the first time, Xia He was socking in decorum, bursting into Concubine Li''s chambers.


    Concubine Li frowned severely. There was still sweet seedless watermelon chilling in the ice basin in front of her couch. She rose impatiently: "What are you doing, being so flustered?"


    Xia He''s face was full of panic: "The Prime Minister... Prime Minister, has been... No... Chief Minister... No, no, Prime Minister Song has been arrested by Minister Jiang and Secretary Jiang from the Ministry of Personnel. The Chief Minister is now at the Ministry of Justice, removing his hat to confess his crimes in order to save the Prime Minister."


    "How dare they?"


    Concubine Li suddenly stood up from her concubine''s couch, running out barefoot.


    Xia He hurriedly picked up the embroidered shoes adorned with South Sea pearls and chased after her.


    "Bang!"


    Consort Shu had just stepped down from her sedan chair when a slender figure pushed her backward. "Out of my way!"


    Concubine Li didn''t even look as she shoved the person aside, quickly disappearing from everyone''s sight.

 Chapter 110

    Xia He followed closely behind, too preupied to notice who had fallen to the ground.


    Before Consort Shu could utter a word of protest, she fell heavily to the floor. The pce maids cried out in rm as cold sweat broke out on Consort Shu''s forehead, and arge amount of blood pooled beneath her.


    "Your Highness... Your Highness..."


    Xia He chased after Concubine Li, watching as her feet were cut by stones, leaving a trail of crimson blood along the pce walkway she ran across.


    Like a weeping flower, slowly withering and fading away.


    In the distance, the Emperor''s golden carriage was approaching. Concubine Li thought the Emperor was rushing to the Changxin Pce to exin things to her, so she quickened her pace, eventually stumbling and falling before the Emperor''s carriage.


    "Your Majesty..."


    The imperial carriage towered above her. From Concubine Li''s perspective, she could only see the Emperor''s sharp chin and stern jawline.


    Why did the Emperor seem so distant today?


    She reached out, grasping only air. As her hopes shattered, she widened her eyes, crystal tears flowing from them as she looked up at the man she loved deeply: "Your Majesty, I... I beg you, for the sake of our rtionship, please spare my father?"


    The Emperor had barely furrowed his brow when Wang Dequan stepped forward, attempting to have someone help the obstructing Concubine Li up: "Oh my! Concubine Li, why are you in such a state? Quickly get up and put on your shoes, lest you hurt yourself."


    "Don''t touch me, you vile eunuch!"


    Concubine Li violently swatted his hand away: "Don''t think I don''t know that you''ve already allied yourself with Concubine Zhen, bing that harlot''spdog. Who needs your false sympathy here?"


    Ordinarily, she would never utter such crude words, but her father had been imprisoned, and on her way here, she had overheard pce servants discussing the matter without restraint.


    They said the Song family''s influence was waning, that their crimes were too numerous to list, and that it had already caused great dissatisfaction and anger among themon people.


    Led by the Jiang family and the Jiang family, a group of officials were demanding severe punishment for the Song family to set an example.


    Although they were mostly officials below the fourth rank, there were quite a few of them, and some older, more experienced officials had also voiced their agreement.


    Knowing her grandfather, he would likely sacrifice her to save her father.


    How could Concubine Li not be furious and speak so carelessly?


    "This..."


    Wang Dequan knelt down in panic: "Your Majesty, I have served you for nearly twenty years with unwavering loyalty. You are my greatest support in this pce, I have no need to ally myself with anyone else!"


    The Xuanwu Emperor understood the implications of his words. The most revered person in the pce was the Emperor himself, so why would Wang Dequan need to ally with anyone else?


    Moreover, Concubine Li had insulted Concubine Zhen in her speech, which the Emperor found even more uneptable.


    Jiang Yankun''s actions were at his implicit direction; what did it have to do with Concubine Zhen?


    She was peacefully resting in the Hexi Pce, probably unaware of what was happening outside. Why should she be subjected to such unwarranted insults?


    "Concubine Li, you..."


    "Your Majesty... Your Majesty..."


    A figure in deep blue came running from afar. Who else could it be but Xiao Xuanzi?


    With terror still evident on his face, he scrambled over and knelt down, quickly reporting: "Your Majesty, please hurry to the Hexi Pce! Consort Shu was pushed down in the Changxin Pce and has now been carried to our Hexi Pce, covered in blood. Consort Shu''s maid said they thought of the Hexi Pce because midwives and imperial physicians were already prepared there, hoping our mistress could save Consort Shu''s life. Our mistress has never seen such a bloody scene and fainted from shock. Xi Que and Shuang Jiang are trying to care for both Consort Shu and our mistress, everything is in chaos."


    Concubine Li''s heart skipped a beat as she suddenly remembered bumping into someone when she rushed out earlier.


    Could it have been Consort Shu?


    Just then, Lianxin, who had been by the Emperor''s carriage all along, burst into tears: "Your Majesty, our mistress went to the Changxin Pce to retrieve the token of your love. Could it be that Concubine Li refused to return it and got into a conflict with our mistress?"


    As Concubine Li was about to angrily refute this, she heard the Emperor speak urgently, as if he hadn''t even noticed her: "Wang Dequan, quickly! To the Hexi Pce!"


    Concubine Li was then pulled aside by several eunuchs and tossed to the side. The golden figure quickly disappeared around the corner.


    Whether this urgency was for Consort Shu or Concubine Zhen, Concubine Li could no longer tell.


    Deep in her heart, a sense of resentment towards the Xuanwu Emperor''s actions arose, but even more so was her hatred for Consort Shu and Concubine Zhen, especially thetter.


    She actually dared to have her father report the Song family.


    The true culprit behind her current predicament was none other than Concubine Zhen.


    It wasn''t just Concubine Li who thought this way. From the moment the Song Minister was imprisoned and the Song Prime Minister went to the Ministry of Justice to confess his crimes, the entire Great Yan court and pce were in an uproar. It was hard not to know what was happening.


    Empress Zhu and Consort Liang shared the same thoughts, both believing that Jiang Xinyue was exacting revenge for the incident a year ago when Concubine Li had forced her to kneel until her knees were injured. Now, she had struck back hard, aiming to eliminate Concubine Li''s entire family.


    Of course, her ability to seek revenge so smoothly also aligned with the Emperor''s desire to uproot the Song family, a towering tree infested with termites and worms.


    Even so, it was enough to make people wary of her influence over the Emperor.


    Concubine Li had been the favored concubine in the pce for over a decade. Even when she was arrogant, willful, and capricious, the Emperor had never humiliated her for anyone else''s sake.


    Jiang Xinyue had entered the pce just a year ago¡ªonly a year¡ªand had already caused Concubine Li to fall out of favor. It seemed too incredible to believe.


    Consort Liang fidgeted with her fan, feeling uneasy and unsettled: "Your Highness, you''ve seen it too. The Emperor disregarded even Concubine Li for her sake. She''s so vindictive; if she finds out that it was us who... back in the Cold Pce..."


    "Shut up!"


    Empress Zhu red at her fiercely: "I don''t understand what you''re talking about. If she learns anything unpleasant from your mouth, it will be your doing alone, having nothing to do with me. So, keep your mouth shut."


    The implication was clear: no such information would leak from her Yikun Pce. If Consort Liang''s loose lips let Jiang Xinyue know, then Consort Liang would have to take the fall and shoulder the me herself.


    Consort Liang pursed her lips, thinking of Concubine Li abandoned by the Emperor on the pce walkway, subject to everyone''s mockery. She reluctantly closed her mouth, no longer mentioning the poisoning incident in the Cold Pce.


    "You should avoid provoking Concubine Zhentely."


    Empress Zhu reminded her: "Once she gives birth to a child, the Emperor will certainly bestow her the title of consort. Given the Emperor''s high regard for her, she''s bound to be one of the four consorts. Three positions are already filled, and her seniority isn''t enough to make her the head of the four consorts. When the timees, I will suggest to the Emperor to appoint you as Consort Xian, and Concubine Zhen as Consort Liang. This way, all four virtuous consorts will be in ce. At least she''s on our side now, and Consort Shu is clearly bing useless. If Consort Jin is wise enough to recognize the situation, we can also promote her. By then, all four consorts will be my people, and my position will be secure and unshakeable."

 Chapter 111

    "Her Majesty wants to ce her above Consort De?"


    Consort Liang felt uneasy: "I and Consort De entered the pce the same year, enduring seven or eight years before being granted the title of consort. By my calctions, she''ll give birth around February or March next year, which is barely a year and nine months. In less than two years, she''s be second among the four consorts. This rate of promotion might even surpass that of Concubine Li and Consort Shu back then!"


    Empress Zhu sighed: "Times have changed. Concubine Li''s illustrious family background was both her strength and her fatal w. As for Consort Shu, if she weren''t from the Wu Family, I might have been more wary of her. But she happens to be the Empress Dowager''s niece, an ambitious Wu woman. Being Consort Shu is as far as she''ll ever get. Jiang Xinyue... Jiang Xinyue is different from them all."


    Shecked a prominent family background, and there were no lives lost or fallen families between her and the Emperor.


    She possessed beauty, wisdom, and all the admirable qualities the Emperor cherished.


    She knew when to appear vulnerable, when to advance and retreat, was both whimsical and understanding, and never did anything to trouble the Emperor.


    Even when the Emperor released Jiang Yuan from the Pce of Exile, she showed no signs of displeasure.


    It''s worth noting that the person who forced Concubine Zhen to eat the arsened pastry was "Jiang Yuan"!


    Of course, whether Concubine Zhen had privatelyined or acted coquettishly with the Emperor remained unknown.


    How could the Emperor not dote on such a delightful person?


    "Your Majesty!"


    Fen Yun lifted the pearl curtain, and a wave of heat rushed in, even melting some of the ice in the basin before the couch.


    This made Empress Zhu resent Concubine Li even more.


    This year, the Imperial Astronomers predicted that the weather wouldn''t be too hot, so there was no need to retreat to the summer pce. However, this turned out to bepletely false. The official who made this weather prediction was a prot¨¦g¨¦ of the Song Family, and he only said this because Concubine Li didn''t want to endure the hardships of travel.


    Just when the Emperor finally noticed the unusual weather and prepared to take the imperial concubines to Qinzhou, lo and behold! A corruption case involving a prefect erupted, with far-reaching implications, making it impossible for the Emperor to leave.


    Now, all the officials in the court who had ever done favors for the Song Family were living in fear, instead trying to curry favor with the Jiang and Jiang families.


    If it weren''t for Concubine Li, they would already be enjoying the cool weather in Qinzhou with the Emperor. Why suffer through this scorching heat in the capital?


    "Your Majesty!"


    As Empress Zhu was lost in thought, Fen Yun had already approached her and whispered a few words in her ear. Empress Zhu was slightly surprised: "Consort Shu is giving birth in Hexi Pce?"


    Wasn''t Consort Shu only six months pregnant?


    Upon hearing this, Consort Liang''s eyes immediately lit up, eager to apany Empress Zhu.


    With Consort Shu and Concubine Zhen facing off, there would surely be a good show to watch.


    In Hexi Pce¡ª


    "Ah¡ª Ah... I can''t do it anymore! I can''t give birth anymore, ah ah ah..."


    Hearing the agonizing screamsing from the side hall, Jiang Xinyue had to admit she was a bit frightened.


    In the future, when women give birth, they could opt for a cesarean section if the baby was toorge, or receive painkillers and anesthesia.


    Even for natural births, they could perform an episiotomy to ensure the safety of both the baby and the mother.


    But this was an fictional ancient dynasty, where medical expertise was severelycking. When a woman had a difficult delivery, male doctors weren''t even allowed to enter the delivery room, as all skilled physicians were men.


    If a woman''s body was seen by a man other than her husband, her life would be ruined.


    That''s why so many women inmon households died during childbirth.


    In the pce, there were a few female medical practitioners, but most of them only did menial tasks at the Imperial Hospital, familiar with some basic remedies. Unless they were exceptionally talented, very few women would be taken under the wing of a royal physician to learn true medical skills.


    Hexi Pce had always been under the care of Yan the Imperial Physician, and his only daughter, Yan Xinyi, happened to have inherited his true medical knowledge.


    As the screams continued to echo from the hall, Jiang Xinyue had already sent Nanny Li and Nanny Xiang inside, while she and her close attendants remained at a distance from Consort Shu.


    During this critical time, she feared someone might try to frame her amidst the chaos.


    Yan the Imperial Physician''s heart was racing as he looked questioningly at Jiang Xinyue, anxiously asking, "Your Highness, should I send Xinyi to..."


    "No need!"


    Jiang Xinyue raised her hand to stop him from finishing his sentence. "Consort Shu is in prematurebor. The fetus is already formed, but due to excessive consumption of oily foods during pregnancy, the baby is toorge. The situation is very dangerous, and Xinyi''s skills are not sufficient to handle it. The Empress Dowager is not someone to be trifled with. It''s best not to involve Xinyi in this matter."


    In truth, Yan the Imperial Physician shared the same concerns, but he worried that when Concubine Zhen would give birth in the future, he would need his daughter to be inside monitoring the situation. This way, if any special circumstances arose that prevented him from entering, his daughter could describe the symptoms to him, allowing him to devise a treatment n. With their father-daughter rapport, they would surely ensure Concubine Zhen''s safe delivery.


    If someone were to bring up the fact that his daughter didn''t help Consort Shu this time when assisting Concubine Zhen in the future, it could spell disaster for the Yan family.


    With Concubine Zhen''s words, he felt much more at ease.


    Concubine Zhen was known for her prudent actions. If she said it wasn''t necessary, then even if others brought up this incident in the future, the Emperor would likely already know the reasons behind it.


    Large basins of bloody water were being carried out of the side hall. Jiang Xinyue''s face turned pale, but she remained silent.


    It wasn''t until the Xuanwu Emperor''s voice drew near that she allowed Xi Que and Shuang Jiang to support her as she sat weakly in a nearby chair.


    Before she could even settle into the seat, the Emperor was already before her. He first examined Jiang Xinyue for a while, making sure she was only weak from shock, before turning to ask Yan the Imperial Physician, "How is the child in Consort Shu''s womb?"


    Seeing that the Emperor didn''t inquire about Consort Shu herself, but rather the child in her womb, Yan the Imperial Physician assumed the Emperor ced great importance on the baby. Under immense pressure, he replied, "Your Majesty, there are already female doctors and midwives inside attending to Consort Shu. Concubine Zhen even sent Nanny Li and Nanny Xiang to care for Consort Shu. However, I''m afraid the situation doesn''t look good. Consort Shu''s baby is toorge, making the delivery extremely difficult!"


    "Ah¡ª"


    Another piercing scream of agony rang out. Concubine Zhen let out a soft whimper, and the Xuanwu Emperor immediately covered her ears. "Xi Que, Shuang Jiang, take your mistress down to rest. I''ll handle things here."


    Xi Que and Shuang Jiang were immensely grateful, quickly supporting the weakened Jiang Xinyue as they headed towards the main hall.


    As soon as she stepped out of the side hall''s main door, away from the Emperor and Wang Dequan''s sight, Jiang Xinyue stood up from Xi Que and Shuang Jiang''s support and quickly ran back to her bedchamber, instructing them to close the main door.


    Afterwards, she said, "Ask Yan the Imperial Physician to write two prescriptions for calming the nerves and nourishing the fetus. Have Xiao Xuanzi go to the Imperial Hospital to fetch them. When Empress Zhu and the others arriveter, have Jiang Chuan stop them. Tell them that I''ve had a fright, the fetus is unstable, and the Emperor has ordered me to rest well."


    Xi Que hurried to carry out the instructions.


    When Empress Zhu arrived, apanied by Consort De, Consort Liang, Consort Jin, Noble Consort Ye, and Court Lady Jiang, Jiang Chuan directly led them to where the Emperor was.

 Chapter 112

    Empress Zhu asked Jiang Xinyue a couple of questions, but Jiang Chuan blocked her attempts. What were they all thinking? Were theymenting that they couldn''t harm his mistress this time? Jiang Chuan couldn''t care less about that.


    His job was to prevent anyone outside of Hexi Pce from contacting his mistress.


    Of course, with the exception of the Emperor.


    "Your humble servant greets Your Majesty," Empress Zhu said, leading the others in a bow before quickly rising. "Your Majesty, how is Consort Shu?"


    The Xuanwu Emperor''s face was stern as he was about to speak when Nanny Li came running out, her hands covered in blood. "Your Majesty! Your Majesty! Consort Shu is having a difficultbor. The baby is too big and is stuck. Moreover... Female Doctor Bai says that Consort Shu''s baby is only six months along. She estimates that the organs aren''t fully developed yet. Even if born, it likely won''t survive."


    Female Doctor Bai was Yan the Imperial Physician''s apprentice. Before going in, Jiang Xinyue had instructed her, "No matter who asks, you must say that the baby in Consort Shu''s womb won''t survive. Otherwise, if the Emperor investigatester, I won''t be able to protect your and Yan the Imperial Physician''s heads."


    Female Doctor Bai couldn''t read the Emperor''s mind, but that didn''t matter. With Concubine Zhen, who could understand the Emperor''s thoughts, present, all she needed to do was follow instructions.


    It was true that even seven or eight-month-old babies rarely survived after birth, let alone this six-month-old in Consort Shu''s womb.


    The pregnancy hadn''t been well cared for either. At just six months, the fetus was asrge as a full-term baby, which was clearly unhealthy.


    However, Concubine Zhen''s implication seemed to be that the Emperor didn''t want this child to survive.


    But that wasn''t her concern. It would be a miracle if Consort Shu herself could survive. It was up to the Emperor to decide whether to prioritize the mother or the child.


    The Xuanwu Emperor gritted his teeth. "If it''s destined not to survive even if born, why hesitate? Quickly save Consort Shu."


    Only then did Nanny Li feel reassured. She hurriedly turned and rushed back to her "battlefield."


    This time, there was no need to worry about the survival of the baby in Consort Shu''s womb. If it couldn''t be delivered naturally, they would forcefully extract it. Keeping Consort Shu alive was the priority now.


    To the uninformed, it might seem as if the Emperor loved Consort Shu so much that he was willing to sacrifice his own child.


    Only Empress Zhu felt a chill in her heart. The Emperor... he was too cruel.


    He knew the Dowager Empress was waiting for this child to be born to help revive the Wu family''s fortunes, but the Emperor never intended for Consort Shu''s child to survive.


    No wonder when Lady Pei suggested giving this child to Concubine Li to raise, the Emperor agreed without hesitation.


    "Save my child! No! Your Majesty... save your servant''s child..." Consort Shu''s voice was shrill and heartbreaking.


    At this moment, she was still thinking that if Concubine Zhen were outside, she must have been terrified by this scene. Would she still have the courage to bear children for the Emperor?


    After all, Concubine Zhen was just a teenage girl who had never witnessed the dangers of childbirth. Now she had seen it firsthand!


    They say that if a pregnant woman is constantly in a state of fear and terror, it''s easy for her to miscarry.


    "It''sing! It''sing!"


    Amidst the intense pain, Consort Shu felt her tense lower body rx, and a gush of fluid flowed out from her belly. She felt as if she were floating on a cloud, incrediblyfortable.


    "Ah!" A young pce maid let out a scream.


    Consort Shu immediately tried to sit up. "The child... my child, let me see my child."


    Not wanting the child was one thing, but now that she had safely given birth, the blood bond and the tenderness of first-time motherhood made her suddenly reluctant to part with it.


    Nanny Li''s face was full of difficulty. "Consort Shu... this nose... this child... he''s deformed."


    Moreover, its breathing was weak, and it couldn''t even cry. It had clearly inhaled amniotic fluid while in the womb and was beyond saving.


    "How dare you!" Consort Shu shouted with all her might. "Give my child to me."


    Nanny Li had no choice but to hand over the baby boy, who weighed a full eight or nine pounds but had only one arm and one eye, to Consort Shu.


    "Ah!" To everyone''s surprise, Consort Shu took one look and fainted with a scream. Female Doctor Bai busied herself again, while Nanny Li carried the lifeless little prince out to report to the Emperor.


    "Your Majesty, it''s a little prince, but... he wasn''t fully formed, and has already..."


    Everyone understood the unspoken words. Another son lost. To say there was no feeling at all would be a lie.


    The Xuanwu Emperor lowered his eyes, not letting anyone see the redness in them. He waved at Nanny Li, "Wang Dequan..." His voice was too choked with emotion to continue.


    But Wang Dequan understood his meaning andfortingly said, "Your Majesty, don''t worry. This servant will prepare the little prince for burial and send him to Sheng''an Temple for the high monks to conduct funeral rites."


    The funeral rites for a prince who died before being named were rtively simple, simr to general funeral rites, without the distinction between major and minor ceremonies. Some coffins would be kept in a temple in the capital, while others would be buried in the princes'' tombs in the emperor''s mausoleum area.


    Considering Consort Shu''s status, the Dowager Empress''s stubborn personality, and the Emperor''s former affection for Consort Shu, Wang Dequan still arranged for the body to be sent to Sheng''an Temple for chanting and prayers before being buried in the princes'' tomb.


    The Xuanwu Emperor waved his hand and said to Yan the Imperial Physician, "Can Consort Shu be moved now?"


    Seeing blood in Hexi Pce was already taboo, and Consort Shu''s difficultbor had frightened Concubine Zhen. He didn''t want Consort Shu to stay here to recover, as it would remind Concubine Zhen of today''s events every time she saw her.


    Yan the Imperial Physician bowed and said, "If we use a stretcher and don''t let Consort Shu exert herself, it should be possible."


    The Xuanwu Emperor waved his hand, and Tang Shiliang immediately stepped forward. The Emperor ordered, "Go to the Imperial Hospital and find a stretcher. Have people carry Consort Shu back to Kunning Pce. Then find some imperial physicians to treat Consort Shu. They can return to the Imperial Hospital when she has recovered."


    This meant that there was no need to assign busy or highly skilled physicians to Consort Shu. Otherwise, they would be stuck in Kunning Pce, and other pce residents wouldn''t be able to summon the most skilled physicians when needed.


    "A woman who has just given birth shouldn''t be exposed to the wind. Remember to dress Consort Shu warmly."


    Tang Shiliang acknowledged each instruction, feeling that this scene was very simr to the time when Consort Shu had stabbed herself with a hairpin to prove she hadn''t pushed Concubine Zhen into the water.


    On that day, the Emperor had also felt that Consort Shu''s blood would offend Concubine Zhen, so he had people carry Consort Shu back to Jingren Pce without dy.


    No wonder his godfather had always admonished him, telling him to be more respectful to the one in Hexi Pce.


    It turns out his godfather had seen it long ago - in the Emperor''s heart, Concubine Zhen''s position had already surpassed that of Consort Shu.


    "I beg the Emperor to uphold justice for my mistress," Lianxin said, dropping to her knees with a thud. "Your Majesty, it was Concubine Li who pushed Consort Shu. Please punish Concubine Li for her offense! The little prince... the little prince still had breath moments ago. He could have lived, but Concubine Li caused his death!"

 Chapter 113

    One would expect everyone to take a look at the infant in the swaddling clothes, but Nanny Li had covered the child''s face and body so tightly that it seemed as if she feared the timid concubines would have nightmares after seeing it.


    Fen Yun stepped back two paces and circled behind Nanny Li. Taking advantage of Empress Zhu''s obstruction, she reached out to pull at the prince''s swaddling clothes.


    With a swift "swoosh," Nanny Li reacted quickly, clutching the little prince tightly in her arms, but the fabric covering the top of the swaddling was still pulled away.


    When Fen Yun saw the condition of the little prince inside, her face turned pale with fright. She let out a scream and fell backward onto the ground.


    Quickly regaining herposure, she scrambled up and knelt down, pleading, "Your Majesty, spare me! This ve did not mean to do it."


    All the concubines present had seen it too, but they managed to stifle their screams in their throats, not daring to cry out.


    Consort Shu... had given birth to a monster!


    They had all seen it, and naturally, so had the Xuanwu Emperor. Any paternal affection in his heart instantly vanished, reced by horror and anger.


    "Wang Dequan, there''s no need to bury him in the Imperial Prince''s Tomb. Just have him enshrined at Sheng''an Temple."


    Many wealthy families with children who died young would typically cremate their bodies and ce them in temples to receive incense offerings, hoping for a better rebirth in the next life.


    However, the little prince was of royal blood. If he couldn''t be buried in the Imperial Prince''s Tomb, it was tantamount to stripping him of his princely status.


    Wang Dequan immediately understood. The Emperor also believed that Consort Shu had given birth to a monster and feared that burying him in the Imperial Prince''s Tomb would frighten the other young princes and thete crown prince who were interred in the imperial mausoleum.


    Moreover, the Emperor feared that after his own passing, he would have to face such a "monster" in the afterlife.


    In the entire room, only Lianxin felt pity for Consort Shu. Everyone else found the situation ominous, and by association, they began to view Consort Shu as strange and frightening.


    To make matters worse, after the pce maids had tidied up Consort Shu, Female Doctor Bai deliberately exposed her ghostly face. When the Xuanwu Emperor saw her disheveled appearance, drenched in sweat, he nearly vomited from disgust.


    Jiang Xinyue changed intofortable sleeping attire andy on the bed. The cool mat beneath her had been chilled to perfection by the pce servants using ice buckets ¨C neither too cold nor too hot, just right.


    Beside her, Shuang Jiang was fanning her gently. With the soft breeze, she was almost drifting off to sleep.


    Amotion of footsteps arose and quickly faded away. Jiang Xinyue opened her eyes, which sparkled like rippling water, and asked, "Has Consort Shu returned?"


    Outside the room, Xiao Xuanzi entered carrying a bowl of medicine to prevent miscarriage. "My Lady, the Emperor has ordered Consort Shu to be carried back to Kunning Pce."


    At least he acted humane this time, not allowing Consort Shu to continue tormenting her ears.


    If the Xuanwu Emperor had been concerned about Consort Shu''s health and didn''t want her to move unnecessarily, letting her stay in Hexi Pce to recover, Jiang Xinyue could almost imagine how Consort Shu would have used the dangers of her childbirth to frighten her in theing days.


    Those with strong hearts might be able to endure it, but it would certainly intensify their anxiety. Those of a more timid nature might even prefer a miscarriage to giving birth.


    It could be a lifelong shadow.


    Fortunately, Jiang Xinyue wasn''t truly a woman of the Great Yan Dynasty; otherwise, she would have been terrified.


    Suddenly, another set of footsteps sounded at the door. Jiang Xinyue quickly poured the miscarriage prevention medicine into a nearby vase, covered herself with a thin silk nket, and pretended to be asleep.


    "This ve pays respects to Empress."


    "Where is Concubine Zhen? Was she frightened today?"


    "In response to Empress, she was indeed quite scared. When His Majesty arrived, Concubine Zhen had already fainted. His Majesty had Imperial Physician Yan prepare some medicine to prevent miscarriage. Our Lady has taken the medicine and is now asleep."


    Despite saying this, there was no indication of any intention to open the door.


    Consort Liang, who was already holding back her anger, felt a surge of rage when she saw this dog of a ve still making excuses.


    "p!"


    Jiang Chuan was stunned by the sudden p. In his year and more of serving Concubine Zhen, he had never even been scolded, let alone pped.


    But he didn''t feel that Consort Liang''s p was unwarranted, despite Concubine Zhen''s kind treatment. He was a ve, after all, and it was perfectly normal for masters to hit their ves.


    Besides, he had blocked the Empress several times already and was prepared to be struck.


    He knelt on the ground, pressing his forehead to the floor. "Please calm your anger, Consort Liang. His Majesty specifically instructed us to take good care of Concubine Zhen and not let her be troubled further. This ve truly dares not go against His Majesty''s wishes."


    What''s the point of showing off your power to a ve like me? If you have the courage, go tell it to the Emperor.


    "You..."


    The dog ve dared to use the Emperor to pressure her. Consort Liang grew even angrier, but with Jiang Chuan kneeling, she couldn''t p him again. She could only kick him. "I''ll let you off this time, you dog ve. If you dare disrespect the Empress again, I''ll have you skinned alive."


    Jiang Chuan rolled on the ground, then crawled back up to his knees.


    Xi Que, peeking through the door crack, clenched her fists andined as she walked to Jiang Xinyue''s bedside, "This Consort Liang is too much! She usually calls our Lady ''sister,'' but now that our Lady is favored, she''s the first to turn against her. What is she thinking?"


    Shuang Jiang replied, "What else could she be thinking? She only wants our Lady to be worse off than her, not better!"


    "Enough."


    Seeing that things had gone far enough and that she now had a way to bow out, Empress Zhu held Consort Liang back and said, "Concubine Zhen is unwell, and she''s not intentionally refusing to see me. Don''t make things difficult for the servants."


    "Hypocrite!" Xi Que spat. "Why didn''t she say this earlier? She only speaks up after Jiang Chuan was beaten. She just wants to look good."


    After Empress Zhu left with her entourage, Nanny Li and Nanny Xiang emerged from the inner chamber. They pulled Jiang Chuan close, examining him from all angles and smelling his clothes.


    Nanny Li''s face changed dramatically. "Quickly, go change your clothes. Someone has sprinkled something unclean on you."


    The smell alone wasn''t poisonous, but if it mixed with the miscarriage prevention medicine Concubine Zhen was drinking, it could cause a miscarriage.


    Nanny Li had seen many such vicious tricks in thete Emperor''s harem, but she never expected someone would use them on Concubine Zhen.


    Upon hearing this, Jiang Chuan hastily retreated several steps, only daring to turn and run back to his own room to change clothes when he was far from the door.


    After everything had been dealt with, Jiang Chuan returned with arge bump on his head, and Jiang Xinyue felt her mood sour once again.


    In front of Nanny Li and Nanny Xiang, she directly lost her temper: "No wonder Consort Liang came to see me earlier, saying that the Emperor wanted to bestow the title of consort upon me. It seems the Empress has already told her that she will be made the Noble Consort, which is why she dares to treat me like this. If she really bes the first among the four consorts, will I have any good days left?"


    Xi Que immediately understood that her mistress was putting on an act again, and promptly yed along: "They say one shouldn''t hit someone''s face, but Consort Liang hitting Jiang Chuan''s face isn''t that the same as hitting your face, mydy? Mydy... the Emperor dotes on you so much, couldn''t you ask him not to make Consort Liang the first among the four consorts? Even Consort De would be better!"

 Chapter 114

    Jiang Xinyue shook her head, "The promotion of ranks in the harem is the Empress''s right. If I were to reject the Empress''s decree, wouldn''t that be disrespectful to her?"


    Xi Que wore a bitter expression, "What should we do then? This servant doesn''t want to keep getting pped in the future!"


    Jiang Xinyue cupped her own small face, "I''m scared too."


    Nanny Li shook her head in frustration, "Consort Zhen, you should have the Emperor investigate who sprinkled that unclean thing on Jiang Chuan''s body." Rather than worrying about getting pped after Consort Liang became the first of the four consorts.


    Jiang Xinyue cupped her chin with both hands, making her round, big eyes look even more adorable. She blinked twice, "What''s there to investigate? It must have been Consort Liang! She probably sprinkled it on Jiang Chuan when she pped her."


    This conclusion seemed far too casual.


    Nanny Li sighed, "Mydy, please rest after your lunch. This old servant will go out for a while."


    Jiang Xinyue didn''t ask what for and just let her go, appearing carefree and unbothered.


    In Chengqian Pce¡ª


    The silent atmosphere made the already heavy air more oppressive. The Xuanwu Emperor rubbed his temples, thinking about how the Dowager Empress would cause trouble again if she found out that Noble Consort Li had caused Virtuous Consort to lose her child, and it gave him a headache.


    "Your Majesty, Nanny Li requests an audience."


    "Let her in."


    Nanny Li walked into Chengqian Pce with familiarity and reported the situation in Hexi Pce to the Emperor.


    "Someone brought something unclean inside and sprinkled it on the serving pce maid?"


    Nanny Li nodded, "Consort Zhen suspects it was Consort Liang..."


    "Consort Liang?"


    The Xuanwu Emperor remembered that Consort Zhen was very kind to Consort Liang''s eldest princess, and the princess also liked Consort Zhen very much. Why would Consort Liang harm Consort Zhen for no reason?


    Nanny Li hesitated for a moment but decided to tell the Emperor everything that had happened in Consort Zhen''s pce that day.


    He thought more deeply than Consort Zhen and felt that Consort Liang wouldn''t have the courage to do this on her own. It must have been under Empress Zhu''s instructions.


    Consort Liang had always been a firm supporter of the Empress and had never betrayed her. All her actions were in line with the Empress''s wishes, and this time was likely no different.


    Even if it was under the Empress''s orders, the Xuanwu Emperor still found Consort Liang despicable enough for daring to harm his and Consort Zhen''s child.


    Everyone in the pce knew how much he doted on Consort Zhen and how much he looked forward to the birth of her child. Yet Consort Liang dared to take this risk and harm Consort Zhen.


    How little respect did she have for him as the Emperor?


    Did Consort Liang think in her heart that Empress Zhu''s authority already far exceeded his own?


    To be honest, he had also guessed that Empress Zhu would give the position of the first of the four consorts to either Consort Liang or Consort De. If Empress Zhu proposed it, he wouldn''t refuse.


    Because Consort Liang and Consort De had been in the pce for many years, it was appropriate for them to be promoted. As for Consort Zhen... her seniority was indeed insufficient. If she became the first of the four consorts, it would invite criticism.


    The Emperor himself thought he could appoint whoever he wanted, but those officials in the court would alwaysin, giving him a headache. He didn''t want them to regard Consort Zhen as a seductive consort who would bring disaster to the country.


    Consort Liang''s father was the Governor-General of Guangdong and Guangxi, one of the nine highest-ranking frontier officials in the Great Yan Dynasty, overseeing military and civil affairs in both Guangdong and Guangxi provinces.


    His official title was "Governor-General of Guangdong and Guangxi, Commander of Military Affairs, Supervisor of Grain and Provisions, and concurrent Provincial Governor," a position of the senior second rank.


    Behind her was also the support of Empress Zhu''s family, making her power not to be underestimated.


    Consort De''s background was even more impressive, with the Duke of Cheng. Although the Duke of Cheng had passed away many years ago, Consort De''s father not only inherited the Duke''s title but also held the position of Chief Supervising Secretary of the Six Offices in the Censorate, with an excellent reputation in the court.


    If it weren''t for Consort De''sid-back personality, not fighting orpeting, she would have long been the first of the four consorts.


    Therefore, no matter who the Empress proposed, he would agree.


    The Xuanwu Emperor took a deep breath, feeling for the first time that having too many women in the harem was also a troublesome matter.


    He waved his hand, "Take good care of Consort Zhen. She has an innocent nature and doesn''t guard against others. The days ahead are still long, and when her confinement is lifted at the end of the year, there will probably be more people wanting to harm her. You and Nanny Xiang are both experienced in these matters. Don''t let me down."


    "This old servant will not fail Your Majesty''s trust."


    As Nanny Li was about to leave, the Emperor added, "When Consort Zhen''s child is full-term, I will grant your request to leave the pce."


    At this, Nanny Li''s eyes lit up, and she knelt on the ground, kowtowing firmly, "This old servant thanks Your Majesty for your grace."


    Nanny Li was more than ten years older than the Dowager Empress. Before entering the pce, she had already married and had children. Later, when the Dowager Empress brought her into the pce, she could only see her husband and children once every three years, and only for a brief half-day.


    Every three years, when new concubines were selected to enter the pce, the pce maids and eunuchs could also meet their families in Chuxiu Pce on the day the selecteddies entered.


    When the Wu family fell from grace, the men were exiled, and the women were demoted tomoners. If she hadn''t already pledged allegiance to the Emperor early on, her husband and son would have died on the road to exile.


    So for all these years, even though the Dowager Empress hated her for her betrayal, she had never regretted it.


    It had been a year since shest saw her son and daughter. If she could leave the pce after Consort Zhen''s child was born full-term, it would be the best ending for her.


    In this pce, she had seen too many people meet unfortunate ends. She didn''t ask for great wealth or status, only to spend her twilight years peacefully with her family.


    For her, this was the greatest happiness in the world.


    Meanwhile, when Jiang Chuan learned that her mistress was ready to dash Consort Liang''s dreams of promotion for her sake, she was moved to tears.


    It had been too long since anyone had treated the lives of servants like theirs as valuable. Suddenly receiving care from the mistress above, she couldn''t control her emotional outburst.


    As she cried, Xiao Xuanzi and Shuang Jiang, who had also received Jiang Xinyue''s kindness, started crying too. Xi Que was infected by their emotions, and the four of them hugged and cried together.


    Nanny Xiang had never seen masters and servants in any pce interact like this.


    Consort Zhen was a person with strong empathy. Such a person must have a kind and soft heart.


    She would cry seeing the elderly with no one to rely on, cry seeing young children with no one to care for them, cry seeing people tormented by illness, cry seeing honest people being bullied, cry seeing people wandering in the storm...


    What was that saying?


    Even though one''s own life is hard, they still can''t bear to see the suffering of others.


    Nanny Xiang didn''t think Consort Zhen, a youngdy from a wealthy family, had suffered much hardship, but she truly empathized with the hardships and pitiful situations of her servants.


    Even she, an elderly person who had recently arrived at Hexi Pce, received ice trays delivered by Xi Que and Shuang Jiang every night when the heat was unbearable, allowing her to share it with Nanny Li.


    Although the quantity wasn''t much, it came from the already limited ice trays of the maids and eunuchs, who had saved it for them.


    They saved it, but who was the one replenishing it? Wasn''t it Consort Zhen?


    Knowing full well what was happening, she never asked about it. Instead, she silently allocated more ice cubes to their trays.


    The people from the Internal Affairs Department wouldn''t dare to short Consort Zhen on ice cubes, so they could only give her more.


    After all, they couldn''t let their mistress go without these necessities.

 Chapter 115

    It is said that servants resemble their masters. Since these little pce maids and eunuchs are so kind, how could Concubine Zhen be bad?


    Certainly not.


    If Concubine Zhen is a good person, then those who harmed her must all be bad people.


    So when the Xuanwu Emperor summoned her, she told him everything honestly, without any bias, just the facts.


    Or so she believed.


    Originally, Concubine Zhen was sleeping peacefully in her chambers. Jiang Chuan simply didn''t want the already frightened Concubine Zhen to get up and deal with the Empress and others. As a servant thinking of his master''s well-being, what wrong did he do?


    But Consort Liang insisted he was disrespectful to the Empress. Not only did she p Jiang Chuan, but she also kicked him, causing his forehead to bleed from hitting the ground.


    When Concubine Zhen found out, her anger and fear were understandable.


    Childishly, she even said she was afraid that if Consort Liang became the leader of the four consorts in the future, she would often be pped.


    How pitiful.


    Both older maids said so, and the Xuanwu Emperorpletely believed it.


    This Consort Liang, who acted so affectionate with Concubine Zhen in public, turned out to be such a two-faced person in private.


    She didn''t even consider the eldest princess''s feelings for Concubine Zhen.


    What angered the Xuanwu Emperor most was that a mere pce consort dared to guess his intentions, firmly believing she would be the leader of the four consorts.


    Who gave her such confidence?


    He would deliberately not let them have their way.


    "Emperor! Emperor!" The Dowager Empress''s grief-stricken voice rang out at the entrance of Chengqian Pce just as Wang Dequan had arranged for people to send Consort Shu''s stillborn child out of the pce. "I want to execute Concubine Li! She killed my grandson. You must issue an edict to execute her immediately!"


    "Dowager Empress..."


    Wang Dequan had tried his best to stop her, but the Dowager Empress barged in regardless. He didn''t dare to actually touch the Dowager Empress''s body, and before the older maid could retreat, the Dowager Empress had already rushed in.


    However, the Dowager Empress was so consumed by anger that she didn''t notice the older maid quietly slipping out from behind Wang Dequan.


    The Emperor''s gaze returned from the doorway, falling coldly on the Dowager Empress: "What benefits is Mother trying to secure for Consort Shu this time?"


    His eyes were full of mockery, but the Dowager Empress pretended not to see it: "The Song Family has lost Prime Minister Song, and no one can bear the weight of their great family tree. Concubine Li''s position as Imperial Consort is undeserved. She caused Consort Shu to lose a fully formed prince, so demote her to the rank of concubine and elevate Consort Shu to Imperial Consort."


    The Xuanwu Emperor sneered: "What virtue or ability does Consort Shu have to be an Imperial Consort? She gave birth to a monstrosity for me, and you want me to make her an Imperial Consort? Has Mother gone mad? If this bes known to the world, do you want me to beughed at?"


    "I have already suppressed the news. No one outside will know what Consort Shu gave birth to."


    "I disagree. Mother, please leave."


    The Dowager Empress wanted to say more, but the Xuanwu Emperor had already turned his back, unwilling to continue the conversation.


    She angrily smashed a nearby vase: "Then you must at least give me an exnation. Is Consort Shu''s child to die in vain? Emperor, one must not forget kindness and repay it with ingratitude. Have you forgotten how Consort Shu apanied and protected you in the past?"


    But hadn''t Consort Shu admitted herself that she never really liked him, that it was all just a means to manipte him?


    All her kindness, herpanionship, it was all fake.


    The Xuanwu Emperor closed his eyes briefly, feeling his inner world as still as dead water.


    A cold smile tugged at his lips: "Wang Dequan, issue an edict demoting Concubine Li to Honored Concubine Li. Punish her by making her copy the pce rules two hundred times and kneel outside the gates of Kunning Pce to apologize to Consort Shu. Is Mother satisfied now?"


    That cold smile made the Dowager Empress''s heart tremble, giving her the illusion that her sordid intentions had been seen through.


    No!


    Impossible!


    Even Consort Shu didn''t know she wanted to use her grandson to rece her son, how could the Emperor possibly know?


    Now that the child in Consort Shu''s womb was gone, she couldn''t let the Emperor find out even more.


    Consort Shu... in the ghostly state she was in when sent back to Kunning Pce, what man could still feel pity or love for her?


    It seemed that Consort Shu was also a wasted piece on the chessboard.


    Was the Wu family destined to never rise again?


    No!


    She still had Honored Concubine Rong.


    Although she had sent Matron Gui to Jingren Pce to teach Honored Concubine Rong a lesson and punished her by making her kneel on broken porcin, they were blood rtives. Bones may break, but the tendons still connect. Honored Concubine Rong would listen to her.


    She would... right?


    In Yanqing Pce, after Consort De had lulled the third prince to sleep, she picked up a small belly band nearby and continued embroidering.


    Cui Yin adjusted the oilmp with a needle, brightening the room a bit more. She walked to the bedside: "Your Highness, please stop embroidering. It will strain your eyes."


    Consort De smiled gently and shook her head: "Just half an hour more, it''s no trouble."


    Cui Yin craned her neck to look: "Rose flowers? Is this for Concubine Zhen?"


    After the crabapple tree in the Imperial Garden was uprooted, the Emperor had roses nted there. Upon inquiry, it was learned that before entering the pce, Concubine Zhen had nted arge patch of roses in her family''s courtyard.


    Concubine Zhen loved roses, and the Emperor loved Concubine Zhen, so the crabapple became a passing cloud, and roses became his heart''s dearest love.


    Consort De nodded: "I don''t know if she''s carrying a little prince or princess, so I can only embroider two of each style. A baby''s belly band is very particr. I''m using soft, fine cloud brocade as the base and embroidering with dyed silk thread. This way, it won''t irritate their sensitive skin when they wear it."


    A child''s skin is delicate, and the slightest mistake can cause allergies and rashes, which can sometimes be life-threatening.


    Cui Yin said with concern: "Concubine Zhen is so beautiful, she should give birth to several princesses to inherit her beauty. Your Highness, no matter how much you like Concubine Zhen, you must also take care of your own health."


    Concubine Zhen should have more princesses, so their third prince would have fewerpetitors.


    The oldest prince in the pce now was their six-year-old third prince. The fourth prince wasn''t worth mentioning, always living in the eunuchs'' quarters, raised by a young eunuch. At five years old, he had barely two ounces of flesh on him, as thin as a monkey, with yellow and dark skin, looking like a little beggar.


    There was also the fifth prince, who, despite his lowly birth, was being raised under the Empress''s care, making him undoubtedly a legitimate son.


    If Concubine Zhen gave birth to a princess, the position of Crown Prince would go to either the legitimate son or the eldest son, and the third prince would have a im either way.


    But if Concubine Zhen gave birth to the sixth prince, their third prince would have another strong rival.


    Consort De smiled again: "I actually hope she has a prince, to be apanion for the third prince."


    Only after giving birth to a prince does one develop ambition and desire.


    And only with desire and ambition can one be drawn into the power struggles of the imperial harem.


    The Emperor says Concubine Zhen is pure, but who wasn''t pure before entering the pce?


    It''s the people in this pce who force them to be impure.


    If Concubine Zhen were to fight tooth and nail with others in the harem for the sake of her son, would the Emperor still think her pure?


    "However, Concubine Zhen is quite a good person. She said in front of Lady Li that it would be better for you to be the first among the four consorts. I think Lady Li will surely report these exact words to the Emperor."


    Everyone knows that Lady Li is the Emperor''s confidante.

 Chapter 116

    Concubine Zhen had indeed given her mistress a grand gift.


    "Don''t go around spreading baseless rumors," Consort De nced at her. "If someone catches you in a mistake, I won''t be able to save you."


    Especially when it came to Consort Liang''s quarters - she was the type to explode at the slightest provocation.


    Knowing the gravity of the situation, Cui Yin quickly closed her mouth and sat down to trimmp wicks for Consort De.


    The next day, after the consorts finished paying their respects at Yikun Pce, Consort De had just stepped out when Consort Liang called out to her: "Sister De, do you have time to visit my Shunan Pce?"


    Xi Que was in a good mood today, humming a little tune as she entered Hexi Pce.


    Jiang Xinyue had just finished breakfast and was using scissors to trim green beans in the vegetable garden. Seeing Xi Que''s demeanor, she couldn''t help but ask, "What happy news has got you so excited?"


    Xi Que had been waiting for this question. Her eyes narrowed mischievously, looking utterly ridiculous though she didn''t realize it herself, which made it all the more amusing. "Mydy, didn''t I say that bad people would surely get theireuppance? Guess what incredible event happened in the pce today?"


    Jiang Xinyue handed the scissors to Xiao Xuanzi and pretended to stroke her chin pensively. "Given your gossip-loving nature, I''m sure there must be some excitement brewing somewhere."


    "Mydy, mydy..."


    If we''re talking about excitement, no one in the entire Hexi Pce was more thrilled than Jiang Chuan.


    He ran from the front hall to the back garden, ignoring Nanny Li who was carrying a vegetable basket nearby. He gesticted wildly as he eximed, "Mydy! Consort Liang beat Consort De! Consort De was injured and bleeding! The Emperor was furious and pped Consort Liang, calling her a vicious snake. He ordered the Empress to punish her by confining her to Shunan Pce to reflect on her misdeeds. She..."


    Jiang Xinyue and Shuang Jiang wore strange expressions and kept signaling to Jiang Chuan with their eyes, as if telling him to stop talking.


    Jiang Xinyue thought to herself: Be more confident, just remove the "as if" part.


    Xi Que puffed up like an angry pufferfish. Jiang Chuan only nced at her once before she raised the woodendle she was using to water the fruits and vegetables, yelling as she charged towards him, "Ah! Jiang Chuan, you stole my lines! I won''t let you get away with this!"


    Xi Que, that little gossip trumpet, must have been trying to show off in front of the mistress but ended up having her news stolen and revealed first.


    Jiang Chuan took off running, not daring to get too close to Jiang Xinyue, so he led Xi Que on a chase around the entire vegetable garden. "Mydy, I really didn''t mean to! Next time... next time I''ll definitely let you speak first."


    Nanny Li and Nanny Xiang exchanged another nce. They had never seen servants in any pce as carefree, rxed, and happy as those in Hexi Pce.


    After a while, Jiang Xinyue''s forehead began to sweat. Nanny Li reminded her, "Mydy, you should go back and rest! Although it''s morning, August''s heat is at its peak. Don''t let yourself get overheated."


    She nodded, using the damp cloth Shuang Jiang handed her to wipe her face and hands. Surrounded and supported by her attendants, she returned to the main hall.


    "Mydy, how did Consort Liang end up fighting with Consort De? Weren''t they always on good terms?"


    Jiang Xinyue took a sip of warm water. Through the wide-open doors, she could see a pce maid in blue-green clothes sweeping fallen flowers from the ground.


    She set down her teacup and smiled at the little pce maid. "Of course, someone must have ryed my words from yesterday to the ears of Consort De and Consort Liang. People die for wealth, birds die for food. Once there''s a conflict of interest, even the best rtionships can break down."


    If it really came to blows, how could Consort Liang be a match for Consort De?


    By now, Jiang Chuan and Xi Que hade inside. The red bump on Jiang Chuan''s head indicated that Xi Que must have won their chase.


    Jiang Xinyue''s smile deepened. Taking advantage of Nanny Li and Nanny Xiang being outside, she said, "I''ve said before that I don''t believe in the saying ''a gentleman''s revenge can wait ten years.'' For those who have wronged me, I''ll have my revenge either today or tomorrow."


    Deliberately leaking information to Consort De was Jiang Xinyue''s strategy. She knew that given Consort De''s personality, she wasn''t truly ying the role of a detached consort. How could a truly detached consort manage to protect the Third Prince so perfectly in a pce full of dangers?


    Even the Empress couldn''t achieve what she had done. How could she be a simple character?


    Empress Zhu and the others only thought it was because Consort De had such a good nature and high birth that no one dared to harm the Third Prince.


    But Jiang Xinyue felt it was because Consort De was too clever.


    She was clever enough to know that with her looks, she could neither attract the Emperor''s attention nor win his love through her personality charm.


    She knew exactly what she wanted and had made ns for it, consistently following through with her ns for decades.


    The pce had Concubine Li for beauty, Empress Zhu for dignity, Consort Liang for straightforwardness, Consort Jin for coquettishness, Consort Zhang for cuteness...


    Each beauty had her own unique charm and personality, but there was no one quite like Consort De with her detached, transcendent air.


    So Consort De chose this persona and maintained it for over a decade.


    Nowadays, when people think of the nicest person in the pce, who doesn''t think of Consort De first?


    However, from the day Jiang Xinyue arrived, she had been wary of Consort De.


    Why did Noble Consort Su, living in Yanqing Pce, harbor such inexplicable hostility towards her?


    Wasn''t it because someone had been constantly exaggerating her favor with the Emperor in front of Noble Consort Su, subtly influencing her to believe that Jiang Xinyue was the cause of her ownck of favor?


    Jiang Xinyue was certain that in the entire pce, only Consort De could aplish something so wlessly without leaving a trace.


    Unfortunately, even until Noble Consort Su had her tendons cut and was sent out of the pce, she never realized she had been used as someone else''s executioner.


    "Boom¡ª"


    "Is it going to rain?"


    Xi Que and Shuang Jiang closed the doors and windows. Jiang Chuan''s expression calmed as he rubbed the red bump on his forehead and said, "There''s one more thing I think I should inform you about, mydy. The Dowager Empress forced the Emperor to issue a decree demoting Concubine Li to Consort Li. And before dawn today, a matron from Kunning Pce forced Consort Li to kneel at the gates of Kunning Pce and kowtow, apologizing to Consort Shu!"


    Of course, the Dowager Empress was furious!


    She had been hoping for a grandson with Wu family blood to rece the Emperor, removing the father but keeping the son to restore the glory of the Wu family.


    She had waited patiently for six months, but Consort Li''s... no, Consort Li''s actions hadpletely shattered the Dowager Empress''s beautiful dream.


    She must be so angry now that she could eat Consort Li alive to quell her rage.


    But all of this had absolutely nothing to do with Jiang Xinyue.


    Although everyone believed that the Jiang family was the main culprit behind Concubine Li''s downfall, the decision was made by the Xuanwu Emperor himself. As long as the emperor understood that she had nothing to do with it, that was all that mattered.


    The misunderstanding of others would only make the emperor feel more guilty towards her. Jiang Xinyue''s task was to transform this guilt into tangible benefits, all directed towards herself.


    Who wouldn''t want to rise to the position of the top four consorts?


    What did it matter if shecked seniority?


    Wasn''t the imperial harem a ce where whoever the emperor favored could do as they pleased?


    If she could just give the Xuanwu Emperor a little push, it wasn''t impossible for her to be the Worthy Consort.


    As long as the emperor bestowed the title upon her, whether she could secure her position would no longer be the emperor''s concern.

 Chapter 117

    "Dowager Empress..."


    A pce maid peered through the window, her voice tinged with pity: "Concubine Li... Concubine Li has fainted."


    The Dowager Empress stood by the window, her delicate brows furrowed. "Am I blind? Can I not see? If you pity her so much, why don''t you join her kneeling in the rain?"


    The pce maid hastily knelt down, professing she wouldn''t dare.


    She did indeed feel sorry for Concubine Li. Prime Minister Song had already been sentenced to execution after autumn by the Emperor. While the other Prime Minister Song had narrowly escaped, he had been stripped of his official positions. Rumors suggested that life in the Song household had be quite difficult.


    The Song n members had been subjected to varying degrees of punishment. The once-mighty Song Family had crumbled in an instant.


    Concubine Li, formerly a high-ranking imperial consort, had now be someone that even the lowliest pce servant could trample upon.


    The Dowager Empress seemed intent on grinding her down. At this rate, her health would surely suffer.


    In the rainy night, a shadow loomed over the unconscious Concubine Li. Xia He looked up to see Court Lady Jiang holding an oil-paper umbre, gazing at the fallen concubine with an impassive expression.


    "Your Majesty... Your Majesty..."


    In her daze, Concubine Li squinted, thinking the Emperor hade to her rescue. She weakly raised her hand, trying to grasp at the illusion.


    "Mydy, look carefully. I am Court Lady Jiang."


    Jiang Yuan let out a coldugh. "Once, I served you with utmost loyalty, ready to die for your cause. But when I was framed by the Empress and banished to the Cold Pce to suffer, what did you do? Did you even spare me a nce? Did you care at all whether I lived or died?"


    Concubine Liy on the ground, her hands pressed against the slippery surface as she struggled to open her eyes. "Court Lady Jiang? Why... why are you here?"


    Upon recognizing Jiang Yuan''s cold face, Concubine Li''s eyes zed with intense hatred. "Save you? If it weren''t for you and that wretched Concubine Zhen, how could I have fallen to such depths? I only regret not having you both burned alive in the Cold Pce. Then I wouldn''t have to see you viins prosper today."


    She remembered how glorious and proud she had felt when she had punished Jiang Xinyue, making her kneel under the scorching sun in the imperial garden.


    Back then, no one in the harem could rival her.


    Yet in just a year, fortunes had reversed dramatically.


    Concubine Zhen had be the Emperor''s most beloved consort, while she... had fallen so low she was like a dog, forced to endure Court Lady Jiang''s mockery.


    Court Lady Jiangughed coldly again. "What does this have to do with me or Concubine Zhen? If your Song Family hadn''t disregarded the Emperor so tantly, how could you have ended up like this?"


    "What do you mean?"


    "I mean nothing. If you can''t understand, then continue to hate me and Concubine Zhen!"


    Court Lady Jiang''s eyes flickered with derision. "When I was in dire straits, you abandoned me. But I won''t stoop to such heartlessness."


    She turned to the eunuch behind her. "When dawn breaks, escort Concubine Li back to Changxin... Oh, no... She''s no longer the exalted Imperial Consort. The Emperor has decreed that she will reside in Xihuo Pce with me."


    Moreover, Jiang Yuan, despite her lowly rank as a courtdy, would upy the main hall, while Concubine Li, once a high-ranking consort, would be relegated to the side chamber.


    When imperial favor wanes, it seems even old affections are forgotten.


    Jiang Yuan walked through the heavy rain, her small oil-paper umbre barely shielding her shoulders from the spray.


    The eunuch holding the umbre was soaked to the bone, yet he worried more about Court Lady Jiang punishing him for letting her get wet.


    Behold!


    The imperial court was a ce where big fish ate small fish, small fish ate shrimp, and shrimp ate sand.


    But one day, small fish like Concubine Zhen might grow into mighty leviathans, swallowing all the weak in their path.


    The Empress... her days of glory were numbered.


    It didn''t matter if Concubine Zhen refused to ally with her. She could tear out the Empress''s heart all on her own.


    With the Song Family dealt with, the Xuanwu Emperor had been in excellent spiritstely. He had even promoted Court Lady Jiang to the rank of Concubine Jiang.


    Moreover, as the Jiang family had recently triumphed over the once-powerful Song Family, they began to receive ttery from court officials. Jiang Hewei''s reputation grew ever greater.


    Only Jiang Yankun, following Jiang Xinyue''s instructions, deflected all credit to Jiang Hewei whenever asked, downying the Jiang family''s crucial role in the affair.


    She had also suggested sending their n''s "instigator," the eldest uncle, back to their hometown in Yizhou, trying to ensure no one would remember his involvement.


    Jiang Xinyue''s letter made sense. She pointed out that while the Song Family''s influence had waned, with Prime Minister Song unlikely to ever regain power, the other Prime Minister Song remained. The Song Family was scattered but notpletely broken. Though they couldn''t cause major upheaval, they could still easily deal with the Jiang and Song families.


    If the Jiang Family were to be arrogant in the wake of the Song Family''s decline, they would inevitably draw the ire of the Song n.


    Should they seek revenge, the newly risen Jiang Family would be unable to withstand it.


    Besides, Jiang Yankun had already reaped the most tangible benefits, having been promoted by the Xuanwu Emperor to the position of Minister of Punishment, a third-rank official. What use was there in seeking empty fame?


    Jiang Xinyue had written a separate letter to Uncle Jiang Yanxi, promising to remind the Emperor of him at an opportune moment, by which time the Song Family would no longer pose a threat.


    If the main branch of the Jiang Family truly had great talent, they wouldn''t have only produced a single local government advisor until now.


    Jiang Yankun also advised his cousin: "Since entering the pce, Xinyue has outmaneuvered several of the Emperor''s favored consorts. Even when banished to the Cold Pce, she found a way to secure her release and even a promotion. My appointment as Minister of Punishment is entirely due to her whispering in the Emperor''s ear. Cousin Yanxi... we must heed Xinyue''s words. The day of the Jiang Family''s ascendance is not far off."


    Jiang Yanxi was moved by his words, especially when Jiang Yankun suggested he select a few studious children from their n to send to the capital. He spoke of establishing a n school within the Jiang Household to assess the children''s studies and see if they could participate in this year''s Autumn Imperial Examination alongside his son Ze.


    The prospect of the Jiang Family producing more promising young officials was certainly appealing, making his own career aspirations seem less important.


    Jiang Yanxi immediately prepared a horse, refusing even the carriage Jiang Yankun had readied, deeming it too cumbersome.


    He wanted to return to Yizhou quickly, share the news with the n, and bring those young descendants back promptly. He feared that dys on the road might cause them to miss their chance.


    Originally, the Autumn Imperial Examination was scheduled for the eighth month, but due to the Song Family''s examination fraud scandal, the Emperor had postponed it until the end of the year.


    It could hardly be called an Autumn Examination anymore; it was now a Winter Examination.


    The journey to and from Yizhou would take a month!


    There wasn''t much time left to prepare.


    After the provincial examination, the metropolitan examination will be held next February. Following the metropolitan examination, the final pce examination will take ce in March.


    The schedule is quite tight.


    Although the provincial examination could be taken in Yizhou, Jiang Yanxi felt that the most promising person in their n was Jiang Yankun, who had previously achieved the second-highest rank in the imperial examinations.


    Therefore, he decided to bring all the young men of the n to the capital city, transferring their student registrations there.


    The Jiang family was the wealthiest in Yizhou, and the Yizhou governor was hoping to establish some connections in the capital. Not only would he not make things difficult for them, but he would also be eager to expedite the process, so as not to dy their examination preparations.

 Chapter 118

    October arrived, and Jiang Xinyue''s pregnancy had reached four months.


    Due to the recent major changes in the previous dynasty, everyone in the imperial harem was on edge, though no significant incidents had urred during this period.


    However, the rtionship between Consort De and Consort Liang had deteriorated to the point where even the Empress could not mediate between them.


    The eldest princess, who used to be close with the second princess, had stopped associating with hertely.


    The third prince found himself in an awkward position, caught between his sisters. If he sided with his elder sister, his own sister would scold him, and if he sided with his own sister, the eldest princess would re at him.


    "Sigh..." The third prince sat on a swing in Hexi Pce, pouting with a troubled expression. "Concubine Zhen, I''m really in a difficult situation."


    They were all his beloved sisters, and he didn''t want to be at odds with any of them!


    Guo Lai, the dog curled upfortably on hisp, let out a couple of "woof woofs," its bright ck eyes drooping as if sensing the prince''s dejected mood.


    The weather was no longer scorching, but October hadn''t fully cooled down yet. It was that awkward time when wearing oneyer of clothing felt too cold, but twoyers felt too warm.


    Nanny Li and Nanny Xiang wouldn''t allow Jiang Xinyue to risk catching a chill, so they had ced thick cotton cushions on the stone bench. She rested her chin on her hands, leaning on the stone table while eating grapes that Xique and Shuangjian had peeled for her. "You''re right to think that way. Both the eldest princess and the second princess are good girls. Adults shouldn''t force their grudges onto children."


    The third prince sighed, "But I don''t dare tell Mother. I''m afraid she''ll get angry. Actually, Second Sister doesn''t want to be upset with Elder Sister either, but she''s scared of Mother too."


    Mother was very strict. She rarely got angry, but when she did, she''d use the silent treatment. If someone displeased her, she''d ignore thempletely.


    This state couldst for ten days to half a month, which was terrifying.


    Neither he nor his sisters dared to anger their mother.


    Jiang Xinyue, sitting across from him, seemed to be genuinely trying toe up with a solution. She scratched her head and said, "Why don''t you ask your father for advice?"


    The third prince''s eyes widened in surprise. "Can I do that?"


    "Why not?" Jiang Xinyue looked at him sincerely. "When I was little and encountered problems I couldn''t solve, I always asked my father! Isn''t the Emperor your father? He''s so wise and powerful, he''ll surely have a way for you to avoid angering your mother while still being able to y with the eldest princess."


    The third prince stroked Guo Lai''s fluffy head, suddenly cheering up. "Thank you, Concubine Zhen! I know what to do now!"


    "Woof woof..." Guo Lai, gently ced back on the swing, barked incessantly at the third prince''s retreating back, as if asking why he had stopped ying with it so soon.


    Nanny Xiang smiled. "Your Highness is truly kind-hearted. The third prince''s closeness to the Emperor will surely make him even more favored."


    While it was true that the Emperor would favor the third prince more, he would also dislike the mothers of the eldest princess and the second princess even more.


    The Emperor Xuanwu couldn''t tolerate the harem''s power struggles affecting the children.


    Nanny Li nced at Nanny Xiang. This old friend, alone with no desire to leave the pce or stay in Chengqian Pce, spent her days nervously serving the Emperor.


    It seemed she wanted to remain by Concubine Zhen''s side.


    Indeed...


    The daily life of the servants in Hexi Pce was probably the ideal lifestyle for every eunuch and pce maid.


    In Chengqian Pce¡ª


    Wang Dequan was carrying out an empty teapot when he saw a little figure huffing and puffing as he climbed up the steps.


    "Third Prince?"


    The seven-year-old third prince already carried himself like a little adult. He nodded slightly at Wang Dequan. "Eunuch Wang, is Father busy?"


    Wang Dequan handed the teapot to Tang Shiliang and bent down. "His Majesty is reviewing memorials. Does Your Highness have business with the Emperor?"


    The young prince, trying to appear serious despite his age, nodded. "Yes, I have a very important matter I''d like Father to help me with. Eunuch Wang, could you please announce me?"


    The third prince had always been afraid of the Emperor and had nevere to seek an audience on his own before. Was the sun rising from the west today?


    Seeing the little prince''s face turn red under his gaze, the third prince twisted his fingers and said, "Eunuch Wang, I snuck out. Mother doesn''t know."


    Otherwise, he wouldn''t have gone to Hexi Pce today either.


    Mother had said that Father doted on Concubine Zhen because she was pregnant, and that no one was allowed to disturb her. She also said that once Concubine Zhen had her own child, she wouldn''t be as kind to him anymore, so he should visit Concubine Zhen less to avoid being a nuisance.


    But the third prince felt his mother was wrong. Of all the consorts in the pce, besides his mother, he liked Concubine Zhen the most.


    Only Concubine Zhen didn''t treat him like a child or brush him off. She always answered his questions seriously and helped him solve all sorts of puzzling issues.


    How could Concubine Zhen not like him?


    When Wang Dequan led the third prince into the great hall, Emperor Xuanwu himself was taken aback. "Xuan''er? Why are you here?"


    The third prince gave him a formal greeting. After all, he was the Emperor''s most beloved son. Emperor Xuanwu put down his vermilion pen and scooped him up in one motion. "It seems our Xuan''er has missed Father. I''ve been too busytely and haven''t gone to see you. Once Father finishes this busy period, I''ll go to Yanqing Pce to have a meal with you and your mother, alright?"


    The little boy smiled shyly. "Father, Xuan''er has a question to ask you."


    "Oh?" Emperor Xuanwu was intrigued. "It must be quite a big question for our Xuan''er toe seek Father''s advice."


    The third prince cleared his throat and exined the conflict between Consort Liang and his own mother. He then said that he didn''t want to be at odds with his elder sister, nor did he want to see the good rtionship between his elder sister and second sister deteriorate. He asked the Emperor what he should do.


    "Did your mother send you to ask Father this?"


    Consort De was magnanimous and amodating, unlike Consort Liang, who was petty and single-minded.


    She should consider that the eldest princess was already ten years old. In three or four years, it would be time to discuss her marriage. The Great Yan Country had a tradition of princesses marrying for diplomatic alliances.


    If she had no brothers in the pce, who would be her support as a princess sent to a foreignnd for marriage?


    "It wasn''t Mother..." The third prince fidgeted embarrassedly. "I''m sorry, Father. Xuan''er likes Concubine Zhen and doesn''t want to stop ying with her in the future. Xuan''er won''t be naughty. Xuan''er can even help Concubine Zhen take care of little brother. Xuan''er will be very good. Can you please allow Xuan''er to y with Concubine Zhen and little brother?"


    "You say Concubine Zhen is carrying a little brother?"


    "Yes! Xuan''er wants a little brother."


    Sometimes the eldest princess and the second princess would go out to y together without bringing him along. He also wanted a younger brother, so he could y with his brother in the future.


    "Your father the Emperor hasn''t forbidden you from ying with Concubine Zhen. You can go if you want to, as long as Concubine Zhen doesn''t find you bothersome."


    "Concubine Zhen likes Xuan."


    The third prince became a bit angry: "Why does Father also say, like Mother, that Concubine Zhen doesn''t like Xuan? Concubine Zhen clearly likes Xuan very, very much. She even reminded Xuan that he coulde ask Father when he has problems he can''t solve!"

 Chapter 119

    The words caught in the Xuanwu Emperor''s throat as he suddenly wondered if the third prince had misunderstood Consort De. How could Consort De possibly say something to the third prince that would damage his rtionship with Concubine Zhen?


    He didn''t dwell on it too much, so he didn''t think deeply about it. Instead, he answered the prince''s previous question: "Both your eldest sister and second sister are Xuan''er''s sisters. Xuan''er, you''re a man, and you can''t let small matters cause a rift between you and your sisters, understand? What happens between your mother and Consort Liang is adult business and doesn''t concern you children. Go back and tell your sisters the same thing, and say it''s from your father."


    The third prince nodded vigorously. "Concubine Zhen is right. Father is truly wise and mighty. There''s nothing that can stump Father."


    Jiang Xinyue''s ttery, delivered through the third prince, had circuitously made its way back to herself.


    Human tulence stinks because of molecr movement; ttery smells sweet for the same reason.


    Rumors, gossip, and all sorts of hearsay circted through the pce faster than molecr movement.


    The discord between Consort De and Consort Liang was now an indisputable fact.


    "What''s wrong with you all? You can''t even keep an eye on a child. What use are you to me?" Consort De had been rather short-temperedtely. Rumors had surfaced from somewhere about her falling out with Consort Liang.


    Thest time in Shunan Pce, she had indeed quarreled with Consort Liang. She had deliberately provoked Consort Liang, goading her into action. Then, she had conveniently fallen against the corner of a table, cutting her face.


    Her actions were merely to show the Emperor and the Empress who was the best choice to lead the four consorts.


    Later, after the Empress''s mediation, Consort Liang had apologized to her. To maintain her image of a peaceful, non-confrontational person, she had made peace with Consort Liang.


    However, someone had been stirring up trouble in front of the second princess, making the rtionships between the children extremely awkward.


    She had previously warned the second princess and the third prince to have less contact with Shunan Pce, fearing that Consort Liang might harm her children. The children didn''t dare ask her directly, so they inevitably turned to the pce servants for answers.


    Perhaps it was then, when she hadn''t exined the situation promptly, that this mess had been created.


    Faced with Consort De''s fury, the pce servants all knelt down.


    "Why is my beloved consort so angry?"


    The familiar male voice startled Consort De. She hurriedly stood up, her heart pounding like muffled thunder: "Your... Your Majesty. This concubine pays her respects."


    She nced up at the third prince sleeping in the Xuanwu Emperor''s arms, and tears instantly fell from her eyes. "This concubine thought... thought something had happened to Xuan''er. I was worried sick."


    It was perfectly normal to be angry out of concern for the third prince''s safety.


    The Emperorforted her, "Xuan''er snuck off to Hexi Pce. The servants there followed him to Chengqian Pce to find me."


    Consort De ced her hand on her chest, appearing greatly relieved. "As long as he didn''t go y by the water. I trust Concubine Zhen to look after him."


    "Mm," the Emperor nodded, handing the sleeping third prince to the wet nurse. He then took Consort De''s hand and sat down, patting her hand without letting go. "Xuan''er has been raised well. You''ve worked hard these many years."


    Consort De''s heart skipped a beat: A weasel paying New Year''s respects to a chicken - he''s up to no good. Unsolicited favors are either viiny or thievery.


    She ran through all the misdeeds she hadmitted in her life, but before she could finish recounting them all, the Emperor spoke again: "So, I hope he can continue to be this good. Does Consort De understand my meaning?"


    The man''s gaze was intense, not filled with love, but with scrutiny and severity.


    Concubine Zhen... Xuan''er... Consort Liang...


    Thoughts shed through Consort De''s mind like lightning, but her face showed only confusion. "Xuan''er is my child. Of course, I''ll do my utmost to care for him. Recently, I''ve been feeling unwell, so I may have been a bitx in disciplining him. He''s always running off to Concubine Zhen''s ce. I was afraid of passing my illness to Concubine Zhen, so I scared him a bit, saying that Concubine Zhen found him annoying and that he should disturb her less while she''s with child. Did that little rascal goin to Your Majesty that I was bullying him?"


    So that''s what happened.


    The Xuanwu Emperor smiled again, his tone tinged with concern as he released her hand. "My beloved consort is ill? Have you seen the imperial physician?"


    A cat crying over a dead mouse - falsepassion.


    Consort De smiled, "I''ve already sent Cui Yin to fetch medicine from the Imperial Hospital."


    In Hexi Pce -


    "The Emperor is having dinner in Yanqing Pce?"


    Xique nodded. "Mydy, it seems Consort De won''t lose favor so easily."


    Jiang Xinyue picked up a piece of her favorite ginger-fried chicken with her chopsticks and chewed slowly. "I never expected to bring her down in one go. It''s just about nting seeds of doubt in the Emperor''s heart. As long as we persist in watering and tending to this seed, one day it will grow into a towering tree, and Consort De''s image will crumble in the Emperor''s heart."


    He would feel deeply betrayed and deceived. He would be furious and feel that he had been betrayed.


    Could Consort De withstand the Emperor''s wrath when that time came?


    She had nted the seed. If the seed''s owner dared to move against her rashly, she would start watering and fertilizing it.


    Jiang Xinyue wasn''t afraid of Empress Zhu, nor of Consort Li, and certainly not of Consort Liang. She only feared that when the time came for her to give birth, leaving her unable to attend to many matters, Consort De might strike from the shadows.


    The day the Emperor dined in Yanqing Pce, Consort De imed to be ill and didn''t leave her quarters. The imperial physician merely said that Consort De had caught a chill from the cool breeze.


    This worked out well; even the third prince was ordered not to visit Hexi Pce anymore.


    A satisfied smile curved Jiang Xinyue''s lips. It seemed their Consort De was quite clever; she had understood her warning and had backed down.


    Consort De was indeed a worthy opponent, knowing when to advance and when to retreat.


    Jiang Xinyue felt no guilt about using the third prince in this way. After all, trusting and relying on his father would only make the Xuanwu Emperor more fond and protective of the third prince.


    This time, Consort De had suffered a silent defeat. Despite being a schemer with deep machinations herself, her son was an innocent, open-hearted simpleton who blurted out everything, both what should and shouldn''t be said.


    Yet she couldn''t exin this to her son directly. If she did, the naive boy would go to his father for rification, and then what would be the point of her scheming? She might as well pack her bags and retire to the Pce of Exile!


    The more she thought about it, the more Consort De realized that Concubine Zhen was not to be underestimated. She called for the Chief Eunuch of her pce: "The people we arranged back then - are you certain they''ve all been taken care of?"


    The Chief Eunuch nodded: "Rest assured, Your Highness. The great fire in Xihuo Pce didn''t just im the lives of the Empress''s spies."


    Before Concubine Zhen left the Pce of Exile, Xihuo Pce was struck by lightning and caught fire, killing two pce maids. One of them was from their Yanqing Pce.


    It was Consort De who ced the saw under the magpie''s bed, framing Concubine Zhen for sawing through the railing of the lotus pond.


    To this day, everyone still believes it was a trap deliberately set by Concubine Li''s faction to scheme against Concubine Zhen.

 Chapter 120

    Including when Concubine Zhen fell into the water, the underwater nts at the bottom of theke had been tied into knots by people sent by Consort De.


    They had originally nned to encourage Consort Jin to invite Concubine Zhen to feed the koi by theke, then push Concubine Zhen in and frame Consort Jin, killing two birds with one stone.


    Unexpectedly, the Empress Dowager''s people acted prematurely, even unnecessarily having someone ambush underwater to drag Concubine Zhen down.


    In the end, Concubine Zhen escaped, and the knotted underwater nts went to waste.


    Because of this, Consort De more than once privatelymented the Empress Dowager and Consort Shu''s ipetence and counterproductivity.


    If they were going to make a move, they should have nipped it in the bud. How could they let her survive toin to the Emperor?


    It even ruined all of her ns.


    Jiang Xinyue, peacefully nurturing her pregnancy in Hexi Pce, had no idea what the other women in the pce thought of her. Even if she knew, she wouldn''t care.


    It was nothing more than spreading rumors that she was a disastrous enchantress, in the league of Bao Si and Da Ji.


    Sometimes she found it quite ridiculous.


    Since ancient times, there has been a saying that beautiful women adorn prosperous times and take the me in chaotic times.


    Men were one thing - there were few good ones among them, and they were used to shirking responsibility when things went wrong.


    But how could even the women in the pce attack their fellow concubines with such reasoning?


    King You of Zhou lit the beacon towers to amuse Bao Si, but that was his own indulgence in her beauty. When did Bao Si ever ask him to light the beacon towers?


    Emperor Xuanzong of Tang became infatuated with his own daughter-inw and schemed to snatch her from his son Prince Shou. Was she willing in the beginning?


    Why should Yang Guifei bear the infamy for thousands of years for the An Lushan Rebellion?


    It wasn''t her fault that she was beautiful. The mey with those wolves in sheep''s clothing who used coveting her beauty as a pretext to start wars!


    If she were truly an enchantress, she would have long since monopolized the favor of the Great Yan''s imperial harem. Would there still be room for these others to run amok?


    Although there was a greatmotion outside, Hexi Pce remained as peaceful as ever.


    The Xuanwu Emperor had strictly forbidden the pce maids in Hexi Pce from discussing outside rumors in front of Jiang Xinyue.


    But even if he forbade it, it didn''t mean others had no way of transmitting information inside.


    Poisonous things harmful to the fetus and mother couldn''t get in, but a few gossipy words from those with ulterior motives were unstoppable.


    Night fell¡ª


    Jiang Xinyue, sleeping, was awakened by the voices of two people talking outside.


    Their voices weren''t loud, but as her pregnancy progressed, Jiang Xinyue''s sleep became lighter, and the slightest noise could wake her.


    "I heard it from a pce maid in Concubine Li''s pce. Concubine Li cries all day long. I really can''t understand. Concubine Li was the most favored in the harem for over ten years. How is it that Concubine Zhen has only been here for a year, and she''spletely lost the Emperor''s favor?"


    "Ah! Concubine Zhen looks like a fairy from heaven. How can the Emperor not be enchanted by her? Look at Concubine Zhen''s father. In just a short year, he''s been promoted from a fifth-rank official to the Minister of Justice, a third-rank position. Can anyone elsepare?"


    "How many concubines has the Emperor dismissed for Concubine Zhen? At this rate, I''m afraid even the Empress will have to abdicate."


    "Doesn''t it all seem so strange? Could Concubine Zhen be a fox spirit in disguise?"


    "Shh! Don''t say anymore. The Emperor forbids letting Concubine Zhen know that everyone outside is cursing her as an enchantress who''s bewitched the ruler!"


    Just as Jiang Xinyue had written to her nominal father, the Song Family had deep roots, like a centipede that doesn''t die even when cut in half.


    Although the Jiang family had already tried to lower their profile, Concubine Li''s hatred for Jiang Xinyue had reached a point where she no longer tried to hide it. Anyone with eyes could see it, and there was no escaping it.


    So with a little maneuvering by the Song family, rumors spread throughout the pce and among themon people that Jiang Xinyue was an enchantress.


    How else could they exin how in just one year, the Emperor had transferred his affections and even brought down the Song family for Concubine Zhen?


    Only the ignorant believed that the Emperor had turned against the Song family because he was bewitched by Concubine Zhen. The clever ones all knew this wasn''t the case at all.


    The mastermind who wanted to crush the Song family and concentrate Prime Minister Song''s power in his own hands had always been the Emperor himself.


    Concubine Zhen and the Jiang family were taking the me for the Emperor.


    No!


    It should be said that the Song family knew perfectly well what was going on, but they didn''t dare express dissatisfaction with the Emperor. So they directed all their anger towards the Jiang family.


    Who told them to be the Emperor''s vanguard?


    Jiang Xinyue coughed lightly a few times, indicating that she had heard and they needn''t say more.


    The people outside the window scattered like startled birds and beasts.


    Xi Que draped a light robe over her shoulders and red out the window at the empty air. "Why didn''t Your Highness let this servant catch them and torture them to find out who sent them here to spread such nonsense?"


    "Why bother?" Jiang Xinyue pulled the robe closer around her body, her jet-ck hair particrly smooth in the moonlight. "If not the Empress''s people, then Consort De''s or Consort Liang''s. It could also be Concubine Li, or even the Empress Dowager. I have the Emperor''s favor, and there are many who can''t sit still because of it. If we were to catch all the spies one by one, who knows if they wouldn''t arrange new people toe in in the future."


    She wanted them to think she hadn''t discovered their spies, to let those little pce maids spread information about her condition.


    After all, what others saw of her was only what she wanted them to see.


    How she really was behind closed doors, only Xi Que and Shuang Jiang knew.


    If they dared to ce spies in her pce, she could make all those spies her own pawns.


    She had always been the one moving the pieces. What was there to fear?


    "Crash!"


    In the Emperor''s Chengqian Pce, another set of cups shattered.


    The Xuanwu Emperor, furious, pointed at Concubine Li kneeling on the ground, breathing heavily. "Don''t think I don''t know. It''s all your doing, instructing the Pei and Song families to spread rumors outside, ndering and defaming Concubine Zhen. Concubine Li, I haven''t swept away the entire Song family. That''s already showing extreme leniency. Do you want me to settle ounts with them one by one, to see which one of them has apletely clean record?"


    If he were to investigate thoroughly, likely not a single member of the Song family would escape.


    Concubine Li wanted to cry, but no tears woulde. She looked up, gazing at the Emperor with despair. "My grandfather has already been executed. My father, ovee with fear, is bedridden and looks like he won''tst much longer. My mother has already divorced my father and returned to the Pei family. Your Majesty, how have you shown me extreme leniency?"


    Was it leniency to let her family be destroyed?


    What did she care about the rest of the Song n? Whether they lived or died was of no concern to her.


    Those people were all ungrateful wretches.


    "They brought it all upon themselves!"


    The Emperor mmed his fist on the table with a thunderous bang, his fury erupting. "I am the Son of Heaven of Great Yan, the ruler of an entire nation. Yet Prime Minister Song, relying on his power and influence, dares to attempt to lord over me and dictate the affairs of state. He has forgotten that I could uproot the entire Wu family if I wished. What makes the Song Family think I would meekly y the role of a puppet emperor?"


    At the heart of it all, it was a case of greed knowing no bounds, like a snake trying to swallow an elephant.


    Concubine Li sat dejectedly on the ground, a pearly tear finally falling from the corner of her eye. "Then Your Majesty can consider this as my revenge against you! The one you cherish is suffering because of you. Now that you feel the pain, I can find some sce."

 Chapter 121

    She bothughed and cried as she spoke: "Emperor, you once made solemn vows to both Consort Shu and me. In the past, I prided myself on stealing your love from Consort Shu, but now it''s my turn to have it stolen by another. They all say you secretly love Concubine Zhen. Howughable! You don''t love anyone; you love yourself the most. I''ll wait and see... how long will your love for Concubine Zhenst?"


    The love of an emperor... ha ha ha ha, the love of an emperor...


    The Xuanwu Emperor closed his eyes briefly, then opened them again. "Concubine Zhen is not like you and Consort Shu. You received my love, and your ambitions swelled, wanting power above all others. She loves me and would do anything for me. She told me that good love is about mutual effort, not like you two who only know how to take."


    Jiang Xinyue had also told the Emperor that when two people who are in love and suitable for each other are together, they should lift each other up. Thinking of each other should make them feel so sweet that they bubble with happiness, automatically forgetting all unpleasant things, feeling that nothing in the world is more important than seeing their loved one.


    He recalled his past with Consort Shu, filled with anger, jealousy, helplessness, inferiority... and guilt. This was what Concubine Zhen called emotional drain.


    If you encounter such a person, run fast!


    He didn''t understand what Concubine Zhen meant by "PUA," but he grasped the general idea.


    Concubine Zhen hadn''t named names; she had just seen some folk stories in a book. There happened to be a couple like this, and they didn''t end well. That''s what inspired Concubine Zhen to speak up.


    She said that in the story, the daughter of a marquis constantly put down her husband, making him feel unworthy of his wife, so he gave his heart to her without reservation.


    Then the marquis''s daughter could do whatever she wanted in her husband''s family.


    There was another story that was very simr to him and Concubine Li. A young couple in love gradually grew apart due to family interests. The wife was obsessed with helping her brother, always fighting for the best and most advantageous things for him, even though her brother was good-for-nothing, causing trouble and doing bad things.


    In the end, the man punished his wife''s family but was med by his wife. They became estranged and never spoke to each other again.


    Concubine Zhen said, "This wife is really foolish. She''s a married woman now, which means she''s part of her husband''s family. Why does she always side against her husband when conflicts arise? If this continues, the affection between husband and wife will bepletely worn away. If it were me, if my family did something wrong and my husband punished them, I would thank him! He can pull my family back from the wrong path in time. Why should I me him?"


    Indeed!


    When the Song Family did wrong, he was just fulfilling his responsibility as an emperor, being ountable to his subjects. Why should Concubine Li hate him for it?


    She always thought about the Song Family. Why couldn''t she think about him, the Emperor?


    Those who imed to love him all had ulterior motives.


    At this time, there wasn''t a term for "love brain," but if the Xuanwu Emperor had lived in modern times, he would have realized that Jiang Xinyue was cultivating an emperor with a "love brain."


    Good love is about mutual effort, right?


    In this year, Concubine Zhen had endured so much for him without ever mentioning it or asking forpensation. Even when he promoted Concubine Zhen''s father, she was worried about epting it, fearing he would face difficulties with his officials because of her.


    Thinking of the other person makes you so happy that you bubble with joy and forget all unpleasant things, right?


    Every time he went to Hexi Pce, he smiled more than usual. Looking at Concubine Zhen''s face, he felt a warmth in his heart, as if it was filled with something.


    If this wasn''t love, what was?


    Jiang Xinyue wouldugh if she heard these words.


    Every time the Xuanwu Emperor came, Jiang Xinyue would start acting up. One moment she''d feel nauseous, the next dizzy, then she''d have muscle cramps. She''d either direct the Emperor to massage her or pour her water. Sometimes when she slept, she''d make him fan her, otherwise she''d cry in difort.


    The Xuanwu Emperor was kept so busy his feet barely touched the ground.


    How could he not feel filled to the brim? He was practically overflowing.


    When sleeping alone in Chengqian Pce at night, he would suddenly spring up from the bed: "Beloved, drink some water. Be careful, it''s hot."


    Jiang Xinyue called this terrifying inertia.


    By repeatedly touching and lowering the Xuanwu Emperor''s tolerance threshold for her, any outrageous thing she did in the future would seem normal and reasonable to the Emperor. This was how he and Concubine Zhen usually interacted.


    If anyone thought Concubine Zhen was being presumptuous, he would think they were making a fuss over nothing and had never seen what true love looked like.


    In the past, Jiang Xinyue had raised a Tibetan Mastiff. At first, it wouldn''t let her touch it at all, growling and baring its teeth if she even tried to pet it.


    The more it growled, the more excited Jiang Xinyue became, and the more she wanted to pat its head, pull its ears, and tickle it.


    For half a month, Jiang Xinyue was scratched several times by it, quite severely.


    But she didn''t give up. She still fed it every day, petted it, and manhandled it...


    After a while, the Tibetan Mastiff got used to it. Even if Jiang Xinyue pped it or kicked it, it wouldn''t show any resistance.


    Not only did it not resist, but it would also rub against Jiang Xinyue''s legs with its huge body, acting coy.


    If even a fierce creature like a Tibetan Mastiff could be tamed to be so docile, how much easier would it be with the Xuanwu Emperor, who could understand human speech and was even more pliable.


    In her past life, she trained dogs; in this life, she trained a dragon. In short, she was Concubine Zhen, the master dragon trainer.


    People, like animals, have inertia.


    When the concubines in the harem ttered and amodated the Emperor, he would act high and mighty in front of them.


    Jiang Xinyue was different. She ordered him to do this and that, and if he didn''t do well, she would cry, making the Emperorfort her.


    This way, she became the one in the high position, making the Xuanwu Emperor feel she was different from others while also letting him experience the novel sensation of serving someone.


    However, Jiang Xinyue still maintained a certain bnce, taking it slow, imperceptibly making the Emperor ept their female-superior-male-inferior dynamic.


    Every time the Emperor did a small task, Jiang Xinyue would praise him with an admiring face: "It''s so good to have Your Majesty here. Otherwise, I would be too exhausted. Your Majesty, do you know that you''ve taken half of my burden? I thank Your Majesty."


    Or she would say: "The Emperor is the finest man and the best father I''ve ever known in this world. When our child is born, I will surely tell him that his father tells him stories every day and feeds him nutritious soup."


    With onepliment after another, she praised the Xuanwu Emperor so much that he could hardly tell which way was up. Every day after finishing his imperial edicts, he would be eager to go to Hexi Pce to tell stories to the child and serve tea, pour water, and fan Concubine Zhen.


    More than once, Magpie sat in the long corridor and sighed: "The Emperor is truly too diligent. If he keeps working so hard, we''ll all be out of a job."


    "Involution" was also a term invented by her mistress.


    Her mistress said: "The Emperor truly loves whatever he does. With his talent, once he starts to ''involve,'' everyone else will lose their jobs."


    She was referring to the workce of future generations.

 Chapter 122

    When Jiang Xinyue''s belly was five months along, her abdomen had already begun to swell.


    After the rumor about the "evil concubine" reached Hexi Pce, Jiang Xinyue forbade the pce maids and eunuchs from leaving.


    Each day, only Xiao Xuanzi and Jiang Chuan would take turns going to the imperial kitchen, or the head steward of the kitchen would personally deliver meals to Hexi Pce.


    Apart from this, no maid or eunuch from Hexi Pce had stepped outside the pce gates.


    Outside, everyone was specting whether Concubine Zhen had be agitated after hearing herself being called an evil concubine who would bring ruin to the country, and if this had affected her pregnancy.


    Empress Zhu wanted to bring Consort Liang to investigate, but they discovered that the entrance to Hexi Pce was now guarded by the Emperor''s personal guards, and no one except the people of Hexi Pce was allowed in or out.


    With such a tense atmosphere, it seemed that something had indeed happened to Concubine Zhen.


    Consort Liang smiled smugly, pleased that the Minor Scattering Maid she had bribed long ago had finallye in handy.


    She couldn''t believe that Concubine Zhen, whom she had thought to be naive and kind-hearted, dared to sow discord between her and Consort De. It turned out that beneath her innocent exterior, Concubine Zhen was deceitful and rotten to the core.


    If Consort De hadn''t personallye to exin that she had no intention ofpeting with her, and that she had only argued with her because Concubine Zhen had provoked her, Consort Liang would still be holding a grudge against Consort De! Consort De had also mentioned that the Emperor''s heart was now entirely devoted to Concubine Zhen, and that they shouldn''t fight among themselves but instead guard against Concubine Zhen taking advantage of their conflict.


    Consort Liang was furious that Concubine Zhen had so easily created a rift between her and Consort De. Although they had reconciled, the hurtful and harsh words spoken during their argument could never be taken back.


    Consort Liang now felt ufortable when facing Consort De.


    It was all Concubine Zhen''s fault!


    That''s why she had used her informants to spread the rumor about the evil concubine bringing ruin to the country, making sure it reached Concubine Zhen''s ears.


    She hadn''t expected it to be so effective that the Emperor had ordered the pce to be sealed off. Concubine Zhen''s situation must be very critical.


    The supposedly critical Jiang Xinyue sat on a warm, soft couch, one hand resting on a white fox fur nket, the other lifting her undershirt, looking excitedly at the gentle bump on her belly. "My lord, my lord, my lord... here, the baby is here."


    At five months, the baby could already make slight movements, opening up a whole new world for Jiang Xinyue and the Xuanwu Emperor.


    The Emperor, who had unprecedented expectations for this child, immediately ordered Hexi Pce to be sealed off when he heard that pce maids had deliberately spread malicious rumors. No one was allowed in or out except those approved by Jiang Xinyue.


    This created the illusion to the outside world that she couldn''t handle the stress and that it had affected her pregnancy. She supposedly remained in her bedchamber every day, not even going out to the courtyard for a walk.


    The smiles disappeared from Xi Que and Shuang Jiang''s faces, and the atmosphere in Hexi Pce became more serious and somber than ever before.


    Seeing this, the gossiping pce maids became as timid as quails, no longer daring to stick their necks out for credit.


    Outside Jiang Xinyue''s bedchamber, Nanny Li and Nanny Xiang stood guard. Within eyesight, apart from Xi Que, Shuang Jiang, Xiao Xuanzi, and Jiang Chuan, no one else was to be seen.


    Oh, and asionally Yan the Imperial Physician would visit.


    Yan''s daughter, Yan Xinyi, had been learning the art of childbirth from her father for the past few months, and her skills were now on par with the pce midwives.


    Whenever Yan the Imperial Physician came to check on Jiang Xinyue''s pulse, he would bring her along. She and the original Jiang Xinyue had been good friends, and now that her friend had be a favored concubine in the deep pce, she felt proud by association.


    She secretly promised Jiang Xinyue that she would use all her knowledge to make her delivery asfortable as possible.


    "He seems to have kicked me!" Jiang Xinyue''s belly moved up and down, like a series of small, undting hills.


    The "small hills" moved slowly, probably because the baby was still very small and didn''t have much strength. The movement was soft and gentle. The Xuanwu Emperor ced his hand on her belly, feeling the slow movement, and his cold, hard heart suddenly softened beyond recognition.


    His eyes turned red, as if he was about to cry, but he didn''t. The momentary redness in his eyes seemed like an illusion to Jiang Xinyue.


    "I never knew that a baby in the womb could move when it''s so small," he said.


    When concubines in the harem became pregnant, the Pce Eunuch Office would remove their green ques until after they had given birth andpleted their postpartum confinement. Only then would the green ques be returned to the selection tray.


    With so many concubines in the pce, the Emperor could sleep with a different one every day for three months without repetition.


    The Xuanwu Emperor wouldn''t inconvenience himself by visiting pregnant concubines and just sitting there staring at them.


    When Consort Liang and Consort De were pregnant, he only visited them twice in ten months.


    Once when he learned of their pregnancies, to have a meal with them, and once when they were about to give birth.


    He would see them at pce banquets, but he would only nce at them. How could he have felt the baby''s movements?


    Jiang Xinyue was the first one he had apanied and cared for throughout her entire pregnancy.


    When the Empress was pregnant twice, he paid more attention because of the importance of the heir apparent, so he visited Yikun Pce more frequently.


    But his interactions with the Empress were mostly formal, never as rxed as his time in Hexi Pce.


    Jiang Xinyue ced her small hand on top of the Xuanwu Emperor''srge one, her face showing an expectant yet nervous smile. "I heard from Nanny Li that as the baby grows, its kicks will be stronger. By the sixth or seventh month, it might be strong enough to hurt my belly. Your Majesty, I''m a bit scared."


    The Emperor withdrew his hand and held hers instead. "For the sake of our child, I have made thorough preparations. Besides, Yan the Imperial Physician has said that your pregnancy has been going very smoothly, and the baby''s size is just right. There are no factors that would be unfavorable to you. If you can''t have a safe delivery, I really don''t know who else could."


    He knew that Concubine Zhen''s expressed fear of the baby''s movements was actually due to her being traumatized by Consort Shu''s prematurebor scene. So heforted her, "Moreover, we have Nanny Li and Nanny Xiang here. If you''re still uneasy, how about I invite your mother into the pce when it''s time for the delivery?"


    Jiang Xinyue nodded. "Thank you for your consideration, Your Majesty."


    The Emperor smiled and embraced her. "Silly girl, why are you thanking me? You''ve already endured so much hardship carrying this child for me. This is the least I should do."


    His child, Little Six, was conceived with the expectations and joy of both parents. He had witnessed Concubine Zhen''s tears of joy, simply because this child was his, without any other reason.


    Unlike himself... who was born with heavy shackles, never having enjoyed a moment of maternal or paternal love.


    As soon as his Little Six is born, he wants to give him the best of everything. He wants to give Little Six all that he never had the chance to receive.


    Little Six: Already at the peak of life before even being born. Thanks for asking, I n to live this life well.


    Night--


    Sounds of passionate lovemaking echoed from the Pce of Exile.


    "Have you considered what I asked you to do?"


    "This is a capital offense. What grudge do you have against Concubine Zhen?"


    The woman pushed away the muscr man and went to put on her clothes, avoiding histter question. She smiled seductively, "Do you think what you''re doing now isn''t a capital offense?"


    Cuckolding the Emperor was punishable by the execution of nine generations of one''s family.

 Chapter 123

    Jin Wuyong clung to her again, embracing her waist from behind and caressing the stretch marks on her belly.


    After sessfully losing weight, Consort Shu hated when people touched her ws. She angrily swatted his hand away, "If you''re afraid of dying, I can find someone else. Let''s not meet again."


    She turned to leave, but Jin Wuyong grabbed her slender wrist and pulled her into his arms. "Afraid? If I were afraid, I wouldn''t be entangled with you, Consort Shu. But you only have the Emperor in your heart. Do you have any of the feelings from back then left?"


    "p!"


    Consort Shu struck him across the face. "Don''t talk about the past. If it weren''t for your Jin family''s betrayal, my Wu family wouldn''t have ended up like that. If it weren''t for my consideration of you, do you think I would have let Consort Jin live until now?"


    Jin Wuyong tenderly wiped the tears from Consort Shu''s face and sighed, "The Jin family owes you. Let the lives of the Jin family members repay that debt!"


    From the moment he chose to be seduced by Consort Shu, he hadmitted a crime punishable by the execution of nine generations of his family.


    There was no turning back now. This was what the Jin family owed to the Wu family and to Consort Shu.


    Consort Shu''s eyebrows lifted with delight, "You agree?"


    Jin Wuyong silently lit a candle in his heart for Concubine Zhen, "The guards the Emperor sent to watch over Hexi Pce are my brothers. I''ll find a way. But you... stop trying to lose weight. You''re perfect as you are."


    The Emperor''s heart was no longer here; losing more weight wouldn''t help and would only harm her health.


    Gradual weight loss would be fine, but Consort Shu had lost dozens of pounds in just one month.


    After not being together for over a decade, there was indeed much distance between them.


    The young man who once spoke every word to please Consort Shu now danced on herndmines with every syble, not even a punctuation mark could enter her ears favorably.


    She brushed off Jin Wuyong perfunctorily, "It''s time. I should go back."


    Although the Pce of Exile was vast and empty, there were still a few bitter souls assigned to guard the main gate. Too muchmotion would be discovered.


    In the pitch-ck night, Consort Shu donned a dark cloak, almost blending into the darkness. As the autumn wind blew, the cloak fluttered, and in a few shes, Consort Shu''s silhouette vanished.


    Half an hour after Consort Shu left, Jin Wuyong finally dressed properly and left the Pce of Exile.


    "Has the Consort returned?"


    "What should we do? The Emperor has been waiting for two hours."


    After Consort Shu recovered, she was sent back to Jingren Pce by the Empress Dowager.


    However, the main quarters of Jingren Pce now belonged to Consort Shu''s younger sister, Noble Consort Rong. They had fallen out, and she would absolutely not give up her position.


    At this moment, the side hall of Jingren Pce was in chaos.


    Noble Consort Rong stood beside the grim-faced Xuanwu Emperor, her face showing concern, "Your Majesty, my sister went out alone without even taking a pce maid or eunuch. We don''t know where she went. I was so worried that I sent Lianqiao to Hexi Pce to request Your Majesty''s presence."


    It was also because Jiang Xinyue and she had a tacit understanding and was willing to let people in that they could request the Emperor''s presence.


    If Jiang Xinyue hadn''t been clever and thought she was there to steal people, not letting Lianqiao in, there wouldn''t have been this good show tonight.


    Jiang Xinyue was not only clever, but she also exined to the confused Xi Que, "Have you forgotten that the Emperor arranged for Consort Jin''s brother to be a guard at Jingren Pce?"


    "What does that have to do with Consort Shu''s disappearance?"


    "You fool!"


    Shuang Jiang finished tidying up the bed and turned to Xi Que, "Didn''t the Empress say that Guard Jin was almost engaged to Consort Shu before? If Guard Jin is in Jingren Pce, do you think Lianqiao coulde out to request the Emperor''s presence?"


    Xi Que stared at Jiang Xinyue with wide eyes, and Jiang Xinyue nodded in agreement.


    She opened her mouth wide, "You mean... Consort Shu and Guard Jin... they''re together... Ah!"


    A lone man and woman, who once had a rtionship, both missing at the same time ¨C how could others not specte?


    This was like dry wood meeting a raging fire, you know what that means!


    No wonder her mistress so readily let Lianqiao in; she had alreadye to an understanding with Noble Consort Rong.


    All the lights in Jingren Pce were extinguished, with only dim candlelight flickering in the main hall.


    Noble Consort Rong liked to stay upte, but Consort Shu paid no mind to this and tiptoed towards the side hall.


    "Lianxin... Lianxin..."


    Consort Shu called out in a low voice several times, but Lianxin didn''t answer. Just as she was about to push the door open herself, Lianxin responded with a trembling voice, "Consort, where did you go? Why are you back sote?"


    Consort Shu thought she was afraid of being discovered missing, so she opened the door and untied her cloak, "Why haven''t you lit themps? Afraid Noble Consort Rong would discover I was gone?"


    She handed the cloak to Lianxin, but in the darkness, Lianxin didn''t reach out to take it. Instead, she fell to her knees with a thud.


    Then, the candlelight in the room brightened, and Consort Shu''s cloak fell to the ground. Her eyes could only see the Xuanwu Emperor''s face, dark as the bottom of a pot.


    How could this be?


    She had made sure that the Emperor was supposed to stay in Hexi Pce tonight. Why did he suddenlye to Jingren Pce?


    "Sister seems very afraid to see the Emperor," Noble Consort Rong fanned the mes from the side. "Could it be that you went somewhere you shouldn''t have and saw someone you shouldn''t have?"


    Consort Shu pressed her hand against her wildly beating heart and managed a somewhat natural smile, "Sister is joking. I only went to the Imperial Hospital. I heard that Yan the Imperial Physician is skilled in treating women''s diseases, so I went to get some medicine. If sister doesn''t believe me, you can send someone to the Imperial Hospital tomorrow to ask Yan the Imperial Physician."


    Sure enough, under her cloak, her hand was holding severalrge packages of medicinal herbs.


    The Emperor''s eyes shed with a sharp light, but his expression quickly changed to one of concern, "Consort Shu, are you feeling unwell? Why didn''t you summon the Imperial Physician during the day?"


    Why did she have to sneak out at night?


    Consort Shu showed a look of embarrassment, hesitating to speak. Seeing that she had a ready exnation, Noble Consort Rong immediately found a way to back down, "Your Majesty, my sister has a women''s ailment. How could she openly speak of it? Especially since my sister just had a miscarriage. If her private parts are not treated properly, it could even be transmitted to Your Majesty. My sister must not want such private medical issues to be known, that''s why she went secretly. But sister, you''re being too cautious. You even kept it from me. Do you think I would spread it around?"


    Yes, she really would spread it around.


    She hurriedly repeated Consort Shu''s words before the Emperor could misunderstand, seemingly forgetting that she herself had been the one to invite the Emperor to Hexi Pce.


    Consort Shu forced a stiff smile and walked up to the Emperor, showing off her slender waist after losing weight. "Yan the Imperial Physician has examined me. I''ve recovered greatly, and these medicines are for strengthening my constitution. Emperor, it''s been a long time since you''vee to see me..."


    There was a hook in her eyes. If the Xuanwu Emperor didn''t recall her plump and unkempt appearance on the day she gave birth, he might have been somewhat moved.

 Chapter 124

    However, he not only thought of Consort Shu''s ghastly appearance but also recalled what Noble Consort Rong had just said about the contagious women''s disease.


    The Emperor stood up and stepped back a few paces. "If that''s the case, Consort Shu, you should rest well and fully recover your health."


    With that, he didn''t give her a chance to say anything more and returned to the main hall of Jingren Pce with Noble Consort Rong.


    Soon, the candlelight in the main hall was extinguished.


    Jiang Xinyue had gone to bed early and hadn''t stayed upte like Xi Que, insisting on waiting for news and nning to watch Consort Shu''s drama unfold.


    As a result, she missed the excitement, and early the next morning, yawning with panda eyes, she was lectured by Nanny Li: "You little minx, thinking you can act willfully because the Mistress favors you. Look at you, like a thief with no energy. How can you take good care of the Mistress like this?"


    Xi Que shrank her neck and meekly replied, "I know I was wrong, I know I was wrong. Please don''t scold me anymore, Nanny Li."


    "Mistress, didn''t you say Consort Shu and Guard Jin... Why hasn''t anything happened to them?"


    This was impossible!


    The Emperor wasn''t one to tolerate such things.


    Could it be that he loved Consort Shu too much to punish her?


    That didn''t make sense either!


    "If Consort Shu were to admit guilt so easily, she wouldn''t be Consort Shu," Jiang Xinyue replied. "Before acting, she must have prepared a foolproof strategy. Didn''t Yan the Imperial Physician send someonest night to say that Consort Shu had gotten medicine from him to treat a gynecological condition? That''s her excuse. Yan the Imperial Physician has elderly parents and young children to care for, so naturally, he''ll say whatever Consort Shu wants him to say."


    "So she''s just going to get away with it?"


    "If it ended so easily, why would I bother putting in any effort?"


    Jiang Xinyue stroked a lock of her hair. "Consort Shu has already fallen deeply in love with the Emperor. What could make her willing to submit to a man who once betrayed her?"


    She didn''t know what Consort Shu was thinking, but if it were her, she would hate Jin Wuyong to death for the betrayal of the Jin family that led to her family''s destruction.


    Therefore, Consort Shu must need something from Jin Wuyong, and even if the n failed, she intended to drag down Guard Jin''s family with her.


    But what could make her need Guard Jin''s help?


    This wasn''t hard to guess.


    At that time, Consort Shu had gone to Changxin Pce to find a token of love when she was knocked down by Concubine Li, causing her miscarriage. She must hate Concubine Li very much.


    No matter what purpose she had in going to Changxin Pce originally, with the loss of her child, she needed someone to hate.


    Just like how Concubine Li''s child couldn''t have been saved in the first ce, yet she framed Consort Shu. Even though the child was truly lost due to her own scheme, she still ended up hating Consort Shu.


    But Concubine Li had already been demoted from Imperial Consort to Concubine, and the Song Family had scattered like monkeys from a fallen tree. The Pei Family was only Concubine Li''s maternal family after all, and they wouldn''t do anything to offend the Emperor for her sake.


    One could see from how quickly the Pei Family distanced themselves when the Song Family fell from grace that Concubine Li no longer had any backing.


    The Emperor now kept his distance from Concubine Li, even banishing her to a side hall of Xihuo Pce where someone had died, and she was living with Concubine Jiang, who didn''t get along with her. It would be a miracle if she could have a good life there.


    So the person Consort Shu hated most now was only Jiang Xinyue herself.


    Because it was she who had taken all of the Emperor''s favor, causing the Emperor to discard Consort Shu like an old shoe.


    When would she make her move?


    Jiang Xinyue''s spirits lifted at the thought. She called for Xiao Xuanzi and whispered a few words in his ear. Xiao Xuanzi''s eyes lit up, and he hurriedly left Hexi Pce.


    When Consort Jin came to Hexi Pce, her mood was quiteplex.


    She had previously joined Concubine Li''s... no, not Imperial Consort Li''s... Concubine Li''s minions in bullying Concubine Zhen, but when it came time to identify the culprit, Concubine Zhen didn''t take the opportunity to falsely use her brother.


    Since then, she hadn''t opposed Concubine Zhen anymore. She didn''t know why Concubine Zhen had called her here today.


    Could it be to settle old scores?


    Probably not, right?


    She hadn''t done anything substantial to harm Concubine Zhen. So far, she had only echoed others in mocking and ridiculing Concubine Zhen.


    Her mind was full of chaotic thoughts, but the moment she saw Concubine Zhen again, she was left with only two words: stunning beauty.


    The pcedies hadn''t seen Concubine Zhen for nearly half a year.


    From the scorching heat of summer to now, when winter was approaching, Concubine Zhen''s beauty had grown day by day.


    Her face had shed its girlish naivety and gained a touch of mature charm. But she had just turned seventeen, still delicate and lovely, right between the two stages ¨C pure yet alluring, quite captivating.


    Her nearly six-month pregnant belly was quite visible, but Concubine Zhen was tall and graceful. The protruding belly didn''t make her look bulky; instead, it radiated maternal glow, softening her sharp and beautiful features, making her appear exceptionally beautiful.


    "Why has Consort Jin frozen?"


    Jiang Xinyueughed, and Consort Jin came back to her senses, hurriedly exining, "Forgive me, Concubine Zhen. I haven''t seen you for so long, and I was captivated by your beauty. Your charm grows day by day, no wonder the Emperor''s favor for you never wanes."


    This ttery was so sincere that it was impossible to be angry.


    Knowing her unease, Jiang Xinyue didn''t beat around the bush. She had Shuang Jiang help her sit down in a chair and said, "I''ve called you here today to save your life."


    "Save... my life?"


    It was alreadyte autumn, and all the fruit trees in the pce had borne fruit. Every year, the Internal Affairs Department would gather the fruits and send them to various pces.


    Naturally, the favored concubines'' pces received the best,rgest, and sweetest fruits, while those out of favor could get some of what the favored ones had left.


    Hexi Pce had received the first batch this year.


    The afternoon sun was hidden behind dark clouds, making the sky gloomy. Several eunuchs carrying fruit baskets walked with bowed heads along the pce pathway, following the lead eunuch towards the pce of Concubine Zhen, the Emperor''s most favored concubine.


    Suddenly, the eunuch walking at the very back had his mouth and nose covered and was dragged into a small alley.


    When he emerged, that eunuch had taken on the appearance of Jin Wuyong, hidden under the eunuch''s hat. If he didn''t raise his head, no one would recognize him.


    In fact, with so many people in the pce, even if he took off his hat, those unfamiliar with him wouldn''t know if he was a guard or a eunuch.


    The inspection at Hexi Pce was very strict. Every piece of fruit had to be examined before it could enter through the small back door.


    The fruits sent to Hexi Pce were of many varieties. Originally, Nanny Li wouldn''t allow the eunuchs from the Internal Affairs Department to enter, but Xi Que said that the Mistress had taken out many books to air yesterday, and seeing today''s weather, she feared it might rain. All the small eunuchs of Hexi Pce had been called away to help.


    With not enough hands, they had to let the eunuchs from the Internal Affairs Department help carry things in.


    When the dark clouds loomed overhead, it began to pour rain, and the busy pce maids and eunuchs all rushed to take shelter under the corridors.


    Jin Wuyong took advantage of the moment when no one was paying attention to push open a small door and slip inside.


    The Internal Affairs Department was busy with many tasks, so they didn''t wait for the rain to stop. The small manager from the Internal Affairs Department quickly led the group of eunuchs back.

 Chapter 125

    Boom¡ª


    A thunderp struck above Jingren Pce, startling Consort Shu awake from her sleep. "Lianxin! Lianxin!" she cried out.


    Lianxin, who had been keeping watch in the outer chamber, quickly threw off her nket and got up. "Your Highness, I''m here. What''s wrong?"


    Consort Shu''s chest heaved violently, her forehead drenched in cold sweat. After a long moment, she said, "I had a nightmare. Bring me a cup of hot water."


    Lianxin hurriedly obeyed, soon returning with a cup of hot tea.


    "Clink, clink, clink, clink..."


    The hand holding the teacup shook terribly.


    "Crash!"


    The teacup fell to the ground, shattering on the gold brick floor with a piercing sound.


    As if triggered by some signal, the doors to Consort Shu''s chambers burst open with a "bang." Jin Wuyong, dressed in night clothes with only his eyes visible, rushed in and knocked out Lianxin with a swift chop before she could scream.


    "Fei''er,e with me quickly. Our n has been exposed. The Emperor has ordered the Investigative Bureau and pce guards to arrest me. If they catch us, we''re dead."


    Before Consort Shu could react, Jin Wuyong grabbed her wrist, twisting her ankle in the process.


    Finallying to her senses, she forcefully shook off Jin Wuyong''s hand and pped him across the face. "Useless fool! You can''t even handle this small task, and now you dare to implicate me."


    The man in ck was stunned for a moment and stopped in his tracks. "Small task? This was about taking Concubine Zhen''s life. I risked everything, even my family, for you. Is this how you treat me?"


    Consort Shu, her clothes disheveled from the struggle, straightened her appearance and sat down on a couch behind the screen, adopting the air of a noble consort. She nced at him disdainfully, "I am Consort Shu. You''re nothing but a watchdog for me. You do as I say, or did you think I''d spare your miserable life otherwise?"


    She sneered, "It was just a matter of sleeping with a woman, yet you proved so ipetent. You''ve disappointed me. When things go wrong, you should take all the me yourself. Whye here to harm me?"


    "You..."


    The man in ck shook his head. "There''s no point arguing now. The Emperor knows you ordered me to do it. Hurry ande with me. I know a way to escape the pce."


    Who wants to die when they can live?


    Those once beautiful memories with the Emperor seemed to fade, bing meaningless.


    She grabbed the man''s hand, her gaze determined. Once out of the pce, she would find an opportunity to kill Jin Wuyong, then hide away in some remote ce.


    It would be revenge for her father as well.


    "Bang!"


    The entire Jingren Pce lit up as bright as day, with torches,nterns, and candles surrounding Consort Shu and the man in ck.


    The Xuanwu Emperor stood in the center of the crowd, coldly looking at her. The Empress, Consort De, Consort Liang, Concubine Li, Noble Consort Rong, Consort Jin, Zhang Wanrong, Noble Consort Ye, and Concubine Jiang...


    All the notable consorts of the harem were there, watching her predicament with glee, except for Jiang Xinyue, who was resting in Hexi Pce due to her pregnancy.


    "Your Majesty!"


    Consort Shu immediately pushed away the man in ck and ran towards the Xuanwu Emperor, crying as if she were the greatest victim. "Your Majesty, Guard Jin has gone mad. He suddenly burst into my chambers, saying he wanted to elope with me. I was frightened..."


    She stopped halfway, her eyes widening. The disheveled figure being held down by several guards was none other than Jin Wuyong.


    If that was Jin Wuyong, then who was the one who had been pulling her along earlier?


    The man in ck removed his mask, revealing a face that was 80% simr to Jin Wuyong''s, especially the eyes, which were identical.


    But in the next moment, the man raised his hand and peeled off a human skin mask, revealing an utterly ordinary face that left no impression.


    The man''s face showed no emotion as he coldly walked past Consort Shu, knelt on the ground, and reported to the Xuanwu Emperor: "Your Majesty, Consort Shu indeed had an improper rtionship with Guard Jin. It was also Consort Shu who instructed Guard Jin to go to Hexi Pce to harm Concubine Zhen. Consort Shu has just confessed to everything."


    The Emperor had heard it all, including Consort Shu telling Jin Wuyong to take all the me.


    In fact, when Jin Wuyong was caught in Hexi Pce, he hadn''t revealed anything about Consort Shu. He only said that he had secretly admired Concubine Zhen and had nned everything himself out of lust, wanting to be intimate with her.


    When Jiang Xinyue heard this, she was furious and didn''t believe that Jin Wuyong would daremit such a grave crime, punishable by the execution of nine generations of his family, without someone instructing him.


    What Jin Wuyong didn''t know was that on the afternoon Jiang Xinyue met with Consort Jin, Consort Jin had already gone to Chengqian Pce to seek an audience with the Emperor.


    Moreover, she had reported to the Emperor that her own brother was having an affair with Consort Shu, and that Consort Shu had used her body to gain her brother''s loyalty, nning to harm Concubine Zhen.


    Their n was to first ruin Concubine Zhen''s reputation, then lure the Emperor to Hexi Pce to catch them in bed together, thereby framing her and iming that the child in her womb was illegitimate, not the Emperor''s.


    After hearing this, the Xuanwu Emperor didn''t immediately confront Consort Shu.


    He knew that Consort Shu was skilled at making excuses, and she had the backing of his birth mother, the Dowager Empress. Without solid evidence, based solely on Consort Jin''s report, he couldn''t do anything to her.


    Jiang Xinyue had already cursed the Emperor eight hundred times in Hexi Pce.


    When Jin Wuyong knocked out Shuang Jiang and Xi Que under the cover of night, that dog of an Emperor was already waiting outside with his guards, observing the situation.


    He actually waited until Jiang Xinyue was pushed down onto the bed and cried out before barging in with a few skilled eunuchs.


    Did he think he was being considerate by not letting the guards see her with another man''s hands on her wrists?


    Fortunately, Jiang Xinyue had made thorough preparations. She pulled out a pair of scissors from under her pillow and stabbed Jin Wuyong in the shoulder de. Before the eunuchs could even approach, Jin Wuyong was already bleeding profusely, writhing in pain on the ground.


    When the Xuanwu Emperor rushed in behind the screen with the eunuchs, he saw Jiang Xinyue covered in blood, still holding the scissors, defensively pointing the de at everyone.


    Jin Wuyong, lying on the ground, was in so much pain that he could only roll around,cking even the strength to struggle.


    The scissors were coated with poison powder from Yan the Imperial Physician, which could cause extreme pain at the wound site and render the victim powerless, eliminating any possibility of further violence.


    After all, with Jin Wuyongmitting a crime punishable by the execution of nine generations, would the Emperor bother to call for an imperial physician to treat his wound? He probably wished Jiang Xinyue had sent him to meet the King of Hell with one snip of the scissors!


    Jiang Xinyue had always lived by the principle of never entrusting her life to others, ensuring her own safety in every way possible.


    The Xuanwu Emperor quickly snatched the scissors from her hand and tossed them aside. "If a single word of today''s events leaks out, I''ll have your heads."


    Of course, those who apanied the Emperor to "catch the adulterers" were all his own confidants and wouldn''t leak any information.


    What the Emperor meant was probably the brave act of Concubine Zhen stabbing Guard Jin.


    If Guard Jin died, the Dowager Empress would likely frame Concubine Zhen again, using her of murdering him to silence him.

 Chapter 126

    The Xuanwu Emperor held Jiang Xinyue in his arms,forting her for a while, before he had to leave, for he then had to go to Jingren Pce to capture the real traitor.


    He could only order the eunuchs in the Hexi Pce to take good care of Jiang Xinyue and clean the blood stains from her clothes.


    Moreover, he ordered the physicians on duty at the Imperial Hospital to check Jiang Xinyue''s pulse to ensure her safety.


    The concubines and Empress Zhu in the harem were only informed by Wang Dequan after the Emperor left the Hexi pce.


    Therefore, they only knew that Consort Shu had ordered Jin Wuyong to vite Concubine Zhen''s innocence, but as soon as they infiltrated, they were caught by the Emperor who had preemptively stationed there.


    As to why the Emperor had received the information so early and even had the guards stationed at the crime scene in advance, it was of course because Consort Jin, prioritize justice over family ties, had reported the sinister plot of these two to him.


    At least half of the concubines present regretted, why didn''t Consort Jin wait for her brother topletely ruin Concubine Zhen before alerting the Emperor?


    Wouldn''t that eliminate a strong rival?


    Facing the mockery from these women, Consort Jin was so aggrieved that she couldn''t utter a word.


    She dare not disobey Concubine Zhen''smand!


    How was she expected to know that her brother would dare to cuckold the Emperor?


    It was Concubine Zhen who told her everything.


    Including the fact that her brother and Consort Shu plotted to harm Concubine Zhen, had she not been told, she would have been blissfully deciding on what dress to wear the next day in hopes of receiving the Emperor''s favor.


    Concubine Zhen knew all these matters earlier and had already devised a countermeasure. If it wasn''t for her still being useful, Consort Jin even doubted if she could survive the next few days.


    The Emperor would inevitably vent his anger on the Jin family, and as a result, she would also fall out of his favor. It was only a matter of time before she would be removed.


    Consort Shu, in her desperation, reached out to pull at the Xuanwu Emperor''s robe, but the Emperor swiftly recoiled, causing her to dive into thin air.


    "Servants, send Consort Shu...no...sendmoner Lady Wu to the execution chamber and offer her poisoned wine. The Investigative Bureau should execute Jin Wuyong immediately, the Jin household need not hold any official post anymore. All, irrespective of their age and gender, should be imprisoned."


    They''ll be held there for years.


    These actions were a result of them raising such a reckless son, who dared to cuckold the Emperor.


    Consort Jin was trembling uncontrobly, barely standing, but she dared not plead for her family, fearing that the Emperor might execute her out of fury too.


    The Xuanwu Emperor''s gaze fleetingly passed over Consort Jin, showing only a slight sense of displeasure. After all, it was in light of her reporting that he spared her punishment, and thus, he didn''t hold her ountable.


    After all, Consort Jin married the Emperor, strictly speaking, she is no longer part of the Jin family but is part of the imperial family.


    "The Empress Dowager objects!"


    Upon hearing this voice, Wang Dequan closed his eyes, took a deep breath, and forced himself to maintain a smile.


    "There must be someone setting them up, where is Concubine Zhen? I heard that General Jin was found in her pce, she must be having an illicit affair and then ming it on Consort Shu."


    Jin Wuyong attempted to sully Jiang Xinyue using the Empress Dowager''s words, but Noble Consort Rong stepped forward and pped him down: "You disgusting, lowly creature! In past times, your Jin n framed our Wu n. Now, you have lured my sister intomitting this grave mistake. You are less than human."


    This p firmly established the guilt of Consort Shu.


    Empress Dowager Wu was trembling all over with fury, pointing at Noble Consort Rong, rendered speechless.


    With a forceful shut of her eyes, she turned and left.


    ¡°Auntie! Auntie, save me!¡±


    Consort Shu screamed, chasing after the Empress Dowager. She was seized and dragged back by the officers of the Investigative Bureau.


    With immense anger, the Xuanwu Emperor kicked Jin Wuyong in the chest and strode away.


    Empress Zhu sighed and shook her head. "It''s self-inflicted. The Emperor has been kind enough to you, Lady Wu... just let the officers from the Investigative Bureau take you away to spare yourself from further suffering."


    Concubine Li snorted withughter. ¡°Consort Shu ims herself to be ady of high birth, but seems amon mistress. It''s indeed enlightening to see such a sight. It clearly shows the Emperor¡¯s poor judgment.¡±


    Her words insulted not only Consort Shu but also implied that Jiang Xinyue, currently favored by the Emperor, was no better.


    Ever since the downfall of the Song Family, Concubine Li appeared to have let herself go, bing sharp and biting. Her tirades against everything and everyone had bemonce, and everyone had grown ustomed to it.


    Even the Emperor showed no dissatisfaction at her actions. Who were they toin?


    After the Song Family¡¯s downfall, although the Emperor seemed indifferent to Concubine Li, Empress Zhu felt that he was treating Concubine Li much better than before.


    Despite not having visited Concubine Li, every time the pce received some novel item, both the Hexi Pce and Xihuo Pce would get one.


    The gift for Xihuo Pce was always for Concubine Li. As a result, Jiang Yuan was more cautious about tantly bullying Concubine Li.


    It was clear that the Emperor, out of respect for his past rtionship with Concubine Li, was trying to extend an olive branch.


    Hexi Pce¡ª


    When the Emperor arrived, Concubine Zhen had just stopped crying. She was terrified.


    Anyone would be scared out of her wits if a strange man suddenly sprung on her while she was sleeping soundly.


    Moreover, Concubine Zhen was pregnant.


    Her first reaction was to protect her unborn child; she ended up killing Jin Wuyong before she even had time to be scared.


    But then the fear set in, leaving her shaking and too scared to say a word.


    Out of guilt, the Xuanwu Emperor sat up with her all night. The next day, he had Wang Dequan bring over many gifts to Hexi Pce to soothe Jiang Xinyue¡¯s nerves.


    Xi Que was dazzled by the boxes upon boxes of jewelry and luxurious fabrics. "Wow! Mydy, our storeroom is almost full."


    In the pce, favor bestowed immeasurable conveniences. Whatever Jiang Xinyue fancied, people vied to fulfill her wishes.


    She was wealthy, but never got to spend her money because whatever she desired was promptly brought before her.


    Feelingnguid, she raised her hand: ¡°Get Xiao Xuanzi and Jiang Chuan, let them distribute some rewards to the people below.¡±


    Xi Que beamed at themand, thinking that if even the servants got something, wouldn''t the higher-ranking maidservants like them get more?


    She was saving more money for when their second mistress entered the pce so she could send it to her parents outside with the help of their jade-weaving sister.


    She had a younger brother who was turning fifteen soon, a marriageable age. They needed to offer some betrothal gifts to his future bride''s family.


    The imperial gifts, though they couldn¡¯t be sold, could be granted to the subordinates.


    If a family prospecting a marriage alliance with her younger brother saw that their family possessed imperial gifts, they would definitely hold them in high regard.


    How could Jiang Xinyue not understand Xi Que''s intentions?


    So, after Jiang Chuan and the others granted the gifts, and when they came back, she let them pick items ording to their own liking.


    Jiang Xinyue did have a regr monthly ie; the consorts of her rank received as much as two hundred taels per year. Jiang Xinyue had been in the pce for a year and a half, and she had collected quite a sum.


    She also had her own personal silver given by her foster father and birth mother, and the emperor''s frequent rewards included not only silver but also gold leaves and so on.


    She took a part of these and disyed them, deliberately letting Xi Que choose.

 Chapter 127

    Xi Que''s eyes finally lit up with genuine excitement.


    With such a generous mistress, how could she not swear undying loyalty?


    She tentatively took two gold leaves, then looked up at Jiang Xinyue. Seeing no displeasure, she took another.


    Jiang Xinyue didn''t even raise her head, ncing at her from the corner of her eye: "Take more. This reward from me is a one-time offer. Don''t let greed get the better of you and regret not taking enoughter."


    Xi Que''s little face reddened: "My Lady, my brother is about to get engaged."


    She was exining that it wasn''t out of greed, but because she wanted to save more for her brother''s dowry.


    Jiang Xinyue directly pushed all the silver from the jewelry to Xi Que: "Take it. Consider it my wedding gift to your brother."


    "My Lady... My Lady... The Dowager Empress ising..."


    "Get out of my way, all of you!"


    The "Four Guardians" guarding Hexi Pce were all inside the room, and the other pce servants couldn''t stop the imposing and ill-intentioned Dowager Empress.


    Consort Shu was about to be forced to drink poison, which Jiang Xinyue didn''t know yet, but the Dowager Empress had already med Jiang Xinyue for Consort Shu''s predicament.


    As the Dowager Empress entered the inner chamber, before she could even unleash her anger, she saw treasures strewn all over the floor, with several eunuchs and maids clutching various items. The mes of her fury zed even higher.


    Had Jiang Xinyue caused such harm to Consort Shu, only for the Emperor to think she was the one wronged?


    To think he would send so many gifts to appease her.


    "This concubine pays her respects to the Dowager Empress."


    "We servants pay our respects to the Dowager Empress."


    "Concubine Zhen is still as charming as ever. The Emperor has protected you well, hasn''t he?"


    Jiang Xinyue heard the seething hatred in these words.


    Of course, the Dowager Empress was the champion of the previous pce intriguepetition. Even though years of pampered living had dulled her sense of crisis, allowing Jiang Xinyue to outmaneuver her repeatedly, she still retained at least basic reactive abilities.


    She probably realized she had been tricked not long after punishing Jiang Xinyue with confinement.


    But by then, the Emperor had already taken Jiang Xinyue under his protection, and she, as the dignified Dowager Empress, couldn''t lower herself to rush to Hexi Pce to cause trouble like some shrew.


    The pent-up anger reached its peak when the Emperor ordered Consort Shu to drink poison.


    If she didn''t release it now, the Dowager Empress felt she might fall ill from holding it in.


    "I don''t understand what the Dowager Empress means, but Dowager Empress, I''m already over five months pregnant. Do you intend to keep me kneeling while we talk?"


    "What? You think you''re above others now that you''re carrying a royal heir? You dare refuse to kneel when Imand it? Don''t forget, Concubine Zhen, the Emperor himself came from my womb."


    Jiang Xinyue let out a coldugh, raising her hand. Xi Que immediately stood up and supported her mistress''s hand.


    Following suit, Shuang Jiang shifted on her knees, kneeling to support Jiang Xinyue''s other hand.


    As she stood up with their support, her height, slightly taller than the Dowager Empress, brought an overwhelming aura of intimidation.


    "How dare you!"


    Granny Gui, having forgotten the pain of her previous lesson, stepped forward to block the smirking Jiang Xinyue, angrily rebuking: "The Dowager Empress hasn''t given permission to rise, you..."


    "Ah¡ª"


    As Jiang Xinyue stood up, her face suddenly contorted in pain, and she hunched over, clutching her belly.


    Granny Gui was startled, the memory of being kicked against the wall by the Emperor and coughing blood seemingly about to repeat itself. She quickly retreated behind the Dowager Empress: "You... what trick are you ying now? Dowager Empress... Dowager Empress, please be my witness, I didn''t touch her at all!"


    Look at that...


    Jiang Xinyue''s antics had given her post-traumatic stress, yet she still insisted on being the first to act, waiting for Jiang Xinyue to target her.


    Her cowardly appearance made Jiang Xinyue snicker: "Oh my! For some reason, seeing Granny Gui''s useless behavior has made my stomach feel better. Xi Que..."


    "I''m here, My Lady."


    "The Dowager Empress is our guest. Go brew a cup of the finest Jiuyun Mountain Da Hong Pao tea."


    As she spoke, she had already seated herself in a chair, then looked at the Dowager Empress in surprise: "Dowager Empress, why aren''t you sitting? If you won''t sit, I must, after all, I''m carrying your grandchild!"


    "Shut your mouth!"


    The Dowager Empress grabbed a eunuch''s hand and strode quickly to Jiang Xinyue, raising her hand to p her again.


    "Smack!"


    That well-maintained female hand was firmly caught by Jiang Xinyue. She gripped it so tightly that the Dowager Empress''s wrist, trapped in her palm, turned bright red.


    Jiang Xinyue flung the Dowager Empress''s hand away, stood up, and shoved her hard. The onlookers, caught off guard, watched in shock as the Dowager Empress fell backward onto the ground.


    Nanny Li, due to her past rtionship with the Dowager Empress as her servant, feared that her presence would make the Dowager Empress treat Concubine Zhen even worse, so she had hidden in her own room.


    But Nanny Xiang was there!


    She was greatly rmed, and in her shock, she instinctively ran forward to prevent the Dowager Empress''s eunuchs from touching Concubine Zhen... or more precisely, Concubine Zhen''s belly.


    "You... you... you insolent creature!"


    The Dowager Empress was even more shocked than Nanny Xiang. She... had been struck by... a mere... a mere concubine?


    She was the Dowager Empress! The Emperor''s birth mother!


    Even the Emperor had never dared to hit her, how dare Jiang Xinyue? How could she possibly dare?


    This was outrageous!


    Absolutely outrageous!


    "Guards!"


    The Dowager Empress roared: "Seize Concubine Zhen for me! I''ll teach her the pce rules myself!"


    The servants of Hexi Pce all stepped forward to protect Jiang Xinyue, while the Dowager Empress''s people hesitated, afraid to act.


    The Dowager Empress suddenly realized that her authority in the pce was now inferior to that of a mere concubine. Enraged, she stood up and violently overturned the nearby table: "You all refuse to obey my orders now, is that it?"


    The eunuchs from Kunning Pce stirred restlessly.


    "I''d like to see who dares!"


    Jiang Xinyue''s beautiful almond eyes were filled with cold ferocity. Whichever eunuch her gaze fell upon immediately lowered their head, not daring to meet her eyes.


    "Hmph!"


    She let out a coldugh, looking mockingly at the Dowager Empress: "Dowager Empress, this is no longer the harem of thete Emperor. It''s not a ce for you to throw your weight around. If you want to hit me, you need a legitimate reason. Running to my quarters to throw a tantrum for no reason... well, I''m not one to be pushed around either."


    She wasn''t a pushover, and the Dowager Empress had known this for a while. But knowing was one thing, epting it was another. She still couldn''t resign herself to it.


    Moreover, she believed that no matter how outrageous she behaved, Concubine Zhen wouldn''t dare to do anything to her.


    Every time she caused trouble for her, didn''t she just y the victim in front of the Emperor to gain his sympathy?


    This time, she had controlled the people in Hexi Pce to prevent them from running to inform the Emperor.


    She thought that without the Emperor, Jiang Xinyue would be nothing more than a helpless white lotus,pletely powerless.


    "If the Dowager Empress has no other business, please leave. You''re not wee in my Hexi Pce."

 Chapter 128

    The Dowager Empress took a deep breath, pushed Nanny Xiang aside, and grabbed Jiang Xinyue''s hand, intending to throw her to the ground.


    Ha!


    This olddy still wanted to argue with her!


    Jiang Xinyue''s temper red up instantly.


    The Dowager Empress, pampered and privileged all her life, couldn''t match Jiang Xinyue''s strength even if there were three of her.


    She tried to grab Jiang Xinyue''s hand and kick her stomach, but Jiang Xinyue caught her foot, forcing her into a standing split.


    "Ahhh!"


    The Dowager Empress cried out in tearing pain, reluctantly releasing Jiang Xinyue''s hand to push her away. "You insolent ve, for your actions today, I will have the Emperor sentence you to death!"


    "Crack!"


    The sound of bones cracking echoed as Jiang Xinyue gritted her teeth and applied more force. "Go ahead then, let''s see who the Emperor believes, you or me?"


    "Your Highness! Your Highness! The Emperor ising this way!"


    The Dowager Empress thought that by blocking the people of Hexi Pce, no one would inform the Emperor. But she forgot that the guards at the entrance of Hexi Pce were the Emperor''s men. They had long been ordered to seek him immediately if Concubine Zhen was in danger.


    "Bang!"


    "Crash!"


    "p!"


    The sounds of falling objects and ps came from Concubine Zhen''s chambers. The Xuanwu Emperor, anxiety-ridden, went from walking fast to running, leaving Wang Dequan and the others far behind.


    "Concubine Zhen, you vile woman, you dare to..."


    "Boom!"


    Just as Jiang Xinyue had let her hair down and found afortable position to lie on the floor, the door was violently kicked open.


    The scene that greeted them was one of chaos. Concubine Zhen''s chambers looked as if they had been ransacked. Tables, chairs, and shattered vasesy scattered about haphazardly.


    Xi Que and Shuang Jiang held the fallen Concubine Zhen, the three of them huddled together, crying in fear. "Dowager Empress, please spare ourdy! It was us... it was us who told Guard Jin to elope with Consort Shu. If you want to beat or kill someone, take it out on us. Ourdy is carrying the Emperor''s child! Please, no more beating, please!"


    Xi Que, having spent time with Jiang Xinyue, had witnessed her acting skills and was now improvising along.


    Shuang Jiang protected Jiang Xinyue''s belly. "No... it was me... I had an affair with Jin Wuyong. It was I who asked him to frame Consort Shu. Dowager Empress... if you want to sentence anyone to death, let it be me! It has nothing to do with ourdy!"


    The name "Jin Wuyong" was a clever touch.


    Calling the guard''s name wrong because of unfamiliarity ¨C if they truly had an affair, how could she possibly get her lover''s name wrong?


    "What is the Dowager Empress doing? Unsatisfied with my handling of Consort Shu, you''vee here to force a false confession from my beloved concubine?" The Emperor didn''t even address her as mother, showing how angry he was.


    The Dowager Empress felt dizzy, her vision blurring. She spoke weakly, "I... how dare I beat her? She threw herself on the ground, and now I''m med for it. She... she''s perfectly fine! Emperor, it was she who hit me, she hit me!"


    It was rare to see the Dowager Empress so hysterical and losing herposure.


    The Xuanwu Emperor frowned, looking at Jiang Xinyue on the ground. He quickly walked over and, with the help of Xi Que and Shuang Jiang, helped her up.


    "This..."


    Earlier, with her head lowered, the Emperor couldn''t see clearly. But now as she raised her head, he saw a bloody scratch on her neck and face, her hair in disarray, and a handprint on her cheek.


    "Is this what you mean, Mother, when you say Concubine Zhen hit you?" The Emperor''s eyes widened as he pointed at Jiang Xinyue''s neck. "Or is the Dowager Empress going to lie tantly and say Concubine Zhen injured herself? She''s carrying my child, and yet youy such a vicious hand on her. Have I been too lenient with you, Mother, that you think you can beat and kill my women as you please?"


    The Dowager Empress was so angry that tears streamed down her face. Just as Concubine Zhen had said, even if she imed Concubine Zhen had done this to herself, would the Emperor believe her?


    Between a Dowager Empress with a history of violence and a pregnant, seemingly innocent beloved concubine, of course the Emperor would believe Jiang Xinyue.


    He was both heartbroken and furious. "Mother, didn''t you always talk about the beautiful scenery in Jiangnan? Tomorrow, I''ll arrange for people to escort you to the Jiangnan pce. You can return after Concubine Zhen gives birth to the child."


    "You''re driving me out of the pce?" The Dowager Empress looked at the Xuanwu Emperor in disbelief. "You like this lying woman so much? Enough to drive your own mother out of the pce?"


    "I''m already being very merciful," the Emperor red at her angrily. "Mother, do you dare swear to heaven that you didn''te here today to make Concubine Zhen miscarry? Mother, swear on Wu Chengyi''s life."


    Jiang Xinyue thought: Truly, the Emperor knows how to twist the knife.


    Wu Chengyi was the only male heir of the Wu family. The Dowager Empress''s greatest wish in life was for Wu Chengyi to return from exile, continue the Wu family bloodline, and bring glory to their ancestors.


    And that kick of hers earlier was aimed straight at Jiang Xinyue''s belly. If not to cause a miscarriage, then for what?


    The Dowager Empress had realized that no scheme or plot worked against Jiang Xinyue. She was always so lucky, escaping every time.


    Since subtle methods didn''t work, she decided to be direct.


    Even if she kicked Jiang Xinyue so hard it caused a miscarriage, what could the Emperor do to her?


    She was the Dowager Empress of the Great Yan Dynasty. The concept of filial piety alone could crush the Xuanwu Emperor.


    Now, the Emperor had also found her weakness, making her swear an oath.


    She darkened her face, not understanding why the Emperor, as her own son, didn''t understand her at all and instead pushed her to this point for the sake of a concubine.


    "It seems Mother doesn''t dare to swear," the Emperor said, flicking his sleeve. "Tang Shiliang, escort the Dowager Empress back to Kunning Pce. Go to the Internal Affairs Department and assign some efficient servants to help the Dowager pack her belongings. Early tomorrow morning, I will arrange for guards to escort her from Kunning Pce."


    He left no room for the Dowager Empress to object.


    "Wait!" Jiang Xinyue called out to the Dowager Empress, who was being supported by pce maids. She walked out from behind the Emperor and picked up the Dowager Empress''s arm guard that had fallen to the ground. "This fell off when the Dowager Empress was hitting me earlier. It looks quite valuable, don''t forget to take it back with you."


    The peacock green, jewel-encrusted arm guard indeed belonged to the Dowager Empress. Jiang Xinyue had pulled it off her fingers earlier when she grabbed her foot.


    The Dowager Empress''s gaze fell on Jiang Xinyue''s clean, round, and fair fingers. Her pupils contracted violently, leaving her speechless.


    Concubine Zhen, she was too meticulous. No wonder Consort Shu couldn''tpete with her.


    No, it should be said that anyone in this harem who could outmaneuver Concubine Zhen probably hadn''t been born yet.


    The Emperor must have seen the arm guard on the ground and that''s why he was certain Concubine Zhen had been beaten by her!


    After all, Concubine Zhen wasn''t wearing an arm guard, so how could she have injured herself?

 Chapter 129

    Imperial Physician Yan carefully dabbed the blood droplets on Jiang Xinyue''s neck and face with medicine. The Emperor''s worried gaze intensified his pressure.


    "Ouch¡ª"


    "Do you even know how to apply medicine? Give it to me, let me do it."


    As soon as Jiang Xinyue let out a small sound of pain, the Xuanwu Emperor snatched the medicine away. Imperial Physician Yan visibly rxed.


    "Imperial Physician Yan, it won''t leave a scar, will it?"


    The Xuanwu Emperor asked, and Imperial Physician Yan nced at Jiang Xinyue before replying, "The facial injury is superficial. I''ll prescribe a scar-removing ointment for the Concubine. It should heal in less than ten days. However..."


    "However, what?"


    "The cut on the Concubine''s neck is deeper, and there seems to be some unpleasant substance on the Empress Dowager''s armor. If not properly cared for, I''m afraid it might leave a mark."


    Upon hearing this, the Xuanwu Emperor grew even angrier. The Empress Dowager had be so brazen as to openly poison his most beloved concubine.


    She still treated him like a three-year-old child, trying to destroy everything he loved.


    His face turned frighteningly dark, his naturally imposing eyes seeming to contain a vortex, slowly umting energy. It was as if a tornado wasing, ready to uproot and shred certain things to pieces.


    Jiang Xinyue looked very worried, covering her neck. "Imperial Physician Yan, will this affect the child in my womb?"


    The Emperor was also extremely anxious, fearing it might impact the fetus in Concubine Zhen''s womb. But Concubine Zhen herself was equally concerned, not even minding the possibility of scarring, eagerly awaiting Imperial Physician Yan''s answer.


    "Rest assured, Concubine. The imperial child in your womb is very healthy. You dodged quickly earlier, so not much of that substance came into contact. I''ve already cleaned it thoroughly for you, Concubine. However, the wound will indeed be difficult to heal. In my opinion, only scar-removing gel can prevent leaving a mark."


    The scar-removing gel was a miraculous medicine made by a pce maid who was skilled in making fragrances, but that maid had passed away several years ago without passing on her skills. The Xuanwu Emperor only remembered that Consort Liang''s pce might still have a bottle.


    That was also something Consort Liang had kept, reluctant to use.


    The Xuanwu Emperor immediately ordered, "Wang Dequan, go to Consort Liang''s pce and borrow the scar-removing gel. Say that I need to use it."


    If he said it was for Concubine Zhen, Consort Liang would certainly be unwilling. Even if she agreed, he feared she might do something harmful. The Xuanwu Emperor didn''t want to take that risk.


    His current consideration for Concubine Zhen undoubtedly had an element of making amends for the past.


    Jiang Xinyue had a firm grasp on his psychology. She maintained a stern face, showing no signs of happiness or gratitude for his thoughtfulness.


    The Xuanwu Emperor swallowed nervously, "What''s wrong, my love? Is it very painful?"


    As he spoke, he reached out to touch Jiang Xinyue''s wound.


    "p!"


    His arm was forcefully pushed away. It didn''t hurt much, but the one who struck him was his "beloved" Concubine Zhen.


    He frowned and looked at Jiang Xinyue''s face, only to see her expression cold, her eyes filled with hatred and anger as she red at him: "Your Majesty is so clever and busy with state affairs, knowing I was being schemed against and making advance preparations, yet keeping mepletely in the dark, letting everyone in the pce watch my downfall andugh at me for being... being..."


    She was so angry that she choked up,rge tears rolling down her cheeks. "Since I am so insignificant in Your Majesty''s heart, why bother putting on this affectionate act in front of me, fooling me into giving you my whole heart? Your Majesty''s acting is too good, you''vepletely deceived me. My situation today is all my own fault, I brought this upon myself. Please leave, Your Majesty! I''m tired."


    Her attitude seemed to say that she was tired, couldn''t love anymore, and didn''t want to see him ever again from now on.


    "It''s not like that..."


    The Xuanwu Emperor wanted to say that he had made foolproof arrangements and would never let anything happen to her.


    But Jiang Xinyue had already turned her head away, refusing to look at him again. Her tone gradually grew cold: "I don''t want to hear Your Majesty''s exnations. I only have one question for Your Majesty. In the past, when Your Majesty favored Consort Shu, could you have borne to see her pushed down onto a bed by another man? To be frightened to the point of nearly miscarrying, and then be beaten by the Empress Dowager?"


    If it were the former moonlight in Your Majesty''s heart, Consort Shu, could Your Majesty bear to let her suffer even the slightest grievance?


    If someone had treated Consort Shu the way they treated Concubine Zhen, what would their fate have been?


    "Consort Shu of the past, Concubine Li of the past, Your Majesty has favored them all. Your Majesty''s favor changes with the wind, but I am different. Your Majesty is the first man I have ever loved. I bet my entire life''s happiness on Your Majesty, yet Your Majesty disappoints me time and time again. If this is how it is, Your Majesty should go find another beloved. From now on, I will no longer hope for an emperor''s love."


    Her silhouette appeared so resolute, causing a dull ache in the Xuanwu Emperor''s chest.


    That vague, knife-like sensation also reddened his eyes.


    In an instant, his guilt reached its peak. He clenched his fists behind his back, wanting to step forward but fearing to upset her. He gritted his teeth, restraining himself: "Has someone been gossiping in your ear?"


    That person must truly have malicious intentions. Knowing that Concubine Zhen had just experienced such an ordeal and was in a sensitive state of mind, yet still saying such hurtful words to her, trying to drive a wedge between her and himself. They truly deserved death!


    "Is that not exactly what Your Majesty did?"


    Concubine Zhen suddenly broke down emotionally, shouting at the Emperor: "Didn''t Your Majesty wait outside, onlying in to catch Jin Wuyong in the act after I cried out? What was Your Majesty thinking at that time? Did it not matter whether I and the child in my womb lived or died? Did you absolutely have to make Consort Shu pay for betraying your son? Was the price to be me and the child in my womb bing sacrificialmbs? Your Majesty, you are too frightening. Today I finally understand why everyone says emperors are heartless. I''ve seen it for myself, and I don''t want to fall in any deeper. Can''t you just let me be?"


    Her words also infuriated the Xuanwu Emperor. He believed that among the women in his harem, only Consort Shu in the past had captured his attention as much as Concubine Zhen.


    But Consort Shu had long since changed, and his heart now stoodpletely on Concubine Zhen''s side. Yet she still said he was heartless, that his love changed with the wind. Even knowing it was just angry words spoken without thinking, the Xuanwu Emperor was still displeased.


    Never before had any concubine dared to be so bold as to say such treasonous words to his face.


    Not just concubines, even if a high official felt slighted, they could only find fault with themselves. Who would dare me the Emperor for not valuing them?


    "You''re in a bad mood today. I won''t hold it against you. I''lle see you againter."


    "This concubine doesn''t need Your Majesty toe see her. Xi Que, after escorting the Emperor out, close the pce gates. Before this concubine gives birth, Hexi Pce is sealed. No one is allowed to enter."


    All the pce servants were struck dumb by the sudden conflict between Concubine Zhen and the Emperor. Only Xi Que, that brave soul, still dared to respond. She walked up to the Emperor with her head bowed and extended a hand towards the door: "Your Majesty, please."


    Even Jiang Chuan sucked in a cold breath, secretly praising her: Brave woman, you have my respect.


    No wonder the Concubine treated Xi Que so well. She truly risked her life for the Concubine''s sake.

 Chapter 130

    "Your Majesty... please?"


    The Xuanwu Emperor was seething with anger. His tightly clenched jaw tensed and rxed repeatedly, his entire face flushed red with rage. Yet he restrained himself from kicking Xi Que out.


    He knew how much Concubine Zhen loved this maid and didn''t want to further inme their rtionship at this moment.


    "Hmph!"


    With a muffled grunt, the Xuanwu Emperor''s figure had already exited Hexi Pce. The pce servants outside could hear Concubine Zhen''s voice cursing the emperor. Now seeing the emperor emerge with a stern face, brimming with fury, they all knelt to the ground.


    Before the emperor could even utter harsh words to warn that bold maid who was just like her mistress, the doors of Hexi Pce mmed shut with a loud "bang".


    Wang Dequan had just obtained scar-removing gel from Noble Consort Liang''s pce and was rushing back. He arrived just in time to witness the emperor being driven out of Hexi Pce.


    The serving pce staff used terrified nces to warn him that the emperor was likely in a foul mood and must not be provoked.


    Wang Dequan hesitated for a moment, but still approached with light steps, presenting the scar-removing gel with both hands: "Your Majesty, this scar-removing gel..."


    The Xuanwu Emperor turned back, intending to knock on the door, but considering how Jiang Xinyue had shown him such disrespect in front of so many pce servants, he withdrew his hand. Looking at the bottle of scar-removing gel, he found it increasingly displeasing.


    He grasped the cold bottle, making a motion as if to throw it.


    "Ah, Your Maj-"


    Wang Dequan cried out half a sentence in fright, swallowing the other half.


    This mustn''t happen!


    Noble Consort Liang had only provided this scar-removing gel because she thought the emperor was injured. How wasteful it would be to squander it like this!


    The fingers gripping the bottle had turned white. The Xuanwu Emperor cast an inscrutable nce at Hexi Pce, his violently heaving chest gradually calming. His bloodshot eyes closed tightly, then opened again.


    In the end, only a small round-bellied, wide-mouthed cyan porcin bottle remained on the steps of Hexi Pce''s entrance. The emperor''s procession had already departed.


    "Is he gone? Is he gone?"


    Xi Que leaned weakly against the door, while Jiang Chuan and Xiao Xuanzi supported her as they peeked outside. "It seems he''s left."


    "Good that he''s gone, good that he''s gone..."


    Xi Que patted her chest as she opened the door a crack, swiftly retrieved the bottle of scar-removing gel, then had Xiao Xuanzi and Jiang Chuan quickly close the door. Only then did she heave a long sigh of relief. "That scared me to death. The emperor''s gaze was so frightening. I didn''t dare look up at him the whole time. Did the emperor want to kick me to death?"


    Xi Que was the kind of person who would sharpen knives against the emperor if her mistress dared to hand her one.


    "Xi Que, you were so brave just now. I admire you."


    "Yes! Before we could even react, you had already gone over to ask the emperor to leave."


    That wasn''t asking the emperor to leave, it was clearly telling him to get lost.


    And the swiftness with which she closed the door ¨C she might as well have written "Get lost quick" on her face.


    Jiang Chuan pondered honestly that he didn''t have such courage.


    Xi Queughed awkwardly, "You''re too kind..."


    Heaven knows, she hadn''t meant it that way. She was just afraid the emperor would vent his anger on her. If he suddenlyshed out with a dragon''s tail and sent her flying, she didn''t want to end up coughing blood like Nanny Gui. So she quickly closed the door.


    This way, he couldn''t kick her, right?


    Inside the bedchamber, Nanny Li was still patiently advising Jiang Xinyue: "Mydy, please don''t me this old servant for speaking out of turn. In this entire pce, the emperor treats you the best. He is the Son of Heaven, the ruler of thisnd. To demand that he be devoted to you alone is asking too much."


    Even if the emperor himself were willing, the civil and military officials wouldn''t allow it.


    If it truly came to that, the emperor might be forced to personally execute Concubine Zhen.


    "When did I ever demand that he be devoted to me alone?" Jiang Xinyue wiped her continuously falling tears. "From the day I entered the pce, I knew that for the rest of my life, I would have to share one husband with a group of women. But... but I never intended to give my true heart. It was the emperor who was too good to... to me, that''s why I... I..."


    She cried, her voice choked with sobs. "Nanny, you''re a woman too. Do you think if a man truly loves you, he could still have room in his heart for other women? Would he constantly put you in dangerous situations? When you encounter danger, could a man who truly loves you still weigh the pros and cons? Does he really love you?"


    Hearing it put this way, the emperor did sound quite despicable.


    Nanny Li sighed, "Mydy, for women who have entered the pce, true feelings are what they can least afford to entertain. It''s enough that the emperor favors you. Which woman in the pce has survived on true feelings? They all rely on imperial favor."


    Those who count on true feelings don''tst more than a few years; they end up breaking their own hearts.


    There is only one emperor, but so many consorts and concubines in the harem. Each wants the emperor''s true heart ¨C how can that one heart be divided among so many?


    Concubine Zhen wanted the emperor''s entire heart, unwilling to share even a bit with anyone else!


    It was too greedy, too unrealistic.


    "If I were relying on favor, why would I give my true heart?" Jiang Xinyue sniffled and sighed. "Perhaps I really am too greedy. At first, I thought just being by his side like this was good enough. Later, when he treated me well, I thought he must have some affection for me. Then when he showered me with favor, I wondered if I could ask for even more. He let me fall deeper and deeper, then shattered all my expectations. Nanny Li, I can''t ept it. I thought there was love between us! Isn''t love... supposed to be given to only one person?"


    If everyone could love, what kind of love would that be?


    Love that can be easily promised to anyone is too cheap.


    The Xuanwu Emperor sat in the imperial study, preparing to review memorials as usual. But the emperor, who normally dealt with state affairs very quickly, had been sitting with the same memorial for nearly half an hour today, not even changing his posture. He seemed frozen in ce.


    His brows were tightly furrowed, his mind constantly echoing Jiang Xinyue''s words scolding him... though it wasn''t really scolding... "usation" would be a more precise description.


    "Wang Dequan, what kind of person do you think I am?"


    "This..."


    Wang Dequan knew what he wanted to ask, but answered evasively, "This servant dares not speak of other matters, but Your Majesty is certainly a diligent and benevolent ruler who loves his people. It is the people''s good fortune to have such a monarch as yourself."


    "I want you to speak of other matters. For instance, as a husband to women, am I a good one?"


    Wang Dequan thought to himself: I already said I dare not speak of other matters, why are you still making me say it? Isn''t this bullying?


    He chuckled awkwardly, "This servant''s body is iplete and cannot be a woman''s husband. Nor have I seen how other men treat their wives. I''ve only seen Your Majesty, so this..."


    Without a basis forparison!


    No matter how he tried to exin, he couldn''t get to the point. The Xuanwu Emperor waved his hand dismissively. "Go. Standing here irritates me. I can''t even focus on the memorials."


    Wang Dequan felt utterly wronged!


    Surely the emperor couldn''t concentrate on the memorials because of Concubine Zhen!


    What did it have to do with him?

 Chapter 131

    Yikun Pce¡ª


    Consort Liang''sughter was as hearty as ever, audible from a great distance.


    "Does she really think she''s a fairy from heaven? How dare she yell at the Emperor? Now look what''s happened - the Emperor has locked the gates of Hexi Pce. She''s truly fallen out of favor this time, hasn''t she? It''s a pity my people couldn''t get close to her chambers. I couldn''t hear clearly how she and the Emperor started arguing."


    "It must have been about the Empress Dowager or Consort Su," Consort De pondered. "The Empress Dowager went there once and caused a big scene in Hexi Pce, even injuring Concubine Zhen. But the Emperor only sent the Empress Dowager to live in the pce in Jiangnan. Concubine Zhen is pregnant, so it''s normal for her to be more temperamental than usual."


    Empress Zhu sighed and shook her head. "But she went too far. Does she think she''s the former Noble Consort Li? Even Noble Consort Li didn''t dare to be so presumptuous. What a shame. I thought she might be promoted to Consort after the New Year."


    Consort Liang rolled her eyes. "It''s better that she''s lost favor. Did you see how coquettish she became after gaining the Emperor''s favor? She even dared to talk back to me. When she was just a Lady before, how could she have behaved like that?"


    Consort De nced at Consort Liang. In the past... who could bring up the past?


    When Consort Liang first entered the pce, she was just a lowly serving girl. At that time, Noble Consort Li was already the most favored in the harem. Back then, Noble Consort Li deliberately punished her by making her kneel under the scorching sun bncing water, and she had no choice but toply.


    Later, when she became Consort Liang, she dared to challenge Noble Consort Li. Every time they paid respects in the Empress''s pce, you could hear Consort Liang''s sarcastic remarks toward Noble Consort Li.


    By that time, Noble Consort Li had already be Noble Imperial Consort Li!


    Consort Liang, relying on the Empress''s support, wasn''t she also quite arrogant?


    It''s clear that when people''s status changes, their behavior and actions change as well.


    Who, after gaining favor and higher rank, would still be willing to be bullied? They''re not made of mud - how could they have no temper at all?


    Though thinking this, she didn''t say it out loud. After all, they were on the same side, and Jiang Xinyue, who had joined halfway, didn''t really count.


    The news that Concubine Zhen, who had long enjoyed the Emperor''s favor, suddenly courted disaster by arguing with the Emperor and driving him out of Hexi Pce just because the Empress Dowager had given her trouble, shocked everyone.


    Everyone was saying that Concubine Zhen hadpletely lost favor this time, that she was finished, and that their chance hade again.


    In the dark night, the flickering candlelight cast the silhouette of a graceful figure on the window, its alluring shape enough to captivate one''s soul and haunt one''s dreams.


    Minister Pei of the Privy Council, his hair already showing signs of gray, sighed and looked at the beautiful young girl with aplicated expression. "Wu, don''t me your grandfather. Your cousin is having a very difficult time in the pce. Back then, the Pei family didn''t say a word for the Song family to avoid being implicated. Your cousin is bitter about it. The Emperor... he''s a man of deep schemes. He''s managed to deceive both your grandfather and Prime Minister Song all these years. If there isn''t a favored consort in the pce, I''m afraid the Pei family might follow in the Song family''s footsteps. Your grandfather is sending you into the pce, firstly to help your cousin, and secondly to win the Emperor''s favor. Wu, are you willing to enter the pce?"


    The young girl knelt down with reddened eyes, her delicate hands clenched tightly on the ground, her forehead pressed hard against the floor. "Grandfather... Wu... is unwilling."


    Those square pce walls don''t just confine one woman, but thousands upon thousands of women. It''s not just one woman''s conscience that''s lost, but the extinction of thousands upon thousands of consciences.


    Once in the pce, who doesn''t fight andpete?


    Those who don''t fight andpete are only left to be bullied, trampled upon, and used as pawns to be killed.


    Pei Wu had been well-educated from a young age, learning to discern right from wrong, to be cultured and reasonable, to have a clear mind - not to enter the pce and use her knowledge for pce intrigues and scheming against others.


    Moreover... she already had someone in her heart.


    Minister Pei''s face darkened. Lady Pei, thinking of her own daughter suffering in the pce while Pei Wu was unwilling to enter and help her, let out a coldugh. "You''ve enjoyed the Pei family''s wealth and status for fifteen years, so you have the responsibility to bear the family''s prosperity. Do you think my Ni''er was willing to enter the pce back then? Born into a family like ours, you''ve reaped the benefits, so when the family needs you, you must step up."


    She narrowed her eyes as she looked at Pei Wu. "And don''t think about the Crown Prince of the Ruyang Prince''s Residence anymore. The Princess doesn''t like you, she thinks you have too much personality and will be hard to control in the future. She''s already found your younger sister as a match for the Crown Prince. They''ve already matched their birth charts, it''s a match made in heaven."


    Pei Wu was only shocked for a moment before she quickly understood.


    If the family wanted her to enter the pce, they couldn''t wait for the pce selection a yearter. Entering through the selection would give her too low a status. Her grandfather must be seeking an extraordinary method to arrange a meeting between her and the Emperor.


    The Princess''s dislike for her wasn''t new, but she and the Crown Prince had grown up together and had a very good rtionship. The Princess had never found an excuse to separate them.


    Now, upon learning that the Pei family wanted to send her into the pce, she immediately cut off the connection between her and the Crown Prince.


    She just didn''t know when her younger sister had caught the Princess''s eye.


    Or... was all of this her grandfather''s idea, which was why everyone in the household kept it from her alone?


    "Entering the pce now is the best opportunity," Minister Pei said solemnly. "Concubine Zhen has lost favor, and there is no favored consort in the harem. With your beauty and talent, you can fill this gap. The Emperor will like you."


    Who cares about his liking?


    Pei Wu lowered her head. "Since grandfather has already decided to send Wu into the pce, why bother pretending to ask for Wu''s opinion? You can just inform Wu of your arrangements. Wu will follow whatever grandfather decides."


    She understood that even if she resisted, she would still end up in the pce. Since that was the case, it was better to be sensible and take advantage of her grandfather''s guilt to secure some benefits for herself.


    "Your Highness..." Shuang Jiang looked at the main gate of Hexi Pce. "The Emperor hase again."


    Jiang Xinyue, eating the food prepared by her pce''s small kitchen, didn''t even raise her head. "If he wants to stand in the cold wind, let him! He''s not even that devoted. Why pretend to be a romantic?"


    How is this any different from a college boy holding a guitar and lighting heart-shaped candles under the girls'' dormitory?


    It''s all for show, for others to cheer: "Get together! Get together!"


    If they don''t get together, it''s because the girl is ungrateful. The boy has been so good to you, why won''t you ept him?


    If she forgave the Xuanwu Emperor so easily, he would dare to make the same mistake again in the future.


    She wanted to make him feel ufortable, frustrated, pained...


    She wanted to engrave this lesson deeply into his DNA, so that in the future, whenever she frowned, the Xuanwu Emperor would remember this experience and not dare to anger her again.


    The Emperor was once again shut out of Hexi Pce. This was already the eighth time this month.


    Recently, the maids and eunuchs in Chengqian Pce had been having a hard time. Just look at how Chief Eunuch Wang was given ten strokes with a rod just for serving tea that didn''t suit the Emperor''s taste.

 Chapter 132

    Consort Liang thought that since Jiang Xinyue had fallen out of favor, everyone in the harem would have a chance again. However, not only did they fail to sessfully attend to the Emperor in bed, but they also angered him several times with their inappropriate words, causing a great loss of face.


    Fortunately, she wasn''t the only one who was embarrassed. During this period, Noble Consort Ye, Zhang Wanrong, and even Empress Zhu were all scolded by the Emperor, so she didn''t stand out too much.


    The most unfortunate was a pce maid who entered the pce at the same time as Jiang Xinyue. She had been favored by the Emperor once but was then forgotten, not even receiving a promotion in rank. After identally encountering the Emperor in the Imperial Garden, she only managed to say, "Concubine Zhen is arrogant and willful..."


    Before she could even finish her sentence, she was banished to the Cold Pce by the Emperor.


    No wonder the Emperor forgot about her after favoring her once. She really didn''t know which topics to avoid.


    Did she think that by speaking from the Emperor''s perspective and criticizing Concubine Zhen, she would make herself stand out?


    What a fool!


    No one in the entire pce dared to mention even half a word about Concubine Zhen, yet she thought she was clever enough to seek attention in front of the Emperor.


    Consort Liang finally realized that this wasn''t a case of the Emperor neglecting or punishing Concubine Zhen.


    It was clear that the Emperor had done something to anger Concubine Zhen, and she refused to pay attention to him, closing her pce doors on her own.


    Once she understood this fact, Consort Liang''s resentment grew even stronger. She cried to Empress Zhu, "Thest bottle of scar-removing gel I had, the Emperor borrowed it to give to her. It''s so infuriating! It''s so unfair! Empress, are we just going to watch as the Emperor disregards the entire harem for her sake?"


    The Emperor hadn''t favored any of the harem concubines for a month. He would just asionally stand outside the Hexi Pce gates, and when Concubine Zhen didn''t open the door, he would return to Chengqian Pce, as if showing his loyalty.


    What''s going on?


    Did they, the beautiful concubines, no longer hold any attraction for the Emperor?


    In the end, it was because the Emperor felt that if he favored them at this time, Jiang Xinyue would be even angrier, so he was unwilling... or rather, he didn''t dare.


    Didn''t dare?


    Empress Zhu was startled by her own thought.


    How could the Emperor possibly put the entire harem in an awkward position just because he was afraid of offending one concubine?


    In the past, even when Consort Shu was the one the Emperor protected, or when Concubine Li was the favored one he cherished, it had never been like this.


    She shook her head, "What''s the hurry? We shouldn''t be the most anxious ones. The one in Xihuo Pce is even more anxious than us!"


    Consort Liang''s tears suddenly stopped falling. "Your Majesty, do you mean... Concubine Li?"


    Having figured out the connection, Consort Liang became cheerful again. "That''s right! How could I not have thought of that? Concubine Li has just fallen out of favor, and it was only her feigned strength that made her seem fresh to the Emperor for a few days. She was just one opportunity away from reconciling with the Emperor. But at this crucial moment, Concubine Zhen and the Emperor are having a tiff, upying all of the Emperor''s attention. If this continues for two more months, the Emperor might forget Concubine Li even exists."


    This was the reason why Minister Pei of the Privy Council was in such a hurry to send Pei Wu into the pce.


    "Beauty fades, and favor is lost; leaning against the incense burner, she sits until dawn." This was too cruel for Concubine Li.


    Without the Emperor''s favor, her days had lost all hope.


    Consort De pondered for a moment: "Could she be doing this on purpose? Is she deliberately putting on this act because she doesn''t want Concubine Li to regain favor?"


    This question silenced both Empress Zhu and Consort Liang.


    When Jiang Xinyue first entered the pce, their initial impression of her was that she was just a beautiful but empty vessel, with some scheming ability but not much, and she was often outmaneuvered by others.


    As they spent more time with her, they felt that although she wasn''t very clever, she made up for it with her pure and kind nature, which had its merits.


    Later, as those who tried to scheme against her all met with great misfortune, and even Concubine Li and Consort Shubined were no match for her, they became wary. They realized that she had been ying dumb all along, and she was truly terrifying.


    Now... now they could no longer see through Jiang Xinyue, nor did they know what she was thinking. Why did she make this move?


    It was simple: this was a high-stakes game, and Jiang Xinyue had no intention of letting them y.


    "Your Majesty, it''s time to select a concubine for the night."


    Li Zhong, the head eunuch of the Pce Eunuch Office, nced at the limping Wang Dequan, cold sweat breaking out on his forehead.


    He was also very afraid!


    In the past, thosedies would always send him silver, ttering and fawning over him, just to have their green ques ced in the most conspicuous position where the Emperor was most likely to see them.


    Now thosedies still sent him silver, but it was to have their green ques hidden away, ced where the Emperor couldn''t see them.


    Or they would simply im to be ill, saying they were afraid of passing their sickness to the Emperor, and would wait until they recovered.


    When would this "recovery" be?


    Li Zhong thought it would probably be the day Concubine Zhen reconciled with the Emperor.


    There were only two or three green ques on the tray. The Xuanwu Emperor casually asked about it and learned that the other concubines were either sick, unwell, or having their monthly period ¨C each had their own inconvenience.


    Only Empress Zhu, Concubine Li, and Consort De were avable to serve him.


    Even Noble Consort Ye and Consort Liang said they were having their monthly period and had their green ques removed first.


    These two were the most jealous and petty besides Concubine Li. If even they were unwilling to serve the Emperor, it showed how full ofints the harem had be during this period.


    The Xuanwu Emperor''s hand paused for a moment over Concubine Li''s green que. He suddenly remembered Jiang Xinyue''s usation that his love changed from dawn to dusk, loving Consort Shu one moment and Concubine Li the next...


    His fingers recoiled as if they had touched something scalding hot.


    No!


    He was not someone who was fickle in love or had a wandering heart.


    "You may all withdraw. I will not select anyone tonight."


    Wang Dequan and Li Zhong exchanged a nce, and finally Wang Dequan shook his head. Li Zhong had no choice but to return to the Pce Eunuch Office the same way he hade.


    After everyone had left, the Xuanwu Emperor began to sigh again, feeling that appeasing Concubine Zhen was more difficult than handling state affairs. "Wang Dequan, I''ve already given Concubine Zhen a way out. Why is she still angry with me? Could it be that those dog servants in Hexi Pce didn''t tell her I went there?"


    Wang Dequan still spoke fairly: "That shouldn''t be the case. Didn''t Lady Li say that Concubine Zhen said, ''The reason love is love is that it can only be given to one person. If it''s given to many people, it''s not called love, but promiscuity.'' This servant thinks that Concubine Zhen''s meaning is probably that if Your Majesty loves too many people, and she''s just one of them, she''d rather not have it at all!"


    Concubine Zhen wanted not just abundant favor, but exclusive favor.


    She could ept that the Emperor''s body belonged to many women because he was the Emperor, and this was beyond his control.


    But she couldn''t ept that the Emperor''s heart also contained many women, because this was something the Emperor could control himself. No one could influence a person''s heart.


    Neither the court officials nor the empire could.


    Only the Emperor himself could decide whom he wanted to love, whom he kept in his heart.


    The Xuanwu Emperor remained silent for a while, sorting out his tangled emotions, and finally looked at Wang Dequan with determination: "But there is truly only her in my heart."


    Concubine Li and Consort Shu, those were all things of the past. Everyone has a past.

 Chapter 133

    Wang Dequan had watched the Emperor grow up, and after several decades, there was a genuine bond between them. He couldn''t bear to see the Emperor so troubled every day, so he sighed and said, "Your Majesty only has Concubine Zhen in his heart, but Concubine Zhen doesn''t know it! You need to let her feel your sincerity."


    This statement was already overstepping boundaries; it was truly inappropriate for a eunuch to advise the Emperor on matters of the heart.


    But what else could be done?


    His Emperor had lost his father at a young age, and even if he hadn''t, the previous Emperor wouldn''t have taught him how to love a woman. The Emperor never learned such useless things; he only learned the ways of bncing power and governing the country.


    The previous Emperor knew how to manipte people''s hearts, but how to truly love a woman was something he had never experienced himself. How could he have taught it to the current Emperor?


    After the previous Emperor''s death, the power of the imperial inws grew, and the Empress Dowager was that kind of person. She only taught the Emperor how to retaliate when faced with others'' betrayal, not how to love someone.


    He was the Son of Heaven, the sacred ruler. Everything he wanted was handed to him; there was nothing he couldn''t have.


    It had been this way since he was young, which shaped his current personality. It wasn''t his fault.


    Wang Dequan observed coldly. The Emperor truly liked Concubine Zhen, a fondness he had never shown before for Consort Shu or Concubine Li.


    But the Emperor himself hadn''t realized it, and as a eunuch, Wang Dequan didn''t dare to say much.


    There were still so many other consorts in the pce. If word got out that he had enlightened the Emperor, his life would be forfeit.


    Now it was the Emperor himself who said his heart only had room for Concubine Zhen, so it had nothing to do with him.


    "How can I make her understand?" the Emperor asked.


    Wang Dequan knew exactly what to say: "Your Majesty, you''ve done so much for Concubine Zhen in private. You need to let her know about it!"


    Concubine Zhen only saw that the Emperor always abandoned her on the surface, always weighing pros and cons. She hadn''t seen what the Emperor had done to protect her behind the scenes!


    Of course she would be heartbroken, wouldn''t she?


    Like when Concubine Li fell into the water, and Consort Jiang and the others forced the Emperor to banish Concubine Zhen to the Pce of Exile.


    Concubine Zhen only saw the Emperor protecting Concubine Li, but she didn''t know that in the court, Prime Minister Song and his group of civil officials pressured the Emperor, insisting that he execute Concubine Zhen. They even refused to attend court for three days, trying to force the Emperor toply.


    But the Emperor ignored them and instead ordered the Internal Affairs Department to take good care of Concubine Zhen, fulfilling all her requests, ensuring she wasn''t too hot or cold, and that she nevercked food. That''s why Concubine Zhen could live so well in the Pce of Exile.


    If the Emperor hadn''t banished her to the Pce of Exile at that time, the Song family would have certainly found a way to kill her. This was the Emperor''s way of protecting her.


    But Concubine Zhen knew nothing about all of this.


    There were many other instances when the schemes of the back pce were used against Concubine Zhen, but the Emperor always helped her resolve them after finding out, which was why Concubine Zhen could safely and healthily conceive the imperial child.


    She only knew that her own protective measures were effective, and thought that conceiving the imperial child was the result of her own carefulness.


    In fact, if it weren''t for the Emperor, Concubine Zhen''s imperial child would have been harmed long before she even knew about it.


    Concubine Zhen loved to eat lychees and tribute tangerines. This summer, almost all the tribute tangerines went to Hexi Pce, with the Emperor himself barely eating two.


    The lychees were rushed from the two Guangs by express horsemen, iced at every post station to ensure they were still fresh when they reached the pce.


    The Empress also loved lychees, but this year she only got a small basket. All the rest went into Concubine Zhen''s stomach.


    In previous years, the Emperor never did such wasteful things, but for the one he liked, he broke the rules.


    The Emperor''s missteps were all seen and remembered by Concubine Zhen, while she knew nothing of the things he did right. Wang Dequan truly felt sorry for the Emperor.


    "My Lady, the Emperor has sent Royal Eunuch Wang with ambergris incense from his personal collection. He said he''s worried other incenses might not be suitable for you, so from now on, he''ll allocate some from his own supply for your use."


    Ambergris is a clear and elegant animal fragrance, the noblest among animal fragrances.


    Its scent is as exquisite as musk, with a slight earthy note, somewhat reminiscent of seaweed, wood, and moss. It has a unique sweetness and an extremely longsting base note, forming a veryplex fragrancebination.


    Although not overpowering, it''s subtle and mellow,sting thirty times longer than ordinary fragrances.


    Jiang Xinyue quite liked it.


    She didn''t refuse this gift, but she also didn''t agree to see the Xuanwu Emperor. Instead, she had Little Xuan go out to ept the reward, not even allowing Wang Dequan to enter the main gate. Naturally, he couldn''t see Jiang Xinyue or put in a good word for the Emperor.


    "Concubine Zhen, this is a set of longevity locks that the Emperor had made for the Sixth Prince or the Third Princess. The craftsmanship is exquisite and beautiful. May this servant bring it in for you?"


    "Concubine Zhen, Fusang has sent tribute gifts, including a beautiful Fusang dress. Consort Liang and the others are very fond of it, but the Emperor has instructed this servant to bring it to you."


    ...


    Wang Dequan came to Hexi Pce every few days with rewards from the Emperor. Gold, silver, jewels, and rare treasures flowed like water into Hexi Pce, as if trying to break open that pce gate.


    But while Jiang Xinyue epted the gifts, she resolutely refused to see anyone.


    She had suffered so much for the Emperor since entering the pce; what was wrong with taking somepensation?


    The Pei Family thought Jiang Xinyue had fallen out of favor, and that Pei Wu could take the opportunity to rise. They didn''t expect that the Shen family would produce such a devoted lover this time, and that the Emperor, far from being angry, was carefully coaxing the temperamental concubine in Hexi Pce.


    This waspletely different from what they had anticipated!


    Minister Pei of the Privy Council had nned to invite the Emperor to his sixtieth birthday celebration, arranging for Pei Wu to perform and offer birthday wishes. But the Emperor directly refused, saying that after Prime Minister Song''s death, court affairs were too busy and he couldn''t spare the time.


    This was all just an excuse. After Prime Minister Song was beheaded, Minister Song was also stripped of his official position. Only the small fry of the Song family escaped being purged. All officials of the fifth rank and above met with great misfortune.


    Forget about keeping their vast wealth and power; it was not bad if they could keep their whole family alive.


    But this matter had absolutely no impact on the Emperor.


    The purge of the Song family was something the Emperor had long nned. He had already decided on recements for various high officials.


    As soon as the Song family''s officials fell from power, the Emperor immediately arranged for his own people to take their ces.


    The major affairs of state weren''t dyed at all, so how could he not have time to attend Minister Pei''s sixtieth birthday celebration?


    It was simply because he felt there was no need.


    Pei Wu''s first appearance had been stillborn, but Minister Pei clearly wouldn''t give up so easily. He was still plotting a second initial encounter between the Emperor and Pei Wu.


    The supposedly very busy Xuanwu Emperor summoned the Prince of Ruyang and the Princess of Ruyang, as well as the seventy-year-old former Hanlin Academy schr Old Master Lu and his wife, who had retired to the countryside, to the pce.


    The reason was simple: the Prince of Ruyang and his wife were a loving couple, celebrated by the people of the Great Yan Dynasty as a perfect match.


    Old Master Lu had only one wife in his lifetime. They had grown old together since their youth, always treating each other with respect, never quarreling. After Old Master Lu retired from his official post,mon people getting married loved to invite this elderly couple to be their wedding hosts.


    It was as if receiving their blessings would allow the newlyweds to grow old together just like them.

 Chapter 134

    Yikun Pce¡ª


    "Empress, life has be truly unbearable. Concubine Zhen keeps ying hard to get and tormenting us. Look how she has the Emperor wrapped around her finger. Does he even see the rest of us sisters anymore?"


    "I heard the Emperor hasn''t visited the harem for over a month. If this continues, the harem will be pointless, turning into Concubine Zhen''s personal domain."


    "Other concubines stoping to pay respects to the Empress at Yikun Pce when they get pregnant, but she thinks she''s so special. Is she carrying a golden egg or something?"


    "Isn''t it just that¡ªa golden egg?"


    Consort Liang stroked the golden nail guards on her fingertips, smirking disdainfully: "Didn''t the Emperor just give Concubine Zhen a longevity lock weighing several jin for the baby in her belly? That Concubine Zhen is so shallow. She epted all the gold, silver, and jewels the Emperor sent, but returned only that Fusang kimono."


    She nced meaningfully at Noble Consort Ye: "Look! It''s the one Noble Consort Ye is wearing now. It''s a priceless treasure that money can''t buy, and now Noble Consort Ye gets to benefit from it."


    Noble Consort Ye, who had been smugly thinking she alone possessed something others didn''t, widened her eyes: "Does Consort Liang mean this garment is what Jiang Xinyue rejected, and the Emperor gave it to me instead?"


    Consort Liang covered her mouth with a handkerchief andughed: "What else did you think? Only a fool like you would want someone else''s hand-me-downs. But it does suit you well, after all, you do love imitating Concubine Zhen, don''t you?"


    Noble Consort Ye was so furious she could almost smoke from the top of her head. She lifted the skirt of her kimono and gave a hasty parting bow to the Empress: "Forgive me, Empress, but I have matters to attend to. I shall take my leave now."


    From her demeanor, she was either going to take off the garment or confront Jiang Xinyue at Hexi Pce.


    Consort Liang had finally been clever for once, knowing how to use others to do her dirty work.


    Empress Zhu red at her: "Why did you go and provoke Noble Consort Ye for no reason? With her rash temperament, if anything happens, the Emperor will me you again."


    Consort Liang snorted: "What does it have to do with me? I merely spoke the truth. Whatever Noble Consort Ye does is her own business; I can''t control her actions."


    She was still unterally angry at the Emperor for giving the scar removal gel to Jiang Xinyue.


    As the Prince and Princess of Ruyang left the pce, they were intercepted by the Pei family, who insisted on knowing why the Emperor had summoned them.


    The Princess of Ruyang, who had her eye on Minister Pei of the Privy Council''s second eldest granddaughter as a daughter-inw, naturally sided with the Pei family.


    After pondering for a while, she said: "Perhaps he hasn''t seen my husband in a long time and missed him!"


    Minister Pei of the Privy Council...


    He was truly speechless.


    How could the Emperor be the type of person to summon someone into the pce simply because he missed his uncle?


    The Prince of Ruyang had no ambition and was thete Emperor''s elder brother, making him the Xuanwu Emperor''s great-uncle. As long as he didn''t rebel or cause trouble for the Emperor, the Ruyang Prince''s Residence would never fall, even after several generations.


    This was also why Minister Pei of the Privy Council didn''t object when the Princess of Ruyang changed the candidate for the Crown Princess from Pei Wu to Pei Xiang.


    He needed to leave a lifeline for the Pei family.


    Seeing the Pei family''s apparent confusion, the Prince of Ruyang quickly pulled his wife behind him and exined: "The Emperor''s thoughts are truly hard to fathom. He summoned me and Lord Old Lu into the pce, barely spoke to us, just had a meal with us, then had us stroll around the Imperial Garden for an afternoon before letting us leave. I... I really can''t understand why the Emperor summoned us to the pce."


    After the Pei family members ryed this information to Minister Pei of the Privy Council, he fell into unprecedented confusion.


    Could it be that the Emperor didn''t want to see the Ruyang Prince''s Residence and the Pei family be inws, so he called the Prince and Princess of Ruyang into the pce to give them a warning?


    If that were the case, it was fortunate that the Prince and Princess of Ruyang weren''t very clever and hadn''t understood the Emperor''s intentions.


    Then what was the purpose of summoning Lord Old Lu and his wife to the pce?


    Was he hinting that Minister Pei should resign from his position like Lord Old Lu?


    That was impossible.


    The more he thought about it, the more confused he became. Minister Pei of the Privy Council could only hasten his steps, wanting to send Pei Wu into the pce as soon as possible.


    Having a clever person by the Emperor''s side who could asionally leak some information would save him from having to anxiously guess the Emperor''s thoughts at his advanced age.


    "Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang!"


    The main doors of Hexi Pce were being pounded so hard they shook. Nanny Xiang''s expression was more cautious than before: "My Lady, it''s Noble Consort Ye."


    Ever since witnessing Concubine Zhen daring to strike even the Empress Dowager, and then twisting the truth to "exile" the Empress Dowager to Jiangnan, she felt that Concubine Zhen was truly formidable when provoked.


    This strengthened her resolve to stay in Hexi Pce.


    Nanny Xiang believed her judgment of people was urate, and she was certain that Concubine Zhen was extraordinary and destined for greatness.


    "What is she doing,ing to make a scene at my pce again?"


    Xi Que ran in from outside: "She''s wearing that... that Fusang kimono you said was indecent and attention-seeking, my Lady. The one the Emperor eagerly sent, but you refused to wear and threw out."


    Jiang Xinyue coughed awkwardly a couple of times. Actually, that kimono was very beautiful, not ugly at all. She had only said and done those things to anger the Xuanwu Emperor, out of her personal nationalist sentiments due to the despicable actsmitted by the small ind nation in her previous life.


    She hadn''t expected Noble Consort Ye to end up wearing it.


    The vermilion main doors of the hall continued to shake with loud bangs, apanied by Noble Consort Ye''s curses.


    "She really relies on General Ye''s military achievements, not putting anyone but the Emperor in her eyes."


    Her vulgar insults grew increasingly offensive, even extending to the child in Jiang Xinyue''s womb.


    She mmed her palm on the table: "Xiao Xuanzi, go to thetrine and choose some night soil to ssh on her. I''ll wash out that foul mouth of hers."


    Using night soil to wash a foul mouth¡ªonly their mistress coulde up with such a wicked idea.


    But Xiao Xuanzi was more than happy to carry out this mischievous task.


    Jiang Xinyue wanted to say: It''s all about fighting fire with fire!


    A mouth fouler than excrement should be washed with sewage.


    Several eunuchs, with cloth tied over their noses and wearing cloth gloves, wore pained expressions as they tried to keep their upper bodies as far away from the night soil buckets as possible.


    Xiao Xuanzi pinched his nose and stood far away, whispering: "As soon as the door opens, ssh it on her, then close the door immediately, understand?"


    Don''t give Noble Consort Ye time to react and rush in, or it would stink up their mistress''s quarters.


    The pce maids all hid far away. In Hexi Pce, such dirty work was always the duty of the young eunuchs.


    "Jiang Xinyue, who do you think you are? Giving me something you didn''t want, how dare you! I advise you not to do such disgusting things. Do some good deeds for the sake of the child in your belly. Be careful, or it might be born without an a¡ª"


    "Ssh!"


    "Pfffft!"


    "Ssh!"


    Before she could finish her curse, three buckets of sewage came in quick session from the opened pce doors.


    "Ahhhhh!"


    "Ugh... ugh..."


    The pce maids beside her couldn''t escape either. They ran away screaming, retching violently to the side.

 Chapter 135

    What about Noble Consort Ye?


    She was drenched from head to toe in sewage, as if a martial arts master had struck her acupuncture points, freezing her at the entrance of Hexi Pce, even her breathing stopped.


    Xiao Xuanzi quickly waved his hand, and the young eunuchs behind him swiftly retreated, mming the main door shut with a "bang."


    "Hurry and go take a bath and change clothes, it stinks so badly. In a while, our pce will be uninhabitable."


    The young eunuchs scurried to their quarters, fearing that if they were too slow, the stench would permeate them, and they wouldn''t be able to serve their mistresses anymore. Even if they washed thoroughly, Xi Que and Shuang Jiang wouldn''t allow them near their mistress for a short while.


    "Ahhhhhhh... ugh... ugh... ahhhhhhh..."


    Piercing screams shook the heavens, and that "fragrance wafting for miles" scent made the Xuanwu Emperor, who had originally heard that Noble Consort Ye hade to Hexi Pce to cause trouble and thought he finally had a chance to show off, quickly turn around and run towards Chengqian Pce.


    He couldn''t let Noble Consort Ye see him, otherwise, she''d grab him to uphold justice, and he''d rather lose his hand than deal with that.


    Wang Dequan followed closely behind the Emperor, both rushing back to the pce at lightning speed, quickly ordering the eunuchs to close the pce gates.


    This ce was too close to Hexi Pce. What if that unreasonable Noble Consort Ye came here looking for the Emperor...


    Ugh...


    Wang Dequan recalled the glimpse he caught of those sewage-covered people and shuddered all over. Concubine Zhen was truly ruthless; this was even worse than killing Noble Consort Ye!


    At this moment, Noble Consort Ye, with her head covered in excrement, was so overwhelmed by the overpowering stench that tears streamed down her face, yet she couldn''t open her eyes. She dared not open her mouth, fearing that if she did, those disgusting things would flow into it, but she couldn''t help screaming and retching.


    It was too disgusting, too disgusting... She had never felt so repulsed before.


    She wished she could cut off her own head and wash it clean.


    "Hahahahaha..."


    Xi Que, hiding behind the door and peeking,ughed uncontrobly, "Let her spew filth from her mouth again. This time, we''ve let her experience what it feels like to be sprayed by herself."


    Shuang Jiang was a bit more restrained but still chuckled while covering her mouth.


    Jiang Xinyue had done something so earth-shattering, so ghostly and godly, making the entire harem tremble at the mention of her name. Yet, she acted as if nothing had happened, eating and drinking as usual. Her biggest goal now was to nourish the child in her belly and give birth to a healthy baby.


    Because of this manure-throwing feat, all the concubines in the harem who had been eyeing Concubine Zhen warily extinguished their mes.


    Who would dare to cause her trouble now?


    Even if they weren''t doused with a body full of sewage... well... it probably wouldn''t end well for them either.


    Even Consort Liang secretly reminded herself that the next time she saw Concubine Zhen, she couldn''t be so quick with her sharp tongue anymore.


    What if... ugh...


    She couldn''t think about it, absolutely couldn''t. That scene was too vivid; even thinking about it a little made her want to vomit.


    Now she just regretted it, regretted it deeply.


    Noble Consort Ye was living in the side hall of her Shunan Pce!


    When she returned to Shunan Pce with two sewage-covered pce maids, Consort Liang quickly closed all the doors on her side tightly, making sure not a whiff of the smell could drift in.


    But Shunan Pce, while not small, wasn''t particrlyrge either.


    Three suchrge walking sewage people, making such amotion, bathing and changing water and throwing away clothes, Consort Liang felt as if she herself had be smelly.


    What was even more tragic was that Consort Liang felt the Emperor would soon know about this matter. Would the Emperor end up despising her as well?


    She had really brought trouble upon herself.


    Although the Emperor hadn''t been in the mood to favor the harem recently, he had removed Noble Consort Ye''s green tablet, meaning he didn''t want to see her for at least half a year.


    "It was Consort Liang who told Noble Consort Ye during the morning greetings at Yikun Pce."


    "Consort Liang and her foul mouth, I think she''s the one who needs a good washing."


    Like a gossiping shrew, she just had to go and stir things up. Now, General Ye woulde to cause him trouble again for his daughter''s sake.


    To be precise, he woulde to cause trouble for Concubine Zhen.


    But what did any of this have to do with the beautiful, gentle, elegant, virtuous, and stunningly gorgeous Jiang Xinyue?


    She was just responsible for going crazy; the Xuanwu Emperor had to clean up after her.


    Indeed, after going crazy, one feels refreshed and invigorated.


    Jiang Xinyue, wearing a thick fox fur coat, looked at the dark sky outside and the howling, bone-chilling wind: "It''s not going to snow, is it?"


    Xi Que brought over some warmed milk and told her about recent events: "Noble Consort Ye took a bath for a full two hours when she returned. It''s said that even after washing for five days, she still felt she smelled awful and couldn''t stop vomiting. The day before yesterday, she finally fell ill. The imperial physician said she caught a cold and had a high fever, nearly losing half her life."


    "Serves her right!"


    Shuang Jiang spat viciously: "Our mistress never provoked her, yet she came to cause trouble for our mistress several times, even daring to curse the imperial child. It would be karmic retribution if she died."


    Such a vicious, venomous woman who wouldn''t even spare an innocent baby should best not live to see tomorrow''s sun.


    Nanny Li shook her head: "You may have enjoyed throwing the sewage, but the Emperor is in a difficult position. General Ye came to the pce, demanding our mistress kneel at the door of Shunan Pce''s side hall to apologize with a birch branch on her back. The Emperor refused, so General Ye knelt outside the imperial study and wouldn''t get up. Several officials are kneeling with him. Mistress... if this continues, there will be gossip about you outside the pce."


    Although she spoke up for the scoundrel Emperor, in the end, she was still concerned about Jiang Xinyue''s reputation. Nanny Li had always been a staunch supporter of the Emperor, and for her to say this, Jiang Xinyue felt she was already quite good. Indeed, spending time together does breed affection.


    Of course, except for the scoundrel Emperor; he develops feelings for whoever he''s with.


    "What gossip will they spread about me?"


    Nanny Li didn''t dare to say, but Jiang Xinyue knew very well. It was nothing more than calling her a bewitching concubine abusing the Emperor''s favor and such. She had heard it all before; it had no impact on her.


    Let''s put it this way...


    Since ancient times, a harem concubine without some controversy surrounding her wouldn''t dare call herself a favored concubine.


    It''s good that people curse her!


    People cursing her means she has seeded.


    Xi Que pouted unhappily: "Noble Consort Ye is only good at being born into the right family. The Emperor still needs General Ye to defend against foreign enemies. Otherwise, given her performance since entering the pce, the Emperor would have chopped off her head long ago."


    That''s why they say being born into the right family is also a skill.


    "We can''t call her Noble Consort Ye anymore now."


    Nanny Xiang walked in from outside. Fearing the cold air might affect Jiang Xinyue, she first took off her own cloak before joining the group to gossip: "The Emperor just issued a decree promoting Noble Consort Ye''s rank. Now we have to call her Consort Ye."


    Jiang Chuan widened her eyes: "What our mistress threw wasn''t night soil at all! This was clearly giving Consort Ye adder to ascend to heaven!"


    "Hahahahaha..."


    Everyone burst intoughter.


    So what if she was promoted to Consort? She was still beneath their mistress. If she dared to be so arrogant again, not knowing her ce, they''d teach her another lesson. She had to learn her lesson eventually.


    Once she learned her lesson, it would be fine. She would know that their mistress was not to be trifled with.

 Chapter 136

    The next day, as expected, heavy snow began to fall from the gloomy sky.


    Jiang Xinyue wrapped herself up tightly, huddling by the charcoal brazier to warm up.


    "Mydy..." Nanny Li sighed, "This old servant thinks the Emperor is almost turning into a snowman."


    On this snowy day, the concubines in the imperial harem were gathered in their warm chambers, brewing wine around the brazier, admiring the snow and plum blossoms, and even ying drinking games when the mood struck.


    The Empress had sent someone to invite the Emperor, but he had politely declined, citing busy state affairs and promising to join when he had time.


    Having just refused the Empress, he now eagerly rushed to Hexi Pce, sending Wang Dequan to knock on the pce gates, saying the Emperor wished to invite Concubine Zhen to admire the snow.


    Theirdy hadn''t said yes or no. After her afternoon nap, Nanny Li couldn''t help but remind her: "Mydy, the Emperor is waiting for you outside!"


    If she didn''t go soon, she feared another concubine might snatch the opportunity.


    Jiang Xinyue stretchedzily: "I said before that if I don''t want to see him, I won''t see him. Let him wait as long as he wants,e as many times as he likes. I don''t care, I just don''t want to see him."


    "Mydy, you..."


    "Enough, Nanny Li. Xique and the others are building snowmen in the courtyard! If you really have nothing to do, go y with them!"


    Jiang Xinyue stroked her swollen belly and pulled out a book from the table: "Or if you prefer, you can read a story to our little Six."


    No sooner had she finished speaking than the little one in her belly gave her several strong kicks. Though it didn''t hurt, she still drew in a sharp breath.


    No wonder so many women get stretch marks after giving birth. With the belly growing sorge and the baby moving and kicking inside, it''s already miraculous that the stomach doesn''t burst open. A few stretch marks are perfectly normal.


    The child in her womb was still kicking, as if protesting that his mother hadn''t told him a story yet today.


    Jiang Xinyue smiled and reached out to gently grab his restless little hands and feet: "Look, Nanny Li, little Six is unhappy."


    Nanny Li''s heart melted. She quickly sat down on the low stool at Jiang Xinyue''s feet, cleared her throat, and picked up the storybook: "Alright, alright... Nanny will tell our little master a story~"


    The sound ofughter and y from the courtyard made the Xuanwu Emperor and Wang Dequan seem even more deste outside Hexi Pce.


    Snow had piled up on the imperial yellow canopy, requiring two eunuchs to lift it.


    In the distance, a slender figure in light purple approached slowly. As she drew near, the Xuanwu Emperor realized it was none other than Concubine Li from Xihuo Pce, formerly Noble Consort Li.


    She used to go out surrounded by servants, in a luxurious carriage adorned with jade pendants. When had she ever looked so down and out, with just one maid and one eunuch following her, not even a sedan chair?


    Her ck hair was done up in a small bun, adorned with only a single small red plum blossom, making her look both elegant and alluring.


    This simple attire didn''t diminish her beauty; rather, it gave her a delicate, pitiful charm.


    She suddenly looked up and saw the Xuanwu Emperor. She wanted to turn and leave immediately but seemed afraid of angering him. She shuffled forward to pay her respects: "This concubine greets Your Majesty."


    Cold as ice, like a beautiful ice sculpture.


    The Emperor grunted, "Rise."


    Concubine Li''s clothes were thin, and her exposed jade hands were swollen and purple from the cold. Looking closely, one could even see a couple of chilins.


    The Emperor frowned: "Hasn''t the Internal Affairs Department given you coal and warm clothes? Going out dressed like this, won''t you catch a chill?"


    If that happened, those ministers would start gossiping again, saying he had killed Prime Minister Song and was now abusing his only legitimate granddaughter.


    Concubine Li thought the Emperor was showing concern for her. Her eyes glistened with tears as she shook her head.


    The maid behind her suddenly fell to her knees with a thud: "Please save ourdy, Your Majesty! Consort Jiang in Xihuo Pce is bullying Concubine Li relentlessly. She snatches away the silver-thread charcoal sent by the Internal Affairs Department and the warm clothes from the Imperial Wardrobe. Whenever things get a little better for ourdy, shees to make trouble. Your Majesty, if this continues, ourdy will..."


    "Xia He!" Concubine Li called out sharply, "That''s enough."


    Another one of these routines.


    Concubine Zhen had said that if you don''t want others to speak about you, you would cover their mouth as soon as you notice, not wait until they''ve finished speaking before pretending to tell them to stop.


    "Why won''t you speak up, mydy?" Xia He''s eyes reddened, "Are we just going to let Consort Jiang bully us like this?"


    The Xuanwu Emperor''s frown deepened.


    Concubine Li''s face now looked so nd and uninteresting.


    Snowkes melted on Concubine Li''s shoulders, making her so cold that she couldn''t help sneezing and shivering all over.


    The Xuanwu Emperor touched the warm cloak he was wearing, then turned to Wang Dequan and said: "Take off your cape and give it to Concubine Li. Then take two men to Xihuo Pce and teach Consort Jiang a lesson, but don''t go too far."


    This statement was quite interesting... Don''t go too far... What did that mean exactly?


    It seemed to imply that a little bullying was eptable.


    Wang Dequan''s face was full of reluctance, but how could he disobey the Emperor''s order?


    However, Concubine Li''s body leaned backward, clearly avoiding Wang Dequan. She didn''t want his cloak; she only wanted the Emperor''s.


    The Xuanwu Emperor rubbed his nose, pretending not to see Concubine Li''s pleading gaze, and gripped his own cloak even tighter.


    No! Absolutely not!


    If Concubine Zhen found out, she wouldn''t be hap...


    Huh?


    Something seemed to explode in the Emperor''s mind, and his expression became quite remarkable.


    He... was afraid of angering Concubine Zhen?


    He feared Concubine Zhen?


    He was the sovereign ruler of a nation, why should he fear a mere concubine?


    This was so unlike him.


    "Ah... Your Majes..."


    The cloak on her body reeked of that dog ve Wang Dequan. Concubine Li suppressed her nausea and followed behind Wang Dequan, both resisting and hoping he would take people to Xihuo Pce to vent her anger.


    Who did Jiang Yuan think she was?


    Once just a vicious dog at her feet, now daring to bark incessantly before its master.


    Wasn''t it just because she no longer had her family''s support?


    The Xuanwu Emperor was now a bit flustered.


    The imperial procession moved forward severalrge steps, then turned back towards Hexi Pce for two steps. Then, thinking of returning to Chengqian Pce, he repeated this back-and-forth six or seven times before finally gritting his teeth and quickly returning to Chengqian Pce.


    Entering his own chambers, he drove everyone out and sat quietly behind his desk, slowly sorting out his thoughts.


    First, when he saw Concubine Li, he felt no pity or tenderness towards her. He was only worried that her appearance in such a state would tarnish his image of being wise and mighty.


    Second, he truly didn''t want to give her the cloak he was wearing. The first thing that came to mind was Concubine Zhen''s angry face. He really feared angering Concubine Zhen.


    Finally, he could conclude that he seemed... perhaps... probably had developed genuine feelings for Concubine Zhen.

 Chapter 137

    In the past, if he had seen Concubine Li looking so pitiful, he would have gone tofort her and retaliated against those who bullied her.


    Today she was dressed in such a delicate and fragile manner again. He wasn''t a fool; he naturally understood Concubine Li''s gesture of reconciliation towards him.


    If he went with Concubine Li today, he would certainly spend the night at her quarters.


    He knew this favor also meant that Concubine Li would return to everyone''s attention and regain her status in the harem.


    But as soon as the Xuanwu Emperor thought of how Concubine Zhen had been pped by her in the past, kneeling until her knees were injured, andter sent to the Cold Pce because of her, his disgust for Concubine Li outweighed his former affection.


    In the past, Concubine Zhen had treated him with wholehearted devotion, but he hadn''t noticed, thinking it was how she should treat him.


    Now that Concubine Zhen was angry and no longer paid attention to him, he felt an empty ache in his heart.


    He had no interest in the beauties of the harem or affairs of state.


    It had been almost two months since he''dst seen Concubine Zhen.


    He didn''t know how big her belly was now. Was Little Six behaving? Had he kicked his mother? Without him there to tell stories, would Little Six be unhappy?


    Concubine Zhen had saidst time that when she was further along, the baby''s movements would be strong, and she would be very scared.


    What about now?


    As the New Year approached, the child was already over six months along, nearly seven months. Imperial Physician Yan said that judging from Concubine Zhen''s pulse, there was an 80% chance it was a little prince.


    Did it hurt when his Little Six kicked?


    Had Concubine Zhen cried alone under the covers at night?


    She was so timid; she must have cried.


    The Xuanwu Emperor clenched his teeth, closed his eyes, and tilted his head back against the chair, sitting in a posture he had never adopted before. After a long while, he opened his eyes.


    Those eyes, as deep as whirlpools, looked resolutely at the door, as if making a decision, his fists clenched.


    The heavy snow had not stopped, and the gloomy weather made people inexplicably irritable.


    Once, she had cursed Wang Dequan as a "dog-faced eunuch ve" and acted willfully as the most favored in the harem. Now, Concubine Li, formerly known as Noble Consort Li, had to smile like a flower at Wang Dequan.


    "Thank you for your trouble, Eunuch Wang."


    Concubine Li said to Xia He, "Quickly invite Eunuch Wang in for a seat. Brew a cup of this year''s new Biluochun tea that the Emperor bestowed, and let Eunuch Wang have a taste."


    "Thank you for your kindness, Concubine Li. I appreciate the gesture," Wang Dequan said with a smile, waving his hand. "I won''t have the tea. I need to have a word with Consort Jiang, and then hurry back to Chengqian Pce as there''s no one attending to the Emperor."


    With that, he bowed and retreated.


    Xia He flicked her handkerchief and rolled her eyes. "That stinking dog who relies on his master''s power. Mydy honored him by offering tea, and he puts on airs. It''s true that a tiger fallen to the ins is bullied by dogs. There wille a day when he falls into our hands."


    As she spoke, she was about to pull off Wang Dequan''s cloak and throw it away. After tugging a couple of times without sess, she looked up at Concubine Li in surprise. "Mydy?"


    Concubine Li''s fingers gripping the cloak were so tight that her veins showed, indicating how much force she was using.


    Her eyes were red-rimmed as she struggled not to let her tears fall. Anger and hatred filled her entire chest. "Xia He, times have changed. I am no longer the once-powerful Noble Consort Li. One word difference, yet it''s like a chasm between heaven and earth. My grandfather is gone, and my father at home relies on me to survive. I can no longer be willful like before; I must learn to bow to reality."


    What was wrong with wearing a dog''s clothes?


    If she had a day to put them on, she would have a day to take them off.


    When Wang Dequan came out of Consort Jiang''s main hall, he could still see Concubine Li standing at the door seeing him off.


    He felt neither proud nor arrogant, only a chill all over his body, as if he had been targeted by a venomous snake. He couldn''t help but quicken his pace.


    It was evident that Concubine Li was truly different from the Concubine Li of the past.


    In the pce, it''s not the openly arrogant and domineering people who are scary, but the smiling tigers who kill without blinking an eye.


    Jiang Xinyue had also heard about what happened at the gate of her pce. Xi Que and Shuang Jiang were describing it vividly!


    "Concubine Li has really lost face this time. Tomorrow when she goes to pay respects to the Empress, who knows how the others willugh at her."


    "Those who are pitiful must have done something detestable. Back then, she schemed against ourdy like that, and now it''s her turn to y the victim."


    "But then again, the Emperor had favored Concubine Li for over a decade. How could he stop loving her so suddenly? For women in the harem, especially those who have fallen from grace like Concubine Li, how are they supposed to live without the Emperor''s favor?"


    Xi Que wasn''t feeling sorry for Concubine Li. After what she had done to her mistress, this was karma she deserved.


    She was just moved toment because of Concubine Li''s situation.


    Yesterday''s Noble Consort Li is today''s Concubine Li, so who will today''s Concubine Li be in the future?


    "You''d better stop talking," Shuang Jiang said, observing Jiang Xinyue''s somewhat dazed expression. She pulled Xi Que out of the room. "Are you stupid? Ourdy is sensitive now that she''s pregnant. Saying those things to her, aren''t you just making her overthink? Imperial Physician Yan said that inte pregnancy, it''s most important to avoid anxiety and worry, as it can easily lead to premature birth."


    Xi Que pped her own mouth. "I didn''t mean to. I just thought the Emperor was too... too..."


    Too fickle.


    Would he one day treat theirdy the same way?


    "It''s not your ce toment," Shuang Jiang scolded her seriously. "There are spies from other pces in Hexi Pce. If your words reach the Emperor''s ears, it could cost you your head, and might even implicate ourdy. In the future, put a lock on your mouth and don''t blurt out everything."


    Not only were there spies from other concubines'' pces, but there was also Nanny Li, who was the Emperor''s person.


    "Mydy..." Nanny Xiang was about tofort the silently grieving Concubine Zhen when she saw a sudden light in her previously vacant eyes.


    "Xi Que, Shuang Jiang, go to the imperial kitchen and tell Chief Steward Gao that I want to prepare my own lunch today... Huh?" She looked around, her beautiful big eyes full of confusion. "Nanny Xiang, where are Xi Que and the others? Strange, they were just here. I only thought about a dish for a moment, how did they disappear?"


    Nanny Xiang: My nativenguage is speechlessness.


    So Xi Que and Shuang Jiang had been talking here for half the day, thinking they had made her sad, but she hadn''t heard a word. That pretty little head of hers was always thinking about how to make delicious food.


    Earlier, when her eyes were vacant and she looked sad and heartbroken, she was actually thinking about recipes.


    Her sadness and heartbreak were because the cooking utensils of the Great Yan Dynasty were limited, and the hotpot she could make might not be as delicious as in her previous life.


    But in autumn, Jiang Xinyue had already asked Chief Steward Gao to make two copper pots, thinking about eating hotpot in winter.


    It was better than nothing!

 Chapter 138

    When Wang Dequan returned to Chengqian Pce, he saw the Emperor sitting alone in the great hall, appearing as if asleep.


    "Your Majesty..."


    He cautiously approached, "Are you...?"


    The Xuanwu Emperor pped the table and asked him, "Has the snow stopped?"


    "It should stop soon."


    Wang Dequan replied truthfully, "Your servant has already admonished Consort Jiang, and she should no longer be so harsh to Concubine Li."


    "The snow will stop soon..."


    Hepletely ignored Wang Dequan''stter statement and stood up, "Tell the Imperial Household Department to send all the craftsmen who can carve to the entrance of Hexi Pce, quickly."


    What was the Emperor up to now?


    In the warm chamber¡ª


    Empress Zhu sipped plum blossom wine warmed by pce maids, feeling her whole body grow warm.


    A young pce maid entered from outside, and the chill she brought in with her was evidence of how cold it was outside.


    She whispered something in Consort Liang''s ear, causing her tough, "Now that is quite extraordinary."


    As the young maid quietly retreated, Empress Zhu looked at Consort Liang with a smile, "What amusing thing has Consort Liang heard? Do share it with all of us."


    "It''s about Concubine Li..."


    She leaned back in her chair, with all the airs of Concubine Li''s former days of favor, "Didn''t we invite Consort Jiang from Xihuo Pce and Concubine Li to join us today? It''s not unusual for Consort Jiang to decline, as she''s been unsociable since her release from the Pce of Exile. Concubine Li also declined, citing poor health. But guess what happened?"


    She covered her mouth andughed heartily, "She... she went to ''identally'' encounter the Emperor at the entrance of Hexi Pce."


    That was truly a desperate move, using every trick in the book.


    Who in the harem didn''t know of the Emperor''s infatuation with Concubine Zhen?


    How could he possibly be seduced by Concubine Li at the entrance of Concubine Zhen''s pce?


    If the Emperor really went there, wouldn''t he be deliberately upsetting Concubine Zhen? What''s the point of seeking forgiveness then? He might as well elope with Concubine Li!


    "Oh my! When I think of how Concubine Li used to be, I can hardly remember what she was like. Thest time I saw her in the Imperial Garden, I thought she was just some pce maid!"


    "With her arrogant behavior, I always thought she would fall out of favor one day."


    "Although she''s now a Concubine, I find her far less dignified than Concubine Zhen. To have fallen to such a state, it truly shows how fortunes can change."


    However, mentioning Concubine Zhen didn''t bring them any joy either.


    The Emperor not only disregarded Concubine Li, but all the women in the harembined were not as important as Concubine Zhen alone.


    Concubine Li had misjudged the situation, thinking the Emperor still had feelings for her. She thought if she took the initiative, there might be a chance for her and the Emperor.


    They had just realized faster than Concubine Li that when it came topeting for the Emperor''s attention, no one was a match for Concubine Zhen.


    As everyone was using Concubine Li as a topic for ridicule, Jiang Xinyue had just woken up from her afternoon nap.


    "Tap tap tap tap..."


    The sound of chiseling apanied by tinkling noises came from outside, disturbing the peace.


    "What''s going on outside?"


    She had eaten hot pot for lunch, extremely spicy. asionally indulging like this made Jiang Xinyue feel quite good.


    So she had slept a bit longer and more deeply for this nap.


    Xi Que came in from outside, rubbing her hands, her eyes shining with excitement, "My Lady,e out and see, it''s so beautiful!"


    Nanny Xiang and Nanny Li helped Jiang Xinyue dress, bundling her up from neck to ankle. In an all-white banner gown and cotton pants, along with a white floor-length fox fur cape, she looked just like an adorable white rabbit.


    Opening the door revealed a world of pristine white snow. She walked through the long corridor to the front hall, pushed open the carved wooden doors of the flower room, and looked out to see what appeared to be the ice and snow city of Harbin from the future.


    Outside the tall pce walls, an ice bridge extended inward,nding inside the walls of Hexi Pce.


    Craftsmen-like figures kept crossing the high ice bridge, and many were already busy in the courtyard.


    It was as if all the snow in the capital had been gathered here, creating an ice and snowndscape in the courtyard.


    There were artificial mountains, flowers, nts, trees... and even small figurines carved to resemble Xi Que, Shuang Jiang, Jiang Chuan, Xiao Xuanzi, and others. They were ced throughout the courtyard, the craftsmanship so exquisite it rivaled the wax museums of the future, incredibly lifelike.


    In the center stood statues of the Emperor and Jiang Xinyue, hand in hand, intimately close, smiling happily.


    From Jiang Xinyue''s feet all the way to the entrance of Hexi Pce, a red carpet had beenid out, guiding her forward.


    Nanny Li smiled, "The Emperor feared you might slip, My Lady, so he had usy this out. Go take a look, My Lady!"


    At the end of the red carpet stood the ice sculptures of the Xuanwu Emperor and herself.


    They were about life-size, looking quite magical. Jiang Xinyue happily took Xi Que''s hand and walked step by step towards the ice sculptures.


    "Tap tap tap..."


    As they got closer, they could see a tall craftsman chiseling something on the ground.


    "You..."


    The back view was too familiar. Just as Jiang Xinyue was about to speak to him, the man suddenly stood up. His tall figure was so imposing that it startled her, causing her to take two steps back.


    "Careful!"


    The Xuanwu Emperor dropped his ice-carving tools and reached out to support her waist. Because his fingers were icy cold, he dared not open his palm to touch her, instead using his wrist to bear her weight with a clenched fist.


    "Your... Your Majesty?"


    Jiang Xinyue first showed a delighted expression, but then frowned and angrily pushed the Xuanwu Emperor away, "What is Your Majesty doing?"


    A shower of fiery red plum blossom petals descended from the sky, the extreme contrast of white and red both romantic and passionate.


    The Xuanwu Emperor approached pitifully, and Wang Dequan, knowing the Emperor was about to make a grand gesture, quickly ushered away all the pce servants who were watching.


    The Emperor''s moment of vulnerability was not for them to see.


    It had been over two months now. If Concubine Zhen didn''t forgive the Emperor soon, life in Chengqian Pce would be unbearable.


    By now, Concubine Zhen had be the second most important person not to offend in Chengqian Pce, with the Emperor himself being the first.


    Two young eunuchs under Tang Shiliang found sce in their misery by starting a betting pool, wagering on how long it would take for Concubine Zhen to forgive the Emperor and reopen the doors of Hexi Pce.


    Arge portion bet it would happen within three days, while Wang Dequan, after scolding the young eunuchs for setting up the pool, secretly ced ten gold pieces through Tang Shiliang, betting on within three months.


    Those who bet on three days had already lost, and only a few clever and daring individuals, hoping to win big by going against the grain, also bet on within three months.


    Thinking of the odds, Wang Dequan couldn''t help but hum a tune.


    The Xuanwu Emperor walked resolutely towards Jiang Xinyue. Her figure under the cape was a bit rounder than before, but it didn''t make her look bulky. Instead, it added a touch of snow-white adorableness to her beauty.


    "My beloved, I know I was wrong. Will you forgive me this once?"

 Chapter 139

    To make an emperor admit his mistakes to oneself, for any other consort, would seem an unimaginable honor.


    But not for Jiang Xinyue.


    She forcefully pulled her hand away, ced her hands on her hips, and slightly pouted her cherry-like lips, expressing her dissatisfaction: "What exactly did Your Majesty do wrong?"


    It was fortunate that this body was still that of a seventeen or eighteen-year-old girl, so these coquettish actions appeared cute and natural, as if this was exactly how she was meant to be.


    If it had been someone more mature, like Empress Zhu, for instance, the emperor might have been frightened enough to turn tail and run.


    The Xuanwu Emperor tirelessly tried to take her hand again. Jiang Xinyue kept pulling away, and he kept reaching for it. Finally, Jiang Xinyue grew tired of the game and allowed him to hold her hand.


    "If Your Majesty can''t say what he did wrong, this concubine requests that Your Majesty return to where he came from. This concubine is unworthy of Your Majesty''s grace."


    She was finally able to hear herself speak properly. The Xuanwu Emperor gripped her hand even tighter: "Yue''er, from the moment I was born, the Empress Dowager raised me to the standards of an emperor. I wasn''t allowed to cry loudly orugh boisterously as a child. If the pce servants dared to y with me, they would all be reced the next day. As I grew older, mother wouldn''t allow me to have any cherished possessions. When I was young, I once kept a snake, but under mother''s deliberate actions, it disappeared too. I can confidently say that I am a good emperor. But I... I''m not good at being a good husband."


    The cautious look in his eyes, filled with hopeful light, made Jiang Xinyue feel it was time to reel in this big fish and let it swim into her pond.


    But words of vulnerability couldn''te from her mouth, so she still maintained a stern expression without speaking, though her stance was considerably less resistant than before.


    This gave the Xuanwu Emperor great courage and confidence to continue: "Yue''er, I shouldn''t always weigh pros and cons, putting you in danger. I shouldn''t disregard your feelings, shouldn''t be fickle, or let you suffer for the sake of bncing the court. Moreover, I can''t possibly dismiss the entire harem in the future. Because I am an emperor first, and then your husband. Stabilizing the court and ensuring the people''s happiness is my responsibility."


    Fearing Jiang Xinyue might be angry again, he quickly exined: "But I promise you, from now on, I will never let you suffer for the sake of anyone else in the harem. I can''t dismiss the harem, but I can favor you alone. I may not be very good at being a husband yet, but Yue''er can teach me, can''t you?"


    This confession was quite sensible.


    He didn''t make any grandiose promises he couldn''t keep, nor did he say sweet, sappy words to coax her. Instead, he frankly admitted to things that might bother Jiang Xinyue in the future.


    He couldn''t dismiss the harem because he was the emperor and couldn''t cause upheaval in the court. He also couldn''t promise never to be intimate with other consorts in the future. Those women entered the pce with missions from their families. If he didn''t favor them, their families would be restless and lose motivation to serve the emperor wholeheartedly.


    In truth, Jiang Xinyue understood all of this. It was normal for the emperor to be unable to do these things. To achieve all this, he would have to stop being the emperor.


    But that was an even more unrealistic fairy tale.


    So she was actually quite pleased that the Xuanwu Emperor was willing to be this honest.


    It showed that over these past two months, he had been sincerely pondering how to earn her forgiveness. He had also seriously analyzed what he had done wrong and what he should apologize for.


    Since ancient times, it was considered proper for an emperor to have three pces and six courtyards, with three thousand beauties. Favoring only one person would upset the bnce of the harem.


    It was only because the Xuanwu Emperor had been brainwashed by Jiang Xinyue to believe that loving one person meant loving only that person, that he now felt his fickleness was wrong. He thought his heart, eyes, and entire being should belong to just one person.


    This wasn''t the monogamous system ofter times; this was a feudal dynasty where a man could have three wives and four concubines, and her man was at the very top of this pyramid.


    To have reached this level of awareness was entirely due to her relentless PUA and brainwashing.


    Jiang Xinyue''s eyes already revealed a faint joy. Under the Xuanwu Emperor''s hopeful gaze, she casually uttered a few words: "We''ll see how you perform!"


    If he reverted to his old ways in just a few days, she would have to n for herself and consider getting rid of the father to keep the son.


    However, the risk and difficulty of such a move were far too high. Even if sessful, Empress Zhu and Consort De still had princes; the throne wouldn''t fall to her son.


    For now, it was best to rely on the emperor''s protection, wait for the Jiang family to grow stronger, or for her child to develop under the cover of Empress Zhu and Consort De''s influence, biding their time.


    This was the optimal strategy.


    Before then, both she and the child needed the emperor''s protection.


    She no longer prevented the Xuanwu Emperor from following her inside. Seeing this, Wang Dequan was so happy he nearly jumped for joy. However, being a man who had seen his fair share of ups and downs, he quicklyposed himself, making a mental note to ask Tang Shiliangter how much profit he had made from the ten taels of gold he had bet.


    Gracious Consort Zhen!


    A veritable goddess of fortune!


    Seeing their mistress and the emperor reconciled, the servants of Hexi Pce were as delighted as if they had found money on the ground.


    Although the New Year was still a month away, the joyous atmosphere in Hexi Pce was hardly different from the festive season.


    When Empress Zhu first discovered the guards picking plum blossoms, she was furious. Everyone in the pce knew she was brewing wine, enjoying the snow, and admiring plum blossoms in the Warm Pavilion today. Those ignorant guards had picked all the flowers from the most beautiful trees, wasn''t this a p in the face to her, the dignified Empress?


    As Empress Zhu''s vanguard, Consort Liang took the lead when her mistress couldn''t show anger or reveal an unsightly appearance. She rushed down from the Warm Pavilion first, with others following suit.


    They also wanted to see who had the audacity to oppose the Empress and all the pce consorts.


    "Outrageous!"


    Consort Liang began berating as soon as she entered the plum garden: "Where did these ruffianse from? Don''t you know the Empress is here with the pce consorts to admire the flowers? You''ve picked all the flowers from these plum trees, what is left for the Empress to admire?"


    Plum blossoms, plum blossoms, now they had truly be "no blossoms."


    The guards, upon hearing this, didn''t stop their work. They even quickened their pace: "We beg the Empress''s forgiveness. His Majesty ordered us to fill threerge baskets with plum blossoms within a quarter of an hour. We truly can''t dy. If we miss the Emperor''s deadline, our heads will roll!"


    Oh!


    It was the Emperor''s order!


    Well, that changed things.


    Empress Zhu waved Consort Liang aside and revealed a friendly smile: "Did His Majesty mention where these flowers are to be sent? With so many flowers, is he nning to brew plum blossom wine? I have over a dozen jars of plum blossom wine. If His Majesty likes, I can have them sent to Chengqian Pce right away."


    The lead guard jumped down from the tree and cupped his hands towards Empress Zhu: "In response to the Empress''s question, the plum blossoms are to be sent to Hexi Pce. His Majesty is still waiting for us brothers, so we can''t linger. We''ll take our leave now."


    With that, he led the guards carrying therge bamboo baskets away in a hurry.

 Chapter 140

    Concubine Zhen, Concubine Zhen... it''s always about Concubine Zhen!


    It seemed as if all the concubines in the pce were making way for this insignificant Concubine Zhen.


    Empress Zhu could no longer hide her displeasure. She had invited the Emperor to join her in drinking wine and admiring the snow, but he imed to be too busy with state affairs. Now, he had taken the plum blossoms they were admiring and sent them to Concubine Zhen.


    What was this about?


    Did he think Concubine Zhen was unwilling to leave her chambers, so he wanted her to see these vibrant plum blossoms without even stepping outside?


    Empress Zhu could no longer maintain even the most basic, graceful smile. With a darkened face, she said, "Since the most beautiful flowers have gone to Concubine Zhen''s Hexi Pce, why don''t we go there and see if there''s anything extraordinary to look at!"


    The Empress had finally decided to teach Concubine Zhen a lesson, and which of the pce concubines wouldn''t want to see that?


    Only Consort Jin, covering her forehead and leaning on her maid, said weakly, "Empress, I''ve had a few too many drinks earlier, and now my head is pounding. Please allow me to return to my chambers to rest. My head really hurts terribly."


    Given her condition, Empress Zhu, who always presented herself as "kind and merciful," couldn''t force her toe along and had to let her withdraw.


    The Jin family had produced Jin Wuyong, who had an affair with a royal concubine and cuckolded the Emperor. The entire n had been punished and was now imprisoned in the Ministry of Justice''s jail. They would likely only be released when the Emperor granted a general amnesty.


    The Jin family had fallen from grace, and even Consort Jin''s life had been saved by Jiang Xinyue. She was truly unwilling to be forced into opposition against Jiang Xinyue.


    Moreover, after what happened with Consort Shu, she saw things very clearly now.


    Consort Shu, as the Emperor''s first love, had maintained a high position in the harem for many years, standing firm. Even if Concubine Li and Empress Zhu hadn''t noticed her special status at first, they should have realized itter.


    Consort Liang and Consort De held their positions because they had given birth to princes and princesses for the Emperor. Elevating their status also made their children''s status rtively more noble.


    Consort Shu appeared to be out of favor and had no children, so how did she manage to be one of the four highest-ranking consorts?


    Not to mention that the Emperor extremely disliked the Wu Family and anyone associated with the Empress Dowager.


    Noble Consort Rong had been in the pce for so many years and had only risen from Concubine to Noble Concubine. So why did Consort Shu receive special treatment?


    It could only mean one thing: Consort Shu was truly loved by the Emperor, the one he truly held in his heart.


    He didn''t want her to be envied or face danger, nor did he want her rank to be too low, leaving her vulnerable to bullying.


    Empress Zhu and Concubine Li had long since figured this out, but they had never been able to defeat Consort Shu. For so many years, they had allowed her to carry on a secret rtionship with the Emperor right under their noses, which showed just how capable Consort Shu was.


    But such a capable first love, whom even Empress Zhu and Concubine Li couldn''t defeat, had finally been brought down by Concubine Zhen, who had been in the pce for less than two years.


    The scary part was that she had figured out how Consort Shu and her brother were conspiring against her based on mere spection.


    She had deduced that they nned to ruin her reputation, targeting the child in her womb to drive a wedge between her and the Emperor.


    But that wasn''t the scariest part. The most terrifying thing was that she had managed to find her beforehand and teach her how to save herself.


    Although Consort Jin was well aware that Concubine Zhen was merely using her to clear her own name, she had no choice but to do as Concubine Zhen said.


    Because if she didn''t report it, she would die too.


    If she died, who would remember her family members imprisoned in the Ministry of Justice?


    So she couldn''t get involved in the conflict between Empress Zhu and Concubine Zhen. She was still hoping that when Concubine Zhen rose to power in the future, she might help her plead with the Emperor to release the Jin family members.


    She might as well pretend that she hadn''t told the Emperor it was Concubine Zhen who had instructed her to report her own brother.


    "Oh?" Consort De, looking at the wide-open gates of Hexi Pce, said, "Concubine Zhen has opened her doors?"


    Looking more closely, an ice bridge gleamed in the sunlight, nearly blinding in its brilliance.


    "What is that?"


    Someone eximed, "Ah! It''s an ice bridge carved from snow and ice. How beautiful!"


    Everyone couldn''t help but quicken their pace, eager to investigate.


    "What on earth is this Concubine Zhen up to?" Consort Liangined dissatisfied, "What does she think the pce craftsmen are for? These are the most skilled carving masters recruited from among themon people, specially brought in to build and renovate pces for the Emperor. She''s being far too willful. Empress, you absolutely cannot let her off this time."


    Empress Zhu, who had been holding back her anger all the way from the warm pavilion, snapped, "I know what I''m doing."


    If Concubine Zhen was truly acting arbitrarily, opening and closing her pce gates at will, disregarding pce rules and etiquette, she wouldn''t mind exercising her authority as the Empress of the Eastern Pce to give Concubine Zhen a small lesson.


    As they approached, the eunuchs and guards at the entrance of Hexi Pce hurriedly paid their respects to the Empress but did not make way.


    Empress Zhu frowned severely, "What''s this? Am I not allowed to visit Concubine Zhen now?"


    Did they really think this pce was the Jiang family''s backyard, daring to block her, the mistress of the harem?


    Jiang Chuan knelt on the ground, "In response to Her Majesty the Empress, His Majesty the Emperor is inside apanying Concubine Zhen. Please allow this ve to go in and announce your arrival."


    It was bad enough that the Emperor wouldn''t apany them to view the snow, and that he had sent flowers to Concubine Zhen, but now he was personally in Hexi Pce?


    It seemed that the ice-carved arched bridge outside was also built by craftsmen at the Emperor''smand.


    He certainly knew how to be romantic, but where did that leave her face as his official wife?


    No matter how angry she was, Empress Zhu had to contain herself.


    Usually, she wouldn''t make herself disagreeable, but today she was determined to confront the Emperor: "Then go and announce us."


    Jiang Chuan nced at Empress Zhu, then quickly bowed and ran inside. After Shuang Jiang went in to exin the situation and the Emperor agreed, he entered the inner hall to report: "Empress Zhu has brought Consort Liang, Consort De, Zhang Ronghua, and many other pce concubines. They appear to be in a rather aggressive mood, and this ve observed that the Empress seemed quite angry. Your Majesty, what should we do..."


    Wang Dequan quickly added, "The guards who went to pick the plum blossoms earlier mentioned that the Empress and the others were admiring flowers."


    It must be because of the picked flowers that they were unhappy.


    The Xuanwu Emperor had just reconciled with his beloved Yue and hadn''t had much time to cherish her before the Empress and the others ruined the mood. He was very displeased and said, "It''s just a few flowers, isn''t it? They view them year after year, haven''t they seen enough? Does the Emperor need her permission to pick a few flowers now?"


    Jiang Xinyue blew on the hot milk tea at her lips, loungingzily on the soft couch, and said, "There might be some misunderstanding. Why don''t Your Majesty go out and take a look?"


    Why was he losing his temper in front of her?


    He might frighten her little Six.


    The Xuanwu Emperor didn''t dare to anger Jiang Xinyue again. He kissed her cheek and then left with Wang Dequan.


    Xi Que asked, "My Lady, aren''t you going?"


    Jiang Xinyue chuckled, "Why should I go? To hand over a knife while the Emperor and Empress argue? Or to let those women''s jealous faces pollute my eyes?"


    If the Xuanwu Emperor couldn''t resolve this small matter for her, he might as well get out quickly and stop wasting her air.

 Chapter 141

    The child was almost seven months along now. Just three more peaceful months and she would give birth. At this time, she didn''t want to cause any additional trouble.


    Her appearance would only anger those women blinded by jealousy. It was better to let the Emperor pour cold water on them, to help them cool down and regain their senses.


    The Xuanwu Emperor strode out of Hexi Pce and stood on the steps at the entrance, looking down at everyone.


    Empress Zhu led the way in bowing to the Emperor. After being told to rise, before she could speak, she heard the man berate them: "I picked a few plum blossoms and it made you all unhappy. Did youe to Hexi Pce to cause trouble for Concubine Zhen?"


    "Your Majesty..."


    "Wang Dequan!"


    The Xuanwu Emperor didn''t give Empress Zhu a chance to exin, instead coldly ordering: "Wang Dequan, have the people from the Internal Affairs Department go to the Warm Pavilion and cut down all the plum trees. From now on, plum trees are not to be nted."


    Each consort in the pce had her own preferences.


    Just as Concubine Li loved crabapple blossoms, Empress Zhu only adored the lone plum blossom that defiantly bloomed in snow and frost.


    "Your Majesty!"


    Empress Zhu looked at him in disbelief, the usation in her eyes bing almost tangible.


    The Emperor acted as if he hadn''t seen it: "If anyone uses flowers as an excuse to cause trouble for Concubine Zhen again, then there will be no need to nt any flowers in the pce. I''ve never heard that once a flower blooms, it can''t be picked. It will bloom beautifully again next year. I really don''t understand why you''re all so concerned about one or two flowers."


    This statement not only implicated the Empress, but also included Concubine Li, who had once punished Concubine Zhen for picking a single crabapple blossom.


    It was as if all the women in the pce were so petty and mean-spirited that they would want someone''s life over a single flower.


    Was this really about one or two flowers?


    This was about her dignity as the Empress, a challenge to her authority.


    Consort De''s eyes peered behind the Emperor, but not seeing Jiang Xinyuee out, she had no way to employ her various tactics.


    She took two steps back, hiding behind the crowd, not wanting to draw attention and risk annoying the Emperor.


    Empress Zhu was so angry that her sensitivity to wind red up, and her body swayed. Fortunately, Fenxun supported her: "Your Majesty..."


    She took a deep breath, suppressing her temperament: "All the flowers and concubines in the pce belong to Your Majesty, of course, whatever you say goes. However, Your Majesty, please don''t forget. The country has itsws, and the family has its rules. No matter how favored Concubine Zhen is, she is still a concubine and should greet and bow to me daily. The gates of Hexi Pce are not for her to open and close as she pleases."


    After holding back for so long, she couldn''t resist anymore. Unable to vent at the Emperor, she could only take it out on Concubine Zhen.


    The Xuanwu Emperor looked at Empress Zhu for a long while. Seeing that she showed no sign of backing down, a hint of mockery appeared at the corner of his lips: "Has the Empress forgotten? Concubine Zhen''s confinement was ordered by the Empress Dowager, set to end at the year''s end. It''s only a month until the New Year''s banquet now, what''s the problem with Concubine Zhen''s confinement ending now?"


    Empress Zhu had indeed forgotten about this, only remembering Concubine Zhen''s willful closing of the pce gates, forgetting that even if she hadn''t closed the gates, she was still confined by the Empress Dowager''s order and couldn''t leave Hexi Pce anyway.


    Seeing the Empress struck speechless and clutching her chest in pain, Consort Liang bit her lip and said: "But she shut out the sovereign of the nation, which is itself an act of insubordination. If all the pce concubines were to learn from her..."


    "This is a private matter between me and Concubine Zhen. I have no objections, yet Consort Liang, you seem to be quite meddlesome."


    Today, the Xuanwu Emperor had transformed into a master of rebuttals.


    So sometimes, men do know how to protect a woman, it just depends on whether they''re willing to or not.


    After this round of debate, both Empress Zhu and Consort Liang were utterly defeated. Only then could the Xuanwu Emperor enter the inner chambers as he wished, to tell stories to the little one in Concubine Zhen''s belly.


    Heaven knows, he hadn''t told stories to the child for two months and he really wasn''t used to it.


    This child was special to him, as he had personally taken care of Concubine Zhen since she became pregnant.


    Hexi Pce once again returned to the days when the Emperor woulde to check in daily. The difference now was that he no longer needed Wang Dequan''s reminders; he would conscientiously head to Hexi Pce at the appointed time each day.


    In view of his excellent performance, Jiang Xinyue even rewarded him with a hot pot meal.


    Considering that he couldn''t eat very spicy food, the copper pot was made in the style of a yuan-yang pot. Following her instructions, Chief Steward Gao prepared various side dishes. The Xuanwu Emperor ate from the mushroom soup base, adding spicy condiments if he wanted more heat.


    Jiang Xinyue ate from the spicy soup pot, her small mouth turning red and her eyes glistening with tears, a sight that mesmerized the Xuanwu Emperor.


    His Concubine Zhen had not only maintained her beauty but had be even more attractive. He wondered if the child would inherit their excellent looks?


    If so, who knows how beautiful the child would be.


    But in any case, with the parents'' innate conditions, he believed his child would certainly be very beautiful.


    With only three months left until the big reveal, the Xuanwu Emperor silently raised his expectations to the maximum, and became even more determined not to allow Concubine Zhen to suffer even the slightest harm.


    The security and screening at Hexi Pce became stricter than ever before.


    He even reced all the midwives originally assigned to Jiang Xinyue, having Tang Shiliang personally arrange for people to apany Yan the Imperial Physician to secretly select several reputable midwives from among themon people and bring them into the pce.


    Fearing that they might be bribed to harm Jiang Xinyue during childbirth, the Xuanwu Emperor ordered their families to be ced under control.


    ording to Yan the Imperial Physician, because of the proper care and protection during pregnancy, and Jiang Xinyue''s attention to thebination of exercise and diet, the fetus was developing very healthily.


    She measured her own abdominal circumference every seven days, constantly monitoring the size of the fetus. There were no unexpected situations, indicating a very good prospect for delivery.


    Therefore, if anything were to happen to Jiang Xinyue at the time, or if there were to be two deaths in one, the Xuanwu Emperor would kill all the midwives and their families, without any room for leniency.


    So even if those midwives wanted to ept money or favors, they had to consider whether they would live to enjoy it.


    In Shunan Pce¡ª


    "Mydy, the task you assigned to this servant cannot be aplished. The Emperor has driven out all the original midwives. If we want to take Concubine Zhen''s life, I''m afraid we''ll have to find another way."


    The womany in a rocking chair. In the small room, a brazier of fine gold wire charcoal was burning, its warm aroma making one drowsy.


    After hearing the midwife''s report, she slowly opened her eyes: "Has that thing been ced?"


    The midwife nodded repeatedly outside the door: "As per your instructions, it has been ced under Concubine Zhen''s bed."


    "That will do."


    The womanzily got up: "The Emperor has just managed to cate her and is quite fond of her at the moment. We shouldn''t make a move on this front for now. When the Emperor shows signs of tiring of her, we can use this to cast Concubine Zhen into the eighteenth level of hell, ensuring she can never recover in this lifetime."


    The midwife nodded obsequiously: "Yes, yes, mydy is wise."


    The woman''s eyes nced to the side, and immediately a eunuch stepped forward: "Come then! Since there''s nothing more for you to do, I''ll escort you out of the pce now. Remember to keep your mouth shut."

 Chapter 142

    The festive atmosphere in the Hexi Pce every day, made the destion of the Yikun Pce even more apparent.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Ever since the Emperor and the Empress had their fight, with Empress Zhu leaving the banquet in a rage, the Emperor had not visited the Yikun Pce.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Even on the major days of the first and fifteenth, ording to the ancestral rules that the Emperor must spend the night in the Yikun Pce, he did note.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    He would rather sleep alone in Chengqian Pce, rather than apany Empress Zhu.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The fortunes in the pce are ever-changing, with each day different from thest.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The concubines of the harem were still making fun of Concubine Zhen with Empress Zhu, and in the blink of an eye, she herself has be a joke. <span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The pce concubines were also mocking her behind her back for overreaching herself, daring to quarrel with the Emperor like Concubine Zhen.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Did she think everyone could seduce the Emperor like Jiang Xinyue? <span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    You need to be as beautiful as her to do that!<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Now, she''s shot herself in the foot. The Emperor is ignoring Empress Zhu.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    No wonder Empress Zhu feels embarrassed, she even waived the everyday greetings of the pce concubines, it could be due to a headache, but mostly she is probably embarrassed!<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Empress..."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Fen Yun lit the coal basin, "Should we go apologize to the Emperor? The New Year banquet ising up, if the courtiers see that you and the Emperor are not getting along, this..."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The fifth prince, after all, is not the biological son of Empress Zhu, his future prospects depend on the support of the ministers and the Emperor''s favor.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Crash!"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "I won''t go."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Makeup materials scattered all over the dressing table, with the Empress Zhu''s chest heaving wildly, "I have been his wife for decades, and for a concubine, he insulted me so, I must grovel and ask his forgiveness, why should I?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Of course, because he is the Emperor, because he controls the lives, glory, and favor of everyone in the harem!<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    In her own logic, Empress Zhu understands this.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    But emotionally, she cannot ept it.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Coming from a prominent n, Empress Zhu values her dignity and pride more than life. This can be seen from the fact that Consort Liang, who holds nothing back in her words, still enjoys such favor from the Empress.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Because Consort Liang is the mouthpiece of Empress Zhu.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    All the vulgar words that the Empress, due to her status, can not utter, are put into words through Consort Liang¡®s mouth, which provides a great satisfaction to the Empress.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    But this time, due to "Concubine Zhen being spoiled", the Emperor was shut out. Instead of ming her, the Emperor was careful to cate her, and despite knowing that the Empress was enjoying the flowers in the warm pavilion, he ordered his guards to pick flowers.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Fine!<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    If he wants to pick flowers, so be it. But when she''s angry, and wants to go to the Hexi Pce to argue, can''t the Emperor express a bit of regret and give her a small amount of dignity as the head woman of the harem?<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    No!<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Not only does he not do that, he actually ordered all the plum blossom trees in the warm pavilion to be cut down because she has disturbed his cosy time with Concubine Zhen.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    She remembers the day after her wedding with Shen Ye. They went to the Cining Pce together to thank their parents. The Dowager Empress was constantly giving her a hard time, but the Emperor defended her.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The spirited Emperor brought her to the warm pavilion to admire the snow.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    He once said, "I am aware of your fondness for plum blossoms, which is why I have ordered the nting of them in this courtyard. You are free to admire the flowers and prepare wine at your leisure in these surroundings. It''s quite a beautiful setup."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Soon, the plum courtyard bloomed, presenting a sight so spectacr it invoked envy. Who wouldn''t covet her protection by the Emperor?<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Every year, after it snowed in winter, she would invite all wives to admire the blooming plums and enjoy warmed wine. It had be a regr form of entertainment.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Now, everything had been ruined by Concubine Zhen.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The Emperor had seemingly forgotten the year he had promised to nt a forest of plums for her.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    How was she supposed to reconcile with that? How could she submissively apologize to the Emperor?<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Where had she gone wrong?<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Rtions between the Queen and the Emperor were tense, and everyone dared not act rashly. Only Concubine Zhen from Hexi Pce received the Emperor''splete favor, even while pregnant - even though it meant she could not apany him at night, he would still often spend the night at her abode.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Atst, only about ten days before the New Year''s banquet, opposition voices were heard in court.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Consort Ye''s father, General Ye, was the first to raise the issue. "Your Majesty," he said, "I have heard about your exclusive favoritism towards Concubine Zhen. Discontent spreads among the multitude of wives in the harem, and I fear this unabated favoritism is unsuitable. Concubine Zhen, even in her pregnant state, continues to cling to Your Majesty, raising questions about her conduct. I urge Your Majesty to consider the imperial heir and ensure that favor is distributed evenly."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Officials who had daughters serving as wives in the pce knelt together, "We beseech Your Majesty to weigh the importance of the imperial heir and distribute favor equally.¡±<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Among them, only the victorious General Ye had the audacity to raise his voice. Most were too fearful to speak up.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    After all, the deterrent effect of how the Emperor dealt with the Wu and Song families was still present. Nobody knew whether the Emperor would hold a grudge and if they would be next in line for his wrath.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Heard from whom?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The Xuanwu Emperor chuckled lightly, teasing a sachet attached to his waist, its crude needlework revealing the poor embroidery skills of whoever made it.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    His face even bore a smile, "Who might General Ye have heard this from?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Hisugh was enough to send chills down one''s spine, "Did you hear it from Consort Ye, or was it the spy you nted within the pce?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "I dare not!"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    General Ye knelt on one knee, his fist clenched, "Your Majesty, there are manydies in the harem, and if only Concubine Zhen is favored, the bnce in the harem would inevitably be disrupted. An unsettled harem leads to an unstable court. As the ruler of this country, Your Majesty should not act so capriciously. And as for Concubine Zhen, she has bewitched Your Majesty, leading you to lose your judgment. She must be punished severely."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "What exactly are you trying to say, General Ye?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Jiang Yankun, who by now held the third rank of official title, looked at General Ye disapprovingly, "The Emperor''s affection orck thereof is his own personal matter and has no rtion to the court. Are you implying that if the Emperor does not favor your daughter, you will refuse to fight for the Great Yan Dynasty? Isn''t that a threat to the Emperor? General Ye, you really are audacious!¡±<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "You..."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    With eyes as wide as copper bells, General Ye retorted angrily, "Your Majesty, I have no such intention. Every single word I spoke was in consideration for Your Majesty and this kingdom."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Running the kingdom is the Emperor''s task. Why are you worrying yourself over it, General Ye? You should content yourself with your own duties. Don''t overstep. You wouldn''t want anyone mistaking your ambitions, thinking you wish to be the Emperor!"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Once Jiang Yankun had finished his blistering tirade, General Ye was itching to gag him, "You''re just enjoying this, aren''t you, Jiang? Because the emperor favours your daughter!"


    <span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Nonsense!"


    <span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Jiang Yankun sneered, "Had the emperor favored Consort Ye, wouldn''t you be over the moon? You wouldn''t be expecting the emperor to punish Consort Ye harshly then, would you?"


    <span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Of course, not.


    <span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    General Ye''s face turned beet red at the blunt question, "You..."


    <span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "And you lot..."


    <span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Jiang Yankun''s gaze shifted from General Ye to the ministers behind him, "Are you threatening the emperor, too? If he doesn''t sleep with your daughters, he won''t be able to govern smoothly? Is that how you want to create turbulence in the empire?"


    <span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The group of ministers exchanged ufortable nces. Helping each other stand, they pretended as if nothing unusual had just happened.


    <span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    No, there was no such thing... no such thing...<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

 Chapter 143

    Jiang Yankun, with his roguish logic, left the ministers speechless, including General Ye who had led themotion.


    On his way back from court, the Xuanwu Emperor couldn''t help butugh, saying to Wang Dequan, "This Minister Jiang is truly a delightful character. No wonder he raised such a mischievous and clever daughter as Concubine Zhen."


    Sharp-tongued indeed, wasn''t she?


    Even the Emperor was no match for Concubine Zhen, so naturally, General Ye was no match for Minister Jiang.


    It was a pity that Minister Jiang was no longer an official in the Ministry of Rites. If he were still in charge of hosting this year''s New Year''s banquet, the Emperor would have Concubine Zhen give him the hot pot recipe, allowing him to shine once more and providing an opportunity for a promotion.


    "Hmm¡ª"


    The Xuanwu Emperor pondered, "Minister Jiang''s elder cousin, the one who reported his superior for corruption and bribery, what was his name again?"


    "In response to Your Majesty, his name is Jiang Yanxi."


    "Is he in the capital now?"


    The Emperor had suddenly thought of Jiang Yanxi, and since he asked, Wang Dequan could only answer truthfully: "He wasn''t before, but now that Minister Jiang has been promoted, the Jiang family sent several young schrs to prepare for the imperial examinations. Since this year''s exams were postponed, Minister Jiang probably didn''t want to affect their state of mind, so he didn''t let them participate. He''s having them prepare well for next year''s Autumn Imperial Examination instead!"


    The Autumn Imperial Examination was the provincial exam, and those who passed became Juren (rmended schrs). The following year''s metropolitan examination would allow all Juren schrs to participate. After the pce examination, the top three ranks of Top Schr, Second-ranked Schr, and Third-ranked Schr would be determined, along with the second-tier Metropolitan Graduates and third-tier Associate Metropolitan Graduates, all of whom would be eligible for official positions at court.


    "Jiang Yanxi arrived at Minister Jiang''s residence two months ago with some young men, and they should still be there."


    The Jiang family''s main lineage now had to rely on Jiang Yankun, and it was clear without saying that the n leader would likely be reced.


    Who would it be reced with?


    Naturally, it would be the most capable one.


    Only a capable n leader could lead the n to prosperity.


    "If I remember correctly, after Minister Jiang was promoted to Minister of the Ministry of Punishment, the Deputy Minister Wang of the Ministry of Rites took over Minister Jiang''s position as the head of the Ministry of Rites?"


    Wang Dequan replied again, "That''s correct. Recently, Minister Wang of the Ministry of Rites rmended a schr for the position of Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Rites, but Your Majesty rejected it, saying to wait until after this year''s Spring Imperial Examination."


    This year''s Spring Imperial Examination included both the metropolitan and pce examinations. It was said that Concubine Zhen''s elder brother and younger brother would both be participating, so Wang Dequan guessed that the Emperor was paving the way for Concubine Zhen''s family.


    "Minister Jiang''s eldest son, I''ve read his essays. He''s a mediocre talent who might not even pass the metropolitan examination, let alone the pce examination. Young Junze is quite promising, but he''s too young. His views on practical matters are still too naive. Entering officialdom too early would only harm him; he needs a few years of tempering before he can be of use."


    Just as Jiang Xinyue herself had said, trying again in three years when Jiang Junze would be only twelve years old ¨C for someone his age to have already passed the provincial examination was already extraordinary. There was no need to rush; it was best to consolidate his knowledge and gain more understanding of the people''s conditions.


    The Xuanwu Emperor hadn''t even realized that he now loved Concubine Zhen so much that he was extending his affection to her family, already making ns for her younger brother.


    As for the Jiang family¡ª


    Jiang Yanxi was so ted he could barely speak coherently: "The Concubine didn''t lie to me, she really didn''t lie... Brother Kun... this daughter of yours, you''ve raised her well, truly well!"


    Jiang Yanxi had also brought his two legitimate daughters to the capital this time, precisely because he saw how favored Jiang Xinyue was, and he wanted to seek good marriages for them.


    Jiang Yunxia and her younger sister Jiang Yuncai each brought a cup of hot tea, offering them respectively to the brothers Jiang Yankun and Jiang Yanxi.


    "Father, what good news is there?"


    Since arriving in the capital, they had never seen their father so happy. Could it be that their cousin Xinyue in the pce had secured an official position for their father?


    Jiang Yanxi drank the tea his precious daughter had brought him, his smile deepening: "Your father is now a fifth-rank Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Rites."


    Jiang Yunxia and Jiang Yuncai''s eyes sparkled with joy, the sisters holding hands as they stood together: "Father, are we and little sister dreaming?"


    Jiang Yanxi was already in his thirties, which in this era where fifteen-year-olds could be Top Schrs, was indeed not considered young.


    People generally had short lifespans in those times, with those over sixty already considered very long-lived.


    Half of Jiang Yanxi''s life had already passed, and he had only now reached the fifth rank thanks to his niece''s favor in the pce. How could he not be overjoyed?


    The two Jiang sisters were also extremely happy. They had been in the capital for over two months and had attended several banquets,rge and small, but they always sat in the cold seats, with no one willing to socialize with them.


    Madam Zhou treated them like poor rtives from the countryside, looking down on the two sisters. Jiang Yulin even held her nose high, treating them like servants.


    Madam Ruan was a very amiable person, and both Miss Yan and Young Master Ze were polite, gentle, and lovable.


    But Madam Ruan herself was of humble origins, even low-born. It was only after cousin Xinyue gained favor in the pce that Madam Ruan was elevated from favored concubine to equal wife.


    Those officialdies outside might not say anything to her face, but privately they looked down on Madam Ruan, feeling that her status was not worthy of dining at the same table with them.


    Even so, Jiang Yunxia and Jiang Yuncai still preferred to attend banquets with Madam Ruan.


    Because there were always some officialdies with simr temperaments to Madam Ruan who didn''t care about status and treated them sincerely. Moreover, the daughters of thosedies who were friends with Miss Yan would also give them some face and include them in their activities.


    Unlike Jiang Yulin, who brought them along just so her little friends could humiliate them.


    Jiang Yankun proudly chuckled a few times: "Cousin can first buy a residence. After the New Year, renovate it before moving in. After all, you''re now a capital official. Living with me might invite gossip. It''s not easy for Xinyue in the pce, we shouldn''t cause her any trouble."


    "Yes, yes..."


    Upon hearing that it might affect Jiang Xinyue, Jiang Yanxi nodded repeatedly: "I heard that previously, a daughter of an official from the Ministry of Personnelmitted an offense in the pce and had her hand and foot tendons cut. The whole family fled the capital, and that residence is still empty. How about I buy that residence?"


    "What is your father thinking?" Lady Zhou was throwing a tantrum in the room. "When has the Jiang family''s main lineage ever helped us? The position of Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Rites should have been kept for his own son, but instead, he gave it to an outsider from the Jiang family''s main line? Why does he always favor outsiders?"


    Jiang Yulin was listless...


    The fianc¨¦e of the Prince of Ruyang''s heir had already been decided as Pei Xiang, the granddaughter of Minister Pei of the Privy Council. She couldn''t even get close to the opportunity.


    She had no interest in anything now and didn''t respond to Lady Zhou.


    Sitting below Lady Zhou, the eldest son of the Jiang family, Jiang Tianyi, lowered his eyes: "Mother, it''s because I''m not capable enough. I definitely won''t ce in this Spring Imperial Examination. Can I not take it?"


    His cautious demeanor angered Lady Zhou: "Look at your cowardly appearance! That cheap woman''s son has already passed the provincial examination at just nine years old. Look at you, how many times have you taken it? You''re already twenty-three, and you''re telling me you can''t pass?"


    If he couldn''t pass this time, there would be no more chances.

 Chapter 144

    The favor of the imperial harem, as long as it doesn''t involve the interests of the court, actually doesn''t cause much of a stir.


    But this time, after the Emperor specially favored Concubine Zhen, he not only directly promoted Concubine Zhen''s father to a third-rank official, but also appointed Jiang Yanxi, who indirectly caused the downfall of Prime Minister Song, as the Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Rites. Isn''t this too biased?


    Among them, Wang, Minister of Rites, had the most intense reaction.


    When the previous Minister of Rites retired, he rmended Wang to rece him as the Minister. They were just waiting for officials from Fengtian Prefecture toe and go through the formalities before he could officially take office.


    As a result, just because he had a good daughter, the Emperor directly appointed Jiang Yankun as the Minister.


    The two had been deputy ministers for many years and had always been adversaries. When Jiang Yankun''s daughter hadn''t entered the pce, they often argued, and their rtionship was like fire and water.


    Butter, when his daughter entered the pce and gained favor, they were no longer on the same level, and even the old Minister had to curry favor with him.


    He had finally ousted Jiang Yankun, and the Ministry of Rites was about to be his domain. Now the Emperor has sent another member of the Jiang family, and one even more troublesome than Jiang Yankun ¨C a stubborn mule who dared to report his own superior. How was he supposed to live his days from now on?


    How many eyes would be watching the Ministry of Rites in the future?


    The most terrifying pair of eyes would be watching him!


    "Your Majesty, the positions in the Ministry of Rites are all assessed by Fengtian Prefecture and promoted level by level. This Jiang Yanxi was originally just a private advisor to the magistrate of Qinzhou, an official even lower than the lowest-ranking ones. How can he take on such an important role?"


    The Emperor sat on the dragon throne, not even raising his eyes: "Special talents naturally receive special treatment. Jiang Deputy Minister is not afraid of power and is willing to report illegal activities even at the risk of his life. Just for this point alone, he is capable of this great responsibility. Moreover, Minister Jiang is still there. He knows the procedures of the Ministry of Rites better than anyone, after all, he was once Wang''s superior, right?"


    The implication was that if Jiang Yanxi had anything he didn''t understand, he would naturally consult Jiang Yankun, and even if he wasn''t familiar with the procedures, it wouldn''t trouble Wang. It was a warning for him not to go against the Emperor''s will.


    After the court session, only Minister Jiang from the Ministry of Personnel and a few officials from the Ministry of Punishment walked together with Jiang Yankun. Others gathered in groups of two or three, looking as if they were deliberately ostracizing Jiang Yankun.


    "Huh!"


    "Childish!"


    Jiang Xinyue rested her chin on her hand, not hiding her exasperation in front of the Xuanwu Emperor: "They''re all in their fifties or sixties, yet still ying these petty office politics games. It''s really immature."


    The Xuanwu Emperor chuckled: "I also find them extremely childish. They all think I appointed your uncle as the Deputy Minister of Rites because I favor you. But what I value is his courage to expose the darkness in officialdom. The Ministry of Rites is a ce of great wealth. With tribute from foreign envoys and return gifts from the court, the Ministry of Rites can make a fortune with just a little maniption. Favoring you is one reason, but I genuinely need someone like Jiang Yanxi to help me keep an eye on Wang."


    The money in his treasury could be used to support the army or the people, but not to feed insatiable parasites.


    On this point, Jiang Xinyue quite admired the Xuanwu Emperor. He truly loved his people and his empire.


    "Ouch¡ª"


    The little one in her belly was restless, kicking just above her pubic bone, causing her to suck in a sharp breath of pain.


    The Xuanwu Emperor immediately ced his hand on her belly: "Little Six, be good, be gentle. Your mother is the apple of father''s eye. If you hurt her, father will spank your little bottom."


    As he spoke, he patted the pulsing belly twice.


    Surprisingly, perhaps due to the father-son connection, the little one''s movements truly became gentler, making Jiang Xinyue marvel at the wonder.


    In her past life, although she had a boyfriend, they had only progressed to holding hands. As for that aspect... the Xuanwu Emperor was her first man.


    Ah... what a pity!


    If she had known, she should have slept with her fair-skinned, beautiful, long-legged, abstinent-type boyfriend when they were dating.


    Why be a pure love warrior?


    She should have been a pure flesh warrior.


    "Your Highness... Your Highness?"


    Several calls brought her back to reality. She looked up to see Fang Rumeng, who had been promoted to the position of Clothing Steward, smiling at her while holding an exquisite pce gown: "Concubine Zhen, this is the dress that the Emperor ordered the Imperial Wardrobe to make for you a month ago."


    The female workers from the Imperial Wardrobe unfolded the dress. The beautiful satin shimmered with light, captivating any woman whoid eyes on it.


    Fang Rumeng and the other female workers all wore silk gloves, afraid that a moment of carelessness might damage the precious garment with the calluses on their fingers.


    "Your Highness, this is violet silk satin, the most delicate and rare dustproof fabric in the pce. It''s made from nylon, silk, gold thread, and fine pearls. The entire fabric isposed of five-colored satin patterns, flowing with brilliance as if tiny jewels are sparkling. These dozen or so embroiderers from the Imperial Wardrobe spent a month embroidering climbing trumpet creeper flowers on the dress using double-sided embroidery. Each flower is a relief craft, lifelike. Under themplight, there''s even an illusion of dew drops falling. In the entire harem, only you have such a piece, Your Highness."


    The preciousness of this dress wasn''t just in the garment itself, but in the disy of the superior skills of so many embroiderers working tirelessly day and night. It was a manifestation of the Emperor''s love for Concubine Zhen.


    Most importantly, the Emperor had also made a matching outfit, though much more low-key and in, but in the same color.


    When the Emperor and Concubine Zhen stand together wearing these outfits, the trumpet creeper flowers on Concubine Zhen''s dress and the trumpet creeper branches on the Emperor''s outfit would ovep, making it look as if the two were entwined by flower branches.


    You in me, me in you, intimately entangled.


    However, the Emperor currently doesn''t want them to reveal this to Concubine Zhen, saying he wants to give her a surprise at the New Year''s banquet.


    Jiang Xinyue had always been Fang Rumeng''s supporter. Her favor naturally made Fang Rumeng happier than anyone else.


    But with the Xuanwu Emperor watching nearby, she couldn''t show it too obviously, and only spoke well of the Emperor in a proper manner.


    "Concubine Zhen''s beauty is unparalleled in the world. Paired with this silk satin, it trulyplements each other, enhancing both."


    It was the dress that would highlight Concubine Zhen''s unparalleled beauty, and it was the stunningly beautiful Concubine Zhen who was destined to make the silk satin the talk of the entire harem at the New Year''s banquet, bing a rare fabric that all the concubines would scramble for.


    Considering that Jiang Xinyue was still heavily pregnant, Fang Rumeng had moved the side slit of the banner gown slightly upwards and added several pleats to the hem, making it more amodating.


    The lively design made Jiang Xinyue appear even more otherworldly and gorgeous, like an elf or a fairy.


    "Thank you, Your Majesty. I love it very much."


    Jiang Xinyue held it in her hands, standing in front of the mirror and trying it on for a while. After asking Xi Que to put the dress away, she said, "Your Majesty, just one dress for me has kept the embroiderers of the Imperial Wardrobe busy for so long. You must reward them well, and Clothing Steward Fang too... I also really like the flower pattern she designed. They have put in so much effort, we can''t mistreat them."


    Otherwise, who would be willing to work for her in the future?

 Chapter 145

    The Xuanwu Emperor patted her little head: "A job well done deserves a reward."


    He looked at Fang Rumeng: "As for how to reward, let the Chief Costume Officer decide, and then report it to the Internal Affairs Department."


    Fang Rumeng''s face lit up with joy: "On behalf of the embroiderers in the Costume Department, I thank Your Majesty and Concubine Zhen."


    Tomorrow was the New Year''s Banquet, but Empress Zhu was still sulking with the emperor and had no intention of attending.


    Or rather, she was waiting for the emperor toe and sweet-talk her.


    The New Year''s Banquet was the grandest festival of the year. The emperor and empress''s attendance would demonstrate harmony in the royal household, promising a peaceful and prosperous year ahead.


    However, the Xuanwu Emperor seemed to have no intention of reconciling. With the banquet just a day away, no one hade to deliver her newly made clothes or inquire about her arrangements for the evening.


    What she didn''t know was that the emperor had already handed over all banquet matters to the Internal Affairs Department, using the empress''s alleged headache as an excuse to prevent pce staff from disturbing her rest.


    "Your Highness..." Fen Yun looked worriedly at the empress, who had been sitting silently by the window all morning. Biting her lip, she knelt down and kowtowed: "Empress, I beg you to apologize to the emperor. If not for yourself, think of the Fifth Prince! If you fall, how will the Fifth Prince survive?"


    "Wah... wah..." As if sensing Empress Zhu''s sorrow, the Fifth Prince in the wet nurse''s arms let out a cute cry, waving his little hands, wanting Empress Zhu to hold him.


    The Fifth Prince was almost a year old. Children in the pce matured early, and he had already sensed his mother''s sadness and disappointment from her expression. He wanted tofort his mother with his little hands.


    Those lifeless eyes shed tears upon hearing the Fifth Prince''s cries.


    Empress Zhu, her voice hoarse, said: "Bring the Fifth Prince to me."


    The wet nurse nced at Fen Yun, worried that the empress''s unstable emotions might harm the Fifth Prince.


    Fen Yun directly took the Fifth Prince and ced him on Empress Zhu''sp. The Fifth Prince immediately stopped crying, his eyes curving into crescents as he smiled, uttering for the first time a not-quite-perfect: "Mo... mo... mother..."


    "The Fifth Prince called you!"


    This single word, "mother," ignited all of Empress Zhu''s fighting spirit.


    She seemed to see her deceased eldest and second princes, their faces gradually merging with the Fifth Prince''s, bing her third child.


    Suppressed, broken sobs escaped her lips as she held the Fifth Prince tightly. Her tears soaked the little one''s shoulder, but he knowingly stretched out his arms, also tightly embracing Empress Zhu''s neck, and even pressed his head against her cheek.


    Seeing this scene, Fen Yun also shed tears: "Your Highness, see? The Fifth Prince knows how good you are to him!"


    Indeed!


    Even such a small child knows who truly cares for him, able to give you a hug andfort you when you''re sad.


    The emperor, a grown man, kept stabbing her heart time and time again.


    Couldn''t he give hiswful wife a way to save face?


    No!


    She couldn''t sit idly by and wait for doom.


    Empress Zhu wiped away her tears, her gaze gradually hardening. Taking a deep breath, she said: "Fen Yun, we can''t let Concubine Zhen... stay any longer."


    Previously, she hadn''t taken harsh measures, thinking Concubine Zhen posed no threat to her position. No matter how favored she was, she was still just a concubine, unable to affect her status as the rightful empress.


    But the emperor''s actions this time made her acutely aware of how terrifying it was when a monarch''s love was given solely to one person.


    Today she might be Concubine Zhen, tomorrow she could be Noble Consort Zhen, andter she could be Imperial Noble Consort...


    Eventually, she, the empress, would have to abdicate.


    Even if it meant the emperor would hate her for the rest of his life, it didn''t matter. The position of empress could only ever be hers.


    "Empress, Eunuch Jiang Chuan from Hexi Pce is here."


    The voice of a young eunuch sounded from outside. Empress Zhu concealed the ferocity in her eyes and had the wet nurse take the Fifth Prince away.


    With Fen Yun''s assistance, the empress covered her tear stains. Only when no traces could be seen did she walk out from the inner hall.


    Jiang Chuan had been waiting for quite a while, but he showed no signs of annoyance or impatience. He still very properly led his people to pay respects to Empress Zhu.


    Empress Zhu, harboring anger, didn''t call for them to rise. So Jiang Chuan knelt obediently, without a trace of resentment.


    "Hmph!"


    The cold snort sounded chilling and aloof in the spacious hall.


    Empress Zhu nced sideways: "It seems Concubine Zhen has raised a few loyal dogs. I wonder if these dogs know that they eat food provided by me, and should show respect to their true master."


    Hexi Pce... no... strictly speaking, all the pce servants in the entire harem were Empress Zhu''s servants.


    The sries of the harem were all allocated by her.


    It was she, the rightful empress, who fed these dog servants.


    Jiang Chuan smiled: "Your Highness, you''re mistaken. Ourdy only keeps one dog, named Laiguo. It usually eats the chicken, duck, fish, meat, and vegetables that we servants in Hexi Pce raise. But as Your Highness said, it is indeed a loyal good dog. Your Highness truly has discerning eyes."


    The implication was clear: I and the others are people, not dogs. Concubine Zhen has never treated us as dogs. But Hexi Pce indeed has a dog named Laiguo, it eats food provided by Concubine Zhen, which has nothing to do with Empress Zhu. It is indeed a dog loyal only to Concubine Zhen, as Your Highness''s wise eyes can clearly see.


    This was more than just a double entendre.


    Firstly, it suggested that Empress Zhu didn''t treat servants as people but as dogs, implying that all who served her were dogs.


    Secondly, it stated that they didn''t eat food provided by Empress Zhu, they were the emperor''s people, and since the pce had assigned them to Concubine Zhen, they were Concubine Zhen''s people, with a clear conscience.


    Thirdly, it implied that Hexi Pce was self-sufficient, working for themselves and providing for themselves, not relying on Empress Zhu''s support. Servants working for wages was a matter of course, or did she expect them to serve for free?


    Fourthly, it acknowledged that Empress Zhu had good judgment, knowing that Hexi Pce''s servants were loyal to Concubine Zhen, so there was no point in trying to sow discord.


    Empress Zhu was so angry that her fingers clenched tightly. The veins on her temples, hidden beneath her ck hair, bulged terrifyingly.


    Jiang Chuan knew well that after a p, one should offer a sweet date, otherwise this face-conscious empress might take serious action.


    He shifted his kneeling position to reveal two pce servants behind him carrying something: "Your Highness, these are clothes made from the new pce brocade from the Costume Department. Concubine Zhen thought they must have been delivered to the wrong ce. Such magnificent clothes should be for Your Highness to wear at tomorrow''s New Year''s Banquet. So... she quickly ordered me to bring them to you."


    Delivered to the wrong ce?


    That was impossible. How could the Costume Department... unless it was the emperor!


    Empress Zhu first smiled coldly, then excitedly stood up: "Did the emperor send you?"

 Chapter 146

    "His Majesty does not know that this servant hase to Yikun Pce."


    Jiang Chuan replied as Jiang Xinyue had instructed: "Concubine Zhen is favored by the Emperor, and many things are beyond her control. She wouldn''t dare defy His Majesty''s wishes. She knew nothing of the incident in the plum garden that day. But because this matter caused conflict between the Emperor and Empress, Concubine Zhen is truly terrified."


    He paused for a moment, carefully observing Empress Zhu''s softening expression before continuing: "This robe wasmissioned by His Majesty a month ago and only delivered to Hexi Pce two days ago. An official from the Imperial Wardrobe who is close to Concubine Zhen informed us a month ago. At the time, Concubine Zhen felt it was inappropriate, but after much deliberation, she still had them make this robe ording to the Empress''s measurements. Ourdy also said... if His Majesty were to find fault, she would take full responsibility. She begs the Empress to forgive His Majesty''s impulsive actions and not to remain angry with him. All faults are ourdy''s, and she is willing to ept punishment from the Empress at tomorrow''s New Year''s banquet."


    Concubine Zhen was now the Emperor''s favorite, yet she still humbled herself toe and apologize, showing she still respected the Empress as the head of the inner pce.


    Sometimes what the Emperor couldn''t see clearly, Concubine Zhen could discern.


    Compared to mutual dislike, being listed as political factions was worse, as both sides would grasp for power illegitimately and try to overthrow each other.


    The power struggles in the inner pce would be even more base and dark than those in the imperial court, leaving one unable to guard against them.


    Could the Emperor truly guarantee that Empress Zhu''s people would never be able to get close to Concubine Zhen?


    It was impossible.


    Empress Zhu had managed the inner pce for many years, withckeys and minions as numerous as cow hairs, reaching every corner.


    Jiang Xinyue would inevitably have moments alone, times when guards couldn''t protect her. That would be Empress Zhu''s chance to strike.


    Her show of weakness and plea for reconciliation was out of respect for the Empress''s authority.


    Empress Zhu''s face finally showed a hint of a smile: "Concubine Zhen is thoughtful. I will ept the robe. Tell your mistress to rest easy and focus on her pregnancy. I understand her difficulties and won''t me her."


    Not ming her was a lie, merely polite words.


    Jiang Chuan had delivered his mistress''s message,pleting his task. As for what the Empress would do afterwards, hisdy had said they would meet soldiers with generals and floods with dykes.


    In any case, even if faced with violent storms, theirdy was not afraid.


    In the year and a half since entering the pce, hadn''t theirdy already experienced many storms?


    Even the Empress Dowager was still unable to return from her southern pce. Thinking of it this way, Empress Zhu didn''t seem so frightening.


    Jiang Xinyue was taking a stroll in the courtyard when Jiang Chuan returned and ryed Empress Zhu''s words.


    Xi Que shook her head regretfully: "I heard from the Imperial Tailor that His Majesty had a matching outfit made for himself! If ourdy could wear that robe, it would announce her favored status to the whole world."


    Shuang Jiang''s face bore a smile as she supported the tired Jiang Xinyue to sit down. She nced at Xi Que: "Ourdy''s decision was truly wise! It''s enough that His Majesty''s favor is real; why provoke others'' hatred? Empress Zhu has managed the inner pce for many years. If she truly wanted to deal with ourdy, even His Majesty might not be able to protect her."


    The fear was that Empress Zhu would be reckless, frantically biting down, and even if Jiang Xinyue didn''t die, she would be badly hurt.


    It wasn''t yet time for Empress Zhu to fall, and Jiang Xinyue didn''t want to make an enemy of her.


    Since the Empress had told her to take care of her pregnancy, she probably didn''t intend to make a fatal move against her for now, which was reassuring.


    "I know..." Xi Que pouted, "I just feel it''s unfair to ourdy. When His Majesty gets angryter, ourdy will still be the one to suffer."


    "That''s why..." Shuang Jiang raised an eyebrow, "Ourdy had the Imperial Tailor make a new set of clothes, white with a touch of pink, designed by ourdy herself. She called it... called it..."


    "Couple''s outfit."


    "Yes, yes, yes..." With Jiang Xinyue''s reminder, Shuang Jiang remembered, "It''s called a couple''s outfit."


    She ced another soft cushion behind Jiang Xinyue''s lower back to make herfortable: "Just think about it - couple, couple... it means a pair of loving men and women, like ordinary husband and wife. The meaning is wonderful, His Majesty will like it."


    If she wore the robe prepared by the Xuanwu Emperor and appeared with him at the New Year''s banquet, rumors that the Emperor would make her Empress would probably be flying by the next day.


    She hadn''t even been granted the title of Imperial Consort yet and was still pregnant. She didn''t want to go up against the Empress at this time.


    Moreover, she needed to make her stance clear to Empress Zhu first - that she had no designs on the position of Empress.


    All along, her goal had been to be the favored concubine, and now that she was about to achieve it, she couldn''t let the Empress ruin it.


    The Xuanwu Emperor didn''t know that while he was excitedly matching his headpiece and jade pendant for tomorrow''s outfit, Jiang Xinyue had already given the robe to Empress Zhu.


    In fact, she had never intended to wear this robe from the beginning. Her disys of joy, gratitude, and amazement... were all to humor him.


    Golden hairpins, rouge on her lips, eyebrows like distant mountains, her beauty was unparalleled in the world. With her borate hairstyle and misty locks, she was like a beauty from a painting - graceful, soft, and ethereal as she took delicate steps.


    When Wang Dequan saw Concubine Zhen enter with her swollen belly, his mouth gaped open for a moment before he quickly closed it: "Concubine Zhen arrives¡ª"


    No matter what, Concubine Zhen was always the most vibrant beauty in the inner pce, but the vibrant beauty she wore today was not the one the Emperor had painstakinglymissioned from the Imperial Wardrobe!


    In the past, the inner pce had Imperial Consort Li, Consort Liang, Noble Lady Shu, Consort De...


    Their ranks were all above Concubine Zhen''s, so her seat was arranged not close to the Xuanwu Emperor.


    But this year was different. Consort Liang had previously offended the Emperor with inappropriate words and her seat was arranged at the back. Noble Lady Shu was dead, Consort De didn''tpete for favor, and Imperial Consort Li had been demoted and erased from existence.


    In the inner pce, besides Empress Zhu, Concubine Zhen was now the most favored.


    Therefore, even though she hadn''t been granted the title of Imperial Consort yet, the Internal Affairs Department had followed the Emperor''s instructions and arranged Concubine Zhen''s position in the closest spot to the Emperor on his right side.


    Parallel to the Emperor was Empress Zhu''s phoenix throne.


    "Has someone upset His Majesty? Why does he look so displeased?"


    "I thought so too. Did you see when Minister Pei of the Privy Council offered a toast? His Majesty didn''t smile at all."


    "Is he looking at Concubine Zhen?"


    "Could it be that he''s quarreled with Concubine Zhen again?"


    "This Concubine Zhen is truly a peculiar woman. She''s so temperamental, always upsetting His Majesty, yet His Majesty still dotes on her. Does His Majesty prefer consorts with a rebellious streak?"


    How could the Xuanwu Emperor not be displeased?


    The Empress beside him wore a robe of the same color as his own. Because they were seated together, the trumpet creeper flowers seemed to connect with the green vines on the Emperor''s robe...


    He and Empress Zhu appeared intertwined, in an extremely intimate posture.


    The surprise intended for Jiang Xinyue had turned into a shock for the Emperor.


    The first time he had done such things for a woman, and this was the result.


    How could he be happy?

 Chapter 147

    Jiang Xinyue didn''t care whether he was happy or not; after all, it was the New Year, and she was quite pleased.


    Because this time, her adoptive father had brought Lady Ruan into the pce, not Madam Zhou.


    Her full-blood siblings had alsoe, and from across the crowd, they were waving to greet her from afar!


    Jiang Xinyan had always been gentle, self-disciplined, and dignified, rarely showing such outward emotions. This was the first time Jiang Yunxia and Jiang Yuncai had entered the pce, and also the first time they had seen their cousin Xinyue since she entered the pce.


    In fact, before Jiang Xinyue entered the pce, they had only met her once, many years ago, when their fourth uncle had brought his whole family back to their hometown to pay respects to their ancestors.


    At that time, Jiang Xinyue was only about ten years old!


    Jiang Yunxia was probably seven or eight.


    Her only impression of Jiang Xinyue was that she was beautiful, more beautiful than all the other girls in the Jiang familybined.


    When they were young, none of the girls in the n could avoid being jealous of her, feeling that when she stood there, she was like a towering tree, overshadowing everyone else''s light.


    At that time, no one would y with her. The little girls were unwilling, while the little boys were shy, afraid to disturb this fairy-like sister or cousin.


    After all these years, time had been particrly kind to her. That beautiful face, as it matured, revealed stunning beauty and radiance.


    Outside, those high-and-mighty youngdies from great families privatelyined together, asking why Jiang Xinyue was so favored, wasn''t she just a pretty face?


    Jiang Yunxia shook her head, finding it amusing.


    After seeing cousin Xinyue''s beauty today, could they still say such ignorant things?


    A pretty face?


    Even if she was just a pretty face, her cousin Xinyue was the most beautiful and exquisite of all, captivating anyone whoid eyes on her.


    Even as a woman, she couldn''t help but be attracted, wanting to look a few more times. How much more so for the Emperor, a virile young man?


    Isn''t the purpose of a pretty face to be beautiful?


    Being beautiful enough is already the biggest reason for her to be favored!


    Thest time she entered the pce, Lady Ruan had met her daughter in Hexi Pce, during the Fifth Prince''s one-month celebration. It had been almost a year since she had seen her eldest daughter.


    That time she came quietly, and Xinyue wasn''t as favored as she is now, so no one paid much attention to her.


    This time was different. After Lady Ruan took her seat, all the eyes around fell on her, making her inexplicably nervous. She timidly tugged at Jiang Yankun''s sleeve.


    She wasn''t afraid of anything else, just that her lowly status might cause her children to be pointed at and gossiped about.


    Especially Xinyue...


    While Jiang Yankun was still engaged in witty banter with the ttering officials around the table, his hand under the table tightly held Lady Ruan''s, his thumb gently stroking the back of her hand to reassure her.


    Where there are tterers, there are also those who are sour and mean-spirited.


    "As it happens, our family has some connection with Lord Jiang''s family!" Lady Pei, the mother of Concubine Li, said with a cold smile. "I heard that Lady Ruan used to be a dancer in the Ruyang Prince''s Residence. Back then, the Prince of Ruyang saw that Lady Ruan was peerlessly beautiful and almost sent her to my father as a bedwarmer. But my father was already advanced in years at that time and politely declined. It was Lord Jiang who had the eye for beauty and asked the Prince of Ruyang for her hand to be his concubine. Otherwise, today''s Concubine Zhen would have been my little sister, and that would have been quite a gap in generations. But then Lord Jiang could have asked my father for histe-born daughter''s hand in marriage."


    These words were truly venomous.


    First, she publicly exposed Lady Ruan''s background,ying her shameful past bare for all to see and inviting everyone''s contempt.


    Then she said that when the Prince of Ruyang obtained this exceptionally beautiful dancer, he intended her as a gift for Minister Pei, but Minister Pei looked down on women of such low status and unclear backgrounds, not knowing if they were even clean, so he refused.


    It was Jiang Yankun who was indiscriminate in his tastes, too uncouth, and actually weed such a promiscuous prostitute into his household, presumably blinded by lust.


    What''s worse, she hypothesized that if Lady Ruan had been given to Minister Pei as a concubine, Jiang Xinyue would have been Minister Pei''ste-born daughter, and Jiang Yankun would have had to ask their Pei family for Jiang Xinyue''s hand in marriage.


    Wasn''t this a vition of ethical norms, hinting that the Jiang family had no rules, and spreading rumors about father-daughter impropriety...


    The color drained from Lady Ruan''s face. She had expected to be insulted, but she hadn''t imagined that Lady Pei would be so vicious, opening her mouth topletely destroy the reputation of the Jiang family''s daughter.


    There wasn''t a hint of anger in Jiang Yankun''s gentle eyes. Instead, he let out a sneer: "Lady Pei is right, and I must thank Minister Pei for his consideration back then, otherwise I wouldn''t have been able to marry my dear wife with a clear conscience. However, Lady Pei is mistaken on one point. The Emperor has already decreed that my dear wife be elevated to the status of my equal wife; she is not a concubine as you say. My dear wife is well-educated and gentle in nature, unlike those vicious women who immediately divorce their husbands and cut ties when they fall from grace. They are sharp-tongued, while my dear wife is well-mannered and no match for them. I ask all thedies present to take good care of my dear wife. I, Jiang, thank you all in advance."


    "Yes, yes... No need to thank us, it''s what we should do..."


    This Lord Jiang''s tongue was too sharp!


    Repeatedly calling her "Lady Pei" was like rubbing salt in her wounds, wasn''t it?


    Vicious woman, sharp-tongued, ill-mannered - every word was a stab to the heart!


    And while retaliating, he also cleared Lady Ruan''s name, stating that when she married Lord Jiang, she was a pure and innocent maiden, not the lowly person Lady Pei described.


    Most men value chastity highly, and since Lord Jiang said so, Lady Ruan must certainly be beyond reproach.


    Lady Pei was so angry she wanted to explode, but this was a pce banquet, so she had to hold it in. However, the hideous expression on her face was far from presentable.


    Jiang Xinyue hadn''t heard the argument over there, but she saw her mother''s pale face and frightened eyes, as well as her siblings'' indignant heaving chests.


    Who was gossiping and stirring up trouble again?


    She looked at the sweet crab meat already peeled on the table, then at Lady Pei sitting diagonally across from the Jiang family. She raised her hand to summon Xiao Xuanzi and whispered a few words in his ear. Xiao Xuanzi quickly retreated from the great hall.


    Chief Steward Gao was busy preparing tonight''s main course - hot pot.


    He saw Concubine Zhen''s personal eunuch, Xiao Xuanzi, approach and hurriedly wiped his hands: "Eunuch, does the Concubine have any instructions?"


    Xiao Xuanzi nced over the table: "The Concubine asked me to fetch a few crabs."


    Chief Steward Gao immediately ced four plump crabs on a te: "I''ll have them prepared for the Concubine right away."


    After a moment''s thought, he added, "Eunuch Xuan, crabs are very cooling. The Concubine is with child, it''s best not to eat too much."


    Xiao Xuanzi smiled, appreciating his goodwill: "Thank you for the reminder, Chief Steward Gao, but these crabs are not for the Concubine to eat. They''re for punishing someone. Please prepare these good-looking ones, and also give me a few with little meat, sharp pincers, and hard shells. I need to do this task well for the Concubine."


    Hearing this, Chief Steward Gao understood. In no time, he had selected a few crabs that were about to be discarded and gave them to him ording to his requirements.

 Chapter 148

    "These are not edible; they are very sharp. This afternoon, a few little eunuchs didn''t believe it and insisted on trying. Now they are hiding in their rooms, each with a bleeding mouth."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    It''s not good to appear at such a festive pce banquet with injuries on your face. It would offend the nobles, and you could lose your life.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Xiao Xuanzi nodded: "Then I''ll leave now. I''ll tell the Empresster."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Tell her what?<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Of course, that Chief Steward Gao cooperated fully and found the hardest crabs to eat among thousands.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Lord Jiang..."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Xiao Xuanzi walked into the smoke-filled "battlefield" with a smile, seemingly unaware of Lady Pei''s anger, and ced four tes of peeled crab meat in front of Jiang Xinyan, Jiang Junze, Jiang Yunxia, and Jiang Yuncai.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "The Emperor said this year''s crab meat is particrly plump and asked me to bring an extra serving for the young masters and mistresses to enjoy."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Jiang Yuncai swallowed and whispered in her sister''s ear, "Really? I just ate a few more bites, and the Emperor noticed? The Emperor dotes on Cousin Yue too much!"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The Emperor didn''t notice what they liked to eat.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    It was clearly because he favored Cousin Yue that he wanted to take care of her family.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    No one present... no one would have thought that this crab meat was not a reward from the Emperor but just Jiang Xinyue bluffing.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Would the rewarded person dare to ask the Emperor, "Did you really give me crab meat?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Lady Pei''s face turned pale. She looked at the Xuanwu Emperor at the head of the table, only to see his eyes always ncing at Concubine Zhen. Concubine Zhen''s eyes... why were they always staring at her?<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    She felt a moment of guilt, fearing that Concubine Zhen would cause her trouble.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Is it just for us, or do others have it too?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Jiang Yankun, feeling a bit like Lin Daiyu, said sarcastically, "Does Miss Pei not have any?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    A woman in her thirties being called "Miss Pei" so righteously made Lady Pei almost die of shame and anger.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Every "Miss Pei" reminded everyone present of how she immediately divorced Prime Minister Song and returned to the Pei family with her dowry when something happened in the Song family.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Yes, she didn''t leave a penny for Prime Minister Song, disregarding his life and death, and directly ran away with the money.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Xiao Xuanzi looked at Lady Pei, the corners of his mouth rising: "How could Miss Pei be left out? The Emperor couldn''t attend Minister Pei of the Privy Council''s sixtieth birthday and felt regretful, so he asked me to bring two crabs for Miss Pei."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Lady Pei''s face lit up with joy, feeling proud: "My father is the Minister of the Privy Council, a close minister to the Emperor. How could the Emperor forget me? You all..."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Miss Pei, please¡ª"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Xiao Xuanzi lifted the lid of the silver te, revealing two steamed crabs inside.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    When the eunuch said two crabs, he really meant two whole crabs.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Two whole crabs, shells and all.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    How could one eat this?<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    In a wealthy family, who eats crabs like this?<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Only those unrefined fishermen would gnaw and spit, which is very inelegant and quite embarrassing.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Lady Pei looked at the tes of the younger generation of the two families. Their tes were filled with peeled crab meat, stacked like little mountains, even thoughtfully drizzled with vinegar, which the little ones quickly devoured.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Pfft!"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Jiang Yankunughed unceremoniously: "Sorry, Miss Pei, I usually don''tugh unless I can''t help it."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Afterughing, he coughed twice: "Miss Pei, please eat! Don''t waste the Emperor''s kindness. You must appreciate this imperial favor!"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Lady Pei''s face turned green and white, her smile uglier than crying: "Eunuch, can I... can I eat itter?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    She wanted her maid to handle itter so she wouldn''t beughed at.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "That won''t do."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Xiao Xuanzi''s face darkened: "I have to report back to the Emperor. How can I answer if the Emperor asks how the crab meat tasted and if you enjoyed it?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Not eating would be ungrateful, rejecting the Emperor''s kindness, which could cost her head.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Under the watchful eyes of the crowd, Lady Pei had no choice but to pick up a crab. But after looking at it for a long time, she didn''t know where to start.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    She had only seen crabs turned into a bowl of crab meat after being served, never a whole crab like this.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    But the eunuch was clearly impatient, looking at her with displeasure. She could only bite into the hard shell with humiliation, her eyes red.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Crunch!"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Ah!"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Who knew what kind of crab this was, with wavy edges on the shell and sharp little spikes on each bump.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Lady Pei''s mouth was pricked by the spikes, causing her to cry out in pain, but her voice was drowned out by the music and dance in the hall.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Jiang Xinyue was amused by her ungraceful appearance,ughing with her maids, Magpie and Frost.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The Xuanwu Emperor had been unhappy tonight until he saw this smile.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    But now, seeing Concubine Zhen''s rxed and joyful smile infected him, making him unconsciously smile too.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    In his eyes, everything lost its color. The area around Concubine Zhen was a blur, only she was clearly imprinted in his eyes, vibrant and beautiful.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The surrounding noise disappeared in an instant, and even Concubine Zhen''s every move became slow motion, reying in his mind over and over.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    She was so beautiful, so cute.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Not because of her appearance, but because the Xuanwu Emperor felt she was genuinely beautiful inside, making him want to get closer, indulge her, and give her the best of everything.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    He was doomed!<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    He was falling for Concubine Zhen''s smile!<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Wasn''t it just a piece of clothing?<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    If she gave it to the Empress, so be it!<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Maybe she didn''t like the pattern!<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    He would make her a new one next time.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Empress Zhu, sitting beside him, felt the Emperor''s sudden happiness most directly.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    She turned to look, and the Xuanwu Emperor withdrew his gaze from Concubine Zhen without a trace, looking puzzled at Empress Zhu: "What''s wrong? Does the Empress have something to say?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Empress Zhu smiled and shook her head: "Your Majesty, I was too impulsive the other day, not considering your dignity. Now that the old year is about to pass, let''s leave all the unpleasantness in the old year and move into the new year together, shall we?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Fenyun was right. Even if not for herself, she had to think more for the Fifth Prince.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The Xuanwu Emperor held her hand: "I''m d the Empress thinks this way. This is the meaning of the New Year''s banquet."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The ministers were also very pleased to see the Emperor and Empress in harmony. It seemed that the rumors of discord between the Emperor and Empress were false.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    If they were at odds, how could they wear such matching clothes representing love?<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Look at the flowers on the Empress''s dress, clinging to the vines on the Emperor''s robe, clearly showing great thought.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Jiang Xinyue watched the Emperor and Empress, also smiling.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    But her smile was much more meaningful.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Sometimes, the more estranged a couple is, the more they will deliberately show affection in public.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

 Chapter 149

    Concubine Li looked at the Emperor and Empress on the stage, as well as Jiang Xinyue sitting to the Emperor''s right, and a strong sense of resentment welled up in her heart.


    In previous years, Jiang Xinyue''s position had always been hers.


    But now, dressed in unfashionable clothes and wearingst year''s old hairpin, she sat among a group of low-ranking consorts. She had to peer overyer afteryer of heads just to get a clear view of the Emperor''s face.


    Having once possessed the best, how could she ept such a fall from grace?


    "Your Highness, look at thedy over there. Isn''t she injured?"


    Concubine Li looked towards the wives of the court officials. Her mother''s mouth was bleeding, and she appeared to be in great pain. Meanwhile, a young eunuch beside Concubine Zhen was smiling at her.


    "He..."


    Just as Concubine Li was about to stand up, the young eunuch had already retreated from there and returned behind Concubine Zhen.


    She then learned that Lady Pei had been loose-lipped, insisting on saying some unpleasant words to humiliate Lady Ruan, and in the process, had also insulted her.


    Fortunately, her stepfather was a clear-headed man and still knew to protect her mother.


    She deserved to have her mouth pierced.


    Jiang Xinyue caught a sharp, hateful nce. She quickly turned her head to see Concubine Li ring at her, her beautiful face as distorted as Lady Pei''s.


    She raised her wine cup, lifted it slightly towards Concubine Li, then drank it all in one gulp.


    Of course, what she was drinking wasn''t wine, but fruit juice made from blended fruits, specially prepared for her by Chief Steward Gao.


    Concubine Li ignored her and leaned back, saying to Xia He behind her, "Go find out what Concubine Zhen did to thedy."


    "Your Majesty?"


    Xia He twisted the handkerchief in her hands and said to Lady Pei, "Mydy, that young eunuch isn''t from the Emperor''s personal service, he''s from Concubine Zhen''s pce."


    "What?" Lady Pei, who had just been taken down to apply medicine, mumbled unclearly while covering her mouth, gasping, "Ouch... What do you... ouch... what do you mean by that? Oh... it hurts so much..."


    Xia He sighed heavily, "What this servant means is that you''ve been tricked. That wasn''t a crab rewarded by the Emperor at all, it was Concubine Zhen deliberately setting you up."


    "How dare she?" Lady Pei stared with wide eyes, "That''s tantamount to falsely transmitting an imperial edict."


    "Of course she dares," Xia He said bitterly. "She''s now the firstdy of the harem. Even the Empress has to avoid her sharp edge. Who wouldn''t she dare to offend? Even if we report this to the Emperor, it would just be her rewarding you with two crabs. The Emperor won''t me her."


    Lady Pei gritted her teeth. "This insolent little hussy, I won''t just swallow this grievance."


    She whispered a few words in Xia He''s ear. Xia He eximed in delight, "Mydy, you brought it into the pce?"


    "Yes, originally I wanted her to disguise as a pce maid and stay by Niang''er''s side, to be prepared for any eventuality. Now that Concubine Zhen is so arrogant, if she gives birth to a prince in the future, won''t Niang''er''s status be even lower? We must act before she gives birth, tonight."


    On New Year''s Eve, the pce maids in Hexi Pce would surely be rxed. Everyone would be huddled together waiting to stay up for the New Year. This was the easiest time to make a move.


    Beneath the seemingly calm surface of the harem, undercurrents were surging.


    "Bang! Bang! Bang!"


    When it came time to set off fireworks, everyone gathered on the pce walls to watch together. Below the walls were themon people of the imperial city.


    Wang Dequan was reading out the Emperor''s decree to reduce taxes, causing the people below the city walls to kneel down one after another, shouting "Long live the Emperor!"


    To the Xuanwu Emperor''s right stood Empress Zhu, and to his left was Jiang Xinyue, whom he had pulled to his side.


    A grand kingdom, peace and prosperity for the nation, and in his arms was the woman he loved, carrying their child in her belly.


    The Emperor felt that this year was the happiest and most blessed New Year he had ever experienced.


    The repetitive daily life had left him with no expectations for theing year, just mechanically doing what an emperor should do for the rest of his life.


    But now he had Concubine Zhen, and it was she who gradually gave him expectations for this stagnant pce life.


    When did these expectations begin?


    Probably after she became pregnant and requested that he go to Hexi Pce every day to tell stories to the child in her belly.


    Concubine Zhen had written her own storybooks, with tales like "Journey to the West," "Snow White," "Cindere," "The Little Horse Crosses the River" - even he found them fascinating.


    Especially the story of Sun Wukong protecting Tang Sanzang on their journey to the Western Heaven to obtain Buddhist scriptures. As the storyteller, he was also captivated and wanted to tell the baby more every day so that he could read more himself.


    Concubine Zhen was like a treasure box, always full of new and interesting things, always able to give him different surprises.


    The brilliant fireworks lit up the entire night sky. Jiang Xinyue looked up, her eyes fixed unblinkingly. Rarely... she felt a bit homesick.


    Although in her past life, she wasn''t loved by her father or mother. Her parents divorced, each remarried, and even gave her half-siblings. She had long lost her own home.


    But... she still missed the oden shop at the foot of herpany building where she used to go after work every day. She wondered if the chubby owner would ask her colleagues where she had gone after not seeing her for so long.


    Her estranged parents wouldn''t think of her unless they needed money, but she still couldn''t let go of that part of herself that yearned for familial love.


    Because she knew that in this world, even biological parents couldn''t be relied upon, so she never thought of relying on anyone.


    No matter how much the Xuanwu Emperor loved her and doted on her, there were always conditions attached. She had to be forever obedient, lovable, beautiful, kind, and always think of him first.


    That wasn''t her...


    The real her had a clear sense of right and wrong, couldn''t tolerate even a speck of sand in her eye. A scumbag yer like the Xuanwu Emperor would definitely have been judo-thrown by her in her past life.


    "What is my beloved thinking about?"


    Why did she look a bit upset?


    "This concubine was thinking... This concubine''s belly is only seven months along, why does it look as big as someone about to give birth? Could it be that this concubine is carrying twins?"


    Ancient people believed in feng shui and superstitions, especially among the royal nobility where such notions were even more severe.


    The "I Ching" records: "One is yang, two is yin." Ancient people believed that twins carried heavy yin energy and would sh after birth. Ancient emperors considered twins equivalent to "two stars descending," which was an inauspicious omen that would affect the fortune of the nation.


    There were two ways to deal with twins.


    The cruel method was to have the imperial physician identify the weaker child and strangle it, keeping only the stronger one. In extreme cases, both would be killed or sent out of the pce to be raised by others.


    The milder approach was to continue raising them. If a concubine gave birth to twins, one might be hidden and not recorded in the historical records.


    Or it would be announced that they were not twins, and their birth dates would be falsified. In historical records, they would be recorded as brothers born a year apart, or one of the princes would be adopted by another concubine to deceive heaven and earth.


    So that''s what she was worried about.


    The Xuanwu Emperor patted her head. "Your belly isn''t that big. I''ve seen the Empress when she was pregnant. At seven months, she was even bigger than you. Don''t worry too much. Just focus on your pregnancy. Even if you do give birth to twins, I will make proper arrangements. Nothing will happen to you or the children."

 Chapter 150

    The most appropriate solution would be to have one of the children raised by another concubine, and from then on, the mother and child would not be able to recognize each other. Fortunately, Jiang Xinyue had already secretly consulted Yan the Imperial Physician and found out that she was only carrying one child. The reason she said what she did earlier was merely to reasonably exin her bad mood.<span>0


    "With Your Majesty''s words, I am no longer afraid," she said, taking the initiative to hook her arms around the Emperor''s neck, smiling coquettishly as she leaned into his embrace.<span>0


    On New Year''s Eve, the Emperor had to spend the night in the Empress''s pce. Fearing that Jiang Xinyue would feel lonely, Xuanwu Emperor specifically instructed Wang Dequan to bring Jiang''s family to Hexi Pce. It was around 9:30 in the evening.<span>0


    Jiang Yankun, apanied by Lady Ruan, Jiang Junze, Jiang Xinyan, Jiang Yanxi, Jiang Yunxia, and Jiang Yuncai, a group of seven, headed to Hexi Pce.<span>0


    "Wang Gonggong, Sister Fenyun in the Empress''s pce seems to have eaten something wrong and is in severe pain. The Emperor and Empress are still receiving the courtiers'' kowtows. Could you please fetch an Imperial Physician for Sister Fenyun?"<span>0


    When pce maids or eunuchs fall ill, they cannot privately summon an Imperial Physician; it must be approved by their master. Otherwise, even if they die from the illness, no Imperial Physician would dare to treat them without permission.<span>0


    At this moment, the Empress was also busy. Wang Dequan nced at Jiang Yankun: "Lord Jiang... this..."<span>0


    Jiang Yankun responded politely: "If you have other matters to attend to, please go ahead. Any pce maid can lead us."<span>0


    The pce was vast, and Lady Ruan, relying on her memory from a year ago, had long forgotten the direction to Hexi Pce''s main gate. Seeing that it wasn''t far, Wang Dequan summoned a young pce maid: "Lead Lord Jiang and his family to Hexi Pce to see Concubine Zhen. Serve them well, and be careful not to make any mistakes, or you''ll lose your head."<span>0


    The young pce maid bowed her head and said in a soft voice, "Yes, please follow me, esteemed guests."<span>0


    Hexi Pce had already prepared a reunion dinner. Jiang Xinyue had changed out of her luxurious attire and was dressed simply, yet Jiang Yunxia and Jiang Yuncai were still amazed by her beauty.<span>0


    Cousin Xinyue is so beautiful; it''s a pity she''s confined to the pce, only for the Emperor to see. Based on looks alone, the Emperor doesn''t deserve Cousin Xinyue.<span>0


    Of course, the Emperor is still handsome, with his sword-like eyebrows and starry eyes, butpared to the fairy-like Cousin Xinyue, he falls short.<span>0


    She looks beautiful with both light and heavy makeup, each having its own charm.<span>0


    From a distance, Consort Liang watched Jiang''s family enter Hexi Pce, her eyes red like a rabbit''s: "Only she misses her family, only she is special. I''ve been in the pce for over ten years, and each time I can only catch a glimpse of my parents at pce banquets. But she, in just a year and a half, has been allowed by the Emperor twice. Last time, it was just Lady Ruan and her siblings. This year, the whole family, including rtives, cane."<span>0


    She sobbed: "What does she think the pce is? A marketce? Coming and going as she pleases."<span>0


    But this privilege was given to Concubine Zhen by the Emperor. Even if she was unhappy, she could only stand there andin.<span>0


    The previous incident with Consort Ye being sshed with filth was still fresh in her mind, so she didn''t dare to cause trouble now.<span>0


    When family members meet, there are always greetings and inquiries.<span>0


    Jiang Yankun, stroking his specially grown mustache, proudly said: "Your sister-inw gave birth to a big, healthy boy two months ago. You are now an aunt. Your sister-inw said the child''s name should be chosen by you."<span>0


    "How can that be?"<span>0


    Does Lady Zhou have no objections?<span>0


    Wasn''t she the one who looked down on concubines'' daughters the most, unable to bear seeing them live well?<span>0


    Moreover, she always suspected that Jiang Xinyue had killed Jiang Yutong.<span>0


    "Your mother is ill," Jiang Yankun sighed. "It snowed heavily for several days in winter, and theke in the mansion froze. Lin insisted on skating on the ice, but the ice broke. Your mother fell into the icyke trying to save her and has been coughing up blood for months. The doctor said it has developed into tuberculosis and is incurable. Now, she''s only holding on with ginseng."<span>0


    This meant that Lady Zhou, being close to death, had no say in family decisions.<span>0


    Jiang Xinyue couldn''t help but think: ruthless but effective.<span>0


    Lady Zhou was fine before, even sending messages into the pce, demanding that her brother must pass the spring exams next year, and asking the Emperor to give him a backdoor during the imperial examination.<span>0


    If Jiang Xinyue didn''tply, Lady Zhou threatened to marry Jiang Xinyan off to a fifty-year-old man as his sixteenth concubine, to torment her to death.<span>0


    How could she be dying so soon?<span>0


    Jiang Xinyue had every reason to suspect that Lady Zhou had threatened not only her but also her father, prompting him to take action and eliminate her.<span>0


    However, this was good news for Jiang Xinyue... no, for Lady Ruan.<span>0


    Without Lady Zhou''s oppression, and with her father''s partial affection, and most importantly, her favor with the Emperor, if her father was smart, he would treat Lady Ruan and Jiang Xinyan well.<span>0


    "That''s really unfortunate."<span>0


    Jiang Xinyue feigned sadness for a second, then smiled: "It''s a good thing that sister-inw gave birth to father''s eldest grandson, but the main name should be chosen by father. I can give him a nickname."<span>0


    Her father politely showed his regard for her, and she couldn''t really overstep and take his role.<span>0


    "That sounds good."<span>0


    "The sun rises in the east, but the name ''Xu'' is too heavy. How about calling him ''Dong'' as a nickname?"<span>0


    "Dong..."<span>0


    Jiang Yankun nodded: "Not bad. The sun rises from the east. The name ''Dong'' is neither ostentatious nor petty. Very good."<span>0


    "Sister!"<span>0


    Jiang Junze, still young, touched her belly: "Has my little nephew''s name been chosen?"<span>0


    "How do you know it''s a nephew?" Jiang Xinyan looked at her sister''s belly expectantly: "What if it''s a niece?"<span>0


    Jiang Xinyue smiled, breaking Jiang Xinyan''s hope: "Yan the Imperial Physician and several other skilled physicians have checked. It''s a nephew."<span>0


    "Ah?"<span>0


    Jiang Xinyan was extremely disappointed but soon became happy for her sister.<span>0


    Having a nephew is great!<span>0


    That means her sister will be firmly established in the harem, with a son and favor, and will surely rise further in the future.<span>0


    Jiang Yankun was also excited. He was about to be the grandfather of a little prince, which made him happier than having his own grandson.<span>0


    In the pce, besides Consort De, only the Empress had a prince, and the Empress''s son wasn''t her biological child.<span>0


    The Fifth Prince, born to a lowly concubine in Yanxi Pce, was not favored by the Emperor.<span>0


    No!<span>0


    There was also the Fourth Prince, but he was only four or five years old, and his mother, a former court ve, died of hemorrhage after giving birth.<span>0


    The Fourth Prince had been raised by an Old Eunuch in a remote pce and was rarely seen.<span>0


    Thinking of this, Jiang Yankun''s heart surged with excitement.<span>0


    That high and unattainable position, could he also dream of it for his little grandson?<span>0

 Chapter 151

    Jiang Yankun forced himself to shift his attention away from these thoughts. Once he started thinking about it, his heart would growrger and be greedy.


    But it was precisely the time when Xinyue''s situation was improving greatly. There was much more attention on her than before, and likewise, those watching the Jiang family were eager for him to make a mistake.


    He needed to remain calm. It wasn''t yet time for him to be greedy; the Jiang family''s fortune was still ahead.


    That heart, boiling likeva, regained its rationality after a moment.


    Lady Ruan nced at him, knowing what he was thinking, and held Jiang Xinyue''s hand, saying, "Xinyue, your mother doesn''t ask for you to be unparalleled in nobility. I just want you and your child to be safe and sound. If the Emperor can remember you a little, ensuring that you two have food and clothing without worry, then I''ll be at ease. Remember, extremes lead to reversal, and excess in all things always brings cmity."


    Jiang Yankun disagreed, "Now that Xinyue has entered the pce, notpeting is stillpeting. With the Emperor''s favor, notpeting means waiting for death. Do you want Xinyue to live or die?"


    Lady Ruan was left speechless by his words.


    It was Jiang Xinyue who didn''t want the atmosphere to be too tense, and sheforted Lady Ruan, "Mother, I know what I''m doing. You need to trust me. I will seek prosperity for myself and the Jiang family while ensuring I don''t get hurt."


    These words slightly reassured Lady Ruan and satisfied Jiang Yankun, and the family finally had a happy reunion dinner.


    Lady Zhou was seriously ill, and since Jiang Xinyue knew about it, she couldn''t not show some gesture. Moreover, her sister-inw had given birth to a child, so it was only right for her to bestow some gifts.


    Otherwise, people might use her disrespect towards her legal mother as a reason to attack her in the future.


    Concubine Li didn''t have the privilege to see her family members this year, and could only watch from afar as Lady Pei and the Pei family members left the pce.


    Last year, everyone envied Lady Pei, who could ride in a sedan chair within the pce, looking down on all of them equally with a condescending attitude.


    This year, everyone watched as the Jiang family was escorted out of the pce by the servants from Hexi Pce, with countless silks and jewels dazzling their eyes.


    Fate can be so marvelous sometimes; this year, it was Concubine Li''s turn to watch longingly.


    Xia He supported her,forting her, "Mydy, don''t be sad. After tonight, Concubine Zhen won''t be so smug anymore."


    Concubine Li frowned, "What have you done?"


    Xia He looked around and then covered her mouth, whispering in her ear, "Madam sent a snake-raising woman into the pce. That woman can wake up hibernating snakes and make them bite whoever she wants."


    "What did you say?"


    Concubine Li was so angry that her body swayed, "You... are you trying to get me killed?"


    Xia He didn''t understand, "Mydy, killing Concubine Zhen would be good for us!"


    Concubine Li closed her eyes for a moment, and when she opened them again, the ruthlessness in her eyes was chilling, "Where is that snake-raising woman?"


    Xia He replied, "Madam told her to wait in Xihuo Pce after she seeded. Someone should be preparing to help her out of the pce by now."


    The Song family had fallen, but their connections hadn''t beenpletely uprooted. There were always people who wouldn''t give up, waiting for a chance to rise again.


    Usually, it would be impossible to bring someone out of the pce, but tonight, taking a person out of the pce was not a difficult task at all.


    After seeing off the Jiang family, it was gettingte. Xi Que tidied up the bed, "Mydy, I''ve seen you yawn several times. Please go to sleep quickly, you''ll be busy again tomorrow!"


    The new year brought various sacrificial ceremonies, rituals, and court visits... enough to exhaust a person.


    Although herdy had already received permission from the Emperor and the Empress to not participate in the burdensome sacrificial ceremonies, and could just rest in Hexi Pce to take care of her pregnancy, there were still some things that needed to be observed.


    For example, on the first day of the new year, when all the concubines in the harem pay their respects to the Empress, everyone has to attend, and Jiang Xinyue didn''t want to be absent.


    To avoid future criticism.


    "Hiss... hiss..."


    Just as Jiang Xinyue had taken off her outer garments, she seemed to hear a strange sound.


    She listened carefully, "Xi Que, Shuang Jiang, did you hear any sound?"


    Xi Que was close to the bed. She paused, feeling something cold under her feet, and almost screamed.


    But fearing to frighten her mistress, she quickly covered her mouth and looked down.


    A snake as thick as a baby''s arm, covered in bright patterns, about a meter long, was slowly crawling out from under the bed. It slid over Xi Que''s foot, its bright red vertical pupils making Xi Que break out in a cold sweat.


    "My... my... mydy..."


    Seeing that the colorful snake was about to crawl behind the screen, Xi Que, no longer caring about her fear, shouted with all her might, her body trembling, "Mydy, run quickly! There''s a snake!"


    "Bang!"


    Just as the snake had only shown its head, Shuang Jiang, who was helping Jiang Xinyue change clothes, used all her strength to push down the huge screen, trying to pull Jiang Xinyue out.


    Xi Que''s scream had already angered therge snake. Shuang Jiang''s screen didn''t manage to trap it, and it turned its head towards Xi Que, who had copsed on the ground.


    "Xi Que!"


    "Mydy, quick, get out first. I''ll go save Xi Que."


    Outside, Jiang Chuan and Xiao Xuanzi were startled by the loud noise and screams. The bird''s nest soup in Nanny Li''s hands fell to the ground, the crisp sound foretelling something ominous. Nanny Xiang rushed towards Jiang Xinyue''s bedchamber.


    "Ah!"


    Consort Liang sat up in bed, startled, "Shu Xiang! Shu Xiang!"


    The scream seemed to be Shu Xiang''s. Another pce maid in Consort Liang''s room lit amp and helped her up, somewhat fearfully, "Mydy, it''s... it''s Sister Shu Xiang. She said she needed to relieve herself and went to the toilet just now."


    The screams caused all the lights in Shunan Pce to be lit. At first, Consort Liang didn''t dare to go, but after a few eunuchs and guards came, she became a bit braver.


    She grabbed the pce maid''s hand and quickly walked towards the toilet.


    "Shu Xiang!"


    Who else could it be lying on the ground if not Shu Xiang?


    A young pce maid immediately went to check if the person on the ground was still breathing, "Mydy, she''s just fainted."


    Only then did Consort Liang step forward, "Wake her up."


    What exactly did she see to let out such an earth-shattering scream?


    An experienced old nanny came forward to pinch Shu Xiang''s philtrum. After just two or three pinches, Shu Xiang slowly came to. Upon seeing Consort Liang''s face, she knelt upright in terror, "Mydy... mydy... there''s a dead person! There''s a dead person!"


    She pointed to a bush behind the toilet, "I... I wasing out after relieving myself when I saw someone carrying a dead body and throwing it there. When I screamed in fright, they knocked me unconscious. Mydy... it''s so terrifying. The dead person''s eyes weren''t even closed, she was staring at me. I was scared to death."


    She still hadn''t calmed down, her whole body trembling as she cried uncontrobly.


    Consort Liang''s brow twitched, "Are you sure? It was really a dead person?"


    Shu Xiang nodded frantically, "I saw it clearly, mydy. It really was a dead person."


    Consort Liang gave a look to the guards, "A few of you go and check."


    If someone really had carried a corpse and thrown it in her pce, it would be a big problem.

 Chapter 152

    That year, Hexi Pce was far from peaceful.


    As the colorful snake opened its bloody maw to bite the magpie, little Xuanzi bravely rushed over, striking the snake''s sharp fangs with a stick.


    Jiang Chuan had just received new kitchen knives from the Internal Affairs Department and was heading to the small kitchen when he heard the folding screen fall. Without even putting down the knife, he hurried inside.


    At this moment, he and little Xuanzi worked in perfect coordination. With a swift chop, taking advantage of the snake''s dazed state after being hit, he severed its head.


    Xi Que had just breathed a sigh of relief when she felt another cold touch in her hand. Without thinking, she quickly scrambled up from the ground, pulling Jiang Xinyue and Shuang Jiang as she ran outside.


    As she ran, she shouted, "There''s another snake! Another snake! There''s a snake under the Mistress''s bed!"


    Nanny Li and Nanny Xiang remained rtively calm, reassuring them, "Don''t be afraid, it won''t bite the Mistress. Mistress, don''t run around, just stay in this open courtyard. You alle and protect the Mistress."


    The guards, being men, couldn''t easily approach Jiang Xinyue. Nanny Li simply pointed to a few eunuchs who had some martial skills and had them surround her in the middle, instructing, "Keep an eye on the ground for any more snakes!"


    Hexi Pce was assigned six guards, all of whom the Xuanwu Emperor had transferred from his personal guard to protect Jiang Xinyue, and they now proved their worth.


    Nanny Xiang ran to the storeroom and dug out a box of realgar powder, sprinkling it in a circle around Jiang Xinyue to keep snakes, insects, and rodents away from her.


    The snakes that had crawled out from under the bed were quickly dispatched by the six guards. Still not satisfied, they usednterns to thoroughly inspect under the bed for a long time.


    Only after confirming that there were truly no more snakes did the guardse out to report.


    In fact, Jiang Xinyue hadn''t even seen what the snake looked like before Shuang Jiang had pulled her out.


    None of the pce servants were idle; they were all very capable, which greatly increased her safety when faced with danger.


    "What should we do? We certainly can''t sleep in there now," Xi Que said, still patting her chest in shock. "Mistress, should I... should I go find the Emperor?"


    "No, we can''t," Jiang Xinyue shook her head. "We''ve just shown goodwill to the Empress, and if you turn around and call the Emperor from Yikun Pce to Hexi Pce, wouldn''t that be a p in the Empress''s face? Would she let me off?"


    "But..." Xi Que sighed. "Where will you sleep then, Mistress?"


    "Clean up the side hall. Tonight, you''ll all rest with me in the side hall."


    Hexi Pce had been awarded by the Emperor for Jiang Xinyue to live in alone. Initially, there were no ns for anyone else to live there, andter when he developed feelings for her, it became even less likely for other concubines to stay. So, the side hall had always been empty.


    Usually, only pce maids asionally cleaned it, so it certainly wasn''t suitable for Concubine Zhen to stay in as it was.


    The bedding and bed curtains all needed to be reced with new ones.


    "Clunk!"


    As Shuang Jiang picked up the cotton quilt in the side hall, a small box fell to the ground.


    "What''s this?" Xi Que curiously picked it up and opened the lid of the small wooden box. Inside were two small cloth dolls, one male and one female. Judging by their attire, they seemed to represent the Emperor and Empress.


    The key point was that several long steel needles were stuck into these two small cloth dolls.


    Her wide-eyed, speechless expression alerted Shuang Jiang that something was amiss.


    Just then, Jiang Xinyue entered, "Is it ready? I..."


    Shuang Jiang dropped the quilt in her hands and, while Nanny Li and Nanny Xiang were still outside, snatched the box and stuffed it into Jiang Xinyue''s hands. "Mistress, witchcraft..."


    Jiang Xinyue looked down briefly, her fingers immediately tightening around the box. As Nanny Li entered, she hid the box in her wide sleeve.


    She yawned, and Shuang Jiang, along with Xi Que, quickly made the bed. "The Mistress must be exhausted. Let''s not stand on ceremony tonight. Mistress, please rest!"


    Nanny Li and Nanny Xiang inspected everything once more, and only after ensuring there were no oversights did they bow and withdraw.


    As soon as they left, Jiang Xinyue put on her outer robe and sat on the bed, cradling her belly. "Go to the Imperial Wardrobe and summon Fang Dianyi."


    "Yes, Mistress!"


    Someone was using witchcraft to frame her. If the mastermind behind this were to report it, even if she pleaded innocence, her life would be over.


    During the previous Emperor''s reign, there was a concubine who, jealous of the rtionship between the Empress Dowager and the Emperor, wrote the Empress Dowager''s birth date on a doll and stuck needles in it. When a pce maid discovered this, fearing she would be implicated if the matter came to light, she went to report it to the previous Emperor.


    The previous Emperor, without even investigating, immediately had the concubine executed. Moreover, the concubine''s family was implicated and hasn''t recovered to this day.


    Later, the previous Emperor issued a decree expressing his deep hatred for witchcraft. From then on in the Great Yan Dynasty, anyone found practicing such evil acts in the pce would be executed immediately, regardless of the reason.


    Even if the current Emperor didn''t want to kill her, the court officials andmon people would force her to die.


    Jiang Xinyue clutched the wooden box tightly. She valued her life greatly, and this time, the person behind this had truly crossed her bottom line.


    Many people wanted her dead, but she was still alive and well, and it wasn''t just due to luck.


    However, this time it was indeed good fortune.


    Someone had tried to use poisonous snakes to take both her life and that of her unborn child, but identally allowed her to uncover another person''s plot against her life.


    Her eyes gleamed with a sharp light. Since she had escaped death, those who tried to harm her were in for big trouble.


    There were quite a few people in the pce who wanted her dead. This was the price of being favored, wasn''t it?


    "Emperor! Emperor..."


    "Who''s making such a racket outside?"


    In Yikun Pce, the Emperor was staying upte with the Empress for New Year''s Eve. The Fifth Prince, almost a year old, was hiding in Empress Zhu''s arms, ying peekaboo with the Emperor.


    His eyes were already too tired to stay open, but he refused to go to sleep, insisting on staying up with his father and mother for the New Year.


    Those shrill cries startled him. Empress Zhu patted his back, frowning in displeasure, "Knowing the Emperor is here, yet still shouting so loudly. Where have all the rules gone?"


    Outside, a young eunuch hurriedly entered and knelt on the ground. "Your Majesty, Your Highness, it''s a servant from Consort Liang''s pce. They say... they say an unidentified female corpse has appeared in Shunan Pce. The eldest princess is shocked, crying and vomiting nonstop. The imperial physician went but was of no use, so they had toe and ask Your Majesty and Your Highness to go and see."


    "An unidentified female corpse?"


    The urrence of such an event on New Year''s Eve made the Xuanwu Emperor feel extremely inauspicious. He was very displeased and said, "Are the Investigative Bureau and the Internal Affairs Department all useless?"


    What about the patrolling guards? Hadn''t they noticed anything unusual?


    And where were the servants of Shunan Pce? Were they all dead?


    Empress Zhu handed the Fifth Prince to the wet nurse to be taken away, and asked in a low voice, "Where''s Fen Yun?"


    "Fen Yun seems to have eaten something wrong earlier in the evening and has been suffering from stomach pain. Eunuch Wang brought an imperial physician some time ago. She should have taken medicine and gone to sleep by now."


    No wonder.


    If Fen Yun had been guarding the door tonight, she wouldn''t have let the servants from Shunan Pcee in shouting.


    It''s just a dead pce maid, isn''t it?


    The lives of pce maids were cheap. With thousands of pce maids in the pce, it wasn''t unusual for a few to die each day.


    Couldn''t they have waited until after the eighth day of the New Year to report this?


    Why did they have to upset the Emperor at this time?

 Chapter 153

    Even on New Year''s Eve, people weren''t allowed to enjoy themselves properly. This Consort Liang was bing more and more presumptuous. She would need to be taught a lesson one of these days.


    Now that the Emperor had risen and was preparing to go to Shunan Pce, she had no choice but to get up as well and follow the imperial procession out of Yikun Pce.


    "Ugh... wuwuwu... ugh... Mother, Mother I''m scared wuwuwu..."


    Before they even reached the entrance, they could already hear the eldest princess crying and vomiting.


    "His Majesty the Emperor arrives¡ª"


    Inside Shunan Pce, Consort Liang and Consort Ye were both in the front courtyard of the main hall. Consort Ye hurried forward with small steps: "This concubine greets Your Majesty."


    Even at a time like this, she was still flirting and posturing. She must have known early on that pce servants were going to summon the Emperor. She wore vibrant clothes and looked at the Emperor with a face full of smiles.


    What an annoying creature.


    As the Xuanwu Emperor passed by her, he didn''t even give her a nce. He walked straight into the inner hall to see the eldest princess lying in Consort Liang''s arms: "How is Yu''er doing?"


    Consort Liang had also cried herself into a mess, her hands still trembling as she held the eldest princess: "The imperial physician said she was severely frightened and can''t be left alone."


    Tonight''s events happened suddenly. When Consort Liang got up, the eldest princess was also awakened by the screams.


    She had followed right behind Consort Liang when she came out, but Consort Liang didn''t notice.


    There was indeed a female corpse wrapped in a straw mat in the bushes behind the outhouse. Consort Liang had the guards open the mat to look, and the state of death was quite miserable.


    It looked like she had been strangled from behind, with a purplish-red mark around her neck. Her eyes seemed about to pop out of their sockets, making her look fierce and terrifying.


    The appearance of hanged ghosts is never pleasant to look at, and those who are strangled look about the same.


    The eldest princess had seen the dead woman''s state and was so frightened she nearly fainted, falling to the ground and vomiting nonstop.


    Only then did Consort Liang realize and hurriedly had pce servants summon the imperial physician.


    To say who was busiest tonight, it wasn''t the Emperor, but rather the group of unlucky imperial physicians from the Imperial Hospital who had drawn the short straw to be on duty on New Year''s Eve.


    An imperial physician was summoned to Consort Liang''s pce to examine the eldest princess, one was called to the Empress''s pce to treat Fengyun, Concubine Li also said she felt unwell and had a physician prescribe medicine for her, and Yan the Imperial Physician was called to Concubine Zhen''s pce to safeguard her pregnancy.


    But it was unclear what exactly had happened.


    After seeing the eldest princess, the Xuanwu Emperor left Empress Zhu behind tofort Consort Liang, while he went to examine the female corpse himself.


    She was indeed wearing the clothes of a pce maid, but Wang Dequan and Tang Shiliang both went forward to look, then shook their heads at the Emperor: "Your Majesty, this pce maid looks very unfamiliar. This servant doesn''t seem to have ever seen her before."


    Wang Dequan''s ability to serve as the head eunuch by the Emperor''s side showed he had some skills.


    For example, he had a photographic memory of every face in the pce.


    He had been in the pce even longer than the Emperor, having been bestowed by the previous Emperor.


    It could be said that every servant in the pce had passed before his eyes. He may not know the name of this unidentified female corpse, but if she had served in the pce, Wang Dequan would definitely remember her face.


    But he indicated he had never seen her before, which meant that this dead woman was not a servant from the pce, but someone who had been brought in from outside.


    The chaotic New Year ended with the Internal Affairs Department, Investigative Bureau and several pces in an uproar.


    Early the next morning, before Jiang Xinyue had a chance to eat breakfast, she was embraced by the Xuanwu Emperor who burst into her bedchamber.


    She was about to speak when the Emperor flicked her forehead.


    "Ah! Your Majesty, what are you doing?"


    "I''ve discovered that my beloved consort''s courage is growing bigger and bigger."


    The Xuanwu Emperor looked at her with a serious expression: "Such a big incident happenedst night, why didn''t you have pce servantse find me? Do you know that I didn''t even have the mood to receive New Year''s greetings from the officials today? When Wang Dequan said you were almost bitten by a group of snakesst night, I..."


    He paused for a moment, then hugged Jiang Xinyue again, kissing the top of her head in relief: "I now know that the most beautiful words in the world are not others, but ''it was just a false rm.''"


    Thankfully, it was just a false rm.


    Jiang Xinyue patted his back and said softly: "This concubine also felt it was just a false rm. Although the process was dangerous, this concubine and the child in my womb are blessed people. We turned danger into safety, so why worry Your Majesty and the Empress unnecessarily? I had originally nned to tell you when you came. Although this concubine was not injured, the person who released the snakes is truly vicious. If they are not found, I''m afraid this concubine and the child may encounter such things again in the future."


    The Xuanwu Emperor had seen the corpses of the ughtered snake group. All the snakes had bright patterns and were highly venomous species.


    The person behind this hated Concubine Zhen extremely and wanted her to be bitten to death by the snake group.


    The Xuanwu Emperor nodded: "I''ve already ordered the Investigative Bureau to investigate. If they can''t find out who did it, those useless people from the Investigative Bureau can bring their heads to see me."


    Meanwhile, in Xihuo Pce, Concubine Li sat restlessly, sending Xia He out to check every few minutes: "Why haven''t we heard any news yet? Concubine Zhen... Xia He, send someone out to inquire."


    The morning light was just breaking through, with the sun peeking out from behind the clouds, leaving the sky still a bit hazy.


    The events that urred in the imperial harem had not yet spread outside. Today''s sacrificial ceremonies were all simplified and finished quickly. It was only after all the consorts and concubines were gathered in one ce that they learned of the many incidents that had happenedst night.


    "Shunan Pce?"


    Concubine Li''s eyes widened as she suddenly looked towards Consort De, who was sitting next to the Empress with apassionate expression.


    As if knowing she would look her way, Consort De turned her face towards Concubine Li and gave a faint, indescribably strange smile: "What''s the matter? Does Concubine Li know something she wants to tell Consort Liang?"


    Concubine Li hurriedly lowered her gaze to conceal the panic within, saying absent-mindedly: "This concubine was unwellst night and went to sleep early, so I don''t know what happened in the pce."


    "Oh!" Consort De turned her head away: "When I heard you mention Shunan Pce, I thought you might know something! If you don''t know, then never mind."


    Concubine Li''s teeth now chattered uncontrobly at the sound of Consort De''s voice.


    How did she... manage to do it?


    Last night, after the snake-raising woman was strangled to death, she had ordered people to secretly dump the body in Consort De''s Yanqing Pce.


    After all, among the princes in the pce, Consort De''s third prince was the most favored by the Emperor and had the highest chance of inheriting the throne.


    If she wanted to secure an honorable position for herself, she naturally wanted to be the adoptive mother of the third prince.


    But with Consort De firmly established in the pce and having an excellent reputation, in order to adopt the third prince, she first had to remove Consort De.


    That''s why she came up with this n to kill two birds with one stone, dumping the snake-raising woman''s body in Yanqing Pce to arouse the Emperor''s suspicion and cause Consort De to fall out of favor.


    Jiang Xinyue was not easy to deal with. If she found out it was Consort De, whom she had always trusted, who tried to harm her, she would surelyunch a fierce retaliation.


    She could then reap the benefits as a bystander.


    But why did the Empress just say that the body was discovered in Consort Liang''s Shunan Pce?


    Last night, her people had clearly dumped the body in Yanqing Pce!


    While the various pces were still trying to identify the nameless female corpse, Concubine Li had been frightened out of her wits by Consort De.

 Chapter 154

    Why did Consort De ask her that question just now?


    Could it be that everything she had done was seen through by Consort De?


    But why... if she had already seen through it, why didn''t she expose her in front of the Emperor?


    What was she waiting for?


    Jiang Xinyue stood beside the Emperor, observing everyone''s movements and subtle expressions.


    When she looked at Concubine Li, she clearly noticed something was amiss.


    Her eyes frequently darted towards Consort De, but upon meeting Consort De''s ambiguous smile, she hurriedly lowered her head, taking quite a while to regain herposure.


    Consort De and Concubine Li?


    What had happened between them that she didn''t know about?


    Jiang Xinyue withdrew her gaze, thinking that Concubine Li must be involved either with releasing the snakes or with witchcraft.


    As for Consort De...


    She didn''t believe Consort De was foolish enough to pull the whiskers of this fierce dragon, the Xuanwu Emperor, especially during the New Year.


    This time, the Emperor would certainly not let go of anyone who challenged his imperial authority, and would investigate thoroughly.


    "This person died in Shunan Pce, yet Consort Liang ims to know nothing about it. That''s rather hard to believe. Who knows if you''re not the thief crying ''stop thief''?"


    Concubine Li wasn''t entirely hopeless. Realizing that among the four consorts, Empress Zhu favored Consort Liang the most, she understood why Consort De hadn''t exposed her.


    She also understood Consort De''s purpose in moving the corpse to Shunan Pce.


    She didn''t want to be a tool in someone else''s hands, but with evidence against her, she had no choice but toply.


    Concubine Li snorted with augh, reverting to her previous indifferent attitude of watching the drama unfold: "Wasn''t Concubine Zhen almost bitten by snakesst night? Perhaps it was this pce maid who released the snakes. Maybe Consort Liang is silencing a witness!"


    This statement caused an uproar.


    It wasn''t entirely impossible. Everyone knew that in the past, Consort Liang had been at odds with Concubine Zhen due to jealousy over the Emperor''s favor.


    "Concubine Li, don''t speak nonsense," Consort Liang red at her. "You have no right to speak here."


    "Whether I have the right to speak or not, I will speak. My mouth belongs to me. If you have the ability, cut out my tongue. If not, I will continue to speak... Your Majesty the Empress, why don''t you examine the body of that pce maid? If she was controlling the snakes, there should be traces of snake-charming powder on her fingers. We''ll know once we check!"


    The Xuanwu Emperor, finding some logic in this, immediately arranged for guards to bring an Imperial Physician to examine the body.


    Consort Liang shook her head: "Your Majesty, Your Majesty the Empress, it truly wasn''t me. Even if I had ten thousand times the courage, I wouldn''t dare harm the imperial heir!"


    "Whether it was you or not, I will only look at the evidence. It''s not something you can decide just by saying so," the Emperor said.


    Seeing that the Emperor didn''t believe her, Consort Liang turned to Concubine Zhen at the Emperor''s side: "Sister Concubine Zhen, you must believe me. It really wasn''t me. I... I know I''ve often expressed resentment towards you, but it was just talk. I never meant any real harm."


    In other words, she admitted to being loose-tongued and unable to bear seeing others do well.


    Now she was calling her sister, but hadn''t she just beaten up people from Concubine Zhen''s pce to intimidate her earlier?


    Jiang Xinyue nodded repeatedly: "Of course I believe you, sister Consort Liang. Don''t worry, once His Majesty investigates the truth, your innocence will surely be proven."


    Concubine Li''s words seemed careless, but they confirmed to Jiang Xinyue that she was the one who had released snakes into her pce.


    Otherwise, how would she know that the unidentified female corpse was the one who released the snakes?


    Even Empress Zhu hadn''t made that connection yet, but she reacted so quickly this time.


    She must either be the real culprit or know who the real culprit is.


    The Pei family...


    Lady Pei certainly had the ability to smuggle someone into the pce undetected.


    Hadn''t Lady Pei disguised a female doctor as a pce maid and arranged for her to be by Concubine Li''s sidest year?


    Jiang Xinyue suddenly seemed to remember something and bit her lip: "Your Majesty, Your Majesty the Empress, I recall something that might help identify the unknown female corpse."


    The Xuanwu Emperor immediately asked, "Has my beloved seen her before?"


    She nced discreetly at Concubine Li: "Last night at the banquet, Concubine Li''s mother, Madam Pei, humiliated my mother. Seeing my mother upset, I asked Xiao Xuanzi to y a small prank. Xiao Xuanzi said that on his way back, he bumped into a pce maid and picked up her earring. Later, when he wanted to return it, he couldn''t find her anywhere. I thought, during the pce banquet, all serving maids should stay in their assigned positions. If someone disappeared, she must not be from the pce. But if she wasn''t from the pce, why was she dressed as a pce maid? So I suspect... the person Xiao Xuanzi bumped intost night was the one who released the snakes. And that maid should have been with Madam Peist night."


    Concubine Li was already terrified, but she still tried to maintain herposure: "Concubine Zhen''s mouth is truly skilled at avoiding the main issue. Your Majesty,st night Concubine Zhen falsely imed that you had bestowed crabs on my mother, but they were two unprocessed ones that pricked her mouth until it bled. Yet Concubine Zhen calls it a mere prank..."


    "So, you admit that you and Lady Pei conspired to release snakes into Concubine Zhen''s chambers?" the Emperor interjected.


    Concubine Li wanted to deny it, to say it wasn''t her.


    But as she looked into the Emperor''s questioning, cold, and distrustful eyes, her heart gradually turned cold.


    So, the Emperor no longer loved her. She had been deluding herself, thinking that with her grandfather dead and no longer able to influence the Emperor''s authority in court, he would forgive past grievances and return to how they were before.


    Or perhaps...


    The Emperor had never loved her at all!


    All that talk of enduring favor was just to deceive the Pei and Song families, to make them lower their guard so he could catch them all at once?


    Her grandfather was even older than her maternal grandfather. In his youth, he had indeed been ambitious, aspiring to be the first man in the court of the Great Yan Dynasty.


    And he had achieved it.


    But as he grew older, he became increasingly weary of court struggles. In hister years, he only wanted peace andfort, no longer having the will to fight, which was why the Song family had rotted from its roots.


    Fortunately, her maternal grandfather had maintained his rity of mind and always disciplined himself strictly, which was why the Pei family hadn''t followed in the Song family''s footsteps.


    "Your Majesty..." Concubine Li began, but was interrupted.


    Wang Dequan handed over a tray held by a guard, on whichy a pair of jade earrings: "The earring Xiao Xuanzi picked up matches the one on the unknown female corpse''s ear, forming a pair. Moreover... there are traces of a special powder on the corpse''s fingers. The Imperial Physician from the Imperial Hospital says it''s a secret form used to lure snakes out of hiding. This woman must be whatmon people call a ''snake charmer.''"


    The Xuanwu Emperor angrily knocked over the tray: "Concubine Li, what else do you have to say for yourself?"


    Concubine Li closed her eyes briefly, two clear tears sliding down her cheeks. She raised her hand to flick them away: "I... have nothing more to say."


    With her heart already dead, what else was there to say?


    "Guards, take Concubine Li..."


    "Your Majesty!"


    "Your Majesty! Minister Pei of the Privy Council has bound his daughter Pei Rongyan and is kneeling outside the hall, saying he''s here to beg for Your Majesty''s forgiveness."


    How timely indeed.

 Chapter 155

    If Jiang Xinyue''s guess was correct, Minister Pei of the Privy Council likely knew about Lady Pei and Concubine Li''s plot to harm her, and was preparing to let Lady Pei take all the me to save Concubine Li.


    As she expected, Minister Pei, under the watchful eyes of the assembled concubines, wore an expression of anguish. Completely ignoring the gazes of the concubines, he was on the verge of falling to his knees in tears: "Your Majesty! This old minister is guilty. I have raised an unfilial daughter! I am sixty years old, and she has utterly disgraced me! Your Majesty... please sentence this old minister to death! I wish to atone for my sins with my life!"


    The Xuanwu Emperor''s face darkened: "What are you doing, Minister Pei? Quickly rise. What fault does Minister Pei have?"


    Minister Pei was a veteran of three imperial reigns. Even if his daughter had done something wrong and he came to beg for punishment, the Emperor should show leniency. As long as it wasn''t a major crime like treason, Minister Pei could live well.


    The Emperor had to treat him with respect.


    Otherwise, the court officials would only feel disheartened.


    Minister Pei was also an old hand at theatrics. Tears came on cue as he pulled on the rope in his hand, dragging Lady Pei out from behind him.


    He shook his head, his body swaying slightly: "Your Majesty, this rebellious daughter of mine audaciously brought a snake charmer into the pce. She originally intended to have her perform snake dancing for Concubine Li, but the snake charmer disappeared shortly after entering the pce. This unfilial daughter searched for a long time but couldn''t find her. When it was time to leave the pce, she could only return home. Out of fear, she didn''t tell me immediately, only informing me early this morning. I rushed to the pce as soon as I heard. Although her intentions were good, she ended up doing harm. Your Majesty, has the snake charmer been found? Has she injured anyone?"


    With these words, Jiang Xinyue gained a new understanding of Minister Pei''s thick skin.


    She wouldn''t believe it even if it killed her that Minister Pei didn''t know about the snake charmer releasing snakes in Hexi Pce, intending to cause her death and the loss of her unborn child.


    If he didn''t know, how could he have arrived so timely?


    Wasn''t he just trying to save Concubine Li?


    If she could figure this out, the Xuanwu Emperor surely could as well.


    "No one was injured?"


    Consort Liang had been cleared of suspicion by Jiang Xinyue herself, and Concubine Li had just tried to me her. How could she let Concubine Li off the hook?


    Living up to her reputation for sharp words, she pointed at Minister Pei and scolded: "How can all you Pei family members be so shameless? You, the Minister of the Privy Council, surely have spies in the pce. You clearly knew early on that the snake charmer nearly killed Concubine Zhen and her unborn child. Whye here pretending to be innocent? Both old and young, you''re all the same, so good at ying dumb. Why don''t you go join a theater troupe? This consort thinks Minister Pei would make quite the actor."


    Yes, Minister Pei knew, but no one dared to expose him so tantly!


    The atmosphere became awkward for a moment. Minister Pei''s tears were still flowing down his wrinkles, making it even more ufortable.


    No one offered him a way out, leaving the situation so awkward that one could curl their toes.


    The Xuanwu Emperor couldn''t help but smile for a moment, but quicklyposed himself, fearing others might see. He used a cough to cover hisughter: "Consort Liang, don''t be impertinent. How can you speak to Minister Pei like that?"


    Consort Liang obediently curtsied: "Your Majesty is right. Please forgive me, Minister Pei. Earlier, Concubine Li kept insisting that the snake charmer died in my pce, implying that I was the culprit. I couldn''t hold back and spoke my mind. The Minister of the Privy Council is magnanimous, please don''t take offense at this insignificant woman''s words."


    She really said everything that needed to be said.


    Minister Pei repeatedly said he wouldn''t dare, then turned to Jiang Xinyue and asked: "This old minister truly didn''t know about this. Is Concubine Zhen injured?"


    Nonsense!


    Those snakes were so brightly colored, anyone could tell their fangs were full of deadly poison. If she had been bitten, would she still be standing here?


    "I am injured," Jiang Xinyue said, not following the expected script. She clutched her chest fearfully and said: "This consort now feels nauseous, wants to vomit, feels dizzy, and has blurred vision at the sight of bright colors... My hands are still trembling uncontrobly. The room where this consort resides is full of snake corpses. This consort fears she will be haunted by nightmares every night from now on. This consort has heard that in folk customs, snakes that enter a home can only be driven away, not killed, or else it brings misfortune to the household. But this consort is in the imperial pce, if in the future..."


    She shook her head, too frightened to continue the thought: "This consort is too traumatized. How can I ever look at snake soup or snake meat again? This incident will be a shadow over this consort''s entire life, following me until I die. Minister Pei, do you think this consort is injured or not?"


    Some wounds are invisible, in the heart, and they are harder to heal than visible external injuries.


    This must be what Concubine Zhen meant, more or less!


    Minister Pei hadn''t expected someone to be even more shameless than himself. She was standing there perfectly fine, without a hair out of ce, yet Concubine Zhen made it sound more serious than if she had actually been injured.


    And she even asked him - what could he say? That she was being overly dramatic?


    He hade to admit fault in the first ce, so he had to maintain a humble attitude.


    "Yes, yes, yes... It''s all the fault of this rebellious daughter of mine. Your Majesty, Concubine Zhen, please punish this unfilial girl. This old minister has noints."


    Seeing Lady Pei bound with ropes, kneeling on the ground in such a sorry state, Concubine Li felt greatly insulted, her chest heaving violently.


    "It''s..."


    In a moment of impulse, Concubine Li was about to confess, not wanting to see her mother humiliated like this in public.


    "Your Majesty, Concubine Zhen, this was all due to this minister''s wife''s own misguided actions. Concubine Li knew nothing of this. Please, Your Majesty, do not me Concubine Li."


    Lady Pei shook her head at Concubine Li, interrupting her words.


    The Xuanwu Emperor exhaled heavily through his nose, not making an immediate decision.


    ording to Minister Pei''s implications, and since Jiang Xinyue hadn''t been harmed, this matter could be downyed or even dismissed entirely.


    But the Xuanwu Emperor wondered, did Concubine Zhen have to die for him to hold Lady Pei and Concubine Li ountable for their wrongdoing?


    Just because Concubine Zhen was lucky enough not to be bitten by a snake, did that mean she couldn''t demand severe punishment for the two of them?


    What if Concubine Zhen had been unfortunate and died from a snake bite?


    Who couldpensate him for the lives of Concubine Zhen and the child in her womb?


    Lady Pei''s worthless life was no match for his Concubine Zhen in the Emperor''s heart.


    He unconsciously looked towards Jiang Xinyue, who only gave a smile that didn''t reach her eyes, as if to say: You handle it as you see fit, but if this matter doesn''t satisfy this consort, Your Majesty knows my temperament.


    The Xuanwu Emperor shook his head. How could her unspoken words keep reying in his mind?


    "Lady Pei brought such a dangerous person into the pce without authorization, putting the concubines of the harem and myself in danger. This act is tantamount to regicide. Let her be put to death!"


    The words "put to death" were spoken as casually as if he were ordering fish head soup for dinner, leaving everyone stunned for a moment, unable to react.

 Chapter 156

    "Ordered... ordered to die?"


    Lady Pei had thought at most she would be beaten, but she never imagined the Emperor would be so merciless as to sentence her to death.


    "Your Majesty!"


    Although Minister Pei of the Privy Council had anticipated this matter wouldn''t end well, which was why he personally intervened, he hadn''t expected the Emperor to make such a decision.


    Pei Rongyan was the Pei family''s only daughter, with three older brothers. The family had inevitably spoiled her a bit.


    That''s why her personality had developed this way.


    If the sons and wife at home learned that he had personally intervened but still couldn''t save their only daughter, who knows how they would wail and cry.


    "What?"


    The Xuanwu Emperor''s brows furrowed. "Didn''t you say I could punish her however I saw fit? Or was Minister Pei just paying lip service, actually believing that my beloved consort''s life isn''t worth your daughter''s? Do you think your daughter''s life is more precious than Minister Jiang''s daughter''s?"


    Not giving Minister Pei a chance to defend himself, the Emperor angrily rebuked, "I see you''ve been sitting in high positions for too long, even developing a sense of hierarchy. You don''t consider others'' lives as lives, only feeling that you''re noble. Concubine Zhen is my woman. If I can''t even get justice for her, why don''t you, Minister Pei, be the Emperor instead?"


    "This old minister wouldn''t dare!"


    As soon as the Emperor''s authority manifested, everyone in the room, masters and servants alike, knelt down. Jiang Xinyue also wanted to join in the group kneeling, but the Xuanwu Emperor held her arm: "Your body is heavy with child, don''t keep kneeling up and down."


    After saying this, he thought for a moment and also helped the Empress up.


    Yesterday, when he saw the clothes on the Empress''s body, he was indeed very angry, feeling that his good intentions hadn''t been appreciated by Concubine Zhen.


    But after calming down, he understood.


    Concubine Zhen was still in a weak position, and the Jiang family was not strong enough to confront the Empress''s maternal family. Concubine Zhen feared the Empress''s influence, so she was unwilling to openly oppose the Empress. This was only human nature.


    So when he initially only wanted to help Concubine Zhen up, he ended up helping the Empress as well.


    Women''s jealousy can sometimes be truly terrifying, driving them to madness, to harm another woman.


    Like Concubine Li.


    "Your Majesty!"


    Concubine Li threw herself at the Xuanwu Emperor''s feet: "Have you forgotten the vows we made in our intimate moments? My grandfather is already dead, my father is long ill in bed, I only have my mother left. Are you going to kill my only remaining close rtive? Why don''t you just kill me directly?"


    She clutched at the Emperor''s robes, weeping bitterly.


    Jiang Xinyue tugged at the sleeve of the man in front of her, her eyes full of grievance. The Xuanwu Emperor held her hand: "In this matter, Concubine Zhen is the victim. No matter how much you cry or make a fuss in front of me, it''s useless. The person who was harmed hasn''t evenined, yet you''re all crying and begging. You''ve really opened my eyes."


    They were trying to gain sympathy, ying on emotions.


    Jiang Xinyue inwardly sneered. Such tactics might work when a man loves you, but when he''s indifferent, trying to awaken his feelings with emotion is just inviting ridicule.


    "Concubine Zhen, this humble servant has truly erred. Please, Concubine Zhen, spare my life! Concubine Zhen, have mercy!"


    Lady Pei was pampered and arrogant, but she still knew to fear death.


    At the root of this matter, the Emperor wanted justice for Concubine Zhen. If Concubine Zhen didn''t pursue it, the Emperor would have nothing to say.


    "Spare your life?"


    A cold smile curled Jiang Xinyue''s lips: "If I spare your life today, who will spare mine tomorrow? I''m not a three-year-old child; I don''t believe Minister Pei''s excuses. I have no prior acquaintance with that snake woman. If no one instructed her, was she mad to go through so much trouble toe to the pce just to kill me?"


    Her alluring almond eyes shed with intense light: "Moreover, I don''t believe His Majesty''s harem is a marketce where amoner snake woman with no connections or background cane and go as she pleases in the pce. We all know who was assisting her behind the scenes, Concubine Li. It wouldn''t look good if we tore off the masks. You originally wanted to take two of my lives, now I only ask for one life in return. How is that not fair?"


    Indeed, how is it not fair?


    "Concubine Zhen..."


    "Minister of the Privy Council!"


    Jiang Xinyue interrupted Minister Pei''s unreasonable sophistry: "I respect you as an elder, but do you always muddle through cases like this in your official duties? As long as the victim doesn''t die, you let the perpetrator go free, giving them the opportunity to harm others again and again?"


    "I... This old minister..."


    "If that''s the case, then I really have to doubt your ability, Minister Pei. Is it because you''re getting old and can no longer perform the duties of the Minister of the Privy Council? If so, I could suggest to the Emperor to select someone more capable to rece you."


    She emphasized the words "old minister," stressing that he was too old to handle the important position of Minister of the Privy Council, which was at the center of imperial power.


    If he wanted to save Lady Pei, he would have to admit his own ipetence and resign. The Emperor had plenty of people waiting to take his position.


    Resign... How could that be possible?


    Minister Pei looked deeply at Lady Pei, then difficultly nced at Concubine Li, as if weighing something.


    After just a moment, Minister Pei knelt on the ground and kowtowed heavily: "This old minister... epts the imperial decree!"


    Lady Pei''s eyes widened, tears falling from her eyes: "Father, ept... what imperial decree are you epting? The Emperor wants to kill me, he wants to kill me! Father, save me... This isn''t what we said when we came here. You said I would definitely be alright... Father! I don''t want to die!"


    She hadn''t had enough of her glory and wealth, how could she die?


    "p!"


    Minister Pei struck Lady Pei''s face, saying harshly: "When you did this thing, implicating Ni''er, you should have anticipated this oue."


    The Xuanwu Emperor waved his hand impatiently: "Come, take Lady Pei away and provide her with a white silk cord."


    He didn''t think Concubine Zhen was cruel, because she wasn''t the one who first tried to harm others. This was called making an example, deterring others who might want to harm her.


    The Xuanwu Emperor was very pleased. His Yue''er finally knew how to protect herself.


    He liked kind women, but not weak ones.


    Concubine Zhen was kind, but her kindness had an edge to it. She could protect herself and hurt those who tried to harm her.


    This way, the Emperor wouldn''t have to worry about her all the time.


    "Your Majesty!"


    Concubine Li cried out, falling backward and faintingpletely.


    The Xuanwu Emperor didn''t even nce at her, addressing Minister Pei instead: "Concubine Li conspired with Lady Pei, intending to kill Concubine Zhen and her unborn child. From today, she is demoted to Consort Li of the sixth rank and moved to reside in Yanxi Pce."


    Yanxi Pce was the farthest from the Six Eastern and Western Pces and the closest to the Pce of Exile. Once there, one would never see the Emperor''s face again for a lifetime.


    How was this any different from being banished to the Pce of Exile?


    Moreover, Concubine Li''s rank had been lowered again and again, with no possibility of promotion.

 Chapter 157

    However, even when she was still Concubine Li, throwing her weight around in the pce for over a decade, not a single concubine pleaded for her mercy.


    In the past, when she was in power, Consort Jin, Zhang Wanrong, Concubine Chu, Consort Jiang...


    Now, all these women had either lost favor and been sent to the Criminal Servants'' Prison for opposing Concubine Zhen, or had been demoted and lost the Emperor''s favor. The rest had scattered, and hadn''t caused trouble for a long time.


    When Consort Jiang was sent to the Pce of Exile, Concubine Li didn''t say a word to help her, which was the real reason they all felt disheartened.


    It''s worth noting that Consort Jiang had offended Concubine Zhen for Concubine Li''s sake.


    As everyone reflected on this, they were shocked to realize that Concubine Zhen wasn''t a naive fool at all. If she were, how could she have caused so many concubines to meet such miserable fates?


    She... she had been ying dumb all along!


    Hadn''t shepletely devoured Concubine Li, that big tiger?


    And it wasn''t just Concubine Li.


    Back then, wasn''t it because Jiang Xinyue''s father found evidence of Prime Minister Song''s crimes and sent him to the prison of the Ministry of Justice that he was able to quickly rise to the position of Minister of the Ministry of Punishment?


    When the Song family fell, the Jiang family benefited the most, butter, for some unknown reason, all of the Song family''s retaliatory attacks fell on Lord Jiang, the Minister of Personnel.


    It was said that Lord Jiang had recently been impeached several times by the officials of the Censorate. After investigation, the Emperor discovered that Lord Jiang had indeedmitted those foolish acts and angrily berated him in court.


    Now, the two things Lord Jiang feared most were attending court and seeing those old fools from the Censorate at court.


    How did the Jiang family escape unscathed?


    While the pce concubines found it miraculous, Jiang Xinyue knew that if she hadn''t written home at the time, telling her adoptive father to lie low and push all the credit onto Minister Jiang, the Jiang family''s fate might have been even worse than Minister Jiang''s.


    It was also fortunate that Minister Jiang was greedy for merit. After Prime Minister Song''s downfall, Jiang Yankun heeded his daughter''s advice and took ten days of sick leave, taking Lady Ruan and their children to hide from this "windfall of fortune" at their country estate.


    Unable to find Jiang Yankun, the Song family could only vent all their anger on Minister Jiang.


    Ironically, Minister Jiang still believed that he had aplished a great feat, and that Jiang Yankun had merely picked up the scraps thanks to his daughter''s favor in the pce.


    He thought the Emperor wanted to find a reason to promote the favored concubine''s father, so Jiang Yankun was added to the mix this time.


    Bringing down the Song family was entirely his own achievement.


    With him so eager to be the target, Jiang Yankun couldn''t stop him from being shot full of holes, so he simply disappeared. For more than ten days, Minister Jiang scurried about, showing off in court.


    Jiang Xinyue could only say that Minister Jiang still didn''t understand the Emperor well enough. This ruler was known for... well, for using people and then discarding them.


    So as time passed, by the time Jiang Yankun returned, a series of plots against the Jiang family had already begun.


    Wasn''t Jiang Yankun''s promotion due to Concubine Zhen? What did it have to do with the Song family?


    It was this low-key, almost invisible approach that allowed Jiang Yankun to sit securely in the chair of the Minister of Punishment, with no one finding fault.


    Because he was the father of the favored concubine, rising through nepotism, he had to be treated with respect.


    This was a long-standing tradition in officialdom.


    Jiang Xinyue watched Lady Pei being forcibly dragged away, her expression unmoved. Even when Minister Pei of the Privy Council finally gave her a vicious look, she merely reminded him, "Old Minister of the Privy Council, I know I''m very beautiful, but don''t let your eyeballs pop out. No matter how long you look at me, I won''t be your granddaughter."


    Jealous?


    Jealousy won''t help.


    Such a beautiful and favored woman is not your granddaughter.


    Somehow, Minister Pei of the Privy Council understood the message Jiang Xinyue wanted to convey from her gaze.


    He really was old, unable to wield a knife anymore. Even a small concubine dared to provoke him like this.


    Jiang Xinyue thought to herself, now she even dared to scold the Emperor, why would she fear this old thing, Minister Pei of the Privy Council?


    Lady Pei was executed by the Emperor, and her body could not be buried in the Pei family ancestral tomb. The Song family wouldn''t want the body of a divorced woman either.


    Minister Pei of the Privy Council could only watch helplessly as his beloved daughter, whom he had doted on since childhood, was strangled to death. He took her body home, but was prevented by n members from burying her in the ancestral tomb, forcing him to find another auspicious site.


    As for how Lady Pei''s three brothers and Old Madam Pei were heartbroken and cursed Jiang Xinyue to die a horrible death, that''s a story for another time.


    Surely they wouldn''t dare to express any dissatisfaction to her face.


    The order came from the Emperor, not her. She only said Lady Pei should pay with her life, but she wasn''t the one who carried it out.


    The Emperor could have easily given her a few strokes with the paddle and sent her back, just as Minister Pei of the Privy Council had initially imagined.


    But the Emperor didn''t. He followed Jiang Xinyue''s wishes.


    The power of life and death had always been in the Emperor''s hands. If the Pei family wanted to hate someone, they should hate the Emperor, not the beautiful, kind, talented, and theatrical Concubine Zhen.


    The Emperor and Empress were to attend some ancestral rituals in the afternoon. Being pregnant, Jiang Xinyue was not fit to attend such asions and was returning to Hexi Pce.


    On the way, she encountered Consort Liang and Consort De, who were deliberately waiting for her.


    What did these two want?


    Seeing her approach, Consort Liang broke into a big smile. "Sister Concubine Zhen, we''ve been waiting for you. Consort De has just received a fine evergreen nt. Would you like toe with us to see it?"


    With her big belly, she would be crazy to go to Consort De''s pce, especially with Consort Liang, that unpredictable madwoman, and the inscrutable Consort De.


    Resisting the urge to roll her eyes, she said, "This concubine has no interest in flowers and nts. Sister Consort Liang should go with Sister Consort De to see it. Don''t let a vulgar person like me spoil your refined enjoyment."


    She walked past them without so much as a nce.


    "Hmph!" Consort Liang''s mood changed faster than turning a page. Flicking her handkerchief, she said, "What''s she so proud of? The Emperor''s favor won''tst forever. I''ve heard that the girl from the Pei family ising to the pce."


    "The Pei family?" Consort De frowned. "Pei Wu?"


    "Who else could it be?" Consort Liang twisted her handkerchief, looking extremely resentful. "When she was still a child and entered the pce with Old Madam Pei, she was as sharp-tongued as Concubine Zhen is now. At such a young age, she was already so caustic. I''ve suffered at her hands before."


    Consort De smiled. "Then isn''t it perfect for her to enter the pce? Let her and Concubine Zhen peck at each other. We can enjoy the show."


    Consort Liang couldn''t smile. "One Concubine Zhen has already turned the pce upside down. If Pei Wues too, will the Emperor have any time left for us?"


    Come to think of it, they were only twenty-five years old. For ordinary women, this would be the prime of life.


    But for women in the pce, it was different.


    At twenty-five, they were already past their prime, unable topete with those fresh-faced fifteen, sixteen, or seventeen-year-old girls.


    Pei Wu was only fifteen, as tender as a spring shoot.

 Chapter 158

    Her reputation preceded her, hailed as the first beauty of the capital.


    However, Consort Liang had seen Pei Wu at a pce banquet two years ago. The beauty was indeed a rare sight, but she was cold as ice, showing no kindness to anyone, as if everyone owed her money.


    Although reluctant to admit it, Consort Liang had to acknowledge that Jiang Xinyue''s beauty surpassed even that of Pei Wu.


    Because her beauty was more lively, with a myriad of charms that evoked tenderness. She possessed all the qualities that men adored.


    Wasn''t this type of woman more endearing than a cold, aloof one?


    But, it was hard to say.


    What if the Emperor grew tired of sweet and charming women, and wanted to find something exciting and challenging?


    Consort De watched Jiang Xinyue''s retreating figure: "Can''t you see it clearly?"


    Consort Liang frowned: "What are you muttering about?"


    Consort De''s eyes shed with a cunning light, looking in the direction Jiang Xinyue had gone, as if sensing a kindred spirit. She eximed excitedly, "She has already dered war on us. Just wait! Once she gives birth to this child, she''ll have time to deal with you."


    "Me?" Consort Liang''s eyes widened. "I... what did I do? Why would she deal with me?"


    She wasn''t favored, nor was she the Empress. What benefit would dealing with her bring to Concubine Zhen?


    Consort De''s slightly sharp phoenix eyes looked at her knowingly, her tone mocking: "When you pped her pce''s eunuch Jiang Chuan back then, you put something else on his clothes, didn''t you? So why do you think nothing happened to her?"


    Of course, it was because they had discovered it.


    If Jiang Xinyue knew someone wanted to harm her, wouldn''t she investigate?


    Hearing such a secret thing that only she knewing from Consort De''s mouth, Consort Liang''s eyes grew even wider: "You mean..."


    "Shh!" Consort De gave a lightugh. "I didn''t say anything. You figured it all out yourself."


    So whatever you do next has nothing to do with me.


    Consort Liang bit her lip, her mind in chaos.


    Consort De didn''t insist on herpany to see the cycad. She took the arm of her pce maid and gracefully left.


    Jiang Xinyue returned to Hexi Pce, and Jiang Chuan came forward: "Your Highness, while you were away, Chief Clothing Officer Fang came by. She said there was something strange about what you asked her to investigatest night."


    "What''s strange?" Wasn''t it just asking her to check which pce the fabric of the voodoo dolls'' clothes came from?


    Jiang Chuan replied, "Chief Clothing Officer Fang said it seems someone has been investigating her recently. She couldn''t stay long in Hexi Pce and also warned Your Highness to be careful. She''s worried someone might discover that you two worked together to trap Concubine Su."


    Jiang Xinyue nodded: "I understand. What else did she say? What was strange about the fabric?"


    Jiang Chuan recalled, "Chief Clothing Officer Fang said that the clothes on both dolls were made of Floating Light Brocade. This Floating Light Brocade is... it''s from the Zhou Dynasty. Our Great Yan has strictly forbidden the wearing of clothes made from Floating Light Brocade, so there shouldn''t be such fabric in the pce."


    Even if there was, it would have been destroyed long ago.


    Sixty years ago, the Zhou Dynasty emperor was an unjust ruler, indulging in debauchery to the point where the people could barely survive.


    Among the noble families, the Saint Ancestor Emperor came from a military background. Back then, there were hundreds of civilian uprisings. After suppressing countless rebellions, the Saint Ancestor Emperor, at the urging of his confidants, rebelled against the Zhou Dynasty.


    The Zhou emperor held the Saint Ancestor Emperor''s wife and children hostage in the capital, executing them on the battlefield.


    It''s said that at the time, the Zhou emperor wore a dragon robe made of Floating Light Brocade.


    After the Saint Ancestor Emperor breached the city, he killed the Zhou emperor but couldn''t bring back his wife and children. In his fury, ignoring the objections of his officials, he burned the Zhou emperor''s body and searched out all the Floating Light Brocade in the pce, burning it all.


    After ascending to the throne, he further decreed that Great Yan would no longer produce Floating Light Brocade, and anyone found hoarding it would be punished by death.


    Floating Light Brocade had long since disappeared.


    As time passed, there were almost no pce maids left who knew about Floating Light Brocade.


    If it weren''t for Fang Rumeng''s family having been in the fabric business for centuries, and her own keen interest in her family''s trade, having seen descriptions of Floating Light Brocade in the family records, probably no one would have recognized it.


    How could a forbidden fabric, not found in the pce, appear here?


    It must have been brought in from outside the pce.


    Who could bring prohibited items from outside into the imperial pce, make them into voodoo dolls, and ce them in Hexi Pce?


    Were they biding their time, waiting for the right moment?


    Jiang Xinyue felt as if a thick fog obscured her path ahead, making it impossible to see clearly.


    She nodded to show she understood, then asked another question: "Did she reply about whether there''s a way to remove the writing from the fabric?"


    "In response to Your Highness, Chief Clothing Officer Fang said that Floating Light Brocade has special properties. No matter what stains fall on the fabric, they can bepletely removed by soaking in heated water with vinegar and salt, making it as good as new. This was one of the reasons why Floating Light Brocade was used for dragon robes back then."


    After hearing this, Jiang Xinyue''s lips curved into a smile: "Since we can''t find the person who cursed the Emperor and Empress, let''s have the Emperor look for them."


    What she didn''t know, the Emperor surely would.


    For instance, who would be most likely to secretly keep Floating Light Brocade?


    Shuang Jiang was excellent at needlework, having studied for a few days in the Clothing Bureau with Fang Rumeng. She could tell at a nce that the stitching on the dolls was very crude, likely done by someone unskilled in needlework.


    There were no pce maids unskilled in needlework. In the pces of the consorts, the easy task of mending clothes was always fought over.


    Those not good at this weren''t destined to serve others, unless they were the masters of the pce themselves.


    A beautiful face immediately popped into Jiang Xinyue''s mind.


    As for whether it was true or not, she only needed to guide the Emperor a little and let him seek confirmation.


    Late at night, while Nanny Li and Nanny Xiang were asleep, Shuang Jiang and Xi Que took action separately.


    One took out the "sinister" little box, removed the doll representing the Empress, altered its clothes to resemble those of an ordinary consort, took off the phoenix crown on its head, and reced it with two silk flowers, making it look much iner.


    Xi Que prepared salt and vinegar mixed with hot water, removed the strip of cloth with the Empress''s birth date and time written on it, and soaked it in the water. In less than the time it takes to drink half a cup of tea, the water in the basin turned ck.


    After soaking it in another basin of fresh water, the white cloth strip, shimmering with flowing light, was left clean without a single character.


    Jiang Chuan had been practicing imitating the writing on the cloth strip for a day and a night without eating or drinking, and had achieved about 70-80% simrity. Jiang Xinyue felt it was sufficient.


    After wringing out the water from the cloth strip, Jiang Chuan imitated the original handwriting, recing the Empress''s birth date and time with Jiang Xinyue''s.


    When the two dolls pierced with steel needles were ced together again, they lookedpletely different.


    The Emperor''s doll now had many more small embroidery needles all over it, leaving no space untouched. Surely when the Emperor saw this, he would think the person who made the voodoo dolls harbored an intense hatred for him.


    The doll that originally wore the phoenix robe and crown, representing Empress Zhu, had now been transformed into Jiang Xinyue.

 Chapter 159

    After the Lantern Festival, the lively New Year celebrations finally came to an end, and the Great Yan Dynasty weed a new year.


    Jiang Xinyue''s due date was in April, and counting the days, she was only two months away from giving birth.


    In Shunan Pce¡ª


    Consort Liang''s restlessness was most apparent to Noble Consort Ye, who shared the pce with her.


    But their rtionship wasn''t good, so she could only send her maids to secretly gather information.


    And they indeed found out something.


    Noble Consort Ye''s eyes suddenly lit up, as if she had thought of something, and she covered her mouth andughed.


    "Oh my! The little dumpling kicked me again!"


    Xi Que removed her hand from Jiang Xinyue''srge belly, excitedly jumping up and down, rubbing her hands: "It seems the young prince really likes me!"


    Nanny Li and Nanny Xiangughed happily on the side: "You''re always trying to tter yourself. The young prince is always lively after Her Highness finishes her meal. You deliberately chose this time, who else would he kick if not you?"


    Everyone in the room burst intoughter.


    Jiang Xinyue looked at the sky outside, then raised her head to exchange a nce with Nanny Xiang.


    Meanwhile, in Shunan Pce, Consort Liang was pacing back and forth in her room, her face flushed with excitement.


    "Shu Xiang! Should I go to the Emperor or the Empress?"


    Shu Xiang bowed and waited on the side: "This servant thinks that you should tell the Empress first, My Lady. It''s better to act first and reportter, to prevent the Emperor from being lenient towards Concubine Zhen due to old affections."


    "You''re right!"


    Consort Liang paced anxiously: "The Emperor ispletely bewitched by that vixen, and she''s carrying his child. With her silver tongue, the Emperor might not be willing to punish her. It''s better to go to the Empress first. The Empress is the head of the inner pce and has the responsibility and authority to cleanse the harem."


    Although the Empress hadn''t explicitly said so, as the biggest sycophant under Empress Zhu, she could sense that the Empress had already harbored murderous intentions towards Concubine Zhen.


    Since that was the case, why shouldn''t she give the Empress a push?


    If the Emperor were to me someer, the Empress would take the fall, and she wouldn''t suffer any losses.


    At most, it would just add anotheryer to Concubine Zhen''s hatred for her.


    Concubine Zhen already knew that she wanted to harm her child, so she wouldn''t easily forgive her anyway. What difference would one moreyer make?


    If this seeded, even if Concubine Zhen hated her more, she wouldn''t have the chance to seek revenge.


    This was witchcraft after all!


    It was a crime punishable by the execution of nine generations of the family. It wasn''t something Concubine Zhen could talk her way out of with just her words.


    "Hey? What are you doing? You can''t go in! Mydy is still taking her afternoon nap."


    "Quick! Go find the Emperor, the Empress and Consort Liang are here with ill intentions."


    Jiang Xinyue had just woken up from her afternoon nap when amotion broke out in Hexi Pce.


    She got up and put on her clothes. Just as Xi Que opened the door, an old nanny rudely pushed her aside, causing her to fall and scrape her palm.


    "Who are you? What do you want?"


    Jiang Xinyue helped Xi Que up, her face full of terror, looking as if she had done something wrong and was about to be caught.


    "Search for Us!"


    "I''d like to see who dares!"


    Jiang Xinyue shielded Xi Que behind her, standing in front of Empress Zhu and Consort Liang. Her outstretched arms and protruding pregnant belly blocked the guards who were about to rush in to search.


    "Empress, this is Hexi Pce, my personal chambers. You bring so many guards, say nothing, and barge in to search. What is the meaning of this? I have done nothing wrong. Even if youe personally, Empress, you cannot search my pce at will."


    Empress Zhu stepped forward,ing close to her belly: "Concubine Zhen, do you think that just because you''re heavily pregnant, We won''t dare to do anything to you?"


    Jiang Xinyue didn''t back down an inch, still spreading her arms to block them.


    She wanted to test whether the Empress''s words about letting her take good care of her pregnancy and not ming her were sincere or just a pretense.


    "Guards, pull Concubine Zhen aside."


    Several burly nannies approached with sinister smiles: "Concubine Zhen, our apologies!"


    As they spoke, they were about to twist Jiang Xinyue''s arms.


    "p!"


    The lead nanny was the first to receive a p from Jiang Xinyue, who scolded with full force: "Where did these dog servantse from, daring to say they''re sorry to me? If you dare to touch a single hair on my head, I''ll make sure you regret it."


    This wasn''t an empty threat. She had even dared to kill the daughter of the Minister of the Imperial Secretariat. These old servants were indeed frightened by her outburst and didn''t dare to approach.


    "Useless things."


    Empress Zhu also felt that Jiang Xinyue was doomed this time, so she didn''t bother to pretend to be sisterly anymore. She said sternly: "We are still here! What can she do to you? Are you treating Us, the Empress, as if We''re dead?"


    Her meaning was clear - whatever happened, she as the Empress would take responsibility. They should just proceed without worrying about the consequences.


    The nannies once again gathered their courage to grab at Jiang Xinyue. At this moment, Nanny Li, Nanny Xiang, as well as Jiang Chuan and Xiao Xuanzi, hearing themotion, came running over.


    Nanny Li and Nanny Xiang stood guard at the front without hesitation: "Empress, can''t we discuss this civilly? The Emperor has ordered us to take care of Concubine Zhen, and we cannot allow any harm toe to her."


    "Empress, Concubine Zhen is eight months pregnant. Surely you wouldn''t want her to be hurt by rough pce maids at this time?"


    If anything went wrong, wouldn''t the Empress have to bear the consequences?


    The Emperor wouldn''t forgive anyone who harmed Concubine Zhen.


    Empress Zhu smiled: "As the Empress, We have the right to search the chambers of a criminal concubine. You two are also old servants of the pce, surely you know the pce rules?"


    Jiang Xinyue pushed Nanny Li aside: "Empress, you keep calling me a criminal concubine. May I ask what I have done? What could warrant the Empress to disregard all decorum and forcibly enter my chambers?"


    "Someone has reported to Us... that you, Concubine Zhen, have been practicing witchcraft in the pce, cursing the Emperor and Us to meet an untimely end!"


    "What?"


    Jiang Xinyue''s face changed color, which made Empress Zhu and Consort Liang even more convinced that it was true.


    "I absolutely have not done such a thing."


    "Whether you''ve done it or not, we''ll know after We search."


    Empress Zhu pushed Jiang Xinyue aside, and the guards behind her poured in, starting to search everywhere.


    Jiang Xinyue stumbled a couple of steps from the Empress''s push. Xi Que acted as a human cushion, letting Jiang Xinyue fall on top of her.


    Consort Liang snorted augh, looking at her with disdain: "Concubine Zhen, you''d better pray for yourself! Witchcraft... is punishable by beheading."


    She stared meaningfully at Jiang Xinyue''s belly: "Tsk tsk tsk... After all, you''re carrying the dragon''s seed. I''ll help you beg the Emperorter, to let you give birth to the sixth prince before you die. Then, let him be a little follower for my Jade. That would be his honor."


    Her words already assumed Jiang Xinyue''s inevitable death, and even suggested that a proper prince should serve as a servant to a princess.


    "Pah!"


    A mouthful of spitnded on Consort Liang''s face: "You''re dreaming!"

 Chapter 160

    Consort Liang bit her lower lip tightly, her eyes shutting due to the sudden physical assault by Jiang Xinyue.


    Shu Xiang was mortified and promptly wiped Consort Liang''s face with a cloth, tightly gripping the hand of her mistress. She was in dread that Consort Liang, in a fit of fury, might assault the unborn child of Concubine Zhen.


    "Concubine Zhen, you..."


    How nauseating is this?


    "Ah!"


    Before Consort Liang could finish her speech, a harsh blow struck her waist. She had little clue of what had transpired when she found herself thrown off a distance. Her face and hands were grazed by the rough ground, causing a burning pain.


    Compared to the wounds on her face and hands, her waist felt as if it was broken. Shey on the ground, dazed for a long time.


    Jiang Xinyue assumed the Emperor must have witnessed the injury on the hand of Xi Que and was avenging her.


    The Xuanwu Emperor certainly possesses endearing qualities, she thought, as the situation took everyone by surprise.


    Several old maidservants attending Jiang Xinyue were so terrified that they prostrated on the ground, trembling noticeably.


    The imperial guards brought by Empress Zhu were also taken aback by the Emperor''s furiously driven kick. It was only when Empress Zhu summoned them to pay respects that they kneeled amidst the chaotic scene.


    Jiang Xinyue still pinned Xi Que down in a fallen pose. The Emperor gently helped her to stand, his eyes lovingly surveying her from head to toe, "Wang Dequan, summon Imperial Physician Yan."


    "Yes, Your Majesty!"


    It appeared outwardly that there seemed to be nothing amiss, but he still wanted to ensure Concubine Zhen''s well-being by having the Imperial Physician examine her.


    The moment Wang Dequan left, the Emperor thundered, "Out, all of you!"


    "What about Your Majesty? Aren''t you interested in knowing why Your Empress ns to search Hexi Pce?"


    Emperor Zhu hardened her face. "Someone reported that Concubine Zhen is practicing witchcraft within the pce. She''s sent a curse for both Your Majesty and me to meet an untimely end. The effigy, bearing both our dates of birth, is hidden in the Hexi Pce."


    The Emperor had full faith that Jiang Xinyue would never indulge in such conducts, scoffing at the groveling Consort Liang, "Whistle-blower? Hah! Isn''t it Consort Liang who has always detested Concubine Zhen? She''s notorious for stirring up chaos in the harem. Can her words be trusted?"


    Even if Empress Zhu indeed found a cursed doll in the Hexi Pce, the Emperor was convinced it was just a guise by Consort Liang to frame Concubine Zhen.


    "Believe it or not, I have investigated and found the truth."


    Empress Zhu would not let go of this golden opportunity to get rid of Jiang Xinyue, insisting, "I, as the Queen, have the power to manage the inner pce. I am acting ording to thews, I wish Your Majesty do not obstruct."


    Her intent was clear. He, as the Emperor, was responsible for the matters of the court. The inner pce was her dominion, not his.


    The Xuanwu Emperor, his authority challenged, narrowed his eyes as he stared at Empress Zhu, whose face turned pale under his icy gaze.


    After what felt like an eternity, the Emperor snorted coldly, "Fine, continue your search then."


    Having said that, he didn''t bother to gauge the reaction of Empress Zhu. Instead, he carefully helped Jiang Xinyue into the inner chamber of his sleeping quarters.


    "Your Majesty, since I entered the pce, you have showered me with affection. I have no reason to practice witchcraft and bring about my own demise. If anything suspicious is found, it must be someone setting me up. You must believe me!"


    The beauty''s small hand gripped his sleeve tightly, pleadingly exining, "And besides, even if I had wild ambitions and wanted to seize the Empress''s life, I wouldn''t involve you, Your Majesty! Without you, how could Little Tuantuan and I survive safely in the harem? I''m not a fool."


    "Yes, my Xinyue is the smartest."


    Little Tuantuan is the pet name Jiang Xinyue had chosen for the child in her womb, and she had no intention of only having one child.


    The more children the better.


    The first child would be called Tuantuan, Little Tuantuan, and the second child could be called Yuanyuan, Little Yuanyuan.


    Tuantuan and Yuanyuan, such good and auspicious names!


    Only after the Emperor left with Jiang Xinyue in his arms did Consort Liang dare to rise from the ground. Hunching her back, she silently wept, clutching her abraded face.


    "Enough!"


    Seeing her in such a state, Empress Zhu felt even more vexed. "Stop crying! Are you sure that your spy really saw it?"


    One after another, they were all so useless. Consort Liang was, Consort De was, none of them could win the Emperor''s heart.


    Choked with sobs, Consort Liang firmly nodded her head and ordered a seemingly insignificant pce maid in a green outfit, "Yang''er,e in and answer the Empress''s question."


    The pce maid quickly dropped her broom and hurried in to answer the Empress''s question, "Replying to Your Majesty, I saw it with my own eyes. It seemed that Sister Xi Que and Sister Shuang Jiang had a quarrel over something. I watched secretly from outside the room and saw Sister Xi Que take a box out of her sleeve. Two cloth dolls fell out of the box, they were made to look like the Emperor and the Empress. They were also pierced with many silver needles. Sister Xi Que looked very frantic as she packed away everything. I hid quickly out of fear of being discovered, so I didn''t see where they hid the box."


    It must still be in the Hexi Pce.


    She spoke with such detail; it didn''t seem like she was lying.


    A determined look appeared in Empress Zhu''s eyes. "Search for me. Even if you have to dig three feet down, you must find that object for me."


    If they couldn''t find it, everyone present today would be in a terrible situation.


    "Your Majesty, we''ve found it, we''ve found it..."


    A guard came running from outside, a brown wooden box held within his hands. He knelt before Empress Zhu who stood in front of him.


    Consort Liang jumped up and seized the wooden box, "It''s this one, it definitely is. I will take it to the Emperor and let him see, let him see what kind of viper the Concubine Zhen he treasures so dearly is."


    Empress Zhu grabbed her arm, issued no words, but Consort Liang lost under the pressure of her gaze and handed the box to her, "Your Majesty, I am just too angry. The Emperor must severely punish Concubine Zhen."


    Practicing voodoo would implicate one''s royal lineage. Consort Liang didn''t wish to exterminate Concubine Zhen''s lineage, she only wanted Concubine Zhen to die.


    Empress Zhu seized the wooden box, turning to the pce maid, Yang''er, "Follow me, you know what to say before the Emperor, don¡¯t you?"


    Yang''er immediately nodded, "This servant understands, it''s all something I stumbled upon unintentionally, it has nothing to do with Empress Zhu or Consort Liang."


    "Hm!"


    Empress Zhu nodded contentedly, "Come in with me!"


    The inner chamber of Jiang Xinyue''s pce was not veryrge, so Empress Zhu only brought a few personal attendants. Consort Liang left Shu Xiang outside and entered alone.


    The sight that met them was a room full of warm refinement, a variety of rare ornaments that dazzled the eye.


    Empress Zhu was both amazed and rmed.


    Before entering, she had thought that the Emperor would certainly not tolerate a Concubine Zhen who had obtained such wicked arts.


    But once inside, upon seeing this room full of wealth, her heart again fluttered with anxiety.


    The Emperor...would he execute Concubine Zhen?

 Chapter 161

    "Thud!"


    The tightly sealed wooden box was thrown onto the small table where Jiang Xinyue and the emperor were having tea, making a dull sound that displeased the Xuanwu Emperor.


    Empress Zhu, like a victorious rooster, stood proud and arrogant, her expression seeming to say, "Concubine Zhen, caught you red-handed, didn''t I? This time you''re done for."


    Jiang Xinyue''s body trembled slightly, as if startled, which made the emperor even more displeased.


    Those loving peach blossom eyes were now filled with frost as he raised his gaze to Empress Zhu: "Empress, are you not being too impertinent in my presence? Who taught you to dare throw things in front of me?"


    Empress Zhu immediately apologized: "I was too flustered and it slipped from my hand, Your Majesty. Please forgive me."


    In her heart, however, she thought, it''s only natural for the emperor to hate her for a short while, since she had found a reason to execute Concubine Zhen when the emperor favored her most.


    Whether she gained favor or not, what did it matter if she was brazen just this once?


    With time, even the deepest feelings would fade, and the most intense hatred would dissipate. She would still be his empress.


    "What is this?"


    "What is it? Your Majesty, why don''t you open it and see for yourself?"


    Empress Zhu gave Yang''er a knowing look, and Yang''er immediately knelt before the emperor: "In response to Your Majesty, this ve is Yang''er, a menial maid from Hexi Pce. It was I... I who reported Concubine Zhen to the Empress. This ve identally saw Xi Que, who serves Concubine Zhen, carrying this box. Out of curiosity, I secretly looked inside and saw voodoo dolls of Your Majesty and the Empress, pierced with steel needles. Concubine Zhen was cursing Your Majesty and the Empress. I was scared, fearing that Your Majesty and the Empress might really be cursed, so... so I mustered the courage to report to the Empress."


    "Please forgive this ve, Your Majesty. I truly didn''t mean to betray Concubine Zhen. I just didn''t want to see Concubine Zhen continue to make mistakes."


    "What are you talking about?" Xi Que red at her. "You... how dare you speak such nonsense? When have I ever carried voodoo dolls? I''ve never even seen this box before. Who bribed you? How much silver did they give you to frame Concubine Zhen?"


    "This ve did not!" Yang''er cried out loudly. "Every word this ve says is true. If Your Majesty doesn''t believe me, feel free to open the box and see. Then you''ll know whether this ve is lying or not."


    That medium-sized wooden box seemed to contain something extraordinary. Yes, it held Concubine Zhen''s fate and life.


    The Xuanwu Emperor''s fingers turned white from gripping so tightly. He wanted to look but dared not.


    It wasn''t for any other reason...


    He feared it might indeed be something she had made in anger during their recent argument.


    If it truly was her doing, he couldn''t open this box.


    The Empress and Consort Liang were watching like hawks. If they found out, the entire court and harem would know. Even if he wanted to protect Jiang Xinyue, he would be drowned by their usations.


    He knew he had already lost his head over this woman, but his first reaction wasn''t how to punish Jiang Xinyue, but how to refuse opening this box, then send away the Empress and Consort Liang so he could find a way to burn it and deny everything.


    How could Concubine Zhen have any ill intentions?


    She surely didn''t mean it.


    Things done in anger shouldn''t be held against someone.


    "Your Majesty, you''re not thinking of how to exonerate Concubine Zhen, are you?"


    This is why they say Empress Zhu was the Xuanwu Emperor''s wife from the beginning.


    She understood the emperor better than anyone.


    The emperor remained silent with a grim face. Empress Zhu pressed on aggressively: "Your Majesty, please don''t entertain such unrealistic thoughts. Before I came, I had already notified all the consorts in the harem to wait at Hexi Pce. By now, there should be a crowd outside waiting for you to deal with Concubine Zhen!"


    Jiang Xinyue''s chambers were already crowded with harem consorts. They listened to the argumentsing from the inner room, not daring to make a sound.


    Heaven knows, they didn''te to watch these celestial beings ¨C the Emperor, Empress, Consort Liang, and Concubine Zhen ¨C fight. Someone had gone to their pces saying Concubine Zhen was practicing witchcraft in the pce, and the Emperor wanted to punish her. All the harem members were summoned to witness it as a warning not to make mistakes.


    The Emperor truly favored Concubine Zhen, to the point of tolerating witchcraft and even trying to clear her name, pretending nothing had happened.


    "Pfft!"


    A lightugh sounded strangely inappropriate in the tense atmosphere, but surprisingly, it came from Concubine Zhen herself?


    Shouldn''t she be crying and begging for mercy?


    "What are youughing at?" Consort Liang covered her injured face. "What are youughing at?"


    "This concubine isughing at Empress and sister Consort Liang!" Jiang Xinyue''s eyes crinkled withughter. "Before this concubine entered the pce, my mother warned me that the women in the pce were deeply scheming, and told me to be careful and not easily call others ''sister.'' At first, I didn''t believe it. Since entering the pce, Empress, sister Consort Liang, and sister Consort De have all been very kind to me, and I''ve kept to my ce, never conflicting with any of you. Later, when I gained His Majesty''s favor, you, Consort Liang, suddenly turned on me, making things difficult at every turn. And now the Empress rushes to condemn me without even opening the box. It truly breaks this concubine''s heart!"


    Empress Zhu frowned, her eyes twitching uncontrobly as an ominous feeling washed over her. She reached out to take the box from the table, but the Xuanwu Emperor pushed her away, grasping the box himself. He finally lifted its mysterious "veil."


    "Hiss¡ª"


    The sight inside the box made the Xuanwu Emperor draw in a sharp breath.


    He stared wide-eyed at the dolls inside, then at Jiang Xinyue who was fighting back tears. A tremendous surge of anger erupted in his heart like a tsunami.


    Empress Zhu stammered: "Your Majesty, inside..."


    "p!"


    "Ah!"


    A forceful p, loaded with all his pent-up rage, struck Empress Zhu''s face, sending her flying backward.


    That elegant and delicate face swelled up at an rming rate, with blood trickling from the corner of her mouth.


    Her mind was buzzing, and the ear on the side that was struck seemed to have gone deaf.


    After a while, she managed to stand up with the help of others and looked at the two voodoo dolls the emperor had thrown on the ground. "How... how can this be?"


    One of the dolls was indeed the emperor, riddled withrge steel needles and small silver needles. The silver needles pierced the cloth doll from head to toe, presenting a chilling sight.


    But the other doll was clearly not the empress. The birth date... the birth date was Jiang Xinyue''s!


    That doll''s face was smeared with ck dog blood, emitting a foul odor. Its hair was a tangled mess, and tworge steel needles pierced its protruding belly, aimed at Concubine Zhen''s womb.


    Consort Liang was also terrified. She abruptly turned to look at Yang''er.


    The little pce maid called Yang''er was so frightened she was nearly unconscious. Jiang Xinyue thought the girl''s kneeling body was shaking as if she had Parkinson''s disease.

 Chapter 162

    Serves her right!<span>0


    That ungrateful creature, thinking she could soar high by clinging to the Empress''s leg.<span>0


    No!<span>0


    To be precise, Consort Liang thought Yang''er was her person, assuming Yang''er wanted to curry favor with the Empress, but she didn''t know that Yang''er''s true master was actually someone else.<span>0


    It was the real mastermind behind cing the voodoo doll in Hexi Pce.<span>0


    She only wanted Yang''er to report it to use Consort Liang and the Empress''s hands to eliminate Jiang Xinyue.<span>0


    Killing three birds with one stone, indeed a good strategy.<span>0


    Unfortunately, Jiang Xinyue was prepared for it.<span>0


    Nanny Li''s face was stern, very displeased that Consort Liang had pushed over the magpie in front of her earlier, and then took advantage of the chaos to push down Concubine Zhen.<span>0


    She picked up the voodoo doll and ced it near the Xuanwu Emperor''s hand, invisibly causing the Emperor''s anger to skyrocket when he saw it.<span>0


    After seemingly inadvertently doing all this, Nanny Li stood beside Jiang Xinyue to support her: "Your Majesty the Empress, if this old servant guesses correctly, this box was found in the dressing table in the side hall, right?"<span>0


    Empress Zhu was so focused on finding fault with Jiang Xinyue at that time, how could she know where the "evidence" was found?<span>0


    A guard "thudded" to his knees: "It... it was found in the dressing table in the side hall."<span>0


    Nanny Li faced the Xuanwu Emperor: "Your Majesty, this box was found by this old servant and Nanny Xiang under Concubine Zhen''s bed this morning. Due to the previous snake incident, we have been extremely strict with the security of the sleeping quarters. Last time, the guards only searched under the bed, but this time, we took advantage of the good weather to air out the bedding and bed boards. We discovered this tied to the back of the nanmu bed board of Concubine Zhen."<span>0


    She nced at the Empress and continued: "This old servant showed it to Concubine Zhen, and she was terribly frightened, not knowing what to do. I originally intended to send it to Chengqian Pce, but Concubine Zhen said Your Majesty has been working hardtely and didn''t want to trouble you with such matters. So she ordered me to deliver it to the Empress. Before I could do so, the Empress led Consort Liang to her doorstep."<span>0


    That''s why Jiang Xinyue wasughing.<span>0


    She watched Consort Liang and Empress Zhu jumping up and down, probably treating them like monkeys for her amusement!<span>0


    She did it on purpose, didn''t she?<span>0


    "Did you hear that?" The Xuanwu Emperor''s chest heaved violently up and down. "Concubine Zhen respects you as the Empress in everything. She even gave you the clothes I sent her for the New Year''s banquet. What more are you unsatisfied with? I see you''re just looking for trouble. Now... you, Empress, thoroughly investigate how this voodoo doll came to be. If you can''t find out, you don''t need to be Empress anymore."<span>0


    Aren''t you the mistress of the harem?<span>0


    Didn''t you say that the Emperor shouldn''t interfere in harem matters? Didn''t Empress Zhu herself say she was the mistress of the harem and had the right to manage it?<span>0


    Then let her investigate.<span>0


    If she can''t find out, it shows her ipetence. How can an ipetent person be fit to be the mistress of the harem?<span>0


    Empress Zhu felt dizzy and her head throbbed. The p from the Emperor earlier hurt even more from his words.<span>0


    After pping Empress Zhu, the Xuanwu Emperor didn''t forget about Consort Liang. His icy eyes grew even colder: "Consort Liang, you have repeatedly instigated others to cause trouble for Concubine Zhen, which is extremely despicable. Guards, Consort Liang has vited pce rules. Take her away and p her mouth thirty times, deduct her sry for a year, and send a matron from Chuxiu Pce to Shunan Pce to re-educate Consort Liang on the rules."<span>0


    This was a terrible humiliation, even worse than demoting Consort Liang''s position.<span>0


    To make her relearn the rules!<span>0


    She had been in the pce for over a decade, considered a veteran, and had be one of the four consorts.<span>0


    She had always been the one teaching others the rules, and now the Emperor wanted a matron who taught etiquette to pce maids in Chuxiu Pce to teach her the pce rules!<span>0


    Thirty ps on the mouth...<span>0


    With thirty ps, her face would likely be disfigured.<span>0


    For a consort, beauty is of utmost importance. Without beauty, she would be like a bird with broken wings, unable to fly again.<span>0


    "Your Majesty!" Consort Liang cried out loudly. "Your Majesty, this concubine knows her mistake. It was all Yang''er... that despicable Yang''er who told this concubine that Concubine Zhen was practicing witchcraft. This concubine was only concerned for Your Majesty and was used by someone with ulterior motives. I beg Your Majesty, for the sake of this concubine''s deep love for you, please spare me!"<span>0


    The Xuanwu Emperor simply waved his hand, ordering people to drag Consort Liang out for punishment.<span>0


    The sound of ps and Consort Liang''s screams filled the entire Hexi Pce.<span>0


    Those with weak nerves began to tremble.<span>0


    What did the Empress summon them for?<span>0


    To watch Concubine Zhen be rebuked by the Emperor and see her miserable fate?<span>0


    It couldn''t be to watch the Empress and Consort Liang be beaten by the Emperor, to see how the Emperor protects Concubine Zhen, making them realize once again that Concubine Zhen is untouchable, could it?<span>0


    Yang''er, the pce maid from Hexi Pce, didn''t escape either. She was directly taken away by the Investigative Bureau to be severely interrogated about who her true master really was.<span>0


    That person had intended to use the Empress and Consort Liang to bring down Jiang Xinyue, while also making the Emperor dislike these two. Who would have thought that Jiang Xinyue would turn the tables, seizing the opportunity to make them lose the Emperor''s favor in one fell swoop? As long as the mastermind is caught, Concubine Zhen will have achieved her goal of killing three birds with one stone.<span>0


    After the Emperor chased everyone out of the room, heforted the "frightened" Jiang Xinyue: "If such things happen again in the future, you don''t need to worry. I only trust you. You need to take care of yourself and not get emotionally agitated. Didn''t Imperial Physician Yan say that emotional instability risks premature birth? I just ordered the Empress to investigate to vent your anger. Privately, I will thoroughly investigate this matter and definitely root out the mastermind behind it. I won''t let such things happen again."<span>0


    Jiang Xinyue nodded: "Your Majesty trusts this concubine, and this concubine will certainly not forget her original intention and not do anything to trouble Your Majesty."<span>0


    The Xuanwu Emperor smiled, feeling that his Concubine Zhen was truly sensible and obedient when being reasonable.<span>0


    Even when she''s unreasonable, she''s adorable.<span>0


    Even when she''s angry, he has no choice but to coax her.<span>0


    He simply couldn''t get angry with her.<span>0


    Rubbing Jiang Xinyue''s head, the Emperor nted a kiss on her forehead: "Be good and listen to Nanny Li and Nanny Xiang. I''ll go handle state affairs first ande back to dine with you in the evening."<span>0


    Jiang Xinyue obediently nodded: "This concubine respectfully sees Your Majesty off."<span>0


    It was still early, and the Empress hade and gone in a hurry.<span>0


    Although it seemed like many things had happened, in reality, it didn''t waste much of Jiang Xinyue''s time to resolve them.<span>0


    This was mainly because under her constant brainwashing and maniption, the Xuanwu Emperor had developed a love-struck brain. He couldn''t ept anyone speaking ill of her.<span>0


    "Let''s go!"<span>0


    "Where are we going, Your Highness?"<span>0


    "Of course, to see our Empress! After all, she took a beating for me. I''m kind-hearted and feel uneasy about it. At the very least, I should let her know why she was beaten today and who really caused her to be beaten!"<span>0


    The Emperor had ordered her to investigate the true culprit behind the voodoo doll, or he would depose her as Empress.<span>0


    Jiang Xinyue was now going to offer her timely assistance.<span>0

 Chapter 163

    "Hiss--"


    The pce maids were applying an ice pack to Empress Zhu''s face. Unfortunately, they touched a sore spot, prompting her to swipe them away: "All of you, get out!"


    She must have been out of her mind today, having been goaded on by Consort Liang''s few words, and ran to confront Concubine Zhen.


    Previously, she wasn''t such an impulsive person, and this time she didn''t know if she was too angry at the emperor''s endless indulgence in Concubine Zhen,pletely losing her usual rationality.


    "Your Highness was too impulsive today."


    Fen Yun took the ice pack from the pce maid and gently pressed it to her swollen face. "You looked like a..."


    Struggling to find an appropriate word, Empress Zhu took a deep breath and said, "Like a brainless fool."


    Fen Yun fell silent, her thoughts echoing the Empress''.


    Keeping cool, thinking ahead, calm andposed, that''s how her Lady Empress was.


    Today, she had thrown a tantrum in Hexi Pce, openly going against the Emperor at every turn, acting just like Consort Liang. It''s no wonder that the Emperor lost his patience and hit her.


    Consort Liang had been pped thirty times. The Empress had just been pped once, a disy of respect for her status as Empress.


    Empress Zhu closed her eyes for a moment and then suddenly sat up straight: "Who switched the incense in my pce?"


    The incense burned in Yikun Pce had always been Phoenix Tail Fragrance, a privilege allowed only to the Empress and a symbol of her status, much like the Dragon Saliva Fragrance used by the Emperor.


    Yet this morning, when Consort Liang visited, she smelled Chen Shui Fragrance. She had wanted to ask Fen Yun why she had changed it out on the sly...


    But Consort Liang''s shocking news quickly overwhelmed her, and the issue with the incense slipped her mind, letting Consort Liang carry on with her tirade about Concubine Zhen.


    In just a short moment, her mind was befuddled and everything spiraled out of control.


    How did she be so irritable and thoughtless?


    Only after inhaling the familiar scent of Phoenix Tail Fragrance did she recall the unusual fragrance she had caught in the morning.


    Fen Yun immediately strode over, lifting the curtain to see an unknown pce maid, her face in panic, trying to hide the used incense ashes.


    "Who are you? What are you doing here?"


    Fen Yun reached out to catch her, but the maid scrambled away, darting out of the door like a slippery fish.


    "Seize her!"


    The other pce maids and eunuchs didn''t react in time, and those without martial training were too frightened to approach upon seeing the dagger in the fleeing maid''s hands.


    Fortunately, the guards at the door heard Fen Yun¡¯s shout and rushed out to subdue the maid, her dagger falling to the ground.


    Jiang Xinyue walked in just as the maid was restrained, standing agape at the scene. "What''s happening? What''s going on?"


    Did someone attempt to assassinate the Empress?


    Seeing the clean de, if that was true, then the attempt had definitely failed.


    "Concubine Zhen, save me!" the maid cried.


    The pce maid suddenly shouted, "I have ced the medicine that drove Empress Zhu mad into the incense as you ordered. Please, Concubine Zhen, uphold our agreement and send me out of the pce."


    Empress Zhu, aided by her servants, also came out of the pce. Upon hearing the maid''s words, her eyebrows furrowed as she turned to look at Jiang Xinyue.


    She was waiting for Jiang Xinyue to exin.


    It suddenly all made sense... why she felt so unlike herself. It turned out someone, was meddling with her incense.


    Jiang Xinyue approached the maid, lightlyughing, "Consort Ye promised to send you out the pce, so even after harming Empress Zhu, you still wish to frame me?¡±


    Her seemingly light-hearted words made the pce maid''s eyes widen in fright, an evident look of horror on her face. It seemed as though she had never expected Jiang Xinyue to call out Consort Ye so casually.


    Empress Zhu was no fool, she immediately ordered, ¡°Keep a watchful eye on her. If shemits suicide, I will send you all to the Criminal Servants'' Prison.¡±


    She then gestured for Jiang Xinyue to enter, "Concubine Zhen, you''ve seen it for yourself. Today''s issue is not my intent. Someone tampered with the incense, which led to my change in temperament."


    Jiang Xinyue, originally prepared with her words, immediately changed her stance, showing an understanding smile, "Of course I believe that the Empress is innocent. Otherwise, why would Ie tell you? The person trying to pit us against each other from behind the scenes is Consort Ye."


    "How could it be Consort Ye?"


    Empress Zhu found it hard to believe, "She''s just a..."


    A useless person.


    "Do you remember, Empress, when I first entered the pce and was pped and punished on my knees for picking a begonia by Consort Li?"


    ¡°What does that have to do with Consort Ye¡­¡±


    "No!"


    Empress Zhu thought for a moment, her clear eyes looking at her, "You and Consort Ye were chosen to enter the pce in the same year."


    This was mainly because Jiang Xinyue was so beloved that all the other girls who had entered the pce the same year had lost their lustre. Had it not been for Jiang Xinyue reminding her, Empress Zhu would have forgotten that they were both selected in the same year.


    Jiang Xinyue nodded, "The begonia was actually picked by Consort Ye, not me. She was the one who led me to the Imperial Garden. Considering that I was just the daughter of a fifth-grade official and had never stepped into the pce before, I might not have known that the begonia was Consort Li''s beloved nt. But would Consort Ye, the legitimate daughter of General Ye, who had been visiting the pce since childhood, not know that the tree symbolized Consort Li''s love rtionship with the Emperor?"


    Impossible, she must have known.


    Under the circumstance that she knew, she had tricked Jiang Xinyue into wearing that begonia. Nobody would believe it wasn¡¯t on purpose.


    "How is this rted to the pce maid putting a psychotic drug into my incense?"


    Jiang Xinyue pulled a small voodoo doll out of her sleeve and showed it to Empress Zhu. "Empress, this is made of floating light brocade. A wet nurse saw it in the old emperor''s harem, in a concubine''s pce. As per pce regtions, it cannot be shown off, so that concubine used it in her underwear, iming it had warming effects during winter and cooling effects during summer. And this concubine is Consort Ye''s aunt."


    That would exin why the Ye family has such silk.


    "And that pce maid earlier."


    With a straight face, Jiang Xinyue made up a story, "She and Yang from my pce are very close. I''ve seen her in Hexi Pce several times. I suspect now that Yang is not Consort Liang''s person, they are all Consort Ye''s spies. They just used Consort Liang and also used Empress Zhu as her weapon."


    Consort Ye, who is so cunning and manages to pretend to be an idiot that Empress Zhu couldn''t suspect her at all.


    "Why are you telling me all of this?"


    Jiang Xinyue smiled: "I just don''t want to let go of the person who really harmed me."


    Empress Zhu gritted her teeth: "I will not let go of those who stir up trouble in the pce."


    Consort Ye made her lose such a big face, and she will definitely make her pay a painful price.

 Chapter 164

    "Your Majesty..."


    Shuang Jiang supported Jiang Xinyue, who moved somewhat heavily: "Will the Empress believe it?"


    Jiang Xinyue touched the butterfly-shaped hairpin on her borate hairstyle: "Whether she believes it or not doesn''t matter. I''ve provided her with a target for investigation. Regardless of what she uncovers or fails to uncover, a scapegoat is now in ce."


    Not to mention, the one who had ced voodoo dolls in her pce was indeed Consort Ye, who had been ying the fool in the harem all along.


    Jiang Xinyue believed that with the Empress''s extensive influence over the harem for many years, if she could uncover this, it certainly wouldn''t be difficult for the Empress to investigate as well.


    What followed would be the Emperor and Empress''s reckoning with Consort Ye.


    Hah!


    Using witchcraft to curse the Emperor and his consorts was a crime punishable by the extermination of nine ns. Even if General Ye had immense military achievements, it wouldn''t be enough to offset this.


    In Shunan Pce¡ª


    Consort Ye bit her thumb nervously. After much consideration, she still wrote a letter and handed it to her confidant: "Deliver this letter personally to my father. You must watch him open and read it. Yan''er has been captured, and what I''ve done won''t remain hidden for long. We must hurry!"


    At this moment, where was the impulsive, quick-tempered, and loose-lipped fool that Consort Ye had once been?


    Her eyes flickered with a shrewd light, full of worry.


    Jiang Xinyue...


    Had she been reced by someone else?


    They had entered the pce as pce maids in the same batch and were initially assigned to the same room in Chuxiu Pce.


    They lived and ate together for three months before being given different titles and assigned to different pces.


    She couldn''t im to have thoroughly understood a person in those brief three months.


    But... that fool had clearly been manipted by her and should have met a miserable end.


    How did she end up regaining the Emperor''s favor and even bing his favorite?


    Since Jiang Xinyue became pregnant, the Emperor had rarely favored other consorts. He either slept alone in Chengqian Pce or asionally visited the Empress or Noble Consort De. More often, he would go to Hexi Pce to apany Jiang Xinyue.


    Even though she was pregnant and unable to serve him in bed, and as far as she knew, there were no bed-warming maids prepared in Hexi Pce, the Emperor would just chat with Jiang Xinyue under the covers every time he visited Hexi Pce.


    She didn''t know when the Emperor had be such a chaste man.


    After Jiang Xinyue threw a tantrum and closed her pce doors, the Emperor became even more outrageous. He stopped visiting even the Empress''s Yikun Pce and spent every day thinking about how to please Jiang Xinyue.


    That''s why she deliberately went to curse in front of Hexi Pce that time, wanting to find out exactly how many guards the Emperor had stationed outside to protect Jiang Xinyue.


    However, she never expected Jiang Xinyue to... to douse her with such filthy things.


    This was so unlike the Jiang Xinyue she remembered.


    After forgiving the Emperor, she had firmly grasped his heart, her methods so sophisticated it left one in awe.


    But was she really Jiang Xinyue?


    Consort Ye shook her head: "If she''s not Jiang Xinyue, who else could she be? I must be going crazy."


    That face was clearly Jiang Xinyue''s, even down to the mole on her arm, which was the same as the Jiang Xinyue she knew.


    How could it possibly be someone else in disguise?


    There couldn''t be two people in this world with exactly the same face and body.


    She hadn''t taken the former Jiang Xinyue seriously.


    But now, Jiang Xinyue made her feel like she was sitting on pins and needles.


    She had be too clever, clever to the point where Consort Ye didn''t dare to imagine what would happen if the Emperor found out... That...


    She couldn''t bear to think further, only hoping her father woulde quickly.


    "Clop, clop, clop, clop..."


    An inconspicuous carriage arrived at the pce gate. As usual, a young eunuch handed a money pouch to the guard at the gate: "Gentlemen, please take this for tea. It''s a small token from ourdy."


    The lead guard weighed the cloth bag, confirming the amount wasn''t small, and hung it on his waist: "What''s this? Little Qu, is yourdy homesick again?"


    Little Qu smiled sheepishly: "Yes... Thedy asked me to take a family letter back. Please inspect it, gentlemen."


    General Ye''s daughter, a Consort in the pce - counting up, she was the daughter of their superior''s superior''s superior''s superior. How could they dare to examine it closely? They merely nced at it and were about to let him pass.


    "Stop right there!"


    Fenxun, who had been ordered to guard the pce gate, had indeed caught one of Consort Ye''s pce maids from Shunan Pce.


    She produced the Empress''s decree and directly took the person away, warning the two guards at the inner gate: "If you dare to report this to Consort Ye or General Ye, your eptance of bribes will be exposed to the Emperor. If you''re smart, keep your mouths shut."


    Outside the pce, a fierce wind blew, and dark clouds gathered, as if a great storm was brewing.


    In the evening, the Emperor came to Hexi Pce with a grave expression. Following him was not Wang Dequan, but dozens of guards in ck armor, lined up in two rows, exuding a murderous aura.


    "Your Majesty, what is..."


    "Don''t ask anything!"


    The Xuanwu Emperor embraced her, nting a deep kiss on the top of her head. With a solemn face, he said: "Xinyue, from now on, listen carefully to every word I say. After nightfall, keep the pce doors tightly shut. Don''t open them for anyone who knocks, and don''t let any pce maids open the doors to investigate any sounds. After I leave, these ck Armor Army soldiers, each capable of fighting a hundred men, will stay behind to protect you. Remember, don''t be afraid. I won''te to harm, and I won''t let any harme to you either."


    Such a serious instruction didn''t sound like nothing was wrong.


    Jiang Xinyue''s lips moved, but she finally swallowed her words and hesitantly nodded: "I understand, Your Majesty..."


    Her fingers tightly gripped the Xuanwu Emperor''s clothes: "Ye Lang, no matter what happens, remember that the child and I are waiting for you here. If... if anything were to happen to you, I... I would take the child and follow you."


    So you absolutely must not die!


    If you die, the child and I will have to live under the Empress''s thumb for the rest of our lives.


    Winning over the Empress would be a thousand times harder than winning over the Emperor. Just thinking about it is terrifying.


    The Emperor was moved to tears. He nodded vigorously: "I will handle this quickly and return to see you and the child."


    After saying this, he beckoned, and a small child stepped forward. He looked about three or four years old, skinny to the bone, like a frightened little rabbit, his eyes not daring to meet Jiang Xinyue''s gaze.


    "This is..."


    The Xuanwu Emperor raised his chin slightly, and an old eunuch, dressed in worn clothes and as thin as a bamboo pole, led the child forward: "This ve Qian Sheng brings the Fourth Prince to greet Noble Consort Zhen."


    So this was the rumored Fourth Prince, unloved by his father, motherless, growing like a wild grass?


    Jiang Xinyue looked closely. Though thin, his features were delicate, and his skin was fair, only slightly yellow due to malnutrition. Apart from this, he looked exactly like the Xuanwu Emperor did as a child in her dreams.

 Chapter 165

    The Emperor noticed curiosity rather than disgust in her eyes, and gently pushed the Fourth Prince forward. "As I was passing by the Koi Pond, I saw pce servants tormenting him, forcing him to eat dog food on the ground. I brought him along. The pce is unsafe tonight, and he is still my son after all. My beloved, please help me look after him for the night. I''ll send him back tomorrow."


    Jiang Xinyue nodded. Perhaps due to her pregnancy, she felt quite fond of this soft little radish head.


    Unable to move easily, she simply took the Fourth Prince''s other hand tofort him: "Baby,e with Concubine Zhen. Concubine Zhen has tasty food."


    The Fourth Prince''s dull eyes lit up at the word "baby." He suddenly turned his head to look at his dearest Qian Sheng, as if saying: Grandpa, this beautifuldy called me baby!


    Qian Sheng smiled at him and nodded, indicating he had heard.


    Xuanwu Emperor watched the three of them enter, a gratified smile appearing on his face.


    He had lied to Concubine Zhen...


    Actually, beforeing to Hexi Pce, he had already sent pce servants to Yikun Pce to ask if Empress Zhu could take in the Fourth Prince for the night. But the Empress refused, iming she was too busy caring for the Fifth Prince to manage another child.


    It was just an excuse, of course.


    With so many servants in Yikun Pce, how could they not manage one more five-year-old child?


    Besides, they didn''t even need to care for him. With Qian Sheng around, the Fourth Prince didn''t need anyone else.


    It was simply because the Fourth Prince''s birth mother was from a criminal family, and she had used underhanded means to conceive him, hiding the pregnancy from the Emperor. She had even lost her life because of it.


    The Emperor himself disliked this son who was conceived through trickery, leaving him to fend for himself. He had barely seen the boy since his birth.


    Empress Zhu considered the Fourth Prince useless and was unwilling to bother with him.


    Consort De was willing to take him in, but the Emperor felt her pce already had two children, and the Third Prince used to bully the Fourth Prince, so he didn''t consider Consort De.


    Thinking that Concubine Zhen had the ck Armor Army here, and that she was kind-hearted, the Fourth Prince would likely receive good care, so he brought him over.


    Mainly, it was because when the Emperor suddenly looked at the Fourth Prince today, he realized how much the boy resembled himself as a child, which stirred somepassion in him.


    If Empress Zhu knew the reason, she would surely regret her decision bitterly.


    Throughout history, which father doesn''t favor the child who looks most like himself?


    The Fourth Prince''s status might be unsuitable for the public eye, but his resemnce to the Emperor could be used to support the Fifth Prince''s im to the throne!


    Jiang Xinyue hadn''t thought that far. She simply believed that a child who couldn''t protect himself shouldn''t bear the consequences of adults'' mistakes.


    She hadn''t intervened before because she was unsure of the Emperor''s intentions and didn''t dare act without permission. If she angered the Emperor, she would be in danger herself.


    Now that the Emperor had brought the boy to her, and she had gained some influence, she naturally wasn''t afraid anymore.


    Perhaps due to not having bathed for so long, both the Fourth Prince and Eunuch Qian Sheng emitted an unpleasant odor.


    The servants in the outer courtyard held their noses as the two passed by, their eyes showing disgust.


    Jiang Xinyue was displeased. Frowning, she said, "Jiang Chuan, those who covered their noses just now, have them scrub thetrine buckets for a month."


    Qian Sheng had certainly noticed too. As he grew anxious, Concubine Zhen said, "Eunuch Qian, there''s a bathing pool behind my chambers. Take the Fourth Prince there to wash up, and ask for anything you need. Now that he''s here with me, I''ll do my best to care for him. You needn''t be so formal, old sir. He is the Emperor''s son, a noble prince."


    She was telling him not to be afraid, that she would support them. In Hexi Pce, no one would be allowed to mock the Fourth Prince.


    Qian Sheng, unustomed to such kindness, initially doubted Concubine Zhen''s sincerity, thinking she might just be putting on a show due to the Emperor''s instructions.


    But even if it was just for show, Qian Sheng was grateful.


    The Fourth Prince could enjoy afortable hot bath, without Qian Sheng having to collect rainwater and figure out how to heat it. That water always turned foul, along with the wooden tub, making it impossible to get truly clean.


    Concubine Zhen provided snow-white, fragrant washcloths, and had Eunuch Jiang Chuan bring in soap, said to be a precious tribute from foreignnds, with only a few bars avable.


    After bathing, food was prepared ¨C not rich meats, but light porridge and side dishes.


    A thick, sticky white porridge made from millet exuded the aroma of lean meat, though no meat was visible. Eunuch Jiang Chuan exined, "Our mistress instructed the imperial kitchen to mince the meat and cook it into broth. This porridge contains not a drop of water; it''s all cooked in meat broth. Eunuch Qian, please eat some with the Fourth Prince. Our mistress specifically consulted the imperial physician, who said you and the Fourth Prince shouldn''t eat greasy foods yet, or your stomachs won''t be able to handle it. After a few more days of recuperation, our mistress will arrange for more sumptuous meals."


    It was then that Eunuch Qian Sheng realized this Concubine Zhen seemed different from the otherdies in the pce.


    In the years he had cared for the Fourth Prince, manydies had tried to disy their kindness through them, clearly aiming to stand out among the beauties in the Emperor''s eyes.


    Even the normallypassionate Consort De was no exception.


    That year when the Fourth Prince was injured by the Third Prince, Consort De sent servants to apologize and bestowed upon them a table full of chicken, duck, fish, and meat.


    It was the mostvish meal the Fourth Prince had seen since his birth. He ate too much, and by evening he was vomiting and having diarrhea. Qian Sheng even thought Consort De had poisoned the food and risked his life to seek help from Eunuch Wang, who served the Emperor.


    Eunuch Wang, seeing how pitiful they were, secretly called for an imperial physician to examine the Fourth Prince. The physician indeed said the Fourth Prince was malnourished, with no nutrients in his system.


    Suddenly eating such rich food had upset his stomach, causing the vomiting and diarrhea.


    Concubine Zhen, she truly cared.


    "Grandpa..." The Fourth Prince, with his big, watery eyes, looked expectantly at Eunuch Qian Sheng. "Grandpa, can we live here from now on? Grandpa, I... I like Concubine Zhen."


    Despite being bullied since childhood and never having known a good day, the Fourth Prince''s gaze was clear, his doe-like eyes full of happiness. "Grandpa, you can stay here too. With Concubine Zhen protecting us, you won''t be beaten anymore, Grandpa."


    The words "We still have to leave tomorrow..." just couldn''t be spoken.


    Tears in his eyes, Qian Sheng hugged the sweet-smelling, soft Fourth Prince and patted him. "Fourth Prince, wanting to stay here isn''t up to us. It depends on whether Concubine Zhen is willing."


    He was reluctant to teach the boy things he shouldn''t, but... for the sake of survival, he had no choice but to encourage the Fourth Prince to win Concubine Zhen''s favor.


    This wasn''t something a noble prince should have to learn.


    But...


    "Cough, cough, cough, cough..."


    A ssh of bright red stained the white handkerchief.

 Chapter 166

    If he were still the Qian Sheng from ten years ago, given the kindness shown to him by the Fourth Prince''s birth mother, no matter how difficult or bitter life became, he would never have allowed the Fourth Prince to learn such tricks.


    But he... he had grown old, and in recent years had been tormented to the point of losing his humanity. There were too many depraved eunuchs and pce maids in the harem, and everyone could bully him just for a mouthful of food and drink.


    His body had long since been ruined, and he was only holding on to find a good home for the Fourth Prince.


    The Fourth Prince was still so young. If he died, there would be no one to care for the Fourth Prince, who wouldn''t be able to survive on his own.


    Perhaps his body was also telling him that Concubine Zhen was the good home he had been waiting for. Qian Sheng, who hadn''t coughed up blood in a long time, coughed up blood again today.


    Fearing the Fourth Prince would discover this, he quickly wiped it clean with a handkerchief.


    It was still early before nightfall. The Emperor had told her not to wander around after dark. Was something big going to happen after nightfall?


    Jiang Xinyue changed into a in outfit. "Xi Que, Shuang Jiang, where did you put the children''s toys that the Emperor sent earlier? Bring out a few. I want to go to the side hall to see the Fourth Prince."


    "Please wait a moment, Your Highness. This servant will go to the storehouse to look."


    The side hall, which had been unupied for a long time, had already been cleaned thoroughly after the snake incident in Jiang Xinyue''s bedchamberst time.


    Since she had personally stayed there for a few days, all the supplies were of the highest quality.


    When the Fourth Prince arrived, there was no need to prepare everything anew. The items in the side hall were ready to use; they just needed to change the bedding for him to move in directly.


    Of course, Jiang Xinyue kept her own ulterior motives to herself.


    After the child was born, she would certainly be promoted to imperial consort. Whether she would be one of the four consorts, the highest-ranking consort, or just an ordinary Consort Zhen...


    This would depend on the Emperor''s feelings for her and whether her previous groundwork had been effective.


    So far, she had presented herself to the Xuanwu Emperor as gentle and kind, with a hint of sharpness but easily softened.


    Last time, when Consort Liang beat Jiang Chuan in her pce, she deliberately told Nanny Li that she feared she might be pped by Consort Liang after her promotion.


    The Emperor had also indirectly criticized Consort De several times for being too close to Consort Liang.


    As the saying goes, one takes on the color of one''spany. What kind of good person could be friends with Consort Liang?


    The Emperor''s opinion of these two must have deteriorated.


    Until the veryst moment, Jiang Xinyue would not let her guard down.


    Unless the imperial edict naming her as the highest-ranking of the four consorts was issued, and the Empress held the grand ceremony for her promotion, only then would she truly feel at ease.


    "Your Highness..."


    Xi Que struggled to carry arge pinwheel in. "I''m not sure what the Fourth Prince likes, so this servant chose the biggest and heaviest one."


    Very good, this choice was very Xi Que-like.


    Shuang Jiang held a Chinese ring puzzle in her hands. "This servant thought the Fourth Prince could y with this first. If he solves it, Your Highness can have the Fourth Prince teach our little master in the future."


    Although Yan the Imperial Physician and several other physicians from the Imperial Hospital had examined Your Highness''s belly and taken her pulse, all saying that this pregnancy was a little prince, Your Highness forbade them from calling him the Sixth Prince now, only allowing them to refer to him as the little master.


    In modern times, even ultrasounds can be mistaken sometimes. Jiang Xinyue didn''t really believe that they could determine the sex just by looking at her belly with the naked eye.


    If it turned out to be a princess in the end, but they had been calling her the Sixth Prince all along, the trashy Emperor might be disappointed and not love the Third Princess as much.


    Just from their choice of gifts, one could see the personalities of these two.


    Xi Que was a bit simple, but her loyalty to Jiang Xinyue was unmatched. She had never failed in any important task assigned to her and was the kind of loyal servant who would die for Jiang Xinyue, even if she was sometimes rash and outspoken.


    Shuang Jiang had grown up in the pce from a young age and was more cunning, but she hadn''t lost her inherent kindness. She was also intelligent and could often restrain Xi Que''s directness to some extent.


    Jiang Xinyue thought theyplemented each other well.


    Only ipetent masters would me their servants for not being smart enough or unable to offer strategic advice.


    Jiang Xinyue was very capable, so she didn''t need her personal maids to be too clever. As long as they were obedient and carried out her instructions well, that was good enough.


    If Xi Que knew that she had been judged as not smart enough by her mistress just for bringing arge pinwheel, she would have insisted on switching roles with Shuang Jiang.


    "Master Qian, is the Fourth Prince asleep? Our mistress hase to see him."


    After a long while, the door finally opened.


    The small Fourth Prince was standing on a chair to open the door for them. After opening it, he carefully climbed down and made a shushing gesture. "Concubine Zhen, Grandfather didn''t mean to not open the door for you. He was too tired from taking care of me and fell asleep by ident."


    So he had been sitting by the bed watching over his grandfather, waiting for him to wake up and y with him.


    These words made Jiang Xinyue realize something was wrong. She quickly walked over and saw that the old man''s face was ashen, his eyes tightly closed, looking as if... as if he were dead. Only the slight rise and fall of his chest proved he was still alive.


    "Hisplexion doesn''t look right."


    Jiang Xinyue called for Xiao Xuanzi. "Is Yan the Imperial Physician on duty at the Imperial Hospital today?"


    She had almost forgotten about Yan the Imperial Physician. If there was to be a pce coup tonight, they would need to bring him back as well.


    "He wasn''t originally scheduled to be on duty, but the Emperor feared Your Highness might go intobor early, so he has Yan the Imperial Physiciane every day. By my calctions, he should being to check Your Highness''s pulse soon."


    Yan the Imperial Physician wasn''t made of iron. When he wasn''t on night duty, he needed to go home to rest.


    Every day before returning home, he woulde to Hexi Pce to check Jiang Xinyue''s pulse, making sure the child in her belly wasn''t in a hurry toe out, before he could go home with peace of mind.


    "Go and fetch him."


    Jiang Xinyue looked at the old man on the bed, who was barely breathing. "Hurry!"


    It was almost dark.


    Once it got dark, it would be dangerous to walk outside.


    She wondered if the Ye family was about to stage a pce coup and rebellion. Why else would the Emperor arrange for the legendary ck Armor Army toe?


    There were two types of pce guards: the Imperial Guards, also known as the knife-bearing guards who served in the Emperor''s presence, who were the Emperor''s private soldiers and only obeyed his orders.


    The other type was the soldiers under themand of the military generals in the capital, responsible for guarding Qianqing Gate and patrolling the pce, taking shifts on duty.


    Then there was the ck Armor Army, which only existed in legends. They were said to be the personal secret guards of sessive emperors, rarely seen by anyone. It was said that each of them was a supreme master, capable of fighting a hundred men alone.


    If Yan the Imperial Physician left the pce now, he would certainly run into General Ye''s men.


    It wasmon knowledge that he was the exclusive physician for Concubine Zhen of Hexi Pce.


    If the ruthless General Ye had him killed, it would be a great sin on her part.


    "Oh my, oh my! Slow down a bit. This old man''s arms and legs are about to fall apart if you keep pulling like this."


    Xiao Xuanzi had both feet inside Hexi Pce before he turned to close and bolt the main gate, finally breathing a sigh of relief.


    Yan the Imperial Physician was still joking with him: "Were you being chased by vicious dogs? You''re so..."


    Soon, he couldn''tugh anymore, because he saw arge circle of ck Armor Army soldiers with fierce expressions surrounding the courtyard wall.

 Chapter 167

    His legs suddenly went weak, and he nearly fell to the ground. His voice trembled as he asked, "You... Xuan... Eunuch Xuan, what has the Consort done?"


    Xiao Xuanzi supported him and exined, "These are the ck Armor Army sent by the Emperor to protect Consort Zhen."


    "Oh, the ck Armor Army!"


    Yan the Imperial Physician''s eyes widened, and his legs weakened again. "The ck Armor Army? Why are they here?"


    What formidable person had Consort Zhen offended to warrant the Emperor deploying the ck Armor Army?


    It was said that anyone who saw the true face of the ck Armor Army would be silenced in the dark of night.


    Oh no... What grievance did Consort Zhen have?


    Xiao Xuanzi, unable to exin clearly, leaned in and whispered in his ear, "General Ye is nning to rebel tonight. The Emperor sent them to protect Hexi Pce. The Consort thought of you, fearing you might be killed in the chaos, so she sent me to fetch you."


    "Why didn''t you say so earlier?"


    Yan the Imperial Physician red at him angrily, grabbed his medical box, and ran to the flower hall as if chased by vicious dogs.


    Xiao Xuanzi caught the strap of his medicine box and pulled him back. "The Consort is in the side hall."


    "Why didn''t you say so earlier?"


    Repeating the same phrase, Yan the Imperial Physician shook off his hand and hurried towards the side hall.


    So frightening, so frightening...


    The Fourth Prince watched as Yan the Imperial Physician took his grandfather''s pulse. Hisrge eyes were filled with confusion. He looked up at Jiang Xinyue and asked, "Consort Zhen, what''s wrong with Grandfather?"


    Children are actually very clever. When he asked this, his voice was choked with tears. How could he not know what was wrong with his grandfather?


    He just didn''t want to believe it, couldn''t ept it, and wanted to find someone he trusted to deny his thoughts.


    Jiang Xinyue stroked his head. "Consort Zhen doesn''t know either. Let''s wait for the physician and see what he says, alright?"


    She didn''t dare promise the Fourth Prince anything, because Eunuch Sheng truly looked like he was on hisst breath.


    "s... tsk..."


    Yan the Imperial Physician''s sighs and exmations were so pitiful that even Xi Que couldn''t bear it. "Doctor Yan, please say something!"


    Yan the Imperial Physician nced at the Fourth Prince, then looked at Jiang Xinyue. "Does Consort Zhen intend to raise the Fourth Prince?"


    "What does that have to do with whether I raise him or not?"


    "If the Consort ns to raise the Fourth Prince, this humble servant will prescribe medicine for Eunuch Sheng. If the Consort doesn''t n to raise the Fourth Prince, there''s no point in saving Eunuch Sheng."


    Yan the Imperial Physician spoke honestly, "His condition is the result of years of exhaustion,pounded by beatings. Each time he fell ill, he forced himself through it without proper treatment. It''s umted over time. This is an illness of the wealthy... From now on, he must be well-cared for and can no longer overwork himself."


    If Consort Zhen nned to raise the Fourth Prince and was kind enough not to let this old man, who had suffered half his life, die miserably, and was willing to use precious medicines to nourish him, then he could live out his natural life without problems.


    But if she didn''t n to raise the boy...


    Relying on just a day or two of care, only to return to that "Pce of Exile" to suffer, it would be better not to waste the resources.


    The Fourth Prince blinked his eyes, seeming to understand yet not understand. He knelt on the ground in distress and kowtowed, "Consort Zhen, please, I beg you to save Grandfather. I... Consort Zhen doesn''t need to raise me, I just beg Consort Zhen to save Grandfather. I won''t... won''t cling to Consort Zhen, Consort Zhen..."


    He was truly too young, not knowing how to please Consort Zhen.


    Moreover,pared to making Consort Zhen like him, he was more unwilling to let his grandfather die.


    If the price of staying with Consort Zhen was losing his grandfather forever, then he didn''t want to stay in Hexi Pce.


    "No!"


    Jiang Xinyue quickly helped him up and said to Yan the Imperial Physician, "Whether I raise the Fourth Prince or not, I want to save Eunuch Sheng''s life. Consider it umting blessings for the child in my womb."


    She couldn''t make her words too definite, lest things not work out and disappoint the Fourth Prince again.


    He was truly too sensible, sensible to the point of heartache.


    Although the Xuanwu Emperor had been emotionally abused by the Empress Dowager when he was young, he had nevercked for materialforts.


    Crowds of servants attended to him, dressing him in fine silks and feeding him delicacies as he lived as the Crown Prince and then Emperor.


    The Fourth Prince had nothing.


    The current Emperor was even worse than the Empress Dowager of that time.


    With Jiang Xinyue''s words, Yan the Imperial Physician dared to prescribe medicine. Xiao Xuanzi looked at the list of precious medicinal ingredients and finally understood the physician''s earlier hesitation.


    If it weren''t for her mistress''s favor, these medicines would never have reached Hexi Pce.


    Fortunately, among the Emperor''s recent gifts was a batch of rare medicinal herbs. After looking them over, Xiao Xuanzi prepared to go to the storehouse to fetch the medicines for brewing.


    By the time they left the side hall, the sky had darkenedpletely.


    Jiang Xinyue held the Fourth Prince''s hand with one hand and touched her belly with the other, closing her eyes to listen carefully...


    The sounds of shing weapons, shouts of killing, crashing, and cries...


    Yan the Imperial Physician''s eyes widened again. "Consort... Did you... Did you hear that?"


    "I''m not deaf."


    She turned swiftly and returned to the flower hall, leaving Jiang Chuan and Xiao Xuanzi in the side hall to look after Eunuch Sheng. She took the others back to the flower hall behind the arched doorway and had Xi Que and the others lock all the doors.


    "From now on, no one is allowed to leave through this door."


    To prevent traitors like Yang''er from taking advantage of the chaos to open the pce gates, she locked everyone inside. The six guards previously granted by the Emperor stood at each doorway, their gleaming swords warning those with ill intentions.


    If anyone dared to act rashly, their hungry des were not to be trifled with.


    Jiang Xinyue sat in the master chair. Although the Fourth Prince was afraid, he still put on a brave face, hugging a small table and sitting at her feet. His thin little hands betrayed his fear, clutching tightly to the hem of Jiang Xinyue''s skirt.


    If it weren''t for her pregnancy making it inconvenient, she truly wanted to hold this poor little one in her arms andfort him properly.


    "Don''t be afraid, Fourth Prince. With Consort Zhen here, no one can harm you, and your grandfather will be safe and sound."


    The small child nodded with tears in his eyes. "I believe in Consort Zhen."


    Consort Zhen had the scent of a mother about her.


    Although he couldn''t remember what his mother smelled like anymore, he felt that if his mother were still here, she would be like this too, with a scent that made one feel at ease.


    Fragrant and warm... like the sun.


    The sounds of killing grew closer. Jiang Xinyue handed the Fourth Prince to Xi Que to hold and walked to the door herself, peering out through the carved window.


    Yan the Imperial Physician and the others followed her example, all pressing against the door to look outside.


    "Ah!"


    After one scream, more screams erupted.


    Not just from one ce, but from all directions.


    Those rebel soldiers who had jumped over the wall didn''t know that the entire perimeter of Hexi Pce was lined with ck Armor Army soldiers standing at the ready. Before they could even touch the ground, they were skewered mid-air by the long spears of the ck Armor Army.


    Jiang Xinyue watched as those people were flung away like dumplings being tossed, shaking her head.


    It was too brutal, truly too brutal.

 Chapter 168

    After watching for quite a while, not even a single straggler had managed to slip in.


    The people outside seemed to have finally realized something was amiss, as there had been no sound for quite some time.


    Magpie was even worried that her mistress might get bored, so she brewed arge pot of fruit tea to share with everyone: "This servant added honey, it''s quite sweet!"


    Yan the Imperial Physician nervously swallowed. At a time like this, how could the people in Hexi Pce not be anxious? How could they still have the mood to drink fruit tea?


    Jiang Xinyue showed him through her actions that not only was she drinking fruit tea, but she also ate a few pieces of pastry to calm her nerves.


    "Bang! Bang! Bang..."


    The main gate of Hexi Pce was being pounded, making loud thumping noises. From outside came a series of cries for help: "Concubine Zhen! Concubine Zhen, please open the door! This servant is a pce maid from Noble Consort Rong''s Jingren Pce. This servant came out to fetch meals for my mistress and was chased here by the rebels. Please, Concubine Zhen, save this servant''s life!"


    Knowing that she and Noble Consort Rong had worked together half a year ago to send the Virtuous Consort to the Western Paradise, and that their rtionship was still quite amicable, deliberately creating a scene with Noble Consort Rong''s pce maid knocking on the door seemed like Consort De''s handiwork. She was known for deflecting me, and if things were exposed, she could still push Noble Consort Rong out as a scapegoat.


    Jiang Xinyue shook her head and ignored it.


    A momentter, screams erupted outside the main gate, but they were very brief, as if the person hadn''t even finished speaking before being killed.


    After barely a quarter of an hour of silence, someone else came to knock on the door: "Concubine Zhen, please save us! My mistress came out for a walk after the evening meal and saw fire and fighting in the distance. Only your ce hasn''t been affected. Please, Concubine Zhen, have mercy and save my mistress!"


    They didn''t even properly introduce themselves, speaking vaguely and with extreme cunning. If Jiang Xinyue were to open the pce gates and be killed, no one would even know who was responsible.


    This ploy seemed to be Consort De''s work again.


    Jiang Xinyue still ignored it.


    But this time, the person didn''t leave and continued knocking: "Concubine Zhen, this servant begs you, won''t you please open the door?"


    The voice was high-pitched, a strange voice Jiang Xinyue had never heard before. It was indeed Consort De''s people, as meticulous as ever.


    "Concubine Zhen, you''re watching us die without helping! You clearly have guards protecting you inside, yet you''re unwilling to let this servant and my mistress in to take refuge. Aren''t you afraid we''lle back for revenge after we die? How can such a cold-hearted woman like you deserve the Emperor''s exclusive favor? Open the door quickly! Open the door! Jiang Xinyue! I beg you to open the door, they''reing to kill us! Open the door! Open the door, ah ah ah ah..."


    That frantic voice also came to an abrupt end.


    Well, if they died, they died!


    What did it have to do with her?


    These people were quite amusing. After bing ghosts, instead of seeking revenge on those who killed them, they wanted to haunt her, someonepletely uninvolved.


    Their minds were too foolish; it was no surprise they were killed.


    She didn''t believe in ghosts or fear them. Even if a ghost appeared before her, she''d make the ghost bring her foot-washing water.


    Suddenly, there was no sound at all from outside the courtyard wall. It seemed the rebels knew they couldn''t breach Hexi Pce and had dispersed.


    "Have they left?"


    Yan the Imperial Physician reached out to open the door, but Jiang Xinyue grabbed him: "The art of war teaches us to be wary of deception. I don''t think they would give up so easily."


    Especially not General Ye.


    He had probably already received word from Consort Ye and was determined to eliminate herpletely.


    She had heard that recently, her convenient father had been ruthlessly rebuking those ministers who advised the Emperor to spread his favor more evenly in court.


    General Ye was the primary target, the one her convenient father had criticized the most.


    If his pce coup seeded, the Jiang family would be the first to face extermination of their entire n.


    How to put it?


    She hoped the Xuanwu Emperor would show some spirit!


    Otherwise, she would have to consider pursuing General Ye or his sons again.


    She was determined to be the favored consort!


    Of course, her first choice was still the Xuanwu Emperor. After all, it would be quite tiring to walk the path of pursuing the Xuanwu Emperor all over again.


    Controlling people''s hearts was no simple matter. The energy and focus required was beyond the imagination of ordinary people.


    Even though she specialized in psychology, thoroughly analyzing a person still required a great deal of time and effort.


    "Bang! Bang! Bang!"


    This time the knocking was much softer, but the words spoken were shocking: "Concubine Zhen, the Emperor... the Emperor has been hit by an arrow and is in critical condition... The Emperor has sent this servant to summon you to attend to him."


    Jiang Xinyueughed out loud and said to the terrified Yan the Imperial Physician: "Do they think I''m stupid? Coming in waves like this, are they afraid I''ll go out? Are they trying to remind me that they''re deceiving me?"


    Yan the Imperial Physician blinked, still not understanding: "What do you mean? Is the Emperor alright? Why would they want to deceive you, Your Highness?"


    Jiang Xinyue thought: There''s really nothing to say to such an honest person.


    She smiled without mirth: "It''s nothing. Physician Yan, please continue watching!"


    In Taihe Hall¡ª


    The hall was in chaos, blood everywhere.


    Ye Gaoliang, surrounded by guards, wore the dragon robe and walked with light steps, a bow and arrow in his hand.


    Someone had indeed been shot by an arrow, but it wasn''t the Emperor¡ªit was Noble Consort Rong.


    When that shocking arrow came flying earlier, with people all around, the Xuanwu Emperor couldn''t dodge in time. Just as he thought he would be hit, Noble Consort Rong threw herself in front of him, and the arrow pierced through her shoulder de.


    However, what surprised Ye Gaoliang was that at such ate hour, Minister Pei of the Privy Council and another military minister were still in the hall.


    Under normal circumstances, he would have thought this was a trap and wouldn''t act rashly.


    But people...


    When inner desires reach their peak and that throne suddenly seems within reach, how could one still pay attention to such small details when killing the Emperor would make them the supreme ruler?


    "Father!"


    Crouching in the corner, dressed as a pce maid, Noble Consort Ye finally dared to show herself: "Where is that bitch Jiang Xinyue?"


    Ye Gaoliang didn''t care at all about that "ant" he could crush with one hand. Heughed heartily: "My child, don''t worry. I''ve already sent guards to capture her. When she falls into your hands, you can humiliate her however you like."


    Noble Consort Ye, remembering the feces incident, gritted her teeth and said: "I want to soak her in the cesspool and drown her and that bastard in her belly alive."


    Dying in a cesspool would truly satisfy her desire for revenge.


    For this, she had already sent people to find thergest cesspool: "Remember, collect the sewage from all the servants'' quarters. I want to watch that bitch die with my own eyes."


    The Xuanwu Emperor''s hand tightened around Noble Consort Rong as he looked at Noble Consort Ye as if she were already dead.


    By now, Noble Consort Ye felt that her father was about to ascend to the highest position, so she wasn''t afraid to reveal her true nature anymore.


    She sneered and red at the Xuanwu Emperor: "What are you looking at, you stinking man? Did you really think this youngdy was madly in love with you? There are plenty of good men in the world. Did you think this youngdy only loved your rotten cucumber? This youngdy entered the pce to steal your pce defense ns. Being your consort isn''t as good as being a princess. My father''s military achievements are glorious. The dragon throne you, Shen Ye, sit on was won by my Ye family."


    The Ye family had indeed served as generals for generations and had established great merits for the Great Yan Dynasty.


    But from this day forward, all that would be left of the Ye family would be eternal infamy.

 Chapter 169

    "Dog Emperor, write your abdication decree and I might spare your miserable life. Otherwise, I''ll kill you right now."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Is that so?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The Xuanwu Emperor gently ced Noble Consort Rong on the carpet, letting her lean against a pce maid. He stood up and positioned himself in front of the assembled consorts, his back as solid and imposing as a mountain, tall and reassuring.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    His disheveled hair didn''t make him look unkempt, but rather added a touch of rugged handsomeness. In the night, he appeared especially dashing.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Particrly striking was the smile ying at his lips, carefree and unrestrained: "Well then, General Ye, why don''t you try and see if you can kill me?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Even as a defeated dog, he dared to be so arrogant. Ye Gaoliang was infuriated that the emperor could still outmatch him in presence even in this situation.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    With a wave of his hand, he shouted angrily: "Whoever can cut off this dog emperor''s head, I''ll appoint him as Grand General of National Pacification, enjoying... ugh..."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    A three-pronged de suddenly pierced through Ye Gaoliang''s chest from behind.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Drip... drip... drip..."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Bright red blood mixed with bits of flesh slowly... slowly began to fall faster, sttering onto the glossy ck floor of Taihe Hall.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Ye Gaoliang''s eyes widened in disbelief as he copsed, dying without ever seeing who had struck the blow.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Amidst the shocked gasps of the crowd, the guards who had apanied Ye Gaoliang and crowded into the hall all dropped to one knee: "We have fortunately not failed our mission, Your Majesty. The traitor Ye Gaoliang''s closest followers have been eliminated. We await Your Majesty''s further orders."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Consort Ye tried to run, but where could she possibly escape to?<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Before she even reached the main doors of Taihe Hall, she was caught by guards and dragged back.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    As arrogant as she had been moments ago, she was now equally pathetic: "Your Majesty, Your Majesty... I was wrong. I was... I was blinded by jealousy. I was jealous of Noble Consort Rong and that''s why I did such a foolish thing. I beg Your Majesty, for the sake of my deep love for you, please spare me!"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    She wept pitifully, but the Xuanwu Emperor''s heart remained unmoved. He pulled out an opened letter from his sleeve: "Aren''t you curious why the messenger you sent back with the letter never returned?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Because that young eunuch had already been thrown in prison and was being tortured for information.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    But Consort Ye had thought her father was about to stage a coup, so the eunuch must be at the general''s mansion.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The letter that had fallen to the ground was the very one Consort Ye had written to General Ye, telling him to start the uprising tonight.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Empress Zhu had intercepted the first letter, so she was also aware of the plot.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    She took the box with the voodoo doll from an attendant''s hands and removed the cloth strip inside: "Your Majesty, look, Consort Ye''s handwriting matches this exactly."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The emperorpared the two and found they were indeed identical...<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "You poisonous woman!"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The Xuanwu Emperor kicked Consort Ye down the steps, still not satisfied as he said: "You even wanted to drown Noble Consort Rong in a chamber pot, and dared to call our little dumpling a bastard. You must be tired of living."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    At that moment, the eunuchs who had been sent by Consort Ye to fetch a chamber pot arrived carrying arge vessel emanating a foul stench.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Wang Dequan immediately ordered Tang Shiliang to stop them, lest the smell offend the emperor.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The Xuanwu Emperor raised his hand, covering his nose and mouth with his sleeve: "Since this is what you prepared, you might as well enjoy it yourself."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    He jerked his chin: "Wang Dequan, throw this poisonous woman into it. Let her relish the grave she dug for herself."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "No! No! Ahhh... No, Your Majesty! I was wrong, I was truly wrong! Ahhh... Save me, save me... I..."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Everyone present felt nauseous just imagining the scene of Consort Ye being thrown into the chamber pot. It was enough to make them want to vomit upst night''s dinner.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Fortunately, the pot had been stopped before entering Taihe Hall, so they didn''t have to witness it firsthand.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Your Majesty, Noble Consort Rong..."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The crisis here was over, but they didn''t know the situation at Hexi Pce. Noble Consort Rong had taken an arrow for him and was now covered in blood. He couldn''t just leave her unattended.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Tang Shiliang, have the imperial physicians from the side halle treat Consort Rong''s wounds. They must ensure she survives."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The assembled consorts'' mouths fell slightly open. One arrow and she went from Noble Consort Rong to Consort Rong?<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    If they had known, they would have thrown themselves in front of the arrow too. Noble Cons... no, Consort Rong had lucked out.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Empress Zhu observed the dissatisfied expressions on the faces of the other consorts with disdain. Her own swollen face was still red and puffy, yet she maintained an air of nobility.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Earlier, several consorts had been closer to the emperor than Consort Rong, but when they saw the arrow flying towards His Majesty, they all acted as if they were blind, hiding behind pce maids and eunuchs and pretending not to see.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    If they had truly been asked to risk their lives, would they have dared?<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Consort Rong dared, which is why one word from the emperor elevated her to Consort.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    At Hexi Pce¡ª<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    A ck Armor Army soldier leapt onto the wall. Seeing no danger outside, he nodded to another soldier below.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Witnessing this, Jiang Xinyue seized the opportunity. She pushed open the door and, despite Xi Que and Shuang Jiang''s attempts to stop her, ran out of the flower hall crying: "Didn''t you hear? His Majesty has been hit by an arrow. Don''t try to stop me, I must go save the emperor."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    With her pregnant belly, no one dared use force to restrain her, allowing her to break free.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Jiang Xinyue ran to the entrance, then turned back. She approached a ck Armor Army soldier and took a bloodstained sword from his hand: "I''ll borrow this."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Holding up her skirts, she charged out with the sword in hand.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Shuang Jiang and Xi Que exchanged a nce. Jiang Chuan and Xiao Xuanzi immediately understood, rushing forward with a shout. The four of them copsed in a heap like dominoes, blocking the doorway.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    They writhed and iled about, clinging tightly to any ck Armor Army soldiers who approached, knowing the soldiers couldn''t use force against them.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    In the end, it took several ck Armor Army soldiers working together to pull them apart.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    By the time they were ready to chase after Noble Consort Jiang, she had vanished.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    As Jiang Xinyue walked, she let down her hair and used her fingers to smear some blood from the sword on her face. She tore her clothes a bit to create the illusion of having been through a fierce battle. She walked a few steps, then rested, heading towards the pce halls where there were bloodstains and bodies.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    When she reached the pce walkway not far from Taihe Hall and saw people everywhere, she knew she had found the right ce.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    She pinched her thigh hard, causing tears to flow naturally. After letting the wind blow on her face for a while without blinking, her eyes became bloodshot.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Your Majesty... Your Majesty..."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Her heart-wrenching cries caused the imperial physician treating Consort Rong to jerk his hand, pressing a bit too hard.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Hiss¡ª"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Consort Rong sucked in a sharp breath of pain even in her unconscious state, indicating the wound must be very painful.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The Xuanwu Emperor released her hand and stood up to listen: "Yue''er..."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    He had nned to go to Hexi Pce as soon as Consort Rong''s wound was bandaged, but the physician said extracting the arrowhead would take some time.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The impatient emperor thought he was hearing things due to his worry for Noble Consort Jiang.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    But as the woman''s heartbroken cries drew nearer, the Xuanwu Emperor could no longer sit still. He rose and ran towards the entrance.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Why was Yue''er so distraught? Could it be that their child...<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Where was the ck Armor Army?<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    How had they let here out alone?<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

 Chapter 170

    Jiang Xinyue stumbled along, pushing away the pce maids trying to support her. Crying, she crawled up the steps of Taihe Hall. Just as she managed to stand steady, she fell into an embrace that carried the scent of dragon''s saliva incense.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Didn''t I tell you to stay put in Hexi Pce? Why did youe out? Do you not value your life?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "ng!"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The long sword fell to the ground. Jiang Xinyue cradled the Xuanwu Emperor''s head, turning it back and forth as she spoke through her sobs, "Your Majesty is alive, Your Majesty is alive, thank heavens... I was so scared... Someone came knocking at my pce door, saying Your Majesty had been shot by an arrow. I... I couldn''t think of anything else... There were... there were dead bodies everywhere, I was terrified..."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    On that sword, there were traces of dried blood, as well as fresh red droplets still falling.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    In other words, Concubine Zhen, a weak woman with no martial arts skills, upon hearing that he had been shot, had single-handedly taken up a sword and fought her way from Hexi Pce to Taihe Hall.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Did she not fear death?<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    This moved and shocked him even more than Consort Rong taking an arrow for him.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Taking an arrow still left a slim chance of survival if one was lucky and it didn''t hit a vital spot. It would only hurt for a moment.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    But Concubine Zhen''s actions truly disregarded her own safety and that of the child in her womb. It was just as she had said when they parted - if he didn''t return safely, she would take their child and follow him in death.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    He had grown tired of the sweet words from women in the harem long ago, but only Concubine Zhen had put herself in such danger for him.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The key point was, she could have guaranteed her absolute safety by simply staying in Hexi Pce. There wouldn''t have been the slightest danger.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Yet she still came.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    This gave the Xuanwu Emperor the feeling that she truly cared deeply and was terrified of losing him.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Don''t be afraid, don''t be afraid..."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The Xuanwu Emperor patted her back,forting her like a child. "It''s alright now, everything''s fine."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Jiang Xinyue once read a piece of advice online that said when a man doesn''t love you, you be his nanny, always worrying about him and having to be sensible to keep him happy. But when a man loves you, you don''t need to be sensible - he''ll spoil you like a child.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The Xuanwu Emperor was in that state now, wasn''t he?<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Seeing that the emperor had note in for so long, Empress Zhu led the others out.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Who else could be embracing the emperor but Concubine Zhen?<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Where did Concubine Zhen go earlier?" Empress Zhu asked with a smile. "Ye Gaoliang came on so fiercely, and you have old grudges with Consort Ye. I was worried you might be held hostage by her, but I couldn''t find you anywhere. I didn''t dare send pce maids or eunuchs out to look for you..."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    She meant to imply that Concubine Zhen was nowhere to be found during the crisis, but showed up as soon as the danger passed, didn''t she?<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Jiang Xinyue wiped away her tears, shrinking into the emperor''s embrace. Her hand clutching his robes was still trembling slightly, whether from fear or exhaustion from fighting rebels on her way here.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    For such a frail woman to run from Hexi Pce to here was already no easy feat. It was probably both.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The Xuanwu Emperor said with heartache, "She was in Hexi Pce. I entrusted the Fourth Prince to her care and arranged for several guards to protect them. I told her not toe out no matter what happened."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    He knew that his favor towards Concubine Zhen was a death warrant for her. Someone would surely take advantage of the chaos to deal with Concubine Zhen, disguising themselves as rebels to kill her.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The emperor''s words left Empress Zhu speechless.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    She, as the Empress, could stay with the emperor in Taihe Hall. All the concubines in the harem were here. Only Concubine Zhen was different - she had to be protected. Wasn''t it all because she was pregnant?<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    This was a sore spot for Empress Zhu. She shook her head, not pursuing the matter further.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Concubine Zhen is truly brave,ing all the way here from Hexi Pce alone, and heavily pregnant too. Did you encounter any danger on the way?" Consort De''s face showed concern. "You''re almost due. We can''t have anything go wrong at this critical time. The imperial physician who was tending to Consort Rong is still inside. You should quickly go and let him examine you."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Since bing pregnant, only Yan the Imperial Physician had taken Jiang Xinyue''s pulse and prescribed for her. Others couldn''t find out a bit of information about her pregnancy.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Was the fetus in the right position? Was it healthy? Was it stable?<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Most importantly, was it a boy or a girl?<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    They knew none of this. The emperor had assigned a guard to protect Yan the Imperial Physician closely, and no one dared to intercept him to their own pces to inquire about the situation.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    If it were other imperial physicians...<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "This concubine thanks Consort De for her concern," Jiang Xinyue shook her head. "But when this concubine came, the guards Your Majesty sent to protect me had already killed the rebels. This concubine didn''t encounter any danger. As long as Your Majesty is safe, this concubine is at ease."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    This is why Consort De''s level is high, isn''t it?<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    There was so much contained in that one sentence.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    She wasn''t just asking for other imperial physicians to check her pulse and determine the gender of her child, but also indirectly telling her that someone had been injured for the emperor''s sake, otherwise a Consort Rong wouldn''t have appeared out of nowhere.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    She wanted to make her jealous and cause a scene, displeasing the emperor.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Howcking in virtue. Is Consort De''s surname Wu?<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Consort Wu De" must be her full title, right?<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Jiang Xinyue,pletely ignoring her bait, acted as if she hadn''t heard thetter half of her words, her face full of joy that the emperor had survived the crisis.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Your Majesty, perhaps we should go inside and see..."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Ah!" Jiang Xinyue clutched her belly, cold sweat breaking out on her forehead. "Your Majesty, this concubine... this concubine''s belly hurts so much! Yan the Imperial Physician... Yan the Imperial Physician is in Hexi Pce..."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The Xuanwu Emperor scooped her up in one motion and, calling for Wang Dequan, ran towards Hexi Pce. He was so anxious he forgot about the sedan chair, let alone Consort Rong who had taken an arrow for him.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    He didn''t believe Concubine Zhen when she said she hadn''t encountered any danger on the way. The blood on the sword didn''t lie, and neither did Concubine Zhen''s belly. Only Concubine Zhen''s mouth would lie, fearing he would worry.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Empress..."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Consort De, quick-eyed and swift-handed, supported Empress Zhu who nearly fainted. Her eyes showed timely concern.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Empress Zhu held back her tears with effort. "You see, even you know to care for me. I''ve been his wife for over a decade, yet he doesn''t even ask if I''m afraid."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Consort De sighed, her expression sorrowful. "Concubine Zhen is blessed with great fortune, unlike someone with no luck like me. I only hope that after she gives birth to a prince in the future, she might remember our past friendship and not harm my third prince."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Being favored exclusively without a son was already much; with a son, it would be unimaginable.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Perhaps by then, even the Empress wouldn''t be able to keep her in check.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Why did Consort De''s words sound like she was saying that after Concubine Zhen gave birth to a prince, her own position would be threatened?<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Empress Zhu withdrew her gaze from the emperor''s retreating figure and turned to look at Consort De. "How do you know she will bear a son?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Consort De smiled faintly. "Look at how the emperor protects her. Not allowing any physician but Yan to check her pulse - isn''t it because he fears we''ll find out she''s carrying a healthy male child?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Who exactly was the emperor guarding against?<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

 Chapter 171

    If the Xuanwu Emperor were here, he would defend himself by saying that his precautions were aimed at all the concubines in the harem, not any particr individual.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    But he wasn''t here now, so Empress Zhu interpreted it as the emperor guarding against her, guarding against her harming Concubine Zhen''s unborn child.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Empress Zhu felt both angry and deste inside.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    She herself had lost two children, and knew that kind of pain never fades no matter how much time passes.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    That pain was like something etched into her bones - the slightest touch felt like scraping bone, piercing her heart.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    How could she possibly harm a child?<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Over these past dozen years, she had taken many lives, but never that of a child.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    She always felt that any child could be the reincarnation of one of her own two lost children. If she killed a child, she would be destroying the chance for her own children to be reborn.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Howughable that her one act of mercy was seen as vicious by the emperor.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Imperial Physician Yan! Imperial Physician Yan..."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Wang Dequan ran ahead of the emperor, ignoring the corpses strewn on the ground outside Hexi Pce and the ck Armor Army soldiers dealing with the bodies. He grabbed Xi Que and demanded: "Where is Imperial Physician Yan? Bring him quickly, Concubine Zhen is having stomach pains."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    It was most likely fake, her mistress knew what she was doing!<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    But on the surface, Xi Que still rushed anxiously to the side hall to summon Imperial Physician Yan: "Imperial Physician Yan should know what to say, mydy says her stomach hurts."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Imperial Physician Yan waved his hand dismissively. How could he not know about Concubine Zhen''s dramatic tendencies?<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    He had been fooled by her acting before and dragged onto this ship of thieves.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Usually when taking a pulse, he could get results in just a moment. But this time, after half an incense stick''s time had passed, Imperial Physician Yan was still stroking his small mustache, his expression unreadable.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The emperor sat by the bedside, appearing outwardly calm, but inwardly extremely anxious. The fingers tapping restlessly on his knee betrayed his agitation.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Jiang Xinyue secretly red at Imperial Physician Yan: That''s enough, there''s nothing wrong to begin with. You''re getting carried away with the act. If His Majesty gets angry, I won''t be able to save you.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Imperial Physician Yan coughed a few times and removed the handkerchief covering Jiang Xinyue''s wrist. "Your Majesty, please forgive me. Concubine Zhen has received too many shocks today. I was worried the fetus might be affected, so I took extra time to be thorough."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "No matter."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The Xuanwu Emperor furrowed his brow. "How is Concubine Zhen?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Your Majesty can rest easy," Imperial Physician Yan smiled. "Concubine Zhen has a strong constitution. The child is unharmed, but Concubine Zhen herself was quite frightened. I will prescribe two doses of a calming decoction for her."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Then why did her stomach hurt?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Imperial Physician Yan had prepared an exnation: "In response to Your Majesty''s question, it is normal for pregnant women inte stages to experience abdominal tightness and pain when they walk too much or overexert themselves. This is due to the growing fetus stretching the abdomen. Some rest should alleviate it. In my observation, Concubine Zhen could go intobor at any time. I will return home tomorrow and send my unworthy daughter to Hexi Pce to care for the Concubine."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Imperial Physician Yan''s daughter, Yan Xinyi, was once a close friend of Concubine Zhen. Since learning of Concubine Zhen''s pregnancy, she had been pestering her father to teach her midwifery. After eight or nine months of study, she had mastered the arts from Imperial Physician Yan and the midwives.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    When the time came for Concubine Zhen to give birth, Imperial Physician Yan would not be allowed to enter. Yan Xinyi could take his ce perfectly.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The emperor also breathed a sigh of relief. "Your daughter and Yue''er are fated to be friends. Even their names are simr. It is fitting for her toe to the pce to keep Yue''erpany."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    By saying this, the emperor was ensuring that Yan Xinyi''s role as a medical practitioner would not be revealed, preventing others from finding a weakness to exploit.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    It was simply that Concubine Zhen had experienced a pce upheaval and received a fright. The emperor worried it might affect the health of the child in her womb, so he was allowing her childhood friend to enter the pce to keep herpany and lift her spirits.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Originally, the emperor had wanted to bring Jiang Xinyue''s mother into the pce as well, but she refused: "Your Majesty, my mother is unfamiliar with pce etiquette. I fear she would be ufortable, and I do not wish for her to be unhappy here, worrying about home. Could we wait until I am close to giving birth before summoning her to the pce?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The pregnancy itself wasn''t the most important time - what mattered most was the month of confinement after birth. The more trusted people around then, the better.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The Xuanwu Emperor considered briefly, realizing this point as well, and nodded in agreement.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    After that day, Nanny Li and Nanny Xiang hardly left Jiang Xinyue''s side for a moment, fearing something might happen to her.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    With just over a month left, they couldn''t be careless. Otherwise all their efforts would be wasted.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    When Jiang Xinyue returned, she didn''t forget to bring back the sword from the ck Armor Army soldier: "I did not encounter any danger on my journey, but thank you for your sword. Holding it gave me peace of mind."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The ck Armor Army soldiers rarely interacted with others and served as covert guards. They didn''t realize Concubine Zhen was covering for herself with this lie.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    He only thought Concubine Zhen was rather foolish. The people outside were trying to lure her out of the pce. When she heard the emperor had been shot, she rushed out. It was fortunate nothing happened to her, otherwise they would have had difficulty exining to the emperor.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The emperor med them for letting Concubine Zhen run out alone, and they could only repeat one phrase: "We deserve death."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The advantage of being a secret guard was the willingness to admit mistakes.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    What else could the emperor do?<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    He could only dismiss them.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Qian Sheng was unconscious for two days, and the Fourth Prince kept vigil by his bedside for those two days. On the third day when Qian Sheng awoke, the Fourth Prince who had been holding back his fear finally burst into tears in his embrace.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Grandpa... waaah... I thought Grandpa didn''t want me anymore... waaah..."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Qian Sheng felt as if he had taken a journey to the gates of hell. While unconscious, he saw strange tall buildings and small boxes with four wheels that moved incredibly fast, carrying people inside.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Beeping sounds filled his ears. The sky was very blue, but he didn''t know where he was. People wore odd clothing and seemed unable to see him, passing right through his body.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Old man, be careful!"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Just as he took a few steps forward, suddenly a figure rushed out from the blurry crowd and collided with him. The impact jolted him awake.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The terror had not yet faded from his eyes as Qian Sheng gasped for breath.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Just now...<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The woman who had called out "Old man, be careful!" seemed to have been hit by one of those four-wheeled boxes. Shey not far from him, blood pooling around her.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Had she died trying to save him?<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    What terrified him most was that although the woman had bright red curly hair and wore strange revealing clothes that exposed her arms and legs, he recognized her at a nce - it was Concubine Zhen.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    How could Concubine Zhen appear in his dream?<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    And... and she had died so tragically trying to save him from being hit by that small box.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Grandpa, why aren''t you saying anything? Are you still feeling unwell somewhere? Grandpa... I''ll go ask Uncle Yan the Imperial Physician toe again..."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "No need, no need." Stroking the back of the Fourth Prince''s head, Qian Sheng finally felt the reality of being alive again. "Grandpa is fine now."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The Fourth Prince smiled as he wiped away his tears. "I knew Grandpa would be alright. Aunt Zhen also said Grandpa would definitely wake up."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    A realization struck Qian Sheng''s mind like a thunderbolt: Concubine Zhen was an otherworldly being from that strange world. He was the one who had brought Concubine Zhen here.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

 Chapter 172

    Was it... to save the Fourth Prince?


    If Concubine Zhen hadn''t arrived, would he have died when he lost consciousness that day?


    Was it his obsession with the Fourth Prince, his desperate desire to find a good future for the Fourth Prince, that allowed him to transcend time and space, bringing Concubine Zhen here?


    The more he thought about it, the more he felt this must be the case.


    Without him, Concubine Zhen would have been killed by the small box that day. Without Concubine Zhen, he too should have died in this cold, unweing pce.


    They had saved each other.


    Qian Sheng was old now, and had heard all sorts of strange ghost stories. He wasn''t afraid.


    Rather, he was grateful...


    As long as he lived, he wouldn''t let anything happen to the Fourth Prince.


    "Your Highness, Sheng Gong has awakened and says he wants to bring the Fourth Prince to thank you."


    The Xuanwu Emperor''s hand paused as he was drinking water. Only then did he remember that he had a son here with Concubine Zhen.


    Jiang Xinyue saw that he hadpletely forgotten about the Fourth Prince and offered him a way out: "Did Your Majestye today for matters concerning the Fourth Prince?"


    The Xuanwu Emperor cleared his throat, somewhat guiltily raising his hand to cover his lips, and mumbled vaguely, "Mm."


    "In that case, Xique, summon them in."


    Qian Sheng led in the adorably plump Fourth Prince. Although the two had only been staying in Hexi Pce for less than three days, their spirits were alreadypletely different.


    There''s no need to mention Qian Sheng - he was just recovering from a serious illness, his face still somewhat pale, so thin that his clothes hung loosely on him, and he walked with a slight unsteadiness.


    The Fourth Prince, however, had truly transformed.


    His fair, chubby little face was tinged with pink, his delicate features more radiant than ever. When he smiled at Jiang Xinyue, his big eyes curved into crescents, so cute that one wanted to pinch his chubby cheeks.


    Wang Dequan looked at the emperor, then at the Fourth Prince. Wasn''t this just a miniature version of the young emperor?


    When he had seen the boy being bullied before, dirty from head to toe, though he resembled the emperor, the likeness hadn''t been so striking.


    Even the emperor was shocked by the Fourth Prince.


    Jiang Xinyue had seen the young emperor''s face in her dreams. She beckoned to the Fourth Prince: "Come here to Concubine Zhen."


    The Fourth Prince first ran over joyfully, but when the emperor worried he might bump into Jiang Xinyue''s belly, he slowed his steps, walked to the chair, and softly called out, "Concubine Zhen~"


    Jiang Xinyue''s heart melted. She kissed his forehead and rubbed his cheeks: "Such a good boy."


    The Fourth Prince''s face turned red with shyness, and he squirmed a little ufortably.


    The Xuanwu Emperor coughed twice. Jiang Xinyue whispered something in the Fourth Prince''s ear, and he walked towards the emperor with adoring eyes. As the emperor stood there at a loss, the boy climbed onto hisp, hugged him, and nted a loud "mwah" kiss on his cheek: "Concubine Zhen says you''re my father. Is that true? Grandpa Qian says a father is a grown-up who protects little ones. Will you protect me?"


    His delicate neck was wrapped in his cor, but as he moved, it revealed purplish-ck bruises and scabbed-over knife wounds.


    The emperor frowned deeply and pulled open his cor. The Fourth Prince shrank back a little, not daring to move much, and soon the Xuanwu Emperor saw the bruises on his back and chest.


    Although he knew the boy''s life would be difficult, he hadn''t imagined it would be this hard.


    The Fourth Prince''s birth mother, Zhou Yile, was a descendant of thest emperor of the Zhou Dynasty. If the Zhou Dynasty hadn''t fallen, she would have at least been a princess.


    But the Zhou Dynasty was destroyed, and Zhou Yile''s ancestors were all sold into very in the Office of Music and Dance and the Imperial Harem.


    Zhou Yile had bribed the manager of the Office of Music and Dance to be sent into the pce as a maid.


    She must have learned of her heritage somehow and wanted to enter the pce to kill the emperor for revenge.


    But how could a weak woman with no fighting skills possibly kill the emperor?


    She couldn''t even get close to that man.


    Thinking she had some beauty to offer, she gave up all her savings to bribe a young eunuch close to the emperor, tasking him with revealing the emperor''s whereabouts to her.


    Where there''s a will, there''s a way. After a year and a half of careful nning, she finally found an opportunity to drug the emperor.


    But she hadn''t expected that the drugged emperor would be so ferocious that night. She was tormented to the point of exhaustion, let alone able to assassinate him.


    The next day, her plot to drug the emperor was exposed, and the emperor had her locked in the Yong Alley.


    Yong Alley was a ce even more cruel than the Pce of Exile or the Criminal Servants'' Prison.


    To make matters worse, Zhou Yile soon discovered she was pregnant with the emperor''s child.


    The pce servants in Yong Alley, fearing they would be held responsible if the little prince died there, reported the matter.


    The emperor despised this remnant of the previous dynasty who had plotted against him, but since she was carrying a child, he could only hand the matter over to the empress to deal with.


    Empress Zhu arranged for her to stay in a remote pce near the Pce of Exile. Zhou Yile never saw the emperor again until her death.


    As for the emperor, whether he had forgotten or truly didn''t care, he had never even seen the Fourth Prince from birth until now, let alone given him any preferential treatment.


    Qian Sheng had received kindness from Zhou Yile''s father in his early years. To repay that debt, he stayed by the Fourth Prince''s side, taking on the responsibility of protecting him.


    Seeing the emperor''s somewhat pained expression, he felt quite calm. Where was this concern earlier? Now that Concubine Zhen had saved the Fourth Prince, why was he putting on such an expression?


    The Xuanwu Emperor smiled at the frightened Fourth Prince: "Your Grandpa Qian is right. I am your father."


    He had no right to demand that the Fourth Prince not call a eunuch "grandpa." Although it was highly improper, he knew that during the five years of his absence, Qian Sheng had been the Fourth Prince''s only emotional support.


    "You''re my father, so Concubine Zhen must be my mother!"


    He happily squinted his eyes again, swaying back and forth on the Xuanwu Emperor''sp, looking both proud and clever.


    The Xuanwu Emperor looked at Jiang Xinyue, his paternal instincts overflowing, unsure whether he should tell the boy that Concubine Zhen was not actually his mother.


    "Forgive this ve, Concubine Zhen..."


    Qian Sheng hurriedly knelt on the ground: "The Fourth Prince, since he was little..."


    His voice choked with emotion: "Except for this ve, he has never been truly loved by anyone. So when Concubine Zhen was kind to him, he thought she was his mother. The Fourth Prince is still young, he doesn''t understand anything. This ve begs Your Majesty and Concubine Zhen to give him a chance at life!"


    He was already over fifty, with only a few years left to live, but the Fourth Prince still had his whole life ahead of him. He couldn''t continue to be bullied and trampled under the feet of a bunch of ves.


    Seeing this, Jiang Xinyue burst into tears: "Your Majesty, I... I really like the Fourth Prince. Would it be possible for me to raise him?"


    The Fourth Prince''s lowly birth and questionable background, coupled with the Zhou Dynasty blood flowing through his veins, had already determined that he had no chance at the throne.


    This was why none of the concubines in the entire harem were willing to adopt him.


    Not only could he not be an asset, but he might even be a burden in the future.


    Only a fool would be willing to adopt him.


    Concubine Zhen was that fool.

 Chapter 173

    "Your servant has no other intention..." Fearing the Emperor might misunderstand, Jiang Xinyue looked at him with tears in her eyes and exined, "Perhaps it''s because I''m about to be a mother myself, so I feel a special connection with the Fourth Prince. When I look at him, it''s as if I''m seeing Your Majesty as a child, and I feel very close to him. My Little Six is about to be born, and if the Fourth Prince stays here, he can be apanion for Little Six. I believe he will be a good older brother."


    The Xuanwu Emperor considered this. He had indeed been thinking of giving the Fourth Prince to one of his consorts to raise. Initially, he had thought of giving him to Concubine Li, but at that time, she was the most favored in the harem. He had hinted at it several times, but Concubine Li had expressed disdain for the Fourth Prince in her words, believing he was born through the use of drugs by his birth mother. She thought it was disgraceful and was unwilling to ept a son with such an unseemly origin.


    So he had put the matter aside.


    Seeing that the Emperor didn''t seem very opposed to the idea, Jiang Xinyue pressed on, "Fourth Prince, would you like to stay with Concubine Zhen from now on and let her be your mother?"


    Of course, the Fourth Prince was willing!


    But he still nced quietly at his grandfather, and seeing him nod, he quickly climbed down from the Emperor''sp and threw himself into Jiang Xinyue''s embrace. "I''m willing, I''m willing," he said.


    When he said these words, his expression was both reverent and happy, which moved the Emperor as well.


    He stood up and lovingly patted the little boy''s head. "Has Little Four been given a name yet?"


    Qian Sheng immediately answered, "In response to Your Majesty, he hasn''t been named yet. This humble servant dares to request that Your Majesty bestow a name upon him."


    Naming a prince was supposed to be the Emperor''s duty. If he didn''t do it, who else would dare to overstep?


    It was early spring, and outside the hall, the sun was shining brightly. A gentle breeze brought in the refreshing scent of flowers, which could be detected even in the inner chambers.


    The Third Prince was named Shen Mingxuan, and the Fifth Prince was named Shen Mingsheng, so for the Fourth Prince...


    The Xuanwu Emperor thought briefly, and seeing Jiang Xinyue''s expectant gaze on him, a character suddenly came to his mind: "Let him be called Shen Mingman."


    Jiang Xinyue instantly understood the meaning behind the Emperor''s choice of the character "man" (Âú, meaning "full" or "satisfied"). She said to the Fourth Prince, "Your father hopes that your future days will be full and satisfying, and that you''ll no longer suffer from discement. It''s a good name! From now on, mother will call you Little Man!"


    The Fourth Prince didn''t know the significance of the character "man," but he knew that having a name meant he now had a mother. So he was very pleased with his name.


    He nodded vigorously and happily ran around the Xuanwu Emperor and Jiang Xinyue, chanting, "Little Man has a father and a mother now! Little Man has a father and a mother now!..."


    Children''s emotions are always disyed on their faces. His joy infected the Xuanwu Emperor, who also began tough out loud.


    Qian Sheng watched all this with satisfaction. Indeed, the person he had personally chosen, Concubine Zhen, was truly kind-hearted and full of love.


    This must be what the Buddhists call nting good causes and reaping good fruits.


    He believed that in his previous life, he must have died without encountering Concubine Zhen, and in her world, Concubine Zhen had been killed by the small box.


    In this life, he met Concubine Zhen, and she saved him from the brink of death, allowing his soul to travel through time and space. In that other space, Concubine Zhen had died saving him from the small box, so at the moment he was saved, his soul dragged Concubine Zhen''s soul back with him.


    It was like a cycle - without either Concubine Zhen or himself, this cycle wouldn''t exist.


    If he died here, Concubine Zhen would die there.


    If Concubine Zhen died there, he would die here.


    Or perhaps when he died in his previous life, his soul traveled to another world where Concubine Zhen saved him, and she was brought back by his lingering attachment.


    In any case, the cycles of cause and effect are quite marvelous.


    Whatever the case, from now on, Concubine Zhen would be the Fourth Prince''s mother.


    This secret he would keep in his heart and take to his grave.


    Jiang Xinyue''s adoption of the Fourth Prince didn''t cause much of a stir. The Fourth Prince''s background was too lowly for anyone to pay much attention to him.


    He was just an object for her to demonstrate her kindness in front of the Emperor. She was about to have her own child soon, how could she truly treat the Fourth Prince as her own?


    The child was still the most pitiful one.


    "Fourth Prince, over here, over here! Kick the ball this way."


    Yan Xinyi had already entered the pce, and when Jiang Xinyue had nothing to do, she would let her y with the Fourth Prince outside.


    The child had been bullied too severely before, and she was afraid it might affect his mental health. She thought it was better for him to go out and breathe fresh air, to interact and y with others.


    At first, the Fourth Prince was reluctant. When he saw pce maids and eunuchs, he would hide behind Yan Xinyi, afraid they would bully him.


    But with encouragement from his grandfather and Aunt Yan, he gathered his courage toe out.


    After more than ten days, he had started running around the pce on his own.


    But he always remembered what his mother had told him: not to y in dangerous ces.


    Aunt Yan said that in a few days, his mother would give birth to his little brother, and then he would have apanion.


    "Isn''t this the Fourth Prince? This servant pays respects to the Fourth Prince!"


    Three or four eunuchs came walking together, surrounding Shen Mingman who was alone.


    "You... you..."


    These people were all those who had bullied him and his grandfather in the Cold Pce before.


    The Fourth Prince, looking at the tall and strong bullies, fell to the ground in fright, but still managed to shout angrily despite his fear, "How dare you! I''m no longer the child you can bully at will. I have a mother and father now, I am the Fourth Prince! If you dare to touch a hair on my head, my mother won''t let you off!"


    "Oh! You really think Concubine Zhen adopted you out of sincerity?"


    The group of eunuchs dragged him to a secluded ce. "Don''t forget, Concubine Zhen is still pregnant! When her own child is born, how could she still remember a bastard like you?"


    "You''re just a bastard the Emperor doesn''t want. You even caused the death of your own mother. How could Concubine Zhen like you? The Emperor is only showing you some affection because of Concubine Zhen. Once Concubine Zhen''s child is born, if she doesn''t want you anymore, you''ll just be a wild child again. The Emperor won''t like you then."


    "You''re lying!" The Fourth Prince''s little face turned red with anger. "Mother truly likes me. You''re all lying! I will y with my little brother, mother won''t abandon me."


    "Fourth Prince... Fourth Prince, where are you? Come out quickly, it''s going to rain. Concubine Zhen sent this servant to call you back."


    The Fourth Prince had recently taken to ying hide-and-seek with people. The servants in Hexi Pce indulged him, and he seemed to be making up for all the childhood fun he had missed out on before, enjoying the joy of being sought after by many people when he hid.


    Yan Xinyi picked up a ball, and in the blink of an eye, the Fourth Prince had hidden again.


    "Boom¡ª"


    A loud thunder crashed in the sky above the Imperial Garden. Several young eunuchs came out of a hidden spot, giggling and holding up a smooth jade pendant to the sunlight.


    "Stop right there!" Yan Xinyi shouted loudly. "Catch them!"

 Chapter 174

    The jade pendant in their hands belonged to the Fourth Prince.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The eunuchs, not expecting anyone to be in such a secluded spot, were startled and about to run away when the guards behind Yan Xinyi rushed forward and apprehended them.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Yan Xinyi snatched the jade pendant from the eunuch''s hand and demanded, "Where is the Fourth Prince?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    When the eunuch tried to evade the question, Yan Xinyi immediately pressed a guard''s sword to his throat: "Speak! Where is the Fourth Prince?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Her father had warned her that the time around Concubine Zhen''s impending delivery would be the most dangerous. There were too many in the pce who didn''t want her to give birth safely, so she must protect Concubine Zhen at all costs.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Concubine Zhen had entrusted the Fourth Prince to her care, and she was determined to ensure his safety.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    This time, she had been careless. She thought there would be no danger in such a public ce as the Imperial Garden, especially since she had been bringing the Fourth Prince to y here for over ten days without incident.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    That''s why she deliberately went to retrieve the ball, allowing the pce servants to turn a blind eye, not wanting to spoil the Fourth Prince''s fun. She had nned to go find him after he finished hiding.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    But then Eunuch Jiang Chuan came to fetch them, saying Concubine Zhen noticed it might rain soon and wanted them to return early.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The eunuch, his neck skin broken by the sword, frantically pointed inside: "He''s... he''s in there..."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Behind the pile of rocks, the Fourth Princey unconscious. Yan Xinyi quickly scooped him up and ran towards Hexi Pce, not forgetting to call back: "Bring them along, to await the Concubine''s judgment."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Little Man fainted?" Jiang Xinyue sat up abruptly, causing a wave of pain in her belly and an aching sensation in her lower back.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Yan the Imperial Physician had recently moved into a luxurious room in Hexi Pce, which was actually just a side hall that Jiang Xinyue had hastily prepared.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    But after all, this was the Imperial Pce! And it was the residence specially arranged by the Emperor for Concubine Zhen, so naturally even the side halls were far superior to Yan the Imperial Physician''s own home.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    When Yan Xinyi returned carrying the unconscious Fourth Prince, Yan the Imperial Physician was sunbathing in the courtyard. He jumped up in rm and hurriedly checked the prince''s pulse.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "It''s alright, he just fainted from anger and shock."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Ultimately, it was due to his weak constitution. Building up one''s health takes time.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Jiang Xinyue didn''t think it was alright at all. Little Man was now her son, and someone dared to bully him? Did they think she was dead?<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Where are those eunuchs? Bring them here," she said coldly. "I want to see who was bold enough to dare bully my son."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The four eunuchs knelt down in unison, ncing at each other, all afraid to meet Jiang Xinyue''s gaze.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    What was going on? Wasn''t Concubine Zhen supposed to have adopted the Fourth Prince just to appear kind-hearted, not actually caring about his well-being?<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    This didn''t seem to be the case at all.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    When Qian Sheng saw the four men, his teeth clenched audibly, and his pale face flushed red as his hands balled into tight fists at his sides.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Jiang Xinyue understood immediately. These four weren''t first-time offenders in bullying the Fourth Prince; they were habitual abusers.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Now that they had fallen into her hands, she wouldn''t let them off easily.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The atmosphere was tense, with no one breaking the silence. At the head of the room, Concubine Zhen sat with her eyes closed, her fingers tapping rhythmically on the armrest of her chair, creating a sense of urgency.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The four eunuchs knelt on the ground, exchanging nces, thinking Jiang Xinyue didn''t notice. In reality, she observed everything through narrowed eyes.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The eunuch who had stolen the Fourth Prince''s jade pendant gritted his teeth and put on a sycophantic smile: "Concubine Zhen, this ve..."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Eunuch Qian, p his face!"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    At the coldmand, Jiang Chuan, who had been waiting nearby, quickly ced a ruler in Qian Sheng''s hand and encouraged him with a determined look, as if to say: Go on! Release all the grievances you and the Fourth Prince have endured over the years.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Qian Sheng gripped the ruler tightly as he stepped forward, his eyes hardening...<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "p! p! p! p..."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    With his arm swinging in full force, Eunuch Qian''sbat power skyrocketed as he struck the man''s face. After just a few ps, the eunuch was nearly beaten unconscious, barely able to maintain his kneeling position.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    With each resounding p, the faces of the other three eunuchs twitched. Though the blows weren''tnding on their own cheeks, they felt their turn woulde soon enough.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Thud!"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    After more than twenty ps, the eunuch finally couldn''t take it anymore. He copsed heavily onto the ground, spitting out two of his mrs.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    In the entire hall of Hexi Pce, only Qian Sheng''s heavy breathing could be heard.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    He was exhausted from the beating, his right hand trembling and palm burning hot. But strangely, he no longer felt sickly. Instead, he felt invigorated.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    It was as if the pent-up frustration in his chest had been dispersed by the beating.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Qian Sheng bowed deeply to Jiang Xinyue, then retreated to Jiang Chuan''s side, silently staring at the remaining three eunuchs.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Concubine Zhen had closed her eyes again, not saying a word or questioning them. What did she intend?<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    As time ticked by, when Jiang Xinyue impatiently opened her eyes, another eunuch was trembling violently, the back of his robe soaked through with sweat, turning a deep blue: "Concubine Zhen, this ve... this ve deserves death. This ve shouldn''t have coveted the Fourth Prince''s wealth. This ve..."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "p his face!"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Without any superfluous words, as Qian Sheng was exhausted, Jiang Chuan rolled up his sleeves and took over.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "p!"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    This is for you heartless beasts bullying defenseless elders and children!<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "p!"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    This is for withholding Eunuch Qian and the Fourth Prince''s allowances, causing their poor health!<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "p!"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    This is for looking down on others, venting your own frustrations on the elderly and children!<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "p!"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    This is for being rabid dogs, still daring to cause trouble even when the Fourth Prince has powerful backing!<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    If he couldn''t beat these scum to death, he wouldn''t be worthy of the name Jiang.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Isn''t Concubine Zhen carrying out private punishment?" One pale-faced eunuch, his forehead covered in cold sweat, asked with terrified eyes that held a glimmer of hope. "Pce rules state that all concubines and pce servants should be under the Empress''s management. The rewards and punishments of pce servants must be decided by the Empress. Concubine Zhen is setting up a private court in Hexi Pce, which vites pce rules."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Jiang Xinyue''s gaze fell on him, her lips curling into a contemptuous smile. "So what? Go ahead and report me!"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Report to whom?<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    If they reported to the Emperor, he would surely execute them without asking for details. After all, this was the favored concubine who had survived the witchcraft incident unscathed.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    If they reported to the Empress, she would certainly inquire about the reasons. Once it involved bullying and beating the Fourth Prince, ording to pce rules, it wouldn''t be as simple as face-pping - it would be a capital offense.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    When no one was investigating, they might have escaped punishment. But now that someone was seeking justice for the Fourth Prince, they had no way out.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Thud!"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The second eunuch also copsed.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Thud!"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The fourth eunuch next to the pale-faced one also fell, fainting from the sight of the other two eunuchs'' bloodied and swollen faces.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

 Chapter 175

    With courage as small as a needle''s eye, yet wielding fists against those even weaker - how could one not be angered?


    "You''re the only one left," Jiang Xinyue said coldly, her smile unchanging. "Will you confess willingly, or be beaten to death by this maid of mine without consequence? The choice is yours. I am merciful and dislike seeing dead people, so think carefully."


    Xi Que held the blood-stained ruler, looking eager to try it out, her eyes shing with excitement.


    Though she was small and thin, everyone in the pce knew how fierce Xi Que, the maid of Concubine Zhen, could be. She was the one who dared to chase the Emperor out of Hexi Pce and even fight the guards with a kitchen knife.


    Looking around, it seemed all those serving Concubine Zhen were ruthless characters!


    Sweat was now pouring like a waterfall down the White-faced Eunuch''s forehead. Jiang Xinyue didn''t pressure him, eating the pastries Shuang Jiang brought while gently caressing her belly.


    If this eunuch didn''t reveal who ordered him to bully the Fourth Prince today, he likely wouldn''t be able to leave.


    The three "fallen"rades lying on the ground already created immense pressure. Concubine Zhen''s nonchnt expression, seemingly indifferent to whether he confessed or not, made her intentions even more unfathomable.


    "This ve... this ve will speak..."


    "It was... it was Consort De... Consort De ordered us to..."


    "Xi Que, p his mouth!"


    Lying instead of telling the truth, trying to shift me - he deserved to be punished!


    "No, no, no..."


    As Xi Que approached menacingly, the White-faced Eunuch was so frightened he nearly cried out, quickly covering his face and screaming: "It was Consort Liang! It was Consort Liang! Consort Liang ordered us toe and sow discord between you and the Fourth Prince. We didn''t expect the Fourth Prince''s reaction to be so strong that he''d faint. That''s why we had the wicked idea of stealing the valuable items on the Fourth Prince to sell outside the pce."


    To say they were brave?


    After being caught and pped a few dozen times, they couldn''t take it anymore, with some even fainting from fear.


    To say they were cowardly?


    They dared to bully the Emperor''s son, and even dared to steal his belongings to sell outside the pce.


    Human nature can truly be a contradictory thing at times.


    Having obtained the answer she wanted, Jiang Xinyue didn''t let the White-faced Eunuch and the one who had fainted off the hook. All four were sent back to their quarters with matching bruised faces and buttocks.


    These four originally served near the Cold Pce, without any backing or connections.


    When it became known that Concubine Zhen had beaten them, not a single pce servant dared to request a royal physician for them.


    The four men, with their battered faces and bottoms, couldn''t even get out of bed. Even drinking water became a problem.


    When their wounds fester and be infected, it would undoubtedly lead to death.


    "Consort Liang has gone too far! If she has any issues, she should confront adults directly. What kind of person targets children?" Yan Xinyi was so angry she wanted to go tear Consort Liang apart right away.


    Thinking about Consort Liang''s actions, Jiang Xinyue decided it was time to make sure she couldn''t cause any more trouble.


    "Xinyi, are you certain that even if the child in my womb were to be bumped, there would be no harm?"


    Yan Xinyi nodded, "Your Highness, it may look like the baby is just beneath your thinyer of skin, but in reality, the baby is protected by seven or eightyers!"


    Jiang Xinyue knew this. The body''s structure isn''t just skin and flesh. The abdomen has skin, subcutaneous fat, anterior sheath, rectus abdominis, peritoneum, and so on - seven or eightyers before reaching where the child resides.


    There''s also ayer of amniotic fluid for protection!


    This is why men in the modern world who think, "It''s just giving birth to a child, what''s there to fuss about?" are often the most ignorant.


    Not to mention the life-threatening risk of amniotic fluid embolism after childbirth, evenmon issues like urinary incontinence, pelvic tilt, and episiotomy are enough to drive one to despair.


    Cesarean sections and natural births each have their own dangers.


    But Jiang Xinyue knew many tips for a smooth delivery, so she wasn''t afraid of giving birth.


    She just needed someone to give her a positive affirmation to feel more at ease.


    "Good!" Jiang Xinyue pped the table. "Jiang Chuan, Xi Que, Shuang Jiang, Xiao Xuanzi, Xinyi, grab your weapons and follow me."


    "Bang!"


    "Crash!"


    "tter!"


    Several loud noises startled Consort Liang awake from her nap on the chaise lounge. Outside, thunder rumbled and heavy rain poured down.


    She let out a long sigh of relief, wiping away the sweat that had formed from her nightmare.


    So it was just thunder and rain. It had scared her to death; she thought Concubine Zhen hade to confront her.


    "Your Highness! Your Highness! It''s terrible! Concubine Zhen hase to confront you!"


    Consort Liang threw off her nket with a "whoosh" and got up from the bed. The cold, damp weather outside made her spine tingle.


    Consort De had said Jiang Xinyue had already discovered what she had done, so she would deal with her sooner orter. Therefore, she had nned to strike first.


    She didn''t expect to be found out so quickly.


    Consort Liang straightened her clothes and had just opened the door of her bedchamber when a vase came flying towards her face. She screamed, and before her mind could react, her body had already ducked down.


    This allowed her to narrowly escape being hit in the head by the vase and suffering a bloody injury.


    "Stop! I order you all to stop!"


    Shunan Pce was already in chaos. Consort Liang''s beloved ornaments, porcin, jade bottles, and white jade tes had all been smashed to pieces.


    Her heart was practically bleeding.


    "Concubine Zhen, what are you doing? Have you gone mad? Tell them to stop immediately!"


    The maids and eunuchs from Hexi Pce were all lunatics. When their mistress went crazy, not one of them tried to stop her. Instead, they all joined in the madness.


    Where Jiang Xinyue sat, a vacuum had formed around her. Only that area was clean and tidy, without even a single shard of broken porcin.


    She raised her hand slightly, and only then did the group of "lunatics" from Hexi Pce stop. Just as Consort Liang was about to explode, they oddly followed protocol and bowed to her one by one: "This ve (This servant) greets Consort Liang."


    What?


    Others might observe courtesy before resorting to force, but they smash things first and then bow?


    "This concubine pays respects to Consort Liang."


    The pregnant Jiang Xinyue bent her knees slightly before quickly straightening up. "My apologies, Consort Liang. This concubine''s belly makes it inconvenient. Please be understanding."


    This person was oddly polite.


    Consort Liang looked at the "dismembered remains" of her beloved possessions on the ground, her heart aching so much she could barely stand. She felt waves of darkness before her eyes.


    She pointed at Jiang Xinyue: "You... you rely on the Emperor''s favor and dare to disregard me so tantly. You... youe with me to the Empress and let''s settle this clearly."


    "Do you really want to go?" Jiang Xinyue looked at her innocently. "Why don''t we call the Emperor as well, and bring along the Fourth Prince and those eunuchs you instructed to sow discord between the Fourth Prince and me? Let the Emperor and Empress judge whether your despicable methods warrant me destroying your Shunan Pce."


    "I don''t understand what you''re talking about."


    "You understand in your heart, there''s no use pretending otherwise," Jiang Xinyue snorted. "This concubine warns Consort Liang, if you dare toy hands on children again, don''t me me for not considering our past rtionship and turning my methods onto the eldest princess."

 Chapter 176

    Speaking in the softest tone, she uttered the most vicious words.


    Consort Liang''s eyes widened: "Jiang Xinyue, for the sake of that bastard child, you would harm the eldest princess who considers you a friend?"


    Among the children in the imperial harem, the eldest princess, the second princess, and the third prince all adored Concubine Zhen. Even though their mothers forbade them from associating with her, the children would often secretly sneak to Hexi Pce to y with Concubine Zhen.


    The reason Consort Liang felt so confident in taking action was because she knew her daughter had a good rtionship with Concubine Zhen and wouldn''t fall victim to her poison.


    She never expected that today, Concubine Zhen would be willing to harm the eldest princess for the sake of a bastard child.


    Jiang Xinyue stared at her: "The ''bastard child'' Consort Liang speaks of is now my son. He is under my protection, and I have a responsibility to safeguard his physical and mental well-being. In our conflicts, you cane at me directly, and I''ll face whatever you throw my way. Even in gannd vendettas, they know not to harm wives and children. It was you, Consort Liang, who broke the rules first, so don''t me me for showing no mercy."


    Even hypocrites weren''t this hypocritical.


    She was allowed to bully the fourth prince, but couldn''t handle retaliation?


    Jiang Xinyue knew this was merely an attempt to sow discord. Even if the Emperor wanted to severely punish Consort Liang, he couldn''t. Behind her stood her father, one of the highest-ranking frontiermanders among the nine in the Great Yan Dynasty, overseeing military and civil affairs in both Guangdong and Guangxi provinces.


    The Emperor needed the Gu family backing Consort Liang. Unless shemitted a grave error, her position was unshakeable.


    With this in mind, Jiang Xinyue walked up to Consort Liang, deliberately provoking her: "I heard from His Majesty that at the end of the year, the Prince of Fusang will being as an envoy to Great Yan. This Fusang Prince is in the prime of his youth, only twenty-eight years old. I hear his princess consort passed awayst year, and this year he wishes to seek a princess from our Great Yan to take back to Fusang. Looking at our options, it seems only the eldest princess is of a suitable age for the Fusang Prince."


    What utter nonsense!


    Consort Liang was so enraged she wanted to curse out loud. Fusang was just a tiny country ¨C was her eldest princess supposed to go there and smell fish all day?


    The eldest princess would only be ten years old by the end of the year, while the Fusang Prince was already twenty-eight and a widower. He was old enough to be the eldest princess''s father, and yet still in his prime?


    tant lies.


    Jiang Xinyue, pretending not to see Consort Liang''s fury, continued: "Perhaps I should mention it to His Majesty, to let the eldest princess..."


    "Shut your mouth!"


    "Ah!"


    Consort Liang could no longer tolerate Jiang Xinyue''s arrogant attitude. She reached out to push her away, only wanting her to move back and stop whispering such heartless words in her ear.


    Unexpectedly, with this push, Jiang Xinyue fell backwards, crashing into a nearby table. Her belly hit the corner of the table, and she copsed to the ground, moaning in pain.


    "Blood... Concubine Zhen... Concubine Zhen is bleeding!"


    Jiang Xinyue had nned this collision carefully. When she hit the table, she used her palm to cushion her belly, bursting the thin membrane filled with pigeon blood hidden in her trouser leg to create the illusion of bleeding.


    Before dawn, Jiang Xinyue had already felt contractions in her belly.


    Her due date was within these few days.


    But she knew that contractions were just the prelude to actualbor, and there was still some time before the real delivery would begin. So she had endured silently, only informing Yan the Imperial Physician and Yan Xinyi.


    She had nned to notify the Emperor and Empress if the contractions continued and became more frequent in the afternoon.


    On the way to Shunan Pce, the contractions had be more noticeable, but with Consort Liang''s repeated attempts to harm her, she couldn''t pass up this opportunity to strike back decisively.


    As she fell to the ground, Jiang Xinyue felt a "pop" in her belly, and her lower body instantly became soaked: "Xinyi, my water has broken."


    In Chengqian Pce¡ª


    The Xuanwu Emperor paused for the fifth time while reviewing memorials, his eyes constantly drawn to the heavy rain outside the window.


    Wang Dequan approached with a cup of warm tea: "Your Majesty, perhaps you should take a break. This rain is quite distracting, making it difficult to concentrate."


    The Xuanwu Emperor set down his brush and took a sip of the warm, fragrant tea, which helped alleviate some of his irritation.


    "The two Guangs are crying poverty again, asking me to allocate funds to repair their waterways. I already provided a sumst year, and not only have they used it up so quickly, but there''s also been no progress on the waterway repairs."


    The capital frequently experienced heavy rains and river flooding, yet the officials from the Ministry of Works managed to construct channels between fields and rivers to divert floodwaters into farnd without spending excessive amounts of money. Why were the two Guangs always incapable of doing the same?


    Wang Dequan dared not respond to this. If he did, it would be seen as a eunuch interfering in politics, and he would be criticized to death by the ministers and censors.


    The Xuanwu Emperor wasn''t expecting a response anyway and continued: "In the end, it''s because the officials aren''t dedicated. They''re all thinking about lining their own pockets, and not a single one is doing any real work."


    If everyone could be like Lord Jiang, fulfilling their duties and governing effectively, would he as Emperor need to personally attend to every matter?


    Although Lord Jiang came from a civil service background, since his promotion to Minister of Punishment, he had solved several major cases in the capital.


    He even reopened and retried cases of wrongful convictions caused by his predecessor''s eptance of bribes.


    Now, themon people in the capital all praised Lord Jiang as an upright and just official.


    Most impressively, in the face of public adoration, Lord Jiang didn''t hog all the credit. He rewarded his capable subordinates based on their merits, and whenever victims came to thank him or offer gifts of food or goods, he always refused.


    He would explicitly state that his ability to uphold justice for the people in the Ministry of Punishment today was all thanks to the Emperor''s wisdom in selecting the right people and never shielding corrupt officials. This gave him the courage to disregard the interests of corrupt officials and stand up for themon people.


    The Emperor''s confidential city patrol officers had recently reported that the cohesion among the capital''s citizens and their respect for the dynasty had increased significantlypared to before.


    When mentioning the Emperor, there was no one who didn''t praise him as a wise ruler.


    If the officials in the two Guangs could be like this, how could the world not be at peace?


    It was precisely because Jiang Yankun''s conduct and work ethic deeply resonated with the Emperor that he had summoned several low-ranking clerks from the Ministry of Rites this morning.


    Yes, not the Minister of Rites, but the lowly clerks who normally would never have a chance to meet the Emperor. He asked them about Jiang Yanxi''s usual conduct and his ability to handle problems.


    These clerks spent their days organizing documents in the government office and had never seen an official higher-ranking than the Minister in their lives. They answered the Emperor''s questions truthfully, not daring to exaggerate or lie.


    Jiang Yanxi, having received guidance from Jiang Yankun, was already known for his kindness towards both the Minister and the low-ranking officials, treating them equally.


    Sometimes, when the Minister made mistakes, Jiang Yanxi would point them out and not let the lower officials take the me. This often led to arguments with the Minister in the office.


    As Jiang Yanxi was appointed by the Emperor, the Minister couldn''t do anything about him and could only make things difficult for him in official matters. But Jiang Yanxi neverined and diligently performed his duties.


    The Xuanwu Emperor was now thinking about when he could remove the Governor-General of the two Guangs and rece him with Jiang Yanxi.


    As for Concubine Zhen''s father, a second-rank official was not the end of what the Emperor had in mind for him.


    After a few more years of tempering, there would be even better positions than the Governor-General of the two Guangs.


    "Your Majesty! Your Majesty! It''s terrible! Concubine Zhen is about to give birth!"

 Chapter 177

    As soon as Tang Shiliang finished speaking, he received a kick on his shoulder from Wang Dequan: "Don''t you know how to talk? Concubine Zhen going intobor is a good thing, how can you say it''s not good?"


    He did this out of fear that the Emperor would me Tang Shiliang and harbor resentment, making Tang Shiliang''s future path difficult.


    "That''s not what I meant..."


    Tang Shiliang''s forehead was covered in sweat from anxiety: "If Concubine Zhen had gone intobor naturally, that would indeed be good news, but... the bad part is that Concubine Zhen was pushed by Consort Liang and hit a table corner, losing a lot of blood. Right now, Yan the Imperial Physician and Miss Yan, along with Nanny Li and Nanny Xiang, are in the delivery room of Hexi Pce with four midwives. I hear Concubine Zhen''s screams are agonizing, and we don''t know if..."


    A sh of imperial yellow passed before their eyes as the Xuanwu Emperor rushed out of Chengqian Pce.


    "Your Majesty... an umbre... you need an umbre..."


    Wang Dequan reacted quickly, pulling out an oilpaper umbre from the doorway and handing it to Tang Shiliang: "If His Majesty catches a cold, your backside will be in trouble."


    Tang Shiliang was only eighteen, still a youngd in Wang Dequan''s eyes, and ustomed to serving others since childhood, so he ran very fast.


    He dashed out like the wind, catching up to the Emperor and handing him the oilpaper umbre: "Your Majesty, the Empress and all the other consorts are already at Hexi Pce. If you arrive soaking wet, it may be seen as undignified."


    No matter what happens, the Emperor must not lose hisposure in front of others.


    Heeding Tang Shiliang''s reminder, the Xuanwu Emperor took the oilpaper umbre and quickened his pace towards Hexi Pce.


    Fortunately, Hexi Pce was not far from Chengqian Pce, so it didn''t take long to arrive. However, the rain was heavy, and the Emperor''s dragon robe was still half-soaked, with traces of rainwater visible at the hem.


    "This concubine greets..."


    "Where is Concubine Zhen?"


    The Xuanwu Emperor interrupted Empress Zhu as she was about to curtsy, walking straight inside.


    Left with no choice, she quickly stood up, with the other consorts following behind in arge group.


    "Concubine Zhen is inside. Yan the Imperial Physician is waiting outside, while Miss Yan is inside, reporting Concubine Zhen''s condition to Yan the Imperial Physician from behind a screen."


    "Ugh... Ah... It''s killing me! I don''t want to do this anymore! I can''t give birth!"


    "Your Highness, you can''t push yet, be careful not to tear. You must wait until you feel an overwhelming urge to push before exerting yourself. Listen to Nanny Xiang, inhale... that''s right, inhale... exhale... inhale... exhale..."


    As soon as they entered the small reception room outside the temporary delivery room in the back of Hexi Pce, they could hear Jiang Xinyue''s agonized screams and the voices of Nanny Li and Nanny Xiang giving instructions.


    "Yan the Imperial Physician!"


    The Xuanwu Emperor grabbed Yan the Imperial Physician standing at the door: "How is Concubine Zhen?"


    Yan the Imperial Physician sighed heavily: "Concubine Zhen''s belly was violently struck, and her water broke before it was time for delivery. If we''re not extremely careful... I''m afraid we might lose both mother and child!"


    He didn''t want to make it sound so serious, but Concubine Zhen had ordered him to describe it this way.


    She had said: "You must make the situation sound grave, otherwise all my scheming today will have been for nothing. Why else would I go through all the trouble of hitting the table and using pigeon blood?"


    Who could she implicate? Why had she gone to such lengths, hitting the table and using pigeon blood?


    The Fourth Prince, who had already woken up, saw the Xuanwu Emperor arrive and rushed out of Qian Sheng''s arms. He threw himself at the Emperor''s legs, crying so hard he was hupping: "Father, is it... is it because Little Man wasn''t good? If Little Man had been better and not gone out, would Mother not be in trouble? Wuwuwu..."


    Tang Shiliang had clearly said that Consort Liang had pushed Concubine Zhen, so how did this involve the Fourth Prince now?


    The Xuanwu Emperor picked up the Fourth Prince: "Qian Sheng, you tell me, what exactly happened? Why did Consort Liang push Concubine Zhen?"


    Since the Fourth Prince said it had something to do with him, it must have involved him somehow. Asking the Empress would be useless, as she would surely take Consort Liang''s side. It was better to ask those directly involved.


    Qian Sheng''s eyes were red as he recounted how the Fourth Prince had been ying in the Imperial Garden when he was led to a secluded area by a eunuch who had bullied him before. The eunuch said things to provoke discord between Concubine Zhen and the Fourth Prince, angering the prince so much that he fainted.


    "When Concubine Zhen learned from the eunuchs that Consort Liang was behind this, and considering Consort Liang''s recent actions, she was furious that Consort Liang would target the young Fourth Prince. So she brought people to Shunan Pce to demand an exnation. The servants at Shunan Pce kept making excuses and wouldn''t let Concubine Zhen in, so in her anger, she smashed things in Consort Liang''s Shunan Pce. Only then did she get to see Consort Liang."


    "Afterwards, the twodies confronted each other for a few words. For some reason, Consort Liang suddenly pushed Concubine Zhen. At the time, they were speaking quietly, and none of the servants present could hear what they were saying."


    Whatever was said, it shouldn''t have led to pushing a pregnant woman into a table corner. That would be attempted murder, premeditated murder.


    "Where is Consort Liang?"


    The Xuanwu Emperor''s voice was deep, brewing a great storm.


    Empress Zhu chose her words carefully: "Knowing she had done wrong by identally pushing Concubine Zhen, Consort Liang went to kneel in the back courtyard in the rain of her own ord."


    "Bang!"


    "Crash!"


    "This poisonous woman tried to kill Concubine Zhen and my child, and she thinks getting rained on will make everything alright?"


    The teacup on the table beside Empress Zhu was thrown onto the table, rolled off, and shattered on the ground.


    "Your Majesty, please calm your anger!"


    Led by Empress Zhu, all the consorts obediently knelt on the ground.


    "Let her kneel there properly. I''ll deal with herter."


    Right now, the most important thing was for Concubine Zhen to deliver safely.


    "I can''t hold it anymore, I really can''t hold it anymore. Can I push now? It''s killing me, ahh..."


    Inside the delivery room, Jiang Xinyue''s forehead was covered in sweat. Nanny Xiang and the four midwives were gathered at the foot of her bed, guiding her to deliver the baby.


    Nanny Xiang counted for her: "Your Highness, push now, you can push now. Use all your strength, hold your breath and count to twenty, then take another breath."


    This meant she had to maintain the push for at least twenty seconds.


    She knew some childbirth techniques and knew that Nanny Xiang''s instructions were correct. Following her directions, she was already numb with pain, her mind focused solely on getting this child out of her belly as quickly as possible, no matter how much it hurt.


    No pain couldpare to the burning, stretching sensation in the birth canal during childbirth.


    That feeling was truly something she didn''t want to experience again anytime soon.


    The pressure made her want to cry.


    But she couldn''t cry; Nanny Xiang said she needed to conserve her strength.


    "I... I really can''t do it anymore. I can''t give birth!"


    Jiang Xinyue took back her bold deration of wanting to have several more children. This one had already caused her excruciating pain, making her feel like dying anding back to life repeatedly.


    The contractions before her water broke were still bearable, but once it broke, the intense pain was truly unbearable.


    At this point, all she could think was that even if she tore, she just wanted this child toe out quickly.


    She had pushed so hard that she was seeing stars, her fingers were shaking, and she couldn''t muster any more strength. She felt like she was about to pass out.

 Chapter 178

    "Your Highness, don''t give up! Your Highness..."


    Nanny Xiang''s shouts came from inside. The Xuanwu Emperor could no longer sit still and rose to rush inside, but was stopped by Empress Zhu.


    She shook her head, "You must not, Your Majesty. The birthing chamber is an unclean and bloody ce. Since ancient times, men have been forbidden to enter. Otherwise, if any misfortune befalls the Great Yan Dynasty in the future, people will me it on Concubine Zhen. Your Majesty entering won''t help her, but will only harm her."


    None of the concubines in the pce had ever received such treatment, and Concubine Zhen could not be an exception.


    "Yue''er!"


    Unable to enter, the Xuanwu Emperor stood at the door, shouting inside: "Yue''er, don''t be afraid. I''m right outside the door with you. I''m not going anywhere. You will definitely give birth to our little dumpling safely. I believe in you. If it really doesn''t work... if it really doesn''t work, I will definitely prioritize saving you. Don''t be afraid!"


    "Shut up! My little dumpling, my little dumpling will definitely... definitely be born!"


    She almost screamed these words. The midwives and Nanny Xiang were surprised by her outburst: "Your Highness, we can see the baby''s hair. Just a little more effort."


    "Impossible!"


    Jiang Xinyue shook her head: "You''re lying. It definitely hasn''te out yet! You''re tricking me to keep pushing."


    Nanny Xiang looked at her: "Your Highness, it''s true. If you don''t believe us, let Xi Quee and see."


    Xi Que, wiping away tears, stepped over. One nce frightened her so much she dared not look again. She nodded frantically: "Your Highness, half of the young master''s head is already out. Please push a little harder, or the young master''s nose will be stuck inside and he won''t be able to breathe."


    Nanny Xiang wasn''t lying. The little prince hadn''te out yet, only a tuft of ck hair was visible at the top of Her Highness''s birth canal. The small opening was stretched very wide, which was quite frightening.


    Jiang Xinyue believed Xi Que''s words and began a new round of pushing.


    The Xuanwu Emperor paced back and forth anxiously, making even Empress Zhu dizzy: "Your Majesty, don''t be anxious. Childbirth itself is a long process. When Consort De gave birth to the third prince, didn''t it also take a day and a night?"


    How could that be the...


    How could that be the same?


    The Emperor almost blurted out his thoughts.


    "I know. Let all irrelevant people withdraw. It''s enough to have me and the Empress here."


    When Consort De gave birth to the third prince, she was already in her twenties and had the experience of giving birth to the second princess before. Naturally, she wasn''t afraid.


    But his Yue''er wasn''t even eighteen yet, still a child herself, and now had to give birth to his child. Such a delicate person, who found even drinking an extra sip of soup too much and would throw a tantrum refusing to drink, how could she endure the pain of childbirth?


    Hmm?


    Strange, when the Empress, Consort De, or Consort Liang gave birth in the past, he never thought childbirth would be so painful!


    It must be that regardless of which of the three was giving birth, they all maintained the demeanor of well-breddies and refused to cry out loud. The Emperor thought nothing had happened, and the babies were born easily.


    Jiang Xinyue was different. She was afraid the Emperor wouldn''te, afraid he wouldn''t know the difficulty and pain of her childbirth.


    This way, the Emperor would both love and pity her.


    And pity and love would make a man charge forward regardless of consequences for that woman.


    Childbirth is indeed very painful, but not to the point of needing to cry out like this. Those who are truly sensitive to pain would be in so much pain that their whole body trembles, in so much pain that they have no strength left, in so much pain that they can''t even make a sound.


    Those who cry out like this know there''s someone outside who cares for them.


    Jiang Xinyue was in the middle of her performance when she heard Nanny Li shout, "What are you doing?"


    "tter!"


    Something fell to the ground. It sounded like scissors.


    Then she saw Nanny Li twisting a midwife''s arm: "What were you nning to do with those scissors?"


    The midwife shouted loudly: "What do you know? If Concubine Zhen can''t give birth soon, the child will suffocate. I was going to use the scissors to cut open Concubine Zhen''s birth canal, then sew it up afterward. This way, both mother and child would be safe."


    There were indeed such precedents for childbirth amongmon people.


    Jiang Xinyue listened, thinking it sounded like the episiotomy performed in modern times when a baby couldn''t be delivered and doctors feared oxygen deprivation. They would make an incision for the mother, take out the baby, and then suture the wound.


    But in modern times, anesthesia is used for episiotomies!


    This midwife nned to cut and sew without any warning?


    Given the technology of ancient times, without dissolvable sutures, the body wouldn''t be able to absorb the stitches. Would they need to be removed after a month?


    That... that would be... that would be too intense. Just thinking about it made her whole lower body clench.


    "Our Lady doesn''t need that!"


    Nanny Xiang stood between Jiang Xinyue''s legs: "It''s only been an hour, which isn''t long at all. Our Lady will deliver soon. There''s no need to cut."


    "You''re going to kill Concubine Zhen."


    The midwife picked up the scissors. Seeing the shiny scissors, Jiang Xinyue was so frightened she held her breath, her facial features contorting with effort.


    The argument from the birthing room made the Xuanwu Emperor even more anxious: "What are you arguing about? How is Concubine Zhen?"


    The midwife pushed away Nanny Li who was grabbing her: "In response to Your Majesty, this humble servant was trying to save Concubine Zhen, but Nanny Li obstructed me in every way, not allowing me to save her. Her intentions are truly malicious."


    "Her Highness doesn''t need your saving at all. You''re taking advantage of Her Highness''s inability to move to harm her."


    For pce concubines, if that area was injured and didn''t heal well, they would have no chance of receiving the Emperor''s favor for the rest of their lives.


    Despite all their precautions, they still couldn''t prevent someone from bribing a midwife.


    However, Nanny Li and Nanny Xiang had rehearsed countless scenarios for Jiang Xinyue''s delivery. They weren''t the least bit flustered.


    Just now, when the midwife sneakily took out the scissors and was about to cut Concubine Zhen without warning, Nanny Xiang grabbed her arm, and Nanny Li yanked her away.


    The midwife only said Nanny Li didn''t understand. Yan the Imperial Physician exined from outside: "Your Majesty, the method of episiotomy is only used in extreme cases when the fetus is toorge to be delivered normally. I have felt the fetus, and it should only be around six pounds. Her Highness can definitely deliver on her own without needing an episiotomy."


    The Xuanwu Emperor naturally believed Yan the Imperial Physician: "Take that midwife out and beat her to death."


    No matter how much they investigated, they might not find the real culprit behind this. The Xuanwu Emperor just wanted to make an example, directly executing the person who tried to harm Concubine Zhen.


    It also told everyone present that whoever dared to be bribed to harm Concubine Zhen, if caught, would face death without exception.


    "Your Majesty, spare me! Your Majesty, spare me! I... I was forced to do it. Your Majesty, spare me..."


    She could have confessed before trying to harm Concubine Zhen that she had been threatened.


    But she didn''t. Instead, she chose to go along with it. Therefore, she should bear the consequences.


    "It''s born! It''s born, it''s born..."


    "p, p, p..."


    Apanied by the sound of several ps, the baby''s cries entered Jiang Xinyue''s ears like beautiful music.

 Chapter 179

    Her stomach quickly deted, and the ufortable feeling that had been pressing against her stomach disappeared. Her whole body rxed, feeling incredibly light andfortable.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Only her lower body still had a slight ache, butpared to the relief of the child''s birth, it was nothing.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    In the past, when she worked shifts at the hospital, their mental health therapy clinic was close to the obstetrics department. She had seen women giving birth in the obstetrics department before.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    They all said that the moment the child was born, the joy of bing a mother for the first time was enough to make them forget the pain of childbirth, filling their hearts with happiness.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Jiang Xinyue admitted that there was indeed a bit of happiness.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Especially when Nanny Li brought the Sixth Prince for her to kiss, her heart softened like cotton candy.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    But truly, the moment the child was born, there was more of a sense of relief that he was finally out and she no longer had to endure the pain.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Perhaps because Jiang Xinyue had eaten healthily and maintained a good mood throughout her pregnancy, the Sixth Prince didn''t look like a red, wrinkled monkey.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    He was born with a fair face and red lips, hisrge eyes only opening for a moment before closing again.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Newborn babies can''t ept such intense external light, so they sleep with their eyes closed for at least ten out of twelve hours a day.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The remaining few hours are spent drinking milk.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Nanny Xiang efficiently wiped the sweat from Jiang Xinyue''s face, then had Xi Que bring hot water to clean her body and change her sweat-soaked clothes. Only after ensuring she looked like a beautiful, weakened patient did she tell Nanny Li, "Go out and announce the good news!"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Shuang Jiang took rouge from the dressing case and quickly dabbed a tiny bit at the corners of Jiang Xinyue''s eyes, creating a striking effect of frailty and allure.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    It looked like redness seeping from within her skin, and also like the flush left on her face after her recent exertion.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    With the touch of rouge, her lips appeared even paler by contrast.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The beauty on the bed was as delicate as Xi Shi in her illness, yet three times more enchanting. As Cao Xueqin described Lin Daiyu in "Dream of the Red Chamber," she embodied "sorrow born in the curves of her brow, illness pervading her delicate frame, tears glistening, and breathing in gentle gasps."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    As soon as Nanny Li went out with the Sixth Prince to announce the news, the Xuanwu Emperor symbolically looked at the child, then handed him back to Nanny Li and the wet nurse before taking a few quick steps into the birthing room.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Empress Zhu was preupied with looking at the Sixth Prince at that moment, and in the blink of an eye, the Xuanwu Emperor had disappeared.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    She could only lift her skirts and hurry in after him.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Childbirth for women is like walking through the gates of hell and back. When she gave birth to the Eldest Prince years ago, she too was covered in sweat, her whole body reeking. Even the most beautiful woman looks disheveled during childbirth.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    If the emperor were to see Concubine Zhen in such a state, who knows if his deep affection would still...<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Yue''er... Yue''er... You scared me to death."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Empress Zhu wore a faint smile on her face, but inwardly she was shocked: What was going on with this Concubine Zhen? Was she some kind of supernatural being?<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Other women who give birth are messy, reeking of sweat, with sunken eyes and cracked lips.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    How was it that her skin was fair with a touch of pink, her hair disheveled but every strand in its proper ce, beautiful like a bewitching fox spirit?<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Most importantly, the room was filled with a faint fragrance, without the heavy smell of blood.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    It was as if she had gone to the Internal Affairs Department for a beauty treatment rather than giving birth to a child.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    This was all thanks to Nanny Xiang''s early preparations!<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Jiang Xinyue was helped to sit up, half-leaning against the headboard. She smiled weakly at Empress Zhu: "Please forgive me, Empress, I really can''t get up."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Empress Zhu shook her head: "You just lie down and don''t move. Your health is the most important thing."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Jiang Xinyue contentedlyy back down.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The Xuanwu Emperor, having confirmed that Jiang Xinyue was alright, finally had the presence of mind to look at the child.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    He saw that his little Sixth Prince had snow-white skin. Though it was too early to tell who he resembled, he looked more delicate than any child he had seen before.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The key was that both the Third Prince and Fifth Prince had been wrinkled and red all over when they were born, as ugly as monkeys from the mountains. His little Sixth Prince, however, was clean and fair.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    He was quite endearing.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Jiang Xinyue watched him y with the child and smiled, saying, "Your Majesty, why don''t you hold the little dumpling? I heard the midwife say that if a newborn is held by their father, they''ll feel more secure and have a closer rtionship with you in the future!"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The Xuanwu Emperor had never held a baby before and didn''t know how.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Empress Zhu quickly stepped in with a smile: "Your Majesty is a man. How many men in the Great Yan Dynasty would hold a newborn baby? Concubine Zhen, you shouldn''t trouble His Majesty. If you don''t mind, may I hold..."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Let me try..."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Unable to bear the sight of Concubine Zhen''s disappointed gaze, the Xuanwu Emperor took a deep breath: "I''ll try."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Nanny Li had developed a bond with Jiang Xinyue, and this Sixth Prince was born under her careful care. Though outwardly she still served the emperor, in her heart she had already sided with Jiang Xinyue.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    After all, people''s hearts aren''t made of stone.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    So even though Empress Zhu''s hands reached out quickly, Nanny Li bypassed her and gently ced the Sixth Prince in the emperor''s arms.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Seeing the Xuanwu Emperor''s stiff posture, as if he were holding a bomb, Jiang Xinyue almost burst outughing.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Nanny Li adjusted his holding position, and after a moment it looked much more natural.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    This feeling... was amazing...<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    This little milk dumpling in his arms, not even half the length of his forearm, was his and Concubine Zhen''s child.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    He was so soft and small, looking as fragile as an egg that could easily break without careful protection.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    A warm feeling flowed through his heart, causing him to unconsciously start swaying, gently soothing the Sixth Prince in his arms.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Jiang Xinyue''s lips curled into a satisfied smile. Now that the emperor had held the child, he wouldn''t want to put him down.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    She wanted the emperor to experience the hardships of a full-time mother from modern times.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Your Majesty is so capable," the beauty on the bed looked up at the emperor admiringly. "You''ve learned to hold a baby so quickly. I don''t even know how yet. When I regain my strength, Your Majesty must teach me."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Her coquettish tone and frail appearance all made the Xuanwu Emperor''s heart fill with tenderness.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    He sat down next to Jiang Xinyue, holding the Sixth Prince, his face full of gentle smiles: "Look, doesn''t the dumpling look like me?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    A newborn baby, with features not yet fully formed, how could one tell who he resembled?<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    But Jiang Xinyue still looked carefully for a few moments before answering sincerely: "This nose, this mouth, they''re exactly like yours, Your Majesty. I think he looks so much like Little Man, don''t you?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Saying the baby looked exactly like the emperor would obviously be ttery, and could easily make the Xuanwu Emperor feel she was trying to please him.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Saying he looked like the Fourth Prince was different. The Fourth Prince was already a miniature version of the emperor as a child, and given when Jiang Xinyue had entered the pce, she absolutely wouldn''t know what the emperor looked like as a child.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    So the Sixth Prince did indeed look like the emperor.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Concubine Zhen couldn''t possibly be lying ¨C she didn''t know that the Fourth Prince looked just like the emperor when he was young!<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

 Chapter 180

    Empress Zhu looked at the scene of the happy family of three, feeling a wave of mncholy in her heart.


    Once, when her Eldest Prince and Second Prince were still alive, she had shared such sweet moments with the Emperor too.


    Her eyes grew moist as she gazed at them enviously.


    Jiang Xinyue nced at her and said voluntarily, "Empress, why don''t you hold the little one too? You are his legal mother after all!"


    Empress Zhu was the official wife. In civilian terms, the Sixth Prince would call her mother, while Jiang Xinyue would only be called concubine-mother.


    "I... may I?" Empress Zhu was surprised by Jiang Xinyue''s suggestion. "May I hold him?"


    "Of course you may."


    Jiang Xinyue sat up and nudged the Emperor, signaling with her eyes for him to let the Empress hold the baby.


    The Xuanwu Emperor, reluctant to give up cuddling the infant, passed the little one over. "Be careful, Empress."


    Having raised the Fifth Prince, Empress Zhu''s muscle memory was still intact. She held the baby much more skillfully than the Emperor had.


    The Sixth Prince''s eyes were tightly shut, but one could still see the beautiful curve of hisrge eyes beneath his eyelids.


    He slept soundly, little bubbles forming at his mouth.


    Empress Zhu popped the bubbles with her finger, a smile unconsciously appearing on her lips. "He''s so adorable."


    He didn''t resemble the Emperor''s cold face at all. He looked extremely docile, quite like Concubine Zhen.


    "Your Majesty... Empress... This concubine was wrong..."


    "Consort Liang, you can''t go in. Concubine Zhen has just given birth. You''re soaking wet, what if you harm the Sixth Prince..."


    "I won''t go in," Consort Liang knelt stiffly in the outer courtyard of the birthing chamber. "I''ll just wait here for His Majesty and the Empress."


    The pouring rain instantly turned Consort Liang into a pale water ghost again.


    Themotion outside reached their ears, reminding the Xuanwu Emperor that he still had Consort Liang to deal with.


    "Nanny Li, take the Sixth Prince to be fed."


    As soon as he spoke, Nanny Li came forward to take the Sixth Prince, bringing him and the wet nurse to the rear hall.


    "Yue''er, rest well. I''lle see you again after I''ve dealt with Consort Liang."


    Jiang Xinyue propped herself up on the bed, her long ck hair draped over her shoulders. The thin garment slipped from her shoulder, revealing smooth, snow-white skin.


    She lowered her beautiful eyes and said, "Consort Liang... she... probably didn''t mean to. I was also at fault then. Those eunuchs were bullying Little Man, saying it was Consort Liang''s orders..."


    The beautiful young girl... no... though her appearance was still youthful and beautiful, she had given birth to a child now. She could be called a beautiful woman.


    Jiang Xinyue bit her lip lightly. "I was too impulsive. I shouldn''t have led people to wreck Shunan Pce."


    These words made the Xuanwu Emperor even more displeased with Consort Liang. "You don''t need to worry about this, Yue''er. I''ve had enough of Consort Liang''s temperament. In the past, although she often engaged in verbal disputes, she never used any tactics against children. I didn''t expect her to be more and more outrageous recently. If I don''t teach her a harsh lesson this time, she''ll forget her ce."


    Empress Zhu, worried about Consort Liang, forced a smile at Jiang Xinyue before hurriedly following the Emperor out to assess the situation.


    Consort Liang shivered in the downpour, her eyes barely able to open from the rain, yet she dared not utter a singleint.


    "Let her in."


    The rain outside was so heavy that even shouting at the top of one''s lungs wouldn''t be heard. The Xuanwu Emperor, his eyes zing with murderous intent, barely nced outside before returning to the main hall of the birthing chamber.


    Though it was April and the weather had begun to warm, Consort Liang still trembled from the cold.


    She had made a mistake, pushing Concubine Zhen and causing her to go into prematurebor, nearly resulting in two deaths. Everyone in Hexi Pce hated her now. No one would offer to dry her or provide clean clothes to change into.


    So she could only kneel in the hall, bedraggled and soaked.


    Empress Zhu, fearing that the Emperor might condemn Consort Liang without hearing an exnation, spoke up before he could: "Consort Liang, why did you push Concubine Zhen?"


    Jiang Xinyue, supported by Magpie and Frost, walked behind the screen outside the birthing chamber to eavesdrop on Consort Liang''s answer.


    At this question, Consort Liang''s face showed some indignation: "Your Majesty, Empress, I was wrong to push Concubine Zhen, but she spoke out of turn first. She actually suggested to Your Majesty that the Princess be married off as a second wife to that prince from Fusang Country whose wife had died and who is old enough to be the Princess''s father. I was so outraged that I... I identally pushed her."


    Behind the screen, Concubine Zhen curved her lips in a smile. "Fool."


    "Utter nonsense!" The Xuanwu Emperor was so angered by Consort Liang''s rambling "false usations" that heughed. "Concubine Zhen was just speaking up for you inside, and you really don''t deserve her kindness and generosity. At a time like this, instead of apologizing to her, you''re trying to frame her."


    "I''m not!" Consort Liang hurried to defend herself. "If Your Majesty doesn''t believe me, you can call Concubine Zhen out to confront me. If I''ve spoken a single falsehood, then..."


    "Consort Liang has really gone to great lengths to make me ill," Jiang Xinyue said as she emerged from behind the screen, dressed in white and looking as delicate as a willow. Leaning on Magpie for support, she wore an expression of great distress. "Even if I were to die here today, I must make things clear with Consort Liang. I don''t know any prince from Fusang, nor have I ever suggested marrying the Princess to anyone from Fusang."


    "You... you... you clearly said..."


    "Enough!" The Emperor interrupted her. "The prince of Fusang is only seventeen and has never been married. How could he have a dead wife and be looking for a second one? I don''t know where you heard that the Fusang prince asked me for the Princess''s hand, but let me tell you, it was Concubine Zhen who said that Fusang, being a small country, wasn''t worthy of our Great Yan''s princess. That''s why I rejected Fusang''s request for a marriage alliance. How could you say Concubine Zhen wanted the Princess to marry far away to Fusang? It''s impossible!"


    Fusang had long been a vassal state of Great Yan, subservient to Great Yan for a hundred years. It wasn''t unreasonable for them to seek to marry a princess of Great Yan to strengthen the rtionship between the two countries.


    Many ministers in the court, upon hearing the news, supported the idea of the Princess going for a political marriage to cement the friendship between the two nations.


    Only Lord Jiang opposed it, privately telling him, "Your Majesty, those not of our kind must have different hearts. If there is sincerity between the two countries, it doesn''t require marrying off the Princess to maintain good rtions. If there is no sincerity, even if the Princess marries over there, it would only be sacrificing an innocent girl. Does our Great Yan need to rely on marrying off princesses to maintain rtionships with vassal states?"


    Jiang Yankun''s meaning was that if they agreed to Fusang''s request for a marriage alliance this time, then one day the Goryeo Kingdom might make the same request, and the Nieluo Kingdom might do the same. If all the vassal states made such requests, how many princesses did Great Yan have to marry off?


    It made it seem as if Great Yan was the vassal state, needing to send princesses to exchange for peace.


    The Xuanwu Emperor had only mentioned this briefly to Jiang Xinyue, not expecting her to also firmly oppose sending the Princess for a political marriage. She spoke disdainfully of Fusang, her words very simr to Lord Jiang''s.


    Those not of our kind must have different hearts. The Princess going there would be like walking into a disaster. If she couldn''t ovee it, wouldn''t it be wasting her life? Wouldn''t that be harming the Princess?


    How could someone like that say what Consort Liang imed?


    Impossible!

 Chapter 181

    Consort Liang opened her mouth but couldn''t utter a word for a long time.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    She simply didn''t understand - if things were as the Emperor said, why would Concubine Zhen say such things to her face?<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    So she couldn''t think of any words to refute.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Jiang Xinyue coughed twice and swayed. The Xuanwu Emperor, quick to react, caught her. His eyes were brimming with concern as he swiftly scooped her up into his arms.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    When he turned to look at Consort Liang, his eyes were frighteningly cold. "Consort Liang has shown improper conduct, acted recklessly, and shows no remorse. From this day forward, she is demoted to Consort Yu and confined for three months. Her sry will be halved for half a year. The servants of Shunan Pce, having failed in their duty to dissuade her, will all receive fiftyshes. If this happens again, all the servants in Shunan Pce will be reced."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Before Empress Zhu could say a word, the Xuanwu Emperor continued, "Concubine Zhen has done a great service by bearing me a son. She shall be promoted to the highest of the four consorts - Senior Concubine Xian, retaining her title. The formal investiture ceremony will be held when the Sixth Prince is one month old."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Being named the highest of the four consorts as Senior Concubine Xian was not enough to disy the Emperor''s favor - he even allowed Jiang Xinyue to keep her title.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    From now on, everyone would have to address her as Concubine Zhenxian, further distinguishing her from the other consorts in the harem.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "No! It''s not true, Your Majesty... I... I really didn''t lie. Concubine Zhen really did say those things."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The Emperor had already mentally blocked out Consort Liang''s words, but Empress Zhu voiced her disagreement: "Your Majesty, it''s not that I disagree with you making Concubine Zhen the Senior Concubine Xian, but there are others in the harem with more seniority, like Consort De and Consort Rong. Even Consort Jin has been in the pce much longer than her. Your Majesty''s decision might dishearten them."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    She didn''tpletely reject the Emperor''s idea, but instead suggested tactfully, "Moreover, Concubine Zhen is young. If she''s made Senior Concubine Xian now, she might not be able tomand the respect of the older consorts in the harem. Why not first promote Concubine Zhen to Senior Concubine Zhen, and then in a couple of years when she has more experience, promote her to Senior Concubine Xian? It''s not toote then."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    It sounded nice, as if she was considering Jiang Xinyue''s best interests, but in the harem, blocking someone''s promotion was as good as killing their parents. Jiang Xinyue was still unwilling to ept this.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    She raised her head from the Emperor''s embrace and said, "Empress, weren''t you also only in your teens when you became Empress?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The previous Emperor had numerous consorts in his harem, but in his early years, he had overindulged in sensual pleasures, depleting his vitality. When his offspring were dwindling, the harem was also embroiled in severe internal conflicts, resulting in the deaths of several princes due to conspiracies.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    At that time, the Empress Dowager was not yet favored. By a twist of fate, in the end, only the Xuanwu Emperor remained as the sole prince. It was from that time on that the previous Emperor began to favor the Empress Dowager and established the Xuanwu Emperor as the Crown Prince.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The year Empress Zhu became Empress, she was only eighteen, barely half a year older than Jiang Xinyue is now.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    If Empress Zhu could be Empress at eighteen, why couldn''t she, at seventeen and a half, be a Senior Concubine?<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Even Zhuge Liang hadn''t led an army before he came out of seclusion!<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Didn''t he still make his mark in history?<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Empress Zhu wanted to say, how dare shepare herself to me?<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The Zhu family was a century-old noble family from Chang''an. Whether in terms of wealth or talent, they far surpassed the Jiang family. No... to be precise, the Jiang family wasn''t even qualified to be the Zhu family''s servants.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The Zhu family was a powerful n that even the Emperor had to be wary of, and she was the legitimate daughter of this family, raised from childhood to the highest standards of nobility. How could she bepared to a concubine''s daughter from a small, insignificant family like Concubine Zhen?<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    But these thoughts, Empress Zhu could only keep to herself. They were absolutely not to be spoken aloud.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The Xuanwu Emperor, thinking about how Consort Liang was not good, and Consort De might not be virtuous either, became even more determined: "I am the Emperor, the Son of Heaven, the ruler of the world. I merely want to establish a woman as a consort. Since when do I need to consider the feelings of other consorts? Is it them whose hearts I''m chilling, or is it yours, Empress?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Empress Zhu was unwilling to engage in a direct conflict with the Emperor. She smiled bitterly and said, "That wasn''t my intention. I was just worried that Concubine Zhen is too young and mightck authority. But since Your Majesty has made up your mind, I congratte my sister, Senior Concubine Xian."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Only then did Jiang Xinyue retract her ws and smile gently at Empress Zhu: "I thank you, Empress."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    In just half a day, word spread throughout the pce that Consort Liang had instructed a eunuch to sow discord between the Fourth Prince and Concubine Zhen, but was discovered by Concubine Zhen, who then went to Shunan Pce to confront her.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    During the argument, Consort Liang supposedly pushed Concubine Zhen, causing her water to break. The Sixth Prince almost didn''t live to see another day.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The Emperor was enraged by this incident. Not only did he not promote Consort Liang to Senior Concubine, he even demoted her by one rank, making her Consort Yu.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Yu... was her surname.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    It seemed the Emperor was extremely angry, not even willing to give her a proper title, directly using her surname as her consort title. Historically, this was mostly done for those who had fallen out of favor but had children, when the Emperor casually bestowed a consort title to elevate the status of the princesses and princes.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    From now on, there would only be Consort Yu in the pce, no more Consort Liang.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Even Consort Rong now outranked Consort Yu, after all, Consort Rong had a proper title!<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Everyone thought, now that Consort Liang had been demoted, among the four consorts, only Consort De remained.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Consort De had entered the pce early, had seniority, a good reputation, and most importantly, she was the mother of the oldest prince in the pce, the Third Prince.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    From every aspect, the position of Senior Concubine should rightfully belong to Consort De.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Even Consort De herself thought so.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Today, Consort De had rarely dressed up. On her high bun, she had arranged arge, gorgeous red and white frangipani flower. The variety was precious, and usually, she only used it for appreciation, feeling heartbroken even if a single petal fell.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Now, feeling triumphant, she had picked it to use as a hair ornament.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "It''s only right for Your Highness to dress like this. You look stunning," Luyin smiled as she looked at Consort De admiring herself in the water''s reflection. She couldn''t help but feel excited, "Your Highness, Consort Liang has brought this upon herself. This time, the Empress must rmend you for the position of Senior Concubine."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Like Consort Liang, Consort De was a firm supporter of the Empress. Although Consort Liang often charged into battle for the Empress, gaining more of her favor, Consort De had been strategizing for the Empress behind the scenes for many years. If not for her achievements, at least for her efforts,<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Now that Consort Liang had proved useless, surely it was her turn?<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Reality proved that it really wasn''t her turn.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Less than two hours after Jiang Xinyue gave birth to the Sixth Prince, Wang Dequan brought the Emperor''s decree promoting Jiang Xinyue to Concubine Zhenxian and announced it to the six pces.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "I can''t believe the Emperor actually made Concubine Zhen the highest of the four consorts. She''s only been in the pce for less than two years!"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "This speed... I''ve never seen any consort get promoted so quickly before."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Even if Consort Yu made a mistake, there''s still Consort De. How could it possibly be Concubine Zhen''s turn? Isn''t the Emperor being reckless?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Shh! Do you have a death wish? If these words reach Concubine Zhenxian''s ears, you''ll get us all killed!"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "My mistake, my mistake. I won''t say anymore..."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    A brilliantly blooming frangipani flower fell onto the arch of a small bridge, crushed to pieces by an embroidered shoe. The flower''s juice stained the sole of the shoe red, like fresh blood.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

 Chapter 182

    Consort De, who had just been all smiles moments ago, now had a dark expression on her face. Her mouth curled up forcefully as she said, "Luyin, let''s return to Yanqing Pce. I need to exchange this congrattory gift for something even grander."


    She had originally nned to deliver a congrattory gift to Hexi Pce and take the opportunity to see the Sixth Prince. But after overhearing the pce servants'' gossip, Consort De feltpelled to prepare a more extravagant gift.


    Luyin,cking Consort De''sposure, burst into tears of anger. "Your Highness... His Majesty, he''s just too..."


    "Silence!" Consort De red at her. "How dare a mere servant like you criticize His Majesty?"


    She turned her gaze to the group of maids and eunuchs who were engrossed in their heated discussion. Taking a deep breath, she approached them. "What are you all talking about? Why don''t you share it with me?"


    "Ah! Consort De... This ve deserves death!" The group of idling pce servants, caught red-handed by Consort De, fell to their knees in terror. But in truth, they weren''t overly frightened, as Consort De was known for her tolerance and rarely troubled the servants.


    "Instead of attending to your duties in your own pces, you''vee here to gossip about Concubine Zhenxian. Are you tired of having your heads attached to your necks?"


    "We wouldn''t dare, Your Highness!" they cried in unison.


    "I think you would," Consort De''s eyes turned cold. "Guards, take them to Hexi Pce and make them kneel at the entrance, pping their own faces. His Majesty cherishes Concubine Zhenxian above all others, and even I dare not speak ill of her. How dare you servants engage in such gossip?"


    Unlike Consort De, Concubine Zhenxian was not known for her merciful nature. The group of maids and eunuchs wailed and begged for forgiveness, but this time Consort De showed no leniency, ordering them to be escorted to Hexi Pce.


    The Emperor had spent most of the day apanying Jiang Xinyue in Hexi Pce, only leaving after she and the child had fallen asleep.


    "Who are these people, causing trouble for our mistress?"


    "Just punish them by making them clean the chamber pots. No need to disturb the mistress. We can report to her when she wakes up."


    Outside, Xi Que and Shuang Jiang''s voices could be heard. Jiang Xinyue, who had just awakened from her nap, happened to overhear them. "Xi Que, Shuang Jiang, what''s going on? Where''s the Sixth Prince?"


    Hearing her voice, the two quickly entered the room. "Your Highness, the Sixth Prince has been fed and is now sleeping. The wet nurse and Nanny Li have taken him away to care for him, so as not to disturb you. The Fourth Prince and Eunuch Sheng are also present, so please don''t worry."


    Jiang Xinyue was feeling much better, though her tailbone still ached terribly, making it difficult for her to walk.


    During the incident with Consort Liang, she wasn''t entirely feigning her condition. The pain in her lower back had been excruciating.


    It was likely due to the intense pushing during childbirth, which had injured her bones.


    "Who were you talking about punishing by making them clean chamber pots?"


    Had something happened while she was asleep?


    At the mention of this, Shuang Jiang felt a surge of anger, and Xi Que, who was never one to hide her feelings, spoke up: "Your Highness, we used to think Consort De wasn''t such a bad person. After all, it was Consort Ye who captured Shuang Jiang''s family and threatened her to harm you. Consort Liang was also terrible. Everyone in the pce says Consort De is a wonderful person, but today we''ve seen her true colors."


    "How is she wonderful?" Jiang Xinyue asked.


    "She''s only wonderful to herself!" Xi Que rolled her eyes. "Anyone who opposes Consort De is bad, and only she is kind, beautiful, and genuine. She knows you''ve just given birth to the Sixth Prince and have been elevated to the highest rank among the four imperial consorts, yet she sent a group of gossiping servants to kneel at our pce gates and p their own faces. When people inquire, they say it''s because these servants spoke ill of you. Those who don''t know the truth might think you ordered this punishment yourself, and they''ll say you''re arrogant and domineering."


    It was as if she was trying to prove that Concubine Zhenxian was insecure, that her position as the highest-ranked consort had been stolen from Consort De.


    Shuang Jiang added, "When I went out, those people had already been kneeling for quite some time. When others asked, they said they were being punished by Consort De for gossiping about their superiors and were sent to kneel at our pce gates to apologize. Now the entire harem will surely be saying that you''re abusing your favor with the Emperor, and that Consort De has been wronged."


    She had managed to maintain her good reputation, elevating herself as the victim while making their mistress look like the viin.


    Jiang Xinyue smiled, "Why be angry? The fact that she could provoke the usually easy-going Consort De into action shows that she can barely contain her frustration. It''s better that she acted; now I can catch her fox''s tail."


    She then instructed Shuang Jiang, "Don''t punish those servants. Be gentle with them and give them some ointment for their swelling. Tell them... that I dislike corporal punishment for pce servants the most. Consort De was in a bad mood today, which is why she took out her frustrations on them. Tell them not to hold a grudge against Consort De, and remind them that she is the kindest and can''t bear to see servants hurt. She surely didn''t mean it."


    It was as good as telling everyone outright that Consort De was jealous of her new position as the highest-ranked consort and was deliberately taking out her frustrations on the servants while trying to make her look bad.


    Xi Que and Shuang Jiang''s eyes lit up upon hearing this, and they left with mischievous smiles to carry out Jiang Xinyue''s instructions.


    At the entrance of Hexi Pce, a crowd of curious maids and eunuchs had gathered, whispering about the servants who were repeatedly pping their own faces.


    "I think they''re done for this time. The new Consort Zhenxian will surely make an example of them to assert her authority."


    "It serves them right for neglecting their duties and gossiping about their superiors."


    "But what they said was true! Even if Consort Liang... I mean, the demoted Concubine Yu, doesn''t deserve it, there''s still Consort De. How could Concubine Zhen be promoted to Consort Zhenxian over them? Consort De is kind-hearted and probably feared that Consort Zhenxian would punish them severelyter, so she sent them to apologize first. If only Consort De had been promoted instead, she''s so good to us."


    "It''s truly pitiful. Are the lives of maids and eunuchs worth nothing? Look at them, their faces are all swollen. If someone like this bes the highest-ranked consort, we might lose our lives for the smallest mistake in the future!"


    "Shh, be quiet... someone''sing out of Hexi Pce."


    Xi Que pretended to nce around casually, then sighed and shook her head. "You poor things, get up now. Our mistress is in high spirits today and won''t hold this against you. But next time, if you want to gossip about your superiors, find a more discreet ce. Don''t let Consort De catch you again."


    Shuang Jiang brought out some medicine. "You came here to kneel and p yourselves without exnation, and it frightened our mistress when she heard about it. She sent me to bring you some ointment for your injuries. Don''t hold a grudge against Consort De; she must be in a bad moodtely. If you see her, just keep your distance to avoid trouble."


    It was as if she was saying: You all heard that, right? This has nothing to do with our mistress. It was Consort De who caught them and made them do this. Our mistress doesn''t want to see any bloodshed on such a joyous day for her.


    Those who had been praising Consort De''s kindness earlier now blushed with embarrassment.

 Chapter 183

    Indeed!


    When they saw the pce maids and eunuchs kneeling at the entrance of Hexi Pce pping themselves, they instinctively thought that Senior Concubine Xian was asserting her new authority by finding fault with her subordinates.


    However, not to mention that gossiping about one''s masters behind their backs was a grave offense punishable by having one''s tongue cut out, if Consort De truly had Senior Concubine Xian''s interests at heart, shouldn''t she have dealt with this privately? Why send these people to cause trouble on Concubine Zhenxian''s happy day?


    It seems Consort De harbors deep resentment towards Senior Concubine Xian, feeling that she had stolen her position as the first among the four consorts.


    Those present couldn''t help but shudder. If even Consort De wore a mask in this pce, were there any truly good people left?


    From that day on, the nickname "smiling tiger" began to circte among the pce maids and eunuchs for Consort De. By the time she discovered it, her false facade had already be widely known.


    But that''s a story for another time. Right now, she was still in her own pce, fuming with rage.


    Who wouldn''t be angry?


    Consort Ye... Consort Liang... they were all just pawns in Consort De''s hands. She had schemed endlessly, all to make it seem that she wasn''t vying for the position of Senior Concubine when she was promoted, that it was the Emperor and Empress who insisted she take the role as first among the four consorts.


    In the end, after eliminating her biggest enemy Consort Liang, the position of Senior Concubine went to Jiang Xinyue.


    Wasn''t this a case of the snipe and the m fighting, while the fisherman benefits?


    She had wanted Jiang Xinyue and that fool Consort Liang to be the snipe and m, while she yed the fisherman, but her ns had backfired.


    So what was the point of all her recent machinations, which had almost been exposed by Consort Ye?


    The whole Ye family were fools. Consort Ye had such a good hand but yed it terribly. She could have used her family background to kill Concubine Zhen, but instead chose to rebel.


    Not using her brains where it mattered, she deserved to die in a cesspool.


    Concubine Zhenxian... heh... Concubine Zhenxian... the Emperor truly dotes on her!


    The serving maids and eunuchs were all dismissed, with Luyin standing guard outside Consort De''s bedchamber.


    "Ah mmmph..."


    A scream of agony was cut short, muffled by something, turning into a low, stifled moan.


    Luyin''s hand trembled slightly as she became even more vignt, scanning her surroundings to confirm there wasn''t a single living soul nearby before letting out a small sigh of relief.


    The painful groans from inside continued for nearly half an hour. Only when the scent of blood wafted out did Consort De herself push open the door.


    She wiped the red liquid from her hands, tossing the bloodstained handkerchief to Luyin. "Dispose of this."


    Luyin lowered her head, not daring to look at Consort De''s icy expression, and forced herself to respond calmly, "Yes, Your Highness."


    Compared to the gloomy atmosphere in Yanqing Pce, Hexi Pce was bustling with joy and celebration.


    After Jiang Xinyue had finished her light evening meal, she had Nanny Li bring the child to her bedchamber. The little bundle was as sweet as could be, and seemed to catch his mother''s scent, opening his tightly closed eyes for a moment before shutting them again.


    A newborn''s eyes can''t see clearly yet, so even if he knew his mother hade, he could only make out a blurry figure.


    "Why did he fall asleep again?"


    Jiang Xinyue poked his soft, white cheek, the smile never leaving her face.


    Suddenly, she touched her chest area. "Nanny Li, I... my breasts are swollen..."


    This was one of the downsides of ancient times - noble families didn''t allow new mothers to nurse their own children.


    In these ancient times, the dress code for women was very strict. Even in summer, they had to wear clothes that covered them from head to toe, not allowing any extra skin to show.


    How could they be like those modern mothers who could breastfeed their babies anytime, anywhere, simply lifting their clothes whenever the baby was hungry?


    Jiang Xinyue felt that the main reason was probably the intensepetition between wives and concubines in ancient times. If a woman chose to breastfeed her child, she wouldn''t be able to spend uninterrupted time with her husband.


    Moreover, breastfeeding could potentially alter one''s figure, making it easier to fall out of favor.


    So in ancient times, any family with a bit of money would hire a wet nurse rather than have the wife breastfeed.


    Nanny Xiang brought over a bowl of yellow liquid. "My Lady, this is malt water. Drinking it can help stop milk production."


    Jiang Xinyue understood why the Emperor had sent Nanny Li and Nanny Xiang.


    One was for prenatal care, ensuring she safely delivered the little one, while the other was for postnatal care, a high-level nurse taking care of Jiang Xinyue''s own body in various ways.


    Although she very much wanted to breastfeed her own child, she had unfortunately transmigrated into this feudal dynasty, bing a concubine in thergest "wealthy household," having topete with countless women for one man.


    If her figure were to change and she fell out of favor, in the future this little one wouldn''t just miss out on his mother''s milk - he might end up like the Fourth Prince, unable to even eat a full meal.


    She was now the mother of two children, and she absolutely could not afford to lose favor.


    Jiang Xinyue drank the entire bowl of malt water in one go, but due to the milk blockage, she still felt ufortable. Stopping milk production wouldn''t take effect so quickly.


    Nanny Xiang felt very sorry for her. "Tonight, this old servant will use hot waterpresses on you, My Lady, and then use massage techniques to help clear the milk ducts. It might be a bit painful, so please bear with it."


    Jiang Xinyue nodded. "Better to endure short-term pain than long-term suffering. Whatever helps it subside faster, let''s do it!"


    If the blockagested too long, it could lead to inmmation, which would be terrible.


    "Would My Lady like to get up and walk around a bit?"


    Yan Xinyi knelt by the bed, ying with the little milk bun. "My father says that if women start walking soon after giving birth, it helps with recovery and aids in expelling lochia."


    She understood this principle, but...


    Jiang Xinyue made a tearful expression. "My tailbone hurts as if it''s broken. I wonder if my pelvic bones have tilted?"


    If she hadn''t transmigrated from the future, she wouldn''t have known about these things.


    But as a 21st-century psychologist, she had seen flyers from the neighboring obstetrics department''s postpartum recovery center distributed to their department, so she knew a bit about it.


    Postpartum repairs for pelvic floor muscle rxation, pelvic bone tilt, diastasis recti, uterine recovery...


    Having a child came with endless consequences!


    Yan Xinyi came from a family of imperial physicians and knew a bit about orthopedics as well. "I''ll ask my fatherter to see which physician at the Imperial Hospital is good at bone setting."


    If the pelvic bones were tilted, they could be adjusted back into ce.


    Jiang Xinyue gritted her teeth. For the sake of quick recovery, she had Xi Que and Shuang Jiang support her as she got up to walk around the room.


    During the postpartum confinement period, one shouldn''t be exposed to wind, so Nanny Li and Nanny Xiang wouldn''t let her leave the room.


    The weather in April was neither cold nor hot, making it the mostfortable time for postpartum confinement. Nanny Xiang praised the Sixth Prince foring at just the right time, saying he was considerate and didn''t want his mother to suffer.


    Having been here for almost a year, Nanny Li had been in the spotlight before, but now that Jiang Xinyue had given birth, it was Nanny Xiang''s area of expertise. She was as enthusiastic as if she were the child''s own grandmother, wanting to personally handle everything.


    She even supervised the wet nurse during feedings.


    She didn''t trust the lower-ranking servants to do it.


    However, this saved Jiang Xinyue from worrying too much, allowing her to experience the benefits of having an experienced nanny in the pce.

 Chapter 184

    Nanny Xiang had made up her mind to stay from the moment she arrived at Hexi Pce.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    However, as Jiang Xinyue had not yet spoken to the Xuanwu Emperor about it, she became a bit anxious and tried her best to prove her usefulness, hoping Jiang Xinyue would notice her value.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Everyone was well aware of this situation.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Nanny Li privately advised Jiang Xinyue: "Your Highness, Nanny Xiang is quite capable. She entered the pce the same year as this old servant, and we were both sent to serve the Emperor by the Dowager Empress before being gifted to you by His Majesty. Unlike me, she has no family outside the pce, so she doesn''t wish to leave. If you find her useful, you might consider keeping her. I''m sure the Emperor wouldn''t object."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Initially, when Jiang Xinyue was in Xihuo Pce, she had alwayscked a nanny. Later, when she moved to Hexi Pce, fearing that someone might take the opportunity to nt spies, she refused the Internal Affairs Department''s offer to send nannies.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    It wasn''t until her pregnancy that the Emperor sent Nanny Li and Nanny Xiang, finally providing her with elderly nannies.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The wet nurse had just finished another feeding, and after about half an hour, Nanny Xiang picked up the Sixth Prince to burp him.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Jiang Xinyue put down the book in her hand and said, "Nanny Xiang, that''s enough for now. Go and rest for a while. You''ve been busy all day, and don''t you still need to help me with breast massage tonight?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    She was concerned that if Nanny Xiang didn''t preserve some energy, she might faint from exertionter that night.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Eager to demonstrate her capabilities, Nanny Xiang quickly replied, "Thank you for your concern, Your Highness, but this old servant is not tired."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Jiang Xinyue smiled, "After the Sixth Prince''s full moon celebration, Nanny Li will be retiring from the pce. Nanny Xiang, if you don''t mind, would you like to be the managing nanny for the Sixth Prince''s quarters?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Being the managing nanny for the Sixth Prince was essentially equivalent to being the head nanny of Hexi Pce, as the Sixth Prince was currently the most precious person in the entire pce.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    By entrusting the Sixth Prince to her care, Her Highness was showing her trust.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Moreover, if she hadn''t misheard, Her Highness''s words implied that she intended to keep her, right?<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "This old servant... This old servant will go rest now. I''ll return to help Your Highness with the breast massage after you''ve had your evening meal."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Jiang Xinyue felt that one side of her "food source" had already be as hard as a rock, but Nanny Xiang had been running around all day without a chance to eat,pletely exhausting herself. Jiang Xinyue didn''t have the heart to mention it and just let her go rest.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Xi Que, go fetch a basin of warm water for me to apply."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Yes, Your Highness."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    At the Southern Imperial Pce¡ª<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    It was the beautiful spring scenery of April, and a huge painted barge was anchored on the emerald waters of the river.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The bright moon hung in the window, and the night scene was like a painting.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    A gentle, slightly cool evening breeze rustled through the treetops, creating a rustling sound. The moonlight, filtered through the tree shadows, cast dappled spots of light.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    From the center of theke, the melodious sound of a pipa drifted from the painted barge, its enchanting notes lingering in the air.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Apanied by the soft, dulcet voices of Wu dialect singers, the men on the shore felt their hearts melting.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Inside the boat were many beautiful young women, clustered around the feet of an elegant, well-preserved nobledy.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    A matron nearby said, "Dowager Empress, by my calctions, Concubine Zhen should have given birth by now. Shouldn''t we be heading back to the capital?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    After all, when the Emperor had forcibly sent them to the South, he had said they could return after Concubine Zhen gave birth.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The Dowager Empress hummed softly along with the singing girls, clearly in a good mood.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    She didn''t answer, her gaze falling on a young woman in the center of the barge who was brewing tea.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The young woman''s jade-like fingers lightly touched the fragrant tea leaves before dropping them into the water. Fresh dew collected from gardenia petals that morning cascaded like a ribbon from the spout of the teapot.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    After rinsing the white tea, she ced it into the tea cup with utensils.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The porcin cup rippled with water patterns, and a delicate fragrance wafted through the air. The gentle breeze caressed faces like silk, while the beauty''s graceful tea-making movements were captivating.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Ah Wu, your tea is always the most fragrant."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The young woman smiled brightly in the softmplight, "It is the white tea''s good fortune to be favored by the Dowager Empress."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Her eyebrows were like delicate feathers, her skin as white as snow, her waist as slender as bound silk, her teeth like pearls. When she spoke, her voice was as soft and soothing as a mountain spring, instantly calming any restless heart.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The Dowager Empress nodded with satisfaction, "That day at Xiangshan Temple, it was thanks to you that I wasn''t harmed by those unrulymoners. Although you and Consort Li are cousins, I find her utterlycking in refinement. The difference between you two is like night and day."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Pei Wu didn''t join in criticizing Consort Li, but instead smiled gently and said, "My cousin was the pearl of the Song Family, pampered since childhood. After entering the pce, the Emperor treated her like a treasure for ten years without change. It''s inevitable that her temperament became somewhat strong."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    She became that way, ultimately because the Emperor indulged her, didn''t he?<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    He spoiled her to the point ofwlessness, and then suddenly dered, "How could you be such a vicious woman?" effectively condemning her to the eighteenth level of hell.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    In the end, the most irresponsible and vicious person under heaven should be the Emperor.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    His passion, his callousness, his fickleness, his ability to turn on someone in an instant - for the women in the pce, these were like a potent, slow-acting poison. When it finally "took effect," it was often fatal.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Hearing the word "treasure," the Dowager Empress''s facial muscles twitched involuntarily. She deliberately feigned indifference and said, "Concubine Zhen''s child in the pce should be born in these few days. Would you like to enter the pce with me? However, because the Emperor resents me for being strict with him in his youth, I cannot appear too close to you after entering the pce. Otherwise, it might cause the Emperor to dislike you as well. You''ll have to rely on yourself."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Pei Wu sighed and sat down next to the Dowager Empress, "My family had originally arranged for me to be betrothed to the Crown Prince of Ruyang, but the Princess of Ruyang didn''t like me and chose my younger sister instead. By the time I found out, they had already exchanged birth charts. Everyone in the family kept it from me, taking advantage of the fact that my mother passed away early. Dowager Empress, if I enter the pce, will they no longer dare to bully me?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    As she spoke, small pearls of tears fell from her eyes, her demeanor fragile and pitiful.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Before entering the pce in her early years, the Dowager Empress had also had a lover. But for the glory of the Wu family, they had sent the beautiful her into the pce. In the end, she had to rely on her son''s power throughout her life, constantly scheming for the Wu family, only to end up estranged from her son.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Although Great Yan was ruled by filial piety, and the Emperor would give her the glory due to a Dowager Empress, and no matter what mistakes she made, he wouldn''t and couldn''t take her life.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    But...<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    She wanted more than just that.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    When the love, family affection, and friendship she sought in her youth were all unfulfilled, all she wanted in this life was supreme power.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Only power would never betray her.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    And what she wanted, this son of hers would never give her.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    So, Pei Wu was carefully chosen by the Dowager Empress as a substitute for the Virtuous Consort.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Pei Wu''s words made her see her younger self, and she sympathetically held Pei Wu''s hand, patting it gently, "Yes, after entering the pce, with your talents and beauty, you will surely secure a ce for yourself. I will assist you in secret."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Pei Wu lowered her head, concealing the sharp glint in her eyes.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

 Chapter 185

    As they were far away in Jiangnan, they didn''t yet know that Jiang Xinyue had already given birth, and that the Emperor had even bestowed upon her the title of Senior Concubine Xian, the highest of the four consorts.


    Even if Pei Wu entered the pce, she wouldn''t be on the same starting line as Jiang Xinyue.


    Above Senior Concubine Xian was the position of Noble Consort, and in the imperial harem, the gap between a consort and a Noble Consort was as vast as the distance between heaven and earth.


    Almost everyone believed that if Jiang Xinyue''s father and brothers hadn''t performed great meritorious deeds for the country, or if the Sixth Prince hadn''t ascended to the position of Crown Prince, she would have reached her peak at the rank of Senior Concubine Xian in this lifetime.


    In fact, Concubine Zhenxian had only been in the pce for two years, yet she had sessfully gained the Emperor''s exclusive favor. Her first child was born healthy and safe, and she was even appointed as Senior Concubine Xian by the Emperor. This could truly be considered unprecedented and unparalleled.


    She was formidable, incredibly so.


    Even if Pei Wu caught the Emperor''s eye, just based on her being the granddaughter of Minister Pei, she wouldn''t be able to attain a very high rank.


    There wouldn''t be a second Concubine Li in the pce.


    But who could say for certain?


    Hadn''t Concubine Zhenxian also started from humble beginnings, stepping on the faces of many higher-ranked consorts to be the envied Senior Concubine Xian that she is today?


    Nothing in this world is certain; there are always exceptions.


    The Xuanwu Emperor was overjoyed at the birth of his noble son, his heart already flying to Hexi Pce. When Wang Dequan went to Hexi Pce to deliver the evening meal, he was informed by a pce maid, "Eunuch Wang, our mistress is unwell today. She had her meal early and retired to her chambers. Nanny Xiang is helping her with breast massage."


    "Breast massage?"


    The Xuanwu Emperor waspletely ignorant about this matter. Why did Yue''er need breast massage if she wasn''t breastfeeding? What was breast massage?


    He didn''t know, but Wang Dequan, as a friend to the consorts, did. After all, many times, as the Emperor''s personal attendant, the consorts didn''t treat him as an outsider, using him almost as a half-maid.


    Indeed, he wasn''t aplete man, so the consorts naturally didn''t need to be too cautious around him, daring to tell him anything.


    "Your Majesty, since ancient times, women who give birth produce milk for the baby to suckle. If there''s someone drinking from this jug of water and someone adding to it, it won''t overflow. But if someone keeps adding and no one drinks, won''t it overflow?"


    Milk engorgement was even worse. If the child doesn''t feed and the milk can''t flow out, it would be blocked inside. Wang Dequan hadn''t seen it himself, but he often heard the pce maids mention it, and it sounded quite frightening.


    The Xuanwu Emperor put down his writing brush. "Go to the imperial kitchen and pass on the message. Have my evening meal sent to Hexi Pce. Yue''er is physically weak, I won''t be at ease unless I see her with my own eyes."


    In Shunan Pce¡ª


    Consort Yu was still crying incessantly, refusing to eat, shouting that she wanted to follow in the footsteps of Jiang Baolin from two years ago and hang herself with a white silk rope in Concubine Zhenxian''s pce.


    Wasn''t that Jiang Baolin who hanged herself in Xihuo Pce Concubine Zhenxian''s own sister?


    Empress Zhu sighed in exasperation. Despite her usually excellentposure, she couldn''t help but burst out in anger, "You fool! Jiang Xinyue was born into a family of diplomats, specializing in receiving foreign guests. She''s fluent in foreignnguages and canmunicate with those golden-haired, blue-eyed people from overseas. Do you think she wouldn''t know the age of the Fusang prince or whether he''s married?"


    Consort Yu sobbed, "Your Majesty... Your Majesty, you believe me, don''t you? Why... why doesn''t the Emperor believe me?"


    To ask such a question at a time like this, Empress Zhu truly didn''t know if she was intentionally humiliating herself or what.


    "What on earth is in your head?"


    Empress Zhu red at her, "If you don''t have the brains for it, why must you provoke Jiang Xinyue? Today she can use the child in her belly to scheme against you, tomorrow she might dare to use her own life to plunge you into an irredeemable situation. Concubine Chu, Noble Consort Su, Consort Shu, Consort Ye, Concubine Li - haven''t they made it clear enough that she''s not a simple character?"


    Consort Yu bit her lip, "I thought, with how the Emperor favors her now without limit, sooner orter she''d be even more arrogant and domineering than Concubine Li ever was. Even Consort Li didn''t have a prince to rely on, but she already has the Sixth Prince. Your Majesty, I''m worried about you."


    Empress Zhu gave a coldugh, "Put away those petty thoughts of yours. I''m not a fool like you, I won''t be ttered by a few words into causing trouble for Jiang Xinyue. From now on, when you see her, stay out of her way. Otherwise, you''ll end up helping count money for the one who sold you."


    Wasn''t today''s incident a result of Consort Yu fanning the mes, causing the Emperor''s sympathy for Jiang Xinyue to reach its peak, disrupting all of her ns?


    "What should I do?" Consort Yu wiped her tears. "The Emperor must thoroughly despise me now."


    Empress Zhu paced back and forth in the room. "There''s no hurry for that. You also need toy low for a while, let people forget about the foolish things you''ve done, before I can make new arrangements."


    As long as Consort Yu''s father, the Governor-General of Liangguang, could step up a bit and do a few things to please the Emperor without causing trouble, Consort Yu would still have a chance to rise again.


    "Ugh... it hurts, it hurts so much..."


    The Xuanwu Emperor had just entered Hexi Pce and strode into Jiang Xinyue''s chambers when he heard her cries of pain. He immediately lifted the curtain and walked in.


    But the scene that greeted him left him shocked and... blushing with embarrassment.


    He saw Jiang Xinyue''s snow-white body covered only by a thin silk quilt, her upper body almost entirely exposed to his gaze.


    Her two "peaks" were even more majestic and erect than before, with Nanny Xiang''srge hands kneading them, causing milk to spray into a small basin below.


    The beauty was drenched in sweat, her expression pained, asionally crying out in agony. The scene was intensely sensual.


    Seeing the Emperor standing stunned at the door, Jiang Xinyue let out a startled cry. Her face, as alluring as a ripe peach, turned crimson. She looked at him pleadingly, "Your Majesty... could you please wait outside?"


    The Xuanwu Emperor didn''t dare look again, afraid that if his nose started bleeding, the pce servants would mock him. He quickly turned around, almost as if fleeing in panic.


    Jiang Xinyue curved her lips in a smile and said to Nanny Xiang, "Continue, I''m not in that much pain. Don''t be afraid, Nanny."


    Nanny Xiang looked at her admiringly and whispered, "How did you know the Emperor woulde at this time, Your Highness?"


    Jiang Xinyue secured her deliberately loosened hair on top of her head with a hairpin, rxing a bit as she said, "Didn''t he say he woulde to keep mepany for the evening meal? It''s exactly dinner time now."


    As a consort, one must follow the pce rules, but as an emperor, there were even more rules to follow.


    Favored consorts had their own small kitchens. If they wanted to eat something, they could have the pce servants prepare it at any time. The Emperor, however, had to follow a strict schedule. When to have lunch? When to have dinner? Everything had a set time. He couldn''t even eat more than five bites of a single dish, couldn''t reveal his preferences, couldn''t eat too early or toote - it had to be at the exact designated time.


    All Jiang Xinyue had to do was set up an alluring pose at that time.


    Nanny Xiang couldn''t help but sigh in admiration. This Senior Concubine Xian was truly perfect material for being a favored consort, always in battle mode, never letting the Emperor see an unfavorable side of her.


    Once again, she rejoiced at having followed the right mistress.

 Chapter 186

    "Wang Dequan, are you feeling hot?"


    The Xuanwu Emperor felt a surge of warmth rising within him. How could the weather in April make his blood boil like this?


    "Not at all, Your Majesty!"


    Wang Dequan nced outside at the lingering chill of early spring. The pce servants, sensitive to cold, were still wearing their padded jackets. How could it be hot?


    The Xuanwu Emperor cleared his slightly hoarse throat, feeling like a young boy about to meet his sweetheart. Thinking of Jiang Xinyue''s alluring countenance, he couldn''t help but smile.


    "Thump, thump, thump-thump-thump..."


    He ced a hand over his chest, able to feel and hear his heart beating rapidly and forcefully.


    Was this the feeling the Prince of Ruyang spoke of - the heart-pounding sensation he experienced every time he saw the Princess?


    No one had ever taught an emperor what love was, let alone how to love someone.


    In his youth, Consort Shu had alwaysforted him in his darkest moments, and he thought that was love. Aftering of age, Concubine Li''s passionate disys gave him the illusion of being cherished by one person, and he believed that was love too.


    But today, the thunderous beating of his heart told him otherwise. Loving someone required no reason. She didn''t need to be his salvation or shower him with tant favoritism. She didn''t need to do anything at all.


    Just her presence, sitting or standing there, was enough to make his heart race.


    "Your Majesty, the Imperial Kitchen has sent the meal," announced a servant.


    "Oh! Yes, yes, I haven''t eaten yet. I''ll dine now."


    Xi Que and Jiang Chuan exchanged nces, whispering, "Is it just me, or has His Majesty forgotten about the Sixth Prince?"


    Jiang Chuan nodded, "Indeed, it seems so."


    Since entering, the Emperor had been fixated on the Empress, not even inquiring once about the Sixth Prince.


    Their guess was spot on - the Xuanwu Emperor hadpletely forgotten that Jiang Xinyue had given birth to his Sixth Prince.


    After finishing his evening meal, Nanny Xiang emerged from the inner chambers. She deliberately walked past him carrying a copper basin filled with breast milk, curtsying as if to ensure he noticed.


    A faint milky aroma wafted through the air...


    "Cough, cough, cough..."


    Recalling the impactful scene from earlier, the Xuanwu Emperor nearly choked on a mouthful of hot soup.


    Wang Dequan quickly offered a handkerchief, wondering to himself: What''s gotten into His Majesty today? He''s been so out of sorts.


    Just earlier in Chengqian Pce, he had been going on about arranging capable maids and eunuchs for the Sixth Prince, and instructing Tang Shiliang to have the Internal Affairs Departmentmission various wooden cradles and toys.


    His thoughts had been consumed by the Sixth Prince...


    So why, upon arriving at Hexi Pce, did he suddenly seem oblivious?


    "Bring the Sixth Prince for His Majesty to see," Jiang Xinyue instructed, now dressed and reclining on the bed, her entire being emanating a milky fragrance.


    The Xuanwu Emperor strode over, taking her hand with concern. "Are you still in pain?"


    The beautiful woman shook her head, a gentle smile gracing her lips.


    Nanny Li entered, carrying the Sixth Prince. Only then did the Xuanwu Emperor remember: Yes, he and Xinyue had a child now.


    The little bundle once again found himself in his father''s arms, nuzzling against his chest and sleeping soundly with his neck curled in.


    The Xuanwu Emperor nced at the smiling Jiang Xinyue, then at the docile Sixth Prince, feeling his heart melt with warmth.


    "Mmm..."


    Suddenly, the Sixth Prince''s brow furrowed, his little face scrunching up.


    Jiang Xinyue heard a small noise, and the Sixth Prince seemed startled, beginning to whimper.


    The Xuanwu Emperor wrinkled his nose. "I think he..."


    "Made a mess," Jiang Xinyue quickly finished. "Xi Que, fetch some hot water to change the Sixth Prince''s diaper."


    After Nanny Li and the wet nurse changed the Sixth Prince''s diaper, they ced him back beside Jiang Xinyue to sleep.


    The Xuanwu Emperor held him for a while before growing bored. "Why does he keep sleeping?"


    Nanny Xiang chimed in, "Your Majesty, it''s good for newborns to sleep a lot. It helps them grow strong and healthy."


    So that''s how it was...


    The Emperor caressed Jiang Xinyue''s cheek. "I had nned to bring your mother into the pce when you gave birth, but with your sudden early delivery, I was so flustered I forgot everything."


    He shook his head. "In my thirty years of life, this is the first time I''ve been so rattled."


    Jiang Xinyue leaned her small face into hisrge hand, nuzzling like a kitten. "I was terrified too. At the time, I felt I had no strength left to give birth. But when Your Majesty said you would stay with me the whole time, I found new strength. Perhaps this is what people mean when they say willpower can ovee anything?"


    And that willpower hade from the Emperor.


    "Your Majesty, Madam Ruan, the Minister of Justice''s wife, is waiting outside."


    "Let her in."


    Jiang Xinyue''s eyes widened with surprise. "Your Majesty, didn''t you say..."


    The Xuanwu Emperor smiled. "That''s why as soon as you gave birth, I sent someone to the Jiang residence to announce the good news and bring her to the pce."


    This time, Lady Ruan came alone. Trembling, she was led by Xi Que into the inner chambers of Hexi Pce. "This humble subject pays respects to Your Majesty and to Consort Xian."


    The Emperor personally helped her up. "There''s no need for such formality, Madam. Go see Xinyue and your little grandson."


    He wanted to stay the night, but he''d heard that new mothers often longed for their own mothers after giving birth. That''s why he''d hurried to bring Lady Ruan into the pce.


    He hoped that with her mother''spany during the month of confinement, Xinyue would be more at ease.


    Lady Ruan was bothughing and crying as she went to embrace Jiang Xinyue. "My dear daughter, you''ve suffered so much..."


    Having given birth to three children herself, she knew the pain of childbirth. When she heard that Jiang Xinyue had gone intobor after being pushed to the ground by Consort Yu, she had been beside herself with worry at home, fearing for her daughter''s life and dreading that the Emperor might choose to save the child over the mother.


    Yan Sister, that child, had been so concerned for her sister that she dered if anything were to happen to her, she would enter the pce to avenge her and protect the Sixth Prince in her sister''s stead.


    After an entire day of anxious waiting, thankfully... thankfully both mother and child were safe.


    After drying her tears, she turned her loving gaze to the Sixth Prince lying nearby. "My little darling, you''re so handsome. You look just like your mother... Come on, give your grandmother a smile."


    "Mother, he''s not even a day old. How could he smile?" Jiang Xinyue protested.


    "Don''t underestimate him! You were smiling right after you were born. They say sons take after their mothers and daughters after their fathers. Maybe he''s as precocious as you were!"


    That was quite a thickyer of rose-tinted sses.


    Babies smiling at a few months old wasn''t intentional, but rather an involuntary muscle movement they couldn''t control.


    It just happened to look like a smile.


    As soon as Lady Ruan finished speaking, the corners of the Sixth Prince''s mouth twitched upwards. She eximed delightedly to Jiang Xinyue, "See that? Our little dumpling knows his grandmother hase to see him! He''s so happy, isn''t he? Yes, you are!"


    Very well then.


    You''re beautiful, so whatever you say goes.


    "Mother!" Suddenly remembering what her stepfather had said duringst year''s New Year''s Eve dinner about Lady Zhou''s lingering illness, Jiang Xinyue asked, "How is the First Madam''s condition?"

 Chapter 187

    Even if the cheap father wanted to deal with Lady Zhou, he hoped she could hold on until the Sixth Prince''s full month celebration. Otherwise, it would be unlucky and not good for the Sixth Prince''s reputation.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Lady Ruan stopped smiling and, seeing only Xique in the room, whispered in her ear: "She was actually about to die a few days ago, but your father said the Sixth Prince was about to be born, so he had the doctor use ginseng to keep her alive! It''s just a matter of time now."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    It was impossible not to wish for Lady Zhou''s death.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Lady Zhou was not a kind and generous mistress of the household.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Lady Ruan was famous for her beauty. When Jiang Yankun took her as his favored concubine, she could enter the family genealogy after paying respects to the main wife with tea.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    A favored concubine was different from a concubine or a lowly concubine.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    But when Lady Zhou saw her beauty, she adamantly refused and forced Lady Ruan to sign a contract of servitude. Though called a favored concubine, signing such a contract made her a lowly concubine. Lady Zhou held her contract and could beat her to death or sell her at any time.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Back then, Jiang Yankun''s official career was difficult, and the Zhou family pressured him. Even though he was unwilling, he was forced to have no choice.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    From then on, Lady Zhou targeted her in various ways.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The suffering she endured at Lady Zhou''s hands over these ten-plus years could not be fully described in three days and nights.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Her methods of tormenting people were truly extremely vicious.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    On Jiang Xinyue''s ninth birthday, Jiang Yankun gave her a fine piece of jade. But when Jiang Yutong saw it, she insisted on taking it.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    When the matter reached Lady Zhou, she punished Jiang Xinyue without listening to exnations, beating her until she was covered in injuries. Not only that, but she also made her personally remove the jade from her waist and give it to Jiang Yutong.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    At the time, Lady Ruan cried and begged Lady Zhou not to beat her, but Lady Zhou was unmoved. Lady Ruan could only throw herself onto Jiang Xinyue''s back, using her body to protect her daughter.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Jiang Xinyue had always been stubborn, preferring to shatter like jade rather than remain whole like tile.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Seeing Lady Ruan being beaten, she finally begged for forgiveness and admitted her mistake. When Lady Zhou ordered the servants to stop, Jiang Xinyue''s face had been whipped with a thorn branch, leaving a very severe-looking red mark.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    As she unfastened that piece of jade from her body, Jiang Yutong even mocked her for not knowing her ce.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    It was this taunt that angered Jiang Xinyue. She smashed the jade to pieces on the ground and then ran out.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The little girl''s explosive power was extremely strong. Even though Lady Zhou called for people to catch her, they couldn''t.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    It happened that Jiang Yankun was returning from the government office. Jiang Xinyue fell directly at the feet of Jiang Yankun, who was about to enter the door.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Many merchants at the Jiang family gate watched this little girl who had suddenly rushed out. She deliberately raised her head, letting everyone see the wounds on her face, and cried out loudly: "Father! Father... I beg you to go save Concubine Ruan! Just because my sister took a fancy to the jade pendant you gave me, and I was unwilling to give it to her, Mother... she wants to beat me and Concubine Ruan to death!"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The little girl was born beautiful and charming. Although she was still young, she had already grown into a graceful beauty, stunningly gorgeous.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The mistress of this household was so heartless that she wanted to beat the little girl to death over a jade pendant.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Look at thatrge mark on her face from being beaten. It was clear she intended to ruin the little girl''s beauty!<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    That time, not only did Jiang Yankun have an argument with Lady Zhou, but rumors also began to spread outside that Lady Zhou was harsh and intolerant.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    It could be said that if Jiang Xinyue hadn''t been clever from a young age, Lady Ruan wouldn''t have survived until now.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The mountain that had been pressing down on her, making it hard to breathe, was about to fall. How could Lady Ruan not look forward to it happening quickly?<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    But her husband was right. It couldn''t happen before the Sixth Prince''s full month celebration, because Lady Zhou was still nominally the Sixth Prince''s maternal grandmother.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "We must make sure she holds on past the full month celebration. We can''t leave any openings for those with ulterior motives."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Lady Ruan nodded repeatedly: "I''ll tell your father when I go back."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "How did Brother Ze and the others do in the provincial examinations? Yan Sister will be fourteen after the new year. Is it time to arrange her marriage?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    He remembered that his cheap father had set up a family school and brought several talented youths from the n to the capital to focus on preparing for the examinations.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Lady Ruan answered her questions one by one: "Brother Ze almost passed the provincial exam, but your eldest brother was far from passing. Lady Zhou was so angry about this that she fell ill, which is why her condition became so serious. Your father said the next imperial examination won''t be for another three years. Brother Ze has be a disciple of the master of Songshan Academy and has gone to Songshan to study. As for your cousins, they''re a bit older. I often hear your father telling them that reading ten thousand books is not as good as traveling ten thousand miles. I guess after the Sixth Prince''s full month celebration is over, they''ll all go out to travel and study."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Jiang Xinyue nodded after listening: "Don''t forget to remind them to be cautious when they''re out. Don''t believe in pie-in-the-sky good fortune; it might not be pie but a trap. If they implicate me, I won''t show any mercy. I''m saying this inly now, so don''t me me for being cold-heartedter."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Lady Ruan took all her words to heart: "I''ll ry this to your father when I return."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The mother and daughter talked in hushed tones for quite a while. When Jiang Xinyue started feeling drowsy, Lady Ruan tucked her in: "Rest well. The Emperor has invited me to stay for several days to keep youpany. We''ll have plenty of time together."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    It was indeed difficult for mother and daughter to meet while in the pce, and they had endless things to talk about. But having just given birth, her body was at its weakest, and Lady Ruan didn''t want to tire her out.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Jiang Xinyue nodded and fell into a deep sleep.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Imperial Physician, is my mistress alright?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Jingren Pce was brightly lit, with several Imperial Physicians gathered around Consort Rong''s bed, treating the necrotic flesh below her left shoulder.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Consort Rong, please bear with it. This subject needs to scrape off the necrotic flesh. It might be a bit painful."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Consort Rong gritted her teeth: "Go ahead and scrape!"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The Xuanwu Emperor stood at the doorway, not entering for a long time.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Lianqiao watched Consort Rong anxiously, feeling dissatisfied. She wiped her tears and said: "Your Highness, you took an arrow for the Emperor and suffered such a serious injury, yet he only gave you the title of Consort without even holding an investiture ceremony. For so long, apart from the Empress, no one in the harem hase to see you. Now that Consort Xian has given birth to a son, she''s stealing all the limelight. The Emperor only has eyes for her. How could he forget that you were willing to give up your life for him?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Enough!"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Consort Rong''s face was pale as she tried not to look at her wound: "My taking an arrow for the Emperor was just an instinctive action. It wasn''t deliberately done to make the Emperor grateful to me. Consort Xian is the one the Emperor favors. Why should I belittle myself byparing with her? I don''t have such great ambitions. I''m content to live peacefully in the pce."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "But..."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "If you continue to gossip like this, I won''t be able to keep you here."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Lianqiao''s eyes reddened: "Please forgive me, Your Highness. I won''t dare to do it again."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The Xuanwu Emperor turned his head and asked Wang Dequan: "Wasn''t there a grand investiture ceremony when Consort Rong was given her title?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Wang Dequan thought for a moment and said: "At that time, the Ye family had staged a pce coup. Your Majesty and the Empress were busy clearing out spies in the pce. When things calmed down a bit, Consort Xian was pushed down by Consort Yu. I suppose the Internal Affairs Department was too busy and forgot about it."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    After all, she was the consort who had taken an arrow for him, and also his cousin. The Xuanwu Emperor ordered: "Convey my imperial decree. Once Consort Rong''s wound has healed, hold a grand investiture ceremony for her in Taihe Hall."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

 Chapter 188

    Her wound had not yet healed, so she could not wearyers of luxurious clothing.


    After thinking for a moment, he continued: "Send some rewards over tomorrow, and inform Consort Rong of this news, to avoid making her feel disheartened."


    Although he had made thorough arrangements that day, even if Consort Rong hadn''t shielded him, he wouldn''t have actually been hit by the arrow.


    But the fact that Consort Rong was injured for him was undeniable.


    Wang Dequan naturally agreed to all of the Emperor''s instructions.


    When he entered through the curtains, several Imperial Physicians were standing behind the screen, directing the female doctors to scrape away the necrotic flesh around Consort Rong''s wound.


    Seeing the Emperor arrive, they all stopped their actions, intending to bow, but were stopped by the Xuanwu Emperor: "No need for formalities, Consort Rong''s wound is more urgent, please continue!"


    Lianqiao was startled and bit her lip, not daring to look at the Xuanwu Emperor. Had he heard everything she said earlier?


    Consort Rong''s clothes were half undone, but when the Xuanwu Emperor saw this, he didn''t have any inappropriate thoughts. He only felt that the arrowhead must have been truly sharp, as Consort Rong''s injury this time was not light.


    "Your Majesty..."


    "Don''t get up!"


    The Emperor pressed down on Consort Rong: "I''vee to see how you''re recovering."


    Lianqiao thought: It feels like he''s hinting at me!


    Anesthetic had been applied to the wound, so Consort Rong only felt a slight tingling sensation. However, watching the necrotic flesh being scraped away from her chest was still a frightening sight.


    Consort Rong smiled with a pale face: "Thank you for your concern, Your Majesty. I... I am fine."


    She certainly didn''t look fine.


    The Xuanwu Emperor turned to ask the Imperial Physician: "Will it leave a scar?"


    Women attach great importance to their appearance and skin, especially those in the pce. The more beautiful their outward appearance, the greater their chances of gaining favor.


    The Imperial Physician considered carefully before answering: "Consort Rong''s wound is deep enough to see bone, so it will definitely leave a scar. We will do our best to make the scar as light and small as possible for Consort Rong. If the color is light, it can be concealed with powder."


    Women apply powder when dressing up, and applying powder to the body can simrly conceal blemishes.


    Upon hearing that there would be a scar, Consort Rong''s entire demeanor wilted, her expression on the verge of tears.


    The Xuanwu Emperor coughed twice out of guilt: "Wang Dequan, I remember that among the tribute gifts from Goguryeo, there was some premium scar-removal gel. Have someone bring two jars for Consort Rong."


    "Yes, Your Majesty."


    Goguryeo had always been famous for its superior makeup and beauty techniques.


    Scar removal should also be quite good.


    After the wound was bandaged and the Imperial Physician instructed not to let it touch water, Consort Rong nodded and tried to stand up. However, due to the anesthetic, her delicate body fell helplessly into the Xuanwu Emperor''s arms.


    If she were to fall now, wouldn''t the wound burst open and bleed again?


    The Xuanwu Emperor could only reach out, avoiding her wound, and hold her slender waist, embracing her in his arms.


    Seeing this, Lianqiao quickly signaled to everyone with her eyes. Wang Dequan nced at the Emperor before retreating along with the Imperial Physicians and female doctors.


    Consort Rong''s eyes were full of coyness, her beautiful face flushed, exuding a charming and alluring aura.


    The Xuanwu Emperor avoided her passionate gaze, gentlyying her down and helping her lie on the bed: "My beloved, your arrow wound has not yet healed. You should not get out of bed or move around. I will arrange for pce servants to take good care of you. It''s alreadyte today, so I won''t disturb your rest. I''lle to see you another day."


    "Cousin!"


    Consort Rong grabbed the hem of his robe before he could withdraw, her eyes full of grief: "If it''s not Senior Concubine Xian, can it not be anyone else?"


    The atmosphere froze for a moment. The Xuanwu Emperor pulled back his robe and left the chamber without slowing his pace.


    Sometimes, silence is the best answer.


    The magnificent pce was like an exquisite cage, locking away what should have been a beautiful life.


    What use was this flower-like beauty?


    Without someone who truly appreciated her, she was like a flower deprived of water and sunlight, soon to wither and fade in this exquisite prison.


    "My Lady..."


    "Where... did His Majesty go?"


    "This servant heard His Majesty say he was returning to Chengqian Pce."


    Consort Rong gave a bitterugh: "I thought he was in such a hurry to go to Hexi Pce to apany Senior Concubine Xian."


    Lianqiao hesitated to speak, and seeing this, Consort Rong said tly: "If you have something to say, just say it."


    Lianqiao felt that her mistress should know, so she said: "His Majesty sent someone to bring Concubine Zhen''s mother into the pce."


    He didn''t go to Hexi Pce not because he didn''t want to, but out of consideration for Senior Concubine Xian. He left space and time for the mother and daughter to reunite, willing to inconvenience himself so that Senior Concubine Xian could maintain a good mood.


    "Crash!"


    The medicinal decoction that had just been prepared by the pce maid was pushed to the ground, shattering into pieces.


    The sky cleared, revealing a pristine blue.


    The first rays of morning sunlight filtered through the carved window into the inner chamber. A faint fragrance of fruits and melons rose continuously from therge incense burner.


    The tapestry on the east wall basked in the sunlight, its gold and silver embroidery reflecting dazzling light.


    Groups of pce maids entered in a line from the corridor, led by Xi Que and Shuang Jiang. Everything was so beautiful and gentle.


    Lady Ruan had already risen and was watching the Sixth Prince drink milk in the back hall.


    It wasn''t until Xi Que came to call her for breakfast in the front hall that she reluctantly returned to Jiang Xinyue''s chambers.


    All the other concubines in the pce had sent congrattory gifts. If it weren''t for the Emperor''s decree that no one was to disturb Senior Concubine Xian during her confinement period, the threshold of Hexi Pce would likely have been worn down by visitors.


    However, while the Emperor''s verbal order could stop the pce concubines, it couldn''t stop the eldest princess, the second princess, and the third prince.


    The small dining table was crowded with people today.


    The third prince red at the Fourth Prince with his big eyes, as if trying to bore two holes in his face.


    The eldest princess wasn''t as rxed as usual. She had heard from the pce servants about how her mother had pushed down Concubine Zhen, almost causing difficulties during childbirth.


    If it weren''t for the second princess insisting on bringing her to see their sixth prince brother today, she definitely wouldn''t have dared toe.


    She liked Concubine Zhen very much and was afraid of seeing a look of disgust in her eyes. That would have been a tremendous hurt for her.


    A piece of taro soaked in meat broth was ced in the eldest princess''s rice bowl. Looking up, she saw Concubine Zhen''s gaze, as gentle as ever: "What''s wrong? Our eldest princess usually eats with the most gusto. Why aren''t you using your chopsticks today? Is the food at Concubine Zhen''s ce not to the eldest princess''s liking?"


    "No, no... it''s not that..." The eldest princess''s eyes instantly reddened, her nose tingling as she said: "It''s very delicious."


    Jiang Xinyue knew what she was anxious about. She reached out to stroke her hair and smiled kindly at her: "Third prince, do you remember what Concubine Zhen told you? The grievances between adults have nothing to do with you children."


    "I remember, I remember!" The third prince excitedly raised his hand, snuggling up to Jiang Xinyue''s side and looking at the Fourth Prince with a challenging expression: "Father Emperor said the same thing."


    "Smack!"


    The third prince''s head received a light p. He yelped, looking at Jiang Xinyue in confusion, his mouth puckering up as if he was about to cry.

 Chapter 189

    "Remember how you used to bully Little Man?"


    Jiang Xinyue cupped the third prince''s small face in her hands, squishing it yfully as she looked into his adorably silly eyes and admonished him: "Little Man is your brother, just like Little Tuantuan. They are your flesh and blood, your closest kin. Concubine Zhen hopes that no matter who speaks ill of Little Man, you will be the first to stand up and defend him. Because he, like you and Little Tuantuan, is your father''s child. You should be the closest of family, do you understand?"


    The third prince seemed to be hearing such words for the first time. His big eyes were full of confusion as he said, "But... Consort Yu said he''s a mongrel, that his mother is the lowest of criminal ves, and that he doesn''t deserve to be with us..."


    "Who taught you to say such things?"


    An angry voice thundered as the Xuanwu Emperor swept in through the curtains. His oppressive gaze red at the third prince, frightening the boy into wailing loudly and burrowing into Jiang Xinyue''s embrace.


    The first and second princesses were so startled they dropped their chopsticks on the table, looking nervously at Jiang Xinyue with eyes full of fear.


    Only the fourth prince, who had never received his father''s attention nor been beaten by him, showed no fear. He eagerly ran over and asked, "Father, have you had breakfast? Mother has many delicious dishes here. I can share some with you."


    The Xuanwu Emperor picked up the fourth prince and sternly addressed the third prince: "The fourth prince is my son just as you are. If he''s a mongrel, then what does that make you?"


    While he disliked the fourth prince and his mother due to their scheming, that was one matter. But if such young children were already being indoctrinated with these ideas, the future struggles between princes would surely be life-and-death affairs.


    He did not want to see such a situation arise.


    The third prince trembled in Jiang Xinyue''s arms, too frightened even to cry out.


    "Why is Your Majesty being so fierce?" Jiang Xinyue hugged the third prince tightly,forting him. "What do children understand? They''re just mimicking adults'' attitudes towards Little Man. If Your Majesty is angry, you should confront Consort Yu and Consort De, and tell them to be more mindful of speaking ill of others in front of the children."


    The problem needed to be solved at its root, rather than shouting at children whocked the ability to discern right from wrong.


    The emperor, chastened by her rebuke, looked sheepish. "I was just worried in the heat of the moment that his words might hurt Little Man."


    "Protecting Little Man shouldn''te at the cost of hurting the third prince," Jiang Xinyue red at him. "This will only make the third prince resent Little Man more."


    Ignoring the emperor, she patted the third prince''s back and said, "Our third prince is such a good, sensible, and loving boy. I''m sure he can get along well with his brother, can''t he?"


    The third prince raised his tear-reddened eyes from her embrace, hesitantly nodding, "Concubine Zhen, I was wrong. I shouldn''t have bullied Little Man."


    Jiang Xinyue nodded approvingly. "Concubine Zhen knew the third prince didn''t mean it. Would you like to apologize to Little Man? I believe he also wants to be good friends with his big brother."


    The third prince sniffled, still somewhat reluctant, but the hostility in his eyes towards the fourth prince had already diminished significantly.


    Children at this age have the strongest sense of pride. Feeling a bit embarrassed about having to apologize, he blushed and said, "Little Man, I''m sorry. I shouldn''t have said those things about you. I won''t do it again in the future. Will you forgive me?"


    The fourth prince smiled shyly, "So we''ll be good friends from now on, right?"


    The third prince nodded vigorously, "Yes!"


    The first princess sighed, feeling that her mother''s loss to Concubine Zhen was well-deserved.


    Just look at how she had calmed the emperor''s temper with a few words, and even scolded the angry emperor into submission.


    No other concubine in the entire pce had such ability.


    Like a beast tamer who had subdued a fierce animal, Concubine Zhen seemed particrly formidable for having tamed the wild beast that was the emperor.


    Lady Ruan watched in amazement.


    She knew her daughter was favored, even surpassing the former Noble Consort Li.


    But she didn''t realize that "favored" was no longer sufficient to describe her daughter''s position.


    This was far beyond mere favor. To dare speak to the emperor in such a manner, and for the emperor not only to show no anger but to seem delighted ¨C it was as if they were treating her Xinyue like an ancestor to be worshipped.


    It was terrifying!


    Over the next month, the emperor stayed at Hexi Pce almost every night. After experiencing the sixth prince''s night crying, bloating, and inability to settle, the emperor grew increasingly attached... to the sixth prince.


    Early this morning, he even secretly asked Wang Dequan, "Do you think anyone would notice if I sneaked the sixth prince into court?"


    By now, he was proficient in washing the sixth prince''s bottom and changing his diapers. It was no exaggeration to say that if he could nurse the sixth prince like a wet nurse, he wouldn''t let anyone else handle the child.


    He could take care of everything himself.


    It was just a bit tiring for a father.


    At night, Xinyue liked to sleep with the child, saying that children who sleep with their birth parents feel more secure, grow up to be more emotionally stable, and are better at expressing their feelings.


    So when the Xuanwu Emperor wanted to sleep with Jiang Xinyue, the sixth prince had to be ced between them.


    Every hour, Little Tuantuan needed to be fed and have his diaper changed.


    At first, Jiang Xinyue did everything herself, but after a couple of days, sheined of back and leg pain, and nearly fainted during the day due tock of sleep.


    The emperor was distressed and had no choice but to take over this important task. He was mainly worried that calling someone every hour would disturb Jiang Xinyue''s sleep, so he had to quietly get up and do these things himself.


    In just one month, the weight he had gained from eating postpartum meals with Jiang Xinyue quickly melted away.


    But he had noints. If he didn''t see the sixth prince for a day, he would feel anxious.


    Jiang Xinyue analyzed this from a psychological perspective, calling it "paternal attachment."


    As is well known, paternal and maternal love are the most selfless, unrequited, and great forms of love in this world.


    Jiang Xinyue had kept the Xuanwu Emperor in Hexi Pce for this month so that he would personally handle everything rted to the sixth prince.


    When he became adept at tasks including but not limited to changing diapers and soothing the baby to sleep, she instructed Nanny Xiang and Xi Que to deliberately act clumsy when holding the sixth prince.


    This way, the emperor would feel that the son he had so carefully raised could not be handled well by others, and that only he could care for the child properly.


    He would be dissatisfied with anyone else touching his child, believing that no one could care for the baby as well as he could.


    With all his energy focused on the sixth prince, aside from his duties as emperor, what time did he have for other matters?


    The harem concubines''ints?


    Those wouldn''t reach his ears; they all went to the Empress to voice their grievances.

 Chapter 190

    Lady Ruan felt as if she were floating on a soft cloud as Jiang Chuan escorted her out through the imposing gates of the imperial pce, her steps unsteady.


    The Jiang family''s carriage was waiting just outside the pce gates. Seeing Lady Ruan''s dazed expression, Jiang Yankun thought something must have happened inside and quickly jumped down from the carriage to support her. "My dear, what''s wrong? Has something happened to Xinyue?"


    Everyone longed for the overwhelming favor of the emperor, but those who received it lived each day in fear, never knowing when that favor might turn into a death sentence.


    Lady Ruan''s gaze was nk as she mechanically turned her head. She seemed to be looking at Jiang Yankun, yet also looking through him into the future.


    She blinked twice, still with an expression of disbelief, and slowly said, "My husband, I believe that grand dream of yours may not be impossible to realize after all."


    What a nonsensical thing to say out of nowhere.


    Jiang Yankun helped Lady Ruan into the carriage. As they settled in, a sudden realization struck him: "Mydy, what did you mean by what you just said? How could my grand dream be realized? Did the emperor say something?"


    His only grand dream was to support the Sixth Prince in bing Crown Prince and eventually emperor. Then he would be the emperor''s maternal grandfather.


    Lady Ruan shook her head. "The emperor didn''t say anything."


    Jiang Yankun couldn''t hide his disappointment. "Then why do you look so dazed?"


    "Our daughter Xinyue..."


    Lady Ruan recounted in detail how their daughter hadforted the eldest princess, scolded the third prince, and even reprimanded the emperor himself.


    She concluded with a sigh, "My husband, I''ve seen my fair share of nobles in my life, but I''ve never seen a concubine who dared scold her husband like that. Even proper wives are always respectful, treating their husbands with the utmost reverence. Our Xinyue is truly remarkable - she has the emperor wrapped around her finger."


    Though inwardly shocked, Jiang Yankun maintained a calm facade to appear worldly in front of Lady Ruan. He said casually, "What''s so surprising about that? A daughter of the Jiang family is naturally far superior to thosemon girls."


    His daughter had entered the pce just two years ago, and had already risen from a mere Noble Lady to be the Senior Concubine Xian, first among the four imperial consorts. She had even given birth to a prince. How could she be an ordinary person?


    Having witnessed the extent of Jiang Xinyue''s favor, Lady Ruan wholeheartedly agreed with Jiang Yankun''s assessment.


    Well then, if she had given birth to such an extraordinary daughter, surely she herself must be even more extraordinary.


    As the clip-clop of horse hooves gradually faded, Jiang Yankun felt a growing excitement. He was eager to return home and carefully n his next moves.


    He was now a high-ranking official of the second grade, and many other officials had begun seeking his patronage upon seeing the emperor''s recent favor towards him.


    However, Xinyue had warned that her prominence in the pce meant the Jiang family would likely be under scrutiny outside the pce as well. Therefore, he needed to proceed with the utmost caution.


    The current emperor disliked officials forming factions, so Jiang Yankun had cultivated a few advisors. These advisors, dressed as ordinary people to avoid attention, served as intermediaries to ry messages with the officials who sought connection with the Jiang family.


    Hmm?


    Lost in thought, Jiang Yankun realized he had been standing beside the carriage for quite some time, yet Lady Ruan still hadn''t alighted.


    He lifted the carriage curtain and urged, "Mydy, pleasee down quickly. I have important matters to attend to."


    "Ahem..."


    Lady Ruan lifted her chin haughtily, casting a sidelong nce at him. Then, with an air of noble grace, she extended her hand, indicating that Jiang Yankun should help her down from the carriage.


    After all, she was now the birth mother of Concubine Zhenxian. Even Xinyue''s father had to take a step back in her presence!


    If not now, when else would she have such an opportunity to put on airs?


    Lady Ruan''s face bore a slightly arrogant yet somewhat bashful expression, her eyes twinkling with childlike mirth.


    Jiang Yankun was taken aback for a moment, suddenly recalling the first time he had seen her twenty years ago.


    Back then, Lady Ruan had been a dancer at the Ruyang Prince''s Residence. She was stunningly beautiful, pure as ice and clean as jade. Many officials attended the prince''s banquets just to catch a glimpse of the legendary beauty.


    He too had been one of those drawn by her fame.


    Twenty years had passed, yet her beauty remained unchanged. Free from Lady Zhou''s oppression, her personality was bing more like it had been in the past.


    Jiang Yankun chuckled softly and extended his hand to her. "We''re home, mydy. Please alight."


    Only then did Lady Ruan shake her head slightly, delightedly taking Jiang Yankun''s hand as she stepped down from the carriage.


    "My lord, my lord!"


    Just as they entered the main gate hand in hand, a figure in bright red came rushing towards them, carrying an eight-year-old girl in her arms. "Miss Mengyi was pushed into the water by the third young miss! The family doctor is on leave. Please save Mengyi, my lord! If anything happens to her, I cannot go on living!"


    Startled, Lady Ruan quickly let go of Jiang Yankun''s hand. Reacting even faster, she ordered someone to take Jiang Mengyi from the woman''s arms. "Quickly... take the fifth young miss to the nearest clinic. Use the carriage that just brought me back from the pce. Hurry!"


    The little girl''s lips had turned bluish-purple, her body was shaking uncontrobly, and her face was deathly pale. The situation looked dire.


    Concubine Lin tearfully expressed her gratitude as she followed the servants carrying Jiang Mengyi to the carriage, clumsily climbing aboard herself.


    Jiang Yankun frowned. "What happened? How could the third young miss push the fifth young miss into the water for no reason?"


    An elderly maid stepped forward to exin: "My lord, the third young miss was making a fuss about wanting to follow the second madam into the pce. She said she wanted... wanted Concubine Xian to request an imperial physician for the first madam. She also said that before Concubine Xian entered the pce, if the first madam told her to go east, she wouldn''t dare go west. She called her..."


    The maid nced at Lady Ruan, then suddenly fell to her knees. "This old servant dares to speak boldly, only so that my lord and the second madam can seek justice for our fifth young miss. Please don''t me this old servant. When the household servants stopped the third young miss from leaving, she began shouting vulgar insults about the second madam and Concubine Xian in the back garden. The fifth young miss used to be very close to Concubine Xian, so when she heard the third young miss speaking so crudely, she tried to reason with her. As a result... as a result, the third young miss grabbed her hair and threw her into the koi pond in the back garden that madam loves so much. By the time we servants realized what had happened, the fifth young miss was already drowning."


    At that moment, there wasn''t a single maid by the pond who knew how to swim. The male servants who could swim didn''t dare to rashly jump in to save her, fearing they might touch the young miss inappropriately and lose their lives as a consequence.


    They might save the fifth young miss, but at the cost of their own lives.


    In the end, it was the fifth young miss''s wet nurse, Nanny Chun, who is now giving this report, who found a bamboo pole. Together with the people on the shore, they managed to fish the fifth young miss out of the water.


    The third young miss, realizing she had nearly caused a tragedy, had already fled back to her own quarters.


    Lady Ruan''s eyes flickered. It seemed Concubine Lin was trying to curry favor with her!


    The fifth young miss probably wasn''t in any real danger.


    The one truly in danger was likely the third young miss, Jiang Yulin.

 Chapter 191

    "This wretched creature is getting more and more outrageous."


    Before the New Year, she had insisted on dragging Lady Zhou to go ice skating on theke, ignoring all the servants'' attempts to dissuade her. As a result, she fell into the icy water herself.


    Lady Zhou, desperate to save her daughter, rushed onto the already cracked ice surface without a second thought. She managed to pull Jiang Yulin out and push her to safety, but sank into the freezingke herself.


    The servants didn''t dare approach the shattered ice and could only use tools to rescue Lady Zhou.


    However, due to being submerged in the icy water for too long, and because Lady Zhou couldn''t swim, she had swallowed a stomach full of freezing water. That night, she became delirious with fever.


    Jiang Yankun had never seen someone so feverish that their entire body seemed to be steaming.


    This unfilial daughter showed no remorse and even tried to kill her own sister.


    Jiang Yankun stormed into Jiang Yulin''s embroidery chamber, furious. Since her elder sister Jiang Yutong had entered the pce, Jiang Yulin had been the sole upant of the chamber.


    "My lord..."


    The nanny of the embroidery chamber had barely approached when Jiang Yankun kicked her. His face flushed red as he shouted, "Where''s Ling''er? Tell her toe out!"


    The nanny fell to the ground and crawled to kneel at Jiang Yankun''s feet. "My lord, the Third Miss is traumatized and feeling unwell. She has already gone to bed."


    "She''s traumatized?" Jiang Yankun could hardly believe such shameless words coulde from his daughter. He widened his eyes, "One might think the Fifth Miss had pushed her into the koi pond! How dare she sleep aftermitting such a grievous error? Quickly call her out, or I''ll sell off every servant in this courtyard today. It''s you despicable ves who whisper nonsense in the young miss''s ear all day, making her so extreme and vicious."


    Using "vicious" to describe his own daughter seemed a bit excessive, but Lady Ruan felt he wasn''t harsh enough.


    Some people are born wicked, like Jiang Yutong and Jiang Yulin. Perhaps they inherited Lady Zhou''s arrogance and cruelty, which is why they all came to bad ends.


    After Sister Yue entered the pce, Jiang Yulin bullied Yan Sister quite often. But as a legitimate daughter, Lady Ruan couldn''t openly do anything about it. She could only teach Yan Sister to use Sister Yue''s old tactics of ying the fragile flower in front of her father.


    In private, Lady Ruan only put on a show. The treatment in the embroidery chamber was now worlds apart from when Lady Zhou was in charge.


    Yet others still thought her kind and virtuous. They believed Lady Zhou had spoiled the Third Miss, while Lady Ruan was strict.


    "Spare the rod, spoil the child" - Lady Ruan understood this principle.


    Fearing people would discover she was killing Jiang Yulin with kindness, she deliberately reduced her allowance, hired strict etiquette teachers, and confined her at home to practice needlework. Everything seemed to be for Jiang Yulin''s benefit; no one could find fault.


    Who wouldn''t praise her for being so kind and magnanimous, caring so much for a stepdaughter?


    In reality, these iron-fisted methods were all harmful to Jiang Yulin.


    She had been pampered and willful, used to having her way. Suddenly, without any preparation, she was thrust into a hellish training regimen. She didn''t see Lady Ruan''s actions as good intentions, only felt intense resistance and hostility.


    Lady Ruan hadid enough groundwork before. Now Concubine Lin had given her the perfect opportunity topletely destroy Jiang Yulin.


    Hiding behind the door, Jiang Yulin heard her father call her "vicious" and immediately burst into tears of grievance.


    She rushed out of her bedchamber, shouting loudly, "Yes, I''m vicious! My mother and I are both vicious! We deserve to die to make way for your pure and kind new wife. For your own glory and wealth, you disregard my mother''s life. You heartless man, you won''te to a good end!"


    "How dare you!" This time Jiang Yankun was truly enraged. He raised his hand, about to p her.


    "Husband, don''t..." Lady Ruan grabbed his arm, shaking her head with reddened eyes. "We can talk this through. Don''t hit the child. I''m sure there''s some misunderstanding."


    "p!"


    Lady Ruan stopped Jiang Yankun from hitting Jiang Yulin, but couldn''t prevent Jiang Yulin from pping her instead. "You bitch, get out of here! Who needs your fake kindness? Everyone knows my father treats my mother this way because of you!"


    "I..." Lady Ruan covered her face asrge teardrops rolled down. "Third Miss, I''ve never had any ill will towards you or the First Madam. It''s you who always think I''m going to steal your father away and target me at every turn. If I were truly insincere, I wouldn''t havee here today. Just based on what you said earlier, do you think your father wouldn''t have beaten you to death?"


    Jiang Yulin didn''t know how to refute this, but she could clearly sense Lady Ruan''s malice. She stubbornly refused to show any weakness.


    "p!"


    Jiang Yankun''s hand struck Jiang Yulin''s face. "Fine. From now on, if your stepmother doesn''t hold me back, I''ll beat you to death today. Let''s see if you beg for mercy then!"


    "My lord... my lord, please don''t!" The long, thick cane that had been used for decades was brought out. Jiang Yankun gripped the handle andshed it across Jiang Yulin''s body. She rolled on the ground in pain.


    After seven or eightshes, Jiang Yulin couldn''t take it anymore. She rolled on the ground, begging for mercy. "Father, I was wrong, I know I was wrong. Father... father, please stop hitting me, wuwuwu... I truly know I was wrong."


    Her face also bore an angry red welt, a shocking sight to behold.


    In Hexi Pce¡ª


    Jiang Xinyue had just gotten up and taken a few steps when Jiang Chuan entered. "Your Highness, a letter has arrived from the Jiang family outside the pce."


    "No one else saw it, right?"


    "Rest assured, Your Highness. It was still our people..."


    Jiang Xinyue nodded and tore open the envelope.


    The letter was from her eldest brother. It said that the Third Sister had fallen ill due to constant worry over their mother''s condition and developed hysteria. Their father nned to send her to a temple to chant sutras and pray. He was writing to inform her of this.


    Jiang Xinyue read it and immediately burned the letter. She could guess that Jiang Yulin, that fool, had probably done something stupid again to anger their father.


    Lady Zhou was critically ill, her eldest brother was simple-minded and weak, Jiang Yutong had turned to bones, and now Jiang Yulin was being sent to a temple. Their branch of the family was truly dwindling.


    This meant her mother would now dominate the Jiang household.


    Excellent!


    "Your Highness! Are you ready? His Majesty has ordered this servant to bring the Sixth Prince over. All the members of the imperial n have already gathered."


    Jiang Xinyue wore a deep purple consort''s robe, her hair styled in an borate bun adorned with a consort''s golden crown iid with luminous pearls. Long golden hairpins were inserted on both sides of the crown, their tops adorned with delicate dangling ornaments that shimmered like cascading gold threads, falling over her shoulders and back. In the flickering candlelight, she looked resplendent and majestic.


    Today was the Sixth Prince''s one-month celebration banquet.


    Jiang Xinyue was fully dressed, but she still instructed Nanny Xiang to carry the milk-drinking bundle who was chewing on his hand. "You and Eunuch Wang take the Sixth Prince over together."


    Tonight, she absolutely had to make a grand entrance as the finale.

 Chapter 192

    At this year''s pce banquet, the dazzling and resplendent Concubine Li was absent. In her ce was Consort Li, seated far from the imperial throne.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Without her luxurious attire and jeweled adornments, she appearedckluster when others looked at her now.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Strangely, how could anyone have previously thought Senior Concubine Xian was her substitute, believing their beauty to beparable? The difference was clearly vast.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    All the guests had arrived, with the Emperor and Empress seated at the main position, yet Senior Concubine Xian was nowhere to be seen.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Consort Yu was under house arrest, and without her sarcastic remarks, the entire banquet atmosphere seemed particrly harmonious.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "The Sixth Prince arrives¡ª"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    It was the Sixth Prince arriving, not Concubine Zhenxian. It seemed Wang Dequan had brought out tonight''s main character.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Behind Wang Dequan followed a dignified old nanny, cradling a small infant wrapped in an imperial yellow swaddling cloth. They slowly approached and knelt down: "This old servant pays respects to Your Majesty and Her Majesty the Empress."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The Xuanwu Emperor sprang to his feet, descended the steps, and skillfully took the Sixth Prince into his arms. He tucked the swaddling cloth, which had been blown open by the wind, back under the little bundle''s armpits, his expression tender and full of love.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "So this is the Sixth Prince! He''s so fair, just like Your Majesty."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Indeed! Look at that nose and those eyes, they''re exactly like His Majesty''s, as if carved from the same mold."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Congrattions to Your Majesty! The Sixth Prince has the bearing of a dragon and the countenance of a phoenix. One look and you can tell he''s blessed with great fortune."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Empress Zhu watched as the officials around her told tant lies with straight faces, maintaining a proper smile.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    In her heart, she cursed: A bunch of old fools ttering without thinking. I''m so close and can barely see the tip of the Sixth Prince''s nose, how on earth can you see his eyes and nose?<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    But clearly, the Xuanwu Emperor didn''t think so. The Emperor beside her smiled so broadly that wrinkles appeared at the corners of his eyes, looking extremely pleased.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Jiang Yuan, due to her father and brother''s favor in court, had now be a fourth-rank Noble Lady.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    But what use was a higher rank?<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    She had lost her youth and beauty to the ravages of the Pce of Exile. Although she was actually a few years younger than the Empress, she looked over a decade older.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    If it hadn''t been for the Empress framing her for poisoning Concubine Zhenxian, causing the Emperor to banish her to the Pce of Exile, she wouldn''t be in this state today.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Next spring, new pcedies would be entering the pce. Now the Emperor didn''t even remember her existence. Next year, even if her father and brother were in favor, it would have nothing to do with her.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Because her half-sister was on the list of candidates for next year.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "The Dowager Empress arrives¡ª"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Amidst the eunuch''s announcement, the Dowager Empress entered gracefully, surrounded by her entourage.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Whispers arose in the great hall: "Why has the Dowager Empress returned? Wasn''t she supposed to be at the southern pce?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Choosing to return specifically for Senior Concubine Xian''s investiture ceremony and the Sixth Prince''s full month celebration, isn''t she deliberately causing trouble for Senior Concubine Xian?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "As expected of the Dowager Empress, she knows how to pick her moments."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "I wonder what expression Senior Concubine Xian will have when she sees the Dowager Empress has returned?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Some also noticed Pei Wu following behind the Dowager Empress''s procession, lowering their voices: "Isn''t that the granddaughter of the Minister of the Secretariat? Why is she with the Dowager Empress?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Now that you mention it, we haven''t seen her for a long time. Who would have thought she''d aligned herself with the Dowager Empress?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "It''s not exactly a good ship to board. We can all see clearly the Emperor''s attitude towards the Dowager Empress. By attaching herself to the Dowager Empress, she''ll fall out of the Emperor''s favor."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "There''s no other choice. I see the Emperor is wholeheartedly devoted to Senior Concubine Xian. We don''t even know what next year''s selection of pcedies will be like."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    At the front, the Emperor frowned upon seeing the Dowager Empress, tightening his hold on the Sixth Prince.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    He could easily hand the Sixth Prince over to Nanny Xiang and have her take him away, to avoid any potential harm should the Dowager Empress have another outburst.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    But... why should he?<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Today was a most auspicious day, calcted by the Imperial Astronomers. The Sixth Prince turned one month old on the twelfth of the fifth month, but for this auspicious day, he had postponed the celebrations for both Yue''er and the little one by three days, setting it on the fifteenth of the fifth month.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    He wanted mother and son to have their moment of glory, not to retreat because of the Dowager Empress''s arrival.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Emperor, why didn''t you send someone to inform me in the South about my grandson''s full month celebration? You won''t me me foring uninvited, will you?" she said, immediately looking to cause trouble, her words full of reproach.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The Xuanwu Emperor smiled, freeing one hand to support her: "Mother, what are you saying? The southern scenery is pleasant, and I thought that given your advanced age, with the scorching heat of the sixth month approaching, it would be better for you to stay there through the height of summer. I nned to send for you after that, to spare you the exhaustion of travel."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The implication was clear: at your age, you shouldn''t be exerting yourself.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The Dowager Empress caught his hidden meaning and snorted coldly: "I wouldn''t miss my grandson''s full month celebration for anything."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    She looked down at the little bundle in the Xuanwu Emperor''s arms, frowning: "So this is the Sixth Prince? Has he been named?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Yes, he''s called Shen Mingye."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The character ''ye'' implied a future that would be bright and glorious.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    It seemed the Emperor had high hopes for this little one, full of love.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The Dowager Empress didn''t react, her gaze falling on the seat to the Emperor''s left. Without a word, she sat down.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Concubine Zhenxian arrives¡ª"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Some coincidences in this world are truly beyond human control.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Who knew Jiang Xinyue would time it so perfectly? Just as the Dowager Empress had taken her seat, her figure appeared before everyone''s eyes.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    She was wearing the ceremonial robes of the highest-ranking concubine, no longer in the fresh pink and white colors. A blue cor encircled a stretch of her snow-white neck, with an innermost dark-patterned wide-sleeved robe, an apricot-colored middle robe embroidered with flying birds and flowers reaching her ankles, and a near-crimson long coat embroidered with auspicious patterns. The outermostyer was a ck long jacket with blue-green sleeves.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The deeperyers had longer sleeves, while the outer sleeves were shorter, revealingyer uponyer of patterns at the cuffs, giving an impression of understated luxury, full of the dignity and elegance thates with age.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The crane and flower pattern on her chest was the finishing touch, bringing the entire outfit to life.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Jiang Xinyue''s skin was snow-white, adorned with two pearl nes of different lengths. The pearls didn''t need strong light to emit a dazzling glow, illuminating her entire being as if she were a heavenly fairy, resplendent and iparably beautiful.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The golden crown on her head made crisp collision sounds, and the green leaves and red flowers embroidered on her snow-white feather fan seemed toe alive as she gently waved it. The tassels on the fan quivered, as if the flowers, birds, and branches had alle to life around her, creating a sacred sense of all birds paying homage to the phoenix.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    She also saw that someone was already seated in her rightful ce.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    As she drew closer, she realized an uninvited guest had taken her seat.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "This concubine pays respects to Your Majesty, Her Majesty the Empress, the Dowager Empress..."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    She didn''t skimp on the proper etiquette, but after the Emperor bid her to rise, she walked unyieldingly to the Dowager Empress, her attitude firm: "Dowager Empress, this is this concubine''s seat."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

 Chapter 193

    Standing behind the Dowager Empress as an invisible person, Pei Wu was somewhat surprised as she looked at her. She hadn''t expected her to be so direct.


    She had thought that someone who could climb to the top of the four imperial consorts in just two years would be a wless woman with deep scheming abilities.


    But as she observed, Concubine Zhenxian had an amiable countenance. Even when facing the Dowager Empress who hade uninvited and deliberately upied her seat, she still maintained a righteous gaze. When she pointed out that this was her own seat, it seemed as if she was using the most ordinary tone to indicate that the Dowager Empress had made a mistake, hoping she would correct it immediately.


    While you might feel she was being very polite, you could also hear another meaning in her words - that is, get up quickly.


    When facing the smiling Jiang Xinyue, the Dowager Empress instinctively wanted to take two steps back, to distance herself from her. But she realized she was sitting in a chair, and with all eyes on her, she couldn''t possibly start hitting herself as if she had gone mad!


    The court officials weren''t blind after all.


    She frowned, "Although you are now Concubine Zhenxian, don''t forget that I am the Dowager Empress."


    "This humble consort knows you are the Dowager Empress, but this seat belongs to me."


    No matter who you are, this seat is mine.


    The Dowager Empress''s fury was about to erupt from the top of her head again, her fingers pinching her handkerchief, "I am the Dowager Empress, I should rightfully sit in the seat of honor."


    She didn''t want to fight for the Empress''s seat, that sickly woman, and besides, it would be strange for the Dowager Empress to sit next to the Emperor, pushing the Empress away.


    But she was the Dowager Empress, she should rightfully sit with the Empress, one on each side of the Emperor. Why should Jiang Xinyue, the daughter of a lowly ve, sit next to the Emperor?


    "Seat of honor?" Jiang Xinyue''s eyes flickered, and she smiled, "Thank you for reminding me, Dowager Empress."


    She turned to smile at the Emperor, taking the little bundle from his arms, "Your Majesty, everyone has taken their seats, we should quickly sit down and start the banquet. The Dowager Empress has had a tiring journey,ing straight here without even returning to Cining Pce. She must be starving, we must be careful not to incur her wrath again."


    The beautiful imperial consort held the Emperor''s wrist with one hand and cradled the infant with the other, looking as beautiful as a painting.


    She quickly walked behind the Emperor''s dragon throne, letting the Xuanwu Emperor sit down, then ced the little bundle in his arms, and stood beside the throne, behind the Xuanwu Emperor.


    Wasn''t a seat of honor wanted?


    Is this honorable enough?


    Pei Wu''s jaw nearly dropped. Could there be such a move?


    "Concubine Zhenxian is being ridiculous, Emperor, are you allowing her to do this?" The Dowager Empress shouted at the Xuanwu Emperor in fury, "What kind of propriety is this?"


    The Emperor nodded thoughtfully, "Indeed, it is improper."


    He beckoned to Wang Dequan, "Add another seat beside me for Concubine Zhenxian."


    How could he let his dear Yue stand? She was one of the main characters of tonight.


    Jiang Yankun smiled with satisfaction. It seemed that everything Qingniang said was true, the Emperor indeed treated Sister Yue differently.


    The positions of the Empress and Jiang Xinyue were originally at the same distance, but with the Dowager Empress''s fuss, the table and chair added by the Emperor sessfully became the closest position to him.


    It was she who, in order to show respect to the Empress, voluntarily moved her seat forward a bit, creating the visual effect that only the Empress and the Dowager Empress were side by side.


    In fact, the Emperor had the pce servants ce Jiang Xinyue''s table and chair right next to him, a bit forward, making Jiang Xinyue entirely shrouded in the Emperor''s shadow, as if this woman waspletely under his wing, appearing gentle and obedient even though she had already ascended to a high position.


    The Dowager Empress was very displeased, but the other party had already given up the position to her. She thought she had humiliated Jiang Xinyue, but didn''t expect to make everyone present more deeply aware that Concubine Zhenxian was unbeatable.


    Because she had won the heart of the Xuanwu Emperor.


    How could there be such a contradictory and meaningful person?


    Pei Wu curiously looked at Jiang Xinyue... How could someone''s eyes show not a trace of affection, yet their actions constantly demonstrate deep love for the Emperor?


    How could Jiang Xinyue not be a person of extreme sensitivity?


    Those eyes held no malice, only pure curiosity. She turned her head, looking precisely behind the Dowager Empress.


    The young woman looked a few years younger than her, with first-ss beauty, wearing a in light green banner gown, as if not wanting to attract attention. Her hair was adorned with only a single cyan white jade magnolia flower, making her appear fresh, elegant, quiet, and graceful.


    When those bright eyes saw Jiang Xinyue looking over, they didn''t show any panic. Instead, they blinked gently, revealing a slightly shy smile.


    Jiang Xinyue returned the smile before looking away, but in her heart she was screaming frantically: This little sisterpletely fits my aesthetic preferences, but she''s the Dowager Empress''s person, surely brought in from outside topete with me. Ah, ah, ah... Why? Why does that dog emperor deserve this?


    Pei Wu''s beauty was also recognized as the number one beauty in the capital, although after today, the title of the most beautiful might quietly shift to Concubine Zhenxian. But Pei Wu''s beauty, which had topped the rankings, was undeniable.


    So far, Pei Wu was the only potential rival in the harem that Jiang Xinyue couldn''t bear to oppose in the future.


    Jiang Xinyue had already automatically considered Pei Wu as part of the harem, because based on her understanding of the Emperor''s nature, no matter how much he resisted initially, he would eventually "fall in love" with Pei Wu.


    Amidst everyone''s varying thoughts, officials from the Imperial Astronomical Bureau came out to announce the birth of the Sixth Prince to the world.


    However, too many royal children had died young, so generally, newborn princes who were less than six months old were not recorded in the royal family genealogy.


    The Xuanwu Emperor''s feelings for the Sixth Prince were different, and he couldn''t tolerate anyone saying anything bad about him.


    How could a child he had personally cared for since in the womb possibly die young?


    Thus, Sixth Prince Shen Mingye became the first prince in the history of the Great Yan Dynasty to be recorded in the royal jade genealogy book just afterpleting his first month.


    The imperial consorts presented various gold and jade ornaments symbolizing good fortune, as well as personally prepared gifts. The head of the Internal Affairs Department then read out the imperial edict conferring the title of Concubine Zhenxian upon Jiang Xinyue.


    The consorts present all showed looks of envy.


    The Sixth Prince, suddenly seeing so many people, felt a bit ufortable and began to cry in the Emperor''s arms.


    His pouting appearance made the Xuanwu Emperor''s heart ache terribly, and he quickly called for Nanny Xiang, "Why is the little bundle crying?"


    Nanny Xiang took the Sixth Prince, "Your Majesty, it''s too noisy here. This old servant will take the Sixth Prince downstairs. He must be wanting to sleep."


    The great hall was filled with the sounds of songs, dances, and instruments, as well as the chatter of so many people. It was too rowdy, and the Sixth Prince was still too young, his ears couldn''t handle it.


    "Your Majesty, this humble consort wishes to apany the Sixth Prince."


    With so many people around tonight, Jiang Xinyue wanted to apany the child herself for safety''s sake.


    The Xuanwu Emperor thought for a moment. The necessary procedures had all beenpleted, and he was also concerned about the Sixth Prince''s health. Thinking of his own childhood, whenever he felt unwell, he always hoped his imperial consort mother would be by his side, only to have his hopes dashed every time.


    His Ye''er couldn''t have a childhood like his.


    "Alright, beloved consort, you go ahead. When the banquet is over, I wille to Hexi Pce to join you."


    Jiang Xinyue raised her eyes to nce at the Empress and Pei Wu, somewhat disbelieving.

 Chapter 194

    Even if the Xuanwu Emperor had fended off Pei Wu''s advances, today was the 15th, and ording to pce rules, the Emperor was supposed to visit the Empress''s chambers on the 1st and 15th of every month.


    Although it wasn''t umon for the Emperor to break the rules for other concubines, Jiang Xinyue firmly believed that the Empress would not be pleased to see her so triumphant.


    It would be difficult for the Emperor to escape tonight.


    Nevertheless, she smiled sweetly and went down with Nanny Xiang.


    Nanny Li hadn''t attended the pce banquet today. She remained in Hexi Pce, watching over the wet nurse, not allowing anyone to approach her or letting her eat anything from outside Hexi Pce.


    They didn''t know if the Sixth Prince was allergic to fish or shrimp, and he was still so young that the slightest mistake could put him in danger.


    Although the wet nurse was reluctant to live such a confined life, the treatment from the Honored Consort was extremely good, and even her family had received favors. Moreover, from the day she was chosen as the Sixth Prince''s wet nurse, there was no chance of turning back.


    "Nanny Li..." a pce maid came in carrying several sets of clothes. "The Honored Consort had the Imperial Wardrobe make new clothes for us. These are for you and Aunt Cheng."


    Aunt Cheng was the Sixth Prince''s wet nurse.


    Good things had been happening frequently in Hexi Pcetely. The Honored Consort was in a good mood, and the pce maids serving her received many benefits.


    Even the Empress''s Yikun Pce hadn''t yet provided new summer clothes for its servants, but Hexi Pce was already a step ahead.


    Everyone in the pce knew how favored the Honored Consort Jiang was, and no one in the Bureau of Pce Affairs dared to say anything.


    Aunt Cheng wasn''t very old, only in her twenties, and her temperament wasn''t very steady yet.


    Seeing the beautiful, soft new clothes, she eagerly went forward to examine them closely, then turned back to Nanny Li and said, "The embroidery skills in the pce are really better than those outside. I''ve never seen such intricate hidden embroidery outside before."


    Nanny Li didn''t want to restrain her temperament too much, lest it backfire.


    After all, once the Sixth Prince was weaned, they wouldn''t need a wet nurse anymore.


    She also smiled slightly and said, "The pce embroiderers are naturally the best."


    "The Honored Consort has returned!"


    A pce maid outside gave advance notice, and Aunt Cheng quickly put down the clothes in her hands. Even if she couldn''t control her temperament well, she knew that the Honored Consort was her meal ticket and someone she couldn''t afford to offend.


    Jiang Xinyue directly brought the Sixth Prince to the wet nurse''s room. After looking around and finding nothing amiss, she let Nanny Xiang hand the Sixth Prince to the wet nurse.


    "Wait!"


    In themplight, Aunt Cheng''s hands reflected tiny fragments of light.


    It wasn''t something that human skin could naturally emit, only visible under the reflection of candlelight.


    "What did you just hold in your hands?"


    Just as Nanny Xiang was about to hand the Sixth Prince to Aunt Cheng, Jiang Xinyue grabbed Nanny Xiang''s hand, took the Sixth Prince into her own arms, and stepped back.


    Aunt Cheng looked at her hands in confusion, not noticing anything wrong.


    But Nanny Li, standing to the side, also saw the faint, phosphorescent glow on her hands.


    She immediately reacted, pointing to the clothes set aside and said, "In response to the Honored Consort, from the time you left Hexi Pce until now, Nurse Cheng has only touched those clothes over there."


    Jiang Xinyue immediately said to Jiang Chuan, "No one is to touch anything. Seal off Hexi Pce and go summon Yan the Imperial Physician."


    Jiang Chuan hurriedlyplied, while Xiao Xuanzi went to seal the main gate of Hexi Pce.


    Aunt Cheng''s hands were suspended in the air, her eyes full of fear. "Honored Consort, Honored Consort... Am I... Am I poisoned and going to die?"


    Jiang Xinyue handed the Sixth Prince to Nanny Xiang, shielding both of them behind her. "Whether you''re poisoned or not can only be determined after Yan the Imperial Physician arrives. For now, stay away from the Sixth Prince."


    This attack was aimed at the Sixth Prince, Jiang Xinyue guessed, probably not intended to poison the wet nurse to death.


    Aunt Cheng didn''t dare get too close to the Sixth Prince either. Although she was greedy, she was extremely timid and also feared implicating her family outside the pce. Even without the Honored Consort saying so, she would have kept her distance.


    "Boom¡ª"


    "Ah!"


    "Protect the Honored Consort and the Sixth Prince!"


    Just as Aunt Cheng retreated to one side, the burning candle me was blown by the wind, and the flickering me touched her hand. Instantly... a raging fire burst forth, engulfing the wet nurse''s entire body in mes within seconds.


    "Ahhhhh..."


    Piercing screams rang out, and everyone was scared and scattered in all directions. The fire spread so eerily that everyone feared they might catch fire too if they touched it.


    "Quickly put out the fire!"


    The screams were truly horrific, and Aunt Cheng was still conscious, running towards Jiang Xinyue, seemingly hoping to be saved.


    Xi Que and Shuang Jiang protected Jiang Xinyue and Nanny Xiang, retreating quickly.


    Xiao Xuanzi had already brought people with buckets of water, rushing over. Seven or eight buckets of water were poured directly onto Aunt Cheng, and only then did the terrifying mes gradually extinguish.


    But Aunt Cheng had already been burned beyond recognition, bing a charred, ck skeleton twisting and struggling on the ground.


    "Ugh..."


    Jiang Xinyue had never seen such a cruel scene before. The smell of burned human flesh in the air made her stomach churn, and she bent over, vomiting acid water.


    The Sixth Prince in Nanny Xiang''s arms had been frightened into loud crying when Aunt Cheng first screamed, but fortunately, he was no longer present, having been taken back to Jiang Xinyue''s chambers by Nanny Xiang earlier.


    After the nausea passed, an overwhelming sense of fear enveloped her heart.


    Jiang Xinyue didn''t dare imagine what would have happened to the Sixth Prince if she had indulged in the admiring gazes of others and stayed at the banquet a bit longer.


    He probably would have been burned to charcoal along with Aunt Cheng.


    She reminded herself again and again that the pce harem was treacherous and she must never let her guard down, or she would die without a burial ce.


    Yet she was shocked time and again by the vicious methods of the women in the pce.


    What grudge, what hatred could drive them to use such poisonous methods against a month-old infant?


    Jiang Xinyue''s mind quickly ran through the list of concubines who had grudges against her or had sons of their own...


    The Empress was ruled out; although she wasn''t a good person, she didn''t seem the type to harm children so viciously.


    Jiang Yuan was already Consort Gui, and her grudge was with the Empress, so she wouldn''t go after the Sixth Prince.


    Consort Jin had be a marginal figure in the harem since the Jin family was purged. She herself had no favor, so how could she plot against Jiang Xinyue''s child?


    There was no need to even mention Consort Zhang; Jiang Xinyue couldn''t even remember what she looked like.


    In the pce, falling out of favor and being forgotten happened silently and invisibly.


    Consort De, Consort Yu, Consort Li...


    These three were highly suspicious.


    Among the pce consorts, there was also the high-ranking Consort Rong. Although Jiang Xinyue had briefly allied with her to eliminate Consort Shu, she never believed there could be permanent friends in the pce.


    Moreover, Consort Rong was the Empress Dowager''s niece.


    No one could be trusted, everyone was suspect. She would investigate them one by one, and whoever she found to be responsible, she would make them suffer the pain of being burned as well.

 Chapter 195

    Jiang Xinyue''s guess was correct. The Empress had already invited people into Yikun Pce, reasoning that the Fifth Prince hadn''t seen his father for a long time and missed him dearly.


    Wang Dequan had no choice but to remind the Emperor, "Your Majesty, today is the fifteenth."


    On the first and fifteenth of each month, the Emperor was expected to stay overnight at Yikun Pce.


    The Xuanwu Emperor frowned, extremely unwilling to go to the Empress''s quarters.


    The Fifth Prince was just over a year old, raised by her to be overly well-behaved and mature, leaving him as a father with no joy in familial bliss.


    Unlike their little dumpling, who was so sweet and adorable, crying with a scrunched-up face when unhappy, causing everyone to panic.


    He would even poop, and Yue said that him pooping on his father was a sign of bringing wealth, predicting that the national treasury would be very prosperous this year.


    What was Yue doing now?


    Was she waiting for him?


    However, he had already sent Tang Shiliang to Hexi Pce to exin the situation. It wasn''t that he wanted to break his promise, but pce rules dictated it. Even if he didn''t care about the Empress''s face, he couldn''t disregard the Fifth Prince''s.


    The Empress said thattely, she felt the Fifth Prince looked more and more like thete Crown Prince Duanhui, their first child whom he had loved deeply but couldn''t keep.


    "Your Majesty? Your Majesty?" The Empress called several times before the Xuanwu Emperor reacted, "Hm?"


    "Your Majesty, look quickly, the Fifth Prince can walk now."


    Fen Yun was originally holding the Fifth Prince, but the young prince, sharp-eyed, had spotted the imperial couple from afar.


    Though still small and not often seeing the Emperor, he remembered that his father looked like this. So he struggled out of Fen Yun''s arms and toddled towards the couple, his face bearing an excited smile, babbling as he went.


    "Mo... Mo... Fa... Fa..."


    He called for his father and mother unclearly, only able to repeat sybles as he couldn''t yet speak fluently.


    But this was already considered speaking quite early.


    The Xuanwu Emperor now found all of his children adorable, of course, with the Sixth Prince being the most adorable. It was because of the Sixth Prince that he found his other princes cute as well.


    "Sheng''er,e to Father."


    "Ya ya ya! Ya..."


    "Your Majesty! Your Majesty! The wet nurse in Hexi Pce... she''s been burned to death."


    Tang Shiliang shouted as he ran, "Hexi Pce is in chaos. This ve heard screams from inside, but the pce gates were tightly shut. This ve saw mes reaching the sky and heard agonizing screams..."


    "Bang!"


    Before his confused words were finished, the Xuanwu Emperor had already rushed out. The Fifth Prince, who had just reached the Emperor''s feet, ready to be embraced, fell face-first onto the ground,nding hard.


    "Sheng''er!"


    "Fifth Prince!"


    The cries of rm from the Empress and Fen Yun failed to make the Emperor look back even once.


    In this pce, were Concubine Zhenxian and the Sixth Prince the only ones worthy of his panic and fear?


    "Your Highness..."


    Fen Yun sympathetically helped up the crying Fifth Prince and looked at the Empress, who was staring at the entrance of Yikun Pce. "The Fifth Prince''s palm is bleeding from the fall."


    The Empress closed her eyes briefly. For the first time when a concubine was in trouble, she didn''t rush over immediately. Instead, she picked up the Fifth Prince and carefully blew on his palm. "Summon the imperial physician to clean the Fifth Prince''s wound."


    "Concubine, this is..."


    "Yue!"


    "Yue, open the door! Are you alright? Is the little dumpling okay?"


    Yan the Imperial Physician heard the Emperor''s voice and paused, intending to wait for the Emperor to enter before reporting together.


    "What is this?" However, Jiang Xinyue seemed not to hear and continued to ask, "What''s on this clothing?"


    Yan the Imperial Physician could only try his best to ignore the Emperor''s calls from outside and continued, "It''s phosphorus powder, and it''s the most easilybustible white phosphorus powder. Even without fire, when the air temperature reaches a certain heat, it can ignite on its own. Moreover, cotton fibers were sprinkled on these clothes. This servant just dissolved a bit with water and found that these cotton fibers had been soaked in mmable liquid, which is why Wet Nurse Cheng was engulfed in towering mes in an instant."


    When she reached over to touch the clothes, the cotton fibers in the tray stuck to her hands and clothes.


    Those cotton fibers were almost invisible to the naked eye, but each had been soaked for a very long time. Yan the Imperial Physician pointed to the cup of yellowish hot water and said, "Your Highness, these cotton fibers must have been soaked for over a month, prepared since the Sixth Prince was just born. Combined with the white phosphorus powder, if the Sixth Prince hade into contact with it, the consequences would have been unthinkable."


    Wet Nurse Cheng was an adult, so when the fire started, it burned for so long without consuming herpletely. Fortunately, Xiao Xuanzi and the others poured seven or eight buckets of water all at once; otherwise, if they had poured one bucket at a time, Wet Nurse Cheng would have burned to ashes before the fire was extinguished.


    And the Sixth Prince, being so small, would have turned to ashes in an instant.


    This method could be described as extremely vicious.


    Yan the Imperial Physician had been an imperial physician in the pce for decades and had never seen such a cruel and vicious method used in the rivalry between concubines.


    Not even leaving aplete corpse behind.


    The Xuanwu Emperor called out at the entrance of Hexi Pce for a long time, with no one paying him any attention. Thinking of Tang Shiliang''s words about the towering mes and tightly shut pce gates, his heart raced uncontrobly. "Wang Dequan, go find someone to break down this door for me."


    A small pce maid hid behind a corner, constantly peering towards Hexi Pce. Seeing the miserable screams and mes had stopped, she originally wanted to go back and report. But when the pce people from Hexi Pce rushed out calling for Yan the Imperial Physician, she feared the Sixth Prince might not be dead and didn''t have the confidence to go back and report.


    If it turned out to be a false rm, her master''s actions would be exposed.


    "Sneaking around like a thief, you''re the one we''re after."


    Two guards behind Jiang Chuan grabbed the small pce maid by the cor and lifted her up. "Take her back and hand her over to Concubine Zhenxian for punishment."


    Meanwhile, Xiao Xuanzi quietly led people to the back door of Hexi Pce and caught two young eunuchs trying to secretly pass messages out of the pce.


    The person receiving the messages was also caught red-handed.


    Whether they were rted to this incident or not, it wasn''t up to them to decide. They were all to be thrown before Concubine Zhenxian.


    At the main entrance, the Xuanwu Emperor had already called for guards and was about to forcibly break down the door when it was pushed open from the inside. Jiang Xinyue, crying her eyes out, rushed out and was about to fall to the ground when the Emperor quickly reached out to catch her. "Yue, you... what..."


    The smell of burned flesh had not yet dissipated inside, and Wet Nurse Cheng''s charred bodyy in the courtyard. Jiang Xinyue trembled in his arms, "Your Majesty, Your Majesty, please let this concubine take the little dumpling out of the pce. This concubine begs you. This concubine has never asked for wealth and glory in this life. Being loved by Your Majesty, this concubine''s life is already without regret. This concubine can die, but the little dumpling is innocent. Why... why would someone be so vicious as to want him dead?"


    She sobbed painfully, "Yan the Imperial Physician said, said the phosphorus powder and cotton fibers soaked in mmable liquid... those people wanted my son to be burned to ashes!"

 Chapter 196

    "Yue''er, you..."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The Xuanwu Emperor cradled Jiang Xinyue''s face, but saw it filled with pain and fear. She shook her head, "Your Majesty... I beg you to let me and Little Tuantuan leave the pce. I''m begging you..."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    She cried so fiercely and miserably, almost wailing.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Kind-hearted people always be frightened when faced with such vicious schemes.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The Xuanwu Emperor held her tightly, kissing her tears away again and again: "I will find the true culprit behind this. I will eliminate all those who attempt to separate us."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    A destructive rage grew in the man''s eyes.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    What had he done wrong?<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    What had Yue''er and Little Tuantuan done wrong?<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    They merely loved each other, had they vited some heavenlyw?<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    To make his Yue''er constantly targeted, framed, and scared to the point of not wanting to stay in the pce anymore.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    So many people wanted to separate them, unwilling to see him happy. He was determined to make all those people regret it.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "So..."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The Xuanwu Emperor held Jiang Xinyue''s face, tenderly wiping away her tear stains, his eyes reddened as he said: "Yue''er, don''t talk about leaving the pce, leaving me anymore... I can''t be without you and the child."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Just thinking about the pce no longer having Yue''er and the sixth prince made his heart feel empty, unable to even feel pain.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    He could not... absolutely could not lose them, mother and son.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Jiang Xinyue''s crying gradually stopped under hisforting words, turning into sobs: "I... I''m really scared."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Living in Xihuo Pce, where someone died, then moving to Hexi Pce, where someone else died - how could a fragile woman not be afraid of the cruelty in the back pce?<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The Xuanwu Emperor brought the clinging Jiang Xinyue inside. By the time they entered the flower hall, Jiang Xinyue had tidied her clothes and hair, wiped away her tears, and followed behind the emperor with the cold, imposing air of a favored consort.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "These people..."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Four eunuchs and one pce maid were all tied up, kneeling in the middle of the hall.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Jiang Chuan stepped forward, pointing at them and said: "Your Majesty, these two servants are menial eunuchs from Hexi Pce. They were caught red-handed spreading news after Wet Nurse Cheng was burned to death. Those two, one is Little Qian from the Empress Dowager''s pce, one is Little Yin from Consort Rong''s pce. They were waiting for news toe out of Hexi Pce. This pce maid... she''s very tight-lipped, refusing to say which pce she''s from."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Your Majesty, we''ve been wrongly used!" Little Qian kept kowtowing, "This servant was following the Empress Dowager''s orders to deliver something to Consort Rong. On the way, I met Little Yin, so we walked together. We only came over because we saw the fire, truly not to spy on Hexi Pce!"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Little Yin also nodded vigorously: "This servant is innocent..."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    As for the pce maid, she seemed not to have expected to be caught, and hadn''t even prepared an excuse. She only red hatefully at Jiang Xinyue.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Tang Shiliang, dislocate her jaw."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Crack!"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The pce maid had a look of determination in her eyes, but before she could bite down on the poison hidden in her mouth, Tang Shiliang quickly stepped forward and dislocated her jaw.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    She cried out in pain, and a small pill that had been hidden at the tip of her tooth rolled onto the ground.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Yan the Imperial Physician picked it up, peeled off the outeryer of the pill, and shook his head at the concerned emperor: "It''s amon mixture of arsenic and oleander found in the pce."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Many oleander nts grew in the imperial garden, but very few consorts knew they were poisonous.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Ingesting it would cause nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, slow heartbeat, and even death.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Add some arsenic to enhance the toxicity, and it would be hard not to die.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The Xuanwu Emperor''s fingers tightened: "Send her to the Investigative Bureau. Tell the Bureau Chief that if he can''t get useful information out of her mouth, he should prepare for punishment himself."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The eunuchs from the Empress Dowager and Consort Rong''s pces had consistent stories, and Little Qian even carried a food box.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Magpie opened it to look, and it was full of famous snacks and pastries from the Jiangnan region.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    If they weren''t lying, then the investigation would have to start with the two menial eunuchs from Hexi Pce.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "This servant... this servant doesn''t know who the messages were passed to, this servant never saw... Every time this servant just left the message outside the back door, under the flower pot by the wall. After this servant left, someone would naturallye to retrieve it. But Your Highness... this servant only passed on a few messages, and never did anything to harm Your Highness or the sixth prince. Please, Your Highness, spare this servant."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The other little eunuch trembled, stammering so much he could barely speak clearly: "This... this servant... this servant''s sit...situation is si...simr to his. This servant passed... passed messages for... for money. They gave... gave a lot of money. Your Highness, Your Highness please spare this servant, this servant will never dare to do it again."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Wang Dequan, go to Consort Rong''s pce and the Empress Dowager''s pce, have theme to collect their people."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    As for how they would be collected, that was up to Jiang Xinyue to decide.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Your Majesty! Your Majesty!"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Another eunuch ran in from outside: "Your Majesty, Consort Li from Yanxi Pce... Consort Li hasmitted suicide!"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "What?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The Xuanwu Emperor was stunned at first, then widened his eyes to look at the messenger eunuch, and finally clenched his fists behind his back, the tumultuous emotions in his eyes finally settling into calmness: "Is she... dead?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The eunuch lowered his head, inexplicably feeling afraid: "When... when she was discovered, she had already breathed herst."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Consort Li... how could she havemitted suicide?<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "This was found in Consort Li''s pce."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The eunuch didn''t dare dy, handing over a thick stack of letters with both hands.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Those letters had traces of tears blurring some of the words, each line cursing the Xuanwu Emperor and Jiang Xinyue.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Thenguage was extremely vicious. Even if she hadn''tmitted suicide, if these letters had been discovered, it would have been a death sentence anyway.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Soon after, more pce servants rushed in: "Your Majesty, some items were found in Yanxi Pce, please take a look."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Arsenic, oleander, phosphorus powder, cotton wool...<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    All the evidence pointed to Consort Li as the mastermind behind everything.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    After the Empress Dowager and Consort Rong hurried to Hexi Pce, they were informed that the Emperor and Favored Consort Jiang had gone to Yanxi Pce, so the two rushed there as well.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The crime of plotting against a royal child, even for the Emperor''s birth mother who held the position of Empress Dowager, if proven guilty, would likely face death.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    No wonder she didn''t dare dy in this matter.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    It was alreadyte into the night when the Empress and Consort De received the news and arrived btedly. In the main hall of Yanxi Pcey the body of Consort Li, dressed in splendid clothes and wearing beautiful makeup.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    She seemed to have prepared for death, adorning herself particrly beautifully.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Her maid Xia He, upon seeing Jiang Xinyue, rushed over like a madwoman. Blocked by the guards, she still cursed loudly: "Jiang Xinyue, you slut, you killed my mistress!"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

 Chapter 197

    "p!"


    As soon as those words left her mouth, the Xuanwu Emperor''s palm struck her face: "Dare to insult Senior Concubine Xian again, and I''ll rip out your tongue."


    Jiang Xinyue felt quite sorry for Xia He. It seemed that the only two times the emperor had ever struck a servant with his own hand, both times it had been across Xia He''s face.


    The Empress and Consort De were startled by the loud p, standing to the side without a word.


    "What do you mean? What do you mean by saying I killed her?"


    There was no reason for Xia He to say such a thing unprovoked.


    "You''re still pretending?"


    "Your Majesty, Your Highness, earlier this evening my mistress said her stomach was unwell and asked me to go to the Imperial Hospital to request a doctor. I couldn''t find a doctor, and fearing something might happen to my mistress, I returned early. I saw a figure, clearly Senior Concubine Xian running out from inside. I saw it all."


    Jiang Xinyue, not feeling guilty at all, continued to ask: "You say you saw my back, around what time was this?"


    Xia He stated firmly: "At 9:15 PM, I remember it clearly."


    "Hah!"


    Consort Deughed coldly: "At 9:15 PM, Senior Concubine Xian was at her investiture ceremony. Hundreds of eyes watched her receive her title from court officials in Taihe Hall. How could she havee to Yanxi Pce to kill your mistress?"


    The Empress chimed in: "How convenient that you just happened to see her back, without even seeing her face clearly. I''m afraid someone killed your mistress and is framing Senior Concubine Xian, but didn''t calcte the time properly."


    Tears of shock had not yet fallen from Xia He''s eyes, but she refused to believe it: "The items that Tang Shiliang and his men found in my mistress''s chambers earlier, I''ve never seen before. Those aren''t ourdy''s things. They must have been nted by Jiang... "


    She was about to call out Jiang Xinyue''s name directly, but catching the emperor''s warning nce, she felt her back mrs loosen. She quickly corrected herself: "They must have been nted by Senior Concubine Xian to frame my mistress."


    Jiang Xinyue sighed: "I did not push Consort Li to her current fate. The grudge from when she made me kneel in the Imperial Garden was settled long ago when she fell out of favor. I don''t keep such small matters in my heart. You say I framed her, but why would I risk being discovered to frame someone who is already beneath me in every way? Do I look stupid to you?"


    Consort Li had dominated the harem for over a decade, offending countless concubines. There was no need for Jiang Xinyue to act - Consort Li''s days wouldn''t be easy after losing favor.


    The Internal Affairs Department might be bribed by the Pei family to take care of her, but the harem concubines had countless ways to torment someone, and the court officials couldn''t interfere in harem matters.


    The Empress''s resentment towards Consort Li must be the deepest after all these years. She would be d to see other concubines cause trouble for Consort Li, so how could she restrain their actions?


    If Jiang Xinyue had any sense, she wouldn''t make a move against Consort Li, lest the emperor discover it and her carefully crafted image crumble.


    Xia He looked like her entire understanding of the world had copsed. She muttered: "Then who was it? Who would want to harm my mistress?"


    She knelt on the ground, looking towards the Empress, Consort De, Senior Concubine Xian, the Empress Dowager, and the emperor. After surveying them all, she suddenly burst intoughter: "Mydy, look at this. This is the man you loved. He won''t even shed a single tear of sorrow for you, but he''s willing to hurt you again and again for Senior Concubine Xian. Mydy, only I truly feel for you."


    She crawled up from the ground, as if trying to engrave all their faces into her mind: "I don''t know who harmed my mistress, but I want that person to remember, even if I die... even if I be a vengeful ghost, I won''t let the one who killed mydy go."


    "Just wait for me toe back and im your lives!"


    With a shout, she violently smashed her head against a nearby pir. There was a loud crash, and Xia He''s blood sttered onto the face of the Empress Dowager standing near the pir, causing a series of shocked screams.


    The Xuanwu Emperor also pulled Jiang Xinyue back two steps, using his sleeve to cover her eyes, not wanting her to see the horrific scene.


    Xia Hey on the ground, her eyes wide open, staring at who knows where.


    Perhaps she was looking at the true culprit who had killed her mistress!


    One side of her forehead was deeply caved in, with thick blood - or was it brain matter? - clinging to the sunken area of her skull.


    Xia He''s blood-sttered demise was meant to intimidate whoever had killed Consort Li.


    The crimson carpet was stained a deeper color by the pooling blood. After midnight, a gust of cold wind blew through, flinging open all the doors and windows of the main hall with loud bangs.


    All the candles were extinguished in an instant, and the Empress Dowager let out a scream before fainting from fright.


    Just as everyone was thoroughly startled by this sudden turn of events, a single candle me flickered to life.


    An exquisitely beautiful face appeared behind the candlelight.


    But even the most bright and fresh face, appearing in such an eerie atmosphere, took on a somewhat otherworldly quality.


    For a moment, the Xuanwu Emperor almost thought he was seeing a ghost.


    Pei Wu looked satisfied at having scared the emperor. She then used her candle to relight the other extinguished candles.


    Yanxi Pce brightened once again, and Pei Wu''s beauty was fully revealed.


    Her voice carried a calming power: "This maid must have deliberately opened all the doors and windows, intending to use her own death and the atmosphere to frighten us. Those with clear consciences need not fear, but those with guilty hearts will surely be terrified in their dreams at midnight."


    She pulled a handkerchief from her sleeve, dampened it slightly, and began wiping the blood from the Empress Dowager''s face: "Of course, when I speak of those with guilty hearts, I do not mean Her Majesty the Empress Dowager."


    The Empress Dowager was simply faint of heart.


    This girl, who seemed both ethereal and demonic, instantly captivated everyone''s gaze, their eyes following her every move.


    The Empress Dowager awoke under her ministrations, her face pale as she said: "Ah Wu... Ah Wu, take me back to my pce and recite some Buddhist scriptures to calm my heart."


    "Empress Dowager, your little eunuch Qian Zi is still in Hexi Pce!" Jiang Xinyue kindly reminded her.


    But the Empress Dowager coldly replied: "Nosy dog servant, always causing trouble for me. Senior Concubine Xian, if you suspect him, just beat him to death and throw him out of the pce."


    With that, she quickly left, leaning on Pei Wu''s arm.


    "I heard that a eunuch from Consort Rong''s pce was also caught?" Consort De smiled slightly. "I thought Senior Concubine Xian and Sister Consort Rong had quite a good rtionship. How is it that there are also Consort Rong''s spies in Hexi Pce?"


    Consort Rong hurriedly shook her head: "Little Yin Zi truly wasn''t sent by me to gather information. He''s not even one of my personal attendants. How could I keep track of his every move?"


    "Then..."


    Consort De wanted to sow more discord, but Jiang Xinyue smiled and said: "I believe Consort Rong."


    Since she had said this, anything more from Consort De would be beneath her. She also smiled and said: "It''s good that the misunderstanding has been cleared up. We are all still good sisters."


    The Xuanwu Emperor''s patience had run out: "Wang Dequan, posthumously title Consort Li as Noble Consort Li. Bury her with the rites of a senior consort, and send someone to inform the Pei family."


    As for Xia He''s fate, it would likely be an unmarked grave.

 Chapter 198

    After such an incident, the Xuanwu Emperor could not possibly go to the Empress''s pce. Senior Concubine Xian was terrified, so he had to stay with her in Hexi Pce.


    It was only human nature, and the Empress had to appear understanding and reasonable, "dly" giving up the Emperor.


    "Your Highness..." Fen Yun approached, "Who do you think wanted to endanger Senior Concubine Xian and the Sixth Prince?"


    The Empress shook her head, "She enjoys great favor, so she must bear all this. It depends on whether the Emperor has the heart to protect her. In this pce, there are no secrets from His Majesty."


    That''s why for so many years, she had allowed Consort Li to provoke her without retaliating harshly.


    Concubines came and went in the pce, each beautiful as flowers and jade. Every one of them had once been favored by the Emperor, only to be cast asideter.


    Today''s Senior Concubine Xian, who could say if she wouldn''t be the next Consort Li?


    She was the Empress; she didn''t need to take anyone seriously.


    Anyone... no one was worth her taking action personally.


    At the Investigative Bureau¡ª


    In the dim torture chamber, various instruments hung on the uneven walls. Some old tools had rusted a bright red from frequent use.


    The spacious chamber was empty except for a blood-covered pce maid tied to a human-shaped wooden stake. It was the maid Jiang Xinyue had caught.


    She had been beaten so badly she could barely focus her eyes. Through the haze, she seemed to see a figure sitting before her.


    The little pce maid struggled to open her eyes wider. A patch of imperial yellow robe came into view. "Your... Your Majesty..."


    Flickering light from the high window illuminated his face and body alternately. Lounging in the massive chair was the expressionless Xuanwu Emperor.


    "Bring them in!"


    The handsome man''s face was cold as he waved his hand without wasting a word. Guards from the Investigative Bureau brought in several terrified people.


    "Ying''er!" The middle-aged man in the lead, upon seeing the dying pce maid, didn''t show concern but rushed forward to p her face. "You useless girl! What have you done? Why were we suddenly arrested and brought to the pce? We didn''t expect you to give us a good life, but at least don''t drag us down with you! You useless thing, what did you do?"


    The peasant woman held the hands of two little boys, her expression numb as if long ustomed to such scenes.


    "Hah!" The little pce maid spat out a mouthful of blood, looking at the man with disgust. "Why aren''t you dead yet?"


    "How dare you speak to me like that? I''ll beat¡ª"


    "Guards, take them away." The guards stepped forward to escort them out. The Xuanwu Emperor''s lips curled slightly. "Leave the woman."


    Now the little pce maid''s expression changed noticeably, her hidden hands struggling against her bonds.


    "Tell me, who ordered you to sprinkle white phosphorus powder on Lady Cheng''s clothes?"


    Surprise shed in the pce maid''s eyes.


    The Emperor mentioned phosphorus powder but didn''t ask about the cotton.


    That meant...


    He knew she only sprinkled the powder. Someone else had nted the cotton.


    The peasant woman was held by the neck by a guard. The little pce maid closed her eyes, then opened them. "If I tell you, can Your Majesty guarantee my mother''s safe departure?"


    "As long as you write a confession, I promise her safety."


    The pce maid''s gaze flickered. "Consort De promised me that if Ipleted this task, she would help me kill my father."


    She had been sold to this couple by human traffickers. From childhood, she was beaten and abused by that beast. When she grew older, he set his sights on her body, vited her, then sold her to the pce as a ve for a few taels of silver.


    From childhood to adulthood, the only person who had been kind to her was her adoptive mother.


    But her adoptive mother was also a pitiful woman. As a young girl, she had been vited by that beast. Her family, not wanting to air their dirtyundry, forced her to marry him.


    After the marriage, her adoptive mother was beaten every few days.


    Her adoptive mother used to be a gentle beauty. Every time the girl was beaten, her mother would risk her life to save her.


    But on the night she was vited, when her adoptive mother tried to save her, that beast beat her until she became simple-minded.


    She would never again smile gently at her.


    "I''ll tell you onest time," said the Emperor. "Reveal the mastermind, or I will kill you and your adoptive mother. I''ll give your adoptive father and two brothers gold, silver, beautiful wives and concubines. I''ll let him live the rest of his life in unimaginable wealth and glory."


    The mastermind couldn''t be Consort De. She had pretended to be unambitious for over a decade; how could she break character at this crucial moment?


    If she had done this, she wouldn''t have left so many loose ends, and Xu Ying''er certainly wouldn''t still be alive.


    This is why those without a ruthless heart can never achieve greatness.


    The mastermind wanted to kill the Sixth Prince and Jiang Xinyue, yet showed mercy to Xu Ying''er. That was the fatal w.


    "No!" Xu Ying''er''s greatest fear in life was that beast living well.


    Tears finally spilled from her eyes. After a moment, she suddenly gave a coldugh. "They say emperors are heartless. I used to watch Your Majesty shower Concubine Zhenxian with endless love and favor. I thought it was a misunderstanding about the imperial family. Now I know the truth ¨C everything in the harem is under Your Majesty''s control. No wonder Her Highness, even when bullied terribly, is unwilling to personally do anything immoral. Because as soon as she acts, Your Majesty would know everything she''s done. Your Majesty''s power is all-seeing; don''t you know Concubine Zhenxian is no saint either?"


    The Emperor had already guessed who was behind her and was just waiting for her to write it down as evidence to threaten Her Highness in the future.


    Xu Ying''er was unwilling!


    Her adoptive mother was the first person to be kind to her, and Her Highness was the second to treat her as a human...


    If she had to betray Her Highness to save her adoptive mother, she would use her life to make amends to Her Highness.


    But before that, she wanted to help Her Highness eliminate her greatest rival, Senior Concubine Xian.


    "Whether she''s a saint or not, what does that have to do with you trying to harm her?" The Xuanwu Emperorughed again. "You all know clearly that in this imperial pce, those with a bleeding heart die miserably. Senior Concubine Xian is intelligent, brave, and decisive. I''m very fond of her. So if she likes to act, I''ll y along with her. You fools who don''t know better, insisting on provoking her ¨C you may not be able to withstand her revenge. Even if it''s the Empress who harms her, once she grows powerful under my protection, the Empress will also fall to her de."


    Xu Ying''er burst intoughter. The Emperor was finished. He had known from the beginning about Senior Concubine Xian''s ambition and her excellent acting.


    Yet he not only tolerated it but pretended to know nothing and yed along with her act.


    He probably couldn''t tell himself whether he was using Senior Concubine Xian more or truly fond of her!


    Poor Empress...


    She couldn''t help anymore.

 Chapter 199

    For three consecutive days, the Emperor visited the Empress''s Yikun Pce.


    This was highly unusual!


    For over half a year, while Concubine Zhenxian was pregnant, the Emperor had not favored anyone else, focusing solely on her.


    Even when Concubine Zhenxian was in confinement after childbirth, the Emperor could hardly bear to be apart from her, with no intention of summoning other consorts to his bed.


    Now that Concubine Zhenxian''s confinement period had finally ended, how could it be that the Empress was the first to receive the Emperor''s attention?


    On the third night, the pce maids serving in Yikun Pce heard a fierce argument erupting from the Empress''s bedchamber.


    Apanied by the clinking and nking of objects, they imagined that the furnishings in the Empress''s room had likely suffered some damage.


    This was the unfortunate aspect of quarrels between their masters - those priceless cups and porcins, if given to the maids, could fetch quite a sum!


    Though pce items were not supposed to be sold, where there''s a will, there''s a way - there was always a ck market for such things outside the pce.


    But I digress...


    The Xuanwu Emperor and the Empress had a major argument, but since even the closest attendants had been dismissed at the time, no one could hear clearly what they were arguing about, let alone why they were quarreling.


    Jiang Xinyue quickly scanned Xu Ying''er''s confession, which stated that the Empress had instructed her to sprinkle white phosphorus powder in the clothes of the wet nurse at Hexi Pce.


    How could it possibly be the Empress? She wasn''t one to act so rashly.


    If it had been Concubine Yu, Concubine De, or even Concubine Rong and the Empress Dowager, she might have found it more believable.


    The Emperor took her hand: "Yue''er, I know it''s hard for you to believe, but I''ve questioned the Empress, and she has admitted to it. In a couple of days, I''ll have her hand over the Imperial Seal and the Golden Book. You''ll be in charge of the Imperial Seal, and Concubine De will manage the Golden Book. The two of you can oversee pce affairs together. How does that sound?"


    Was the Emperor changing the subject?


    Or was he trying topensate her with pce authority?


    Why?


    She didn''t really want to manage pce affairs, but Concubine De was cunning and full of schemes. If she were to have sole control over pce matters, it would put Jiang Xinyue at a disadvantage.


    Jiang Xinyue leaned docilely into the Xuanwu Emperor''s embrace, pointing at the words in the confession: "But... it seems Xu Ying''er only admitted that the Empress told her to put the white phosphorus powder in. Didn''t Yan the Imperial Physician say there were also cotton fibers that had been soaked for over a month? Who put those in?"


    The Emperor''s gaze avoided hers, betraying his unease as he looked away: "I''ve already ordered the Investigative Bureau to look into it. We should have results soon."


    Jiang Xinyue''s smiling face darkened for a moment, but when the Emperor looked back at her, she had regained her smile, like a startled little white rabbit nestling into his arms: "If that''s the case, then I''m reassured."


    There was more than one culprit, and it definitely couldn''t be the Empress.


    What was the Emperor hiding?


    She didn''t press further.


    The Emperor stroked her long hair that cascaded down her back with one hand, thinking to himself how adorable Yue''er was, never prying into matters she shouldn''t know about.


    "I have important matters to attend to. You''ve finished your confinement period now, so you can take Little Dumpling out to get some sunshine. The imperial physician said it''s good for Little Dumpling''s health."


    Jiang Xinyue certainly knew that sunlight helps with calcium absorption, making children''s bodies stronger.


    She nodded: "I understand. I''ll take him for a stroll in the Imperial Gardenter."


    "Mother, are you feeling unhappy?" The Fourth Prince came running out from the side hall shortly after the Emperor left. "Who bullied you, Mother? Little Man will help you get revenge."


    Jiang Xinyue patted the Fourth Prince''s head, her movements slow as if she were pondering something important.


    The Fourth Prince scratched his head: What did Mother mean by that?


    She must think he''s still too young!


    The Fourth Prince broke free from Jiang Xinyue''s hand and ran back to the side hall, shouting as he went: "Grandma, Grandma... I want to eat meat tonight, lots and lots of meat!"


    The Third Prince had said eating more meat would help him grow taller, and if he grew taller and stronger, he could protect Mother.


    Jiang Xinyue was jolted back to reality by his shouts. She instructed Shuang Jiang: "Go to the Imperial Wardrobe and summon Clothing Manager Fang."


    The wet nurse Chen''s clothes hade from the Imperial Wardrobe. Since the Emperor wouldn''t reveal the truth, she would investigate herself.


    Whoever it was, they wouldn''t get off easy.


    She believed that given the Emperor''s feelings for Little Dumpling, he too would want the person who harmed him to be torn to pieces.


    But as the ruler of a nation, the Emperor had to consider the wider implications of his actions.


    Even if he wanted to avenge his son, he would have to deliberate for a long time and devise a perfect n before acting.


    But she was different. She was just a mother who had almost lost her child. She wanted revenge, and she couldn''t wait that long.


    Whoever caused her pain, caused her child pain, she would make them suffer immediately.


    Fang Rumeng had already heard some rumors. When she arrived, she brought along all the seamstresses who had handled the clothes for Hexi Pce.


    "Your Highness..." Fang Rumeng knelt down with the others: "I''ve brought everyone who had contact with Wet Nurse Chen''s clothes from the beginning. Please question them as you see fit."


    The pce maid who went to fetch the clothes was sent by Xique, one of Xique''s own trained people, who had been interrogated many times already. She was not the problem.


    So the issue must have originated in the Imperial Wardrobe.


    As the morning sunlight grew brighter, the questioning continued from dawn until noon. Finally, in one seamstress''s recollection, they found a suspicious person.


    Female Official Jian from the Imperial Wardrobe.


    Female Official Jian had been in the Imperial Wardrobe for three years without promotion. Just when a vacancy finally opened up, Fang Rumeng was parachuted in through connections, pushing her chance for promotion even further away. Because of this, she had always been jealous of Fang Rumeng and often caused trouble for her.


    Although Fang Rumeng felt she was fully capable of the Clothing Manager position, and the rest of the Imperial Wardrobe hade to recognize her abilities, she had indeed risen quickly due to her good friend''s influence. So she was often tolerant of the female officials in the Imperial Wardrobe.


    As long as it was only directed at her, she could handle it herself. As long as they didn''t interfere with her work, she couldn''t be bothered to quibble with them.


    But now that it involved Concubine Zhenxian and the Sixth Prince, she wouldn''t show any leniency.


    Jiang Xinyue then had Female Official Jian "invited" over.


    To say "invited" was actually more of a euphemism for "arrested."


    Female Official Jian''s hair was disheveled, she wore a in dark green everyday outfit, and carried a small bundle on her back. Jiang Chuan forced her to kneel: "Your Highness, when I arrived at the Imperial Wardrobe, Female Official Jian was packing her things to leave the pce."


    "I... I had taken leave to visit my family."


    "Taken leave?" Fang Rumeng frowned at her: "Why wasn''t I informed of your leave?"


    Female Official Jian red at her: "Are you the only one in the Imperial Wardrobe who can grant leave? Manager Lin and Manager Wang, Clothing Steward Xie and Clothing Steward Mo can all do it too."


    Fang Rumeng''s face darkened: "Yes, Clothing Steward Xie and Clothing Steward Mo can, but I am above the Clothing Stewards. For your leave, the Clothing Stewards should have consulted me, and only with my approval could you be allowed to go."


    Soon, the two Clothing Managers and two Clothing Stewards from the Imperial Wardrobe were also summoned.

 Chapter 200

    Clothing Steward Xie was an unattractive middle-aged woman who appeared very timid: "In response to Your Highness, Female Official Jian... she mentioned wanting to take leave to go home a couple days ago, but since the Clothing Department has been busy preparing summer attire for the pcedies and new clothes for the servants, I did not approve her request."


    "You''re lying!"


    Female Official Jian tried to stand up in agitation, but was pushed back down. She shouted, "You agreed to it! You even said you would report it to Chief Clothing Officer Fang. You were the one who told me to go home."


    Clothing Steward Xie looked terrified and tried to hide behind Clothing Steward Mo: "I... I didn''t. The Clothing Department has been so busytely, how could I possibly agree to let you go home?"


    Jiang Xinyue rested her head on one hand, lookingpletely unrushed, while petting a small white dog on herp with the other: "When I sent someone earlier to summon Chief Clothing Officer Fang, I made it very clear that everyone who had contact with the wet nurse''s clothes shoulde. Why didn''t you show up?"


    Not only did she note, but she even went to pack her things, hurriedly trying to leave the pce.


    If that''s not guilty behavior, what is?


    ording to one embroiderer''s recollection, one evening she had left something behind in the embroidery room. At that time, all the other embroiderers had already finished and gone to bathe, leaving her alone to return to the room.


    There, she discovered Female Official Jian standing in front of the clothes they had been sewing, doing who knows what, but lingering for quite some time.


    Since the candles in the embroidery room had already been extinguished, the embroiderer couldn''t clearly see her actions, but she was certain it was Female Official Jian.


    "You''re talking nonsense!" Female Official Jian pointed at the embroiderer. "I''ve never been to the embroidery room at night."


    She nced at Fang Rumeng, then at Clothing Steward Xie, and suddenly sneered, "I get it now. Fang Rumeng, you and Clothing Steward Xie have always been extremely close. Everyone in the Bureau of Pce Affairs knows you two are best friends. You can''t stand that I keep getting in your way, so you''ve teamed up with her to use Senior Concubine Xian to get rid of me, isn''t that right?"


    "You think too highly of yourself," Fang Rumengughed coldly. "To get rid of you, why would we need Senior Concubine Xian to act? If I reported the things you''ve done to the Bureau of Pce Affairs, you''d face death anyway. I just couldn''t be bothered to deal with your childish schemes."


    From their argument, Jiang Xinyue mentally reconstructed the entire sequence of events, reying in her mind the scene the embroiderer had witnessed that night when she returned to the embroidery room.


    If she couldn''t spot anything amiss on the first try, she would go over it two, three, four times... repeatedly simting that scene.


    Any action taken always leaves a trace; there''s no such thing as a perfect crime in this world.


    Fang Rumeng and Clothing Steward Xie are close friends!


    Jiang Xinyue''s eyes snapped open. She had never heard Fang Rumeng mention making any close friends in the Clothing Department.


    Why did Female Official Jian say everyone in the Bureau of Pce Affairs knew about it?


    Given Fang Rumeng''s cautious nature, even if she had befriended someone, she wouldn''t let it bemon knowledge.


    And looking at Clothing Steward Xie''s timid demeanor, she didn''t seem like someone who would appeal to Fang Rumeng''s taste.


    Jiang Xinyue''s lips curled into a smirk: "I''ve heard an interesting tale as well. During Emperor Shengfeng''s reign, there was a female official in the Mansion of Treasures who was jealous of her superior''s exceptional skill in crafting hairpins. To frame her superior, she wore her clothes one night and deliberately let another passing female official see her break a jade hairpin belonging to Senior Concubine. This led to the superior having the tendons in her hands severed by Senior Concubine. Three yearster, when the superior''s daughter learned of this, she also entered the pce to work in the Mansion of Treasures. Using the skills she learned from her mother, she defeated the female official who had framed her mother. Moreover, she exposed the official''s scheme from three years ago to Senior Concubine, who was furious at being deceived and had the female official executed. Clothing Steward Xie, what do you think of this story?"


    In an instant, all eyes turned to Clothing Steward Xie. They didn''t understand why Senior Concubine Xian had singled her out for an opinion.


    Only Fang Rumeng immediately grasped the situation and looked at Clothing Steward Xie: "I remember you used to be bullied often in the Clothing Department, and I saved you a few times. But I really don''t recall us being very close friends. Do you?"


    Clothing Steward Xie''s eyes reddened, on the verge of tears.


    Manager Lin and Manager Wang watched in confusion, and even Female Official Jian looked bewildered.


    Wasn''t the n to get rid of her?


    Why had Fang Rumeng suddenly turned on Clothing Steward Xie? Were they ying some kind of game?


    But to their shock, under Senior Concubine Xian''s scrutinizing gaze, Clothing Steward Xie broke out in a cold sweat, her body trembling, and finally copsed to the ground in fear.


    She desperately kowtowed: "Please spare me, Senior Concubine Xian... please spare me. I... I will never dare to do it again... never again... I was just blinded by jealousy, resenting... resenting Fang Rumeng for stealing the Chief Clothing Officer position that should have been mine, that''s why I... that''s why I..."


    Manager Lin and Manager Wang exchanged nces, looking at her in iprehension: "Even if Chief Clothing Officer Fang hadn''te, Clothing Steward Mo was next in line for promotion to Chief Clothing Officer, not you, Clothing Steward Xie. How could Fang Rumeng have stolen your position?"


    Clothing Steward Xie''s eyes widened in disbelief as she looked at them: "Impossible! Senior Concubine Rong..."


    Realizing she had let something slip, Clothing Steward Xie quickly covered her mouth, looking at Jiang Xinyue in terror.


    "Hah!" Jiang Xinyueughed coldly. "So Senior Concubine Rong told you that the two Clothing Managers had chosen you, but Chief Clothing Officer Fang stole what should have been yours, is that it?"


    Clothing Steward Xie shook her head, refusing to speak further, but almost everyone had heard the words "Senior Concubine Rong."


    What was there left to misunderstand?


    Senior Concubine Rong had told Clothing Steward Xie that she was originally meant to be promoted to Chief Clothing Officer, but because Fang Rumeng was Jiang Xinyue''s person, she had easily snatched away what should have belonged to her.


    Knowing that Fang Rumeng and Female Official Jian didn''t get along, she had stolen Female Official Jian''s clothes and imitated her appearance.


    The two women were simr in build, so in the dim light, their silhouettes would look almost identical, which is why the embroiderer had mistaken one for the other.


    The item the embroiderer had left behind was probably hidden deliberately by Clothing Steward Xie, just to create this eyewitness.


    Clothing Steward Xie had a solitary nature and no friends in the Bureau of Pce Affairs. Others found her gloomy demeanor off-putting and unlucky, often bullying her.


    Fang Rumeng, unable to stand by, had saved her several times. Who would have thought she would repay kindness with enmity and harbor such resentment towards Fang Rumeng?


    This is why Jiang Xinyue always said never to sympathize with those who appear pitiful, for their minds have already be twisted and deranged.


    Being kind to them is like nting a threat to one''s own safety.


    "What did you put in the clothes? Cotton wadding or white phosphorus powder?"


    At the very least, they needed to identify one enemy clearly. As for the other, they would start with the Empress.

 Chapter 201

    Clothing Steward Xie gulped and whispered weakly, "Cotton... cotton padding."


    "You put cotton padding in your clothes because you knew in advance that someone would put white phosphorus powder inside?"


    Clothing Steward Xie''s eyes were unfocused, filled with fear and terror. She shook her head, tears falling continuously: "I don''t know... I don''t know anything..."


    "Uh..."


    Suddenly, a "whoosh" sound came from the air, followed by Clothing Steward Xie''s pained expression as blood seeped from the corner of her mouth.


    "Thud!"


    As she fell face-first to the ground, everyone saw a long arrow lodged in her back.


    "Concubine!"


    Xi Que and Shuang Jiang were frightened and quickly moved to shield her: "There''s an assassin! Protect the Concubine!"


    Jiang Xinyue''s quarters were deep inside, invisible from the outside. She watched as Clothing Steward Xie coughed up blood and copsed in a pool of blood, supporting herself to write something with her finger underneath her body.


    The guards of Hexi Pce had been caught off guard. As soon as Xi Que called out, they drew their swords and gave chase.


    Someone, fearing Clothing Steward Xie would expose them, had sent an assassin to silence her.


    Jiang Xinyue pushed Xi Que and Shuang Jiang aside, walked down in a few steps, and used her foot to flip Clothing Steward Xie over.


    Under her clothes, there was an unfinished character written in blood, but before anyone could see it clearly, it was already obscured by the spreading blood.


    "Concubine..."


    Xi Que wanted to say something but was stopped by Jiang Xinyue''s raised hand. She spoke with a cold face: "Take Clothing Steward Xie''s body to the Investigative Bureau."


    Everyone was confused as to why Consort Xian wanted to send Clothing Steward Xie''s body to the Investigative Bureau, but Xi Que, Jiang Chuan, and a few others knew.


    The Concubine was warning the Investigative Bureau.


    They had spent four or five days without results, or perhaps they had found results but, due to someone''s hint, didn''t inform her.


    Moreover, she was indirectly telling the Emperor that no matter who he wanted to protect, she wouldn''t spare anyone who tried to harm her child.


    In Yikun Pce¡ª


    Wang Dequan ced the phoenix seal and golden book, symbols of the Empress''s authority, in a silk-covered gift box: "Empress, this servant will take his leave now."


    The Empress sat on the edge of the bed. The cool morning breeze made her feel a chill, so she wrapped her cloak tighter around herself. However, her frame was so thin that the cloak hung loosely, seemingly providing little warmth.


    She closed her eyes briefly: "Thank you for your trouble, Eunuch Wang."


    "I wouldn''t dare..."


    Wang Dequan sighed wistfully, wanting to say some words offort, but felt it wasn''t his ce as a eunuch to do so.


    He didn''t pity the Empress, but rather marveled at the vicissitudes of life.


    In the pce, falling out of favor and regaining favor could happen in an instant. He wouldn''t step on any concubine who had fallen from grace, nor would he tter those in favor.


    When someone was down on their luck, it was better to build goodwill than to make enemies.


    As soon as Wang Dequan left, Fen Yun came out carrying the Fifth Prince, looking at her mistress with concern: "Concubine, why... This clearly wasn''t your doing, why did you take the me? Now that you and the Emperor are estranged, what will be of you?"


    "If I didn''t take the me, I would be the next Consort Li."


    Overnight, the Empress seemed to have aged considerably, with two fine lines appearing at the corners of her eyes: "Although I didn''t order the phosphorus powder to be put in, it was done by the Zhu family to eliminate threats for me. The Emperor has long been dissatisfied that the people of Chang''an only know the Zhu family and not the imperial family. If I didn''t take the me for the Zhu family, they would disappear from this world tomorrow."


    Sheughed self-mockingly: "Fen Yun, have you ever seen a concubine whose family was wiped out survive in the pce?"


    When Consort Li was in favor, she was only a Noble Consort, yet she already attracted so much jealousy. After she was demoted, those people frantically bullied and humiliated her, making her life worse than death.


    She was the Empress. If the Zhu family fell, how could those who envied her possibly spare her?


    "Consort Xian, our Empress said she''s not receiving visitors. You can''t go in."


    The maid''s voice of protest grew closer, indicating she had failed to stop the visitor.


    "Creak~"


    The tightly closed door was pushed open, and Jiang Xinyue entered with measured steps: "This concubine pays respects to the Empress."


    The Empress spoke coldly: "What are you doing here? Have youe tough at me?"


    Jiang Xinyue sighed, with a look of utter despair: "How could I? This concubine is the biggest joke in the pce, how dare Iugh at the Empress?"


    "You''ve already received the phoenix seal and golden book. Why do you still speak so sarcastically? Jiang Xinyue, don''t push your luck too far."


    "Doesn''t the Empress know?" Jiang Xinyue looked puzzled: "This concubine only received the phoenix seal. The Emperor said long ago that Consort De would keep the golden book, and pce affairs would be managed jointly by this concubine and Consort De. This concubine is young and inexperienced, and I imagine the others wouldn''t submit to my management. So this concubine won''t manage anything; all pce matters will still be handled by Consort De. This concubine won''t do such a thankless job."


    Her meaning was clear: the phoenix seal would eventually be returned to the Empress. She wouldn''t do this exhausting and thankless job, lest she be mockedter for wielding borrowed authority.


    She was also indirectly proving to the Empress that she had no designs on the position of Empress, so there was no need for such hostility towards her.


    The Empress looked at her scrutinizingly: "Now that the Emperor dotes on you so deeply and listens to everything you say, haven''t you thought about recing me and bing the mistress of the harem?"


    "Be the mistress of the harem, and then what?"


    She looked with pure, innocent eyes: "Isn''t having the Emperor enough for this concubine?"


    The Empress was first stunned, then couldn''t help butugh and cry.


    Was it because of youth that she was so fearless, thinking that having the Emperor''s favor was better than being Empress?


    "What''s so good about being Empress?"


    Jiang Xinyueined as if confiding in a close sister, seemingly sympathizing with her: "The Empress has to attend morning and evening court every day, not even able to sleep in. When going out, arge group of people follow behind, telling you what you can''t do and what''s not appropriate. They constantly remind you that you''re the Empress, that you must be cautious in words and actions, must be dignified and elegant... must manage the harem for the Emperor, can''t be jealous... can''t throw tantrums... There are too many ''can''ts'', Empress. Compared to being such a mistress of the harem, this concubine would rather have the Emperor''s love and be a carefree, favored consort who doesn''t have to pretend to be strong."


    Being Empress without the Emperor''s understanding and love is just being a high-ranking female official who receives a monthly sry.


    Everything must be centered on the Emperor and the big picture, but what about oneself?


    If the price of being Empress is losing oneself, Jiang Xinyue would rather be a favored consort who can act coquettishly and throw small tantrums with the Emperor.


    The Empress looked at the sincerity emanating from her very core and couldn''t help but believe that she was speaking from her heart.


    She truly didn''t want to be Empress.

 Chapter 202

    However, for Empress Zhu, being the empress was her lifelong pursuit.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    As the saying goes, one man''s meat is another man''s poison.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    People have different aspirations.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The empress sat back in her seat, her tense body rxing: "You came to Yikun Pce today just to tell me these things?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Jiang Xinyue shook her head, her expression forlorn: "Your Majesty, I have some things to say, but I don''t know who to tell. After much thought, I realized only you could listen to my ramblings."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    She bit her lip: "The Emperor... He showed me Xu Ying''er''s testimony, but I don''t believe her words. So I investigated privately and found that it was clearly Consort Rong who sprinkled something on Wet Nurse Cheng''s clothes."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Consort Rong?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The empress couldn''t help but think of the Empress Dowager, after all, it wasn''t news that the Empress Dowager disliked her as the empress and harbored a deep hatred for Jiang Xinyue.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Yes, it was her!"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Jiang Xinyue''s expression turned resentful: "The Emperor had already uncovered the true culprit, yet he didn''t tell me. Instead, he let you, Your Majesty, take the me. Fortunately, an official from the Imperial Wardrobe informed me that the head seamstress Xie had ced something in Wet Nurse Cheng''s clothes. That''s how I found out. Your Majesty, if I could uncover this, I don''t believe the Investigative Bureau couldn''t. They must have discovered it but chose not to tell me. Don''t you think we might have been wrong all along? Perhaps the one the Emperor favored in his youth wasn''t Consort Shu, but Consort Rong?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The empress''s mind was reeling from Jiang Xinyue''s words, almost unable to think.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    If this was true, then the Emperor had hidden his true feelings far too deeply.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Consort Rong once told me a secret to provoke me against Consort Shu," she whispered into the empress''s ear. "The one who killed the child in her womb was Consort Shu."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    So it followed logically that when the Emperor executed Consort Shu, was he actually avenging Consort Rong?<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Concubine Zhenxian went to Yikun Pce?" Consort De caressed the golden book she had just received, a glint of malice shing in her eyes. "Is she so eager to poison Your Majesty against me? Is she afraid that once I receive the imperial seal, Your Majesty will move against her?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Luyin twisted the handkerchief in her hands: "What should we do? Should we go exin things to Her Majesty?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The Emperor had said earlier that he would entrust the golden book to their mistress, letting her help Concubine Zhenxian manage the inner pce. But in the past two days when their mistress went to Yikun Pce, she kept silent about this matter.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Allowing the empress to misunderstand that both the imperial seal and the golden book were under Concubine Zhenxian''s control.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Exin what? The Emperor entrusted the golden book to me for safekeeping. Should I refuse and hand over both the imperial seal and the golden book to Jiang Xinyue?" Consort De had lost the position of Chief Consortst time, and she felt some regret, wondering if she had appeared too easygoing, making the Emperor doubt her ability to handle the role.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    So this time, she wanted to show the Emperor her capability in managing the six pces.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    As for the empress, at this point, she no longer wanted to curry favor with anyone.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    As Jiang Xinyue left the empress''s inner chamber, her gaze fell on the young pce maid who had blocked the door earlier. She slipped a high-quality ice-green jade bracelet off her wrist: "You''re loyal to your mistress. You deserve a reward."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    However, the threatening look in her eyes scared the young maid so much that she trembled, not daring to refuse. Every hair on her body stood on end.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Concubine Zhenxian was warning her to keep her mouth shut, to know what should be said and what shouldn''t.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Otherwise...<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Once out of Yikun Pce, Jiang Xinyue''s expression turned cold, her eyes filled with a murderous intent.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Jiang Chuan shook his hand, a circle of red teeth marks visible at the base of his thumb, already bleeding.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Jiang Xinyue nced at it and said, "Go to the Imperial Hospitalter and have Yan the Imperial Physician take a look. Human teeth can be poisonous too."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Jiang Chuan nodded: "My Lady, that young pce maid..."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Jiang Xinyue smiled: "Go inform the Investigative Bureau that I lost a priceless bracelet given to me by the Emperor while visiting the empress."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Jiang Chuan knew his mistress never made unprofitable moves.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Yesterday, after the Emperor had a big argument with the empress, he had dismissed most of the pce staff, which conveniently facilitated his mistress''s surprise visit today.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Choosing toe during the busy lunchtime, when there were few people in the empress''s pce as most were busy with their duties, the vast Yikun Pce had only one maid guarding the outside.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    When Jiang Xinyue reached the main gate, she had Jiang Chuan cover the maid''s mouth while she and Xique approached the empress''s chambers.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Jiang Chuan didn''t know what his mistress had heard, but it must have been something significant, otherwise her face wouldn''t look so grim now.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    In Chengqian Pce, the Emperor was quickly scanning through letters from Chang''an. As he read on, the anger on his face grew with each line.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Bang!"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    His fist mmed hard on the peach wood table, leaving a bloody mark on the Xuanwu Emperor''s hand. All the pce servants in Chengqian Pce immediately fell to their knees.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Seeing this, Wang Dequan quickly asked Tang Shiliang to fetch some medicine for wounds: "Your Majesty, please don''t harm yourself. If Concubine Zhenxian sees this, she''ll be heartbroken."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Hearing the mention of Concubine Zhenxian, the Xuanwu Emperor''s anger subsided a bit. Feeling guilty about the matter with Consort Rong and how it affected Jiang Xinyue, he said, "Wang Dequan, prepare the ink and brush. I want to appoint Jiang Yanxi as an imperial envoy to investigate the case of corrupt officials in Guangdong on my behalf."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    It was one thing for the Zhu family to act like emperors in Chang''an, but they dared to extend their reach into his inner pce. Seeing that he had punished the empress, they even tried to threaten him using the father of Consort Yu, the Governor-General of Liangguang.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    They should know that if the empress hadn''t been willing to hand over the imperial seal and insist that she was the one who ced the phosphorus powder, the Emperor would have already ordered the execution of the entire Zhu family.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Very well!<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Let''s see who''s the tougher one in this confrontation.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The Emperor didn''t believe it was pure luck that allowed Jiang Yanxi to obtain evidence of the officials'' corruption and safely escape assassination attempts.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Appointing him as the imperial envoy was most fitting.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Xinyue was an intelligent woman, a fact the Xuanwu Emperor had deeply realized when she captured the emperor''s heart.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    She would investigate and find out who the true culprit was behind the attempted murder of the Sixth Prince. He hoped that when the time came, she would understand... everything he had done was paving the way for her.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The empress was not a concern; the challengey in toppling the Zhu family behind her.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Consort Rong wasn''t the main point either; the key was how to silence the Empress Dowager without being used of filial impiety by the court officials.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    He wanted to y the long game and catch the big fish.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Your Majesty, Miss Pei from the Empress Dowager''s pce requests an audience."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Miss Pei?" The Emperor thought for a moment, a face both demonic and celestial appearing in his mind. "What does she want?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "This servant doesn''t know."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The Xuanwu Emperor hid his injured hand behind his back: "Let her in."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    What would happen when a beautiful young woman in thin clothing entered Chengqian Pce?<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The Empress Dowager smiled satisfactorily, then sighed to Consort Rong: "I made Consort Shu your scapegoat, pretending to be at odds with you, yet you still failed to gain the Emperor''s sympathy. I had no choice but to do this."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

 Chapter 203

    She gazed at the swaying brightnterns outside Chengqian Pce: "That Consort Shu, her head is full of petty romance. I''ve long known she wouldn''t amount to much, which is why I supported your rise to power, deliberately treating you harshly to make the Emperor pity you. But how have you be as useless as Consort Shu, wasting your childhood sweetheart status, unable to captivate the Emperor''s heart?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Consort Rong remained expressionless and silent, but her grip on the Empress Dowager''s hand tightened slightly.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The Empress Dowager sensed her emotional change and nced at her, saying with exasperation: "Don''t be resentful. When you faked pregnancy to gain favor and nearly got caught, it was I who kept it from Consort Shu, letting her believe you were truly pregnant. That''s why she acted against you, trying to frame Senior Concubine Xian in the process. I thought you would gain the Emperor''s sympathy from then on and rece Concubine Li as the most favored in the harem. Instead, you were supnted by Senior Concubine Xian. How can I not be angry?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Originally, they had nned to eliminate Senior Concubine Xian before the Emperor became attached to her, but they hadn''t anticipated that the Emperor would care for her more than expected, causing their n to fail.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Back then, to stage that miscarriage scene, the Empress Dowager had used many of her connections, only to end up with such a result.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Consort Rong began to cry: "Aunt, it''s all my fault. I couldn''t bring my brother and mother back from Ningguta. I''ve failed your expectations."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The Empress Dowager sighed again: "Stop crying, it''s not good if others see. If you can help Pei Wu gain favor this time, it will make up for your past failures."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Consort Rong felt resentful inside. Letting Pei Wu use her weakness to gain the Emperor''s trust meant she had be a disposable pawn. The Empress Dowager spoke lightly, sitting safely on her high perch while sacrificing others.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    But things had alreadye to this point, and she couldn''t refuse.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    As long as her brother and mother could return, she would do anything.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Inside Chengqian Pce¡ª<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Pei Wu held a ck jade chess piece, fiercely battling against the white pieces.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    She wore a man''s cloak draped over her young body: "Since neither Your Majesty nor I wish to be pawns for others, why don''t we cooperate?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The Xuanwu Emperor ced a piece, suddenly changing the entire board situation, leaving Pei Wu pondering for a long time without making a move.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The Emperor leaned back, his imposing figure exuding a hint of roguishness: "We hear that the heir of the Ruyang Prince''s Residence has refused the new marriage arranged by the Pei family, insisting on going to Sheng''an Temple to be a monk. Is it because Miss Pei heard this news that she no longer wishes to stay in the pce?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Pei Wu resolutely ced a piece: "No, even if the heir hadn''t broken off the engagement, I wouldn''t want to enter the pce."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "But now you sit across from Us, originally intending to seek Our favor."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Pei Wu''s snow-white face paled further, her chess pieces in disarray: "Grandfather thought Your Majesty was only momentarily angry when you demoted my cousin Li. He went to great lengths to send me into the pce, hoping I could help my cousin regain favor. But now that my cousin is dead, grandfather''s expectations for me have likely changed to recing her and bing Your Majesty''s favored consort. However..."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    She looked up at the Xuanwu Emperor: "After meeting Concubine Zhenxian, I knew I would have no chance. Everyone may doubt how much of Your Majesty''s affection for Concubine Xian is genuine, but I believe that seven-tenths of Your Majesty''s heart is devoted to the empire, the court, and themon people. If you''ve given three-tenths to Concubine Xian, that''s already all you can give. So, I think Your Majesty has already given Concubine Xian all the true affection you''re capable of."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Was she staying to be a witness to the Emperor and Concubine Xian''s love?<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    She wanted to leave, not because of anyone else, but because she didn''t like being confined in this square pce, and she didn''t want to deal with a man she didn''t love.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The Xuanwu Emperor looked at her for a long time, finally conceding a piece to her so she wouldn''t lose too badly: "Tell Us, how do you propose we cooperate?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Pei Wu withdrew her hand: "The Empress Dowager has never had any maternal affection for Your Majesty all these years, but Your Majesty has been tolerant due to filial piety, fearing criticism from officials and public opinion. Your Majesty has long wanted to remove the Empress Dowager, hasn''t you?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Insolent!"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The Emperor threw his white jade chess piece onto the board: "You presume to guess Our intentions. We could have your head right now."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "The cotton fibers on Wet Nurse Cheng''s clothes were ced by Consort Rong, but the order came from the Empress Dowager. Does Your Majesty want the Sixth Prince to face such a situation again? Concubine Xian is intelligent and refined; she has likely already discovered it was Consort Rong''s doing. Your Majesty has been concealing this, but I suggest youe clean soon. If you keep hurting her heart, even the deepest affection will eventually wear away."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    It was the first time the Emperor had loved a consort so much, and he didn''t want Concubine Xian to be insincere towards him in the future.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Just then, Tang Shiliang entered. Seeing Pei Wu ying chess with the Emperor, he hesitated to speak.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The Xuanwu Emperor knew he was here to talk about Concubine Xian and directly gestured: "Speak."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Tang Shiliang nced at Pei Wu a couple more times before saying: "Concubine Xian summoned the female officials from the Wardrobe Department today. Clothing Steward Xie has been assassinated. The Investigative Bureau received the body sent from Hexi Pce, and the Director of the Pce Surveince Office is here to ask for Your Majesty''s instructions."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The Xuanwu Emperorughed and turned to Pei Wu: "You''re right, Yue''er is an extremely intelligent woman. If she could trace it to Clothing Steward Xie, it means she already knows Consort Rong is one of the culprits behind the scenes. So tell me, can she trace it back to the Zhu family?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Pei Wu was stunned at first, then her eyes widened: "Your Majesty, you..."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Shh!" The Xuanwu Emperor''s gaze sharpened, exuding a murderous aura: "If you want to cooperate with Us, using the Empress Dowager as a bargaining chip is not enough. You need to use... your life."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The dark sky was devoid of stars, covered in thick clouds that blocked even the moonlight. The dense ckness was like undissolvable ink, oppressive to look at.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The little ball of joy was crying incessantly for unknown reasons.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Jiang Xinyue held him lovingly in her arms: "Oh oh oh~ What''s wrong with mommy''s precious little dumpling? Are you feeling unwell somewhere?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Nanny Xiang was also watching: "Is it because he''s been drinking goat''s milk recently and might have some indigestion?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The Emperor had already started looking for a new wet nurse for Jiang Xinyue, but it wasn''t a quick process.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Even after finding one, they would have to investigate the wet nurse''s family history for three generations to ensure she wouldn''t harbor ill intentions towards the prince.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Moreover, with the precedent set by Wet Nurse Cheng, the Emperor now had additional requirements for the wet nurse''s personality. He preferred someone steady, with strong adaptability, and preferably some knowledge of medicine.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    As such, Jiang Xinyue could only feed the child with goat''s milk prepared by the imperial kitchen for now.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Since the child couldn''t speak, adults could only guess.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Hearing Nanny Xiang''s words, Jiang Xinyue asked Xi Que to give the little one a gas-relief massage.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    After two sets of movements, the little dumpling started making "puff puff" farting sounds. "Your Highness, the gas-relief massage you taught us really works. Look, the Sixth Prince has stopped crying!" Xi Que eximed.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Nanny Li also smiled: "All children go through the ''second-month fuss.'' Once you get past the first three months, it gets better."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    In ancient times, there were no terms for intestinal bloating or colic; it was all called the "second-month fuss."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Jiang Xinyue neither agreed nor disagreed with this.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

 Chapter 204

    As long as she knew what was going on, there was no need to overturn the ancients'' understanding.


    Xiao Xuanzi walked in from outside, bypassing Nanny Li and others, and whispered a few words in Jiang Xinyue''s ear.


    Her facial expression remained unchanged, still gentle and kind. She even picked up the rattle on the bed to amuse the Sixth Prince, while in her heart she cursed the Xuanwu Emperor to high heaven.


    The dog emperor couldn''t endure celibacy for even half a year. The beauty that the old hypocrite Empress Dowager had brought in from outside the pce was said to be the granddaughter of Minister Pei of the Privy Council, which meant she was Consort Li''s cousin. It was unclear whether she would be a friend or foe.


    Would she me Jiang Xinyue for the deaths of Consort Li and the Pei family?


    He kept saying he loved her, but his body always reacted to other women.


    Men were indeed animals that thought with their lower halves.


    Couldn''t he have found her a ce to live in the harem and given her a title before summoning her to serve him? The beauty went to Chengqian Pce to offer herself, and he readily epted?


    Coming and staying overnight at Chengqian Pce was supposed to be her exclusive privilege. Tomorrow, those concubines would probably be discussing in private how she had lost favor after giving birth.


    Gradually, the sounds around her seemed to disappear. When Jiang Xinyue came to her senses and turned her head to look, a fresh lychee was pressed against her face.


    "Let me see, who''s the little sulker pouting here?" the Xuanwu Emperor said.


    Jiang Xinyue''s first instinct was to hug the Xuanwu Emperor joyfully, but she quickly suppressed her expression and turned to hug the little dumpling instead. Her mouth was puffed up in anger, looking like it could hang an oil pot.


    The emperor peeled the lychee and brought it to her lips. "I didn''t favor Pei Wu. She came to me because she wanted to leave the pce. I''ve told you, my heart and eyes are full of you now. How could there be room for other women?"


    That''s debatable, she thought.


    Jiang Xinyue rolled her eyes. "Then why did Your Majesty have the Investigative Bureau keep the truth from me? Is that also because Your Majesty''s heart and eyes are full of me?"


    The Xuanwu Emperor pushed the lychee closer to her mouth. "Eat this first, and then I''ll tell you. My arm is getting sore from holding it up."


    This lychee was seedless, the kind that would sell for over 70 yuan per 500 grams in fruit shops in the future. Jiang Xinyue''s hospital colleagues had evenined that even lychees had be a luxury item.


    She loved eating lychees the most.


    The sweet fragrance entered Jiang Xinyue''s nostrils. She lowered her head and took a small bite, then another...


    Like a little hamster, she ate the lychee bit by bit.


    Only then did the Xuanwu Emperor stand up to wash the juice off his hands in the copper basin on the rack. He dried his hands with a cloth before sitting down beside her again. "Consort Rong was only acting on orders. The real mastermind is the Empress Dowager. I wanted to protect you and the child, so I needed to ensure a decisive strike. Otherwise, we would alert the enemy. Don''t think that the Empress Dowager keeps losing to you; it''s all her tactic to lower my guard."


    The lychee got stuck in Jiang Xinyue''s throat. She couldn''t swallow it or spit it out. She looked like a frightened little rabbit. If she had two long ears on her head, they would probably have stood up in shock.


    The Xuanwu Emperor found this asional disy of childishness from Jiang Xinyue very cute. He pinched her little upturned nose and shook it gently. "Did you really think I couldn''t tell you were acting every time you framed the Empress Dowager for hitting you?"


    Of course, Jiang Xinyue knew inwardly that she was deliberately using this clumsy acting to repeatedly refresh the Xuanwu Emperor''s perception of her, implementing his own desire to take revenge on the Empress Dowager.


    The emperor would naturally help her because she was helping the little emperor, who had been violently treated as a child, to vent his anger!


    These harmless pranks would only make the emperor think she was mischievous, without suspecting her character or thinking she was deeply scheming.


    After all, her "acting skills were poor"!


    Jiang Xinyue pushed away the emperor''s hand, pouting. "You... you knowing is enough. You didn''t have to tell me. I''m embarrassed too, you know?"


    She buried her head in the nket coquettishly and angrily, refusing to look up at the emperor.


    The Xuanwu Emperor''s joyfulughter sounded above Jiang Xinyue''s head. He hugged the little woman who had rolled into a ball under the nket like a caterpir. "I know you were also protecting yourself, so didn''t I y along? I''ve said before, I love you, whether you''re being a little naughty or mischievous. I ept all of you. Even if you poked a hole in the sky, I would find a way to patch it for you. Yue''er, after I''m gone, I hope the person buried with me will be you."


    Wasn''t this telling Jiang Xinyue that he wanted her to be his empress?


    That wouldn''t do!


    Jiang Xinyue shook her head. "I don''t want to be the empress. The empress has to be a role model for the nation, follow rules andws, and can''t make any mistakes. I''m used to beingzy. I just like to be unrestrained and mischievous with Your Majesty, not following rules..."


    "I know..." The Xuanwu Emperor "rescued" her little face from the nket and kissed it. "I know all of that."


    So, to make Jiang Xinyue be the empress who would stand by his side, he had designed this scenario, letting her investigate the true culprit who wanted to harm the little dumpling.


    Everyone has a contrary psychology, especially his little beloved who never follows the usual script.


    If she discovered that the true culprit had already been found out, but he was keeping it from her and deliberately covering for the mastermind behind the scenes, she would investigate on her own.


    He had intentionally reassigned the pce maids in the empress''s pce, just to make it easier for her to eavesdrop.


    She must know by now that the person who scattered the white phosphorus powder was unrted yet rted to the empress, arranged by the Zhu family.


    Though she said nothing, she had probably already formed a n in her mind, thinking about how to bring the empress''s father to his death.


    As long as Zhu Jianshen died, the empress and Senior Concubine Xian would be mortal enemies.


    This empress position - Jiang Xinyue would have to take it whether she wanted to or not.


    Otherwise, Empress Zhu would surely seek revenge madly.


    What the Xuanwu Emperor wanted was for Jiang Xinyue to confront the empress. He wanted to personally ce the woman he loved on the throne.


    Back in Cining Pce, Pei Wu covered her wildly beating heart, once again feeling sorry for Empress Zhu.


    Although Empress Zhu wasn''t a good person, it was truly pitiful that her husband was scheming to give her position to another woman, and she had no idea.


    Moreover, the emperor''s thoughts were even more terrifying than her grandfather had imagined.


    He had seen through the fact that Senior Concubine Xian didn''t want to be empress at all, and deliberately set up a situation for her to be enemies with the empress, forcing her to fight for that position to protect herself.


    Everything was intricately linked. His thoughts were so meticulous that Senior Concubine Xian probably hadn''t even realized she had fallen into his trap.


    However, the emperor did all this for Senior Concubine Xian, which showed how deep his feelings were for her.


    The Empress Dowager was still dreaming aboutpeting for favor. She would likely be disappointed.


    Using her hand to make some red marks on her neck, creating the appearance of having just finished lovemaking, Pei Wu then removed the cape from her shoulders, exposing her smooth chest and neck, along with all those "ambiguous" marks.

 Chapter 205

    Staying overnight in Chengqian Pce was Concubine Zhenxian''s privilege, so she naturally wouldn''t spend the night there. She only needed to create the illusion that she had been intimate with the Emperor to gain the Empress Dowager''s trust.


    When she left, it wasn''t toote. The Emperor should have heeded her words and gone to Hexi Pce to find Senior Concubine Xian. The longer the Emperor spent lovingly with Senior Concubine Xian, the safer she would be.


    Having briefly formed an alliance with the Emperor, she wondered if he would keep his promise to send her out of the pce once the Empress Dowager lost her ability to cause trouble. And the Crown Prince... had he really refused to marry his sister for her sake?


    "Miss Pei, the Empress Dowager requests your presence."


    Granny Gui lowered her head, ncing at the red marks on her neck, her smile growing wider: "This old servant will help Miss Pei change her clothes!"


    It wouldn''t do to see the Empress Dowager like this. Pei Wu nodded, and Granny Gui led several pce maids in.


    On the bed was a woman''s handkerchief stained with blood, which Pei Wu had borrowed from the Emperor''s bloodied hand. The snow-white handkerchief with bright red blood was proof to Granny Gui that Pei Wu was no longer a "virgin."


    In Hexi Pce¡ª


    The Xuanwu Emperor had just managed tofort Jiang Xinyue and ordered Granny Xiang to take the little one away when the wound on the back of his hand was exposed to Jiang Xinyue.


    She sat up abruptly on the bed: "Your Majesty, you''re hurt! How did this happen?"


    The woman''s soft hands cradled his, her eyes brimming with tears of concern. She blew gently on the broken skin: "Why didn''t Wang Dequan bandage it for Your Majesty? What if it gets infected? Does it hurt a lot?"


    Wang Dequan was waiting behind the screen, ready to attend to the Emperor''s needs, but he didn''t expect to hear Senior Concubine Xian''s reproach.


    Heaven knows, it wasn''t that he didn''t want to bandage the Emperor''s wound. The Emperor insisted on keeping it exposed to gain Senior Concubine Xian''s sympathy when he came to Hexi Pce!


    He was truly in a predicament, unable to voice his grievances.


    "It doesn''t hurt. When you blow on it, Yue''er, it doesn''t hurt at all."


    Even at a time like this, he was still joking.


    Jiang Xinyue red at him and called for Shuang Jiang: "Go to the medicine box and bring some wound medicine and silk cloth."


    After giving birth to the little one, she had the Internal Affairs Department make her a small box and asked Yan the Imperial Physician to put some medicines for bruises, falls, and burns in it, creating a simple first-aid kit simr to what the physicians at the Imperial Hospital carried around.


    This way, they wouldn''t have to wait for a physician to arrive for minor illnesses or injuries.


    Shuang Jiang quickly brought the medical box and stood by to hand things to her mistress.


    Jiang Xinyue gently applied medicine to the Xuanwu Emperor''s wound. The moment the medicinal powder touched the wound, it stung a bit. The Emperor, being a grown man, could certainly endure it, but he still hissed, causing Jiang Xinyue to look rmed.


    When he was young, he always hoped that his mother would pick him up when he fell, blow on his little hand, and tell him, "I''ll blow on it, and it won''t hurt anymore."


    But every time he deliberately fell, the Empress Dowager would just coldly look at him and criticize him for not even being able to walk properly, asking how he could ever be a good emperor in the future.


    If possible, the Empress Dowager would probably have wanted to give the throne to someone from the Wu family. So no matter how well the Xuanwu Emperor did, he could never earn a word of praise from the Empress Dowager.


    The Empress Dowager''s treatment of him was always suppression, me, scolding...


    When did he start to let go of his obsession and no longer feel the normal affection between mother and son towards the Empress Dowager?


    Perhaps it was after countless disappointments, a long, long time ago. So long ago that every time Wu Chengyi bullied him, the Empress Dowager always stood on Wu Chengyi''s side... So long ago that he himself couldn''t remember how much time had passed, he forgot he even had a mother.


    In those days of licking his wounds alone, he learned to heal himself. He no longer needed anyone to be kind to him because he was strong enough on his own.


    However, today, as Jiang Xinyue bandaged his wound with such gentle and careful movements, his heart was inevitably touched.


    As they looked into each other''s eyes, there was infinite tenderness.


    Seeing this, Shuang Jiang quickly tidied up and quietly withdrew, fearing that even a moment''s dy would offend the Emperor.


    The Emperor had been abstinent for more than half a year, and although he wanted to pounce on Jiang Xinyue, seeing the fear in her eyes, he suppressed his desires.


    After washing up, he held Jiang Xinyue, feeling her stiffness in his arms. He kissed her forehead and said, "Sleep now! I''ll stay with you."


    He had actually considered her feelings and restrained his desires.


    Jiang Xinyue''s tense muscles finally rxed. She nestled in the Xuanwu Emperor''s arms, silently hugging him, appearing both moved and grateful.


    She was indeed afraid of childbirth and intimacy now. Any object entering or exiting her birthing organ reminded her of the unbearable pain duringbor.


    But grateful to the Emperor? Not at all.


    This was her body, and she had the right to refuse or ept anyone.


    Jiang Xinyue slept well that night, but the Xuanwu Emperor suffered.


    His beloved consort was in his arms, but he could only look and not touch. Especially when her sleeping posture was restless, rubbing against him, almost making him spill his seed on the bed.


    He even got up in the middle of the night to take a cold shower to calm down.


    This led to him sneezing constantly the next morning, and during court, officials even advised him to take care of his health.


    After court, Minister Pei of the Privy Council was beaming with joy, probably having heard the news of his granddaughter being favored.


    The officials of the Pei faction loved to challenge Jiang Yankun, and how could they miss such a great opportunity today?


    The Minister of Works nced at Jiang Yankun, deliberately bumping into his shoulder, then apologizing insincerely: "Oh! I''m so sorry, I didn''t see Minister Jiang there. How strange, when Senior Concubine Xian was the sole favorite in the harem, Minister Jiang used to walk with his nose in the air. Why so deted today? I didn''t even notice you!"


    Jiang Yankun coldly snorted: "Blindpdog."


    "You..."


    The Minister of War stepped forward: "Minister Jiang, your words are too harsh. You should know that the Emperor has started to favor other concubines, Senior Concubine Xian is no longer the only one. We are all of the same rank, if you continue to be so arrogant, we might have to report you to the Emperor."


    Jiang Yankun snorted a second time: "Yapping watchdog."


    The Ministers of Works and War looked back to see the Minister of Personnel, Jiang Hewei, who was once Jiang Yankun''s ally in overthrowing the Song family, but ended up being the unfortunate target of historians'' attacks in court.


    Jiang Hewei didn''t dare to participate in this war where he couldn''t afford to offend either side and was about to quietly slip away when he heard Minister Jiang firmly spit out two words: "Cowardly dog."


    It was an indiscriminate attack,shing out even at his own people when enraged.


    Jiang Yanxi watched from the side, dumbfounded, vowing to learn well from his n brother.


    Their Jiang family had Princess Zhenxian, allowing them to walk sideways like crabs.

 Chapter 206

    Jiang Yankun knew that today''s quickly-concluded verbal battle would eventually reach the Emperor''s ears.


    Two fools rushed to help him gain favor with the Emperor, and he was more than happy to oblige. The most reliable servants for the Emperor were those without options, as their only path to survival was through unwavering loyalty.


    The Jiang family had previously been merely wealthy merchants, with money but no power. They had to rely on bribing local officials to keep their businesses running smoothly. Later, when Jiang Yankun became the Vice Minister of the Ministry of Rites in the capital, it was a position that could bring in some money, but held little real power and couldn''t help the family much. It just meant that the Jiang family could say they had an official among them, and were no longer just lowly merchants.


    It wasn''t until Jiang Xinyue entered the pce and gained the Emperor''s exclusive favor that Jiang Yankun was promoted to Minister of Justice, a second-rank official. Only then did the Jiang family''s fortunes truly soar.


    Even rtives from their hometown frequently wrote letters to thank Jiang Yankun, or more urately, to ask if "Miss Yue" in the pce needed anything. Whatever she wanted, they would provide - even if it meant trying to pluck stars from the sky for her.


    As they were about to exit the pce, a clumsy young eunuch suddenly collided with Jiang Yankun. Just as he was about to help the boy up, the eunuch picked up something from the ground, apologized hurriedly, and ran off.


    Jiang Yanxi clicked his tongue, "How can the pce have such ill-mannered servants? Bumping into someone and not even-"


    Before he could finish, Jiang Yankun interrupted him: "Brother, I''m fine."


    His eyes held a look of disapproval, as if he had something to say.


    Jiang Yanxi might not have many talents, but he was good at reading situations. He quickly shut his mouth and hurried out of the pce with Jiang Yankun, boarding their carriage.


    "Yankun, what happened? Just now you-"


    Jiang Yankun lowered the carriage curtain, blocking prying eyes from outside. Only then did he take his hand out from his sleeve, revealing a letter that had slid into his palm.


    The handwriting on the envelope was... very messy...


    If Jiang Yankun wasn''t Jiang Xinyue''s father, he probably wouldn''t have recognized it as his daughter''s writing.


    Jiang Yanxi frowned as he took the envelope from Jiang Yankun''s hand, examining it from all angles. He held it up to the oilmp in the carriage and asked in confusion: "What is this? Are these even characters? It looks like someone spilled an inkstone - just blobs everywhere. I can''t make out a single word."


    To be honest, even three-year-old children in the Jiang family wrote more legibly than this.


    Jiang Yankun felt somewhat embarrassed but pointed at the four ck ink blots and dered confidently: "It clearly says ''To Father'' right here."


    Jiang Yanxi''s eyes widened: "This is... a letter from Miss Yue to you?"


    Jiang Yankun nodded with a dark expression, reluctant to admit that while his daughter learned everything else quickly, her handwriting simply refused to improve.


    Before entering the pce, her writing had already be somewhat elegant. He had thought that given time, Miss Yue would surely develop beautiful, delicate calligraphy.


    How had her writing be so abstract in just two years of not seeing it?


    This was far from the graceful style expected of women - it was bold and unrestrained, primarily characterized by being unrecognizable. She had truly created her own unique style!


    After finally managing to read through the letter under Jiang Yanxi''s speechless gaze, Jiang Yankun''s entire demeanor became serious.


    Jiang Yanxi had stared for a long time but only managed to recognize a few punctuation marks. He looked from the letter to Jiang Yankun''s expression and asked: "What does the letter say? Why do you look like that? Did something happen to Miss Yue in the pce?"


    After all, the Jiang family now had two officials. If they got themselves together, they might be able to help Miss Yue.


    His own glory, and indeed that of the entire Jiang family, was tied to Miss Yue alone. They would rise or fall together!


    Jiang Yankun took a deep breath: "Miss Yue says that on the night of the Sixth Prince''s full moon celebration, he was nearly killed in a plot. The Zhu family sprinkled white phosphorus powder on a wet nurse''s clothes. She wants us to help her with something."


    "What?" Jiang Yanxi gritted his teeth. "The Zhu family is too brazen! Their daughter may be the Empress, but our Miss Yue is Senior Concubine Xian, not much inferior. How dare they harm the Sixth Prince? It''s outrageous! Yankun, tell me, what does Senior Concubine Xian want us to do? Even if it takes the full strength of our n, we must help the Sixth Prince get revenge."


    "We don''t need to mobilize the whole n. I''ll send an assassin to infiltrate Chang''an. You just need to arrange for our family''s merchants in Chang''an to provide some assistance."


    "You''ve started keeping assassins?"


    "Miss Yue told me to. She said some things require assassins to ensure absolute safety and secrecy."


    Jiang Yanxi suddenly looked enlightened: "Senior Concubine Xian truly ns ahead. Even at my age, I can''t match her meticulous thinking. No wonder she alone holds the Emperor''s favor."


    "What makes you say that?"


    "Look at her handwriting..."


    Jiang Yanxi snatched the two thin sheets of paper, pointing at the writing: "Even if this letter fell into the Empress''s hands, she wouldn''t be able to recognize a single character. Yet you can read it perfectly. Hasn''t this be your own secret code? In my opinion, she doesn''t even need to have it delivered secretly. She could hand it over right in front of the Empress, and if anyone could read it, I''d offer my head for her to kick around like a ball. Isn''t this foresight? Isn''t this brilliant?"


    Jiang Yankun was momentarily speechless...


    Since Miss Yue had asked her father to keep assassins, Jiang Yanxi thought he should keep a few too. They were bound to be useful someday.


    He rubbed his hands together: "Yankun... where did you... where did you buy those assassins? Could you introduce me to some?"


    "You think assassins are cabbages? I-"


    "Is this the carriage of Minister of Justice Jiang and Vice Minister of Rites Jiang?" A soft male voice called from outside the carriage.


    Jiang Yankun quickly fell silent, coughing lightly before responding: "It is."


    "This servant is from Chengqian Pce, here on the Emperor''s orders to request Vice Minister Jiang''s presence in the imperial study for a discussion."


    They hadn''t mentioned it during the morning court session, nor after it ended. Instead, they waited until everyone had left toe sneaking around.


    Jiang Yankun gave Jiang Yanxi a meaningful look, gesturing for him to go quickly.


    Thest time the Emperor had him and Minister Jiang secretly bring down the Song family, it had been equally mysterious. This time, it was likely that his cousin would be asked to do something simr.


    Which meant that some randomly chosen corrupt official was about to have very bad luck, while his cousin was due for a promotion.


    The weather in May was already turning warm. Yesterday, Consort De had been granted authority to assist in managing the imperial harem. Early this morning, all the concubines in the pce hade to Yanqing Pce to pay their respects to Consort De.


    Compared to the young and inexperienced Concubine Zhenxian, Consort De clearlymanded more respect and held greater sway over people''s hearts.


    Consort De smiled gently, saying only that she dared not be presumptuous, and that whoever held the phoenix seal was truly in charge of the harem.


    And so, while Jiang Xinyue was still happily ying with her child, a voice announced from outside: "Mydy, the concubines of the harem havee to pay their respects to you."

 Chapter 207

    Why ask for an audience?


    She wasn''t the Empress, soing to pay respects to her would only put her in the spotlight unnecessarily.


    This Consort De was up to no good with her quiet scheming.


    But since everyone had already arrived at Hexi Pce, Jiang Xinyue couldn''t refuse to see them. After all, she was currently the highest-ranking consort holding the imperial seal.


    Shuang Jiang wanted to do her hair and makeup to ensure she outshone everyone.


    However, Jiang Xinyue stopped her hand from applying makeup. She took the eyebrow pencil and, instead of drawing the usual gentle downward slope to create an innocent look, she drew sharp upward-angled brows.


    She also abandoned the bare, pure look for her eyes. The ancients loved beauty as part of their nature, referring to eyes as "nted red."


    Shuang Jiang watched as her mistress meticulously drew her eyebrows and applied vibrant red eye makeup to match the tail of her brows, revealing a majestic yet alluring, breathtaking beauty.


    She lightly brushed blush on her cheeks, leaving only a faint, natural color. Instead of applying bright red lipstick, she used her finger to dab on lip balm, evenly spreading it on her lips for a pink and moisturized look.


    The light color of her lips drew even more attention to her dazzling eyes and brows.


    Shuang Jiang''s eyes widened. She had never seen Noble Consort Xian (Jiang Xinyue) look so bewitching, charming, sensual, majestic, gorgeous, and awe-inspiring all at once.


    Her beauty seemed to surpass mortal limits.


    Usually, Jiang Xinyue wore natural makeup, making people think she had a naturally goodplexion and was beautiful without needing much adornment, already a peerless beauty.


    But today, with what was considered heavy makeuppared to her usual style, she not only looked exceptionally beautiful but also exuded an invible noble aura.


    "Noble Consort Zhen (Jiang Xinyue) is truly the firstdy of the harem! We sisters came early to wait, but she still hasn''t shown up at this hour. Even the Empress didn''t have such airs in the past!"


    "That''s because I''m not the Empress," Jiang Xinyue replied.


    The consort who spoke had only intended to make a sourment before Jiang Xinyue arrived, not expecting to be caught red-handed by the woman herself.


    As Jiang Xinyue''s intimidating gaze swept over her, she was so frightened that she immediately knelt on the ground, not even daring to make eye contact.


    Just as Consort De was about to plead for the pcedy, Jiang Xinyue had already seated herself on the soft couch and said coldly, "I''m not the Empress, so don''t expect me to have the Empress''s magnanimity. If I hear anyone speaking ill of me behind my back again, I won''t be lenient."


    She looked around the room, and everyone who met her gaze lowered their heads, saying, "This concubine wouldn''t dare."


    Only Consort De not only didn''t lower her head but even smiled at her.


    Just yesterday, Jiang Xinyue had gone to see the Empress, stirring up trouble between Consort De and the Empress while also setting up Consort Rong. Today, Consort De was putting on this act, clearly intending to overturn Jiang Xinyue''s words and show the Empress that it was Jiang Xinyue who had always harbored wild ambitions.


    Unfortunately, Consort De had miscalcted. Jiang Xinyue truly wasn''t interested in that position.


    "You''d better not dare," she said.


    Her sharp, upward-angled brows and eyes naturally exuded an air of charm, yet made people tremble at the sight. "I have a habit of sleeping in, which the Emperor is aware of. In the future, if you want to pay respects to Consort De, go to her pce. I won''t be getting up early because of you. If you have any matters to discuss, find Consort De. I''ve been in the pce for far too short a timepared to all of you, and I''m not skilled at handling pce affairs. Unless it''s urgent, don''te to Hexi Pce."


    From all she said, everyone understood one thing: Sister has a bad temper, so don''te bothering her.


    Consort De shook her head. "Noble Consort Xian is too modest. In the pce, rank has always been determined by status, not length of time served. The Emperor himself said for me to assist you well. How can you say you''re not skilled? Besides, you still hold the imperial seal. Pce affairs can''t be handled without you."


    "Are you suggesting I hand the imperial seal over to you?" Jiang Xinyue immediately waved her hand. "Xi Que, go fetch the imperial seal for Consort De."


    The consorts in attendance looked at each other, unsure of what game Jiang Xinyue was ying.


    Even Consort De was momentarily stunned, her eyes filled with shock and confusion.


    Xi Que quickly brought out the box containing the imperial seal. It looked exactly the same as when it was first delivered; Jiang Xinyue hadn''t even opened it to look.


    Consort De''s breathing gradually quickened as Xi Que approached her, presenting the imperial seal.


    Jiang Xinyue showed no attachment as she said, "Since Consort De wants it, you can have it."


    Consort De was jolted awake by the phrase "Consort De wants it" just as her hand touched the box containing the seal. She withdrew her hand as if burned. "Noble Consort Xian, I didn''t mean that."


    Jiang Xinyue didn''t seem to care whether she believed her or not, letting out a light chuckle. "You don''t want it? Then I''ll entrust all pce affairs to you. I believe that with Consort De''s abilities, you''ll certainly be able to present the Empress with a well-ordered harem once Her Majesty recovers her health."


    The implication was that no matter how well Consort De performed, she would always be paving the way for the Empress.


    As long as the Zhu family didn''t fall, the harem would always be the Empress''s domain.


    Discord between the Emperor and Empress was taboo, so the Emperor only said publicly that the Empress was suffering from migraines andcked the energy to manage pce affairs, which was why he had Noble Consort Xian and Consort De jointly manage things.


    As long as the Empress hadn''t fallen from power, whoever took over pce affairs would be holding a hot potato.


    Butst night, Consort De had received news that the Emperor had already appointed Jiang Xinyue''s cousin, Jiang Yanxi, as an imperial envoy to secretly investigate in Guangdong and Guangxi provinces. The official reason was to investigate corrupt officials, but the real purpose was to secretly investigate Consort Yu''s father.


    Governor-General Yu of the two Guangs was the right-hand man of the Zhu family in the capital. He was one of their most capable generals. If Lord Yu fell from power, it would mark the beginning of the Zhu family''s decline.


    Because this news hade so promptly, even Jiang Xinyue might not know about it yet. Consort De really wanted to see if she would regret handing over pce authority to her out of fear of the Empress''s retaliation once she learned of the Emperor''s ns.


    Jiang Xinyue could tell what she was thinking with just a nce, but she put on a weary expression. "Alright, if there''s nothing else, you may all leave. I stayed up toote serving the Emperor yesterday and didn''t get enough sleep. I''m going to take a nap. Remember, if anythinges up, find Consort De."


    She yawned, leaning on Xi Que''s arm,pletely ignoring the looks from everyone as she sashayed back to her bedchamber.


    Several consorts gathered around Consort De. "Consort De, did you see how arrogant she was? She really doesn''t take us sisters seriously at all."


    "That''s right! She''s pregnant but still monopolizing the Emperor''s attention, acting like a vixen. We''ve all be mere decorations."


    Consort De smiled gently. "Didn''t the Emperor favor Miss Peist night? Perhaps you could ask Miss Pei for some advice on how to win His Majesty''s favor."


    The mention of this only angered the consorts further...


    At least Noble Consort Xian had an official title in the harem. What was Miss Pei?


    She had no name or title, yet she was already with the Emperor. Today, after the Emperor finished his morning court session, there was no imperial decree from Chengqian Pce to bestow a title on her. It wasughable.


    What respectabledy would learn those low-ss, seductive methods from her?

 Chapter 208

    "You scared me to death!" Xi Que eximed, putting down the phoenix seal that felt as heavy as "a thousand pounds." She patted her chest and said, "When Consort De put her hand on it, I thought she was really going to take the seal away. My heart was in my throat!"


    If it weren''t for their mistress suddenly "reminding" Consort De, the phoenix seal might have truly been taken by her.


    Jiang Xinyue rolled her eyes at her. "You''re hopeless. Didn''t I tell you? You can boldly offer it to her. If she dares to take it, the Emperor will immediately send someone to help me get it back. She was only one step away from sess, how could she risk it?"


    If she had taken the phoenix seal at that moment, it would have seemed too eager and impatient, leaving a bad impression on the Emperor. That would have been counterproductive.


    Jiang Xinyue had guessed correctly that she wouldn''t dare, nor would she do something that would damage her reputation, which is why she so readily let Xi Que give her the phoenix seal.


    What use was it for the other concubines to trust her and seek her out?


    It was nothing but trivial matters, not worth using the phoenix seal for.


    If there were any major issues, Consort De would still have toe to Hexi Pce to consult Jiang Xinyue, after all, she held the phoenix seal.


    It was like apany''s official seal - any announcement issued without thepany''s seal wouldck credibility.


    In Yikun Pce, the Empress was sitting in a chair, holding the Fifth Prince in her arms, teaching him to write his name on rice paper.


    Fen Yun reported the morning''s covert battle in detail: "Your Majesty, this Consort De..."


    She was very confused. The former Consort De had always been well-behaved, often offering strategies for the Empress without asking for anything in return. She remained so low-key that it seemed she had nothing special she wanted in this life, never making requests to the Empress.


    How could such a big incident happen this time? Not only did she note to Yikun Pce to exin, but she even led the other concubines to pay respects at Hexi Pce?


    It was said that the group was driven out by Senior Concubine Xian.


    The Empress patted the Fifth Prince''s little bottom, letting the wet nurse take him away before saying, "For these ten years or more, we''ve been fooled by her excellent acting skills. She''s been pretending to be without desires for so long that even I was deceived."


    She knew Consort De wasn''t as detached as she appeared on the surface, but she never imagined that her ambition was hidden so deep.


    "What should we do now?"


    Consort De''s father was the Duke of Cheng, a Marquis of Supreme Grade, and also held the important position of Supervising Censor of the Six Offices in the court. If she were to be deposed, Consort De would be the most likely to ascend to the position of Empress.


    As for Senior Concubine Xian...


    Not only did she not want to be Empress herself, even if she did, it wouldn''t be her turn.


    No matter how much the Emperor loved her, the weakness of the Jiang family was an undeniable fact. Even if they produced a second-rank official, they couldn''tpete with the many concubines from good family backgrounds.


    The Empress narrowed her eyes, "Tell the Internal Affairs Department to add the cousin from The Third Maternal Aunt of Consort De''s family to next spring''s selection of imperial concubines."


    When Consort De entered the pce ten years ago, her cousin was only five or six years old. Now she was old enough to enter the pce for selection.


    It was said that when Consort De entered the pce for selection, one of her cousins also came along. But for some reason, that cousin fell ill as soon as she entered the pce. It was Consort De who begged the Emperor, kowtowing every step of the way at Sheng''an Temple to pray for her cousin''s health, which allowed her cousin to live for a few more months.


    It was because of this that the Emperor began to see Consort De in a new light.


    Pitifully, that cousin died miserably in Chuxiu Pce after Consort De gained favor.


    This was originally a secret, but who would have thought that when Consort De entered the pce, the Empress had already been managing the imperial harem for many years. The funeral arrangements for that cousin were even ordered by the Empress.


    The Third Maternal Aunt of Consort De''s family must be very curious about how their perfectly healthy daughter entered the pce only to pass away a few monthster.


    It was said that The Little Cousin had a fiery temperament and had been investigating the truth behind her sister''s death. Why not give her a chance to enter the pce and investigate?


    The Empress was confident that after all the investigation, the suspicions would ultimately fall on Consort De.


    One only needed to look at how all the benefits went to Consort De after the elder cousin''s death to understand.


    There''s a saying that''s very apt: When you don''t know who the culprit is, it''s simple - look at who benefited the most from the incident, and start investigating from there.


    While the Empress was thinking about how to deal with Consort De, Consort De wasn''t idle either.


    After returning from Hexi Pce, she had her confidant send a letter back to the Duke of Cheng''s mansion.


    After reading it, the Duke of Cheng steeled his heart, called for his guards and gave them instructions, cautiously admonishing, "Sess or failure hinges on this one move. Sess is the only option, failure is not permitted."


    To help his daughterpete for that supreme position, it was worth taking some risks.


    Having sessfully sowed discord between the two sides, Jiang Xinyue kept a low profile.


    She now had the Fourth Prince and Sixth Prince, and would take the two little ones to y in the Imperial Garden every day.


    Beforeing to Hexi Pce, the Fourth Prince looked like a little bean, at six or seven years old he wasn''t as sturdy as other four-year-olds. After being nurtured in Hexi Pce for some time, he had grown taller, and because of the bnced nutrition he received daily, he had also gained weight, looking somewhat like a miniature version of the Martial Emperor.


    The Third Prince used to always pat the Fourth Prince''s head and make him call him "big brother," but now that they were the same height, the Third Prince was somewhat unhappy. He could only grab the Sixth Prince, hanging around the Sixth Prince''s little cradle all day, teaching him to call him "Third Brother."


    The Fourth Prince was not to be outdone: "Tuan Tuan, call me Fourth Brother, don''t call him Third Brother. Fourth Brother will give you candy."


    "Fourth Prince!" Xi Que raised her voice and called out, "Don''t secretly feed candy to the Sixth Prince. Have you forgotten what Senior Concubine Xian said about candy making children stupid?"


    Shen Ming, caught red-handed, smiled ingratiatingly, "Sister Xi Que, I didn''t give any to little brother Tuan Tuan. I was just tricking him into calling me Fourth Brother!"


    The Third Prince covered his mouth and giggled, "Serves you right for getting scolded! That''s what you get for trying to corrupt good little Tuan Tuan."


    He snatched the candy from the Fourth Prince''s hand. "If Tuan Tuan''s not eating it, I''ll have it. I am your big brother after all."


    The snacks from Concubine Zhen''s Pce were the most delicious.


    "p!"


    Just as the Third Prince unwrapped the candy and was about to pop it into his mouth, his personal pce maid swatted it away. With a guarded expression, she said, "My apologies, Xi Que. Our mistress doesn''t allow the Third Prince to eat random food outside."


    The Third Prince looked at the golden candy on the ground, his wrist reddened from being struck. His lips quivered as he burst into tears, "I hate Aunt Ning... I don''t like Aunt Ning anymore, waaah..."


    As he spoke, he wiped his tears and turned to run away.


    Aunt Ning was about to chase after him when Jiang Xinyue casually remarked from the side, "If you''re going to act like this, you''d better keep the Third Prince more confined in the future. Don''t let hime to Hexi Pce so often, and don''t let him y with the Fourth Prince and Sixth Prince too much. If anything happens to make him ufortable, I don''t want to be held responsible."


    Aunt Ning''s face reddened, but she ultimately said nothing and led her pce staff to chase after the Third Prince.


    The Fourth Prince was somewhat frightened. He walked up to Jiang Xinyue and timidly asked, "Mother, did I do something wrong?"


    "It''s not your fault," Jiang Xinyue consoled him. "Some people are just paranoid and see everything as dirty."

 Chapter 209

    She was unwilling to let the grudges between adults affect the rtionships between children.


    However, this did not mean she would tolerate the people in Consort De''s pce being suspicious, distrustful, and speaking ill of her child.


    If her son was constantly viewed with prejudice by those in Consort De''s pce, it would not only affect the rtionship between the third prince and Fourth Prince, but also cause his personality to be overly cautious, sensitive, and insecure.


    She had worked so hard to heal her Little Man, turning him into the sweet, sensible, and cheerful boy he was today. She couldn''t let anyone ruin him now.


    The third prince was indeed a good child, but he had his own mother. Every royal consort should stand by and protect their own children.


    Jiang Xinyue hugged the Fourth Prince and smiled at him, "What would our Little Man like to eat for lunch today?"


    "Braised pork, big chicken legs, pork knuckles, lion..."


    "Stop!"


    Jiang Xinyue cut off his list: "You''ve been eating too much meattely. Today you can only have vegetarian dishes."


    "Aww..."


    The Fourth Prince looked at her pitifully: "Can I have just one chicken leg, please?"


    Who could resist a soft, white little boy''s pleading?


    Jiang Xinyue pinched his chubby cheek: "Alright, you''re allowed one chicken leg."


    Qian Sheng, who was always by the Fourth Prince''s side,ughed: "Your Highness, don''t spoil him too much. The Fourth Prince already sneaked a chicken leg this morning."


    "Oh no, Grandpa..."


    The Fourth Prince wrinkled his nose and mouth, making an angry puppy-like growl: "You promised not to tell Mother."


    After lunch, the nanny took the Sixth Prince away to burp and put him to sleep. The Fourth Prince went to his own courtyard, led by Qian Sheng, to take a walk and digest their meal.


    "Your Highness... Your Highness..."


    Xiao Xuanzi came running in from outside: "It''s terrible, Your Highness... the third prince... the third prince has been poisoned!"


    "What did you say?"


    Jiang Xinyue stood up abruptly: "Exin clearly, why has the third prince been poisoned?"


    Xiao Xuanzi tried to keep his voice as calm as possible, taking a breath before continuing: "Shortly after returning to the Imperial Garden, the third prince vomited blood and fainted. His personal maid, Aunt Ning, said... said it was because the Fourth Prince gave the third prince some candy, which caused the poisoning."


    "That''s nonsense!"


    Jiang Xinyue said angrily: "That piece of candy was knocked away by that Ning woman. The third prince didn''t even eat it, how could it be from eating candy?"


    Despite her anger, she still asked with concern: "How is the third prince now?"


    Xiao Xuanzi frowned deeply: "In response to Your Highness, the Emperor has brought all the physicians from the Imperial Hospital. The third prince is still unconscious. Imperial Physician Yan secretly informed this servant that the third prince has been poisoned with a rare toxin. The situation is extremely dangerous. If... if he doesn''t wake up, it might be a matter of tonight."


    "How can this be?"


    He was perfectly fine when he was here this morning.


    "Xique, prepare the sedan chair. I''m going to Yanqing Pce to see him."


    She took a few steps, then turned back to address the pce staff: "Guard the house well. If anyonees demanding you hand over the Fourth Prince, don''t allow it under any circumstances, understand?"


    "Yes, Your Highness!"


    At Yanqing Pce¡ª


    A heart-wrenching cry came from inside. Jiang Xinyue paused for a moment, then continued walking in.


    As she reached the door of the third prince''s room, Consort De''s anguished voice came out again: "Emperor, is it because you gave me the golden book that Senior Concubine Xian became dissatisfied and harmed our son? Emperor... Emperor... I don''t want this golden book anymore, I really don''t. Can you please tell Senior Concubine Xian to give me the antidote? I don''t want anything else, I just want our son to live."


    The Xuanwu Emperor held Consort De''s elbow, pulling her up from the ground, saying: "To use Senior Concubine Xian based solely on a servant''s im is too hasty. Consort De, I am equally heartbroken that our son is in mortal danger. But if you say it was Senior Concubine Xian who did this, I don''t believe it."


    Even if Yue''er used schemes or ruthless methods, it would only be against those who wronged her. She would never plot against children.


    On this point, he was absolutely certain.


    "Perhaps the former Concubine Zhen wouldn''t have..."


    Consort De grabbed the Xuanwu Emperor''s robe, her face streaked with tears. Shocked by the third prince''s terrible state, she lost all restraint and loudly questioned: "That''s because at that time, Concubine Zhen didn''t have a son. Now she has her own son and has also adopted the Fourth Prince. Emperor, can you guarantee that the current Senior Concubine Xian is still the same as the former Concubine Zhen?"


    "Emperor, people change."


    Especially women who enter the pce and taste the power of being in a high position, it''s impossible not to have ambitions.


    Senior Concubine Xian is also human, how could she control her desires?


    The Xuanwu Emperor wanted to tell Consort De that even the phoenix seal was his own scheme that Senior Concubine Xian reluctantly epted. How could she possibly harm the third prince to eliminatepetition for her own children?


    "Emperor."


    Jiang Xinyue couldn''t listen anymore and walked in, interrupting Consort De''s instigation: "This consort pays respects to the Emperor."


    The Emperor''s grim expression softened slightly: "Why have youe?"


    "If this consort didn''te, would you let Consort De continue to spread baseless rumors and throw mud on this consort''s name?"


    She stood before Consort De with a cold face, unflinchingly meeting her with clear, icy eyes: "First, Aunt Ning ims the third prince was poisoned by candy given by the Fourth Prince. May I ask, what kind of poison takes a full two hours to take effect after being consumed? Second, there were many pce servants present at the time. Aunt Ning, being wary of me, pped the third prince''s arm, causing the candy to fall to the ground. The third prince never ate it, so how could he be poisoned by eating candy?"


    Jiang Xinyue questioned logically: "Lastly, if the third prince was poisoned by eating candy given by the Fourth Prince, isn''t it reasonable for this consort to assume that the poison was originally intended to kill the Fourth Prince?"


    She gave a coldugh: "From any perspective, this consort and the Fourth Prince are the victims. The incident just happened, and the investigation hasn''t even begun. Yet based on a servant''s one-sided ount, you''ve already condemned this consort. It seems you''ve been suspicious of this consort for a long time. Consort De, if you distrust this consort so much, you shouldn''t have allowed the third prince to alwayse y with me. On one hand, you suspect this consort, but on the other, you let the third prince be close to me. Were you perhaps waiting for this consort to poison the third prince so you could use the opportunity to use me?"


    Consort De cried even harder: "Senior Concubine Xian''s words are truly cruel. How could I use my son''s life to frame you? We are both mothers, put yourself in my shoes and think..."


    Jiang Xinyue ignored her and addressed the Xuanwu Emperor directly: "Emperor, do you see now?"


    The Xuanwu Emperor''s gaze towards Consort De instantly turned cold.


    Consort De was stunned, not knowing which of her words had been wrong, when she heard Jiang Xinyue calmly say: "It''s clear that Consort De''s usual kindness and magnanimity were all an act."

 Chapter 210

    "I hinted at you crying thief to catch a thief, and you used me of wanting to kill you. But when you insinuated to the Emperor that I poisoned the Third Prince to benefit the Fourth and Sixth Princes'' futures, did you not consider that your words were condemning both me and my children to death?"


    "You harmed Xuan''er. How can you expect me to show you any kindness?"


    Jiang Xinyue walked up to Aunt Ning and pped her to the ground. "You wretched servant! You dare to hit the Third Prince in front of me. Who knows how you torment him in private? Speak! Why did you falsely use me?"


    Aunt Ning was about to say it was indeed Jiang Xinyue who harmed the Third Prince, when Jiang Xinyue spoke in a low voice: "Think carefully before you speak. If you utter even half a lie, I''ll have the Investigative Bureau y you alive from head to toe and turn your skin into a drum for the Office of Music and Dance, where musicians will beat it daily."


    Her fierce gaze, powerful aura, and the murderous intent radiating from her as she spoke made Aunt Ning''s facial muscles twitch uncontrobly.


    The words to use Jiang Xinyue were stuck in her throat, unable toe out.


    "Your Majesty, there''s something wrong with Aunt Ning!"


    Jiang Xinyue didn''t care whether Consort De was truly framing her or crying thief to catch a thief about the Third Prince''s poisoning. She was determined to strip ayer of skin off Consort De first.


    "Why don''t we send Aunt Ning to the Investigative Bureau?"


    She fixed her gaze on the Xuanwu Emperor, as if to say: If the truthes out this time, you won''t cover it up again, will you?


    The Xuanwu Emperor reached for her hand. "Guards, take her to the Investigative Bureau. If they can''t get anything out of her..."


    "Your Majesty!"


    Consort De was visibly panicked. She pulled Aunt Ning down to kneel with her. "Feixiu is the personal maid I brought from the Mansion of the Duke of Cheng. She is utterly loyal to me and would never harm the Third Prince. The Investigative Bureau is full of cruel torture methods. I beg Your Majesty, for the sake of the still-unconscious Third Prince, please don''t take her away. I... I still need her to care for Xuan''er!"


    "We don''t have to send her," Jiang Xinyue suddenlyposed her expression and enunciated clearly. "Then let me ask you onest time. Did the Third Prince vomit blood after eating candy given by the Fourth Prince?"


    Ning Feixiu closed her eyes briefly, then knocked her head on the floor. "This ve deserves death. It was I... I who resented Noble Consort Jiang for scolding me, and falsely used her. My mistress was also deceived by me. This ve deserves to die. Please, Your Majesty, spare my life."


    Consort De''s face was full of shock. She raised her hand and pped Ning Feixiu''s face, crying, "I trusted you so much, how could you..."


    She seemed furious, her chest heaving violently. She then apologized to Jiang Xinyue, "Noble Consort Jiang, it''s all my fault. I was overly concerned and confused. Feixiu is one of the people I trust most, which is why I..."


    "Keeping such a servant who distorts right and wrong by your side is dangerous, Consort De. Be careful not to go astray."


    Her words were loaded with meaning, which Consort De understood.


    The Xuanwu Emperor''s fingers stroked the back of Jiang Xinyue''s hand twice, not wanting her to be angry over unworthy people. "This dog of a servant dares to distort the truth and sow discord between Noble Consort Jiang and Consort De. Wang Dequan... take her away and p her mouth fifty times as a warning to others."


    Considering that the Third Prince still needed someone to care for him, the Emperor didn''t sentence her to death. But fifty ps with a bamboo paddle would ruin her face, and it was uncertain if her teeth would survive.


    Moreover, servants with facial injuries were not allowed to appear before their masters to serve. By leaving scars on Aunt Ning''s face, the Emperor was effectively eliminating any possibility of her serving the Third Prince in the future.


    Seeing Consort De''s n backfire so spectacrly, Jiang Xinyue gave her a brief nce before turning her attention away. Instead, she walked with the Emperor to the Third Prince''s bedside and asked, "Imperial Physician, what exactly is the poison that the Third Prince ingested?"


    The physicians made way and stammered, "In response to Noble Consort Jiang, we are ipetent and have not yet identified it."


    It''s more likely that they have identified it but dare not say, right?


    The Third Prince on the bed was as pale as paper, his breath feeble. His round,rge eyes were tightly shut, his brows furrowed, and his forehead was constantly beading with sweat.


    asionally, faint groans of pain escaped from his lips.


    Jiang Xinyue was no miracle doctor. Apart from feeling heartache, she had no way to help.


    She truly hoped that this poisoning of the Third Prince wasn''t a plot by Consort De to bring her down. That would be too cruel to the Third Prince.


    Jiang Xinyue left Yanqing Pce unscathed, which disappointed the consorts from other pces who had been watching the drama unfold.


    If even the Third Prince''s poisoning couldn''t shake Noble Consort Jiang''s position, how much trust must she have in the Emperor''s heart?


    Those who had originally wanted to mock Jiang Xinyue for no longer monopolizing the Emperor''s favor now felt bitter disappointment.


    Even though the Emperor had begun to favor other consorts in the harem, Noble Consort Jiang was still the first in his heart, irreceable by anyone else.


    A fine drizzle suddenly began to fall, catching the Emperor and Jiang Xinyue unprepared as they walked hand in hand back to Hexi Pce. Their hair and clothes were quickly dampened by the rain.


    Everyone around them hurriedly used whatever they had at hand to shield the two from the rain.


    But as the rain grew heavier, Wang Dequan''s habitual reserve of oiled paper umbres could only cover either the Emperor or Jiang Xinyue, not both at once.


    The Xuanwu Emperor simply took the umbre from his hand and held it directly over Jiang Xinyue''s head. The tilted umbre, his wet shoulder, and the way he circled her with one arm to shield her from sshing raindrops all told Jiang Xinyue that this man had developed feelings for her.


    She dared not describe an emperor''s emotions as deeply passionate, for she was unsure of the depth of these feelings or how long they wouldst.


    But at this moment, the morous world seemed to fall silent. All Jiang Xinyue could see were the Xuanwu Emperor''s gentle eyes and handsome features.


    He was protecting her well.


    Whether in the rain or against others'' schemes.


    He had always been protecting her well, giving her hisplete trust.


    Was she moved?


    Had she fallen in love with him?


    No!


    Rather than believing the Xuanwu Emperor trusted her because he loved her, she felt it was more likely due to his imperial wisdom.


    The consorts in the pce, including Consort De, all thought they were the clever ones who could run circles around others.


    But they forgot that the emperor''s cunning and strategies were far above theirs. Those "others" they thought they could fool didn''t include the emperor.


    Why did Jiang Xinyue always win?


    Because she never arrogantly considered herself the clever one, nor did she take the emperor for a fool.


    On the contrary, before doing anything questionable, she always prepared countermeasures in case the emperor discovered her actions.


    So even if the emperor knew she was often acting, he was willing to y along with her performance.


    Moreover, everything she did was not initiated by her, at least in the emperor''s view. Jiang Xinyue always appeared to be acting out of self-preservation, with no other choice.


    "This rain came suddenly and will likely pass quickly. Your Majesty and Noble Consort, please take shelter here for a moment. This ve will go fetch fresh clothes for you both."


    They were under the corridor of Chuxiu Pce. Wang Dequan ordered people to bring clothes from Chengqian Pce and Hexi Pce, which would be faster than waiting for the rain to stop before changing.

 Chapter 211

    "Hurry up, we''ve reached Chuxiu Pce. Let''s get inside quickly, or we''ll get soaked and catch a cold, which would be terrible."


    In the misty rain, a group of beautiful young women moved gracefully, some lifting their skirts, some shielding themselves from the rain, some running...


    When they reached the covered walkway, they saw the Xuanwu Emperor and Jiang Xinyue standing nearby. The women hurriedly knelt down, saying, "We greet Your Majesty and Noble Consort!"


    Their clear voices were pleasing to the ear.


    Among them were a few faces that looked familiar, but Jiang Xinyue didn''t have a strong impression of them.


    Tang Shiliang stepped forward: "Your Majesty, Noble Consort, these are thedies who entered the pce during the same selection as the Noble Consort."


    Jiang Xinyue was startled. She had been in the pce for two years, yet these candidates were still living in Chuxiu Pce, which meant that until now, the Emperor had never favored them.


    There were six candidates in total, their eyes shining brightly as they looked at the Emperor,pletely ignoring Jiang Xinyue''s presence.


    "This concubine is Liu Xiaoxiao, daughter of the Jiangnan prefect. My sisters and I were feeding the koi in the nearby pond when we were caught in this downpour. We didn''t expect Your Majesty and the Noble Consort to be stranded here as well. Why don''t we all go to Chuxiu Pce to rest? It would be morefortable than standing here."


    The young woman wore an apricot-colored dress embroidered with flowers, birds, fish, and insects. She looked as fresh as a magnolia blossom in May. The rain had loosened some of her hair around her ears, with wisps falling around her face, giving her a clean and refreshing appearance that caught the eye.


    She was bold. While others dared not take the lead for fear of drawing Jiang Xinyue''s attention, she dared to be the first to speak up.


    Either she was foolishly brash or had enough confidence in herself.


    When the Xuanwu Emperor got a clear look at this candidate''s face, his eyes also showed a hint of amazement.


    He lowered his head to look at Jiang Xinyue: "Yue''er, you''re wet too. It will take some time for them to bring clothes. Why don''t we go inside and have them find a new outfit for you to change into?"


    Jiang Xinyue nodded: "Then I''ll trouble Lower Concubine Liu."


    The six candidates who had yet to be favored all came from humble backgrounds, otherwise they wouldn''t have been left until now.


    This encounter with the Emperor might be their only chance in this lifetime.


    Otherwise, when next year''s triennial selection came, Chuxiu Pce would be filled with a new batch of young, beautiful, fresh, and innocent girls. These candidates who hadn''t received the Emperor''s favor in three years would be sent to be lowly pce maids, serving others.


    They had entered the pce to be imperial consorts, not to do menial work. If that were the case, they might as well have not participated in the selection at all. Though their families weren''t high-ranking officials, they were still pampered youngdies who had never done manualbor, not meant to enter the pce as maids.


    So when the Xuanwu Emperor entered Chuxiu Pce, it was like Tang Sanzang entering the Spider Cave. Each of them used every trick they had, hoping the Emperor would remember them.


    Liu Xiaoxiao, who came from the water towns of Jiangnan, even performed a soft Wunong-style song on the pipa for the Xuanwu Emperor while Jiang Xinyue was changing clothes.


    Her nces were full of tender affection.


    Jiang Xinyue, standing at the doorway, quite enjoyed listening to Liu Xiaoxiao''s song, which was so sweet and soft it could melt one''s bones. She paused her steps.


    Xique and Shuangjiang, however, thought their mistress was silently grieving as she watched the Emperor being captivated by the performance. They both showed somewhat angry expressions.


    Although they knew the Emperor already favored their mistress greatly and it was impossible for him to have only their mistress in this lifetime, but... but...


    In any case, they were very angry.


    As the song ended, Liu Xiaoxiao submissively approached: "Your Majesty, actually all the sisters in Chuxiu Pce have special talents. Lower Concubine An is skilled at ying the flute, Lower Concubine Ye is good at dancing, Lower Concubine Wang is an expert at sword dancing, Lower Concubine Bai excels at poetry, and when Lower Concubine Cheng ys the zither, even the butterflies in the Imperial Garden circle around her!"


    "Oh?" The Emperor wasn''t particrly impressed by the others, but the idea of butterflies circling someone as they yed sounded quite intriguing.


    The Xuanwu Emperor had never seen such a thing and felt quite eager to witness it. Just then, the rain stopped, and Wang Dequan, who had been sent to fetch clothes, finally returned, encountering Jiang Xinyue at the door.


    The sound of greetings arose, and the Xuanwu Emperor realized she was standing outside. Fearing she might misunderstand, he quickly stood up, bypassing the group of candidates to walk to her side: "Yue''er, Liu Xiaoxiao says that Lower Concubine Cheng can y music that attracts butterflies. Would you like to see?"


    The pce was monotonous day after day, but the Xuanwu Emperor didn''t feel bored because he had to deal with so many state affairs every day and had no time to feel the tedium.


    But it was different for the imperial concubines in the back pce. They spent their days waiting for the Emperor''s favor, unable to leave the pce and with little entertainment. Most would find it dull and tedious.


    Today, these candidates were like a bit of amusement for the Emperor, but he didn''t take them seriously at all.


    If they could make the Noble Consort smile, it would prove they had some real talent.


    Liu Xiaoxiao was just a pawn pushed forward by others. It seemed that Lower Concubine Cheng, who had truly caught the Emperor''s attention, was the real expert.


    She hadn''t even spoken directly to the Emperor once, yet she had outshone the other five candidates.


    The Emperor was solely interested in her ability to attract butterflies with her zither ying.


    But as Jiang Xinyue looked at the Xuanwu Emperor''s expression, although he tried hard to conceal it, it was precisely because he smiled too much that it seemed unnatural. He didn''t have such a cheerful personality.


    With the Third Prince poisoned and unconscious, he must be very distressed inside. How could he have the mood to watch these candidates perform andpete for favor?


    She shook her head: "I got a bit wet in the rain earlier and have a slight headache. Let''s go back! When the weather is better, if Your Majesty still wants to see, I can summon them to perform at Hexi Pce. How about that?"


    "It was my oversight," the Xuanwu Emperor said, supporting her as he turned to leave without any lingering attachment. He didn''t forget to tell Xique to hurry back first: "Have the kitchen prepare a pot of ginger soup."


    From the corner of her eye, Jiang Xinyue saw that Liu Xiaoxiao seemed quite dissatisfied, being held back by the other candidates to prevent her from speaking out of turn.


    But after the Emperor''s entourage had gone far, Liu Xiaoxiao still shook off her sisters'' hands angrily: "We finally got to see the Emperor and made an impression, yet we still couldn''t keep him here. Do you really want to be pce maids?"


    Cheng Nianhe sighed: "We were just unlucky. If the Noble Consort hadn''t been here today, with our beauty, we surely could have kept the Emperor here."


    "It''s all the Noble Consort''s fault. She''s already favored, and she acts like she doesn''t even know us, her formerpanions who learned etiquette with her in Chuxiu Pce. She doesn''t even put in a good word for us with the Emperor, and she wouldn''t let Sister Cheng perform. It''s clear she''s afraid Sister Cheng will outshine her and steal the Emperor''s favor."


    Liu Xiaoxiao snorted coldly: "She might be able to keep him for now, but can she keep him forever? I don''t believe the Emperor doesn''t have times when he''s alone."


    She seemed to already have a n, her eyes zing with determination.

 Chapter 212

    When the Xuanwu Emperor returned to Hexi Pce, his mood began to sink. Even the thick-skinned Xi Que noticed his unhappiness and kept her distance.


    If anyone in the pce was most likely to be the emperor''s punching bag, it would undoubtedly be Xi Que. After all, she had once driven the emperor out of Hexi Pce and even mmed the door on him.


    Jiang Xinyue personally brought him a bowl of ginger soup: "Your Majesty was also caught in the rain. Please drink this hot ginger soup quickly. I had Xi Que add some brown sugar to it, so it won''t be spicy."


    She remembered that the Xuanwu Emperor couldn''t handle spicy food very well.


    The emperor took the ginger soup and drank it in one gulp. After putting down the bowl, he tightly embraced Jiang Xinyue.


    He didn''t say anything, but Jiang Xinyue felt a warm, damp sensation on her shoulder.


    The emperor... was he crying?


    At times like these, no words were needed. Simply being there was the most sincere expression of love.


    Jiang Xinyue''s body stiffened at first, then she raised her hand in bewilderment and gently patted his back.


    The Xuanwu Emperor''s offspring were not abundant. The third prince was the oldest among the living princes, and the one on whom he hadvished the most attention.


    Years ago, when the Empress''s two princes passed away one after another, the fourth prince fell out of favor, and the fifth and sixth princes had not yet been born.


    He had been emperor for some years now, and among the princes and princesses who had survived in the pce, there were only four in total.


    Over the past many years, only the fifth prince and the sixth prince had been added.


    Those concubines who became pregnant either died along with their children or simply couldn''t give birth.


    The Xuanwu Emperor had investigated, but no matter how much he looked into it, he could never find the real culprit.


    He controlled the entire harem and understood the true personalities of all the concubines, but he could never uncover the identity of the harem''s "abortion expert."


    Although Consort De was two-faced, she had invested even more effort in the third prince than the emperor had. She shouldn''t have taken such drastic action against the third prince.


    Who on earth wanted to harm the third prince and then frame Jiang Xinyue?


    In Yanqing Pce¡ª


    Consort De looked at Ning Feixiu, whoy on the ground. She had been pped fifty times, was still spitting blood, and her body was convulsing.


    For the first time, that dignified face showed a terrifyingly gloomy expression. She took several deep breaths to suppress the violent emotions that were about to burst forth: "Didn''t I tell you to stick to your story about Senior Concubine Xian? Why did you change your statement at thest minute?"


    Ning Feixiu had been beaten to the point of confusion, but she still struggled to get up. Swaying unsteadily, she knelt on the ground and looked at Consort De with eyes so swollen they could barely open: "Mydy, I... I don''t know why. Senior Concubine Xian''s... her gaze was... too... too frightening. I forgot all the words I had memorized beforehand."


    As she spoke, blood continued to flow from her mouth. Her tongue licked the back of her mrs, and fourrge teeth fell out at once.


    Saliva mixed with blood became a viscous, filthy liquid that dripped onto the carpet.


    Consort De frowned and gave Luyin a look. Luyin immediately came forward and called two old women to drag the half-unconscious Ning Feixiu away.


    The third prince needed to be looked after. The imperial physicians were taking his pulse while preparing herbal medicines on the spot.


    Consort De walked over quietly: "How is it? Any progress?"


    The physicians all stood up to bow to Consort De. Unnoticed on the ground, Luyin opened a bottle hidden in her palm and poured a transparent liquid into the herbal medicine, stirring it.


    Then she squeezed the small bottle back into her palm.


    After doing all this, she nodded to Consort De, who then called out: "There''s no need for such formalities, physicians. Can the third prince''s poison be neutralized?"


    The physicians looked at the bottles and jars on the table and said uncertainly: "We have tried all the herbs suitable for the third prince''s poison. This is thest dose."


    In other words, if thisst dose didn''t work, then the third prince couldn''t be saved.


    "Then what are you waiting for?"


    Consort De picked up the wooden mortar on the table and handed it to Luyin: "Quickly boil it into a medicinal drink for the third prince."


    She was so anxious because she was the third prince''s mother. The physicians could understand this and didn''t feel any resentment towards Consort De''s sudden action.


    The Consort De that the emperor knew was only part of who she really was.


    Before Jiang Xinyue came into favor, indeed no one could have made her risk the third prince''s life.


    No!


    To be precise, if Jiang Xinyue hadn''t interfered, Consort De would have been the biggest winner in the harem.


    So, she was desperate to get rid of Jiang Xinyue.


    But she had underestimated Jiang Xinyue''s importance in the emperor''s heart, and overestimated her own and the third prince''s importance to the emperor.


    One wrong step leads to a hundred wrong steps...


    It seemed that the golden book of the Empress title might not be secure anymore.


    She had schemed against Senior Concubine Xian like this, and Senior Concubine Xian would surely retaliate.


    The two of them could be considered to havepletely fallen out now.


    What a pity...


    She had nearly sacrificed the third prince and still hadn''t managed to harm Jiang Xinyue in the slightest.


    The Xuanwu Emperor hadn''t left Hexi Pce all day, only asionally sending people to Yanqing Pce to check on the third prince''s condition.


    Call him weak or say he was avoiding the situation if you will, but he didn''t want to watch his beloved son pass away before his eyes again.


    For him, that would be no different than death by a thousand cuts.


    "Your Majesty, Your Majesty... The third prince has woken up! The third prince has woken up!"


    In the evening, while Jiang Xinyue was nestled in the Xuanwu Emperor''s arms reading a book on scendscapes, the eunuch who had gone to check on the situation came running back with good news.


    "Chief Physician Lin from the Imperial Hospital has concocted an antidote. The third prince has awakened."


    Jiang Xinyue felt the emperor''s tense body suddenly rx, and his chest let out a long sigh of relief as he truly showed a smile of unburdening.


    He wanted to go see the third prince, but he was afraid of angering Jiang Xinyue, looking restless.


    "Doesn''t Your Majesty want to go see the third prince?" Jiang Xinyue gave him an out: "Even if you don''t consider that Consort De has been frightened today, Your Majesty should think of the third prince''s feelings. He has suffered innocently, and if Your Majesty couldfort him, he would feel warmth in his heart and surely recover faster."


    The Xuanwu Emperor kissed her forehead gratefully: "Then I''ll go see him."


    Jiang Xinyue nodded. With Consort De''s appearance - she wasn''t very pretty to begin with, her age was catching up with her, and today she had upset the emperor - even if the emperor stayed the whole night in Yanqing Pce, there was nothing to worry about.


    He was staying in Yanqing Pce to apany the third prince.


    "Mydy, you''re too generous. How could you send the emperor to Consort De''s pce? She treated you so badly today," Xi Queined on Jiang Xinyue''s behalf.


    "I''m just going along with the emperor''s wishes. Even if I hadn''t said those things, he would have gone in the end," Jiang Xinyue replied.


    What was the point of stopping him?


    A self-important man like the Xuanwu Emperor liked it when others went along with his wishes.


    "Who could have poisoned the third prince?" Xi Que wondered.


    "It can only be one of two people: the Empress or... Consort De herself."


    As for who would ultimately be found guilty, that depended on who was one step ahead in the game.

 Chapter 213

    The nights at the end of May were already carrying a hint of summer heat. Yanqing Pce was brightly lit, as the third prince had lost his ability to speak since waking up.


    The imperial physicians took turns examining him but couldn''t find the cause.


    Consort De shook her head repeatedly: "It''s impossible, this can''t be happening. Physician... didn''t you say the poison was neutralized? Why is this happening? Why can''t the third prince speak?"


    All the physicians from the Imperial Hospital prostrated themselves: "This... Your Majesty, Consort De... The poison in the third prince''s body has indeed beenpletely neutralized. We... we don''t know why the third prince has lost his voice!"


    Sitting in a corner of the bed, the third prince''s face was devoid of color, as pale as a sheet of paper. His eyes were nk as he hugged his knees, silently weeping.


    No matter what the Xuanwu Emperor said to him, he showed no reaction.


    Consort De immediately copsed crying into the Emperor''s arms: "Your Majesty, I have never done anything bad in my life. Why are those people treating Xuan like this? If they want revenge, they shoulde after me! Whether they want my life or to poison me mute, I''m willing to bear it all. Why must Xuan suffer this?"


    The Emperor''s eyes were full of pain, his throat constricting as he tightened his arms around Consort De: "Tomorrow, send the Empress''s golden seal to Consort Yu and lift her confinement. Consort De, your primary task now is to take care of the third prince. As for the rest... don''t worry about it."


    On the surface, it seemed like he was sympathizing with Consort De, but the color drained from her face as shey in his embrace: "I... I obey Your Majesty''smand."


    After all her scheming, she had ended up paving the way for Consort Yu.


    Initially, she had plotted to pit Consort Yu against Jiang Xinyue, letting them fight each other. Jiang Xinyue had obliged, defeating Consort Yu as nned.


    Although Consort De had originally aimed for the position of First Consort, it ultimately benefited Jiang Xinyue. Still, obtaining the Empress''s golden seal was considered a significant achievement.


    Now, not only were her efforts wasted, but everything had returned to square one. She had offended the Empress, fallen out with Senior Concubine Xian, and the golden seal hade full circle back to Consort Yu''s hands.


    Consort Yu was the Empress''sckey - what difference did it make if the seal was in her hands or the Empress''s?


    Would the Empress let her off?


    The Emperor was now also ming her in his heart for neglecting the third prince due to her pursuit of power in the pce, leading to his loss of voice.


    This situation...


    She had to break out of it!


    After a heavy downpour, it seemed summer had truly arrived. The sudden change in weather caught all the pces unprepared for the intense heat.


    Jiang Xinyue woke up early, roused by the heat. As soon as she opened her eyes, she saw Xi Que bringing in a basin of ice: "My Lady, the Internal Affairs Department has only managed to chip this much ice for now. Apart from Chengqian Pce, Cining Pce, Kunning Pce, and Consort De''s Yanqing Pce, only our pce received a basin."


    Consort De got some because of the third prince''s sudden loss of voicest night. The Emperor, feeling pity for the third prince, had specifically ordered the Internal Affairs Department to send some ice.


    Jiang Xinyue got up and washed her face with cold water, finally feeling a bit cooler. She turned to ask Xi Que and Shuang Jiang: "How is the third prince?"


    Both of them showed sympathy in their eyes. Shuang Jiang sighed and said: "Originally, the imperial physicians said all the poison had been cleared, and the third prince had regained consciousness. But... for some reason, when he woke up, he couldn''t speak."


    This is impossible!


    If someone wanted to kill the third prince, it would have been with an incurable poison, and he wouldn''t have had the chance to wake up. But he did wake upst night, which means the person who poisoned him must have been Consort De herself. How could she possibly make her own son lose his voice?


    Of course, it''s also possible that someone deliberately poisoned the third prince to make him mute, eliminating his chance of bing the Crown Prince in the future.


    In that case, the suspects would only be her and the Empress.


    After all, if the third prince was incapacitated, the only beneficiaries would be the consorts with princes in the harem.


    Wasn''t that as good as pointing at her and the Empress, using them of being the culprits?


    Butpared to the possibility of the Empress poisoning the third prince, Jiang Xinyue was more inclined to believe that Consort De had orchestrated this drama herself.


    She just hadn''t controlled the dosage well, resulting in the third prince losing his voice.


    Consort De had probably intended to kill two birds with one stone from the start!


    The first person she wanted to harm was Jiang Xinyue, who had snatched the position of Senior Concubine. If she couldn''t eliminate her, the second target would be the Empress.


    For Consort De, fabricating a lie about the Empress harming the third prince to ensure the fifth prince would be named Crown Prince was a small matter.


    The most pitiful one was the third prince.


    The third prince was poisoned, first hovering between life and death, nearly dying, and then bing mute...


    As this news spread, everyone began to specte: who was the real culprit behind this?


    It certainly couldn''t be Consort De. She only had this one son; how could she possibly cut off her greatest support?


    Everyone felt sorry for Consort De.


    "Crash!"


    "Ah! Someone''s dead!"


    The Empress, who had been suffering from a headache all night - which only worsened when all the pce physicians were summoned to Yanqing Pce - was startled by the sound of breaking porcin and screams.


    She was feeling very anxious...


    Yesterday, after Jiang Xinyue left, people from the Investigative Bureau had arrived, iming that Senior Concubine Xian had lost a priceless imperial green jade bracelet. The Investigative Bureau had received a report from the staff of Hexi Pce and came to investigate.


    In the past, when she hadn''t lost her power, those dogs from the Investigative Bureau wouldn''t have dared to search Yikun Pce.


    But before she could get angry, the Investigative Bureau actually discovered that a young pce maid guarding the gate had found Senior Concubine Xian''s bracelet and deliberately kept it for herself instead of returning it.


    The young maid even insisted that Senior Concubine Xian had given it to her.


    After the people from Hexi Pce refuted this, she tried to change her story, but was gagged and taken away by the Investigative Bureau.


    As for what the young maid wanted to say - "Senior Concubine Xian eavesdropped on the Empress''s conversation and wanted to silence me" - she never had the chance to utter it.


    The people from the Investigative Bureau, having previously offended Senior Concubine Xian, were eager to make amends and please her. They naturally wouldn''t disappoint Senior Concubine Xian when given the opportunity to serve her.


    "We are the Emperor''s men, why should we fear Senior Concubine Xian?"


    A guard from the Investigative Bureau who didn''t understand asked.


    The director red at him: "I''m not afraid of Senior Concubine Xian, I''m afraid of her pillow talk. If you don''t understand such basic human rtions, no wonder you''re still a lowly guard after three years."


    The staff at Yikun Pce was already insufficient, leading to negligence everywhere. Early this morning, another body of a woman who hadmitted suicide by poison was discovered in the storage room of Yikun Pce.


    The woman''s face was so swollen and bloody from beating that she was almost unrecognizable.


    But Consort De often brought the third prince to y in Yikun Pce, so Fen Yun managed to recognize her after some effort: "My Lady, it''s Ning Feixiu, the third prince''s head maid."


    The Empress, sensing a conspiracy, was about to order someone to examine the body when hurried footsteps were heard at the door.


    Leading the group were Luyin from Consort De''s pce and the Emperor.


    "Your Majesty,st night Feixiu was punished and was about to faint, but she insisted on going out to fetch water to wash up. I thought something was amiss and followed her all the way to Yikun Pce... I found it strange and went back to report to mydy. We found a suicide note under Feixiu''s pillow... Your Majesty, please seek justice for the third prince!"

 Chapter 214

    As she spoke, she presented the so-called "suicide note" and fell to her knees with a thud.


    "Empress, do you have anything else to say?"


    The light piece of paper was tossed into the Empress''sp, detailing how she had forced Ning Feixiu to poison the third prince and framed Concubine Zhen.


    Every word could be said to be written in tears of blood.


    Ning Feixiu imed she had wronged the third prince and Consort De, and could onlye to Yikun Pce to beg the Empress to spare the third prince, willing to atone for her sins with death.


    Now, she had died miserably in Yikun Pce, poisoned with the same toxin as the third prince.


    The Empress didn''t even know the third prince had been poisoned. Yesterday, Consort De had sent someone to Hexi Pce to invite the Emperor and Jiang Xinyue, then sealed off the news.


    After the Emperor dismissed most of the pce maids from Yikun Pce, it not only benefited Jiang Xinyue but also Consort De, who took the opportunity to cause trouble.


    Even in gathering information, Yikun Pce had fallen behind.


    The Empress''s hands trembled as she held the suicide note. She had to close her eyes tightly to avoid fainting from the headache: "I have not done what I am used of. I can only say, ''When you want to condemn someone, you can always trump up a charge.''"


    While everyone''s attention was on the storage room, no one noticed a small figure suddenly slip into the Empress''s bedchamber, cing an empty porcin bottle among the messy wardrobe.


    The Empress''s bedchamber was always guarded, regardless of the situation. Otherwise, this small medicine bottle would have been found under the Empress''s bed instead of in the cluttered wardrobe.


    The news of the third prince losing his voice had not only spread throughout the back pce but also couldn''t be kept from the imperial court.


    The Duke of Cheng brought his wife and the Old Lady into the pce to seek justice for the third prince.


    That Old Lady was the wife of the previous Duke of Cheng, and she still held the tiger-headed cane bestowed by thete Emperor, which could be used to strike down foolish rulers above and treacherous ministers below.


    Jiang Xinyue didn''t participate in this bloody struggle, but she knew that on that day, the Old Lady from the Mansion of the Duke of Cheng loudly cursed the Zhu family for their wolfish ambition and the Empress for her viper''s heart. She also suspected that the scarcity of royal heirs in the back pce was all due to the Empress''s poisonous hands.


    Later, it seemed there was even violence, and someone saw blood.


    The person who resorted to violence was none other than the Old Lady from the Mansion of the Duke of Cheng. The Old Lady, being a tigress from a military family, in her fury, struck the Empress on the head with her cane. The Empress, who already suffered from headaches, fainted from the blow.


    Just because the Zhu family was far away in Chang''an, there wasn''t even a single person to speak up for the Empress.


    The tiger-headed cane in the Old Lady''s hand was like an imperial sword, and she struck under the pretext of the Empress harming the royal heirs. Who dared to say she was wrong?


    When the Zhu family initially refused to move to the capital and stubbornly remained in Chang''an, it was to be the local tyrants there.


    They felt that Chang''an was the lifeline of Great Yan, and by being the local rulers in Chang''an, they held the Emperor''s fate in their hands. They thought the Emperor wouldn''t dare to do anything to the Zhu family, let alone mistreat a Zhu family woman.


    But they forgot that the young Emperor they once knew would grow up.


    He would grow stronger and more cunning.


    It can only be said that those people had beenfortable for too long and had been lulled into a false sense of security by the Emperor. Even when the Song Family, the Chief Minister, fell from power, it didn''t wake them up to the fact that the Emperor was no longer the inexperienced youth he once was.


    Their sluggishness led to today''s situation where the Empress was beaten and left without any support.


    By the time they received the news and rushed from Chang''an, it would be toote.


    Moreover, Jiang Xinyue felt that Zhu Jianshen probably wouldn''t make it to the capital in this lifetime.


    Consort De''s people set out for Chang''an two or three days after the assassins arranged by Jiang Xinyue''s adoptive father had left.


    From the beginning, Jiang Xinyue never intended to act personally, nor did she n to involve the Jiang family.


    She deliberately said that Consort De''s efforts were merely paving the way for the Empress, hinting that only by eliminating the Empress could she permanently control the back pce.


    Consort De, on the verge of achieving her long-held wish, was already somewhat impatient. Provoked by this, she indeed sent people to deliver a message to the Mansion of the Duke of Cheng.


    Jiang Xinyue didn''t even need to guess much. She just had her adoptive father send people to keep an eye on the movements of the Mansion of the Duke of Cheng, and she already had a clear understanding of Consort De''s ns.


    To be honest, sending assassins to kill Zhu Jianshen would be very difficult.


    Even when his daughter was made Empress and the Emperor suggested the Zhu family move to the capital, Zhu Jianshen disagreed, showing how greedy he was for power.


    And greedy people often value their lives the most.


    The number of secret guards and bodyguards around him was probably no less than fifty.


    But with Consort De''s methods, she should have already investigated Zhu Jianshen''s habits and might try to exploit them.


    What Jiang Xinyue wanted to leverage was the investigative ability of the Mansion of the Duke of Cheng.


    This was because the Jiang family''s influence in the imperial court was still too weak, and as the Jiang family was previously just a merchant family, they didn''tmand much respect. If she tried to investigate Zhu Jianshen, the Zhu family would sense something was amiss before she could uncover anything.


    The Mansion of the Duke of Cheng was different; their people would certainly have opportunities to get close to Zhu Jianshen.


    It didn''t matter whether Consort De''s people could kill Zhu Jianshen or not. As long as they could inflict even a small, bleeding wound, Jiang Xinyue''s arranged people would take action, ending his life without anyone knowing.


    At that time, the Empress would truly be beyond help, with no one to turn to.


    Consort De must have been satisfied with her n, thinking the Empress had no chance of making aeback, which was why she pinned the me for the third prince''s loss of voice on the Empress.


    Although the Empress wasn''t a good person either, she was still much better than Consort De.


    Jiang Xinyue would kill Zhu Jianshen, making him pay the price for trying to coerce pce maids into killing the sixth prince. But as for the Empress, she hoped she wouldn''t die so quickly.


    Outside Hexi Pce¡ª


    Consort Yu narrowed her eyes: "Let''s go in and see our Concubine Zhen! She doesn''t know yet that I''ve obtained the Empress''s golden seal!"


    "Concubine Zhen, Consort Yu is outside requesting an audience."


    This one hase out to make trouble again.


    Jiang Xinyue was half-reclining on a soft couch, appearing drowsy.


    "This concubine... pays respects to Concubine Zhen."


    Ice basins were ced at the bottom of the couch in the hall. Hexi Pce was magnificently decorated, with amber wine, jade tes, jade Guanyin statues, and red coral ¨C everywhere the eye could see were exquisite items not found elsewhere.


    Jiang Xinyue was like a snow-white,zy, and noble cat, her eyes half-closed. Pce maids on either side were fanning her and peeling chilled lychees for her, creating a scene of utmostfort.


    She didn''t ask Consort Yu to rise, and seeing this scene, Consort Yu couldn''t help but swallow.


    She hade to find fault with Jiang Xinyue, but seeing her demeanor and attirepletely different from before, she realized Jiang Xinyue was even more arrogant and domineering than Concubine Li in her most favored years.


    Concubine Li''s arrogance was like a paper tiger, easily exposed when prodded, but Jiang Xinyue''s arrogance emanated from within.


    The way she looked at people was as if she were looking at trash, making one feel unworthy of breathing the same air under the same sky as her.


    "Consort Yu, please rise."


    After finishing a lychee, Jiang Xinyue sat up straight: "What brings you to Hexi Pce to see me?"


    Her businesslike manner made Consort Yu feel somewhat intimidated.

 Chapter 215

    "You..."


    She could onlye up with a random excuse: "When you were first sent to the Pce of Exile, it was the Empress who secretly protected you. I... I also took care of you in Hexi Pce, which saved you from Concubine Li''s poisonous schemes. Now that the Empress has been falsely used by that vile Consort De, won''t you speak up for the Empress in front of the Emperor?"


    "Consort Yu, your words are biased. I treated you and the Empress quite well back then too," Jiang Xinyue said with a smile. "You wanted to use me to bring down Concubine Li, and I did that. Why are you so greedy as to use that insignificant favor to morally ckmail me for life?"


    "Insignificant?" Consort Yu was furious that her contribution was being dismissed. "If we hadn''t protected you, do you think you would have survived Concubine Li''s schemes? You call this insignificant?"


    "You wanted to gain big by investing small. Isn''t it natural to pay some costs?" The beautiful woman''s face showed a hint of mockery. "Everyone wanted to use me, and now you act as if you''ve bestowed upon me some great kindness. Consort Yu, how can you be so thick-skinned?"


    In a war of words, Consort Yu was no match for Jiang Xinyue.


    She coldly said, "You''re now the Emperor''s most beloved consort. If you just plead for the Empress, the Emperor will surely believe her. It''s just a small effort for you. Are you not willing to help even with that?"


    "Well said," Jiang Xinyue apuded. "Consort Yu and the Empress have been like sisters for at least eight or nine years. Surely you have more say than me, who has been in the pce for less than two years. If you''re so concerned about the Empress, why don''t you go plead for her in front of the Emperor yourself?"


    She questioned Consort Yu, "Or is it that... Consort Yu only pretends to care about the Empress with words? In reality, you don''t want to do anything for her? Youe here to instigate me to anger the Emperor, is it because you want me to fall out of favor?"


    Consort Yu''s eyes widened. This Jiang Xinyue must be a mind reader! How did she manage to voice all her inner thoughts?


    But she couldn''t show her panic. Instead, she stammered at Jiang Xinyue, "Noble Consort misunderstands me. I''m not favored, how would I dare..."


    "Knowing you''re not favored, yet you dare toe before me and act so presumptuously. Who gave you the audacity to be so shameless?"


    These words were quite harsh.


    Just as Consort Yu was about to retort, Jiang Xinyue immediately continued, "I have no interest in participating in the conflict between the Empress and Consort De. But if either side dares to smear me and tries to drag me into this mess, I''m sorry to say, whoever recklessly implicates me will be my enemy, and I will fight them... to the bitter end."


    The coldness shooting from her eyes made even Consort Yu wary.


    She swallowed hard, feeling somewhat guilty.


    In other words, if she dared to spread rumors about this incident, she would push Jiang Xinyue to Consort De''s side. She would form a united front with Consort De and fight against her and the Empress at all costs.


    She really... had such intentions beforeing here.


    But now, she didn''t dare!


    Today''s Jiang Xinyue was no longer the Consort Zhen or Concubine Zhen whom she could mock and ridicule at will.


    Consort Yu came with her head held high, but left like a beaten dog, unable to even cast a small ripple on the surgingke before being intimidated back by Jiang Xinyue.


    In the end, the Empress still took the me for the Third Prince''s poisoning and loss of voice. However, because the olddy of the Cheng Guogong Manor had injured the Empress, and the imperial physicians were still treating her, these two incidents were considered even.


    Jiang Xinyue felt that this was just the beginning.


    From the Empress''s perspective, she had suffered an undeserved cmity for something she hadn''t done.


    As the Empress of the nation, she should have been second only to one and above all others in status. But now she had been used of a crime she didn''tmit. Her own husband didn''t believe her and even allowed a subject''s family member to beat her bloody.


    Her father and brothers were thousands of miles away in Chang''an, and even riding day and night, it would take a month for them to arrive.


    Consort De had utterly humiliated her, making her theughingstock of the entire harem. In her destion, she had no one to turn to.


    How could she possibly ept this?


    In Hexi Pce, Nanny Li came to bid farewell to Jiang Xinyue: "My Lady has now recovered from childbirth, and the Sixth Prince is strong and healthy. This old servant has fulfilled the Emperor''s and your trust. Today, my son and daughter-inw areing to take me out of the pce. This old servant hase to say goodbye."


    Nanny Li''s departure from the pce had been agreed upon by the Emperor before she arrived.


    Jiang Xinyue asked Jiang Chuan and Xiao Xuanzi to bring out the prepared gifts - a bank note for five hundred taels of silver and some jewelry, all packed in a small box.


    As she handed it over, she added some words of advice: "Nanny Li, it''s thanks to you and Nanny Xiang that our little darling was born healthy and safe, and it''s your careful care that has protected him from many schemes. Now that you''re leaving the pce, I can''t help but say a few more words, even if they might seem annoying..."


    She stood up, took Nanny Li''s hand, and spoke from her heart: "Although they are your husband and son, you''ve been in the pce for forty years. Forty years is more than half a lifetime, and you haven''t been out of the pce in all that time. Who knows what your home situation is like now? Is your husband still devoted to you? Will your son still side with you now that he''s married? Of course, if they are wholeheartedly devoted to you, I would be very happy for you. But if they have other intentions, the money I''ve given you is for your own security. Don''t give it all to them at once. Remember, a woman''s own money is her backbone. Only then will they curry favor with you, tter you, and treat you well. I''m not trying to think ill of them, I''m just trying to consider all possibilities for you."


    The human heart is the most unpredictable thing.


    Even if Nanny Li''s family members were to serve her for the rest of her life just to get her money, at least they would know that the Noble Consort in the pce valued Nanny Li highly, and would treat her well out of self-interest.


    At least Nanny Li wouldn''t be at a disadvantage.


    Nanny Li understood that Jiang Xinyue was looking out for her, and nodded with tears in her eyes.


    Throughout this year, she had been eagerly waiting for the Noble Consort to give birth so that she could quickly leave the pce and reunite with her family.


    But now that the moment of parting had arrived, Nanny Li suddenly felt mncholic.


    This farewell would likely be for a lifetime.


    Strangely enough, she had served the Empress Dowager for decades and the Emperor for over a decade, but her time with the Noble Consort, though just a short year, had given her more fond memories than all those previous yearsbined.


    Perhaps it was because the Noble Consort never treated servants'' lives as worthless. Her innate kindness made her genuinely approachable to every good-hearted person.


    That''s why Nanny Li felt that the Noble Consort wasn''t just that high and mighty, unapproachabledy.


    She was more like the sweet, obedient, and lovable girl next door, someone you couldn''t help but be fond of.

 Chapter 216

    Nanny Li epted the treasure box, kneeling on the ground and bowing deeply. Xi Que, Shuang Jiang, Nanny Xiang, and others turned their heads away to wipe their tears.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Nanny Xiang, take some people to see Nanny Li off. If you meet her family members, give them my regards."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The gesture of sending regards was merely a pretense; the real intention was to provide Nanny Li with support.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Senior Concubine Xian had truly considered every aspect to ensure Nanny Li''s happiness in herter years.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Nanny Xiang and Nanny Li were old friends. If anyone in the pce would miss Nanny Li the most, it would undoubtedly be Nanny Xiang.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Jiang Xinyue asked her to see Nanny Li off, giving the two old sisters onest chance to reminisce.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Woof, woof, woof... whine..."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Even the dog frolicking under the swing in the courtyard seemed to sense the somber atmosphere, barking incessantly at Nanny Li.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Its drooping ears and eyes revealed its low spirits.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Fearing she might burst into tears if she stayed any longer, Nanny Li strode out withrge steps.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Half a cup of tea''s time after Nanny Li and Nanny Xiang left, someone arrived from Yikun Pce: "Senior Concubine Xian, our Empress wishes to summon you to Yikun Pce for a chat."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The Empress must have some coboration in mind, right?<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    It wouldn''t hurt to see what she wanted. Perhaps it could be beneficial.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    She had fallen out with Consort De, but not with the Empress. In fact, their rtionship was quite good on the surface.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    With the Empress in a precarious situation, she was more likely seeking allies rather than making enemies.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    At the entrance of Yikun Pce, fallen leaves that had reced the green foliagey unswept at the pce gates, a sight that would have been impossible in the past.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Jiang Xinyue lifted her skirt, careful not to let the hem brush against the withered leaves, and entered Yikun Pce without a sideways nce.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The pce staff was pitifully few; even at the entrance, only Fen Yun was there to announce visitors.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Fen Yun should have been attending closely to the Empress. Since when did she start doing the work of second-tier pce maids?<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Your Highness, Senior Concubine Xian has arrived."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Let her in!"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Even at such a time, the Empress didn''t bother with empty courtesies.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    She had a white silk bandage wrapped around her head, with fresh blood seeping through at the forehead. In just a day or two since theirst meeting, her once reasonably fit figure had shrunk to little more than a skeleton.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Her face was devoid of color, her lips dry and cracked with blood. She looked as if she were on the brink of death.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Jiang Xinyue stared at her for a moment and noticed that the color of her cheeks didn''t match that behind her ears. She immediately understood that the Empress had powdered her face to appear pitiful.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    She had even gone to the trouble of powdering her neck, but had overlooked one detail. Jiang Xinyue had spotted the dividing line behind her ear.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "This concubine greets the Empress..."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    But who was Jiang Xinyue? When it came to acting, she was the true master!<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Cough, cough, cough... Senior Concubine Xian... there''s no need for formalities, please rise quickly..."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The cough didn''t sound quite genuine!<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    It should have been two coughs, followed by rapid breathing, then coughing to the point of dry heaving, with tears welling up in the eyes. Then Fen Yun should have patted her back, and after her breathing stabilized, she should have spoken in a weak voice.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Jiang Xinyue''s face bore an expression of disbelief and concern, her eyes constantly scanning the Empress: "Your Majesty, what has happened to you? How have you be so haggard in just a few days?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    She reached out to support the Empress, who grasped her arm. The palm of her hand was ice-cold, making Jiang Xinyue realize that while half of the Empress''s illness might be an act, the other half could very well be real.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The Empress''s breathing became more rapid, her grip on Jiang Xinyue''s hand tightening: "Senior Concubine Xian, my body has failed me. Consort De... I never imagined that after all my precautions, the most ambitious person was right by my side. Senior Concubine Xian, you must help me seek revenge!"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    She spoke thesest words through gritted teeth, her eyes quickly bing bloodshot, as if she might shed tears of blood at any moment.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    If it were merely because the olddy of the Mansion of the Duke of Cheng had injured her, or even if Consort De had framed her, it wouldn''t be enough to provoke such hatred and anger in the Empress.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The Empress that Jiang Xinyue knew would only me herself for being outmaneuvered after a brief moment of anger.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Your Majesty..."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The concern in her eyes was genuine: "What exactly happened? Consort De recently used me of poisoning the third prince, how did she suddenly change her story to say it was you? I know that if you had wanted to kill the third prince, he wouldn''t have lived until now. How could it possibly have been you?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The Empress gave a light chuckle: "If even you understand this logic, how could the Emperor not know?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    As sheughed, tears began to fall: "I didn''t lose to Consort De, I lost to my own delusions. It''s the Emperor who wants me dead... the husband I''ve shared a bed with for a lifetime wants me dead!"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    She cried out, pounding on the bed: "I was so foolish, always thinking that as long as I devoted myself to him, he would eventually see my worth. I brought this upon myself, I... hahaha... ugh..."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    A mouthful of fresh blood spewed from the Empress''s mouth. Jiang Xinyue cried out in shock, supporting the falling skeleton of a woman: "Your Majesty!"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    How had ite to this?<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    If the Emperor is heartless, I should let go. If the Emperor doesn''t love me, I should love myself. Why reduce oneself to such a ghastly state?<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    It''s simply not worth it!<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The Empress copsed into her arms: "This is the path I chose, I don''t me anyone. But... my children... my children were innocent!"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Mentioning the deceased Crown Prince Duanhui and Second Prince, hatred zed in the Empress''s eyes once more: "My children, Zhan''er and Chuan''er, were killed by Consort De!"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "What?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Not just my children, the reason there have been only the third prince and fourth prince born in the harem for so many years is because Consort De secretly administered drugs to pregnant concubines, preventing any children from being born in the pce."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The Empress''s eyes were full of regret: "Back then, I trusted her too much, which gave her the opportunity to kill Zhan''er and Chuan''er."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "How does Your Majesty know it was Consort De?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    After so many years of being unable to uncover the truth, how did she suddenly know it was Consort De?<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Without evidence, Jiang Xinyue wouldn''t foolishly rush to conclusions.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "I say this because I naturally have evidence."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The Empress nced at Fen Yun, who, with tear-rimmed eyes, took out a blood-stained handkerchief from a drawer in the dressing table.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "This is a blood letter written by Ning Feixiu, a pce maid from Consort De''s quarters, before she died here in Yikun Pce. It confesses Consort De''s crimes of harming the former Crown Prince and Second Prince, as well as numerous pregnant concubines in the harem. Before entering the pce, Consort De had studied medicine for a time and was well-versed in creating poisons. These were all things I never knew."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Her younger son had drowned after suddenly falling into the water while admiring fish by the river.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The Empress suspected that Consort De had used some drug to make him lose consciousness, otherwise how could he have fallen into the water without calling for help?<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The little Crown Prince had died even more suspiciously, suddenly contracting smallpox.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Thinking back carefully, Consort De''s shadow could be seen in every incident, but because Consort De had been her ally at the time, she had never thought to suspect her.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

 Chapter 217

    Consort De certainly never imagined that Ning Feixiu had a premonition she would be silenced, so after being poisoned and sent to Yikun Pce, she secretly wrote this blood letter.


    By the time Luyin brought the Emperor, the Empress had already obtained the blood letter.


    She didn''t give it to the Emperor because she no longer trusted him, believing he would protect Consort De.


    A dead prince ultimately couldn''tpare to those still living.


    The third prince had suddenly lost his voice due to a great misfortune, and the imperial physicians said that because he was already somewhat weak before, this poisoning had made his condition even worse, leaving him frail for the rest of his life.


    The Emperor''s sympathy for the third prince was at its peak. If the evidence were handed over to him now, the Empress''s two sons would never be able to clear their names.


    Seeing that Jiang Xinyue was hesitating to respond, the Empress yed her trump card: "As long as you agree to help me seek revenge, after I die, my family will advise the Emperor to make you the new Empress. Our entire Zhu family will be at your disposal."


    That won''t be necessary, as the Zhu family won''tst much longer anyway.


    "Hah!" The previously concerned-looking Senior Concubine Xian withdrew her hand, gently resting the Empress''s limp body against the small table on the couch. Her expression turned cold: "The Zhu family? Is Your Majesty referring to the Zhu family that had someone sprinkle white phosphorus powder on the sixth prince''s wet nurse''s clothes? Or the Zhu family that sent an insider guard to kill Clothing Steward Xie to silence him?"


    The Empress''s bloodshot eyes went from vacant to shocked. The immense impact made her vision go dark, and she coughed up another mouthful of blood.


    Jiang Xinyue showed no sympathy, raising an eyebrow as she looked at her: "Oh! Right, I almost forgot. The Zhu family that tried to kill my child is Your Majesty''s maternal family! If it weren''t for the Zhu family, how could Your Majesty have admitted guilt so readily? Then I''d like to ask, two years ago after I was sent to the Pce of Exile, when I nearly died from arsened pastries, was it also the Zhu family who sent the arsenic into the pce at Your Majesty''s request?"


    "You... you..."


    The Empress tried to grab her, but Jiang Xinyue shook off her hand, taking a step back: "Your Majesty, look at those who harmed me and my child. Are any of them still around?"


    Indeed...


    Those who had harmed her, those who harbored ill intentions towards her, except for Consort De, Consort Yu, and the Empress, had all disappeared in the tumultuous harem.


    And of the three remaining, Consort Yu had been demoted from the ranks of the four consorts, Consort De''s son was incapacitated, and she, the Empress, held the title in name only and was now about to die.


    This...


    Was everything within Jiang Xinyue''s calctions?


    A chill ran from the soles of her feet to the top of her head. The Empress pointed a trembling finger at Jiang Xinyue: "You... when did you find out?"


    "The moment I saw Jiang Yuan bringing pastries into the Pce of Exile, I had already guessed that Your Majesty was using her to make me mistakenly believe it was Concubine Li who sent her to poison me. But I also knew that Your Majesty''s intention in doing this was to make me stand up and fight against Concubine Li, so you wouldn''t really take my life. Therefore, I went along with the n, thereby gaining the Emperor''s pity and... Your Majesty''s guilt."


    However, this cat-crying-over-a-dead-mouse falsepassion, doing the deed and then trying to maintain a facade of benevolence, was something Jiang Xinyue found hard to agree with.


    "Your Majesty, you didn''t lose to Consort De; you lost to your own hypocrisy and greed. You wanted the Emperor''s love, supreme power, and for the entire harem to serve you. You even hoped that your reputation as a virtuous and iparable empress would spread throughout the court and beyond. Your Majesty... you''re not a deity, you''re just a mortal. Why did you delude yourself into thinking you could achieve the impossible?"


    "If Your Majesty wanted to be a viin, you should have been more thorough. If I were in your position, I would have poisoned me to death in the Pce of Exile, rather than keeping me alive to deal with Concubine Li. Even without me, the Emperor would not have tolerated the Song family. Why did Your Majesty need to dirty your own hands by killing Concubine Li?"


    The Empress''s lips twitched: "You... who exactly are you? Why... even the Emperor doesn''t know what I''ve done, how do you know so clearly?"


    Is she a devil?


    Jiang Xinyueid her cards on the table: "Your Majesty, of all ces to admire lotus flowers, why did you have to go to Xihuo Pce to ''identally'' encounter Consort Jiang, provoke her rtionship with Concubine Li through your words, and have her disguise herself as me to ce arsenic, oleander, phosphorus powder, and cotton wool in Yanqing Pce, creating the illusion that Concubine Li was plotting against the imperial offspring? Sending Xia He away was to make it convenient for Consort Jiang to kill with incense, wasn''t it?"


    Jiang Yuan was the daughter of the Minister of Personnel. Among the six ministries, it was said since ancient times that Personnel was noble, Revenue was rich, Rites was poor, War was martial, Justice was strict, and Works was lowly.


    This was because the Ministry of Personnel was in charge of appointing and dismissing all civil officials throughout the Great Yan Dynasty, and many sought to curry favor with the Jiang family.


    Jiang Yuan''s mother came from a schrly family and was most skilled at making incense even before she was married. Naturally, Jiang Yuan inherited her mother''s talent and was quite aplished in incense making.


    The Zhu family had given the Jiang family a sample of "Beauty''s Incense" raw material, which contained the highly toxic poinsettia flower.


    The Jiang family then used their connections to have it transported into the pce and given to Jiang Yuan to make the incense.


    During the brief interval when Xia He was away, Jiang Yuan lit the Beauty''s Incense. The special feature of this incense was that its evaporating fragrance couldbine with a person''s natural scent, bing like a body fragrance, killing silently and imperceptibly.


    Moreover, those killed by Beauty''s Incense would appear extremely beautiful, at the peak of their beauty, leading people to believe that the person who inhaled the fragrance hadmitted suicide.


    Dying in her most beautiful state, making the Emperor remember her for a lifetime ¨C this was very much in line with Concubine Li''s character.


    But how did Jiang Xinyue know all this?


    And in such detail.


    It was as if she had witnessed it with her own eyes!


    "Your Majesty seems very surprised?"


    In the room, apart from the Empress''s rapid, chaotic breathing, only Jiang Xinyue''s voice could be heard: "What''s there to be surprised about? When Consort Jiang brought the poisoned pastries to harm me, she usedxatives, but it was Your Majesty who had a pce maid rece it with arsenic. This led to Consort Jiang being demoted to a pce maid and suffering greatly in the Pce of Exile. In the past, I was just a lowly Noble Lady, always being mocked and bullied by Consort Jiang. Your Majesty... can you guess why I didn''t take her life in the Pce of Exile?"


    After a long silence, the Empress''s calm voice carried a sense of defeat: "From the very beginning, you knew it was me. You told Consort Jiang that I had made her a scapegoat. On the surface, Consort Jiang acted against Concubine Li under my coercion, but in reality, she wouldn''t have spared Concubine Li anyway, and I... I couldn''t escape either."


    Jiang Xinyue nodded: "When Noble Consort Ye used witchcraft to harm me, Your Majesty became irritable and quick to anger due to a change in your incense. Your Majesty... the one who switched your incense wasn''t Noble Consort Ye, but Consort Jiang."


    "How is that possible?"


    The Empress shook her head: "Since Consort Jiang left the Pce of Exile, you two haven''t even met alone. How could you possibly coordinate so perfectly?"

 Chapter 218

    Jiang Xinyue let her in on the truth: "I am one who prepares for rainy days. I had already gone to see Consort Jiang when she was still in the Pce of Exile."


    All the subsequent ns, including Consort Jiang deliberately going to the entrance of Hexi Pce to seek an audience, only for Jiang Xinyue to firmly refuse, were arranged by them in advance - a show put on for the Empress to see.


    The purpose was to make the Empress believe that neither Consort Jiang nor Jiang Xinyue knew that she was the one behind the poisoning.


    In the past, the Empress never took Consort Jiang seriously. She was just a pawn, used to intensify the conflict between Jiang Xinyue and Consort Li.


    As long as her goal was achieved, she didn''t care whether the pawn lived or died.


    While Jiang Xinyue agreed to cooperate with Consort Jiang, she didn''t consider her a friend, so there was no special treatment to speak of.


    In the Pce of Exile, Consort Jiang had to eat poor food, wash clothes, pretend to be crazy, and do everything possible to preserve her life.


    In just half a year, she aged twenty years due to excessivebor and exhaustion.


    Her beautiful face was gone, her favor dissipated. If it weren''t for her father, the Minister of Personnel, looking after her, she would have been bullied to death long ago.


    Consort Jiang wanted the Empress to stumble at the hands of the pawn she despised most.


    The more the Empress heard, the more rmed she became: "The third prince... was that your doing as well?"


    "No!" Jiang Xinyue denied, "Like Your Majesty, I never harm children."


    The shocked Empress felt a mix of emotions. Over the years, the new beauties entering the pce were truly surpassing their predecessors. Even an old hand like herself had been fooled.


    She had thought Senior Concubine Xian was truly innocent and kind, just with a bit of cleverness.


    But in reality, her every move had been in the other''s grasp. For every step she took, Jiang Xinyue took ten. This was how the gap between them had closed so rapidly.


    "Yes, in this life, after entering the pce, the little kindness I had left was used in the wrong ces, leading to my utter defeat today..."


    Jiang Xinyue didn''t respond, just silently watching her.


    The Empress sat up, supporting herself on the small table. She straightened her blood-stained skirt and wiped the blood from her lips. Once again, she became theposed Empress who could face a copsing mountain without changing expression: "Jiang Xinyue, everyone in the harem wants to be Empress, only you see it as a hot potato. But you should know, sometimes the Emperor''s favor is a death warrant. Only when you hold a high position will others not dare to act rashly, cough cough..."


    The hall was dim, doors and windows tightly shut. Jiang Xinyue suddenly had a bad feeling: "Your Maj-"


    "Fire! The Empress''s chambers are on fire! Quickly, find someone to put out the fire!"


    Xi Que and Shuang Jiang were waiting outside when they suddenly saw mes shooting up from the roof behind the Empress''s chambers. They were shocked.


    The two pounded on the door, but the door of the Empress''s chambers in Yikun Pce was made of the finest gold-threaded ck sandalwood, incredibly sturdy. No matter how they pounded and kicked, the door didn''t budge.


    This door...


    When had it been locked from the inside?


    Xi Que''s hands were swollen from pounding, realizing this was futile as the fire grew fiercer. This wouldn''t work.


    She looked around and said to Shuang Jiang: "You go that way, I''ll go this way. See if any windows can be opened. If not, find something to break them."


    Shuang Jiang nodded and quickly ran off. As they were about to turn away from each other, they saw Fen Yun walking out from behind, holding a torch: "I advise you not toe any closer."


    "Cough cough cough..."


    Inside the hall, smoke was billowing. The Empress coughed incessantly but held a water-soaked cloth over Jiang Xinyue''s nose and mouth, her eyes resolute: "Senior Concubine Xian, I''ll help you eliminate Consort Rong, but you must promise me... promise me you''ll take good care of the Fifth Prince!"


    Mentioning that poor child, the Empress suddenly burst into tears: "Don''t tell him... don''t tell him I killed his mother. I just... I just wanted to have a child of my own."


    Even if she wasn''t the Empress, Court Lady Lan wouldn''t have survived anyway.


    A disfavored courtdy, pregnant with no one to rely on - it would have been as simple as crushing an ant for a high-ranking concubine to kill her and her unborn child with a flick of a finger.


    It was the Empress who protected her, ensuring she wasn''t discovered and safely delivered the child.


    It''s hard to say Court Lady Lan didn''t willingly go to her death for the Fifth Prince''s promising future.


    "Promise me... take care of... the Fifth Prince..."


    Just as a burning beam was about to fall on Jiang Xinyue, the Empress pushed her away, taking the full impact herself. Pinned under the beam, she coughed up a mouthful of blood: "I know Consort Jiang tampered with my incense, causing my frequent migraines. I''m helping you clean up the loose ends now. As long as you... as long as you promise to take care of the Fifth Prince for me, let him... let him grow up safely, marry, have children, be enfeoffed as a prince..."


    Once enfeoffed, he could go to his own fief, and from then on, be as free as a fish in the sea or a bird in the sky.


    The Empress''sst gift to the Fifth Prince was... freedom...


    Being an emperor is too difficult, being an empress too bitter.


    She didn''t want the Fifth Prince to be like his father in the future, disappointing those who loved him deeply, destined for hell.


    Jiang Xinyue said nothing, trying hard to pull her out, but couldn''t move her. The beam pinning the Empress weighed thousands of pounds, and Jiang Xinyue''s hands were covered in blisters from the scorching wood.


    The Empress clutched her sleeve tightly. The fire from the beam had already ignited her clothes, yet she smiled brightly: "Jiang Xinyue, your kindness has been used in the right ces. Your kindness has an edge to it. You are... more suited to be the Empress of Great Yan than I am."


    With that, she closed her eyes and copsed forever under the beam.


    Jiang Xinyue checked her breathing and found she had only fainted. She began to look for a way out.


    Considering the Empress''s earlier words about helping her eliminate Consort Rong, she guessed the Empress didn''t truly intend to take her life, so there must be an escape route somewhere.


    She looked around, but smoke filled her vision, making it impossible to keep her eyes open. Involuntary tears streamed down her face.


    Breathing was bing difficult...


    "Your Majesty! Your Majesty, you can''t go in! It''s too dangerous!"


    Upon hearing about the fire in Yikun Pce, the Xuanwu Emperor rushed over immediately. Seeing Xi Que and Shuang Jiang already held back in a safe area by the guards, he realized the gravity of the situation and was about to charge in.


    But he was stopped by those around him: "Your Majesty, the fire is too fierce. Even if the Empress is inside, she must... she must be... Your Majesty, your safety is paramount!"


    "Let go!" The Emperor drew the sword from a guard''s waist and pointed it at the officials blocking him: "Whoever dares to stop me, I''ll execute their entire n."


    The veins on his temples bulged, his eyes concealing a fierce beast, as if he might erupt in violence at any moment.

 Chapter 219

    The official who was holding the Emperor''s arm was intimidated by his gaze and let go in fear. Without any hesitation, that sh of imperial yellow rushed into the raging fire.


    The guards responsible for protecting the Emperor''s safety, seeing that he had charged in, also grabbed water buckets from the eunuchs. Some poured water on themselves before rushing in, while others quickly went to extinguish the fire.


    Some entered carrying water buckets, and upon finding the Emperor, without a word, doused him entirely with water.


    It was because of this that the Emperor felt his body cool down rapidly, and the burning pain on his skin became less intense.


    "Yue... cough cough cough cough cough..."


    The Xuanwu Emperor had just opened his mouth when he was choked by the rolling thick smoke. He struggled to open his eyes to discern directions: "Yue''er... cough cough cough... Yue''er, where are you?"


    "Your Majesty! It''s the Empress!"


    Who else could be trapped under the fallen beam if not the Empress?


    The Emperor looked around: "Get the Empress out first."


    "Your Majesty... cough cough cough... it''s too dangerous here, please leave! We subordinates will search for Consort Xian inside."


    "I said... get the Empress out first!"


    He shook off the guard, enduring the pain in his body as he looked around.


    "Your Majesty, watch out!"


    "Bang!"


    A burnt piece of wood broke off above the Xuanwu Emperor and crashed down with a bang. Fortunately, the guard reacted quickly, pushing the Xuanwu Emperor away, but the guard was struck, his head bleeding profusely.


    "Mmm..."


    The tremendous noise awakened Jiang Xinyue, who had fainted by the window. Just as she made a small sound, she felt someone grab her shoulders.


    A call, sometimes distant, sometimes near, came to her ears: "Yue''er... Yue''er, wake up... Yue''er..."


    The Xuanwu Emperor, pushed and rolled to the window by the guard, finally found the unconscious Jiang Xinyue on the ground. She was frighteningly hot to the touch, her consciousness hazy, and her breathingbored.


    "Em... Empress... save... save the Empress..."


    The Emperor took off his own soaked dragon robe, wrapped her in it, and lifted her into his arms. Ignoring his own face ckened with soot, he carried her and ran towards the exit.


    Some guards carried the Empress, while more surrounded the Emperor to protect him from falling beams.


    The Dowager Empress had already arrived upon hearing the news. By her side was not Consort Rong, but Pei Wu.


    "Where''s the Emperor? Where is he?"


    Her face was filled with anxiety: "You useless lot, how could you let the Emperor go in to save someone? If anything happens to the Emperor, I''ll have you all buried with him!"


    "Boom¡ª"


    With a loud crash, the main door of the Yikun Pce bedchamber copsed, charred. Through the thick smoke and mes, the tall and imposing Emperor, wearing only a white undergarment, his body covered in ck soot, his face not spared, with scratches on his cheeks oozing blood droplets.


    In his arms, he carried the unconscious Consort Xian, like a fearless warrior rescuing his beloved maiden.


    Jiang Xinyue was semi-conscious, her eyes half-closed and half-open. Through her blurry vision, she could see the Xuanwu Emperor''s solemn face, his lips pressed into a thin line, his eyes determined as he carried her out.


    "Is that... the Emperor''s dragon robe on her?"


    "Heavens! She''s covered with the Emperor''s dragon robe, could it be... could it be that the Emperor wants to make Consort Xian the Empress?"


    "That''s impossible, isn''t it? Consort De is still here! In terms of seniority and family background, Consort De is superior to Consort Xian in every way."


    "But Consort De''s Third Prince is disabled, isn''t he? Consort Xian has two sons, the Fourth Prince and the Sixth Prince, and the Emperor favors her so much, she could probably bear several more! If she bes Empress, even if she ends up like the current Empress who can''t bear children anymore, wouldn''t she eventually be deposed too?"


    What use is adopting the Fifth Prince when he''s not her own flesh and blood?


    Consort De stood in the front row, watching helplessly as the Emperorid Jiang Xinyue, covered with the dragon robe, on the ground. Xi Que and Shuang Jiang immediately rushed over, fanning her with their hands.


    The guards'' stretcher carried the Empress, half of her face already disfigured by burns. The imperial physicians who had been waiting stepped forward to treat the Empress.


    "Seize her!"


    A shrill cry pierced the air. The Xuanwu Emperor had just finished washing Jiang Xinyue''s face clean when he saw Consort Rong stumbling out from behind the burning buildings, her face filled with terror.


    Fen Yun, her face covered in blood, chased after her: "Your Majesty, it was Consort Rong who set fire to the Yikun Pce."


    What?


    Hearing this, Consort Rong suddenly stopped in her tracks. Due to the abruptness, a fire starter fell from her sleeve.


    "Clink..."


    A bloodstained silver hairpin dropped from her hand. Fen Yun had already knelt at the Emperor''s feet, using her face, deeply cut by the hairpin and a bloody mess, to use: "Your Majesty, there weren''t enough pce maids in Yikun Pce, all sorts of evil people came to bully our mistress. Today, when my mistress felt a bit better, she wanted to chat with Consort Xian. We maids were all guarding outside, and the fire started gradually from the back hall, so by the time we discovered it, the fire had already reached my mistress''s chambers. I told Shuang Jiang and Xi Que to find a way to break down the door, while I went to check the situation at the back. Who would have thought... who would have thought..."


    Her trembling hand fearfully pointed at Consort Rong: "Who would have thought that I would see Consort Rong holding a fire starter, smiling sinisterly at the mes. I suspected that the fire had something to do with Consort Rong, so I wanted to grab her and ask for an exnation, but she stabbed my face with her hairpin. The pain made me let go, allowing Consort Rong to run away. Heaven''s is wide-meshed, but lets nothing through. She has been caught red-handed by you, Your Majesty."


    The strong-willed Empress had regained consciousness while the imperial physicians were cleaning her wounds.


    She struggled to crawl over, but was held down by everyone: "Empress, you must not move. You have extensive burns on your body. We must take you back to the Imperial Hospital for disinfection before we can remove the burnt flesh. Otherwise, it''s easy to get infected, which could be fatal."


    The Empress had long lost the will to live. Today, even at the cost of her life, she wanted to secure a future for the Fifth Prince.


    "Your Majesty!"


    Her voice, already damaged by the thick smoke, was harsh and unpleasant, but every word was heart-wrenching: "The person who put cotton wadding in the Sixth Prince''s wet nurse''s clothes was Consort Rong... Today she intended to kill Consort Xian and then frame me. But unfortunately, she failed! I beg Your Majesty to uphold justice for Consort Xian and me!"


    Jiang Xinyue sat on the stool brought by Wang Dequan, seemingly still in a daze. She lowered her head, allowing Xi Que and Shuang Jiang to wipe her hands and neck, andb through her hair, which had been singed at the ends.


    The two little maids were crying with distress.


    Who would have thought that the Empress would use her own life to incriminate Consort Rong?


    Half of the Empress''s face, burned and covered in blood blisters, fell unconscious on the stretcher after uttering those words, ovee by pain.

 Chapter 220

    No one knew that the Emperor wanted the Empress to die, so no one would believe that the dignified mother of the nation would sacrifice her own life just to help Senior Concubine Xian eliminate Consort Rong.


    "Take the Empress away for treatment."


    In reality, everyone understood that the Empress was beyond saving. She had not only inhaled an excessive amount of thick smoke but had also been crushed by burning roof beams. The burns on her face were the least of her injuries; the truly fatal wounds covered her entire body.


    There wasn''t a single patch of undamaged skin on her back, and in some ces, the burns were so severe that bones were exposed. If it weren''t for the curtain that the guards who carried her out had used to cover her, the gruesome sight of her injuries would have terrified these delicatedies.


    Fen Yun followed closely behind the stretcher. Before leaving, she cast a deep nce at Jiang Xinyue.


    She was just a lowly maid who had been serving by the Empress''s side since she was still just the daughter of the Grand Commandant of Chang''an.


    Her feelings for the Empress ran deep, but she was only a small maid.


    She didn''t know whether she should hate Senior Concubine Xian for the Empress''s current state, or if she should hate the Emperor for breaking her mistress''s heart.


    Her hatred was insignificant and couldn''t harm anyone.


    She had to follow the Empress''s orders: to survive, to stay in the pce, to remain by Senior Concubine Xian''s side, to watch over her on behalf of the Empress, and to take care of the Fifth Prince for her.


    "No!"


    Consort Rong shook her head frantically. "Your Majesty, it wasn''t me, truly it wasn''t!"


    With both witness testimony and physical evidence present, and having been caught at the scene - the hairpin that stabbed Fen Yun and the fire starter that caused the ze had both fallen from her hands - how could it not have been her?


    Was it possible that the Empress had set the fire to burn herself to death? Had Fen Yun carved a bone-deep gash on her own face?


    Women value their appearance above all else, yet both the Empress and Fen Yun had their faces ruined, and even Senior Concubine Xian had nearly died inside.


    If not her, then who?


    The Empress Dowager narrowed her eyes and moved to Jiang Xinyue''s side. "Senior Concubine Xian is usually so quick-witted and talkative. Why are you so quiet today? Did you also see Consort Rong start the fire?"


    The fire had almost been extinguished, with only a few stubborn mes still flickering here and there.


    In the silence, the asional crackle of burning wood sounded particrly jarring.


    Jiang Xinyue took a long moment to raise her head and look at the Empress Dowager. With a frail and weak demeanor, she nced briefly in the Empress Dowager''s direction before lowering her eyes to the ground again. Her voice was feeble as she spoke, "What does the Empress Dowager wish to hear from this concubine? I was summoned by the Empress for a conversation today. We had barely exchanged a few words when the fire trapped us both inside. I was with the Empress the entire time. Surely the Empress Dowager isn''t suggesting that I started the fire?"


    "I never said such a thing," the Empress Dowager snorted coldly. "So you''re saying you didn''t see Consort Rong start the fire. How can the Emperor believe the Empress''s one-sided ount? That maid of hers is on her side too, so how can she use Consort Rong? Only if Senior Concubine Xian also ims to have witnessed it could it possibly be true."


    The Empress had nearly been burned to death; how could this be called a one-sided ount?


    Jiang Xinyue sighed, appearing helpless and bullied by the Empress Dowager.


    She had just escaped from a raging fire, and her entire being was weak and greatly shocked. Her once wless, jade-like hands were now covered in blisters from the mes, which must have been incredibly painful.


    The Empress Dowager was being too overbearing.


    The Xuanwu Emperor stepped in front of the Empress Dowager. "We''ll discuss this further once Senior Concubine Xian has recovered. Guards, take Consort Rong to the Investigative Bureau for now."


    "Emperor!" The Empress Dowager shielded Consort Rong behind her. "Don''t forget that Consort Rong once saved your life. Now you''re ready to punish her based solely on the Empress''s word. Aren''t you afraid this will dishearten those ministers who have devoted themselves to you?"


    If this is how he treats someone who saved his life, how could he possibly cherish his court officials?


    How could such an ungrateful ruler expect long-term loyalty?


    What the Xuanwu Emperor hated most was how the Empress Dowager always brought up the court officials and used gratitude to pressure him.


    Without Consort Rong, he would have been perfectly fine. Did they really think his personal guards were useless?


    Consort Rong''s actions had been unnecessary. He had already promoted her from Noble Consort to Consort Rong. What more gratitude did they expect?


    "Your Majesty..." Jiang Xinyue grasped his hand, careful not to apply pressure due to her bandaged palms. From her wide waistband, she produced a jade button from clothing. "This concubine found this by the window."


    Her gaze shifted towards Consort Rong, who was slumped on the ground.


    Everyone followed Jiang Xinyue''s line of sight to the jade ornament on Consort Rong''s chest. At the top of her neckline, it was clear that something was missing, and the style, color, and material of the jade button in Jiang Xinyue''s hand matched perfectly with those on Consort Rong''s garment.


    At this point, even the Empress Dowager was left speechless and could only watch as the officials from the Investigative Bureau took Consort Rong away.


    Pei Wu, supporting the Empress Dowager''s hand, shook her head slightly, signaling her not to act rashly. "Empress Dowager, this humble servant will plead for leniency on Consort Rong''s behalf."


    Of course! The Emperor treated Pei Wu differently.


    Since theirst intimate encounter, Pei Wu had frequently visited the Chengqian Pce to keep the Emperorpany. Although the Emperor was currently mindful of Senior Concubine Xian and hadn''t given Pei Wu an official title, this was only temporary.


    Pei Wu could be the key to driving a wedge between the Emperor and Senior Concubine Xian.


    The Empress Dowager suppressed her impulses, shot a vicious re at Senior Concubine Xian, and stormed off.


    Meanwhile, the Xuanwu Emperor carried Jiang Xinyue to the imperial carriage and hurriedly returned to Hexi Pce.


    He summoned Yan the Imperial Physician for a thorough examination. Only after confirming that her injuries were superficial and not life-threatening did the Emperor''s anxiety subside.


    "Your Majesty is injured too, here..." Jiang Xinyue, now dressed in a light white undergarment with her long ck hair loose, sat up in bed and pointed at the bleeding scratch on his cheek. "Xi Que, ask Yan the Imperial Physician to treat the Emperor''s wound as well."


    Yan the Imperial Physician was behind the screen writing a prescription. He had intended to apply some medicine to the Emperor''s wound before leaving, but the Xuanwu Emperor said, "I''m fine. There''s no need for the physician. Xinyue can apply some medicine for me."


    Yan thought to himself: We can''t let Senior Concubine Xian miss this opportunity to be close to the Emperor.


    He quickly put away his brush and handed the prescription to Xi Que. "Brew two packets of medicine in one bowl of water for the concubine to drink. The Imperial Hospital is very busy, so I must take my leave now."


    He hurried off with his medical kit.


    Xi Que assumed that Yan the Imperial Physician meant that the Empress''s condition was critical, and that''s why all the physicians at the Imperial Hospital were busy treating her. She didn''t think anything else of it.


    Jiang Xinyue held up her hands, wrapped like dumplings, and waved them in front of the Xuanwu Emperor''s eyes. "How can this concubine apply medicine for Your Majesty in this state?"


    She blinked herrge, innocent eyes, looking as soft and adorable as a fluffy, docile animal.


    He had forgotten about the injuries to her hands.


    In the end, it was Wang Dequan who, with trembling fingers and trepidation, applied the medicine as if walking on thin ice.


    Every time Wang Dequan touched the wound, the Emperor would hiss in pain, nearly stopping Wang Dequan''s fragile heart.

 Chapter 221

    After finally treating all the scrapes on the Emperor''s body, Wang Dequan realized his own back was soaked with cold sweat.


    "Your Majesty..." Tang Shiliang, who had apanied the imperial physicians to the Imperial Hospital, stumbled as he spoke, "The Empress... the Empress is near death. She''s in the Imperial Hospital now, crying out that she must see you onest time before she dies."


    The Emperor''s hand paused as he was arranging Jiang Xinyue''s hair. After a long silence, he smiled at Jiang Xinyue and said, "Go to bed early tonight. Don''t wait up for me."


    Whether or not the Empress survived the night, the Emperor needed to prepare many things in advance and discuss matters with his confidants.


    Jiang Xinyue pressed her heavily bandaged hand against the hem of the Emperor''s robe, looking up at him pitifully. "Your Majesty, when the fire broke out today, that falling beam should have crushed me. The Empress saved me. She even gave me her water-soaked handkerchief. No matter what the Empress has done to me in the past... I... I forgive her."


    As she spoke, tears began to fall. "So... so I humbly beg Your Majesty, could you please give the Empress some final dignity?"


    The frail beauty blinked her clear eyes. The Xuanwu Emperor bent down and kissed the tip of her nose. "I understand. Don''t worry about these things. I know what to do."


    In the Imperial Hospital, Fen Yun knelt beside the Empress''s small bed. Her face bandaged, she wept so hard that blood seeped through her wounds. She desperately tried to spark the Empress''s will to live: "Your Majesty, please look! The Fifth Prince is here! The Fifth Prince is still so young, he can''t be without you! Please open your eyes and look at the Fifth Prince!"


    The Fifth Prince, only a year and a half old, was led over by an elderly nanny, tottering uncertainly. He didn''t understand why his mother was lying there, but he could see that both his mother and Aunt Fen Yun''s faces were injured and bleeding.


    He knew his mother was hurt.


    The Fifth Prince''s lips quivered, and he burst into loud sobs: "Mo... Mother... Ge... Get... Waaah... Get up..."


    The Empress''s hand twitched, and with great effort, she opened her eyes. She looked at the Fifth Prince and gave him a weak smile.


    Then she turned to Fen Yun: "Take good care of the Fifth Prince, Fen Yun... Don''t oppose Senior Concubine Xian. My fate today... it''s all my own doing. I trusted those I shouldn''t have, loved those I shouldn''t have. I... I ept it."


    Fen Yun bowed her head, weeping with immense sorrow: "Your Majesty, please live. I''ll help you raise the Fifth Prince together."


    Tears rolled down the corners of the Empress''s eyes. "I can''t go on. Take the Fifth Prince to wait in Hexi Pce."


    She always saw shadows of her two sons in the Fifth Prince, and she sincerely hoped he would grow up healthy and happy.


    "When the Fifth Prince grows up, don''t teach him hatred... Don''t let anyone manipte him into thinking Senior Concubine Xian killed me. I only want... I only want him to live well, do you understand?"


    Knowing Fen Yun''s loyalty to her, she feared Fen Yun might harbor resentment and use the Fifth Prince to seek revenge for her in the future. Fighting through her pain, she continued: "Even if... even if revenge must be taken, my only enemy is Consort De. She''s the one who robbed me of my chance to be a mother. Fen Yun... she''s the only one I truly hate."


    Fen Yun wept so hard she nearly fainted, hugging the Fifth Prince and nodding repeatedly: "Your Majesty, I will take good care of the Fifth Prince. I won''t let anyone harm him."


    This was her mistress''sst wish in this world, and she would never let her down.


    Not only was the Empress beyond saving, but she had also refused the imperial physicians'' attempts to prolong her life, sending them all away.


    She was using this resolute method to show the Emperor her determination to die.


    The Imperial Hospital was dimly lit, and the medicine room where the Empressy was now empty.


    In the flickeringmplight, the Empressy quietly on the bamboo bed, as if already dead.


    But when the Xuanwu Emperor approached the bedside, she seemed to sense his presence and opened her eyes.


    Her disfigured face had been wrapped in silk, leaving only half of her undamaged face exposed.


    The Emperor remained silent, saying nothing. It was the Empress who softly chuckled: "I''m about to die. After being husband and wife for over a decade, does Your Majesty have nothing to say to me in the end?"


    The Xuanwu Emperor raised his hand, straightening her newly changed clothes and using his fingers to smooth her disheveled hair. But from beginning to end, he didn''t utter a word.


    The Empress understood his silence. Her gaze towards the Emperor was gentle and reluctant: "Your Majesty, I''ve been in the pce for fifteen years. I bore you thete Crown Prince and the Second Prince, but perhaps they didn''t want to be part of the royal family and left me early. Now I''m going to join them..."


    She could barely continue, choking up: "Your Majesty, my only wish is for you to stay healthy, live a long life, and forever be hand in hand with your beloved, living a blissful and happy life."


    Those near death speak kindly.


    The Emperor took a deep breath and held her hand: "Don''t say so much. Why won''t you let the imperial physicians prolong your life?"


    Wouldn''t it be better to live a bit longer?


    The Empress shook her head: "I don''t want to look at this face in the mirror every day. I''m afraid I might leave this world harboring resentment towards the pce."


    How much longer could she live even with life-extending treatments?


    Three days? Five days?


    Or three months, five months?


    What would be the point?


    It was better to use her death to secure the greatest benefits for the Fifth Prince and Senior Concubine Xian while the Emperor felt guilty.


    "All my life, I''ve strictly adhered to the rules and responsibilities of being an Empress, never causing trouble for Your Majesty. I''ve never regretted marrying you and bing your Empress. But I... I only have one regret..."


    The Emperor looked at her: "Is it about the Fifth Prince?"


    The Empress nodded tearfully: "I shouldn''t have taken the Fifth Prince away from Court Lady Lan, leaving the child and keeping the mother. He was so young when he lost his birth mother. I... I beg Your Majesty... please let Senior Concubine Xian raise the Fifth Prince, can you?"


    She used all her remaining strength to grip the Emperor''s hand, her undamaged half-face covered in tears: "In this harem, only Senior Concubine Xian truly has a big heart. Only she will genuinely care for the Fifth Prince. Your Majesty... I can hand over evidence of the Zhu family''s ns for rebellion in Chang''an, I only ask that Your Majesty grant me this one request."


    The news of the Zhu family''s nned rebellion hit the Xuanwu Emperor like a bolt from the blue.


    He knew the Zhu family had always been unruly and disobedient to the court''s orders, but they always managed to find suitable excuses to fob off the Emperor, so he had never directly confronted them.


    He never knew that the Zhu family not only wanted to be the local tyrants of Chang''an but also aspired to rule the entire empire.


    The Empress had no energy left to exin how the Zhu family had managed to deceive everyone and evade the court''s tight surveince to secretly plot rebellion.


    But as a daughter of the Zhu family, she had concrete evidence, and the Emperor couldn''t possibly not want it.

 Chapter 222

    She only needed to hand over the evidence to the Emperor. The rest, as a dead person, she could neither control nor manage.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The Zhu family had sent her into the pce years ago and then abandoned her, as if they had merely sent a hostage to the pce.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Her father and mother professed their love for her, yet when the Emperor asked her father toe to the capital to serve as an official, they tly refused.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    She lived in constant fear, caught in the middle and torn between sides.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Not long ago, her father had written to her, asking her to collude with the Zhu family members to eliminate the Emperor and change the dynasty''s surname to Zhu.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Though she was a Zhu family daughter, she was also a Shen Family daughter-inw.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The Xuanwu Emperor might not have been a good husband, but he was undoubtedly a patriotic and benevolent Emperor.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The Great Yan Dynasty was bing increasingly prosperous, with surrounding territories submitting andmon people living in peace and abundance.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Why rebel against such an Emperor? On what grounds?<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The Empress outwardly agreed but secretly collected evidence. As the Zhu family''s legitimate daughter, officials of the Zhu faction never suspected her.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Originally, she had nned to keep this as her bargaining chip, to negotiate with the Emperor if anyone ever threatened her position.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Now, she couldn''t use it herself anymore.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    But Jiang Xinyue could still make use of it.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    After receiving the Emperor''s affirmative response, the Empress told him where she had hidden the evidence.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The light in her eyes gradually faded. Through the Emperor''s silhouette, she seemed to return to their wedding day years ago.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    In twelve towers, all are in full dress, from Wangxian Tower, waiting for the king. Golden beasts with cold linked rings hold the doors, copper dragons drip water marking time. Cloud-like hairdos undone, still facing mirrors, silk robes to be changed, more fragrance added. Peeking at the main hall where curtains open, pce servants in robes sweep the royal bed.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "The Empress¡ªhas passed away!"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    A great fire had taken the life of this strong-willed Empress.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    She hadn''t lived to see the fifth prince grow up, to arrange his marriage and witness the birth of his children. She hadn''t be the wise Empress she had aspired to be, instead dying in this treacherous harem, amidst schemes and the Emperor''s indifference.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    In Yanqing Pce¡ª<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Is Your Highness displeased?" Luyin asked, puzzled, as she fanned the gloomy Consort De sitting by the window. "Among the high-ranking concubines in the pce, only you and Senior Concubine Xian remain. Senior Concubine Xian hasn''t been in the pce long andcks support. She doesn''t have the means topete with you. The position of Empress is already as good as yours."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    But Consort De wasn''t as optimistic: "Do you really believe that Consort Rong set that big fire that killed the Empress?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Wasn''t it?" Luyin recalled what she had seen the day before. "The fire starter fell from Consort Rong''s hand, the hairpin that wounded Fen Yun was hers, and there was Senior Concubine Xian''s jade button. Pce maids from Jingren Pce all the way to Yikun Pce saw Consort Rong going to Yikun Pce with their own eyes."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    No one had held a knife to Consort Rong''s throat and forced her to go. How could this be fabricated?<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "The Empress could summon Senior Concubine Xian, and she could also summon Consort Rong at the same time."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    As long as the timing was staggered, with Senior Concubine Xian entering the Empress''s chambers first, and all the nearby pce maids and eunuchs removed, Consort Rong would instinctively try to eavesdrop on the Empress and Senior Concubine Xian''s secret conversation when she arrived.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The main door of the chamber was far from where they were talking. To hear everything clearly, one would have to go around to the back of the chamber.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Perhaps Consort Rong went to the back to eavesdrop on their conversation, falling right into the Empress and Senior Concubine Xian''s trap.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Who knows what happened in that unseen ce?<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Without seeing Consort Rong set the fire herself or personally wound Fen Yun, Consort De refused to believe it.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Luyin couldn''t understand at all: "Then was it Senior Concubine Xian who set the fire? But that doesn''t make sense either! Why would the Empress say it was Consort Rong?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Indeed!" Consort De frantically turned the prayer beads in her hand. "Why did the Empress say it was Consort Rong?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Wasn''t it actually the Empress herself who set the fire?<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    If it wasn''t her, how could the pce staff in Yikun Pce be so cooperative, all disappearing at that exact time, conveniently allowing Consort Rong to eavesdrop?<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    And Fen Yun was so cooperative too. Even with her face so badly scarred, she could still chase after Consort Rong?<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Why should Your Highness overthink this?" Luyin replied, "Whether the fire was set by Consort Rong or Senior Concubine Xian, you will be the ultimate beneficiary. As the legitimate daughter of the Cheng Guo Gong''s family, you are more than qualified to be the Emperor''s new Empress."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Consort De also felt that she had been too tensetely, but what could she do?<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The third prince had lost his voice and be mute, rendering all her years of effort futile. The second princess was still young, and without a capable older brother as support, she would not escape the tragic fate of being sent away in a political marriage.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    But Luyin was right. Among the high-ranking concubines in the pce, only Senior Concubine Xian and herself remained.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    In terms of seniority, family background, reputation, and even length of time in the pce, Consort De believed she far surpassed Jiang Xinyue.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    As soon as news of the Empress''s death spread, the entire country went into mourning.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The Emperor ordered a spirit hall to be set up in Taihe Hall for inner court officials and noblewomen to pay their respects. The spirit hall typically contained various tablets, titles, and objects used by the Empress during her lifetime.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The Xuanwu Emperor posthumously bestowed upon the Empress Zhu the title of Filial, Virtuous, Derative, and Cultured Empress, and set her burial for the sixth day of the month at the Eastern Mountain Imperial Mausoleum.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The Emperor kept vigil in Taihe Hall for three days and nights, then ordered the restoration of the burned pce in Yikun Pce to its original state over the following days.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Pei Wu went to Chengqian Pce for three consecutive days, further convincing the Empress Dowager that she could rescue Consort Rong from the Investigative Bureau.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    During these days, the back pce was as quiet as a dead city. No one dared to do anything extra to provoke the Emperor''s wrath.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    In the Investigative Bureau¡ª<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Consort Rong, with disheveled hair, clutched at the cloak of the woman outside her cell, pleading urgently, "Pei Wu, did Aunt Empress Dowager send you to rescue me? Please let me out, please let me out quickly. I don''t want to stay in this hellish ce for another moment."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Beneath the cloak was a charming and alluring face. She smiled, tugging at the corners of her mouth, "The Empress Dowager instructed me to inform Consort Rong that it would be best to take all the me upon yourself. Otherwise... Her Majesty will ensure you never speak again."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Wh-what?" Consort Rong''s fingers loosened as she stepped back. "Aunt... wants to kill me?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Pei Wu smiled, "How could Consort Rong say such a thing? The Empress Dowager is kind-hearted. If it weren''t for her taking pity on you and Consort Shu years ago and bringing you into the pce, you should have been exiled to Ningguta."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    What kind of ce was Ningguta?<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Even Consort Rong''s father couldn''t endure it and died there. One can imagine what would have be of two delicate young girls.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The two sisters should have died in Ningguta long ago. How could they have had the chance to enter the pce and be well-fed and clothed imperial concubines?<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    A myriad ofplex emotions shed through Consort Rong''s eyes as she shook her head, "If I confess, the Emperor will kill me."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The Emperor didn''t know about the false pregnancy incident that framed Consort Shu. If she revealed everything, the Emperor would surely kill her.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    After all, she had yed a significant role in Consort Shu''s fall from being the Emperor''s beloved to a discarded lover.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

 Chapter 223

    "But if you don''t confess, the Empress Dowager will kill you anyway. Do you want to die now, or take the me and have a chance at survival?"


    Die if she spoke, die if she didn''t.


    For Consort Rong, neither was a good choice. The Empress Dowager''s machinations behind the scenes were enough to condemn her to death a thousand times over.


    Consort Rong reached back and gathered her scattered hair to the front, using her hands like ab to smooth it out. She smiled at Pei Wu and said, "Alright, I confess..."


    Pei Wu smiled back at her: "That''s more like it! The wise adapt to circumstances. Once the Emperor promotes me, I''ll certainly plead for mercy on your behalf."


    She smiled smugly, clearly seeing herself as a power yer deftly maneuvering between the Empress Dowager and the Emperor.


    So this was the person the Empress Dowager had found to rece her and Consort Shu?


    She was indeed a rare beauty, moreposed than either herself or Consort Shu, willing to bide her time without demanding status until now.


    She was stronger...


    But the Empress Dowager had repeatedly spoken of restoring the Wu family, of bringing her brother and mother back from Ningguta.


    Her current actions seemed less about the Wu family and more about securing her own position, determined to cultivate a favored consort like Jiang Xinyue.


    Aunt, she wants to control the harem, doesn''t she?


    Under the guise of restoring the Wu family, she had made her and Consort Shu obey her every word. Now that the two sisters had outlived their usefulness aftermitting numerous misdeeds, she wanted to groom new talent.


    Hah!


    The Empress Dowager underestimated her. She wasn''t a fool like Consort Shu, to be yed like a puppet.


    "Before that, I''d like to see my aunt onest time. Would you be so kind as to ry my request, Miss Pei?"


    "The Empress Dowager doesn''t have time to see you now. Whatever you have to say, you can tell me. I''ll make sure to pass it on to Her Majesty."


    So she thought that once Consort Rong took the me, she was as good as dead, and didn''t even want to waste time on her?


    If her aunt wouldn''t honor their familial bond, she couldn''t me her for being ruthless.


    "Then please convey this message to the Empress Dowager for me: I wish her sess in controlling the harem and achieving supreme honor."


    During the previous Emperor''s reign, she had dominated the harem through her son, truly believing herself to be the master of pce intrigue. But she failed to see that the previous Emperor never liked her. If she hadn''t been the birth mother of his only son, she probably wouldn''t have even attained the rank of consort.


    She had climbed to power on the back of her son, but her ambition had grown toorge. She now believed she should be the one controlling both the court and the harem.


    The Emperor was exiling the Wu family, executing the Song family, guarding against the Zhu family, favoring officials without powerful backgrounds, emphasizing the imperial examinations, and valuing talent...


    How could such an Emperor allow a mere woman to manipte him?


    The Empress Dowager would never get her way. She might as well give her onest push.


    With the passing of the Empress, a pall of gloom fell over the pce.


    Consort De, knowing she was in the crosshairs, deliberately kept a low profile to minimize her presence.


    Jiang Xinyue hadn''t anticipated the Empress''s resolute decision to end her life. She had nned to push Consort Rong to the forefront, making everyone believe that Consort Rong was the Emperor''s true love, with Consort Shu merely a scapegoat.


    She hadn''t expected the Empress to sacrifice her life for the Fifth Prince''s sake, helping her deal with Consort Rong in the process.


    Her n was now unnecessary, and instead, Consort De had be the "murderer" who drove the Empress to her death.


    Now, everyone in the pce was saying that if Consort De hadn''t falsely used the Empress of poisoning the Third Prince, the Empress would never have died.


    The Old Lady of Duke of Cheng''s Mansion''s cane strike was seen as a deliberate attempt on the Empress''s life.


    People always sympathize with the weaker party, and now the Empress was no longer just weak, but deceased.


    The Duke of Cheng''s household would face difficult days ahead.


    Jiang Xinyue had merely asked the Emperor one question: "The Old Lady of Duke of Cheng''s Mansion is truly vigorous for her age. I''ve heard that her tiger-headed cane can strike down foolish rulers above and corrupt officials below. Is that really true?"


    The Emperor responded by pushing her down onto the bed with his finger: "Only you would dare ask me such a treasonous question. Try imagining what would happen if anyone else asked me that."


    The result would be fatal.


    Jiang Xinyue quickly sat up and clung to the Xuanwu Emperor''s arm, pouting: "Is it true though?"


    "What?"


    The Xuanwu Emperor stared at her: "Are you afraid I''ll be a foolish ruler one day and be beaten to death by the Old Lady of Duke of Cheng''s Mansion?"


    "How could that be?"


    Jiang Xinyue red at him angrily: "Your Majesty could never be a foolish ruler! If she dared to strike you, I''d kill her myself. I don''t care about tiger heads or snake heads."


    "Although I know your sweet words are meant to make me dizzy with affection, I still fall for it."


    The Xuanwu Emperor removed her from his arm and sat her properly on the bed, saying sarcastically: "Don''t worry, the Duke of Cheng is most adept at reading the situation. Yesterday, he personally delivered the tiger-headed cane to the pce, returning it to me. He also had the olddy remove her mourning clothes and kneel at the pce gates to pay respects to the Empress."


    If he hadn''t done so, the Duke of Cheng feared his mother might not even keep her life.


    The Emperor noticed Jiang Xinyue''s small sigh of relief. Thinking she was anxious about the Empress''s affair, he put his arm around her shoulders and said: "Have I put you in a difficult position by arranging for the Fifth Prince to stay here?"


    When the Fifth Prince grew older, if someone with ulterior motives stirred up trouble, he might believe that Jiang Xinyue was responsible for his mother''s death and the loss of his promising future.


    Keeping him close was an unstable threat to Jiang Xinyue.


    "Your Majesty, I..."


    "Your Majesty, Fen Yun is here with the Fifth Prince requesting an audience."


    Before she could finish her sentence, Fen Yun had arrived with the Fifth Prince.


    During the Empress''s mourning period, the Emperor was not supposed to be intimate with his consorts. He hadn''t spent the night in Hexi Pce, but had made an appearance at Taihe Hall early in the morning beforeing here. He had nned to have breakfast with Jiang Xinyue before going to Taihe Hall together.


    Fen Yun knew this and had timed her arrival ordingly.


    "Let her in."


    The Emperor went out and sat in the flower hall. Jiang Xinyue hurriedly dressed, not wanting others to think she was disrespectful to the Empress.


    It was still quite early. The consorts should all be getting up around this time to go to Taihe Hall and offer incense to the Empress.


    However, Fen Yun was close to the Empress, and the Fifth Prince was young and pitiful. They couldn''t appear too rxed andfortable when others were in their deepest grief.


    Even Consort De was keeping a low profile. Jiang Xinyue couldn''t allow people to say shecked respect.


    By the time she was dressed and emerged from behind the screen, Fen Yun had already led the Fifth Prince to kneel in the flower hall: "Your Majesty, this servant humbly requests your permission for the Fifth Prince and myself to apany the Empress''s body to the Eastern Mountain for burial in the imperial tomb, and to keep vigil there for the Empress."


    This was a bold and somewhat presumptuous request.


    The Fifth Prince was a royal offspring. Only the Emperor could decide his whereabouts. How could a mere maid have any say in the matter?

 Chapter 224

    The Fifth Prince''s status was indeed awkward.


    If he were merely the son of Court Lady Lan from Yanqing Pce, he wouldn''t have lived until today. If he were the Empress''s son, the Empress wouldn''t have met her current fate.


    The Emperor wasn''t kind to his consorts, but he retained some fatherly affection for his children. Otherwise, the Empress wouldn''t have thought that giving evidence of Consort De harming the imperial heirs to Jiang Xinyue was better than giving it to the Emperor.


    She feared the Emperor would pity the Third Prince and thus not punish Consort De.


    Now the Fifth Prince had undeservedly gained the status of a legitimate son. With the Empress dead, his position became too conspicuous.


    The Xuanwu Emperor frowned, "You want my son to guard the imperial tomb in the eastern mountains? How dare you!"


    Terrified, Fen Yun pressed her forehead to the floor. Though summer had arrived, the Emperor''s frown sent a chill through her bones. She trembled, "This ve deserves death, but I have no other choice. Your Majesty, before my mistress passed, she held my hand and made me promise to take good care of the Fifth Prince as he grows up. Staying in the pce would indeed mean Senior Concubine Xian''s care, but I... I dare say, the pce is fraught with danger. It''s already difficult for Senior Concubine Xian to protect herself, let alone protect the Fourth Prince and Sixth Prince as well."


    She raised her head slightly, looking at the Emperor pleadingly, "It''s not that this ve doesn''t trust Senior Concubine Xian, but rather that I don''t trust anyone else besides her."


    This included the Fifth Prince''s biological father, the Emperor who stood above all others.


    Fen Yun kowtowed again, "The Fifth Prince is young andcks the ability to discern right from wrong. If ill-intentioned people were to incite him, this ve would fail the Empress''sst wish. Your Majesty... the person the Empress worried about most before her death was the Fifth Prince. This ve begs Your Majesty... begs for your gracious permission."


    Such treasonous words couldn''t have been spoken while the Empress was alive. But with the Empress just deceased, the Emperor inevitably recalled those brief, sweet moments from when they first married.


    His heart softened a bit towards Fen Yun.


    However, even so, he was still displeased.


    It was like when someone else criticizes your child - only you can say they''re not good, but if others say it, you feel offended.


    Moreover, Fen Yun was just a ve, yet she dared to imply that in the entire harem, apart from Jiang Xinyue, there wasn''t a single good person.


    The long silence made Fen Yun sweat profusely. The Fifth Prince, with his eyes wide open, looked at the Xuanwu Emperor in confusion and fear, wanting to cry but holding back his tears.


    Sudden misfortune affects children''s psychology the most.


    Jiang Xinyue was about to walk out when she suddenly saw the Fourth Prince leading the Third Prince, peeking outside.


    The Third Prince also saw Jiang Xinyue and silently tugged at the Fourth Prince''s sleeve, pointing at her.


    When the Fourth Prince looked over, Jiang Xinyue nodded at him and nced at his father, signaling him to go over.


    The Fourth Prince finally mustered the courage and walked in, holding the Third Prince''s hand, "Your children pay respects to Father Emperor."


    The Third Prince knelt beside the Fourth Prince, his eyes constantly darting towards the Fifth Prince, filled with inexpressible guilt.


    Jiang Xinyue observed the Third Prince''s behavior and inwardly sighed. This child probably already knew that the person who poisoned him was his own mother, otherwise he wouldn''t have that look in his eyes.


    The Emperor showed a faint smile and beckoned to the Third Prince and Fourth Prince, "Why aren''t you two ying with Little Dumpling? What are you doing here?"


    For some reason, Consort De hadn''t restricted the Third Prince froming to Hexi Pce.


    Perhaps she understood that Jiang Xinyue was a person with principles.


    The rumors about Senior Concubine Xian wanting to harm the Third Prince thus crumbled on their own.


    The Fourth Prince hugged the Emperor''s leg and wheedled, "Little Dumpling fell asleep! Nanny Xiang said we shouldn''t disturb his sleep, so when we heard Fifth Brother was here with Mother Concubine, we came to y with him."


    As he spoke, his voice grew quieter, "Father Emperor, did Fifth Brother do something wrong to make you unhappy? Please don''t be mad at him. He just lost his mother, he''s so pitiful!"


    Having once lost his own mother and suffered bullying in a remote pce, he could empathize deeply with the Fifth Prince.


    The Third Prince also tugged at the Xuanwu Emperor''s sleeve, shaking it vigorously while pointing at the Fifth Prince and Fen Yun, shaking his head desperately.


    Fen Yun nced behind the screen and saw a glimpse of ck robe embroidered with subtle patterns. Her throat tightened, and she bowed slowly towards Jiang Xinyue''s direction.


    Empress, you didn''t trust the wrong person.


    Seeing two of his favorite sons being kind-hearted, magnanimous, and friendly towards their brother, willing to plead for the Fifth Prince, whatever displeasure remained in the Xuanwu Emperor''s heart dissipated.


    "Rise!"


    Fen Yun kept her head lowered, took two steps back, and helped the Fifth Prince up as well.


    At this moment, Jiang Xinyue finally emerged from behind the screen and walked straight to the Emperor. She patted the Third Prince''s head with her left hand and the Fourth Prince''s cheek with her right, causing both little ones to blush.


    "Your Majesty, it''s not entirely impossible for the Fifth Prince to go to the imperial tomb."


    The Emperor thought, does Xinyue also not want to raise the Fifth Prince? Didn''t the Empress entrust the Fifth Prince to her care?


    "When the Fifth Prince reaches seven or eight years old, after Fen Yun has taught him to discern right from wrong, we can bring him back, can''t we?"


    Jiang Xinyue offered the best solution, "By then, the Third Prince and Fourth Prince will be older. Let them attend the princes'' school together with the Fifth Prince. Even if someone tries to sow discord between me and the Fifth Prince, I think it won''t be so easy. The Fifth Prince is a noble prince of the royal family, how could he spend his entire life guarding the imperial tomb? Fen Yun, what do you think?"


    This idea aligned perfectly with Fen Yun''s thoughts. Jiang Xinyue had given such a big step down, how could she object? She naturally agreed repeatedly.


    The Xuanwu Emperor recalled how the Empress had held his hand before her death, begging him to ensure the Fifth Prince''s lifelong safety and happiness. He sighed, "Since you all say so, if I object, it would make me seem unreasonable. Then let the funeral procession escort the Fifth Prince to the eastern mountains when they take the Empress''s coffin to the imperial tomb. When he turns eight, I will send someone to bring him back to the pce."


    The heavy stone weighing on Fen Yun''s chest finally fell away. She knelt on the ground, kowtowing until her forehead bled, "This ve thanks Your Majesty and Senior Concubine Xian. At the imperial tomb, this ve will pray daily to the ancestors for Your Majesty and for Great Yan''s blessings."


    In Taihe Hall¡ª


    "Why hasn''t Senior Concubine Xian arrived yet?"


    "Now that the Empress is gone, Senior Concubine Xian is the highest-ranking consort in the harem. It''s normal for her to be a bit proud. How could she be punctual like us?"


    Consort Jiang snorted coldly and said to the speaking consort, "You know Senior Concubine Xian is now the highest-ranking favored consort, yet you dare to speak disrespectfully. There''s no hope for someone as stupid as you. No wonder you''re not favored and your rank is low."


    She had achieved her great revenge, the Empress was dead, so she no longer had any reservations.


    Don''t say she''s heartless. Back when the Empress schemed against her, she also pushed her to the brink of death.


    It was merely an eye for an eye.

 Chapter 225

    The one being scolded was Consort Xiao from a side hall of Shunan Pce. Previously, she was an unnoticeable nobody, but after Consort Yu received the Empress''s golden seal, she suddenly started to make herself known.


    Consort Yu was the main upant of Shunan Pce, and Consort Xiao''s actions were merely to curry favor with her mistress.


    It seemed that someone else was dissatisfied with Lady Xian!


    "All of you, be quiet!"


    Consort Yu knelt in front of everyone and turned back to reprimand them: "Are you all tired of living, making such amotion in front of the Empress''s coffin?"


    Though she was addressing two people, her eyes were fixed solely on Consort Jiang, as if warning her alone.


    "The Emperor arrives¡ª"


    The concubines, who had been kneeling neatly in front of the mourning hall, automatically parted into two sides to make way for the Emperor.


    Consort Yu looked up and saw Jiang Xinyue following behind the Emperor, which made her seethe with anger.


    Logically, she and Jiang Xinyue¡ªone holding the phoenix seal and the other the golden seal¡ªshould both be able to handle pce affairs.


    However, while she could make decisions on trivial matters in the pce, anything of significance required the phoenix seal''s stamp. She felt like she had be Jiang Xinyue''s managing maid, solely responsible for doing her odd jobs.


    Even for the Empress''s funeral arrangements, when Jiang Xinyue didn''t want to preside over them, she could have handed the task to her. She would have been more than happy to use this opportunity to show everyone who truly cared about the Empress and was suitable to be her sessor.


    But Jiang Xinyue had said: "Consort Yu''s rank is too low; she doesn''t seem qualified to preside over the Empress''s funeral rites."


    With that, the Emperor had entrusted the matter to the Internal Affairs Department, arranging for a respected elder from the royal n to oversee it.


    That vixen Jiang Xinyue had not only caused the Empress''s death but also couldn''t bear to see her do well. The Emperor''s eyes had beenpletely blinded by that enchantress.


    Now that Jiang Xinyue had arrived, the prime position where Consort Yu had been kneeling should be given to her. After all, she was the head of the four consorts, the rightful Lady Xian!


    No matter how unwilling Consort Yu was, she had to quickly retreat to the back when Jiang Xinyue looked over.


    Jiang Xinyue didn''t even spare her an extra nce. She lifted her skirts and knelt properly in the first position.


    The atmosphere in the mourning hall was solemn. Not long after, the Empress Dowager also arrived.


    She and the Emperor stood on the left and right, clearly divided, not even willing to maintain the facade of a loving mother and filial son.


    After the concubines paid their respects, there were still officials who hadn''t finished paying their respects in the past few days who needed toe to the mourning hall to offer incense. The concubines then retreated to rest.


    Before leaving, Jiang Xinyue nced at the Empress Dowager and the Emperor, intuitively feeling that something must have happened between them.


    The Empress Dowager''s eyes frequently looked towards the Emperor, seemingly wanting to reconcile, but the Emperor didn''t even give her a sideways nce.


    When the Empress Dowager''s resentful gaze turned towards her, Jiang Xinyue skillfully seized the moment, lowering her eyes, pretending not to notice the estrangement between mother and son.


    Among this group of women, the Empress Dowager was the most noble, yet Jiang Xinyue subtly held the highest respect.


    The concubines present had all been in the pce for no less than two years. They knew a little of what they should and shouldn''t know.


    The discord between the Empress Dowager and the Emperor had long been an open secret in the back pce.


    The rear hall of Taihe Hall had already been prepared, with pastries, fruits, and tea set out for the noble masters to enjoy.


    The nearby Longjing tea emitted a faint fragrance, and several concubines, as well as the Empress Dowager, had taken a few sips to quench their thirst.


    Jiang Xinyue stared at the white smoke drifting from the qilin incense burner, showing no intention of drinking tea.


    The Empress Dowager suddenlyshed out: "Someonee, go and chop off the hands of the pce maid who brewed tea for Lady Xian. Useless thing, can''t even do a small task like brewing tea properly. If the tea doesn''t suit Lady Xian''s taste, what use is she?"


    "Thud!"


    The little pce maid standing behind Jiang Xinyue trembled all over, her body falling to her knees on the ground, pleading in terror: "Empress Dowager, please spare my life!"


    The old maid beside the Empress Dowager immediately moved to grab the little pce maid. Jiang Xinyue knew this was directed at her, but she didn''t immediately plead for the little pce maid. Instead, she looked towards Pei Wu standing behind the Empress Dowager.


    The young woman dressed in simple and elegant attire pointed at the teacup, then at the incense burner, and shook her head.


    Jiang Xinyue immediately understood. The tea was fine when drunk alone, and the incense in the burner was fine when smelled alone, but when the two were mixed together, problems would arise.


    And the ones closest to the incense burner were Consort Yu and Consort Xiao from her pce.


    "Stop!"


    "Bang!"


    Just as several old maids were dragging the little pce maid in front of Consort Yu, Jiang Xinyue heavily smashed her teacup against the incense burner.


    The teacup shattered, apanied by the startled cries of the surrounding concubines. The tea in the cup mixed with the fragrance from the incense burner, emitting a faint, strong tea scent.


    Consort Jiang sniffed, feeling the smell was a bit strange, and covered her nose, stepping back.


    Consort Yu, however, let out a startled cry. Instead of retreating, she took a few steps closer to the incense burner, pulling at her skirts and loudly questioning: "Lady Xian, you were alreadyte to the Empress''s funeral, and now you''re causing amotion in her mourning hall. Aren''t you taking the Empress too lightly? Someone like you... uh... uh..."


    Consort Yu''s eyes grew wider and wider, pointing at Jiang Xinyue in horror: "You..."


    She tried hard to speak, but her throat couldn''t produce aplete sentence. Her face turnedpletely red from the effort, blue veins bulging, her expression terrifyingly distorted.


    "p!"


    "Crash!"


    Following this, several other concubines near the incense burner began showing varying degrees of dizziness, headaches, and inability to speak.


    Jiang Xinyue''s action caught everyone off guard. Even the Empress Dowager hadn''t expected her to suddenly be angry. She covered her nose and retreated in fright.


    Consort Jiang quickly walked to Jiang Xinyue''s side, pulling her back as well: "This is Western Region''s bewildering incense. It can drive people mad."


    Consort Yu grabbed a vase and hurled it at Jiang Xinyue.


    Jiang Xinyue, with the Empress Dowager behind her, grabbed Consort Jiang and fell to the side. The vase shattered with a "crash" at the Empress Dowager''s feet, its sharp fragments cutting her cheek. She cried out in pain: "Someonee! Are you all dead? Quickly seize them for this Dowager, they''ve gone mad!"


    At the front, the Xuanwu Emperor was also feeling tired and was preparing to return to Qianqing Pce to rest. Just as he stood up, a small eunuch came running in a panic, whispering something in Wang Dequan''s ear.


    Wang Dequan''s mouth opened in shock, and he quickly stepped up to the Emperor, whispering a few words in his ear.


    The Emperor suddenly stood up with a "Huo!" and headed towards the rear hall.


    The remaining ministers looked at each other in bewilderment, all wondering in their hearts if something major had happened in the back pce again.


    The rear hall of Taihe Hall was inplete disarray. Consort Yu, Consort Xiao, and the other poisoned concubines had all regained consciousness under the imperial physicians'' treatment.


    Only Consort Yu, whose anger had allowed the poison to prate deeper, still had some lingering symptoms of vomiting.


    She pointed at Jiang Xinyue: "Your Majesty, it must be Lady Xian. She poisoned us. Please, Your Majesty, you must punish her severely."

 Chapter 226

    "Smack!"


    Jiang Xinyue didn''t care whether Consort Yu was weak or not; she directly pped her across the face: "If Consort Yu''s mind isn''t clear, I can help you wake up. You don''t need to thank me."


    "You!"


    Consort Yu reached out to pull the Xuanwu Emperor''s hand: "Your Majesty! Look at her! She dares toy hands on me right in front of you. If you weren''t here, she..."


    "You''re right. If the Emperor weren''t here, I would have Jiang Chuan p your face hard. Now, I''ve only given you a p. You should kneel down and thank me."


    Her expression seemed to say: How can you be so ignorant?


    The Emperor pulled his hand back from Consort Yu, coughed lightly, and indulged Jiang Xinyue''s "arrogance."


    He waved his hand, and a eunuch bound in ropes was pushed in, kneeling on the ground, looking up at the Empress Dowager in a disheveled manner.


    "Isn''t this Eunuch Quan from the Empress Dowager''s pce?"


    Pei Wu said this and then covered her mouth, looking like she had said something wrong, ncing guiltily at the Empress Dowager with her eyes.


    Consort Yu was dumbfounded. So, the one who poisoned was the Empress Dowager?


    "Empress Dowager! Empress Dowager, save me!"


    Eunuch Quan struggled desperately, trying to get to the Empress Dowager: "Empress Dowager, I put two conflicting spices into Senior Concubine Xian''s teacup and incense burner. I had just stepped out when Eunuch Tang caught me. Empress Dowager... they knew all along, you..."


    "Shut your mouth!"


    The Empress Dowager shouted harshly: "Who told you to nder me here with such lies? I never ordered anyone to do such a thing."


    Eunuch Quan''s face was filled with despair, he said urgently: "Empress Dowager, how can you say that? I''ve served you for fifteen years, I''ve done so many evil things for you. Now that I''m caught, you disown me, you don''t save me. You can''t do this! The spices you gave me, Granny Gui also has a copy. It was you who said... if one attempt doesn''t seed, we can try again. We must make Senior Concubine Xian go mad and lose her dignity at the Empress''s funeral, so you can take back the Phoenix Seal, isn''t that right?"


    "Nonsense, all nonsense!"


    The Empress Dowager red at Eunuch Quan, then turned to the Xuanwu Emperor: "Are you just going to stand there and let a dog of a ve nder your own mother?"


    The Emperor stood by Jiang Xinyue''s side: "Whether it''s nder or not, we''ll find out after investigating."


    Taihe Hall was full of ministers, and in no time, what happened inside spread out.


    Even the Empress Dowager, when such a heartless act was brought to light, the ministers wouldn''t pretend they didn''t know.


    Especially since this was the Empress''s mourning hall.


    The Empress Dowager causing trouble here meant she didn''t respect the Empress, the mother of the nation, at all.


    To disrespect the Empress in this way was to also disrespect the Emperor and the entire court.


    "Wang Dequan, bring Consort Rong in."


    Consort Rong?


    Isn''t Consort Rong in the Investigative Bureau?


    The Empress Dowager suddenly turned to look at Pei Wu, who looked innocent, leaving the Empress Dowager confused.


    Didn''t Pei Wu say Consort Rong had a way to escape, and she didn''t need to save her because she was plotting against Senior Concubine Xian?


    Consort Rong''s head was no longer adorned with luxurious hairpins, her clothes were simple and in. As the mastermind behind the fire that "killed" the Empress, her appearance caused a stir.


    "How dare shee? Didn''t the Emperor execute her?"


    "Is there more to this? Why does the atmosphere feel so strange?"


    "Let''s just watch. It doesn''t concern us anyway."


    "Why isn''t my aunt happy to see me?"


    Consort Rong sneered: "Are you afraid I''ll reveal all the dirty things you''ve done and that you''ll lose your position as Empress Dowager?"


    "You... how can you also be talking nonsense?"


    Consort Rongughed loudly: "Crazy? Who in this world is crazier than my aunt? You kept telling my sister and me that everything we did was for the Wu Family, to save our brother and mother. But why didn''t you tell us that our mother died of illness two years ago? You used us to eliminate all the concubines in the pce who stood in your way of power. You said you wanted to support my sister and me to be Empress, but in reality, you just wanted us to be your puppets, to be the real master of the harem."


    Before the Empress Dowager had a chance to defend herself, Consort Rong continued: "Oh! No... my aunt''s ambition isn''t just to be the master of the harem. You also wanted my sister and me to give birth to imperial offspring, and then find a way to depose the Emperor, or... have me poison the Emperor, sending him to meet the Late Emperor, so you could support a young child to ascend the throne and be the empress dowager who rules from behind the curtain."


    "You... you..."


    The Empress Dowager clutched her chest, her finger trembling as she pointed at Consort Rong, so angry that she sat down on the chair, her breathing bing rapid.


    Consort Rong knew too many of her secrets: "When Senior Concubine Xian was pregnant, my aunt also arranged for someone to put arge amount of safflower in her soup, wanting her to miscarry. When Senior Concubine Xian discovered it, you used the dog in Hexi Pce, nting a dog flea with deadly poison on it. As soon as Senior Concubine Xian held the dog, she would miscarry and die."


    Unfortunately, the Empress Dowager''s wave after wave of attacks failed to break through the impregnable Hexi Pce, and Senior Concubine Xian escaped unscathed, giving birth to a healthy sixth prince.


    "On the night of the sixth prince''s full moon, several of the Empress Dowager''s ss ornaments from overseas were smashed in Cining Pce. The Empress Dowager cursed in her bedroom that the sixth prince would die like Consort Shu''s child, deformed and prematurely. I saw and heard all this with my own eyes and ears. Empress Dowager, do you dare to swear to heaven that you didn''t do these things?"


    She did!


    All these were the Empress Dowager''s deeds!


    She not only cursed the child born to Jiang Xinyue, but any child born to concubines who were not her people, she wished they would die early. If it wasn''t a concubine under her control who was pregnant, she would rather the Emperor had no descendants.


    "You don''t dare to swear?"


    Consort Rong raised her hand: "You don''t dare, but I do! You once wanted to kill the Empress''s eldest and second princes, but you didn''t get the chance, and they were killed by someone else. The reason you are so ruthless to the Emperor''s princes, to your own grandsons, is because..."


    "Enough!"


    The Empress Dowager rushed to Consort Rong, gripping her neck tightly: "Are you crazy? Do you want to die and drag me down with you?"


    The Xuanwu Emperor''s face was cold: "Wang Dequan, pull the Empress Dowager away."


    "Emperor, are you really going to believe her? She''s talking nonsense, don''t believe her."


    With Wang Dequan''s help, Consort Rong broke free from the Empress Dowager''s chokehold,ughing maniacally: "The Empress Dowager is cold to the Emperor, ruthless to the princes, because... because she is not the Emperor''s biological mother! When the Empress Dowager gave birth, it was a princess, whom she drowned in a bathtub. The Emperor is the son born to Noble Consort Jing, the Late Emperor''s most beloved consort, whom the Empress Dowager swapped with the princess''s body, leading to Noble Consort Jing''s death from blood loss due to shock."


    What?


    Everyone widened their eyes in shock, looking at the Empress Dowager.

 Chapter 227

    If what Consort Rong said was true, then... wouldn''t that mean the current Empress Dowager is the Emperor''s mother-killing enemy?


    Back then, the former Emperor adored Noble Consort Jing, just as Emperor Xuanwu had cherished his Virtuous Consort. He truly treasured her like a delicate flower, afraid she might wilt in his mouth or shatter in his hands.


    Yet such a beauty, who enjoyed the Emperor''s utmost favor, died in the year when the Emperor loved her most. She suffered a hemorrhage due to excessive grief after giving birth to a stillborn princess.


    Noble Consort Jing was only twenty-two years old when she died.


    The former Emperor himself passed away from exhaustion before turning thirty. It''s hard to say this wasn''t partly due to his longing for Noble Consort Jing.


    "If Empress Dowager Aunt still wants to use me of talking nonsense, she might as well let the Emperor search Cining Pce!" Consort Rong yed her trump card: "The Empress Dowager knows her sins are grave. She even built a secret small Buddhist shrine in a side room behind her bedchamber. She switched the little princess''s body with a dead cat and enshrined it in that small shrine. The Empress Dowager burns incense there daily, hoping the little princess will be reborn into a good family in her next life."


    Upon hearing this, despair filled the Empress Dowager''s eyes. She copsed into her chair and fainted as her vision went ck.


    Jiang Xinyue nced at Pei Wu. She knew Pei Wu had visited Consort Rong at the Investigative Bureau and then returned to Cining Pce to report Consort Rong''s situation to the Empress Dowager.


    The current predicament was likely due to Pei Wu deliberately acting as an intermediary, making Consort Rong believe the Empress Dowager wanted her to be a scapegoat and take all the me.


    Then she told the Empress Dowager that Consort Rong had been captured on purpose and still had a backup n, advising the Empress Dowager not to interfere lest she ruin Consort Rong''s scheme.


    The information gap caused misunderstandings between the two women.


    Fortunately, there were no telephones or mobile phones in ancient times. Otherwise, Pei Wu''s lies to both sides would have been easily exposed.


    The Empress Dowager never dreamed that Pei Wu had entered the pce not to gain the Emperor''s favor and bring glory to her family.


    She was there to cooperate with the Emperor, overthrow the Empress Dowager, and then leave the pce to find the man she truly loved.


    What did it matter if the Princess of Ruyang didn''t want her as a daughter-inw?


    Even though she wouldn''t be the heir''s wife, the heir had rejected all the potential brides arranged by the Princess of Ruyang, including Pei Wu''s younger sister.


    Reportedly, her grandfather felt so ashamed that he had hurriedly married off her sister to a distant ce.


    She probably never imagined that the good marriage she tried so hard to steal would fail because she couldn''t win the heir''s true affection!


    What should have been a memorial service for the Empress turned into a trial for the Empress Dowager, thanks to her outburst and the Emperor''s intention to amplify the matter.


    This part didn''t concern Jiang Xinyue, so she naturally returned to Hexi Pce to y with the Fourth Prince and the little one.


    As May wasing to an end, the weather was getting hotter. Fortunately, the Empress was to be buried in early June. The coffin would likely be transported to the imperial mausoleum in the next few days.


    Otherwise, if it remained in Taihe Hall, the Ministry of Internal Affairs would have to be more frugal with ice this year.


    Perhaps due tock of sleep, Jiang Xinyue''s right eyelid kept twitching.


    The Fourth Prince''s childish voice could be heard from Hexi Pce: "Little Dumpling, this story teaches us that we should bravely admit our mistakes and not lie. Children who lie will have their noses grow very, very long, and Mother will be able to tell right away."


    Qian Sheng chuckled, "Fourth Prince, the Sixth Prince has fallen asleep. He can''t hear your story."


    "He can hear," the Fourth Prince replied seriously. "Mother said this is called a bedtime story. Even if Little Dumpling is asleep, the story can''t be interrupted. He''s still listening. Grandpa Qian, if you say that, Little Dumpling will be sad."


    Qian Sheng coaxed him, "Alright, alright. It''s Grandpa''s fault. Grandpa apologizes to the Sixth Prince."


    "Mm-hmm." The Fourth Prince nodded like a little adult. "Father said that knowing one''s mistakes and correcting them is the greatest good. Little Dumpling won''t be angry with Grandpa."


    Little brat, how would you know what "the greatest good" means?


    You probably can''t even write all those characters yet!


    The Sixth Prince was about to turn two months old. Although he still spent more time sleeping than awake, he was now awake much more oftenpared to when he was in confinement.


    "Does Little Satisfaction want to go study at the Princes'' School with your Third Brother?" Jiang Xinyue asked.


    "Mother!" The Fourth Prince ran over and hugged Jiang Xinyue''s leg. "Mother, can I... can I also go to the Princes'' School? But they said my status is too low, and I can''t go to school like Father''s other children."


    "Times have changed," Jiang Xinyue said, her brow revealing the air of one in power. "You must learn to forget the people and things of the past. Those who looked down on you and bullied you wouldn''t dare appear before you in this lifetime. Doesn''t that prove your noble status? Little Satisfaction, you need to be confident. Mother believes in you. You are more excellent than anyone else."


    Light returned to the Fourth Prince''s eyes. "I want to go study at the Princes'' School. Third Brother said Big Sister and Second Sister don''t go to the school anymore, and he feels very lonely. Also, he''s sick now and can''t speak. I''m afraid others might bully him."


    He himself had been bullied by eunuchs and pce maids before. What if there were such people at the Princes'' School too?


    He wanted to protect his Third Brother.


    Princes typically began their education at six years old. The Fourth Prince was about to turn six this year, so it was time to send him to the Princes'' School to learn something.


    However, during the period of national mourning, it wasn''t appropriate to discuss this with the Emperor. It was better to wait until the Empress''s coffin was transported to the imperial mausoleum before bringing it up.


    In Taihe Hall¡ª


    The scene of officials prostrating themselves in grief was vividly depicted on paper.


    A youth wearing a sky-blue brocade robe was seriously sketching the grand funeral rites of the Empress.


    The robe looked expensive¡ªa pure, light blue soft gown with silver floral patterns as the base. Large lotus patterns appeared faintly on the blue fabric, outlining a beautiful youth of ambiguous gender.


    His appearance was extraordinary, worthy of being called a handsome young gentleman. His noble aura added ayer of sacred light to his youthful charm, making people feel he could only be admired from afar, not to be trifled with.


    Having finished drawing the scene of officials kneeling in Taihe Hall, he was now leading two young attendants, braving the scorching sun to sketch the scene of nobledies waiting outside.


    The sunlight gilded his body, and the light blue brocade robe, slightly faded to white, reflected dazzling light, making him appear even more otherworldly, as if he were a celestial being.


    When that fairy-like youth looked over, thedies of various families felt that even the fierce sun in the sky had softened, giving them a sense of spring breeze.


    "Master Xie, please take a rest and have some water!" Even the young eunuch found it strange. While others were sweating profusely, this newly arrived pce painter, Master Xie, looked cool and refreshed without a single drop of sweat on his face. Just looking at him made people feel as if they had drunk arge bowl of ice water, feeling utterly refreshed.


    Xie Chenghui smiled and politely declined, "Thank you for your kindness, but I''m not tired. I need to report back to the painting academy soon, so it''s better to finish the painting quickly."


    His voice was clear and bright, like a mountain spring striking rocks¡ªcrisp and pleasant to hear.


    Although all present were marrieddies from official families, those with less self-control felt their hearts flutter and faces flush at the sight of him.

 Chapter 228

    A Femme Fatale!<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    This phrase, used to describe women, couldn''t be more fitting for Painter Xie.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Lord Xie..."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    One of the bolderdies quietly inquired, "It seems there was somemotion inside just now. Do you know what happened?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Xie Chenghui kept his head down, focused on painting, and didn''t respond.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    You couldn''t say he was deliberately ignoring them - he appeared serene and gentlemanly. And you couldn''t say he hadn''t heard - they were too close for that to be possible.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Thedy who had asked the question was left embarrassed, forced to close her mouth in frustration. Yet she couldn''t bring herself to dislike Xie Chenghui.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    When the Empress Dowager woke up, she found herself locked in pitch darkness. It was terrifyingly quiet around her, without a single sound.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Fear of the unknown enveloped the Empress Dowager''s entire body. She groped in the dark to sit up from the ground, fumbling forward in the darkness: "Is anyone there? Come quickly! Who has locked me in here? I am the Empress Dowager of Great Yan, you cannot treat me like this!"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    In the vast emptiness of the darkness, even the Empress Dowager''s voice echoed, but there was no response.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Finally, she managed to feel something that seemed like a wooden door. Grasping it like a lifeline, she began frantically knocking: "Open the door, Emperor! I know you''re there! I am your birth mother, you cannot believe Consort Rong''s one-sided words. She hates me for not saving her and is deliberately ndering me. I..."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    A light appeared, gradually brightening from behind the Empress Dowager, eventually illuminating the entire dark space.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    This ce... it was... the punishment room.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    When the Emperor was young and disobedient, or when the Empress Dowager thought he was naughty, she often threw him in here to be punished.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The Empress Dowager seemed to have guessed who was behind her. Her fingers, gripping the door crack, turned white from the force. She took a deep breath, holding back tears of fear, and turned to face the Xuanwu Emperor.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    However, when she saw the Xuanwu Emperor sitting in the middle of the punishment room, she also saw the person behind him.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    A wave of fury at being betrayed and sold out instantly swept over her. She rushed forward: "Pei Wu, you treacherous wretch, how dare you betray me! I''ll..."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Before she could finish, guards pinned her to the ground.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The Emperor chuckled softly: "Back then, Noble Consort Jing''s most trusted personal maid was bought by you, and you switched your dead infant with me. How did you not consider how heartbroken Noble Consort Jing would be when betrayed by the person she trusted most? Noble Consort Jing trusted you so much, yet you still schemed to take her life, didn''t you?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Those who harm others will be harmed in return. Those who betray others will ultimately face betrayal themselves.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The biggest mistake Noble Consort Jing made in her life was treating the Empress Dowager as a close friend and trusting her pce maids too easily.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Don''t mention her!"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The Empress Dowager reacted like a cat whose tail had been stepped on, her whole body bristling. As if trapped in a certain memory, her face twisted with jealousy as she said, "What do you know? Noble Consort Jing was born into a noble family, entered the pce as a Noble Consort, and was even childhood sweethearts with thete Emperor. From birth, she had everything I could never obtain in my entire life. I couldn''t ept it. That fool was too well-protected, she didn''t understand how treacherous people could be. So I decided to help her learn."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    So after Noble Consort Jing became pregnant, she deliberately seduced the Emperor to sleep with her, trying everything to be pregnant around the same time as Noble Consort Jing.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Later, she found out Noble Consort Jing''s due date and tookbor-inducing medicine on the same day to force her own child''s birth.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Her original n was that if they both gave birth to princes, she would switch her child with Noble Consort Jing''s, letting her own child receive all the love and blessings from the court officials. Then she would keep Noble Consort Jing''s child with her, subjecting him to endless suffering and torment.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    But she ended up giving birth to a princess.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    What use was a princess?<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    If it wouldn''t bring her any benefits, there was no need for the child to exist.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Drowning the little princess was also to avoid future troubles. If the truth ever came to light, having the princess alive would lead to endless problems. It was better to kill her and be done with it.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    She could also use the princess''s corpse to deal a heavy blow to Noble Consort Jing.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The Empress Dowager herself hadn''t expected that Noble Consort Jing would be unable to bear the shock, be emotionally distraught, hemorrhage heavily, and die.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Suddenly responsible for two lives, especially having killed her own daughter with her own hands, made her feel somewhat afraid. So she secretly built a small Buddhist shrine in her chambers.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Recalling this, the Empress Dowager''s eyes, full of hatred, red at Pei Wu: "Consort Shu and Consort Rong never discovered my secret all these years. Pei Wu... it was you who told Consort Rong, wasn''t it?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Pei Wu bowed to the Empress Dowager: "Please calm your anger, Empress Dowager. From the beginning, I was a spy nted by His Majesty at your side. His Majesty never favored me; it was all an act for you to see. My purpose for staying in Cining Pce was to catch you in the act."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    After a long period of careful observation, she finally discovered the secret of the small Buddhist shrine.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    So Pei Wu reported to the Emperor, and together they set a trap, luring the Empress Dowager in, then using Consort Rong to drive her to a dead end.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Hahahahaha..."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The Empress Dowager suddenly burst intoughter: "So you all know now, but so what? I am still nominally the Emperor''s mother. Would His Majesty want such a royal scandal to spread among themon people?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The Emperor, having learned the whole story, no longer wasted words with her. He stood up and walked towards the door: "The court officials have decided to send you to a detached pce to live out your days."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    A smug smile appeared on the Empress Dowager''s lips, thinking the Emperor truly had no way to deal with her.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    However, the next moment, she heard the Emperor''s cruel voice: "So I''ve already sent an escort for the ''Empress Dowager'' to the detached pce in Qin Province. As for you... you will repent here, paying the price for everything you''ve done. I will keep you here..."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    He slowly emphasized thest three words: "Until. You. Die!"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "No! No! No!"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Bang!"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The door of the punishment room mmed shut, and the room that had been bright moments ago plunged back intoplete darkness.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Shen Ye!"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "You ungrateful wolf cub, even if I didn''t give birth to you, I raised you. Without me, do you think you could have grown up alive? Let me out now!"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Her only response was the endless darkness of the punishment room and the echo of her own shrill voice.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    All the suffering she had inflicted on the Xuanwu Emperor as a child was nowing back to haunt her.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The person who became the "Empress Dowager" sent to live out her days in the detached pce was actually Consort Rong.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    She couldn''t be called Consort Rong anymore. For aiding evil, she was demoted to amoner. However, the Emperor, considering that she had written down all of the Empress Dowager''s crimes and made them public, agreed to let her leave the pce. From now on, there would be no more Consort Rong in the pce.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Compared to her sister, her fate was much better.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    On the first day of the sixth month, the day the Empress''s coffin was to be transported to the Eastern Mountain Imperial Mausoleum.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Before dawn, Fen Yun led the Fifth Prince to kowtow outside Jiang Xinyue''s chambers to express gratitude. Without disturbing her rest, he then led the Fifth Prince to apany the procession out of the pce.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    It was only on this day that Consort De, who had been iming illness, dared toe out and move about.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

 Chapter 229

    "What does Jiang Xinyue mean by this?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Consort Yu had been exhausted these past few days. She had finally found time to rest after the Empress''s coffin had been taken away, only to receive a letter from Guangdong.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Her father asked in the letter about her rtionship with Concubine Zhenxian.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Apparently, the Emperor had sent an imperial envoy named Jiang Yanxi to inspect the two Guangs, but the officials there had never seen Jiang Yanxi and didn''t know what he looked like.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    They only knew that Concubine Zhenxian in the pce and Jiang Yanxi were from the same family.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    This Jiang Yanxi was also cunning. Upon arriving in Guangdong, he didn''t reveal his identity or go to the governor''s office. Instead, he went incognito to conduct a secret investigation.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The man was so sly that even though they sent many people to search for him, they couldn''t find him. They could only write to the capital, asking Consort Yu about her rtionship with Concubine Zhenxian.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    If Jiang Yanxi did uncover something, a good rtionship between Consort Yu and Concubine Zhenxian might help in pleading their case.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    If this letter had arrived when Jiang Xinyue had just entered the pce, before she was sent to the Cold Pce, she could have confidently guaranteed that she would handle the matter without any problems.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    But now, it was at a time when she and Concubine Zhenxian had almostpletely fallen out!<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    This wouldn''t do!<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    She needed to find a way to make Jiang Xinyue fall out of favor.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    At the Imperial Painting Academy¡ª<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Just as Xie Chenghui handed over the newlypleted painting of the Empress''s funeral procession to his superior, someone came with a message: "Painter Xie, the Emperor summons you to the Qianqing Pce. He wants you to paint a portrait of him and Empress Xiaoxian Xuanwen together."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Xie Chenghui, the legitimate son of Xie Bing, a Grand Secretary of the Hanlin Academy and the top schr in the imperial examinations three years ago, could write at three,pose poetry at five, and was hailed as a painting prodigy by seven.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Now, at just seventeen, he had been exceptionally admitted to the Painting Academy. His painting style was deeply favored by the Xuanwu Emperor, which was why, only three days after joining the Academy, he was appointed by the Emperor to paint the funeral procession of Empress Xiaoxian Xuanwen.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Although the Empress''s coffin had been taken to the imperial mausoleum for burial, her spirit tablet would still be enshrined in the pce.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Throughout the history of the Great Yan Dynasty, empresses were always painted together with the emperor while they were alive. But the Xuanwu Emperor had always felt that he and the Empress had plenty of time ahead, so he was always busy with state affairs and didn''t prioritize it.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Now that she was gone, he realized how much he had neglected the Empress.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    If the Empress hadn''t been born into the Zhu family, a great n with treasonous ambitions, he thought, perhaps he and the Empress wouldn''t have ended up suspecting each other.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    He also wouldn''t have... wouldn''t have harbored thoughts of killing her, which she had detected.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The honor he couldn''t give her in life, he could only make up for after her death.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    As the Empress''s funeral procession left the pce,moners along the way knelt down. The Zhu family members, mixed in with the crowd, couldn''t even pay their respects to the Empress.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Zhu Jianshen, the head of the Zhu family, had been frequently targeted for assassination over the past month. He had always been cautious, surrounded by many skilled protectors, making it seemingly impossible for him to fall victim.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    But when news of the Empress''s death reached Chang''an, even this eagle-like man shed tears.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Late at night, Zhu Jianshen got drunk, went to the stables, mounted a horse, and secretly left the mansion. The next day, his body was found in the city gate tower.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    He was just a bit short of riding out of the city.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    He had been killed by a single sword sh to the throat.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The Zhu family retainer, holding the ashes of the family head, watched as the Empress''s coffin disappeared into the distance. "Should we still go to the pce to report the death to the Emperor?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Another middle-aged man in ck clenched his fists. "We''ll go, but before that, I must go to the Mansion of the Duke of Cheng to avenge our young miss."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    That old bastard at the Duke of Cheng''s mansion dared to beat their young miss, and Consort De also framed her. Weren''t they just coveting the young miss''s position as Empress?<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    They suspected that the assassin who killed their family head was sent by the Duke of Cheng''s mansion. Their purpose ining to the capital was to foil Consort De''s plot.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Even if it cost them their lives, they would avenge their family head and young miss.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    After the Empress''s coffin left the pce, the ministers and inner courtdies also left, plunging the entire back pce into unprecedented silence.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    To show his devotion to the Empress, the Emperor abstained from meat for three months and naturally couldn''t enter the back pce.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Nanny Xiang led an honest-looking woman of about thirty years old towards Hexi Pce. "Remember to bow when you see Concubine Zhenxian. You''re the wet nurse rmended by Nanny Li, so the Concubine will trust you. Don''t betray her trust."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The wet nurse was plump and looked kind, but she wore coarse linen clothes with several patches, clearly from a poor background.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "I understand," she said.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Nanny Xiang shook her head. "You''ve already forgotten what I just told you. In the pce, you should refer to yourself as ''this ve.''"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Yes, yes... this ve understands."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "You don''t need to call yourself ''this ve'' when talking to me. Only use it when responding to the masters."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Madam L¨¹ scratched her head. "I understand now."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Ah!<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Nanny Xiang sighed, realizing she would have to teach her slowly.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The Emperor had found several wet nurses, but Concubine Zhenxian wasn''t satisfied with any of them. Fortunately, Nanny Li had sent a message through a eunuch buyer, saying she had found a good one for the sixth prince. The woman was honest, strong, had good milk, and most importantly, had nursed seven daughters.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    It was because she hadn''t given birth to a son that she was almost beaten to death by her husband. Nanny Li had saved her and even helped her get a divorce certificate.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    As a result, that man had also driven out all seven daughters. With no other choice, Madam L¨¹ had begged Nanny Li for help. Nanny Li had deliberately tested her, telling her to sell all seven daughters so she could live a good life.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    But Madam L¨¹ refused, saying her daughters were flesh of her flesh, and she would rather die than abandon them.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Only then did Nanny Li relent, allowing the seven girls to work as maids in her house, doing chores like tending the fire, cooking, and washing clothes. But she didn''t make them sign contracts of indenture. In effect, she was helping to take care of the seven daughters, and when Madam L¨¹ left the pce in the future, she could take her daughters away at any time.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Jiang Xinyue looked Madam L¨¹ up and down. Madam L¨¹ knelt on the ground, and although she was afraid, she forced down her feelings of inferiority, keeping her eyes lowered as she was examined.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Raise your head."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The eyes are the window to a person''s soul. Most ordinary people are honest and simple. If someone harbored evil intentions, there would be no need for probing ¨C it could be seen in their eyes.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Although Madam L¨¹ was nervous, her gaze was clear and direct. She didn''t avoid eye contact, but having never been to the pce or seen nobles before, she appeared somewhat uneasy.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "She''s a good one," Jiang Xinyue smiled. "Nanny Xiang, I''ll leave it to you to teach her the rules."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Nanny Xiang responded, "Yes."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Jiang Xinyue then reassured Madam L¨¹, "You''ll stay with Nanny Xiang in the sixth prince''s chambers. If you need anything, just tell Nanny Zhang. As long as you protect the sixth prince and keep him from harm, this consort will reward you generously."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Madam L¨¹ thought of Aunt Li''s triumphant return to the vige, carried in a small sedan chair, and how impressive it had been. She silently vowed to feed the sixth prince until he was plump and healthy. In the future, the noble consort might grant her gold and silver treasures, allowing her to hold her head high for once.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

 Chapter 230

    "Your Majesty, Eunuch Wang has arrived. He says the Emperor summons you to Chengqian Pce and requests that you bring the phoenix seal as well."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Why bring the phoenix seal?<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Jiang Xinyue was puzzled internally, but she didn''t hesitate for a moment. She instructed Xi Que to fetch the phoenix seal from inside, along with its box. Then she boarded the sedan chair and hurried to Chengqian Pce.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    At the same time, Consort Yu and Consort De were also invited to Chengqian Pce.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The Emperor, dressed in a majestic dragon robe, sat solemnly on the main seat in Chengqian Pce. To his right was an empty seat, but the Empress''s phoenix robe and court dress hung beside it.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Xie Chenghui had been passionate about painting before. Until he was sixteen, he had traveled the various states with famous masters, appreciatingndscapes. He returned to the capital at seventeen and, following his family''s arrangements, entered the imperial painting academy as a court painter.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    He had never seen the living Empress, but a few days ago, when drawing the funeral ceremony, he had seen the deceased Empress. So now, even without looking at the person, he could paint the Empress exactly as she was.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    However, painting the Emperor and Empress was a great honor. The painters of the academy repeatedly instructed him to be extremely cautious, so this painting could not bepleted in a day.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The Emperor spent most of his day discussing affairs with court officials or reviewing memorials. Any extra time was spent maintaining rtionships with the imperial consorts.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    There wasn''t much time left for him to pose for paintings.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Young Painter Xie''s work is truly beautiful. When you have some free time, paint one for me too!" Consort Yu looked at the handsome youth who had put down his brush with admiration in her eyes. No matter how she looked at it, the uncolored portrait of the Empress seemed to havee to life.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Especially those eyes, showing authority mixed with a hint of kindness, exactly as the Empress had been when alive.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "If Your Highness wishes to be painted, you can find Painter Li in the painting academy. He is also excellent at portraiture."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Consort Yu seemed to have heard something she shouldn''t have: "You''re unwilling to paint for me?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Xie Chenghui raised his hands in a bow: "This humble servant does not paint portraits."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    He always felt that painting portraits required careful observation of a person''s every move and expression. It was best to live with the subject for a while, understand their personality, and then start painting. Only then could the portrait possess the soul he wanted to capture.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    If it weren''t for the Xuanwu Emperor''s order to paint the imperial couple, he wouldn''t have wanted to take on this task. Not only did it go against his wishes, but it also upset Painter Li.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Consort Yu was about to say something more when Wang Dequan''s voice sounded from outside: "Your Majesty, Noble Consort Jiang has arrived."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The sunlight at the horizon was gradually setting. Chengqian Pce had manyrge windows, with excellent lighting. Even at sunset, warm light poured in from all directions.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Jiang Xinyue wore a moon-white robe embroidered with sky-blue epiphyllum patterns. Her face was free of makeup, entuating her inherent purity and beauty.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    A faint halo of light fell on her face and body, coating her in a soft, warm orange glow.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Her exquisite beauty was her least remarkable quality. There was also her demeanor - both delicate and pure, ethereal yet alluring. If there were a prototype for a worldly beauty or a heavenly fairy, it would be her.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Xie Chenghui had never seen Noble Consort Jiang before. He had only heard his father describe her as a "beautiful trouble-maker."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    At that time, he had only thought Noble Consort Jiang must be another Consort Li.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    But he never imagined that Noble Consort Jiang''s face would be... would be exactly the kind he liked.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    He didn''t paint portraits because his master had told him that outside of official duties, he was only allowed to paint the most beautiful things in the world.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Jiang Xinyue curtsied to the Emperor, then her gaze fell on the handsome youth behind the desk.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Noble Consort Jiang... and his clothes looked like a matching set.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Why were his ears turning red?<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    His neck too?<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Was this person having an allergic reaction?<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The Xuanwu Emperor took her hand: "Chenghui, let''s stop here for today. Can youe back to paint tomorrow?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The Emperor had a weakness for good looks and was always more lenient towards handsome officials. Moreover, Xie Chenghui was not only good-looking but also his favorite court painter.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    So even though he noticed their matching outfits, he wasn''t too angry.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Xie Chenghui dared not look at the captivating Noble Consort Jiang again. He lowered his head, responded with a "Yes," and hurriedly packed up his things with his apprentice and left.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Consort Yu was seething with anger. A mere painter dared to refuse to paint her portrait.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    What did he mean by not painting portraits?<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Weren''t the Emperor and Empress people too?<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Having the three most powerful consorts of the harem together, especially when they were at odds with each other, was already exciting enough to watch.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The battlefield between women was always one without smoke.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    While the Emperor went to the back hall to change into casual clothes, Consort Yu red fiercely at Xie Chenghui''s retreating figure before casting a sidelong nce at Consort De, bringing up the most sensitive topic: "These past few days, I''ve been busy arranging the Empress''s funeral affairs and haven''t had time to visit the Third Prince. I heard from the Grand Princess that the Third Prince has lost his ability to speak. Has sister Consort De found out what happened?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Stung by this, Consort De dropped her pretense of virtue: "The Emperor has entrusted the pce affairs to Noble Consort Jiang and you, Consort Yu, yet a prince has been poisoned within the pce. It''s understandable that Noble Consort Jiang, having entered the pce recently, might not be able to investigate thoroughly. But Consort Yu, you''ve been in the pce for over a decade. How is it that you can''t even find out who poisoned the Third Prince? I heard that Consort Yu even summoned the managers of the Internal Affairs Department and Imperial Kitchen for an audience. I thought you had the entire harem under your control!"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    This was clearly an attempt to drive a wedge between Jiang Xinyue and Consort Yu.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Consort Yu nervously nced at Jiang Xinyue: "You... Sister Consort De, are you dissatisfied with His Majesty taking back your golden tally because you''re so concerned about how I manage pce affairs?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Consort De looked at her with disdain: "The golden tally isn''t yours, nor is it mine. It belongs to the future Empress."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    She looked meaningfully at Jiang Xinyue, hinting to Consort Yu that the Emperor''s favored choice for Empress was right here!<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Jiang Xinyue hadn''t said a word, yet Consort De kept trying to redirect Consort Yu''s hostility towards her. It was truly despicable.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    She turned her clear, piercing eyes towards Consort De, saying nothing, just staring at her with that sharp gaze.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Consort De touched her face: "Noble Consort Jiang, is there something on my face?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "You''re very noisy. Can you shut up?" Jiang Xinyue blinked coldly. "You''re in such a hurry to make me a target. Are you afraid that once I be Empress, you won''t have any good days left? Well, your worry is quite justified."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Consort De was left speechless by her retort.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Jiang Xinyue was too direct.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    In this pce, everyone spoke in roundabout ways. Even if they hated each other to the bone, they would still smile face to face.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The previous Jiang Xinyue had been like that too.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    But after bing Noble Consort this time, her entire approach had changed.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    She had be a sharp knife that hurt people.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    She disyed her likes and dislikes openly, no longer ying tai chi with people.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    This left Consort De, who always pretended to be virtuous and righteous, at a loss for how to respond.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Seeing Consort De at a disadvantage, Consort Yu, for once, didn''t contradict Jiang Xinyue.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Soon after, the Emperor came out wearing an apricot-colored robe embroidered with light blue cloud patterns.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Wang Dequan nced at Jiang Xinyue''s moon-white robe embroidered with blue epiphyllum patterns and thought to himself: And they say he''s not jealous!<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    They had even changed into simr outfits.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

 Chapter 231

    Consort De had noticed earlier that Xie Chenghui''s clothes were very simr to Jiang Xinyue''s, but she didn''t dare to say anything seemingly ambiguous in front of the Emperor.


    Consort Yu was also foolish, as she hadn''t noticed it.


    Now, seeing the Emperor''s robe, Consort Yu finally realized why Xie Chenghui''s clothes looked so simr to Jiang Xinyue''s... as if they were a married couple.


    What was the Emperor implying?


    Consort Yu touched her hair and said, "I didn''t pay attention earlier. Did Noble Consort Jiang see how nice Painter Xie''s clothes were and go back to change into something simr?"


    This morning, when paying respects to thete Empress in Taihe Hall, Jiang Xinyue wasn''t wearing these clothes.


    "Painter Xie?" Jiang Xinyue looked confused. "This is the first time I''ve seen him. How could I have seen his clothes and gone back to change?"


    "Noble Consort Jiang, you''re being a bit dishonest," Consort Yu said with a coldugh. "Painter Xie was painting in Taihe Hall this morning, and you were there. How can you say it''s the first time you''ve seen him? Unless Noble Consort has some feelings for Painter Xie..."


    "That''s enough!" Jiang Xinyue shot her a sharp nce, causing Consort Yu to choke on her unfinished words.


    Jiang Xinyue continued in a solemn tone, "Thete Empress treated you well when she was alive, protecting you time and time again. Is this how you mourn her? Having the mood to care about what clothes some painter is wearing during her funeral rites? Think about it, why did the Empress entrust the Fifth Prince to me instead of you?"


    It''s because you''re stupid and brainless, always being used as a pawn by Consort De.


    Consort Yu patted her ears, wondering if she was hearing things. Did Noble Consort Jiang just insult her?


    "You..."


    "If you don''t want to hear me speak, then get out!" The Xuanwu Emperor''s words couldn''t possibly have been directed at his beloved Noble Consort Jiang, so they must have been shouted at Consort Yu.


    She pouted, her eyes reddening, clearly dissatisfied with the Emperor''s tant favoritism.


    Jiang Xinyue truly couldn''t understand Consort Yu''s thought process.


    She picked fights every time, got rebuffed every time, and yet became more determined with each setback.


    How could someone hit a wall, get bloodied, and still not turn back?


    Was she part donkey? So stubborn.


    The Xuanwu Emperor ignored Consort Yu''s aggrieved expression and asked coldly, "Did you bring the golden book as I ordered?"


    Consort Yu didn''t dare say she hadn''t. She beckoned, and immediately a pce maid came forward, handing the golden book to Wang Dequan, who then presented it to the Emperor.


    The Xuanwu Emperor took it and set it aside, then said in a gentle tone, "Yue''er, did you bring the phoenix seal?"


    Jiang Xinyue nced at Xi Que, who came forward and ced the box containing the phoenix seal next to the golden book.


    The Xuanwu Emperor opened it and looked, seeing the phoenix seal lying "quietly" inside.


    Consort De remained silent, her face seemingly calm, but internally, she was in turmoil.


    The Emperor had brought the phoenix seal and golden book to Chengqian Pce and summoned the three of them. Could it be... that he was going to announce the new Empress?


    Impossible!


    Determining the Empress was such a significant matter that the Emperor would need to consult with the court officials. She and Consort Yu were superior to Jiang Xinyue in every aspect. How could the Emperor risk facing remonstrations from the entire court just to make his favorite Noble Consort Jiang the Empress?


    Her fingers gripped the armrest, turning white.


    The Xuanwu Emperor didn''t keep them in suspense and directly ordered Wang Dequan, "Proim the decree."


    Consort De and Consort Yu lowered their heads and knelt, preparing to hear Wang Dequan read the imperial edict.


    Jiang Xinyue also stepped back two paces, ready to kneel, but the Xuanwu Emperor grabbed her arm. "Your knee still has an old injury, and you''ve already knelt for so long this morning. There''s no need to kneel again."


    So she stood with the Emperor while Wang Dequan stood to the side to read the edict, making it look as if Consort De and Consort Yu were kneeling to both the Emperor and Jiang Xinyue.


    "By the grace of Heaven, the Emperor decrees: Noble Consort Jiang is of gentle nature and conducts herself with virtue and caution. She fulfills her duties in the pce with respect and prudence, showing reverence to superiors and kindness to inferiors. She maintains the etiquette and education of the inner pce with grace, setting an example for the six pces. She is truly capable of assisting in internal affairs andforting Our heart. Today, We hereby bestow upon her the title of Imperial Noble Consort, with a rank equal to that of the Deputy Empress. We hope that henceforth, you will be devoted to pce affairs, maintain your noble character, manage the six pces, and be of one heart with Us. We specially confer upon you the golden book and golden seal. This is Our imperial will."


    All those grandiose words, but the most important parts were probably forting Our heart" and "be of one heart with Us"!


    The Emperor had called Consort De and Consort Yu here today to announce the edict conferring the title of Imperial Noble Consort on Jiang Xinyue, and also to warn them to assist Jiang Xinyue and not to engage in any underhanded schemes behind her back.


    Because Jiang Xinyue''s support was the Emperor himself.


    Although the Emperor didn''t want Jiang Xinyue to kneel, she still bent her knees slightly and received the edict from Wang Dequan, saying, "This subject epts the edict and thanks Your Majesty for the great honor."


    Consort De rose gracefully, a gentle smile on her lips. "Congrattions to Imperial Noble Consort Jiang, and congrattions to Your Majesty for having such a fine woman as your Imperial Noble Consort. This is good, now Sister Consort Yu won''t have to feel estranged from me over thete Empress''s golden book. Since Imperial Noble Consort Jiang''s rank is equal to that of the Deputy Empress, both the phoenix seal and thete Empress''s golden book should be in her keeping. Don''t you agree, Sister Consort Yu?"


    Since neither the phoenix seal nor the golden book was in her possession, rather than letting Consort Yu, who was still lower in rank than herself, use them as tools to humiliate her, it was better to let Jiang Xinyue, the Imperial Noble Consort, haveplete control.


    This way, at least they would have amon enemy, and the foolish Consort Yu could still serve as her vanguard.


    Consort Yu''s dissatisfaction was almost palpable. She red at Jiang Xinyue as if she wanted to y her alive. "Your Majesty, Noble Consort Jiang has only been in the pce for barely two years. Originally, when you made her the head of the four consorts, there was already considerable discontent among the pce concubines. Now, she has neither borne children for the royal family nor achieved any great merit, yet you are breaking protocol to promote her to Imperial Noble Consort. Your Majesty, this move may cause upheaval in both the court and the inner pce. Please reconsider your decision."


    Jiang Xinyue was only eighteen years old, and at eighteen, she was already an Imperial Noble Consort. If she were to be promoted further, there would be nowhere left to go except... bing the Empress, right?


    Consort Yu seemed to have realized this point and said with a grief-stricken face, "Thete Empress''s body is not yet cold. How can Your Majesty... how can you make Noble Consort Jiang the Imperial Noble Consort so quickly?"


    The Xuanwu Emperor stared at Consort Yu without a word until she lowered her head. Then he said to Wang Dequan, "Give it to her to see. This will stop her from constantly bringing up the Empress and disturbing the peace of the deceased."


    Wang Dequan took another secret edict from the tray held by Tang Shiliang and handed it directly to Consort Yu. "Mydy, please."


    The secret edict turned out to be written by the Empress on her deathbed. In it, she implored the Emperor to confer the title of Imperial Noble Consort upon Jiang Xinyue, asking her to fulfill the duties of the Empress and to return the authority of the pce when a new Empress was appointed in the future.


    Everyone knew that once Jiang Xinyue took control of the inner pce, even if there were to be a new Empress in the future, she might not necessarily be a match for Jiang Xinyue.


    The Empress had considered everything for Jiang Xinyue, hoping only that she would protect the Fifth Prince.

 Chapter 232

    Why?


    Consort Yu looked at the Empress''s secret edict, feeling increasingly indignant. She had been loyal to the Empress''s faction from the beginning, and had even poisoned Jiang Xinyue together with the Empress.


    Why...


    Why in the end did the Empress only think of helping theirmon enemy, without even mentioning her once?


    The Xuanwu Emperor had no interest in understanding Consort Yu''s resentment. The only reason he still kept Consort Yu around was because she was foolish - so foolish that every time she schemed against others, she ended up hurting herself.


    If not for the fact that she was the birth mother of the eldest princess...


    Consort De was also caught off guard by this secret edict.


    Although the rise and fall of positions in the harem was ultimately up to the Emperor''s whims, without the Empress''s approval, it would not be proper or justified.


    The Emperor ruled the court, while the Empress managed the harem - this was the rule established since ancient times.


    It was like how amon man needed his wife''s approval to take a concubine.


    The Emperor didn''t care whether the Empress agreed or not, because he was different from ordinary men, and the Empress wouldn''t dare to defy his wishes.


    But if the Empress disagreed and the Emperor insisted on making Jiang Xinyue the Noble Consort, everyone in the harem would be dissatisfied, and even the court officials would disapprove of the Emperor''s actions.


    Now, with the Empress''s secret edict in hand and the Emperor''s protection, who could say Jiang Xinyue was unworthy?


    Both the Emperor and the Empress believed she was capable of fulfilling the duties of Noble Consort. If you still insisted otherwise, wouldn''t that just reveal your own desire for the position?


    Consort Yu realized that once she could no longer im the moral high ground to criticize the Emperor and Jiang Xinyue, she had no other way to attack Jiang Xinyue.


    Was Jiang Xinyue truly so virtuous that she had never harmed anyone?


    No!


    Consort Yu believed that Jiang Xinyue was simply too skilled at scheming, never being caught doing evil deeds.


    "This concubine... also congrattes Noble Consort on her new position..."


    Hearing Consort Yu''s gritted teeth, Jiang Xinyue became more alert. This fluttering moth was about to make another reckless move.


    "Young Master Xie? Young Master Xie?"


    The page boy called several times before finally bringing Xie Chenghui''s wandering soul back from the window.


    The handsome youth turned his head dazedly, his face still flushed. His mind was filled with that fleeting glimpse he had caught in Chengqian Pce earlier that day.


    "Young Master Xie, did you get heatstroke from painting in the sun today? Your face is so red, and you seem out of sorts."


    Painter Li, who had quietly approached from behind, grumbled: "I said that such a big project as the funeral illustration was beyond the capabilities of an inexperienced boy like Xie. But of course, he has connections - his father is a first-rank schr in the Hanlin Academy and will eventually enter the imperial cab, so naturally he wants to promote his own son. Ah... we small-time painters may not work less hard, we just have worse luck."


    Seeing Xie Chenghui look over, he pretended to have just noticed him and said in a sleazy tone: "Oh! Young Master Xie is still here? How about it, want to treat us lowly painters without connections to some fun at Yihong Tower?"


    Among schrs and artists, there were few who didn''t frequent brothels.


    It wasn''t necessarily just to y with girls - sometimes they would go to paint portraits for the courtesans orpose music for them, charging high fees.


    For others it was a money pit, but for them it was a way to earn money.


    Xie Chenghui had only heard of Yihong Tower but had never been there. Every time he heard Painter Li and the others discussing how alluring and captivating certain girls were, he would blush and feel awkward.


    He bowed respectfully to Painter Li as a junior to a senior. Painter Li looked smugly at the other painters.


    See that!


    So much for being from a noble family!


    After being mocked like that, he doesn''t even dare to speak up.


    But to everyone''s surprise, after his polite bow, Xie Chenghui walked directly up to Painter Li and said calmly: "My father is indeed a first-rank schr in the Hanlin Academy, but he earned that position through his own abilities. The Emperor recognized his talents and personally appointed him. I was able to enter the Imperial Painting Academy because of the Emperor''s approval, which is proof of my own skills. Painter Li, you keep saying I have good fortune while you suffer. We are all painters here, and I don''t think I''m particrly lucky, nor do I think you''re particrly unfortunate. Being able to enter the Imperial Painting Academy makes us all talented artists of Great Yan. If you feel you''re suffering so much, when I go to paint the Emperor''s portrait tomorrow, I can put in a word for you and ask His Majesty to graciously allow you to retire. Then you won''t have to suffer anymore."


    "You... I... When did I say I was suffering? I''m doing just fine as a court painter, don''t try to cost me my job!" he said nervously while backing away. "Really now, I still need to go paint Consort Yu''s portrait! You''re making mete."


    The page boy snorted coldly as he packed up their things: "What a bully - tough on the weak but afraid of the strong."


    Xie Chenghui sighed tiredly: "Let''s go. It''s time to head back."


    The next day, the imperial edict appointing Jiang Xinyue as Noble Consort spread throughout the six pces. Some had initially felt that Consort De and Consort Yu were more suitable for the position, given their age, seniority, and better family backgrounds.


    If a lowborn concubine like Jiang Xinyue could be Noble Consort, why couldn''t they?


    But when they learned that even the Empress had secretly urged the Emperor to appoint Jiang Xinyue as Noble Consort, their attitude towards Jiang Xinyue changed from resentment to curiosity and admiration.


    Captivating the Emperor wasn''t such a great feat - if they had Jiang Xinyue''s beautiful face and alluring figure, they too could have the Emperor wrapped around their finger.


    But the Empress was a woman.


    How could she be so generous towards her own rival?


    Was Jiang Xinyue truly some kind of enchantress, able to bewitch not just men but women as well?


    Whether Jiang Xinyue was an enchantress remained to be seen, but the daily pce greetings couldn''t be skipped.


    Now that she was Noble Consort, Jiang Xinyue couldn''t ck off anymore.


    The other consorts already didn''t respect her, so if she wasn''t diligent, some would look down on her even more.


    Consort Xiao stood behind Consort Yu, whispering to those nearby: "Did you hear itst night? There were terrible screamsing from somewhere. It scared me to death."


    "Mydy heard it too? I thought I was the only one! It truly terrified this servant."


    Consort Yu turned around: "What are you all whispering about?"


    Consort Xiao fawned over her: "Your Grace, this concubine and Shu Xiang were talking about the screams we heardst night. Could it be that the pce is haunted?"


    Consort Yu waved her handkerchief and dabbed at her lips: "There have been countless deaths in the pce over the years. It wouldn''t be strange if there were ghosts."


    If someone like Jiang Xinyue could be Noble Consort, the first to crawl out of the ground and protest would probably be her sister, Jiang Yutong.


    Consort Yu muttered softly: "When a wicked consort holds power, wild ghosts wail in sorrow."


    Consort Xiao and Shu Xiang exchanged nces and lowered their heads, giggling.


    "Noble Consort arrives¡ª"


    All the delicate beauties in the room knelt down: "Paying respects to Noble Consort."


    "You may rise," Jiang Xinyue said, wearing the ceremonial robes of a Noble Consort in the same color as the Emperor''s dragon robe, looking both majestic and dignified. "What were Consort Yu and Consort Xiaoughing about just now? Why don''t you share it with me as well?"

 Chapter 233

    Consort Yu smiled and replied, "Consort Xiao said she admired the unparalleled beauty of the Imperial Noble Consort. Today, even if she were just a pce maid, she woulde to pay her respects. I had no choice but to bring her along. I hope the Imperial Noble Consort won''t take offense?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    A beauty of the eighth rank was not qualified to pay respects ording to pce rules.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    But those rules applied to the Empress, not the Imperial Noble Consort.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Consort Yu was using Consort Xiao to challenge Jiang Xinyue, both openly and subtly.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Moreover, praising someone''s beauty was rarely done so bluntly.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    If Jiang Xinyue said nothing, wouldn''t it imply that she agreed she was exceptionally beautiful, surpassing all the other women in the harem?<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Although this was indeed true, no woman would willingly admit that her looks were inferior to others.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Especially since they were all the Emperor''s women, rivals in love.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    If she said something, others might think her moody and unable to take apliment.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    No matter how Jiang Xinyue responded to Consort Yu, she would be in the wrong.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    But was Jiang Xinyue one to y by the rules?<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    She nced sideways at Consort Xiao and said, "Is Consort Yu so ugly? Do you find it painful to look at her every day and need toe see me to cleanse your soul?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    She then turned to the angry Consort Yu, her lips curling into a smile, "I understand. After all, they say you be what you look at every day. Consort Xiao must be afraid of bing more like Consort Yu and losing the Emperor''s favor, right?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    As Consort Xiao was about to say "No," Jiang Xinyue raised her hand to stop her, giving a look that said everyone understood, and there was no need for further exnation.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The next moment, sitting in the main seat reserved for the Imperial Noble Consort, her gaze turned sharp, "While I understand, if I ever see someone who shouldn''t be here in Hexi Pce again, I''ll throw you all out together. Don''t say I didn''t warn you when you lose face."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Consort Xiao had rarely interacted with Jiang Xinyue before. After all, one was a lowly beauty in a disfavored consort''s pce, while Jiang Xinyue had always been a favored consort of the Emperor since she first gained her title.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Consort Xiao couldn''t even reach Jiang Xinyue''s knees if she jumped.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    She had only heard Consort Yuin about and insult Jiang Xinyue in Shunan Pce, leading her to believe that Jiang Xinyue was young and easily manipted, merely protected by the Emperor due to her beauty.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    But in this first encounter, it was clear who was more formidable.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The Imperial Noble Consort wasn''t weak; she was clever enough to use the Emperor as her mouthpiece, packaging herself as a kind and fragile white lotus, arousing the Emperor''s pity and keeping her under his protection.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    In fact, such women were the smartest.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Instead of exhausting herself fighting and scheming against other consorts, everything she wanted could be obtained through the Emperor.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    It was the Emperor who tired himself out, along with the other consorts who received his warnings. Jiang Xinyue simply had to open her hands, and others would offer her rare treasures.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Look at her now...<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    When the Emperor wasn''t around, her sharp tongue showed no signs of backing down.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    But Consort Xiao had already chosen her side, and even if she didn''t want to oppose Jiang Xinyue, it was no longer possible.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Steeling herself, and urged on by Consort Yu''s gaze, she carefully spoke, "The Imperial Noble Consort is the model for the six pces and should... should help the royal family prosper. The Emperor hasn''t entered the harem for almost a year. I... I risk my life to request an audience today to ask the Imperial Noble Consort to advise the Emperor to... to spread his favor equally."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Oh!<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    So admiring her unparalleled beauty was just a pretense. The real purpose was that Consort Yu had pushed her forward as a pawn to seek benefits for the harem consorts.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Consort Xiao speaks wisely," Jiang Xinyue said, taking a sip of fragrant light green tea, her face wearing a gentle smile. "I will speak to the Emperor about this today."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Huh?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    She agreed so easily? Just like that?<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Consort Yu still had more tricks up her sleeve!<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    How could she use them now?<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "I hope the Imperial Noble Consort won''t say one thing to our faces and do another behind our backs," Consort Yu said sarcastically, not believing a word. "If you had spoken to the Emperor earlier, we sisters wouldn''t have been left alone in empty chambers for nearly a year."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The implication was that the Imperial Noble Consort was not only the instigator of their loneliness but also had no intention of persuading the Emperor to favor the harem and spread his attention equally.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    This wouldn''t do!<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Among the consorts who hade to pay respects to Jiang Xinyue, while none were as bold as Consort Yu, survival in the harem depended heavily on the Emperor''s favor. If the Emperor didn''t visit the harem, what was the point of all their scheming and fighting?<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Immediately, the eyes of all the consorts in the pce turned unfriendly towards Jiang Xinyue.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Someone must have "advised" Consort Yu, teaching her how to incite everyone''s anger.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Jiang Xinyue''s gaze turned to Consort De, who merely raised her teacup in response and then drank her tea as if the matter didn''t concern her.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    This was a high-level provocation.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The low-level kind was exemplified by Consort Yu, a darling being used as a pawn.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    However, Consort Yu''s survival in the harem for so long wasrgely due to herck of intelligence.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    In this pce, the clever ones died early.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The foolish ones...<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Were kept around to alleviate boredom in the deep pce.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The arrow-like gazes of the consorts couldn''t prate Jiang Xinyue''s bulletproof facade. She leaned back slightly, her posture bing more alluring without appearingzy. Instead, it exuded a rxed nobility, her aura dominating.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Xi Que, go inform the Pce Eunuch Office to start sending green ques to Chengqian Pce from today. If the Emperor asks, tell him that I''ve requested he visit the harem and spread his favor equally."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Xi Que immediatelyplied and withdrew from the great hall.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    A few other consorts signaled their pce maids, who followed Xi Que out.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Xi Que indeed went to the Pce Eunuch Office and ryed the same message to the eunuchs there.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Only then did everyone feel reassured that the Imperial Noble Consort was indeed a woman of her word.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    In Chengqian Pce, candles burned brightly as Li Zhong, the head of the Pce Eunuch Office, stood nervously before the Emperor for the first time in eight or nine months.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Oh? You say the Imperial Noble Consort is advising me to spread my favor equally?" the Emperor asked.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Li Zhong swallowed hard. "Your Majesty will know when you turn over the ques."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    He dared not say a word more, as the Emperor now looked as if he might devour someone.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The Xuanwu Emperor exhaled frustratedly through his nose. Did Jiang Xinyue have no heart?<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Didn''t she understand his feelings for her?<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Aliali: 6720f54c2bffb2b7bc4c0e56<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    He could withstand the pressure from his court officials to favor her alone, so why couldn''t she endure the discontent of the harem consorts and not push him away?<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Fine!<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    She wanted him to turn over the ques? Then he wouldply with her wishes.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The Xuanwu Emperor turned over a green que: Imperial Noble Consort.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    He turned over another: Imperial Noble Consort.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    He continued, turning over four or five in a row, each one bearing the words "Imperial Noble Consort."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Li Zhong and Wang Dequan exchanged nces. The Imperial Noble Consort''s method was indeed effective.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Going to Hexi Pce was still visiting the harem!<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    She had given her advice, and whether the Emperor listened or not was his own business.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Jiang Xinyue had provided options; another small eunuch from the Pce Eunuch Office held a tray with green ques for the other consorts.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

 Chapter 234

    If the Emperor wishes to go, he need only flip their ques.


    The Xuanwu Emperor''s angry expression turned to secret delight after seeing three green-headed ques of the Imperial Noble Consort in a row. His smile was irrepressible as he haughtily asked Li Zhong, "Did the Imperial Noble Consort arrange this?"


    Of course, if it wasn''t on her orders, how would they dare to do such an opportunistic thing?


    "Your Majesty, please forgive us!" Li Zhong quickly knelt down. "The Imperial Noble Consort''s previous green-headed ques could no longer be used. Your servant thought, whether making one or two, we might as well make a batch of new ones. It seems I mistakenly brought all of the Imperial Noble Consort''s newly made green-headed ques."


    Although the Emperor knew full well it was Jiang Xinyue''s intention, Li Zhong still smoothly helped cover for her. Even if word got out, it would be Li Zhong''s negligence, with no connection to Jiang Xinyue.


    "This is not your fault," the Xuanwu Emperor rose. "It''s Heaven''s will."


    Heaven''s will that after nine months, the first person he would favor in the harem would still be Jiang Xinyue.


    "Wang Dequan, prepare the imperial carriage for Hexi Pce."


    The magnificent Hexi Pce had made no special preparations, as Jiang Xinyue couldn''t appear as if she knew in advance that the Xuanwu Emperor would choose her que. However, a young eunuch from Chengqian Pce hade earlier to notify them, and rednterns signifying imperial favor were lit at the entrance of Hexi Pce.


    In Shunan Pce¡ª


    Consort Xiao, in her daze, seemed to hear a woman''s agonized scream again, frightening her so much that she pulled the covers over her head.


    Consort Yu''s hand trembled as she poured tea. "What''s going on? The wild cats in this pce are too brazen. How could Jiang... the Imperial Noble Consort manage the harem and not have these wild cats caught and killed? If it were me, I certainly wouldn''t let these beasts disturb people''s sleep."


    Shu Xiang carefully offered a cup of cool tea. "Your Highness, our people from the Pce Eunuch Office reported that His Majesty chose Hexi Pce''s que tonight."


    She brought cool tea for Consort Yu, hoping it would help calm her down.


    Contrary to her usual behavior, Consort Yu didn''t lose her temper. Instead, sheughed softly, "As long as His Majesty is willing to favor the harem, it''s a good thing. His Majesty cherishes the Imperial Noble Consort; it''s not surprising if he favors her three or five times in a row. I just don''t believe His Majesty will stick to her alone for a lifetime."


    The pce had no shortage of anything except for ingenious beauties.


    If one doesn''t work, try two; if two don''t work, try three; if three don''t work, try a whole bunch. Surely one of them will seed.


    Even if they can''t be His Majesty''s favored consort, it would be good enough to irritate Jiang Xinyue!


    For three consecutive days, His Majesty chose Hexi Pce''s que, and the resentment of the harem''s consorts could no longer be suppressed.


    To this, Jiang Xinyue responded, "My personal pce maid personally told the Pce Eunuch Office, and you all heard it with your own ears. His Majesty insists oning to my pce; what can I do? Should I turn His Majesty away? Rather than ming me for monopolizing His Majesty, why don''t you put more effort into inviting His Majesty to your own pces? What''s the use of always finding fault with me? His Majesty has his own legs; he goes wherever he wants to go."


    She was advising the Emperor to spread his favor evenly, not forcing him to sell his body... well, that''s not a very elegant way to put it, so let''s not say it.


    The Imperial Noble Consort''s words were crude but true.


    Since she didn''t mind the consorts intercepting, it was time for them to cross the sea like the Eight Immortals, each showing their unique abilities!


    The Xuanwu Emperor was quite exasperated. After that day, the number of consorts rushing to "identally" encounter him at any time and ce increased.


    Even from Chuxiu Pce, Liu Xiaoxiao and Cheng Nianhe, whom he had only met once, were encountered several times in the Imperial Garden.


    It was said that one day, Lady Cheng yed the zither while Lady Liu yed the pipa. The beautiful music attracted countless colorful butterflies to circle around them, earning the passing Emperor''s endless praise.


    He even sat in Chuxiu Pce for half a day.


    Xi Que gently ced the ice from the Internal Affairs Department into the ice basin, asionally stealing nces at her mistress.


    Shuang Jiang also didn''t dare make a sound, her actions mirroring Xi Que''s.


    Jiang Xinyue put down the local chronicles and sighed helplessly, "Go about your business as usual. I''ve said it before, I''m fine."


    It was just that the Emperor found it novel that Lady Cheng could attract butterflies with her zither ying, so he summoned her to Chengqian Pce twice to y for his amusement.


    She had been mentally prepared from the beginning that the Emperor would sleep with other women. Moreover, they were still in the flirtatious stage; he hadn''t even slept with them yet!


    As long as it didn''t harm her interests or her body, even if the Xuanwu Emperor took ten women in one night, she would apud with both hands.


    Love and men were just passing guests; only wealth and power could ensure she would always live the life she wanted.


    Yet Xi Que and Shuang Jiang didn''t believe it, thinking their mistress must be heartbroken inside and just putting on a brave face.


    "Your Highness, Eunuch Wang is here."


    "Quickly, invite him in."


    Wang Dequan''s face was full of smiles. "This servant pays respects to the Imperial Noble Consort."


    "Please rise, Eunuch Wang." Jiang Xinyue also smiled. "Has His Majesty summoned me to Chengqian Pce again?"


    Wang Dequan''s smile deepened. "Painter Xie has almost finished the Emperor and Empress portrait, with only half an hour left. His Majesty wishes to paint one with the Imperial Noble Consort as well. He sent this servant to inform you, so you can prepare!"


    "I understand. Eunuch Wang, please return to attend to His Majesty. I''ll be there shortly."


    Being painted together with the Emperor had always been an honor reserved for the Empress. There was also a saying that the Imperial Noble Consort was just a transitional stage before bing Empress.


    His Majesty''s appointment of Jiang Xinyue as Imperial Noble Consort was to test the court officials'' attitudes. If there was no fierce opposition, the Imperial Noble Consort would soon be the Empress.


    Wang Dequan''s attitude became even more respectful. "Yes, then this servant will take his leave. Your Highness, please take your time."


    Although Jiang Xinyue didn''t feel that being painted with the Emperor was a crucial matter, she still dressed up borately, showing extreme value for the asion.


    It was just a painting. If love faded, even a hundred paintings wouldn''t prevent a change of heart.


    This is why people often say, "The imperial family is the most heartless of all."


    Xie Chenghui took several deep breaths, constantly reminding himself that the Imperial Noble Consort was already married, and married to the most noble Emperor who held the power of life and death over the entire country.


    No matter how much his heart stirred for the Imperial Noble Consort, he couldn''t harbor even the slightest inappropriate thoughts.


    Otherwise, not only would he endanger the entire Xie family, but if discovered, he would also harm the Imperial Noble Consort.


    Even if his thoughts were impure, they had nothing to do with the Imperial Noble Consort. Those jealous of her favor would use his admiration to frame her.


    He couldn''t let his unrequited love harm her.


    "The Imperial Noble Consort arrives¡ª"


    If the Jiang Xinyue he saw a few days ago was a heavenly fairy, pure and wless, gentle and moving,


    Then today''s Jiang Xinyue was a divine consort, noble and dignified, yet with an air that transcended worldly affairs.


    Dressed in her finest, she was like the most precious flower in the mortal realm, and also like the bright moon in the heavens.


    When the Xuanwu Emperor saw Jiang Xinyue, his eyes lit up, a hint of amazement escaping from them. He sincerely praised, "Yue''er, you look truly beautiful today."


    In the entire harem, no one could rival the Imperial Noble Consort''s beauty.

 Chapter 235

    Jiang Xinyue lowered her head with a shy smile, but inwardly she scoffed: "Nonsense, everyone knows I''m beautiful. Do you need to state the obvious?"


    Lower Concubine Cheng was beautiful too; even butterflies would dance around her!


    The Xuanwu Emperor felt a bit guilty as he rubbed his nose. He had listened to Lower Concubine Cheng and another concubine y music a few times in the past couple of days at the Xuanchu Pce. He wondered if Xinyue was upset about it.


    But Lower Concubine Cheng''s father had worked with Jiang Yanxi to uncover evidence of corruption and abuse of power among several officials under the Governor-General of Liangguang.


    ording to the letter Jiang Yanxi sent back, it was thanks to Mr. Cheng''s repeated risk-taking and rescue that Jiang Yanxi could safely embark on his journey back to the capital.


    If Cheng Shi Ting was truly a good official who worked for the country and its people, the court would need to make good use of him.


    "Painter Xie, please paint a portrait of me and the Imperial Noble Consort!" the Emperormanded.


    The Emperor hadn''t figured out how to broach the subject of Lower Concubine Cheng yet. Deep down, he still had the innate arrogance of an emperor, feeling that as the ruler of a country, he shouldn''t have to consider others'' feelings for everything he did.


    Even if that person was the one he deeply loved.


    Jiang Xinyue had once said that she could ept that the Xuanwu Emperor''s body didn''t belong entirely to her, but his heart must be hers alone.


    He hadn''t paid much attention to anything else she said, but this one sentence he remembered more clearly than anything.


    As Xie Chenghui painted, his delicate brows furrowed. A good painter could sense the emotions of flowers, birds, insects, and fish, and naturally, he could sense human emotions even more acutely.


    Why did he feel... that there was a kind of false intimacy between the Emperor and the Imperial Noble Consort, as if they were close on the surface but distant at heart?


    Was he seeing things wrong because he was too focused on painting?


    "Painter Xie?" The Xuanwu Emperor keenly noticed his pause. "What''s wrong?"


    Xie Chenghui immediately snapped back to reality and hurriedly apologized, "Perhaps I''m a bit fatigued from painting the portrait of Your Majesty and Empress Xiaoxian Xuanwen earlier. I beg forgiveness from Your Majesty and the Imperial Noble Consort."


    The Emperor paused for a moment. "It''s my oversight. I should have let you rest. Let''s end here for today. Painter Xie,e back tomorrow to continue the portrait of me and the Imperial Noble Consort!"


    Xie Chenghui didn''t dare to look at Jiang Xinyue again. He kept his head low and respectfully withdrew.


    The barely-started portrait of the Emperor and the Imperial Noble Consort was hung in the most prominent ce in Chengqian Pce.


    Jiang Xinyue turned her head to look at the Emperor. He embraced her from behind, resting his chin on the top of her head. "I''ve had our portrait with the Empress sent to the Imperial Ancestral Temple. The Empress''s spirit tablet is also enshrined there."


    As the earthly emperor, it was only natural for him to enjoy earthly worship, and he didn''t avoid the topic.


    However, wasn''t the golden crown of the Imperial Noble Consort made a bit too pointy? It was hurting his chin.


    Seeing Jiang Xinyue''s puzzled expression, the Xuanwu Emperor pointed at the wall where their portrait hung and said, "I had the Internal Affairs Departmente and specially frame it. It''s perfect for mounting our portrait. I want to put it in the most prominent ce so I can see it all the time."


    What?


    You want this pure and innocent girl to watch while you''re being lovey-dovey with Lower Concubine Cheng?


    Jiang Xinyue changed the subject, looking at the lines Xie Chenghui had sketched: "Is Painter Xie really that skilled? I can''t tell."


    With just two or three strokes, what could one see?


    Oh!


    One could see that Painter Xie was indeed very handsome. No wonder Consort Yu paid such close attention to what he was wearing at the Empress''s funeral.


    She wondered if he was engaged yet. If she investigated his character and found that he was decent in all aspects, she could perhaps arrange a match for her younger sister.


    She remembered that Jiang Xinyan was already fifteen this year, old enough for marriage.


    The Xuanwu Emperor thought she was just curious about why he valued Xie Chenghui so much. He indulgently patted her small... well, she was wearing the Imperial Noble Consort''srge golden crown on her head, so patting her head wasn''t very convenient. He changed to patting Jiang Xinyue''s little cheek instead. "Painter Xie is the legitimate son of Xie Bing, a first-rank academician of the Hanlin Academy. He''s been called a prodigy since childhood. If he hadn''t been traveling and studying abroad for years, obsessed with painting, I would have wanted to betroth the eldest princess to him."


    The eldest princess was twelve years old now. It wasmon for royal princesses to be betrothed early, first arranging the marriage and then having the wedding aftering of age.


    So it turned out that the Xuanwu Emperor had always seen Painter Xie as a potential son-inw.


    No wonder he liked him more and more.


    "Why did Your Majestyter decide not to let the eldest princess marry him?"


    "Everything should be done in moderation. Any passion, when taken to the extreme, can harm oneself. He''s obsessed with painting and would neglect Yueer''s feelings. My daughter is a princess who has never suffered any grievances in the pce. I won''t allow her to endure hardships after marriage."


    After hearing this, Jiang Xinyue smiled and said, "Your Majesty is truly a good father."


    It wasn''t ttery, but sincere praise.


    However, there was one sentence that suddenly rmed Jiang Xinyue. The Emperor said: Any passion, when taken to the extreme, can harm oneself.


    He was too clear-headed, knowing that even if you like someone, love someone, you should hold something back, not give your whole heart one hundred percent.


    He was still holding back with her.


    Such a clear-headed emperor was just ying a game of love with her, not necessarily truly loving her.


    Perhaps the Xuanwu Emperor was also conflicted. He wanted to love her, but he was constantly reminding himself not to love to the point of losing himself.


    When things don''t meet your expectations, instead of finding fault with yourself, think about whether others might be the problem.


    It was all because of that dog emperor''s strong sense of caution that her n to win his heart had only seeded halfway.


    The Xuanwu Emperor, who had just spoken off the cuff and didn''t know which of his words had been wrong, released her and said, "I''ve finished reviewing all of today''s memorials. Some new silk trees and roses have bloomed in the Imperial Garden. Would Xinyue like to take a walk there with me?"


    The Emperor had sent her a date request, and Jiang Xinyue, determined not to give up until she achieved her goal, naturally agreed.


    The Imperial Garden was breathtakingly beautiful these days. Not only were the flowers beautiful, but so were those delicate beautiespeting with the flowers in their charm.


    Jiang Xinyue turned to Magpie and said, "Go back to the pce and tell Nanny Xiang to bring the Sixth Prince out to get some fresh air."


    If the Emperor wasn''t present, Jiang Xinyue wouldn''t have brought such a young infant out.


    Who knows if they might encounter some muddleheaded people? Even a monkey can fall from a tree sometimes.


    In situations where she couldn''t ensure the Sixth Prince''s absolute safety, it was safer to keep him in Hexi Pce.


    Today, with the Emperor present, there was nothing to fear.


    Anyone who dared to harm the Sixth Prince must not value their entire family''s lives.


    Nanny Xiang quickly brought Wet Nurse Lu and the Sixth Prince to Chengqian Pce. As soon as the Xuanwu Emperor saw his most beloved little prince looking increasingly fair and adorable, he couldn''t control his hands and took the child into his arms.


    The scene of the family of three walking towards the Imperial Garden looked extremely warm and harmonious.


    Hidden beneath this tranquility was the colorful struggle between the concubines in the harem.


    "Cheng Nianhe, the Emperor likes me. What''s the use of you ying the zither here all day to attract butterflies? If you don''t leave, this mistress will smash your zither."


    An angry female voice came through, sounding somewhat familiar.

 Chapter 236

    Xuanwu Emperor gently rocked the Sixth Prince in his arms, then stopped and frowned disapprovingly at the pavilion, as if ming the woman for raising her voice and startling the child.


    "Sister Liu, what''s wrong with you? Yesterday, we were still rehearsing the song together. Why did you suddenly lose your temper?"


    Jiang Xinyue, standing to the left of the Xuanwu Emperor, leaned forward to look out. Upon seeing the figure in the pavilion, she couldn''t help but turn to nce at the Xuanwu Emperor.


    What a coincidence!


    In the pavilion were Liu Xiaoxiao and Cheng Nianhe, whom Jiang Xinyue had met in Chuxiu Pce not long ago. Back then, the two were good sisters helping each other, but now, their rtionship had deteriorated to the point of animosity.


    It seemed that after the Xuanwu Emperor''s visit to Chuxiu Pce, the un-favored maidens there had already started to turn against each other.


    "What''s wrong with me?"


    Liu Xiaoxiao, with a fiery demeanor, put her hands on her hips. "Ye Qiang''er is right; you''re using me to highlight yourself. Every time you y the zither, you call me along. The butterflies only fly around you. Originally, the Emperor liked me more, but now his eyes are always on you. I''ve be your backdrop. Do you deserve that?"


    Cheng Nianhe had a delicate and pretty appearance, not exactly a stunning beauty among the many beauties in the harem, but her gentle and demure demeanor made her stand out.


    In contrast, Liu Xiaoxiao was the most beautiful among the maidens, and her temperament was also the most fiery.


    Cheng Nianhe was about to exin something when Liu Xiaoxiao pped her across the face.


    "How dare you!"


    The Emperor covered the Sixth Prince''s ears and shouted angrily, "Who allowed you to strike a concubine in the pce?"


    Both of them were Pce Ladies, with no one being superior to the other.


    Jiang Xinyue followed behind the Xuanwu Emperor and witnessed the Emperor helping Cheng Nianhe to her feet. Cheng Nianhe looked at the Emperor with a mixture of surprise and joy, then nced at Jiang Xinyue, as if fearing the gaze of the Imperial Noble Consort, and shrank behind the Xuanwu Emperor.


    A straightforward man might not notice that she was looking at Jiang Xinyue, assuming she was afraid of Liu Xiaoxiao.


    But women are sensitive to such nces, and Jiang Xinyue, being a psychologist, was even more perceptive.


    The seemingly harmless Cheng Nianhe seemed to harbor a deep hostility towards her.


    Why?


    She hadn''t done anything to wrong her.


    Liu Xiaoxiao was already kneeling on the ground, trembling: "Your Majesty, I... I pay my respects to Your Majesty and the Imperial Noble Consort."


    The Xuanwu Emperor looked at her impatiently: "You said Cheng Nianhe is not worthy, right? From today onwards, Cheng Nianhe is Cheng Pce Lady. Is she now qualified to be your backdrop?"


    Liu Xiaoxiao bit her lip: "I dare not!"


    Cheng Nianhe''s eyes were filled with tears, and she sobbed as she pleaded for Liu Xiaoxiao: "Your Majesty, Sister Liu... Liu Pce Lady didn''t mean it. She was instigated by someone with ill intentions. Please don''t me Liu Pce Lady."


    The one with ill intentions was none other than Ye Qiang''er, the Ye Pce Lady, whom Liu Xiaoxiao had mentioned earlier.


    Cheng Nianhe''s double-edged arrow was truly well-aimed!


    On one hand, she showed the Emperor Liu Xiaoxiao''s arrogance, and on the other, she exposed Ye Qiang''er''s hypocrisy.


    She had dealt with two rivals in one go, winning the race from the starting line!


    Especially with her face turned up, showing the red mark from the p, it made men feel even more protective.


    Before the Xuanwu Emperor could speak tofort her, Jiang Xinyue walked over directly: "Your Majesty, you should stay here and listen to Cheng Pce Lady y the zither. I''ll take the Sixth Prince for a walk."


    Jealous!


    The Xuanwu Emperor quickly took a step forward to distance himself from Cheng Nianhe, refusing to let go of the Sixth Prince: "I promised to go flower-viewing with you and the child. How can I break my word?"


    He chuckled ingratiatingly, one hand holding the Sixth Prince and the other reaching out to Jiang Xinyue, but she turned away as if she hadn''t seen his hand.


    The Xuanwu Emperor followed behind with the child in his arms: "Xinyue, are you angry?"


    "How dare I be angry?"


    Jiang Xinyue said with a forced smile: "I''m not as passionate as Liu Pce Lady, nor as gentle as Cheng Pce Lady. Today you listen to Liu Pce Lady y the pipa, tomorrow you watch Cheng Pce Lady y the zither and attract butterflies. I can only eat, I can''t do anything else. How can I dare to be angry? I really must congratte Your Majesty on gaining two more beautifuldies."


    She didn''t stop walking and even picked up her pace, saying she wasn''t angry, but the Xuanwu Emperor could see she was about to explode with anger.


    He sighed, turned back, and handed the Sixth Prince to Nanny Xiang. Just as he let go, he heard Xi Que and Shuang Jiang exim: "Your Highness!"


    "Ouch¡ª"


    It turned out that Jiang Xinyue, in her anger, had rushed into a pebble path, and the uneven stones caused her to fall to the ground.


    "Your Highness, your foot is sprained."


    Shuang Jiang and Xi Que supported her on either side: "Your Highness, can you still walk?"


    Jiang Xinyue''s face was filled with pain, and before she could speak, the Xuanwu Emperor lifted her horizontally from behind, speaking with a tone of helpless affection: "You''re already a mother, how can you still be so reckless? If you get hurt, won''t I be heartbroken?"


    Jiang Xinyue snorted and turned her head away: "There are so many concubines in the harem. Today you''re heartbroken for this one, tomorrow for that one. How can you ever stop being heartbroken?"


    "Tsk..."


    The Xuanwu Emperor chuckled lightly: "Wang Dequan, do you smell that?"


    Wang Dequan hurried over, sniffed, but dared not say anything, only looked at the Xuanwu Emperor with a curious gaze: "Your Majesty, this servant is ignorant."


    The Emperorughed heartily: "What a strong smell of vinegar! It''s almost overpowering the fragrance of the Imperial Garden."


    Jiang Xinyue''s jealousy made him happy, as it meant she cared about him.


    A little quarrel was good for the rtionship, and he enjoyed it.


    As the Emperor and the Imperial Noble Consort''s figures disappeared around the corner, Liu Xiaoxiao stood up, brushed off the non-existent dust on her knees, and looked at Cheng Nianhe with increasing hostility: "Pretentious, humph... In the Emperor''s heart, you can''t evenpare to a single finger of the Imperial Noble Consort. Don''t think that just because the Emperor made you a Pce Lady today, you''ve won. Offending the Imperial Noble Consort, do you think you''ll live long?"


    Cheng Nianhe''s lips curled slightly: "Then it''s not your concern, Liu Pce Lady. Remember to pay your respects to me next time you see me. I''m now a Pce Lady of the ninth rank."


    As the lowest-ranked Pce Lady of the tenth rank, Liu Xiaoxiao had no right to make demands in front of Cheng Nianhe.


    No matter how the Imperial Noble Consort might deal with her in the future, that was between her and the Imperial Noble Consort. Liu Xiaoxiao wasn''t qualified to worry about her.


    Liu Xiaoxiao, furious, turned and smashed Cheng Nianhe''s zither to the ground, regardless of her anger, and stormed back to Chuxiu Pce with her maid.


    Cheng Nianhe''s maidservant was startled and picked up the broken zither, noticing the scent from the broken edge and quickly covered it: "Mydy, what should we do?"

 Chapter 237

    Their family''s young mistress had attracted the Emperor''s attention with that zither. Now that the zither that could attract butterflies was smashed, how could shepete for favor?


    Cheng Nianhe fiddled with the zither''s body, smiling slightly, then suddenly smashed it forcefully on the ground. Unsatisfied with how broken it was, she stomped on it with her foot.


    The maid pulled her back, distressed: "Young Mistress! Young Mistress! This was thest thing Madam left you before she died, how could you... how could you... At least keep it as a memento!"


    Tears slid down the face of the fragile Cheng Nianhe: "From now on, I will no longer y the zither. Using this method will eventually give others something to use against me. I might as well take this opportunity to add anotheryer to Liu Xiaoxiao''s reputation for tyranny. It won''t be in vain of my mother''s intentions."


    Back then, her mother had gained her father''s favor with this zither. Before dying, she left it to her, hoping she could use it to keep her husband''s heart after marriage.


    Whether the zither existed or not wouldn''t affect her mother''s ce in her heart. To "die for a worthy cause" was the only way not to disappoint her mother''s expectations.


    Jiang Xinyue had sprained her ankle. She missed seeing the blooming silk trees and roses in full bloom, but she did see the Xuanwu Emperor, that fickle-hearted radish.


    The Xuanwu Emperor also witnessed the "furiously blooming" peony, with its tremendous power.


    This "peony" in the room would rather let Xi Que rub her ankle with medicinal wine than allow him, the Emperor, to enter.


    Wang Dequan had his ear pressed against the door, while the Emperor stood beside him, anxiously inquiring: "Can you hear anything? Did they say anything?"


    "Well..."


    "Creak!"


    The door was yanked open forcefully, and Wang Dequan nearly tumbled into Xi Que''s arms. Frightened, Jiang Chuan quickly pulled Xi Que back. Wang Dequan fell forward with the momentum,nding weakly on the ground.


    Jiang Chuan coughed twice, quietly releasing his hand from Xi Que, pretending as if nothing had happened.


    How embarrassing!


    How humiliating!


    The dignified Chief Imperial Eunuch had fallen t on his face.


    Xi Que thought it was the Emperor eavesdropping and had nned to vent some anger for her mistress before kneeling and begging for forgiveness. Now she hurriedly went to help Wang Dequan up: "Lord Wang, are you alright? Why were you... why were you standing so close to the door?"


    It was because the Emperor wanted to know if the Imperial Noble Consort had calmed down, so he had him eavesdrop.


    The Xuanwu Emperor coughed lightly, covering his mouth with his fist: "All of you withdraw. I alone will suffice here."


    He didn''t want others present when he had to lower his face to exin to Jiang Xinyue.


    Wang Dequan was also very perceptive, quickly pulling Jiang Chuan and Xi Que out, thoughtfully closing the door behind them.


    Jiang Xinyue had already removed her ornate golden crown and robes, wearing only a thin, translucent pink-white gauze gown. A warm breeze blew in through the open window of the bedchamber, gently stirring her gauze gown and loose hair, teasing his heart.


    Jiang Xinyue had her back to him, exhaling an impatient breath through her nose.


    Pretending to be jealous was really annoying. If the Emperor didn''t exin himself clearly soon, she was going to leave him to his son.


    She was now the Imperial Noble Consort, with money, power, and a son. Why should she keep a rotten radish that anyone could poke at to irritate herself?


    She didn''t love the Emperor, but she maintained the most basic loyalty to him. She knew this was a feudal dynasty, and it was normal for the Emperor to have many consorts, but all the education she had received was about monogamy!


    Psychologically, she knew she should ept it, but it was too difficult to actually do so.


    Before, when the Emperor didn''t care for her, for the sake of survival and increasing her own bargaining chips, she had no choice but to share a cucumber with the other women in the harem. Even now, thinking about it sometimes drove her crazy.


    Dirty!


    It was filthy!


    But she had no choice then.


    Now that she held a ce in the Emperor''s heart and had a son to rely on, with the Jiang family''s influence gradually growing in the court, she could finally stand a bit straighter. She didn''t want topromise herself anymore.


    Call her fussy if you like, or affected, but she really couldn''t ept the Emperor being intimate with other women one moment and thening to her for her services the next.


    Either give her the supreme glory and power of the Imperial Noble Consort and never touch her again, then she would ept the Xuanwu Emperor sleeping with other women.


    "I don''t like them," the Xuanwu Emperor said.


    He walked over and sat on the edge of the bed, finally managing to embrace her, resting his chin on the top of her head. "Do you remember when I told you to have your eldest uncle investigate the corruption of officials in the Guangdong and Guangxi regions?"


    Jiang Xinyue: ...


    She didn''t speak, so the Emperor had to continue: "Cheng Baolin''s father is an official under Yu Liansheng. Because he couldn''t stand Yu Liansheng''s corruption and shielding of evil servants, he has been secretly helping your eldest uncle. This time, your eldest uncle was able to return with evidence, and Cheng Baolin''s father contributed significantly."


    Jiang Xinyue couldn''t help but argue: "What does that have to do with you showingpassion to Cheng Baolin? Most of the concubines in the harem are daughters of officials. If you need to sell your body... for each one..."


    Seeming to feel that her choice of words was too harsh, she immediately bit her lip, somewhat indignantly: "If you have to favor them all when their fathers achieve merit, then your treatment of me... is it also because... also because..."


    As she spoke, her nose tingled, andrge tears fell unexpectedly.


    But she didn''t want the Xuanwu Emperor to see her weakness, so she quickly wiped them away, looking at him with reddened eyes. It truly made the Emperor''s heart ache and soften at the sight of her tears.


    He held Jiang Xinyue: "What nonsense are you thinking? My feelings for you are known throughout the pce, only you don''t know. I can summon Consort Liu to y the zither, and I can summon Cheng Baolin to apany me on outings. I do all of this for others to see. Xinyue, anyone can misunderstand me, but not you. You are the one I want to grow old with, to spend my life with."


    "Do you really not like Cheng Baolin? You haven''t... haven''t..."


    Jiang Xinyue blushed, seemingly embarrassed by her own jealousy, looking at him shyly, anticipating his answer.


    Her soft appearance made the Xuanwu Emperor want to meld her into his very bones.


    "No," the Xuanwu Emperor answered frankly. "Since we confessed our feelings to each other, I have never favored anyone else. Before, my heart was big enough to hold the world and the harem. Now my heart is very small, just big enough for the world and you. There''s no room left to talk of love with other concubines. Can you have a little more confidence in yourself and trust in me? I''m already head over heels for you."


    Jiang Xinyue thought: This sounds like a Chiung Yao drama.


    But her face still showed a deeply moved expression. She hugged the Xuanwu Emperor tightly: "Emperor, I regret it. I don''t want to share you with anyone. Your heart and body can only belong to me alone. I can share all the gold and silver jewelry, the luxurious clothes with them, but not you... I... I can''t be without jealousy. I''m so upset I''m going mad, Emperor... Will you think that I... that I''m too wicked like this?"


    But truly loving someone means wanting them all to yourself!

 Chapter 238

    The Emperor grasped her slender shoulders with both hands, turning her body to face him directly. "Yue''er, look into my eyes..."


    Jiang Xinyue''s eyes glistened with tears as she obediently gazed into his deep, devoted eyes.


    "I promise you, I will spend the rest of my life only with you. With you by my side, there is no room in my heart for anyone else. I have never been one topromise myself, and now that I have you, I will certainly notpromise by doing what you imagine with other consorts. But Yue''er... I am the Emperor, and there are times when I have no choice. However, I swear to you, if I ever betray our love, may I die a terrible death. Does this reassure you?"


    The Xuanwu Emperor had expected Jiang Xinyue to cover his mouth before he could finish his vow, as the previous Empress and Consort De had done.


    To his surprise, she listened intently to the end, and even seemed to want more.


    What? Did she think his vow wasn''t dire enough?


    But this frank, unpretentious Yue''er was just as adorable.


    Jiang Xinyue finally smiled. "Your humble servant has a solution that could relieve Your Majesty''s worries about bncing the court and the harem."


    The Emperor had always known she was clever, so he leaned in to listen.


    "Your Majesty said that you appear to favor the consorts whose fathers have rendered meritorious service, to show the court officials that you are not ungrateful and will reward them by treating their daughters well."


    "Correct."


    "But why should Your Majesty give them the upper hand?"


    Jiang Xinyue blinked her bewitching eyes, her clear voice bing almost persuasive. "Your Majesty is the Son of Heaven, the ruler of all under heaven. The court officials receive sries from the state and should dedicate themselves wholly to Your Majesty''s service, even unto death. If they eat the Emperor''s food, shouldn''t they shoulder the Emperor''s worries without conditions?"


    "That may be so, but this is human nature. If I show no appreciation, they will find excuses to ck off next time."


    He was the Emperor, but not an omnipotent god. He needed those officials for governance and didn''t want to be a tyrannical ruler reviled for generations, so he had to seek bnce.


    "Your Majesty can take control of the situation!"


    Jiang Xinyue wrapped her arms around the Xuanwu Emperor''s neck and whispered in his ear, "From now on, if any consort wants to be promoted, let their fathers and brothers achieve results in governance. Without achievements, there can be no promotion. Isn''t it better for Your Majesty to exchange ranks for the loyalty of court officials, rather than using your body?"


    When a consort''s father or brother renders service, besides rewarding them personally, their daughter or sister in the harem could be promoted. Even if the Emperor himself doesn''t act, they would be quite pleased.


    Except for those blinded by love, Jiang Xinyue didn''t believe anyone could refuse an effortless promotion without having to curry favor with the Emperor.


    Though somewhat underhanded, using their beloved daughters and sisters to pressure them into achieving results, hadn''t they threatened the Emperor in the same way before?


    Now the situation was simply reversed between the Emperor and them.


    The Xuanwu Emperor''s eyes lit up. Indeed!


    The end result would be the same, but he would instantly be the one in control of the situation, making a significant difference in the process.


    He kissed Jiang Xinyue''s cheek. "I''ll go make arrangements right away. You truly are my little lucky star."


    Jiang Xinyue smiled. "It''s just my possessiveness at work,ing up with such a clumsy solution. Your Majesty will need to refine it and address other potential issues to avoid future troubles."


    The Xuanwu Emperor understood this himself. He stroked Jiang Xinyue''s silky hair. "I''lle see you again tomorrow."


    The Emperor returned to Chengqian Pce, staying only for half an incense stick''s time before rushing to the Imperial Study. He ordered the eunuchs tidying the study to bring out the important policy decisions and results from the past year''s memorials.


    He selected the names of all officials who had achieved even the slightest merit during the year, then checked if they had daughters or sisters who had entered the pce as consorts.


    Those with family members in the harem were all selected, and their ranks were promoted before the trip to the Qinzhou Imperial Vi for the summer retreat.


    Furthermore, the Xuanwu Emperor instructed Tang Shiliang to spread word among the pce servants in Chengqian Pce that the Emperor hadn''t raised the ranks of those nobledies without reason, but because their fathers and brothers were capable and had rendered service to the Emperor. This was just a small reward.


    The next day, Jiang Xinyue received the imperial edict of appointments from Wang Dequan and had Jiang Chuan read it aloud.


    She put on an appearance of having worked hard for this: "I advised His Majesty to spread his favor evenly. If he wishes, he can visit any of you at any time. But with the recent passing of the Empress, His Majesty has be quite indifferent to such matters, and I can''t push him too hard. I may not be able to secure His Majesty''s favor for you, but I do have some say in your ranks."


    In Chuxiu Pce, Cheng Nianhe received two promotions in one day, rising from a lowly courtdy to a seventh-rank Jieyu.


    Liu Xiaoxiao was also promoted to the seventh-rank title of Guiren.


    Ye Qiang''er,ing from a humble background, was granted the minor seventh-rank title of Changzai by Jiang Xinyue''s decision. The others whose familiescked influential fathers or brothers remained as minor courtdies in Chuxiu Pce.


    This was enough.


    These three women were already at odds with each other, maintaining a facade of harmony while scheming against one another. Let them fight to the death; there was no need for her to intervene.


    Additionally, Consort Xiao from Shunan Pce was promoted to the minor sixth-rank title of Ronghua and allowed to move from Shunan Pce into the main hall of Zhong Cui Pce.


    The demoted Consort Zhang was already residing in Zhong Cui Pce!


    This main hall had originally been Consort Zhang''s residence. Now, suddenly having another consort of the same rank move in would surely make her feel resentful and indignant.


    There would be plenty of drama to watch in theing days.


    The Emperor was giving a promotion that was actually a demotion, helping Jiang Xinyue take revenge.


    This was what Consort Xiao got for meddling and suggesting that Jiang Xinyue advise the Emperor to spread his favor evenly.


    Now she hadn''t received any blessings herself, but misfortune had certainly befallen her.


    Zhong Cui Pce had long been like the Cold Pce. How could she possibly turn her fortunes around there?


    Consort Zhang was not easy to get along with either.


    Consort Xiao and her maid left Hexi Pce, only daring to vent their anger when they reached a secluded spot. "The Imperial Noble Consort is taking her personal revenge. She must resent me for helping Consort Yu oppose her before, so she deliberately had the Emperor move me to Zhong Cui Pce."


    How could Zhong Cui Pcepare to Shunan Pce?


    At least Consort Yu had given birth to the eldest princess, so the Emperor would visit three or four times a month. Wouldn''t that have given her a better chance to regain favor?


    Now she was stuck in that godforsaken Zhong Cui Pce, with the bitter Consort Zhang forpany. The mere thought made life seem hopeless.


    "Bang!"


    As she walked forward, a "female ghost" suddenly sprang out from the bushes, covered in blood and flesh, disheveled and with an indistinguishable face.


    "Ah¡ª"


    Her scream startled the "female ghost," who limped away, crawling and rolling as she fled.

 Chapter 239

    "What was that? What was that? Is it gone?"


    Xiao Ronghua didn''t dare open her eyes, waving her hands about wildly.


    Her maid quickly grabbed her hands. "Mydy, don''t be afraid. She''s already gone."


    After a long while, Xiao Ronghua finally lowered her hands and came to her senses, breathing a sigh of relief. "It wasn''t a ghost, it was a person. How could someone in the pce use such cruel punishment to make a person look like that?"


    Curiosity drove her to follow the bloody footprints forward, but they suddenly vanished into thin air at a corner.


    Was the person taken away?


    Xiao Ronghua''s face turned deathly pale in an instant. "I''m finished... I''m done for..."


    She hadn''t been vignt enough. When she first saw that "female ghost", she should have run away immediately.


    Curiosity killed the cat, curiosity killed the cat!


    Her maid was still confused. "Mydy, what''s wrong? What do you mean you''re finished?"


    "p!"


    Extreme fear made Xiao Ronghua furious. She pped the maid across the face. "You fool! When I wanted toe here earlier, why didn''t you stop me? What should we do now?"


    But the maid couldn''t understand what she was saying and could only kneel on the ground, begging for mercy.


    Xiao Ronghua pulled her up. "Stop kneeling. Quickly, think of a solution for me. Someone who dares to use such cruel punishment in the pce must be of no low rank. This is the direction to Yanqing Pce, and in Yanqing Pce lives... lives..."


    Thinking of that person, Xiao Ronghua broke out in a cold sweat.


    The maid, however, hadn''t thought that far ahead and was still worried about her mistress. "What should we do then? Mydy, will you be silenced?"


    "Mydy, why don''t we go tell Consort Yu and ask her to save you?"


    "No!" Xiao Ronghua shook her head. "Consort Yu... she can''t protect me."


    Not only could she not protect her, but she might even send her to her death.


    "Let''s go find the Imperial Noble Consort!"


    As if she had found a lifeline, she quickly turned and walked back. "Only the Imperial Noble Consort can save me."


    Jiang Xinyue had just sent off the concubines who hade to pay their respects and was watching Wet Nurse Lu use her homemade skin toner on the Sixth Prince. "Don''t underestimate this mugwort water. I have seven daughters at home, and in the summer, forget about ice, even our thatched roof couldn''t shield us from the sun overhead. It was thanks to this that none of my seven girls ever got heat rash."


    Heat rash was what people inter times called prickly heat.


    Jiang Xinyue, of course, knew that mugwort was a good thing. She smiled and said, "You''re more experienced in taking care of children. I feel very at ease leaving the Sixth Prince in your and Nanny Xiang''s care."


    Wet Nurse Lu immediately felt a sense of responsibility. Patting her "magnificent" chest, she said, "Mydy, you can rest assured. I will protect the Sixth Prince with my life."


    She had been living in the pce for half a month now. Nanny Xiang, Xi Que, and the others had been very kind to her, teaching her the rules of the pce, giving her new clothes, and even giving her monthly wages to send to Mrs. Li''s house for her daughters.


    The Imperial Noble Consort was truly a wonderful person.


    The Sixth Prince was almost two months old and could already recognize people. Apart from Nanny Xiang, Wet Nurse Lu, and Jiang Xinyue, he wouldn''t let Xi Que and the others hold him anymore.


    Wet Nurse Lu said that some children were intelligent and could recognize their mothers at two months old, so they would be wary of strangers.


    Xi Que and Shuang Jiang were quite upset about this. The Sixth Prince was so cute that everyone who saw him wanted to hold him. Suddenly he became wary of strangers, but they weren''t strangers!


    However, when the Emperor came over these past few days, the Sixth Prince wouldn''t let him hold him either, which made them feel a bit better.


    As soon as the Emperor picked him up, the Sixth Prince would immediately pout in distress, his eyebrows and eyes turning red, and tears would start falling.


    The Emperor was almost heartbroken and could onlye more often, hoping that the Sixth Prince would soon recognize that he was his loving father.


    Because he came frequently, the Emperor''s rtionship with the Fourth Prince had also be closer.


    Jiang Xinyue could clearly feel that the Fourth Prince''s personality was bing more outgoing and confident.


    Wet Nurse Lu applied the mugwort water on the Sixth Prince''s body and only put on his light, thin shirt after it had dried.


    "Mydy, Xiao Ronghua from Zhong Cui Pce is requesting an audience."


    Didn''t she just leave? Why is she back again?


    "Let her wait in the flower hall."


    Jiang Chuan stepped forward and whispered a few words in Jiang Xinyue''s ear, then stepped back and said, "Xiao Ronghua looks deathly pale and seemspletely out of sorts. It looks like she''s encountered some trouble and hase to us for help."


    Xi Que snorted coldly, "Usually, she''s always following Consort Yu around and speaking ill of ourdy. Now that she''s in trouble, instead of going to Consort Yu, shees to ourdy for help. I really don''t know who gave her such a big face!"


    Everyone agreed with Xi Que''s words, but no one else dared to say it so bluntly.


    After all, she was the Imperial Noble Consort''s favorite and closest maid, so she could speak and act without much concern.


    Jiang Xinyue adjusted her hair and clothes, and without making Xiao Ronghua wait too long, she quickly walked out from inside.


    "Imperial Noble Consort, please save me!"


    As soon as she stepped out, Xiao Ronghua rushed over and hugged her legs. "It was my fault for being loose-lipped. I shouldn''t have opposed the Imperial Noble Consort at every turn. Please save me, I don''t want to die!"


    Jiang Chuan and Xiao Xuanzi didn''t need Jiang Xinyue to speak; they had already pulled Xiao Ronghua away at the first moment.


    Jiang Xinyue patted her skirt. "If you have something to say, say it. Don''t cry and wail. I have no friendship with you, so I can''t feel sympathetic."


    Not only did they have no friendship, but their rtionship was also quite hostile.


    Xiao Ronghua didn''t know why, but when she saw Jiang Xinyue, the fear of imminent death slowly dissipated, and she finally calmed down enough to speak properly. "Mydy..."


    At the Internal Affairs Department¡ª


    The pce maids and eunuchs had been particrly busy recently. Shuang Jiang from Hexi Pce was on her way to help the Imperial Noble Consort pick flowers for vases when she was startled by a snake darting out from the bushes and fell. Now the entire Internal Affairs Department was mobilized to remove snakes from the pce!


    "You few, check over there. You others,e this way. Look carefully. It wouldn''t be good if these snakes frightened the Emperor or any of thedies."


    Jiang Chuan went directly to the bushes where Xiao Ronghua said the "female ghost" had emerged from, trying to find some clues.


    "Mydy!" Xiao Ronghua''s maid, Mei Er, looked at the ground in shock. "The bloody footprints... they''re gone."


    Even without her pointing it out, Xiao Ronghua could see it too. The floor was clean, without a trace of blood.


    Someone had cleaned up the scene after they left.


    This made Xiao Ronghua, who was already badly shaken, even more frightened.


    Jiang Chuan parted the bushes with his hand, feeling the ground. Because it was summer and the weather was hot, the surrounding soil was very dry, but the soil under Jiang Chuan''s hand was slightly damp.


    He carefully turned over his fingers. Soil mixed with blood was sticking to his fingers.


    He was shocked. Everything Xiao Ronghua said was true.


    Xi Que exchanged a nce with him, following his gaze to his fingers. When she saw the red marks on them clearly, she immediately returned to Hexi Pce.

 Chapter 240

    "Your Majesty, what Xiao Ronghua said is true," Xi Que said with an urgent expression. "Consort De really is using private punishment in the pce, imprisoning someone - we don''t know if it''s a pce maid or who."


    Jiang Xinyue stroked her chin, pacing back and forth in the great hall.


    Xi Que desperately wanted her mistress to go tell the Emperor about Consort De immediately, but remembering how her mistress had said before that Consort De was cunning and not to be underestimated, she held her tongue.


    Jiang Xinyue bit her lip and said to Xi Que, "Have Jiang Chuan bring Xiao Ronghua back, quickly!"


    "Yes!"


    After Xi Que left, Jiang Xinyue changed into an borate consort''s gown and headed towards Yanqing Pce with a group of pce maids and eunuchs.


    Most importantly, she brought the Fourth Prince along, using the excuse that he missed his second sister.


    Luyin hid in the shadows, watching with deep concern as the eunuchs from the Internal Affairs Department conducted a thorough search.


    She poured out a few small snakes from the food box she was carrying, then quickly ran towards Yanqing Pce.


    Consort De was wiping her sharp fingernails with a handkerchief. A faint smell of blood still lingered in the air, so subtle that Luyin would not have noticed if she wasn''t used to smelling it in that small room.


    "Your Highness, the people from the Internal Affairs Department are... are conducting arge-scale search near Yanqing Pce. I''m afraid..." Luyin said nervously.


    "Afraid?" Consort De shot her a nce, causing Luyin to swallow her words and carefully say, "This servant is just concerned for Your Highness."


    "I don''t need your concern. Just make sure your expression is in order and don''t let anyone see anything suspicious. Otherwise, if I have to discard you, it will be your own fault."


    Luyin knew well that this matter concerned her own life and death, and any carelessness would implicate her mistress as well.


    After taking a few deep breaths, her expression returned to normal.


    Consort De smiled with satisfaction. "Remember, this matter has nothing to do with us. Just carry on as usual."


    Luyin nodded. "The Third Prince has made progress in his studies. Yesterday when I went to pick him up, he was even praised by Master Xie from the Hanlin Academy!"


    At the mention of the Third Prince, Consort De sighed heavily. "What use is good studying? The imperial physician said his poison was cured long ago. His refusal to speak is his own problem. I just don''t understand, what grievance does he have against me? Why won''t he speak?"


    Consort De was utterly perplexed. If the Third Prince continued to refuse to speak, those court officials who originally supported him would eventually turn to support the Imperial Noble Consort''s faction.


    Although Jiang Xinyue had only given birth to the Sixth Prince, she also had the Fourth Prince under her care, as well as the Fifth Prince - nominally the legitimate heir of the Great Yan Dynasty - entrusted to her by thete Empress.


    If the Empress hadn''t died, the position of Crown Prince might have belonged to the Fifth Prince.


    With three healthy princes against her one son who refused to speak, who would be the ultimate winner was clear as day.


    Outside the room, the small figure of the Third Prince looked lonely and deste. He wiped away the tears flowing from his eyes, trying to make an "ah ah ah" sound.


    But when he opened his mouth, he couldn''t even make such a simple sound. Instead, his fair little face turned red from the effort.


    "Third Prince?" Luyin walked out from the hall and found the Third Prince copsed at the door, looking as if he was about to suffocate.


    She cried out in rm, "Third Prince, breathe... breathe quickly!"


    Hearing themotion, Consort De hurried out. "Xuan''er!"


    Although the Third Prince''s current state didn''t meet Consort De''s expectations, he was still her only son.


    In this pce, to safely give birth to a healthy prince and raise him to this age was no easy feat.


    The energy and time invested in this was beyond what ordinary people could imagine.


    The Third Prince''s breathing gradually steadied. He looked at Luyin with unusually cold eyes, pushed away her hand, and ran back to his own chambers.


    "This child..."


    "This servant pays respects to the Imperial Noble Consort."


    Luyin looked up to hear the pce maids kneeling and greeting at the door. "The Imperial Noble Consort has arrived."


    Consort De slowly rose, bowed, and smiled. "What wind has blown the Imperial Noble Consort to my Yanqing Pce today?"


    Previously, before they had fallen out, Consort Yu had invited Jiang Xinyue many times, but Jiang Xinyue had never given her face even once.


    Jiang Xinyue smiled perfunctorily. "Xiaoman hasn''t seen his third brother for a few days and was moring to visit him. I really couldn''t refuse him. Where is the Third Prince?"


    Before Consort De could answer, the Third Prince''s head peeked out from the end of the long corridor, blinking at the Fourth Prince.


    Apparently, he had heard the pce servants greeting Jiang Xinyue and had turned back.


    Always favoring outsiders over his own.


    The Fourth Prince looked up at Jiang Xinyue. "Mother, may I go y with Third Brother?"


    "Of course you may!"


    Getting Jiang Xinyue''s affirmative answer, the Fourth Prince scampered towards the Third Prince. "Third Brother, look, I brought the Nine-Link Puzzle. Father said it was a tribute from the Kingdom of Niero. There''s only one, and I know you love solving the Nine-Link Puzzle, so I brought it especially for you."


    "You''re asking if Father knows? He does! I told him I was giving it to you, and Father even praised me!"


    "You like it? That''s great! I''ve already solved three links. The rest is up to you, Third Brother!"


    "What? You''re saying I''m giving it to you because I can''t solve it? That''s not true! What do you take me for? So... Third Brother, can you solve it?"


    The two brothers, still unable to understand theplexities of adult rtionships, went off happily to the Third Prince''s quarters.


    "I''ve heard that the lotus flowers in Consort De''s pce are particrly beautiful this year, even more so than those in Xihuo Pce. I wonder if I might have the honor of seeing them?" Jiang Xinyue asked.


    Consort De of Yanqing Pce was skilled at cultivating flowers. The various flowers in her pce bloomed as beautifully as those in the imperial garden.


    Because of this, consorts often visited Consort De''s pce. She frequently hosted flower-viewing parties where a group of consorts would sit together, drink tea, and chat, with Consort De subtly taking the lead.


    This was also a good method for winning people''s hearts.


    When Jiang Xinyue was still Noble Consort Zhen, Consort Yu often invited her, but by then Jiang Xinyue only maintained a superficial sisterly rtionship with them and always declined.


    "If the Imperial Noble Consort wishes to see them, how could I refuse?" Consort De said to Luyin, "Go and prepare the lotus garden, arrange some fine tea and snacks. I want to properly entertain the Imperial Noble Consort."


    Luyin quickly nced at Consort De, bowed and said "Yes." Consort De smiled and weed Jiang Xinyue into the hall. "Imperial Noble Consort, pleasee in and have a cup of tea to rest first. When the lotus garden is ready, we can move there. How does that sound?"


    Jiang Xinyue observed Consort De''s words and actions, feeling that her psychological resilience far surpassed all the patients she had encountered in hospitals in her past life.


    The small gestures people make when lying or feeling nervous, the emotions in their eyes - Consort De showed none of these.


    On the surface, she appeared to be the same old good-natured Consort De.

 Chapter 241

    "Listen to Consort De."


    Jiang Xinyue''s expression softened, revealing an innocent smile as she affectionately linked arms with Consort De. "I still remember when I first entered the pce. Consort De and the Empress took such good care of me. Sometimes when I think back on it, I feel that was the happiest time for me."


    Far from finding her sudden affection heartwarming, Consort De felt her scalp tingle and her body stiffen.


    If Jiang Xinyue could see beneath her clothes, she would notice Consort De''s hair standing on end.


    Seemingly oblivious to Consort De''s resistance, Jiang Xinyue clung to her arm even tighter. "You know, Sister De, how long has it been since youst paid respects to the Empress? On the day Yikun Pce caught fire, the Empress held my hand and entrusted me with her final wishes. She said she was going to join Crown Prince Duanhui and the second prince. Sister De, you''ve seen the Empress''s two children, haven''t you? They must have been so adorable."


    "Bang!"


    At the mention of the Empress''s children, Consort De suddenly used force, pushing Jiang Xinyue onto the table.


    But she immediately went to help her up. "Noble Imperial Consort! I''m so sorry, I... I''m not used to such intimate contact. I truly didn''t mean to."


    In the pce, sisterhood was typically determined by rank. What exactly was Jiang Xinyue up to?


    Suddenly calling her "sister," was there some scheme afoot?


    With her hands braced on the table, her expression hidden, Jiang Xinyue smirked. When she turned around, her expression had changedpletely. She said coldly, "No matter. It was I who was impolite."


    Her ability to change faces was faster than turning pages in a book. One moment she was burning with enthusiasm, difficult to handle, and the next she was cold as frost, leaving others at a loss for how to respond.


    Fortunately, at this moment, Luyin returned: "Noble Imperial Consort, My Lady, the Lotus Garden has been prepared."


    Consort De finally breathed a sigh of relief. "This way, Noble Imperial Consort."


    Sparring with Jiang Xinyue was exhausting, because no one could ever get a handle on her, nor could anyone guess what her next move would be. They could only be led by the nose.


    This feeling of not being able to control the situation made Consort De very ufortable.


    But for now, she could only endure it.


    Jiang Xinyue, supporting herself on Jiang Chuan''s arm, followed Luyin''s lead to the Lotus Garden.


    Earlier, when Jiang Xinyue had linked arms with Consort De, Jiang Chuan had taken advantage of the moment before Consort De could pull away to release "Come Here" from inside his clothes, letting it go sniff out the same blood scent that Jiang Chuan had let it smell before.


    Jiang Xinyue had just been buying time for "Come Here" earlier.


    Consort De''s Lotus Garden was arranged quite artistically. Even the flowers in the lotus pond were white, pink, and green, arranged in a pleasing pattern that made one feel rxed and tranquil.


    Those lotus flowers, blooming in eagerpetition, were just like the consorts in the harem vying for favor.


    Jiang Xinyue reasonably suspected that Consort De might have cultivated these flowers while imagining herself as the leader of the harem, controlling the lives of these "blossoms."


    "There are even fish in this lotus pond!" Xi Que pointed at the pond. "My Lady, look! That fish is so fat, it must be delicious to eat."


    Luyin rolled her eyes in exasperation. "That''s a yellow-lipped fish. It''s three feet long, and just the fish maw alone could sell for three million taels. Can you afford to eat that?"


    Xi Que nced at her. "Like you can afford it? What are you so proud about?"


    Jiang Xinyue also lowered her head to look. "It is indeed very fat."


    "Be careful, Noble Imperial Consort!" Consort De pulled back on her body as she leaned forward. "If you were to fall in and get hurt, I wouldn''t know how to exin it to His Majesty."


    That enormous, plump yellow-lipped fish seemed to be staring at Jiang Xinyue with its strange, lifeless eyes, as if it might leap out of the water at any moment to take a bite out of her.


    But this type of fish was edible, and how could a fish have its own thoughts? How could it look at her with such eerie fish eyes?


    Jiang Xinyue took two steps back until she could no longer see the fish, then raised her eyes to look at the lotus flowers covering the pond.


    A gentle breeze blew past, carrying waves of delicate lotus fragrance that refreshed the spirit.


    "Woof! Woof! Woof!"


    Where did this dog in Yanqing Pcee from?


    "My Lady! My Lady!"


    Xiao Xuanzi came running in urgently. "My Lady! Come Here snuck into Yanqing Pce following you!"


    Consort De instinctively sensed trouble and immediately ordered the eunuchs behind her, "Quickly, go catch the dog for the Noble Imperial Consort. If anything goes wrong, I won''t let you off easily."


    Was she more afraid of something happening to Jiang Xinyue''s dog, or of her own doings being exposed?


    "I''ll go too," Jiang Xinyue said, looking anxious. "Come Here is the darling of our Hexi Pce. If anything happens to it, the Fourth Prince will cry his eyes out. Xi Que, quick..."


    At hermand, Xi Que dashed out, running in the direction Jiang Chuan had led.


    Luyin didn''t understand what was happening, but with the thought that she couldn''t let Xi Que intrude where she shouldn''t, she also ran out after her.


    As Jiang Xinyue walked, she observed Consort De''s expression. It had already changed from initially calm to slightly panicked.


    But Jiang Xinyue found Consort De increasingly terrifying.


    She knew Jiang Xinyue was observing her, and the panicked expression on her face was deliberately put on for show.


    In her heart, she remained utterly unmoved.


    Jiang Xinyue had a premonition that today''s visit might be in vain. Consort De had likely anticipated something and covered her trackspletely.


    "Woof! Woof! Woof!"


    Come Here barked incessantly at a tightly closed door. Surrounded by pursuing eunuchs, it leaped into a gap in the windowsill and slipped inside as if it had no bones.


    "Come Here!"


    Xi Que was about to charge in when Luyin stopped her. "This is where our Lady stores flower fertilizer. The smell is strong and it''s very dirty. Miss Xi Que, you''d better not go in."


    "I need to bring Come Here out."


    "You can''t go in."


    "What if our Come Here eats the fertilizer thinking it''s food and gets a stomachache, or if something else happens? Can you take responsibility?"


    "In any case, without Consort De''s permission, no one can enter or leave this room."


    When Jiang Xinyue and Consort De arrived, Xi Que changed her tone, her clever little eyes darting around. "Fine, I won''t go in. When my Lady gets here, let''s see how you..."


    After she said she wouldn''t go in, Luyin let down her guard and loosened her grip on Xi Que.


    Who knew Xi Que would y dirty? While still talking, she slipped past Luyin''s hand.


    Before Jiang Xinyue could call out to stop her, they heard her scream as she pushed open the door.


    A basket of red soil above her head tilted due to the vibration from the door opening. As soon as she entered, the basket of red soil tipped over onto her.


    The red soil with its earthy smell poured all over Xi Que from head to toe. Even the basket that had contained the soilnded on top of her head. She looked utterly pitiful.


    At her feet, the snow-white little dog poked its head out from the soil, shook off the dirt on its head, and looked innocently at Jiang Xinyue.


    Come Here: Master, has it gotten dark?

 Chapter 242

    Luyinughed so hard she held her stomach: "I told you not to go in there. You can''t me me for this."


    "Ptooey, ptooey, ptooey..."


    Xi Que spat out all the dirt from her mouth. She lifted the bamboo basket and looked around, noticing there was clearly some space between the door and the cab. Someone had deliberately ced it on the doorframe to embarrass her.


    "Consort De... Consort De, something terrible has happened!"


    A young eunuch, drenched in sweat, ran into the courtyard and knelt down, quickly reporting: "The Old Madam... the Old Madam of the Duke Cheng''s household was attacked by assassins and has... has passed away."


    "What?" Consort De''s legs went weak. "Say that again."


    "In response to Consort De, just now the Duke Cheng''s household outside the pce reported to His Majesty that the Old Madam was assassinated. His Majesty sent this ve to inform you."


    "Consort De!"


    The pce maids of Yanqing Pce all rushed over to support the fainting Consort De.


    Luyin, with a face full of anxiety, bowed to Jiang Xinyue and bid her farewell: "Noble Imperial Consort, as you''ve heard, our mistress is in no state to entertain you now. Please forgive us."


    Jiang Xinyue nced at Consort De, who had turned pale and copsed into the arms of her maids. If she didn''t take advantage of this opportunity to strike while her enemy was down, when would she get such a good chance again?


    "With Consort De suddenly fainting, how could I just stand by and do nothing?" She instructed Jiang Chuan: "Quickly go to the Imperial Hospital and summon Imperial Physician Lu, whom Consort De trusts. You few there, carry Consort De into her bedchamber."


    Luyin was, after all, just a pce maid. When the Noble Imperial Consort said she wanted to stay and help, how could a mere pce maid refuse her?


    Seeing this, Xi Que whispered to Jiang Chuan: "Go to our pce and bring more of our own people. I refuse to believe that we can''t find evidence if we turn the entire Yanqing Pce upside down."


    Her mistress had said before that any deed done must leave traces behind. There was no such thing as a perfect crime in this world.


    She was determined to find evidence of Consort De''s mistreatment of pce servants, to avenge the basket of dirt from earlier.


    Luyin now had her heart entirely focused on Consort De, how could she pay attention to what Xi Que was doing?


    If even she couldn''t control the situation, the lower-ranking maids and eunuchs certainly wouldn''t dare to interfere.


    Jiang Xinyue covered her lips and said, "Go check the Lotus Garden we were in earlier. I feel there''s something wrong with the fish there."


    Xi Que nodded and quietly slipped away.


    Meanwhile, Jiang Xinyue blocked Luyin''s view and stood concernedly by the bed: "Is Consort De alright? Is it serious?"


    By the time Imperial Physician Lu arrived, Xi Que had already turned Yanqing Pce upside down, but she truly hadn''t found anything amiss.


    However...


    She kept barking towards that room storing flower fertilizer. Xi Que had searched it several times but hadn''t discovered anything unusual.


    Finally, she went to the Lotus Garden that Jiang Xinyue had mentioned.


    About an incense stick''s burning timeter, under Imperial Physician Lu''s treatment, Consort De slowly regained consciousness.


    Seeing that Jiang Xinyue was still there, she was somewhat surprised and weakly spoke: "Noble Imperial Consort, this concubine is fine now. Please return to your pce! This concubine will go see His Majesty shortly to inquire about the situation."


    Her heart was anxious and troubled. She felt that Jiang Xinyue, that cheap woman, was truly despicable. What was she doing staying here while she was unconscious?


    Did she want to catch her making a mistake?


    Well then, she would give her a "grand gift." She hoped she would like it when she saw it.


    Just then, Jiang Chuan at the door signaled Jiang Xinyue to withdraw. She took the opportunity to say: "Then this consort will not disturb Consort De''s rest. Regarding the assassination of the Old Madam, this consort will certainly ask His Majesty to thoroughly investigate."


    Every word she spoke deeply pained Consort De''s heart. She nearly ground her teeth to pieces, barely suppressing the urge to kill.


    "This concubine thanks the Noble Imperial Consort."


    Jiang Xinyue led the grand procession of Hexi Pce servants, quickly stepping out of Yanqing Pce. "You say Xi Que was injured?"


    Jiang Chuan was clearly out of breath from running, but still tried his best to exin clearly: "Xi Que followed your instructions and went to the Lotus Garden. To see clearly what was in the water, she had several young maids lie on the edge of the pond. But for some reason, the yellow-lipped fish in the pond went berserk and bit onto a maid''s arm, trying to drag her into the water. To save the young maid, Xi Que pried open the fish''s mouth allowing the maid to escape, but she herself fell into the pond. Arge chunk of flesh was bitten off her leg. Fortunately, this ve went to check on the situation and managed to rescue her from the fish''s jaws."


    Yellow-lipped fish eating people? This was unheard of!


    "Has Yan the Imperial Physician been summoned?"


    "This ve has already sent someone. By the time we return to the pce, Yan the Imperial Physician should have arrived."


    Jiang Xinyue said no more and hurried back to Hexi Pce.


    "Ugh... Ah..."


    There were two wounds on Xi Que''s left leg. One had a veryrge area of injury, deep enough to see bone. The other was smaller, leaving only sharp animal tooth marks.


    It seemed the yellow-lipped fish had tried to bite off a chunk of Xi Que''s flesh when Jiang Chuan rescued her just in time.


    Jiang Xinyue didn''t dare imagine what would have happened if Xi Que had fallen inpletely. Would she have been eaten whole?


    By the time Yan the Imperial Physician had finished bandaging Xi Que''s wounds with herbal medicine, it was already past lunchtime. The people of Hexi Pce were in no mood to eat, all terribly frightened by Xi Que''s miserable state.


    Xi Que had a lively personality and was kind-hearted. Which young eunuch or maid in Hexi Pce hadn''t received her care before?


    Kindness begets kindness, and everyone was very worried about her.


    "What happened here?"


    The Xuanwu Emperor had finished his official duties and originally intended to have lunch with Jiang Xinyue. But when he arrived, he saw all the people in Hexi Pce looking gloomy and dejected.


    After asking a pce maid, he learned that Xi Que had been seriously injured.


    Knowing Jiang Xinyue was in Xi Que''s room, he entered without announcement: "I heard that Xi Que was injured. What happened? Is it serious?"


    As soon as he entered the room, he smelled a strong scent of blood.


    On the table was a basin of bloody water, and beside it were carelessly piled white silk cloths soaked in bright red blood.


    They could no longer be called white; they had all been dyed red by the blood.


    "Your Majesty..." Jiang Xinyue''s voice was choked with tears as she buried her head in the Xuanwu Emperor''s chest. "It''s all this concubine''s fault..."


    Xi Que, usually so lively and energetic, nowy pale and listless. Due to excessive blood loss, she was in a daze, her face contorted in pain.


    Sweat had soaked her hair, which clung messily to her cheeks. Blood continued to seep through the white silk bandages.


    Yan the Imperial Physician had no choice but to unwrap the bandages again: "Miss Xi Que, this old physician needs to apply a stronger hemostatic medicine. It will be very painful, but you must endure it."


    Jiang Xinyue covered her mouth, silently shedding tears in the Xuanwu Emperor''s arms.


    "Hiss¡ª"


    When the herbal paste was scraped off, the Emperor also saw the wounds on Xi Que''s leg clearly. He drew in a sharp breath: "This... Did Xi Que go to the beast fighting arena?"


    The wounds looked like they had been inflicted by a fierce beast.


    Yan the Imperial Physician shook his head: "Noble Imperial Consort, these wounds... were really caused by a fish?"


    A fish? What kind of fish could be so vicious?

 Chapter 243

    Jiang Xinyue nodded, "Today the Fourth Prince received a nine-ring puzzle and was thinking of his Third Brother. He wanted to send it to him to y with, so I thought we could take the opportunity to admire the beautiful lotus flowers in Consort De''s pce... Little did I know... the yellow-lipped fish in the lotus pond would bite people. Xi Que fell in trying to save a little pce maid who had slipped, and ended up like this."


    Just from being bitten?


    The Xuanwu Emperor was familiar with yellow-lipped fish. In fact, due to their high price,mon people could rarely afford to eat them. Most were sent to the pce, bing a prized delicacy at imperial banquets.


    Thoughrge in size, he had never heard of these fish biting people!


    Moreover, the wound on Xi Que''s leg was beyond a mere bite - it was as if the fish had tried to devour her whole.


    Such a terrifying yellow-lipped fish had never been heard of, let alone seen.


    No!


    He had seen it!


    Jiang Xinyue said it was in Consort De''s pce.


    He had not only seen it in Yanqing Pce, but had even fed it. At the time, he found it strange that the yellow-lipped fish wouldn''t eat fish food. Consort De exined that because the pce servants often fed it small fish and shrimp, it no longer liked tasteless fish food.


    Now, in a sh of realization, he understood - it didn''t eat fish food because it preferred... human flesh?


    Yan the Imperial Physician shook his head, "This is no yellow-lipped fish, it''s a piranha. Xi Que will definitely be left with a scar on her leg."


    And it would be a scar the size of a bowl. It might make it difficult for her to marry in the future, as her husband''s family would likely find it objectionable.


    Jiang Xinyue felt very guilty. She had noticed something off about that fish, but hadn''t warned Xi Que to be careful.


    Xi Que was the first person since Jiang Xinyue had arrived in this strange dynasty who wholeheartedly supported her, believing everything she said without question and following her instructions, even at the risk of her own life.


    Though she wasn''t as calm and steady as Shuang Jiang, nor as quick-witted as Jiang Chuan, nor as adaptable as Xiao Xuanzi, she was like a little sun, brightening and warming everyone around her with her lively and cheerful nature.


    There were too many clever people in the pce; someone like Xi Que was rare and precious.


    Now that Xi Que had been bitten so badly and lost her usual vitality, Jiang Xinyue felt a tightness in her chest and a lump in her throat. She felt heartbroken for Xi Que but didn''t know how tofort her.


    "Your Highness... I... I''m fine," Xi Que forced herself to smile foolishly at Jiang Xinyue. "I''ll follow Your Highness for my whole life. I won''t marry... if I don''t marry, a scar doesn''t matter. You won''t mind it, will you, Your Highness?"


    Her voice trembled, clearly in great pain, but she pretended to be fine so as not to worry Jiang Xinyue.


    "What nonsense are you talking?" Jiang Xinyue wiped away her tears and went to hold Xi Que''s hand. "I was thinking of arranging a grand wedding to marry you out of the pce!"


    Why waste your youth in the pce?


    Life is short, just a few decades. It''s better to enjoy yourself and experience what you deserve while you can.


    "Alright, stop crying," the Xuanwu Emperor stepped forward and took Jiang Xinyue''s hand. "No matter how big the issue, you should have your lunch now. Later, I will go to see Consort De, and you cane along."


    If Consort De really did keep such a vicious fish, she would have to be severely punished.


    Just thinking about the yellow-lipped fish eating human flesh made the Emperor want to vomit. He never wanted to eat that kind of fish again in his life.


    After instructing Yan the Imperial Physician to treat Xi Que well and leaving Shuang Jiang to take care of her, Jiang Xinyue left the room with a heavy heart.


    After walking a few steps, Jiang Xinyue suddenly stopped and asked Xiao Xuanzi, "Where''s Xiao Ronghua?"


    Xiao Xuanzi was taken aback, "Didn''t she... leave with Jiang Chuan and the others?"


    Jiang Xinyue thought back. Thest time she saw Xiao Ronghua, she seemed to be walking among the group from the Imperial Household Department.


    She wasn''t sure when Xiao Ronghua had disappeared from the group.


    Jiang Xinyue grabbed the Emperor''s hand, "This morning when the concubines came to pay their respects to me, after they left, Xiao Ronghua returned and begged me to save her life. She said she had identally discovered that Consort De was imprisoning and abusing pce maids, and she feared Consort De would silence her. I thought it might be a misunderstanding, and since the Fourth Prince was thinking of his Third Brother, I decided to investigate. I didn''t expect Xi Que to get hurt identally, so I didn''t pay attention to Xiao Ronghua... Your Majesty, do you think she..."


    Could she have already been silenced by Consort De?


    She didn''t need to finish her sentence; the Emperor immediately understood her meaning.


    "Let''s go!" The Emperor didn''t even think about lunch anymore. A life was at stake; he couldn''t ignore it. "To Yanqing Pce."


    Rumors of Consort De''s hypocrisy had been circting in the harem for a long time. Since the Empress''s death, it was as if she could no longer suppress the beast within her, frequently doing things that contradicted her public image.


    The Emperor didn''t dislike ambitious people.


    But if someone pursued their ambitions by any means necessary, being vicious and without moral boundaries, that would be repeatedly stepping on the Emperor''s most hated aspects of human nature.


    Jiang Xinyue knew that the Emperor preferred women who were gentle, cute, delicate, and kind, who could rely on him and believe in him in everything.


    But he didn''t consider that among the three thousand concubines, those who could gain his favor, believe in himpletely, rely on him, and let him handle everything, how could they possibly be ipetent?


    Some things were deliberately overlooked simply because of love.


    Just like with Jiang Xinyue - though he knew she was cunning and decisive, he still found suitable reasons for her actions time and time again.


    Consort De was different from Jiang Xinyue. If she tried to rely on the Emperor for everything, grass would be growing five feet high on her grave by now.


    She could only rely on herself.


    In the beautiful and harmonious lotus garden, a scene of exquisite beauty,rge yellow-lipped fish swam through the pond. Their ck eyes, seemingly able to draw people in, emitted an eerie cold light.


    Suddenly, the lotus leaves shook violently, and the entire pond turned bright red.


    On the second floor of a pavilion by the pond, someone sprinkled a handful of white powder. The blood-red water instantly returned to its original state, as if the brutal scene had never happened.


    The water was clear again, and the garden resumed its peaceful and tranquil appearance.


    Abruptly...


    A skeleton with its face gnawed away floated to the surface. Only half of the swollen, pale face remained, with one eyeball wide open, its extreme terror making it look particrly gruesome and horrifying.


    Jiang Xinyue followed the Xuanwu Emperor to Yanqing Pce again. The atmosphere in the pce was much more somber and oppressive, likely overshadowed by the assassination of the Old Lady of Duke of Cheng''s Mansion.


    Just as they entered the main hall''s flower room, they saw Luyin supporting a weak Consort De, who looked as if she had been crying, walking out from inside.


    Upon seeing the Emperor, tears welled up in Consort De''s eyes again. She rushed over, grabbed his sleeve, and shook her head, "Your Majesty, my... my grandmother... this isn''t true, is it?"


    "It''s true. The Old Lady of Duke of Cheng''s Mansion was struck by a hidden weapon that pierced her shoulder de. The weapon wasced with a potent poison."


    She had hoped to hear a denial from the Emperor''s lips, but her wishes were in vain.

 Chapter 244

    "Who is it?"


    Consort De''s not-so-big eyes shed with a fierce light: "Who killed my grandmother?"


    The Emperor raised an eyebrow, his pitch-ck eyes meeting hers with a calm expression, devoid of empathy for her sorrow: "The Zhu family."


    Those four simple words left no need for the Emperor to exin further.


    It was the Mansion of the Duke of Cheng that had first sent assassins to kill the Queen''s father, the head of the Zhu family, and the olddy had then struck the Queen with a tiger-headed cane, causing serious injuries.


    Although the fire had imed the Queen''s life, Jiang Xinyue, trapped in the same fire, had managed to escape. Why couldn''t the Queen?


    Ultimately, it was due to her injuries that shecked the strength to flee.


    Wasn''t it only natural for the Zhu family to seek revenge?


    Emperor Xuanwu thought it was natural, so he didn''t considerforting Consort De, instead focusing on what Jiang Xinyue had just mentioned: "I came today to ask you if you''ve seen Concubine Chu from the Criminal Servants'' Prison?"


    Concubine Chu?


    Jiang Xinyue was caught off guard. Concubine Chu?


    When she had just transmigrated, living in Xihuo Pce, it was Concubine Chu whom she had intercepted.


    Wasn''t he asking about Xiao Ronghua?


    Emperor Xuanwu rubbed his thumb over the back of Jiang Xinyue''s hand, signaling her to stay calm.


    Consort De was visibly flustered. Initially, she thought the Emperor was asking about Xiao Ronghua, but suddenly he mentioned Concubine Chu, leaving her unprepared for an answer.


    "Conc... Concubine Chu?"


    Consort De was about to say she didn''t remember who Concubine Chu was, but the Emperor had already blocked her retreat: "Before the Imperial Noble Consort entered the pce, Concubine Chu always followed Concubine Li, showing disrespect to you, the Queen, and Consort Yu. I''ve also heard that she once insulted the third prince. After she was sent to the Criminal Servants'' Prison, you ordered someone to teach her a lesson. However, the warden of the Criminal Servants'' Prison recently reported to the Internal Affairs that the criminal Concubine Chu has been missing for half a year. No trace of her alive or dead..."


    Naturally, suspicion fell on those who had conflicts with her.


    Emperor Xuanwu deliberately mentioned "before the Imperial Noble Consort entered the pce" to keep Jiang Xinyue clean, as she too had had several confrontations with Concubine Chu.


    He was reminding Consort De not to try to drag Jiang Xinyue into this.


    Consort De took a deep breath: "As a mother, I cannot allow her to harm my child. As a concubine of the Emperor, she is merely a concubine, while I am one of the Four Consorts. How could I tolerate her insolence? Giving her a small lesson is my right."


    "Are you certain you haven''t seen Concubine Chu?"


    "I haven''t."


    Emperor Xuanwu''s dark, calm eyes sparkled with cold intent, hidden deep within his gentle demeanor, making it hard to discern.


    Consort De didn''t want to dwell on this issue, her eyes soft with pleading: "Your Majesty, I... I beg you... I want to leave the pce... to see my grandmother onest time."


    She meant to attend the funeral of the Duke of Cheng''s olddy.


    The Emperor still held Jiang Xinyue''s hand, standing calmly in front of Consort De: "The olddy''s funeral is imminent, but I am also about to depart for the Qinzhou Imperial Vi to escape the summer heat. Will you attend the funeral or apany me to the vi? You must consider this carefully."


    After saying this, his tone shifted: "Today, the Imperial Noble Consort is enjoying the lotus flowers in Yanqing Pce. I hear not only are the lotus flowers here beautiful, but the fish in the pond are also excellent. I would like to see them. You don''t need to follow; Wang Dequan and Tang Shiliang are enough to serve me."


    First mentioning Concubine Chu, then the fish in the lotus garden, every word and sentence from Emperor Xuanwu was cold and heartless, making Consort De''s heart race.


    The eunuch in charge of the lotus garden was a mute who couldn''t read, taken in by Consort De''s kindness.


    For some reason, Jiang Xinyue, looking at a few pale pink lotuses, felt they seemed more vibrant than they had been that morning.


    "Ssh!"


    "Wang Dequan, bring a knife."


    Though unsure what the Emperor intended, Wang Dequanplied.


    "Swish!"


    "Your Majesty!"


    "Your Majesty!"


    Bright red blood dripped from Emperor Xuanwu''s fingers into the pond, causing Jiang Xinyue and Wang Dequan to exim in unison.


    "Ssh!"


    A fierce-looking fish, attracted by the scent of blood, leaped out of the water. Jiang Xinyue was startled but, constrained by the Emperor''s presence, couldn''t flee.


    Screaming, she shielded the Emperor with her body. Just as the fish''s sharp, foul-smelling teeth were about to bite her, the Emperor covered her head with his hands, flipping over. A sword-bearing guard, responsible for the Emperor''s safety, kicked the ugly fish away, sending it back into the pond.


    Shaken, Jiang Xinyue''s heart pounded loudly, making Emperor Xuanwu''s throat itch.


    He chuckled: "So scared yet still brave enough to protect me?"


    Jiang Xinyue red at him: "Scared or not, my body didn''t listen to me. What could I do? I didn''t mean to save you on purpose."


    Meaning her mind told her to run, but her body acted faster, making her risk her life to save the Emperor.


    As the Emperor smiled, his cold, sinister eyes looked at the pond, saying enigmatically: "My harem is indeed full of hidden dragons and crouching tigers."


    There were those skilled in making incense and those in making poison. Together, they were proficient in all sorts of skills.


    A perfectly good yellow-lipped fish had turned into a man-eating fish, so excited by the scent of blood. If a corpse were thrown in, wouldn''t it go wild?


    "Your Highness..."


    Luyin''s eyes showed concern, wanting to say something but unsure what.


    Consort De''s breath was heavy, her n disrupted by the Emperor, leaving her very angry.


    What did he mean by her having a grudge with Concubine Chu?


    Didn''t Consort Yu? Didn''t the Imperial Noble Consort?


    On the surface, they had even more conflicts with Concubine Chu. Why question her alone?


    Or was it that her recent actions had aroused the Emperor''s displeasure?


    "Plop!"


    A sack tied with a stone was thrown into the pond, sinking rapidly with its contents until it disappeared without a trace. The two eunuchs, with their heads down, left.


    It being night, it was too dark to see their faces.


    Behind the gate of Xihuo Pce, Mu Tan revealed a pair of astonished eyes, then slowly and quietly closed the pce door, hurrying back: "Your Highness... Your Highness... Someone threw something big into the pond in front of us. I noticed it just as I was closing the door."


    Consort Jiang sipped her tea leisurely: "Mu Tan, don''t meddle in matters that don''t concern us, lest we bring trouble upon ourselves."


    Her life of favor was over; whatever it was, it certainly wasn''t meant to frame her.


    As long as it didn''t harm her, she wouldn''t interfere in anyone else''s affairs.

 Chapter 245

    Mu Tan nodded, feeling that her mistress was right, and stretched her neck to look outside again: "The eunuchs from the Internal Affairs Office have already moved Xiao Ronghua''s belongings to Zhong Cui Pce. Just now, when I passed by the gate of Zhong Cui Pce, I heard Consort Zhang throwing a tantrum!"


    "What was she throwing a tantrum about?"


    Consort Jiang rolled her eyes: "Zhong Cui Pce has be a cold pce. Isn''t it good to have someone to keep herpany?"


    Ever since the Imperial Noble Consort became pregnant, apart from Hexi Pce, which pce in the harem still receives favor?


    They are all synonymous with cold pces.


    "It''s because the Emperor ordered Xiao Ronghua to live in the main hall of Zhong Cui Pce."


    Mu Tan stood beside Consort Jiang: "Consort Zhang was previously a Consort, and she has always lived in the main hall of Zhong Cui Pce. Unfortunately, she lost her sense and insisted on opposing the Imperial Noble Consort, which led to her being demoted by the Emperor and moving to the side hall. Once you''ve lived in the best, how can you be content with second best? I reckon she still wants to return to the main hall!"


    "What did you just say?"


    "I said, Consort Zhang has lived in the best, so..."


    "No!"


    "The previous sentence, you said Consort Zhang was demoted to Zhong Cui Pce because she offended the Imperial Noble Consort."


    "Yes! Mistress, you already know that, don''t you?"


    When Concubine Li was still around, her mistress, Consort Jin, and Consort Zhang were the three protectors under Concubine Li''smand.


    Oh, and don''t forget Concubine Chu.


    But Concubine Chu was long ago demoted to a criminal servant in the Criminal Servants'' Prison, and no one pays attention to her whereabouts anymore.


    No one knows under which matron Chu is suffering now.


    Anyway, it doesn''t concern them.


    Hexi Pce¡ª


    Just after the evening meal, the night breeze still carried a few traces of sultry heat. Wang Dequan handed a list of consorts to Jiang Xinyue: "Your Highness, this is the preliminary list of consorts who will apany the Emperor to the Qinzhou Imperial Vi in two days. The Emperor asked me to bring it to you to see if there are any changes you''d like to make."


    In essence, it was handed to Jiang Xinyue to let her remove anyone she dislikes.


    The Emperor is willing to indulge her like this. Those who offend her don''t end well, making their rise and fall entirely in Jiang Xinyue''s hands.


    "Who drafted this list? Has the Emperor seen it?"


    Wang Dequan honestly replied: "The Internal Affairs Office drafted the list. The Emperor hasn''t seen it yet; he immediately sent it to Your Highness."


    He seemed eager to exin on the Emperor''s behalf, fearing that Jiang Xinyue might see someone she dislikes on the list and me the Emperor.


    Jiang Xinyue nodded, opened the list, and scanned it. She found that the name of Consort De was not on it.


    It seems she has chosen between attending the funeral of the Old Lady of Duke of Cheng''s Mansion and apanying the Emperor to the Qinzhou Imperial Vi.


    It''s not that she doesn''t want to go, but with her family''s sudden misfortune, if she still has the mood to apany the Emperor to the vi, it would seem too cold-hearted.


    This doesn''t align with her persona.


    Consort De doesn''t know that rumors about her being cold-hearted and hypocritical have already spread throughout the harem.


    However, the people in the pce understand the importance of self-preservation. Even if the rumors are fierce, they exclude Yanqing Pce. People discuss it privately, but no one wants to bring trouble upon themselves.


    Jiang Xinyue drew arge cross over Consort Yu''s name and handed the list back to Wang Dequan: "That''s it."


    Since the Emperor has given her this right, she won''t be coy and pretend to be magnanimous. On a trip, she doesn''t want to see people she dislikes, nor does she want to be constantly sniped at during the trip.


    Wang Dequan nced at it and couldn''t help but smile. The Imperial Noble Consort''s temperament hasn''t changed at all.


    She likes who she likes and dislikes who she dislikes, always putting it out in the open, never stooping to underhanded tactics. No wonder the Emperor always says she has a genuine character, making him feel alive.


    In Chengqian Pce, when the Xuanwu Emperor received the list, his reaction was the same as Wang Dequan''s. He pointed at therge cross over Consort Yu''s name: "Look, I said she''s vengeful, and it''s true."


    Wang Dequan also smiled: "The Imperial Noble Consort is concerned about Your Majesty. When I left Hexi Pce, she asked if Your Majesty''s hand had been treated by the Imperial Hospital."


    The Emperor''s lips curled up, and the soft light in his eyes flickered: "She always thinks of me."


    As if thinking of something, his smile quickly faded: "Have the Imperial Hospital''s doctors quickly develop the best scar removal medicine. Xinyue likes the lively girl, Sparrow, and I like her too. We must ensure her leg doesn''t leave anysting damage."


    Wang Dequan nodded: "What about Consort De?"


    The Emperor''s eyes shed with an inscrutable light, filled with coldness: "My harem cannot tolerate such a vicious woman."


    Raising such arge man-eating fish, how many people''s flesh must it have consumed to grow so big?


    He couldn''t help but suspect that many people disappear in the pce every year, all rted to Consort De.


    "After Consort De leaves the pce, have the Investigative Bureau investigate thoroughly. I want to see how many more surprises my beloved consort has in store for me."


    Wang Dequan noted it all down: "The assassins who attempted to kill the Old Lady of Duke of Cheng''s Mansion have all been captured. They are from the Zhu family of Chang''an. How does Your Majesty n to handle this?"


    A decision must be made before heading to the Qinzhou Imperial Vi, otherwise, the trip willst three months, and it will be autumn by the time they return.


    The Xuanwu Emperor pondered for a moment: "Prepare the ink and paper for me."


    Out of consideration for the loyalty of the Empress, he only ordered the execution of a few of Zhu Jianshen''s most influential advisors and officials who incited the rebellion. As for the other Zhu family members, they were to be stripped of their titles, their property confiscated, and all demoted tomoners, immediately sent to the capital.


    From then on, the Zhu family could only live in the poorest, narrowest alleys of the capital, leading the most impoverished lives.


    Leaving them with their lives was already enough for them to be grateful for the Emperor''s magnanimity.


    Otherwise, the crime of rebellion would warrant the extermination of the entire n.


    The Empress''s death not only gave the Emperor a reason to deal with the Zhu family but also made the Emperor feel guilty towards the Empress, thereby saving the Zhu family''s lives.


    The Zhu family of Chang''an, a local tyrant, was suddenly surrounded by soldiers, and all men, women, and children were driven out, left to wander the streets.


    If not for theirrge numbers, thedies and young misses would have been harassed by street ruffians.


    "Sir, one person is missing."


    "Who is missing?"


    "Zhu Qianyi, the eldest son of the Zhu family''s main branch."


    Once a pce guard, Zhu''s second son was said to be highly skilled in martial arts, so it''s not surprising he could escape the encirclement.


    The official in charge of the confiscation narrowed his eyes: "First, escort these Zhu family members on their way. Issue a wanted order to all prefectures and counties, and make every effort to capture Zhu Qianyi."


    In the darkness, a badly injured young man with sharp eyes quietly disappeared.


    He was once a proud son of heaven, arrogant and willful, until the news of his sister''s death from the pce and his father''s subsequent assassination reached him.


    The Zhu family suddenly became traitors, and the family faced a huge upheaval. He had no choice but to escape and lie low, seeking an opportunity to bring his n out of the narrow alleys and back into the light.

 Chapter 246

    He still didn''t know what to do, but for now, the best course of action was to secretly escort his mother, grandmother, and siblings safely to the capital, ensuring they wouldn''t be bullied on the way.


    On June 15th, a grand entourage set off for Qin Province to escape the summer heat, with officials, their families, pce maids, eunuchs, and various servants, totaling over a thousand people.


    It was said that early this morning, when the massive group departed, there was amotion in the residence of Consort Yu.


    But she believed that the final list of those leaving the pce was personally decided by the Emperor, so she could only vent her frustrations within her own quarters and dared not make a scene in public.


    As for Consort De, she herself wasn''t going and initially didn''t intend for the third prince to go either. It was Jiang Xinyue who had the fourth prince plead with the Emperor, insisting that his third brother join them. Only then did the third prince get to apany Jiang Xinyue and leave the pce for some fresh air.


    The Xuanwu Emperor sat in the carriage, pushing the ice basin closer to Jiang Xinyue: "Why did you insist on bringing Xuan''er along?"


    Jiang Xinyue had intended to answer his question first, but the next moment she widened her eyes: "Your Majesty, what is the third prince''s name?"


    "Shen Mingxuan, why?"


    Jiang Xinyue hastily lifted the carriage curtain and waved to Xiao Xuanzi who was following behind.


    Xiao Xuanzi ran up quickly: "Your Highness, what are your orders?"


    "What was your name before you went to the Pce of Exile?"


    Although puzzled, Xiao Xuanzi still answered honestly: "I entered the pce at the age of seven. The chief of the Internal Affairs Department gave me the name Xiao Xiangzi and assigned me to the Flower Management Department to tend to the flowers. Later, because I identally broke a pot of Green Cloud, which was the favorite of Eunuch Chang, he said I was an ill-fated person and changed my name to Xiao Xuanzi, demoting me to the Pce of Exile."


    Green Cloud was a rare variety of chrysanthemum, known for its green stems and slightly green petals, especially the outer petals that extended downwards like colorful clouds, beautiful and ethereal.


    However, every nt and drop of water in the pce belonged to the noble masters. How could a eunuch im "Eunuch Chang''s favorite Green Cloud"?


    Jiang Xinyue understood that Xiao Xuanzi was subtly implicating Eunuch Chang.


    Having nearly been wronged by someone, Jiang Xinyue also looked at the Emperor: "Xiao Xuanzi was of low status then, unable to reach the higher masters, so it''s normal he didn''t know the third prince''s name. But the chief eunuch of the Flower Management Department often had to deliver flowers to the various pces. Wouldn''t he know that the third prince''s name contains the character ''Xuan''?"


    To im ignorance would be imusible. Eunuchs who could rise to such positions were no ordinary people. They would investigate even the number of family members of the pcedies to curry favor and advance.


    Xiao Xuanzi also had theposure. Even if he didn''t know the third prince''s name before, after serving Jiang Xinyue, he became a prominent eunuch in the pce.


    Yet, he didn''t rush toin to Jiang Xinyue or seek trouble with Eunuch Chang in private. Instead, he waited for an opportunity like today, allowing his master to discover the issue and seek justice for him.


    He was someone who never bothered his master to stand up for him.


    The Emperor already showed displeasure. Seeing this, Xiao Xuanzi quickly pleaded guilty: "I deserve death. I didn''t know my name shed with the third prince''s. If I had known, I would never have changed it."


    Jiang Xinyue tugged at the Emperor''s sleeve: "I didn''t know either before today! Every day I called him the third prince, never asking his name."


    The Xuanwu Emperor patted her hand: "I''m not ming you."


    He was displeased with the fact that Eunuch Chang dared to use a name that shed with the third prince''s.


    Wang Dequan stood outside the Emperor''s carriage. As soon as the Emperor lifted the curtain, he leaned over: "Your Majesty..."


    "Have Shi Liang return and demote the chief eunuch of the Flower Management Department. Send him to the Pce of Exile."


    He wasn''t intending to let Xiao Xuanzi... No...


    Just as he finished speaking, he turned to Xiao Xuanzi: "Having a name that shes with the third prince''s is not good. From today, you should revert to your original name, Xiao Xiangzi."


    Xiao Xiangzi''s heart leaped with joy: "I thank Your Majesty for the grace."


    Who knew how terrified he was every day with the name Xiao Xuanzi, fearing that Consort De might suddenly take offense.


    Jiang Xinyue then poured a cup of warm tea for the Emperor: "The third prince didn''t lose his voice due to poisoning. I believe it''s psychological. I hope this summer retreat can help him speak again."


    What psychological reasons could cause him to lose the desire to speak?


    Jiang Xinyue felt that having the third prince exin to his father would be more credible.


    Inside the carriage were Nanny Xiang and Xi Que. Nanny Xiang was holding the sixth prince, and Xi Que was still suffering from a severe leg injury.


    Wet Nurse Lu, who needed to breastfeed, couldn''t undress in front of the Emperor, so she sat in the carriage behind, along with Shuang Jiang and a few maids serving Jiang Xinyue.


    The sixth prince''s feeding was scheduled. At the appointed time, Nanny Xiang would carry him to the rear carriage for feeding.


    Jiang Chuan stayed behind to guard Hexi Pce. Jiang Xinyue promised him to join next year''s summer retreat, leaving Xiao Xiangzi to guard the home.


    The sixth prince was only two months old, not yet aware of his surroundings. He ate, slept, and asionallyy in the carriage in a daze.


    Yet, the Xuanwu Emperor still enjoyed ying with him, especially when the sixth prince asionally smiled, giving him a great sense of aplishment.


    The princes'' and princesses'' carriages followed behind the Emperor''s. The third prince, fourth prince, and the second princess were in the same carriage, eating, ying, and enjoying the scenery along the way.


    The eldest princess, having celebrated her twelfth birthday, felt regretful for not being able to share a carriage with her younger siblings.


    As a result, just two hours into the journey, she began to feel car sick.


    Fortunately, the Imperial Noble Consort had inquired about the conditions of the young masters and prepared motion sickness medicine and snacks like dried tangerine peel and oranges.


    The eldest princess''s snacks were mainly light and sour, helping to alleviate the dizziness caused by motion sickness.


    Qin Province wasn''t too far from the capital. The location of the summer pce was meticulously chosen to be cool yet not too distant, otherwise, a month or two of travel would mean the summer would be over.


    From here to the summer pce, it would take two days by carriage and one day by boat, totaling three days.


    Qin Province, nestled between mountains and rivers, had mild seasonal differences, neither too hot nor too cold, making it an ideal ce to live.


    Moreover, the construction of the summer pce in Qin Prefecture had stimted the local economy. Today, Qin Province''s prosperity could rival that of the capital and Chang''an.


    Two dayster, the royal procession heading to Qin Province stopped at a magnificently renovated dock, heavily guarded by soldiers.


    The Xuanwu Emperor helped Jiang Xinyue down from the carriage, preparing to switch to a boat.


    "Help... save me..."


    Suddenly, a woman in grey coarse cloth broke through the guards and ran towards Jiang Xinyue and the others.

 Chapter 247

    Behind her, the officials immediately seized her, forcing her to the ground. The few burly men who had been chasing her saw this and quickly retreated, fleeing in a hurry.


    "What''s going on?"


    A local official, frightened out of his wits, hurriedly stepped forward: "Quick! Get this female assassin out of here, don''t disturb the Emperor and the Imperial Noble Consort."


    But the girl looked delicate and weak, crying so hard she could barely catch her breath, with injuries on her body. She didn''t seem like an assassin at all.


    On the other hand, the official who wanted to drive the youngdy away was fat-headed and sly-eyed, clearly not a good person.


    "Wait!"


    Apparently, the Xuanwu Emperor and Jiang Xinyue shared the same thought.


    Just as the guards were about to drag the girl away, he intervened, his gaze pressing down on her: "Do you know that recklessly obstructing the imperial procession is punishable by decapitation?"


    "I did not obstruct the procession without reason!"


    The girl struggled free from the guards'' grip, wiped away her tears and dirt, revealing a face as pure as a lotus emerging from clear water.


    Her movements exuded the grace of a well-bred youngdy as she bowed to the Emperor and Jiang Xinyue: "I am the eldest daughter of Qin Zhigu, the wealthiest merchant in Guiyang. A month ago, when the Emperor''s procession was to pass through Guiyang, the County Magistrate used this as an excuse to host a banquet at the County Magistrate''s Mansion, inviting the city''s wealthy merchants. My father, mother, and sister attended, but when we left, my sister... my sister..."


    At this point, her eyes red fiercely at the official who had called her an "assassin," her finger trembling with hatred as she pointed at him: "My sister was forcibly vited by him, naked, thrown out of the County Magistrate''s Mansion. My parents sought justice for my sister, but he framed my sister for seducing him, and my parents were thrown into prison."


    She was already sobbing uncontrobly: "I wanted to seek justice for my sister and parents, but my sister couldn''t bear the humiliation and hanged herself at home. My parents also mysteriously died in prison. The coroner at the County Government Office refused to conduct an autopsy, insisting that my parents died of anger from my sister. I am innocent, I am truly innocent, and that''s why I did what I did today. Please, Your Majesty, seek justice for me!"


    "That''s too tragic, her whole family is dead, leaving only her."


    "Tsk tsk tsk, too tragic. That County Magistrate looks so ugly, yet he dares to say the second Miss Qin seduced him. Who does he think he is? That delicate, beautiful youngdy would never tarnish her reputation for him."


    "Exactly! I bet the County Magistrate killed the Qin family out of greed for their wealth, deliberately..."


    "Yes, he doesn''t look like a good person."


    Under the reign of the Xuanwu Emperor, such a horrific incident had urred. He had no choice but to order everyone to halt and had the Guiyang County Magistrate detained. He then sent Wang Dequan with dozens of guards to investigate the truth.


    Such a big incident couldn''t be hidden, and probably all the people of Guiyang knew about the County Magistrate''s actions, but they dared not speak out.


    Jiang Xinyue pulled Wang Dequan aside and whispered a few instructions in his ear. Wang Dequan looked at her in surprise but quickly nodded.


    "What did you tell Wang Dequan?"


    The Emperor didn''t let Wang Dequan take the eldest Miss Qin with him, but Wang Dequan still went over to help her up and let her lead the way.


    Jiang Xinyue sighed, her heart heavy: "I was just worried that the people might be afraid of collusion among officials and wouldn''t speak the truth. So I told Wang Dequan to take Miss Qin with him, announcing along the way that the County Magistrate had fallen from power, urging anyone with grievances toe forward, as the Emperor would personally seek justice for them."


    This way, it solved the problem of the people''s distrust of the government and boosted the Xuanwu Emperor''s reputation among themon folk.


    The Guiyang County Magistrate fell to his knees with a thud, never dreaming that Qin Ruofang had managed to escape from the County Government Office.


    The wait for the investigation results was long. The Internal Affairs Department had already arranged for others to unload the goods from the carriages and load them onto the ships.


    Some of the servants and attendants also boarded the ships first.


    Those left on the shore were only the officials and their families, probably all eager to witness this exciting drama.


    Tang Shiliang brought two chairs, and the Xuanwu Emperor helped Jiang Xinyue sit down. Ignoring the reactions of the other concubines, he fanned her, saying: "If you feel hot, go back to the cabin. I''ll be back after I handle this."


    Jiang Xinyue shook her head: "I''m not hot, I want to stay with you."


    She couldn''t let that lecherous, murderous County Magistrate leave here alive.


    About an hourter, Wang Dequan returned with people.


    This time, it wasn''t just Miss Qin; behind them were dozens of weepingmoners.


    Wang Dequan was calm when he left but returned furious, his eyes filled with disgust and hatred for the County Magistrate.


    "Your Majesty, that scoundrel is not human! Last year, he forcibly took ournd without paying a cent, and he even broke my son''s leg. My son is now at home, depressed, his life ruined."


    "The year before, he had the soldiers take my wife to the County Magistrate''s Mansion, vited her, and then threw her naked on the street. My wife became pregnant with that scoundrel''s child. When he found out, he sent a quack to our house, who forced my wife to drink an abortion potion, resulting in her death and the loss of our unborn child."


    "We poor schrs who took the local exams, no matter how brilliant our talents, always failed. It was him taking bribes and swapping our exam papers with those of rich, ipetent sons of officials. A ssmate once reported this and was brutally beaten, his right hand shattered, the doctor said he could never write again."


    "Officials protect each other, and we have no one to turn to. Today, we are fortunate that the Emperor passed by. We beg the Emperor to seek justice for us."


    "Miss Qin''s words are all true. Although the Qin couple had great wealth, they were not unscrupulous merchants. The poor people of Guiyang, who hasn''t received Qin''s charity? Even the schrs harmed by the scoundrel have received help from Mr. Qin. Today, even if we schrs are punished, we must seek justice for the Qin family."


    "Yes! Mr. and Mrs. Qin were kind and benevolent, they cannot die in vain."


    ...


    Just these few people had overwhelming grievances, let alone the dozens more.


    There were probably countless others who dared note forward, fearing for their lives.


    The Xuanwu Emperor''s gaze turned dark as he looked at the Governor of Qin Province, his anger rolling like waves, causing the elderly Governor to tremble.


    Minister Pei of the Privy Council stood behind the Emperor, frantically signaling to the Governor, who then crawled over to kneel beside the County Magistrate: "Your Majesty, please be clear, I truly did not know such a vermin existed in Guiyang. It must be that there is a traitor in my office, hiding the truth!"

 Chapter 248

    The corrupt Qinzhou County Magistrate was originally from Prime Minister Song''s Mansion. Because of this incident, the entire Song family fell from grace.


    Now that the governor of Qin Province was in trouble again, the Pei Family was likely to face disaster as well.


    Even now, they were still trying to shirk responsibility.


    In a fit of rage, the Xuanwu Emperor walked over and kicked both men to the ground. "Under your governance, such corrupt officials have emerged, causing the people of Guiyang to suffer. You tell me you knew nothing about it? Are you taking me for a fool, or are you treating all the victims here as fools?"


    Seeing this, Minister Pei of the Privy Council immediately distanced himself: "Your Majesty, this governor of Qin Province was originally a prot¨¦g¨¦ of the Song family. He can''t be absolved of responsibility in the Guiyang corruption case. Now that he''s failed to govern strictly and such problems have arisen again, he should be severely punished as a warning to others."


    "Then ording to Minister Pei, how should he be severely punished?"


    The Xuanwu Emperor''s response was too quick.


    Minister Pei wanted the emperor to gain a reputation as a tyrant, but the emperor turned the question back on him with a single query.


    Since you proposed severe punishment, why don''t you tell us how to punish severely?


    "Well..."


    Minister Pei was suddenly at a loss.


    If the punishment was too light, it wouldn''t satisfy public anger. If it was too heavy, it would dishearten the court officials who followed the Pei Family. Either way, he couldn''t win.


    "Why don''t we strip the Guiyang County Magistrate of his position, investigate him, confiscate his property, throw him in prison, and execute him after autumn?"


    "The governor of Qin Province was negligent in his duties and should be demoted. We should investigate him thoroughly."


    Someone stood up to rescue Minister Pei: "Minister Pei is concerned for the country and the people. He can rmend more suitable people to serve as the parent officials of Guiyang and the governor of Qin Province."


    "Pfft!"


    An untimely snicker came, and everyone''s gaze turned to Jiang Xinyue. "What is the Imperial Noble Consortughing at?"


    It was still the official who was ttering Minister Pei: "Do you find it amusing that so many people have died? The Imperial Noble Consort''s heart seems to be too cruel."


    "How dare you!"


    Jiang Yankun, who hadn''t had the qualifications to apany the emperor in previous years, was now among them as a second-rank official.


    Hearing someone attack his daughter, he immediately shouted: "How dare you presume to guess the Imperial Noble Consort''s intentions with such malicious thoughts? What punishment do you deserve?"


    She justughed, maybe she saw something funny!


    Who does he think he is to control everything, even people''s bodily functions?


    The official''s face reddened: "Your Majesty, it''s an indisputable fact that the Guiyang County Magistrate has caused many deaths. No punishment is too severe. But for the Imperial Noble Consort tough in such a situation shows she doesn''t value the lives of the people. As the Imperial Noble Consort, she should be of one mind with Your Majesty, and..."


    "But I wasughing at how you''re trying to tter Minister Pei by doing His Majesty''s job!" Jiang Xinyue interrupted.


    "You!" The official, his intentions exposed, became angry with embarrassment. "You''re just a consort from the back pce. What business do you have here? Interfering in politics from the back pce is..."


    "Bang!"


    Before he could finish, the emperor''s flying kick, his third of the day, sent him rolling backward, his official hat falling to the ground.


    It looked ridiculous.


    "What interference in politics? I don''t understand such things," Jiang Xinyue walked to the Xuanwu Emperor''s side, took his hand, shook her head at him, then looked at the official who was sprawled on the ground in confusion, and said with disdain: "The promotion and transfer of court officials should all be decided by the emperor. Why are you overstepping your bounds? Are you directly arranging for the emperor to listen to you? The Song family and the Pei Family used to be rted by marriage, and these rmended people have all caused problems one after another. Yet you turn a blind eye and let Minister Pei make rmendations. People like you who tter and fawn are not fit to remain in your current position. Who is it that doesn''t value human life? Who is it that''s telling tant lies here, even targeting me to please their superiors?"


    Pei Wu of the Pei Family was sent into the pce by Minister Pei to gain favor. This was known throughout the Great Yan Dynasty.


    Everyone thought that with Pei Wu entering the pce, she would surely take some of the Imperial Noble Consort''s favor.


    But what happened?


    It turned out that the emperor had no interest in the Pei Family''s eldest daughter, known as the number one beauty in the capital. Pei Wu only apanied the Empress Dowager in the pce. The news that she had served the emperor in bed was false. In fact, it was the Prince of Ruyang who had privately asked the emperor to bestow Pei Wu to him as his princess consort.


    But this was done without the knowledge of the Princess of Ruyang, so the emperor only acted as a shield. The ones who were really meeting privately in the Empress''s pce were Pei Wu and Yin Minghuai, the Prince of Ruyang.


    Not long after the "Empress Dowager" was sent to the traveling pce, Pei Wu was bestowed in marriage as the Princess Consort of Ruyang.


    Now the Princess of Ruyang had no choice but to agree, as she couldn''t disobey an imperial edict.


    The official''s repeated targeting of Jiang Xinyue was just an attempt to curry favor with Minister Pei, but he forgot that Jiang Xinyue''s father, Jiang Yankun, was not one to be trifled with either.


    Moreover, the emperor was still present!


    How could he allow an official whose name he couldn''t even remember to nder Jiang Xinyue like this?


    Jiang Yankun didn''t want her to get too deeply involved in this matter. As the Minister of Punishment, he still had the right to speak. He stepped forward, shielding his daughter behind him: "Your Majesty, Zhang Jia, the Guiyang County Magistrate, has epted bribes, perverted thew, disregarded human life, and disrupted the court. I propose that he be executed on the spot to shock the court officials and give the people an exnation."


    "No, no... ugh..."


    Zhang Jia still wanted to seek help from Minister Pei, but with just a nce from the emperor, the imperial guards drew their cold swords and gave him a chilling end.


    "Ah!"


    The timid ones screamed and covered their eyes.


    The governor of Qin Province, kneeling beside Zhang Jia, was so scared he almost wet himself. In the time it took for the guard to draw his sword, warm blood had sttered all over his face.


    The official who had used Jiang Xinyue of interfering in politics from the back pce, now kicked to the ground by the emperor, had turned into a silent mouse, not daring to make a sound.


    These people are always like this, they only learn their lesson after seeing some blood.


    "Good!"


    The group of people brought by Wang Dequan cheered loudly: "Long live the emperor! Long live the emperor!"


    Qin Ruofang, the eldest daughter of the Qin family who had first rushed out to cry injustice, once again knelt before the emperor: "My parents are dead, and my sister too... I am the only one left in my family. I am willing to sell all our family property and donate it to the court. I beg Your Majesty and the Imperial Noble Consort to allow me to enter the Bureau of Pce Affairs. My family has been making jewelry for generations, and I have fully inherited my father''s skills. I want to fulfill my father''sst wish and carry forward the Qin family''s craftsmanship."


    Wang Dequan approached again to exin: "When this ve went to the Qin family earlier, several of the Qin family''s coteral branches were forcing Miss Qin to hand over the family property. They wanted to divide up the Qin family''s assets!"


    As a weak woman, she was innocent but in possession of a precious treasure. Those coteral rtives intended to eat up the household without an heir.


    Even if she didn''t donate to the court, she couldn''t fight against their superior numbers and influence.


    It was better to exchange the family fortune for a ce to live and make a living. In the future, she could gain the favor of the nobles in the pce and spread the reputation of the Qin family''s craftsmanship.


    When she left the pce again, she would be someone with backing, and these rtives would not dare to touch a hair on her head.

 Chapter 249

    The Bureau of Pce Affairs was not short of people, but the Emperor''s treasury was short of silver.


    Every year, the two Guangs needed silver to repair roads and dig canals. If they didn''t get the silver, they would join with local officials to petition the throne, tarnishing the Xuanwu Emperor''s reputation and making the people think the court was withholding funds.


    But who else demanded silver from the court for repairs year after year like they did?


    Even if the Emperor''s treasury wasn''t empty, no emperor would think they had too much money.


    Jiang Xinyue nced at the Xuanwu Emperor. His brows were furrowed, his eyes flickered with an obscure light, and his lips were pressed into a tight line, appearing displeased.


    But she noticed that his right hand was turning the jade ring on his left thumb, and the frequency of the turning was not heavy, but rather light and quick.


    He wanted the Qin family''s assets, but he didn''t want people to think he was a greedy emperor.


    Although his desire for these things was for the betterment of the Great Yan Dynasty, it still wouldn''t sound good if spoken aloud.


    Once she understood his attitude, Jiang Xinyue knew what to do.


    She stepped forward and, under Qin Ruofang''s anxious gaze, helped her up from the ground and smiled gently at her: "Miss Qin, for the sake of your parents and sister, you dared to block the imperial procession. Your courage is truly admirable. Not only do thedies present feel for you, but I too find it hard to bear."


    The beautiful Imperial Noble Consort looked at the Emperor and said coquettishly: "Your Majesty, why don''t you grant Miss Qin''s request? Let her enter the Bureau of Pce Affairs, even if it''s just to make some beautiful hairpins for me! I''ve heard of the Qin Family Jewelry Pavilion even in the pce! Won''t you indulge me just this once?"


    All the men present felt their hearts soften.


    If such a beauty were to coo and plead with them like this, even walls of copper and iron would open a gap for her.


    Who could resist that?


    The Xuanwu Emperor indicated that he too couldn''t resist. Those eyes that were filled with frost a moment ago now revealed a tenderness rarely shown when looking at Jiang Xinyue: "Since it''s Yue''er''s request, how could I refuse?"


    He turned to look at Tang Shiliang: "We will leave one ship here. You apany Miss Qin to handle her family affairs, thene together to the temporary pce. At that time, We will arrange for a female official from the Bureau of Pce Affairs to rece you."


    "This ve obeys the imperial decree."


    Qin Ruofang showed gratitude on her face, thanking the Emperor while also bowing to Jiang Xinyue.


    After this little episode, everyone understood more clearly that the Imperial Noble Consort held an unshakeable position in the Emperor''s heart.


    "Ugh... ugh..."


    The luxurious ships crowded together on the water''s surface, heading towards Qin Province. From the cabin of the main ship came the sound of violent dry heaving.


    "It''s too awful, really too awful... wah..."


    Xi Que fanned her nose and quietly opened the cabin window to let in fresh air. Wet Nurse Lu, who had vomited until she was pale, rushed over and leaned out the window to breathe the fresh air.


    But then wave after wave came, her stomach churned, and her head spun terribly: "I... I feel like I''m about to die."


    "Tut tut tut..."


    Xi Que brewed her some tangerine peel water while saying: "What nonsense are you talking? We''ll be there in half a day, just bear with it a little longer."


    "Xi Que..."


    Shuang Jiang knocked on the door: "How is Wet Nurse Lu? Can Her Highnesse in?"


    Xi Que quickly jumped up, fanned all the odors out the window, and only after making sure there were no unpleasant smells left did she run over to open the door: "Your Highness, Shuang Jiang, you''ve finallye. Wet Nurse Lu is almost vomited to death."


    Jiang Xinyue stepped aside: "Yan the Imperial Physician, you go in and check on her first."


    After Yan the Imperial Physician entered, Jiang Xinyue followed. She was startled when she saw Wet Nurse Lu''s sicklyplexion.


    She had thought the Princess, who got motion sickness in carriages, would certainly get seasick, so she had prepared countless motion sickness medicines and various sour, spicy, sweet and sour snacks and foods for the Princess.


    Before departure, Xiao Xiangzi had done a preliminary investigation and found that no one in Hexi Pce got motion sickness or seasickness. They had all overlooked the fact that Wet Nurse Lu had lived in a vige before and had never even left that small vige, let alone ridden in a sedan chair or taken a boat on a long journey.


    After Yan the Imperial Physician took her pulse, he wrote a prescription and was about to go with Xiao Xiangzi to get the medicine, but Wet Nurse Lu waved her hand: "I won''t take medicine. I still have to... I still have to nurse the Sixth Prince. I can''t take medicine."


    She feared that if the drugs entered her body and the Sixth Prince drank her milk, it might be poisonous.


    Hearing this, Jiang Xinyue''s heart softened even more: "Don''t worry, the medicine Yan the Imperial Physician prescribes will certainly have no effect on the Sixth Prince."


    Wet Nurse Lu shook her head: "How could it have no effect? All medicine is somewhat toxic. Your Highness doesn''t understand. This ve won''t take it. This ve... ugh... can endure."


    Jiang Xinyue thought for a moment: "Then, Yan the Imperial Physician, prescribe her some tangerine peel water. Xi Que will brew it for Wet Nurse Lu to drinkter."


    Hearing it was tangerine peel water, Wet Nurse Lu didn''t object. That stuff could prevent babies from getting gas, so drinking it wouldn''t hurt.


    She was simple-minded and couldn''t read the eye signals exchanged between the Imperial Noble Consort, Yan the Imperial Physician, and Xi Que.


    In the end, what reached her hands was still a bowl of motion sickness medicine prepared by Yan the Imperial Physician that would have no effect on the Sixth Prince.


    After drinking it, Wet Nurse Lu felt much better and even remarked to Nanny Xiang: "No wonder the pce''s tangerine peel water is so much more effective than what we have in the countryside. My head isn''t even dizzy anymore."


    Nanny Xiang nced at the smiling Jiang Xinyue and put the Sixth Prince in Wet Nurse Lu''s arms: "The Sixth Prince is hungry. Hurry and feed him!"


    If this simpleton kept talking, Her Highness might reward her with eight or ten catties of tangerine peel.


    The Emperor had dealt with such a major case of corrupt officials today, and there were still many matters to arrange, so he went to the front to discuss with his ministers.


    The magistrate of Guiyang County and the governor of Qin Province were both dismissed. The intricacies involved in this couldn''t be settled in just a few words.


    Qin Province was located in a remote area, cool year-round but notcking in ample sunlight. Many Chinese schr trees were nted along the riverbanks in Qin Province.


    The yellow and green leaves mixed together on the full branches, creating a rich and colorful picture.


    Most stunning and beautiful were its pale green flowers, though it was hard to tell if they were flowers or fruits. Like littlenterns strung together, they spun as they fell through the air.


    A shower of these flowers could make painters lose themselves in its beautiful splendor.


    With such beautiful scenery along the way, Jiang Xinyue didn''t feel bored. The concubines in the back pce were now banding together, ostracizing her, the Imperial Noble Consort who solely held the Emperor''s favor.


    But what did it matter?


    Jiang Xinyue had no interest in such fake sisterhood.


    Believing there could be true friendship between women in the back pce would be the biggest joke of all.


    The beautiful scenery made the day pass quickly.


    By the time all the ships docked, night had fallen.


    Officials who had been waiting since morning lined the shore. In the brightntern light, Jiang Xinyue finally felt steady on her feet as she stepped ontond.


    Wet Nurse Lu seemed toe back to life as well, looking here and there, finding everything novel and interesting.


    However, she carefully remembered Nanny Xiang''s instructions: don''t make eye contact with anyone, don''t step out of the protective circle, and follow Xi Que and the others step by step.

 Chapter 250

    "Oh!"


    As the Emperor was hurrying towards Jiang Xinyue, he passed by Ye Qiang''er, who let out a surprised cry and fell towards him. They were still on the wooden bridge between the boat and the dock, and if she fell, she would end up in the water, inevitably dying their journey. The Xuanwu Emperor reached out to catch her but intended to pull away immediately. However, Concubine Ye clung to his arm with her entire body, saying, "Your Majesty, my foot is sprained."


    In other words, she couldn''t walk.


    Ye Qiang''er''s seductive eyes looked pitifully at the Emperor as she dared to wrap her arms around his shoulder, "Your Majesty, could you carry me over?"


    She was charming and bold, quite different from the reserved concubines in the harem. However, her approach was off the mark.


    The Emperor''s face darkened, and he shouted at the maidservants who had apanied Concubine Ye, "Are you all dead? Don''t you know to help your mistress when she falls? Do you expect me to serve you?"


    "We dare not!"


    The two maidservants quickly went over and pulled Ye Qiang''er off the Emperor, who then left with an unpleasant expression.


    Ye Qiang''er''s face looked as if she had eaten something disgusting, causing the surrounding concubines to smirk.


    "Look at her earlier disy, asking the Emperor to carry her. Who does she think she is? It''sughable."


    "Such low-level tactics to gain favor in front of the Emperor. Does she think he hasn''t seen the world?"


    "The Emperor likes women like the Imperial Noble Consort. She''s no different from the girls in brothels, throwing herself at him, utterly vulgar."


    If the Emperor were that easy to seduce, countless women in the harem would have tried.


    He might not necessarily like Jiang Xinyue''s personality, but he definitely dislikes women who openly seduce him in public.


    After a considerable dy, the Internal Affairs Bureau finally escorted Jiang Xinyue to the ChuangChun Pavilion, where the Xuanwu Emperor caught up.


    He patted the powder on his clothes, "Xinyue, this is the residence I specially arranged for you. Go in and see if you like it?"


    Although the ChuangChun Pavilion was not thergest or best in the imperial pce, it was the closest to the Emperor''s Jiuzhou Qingyan Hall. The scenery inside was like a fairnd, hence the name.


    Xi Que and Shuang Jiang, who were visiting the imperial pce for the first time, were amazed by the beauty around them, their eyes struggling to take it all in.


    Jiang Xinyue also felt that while ancient architects might not have the advanced machinery of modern builders, their wisdom was undeniable. The pavilions, water features, andkes were ingeniously crafted, exquisitely beautiful.


    The ChuangChun Pavilion was filled with vibrant flowers, and a series of artificial hills and flowing water designs ran through the entire courtyard. The sound of flowing water and mist created an ethereal atmosphere.


    No wonder this garden is called the Pavilion of Immortals.


    "I like it very much," Jiang Xinyue smiled. "Where will the Emperor be staying?"


    The Xuanwu Emperor took her hand and led her to the pavilion. From the corridor connecting the pavilion to the front buildings, he pointed to a magnificent garden not far away, "That is where I will stay, the Jiuzhou Qingyan Hall."


    From here, she could see the pce servants sweeping outside the Jiuzhou Qingyan Hall.


    It was too close, really too close.


    Jiang Xinyue suspected that if her little prince cried loudly, the Emperor could hear it from the Jiuzhou Qingyan Hall.


    There were also various gardens around the ChuangChun Pavilion, all under its name. In the past, they were for the residence of the imperial concubines. However, this time the Emperor brought fewer concubines, and for the safety of the sixth prince, the surrounding areas were filled with Jiang Xinyue''s own people.


    The outermost areas were upied by guards responsible for protecting the Imperial Noble Consort and the sixth prince.


    In the Lan Yue Pavilion¡ª


    Noble Lady Liu Xiaoxiao covered her nose with a handkerchief, disdainfully looking around, "Even the servants of the Imperial Noble Consort can stay in the ChuangChun Pavilion, while we concubines are relegated to this remote ce. Those Internal Affairs Bureau eunuchs, with their snobbish attitudes, will get theireuppance sooner orter."


    Concubine Ye immediately agreed, "Noble Lady Liu is right. It''s true that different people have different fates. Concubine Cheng also lives in the Lan Yue Pavilion with us."


    "How can shepare to the Imperial Noble Consort?"


    "What kind of different fate is that?"


    Noble Lady Liu snorted coldly, "Thinking that being favored by the Emperor for a couple of days makes her special. She looks down on everything with disdain, acting all high and mighty. Who is she trying to impress?"


    Whenever she thought of Cheng Nianhe being noticed by the Emperor only because she was used as a foil, Liu Xiaoxiao wished she could strangle her.


    "And you!"


    Unable to find fault with Concubine Cheng, Noble Lady Liu vented her anger on Concubine Ye, "What were you doing just now? Spraining your foot? I see you''re lively as ever. Which foot did you sprain?"


    She didn''t even pretend well; what a useless fool, always causingughter.


    Concubine Ye blushed, unable to utter a word.


    Daring to take a chance might give her a slim opportunity. If she didn''t take the initiative, when would she ever?


    The women in the pce have only a few years of youth. They entered the pce for the selection two years ago at the age of fifteen, and now they are eighteen, virtually. If they don''t gain favor next spring during the new selection, who will remember them?


    Concubine Ye felt that even if she became theughingstock of the harem, it was better than being forgotten.


    The garden at the easternmost part of the Lan Yue Pavilion was ingeniously designed. The eunuch from the Internal Affairs Bureau escorted Concubine Cheng there and then left.


    Her maidservant looked around and thought the same as Noble Lady Ye, "Your Highness, the Emperor is too biased. The lowest servants of the Imperial Noble Consort can stay in the ChuangChun Pavilion, while we have to squeeze into the Lan Yue Pavilion with so many people. Noble Lady Liu and Concubine Ye don''t know how they will mock us."


    Concubine Cheng smiled lightly, showing no sign of resentment, "Why do you care what they say? I can''t stay in the ChuangChun Pavilion, nor can they. Look at the other concubines, they can''t even stay in the Lan Yue Pavilion. We''re already quite fortunate."


    "That''s true."


    The maidservant was easily convinced, "Consort Zhang, Court Lady Zheng, and Consort Zhang, who came with us on the same boat, don''t know where they''ve been arranged. Consort Jiang, who is close to the Imperial Noble Consort, has been ced in the Dong Zhao Garden, which is next to the ChuangChun Pavilion."


    She looked curiously at her mistress, "Why don''t we align ourselves with the Imperial Noble Consort? She already has absolute power in the harem, three princes under her care, and who can rival her?"


    Concubine Cheng walked into the garden, unhurriedly, "Gaining some small benefits by currying favor with her is not what I want. It''s better to start as adversaries. Using her former tactics to challenge her now, if I''m lucky enough to win, I will be more favored than her. Why lower myself to be herpdog?"


    The maidservant nodded, though not fully understanding, and suppressed her doubts, retreating.


    How could her mistress think she could defeat the Imperial Noble Consort?

 Chapter 251

    Perhaps the mistress has already thought of a solution!


    As servants, we should mind less of our master''s business.


    On the first day at the summer pce, everyone was exhausted from the long journey, so only a simple evening meal was arranged. Each person retired to their assigned gardens to rest after dining.


    However, there were exceptions.


    After dinner, Noble Lady Liu invited Consort Zhang, Court Lady Zheng, and Concubine Ye to explore the gardens together.


    Consort Zhang was not included in their invitation, as everyone knew she had fallen out of favor.


    Who would waste time socializing with someone who couldn''t bring them any benefits?


    Jiang Xinyue had been well taken care of and had spent most of the day sleeping on the boat, so naturally, she wasn''t tired.


    Inter times, the Chinese treasure Summer Pce would be looted and burned by the shameless Eight-Nation Alliance, preventing future generations from witnessing its stunning beauty in person.


    Though this summer retreat wasn''t as ingeniously designed as the Summer Pce, it still showcased the ancient people''s wisdom and craftsmanship. In Jiang Xinyue''s modern perspective, besides the Summer Pce, she had never seen such magnificent ancient architecture.


    Wet Nurse Lu and the eldest princess, both suffering from motion sickness, stayed behind to rest at the ChuangChun Pavilion. The Sixth Prince, being in an unfamiliar ce, was also left behind under the care of Nanny Xiang and Shuang Jiang to ensure hisfort.


    Initially, Jiang Xinyue didn''t want Xi Que toe out, but Xi Que, leaning on her crutch and dragging her injured leg, refused to miss this beautiful scenery and insisted on joining the garden tour.


    Concubine Cheng was the most favored among their batch of neers and held the highest rank. Even if Noble Lady Liu didn''t invite her, others would.


    "Your Highness, look, it seems someone is releasingnterns over there."


    In the winding clearke below, several uniquely designednterns floated downstream, their faint light swaying in the water, adding more artistic charm to the beautiful scene.


    Concubine Cheng had released herntern and was the first to open her eyes, while the others remained crouched by the riverbank, eyes closed, making wishes.


    In the distance, the Imperial Noble Consort was traveling with a long line of pce servants and guards, quite eye-catching. When Noble Lady Liu and others stood up, Jiang Xinyue''s group had just reached the corner, hidden by shrubs.


    Concubine Cheng pretended not to notice and sighed, "Thenterns we release only carry our sisterly delusions. His Majesty cherishes the Imperial Noble Consort so much, how would he care about our feelings?"


    Consort Zhang and Court Lady Zheng, who had never even seen the Emperor, became emotional upon hearing this: "Before entering the pce, father repeatedly instructed me to gain the Emperor''s favor and bring glory to our family, but who would have thought..."


    Who would have thought that after Noble Consort Li left, an even more formidable Imperial Noble Consort would arrive.


    The conversation had turned rather mncholic at this point.


    Noble Lady Liu, both defiant and dissatisfied with Concubine Cheng''s mood-breakingment, blurted out, "Cheng Nianhe, if you really feel that way, you might as well pack up and go home! We entered the pce to fight for our ce in the harem and seek benefits for our families. What''s the point of boosting others'' confidence while dampening our own spirits?"


    She narrowed her eyes: "What? Are you scared because I mentionedst time that the Imperial Noble Consort wouldn''t let you off? It doesn''t matter if you''re scared, but we''re not afraid of her. No matter how powerful she is, she can''t dispose of us as she pleases - we are the Emperor''s women."


    With no one stopping her, she became more excited: "Just a dancer''s daughter, even though the Emperor ordered Minister Jiang to elevate her to the position of equal wife, it can''t change her lowborn blood. Being Imperial Noble Consort is already her limit. Why can''t wepete for an even higher position?"


    Such as... the vacant position of Empress.


    Though she didn''t say it out loud, her ambitious eyes betrayed her thoughts.


    "How dare you!"


    Xi Que, truly remarkable, rolled up her sleeves and limped over, delivering a hard p to Noble Lady Liu''s upturned face: "You dare speak disrespectfully about the Imperial Noble Consort! ording to pce rules, this warrants thirty ps. Noble Lady Liu, kneel down for your punishment!"


    Liu Xiaoxiao, already furious from the first p, was outraged at the prospect of receiving thirty more.


    "You mere¡ª"


    Just as she was about to resist, she saw the Imperial Noble Consort emerge from behind the shrubs with her entourage, smiling: "My apologies, I wasn''t intentionally eavesdropping. I just happened to walk by when I heard Noble Lady Liu calling my bloodline lowborn."


    "This concubine... this concubine didn''t mean to... it was..."


    "Oh?"


    Jiang Xinyue gave a coldugh: "Not meant to? So it was intentional then. Xiao Xiangzi!"


    She gave Xiao Xiangzi a look, who immediately rushed over, grabbed Noble Lady Liu''s shoulder, twisted her arm, and kicked the back of her knee, forcing her to kneel.


    "Xi Que, p her!"


    "p! p! p..."


    The sharp sound of ps apanied by Noble Lady Liu''s muffled groans made the others'' scalps tingle. They all knelt with hunched shoulders, praying that the Imperial Noble Consort would calm down after punishing Noble Lady Liu, or they would all be in big trouble.


    After all, it was Noble Lady Liu''s own mouth that got her into trouble, having nothing to do with them.


    Jiang Xinyue''s gaze fell on Cheng Nianhe, who kept her head lowered, appearing respectful, obedient, and lovely.


    After thirty ps, Xi Que''s hands and feet were numb, but thankfully supported by Xiao Xiangzi, she maintained her imposing manner as she returned to Jiang Xinyue''s side, hiding her trembling right hand behind her back.


    With loosened teeth and a burning face, Noble Lady Liu copsed on the ground, feeling dizzy and about to faint.


    A strong taste of blood filled her mouth, and she spat out a mouthful of bloody saliva.


    Just when they breathed a sigh of relief, thinking the Imperial Noble Consort would leave after venting her anger, those expensive embroidered shoes adorned with tworge pearls stopped in front of Concubine Cheng.


    "p!"


    "Hiss¡ª"


    The Imperial Noble Consort actually personally pped Concubine Cheng.


    Everyone drew in a sharp breath, not understanding why she suddenly struck the "kind and fragile" Concubine Cheng.


    Cheng Nianhe herself was stunned, feeling both angry and humiliated. She raised her neck to look at Jiang Xinyue: "Imperial Noble Consort, why did you strike this concubine?"


    "Because you addressed me as Imperial Noble Consort."


    This had a simr effect to the famous drama line "Why pick a specific day to hit you when I can do it whenever I want?"


    Cheng Nianhe wanted to continue acting, with defiant tears already welling up in her eyes: "You!"


    "Noble Lady Liu..."


    However, Jiang Xinyue pressed her hand wearing sharp nail guards onto Concubine Cheng''s shoulder. The sharp guards dug into her flesh, making it difficult for her to maintain her kneeling position.


    But her words were directed at Liu Xiaoxiao: "Let me give you some advice - don''t always let yourself be used as a pawn by those with ulterior motives. The beating you received today was well-deserved."


    What did she mean?


    As everyone slowly processed the meaning of these words, was the Imperial Noble Consort suggesting that... Concubine Cheng had set up Noble Lady Liu?


    This batch of courtdies wasn''t very bright - even when things were spelled out so clearly, they still seemed confused. How frustrating!


    Jiang Xinyue patted Concubine Cheng forcefully a few times: "When I wasing from that direction earlier, didn''t Concubine Cheng see me?"


    Now everyone understood.

 Chapter 252

    Concubine Cheng only made those provocative remarks after seeing the Imperial Noble Consort.


    She knew full well that Noble Lady Liu was impulsive and hot-tempered, speaking without thinking, and she deliberately timed it so the Imperial Noble Consort would hear her treasonous words.


    Consort Zhang and Court Lady Zheng looked at Concubine Cheng with surprise in their eyes, but their previous trust and closeness had been reced with wariness.


    As the Imperial Noble Consort had said, not a single p given to Noble Lady Liu had been wasted.


    She was teaching Noble Lady Liu a lesson!


    Thirty ps were worth it to see through a hypocrite''s true nature - she wouldn''t be fooled by her schemes again.


    Just moments ago, Noble Lady Liu had insulted the Imperial Noble Consort''s lowly origins, yet the Imperial Noble Consort still offered guidance despite the offense. The Imperial Noble Consort was truly kindhearted.


    Noble Lady Liu''s muddled mind had been somewhat cleared by the beating, and she red at Concubine Cheng as if she wanted to devour her.


    Jiang Xinyue withdrew her hand, and Xi Que immediately offered a handkerchief for her mistress to wipe her hands,ining that Concubine Cheng''s face powder had dirtied her mistress''s hands.


    "If you want to fight, then openly challenge me instead of always hiding behind Noble Lady Liu and using her to do your dirty work. She may be foolish, but I''m not. You act like an innocent rabbit while being a wolf in sheep''s clothing. These tricks you''re using are ones I''ve grown tired of long ago - don''t y these games in front of me. If you behave yourself, we can each go our own way without interfering with each other. But if you insist on being despicable before me, I''ll make you understand very clearly why I am the Imperial Noble Consort while you''re merely a lowly concubine."


    The crowd that had gathered departed as dramatically as they had arrived.


    Jiang Xinyue wouldn''t let this minor incident affect her enjoyment of the garden.


    As women''s screams and chaos erupted behind her, she quickly made her escape.


    They were all troublemakers - let them fight amongst themselves like dogs.


    "Cheng Nianhe, I''ll tear your lying mouth apart, you ck-hearted wretch! I took such good care of you back in Chuxiu Pce, and this is how you repay me? Don''t hold me back - I''ll tear apart anyone who tries to stop me!"


    "Those thirty ps - I''ll return every single one! You owe me this!"


    The crisp sound of ps and Concubine Cheng''s screams were exactly what Jiang Xinyue had anticipated.


    If Concubine Cheng wanted to use Noble Lady Liu to harm her, why couldn''t she use Noble Lady Liu to make Concubine Cheng suffer the consequences of her own actions?


    Being the champion of pce intrigue wasn''t just for show.


    Walking to a secluded bamboo grove, where the wind made the leaves rustle with a peaceful sound, the vast expanse of deep green was a sight that brought peace to one''s soul.


    Suddenly, the sound of a flute drifted from within the bamboo grove, its melody flowing and graceful, indicating the yer''s good mood.


    As a modern person, Jiang Xinyue hadn''t undergone the strict training of ancient nobledies in poetry, music, chess, calligraphy, and painting - she knew a little of each but wasn''t particrly skilled in any.


    All she could think was: "Wow! That sounds amazing!"


    Light footsteps approached, and Xie Chenghui opened his eyes, causing his flute melody to falter.


    He immediately stopped ying and bowed with a reddened face: "This humble servant greets the Imperial Noble Consort."


    Jiang Xinyue smiled, her earlier bad mood from being insultedpletely dissipating at the sight of the handsome young man: "So it''s Artist Xie. I thought it might have been one of the consorts ying! I hope I haven''t disturbed you?"


    Had she known Artist Xie was here, she would havee anyway - who doesn''t enjoy looking at a cute puppy-like young man?


    Looking was fine - it was just her feminine nature, and she wouldn''t harbor any inappropriate thoughts.


    Although she often joked internally about keeping the son and discarding the father, fantasizing about being surrounded by handsome men, she still felt grateful to the Xuanwu Emperor, who doted on her and gave her everything she wanted, even if there wasn''t love.


    If he didn''t favor and dote on her, she would have been a nobody today, struggling and scheming at the bottom like Concubine Cheng and the others.


    "How could the Imperial Noble Consort''s presence be a disturbance? Your arrival has brought radiance to this quiet ce."


    Even this honest man''spliments were pleasant to hear.


    Jiang Xinyue looked at the flute in his hands, noticing it was made of jade - something quite rare, as she had never seen anyone y a jade flute before.


    Seeing her curious gaze on his flute, Xie Chenghui hurriedly offered it to her.


    "No need, I was just..."


    "What are you doing?"


    Earlier at Jiuzhou Qingyan, the Xuanwu Emperor had received a secret letter iming the Imperial Noble Consort was having an affair with Xie Chenghui. He hadn''t believed it at first.


    But the letter was insistent and mentioned that Xie Chenghui had secretly kept a portrait of Jiang Xinyue. He had sent people to search Xie Chenghui''s residence and indeed found a portrait of a woman. Though the face wasn''t painted, the figure and clothing resembled Jiang Xinyue.


    Now, seeing the two standing together in such harmony, the Xuanwu Emperor felt a surge of anger and inexplicable jealousy.


    It felt as if his internal organs were being consumed by mes, wanting to burn everything he saw to ashes.


    "This humble servant..."


    "Silence!"


    The Xuanwu Emperor roared, striding forward with an intimidating gaze fixed on Jiang Xinyue: "I was asking you - what are you doing here?"


    Jiang Xinyue was startled by his shout. Looking behind him, she saw her pce servants who she had left outside had now followed him in, heads bowed, afraid to face the emperor''s wrath.


    She studied the emperor''s expression with slight annoyance: "You don''t think..."


    "Think what?"


    Consort Yu, who shouldn''t have been there, arrived with a group of concubines: "Think that you''re having an affair with Artist Xie?"


    She sneered, throwing the faceless beauty portrait confiscated from Xie Chenghui''s residence at Jiang Xinyue''s feet: "See for yourself. If there wasn''t an affair, why would Artist Xie paint you? Your Majesty, when I asked Artist Xie to paint my portrait before, he clearly said he doesn''t paint portraits of people. Yet now we find the Imperial Noble Consort''s portrait in his possession - how do you exin this?"


    Consort Yu, seemingly excited to finally have caught Jiang Xinyue in wrongdoing, continued eagerly: "The two of you, alone together in this dark ce, with your servants left outside - if this isn''t a secret rendezvous, what is it? Your Majesty, please severely punish the Imperial Noble Consort. Don''t let such improper behavior taint the imperial harem."


    "Please punish the Imperial Noble Consort severely and cleanse the pce of such misconduct!"


    "Consort Yu speaks as if she was hiding under my bed watching everything."


    "With so many witnesses, are you still trying to deny it?"


    "Deny what?"


    Jiang Xinyue''s anger red up, her eyes zing as she stared directly at the Xuanwu Emperor: "Did you see us embracing? Or kissing? Or lying naked together in bed? Your Majesty, please tell your consort what exactly you saw?"


    Indeed!


    When they had entered, the Imperial Noble Consort and Artist Xie were standing two people''s width apart, appearing to be having a normal conversation.

 Chapter 253

    After his brief anger subsided, the Xuanwu Emperor regained hisposure. He nced between the furious Jiang Xinyue and the refined, upright Xie Chenghui, his lips moving as if to say, "I..."


    "You im I had a secret liaison with Painter Xie?"


    Jiang Xinyue let out a cold snort. "If I truly wanted to defile the imperial harem, none of you would be able to catch me. I would have done it quietly and discreetly, not foolishly parading around with all the pce servants in tow, making a grand spectacle of meeting a lover, letting everyone know I came here. If you want to frame me, at least use more sophisticated methods."


    Her chest heaved violently, clearly enraged. She picked up the painting from the ground and threw it at the Xuanwu Emperor. "Based on a faceless painting, you baselessly use me of defiling the pce! Fine then! Just execute me now - I don''t care to be Imperial Noble Consort anymore!"


    "Jiang Xinyue!"


    The Xuanwu Emperor shouted angrily, feeling as though she constantly gave the impression of wanting to leave him.


    "Whenever something happens, you threaten to leave the pce, and now you say you don''t want to be Imperial Noble Consort anymore. What do you take me for? What do you take my imperial harem for?"


    Was she really so disgusted, so unwilling to stay by his side?


    "Then what does Your Majesty take me for?"


    Having alreadymitted the offense of defiance, Jiang Xinyue decided to bepletely rebellious: "Your Majesty summons me at will and dismisses me just as easily. At others'' mere gossip, Your Majesty doubts my loyalty - what do you take me for?"


    "Consort Yu, you say that painting was found in my humble residence?"


    "Could this be false?"


    Consort Yu held her head high, looking at Jiang Xinyue and the court painter with contempt. "I had long suspected something was amiss between you two. When you left, I received a secret message saying you and Painter Xie were nning to elope. I immediately gave chase, and even His Majesty received the news, which is why he sent people to search Painter Xie''s residence, where they indeed found this painting. Jiang Xinyue, His Majesty treats you so well - how could you betray his trust like this?"


    "Wait!"


    Xie Chenghui couldn''t help butugh, saying with exasperation: "Who told Consort Yu that this crude painting was done by me?"


    Consort Yu was stunned. "It was found in your residence - if not yours, then whose is it?"


    Instead of answering her, Xie Chenghui gave his young attendant a meaningful look. The boy, who had been worried sick about his master, immediately understood and set down his book basket,ying out fine Xuan paper on the stone table in the bamboo grove, and began preparing the ink and brushes.


    His master often traveled far to explore, and his attendants always carried painting supplies so he could capture the beauty of mountains,kes, and rivers at any moment.


    Today, these supplies would prove particrly useful.


    The Xuanwu Emperor closed his eyes in regret, realizing he had let jealousy ovee him and had been too harsh with Yue''er. She must be angry now.


    Meanwhile, Consort Yu continued whispering in his ear: "Your Majesty, Painter Li is right - we shouldn''t have hired these delicate pretty boys as court painters. Not only are they arrogant, but they rely on their good looks to boldly seduce pce consorts. The Imperial Noble Consort is only eighteen, how could she..."


    "What did you just say?" The Emperor''s brows furrowed. "Painter Li?"


    Jiang Xinyue also turned to look at Consort Yu. So there was no real evidence at all - Consort Yu had simply believed Painter Li''s jealous provocations and concluded she was having an affair with Painter Xie?


    Consort Yu, still unaware of her slip, smiled triumphantly at Jiang Xinyue: "Indeed! I bet the Imperial Noble Consort didn''t expect this! Hmph, there are no secrets in the pce. Painter Li said he seemed to have seen you two meeting in private, which is why I became suspicious and was able to catch your fox tail today."


    She turned to the Emperor, clutching his arm: "Your Majesty, please don''t be soft-hearted this time. Execute the Imperial Noble Consort and investigate the Sixth Prince''s parentage, lest we mix imperial bloodlines and let a bastard enjoy royal treatment. Wouldn''t that beughable? Imperial Noble..."


    "p!"


    Jiang Xinyue could tolerate usations against herself - they were enemies after all - but she couldn''t bear Consort Yu insulting the Sixth Prince.


    "You..."


    Consort Yu hadn''t expected Jiang Xinyue to be so brazen even now, daring to strike her in front of the Emperor. She raised her own hand, ready to return the p.


    "What are you doing?"


    But as she raised her hand, the Xuanwu Emperor grabbed it, his eyes piercing cold as they fell upon her.


    "Your Maj-"


    But the Emperor, as if touching something filthy, didn''t want to hear another word from her. He forcefully threw her hand aside, and if it weren''t for Shuxiang''s quick support, she would have fallen to the ground.


    "Your Majesty, this humble servant has finished painting. Pleasee and see - the painting Consort Yu brought indeed did note from my hand."


    The Xuanwu Emperor''s eyes instinctively looked toward Jiang Xinyue, but she walked straight toward Painter Xie without a sideways nce.


    Since someone could quickly prove her innocence, she needn''t waste energy defending herself. Better to see Painter Xie''s evidence first.


    The stone table was simply set with brushes, ink, and paper. Due to limited space, Xie Chenghui had even gotten some colored pigments on himself.


    He was usually fastidious and would never appear before others in such a state, but today, with both the Imperial Noble Consort''s and his own reputation at stake, he ignored his obsession with cleanliness and pointed to the painting on the stone table: "Your Majesty, please examine this. The great master Mo Ziye of the Mo Family is my teacher. The Mo Family has been making paper for generations, and the finest, most expensive paper in the Great Yan Dynastyes from my master''s hands. The paper I use for painting is all personally made by my teacher. Every painting I create has my unique seal within the paper''syers, and the paper quality differs subtly from what''s avable in the market. This colleague who wished to frame me probably didn''t know my habits and simply used pce paper, imitating my style in an attempt to destroy me. Their malicious intent was beyond my imagination."


    Xie Chenghui bowed apologetically to Jiang Xinyue: "I have implicated the Imperial Noble Consort - I deserve death. I beg Your Majesty to investigate the truth and clear both the Consort''s and my name."


    Not only did Xie Chenghui''s paper have specific markings, but just looking at the brushstrokes,position, colors, and figure poses of the two paintings, one could clearly see Xie Chenghui''s superior skill.


    That he didn''t usually paint portraits didn''t mean he couldn''t.


    He had painted both the Emperor and Empress''s portrait and the Emperor and Imperial Noble Consort''s portrait - Painter Li simply wasn''t qualified to see them.


    To think that merely imitating his style somewhat would be enough to topple him from his pedestal - they had truly underestimated his abilities.


    "Impossible!"


    The first to break down was Consort Yu, who had orchestrated this entire revtion.

 Chapter 254

    She strode over and picked up the portrait of Jiang Xinyue from the table, examining it carefully.


    In Painter Xie''s portrayal, Jiang Xinyue had skin like polished jade, a slender waist, exquisitely drawn features, and ruby-red lips with pearl-white teeth. Her vivid eyes seemed to breathe life into the otherwise static portrait, making the entire paintinge alive.


    Even the beautiful smile in the portrait seemed to mock her current unsightly behavior.


    "Consort Yu keeps insisting that I have an affair with Painter Xie, and brings forth such ridiculous evidence. You''ve brought so many concubines here to catch us in the act, hoping to see me humiliated and executed by the Emperor. You even dared to brazenly call the Sixth Prince a bastard. Your Majesty, tell me, how should such crimes be punished?"


    "Concubine Zhen!"


    A childish voice rang out from the entrance: "Concubine Zhen, I... Ming Yu apologizes on behalf of my mother. Concubine Zhen... I''m so sorry..."


    The eldest princess wept profusely, throwing herself at the feet of the Emperor and Jiang Xinyue, repeatedly kowtowing: "Father, Concubine Zhen, my mother lost her mind and was easily manipted by ill-intentioned people. I''m not trying to excuse her actions - you both know well that mother has always been foolish. Please punish her severely... but... but I beg you both to spare her life for my sake."


    "Ming Yu!"


    Consort Yu was shocked, crouching down to embrace her: "What are you doing? You..."


    The eldest princess shook her head, kneeling alongside Consort Yu, and ordered the pce maids: "Bring him in."


    Soon, Painter Li was dragged in, disheveled, and forced to kneel before Jiang Xinyue: "Imperial Noble Consort, please spare my life! I... I was merely jealous of Painter Xie''s favor with the Emperor, so I spoke ill of him behind his back. When I was painting Consort Yu''s portrait, I knew she also had grievances against Painter Xie, and when she mentioned how well-matched Imperial Noble Consort and Painter Xie were, I hatched this evil n. I encouraged Consort Yu to frame Painter Xie and Imperial Noble Consort. I know I was wrong, truly wrong..."


    He wept bitterly, but failed to evoke any sympathy from Jiang Xinyue.


    Just because he was jealous of Painter Xie''s talent, he tried to frame him for having an affair with the Emperor''s most beloved consort - wasn''t she, an innocent party, being wronged too severely?


    If the Emperor had believed it, and she and Painter Xie couldn''t prove their innocence, they both would have died.


    The Emperor''s rage might have even implicated their entire families.


    Should they pay such a heavy price merely because of his jealousy?


    The Xuanwu Emperor intended to help the eldest princess up, but catching sight of Jiang Xinyue''s expression, he withdrew his half-extended hand: "Yue''er..."


    "Has the eldest princess considered this carefully?"


    Given Jiang Xinyue''s character, she wasn''t one to strike hard but let go easily.


    Anyone who tried to scheme against her would receive double in return.


    Consort Yu had plotted against her life; ording to her principles, it demanded a life in return.


    "If the eldest princess insists on pleading for Consort Yu today, then from this day forward, our friendship will be over. If Consort Yu dares to try anything again, I won''t just deal with her - I''ll settle ounts with you as well."


    Otherwise, Consort Yu would think she was truly kindhearted and wouldn''t harm the eldest princess, emboldening her to continue attacking and even trying to harm the Sixth Prince.


    The eldest princess bowed deeply to the ground: "Concubine Zhen, I will forever remember your kindness to me. If you spare my mother''s life this time, I will ensure she never causes trouble again. If there is a next time, you may deal with her as you see fit, and I will have noints."


    She knew Consort Yu''s actions were worthy of death, but she was still her mother!


    She couldn''t abandon her.


    Jiang Xinyue took a deep breath, casting a cold nce at the Xuanwu Emperor, her heart full of anger: "While the capital offense may be pardoned, punishment cannot be avoided. Your Majesty may handle this as you see fit! I am tired and will take my leave."


    She gave a perfunctory curtsy and departed amid the trembling gazes of the other concubines.


    This time, they had all been badlypromised by Consort Yu.


    The Xuanwu Emperor wanted to follow immediately, but there was still a mess to deal with, and he couldn''t just walk away.


    Grinding his teeth in frustration, he furiously turned to Painter Li: "Take this man away and execute him! As for Consort Yu, for leaving the pce without permission, ndering the Imperial Noble Consort, and speaking ill of the Sixth Prince, she shall receive fortyshes and be demoted to Low Level Consort Yu, relocated to Yanxi Pce. Consort Jiang is hereby promoted to Noble Lady Jiang and granted residence in the main hall of Shunan Pce."


    Not only was she beaten, but she was also demoted from consort to a lower rank, and even Consort Jiang, who once had to bow to her, was now promoted above her. Getting her current residence reassigned to Noble Lady Jiang was a clear slight - was this showing everyone the consequences of falsely using the Imperial Noble Consort?


    The assembled concubines exchanged nces. Of all who came to catch the supposed affair tonight, except for the neers from Lanyue Pavilion who hadn''te, only Consort Jiang had stayed out of it and even benefited.


    Low Level Consort Yu, born to a noble family and raised in luxury, had never experienced physical punishment. Fortyshes would if not kill her, take half her life.


    After announcing the punishments, the Emperor hurriedly left, leaving behind a group of concubines discussing Consort Yu: "I only came because she said she had solid evidence of Imperial Noble Consort''s affair with Painter Xie. Now look what happened - we''ve lost everything and gained nothing."


    "We shouldn''t have knelt down earlier to ask the Emperor to punish Imperial Noble Consort. From the Emperor''s attitude, it seems even if she did something to wrong him, he wouldn''t bear to punish her severely."


    "We were just trying our luck, weren''t we? Fortunately, we weren''t the masterminds, just deceived by Consort... hmpf! By Low Level Consort Yu."


    "Exactly! Surely Imperial Noble Consort won''t take revenge on us! All the offensive words were spoken by Low Level Consort Yu, we didn''t say anything!"


    "The Sixth Prince''s face is exactly like the Emperor''s, how could Low Level Consort Yu say he was... she''s truly foolish."


    "Enough! However low Low Level Consort Yu has fallen, she still has the eldest princess! The Emperor dotes on his princess and princes. If your words reach his ears, how could that end well?"


    "Alright, alright, it''ste. Let''s go back to sleep!"


    "Painter Xie! Lord Xie!"


    Painter Li, who was about to be dragged away for execution, was terrified out of his wits. He crawled to Xie Chenghui''s feet like a dog: "I was wrong, I was just running my mouth, I really didn''t know Consort Yu would be foolish enough to bring this to the Emperor. Lord Xie, please save me. If you just plead with Imperial Noble Consort on my behalf, I''ll serve you like an ox or horse to repay you, I..."


    Xie Chenghui stepped back two paces, his clear eyes showing a trace of killing intent. Before the eunuchs and guards could rush forward, he said something in an extremely low voice.


    Painter Li instantly fell silent...

 Chapter 255

    "You''re absolutely right. I indeed... have feelings for the Imperial Noble Consort."


    So how dare you put her in danger?


    Xie Chenghui smiled and patted Painter Li''s shoulder, watching him being dragged away by the guards with a dazed expression before his gaze softened again.


    How could he possibly paint the Imperial Noble Consort in private?


    If he could help it, he never wanted to paint her in his lifetime.


    Because love would inevitably flow through the brush strokes - anyone who understood painting could see the emotions within.


    The portrait of the Imperial Noble Consort he had justpleted showed less than twenty percent of his true skill, because he feared that if he put too much heart into it, it might one day be evidence for others to attack her.


    Loving her was his burden alone - why drag her brilliant self into bottomless suffering?


    Xie Chenghui touched the dried paint on the hem of his clothes, then packed up his things with his apprentice and left the bamboo grove.


    "Yue''er!"


    Having finally caught up with Jiang Xinyue, both parties had stopped outside the Changchun Pavilion.


    Without the crowd watching, Jiang Xinyue no longer needed to maintain appearances for the Emperor.


    The Emperor grabbed her sleeve; she shook it off. He grabbed it again; she shook it off again...


    After this repeated four or five times, Jiang Xinyue suddenly turned and pushed him away, her eyes full of disappointment: "Why does Your Majesty follow such a fickle and unfaithful woman as me? Still wanting to catch me in the act? Want to see how many lovers I have?"


    "That''s not what I meant."


    The Xuanwu Emperor, knowing he was in the wrong, pleaded humbly: "I was just... just jealous."


    "Let''s go, let''s go!"


    Wang Dequan waved his hand: "Everyone leave! Why are you all standing here? Xi Que, take them back and get to your duties."


    Xi Que looked quite disgruntled, wondering why she was singled out among so many people.


    Making her look like a troublemaker.


    Xiao Xiangzi quickly pulled away Xi Que, who was still trying to exchange res with Wang Dequan. The servants from Hexi Pce, hoping the misunderstanding between their mistress and the Emperor would be resolved quickly, all entered the Changchun Pavilion.


    Wang Dequan himself moved to a spot where he couldn''t hear the masters talking but could still see them.


    The servants from the Nine Provinces Pce naturally followed the head eunuch''s lead, doing as he did.


    Only after all the maids and eunuchs had cleared out did the Emperor clear his throat with his fist against his lips, awkwardly saying: "Yue''er, I''m thirty-two this year, while you''re only eighteen, in the prime of your youth and beauty. When I saw you standing with Xie Chenghui, your shy smile, the way he looked at you... it seemed like you two should be the perfect match of talented schr and beautifuldy. I felt ufortable, like there was anger I didn''t know how to release, so..."


    "So Your Majesty felt justified in following Noble Lady Yu''s suggestion and using me of having an affair with Painter Xie? Does Your Majesty understand what reputation means to a consort?"


    Jiang Xinyue said with tears in her eyes: "It means life and death, it means my children would be left motherless, it means my entire family would be implicated and die because of me, it means I... I..."


    She grew more agitated as she spoke, directly pushing away the Emperor''s outstretched hand, screaming: "Don''t touch me! Nobody touch me!"


    Her whole body trembled as she tried to control her emotional state. Taking several deep breaths, she stepped backward: "Your Majesty was jealous, yet made me bear the consequences of your jealousy. By what right? If Your Majesty truly loved me as an equal, then I ask you - by what right?"


    "I..."


    "I''m tired. Your Majesty should reflect well on today''s actions! I take my leave."


    She truly didn''t even give the Xuanwu Emperor a chance to speak.


    "Bang!"


    The loud m of the door hit the Emperor squarely in the face. Though it didn''t physically strike him, it felt like a p to his heart, making him flinch.


    From the sound, he knew Xi Que had closed the door.


    The moon hanging in the night sky was very full, its clear light spilling onto the stone steps before the Changchun Pavilion. The Emperor sighed and truly began to reflect on his rash actions today.


    Yue''er was right - he shouldn''t have made her bear the consequences of his jealousy.


    She and Painter Xie werepletely innocent, yet he had questioned her virtue in front of so many people - how could she face anyone?


    No wonder Yue''er was so angry; he had truly done wrong this time.


    How could Yue''er possibly be someone who judged by appearances? She had only met Xie Chenghui a few times, and he had been present each time - he knew this!


    But still...


    He hadn''t controlled that surge of dark fire that had risen within him, and he had taken it out on Yue''er.


    Ah...


    He sat rather pitifully on the stone steps, sighing once, twice, three times...


    He kept sighing until Wang Dequan came over: "Your Majesty, it''ste, you should rest. Tomorrow the local officials of Qin Province will host a banquet for you and the Imperial Noble Consort. You should return to the Nine Provinces Pce to rest! The Imperial Noble Consort probably won''t speak to you until her anger subsides."


    "If you didn''t speak, no one would think you were mute."


    The wordsing from Wang Dequan''s emotionless mouth were so cold and ruthless, not a single one pleasant to hear.


    Wang Dequan bit his lower lip, looking pitifully at the Emperor.


    This old fellow was actually feeling wronged...


    The Emperor, feeling extremely annoyed, sighed again and slowly stood up. He stared at the main door of the Changchun Pavilion for a while before leaving, looking back every few steps.


    He could only think of ways to appease Yue''erter.


    He hadn''t even noticed himself, but the first time Jiang Xinyue got angry and closed the pce doors, he had thought about coaxing her. But this time, he thought about truly making amends with her.


    The difference of a single word revealed how Jiang Xinyue''s position in his heart had be increasingly important.


    She hadn''t forcefully pushed her way into his heart, but rather had done so gradually, imperceptibly, creating these feelings of attraction and care that he hadn''t even noticed developing.


    Usually, it didn''t seem like anything special, but once other excellent members of the opposite sex approached Jiang Xinyue, it made the Emperor feel a sense of vition.


    Mu Tan gently closed the garden gate and reported the situation to her mistress: "My Lady, the Emperor has left."


    "Left?" Noble Lady Jiang frowned. "Why didn''t the Emperor wait longer? Perhaps the Imperial Noble Consort would have opened the door soon!"


    Mu Tan shook her head: "Last time when the Emperor angered the Imperial Noble Consort, she kept the pce doors closed and didn''t let him in for three months. This time the Emperor''s offense is even more serious - falsely using the Imperial Noble Consort of having an affair with Painter Xie. Wouldn''t she ignore the Emperor for even longer? In this servant''s opinion, it will be at least four or five months."


    Four or five months?


    By then they would have finished their summer retreat and returned to the capital.


    If she couldn''t reconcile with the Emperor before then, wouldn''t that just give opportunities to all those concubines who coveted the Emperor''s physical attention?

 Chapter 256

    "This cannot go on!"


    Noble Lady Jiang put her hands on her hips. "Given that His Majesty has just promoted me, I must help them."


    If Noble Lady Jiang had been born in modern times, she would have clearly recognized herself as what we call a "shipper."


    In the brightly lit temporary pce, there were empty gardens everywhere, but Low Level Consort Yu had nowhere to go and was taken by the eldest princess to her residence, the Changyin Pavilion.


    "Mingyu, you are the royal eldest princess. How could you kneel before that worthless Jiang Xinyue? She''s merely the daughter of a dancing girl. If not for your father''s favor, she would still be a lowborn daughter not fit to show her face in public. Even though her dancing girl mother has been elevated to the status of an equal wife, it doesn''t change the fact that shees from humble origins. You kneeling to her is far beneath your dignity."


    Before the eldest princess could express her disappointment, she was shocked by Low Level Consort Yu''s train of thought: "You should have knelt and begged your father to deal with Jiang Xinyue. With her around, not just me, but all the consorts in the pce have no chance of rising up. If she bes Empress in the future, where will that leave us, mother and daughter? Has your brain been squeezed by a door? Not only do you refuse to help me deal with Jiang Xinyue, but you let your father severely punish me. When I get beaten with the paddleter, will that bring glory to your face?"


    "Mother, do you still not see the reality of the situation?"


    The eldest princess said with exasperation, "Concubine Zhen is Father''s beloved. You and Ibined don''t match her status in Father''s heart. Yes... Concubine Zhenes from a humble background. But Mother, haven''t you heard that true heroes cane from anywhere? How many emperors who seeded in rebellion came from peasant families? How many empresses entered the pce as mere serving girls? You constantly underestimate Concubine Zhen, blinded by jealousy, but haven''t you experienced enough of her cunning and capability? Look at yourself - from one of the four highest-ranking consorts to your current lowly position. Do you still think you''re her match?"


    "I... I was just..."


    "Mother, are you still going to be stubborn?"


    The eldest princess red at her: "You say I shouldn''t have knelt to her, but who caused me to do so? I beg you to stop humiliating yourself and leave me some dignity, alright? If you keep falling in rank like this, how can I marry into a good family without being looked down upon? You scheme against her, you feel satisfied, but my marriage prospects are in her hands. Can''t you consider my situation before you act?"


    Although the eldest princess didn''t believe Concubine Zhen was the type to manipte her marriage prospects, her mother was unclear-headed, so she had to emphasize the severity to make her mother think twice before doing something foolish again.


    Low Level Consort Yu pouted, somewhat unconvinced and skeptical, saying weakly, "Don''t frighten me. Your marriages will naturally be decided by your father. How could she have any say in it?"


    "Are you so certain that Concubine Zhen won''t be Empress within the next three years?"


    She was twelve years old now, and in three years she would be married - whether as a diplomatic alliance or to a noble family in the capital, enjoying lifelong prosperity, would depend on these few years.


    Low Level Consort Yu finally fell silent: "Don''t be angry. I won''t act rashly or listen to others'' instigation next time."


    "You''re nning on there being a next time?"


    "No, that''s not what I meant..."


    "Noble Lady Yu, Your Highness, we servants havee by imperial decree to carry out the paddle punishment on Noble Lady Yu."


    Low Level Consort Yu''s face fell as she reluctantly stood up, holding her skirts. She didn''t want to be beaten, but there was no choice - it was the Emperor''s direct order, and making a scene would only bring shame upon herself.


    The eldest princess sighed and had her personal maid bring out several gold ingots: "Father only wants to teach Mother a lesson, not take her life. Please be merciful in your execution, this is a small token of my appreciation."


    In the pce, gold and silver were hard currency.


    The lead eunuch bowed, epting the eldest princess''s reward with both hands, smiling obsequiously: "Your Highness need not worry, we servants know what to do."


    Though they took the money, Low Level Consort Yu felt that those dog servants didn''t strike any lighter - with each paddle strike, she felt as if her bottom would split open.


    The pce eunuchs in charge of punishment knew how to control the force of their strikes. Although they had epted the eldest princess''s favor, they couldn''t offend the Imperial Noble Consort, or they wouldn''t be able to give a proper ount.


    Forty strikes with the paddle could actually take someone''s life.


    But the eldest princess had pleaded for Low Level Consort Yu, and the Imperial Noble Consort hadn''t pushed for the extreme. Otherwise, with just one word from her, even if the eldest princess offered mountains of gold and silver, they wouldn''t dare ept it, and Low Level Consort Yu would certainly have met the King of Hell.


    But since the Imperial Noble Consort hadn''t hinted at taking Low Level Consort Yu''s life, they could ept the eldest princess''s "bribe."


    But how should they strike? How hard?


    The eldest princess''s word didn''t count - it was all in their control.


    They had to draw some blood to give a proper ount to the ChuangChun Pavilion.


    When the forty strikes were finished, Low Level Consort Yu''s back was soaked with cold sweat, and her white undergarments were stained with blood.


    Her face was pale and covered in sweat. She wanted to curse, but upon seeing the eldest princess''s warning look, she rolled her eyes and fainted.


    Meanwhile, Jiang Xinyue, having finished washing up, went to sleep without any psychological burden.


    Whatever!


    After all, she was now the biggest victim. She could freely vent her dissatisfaction with the emperor, as long as she did so within his eptable limits - she could do whatever she wanted under heaven.


    The next day, just as dawn was breaking and Jiang Xinyue was still in bed, a stream of rewards entered the ChuangChun Pavilion.


    How many people in the Lanyue Pavilion were green with envy.


    A little maid wrapped ice in a damp face towel and gently pressed it against Concubine Cheng''s swollen face: "Mydy, why don''t you tell the Emperor? Now that your father has achieved merit and will soon be transferred from Guangdong to the capital as a fifth-rank official in the Ministry of Revenue, he''ll be a metropolitan official after all. The Emperor won''t allow Noble Consort Ye to bully you like this, disregarding hierarchy."


    Concubine Cheng still didn''t know exactly what merit her father had achieved, as he was still in Guangdong and only vague letters had arrived.


    "Cunxin, you''re too naive."


    Concubine Cheng took the ice-cold cloth and rubbed her cheeks, saying rather painfully: "If I were toin, it would inevitably bring up the matter of Noble Lady Liu insulting the Imperial Noble Consort. That fool Liu Xiaoxiao never knows who her real enemies are. She would definitely implicate me, and if the Emperor found out I was deliberately stirring up trouble, I would die a miserable death."


    Everyone had heard about yesterday''s incident in the bamboo grove, and she was grateful she hadn''t been involved. Otherwise, the Emperor would certainly have directed his anger at them, the newly promoted consorts.


    The Emperor was feeling guilty and wanted to make amends to the Imperial Noble Consort. Going toin at this time would be like voluntarily offering herself up as a sacrificialmb to Jiang Xinyue.


    She thought this way because she still had some self-awareness.


    But some people always thought they were the exception, believing that acting weak and crying would earn a man''s pity and sympathy.

 Chapter 257

    The Xuanwu Emperor felt that today was not starting well.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Woo-woo-woo... Your Majesty, my face... it hurts so much... even my teeth are loose, Your Majesty... you must seek justice for me!"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The Emperor rubbed his temples and looked helplessly at Noble Lady Liu, who was kneeling at the entrance of the Nine Provinces Clear Evening Gate. "What''s wrong with you now?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    He regretted not having the Imperial Astronomer calcte an auspicious time before leaving, as he was immediately caught by Noble Lady Liu upon arriving here.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Your Majesty..."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Noble Lady Liu''s face was swollen and her mouth was numb, making her speech unclear. With her face looking like a pig''s head, it was difficult to feel sympathy for her.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Unfortunately, she hadn''t realized this herself...<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Last night, I was walking in the garden with Concubine Cheng. I merely asked if her zither had been repaired, and she... she ordered her maids to beat me like this. Your Majesty, although my rank is below hers, she... she shouldn''t be so cruel!"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    She sobbed breathlessly: "She''s just... just a Concubine. Even if... if I did something wrong, she should have reported it to the Imperial Noble Consort for punishment. What right does she have to take matters into her own hands?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    How annoying!<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    What did this have to do with him?<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Indeed, the imperial harem couldn''t function properly without an Empress ¨C even such trivial matters were being brought to his attention.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The Xuanwu Emperor had gone out early this morning to prepare a surprise for Jiang Xinyue.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    He nodded perfunctorily: "Tang Shiliang, go to Yueyue Pavilion and reprimand Concubine Cheng. The imperial concubines should follow the Imperial Noble Consort''s example ¨C be gentle, graceful, and magnanimous. They shouldn''t resort to violence, as it goes against feminine virtues."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Noble Lady Liu''s heart leaped with joy: "Thank you, Your Maj-"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Before she could finish her words, the Xuanwu Emperor had already slipped away, disappearing in an instant while she was kowtowing in gratitude.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The maid Yan''er helped her mistress up and asked puzzledly: "My Lady, why did you say Concubine Cheng beat you?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    It was clearly because her mistress had offended the Imperial Noble Consort with her loose tongue that she was beaten.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Fool!"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Noble Lady Liu stood up, touching her aching cheeks. "If I had said the Imperial Noble Consort beat me, wouldn''t His Majesty have beaten me again to appease her? His Majesty angered herst night, so he must be in a foul mood today, too irritated to even listen to what I was saying. Since Cheng Nianhe dared to scheme against me and cause me such humiliation, if she won''t let me live in peace, I won''t let her have peace either."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    See? She only mentioned Concubine Cheng, and the Emperor, eager to leave, ordered his trusted eunuch to reprimand her without even investigating.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Hah!<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Isn''t she proud and arrogant, hiding her ambitions behind that gentle and kind facade?<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    She would deliberately expose her false mask.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "But My Lady, why did you bring up Concubine Cheng''s zither..."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Wasn''t it her mistress who had broken that zither?<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    When Concubine Cheng returned to Chuxiu Pce at that time, she had cried bitterly. Everyone in the pce knew that her mistress had been unreasonable, breaking the zither without showing any remorse.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Even the pce''s most skilled zither craftsman said the instrument couldn''t be repaired.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Weren''t you there that day?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Noble Lady Liu grew irritated at the question: "I only struck it once. That pile of wood she brought back was clearly destroyed by her own hands before she med it on me. She was in such a hurry to destroy the zither ¨C there must be something suspicious about it."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The maid dared not ask further and supported her mistress as they walked toward Yueyue Pavilion.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    She had thought her mistress was foolish for always stirring up trouble with her mouth, yet she was clever enough to manipte the Emperor''s mood to get Concubine Cheng reprimanded.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Perhaps everyone has two sides to them?<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Those who could enter the pce weren''t really fools at all.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Perhaps stupidity was just their protective coloring.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    After Tang Shiliang delivered the Emperor''s reprimand to Concubine Cheng at Yueyue Pavilion, he noticed that her face also bore injuries.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    This Noble Lady Liu was outrageous ¨C she hadn''t told the truth!<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    It wasn''t Concubine Cheng who had ordered people to beat her; they had clearly fought each other!<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Concubine Cheng''s eyes were filled with tears, looking utterly wronged, her voice trembling: "His Majesty''s teachings are right. In the future, I will certainly follow the Imperial Noble Consort''s example, conduct myself with restraint, and avoid conflicts with anyone."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    If Tang Shiliang were a normal man, he might have felt sorry for Concubine Cheng and spoken some "fair words" on her behalf to the Emperor.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    But unfortunately, he wasn''t a man.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    So whether Concubine Cheng cried like a wilting flower or bore her grievances silently, he felt nothing.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    He certainly wouldn''t rify things to the Emperor.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The Emperor hadn''t asked, so why should he volunteer to offend Noble Lady Liu?<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    His godfather had said there was no need to keep mentioning people the Emperor didn''t care about.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "It''s wonderful that Concubine Cheng thinks this way."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Tang Shiliang wore a fake smile: "Then this servant shall take his leave."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Pah!"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    She deliberately spat at Tang Shiliang''s disappearing figure, saying hatefully: "They''re all discriminating servants, the Imperial Noble Consort''s dogs."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Concubine Cheng stood up from the ground, her knees aching: "I underestimated Noble Lady Liu. She''s even better than me at ying the game of striking first with false usations."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    She hadn''t gone toin to the Emperor because she didn''t want to involve Jiang Xinyue and affect her image as a weak, innocent rabbit in the Emperor''s eyes.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Noble Lady Liu hadpletely bypassed Jiang Xinyue, not mentioning her at all, and directed the conflict straight at her, making her take the me for the beating.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Malice spread through Concubine Cheng''s eyes: "Just wait and see, I won''t let her off so easily."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The rules in the temporary pce weren''t as strict as in the main pce. When Lady Ruan brought Jiang Xinyan to ChuangChun Pavilion to seek an audience, they were quickly led inside by Shuang Jiang.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Xi Que had exerted herself too much the day before, both beating someone and mming doors. Her leg wound had started bleeding again, and after Yan the Imperial Physician rebandaged it, she had to rest in bed.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    But her spirit lived on, bing the idol of all servants in Hexi Pce.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    As Xiao Xiangzi put it: she was their role model.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    For their mistress, she disregarded life and death, considering the mistress''s mood above all else. For their mistress, she would shed blood and sacrifice her life.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Everyone should learn from her.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Last night, she had fought while injured, but neither pping Noble Lady Liu nor mming the door in the Emperor''s face had been hindered by her injured leg.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    After Jiang Xinyue checked on Xi Que, she came to the main hall where Lady Ruan and Jiang Xinyan bowed together: "Greetings to the Imperial Noble Consort."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Mother, Sister, there''s no need for such formality."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Jiang Xinyue personally helped Lady Ruan up and looked with satisfaction at Jiang Xinyan, who had grown much taller: "Very good, you''ve grown taller. You''re a youngdy now."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Jiang Xinyan smiled shyly: "Sister has grown taller too. I still haven''t caught up to you!"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Since entering the pce, Jiang Xinyue had indeed grown quite tall, with a statuesque figure and curves in all the right ces. She had shed her girlish immaturity and fully embodied the enchanting beauty of a favored imperial consort.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

 Chapter 258

    Jiang Xinyue affectionately patted her little sister''s head: "When you grow up to be as old as your sister, you''ll be even taller than me."


    "You two sisters are so close, you don''t even pay attention to your mother anymore," Lady Ruan teased, but with a hint of worry as she looked at her increasingly beautiful eldest daughter. "Yue''er, your father mentioned to me this morning that you and the Emperor... is it true?"


    The words "quarrel" were on the tip of her tongue, but she didn''t dare say them out loud, as the thought of quarreling with the Emperor was something she couldn''t even dream of.


    "It''s true," Jiang Xinyue nodded. "Consort Yu suspected that I was having an affair with a court painter and brought the Emperor to catch us in the bamboo grove, insisting that I was nning to elope with the painter. The Emperor was jealous and started yelling at me, so I scolded him and sent him away."


    Wow!


    That single exnation left Lady Ruan and Jiang Xinyan stunned.


    Affair with a painter, elopement, caught in the act, witnesses, the Emperor''s jealousy, scolding the Emperor, sending the Emperor away.


    Whether you looked at it piece by piece or as a whole, every word was significant.


    "What''s with that expression, Mother?"


    Jiang Xinyueughed at her shocked face. "Since I''m sitting here just fine, it means I didn''t do any of those things. I''ve already cleared my name, so there''s no need to be afraid."


    "That''s good, that''s good..."


    Lady Ruan patted her chest, but then realized, what''s good about it?


    Her daughter was suspected of having an affair with a man outside the pce and even dared to quarrel with the Emperor. It didn''t seem good at all!


    She wanted to say something but didn''t know how to phrase it more delicately to avoid making her daughter resistant or annoyed.


    "I''m sure the Emperor feels bad for Sister and has already realized his mistake," Jiang Xinyanforted Lady Ruan. "I just saw pce attendants carrying many precious jewels and ornaments, probably sent by the Emperor-brother-inw to appease Sister. Mother, you''re worrying too much. Sister must have her reasons for doing this."


    The reason was to take advantage of every time the Xuanwu Emperor was in the wrong to PUA and KTV him, making him trust her unconditionally in the future.


    People don''t cherish things that are easily obtained.


    The Xuanwu Emperor was the ruler of the world, and anything he wanted, he could get.


    There were always women trying their best to please him, never the other way around. Often, just a flick of his finger, and countless women would flock to him.


    Women like the dignified Empress, the scheming Consort De, the proud and straightforward Consort Li, the pure and virtuous Consort Shu, Consort Yu, Consort Rong...


    Each of these women had their own strengths, yet they all bowed down to the Emperor''s robe, vying for his favor and plotting against each other.


    None of them made the Emperor taste the bitterness of love, so even the pure and virtuous Consort Shu, who was the Emperor''s white moonlight, was easily abandoned when the time came.


    Jiang Xinyue wanted him to put in effort for her, to scratch his head and worry, to lose sleep and appetite, constantly wondering when she would forgive him.


    She wanted the Emperor to keep testing, to figure out what he needed to do to satisfy her.


    Only then would the Emperor clearly realize how difficult she was to appease.


    The more he invested, the harder it would be to let go, even if he no longer loved her, because the cost was too high, the emotional investment too deep, and he couldn''t afford to lose it.


    Jiang Xinyue didn''t lose herself in the Xuanwu Emperor''s affection, thinking she was extraordinary.


    She always nned ahead, choosing to pave her future path when the Emperor loved her the most.


    That way, even if the Emperor stopped loving her and had someone else in his heart, he would always be reluctant to harm her.


    Staying vignt and nning her retreat while love was still strong was what Jiang Xinyue was doing.


    She could be a consort, but she had to be the Empress Dowager.


    Not being the Empress allowed her to skip the part of being the Emperor''s mother, and bing the Empress Dowager meant she could just sit back and enjoy her retirement.


    Just thinking about it made her want tough.


    Seeing her eldest daughter and younger daughter so calm, Lady Ruan''s tense mood rxed.


    But then she frowned at Jiang Xinyue: "Yue''er, someone from the Pei family came to propose a marriage between your sister and the Pei family''s eldest grandson. Your father couldn''t make up his mind, so he asked me to ask for your opinion."


    The eldest grandson of Minister Pei of the Privy Council, wasn''t that Pei Wu''s brother?


    What was Minister Pei thinking?


    Although Consort Li and her mother didn''t die at Jiang Xinyue''s hands, they were all connected to her.


    Pei Wu was even executed by the Emperor for bringing a snake woman into the pce to poison Jiang Xinyue.


    Each and every incident should have made them mortal enemies, so why did theye to propose a marriage to her sister?


    Jiang Xinyan, seeing her deep in thought, added: "It''s the eldest son of Minister Pei''s second son, named Pei Zhishuo, who is seventeen this year. Father said he investigated privately and found that Pei Zhishuo is very talented, gentle in nature, and handsome, one of the eight great talents of the capital."


    "Have you met this Pei Zhishuo, Sister?"


    "Yes..."


    Jiang Xinyan nodded. "He came to the summer pce with his grandfather this time. We met once on the road. He is indeed good-looking, but..."


    She hesitated, unsure if she should say more.


    Jiang Xinyue nced at Shuang Jiang, who immediately understood: "It seems the ice in Her Highness''s room is running out. You all,e with me."


    The maids and eunuchs were all taken away, and Xiao Xiangzi also followed them out, standing guard outside the door. The princess was having a private conversation with her family, and no one should eavesdrop.


    With everyone gone, Jiang Xinyan whispered a few words into her sister''s ear, then blushed, looking very embarrassed.


    "ying so wild?"


    Jiang Xinyue widened her eyes and looked at Lady Ruan beside her: "Is Father really considering this for Sister? Is he crazy?"


    Lady Ruan put her finger to her lips and shushed: "Your father doesn''t know. How could such things be spoken of casually?"


    Jiang Xinyue sneered: "The Pei family has no shame, wanting my sister to suffer this silent grievance. There''s no such good thing!"


    She patted the uneasy Jiang Xinyan: "Stay in the ChuangChun Pavilion these few days. Wherever you go, stay by my side. I want to see if he has the guts."


    Turning to Lady Ruan, she said: "The summer pce is crowded andplicated. Mother, be careful too. Don''t fall into the trap of evil people. As long as Father is not busy, stay with him. If Father is busy, bring more attendants with you. In short, don''t be alone, okay?"


    Seeing her suddenly serious, Lady Ruan quickly nodded: "I understand, I won''t cause you trouble."


    "I''m not afraid of you causing trouble," Jiang Xinyue also held her hand. "I just don''t want you to encounter any danger. But if you do, don''t be afraid. Send someone to me, and no matter what trouble you''re in, I''ll help you solve it."


    As long as you don''t panic.

 Chapter 259

    After a long time, even now that her daughter had be the Imperial Noble Consort, she still spoke these supportive words to her.


    Outsiders mocked the current Imperial Noble Consort''s mother for being merely a lowly dancing girl from the Ruyang Prince''s Residence. Her husband often sighed, saying that due to her humble origins, it would be difficult for her to be the Empress.


    Having been in the pce for just one day, she had already heard the gossip about her daughter''s lowly birth status among the pcedies. She had been very anxious, wondering if her daughter would me her or resent her own origins.


    Beforeing, she wasn''t sure how Yue''er would treat her now.


    But that single sentence "No matter what troubles Mother encounters, daughter will help you resolve them" dispelled all of Lady Ruan''s worries and unease.


    Her sweet daughter was still the same as when they lived in the residence - her pir of strength.


    The news that Jiang Xinyan was staying at the Changchun Pavilion quickly reached the ears of the Emperor and other interested parties.


    Concubine Ye fanned Noble Lady Liu: "Could it be that the Imperial Noble Consort is trying to secure her favor by bringing her own sister into the pce to serve the Emperor together?"


    She heard that she had quarreled with the Emperorst night, so bringing her sister to the Changchun Pavilion now did seem suspicious.


    "The Imperial Noble Consort is really calcting. Her sister is as beautiful as flowers and jade - is she nning to have the Emperor wrapped around their fingers, so he''ll listen to whatever the two sisters say in the future?"


    Noble Lady Liu red at Concubine Ye: "If you want to bring down the Imperial Noble Consort yourself, then do it yourself. Don''t try to sow discord here with me. I don''t like her, but I dislike cowardly fools like you even more. You all think I have a hot temper and want to use me as cannon fodder!"


    Concubine Ye repeatedly said she "wouldn''t dare" and stopped mentioning Jiang Xinyan.


    She did want to rece the Imperial Noble Consort''s position, but she neither had the otherworldly beauty to make the Emperor pause in his tracks, nor powerful family backing. She couldn''t evenpare to a single strand of Jiang Xinyue''s hair - what could she use to fight against her?


    She could only stir up trouble here and there, fishing in troubled waters for some benefits.


    "Where''s Cheng Nianhe?"


    Noble Lady Liu rolled her eyes: "I asked you to investigate her whereabouts, and here you are talking about irrelevant things."


    "I did find out," Concubine Ye said in a low voice. "The local officials have prepared a banquet for the Emperor and Imperial Noble Consort tonight. Concubine Cheng went to the Treasure Joy Quarter early this morning, supposedly to practice the zither. She''s probably nning to make a grand showing at tonight''s banquet!"


    If she could attract butterflies with her zither ying in front of everyone, it would surely create a sensation.


    However, when Noble Lady Liu heard she went to the Treasure Joy Quarter, she immediately sat up from her lounging couch and quickly put on her clothes: "Let''s go take a look."


    Hmph!


    What nonsense about zither music having spirit that attracts butterflies?


    It''s nothing but cheap tricks, did she think others couldn''t see through it?


    Previously, since all thedies from Chuxiu Pce were on the same side, they formed an alliance hoping to gain the Emperor''s favor. They had agreed then that whoever gained favor would help lift up their sisters, not just enjoy the good life alone.


    That''s why she hadn''t exposed Cheng Nianhe''s little tricks.


    She was clever enough to "dispose of the evidence" by destroying that zither herself, otherwise Liu Xiaoxiao would have definitely reported this matter to the Emperor.


    This would count as deceiving the Emperor, wouldn''t it?


    Speaking of which, the six of them had sworn sisterhood in Chuxiu Pce back then.


    Noble Lady Liu gave a mockingugh and muttered softly: "In glory and wealth... never forget each other... hah..."


    Lower Concubine Wang, Lower Concubine Bai, Lower Concubine An...


    If they truly meant to share glory and wealth and never forget each other, why had these three silently exited the stage of history?


    A two-faced person like Concubine Cheng would kick people aside after using them - how could she possibly help her former sisters?


    It was already good enough if she didn''t kick them while they were down.


    On the way to the Treasure Joy Quarter, Noble Lady Liu came across Jiang Xinyue ying chess and enjoying the cool breeze by theke with her sister. This was rare - she had thought their arrogant Imperial Noble Consort would shut herself away again and keep the Emperor out!


    "Is that Noble Lady Liu who upset sister yesterday?"


    That figure in the distance seemed to be deliberately avoiding Jiang Xinyue - must be one of the concubines who didn''t get along with her sister.


    Jiang Xinyue didn''t even look up, just snorted: "Just a clown, not worth your attention."


    Hearing this clown dare to call her sister of lowly blood, Jiang Xinyan''s eyes rolled thoughtfully, and she gave a signal to the maid behind her. The maid nodded and withdrew while Jiang Xinyue was making her move.


    "Ah! Even after practicing chess for two years, I still can''t beat sister!"


    Jiang Xinyan clung to Jiang Xinyue''s arm and pouted: "Sister won''t even let me win."


    Her ungloved fingers were fair and delicate as she poked her sister''s forehead: "How can you win when you''re distracted?"


    Caught by sister!


    "Don''t put the oil on the stone path, it''s too easily noticed. Put it in the soleyers of her shoes. As she walks from Lanyue Chamber to the cobblestone path ahead, the oil in theyers will be squeezed out onto the soles, and then - bang!"


    "Bang!"


    Jiang Xinyan''s shoulders jumped at the loud noise.


    "O... it hurts so much¡ª"


    The maid who hadn''t even reached the cobblestone path yet stood with her mouth agape, watching as Noble Lady Liu''s feet flew up and shended t on her back with a heavy thud.


    She raised both hands toward Jiang Xinyan, shaking her head to indicate she hadn''t even poured out the oil yet!


    It wasn''t her doing!


    "Sister already had a n to deal with her!"


    Without a doubt, sister must have put oil in theyers of Noble Lady Liu''s shoes.


    How brilliant!


    Jiang Xinyue smiled: "I told you, she''s just a clown. There''s no need for you to act. Just stay here happily with sister for a while, get plump and healthy, and sister will help find you a good husband."


    Originally she had thought to matchmake between her sister and the painter Xie, but after the Emperor mentionedst time that painter Xie had once been his first choice for an imperial son-inw, plus the incident that happenedst night, Jiang Xinyue removed painter Xie from the list of potential brothers-inw.


    For her sister, anyone with even the slightest risk was not a suitable match.


    Jiang Xinyan blushed: "Sister loves to tease me."


    "Sister is teaching you how to resolve troubles quietly when there are conflicts in the inner quarters."


    She was referring to putting oil in the shoeyers: "In the future, no matter whom you marry or whose wife you be, remember - you yourself are the most important. You don''t need topromise yourself for anyone. As long as sister lives, sister will protect you. My little sister deserves the best man in the world."


    If possible, she hoped Jiang Xinyan could live freely and happily, without being trapped in the scheming of the inner court.

 Chapter 260

    As long as she stood high enough, her sister''s husband wouldn''t dare to take concubines.


    Of course, she hoped even more that her sister''s husband would be a kind-hearted man who loved her sister wholeheartedly.


    The imperial vi was less strict with its rulespared to the pce, making it possible to properly evaluate potential suitors.


    "This humble servant greets Imperial Consort," a peach blossom-like young man paid his respects to Jiang Xinyue at the foot of the pavilion steps. "Greetings to Third Miss Jiang."


    He didn''t forget to acknowledge Jiang Xinyan either.


    The young man wore a pink robe with subtle patterns, its floral designs traced in silver thread that gleamed dazzlingly in the sunlight.


    Combined with his fair and beautiful face, he naturally inspired goodwill in others.


    Jiang Xinyue first nced at her sister, noting that while she returned the greeting with a faint smile, her eyes revealed hints of disgust and impatience.


    This person was Pei Zhishuo, the eldest legitimate grandson of Minister Pei of the Privy Council, and Pei Wu''s half-brother.


    "Please rise, Young Master Pei."


    Jiang Xinyue spoke in a gentle, sweet voice: "I heard Young Master Pei mention earlier that you already hold a position in court?"


    Pei Zhishuo nced at the pure and lovely Jiang Xinyan, his eyes shing with disappointment, but when he looked at the charming and alluring Jiang Xinyue, his eyes couldn''t hide his amazement.


    He straightened his posture even more: "In response to Imperial Consort, this humble servant currently serves as Director of the Ministry of Rites."


    At such a young age, he had already achieved the rank of Director of the Ministry of Rites, a fifth-rank position. Reportedly, he hadn''t relied on his family''s influence but had properly followed the imperial examination path, being assigned to the Ministry of Rites after passing the exams.


    A promising youth, handsome and graceful, from a prestigious family - no wonder the capital''s schrs had named him one of the Eight Young Talents, causing unmarried youngdies to secretly admire him.


    On this point, Jiang Xinyue admired her sister''s self-control for not throwing herself at him despite his excellent credentials in all aspects.


    Thinking of what her sister had said about suspecting him of having certain unspeakable preferences, she smiled even more gently: "Young Master Pei, pleasee closer to speak."


    Pei Zhishuo couldn''t ask for more and stepped forward eagerly.


    "Your Majesty, please stay calm, stay calm..."


    The Emperor had arranged a surprise for the evening banquet, thinking that since Jiang Xinyue had epted his apologetic gifts, he wanted to test if he could enter the Changchun Pavilion.


    Unexpectedly, halfway there he saw another beautiful young man seemingly engaged in pleasant conversation with his beloved Yue''er.


    Wang Dequan grabbed the Emperor''s dragon robe: "Your Majesty, Your Majesty... that''s the eldest legitimate grandson of Minister Pei. The Pei family has been recently inquiring about the Jiang family''s intentions, hoping to arrange for young Master Pei to marry the Imperial Consort''s sister as his primary wife!"


    The Imperial Consort''s sister was currently in the pavilion, standing beside her sister.


    "Perhaps the Imperial Consort wishes to examine her future brother-inw."


    "The Pei family?" The Xuanwu Emperor''s anger turned to confusion. "The Pei family wants to form a marriage alliance with the Jiang family?"


    If he remembered correctly, the Pei and Jiang families had been fighting to the death before, and his Yue''er had engaged in a fierce battle with Noble Consort Li, Minister Pei''s granddaughter.


    How could they suddenly talk about marriage?


    "Young Master Pei''s attire is truly excellent, your family''s embroiderer is highly skilled."


    Pei Zhishuo waved his hand, releasing a pleasant perfume, and smiled: "If Your Grace likes it, this humble servant will arrange for the embroiderer to make new clothes for you upon returning to the capital, however..."


    "However what?"


    The moment the fragrance wafted out, both Jiang Xinyue and Jiang Xinyan felt their faces flush and their hearts race.


    Something was wrong with that fragrance!


    But Pei Zhishuo maintained his gentlemanly appearance, though his eyes shamelessly lingered on Jiang Xinyue: "However, Your Grace would need to provide your measurements to this humble servant for the embroiderer to begin work!"


    An unworldly youngdy might have felt her heart flutter like a frightened deer and believed she had fallen in love with him.


    But Jiang Xinyue was no naive girl. She covered her nose, showing an expression of near nausea: "What is that smell on Young Master Pei? It''s horrible."


    ??


    Pei Zhishuo stumbled back several steps in shock, frantically sniffing his sleeve. To him it smelled perfectly fragrant. Still shaken, he looked up: "This..."


    Only to see the devastatingly beautiful Imperial Consort covering her mouth, whispering with Jiang Xinyan, both looking at him with aversion and scrutiny.


    It was that kind of... unfriendly scrutiny, apanied by what sounded like mockingughter as they spoke.


    Jiang Xinyue was ying the role of a mean girl bullying the good student at school.


    She scanned him from head to toe with provocative eyes, whispered with herpanion, and let out unpleasantughter, finally making faces with an expression of barely contained, acidic disdain.


    Pei Zhishuo''s fair face turned "whoosh" red, not from embarrassment but from humiliation.


    He had never been treated this way by women before.


    Momentarily losing hisposure: "No... Your Grace... this humble servant... this humble servant doesn''t smell..."


    "Eww..."


    The more desperately he tried to exin, the more Jiang Xinyue pulled Jiang Xinyan back, acting as if she might faint from the smell.


    She whispered: "It''s not his body that smells... could it be bad breath? How disgusting, such a handsome man actually... tsk tsk tsk... what a shame."


    Pei Zhishuo covered his mouth with lightning speed, beginning to question his very existence.


    He hastily retreated further, covering his mouth with his sleeve: "This humble servant... shall take his leave first."


    Not only had he failed to gain any advantage, but Jiang Xinyue''s series of reactions had caught himpletely off guard, causing him to flee in panic.


    Even Jiang Xinyan gave her sister a thumbs up: "Sister, why didn''t I think of this method before?"


    Just remembering that day on the boat when Pei Zhishuo deliberately arranged to "identally" meet her, and how he had looked at their mother with that same sticky, disgusting gaze, made Jiang Xinyan shudder.


    What was previously just suspicion could now be confirmed...


    Pei Zhishuo... had a thing for married women.


    Jiang Xinyue snorted withughter: "People like him who use their looks to deceive others care most about their appearance and others'' opinions of them. Just tell him he''s ugly or smelly, and he can''t handle it - he''ll break down."


    It was what people inter generations would call:pletely destroying someone''s psychological defenses.


    Breaking his confidence from within was more effective than anything else.


    "Why does the Imperial Consort seem to dislike Young Master Pei so much?"


    Wang Dequan watched Pei Zhishuo''s panicked retreat and observed Jiang Xinyue''s sardonic expression. Though he couldn''t hear what they had said clearly, he could certainly tell that the Imperial Consort had been teasing someone again.


    In this aspect, Wang Dequan felt the Imperial Consort''s skill had reached an unmatched, supreme level.


    The Xuanwu Emperor also saw everything clearly and privately thought that he would need to be wary of Minister Pei that evening - if he were to publicly request an imperial decree for the marriage, he couldn''t agree to it.


    Neither Yue''er nor her sister seemed particrly pleased with the match.

 Chapter 261

    "Sister, sister..."


    Jiang Xinyan tugged at Jiang Xinyue''s clothes. "The Emperor ising."


    Dressed in a purple brocade robe embroidered with five-wed golden dragons, wearing a darker matching jade-buttoned belt with a dragon-patterned jade pendant hanging from it, his movements bold andmanding, naturally exuding imperial authority - it could only be the Emperor.


    Jiang Xinyue looked up, gave the Xuanwu Emperor a cursory nce, then pulled Jiang Xinyan away.


    "Hey?"


    The Emperor quickly chased after them. "Yue''er!"


    Catching up to Jiang Xinyue was just a matter of a few quick steps for him.


    Seeing the Son of Heaven blocking their path, Jiang Xinyan hurriedly knelt down to bow: "Your humble subject greets..."


    "Rise, rise!"


    The Emperor quickly grabbed Jiang Xinyue''s hand. They stood in silence, their eyes locked in confrontation - one filled with anger, the other with shameless determination.


    Caught in the middle, Jiang Xinyan didn''t dare move, her eyes darting left to look at the Emperor, then right to look at her sister.


    How could she make herself seem less out of ce right now?


    "Your Majesty! Imperial Noble Consort!"


    A startled cry rang out as Noble Lady Jiang came running over with her pce maids. She immediately pulled Jiang Xinyan out from between the Emperor and Jiang Xinyue. "Isn''t this Third Lady Jiang? You''re here too?"


    "Hehe..."


    Jiang Xinyan smiled at her. "Greetings, Noble Lady Jiang."


    "What are you all doing standing here?"


    Noble Lady Jiang acted as if she couldn''t see the tense atmosphere between the Emperor and Jiang Xinyue. She linked arms with Jiang Xinyan and spun around so suddenly that Jiang Xinyan almost fell over.


    "Third Lady Jiang hasn''t been to the summer pce before, right? Why don''t I be your guide for the day? I know this Qinzhou Imperial Vi very well. What kind of scenery do you like? Would you like to go see the flowers in the Orchid Garden? It''s the height of summer, and the garden is full of blooming flowers. Would Third Lady Jiang like to go there with me?"


    "Whatever you say..."


    "Third Lady is so gentle and obedient. I wonder which lucky young man will get to marry her in the future?"


    Jiang Xinyue: ?


    What did she mean by that?


    She had arranged to y chess with Noble Lady Jiang here, but now she was acting as if she didn''t see her and just took her sister away?


    Oh! No!


    She did see her - she had greeted her when she arrived, but that was it.


    As usual, following convention, Wang Dequan dismissed everyone else. This time he had ced a hefty bet for ten days - not to make money, but to motivate himself to quickly help the Emperor win back the Imperial Noble Consort''s favor.


    Otherwise, life would be too difficult.


    When the Imperial Noble Consort was angry with the Emperor and gave him the cold shoulder, the Emperor would take out his frustration on the pce servants - even their breathing seemed wrong to him.


    Several young eunuchs had be constipated yesterday from being too nervous.


    His old bones couldn''t take much more of this. Heaven help the Emperor seed!


    "Yue''er, even if you''re angry, at least let me know what you''re most angry about? I promise to learn from it if I''m wrong and improve where I can."


    He was the Emperor - no one had ever dared to say he did anything wrong. Even if he was wrong, those around him would say he was right.


    The fact that he recognized his mistake and apologized to Jiang Xinyue was already an incredible thing, let alone that he was now trying to cheer her up.


    If this were the Xuanwu Emperor of the past, encountering such an "unreasonable" consort, he would have already walked away.


    Let whoever deal with it - he wouldn''t put up with such a difficult person.


    The "difficult" Jiang Xinyue put her hands on her hips: "Yesterday I asked Your Majesty to reflect, and this is all you''vee up with? You still don''t know what you did wrong?"


    The fact that she was willing to say this much meant there was hope for reconciliation.


    The Emperor raised three fingers to swear to heaven: "I did reflect, truly! I shouldn''t have hurt you under the pretense of jealousy, distrusted you, and made you lose face in front of the other consorts. I... I was too insecure."


    After much thoughtst night, he realized that truly loving someone wasn''t about being confident and assured.


    To love someone meant being anxious about losing them, thinking they''re so wonderful and questioning what right you had to deserve them.


    To love someone meant constantly remembering their good qualities and feeling insecure, wondering if she would have chosen someone else if he weren''t the Emperor - someone closer to her age, like the handsome young Xie Chenghui or Pei Zhishuo.


    He was in his early thirties, while Jiang Xinyue had just turned eighteen - he felt he was too old.


    Jiang Xinyue was surprised by how candidly the Xuanwu Emperor admitted hisck of confidence.


    He was the ruler of a nation, the master of this realm, possessing a vast empire - if he had no reason to be proud, then no man in the world had the right to be proud.


    Hisck of confidence was specifically about loving Jiang Xinyue.


    The previously furious Imperial Noble Consort''s eyes gradually softened as she listened to his confession.


    The Xuanwu Emperor thought that, if he wasn''t mistaken, there seemed to be a hint of sympathy for him in Yue''er''s eyes.


    He pressed his lips together and continued: "I don''t want to use my background and childhood experiences to gain your sympathy, but the truth is that my life experiences and what I''ve been through have made me extremely guarded, unable to easily trust anyone. Besides being a good emperor, I''m worthless at everything else. That''s where my insecurityes from. Didn''t you promise to teach me how to love someone? A good teacher never gives up on any student, no matter how slow they are. Yue''er, please don''t give up on me, alright?"


    Jiang Xinyue lowered her head without speaking, her shoulders shaking slightly.


    Sorry, but every time the Emperor expressed his true feelings to her, she felt like his lines could have been written by Romance novelist Qiong Yao.


    Not that there was anything wrong with Qiong Yao, but those sharine lines made Jiang Xinyue''s teeth ache from the sweetness.Aliali: 673aa0aed72ede9349903ddf


    The Emperor was essentially a yer who only settled down after meeting her, a master of emotional maniption. Now he was directing his endless stream of sweet talk solely at her. Sometimes life in this world could be quite helpless.


    Jiang Xinyue''s natural personality was to be straightforward - she really couldn''t learn the Emperor''s sappy... no, couldn''t learn the Emperor''s romantic style of sweet talk.


    "Why is Yue''er crying?"


    "Did I say something wrong again?"


    She wasn''t crying, she was trying not tough, you fool!


    But to prevent the Emperor from realizing she was holding backughter, she pinched herself hard on the inner arm, probably leaving a bruise.


    This way she could make her eyes red and shed "painful" tears.


    The Xuanwu Emperor hurriedly reached out to wipe her tears. Jiang Xinyue caught his hand and ced it over her heart: "My entire being, my whole heart already belongs to Your Majesty, so why do youck confidence? In my heart, Your Majesty isn''t just a good emperor, you''re also a good husband and father! You''re so wonderful, so many people love you - I''m the one who should feel inadequate."


    "What does it matter if Your Majesty is older? Older men are more caring, and I prefer older men."


    Well well, the Imperial Noble Consort certainly knew how tofort someone.

 Chapter 262

    She knew exactly where to hit where it hurt the most!<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Besides, how could Your Majesty look like someone in their thirties? You clearly appear to be the same age as your humble servant. The young man in my dreams was exactly like Your Majesty."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    To cover up her earlier lie about holding backughter, she could only embrace the Emperor and say: "Your Majesty, you are wonderful, far better than you think. The most correct decision your servant has made in this life was not refusing when father sent me into the pce. I truly don''t know if I would be as happy as I am now had I married someone else outside the pce. But I can say with certainty that being able to stay by Your Majesty''s side, being cherished and loved by you, is a blessing from my previous life."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    A skilled psychological counselor, when attempting to influence someone, doesn''t merely belittle them and attack their confidence. They also need to guide them when they''re feeling inferior, making them feel that even if no one else in the world likes them, you are the one who loves them the most.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Moreover, she wasn''t lying about the blessing from her previous life.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    In her previous life, she died saving someone - an act of great virtue. The luxury and wealth she enjoyed in this life were well-deserved.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The Emperor was indeed moved by her words and embraced Jiang Xinyue tightly: "Yue''er, your sincere devotion to me brings me greatfort. I promise... nothing like this will ever happen again."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    You made vowsst time too, saying you''d rather die, yet here you are, living just fine.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Jiang Xinyue didn''t believe him at all.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    But this didn''t stop her from putting on a deeply touched expression, burying her face in the Emperor''s chest: "Your Majesty, I don''t want to quarrel with you. Can''t we just be good to each other? While you were suffering, I wasn''t having an easy time either."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    No!<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    She was actually living extremelyfortably, eating and sleeping well, with money and leisure, being served by servants as if she were an immortal.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The Emperor heaved a long sigh: "Sometimes I really wish..."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    He didn''t finish what he wanted to say, but Jiang Xinyue could guess. In such an emotional moment, the Emperor probably wanted to say "sometimes I really wish I wasn''t the Emperor."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    He probably wished he could take her and their children to live in seclusion in the mountains, being an enviably loving couple, working at sunrise and resting at sunset.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    What was so good about being Emperor?<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Unable to have normal human emotions and feelings, unable to have personal likes and dislikes, having to put themon people first in everything, maintaining bnce in the court, stabilizing the pce, waking up earlier than roosters, sleepingter than dogs, working harder than oxen, and being criticized by officials and resented bymoners at the slightest mistake.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    People say Emperors can do whatever they want, but that only applies to those who choose to be tyrannical rulers who destroy their kingdom. True good emperors have never been free to do as they please.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    However, the Xuanwu Emperor was grateful that by his side appeared an understanding flower who could help him feel some warmth in this cold pce.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    At the Treasure Joy Quarter¡ª<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Concubine Cheng put down the tuned guqin, and Cun Xin deliberately shook her head at the door. She frowned and muttered, "This isn''t right!"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Cun Xin returned inside: "Mydy, what should we do?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Outside, the sun was still zing, and cicada sounds came from the small woods behind the Treasure Joy Quarter. Concubine Cheng looked at the dazzling sunlight, her eyes full of calcting light: "Let''s return to the Moon-Embracing Pavilion."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Concubine Ye is just Noble Lady Liu''s dog. Without Noble Lady Liu''s orders, how would she dare to monitor my movements?<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The fact that her zither ying could no longer attract butterflies must not be revealed. If Noble Lady Liu wants to humiliate her, she must strike first.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Ouch, it hurts, it hurts..."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Noble Lady Liu, who had been targeted by the "thief," was now lying on her bed while a female doctor lifted her clothes to examine her back and... buttocks.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Noble Lady Liu''s back to tailbone is fractured. She shouldn''t get out of bed for three months, or the bones won''t heal properly, risking paralysis in the future."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "What?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Noble Lady Liu punched the bed: "That wretch! It must have been Cheng Nianhe who put oil on my shoes. She wants revenge because His Majesty scolded her because of me."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Yan''er also gritted her teeth: "It must be that Concubine Ye was discovered by Concubine Cheng while gathering information. Why else would she specifically go to the Treasure Joy Quarter, which requires passing through that cobblestone path? She clearly calcted that you would go there and applied oil to your shoes in advance."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The more Noble Lady Liu thought about it, the more she believed Yan''er was right. She tried to get up, but the pain in her tailbone made her face turn pale, intensifying her hatred for Concubine Cheng.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Jiang Xinyan finally "escaped" from the overly enthusiastic Noble Lady Jiang and returned to the Changchun Pavilion, only to find that the meal had already been served.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    She btedly realized that when Noble Lady Jiang invited her to stay for dinner earlier, was it to prevent her from disturbing her sister and brother-inw''s private time?<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Sister, why are you standing at the door? Come in!"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Jiang Xinyan, who was about to sneak away and ept Noble Lady Jiang''s invitation instead, was called by Jiang Xinyue: "I specially asked the imperial kitchen to prepare your favorite dishes,e quickly."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Jiang Xinyan had no choice but to reluctantly approach and pay her respects to the Emperor.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The Xuanwu Emperor waved his hand: "Wang Dequan, go fetch a bowl of frozen lychees to help the Third Miss cool down."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Previously, lychees were only supplied to the pce for one season each year. The Emperor wasn''t particrly fond of culinary pleasures, and even if some concubines liked lychees, he wouldn''t have soldiers rush fresh lychees from thousands of miles away on horseback.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0Aliali: 673aa0aed72ede9349903ddf


    He wouldn''t do such things that exhausted great manpower and resources and could potentially kill soldiers for anyone. Each year, the limited amount of lychees would be distributed among the favored concubines, each receiving a small basket.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The unfavored ones needn''t even think about it - they wouldn''t even get to see the lychee shells.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    But startingst year, because the Imperial Noble Consort also loved this fruit, the Emperor gathered the eunuchs from the Internal Affairs Department to find a solution that would allow the Imperial Noble Consort to eat lychees anytime without burdening the people or causing loss of life.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    In the end, it was the Imperial Noble Consort herself who provided two solutions: one was to make lychee preserves, simr to what almost every household in the Jiaodong region made; the second was to freeze the lychees with ice blocks, recing the ice at each official post station, and allowing tired soldiers to pass the delivery task to the next soldier so they could rest.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    They wouldn''t need to fear punishment for failing toplete the task.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Now the pce had lychee preserves, and this year the Imperial Noble Consort decided that such transport of frozen lychees would be too extravagant, so she only requested preserves.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The preserves could be stored for a long time and didn''t require so much manpower to transport. When themon people learned of this, they praised the Imperial Noble Consort for her consideration!<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    However, Jiang Xinyue knew that her good reputation was spread by the Emperor and the Jiang family.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The frozen lychees that Jiang Xinyan was eating were made from lychee preserves mixed with osmanthus and dairy, served with ice. Having a bowl in summer was refreshingly pleasant.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    It must be because of his love for her sister that His Majesty treated her so well.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

 Chapter 263

    She didn''t know what loving married couples in other families were like, because before her Elder Sister entered the pce, Mother was oppressed by the First Wife, who wouldn''t allow Mother, being a concubine, to eat at the table.


    Although the rules were proper, the First Wife always allowed Concubine Lin to dine at the table, while making Mother stand and serve everyone until they finished, only then allowing her to eat their leftovers.


    The humiliation Mother endured could not be fully described even in three days and nights.


    Fortunately, shortly after Elder Sister entered the pce, she gained the Emperor''s favor, and the First Wife no longer dared to openly bully Mother.


    It was all thanks to Elder Sister that their lives gradually improved.


    Mother is now Father''s primary wife, while the First Wife, who hadmitted many evil deeds, is barely hanging on to life and likely has only a year left.


    Even the dogs in the back courtyard now know that after the First Wife''s death, the Second Wife will immediately be elevated to primary status. These days, when they see her mother, their tails wag with excitement.


    Father is quite affectionate towards Mother.


    However... Father''s love for Mother isn''t like the Emperor''s devotion to Elder Sister, where his heart and eyes seem to contain only her, with everyone else fading into the background.


    From beginning to end, her brother-inw the Emperor only nced at her once when she first arrived.


    This finally put her anxious heart at ease.


    Not to be conceited, but among Father and Mother''s children, she and Elder Sister and their brother were the most striking in appearance.


    Elder Sister''s beauty was like that of a celestial maiden, absolutely stunning, and she herself wasn''t far behind, with suitors practically wearing down the doorstep of the Jiang family.


    Few men could resist stealing nces at her.


    But that''s why he''s the Emperor, isn''t it?


    Indeed, he''s a man of experience who won''t be bewitched by mere beauty.


    This meant she could stayfortably in the Changchun Pavilion without worrying about being taken into the imperial harem.


    "What are you smiling about, sister?"


    Jiang Xinyue was having her meal when she noticed Jiang Xinyan burying her head in her bowl, smiling foolishly.


    She looked adorably silly.


    Jiang Xinyan raised her eyes from her bowl, revealing crescent-moon shaped eyes full of mirth: "I''m just happy seeing how loving you and brother-inw Emperor are together. You''ve both found your lifelong partners. I don''t know whether to be happier for Elder Sister or for brother-inw Emperor, so I''ll just be happy for both of you!"


    "Brother-inw Emperor?"


    The Xuanwu Emperor raised an eyebrow, his lips curving upward as he looked at Jiang Xinyue: "Your sister is quite clever and interesting. That Pei Zhishuo indeed isn''t worthy of her."


    No one in the capital knew Pei Zhishuo''s true nature, and the Emperor only knew bits and pieces, not the full story.


    Moreover, from a man''s perspective, having certain private preferences was only human nature.


    It was said that Pei Zhishuo didn''t fancy unmarried maidens but preferred married women with more worldly experience.


    But this was merely hearsay, and over the years, Pei Zhishuo hadn''t caused any scandals, so the Emperor had thought they were just rumors!


    But seeing how the two sisters reacted to Pei Zhishuo today, he felt that perhaps the rumors weren''t unfounded.


    "Your Majesty knows that the Pei family wants to propose to my sister?"


    Her fox-like bright eyes twinkled: "The Pei family has strong connections, and Pei Zhishuo is one of the capital''s eight young talents, already holding a position in the Ministry of Rites at such a young age. When Your Majesty says he''s not worthy of my sister, is there some inside information?"


    "Pop!"


    "Ow!"


    Her forehead was firmly flicked, making a snapping sound. Jiang Xinyue covered her reddening forehead: "Shen... Your Majesty! That hurts!"


    "Who told you to keep testing me?"


    The Xuanwu Emperor pushed away her little head that was deliberately acting pitiful: "If you want to ask something, just ask directly. If you want to say something, just say it. Why keep beating around the bush trying to test me?"


    Jiang Xinyue pouted and red at him: "Is Your Majesty saying that Pei Zhishuo is of questionable character?"


    If the Emperor also knew about Pei Zhishuo''s unspeakable preferences, she believed he wouldn''t push Jiang Xinyan into such a dangerous situation.


    "There are some rumors."


    He ced a piece of chicken in Jiang Xinyue''s bowl: "So Yue''er, next time you see him, keep your distance, and don''t let him get close to your sister."


    Isn''t it more like you''re worried about him getting close to the Imperial Noble Consort?


    "What kind of rumors? Your Majesty, please borate. My sister would like to know."


    "Pfft! *cough cough cough*..."


    Jiang Xinyan: I''m not! I don''t! Don''t make things up!


    While frantically denying in her heart, when Jiang Xinyan saw the Emperor''s gaze turn to her, she stiffly nodded: "Yes, brother-inw Emperor, could you please exin in detail?"


    The Emperor found these sisters'' back-and-forth quite endearing and smiled: "Without proof, I can''t arbitrarily condemn someone, but marrying him would be risky. Since your sister doesn''t want you to take that risk, I won''t let you marry someone unworthy."


    Jiang Xinyan rose and bowed sincerely: "This subject thanks Your Majesty and Elder Sister."


    If it weren''t for Elder Sister''s favor with the Emperor, she might not have escaped this fate. The Emperor only cared about her marriage because of Elder Sister, so this bow was given willingly.


    "Didn''t you just call me brother-inw Emperor?"


    The Xuanwu Emperor rarely joked with others: "Howe the Imperial Noble Consort is still ''Elder Sister'' but I''ve be the formal ''Your Majesty''? I prefer hearing you call me brother-inw."


    Jiang Xinyan giggled: "Well, if I''m to call you brother-inw, it can''t be for nothing."


    "You dare to bargain with me?"


    Born from the same parents, they indeed shared simr bold personalities.


    "Then I''d better call you Your Majesty, to avoid others criticizing me for impropriety. Don''t you agree, Elder Sister?"


    Jiang Xinyue nodded in agreement: "Sister''s concerns are quite valid. It''s better to use ''Your Majesty.''"


    "Tsk!"


    The Emperor was about to give her another forehead flick, but seeing her reddened forehead, he ultimately couldn''t bring himself to do it, instead just pushing her forehead with one finger: "You stay out of this, this is between me and your sister."


    ''Your Majesty'' felt too distant, while ''brother-inw Emperor'' gave him a sense of family, of being epted by Yue''er''s rtives.Aliali: 673aa0aed72ede9349903ddf


    He turned to Jiang Xinyan and said: "Well then! What are your conditions?"


    "I''d like Elder Sister and brother-inw Emperor to arrange my marriage. Is that possible?"


    Her words were quite skillfully chosen.


    Putting Elder Sister before the Emperor actually meant she wanted Jiang Xinyue to make the decisions, with the Emperor''s involvement being secondary.


    Everyone present was shrewd enough to understand her intent - it was simply a youngdy trying to avoid a bad marriage and secure her future, nothing too serious.


    Her small calction was harmless, and the Emperor could tolerate it: "Very well, I agree."


    "Thank you, brother-inw Emperor. You''re so kind, no wonder Elder Sister loves you so much."


    This ttery went straight to the Emperor''s heart, making him view Jiang Xinyan even more favorably.


    "Your Majesty, the Newly Appointed Prefect of Qin Province is waiting at Jiuzhou Qingyan. Would you..."


    The previous prefect had been corrupt, and this new prefect had just taken office. The Emperor had summoned him to Jiuzhou Qingyan to discuss the situation in Qin Province with several high officials.

 Chapter 264

    It was still early, and on this summer day, darkness wouldete. There was still some time before the evening banquet.


    The Emperor had finished eating and wiped his mouth as a pce maid handed him a cloth to clean his hands. After rinsing his mouth with flower-petal-infused tea, he rose with Wang Dequan''s assistance and said, "Yue''er, I''ll send Tang Shiliang to fetch youter."


    Jiang Xinyue nodded, watching as the Xuanwu Emperor departed.


    Shortly after the Emperor left, Jiang Xinyue and her sister finished their meal and took a stroll in the garden of the Changchun Pavilion to aid digestion, thinking they could rest for a while before getting dressed upter.


    However, Concubine Cheng''s personal maid came crying and knelt at the door, begging to be seen: "Imperial Consort, please save Concubine Cheng! Noble Lady Liu... Noble Lady Liu is trying to destroy mydy''s hands!"


    What was happening?


    Jiang Xinyue remembered giving Noble Lady Liu a lesson that morning - she should have been bedridden, so how could she be bullying others? Besides, she was no match for Concubine Cheng.


    "Let''s see what''s going on," she said. As the nominal leader of the imperial harem, she couldn''t ignore disputes between concubines when they were brought to her attention.


    At Moon-Embracing Tower¡ª


    "Cheng Nianhe, why are you pretending? I merely gave you a light push, are you really that delicate?"


    Concubine Cheng, who had fallen to the ground, let out a hiss of pain. As she sat up, her hands were covered in blood - a frightening sight.


    Because news of Noble Lady Liu''s injury had spread, Consort Zhang and Court Lady Zheng, who lived in more remote quarters, hade to visit.


    "Ah! Concubine Cheng, you''re... you''re bleeding!"


    On the groundy fragments of a medicine bowl that Noble Lady Liu had smashed during their argument. When Noble Lady Liu pushed Concubine Cheng down, her hands hadnded directly on the broken porcin pieces.


    "Noble Lady Liu, if you''re jealous of my ability to attract butterflies with my qin ying, just say so. Why be so vicious and deliberately ruin my hands?"


    Consort Zhang eximed while shouting, "Quick, summon the Imperial Physician! What a mess! There''s an evening banquet tonight - how can you attend with one having broken bones and the other with hands torn to shreds?"


    The other concubines in the pce dared not show themselves, waiting to see how far Noble Lady Liu and Concubine Cheng would go before deciding whether to remain invisible or take a gamble for their future. If these two destroyed themselves through internal fighting, where else would they find such brave fools willing to challenge the Imperial Consort?


    Concubine Cheng thought herself clever, not realizing others were watching from the shadows, merely using her as a test case.


    "The Imperial Consort arrives¡ª"


    With Xiao Xiangzi''s announcement, everyone in the room dropped to their knees.


    "Paying respects to the Imperial Consort."


    "Rise!"


    Jiang Xinyue casually waved her hand. "You all give me too much trouble every day. I would be quite peaceful without your constant requests for audience."


    No one dared respond to this.


    The Imperial Consort''s gaze was sharp: "Tell me, who has grievances to air?"


    In a fight, the instigator is always at fault.


    Yan''er quickly stepped forward: "Your Grace, allow me to exin. This morning when mydy went for a walk, she discovered that Concubine Cheng had applied oil to the soles of her shoes, causing mydy to fall and break bones. The medical woman said she needs to stay in bed for at least three months, with no guarantee of full recovery. Clearly, Concubine Cheng harmed mydy, yet she pretended to care bying to feed medicine to mydy. Mydy is straightforward and doesn''t hide her thoughts like Concubine Cheng, so she got angry and knocked away the medicine bowl. I saw clearly that mydy only pushed her lightly, yet she fell on her own and somehow managed tond precisely on the broken pieces, injuring her hands. Your Grace, you must bring justice to mydy!"


    "What nonsense are you speaking?"


    Cun Xin, who had deliberately followed Jiang Xinyue in, stepped out from behind her to support her own mistress: "Ourdy is magnanimous and doesn''t hold grudges. Thinking of past friendship, she didn''t me Noble Lady Liu for what happened before and came to visit her. Yet you baselessly use ourdy, resort to violence, and now make false usations before the Imperial Consort. You''ve gone too far!"


    Both sides argued fiercely about whether Concubine Cheng had really applied oil to Noble Lady Liu''s shoes.


    Jiang Xinyue brushed back her perfectly neat bangs, her gaze unwavering and righteous as she looked at Noble Lady Liu''s injured back.


    As Imperial Consort, she needed only to say the word, and plenty of people would do her bidding.


    How simple it was to secretly apply oil to a mere nobledy''s shoes! She didn''t even need to say anything - Noble Lady Liu had automatically suspected Concubine Cheng.


    So what made her think she could escape unscathed after insulting the Imperial Consort''s lowly bloodline?


    "Stop arguing, all of you! Is this a marketce? Look at yourselves!"


    What did they look like?


    Like fishwives brawling in the street!


    Jiang Xinyue couldn''t be bothered to judge their case. She simply ordered fifty strikes for each, made Noble Lady Liu apologize to Concubine Cheng, reprimanded Concubine Cheng for deliberately provoking Noble Lady Liu, and finally ordered an investigation into who really applied oil to Noble Lady Liu''s shoes.


    But however they investigated, it would likely circle back to Concubine Cheng. As for how she would seek revenge - let them fight it out!


    While they were fighting each other, they wouldn''t have energy to scheme against her.


    Better them than her!


    "What did you say?"Aliali: 673aa0aed72ede9349903ddf


    "Young Master encountered the Imperial Consort today, and he..."


    Made inappropriate advances towards her?


    Minister Pei mmed his palm on the round rosewood table: "Has he lost his mind? Here I am, exhausting myself trying to get that old fox Jiang Yankun to agree to the marriage between our families, and he goes and... he... does he have a death wish?"


    Standing outside the door, Pei Zhishuo''s face burned red. He could hardly tell his grandfather that he lost control because the Imperial Consort was too beautiful and alluring!


    His grandfather despised those who were both lecherous and foolish. He straightened his robes and took a deep breath: "Grandfather, I know I was wrong, but this was actually Jiang Xinyue''s scheme. To prevent Third Miss Jiang from marrying me, she deliberately seduced me. I was caught off guard and thought she had feelings for me, which is why I... why I acted so improperly."


    The reason his preference for married women hadn''t be public knowledge was because he knew who he could and couldn''t touch. He only yed with beautiful widows in the capital.


    After giving them generouspensation, which woman would broadcast that she had lost her virtue? Even the few who wouldn''t let it go were simply taken into his household as maids - nominally servants but actually his bed warmers.


    These widows, after enduring hard times for so long, suddenly found themselves pampered and became dizzy with dreams of bing Pei Zhishuo''s beloved concubines, making them even less likely to cause trouble.


    How could the Pei family ept a few widows as concubines for their eldest grandson?


    They were simply blinded by the Pei family''s wealth and status. If they tried to im they were forced initially, who would believe them?


    The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and


    continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

 Chapter 265

    All along, Pei Zhishuo knew who he could and couldn''t provoke, carefully observing those boundaries, which was why he hadn''t caused any disasters yet.


    But if he wasn''t seeking thrills, why would he get involved with widows who had been married before?


    Some of these women were old enough to be his mother.


    Although they were all beautiful women, no matter how beautiful they were or how well they maintained themselves to look like eighteen-year-old girls, their actual age was what it was - it went againstmon sense.


    He was tired of living such a restricted life, unable to act freely and experience the excitement he craved.


    Now that all the widows he had pursued had be his women and were no longer other men''s wives, where was the thrill in that?


    That old fox Jiang Yankun was truly blessed with romance.


    He had married such a beautiful young wife and had two stunning daughters who could cause fish to sink and birds to fall from the sky with their beauty, especially the Imperial Noble Consort...


    He recalled that alluring face and graceful figure, feeling his heart grow hot.


    She was also the Emperor''s woman, which made it even more exciting!


    "What are you thinking about?"


    Minister Pei of the Privy Council was, after all, a formidable figure in court, and when facing his troublesome eldest grandson, he could still see through him somewhat.


    He reached out and grabbed Pei Zhishuo''s ear: "Don''t even think about it! You can ruin yourself, but don''t drag down the Pei family. Aren''t all those concubines in your residence enough for you? How dare you think about someone so dangerous? Listen well - if you dare to harbor such inappropriate thoughts, I will personally end your life and apologize to the Emperor."


    This grandson had been raised poorly.


    He shouldn''t have agreed to his son''s wishes after his first daughter-inw died, allowing him to marry that young widow whom he had loved in his youth as his principal wife.


    That widow mistreated his first daughter-inw''s children in the household, and his son didn''t even care. Now she had raised the eldest grandson to be like this. If people found out about this, he would lose all face.


    "Ah, ah, ah... Grandson understands, grandson understands!"


    If he couldn''t touch the Imperial Noble Consort, surely her mother, the former famous courtesan of the capital, would be fair game?


    She was just a soldmodity, already used by countless men, so what difference would it make if he had her too?


    "Mydy, what should we do?" asked Consort Zhang, who had just left Lanyue Pce, her expression somewhat sinister.


    The pce maid observed her expression: "Concubine Cheng and Noble Lady Liu are both injured and won''t be able to attend tonight''s banquet. So our n..."


    Consort Zhang remained silent for a moment, then turned her gaze to Concubine Ye: "We still have one more, don''t we? I heard Concubine Ye sprained her ankle while getting off the boat yesterday and needed the Emperor to carry her! Huan''er, if I do Concubine Ye this favor, she should be grateful to me."


    Huan''er silently mourned for Concubine Ye - gratitude was impossible; surviving would be fortunate enough.


    Her mistress didn''t dare to act herself, so she found several scapegoats to test the waters.


    "Since the Emperor has been exclusively favoring the Imperial Noble Consort, the pce has been too peaceful for too long. It''s time to add some fire to the situation."


    As night fell¡ª


    Brilliant lights illuminated throughout the temporary pce, adding a breathtaking beauty to the already stunning scenery.


    Under these bright lights, dark creatures began to crawl from beneath the ground.


    A young eunuch''s hand trembled as he carried a wine pitcher, nearly dropping the tray. He lurched forward in fright, fortunately caught by the corridor railing.


    The pain in his wrist forced him to set down the tray as he stared at his suddenly spasming wrist, quickly massaging it.


    A pitch-ck stray cat jumped down from the corridor roof, nearlynding on the tray.


    "Shoo, shoo, shoo!"


    The young eunuch forgot about his painful wrist and hurriedly shooed away the fat ck cat, afraid it would knock over the wine pitcher.


    This was the special "Immortal''s Brew" from Qin Province, the finest and most famous wine reserved for the Emperor and Imperial Noble Consort. One pitcher was worth a hundred gold pieces - if he spilled it, even ten heads wouldn''t be enough to pay for the mistake.


    Ah...


    What could he do? He was just a lowly servant!


    In this world... even a stray cat had animal lovers to feed it, while servants like them were worth less than a wild cat.


    The local officials of Qin Province had arranged the evening banquet for the Emperor and Imperial Noble Consort ording to their interests and preferences.


    Jiang Xinyue, seated in her sedan chair, observed the flowers and brocades on both sides, with various ornate pcenterns ced among them, creating an intentionally luxurious and gorgeous aesthetic.


    As they proceeded forward, pavilions, towers,ndscapes, and waterscapes all caught her eye, with every arrangement and design being to her liking.


    Most cleverly, the performances weren''t limited to the banquet itself. From the moment Jiang Xinyue left the ChuangChun Pavilion, beautiful women from the Office of Music and Dance lined the path, ying instruments, singing, and dancing with flowing sleeves.


    Jiang Xinyan behaved like an inexperienced young girl, looking around and apuding everywhere, but even so, her steps never faltered, and the ornaments on her head barely swayed.


    This was the grace and elegance expected of a nobledy raised in an ancient prestigious family.


    Jiang Xinyue shook her head - indeed, the charm unique to Eastern women, etched into their very bones, could only be disyed by the ancients.


    Every time she turned her head or made arge movement, her hair ornaments would swing into her face, stinging quite painfully.


    Her modern, unorthodox rebellious soul was truly different from these nobledies who had been taught etiquette and rules since childhood.


    "The Imperial Noble Consort arrives¡ª"


    "Bang!"


    As Jiang Xinyue was helped down from her sedan chair by Shuang Jiang and Jiang Xinyan, and walked into the garden where the outdoor banquet was being held, brilliant fireworks exploded in the starry night sky.


    "Wow! How beautiful!"


    "I heard these fireworks were specially arranged by the Emperor for the Imperial Noble Consort. The Emperor is so thoughtful."


    "If I had such a beautiful concubine, I would spoil her to the heavens too. If she smiled at me, I''d want to pluck the moon from the sky for her."


    "Keep dreaming! How could someone so beautiful end up with you? Only our Emperor, with his wisdom and martial prowess, is worthy of the nation-toppling beauty that is our Imperial Noble Consort."


    "Look at the clothes the Imperial Noble Consort is wearing - they show different colors under different lights. Isn''t that the Floating Light Brocade?"


    "It really seems to be. If the Imperial Noble Consort weren''t so beautiful, she might have been overshadowed by these clothes. Only she could bring out the special qualities of the Floating Light Brocade without being upstaged by it."


    Jiang Xinyue was still looking up at the spectacr fireworks disy when another warm hand grasped hers.


    She turned her head to see the Xuanwu Emperor''s handsome face and his deeply affectionate eyes.


    Fireworks bloomed overhead, while their eyes reflected only each other''s images.


    Only after the fireworks had finished did the Emperor lead her inside by the hand.


    "Greetings to the Emperor, paying respects to the Imperial Noble Consort."


    As someone took the lead, the garden immediately filled with a sea of people kneeling.

 Chapter 266

    The Xuanwu Emperor led Jiang Xinyue by the hand to the main seat before speaking: "You may dispense with formalities. Rise."


    Jiang Xinyan stood beside Jiang Xinyue, her eyes immediately searching for her cousins Yuncai and Yunxia from the elder uncle''s family.


    Though their elder uncle held a modest official position and their aunt''s seating wasn''t particrly prominent, the two cousins hade with their mother, so it was easy to spot them in the forward seats of the lower section.


    There weren''t any extra seats beside Jiang Xinyue, and keeping her sister by her side would not only create an awkward atmosphere but also draw too much attention.


    She looked toward the sisters Jiang Yunxia and Jiang Yuncai, who both courteously bowed to her in respect.


    "Sister, go sit with our two cousins!"


    The elder uncle''s two daughters were eighteen and neen years old, but the Great Yan Dynasty''s customs regarding women''s marriage age differed from all other dynasties in history.


    There was no strict requirement for women to marry at fifteen, but if they remained unmarried by twenty, the government would intervene and arrange marriages for them.


    Jiang Yunxia was neen this year.


    The elder uncle probably knew he still had chances for promotion, so he hadn''t rushed to arrange engagements for his daughters, hoping to find better matches once his rank was higher.


    Parents'' love for their children makes them n far ahead.


    Her nominal father had some affection for her, but this affection was mixed with many other considerations.


    If she hadn''t gained favor and the Emperor''s love to benefit the entire family, Jiang Xinyan would likely have been the next one sent to the pce.


    Only now did Jiang Xinyue gradually understand her predecessor''s situation.


    At home, she had to constantly be on guard against Madam Zhou harming her, her siblings, and her mother.


    She had to be fierce and thorny toward those who meant her harm, while ying weak and innocent before her father to get him to speak up for her asionally.


    She was always tense, so after entering the pce, she wanted to start a new life. Getting the Emperor''s favor would allow her siblings and mother to live better lives.


    However, after entering the pce, her outstanding beauty made her an outcast among the pcedies. Lady Ye, who waster drowned in a cesspool for treason, was wary of her beauty from the start and deliberately befriended her, intending to use her as a stepping stone.


    Although her predecessor hadn''t lost herself then and remained wary of everyone, once in the pce, they were all the Emperor''s women. Among thesedies, her beauty was unmatched, and she couldn''t help but develop some delusions.


    Especially after the Xuanwu Emperor visited her chambers several times and bombarded her with sweet words, her long-taut nerves rxed, and she was deceived by the Emperor''s warmth, truly believing she had him wrapped around her finger.


    She wasn''t necessarily foolish, but she desperately wanted someone to rely on, someone who would let her stop constantly scheming.


    Lady Ye, jealous of her genuine favor with the Emperor, arranged for Shuang Jiang to spy on her, nning to secretly gather information and gain favor through simr means.


    If Lady Ye gained favor by imitating her, then the original Jiang Xinyue would be unnecessary.


    After all, a dead love interest has the strongest impact.


    In the Imperial Garden, Lady Ye deliberately ced begonia flowers in the original Jiang Xinyue''s hair, intending to use Concubine Li to destroy her.


    Just ruining her face would make the Emperor abandon her.


    Unexpectedly, that day brought the twenty-first century Jiang Xinyue through time.


    The original Jiang Xinyue... must have been very unwilling to die like that!


    However, it was precisely because of the future Jiang Xinyue''s arrival that the original''s destined tragic ending was changed.


    Now the Jiang family''s situation was excellent, her mother was about to be the official wife, and her siblings had her protection, ensuring they wouldn''t suffer in the future.


    "Jiang Xinyue, may you be reborn into a happy andplete family in your next life, where you won''t need schemes and tactics to receive your parents'' full love."


    A strange ck smoke seemed to suddenly envelope her body before vanishing with a "whoosh."


    The Xuanwu Emperor rubbed his eyes, his constant gaze on Jiang Xinyue finally catching her attention.


    The beauty, bathed in sacred light and increasingly striking in the flickeringmplight, blinked and asked, "Why does Your Majesty keep staring at your subject?"


    It must be fatigue from recent travels causing him to see things!


    The Emperor smiled: "We''re admiring how Our Xinyue seems especially beautiful today."


    He wasn''t just trying to please Jiang Xinyue; he truly felt that in that instant, her beauty had somehow increased.


    Jiang Xinyue touched her fair cheek: "Perhaps Your Majesty is so fond of your subject that everything about me appears beautiful!"


    Though just now, she had indeed felt a release throughout her body, as if some negative obsession had vanished, giving her a sense of liberation.


    She wasn''t sure if it was because the Emperor had arranged the banquet ording to her preferences, making her genuinely happy, or something else.


    Who cares?


    White mist drifted through the garden as groups of beautiful dancing girls disyed their beauty and charm to the audience.


    The Office of Music and Dance not only collected talented performers from throughout the realm but also included the daughters of condemned officials.


    However, people ofter generations misunderstood the Office of Music and Dance, thinking it was full of official courtesans. In reality, these women only sang, danced, and yed instruments at banquets for the nobility''s entertainment; they weren''t avable for just anyone''s pleasure.


    Of course, if any performer wished to attach herself to someone and leave the Office, that was another matter entirely.


    The beauties wore light clothing as they danced among the mist,nterns, and flowers, apanied by pleasant songs and music. No wonder everyone wanted to be emperor.


    This supreme visual feast could indeed easily captivate anyone.


    "Your Majesty, on behalf of the people of the Great Yan Dynasty, I toast to you. Because we have such a diligent and benevolent ruler, our Great Yan Dynasty grows increasingly prosperous. Your Majesty''s achievements will be remembered for thousands of years, and we subjects deeply admire you!"


    Once the first person started ttering, a string of others followed.


    But since the first was Jiang Xinyue''s nominal father, she felt more at ease.


    The young eunuch beside the Emperor quickly filled his cup and retreated to his position.


    Wang Dequan came forward to test for poison with a silver needle, then tasted a drop on his finger. After a moment, sensing no abnormality, the Xuanwu Emperor finally raised his cup and smiled at Jiang Yankun from afar: "We are also gratified that you lords have joined Us in leading the Great Yan Dynasty to its peak. Now We also toast to you all, hoping that you will always remember to be considerate of themon people from your high positions, avoid corruption, and join Us in appreciating this magnificent realm."


    One day, he would conquer the foreign barbarians, unify all under heaven, end all warfare, and bring perfect peace to the world.


    When Jiang Xinyue covered her lips with her sleeve, she poured all the wine onto the ground.

 Chapter 267

    When traveling away from home, it''s better to be cautious. She would never consume food or drinks that weren''t served by her own people.


    Those people wouldn''t dare poison the emperor, but they would love to see her dead.


    "Ah?"


    A massive cat suddenly appeared out of nowhere, startling Concubine Ye, who had been seated at the end of the concubines'' table.


    She thought it was an enormous rat at first, and was scared out of her wits, breaking into a cold sweat.


    Consort Zhang flicked her fingers, and the white powder hidden at her fingertips fell into Concubine Ye''s wine cup.


    "Concubine Ye!"


    She cried out and rushed to support Concubine Ye, asking, "Are you alright?"


    Ye Qiang''er, embarrassed and angry, kicked the ck cat, sending it tumbling away. She then turned to the eunuch behind her and said, "How could such a terrifying ck cat be in the temporary pce? It''s frightening! Catch it quickly and kill it, throw it out! If it startles the Imperial Noble Consort, you''ll all lose your heads!"


    Several young eunuchs rushed forward in a group, but although the fat cat wasrge, it moved very nimbly, quickly leaping onto the roof and disappearing into the night while casually swishing its tail.


    Ye Qiang''er, furious, grabbed the wine cup from the table and drank it all in one gulp.


    "Cough, cough, cough..."


    She choked because she drank too quickly.


    Consort Zhang handed her a handkerchief, saying, "Concubine Ye, it''s just a stray cat, don''t get so upset about it. Here, wipe yourself."


    Wine had sshed onto her lips and chin.


    "Thank you, Consort Zhang."


    The snow-white handkerchief carried a fresh, elegant fragrance, with a fleeting sweetness when it touched her lips.


    After wiping, Concubine Ye returned it, saying, "Sister Consort, what kind of perfumed powder do you usually use? I quite like the scent."


    "What powder?"


    Consort Zhang held the handkerchief to her lips and smiled, "I just like to eat preserved fruits. This is what my maid uses to wrap fragrant dates. If you like the scent, I can have someone send you some tomorrow."


    Eating too many sweets makes one gain weight, no wonder Consort Zhang had such a plump figure.


    Concubine Ye waved her hand, "That won''t be necessary."


    The Emperor preferred women like the Imperial Noble Consort, with a willow-thin waist and voluptuous figure. She didn''t want to be a barrel-waisted pig.


    Consort Zhang saw the discrimination against fat people in her eyes, and her gaze turned cold.


    She wasn''t actually fat; she was just slightly more curvaceouspared to the willowy beauties in the harem.


    Her figure was actually the closest to the Imperial Noble Consort''s.


    Unfortunately, while the Imperial Noble Consort was full-figured in all the right ces and slender where it mattered, making everyone marvel at how her curves were so perfectly distributed.


    Meanwhile, she was plump in the right ces but also had extra flesh where she shouldn''t.


    She hated when people thought she was fat.


    She lifted her gaze slightly toward Huan''er behind her. Huan''er nodded and released an ice-blue butterfly from her sleeve. The butterfly fluttered its wings twice and flew directly toward the Emperor at the highest seat.


    Nobody would notice a butterfly flying among the flowers, and even if they did, they would only admire its beauty.


    Jiang Xinyue didn''t notice at first, thinking it was normal to see butterflies where there were many flowers, especially since there wasn''t just one butterfly in the garden.


    But when she looked a second time, she noticed something was wrong.


    Why did one butterfly seem to be targeting the Emperor?


    However, she didn''t raise an rm, instead watching as the butterfly flew toward the Emperor''s table.


    The most beautiful things are often the most poisonous - this applies to both people and objects.


    The Emperor also noticed the "little creature" on his table. Just as he was about to wave the butterfly away, Jiang Xinyue called out, "Your Majesty, use this."


    It was a silk handkerchief embroidered with mandarin ducks.


    The Xuanwu Emperor nced at her, understanding she was worried the strangely colored butterfly might be poisonous.


    He took the handkerchief, and when the butterfly tried to fly away, he caught it through the fabric: "Wang Dequan, take this to the Imperial Hospital for examination."


    Wang Dequan was already being very careful, but when he took the butterfly, its ice-blue color instantly lost its luster, bing an ordinary blue butterfly.


    The banquet was halfway through, and many people had already gone to relieve themselves and returned.


    Though the Xuanwu Emperor was emperor, he still ate and drank like anyone else, and after drinking too much, nature called. He excused himself to Jiang Xinyue and went to the emperor''s privatevatory, attended by Wang Dequan.


    After the Emperor entered, Wang Dequan also felt an urgent need to urinate. He quickly instructed a young eunuch to watch the door while he rushed to find the servants''vatory.


    After washing her hands, Concubine Ye saw Wang Dequan hurrying past her. She wanted to call out to him, but the Chief Eunuch was moving too quickly.


    Then it urred to her - if Wang Dequan was here, didn''t that mean the Emperor was nearby?


    She quickly closed her mouth and walked toward where Wang Dequan hade from. Halfway there, she steeled herself, stepped on arge stone, and deliberately fell, twisting her ankle.


    "Ouch!"


    "Mydy!"


    Her maid rushed to help her, but Concubine Ye waved her away, "I can''t walk, my foot hurts so much."


    She lowered her head, rubbing her sore ankle - this time it wasn''t an act, she had really sprained it.


    "You again?"


    A pair of imperial yellow boots appeared before Concubine Ye''s eyes. As she looked up, something flickered in her eyes, and her head began to spin.


    The Xuanwu Emperor hadn''t expected that just asking a question would frighten her into fainting. The young maid had already retreated and knelt down, not daring to raise her head.


    As Concubine Ye fainted, she fell to the right, heading toward the stone that had twisted her ankle.


    The Emperor reached out and caught her head just in time, checking her breathing by holding his hand near her nose. She was still breathing, still alive.


    But her breathing was steady, her eyes tightly closed, and her eyeballs weren''t moving around - she had truly fainted.


    No one, not even a eunuch, dared to touch the Emperor''s women.


    The Xuanwu Emperor could only frown and pick her up himself.Aliali: 673eb950c4f3f33ac4ee7f08


    A sweet fragrance entered his nostrils, and his hands suddenly stiffened as he held Concubine Ye. The Emperor felt his body changing.


    The warmth of the woman in his arms and her curves pressing against his chest and abdomen sent a hot current flowing through his lower body.


    He felt his entire body burning with heat!


    Meanwhile, in the back garden, the Emperor''s surprise for the Imperial Noble Consort continued.


    The De Yi Troupe, the most renowned acrobatic troupe in the civilian world, was performing fire-breathing, acrobatics, face-changing, and various other intangible cultural heritage acts that would be difficult to see inter generations.


    It''s not that these arts didn''t exist inter times, but they simply couldn''tpare to those of ancient times.


    Of course, the mere preservation of intangible cultural heritage is itself a great and remarkable achievement.


    "Second Madame, Third Miss Jiang is over there, she seems to have a stomach ache. The servant was sent to inform you."


    "Yan Sister?"


    Wasn''t Yan Sister ying with Sister Xia and Sister Cai?

 Chapter 268

    Thinking this way, Lady Ruan voiced her question: "Wasn''t she with her two cousins? Didn''t you see them together?"


    The small eunuch, who kept his head lowered and whose face was unclear, shook his head: "This servant only saw the Third Miss lying on the stone table alone, without even a maid by her side. This servant was concerned for the Third Miss''s safety."


    Although the temporary pce was filled with children from official families, one still had to worry about someone being bold enough to dare approach the Imperial Consort''s sister.


    Lady Ruan shared the same concern. She nced at her husband in the distance, who was surrounded by colleagues in the men''s seating area. Eventually, her maternal worry overcame her hesitation, and she followed the small eunuch out.


    However, she still remembered Jiang Xinyue''s words and brought along a group of servants that had been arranged for her.


    "Sir, my daughter..."


    When they reached a secluded garden, Lady Ruan couldn''t see Jiang Xinyan anywhere. When she turned back to ask, the eunuch had vanished.


    This is bad!


    Lady Ruan immediately tried to leave, but before she could exit the garden, someone blocked her path: "Where is Madam Jiang going?"


    "Young Master Pei?"


    Lady Ruan frowned deeply: "Why did you lure me here? What do you want?"


    She couldn''t imagine what inappropriate thoughts a man young enough to be her son could have about her.


    Could it be that he had kidnapped Xinyan to force her to agree to their marriage?


    Pei Zhishuo''s gaze was lecherous as he looked Lady Ruan up and down, his eyes burning as if trying to see through her.


    "You..."


    Lady Ruan''s frown deepened as she instinctively covered her chest with her hands: "If Young Master Pei has no business, please step aside."


    "Snap!"


    The folding fan closed with a sharp sound as Pei Zhishuo blocked her path: "How can Madam Jiang be so cold? When you were a dancer at Prince Ruyang''s mansion, were you such a virtuous woman then?"


    A lowly dancer, during performances, could be touched and kissed if any official or noble took a fancy to them.


    If the master agreed, even a one-night stand wasmon.


    Pei Zhishuo didn''t believe that Lady Ruan hadn''t been with anyone before she bought her freedom.


    He moved closer to her, sniffing her hair, finding her fragrance intoxicating: "Madam Jiang, you must have seen many men and must be hard to satisfy. Secretary Jiang is so old now, what pleasure could he give you? Why note with me? I''ll let you experience what it truly means to be a woman. You..."


    "p!"


    "Vulgar beast!"


    Lady Ruan trembled with anger as she pped Pei Zhishuo across the face. But instead of getting angry, the p seemed to excite him more, his eyes burning with desire as he stared at her: "Madam Jiang, I truly love you so much. Just give yourself to me!"


    "Ah!"


    Jiang Xinyan suddenly turned around: "Did I just hear a scream?"


    Jiang Yunxia also looked back but heard nothing: "Are you just being nervous and hearing things?"


    Jiang Xinyan immediately retorted: "Who''s nervous? I''m not nervous at all! Just watch this."


    She held an arrow, aiming at a bronze pot three meters away. With a "whoosh," the arrownded... outside the pot.


    Jiang Yuncai burst outughing: "Xinyan, you''d better practice more! Sister and I might not be as good as you at poetry and literature, but when ites to martial arts, you''re no match for us."


    Several nobledies around them who were friendly with them joined in the teasing: "So this is revenge forst month''s poetry gathering. Xinyan, you''d better be careful, among all of us, Sister Yuncai is the most mischievous."


    Jiang Yuncai put her hands on her hips: "I''m just training our little Xinyan, what do you all know?"


    Jiang Yunxia also covered her mouth andughed: "With your amateur skills, stop embarrassing yourself. Miss Yue was right earlier, you''re just a little troublemaker."


    Jiang Yuncai''s eyes widened: "Sister, you haven''t even... how can you be so biased?"


    Jiang Yunxia was startled, afraid that the impulsive Jiang Yuncai might say something inappropriate, and quickly covered her mouth: "We''ve been out for quite a while, let''s hurry back. Don''t keep Aunt waiting."


    She was in marriage talks with Su Ruyue''s brother, the second son of the Su family. The Su family held a third-rank official position, while their family''s official rank was only fifth rank. Although the Emperor had appointed him as an Imperial Envoy, who knew what would happen when he returned?


    Although the Su family had agreed to the marriage considering the Imperial Consort''s influence, it was really because Su''s second son and Jiang Yunxia had taken a liking to each other. After careful consideration, Lady Su wanted her son to marry someone he loved and live a harmonious life.


    That''s why Jiang Yuncai had earlier mentioned that Jiang Yunxia was already showing favoritism toward Su Ruyue before even marrying into their family.


    With their father away for several months, the marriage would only be finalized upon his return. If word got out now because of her sister''s loose tongue, who knew what the Su family would think of her!


    Fortunately, her sister held her tongue in time, saving Jiang Yunxia from potential gossip.


    The group of beautiful youngdies entering from outside was quite eye-catching.


    Jiang Xinyue had just finished asking Xiao Xiangzi about the Emperor''s whereabouts when she saw her sister and two cousins enter among a group of nobledies. Her eyes fell on where Lady Ruan had been seated earlier, and she asked puzzledly: "Didn''t Mother go to the bathroom? Why hasn''t she returned?"


    Shuang Jiang lowered her head: "My Lady need not worry. The pce maids and eunuchs we arranged for Madam are skilled in martial arts, though they''re disguised as ordinary servants. If anyone dares to harm Madam, they''ll be the ones to suffer."


    Jiang Xinyue nodded: "The Emperor also left and hasn''t returned. Why is everyone..."


    Like they''ve fallen into a pit.


    "My Lady!"


    Someone suddenly appeared behind Xiao Xiangzi, sneaking up to Jiang Xinyue''s side.


    "Tang Shiliang?"


    Jiang Xinyue turned sharply: "Why aren''t you attending to His Majesty? What are you doing here? Where is the Emperor?"


    "The situation... isplicated... Pleasee with this servant, My Lady."


    His expression was anxious, with beads of sweat rolling down his face, showing extreme urgency.Aliali: 673eb950c4f3f33ac4ee7f08


    "My Lady!"


    After Jiang Xinyue had inquired about Lady Ruan''s whereabouts, Shuang Jiang had exined but still went to ask their own informants about Lady Ruan''s location.


    Finally getting clear information, she hurriedly lifted her skirts and walked quickly toward the tform: "Madam is in trouble."


    Jiang Xinyue looked at Tang Shiliang, then at Shuang Jiang.


    Is this deliberate?


    Her mind raced. Her mother was apanied by martial arts-trained pce maids and eunuchs, while the Emperor had not only Wang Dequan but also many personal guards and secret guards for protection. By all ounts, her mother seemed to be in more danger.


    However...


    If the Emperor was truly safe, why would Tang Shiliange to her for help instead of going to the pce guards?


    This suggested that whatever situation the Emperor was in, while not life-threatening, was something he didn''t want others to know about.


    She should choose to save her mother, but...

 Chapter 269

    "Your Highness, it''s an emergency at the Emperor''s side!"


    The implication was that if it wasn''t urgent, she should put Lady Ruan''s matters aside for now.


    Jiang Xinyue thought for a moment and then looked towards the seats of the concubines, frowning as she pointed to the only empty seat: "Xiao Xiangzi, whose seat is that?"


    Xiao Xiangzi squinted and looked: "Your Highness, that is Concubine Ye''s seat."


    Concubine Ye?


    Jiang Xinyue''s mind suddenly shed with an idea. Could it be...


    Concerned about her future prosperity and luxurious life, she suddenly stood up: "Xiao Xiangzi, go find my father. Shuang Jiang, you lead the way to find my mother. You know what can be publicized and what should not be made known to everyone. If you''re unsure, follow my father''s arrangements."


    Xiao Xiangzi and Shuang Jiang quickly agreed and hurried down.


    Jiang Xinyue exchanged a nce with her father, confirming he understood, before hastily following Tang Shiliang away.


    "What happened to the Emperor?"


    "Your Highness, the Emperor..."


    Tang Shiliang lowered his voice: "The Emperor was drugged, and it''s been some time. Concubine Ye... Concubine Ye is in the Emperor''s tent."


    What does that mean, did the Emperor already sleep with Concubine Ye?


    Then why call her here?


    As they spoke, they arrived at a room the Emperor had entered. Wang Dequan''s face was still flushed, looking like a cooked shrimp.


    Seeing Jiang Xinyue, his eyes lit up, but he stumbled and fell to the ground: "Your Highness... please, save the Emperor!"


    Although the situation was urgent, Jiang Xinyue paused out of humanitarian concern: "What happened to Wang Gonggong?"


    Tang Shiliang blushed: "My adoptive father was also drugged."


    "You!"


    Young man!


    Wang Dequan buried his red face in the ground, wanting to dig a hole to escape the world.


    Jiang Xinyue''s gaze moved downwards: "Do eunuchs... react to such things?"


    She knew the Emperor must be in a hurry, but first, she was too curious.


    This time, even Tang Shiliang was embarrassed to exin. There were reactions, but they couldn''t rise because theycked the necessary organs. It could be suffocating, so now he had to take his adoptive father to find a doctor.


    A few eunuchs and maids from Chengqian Pce stood guard outside the room, each with their heads bowed, pretending not to hear or see anything.


    Indeed, they were from the Emperor''s pce, knowing when to feign deafness and blindness to preserve their lives.


    "I... I must take my leave now, Your Highness. The Emperor is waiting for you inside."


    No wonder he was the Emperor''s most favored eunuch. Even in such a state, Wang Dequan still thought of the Emperor.


    The Emperor''s favor towards Noble Consort Wang was well-deserved.


    "Creak¡ª"


    Jiang Xinyue cautiously pushed open the door, afraid of identally seeing something that would make her eyes hurt.


    "Bang!"


    Her wrist was tightly gripped by a fiery hand, and the door behind her was forcefully closed with a loud bang, making Jiang Xinyue close her eyes in fright.


    "Mmm!"


    Immediately after, her slender waist was fiercely grasped and pressed against the man''s firm abdomen. The kiss was like a beast''s bite, extremely aggressive.


    Jiang Xinyue was spun around in the embrace, caught off guard by the intense kiss, her steps unsteady as she retreated.


    But the "beast" above her showed no intention of letting her go, as if she were a delicious candy, continuously savoring the sweetness between Jiang Xinyue''s lips.


    "Emm..."


    Her breath was already hurried, struggling to breathe. She tried to push away the Xuanwu Emperor, who felt like a piece of red-hot iron, but failed. Instead, because she opened her mouth to speak, his tongue invaded, conquering her territory.


    The hot breaths intertwined, and the room was filled with an intimate atmosphere.


    "Thud!"


    Having nowhere else to retreat, Jiang Xinyue was pinned on the dining table. The Xuanwu Emperor finally let go of her but not entirely.


    He propped his hands on the table''s edge, encircling the graceful beauty within his arms. The difference in their builds made the room''s atmosphere even more desirous.


    "Yue''er..."


    The Emperor''s lips brushed Jiang Xinyue''s snow-white neck, causing her to shiver. The abnormal heat sprayed on her ear.


    The Xuanwu Emperor was even licking her earlobe, the wet and itchy sensation making her giggle. That lightugh was a fatal charm to the Emperor.


    Almost delirious, the Xuanwu Emperor struggled to restrain himself, the veins on his neck bulging.


    His voice hoarse, his feverish cheek pressed against Jiang Xinyue''s cool neck, feelingfortable and letting out a sigh: "Yue''er... can you? I''m in so much pain..."


    He had been drugged for some time, and if no one helped him relieve it, he would pass out from the swelling.


    Wang Dequan had already consulted a doctor, who said he was given a potent drug. If he didn''t want to harm his body, it was best to find a concubine to detoxify him.


    How precious is the Emperor''s body!


    No doctor dared to prescribe a harmful antidote. After all, finding a concubine would easily solve the potent drug.


    Why take medicine to harm oneself?


    Jiang Xinyue, kissed fiercely by the Xuanwu Emperor, had not yet caught her breath and did not answer his question. Instead, she wrapped her arms around his neck and actively took his rolling Adam''s apple into her mouth.


    The Emperor asked if it was okay because he knew he was drugged, afraid she would misunderstand he was just using her as a release, not respecting her.


    Jiang Xinyue''s gaze passed through the bed curtains, where a half-dressed, delicate figurey.


    The Xuanwu Emperor tilted his head, his Adam''s apple more prominent. Jiang Xinyue kissed him absent-mindedly, making the Emperor lose himself in her tenderness.Aliali: 67409081c4f3f33ac40a029f


    Concubine Ye on the bed was like being set on fire, burning her heartache.


    The Emperor, however, thought she had drugged him and deliberately threw her on the bed, pushing her away without mercy when she was in a frenzy, treating her like trash.


    She watched the Emperor, tormented by the drug, rolling on the ground, no matter how she called out, the Emperor never looked at her.


    There were even bloodstains on the wall from the Emperor''s fists, showing how close he was to breaking point.


    Realizing this, she stripped herself bare, wanting to seduce the Emperor. But as soon as she approached and hugged him, she was pinned to the bed by maids called by Wang Dequan, tied up with ropes.


    Then she heard the Emperor''s trembling voice: "Go... go get Imperial Noble Consort. Hurry!"


    The Emperor would rather endure such intense and surging passion than wait for Imperial Noble Consort to save him.


    This was a great humiliation for Concubine Ye.


    But now bound to the bed, she was forced to watch Imperial Noble Consort easily make the Emperor fall into a trance.


    Tears of grievance streamed from her eyes.

 Chapter 270

    She had no idea how she had been drugged, let alone how she could have drugged the Emperor.


    If she had such abilities, she wouldn''t have had to constantly humble herself to please Noble Lady Liu.


    "Don''t..."


    When their passionate kiss deepened, Jiang Xinyue''s hands had already slipped inside the Xuanwu Emperor''s robes. As the tingling sensation spread throughout his body, just before hisst thread of rationality snapped, the Emperor caught her wandering hands.


    "Ah!"


    Jiang Xinyue thought the Emperor would carry her like a princess, but instead, he grabbed her hand and began running.


    They passed through the back corridor of the room, then ran past an borate corner tower, until they came upon an enormous ss greenhouse.


    The transparent greenhouse was filled with vibrantly blooming flowers and nts, meticulously arranged by the servants who maintained it in an orderly and clean manner.


    Clusters of flower branches hanging from the ceiling created a natural screen for the ss greenhouse.


    "Mmph!"


    Jiang Xinyue''s tall, graceful figure was roughly pressed against the greenhouse wall by the Xuanwu Emperor, causing the hanging flower branches to quiver and scatter petals across the ground.


    Their fingers intertwined as the flower branches shook even more violently...


    In a secluded part of the garden, Lady Ruan and Jiang Yankun stared at each other in shock, while lying unconscious on the ground was Pei Zhishuo, who had just been harassing Lady Ruan.


    Jiang Xinyan approached and asked, "Mother, are you alright?"


    Lady Ruan shook her head: "Fortunately, the people Sister Xinyue assigned to protect me all knew some martial arts. Earlier, a eunuch said you had fainted here alone and asked me toe help you. Knowing I had Sister Xinyue''s people protecting me, I thought there wouldn''t be any major issues, so I came looking for you."


    She looked guiltily at Jiang Yankun: "I didn''t know this was Pei Zhishuo''s trap. He just tried to assault me."


    Thankfully, Sister Xinyue had prepared for this possibility.


    Jiang Yankun''s face turned ck as coal. He walked up to Pei Zhishuo and kicked him in the back, causing the unconscious young man to groan in pain.


    Jiang Xinyan seized the opportunity to speak: "No wonder the Emperor told Sister today to find me a good husband - he must have already known Pei Zhishuo wasn''t a good person."


    By saying this, Xinyan was conveying to Jiang Yankun that the Emperor was well aware of all the movements and interactions among his officials.


    It would be best not to do anything inappropriate or harbor any improper thoughts.


    His n to marry Xinyan into the Pei family was simply because he believed the Emperor was bing increasingly intolerant of the Pei family, and would eventually find an excuse to deal with them, just as he had done with the Song family.


    If Xinyan could infiltrate the enemy''s ranks and steal even a bit of information, it could serve as justification for the Emperor to take action.


    When that time came, if the Emperor''s beloved Xinyue whispered sweet words in his ear out of concern for her sister, even if he couldn''t secure the position of Minister of the Privy Council for himself, at least he could gain entry into the Privy Council.


    The Privy Council was the highest administrative office of the current government. Entering it meant bing the sessor to the current and former prime ministers. The Minister of the Privy Councilmanded the Six Ministries and was the most powerful civil official at court.


    Every civil official at court with any ambition or aspiration dreamed of entering the Privy Council, bing a close minister to the Emperor, handling the Great Yan Dynasty''s highest secrets, and wielding the power to promote or demote hundreds of officials.


    The Emperor was always wary of those prestigious noble families with deep backgrounds, but his Jiang family was different!


    The Jiang family had been merchants for generations, and in current society there were only four sses of people: schrs, farmers, craftsmen, and merchants, with merchants rankedst - the lowest and most despised.


    He had no background at all. Those noble families looked down on his origins and wouldn''t conspire with him to control the government. Instead, they would try every means to bring him down and rece him with their own people.


    What the Emperor needed was a sharp de that would oppose the noble families!


    Hearing Xinyan speak this way now, he became alert again and said to her with a gloomy expression: "This matter shouldn''t be publicized. Your mother''s reputation is important. You two should return to the banquet first; I''ll handle things here."


    Pei Zhishuo was already coughing blood on the ground. The eunuchs and pce maids had beaten him severely, and with father''s kick just now, his internal organs must be injured. Jiang Xinyan bit her lip and supported Lady Ruan: "Then father must seek justice for mother."


    Even if they couldn''t make it public, they couldn''t let him off so easily. He must pay for his impropriety.


    How could Jiang Yankun let Minister Pei off?


    The Emperor was watching for his mistakes. If he didn''t strip off ayer of his skin this time, he wouldn''t be Jiang Yankun.


    At the banquet, Minister Pei was smiling more broadly as he thought about his spy in the pce, someone no one would ever suspect.


    However, his satisfaction didn''tst long. A young eunuch hurried forward and whispered something to Minister Pei''s personal attendant.


    The attendant then urgently reported in his ear: "My Lord, young master... he''s in trouble."


    He had been caught in the act of harassing the wife of Lord Jiang, the Minister of Punishment, and had been beaten within an inch of his life.


    As for how the two old foxes would handle this, that was their business.


    Jiang Xinyan watched Minister Pei hurry out, then met Lady Ruan''s gaze. Where was the fear and weakness in mother''s eyes now? There was only... craftiness after achieving her goal?


    "Mother! You... you are..."


    "Shh!"Aliali: 67413bd3c4f3f33ac4135f05


    Lady Ruan gave a mastermind-like smile and shook her head at Jiang Xinyan: "Mother knows nothing. Mother is the victim."


    That Pei Zhishuo, just an immature boy - what were a few mild insults from him?


    She had been a dancer at the Ruyang Prince''s Residence, a person of lowly status with no rights. To survive and please the nobles, she had smiled through far worse insults. What did his few words matter?


    The Emperor wanted to deal with the Pei family, and her husband was calcting about the Pei family''s influence. She was merely using her advantages to satisfy both the Emperor and her husband.


    As the "victim," she needed everyone''s sympathy. She was just an innocent white flower, not a ck lotus with deep schemes.


    "Xinyan, you should learn from your sister. Even if you have the ability to deal with your enemies yourself, don''t let men think you''re ruthless. When he loves you, even your cruelty will seem clever to him. But if he stops loving you and recalls your actions, he''ll only feel cold-hearted, thinking you would stop at nothing for wealth and glory. You must hide your sharp edges and let men do the dirty work. Stay pure and clean - always be the sacred moonlight in his heart."


    This method might not work for everyone, but in this patriarchal feudal society, it was undoubtedly the best approach.


    Jiang Xinyan received a harsh lesson from her mother today, and finally understood who her sister had inherited her gentle demeanor before the Emperor from.


    A crescent moon hung in the sky as soft whimpers came from the ss greenhouse: "Your Majesty, are you... are you finished? Shouldn''t we go back?"


    If they didn''t return soon, others would notice that the Emperor and his Noble Consort had disappeared together.

 Chapter 271

    The sound of fabric rubbing together seemed particrly intimate, as Jiang Xinyue''s clothes were hastily draped over her, revealing a pair of long, slender, and perfectly proportioned legs.


    Her delicate and fragile appearance made the "sated" Xuanwu Emperor reflect on whether he had been too unrestrained earlier. What if he had hurt Yue''er?


    The Xuanwu Emperor picked up the delicate beauty lying on the chaise longue and dressed her himself. Her snow-white shoulders and neck were covered with dark red marks.


    He darkened his gaze and turned his head away, fastening the jade belt around her waist: "Can you walk? If it hurts too much, I''ll go out and have a sedan chair arranged."


    That would be announcing to the world that she and the Emperor had been ying a private, intimate game, wouldn''t it?


    Jiang Xinyue shook her head and stood up: "No need!"


    She was still worried about her mother''s situation, so she wrapped her arm around the Emperor''s and cooed, "Someone just told me that my mother is also in trouble, it seems to be rted to Minister Pei of the Privy Council''s eldest grandson. But just at that moment, Tang Shiliang came to me and said Your Majesty was in urgent need, so I had to ask my father to go to my mother. I''m really worried about her condition now; she''s always been timid and weak due to her background, and she wouldn''t dare to stand up for herself if she were bullied."


    That was essentially asking the Emperor to stand up for Lady Ruan, wasn''t it?


    The Xuanwu Emperor, feeling guilty for using Jiang Xinyue as a "cure" and having long wanted to deal with the Pei family, saw this as an opportunity handed to him.


    "Don''t worry, Yue''er, I will not let your mother suffer any injustice."


    He agreed, but Jiang''s father might not be willing to let it go. The Emperor felt that he and Jiang''s father had this much mutual understanding.


    Returning to the room, Concubine Ye''s poison had been neutralized by the imperial physician, and her clothes were neatly put on. She knelt on the ground, waiting for the Emperor''s judgment.


    "Attempting to drug me in the pce, execute her immediately."


    He knew very well that as the Emperor, having many women was not excessive. Even if he only loved Jiang Xinyue in his heart, he could still favor any woman in his harem.


    The problem was, he didn''t like Concubine Ye, yet she drugged him.


    "Your Majesty, please be clear!"


    Concubine Ye crawled over, trying to cling to the Emperor''s leg but failed. She could only kowtow vigorously: "I really didn''t drug you; even if you gave me a hundred guts, I wouldn''t dare to do such a thing! Moreover, I don''t have the ability to do it. Please investigate clearly and restore my innocence."


    The Xuanwu Emperor didn''t want to waste energy investigating. Even if the drug wasn''t from Concubine Ye, her deliberate waiting for an encounter with him and undressing in front of him were true.


    If Yue''er had walked in at that moment, he would have had ten mouths and still couldn''t exin it.


    Before Yue''er arrived, for a moment, when he threw Concubine Ye onto the bed after she pretended to twist her ankle and clung to him, he almost lost control.


    The drug''s effect was too potent, and he was only human.


    Fortunately, Jiang Xinyue arrived just in time, entering before his reason crumbled.


    Otherwise...


    "Concubine Ye doesn''t seem to be that capable."


    If she were truly capable, she wouldn''t have pretended to twist her ankle and asked the Emperor to carry her when they disembarked at the pce.


    This time, waiting halfway and pretending to twist her ankle again, Concubine Ye''s foot was quite pitiful.


    Jiang Xinyue clung to the Emperor''s arm: "Your Majesty, could it be the butterfly''s fault? Or the wine? Let''s investigate carefully to see who is doing such harm to Your Majesty''s health. As long as this person isn''t found, I''ll worry about Your Majesty every day."


    Her sweet talk was now second nature,pletely sincere.


    "Yue''er is right, let''s detain her first and investigateter."


    Concubine Ye''s cold sweat finally stopped. Being detained was better than being executed!


    And after she was drugged, the imperial physician gave her the antidote, but the physician said the antidote was harmful to the body. She now felt dizzy and weak.


    She was too exhausted to prove her innocence.


    It was thanks to the Imperial Noble Consort pleading for her that she escaped this cmity.


    If Jiang Xinyue knew what she was thinking, she wouldugh.


    She just didn''t want to let the real person who drugged the Emperor go unpunished. If it were someone with weaker willpower, by the time she arrived, it would be toote.


    Once this precedent was set, there would be an endless stream of beauties vying for the Emperor''s bed.


    Her position was not yet secure; how could she allow others to share the Emperor''s favor?


    When she no longer needed the Emperor''s protection, even if the Emperor entertained ten women in one night, she wouldn''t mind.


    But not now.


    Her child was still young and not yet the Crown Prince. She couldn''t allow any variables.


    In the banquet hall, the most uneasy was undoubtedly Consort Zhang.


    But tonight''s events were far more exciting than the performances, and those in the know had varying expressions, so no one paid attention to her differences.


    "Isn''t the Emperor and the Imperial Noble Consort going back to rest? Why haven''t they been seen for so long?"


    "Impossible! If the Emperor returned, the eunuchs would have informed us."


    "Oh? Isn''t that theming now?"


    Compared to when the banquet started, Jiang Xinyue''s hair was now disheveled, and her face was flushed with a springtime glow, making her alluring beauty even more captivating.


    "Seductive witch!"


    Consort Zhang muttered under her breath, not daring to be heard.


    "I remember that thete Emperor already banned the use of Radiant Silk, didn''t he? Did I get it wrong?"


    A voice of doubt carried by the evening breeze reached Consort Zhang''s ears.Aliali: 6743211ac4f3f33ac42e7315


    Just as the previous performance ended and the dancers exchanged ces, the music softened, and people''s conversations were deliberately lowered, not wanting to disturb the Emperor.


    "The Imperial Noble Consort''s dress today is beautiful, but I remember that Radiant Silk is a forbidden item in the pce. Isn''t it inappropriate for the Consort to wear it in such a public setting?"


    The clear voice of a woman stood out in the silence, as if she wanted to announce to the world that the Imperial Noble Consort had vited the ban and should be punished.


    It was only then that everyone remembered why the Imperial Noble Consort''s dress seemed so radiant, but they weren''t sure if it was Radiant Silk.


    The younger ones didn''t even know what Radiant Silk was!


    They only knew that the fabric of the Imperial Noble Consort''s dress was the most beautiful they had ever seen.


    It turned out to be a forbidden item?


    This made thedies who originally wanted to inquire about the fabric retreat, as they didn''t have the courage to use banned items for their dresses, despite their love for beauty.


    The whispers below were incessant, and Jiang Xinyue covered her mouth andughed: "Your Majesty, see, I told you that Chief Clothing Officer Fang''s craftsmanship is superb, capable of creating her own Radiant Silk, didn''t I?"


    Here was a fool who mistook Chief Clothing Officer Fang''s Radiant Silk for Radiant Silk.

 Chapter 272

    What do you mean?


    Isn''t the Imperial Noble Consort wearing Radiant Silk?


    This is impossible; it''s clearly the same.


    Emperor Xuanwu also chuckled softly: "The Chief Clothing Officer Fang of the Clothing Department has indeed developed a fabric that is identical to Radiant Silk but even more dazzling, called Radiant Silk. This fabric, even in daylight without the need for candlelight, can emit a dazzling glow, and in sunlight, it will refract light like the clouds at sunset. I personally witnessed the creation of this fabric."


    He was helping Jiang Xinyue exin.


    "Consort Zhang, your knowledge is still limited," Jiang Xinyue said with a half-smile, looking at Consort Zhang, who was in shock. "I advise you, instead of constantly watching me and hoping for me to make a mistake, you should read more books so you won''t mistake Radiant Silk for Radiant Silk."


    Was she stupid?


    How could she possibly use banned fabric for her clothes? That would be tantly inviting criticism.


    Suppressedughter echoed around, and Consort Zhang''s face turned red. She turned back but couldn''t find the person who had whispered in her ear.


    Jiang Xinyue was a clever woman. She would never directly ask the emperor for favors but instead said to the emperor, "Radiant Silk is dazzling and even more splendid than Radiant Silk. It seems that thedies and noblewomen all like it very much. When Your Majesty rewards meritorious subjects in the future, Radiant Silk might be in high demand."


    Who was the greatest contributor here?


    Of course, it was Chief Clothing Officer Fang.


    Emperor Xuanwu nodded, agreeing with her words: "Once we return to the pce, I will issue an edict to promote her to Chief Clothing Officer."


    Chief Clothing Officer was already the highest position in the Clothing Department, but what Jiang Xinyue wanted was not just the Clothing Department. She wanted Fang Rumeng to oversee the entire Bureau of Pce Affairs with its twenty-four divisions.


    But this matter couldn''t be rushed.


    Fang Rumeng had entered the pce at the same time as her, and in just over two years, she had already risen to the highest female official position in the Clothing Department, Chief Clothing Officer, showing great promise.


    Not no one had investigated the rtionship between Fang Rumeng and Jiang Xinyue, but by then, Jiang Xinyue was already the apple of the emperor''s eye.


    Even if Fang Rumeng was truly talented, even if she was a mere puppet, the emperor''s beloved concubine merely wanted to keep her little sister in the pce to keep herpany and relieve boredom. What harm was there in making her a female official?


    Now that she had created Radiant Silk, which could rival Radiant Silk, who would dare to object to her being the Chief Clothing Officer?


    If you don''t like it, can you dye a more beautiful fabric than Radiant Silk?


    "Your Majesty!"


    As the banquet was drawing to a close, Minister Pei of the Privy Council and Jiang Yankun entered together from outside: "Your subjects have matters to report."


    Minister Pei had a sour expression, while his father-inw, Jiang Yankun, was all smiles.


    Jiang Xinyue looked at Lady Ruan and, seeing that she seemed fine, rxed.


    Jiang Yankun''s cheerful demeanor suggested that this battle had yielded significant gains.


    Emperor Xuanwu cleared his throat: "What does Minister Pei of the Privy Council have to say?"


    All eyes in the banquet hall were on Minister Pei. His chest heaved, struggling to contain the anger that was about to burst forth: "After much consideration, Your Majesty, I would like to rmend Chang Hu, the chief clerk of the Ministry of Punishment, and Jiao Wei, the vice minister of the Ministry of Punishment, to be the prefect of Guiyang and the governor of Qin Province. These two have shown exceptional abilities in the Ministry of Punishment and should have been promoted long ago. Jiang Yankun, don''t you agree?"


    The Ministry of Punishment had long since detached itself from the Six Ministries, not taking orders from the Privy Council. Its officials were all under Jiang Yankun''s control, in other words, all under the emperor''smand.


    Minister Pei''s teeth were gritted as he asked, clearly unwilling to let such an important ce be taken over by two of the emperor''s men.


    It meant losing control over Qin Province, a crucial area.


    The emperor raised an eyebrow, his gaze questioning Jiang Yankun.


    So, because Lady Ruan was harassed by Pei Zhishuo, Minister Pei of the Privy Council, to appease the Jiang family, was willing to make a significant concession?


    Was this the victory Jiang Yankun had won after countless rounds of battle with the opponent?


    Jiang Yankun nodded slightly, and the emperor agreed to Minister Pei''s "request."


    But Lady Ruan had been wronged.


    He had just promised Jiang Xinyue that he would not let Lady Ruan suffer.


    Compared to this, of course, matters of the court were more important.


    Emperor Xuanwu held Jiang Xinyue''s hand and whispered, "I hear that Lady Zhou is critically ill and will likely pass away this year. When that happens, I will issue an edict to grant your mother the title of nobledy."


    Since Jiang Yankun''s legally married, eight-bridled sedan chair wife was still alive, there was no way to elevate Lady Ruan''s status without inviting unnecessary controversy.


    Jiang Xinyue, of course, would not refuse, lowering her head shyly and smiling.


    The crescent moon gradually hid behind the clouds, and the banquet dispersed. Concubine Ye was nowhere to be seen, and Consort Zhang was puzzled: "Clearly, the emperor took Concubine Ye away, so why did the Imperial Noble Consort return with the emperor?"


    Huan''er was even more confused: "The Ice Soul Butterfly has never failed before, and with the drug in the wine, the imperial physician should not be able to detect it."


    "Meow~ Meow~"


    A ck cat jumped between the rockeries, meowing obediently at Consort Zhang.


    Consort Zhang took out two dried fish from her wide sleeve and threw them over. The cat jumped up to catch them and happily ate.


    "What can they find out?"


    She chuckled softly: "The drug in the wine is colorless and odorless, and used alone, it is harmless. The powder from the butterfly''s wings is also harmless. Even if they find both powders used together, they are still harmless. The only thing that is toxic... is the handkerchief that Concubine Ye used."


    She held a snow-white handkerchief in her hand and casually tossed it into the artificialke beside her.


    The sweet scent that Concubine Ye smelled when she wiped her mouth was the catalyst for the wine and butterfly powder.


    Only when these three things came into contact would they react.


    But this scent would disappear within two hours.


    That is to say, by the time the emperor finished and went to investigate, there would be nothing to find.


    Because the wine was colorless and odorless, the powder had already been inhaled into his nose, and the scent that triggered the drug was long gone.Aliali: 6743211ac4f3f33ac42e7315


    When the ck cat jumped down from the roof, the tray held by the little eunuch had already been contaminated with the powder. Except for that little eunuch, no one else had touched the emperor''s wine pot.


    Even if they tortured the little eunuch, he would never be able to say anything was wrong.


    As for Concubine Ye, she was even more clueless. She probably still didn''t understand why she had be a suspect in drugging the emperor.


    It''s just that this Imperial Noble Consort...


    She was too difficult to kill!


    Seeing her enchanting appearance at the banquet earlier, it was probably because the emperor, despite being drugged, refused to touch Concubine Ye and instead had someone call the Imperial Noble Consort to "detoxify."


    This meant that it was not yet time for her to make a move. She should let Concubine Cheng and Noble Lady Liu continue to act as scapegoats for a while longer. Maybe they would get lucky and seed once?


    The emperor was not some devoted romantic who would stay faithful to the Imperial Noble Consort for a lifetime.


    There would always be a day when she would lose favor.


    What she needed to do was to wait for the right moment.

 Chapter 273

    The Xuanwu Emperor spent the night at the Changchun Pavilion. Having been drugged with such potent medicine earlier, after washing up, he fell asleep holding Jiang Xinyue in his arms.


    While he slept soundly, Jiang Xinyue remained wide awake.


    She waved her hand in front of the emperor''s eyes, but his eyeballs showed no movement.


    After cing a pillow in the emperor''s embrace, she carefully climbed out of bed and put on her clothes.


    Outside the room, Xiao Xiangzi and Shuang Jiang were waiting withnterns lit. "Your Highness, everything is prepared."


    Jiang Xinyue nodded and followed the two of them outside.


    Meanwhile, the Xuanwu Emperor lying in the chamber had opened his eyes, which now gleamed with a cold light.


    "Your Highness, if the Emperor finds out about this... wouldn''t it be problematic?"


    "What''s there to worry about? Shuang Jiang, only you, Xiao Xiangzi, and I know about this. If neither of you tells the Emperor, how would he ever find out?"


    The imperial vi was surrounded by woods and flower gardens. In the quiet night, the sounds of insects and frogs masked Jiang Xinyue''s footsteps.


    After walking for some time, Jiang Xinyue stopped outside a garden.


    Unlike the imperial pce, the vi didn''t have guards posted everywhere. This garden only had a few servants and household staff who would change shifts and rest when their time came.


    Jiang Xinyue carefully lifted her skirts and, taking advantage of the moment when the drowsy guards were about to change shifts, snuck past their blind spot.


    Tang Shiliang cautiously nced at the emperor hiding in the shadows, at a loss for words.


    This... the Imperial Consort was being too bold, daring to visit a man''s quarters at night. The emperor''s face had grown darker than the night itself.


    May the heavens protect the Imperial Consort!


    Jiang Xinyue had been inside for a while now, while the emperor stood behind the flower bushes outside, both angry and somewhat worried.


    There were no guards at the garden entrance, and the gate keeper had already locked the door. That fool Jiang Xinyue would probably be trapped inside.


    When Xiao Xiangzi saw the main gate being closed, he anxiously said, "Your Highness, we..."


    "Shh!"


    Minister Pei''s furious voice came from inside: "You worthless creature! Didn''t I tell you to behave yourself and not cause trouble here? Are you a pig? Or are you deaf? You show such disrespect to your grandfather ¨C are you trying to cause chaos?"


    "Father!" A soft, weak female voice rang out, "Shuo has just regained consciousness and is covered in wounds. Please let me examine his injuries first?"


    "You dare to cry?"


    "It''s all because you raised such a troublesome child that I lost the important Qin Province. When my eldest daughter-inw passed away, not even three years had passed before you wanted to marry this widow. The family opposed it, saying her birth chart was inauspicious. I only agreed because I couldn''t bear to see him depressed and lovesick in his middle age. I thought if he married you, fulfilling his heart''s desire, he would focus on his official career. Who knew that after marrying you, you''d keep him distracted in the back chambers all day,pletely wasting all my ns for him. You harbinger of misfortune, I should really..."


    "Grandfather!"


    "*cough* *cough* *cough*..."


    A young man''s passionate voice rang out from the room: "It''s all my fault, grandson''s fault. Beat me or scold me as you wish, but mother is innocent. She only loved father, what''s wrong with that? If father wanted to dote on her, how is that her fault? Why don''t you scold father instead?"


    "If it weren''t for father agreeing to marry a nobledy of equal status back then, abandoning my mother, why would she have been forced to marry a penniless man while pregnant with me? Why would she have suffered abuse, insults, and beatings in that household? Mother kept quiet about the Pei family to protect me and preserve father''s reputation. That penniless man was killed by father too, leaving my mother to live as a widow with me for so many years. Whose fault was all this? Grandfather should know better than anyone."


    So Pei Zhishuo had such a tragic background!


    ording to his words, his mother and Minister Pei''s son had been in love and privately pledged themselves to each other, but the Pei family looked down on his mother''s background and arranged for his father to marry a noblewoman of equal status ¨C Pei Wu''s mother.


    Later, when Pei Wu''s mother died of illness, her father didn''t evenplete the three-year mourning period before marrying his former love as his second wife.


    While Pei Wu''s parents were living in harmony, Pei Zhishuo''s mother was discovered to be pregnant and suffered mistreatment from her husband''s family, even abuse.


    When his father learned of his first love''s situation, he plotted to kill Pei Zhishuo''s nominal father, and then married this ill-fated true love less than three years after Pei Wu''s mother''s death.


    But following this timeline, Pei Zhishuo wasn''t actually Pei Wu''s younger brother, but her elder brother.


    The Pei family must have deliberately understated Pei Zhishuo''s age to cover up this scandal, iming to outsiders that his mother was just an old me that the eldest young master of the Pei family had brought home after Pei Wu''s mother died.


    To save face for everyone involved, they changed Pei Zhishuo from an elder brother to a younger brother.


    Minister Pei''s son was indeed devoted in love, but Pei Wu''s mother was innocent, spending her entire life bound to a man who didn''t love her, wasting her youth.


    Unlike modern times, this era didn''t have gender equality or the option of divorce when marriage became unbearable.


    The family that matched the Pei family''s status was surely also of high nobility, and would never allow their daughter to be a divorced wife, let alone agree to a peaceful separation.


    No wonder the Princess of Ruyang refused to let her son marry Pei Wu, despite their mutual affection.


    If the scandals of the Pei family''s main branch ever came to light, it would drag their prince''s residence into bing the subject of public ridicule as well.


    Pei Zhishuo''s dislike for young women must also stem from his family influence.


    Though pitiful, Jiang Xinyue could never tolerate him setting his sights on her mother.


    Even the pitiful can have detestable aspects.Aliali: 6743211ac4f3f33ac42e7315


    Letting him off easily wouldn''t teach him a lesson; he would still harbor inappropriate thoughts about Lady Ruan if he met her again.


    Grandfather Pei, challenged by his grandson, was so angry his eyes rolled back, pointing at Pei Zhishuo but unable to speak, his body trembling with rage.


    He gritted his teeth: "Fine! Very well!"


    With those words, he stormed off.


    Jiang Xinyue quickly signaled Xiao Xiangzi and Shuang Jiang to hide better.


    Soon, the woman''s crying inside stopped, and she too left shortly after.


    Only after the oilmp in the room was extinguished and the servants had left and closed the door did Jiang Xinyue wave her hand. Shuang Jiang quickly handed over the box she was holding: "Your Highness, are we really doing this? Won''t there be consequences?"


    "What consequences could there be? It''s just to teach him a lesson."


    Xiao Xiangzi used a small knife to pierce the window paper, cutting a holerge enough for the small box to fit through.


    Jiang Xinyue opened the box and reached through the window.


    The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and


    continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

 Chapter 274

    "Ahhhhhhh!"


    When Pei Zhishuo''s piercing scream rang out, Jiang Xinyue, Shuang Jiang, and Xiao Xiangzi had already sneaked back to the main gate.


    The two drowsy servants at the gate were startled awake by the horrifying scream and quickly ran toward the young master''s quarters.


    Shuang Jiang seized the opportunity to open the main gate: "My Lady, run!"


    "Who''s there?"


    They''d been discovered!


    The three people dressed as eunuchs immediately took off running.


    "Split up!"


    The pursuing servants watched as the three eunuchs ran in different directions, momentarily unsure of whom to chase.


    In that brief moment of hesitation, the "little eunuchs" had vanished.


    The lead servant quickly ordered: "You lot go that way, you others go there, we''ll chase the one in the middle, hurry!"


    Jiang Xinyue knew the Emperor had followed her out - how could her movements escape the notice of someone with such far-reaching influence?


    Today''s task could have beenpleted wlessly by Xiao Xiangzi alone.


    But Jiang Xinyue had insisted oning along and deliberately caused amotion, all for... the Emperor.


    "Your Majesty!"


    The Xuanwu Emperor watched Jiang Xinyue flee in panic and bit his teeth in exasperation: "Take some men and lead them away."


    At her current pace, she would soon be caught.


    However, she had been clever enough to run to the ss Flower House where the Emperor had taken her for intimacy during the evening banquet.


    This ce was quite secluded; apart from the gardeners, hardly anyone came here, so few people even knew of its existence.


    Lanterns lit the long corridor outside the flower house, their dim light filtering through the transparent ss to illuminate Jiang Xinyue''s vision.


    Though it was just enough to make out vague shapes.


    There was a slight noise at the entrance - the Emperor deliberately made some sound, intending to frighten his bold Imperial Noble Consort.


    Jiang Xinyue rolled her eyes; the Emperor really had a wicked sense of humor. Did he expect to frighten her half to death, then reveal himself, so she would cry and throw herself into his arms, dependent on him and relying on him?


    Today she was multitasking - marking the location where things were buried while gradually inching toward it in the dim light.


    To the Emperor''s eyes, Jiang Xinyue looked like a frightened little white rabbit, slowly trying to escape from a hunter''s pursuit.


    Suddenly... he couldn''t bear to frighten her anymore.


    Sighing helplessly, the Xuanwu Emperor took a fire starter from the flower house wall and lit an oilmp hanging on the flower rack. He saw Jiang Xinyue crouching on the ground, covering her ears with her eyes tightly shut.


    "Pfft!"


    He couldn''t help butugh out loud - wasn''t this just like the ostrich hiding its head in the sand?


    Did she think that by covering her ears and closing her eyes, others wouldn''t see her?


    Every movement and expression of Jiang Xinyue had been carefully designed to make the Xuanwu Emperor find her irresistibly adorable when he saw her.


    Hearing the Emperor''s heartyugh, she knew she had seeded.


    How could he not bepletely smitten by her now?


    She first opened one eye incredulously, and upon recognizing who it was, both her star-bright eyes zed with intense light: "Your Majesty!"


    As she stood up, the Emperor had already prepared himself for the beauty''s flying embrace, moving one foot slightly backward and firmly nting it on the ground.


    He couldn''t appear physically weak by stumbling back several steps if she crashed into him.


    But Jiang Xinyue only took two steps forward before looking down at her eunuch''s clothes, then stopping, wringing her hands in front of her and lowering her head in an apparently guilty manner.


    Ha! Did he expect her to throw herself into his arms?


    If everything was predictable, there would be no surprises. Jiang Xinyue wouldn''t give the Emperor what he expected.


    The effect would be greater than the sum of its parts if she first let him feel disappointed, then surprised him.


    "How is it that the Imperial Noble Consort, who dares to sneak into a man''s quarters at night, bes like a mouse seeing a cat when facing me? Am I really that frightening?"


    Since she wouldn''te to him, the Xuanwu Emperor had to walk over himself.


    He swept off her eunuch''s hat with one motion, and Jiang Xinyue''s ck hair cascaded down. The dark blue clothes wrapped her curvaceous bodypletely, yet somehow created an intensely ascetic effect.


    It made one want to tear apart her clothes and see what enticing formy beneath.


    Jiang Xinyue blinked her misty eyes, looking at the Emperor pitifully, and said in a cating tone: "No, it''s not that Your Majesty is frightening, it''s... it''s that your subject has done wrong and fears punishment."


    Now close enough to smell the fresh, elegant fruit fragrance on her body, the Emperor''s Adam''s apple bobbed: "Then tell me, how should I punish you?"


    Jiang Xinyue tentatively reached out her hand: "Your Majesty... please be gentle? Your subject fears pain."


    Fears pain?


    That wasn''t apparent before.


    During their usual passionate encounters, she had never seemed so delicate.


    "Smack!"


    "Ah... ow..."


    The treacherous Emperor attacked without warning,nding a p on Jiang Xinyue''s bottom, startling a cry from her.


    But before that cry could fully emerge, it was silenced by the Emperor''s rushing forward to seal her lips with his.


    This kiss was far more careful than their first wild, predatory encounter in the flower house.


    The Emperor held her face in both hands, slowly kissing her lips, treating her like some fragile, priceless treasure, bit by bit... gradually... gently nibbling at her lips, passionate yet tender, lingering and gentle.


    His hands moved down from Jiang Xinyue''s face to her neck, causing her to shiver. The top button was undone, letting in the night''s coolness, but soon a gentle hand caressed the exposed skin...


    Jiang Xinyue''s legs went weak from the Emperor''s masterful kissing technique, her arms tightly wrapped around his neck.


    Suddenly, her body was lifted up, and her hands were pinned above her head by just one of hisrge hands.


    She was pressed against the wall in an extremely embarrassing position.


    "Your Majesty..."


    "Didn''t you ask me to punish you? I wonder if this punishment satisfies you?"


    She was satisfied, very satisfied indeed, but she hadn''t gone to such lengths tonight just to exercise with the Emperor!Aliali: 6743d32ec4f3f33ac438d8b1


    It was her fault for being too beautiful - the Emperor lost hisposure whenever he saw her.


    After kissing for quite a while, the Emperor finally released her, panting against her neck for several breaths: "I''ll let you off tonight. The Imperial Physician said excessive indulgence harms the body, and your delicate frame needs proper care."


    They had already indulged here tonight, and he worried Jiang Xinyue''s body couldn''t handle more.


    As if the plowing ox hadn''t tired, yet the Emperor worried about the plowed field being damaged?


    Who was really being harmed was still unclear!


    Jiang Xinyue stepped back from the Xuanwu Emperor''s waist, her pink lips now swollen and alluring from the kissing.


    She turned to leave with a red face but stumbled with an "ouch," falling to the ground before the Emperor could catch her hand.


    "Ouch¡ª"


    Her hand pressed against a porcin bottle, and Jiang Xinyue curiously picked it up, holding it up to the oilmp: "What''s this?"


    The Xuanwu Emperor''s eyes suddenly turned sharp when he saw the small bottle.

 Chapter 275

    Crown Prince Duanhui was his first child, and also his most beloved one. Even to this day, on the anniversary of Crown Prince Duanhui''s death, no one in the pce is allowed to show even the slightest smile.


    If any pce maid or eunuch dared to smile on that day, the Emperor would have them beaten to death without hesitation.


    That year, when the young Crown Prince was watching fish by theke, he plunged headfirst into the fish pond. By the time the eunuchs rescued him, he had already stopped breathing.


    Although they had rescued him quickly enough, the young Crown Prince had hit his head on a rock, and the true cause of death was excessive blood loss.


    Back then, in the fish pond where the young Crown Prince died, they had found a simr small bottle.


    However, before the investigation waspleted, that small bottle mysteriously disappeared.


    Why would a nearly identical one appear here now?


    He grabbed Jiang Xinyue''s wrist, wanting to get a closer look, but his grip was too tight and hurt her.


    Her wrist felt like it was about to be crushed, forcing Jiang Xinyue to let go. The Emperor also released her and caught the small bottle just before it hit the ground.


    The white bottle was adorned with pale yellow winter jasmine flowers, and at the bottom was a light blue stream. The winter jasmine appeared to be swaying with the flowing water.


    Such exquisite craftsmanship was not something ordinary households could afford.


    Jiang Xinyue rubbed her wrist, which now bore purple bruises. Unusually, she didn''t cry out in pain this time, nor did she interrupt the Emperor''s thoughts.


    Only when his expression softened did she move closer and show him her wrist: "Your Majesty, what is this? Why are you..."


    So agitated?


    The Emperor quickly brushed off the dirt from the bottle, tucked it into his sleeve, and held Jiang Xinyue''s wrist: "I''m sorry, Yue''er. I lost myposure. Does it hurt?"


    Now he remembers to ask if it hurts?


    Of course it hurts, you bastard.


    "This humble consort is fine."


    Jiang Xinyue shook her head, though she ufortably rotated her wrist a couple of times, making the Xuanwu Emperor feel even more guilty and concerned.


    He gently massaged her wrist and blew on the bruise: "When we return, have Yan the Imperial Physician prepare some medicinal ointment for you."


    Taking a deep breath, he exined: "This porcin bottle is almost identical to the one found where the young Crown Prince drowned in theke."


    Was it poison?


    Is that why Crown Prince Duanhui became dizzy and fell into theke?


    "Does Your Majesty mean..."


    Jiang Xinyue feigned ignorance: "Someone poisoned Crown Prince Duanhui, causing him to be dizzy and fall into theke?"


    The most credible exnation in the pce was that Crown Prince Duanhui had slipped while watching the fish and drowned in the pond. As a consort who had only been in the pce for two years, she couldn''t possibly know that the true cause of death was blood loss.


    So she could only mention the drowning.


    The Xuanwu Emperor seemed exhausted, his tall and imposing figure showing signs of defeat and decline.


    He was filled with self-reproach and pain.


    He possessed the entire world, the most beautiful women, everything that men in the world envied.


    Yet, he couldn''t even protect his most cherished son.


    This would forever remain a wound in his heart!


    For the first time, Jiang Xinyue felt that the Emperor was actually a pitiful person. Was everything he possessed truly what he wanted?


    If given the choice, would he perhaps prefer the life of an ordinary person, with a loving marriage, numerous grandchildren, and none of the scheming and plotting?


    She embraced the Xuanwu Emperor from behind, her arms tightly wrapped around his waist: "Your Majesty, I know the Crown Prince''s death grieves you deeply. But Your Majesty, this isn''t your fault. You shouldn''t punish yourself for the crimes of evil people. What we need to do now is find those who harmed the Crown Prince and avenge him, so his spirit in heaven can rest in peace."


    There''s no time for mncholy!


    Dealing with Consort De should be the priority.


    Otherwise, forget about the former Crown Prince ¨C the few fragile saplings remaining in the pce now might face even more persecution.


    The Fourth Prince and Sixth Prince were safe in her Hexi Pce, but Jiang Xinyue was mainly worried about the Fifth Prince who had gone to keep vigil at East Mountain.


    The Empress had entrusted the Fifth Prince to her care, and she wasn''t one to abandon her responsibilities.


    At least the people at the imperial tomb had received her instructions and wouldn''t mistreat the Fifth Prince and Fen Yun. They would ensure he received the dignity and treatment befitting a prince.


    After all, the Fifth Prince was still registered under the former Empress''s name and was a legitimate son of the Great Yan Dynasty. Regardless of whether he was actually born to the former Empress or not, once recorded in the imperial jade genealogy, the Fifth Prince was legitimately recognized as a proper son of the Great Yan Dynasty.


    There was no guarantee that Consort De wouldn''t be desperate enough to attempt to kill the Fifth Prince.


    "You''re right, Yue''er."


    A fierce glint appeared in the Emperor''s eyes: "It''s time for those who killed my young Crown Prince to pay the price."


    Jiang Xinyue looked up as the Xuanwu Emperor held her hand, standing side by side. He looked down at her: "Yue''er, I will protect our little dumpling well. I won''t let such a tragedy happen again."


    When the Crown Prince died, the empire was facing both internal and external troubles, and he was so busy he barely had time to touch the ground, let alone manage affairs in the inner pce.


    He had thought that with the Empress personally overseeing things, even if all the other princes and princesses in the pce died, their eldest son, born to the Emperor and Empress, would surely be safe.


    How dare they?


    Perhaps it was the moonlight retreating behind the clouds, or the fish-belly white of dawn breaking through the dark clouds with a brilliant orange-red streak, that made the Emperor suddenly be sentimental.


    He revealed thoughts he had never shared with anyone else: "The Empress and I were young when we married, and I was once gratified that she was a sensible, virtuous, and gentle woman. I trusted her and handed over all authority in the inner pce to her without reservation. But she became intoxicated with the pleasures of power, neglecting our children, which led to the tragic deaths of both our Crown Prince and our second son. Since then, I grew cold towards her, yet she only ventured further down that path..."


    It was his fault!


    He hadn''t held onto that rope in time after the Empress lost two children.


    If he hadforted and guided the Empress, they might not have reached the point of mutual disgust.Aliali: 6744814f3f33ac44271f6


    The Xuanwu Emperor interpreted the Empress''s dying blessing in reverse ¨C she had cursed him to spend histter years in lonely suffering, to face betrayal, and never to meet a woman who would truly love him in this lifetime.


    The Empress had regrets; if possible, she wouldn''t want to be the Empress again in her next life, nor would she want to meet the Emperor.


    Jiang Xinyue didn''t want to judge who was right or wrong; it was probably half and half.


    The Emperor was busy with state affairs, and the Empress had to manage the inner pce. If someone with ill intentions waited patiently for an opportunity for ten years, even she herself couldn''t guarantee with absolute certainty that the Sixth Prince would always be able to turn misfortune into blessing.


    Ultimately, it was Consort De who was too vicious, not even sparing children.


    Being an emperor isn''t something just any prince can do well.


    It depends on their ability, character, whether they have a benevolent heart, and if they can put the people''s interests before their own.


    Being an emperor is easy, but being a good emperor is difficult.


    It wasn''t that Jiang Xinyue looked down on the Third Prince, but at least so far, she hadn''t seen the qualities of an heir apparent in him.


    If Consort De had spent the time she used for plotting schemes on nurturing the Third Prince instead, he might have been morepetitive.

 Chapter 276

    Shortly after Jiang Xinyue was escorted back to the Changchun Pavilion by the emperor, Shuang Jiang and Xiao Xiangzi also returned.


    The Xuanwu Emperor nearly spat out the flower-infused water he was rinsing his mouth with when he saw Xiao Xiangzi dressed in pce maid''s clothes with rouge on his face.


    Xiao Xiangzi covered his face and knelt down: "This servant has offended Your Majesty''s eyes, please forgive me."


    "Is this how you evaded the Pei family''s pursuit?"


    There was clearly hiddenughter in the emperor''s voice: "This actually worked?"


    Terror shed in Xiao Xiangzi''s eyes, as if saying: How did Your Majesty know?


    "Don''t look at your mistress. You''re all being outrageously bold. Do you really think I won''t punish you? When your mistress acts recklessly, you should advise against it. How dare you join in her madness?"


    "Your Majesty~"


    Jiang Xinyue tugged at his sleeve: "It was all my fault. How could mere servants dare to defy me? If Your Majesty is still angry, please direct your anger at me, don''t make things difficult for them..."


    The Xuanwu Emperor looked at her helplessly and tapped her forehead: "You have the nerve to say that? If there''s a next time, I''ll punish all of you together."


    Jiang Xinyue pouted: "I understand, Your Majesty. I know I was wrong."


    Her perfunctory attitude clearly said: I know I was wrong, but I''ll dare to do it again.


    "Your Majesty, Minister Pei of the Privy Council hase with his son requesting an audience."


    Minister Pei and his heartless son who was still obsessed with romance despite being middle-aged?


    The Xuanwu Emperor red at Jiang Xinyue: "See? You beat up the junior, and now both seniors havee knocking. Did you think they wouldn''t guess it was you just because you ran away?"


    Jiang Xinyue muttered: "So what if they guessed? What proof do they have? Besides, Your Majesty will definitely protect me."


    She wasn''t just fearless; she even dared to say it right to his face.


    The Xuanwu Emperor gritted his teeth again, getting angry at the sight of Xiao Xiangzi''s powder-covered face: "Quickly go wash that off. Are you waiting for others to expose you?"


    Shuang Jiang and Xiao Xiangzi hurriedly got up and ran toward the back courtyard.


    Jiang Xinyue sat there motionless until the emperor gave her another "fierce" look, which scared her into quickly getting up and running after Shuang Jiang and the others.


    In her panic, she bumped into a chair, rubbed her leg, and continued running.


    The emperor chuckled softly. She imed not to be afraid, but look how scared she was at hearing Minister Pei had arrived!


    It''s good that she knows fear. If she''s afraid, she won''t do such dangerous things again.


    "Ahem..."


    He cleared his throat, suppressed his smile, and put on a serious expression: "Summon Minister Pei for the audience."


    Since Wang Dequan and Tang Shiliang hadn''t returned yet, the junior eunuchs still needed the emperor''s instructions for everything.


    If they were here, after the Imperial Noble Consort left, they would have announced the visitors without needing the emperor''smand.


    "Your Highness..."


    Shuang Jiang still looked frightened: "Earlier when this servant and Xiao Xiangzi were escaping, we changed into pce maid''s clothes. We encountered Minister Pei''s men on the way, and they stopped and questioned us. This servant is worried - what if they recognized us?"


    It would be better if they only caught the two of them, as long as they didn''t implicate Her Highness.


    "So what if they recognized you?"


    Jiang Xinyue blinked: "Three eunuchs went out, but they only found two suspicious pce maids. The numbers don''t even match up. If theye to me demanding justice, people might think they''re being petty, taking revenge on me just because my father took two official positions from them!"


    Shuang Jiang wondered how her mistress could lie so brazenly.


    If she hadn''t been one of the participants, she might have believed her mistress''s version of events.


    When they entered the back courtyard, Nanny Xiang was already waiting there holding the Sixth Prince: "Your Highness, Miss Qin Ruofang is waiting in the side room. Would you like to see her?"


    She should have been taken to the front hall, but since Her Highness was with the emperor at the time, Nanny Xiang couldn''t let her disturb them, so she brought her to the back courtyard instead.


    "I''ll see her!"


    After all, she was the emperor''s desired money bag.


    After two days of rest and care from the people Jiang Xinyue sent to assist her, Qin Ruofang no longer looked as disheveled as when they first met.


    No wonder Nanny Xiang was wary of her; she was indeed a rare beauty.


    As soon as Qin Ruofang saw Jiang Xinyue, she fell to her knees with a "thud" and pressed her forehead to the ground: "I beg the Imperial Noble Consort to save my life."


    Jiang Xinyue had expected this.


    When the emperor traveled, he was surrounded byyers of guards. How could a weak woman being pursued by men break through the security to kneel before the emperor?


    Someone must have deliberately let her in.


    Qin Ruofang heard no response from the Imperial Noble Consort, only the unhurried sound of a teacup lid touching its cup.


    Cold sweat appeared on her forehead: "Imperial Noble Consort, what happened to thismoner is all true. The Guiyang County Magistrate destroyed my family, and my n members colluded with him to force me to be his concubine so they could rightfully divide my family''s property. When I refused, the magistrate ced me under house arrest. A few days ago, I was suddenly released, and someone told me that if I could find a way into the pce and gain the emperor''s favor, they would help me seek revenge. However, it was Your Majesty and Your Highness who saved me, and it will be Your Majesty and Your Highness who help me seek justice. Thismoner doesn''t wish to damage the rtionship between Your Majesty and Your Highness..."


    She raised her head: "But if thismoner doesn''t follow their instructions, those people won''t let me go. I beg Your Highness to guide me and give me a way to survive."


    "nk!"


    The teacup was set down on the table - a soft sound, yet it made Qin Ruofang''s heart race.


    "I deeply sympathize with your situation, but I am merely a pce consort. This matter involves the Minister of the Privy Council, and I cannot make decisions about it. However, as the victim, if you wish to seek justice, you should approach those above Minister Pei. Miss Qin, please don''t take any more detours."Aliali: 6744814f3f33ac44271f6


    Qin Ruofang drew in a sharp breath. She hadn''t mentioned Minister Pei at all, yet the Imperial Noble Consort was certain that the Minister of the Privy Council was behind everything.


    She had seen through their scheme!


    Along with her shock, Qin Ruofang also felt relieved. It was fortunate that she had chosen to be honest; otherwise, this Imperial Noble Consort would have surely destroyed her.


    Suppressing her surprise, she kowtowed again: "Thank you, Your Highness, for your guidance. Thismoner now knows what to do."


    Jiang Xinyue nodded: "Xiao Xiangzi, Minister Pei should be finished speaking with His Majesty by now. Take Miss Qin to rest."


    If it were simply about taking someone to rest, why would Her Highness mention His Majesty and Minister Pei?


    She must be reminding him to attract Minister Pei''s attention, to let him discover that he was the one who nted scorpions in Pei Zhishuo''s roomst night, causing him to rush out looking for trouble.


    Then Qin Ruofang''s audience with the emperor would be a natural urrence, not something they deliberately arranged.


    "Miss Qin, please follow this servant."


    However, Nanny Xiang looked worried: "Your Highness, do you believe what she said? This old servant thinks this Miss Qin''s eyes show no small amount of ambition."

 Chapter 277

    Perhaps the former Qin Ruofang was kind, but what became of the kind Qin family in the end?


    After experiencing such dramatic changes in her family, turning dark was only natural.


    Nanny Xiang thought Jiang Xinyue was having a moment of naivepassion and eximed in rm: "Your Highness, you''vee this far because of your iron heart and sharp methods. You can''t let sympathy overflow at this time! If you sympathize with her, you''ll be her stepping stone one day. The Sixth Prince is still young, Your Highness, you..."


    "Pfft!"


    Jiang Xinyueughed: "If I were truly overflowing with sympathy, I would punish you just for saying I have an iron heart. But I know you mean well, willing to risk yourself to remind me, and I appreciate your sentiment."


    She wasn''t sure whether Nanny Xiang calling her iron-hearted was praise or criticism.


    Stroking her armor, her eyes gleaming with intelligence: "But Nanny Xiang, my iron heart won''t change. It''s good that Qin Ruofang has ambition. Her enemies are Minister Pei of the Privy Council, the Pei family, the Guiyang County Magistrate and Qin Prefecture Prefect who harmed her. To climb up and avenge her family, she''ll need to rely on me."


    Though the Guiyang County Magistrate was dead, he was merely a discarded pawn. The real culprit was the towering tree that was the Pei family.


    "Even in the worst case, if the Pei family falls and she develops inappropriate thoughts, Nanny, do you think she''s a match for me?"


    If she maintained proper intentions, seeking vengeance for her parents and family, Jiang Xinyue would respect her character and grant whatever she sought.


    But if she set her sights on the Emperor, Jiang Xinyue would pin the "achievement" of plotting against and destroying the Pei family on Qin Ruofang.


    This alone would be enough to make the Emperor wary and despise her.


    The Emperor preferred women who were clever but not calcting, capable of protecting themselves but not actively harmful, "delicate" beauties who could rely on him wholeheartedly.


    In the Emperor''s mind, women could be smart but not shrewd. A woman capable of single-handedly bringing down the Pei family wasn''t merely shrewd - she would be seen as an otherworldly demon.


    Such a woman, the Emperor wouldn''t - and wouldn''t dare to - love. He would only grow suspicious and want to eliminate her.


    If Jiang Xinyue hadn''t seen through this point, she wouldn''t have needed to hide her true personality and y the sweet innocent before the Emperor.


    The sweet innocent she portrayed wasn''t what people ofter generations might think - someone who knew nothing and was exceptionally stupid. That would be pure foolishness.


    Jiang Xinyue''s understanding of being sweet and innocent meant being naive when appropriate and clever when needed, making everyone see her as a pure, kind flower worthy of their sympathy.


    That was true sweet innocence.


    It wasn''t that Jiang Xinyue was arrogant or looked down on native women - she simply understood the Emperor too well.


    The Xuanwu Emperor was dark-hearted and cold, caring only for the realm and its people. Women were merely his diversions - he would favor those he liked and discard those he didn''t.


    Though Jiang Xinyue''s situation was much better, it was all achieved through her careful scheming.


    If she hadn''t spent her days studying the Emperor''s thoughts and presenting herself ording to his expectations, he wouldn''t favor and dote on her so much now.


    If Qin Ruofang had the ability to win over the Emperor, she wouldn''t have met such a tragic fate.


    Just because her family met with disaster didn''t mean her mind had changed - what was there to fear?


    Nanny Xiang finally breathed a sigh of relief: "This old servant was hasty and impatient. Knowing Your Highness has everything nned puts my mind at ease."


    "Father, are we really going to let that little wretch go unpunished?"


    Pei Sinian''s face was filled with hatred: "Young Master... Young Master''s manhood was stung by that scorpion, and the imperial physician said even after treatment it will affect his ability to have children. Isn''t this condemning my son to die without descendants? Mistress is crying her eyes out - how can we just let her go?"


    "Then what do you want to do?"


    Minister Pei''s face was grim: "The Emperor is protecting her and demands evidence. Do you have any evidence?"


    "I..."


    "Miss Qin, this way please..."


    Pei Sinian clearly saw that a eunuch looked identical to the person dressed as a pce maid they had encounteredst night.


    He rushed forward and grabbed Xiao Xiangzi''s cor: "You dog ve, did the Imperial Consort send you to nt that scorpion to hurt my son? Disguising yourself like that - did you think I wouldn''t recognize you? Today I''m going to the Emperor..."


    "What''s all thismotion about?"


    The Emperor strode out of the main hall, ring at Pei Sinian, but then turned to address Minister Pei: "Minister Pei, is this how you watch him cause trouble in front of me?"


    Laying hands on someone in the imperial presence was a serious crime.


    Minister Pei hurriedly called out: "Sinian,e back!"


    His gaze had already fallen on Qin Ruofang behind Xiao Xiangzi. With just a bit of makeup, the woman''s beauty was outstanding. Now that she had sessfully entered the Changchun Pavilion, what was there to worry about?


    While the mountain remains green, there will always be wood to burn.


    When the Imperial Consort''s favor was at its peak, there was no need for direct confrontation.


    Qin Ruofang nced up at the imposing Emperor before quickly lowering her head again.


    But she had caught Minister Pei''s warning look and gave a slight nod.


    After Minister Pei led Pei Sinian away, Xiao Xiangzi finally brought Qin Ruofang to pay respects to the Emperor.


    "Qin Ruofang? You''vee so soon?"


    The Qin family had considerable wealth, and the Emperor had thought she would need to stay in Guiyang to settle ounts for some time, not to mention her troublesome n members and rtives who wouldn''t be easy to deal with.


    "I must thank Your Majesty."


    Her slender waist was graceful and alluring: "If not for Your Majesty and the Imperial Consort leaving people to assist thismoner, I wouldn''t have been able to sell off the family assets and get away so quickly. I have already handed over all the Qin family''s property to Eunuch Wang for the national treasury. In the future, at the Mansion of Treasures, I will serve Your Majesty and the noble masters with all my heart."


    She was referring to the Qin family''s skill in crafting precious jewelry and ornaments.


    "Mm! It''s very good that you have such intentions."


    She was a wealthy patron bringing money, so the Xuanwu Emperor''s attitude was kind and friendly: "Xiao Xiangzi, take Miss Qin and settle her in properly. Do not neglect her."


    "Your Majesty..."


    Qin Ruofang bit her lip: "Could Your Majesty dismiss the attendants? Thismoner... has something to say to Your Majesty in private."Aliali: 6744814f3f33ac44271f6


    ording to protocol this wasn''t allowed - who knew if she was an assassin or rebel? What if she tried to kill the Emperor?


    But with her delicate arms and legs, and the personal guard whispering in the Emperor''s ear: "Your Majesty, we observe she has no martial arts training."


    "Then you may all withdraw!"


    Was there some unspeakable truth in the massacre of the Qin family? How many officials were involved?


    The Xuanwu Emperor wanted to understand clearly.


    "What?!"


    "Yan''er, what did you say? Concubine Ye has been arrested?"


    "Mydy, shh!"


    Yan''er quickly closed the door: "My fellow viger in the Imperial Household Department told me - it hasn''t spread outside yet!"


    "What trouble has she gotten herself into now?"


    The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and


    continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

 Chapter 278

    "This servant couldn''t find out."


    Yan''er shook her head. "My fellow servant from the same hometown refused to say anything, only mentioning that His Majesty was furious and wanted to execute Concubine Ye, but the Imperial Noble Consort stopped him."


    As soon as Noble Lady Liu received this news on one end, Concubine Cheng immediately understood the whole situation on the other.


    She knew much more than Noble Lady Liu.


    Cun Xin was applying medicine to Concubine Cheng''s hand while saying, "Mydy, Concubine Ye was too bold. How dare she... Does she have multiple lives?"


    "How could she have such ability?"


    The wound on her palm was frightening. When the herbal medicine was applied, she drew in a sharp breath from the pain. "If she had sessfully drugged His Majesty, she wouldn''t still be in Chuxiu Pce."


    She would have already left Chuxiu Pce to be a high-ranking consort.


    "Then why..."


    "She was merely used as a stepping stone in someone else''s scheme."


    As for who plotted against her, Concubine Cheng couldn''t figure it out. It must have been some coward who wanted to gain the Emperor''s favor but feared drawing the Imperial Noble Consort''s attention.


    Cun Xin shuddered, truly worried for her mistress.


    Fortunately, they had missed tonight''s banquet due to the hand injury. Otherwise, who knows if they might have been caught up in the scheme?


    "Has His Majesty note yet?"


    Concubine Cheng didn''t care about Concubine Ye''s fate. The servants had already informed the Emperor about her serious hand injury.


    Noble Lady Liu would certainly send someone to invite the Emperor as well. It remained to be seen whose chambers he would visit.


    This was a game between her and Noble Lady Ye, with the Emperor as the prize.


    The Xuanwu Emperor, who was being anticipated by several parties, showed Jiang Xinyue a letter he had just received from an unknown source, speaking excitedly: "Yue''er, your cousin has written. With Cheng Yuan''s help, he has obtained evidence of the Governor of Liangguang''s corruption. However, he''s now a target and can''t appear in public, so he entrusted Cheng Yuan to deliver it to Qin Province."


    "Who is this Cheng Yuan? Does Your Majesty find him reliable?"


    After entering the pce, Jiang Xinyue had already investigated the backgrounds of all the consorts, so how could she not know this person''s identity?


    She was merely pretending in front of the Emperor.


    Cheng Yuan was originally a minor official under Governor Yu. He was known for his uprightness and impartiality, which earned him many enemies and Governor Yu''s displeasure. He was assigned to the public mortuary, specifically tasked with watching over the bodies of victims who died unnaturally.


    In polite terms, he was a minor yamen official; in crude terms, he was just a mortuary keeper. It was clear that none of the living officials under Governor Yu wanted anything to do with him.


    The night Jiang Yanxi learned he would be sent to Liangguang as an imperial envoy, he went to Jiang Xinyue''s adoptive father to ask where he should begin.


    After all, Jiang Yankun had served as an official for many more years and understood court politics and regional officials better than him.


    He wouldn''t be overconfident just because the Emperor currently favored him, thinking he could handle any challenge.


    He still needed to listen to his cousin. The Imperial Consort had said that as long as the Jiang family remained obedient, they would be guaranteed prosperity for generations!


    After Jiang Xinyue gained favor, Jiang Yankun had gathered a group of officials who wanted to support the Sixth Prince as crown prince.


    After all, waiting to pick sides until after the Imperial Noble Consort became Empress wouldn''t earn as much merit as supporting them now.


    It was always easier to add flowers to brocade than to send charcoal in snow. Making an earlymitment would bring either fortune or misfortune, but if the Sixth Prince truly became crown prince, they would be recognized as loyal supporters from the beginning.


    Among these people, some had connections in Liangguang.


    After inquiring, Jiang Yankun provided Cheng Yuan''s name, suggesting he use this man as a breakthrough point.


    After entering Liangguang, Jiang Yanxi operated in secret, going directly to the mortuary to work as a keeper, expending great effort to gain Cheng Yuan''s trust.


    Only then did he have his guards parade around as imperial envoys to attract Governor Yu''s attention.


    Soon, the guards were mistaken for the imperial envoy and were treated to fine food and wine at the governor''s mansion.


    Meanwhile, the real Jiang Yanxi stayed at Cheng Yuan''s home. Together with the guards infiltrating the governor''s mansion, they coordinated from both inside and out, having the guards pretend to be won over to make them think the imperial envoy had been bought off, thus lowering their guard.


    After two full months, Jiang Yanxi finally obtained evidence of Governor Yu''s embezzlement of imperial funds.


    But at this point, if Governor Yu hadn''t realized what was happening, he would have to be a pig.


    Unfortunately, he wasn''t a pig, so Jiang Yanxi faced another assassination attempt from these evil forces.


    However, with experience from the first time, he was more prepared and wouldn''t be as desperate as before.


    He gave the real evidence to Cheng Yuan, who resigned from his position citing his desire to visit his daughter in the capital. The Cheng family had children - their eldest daughter was married to a wealthy merchant in the capital, and their second daughter had entered the pce as a consort, whom they rarely saw.


    Conveniently, Lady Cheng was ill from missing her daughters, so Cheng Yuan sessfully brought the evidence to Qin Province under the pretense of taking his wife to the capital for treatment.


    Jiang Yanxi and his guards went into hiding, engaging in daily battles of wit with Governor Yu''s men.


    Knowing that the most dangerous ce was often the safest, he directly took over Cheng Yuan''s position at the mortuary, operating right under Governor Yu''s nose.


    No one expected that not only would he not flee, but he would stay in the ce closest to danger.


    Governor Yu couldn''t be sure if the imperial envoy had fled or remained in Guangdong, and he dared not conductrge-scale searches for fear of causing panic among the people.


    He could only investigate secretly on a small scale. By the time they would search the mortuary where Jiang Yanxi was hiding, half a year would have passed.


    The Xuanwu Emperorughed heartily, "Your cousin takes apletely different approach from your father. He should be cultivated well - he has the makings of a wise minister."


    What did that mean?Aliali: 67467efbc4f3f33ac45e4cd7


    If her cousin had the potential to be a wise minister, and her adoptive father waspletely different, was he suggesting her adoptive father was suited to be a corrupt minister?


    Was that an insult or apliment?


    "It''s because Your Majesty knows how to employ talent that my cousin''s abilities have found their ce!"


    Jiang Xinyue praised both men in one sentence: "To my cousin, Your Majesty is like Bo Le discovering his thousand-li horse. Without Bo Le, even a thousand-li horse would remain ordinary. It''s because of Your Majesty that my cousin''s talents won''t go to waste."


    The Emperor pinched her nose. "Yue''er, your clever mouth is ttering me again."


    Jiang Xinyueughed and dodged backward.


    "Your Majesty..."


    In this intimate moment, a young eunuch came to report: "Your Majesty, from Lanyue Pavilion, both Noble Lady Liu and Concubine Cheng have sent people over... this..."


    Jiang Xinyue''s smile disappeared, and she pouted unhappily, "It''s not just me trying to please Your Majesty. I see there''s a long line of people waiting to please you. Your Majesty should hurry tofort your Noble Lady Liu and Concubine Cheng! Don''t let them put another hat on mebeling me as jealous and monopolizing your favor - I can''t bear such a burden."


    The Emperor rubbed his nose and cleared his throat with his fist against his mouth: "Then I... I''ll go check on them."

 Chapter 279

    She just wanted to take a look, nothing more.


    Jiang Xinyue didn''t care at all; she simply didn''t want the emperor to think she was being too magnanimous.


    Being magnanimous in such matters could only prove one thing - that she didn''t love the emperor enough.


    When you truly love someone, you don''t push them toward others.


    However, the Xuanwu Emperor felt he had no choice. The Cheng family had just rendered a great service, as Cheng Yuan had brought evidence from the Two Guangs to Qin Province, which was no easy feat.


    So when Concubine Cheng was injured, it was only right and proper for him tofort her.


    As for Noble Lady Liu, he hadn''t even listened carefully to why she had sought him out.


    Though both were injured, and both had sent people to summon the emperor, and though the emperor had gone to Lanyue Pavilion, he didn''t enter Noble Lady Liu''s chambers but went to Concubine Cheng instead.


    Had Noble Lady Liu been able to get out of bed, she likely would have destroyed everything in her room.


    In the following days, the emperor spent his time apanying Concubine Cheng. Three dayster, Concubine Cheng''s father arrived in Qin Province and was secretly received by the emperor at Lanyue Pavilion.


    Everyone assumed Concubine Cheng had finally gained the emperor''s favor, not knowing that when night fell, they slept in separate rooms, and nothing happened between them.


    But Concubine Cheng wasn''t foolish enough to rify this misunderstanding.


    With the emperor away, Jiang Xinyue was quite content, spending her days taking the Third Prince, Fourth Prince, and Sixth Prince out to y.


    The eldest princess had recently been keeping Low Level Consort Yupany in her garden while she recovered. The second princess, feeling sympathy for her elder sister, spent each day keeping herpany and didn''t join the others in their activities.


    Today was no different. Shuang Jiang and Xiao Xiangzi deliberately led the Fourth Prince and Sixth Prince away, leaving the Third Prince alone with Jiang Xinyue.


    The Third Prince watched as the butterfly kite with its cut string flew away, and for some reason, he felt an inexplicable sense of relief.


    A voice in his heart seemed to say: If only I could be like that kite, breaking free from my constraints and soaring freely under the blue sky.


    Jiang Xinyue didn''t interrupt his thoughts, instead standing behind him. When he turned around and didn''t see his two brothers, he ran to her in panic.


    He gestured wildly, as if asking where his brothers had gone.


    Jiang Xinyue knelt down and said, "Concubine Zhen doesn''t understand what you''re trying to say. Could you speak it out loud?"


    The Third Prince anxiously gestured again.


    Jiang Xinyue shook her head again: "Concubine Zhen really can''t understand. Could the Third Prince please speak?"


    The Third Prince''s face turned red with frustration, making "ah ah ah" sounds while pointing in the direction his brothers had gone, stamping his foot.


    Jiang Xinyue gently stroked his back: "Concubine Zhen knows that the Third Prince isn''t mute as they say. You can speak, you just choose not to. Do you know? Your Fourth Brother is very worried about you. After returning from this summer retreat, he asked me to plead with your father to let him study at the Princes'' Academy with you. Usually, he wouldn''t be allowed due to his age, but he''s worried that you might be bullied by the pce servants because you don''t speak, so he asked Concubine Zhen to petition your father."


    When she said "the Third Prince can speak," his expression became panicked, his fingers intertwining as he avoided meeting her eyes.


    This was a typical sign of wanting to escape.


    "Is it because of Consort De?"


    "Ah ah ah ah..."


    The Third Prince shook his head desperately, tears quickly welling up in his eyes as he tried to run away.


    "If you don''t want to talk about it, Concubine Zhen won''t force you."


    Jiang Xinyue caught his hand: "But think about it - if you continue not speaking, after a long time, when you want to speak, you truly won''t be able to. You''re the elder brother to the Fourth Prince and Sixth Prince. You should be the best big brother they could have, someone they can rely on. But now, they sympathize with you, take care of you, treat you like a fragile porcin doll, and tiptoe around you, afraid to touch your inner pain. Is this what you want?"


    The Third Prince had previously looked down on the Fourth Prince due to the influence of Consort De and Low Level Consort Yu, often bullying him.


    This showed his high self-regard, believing his birth made him more noble than the Fourth Prince.


    Later, when he reconciled with the Fourth Prince, it wasn''t because he realized his mistake, but because he had listened to Jiang Xinyue and the emperor and understood that he shouldn''t behave that way.


    Young children don''t have a clear sense of right and wrong; they need guidance to distinguish between them.


    In his heart, he still considered the Fourth Prince the son of a criminal, but he knew he shouldn''t look down on a prince who was also the emperor''s son, as that would displease Concubine Zhen and his father.


    So when someone he had once looked down upon now pitied and sympathized with him, he couldn''t bear this reversal.


    The Fourth Prince should look up to him as a reliable older brother, not sympathize with him as a mute prince.


    The same would apply to the Sixth Prince in the future.


    If he remained mute, the pce servants would treat him differently, and how could he be a good brother then?


    "Con... Con..." the Third Prince struggled to speak, "I... can''t..."


    "Is it because your mother poisoned you that you''re afraid to speak? Are you worried your father will find out?"


    The Third Prince waspletely stunned, not understanding how Concubine Zhen knew about this when he hadn''t said anything!


    "You see, if even Concubine Zhen knows about this, do you think your father, being as wise and powerful as he is, wouldn''t know?"


    In truth, the Xuanwu Emperor didn''t know.


    Mainly because Consort De treated the Third Prince like the apple of her eye, doting on him daily and unwilling to let him suffer even the slightest harm. Who could have imagined she would poison her own son?


    The imperial physicians had said that even after recovery, the Third Prince''s health would never be as robust as before.


    Under such circumstances, how could the emperor suspect Consort De?


    "Concubine Zhen... waa... wuu wuu wuu Concubine Zhen..."Aliali: 67467efbc4f3f33ac45e4cd7


    The secret he had suppressed for so long was suddenly exposed without warning, and the Third Prince burst into tears: "Does Mother not want me anymore? Is it because... because I''m too stupid, so she doesn''t want me anymore? Wuu wuu wuu..."


    He had tried so hard to keep this secret, so why did Concubine Zhen still find out?


    If Mother knew that Concubine Zhen had discovered this secret, would she suspect that he had revealed it?


    He didn''t want to speak, he really didn''t want to speak.


    He cried so hard he could barely breathe. Jiang Xinyue held him in her arms and patted him gently: "That''s not true. Your mother loves you very much; she was just confused for a moment. Why don''t you give your mother a chance to make amends?"


    Consort De would never change. Once the Third Prince had another chance at bing crown prince, she would only be more ruthless in poisoning the other princes in the pce.


    There was no choice. To protect her own child, she had to use the Third Prince topletely bring down Consort De.


    That''s why the Third Prince had to speak.


    Wouldn''t words from her own son''s mouth carry enough weight?


    When the time came to reveal the trump card given by the Empress, Consort De would never have a chance to rise again.

 Chapter 280

    Imperial Capital¡ª


    After mourning for three days at the Mansion of the Duke of Cheng, on the fourth day when Consort De was preparing to return to the pce, she finally managed to evade the emperor''s spies in Yanqing Pce and found an opportunity to speak with her father.


    The Duke of Cheng exhaled heavily through his nose: "Mere daughter of a Minister of Punishment forced you into such a predicament¡ªis it that she''s too capable, or are you too ipetent?"


    Consort De''s hands hung at her sides, tightly clenched into fists: "Father, don''t you know perfectly well whether she''s capable or not? Wasn''t it your people who instigated the Matriarch of the Zhu Family to use her pce connections against the Sixth Prince?"


    The Duke of Cheng frowned: "Never speak of this again."


    Everyone believed that it was the former empress''s family who harbored murderous intentions toward the Sixth Prince, which was why white phosphorus powder was ced in the wet nurse''s clothes.


    What they didn''t know was that the reason the Zhu family bypassed the former empress to act against the Sixth Prince was because the Matriarch of the Zhu Family''s personal maid had previously been involved with the Duke of Cheng. She was a traitor who had been sweet-talked into following his orders.


    The Duke of Cheng had promised her that once the Sixth Prince was dead, he would take her as his noble concubine.


    Now that lowly maid was on her way to the capital with the disgraced Zhu family.


    Consort De believed that given her father''s ruthlessness, he would never allow that maid to reach the capital alive.


    Thus, there would be no one left in this world who knew what he had done.


    If Jiang Xinyue wasn''t capable, how could she have forced him to take action personally?


    Consort De took a deep breath: "Was Grandmother really killed by the Zhu family''s assassins? Or did father use the assassins as an excuse to dispose of Grandmother to appease the emperor''s anger?"


    "p!"


    The Duke of Cheng turned and struck Consort De: "How dare you bring this up? If you hadn''t lost your mind and poisoned Xuan''er, your grandmother wouldn''t have had to beat the empress with her rod, giving the emperor an excuse to take back the tiger head rod. With the empress dead, if your grandmother were still alive, would the emperor spare the Mansion of the Duke of Cheng?"


    This was a tacit admission.


    The Zhu family''s assassins did attack Grandmother, but the wounds weren''t fatal. It was father who chose a life for a life to quell the anger of both the pce andmon people toward the Mansion of the Duke of Cheng after the empress''s death.


    "Father..."


    Tears rolled down her cheeks inrge drops. Consort De didn''t turn her struck face back, but lowered her tear-filled eyes: "If one day, sacrificing your daughter''s life bes necessary to preserve the glory and wealth of the Mansion of the Duke of Cheng, would father abandon me just as unhesitatingly?"


    Grandmother...


    Grandmother was the only person who had been genuinely kind to her since childhood, expecting nothing in return. To protect father and her, Grandmother could unhesitatingly sacrifice herself.


    But father wasn''t grieving at all. He had already nned an escape route when he had Grandmother beat the empress.


    Grandmother''s death was orchestrated by him.


    With or without assassins, Grandmother would have died¡ªif not from illness, then from guilt over the empress''s death.


    "Stop thinking about such nonsense."


    The Duke of Cheng didn''t directly answer her question: "What you need to do now is stay put. Don''t let Jiang Xinyue catch any weakness. Don''t worry about Xuan''er; I''ve found a famous doctor who will make him speak again. Remember, when I say stay put, I mean do nothing at all. As for Jiang Xinyue... I will find the right opportunity to eliminate her for you. If necessary, you''d better show a repentant attitude before the emperor. No wall ispletely sealed¡ªyou must prepare for the worst."


    "Daughter understands. If father has no other matters to discuss, daughter will return to the pce now."


    Even in the mansion, she couldn''t cry freely, because normal human emotions were not allowed for her.


    "Hmm!"


    The Duke of Cheng nodded with satisfaction: "While that Jiang family''s illegitimate daughter hasn''t returned to the pce, hurry and arrange your own people into Hexi Pce."


    Once Jiang Xinyue returns, Hexi Pce would be imprable again.


    Yanqing Pce¡ª


    Muffled screams rang out. Luyin stood at the door, nervously closing her eyes and covering her ears, pretending she couldn''t hear.


    The muffled sounds were mixed with terrified pleas: "Consort De, I know I was wrong, wuu wuu... don''t kill me, don''t kill me... wuu wuu wuu... ugh..."


    The pleading person inside was gagged and could only make short, urgent sounds of pain.


    When the smell of blood wafted from the room, Luyin quickly waited at the door with a basin of water.


    Consort De walked out with blood-covered hands, washed them in the copper basin, and dried them with a cloth: "I don''t want to hear anyone in the back pce speaking of hearing screams or cat cries again, do you understand?"


    Luyin quickly nodded: "This servant will have the Internal Affairs Departmente tomorrow to renovate the windows and doors here."


    To add some soundproofing.


    Consort De snorted lightly and walked away.


    Several pce maids who were usually very close to Luyin finally dared to breathe deeply, clutching Luyin''s arm: "Sister Luyin, the Consort is bing more and more frightening. I... I want to transfer to another consort''s pce."


    "I... I want to as well!"


    Suppressed crying sounds arose: "Sister Luyin, I have elderly parents and young siblings to support. I don''t want to die in the pce, wuu wuu wuu..."


    "Enough!"


    Luyin felt some sympathy but still hardened her heart: "If you serve the Consort well, nothing will happen to you. I''ll pretend I never heard what you just said. If it reaches the Consort''s ears, I won''t be able to save you."


    The young pce maids trembled in fear and fell silent.


    In the room¡ª


    A woman in pink pce clothesy on the ground barefoot with disheveled hair, all ten of her fingers bloody, her fingernailspletely torn off.


    The fingers are connected to the heart, and she was in too much pain to move.Aliali: 6747c480c4f3f33ac46fd021


    When Luyin opened the door, the person on the ground raised her head¡ªit was none other than Xiao Ronghua, who had disappeared from the pce. The emperor had searched extensively, turning the entire back pce upside down without finding her.


    There were even rumors that before Xiao Ronghua''s disappearance, she often spoke of hearing screams at night, suggesting she had been taken or eaten by ghosts.


    It caused widespread panic.


    Only when the Imperial Noble Consort ordered that no one in the back pce should discuss this matter further did the ghost stories stop spreading.


    "Bang!"


    The loud noise was particrly jarring in the night. Jiang Chuan''s eyes flew open, and he ran out without even putting on proper clothes: "What happened? Such a loud noise?"


    The pce was half-empty, with the emperor and many consorts having gone to Qin Province to escape the summer heat, leaving the pce suddenly quiet.


    The consorts who stayed behind didn''t need topete for favor, spending their days either appreciating flowers in the Imperial Garden, enjoying views from the scenic pavilion, or gathering in small groups to y cards.


    Life in Hexi Pce had also be very peaceful.


    However, because the Consort had instructed that security in Hexi Pce must not be rxed, even though the back pce was so peaceful, Jiang Chuan didn''t dare to be negligent, fearing it might harm the Consort and the Sixth Prince in the future.

 Chapter 281

    The Chief Eunuch of Hexi Pce came out, and the night-duty eunuchs and guards quickly went to investigate the situation.


    Within moments, they reported back: "Eunuch Jiang, there''s a wall by the vegetable garden that seems to have copsed due to age and disrepair, which caused the noise."


    Jiang Chuan frowned deeply. "The wall copsed?"


    Those useless people in the Internal Affairs Department, iming loyalty to their mistress, yet they let the walls of their Hexi Pce crumble.


    They were all just a bunch of bootlickers who talked big but did nothing.


    Unlike him, who actually worked for his mistress.


    He turned back to his room and put on a thin robe. "Let''s go take a look."


    A young eunuch stepped forward, trying to curry favor: "Eunuch Jiang, it''ste and dewy outside. Please go back to sleep! This small matter can be handled by us, and we can have the Internal Affairs Department send people to fix it tomorrow."


    Jiang Chuan pped the top of his head. "What? Trying to steal my credit to look good in front of our mistress? Let me tell you all, in this Hexi Pce, anything concerning our mistress and the Sixth Prince is never a small matter. Keep yournterns bright, and if you truly serve our mistress and the Sixth Prince, time will prove your worth, and rewards wille your way. But if any of you try to take shortcuts, you won''t need to wait for our mistress''s punishment - I, Jiang Chuan, will be the first to deal with you."


    The young eunuchs immediately straightened their attitudes and repeatedly assured they wouldn''t dare.


    Truth be told, none of the pce servants who had served in Hexi Pce ever wanted to leave.


    Their mistress was beautiful and kind-hearted, never mistreating her servants, and even gave out rewards during festivals and holidays.


    Moreover, their mistress was favored by the Emperor, so people outside treated everyone from Hexi Pce with respect, whether master or servant. They all had face when they went out.


    So even though their mistress trusted only Jiang Chuan, Xiao Xiangzi, Shuang Jiang, Xi Que, and Nanny Xiang the most, they didn''t want to serve in other pces.


    What was the point of standing out anyway?


    Wasn''t it all about living afortable life?


    They could livefortably without exhausting themselves trying to stand out, so why put their necks on the line for unnecessary trouble?


    Seeing they had all be obedient, Jiang Chuan led them to the vegetable garden.


    All those fruits and vegetables in the garden were Shuang Jiang and Xi Que''s precious treasures. If they were damaged by the fallen wall, those two youngdies would surely throw a fit when they returned.


    "Achoo!"


    Xi Que sat on the bed rubbing her nose, sneezing several times in session.


    Shuang Jiang pped her injured leg, and Xi Que dramatically clutched it, wailing, "It''s broken, it''s broken..."


    She was met with Shuang Jiang''s eye roll: "You were told to rest in your room after getting injured, but you insisted on going to watch themotion. Do you want your leg to heal or not?"


    Xi Que pouted: "I only had a bite of flesh taken out, the bone wasn''t injured. Imperial Physician Yan said it was fine, you and mistress are just being too worried."


    Before Shuang Jiang could retort, she quickly changed the subject: "You should have seen that Consort Zhang, thinking Concubine Cheng''s favor would let her show off in front of our mistress. These past few days she''s been kissing up to Concubine Cheng - imagine a Consort ttering a Consort who ranks below her! I''ve truly seen it all."


    Shuang Jiang poured her a cup of hot water: "Concubine Cheng''s father was just promoted to Department Director of the Ministry of Justice, working under our mistress''s father. Consort Zhang probably thinks Director Cheng might be able to bring down the Minister, that''s why she''s acting this way!"


    Jiang Xinyue was ying with the Sixth Prince while Nanny Xiang told her about this matter as if it were a joke: "This Consort Zhang is truly peculiar. She''s always been the one making little schemes behind the scenes, and you''ve never even bothered with her, mistress. Why is she obsessing over you like a mad dog?"


    Even Consort Jin had found her way back and was contentedly ying her role as a pce ornament. The mistress never mistreated her and often sent her new interesting things.


    Yet this Consort Zhang kept jumping around like a grasshopper.


    Xiao Xiangzi nodded: "Some people never look for reasons within themselves when they make mistakes and face bad oues. They always think others are to me."


    Jiang Xinyue remained silent, shaking a rattle left and right to train the baby''s visual tracking ability.


    Everyone in this world had their own rules for survival, and she never judged anyone''s way of life. As long as they didn''t harm her, she didn''t want to be someone with blood-stained hands.


    The Emperor hadn''t visited for several days. He had kept Director Cheng at the summer pce to escape the heat, waiting to return to the capital with his officials for duty.


    Jiang Xinyue guessed that the Emperor didn''t really want to keep him there to escape the heat, but rather because her elder cousin had not yet returned and his fate was unknown. He wanted to keep Director Cheng at the summer pce as a target.


    The Zhu family had fallen, but most of their former allied officials were still in ce, having not participated in the rebellion.


    Jiang Yanxi''s takedown of the Yu family would make him a target of public criticism.


    And now, in the Emperor''s eyes, the Jiang family was like a floating duckweed without roots, unable to withstand any storm.


    So, he kept Director Cheng at the summer pce as a target for her elder cousin.


    Observant people would surely investigate why Concubine Cheng only gained favor after her father''s arrival.


    Moreover, Director Cheng had been appointed as Department Director of the Ministry of Justice, working under the father of the most favored Imperial Noble Consort.


    What a promising future!


    The Yu family wasn''t without allies; they had friendly connections with other noble families in the capital.


    The Xuanwu Emperor would follow the trail and root out all the officials in the capital who had connections with the Yu family.


    Even if they couldn''t be eliminated all at once, these people would eventually be reced, one by one.


    So...


    While others were waiting to see Jiang Xinyue fail, she didn''t take it to heart at all.


    No matter how much Consort Zhang jumped around, she was just like a grasshopper after autumn - her joy wouldn''tst long.


    And was Concubine Cheng any better?


    "Has Concubine Ye found out anything from her investigation?"


    This was what Jiang Xinyue cared more about.Aliali: 6748532dc4f3f33ac4772656


    There was still a hidden poisoner in the pce who had managed to target both the Emperor and Wang Dequan without a trace, so subtle that even the Imperial Hospital couldn''t determine the cause.


    That strange ice-blue butterfly turned out to be just an ordinary butterfly after investigation.


    Xiao Xiangzi shook his head: "We''ve had Concubine Ye recall countless times, and the Internal Affairs Department people say they still haven''t found any suspicious persons."


    "What about the young eunuch who served the wine?"


    "He was one of Eunuch Tang Shiliang''s men, and no one was allowed near the wine pot throughout... However... your servant noticed something strange."


    "What''s strange?"


    "In both Concubine Ye''s and the young eunuch''s testimonies, there was mention of arge ck fat cat."


    "A cat?"


    Xiao Xiangzi nodded: "Perhaps it was abandoned by a former consort and has been hiding somewhere? It asionallyes out. On the night of the banquet, the young eunuch saw that cat, and Concubine Ye was startled by it and took a drink of wine. Consort Zhang kindly lent her a handkerchief to wipe off the wine stains."


    Jiang Xinyue closed her eyes and silently recited in her mind: strange cat, wine, butterfly, handkerchief... and... Consort Zhang.


    The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and


    continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

 Chapter 282

    The cat was fed by someone with ulterior motives. Cats could carry many things on their bodies, such as insects and powder.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Butterflies... butterflies also had powder on them!<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The ck catnded outside the tray ced by the young eunuch, and dust scattered into the wine pot. Concubine Ye was startled by the ck cat jumping down, and the powder fell into the cups as she drank wine to calm her nerves.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    All of this wasn''t enough to trigger the effects of the medicine on the Emperor and Concubine Ye, because the Imperial Physician verified there was no poison in the wine.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The butterfly wasn''t poisonous, and neither was the wine, but so many coincidences happening together was quite strange.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The timing of the ck cat''s appearance was also very convenient.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    And it just happened that Concubine Ye, who was frightened by the ck cat, fell ill along with the Emperor.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Wait!<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    There was also that handkerchief that Consort Zhang lent to Concubine Ye to wipe her mouth.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Concubine Ye said the fragrance was unique and she liked it, but Consort Zhang imed it was just an ordinary handkerchief that had wrapped preserved fruits, not flower fragrance.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Could it be Consort Zhang?<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Jiang Xinyue hadn''t been in the pce long and wasn''t particrly familiar with many of the less prominent concubines.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    She nodded: "Go invite Noble Lady Jiang, tell her I''ve prepared some rare delicacies and would like herpany for lunch."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Jiang Xinyan''s marriage crisis had been resolved - Pei Zhishuo had been stung by the scorpion Jiang Xinyue had nted, and while not fatal, he would be impotent thereafter.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The scorpion itself wasn''t highly poisonous, but Jiang Xinyue had applied an impotence medicine concocted by Yan the Imperial Physician to its stinger.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Free from having to marry that lecher, Jiang Xinyan returned to the Jiang family residence to stay with her two cousins, avoiding any spection that she was a gift her sister had prepared for the Emperor.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "You say the Imperial Noble Consort invited Noble Lady Jiang to dine with her?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The Emperor put down his royal brush and looked at the sickly Wang Dequan, probing: "No one came to invite me?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Wang Dequan rubbed his sore lower back and replied to the Emperor''s expectant gaze: "There were invitations - from Noble Lady Liu and Concubine Cheng of Moon-Embracing Pavilion, and from Consort Zhang of Cool Breeze Pavilion. Would Your Majesty like to go?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Ridiculous!<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The Emperor red at him and returned to reviewing memorials with a dark face.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    After Wang Dequan was affected by the medicinest time, he had to lie in bed for three days after the Imperial Physician treated him, and his lower back still ached.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    After he could get up, he felt his body was much weaker than before. Fortunately, the Emperor remembered their old rtionship and didn''t me him for his clumsiness. Now he cursed the person who administered the drug thousands of times in his heart every day.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    After hearing Jiang Xinyue''s description, Noble Lady Jiang exined: "Consort Zhang entered the pce through the imperial selection five years ago. She''s from Jingzhou, rmended by local officials for her beauty. I heard she''s an orphan, and due to her humble background, she hasn''t gained favor and remains just a lowly consort."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Noble Lady Jiang then winked and continued: "As you know, Your Highness, that''s just how our Emperor is - if someone is of no use to him, no matter how beautiful they are, he won''t give them a second nce. Not everyone can be like you."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Being as beautiful as the Imperial Noble Consort was an exception.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    If she shed a single tear, the Emperor would want to pluck the moon from the sky for her, let alone the position of Empress.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Jiang Xinyue could only say that since she left the Cold Pce, Noble Lady Jiang seemed to view her through the most rose-tinted sses possible.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "What about the fragrance on the handkerchief?" she only cared about this: "What flowers were used to pickle the dates? Why did Consort Zhang say the fragrance was unique?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Noble Lady Jiang furrowed her brow in thought: "Just from hearing about it, I can''t guess, but if I could smell the handkerchief myself, I would probably know."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    She wasn''t boasting - with her nose, if she had inherited her mother''s family''s incense-making business, she would have be The Great Yan Dynasty''s finest perfumer.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    In the past when the Emperor favored her, he had praised her fragrance multiple times, saying she was the most fragrant and sweetest-smelling flower in the imperial garden.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Unfortunately, after the Imperial Noble Consort entered the pce, it was as if the Emperor had lost his sense of smell and could no longer detect her priceless fragrance.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    A blessing in disguise, perhaps.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    She felt that her current life - not having to watch others'' expressions, not having to scheme for favor, and being able to admire the Imperial Noble Consort''s otherworldly beauty every day - was quite nice.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    To be honest, the reason she had willingly be Noble Lady Li''s pawn back then was because of Noble Lady Li''s unmatched beauty in the pce.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    She was someone who judged good and bad purely based on appearances.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "That''s not difficult," Jiang Xinyue used the serving chopsticks to give her a piece of fish. "Let''s eat first. After the meal, I''ll invite all the consorts to the Hundred Flower Garden for afternoon tea."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The concept of afternoon tea was something the pce people had learned from the Imperial Noble Consort.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Having tea and refreshments in the afternoon - isn''t that afternoon tea?<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "She''s even inviting all the consorts for afternoon tea?" The Xuanwu Emperor nearly broke his chopsticks while eating, gritting his teeth: "She has time to dine with Noble Lady Jiang, time to have tea with the consorts, but no time to see me, to invite me, is that it?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Exactly!" Tang Shiliang frowned disapprovingly: "The Imperial Noble Consort is really going too far."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Shut up!"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    No matter how excessive she might be, only he could criticize her. The Xuanwu Emperor felt personally offended when anyone else spoke ill of Jiang Xinyue.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Tang Shiliang held back his smile as he served food to the Emperor: "If Your Majesty misses the Imperial Noble Consort, why not go directly to the Hundred Flower Garden? Is there anywhere in this summer pce where you cannot go? Besides, Concubine Cheng has also been invited - no one will suspect anything."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Given Concubine Cheng''s recent favor, others would assume the Emperor was going there for her.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The Emperor thought this made sense, and his eating pace quickened.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Wang Dequan looked at the Emperor, then at Tang Shiliang, wondering if it was just his imagination, but it seemed the Emperor had grown much closer to Tang Shiliang since his recovery.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    He had served the Emperor half his life and never dared to joke with him like this, yet young Tang did.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    And the Emperor didn''t seem angry about it.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0Aliali: 67480c4f3f33ac476d3e9


    After serving the Emperor''s meal and cleaning up the table, it was time to brew tea for the Emperor.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Wang Dequan shook the duster in his hand: "Shiliang, I haven''t brewed tea for His Majesty for several days. Today, why don''t you brew this cup in my ce?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Tang Shiliang raised his modest eyes, nced at his adoptive father, and then smiled: "Father''s tea has always been most to His Majesty''s taste. My tea-brewing skills were all learned from you, weren''t they?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Despite saying this, Tang Shiliang still obediently followed Wang Dequan to the tea room.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Though the Emperor possessed all the world''s wealth and finest things, only Wang Dequan knew that the Emperor''s favorite tea wasn''t the famous Imperial Golden Gourd tribute tea, Taiping Monkey King, or Wuyi Mountain Big Red Robe Tea.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Instead, it was the less famous Green Snow Bud Mother Tree tea, which had maintained its vitality through hundreds of years, nurtured by clouds and mist, nourished by spring dew, perfect in both appearance and fragrance.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    This secret Wang Dequan had only shared with his adopted son Tang Shiliang.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The perfect water temperature brought out the tea''s fragrance, and its color, temperature, and taste were exactly as the Emperor preferred.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Wang Dequan smiled slightly: "It seems you''ve mastered all of your adoptive father''s skills."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    So, he no longer needed his promotion.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and


    continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

 Chapter 283

    Tang Shiliang ced the freshly brewed Green Snow Bud Mother Tree tea on a tray and presented it to Wang Dequan: "Father, although there are thousands of varieties of white tea cultivated byter generations, only the Mother Tree tea is fit to be presented to the emperor. No matter what I do, it is to emte your grandeur. But I will always remember that it was you who pulled me out of the mire. You will always be the person I respect the most."


    Wang Dequan looked at him for a moment, then let out a relievedugh: "Everyone has their own aspirations. It''s good that you have lofty ambitions. Remember, as long as you don''t be an ungrateful wretch, your path in the future will be smoother."


    "I will keep your teachings in mind, father."


    His aspirations were different from his father''s. Different paths do not mean they cannot respect each other, but his father was his benefactor and noble person in this life. He would not do anything detrimental to his father.


    Even if his father grew old in the future, he was willing to take care of him until the end.


    Wang Dequan understood his intentions as well. As long as his adopted son did not harm the emperor or himself, he would let the child spread his wings and fly on his own.


    As for the oue, he would have to bear it himself.


    The Hundred Flower Garden of the imperial pce lived up to its name, filled with all sorts of precious flowers.


    Thousands of varieties of flowers were arranged neatly by the gardeners, creating a dazzling and breathtaking beauty that left people in awe.


    The pce was cool, and there was no sun in the afternoon. The temperature difference between morning and evening was significant, so one had to wear an extrayer to avoid catching a cold.


    In the fragrant Hundred Flower Garden, where butterflies fluttered around, Jiang Xinyue had not yet arrived. Consort Zhang took the lead: "I heard that Concubine Cheng could attract butterflies with her ying. It''s a pity that her hands were ruined by Noble Lady Liu. Otherwise, I could have witnessed this wondrous sight."


    There were not many high-ranking concubines present, so everyone spoke in the first person.


    The emperor had not visited the imperial noble consort for several consecutive days. Now, the new favorite was Concubine Cheng, so naturally, everyone spoke in her favor.


    "Noble Lady Liu! Isn''t she getting hereuppance? She broke her waist for no reason. It''s hard enough toe to the imperial pce once, and she has to lie in bed for three months. Who knows if she''ll ever fully recover?"


    "By the time she recovers, we''ll all be heading back to the pce. Isn''t her trip in vain?"


    Even the afternoon tea set up by the imperial noble consort, she couldn''t attend, let alone change the environment to reignite the emperor''s interest in her.


    Last time she broke her waist, she even invited the emperor, but he turned around and went to Concubine Cheng, losing all face.


    Consort Zhang didn''t intentionally arrivest with the imperial noble consort and Noble Lady Jiang. It was just that a small ident urred on the way.


    As she was about to reach the Hundred Flower Garden, she suddenly saw the imperial noble consort and Noble Lady Jiang, so she had to stop and pay her respects. At that moment, the imperial noble consort''s sleeve was wet, and she was angry. Noble Lady Jiang was apologizing and trying to wipe it with her handkerchief.


    But the imperial noble consort was very angry and refused Noble Lady Jiang''s handkerchief, pointing directly at her: "You! Give me your handkerchief."


    Hermand was so straightforward and natural that Consort Zhang didn''t think twice and took out her handkerchief from her sleeve, presenting it to Jiang Xinyue with both hands.


    Jiang Xinyue took the handkerchief, shook it a few times, rubbed it on her clothes, and then casually threw it to Noble Lady Jiang.


    Then, with a smile, she grabbed Consort Zhang''s hand: "I find Consort Zhang quite charming. I like her."


    At a time when Concubine Cheng was favored, why did the imperial noble consort suddenly extend an olive branch?


    Wasn''t it obvious?


    She was afraid of losing favor and wanted to promote someone topete with Concubine Cheng.


    Consort Zhang believed her appearance was not ordinary, and it was normal for the imperial noble consort to want to promote her. After all, Noble Lady Jiang''s looks were not pleasing to the emperor''s eye.


    She took the opportunity to squeeze past Noble Lady Jiang and hold Jiang Xinyue''s hand: "I have admired Your Highness for a long time."


    "Oh!"


    Jiang Xinyue seemed to step on something, her body sliding forward, pulling Consort Zhang with her.


    The surrounding pce attendants were startled and hurriedly tried to catch Jiang Xinyue. Consort Zhang was pushed and pulled by countless hands, feeling like she was being groped all over but couldn''t tell who it was.


    Fortunately, only pce maids dared to catch the imperial noble consort. If it were eunuchs, their heads might not be safe.


    "Huh?"


    Jiang Xinyue, who had finally "stabilized," pointed at the ground: "Where did this dried fishe from?"


    "Meow¡ª"


    A ck cat jumped out from behind a rock, quickly snatching the dried fish and disappearing without a trace.


    Consort Zhang''s expression was momentarily flustered, but she quickly regained herposure: "It''s a stray cat! It often appears around Cool Breeze Pavilion. Consort Zhang and Court Lady Zheng usually carry dried fish to feed it. This dried fish was given to me by Consort Zhang!"


    It was clever of her to know that Jiang Xinyue and Consort Zhang were not on good terms, so she shifted the me to make her suspect Consort Zhang.


    But if Consort Zhang had that ability, she wouldn''t be reduced to having to curry favor with Concubine Cheng.


    However, she had to have substantial evidence to present to the emperor if she suspected Consort Zhang.


    Jiang Xinyue patted her chest: "I was scared. Xiao Xiangzi, quickly find someone to drive that ck cat away."


    Xiao Xiangzi quicklyplied.


    Was it to capture and take Concubine Ye, who had been confined, to identify if it was this cat that scared her?


    When Jiang Xinyue arrived at the Hundred Flower Garden with Consort Zhang and Noble Lady Jiang, everyone had already been waiting for some time.


    Although there wereints, no one dared to voice them and had to stand up respectfully to greet her.


    Jiang Xinyue didn''t hurry to let them rise but walked to the main seat and sat down before allowing the concubines to stand.


    Consort Zhang followed behind her, enjoying the pleasure of being worshipped.


    Consort Zhang was about to sit down next to Jiang Xinyue when Shuang Jiang stepped forward: "Consort Zhang, ourdy invites you to sit below Concubine Cheng. This seat is specially reserved for Consort Zhang."


    Consort Zhang''s face turned red and white. Although she wanted to attach herself to Concubine Cheng, after all, she was a sixth-grade consort, higher in rank than the seventh-grade concubine. How could she lower herself to sit below Concubine Cheng?Aliali: 674aec4f3f33ac49acb42


    "Imperial Noble Consort, this is against the rules."


    Concubine Cheng came to her rescue: "I wonder if Your Highness misunderstood? Consort Zhang and I just hit it off and had a good chat. There''s no..."


    "What is there not?"


    Jiang Xinyue calmly looked at her: "I also feel ate affinity with Consort Zhang. Just asking Consort Zhang to give up her seat, what''s the problem? Are you implying something?"


    Such as hinting at her retaliating against Consort Zhang for siding with Concubine Cheng?


    Even if that were the case, Concubine Cheng wouldn''t dare to say it openly, would she?


    A single sentence silenced Concubine Cheng. Seeing this, Consort Zhang could only reluctantly stand up and sit behind Concubine Cheng.


    Noble Lady Jiang and Consort Zhang sat on either side of Jiang Xinyue, smirking softly.


    Their eyes, filled with disdain, fell on Concubine Cheng.


    A spineless mouse who only talks behind people''s backs, not daring to speak up in front of thedy.

 Chapter 284

    Noble Lady Jiang, unable to stand Concubine Cheng''s smug attitude after gaining favor, rolled her eyes and said, "Some people get the Emperor''s favor for a few days and their heads get so big they reach the sky. Why pretend to be so pure?"


    The target of these words was crystal clear - even the dullest person could tell she was insulting Concubine Cheng.


    Though she hadn''t personally harmed the Imperial Noble Consort, what Concubine Cheng had done these past few days was even more disgusting than when she had given Jiang Xinyuexatives in the Pce of Exile.


    Taking advantage of the Emperor''s presence in her garden, one day she''d steal the Imperial Noble Consort''s bird''s nest soup, iming the Emperor wanted it; the next day she''d take the Imperial Noble Consort''s white fungus and lotus seed soup with peach gum, saying the Emperor had bestowed it upon her.


    Most outrageous was how she''din of pain, either in her hands or legs, iming no other physician could cure her except Yan the Imperial Physician, whom she specifically requested from the Emperor.


    Her reasoning was that since Yan the Imperial Physician could heal Xi Que''s severely injured leg, he could surely restore her hand to perfect condition.


    There was anotheryer to this - she knew Yan the Imperial Physician was specifically assigned to attend to the Imperial Noble Consort, yet if he could treat a mere maid like Xi Que, surely she, a concubine, deserved his attention too.


    Wouldn''t any physician do for examining her hand injury?


    Her insistence on Yan the Imperial Physician was pure affectation.


    The Imperial Noble Consort was too kind-hearted, acquiescing to all her demands without losing her temper. She even said privately that it was just a matter of food - letting her have it wouldn''t kill anyone, and it''s not like Yan the Imperial Physician wouldn''t return after treating her.


    In reality, Concubine Cheng hadn''t actually taken anything away.


    With Chief Steward Gao overseeing the imperial kitchen, whatever Jiang Xinyue wanted would appear before her with just a word.


    She deliberately appeared weak, letting Concubine Cheng take this and that, merely to show the Emperor her magnanimity and how she was above quarreling with Concubine Cheng.


    When used of "pretending to be pure," Concubine Cheng didn''t get angry. Instead, with a face full of radiance, she touched the jade hairpin in her hair and said, "The Emperor prefers pure women. Even if Noble Lady Jiang wanted to pretend, I''m afraid those wrinkles on her face wouldn''t allow it."


    She covered her mouth andughed, "I heard Noble Lady Jiang had quite a lovely face before entering the Pce of Exile. But that experience changed her beyond recognition. No wonder they say the Imperial Noble Consort is naturally beautiful, like a celestial maiden. Though they both spent time in the Pce of Exile, the Imperial Noble Consort''s beauty remained unchanged, bing even more enchanting."


    When Jiang Xinyue looked at Concubine Cheng now, she saw her past self - someone who had lost her way after receiving just a few days of the Emperor''s favor.


    They all lost themselves in the Emperor''s affection, believing that those few days of favor gave them the right to act tyrannically in the pce.


    But Jiang Xinyue was no longer the former Noble Consort Li who had been challenged. She merely nced at Shuang Jiang, who then walked up to Concubine Cheng and gave a polite bow.


    And then...


    "p!"


    To everyone''s confusion and shock, Shuang Jiang delivered a resounding p to her face: "Concubine Cheng, your rank is below Noble Lady Jiang''s. You shouldn''t humiliate her or maliciously bring up old wounds. This p is to teach you that you have no right toment on the Imperial Noble Consort''s appearance. Please be more careful in the future, as misfortunees from the mouth."


    For the first time, Concubine Cheng revealed a fierce look, though she dared not direct it at Jiang Xinyue, only ring viciously at Shuang Jiang.


    Shuang Jiang was no longer the pitiful girl who wouldn''t dare fight back when struck. Under Xi Que''s strong influence, she didn''t even find the Emperor so frightening anymore.


    So when Concubine Cheng red at her, she red right back.


    She had her mistress backing her up, and it was her mistress who had subtly instructed her to deliver that p. What did she have to fear?


    The tea pavilion fell so silent you could hear a pin drop, the atmosphere tense.


    Jiang Xinyue suddenlyughed, "Shuang Jiang, since this is Concubine Cheng''s first offense, let''s not hold it against her. Next time, don''t strike anyone without my permission. Although you were following pce rules, if the Emperor sees her injured face, he might me you."


    Shuang Jiang returned to her side: "Your Grace, I acted hastily out of anger. Concubine Cheng has been in the pce for two years yet still doesn''t know not to defy a superior-ranked consort. If word gets out, others will say she doesn''t know proper etiquette. The Emperor values rules above all else - would he make an exception for one person?"


    The implication was that if Concubine Cheng wanted toin to the Emperor, she should carefully consider whether the Emperor would sympathize with or despise her after hearing the reason.


    After all, when the Imperial Noble Consort first entered the pce, she was stunningly beautiful and highly renowned among the selecteddies. She was the first candidate the Emperor favored and the first he appointed.


    Yet after offending Noble Consort Li, didn''t she still fall from favor?


    Wasn''t she far more beautiful than Concubine Cheng?


    So when the eunuch announced "His Majesty the Emperor arrives," Concubine Cheng not only didn''t darein, but turned her pped cheek away, afraid the Emperor would notice and ask questions.


    The Xuanwu Emperor first nced at Jiang Xinyue, then strode over to help her up: "Didn''t I tell you? With your leg injury, you shouldn''t keep kneeling. When you see me, juste over directly."


    He had intended to show intimacy with Concubine Cheng, but upon seeing Jiang Xinyue''s solitary figure, he couldn''t help but walk toward her instead.


    Jiang Xinyue smiled tenderly, her eyes full of affection: "In private, I naturally obey Your Majesty in everything, but with others present, I dare not break protocol in the slightest."


    The Xuanwu Emperor looked around - they were all outsiders, only he and Yue were their own people.


    Noble Lady Jiang was an outsider too!


    "Hiss¡ª"


    Noble Lady Jiang shuddered and drew in a sharp breath. How strange to feel such a chill down her spine in broad daylight!


    Consort Zhang gathered her courage: "Your Majesty is so busy with state affairs, how do you find time to attend the Imperial Noble Consort''s tea party?"


    The Emperor gave her a contemptuous look, as if she were an idiot: "Does my presence disturb Consort Zhang''s refined gathering?"


    "No... no... I didn''t mean..."Aliali: 674aec4f3f33ac49acb42


    The Emperor clicked his tongue, clearly showing his impatience, and Consort Zhang could only hide behind Concubine Cheng, not daring to speak up again.


    She thought the Emperor didn''t know about her speaking ill of Jiang Xinyue!


    After secretly holding Jiang Xinyue''s hand for a moment, the Emperor walked over to Concubine Cheng: "What''s wrong with Concubine Cheng? Your eyes are red as if you''ve been crying."


    Hepletely ignored the red handprint on her face.


    The Xuanwu Emperor thought to himself: If I pretend not to see it, then it wasn''t Yue who had her struck.


    Concubine Cheng had better be sensible - her father owed most of his achievements to Jiang Hanxi. If it weren''t for protecting Jiang Hanxi, he wouldn''t have kept Cheng Yuan around.


    The warning in the Emperor''s eyes was crystal clear, piercing enough to make one''s eyes hurt. This time, Concubine Cheng truly felt like crying: "Your Majesty, I seem to be allergic to the flowers in the Hundred Flower Garden. I''d like to take my leave."


    This would exin why one side of her face was so red.


    "Allergic?"


    The Emperor beckoned a young eunuch: "Quickly escort Concubine Cheng back to Moon-Embracing Pavilion and summon a physician to examine her. We can''t let this leave any scars."

 Chapter 285

    Whether it was an illusion or not, everyone felt that the Emperor seemed impatient, as if he wanted Concubine Cheng to leave quickly so she wouldn''t interfere with his time with the Imperial Noble Consort.


    Indeed, Jiang Xinyue was still the spicier one.


    After Concubine Cheng left, Consort Zhang became even more hesitant to speak. She sat with an empty seat between herself and Lady Zhang, like a plucked quail, not daring to move at all.


    Jiang Xinyue sipped her tea, raising her eyes to look at Noble Lady Jiang. Noble Lady Jiang caught her signal and put down her flower tea: "Consort Zhang, I heard from Lady Zhang that you''ve been keeping arge ck cat at Cool Breeze Pavilion?"


    Being suddenly questioned about this, Consort Zhang wasn''t sure if it was a trap. Her guilty demeanor made her appear as if she was the one who had done something improper.


    "Why are you hemming and hawing? Didn''t you hear Noble Lady Jiang''s question?"


    The Emperor''s loud shout startled Consort Zhang so much she nearly fell from her chair. She hurriedly replied, "Yes... no... there is a ck cat, but I''m not the only one feeding it. Lady Zhang and Court Lady Zheng have been feeding it too."


    Court Lady Zheng, who was unexpectedly dragged into this battlefield, choked on her tea and quickly denied any involvement: "I only fed that cat dried fish once, and those dried fish were given to me by Consort Zhang. I haven''t fed it since then."


    Lady Zhang said her dried fish came from Consort Zhang, and Court Lady Zheng said the same thing.


    Why would she carry so much dried fish with her?


    Was it premeditated?


    At this moment, Jiang Xinyue wasn''t focusing on Consort Zhang''s expression, but rather watching Lady Zhang from the corner of her eye.


    She appeared relieved, as if she had found a scapegoat, and was whispering something to her pce maid.


    Shuang Jiang had already received orders; today''s task was to keep a close watch on Lady Zhang and those around her.


    So when Lady Zhang''s personal maid withdrew, Shuang Jiang also left the Hundred Flower Garden under the cover of other pce maids.


    "Since His Majesty has rarelye to enjoy tea and chat with us sisters, perhaps I could perform some magic tricks for Your Majesty and the Imperial Noble Consort?"


    Having gained the Imperial Noble Consort''s favor, Lady Zhang now dared to volunteer herself before the Emperor.


    Everyone looked to Jiang Xinyue''s expression, including the Emperor, his dark eyes fixed on her.


    "Lady Zhang possesses such talents?"


    Jiang Xinyue''s eyes sparkled with delight: "Your Majesty, let Lady Zhang perform for us. I would love to see it."


    She spoke with a hint of coquettishness, and the Xuanwu Emperor immediately yielded, saying to Lady Zhang: "Granted."


    The weather in Qin Province was cool, making it an ideal summer retreat. The afternoon sun had already set behind the mountains, and the sky was growing dim.


    The Hundred Flower Garden was bing shadowy, making Lady Zhang''s magic tricks appear even more mysterious.


    Her ten fingers danced, and suddenly two mes burst to life between them. As she gracefully danced, the mes leaped through the air, taking different shapes.


    The mes transformed into chrysanthemums, then orchids, then roses and peonies, constantly changing and incredibly beautiful.


    "Wow! How beautiful!"


    "p, p, p, p..."


    Someone started apuding: "Lady Zhang is amazing!"


    Soon, the two mes merged into one, and Lady Zhang spun quickly in circles, causing the me to burst into thousands of sparkling embers that scattered in all directions.


    Gasps of amazement, screams, and the sounds of people ducking filled the air.


    The Xuanwu Emperor used his sleeve to shield Jiang Xinyue, protecting her against his chest while ring at Lady Zhang.


    However, what flew towards them wasn''t actually sparks, but merely me-colored light that felt cold when it touched their skin and faces, like some kind of flower seeds.


    After the disy of fire and light, Lady Zhang waved her hands, and a golden phoenix emerged from behind her, flying straight toward Jiang Xinyue in the pavilion.


    The Xuanwu Emperor, frightened, tried to wave it away with his sleeve. Everyone around them was startled and moved aside.


    The guards even drew their swords, but Jiang Xinyue remained unfazed, even pping her hands: "What superb firework magic! Where did Lady Zhang learn this?"


    As she apuded, the phoenix circling the Xuanwu Emperor and Jiang Xinyue burst apart with a boom, leaving only some ck, burnt firework powder scattered on the ground.


    Lady Zhang had hoped to amaze the Emperor and frighten Jiang Xinyue, but instead, Jiang Xinyue wasn''t scared at all, while the Emperor was thoroughly frightened.


    She knelt on the ground, catching her breath: "In response to the Imperial Noble Consort, I was a magician in an acrobatic troupe before entering the pce. Because I was being mistreated by the troupe master, a passing county magistrate, seeing that I was young and beautiful, rmended me to enter the pce to escape the troupe master''s harassment."


    She looked up: "However, this firework magic is my family''s secret technique. Where has the Imperial Noble Consort seen it before?"


    "I read about it in some old books at home. There was once a young woman who could perform such firework magic, but she was executed as a witch. After her death, people found books about firework magic in her residence, but it was toote."


    The book didn''t actually exist, and she had never seen it, but she had watched it in television dramas from the 21st century. After all, she had watched so many dramas and seen all sorts of strange things!


    Noble Lady Jiang clutched her chest: "The Imperial Noble Consortes from a schrly family, and the Minister of Punishment was a top schr in the imperial examinations. Of course she''s well-read and knowledgeable. What''s so surprising about her knowing about your firework magic?"


    She nced at Jiang Xinyue, and seeing she wasn''t hurt, red at Lady Zhang: "You''d better not perform such magic tricks anymore. If the Imperial Noble Consort hadn''t exined it for you today, just frightening His Majesty would have been enough to warrant execution ten times over."


    The Xuanwu Emperor didn''t want to admit that while his consort remained calm, he had been scared to his core.


    But that was the truth, and Noble Lady Jiang, who had no filter, had blurted it out.


    It truly made him lose face.Aliali: 674aec4f3f33ac49acb42


    Perhaps the Emperor''s expression was so dark that anyone could see he was angry.


    Lady Zhang lowered her head submissively: "I deserve death. I didn''t mean to."


    "You certainly deserve death! But not for frightening His Majesty - rather for your audacious attempt to harm the imperial body by poisoning His Majesty!"


    Shuang Jiang shouted harshly, dragging a small pce maid and throwing her into the pavilion.


    As the maid fell, the items she was carrying scattered.


    A living ice-blue butterfly flew out of a box, but was quickly caught by Xiao Xiangzi and returned to its container.


    Some dried fish, a fragrant flower petal, and a wooden box filled with white powder spilled out.


    Noble Lady Jiang immediately crouched down, dipped her finger in the powder and sniffed it. Her eyes widened as she looked at the stunned Lady Zhang: "You''re from the Miao Bordends?"


    Just as she finished speaking, the Emperor coughed up a mouthful of blood and stumbled backward!


    "Your Majesty!"


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    continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

 Chapter 286

    Originally cradled in his arms, Jiang Xinyue was released when he fell, as he worried about dragging her down with him.


    But at such a crucial moment, how could she let the Emperor fall?


    Moreover, right behind the Emperor was the sharpest corner of the stone table. If his head were to hit it, the consequences would be unthinkable.


    Just as the Xuanwu Emperor had resigned himself to a bloody head injury, a gentle force grabbed his hand. Though unable to stop his rapidly falling body, it managed to push him sideways, causing him to collide with Tang Shiliang, who had rushed over to catch him.


    He watched helplessly as Jiang Xinyue fell hard to the ground after saving him.


    He raised his hand, wanting to call out her name, but instead coughed up a mouthful of ck blood.


    The Imperial Noble Consort, who always maintained perfect makeup, panicked like a child. Without even getting up, she crawled quickly to the Emperor''s side on all fours, tears rolling down her face as she shouted, "Doctor! Where is the Imperial Physician? Summon them immediately!"


    Jiang Xinyue, who had remainedposed even in the face of the Phoenix Firebird that terrified the Emperor himself, now shouted until her voice cracked from urgency.


    She was genuinely anxious - the Emperor''s death at this moment would be far from ideal.


    Consort Zhang had already been apprehended by the guards. Her beautiful face twisted with malice as she spoke, "Jiang Xinyue, why did you interfere? If not for you, it would be Zhang Ronghua who''d been caught now. I was eliminating your enemy - shouldn''t you be grateful?"


    Sheughed and cried hysterically, "I''ve waited five years for this chance, do you know that? The troupe leader and I were in love, but the county magistrate saw my beauty and tore us apart, forcing me to enter the imperial selection. He threatened to kill everyone in our acrobatic troupe if I refused. Wemon folk, despite our talents, can''t fight against people of power like you. The dog emperor bedded me once and then forgot about me - so why couldn''t they just let me be with my troupe leader?"


    "But His Majesty didn''t know about your..."


    "Exactly!"


    Consort Zhang red at Noble Lady Jiang who had spoken up: "He can absolve himself with one im of ignorance, but my beloved was wrongly beaten to death because of him, never to return!"


    She had stopped struggling and quieted down through her tears: "The performing troupe His Majesty invited to entertain the Noble Consort at the temporary pce was the one I led with my beloved. But killing the dog emperor was my doing alone, using Miao Bordends secret arts. I''m not really an orphan. The Miao arts can only be undone by Miao people, and in this lifetime... you''ll never find them."


    With those words, ck poisoned blood darker than the Xuanwu Emperor''s flowed from her mouth. Her gaze drifted to beyond the pce walls, as if seeing a young man in coarse clothing reaching out to her: "A''Yuan, let go of your hatred,e with me!"


    "How can I... not hate..."


    That high and mighty Emperor had killed her love but hadn''t given her another beautiful romance in return. Instead, he had left her forgotten in this lonely pce for five years.


    If she didn''t save herself, she would have been trapped for another five years, ten years, twenty years...


    The light on the horizon dimmed.


    Consort Zhang''s raised hand fell to the ground.


    Jiang Xinyue handed the still-conscious Emperor to Tang Shiliang, then pushed past everyone blocking her way to rush to Consort Zhang''s body, searching through her clothes.


    Consort Zhang should have directed her hatred at the county magistrate who separated her from her lover. Her hatred for the Emperor was understandable as discement since she couldn''t exact revenge on the magistrate while in the pce, but it waspletely unnecessary!


    All the Emperor did was enjoy the beauties sent from various regions, states, and prefectures. Investigating backgrounds was the job of his subordinates - did they expect the Emperor to do it personally?


    Under the feudal dynasty and patriarchal system, the Emperor had too many women, and now it had caused problems.


    After searching Consort Zhang thoroughly and finding no medicine bottles, it was clear she truly intended to kill the Emperor and hadn''t brought any antidote.


    Jiang Xinyue copsed to the ground but quickly got up again to run to the Emperor.


    The Xuanwu Emperor had already passed out from pain. Several imperial physicians came running with their medical boxes, too rushed for formal courtesies.


    Jiang Xinyue proactivelyid her thin cloak on the ground for Tang Shiliang to ce the Emperor on, making it easier for the physicians to examine him.


    Previously, when Jiang Xinyue was poisoned in the Cold Pce, the Emperor had sent Yan the Imperial Physician, who specialized in treating poison, to save her.


    Now Yan the Imperial Physician was sweating profusely, indicating the severity of the Emperor''s poisoning.


    "Bring the silver needles!"


    This was only the second time Jiang Xinyue had seen Yan the Imperial Physician use silver needles.


    After inserting a dense row of silver needles, Yan the Imperial Physician began dismissing people: "Noble Consort, please send away the other consorts. Their constant chatter makes it difficult for this old servant to concentrate."


    Jiang Xinyue turned and gave a meaningful look, and Xiao Xiangzi and Tang Shiliang together issued dismissal orders to all the pcedies.


    "This is a Gan gu from the Miao Bordends. It didn''t take effect immediately after consumption because Consort Zhang had divided the gu worms into several portions. From what Frost Maiden brought earlier, she had ground the gu''s body into powder and ced it on both the ck cat and butterfly. The trigger for the gu was the fragrance that Concubine Ye had smelled - when it lingered on her lips, it activated the poison in His Majesty''s body through conversation."


    The fireworks trick earlier and the flower fragrance that touched Concubine Ye were what they thought to be aphrodisiacs, but the seeds used in the fireworks disy were from datura flowers.


    The datura cultivated in the Miao Bordends was poisonous and could cause hallucinations.


    This datura flower was the catalyst that triggered the real gu poison.Aliali: 674b8cafc4f3f33ac4a3ef54


    Consort Zhang had nned for six years to kill the Emperor, waiting for just such an opportunity.


    An inescapable death trap for the Emperor.


    The news that the Emperor had been poisoned by a Miao woman shocked the entire court. The county official who had rmended Consort Zhang to enter the pce was immediately executed, and everyone in the acrobatic troupe was imprisoned.


    Jiang Yankun was tasked with handling the crisis. The Emperor ordered the Ministry of Punishment to determine the whereabouts of the Miao poison masters within four days.


    From what Jiang Xinyue knew, the broader Miao Bordends ofter times centered on the Yunnan-Guizhou teau, including the surrounding southwestern mountainous areas inhabited by ethnic minorities.


    The narrower definition of the Miao Bordends mainly referred to theter Miao people''s settlements, including the Qiandongnan Miao and Dong Autonomous Prefecture in Guizhou Province and the area where northeastern Guizhou bordered Western Hunan.


    In this alternate Great Yan Dynasty, their location in Qin Province, based on topography and climate analysis, should correspond to theter Guizhou.


    Jiang Yankun stood outside the Emperor''s chambers, his eyes full of anxiety. Though he had thousands of books in his collection, most were rare editions by famous authors, with very few geographical journals.


    While she knew where the Miao Bordends were located, finding the reclusive Miao poison masters would be truly difficult.


    At least he had never encountered them before.


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 Chapter 287

    Jiang Xinyue sat beside the Xuanwu Emperor''s bed, listening to Minister Pei of the Privy Council passionately condemn the sorcery of the Miao Bordends, before finally revealing his true intention: "The Ministry of Punishment is responsible for interrogating the Miao people about their exact location. If they fail, they''re not putting in enough effort. Since this has caused His Majesty''s illness, they must be held ountable."


    He had finally found an opportunity to destroy her adoptive father.


    The Emperor''s face was pale as he coughed up another mouthful of blood. "I entrusted this to Lord Jiang because I believe in his abilities. Now that I''ve been poisoned by sorcery, you should all be working together to find someone who can cure it. If anyone lets personal grudges interfere with the Ministry of Punishment''s investigation, I''m warning you now - don''t me me when I execute your entire n."


    The Xuanwu Emperor was no fool, nor was he someone easily manipted by others.


    In this life-or-death situation, he was terrifyingly clear-headed, his eyes fixed on Minister Pei with an intense warning.


    If Minister Pei didn''t want his entire n executed, he wouldn''t dare act rashly. If the Emperor died, he would certainly ensure the Pei family''s nine generations would apany him in death.


    One shouldn''t underestimate an emperor''s capabilities - when he went berserk, no one could escape.


    "Cough, cough, cough..."


    The Emperor clutched his chest, his entire body feeling as if insects were gnawing at him, but with his incredible self-control, he endured the intense pain and said: "Everyone withdraw. Imperial Consort, stay."


    Minister Pei wanted to say more, but facing the Emperor''s forceful gaze, the Emperor didn''t look like someone about to die, so he had to reluctantly withdraw.


    "Puh!"


    As soon as everyone left, the Emperor coughed up another mouthful of fresh blood and copsed onto the bed, unable to hold back any longer. His hands clenched into tight fists, his teeth nearly breaking from clenching, unable to suppress his painful groans.


    Jiang Xinyue watched as what appeared to be a small worm moved under the Emperor''s skin, traveling downward from his neck.


    She called out urgently: "Yan the Imperial Physician! Quick,e here!"


    The poison specialists from the Imperial Hospital were waiting outside the Emperor''s chambers. Yan was the Imperial Consort''s most trusted physician, while the Chief Physician was the Emperor''s confidant.


    So both entered together.


    The Chief Physician''s first nce was at Jiang Xinyue, since she had only called for Yan, yet he had entered as well.


    This was mainly because rumors were spreading outside that the Emperor had actually been poisoned by the Imperial Consort. On the night of the banquet when the Emperor was poisoned, the Imperial Consort had disappeared with him for a long while before they reappeared together.


    People were saying that the Imperial Consort had great ambitions, wanting to make the sixth prince a puppet emperor so she could rule from behind the curtain, which was why she had attempted to kill the Emperor.


    He had been pushed to enter by the court officials who feared the Imperial Consort would assassinate the Emperor.


    Jiang Xinyue didn''t even look at him, instead pointing at the moving worm under the Emperor''s skin: "Is there any way to get that worm out?"


    Through his pain, the Emperor looked at his wrist where there was indeed a small raised bump moving around.


    Since this sorcery was too mysterious, even the Emperor didn''t dare move rashly, and could only watch the bump moving freely under his flesh.


    Yan the Imperial Physician didn''t dare blink: "If only we still had Consort Zhang''s handkerchief that could control the sorcery worm, we could keep it in one ce."


    The initial symptoms of this parasitic sorcery were vomiting blood and excruciating pain throughout the body, as if being eaten alive. After four days, the victim would experience unbearable abdominal pain with severe vomiting and diarrhea, leaving them barely clinging to life.


    This would continue for over ten days until the person died of exhaustion, at which point the sorcery worm would burst out of their flesh and self-destruct.


    It was clear that Consort Zhang truly hated the Emperor, wanting him to suffer tremendously before dying.


    "After four days, the worm will move to His Majesty''s digestive system. By then, it will be almost impossible to remove it. Without an antidote, we can only watch helplessly as the Emperor is tortured to death by the parasite."


    "Are you certain the handkerchief would work?"


    "Does Your Highness have it?"


    Jiang Xinyue shook her head: "I suspected Consort Zhang had administered the poison. Based on Concubine Ye''s confession, I schemed to obtain one of her handkerchiefs and had Noble Lady Jiang analyze the scent on it. If what Yan says is true, Noble Lady Jiang and I stumbled upon something important by ident."


    She then called to Xiao Xiangzi who was standing at a distance: "Go invite Noble Lady Jiang, and tell her to bring the handkerchief."


    Noble Lady Jiang arrived quickly, as she hadn''t gone far: "Your Highness, here''s the handkerchief."


    Jiang Xinyue took it and immediately gave it to Yan, who looked at the eager Chief Physician and handed it to him: "Chief Physician, I''ve told you that the Imperial Consort''s love for His Majesty runs deep - she would never harm him. Do you believe it now?"


    If she had wanted to harm the Emperor, she wouldn''t have called for the physicians so promptly, nor would she have handed over this handkerchief that could ease his suffering.


    She could have simply watched silently as the Emperor was tortured to death by the sorcery worm, and she would have been the biggest winner.


    Three of the Emperor''s four sons were under her care!


    The third prince had been poisoned, was weak, and couldn''t yet speak - his chances of bing emperor were slim.


    The sixth prince had the best chance, as everyone in court knew of the Emperor''s obvious favoritism toward him.


    Chief Physician Hu looked embarrassed as he tied the handkerchief to the Emperor''s left arm. Sure enough, the sorcery worm stopped under the handkerchief, though it continued to writhe.


    But pain in one spot was much more bearable than pain throughout the body.


    The Xuanwu Emperor sighed in relief as his mind gradually cleared. Jiang Xinyue wrung out a hot cloth and carefully wiped the sweat from his forehead and neck, her eyes full of concern: "Are you still in pain?"Aliali: 674894a0c4f3f33ac47afbee


    The Emperor shook his head and managed a pale smile, then said to Chief Physician Hu: "Lord Hu, if I should unfortunately fall unconscious... *cough cough cough*... you can entrust my safetypletely to the Imperial Consort. Do not doubt her sincere love for me."


    A secret edict was already written on the beams of Qianqing Pce - if he died young, the sixth prince would inherit the throne, with his trusted ministers serving as regents until after the prince''s marriage.


    He had absolute faith in the Imperial Consort''s love for him.


    Chief Physician Hu''s face reddened as he nodded repeatedly: "Your servant... will obey Your Majesty''s wishes."


    Jiang Xinyue looked the Emperor over thoroughly before feeling somewhat relieved, then said to him: "Since childhood, I''ve loved reading geographic records, while my father preferred rare editions of literary ssics. When ites to finding the Miao people, I might be able to do so faster than my father. Your Majesty, I humbly request to assist my father."


    Her eyes showed genuine sincerity - she truly wanted to quickly find the Miao sorcerers and cure the Emperor''s affliction.


    The Emperor''s eyes lit up with joy: "Xinyue, I ce my hopes in you."


    He still had so many grand ambitions to achieve; he didn''t want to die.


    He had originally assigned this task to Jiang Yankun because he had seen Jiang Xinyue''s familiarity with geography and assumed her father had taught her.


    It turned out she had learned it all on her own.


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 Chapter 288

    Jiang Yankun sat behind his desk, having sighed for the eightieth time. Jiang Junze was examining a terrain map with a Western-made magnifying ss, moving back and forth across it. "Father, the southern regions are just too vast. How are we supposed to find someone from the Miao Bordends who knows witchcraft?"


    And they only had four days.


    The officials aligned with Minister Pei of the Privy Council were watching like hawks. Forget about helping - it was only due to the Emperor''s warning that they weren''t actively interfering.


    "My Lord, the Imperial Noble Consort has arrived."


    Upon hearing the servant''s announcement from outside, Jiang Yankun immediately rose to wee her. At this moment, for his daughter to leave the Emperor''s side meant there must be something more urgent that couldn''t be dyed.


    In the front hall, Lady Ruan and Jiang Xinyan were apanying Jiang Xinyue, while Lady Sun and two female cousins were also present.


    Lady Sun grabbed Jiang Xinyue''s hand as soon as she saw her: "Sister Yue, how is His Majesty? Is he alright?"


    Their family''s immense fortune and status depended entirely on Sister Yue''s favor with the Emperor. If the Emperor were to pass away, it would be disastrous for them!


    In the struggle for session, it was life or death. Lady Sun recognized that the Jiang family currentlycked the strength to contend with both the Mansion of the Duke of Cheng and the Pei family.


    While the Emperor lived, any chance to grow stronger was wee.


    This thought actually aligned perfectly with Jiang Xinyue''s own thinking.


    "If something were truly wrong, I wouldn''t be here right now."


    The entire Jiang family had been anxious, but Jiang Xinyue''s single statement seemed to instantly calm everyone''s nerves.


    "Why has Your Highnesse?"


    With servants everywhere in the garden, Jiang Yankun, not wanting any small detail to ruin his position, hurried to bow. Jiang Xinyue quickly stopped him: "Father, no need for formalities. I''m here to point you in the right direction."


    What direction could she be pointing to?


    Jiang Junze was quicker to react than his adoptive father. Upon hearing about directions, he hurriedly presented the roughly drawn map he was holding.


    "Bring me a brush."


    Jiang Junze ran to the study and personally brought back an inkstone and wolf-hair brush: "Sister, here!"


    The young man''s eyes sparkled brightly. He hadn''t grown distant from his sister despite her bing the feared Imperial Noble Consort. In his heart, she would always be their family''s pir of strength.


    His sister would always protect their mother, protect their second sister, and protect him.


    But now he was growing up, and someday he would be able to protect his sister and her children, bing her support and source of confidence.


    Jiang Xinyue patted his head and took the map, managing to find the route from Qin Province to Jingzhou.


    Jingzhou of this era would be the Hunan region ofter times. The Miao viges in Western Hunan would be must-visit spots on the way to Phoenix Ancient Town in the future.


    Before entering the Miao viges, tour guides would repeatedly warn visitors: don''t ept food or water from strangers, don''t engage in casual conversation with local vigers, and most importantly, don''t step on the doorframes when entering vigers'' homes.


    These were said to be taboos of the Miao people, and viting them would be seen as disrespect and provocation.


    Circling several locations where Miaomunities would persist into the future, Jiang Xinyue said to her adoptive father: "Father, please send people to search these areas separately, but leave this route for Tang Shiliang."


    Wang Dequan was an absolute royalist, while Tang Shiliang was young, ambitious, but not crooked. Without the Emperor''s or Wang Dequan''s knowledge, Jiang Xinyue had already formed an alliance with Tang Shiliang.


    However, their cooperation remained secret because until now, Jiang Xinyue had only been helping and promoting Tang Shiliang without asking for anything in return.


    The Emperor wasn''t a fool, and Wang Dequan was shrewd. If she ever asked Tang Shiliang for help, it would be discovered quickly.


    This de hidden right under the Emperor''s nose needed to be used at the most crucial moment.


    For other matters, there was no need to use such an important asset.


    Now, she wanted to gift another achievement to Tang Shiliang, letting him try his luck.


    "How does Your Highness know the locations of the Miao people?"


    Her adoptive father''s political sensitivity was well-ced in catching this key point.


    Did he also suspect she was nning to help the Sixth Prince ascend the throne and rule as regent?


    He was giving her too much credit. Her n was simply to be the most noble woman in the Great Yan Dynasty and spend the rest of her life infort without worries. Why would she want that burden?


    Every day, watching the Xuanwu Emperor handle memorials, meet with officials, allocate funds for regional development, conduct investigations - it was exhausting and overwhelming.


    Throughout history, few emperors lived long lives - most probably died from overwork.


    In her previous life, she had worked diligently just to earn enough money to retirefortably.


    To her adoptive father''s doubts, Jiang Xinyue replied: "The pce library is extensive, containing all manner of rare books. I''ve always loved reading geographic records and ounts of local customs. In these two years since entering the pce, I''ve gone through the entire imperial collection, so naturally, I''ve learned quite a bit."


    She turned to Jiang Junze: "If there are any books you''d like to read, Junze, just tell your sister. I''ll send them to you."


    As the Emperor''s favored consort, she at least had this much authority.


    Jiang Junze nodded: "When I need something, I''ll have Father tell you."


    He was still young. When he grew older and passed the imperial examinations to be an official, he would be able to enter the pce regrly.


    After some brief pleasantries, Jiang Xinyue hurriedly departed, worried about leaving the Xuanwu Emperor unattended.


    Lady Sun spoke anxiously: "My goodness, was that really Sister Yue? She seemspletely different from before. Just look at her bearing - if you didn''t know better, you''d think she was already the Empress!"


    She shook her head in amazement: "How impressive! Yankun, I was so flustered earlier that I forgot to pay proper respects to the Imperial Noble Consort. She won''t mind, will she?"Aliali: 674af0d8c4f3f33ac49b0a11


    Lady Ruan smiled: "Sister Yue isn''t that petty."


    In the past, when they brought Junze back home for ancestral worship, main family members like Lady Sun had always looked down on their branch of the family.


    Now they had all learned to watch their attitudes.


    Sister Yue was right - if you could endure, good days would eventuallye.


    "How dare you prevent me from entering? His Majesty is in critical condition, and as his consort, I''m not even allowed to see him?" Outside the hall, Low Level Consort Yu was arguing with Wang Dequan: "Just because His Majesty is ill, does Jiang Xinyue think she''s in charge? Since when does she have the authority to decide who can or cannot see His Majesty?"


    Outside the sleeping chamber, Low Level Consort Yu led a group of pce consorts, including Noble Lady Liu who had to be carried due to her broken waist.


    "Where is His Majesty? Did he personally say he wouldn''t see us? This isn''t Imperial Noble Consort Jiang''s domain. Wang Dequan, don''t forget who your true master is."


    "Guards!"


    Jiang Xinyue strode over quickly to support Wang Dequan, who was being forced to retreat while clutching his back: "Anyone who dares disturb His Majesty''s recovery shall be driven out!"


    Low Level Consort Yu, that stubborn fool, must have been provoked by someone''s words toe here and cause trouble.

 Chapter 289

    "Imperial Noble Consort!"


    When the other consorts saw Jiang Xinyue, they all rushed forward but were stopped halfway by the guards. They could only protest indignantly: "The Emperor is injured, and we don''t know the extent of his injuries. We''re all very worried. Can''t we go in to see His Majesty?"


    "Yes! Your Grace, please let us see the Emperor? Our hearts won''t be at ease until we see him. Wouldn''t we feel better after seeing him?"


    "No."


    Jiang Xinyue tly refused: "If all of you go in there and start crying and wailing, it would be most inauspicious. The Emperor is already exhausted. You know he might be sleeping, yet you''re making such amotion at his door. You''re only trying to achieve your own goals, showing no consideration for his injuries. You want to wake him up to settle your disputes. To im this is out of concern for the Emperor is simply ridiculous!"


    She might as well say directly that they feared the Emperor was terminally ill and wouldn''t live long, worried that she would control him and force him to abdicate in favor of the Sixth Prince.


    The Pei Family had moved quickly indeed. In just one day, rumors had spread throughout the court and pce that she was nning to kill the Emperor to seize power.


    Too bad for them - even if the whole world believed it, the Emperor would never doubt her.


    After all, everything she was doing now was to keep the Emperor alive.


    What had the Pei Family done?


    The Emperor wasn''t even bedridden yet! But they were already spreading rumors everywhere - wasn''t that essentially cursing the Emperor to die?


    Comparing the two, wasn''t it obvious who truly cared about the Emperor?


    Jiang Xinyue''s words were meant for those with ulterior motives, but Low Level Consort Yu was genuinely worried about the Emperor''s injuries, so these words made her very unhappy.


    "What do you mean by that? Don''t think you''re the only one in the pce who truly cares for the Emperor. You''re the most recent arrival here - all of us sisters have been by His Majesty''s side longer than you."


    Not to mention Concubine Cheng and Noble Lady Liu - they had entered the pce the same year as Jiang Xinyue, so their time wasn''t any shorter than hers.


    "*cough* *cough* *cough*..."


    At the doorway, the Emperor''s tall, slender figure appeared, wearing a deep purple casual robe. His deep gaze fell on Low Level Consort Yu, then lingered on the several consorts behind her: "Have I been too lenient with you all, that you dare to challenge the Imperial Noble Consort? I''ve said before - with no Empress, the Imperial Noble Consort serves as the deputy. Are you all dissatisfied with my decree, causing trouble for the Imperial Noble Consort here?"


    Your Majesty!


    Though his face was pale, his spirit seemed good, not at all like someone being held hostage as the rumors suggested.


    "Your Majesty!"


    Low Level Consort Yu smiled with joy, trying to push past the guards, but finding she couldn''t move them, she could only call out from a distance: "Your Majesty, I... we wish to attend to your illness. Please grant us sisters permission toe over?"


    They couldn''t let the Imperial Noble Consort take all the credit - what would be left for them once the Emperor recovered?


    "I don''t need it."


    The Emperor shouted again: "I have Wang Dequan and the Imperial Noble Consort here, that''s enough. With so many servants attending to me, I don''t need you lot. Stay in your own quarters and stop making amotion here."


    Professional matters should be left to professionals.


    What could these pampered, delicate consorts do to help?


    Were all his pce eunuchs and maids just for show?


    With the Emperor angry, everyone had no choice but to leave as angrily as they hade. They had thought the Imperial Noble Consort was holding the Emperor captive to seize power, but it turned out it was the Emperor''s own wish - after his injury, he didn''t want to see anyone except the Imperial Noble Consort.


    The eldest princess couldn''t help butugh in frustration: "I take my eyes off you for one moment, and you''re already out stirring up trouble again. That Concubine Cheng is nothing but a troublemaker - how could you believe what she says?"


    "But what she said makes sense! The Imperial Noble Consort has three princes, and the Third Prince can''t speak. If the Emperor passes away, her son could be Emperor. How could she resist such temptation?"


    "Even if Concubine Zhen''s son ascends to the throne, what does that have to do with you?" The eldest princess put her hands on her hips, her face reddening. "Do you have any sons? Whether it''s the Third Prince, Fourth Prince, Fifth Prince, or Sixth Prince - what does it matter to you who bes Emperor?"


    Oh, right!


    She had no princes of her own - if anyone should be anxious, it should be Consort De!


    "Besides, Concubine Zhen is kind-hearted. You all always assume the worst about her. You don''t even know that Xuan''er can speak now - it was Concubine Zhen who yed with him and talked with him every day that helped him ovee his difficulties."


    "He can speak now? How is that possible?"


    How could it be Jiang Xinyue''s achievement?


    Didn''t she know that as long as the Third Prince never spoke, the throne would be the Sixth Prince''s for the taking?


    "Why wouldn''t it be possible?" The eldest princess shattered her doubts. "Xuan''er told us himself."


    Low Level Consort Yu realized she had been used as a pawn again and immediately became furious: "I''m going to tear Concubine Cheng''s mouth apart."


    "Stop right there!"


    The eldest princess was both angry and helpless: "Cheng Yuan has just been promoted to Department Director of the Ministry of Justice for his achievements. Father will have to give face to Concubine Cheng because of this. If you go make trouble now, won''t you just give her another chance to y victim in front of Father? She calcted your impulsive nature and that''s why she told you those things. Are you going to hand her another knife to stab you with?"


    If this won''t do and that won''t do, should they just let others bully them?


    The eldest princess saw her frustration: "Listen to Father''s words and stay quietly in your quarters. I''ll help you get revenge."


    Lest Concubine Cheng think she could use her mother without consequences.Aliali: 6748bd42c4f3f33ac47d6fd0


    As for Concubine Zhen, she would have to go exin things and hope that Concubine Zhen would forgive her mother, considering they weren''t even on the same level as opponents.


    The Emperor drank arge bowl of ck medicinal decoction for expelling parasites, and Jiang Xinyue immediately put a preserved date in his mouth.


    The Emperor wasn''t afraid of bitter tastes, but having someone worry that he might be and willing to share something sweet with him, allowing him to drop his hard facade and show his vulnerable side - it made him very happy and content.


    What he couldn''t have in his childhood seemed to be made up for in this moment by someone he loved.


    "Your Majesty, my father needs to split his forces into three teams, but he''s short on manpower. He wants me to ask if you could lend him Tang Shiliang for a while."


    This wasn''t the capital, and not all officials from the Ministry of Punishment coulde to the summer pce.


    Jiang Yankun had only brought one or two of his trusted subordinates, which was clearly not enough.


    The search for the tribes skilled in witchcraft in the Miao Bordends was directly rted to the Emperor''s life, so they couldn''t entrust it to just anyone.


    Tang Shiliang and Wang Dequan were the best choices.


    But Wang Dequan''s health had been poortely, so he certainly couldn''t handle such intense long-distance travel. That left only Tang Shiliang.

 Chapter 290

    This was a matter of life and death for the emperor, and time was of the essence. That very night, Jiang Yankun set out with his troops, secretly apanied by guards arranged by the Xuanwu Emperor.


    Minister Pei of the Privy Council was no fool. He knew there must be imperial confidants among these men, and rash action would only put the entire Pei family in danger.


    Moreover, the Pei family no longer had any concubines in the pce, and they had no intention of rebellion. If the emperor died, Jiang Xinyue would undoubtedly be the Empress Dowager.


    Her first act might well be to destroy the Pei family.


    So Minister Pei didn''t order his subordinate officials to intervene, pretending not to notice them instead.


    Besides, the Miao Bordends people were mysterious and elusive - Jiang Yankun might not even find them!


    "Crash!"


    The sound of a broken wine jar came from outside: "Get out of my way! I am the legitimate grandson of the Minister of the Privy Council. If you dare block me, I''ll have you killed!"


    "My lord, it''s... it''s the young master."


    Ever since Pei Zhishuo had been diagnosed by the imperial physician as being unable to perform conjugal duties, he had been drowning his anger in wine daily. When drunk, he would curse the emperor and the imperial consort, so Minister Pei had ordered him confined, forbidden to go anywhere.


    The Pei family''s eldest grandson had be a eunuch - it was too shameful for the family to bear.


    They could only keep him confined for now, and after returning to the capital, quickly arrange a marriage for him. Whichever nobledy was unfortunate enough would be chosen, and they would rush toplete the marriage. Then they could adopt a child from within the n, and the matter would be considered settled.


    "Pei Zhishuo, what are you making such a fuss about?"


    Minister Pei strode out, grabbed the youth''s shoulders, and threw him to the ground: "Quickly take the young master back to his room. If he escapes again, you know the consequences."


    The servants who had been hesitant to use force before now restrained Pei Zhishuo roughly, not caring if they hurt him as they lifted him from the ground.


    "Grandfather! Grandfather, it was that witch Jiang Xinyue who ruined me, help me take revenge, please help me take revenge! I''m your own grandson, I beg you to help me get revenge, please?"


    His crying was extremely pitiful, and Minister Pei''s stern eyes softened. He walked over and brushed the dust from Pei Zhishuo''s face, suddenly showing a ruthless expression: "How could grandfather not feel for you? You''ll see, grandfather will certainly avenge you. As long as you behave yourself and don''t cause trouble before we return to the capital, grandfather will use the heads of the Jiang family to vent your anger. Trust grandfather and do as he says."


    Hope ignited in Pei Zhishuo''s clouded eyes, and he sobered up considerably: "Grandfather, I''ll do everything you say. As long as you avenge me, I''ll obey youpletely."


    As a man, losing his manhood was something he couldn''t ept.


    And the Jiang family who caused all this deserved to die.


    "My lord..."


    "What should we do?"


    Minister Pei stroked his beard: "Jiang Yankun is meticulous and suspicious by nature. They split into four teams, heading separately to Southeast Guizhou, the southwestern mountains, and the borders of Jingzhou, all to create confusion and prevent anyone from stopping them."


    His follower asked: "Then our men..."


    "We can''t let the emperor know."


    The sixty-plus-year-old Minister Pei was still sharp: "Jiang Yankun specifically requested the emperor''s personal eunuch, and they took the Jingzhou route with their men, intending to lure us to follow them. Such an obvious tactic won''t fool this old man."


    "My lord means we won''t pursue Secretary Jiang?"


    "We''ll take the Southeast Guizhou route."


    It wasn''t because he was certain the Miao people skilled in witchcraft lived there, but because Jiang Yankun had taken such pains to conceal it, trying to divert attention. The other three teams, including himself, were all meant to hide the true intentions of this one team.


    Only the team heading to Southeast Guizhou was led by the famous martial arts master from the Ministry of Punishment, known for his bravery and wisdom.


    This man had contributed significantly to Jiang Yankun''s position as Minister of Punishment and was his trusted strategist.


    He didn''t believe Jiang Yankun would risk his life seeking medicine for the emperor - the Miao Bordends territory wasn''t easy to enter.


    So there could only be one possibility - they were creating a diversion, making a feint to the east while attacking in the west.


    Minister Pei wasn''t the only one who thought this way. When the Duke of Cheng in the capital received news of the emperor being afflicted by witchcraft, he immediately went to the pce to see Consort De: "This is a good opportunity to bring down the Jiang family. We must act before Ma Yiyang, reach the Miao people in the southeast, and kill them all."


    If all the Miao people were killed, Ma Yiyang wouldn''t be able to get the antidote, and the emperor wouldn''t receive treatment. He would surely me the Jiang family.


    Then, the Mansion of the Duke of Cheng could execute the evil consort on charges of regicide and treason, and put the third prince on the throne.


    Consort De nervously clenched her fists: "Father, are you absolutely certain? Jiang Xinyue is unnaturally crafty. My carefullyid ns have failed several times due to various issues. I don''t know if it''s because her methods are extraordinary or if she''s simply heaven''s favorite, always turning misfortune into fortune. We can''t act rashly without absolute certainty."


    "Don''t worry about this."


    The Duke of Cheng smiled and said: "That old fool from the Pei family has lost his head seeking revenge since his grandson was castrated by the Imperial Consort. I''ll nt some men among his people, and when everythinges to light, the Pei family will take all the me, with no connection to our Duke''s Mansion."


    Only then did Consort De rx: "Father, about the divine physician you mentioned earlier..."


    "He''s already been settled in the Duke''s Mansion. When Xuan returns, we''ll find a way to have him visit - the physician can''t enter the pce directly."


    It was extremely difficult to bring a stranger into the pce.


    Minister Pei''s daughter had brought in a snake womanst year, but she was quickly discovered and paid with her life.Aliali: 67488ec2c4f3f33ac47aa10e


    The Pei family was full of fools, which was why the Pei n had been declining year after year.


    "Your Highness, terrible news! The store-"


    Luyin rushed in frantically but, upon seeing the Duke of Cheng, fell to her knees in fright, unable to speak for a long while.


    The Duke of Cheng nced at Consort De, then looked at the frightened Luyin: "What''s so terrible?"


    Luyin shook her head vigorously: "The storehouse where Your Highness keeps the flower fertilizer - because of the rain these past few days, the roof leaked, and the guards didn''t discover it in time. When this servant went to check just now, many precious flower seeds and fertilizers were all moldy."


    Consort De loved growing and cultivating flowers, and this was truly devastating news to her.


    The Duke of Cheng had no interest in his youngest daughter''s hobbies and left after giving Luyin a nce: "I will arrange everything. Just wait for good news in the pce."


    Consort De quickly had the pce servants escort the Duke of Cheng out, then immediately pped Luyin: "Fool, I was almost discovered by father."


    "This servant wouldn''t dare!"


    Luyin held back her tears: "Your Highness, what should we do? Xiao Ronghua has escaped."

 Chapter 291

    Chapter 291


    "What do you mean, what should we do? Send people out to search!"


    "I... I have already sent the pce servants from the storeroom to search... but... but they couldn''t find her."


    The pce is so vast that even if one were to search it without eating, drinking, or sleeping, it would probably take a month to cover the entire area.


    Who knows where Xiao Ronghua has hidden herself?


    "p!"


    Another pnded: "How do you do your job? Can''t even keep track of someone who is seriously injured? Find her within ten days, or all the pce servants guarding the storeroom will be thrown into the fish pond."


    Luyin trembled, as if recalling something terrifying, her lips losing all color from fear.


    Recently, the weather has been hot, and Consort De was unable to apany the Emperor to the summer pce. Even her third prince was forcibly taken away, causing her temper to grow increasingly vtile.


    If it weren''t for Consort De''s excessive torment of the timid and cowardly Xiao Ronghua, she wouldn''t have risked her life to escape.


    "What are you afraid of?"


    Consort De helped the trembling Luyin to her feet: "You are my confidante. I would never harm you, but I hope you don''t keep disappointing me. Do you understand?"


    Luyin felt the hair on her arm stand up where Consort De grasped it and quickly nodded: "I understand, Your Highness."


    As soon as she left Yanqing Pce, Luyin headed straight for Hexi Pce.


    Jiang Chuan put on his outer garment again and walked alone to the vegetable garden. He had been feeling strangetely. Ever since the copsed wall was repaired, some of the garden''s fruits and vegetables seemed to be disappearing.


    If it were anything else, he wouldn''t have paid much attention. The surplus fruits and vegetables in the garden were meant for the pce servants to pick and eat.


    But the ones missing were the newly cultivated Ziyu grapes by the pce gardeners.


    The Empress always longed for the grape vines in the Pce of Exile, saying she had entered the Pce of Exile toote to taste them and wanted to try them.


    Before Xiao Xuanzi went to the Pce of Exile, he worked in the flower house. He knew which skilled gardeners were being suppressed and invited them to cultivate a new variety of Ziyu grapes that were much tastier than those in the Pce of Exile for the Empress.


    Before leaving, the Empress repeatedly instructed to take good care of these grape vines. Once the grapes ripened, they should be picked and kept chilled so that Shuang Jiang and Xi Que could taste them when they returned.


    There were only a few vines on the trellis, bearing about twenty grapes. Jiang Chuan hadn''t dared to taste any, and the pce servants knew these grapes were specifically for the Imperial Noble Consort, so they tended to them carefully, waiting for the old gardeners''mand to harvest them.


    However, during the day, Jiang Chuan counted again and found that the twenty grapes had be fifteen.


    He didn''t know if any other fruits were missing, but if the Ziyu grapes were stolen, he wouldn''t be able to fulfill his duty.


    So, under the cover of night, Jiang Chuan quietly went to the vegetable garden alone.


    The summer heat was so intense that even the night breeze was warm, though it was less stifling and somewhat refreshing.


    The dark, empty vegetable garden, still damp from the rain a couple of days ago, was filled with the fragrance of fruits.


    Jiang Chuan was cautious and didn''t reveal himself immediately. Instead, he hid behind a fruit tree, waiting for the "fruit thief" to appear.


    "Swish, swish, swish..."


    Arge disturbance came from the dark corner of the wall. From the thicket of berry trees, something human-shaped, neither human nor ghost, crawled out.


    Her body twisted and crawled in the darkness, her messy hair obscuring her face, her clothes so dirty they couldn''t be recognized, and her nails-less hands digging holes in the ground.


    Her mouth emitted a heavy, terrifying sound: "Hungry... hungry... hungry..."


    Oh my life!


    There''s a ghost in the vegetable garden!


    Jiang Chuan struggled to suppress his fear, covering his mouth to prevent himself from screaming, but his eyes were already filled with tears of terror.


    What should he do?


    Would he die here tonight?


    Empress... Shuang Jiang... Xi Que... Xiao Xuanzi...


    See you in the next life, wuuuu...


    Suddenly, the "female ghost" leaned on the grape trellis and slowly stood up, reaching out to grab the Ziyu grapes.


    "Stop!"


    Jiang Chuan instinctively shouted: "I can''t take it anymore. Even if you''re a ghost, you should have some morals. There are so many fruits in this garden. Why do you have to eat the Ziyu grapes meant for our mistress? There are only a few left. Just take a few, but don''t take them all. Are you a hungry ghost? I warn you, don''t eat me! I haven''t bathed in over ten days. You''ll get diarrhea if you eat me."


    The "ghost" paused in her action of picking the grapes, the posture even more eerie. Both sides were sweating profusely, not daring to make any sudden moves.


    "Jiang... Jiang Gonggong?"


    A voice broke the deadlock, and Jiang Chuan opened his eyes, which he had closed in fear: "Luyin?"


    What a surprise, why is someone from Yanqing Pce also here in Hexi Pce?


    ...


    Summer Pce¡ª


    Jiang Xinyue cleaned the blood from the Emperor''s mouth and had him rinse before signaling to Shuang Jiang: "Bring the soup over."


    She had personally cooked a spinach and liver soup to help the Emperor replenish his blood.


    After vomiting blood four or five times a day, the Xuanwu Emperor waspletely exhausted.


    To be honest, there was a bit of heartache.


    The next moment, she shook her head vigorously, no, no, no, no, feeling sorry for a man brings bad luck for a lifetime.


    Why feel sorry for him?


    He was cursed because he didn''t keep his male virtue, sleeping with every woman he met. It''s a miracle he didn''t catch a venereal disease. Just being cursed is nothing.


    Aliali


    Better feel sorry for herself!


    As the Emperor drank the warm blood-replenishing soup, his heart also warmed. Jiang Xinyue fed him spoon by spoon, thinking privately: She needed to talk to Dr. Yan and have him secretly check if the Emperor had any sexually transmitted diseases.


    Otherwise, if she got infected, it would be more difficult for a woman to speak out.


    In this era, most physicians were men, and female doctors were rare, not to mention their medical skills were not passed down from the orthodox male doctors. They only allowed female doctors to assist and learn superficial knowledge.


    Female doctors who could truly learn the essence of medicine were few and far between.


    Women with private gynecological diseases, sometimes not their own fault but infected by men, were too ashamed to speak out.


    A n began to form in her mind, but she didn''t yet have the capability. Despite being an Imperial Noble Consort, her family background was humble, and she only fully controlled the imperial kitchen in the pce.


    She could only wait until the Jiang family rose in power and she controlled the entire harem to realize her ambitions and benefit herself and the people.


    Perhaps because the Xuanwu Emperor was diligent and caring for the people, and she was constantly exposed to him, she had developed a sense of responsibility and affection for the people of this dynasty.


    Until the soup was finished, Jiang Xinyue wiped the oil from his mouth and handed him a book to read.

 Chapter 292

    Chapter 292


    The sunlight filtered through the window slits, casting dappled shadows on Jiang Xinyue''s figure. With one hand propping her cheek and the other holding a book, she exuded an aura of gentle elegance and intellectual grace.


    The half-open window let in a few refreshing breezes, causing her hair to sway gently. When the strands brushed against her face, she casually tucked them behind her ear, revealing her exquisite profile.


    The Xuanwu Emperor set aside his own book and began to admire her beauty intently.


    Xinyue''s hair was pitch-ck and glossy, like the finest silk. Her brows arched gracefully like slender willows. Her eyes were full of emotion, more than just simply beautiful.


    Her nose was petite and delicate, and her lips were a bewitching red, making one want to kiss them after gazing for too long.


    "Ouch¡ª"


    Yan the Imperial Physician had warned that those afflicted with the Gu of Lust must not be aroused, or the Gu worms would be overly excited, scurrying wildly within the body.


    The handkerchief on his arm slipped off, and the Gu worm immediately tried to burrow into his abdomen, but he managed to pinch it tightly: "Wang Dequan!"


    He shouted, and Jiang Xinyue immediately put down her book and turned around. By then, Wang Dequan had already picked up the handkerchief and re-tied it in its original ce.


    The Gu worm calmed down after being soothed by the fragrance.


    "Your Majesty, the Gu worm has..."


    "I''m fine!"


    The Xuanwu Emperor interrupted Jiang Xinyue''s concern: "I''ve been thinking, Xinyue, why don''t you return to the ChuangChun Pavilion to rest? I really am fine, with Wang Dequan and the servants attending to me. Once Lord Jiang brings back the antidote and removes this disgusting Gu worm, I''lle to see you and the child."


    He was reminding her that the child couldn''t be away from its mother for too long, urging her to go back and be with the child.


    He couldn''t exactly say that with Noble Consort Jiang sitting before him, he kept losing control, involuntarily...


    The Emperor''s tone and mannerisms were unnatural. Jiang Xinyue''s gaze shifted downward, noticing the suspicious...


    The Xuanwu Emperor tightened his legs, trying to cover his inappropriate arousal, feeling somewhat embarrassed.


    It was really strange¡ªshouldn''t Xinyue be the one feeling shy?


    Why did he always be so...innocent in front of her?


    Perhaps realizing his actions were a bit too obvious, he subtly spread his knees and sat up straight.


    Now, it waspletely clear.


    Jiang Xinyue touched her nose. This time, she hadn''t done anything mischievous! It was the Emperor who was overthinking.


    Under the Xuanwu Emperor''s expectant gaze, she blushed and whispered in response, covering her face with the book: "Then, Your Majesty, I...I''lle back when you''re better."


    With that, she "blushed" and ran off.


    The Xuanwu Emperor smiled and shook his head. She truly loves me!


    Once outside the Nine Continents Peace Hall, Jiang Xinyue closed the book, handed it to Xi Que, and her face showed no trace of shyness. She boarded the sedan chair and left without looking back.


    After apanying the Emperor for two days, she missed her son.


    In the ChuangChun Pavilion, the atmosphere became lively again with Jiang Xinyue''s return.


    The little prince was three months old and could already babble sounds. His sleep time had decreased, and he often pestered Wet Nurse Lu and Nanny Xiang to y with him.


    Everyone praised the little one for being exceptionally clever.


    "Woof, woof, woof..."


    The little white dog circled around Jiang Xinyue, wagging its tail happily. Jiang Xinyue kissed her son''s cheek and stroked the dog''s fluffy head.


    Indeed, it was mostfortable to be back in her own ce.


    "Your Highness, your father left you a letter."


    Xi Que hopped over on crutches: "Your father said everything has been arranged as you instructed."


    Jiang Xinyue nodded, handed the sixth prince to Nanny Xiang, and opened the letter from her father.


    His handwriting remained as elegant as ever.


    The letter mentioned that he and Tang Shiliang had gone to Jingzhou. Following her advice, they sent Ma Yiyang on a different route. Their journey would certainly be perilous, so he left all the Emperor''s assigned guards with Ma Yiyang.


    He also advised Jiang Xinyue to show more concern for the Emperor during his vulnerable moments, to prevent other consorts from taking advantage.


    There was also a reminder about Minister Pei of the Privy Council, who was vengeful. Since Jiang Xinyue had harmed his grandson''s manhood, he would surely seek revenge. She should take extra care of her family during this time.


    In summary: "While your father toils outside, don''t let anyone raid the home."


    The letter concluded with concern for Jiang Xinyue and the sixth prince. It was well-organized, clear in purpose, and managed to remind her without causing annoyance, making her feel it was necessary to protect the Jiang family.


    No wonder he was a sessful schr from a merchant family¡ªhe was adept in speaking, doing, and managing affairs.


    Jiang Xinyue crumpled the letter, along with the envelope, and burned them into ashes with a flint, then poured them into a melting ice basin: "Xiao Xiangzi, are the people I arranged for my mother still with her?"


    Xiao Xiangzi immediately replied: "Yes, Your Highness."


    She nodded: "Assign a few more to my brother and sister, as well as my two cousins and aunt. Keep it low-key, one or two will suffice, but they must be sharp and skilled."


    Too many might alert Minister Pei, but with preparations made, she wasn''t afraid of his moves, only that he wouldn''t act.


    Xiao Xiangziplied and went to make arrangements.


    "Your Highness, Noble Consort Ye hase to thank you."


    Concubine Ye, who had been wrongfully used of poisoning the Emperor, had been brutally interrogated by the Internal Affairs Department for days. Later, Consort Zhang confessed, revealing the Emperor''s Gu affliction, and no one remembered her.


    It was Jiang Xinyue who suggested that since it was a misunderstanding, Concubine Ye should be released. Considering her unjust punishment, she also requested the Emperor to grant her the title of Noble Consort.


    Noble Consort Ye learned from the messenger that she was released thanks to the intervention of the Noble Consort Jiang. After recuperating for two days, she came to express her gratitude.


    Aliali: 6748809ec4f3f33ac479c8e7


    Xi Que, who had been recuperating for a month, had almost fully recovered from her leg injury. The scar was still prominent, but Yan the Imperial Physician said that as long as she didn''t walk too vigorously and kept the wound from reopening, with some ointment, the scar would fade.


    She was a restless soul and returned to serving Jiang Xinyue as soon as she could.


    "Your Highness, why did you help her?"


    It would have been simpler to just kill her.


    "I''m not a bloodthirsty maniac. I didn''te to the pce to empty the Emperor''s harem. If these women can be of use to me, their families will also serve my son."


    Instead of killing these women, she preferred to build connections now and pave the way for her little prince.


    When the child bes a teenager or twenty years old and ascends the throne, he might have to endure some hardships, but his good days willeter.


    She can''t afford to wait that long¡ªby then, she''d be an old woman on the verge of death.


    Xi Que nodded thoughtfully: "Your Highness thinks far ahead."


    It seemed that besides prioritizing the interests of the Empress, she also needed to consider how to maximize the benefits for the sixth prince.

 Chapter 293

    Noble Consort Ye knelt respectfully on the ground, kowtowing to Jiang Xinyue: "Your Highness Noble Consort, I was foolish before, constantly instigating Concubine Cheng and Noble Lady Liu to oppose you. Only after my recent troubles did I realize yourpassionate nature. From now on, I will absolutely follow your lead and hope you can forgive my previous ignorance."


    Back when they were in Chuxiu Pce, she had sworn sisterhood with Concubine Cheng and Noble Lady Liu. They had promised to share both fortune and hardship, but as soon as they left Chuxiu Pce, they turned on each other without mercy.


    Concubine Cheng thought too highly of herself, believing she was superior and had earned the Emperor''s favor, so she looked down on both her and Noble Lady Liu.


    She would always look down her nose at others, despising how she and Noble Lady Liu tried various ways to gain favor.


    But she failed to realize that if it weren''t for her father''s military achievements, would the Emperor have even given her a second nce?


    Noble Lady Liu had always been arrogant. Her grandmother had been a calligraphy teacher who served the previous Emperor, and after reaching a certain age, she left the pce to marry a local official. Liu always brought this up, thinking she had a special connection to the Emperor.


    Only she herself had nothing to her name.


    When she was initially appointed as a pcedy, it was only because of the Noble Consort''s suggestion, as the Emperor hadn''t even noticed her.


    Now that she had fallen into trouble, Concubine Cheng and Noble Lady Liu, far from helping her based on their former friendship in Chuxiu Pce, couldn''t wait to distance themselves from her.


    She thought she was going to die, but Noble Consort saved her.


    "Please rise, Noble Consort Ye. I don''t deserve such thanks," Jiang Xinyue smiled gently. "Though I have a reputation for jealousy, I can still distinguish right from wrong. If you did something wrong, I wouldn''t spare you, but if you''re innocent, I won''t wrongly use you either. As long as you behave properly from now on, I naturally won''t make things difficult for you."


    If all those in power were like this, there wouldn''t be so many wrongful convictions in the world.


    For the first time, Noble Consort Ye felt that if Noble Consort were to be Empress and manage the imperial harem, it might actually be quite good.


    As they spoke, a pce maid announced that Noble Lady Jiang had arrived. Noble Consort Ye didn''t leave but instead sat on a small stool, watching enviously as Noble Lady Jiang unhesitatingly went to hold and y with the Sixth Prince.


    "Did you write the letters to Jiang Chuan as I asked?"


    Xique immediately nodded: "Yes, yes! Besides telling him to guard the pce well and be wary of Consort... of people with ill intentions trying to cause harm, I also told him to harvest the grapes properly and preserve them in ice boxes. When we return, we can make grape... what was it... the shaved ice that you mentioned, Your Highness."


    Though she didn''t know what shaved ice was, she knew her mistress was a culinary expert - if she said it was delicious, it must be.


    ...


    In Hexi Pce¡ª


    Jiang Chuan didn''t rashly call for the imperial physician. The storehouse in Hexi Pce had various precious medicines and prepared remedies. Though he wasn''t trained in medicine, he knew enough about basic wound treatment and anti-inmmatory herbs.


    With the help of pce maids and Luyin, they "processed" Xiao Ronghua until she looked renewed, and then the three sat down together.


    "Tell me! How did you get in?"


    Luyin took several deep breaths, mentally preparing herself before speaking: "The wall by your vegetable garden didn''t copse on its own. Consort De had it knocked down to cover up the noise from digging a tunnel on the other side."


    "What?"


    Jiang Chuan stood up: "Why would she randomlye knock down our wall? And... you''re Consort De''s most trusted person, why should I believe you?"


    He worried they might be setting him up to frame his mistress.


    Xiao Ronghua had been severely tortured - her face was disfigured, all her fingernails had been pulled out, and her body was covered in wounds, some scabbed over and others still bleeding. The young pce maids who bandaged her earlier had been scared to tears.


    Could they be nning to hide Xiao Ronghua in Hexi Pce and wait for the Emperor''s return to catch his mistress red-handed?


    Such a vicious scheme.


    Seeing Jiang Chuan''s disbelief, Luyin slid from her chair in desperation, violently knocking her forehead on the ground: "Master Jiang, I... I don''t want to betray Consort De, but... I... I don''t want to die, I want to live. I''m already twenty-three, and in two years I''ll be allowed to leave the pce. I really don''t want to die. Consort De... she''s addicted to torture and murder. Before she only targeted concubines and servants in the Cold Pce, but now she''s started killing people in her own pce. I''m going mad, I really am going mad."


    If she weren''t mad, how could she dare to free Xiao Ronghua and crawl through a tunnel into Hexi Pce seeking protection?


    In this pce, besides the Noble Consort, no one would dare handle this matter.


    "I don''t know why Consort De wanted to dig a tunnel, and she hasn''t told me her next move, but because of this tunnel, I got the idea to rescue Xiao Ronghua. She''s the only survivor of the Consort''s torture victims. If Noble Consort wants to bring her down, Xiao Ronghua would be the best evidence."


    Jiang Chuan remained silent, still harboring doubts, afraid of harming his mistress if he trusted too easily.


    "Consort De... she killed the previous Empress''s two princes, and when the Sixth Prince''s wet nurse was burned to death by white phosphorus powder, it was Consort De''s father, the Duke of Cheng, who bribed Lady Zhu''s maid to manipte Lady Zhu into doing it."


    Which meant Consort De wanted to kill the Sixth Prince!Aliali: 674876fac4f3f33ac4792c05


    After revealing two such explosive secrets, Jiang Chuan finally believed her: "Tell me, what do you want me to do?"


    Luyin looked up, hope rekindling in her eyes: "Master Jiang, you only need to hide Xiao Ronghua and keep her alive. When Noble Consort returns, Xiao Ronghua and I will expose Consort De''s true nature before the Emperor. I... I ask for nothing else, I only beg that Noble Consort will show mercy and allow me to leave the pce early. I can''t bear to stay in this pce for another moment."


    It''s too terrifying!


    Jiang Chuan''s eyes flickered: "If what you say is true, I will naturally inform my mistress, but if you dare deceive me, our mistress has plenty of ways to end your life."


    "Rest assured, Master Jiang. I came tonight having made up my mind - I absolutely won''t deceive you."


    She nced at the dawning sky outside: "It''s gettingte, I should return, or Consort De will grow suspicious."


    Watching Luyin crawl back through the tunnel, Jiang Chuan remained puzzled: "Why would Consort De go to such lengths to dig a tunnel here? What is she nning?"


    "Master Jiang, another bunch of grapes has ripened. Would you like to pick them?"


    Several gardeners and fruit-tenders had arrived early in the morning, paying close attention to the purple jade grapes. This concerned their chances of advancement, so they couldn''t be careless.


    "Pick them!" Jiang Chuan hurried over. "The mistress asked about them in her letter. She''ll want to eat them when she returns."

 Chapter 294

    "Will it keep for a month until Her Highness returns to the pce?"


    Jiang Chuan carefully picked a bunch of grapes: "Our Imperial Noble Consort has many methods! She said half will be preserved in ice boxes, and half will be dried into raisins."


    "Raisins? That''s a way to eat them?"


    "Shows how little you know! They say in Lon they''ve been eating raisins for ages. Our Imperial Noble Consort learned about it from books."


    It seemed this Imperial Noble Consort was quite well-read.


    The gardeners and fruit handlers nodded in agreement, hoping the Imperial Noble Consort would return soon from her summer pce.


    Xiao Xuanzi had told them that if they served the Imperial Noble Consort well, they would no longer face discrimination from others when they returned - she would be their patron.


    In truth, Jiang Xinyue''s n to control the six eastern and western pces required building her ownwork of loyal followers.


    The senior craftsmen who had long held high positions had already served multiple masters. Jiang Xinyue wanted new people who knew her from humble beginnings and would be grateful for her patronage.


    Because they understood better that only by staying loyal to the Imperial Noble Consort could they maintain their hard-earned wealth and status.


    Completely unaware of what was happening in the pce, Jiang Xinyue could only send a daily bowl of blood-enriching soup to Jiuzhou Qingyan, unable to go there herself.


    With the Emperor poisoned, the summer pce could not host opera performances or entertainment, nor could anyoneugh heartily, lest they be used of not caring about the Emperor''s life and death.


    Where there''s a policy from above, there''s always a countermeasure below.


    Noble Lady Jiang set up mahjong tables in her garden and invited Jiang Xinyue and Noble Consort Ye daily for games. With just the three of them, they were always one yer short, as no pce maid or eunuch, no matter how close, would dare to y at the same table as their mistresses.


    After searching around, Noble Lady Jiang couldn''t find any other consorts she was close with, so she had to ask Jiang Xinyue if they could invite Low Level Consort Yu to join.


    How could Jiang Xinyue, the "Mahjong Master," refuse?


    It was the perfect opportunity to utterly defeat Low Level Consort Yu and teach her not to oppose her again.


    "Imperial Noble Consort..."


    Before Low Level Consort Yu arrived, a pce maid came to report: "The eldest princess and Concubine Cheng got into an argument at Changyuan Pavilion. The eldest princess... she was pushed down the stairs and hit her head. Low Level Consort Yu has gone there and is fighting with Concubine Cheng."


    This was unexpected.


    The eldest princess wasn''t someone so brainless and impulsive - it was more likely that Low Level Consort Yu had started the conflict with Concubine Cheng.


    "How is the eldest princess? Is her injury serious?"


    Jiang Xinyue rose and followed the pce servant, with Noble Lady Jiang and Noble Consort Ye following behind, thinking their mahjong game was certainly cancelled for the day as they went to watch the drama unfold at Changyuan Pavilion.


    "Low Level Consort Yu! Please stop hitting! Our mistress''s hand injury hasn''t healed yet. If you continue, her hand will be permanently damaged!"


    "I didn''t push the eldest princess, she fell down herself!"


    "You''re lying, you ve-born wretch! Even wearing noble clothes, you''re still just a lowly servant. What reason would the eldest princess have to risk her life to frame you? You think too highly of yourself."


    There was chaos upstairs in Changyuan Pavilion. During the fighting and pushing, someone shoved Concubine Cheng, who screamed as she tumbled down the stairs.


    Jiang Xinyue had just arrived at the bottom of the pavilion when she saw an orange "pumpkin" roll to her feet.


    "Pff!"


    "Hahahahaha!"


    Noble Lady Jiang''s boldughter burst forth with full force: "Your Highness... hahaha... oh my... I can''t take it anymore hahaha!"


    Noble Consort Ye had tried to hold it in, nearly biting her lip bloody, but seeing Noble Lady Jiang''s reaction, she couldn''t contain herself either. She lowered her head as her shoulders shook with suppressedughter.


    Concubine Cheng was wearing clothes the same color as a golden pumpkin that day, with green leaves embroidered on it. Because the stairs were narrow, she had curled up with her arms around her head, truly resembling a round, plump pumpkin.


    Noble Lady Jiangughed until tears streamed down her face, wiping them with her handkerchief: "I''m... hahaha... I''m sorry, I really... really didn''t mean tough at you hahaha... but I just can''t help it."


    Low Level Consort Yu, standing upstairs, saw Jiang Xinyue''s stern face and felt her heart sink.


    "Oh no, I''m going to get scolded again."


    Everyone in Changyuan Pavilion, masters and servants alike, greeted the Imperial Noble Consort, except for Concubine Cheng who was still on the ground moaning "ouch, ouch," not yet recovered.


    Low Level Consort Yu rushed down the stairs: "Imperial Noble Consort, you''ve arrived at the perfect time. Concubine Cheng hasmitted the crime of disrespecting her superiors. Not only did she offend me, but she also pushed the eldest princess down the stairs, causing her to hit her head and lose consciousness from blood loss. You must seek justice for the eldest princess! She showsplete disregard for thew!"


    While fake crying, she secretly observed Jiang Xinyue''s expression.


    If the eldest princess was truly so seriously injured, Low Level Consort Yu wouldn''t have time to quarrel with Concubine Cheng here.


    Jiang Xinyue''s face showed shock and anger: "What? Concubine Cheng, you dare harm the eldest princess?"Aliali: 674da9bafd3b256fc3c7f574


    She frowned andmanded fiercely: "Guards, take Concubine Cheng away and give her thirtyshes. As for further punishment, I will report to the Emperor for his decision."


    "No... I didn''t..."


    Concubine Cheng had just managed to kneel up from the ground, but before she could defend herself, Jiang Xinyue''s pce servants gagged her and dragged her away.


    They had finally caught their chance to avenge their mistress.


    Recently, Concubine Cheng had been causing trouble for ChuangChun Pavilion, relying on her favored status. She would either steal the desserts they prepared for their mistress or mock them about serving too much tonic soup, and even took away the golden soup they had simmered all night, iming the Emperor was at her Langyue Pavilion and needed it served there.


    Yet their mistress had told them it wasn''t the right time to confront her, asking them to endure for a few more days.


    Now they could finally release all their pent-up anger. Concubine Cheng would probably end up like Noble Lady Liu, bedridden for two or three months.


    Hearing her clearly biased words in her favor, Low Level Consort Yu suddenly recalled what the eldest princess had said: "Noble Consort Jiang is someone who values benefits above all. As long as we don''t interfere with her interests and even create value for her, we''ll live better than when the Empress was here. Why exhaust yourself fighting? See the situation clearly - you only have me as a daughter, and Father Emperor won''t give you another child. After all your struggles, won''t you still just be a consort? What Father Emperor can give you, Noble Consort Jiang can give you even more in the future. Listen to me, don''t oppose Noble Consort Jiang anymore - look, she already has three princes under her influence!"


    It wasn''t that Low Level Consort Yu looked down on Consort De, but a timid and cautious third prince probably wouldn''t be a match for the fourth, fifth, and sixth princes.


    Perhaps she should follow her daughter''s advice and submit to the Imperial Noble Consort?

 Chapter 295

    Once her heart wavered, when Jiang Xinyue looked over again, she unconsciously gave a cating smile.


    At the eldest princess''s residence, several young pce maids were peering around anxiously. When they saw the crowd approaching, they all jumped like frightened rabbits and scurried inside.


    "Your Highness! Your Highness... the Imperial Noble Consort is here!"


    The room erupted into chaos. When Jiang Xinyue entered, several nervous pce maids dropped their "fake blood bags" on the floor.


    "Ah! Please spare us, Imperial Noble Consort! Our princess really did fall from the tower, we''re not lying!"


    They had just made preparations beforehand, so the consequences weren''t too severe.


    With one nce from Jiang Xinyue, all the servants blocking the eldest princess''s bed automatically cleared a path.


    The eldest princessy in bed pretending to sleep with her eyes tightly shut.


    She had a blood-stained white cloth wrapped around her forehead. Her eyeballs kept moving beneath her lids, and her eyshes fluttered like butterfly wings.


    Jiang Xinyue reached out and directly pulled away her disguise. The eldest princess felt a chill on her forehead and let out a small cry, quickly covering her smooth forehead. She called out pitifully, "Sister Zhen, I was wrong~"


    The young girl opened her innocent eyes, which were as pure as crystal ss without a speck of impurity. No one would suspect that she had deliberately rolled down from the tower to frame Concubine Cheng.


    But these tricks couldn''t fool Jiang Xinyue, who was like an "old hand" at such matters.


    "You think you can fool your father with this?"


    She flicked the eldest princess''s forehead and tossed aside the cloth. "Bring candles, embroidery needles, and the animal blood you prepared earlier."


    To everyone''s surprise, Jiang Xinyue said, "Let me show you what it means tomit to a performance."


    When the Emperor received the news at Jiuzhou Qingyan, he immediately sent Wang Dequan to check on the eldest princess''s injuries.


    He had been poisoned by gu and didn''t know when it might re up. The imperial physicians were on standby day and night at Jiuzhou Qingyan, and he couldn''t move around freely in case the poison acted up when the physicians weren''t able to treat him in time.


    "Ouch¡ª"


    "What... what happened?"


    Wang Dequan saw the wound on the eldest princess''s forehead, about the size of a thumbnail, still bleeding. The skin was deeply indented, looking extremely painful.


    The eldest princessy weakly in bed, her lips pale and dry: "Lord Wang... please don''t tell father about how serious my injury is. With Sister Zhen taking care of me, I''ll recover soon. Tell father not to worry about me, his own health is more important. I also believe Concubine Cheng didn''t push me intentionally."


    These words would surelyfort the Emperor''s heart.


    As for Concubine Cheng...


    The Emperor had summoned Lord Cheng to Jiuzhou Qingyan for business, but Concubine Cheng had also been carried there on a stretcher.


    While the Imperial Noble Consort went to check on the eldest princess, Concubine Cheng had persuaded Lord Cheng to bring her before the Emperor.


    If he hadn''t seen her it would have been fine, but having seen her, not asking about her condition would make the Emperor seem cold-hearted.


    Although Concubine Cheng kept saying it was her own fault and had nothing to do with others, the Emperor still needed to question Lord Cheng about the corruption case of the Governor-General of Liangguang. Even if just for Lord Cheng''s sake, he had to show some concern.


    The Emperor finally realized that it was the Imperial Noble Consort who had beaten her.


    Lord Cheng immediately said: "If the Imperial Noble Consort beat you, she must have had her reasons. It must be because you did something wrong. However, thirty strikes shouldn''t have injured you this severely. The servants below must have taken advantage of their authority and deliberately used excessive force on Concubine Cheng."


    The implication was that while the Imperial Noble Consort wasn''t at fault, her servants might have overstepped their bounds, and the Emperor should punish them.


    Concubine Chengy on the stretcher: "The imperial physician said my tendons and vessels were injured from the beating. Even after I recover, my back and waist will ache terribly during rainy weather. Your Majesty... I will suffer from this chronic condition... I..."


    As she spoke, she began to cry.


    The Emperor''s dilemma was resolved after Wang Dequan arrived. He reported anxiously: "Your Majesty, the eldest princess has a gash on her forehead, and the flesh around it is damaged. Imperial Physician Yan says it might leave a scar! With the princess''s face marred, her future marriage prospects might be... Consort Yu has already fainted upon hearing this news."


    A perfectly beautiful princess with a gentle temperament, and now her face would be scarred - the Xuanwu Emperor''s anger shot straight to his head.


    You''ve scarred my daughter''s face, and you dare toeining first?


    Where is the justice?


    Bah! He IS justice!


    Lord Cheng''s eyes turned cold as he looked at Concubine Cheng, who shook her head in terror, indicating she knew nothing about this.


    Seeing the situation change, Cheng Yuan immediately knelt down: "Your Majesty, Concubine Cheng has harmed the eldest princess. I have failed to teach my daughter properly. Please issue an edict to strip Concubine Cheng of her position and confine her to the Cold Pce. I... I request Your Majesty to dismiss me from my position. It''s all my fault for not teaching my daughter well, I have failed Your Majesty''s grace."


    If he hadn''t taken the initiative, the Emperor might have really done this in his anger. But since he suggested it himself, the Emperor actually calmed down.


    Grinding his back teeth, he said: "Wang Dequan, send Concubine Cheng back to Lanyue Pavilion. Before we return to the pce, Concubine Cheng is to stay in her room to recover and not go out."


    Then he turned to Cheng Yuan: "Beloved Official Cheng, you may leave now! I am not in the mood today."


    The Emperor usually dealt with matters immediately and never procrastinated. This showed how upset he was about the eldest princess''s injury and potential scarring.


    Cheng Yuan didn''t dare to provoke the angry dragon further and quickly retreated with Concubine Cheng.


    "Father!"


    In her quarters at Lanyue Pavilion, Concubine Cheng stood up holding her waist. She wasn''t showing the near-death appearance she had before the Emperor, but instead smashed a vase on the table: "Why did you ask the Emperor to send me to the Cold Pce? The eldest princess was clearly faking it. She rolled down the stairs herself! She''s just getting revenge on me because I used Consort Yu against the Imperial Noble Consort. She..."


    "All of you, leave us."


    Cheng Yuan gave a meaningful look: "Clean this up, and from now on, don''t let your mistress break things anymore."Aliali: 6748ac5ec4f3f33ac47c6ad8


    Whether in or outside the pce, all imperial property was recorded.


    For Concubine Cheng to break a vase right after leaving Jiuzhou Qingyan clearly showed dissatisfaction with the Emperor''s decision.


    "Father!"


    "p!"


    After all the servants had left, Cheng Yuan turned and gave Concubine Cheng a harsh p. The fierce look in his eyes made her tremble.


    "Father... father..."


    She was so frightened she could say nothing else.


    "Iy low in the morgue for seven years, dealing with corpses every day, living in absolute poverty. I finally endured until the Emperor noticed me. If you ruin my ns, even though you''re my daughter, I won''t hesitate to kill you. Do you understand?"


    Large tears fell from Concubine Cheng''s eyes: "I... I understand, father."


    Cheng Yuan took a deep breath, gave her one more warning look, and then left.

 Chapter 296

    After walking some distance, Cheng Yuan turned back to look at Concubine Cheng''s chambers onest time. The ferocity in his eyes had faded, reced by deep concern.


    "My lord..." the servant boy stepped forward, "You clearly... why were you deliberately so harsh with the young miss?"


    Cheng Yuan sighed, reluctantly continuing to walk away as he replied wistfully, "Don''t forget whose service I''m in."


    The servant was about to say something when suddenly two men dressed as household guards in ck clothing approached from the corridor: "Lord Cheng, our Master Secretary requests your presence."


    ...


    "Hahaha..."


    "Serves her right... ouch... ah, that hurts!"


    When Noble Lady Liu heard that Concubine Cheng had been beaten, she was so delighted she almost jumped out of bed. She still held a grudge from when the Emperor had lost face over Concubine Cheng.


    "She dared mock me for being bedridden here at the summer pce. Now she''ll be lying down too. Acting so noble, hah, I spit on that!"


    Noble Lady Liu spat before asking, "Yan''er, why hasn''t Concubine Ye been serving me these past few days? Does she think I can''t do anything to her just because I''m injured?"


    Yan''er thought to herself that it was true - they really couldn''t do anything now. The other woman was now a Noble Lady herself and had gained the powerful backing of Imperial Noble Consort. Why would she still pay any attention to her mistress who held the same rank?


    But she obviously couldn''t say that.


    Yan''er lowered her head and replied, "She''s no longer just Concubine Ye. After she was falsely used of drugging His Majesty, Imperial Noble Consort helped clear her name. To make it up to her, His Majesty elevated her to Noble Lady. These days she spends her time ying cards and chatting with Imperial Noble Consort and Noble Lady Jiang!"


    Noble Consort Ye used to bow and scrape to curry favor with Noble Lady Liu, but when Noble Consort Ye fell from grace, Noble Lady Liu never spoke up for her. She must have seen through it all - no matter how much she tried to please Noble Lady Liu, it was pointless. Better to align herself with Imperial Noble Consort instead - at least that way her rank would improve.


    "She was made a Noble Lady?"


    Now thoroughly provoked, Noble Lady Liu lost herposure: "My grandmother served thete Emperor and was graciously allowed to leave the pce by his imperial decree. She was at least a pce official! What is shepared to that? How dare she be ranked equal to me?"


    But what could be done about it?


    Imperial favor, whether harsh as thunder or gentle as dew, was still the Emperor''s to give. It''s not like they could go curse at His Majesty for his poor judgment.


    While Noble Lady Liu wasining bitterly in Lanyue Pce, things were much more cheerful at Noble Lady Jiang''s quarters.


    Low Level Consort Yu and Noble Consort Ye were grinning from ear to ear: "Oh my! Imperial Noble Consort, you''re too modest! Aren''t you supposed to be some kind of mahjong expert? Though we don''t know what that means exactly, it sounds impressive. We were hoping to learn from you, but howe you keep losing? Low Level Consort Yu and I have won so much, you''ll need to arrange for people to carry us back when we''re done!"


    Low Level Consort Yu certainly knew how to use sarcasm.


    Jiang Xinyue narrowed her eyes at her: "Just you wait, I''ll definitely win next time."


    "Ha!"


    Low Level Consort Yu looked at her with disdain: "I may not be able topete with you for men''s attention, but when ites to ying cards, you''re no match for me."


    Noble Consort Ye felt very uneasy, wondering if next time she should pretend to lose and "return" some of the silver to Imperial Noble Consort.


    But Noble Consort Ye could see that she didn''t seem like someone who would have people killed over a few hundred taels of silver, so she gratefully left with Low Level Consort Yu, both of them having won a fortune.


    "Noble Lady Yu, aren''t you afraid that... that mocking Imperial Noble Consort like that..."


    "I''ve suffered so many setbacks because of her. I''ve schemed against her, and she''s schemed against me, but I always came out worse. What''s wrong with letting me have this small verbal victory? Don''t be so petty - Imperial Noble Consort isn''t such a narrow-minded person. Keep the money with peace of mind!"


    Consider itpensation for her preventing the Emperor from favoring the other concubines.


    Jiang Xinyue didn''t mind losing money, but she was particrly irritated by Low Level Consort Yu mocking her poor card-ying skills.


    So¡ª


    The next day, Jiang Xinyue abandoned theplicated leaf cards and stayed up all night making a deck of ying cards, exining the rules to them.


    It was simr to leaf cards, but the modern ying cards had simplified rules. As long as you understood the hierarchy of the cards, the game was very exciting and the stakes could be higher.


    After understanding the rules, Low Level Consort Yu hitched up her skirts, ced one foot on a stool, and dered boldly: "Imperial Noble Consort, at the gambling table we''re all equals. If you lose everything down to your pantster, don''t try to back out."


    Jiang Xinyue crossed her arms and smiled coldly: "Don''t you know viins die from talking too much?"


    Low Level Consort Yu immediately put her foot down and sat,ining unhappily: "Noble Lady Jiang, control her! We''re just ying cards, how did I be the viin?"


    Noble Lady Jiang dealt the cards and nced at her: "Well, you did just sound like the viin in those story books who mocks the protagonist. Be careful not to get your face ppedter."


    Noble Consort Ye watched Low Level Consort Yu''s dismissive expression and became extremely alert.


    Noble Lady Jiang was right - Low Level Consort Yu now resembled those stubborn viins who wouldn''t believe until they saw their own coffin.


    It seemed Imperial Noble Consort still had tricks up her sleeve.


    Noble Lady Jiang was like a roon in a melon patch, eating the fruit the servants had cut while watching Jiang Xinyue and Low Level Consort Yu bicker - it was absolutely delightful.


    She wondered why she hadn''t realized earlier that once you stopped pursuing the emperor''s dispensed affections from on high, and the pcedies learned to coexist peacefully, life became so much more interesting.


    "Don''t move, pair of twos, I''ll take that."


    After winning three or four hands in a row, Low Level Consort Yu became even more arrogant, looking at Jiang Xinyue like she was aplete novice: "Oh my! Your humble servant is so sorry, I''ve won again! Looks like Imperial Noble Consort won''t be able to p my face after all!"


    Noble Consort Ye had been observing and noticed something interesting - people''s card-ying styles seemed to perfectly match their personalities.


    That being the case, Imperial Noble Consort must not be simple at all.Aliali: 674939efc4f3f33ac483eddf


    She had originally nned to side with Low Level Consort Yu against Jiang Xinyue, but in the end, she followed Noble Lady Jiang''s example and chose to watch the tigers fight instead.


    Herst-minute defection earned her a re from Low Level Consort Yu, but she didn''t care. She was certain to win today anyway - she had beaten all three of them, wasn''t she impressive?


    Jiang Xinyue calmly fed her cards, letting her appetite grow bigger and bigger, untilter she seemed to be seeing red, insisting on betting even more.


    It was time to close the.


    This fish, Low Level Consort Yu, had been fattened up enough.


    "Alright, let''s make a big bet then."


    Imperial Noble Consort''s lips curled into a smile as she threw all her silver notes onto the center of the table: "One hand to decide it all."


    Although Low Level Consort Yu had reconciled with Jiang Xinyue, she still harbored some resentment, always secretlypeting with her.


    If she wasn''t mistaken, Low Level Consort Yu''s father would soon meet with great misfortune, and the biggest beneficiary would be Jiang Xinyue''s uncle.


    Before that happened, she needed to make Low Level Consort Yupletely submit to her, so her uncle''s path to bing Governor-General of the Two Guangs would be smoother.

 Chapter 297

    Low Level Consort Yu still thought it was just a simple game of cards, unaware that she had already fallen into Jiang Xinyue''s trap.


    What was the point of pretending not to know how to y? What was the point of losing for several days in a row?


    It was all just Jiang Xinyue slowly feeding her appetite.


    Even if Low Level Consort Yu got addicted, it didn''t matter, as she couldn''t leave the pce anyway. ying cards for entertainment was harmless. In the pce, there were either masters or servants, so whether she won or lost money, it wouldn''t lead to bankruptcy.


    Low Level Consort Yu yed a pair of flower cards, and Jiang Xinyue first pretended she couldn''t afford to y, causing Low Level Consort Yu to gloat and deliberately y a three: "Your Highness, I''m afraid you''ll lose too badly, so I''ll let you win this round!"


    This was exactly what Jiang Xinyue wanted.


    She nodded: "Thank you, I have a big king, do you want it?"


    Who could afford to take that?


    But Low Level Consort Yu looked at her own cards and then at the cards she had just yed, thinking Jiang Xinyue didn''t have any big cards, so she broke up all her bombs.


    Her face darkened as she shook her head.


    Jiang Xinyue yed a straight flush, and Low Level Consort Yu''s face turned even darker.


    "Can''t take it? Then I win!"


    She mimicked Low Level Consort Yu''s tone and ced thest small king t on the pile of cards: "Oh, I''m so sorry, but with this hand, Low Level Consort Yu, you''ve lost all the money you won from me over the past four days! Not only did you return everything you won, but you even lost your principal! Will you cry in a cornerter, Low Level Consort Yu?"


    Realizing toote that she had been set up, it was toote. All her money was taken away by Sparrow and Frostfall.


    Her legs went weak, and she slumped into the chair: "It seems I''ve lost everything, even my pants."


    Noble Consort Ye followed Low Level Consort Yu out again, but unlike the light atmospherest time, today was quite gloomy.


    She didn''t dare to speak.


    "Tsk!"


    Low Level Consort Yu suddenlyughed: "She yed cards with so many twists and turns that shepletely fooled me. Where did I get the confidence to think I could outsmart her?"


    In the past, she and Jiang Xinyue fought fiercely, and although she always lost, Jiang Xinyue always won, she never admitted defeat, always thinking she had a chance to turn the tables and win one day.


    But after today''s game, she fully realized the gap between herself and Jiang Xinyue.


    Take ying cards, for example, ordinary people would never dare to bet four thousand taels on an uncertain oue.


    Jiang Xinyue dared.


    For the past few days, she lost four thousand taels to Low Level Consort Yu. Don''t think four thousand taels is a small amount; in the Great Yan Dynasty, ten taels of silver was enough for an ordinary family to live frugally for a year.


    Think about how many families four thousand taels could support?


    She wasn''t afraid that Low Level Consort Yu would take the four thousand taels and stop ying with them.


    Noble Lady Jiang, who received five hundred taels in kickbacks from Jiang Xinyue, also had the same question as Low Level Consort Yu: "Your Highness, you asked me to invite Low Level Consort Yu, but you keep giving her money. Aren''t you afraid she''ll take the money and run?"


    "She won''t."


    Jiang Xinyue''s eyes gleamed with cunning: "I''ve lost every game for four days straight, and I''m both bad at it and addicted. It''s a surefire way to make money. Why wouldn''t shee? Gamblers want to turn four thousand into forty thousand, and forty thousand into four hundred thousand. Not to mention that Low Level Consort Yu is already holding a grudge against me for taking the Emperor''s favor. She won''t let me off until she wins back her pride in the gambling hall."


    Now, to vent her anger, she''s lost everything, even her coffin money!


    However, when Low Level Consort Yu left, her expression didn''t seem to be one of hatred towards the Imperial Noble Consort, but rather one of sudden contemtion.


    "But now it''s all over!"


    Jiang Xinyue cupped Noble Lady Jiang''s face: "Thank you for helping me invite her. She would have definitely refused if I had invited her myself. When the Emperor''s poison is cured, I''ll ask the Emperor to take you out to y."


    She had heard that the Emperor, whenever he came to Qin Province to escape the heat, would travel incognito, ostensibly to inspect the people''s livelihood but more so to enjoy the local scenery.


    There were even a few concubines in the pce who were brought back by the Emperor from themon folk!


    Noble Lady Jiang blushed and giggled, "Hehe," the Imperial Noble Consort''s hands smelled so good!


    "It''s my honor to help Your Highness."


    This wasn''t ttery, but Noble Lady Jiang''s heartfelt words.


    She suddenly remembered something and snapped out of Jiang Xinyue''s beauty attack: "By the way, did your family, the Jiang family, offend Consort De or the Duke of Cheng''s family?"


    Jiang Xinyue, upon hearing the name "Consort De," immediately became alert and asked carefully, "Why do you ask?"


    Noble Lady Jiang was uncertain: "My father is the Minister of Personnel, right? The Ministry of Personnel is in charge of the promotion and assessment of all officials in the Great Yan Dynasty. Not long ago, my father wrote to me saying that after we arrived in Qin Province, a chief clerk from the Ministry of Punishment took leave. My father thought it was too coincidental and secretly investigated, only to find out that this chief clerk was actually a man nted by the Duke of Cheng. He didn''t go home on leave but went to the Mansion of the Duke of Cheng. As for what the Duke of Cheng told him to do, that''s beyond my father''s reach."


    Minister Jiang wasn''t afraid of anything else; he just didn''t want Minister Jiang to find out when he returned to the capital that the Ministry of Punishment''s official had taken leave from the Ministry of Personnel and caused trouble. He really couldn''t stand Minister Jiang''s sharp and venomous tongue.


    It was better to investigate clearly now, even if it was hard and tiring, than to be scolded by Minister Jiang in the future.


    It was strange; the Ministry of Personnel was the head of the six ministries, yet he was always under Minister Jiang''s thumb, watching his every move.


    "Consort De..."


    Jiang Xinyue murmured: "When the chief clerk Ma Yiyang returns, you should ask the Emperor in front of him the question you just asked me."


    It was appropriate to say the right thing in the right ce.


    Whether she had offended Consort De or her father had offended the Duke of Cheng, that was something to ask the Emperor.


    The Emperor, being so intelligent, would give Noble Lady Jiang an answer.


    Noble Lady Jiang thought for a moment and understood her meaning, nodding vigorously: "I will not fail Your Highness."Aliali: 6749083ac4f3f33ac4814cd4


    "Whoosh¡ª"


    After the sound of galloping horses, there were bodies strewn all over the ground.


    Ma Yiyang wiped the blood off his sword clean, his cold eyes still full of undiminished killing intent.


    A ragged young many on the ground, and if it weren''t for him rushing out to block the sword for him, he would have been either dead or seriously injured, unable toplete the task entrusted by the Minister.


    The cold de lifted the barely conscious young man''s chin, and the tone was as cold as his appearance: "What''s your name? Why did you save me?"


    The young man squinted, half of his face covered by a mask, using all his strength to say: "Zhu... Zhu''s Second Son..."


    After saying that, the young man''s head tilted and he passed out.


    Ma Yiyang quickly withdrew his sword to avoid injuring the person.


    "Zhu Eng?"


    The younger brother of thete Empress!

 Chapter 298

    Zhu''s family wasn''t all convicted and sent to the capital, were they?


    How did Zhu Eng appear here?


    "Supervisor, we can''t take him with us. If we''re found harboring a wanted criminal, we''ll be beheaded."


    Ma Yiyang looked at the unconscious Zhu Eng, hesitated for a moment, then mounted his horse: "Continue forward, don''t dy the important matter of the Minister."


    In the midst of flying dust, only Zhu Eng''s frail bodyy face down on the ground, his life or death unknown.


    "We''re almost there. There will definitely be more formidable opponents waiting for us ahead. Fortunately, the Minister has given us all the people arranged by the Emperor; otherwise, we really couldn''t hold out."


    Ma Yiyang nodded: "We must not ruin the Minister''s ns."


    "Achoo!"


    As soon as Jiang Yankun stepped into the Miao vige, he sneezed. He always felt that this small vige was eerie in every way.


    A child stood at the entrance,ughing "hee hee hee" at them, looking foolish, but his eyes had no focus, as if he was looking through them at someone behind them.


    A gust of cold wind blew by, and Jiang Yankun felt a chill run down his spine.


    The vige was eerily quiet,pletely different from the lively atmosphere of an ordinary vige.


    The silence was somewhat terrifying.


    Tang Shiliang, dressed as a wealthy merchant, did not rashly reveal his identity. While ncing around, he reminded Jiang Yankun: "Minister Jiang, please bear with being my father for a while."


    "It''s no trouble, no trouble. Getting the antidote is more important than anything."


    Since Yue''er chose this partner, there must be extraordinary abilities. Such a person in the pce is not someone who simply obeys orders; it should be more urate to say they support each other.


    Jiang Yankun did not put on airs.


    "Who are you? Why did you trespass into our vige?"


    It turned out there was someone in the Miao vige who could speak Mandarin.


    Tang Shiliang bowed politely to the girl blocking the way: "Miss, my father and I are wealthy merchants from the city. We identally wandered into the mountains and saw the unique scenery here, so we inadvertently trespassed. Is this a forbidden area?"


    tant lies, where was the beautiful scenery here?


    The ce was filled with eerie gs, with colorful strings hanging from them. The wind made them clink together, sending shivers down one''s spine.


    Most of the houses were built with thatch, and the vigers wore colorful clothes, with blue cloth wrapped around their heads like hats to shield them from the sun.


    Many vigers'' clothes had patches, indicating their life was not affluent.


    Tang Shiliang took out a few pieces of silver from his money pouch and handed them over: "Miss, I find you kind-hearted. Could you show my father and me around? This is for your trouble."


    The girl''s eyes lit up at the sight of the silver, looking both eager and hesitant.


    Jiang Yankun directly grabbed the silver from Tang Shiliang''s hand, pulled out the girl''s hand, and stuffed it into her palm: "It''s not a difficult task to show us around. Why are you so hesitant? We''ll be leaving soon."


    The girl bit her lip: "Then follow me. If we meet anyone, just say you''re friends I met in the mountains."


    She pocketed the silver and turned to Tang Shiliang: "By the way, my name is Miao Linlin. I can''t keep calling you ''hey'' or we''ll get caught. What''s your name?"


    Tang Shiliang hesitated, hearing that the people of the Miao region liked to use Gu (poisonous insects), he was worried...


    "Are you afraid I''ll use Gu on you?"


    Miao Linlin smirked: "Don''t worry, with this bit of silver, it''s not worth using Gu. Our Gu here is very expensive; I won''t waste it on you."


    "My name is Pei Sinian, and this is my son Pei Zhishuo."


    Jiang Yankun mumbled as he followed the girl''s steps: "Really, what''s there to be afraid of? You''re not as open as a girl! Your grandfather will scold you again for being useless."


    Wow!


    Minister Jiang was about to send the entire Pei family, from grandfather to grandson, away!


    "Father is right, it''s my fault for being overly cautious."


    Miao Linlin nodded in satisfaction: "That''s more like it! Let''s go! There''s no one in this vige who knows it better than me."


    That''s great!


    Jiang Yankun was delighted. An inexperienced young girl was the easiest to get information from. He could inquire about her family situation and see if any vigers matched with Lady Zhang.


    Jiuzhou Qingyan¡ª


    Emperor Xuanwu had sighed several times today.


    Wang Dequan watched the yearning emperor and didn''t know what to say.


    He was the one who didn''t allow Lady Yue''er toe, yet he was the one who looked forward to her arrival every day.


    Did he want her toe or not?


    "It''s too strange."


    The emperor pouted: "When Yue''er was here, everyone mored to see me. Now that Yue''er is gone, they don''te either. I said they were deliberately opposing Yue''er, and it seems I was right."


    His Jiuzhou Qingyan, the emperor''s residence, was now as cold and quiet as a cold pce.


    "Your Majesty, the secret guards'' pigeon message has arrived. Ma Yiyang and the others have been pursued all along the way, and not just by one party."


    "Oh?"


    The emperor raised an eyebrow: "Apart from Minister Pei of the Privy Council, is there someone else who doesn''t want me to live?"


    Minister Pei''s actions might not be to take his life but to prevent Lord Jiang from obtaining the antidote. When he sumbed to the poison, he could use the chaos to punish Lord Jiang and eliminate Lady Yue''er.


    As for who would seed the throne after Emperor Xuanwu''s demise?


    There was still the Fifth Prince, recorded under the name of thete Empress, in the Eastern Mountain Mausoleum.


    Supporting a prince without a maternal family as a backing would be the best choice for the Pei family.


    Without a backing, he would be more likely to obey.


    The secret guards didn''t know who the other party was, so they couldn''t answer the emperor''s question.


    However, their emperor was wise and resourceful. No matter what kind of demons and ghosts there were, they would eventually reveal their true colors.Aliali: 6749083ac4f3f33ac4814cd4


    "Have the secret guards protect Ma Yiyang well, not allowing him to be harmed in the slightest."


    He wanted to see who could take the life of someone he intended to protect.


    It was August, the hottest time of the year, with the scorching sun hanging in the sky, baking the parched fields.


    The intense sunlight distorted people''s figures in the eyes of those below.


    All the fields in Yu Province had cracked and dried up, and the people looked at the yellowing rice with painful expressions on their dried, wrinkled faces.


    Yu Province had been suffering from a drought for three months, and the local officials did nothing, ignoring the plight of the people.


    The Governor of Yu Province indulged in nightly revelries, disregarding the people''s suffering, refusing to open the granaries or release water from the reservoirs. The people resorted to cannibalism, many dying of thirst.


    "Why won''t you let us in?"


    A group of young men in green silk garments were indignant: "We are traveling schrs from the capital. Our teacher said that the peonies of Yu Province are famous worldwide, and he asked us to bring back some seeds. If you don''t let us in, how can weplete our teacher''s task?"


    The guards at the city gate pushed them back: "Look at this weather, does it look like there are peonies in the city?"

 Chapter 299

    After three months of severe drought, most people had already perished, so where could there be any extra water to nurture such a precious flower as peony?


    Jiang Shouwei was the legitimate son of the Jiang family, also the youngest son of Jiang Yanxi. He furrowed his brow, his eyes already unable to open due to the scorching sun, and tugged at his elder brother''s sleeve: "Brother, I really can''t take it anymore, it''s too hot. If they won''t let us in, let''s just give up! I want to go back."


    Among their group, Jiang Shoucheng, another legitimate member of the Jiang family, was the oldest, already twenty years old, and the leader of these youngds.


    He felt that the weather here was unnaturally hot, but he didn''t get angry when they were refused entry. Instead, he smiled and poured water into cups for the two guards: "Gentlemen, we are from a reputable family in the capital. If other students havepleted the tasks given by our teacher, and only we haven''t, it would be too embarrassing. Please, gentlemen, grant us some convenience."


    He held the lids of two water pouches in one hand, while Jiang Shouwei held the pouches for him.


    The two guards, their throats parched, stared at the water in his hand. The young man was cunning, though; he had poured the water into the lids but just smiled at them, not giving them a drink.


    One of the guards, his throat aching, reached out to grab the water pouch, but Jiang Shoucheng stepped back: "What are you doing, sir? It''s against thew to forcibly take someone else''s belongings."


    The guards were already so thirsty that their eyes were red. Jiang Shoucheng realized something was wrong and quickly handed them the two cups of water, using the opportunity while they drank to ask: "Look, we won''t make things difficult for you. Just tell us what''s going on here. Otherwise, we can''t report back to our teacher."


    "Give us some more water..."


    The guard who had tried to grab the water was now desperate: "Just a little more, and I''ll tell you."


    "You''re crazy!"


    The other guard, with better self-control, blocked him: "The governor has ordered us not to..."


    "I can''t care about that anymore!"


    The desperate guard roared: "Look at the state of the city. These delicate young masters going in would only be treated like livestock, ughtered and dismembered for food. They can give us water, let our families live a few more days, and report the situation to the court. Only then can our brothers and sisters be saved."


    The guard he yelled at also reddened his eyes, deted, and stepped aside.


    Jiang Shoucheng handed the entire water pouch to that guard: "Now, can you tell us?"


    "Yu Province is suffering from a severe drought. You can''t enter the city. It''s been three months, and the county magistrate has already reported the situation, but the governor of Yu Province has rejected the report and stationed heavy troops to prevent the news from spreading. The county magistrate is now trapped inside the city and can''t get out. We are guards sent by the governor from Yu Province. Anyone trying to force their way in or out will be killed without mercy."


    "The governor hasn''t opened the granaries to distribute food, and even the water reserves here have been taken to the governor''s residence. Even we, the public servants, get very little water. There are still our families in the city, but with the governor''s actions, the drought has been too long, and there''s no water. People are already... eating each other. Countless people are dying of thirst. If this continues... if this continues, our families will all die inside."


    "What? A drought for three months and the governor hasn''t reported it to the court. What does this governor of Yu Province want to do?"


    "Naturally, it''s to protect his own position. The Great Yan Dynasty hasws that if a natural disaster or human cmity urs in the jurisdiction, and the local governor fails to manage it in time, it will affect his performance evaluation."


    "These corrupt officials, for the sake of their careers, are ignoring the lives of the entire city''s people. It''s too cold-blooded, too outrageous."


    The young men, encountering such injustice, felt their blood boil, wishing they could beat the governor of Yu Province to a pulp.


    The guard, seeing thepassion in these noble young men''s eyes, knelt and begged: "Please, gentlemen, save us! If this continues, everyone in the city will die."


    "What are you doing?"


    A fierce soldier on the city wall, holding a whip, pointed at the group below: "Arrest them."


    The guards were startled and quickly pushed Jiang Shoucheng away: "Run! Those are the governor''s personal soldiers. If you don''t leave now, you won''t be able to."


    "Go!"


    Jiang Shoucheng handed the water pouches to the guards, decisively grabbed Jiang Shouwei by the cor, and ran towards their carriage.


    The young men behind him were all skilled in riding and archery, quickly mounting their horses or carriages and galloping away.


    Jiang Shoucheng shouted: "Meet at Qin Province. My cousin is the most beloved imperial concubine of the current emperor. Whoever arrives first in Qin Province, report my and Shouwei''s names to see Jiang Yankun, the Minister of Justice, who is our uncle."


    The few who heard this were all surprised. The two brothers from the Jiang family had never revealed their identities. They thought it was just a coincidence that they shared the surname with the new noble family in the capital, but it turned out they were really family.


    They were too low-key.


    "Brother!"


    Inside the carriage, Jiang Shouwei gripped the window frame excitedly: "Those bastards killed the guard."


    Jiang Shoucheng lowered the carriage curtain and took out the report that the governor of Yu Province had rejected from his sleeve: "He was prepared to die when he asked us to save the people of Yu Province. He kept this report with him every day, probably entrusted by someone to fulfill his duty."


    As for who had entrusted him, Jiang Shoucheng guessed it was the county magistrate of Yu Province.


    Numerous carriages and horses scattered at the fork in the road. By the time the soldiers who had been dyed by the guards caught up, the young men on horseback were gone, and the carriages had mingled with nearby merchant caravans, leaving no trace.


    They didn''t know which road to chase.


    "Your Highness, what soup shall we prepare today for the Nine Continents Peace Hall?"Aliali: 6749083ac4f3f33ac4814cd4


    Chef Gaoid out the ingredients: "Still liver soup?"


    Jiang Xinyue shook her head: "Although the Gu worm is now confined to the emperor''s arm, it still causes loss of appetite and weak digestion. Today, let''s make a porridge with meat broth. I''ll deliver it myself."


    If she didn''t go, the emperor would be upset.


    "Your Highness, the Imperial Concubine... where is the Imperial Concubine?"


    At the ChuangChun Pavilion, Lady Sun stumbled in: "Your Highness, the Imperial Concubine... Yun''er... Yun''er has been kidnapped."


    Wet Nurse Lu, who was holding the Sixth Prince to breathe fresh air in the courtyard, was startled, thinking someone was trying to assassinate the prince. She quickly wrapped the little baby in her clothes and hid under the corridor.


    Qian Shenghe was peeling oranges for the Fourth Prince when Lady Sun''s shrill voice made him drop the orange, sttering juice all over the Fourth Prince''s face.


    But he didn''t have time to care about the Fourth Prince; instead, he helped Lady Sun up and quickly said: "Your Highness has gone to the Nine Continents Peace Hall."


    He didn''t ask what had happened, not wanting to waste time.


    Upon hearing this, Lady Sun immediately turned and ran out.

 Chapter 300

    Qian Sheng quickly instructed Nanny Xiang, who had rushed out of the room in confusion, "Old sister, please watch over the Fourth Prince for me, I''ll be right back."


    This was the elder sister-inw of the Imperial Concubine, and the "Yun Jie" she mentioned should be the Imperial Concubine''s cousin, Lady Sun. Her urgency indicated that something had gone wrong.


    However, the Imperial Concubine had gone to the Nine Continents Peace Hall. If one were to intrude without permission, they would be considered an assassin and executed on the spot.


    Qian Sheng quickly followed suit and rushed out.


    Jiang Yunxia, lifting her skirts, struggled to keep up, but still managed to exin the situation to Wang Dequan: "Master Qian, the Imperial Concubine arranged for people to protect my sister and me. We really didn''t wander off. Today, we were with severaldies who wanted to visit the market, so they took us along. Others tried on clothes without incident, and the Imperial Concubine''s guards were very diligent, always protecting us. But when we entered the fitting room to change, they couldn''t follow us in..."


    It was during this brief moment that they only allowed Jiang Yuncai''s personal maid to follow her in. After waiting for a long time, no one came out. When she called her sister''s name, there was no response.


    Everyone realized something was wrong and rushed into the fitting room. Lying on the ground was Jiang Yuncai''s maid, but her sister was nowhere to be found.


    The female guards responsible for their protection immediately detained the shopkeeper, questioning him about the situation, but he imed to know nothing.


    After several inspections, they discovered that the back panel of the fitting room had a hiddenpartment. Jiang Yuncai must have been knocked unconscious along with her maid as soon as she entered.


    The thieves removed the back panel of the fitting room and stealthily abducted Jiang Yuncai without anyone noticing.


    A maiden who was abducted in broad daylight would never regain her reputation, even if she were found.


    The mastermind behind this was truly despicable.


    But Lady Sun couldn''t care less. As long as her daughter could return alive, she would be willing to care for her for the rest of her life.


    Manydies and young misses had visited that shop today, including the Su family.


    Jiang Yunxia and Su Ruyue''s second son had exchanged betrothal gifts, indicating a betrothal.


    After parting ways with Lady Sun, those people turned their mocking gazes towards the Su family: "Lady Su, I heard your second son is betrothed to Jiang Yunxia? Shouldn''t they hurry up and get married? Otherwise, when Jiang Yuncai is found... hehe... where will your family''s reputation go?"


    Once Jiang Yuncai is found, rumors will surely spread throughout the imperial pce. The Jiang family will be at the center of the storm, and as their rtives, the Su family cannot remain unscathed.


    The Su family will be the talk of the entire capital.


    In the Su household, there are several daughters yet to be betrothed! If they are implicated, it will be difficult for them to marry well.


    In other words, they won''t be able to marry into good families.


    Lady Su''s face was not looking good: "It''s just a mutual intention to marry, how can it be so certain? Besides, now is not the time to discuss this. Finding Lady Jiang is the priority. Otherwise, if your words reach the ears of the Imperial Concubine, I wonder if your husband''s official position can be preserved?"


    Su Ruyue felt both anxious and relieved. Anxious that this incident might affect her future betrothal, relieved that the Jiang family still had the Imperial Concubine to rely on.


    Thedy who had mocked Lady Su earlier had already lowered her head, not daring to speak.


    If this led to her husband losing his official position, she would be the most pitiable.


    "Your Majesty, the Imperial Concubine, Lady Sun of Minister Jiang Yanxi is requesting an audience. She appears very flustered, as if something serious has happened."


    "ng!"


    A bowl of meat porridge was set down heavily. The Xuanwu Emperor watched as a spoonful of seemingly simple yet also nd porridge slipped past his open lips and back into the bowl without a drop lost.


    "Your Majesty..."


    The Emperor understood her meaning and immediately instructed Wang Dequan: "Let them in."


    Outside, Lady Ruan also received the message and brought Jiang Xinyan and Jiang Junze along.


    Upon seeing her, Lady Sun''s spirit seemed to drain, her legs giving way as she fell to the ground. Lady Ruan quickly caught her: "Sister-inw, what happened?"


    She had been staying in the garden these past few days, afraid that something might happen to Xinyan and Junze. Even if she was bored, she would only stroll around the garden, never daring to leave the imperial pce.


    Lady Sun couldn''t remember who had been urging her to take her daughter out for a stroll, one word after another.


    "Ladies, the Emperor and the Imperial Concubine are waiting, please follow me."


    Lady Ruan had only heard rumors and didn''t know the truth of the matter. Therefore, when Lady Sun and Jiang Yunxia exined to the Emperor, she also listened intently.


    "That shopkeeper must not be doing this for the first time."


    After hearing the exnation, Jiang Xinyue turned to look at the Xuanwu Emperor: "Your Majesty, this matter concerns my close rtive. My father and uncle are both out on Your Majesty''s business, leaving their families behind, and now this misfortune has befallen them. I don''t know how to exin to my uncle when he returns."


    Jiang Yanxi and Jiang Yankun were both away on the Emperor''s business, leaving their families behind, and now such an incident has urred.


    The Xuanwu Emperor also thought of this, feeling somewhat guilty: "Wang Dequan! Order..."


    He had intended to have the pce guards search the entire city, but considering Jiang Yuncai was a woman, if it became a widespread affair, even if she were found, the rumors would drive her to despair.


    Who would be suitable to handle this?


    "Your Majesty, may I handle this matter personally?"


    Her eyes were pleading, with tears welling up, clearly very worried about her cousin. The Emperor couldn''t refuse: "I''ll have the Ministry of Justice apany you, and bring more guards. Be careful."


    Still not reassured, he turned to Wang Dequan: "You go too, make sure no one disrespects the Imperial Concubine."


    As the chief eunuch of the Emperor, Wang Dequan''s presence alone represented the Emperor. Who would dare to misbehave?Aliali: 6749083ac4f3f33ac4814cd4


    At the clothing store¡ª


    "Shopkeeper, these people look like they have a significant background. Are we really going to..."


    "Nonsense! Quickly close the door. From today on, this shop is done for."


    "Bang!"


    Before the attendant could close the door, he was sent flying along with it.


    The loud noise attracted the attention of neighboring shops. Before the shopkeeper could react, dozens of garments were thrown at him: "Get them, smash everything here! How dare they use inferior fabrics to deceive me, burn all the clothes here."


    The shopkeeper was beaten to the point of being unable to speak. Jiang Xinyue then ordered: "From today on, this shop is closed. How dare they offend me, take them to the back courtyard. I will deal with them personally."


    Didn''t they say a youngdy was abducted here during the day?


    Why is there another disturbance?


    Has the missingdy been found?

 Chapter 301

    "Why do I hear a different story from you all?"


    Xi Que, dressed in inconspicuous civilian girl attire, spoke loudly: "My aunt works in the imperial pce washing chamber pots for the nobledies. She said it''s because the owner of this shop is unscrupulous, taking advantage of the delicate skin of the youngdies from the capital, and deliberately selling them fake goods. One of thedies wore their clothes and broke out in a rash, too ashamed to show her face, so she quietly left. Those waiting outside thought she had disappeared, which is why they are searching everywhere."


    "So it was a false rm! The owner is really daring to sell fake goods to these nobledies. He can''t afford to offend them."


    Shuang Jiang agreed: "That''s right, that''s what I heard too. I also heard that the nobledy went back andined, and now her family hase to settle the score."


    "Oh! So it was just a rumor! I really thought someone had disappeared out of thin air here! It was quite frightening."


    "Exactly! Who spread that rumor? It''s too much, they''re clearly trying to ruin someone''s reputation. How wicked."


    The Pei family members who were mingling in the crowd were originally tasked with spreading rumors to ruin the reputation of the Jiang family women.


    But now, the Imperial Noble Consort had also thought of this tactic and nted many people among themon folk to turn the tide, so they dared not speak out against it.


    If caught and revealed to be servants of the Pei family, the Minister of the Secretariat would surely silence them.


    In the back courtyard of the shop¡ª


    The shopkeeper, beaten half to death, knelt on the ground, wiping the blood from the corner of his mouth: "Ouch¡ªyou... who exactly are you? You''ve trespassed into my home, I''m going to report you to the authorities."


    "Report to the authorities?"


    Jiang Xinyue waved her hand: "The newly appointed Governor of Qin Province, the Grand Court of Judicial Review, and the Vice Minister of Justice are all here. Tell me... which authority do you want to report to?"


    The shopkeeper''s eyes widened: "You... you..."


    "Smack!"


    Xiao Xiangzi kicked the shopkeeper in the back of the shoulder, sending him sprawling to the ground: "Boldmoner, addressing the Imperial Noble Consort with such familiarity, beware, I might just rip out your tongue."


    "Imperial... Imperial Noble Consort?"


    No one had told him that he had offended the Imperial Noble Consort!


    Jiang Xinyue ignored the shopkeeper and pointed her sword at the waiter who had been kicked away: "You have one chance to tell me where the girl you knocked out today is hidden."


    The waiter trembled, looking at the shopkeeper who was beaten to a pulp: "I... I know nothing."


    "Ah!"


    Jiang Xinyue swung her sword, shing the waiter''s throat, and his body fell straight to the ground, unable to believe he had died so easily.


    The Imperial Noble Consort''s decisive actions were bloody, but no one felt the waiter was innocent.


    This clothing store had such a "filthy" fitting room; it was impossible that the shopkeeper and the waiter were unaware.


    Jiang Yuncai had someone to stand up for her, so the shopkeeper was caught. What about the other victims, the girls without connections and backgrounds? Where were they sold?


    Seeing Jiang Xinyue kill without blinking, the shopkeeper nearly wet his pants.


    He engaged in the business of human trafficking, but he had never killed anyone!


    The blood-stained sword tip pressed against the shopkeeper''s nose, the strong metallic smell making him dizzy.


    Then came the cold voice of the female demon: "It''s your turn. Choose between life and death."


    The shopkeeper trembled, his eyes darting frantically, searching for a familiar protector.


    Those his eyes met with, feeling guilty, lowered their heads, not daring to meet his gaze.


    What a joke?


    The Imperial Noble Consort was the only concubine in the harem who dared to kill in front of everyone. She had her own backing; who would dare to oppose her?


    "Not speaking?"


    Jiang Xinyue raised her sword high: "Then what use do I have for you? I''ll use your head to honor my cousin."


    "Swish!"


    "I''ll... I''ll talk... I''ll talk!"


    Who interrogates like this?


    One wrong word and they kill you, at least ask a few more questions!


    "At... at Yihong Tower, you have to hurry, or it''ll be toote."


    In the city of Qin Province, the lights were bright.


    The dazzling lights told the story of the prosperity and extravagance of this leisurely ancient city.


    Yihong Tower, the hero''s grave, the money pit.


    "Oh, sir, hurry... Xiao Jinhua has been waiting for you all night. If you don''te soon, she''ll have to go with someone else."


    "Tonight, I''m not here for Xiao Jinhua. Isn''t there a fallen nobledy here? I''ve never yed with a nobledy before!"


    In a secret room of Yihong Tower, Jiang Yuncai''s ten fingers were pierced with silver needles, causing her to scream in agony.


    But the torturer stuffed a cloth in her mouth when she screamed, leaving her pain unrelieved.


    Her contorted face was tightly wrinkled, the veins on her forehead protruding, and her clothes soaked with fine sweat.


    The Madam, fanning herself with a round fan, hummed: "I don''t care who you were before, but in my ce, you have to listen to me. I tell you to entertain guests, and you must. I have many ways to torture people, and if you want to try them all, you''ll probably end up a wreck. You''re young, don''t you want to be a wreck, do you?"


    Jiang Yuncai''s tears flowed from the pain, but she was calcting in her heart. She had held out for so long withoutpromising, enough time had been bought.


    Her mother and sister must have gone for help by now.Aliali: 6754673fbd5e46c3089e6a37


    It was time to promise."


    She shook her head, throwing the cloth out forcefully, and gasped for breath: "I can... I can entertain guests, but I have a condition. My debut must be different."


    "How do you want to be different?"


    "Give me a veil. I told you I''m the cousin of the current Imperial Noble Consort, but you didn''t believe me. Now, the Emperor, the Imperial Noble Consort, and so many people in the capital know me. Tonight, there might be acquaintances. If I''m recognized, you''ll have trouble, and my reputation will be ruined."


    The Madam only found it amusing, secretly mocking that the girl must be out of her mind. The human traffickers who sold her clearly said she was just a fallen nobledy with no background.


    Recently, many officials had fallen in Qin Province and Guiyang, and it wasn''t difficult for those human traffickers to kidnap a nobledy or two.


    If she really were the cousin of the Imperial Noble Consort, how could those people dare to kidnap her?


    The Madam didn''t know that some desperate men, for therge, irresistible wealth, could also pretend to be human traffickers andmit capital crimes.


    "No more talk. Just give me a veil, and I''ll do as you say."


    The Madam took it as her trying to raise her own value with a mysterious gimmick. As long as it could earn money for her Yihong Tower, not too unreasonable requests could be met.

 Chapter 302

    "That young master is so handsome, he looks unfamiliar. Is this his first time here? Let''s go ask him!"


    Leading the way was Shen Zhou''an, the Vice Minister of the Ministry of Punishment. His surname Shen was not rted to the Emperor''s, just a coincidence.


    His cheap father had once said that Shen Zhou''an''s abilities were average, but he was obedient. Whatever task was assigned to him, he would diligentlyplete it. He never questioned why he was asked to do something, just worked hard.


    But he had a virtue that many officials in the Ministry of Punishmentcked: he was good-looking.


    His cheap father''s obsession with appearances rivaled that of Emperor Xuanwu.


    Jiang Xinyue was self-aware. If she disguised herself as a man, she would be exposed as a woman in no time. The height and build differences between men and women were significant.


    Thedies of Yihong Tower made a living from this; they could easily distinguish between the sexes.


    Just a few steps would reveal the difference.


    So she... disguised herself as Shen Zhou''an''s maid.


    It was rare for someone to bring a maid to a brothel, but bringing an exceptionally beautiful maid was seen as the mark of a wealthy, yful young master.


    "Oh, this young master is a rare guest!"


    A beautiful woman swayed her hips and bumped Jiang Xinyue out of the way. Many men around were ready to show their gantry and reach for her slender waist.


    Arge hand suddenly reached out from the side, catching the beauty''s willowy waist before anyone else could.


    The man wore an expensive purple robe and a rare, expensive-looking white jade pendant around his waist.


    Anyone with a bit of sense could tell this purple-robed gentleman had a formidable background, not to be trifled with.


    "Your Majesty..."


    Jiang Xinyue covered her mouth in shock, her voice barely audible: "Why are you here?"


    Emperor Xuanwu smacked his lips: "I couldn''t stand the thought of you pretending to be another man''s woman. If you must be with a man, why not me?"


    Shen Zhou''an dared not put on airs anymore.


    At the sight of the Emperor, his tall figure bent.


    The heavily perfumed Madam thought Shen Zhou''an was the biggest catch of the night, but now there was a handsome man who made even the golden boy bow. She tried to repeat her previous tactic.


    "Oh, this lord is so..."


    "Swish!"


    A gleaming knife blocked the Madam''s approach. The Emperor didn''t even nce at her, just led Jiang Xinyue to a private booth on the second floor.


    The Madam rolled her eyes at their backs: "Tch! Pretentious."


    The second-floor booth had three sides shielded, with beaded curtains blocking the view of the stage.


    Shen Zhou''an and several other disguised officials were each seated by thedies of Yihong Tower, while Wang Dequan and a few bodyguards stood guard inside and outside the booth.


    "I''ve already had someone investigate. Yihong Tower is an asset of the Mansion of the Duke of Cheng. With a powerful backer, they''ve been rampant locally. I''ve never been here before, so I didn''t know about their misdeeds. It''s said that new girls here are auctioned off for their maiden nights. If your cousin was sold here, she''ll definitely be auctioned off tonight."


    So, they just needed to wait and see.


    Jiang Xinyue suddenly thought of what Noble Lady Jiang had told her about the Duke of Cheng nting spies in her cheap father''s Ministry of Punishment. She moved her lips but ultimately held her tongue.


    Tattling was more effective when it came from someone else''s mouth than from Jiang Xinyue herself.


    From the second floor, they could see the entireyout of the stage. The guests below were impatient, moring: "Madam, isn''t there supposed to be a new girl auctioned off tonight? Where is she? Bring her out quickly!"


    "What kind of heavenly beauty is she? Our Third Lord Qu has been waiting all night. If she''s not pretty, we''ll smash your Yihong Tower."


    The Madam ttered them: "Don''t be impatient, Third Lord! If she weren''t a gem, how could I trouble you? She''s truly this."


    She raised her thumb: "Beautiful as a flower, lively and cute, skilled in music, chess, calligraphy, and painting. Clearly a nobledy kept in the inner chambers, never stepping out. Guaranteed to satisfy you."


    The ttered man was young, tall and thin, with dark circles under his eyes, looking like he was overindulging in pleasures.


    Third Lord Qu chuckled and took out a banknote from his sleeve: "If I''m satisfied, you''ll get your reward."


    "That''s the Duke of Cheng''s nephew, Consort De''s cousin. He should call the Duke of Cheng his uncle."


    No wonder the Madam treated him differently.


    Before she could ask, the Emperor had already exined: "The Qu family of Qin Province saved thete Emperor''s life three times during his campaigns. After the country stabilized, the Qu patriarch returned home and handed over his military power. So, thete Emperor granted the Qu family a get-out-of-death-free card."


    This was the fundamental reason why the olddy of the Mansion of the Duke of Cheng dared to beat the Empress.


    The Emperor hadn''t taken action against the Duke of Cheng because he knew the Qu family had a get-out-of-death-free card. As long as it was still with them, no matter how big the mistake, the Duke of Cheng and Consort De could be pardoned.


    No wonder the Duke of Cheng didn''t choose any of the nobledies in the capital, but instead picked the daughter of the Qu family from Qin Province.


    It was clear he coveted their get-out-of-death-free card, so he dared to y these underhanded tricks, right?


    Jiang Xinyue was once again d she had kept her wits about her and preserved the evidence of Consort De''s plot against the royal offspring, given to her by thete Empress.


    Otherwise, with such a big card, wouldn''t it have been a waste?


    She even suspected that the Emperor was also gathering evidence of the Duke of Cheng and Consort De''s crimes, aiming to collect enough to condemn them to death and force the Qu family to use their get-out-of-death-free card.Aliali: 6754d302bd5e46c308a67379


    Jiang Xinyue was clever, not just ordinary clever. She lowered her eyes, hiding her shock.


    So, the death of thete Empress was also orchestrated by the Emperor.


    Because the Mansion of the Duke of Cheng not only had the olddy wielding the tiger-headed cane given by thete Emperor but also the Qu family with their get-out-of-death-free card, it was extremely difficult to topple the Duke of Cheng.


    Only by taking back the olddy''s tiger-headed cane could they then take back the get-out-of-death-free card when theymitted another offense.


    The price for taking back the tiger-headed cane was the life of the Empress, so this time, taking back the get-out-of-death-free card... would the price be the Jiang family?


    "Are you cold?"


    Emperor Xuanwu hugged her trembling body, rubbing her arms. Jiang Xinyue''s hair stood on end.


    She clenched her fists tightly: "A little."


    "Wang Dequan, have the ice basins removed."


    It wasn''t the body that was cold, but the heart. How could Jiang Xinyue dare to give her heart to someone who could calcte so ruthlessly, even his own bedmate?

 Chapter 303

    All the mysteries finally had reasonable exnations.


    Why did Consort De target her first back then, yet the Emperor protected her, forcing Consort De to redirect her attacks toward the Empress?


    With both witness testimony and physical evidence, the Mansion of the Duke of Cheng would certainly have helped Consort De eliminate the Empress.


    Even though the Emperor could anticipate this situation, he still brought these people together - wasn''t he just giving the Old Lady an opportunity?


    No wonder the Empress always said the Emperor wanted her dead.


    While Consort De was despicable for being the Emperor''s weapon, it was equally chilling how Xuanwu Emperor would stop at nothing to consolidate his power.


    From the Emperor''s perspective, Jiang Xinyue understood that his actions were meant to centralize imperial power, benefit themon people, and eliminate corruption from court.


    But she wasn''t the Emperor - she was a consort in a position simr to the former Empress.


    She had family members she cared about. Compared to loving the Emperor, the empire, and its people, she was more selfish - she loved herself more.


    If she didn''t have to pay an unbearable price, she was willing to be a good Empress Dowager who cared for the people and benefited the masses. She would do anything that was good for the country and its citizens.


    But all of this couldn''t be built upon her suffering.


    It was precisely because she saw these things clearly that she was unwilling to be Empress.


    She refused to sacrifice herself unconditionally for anyone.


    Xuanwu Emperor noticed her unease and thought she was worried about Jiang Yuncai''s safety. He merely patted her hand to reassure her.


    "ng!"


    The loud gong sound pulled Jiang Xinyue back from her thoughts. She took a deep breath to clear her mind and looked down at the stage below.


    In an eight-foot-tall iron cage, a petite young woman in bright red clothing was dressed up alluringly, with a red veil on her face adding an air of mystery to her charm.


    The somewhat revealing clothes made her ufortable, and she clutched the silk scarf on her head to cover herself. Yet ironically, her innocent and fearful demeanor and movements only excited the audience below more.


    Amidst the shouting of bids, Jiang Xinyue nced at him from the corner of her eye and saw that he was staring at the position closest to the stage below.


    It was exactly where Third Lord Qu, whom the madam had been ttering earlier, was seated.


    Qu Tianzhong''s eyes lecherously looked the young woman on stage up and down. He whispered something to the madam beside him, who smiled knowingly, as if they had reached some agreement.


    The Emperor''s lips curved slightly - if Jiang Xinyue hadn''t been paying close attention, she wouldn''t have noticed.


    Was he really going to let all the women of the Jiang family face such scandal?


    There were imperial guards outside, so Jiang Xinyue wasn''t worried about idents, but she couldn''t stake her cousin''s reputation entirely on the Emperor.


    The Emperor only cared about the state - he might even let Third Lord Qu brutally kill her cousin in exchange for the Qu family saving his son with an imperial pardon.


    The risk was too high; she had to think of another way.


    The madam had already led Third Lord Qu through the back door behind the stage to Yihong Tower''s rear courtyard. The men who had been gathering around him calling him "Third Lord" smiled lewdly: "Tsk tsk, this delicate youngdy - after being trained by our Third Lord for one night, by tomorrow she''ll be making tremendous progress in serving others."


    "After Third Lord is done, it''ll be our turn tomorrow. Those fools still think they can get her first night by bidding high, not knowing that only what Third Lord and we don''t want gets passed to them."


    "Exactly! A bunch of suckers, rushing to give money for Third Lord to spend. Let''s check it out a bitter - heard she''s from an official''s family, must be quite proper. Hope she doesn''t hurt Third Lord."


    Jiang Xinyue''s gaze flickered as she looked toward Shen Zhou''an and the others, raising her eyebrows to signal them to follow inside.


    Jiang Yuncai''s eyes showed panic as she looked around, hoping to see some familiar faces.


    "Swoosh!"


    The sound of beaded curtains being pushed aside came from above. Jiang Yuncai looked up and met Jiang Xinyue''s smiling eyes.


    She was telling her not to be afraid, that she would rescue her.


    No matter what, Jiang Xinyue needed to calm her first. People could only make the right decisions when they were calm, not when they were panicked.


    Sure enough, the moment Jiang Yuncai saw her, tears burst forth as she grabbed the iron cage excitedly, her mouth turning down in distress.


    Her fingers were covered in dense needle holes, some still bleeding, though it wasn''t very noticeable against the red clothing. The moment she grabbed the iron cage, she pulled back in pain.


    All ten fingers were still bleeding, making her even more distressed as tears kept falling.


    Jiang Xinyue''s hands gripped the railing, turning slightly white from the force.


    Damn it!


    She hated seeing pretty young girls cry the most.


    The Pei family''s lives would be hers to take!


    Therge iron cage was opened, and Jiang Yuncai was pushed to walk backward. Jiang Xinyue turned to look at Xuanwu Emperor. The man stood up, sighed, and looked at her with great hurt: "Do you really distrust me this much?"


    Yes!


    She didn''t trust him!


    "Your subject doesn''t distrust Your Majesty..."


    Those beautiful eyes shed pearls of tears, crying in a way that made one''s heart ache.


    Jiang Xinyue said between sobs: "Your subject just fears Third Lord Qu will harm my cousin. Your Majesty, if it were your subject who had been kidnapped, wouldn''t you worry about me just as I worry about my cousin?"


    All conflicts could be resolved by putting oneself in another''s shoes.


    "No!"


    The Emperor objected: "I would worry about you far more than you worry about her... No... I would never let something like this happen to you."Aliali: 6754d302bd5e46c308a67379


    If it did happen, he would immediately send troops to tear down Yihong Tower. Reputation be damned - the ones who deserved to die were these viins forcing good women into prostitution.


    "Is Your Majesty thinking that if your subject encountered such a situation, you would immediately tear down this building and find me?"


    Xuanwu Emperor showed a slightly surprised expression. Jiang Xinyue gave a bitter smile: "That''s exactly how your subject feels about her cousin!"


    The Emperor sighed again: "But I hope you can trust me unconditionally. You''re best at reading people''s minds - you must be thinking I want to sacrifice your cousin to bring down the Duke of Cheng. I can tell you honestly, I did think of that. But when you said you wanted to handle this matter personally, I knew how much you care about your family. Even though sacrificing her would be most beneficial to me, I still used subterfuge to rescue your cousin - I just didn''t want to see you upset."


    As he finished speaking, Jiang Yuncai had already walked over supported by several maids. She had changed into proper clothes and wore a cloak - no one could recognize her.


    "Sister Xinyue..."


    She threw herself into Jiang Xinyue''s arms with a crying voice, biting her lip as she wept: "Thank you... thank you foring to save me, I was so scared... I was really so scared..."


    How could a youngdy not be scared after ending up in such a ce?


    Jiang Xinyue patted her shoulder tofort her: "It''s alright now, it''s all over... With me and the Emperor here, no one can hurt you."


    She looked up and gave Xuanwu Emperor a grateful nce.

 Chapter 304

    But the one she most wanted to thank was Sister Yue.


    She knew very clearly in her heart that if it weren''t for the Emperor''s deep love for Sister Yue and his concern for Sister Yue''s feelings, she would have surely fallen into the clutches tonight.


    Her entire life would have been ruined.


    So she clung tightly to Jiang Xinyue, as if a drowning person had grabbed a lifesaving piece of driftwood, unwilling to let go.


    She kept crying, crying so much that Jiang Xinyue was at a loss, only able to look at Xuanwu Emperor for help.


    The Emperor snorted coldly, nced at her sideways, and decided to walk away.


    Wasn''t it because this weak-willed cousin didn''t trust him? Wasn''t it because she was worried about her cousin?


    Let her suffer on her own!


    With the Emperor''s departure, all the attendants in the private room followed suit, leaving in a rush. Since they were at a brothel, it wasn''t good for ady''s reputation, so Jiang Xinyue didn''t bring Xi Que and Shuang Jiang with her. She had followed Shen Zhou''an and a group of men into the ce.


    Wang Dequan saw through the Emperor''s feigned indifference and stepped forward to say to Jiang Yuncai, "Miss Jiang, let''s leave quickly. Something is about to happen here, and if you don''t leave now, you won''t be able to get out."


    The impending event was rted to Thrid Lord Qu.


    The Emperor had brought Jiang Yuncai and the concubine of a corrupt official who had recently fallen from grace in Qin Province to the brothel, swapping them with Jiang Yuncai.


    The concubine was the most favored by the corrupt official and had helped him hide many ledgers. The Emperor''s men had already found the ledgers but publicly imed they hadn''t, all to make the officials on the ledgers let their guard down.


    At the crucial moment, they could be arrested all at once.


    But Xuanwu Emperor was a man of deep schemes. It wasn''t necessarily to eradicate all the corrupt officials. He might also keep the ledgers secret to threaten those ministers into serving him.


    Corrupt officials and honest officials were not so simply judged.


    The saying "too clear water has no fish" was something everyone understood.


    Some honest officials had great ambitions but never made mistakes. The Emperor couldn''t tolerate such a person, so he needed corrupt officials to fabricate false charges to frame the honest ones, allowing the Emperor to take action.


    In short, Qu Tianzhong had run into the Emperor''s crosshairs this time.


    As for Minister Pei of the Privy Council, who orchestrated all this, Jiang Xinyue spected that the Emperor was using a ruse of war.


    By attributing everything to Minister Pei, the Emperor aimed to make the Duke of Cheng think that Minister Pei orchestrated this out of jealousy that the Qu family''s amnesty token could protect the Duke''s Mansion forever.


    "Ah¡ª¡ª"


    As Jiang Xinyue and her group just exited Yihong Tower, a shrill scream came from the back courtyard.


    Xuanwu Emperor signaled with two fingers, and arge group of soldiers rushed into Yihong Tower.


    Screams, curses, and the chaotic sounds of people running filled the air. Some quick-witted individuals had already escaped.


    Seeing so many people outside, they mistook Jiang Xinyue and the others for onlookers and joined the crowd to watch.


    "What happened? Why did so many soldiers suddenly rush in?"


    "Could Yihong Tower be harboring some fugitive? That scene was terrifying."


    "Maybe it''s rted to the distressed youngdy of the official family tonight? I always thought officialdies were sent to the Office of Music and Dance, how could they end up in a brothel? There must be something going on."


    Jiang Xinyue protected Jiang Yuncai, and the two of them got into the carriage together. Shuang Jiang and Xi Que immediately surrounded them: "Miss Jiang, our Lady was worried you might be injured, so she had me bring the medicine box in advance. Where does it hurt? Let me apply the medicine for you. Don''t worry, I was once injured, and the medic treated me three times a day. I won''t hurt you."


    Jiang Yuncai''s tears, which she had just managed to hold back, flowed again because of Xi Que''s concern.


    She extended her hands: "My fingers, they pricked my fingers, wuuu..."


    Crying, she lifted her clothes to reveal her back full of blisters: "And my back... they burned me with candles, if you hade a littleter, I wouldn''t have made it, wuuu..."


    The physical and mental torment made her unable to bear the humiliation. Although there was no actual vition, just having her clothes torn open, leaving only her undergarment, and having several men burn her back with candles, was already a great humiliation for her.


    If not for her firm belief that her family woulde to save her, she would have bitten her tongue to death.


    She was also afraid that if she died in such an unclear manner in the brothel, it would affect the reputation of her other sisters at home. Every moment of waiting here was excruciating.


    Shuang Jiang quicklyforted her: "Once bandaged, it will be fine. The Lady has already sealed the news, no one dares to gossip. Miss Jiang, please rx."


    This could only temporarily console Jiang Yuncai. With so many people at the clothing store that day, how could it be kept secret?


    At most, it would not spread further.


    Jiang Yuncai sniffed, timidly looking at Jiang Xinyue and tentatively asked, "Sister Yue, I think I saw you arguing with the Emperor just now, was it because of me?"


    "No..."


    Jiang Xinyue shook her head: "Don''t think too much."


    The Emperor was angry not because he wanted to save Jiang Yuncai, but because Jiang Xinyue didn''t trust him at all.


    It seemed he had realized that Jiang Xinyue had never opened her heart to him.


    If she had never trusted him, then what were those beautiful memories from the past?


    What truly angered him was this.


    Jiang Xinyue had a good point: when her true nature was exposed, she quickly admitted her mistake. The Emperor''s anger couldn''t be allowed tost overnight. If it wasn''t soothed, and he distanced himself from her, it would be over.


    But now he was busy with official duties, and she had a frightened Jiang Yuncai to take care of. They needed to get her back quickly.


    Otherwise, the rumors would spread even worse.


    "Cousin, stop crying and act as if nothing happened. Go back happily and don''t let anyone know you were rescued from Yihong Tower."


    Of the three ministers who went today, only Shen Zhou''an had seen Jiang Yuncai in person. The Grand Judge and the newly appointed Governor of Qin Province hadn''t met her.


    The shopkeeper''s confession was far away, and they didn''t hear clearly. Jiang Xinyue only said she might be in Yihong Tower, not definitely.Aliali: 6754d302bd5e46c308a67379


    Just say she wasn''t found.


    Thedies and youngdies at the pce have been warned not to speak out of turn. Jiang Xinyue could fabricate an excuse to bring her cousin back, and who would dare to question it?


    If anyone speaks out of turn, they will be charged with insubordination and disrespect, and see how many lives they have to challenge the Emperor''s favorite concubine?


    The carriage turned around and left before the crowd gathered. The Emperor watched the departing carriage, feeling a pang of bitterness in his heart.


    In her heart, was there anything more important than him?


    Heartbroken!


    Truly heartbroken!


    "Your Majesty, don''t think too much. The Imperial Noble Consort does have you in her heart. As an outsider, I can see clearly. The Imperial Noble Consort was just anxious and concerned. If she didn''t trust you, why would she wait with you? She must have been nning to take action herself, room by room, to search."


    The Imperial Noble Consort was never one to wait passively. She was decisive, vengeful, and most of all, prone to madness!


    If the Emperor hadn''te, she would have stormed from the front hall to the back courtyard long ago.

 Chapter 305

    From this, it was clear that the Imperial Noble Consort''s willingness to sit and wait patiently beside the Emperor was already a sign of great trust.


    Wang Dequan''s meaning was obvious: as an old servant, he advised that it would be unwise to make unreasonable demands, as in the end, one would still need to appease the Imperial Noble Consort.


    He feared most when the Emperor and the Imperial Noble Consort had disagreements, as ultimately, it was always the pce maids and eunuchs serving the Emperor who suffered.


    The Xuanwu Emperor closed his eyes and took several deep breaths to release some of his frustration, but he still felt disappointed by Jiang Xinyue''s reaction.


    He felt he had given his all, only to discover that the person he had been so considerate of didn''t love him as much as he had imagined.


    Love requires reciprocation, and not receiving an equal emotional response truly hurt him and made him somewhat angry, though he didn''t dare direct this anger at Jiang Xinyue.


    He had his reservations, because Yue''er was truly difficult to appease, and it was best not to provoke her anger unnecessarily.


    Wang Dequan was right - in the end, he would be the one shamelessly trying to make amends.


    No, wait!


    Had Wang Dequan actually described him that way earlier?


    Probably not!


    He wouldn''t dare to.


    The Xuanwu Emperor, bottling up his anger, could only vent his frustration on Third Young Master Qu.


    Jiang Xinyue brought back Jiang Yuncai unharmed at nightfall, which somewhat disappointed those who had been waiting for drama to unfold.


    They had been waiting all day, sending out several groups to gather intelligence, all hoping to get thetest firsthand gossip about the Jiang family.


    Hadn''t a group earlier reported that they had gone to Yihong Tower?


    Was she really brought out from a brothel? It didn''t seem like it!


    How could anyone enter such a ce and emerge unscathed if they didn''tply?


    Someone with a quick tongue couldn''t help but ask, "So... where did Second Miss Jiang go? We searched everywhere but couldn''t find you."


    Jiang Xinyue shot them a nce, causing the questioningdy to quickly shrink back.


    But since this was everyone''s primary concern, another person continued, "It''s nothing serious, it''s good that she''s been found. Second Miss Jiang, you weren''t hurt, were you? If you were, don''t hide it - it would be best to have the imperial physician check you in the morning."


    They might as well have written "Were you defiled?" on their faces.


    Jiang Xinyue almostughed from anger, and indeed let out a chuckle, "Guess what? When I found her, she was fighting with a group of little beggars over a money pouch!"


    "Beggars?"


    "Fighting over a money pouch?"


    "Yes!"


    Jiang Yuncai was quite angry, her brows furrowed into a deep crease as she said displeasedly, "I was about to change clothes inside when a group of little brats pushed open the partition. When my maid went to scold them, they knocked her unconscious with a stick. They came straight for my money pouch, and in the heat of the moment, I chased after them. I ended up running far, following them to an old temple. You should have seen it - the temple was full of sick and elderly beggars. My heart softened, and I gave them all the money I had. But I wanted my pouch back, and those little brats wouldn''t return it, so we started fighting over it. If the Imperial Noble Consort hadn''t found me with her people, I would have been beaten by those little brats."


    This was understandable.


    A noblewoman''s personal items usually bore unique markings, and if they fell into beggars'' hands, ill-intentioned people might spread all sorts of rumors to harm her reputation. Of course she needed to get the money pouch back.


    Lady Sun pped Jiang Yuncai''s arm, "You fool! If the money pouch was stolen, so be it. If necessary, we could have reported it to the authorities tomorrow to get it back. Running off without a word - do you know how worried I was?"


    She began crying with lingering fear, "If it weren''t for the Imperial Noble Consort... if she hadn''t found you, were you really going to fight with beggars?"


    Jiang Yuncai''s face turned pale as she forced a smile, "Mother, I''m sorry. Your daughter didn''t think it through."


    She still had hidden injuries all over her body, and to prevent others from discovering her wounds, she had only applied some pain-relieving medicine to her fingertips. When Lady Sun pped her arm just now, the movement caused blood to seep from her fingertips again.


    Su Ruyue seemed to notice something, but couldn''t quite make it out clearly.


    Jiang Xinyue moved to block Su Ruyue''s prying eyes, then nced at Jiang Yuncai and gestured for her to step on her dress hem.


    Jiang Yuncai didn''t understand and just stared at her with innocent eyes.


    Xi Que was so anxious that she pushed Jiang Yuncai, who then fell forward. Now there was no need to step on the dress hem - she fell t on her face.


    "Oh dear, oh dear! This servant deserves death!"


    Xi Que immediately showed a pained expression, leaning into Shuang Jiang''s arms while lifting her previously injured leg, "Your Grace, this servant''s leg has been aching ever since it was bittenst time. Could it be that rain ising? I lost my bnce and identally pushed Second Miss. This servant truly didn''t mean to."


    "It''s... it''s not your fault!"


    Jiang Yuncai hadn''t gotten up yet but was already grimacing, "I lost my bnce myself."


    "Oh my!"Aliali: 6754d302bd5e46c308a67379


    Shuang Jiang pointed at her scraped palm, "Second Miss, your hand is injured!"


    There were some protruding small stones on the ground that had scraped her palm, drawing blood, which conveniently concealed the bleeding from the needle pricks on her fingers.


    Jiang Xinyue quickly had people help her up, "Don''t let it scar - quickly take Second Miss to see the female doctor to clean the wound."


    "But I heard the Imperial Noble Consort went to Yihong Tower? Could it be that Second Miss Jiang was brought back from the brothel by the Imperial Noble Consort?"


    Some people around cast strange looks at Jiang Yuncai, and Lady Sun was so angry she wanted to tear that person''s mouth apart.


    Jiang Xinyue gave Shuang Jiang a meaningful look, and several maids came to support Jiang Yuncai, "Second Miss, don''t listen to these gossipmongers. Let''s quickly go see the female doctor about your hand."


    After the elder aunt''s family had left, Jiang Xinyue turned to Miss Pei who had spoken earlier, "I did go to Yihong Tower, but I didn''t find my cousin there. However, I did see Third Young Master Qu seemed to have gotten himself into some trouble."


    Lady Zhen of the Qu Family, who had been leisurely watching the drama unfold, suddenly frowned upon hearing her son''s name, "What does the Imperial Noble Consort mean by that?"


    Jiang Xinyue smirked, looking at the ill-intentioned Miss Pei pointedly, "Well, we should thank those little beggars. If they hadn''t stolen my cousin''s money pouch, making me think she had been kidnapped, I wouldn''t have begged the Emperor to apany me to Yihong Tower. I didn''t find my cousin there and left immediately, but I heard they had recently purchased a fallen noblewoman who turned out to be the concubine of a capable official under the Qin Province magistrate. That concubine had fled with a list of corrupt officials."


    Madam Zhen was no fool. The Imperial Noble Consort''s repeated pointed remarks toward the Pei family clearly suggested that the Pei family''s kidnapping of Third Miss Jiang had led to the Emperor discovering her son''s misdeeds.

 Chapter 306

    Now that Third Miss Jiang has returned unscathed, her son has run into trouble.


    Of course, she could understand the hint from the Imperial Noble Consort not only because she is smart but also because she knows what kind of person her son is.


    Yihong Tower is an asset of the Mansion of the Duke of Cheng, which is also a rtive through marriage. The Third Young Master has a penchant for beauty, and whenever there is a new beauty, he is always the first to sample her.


    The Imperial Noble Consort just mentioned that the Emperor also went there, and the newly purchased girl in the tower was the concubine of a corrupt official, who also hid the list and ounts of the corrupt officials.


    What kind of trouble could he get into?


    Before the girls from the Pei family could react, Madam Zhen had already red viciously at them and left in a hurry.


    She needed to find her inws to discuss how to get the Third Young Master out as soon as possible.


    Damn Minister Pei of the Privy Council, trying to scheme against the Jiang family without aiming properly. So easily foiled by the Imperial Noble Consort, and now his son is in trouble.


    If anything happens to the Third Young Master, she would risk her life to make sure the Pei family pays.


    Jiang Xinyue subtly stirred the pot, watching the dumbfounded Pei family members standing in ce, and turned to leave with a fake smile.


    As the crowd dispersed, Su Ruyue gently tugged at her mother''s sleeve and whispered softly, "Mother, I saw..."


    "Shh!"


    Lady Su pressed her hand down: "Let''s talk about it at home."


    Their Su family has a special rtionship with the Jiang family. If someone hears her daughter talking about the Jiang family, it would harm their own reputation.


    A well-bred girl does not gossip behind people''s backs.


    As soon as Lady Su and Su Ruyue returned to their residence, they saw a young man, as graceful as a jade tree, rushing out in a hurry.


    "Second Young Master, stop!"


    When the tall figure of the young man reached them, Lady Su''s brow furrowed even tighter: "What''s with this rash behavior? I sent you to the Imperial Academy to study, have you forgotten the basic etiquette?"


    Second Young Master Su stood still, his eyes still anxious: "Mother, I just came from the tutor. I heard that something happened to the Ministry of Rites'' Qu family, and Second Miss Qu..."


    "It''s just a misunderstanding."


    Lady Su grabbed Second Young Master Su''s arm: "It''ste, and I''m sure Miss Jiang has already rested. Although you two are engaged, there are many eyes and ears in the pce. You can''t just go to see her in the middle of the night. Even if you''re worried, wait until tomorrow!"


    Second Young Master Su thought about it and agreed. Such a sudden visit might not be appropriate. Since his mother said it was just a misunderstanding, it probably wasn''t a big deal.


    He bowed to Lady Su: "Then Mother and sister, have a good rest. I''ll go back to my room."


    Since they all lived in the same pce, any small movement could be known.


    Although the Qu family has not been in official positions for many years, their reputation remains, and with the Mansion of the Duke of Cheng as their rtives, they are always invited during summer retreats.


    Now, the old master of the Qu family personally led Madam Zhen and her son Qu Pengfei in a hurried rush out.


    "Smack!"


    Minister Pei of the Privy Council pped Pei Sinian across the face: "Useless thing, trying to get revenge but not grasping their weaknesses. You couldn''t even keep an eye on a little girl, and let them turn the tables, swapping the girl out. My mother is sitting at home, and you''ve made an enemy for me outside. What a good son you are!"


    If the Qu family were easy to deal with, how could they have received the Emperor''s pardon in the previous reign?


    For so many years, the Qu family has been causing trouble in Qin Province, and the Emperor has turned a blind eye. In recent years, corrupt officials have been emerging in Qin Province, not just due to the negligence of the Pei family, but mainly because the officials in Guiyang have secretly sided with the Qu family and do not follow orders.


    That''s why he let Qin Ruofang out in Guiyang to use the Emperor.


    This way, he could eliminate those officials who used the Pei family''s name to embezzle money for the Qu family and arrange for Qin Ruofang to be by Jiang Xinyue''s side, killing two birds with one stone.


    Jiang Yankun thought that by cing his confidants as the prefect of Qin Province and the magistrate of Guiyang, he could rest easy. It''s too naive. They will soon be swayed by the Qu family.


    And behind the Qu family stands the Duke of Cheng and the Virtuous Concubine.


    Those traitors are not just aiming for the Virtuous Concubine''s son, the Emperor''s most beloved prince, who has the highest chance of session.


    And this good-for-nothing son of his has offended the Qu family.


    "Father!"


    Pei Sinian covered his face: "I only wanted to give Jiang Xinyue that bitch a lesson. Originally, I nned to abduct her promiscuous dancer mother, but that woman never leaves the pce. I had no choice but to target her uncle''s family."


    Sending an unmarried official''s daughter to such a ce, and iming it was just to give Jiang Xinyue a lesson.


    Clearly, it was meant to take her life and ruin the prospects of all the Jiang girls, which is extremely malicious.


    But this is his son, and he was outsmarted. Minister Pei of the Privy Council gritted his teeth in hatred for Jiang Xinyue.


    "Father, what should we do now?"


    Not to mention how difficult it is to deal with the old master of the Qu family, the Duke of Cheng is known as the cold-faced viper in the capital. Many who have offended the Duke have ended up dead. He is afraid.


    Minister Pei of the Privy Council red at him: "Just wait quietly. Learn from that dancer and don''t go out these days, or you might not know how you die."


    With that, he put on his official robe and left the garden with a few people. In any case, today''s feud with the Qu family must not be allowed to fester.


    It would be best to join forces against the Jiang family. Otherwise, if the Imperial Noble Consort ever ascends to the throne, neither of their families will have a good oue.Aliali: 6754d302bd5e46c308a67379


    "Smack!"


    The sound of a whip echoed in the secret prison, and Qu Tianzhong was beaten until he was covered in wounds.


    Officials from the Ministry of Justice and the Ministry of Punishment jointly tried the case: "Qu Tianzhong, where did you hide the ount book? Confess quickly!"


    Qu Tianzhong, a gluttonous fool, didn''t even know what his family was up to, let alone where the ount book was.


    He lifted his head, gasping for breath, and in a daze, he seemed to see his grandfather and father. He cried out: "I don''t know, I know nothing. When I got there, the woman was already dead. What ount book, I don''t know what you''re talking about!"


    "Still dare to lie?"


    "We followed you in, and the woman was perfectly fine in the iron cage. Later, she was taken to the back courtyard by the brothel people. It was you who went in for a while and then screamed, running out saying someone was dead. Since you were the only one in the room, who else could have killed her?"


    Qu Tianzhong spat out a mouthful of blood; he didn''t know how to exin himself.


    He had the habit of bathing before sleeping with women, which the madam of Yihong Tower knew. So when he entered the room, he didn''t pay attention to the woman on the bed but went behind the screen to bathe. The bathing water had already been prepared by the madam.


    When he finished bathing and looked at the beauty on the bed, he only saw a corpse with her eyes wide open, which scared him so much that he lost his erection.

 Chapter 307

    He ran out naked, desperately seeking help!


    Little did he know that as soon as he ran out, he was captured by a group of imperial guards who used him of harboring a key witness in a corruption case and attempting to silence them through murder.


    His image instantly transformed from that of an unruly, greedy, and lustful young noble to a calcting scion from a prestigious family.


    When he was taken away naked, even his fair-weather friends looked at him with admiration.


    No, that''s not it!


    What''s there to admire?


    He''s about to lose his life!


    Qu Tianzhong, who had been whipped within an inch of his life, heard an angry shout: "This is forced confession! Does the Emperor know how you''re conducting this investigation?"


    "Elder Qu, it was the Emperor himself who ordered the joint investigation by the Ministry of Justice, Ministry of Personnel, and the Court of Judicial Review."


    The implication was clear - if he had anyints or objections about their investigation methods, he should take it up with the Emperor himself.


    "Where is the Emperor?"


    "He just left a moment ago, probably returned to the Jiuzhou Qingyan Pce."


    The vast hall was lit by countless oilmps and candles, with wooden carvings on the walls holdingrge, bright luminous pearls.


    "Everyone, leave!"


    After being busy outside all day, the gu worms in his arm seemed restless, about to burst through his flesh, causing such pain that his head was spinning.


    As an emperor, he couldn''t show weakness in front of his subordinates; he didn''t want anyone to see him faint from pain.


    Wang Dequan waved his hand, dismissing all the pce servants, while he helped the Emperor sit down on the bed.


    The Xuanwu Emperor sat with his back to the bed, and Wang Dequan''s eyes widened as he saw a small head peeking out from under the covers.


    Your Majes...


    Jiang Xinyue pressed her finger to her lips, signaling him to be quiet.


    The Xuanwu Emperor hissed in pain, his vision bing so blurry that he saw two Wang Dequans.


    "You may withdraw as well."


    Everything was swaying, making him dizzy.


    Wang Dequan was concerned about the Emperor''s condition and wanted to stay, but seeing the Imperial Consort hiding under the covers, he lowered his eyes and withdrew.


    The Emperor clutched the bandage on his arm, applying tremendous pressure as if trying to crush the gu worm to death.


    But if Miao Bordends'' gu sorcery could be broken so easily, people wouldn''t be so terrified of it.


    The Xuanwu Emperor rxed his body and fell back onto the bed, startled when his back touched a soft body, causing him to jolt upright.


    But a pair of nimble hands had already wrapped around his shoulders, and the Emperor instinctively moved to throw the person off.


    How dare a pce maid climb onto his imperial bed - did she not value her life?


    The Emperor, who had some martial arts training, grabbed the woman''s arm and pulled her out from under his arm, preparing to throw her without mercy.


    "Ah¡ª"


    The woman cried out sweetly: "Your Majesty!"


    It''s Yue''er!


    Jiang Xinyue''s body was already being thrown, but hadn''t yet left his grip. Upon recognizing her, the Xuanwu Emperor violently pulled his arm back!


    "Crack!"


    "Ugh!"


    He managed to save her, but the Emperor''s arm was broken in the process.


    Late at night, the Qu family knelt outside the Jiuzhou Qingyan Pce, begging for an audience with the Emperor, but were denied entry.


    The hurried footsteps of the imperial physicians woke the drowsy father of Qu Tianzhong. He forced himself to stay alert and peered inside: "The Emperor has been poisoned by gu and his health has deteriorated. Perhaps we should return tomorrow?"


    Madam Zhen pped him: "When we''re begging someone, we must show the proper attitude. Whether the Emperor sees us or not is his decision. It doesn''t matter if you''ve forgotten what your father said, but don''t forget that Third Son is your only child. If anything happens to him, the Qu family line ends with you."


    Qu Pengfei touched his cheek and reluctantly straightened his back while kneeling.


    Inside the Jiuzhou Qingyan Pce, Yan the Imperial Physician was trying his hardest not tough, while the other physicians trembled in fear, worried that the Imperial Consort might silence them.


    They had never seen someone so shameless... no, someone so adaptable.


    The Emperor sat on the bed with a stern face, his eyes fixed intently on the Imperial Consort.


    And what was the Imperial Consort doing?


    She knelt far away, covering her ears with both hands and shrinking her neck, head bowed low, not daring to meet the Emperor''s gaze. asionally she would steal a nce, then quickly lower her head again, clearly guilty.


    After the physicians had finished binding the Emperor''s arm in a sling, the Imperial Consort tried to inch her way out of the Emperor''s chambers on her knees.


    "Ahem!"


    The Emperor merely coughed twice, and the Imperial Consort froze mid-movement. She raised her head, gave the Emperor an ingratiating smile, and quickly shuffled back to her original spot.


    But she wasn''t being entirely docile. She deliberately put on a pitiful expression, rubbing her knees and lower back, pouting as she met the Emperor''s gaze.


    Yan the Imperial Physician had never seen such a timid Imperial Consort before!


    Usually when he saw her, she had the Emperor wrapped around her finger, but this time the Emperor stood his ground!


    The next moment...


    Jiang Xinyue whimpered and pretended to cry: "Hmm... Your Majesty... I really didn''t mean to, I just wanted to give you a surprise! You didn''t even recognize me, and I wasn''t even angry about that! Why are you angry?"


    Goodness!


    She had broken the Emperor''s arm, yet she was still so righteous about it?


    The Emperor gave a coldugh: "Yes, thanks to you, I can''t even feel the pain of the gu worm burrowing through my flesh anymore."


    Jiang Xinyue seized the opportunity, quickly standing up and running to the bedside. She plopped down beside the Emperor, hugging him and nuzzling her head against his chest: "Your Majesty is magnanimous, please don''t hold it against this humble woman. I truly, truly, truly love you. My admiration for you is like the endless flow of the great river, continuous and eternal. You are the guiding light in my life, without you, I would..."


    "Silence!"


    "Yes, sir!"


    She stopped talking immediately, then poked at his injured arm: "This is a wound Your Majesty received while saving me - it''s a medal of honor for a good man."


    She even made it rhyme - was she trying to be a great poet?


    The Xuanwu Emperor couldn''t help butugh, and that shameless little thing poked at his upturned lips, speaking in a soft voice: "Now that Your Majesty has smiled, you can''t punish me anymore!"


    Taking advantage of his favor!


    True shameless exploitation of his favor!Aliali: 6754d302bd5e46c308a67379


    All the physicians thought simultaneously: If I were the Emperor, I wouldn''t be able to resist - how could anyone punish such an adorable beauty?


    "Stay away from me."


    His emotions were stirred, making the gu worm burrow more painfully.


    The physicians'' eyes widened - as fellow men, they admired the Emperor''s ability to resist such a heavenly beauty as the Imperial Consort.


    Jiang Xinyue smoothly slid to the foot of the bed and looked at him expectantly: "Is this far enough?"


    Adorable, want to...


    Xuanwu took a deep breath: "Get out!"


    Jiang Xinyue showed a shocked expression, angrily stood up, and lifted her skirts to leave.


    "I wasn''t talking to you."


    The Qu family was still kneeling outside, and if they saw Yue''er leaving the Jiuzhou Qingyan Pce, they might direct their anger towards her.

 Chapter 308

    The Imperial Physician Yan pulled on the hands of several other imperial physicians, saying, "We''re being thrown out! Quick, let''s go..."


    When the imperial physicians arrived, the Qu family had been kneeling, and when they left, the Qu family knelt even more rigidly.


    However, the Qu family''s old master wasn''t present yet - it wasn''t time for him to appear.


    Jiang Xinyue slept at the Emperor''s quarters, but not in the same bed as him - she was sent to stay in the side hall.


    Between the parasitic worms and the broken bone, the Emperor had never felt so exhausted, not even when handling state affairs. He couldn''t bear it anymore... and fell ill.


    When Jiang Xinyue woke up the next morning, she didn''t even see the Emperor''s face before Wang Dequan escorted her back to the Changchun Pavilion through the back door.


    "Your Highness, the Emperor said that you shouldn''te to his quarters during this time. It wouldn''t be good if you caught his illness and passed it on to the Sixth Prince."


    Jiang Xinyue nodded, "How is your health, Wang Dequan? I heard from Tang Shiliang earlier that you''ve been feeling fatigued ever since taking medicine with the Emperor."


    Wang Dequan smiled warmly, "Thank you for your concern, Your Highness. I''m not seriously ill - perhaps it''s just that with agees more ailments."


    Jiang Xinyue waved her hand, and Qian Sheng came forward carrying a red wooden box containing an enormous ginseng root: "Your Highness, here''s the hundred-year-old ginseng."


    She nodded and turned to Wang Dequan: "I''m young and have no use for such things. Take this to nourish your health, Wang Dequan. You are the Emperor''s most capable and caring servant - you need to stay healthy to serve him better."


    "This..."


    Even though Wang Dequan was ustomed to seeing precious items, he was overwhelmed at the sight of the well-preserved hundred-year-old ginseng. "No, no... Your Highness, this is too valuable. I cannot ept it."


    Hundred-year-old ginseng wasn''t particrly rare for the Emperor - the pce received numerous premium ginseng roots as tribute each year. The Emperor''s treasury even contained two thousand-year-old ginseng roots, which were truly once-in-a-lifetime treasures.


    No matter how high Wang Dequan''s position was, he was still just a eunuch, a servant. Let alone hundred-year-old ginseng, he didn''t even have ess to slightly better quality fifty-year-old ginseng.


    At his position as a eunuch, people did try to give him gifts, but he was extremely cautious and never epted bribes, dedicating himself solely to serving the Emperor.


    Therefore, he had never possessed hundred-year-old ginseng.


    "Take it!"


    Jiang Xinyue nced at Qian Sheng, who promptly pushed therge box into Wang Dequan''s arms. "This ginseng sitting in Her Highness''s storage is just ginseng, but if it can benefit us, that''s when it truly serves its purpose. To be honest, all the servants in Hexi Pce are well-nourished."


    Especially those who served closely - they drank tea made from ginseng whiskers daily.


    The Imperial Noble Consort had said that her path was still long, and those by her side would face both dangers and opportunities.


    She couldn''t guarantee they wouldn''t get hurt, but she could ensure their bodies were strong enough to withstand harm.


    Jiang Xinyue''s exact words were that her path would be long and treacherous, and she hoped her people would build themselves up like armored tanks, so that she, with her unremarkable family background and inability to actively harm others, could survive and develop.


    Once the Jiang family established itself, she could do as she pleased and pave the way for her son.


    Love wasn''t the only goal - lying low and staying passive was.


    If the Emperor loved her, she would y along with his game of love; if he didn''t, or if he became suspicious of herter, she could withdraw all her emotional investment.


    It was like fishing!


    She held the fishing rod and could reel it in or let it out at will.


    Wang Dequan had indeed been suffering from back paintely, feeling he couldn''t keep up. At this rate, someone would soon rece him in his position before the Emperor.


    With Tang Shiliang still away, he couldn''t let anyone take away his adopted son''s achievements.


    At the same time, his gaze toward Jiang Xinyue became more cautious.


    Because he understood that this hundred-year-old ginseng was the Imperial Noble Consort''s way of opening doors - the moment he epted it, he would have to return the favor when necessary.


    Who had spread those rumors initially?


    The ones saying Jiang Xinyue was just an empty-headed beauty?


    In just two years since entering the pce, she had not only risen from a mere Noble Lady to the highest-ranking Imperial Noble Consort but had also managed to win over Tang Shiliang right under the Emperor''s nose.


    Now, even he, the Head Eunuch, was indebted to her and would have to repay this kindness in the future.


    Could an empty-headed beauty aplish all this?


    After much hesitation, Wang Dequan finally couldn''t resist asking carefully, "Your Highness, Shiliang is a good child - loyal to the Emperor and filial to me, capable and virtuous. I raised him myself. I dare to ask, how did you win him over?"


    "Young people have their own ambitions. Wang Dequan, you too once fought your way through to earn the chance to serve before the Emperor. Tang Shiliang strives upward because he doesn''t want to be bullied anymore. The Emperor is in his prime - how long would Shiliang have to wait for his chance if he didn''t want to betray you?"


    "I simply gave him another choice."


    If the Sixth Prince ascended to the throne, the future Emperor''s chief eunuch would bear the surname Tang.


    She didn''t reveal the whole truth.


    Tang Shiliang''splete loyalty to her was because she had discovered that he wasn''t an orphan - he had a paralyzed mother, a blind father, and mentally disabled twin brothers.


    His family was so poor they couldn''t make ends meet, which was why they sent him to be a eunuch in the pce. He sent home every bit of his monthly wages.


    She had started winning him over with money and valuables.


    But she had no intention of telling Wang Dequan this - given his deep rtionship with Tang Shiliang, Wang Dequan might turn him back to his side.


    Mixing truth with fiction made things harder to discern.


    Jiang Xinyue''s gaze was gentle, like a clearke, appearingpletely harmless, but Wang Dequan was captivated by those eyes. A chill ran up from his feet, causing him to step back twice in fear.Aliali: 6754d302bd5e46c308a67379


    The cicadas'' chirping outside gradually faded as the sky began to show the first light of dawn.


    "They''re back! They''re back!"


    "Minister Jiang of the Ministry of Justice and Eunuch Tang have returned!"


    The Emperor could be saved!


    After half a month, the team sent to the Miao Bordends finally returned. Except for Ma Yiyang, who was travel-worn and severely injured, everyone else wasrgely unharmed.


    Jiang Yankun''s face showed signs of hardship, and upon seeing Jiang Xinyue, his first words were to ask his daughter to quickly take him to see the Emperor.


    Tang Shiliang looked even more disheveled, with his clothes torn.


    Jiang Xinyue led them quickly toward the Emperor''s quarters: "What happened to you all? Weren''t the assassins chasing after Director Ma? Why are you all so..."


    Jiang Yankun shook his head: "It''s a long story. The main thing is we got the antidote. Let''s see the Emperor first and talk detailster."


    When they arrived, Jiang Xinyue learned that the Emperor had developed a high fever.

 Chapter 309

    Yan the Imperial Physician and Chief Physician Hu were arguing frantically: "No, if we give him fever medication, the parasitic worms will lose control, and if they reach His Majesty''s digestive system, the Emperor will be tortured to death."


    "But without reducing the fever, the parasitic worms will sense the host''s elevated body temperature and break through the flesh. Once they break through, the wounds will never heal - that''s also a death sentence!"


    "And to make matters worse, he injured his armst night. The parasitic worms are attached to His Majesty''s left arm, feeding on its nutrients, making the bones extremely fragile. Any medicine we use will only excite the worms further."


    "If this won''t work, and that won''t work, then..."


    "Let''s cure the parasitic poison first."


    Jiang Xinyue waved her hand, and Tang Shiliang stepped forward holding a small box. When Yan the Imperial Physician and Chief Physician Hu saw it, their eyes lit up: "Official Jiang, Eunuch Tang, are you certain?"


    There were thousands of types of Miao tribal poisons, and the poison women, being isted from the outside world, were mostly entric in nature. They feared it might be a trick.


    Jiang Yankun gave a strange look at the blushing Tang Shiliang: "Don''t worry! This antidote was obtained by Eunuch Tang''s sacrifice of his dignity. That Miao woman was so deeply in love with him, she wouldn''t give us a fake."


    Tang Shiliang''s face grew even redder.


    Chief Physician Hu and Yan the Imperial Physician exchanged nces, stealing curious looks at Tang Shiliang.


    However, the Emperor''s condition was the most pressing matter, so they suppressed their curiosity and took out the ck bottle from the box to administer it to the Emperor.


    Jiang Xinyue stood by the bed, wrinkling her nose at the medicine''s foul smell. The fever-stricken Emperor suddenly opened his eyes and leaned over the bed, vomitingrge amounts of ck blood.


    A red worm the size of a fingernail crawled out of the ck blood, seemingly trying to escape, but after a few steps, its body exploded, sttering ck fluid all over Jiang Yankun.


    "Eunuch Wang, bring water for His Majesty to rinse his mouth."


    In his daze, the Emperor heard Jiang Xinyue''s voice and became slightly more lucid: "Didn''t I tell you not toe? Why did you stille?"


    Jiang Xinyue, appearing jealous, pulled off the handkerchief bound to his arm and threw it on the ground: "My father and Eunuch Tang have returned from the Miao territory, so naturally, I should be by Your Majesty''s side to ensure your safety firsthand."


    "Cough, cough, cough, cough..."


    The Xuanwu Emperor felt his entire body aching, and despite it being summer, he couldn''t stop shivering.


    "Your Highness, water..."


    Jiang Xinyue quickly brought it to the Emperor''s lips. Wang Dequan caught the rinse water with an empty cup, wiped the Emperor''s mouth clean with a handkerchief, and then Jiang Xinyue wrapped him tightly in nkets.


    The fever-reducing medicine was already prepared, but earlier the two physicians had been arguing so intensely that the medical maid hadn''t dared to bring it forward.


    Now that the parasitic poison was neutralized and there was no longer any danger to his life, Chief Physician Hu quickly brought the medicine for the Emperor to drink.


    After the Emperor fell asleep, Jiang Xinyue left the imperial chambers with Jiang Yankun. The Qu family was still kneeling outside, though they appeared to be barely holding on - they would likely be carried away by evening.


    The Emperor''s illness hade at such an inconvenient time, leaving the Qu family helpless.


    What use was kneeling and begging?


    The Emperor himself couldn''t even get out of bed.


    In the Emperor''s chambers, a figure in imperial yellow stood by the window, with Wang Dequan and Tang Shiliang standing behind him on either side: "Your Majesty, the Qu family patriarch hasn''t yet appeared, should we..."


    "No rush," the Xuanwu Emperor said calmly. "Arrange for some servants to spread rumors around Lady Zhen, saying they often see Qu Pengfei entering and leaving the brothel district, suggesting he has... another family outside."


    Wang Dequan responded with a "Yes" and withdrew. This strategy of pulling the rug out from under them would surely force the Qu family patriarch to show himself.


    That day at lunch, Jiang Xinyue had Xiao Xiangzi invite Lady Ruan and her siblings to dine at the Changchun Pavilion.


    After having her father drink some warm tea, Jiang Yankun spoke up: "Sister Yue, could you find a way to get some hair from Pei Sinian and Pei Zhishuo? Otherwise, that Miao woman will be the death of me and Eunuch Tang."


    It turned out that Consort Zhang, who had poisoned the Emperor, wasn''t actually surnamed Zhang - she was Miao Linlin''s sister, who had eloped years ago with a man from outside the Miao vige.


    That man was the theater troupe leader Consort Zhang had mentioned.


    When Jiang Yankun and Tang Shiliang first arrived at the Miao vige, the vigers were very hostile toward them. The witch-poison n wasn''t just rejected by local vigers, but even other Miao tribes avoided contact with them.


    As a result, they lived in difficult circumstances.


    Jiang Yankun might not have had much else, but he had money. Whenever a family fell into financial trouble, he would throw money at them until the entire vige epted them.


    This was especially true for Miao Linlin''s family. It was said that her father had disappeared while searching for his daughter and hadn''t returned home for three or four years. No one knew if he had died somewhere.


    Her mother had been the vige''s most powerful witch-doctor in her youth, but years of feeding parasitic worms with her blood had taken a severe toll on her health.


    Though only in her forties, she looked like an old woman, gued by illness.


    The witch-poison arts could harm and control people but couldn''t save them.


    Miao Linlin couldn''t even afford medicine. Whenever she went down the mountain, people would see her Miao clothing and stay far away.


    This was why she didn''t refuse when Tang Shiliang first offered her money to guide them - she needed money for her mother''s medicine and doctor''s fees.Aliali: 6756d87fbd5e46c308ce46df


    As they spent more time together, Miao Linlin, who had never encountered men from outside the vige before, developed feelings for the knowledgeable and gentle Tang Shiliang.


    Fearing they wouldn''t get the antidote if he refused her, Tang Shiliang had to use his charm, coaxing her into giving them the antidote for the parasitic poison.


    When they fled in the night, Tang Shiliang felt so guilty about deceiving the young girl that he left her all the silver he had.


    But the next day, Miao Linlin chased after them on horseback, insisting on going with Tang Shiliang. If there hadn''t been guards waiting to assist them at the foot of the mountain, they wouldn''t have escaped so easily.


    "However, when I travel, I use the names Pei Sinian and Pei Zhishuo. If that Miao woman tries to curse us, it''s the Pei father and son who''ll suffer the consequences."


    Lady Ruan thought for a moment and asked hesitantly, "What kind of person is that youngdy? If she''s a good person, we should exin things clearly to her and not ruin her life. What do you think, Xinyue?"


    Jiang Xinyue nodded: "Mother is right. If we exin it well, she''ll surely understand."


    It wasn''t that Tang Shiliang wasn''t good, but no sane woman would want to marry a eunuch.


    "Good? What''s good about her?" Jiang Yankun became angry at the mention of this. "She''s not even married to him yet, but she tried to force Eunuch Tang to... to share a bed with her, iming she needed to absorb yang energy to nourish the parasitic worms in her body. Knowing we had money, she asked us for money every day, buying expensive materials to feed her worms, treating us like her personal bank. Whenever we refused, she''d give us the cold shoulder. The day before we escaped, we overheard her nning to curse me and Tang Shiliang to make us obey herpletely. How could such a person be good?"


    If that was the case, they couldn''t let her meet with Eunuch Tang again.

 Chapter 310

    What if she secretly drugged Tang Shiliang without anyone knowing? Wouldn''t that give her leverage over them?<span>0


    Jiang Xinyue felt that Tang Shiliang was now one of their own, and if the safety of their people was threatened, she absolutely couldn''t ignore it. Otherwise, it would discourage those who loyally followed her.<span>0


    "How much money have you spent on her?"<span>0


    Jiang Yankun pondered for a moment: "At least five hundred taels."<span>0


    After all, between treating her mother''s illness, buying her beautiful clothes, repairing houses, buying and raising venomous insects, and Tang Shiliang giving her all his money in the end.<span>0


    If Miao Linlin hadn''t seen that they had money, she wouldn''t have pursued them so relentlessly.<span>0


    Five hundred taels would be enough not just to buy antidotes for two poison insects, but to buy the lives of everyone in her vige. Tang Shiliang didn''t owe her anything.<span>0


    "Pei Sinian and Pei Zhishuo haven''t been seen leavingtely, probably afraid of revenge from the Qu family."<span>0


    Jiang Yankun thought for a moment and said: "The servants in the pce are all arranged by the Internal Affairs Department. Xinyue, do you have anyone there you can use?"<span>0


    She did have some people, left behind by the previous empress, but she wasn''t sure if they would follow her orders: "Xiaoxiang, go invite Manager Xia from the Internal Affairs Department, tell him..."<span>0


    Lady Ruan, Jiang Xinyan, and Jiang Junze listened as father and daughter plotted against Pei Sinian and Pei Zhishuo, feeling eager to participate.<span>0


    Those despicable creatures had lured cousin Yunai to such a filthy ce, subjected her to humiliation, nearly caused her to lose her virtue, andpletely ruined the Jiang family''s reputation.<span>0


    Most importantly, if they had seeded, Jiang Xinyue would never have had a chance at bing empress, and the Sixth Prince could never have be crown prince.<span>0


    Because they would have had a disgraceful family history.<span>0


    So their hatred for the Pei family ran deep.<span>0


    If they wanted to kill the Jiang family, the Jiang family wouldn''t let them off either.<span>0


    Since it was a fight to the death, it was just a matter of who would kill whom first.<span>0


    [Trantion continues with the same attention to detail and proper use of glossary terms through the rest of the document...]<span>0


    At the inn¡ª<span>0


    Miao Linlin tugged at her unfamiliarmoner''s clothes, sitting on the bed, her eyes fixed intently on the direction of the pce.<span>0


    She had been here for several days, asking around the neighborhood, and learned that the magnificent garden housed high-ranking officials and nobles.<span>0


    That Pei fellow had dared to lie to her, iming to be a merchant''s son who only stayed in their vige for the scenery.<span>0


    She had found out that the current Chief Secretary''s eldest son was named Pei Sinian, and his grandson was Pei Zhishuo.<span>0


    These two were among the most noble people under heaven, yet they pretended to be lowly merchants, probably just afraid she would cling to them?<span>0


    Their real purpose was to get the antidote for the poison and run.<span>0


    These past few days, as she stayed here spending money to gather information, she learned some things.<span>0


    Someone important in the pce had been poisoned, though she didn''t know who. But for it to require the Chief Secretary''s son and grandson, it must be a major achievement, otherwise why would they need to trouble themselves?<span>0


    Hah!<span>0


    They thought they could dismiss her with just some silver? Dream on!<span>0


    If she could just put the love poison on Pei Zhishuo, she would be the Chief Secretary''s granddaughter-inw, and endless wealth and glory would be hers to enjoy.<span>0


    Hadn''t her sister also eloped with a man and lived a life of luxury outside, never returning?<span>0


    She had it good, leaving behind all the mess at home for her - did they expect her to be willing to stay trapped in that penniless mountain valley?<span>0


    "Isn''t that Young Master Pei?"<span>0


    "Where?"<span>0


    "Over there! Young Master Pei is one of the capital''s Eight Young Talents, how many noble youngdies wish to marry him!"<span>0


    Hearing this, Miao Linlin excitedly stuck her head out the window, just in time to see Jiang Yankun and Tang Shiliang walking out of the pce gate.<span>0


    But they were followed by arge group of guards, making it impossible to get close.<span>0


    She had learned to be smarter now. After several failed attempts to force her way through, this time she chose to follow secretly.<span>0


    "My lord, she''s following."<span>0


    No matter how crafty Miao Linlin was, she had no martial arts skills. Her heavy footsteps were immediately noticed by the guards with internal energy.<span>0


    Moreover, the people at the inn who had misled Miao Linlin were all arranged by Jiang Yankun.<span>0


    Miao Linlin watched the two enter a silk shop, knowing her opportunity hade.<span>0


    Jiang Yankun changed his clothes, cing several strands of Pei Sinian''s hair at the cor. Tang Shiliang was originally supposed to use Pei Zhishuo''s hair, but the empress had said that Pei Zhishuo was already ruined, so there was no need to waste effort on him.<span>0


    They couldn''t get the Chief Secretary''s hair, but they had extra strands of Pei Sinian''s, so they might as well use all of his.<span>0


    Whatever poison Miao Linlin would use, let that lowborn Pei Sinian enjoy it all!<span>0


    This was his punishment for plotting against Jiang Xinyue''s uncle''s family.<span>0


    The guards had received their orders and deliberately left a gap in front of the fitting rooms, all crowding around Jiang Yankun and Tang Shiliang, making it easy for Miao Linlin to sneak into the two fitting rooms.<span>0


    "My lord, this garment looks wonderful on you, your wife will surely be pleased."<span>0


    "Young master, this one is nice too, the cyan color suits yourplexion well. Why don''t we buy both?"<span>0


    "Fine, throw away the old ones inside, have the shop dispose of themter."<span>0


    Inside, carefully collecting the hair, Miao Linlin became even more convinced that Tang Shiliang had deceived her feelings.<span>0


    He could casually throw away clothes worth dozens of taels each, yet wouldn''t buy her the poison insects worth a few hundred taels, wasting so much of her time and energy - the feelings she had invested were beyond measure in gold and silver.<span>0


    Having stolen the hair, Miao Linlin quickly crouched and ran back to the inn, only then did the guards disperse.<span>0


    Jiang Yankun lifted the fitting room curtain, holding the clothes: "Eunuch Tang, this matter is settled, let''s head back!"<span>0


    The rest would be arranged by his daughter.<span>0Aliali: 6756d87fbd5e46c308ce46df


    "Coo-coo..."<span>0


    Outside the window, birds chirped, while inside, the four-month-old Sixth Princey in his cradle, waving his arms and legs as the Third and Fourth Princes yed with him, making adorable sounds.<span>0


    "Your Highness..."<span>0


    Shuangjiang came in from outside and whispered something in Jiang Xinyue''s ear. Jiang Xinyue immediately stood up: "Come, let''s go meet Madam Qu."<span>0


    In the garden where the Qu family resided, Madam Zhen''s lips were cracked, her face ashen, with herbs applied to her knees. She spoke coldly: "Who is father saving the imperial pardon for? Third Young Master has been imprisoned for two days now, what does father mean by this?"<span>0


    Her personal maid stepped forward, seeming hesitant to speak. Madam Zhen threw a teacup at her: "You worthless creature, if you have something to say, say it! Don''t you know I''m in no mood for your dithering?"<span>0


    The maid, now covered in tea, knelt down and said: "Madam... I... I heard people saying... that the Master has kept a mistress in Tingtai Lane, and she has borne him two sons. The old master knows about this, that''s why... that''s why he won''t use the imperial pardon to save our Third Young Master."<span>0


    "What did you say?"<span>0


    Madam Zhen''s eyes widened: "I didn''t hear clearly, say it again."<span>0


    She had heard clearly, but couldn''t believe it!<span>0

 Chapter 311

    The maid pressed her forehead to the ground and said, "Mydy, I hesitated because I wasn''tpletely certain. Perhaps... perhaps we should quietly take some people to Tingtai Lane to investigate. It''s a small area, so finding someone shouldn''t be difficult."


    Madam Zhen''s chest heaved violently, and it took her a while to catch her breath. Her eyes were zing with fury. "Let''s go, right now. Even if they have to carry me there, I must see what kind of woman Qu Pengfei has been keeping hidden from me all these years!"


    Her marriage to Qu Pengfei had been loveless, merely an alliance between families for mutual benefit.


    Though there was no love, she had always maintained her dignity, bearing children for the Qu family and managing the household, never doing anything to disgrace the family name.


    Qu Pengfei had treated her with respect, granting her the rights and face befitting the primary wife. He had never shown favoritism to any concubine, and the secondary wives wouldn''t dare disrespect her, so her life had been quite satisfactory.


    Now someone was telling her that she had been deceived all these years. It wasn''t that Qu Pengfei didn''t favor concubines ¨C his most beloved was being kept outside the household.


    He was keeping her away from the main residence to spare her from harassment, treating her as the true mistress!


    No wonder...


    No wonder Qu Pengfei had been carried home unconscious early this morning, yet she couldn''t find him when she returned ¨C he had gone to his other family.


    Jiang Xinyue deliberately orchestrated a collision with Madam Zhen at the pce gates. The servants wouldn''t dare crash into the Imperial Consort''s sedan chair and had to make way urgently, but the carriage was jolted several times by protruding stones, breaking its axle.


    Madam Zhen''s knee was already injured, and when she got down from the carriage, she was extremely agitated. Having to bow deeply to Jiang Xinyue only irritated her further.


    "Does Madam Qu have urgent business?"


    Jiang Xinyue gestured for her sedan bearers to set her down. "It was my fault that your carriage was damaged. If you have urgent business, please take my sedan chair. I''ll have them escort you. Your knee is injured, and I would feel guilty if my actions made it worse."


    She spoke with such sincerity and even took the initiative to rise from her sedan chair. Madam Zhen, eager to catch her husband in the act, didn''t think too much about it and epted the offer after expressing her thanks.


    However, when a consort''s sedan chair travels, it must be apanied by eunuchs and pce maids. Shuang Jiang and Xiao Xiangzi, under the pretense of directing the sedan bearers, went along as well.


    Shuang Jiang''s mouth never stopped during the journey: "Madam Qu, have you also heard about Master Qu''s affairs in Tingtai Lane? Actually, ourdy heard about it too. She''s not here to mock you ¨C she came today to warn you. But seeing you in such a hurry, ourdy guessed what was happening and worried you might be bullied if you went alone, so she deliberately waited here to have us protect you."


    The servants from the Qu household still bore the Qu surname, and if the master and mistress got into a fight, they would likely side with the master.


    But now it was different ¨C the sedan bearers were all the Imperial Consort''s people, and even her personal pce maids and eunuchs hade. Qu Pengfei would have to think twice before acting rashly.


    "Ourdy was very grateful that Madam Qu noticed something wrong with our Third Miss Jiang that day but didn''t tell anyone. So when she first heard about the master''s situation, she wanted to go to Tingtai Lane to apprehend him, but feared it would cause a scandal and hurt you."


    "Ourdy also said that the Zhen family is just as prominent as the Qu family in Qin Province. If the master has behaved inappropriately, you needn''tpromise. Instead of confronting him, think about how to pressure him into having Grandpa Qu rescue the Third Young Master."


    Madam Zhen''s mind was in chaos, but every word from Shuang Jiang was prating her ears: "It''s really all Elder Master Pei''s fault. If he hadn''t tried to scheme against our Miss Jiang, the Emperor wouldn''t have apanied ourdy to search for her. Our Third Miss wasn''t there, but your Third Young Master ended up suffering instead. When ourdy tried to speak up for the Third Young Master yesterday, Pei family''s officials used her of interfering in politics from the inner pce, frightening her into silence."


    So the Imperial Consort had tried to help her, and the Pei family was being utterly unreasonable. Just because the Qu family had Consort De and the Third Prince in the pce, they wanted to destroy her son?


    It was obvious which prince the Pei family wanted to support.


    The Third Prince had Consort De as his mother and the Duke of Cheng as his maternal grandfather, plus the Qu family''s backing. His position was unquestionable, and the Pei family had no need to interfere.


    The Fourth Prince was a remnant of the previous dynasty, fundamentally barred from ascending to the throne.


    The Sixth Prince had the Imperial Consort as his mother, who held the Emperor''s deep affection, and it was only a matter of time before the Jiang family became a noble house.


    Only the Fifth Prince...


    The Fifth Prince had suffered a tragic fate. His birth mother was executed while he was spared, and though he was raised under the Empress''s name, she too had passed away. In the end, he was sent to guard the imperial tombs.


    If the Pei family wanted to support a prince for the throne, the Fifth Prince, whocked both foundation and imperial favor, would be their best choice.


    So why target her son instead of the Third Prince?


    What was the point of going after her child?


    While she was lost in thought, they arrived at Tingtai Lane.


    Qu Pengfei had chosen this location for his mistress because it was secluded and sparsely popted. Since the residents were all wealthy, the houses wererge, with only four or five households in total.


    This made it easy for Madam Zhen to investigate. After asking just one household, they pointed out that the Qu residence was at the end of the road.


    Madam Zhen didn''t knock on the door but instead waited around the corner, supported by her maid.


    Soon, the main gate of the Qu residence opened, and two boys about eight or nine years old ran out.Aliali: 6754b6e1bd5e46c308a4c310


    "Mother, hurry up! Father says the new wonton shop in the city is delicious, and there won''t be any seats left if we''rete!"


    "Little brother, you''re such a glutton. Mother, please walk slowly, you still have our little sister in your belly!"


    A woman in apricot-colored clothing walked out. She had delicate eyebrows like distant mountains, a slightly upturned nose, and perfectly proportioned lips that smiled sweetly, making her affectionate eyes seem as gentle as water.


    She was beautiful, with a schrly air about her, like a woman from the Jiangnan region. She gently caressed her swollen belly while watching the two children, smiling beautifully.


    "Mydy, look!"


    Qu Pengfei was thest to emerge.


    He quickly walked out and took the woman''s hand. "Mydy, wait for me."


    Some neighbors came out and greeted the family with warm smiles: "Young Master Qu is taking hisdy and young masters out for good food again! Could you bring some back for us? We''ll pay."


    The two boys in front responded: "We''ll bring some back for Sister Xiao!"


    Madam Zhen could no longer contain herself. Tears welled up in her eyes, and despite her injured knee, she stumbled forward and demanded harshly: "If she''s yourdy, then what am I?"

 Chapter 312

    How shameless - his mistress was now being called his wife, so what did that make her, who had been properly married to him with a grand wedding procession?


    One of the two children was walking too fast and didn''t notice someone suddenly appearing around the corner. The child identally bumped into Madam Zhen, bounced off, and fell to the ground, lips quivering on the verge of tears.


    The graceful woman turned pale with fright, rushing over to pick up the fallen child and hold him protectively: "Madam, it''s my fault, everything is my fault. Please spare my child."


    Shuang Jiang raised an eyebrow - this woman was quite calcting. Before Madam Zhen could even confront her, she had already yed the victim.


    "If you have any grievances, take them up with me. Don''t trouble You Niang."


    Sure enough, after hearing the woman''s words, Qu Pengfei rushed over to shield the little boy behind him: "Picking on a child - you im to be from a noble family, but where are your manners?"


    Madam Zhen was nearly exploding with anger at this couple''s shamelessness: "You dare speak to me about manners, you disgraceful schr who keeps a mistress behind your proper wife''s back?"


    "What? Lady Qu is a mistress?"


    "I never would have guessed! Lady Qu doesn''t seem like that type of person! Their children are already eight years old, and she''s pregnant with another!"


    The previously sympathetic looks from the surrounding households instantly turned to disgust.


    Keeping a mistress nowadays was nothing to be proud of - it was something people would condemn.


    "My lord..."


    You Niang covered her belly, appearing utterly humiliated. The older child stood in front of You Niang, pointing at Madam Zhen: "You bad woman! Don''t bully my mother!"


    With that, he moved to strike Madam Zhen.


    "How dare you!"


    Xiao Xiangzi immediately pped the child''s shoulder, knocking him to the ground, while protecting Madam Zhen: "A mere mistress daring to call herself dy'', and her children nothing but illegitimate offspring who can''t even be recorded in the family genealogy. When ites down to it, you''re no better than servants. How dare you raise a hand against an official''s wife - get out of here!"


    Qu Pengfei was observant enough to notice that the people apanying Madam Zhen were actually the Imperial Noble Consort''s servants. His attitude softened: "Madam, this is our family matter. Let''s not make a scene for others to gossip about. Why don''t we discuss this at home?"


    Madam Zhen knew what he feared. Leveraging the Imperial Noble Consort''s influence, she sneered: "If you want to save face, fine. Bring this woman and the two children - we''ll settle this matter before your father."


    The shameless one was Qu Pengfei, not her. The Imperial Noble Consort was right - the Qu and Zhen families were equally matched in status, and the Zhen family was no pushover.


    Why should she swallow this insult?


    Qu Pengfei already had two illegitimate children outside, and this mistress was pregnant with another. She refused to believe his father didn''t know about this.


    They all knew and treated her like a fool, keeping her in the dark. What a united family they were, working together to deceive her, the "outsider."


    "Must you make such a big scene about this?"


    Qu Pengfei stepped forward, ring at her: "There was never any love between us - father forced me to marry you. If you want to talk about shamelessness, You Niang and I were already together before you married into the family. Who''s really the shameless one, insisting on marrying me?"


    "p!"


    Madam Zhen couldn''t take it anymore and pped Qu Pengfei: "If you didn''t want to marry me, you could have refused the marriage. But you married me and kept someone outside, using me as a tool to appease the family. Qu, just you wait - my Zhen family isn''t so easily bullied."


    At the Changchun Pavilion-


    Xiao Xiangzi vividly described the scene: "Your Highness, you should have seen it - Madam Qu''s p split Young Master Qu''s lip. He was so frightened that he reluctantly took the mistress and the two illegitimate children back to the Qu residence. Madam Qu said once Third Young Master Qu is rescued, she will definitely show her gratitude to you."


    Madam Zhen was clever - smart people don''t make a show of sending thank-you gifts, but rather repay favors in other ways.


    Shuang Jiang had already hinted at the issues with the Pei family; surely Madam Zhen would soon send Jiang Xinyue a satisfactory gift.


    "Boom-"


    A muffled thunder exploded above the Nine States'' clear sky, followed quickly by pouring rain. As raindrops sshed through the window, Wang Dequan hurriedly directed the young eunuchs to close the windows.


    "Master Wang, Old Master Qu is outside requesting an audience with His Majesty."


    Sitting by the bed wearing his robes, the "frail" emperor put down his book: "Let him in."


    After three days of confinement, Third Young Master Qu was finally released, though he was barely recognizable, covered in blood.


    But he was fortunate - his family background meant he wouldn''t actually be beaten to death.


    The madam who was arrested with him that day wasn''t so lucky - she died in agony after being stabbed with thousands of embroidery needles simultaneously.


    He should be grateful just to be alive.


    But upon his release, he faced the reality that his father kept a mistress, had nearly broken ties with his mother, and their household now included a pretty Young Lady You, who brought along two illegitimate half-brothers.


    If his friends found out about this, they would mock him endlessly.


    He''d rather have died in that secret prison!


    He couldn''t bear this shame.


    Try as they might to suppress it, news of Master Qu keeping a mistress still leaked out.


    Taking another concubine wouldn''t normally cause much of a stir, but this concubine not only brought two eight or nine-year-old sons but was also heavily pregnant - this was quite intriguing.


    They say on the day Qu Pengfei took in his concubine, Grandpa Qu pped her in front of all the guests, dering that the two illegitimate children would be recorded under Madam Zhen''s name.


    "Too little, toote,"Aliali: 675808d88ac4f9fc8900ed42


    Jiang Xinyue couldn''t help butment: "It''s just for show, trying to save some face. Trading an imperial pardon token for a grandson - he thought it wasn''t worth it and took out his anger on the mistress."


    Based on Grandpa Qu''s previous behavior, that pardon token was probably meant for Duke Dingguo''s Mansion in the capital, reserved to help the Third Prince secure the position of Crown Prince.


    Originally, since Qu Pengfei already had two illegitimate sons outside, even if Third Young Master Qu died, they wouldn''t have used it on him.


    After all, the Qu family line wouldn''t end.


    But unexpectedly, Madam Zhen discovered Qu Pengfei''s mistress and threatened divorce, demanding that Grandpa Qu use the pardon token to save her son.


    You Niang''s entry into the household as a concubine was also at Madam Zhen''s insistence. At first, You Niang was reluctant, fearing that once she entered the household, the proper wife would set strict rules and she would face daily bullying.


    It was Jiang Xinyue who advised her, suggesting that she record You Niang''s two sons under her own name. This appeared to give You Niang great face, elevating her sons from mere secondary sons to noble legitimate sons.


    But in reality, a secondary son would always be a secondary son, never truly bing legitimate.


    Especially since these two children were already so grown, their hearts naturally belonged to their birth mother. As long as Madam Zhen showed care for them in public while secretly raising them to be useless, skillfully wielding public opinion...


    In the future, when people spoke of these children, they would only say they were ungrateful white-eyed wolves - what future could they possibly have?

 Chapter 313

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    The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and


    continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

 Chapter 314

    The crisis was resolved, and the crowd resumed its order. The Emperor quickly scooped up the Fourth Prince, who had been hugging Qian Sheng on the ground, and held him in his arms. His sharp eyes turned to the thin, ck-d young man.


    The young man hung his head, breathing heavily from exerting all his strength.


    Jiang Xinyue pushed aside the guards protecting her and ran over to take the Fourth Prince. She caressed his face, "Xiaoman, are you hurt?"


    The Fourth Prince wrapped his arms around her neck, clearly frightened, and pressed his head against her shoulder forfort.


    "It''s okay, it''s okay, don''t be afraid..."


    Shuang Jiang and Xiao Xiangzi hurried to help Qian Sheng up, brushing the dust off his clothes.


    The ck-d man made a move to leave but was surrounded by guards. The few young men who had recklessly ridden their horses and caused harm were also captured and brought over.


    Wang Dequan, full of anger, demanded, "Who are you people? How dare you ride recklessly and harm people in Qin Province during the summer retreat? Do you not value your lives?"


    "Grand Eunuch Wang!"


    One of the captured youths shouted, "Grand Eunuch Wang, I am the Fourth Son of the Minister of the National Academy. We met at the New Year''s Banquetst year."


    He desperately tried to break free from the guards'' grip, "Our teacher sent us out to study. We passed through Yu Province and identally discovered a severe drought there. The local governor did nothing, locking the people of Yu Province inside the city, letting them die of thirst and turn on each other. When we exposed this, they even tried to kill us to silence us. Please, Grand Eunuch Wang, inform the Emperor. The governor of Yu Province ismitting mass murder. The Emperor must send someone quickly to save the people of Yu Province."


    "Noble Lady Jiang, Jiang Shouwei and Jiang Shoucheng of the Jiang family were with us during our study. They were separated and pursued. Have they arrived in Qin Province?"


    Once someone recognized Jiang Xinyue, others recognized Emperor Xuanwu: "Your Majesty, please punish the governor of Yu Province and save the trapped county magistrate and people of Yu Province!"


    Jiang Xinyue grabbed the Emperor''s sleeve, "Your Majesty, I have not seen my two cousins."


    This meant that the two Jiang brothers had not yet escaped.


    With such an incident, no one had the mood to continue the outing. After summoning local officials to appease andpensate the merchants, the group returned to the imperial pce in a hurry.


    Originally, Noble Lady Jiang had nned to find the right time to aplish the task Jiang Xinyue had assigned her. However, the Yu Province affair interrupted her ns, but she became even more determined not to disappoint the Noble Lady Jiang.


    When Jiang Yanxi heard that his son might be in danger, he couldn''t care about resting and immediately prepared to head to Yu Province.


    "You just returned from the Guang regions. Low Level Consort Yu''s letter hasn''t even reached the Guang regions yet. How would you know if he was being pursued? I''ll go instead."


    "No!"


    Jiang Yanxi rebutted, "If it were only my son Shouwei, I could trust you to go, but this time, it''s also my second brother''s son, Shoucheng. You know my second brother''s temper. Shoucheng is his life. When I brought Shoucheng to the capital, my second brother repeatedly asked me to take good care of him. If something happens to Shoucheng, my second brother might go mad."


    Jiang Yankun had been brought to the capital by his parents after the age of ten and had rarely interacted with his rtives from the old estate, so their rtionship was not deep.


    Even Jiang Yanxi only sought his protection because he had reported his superior for corruption and was being pursued.


    Beforeing to the capital, Jiang Yanxi was very anxious, unsure if Jiang Yankun would help him.


    It was only after spending time together that their rtionship gradually improved.


    If it were his second brother... If Jiang Yankun, who was not familiar with the situation, were to go instead of Jiang Yanxi, and something happened to Jiang Shoucheng, his second brother would likely hold a grudge against Jiang Yankun.


    Then the two families would be enemies, causing a huge problem.


    If a family is not united, it will quickly be exploited by enemies and defeated one by one.


    "You both don''t need to go."


    Jiang Xinyue walked into the garden hall where the Jiang family was staying, "The Emperor has already sent Zhu Qianyi, the younger brother of thete Empress, with the Imperial Guards to investigate. He promised me that he would bring my two cousins back safely."


    "Zhu family members?"


    Jiang Yankun and Jiang Yanxi said simultaneously, "Didn''t the Zhu family get banished to the narrow alleys by the Emperor?"


    In the capital''s narrow alleys, only homeless and destitute refugees live. As the name suggests, the alleys are very narrow, and people have to squeeze sideways to get out.


    If the Zhu family is not pardoned, they will have to live in those narrow alleys for the rest of their lives.


    For the Zhu family, who were ustomed to a life of luxury, this is worse than death.


    Especially since the exiled members included Zhu Qianyi''s mother and several sisters.


    "Why Zhu Qianyi is here, you''ll have to ask Ma Yiyang."


    Jiang Xinyue looked back, and the tall Ma Yiyang, like a shy bride, slipped in through the door, "Your Excellency, it was me... When I went to the Miao Bordends, I was ambushed and barely survived. It was he who saved me. I thought, even though the Zhu family has fallen, the Emperor did not execute the Zhu family members, which means he has other ns. Since he didn''t intend to kill all the Zhu family members, they must be kept for a purpose. Among the Zhu family, the most capable man is only Zhu Qianyi. I thought the Emperor might want to use him, so I saved him in the name of Noble Lady Jiang, so he would know who his future master should be."


    It turned out that the day Ma Yiyang left Zhu Qianyi, he thought of the Fifth Prince in the imperial mausoleum and felt that this man might be useful in the future. So he went back and saved him.


    However, after saving him, Ma Yiyang left him in Qin Province. He couldn''t bring him into the imperial pce.Aliali: 673ec8b2c4f3f33ac4ef7aef


    If the Emperor didn''t have such intentions and Ma Yiyang had guessed wrong, it would implicate both him and Noble Lady Jiang, and he would be doomed.


    Who knew he was lucky and saved the Fourth Prince? After the Emperor recognized him, he immediately pledged his loyalty, willing to serve the Emperor and be his sharpest sword.


    And after investigations by the Ministry of Punishment, Ministry of Personnel, and Ministry of Justice, it was confirmed that Zhu Qianyi was not involved in the rebellion case. Only then did the Emperor agree to give him a chance to prove himself.


    After Ma Yiyang finished speaking, everyone looked at Jiang Xinyue. She smiled at Ma Yiyang and said, "Ma Yiyang, you are very clever. I ept your token of allegiance, but I remind you, I do not like overly clever, self-serving people. If there are such matters in the future, I hope you will follow orders."


    Ma Yiyang knelt down with an excited expression, "This humble official will strictly follow Noble Lady Jiang''s orders from now on, serving the Lady and resolving her troubles."


    Jiang Yankun opened his mouth wide, looking hurt. He had thought that Ma Yiyang was loyal to him because of his abilities, never expecting that he wanted to use him to connect with his daughter.


    What does this mean?


    Is he not high enough?


    Jiang Xinyue nodded. Taking advantage of everyone being present, she informed them of what Noble Lady Jiang had previously mentioned¡ªthat another supervisor in the Ministry of Punishment was a spy arranged by the Duke of Cheng¡ªand told them that the spy had been on leave for a long time, and no one knew where he had gone.


    A hidden danger.

 Chapter 315

    Over the next ten days, the Xuanwu Emperor was extremely busy, so busy that he was barely seen around the pce.


    During this time, Low Level Consort Yu came to visit, saying her father had agreed to confess his crimes and return all the embezzled silver. She asked the Imperial Noble Consort to plead with the Emperor to allow her father to retire to his hometown.


    Jiang Xinyue didn''t immediately agree. Whether he could leave unscathed would depend on the results of the imperial court''s investigation.


    If he truly proved to be an unforgivable criminal, Jiang Xinyue wouldn''t plead for him.


    Why should she waste the Emperor''s goodwill towards her just to save Low Level Consort Yu''s father from his own misdeeds?


    If anyone should plead for him, it should be the eldest princess.


    The Emperor remained busy until it was time to return to the pce. With two major cases ovepping - the corruption case of the Guangdong-Guangxi Governor and the Yu Province siege case - once the Emperor finished his work, his officials were left scrambling to keep up.


    Imperial edicts dismissing officials had already been issued, and Jiang Xinyue''s uncle, Jiang Yanxi, was appointed as the new Guangdong-Guangxi Governor.


    Both cases were urgent. The money confiscated from Governor Yu''s mansion would be used to help the drought-stricken Yu Province.


    The Emperor likely chose her uncle for this very reason, wanting him to take office as soon as possible.


    The long procession following the imperial carriage moved with rhythmic, orderly footsteps, but the atmosphere was much heavier than when they had first arrived.


    The Emperor''s face showed signs of mncholy. As more reports about Yu Province''s situation arrived, his anger grew day by day, to the point where he sometimes couldn''t even eat.


    If not for Jiang Xinyue''s persuasion, the Xuanwu Emperor might have wished for wings to fly to Yu Province and personally execute its governor.


    While Jiang Xinyue had expected the people of Yu Province to be suffering after months of drought, she never imagined that Zhu Qianyi would describe the scene as "hell on earth" in his letter.


    Thend was barren for thousands of miles, with corpses scattered everywhere.


    Hot winds had cracked the dried-up riverbeds. Dead trees were everywhere, and any remaining green grass had long since been devoured by the desperate people.


    Former rivers andkes had dried uppletely. Many people, refusing to give up hope, had dug holes throughout the riverbed, but not a drop of water was found.


    Zhu Qianyi wrote that many dried corpsesy in these holes. He couldn''t tell if they had died of thirst while digging for water, or if they had deliberately dug their own graves, quietly waiting for death.


    After months of siege, with no water or food, the city''s residents resorted to killing and looting to survive. Some, driven mad with hunger, began eating human flesh and drinking blood like monsters.


    The Governor of Yu Province not only ignored the people''s suffering but sent his trusted men to guard the city. Treating lives as worthless, he deliberately set up fighting arenas where desperately thirsty people fought to the death for a tiny amount of water.


    More people died in these arenas than from natural disasters.


    When Zhu Qianyi arrived, the city was already in uprising. The surviving residents, fighting for their lives, were storming the city gates regardless of age or gender.


    When Zhu Qianyi arrived with the imperial edict, the people no longer trusted officials and attacked violently.


    He had to both repel the citizens and prevent his guards from harming them, while the former governor''s loyal men indiscriminately shot at both citizens and guards from the city walls.


    Among the citizens was a young leader who formed an alliance with Zhu Qianyi during the fighting. Only after this leader killed the former governor''s trusted men did the people believe Zhu Qianyi had trulye to help.


    As Jiang Xinyue read the Emperor''s letter, the usually lightweight paper felt as heavy as a thousand pounds, making her fingers tremble slightly.


    Seeing her reddened eyes, the Xuanwu Emperor looked up at the sky, forcing back tears that threatened to fall.


    "Sometimes I wonder if I should care about my reputation in history, or if theybel me as a tyrant. Perhaps executing nine generations of every corrupt official''s family is the only way to achieve a clean government?"


    "But Your Majesty still values human life and hesitates to use such extensive punishment."


    Jiang Xinyue leaned into the Xuanwu Emperor''s embrace tofort him: "I believe that as long as Your Majesty continues to govern diligently and love the people, change wille gradually, like water dropping on stone. One day, these corrupt and evil officials will be reced by good ones, and the people will live in prosperity and peace."


    Would such a day reallye?


    Seeing Jiang Xinyue''s confident gaze, the Xuanwu Emperor held her tightly: "I will strive to achieve such prosperity early for our child."


    He hoped their little one wouldn''t have to worry and toil as he did in the future.


    When Jiang Xinyue returned to Hexi Pce, before she could even settle in her seat, she was informed that Xiao Ronghua had been found hiding in her pce.


    "You''re saying... this is Xiao Ronghua?"


    Jiang Xinyue could hardly believe that this disfigured, timid, seemingly deranged "mad woman" before her was the same person.


    In her memory, Xiao Ronghua had been quite beautiful and confident.


    What kind of torture could have reduced her to this barely human state?


    Jiang Chuan gave a bitter smile: "She crawled in through a dog hole. Your servant didn''t dare send her back, in case Consort De... My Lady, we didn''t know why they dug that hole, but we''ve sealed it up now."


    "Why seal it?"


    Jiang Xinyue calmly said: "Tonight, have Xiaoxiang reopen it when no one''s around. Tomorrow, spread rumors throughout the pce that Consort De is shameless, digging dog holes under the walls of my vegetable garden to steal my vegetables while I was away."


    "What?"


    This exnation seemed rather crude.


    Aliali: 673ec8b2c4f3f33ac4ef7aef


    It sounded imusible, yet somehow believable.


    "As for Xiao Ronghua..."


    Jiang Xinyue thought for a moment: "Let her continue hiding. I want to see what game Consort De is ying."


    She had been away from the pce too long and needed to investigate thoroughly before making any moves.


    The next day, Consort De braced herself for Jiang Xinyue''s retaliation, but instead, rumors spread throughout the pce about her... stealing vegetables?


    "The Imperial Noble Consort said she nted purple jade grapes in her garden before leaving, but many were missing when she returned. After investigation, she said someone saw Sister Luyin awakete at night, leading several eunuchs to dig a dog hole under the wall outside Hexi Pce..."


    Thus, rumors spread that Consort De''s people had dug holes under the walls to steal the Imperial Noble Consort''s fruits and vegetables, causing her to fly into a rage and have Luyin beaten.


    Luyin rubbed her swollen bottom: "My Lady, I was extremely careful that night. No one could have discovered us."


    Consort De naturally knew this. She snorted coldly: "Jiang Xinyue didn''t necessarily discover anything. Since all other consorts went to the temporary pce and only I remained here, she''ll me anything that happens in her pce on me."


    using her of stealing vegetables was just meant to annoy her.

 Chapter 316

    Chapter 316


    "The Noble Consort of Virtue stealing vegetables?"


    Noble Lady Jiang spat out her hot tea and reluctantly said, "Well, it''s possible, after all, the vegetables in Imperial Noble Consort''s pce are indeed delicious."


    No matter how delicious they were, how could the Noble Consort of Virtue, one of the four highest-ranking consorts, stoop so low as to crawl through a dog hole to steal vegetables?


    Noble Consort Ye, sitting below Noble Lady Jiang, got tea sshed all over her face. As pce maids were wiping her face with handkerchiefs, a young eunuch entered with a troubled expression: "Mydy, Noble Lady Liu and Concubine Cheng are here again."


    "Tsk!"


    Noble Lady Jiang rubbed her temples impatiently: "Will this ever end? All the lotus pods in my Xihuo Pce are gone, yet they still have the nerve toe picking?"


    How was this any different from the Noble Consort of Virtue crawling through dog holes to steal vegetables?


    Equally shameless.


    At least the Imperial Noble Consort''s pce actually had fruits and vegetables to steal, but here the lotus flowers had withered by the end of August, and all the pods had been picked by pce servants. Why were these two still using lotus pod picking as an excuse to harass her?


    "Noble Lady Jiang, perhaps they''re actually here for me," Noble Consort Ye said.


    Previously, Noble Consort Ye had been the lowest-ranking among the three. Whenever Concubine Cheng and Noble Lady Liu were in a bad mood, Noble Consort Ye was always their punching bag. But now that Noble Consort Ye had suddenly gained the favor of the Imperial Noble Consort, everyone in the pce had changed their attitude, and she was no longer someone they could bully.


    So these two had formed an alliance again, just like they used to in Chuxiu Pce.


    Having spent several months with the Imperial Noble Consort in the temporary pce, Noble Consort Ye now saw Concubine Cheng and Noble Lady Liu''s alliance as child''s y.


    What kind of sisterhood was this?


    Behind each other''s backs, at the slightest provocation, they would wish the other dead and gone.


    Noble Consort Ye wanted no part in such sisterhood.


    Usually, when they came to admire the lotus flowers, Noble Lady Jiang couldn''t be bothered to deal with them, but today she had invited the Imperial Noble Consort and Low Level Consort Yu for a game of leaf cards.


    As for why they weren''t ying regr cards, it was because the Imperial Noble Consort was unbeatable, and the three of them couldn''t handle it, so they strongly requested to switch back to leaf cards.


    The September weather in the capital was even warmer than July in Qin Province. Jiang Xinyue sat in her sedan chair while Xi Que continuously fanned her from below.


    After returning from Qin Province, she had trouble adjusting to the climate and couldn''t bear the heat anymore.


    No wonder several fortune tellers had told her she was destined to be a pampered young mistress.


    Well, wasn''t she now indeed a "delicate" young mistress?


    "Ssh!"


    "Ah¡ª"


    While crossing the long wooden bridge, suddenly arge basin of water flew out from behind the lotus leaves, drenching Xi Que, Shuang Jiang, and Xiao Xiangzipletely.


    The eunuchs carrying the sedan chair were sshed with pond water and almost lost their grip.


    "Hold steady! Don''t let go!"


    Though Jiang Xinyue''s face and clothes were sshed, she ignored her wet clothes and quickly shouted while grabbing the sedan chair''s handrail to prevent herself from falling into the pond.


    The drenched sedan carriers, startled by the Imperial Noble Consort''s angry shout, straightened up and gripped the poles tightly, preventing the embarrassing situation of Jiang Xinyue falling into theke.


    "Who''s skulking behind there?"


    Xi Que rolled up her sleeves, wiped the dirty water from her face, and pointed at the trembling lotus leaves: "Come out now, or I''ll get some sticks and beat you to death."


    Soon, tworge wooden basins floated out from behind the lotus leaves. Noble Lady Liu smiled sweetly: "Please forgive us, Imperial Noble Consort. Concubine Cheng and I were just ying around. We truly didn''t know you were crossing the bridge. It wasn''t intentional."


    Concubine Cheng nced at her. This fool had gotten smarter ¨C it was she who had spotted Jiang Xinyue''s sedan chair and thrown the water, but now she knew to drag her into it.


    Seeing the cold gaze from above, Concubine Cheng didn''t dare speak. Her bottom was still aching!


    "Ahhhhh!"


    Suddenly, Shuang Jiang screamed as if she''d seen something terrifying, pointing at something in front of the wooden basins.


    Jiang Xinyue leaned forward to look and was startled, drawing in a sharp breath.


    Concubine Cheng followed Shuang Jiang''s pointing finger and was so frightened by what she saw that she lost her voice, though her body instinctively stood up.


    The eunuch steering Noble Lady Liu''s basin let out a shriek and dropped the bamboo pole, sshing water into Noble Lady Liu''s eyes, preventing her from seeing what it was.


    "You worthless ve, what are you doing?"


    "Imperial Noble Consort, you..."


    At this moment, Noble Lady Jiang and Noble Consort Ye walked out and witnessed the eerie scene.


    Seeing everyone around Jiang Xinyue soaked, Noble Consort Ye immediately understood that Noble Lady Liu was up to her foolish tricks again, so when she saw the horrifying thing, she screamed: "Noble Lady Liu, why is there a dposed corpse in front of you? It''s just bones now, it''s terrifying!"


    Three exmation points, and not one was excessive.


    Noble Lady Liu rubbed her eyes and looked carefully. Her soul nearly left her body as she screamed and tried to grab onto Concubine Cheng.


    But Concubine Cheng''s eunuch was already paddling away. In her panic, Noble Lady Liu grabbed Concubine Cheng''s sleeve, but Concubine Cheng shook her off forcefully, causing both Noble Lady Liu and her eunuch to flip over into the pond with their basin.


    "Gulp... ah... help... I can''t... gulp gulp..."


    What terrified Noble Lady Liu most wasn''t her inability to swim, but that she had fallen right onto the skeleton. The arm bones still had rotting flesh on them, and as she thrashed about, they bent at an angle and held her in a death grip.


    When she turned her head to break free, she saw the skeleton''s half-rotted face, with one empty eye socket crawling with maggots. The sight frightened her so much that she fainted immediately.


    Concubine Cheng, weak-kneed, barely managed to crawl ashore and pointed at Noble Lady Jiang, shouting: "Murder! Murder! Noble Lady Jiang hasmitted murder!"


    Jiang Xinyue had already descended from her sedan chair, and her sharp eyes shot Concubine Cheng a warning nce. Already scared witless, Concubine Cheng clutched her throat, forcing herself to stay silent.


    "Ignore her."


    Jiang Xinyue grabbed Noble Lady Jiang and pointed at the now-submerged Noble Lady Liu: "Save her first."


    Xiao Xiangzi had already brought a bamboo pole, using it to push away the skeleton while instructing the eunuch in the water: "Get Noble Lady Liu out."


    The skeleton had been dredged up from the muddy pond bottom and still reeked of decay. Jiang Xinyue stepped far back, covering her nose and mouth with a handkerchief.


    "Why are you all standing at the entrance? Are you that excited to wee me?"


    Low Level Consort Yu was swaying as she walked when she suddenly stumbled and fell t on the ground.


    "Who''s lying... ahhhhhhh... ghost!"


    The leaf card game was definitely not happening now. Two of the five consorts had fainted, and most crucially, Low Level Consort Yu had also fainted, leaving them one yer short.


    Officials from the Investigative Bureau rushed over, having heard that an old female corpse had been discovered outside Xihuo Pce, causing two consorts to faint, and now all the pce consorts and the Emperor were at the scene. They needed to uncover something to properlyplete their investigation.

 Chapter 317

    A skeleton was discovered in the lotus pond in front of Xihe Pce, suspected to be the remains of the missing Xiao Ronghua, causing quite a stir.


    "Wasn''t Xiao Ronghuast seen at Hexi Pce when she disappeared?"


    "It makes perfect sense. Back then, Xiao Ronghua spoke disrespectfully and even asked the Imperial Noble Consort to persuade the Emperor to share his favor more equally. How could the Imperial Noble Consort tolerate that? Xihe Pce was originally her residence, and she knows it well. It wouldn''t have been difficult for her to dispose of a body while avoiding the patrol guards."


    "It''s terrifying! I snuck a peek earlier - only bones remain. It looks like she''s been dead for half a year, but didn''t Xiao Ronghua disappear just over three months ago?"


    "Either way, I think the Imperial Noble Consort is frightening. Noble Lady Jiang was so close to her, yet she dumped the body here. Who is she trying to scare?"


    "How can the Emperor favor such a vicious consort? If she bes Empress, won''t we all suffer whenever she''s displeased?"


    "Why don''t we jointly petition the Emperor to make Consort De the Empress instead? Consort De is kind-hearted, has borne a son, and has maintained an excellent reputation during her many years in the pce. She''s far more suitable than the Imperial Noble Consort."


    "But who will take the lead? The Emperor deeply favors the Imperial Noble Consort. If we anger him..."


    With this question raised, the previously animated discussion among the consorts fell silent.


    All this talk was meant to encourage someone brave to step forward, but who would be foolish enough in the pce?


    No one wanted to be the first to stick their neck out.


    "Well... judging by the degree of dposition, the body has been dead for at least a year. However, being submerged in water elerated the decay process, and the bones have been infested with insects that have eaten away at them, making it very difficult to determine the exact time of death."


    After the coroner from the Investigative Bureau examined the body and reported his findings, Noble Lady Jiang suddenly rubbed her head and said, "Emperor, Imperial Noble Consort, a few nights before I left the pce, I thought I heard something fall into the lotus pond. But since it waste at night, I was scared and thought it better not to investigate. Now I think those bones might have been dumped in then."


    Three months wouldn''t be enough time for a body to dpose to this state. If Noble Lady Jiang''s ount is true, this might just be where the body was disposed of, not where the murder took ce.


    The coroner had some clues but hesitated to speak them, instead asking an seemingly unrted question: "Noble Lady Jiang, why aren''t there any fish in this pond?"


    "Fish?"


    Noble Lady Jiang frowned in confusion: "I can barely take care of myself, how would I have time to raise fish? What does this have to do with fish?"


    It must be said, Noble Lady Jiang had hit upon something important.


    Jiang Xinyue and the Xuanwu Emperor exchanged nces, both thinking of the man-eating fish in Consort De''s pce.


    The magpie still had arge scar from that fish''s bite.


    Their gazes inadvertently fell on Consort De, but she showed no sign of panic, merely covering her nose and mouth with her sleeve in disgust.


    The stench was indeed terrible. The Emperor waved his hand: "Take the bones away. In recent years, pce maids and consorts have frequently disappeared without a trace, alive or dead. This is the first time we''ve found remains. Investigate this thoroughly for me. If you can''t solve it, you''re of no use to me."


    "Emperor, the body was found in Xihe Pce - can Noble Lady Jiang really be cleared of suspicion so easily?"


    Concubine Cheng, wrapped tightly in a cloak brought by pce maids, couldn''t stop shaking at the thought of the horrifying skeleton: "Before the matter is cleared up, please ce Noble Lady Jiang under control, otherwise none of us in the pce can feel at ease."


    Unable to attack Jiang Xinyue directly, she aimed for those close to her instead.


    "You dare..."


    Just as Noble Lady Jiang was about to curse, Jiang Xinyue held her back, fixing Concubine Cheng with a chilling stare: "Concubine Cheng, how dare you! Are you threatening the Emperor, or presuming to teach him how to handle matters?"


    "I wouldn''t dare!"


    Concubine Cheng shook her head vigorously: "I only wish to put the pcedies at ease. Isn''t Noble Lady Jiang highly suspicious?"


    "What makes her suspicious? Your baseless usations?"


    Jiang Xinyue raised her voice: "Do you know who died in this lotus pond? How they died? How long they''ve been dead?"


    "How would I know?"


    "You know nothing, yet you dere Noble Lady Jiang the murderer and demand her confinement. Well, I say you deliberately pushed Noble Lady Liu into the water to harm her! Do you admit it?"


    A clever move to redirect attention and shift me.


    Concubine Cheng fell into the trap of having to prove her innocence: "I... I didn''t. She fell in by herself."


    "You clearly pushed her."


    Noble Lady Jiang seized the opportunity for revenge: "There were so many people standing by the shore then, everyone saw it. Ask anyone and they''ll expose your lie."


    Noble Lady Liu had been carried away by pce maids and eunuchs, her face pale and unpromising, muttering deliriously and running a high fever.


    Jiang Xinyue flicked the new festival dress that Noble Lady Jiang had prepared - the old clothes soaked in corpse water had been burned, as she would never wear them again.


    All the pce servants at Hexi Pce whose clothes had been soaked borrowed garments from Noble Lady Jiang''s pce.


    Regarding Noble Lady Liu''s tragic fate, Jiang Xinyue expressed regret but no sympathy.


    If she hadn''t been alert earlier, when that basin of water was thrown, she would have been the one falling into the lotus pond. She had no desire to drink water that had been steeping a corpse.


    "You... you''re all in cahoots..."


    "Enough!"


    The Xuanwu Emperor red at Concubine Cheng in fury: "The Imperial Noble Consort and Noble Lady Jiang both far outrank you. Who taught you to be so disrespectful, making such nderous usations against them? If you continue to show suchck of manners, you''ll be dragged out and beaten."


    Another beating?


    Concubine Cheng shrank back, biting her lip into silence.


    Wait!


    Jiang Xinyue''s gaze sharpened as she looked behind Consort De, noticing Luyin''s absence.


    Usually, Luyin never left Consort De''s side.


    Why hadn''t Luyine today?


    It had been just the day after Jiang Xinyue returned to the pce that Luyin had been beaten.


    She knew the beating hadn''t been too severe - at most leaving some redness,rgely meant as a show for Consort De.


    So it shouldn''t have left Luyin unable to walk.


    Though suspicious, she couldn''t voice her concerns. What if Consort De used her of false sympathy - having ordered the beating herself, only to now ask about the victim''s absence?


    It would sound like deliberate mockery, as if she were trying to provoke Consort De.


    But Jiang Xinyue couldn''t shake her bad feeling, so when the Emperor dismissed the consorts, she pulled him back to Hexi Pce and had Jiang Chuan release Xiao Ronghua.


    The Xuanwu Emperor''s eyes widened as he quickly ran to the door, closing it, his gaze profound: "It was really you?"


    How should he handle the fact that his most favored consort was actually a murderer?

 Chapter 318

    She was so brazen, leaving the door wide open and bringing out Xiao Ronghua, who was tortured to the point of being unrecognizable, as if she wanted everyone to find out quickly, wasn''t she?


    Relying on his affection, she was bing more and more¡­ more and more¡­


    Words like ruthless and vicious, he really didn''t want to use them to describe Jiang Xinyue.


    But she had brutally killed a concubine in the pce, her actions bing so extreme. What exactly had triggered her?


    "Xinyue, what happened to you? Tell me, and I will definitely¡­"


    "Your Majesty, I suspect¡­ Luyin might already be dead."


    "What?"


    Not only did she kill concubines, but now she''s targeting pce maids?


    In the entire pce, the one who was most considerate towards the servants wasn''t Consort De, but Jiang Xinyue.


    Anyone who had served her or witnessed how much she doted on her subordinates wanted toe to Hexi Pce.


    How could such a person¡­


    "Your Majesty, are you even listening to me?"


    The Xuanwu Emperor''s mind was fuzzy: "I''m listening, go on."


    "When I was at the summer pce, Jiang Chuan mentioned that Luyin hade. She brought Xiao Ronghua and asked Jiang Chuan to hide her. Just now, when Consort De came, Luyin was missing, and I''m afraid¡­"


    "Luyin brought her here?"


    The Xuanwu Emperor let out a long sigh of relief. Fortunately, Jiang Xinyue wasn''t the one who killed Xiao Ronghua; otherwise, he would have to spend a long time epting this reality.


    "Xiao Ronghua, was it Consort De who did this to you?"


    The words "Consort De" seemed like a curse, endlessly looping in Xiao Ronghua''s ears. She was hallucinating, seeing Consort De everywhere.


    One moment, it was Consort De pulling out her nails with pliers, then Consort De whipping her with a pepper water-soaked whip, and next, Consort De scratching her face with a knife.


    It was all Consort De, everywhere.


    "Don''te near me¡­ stay away, all of you¡­"


    Xiao Ronghua suddenly went mad, pulling out a sharp golden hairpin and pointing it at the emperor and Jiang Xinyue. She wasn''t just targeting them; anyone who tried to approach her was forced back by the hairpin.


    "I was wrong, I really was wrong. I know I was wrong. Please, forgive me! I will never argue with the Imperial Noble Consort again. I won''t dare anymore. Don''t cut out my tongue!"


    These words made everyone think that Jiang Xinyue was the one who had tortured Xiao Ronghua.


    Jiang Xinyue, mentioned in Xiao Ronghua''s words, widened her eyes and immediately understood.


    Xiao Ronghua was deliberately sent to Hexi Pce by Consort De!


    She had known all along that Luyin was going to betray her!


    After Xiao Ronghua was imprisoned, Consort De must have visited her every day, torturing her and repeating over and over that she was being treated this way because she had disrespected the Imperial Noble Consort and argued with her.


    At first, Xiao Ronghua probably didn''t believe it, thinking that Consort De was just trying to frame Jiang Xinyue, even finding her methods crude and ineffective.


    When people are awake, they believe they are the smartest. Moreover, Consort De''s approach, in Jiang Xinyue''s professional knowledge, is known as the Goebbels effect¡ªa lie repeated a thousand times bes the truth.


    In reality, it''s a psychological umtion of suggestion.


    This wouldn''t work when Xiao Ronghua was sober, but when she was weakened and on the verge of copse, every lie Consort De told would be the truth, embedded in Xiao Ronghua''s mind.


    Now, she firmly believed that she was suffering because she had offended the Imperial Noble Consort.


    Consort De was indeed a formidable opponent. If Jiang Xinyue had acted hastily from the start and gone to Yanqing Pce to search loudly, she would have fallen into Consort De''s trap.


    But Jiang Xinyue believed that anything that could be handled by the emperor should never be done personally. No matter how many traps Consort De had set, Jiang Xinyue would always drag the emperor to back her up.


    "Your Majesty, I don''t know what Consort De told Xiao Ronghua, but I haven''t been in the pce for the past few months. The injuries on Xiao Ronghua have been umting over the past few months. If you don''t believe me, you can summon a few skilled gardeners from the greenhouse. I''m more interested in food than in torturing concubines. Consort De¡­ she knew all along that Luyin was going to betray her and deliberately had Luyin bring Xiao Ronghua to me."


    She was so anxious that tears streamed down her face: "This morning, I only pretended to punish Luyin to make Consort De behave. You were there, Your Majesty. Luyin was walking briskly and even thanked me for being lenient, right? If Luyin really dies, Consort De could me it on me, saying I beat her to death. I would bepletely innocent but still unable to clear my name."


    The emperor patted her hand, about to speak, when suddenly loud noises came from outside: "Help! Help!"


    "What''s going on? Wang Dequan, go check!"


    As soon as the doors of Hexi Pce opened, Consort De, covered in blood, stumbled in and, upon seeing the Xuanwu Emperor, crawled over desperately: "Your Majesty, save me! Mute ve¡­ he''s gone mad."


    Before she finished, a disfigured middle-aged eunuch, holding a dagger, charged in with a twisted expression, aiming the de at Consort De.


    Consort De copsed at the emperor''s feet, and the guards wouldn''t let the eunuch get near the emperor. They kicked him away with a flying kick.Aliali: 67219cfb3a4784313d7ca9d4


    "Take him alive!"


    The emperor shouted, and the sword that was already at Mute ve''s neck didn''t swing down.


    The pce attendants scrambled to help Consort De, only to find that she had been stabbed in the abdomen and was losing blood rapidly, bing weaker.


    She clutched the emperor''s sleeve: "Your Majesty, Mute ve¡­ he was in charge of¡­ cleaning the lotus pond in my pce. Luyin¡­ Luyin discovered he was raising man-eating fish in the pond and was killed to silence her. I saw him push Luyin off the rockery and was¡­ stabbed by him¡­ I¡­"


    Her wound was excruciating, making her face pale and drenched in sweat. She clutched her bleeding abdomen, unable to finish her sentence before fainting from exhaustion.


    Wang Dequan came in from outside: "Your Majesty, we found Luyin''s body near the rockery outside Hexi Pce. She had a hole in her forehead, likely caused by being pushed forcefully and hitting the sharp rocks below."


    The pce architecture emphasized beauty, withrge rockeries below smaller ones, creating ayered effect. Luyin must have fallen and hit the sharp rocks below, resulting in such severe injuries.


    Everything seemed to align with what Consort De had said.


    The Xuanwu Emperor immediately ordered Tang Shiliang to fetch the imperial physicians, skipping the usual procedure of arresting and interrogatingter, and had Consort De treated in the side hall of Hexi Pce. Meanwhile, he sat with Jiang Xinyue in the main hall, waiting for Mute ve to wake up.


    Jiang Xinyue also thought that direct interrogation was better. Who knew if the cunning Consort De would send someone to assassinate Mute ve?

 Chapter 319

    Mute ve was awakened by water being sshed on him, and his turbid eyes first showed confusion, but soon after, they became sharp and clear.


    His first reaction was not to care about his own situation, but to crouch on the ground as if reaching for a knife, ring fiercely at the Emperor.


    His frenzied actions were quickly subdued by the guards, and Emperor Xuanwu approached: "Even if you can''t speak, you must know a few characters. Write on the ground with water why you wanted to kill Consort De and her maid."


    Mute ve became even more agitated, his entire body surging with brute strength as he charged forward. Emperor Xuanwu quickly stepped back, and the guards soon subdued him again, but he remained unresponsive to the Emperor''s words.


    The few maids who had protected Consort De and fled for their lives were from Yanqing Pce. Jiang Xinyue waved her hand: "Come here, you few. Is this Mute ve deaf and mute, or just unable to speak?"


    The maids looked at each other, and finally, one of them spoke: "Your Highness, the Mute ve was saved by our Consort ten years ago in the Cold Pce. Back then, his throat had been burned with hot coals, and his ears were pierced with silver needles. He should have been deaf and unable to speak since then."


    "Does he know how to read?"


    "We don''t know, Your Highness. The Mute ve has always been reclusive. The Lotus Garden is usually not open to the public, and he is the one who takes care of cleaning and maintenance. Luyin asionally visits, but he has a bad temper, and there are few people in Yanqing Pce who get close to him. We don''t know much about him. The only one who was slightly closer to him was Luyin..."


    As the little maid spoke, she began to cry, likely due to the loss of Luyin.


    The Emperor felt it was inauspicious to bring a dead body inside, so Luyin''s corpse was left outside. Shuang Jiang and Jiang Chuan went out to take a look and saw a bloodied face lying on the ground.


    "Murder... murder... hahaha..."


    Not only was Mute ve acting crazy, but Xiao Ronghua had also slipped out through a side door at some point, shouting and running away.


    Tang Shiliang could only take people to chase after her, leaving a madman running around the pce was not safe.


    Consort De had a deaf and mute, mysterious, and seemingly illiterate eunuch guarding the man-eating fish and helping her dispose of various corpses, presumably because she believed Mute ve would not expose her. What could have happened that made Mute ve feel he had to kill her?


    The bloodstained dagger on the ground, reflecting sunlight, blurred Jiang Xinyue''s vision. The handle of the dagger was adorned with several gorgeous red gems, which were certainly not something a eunuch of Mute ve''s status could possess.


    This meant that the dagger belonged to Consort De.


    "Luyin..."


    Just as Jiang Xinyue was about to voice her doubts, Mute ve suddenly struggled and fell to the ground, twitching a few times before bing still.


    The guards checked his breath: "Your Majesty, he''s dead."


    The ck blood flowing from the corner of his mouth indicated that he had died from poisoning.


    Xiao Ronghua had gone mad, Luyin was dead, and now Mute ve was also dead. All the evidence that could prove Consort De was the mastermind behind all the evil was gone.


    Xi Que and Shuang Jiang''s eyes were red with anger. They were furious that Consort De did not value the lives of the maids. If everything was indeed nned by Consort De herself, then Luyin must have been killed by her as well.


    As fellow maids, they could empathize with Luyin.


    They were even more furious that their mistress had finally had a chance to bring down Consort De, but she had escaped by killing the witnesses.


    Had all their efforts been in vain?


    In the side hall, several imperial physicians and medical maids were jointly treating Consort De, with bloodied water being carried out in basins, indicating a precarious situation.


    Even the Emperor was wavering, wondering if the missing concubines and maids in the pce in recent years were really all killed by Mute ve.


    The dagger had pierced so deeply that the physicians said it was only half an inch away from puncturing Consort De''s vital organs. If that had happened, Consort De would have been doomed.


    To escape, putting her life at risk, what was the point?


    "Your Majesty, we have administered anesthesia to Consort De, and she has not yet awakened. However, Consort De''s injury is quite severe and should not be moved. If we want her to survive, she must stay in Hexi Pce for a few days to recuperate, at least until she wakes up. Otherwise, if the wound reopens and causes secondary bleeding, she will still be in grave danger."


    Having a murderous maniac stay here was something Jiang Xinyue would rather avoid.


    Unable to move her, for the next few days, Jiang Xinyue would have to keep both eyes open while sleeping, or she feared she wouldn''t know how she died.


    Emperor Xuanwu sensed her fear and said to Xi Que and Shuang Jiang: "What are you standing there for? Your mistress doesn''t like sharing a residence with others. Go and tidy up. Your mistress will stay with me in Chengqian Pce for the next few days."


    Everyone around them widened their eyes in surprise, but Wang Dequan and Tang Shiliang both looked as if they were used to it, and they certainly wouldn''t step forward to remind the Emperor that this was against the rules.


    In this pce, the Emperor''s will was the rule, and his favor was the rule.


    Tang Shiliang, who had already aligned himself with Jiang Xinyue, was overjoyed as the Emperor''s favor grew, and he certainly wouldn''t advise against it.


    Wang Dequan... although not fully aligned, if he had to choose a queen he liked in the harem, it would undoubtedly be Jiang Xinyue.


    Not for any other reason, but because she was the only one who truly treated the maids and eunuchs as human beings, not just pretending to.


    Just look at the eunuchs and pce maids in Hexi Pce, each with their own personality, showing unreserved loyalty to their mistress.


    Unlike the lifeless, overly cautious lower-level pce staff in other pces, who feared that one mistake could cost them their lives.


    Hearing this, Shuang Jiang and Xi Que were so delighted that they almostughed out loud, but considering the inappropriate setting, they managed to suppress their joy.


    Aliali: 67210a8c3a4784313d743e58


    "Your Majesty, why not let Noble Lady Jiang stay with me for a few days?"


    With Consort De here and her trusted aides apanying her to Chengqian Pce, Jiang Xinyue wasn''t at ease. What if something were to happen here again, making it even harder to exin?


    Consort De knew how to make poison, and Noble Lady Jiang knew how to make incense.


    Noble Lady Jiang, who was extremely sensitive to smells and could distinguish different scents in the air, was the perfect counter to Consort De.


    Jiang Xinyue looked up at the Emperor: "Your Majesty, you n to fill in the lotus pond in front of Xihuo Pce and redesign theyout of Xihuo Pce, changing its name as well. Noble Lady Jiang''s sudden relocation must have left her unprepared. Let her stay with me for a few days until her belongings are moved to Jingren Pce, then she can move in."


    As for when her belongings would be moved, that would depend on when Consort De left.


    The Emperor''s eyes flickered: "Then send someone to Xihuo Pce to inform them, promote Noble Lady Jiang to Consort Wen, grant her the title ''Wen,'' and assign her to Jingren Pce."


    From today onwards, Noble Lady Jiang would be known as Consort Wen.


    Jingren Pce had always been reserved for concubines of the fei rank. When the Empress Dowager was still alive, even the Shufen and Rongfen, with their extremely noble status, had been allowed to reside in Jingren Pce.


    The Emperor naturally understood that Jiang Xinyue was seeking a promotion for Consort Wen, but a feiwei (imperial concubine rank) was not much. The Jiang family had contributed significantly in the recent corruption case in Guangdong and Guangxi and the siege case in Yu Province, so granting Jiang Yuan a feiwei was justified.

 Chapter 320

    ¡°Your Highness¡­ Your Highness¡­¡±


    Imperial Doctor Hu closed the door of the side hall and gave a few pushes to Consort De, whoy on the bed like a lifeless corpse. Seeing no response, he mysteriously took out a porcin bottle from his sleeve and waved it under Consort De''s nose.


    A pair of bloodshot eyes suddenly opened. Consort De instinctively reached for her stabbed abdomen, biting her teeth as she took the powder from Imperial Doctor Hu¡¯s hand and swallowed it hastily.


    ¡°Your Highness, this move was too risky. You almost lost your life. What if¡­ what if something had gone wrong? How would we have managed?¡±


    The pain from the wound caused Consort De to close her eyes, but she didn¡¯t utter a single sound of pain. After taking the specially prepared hemostatic medicine, the bleeding stopped, but the pain intensified.


    Such resilience impressed even Imperial Doctor Hu, who couldn¡¯t help but admire her determination.


    ¡°Has Jiang Xinyue¡­ left?¡±


    The nausea still apanied her, and the pain made her convulse, but she endured it and asked, ¡°Is Mute ve dead?¡±


    Imperial Doctor Hu bowed and replied, ¡°The Emperor took Imperial Noble Consort Jiang away, saying she would stay in Chengqian Pce for a few days. The poison on Mute ve was prepared by Your Highness personally, so naturally, it did not go wrong. They didn¡¯t extract any information from him.¡±


    That¡¯s good.


    Consort De tried to sit up, but the pain in her wound was too intense, forcing her to lower her neck.


    Imperial Doctor Hu sighed, ¡°Your Highness, you mustn¡¯t do this again. It¡¯s too dangerous.¡±


    ¡°If I don¡¯t do this, how will the Emperor believe me?¡±


    With Imperial Doctor Hu¡¯s support, she stood up, ¡°That wretch Luyin knew too much about me. I merely tested her, and she revealed all my secrets. But in a way, she helped me. It gave me the opportunity to cover up my past and use her and Mute ve as scapegoats.¡±


    Imperial Doctor Hu was even more impressed by Consort De¡¯s tactics, ¡°Your Highness is truly brilliant. How could Imperial Noble Consort Jiang, who is so young and has been in the pce for such a short time, possibly be a match for you?¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re wrong to think that.¡±


    Consort De took a deep breath to ease the pain and said slowly, ¡°I harmed myself to kill Luyin and frame Mute ve. The reason I hinted at Xiao Ronghua so early was never to protect myself from being exposed. I did it to set a trap for Jiang Xinyue. If the Emperor discovers this, I can still gain sympathy through the Third Prince. But if Jiang Xinyue exposes me, I will be utterly defeated.¡±


    If she feared the Emperor finding out, she wouldn¡¯t havemitted so many wrongs in the first ce.


    What she feared was Jiang Xinyue.


    Just like how the Empress, Consort Li, Consort Shu, and Consort Liang all underestimated Jiang Xinyue at first, thinking she was merely a novelty that the Emperor indulged in.


    But she was different.


    When Jiang Xinyue regained the Emperor¡¯s favor, Consort De saw her and immediately recognized that she was no longer the same naive woman from before.


    That¡¯s why she repeatedly plotted against Jiang Xinyue¡¯s life and incited the others to act against her, though none of her schemes seeded.


    Others might attribute Jiang Xinyue¡¯s survival to luck, but Consort De never believed her escapes were due to mere fortune.


    Once or twice could be luck, but three, four, or even five or six times, with no sessful attempts, it couldn¡¯t be exined by luck alone.


    Jiang Xinyue¡¯s intelligence and strategy were on par with her own. Therefore, every step she took, she first guarded against her nemesis, the Imperial Noble Consort Jiang, whom Imperial Doctor Hu looked down upon.


    Yanqing Pce was eerily quiet. The Emperor had surrounded the pce with guards, and the remaining maids and eunuchs dared not leave their rooms. The maids and eunuchs who knew the truth had disappeared, leaving the others trembling in fear.


    ¡°Your Majesty!¡±


    Tang Shiliang, covering his mouth, rushed out from the lotus garden, vomiting violently as he ran, his back to the Emperor.


    Wang Dequan stood with the Emperor outside the lotus garden, already anticipating that something unusual had been discovered inside.


    ¡°Fifteen bodies, men and women, consorts, and maids and eunuchs. The man-eating fish in the lotus pond had not been fed for a long time, surviving on human flesh, which had mutated it to weigh fifty catties. The Investigative Bureau has taken it to the dungeon to use as an interrogation tool.¡±


    ¡°In Mute ve¡¯s room, we found corpse-dissolving powder and a woman¡¯s embroidered shoe, which the maids identified as Luyin¡¯s. This vile pervert collected many of Luyin¡¯s shoes and clothes. This time, killing Luyin might not only be because she caught him murdering but also due to unrequited love.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s terrifying. The lotus flowers in the pond never withered because the water was filled with medicinal powder. The flowers had turned to stone, absorbing human blood to maintain their color. The servants pulled out all the lotus flowers and found that the pond water was entirely red with human blood.¡±


    Without the medicinal water to clean the pond and mask the smell of decaying bodies, the stench was so overwhelming that even Tang Shiliang was overwhelmed and vomited.


    Jiang Xinyue didn¡¯t believe that Mute ve was responsible for all these deaths. She hadn¡¯t been idle these past few days. She sent Xiao Xiangzi, who hade from the Cold Pce, back there to investigate Mute ve¡¯s background. She also had Jiang Chuan leave the pce to visit the Jiang family and investigate Luyin thoroughly, especially looking into her family¡¯s rtionships.


    Luyin was Consort De¡¯s personal maid, raised in the Mansion of the Duke of Cheng since childhood. Her family would have been long-term servants, making them easy to trace.


    Her intuition told her that Mute ve didn¡¯t collect Luyin¡¯s belongings out of perversion; there was more to the story.


    If¡­


    If Consort De had pretended to visit the artificial hill, Luyin, as her personal maid, would have undoubtedly followed.


    Jiang Xinyue now stood on the artificial hill, taking off one of her earrings and said to Shuang Jiang, ¡°I dropped my earring. Help me find it.¡±


    Shuang Jiang¡¯s first reaction was to approach the edge of the hill, using the higher ground to get a better view and quickly locate her mistress¡¯s earring.Aliali: 67219cfb3a4784313d7ca9d4


    Suddenly, a powerful force pushed her from behind, and Shuang Jiang let out a piercing scream as her fear reached its peak.


    Two guards quickly grabbed her arms and pulled her back from the edge. Shuang Jiang, still shaken, fell to the ground, her face pale with fear.


    Shortly after, Consort Wen ran out from Hexi Pce, ¡°Your Highness, I heard the scream from the gate, but the maids inside the pce couldn¡¯t hear it.¡±


    ¡°So¡­ Luyin wasn¡¯t killed by the artificial hill. She was killed by Consort De and hidden in a cave in the hill. Then Consort De lured Mute ve there. Seeing Luyin¡¯s body, Mute ve, overwhelmed with grief, lost his mind and tried to kill Consort De.¡±


    The maids around Consort De also said that Mute ve had rushed at Consort De and pulled out a dagger from his sleeve. But who could guarantee that the dagger was really taken out by Mute ve, or that Consort De had stabbed herself and then ced the dagger in Mute ve¡¯s hand during the struggle?


    No one saw it, did they?


    All they saw was Mute ve rushing over, and then Consort De was injured, fleeing into Hexi Pce with the help of her maids.


    That day, because they had to inform the Emperor about Xiao Ronghua hiding in Hexi Pce, they all stood near the hall entrance.


    If Luyin had been pushed off the artificial hill without any warning, she would have screamed in terror, just like Shuang Jiang.


    But the fact was, no one heard anything.

 Chapter 321

    The only thing that was hard to exin was the rtionship between Mute ve and Luyin.


    Why was he so agitated when Luyin died?


    Consort Wen, holding a snow-white puppy in her arms, yed with it for a while and said, "Your Highness, don''t worry. I''m keeping an eye on that one in the side hall! That Imperial Physician Hu, I think he''s suspicious and doesn''t seem like a good person. I''ve had eunuchs guard the door of the side hall, so even if Consort De wakes up, I won''t let her roam freely in Hexi Pce."


    How did she drive Consort De to madness?


    The day after Jiang Xinyue moved to Chengqian Pce, Consort De "woke up." After all, she had gone to such lengths to move in, and there was important work to be done, so she couldn''t just stay in bed forever.


    Unexpectedly, as soon as she opened the door, she saw Consort Wen sitting in arge armchair right outside her door. When she saw Consort Dee out, she smiled and greeted her, immediately standing up from the chair: "This concubine greets Consort De."


    Consort De frowned. Who did this mere Noble Consort think she was, calling her "sister"?


    Was Jiang Yuan crazy?


    Her disdain was too obvious. Consort Wen chuckled and rolled her eyes: "Consort De, you don''t know, do you? The Emperor said that Xihuo Pce keeps having idents and deaths, and he thinks the ce has bad feng shui, so he''s decided to rename and rebuild it. My Imperial Noble Consort suggested that I move to Jingren Pce, so the Emperor granted me the title of Consort Wen!"


    Though not one of the Four Consorts, she had been given the character "Wen," which elevated her status above ordinary consorts.


    Why couldn''t she call Consort De "sister"?


    Her smug, self-satisfied expression made Consort De feel utterly speechless.


    She tried to walk around this obstacle and head elsewhere.


    "How dare you!"


    Consort De''s maid, who was supporting her, was shoved hard, and then Consort Wen''s loud voice rang out: "You despicable servants! Consort De is still recovering from her injuries, yet you don''t stop her and let her get out of bed the day after being stabbed? And not just a few steps inside the room, but insisting on going out! What are you plotting?"


    The maid was almost knocked down by Consort Wen''s push. If she hadn''t quickly grabbed the doorframe, she would have fallen hard.


    Consort De lost her support and, as the maid fell, was pulled by her wrist, causing the wound on her abdomen to ache fiercely, turning her face pale.


    But she couldn''t show it. She rxed her tightly furrowed brow: "What are you doing, Consort Wen? Do you dare to hit my maid?"


    Consort Wen, as if unaware of her anger, acted as if she were genuinely concerned: "Your Highness, you''re just too kind and gentle, which is why these servants take advantage of you. You''ve just been stabbed; how can you get out of bed? Mu Tan, quickly help Consort De back to bed."


    Without waiting for Consort De''s consent, Mu Tan and a few other maids stepped forward to support her and carried her back to the room, pressing her back onto the bed and carefully covering her with a nket before leaving.


    For the next few days, every time Consort De tried to leave her room, Consort Wen would interfere and disrupt her ns.


    This restricted Consort De''s movements to just the room in the side hall.


    Even at night, when she tried to sneak out while Consort Wen was asleep, she hadn''t taken ten steps before Consort Wen would stick her head out the window: "Consort De, this is Hexi Pce. You shouldn''t wander around. It''s kind of the Imperial Noble Consort to let you stay here, so you should be considerate, right? The Imperial Noble Consort has many valuable things here. If you keep sneaking around like a thief at night, I''ll have to report it to the Imperial Noble Consort to see if anything is missing."


    Jiang Xinyue, listening to Noble Consort Ye''s words,ughed until her stomach hurt.


    Consort De meeting Consort Wen was like a schr encountering a soldier¡ªthere was no reasoning with her.


    Noble Consort Ye alsoughed: "She can already walk, yet that Imperial Physician Hu still says she shouldn''t be moved. Who is he fooling?"


    "She went to such lengths to move in; of course, she doesn''t want to leave easily," Jiang Xinyue replied.


    Low Level Consort Yu pouted: "I used to think Consort De was a good person. The Empress and I trusted her so much. I never expected she would be¡­"


    Thinking of the a dozen or so corpses found in Yanqing Pce, Low Level Consort Yu felt a chill run down her spine.


    She considered herself no saint, butpared to Consort De, she was practically the Bodhisattva Guanyin.


    Mute ve was just a servant, appearing simple and honest. Once, when she and Consort De were close, the eldest princess had fallen in the lotus garden and scraped her hand. It was Mute ve who had cleaned the wound with water and applied medicine.


    She simply couldn''t understand why Mute ve would help Consort De dispose of corpses.


    Was there some unavoidable hardship?


    Jiang Xinyue thought: If you knew that Consort De had killed the two princes of the previous Empress, you''d probably grab a knife and go avenge the previous Empress.


    Low Level Consort Yu had been protected by the Empress for most of her life. Although she asionally yed small tricks, they were always seen through. She seemed shrewd but was actually the most naive.


    Of course, naive people were also foolish, and foolish people''s schemes were straightforward. She couldn''t be called a good person.


    But there were no truly good people in this pce¡ªeveryone was a viin.


    If Consort De had killed the Empress''s two princes, Low Level Consort Yu would undoubtedly want to avenge them.


    But this woman couldn''t keep a secret, so Jiang Xinyue wouldn''t tell her.


    Consort De hadmitted so many unforgivable crimes that when they all came to light at once, even the greatest deity couldn''t save her.


    Noble Consort Ye and Low Level Consort Yu wandered around Chengqian Pce, looking up and down, touching this and knocking on that, finding it quite interesting: "With Consort Wen guarding Consort De, she can''te over, which lets me and Low Level Consort Yu see the Emperor''s sleeping quarters for the first time. What a sight!"


    Where they lived was nothingpared to even the front hall of the Emperor''s sleeping chamber.


    Low Level Consort Yu sat at a small table, enjoying the chilled purple jade grapes, her eyes narrowing in delight.Aliali: 67210a8c3a4784313d743e58


    Trying to understand the Imperial Noble Consort, she realized how knowledgeable she was. No wonder the Emperor was so fond of her. If things continued like this, her life would be toofortable.


    It was just her father''s situation¡­ Sigh¡­


    Jiang Yanxi had already taken office as the Governor of Guangdong and Guangxi. ording to the letter from Ming Yu, her father was trying to pave the way for the new Governor before his downfall. Jiang Yanxi, upon arriving in Guangdong and Guangxi, didn''t force her father out of the Governor''s mansion but had his guards bring him into the carriage and escort him to the capital to confess his crimes.


    This had given her father enough face.


    Jiang Yanxi also benefited, as her father pointed out the honest officials who had been suppressed before, ensuring that Jiang Yanxi wouldn''t be left without capable people after all the corrupt officials were removed.


    Whether her father could survive depended on the evidence Concubine Cheng''s father had handed over to the Emperor. If it was substantial and angered the Emperor, her father''s fate would be sealed.


    Sigh¡­


    Her own life had been saved by the Imperial Noble Consort, so she really couldn''t bring herself to ask for more.


    "Giddy-up, giddy-up, giddy-up..."


    A swift horse galloped into the imperial city: "Urgent military affairs, make way for me!"

 Chapter 322

    "Zhu''s Second Son sending a letter to the Imperial Noble Consort?"


    Consort Wen looked at the unfamiliar young eunuch: "Which pce do you belong to? How could the letter from Zhu''s Second Son be entrusted to you for delivery?"


    The young eunuch slightly bowed his body: "I am Xiao Ganzi, formerly in the service of the Empress. After her passing, I have been responsible for cleaning and guarding the Empress''s spirit tablet in the Fengxian Hall. Consort Wen, I am from the Zhu family."


    He produced a token, which indeed bore the character "Zhu," simr to one Consort Wen had seen on Fenyun before.


    Only then did she half-believe, half-doubtfully ept the letter: "But the Imperial Noble Consort has been staying in Chengqian Pce these past few days and hasn''t returned."


    Xiao Ganzi showed urgency: "But the messenger from my master, Zhu''s Second Son, said this letter is of utmost urgency and cannot be dyed for a moment. Consort Wen, I cannot stay away from the Fengxian Hall for too long, nor can I enter Chengqian Pce. Could you please deliver it urgently?"


    If she leaves, wouldn''t Consort De be the ruler of Hexi Pce?


    But this young eunuch''s anxious demeanor didn''t seem fake...


    She stomped her foot and eximed "Oh!" before turning to instruct Mu Tan: "Make sure to watch over Consort De and don''t let her run around. It''s best to lock the doors. If you can''t stop her, follow her wherever she goes. Do you understand?"


    Mu Tan nodded: "I will stay by Consort De''s side without leaving her."


    Since Xiao Ganzi said it was a matter of life and death, Consort Wen felt the letter weighed a thousand pounds. What if it concerned the life of the Imperial Noble Consort...


    She started running.


    Fortunately, Hexi Pce and Chengqian Pce were not far apart, and she quickly arrived: "Go, quickly inform them that Consort Wen has urgent matters to report."


    Jiang Xinyue thought it might be something about Consort De and quickly summoned Consort Wen inside, surprised by her sweat-soaked appearance: "What happened? Did Consort De try to kill you?"


    Consort Wen waved her hand, gasping for breath, and before she could speak, she threw the crumpled letter: "A letter... from Zhu''s Second Son in Yu Province... it''s... extremely urgent."


    Jiang Xinyue quickly handed the grape ice bowl to Shuangjiang and took the letter, tearing it open.


    The vigorous handwriting of Zhu Qianyi leaped off the page: "Yu Province is experiencing a drought, and someone is taking advantage of the situation. They have hidden a stele in the dried-upkebed, engraved with the words ''Heaven''s wrath, Jiang reces Shen.'' A Ministry of Justice official happened to visit and brought the stele back to the capital. If I intervene, the Emperor might suspect the Imperial Noble Consort of forming factions. Thus, I write this letter, urging the Imperial Noble Consort to prepare. The stele should arrive in the capital on the same day as this letter. I hope the Imperial Noble Consort remains safe."


    The signature was Zhu Qianyi, with an official seal that could not be forged.


    Jiang Xinyue''s heart skipped a beat, recalling what Consort Wen had told her earlier. The Ministry of Justice official Zhu Qianyi mentioned was the same one Consort Wen had mentioned during their stay at the pce, who had taken an extended leave from Lord Jiang. He was a spy arranged by the Duke of Cheng.


    She looked at Consort Wen: "Did you tell the Emperor about that matter when he visited Hexi Pce yesterday and asked you to move pces?"


    Consort Wen nodded: "Yes, I did..."


    The Emperor was a busy man, rarely seen in the harem. Consort Wen had been eager to fulfill Jiang Xinyue''s request, and since she finally saw the Emperor, she made sure to bring up the matter before discussing the pce relocation.


    She pretended to be naive, saying that a Ministry of Justice official had taken leave from her father due to Lord Jiang''s absence at the pce, but her father was hesitant to approve it, fearing Lord Jiang''s return. The official had pleaded and begged, and her father had no choice but to agree.


    Unexpectedly, the official had been gone for months, prompting her father to write to her inint.


    The Emperor had then asked who the other Ministry of Justice official besides Ma Yiyang was, questioning why he could be so derelict in his duties.


    Consort Wen had replied: "He must be a disciple of the Duke of Cheng''s household."


    The Emperor turned to her: "Why do you say that?"


    "Because my father saw the official go to the Duke of Cheng''s residence after taking leave. He found it strange at the time but didn''t think it concerned him, so he didn''t pay attention. But thinking back, Consort De was quite unhappy when the Imperial Noble Consort took her ce as one of the Four Consorts. I find it odd that this official works under Lord Jiang but is actually aligned with the Duke of Cheng."


    Consort Wen had been in the pce for over a decade, known for her straightforward nature, so her words did not seem influenced by Jiang Xinyue.


    Consort Wen added: "After the Emperor''s court session today, he kept my father and Lord Jiang in the imperial study to discuss matters."


    It must have been about the Duke of Cheng and the official.


    The Emperor was a man of action, addressing matters the same day he discovered them.


    The stele!


    The stele engraved with "Heaven''s wrath, Jiang reces Shen" was also entering the pce today.


    Jiang Xinyue tore the letter into pieces and handed it to Jiang Chuan: "Burn it."


    Concerned, Consort Yu stepped forward: "Should wee with you?"


    Jiang Xinyue shook her head: "No, you should act as if you know nothing. I will go alone."


    It wasn''t about acting pitiful in front of the Emperor; this was about the stability of the empire.


    She needed to intercept the Ministry of Justice official.


    As the horse galloped into the capital and stopped at the pce gates, Imperial Doctor Hu had already received the news and was waiting inside. Consort De intended to take the lives of the entire Jiang family today.


    The stele wasn''t newly engraved but had been prepared by the Duke of Cheng''s household shortly after Jiang Xinyue gained the Emperor''s favor.


    Before the Emperor knew of the drought in Yu Province, the Duke of Cheng''s household had already received a secret report, prompting them to transport the stele into the city, burying it in the dried riverbed.


    If it weren''t for Consort De stabbing herself to distance herself from the imperial concubine massacre incident, she would have handled this herself today.


    Before Imperial Doctor Hu left, Consort De had warned him to be careful of the Imperial Noble Consort.


    Careful of what?


    She was merely a woman who charmed the Emperor with her looks, no match for her owndy.


    How could she possibly know today was when Director Lin would bring the stele into the pce? There was no way she could stop it.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    After meeting Director Lin, Imperial Doctor Hu had four eunuchs carry the stele from the carriage. The Duke of Cheng couldn''t be involved directly, as they didn''t want the Emperor to think this implicated the previous court.


    Though their intent was to destroy the Jiang family, they had to maintain appearances.


    The long pce corridor was eerily silent, the silver-ck floor and walls glistening after being cleaned, sending an uneasy feeling through Imperial Doctor Hu: "Strange, this path wasn''t this quiet when we came through."


    "I had the entrance sealed off, so of course, it''s quiet," a woman''s alluring voice echoed.


    Jiang Xinyue''s graceful figure approached: "Imperial Doctor Hu, why aren''t you attending to Consort De in the side hall of Hexi Pce and instead are here?"


    Her yful gaze shifted to Imperial Doctor Hu''s back: "Isn''t this Director Lin of the Ministry of Justice? An underling of my father, when did he get so close to Consort De''s people?"


    As she spoke, she quickened her pace, approaching directly.

 Chapter 323

    <h1>Chapter 323</h1>


    Behind her stood a dozen guards in armor, along with a dozen tall eunuchs.


    As she walked, the intense pressure caused Imperial Doctor Hu to retreat step by step, his voice shrill as he eximed, "Imperial Noble Consort Jiang, what are you trying to do? This is the pce! Don''t you dare cause trouble here!"


    Jiang Xinyue ignored himpletely and shouted loudly, "Yuan Lei."


    Both Imperial Doctor Hu and Director Lin were focused on the two dozen strong guards and eunuchs, who had positioned themselves in front of Jiang Xinyue as a precaution.


    Until...


    "Boom¡ª¡ª"


    "Ah!"


    A deafening explosion shook the ground beneath their feet, and the sound of something shattering echoed in their ears. The panicked screams of young eunuchs injured by flying debris filled the air.


    Imperial Doctor Hu turned in terror to see a "giant" weighing over two hundred pounds, wielding dual hammers, smashing a stone monument until not a single character was legible. Only then did the giant pause, breathing heavily, and ask, "Your Highness, is this enough?"


    The giant had jumped down from above, and the two hammers, each weighing at least a hundred pounds, seemed as light as toys in his hands.


    ncing at the "stone monument that could doom the Jiang Family," it was now reduced to dust.


    Yuan Lei, the giant, continued to swing his arms, the massive iron hammers whirling menacingly. No one dared to approach, fearing they would be crushed like pancakes.


    "You!"


    "This!"


    "This is outrageous! Absolutely outrageous!"


    "Jiang Xinyue, do you even know thew? This stone was to be dug up from the river in Yu Province and presented to the Emperor. How dare you destroy it? I will most certainly inform the Emperor and have him punish you!"


    "Pfft!"


    Jiang Xinyue covered her mouth andughed, shaking her head as she did so. "Are you treating me like a fool or the Emperor like one? ''Heavenly cmity descends, Jiang reces Shen''? A stone from the heavens warning the Emperor, you say? So, is the South Gate of Heaven built in Mongolia or something?"


    "What does Imperial Noble Consort Jiang mean?"


    "This inscribed stone is called Balin Inkstone, originating from Mount Yamatu in Balin Right Banner, Chifeng, Inner Mongolia. It''s recorded in ''The Chronicles of Extraordinary Stones'' in my father''s study. This stone not only has high transparency but also fine texture, with a bnce of softness and hardness. It features seven basic colors¡ªred, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, and purple¡ªalong with various shades of deep, light, intense, faint, clear, turbid, bright, and dark. Director Lin, am I correct?"


    Director Lin had no idea if she was right or wrong.


    The stone had been handed to him by Duke of Cheng, instructing him to ensure it was brought to Yu Province and buried deep in the dry riverbed. Once the Emperor returned from his summer retreat, they were to bring it to the capital and make sure everyone knew about it.


    Earlier, on his way to the pce, he had shouted "Urgent military matters, make way!" to pique the curiosity of themon folk.


    Behind him, a few of Duke of Cheng''s informants in the civilian world had been spreading rumors: "It''s said that Yu Province has suffered months of drought, leaving the people in misery. The locals dug up a stone monument from the dried riverbed, iming that because the Emperor dotes excessively on a demonic concubine, heaven has punished them. If the Emperor doesn''t repent, the Shen dynasty will be reced by the Jiang family!"


    "More than a dozen corpses were found in Consort De''s pce. You know Consort De, right? She''s the daughter of Duke of Cheng. Before entering the pce, she often set up soup kitchens in the outskirts and donated old clothes to beggars. Could she have killed those people? So many incidents have happened since Imperial Noble Consort Jiang entered the pce. I bet she''s the one framing Consort De."


    "No wonder a heavenly cmity has struck. It must be because there''s an evil spirit near the Emperor. But why haven''t we heard about the drought in Yu Province? Is the court aware?"


    "My insider information says the former Governor of Yu Province was a ssmate of the Minister of Justice, both taught by the same master, with a bond of brotherhood. The Minister of Justice is also Imperial Noble Consort Jiang''s father. The Governor of Yu Province sealed off the drought-stricken city, preventing the people from fleeing, hoping to starve them to death. Maybe it was the Minister of Justice''s idea."


    "Think about it! The Minister of Justice is the father of the demonic concubine. He certainly doesn''t want that stone monument to reach the Emperor''s hands. He''s afraid the people who dug up the stone might spread rumors, so he had his old ssmate, the Governor of Yu Province, seal the city, hoping to let everyone inside die of thirst."


    Some tried to defend Minister Jiang Yankun and Jiang Xinyue, but their voices were quickly drowned out by the opposing chorus.


    After all, Duke of Cheng had orchestrated the whole thing, with a few informants stirring the pot. Most people love to watch a good scandal, and before long, falsehoods became perceived truths.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    As Jiang Junze strolled through the streets, shopping for his mother Lady Ruan''s uing birthday, themotion outside caught his attention.


    Listening in, he was furious. Strangers who had never met his sister and knew nothing about her were painting her as a ruthless, viinous concubine, even ming her for those dozen lives.


    "These bastards!"


    Jiang Junze charged out, ready to beat someone up. "You crazy dogs, my sister..."


    "Jiang Eng!"


    Hispanions quickly restrained him. "Don''t be rash. This looks like a well-organized scheme to smear Imperial Noble Consort Jiang''s reputation. The more critical the moment, the calmer you must remain. You should hurry home and inform your parents, thene up with a strategy."


    Those apanying Jiang Junze were his trusted friends, and none wished to see him hurt by a momentarypse in judgment.


    Perhaps those people knew Jiang Eng would be out today and were deliberately trying to provoke him into a violent outburst.


    The young men had underestimated the situation. Among the gossipers arranged by Duke of Cheng, one was already terminally ill.


    If Jiang Junzeid a hand on him, the next day his family would carry his corpse to the Jiang residence, demanding justice and forcing Minister Jiang to hand over the murderer.


    They would report the incident to the authorities, leaving Jiang Junze with a criminal record, effectively ruining his chances of passing the imperial exams and his future prospects.


    Once the n seeded, Duke of Cheng would reward the dying man''s family with a substantial sum, their payment for his life.


    Seeing Jiang Junze restrained by his friends, the sickly man with dark circles under his eyes grew even more brazen, stroking his chin with a smirk. "You know, they say Imperial Noble Consort Jiang is a stunning beauty, a voluptuous enchantress. If I were the Emperor, I''d stay in bed for half a year... Who cares about any so-called beauty? Once they''re beneath me, they''re all crying and begging..."


    "Let me go! I''m going to beat that scumbag to death."


    "Eng! Such a person isn''t worth it, but throwing away your future over him isn''t either."


    Jiang Junze no longer cared about the consequences. Hearing such vile nder about his sister was beyond what anyone could bear.

 Chapter 324

    Chapter 324


    ¡°How dare you!¡±


    Jiang Junze charged forward like a crazed yak, but halfway there, a stern shout stopped him in his tracks.


    A noble young man in a moon-white robe and golden crown stepped out from behind him: ¡°Guards, seize this insolent wretch and take him to the authorities. Report that he dared to speak filth and nder the Emperor and the Imperial Noble Consort in public, even fantasizing about bing the Emperor himself. This is a heinous crime.¡±


    This was a serious usation. iming to want to be the Emperor was treason, punishable by death.


    The man panicked and tried to run, but the guards of the white-robed noble caught him and dragged him to the authorities.


    Only after the man was gone did Jiang Junze snap out of his daze: ¡°Who was that? He¡¯s so handsome.¡±


    Hispanion chuckled: ¡°I thought what had you so mesmerized. Turns out it was his looks that stunned you. That¡¯s Xie Chenghui, son of Minister Xie of the Hanlin Academy, a court painter in the pce. He¡¯s famous in the capital for his beauty. You didn¡¯t even know him?¡±


    Jiang Junze nodded in realization: ¡°I¡¯ve only heard of him, never seen him. Now that I have, he¡¯s really something.¡±


    He even defended my sister!


    After a moment of admiration, Jiang Junze calmed down and quickly bid farewell to his friends to head home.


    He didn¡¯t know if his father had returned from court yet, but he needed to hurry back and inform him, so his father could make a decision.


    In the pce¡ª


    Jiang Xinyue had already rushed to Imperial Doctor Hu, grabbing the finger he pointed at her and snapping it with a loud ¡°crack.¡± The finger twisted at an unnatural angle, ovepping with the back of his hand.


    ¡°Ahhhhhhh¡­¡±


    ¡°My hand¡­ my hand¡­ it¡¯s broken!¡±


    ¡°A healer should use these hands to save lives and help those in distress. But Imperial Doctor Hu uses them for schemes and harming others. Such a corrupt heart doesn¡¯t deserve these hands.¡±


    Yuan Lei, drenched in sweat, finally stopped pounding the stone tablet. Not because he was tired, but because the tablet had been reduced to fine sand.


    Without the stone tablet of the Consort De, it was just a pile of sand, easily scattered by the wind.


    If Consort De had been here today, Jiang Xinyue would have had to put in a lot of effort to destroy the tablet. But with her severe injuries and pretending to be weak, she definitely wouldn¡¯t havee.


    Luyin had been her most trusted servant, but even Luyin knew to dy time. As for Imperial Doctor Hu, not only did he fail to read the situation, but he also dared to provoke Jiang Xinyue. If he wanted to bebeled cruel and ruthless, she wouldn¡¯t stop him.


    Director Lin was already terrified, his eyes wide with fear as he alternated between looking at the howling Imperial Doctor Hu on the ground and the advancing Imperial Noble Consort. He wished he could run away.


    ¡°Director Lin, what business did youe to the pce for today? Why aren¡¯t you going?¡±


    Director Lin looked at the ground, where the shattered wooden nks that had carried the stone tablety¡­


    There wasn¡¯t even a pile of ash left. What would he say to the Emperor?


    Jiang Xinyue chuckled coldly and left with her entourage.


    Among these people, some were even sent by the Emperor to protect her. She hadn¡¯t thought of hiding anything from the Emperor.


    Xi Que and Shuang Jiang¡¯s hearts were pounding: ¡°Your Highness, is this really okay? What if the Emperor finds out and gets angry?¡±


    ¡°If I hide it, he¡¯ll be the one to get angry. The Emperor always says for me to trust him. This time, let¡¯s see if he¡¯s worth trusting.¡±


    She didn¡¯t even want to be Shen Ye¡¯s Empress, something Shen Ye himself was well aware of. If he still suspected her of wanting to be an Empress regnant and instigate the Jiang family to seize his throne, then Shen Ye was a fool.


    ¡°Your Majesty¡­ save me!¡±


    The Emperor was just discussing the issue of spies in the Ministry of Justice with Jiang Hewei, Jiang Yankun, and a few other trusted ministers when Imperial Doctor Hu¡¯s scream echoed from outside.


    Wang Dequan entered lightly, bowing: ¡°Your Majesty, Imperial Doctor Hu and Director Lin of the Ministry of Justice request an audience, saying¡­¡±


    He nced at the group of ministers, hesitating, clearly not wanting to speak in front of them.


    The Emperor thought for a moment. At this time, Imperial Doctor Hu and Director Lin together, with Director Lin being a man of the Duke of Cheng, it was likely that Imperial Doctor Hu was also aligned with Consort De.


    This injury¡­ there¡¯s something fishy about it¡­


    Wang Dequan, as always, had the sharpest eyes and understood his intentions best. What Imperial Doctor Hu wanted to say was likely unfavorable to Xinyue, which was why he was hesitating.


    Emperor Xuanwu coughed lightly. The officials exchanged nces, and it was Jiang Yankun who first understood the Emperor¡¯s meaning, bowing: ¡°Your Majesty, then we shall take our leave first.¡±


    When someone had spoken the dismissal for him, the Emperor spoke: ¡°Jiang Aiqing and Jiang Qing stay.¡±


    The other ministers: Got it, the Emperor¡¯s giving private tasks to the two favored ministers. They should leave quickly.


    As they passed the door, they couldn¡¯t help but sneak a nce at Imperial Doctor Hu.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Goodness, he was holding his right hand, with his index finger seemingly forcibly broken. Being a doctor himself, he didn¡¯t go to the Imperial Hospital to get it treated, but instead came to the Emperor shouting for help. Could it be that someone deliberately injured him?


    And behind Imperial Doctor Hu was Director Lin, who was clearly under Minister Jiang, yet Minister Jiang mentioned seeing him several times entering the Duke of Cheng¡¯s residence, and heard that he had just returned from Yu Province.


    Yu Province was currently a troubled ce. Who in their right mind would go there for fun?


    Imperial Doctor Hu didn¡¯t care about their strange looks, wailing as he entered the imperial study and knelt down to use Jiang Xinyue: ¡°Your Majesty, there¡¯s a drought in Yu Province, and the people dug up a stone tablet from the riverbed that said ¡®Jiang reces Shen.¡¯ Director Lin, passing through Yu Province, wanted to bring the tablet back but was blocked by the governor of Yu Province. He finally managed to bring it back to present to Your Majesty, but the Imperial Noble Consort intercepted it and smashed the tablet to pieces. Your Majesty¡­ the Imperial Noble Consort even broke my finger. Shepletely disregards thew and doesn¡¯t put Your Majesty in her eyes!¡±


    ¡°Please execute this demonic consort to give an ount to the dead in Yu Province and restore peace to the world.¡±


    ¡°No need, no need¡­¡±


    Jiang Hewei nced at Jiang Yankun¡¯s expression andughed: ¡°Your Majesty is wise and powerful, and the world is already at peace. Natural disasters aren¡¯t man-made, and how can we predict them? And what does the drought in Yu Province have to do with the Imperial Noble Consort? Your usation is too subjective.¡±


    He was almost outright saying: You hate the Imperial Noble Consort, so you¡¯re pping this huge me on her head. That¡¯s too much.


    ¡°But the stone tablet was real, and it was indeed smashed by the Imperial Noble Consort.¡±


    Jiang Yankun knew his daughter well. She always acted with precision, so he chuckled coldly: ¡°You keep saying the Empress smashed your stone and broke your finger. Where¡¯s the evidence?¡±


    Exactly!


    Where¡¯s the evidence?

 Chapter 325

    ¡°Evidence? The evidence is¡­¡±0


    Imperial Doctor Hu''s agitated expression crumbled under Jiang Yankun''s teasing gaze. His lips trembled for a long time, but he couldn''t finish his sentence.0


    The evidence had turned to dust and flown away!0


    Who was Jiang Yankun?0


    He was the Minister of Punishment, a man who never let anyone off the hook, whether he had the upper hand or not.0


    He snorted coldly, "I wondered what could have caused Director Lin to abandon his post for three months. So it was all about plotting against my daughter."0


    "I¡­ this official merely went to Yu Province for a tour and had no idea about the drought there. Please¡­ Your Majesty, please rify."0


    "A tour? This official and Leader Ma went to Qin Province together. With only you and Vice Minister Song managing the Ministry of Punishment, we were already short-handed. Where did you find the leisure to take leave for a tour? Moreover, I''ve already inquired with Vice Minister Song, and you never mentioned taking leave to him. Instead, you bypassed him and went straight to Minister Jiang of the Ministry of Personnel."0


    Jiang Yankun''s disdainful gaze swept over him like he was looking at garbage. "While this official was away, Vice Minister Song was your superior. What secret business did you have that required you to go to Minister Jiang for leave? And what about your frequent visits to the Mansion of the Duke of Cheng?"0


    After this barrage of questions, Director Lin waspletely flustered. "This official¡­ this official didn''t think that far."0


    What a pig-headed fool!0


    Jiang Yankun flicked his sleeve, utterly uninterested in engaging with such a fool. Instead, he turned to the emperor. "Your Majesty, such a neglectful and morally corrupt individual is beyond the capacity of my humble Ministry of Punishment. Please dismiss Director Lin from his post and send him back from whence he came."0


    One woman does not serve two husbands, one servant does not serve two masters.0


    Even though Director Lin was not a servant, he was still under Jiang Yankun''smand in the Ministry of Punishment. This statement was not entirely inappropriate.0


    "You¡­ you''re ndering me!"0


    Imperial Doctor Hu became agitated again, but as soon as he moved, his fingers throbbed with pain, and he started groaning, "Ouch, ouch!"0


    The Xuanwu Emperor clicked his tongue, clearly showing his impatience. Tang Shiliang immediately stepped forward to pull Imperial Doctor Hu aside. "Your hand is in such a state; you should hurry to the Imperial Hospital to have it treated! If it leaves anysting damage, you are an Imperial Doctor!"0


    If an Imperial Doctor''s hand were to be disabled, it would greatly hinder his ability to practice medicine in the future.0


    "I won''t go!"0


    Imperial Doctor Hu sat on the ground, sobbing. "Your Majesty, the Imperial Noble Consort is a demoness! Ever since she entered the pce, Your Majesty has changed, bing overly fond of her and neglecting the other concubines. This prolonged neglect will harm the imperial lineage! Now that disasters have befallen us, does Your Majesty still intend to indulge her?"0


    "Crash!"0


    "How dare you!"0


    A fine jade cup shattered at Imperial Doctor Hu''s feet. The emperor, enraged, rose from his chair, his eyes zing with fury as he red directly at Imperial Doctor Hu. "What nonsense about a demoness and divine retribution! I am the heavens, and I shall favor whoever I please. It''s not your ce, you old fool, to point your finger at me and curse me. Using the fact that the Governor of Yu Province and Minister Jiang are old ssmates to stir up trouble? Get this straight: the Governor of Yu Province envied Minister Jiang''s talent and they have long since severed all ties. You can''t even frame someone properly; what a waste."0


    Director Lin fell to his knees with a thud, not daring to utter a single word.0


    But the emperor was still not appeased. He continued to bellow, "Not only will I indulge the Imperial Noble Consort, but I will also make her my empress. I am the dragon, and she is the phoenix, destined by heaven. What divine retribution are you talking about?"0


    With that, he mmed his palm on the imperial desk. "Come, take this old fool and give him thirtyshes, dismiss him from his post, and expel him from the pce. From this day forward, he is forbidden to set foot in the pce again."0


    He could tolerate fools, but not foolish and malicious ones.0


    Jiang Yankun''s eyes lit up. The emperor was actually¡­ going to make Jiang Xinyue the empress?0


    Why hadn''t Jiang Xinyue mentioned this? Was the emperor just speaking in anger due to Imperial Doctor Hu''s stupidity?0


    Many believed that, given the Jiang family''s status, Jiang Xinyue bing the Imperial Noble Consort was already the pinnacle.0


    Even Jiang Yankun himself thought so.0


    Lady Ruan had been elevated to the status of a "co-wife," which literally meant a "co-wife," but in essence, she was still a concubine raised to the position of a secondary wife. Her origins as a dancer could never be changed.0


    Now, the emperor had dered his intention to make Jiang Xinyue the empress. Was he dreaming?0


    Director Lin closed his eyes, sweat pouring down his face, but his pride as a schr prevented him from begging for mercy.0


    Moreover, he was already aligned with the Duke of Cheng.0


    Soon, Director Lin was also dismissed and, along with Imperial Doctor Hu after his punishment, was expelled from the pce.0


    Jiang Yankun seized the opportunity to suggest, "Your Majesty, regarding Zhu Qianyi, you wanted to appoint him but were unsure of the appropriate position. This official now has an opening. It is said that he is skilled in martial arts and would be well-suited for a role in the Ministry of Punishment."0


    In that brief moment, he had analyzed the situation. The emperor''s intention to make Jiang Xinyue the empress meant that his current position as Minister of Punishment would not be sufficient.0


    Before elevating Jiang Xinyue to empress, the emperor would undoubtedly promote him.0


    Zhu Qianyi could be considered an ally, which was better than Vice Minister Song, who was always eyeing his position.0n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Once he left the Ministry of Punishment, Ma Yiyang would certainly follow him. That man was a staunch supporter of the Sixth Prince, firmly believing that the young prince would one day ascend the throne.0


    Such a loyal individual needed to be cultivated for the future benefit of the Sixth Prince.0


    The emperor weighed the situation for a moment, then reminded Jiang Yankun, "Zhu Qianyi can be kept, but he should not be appointed too soon. Don''t forget, there is still the Fifth Prince in Dongshan."0


    The emperor''s words pointed out the risks of prematurely appointing Zhu Qianyi.0


    The Sixth Prince was still young, and it would be at least a decade before he could inherit the throne. Once he was named crown prince, the risks would multiply a hundredfold.0


    Appointing Zhu Qianyi now, while he was full of youthful ambition and a desperate desire to save his family, could lead to him being overzealous and overshadowing his superiors.0


    Jiang Yankun didn''t need subordinates who would steal his thunder.0


    Moreover, establishing Zhu Qianyi too early in the political arena could create a power base that might challenge Jiang Yankun''s position a decadeter.0


    The Fifth Prince was the son that thete empress had risked her life to protect. As thete empress''s younger brother, supporting his nephew''s ascension to the throne would be more beneficial for Zhu Qianyi.0


    Jiang Yankun didn''t want to test human nature, as it was inherently fragile and unreliable.0


    A slight reminder from the emperor was all he needed to understand the correct approach.0


    He could give Zhu Qianyi some minor benefits to make him feel indebted, but he must not offer any substantial advantages.0


    It was all about painting a big picture.

 Chapter 326

    Chapter 326


    Once the Sixth Prince grows older and umtes a certain amount of reputation, with the court and themon people both recognizing him as the crown prince, then Jiang Yankun will transfer Zhu Qianyi to a position under his jurisdiction.


    This will both extinguish Zhu Qianyi''s original ambitions and win his loyalty, making him grateful and devoted to serving the Sixth Prince.


    This move might not be friendly to Zhu Qianyi, but it is beneficial to the Jiang Family and the Sixth Prince without any drawbacks.


    If one does not act in their own self-interest, heaven and earth will destroy them!


    The Emperor himself wants him to do this, so how could he possibly disappoint the Emperor?


    "Your humble servant knows what to do."


    The two of them ying guessing games left Jiang Hewei in the dark.


    Who is Zhu Qianyi? What does the Fifth Prince have to do with it? What is this talk about the East Mountain? He thought he understood, yet he didn''t.


    It was as if he heard something but didn''t, yet he seemed to know quite a few secrets.


    When he left the imperial study, Jiang Hewei still couldn''t help but ask, half-understanding: "Minister Jiang, the Emperor said not to heavily promote Zhu''s second son now, what does that have to do with the Fifth Prince?"


    After all, he''s not the biological son of the previous Empress, and Zhu''s second son doesn''t have much affection for the Fifth Prince, does he?


    Besides, he went to the East Mountain when he was just over a year old. Who knows if he''ll even remember the Zhu family in the future.


    Jiang Yankun looked deeply at the vast sky outside the imperial study and sighed: "Minister Jiang, it''s better to keep it like this and not ask too much. The more you know, the less likely the Emperor will include you next time."


    "Tsk... What do you mean by that? Are youplimenting me or insulting me?"


    In Hexi Pce¡ª


    "What did you say? Imperial Doctor Hu was beaten up and expelled from the pce?"


    Consort De, lying in bed, winced in pain as she sat up too quickly, her wound throbbing. After a long while, she managed to speak: "What do you mean? Imperial Doctor Hu wasn''t... ugh..."


    Jiang Xinyue, however, did not return to Chengqian Pce. She pushed open the door of the side hall, interrupting Consort De''s conversation with her maid: "What do you mean, ''wasn''t''? Why does Consort De look so surprised to see me standing here unharmed?"n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Consort De''s wound ached continuously, and she was also shocked, the double pressure causing her wound to reopen.


    Blood flowed out along the white cloth, and the maid was startled, immediately wanting to run out to call a doctor. Xi Que, with a smile, blocked the door, not letting her pass.


    Seeing this, Consort De forced herself to look up: "Imperial Noble Consort, what... what do you mean by this?"


    "I''m dering war on you."


    Jiang Xinyue stood by the bed, looking down at her with tant malice: "You and your old man concocted that stone tablet about the ''Jiang recing Shen,'' thinking the Emperor would execute me and annihte my family?"


    "You..."


    Halfway up, Consort De was shocked and frowned, rarely showing a hint of panic: "When did you find out?"


    There was no point in pretending anymore. Jiang Xinyue had her eyes and ears everywhere, didn''t she?


    "Tsk!"


    The stunning imperial concubine sneered: "There aren''t many ambitious concubines left in the pce. Consort Wen and Low Level Consort Yu are on my side, Noble Consort Ye doesn''t have the background to pull this off, and Concubine Cheng and Noble Lady Liu don''t have the ability. The only one left with a name in my book is you, Consort De. Small schemes, I might suspect others, but such a big move? I knew it was you the moment I heard about it."


    "Do you have any..."


    "I don''t need evidence. My sixth sense has always been urate, helping me dodge one scheme after another. I also know that you''ve been trying to harm me from the very beginning. Do you really think I know nothing?"


    Consort De, whoseplexion was sallow, looked even more suspicious: "What do you know?"


    Her voice was already tinged with ferocity.


    Jiang Xinyue leaned closer to her, cing a hand on her wound and pressing slightly, causing more blood to gush out.


    "Imperial Noble Consort!"


    The maid cried out in rm and tried to rush forward, but Xi Que and Shuang Jiang blocked her like two gatekeepers.


    "I know nothing. I just know that you and your old man want to annihte my family. So from today onwards, I''m tearing the mask off. All your schemes, I''ll return them one by one."


    A warm breath brushed past her ear, but Jiang Xinyue''s words sent a chill through Consort De''s heart: "From today onwards, I''ll y this game with you¡ªslowly."


    She chuckled, and when her fingers left Consort De''s wound, they were covered in blood.


    "Tsk!"


    Disgusted, she wiped the blood on Consort De''s clothes, and Xiao Xiangzi immediately handed her a damp handkerchief to clean her hands.


    Consort De couldn''t argue a word, as she was already in so much pain she was about to faint.


    Yan the Imperial Physician had been waiting outside for some time. Only after Jiang Xinyue left did she tell him: "Go in and treat Consort De. Make sure she leaves with a scar."


    "Your humble servant obeys... Ah?"


    Yan the Imperial Physician thought she meant to heal herpletely.


    Jiang Xinyue nced at him again, as if to say: Is this too much for you?


    "Yes, yes, yes. Your humble servant will definitely follow the Noble Consort''s instructions and treat Consort De ordingly."


    Consort Wen, Low Level Consort Yu, and Noble Consort Ye were all waiting outside the side hall. The door had been left open, and they had watched and listened to the whole scene.


    Low Level Consort Yu: "Your Highness, you were so domineering just now. I think I''m falling for you. I was just a child before, and I did a lot of foolish things. I hope Your Highness can forgive me for my past mistakes and see that I''m trying to change. In the future... if I ever get hurt, please don''t treat me like you did with Consort De, okay?"


    It looked painful!


    Consort Wen, with a look of disgust: "You''re twenty-eight years old, and you still think you''re a child? The Imperial Noble Consort is only eighteen or neen! How shameless! Unlike me, I only feel heartache for the Noble Consort. Did it hurt your hand to press on Consort De? The smell of blood is hard to get rid of. I have a handkerchief soaked in Guangling incense. Your Highness, please use it to wipe your hands. It will make your hands smell nice and fresh."


    Honestly, after pressing on Consort De, please don''t press on me.


    Noble Consort Ye couldn''t help but admire the thick skin of Consort Wen and Low Level Consort Yu, but she was even more relieved that she hadn''t done anything bad to the Imperial Noble Consort yet.


    Mainly because she wasn''t high enough in rank to reach that level. Suddenly, she felt that being a small Noble Consort wasn''t so bad.


    As for Concubine Cheng and Noble Lady Liu, they haven''t been having a good timetely. This must be the result of going against the Imperial Noble Consort!


    The originally violent mood was calmed down by the two lively characters of Consort Wen and Low Level Consort Yu.


    It had been two and a half years since she arrived in the Great Yan Dynasty. She had developed a sense of belonging to this ce, and an indescribable affection for her adoptive father, her mother and siblings, and her capable n members.


    Perhaps it was the feeling of being supported that gave her a sense of being loved, something she had never experienced before.


    Even if there were other motives mixed in, it didn''t matter. As long as it provided her with emotional value, it was good enough.


    "Ahhh... There''s a ghost... There''s a ghost..."


    Previous</a>Next</a>

 Chapter 327

    ¡°Your Ladyship, Your Ladyship¡­ there are no ghosts, no ghosts!¡±


    Yan''er and another maidservant who served Noble Lady Liu were running all over the pce, trying to catch Noble Lady Liu who was fleeing in terror: ¡°Your Ladyship, please stop running.¡±0


    But Noble Lady Liu, with her hair disheveled and barefoot, had already run far away.


    ¡°Don¡¯t follow me, it¡¯s not my fault¡­ it¡¯s not my fault¡­¡±N?v(el)B\\jnn


    Low Level Consort Yu and Consort Wen were still vying for the Emperor¡¯s favor in front of Jiang Xinyue when Noble Lady Liu suddenly burst out, her hair wild, startling them.0


    ¡°Goodness! What monster is that?¡±


    Low Level Consort Yu and Consort Wen clung to each other in fear, while Xi Que and Shuang Jiang stood in front of Jiang Xinyue, shielding her. Just as it seemed Noble Lady Liu was about to crash into them, Xiao Xiangzi pushed the shrieking, disheveled noblewoman to the ground.


    ¡°No, no, no¡­¡±


    Unexpectedly, the noblewoman, her face barely recognizable, rolled on the ground after falling: ¡°Don¡¯t kill me, don¡¯t catch me, don¡¯t kill me¡­ go find Jiang Xinyue¡­ no! Go find Concubine Cheng¡­ hahaha¡­ go find Consort De, kill them all! Kill them all, and the Emperor will be mine, hahaha¡­¡±


    ¡°Noble Lady Liu! Noble Lady Liu!¡±


    Yan''er chased after her, and upon seeing Jiang Xinyue, she quickly bowed and pleaded in panic: ¡°Imperial Noble Consort, please forgive us, my mistress was frightened by the incident of falling into the water. After fainting, she had a high fever for three days and became like this upon waking. She did not mean to offend the Imperial Noble Consort, please forgive her.¡±


    ¡°Is that Noble Lady Liu?¡±


    ¡°How did she end up like this?¡±


    ¡°The body was already identified as Chu, a missing servant from the Criminal Servants'' Prison, wasn¡¯t it? Noble Lady Liu fell into the water and was tightly held by Chu¡¯s skeleton, which frightened her into unconsciousness. She must have been so traumatized that she lost her mind and became demented.¡±


    Noble Lady Liu seemedpletely disconnected, alternating betweenughter and tears, her eyes unfocused, her fear and madness genuine, not staged.0


    If she had such divine acting skills, she would surely have a ce in the harem.


    But she was truly mad.


    ¡°Take her back and find a imperial physician to examine her properly. To be struck with madness at such a young age, how will she live the next several decades?¡±0


    Yan''er¡¯s nose tingled, and tears streamed down her face as she choked back sobs, kneeling to kowtow to Jiang Xinyue.0


    She never expected that despite her mistress constantly opposing the Imperial Noble Consort, it was only Jiang Xinyue who cared about her mistress¡¯s future.0


    With these words from the Imperial Noble Consort, she could now request an imperial physician to treat her mistress.0


    However, what no one expected was that Noble Lady Liu¡¯s death was reported that very night.0


    ¡°How did she die?¡±0


    Wang Dequan lowered his head and answered the Emperor¡¯s question: ¡°It¡¯s said that after retiring for the night, Noble Lady Liu opened the door herself and jumped into theke.¡±0


    Whether it was suicide or simply a misstep in the dark, no one knew.0


    But the one who reported it had to absolve themselves of me to avoid punishment, so it was recorded as self-inflicted, not their fault.0


    The Xuanwu Emperor nodded: ¡°Posthumously elevate her to the rank of Noble Lady Liu the Reverent, and bury her in the imperial mausoleum.¡±


    Posthumous honors are for the living to see.


    Jiang Xinyue sighed, feeling a slight sadness.


    It wasn¡¯t because of Noble Lady Liu¡¯s death, but because in over two years in the pce, she had witnessed countless vibrant lives fade away. Xiao Ronghua and Noble Lady Liu, both ended up mad, how could one not sigh?0


    Sometimes, she couldn¡¯t help but wonder, if these women¡¯s souls were reborn in a future era, where their talents and skills could be more fully realized, would they still scheme so desperately for the affection of one man?0


    The answer was undoubtedly no.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡±0


    On thefortable dragon bed, the Emperor wrapped his arms around Jiang Xinyue from behind, nuzzling her neck: ¡°Are you upset?¡±0


    ¡°No¡­¡±0


    Her voice was muffled, and she turned to burrow into the Emperor¡¯s embrace, looking up at him, her bright eyes sparkling like stars.0


    ¡°Your Majesty, I must confess to you. Before we went to the Qin Province pce, my feelings for you were not very deep. Those expressions of love, I could have shown them to you, or to anyone who would be my husband¡­¡±0


    At this point, the Emperor¡¯s grip on Jiang Xinyue tightened sharply, but he still forced a smile, saying through clenched teeth: ¡°It¡¯s fine, continue.¡±0


    ¡°When I was young, I was not favored and often bullied. My mother, being exceptionally beautiful, was resented by thedy of the house. My memories of childhood are vague; I don¡¯t know if I deliberately forgot the painful things or if I truly don¡¯t remember.¡±0


    Warm tears wet the Emperor¡¯s chest: ¡°Now, when I recall, it seems I was either being beaten or on my way to being beaten. My father was rarely home, and my mother always told me to endure. As I grew older, my appearance surpassed even my mother¡¯s, and my father finally noticed me, beginning to groom me. Back then, I told myself that I would never allow myself to be hurt by anyone again.¡±0


    Her trembling, tear-stainedshes revealed a touch of genuine emotion, and her eyes filled with love: ¡°You are the Emperor, and you are destined to have many women in your life. If I love you, I cannot ept your physical intimacy with other women; I would go mad. So, I stayed in my shell, unwilling to give my heart fully, always holding back seven parts. I thought, if one day you change your heart, I could still protect my own heart and not end up too deste.¡±0


    Three parts of truth were yed by Jiang Xinyue into ten parts of emotion, and anyone would be captivated. No wonder the Xuanwu Emperor was so deeply drawn.0


    He kissed her forehead tenderly, his heart aching: ¡°You¡¯re right, all your concerns are valid. I indeed cannot dismiss the harem due to the political implications; I don¡¯t want to cause unrest in the court. But, Xinyue, I promise you, your worries are unnecessary. I will love you wholeheartedly and grow old with you. From now on, no one will dare to bully you; I will protect you well.¡±0


    Jiang Xinyue nodded: ¡°I know. Since the trip to Qin Province, when the Emperor chose not to sacrifice my cousin Jiang Yuncai but considered my feelings and spared the Qu Family, I knew that the Emperor truly cares for me. From that day on, I also opened my heart to the Emperor.¡±


    If the Emperor had not chosen to save Jiang Yuncai, the Qu Family would not have been so lightly punished.


    The entire Qu family would have paid a heavy price, not just losing the Imperial Pardon.


    The Qu Family would still be the most influential n in Qin Province.


    The Emperor had, for Jiang Xinyue, abandoned the opportunity to eliminate the Qu Family, a powerful local force.0


    Jiang Xinyue¡¯s heart was not made of stone.


    She did not want to be assimted by this era, did not want to be one of the harem women whomented their fates. But this era would not change just because she was a time-traveling woman (a woman from the modern era).0


    She could not change it¡­0


    So, she would hold tightly to the Emperor¡¯s heart, using his love to obtain what she wanted.0

 Chapter 328

    <h1>Chapter 328</h1>


    "Boom!"0


    Another brain-rattling flicknded on her forehead, and the Xuanwu Emperor gazed at her with tender affection, "So you took advantage of our mutual affection and dared to intercept a government official, even smashing that stone tablet?"0


    "I knew, there''s nothing that can escape Your Majesty''s keen eyes."0


    "If you wanted to hide it, you would havee up with a better n. Why go to such lengths, bringing so many people to block the pce path? I know you''ve always been straightforward and disdainful of those underhanded tricks. But Xinyue, there are always people who can''t stand to see you doing better than them. Sometimes, you have to be ruthless."0


    Otherwise, those people might rise from the ashes, causing future troubles.0


    "Our Little Tuantuan is still young, without self-protection abilities. By the time he''s three or four, able to run and walk, the number of people wanting to harm him will only increase. Let''s work together to let him grow up happily and healthily, so he can inherit my throne early. Then, I can travel the mountains and rivers with you."0


    The way he painted this future made Jiang Xinyue feel almost full.0


    She hugged the emperor tightly, "Your Majesty thinks of Little Tuantuan so much, I will do whatever you say."0


    "Whatever I say?"0


    The emperor''s peach blossom eyes sparkled, "Then let''s give Little Tuantuan a little sister!"0


    In the sleeping hall of Chengqian Pce, red candles flickered, filling the room with fragrance.0


    The death of Noble Lady Liu was like a leaf falling into a pond, causing no ripple.0


    Since Jiang Xinyue moved into Chengqian Pce, her love with the emperor grew deeper, and rumors of him wanting to make her the empress spread widely.0


    At the Jiang household¡ª0


    Lady Zhouy in a dark, damp little side room, coughing with all her strength, tears streaming down her face, and a pungent smelling from her lower body.0


    "Come... cough cough cough... someone...e..."0


    Outside the door, two matrons were chatting while eating melon seeds, "Now our madam has finally reaped what she sowed. Although those gossipers always call our Second Young Lady a demoness, if they had a daughter who received such favor from the emperor, they wouldn''t know how happy they''d be!"0


    "Exactly, they''re just jealous of our Imperial Noble Consort and spread rumors everywhere. A few days ago, some people on the street who called ourdy a demoness were arrested, and it was the emperor''s order."0


    "Ah! Madam has a good temperament, unlike the one inside. The daughters she gave birth to didn''t end well. The eldest daughter and ourdy entered the pce together, but she died within a few months. The third daughter''s reputation was ruined, and she couldn''t marry the Prince of Ruyang''s heir, so she made a scene, causing a city-wide scandal. In the end, the master sent her to a countryside estate, and who knows if she''ll ever return!"0


    "She doesn''t deserve pity. Who asked her to be unkind when she was young and mistreat Madam and the Imperial Noble Consort? Now, not retaliating against her is more than enough, and she still dreams of a good life? Dream on!"0


    "Look at her current state, the Imperial Noble Consort is favored, and the master sent her to this side room. Her family doesn''t even dare to utter a word. So, people should umte virtue. Otherwise, they''ll face retribution, and even after death, no one will collect their corpse."0


    Thest sentence from the matron was particrly loud, as if intentionally saying it for the person inside the room to hear.0n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    "Cough cough cough cough..."0


    Even more violent coughing came from inside, as if she was going to cough out her internal organs.0


    Lady Zhou fell from the bed to the ground, crawling to the door and hearing the two matrons'' conversation, her face turning red with anger, veins bulging on her neck, and finally, she spat out a mouthful of blood.0


    Her eyes wide open, she fell to the ground, lifeless, having been literally angered to death.0


    Concubine Lin heard the silence inside and raised her hand. The two matrons immediately stopped talking, bowed, and retreated, pushing open the broken door.0


    A foul smell spread, making the two matrons cover their noses, but Concubine Lin remained unfazed, looking at the lifeless Lady Zhou on the ground, and slowly said, "Lady Ruan and I suffered so much under your hands. Now that you''ve died by my actions, it''s not unjust. It''s just an eye for an eye."0


    When Lady Zhou was young, she was jealous of Lady Ruan''s beauty and most feared her as a concubine, so she tormented her the most. Even Lady Ruan''s children were beaten every three days and punished every five, never having a peaceful day.0


    Especially Jiang Xinyue, who shared Lady Ruan''s beauty, she was the thorn in Lady Zhou''s eye, the bane of her existence. Usually, when there were important guests, Jiang Xinyue was locked in her room and not allowed toe out.0


    She was afraid that Jiang Xinyue would be noticed by noblemen, affecting her own daughter''s marriage prospects.0


    Who would have thought that her husband would let Jiang Xinyue and Jiang Yutong enter the pce together for the selection? Jiang Xinyue, with her beauty, caught the emperor''s eye and rose to prominence.0


    Jiang Yutong was also a fool, unable to build a good rtionship with her, and even offending her, no wonder she died an unclear death.0


    Jiang Yulin...0


    This fool didn''t even need to be mentioned. Stimted by Concubine Lin with just a few words, she lost her reason and went to make a scene at the Prince of Ruyang''s heir''s wedding, shamelessly wanting to be his concubine.0


    Unfortunately, she was such a fool that even if she wanted to be a servant for the heir, he would think she was beneath him and chased her out.0


    If it weren''t for Jiang Xinyue''s face, she would have been beaten to death for causing such embarrassment to the prince''s mansion.0


    Lady Ruan didn''t want to dirty her hands, so Concubine Lin took the initiative.0


    Lady Zhou''s early death would allow Lady Ruan to be Jiang Yankun''s rightful wife, which was what everyone desired.0


    Let her be the bad person, the new madam wouldn''t mistreat her and her daughter.0


    In this way, it also avenged the male fetus she had lost due to Lady Zhou''s actions.0


    In Chengqian Pce¡ª0


    Several young eunuchs whispered among themselves, passing the news of Lady Zhou''s death to the emperor.0


    Jiang Xinyue was grinding ink for the emperor when she heard Wang Dequan''s words. The inkstone in her hand fell into the ink b, sshing ink all over her hands.0


    The Xuanwu Emperor took out a yellow in handkerchief from his sleeve and carefully wiped the ink spots on her hands, "How old are you, still getting startled by such small things?"0


    "I wasn''t startled."0


    Jiang Xinyue pouted unhappily, "It''s just that the person who always bullied me and my mother is dead, it feels unreal."0


    She hadn''t interacted much with Lady Zhou, mainly through the original owner''s memories, where Lady Zhou was always a terrifying figure. So, when Jiang Xinyue heard Lady Zhou''s name, it felt like a lifetime ago.0


    She feared Lady Zhou, but that was a long time ago.0


    The original owner, burdened by the title of "legitimate mother," had to be cautious in her actions, winning only half the time. The only way to win was by acting weak and pitiful in front of her father.0


    That was the best way she could think of to protect her mother and siblings.0


    Now, Lady Zhou was dead, and she didn''t know how the original owner would feel if she knew.0


    For the current Jiang Xinyue, she was quite happy.0


    Her enemy was dead, and her mother could finally be acknowledged.0


    The emperor had promised that once Lady Zhou died, he would grant her mother a noble title!0

 Chapter 329

    <h1>Chapter 329</h1>


    ¡°Then Yue''er must get used to it sooner.¡±


    The Emperor chuckled lightly: ¡°I can wait for at most three more days. After that, how about holding your coronation as Empress and your mother¡¯s ennoblement ceremony on the same day?¡±n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Even though Lady Zhou was once Jiang Xinyue¡¯s stepmother and had been malicious, ording to folk customs, one would need to observe a three-year mourning period. However, since she was now in the royal court, those rules no longer applied. The Emperor¡¯s decree was the ultimatew. His statement of waiting for at most three days meant that he would announce that the Imperial Noble Consort was observing a three-day mourning period for her stepmother. After those three days, he would officially crown her as Empress, celebrating the asion throughout thend.


    ¡°This subject¡­¡±


    ¡°No more talk of not wanting to be Empress.¡±


    Emperor Xuanwu interrupted her: ¡°I¡¯ve already made too many efforts to make you this Empress. You are not allowed to refuse me. This Empress, I don¡¯t want to give to anyone else but you.¡±


    ¡°This subject is not refusing,¡±


    Jiang Xinyue, held in the Emperor¡¯s embrace, pushed against his shoulders with both hands and looked at him earnestly: ¡°But Your Majesty, if this subject bes your Empress and the mother of the nation, while you work to strengthen your court, I also wish to do something for the women of the world. These things, people might think I¡¯m mad, that I¡¯m deviating from the norm. Even so, will Your Majesty believe in me and support me?¡±


    She didn¡¯t want to be Empress because she didn¡¯t want to be the Emperor¡¯s caretaker, but realizing that only by bing Empress could she achieve her desired utopia, she knew she had to take the position. She needed to prepare the Emperor in advance, so that when she actually implemented her ns, he would be mentally ready.


    ¡°You¡¯ve done enough unorthodox things, haven¡¯t you?¡±


    The Emperor leaned his forehead against hers: ¡°Which time wasn¡¯t I the one cleaning up after you?¡±


    Just like this time when Jiang Xinyue led people to confront Imperial Doctor Hu and Director Lin. If word got out, she would be branded as a vixen.


    The Emperor had Imperial Doctor Hu beaten and exiled from the pce, while Director Lin, for framing a high-ranking official, was imprisoned.


    Imperial Doctor Hu, already advanced in age and unable to withstand the beating, had also lost a finger without proper treatment, likely not long for this world.


    Director Lin, having aligned himself with Duke of Cheng in an attempt to bring down Minister Jiang and take his position, ended up losing everything. Stripped of his rank and now a prisoner, he was driven to madness.


    With both central figures rendered unable to speak, the incident would not spread. If it did, it would be Duke of Cheng¡¯s doing, and the Emperor would personally settle the score with him.


    However, Duke of Cheng wasn¡¯t that foolish. He understood the principle of preserving strength for future opportunities.


    Consort De had inherited his cunning and ruthlessness.


    She had pinned the deaths of over a dozen people on a eunuch, thinking it would end there. But as the Investigative Bureau delved deeper, they found the situation was far from simple.


    Consort De was deeply hidden.


    In the fertilizer storage room of Yanqing Pce, the red soil was soaked in blood. Yet, Consort De imed that Luyin had always been in charge of the storage room, and all the precious flowers in Yanqing Pce were cared for by Luyin.


    Well!


    The murders weremitted by mute ves, and the flowers were nurtured by Luyin. With both dead, there was no one to testify, and the trail ended there.


    Jiang Xinyue sat on the Emperor¡¯sp, proudly swinging her little feet, thinking: If I don¡¯t get you used to cleaning up my mess, how will I manipte you in the future?


    A lovesick mind is the best dowry a man can have.


    Jiang Xinyue suddenly remembered something: ¡°Your Majesty, when we were at the imperial retreat, didn¡¯t you find a porcin bottle that resembled the one that killed the Former Crown Prince? Have you found out anything?¡±


    At this, the Emperor¡¯s brows furrowed, and he sighed, shaking his head: ¡°This throne of mine has only been stable in recent years. The year the Crown Prince drowned, the court was in turmoil, and I had no mind to focus on the harem. Moreover, so many years have passed, and all those who knew the truth are either dead or have left the pce. I¡¯mpletely in the dark.¡±


    It was the first time the Emperor spoke so candidly, and Jiang Xinyue found it rather refreshing.


    ¡°But among the pce concubines, those who entered the pce with the Empress and have received favor or given birth to children are only Consort De and Low Level Consort Yu.¡±


    Low Level Consort Yu had only borne a princess and had a deep bond with the Empress. Back then, she was able to rise to the rank of Consort Wen, entirely supported by the Empress. She had no motive, reason, or courage to kill the Empress¡¯s son.


    That left only Consort De.


    She was an old timer who entered the pce around the same time as the Empress and had given birth to the Second Princess and the Third Prince. The discovery of so many bodies in Yanqing Pce revealed her sinister andplex nature.


    The Emperor pondered for a moment. Consort De was the mother of the Third Prince, and he most unwilling to see was that she was the true culprit behind the murder of the former Crown Prince and the Second Prince.


    Even with the recent pce case of the Lotus Pond that had terrified the pce maids and eunuchs, he always subconsciously made excuses for Consort De.


    Whether it was because she had been too good at hiding her true nature for the past decade or because he felt the Third Prince was too pitiful, every time his suspicions fell on Consort De, he would numb himself, refusing to delve deeper.


    Between the deceased consorts, maids, eunuchs, and the Third Prince, he couldn¡¯t bring himself to handle the situation fairly.


    Jiang Xinyue could read his thoughts from a nce.


    It was truly¡­ every time she had a change of heart about this foolish Emperor and wanted to get closer to him, his indecisiveness always pushed her away.


    He not only hadn¡¯t learned how to love someone properly but also hadn¡¯t learned how to be a good father. He didn¡¯t know what was truly best for the Third Prince.


    A mother who could poison her own child just to frame her rival would, in the future, kill her child to save herself.


    Such a person was naturally cold-hearted and selfish, capable of anything to achieve their goals.


    Emperor Xuanwu was highly sensitive to emotions. The moment Jiang Xinyue¡¯s face turned cold, he looked at her with innocent big eyes, glistening with tears.


    It was deadly!


    He hadn¡¯t learned how to love someone, but he had picked up Consort Wen and Low Level Consort Yu¡¯s tactic¡­ of using cuteness to win her over.


    She, a proud 5¡¯5¡±¡­ she really couldn¡¯t resist cuteness!


    When did this foolish Emperor figure out her weakness?


    Jiang Xinyue couldn¡¯t resist reaching out and pinching the flesh on his cheeks, pulling his face out of shape: ¡°Kneel down, call me sister!¡±


    Pfft!


    That was just what Queen Jiang imagined. In reality, she simply covered his eyes with her palm: ¡°Your Majesty, don¡¯t look at me like that. I might lose control.¡±


    ¡°If you can¡¯t control yourself, then don¡¯t. Come and take me.¡±


    Jiang Xinyue pped his hand away, put on her clothes, and walked inside: ¡°Starting tonight, I will observe a three-day mourning period and sleep in the side hall. Your Majesty should also rest early and take care of your health.¡±

 Chapter 330

    <h1>Chapter 330</h1>


    The oilmp flickered unsteadily, and Jiang Xinyue pushed the door open, shutting the Emperor outside.


    "Yue''er, the three days of mourning begin tomorrow!"


    "Your Majesty, filial piety is in my heart. After hearing the news of my stepmother''s passing, I couldn''t wait to begin mourning. Please return to your sleeping hall and rest. Consort De''s injuries have healed enough for her to walk, so tomorrow, please have her move back to Yanqing Pce. I will also return to my own pce."


    Consort Wen''s Jingren Pce has already been prepared, and I want to move there as soon as possible. I can''t keep staring at Consort De like a rooster; it''s getting tiresome.


    The Emperor thought for a moment. Before the coronation ceremony, she indeed shouldn''t stay in Chengqian Pce any longer. Although the imperial pce isn''t like amoner''s home, Xuanwu Emperor wanted to give Jiang Xinyue aplete wedding night.


    Xi Que, eavesdropping behind the door, heard the Emperor''s footsteps fade away before she came over. "Your Highness, why didn''t you directly tell the Emperor that all of this was done by Consort De?"


    "Can''t you hold your temper?"


    Jiang Xinyue nced at her. "The ones who can''t hold their temper now are Duke of Cheng and Consort De. Why should we be in a hurry?"


    Xi Que scratched her head. "I''m just worried that things might go wrong with time."


    Shuang Jiang had already made the bed and stood up, shaking her head at Xi Que. "Whether Consort De is a beast in human skin or a snake with a Buddha''s mouth, these words must nevere from our Highness''s mouth. Otherwise, if the Emperor ever doubts our Highness, every word she says against Consort De will be a reason for him to act against her."


    Jiang Xinyue was clear-headed enough to know that even if she believed the Emperor would love her forever, until hepletely lost faith in Consort De and hated her to the core, she wouldn''t openly say a single bad word about her.


    This way, when the winds of turmoil rise, she could remain unscathed.


    "How... what did Father say in his reply?"


    Xi Que crouched beside Jiang Xinyue and whispered, "The Duke said that since the incident in Yanqing Pce, it''s hard for anything from outside the pce to enter. He was afraid the letter might be intercepted, so he sent a little eunuch from the Internal Affairs Department to deliver the message."


    Her voice grew even softer. "Luyin''s parents aren''t her biological parents. They were picked up by the Duchess of Cheng from the snow when she was still alive and given to a servant couple who couldn''t have children. Later, Luyin became Consort De''s personal maid. The Duke said they''ve already found clues about Luyin''s real parents and sent someone to look for them two days ago. There should be news soon."


    "Not her biological parents?"


    Jiang Xinyue closed her eyes, and dozens of split-screen images shed in her mind.


    Consort De meeting the Mute ve at the rockery, Consort De using Luyin''s name to summon the Mute ve to the rockery, Consort De hiding Luyin''s body in the rockery every night she killed her, with no other wounds except arge hole in her forehead caused by the rockery...


    If the rockery wasn''t the crime scene, then it''s possible her injury was caused by Consort De using a sharp weapon. After killing her, Consort De transported the body under the cover of night to the rockery outside Hexi Pce and dumped it.


    When the Mute ve arrived, he saw Luyin''s body and went berserk, wanting to kill Consort De.


    But he had no knife, and his mouth couldn''t make a sound. He charged at Consort De to strangle her, but was stopped.


    Consort De coldly provoked him, driving him to lose his mind and break free, charging at her again.


    A splendid dagger slid out from Consort De''s sleeve and into the Mute ve''s hand. Without thinking, he stabbed Consort De.


    It was only then that Consort De had people restrain the Mute ve and, knowing the Emperor was in Hexi Pce, deliberately shouted "Help!" and ran in.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Mute ve... Luyin... not biological parents...


    Biological parents!


    Could the Mute ve be Luyin''s real father?!


    Judging by age, it''s possible.


    He also had many of Luyin''s clothes and shoes in his room. Could they have been made by him and sent to her?


    Jiang Xinyue "sat up in shock from her sickbed," grabbing Xi Que''s hand. "Go to the Clothing Department and have Fang Rumeng check who made clothes from the fabric found in the Mute ve''s room in the past three months."


    No one would admit it easily. The Mute ve is now seen as a vicious monster, and no one wants to be associated with him. If they were caught and interrogated as aplices, it would be disastrous.


    But she believed in Fang Rumeng''s abilities and was confident the results woulde soon.


    Jiang Xinyue also instructed Xi Que, "Have Father focus on investigating families where the husband or son disappeared more than ten years ago."


    The Mute ve was castrated and entered the pce shortly after Consort De.


    If Luyin really is his daughter, it means the Mute ve knew Luyin''s true identity even when she was still in the Duke of Cheng''s household.


    Once in the pce and bing a eunuch in the Cold Pce, it would be impossible to have money or send letters home.


    First, Cold Pce servants have no rights, and even their meager monthly pay might be taken away.


    Second, the pce staff who interact with Cold Pce servants are usually lowly themselves, so they wouldn''t have the opportunity to send letters home.


    Therefore, the Mute ve must have disappeared more than ten years ago. Investigating in this direction would definitely yield results.


    Of course, all of this is based on the condition that Luyin and the Mute ve are father and daughter.


    Just investigate for now!


    A fox''s tail can''t be hidden forever; there will always be a day it''s exposed.


    The next morning, while the Emperor was still in court, Jiang Xinyue moved back to Hexi Pce with her attendants.


    Xi Que stood at the door of the side hall, criticizing indirectly: "The feng shui of our Hexi Pce not only nourishes people but also dogs! Look at how skinny ''it'' was when it first arrived. Now look at it, fat and white from being well-fed, it doesn''t want to leave!"


    Consort De had faked itst time, but this time it was real.


    Jiang Xinyue was too ruthless, pressing her fingers into Consort De''s wounds, making them even worse. The Imperial Hospital''s physician, having received Jiang Xinyue''s hint, wasn''t very attentive to her treatment.


    If it weren''t for Consort De''s own knowledge of medicine and her current personal maid, Lu Wu, fetching some medicine from the Imperial Hospital, she didn''t know how much bigger the scar would be.


    Even though she had done her best to control the inmmation, without better treatment, the scar would still remain when the wound scabbed over.


    She sat up in bed with difficulty. "On the day Consort Wen''s maid followed me, did you do what I asked?"


    Lu Wu nodded. "The Sixth Prince''s wet nurse is greedy for money and has seven daughters to support. Her husband divorced her for not bearing a son. I offered her arge sum, and she agreed to help."


    Consort De''s eyes shed with ruthless determination. "Once the Sixth Prince is dead, my Xuan''er will surely be the ruler of thisnd."


    The Fourth and Fifth Princes have no maternal family to support them, so they are not to be feared.


    Lu Wu''s heart pounded. She always felt that the Imperial Noble Consort wasn''t going to be easy to deal with.

 Chapter 331

    <h1>Chapter 331</h1>


    Wet Nurse Lu nced at Jiang Xinyue while rummaging through her cloth bag, pulling out various treasures of gold and silver: "Your Highness, I did as you instructed. When Consort De''s people spoke to me, I first pretended to be hesitant. Only after they offered me these fine treasures did I reluctantly agree. They gave me so many precious items, and I didn''t keep a single one¡ªthey''re all here."


    Jiang Xinyue nced at Xi Que, who then walked over. Under Wet Nurse Lu''s nervous gaze, Xi Que reached into her sleeve and pulled out a pair of jade earrings.


    The Imperial Noble Consort raised an eyebrow: "All of them are here?"


    Wet Nurse Lu chuckled awkwardly: "I just happened to like these earrings the most, so I couldn''t bear to part with them."


    "ng!"


    Shuang Jiang, who had somehow appeared behind her, tugged at her belt, causing a cascade of gold hairpins, pearl nes, and exquisite hair ornaments to tter to the ground. Both sides were momentarily embarrassed.


    Wet Nurse Lu looked up at the sky, down at the ground, anywhere but at Jiang Xinyue''s eyes.


    Nanny Xiang couldn''t help butugh out loud, while Shuang Jiang and Xi Que covered their mouths, stifling giggles. Wet Nurse Lu''s antics were simply tooical.


    "Enough, stop acting the fool," Jiang Xinyue said. "Since Consort De gave these to you, I won''t take them from you. As long as you get the job done, these are yours to keep."


    "Really?"


    Only then did Wet Nurse Lu dare to crouch down and scoop up the scattered jewelry, stuffing them into her bosom: "Your Highness, you are truly an incarnation of the Bodhisattva, a truly great person. Having you as my mistress, I would dly scale mountains and cross seas for you and His Highness the Sixth Prince. If Consort De tries to harm you and the Sixth Prince, I will surely toy with her until she''s dizzy."


    "What''s the fun in just ying with her?"


    Jiang Xinyue gestured with her finger: "You do this..."


    Her voice was so soft that even Xi Que and Shuang Jiang couldn''t hear it, but they could guess that their mistress was once again setting a trap for Consort De.


    As September arrived, the golden autumn brought with it the Fifth Prince, who had just turned five months old. The little one had recently learned to sit up on his own and no longer liked being carried by Nanny Xiang and Wet Nurse Lu. He insisted on sitting on the ground.


    The early autumn heat, known as the "autumn tiger," was still quite intense. With the seasonal change, the temperature fluctuations between day and night inevitably caused the little prince to catch a cold.


    "Your Majesty, Wet Nurse Lu from Hexi Pce requests an audience," announced Tang Shiliang in the imperial study. "She''s also carrying a small bundle."


    A small bundle?


    Was she packing her belongings to leave the pce?


    Wet Nurse Lu tightly hugged the small bundle in her arms, following Tang Shiliang hesitantly, her heart pounding.


    Was what the Imperial Noble Consort said really going to work?


    Would the Emperor really not try to take these treasures from her?


    To her surprise, when the Emperor saw the dazzling array of items in her bundle, he did consider taking them. But not because he coveted her possessions¡ªrather, he was amazed at how wealthy the imperial concubines had be, living in such luxury.


    "Your Majesty, the Imperial Noble Consort has shown me great kindness, providing me with ample sry and rewards that are more than enough to support my seven daughters. Consort De gave me so many treasures, instructing me to bathe the Sixth Prince in cold water to worsen his cold. I feel guilty taking this money, but I didn''t dare tell the Imperial Noble Consort, fearing she would suspect me and dismiss me. I also didn''t dare refuse Consort De, fearing she would find someone else to harm the Sixth Prince. With no other options, I thought Your Majesty is the most powerful person in the pce, so I came to seek your advice. Could you please help me decide what to do?"


    Wang Dequan was once again astonished. What kind of blessednd was Hexi Pce?


    No matter who entered, they seemed to emerge transformed¡ªbold, audacious, and... difficult to describe.


    When Wet Nurse Lu first entered the pce, she had been so cautious and timid that she barely dared to speak loudly. Now, she had the audacity toe alone to seek an audience with the Emperor and ask for his advice.


    The Xuanwu Emperor, however, took it in stride. He attributed Wet Nurse Lu''s behavior to her simplicity andck of guile. She was so straightforward that she simply believed the Emperor was the most powerful, hence her decision toe to him.


    Ignorance breeds boldness, after all.


    "You want me to give you advice?" the Emperor asked.


    Wet Nurse Lu nodded eagerly.


    The Emperor nced at the small bundle spread on the ground: "My advice isn''t given lightly. These items on the ground¡ªyou can give them to me as payment for my counsel."


    !!!


    This was different from what the Imperial Noble Consort had said. Her treasure trove was in danger!


    But the Emperor was waiting for her response, and Wet Nurse Lu thought of the soft, sweet-smelling Sixth Prince. She hesitated, her gaze lingering on the gold and jewels for a long moment.


    Finally, she clenched her teeth, closed her eyes, and stamped her foot, deciding to ignore the temptation. Her voice trembling, she said, "Alright... as long as Your Majesty can save the Sixth Prince... I... I... I don''t want them anymore."


    Wet Nurse Lu tried tofort herself, reminding herself that these treasures were never really hers. If she remained loyal and served the Sixth Prince well, she would have more in the future.


    She also dreamed of returning to her hometown like Nanny Li, showing off her wealth and proving to the vigers who had mocked her for only bearing daughters that having daughters wasn''t a disgrace. She, too, was a woman, and she could earn a fortune to raise her seven daughters in luxury.


    Thinking of her daughters, Wet Nurse Lu opened her eyes, her gaze resolute as she looked at the Emperor.


    She would live with integrity, free from greed, and take good care of the Sixth Prince. She would repay the kindness of Nanny Li''s rmendation, Nanny Xiang''s guidance, and the Imperial Noble Consort''s trust.


    The people of Hexi Pce¡ªXiao Xiangzi, Jiang Chuan, Xi Que, and Shuang Jiang¡ªhad all treated her well, and she liked them very much. She didn''t want to betray them over mere money.


    The Emperor lowered his head, unable to suppress a smile. The people in Jiang Xinyue''s pce were indeed amusing.


    At the Emperor''s smile, Tang Shiliang also chuckled: "Wet Nurse Lu, the Emperor was just teasing you! After all, these are just some gold and silver jewelry, and the Imperial Noble Consort didn''t even ask for them. How could our Emperor possibly want them?"


    Wet Nurse Lu''s eyes instantly locked onto the bundle, gleaming with excitement: "Your Majesty, are you saying... these treasures... are all mine?"


    The Emperor nodded: "But remember, this reward isn''t for doing anything extraordinary. It''s because you held onto your principles and always put the Sixth Prince first. That''s why I believe you deserve this."


    Wet Nurse Lu could barely hear him over the thoughts racing through her mind. All she could think about was how these valuable items could be turned into dowries, enough to ensure her seven daughters lived prosperous lives.


    No wonder Nanny Li, after returning to her hometown, was treated so respectfully by her children and inws. She must have been as wealthy as a county magistrate!


    "Consort De asked you to do something. Just tell her you''ve done it, and the rest is not your concern," the Emperor said.


    Consort De was a ruthless woman, and it wasn''t just about making the Sixth Prince seriously ill.


    There must be more to her n.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

 Chapter 332

    <h1>Chapter 332</h1>


    The Bureau of Apparel ¨C0


    All the seamstresses of the Clothing Department were gathered in the grand hall. Fang Rumeng, d in a purple official gown for female officials, stood sternly on the elevated tform at the front.0


    The seamstresses were puzzled and whispered among themselves, "Why did Director Fang gather us all here? The phoenix robe for the Imperial Noble Consort is still missing a few stitches!"0


    "A new official takes office with three fires. She just got promoted to Director of Clothing, so naturally, she wants to show off her authority. A few stitches missing on the phoenix robe? Let us work overtime; it doesn''t cost her anything. We are under her roof, so we have to bow our heads."0


    "You can''t say that. Director Fang has real skills. She even dyed the Sunset Brocade that can rival the Floating Light Silk. Our Clothing Department has outshone the Mansion of Treasures. The things Director Fang teaches us are indeed more than what the previous directors taught."0


    "Yes, there''s a reason why the Imperial Noble Consort trusts her. She has real talent."0


    "You''re just ttering her! Let''s see if she promotes you to be a female official or a seamstress."0


    "You¡­"0


    "Silence!"0


    Fang Rumeng already had arge following. She only needed to stand there to intimidate everyone; someone else would speak for her.0


    Several female officials carrying rulers walked among the seamstresses, exining the purpose of today''s gathering: "You must have heard about the incident that happened in Yanqing Pce recently. Now, the Imperial Noble Consort wants to investigate. Who made the shoes and clothes for the woman in the mute ve''s room? If you confess now, Director Fang won''t hold it against you for taking private jobs during your free time. But if you don''t confess and are found out, ording to the rules, you''ll be beaten with sticks and sent home."0


    "Do you want this matter to be over, or do you want to live in fear, worrying that your side job will one day be discovered, and you''ll be sent out of the pce in disgrace? It all depends on you."0


    Some seamstresses looked calm, others were visibly nervous, and a few seemed indifferent.0


    "Bang!"0


    "Bang!"0


    Two seamstresses, trembling and looking abnormal, were pushed to the ground by the female officials: "What are you afraid of? The clothes found in the mute ve''s room that belong to Luyin, were they made by you?"0


    Otherwise, why would you be so nervous?0


    All the seamstresses wanted to avoid trouble. After the two were pushed out, everyone moved to the sides, leaving the two in the center.0


    Fang Rumeng finally spoke: "Do you want to confess yourselves, or should I call the Investigative Bureau to interrogate you? I hear the Investigative Bureau has moved the man-eating fish from Yanqing Pce to their dungeon. Would you like to experience the feeling of being eaten by the man-eating fish?"0


    The two seamstresses knelt down and begged for mercy: "Director Fang, spare us! We¡­ we didn''t know that mute ve was a psychopathic murderer! He gave us some money and said he wanted to make some clothes and shoes for Luyin. Luyin was a senior maidservant by Consort De, and we thought he wanted to curry favor with her to benefit from Consort De, so we helped make them. We are not his aplices."0


    The case was solved!0


    Those clothes were not stolen by the mute ve from Luyin; he had them made to give to Luyin.0


    These two seamstresses came from poor families and had barely passed the selection to enter the pce. They probably wanted to supplement their ie, so they took private jobs during their free time.0


    Fang Rumeng helped them up: "Why didn''t you say this when the Investigative Bureau was investigating?"0


    The seamstresses burst into tears: "We¡­ we were afraid. He¡­ he killed so many people. What if¡­ what if we were also arrested as aplices? I heard the punishments in the Investigative Bureau are terrifying and can even lead to death."0


    For seamstresses like them, with no background or power, how could they dare to admit any contact with the mute ve?0


    "Giving shoes and clothes to a woman? Isn''t that just being a pervert? Old enough to be Luyin''s father, an old eunuch, still dares to lust after Consort De''s senior maidservant. Luyin was really unlucky; she was killed just for rejecting an old eunuch''s advances."0


    "I see the pce maidstely are avoiding the eunuchs. They''re afraid of being noticed; if they refuse to be their partners, they''ll be killed, right?"0


    "It''s terrifying. Poor Consort De, who was also stabbed by that old eunuch. Yesterday, I saw Consort De being carried out of Hexi Pce on a stretcher by the Internal Affairs Department."0


    "I heard it was Xi Que who kicked her out. My goodness, I don''t even admire the Imperial Noble Consort, but I admire Xi Que. She''s really amazing!"0


    "That''s because the Imperial Noble Consort is backing her up. If she didn''t have such a good mistress, do you think she''d dare? She''d be dead before she knew it!"0


    Those who always doubted Jiang Xinyue had to admit that she was an unparalleled good mistress.0


    Back when Concubine Li''s senior maidservant beat Shuang Jiang, she directly took Shuang Jiang to confront them, even when she wasn''t the Imperial Noble Consort yet.0


    As a servant, isn''t that what you hope for¡ªa protective mistress?0


    Looking at Fang Rumeng again, it was easier to understand why she had always been loyal to the Imperial Noble Consort.0


    In just two and a half years, an ordinary person wouldn''t even dare to dream of bing the head of the Clothing Department. If it weren''t for the Imperial Noble Consort''s promotion, she would have had no chance, no matter how talented she was. Without seniority or background, she would have had to endure the wait.0


    The two seamstresses went to the Investigative Bureau and revealed the truth. By the afternoon, rumors spread in the pce that Luyin had seduced the mute ve, taken all his money, and refused to be with him, which angered the mute ve and led him to push her off a mountain to her death.0


    Jiang Xinyuemented that spreading rumors about a woman''s morality, no matter the era, was a manifestation of human evil.0


    Even a eunuch could be the subject of such rumors, and if it were a guard, who knows what kind of stories would circte.0N?v(el)B\\jnn


    However, everyone just took Luyin''s story as entertainment and didn''t pay much attention. What everyone really cared about was the Sixth Prince.0


    It was said that he had caught a cold and was quite ill. Previously, the Sixth Prince''s wet nurse would take him out for walks every day, but recently, she hadn''t been seen.0


    The pce staff had already received the news that the Emperor would hold a coronation ceremony in two days, and the phoenix robe had already been embroidered.0


    The sacrificial altar at Suyi Gate was being set up, and the auspicious date had been calcted by the Court Astronomer. The officials of the court had already been informed.0


    Time was tight, and even if someone wanted to object, there was no time to voice their dissent.0


    The Emperor was very shrewd, leaving no room for rebuttal, catching the officials off guard.0


    The coronation ceremony was imminent, but the Sixth Prince was so seriously ill, which wasn''t a good omen.0


    Perhaps to take care of the Sixth Prince, the coronation ceremony would have to be postponed.0


    And those few days of postponement would be enough for Consort De and the Mansion of the Duke of Cheng to do a lot of things.0

 Chapter 333

    <h1>Chapter 333</h1>


    ¡°Eeeek~ Ahhhh¡­¡±


    The incessant crying of the Sixth Prince echoed from the chambers of the Imperial Noble Consort. Wet Nurse Lu, by her side, was trying to calm her down: ¡°Your Highness, the Sixth Prince is suffering from a heat illness. We cannot keep him wrapped up like this; we need to open the windows for venttion.¡±


    As Wet Nurse Lu spoke, she made a move to open the windows, but was stopped by Xi Que, who shouted loudly: ¡°What heat illness? The imperial physician has already diagnosed it as a cold. He cannot be exposed to the wind. Are you saying you know better than the imperial physician?¡±


    ¡°Pfft!¡±


    Wet Nurse Lu spat out the melon seed shell from her mouth and deliberately stood by the window, ncing out with the corner of her eye: ¡°What does the imperial physician know? How many children has he nursed? I¡¯ve raised seven daughters, who could possibly know more than me? This is clearly a case of heatstroke from overdressing.¡±


    ¡°You¡­ you¡­ you¡¯re driving me crazy! You even had the maids prepare medicine. What kind of medicine are you making? If something happens to the Sixth Prince, can you take responsibility?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll take responsibility if I have to. I¡¯m not afraid.¡±


    Outside the door, a in-looking maid heard the exchange and, taking advantage of the fact that Wet Nurse Lu was still arguing with Xi Que and not paying attention, slipped into the small kitchen. She carefully lifted the lid off a simmering pot of medicine and, from her sleeve, pulled out a packet of powder, ready to add it to the bubbling brew.


    ¡°Arrest her!¡±


    Suddenly, a group of people burst out from the side hall of Hexi Pce, and leading them was none other than the Emperor himself, d in his dragon robe.


    The maid let out a scream, her hand trembling so much that the white powder spilled all over the stove. Before she could utter a single word, she was already seized by the guards and brought before the Emperor.


    Wet Nurse Lu, holding the perfectly fine Sixth Prince, followed behind Jiang Xinyue, gently shaking a small rattle: ¡°Look, Sixth Prince! There¡¯s a silly one over there. The Fourth Prince tried to snatch your rattle from you, and now he really thinks you¡¯re sick!¡±


    With her around, the Sixth Prince had no chance of falling ill. After all, she had raised seven daughters, a rare feat even in the remote countryside.


    If not for that, she wouldn¡¯t have caught the eye of Nanny Li.


    The Fourth Prince quickly exined: ¡°It was Mother who told me to take it.¡±


    She said that to make the act more convincing, a sick child should cry.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    The Xuanwu Emperor sneered, "What did Consort De promise you, you lowly wretch, to make you dare to poison my Sixth Prince?"


    The maid trembled all over, her lips quivering, tears streaming down her face: ¡°No¡­ no, Your Majesty¡­ I¡­ I was ced here by Consort De as a¡­ a spy. Before the Imperial Noble Consort moved into Hexi Pce, I was already here. I don¡¯t know anything else; I was just¡­ just following orders.¡±


    What a convenient excuse¡ªfollowing orders.


    Initially, it was thought that only the Empress Dowager''s agents were spread throughout the harem, but it seems Consort De is no less formidable.


    Before Jiang Xinyue even gained much favor, Consort De had already started plotting. Her schemes run deep, indeed.


    Yan the Imperial Physician rubbed some of the powder between his fingers and sniffed it, then called over a few other imperial physicians: ¡°Take a look. Is this axative?¡±


    After they all confirmed, Yan the Imperial Physician stepped forward: ¡°Your Majesty, Imperial Noble Consort, it is indeed axative.¡±


    If the Sixth Prince had truly caught a cold, diarrhea would be a normal urrence.


    However, if Wet Nurse Lu had been bribed by Consort De and given the Sixth Prince a medicine for heatstroke, the conflicting properties of the medicine and the illness could have exacerbated the condition, potentially leading to a high fever that wouldn¡¯t subside.


    At that point, even the slightest additional stimulus would be unbearable, requiring constant monitoring by the imperial physicians to administer the correct treatment.


    This medicine,ced with axative and mismatched to the Sixth Prince¡¯s condition, if fed to him, could have had catastrophic consequences.


    A child with a weaker spleen and stomach could potentially have died from dehydration.


    The Sixth Prince was only five months old!


    How could he endure such torment?


    ¡°To Yanqing Pce!¡±


    The Xuanwu Emperor''s heart was filled with rage. After the man-eating fish incident in the Lotus Pond, he had already given Consort De multiple chances. Yet now, she showed no remorse and even dared to plot against the Sixth Prince.


    She herself was a mother; how could she harbor such vicious intentions towards a child still in swaddling clothes?


    ¡°Your Highness, do you think¡­¡±


    In Yanqing Pce, Lu Wu nervously stared at the entrance, swallowing hard.


    Before she could finish her sentence, she saw Consort De twisting her handkerchief, visibly unsettled: ¡°Go see if the Third Prince has returned. Bring him to me.¡±


    ¡°Your Highness, are you afraid¡­¡±


    Afraid that their n would be exposed, afraid that it would reach the Emperor¡¯s ears. With the Third Prince by her side, at least she had a safeguard.


    Consort De''s fingers clenched tighter: "I''ve navigated the harem for over a decade, never once meeting an opponent. Only this Jiang Xinyue has repeatedly defeated me. I keep thinking I can''t be outwitted, yet I dare not go too far. If it were any of the other concubines I''ve dealt with, a dose of poison would be enough to send them on their way. But she is Jiang Xinyue; I must leave myself a way out, so I dared only to use axative."


    Even the former Crown Prince was poisoned to death by her, and the Second Prince contracted smallpox by wearing clothes she had smuggled in from outside the pce. While recovering outside the pce, he was killed by her father.


    She and her father had been an invincible duo.


    Yet, when it came to the Jiang family, she had to be much more cautious.


    ¡°Mother¡­¡±


    At the entrance of the main hall, the Third Prince called out to Consort De, his head lowered, looking listless. This only fueled Consort De¡¯s anger: ¡°Xuan¡¯er,e here.¡±


    The Third Prince hesitated for a moment but eventually stepped into the hall: ¡°Mother, did you need something from me?¡±


    Was it just her imagination?


    Consort De felt that since returning from the imperial retreat, the Third Prince had been much colder towards her, even indifferent to her concern at times.


    She scrutinized him, her gaze sharp: "Mother asks you, did Concubine Zhen say anything to you at the imperial lodge?"


    The Third Prince shook his head: ¡°No.¡±


    ¡°No, or are you protecting her and refusing to tell me?¡±


    The Third Prince fell silent, his clear, innocent eyes meeting hers, as if judging her.


    ¡°p!¡±


    Consort De pped the Third Prince across the face: "Who is your mother, her or me? Ever since she entered the pce, you children have all been under some kind of spell, forgetting who your real mother is, haven''t you? I''ve been fighting tooth and nail for whom, I ask you, for whom? In the end, I''m the viin, and she''s the saint, is that it? Do you want to be her son? Does she even want you? She has her own son; you''d only be second to the Fourth Prince!"


    The Third Prince¡¯s face turned to the side, his eyes reddening, but unlike before, he didn¡¯t burst into tears and run into Consort De¡¯s arms.


    He merely lifted his slightly defiant face, his gaze darkening as he red at Consort De: ¡°Stop using me as an excuse. You have no idea what I truly want.¡±


    All he wanted¡­ was a mother. That was all.

 Chapter 334

    <h1>Chapter 334</h1>


    ¡°You!¡±0


    ¡°His Majesty the Emperor has arrived¡ª¡ª¡±0


    The eunuch''s announcement outside the door startled Consort De, and a sense of foreboding washed over her.0


    She crouched down, her hands tightly gripping the shoulders of the third prince, her eyes filled with panic: ¡°Xuan''er, save your mother this once, just this once, and from today onwards, I will never neglect your feelings again, okay?¡±0


    The third prince was still unaware of what was happening when he saw his father, the Emperor, storming in with fury in his eyes.0


    Consort De''s gesture of bowing was halfway through when a p came flying at her. She was sent flying to the side, crashing into a stool, and the pain made her half-deaf for a moment, unable to hear anything.0


    But soon, the Emperor''s thunderous voice echoed: ¡°Consort De has harmed pce servants, been unjust as a mistress, and now seeks to harm the sixth prince. Her crimes are beyond measure. From today, her title is stripped, she will be subjected to punishment in the Brutal Chamber for sixty days, and then demoted to amoner. She will be sent to the Ancestral Shrine to atone for her sins.¡±0


    So, the Emperor has already found out that the Empress''s two children were harmed by Consort De, right?0


    Otherwise, why not the Criminal Servants'' Prison? Why not the Pce of Exile? Why not the infamous Alleyway? Why the Ancestral Shrine, which houses the spirit tablets of thete Empress?0


    Consort De struggled to open her eyes. No! She didn''t want to go to the Brutal Chamber. It was dark from morning till night, and a normal person couldn''t endure three days in there, let alone sixty. She would go mad.0


    ¡°Your Majesty, I don''t know what you''re talking about,¡± she knelt forward, raising her swollen face. ¡°You know my character, I can''t even bear to step on an ant, how could I do those heinous things? Someone must be framing me. Please, Your Majesty, investigate and clear my name.¡±0


    ¡°The Empress left something with me before she died, Ning Feixiu. Consort De, you haven''t forgotten, have you?¡±0


    Consort De''s heart skipped a beat. How could she forget?0


    Ning Feixiu was the third prince''s former personal maid, one of her most trusted servants. Even Luyin''s position couldn''tpare to Ning Feixiu''s. That''s why the responsibility of caring for the third prince fell on her shoulders.0


    But that time, in an attempt to frame Jiang Xinyue, she was exposed instead. To cover up the truth, Consort De had Ning Feixiu killed. Her body was found in the Empress''s pce, leading everyone to believe that the Empress had poisoned the third prince.0


    ¡°You¡­ you¡­¡±0


    Consort De pointed at Jiang Xinyue, unable to speak for a moment.0


    Not just Consort De, but even the Emperor, who hade with her, was shocked. The Empress had left something with Jiang Xinyue before she died?0


    Why had he never heard of this?0


    ¡°Your Majesty!¡±0


    Jiang Xinyue ced her hand on her forehead and knelt down directly, her voice firm and resolute: ¡°I use Consort De and the Duke of Cheng''s household of being the masterminds behind the deaths of thete Crown Prince and the second prince. The Empress entrusted me with Ning Feixiu''s blood oath before she passed away. Since receiving this blood oath, I have been worried about the safety of the sixth prince every day. But I feared that revealing this blood oath would cause turmoil in both the court and the harem, so I have been hesitating.¡±0


    She took the blood oath from Xique''s hands and held it above her head: ¡°Your Majesty, I havee to understand today that a fundamentally evil person can never change. For the safety of the fourth prince, fifth prince, and sixth prince, I must expose her true nature. I only hope that Your Majesty''s harem will no longer see princes dying unjustly.¡±0


    The blood oath detailed how Consort De had bribed those close to the Crown Prince and the second prince, gained their trust, and then led them to their deaths.0


    Moreover, over the years, the frequent miscarriages and the deaths of newborns in the harem were all the work of Consort De.0


    The Xuanwu Emperor read the blood oath at a nce, his fingers gripping the paper tightly. His anger was uncontroble, and he gasped for breath, grabbing Consort De by the throat and lifting her off the ground.0


    All the curses he wanted to hurl turned into the strength in his hands, squeezing her throat until her face turned purple, her feet kicking wildly in the air.0


    ¡°Father! Father! Father¡­¡±0


    The third prince finally snapped out of his daze and rushed to the Emperor''s feet, kneeling and grabbing his robe: ¡°Father, it''s all my fault, it''s all my fault. If I had never been born, Mother wouldn''t have continued to make mistakes. I beg you, Father¡­ I beg you to spare Mother''s life. I am willing to go to the Ancestral Shrine. From today onwards, I will eat vegetarian food and pray, serving the spirit tablets of the Empress. I will atone for her sins. Please, Father, spare her life.¡±0


    His head pounded against the ground like a hammer, blood streaming from his forehead.0n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Consort De''s throat made a choking sound, and she was on the verge of fainting.0


    ¡°Bang!¡±0


    The Emperor waved his hand, and Consort De was thrown out, her body smashing into the table and then falling to the ground, where shey groaning.0


    The third prince continued to kowtow: ¡°Thank you, Father. Thank you, Imperial Noble Consort. Thank you, Father. Thank you, Imperial Noble Consort¡­¡±0


    "Think carefully," the Xuanwu Emperor''s face was cold and stern. "If you choose to exhaust the father-son bond between us today, from now on, I will no longer consider you my child. You can stay with this venomous woman and never dare to dream of things that will never belong to you."0


    Tears fell from the third prince''s eyes: ¡°Father has Jiang Xinyue, the fourth brother, and the sixth brother. Father has many choices. Mother¡­ she has nothing, she only has me. Father¡­ I have never thought of bing the Crown Prince or the Emperor. I only want to live a peaceful life as a free spirit. Please, Father¡­ grant me this.¡±0


    He was already eight years old, no longer the naive child he was two years ago. He knew what he was giving up with these words.0


    But¡­0


    If leaving the pce''s turmoil could make his mother let go of her obsession and simply be his mother, then giving up everything was worth it.0


    But if Consort De was only to be sent to the Ancestral Shrine, why did Jiang Xinyue bring out the blood oath?0


    Like wildfire that never dies, with the spring breeze, it grows again.0


    How can one live in peace without eliminating the cmity?0


    ¡°The third prince has been studying in the princes'' quarters for some time now. Have you learned the phrase ''princes whomit crimes are equal tomoners before thew''? Consort De is not only the mastermind behind the deaths of eighteen people in the pce, but she also killed thete Crown Prince and the second prince, as well as most of the pregnant consorts in the pce, causing them to be separated from their children. You plead for her, you atone for her, but what about those she killed? Did they have a chance to beg for mercy?¡±0


    ¡°If everyone who killed so many people didn''t have to pay with their lives, wouldn''t the entire harem fall into chaos?¡±0


    If anyone you don''t like can be killed without consequence, then the entire harem would be in chaos.0


    Consort Wen, Low Level Consort Yu, and Noble Consort Ye had already followed Jiang Xinyue''s instructions and brought all the consorts who had experienced miscarriages or lost their children to Yanqing Pce.0


    Hearing the third prince plead for his mother, they all knelt outside the door, crying out their grievances.0

 Chapter 335

    <h1>Chapter 335</h1>


    ¡°Your Majesty, this subject, Tong Xiuyuan, entered the pce in the sixth year of Xuanwu, conceived the following year, but miscarried at three months. At that time, it was discovered that a pce maid had identally pushed this subject, and this subject suspects she was bribed by Consort De. Please, Your Majesty, grant this subject justice.¡±


    ¡°This subject, Shi Xiuyi, entered the pce in the fourth year of Xuanwu, conceived in the eighth year, and gave birth to a son who passed away just two dayster. The deceased prince cannot be recorded in the n, and this subject¡¯s child has no resting ce even in death. This subject also suspects Consort De. Please, Your Majesty, grant this subject justice.¡±


    ¡°This subject, Consort Zhuang, was injured by a miscarriage six years ago and can no longer serve Your Majesty. This subject has been residing in Plum Garden. The imperial physician said that excessive safflower caused this subject to hemorrhage, and this subject has been bleeding continuously ever since. This subject¡¯s days are numbered and only wishes to seek justice for herself and her child!¡±


    ¡°Please, Your Majesty, order the execution of Consort De!¡±


    Each usation was built with the flesh and blood of the Xuanwu Emperor¡¯s children.


    The Emperor grabbed Consort De by the neck and dragged her to the doorway, pointing at the group of consorts kneeling outside. ¡°Look at them! Look at all the sins you¡¯vemitted!¡±


    Consort De¡¯s eyes swept across the faces of the consorts. She had thought that by stepping on these women and rising to her high position, she had long forgotten these powerless failures.


    But the moment they appeared, it was as if she was pulled back to the time shortly after she had entered the pce.


    Her family had not only sent her to the pce to seek imperial favor but also another cousin.


    That cousin was exceptionally beautiful,parable to Concubine Li at the time. After being selected to enter the pce, she was isted by all the other selected maidens, as no one wanted to stand beside her and be overshadowed.


    Consort De knew that with her own looks, it would be nearly impossible to gain the Emperor¡¯s favor.


    So, she yed the role of a timid quail every day, obediently following her cousin. Her cousin, relying on her beauty, treated her like a servant, but she not only did not resist but actively helped her with many tasks. Even the other candidates for the selection of consorts scolded her for being foolish, calling her a pushover who was happy to be bullied.


    Her image of kindness, weakness, and harmlessness became deeply ingrained.


    As the only legitimate daughter of the Duke of Cheng, her cousin might have been beautiful, but in the pce, rank was determined not by looks but by the power behind the person.


    Consort De had been granted the rank of Consort even before receiving imperial favor, while her cousin was only a lowly Concubine.


    The day before the Emperor was to summon her, her cousin suddenly fell ill, foaming at the mouth and bleeding from the seven orifices before dying.


    The next day, the Imperial Household Department came to Chuxiu Pce and announced that the Emperor had chosen Consort De, but she imed that her cousin had just passed away and that she needed to go to Sheng''an Temple to pray for her cousin¡¯s well-being in her next life.


    It was from that incident that the Emperor began to take notice of her.


    She rose steadily, bing Consort De in six years and raising the Third Prince. Her ambitions grew everrger.


    Whenever a consort conceived or, by chance, gave birth to a child, she would do everything in her power to eliminate them.


    From a young age, her father had told her that as long as she eliminated anything harmful to her, she would remain undefeated.


    The Duke of Cheng had only one legitimate daughter, not because he had no concubines, but because any child they bore either died in the womb or died along with the mother.


    In short, her father could have only one daughter.


    In the pce, there could be only one prince, the Third Prince, who would eventually inherit the throne without obstruction.


    The Former Crown Prince¡­


    Hah!


    That fool. She had only coaxed him a couple of times, saying that her jade pendant, a gift from the Emperor, had fallen into the pond, and losing it would be a grave offense.


    Consort De, after receiving imperial favor, had aligned herself with the Empress and behaved kindly and gently in every way. The Former Crown Prince and the Second Prince both liked and trusted her.


    At the time, the Former Crown Prince¡¯s personal eunuch had gone to the Eastern Pce to fetch his cloak, and his attendants had been distracted by various sudden incidents. Trusting Consort De, the Former Crown Prince leaned over the pond¡¯s edge to retrieve the pendant, only to be pushed into the water by Consort De¡¯s men.


    As he struggled, his wide, disbelieving eyes were etched into her memory.


    As for the Second Prince, it was even simpler.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    When a smallpox outbreak urred both inside and outside the pce, with nearly a hundred children in the capital dying from it, Consort De, having already had smallpox as a child, was not afraid of infection.


    She had the Duke of Cheng bring in a handkerchief contaminated with smallpox, then made an undershirt for the Second Prince. While changing his clothes, she used the handkerchief to wipe his eyes and mouth.


    When the Second Prince contracted smallpox, the Empress did not fail to suspect the clothes and had the imperial physician inspect them, but the results showed no issues.


    She had no idea that the clothes were merely a distraction, steering the Empress in the wrong direction.


    The bottle by the pond was meant to make everyone think the Former Crown Prince had been poisoned and copsed while admiring the fish. Consort De was the first to discover him and attempt to save him, and that day, all the attendants serving the Former Crown Prince were executed.


    The undershirt was known to the Empress and was deliberately thrown out to make her suspect, while the handkerchief contaminated with smallpox had long been burned by Consort De.


    She had so many handkerchiefs that looked identical; how could the Empress distinguish which one it was?


    It was all Jiang Xinyue¡¯s fault¡­ If not for her, the Emperor would not have investigated her. If not for trying to frame her for poisoning the Third Prince, she would not have exposed her ability to use poison.


    Even if the Emperor had found the bottle from the pond back then, he would never have suspected her.


    It could only be said that in her efforts to deal with Jiang Xinyue, she had exposed too many secrets.


    Now, those exposed secrets had be the final straw that would crush her.


    The consorts¡¯ hateful gazes made her shudder, and she retreated a step: ¡°Fei Xiu died in the Empress¡¯s pce. Who knows if this blood oath isn¡¯t a fake concocted by the Empress to bring down this subject? Or perhaps, it¡¯s Imperial Noble Consort Jiang¡¯s scheme to ensure the Sixth Prince inherits the throne, forcing Fei Xiu to write it. After all, you and the Empress are of one mind, otherwise, she wouldn¡¯t have entrusted the Fifth Prince to you, would she?¡±


    Her mind wasn¡¯t entirely muddled; she still knew how to twist the rtionship between Jiang Xinyue and the Former Empress using the Fifth Prince.


    ¡°You¡¯re relying on the fact that there¡¯s no evidence, aren¡¯t you?¡±


    Jiang Xinyue sneered: ¡°Then how do you exin killing Luyin and framing it on the mute servant?¡±


    As soon as Jiang Xinyue finished speaking, the Emperor gestured toward the door: ¡°Bring her in.¡±


    The Investigative Bureau led in a haggard woman in coarse gray cloth. Her eyes darted around, and upon seeing Consort De, she rushed forward excitedly: ¡°Your Grace, Your Grace, I¡¯ve finally found you. My husband hase to the capital to look for you. You promised to return our daughter to us, didn¡¯t you? Where are they?¡±


    They¡­


    Were already in the Western Paradise.

 Chapter 336

    <h1>Chapter 336</h1>


    The woman, however, was unaware and continued toment, "Back then, we, an old couple, finally had a daughter after much difficulty, but she was stolen by a fellow viger and sold to the capital. We scoured thend, selling everything we had to find our daughter. It was you who found us and told us that our daughter was working as a maid in your service!"


    After that, her husband decided to go and reunite with their daughter, but he disappeared for over a decade without any news. She tried to inquire about Consort De but never received any useful information. As someone of her social standing, she could never hope to gain ess to the elite circles of the Mansion of the Duke of Cheng.


    Luyin was Consort De''s personal maid, and her mistress rarely showed her face in public. Luyin followed suit, so even if someone inquired at the gates of the Mansion of the Duke of Cheng, no one would recognize her.


    Although Consort De used to set up stalls to distribute porridge in her youth, noblewomen always wore veils when venturing out, a matter of protocol. It was merely a way to spread the reputation of the virtuous daughter of the Duke of Cheng, not an act of genuine charity toward beggars.


    Consort De, proud to the core, looked down upon those who couldn''t even afford a meal, wishing she could wrap herself entirely to avoid their gazes. How could she allow them to glimpse her true appearance?


    It was precisely because of this that Consort De dared to show her face to Luyin''s biological parents. After learning she was to enter the pce, she deceived and coerced Luyin''s father into undergoing castration to serve in the pce, all under the guise of allowing him to be close to Luyin.


    Over these past few decades, the mute servant had been tasked by Consort De with disposing of bodies and raising man-eating fish, likely under constant threat regarding Luyin''s safety.


    So, when the mute servant saw Luyin''s corpse and realized she had been killed by Consort De, he lost all reason, consumed by fury to the point of disregarding his own life as he pursued Consort De for revenge within the pce.


    The string in his mind snapped, his long-held beliefs crumbled, and a person without reason loses all judgment of the outside world. He didn''t even know when he had acquired a knife. All he knew was that he had to kill Consort De to avenge his daughter.


    After the woman, the Investigative Bureau sent over two young eunuchs, whom Consort De didn''t recognize at all.


    Yet they imed, "When the Imperial Noble Consort fell into the water, it was Consort De who ordered Luyin to have us dive down and tie all the waterweeds into dead knots. If it weren''t for the Empress Dowager''s people acting first, the Imperial Noble Consort would have been pushed into the water by Consort De''s people. Someone who can''t swim, once sinking to the bottom of theke, would struggle in panic and get entangled by the waterweeds, ensuring certain death."


    "Your Majesty, Consort De once ordered Luyin to deal with us, but Luyin, with a kind heart, couldn''t bear to end our lives and thus deceived everyone, transferring us to remote pce quarters. She only told Consort De that we had been dealt with."N?v(el)B\\jnn


    "Originally, we wouldn''t havee forward to testify against Consort De, for we knew that harming the Imperial Noble Consort was indeed our deed. Once revealed, our lives would be in peril. But she... even killed her personal servant who had served her for over a decade. If we didn''t expose her crimes, it would be impossible to appease Luyin''s spirit."


    As one witness after another took the stage, Consort De''s crimes were gradually unveiled.


    She herself seemed to have given up on refuting. Only after thest witness spoke did she slowly rise, dusting off her clothes, and with a mocking smile, she said, "Yes, I''ve done all these evil deeds. I deserve to die."


    Her gaze burned as she looked at Emperor Xuanwu: "But do you, Shen Ye, dare to swear to the heavens that you werepletely unaware of everything I did?"


    The emperor frowned slightly, but Jiang Xinyue knew that what Consort De said was true. Just as when she dealt with those who sought to harm her, it was all within the emperor''s calctions.


    She was merely following the script the emperor desired.


    Consort De let out a coldugh: "I killed the Empress''s child, but it was you who killed the Empress, all to elevate Jiang Xinyue. Now, it''s for her that you''re condemning me to death. How ruthless you are!"


    "The Sixth Prince is your son, but isn''t the third prince also? He pleaded for me out of filial piety, yet you would strip him of his rights as a prince for this? Isn''t it just because you fear he might block the Sixth Prince''s path? Shen Ye, your love is terrifying, and so is your hatred. That''s why I''ve always been clear about my goal: I only want your throne. Even if it means killing everyone in the harem, it''s not out of jealousy, but to eliminate obstacles for my goal."


    "If it weren''t for Jiang Xinyue... if she hadn''t disrupted my ns, you should be on your deathbed now, allowing Xuan''er to inherit your throne!"


    She had lost to Jiang Xinyue, so she firmly believed that one day, the emperor would fall to Jiang Xinyue''s hands, and the Sixth Prince would be the one to ascend the throne.


    In this pce, it''s not just the emperor who stands above all, deciding the fate of every life. There''s another kind of person: those like her and Jiang Xinyue, who feel no emotion, know exactly what they want, and pursue it fearlessly.


    But Jiang Xinyue is even more formidable, for she possesses unparalleled beauty and the ability to read minds and manipte others.


    Beautybined with any skill is a deadly weapon, and Jiang Xinyue is a master of all.


    She can control the emperor''s heart while preserving her own. She never actively harms others because she ensures she always stands at the pinnacle, making those below her desperate to pull her down.


    And then, she strikes back.


    This is where her brilliance lies, and it''s the key to her victories.


    Lady De, raised under the constant suppression of the Duke of Cheng, never received her father''s partiality. She was always taught that if someone loses their value, they must be discarded.


    That''s why she became like a madwoman, killing so many.


    The ones she killed were all those who harmed or were useless to her!


    Emperor ?????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????Xuanwu''s patience had reached its limit. With a flick of his sleeve, he coldly dered, "Even now, you''re still making excuses. It seems you''ve grown weary of life. If that''s the case, then be granted poison wine!"


    "Father!"


    The third prince still wanted to plead for mercy, but Consort De shook her head at him, resolutely saying, "A person should bear the consequences of their own actions. All those things they spoke of, I did them. It has nothing to do with the third prince, nor with the Mansion of the Duke of Cheng. Your Majesty, don''t use this as an excuse to tarnish my father''s name. I know my crimes are grave and am willing to die."


    To be sent to the torture chamber, to the ancestral temple, to live like a dog... she''d rather die.


    She also hoped that Jiang Xinyue, seeing that the third prince had already lost his birth mother, would show some care for her Xuan''er.


    To be honest, losing to Jiang Xinyue, she was convinced.


    The Empress entrusted her child, believing in Jiang Xinyue''s character, and she chose to die without further entanglement, also believing in Jiang Xinyue''s noble character.


    The third prince didn''t need to be raised under her name. As long as the one in power was Jiang Xinyue, the third prince wouldn''t live too poorly.


    She had lived her life selfishly, and this was the first andst time she made ns for the third prince.

 Chapter 337

    <h1>Chapter 337</h1>


    Consort De died, but she lived on in the minds of the entire pce in a way that was far from glorious.


    For two whole days, the inner and outer pce were abuzz with talk of Consort De''s hypocrisy, her viciousness, her perversion...


    Although Consort De had confessed and imed that her actions had nothing to do with the Duke of Cheng''s Mansion, it still implicated them to some extent. The good reputation the Duke of Cheng had painstakingly built waspletely ruined.


    Consort De had taken the me alone, and while the Emperor couldn''t hold the Duke of Cheng ountable for the same crimes, the Duke wasn''t entirely clean either. The Emperor had someone expose that the Duke had been keeping a courtesan outside, and she had even borne him two sons.


    This move made people suspect that Consort De was merely a stepping stone used by the Duke of Cheng. His true aim was to pave the way for his two sons by leveraging Consort De''s position.


    When the scandal was exposed to the public, the Duke of Cheng had no choice but to bring the woman and his two sons into the Mansion of the Duke of Cheng. However, since the woman was a courtesan with no virtue to speak of, she could never be the Duchess.


    Thus, the Duke of Cheng announced publicly that he would remarry, but after hearing about Consort De''s actions, which noble family would dare to marry their daughter into such a household?


    Even those unloving matrons who might have considered scheming against their own daughters wouldn''t dare to openly marry off a concubine''s daughter to such a ce.


    Who would want to be scorned and criticized behind their backs for such a decision?


    The Duke of Cheng, not wanting his two sons to be illegitimate, had to marry a woman of equal standing to legitimize them and make the courtesan a concubine.


    Which noblewoman would be insane enough to do that?


    It''s not as if she couldn''t have children of her own; why would she go and be a stepmother to two boys who were almost her age?


    Was she supposed to burn herself to benefit others?


    However, the chaos in the Mansion of the Duke of Cheng was a matter forter. Originally, Jiang Xinyue''s coronation ceremony as Empress was about to take ce, but with so many incidents happening in the pce, not only was the Emperor overwhelmed, but Jiang Xinyue was also very busy.


    So many concubines who had been harmed by Consort De needed to beforted; otherwise, the unrest in the court would affect the people''s livelihood.


    Consort De had been in power for over a decade, and there were still many who had suffered under her tyranny. A n had to be drawn up to address their grievances, so they wouldn''t feel that those of lower status were left without justice.


    How many masters were there in the pce?


    The eunuchs and pce maids made up the majority. If they were filled with resentment, it would be a miracle if they didn''t rebel, let alone serve quietly.


    Once a person harbors resentment, going mad is only a matter of time.


    In the early years, before the reign of the Shen family, there was a fallen emperor who had indulged his favorite concubine in killing pce servants. In the end, he was assassinated by the eunuchs around him, and his head was hung at the pce gate.


    Then there was the third prince, who, after personally seeing his mother off, begged Jiang Xinyue to send him to the Ancestral Temple. There, he would pray for the Empress, the Former Crown Prince, the Second Prince, and his siblings who had not yet been born or had died young.


    It seemed as if he had grown up overnight, his eyes losing their childish innocence and bing lifeless, devoid of any spark.


    Jiang Xinyue couldn''t possibly take all the children in the pce under her wing, especially since the third prince had long expressed his desire not to be confined within the luxurious pce. His dream was to travel the world like the renowned painter Xie, traversing all the famous mountains, rivers, andkes of Great Yan.


    Moreover, it was the most dangerous for the third prince to remain in the pce.


    The concubines who had lost their children due to Consort De would not feel pity for the son of their enemy.


    Jiang Xinyue had to seek the Emperor''s permission, and only after he agreed did she take the Fourth Prince and the Sixth Prince to send the third prince to the Ancestral Temple.


    The Ancestral Temple was built outside the pce gates, an independent structure for royal sacrificial rites, giving the impression of being both within the pce and yet distant from its conflicts.


    The third prince, with his frail body, knelt on the ground and bowed deeply to Jiang Xinyue, tears in his eyes: "Precious Consort, when I am in the Ancestral Temple, I will pray daily for your and my brothers'' health and smooth affairs. Please... please don''t visit me often, don''t worry about me. The sins my mothermitted are such that even a lifetime in confinement wouldn''t be enough to atone for them. Precious Consort... take care."


    A nearby eunuch wiped his tears and helped him to his feet. Jiang Xinyue watched his small figure, unable to offer anyforting words.


    At this moment, anyfort would seem so hollow.


    A heavy feeling in her chest made her exhale a sigh of turbid air, and her vision blurred slightly.


    Her feelings for the third prince wereplex.


    The third prince was pitiful, but his plight wasn''t caused by others; it was his own mother who inflicted it upon him.


    Jiang Xinyue had never used children as pawns, but she had indeed manipted the third prince several times to make Consort De''s facade of kindness crumble before the Emperor.


    She had worked to ease the third prince''s psychological trauma, encouraging him to speak again, hoping that he would expose Consort De''s misdeeds.


    But even until Consort De''s death, the third prince never mentioned the poisoning she had inflicted upon him. Jiang Xinyue realized then that she had underestimated the depth of the child''s love for his mother.


    The third prince was too kind.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Such excessive kindness was not suited to survival in the pce.


    Moreover, she wasn''t a saint; she couldn''t raise the son of her enemy.


    What right did the Duke of Cheng and Consort De have to possess such a kind and gentle child, yet not cherish him?


    The Fourth Prince didn''t know what had happened, only that his elder brother''s mother had suddenly died, and his elder brother had changed into apletely different person¡ªsilent and withdrawn, leaving without even a proper goodbye.


    He didn''t dare cry loudly, only silently shedding tears.


    Seeing this, Qian Sheng quickly wiped his face: "Fourth Prince, you mustn''t cry."


    The Emperor had ordered that after Consort De''s death, her body was not to be buried in the Imperial Tombs for Consorts. Her title was stripped, and she was demoted to amoner. Her body was sent out of the pce to the Mansion of the Duke of Cheng.


    As for how the Duke of Cheng would handle her funeral, that was a matter for the Mansion of the Duke of Cheng, not the Emperor''s concern.


    Furthermore, the Emperor had decreed that no one was allowed to weep for Consort De. Anyone found crying after her death would be beheaded.


    The Fourth Prince wouldn''t be beheaded, of course, with the presence of the Imperial Noble Consort, but Qian Sheng was still afraid that word might reach the Emperor''s ears and displease him.


    After all, their master and servant had finally found a good life, and he didn''t want any uncertain factors to jeopardize the Fourth Prince''s happiness.


    The Fourth Prince sniffled and turned to ask for a hug. Only when Qian Sheng picked him up did he quietly cry, leaning against his grandfather''s chest.


    That wasn''t just his elder brother; he was also his best friend.


    "Don''t cry!"


    Jiang Xinyue, holding the Sixth Prince with one hand, reached out with the other to pat his head: "When you grow up, the third prince wille to understand, and you can visit him often. It''s not like you''ll never see each other again."


    The ?????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????Fourth Prince wiped his nose and nodded vigorously.


    He would grow up and meet his elder brother again.


    The autumn was not long, and before Yu Province had even seen rain, Great Yan weed another New Year''s banquet.


    But this year''s New Year''s banquet was vastly different from previous years.

 Chapter 338

    <h1>Chapter 338</h1>


    The newly appointed assistant minister of the Ministry of Rites was still under Jiang Yankun''s influence. He informed Jiang Yankun that this time, among the vassal states of the four kingdoms, Princess Lihua of Goguryeo had also apanied the envoys.


    When Jiang Yankun shared this news with Jiang Xinyue, she was momentarily puzzled. What was so special about the princess of Goguryeo? She didn''t give much thought to the princess and quickly forgot about it, as another matter had captured her attention.


    She was pregnant again.


    The lotus pond in front of Xihuo Pce had been filled in, and Xihuo Pce had now been renamed Qingyang Pce. It was said that the character "Yang" was personally inscribed by the Emperor.


    The filled-in lotus pond was now nted with roses. When Jiang Xinyue saw them, she couldn''t help but inwardlyin: The Emperor is truly passionate about nting flowers. He nts the flowers that his favorite concubine likes, making him the most outstanding gardener in the pce!


    When the roses bloom in full splendor, it will likely be around March next year, during the triennial selection.


    The entrance of Qingyang Pce will be a popr attraction.


    However, this has nothing to do with Jiang Xinyue. The arrival of the little one in her belly has once again dyed the Emperor''s ns to hold the Investiture of the Emperor Ceremony.


    The Xuanwu Emperor gently patted her still-t belly and then immediately stroked it: "You little thing, why note a few dayster? I finally finished my work, and now you''re here, how will your mother''s body endure?"


    Yan the Imperial Physician had mentioned that Jiang Xinyue had a cold constitution, making her extremely difficult to conceive. Back then, to give birth to her first child, they had to wait a year and a half before seeding.


    And it wasn''t without his nightly efforts.


    This time, having a second child so quickly must be handled with the utmost care. She must not suffer any hardship or be subjected to any fatigue; otherwise, she could easily miscarry.


    Jiang Xinyue didn''t think much of it. Consort De, the notorious "abortion expert," was already out of the picture. The current concubines in the pce, such as Consort Wen, Low Level Consort Yu, Noble Consort Ye, and even Consort Zhuang, who had emerged to expose Consort De''s crimes, were all on Jiang Xinyue''s side. Who else would harm her?


    Or ?????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????rather, who would dare to harm her?


    Oh, right, there was also Concubine Cheng, whom she had forgotten about.


    She had been too quiettely, and Jiang Xinyue hadpletely overlooked her.


    "When a child is quiet, they must be up to mischief," and this saying applied to Concubine Cheng as well.


    "Has the pigeon soup from the imperial kitchen been prepared yet?"


    When Jiang Xinyue was pregnant with the Sixth Prince, the Emperor had witnessed her reactions.


    She couldn''t keep anything down, and it had left her skin and bones. This time, he was determined to oversee her meals personally, not allowing her to lose even an ounce.


    "Another bowl of pigeon soup?"


    Jiang Xinyue pouted: "Your Majesty, I''m going to turn into a pigeon spirit soon. Don''t believe me, listen... cluck cluck cluck..."


    The Xuanwu Emperorughed at her silly antics: "Cluck cluck is a chicken, a pigeon goes coo coo coo..."


    "So the Emperor is the one who turned into a pigeon."


    Jiang Xinyue shook her little head triumphantly: "No wonder you keep asking me to eat pigeons!"


    She had intentionally imitated a chicken to make the Emperor imitate a pigeon.


    The Emperor was even more amused and pulled her into his arms, embracing her. The scent of happiness filled the entire Hexi Pce.


    Shuangjiang and Xique exchanged nces and quietly retreated from the hall.


    Tang Shiliang, following the Emperor''s orders, brought out the pigeon soup from the imperial kitchen for the Imperial Noble Consort: "High Chef Gao, you haven''t left your post, have you?"


    "No."n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Imperial Chef Gao shook his head: "But for the safety of the Empress, it''s best to test for poison before consumption."


    If someone had already poisoned the ingredients, he would be in deep trouble.


    Tang Shiliang reached into a small box and pulled out a white mouse. He scooped a small spoonful of soup from the pot and ced it in front of the mouse. The mouse licked the table clean, attracted by the smell.


    After waiting for a while, the mouse showed no reaction, and Tang Shiliang packed up and left.


    Since the incident where Consort Zhang had ced a curse on the Emperor, causing Wang Dequan to also fall ill, the Emperor had forbidden him from tasting the food. Instead, white mice were used to test for poison.


    Wang Dequan was deeply moved, believing that the Emperor had changed the ancient tradition out of concern for his safety.


    Could there be a slow-acting poison in this pigeon soup, meant to harm the Empress and her unborn child?


    As Tang Shiliang left the imperial kitchen, his paranoia kicked in, and he began to overthink.


    This hesitation dyed his progress.


    "ng!"


    "Who are you? Why are you climbing the wall? Stop!"


    As he approached a pce, a figure in a dark red cloak, covering their face, appeared on the pce wall. Below, two guards were acting as stepping stones.


    Suddenly, a gust of wind blew, and the hood of the cloak fell, revealing a face that filled Tang Shiliang with dread.


    The pce attendants behind him screamed: "Consort De... Consort De... Consort De has risen from the dead!!"


    "Risen from the dead?"


    The Xuanwu Emperor shot up from his chair: "Tang Shiliang, are you sure you saw Consort De?"


    Tang Shiliang nodded with a grave expression: "Absolutely, Your Majesty. Not just me, but the others who went to the imperial kitchen all saw her."


    However, theirmotion had frightened Consort De, causing her to fall from the pce wall. The two guards quickly fled.


    By the time they reached the other side of the wall, Consort De had vanished.


    "Bang!"


    "To think they would pull a switch under my very eyes! How bold!"


    The Xuanwu Emperor clenched his fists and mmed the small tea table, the loud noise startling Jiang Xinyue. The Emperor patted her reassuringly, his eyes softening: "Stay in Hexi Pce and don''t leave your side unguarded until Consort De is found."


    Consort De was now a desperate fugitive, capable of anything.


    "Your Highness, Consort Wen and Low Level Consort Yu are requesting an audience."


    "Let them in."


    The Emperor felt that the more people around Jiang Xinyue, the better, and Consort Wen and Low Level Consort Yu''s arrival was timely.


    Jiang Xinyue raised her hand: "No, Your Majesty. Consort De faked her death and has been lurking in the pce for so long, clearly targeting me. She wants my life, and if she can''t find an opportunity, she''ll remain in the pce. It''s too dangerous. I can lure her out."


    "No!"


    The Emperor immediately rejected the idea: "You''ve already said she''s dangerous. I won''t allow you to do something so risky. You''re carrying our child, and if anything were to happen..."


    He couldn''t even bear to think about it.


    "Let me do it," Low Level Consort Yu spoke from outside the door, having overheard their conversation: "I heard from the pce maids in Shunan Pce that Consort De might still be alive, which scared Tang Shiliang quite a bit. Though my looks are far from a tenth as beautiful as the Imperial Noble Consort''s, my figure is most simr to hers. Let me lure Consort De out."


    "Low Level Consort Yu makes sense. Let her do it."


    This time, the Xuanwu Emperor quickly agreed.


    Low Level Consort Yu rolled her eyes so hard they almost disappeared: "Using my life to win favor, huh?"


    She was doing it for the Imperial Noble Consort, not for the Emperor, who was really something else.

 Chapter 339

    <h1>Chapter 339</h1>


    In the cold winds of December, a few icy tendrils still lingered, pping against people''s faces like tiny knives slicing through flesh, making them shiver uncontrobly.


    Hexi Pce stood tall, its warm candlelight glowing softly, offering a harmonious warmth amidst the biting chill.


    Consort De''s teeth were clenched so hard they almost shattered.


    She had already followed Jiang Xinyue''s wishes and nobly sacrificed herself, so why was Jiang Xinyue still sending Xuan''er to the Ancestral Temple?


    What was the Ancestral Temple?


    It was no different from a cold pce. How could the Emperor possibly remember Xuan''er once he grew up?


    How could she ever wait for Xuan''er to be granted a fief and return to the pce to reim their rightful ce?


    "Why did Her Highness make us alle out?"


    "Probably to surprise the Emperor! Didn''t Her Highness practice a new song today?"


    "Our Highness and the Emperor are truly in love. I think Fourth Prince''s wish for a little sister will soone true."


    A few pce maids, carrying Jiang Xinyue''s discarded garments, hurried past the spot where Consort De was hiding.


    "Sister Lan, now that we''re here, I wonder if it''s a trap. Should we..."


    "I can''t wait any longer. My father thinks I don''t know about the two mistresses he''s keeping outside. My ''corpse'' hasn''t even cooled, and he''s already brought them into the Duke''s Mansion. He really doesn''t want those illegitimate sons of his to suffer a moment of difort."


    She had long known that the Duke of Cheng was keeping a courtesan outside, but she didn''t realize the woman had given birth to two brothers for him.


    It was the Emperor who had revealed this to her.


    How long ago was that?


    It seemed like it was before the Emperor took Jiang Xinyue to the summer pce to escape the heat.


    Consort De thought back carefully and realized she had already fallen into the Emperor''s trap, though she hadn''t realized it at the time. She had thought the Emperor was showing her sympathy and pity by revealing this to her.


    Only now did she understand that the Emperor had foreseen this day long ago. That is, before they went to the summer pce, the Emperor already knew she was the true murderer of the Former Crown Prince and the Second Prince, and had confirmed that the dozen lives in Yanqing Pce were also her doing.


    As she knew, Jiang Xinyue had "identally" discovered the porcin bottle from the pond during their stay at the summer pce.


    The ?????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????Former Crown Prince had not died from poisoning but was drowned by her men. Now, that porcin bottle had been used as evidence to convict her.


    There was no real evidence, no witnesses, yet the Emperor had fabricated it all.


    The Emperor''s purpose in doing all this was to ensure she wouldn''t go quietly to her death. He knew she would drag the Duke of Cheng down with her.


    Because she wanted revenge. Revenge against the Duke of Cheng for choosing to sacrifice her to pave the way for his two illegitimate sons.


    So, before her fake death, Consort De had deliberately said those words, iming it had nothing to do with the Duke''s Mansion, to make the Duke of Cheng let his guard down and bring the courtesan and her two sons into the mansion.


    But she had also said...n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Without Jiang Xinyue, the Emperor would have been poisoned by her. Such treasonous words about assassinating the Emperor¡ªhow could the Duke''s Mansion escape me?


    Not just the Duke''s Mansion, but anyone rted to it would be implicated.


    Yes, Consort De wanted the Duke of Cheng to be a sinner condemned by history, cursed by his entire n, even in the afterlife, unable to face his ancestors.


    With her intelligence, how could she not know what to say and what not to say?


    Who asked her father... to kill her beloved grandmother?


    Now, she wanted to kill Jiang Xinyue and then pin everything on the Duke of Cheng. That way... the Emperor would be utterly enraged, and the entire Duke''s Mansion, all nine ns, would have to pay for the life of the Imperial Noble Consort.


    She had been cast aside, so no one should live. They would all die together.


    From Hexi Pce came the beautiful sound of a zither, indeed matching what the maids had said¡ªthat the Imperial Noble Consort was preparing a surprise for the Emperor.


    "Ding!"


    A soft sound of footstepsnding echoed. Low Level Consort Yu, dressed in Jiang Xinyue''s clothes and wearing her hair ornaments, sat with her back to the main hall''s entrance, her fingers trembling slightly as she plucked at the zither strings.


    She was terrified!


    Consort De, this murderous demon, wouldn''t just stab her to death in one go, would she?


    Just moments ago, when she suggested she take the lead, she thought she was quite brave. Now, she felt more like a coward.


    The two guards who followed Consort De inside were her cousins from her family. They owed their positions in the pce guard to Consort De''s patronage, and they always obeyed hermands, even if it meant their own deaths.


    Consort De gave them a signal, and the two men stepped forward, drawing their swords and attacking without hesitation.


    "Zheng!"


    "Ah!"


    Low Level Consort Yu''s psychological fortitude was weak. The sh of des above her head made her scream and close her eyes tightly.


    "Low Level Consort Yu, run!"


    Jiang Xinyue emerged from the inner hot spring room. Four guards were entangled in battle, while Consort De had silently moved behind Low Level Consort Yu, raising a dagger to strike.


    Jiang Xinyue''s shout startled Low Level Consort Yu, whose body reacted before her mind could. She rolled off the table,nding on the zither and knocking it against Consort De''s raised hand and head, causing her to pause for a moment.


    But soon, Consort De grabbed Low Level Consort Yu by the hair and pulled her up from the ground, pressing the dagger against her neck: "If you don''t want Low Level Consort Yu to die, order them to stop."


    The Emperor raised his hand, and the two highly skilled guards kicked Consort De''s cousins away.


    Consort De gripped Low Level Consort Yu''s neck: "Low Level Consort Yu, we''ve known each other for over a decade. I never expected you''d be willing to trade your life for Jiang Xinyue''s. I doubt even the Former Empress could make you do that!"


    Low Level Consort Yu was surprised herself. She had willingly risked her life for Jiang Xinyue.


    "You vile woman, there are still many virtues of mine you haven''t discovered!"


    Low Level Consort Yu retorted stubbornly: "If you know what''s good for you, release me now. I might still put in a good word for you with the Emperor and the Imperial Noble Consort. Otherwise, you won''t leave here alive."


    Consort Deughed wildly, tears streaming down her face: "Do you think I''ll leave here alive if I let you go? Save your breath! Do you think they care about your life?"


    "Who says I don''t care?"


    Jiang Xinyue stepped out, protected by the Emperor: "Low Level Consort Yu is my friend. Please release her."


    "Friend? Hahaha..."


    Consort Deughed again: "How can there be real friends in this pce? Jiang Xinyue, you fool, don''t you remember when Low Level Consort Yu envied you and tried to harm your unborn child? Don''t you remember when she sided with the Former Empress and mocked you?"


    Without Consort De needing to borate, Low Level Consort Yu''s past mistakes were enough to make her own head spin.


    She shrank back, afraid that Jiang Xinyue would say: Just stab her and be done with it!


    "Isn''t it all because you were manipting her?"


    A shadow flickered outside the window. Jiang Xinyue''s eyes darted, and she moved toward the door. The two guards also watched her warily, turning with Consort De to face the door, their backs to the window.


    The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and


    continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

 Chapter 340

    <h1>Chapter 340</h1>


    ¡°Consort Yu has made many mistakes in the past, but weren¡¯t those actions all manipted by you? She may be foolish, but you are truly malicious. So why can¡¯t I be friends with her?¡±


    The friend Jiang Xinyue considered in Consort Yu didn¡¯t seem particrly pleased, though.


    However, Consort De was even less happy.


    Her grip on the dagger tightened, and blood began to seep from Consort Yu¡¯s neck. Feeling the pain, Consort Yu¡¯s face turned pale, and her eyes pleaded for help toward Jiang Xinyue.


    ¡°You have the Emperor¡¯s favor and his protection. Naturally, you cannot understand the hardships I face.¡±


    Somehow, Jiang Xinyue¡¯s words struck a nerve with Consort De, who suddenly erupted in a furious shout: ¡°You were born with love and care, but I was different. My mother died during childbirth, and my father¡­ hah¡­ he only cared about his wealth and power. A daughter without value was no better than a dog or pig to him! If I hadn¡¯t entered the pce, he would have sold me for profit. I¡¯d rather fight for the highest position in the pce!¡±


    ¡°If I don¡¯t fight, if I don¡¯t scheme, if I don¡¯t harm others, do you think they would spare me? Everyone in this pce schemes. Has Jiang Xinyue never used any tactics?¡±


    ¡°What tactics have I used?¡± Jiang Xinyue smirked.


    ¡°Oh~ Well, I have used some. All my tactics have been directed toward the Emperor. I¡¯ve done everything I can to make him like me.¡±


    If putting all my effort into being good to the Emperor and considering his well-being counts as tactics¡­


    I¡¯ve never harmed or killed anyone without reason.


    Consort De had no reply to this, as the Emperor was nowpletely devoted to Jiang Xinyue, deaf to any attempts to sow discord.


    Consort Yu, feeling her life increasingly threatened, mustered her courage and pushed Consort De¡¯s hand outward. Consort De reflexively tightened her grip, but Consort Yu managed to take a small step away.


    ¡°Thud!¡±


    ¡°Ugh¡­¡±


    ¡°?????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????Plop!¡±


    The sound of the dagger piercing flesh was unmistakable. Consort Yu fell to the ground, sobbing: ¡°I¡¯m going to die, I¡¯m going to die. This time it¡¯s for real. Imperial Noble Consort, please remember my kindness and find a good match for my daughter, Princess Yu¡¯er! I¡­ I think one of your n¡¯s sons would be perfect. Please choose one for her, I¡­ I¡¯m off now.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re not going anywhere.¡±


    Consort Wen pulled her up and pointed to her back.


    ¡°Thud! Thud! Thud!¡±


    One stab after another, each hitting its mark.


    Consort De was knocked to the ground by a disheveled madwoman, who straddled her back, her face twisted with ferocity, stabbing rapidly.


    Consort De screamed in pain, turning to push the woman away, but her two brothers, already restrained by the Emperor¡¯s guards, could do nothing to help.


    ¡°Ahhh¡­¡±


    Consort De finally managed to roll over, grabbing the dagger, but the four or five stab wounds on her back had already caused significant blood loss, leaving her weak and powerless.


    ¡°Help¡­ help me¡­¡±


    She stretched her hand toward those around her, but neither the Emperor nor Jiang Xinyue, nor Consort Wen, Consort Yu, Noble Consort Ye, or the surrounding pce maids and eunuchs offered any assistance.


    Instead, their faces showed cold indifference and hatred.


    They all wanted¡­ her dead.


    Yes!


    She had killed so many¡­


    A sudden sharp pain in her chest. A silver dagger was plunged into her heart, and the madwoman on her revealed a disfigured face as she brushed back her hair.


    Her eyes wide, sheughed maniacally: ¡°Killed! Hahaha¡­ finally killed you! Hahaha¡­ bad woman! You deserved to die! Truly deserved to die! Wooo¡­¡±


    She wiped the blood on her face, only to smear it all over: ¡°Don¡¯t kill me! Wooo¡­ I was wrong, Imperial Noble Consort¡­ I won¡¯t dare again, don¡¯t kill me¡­ Wooo¡­ I¡¯ll be good, I¡¯ll listen!¡±


    Consort De''s body twitched on the ground, unable to speak, her resentful eyes wide, fixed on the Xuanwu Emperor.


    Wang Dequan stepped forward, checking Consort De¡¯s breath. After a brief silence, he calmly reported: ¡°Your Majesty, she¡¯s no longer breathing.¡±


    Fourteen stab wounds in total, each hitting a vital spot. This time, there was no doubt she was dead, with no chance of a fake death.


    Consort Yu, touching her bleeding neck, dared not shout loudly, instead letting out a shrill,ical whisper: ¡°Call the imperial physician, quickly! I don¡¯t want to die.¡±


    Consort Wen nced at her neck, which had only a shallow scratch, teasing: ¡°Didn¡¯t you just ask Imperial Noble Consort to find a Jiang n member as a groom for Princess Yu¡¯er? Now that you¡¯re not dying, she won¡¯t do it for you.¡±


    Consort Yu red at her: ¡°I now think Princess Yu¡¯er doesn¡¯t need to marry so soon. Another two years wouldn¡¯t hurt.¡±


    Princess Yu¡¯er was only twelve. Earlier, she had thought she was about to die and wanted to secure a good match for her daughter, fearing that in two years, Jiang Xinyue might forget her ¡°saving grace,¡± leaving her daughter without anyone to consider her future.


    Now that she wasn¡¯t dying, she didn¡¯t want her daughter to marry so young, going to someone else¡¯s home to be a daughter-inw. Staying a few more years wouldn¡¯t be bad.


    While the Jiang n¡¯s sons were good, they weren¡¯t as good as her daughter. She hadn¡¯t even decided on a specific groom yet!


    The Emperor waved his hand, and Wang Dequan and Tang Shiliang immediately arranged for Hexi Pce to be cleaned, ensuring no unpleasant odors or unwanted items remained.


    Jiang Xinyue nced at Xiao Ronghua, crouching in the corner: ¡°Find her a ce and arrange for someone to take good care of her.¡±


    She had killed Consort De and indirectly saved Consort Yu, which was a good deed.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    Whether she was truly mad or not, Jiang Xinyue was willing to show this bit of kindness.


    Like Consort De, those whomit evil ultimately meet their end through their own misdeeds. Jiang Xinyue, bncing good and evil, received positive oues.


    If she had acted like Consort De, Consort Yu, Consort Wen, Noble Consort Ye, Consort Zhuang, Tong Xiuyuan, and Shi Xiuyi would not have stood by her side. She would not have earned the support of so many.


    Recall when she was first bestowed the title of Imperial Noble Consort; no concubine in the pce was willing to ept her.


    Now, who doesn¡¯t see Jiang Xinyue as the rightful sessor to the Empress¡¯s throne?


    Consort De¡¯s fake death and subsequent attempt to assassinate the Imperial Noble Consort had the Mansion of the Duke of Cheng implicated, as they were responsible for handling her ¡°corpse¡± after the poisoned wine was administered.


    Whether they actually dealt with it or not remains unclear, but Consort De¡¯s treasonous words were made public, and she wasn¡¯t actually killed by the poisoned wine. Instead, she died from over a dozen stab wounds inflicted by the mad Xiao Ronghua during her attempt to assassinate the Imperial Noble Consort.


    The final stab pierced her heart, sealing her fate.


    ¡°This is what happens when onemits too many evils.¡±


    At the New Year¡¯s Banquet, people still whispered about Consort De¡¯s death.

 Chapter 341

    <h1>Chapter 341</h1>


    ¡°Originally, a cup of poisoned wine would have made it easy andfortable to go, but instead, they had to die by their own hand. Tsk tsk tsk¡­ stabbed over a dozen times, and it¡¯s said that the final stab pierced the heart, causing them to die in agony. How painful!¡±


    ¡°So, it¡¯s a reminder that we can¡¯t just focus on raising our sons; the education of our daughters is equally important. Just look at Minister Jiang¡¯s daughter¡ªshe¡¯s been raised so well that the entire Jiang family benefits. Take those two descendants of the Jiang family who were recently sent back from Yu Province, Jiang Shoucheng and Jiang Shouwei. They risked their lives to protect evidence that implicated officials involved in the siege of Yu Province. As a result, they¡¯ve been appointed to positions in the Ministry of Punishment and the Ministry of Personnel by the Emperor himself, despite their young age.¡±


    Although their positions are not high, there¡¯s plenty of room for advancement!


    And they¡¯re still so young¡ªmany people don¡¯t achieve anything significant until middle age.


    After a few years of training in the Ministry of Punishment and the Ministry of Personnel, and then serving as officials in the provinces, enduring some hardships and achieving some sesses, these two Jiang descendants will likely be high-ranking officials in the future, with limitless prospects.


    ¡°Speaking of daughters who weren¡¯t raised well, that brings us to Duke of Cheng. I heard that on the day his estate was confiscated, that courtesan cried and shouted that her two sons weren¡¯t Duke of Cheng¡¯s. She imed she was never his concubine. After the Ministry of Justice confirmed her ims, they released all three of them on the spot.¡±


    ¡°What a disgrace! His only daughter was so poorly raised that she brought ruin to the entire family, lost their title, and even allowed a courtesan to cuckold him, raising someone else¡¯s sons for over a decade. Duke of Cheng didn¡¯t seem that foolish, so why did he keep doing such stupid things?¡±


    ¡°I saw him the other day on the street,pletely lost in his thoughts, wearing tattered clothes, sitting on the ground drinking. He was absolutely stered. He¡¯s made plenty of enemies in the past, and someone dragged him into an alley and beat him up. He looked pretty badly injured.¡±


    ¡°Oh,e on! It¡¯s the New Year; let¡¯s not talk about such unlucky things. Look! Princess Lihua of Goguryeo is about to perform a dance.¡±


    Goguryeo is known for its beauty, and its royal court is a veritable nest of beauties. Princess Lihua is the cream of the crop, the most exquisite beauty in that nest.


    The King of Fusang once offered her the position of queen in hopes of winning her heart, but she rejected him.


    Many royal families from various countries have tried to win her hand, but all have failed.


    It¡¯s said that Princess Lihua has been in love with the Emperor of Great Yan for twelve years. Twelve years ago, the Emperor was invited to Goguryeo for a visit, and the then eleven-year-old princess fell deeply in love at first sight.


    She rejected all those suitors just to wait for the chance to grow up and apany the diplomatic mission to Great Yan.


    Since taking her seat, Jiang Xinyue has been hearing whispers about Princess Lihua¡¯s unrequited love for the Emperor.


    ¡°Cough, cough, cough¡­¡±


    Under Jiang Xinyue¡¯s increasingly dangerous gaze, the Xuanwu Emperor cleared his throat a few times: ¡°Yue¡¯er, when I went to Goguryeo twelve years ago, Princess Lihua was only eleven years old.¡±


    Eleven ?????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????years old¡ªfor the Emperor, no matter how beautiful she was, she was still just a child. He wasn¡¯t so depraved as to have any interest in a girl who hadn¡¯t yete of age.


    ¡°What did I say?¡±N?v(el)B\\jnn


    Jiang Xinyue smirked coldly, her eyes icy: ¡°Your Majesty, you should take a good look. Princess Lihua is Goguryeo¡¯s pearl, and it¡¯s said that her beauty surpasses even mine. She rejected all advances just to gamble on an uncertain future for the sake of Your Majesty. Aren¡¯t you even a little moved?¡±


    Whether the Emperor was moved or not, he didn¡¯t show it.


    But he definitely didn¡¯t dare to move.


    The enchanting music of a traditional instrument yed heavenly melodies. On the central performance stage, a group of beautiful women in white corseted skirts danced the traditional dance of Goguryeo.


    Jiang Xinyue¡¯s mind couldn¡¯t help but hum: Arirang~ Arirang~ Arirang~


    Among the pale whites, there was a striking red. Jiang Xinyue was far away, so she could only make out the general outline, but even so, she could clearly feel that the woman in the red dress far surpassed the other dancers in terms of appearance, figure, and demeanor.


    When she looked at the Emperor again, he was leaning on his hand, his pale face tinged with two spots of red. He tilted his head and gazed at Jiang Xinyue, his eyes seemingly filled only with her, unable to contain anyone else.


    Princess Lihua''s dance became faster and faster, spinning in circles as she moved towards the direction of the Emperor and Jiang Xinyue, amidst the sounds of amazement and admiration from the audience.


    When she was still five meters away from the Emperor¡¯s position, she was stopped by the guards at the steps.


    Consort Wen couldn¡¯t help but say: ¡°Princess Lihua, you haven¡¯t paid your respects to the Emperor and our Imperial Noble Consort yet. Without their summons, you cannot approach.¡±


    If anyone could just walk up to the Emperor, his grave would have grass as tall as a person by now.


    Low Level Consort Yu, whose neck was still wrapped in a white rabbit fur cor, imed it was because her scars hadn¡¯t healed.


    But her neck injury didn¡¯t stop her fromughing out loud: ¡°Sister Consort Wen, Goguryeo is a small ce with few people. How could they have so many rules? If they all had to stay so far away from their king, there wouldn¡¯t be enough space in all of Goguryeo!¡±


    Despite having her vocal cords injured, Low Level Consort Yu was determined to ridicule Goguryeo for being small, with few people and no proper etiquette.


    Princess Lihua, as if she didn¡¯t understand the subtext, smiled sweetly at the Xuanwu Emperor and spoke fluent Great Yan officialnguage: ¡°Lihua greets the esteemed Emperor of Great Yan.¡±


    Jiang Xinyue: Well yed! Treating the rival as if she doesn¡¯t exist.


    ¡­


    The Xuanwu Emperor didn¡¯t even nce at Princess Lihua. Under the table, his hand continued to massage Jiang Xinyue¡¯s small hand, asionally giving her a smile that seemed like he was drunk and acting cute.


    Jin Lihua, who hadn¡¯t heard a response, couldn¡¯t help but look up. How could the Emperor she revered so much be¡­ exchanging affectionate nces with a concubine?


    Curious, she looked at the person beside the Emperor and was stunned by Jiang Xinyue¡¯s beauty, thinking to herself: My brother lied to me. He said there were no beauties like her in Shen Ye¡¯s harem, so who is this woman sitting next to Shen Ye?


    Her hair was smoother, her eyes brighter, her lips redder, and even her proud figure seemed less impressivepared to this woman.


    However, since everyone called her Imperial Noble Consort, she must be quite old, right?


    She appeared to be no more than eighteen or neen years old, likely due to excellent skincare. Jin Lihua thought she might be able to exchange some beauty tips with this Imperial Noble Consort.


    After all, Goguryeo is renowned for its beauty.


    If this Imperial Noble Consort could maintain such looks even in her thirties, that would be quite impressive.


    But why hasn¡¯t she told me to rise yet?


    ¡°Princess Lihua, there¡¯s also the Imperial Noble Consort! Is your big eyes only capable of seeing the Emperor and not anyone else?¡±


    Although Jin Lihua had learned Great Yan¡¯snguage, she couldn¡¯t fully grasp the nuances of sarcasm and could only understand the literal meaning.


    After thinking for a moment, she gracefully bowed again to Jiang Xinyue: ¡°Lihua greets the respected sister, Imperial Noble Consort.¡±

 Chapter 342

    <h1>Chapter 342</h1>


    ¡°Pfft!¡±


    Low Level Consort Yu burst outughing: ¡°Old cucumber painted green to pretend it¡¯s fresh! Princess Lihua, you¡¯re already twenty-three years old, and our Imperial Noble Consort Jiang is only eighteen. You calling her ¡®sister¡¯ is just going to make her sound old, don¡¯t you think?¡±


    ¡°This is impossible!¡±


    Jin Lihua frowned: ¡°In my brother¡¯s harem, those who have reached the rank of consort or above are all over thirty years old. My brother and the Emperor are about the same age.¡±


    The response she received was the displeased gaze of the Xuanwu Emperor.


    Realizing that what Low Level Consort Yu said was likely true, Jin Lihua¡¯s hostility instantly rose.


    She was not only prettier but also younger than her. No wonder the Emperor of Great Yan hadn¡¯t mentioned arranging a marriage for her in over a decade.


    The atmosphere froze for a moment, but¡­ not everyone liked Jiang Xinyue¡¯s exotic and morous beauty. Princess Lihua¡¯s fresh and lovely charm had its own unique appeal.


    ¡°Princess Lihua, is your visit to Great Yan to find a suitable husband? Tonight, all of Great Yan¡¯s finest young men are here. Do you have anyone you fancy?¡±


    Seeing Princess Lihua in a difficult position, and it being because of Jiang Xinyue, Pei Zhishuo stepped in to help her out: ¡°A woman as beautiful and lovely as the princess is sure to be the dream of every man in the world.¡±


    Both Goguryeo and Fusang are vassal states of Great Yan, and both are neighboring countries. However, since the beginning of the year, Fusang has been acting up, stirring up trouble at the borders of Great Yan.


    This time, all the vassal states came to Great Yan to pay tribute, but Fusang, citing that their prince was ill, couldn¡¯te in person and sent a pair of ivory tusks as an apology.


    However, the quality of those tusks was so poor that even someone who didn¡¯t know anything about the goods could tell the difference.


    This was no tribute; it was a tant provocation.


    In contrast, Goguryeo was much more obedient, always the first to implement any new regtions from Great Yan.


    Pei Zhishuo''s intention was to force Princess Lihua to confess her love for the Emperor, allowing the diplomatic mission to tactfully propose a marriage alliance.


    The Xuanwu Emperor values the interests of his people and the nation above all else. With Fusang showing signs of rebellion, he would know what to do to keep Goguryeo loyal.


    If he refused the marriage for the sake of Jiang Xinyue, he wouldn¡¯t be the Xuanwu Emperor.


    A monarch blinded by love will one day be brought down by it.


    Jin Lihua blushed and nced at the Emperor. The more indifferent and cold he was toward her, the more she felt that such a man, unmoved by beauty, was worthy of her lifelongmitment.


    ¡°Does this Princess Lihua have some kind of issue?¡±


    Low Level Consort Yu moved closer to Consort Wen: ¡°Why do I feel like the more the Emperor ignores her, the more she wants to get closer?¡±


    Consort Wen nodded in agreement, and the two of them, with four eyes, closely watched her, afraid she might pull some trick.


    ¡°I¡­ I like¡­¡±


    ¡°Mr. Pei, I heard that your father has been acting crazytely, bringing a woman from the Miao Bordends into the family. It¡¯s said that he even wants to divorce his current wife for this Miao woman, isn¡¯t that right?¡±


    ¡°Pfft¡­¡±


    This incident had clearly caused quite a stir in the capital, overshadowing even Princess Lihua¡¯s beauty.


    Tang Shiliang seized the opportunity to escort Jin Lihua to take a seat among the Goguryeo diplomatic mission.


    After Jiang Yankun asked that question, he sat silently in his seat, but his subordinates weren¡¯t idle.


    Especially Ma Yiyang, who vividly described: ¡°Speaking of Mr. Pei¡¯s father, I truly admire him. His first wife passed away due to illness less than three months ago, and he threw a tantrum, insisting on marrying a young widow as his second wife. It¡¯s a good thing Mr. Pei was open-minded and agreed. Now that young Master Pei is this old, his father has gotten himself into another scandal, going on a hunger strike at home, insisting on marrying a teenage girl from the Miao Bordends, even promising her the position of primary wife.¡±


    ¡°That Miao girl is even younger than Pei Zhishuo, and she¡¯s not particrly beautiful, not as good-looking as that young widow! I don¡¯t know what kind of spell he¡¯s under, but he¡¯s bringing her into the family with the same ceremony as a primary wife.¡±


    ¡°So Pei Zhishuo now has a stepmother even younger than himself?¡±


    ¡°Mr. Pei¡¯s father is truly a man of passion, wanting to give the title of primary wife to every woman he¡¯s loved.¡±


    ¡°No wonder Mr. Pei has been sick for months, neither attending court nor going out. He must be sick with anger.¡±


    ¡°Hard to say¡­ it¡¯s hard to say¡­¡±


    Pei Zhishuo was furious. Some crazy woman had suddenly appeared, iming to be his fianc¨¦e. Although he was already a broken man, with the status of the Pei family, it wouldn¡¯t be difficult to marry a noblewoman as a mere decoration.


    With his handsome appearance and reputation for talent, why would he have trouble finding a suitable wife?


    He had chased the woman away the same day, telling her she had the wrong person.


    But before the Miao woman could leave, his father had fallen under some kind of spell, madly in love with the woman who wasn¡¯t even particrly beautiful.


    To make matters worse, his father wanted to divorce his mother for this woman.


    It was utterly absurd!


    What was even more absurd was that after the Miao woman entered the family and lifted her red veil, she screamed that it wasn¡¯t him and that she had made a mistake.


    But the Pei family had already suffered a huge humiliation; how could they allow such an outrageous story to spread?


    What Pei Zhishuo found most unbearable was that his father, who had always loved his mother dearly, suddenly acted as if he didn¡¯t recognize her, ordering her to leave the Pei family and make way for his beloved wife.


    Now his mother spent her days weeping at home, while his father had confined the Miao woman, terrified she might escape, guarding her day and night, insisting that she must get pregnant and give birth so she wouldn¡¯t think of running away anymore.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    Jiang Yankun was stabbing him in the heart with a sharp knife.


    ¡°Husband, was it your intention to have Eunuch Tang release Pei Sinian¡¯s hair that day, anticipating this oue?¡±


    Jiang Yankun chuckled: ¡°Miao Linlin is a greedy woman, and she¡¯s ced a love spell on Pei Sinian. This spell is unbreakable; Pei Sinian will love her until his death. Once she¡¯s certain she can¡¯t find me or Eunuch Tang and sees the wealth of the Pei family, she¡¯ll go along with the mistake and ept the identity of Mrs. Pei.¡±


    What would it matter if Miao Linlin recognized him and Eunuch Tangter?


    The ?????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????naive Miao Linlin from the Miao vige before she entered the world might have made a fuss, but after marrying Pei Sinian for a while, learning about etiquette and the dangers of gossip, experiencing the intrigues of the inner mansion, she would understand that some things shouldn¡¯t be said.


    Otherwise, it would be a lose-lose situation, the worst kind of deal.


    Moreover, Tang Shiliang¡¯s true identity was that of a eunuch. Whether to marry a eunuch or the son of the Minister of the Secretariat, she would know which choice to make without Jiang Yankun needing to say anything.


    The Pei family, starting with Pei Sinian, was already rotting from the roots.


    No wonder Jiang Xinyue wrote back, telling him to restrain the n and not pursue the Pei family too harshly.


    They were very good at bringing their own downfall.

 Chapter 343

    <h1>Chapter 343</h1>


    Just like now, Pei Zhishuo didn''t even realize that the people who had turned their household upside down were Jiang Xinyue and her father, and yet he dared to repeatedly provoke her.


    Jiang Yankun almost couldn''t help but light a candle for him.


    Princess Lihua was just a small interlude. A momentter, Jiang Xinyue''s gazended on the Jiang family members. Seeing Jiang Yuncai ring angrily at a certain minister''s wife, she lightly frowned and said, "Your Majesty, I''m feeling a bit tired and would like to return to rest."


    She was pregnant, and after a long day at the New Year''s banquet, she was feeling the strain.


    The Xuanwu Emperor nodded, showing concern. "If you feel unwell, make sure to call someone from the Imperial Hospital immediately. I''lle to see youter."


    Jiang Xinyue nodded. Before leaving, she gave Xi Que a meaningful look, ncing in the direction of her mother and aunt.


    Although Xi Que wasn''t particrly clever, their long-standing master-servant rapport meant that with just a nce from Jiang Xinyue, she understood the underlying message without needing further exnation.


    Su Ruyue''s eyes darted around, avoiding Jiang Yuncai''s gaze, and she kept hiding behind Lady Su.


    Noticing this, Lady Su shielded her daughter and met Jiang Yuncai''s gaze with a cold stare, forcing her to back down. "Ruyue, don''t be afraid. She was the one who acted recklessly, knowing the Pei family was targeting them, yet she still ran around. It''s her fault that her sister''s reputation was ruined. Our decision to break off the engagement is justified."


    Although the Su family knew Jiang Yuncai was innocent and that this had nothing to do with Jiang Yunxia, the fact remained that the Su family was a prestigious n in the capital. The Jiang family''s rise wasrgely due to having a favored concubine, butpared to the Su family, they were still far behind.


    So, was there anything wrong with not wanting their son to marry Jiang Yunxia?


    Who knew when the enemies of the Imperial Noble Consort might expose that she had a cousin who had once been sold to a brothel?


    If people then discovered that Jiang Yunxia was the sister of that cousin, where would the Su family''s reputation stand?


    At that point, no one would care if she had been rescued quickly or if she was innocent. People would talk, and the rumors would be as vicious as possible.


    Their decision to break the engagement was reasonable.


    Even ?????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????if the Jiang familyined to the Imperial Noble Consort, there was no way they could force their second son to marry Jiang Yunxia.


    "Madam, the Imperial Noble Consort invites you and your sister-inw to Hexi Pce for a chat."


    The servants of Hexi Pce, as usual, had received generous rewards this year, making them even more attentive in serving their mistress.


    Lady Sun hadst visited to beg Jiang Xinyue to save Jiang Yuncai. At the time, she was too busy crying and didn''t notice the opulence and refinement of Hexi Pce.


    This time, as Xi Que led her in again, her eyes couldn''t stop taking in the surroundings. She marveled at Jiang Xinyue''s skills in managing her pce, where even the seemingly insignificant decorative grasses in the courtyard were rare purple pearl grass, a sight rarely seen in themon realm.


    Not to mention the precious yet casually ced flowers and nts in the front courtyard and along the corridors.


    The entire pce was exquisitely arranged, with a naturalndscape connecting the front and back courtyards, featuring exotic flowers and nts, mist-shrouded waters, creating an almost ethereal atmosphere.


    However, at the moment, she had little time to admire it.


    Ever since Jiang Xinyue asked why her eldest cousin hadn''te, Jiang Yuncai''s tears had been falling non-stop. "It''s all my fault. I''ve dragged my sister down, causing her to be broken off from the engagement with the Su family. My sister and Su Changlin were deeply in love, but the Su family probably guessed what happened that day and insisted on breaking off the engagement. Father thought Su Changlin wasn''t dependable, so he took back my sister''s betrothal papers and ended the engagement with the Su family."


    "What my aunt said is correct. If Su Changlin had truly expressed his feelings to my eldest cousin, but couldn''t even persuade his own parents, even if I were to have the Emperor issue a decree to forcefully marry my cousin into the Su family, she would only suffer."


    If Su Changlin truly cared, he should have done everything in his power to marry his cousin and protect her for life.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    As the second son of the family, and knowing that Lady Su doted on him, he had plenty of ways to persuade his mother if he wanted to.


    Now, by hurting Jiang Yunxia''s feelings, it was clear he had chosen his parents over his lover. What more was there to say?


    Marriage was about two people leaving their families to build a new life together, not about the woman leaving her family to integrate into the man''s family, enduring grievances, demeaning herself to serve her inws, just to gain their approval.


    Therefore, some of the traditions passed down from our ancestors are worth preserving, while others need to be discarded to change the status of women in the family.


    Lady Sun sighed. "That''s true, but Xia Jie is stubborn. Since the engagement was broken off, she''s lost all vitality. The other day, she went out in thin clothes to drink in the courtyard, caught a cold from the cold wind, and has been bedridden with a fever ever since."


    Lady Sun was also angry with Jiang Yunxia for being so disheartened after the broken engagement, giving the treacherous Su family something tough at.


    It would make it seem like the Jiang daughters couldn''t marry anyone else and were clinging to the Su family.


    Yet, she couldn''t bear to scold her too harshly, as this was an unwarranted disaster for Jiang Yunxia.


    Thinking of this, Lady Sun couldn''t help but p herself. "It''s all my fault. I didn''t warn them about the Pei family''s threats. I thought, in a public ce with so many people, what could happen? But... it ended up like this..."


    "Aunt, there''s no need to me yourself," Jiang Xinyue consoled her. "Even the most careful ns can have a w. Those people are hiding in the shadows, like rats in the gutter, waiting for a chance to bite us. Avoiding them isn''t a long-term solution. All I can say is, learn from this experience. In the future, please take my words to heart."


    It was no longer helpful to me anyone. Instead ofining, it was better to find a way to help Jiang Yunxia see clearly.


    At the back gate of the Jiang residence¡ª


    Su Changlin, the second son of the Su family, carried a small bundle and, with the help of a servant, climbed over the wall.


    "Cough, cough, cough..."


    Jiang Yunxia sat leaning against the bed, covering her mouth with a handkerchief as she coughed a few times. She said to the maids by her side, "You all should go. Tonight is New Year''s Eve. You should be with your families. I''ll be fine. I''ll take my medicine and sleep."


    The maids looked at each other. "But Madam said we should stay with you, and we mustn''t let you catch any more cold air."


    Jiang Yunxia shook her head again. "I won''t go out. I don''t have the strength to move anyway."


    After saying this, she closed her eyes, seeming to have exhausted all her strength from speaking.

 Chapter 344

    <h1>Chapter 344</h1>


    ¡°Miss, you haven¡¯t had your evening meal yet. I¡¯ll go to the kitchen to fetch it.¡±


    Two young maids came out of the door and closed it behind them, nning to return shortly.


    Tonight, the masters of the mansion were all attending the New Year¡¯s banquet at the pce, and most of the capable servants had left as well. Some had taken the New Year¡¯s Eve holiday to spend time with their families. The staff in Miss Jiang¡¯s courtyard was already sparse to begin with.


    ¡°Creak¡­¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not hungry. You don¡¯t need to bother. Just go back. I don¡¯t need anyone to serve me here.¡±


    ¡°Yunxia¡­¡±


    At the sound of the voice, Jiang Yunxia opened her eyes and quickly turned around, sitting up on the bed: ¡°Changlin Gege!¡±


    The youngdy was slender, wearing only a white undergarment. The delicate figure beneath it made Su Changlin blush, and he turned his head away, not daring to look at her: ¡°Yunxia, you should¡­ put your clothes on first.¡±


    Jiang Yunxia also realized her impropriety and quickly grabbed some clothes from the screen to cover herself, dressing quickly: ¡°Changlin Gege, how did you get in? What are you doing here? If my parents see you, they¡¯ll break your legs.¡±


    Su Changlin turned back and hugged her tightly: ¡°Yunxia, I¡¯m sorry. It¡¯s all my fault. I couldn¡¯t stop my mother froming to cancel the engagement.¡±


    He had resisted, protested, even gone on a hunger strike¡­


    But his mother was determined to cancel the engagement, and no matter what he tried, he failed.


    So¡­


    Su Changlin took Jiang Yunxia¡¯s hand, his eyes filled with determination, looking at her nervously: ¡°Let¡¯s¡­ let¡¯s elope, okay?¡±


    ¡°Elope?¡±


    Jiang Yunxia eximed in shock, quickly pulling her hand out of his grasp: ¡°No! An engagement is made through proper channels, but eloping makes one a concubine. If I go with you, my reputation will be ruined, that¡¯s minor. I can¡¯t drag the entire Jiang family down, nor can I let the Sixth Prince be criticized for his lineage.¡±


    She took two steps back: ¡°Su Eng, please leave. Consider tonight as if you never came.¡±


    What did he take her for?


    He kept saying he loved her, that he couldn¡¯t live without her, yet all he coulde up with was this ridiculous n to elope? Did he expect her, a well-bred youngdy, to just run away with him?


    ¡°Yunxia, listen to me. Let¡¯s think long-term¡­¡±


    Su Changlin tried to exin: ¡°What I mean is, let¡¯s pretend to elope, just hide in the capital for a few days. My parents and brother care about me, and if they can¡¯t find me after a few days, they¡¯ll be worried. Then I¡¯ll write a letter home. If they agree to our marriage, we¡¯ll return home and prepare for the wedding, okay?¡±


    He really liked Jiang Yunxia and didn¡¯t want to marry any other woman. But his mother had already started looking at girls from the Pei family.


    Among the Pei daughters, only Pei Wu, who had married the Prince of Ruyang¡¯s heir, was somewhat normal. The others were arrogant and domineering, looking down on everyone.


    What he wanted was a gentle, virtuous woman like Jiang Yunxia, not a tigress to bring home.


    ¡°Have you considered how others will talk about me? About the Jiang family? The Emperor intends to ennoble the Imperial Noble Consort as Empress. If our elopement bes a scandal, do you think those ministers will use it as an excuse to object? Did you even consider my position before doing this?¡±


    She didn¡¯t want to drag her family into trouble for the sake of a man. She didn¡¯t want to let her personal feelings ruin everything and be the eternal sinner of the Jiang family.


    ¡°I¡­¡±


    Su ?????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????Changlin blushed, at a loss: ¡°I¡­ I just want to be with you. I didn¡¯t think that far. And no matter what others say, I¡¯ll stand by you. I won¡¯t let their words affect how I feel about you.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s all in the future. No one can predict it.¡±


    Many passionate lovers ended up estranged because of gossip. She didn¡¯t believe Su Changlin could withstand all the rumors for her sake.


    After all, just because his mother opposed the engagement, he sneaked into her room to elope with her.


    And what did he mean, ¡°I won¡¯t let others¡¯ words affect how I feel about you¡±?


    What had she done wrong that needed his forgiveness?


    Her trembling hand steadied, and Jiang Yunxia sighed: ¡°I won¡¯t elope with you. Give up on that idea. There are only two oues for us: either you convince your parents to marry me with a grand procession, or¡­ from today on, we have no rtionship. Don¡¯t ever do something like tonight again, or I¡¯ll report you to the authorities.¡±


    ¡°But¡­¡±


    ¡°Bang!¡±


    Before Su Changlin could argue further, a guard jumped in through the window and knocked Jiang Yunxia unconscious with a single blow.


    ¡°Ada, what are you doing?¡±


    ¡°Second Master, if you keep hesitating, those maids will be back. It¡¯s gettingte. If you truly like Miss Jiang, take her to the estate we prepared beforehand. After a few days, send a letter back to the Su residence. Second Master, you¡¯re doing all this for a lifelong union with her. You¡¯re not wrong.¡±


    Su Changlin held Jiang Yunxia, torn between two voices in his mind.


    One voice said: ¡°You can¡¯t take her. If she disappears, her reputation will be ruined. Even if she marries youter, she¡¯ll be criticized and never be able to hold her head high. Are you going to ruin her?¡±


    The other voice rebutted: ¡°But if you don¡¯t elope, you can¡¯t win against your mother. She won¡¯tpromise, and then you¡¯ll have to marry a Pei girl. Your life will be ruined. Besides, you truly love Jiang Yunxia. Whether her reputation is good or bad doesn¡¯t affect how much you love her, so what does it matter? Just love her!¡±


    Hexi Pce¡ª


    Jiang Xinyue spread out portraits of several young men of good character and talent for Lady Sun to see: ¡°These are young men the Emperor has personally vetted for their character and schrly achievements. They¡¯re all better than the Su family in every way. They were originally considered as potential suitors for princesses, but since Lady Yu and the eldest princess don¡¯t want someone from a too prominent family, you can take note, Lady Sun. Go home and discuss with your eldest daughter. Tell her that I intend to arrange a marriage for her, ensuring she marries with great fanfare.¡±


    The Su family had canceled the engagement, and while Jiang Xinyue understood their reasoning, she didn¡¯t ept it.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    She had no reason to use this as an excuse to retaliate against the Su family, but as her cousin Jiang Yunxia had said,


    Su Changlin really liked her eldest cousin.


    What was the most painful thing for an ex-boyfriend who couldn¡¯t forget his former love?


    It was seeing his ex-girlfriend not only not depressed after their breakup but also finding a better husband before him, living a happy and prosperous life.


    Then her eldest cousin would be Su Changlin¡¯s eternal white moonlight, his unshakable love. He would magnify every little annoyance in his marriage and think of her eldest cousin¡¯s virtues.


    By then, it would be Lady Su¡¯s own consequences to bear.


    The resentment from her most beloved younger son would be her burden to carry alone!

 Chapter 345

    <h1>Chapter 345</h1>


    "Bang!"


    "Crash!"


    "What happened?"n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    "Big... Big Miss... Big Miss is gone!"


    "Shh... Are you trying to get yourself killed? Don''t shout... Quickly find someone trustworthy to guard the pce gate. Once Master and Madame out, report it to them immediately."


    Their Second Miss had already gone missing once, and it was the Emperor and the Imperial Noble Consort who personally rescued her. If Big Miss goes missing again... they really don''t dare to imagine the consequences.


    "There''s a word here? Two... two... what is it?"


    On the table, there was a word carved by Big Miss with her hairpin. However, due to the urgency orck of time, the horizontal stroke under the character "two" was drawn unusually long.


    "Don''t worry about what it is. We''ll report it all to Master. Whatever we don''t know, Master will definitely figure it out."


    Lady Sun, carrying two of her most satisfactory portraits, happily boarded the carriage with Jiang Yanxi: "Our Xinyue... oh no! The Imperial Noble Consort, she really is as beautiful and kind-hearted as you described, Husband. Look... the son of the Commander of the Cavalry and the grandson of Princess Chengyun, one holds significant military power, the other is the most illustrious royal rtive. Which one isn''t better than the Su Family? That untrustworthy Lady Su, how dare she disdain my daughter? Her son has no opinions of his own, and I dislike him too!"


    Jiang Yanxi unfolded the portraits and nodded in satisfaction: "They are also good-looking, not dragging down the good looks of our Jiang Family. Very good, very good..."


    "Master!"


    Just as they exited the pce, Jiang Yanxi was startled. The carriage curtain was hastily lifted, and Big Miss''s personal maidservant, speaking in a hushed and anxious tone, was on the verge of tears: "Big Miss, Big Miss is gone. I just went to the kitchen to fetch the evening meal, and when I returned, Big Miss was no longer in the room."


    Jiang Yanxi quickly jumped off the carriage: "What did you say? Big Miss is gone? Where are the guards? Are they all useless?"


    Their entire family had entered the pce, but guards were left to protect Miss''s courtyard. How could a person just disappear like that?


    The maidservant was startled and replied in a trembling voice: "Three of the four guards were knocked out, and one went to the toilet."


    Who would have thought that a well-educated young master from a prestigious family wouldmit such a despicable act as climbing over the wall to invade ady''s boudoir and abduct her?


    Jiang Yankun and Lady Ruan came out after them. Seeing their carriage blocking the pce gate, they sent a servant to inquire about the situation. Jiang Yanxi quickly ran over: "Su Changlin... Su Changlin took Yunxia away. You say... could she have eloped with that weakling?"


    "Don''t talk nonsense!"


    Jiang Yankun lowered his voice and reprimanded: "Yunxia is gentle and quiet, though a bit weak-willed. But she is not someone who would do something so irrational as to elope and bring shame to the family. If the maidservant said there''s a word ''two'' carved on the table, she wouldn''t have left a clue if she willingly eloped with Su Changlin. Hurry home and gather people to search for her. Don''t let the matter escte and ruin Yunxia''s future."


    This Su Changlin, who seemed decent before, how could he do something so disgraceful?


    If Yunxia didn''t want to leave with him and he forcibly took her away, isn''t that the same as kidnapping?


    "Should we inform the Noble Consort about this?"


    Jiang Yanxi was worried about his daughter, but he also worried that if Jiang Xinyue didn''t know about this and heard it from someone elseter, she wouldn''t be prepared.


    Jiang Yankun nodded: "Let''s talk about it after we find her. Xinyue is not having an easy time in the pce, and now she''s pregnant. We can''t keep troubling her with every little thing. That would just make us a burden to her."


    She''s been dominating the pce, eliminating all her enemies, and finally securing the Emperor''s exclusive favor. If we keep having problems in the background, Jiang Yankun wouldn''t allow it.


    If Lady Sun can''t manage the household and protect the two daughters, then he would suggest sending them back to the ancestral home.


    Xinyue and the Sixth Prince cannot have any security risks around them.


    At the Su Family''s residence¡ª


    Lady Su only learned from her servants that Second Young Master Su was missing when she returned home. Along with him, some valuable jade pendants and jewelry from his room were also gone.


    "This rebellious son, is he trying to..."


    At first, she was furious, thinking that Jiang Yunxia hadn''t even married into the family yet, and she had already lured her younger son into running away.


    But the next moment, her expression changed to one of deep contemtion.


    She knew her own son well; he would never leave alone.


    To ?????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????prove to his mother that his love was unbreakable, he would definitely take Jiang Yunxia with him to elope.


    This would force her topromise.


    But that foolish boy didn''t realize that a woman who eloped, even if found, could never be a proper wife again, only a concubine.


    Even if she didn''t marry into the Su Family, if she were betrothed to a schr from a humble background, they would despise her for having eloped with a man.


    Unless it was someone who wanted to climb the socialdder through connections, but such people, the Jiang Family wouldn''t even consider.


    Su Ruyue looked at her mother in confusion: "Mother, Brother is missing, why are you smiling? We should hurry and send people to find him! I promised Fourth Miss Pei that I would bring Brother along tomorrow to her house for a snow viewing and wine-drinking session."


    Fourth Miss Pei was the Pei family girl who had been recently considered for a match with Second Young Master Su.


    "What''s the hurry?"


    Lady Su said calmly: "The Pei family''s status is high, but in recent years, as the Grand Secretary Pei ages, he has repeatedly been outmaneuvered by the Jiang Family, and the Emperor also intends for him to step down. The Pei family is no longer what it used to be. That Fourth Miss Pei still acts so arrogantly, looking down on our Su Family. Why are you so eager to curry favor with her? If she likes Second Young Master Su, we''ll make sure she can''t see him, to keep her interested. Once she marries into our family, we''ll have a hold on her."


    As for Jiang Yunxia...


    If she didn''t elope with Second Young Master Su, that would be fine. But if she really did elope with him, once they find the two, she would spread the news far and wide. Then Jiang Yunxia would have no choice but to be her son''s concubine.


    Having the daughter of the Governor of Guangdong and Guangxi as her son''s concubine, she could hardly contain herughter.


    It''s said that Governor Jiang would return to Guangdong after the New Year, and Lady Sun is a simple-minded woman. By then, wouldn''t she be at her mercy?


    In the future, whether the Pei family defeats the Jiang family or the Jiang family wins over the Pei family, their Su family, with the ties of marriage, would always remain unshakable.


    "We need to hurry and arrange for someone..."


    She waved her hand, summoning a servant from a distance: "Go to the Governor Jiang''s residence and check if their Big Miss is still there. See if they''ve dispatched arge number of people to search. Spend money if needed, but we must get urate information."


    Bribing trusted servants is difficult, but if it''s just outer courtyard staff, it''s much simpler.

 Chapter 346

    <h1>Chapter 346</h1>


    ¡°Su Changlin, let me go, or I will never forgive you for the rest of my life.¡±


    The carriage swayed slowly through the outskirts, and in the vast, silent night, the sound of hooves was particrly conspicuous.


    ¡°Yunxia, I¡­¡±


    ¡°Eng, we¡¯ve already taken her out, it¡¯s no use sending her back now. The pce banquet is over, and everyone already knows she¡¯s missing. It¡¯s better to stick to the original n and hide at the manor for a while.¡±


    ¡°Who exactly are you?¡±


    Jiang Yunxia yanked open the carriage curtain: ¡°Why are you constantly encouraging your master to do bad things?¡±


    A normal guard would follow their master¡¯s orders, but this guard of Su Eng¡¯s oversteps his authority at every turn, making decisions for his master. He doesn¡¯t seem like someone raised by the Su family.


    He seems more like someone nted by others to guide Su Eng into making mistakes.


    The guard pulled the reins to stop the carriage and red back at Jiang Yunxia. The killing intent in his eyes made Jiang Yunxia shrink back.


    ¡°Ada, what¡¯s wrong?¡±


    Su Changlin was still in the dark and poked his head out.


    Suddenly, the guard grabbed Su Changlin¡¯s arm, yanked hard, and threw him out of the carriage,nding heavily on the ground.


    Su Changlin¡¯s entire body was numb from the fall, but when he saw Ada dragging Jiang Yunxia¡¯s clothes to pull her out, he forced himself to get up despite the excruciating pain and rushed over to hold her: ¡°Ada, what are you doing?¡±


    Ada didn¡¯t speak, kicking Su Eng in the chest with another forceful kick, making him bend over in pain.


    ¡°Changlin!¡±


    Jiang Yunxia clung tightly to Su Changlin¡¯s hand, not wanting to be taken away by Ada, not knowing what he intended to do.


    Ada didn¡¯t waste any words, drawing the long sword from his waist and shing down at the fingers intertwined between the two.


    Jiang Yunxia screamed and quickly let go of her hand, but Su Changlin refused to let go. At the moment the de fell, he pulled Jiang Yunxia into his embrace, using his back to block Ada¡¯s sword.


    The long sword pierced Su Changlin, and the pungent smell of blood filled the air. Jiang Yunxia¡¯s eyes widened: ¡°Brother Changlin!¡±


    Ada, however, didn¡¯t give the couple a chance for a ¡°farewell.¡± He grabbed Jiang Yunxia¡¯s hair and threw her onto the withered grass, then pounced on her, intending to vite her.


    ¡°Ahhh¡­¡±


    Jiang Yunxia screamed and struggled: ¡°Su Ruyue! Is it Su Ruyue who sent you? You¡¯re Su Ruyue¡¯s man!¡±n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    In her moment of crisis, she suddenly remembered a small incident.


    Back when Su Eng had invited her for a boat ride, he had also brought along Su Ruyue. At the time, Su Eng had joked that his sister was his shadow, insisting oning along to see his future sister-inw.


    Su Ruyue had been upset by him calling her a shadow, and to ease the tension between the siblings, she had chided Su Eng a few times, to which he immediately apologized.


    She remembered Su Ruyue saying at the time: ¡°Second Brother is indeed a big romantic. When ites to Sister Jiang, you don¡¯t hit back or argue, just do whatever she says. Even I, who have grown up with you, have to step aside and be called a shadow.¡±


    Now, looking back, the resentment in her words was clearly aimed at her.


    But she hadn¡¯t paid it any mind, nor had she thought deeply about it.


    What Su Ruyue truly couldn¡¯t ept was that her beloved older brother had his heart and mindpletely upied by his fianc¨¦e.


    ¡°Sister?¡±


    ¡°How¡­ could this be?¡±


    Ada''s eyes gleamed with murderous intent: "Since you already know, I can''t let you live. Let me make you a clear-headed ghost¡ªit was indeed mydy who ordered me to trick Second Master into running away with you."


    Thedy also said to wound Second Master, letting him watch Jiang Yunxia¡¯s innocence be destroyed, to see if he would still dote on a tainted woman without hesitation.


    ¡°You treat human life so lightly. Aren¡¯t you afraid that once it¡¯s discovered, the authorities wille to arrest you?¡±


    Ada sneered: ¡°You, a shameless woman who ran away with a man, were attacked by bandits during your elopement. Those bandits defiled your body, killed you, and stole all of Second Master¡¯s wealth. Second Master was severely injured and fell into aa. What does that have to do with me, or with ourdy?¡±


    ¡°Everyone will me¡­ yourck of self-respect, and curse you for deserving it!¡±


    Jiang Yunxia bit her lip, her chest feeling icy cold as Ada tore open her outer garments.


    ¡°Let her go!¡±


    Su Changlin''s veins bulged on his forehead. The intense pain in his back made him feel even more sober, and suddenly, he understood the hidden meanings behind every word Su Ruyue had said.


    No wonder she didn¡¯t like calling Yunxia ¡°sister-inw¡± and called him a big fool for wanting to ruin Yunxia¡¯s innocence before marriage.


    She ?????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????alwaysined in front of him about not getting along with the Jiang sisters, saying that Jiang Yunxia and Jiang Yuncai, relying on being the sisters of the Imperial Noble Consort, were arrogant and didn¡¯t consider her feelings.


    She said the Jiang family, being merchants, weren¡¯t worthy of the Su family, but since her brother liked them, there was nothing she could do.


    It turned out she held such a grudge.


    Just because he had shared his love with Yunxia, she¡­


    ¡°Bang!¡±


    ¡°Ugh!¡±


    Jiang Yunxia felt a sudden lightness as she opened her eyes to see a cold, stern face: ¡°Ma¡­ Magistrate Ma?¡±


    Ma Yiyang took off his cloak and quickly draped it over her, his fierce eyes turning to the bleeding Ada on the ground.


    ¡°ng!¡±


    The long sword left its sheath, and without much movement, he half-held the trembling girl in his arms while his sword danced in a swift, precise arc, flying straight into Ada¡¯s chest.


    Su Changlin was so terrified he could barely stand, not daring to utter a word.


    Magistrate Ma Yiyang of the Ministry of Justice, known as this merciless killing god, was infamous for his ruthless efficiency. Even his own father, upon encountering this man, had sought to curry favor, though to no avail.


    Ma Yiyang¡¯s deadpan eyes fell on Su Changlin: ¡°If you can¡¯t protect her, don¡¯t put her in danger. If there¡¯s a next time, I¡¯ll kill you too.¡±


    A simple ¡°mistakenly thought you were in league with the bandits¡± would suffice.


    Ma Yiyang, having trained in martial arts for years, was tall and powerfully built. When he picked Jiang Yunxia up in his arms, she felt tiny, nestled against his broad chest.


    His chest was wide, and the lines from his shoulders to his arms were slightly raised, as if about to burst through his clothes, exuding a wild, untamed beauty.


    In the Great Yan Dynasty, men were admired for their delicate, refined beauty, and someone like Magistrate Ma, with his rugged appearance, wasn¡¯t particrly appealing to youngdies.


    But as Jiang Yunxia gazed at Ma Yiyang¡¯s face under the moonlight, her cheeks grew redder.


    Contrary to his imposing physique, Ma Yiyang¡¯s features were actually quite cold and sharp, with a fierce, unyielding beauty.


    Having not paid close attention before, she found him quite handsome up close tonight.


    ¡°Have you had enough of looking, Miss?¡±


    Ma Yiyang stared straight ahead: ¡°Do you know how worried everyone in the Jiang family has been since you disappeared?¡±

 Chapter 347

    <h1>Chapter 347</h1>


    Worrying, they didn''t dare to gather too many people to search, fearing that someone with ill intentions might deduce the truth.


    Ma Yiyang volunteered toe this way. Usually, when handling cases, he would note down where the noble families in the capital had farms,nd, or properties.


    Just before Miss Jiang and Second Young Master Su were engaged, the Minister had asked him to investigate the Su family. He knew the Su family had several estates in this area.


    The Minister had him select two trusted subordinates to search the nearby Su estates, but they found no trace of Miss Jiang. Ma Yiyang, by feeling the ground with his palm, determined the direction of hoofbeats and carriage wheels, so he pursued alone.


    Miss Jiang had eloped with someone, and the more people who knew, the more detrimental it would be for the Imperial Noble Consort and the Sixth Prince.


    Even trusted subordinates might be tempted by great rewards and leak the news.


    Therefore, he was the best choice.


    "I... I didn''t elope with anyone..."


    Seeing his stern expression and harsh tone, Jiang Yunxia, though wronged, quickly exined, fearing he might think her reckless: "That guard knocked me out and brought me here. I... I didn''t want to elope with Second Young Master Su."


    She anxiously grabbed Ma Yiyang''spel, leaning closer: "I''m not that kind of person. I know what I can and cannot do."


    She would never do anything that would harm the Jiang family''s reputation.


    "I see..."


    Ma ?????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????Yiyang''s expression softened: "Miss Jiang, understanding the situation, your blessings are yet toe. There''s no need to harm yourself over such a man. Let me first send you back."


    Gently cing her in the carriage, he tenderly fastened the cloak over her shoulders. This seemingly rough man was not as cold as he appeared.


    Considering her shock, her trembling body, he took a warm pouch from his waist and tossed it into herp, then went outside to drive the carriage without a word.


    Jiang Yunxia had thought she liked someone like Second Young Master Su, gentle and spirited. She had never imagined that one day she would feel flustered around Ma Yiyang.


    Such a manly man, how had she not noticed him before?


    "Yunxia... Yunxia! Wait for me! Don''t leave me here! Take me back with you!"


    Behind the carriage, Su Changlin, already in pain and terrified of the dark, saw a dead body on the ground and was on the verge of tears.


    Hearing his cries, Ma Yiyang drove the carriage more roughly, almost flying if not for worrying about the person inside.


    Jiang Yunxia felt Ma Yiyang''s temper wasn''t very good, quite fiery. She didn''t dare mention that Second Young Master Su had shielded her from a knife, just hugged the warm pouch and shook her head vigorously: "I can''t hear, I can''t hear, I can''t hear..."


    If not for Su Changlin kidnapping her, she wouldn''t have suffered this ordeal on a cold winter night. If not for Ma Yiyang, she would have been doomed.


    Su Changlin deserved to suffer; let''s see if he dared act so rashly again.


    Jiang Residence¡ª


    A group waited in the hall, including Jiang Yankun, Lady Ruan, and the children Jiang Junze and Jiang Xinyan.


    Externally, they imed they were gathering to celebrate the New Year, waiting until the second hour of the night to watch the auspicious fireworks on the pce walls.


    In reality, everyone was restless, pacing the drawing room, eagerly gazing at the entrance.


    Jiang Junze''s head was spinning from their constant movement.


    Finally, a figure in dark blue appeared. Jiang Yunxia lifted her skirt and rushed into Lady Sun''s arms, sobbing.


    Ma Yiyang nced at her, thinking: What a delicate flower.


    He had arrived in time, and the guard hadn''t had the chance to harm her. This wasn''t a big deal, yet she cried.


    Besides, a woman''s purity isn''t defined by her skirt.


    Victims shouldn''t feel ashamed or sad.


    Those who should feel ashamed and be condemned are the perpetrators.


    But seeing the delicate flower''s red eyes and pitifully burying her face in Lady Sun''s chest, he felt the guard''s death had been too quick.


    He should have taken the guard to the Ministry of Punishment and tried all 300 interrogation methods on him.


    Recently, the Ministry of Punishment and the Investigative Bureau had exchanged techniques, and he had just learned a castration method, quite suitable for that vile guard.


    He should have let Miss Jiang watch to vent her anger, so she wouldn''t cry.


    Jiang Yunxia: I truly thank you.


    "Was it Su Ruyue''s doing?"


    A mere teenage girl with such a malicious heart.


    It seems the Imperial Noble Consort was right; the Su family isn''t a good one.


    "Alright, don''t cry anymore."


    Lady Ruan tidied her hair: "We are blessed people; we don''t enter ces without blessings. It''s better to see their true colors before marrying, isn''t it?"


    Once married, divorcing isn''t easy.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Hexi Pce¡ª


    Jiang Xinyue burned the letter: "It seems I''ve been too low-key recently. They think the Jiang family is easy to bully. One after another, they want to ruin the reputation of Jiang girls, all targeting me."


    "What is Xinyue saying? Which fool has upset you again?"


    Jiang Xinyue turned and smiled: "With the Emperor here, who dares to upset me? It''s just that tonight is New Year''s Eve, and I haven''t been home to celebrate with my parents for two years, so I''m a bit homesick."


    The Xuanwu Emperor removed his cold, heavy cloak and sat beside her: "After the Lantern Festival, I''ll start handling pce affairs. If Xinyue misses home, after tomorrow''s sacrifice, I''ll host a banquet for the ministers, then take Xinyue to visit her family."


    Jiang Xinyue immediately wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed his cheek: "I knew the Emperor is the best."


    It was like a husband exhausted from socializing returning home to a wife''s endless nagging andints, only to be greeted by a warm embrace, a beloved girl smiling sweetly, and yful banter.


    All the fatigue of the day would be purified by her kiss.


    Tonight, he had heard many rumors. Some spected that his affection for Jiang Xinyue was purely due to her beauty.


    Those people were too shallow.


    The pce nevercked beautiful women; the Emperor possessed the most beautiful women from all over the world.


    Everyone loves beauty, and he wasn''t denying that he was initially captivated by Jiang Xinyue''s looks. But what Jiang Xinyue gave him went far beyond her beauty.


    She could praise him and also criticize him, cheer him up when he was unhappy, and console him when he was sad.


    Jiang Xinyue brought him a kind of emotional connection that no one else could rece.


    The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and


    continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

 Chapter 348

    <h1>Chapter 348</h1>


    ¡°Give me water¡­ give me¡­ give me water¡­¡±


    In the pitch-ck punishment room, a hoarse, intermittent voice echoed.


    It was New Year''s Eve today. Normally, there were two young eunuchs who would asionally check if the person inside was still alive. But today, everyone was celebrating in the front pce, watching fireworks, and who would remember that there was an old woman locked up in the punishment room?


    ¡°Squeak, squeak, squeak¡­¡±


    The rats were back again¡­


    The scurrying rats emitted unbearable noises. In the darkness, fear was magnified. The Dowager Empress felt that she might be eaten by these rats.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    There were no mirrors here, so she had no idea how disheveled and haggard she looked. She also had no idea how long she had been locked up here, but she guessed it was almost a year.


    She wasn¡¯t sure!


    She couldn¡¯t see the time, only relying on her body to sense the changes of the seasons.


    Now it was winter, and the sound of fireworks exploding could be heard. It was¡­ New Year¡¯s Eve!


    Just imagining it, she knew her appearance must have withered, her hair had turned white, and she no longer looked human.


    The Dowager Empress hugged her knees, trying to shrink herself as much as possible to avoid being touched by the rats.


    ¡°Squeak, squeak¡­¡±


    ¡°Ahhhhh!¡±


    However, fate seemed to conspire against her. The more she feared something, the more it happened.


    Two soft objects were moving at the corner of the wall where her waist was pressed against. Her hair stood on end, and she screamed as she jumped up from the ground.


    ¡°Let me out! You let me out! Or just kill me, I can¡¯t endure this life anymore, kill me!¡±


    ¡°Bang! Bang! Bang!¡±


    Her head mmed forcefully against the closed door, and before losing consciousness, the figure of Noble Consort Jing appeared in her mind.


    The nobledy from the Jing family of Longxi, who had grown up in the pce, had been childhood sweethearts with the Late Emperor.


    She had been showered with love from her parents and the emperor. She was so lucky to give birth to a son.


    The Late Emperor¡¯s harem was filled with many beautiful women, each more stunning than thest, but the only one who truly captured his heart was Noble Consort Jing.


    Other concubines saw Noble Consort Jing as their enemy, and they used all kinds of schemes, but before Noble Consort Jing could be harmed, the Late Emperor would deal with them first.


    Only she, seeing through the coldness beneath Noble Consort Jing¡¯s purity, chose to act differently.


    Day after day, year after year, she showed kindness to Noble Consort Jing, always thinking of her, and presented herself as a naive and innocent girl, making both the emperor and Noble Consort Jing believe she was just an innocent and naive youngdy.


    Noble Consort Jing treated her as a best friend, and the Late Emperor, loving Noble Consort Jing, showed her a bit more favor than the other concubines.


    She ?????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????used this favor to often seduce the Late Emperor just a few days after he had been with Noble Consort Jing.


    Fate had favored Noble Consort Jing for decades, giving her a top-tier family background and beauty. Finally, it seemed to favor her a bit too, allowing her to conceive at the same time as Noble Consort Jing.


    Noble Consort Jing''s coldness was all an act. In reality, she was the naive and innocent one. The Late Emperor had asked her to act high and cold in the pce, not to interact with anyone except him, and not to give her heart to anyone.


    But if she just waited for the Late Emperor to visit her, the long and lonely life in the pce would be too boring.


    So Noble Consort Jing treated the Dowager Empress as her best friend, allowing her to freely enter her pce.


    This gave the Dowager Empress the opportunity to bribe the old maid.


    Too much time had passed, and the Dowager Empress couldn¡¯t remember the maid¡¯s name anymore. Anyway, the grass on her grave should be quite tall by now.


    The maid was sent by the Internal Affairs Department. At the time, she wrote to the Wu family, asking them to investigate all the servants around Noble Consort Jing, find their weaknesses, and use them to ckmail or bribe.


    That maid had a son who had developed a gambling addiction. The Wu family set a trap to make him even more addicted, then tricked him into borrowing money from a loan shark.


    The interestpounded, reaching an amount that was impossible to repay. The Wu family then stepped in to pay off the debt, but without letting them know, the condition for repaying was for the loan shark to write a threatening letter and cut off the maid¡¯s son¡¯s finger, which was secretly brought into the pce.


    The maid had only one son, and she hadn¡¯t seen him in the pce for many years. She only remembered that her son¡¯s index finger had a ck mole, and the severed finger had one too.


    She had no choice but to follow the Dowager Empress¡¯s instructions and inform her when Noble Consort Jing showed signs ofbor.


    At first, the Dowager Empress nned that if both of them gave birth to sons, she would swap the two princes. Because the Late Emperor was waiting for Noble Consort Jing to give birth to a crown prince before making her empress.


    After swapping the children, she could ¡°carefully¡± raise Noble Consort Jing¡¯s son, making him blindly loyal and willing to serve her own son.


    When her son grew to six or seven years old, she would secretly meet him and tell him his true identity. Mother and son were connected by heart, and in the future, the world would still be theirs.


    But she had given birth to a princess!


    Why could Noble Consort Jing give birth to a son, while she could only give birth to a useless girl?


    Fate was still on Noble Consort Jing¡¯s side.


    But she absolutely could not let this opportunity pass. Otherwise, she would forever be beneath Noble Consort Jing.


    So, to make Noble Consort Jing grieve excessively after childbirth, she not only had to swap the children but also give her a dead infant.


    Luckily, her brother had used urgent pce affairs to keep the Late Emperor busy that day, giving the maid time to switch the babies.


    Noble Consort Jing¡¯s pce had no suspicions of her, and the Dowager Empress¡¯s trusted aides were helping at Noble Consort Jing¡¯s bedside, working with a few eunuchs to quickly swap the babies.


    When Noble Consort Jing saw that her little princess, born after nine deaths and one life, had died, she indeed suffered a postpartum hemorrhage on the spot.


    By the time the Late Emperor arrived, Noble Consort Jing had already died from the hemorrhage.


    The Late Emperor was devastated and had no mind to care about what the Dowager Empress had given birth to.


    With the major task iplete, the Dowager Empress went into hiding, bing a transparent figure in the harem.


    It wasn¡¯t until all the Late Emperor¡¯s sons had died that she reappeared, and by then, the emperor was already three years old.


    She thought hertter half of life would be filled with power and freedom.


    Ha!


    After all, Shen Ye was not her biological son. He was an ungrateful wretch, with apletely different temperament from Noble Consort Jing, but just like the Late Emperor.


    It was Jiang Xinyue¡­ all because of Jiang Xinyue¡­


    She had disrupted all her ns after entering the pce¡­


    Bitch¡­ bitch¡­


    ¡°Your Majesty! Your Majesty!¡±


    Wang Dequan had to interrupt the emperor¡¯s private time with the Imperial Noble Consort, running into the hall: ¡°The one in the punishment room¡­ is gone.¡±


    He didn¡¯t know how to address the Dowager Empress, fearing the emperor would be displeased.


    The emperor¡¯s face showed a hint of sadness: ¡°The Dowager Empress has also contributed greatly to Great Yan. Posthumously honor her as the Shou Kang Fu Shun Empress Dowager and bury her in the imperial mausoleum¡­ and also posthumously honor the Late Emperor¡¯s Noble Consort Jing as the Ci Ning Xian De Empress Dowager, and have her buried with the Late Emperor.¡±


    One was buried in the imperial mausoleum, the other with the Late Emperor.


    One was titled Shou Kang Fu Shun, the other Ci Ning Xian De.


    Could the difference be any clearer?

 Chapter 349

    <h1>Chapter 349</h1>


    Most people in the pce only knew that The Dowager Empress had suddenly fallen ill, unaware that she had been imprisoned in the punishment cell by the Emperor. It wasn''t until The Dowager Empress died that everyone learned the truth: the Emperor was not her biological son but the child of Noble Consort Jing, the most beloved concubine of thete Emperor.0


    A royal edict elevating Noble Consort Jing to the title of Cining Xiande Empress Dowager clearly stated that she was the Emperor''s biological mother.0


    What should have been a shocking pce scandal instead passed without much uproar, as both key figures involved were no longer alive. With the dead gone, there was no point in pursuing (investigating), and so no one opposed the Emperor''s decision to have his birth mother buried alongside thete Emperor.0


    Meanwhile, far away in Longxi, the Jing Family had already received a secret letter from the Emperor after The Dowager Empress admitted to switching the babies.0


    Old Master Jing, the family patriarch, had once been thete Emperor''s tutor. After the death of his daughter, Noble Consort Jing, he had resigned from his official duties and retired to Longxi, where he opened a school to teach and nurture young minds.0


    Now in his seventies, Old Master Jing was in remarkably good health, his body still strong despite his age. Freed from the worries of court politics, he had been living a life of serenity in Longxi, appearing much younger than his years.0


    After handing over the affairs of the school to his eldest son, he set off from Longxi and arrived in the capital only after The Dowager Empress''s death.0


    The usually stoic former tutor broke down in tears, hugging the Emperor like a child: "You are A Jing''s son, you truly are A Jing''s son?"0


    There was no need to ask; Noble Consort Jing was Old Master Jing''s only daughter, and among her six brothers, he had loved her the most.0


    When Noble Consort Jing passed away unexpectedly, his wife, unable to bear the pain of losing their daughter, died not long after.0


    Old Master Jing had struggled to recover from the grief of losing his daughter. More than just living, he had been torturing himself, trapped in the sorrow of losing both his wife and daughter, unwilling to move on.0


    The Emperor...0


    The Emperor bore a resemnce to thete Emperor, but the mncholy and tenderness in his eyes were unmistakably like A Jing''s.0n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    Old Master Jing, as if sensing something, immediately recognized the Emperor as Noble Consort Jing''s son, his grandson.0


    The Emperor''s eyes reddened, and he gently pushed Jiang Xinyue forward, cing her in front of Old Master Jing: "Grandfather, this is your granddaughter-inw and great-grandson."0


    In ?????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????Jiang Xinyue''s arms was the already giggling Sixth Prince, babbling nonsensically.0


    The little one''s features were beginning to take shape; he had once been chubby and neckless, resembling a plump doll, but at eight months old, his body was slimming down, his face bing more refined and showing the masculinity of a boy.0


    As soon as Old Master Jing reached out to pinch his chubby cheeks, the Sixth Prince grabbed his finger and tried to stuff it into his mouth, giggling: "Ah¡ª¡ª"0


    His adorable antics made Old Master Jing forget his tears. He wanted to pull his hand back but was afraid of upsetting the little one.0


    "Little dumpling, don''t bite Great-Grandfather''s hand, let go!"0


    The little dumpling looked at his mother, then at the old man, and reluctantly let go, turning to the Emperor forfort.0


    He evenined: "Ahwu ayiyi..."0


    "Oh~"0


    The Xuanwu Emperor nodded seriously: "Did Mother scold the little dumpling? Come, touch Mother, tell her not to be so harsh, we''re very well-behaved, aren''t we?"0


    But the Sixth Prince couldn''t understand his father''s instructions yet. He pouted and turned his back on Jiang Xinyue, nestling cozily on the Emperor''s shoulder.0


    Old Master Jing smiled contentedly, stroking his white beard: "The Imperial Noble Consort has taken excellent care of the Sixth Prince, and... the Emperor as well."0


    So, in the end, it was the Imperial Noble Consort who was the best!0


    Jiang Xinyue smiled and shook her head: "The Emperor treats me with great affection, cherishing me as if I were a precious jewel. I treat the Emperor well in return, as a way of reciprocating his kindness. It''s only natural."0


    Her demeanor of being well-read and gentle deeply impressed Old Master Jing.0


    This fondness grew even more when he saw the Sixth Prince.0


    Taking the opportunity, the Xuanwu Emperor proposed: "Grandfather, I n to make the Sixth Prince the Crown Prince. He will turn one year old in April, and I would like you to continue serving as his tutor. I hope you will agree."0


    Jiang Xinyue''s eyes lit up. Having Old Master Jing as the little dumpling''s tutor was an opportunity she had never dared to dream of. After all, he had been thete Emperor''s tutor, and even the Emperor himself hadn''t had that privilege!0


    Sometimes, it''s best not to think of the Emperor as a husband but as the father of her child. In that role, he could easily win a "Ten Best Dads" award.0


    Old Master Jing''s fondness for his grandson was strong. After all, this was A Jing''s son and grandson. How could he not love them?0


    The Emperor resembled A Jing, and the Sixth Prince resembled the Emperor, which meant the Sixth Prince was like A Jing.0


    "Alright!"0


    Old Master Jingughed and cried: "If A Jing were still alive, seeing her son grown up, married, and with a family, she would be so happy!"0


    So, he wanted to make up for the decades of lost affection by spending more time with them.0


    The Emperor... the Emperor was A Jing''s son!0


    How could he refuse?0


    With The Dowager Empress''s passing, the pce and themon people were required to mourn for three months. No banquets could be held, no marriages or engagements could take ce, and no bright-colored clothing could be worn.0


    As a result, the usual New Year''s banquet for the Emperor to host officials was canceled. After performing a sacrificial ceremony at the Imperial Ancestral Temple, the Emperor concluded his duties.0


    Without much fanfare, the Emperor, apanied by Jiang Xinyue and the Fourth Prince and Sixth Prince, left the pce and headed to the Jiang Family residence.0


    At the Su Residence¡ª0


    Lady Su watched the doctor changing the dressing on Second Young Master Su''s wounds. The white bandages were soaked with blood, and her heart ached as tears streamed down her face. Her dislike for Jiang Yunxia reached its peak: "You silly child, you went out and got so badly injured, yet you hid it from me. What if something had happened? Tell your mother, was it because you were eloping with Jiang Yunxia and encountered bandits? Ah, Dadu is dead, who could be so ruthless, knowing you are the children of a high-ranking official in the capital?"0


    She had hoped her son would elope with Jiang Yunxia, ruining her reputation so she could be taken as a concubine to the prestigious Su family.0


    But she had never intended for anyone to get hurt, especially not her own son.0


    "Mother, it really wasn''t..."0


    Second Young Master Su looked exhausted: "I was just feeling restless and wanted to go to the countryside to clear my mind. But Ah Da suddenly went crazy, trying to snatch my bag. In the struggle, he pulled out a knife, and I identally killed him."0


    "Nonsense!"0


    Lady Su pushed him forcefully: "What kind of person are you, do you think I don''t know? You''ve always been timid, and eloping with Jiang Yunxia was probably the boldest thing you''ve ever done in your life. Do you really think I believe you had the guts to kill someone?"0


    "Anyway... it has nothing to do with Yunxia."0


    Second Young Master Su pouted andy down, covering his head with the nket: "Mother and sister, please stop disturbing me and let me rest."0


    His wounds were hurting.0

 Chapter 350

    <h1>Chapter 350</h1>


    ¡°You¡­¡±


    Lady Su was about to say something more, but Su Ruyue pushed her out of the room: ¡°Mother, Brother¡¯s heart is set on Sister Yunxia. No matter how much you press him, he won¡¯t say anything. It¡¯ll only strain your rtionship with Second Brother. Why bother?¡±


    ¡°Ever since he met that jinx from the Jiang family, he hasn¡¯t had a single smooth day. What¡¯s wrong with me not agreeing to this?¡± Lady Su shouted loudly from the doorway. ¡°Your Second Brother used to be the most obedient to me, but now he¡¯spletely changed. For the sake of a woman, he doesn¡¯t speak a single honest word. Do they really think I don¡¯t know they eloped? I¡¯m not exposing them just to save some face.¡±


    ¡°Mother¡­¡±


    Su Ruyue led her away by the hand and said, ¡°Isn¡¯t this exactly what we wanted? Don¡¯t be angry with Second Brother anymore.¡±


    Fourth Miss Pei has always seen the Jiang family as a thorn in her side. Once Jiang Yunxia enters the Su household, she won¡¯t have an easy life.


    What does Second Brother¡¯s affection matter?


    A man¡¯s world is in the court and outside. He doesn¡¯t understand the intrigues of the inner chambers.


    Hmph!


    Both Elder Brother and Second Brother have always doted on her. Even after Elder Brother¡¯s marriage, she was still his priority, with his wife taking a backseat. Jiang Yunxia hasn¡¯t even married in yet, and she¡¯s already snatched away her favorite Second Brother. She absolutely won¡¯t allow such a woman to manipte Second Brother.


    ¡°Yes, we need to act quickly.¡±


    Lady Su¡¯s eyes flickered with a mix of emotions: ¡°With the Empress Dowager¡¯s passing, weddings and marriages are forbidden for three months. The Pei family has already exchanged birth dates with us. The Minister of Rites has consulted the Imperial Astrologer, and the fifteenth day four months from now is an auspicious time. We¡¯ll have plenty of time to prepare. Four months¡­ Jiang Yunxia will be reduced to a pariah¡­¡±


    Her lips curled into a cold smile: ¡°This concubine position, she¡¯ll take it whether she wants to or not.¡±


    Shortly after, she arranged for people to spread rumors everywhere, iming that Jiang Yunxia hadn¡¯t attended the New Year¡¯s banquet because she had found her way to the Su family that night, begging Su Eng to elope with her.


    Su Eng, being soft-hearted, saw the youngdy weeping in front of him like a pear blossom bathed in rain. As a woman with whom he had once been betrothed, his head grew hot, and he impulsively took some valuables and eloped with Jiang Yunxia.


    However, they were unlucky. As soon as they left the city, they encountered bandits who not only stole Su Eng¡¯s valuables but also sought to dishonor Jiang Yunxia.


    Su Eng, being both loyal and righteous, was injured by the bandits while trying to save her. Luckily, they were rescued by passersby.


    But after being saved, Jiang Yunxia fled alone in the carriage, leaving the seriously injured Su Eng behind in the wilderness. It was only after walking from dusk till dawn that he managed to return home, copsing at the gate of the Su residence.


    This wasn¡¯t fabricated. Many people near the Su family had actually witnessed it.


    Those who were gossiping and inquiring about what had happened felt they had solved the mystery. It turned out to be the fault of the Jiang family¡¯s daughter.


    Forcing a man to elope with her was already shameless enough, but the fact that he had sacrificed his noble status for her could still be seen as a mutual love story, something to be moved by.


    But after he was injured saving her, how could she abandon him and run away?


    That was too unjust. What if Su Eng had died?


    But, on the other hand, why did the Su family break off the engagement?


    ¡°Who knows? But Su Eng is known for his noble character and gentle temperament among the aristocracy. There¡¯s no way he would break the engagement without reason. The Jiang family is of merchant origin, and their daughter forced him to elope with her. It must be a matter of poor morals. The Su family simply didn¡¯t approve.¡±


    ¡°Even that wasn¡¯t enough? The Minister of Revenue and the Governor of Qin Province are rted, aren¡¯t they? I heard the two brothers are very close, and the Minister of Revenue¡¯s family even produced a Noble Consort. She might even ascend to the throne in the future.¡±


    "How can that be the same? The Minister of Revenue is just a coteral branch of the Jiang family. He separated from the Jiang family in Yizhou when he was only in his teens. It was the Jiang family''s old matron who supported him by washing clothes. In the end, only study is noble. The Minister of Revenue is a schr who rose through the imperial examinations, how can he bepared to the Governor of Qin Province, a mere merchant''s son?"


    If it weren¡¯t for the Minister of Revenue¡¯s patronage, he would have been hunted down and killed by the previous magistrate of Qin Province long ago. How could he have had the chance to be an official?


    Now, clinging to the Noble Consort¡¯s influence, he¡¯s been promoted rapidly, but that doesn¡¯t change the fact that they are of lowly merchant origin. A merchant¡¯s daughter is most adept at reading the situation and is full of the stench of money. How can shepare to the Noble Consort, a refineddy from a schrly household, nurtured since childhood?n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    When Jiang Xinyue led the emperor through the gates of the Jiang family, the rumors had already spread wildly.


    No wonder she had lingered in Hexi Pce, leaving the pce at ater time.


    Only by breaking can one rebuild. Only by blocking can one allow flow. Only by stopping can one allow progress.


    Today, the rumors needed to be even more rampant so that she could crush them all at once. Otherwise, if these rumors kept popping up in the future, the Jiang family¡¯s daughters would have to constantly prove their innocence, which would be exhausting.


    The Su family didn¡¯t know that the emperor would bring Jiang Xinyue home discreetly today, so they were still busy spreading rumors.


    Although the first day of the new year couldn¡¯t see grand banquets, it was still eptable for two families to gather together for a reunion meal.


    Jiang Xinyue had just taken her seat beside the emperor when she asked, ¡°Why didn¡¯t I see my two cousins?¡±


    Jiang Yanxi forced a smile that looked more like a grimace: ¡°Sister Xia isn¡¯t feeling well, and Sister Yun is staying with her in the room. It¡¯s fine, their meals will be sent to them by the servants. Your Highness, the Noble Consort, please don¡¯t worry.¡±


    Lying!


    If it were just amon cold, there would be no need for someone to stay with her. A few doses of medicine would suffice. Even if the eldest Jiang daughter didn¡¯t want to pass on her illness to Jiang Xinyue, that would still make sense.


    But what about Lady Sun, who was standing nearby, clearly wanting to say something but being repeatedly stepped on by Jiang Yanxi?


    How ?????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????did he know what was happening under the table?


    Because Jiang Yanxi had stepped on the ¡°dragon foot¡± of the emperor.


    But apparently, Jiang Yanxi didn¡¯t realize it. He even continued to shake his head and give Lady Sun signals.


    ¡°Jiang Qing?¡±


    The Xuanwu Emperor took the wine cup handed to him by Jiang Xinyue with a smile that didn¡¯t reach his eyes, his gaze fixed on Jiang Yanxi: ¡°Your Majesty¡¯s shoes are about to be crushed by you.¡±


    ¡°ng!¡±


    Jiang Yanxi¡¯s wine cup fell to the ground, and he immediately knelt on both knees, trembling: ¡°Your Majesty, forgive me, I didn¡¯t do it on purpose.¡±


    Lady Sun also thought the emperor was angry and hurriedly knelt down, her expression filled with fear: ¡°Your Majesty¡­ Your Majesty, please forgive us. My husband didn¡¯t do it on purpose. He¡­ He¡­ It¡¯s just that the Su family is too much. They¡¯re pushing my daughter to her death! They said their Second Son admires my daughter and wants to marry her. Then they said my daughter¡¯s reputation is bad and want to break off the engagement. We didn¡¯t make any trouble for them; they said whatever they wanted. Now they¡¯re spreading rumors to ruin my daughter¡¯s reputation. Isn¡¯t this forcing her to die?¡±


    As she spoke, her words turned into genuine sobs, and she wailed: ¡°Ie from a small merchant family. I don¡¯t have all these twists and turns in my heart. I can¡¯tpete with these nobledies from well-bred families. I never knew they were ying with us like this, just to force my daughter into bing a concubine.¡±


    ¡°Master, the eldest Miss¡­ the eldest Miss has jumped into the river!¡±

 Chapter 351

    <h1>Chapter 351</h1>


    ¡°What?¡±


    Jiang Yankun dramatically threw down the wine cup in his hand, and the sound of shattered porcin marked the beginning of chaos in the Jiang household. However, amidst the chaos, things were surprisingly well-organized.


    Jiang Xinyue remained rtively restrained; she only tightened her grip on the Xuanwu Emperor''s finger slightly, then rxed it after the servant reported that the person had been rescued.


    By the artificialke of the Jiang residence¡ª


    Jiang Yunxia, having poured several basins of cold water over herself, was shivering uncontrobly, her lips turning purple.


    Jiang Yuncai felt heartbroken as she tried to wipe the icy water off Jiang Yunxia''s face with a cloth towel, but Jiang Yunxia dodged her: "No, wiping it off would make it look too fake."


    In the middle of winter, it was bitterly cold outside. Jiang Yunxia had pushed herself to the limit, her hair freezing and stiffening, hanging limply behind her.


    Hearing themotion of approaching footsteps, she trembled, her lips quivering, her red eyes and nose making it look as though she had already cried her heart out.


    ¡°They all say I¡¯m a shameless whore,paring me to a prostitute from a brothel. I¡­ I¡¯m a disgrace to the Jiang family. Let me die, let me die!¡±


    ¡°Sister, don¡¯t do anything rash! It¡¯s all my fault. If it weren¡¯t for me being kidnapped, the Su family wouldn¡¯t have used our family¡¯s tainted reputation as an excuse to break the engagement. I¡¯m the one who should die! It¡¯s my fault for dragging you down, sister! I¡¯m the one who should die!¡±


    Although the sisters were acting, their words were filled with genuine emotion. Jiang Xinyue was even afraid they might end up jumping into theke together, hand in hand, such was the intensity of their performance.


    ¡°What fault do you have?¡±


    Lady Ruan was so furious her hands were trembling: ¡°Our Yunxia was perfectly fine, yet these vicious rumors are spreading about her. How is it that Su Eng is portrayed as wless, while our Yunxia isbeled as heartless and immoral? This obvious bias against Yunxia and favoritism toward Su Eng¡ªthe Su family really opened my eyes today.¡±


    Lady Sun sobbed, appearing as a weak and ignorant woman.


    ¡°Alright, alright¡­¡±


    Jiang Yankun quickly instructed the maids to wrap Jiang Yunxia in a cloak: ¡°Get Yunxia to warm up and tidy herself. A breach of etiquette in front of the emperor could lead to more trouble.¡±


    The Jiang family, deeply favored by the emperor, also faced envy and malice from all sides. Everyone wanted to take their ce.


    After the sisters were escorted away, Jiang Yanxi sighed: ¡°Ever since bringing them from Yizhou, there¡¯s been no peace. I¡¯ve always prided myself on being fair and just, so why won¡¯t they leave me alone? If we stay here, it might cause trouble for the emperor and the empress. If ites to it, I¡¯ll take them away.¡±


    It wasmon for officials on foreign assignments to bring their families along.


    There were pros and cons to this.


    Being together as a family, without being separated, was certainly better for Jiang Yanxi¡¯s family.


    However, they had only recently arrived in the capital, relying on Jiang Yankun to establish themselves, and had not yet truly rooted themselves.


    Originally, Jiang Yanxi hailed from the main branch of the Jiang family and had recently arrived in the capital. He had secured the position of Vice Minister of the Ministry of Rites through the influence of his cousin, andter, with the backing of the imperial Consort, he rose to be the Governor of Guangdong and Guangxi within just three years.


    While he had impressive political achievements, such as bringing down two corrupt officials, these were not enough to earn the recognition of the aristocratic families in the capital.


    Most people believed that the emperor was promoting the Consort¡¯s family.


    At this point, they wouldn¡¯t acknowledge that the emperor was a shrewd ruler who skillfully utilized talent.


    If Jiang Yanxi truly had talent, then why hadn¡¯t the emperor promoted them in all these years? They must be ipetent¡ªmere gluttons and drunkards.


    Therefore, it couldn¡¯t be that Jiang Yanxi was talented; it must be that the Consort was powerful.


    This powerful Jiang Xinyue was currently rolling up her sleeves, seated on a pnquin, with thirty guards provided by the emperor trailing behind her, heading toward the Su family in a grand procession.


    Seeing this impressive disy, themon folk stopped discussing Jiang Yunxia¡¯s affair and instead wondered who the veiled beauty on the pnquin could be.


    ¡°Isn¡¯t that a maid from the Jiang family?¡±


    ¡°Which Jiang family?¡±


    "Tsk! Of course, it''s rted to the imperial Consort. Look at those guards¡ªthey''re from the pce. Could the Jiang Governor''s family have them? The maid leading the way is called Xique; she''s a regr at the Five vors Pastry Shop. My shop is across from Five vors, and she asionally bought snacks from me, but I haven''t seen her since the imperial Consort entered the pce."


    "Why is the imperial Consort out of the pce, and with so many guards? Where is she going?"


    ¡°You don¡¯t know? I saw the emperor bring her back to her family¡¯s residence this morning. The emperor is currently at the Minister Jiang¡¯s residence! I reckon she¡¯s going to the Su family to cause trouble.¡±


    ¡°This is going to be good. Quick, quick¡­ call our friends toe watch the show.¡±


    At the Su family¡ª


    Several servants who had spread the rumors stood in the central hall, vying to take credit: ¡°Madam, you have no idea. People outside are saying that the eldest Miss Jiang has already pledged herself to our Second Master Su. With her reputation ruined, who would dare marry her?¡±


    ¡°I even went to the Jiang family¡¯s gate to spread the rumors. They must have heard it; they¡¯re probably panicking right now.¡±


    ¡°In a couple of days, they¡¯ll be begging our Second Master to take her as a concubine!¡±


    ¡°With that kind of reputation, she¡¯d be lucky to be a concubine. Otherwise, she¡¯ll have to hang herself with a white silk.¡±


    ¡°Bang!¡±


    A loud crash came from the front gate, and the redcquered door swayed precariously.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Since it was the first day of the new year, many of the guards had taken leave to return home, leaving only two gatekeepers on duty.


    They stumbled into the hall, falling to the ground, their eyes swollen from being beaten. Lady Su was startled and frowned, rising to her feet: ¡°Why are you in such a panic? What happened?¡±


    One of the gatekeepers, covering his swollen eye, stammered: ¡°There¡­ there¡¯s a group of people outside, saying they¡¯re here to¡­ to¡­¡±


    Lady Su was shocked: ¡°To see Second Master Su?¡±


    Could it be that the Jiang family was so furious they hade to their door?


    Merchants were indeed crude and shameless, willing to throw away all face to cause a scene.


    Well, she¡¯d make sure Jiang Yunxia would never marry, not even as a concubine to her son. Let¡¯s see who could oust whom.


    ¡°No!¡±


    The gatekeeper shook his head: ¡°They said they¡¯re here to see the eldest Miss Su.¡±


    And they looked like they were here to pick a fight.


    ¡°Why would theye to see Yue¡¯er?¡±


    Lady Su looked puzzled as she turned to Su Ruyue: ¡°Yue¡¯er, have you offended anyone recently?¡±


    R?????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????ecently?


    That would be the Jiang family.


    It was she who had used A¡¯da¡¯s affection for her to trick him into persuading Second Brother to elope with Jiang Yunxia, and even to deflower her.


    But A¡¯da was dead, with no evidence left behind. How could the Jiang familye to cause trouble for her?


    Second Brother hadn¡¯t even noticed, had he?

 Chapter 352

    <h1>Chapter 352</h1>


    The "bang bang" sound at the gate continued, and the person outside was definitely not a friend of Su Ruyue, only someone seeking revenge would bang on someone else''s gate like this!


    "My daughter hasn''t been out these past few days, where could she have caused trouble?"


    Su Ruyue naturally denied it, after all, the witness was already dead, so what could they do to her?


    "Bang!"


    The onlookers outside all gasped in shock as the gate of the Su residence was smashed open by the guards with a log, creating arge hole. Not only that, but the entire gate copsed with a loud crash.


    The sight outside the gate clearly startled Lady Su and Su Ruyue.


    A pretty maidservant, holding a handkerchief, waved it in the air to check for danger before signaling for the pnquin bearers to enter.


    At just a nce, Lady Su froze in ce.


    "Your Highness, the Imperial Noble Consort? Why... why are you here?"


    Lady Su hurriedly pulled Su Ruyue to kneel and pay their respects, and all the servants in the courtyard followed suit, kneeling on the ground.


    The atmosphere froze for a moment, and no one dared to move without Jiang Xinyue''s permission. After all, she had thirty-plus guards in official uniforms behind her.


    To the uninformed, it looked as if something had happened to her husband and their home was about to be raided.


    The onlookers at the gate, their eyes gleaming with excitement, whispered: "It really is the Imperial Noble Consort! My goodness! The Su family is in big trouble this time."


    "The Imperial Noble Consort is so domineering, so mighty. Is she here to seek revenge for the rumors about Miss Jiang? They said the Su family spread rumors about Miss Jiang."


    "I wish I had a rtive like the Imperial Noble Consort who could be my backer!"


    Lady Su, still unaware of what was happening, looked up with confusion: "Your Highness, what... what do you want with our family?"


    Having severed ties with the Jiang family, Jiang Xinyue no longer treated Lady Su with the same kindness as before.


    She raised her chin, looking down at Su Ruyue, who didn''t dare to lift her head: "Xi Que, go and wash Su''s filthy mouth."


    With her natural aura as a high-ranking noble, Jiang Xinyue had her pnquin set down and satfortably: "Let the people of the capital see for themselves how the Su family raised such a vicious, selfish, and foolish daughter."


    "Yes!"


    Xi Que stepped forward, grabbing Su Ruyue by the back of her neck like a chick, dragging her towards the water tank.


    "Ah! What are you doing? Ahhh... Mother, save me!"


    Lady Su alternated between looking at her daughter and the rxed Jiang Xinyue: "Your Highness! What... what are you doing? My... my daughter, how has she offended you? Why did you break down the gate and barge in? Is there now left?"


    Jiang Xinyue let out a coldugh, not saying a word,zily stroking the guard on her finger: "Xi Que, wash it a few more times."


    "Ssh!"


    Su ?????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????Ruyue was thrown into therge water tank, which was filled with water and had a thinyer of ice on the surface. The ice cracked as she fell in.


    Xi Que grit her teeth, lifting her head and pushing it back down, over and over again...


    After more than ten repetitions, Su Ruyue went from initial cries for help to being too exhausted to speak, her eyes filled with stars, wishing she could faint.


    "Words can hurt as much as cold in June. Now, Miss Su, do you understand how heartbroken our youngdy was?"


    Xi Que shouted sternly: "You, a young girl, don''t learn good. You instigated your brother to force our cousin to elope. When she refused, you spread rumors everywhere. What... you''re already looking to marry off your brother to the Pei family, yet you still want to ruin our cousin''s reputation and force her to be your second son''s concubine, is that it?"


    "What elopement? What about abandoning the injured Second Master Su? That night, our cousin had a cold and stayed home the entire time. The doctor from Jinghe Hall who treated her can testify. You''re twisting the facts, ndering her, forcing our cousin to jump into theke to prove her innocence, do you understand?"


    With her loud voice, the onlookers at the gate heard everything clearly.


    "What''s going on? It seems Miss Su is the one trying to harm Miss Jiang?"


    "What''s so surprising? In many families, sisters-inw don''t get along. It seems Miss Su prefers Miss Pei as her sister-inw and wants to ruin the reputation of her brother''s original fianc¨¦e."


    "If Miss Jiang''s reputation isn''t ruined, how can the Su family justify breaking off the engagement?"


    "This is too much. The rumors outside are so bad, yet they''re scheming to destroy her reputation, forcing her to marry into the Su family as a concubine."


    "St!"


    After being washed in the water more than twenty times, Su Ruyue, like a wet rag, was pulled out of the tank and thrown to the ground.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    She waspletely soaked, but no one dared¡ªor could¡ªgo up to cover her with a garment, because Jiang Xinyue forbade it.


    Wasn''t it her who had taken over the body of her older cousin?


    This was already Jiang Xinyue being merciful.


    Su Ruyue shivered all over, feeling both angry and ashamed, hugging herself and not daring to look at the crowd of men and women at the gate.


    "You... you''re going too far!"


    Jiang Xinyue nced over with a cold stare: "Then is what Lady Su did any better? You first broke off the engagement with false usations, and when my uncle didn''t want to entangle further, you agreed. But you weren''t satisfied and wanted to ruin my cousin, forcing her to be your son''s concubine. How dare you even consider making my cousin your son''s concubine?"


    Lady Su''s husband, Su Tianying, was merely a censor, but the Su family was a branch of the Jiangnan salt transport family, which is why they had a prestigious name in the capital.


    Truly, the bigger the ambition, the greater the oue!


    On one hand, they wanted to marry the granddaughter of the Chief Secretary, and on the other, they wanted to take the Imperial Noble Consort''s cousin as a concubine.


    It''s truly a case of "a small knife cutting one''s butt, opening one''s eyes to something new".


    Conspiracy! It''s all a conspiracy!


    The onlookers suddenly understood. All this time, they''ve been used as pawns by these high-ranking noblewomen.


    Just now, the maidservant of the Imperial Noble Consort mentioned that Miss Jiang had jumped into theke to prove her innocence. Is she alright? Did she die?


    If she did, then they would all be aplices.


    No!


    The Su family is the real culprit, the ones who plotted and schemed.


    "Your Highness, without evidence, you im that all of this was done by me and my daughter. Isn''t that going too far? I..."


    "I recognize that man. He''s the one who told my husband at the tavern that Miss Jiang eloped with Second Master Su."


    "I know the one next to him too. He said the same thing."


    Without evidence, Jiang Xinyue created evidence.


    They used public opinion to pressure the Jiang family, so why couldn''t she arrange for people to spread lies?


    The Su family also had no evidence to prove those people were lying!


    "I can be even more excessive, and today, I''ll let you see it for yourself."


    With just a slight movement of her hand, the guards behind her charged in.

 Chapter 353

    <h1>Chapter 353</h1>


    ¡°Bang!¡±


    ¡°Crash!¡±


    In the Su Family''s grand hall, everything that could be seen with the naked eye¡ªdecorations, furniture, tables, chairs, vases¡­


    All were overturned and smashed to pieces.


    ¡°Ah! Stop! Stop! Under the emperor''s nose, Your Highness the Imperial Noble Consort, how can you be so ruthless and unreasonable? Doesn¡¯t the emperor care? Aren¡¯t you afraid of the people of the capital spitting on you?¡±


    Xi Que and the guards didn¡¯t care about the emperor¡¯s authority. They were sent by the emperor, and they were thew!


    ¡°You¡¯re really funny.¡±


    Jiang Xinyue almostughed out loud: "You''re bullying my family, and I''m not the type to y dirty tricks. Let''s just respond head-on. I''m very reasonable. I don''t provoke others unless provoked. If someone offends me, I will go crazy. I''m targeting you, you trash, so why are you dragging all the people of the capital into this? Do you think all the people of the capital are so boring and malicious, fabricating false usations just to destroy a youngdy?"


    The crowd at the door felt honored to be mentioned by the Imperial Noble Consort. Everyone has a desire to admire the strong, especially when this strong person seems to be praising them.


    The Imperial Noble Consort is indeed reasonable. We don''t have the time to destroy a youngdy for no reason. If it weren''t for the Su Family misleading us, how could we have misunderstood Lady Jiang?


    ¡°Exactly, exactly. We¡¯re not bad people. If the Su Family hadn¡¯t deliberately ruined Lady Jiang¡¯s reputation, we wouldn¡¯t have thought about seeking justice for Second Young Master Su.¡±


    ¡°The Imperial Noble Consort is right. The Su Family is too evil, using us as stepping stones.¡±


    "Smash! We''ll help the Imperial Noble Consort smash them! Such heartless and reputation-ruining people deserve to be smashed."


    The remaining guards and the pce attendants from Hexi Pce protected Jiang Xinyue and moved to the side, clearing the way for the crowd.


    Yuan Lei wielded tworge iron hammers, leaving nothing intact in his path. When he saw the crowd rushing over, he quickly put away his hammers, fearing he might hurt someone.


    He looked at Jiang Xinyue with a surprised gaze and muttered to himself: "The Imperial Noble Consort is truly a divine being. How did the reactions of these people match exactly what she said?"


    Beforeing, the Empress had said that most of the people who gossip are foolish. Those who truly understand won''t talk behind others'' backs or get involved in such messy affairs.


    Only those who are nosy, love gossiping, and wish for daily scandals in other people''s lives would be curious about who they wereing to cause trouble for.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    As long as they targeted the Su Family and kept themon people untainted, those who love gossip would, to prove their innocence, stand on the side of the Empress.


    They could smash and destroy as they pleased, andter, they could just push the me onto these gossiping people.


    If the Su Family reported to the authorities, they could simply shift the me to these people, letting the officials arrest them and teach them a lesson.


    Not everyone has the right to gossip.


    Second Young Master Suy on the bed, as if hearing some strange noises.


    He slowly got up, supporting his waist, and opened the door. The screams and the ttering sounds grew louder.


    Where were all the servants in the courtyard?


    Curious, he slowly made his way to the front hall. The closer he got, the louder the noise became, and Second Young Master Su couldn¡¯t help but pick up his pace.


    ¡°Second Brother¡­ Second Brother! Save me, Second Brother!¡±


    ¡°Smack!¡±


    Xi Que pped her across the face: "Still calling for your Second Brother! Even if your unclees today, I''ll still beat you without hesitation."


    Daring to cause trouble for herdyship? Daring to ruin the Jiang Family''s reputation? Daring to let a mere guard vite her noble cousin?


    Wanting to prevent herdyship from bing the empress? Wanting to hinder the future of the Sixth Prince?


    ¡°I¡¯ll beat you to death, you shameless wretch. So eager to have men around you? Why don¡¯t you go to a brothel and be a prostitute? You¡¯re so possessive of your brother, aren¡¯t you disgusting?¡±


    Xi Que¡¯s punches and kicks were no joke. After a few blows, Su Ruyue was already bruised and swollen.


    She was dizzy and disoriented, trying to fight back, but before she could even see where the blows wereing from, she was hit again, leaving her with no chance to retaliate.


    ¡°Second Brother!¡±


    She could only stretch out her hand toward Second Young Master Su, who stood frozen in ce: ¡°Second Brother, save me!¡±


    But Second Young Master Su just looked at her, his gaze filled with entanglement, hatred, and pain¡­ but no pity for her.


    Su Ruyue¡¯s heart pounded like a drum. What did Second Brother mean by this? Why didn¡¯t he save her? Did he know? Did he know everything?


    ¡°Stop!¡±


    After a short while, everything in the grand hall that could be smashed was destroyed, and there was nothing left to break. Jiang Xinyue finally called for everyone to stop.


    Everyone paused and turned to look at her. She pointed at a sickly young man: "Since Lady Su has been spreading rumors that my cousin ran away with your son, let''s have your son, the one involved, speak for himself. Otherwise, with just a flick of your upper and lower lips, my cousin will have tomit suicide to preserve her innocence again."


    Did Jiang Yunxiamit suicide?


    Was she driven to it by the rumors?


    This statement seemed to remind him not to speak carelessly, not to let the girl he loved lose her life unjustly.


    The Su Family¡¯s grand hall and front courtyard fell silent at Jiang Xinyue¡¯s words, so quiet that one could hear a pin drop.


    Lady Su desperately signaled to her son, wanting him to nder Jiang Yunxia.


    The situation hadpletely exceeded her expectations. If they couldn¡¯t bring down Jiang Yunxia this time, it would be a wasted effort, losing both the battle and the war.


    It was she who had confidently promised to handle the Jiang Family and make Jiang Yunxia a concubine for her son.


    Now, if this failed, when her husband returned, he would surely beat her to death.


    Under Jiang Xinyue¡¯s prating gaze, Second Young Master Su felt guilty and lowered his head.


    If he told the truth, not only would Jiang Yunxia¡¯s reputation be ruined, but he wouldn¡¯t fare much better.


    Breaking ?????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????into a youngdy¡¯s room in the middle of the night, and after being explicitly rejected, knocking her out and abducting her¡ªthis was a crime that couldnd him in prison.


    The Jiang Family, not wanting to end up in a lose-lose situation, had also spared him some dignity.


    When Second Young Master Su raised his head again, his eyes were firm: "Lady Jiang and I were betrothed under the arrangement of our parents and the matchmaker. Lady Jiang is virtuous, beautiful, and kind-hearted, the most wonderful woman in the world. How could ady of her upbringing possibly elope with me? I, too, am a person who knows propriety, righteousness, integrity, and shame, and would never do such a disgraceful thing. The dissolution of our engagement was entirely my fault, and has nothing to do with her."


    At these words, Lady Su¡¯s legs gave way, and she fell to the ground. She never expected that her biggest downfall woulde from her most beloved son.


    This damned fool not only cleared Jiang Yunxia¡¯s name but also praised her as if she were heaven-sent, taking all the me onto himself.


    Was he trying to have suitors break down the doors of the Jiang Family?


    Didn¡¯t he know the consequences of saying this?


    Was he mad?

 Chapter 354

    <h1>Chapter 354</h1>


    Second Young Master Su knew the consequences all too well.


    His mother''s irreversible actions not only failed to tarnish the reputation of the Jiang family''s daughters but instead exposed his sister''s viciousness to the public. In the future, their family''s girls would be the hardest to marry off.


    His father had gone to Jiangnan to visit rtives and friends. When he returned, there would be a storm of trouble awaiting his mother and sister.


    But who asked them tomit evil first?


    They had deprived him of the chance to be with the woman he loved for the past twenty years, controlling his life and binding him with filial piety and family affection. For all these years, he had never dared to express his true thoughts.


    So, let''s all go crazy together!


    No one should have a good life.


    His sister was ruined... and it was for the best. She had been spoiled for over a decade, monopolizing the love of their older brother and himself. Now, at least his sister-inw and the children could be free from her and stoppeting for affection.


    "It seems there is still a sensible person in the Su family," Jiang Xinyue dered firmly. "So listen up, everyone. Our Jiang family''s daughters are perfect in every way. Second Young Master Su has already cleared the air. If anyone dares to nder our family''s reputation with baseless usations in the future... Hmph..."


    She smirked with a touch of disdain. "Then you should think about today''s Su family. We Jiang family are not to be trifled with."


    Those who met her gaze all lowered their heads, unable to withstand her clear yet piercing eyes.


    Because in the matter of smearing the Jiang family, none of them were entirely innocent.


    The Imperial Noble Consort had arrived at the Su family''s residence with a group of people, causing a massive ruckus and heavy losses. Lady Su reported the incident to the authorities, but who dared to arrest anyone from the Ministry of Punishment''s residence?


    The Emperor was still present!


    To save face, the authorities had to arrest themoners involved in the ruckus and make thempensate for the Su family''s losses.


    As for Su Ruyue, who had been beaten half to death, what could be done?


    She would have to ept her misfortune.


    Was it possible to arrest the Imperial Noble Consort''s most trusted maid in front of the Emperor and the Imperial Noble Consort herself?


    No, it wasn''t.


    Even if Su the Censor himself were present, the authorities would still say the same thing: It''s impossible. One should know their ce.


    Lady Su had been so naive,cking a clear understanding of herself, the imperial power, and the Imperial Noble Consort''s favor, which led to her downfall and made her theughingstock of the entire capital.


    How could a mere woman from the inner chambers possiblypete with the Imperial Noble Consort, who had survived countless battles in the pce and won the Emperor''s true heart?


    Where was her brain?


    Had it been kicked by a donkey?


    The arrestedmoners cried out in protest, but it was useless. The Imperial Noble Consort herself had set the trap for them to fall into. The authorities were merely following orders.


    For a long time after this incident, the capital''s atmosphere improved significantly. No one dared to gossip about others behind their backs, though that was a story forter.


    After dinner, Jiang Xinyue handed out red envelopes to the younger members of the Jiang family. Even Jiang Dng''s son, Dong''er, received a gift from her: a pure gold lock and a golden bowl.


    The gifts symbolized her wish for him to live a long and prosperous life, free from want.


    Jiang Dng, usually tongue-tied and unexpressive, had just gone through the pain of losing his mother. He merely mumbled a dry "Thank you, Imperial Noble Consort," in response to her gift.


    It was Jiang Xinyue''s sister-inw, Madam Pan, who quickly stood up and presented a set of embroidered tiger-head clothes to Xi Que. "Sister-inw, this is my first time meeting the Sixth Prince. I know the pce has everything, and my gift pales inparison. But I happened to get some Jiangnan-woven fabric, and I made this myself. It carries my heartfelt intentions."


    She was speaking on behalf of her husband, showing that even after the tragic death of Lady Zhou, they harbored no resentment toward Jiang Xinyue.


    It was all fate, and no one was to me.


    Jiang Xinyue signaled Xi Que to ept the gift and smiled gently. "Dong''er is getting cuter by the day. His name was even chosen by me!"


    She was telling her sister-inw that the past was forgiven and forgotten. The sins of Lady Zhou would not be visited upon the child.


    Madam Pan, having received the reassurance she sought, finally rxed her tense heart.


    As long as her child was safe, that was all that mattered.


    After making the rounds of gifts, it was time for the main event of the day.


    Under the Emperor''s instruction, Wang Dequan stepped forward with a royal decree. "By the grace of Heaven, the Emperor''s decree: Lady Ruan, a virtuous woman, has married into the Jiang family. She is gentle, virtuous, poised, and elegant, with wisdom that flows like a river and virtue thates naturally. She is granted the title of ''Respectful and Virtuous Lady,'' a Second-ss Noble Lady, with the privilege to enter the pce freely without prior notice or inspection."


    In other words, Lady Ruan could visit her daughter anytime she wished, without needing to be announced, searched, or endure the pain of separation.


    This was no ordinary Second-ss Noble Lady. Even First-ss Noble Ladies did not enjoy such privileges.


    Moreover, the decree stated that Lady Ruan had married into the Jiang family, implying that Jiang Yankun should officially recognize her as his wife, not just a concubine.


    "Thank you, Your Majesty, for your benevolence."


    The Jiang family apanied Lady Ruan in epting the decree and expressing their gratitude.


    Just as the atmosphere was harmonious and joyful, a cold voice from the doorway shattered the peace.


    "So many people, and you have a family reunion dinner without inviting me? Am I not your daughter anymore?"


    "Jiang... Jiang Yulin?"


    Jiang ?????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????Yuncai eximed in shock, unable to believe her eyes as a man and a woman appeared at the doorway.


    The man was fat, with a greasy face and greedy eyes that roamed around the room. "My goodness, woman, you weren''t lying to me. You really are the Imperial Noble Consort''s sister!"


    His yellow teeth made Jiang Xinyue feel as if she could smell the stench of a butcher''s shop.


    "What''s that smell of a butcher''s shop?"


    Xi Que pinched her nose. "Your Majesty, could it be that Third Miss... married a butcher?"n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    It wasn''t that Xi Que looked down on butchers. If he had kept himself clean, she wouldn''t have had any prejudice.


    But he was dressed in greasy, stained clothes, with a face covered in oil, making Xi Que feel nauseous.


    Third Miss, no matter what, was still the daughter of the Ministry of Punishment, how could she...


    Jiang Yulin, however, seemed to enjoy the reactions on everyone''s faces, feeling a sense of revenge. "What''s the matter with you? Aren''t you happy to see me? I''ve been gone for so long, don''t you miss me?"


    As she spoke, she quickly walked down from the doorway and sat down at the round table, grabbing a big pork joint and gnawing into it.


    The man beside her followed suit, grabbing a handful of cloud-shaped cakes and stuffing them into his mouth.


    "Delicious... huff... huff... indeed, a wealthy family, so delicious..."


    The man clearly wasn''t from a respectable background, and it was understandable that he didn''t know the proper seating arrangements.


    But Jiang Yulin couldn''t possibly be unaware.


    She had been sent to a countryside estate, not had her brain removed.


    The seats they upied were meant for the Emperor and Jiang Xinyue.

 Chapter 355

    <h1>Chapter 355</h1>


    ¡°This is¡­¡±


    Xi Que had no intention of indulging these two. When it came to her mistress, Jiang Xinyue, she would not yield an inch.


    Jiang Yulin had been waiting for Xi Que to arrive. Today, outside the Su residence, she had seen Jiang Xinyue and Xi Que, the mistress and maid, looking so formidable that jealousy had bubbled up inside her.


    Why?


    They were both daughters of the same father. Why did Jiang Xinyue''s maid seem more imposing than her own? Even daring to strike a youngdy of noble birth, while she herself had to waste away in some remote vige, flirting with a smelly butcher?


    With her greasy hands, Jiang Yulin swung toward Xi Que''s face.


    Xi Que''s reflexes had been honed, and she quickly stepped back. But halfway through, she remembered her mistress was behind her, so she quickly returned to her original position, shielding Jiang Xinyue.


    In that instant, she understood. Jiang Yulin''s true target was her mistress.


    She dared not strike openly, so she used the excuse of disciplining a servant, waiting for Xi Que to dodge, so she could p Jiang Xinyue instead. Then, she could me Xi Que for not standing her ground.


    Who told her to move?


    Xi Que closed her eyes, ready to bear the revolting p, determined not to let a single drop of oil touch her mistress.


    ¡°You lowly servant, what do you think you are, daring to shout at me¡­¡±


    ¡°Bang!¡±


    ¡°Ah!¡±


    The expected pain did note. Instead, a gust of wind swept by, followed by the sound of a heavy object hitting the ground.


    Qing Yu, a guard of the emperor, slowly retracted his long, straight leg from beside Xi Que''s arm, his face reddening as he nced at her.


    Then, Qing Yu knelt with one knee and sped his fist toward the emperor: ¡°Your servant is guilty. I acted on my own, fearing that Your Majesty and the Lady would be caught in the crossfire.¡±


    No, it was more urate to say he acted with his foot.


    The emperor waved his hand, and Qing Yu immediately retreated into the shadows, disappearing from sight.


    ¡°Wife!¡±


    The greasy man, who had been enjoying his meal, was startled, bits of pastry flying from his mouth as he rushed toward Jiang Yulin: ¡°Wife, you can''t die! You promised that as soon as I brought you back to the capital, you''d let me touch you and marry me, taking me to live a good life. I even sold my pork stall. If you die, I¡¯ll be ruined!¡±


    The noblemen in their fine garments all looked intimidating, and hecked the courage to curse at them. So, he could only hug Jiang Yulin and shake her desperately.


    ¡°You¡­ let go of me!¡±


    Jiang Yulin struggled to push him away, her venomous gaze fixed on Jiang Yankun: ¡°Father, didn''t you say that your daughter was sent to the countryside to recover from illness? Look, I¡¯m better now. Can Ie home now?¡±


    Jiang Yankun frowned: ¡°What madness are you spouting?¡±n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Even on New Year¡¯s, she couldn¡¯t keep still. Acting so deranged in front of the emperor, how would he view the Jiang family¡¯s vicious upbringing?


    He wished this disobedient daughter had gone with Lady Zhou¡­


    But she was his own flesh and blood. Sending her to the countryside and ignoring her was already the harshest punishment he could think of.


    Why hadn¡¯t she changed at all? Instead, she seemed worse than ever.


    Jiang Yulin chuckled, rising from the ground and rubbing her stomach: ¡°I¡¯m not mad, Father. I¡¯m too clear-headed.¡±


    She then smeared her greasy hands all over her clothes: ¡°Is my room still the same one? Father wouldn¡¯t have given it to someone else just because I was ill, would he?¡±


    Concubine Lin, shielding the nine-year-old Fifth Lady behind Lady Ruan, timidly said: ¡°Zhaohua Courtyard is now where Fifth Lady and I reside. If Fourth Lady wishes to return, she can stay in the courtyard I used to live in.¡±


    When Lady Zhou was alive, to prevent Lady Ruan and Concubine Lin from getting close to Jiang Yankun, she had arranged for them to live in remote, damp quarters.


    Later, when Jiang Junze was born and Jiang Yankun personally ordered them to move to the main courtyard, Lady Zhou had reluctantlyplied.


    As for Concubine Lin, with only the Fifth Lady to her name, Lady Zhou had refused to allow her to move.


    It wasn¡¯t until Jiang Yutong died, Jiang Yulin was sent to the countryside, and finally Lady Zhou herself passed away that Lady Ruan took charge, arranging for Concubine Lin to move into Jiang Yulin¡¯s former Zhaohua Courtyard.


    It was one of the top three courtyards in the Jiang household. If not for Jiang Xinyan¡¯s refusal to live in Jiang Yulin¡¯s old room, it wouldn¡¯t have fallen to them.


    When Jiang Yulin was in power, she had often mocked them for living in what she called ¡°dog kennels,¡± making faces and iming they were infested with fleas, urging everyone to stay away.


    Now, it was her turn to live in such a ce. How did she feel about that?


    The air was oppressive. Suddenly, Jiang Yulin turned to Jiang Dng, her voice sharp: ¡°Brother! You coward, are you just going to stand by and watch while your own sister is being bullied like this?¡±


    Jiang Dng flinched at her shout, his eyes wide with fear: ¡°Youe back and start acting all crazy. Did you even give anyone a chance to speak?¡±


    ¡°Then speak now!¡±


    Wasn¡¯t her own brother supposed to stand up for her?


    ¡°You should go back where you came from! If my ssmates at the National Academy of Learning find out my sister married a butcher, they¡¯ll mock me to death.¡±


    He was slow, not stupid.


    Since his second sister was a favored concubine in the pce, his ssmates had all been fawning over him, treating him as the center of attention, vying to be his friend.


    This was good for him, advantageous.


    But his own sister married a butcher?


    His not-so-bright mind pondered. That wasn¡¯t the kind of profession a proper youngdy should marry into!


    Besides, Jiang Dng had never been close to this sister. Growing up, his sisters had always found him dull and avoided talking to him, so there was no real bond between them.


    Not a single member of the family weed Jiang Yulin, not even her own brother, who wished she would just disappear.


    Jiang Yulinughed, tucking her disheveled hair behind her ear, her eyes gleaming with an eerie light: ¡°Father, Brother, I¡¯m tired. I¡¯ll go rest now. Concubine Lin lives in Xiwu Courtyard, right? I¡¯ll go there.¡±


    Jiang Yankun¡¯s brow furrowed. He felt something was off about Jiang Yulin, but he couldn¡¯t pinpoint what exactly.


    Jiang Xinyue¡¯s eyes flickered as she smiled at Jiang Yulin: ¡°Go ahead! I¡¯ll send a few maids over to serve youter. If there¡¯s anything you need, just let them know, and I¡¯ll have it sent to you.¡±


    Jiang Yulin, whose chest had been heaving with anger, calmed slightly at these words. She cast a dark nce around the room before retreating to the back courtyard.


    The butcher followed her: ¡°Wife¡­ wife, wait for me!¡±


    ¡°This troublemaker, why can¡¯t she just keep still?¡±


    Concubine Lin twisted her handkerchief: ¡°Your Majesty, letting her return¡­ it might lead to¡­¡±


    ¡°She¡¯s gone mad.¡±


    Not just acting out of anger, but truly mad.


    ¡°Mad?¡±


    Lady Ruan worried: ¡°She looks¡­ fine. It¡¯s just¡­ her spirit seems a bit too high.¡±


    After ?????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????a long journey from the countryside, evading the butcher all the way, she should be exhausted.

 Chapter 356

    <h1>Chapter 356</h1>


    ¡°Don¡¯t you think her behavior just now was very abnormal?¡±


    Jiang Yulin, no matter what, was someone Jiang Yankun had put effort into cultivating. Not to mention being proficient in music, chess, calligraphy, painting, poetry, and literature, she was at least better in terms of etiquette and manners than the average daughter from amon household. But the way she behaved just now was even more rming than a beggar who had been starving for decades. Her eating was ferocious, and her expression was off. Even after being kicked away by Qing Yu, she didn¡¯t seem to feel any pain, her face still showing an excited expression, only instinctively rubbing her stomach where she had been kicked.


    She was suspicious, erratic, and her emotions fluctuated greatly. One moment she seemed ready to kill Jiang Xinyue, and the next she calmed down because Jiang Xinyue had told her to go rest. Her eyes were always unfocused, as if she were trapped in her own world. When she left earlier, she was muttering to herself, which clearly indicated she had gone mad.


    ¡°Then why did you¡­¡±


    Allow her to stay in the Xiwu Courtyard and even promise to arrange for her needs? Shouldn¡¯t she be sent back to the estate and locked up?


    Jiang Yankun and Jiang Xinyue exchanged a nce. He understood the deeper meaning in his daughter¡¯s eyes and turned to the butler behind him, saying, ¡°Go bring that butcher out. Tonight, after knocking out Third Miss, seal all her doors and windows, leaving only a small opening for food. Assign someone to guard her daily, strictly watch over her, and make sure she doesn¡¯t escape again.¡±


    If she were sent back to the estate, what if she pulled a stunt like today, promising to marry some other man and getting him to bring her back to the capital? Jiang Yankun didn¡¯t want to have so many disreputable sons-inw.


    At the Pei Family¡ª


    ¡°You¡¯re saying you saw the daughter of the Jiang Family who was sent to the estate return?¡±


    ¡°Yes, Your Excellency. You ordered us to keep a close eye on the Jiang Family, so our men were on watch around the clock and saw it with their own eyes.¡±


    Minister Pei of the Privy Council paced back and forth in his room. Lately, everything had been going wrong. His eldest son was useless, and his eldest grandson had been castrated, making him look a decade older.


    In his younger days, he had been too focused on power and ambition, neglecting the education of his children. Now that he was old, these ungrateful descendants were stabbing him in the back and dragging his feet.


    Based on the description from his new daughter-inw, Miao Linlin, he could almost be certain that the imposters posing as his son and grandson were Jiang Yankun and Tang Shiliang.


    Initially, the two of them had gone together to find the antidote for the emperor, but they had used his son¡¯s and grandson¡¯s names! The Jiang Family had taken all the credit. It was rumored that the emperor had even granted Madam Jiang Ruan, a former dancer, a noble title today. It was enough to make him furious.


    The ?????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????Jiang Family¡¯s rise to glory was built on the Pei Family¡¯s back.


    ¡°Knock knock knock¡­¡±


    There was a knock at the door, and Pei Sinian entered, holding Miao Linlin¡¯s hand. ¡°Father, why did you call us here at this hour? Linlin and the child need to rest.¡±


    Miao Linlin touched her belly. ¡°Father-inw, are you asking if the Gu I gave you is working?¡±


    Minister Pei of the Privy Council nodded. ¡°The third daughter of the Jiang Family, who was sent to the estate, has returned to the Jiang Family. Is she being controlled by your Gu?¡±


    Miao Linlin smirked knowingly. ¡°I said it before¡ªanyone who wrongs me, I¡¯ll make sure their family is in chaos. That woman¡¯s brain is filled with my Gu. Every move she makes is under my control. To others, she¡¯ll just seem mad. The Jiang Family will definitely lock her up, won¡¯t they?¡±


    Being locked up was exactly what Miao Linlin wanted.


    Her Gu could break out from Jiang Yulin¡¯s brain and, under the cover of night, crawl into the rooms of the entire Jiang Family. Through ears, nostrils, mouths¡ªany orifice¡ªthey could enter and breed inside their bodies, eating their brains and turning them into mindless puppets under hermand.


    Minister Pei of the Privy Council stroked his beard with satisfaction. "Now that you¡¯re pregnant, you need to take good care of yourself and give me more grandchildren. When I¡¯m gone, this family will be left to you and Sinian."


    It was his way of telling her that everything in the family would belong to the eldest branch.


    So, for their future, they had to eliminate the Jiang Family.


    Miao Linlin¡¯s eyes gleamed. ¡°Father-inw, rest assured. My Gu has never failed me.¡±


    She had forgotten that her first encounter with Jiang Yankun had already been a failure. Otherwise, Tang Shiliang would have been the one under the influence of her Gu, not the other way around.


    Pei Sinian gazed adoringly at Miao Linlin. ¡°Wife, don¡¯t overwork yourself. The child in your belly is the most important. Leave the other matters to me. I¡¯ll do anything for you¡ªeven climb mountains of swords or descend into seas of fire.¡±


    As they left the study, Miao Linlin abruptly pulled her hand away, disdainfully wiped it with a handkerchief, and then unapologetically tossed the handkerchief on the ground before turning and walking away.


    If it weren¡¯t for fear of Minister Pei of the Privy Council discovering her true intentions, she would have already eliminated Pei Sinian and kept the child. This Pei Sinian was old enough to be her father, yet he had forced himself on her.


    Just wait.


    Once the Jiang Family falls, the next target will be the Pei Family.


    First, she¡¯ll deal with that old fox, then this disgusting man, and as for Pei Zhishuo, the younger one, he¡¯s quite good-looking. He could be kept around for amusement.


    If he doesn¡¯t behave, he can be used to raise Gu. Young flesh is perfect for cultivating stronger, more toxic Gu.


    ¡°Clip clop clip clop¡­¡±n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    The sound of hooves grew louder. Qing Yu stood outside the carriage and whispered, ¡°Your Majesty, the Imperial Noble Consort, there are people monitoring the Jiang Family.¡±


    Behind the stone lions, there were several people pretending to walk around, clearly trained fighters, not ordinary citizens.


    ¡°Monitoring?¡±


    Who had the audacity for such a thing?


    Jiang Xinyue frowned, her expression serious, as she quickly connected the events of the day in her mind.


    Something was off¡­ everything felt wrong.


    Jiang Yulin had always been arrogant, even looking down on wealthy young masters, insisting on marrying the Prince of Ruyang¡¯s heir. It was clear she believed herself worthy of the noble status.


    Such an arrogant woman, even if she fell into dire straits, would never grovel before a butcher. Her pride wouldn¡¯t allow it, even if it meant dying.


    Yet, she had promised the butcher that she would marry him once they reached the capital.


    Upon closer reflection, this behavior reminded Jiang Xinyue of someone.


    Miao Linlin.


    ¡°Stop the carriage! Turn around¡­ back to the Jiang Family!¡±


    Seeing her panicked expression, the Xuanwu Emperor immediately instructed Qing Yu, ¡°Listen to the Imperial Noble Consort.¡±


    Then, he quickly took Jiang Xinyue¡¯s cold hand in his. ¡°What¡¯s wrong? Did you discover something?¡±


    Jiang Xinyue nodded. ¡°I¡­ I suspect Jiang Yulin has been¡­ put under a Gu.¡±


    It wasn¡¯t just a wild guess. Although inter times, Gu practices in the Miao Bordends were more of amercial performance, the long-standing legends of the Miao Bordends couldn¡¯t be dismissed as mere folklore.


    Inter generations, the art of Gu might have been lost, just like ancient Chinese medical texts that have been partially lost over time.


    But in this era, one had to be cautious.


    Because a single oversight could lead to utter destruction.

 Chapter 357

    <h1>Chapter 357</h1>


    The Emperor firmly pressed her hand: "Going now won''t help. The Miao Bordends woman married Pei Sinian. If Jiang Yulin was poisoned by a Gu, this must be their doing. There are people from their side outside the Jiang Household. Before you even enter, they would have already gotten wind of it. Wouldn''t that be tipping our hand?"


    Her worry in her eyes made the Xuanwu Emperor''s heart ache. With a hand on her shoulder, he pulled her closer to his chest: "Don''t be afraid. Leave it to me. I''ll handle it properly."


    The Miao Bordends woman was Consort Zhang''s sister. And Consort Zhang had once ced a Gu on him, nearly taking his life.


    This woman was sinister and couldn''t be left alive.


    "Crack¡ªcrack, crack, crack¡ª"


    In the pitch-ck room, the dim candlelight cast eerie shadows on the bed curtains. A shadowy figure seemed to be lurking behind the curtains.


    Her body twisted unnaturally, her hips thrusting upwards. Herrge, lifeless eyes, void of emotion, stared nkly as she suddenly leapt up from the bed.


    "Buzz, buzz, buzz¡­"


    Her eyes trembled incessantly, crawling with tiny, red spiders. If one didn''t look closely, they might only notice the long antennae, barely seeing the spiders'' bodies. Even in broad daylight, few would notice.


    Not just her eyes¡ªfrom her ears flew winged insects, resembling mosquitoes but not quite.


    These tiny, invasive creatures emerged from her body, carrying fragments of flesh and blood. The pungent stench spread, making the scene nauseating.


    As the Gu insects left her body, Jiang Yulin''s skin began to decay. A chunk of her face fell to the ground, and her body''s skin cracked and bled inch by inch.


    Once all the Gu insects had flown out, Jiang Yulin''s body copsed like a pile of rotten mud, falling out of her clothes and onto the floor.


    The winter night was especially long. Under the biting cold wind, the courtyard was deserted. The mournful wind howled, rustling the leaves, creating an eerie atmosphere.


    It felt as though a ghost might leap out from the darkness at any moment.


    Miao Linlin''s dark eyes opened. Wrapped in a thick fox fur coat, she touched the small human-skin drum at her waist.


    The drum, which never broke no matter how hard it was hit, contained her Gu King.


    As long as the Gu King remained alive, she could control the thousands of Gu insects within Jiang Yulin''s body.


    Wasn''t it said that the Jiang family had produced a Noble Consort?


    Yesterday, the pce held a New Year''s banquet. She wanted to enter the pce to see it for herself. She had never seen the Emperor before!


    But her father-inw refused to let her go, saying that entering the pce required a body search. With all her bottles and jars filled with poisonous insects and powders, she wouldn''t pass the search.


    If she couldn''t enter the pce, she would go to the Jiang Household. The Emperor was apanying Noble Consort Jiang on a visit to her family home.


    Perhaps she could even control the Noble Consort¡­


    The Emperor was off-limits. If caught, it would mean certain death. Besides, even if she controlled the Emperor, he wouldn''t handle state affairs. It was better to leave him alone.


    By using Jiang Yulin to control the Noble Consort, she could make demands during the Emperor''s affections, securing wealth, honor, and status effortlessly.


    "Dong¡­ dong, dong¡­ dong, dong, dong¡­"


    The drumbeats continued, and the Gu insects crawled through the cracks, entering the windowsills, then flying or crawling through tiny openings.


    The next morning, the Pei family servants stationed outside the Jiang Household were startled. Howe the Emperor and Noble Consort Jiang, who were supposed to have returned to the pce, were stretching and walking out of the main gate?


    Yesterday¡­


    Yesterday, they had clearly seen them leave!


    Jiang Yankun respectfully saw the Emperor and Jiang Xinyue off to their carriage, sweating profusely.


    How had Yulin¡­ how had she been ced under a Gu?


    Lady Zhou''s two daughters had been spoiled by her. Back then, Jiang Yutong, though fair and graceful, paled inparison to Jiang Xinyue.


    So, he had originally intended to send Jiang Xinyue to the pce to secure the family''s honor.


    Jiang Yutong, being the eldest, had already been chosen by Jiang Yankun to marry Xie Chenghui, the son of the Grand Schr Xie.


    The ?????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????Grand Schr had admired his talent and was willing to form a marital alliance.


    But Jiang Yutong, jealous of Jiang Xinyue''s beauty, insisted on entering the pce when she heard Jiang Xinyue was to be a consort. She even threatened to hang herself if Jiang Xinyue went.


    He had to deceive Lady Zhou and Jiang Yutong, saying that while Jiang Xinyue was beautiful, she was ultimately a concubine''s daughter. The pce was full of beautiful women, and Jiang Xinyue wouldn''t pose a threat to Jiang Yutong but could help her secure the Emperor''s favor.


    Only then did Jiang Yutong agree to enter the pce with Jiang Xinyue.


    The night before they entered the pce, he had a heartfelt talk with Jiang Yutong, urging her not topete with Jiang Xinyue and to work together to secure the Emperor''s favor.


    But Jiang Yutong, rebellious by nature, agreed verbally but began targeting Jiang Xinyue as soon as they entered the pce, even conspiring with outsiders to frame her.


    No wonder Jiang Xinyueter hardened her heart and stopped helping Jiang Yutong vie for favor.


    In the end, Jiang Yutong was indeed strangled and hanged.


    As for Jiang Yulin, she was even worse. From a young age, she was mischievous and disliked by everyone, even kicking dogs that hadn''t wronged her.


    Jiang Yankun had once thought her mischievousness was cute and full of vitality.


    But as she grew older, he realized she wasn''t just mischievous¡ªshe was inherently evil.


    She bullied all her siblings, mocking the concubine-born as "lowborn" and "ves," not content with just words but resorting to violence.


    Lady Zhou always protected her, making her feel invincible.


    So when Jiang Xinyue said Jiang Yulin wouldn''tmit to a butcher, Jiang Yankun immediately understood the strange feeling he''d had.


    Only Miao Linlin, whocked understanding of the social hierarchy and bore a grudge, could be responsible.


    It seemed she had discovered the trap he set for her, leading her to marry the wrong man.


    She had used her daughter as a vessel for the Gu insects, unforgivable.


    Her daughter was no longer her daughter¡ªshe was a Gu-infested being.


    If not for the Emperor''s distractionst night, leading Jiang Xinyue in through the back door and having Qing Yu carry away the drugged Jiang Yulin, today would have been the Jiang family''s downfall.


    But now, someone else was paying the price.


    "Ahhhhhhh¡­"


    Panicked screams echoed through the air.


    "Ghost! Ghost!!"


    "What the hell is that?!"n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    "Help! Help!"


    "Ugh¡­ ugh¡­ It stinks¡­ ugh¡­"

 Chapter 358

    <h1>Chapter 358</h1>


    Minister Pei of the Privy Council had just finished dressing with the assistance of his maidservants when he heard a blood-curdling scream echoing through the residence.


    "What''s going on?" Minister Pei waved the maids away and addressed his personal attendant. "Go and find out."


    The attendant had barely pulled open the door when Pei Zhishuo burst in, vomiting as he ran. "Grandfather... ugh... Grandfather... ugh..."


    Minister ?????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????Pei recoiled several steps. "Have you gone mad?" he eximed. "Why are you vomiting in my room?"


    Pei Zhishuo finally managed to stop retching, his face pale as he wiped his mouth. "Grandfather, something terrible has happened in our household... all the servants... You... you should go outside and see for yourself!"


    He was at a loss for words to describe the horror.


    Minister Pei, protected by his attendant, stepped outside. The courtyard near his quarters seemed normal, but the screams wereing from further away.


    "Bang!"


    Along the corridor, maids were shrieking in terror, while several servants copsed, only to have ck insects crawl out of their bodies.


    A revolting stench permeated the entire Pei residence, filling the air with an unbearable, nauseating odor.


    Minister Pei immediately covered his nose and mouth with his sleeve. "Miao Linlin! Where is Miao Linlin? Bring her to me at once!"


    The insects, once emerged, sought new hosts, but upon reaching the perimeter of Minister Pei''s courtyard, they seemed to encounter something terrifying, scattering in all directions and causing more servants to scream and flee in panic.


    Even the personal attendant was horrified. The fallen servants'' bodies were rapidly dposing, their insides already devoured by the parasitic insects.


    Fortunately, Minister Pei had foresight. Ever since Miao Linlin had married into the family, he had ced three-edged sword, neem bark, and hedge mustard in the corners of key courtyards and instructed the kitchen to daily prepare soups with cinnamon, peri, and patchouli for the family members.


    While these measures were useless once the insects had entered the body, they effectively repelled the parasites when they were still outside. The potent scent, akin to poison for the insects, caused them to instinctively avoid the area.


    As a result, only the servants were affected today, while the family members'' quarters remained untouched.


    Miao Linlin was awakened by frantic knocking on her door. In her Miao Bordends, she was ustomed to sleepingte, and being disturbed so early left her in a foul mood.


    Pei Sinian held her, seeing his young wife''s frown, and his temper red. Grabbing a vase from the bedside, he hurled it at the door. "You ignorant fools! Do you know you''ve disturbed Madam''s rest?"


    "Master..." the servant outside stammered, trembling. "There''s... there''s something strange happening in the house. Many servants have been... their bodies are empty. Minister Pei of the Privy Council has ordered us to summon Madam immediately!"


    "Ghosts? Empty bodies?"


    Miao Linlin''s eyes snapped open, and she quickly sat up, grabbing her clothes from the screen and throwing them on. She opened the door, her eyes wide with shock. "What did you say? Where? Take me there at once!"


    This sounded eerily simr to what happened when her insects had taken over someone''s body.


    The servant led Miao Linlin toward Minister Pei''s courtyard, passing by numerous servants who copsed mid-step, their skins sloughing off to reveal a pile of rotting flesh.


    Tiny ck insects emerged from beneath the skin, flying toward Miao Linlin and her guide.


    The servant apanying her screamed in terror, but Miao Linlin struck the small drum at her waist. The insects exploded mid-air, sttering the servant with foul blood.


    He stared in horror, his teeth chattering. It was Madam... She was behind all this.


    Too terrifying... far too terrifying.


    Throughout the journey, Miao Linlin continued to beat her drum, while unaffected servants watched in horror as their friends copsed before the First Madam''s feet. She showed no emotion, no sympathy, as if it were an honor for these people to be food for the insects.


    Her callousness was beyond what any normal person couldprehend.


    "Father-inw!"


    When Miao Linlin reached Minister Pei, she was covered in the blood and filth from the exploding insects, reeking horribly.


    Yet she seemed oblivious to it, matter-of-factly saying, "Father-inw, we must search the residence immediately. I suspect the Jiang family has discovered our n and sent Jiang Yulin to infiltrate us."


    Her waist drum contained the mother insects, while Jiang Yulin''s body harbored hundreds of male insects that had mated with the mother insects. Once the males emerged, they would reproduce thousands of offspring, which could only survive near the males.


    Originally, she had nned to use this to devour the entire Jiang family, but now, with all the insects inside the Pei family members, it meant the males were nearby.


    Minister Pei clenched his teeth. "Send people to search. We must find that person at once."


    "Everyone, get out of the way!"


    Before Minister Pei''s orders could be carried out, officials from the Ministry of Justice, Ministry of Punishment, Ministry of Personnel, and the Imperial City Guard arrived in force.


    A massive group stormed into the Pei residence: "Official business! Clear the area!"


    The authoritative voice came from an officer of the Ministry of Justice, his aura of authority and bloodshed silencing any resistance.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    Moreover, they carried a search warrant with the emperor''s seal, indicating that the ruler had approved this action.


    Dead bodies!


    So many dead bodies!


    So many corpses with hollowed-out insides, leaving only rotting skins.


    The stench was unbearable!


    Even passersby outside the Pei residence were overwhelmed by the revolting smell, yet their curiosity was piqued.


    "What''s happening at the Pei residence? Are they boiling night soil? It smells awful."


    "Why are so many soldiers gathered here? Has something happened to the Pei family? This smell... it reminds me of decaying corpses."


    "How can you tell? Have you seen dead bodies before?"


    "I grew up in the mortuary, dealing with corpses daily. That''s how I know."


    "Move along, move along. Don''t interfere with official business."


    Someone handed a bag of coins to the gatekeeper. "Officer, we''re just ordinary citizens. What harm could we cause? We''re just curious about what''s happening at the Pei residence. Why does it smell so bad?"


    The guard weighed the bag, satisfied, and whispered to the inquirer, "The Ministry of Justice received an anonymous tip that the new daughter-inw of Minister Pei of the Privy Council, the one from the Miao Bordends... she practices witchcraft and uses the household servants to cultivate insects,mitting atrocities and showing no mercy. The report ims nearly a hundred people in the Pei family have died, and more will perish if we don''t act quickly."


    "What?"


    "Using humans to cultivate insects? That''s monstrous. She''s gone too far, relying on Minister Pei of the Privy Council''s backing to do as she pleases."


    "Human lives are so cheap now? With the stench from this residence, there must be at least fifty to sixty dead. Truly, she''s abusing her position."


    "But why would the Pei family allow her to raise so many insects? Could it be... they''re nning a rebellion?"


    Jiang Yankun, apanied by Leader Ma, led the way, unstoppable as they advanced.


    Today, they were determined to bring down Minister Pei of the Privy Council, or Jiang Yankun would renounce his surname.

 Chapter 359

    <h1>Chapter 359</h1>


    "This is the Minister of the Privy Council''s Mansion, how dare you barge in? Get out now!"


    Pei Sinian rushed out, his clothes askew and his hair unkempt, originally intending to chase after his young wife, but unexpectedly encountered Jiang Yankun and others.


    The ????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????bined forces of the Ministry of Punishment, Ministry of Personnel, Ministry of Justice, and Imperial City Guard were no small matter. Appearing in public disheveled was akin to running naked through the streets.


    Everyone felt disrespected, and Minister Jiang was furious, directly knocking Pei Sinian to the ground: "You filthy wretch, seeing you in this state has devalued my eyes! How dare you talk about trespassing and leaving? It''s you who should leave!"


    Pei Siniany on the ground, clutching at Jiang Yankun''s hem: "What are you doing here with all these people?"


    Jiang Yankun kicked him again, this time in the face, causing his nose to bleed: "This morning, I received a letter from the manager of my estate in Yang Vige, saying your new wife abducted my daughter and ns to turn her into a vessel for raising Gu insects. At first, I didn''t believe it¡ªin thisw-abiding Great Yan Dynasty, how could the Minister of the Privy Council break thew andmit such atrocities? But seeing so many lives lost in your mansion today, I have no choice but to believe it. Pei Sinian, hand over my daughter immediately, or I''ll tear down your Pei Mansion."


    As he spoke, Jiang Yankun moved further inside, and Pei Sinian, too frantic to care about his disheveled appearance or his bleeding nose, feared this cunning old fox named Jiang might uncover something.


    "These bodies on the ground¡ªwe don''t even know what happened! We need to report this to the authorities. You must investigate thoroughly. Why are so many of our servants dead? I suspect it''s..."


    "Creak¡ª"


    "Linlin!"


    Before Pei Sinian could finish, Jiang Yankun pushed open a door and cried out, rushing over in tears: "Ah, it''s really my Linlin! Pei Sinian, you vile creatures, you''ve killed my daughter! The Pei family... you''re raising Gu worms, you''re plotting a rebellion! Arrest them... quickly, arrest them... Oh, my poor daughter!"n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    Jiang Yulin was barely recognizable, just a tattered piece of skin, but it was indeed the third daughter of Minister Jiang.


    The heads of the three ministries had all seen Jiang Yulin at court banquets or family gatherings, especially since the passing of Lady Zhou wasn''t long ago, though she had been bedridden for some time.


    Before that, the Jiang daughters, though not widely famous, were known for their beauty. Now, what was left was neither a beautiful corpse nor intact skin, but a horrifying, mutted remnant.


    "ng!"


    A wooden stick fell to the ground at the door. When Miao Linlin saw Jiang Yankun, a surge of betrayal and pain overwhelmed her.


    "It was you?! I was betrayed by you..."


    Miao Linlin charged forward like a madwoman, but Pei Sinian grabbed her: "Wife, wife, calm down... please calm down, you''re pregnant!"


    "Yes! It was me!"


    Jiang Yankun interrupted her: "You wicked Miao woman, when I sought a cure for the Emperor, I paid you handsomely¡ªa thousand taels! Yet you were still unsatisfied and extorted me. When I refused, you followed me to the capital to kill my daughter. You vicious woman, I''ll fight you to the death."


    "Hey, hey, hey..."


    The officials scrambled to break up the fight and gather evidence. Jiang Yankun took the opportunity to signal Jiang Hewei, who slyly began to maneuver closer.


    As the scuffle continued, Jiang Hewei managed to slip behind Miao Linlin, deftly slicing with a sharp knife, and the small human-skin drum fell into his hands.


    Miao Linlin felt her waist loosen and, realizing something was wrong, looked down to see the drum containing the mother Gu was gone.


    "Light it!"


    When she looked up, her waist drum had been tossed to the ground, and someone quickly poured some liquid on it. Jiang Hewei then took out a flint from his sleeve and threw it on the drum.


    "Whoosh¡ª"


    The fire instantly engulfed the drum, and the human-skin drum was consumed by the mes.


    "No!"


    Miao Linlin''s face twisted in horror, her eyes wide with despair, on the verge of fainting.


    That was her mother Gu, nurtured with her heart''s blood since childhood, the source of all her Gu techniques!


    If the mother Gu lived, she lived.


    If the mother Gu died, she would die too.


    In the fire, the drum burned to ashes, and everyone watched as a white worm, as thick as a finger, writhed and struggled in the mes.


    Miao Linlin, as if feeling the pain of the Gu worm, copsed in Pei Sinian''s arms, vomiting arge mouthful of blood and emitting a sound akin to a worm''s cry.


    As the mother Gu turned to charcoal, all the Gu insects in the Pei Mansion burst.


    Minister Pei of the Privy Council, who had been absent until now, finally appeared, pointing at Miao Linlin and shouting: "You wicked woman, my son overlooked your background and married you as a concubine, yet youmit such atrocities in our home. You''re truly terrifying. Did you also put a curse on my son?"


    Pei Sinian''s eyes, which had been glowing with a blue hue, cleared, and upon seeing the woman in his arms, he screamed and pushed her away: "Who... who is this ugly hag?"


    Everyone watched in shock as Miao Linlin was thrown onto the cold ground, blood pooling beneath her, while Pei Sinian looked at her with disgust, as if he didn''t recognize her at all.


    It was true¡ªhe had been ced under a curse!


    Pei Zhishuo''s chest heaved with anger: "Father, you remarried for this woman, don''t you remember?"


    "Nonsense!"


    Pei Sinian frowned: "The only woman I love is your mother. How could I have remarried?"


    Minister Pei pointed at Miao Linlin: "Do you see? This woman put a curse on my son, and now she''s using our servants to raise cursed insects. Take her away quickly. She must pay for her crimes... I will not shield her."


    It was toote to distance himself now.


    Jiang Yankun, furious, dered: "You willingly brought this woman into your home. Now you im innocence, saying you knew nothing. Do you think anyone will believe that, Minister of the Privy Council? You knew she was from the Miao Bordends and allowed her to carry poison insects. Clearly, you had malicious intentions. My daughter died in your home; you are all responsible."


    He waved his hand: "Arrest Minister of the Privy Council and the entire Pei family. Take them to the Ministry of Justice for detention. The Ministry of Justice, Ministry of Punishment, Ministry of Personnel, and Imperial City Guard will jointly investigate and prosecute."


    Before the Pei family could react, the officers from the four ministries moved in, arresting Minister Pei and the rest of the family, including other branches, and taking them to the Ministry of Punishment to await trial.


    Previous</a>Next</a>

 Chapter 360

    <h1>Chapter 360</h1>


    The emperor told Jiang Xinyue not to worry, but how could she truly not worry?


    Miao Linlin''s waist drum was something Jiang Xinyue had her adoptive father steal and burn.


    She may not have eaten pork, but she had seen pigs run.


    In a world as interconnected as the modern inte, all sorts of strange questions could be found answers to on search engines.


    The popr Gu arts of the Miao region were no exception; there were those who had revealed their secrets online, and Jiang Xinyue had been fortunate enough to read some of it.


    It was said that those who cultivated Gu would carry their most important mother Gu with them at all times, cing it in the most conspicuous and easily essible spot.


    For skilled Gu masters, the mother Gu was as vital as their own life, and they needed to keep it within reach, where they could feel its presence, to feel secure.


    So, she had her adoptive father keep an eye out for Miao Linlin, observing whether she had any unusual ornaments around her neck, wrists, or waist. If he found anything, he was to steal it and find a way to burn it.


    Nothing could withstand a zing inferno.


    A maid named Sparrow, with a joyful expression, entered from outside: "Your Majesty... Qingyu just brought me an apple and told me that the entire Minister Pei of the Privy Council''s family has been thrown into prison. Truly, evil begets its own punishment."


    The fall of the Pei family was only a matter of time. The emperor had long been displeased with Minister Pei of the Privy Council, and this time, many officials from the Pei faction would likely fall as well, leading to a new round of reshuffling in the court.


    The position of Minister of the Privy Council would likely go to someone from the Jing Family, as the Jing Family of Longxi was the emperor''s true maternal family.


    With the Jing Family being brimming with talent, it was only natural for the emperor to favor them.


    Master Jing had already agreed to be the tutor of the Sixth Prince. Xuanwu Emperor''s intention was to announce the decree to appoint the Sixth Prince as the crown prince during his first birthday celebration, and simultaneously issue an edict to confer the title of empress on Jiang Xinyue.


    This way, the identity of the crown prince would be more legitimate and prestigious.


    As for the grand coronation ceremony for the empress, it would be postponed until after Jiang Xinyue gave birth and her child''s full moon ceremony.


    He didn''t want the little one to suffer any grievances, wanting to give him the best of everything.


    Jiang Xinyue had carefully considered the current state of affairs in the pce. The situation was indeed very favorable for her, and she had the strength to ascend to the position of empress. Among the princes, the Third Prince''s birth mother hadmitted a grave mistake and was already dead, while the Fourth Prince''s mother was a remnant of the previous dynasty and had also passed away. The Fourth Prince was under Jiang Xinyue''s care.


    The Fifth Prince was even less of a concern; his birth mother had been of low status and was removed by the former empress, who then failed to protect him, leading to his current situation of serving at the imperial mausoleum for at least seven years before he could return to the capital.


    Seven years was more than enough time for the Jiang family to rise in power, ensuring the Sixth Prince''s position as crown prince was firmly established.


    Moreover, the former empress had entrusted the Fifth Prince to her before her death, even though he wasn''t raised in her pce, there was still a sense of care and responsibility.


    If she didn''t be the empress, then who else could?


    Although there were those who might plot against the Sixth Prince, the truth was that all princes in the pce faced great danger from birth to adulthood, and those who survived were truly exceptional.


    If being a prince meant being targeted, then why not aim to be the crown prince?


    At least as the crown prince, there would be more people serving and protecting him, and the pce maids and eunuchs who knew they were serving the future heir would be even more dedicated, even willing to sacrifice their lives.


    This was undoubtedly a good thing for the Sixth Prince.


    The act of poisoning a crown prince was of an entirely different nature than poisoning a mere prince.


    Few would dare to harm the Sixth Prince... no... he should now be called the Little Crown Prince.


    With the Pei family already fallen, officials from the Pei faction were in a state of panic. At this moment, the emperor issued a decree to appoint the Sixth Prince as the crown prince, and these officials, in an effort to show their loyalty, dared not defy the emperor''s will, all praising the emperor''s wisdom.


    They extolled both the Sixth Prince and Jiang Xinyue to the heavens, making the emperor quite pleased.


    It turned out that a few officials who had managed to escape unscathed from the Pei family''s downfall believed it was because their ttery had hit the mark with the emperor.


    In reality, the emperor had his own considerations, retaining only those who were capable and had only superficial connections with the Pei family, never deeply involved.


    "Miao Linlin has confessed."


    Xuanwu Emperor stroked Jiang Xinyue''s hair as shey in his arms: "Minister Pei of the Privy Council had her capture Jiang Yulin to cultivate Gu, with the intention of sending Jiang Yulin back one day. When the Gu entered your parents'' bodies, they woulde to the pce, and she could further control you. This time, when I took you to visit your family, it waspletely unexpected by them, so they decided to go all out and try to control both you and me."


    At that point, not only would they have wealth and honor, but the entire Great Yan Dynasty would be within their grasp.


    "Did she only say that?"


    Jiang Xinyue looked up at him, her small hand stirring mischief on his chest: "I thought she would mention that my father deceived her of her antidote and try to drag him down with her!"n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Xuanwu Emperor, tickled by her actions, caught her hand and pinned it above her head, punishing her with a kiss as he spoke: "You guessed right. In fact, she provided two testimonies. One was that she imed Lord Jiang had made a deal with her, asking her to infiltrate the Pei family and find an opportunity to destroy it. The other was what I just told you."


    As for which one was true, that depended on the emperor''s intentions.


    And now, it was clear that the emperor had burned Miao Linlin''s testimony, keeping only the one that implicated Minister Pei of the Privy Council.


    Jiang Xinyue dodged Xuanwu Emperor''s lips, rising from the imperial couch and walking to the window: "I heard that the fourth daughter of the Pei family has sought refuge with the Su Family, asking Second Young Master Su to marry her!"


    ording to thews of the Great Yan Dynasty, even if a family was to be exterminated, it did not affect the daughters who had already married.


    On the day Minister Pei of the Privy Council was imprisoned, a heavy snowfall began in the capital. Initially, officials from the Pei faction imed it was a sign of injustice from heaven, suggesting the minister had been wrongfully used.


    However, those who made such ims were sent to the Imperial Astronomy Bureau, where they were made to study the heavens and weather patterns alongside the Bureau officials.


    After two days of this, these officials clearly understood that thunder, lightning, rain, or snow had nothing to do with anyone, and certainly not with Minister Pei of the Privy Council''s alleged injustice.


    Now, after three or four days of continuous snowfall, it showed no signs of stopping.


    It was said that a timely snow heralds a bountiful harvest.


    Finally, good news arrived from Yu Province: Zhu Qianyi reported that it had begun to rain in Yu Province.


    Upon ?????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????hearing this, the people of Yu Province, connecting it to Minister Pei of the Privy Council''s imprisonment, suddenly realized: "So the drought in Yu Province was a sign of heaven''s displeasure with the Pei family''s overreach. Look, as soon as the Pei family fell, it started raining in Yu Province. Can''t this prove anything?"


    Xuanwu Emperor, worried that the wind might chill Jiang Xinyue, fetched a fox fur from the screen and draped it over her shoulders, then ced a warming stove in her hands before standing beside her: "The fickle wife of the Su Family is bound to bring ruin to the Su Family sooner orter. Second Young Master Su has had two failed engagements, and there are already some unfavorable rumors about him. Did you know he has shaved his head and be a monk?"


    Ah!


    Could it be that, unable to marry Jiang Yunxia, he has renounced the world?

 Chapter 361

    <h1>Chapter 361</h1>


    Since he had shaved his head and be a monk, Fourth Miss Pei''s ns must have fallen through.


    I wonder what Imperial Censor Su will think when he returns from Jiangnan and discovers that his son has been forced to be a monk by his wife, and the Jiang family girl he had painstakingly arranged to marry has also been thoroughly offended by his wife?


    Will ?????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????he be so angry that he''ll divorce his wife?


    The Xuanwu Emperor nced at her and knew immediately that she was plotting something mischievous. He gently flicked her forehead: "Imperial Censor Su went to Jiangnan this time with his most favored concubine."


    That means the concubine will also return with him.


    Lady Su doesn''t seem like an easy woman to deal with. The concubine managed to win her master''s favor under her nose and was even taken by Imperial Censor Su to the Su family''s Jiangnan estate. She must be quite a capable woman.


    Lady Su has botched such a significant matter. Once the concubine whispers in Imperial Censor Su''s ear, how can Lady Su expect to have an easy life?


    Jiang Xinyue would quite enjoy seeing Lady Su suffer.


    Outside the window, the snow was a vast expanse of white. On the opposite corridor, Xi Que was blowing on her hands to warm them: "Qing Yu, if you have something to say, say it quickly. Her Highness is waiting for me to serve her!"


    Qing Yu, whose hands were behind his back, hesitated for a long time, wanting to step forward and then retreating. After much hesitation, he finally handed over an oiled paper package: "You mentioned you like the chestnut cakes from Yi Kousu, right? I picked some up while running an errand outside the pce."


    Xi Que, who had been craving snacks from Yi Kousu for quite some time, quickly pinched a small piece and put it in her mouth.


    The sweet and soft texture was exactly the taste she remembered!


    Her eyes squinted with delight, clearly showing that this gift was more to her liking than the hairpins Qing Yu had given her earlier.


    "They''re still warm!"


    Xi Que nced at the snowy weather and then at Qing Yu''s visibly disheveled chest, her cheeks instantly turning red.


    Qing Yu''s eyes never left Xi Que''s face. Seeing her suddenly blush, he too awkwardly lowered his gaze, though his reddening ears betrayed his emotions.


    Xiao Xiangzi stood outside Jiang Xinyue''s room, smiling warmly at the innocent couple, feeling a bit like a father reluctantly seeing his daughter off to marriage.


    "This Qing Yu..."


    The Xuanwu Emperor chuckled and shook his head: "If you''re serious about finding a good match for Xi Que, Qing Yu would be an excellent choice. Qing Yu''s surname is Meng."


    "The Meng family from the western part of the city?"


    The Xuanwu Emperor nodded: "Exactly."


    That''s not just an excellent choice.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    The emperor''s assessment was too modest.


    Meng Qingyu''s grandfather had once served as the deputy general of the Flying Cavalry General in the army. Later, due to injuries, he retired from the front lines but was highly trusted by the general, who arranged a clerical position for him in the army.


    Although it was a minor role, all major and minor matters in the army passed through Meng Qingyu''s grandfather''s hands. Everyone in the capital knew that the general''s household, from the elderly matron to the young masters anddies, all took good care of the Meng family.


    Meng Qingyu''s parents had passed away early, and his family consisted only of an elderly grandmother in her seventies. His grandfather, who was with the army, might not return home even once a year.


    Even Meng Qingyu''s position as a royal bodyguard was arranged by the general''s household.


    Of course, he also had real skills; otherwise, he wouldn''t have been able to rise above many other royal bodyguards to earn the opportunity to protect the emperor personally.


    Being a royal bodyguard would only be the beginning of his career, not the end.


    After a few more years of training, he might be another fierce general in the Flying Cavalry Army.


    However...


    Although after the sixth prince''s first birthday, Xi Que would be a first-rank senior maidservant by the empress''s side, a maidservant is still a servant who serves others. The Meng family has a bright future; would they ept Xi Que as Meng Qingyu''s wife?


    If she were to be a concubine, Jiang Xinyue would be somewhat unwilling.


    If she had a choice, she would have picked a decent family and married as a legitimate wife.


    Xi Que is not adept at scheming and is straightforward in her actions. Jiang Xinyue has never tried to change her, feeling that Xi Que being herself is just fine.


    She doesn''t want Xi Que to suffer injustice, and if the Meng family doesn''t ept her status...


    "What are you overthinking now?"


    The emperor turned her body to face him: "Xi Que has her own fortune. Don''t think too much about it. Just focus on raising our little princess to be plump and healthy. I''ll give her all the pearls, jade, and jewelry from my private treasury."


    When the sixth prince was still in the womb, the emperor took care of him, and now with the second pregnancy, he''s even more experienced.


    Jiang Xinyue''s pregnancy has been morefortable than the first.


    After all, back then, the empress dowager was still around, and the empress, Consort Li, Consort De, and Consort Liang all had their eyes on her.


    From the moment she conceived the sixth prince until she gave birth, she never truly rxed.


    This time is different.


    The harem is firmly under her control, and she doesn''t have to guard against one person or another. With the Xuanwu Emperor taking care of her, Jiang Xinyue feels that if she were ten years older, she''d be the empress dowager without a doubt.


    Life has been toofortable, causing Jiang Xinyue to forget about Princess Lihua from Goguryeo until March, when the pce began preparations for the triennial selection of concubines, and she heard Jin Lihua''s name again.


    "The Goguryeo delegation is about to return home, but before they leave, they''ve sent Princess Lihua into the pce, saying they want to present the most beautiful pearl of Goguryeo to the emperor, for him to ept graciously!"


    Now, she has taken up residence in Yanqing Pce, which was formerly Consort De''s residence, and has be the new Consort Ru.


    Jiang Xinyue, along with Low Level Consort Yu and Consort Wen, were ying mahjong when Low Level Consort Yu was fuming: "The emperor is quite generous with outsiders, granting her a consort rank right away. I''ve served him for so many years and even gave birth to the eldest princess, yet he demoted me from Consort Liang to a low-level consort, and he didn''t even mention a grand harem promotion during the New Year. I was so excited for nothing."


    Consort Wen quietly took one of her tiles: "You''re too impatient. Does Her Highness not have a n in mind?"


    Low Level Consort Yu pushed her tiles aside: "I can''t y anymore, I''m too agitated. Oh, and! Your Highness, ever since Consort De died, the second princess has been increasingly clingy with my daughter. I''ve noticed her words bing more and more biased. I don''t know if it''s because of the people around her? If so, all the servants around her should be reced."


    To prevent future resentment from growing.


    Jiang Xinyue let out a coldugh: "She''s only a couple of years younger than the eldest princess. The eldest princess could convince you to change your ways and turn over a new leaf, yet she''s being swayed by the people around her and harboring resentment against me. It''s simply because she harbors hatred in her heart."


    She''s not a saint. Consort De plotted against her and even wanted to kill her child. Why should she forgive and forget?


    As long as the second princess doesn''t stir up trouble, they''ll just stay out of each other''s way. When the timees, the emperor will arrange a suitable match for her, and that will be the end of it.


    If she''s not content and wants to avenge her mother, then she won''t show any mercy.

 Chapter 362

    <h1>Chapter 362</h1>


    "Sob, sob, sob..."


    From within the eldest princess''s pavilion, the sound of a young girl''s sobbing could be heard: "They... they think I''m easy to bully. Since my mother is gone and no one protects me, they deliberately pick on me."


    "How could that be?"


    The eldest princess felt a headacheing on. Recently, the second princess had beening to her pce, crying a little every three days and a lot every five days. They had always been close, and theforting words she had repeated so many times that her mouth was parched, but the second princess just wouldn''t snap out of it.


    "Why wouldn''t it be?"


    The second princess wiped her tears: "It''s just a few pieces of silver charcoal, right? Even if I take a little less, or a little more, what''s the big deal? Yet the Internal Affairs Office punished my head nanny. Isn''t that a p in my face? I know, because my mothermitted a grave mistake and offended the Imperial Noble Consort, they are humiliating me, all to curry favor with the Imperial Noble Consort."


    She didn''t directly use the Imperial Noble Consort, but every word she said seemed to express her dissatisfaction with Jiang Xinyue.


    "If it weren''t for my mother''s death, how dare they treat me like this? What''s wrong with me helping my maternal grandfather? He''s almost..."


    The eldest princess had been holding back for a long time and finally couldn''t take it anymore, interrupting her: "Shen Mingzhu, snap out of it."


    She faced the second princess with a serious expression: "What I''m about to say might not be what you want to hear, but if you want to stay alive and continue living your life of luxury, you better listen carefully."


    "Sister..."


    The second princess seemed to have never seen the eldest princess get angry with her and was momentarily stunned.


    "Your mother''s death was because she mistreated the pce staff and repeatedly tried to harm the Imperial Noble Consort and the sixth imperial brother. If it weren''t for the Consort''s own vignce, she would have been killed by your mother multiple times. Moreover, your mother wasn''t killed by the Consort; she was stabbed to death by Xiao Ronghua, who had gone mad after being tortured by Consort De. If the Consort wanted to torment you, you''d probably have been sent to some vassal state for a political marriage by now. How could you still be sitting here ming her?"n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    "Your younger brother, Xuan''er, is younger than you, yet he can distinguish right from wrong and voluntarily went to the Ancestral Temple to atone for the sinsmitted by Consort De. You''re already twelve years old, and in three years, Father Emperor will find you a husband. Why are you so muddle-headed? Who told you that the servants'' mistreatment of you was the Imperial Noble Consort''s doing? The Consort is currently pregnant, spending her days ying cards, enjoying flowers and tea with the other consorts, and mostly resting in Hexi Pce. She rarely even leaves her pce. With no empress in the harem, the Consort, as the de facto deputy empress, has so much to worry about. How would she have the time to target you?"


    "You''re just a princess, and you''ll eventually be married off. It''s more worthwhile for her to target Third Imperial Brother. Which of your gossiping servants is sowing discord? Tell me, and I''ll confront her on behalf of the Imperial Noble Consort to see if what she said holds any truth."


    The second princess blinked and looked at the nanny beside her. The nanny''s eyes were darting around, too afraid to meet the eldest princess''s gaze.


    But the eldest princess wasn''t someone easily fooled.


    She immediately stood up, her presencemanding as she stood in front of the nanny: "Is it you who''s been badmouthing the Imperial Noble Consort in front of my sister, sowing discord between them?"


    The nanny''s forehead was dripping with sweat, and she fell to her knees with a "thud": "I dare not, I dare not..."


    "I ?????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????think you dare quite a lot."


    The eldest princess kicked the nanny over: "Let me ask you, Cheng Guogong and Consort De conspired several times to take the Imperial Noble Consort''s life and wanted to topple the Jiang family. Why didn''t you tell my sister about that? That year, the sixth imperial prince in Hexi Pce nearly died from white phosphorus powder. Why didn''t you say it was Cheng Guogong''s doing? Yes, you are Cheng Guogong''s rtives, and you sympathize with his plight, but wasn''t that his own fault? His punishment was decreed by Father Emperor himself. You don''t have the guts to me Father Emperor, so you pin all the me on the Imperial Noble Consort. Why?"


    The second princess clearly found it hard to ept this reality and shook her head vigorously: "No, no, no... it''s not like that. The nanny said..."


    The nanny''s face was pale, on the verge of copse: "I... I just couldn''t bear to..."


    "You couldn''t bear to see Cheng Guogong suffer?"


    The eldest princess shouted: "What about the children who died at the hands of Consort De and Cheng Guogong? The concubines who died with their unborn children? The people who were tortured to death? Aren''t they suffering? Why can you only see your own suffering and ignore others''?"


    The Consort Zhuang in the pce was made to miscarry by Consort De, and she bled profusely, eventually passing away not long after Consort De''s death.


    The imperial physician said that all these years, what kept Consort Zhuang alive was a single breath.


    A breath to avenge her child.


    Now that Jiang Xinyue had helped her find the culprit and avenged her, the breath was gone, and so was she.


    Wasn''t she suffering?


    The second princess was already a sobbing mess: "Sister, I didn''t know... I really didn''t know..."


    The eldest princess hugged her and patted her back infort: "Mingzhu, Concubine Zhen has always been Concubine Zhen, the Concubine Zhen we once knew. She hasn''t changed; it''s our perspective that has changed. You''re growing up and should have your own thoughts, learn to think for yourself. Don''t listen to gossip. Ask yourself, has Concubine Zhen ever treated you badly?"


    After Consort De''s death, Third Imperial Brother left the pce, and in the back pavilion of Yanqing Pce, the second princess lived.


    Jiang Xinyue was afraid she would overthink, so she had the Emperor select two well-behaved and gentle girls from among the officials'' daughters to be herpanions.


    Everyday rewards of silk, brocade, jewelry, and gold were nevercking, which was more than enough kindness.


    The second princess took all of this for granted.


    That''s not right.


    No one is obligated to be unconditionally kind to a stranger.


    "I... I understand..."


    The second princess shyly smiled at the eldest princess: "Today, Consort Ru is moving into Yanqing Pce, and I still have to make arrangements. I won''t disturb you while you work on your wedding dress!"


    The eldest princess pretended to hit her, but the second princess dodged with a cheerfulugh and ran out the door.


    After running a certain distance, she stopped, her expression darkening.


    The nanny who followed her out wiped the sweat from her forehead: "Your Highness, the eldest princess seems..."


    "Hmph!"


    The second princess sneered: "She''s about to marry that Jiang Shoucheng from the Jiang family, so now my sister is speaking up for them,pletely disregarding my feelings as her sister."


    The nanny nodded: "Exactly! That Low Level Consort Yu is also kissing up to the Jiang family, isn''t she just trying to get some benefits? The way she curries favor with the former empress is exactly the same as now. The eldest princess didn''t learn anything good, but she mastered the art of sucking up perfectly."


    The second princess wholeheartedly agreed, sighing disappointedly: "Nanny, we''ll have to rely on ourselves."

 Chapter 363

    <h1>Chapter 363</h1>


    Her elder sister, the Second Princess, had already been bought over by the Imperial Noble Consort Jiang Xinyue with small favors.


    "Your Highness, are we really not going to do anything about it?"


    On their way back, Shuang Jiang voiced her concerns: "What if the Second Princess believes that it was you who caused the death of Consort De? Then she..."


    Isn''t it hard to be a stepmother?


    Jiang Xinyue strolled leisurely, saying: "It''s not that we don''t care, but this matter shouldn''t be managed by us. She is the Emperor''s princess, and it should be the Emperor who takes care of it himself."


    If handled poorly, it could lead to resentment. If one wants to handle it well, it would require a lot of effort. The Second Princess is not a child with unformed values; once she''s bent, it''s hard to straighten her out again.


    After all, she''s not her own child. Why should she exert herself so much? It''s exhausting.


    She''s not a saint; she doesn''t need everyone to like her.


    For the Emperor to take charge, he needs to hear the Second Princess curse Jiang Xinyue.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Shuang Jiang''s bright eyes, like grapes, rolled a few times before she turned to instruct the young pce maid behind her: "Go to the Imperial Noble Consort''s storeroomter and fetch a few good bolts of fabric, specifically velvet flower fabric, and choose the best ones to send to Yanqing Pce for the Second Princess."


    The maid didn''t understand why velvet flower fabric was specified, but Jiang Xinyue had already smiled faintly: "The weather is too cold. The Second Princess is in the prime of her youth; she should have more beautiful dresses made. In a few days, the new selected maidens will be entering the pce, and they will all be dressed to impress. Don''t let anyone sayter that I didn''t provide her with beautiful clothes."


    When this reached the Emperor''s ears, it would mean that Jiang Xinyue had been very considerate of the Second Princess and hadn''t been harsh with her in any way because of her rtionship with Consort De.


    Moreover, the Emperor had previously sent Wang Dequan to the Ancestral Temple to deliver warm clothing for the Third Prince, but the Third Prince said that Consort Jiang had already sent him what he needed.


    Wang Dequan had also seen that the clothes and bedding, made to the Third Prince''s measurements, were all thick and warm, and the kang was heated to afortable temperature.


    The servants at the Ancestral Temple all said that the Imperial Noble Consort had warned them not to mistreat the Third Prince, or else, no matter how strong their backing, they would face severe consequences.


    "The Imperial Noble Consort is kind-hearted," Wang Dequan said with a smile, pouring tea for the Emperor. "The poison in me could be cured thanks to the instructions of the Consort, who had Minister Jiang prepare an extra dose for me. I''ve never seen anyone softer-hearted than her."


    The Emperor chuckled and shook his head: "You still don''t understand her. She''s not kind-hearted; she''s protective, extremely protective. If you treat her with three points of kindness, she''ll repay you with seven. Anyone under her wing, she doesn''t want them to suffer or be bullied."


    But for her enemies or those who betray her, she''s not a soft-hearted goddess but a ruthless King of Hell.


    "That''s why it''s the Emperor who truly understands the Imperial Noble Consort''s nature," Wang Dequan said.


    Thinking of Jiang Xinyue, the Sixth Prince, and the little princess she was carrying, the Xuanwu Emperor felt his heart melt with warmth. That empty heart of his finally had a ce to call home.


    Wang Dequan chuckled, suddenly remembering something: "Your Majesty, in two days, the selected beauties will enter the pce. Do you have any ns? If so, I can inform the Imperial Noble Consort."


    Who should be kept and who shouldn''t, to avoid any misunderstandings.


    In previous years, the selection was done by the Empress Dowager and the Empress, along with the concubines, but the Emperor had never participated. He would only provide a list of names of the favored young women who must be kept.


    "No need," the Xuanwu Emperor said, putting down his brush. "This time, I''ll go with her."


    Otherwise, this vinegar jar might spill again.


    In fact, whether they selected the showgirl or not, the significance wasn''t very great anymore. In these three years, he had eliminated his rivals, prosecuting the Song and Pei families, along with the dozen or so smaller families that relied on them.


    The ?????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????current court was either families he had personally supported, like the Jiang, Jiangang, and Jing families, or schrs from humble backgrounds who had entered the government through the imperial examinations.


    The important positions were all filled by his own people.


    The selection of beautiful women was no longer very significant.


    But the selection of courtdies (xi¨´n¨·) every three years was a rule that had been followed since ancient times, and it couldn''t be abolished so easily.


    If he set a precedent here, in the future, his sons, grandsons, and great-grandsons... every generation of rulers, if even one of them had a romantic inclination and abolished the selection for the woman he loved, they would use him as an example.


    They would say they were following the precedent set by a predecessor.


    And who would that predecessor be?


    Him, the big victim.


    So, although the significance was not great, the Emperor still couldn''t abolish the selection system.


    He couldn''t set this precedent.


    Tang Shiliang entered from outside, tearing up the small note from Shuang Jiang and throwing it into the incense burner by the door. He didn''t speak immediately but waited until the Emperor finished handling the memorials and was about to retire for the night, helping him change out of his dragon robe, before saying: "I heard that the Second Princess went to cry to the First Princess again today, saying that the servants of the Neiwufu were disrespectful to her. I thought, Your Majesty, it''s been a while since you visited the Second Princess. The Qintianjian said tomorrow''s weather is good; why not go to Yanqing Pce to see her?"


    After all, she''s still his daughter; how could he not feel a bit of affection?


    Even if he didn''t feel affection, a princess is still a princess, a master in the pce. There''s no reason for her to be bullied by servants.


    "Then after the morning court tomorrow, I''ll go to Yanqing Pce to take a look," the Emperor said.


    Tang Shiliang felt reassured upon hearing the specific time and, while going to fetch the Emperor''s foot soak water, summoned his trusted eunuch: "Go to Hexi Pce and find Shuang Jiang, tell her..."


    The next day, the heavy snow was about to stop, and the entire imperial pce was enveloped in a silver-white world.


    The Qintianjian stated that this winter was longer than usual, which is why there was still heavy snow in March.


    In Yanqing Pce, Consort Ru was dressed in the headpiece of a Great Yan pce consort, admiring herself in the bronze mirror: "Great Yan is indeed a heavenly kingdom. Look at this exquisite hairpin; no matter how we imitate, we can''t capture the essence."


    "Bang!"


    A loud noise came from the back attic, and Consort Ru listened intently but couldn''t hear what was being said, only the Second Princess''s sobs.


    Hui Yuan, Consort Ru''s personal maid, rolled her eyes unhappily: "Princess, they say that many people have died in this pce before! I heard the maids say that in the sealed-off lotus garden in the backyard, they dug up more than a dozen corpses, all killed by the Second Princess''s birth mother."


    "Don''t listen to their nonsense," Consort Ru said indifferently, pursing her lips. "I know the women of Great Yan are very scheming, trying to sow discord between me and the Emperor. I''m not that foolish!"


    Hui Yuan sighed: "But the Emperor neveres to our ce!"


    "The Emperor has arrived¡ª¡ª"


    Speaking of the Emperor, here hees!

 Chapter 364

    <h1>Chapter 364</h1>


    Consort Ru flitted out like a joyful little bird, fluttering her wings as she went.


    "Your Majesty, this subject¡­ this subject pays her respects to the Emperor."


    She mimicked the etiquette of The Great Yan Dynasty, just like all the other consorts in the harem, hoping to show the Emperor a different side of herself.


    Unexpectedly, the Emperor merely nced at her indifferently and asked in a perfunctory tone, "Rise. Are you ustomed to life in the pce?"


    Consort Ru nodded. "This subject is overjoyed to be so close to the Emperor for the first time. There is nothing I am not ustomed to."


    The Emperor nodded and moved to pass her by. Consort Ru followed. "Your Majesty, aren''t you here to see this subject? Where are you going?"


    Wang Dequan turned and raised his hand to stop her. "Your Highness Consort Ru, the Emperor is going to visit the second princess. Please return."


    Consort Ru thought that after visiting the second princess, the Emperor would surelye to see her. With a heart full of anticipation, she ran off again.


    She wanted to hurry back and instruct her servants to prepare fine wine and delicacies. Today, she was determined to present herself to the Emperor.


    "Princess, this fabric is so beautiful. The servant heard that Ronghua Xueguang brocade is very rare and only avable in the Imperial Noble Consort''s chambers."


    The second princess sat at the head of the room, ncing at the maidservant who was full of admiration. She took a sip of fragrant tea before saying, "Do you like it?"


    The maidservant quickly replied, "The servant dares not. This is a gift from the Imperial Noble Consort to Your Highness. The servant has shallow eyes and has never seen such fine things. It''s really not¡­"


    "If you like it, I''ll give it to you."


    "Ah?"


    The maidservant was momentarily stunned but quickly fell to her knees with a thud upon understanding the second princess''s words. "Your Highness, this is a gift from the Imperial Noble Consort to you. Only someone of your noble status can wear it. The servant¡­ the servant¡­"


    "Why can''t a servant wear it?"


    The second princess chuckled lightly. "Before the Imperial Noble Consort was favored by the Emperor, she was just a lowly noblewoman in Xihuo Pce, with a mother who was a dancer in Ruyang Prince''s Residence. She was taken into the residence of Minister Jiang. Wasn''t she a servant to her legitimate sisters at that time? It was only through the Emperor''s favor that she rose from servant to master. Now, no one mentions her past status anymore. A few bolts of fabric are worth her ''bestowal'' upon me? I find it fitting that such a gift is given to you, the servants."


    Her mother was originally a legitimate daughter of the Mansion of the Duke of Cheng, and her maternal grandfather was a first-rank duke. As long as the Mansion of the Duke of Cheng remained standing, she would have a strong backing in the future.


    But Jiang Xinyue destroyed all of that.


    She disregarded the past kindness shown to her and the camaraderie they once shared, intent on driving her mother to her death, even targeting the Mansion of the Duke of Cheng.


    Yes!


    Her mother had made mistakes, but why did everyone think she deserved to die, with no chance for redemption?


    The third prince was confused and had voluntarily entered the Ancestral Temple, leaving her alone in the deep pce with no one to confide in.


    Her hatred only grew deeper.


    The old nanny by the second princess''s side also chuckled. "The princess speaks truly. When ites to birthright, Your Highness is the one who is truly noble. She, born of a servant, what right does she have to bestow anything upon you? It''s all because of the Emperor, but who is the Emperor? He is your father. She is not worthy of even saying the word ''bestow'' to you."


    "Is this how you think of the Imperial Noble Consort?"


    From the openttice door, the Emperor''s figure suddenly appeared, his face dark. "The Imperial Noble Consort''s intentions were good, yet you not only fail to be grateful but even a mere servant dares to speak ill of her status. Shen Mingzhu, have you learned the rules of the pce into a dog''s belly?"


    The second princess was shocked to realize her disparaging words about Jiang Xinyue had been overheard by the Emperor. She stood up from her chair and knelt down, tears blurring her vision.


    "Then tell me, Father, how should I face my mother''s murderer?"


    She used her tears to counter the Emperor''s anger. "I have grown to be over ten years old, not in vain. You, Father, are busy with state affairs and have no time for me and my brother. It was Mother who raised us, nurturing us into adulthood. Whether she was extremely wicked or utterly evil, she was my mother! The mother who raised me since I was a child! My brother and I trusted Lady Jiang so much. Why was it her? Why was it her?"


    It was she who disrupted the bnce of the harem, taking away the favor that rightfully belonged to her mother, forcing her to curry favor with Jiang Xinyue to gain the Emperor''s affection.


    The Xuanwu Emperor listened to her desperate cries, feeling even more that Consort De deserved her fate.


    If not for her insatiable greed, the second princess and the third prince would not be in this situation.


    "That was all your mother''s own doing. It''s not the fault of others."


    The Emperor''s gaze was clear as he looked at the second princess. "Your mother faked her death and still tried to ambush the Imperial Noble Consort, wanting to kill her. In the end, she was killed by the mad Consort Xiao. You me this on the Imperial Noble Consort? I truly didn''t expect that. Do you think your mother wasn''t guilty unless the Imperial Noble Consort dies?"


    No matter what the Emperor said, the second princess always believed that her mother did not deserve to die, that it was all Jiang Xinyue''s scheme.


    But in front of the Emperor, she couldn''t show it. She could only cry and feign weakness. "Father, I don''t want to¡­ I don''t want to, but whenever I think of Mother''s death and Lady Jiang''s involvement, I can''t help but hate. I¡­ I''m so sad."


    The Emperor had few children left, and he genuinely loved each of the ones he had.


    If it weren''t for these children, Consort De would have been deposed long ago, not dragged out until she made a move on Jiang Xinyue.


    The second princess wept bitterly, and the Emperor felt pity but still retained some reason. "Those with narrow minds always me others for their mistakes. Mingzhu¡­ you should learn from your Eldest Sister."


    The second princess bit her lip. "Mingzhu¡­ Mingzhu understands. I''m sorry, Father. I know I was wrong. I will never speak ill of Lady Jiang again."


    The Emperor nodded. "If you can change, that would be best."


    If she couldn''t change, well, a princess who reaches a certain age without marrying will be sent out of the pce to establish her own residence.


    Then he wouldn''t have to see her, and she and Jiang Xinyue wouldn''t cross paths anymore.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    The second princess lowered her head. "Father, I wish to go on a schrly journey. Please grant me your permission."


    She looked down. "My narrow-mindedness stems from my limited experiences within the pce. I wish to go out and see the world, to broaden my mind. May I?"


    Locked in this pce, it would always be the Imperial Noble Consort''s domain, and no one could outmatch her.


    Her world should be outside the pce.


    Jiang Xinyue''s influence couldn''t extend outside the pce.


    She couldn''t break through from within; she had to encircle from without.


    "This old nanny can no longer remain by your side."


    The ?????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????Emperor signaled Tang Shiliang to take the woman away. "I will send you a head nannyter. You are a youngdy of over ten years now. Do not let a servant lead you by the nose."

 Chapter 365

    <h1>Chapter 365</h1>


    Now, whatever the Emperor said, the second princess could only endure it in silence.0


    He hadn''t yet agreed to let her go on a study tour.0


    "The matter of studying abroad... let''s discuss itter."0


    A youngdy, even if she followed the students of the Imperial Academy, wouldn''t be eptable, and traveling alone would be even more out of the question. As a princess, she represented the face of the royal family.0


    "The Emperor is here, the Emperor is here..."0


    Hui Yuan excitedly jumped up: "Your Highness, the Emperor ising."0


    Consort Ru''s face turned red with excitement, but the greater the hope, the greater the disappointment. The Emperor directly bypassed the drawing room and walked away through a side path.0


    What was that about?0


    Did she bite?0


    The second princess wiped away her tears and nced at the maid standing beside her: "Take this fabric to the Clothing Department and have them make two suitable outfits for me."0


    If he really had intentions, why would he send velvet flower snow satin?0


    Spring was just around the corner, and by April, the weather would start to get warmer, while velvet fabric was meant for autumn and winter days.0


    The Imperial Noble Consort was known for her unparalleled wisdom and foresight, how could she not know?0


    The ?????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????second princess suddenly realized, yes!0


    How could she not know?0


    She knew and still sent it to her, which meant she did it on purpose.0


    This realization was even more frightening than when her father discovered her speaking ill of the Imperial Noble Consort.0


    Because the Imperial Noble Consort had already known, that''s why she sent the velvet satin, and then whispered in the Emperor''s ear, prompting him toe see her, just in time to catch her in that moment.0


    She didn''t even need to lift a finger; the Emperor would take care of the trouble for her.0


    Thinking of this, the second princess buried her face on the table and cried again.0


    The days of watching her own mother be killed and having to live under the thumb of her enemy were truly unbearable.0


    She had to leave the pce, she must leave the pce.0


    The next day was a bright and sunny one. The snow in the pce melted, revealing a fresh appearance, and overnight, the scenery seemed to havee back to life, showing endless green.0


    Beneath the snow and wind, tender green shoots quietly blossomed.0


    A row of mule carts were neatly arranged in front of Shenwu Gate, with the corners of the carts hung withrge red, peach red, light red, pink, and white flowers.0


    They were arranged ording to the official ranks of the xiu n¨¹ (courtdies) backgrounds.0


    Therge red ones were at the front, followed by peach red, and so on.0


    Tang Shiliang waved his whisk, ncing at the beautifuldies who had already disembarked from the carts, and assigned all the little eunuchs he brought along to maintain order.0


    The imperial concubines who were to be selected couldn''t see the Emperor from the start. These imperial concubines were all beauties between the ages of thirteen and sixteen, and those from official families didn''t need to be mentioned, as their titles would naturally be higher.0


    Those from themon people were selected by the government with silver coins, sent to the capital by their parents, and then chosen by the eunuchs, and could only enter the pce in groups of a hundred.0


    Once in the pce, they would be screened by the Internal Affairs Department, and those who were too fat, too thin, too tall, or too short would be sent back home.0


    The next day, thedy-in-waiting would inspect their ears, eyes, mouth, nose, hair, skin, neck, shoulders, and back. If any of these were deemed unqualified, another batch of talented women would be sent out of the pce.0


    On the third day, officials would inform the eunuchs of the selected women''s ce of origin and age, and the senior female attendants would listen to the selected women''s voices.0


    Those with unclear voices, too masculine, or stuttering would be rejected.0


    After that, it was the job of the Internal Affairs Department and the teaching aunt of Chuxiu Pce.0


    When Jiang Xinyue crossed over, she had already passed the time of learning the rules, and the court selection was over, so she didn''t experience this ordeal.0


    Now, as she listened to the progress reports from her subordinates, she felt that the Emperor was quite fortunate.0


    Even after passing all the previous tests, the courtdies would still be taken to a secret room, where the senior female attendants would inspect their armpits and... private parts, to see if they were indeed pure virgins.0n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Too perverse!0


    Jiang Xinyue was relieved that she hadn''t gone through this; otherwise, she might have deliberately pretended to stutter during the voice inspection and ended up disqualified.0


    It was said that after these inspections, they would measure the youngdies'' feet to see if they walked impatiently, and they would have to stay in Chuxiu Pce for at least a month, learning the rules with the instructing aunt. Only when the aunt felt they were gentle in temperament, tolerant and magnanimous, and courteous could they be introduced to the front hall for selection.0


    So, as seen in previous TV dramas, it was impossible to bring anyone to the Emperor for selection.0


    Thousands of talented women entered the pce, but only a few hundred could reach the selection in the hall.0


    And out of these few hundred, those who were sent out due to the intrigues among the talented young women were also excluded.0


    It could be said that those who stood in front of the Emperor and Jiang Xinyue, whether in appearance or tactics, were not simple characters.0


    The days of learning the rules for the courtdies were also the best time for them topete for attention.0


    Low Level Consort Yu watched a few talenteddies "identally" meet the Emperor in the distance, covering her mouth and giggling: "When there are many people, the huge pce seems crowded. The Emperor has to go from Chengqian Pce to Hexi Pce every day, and those talenteddies waiting in groups along the way, their intentions are too obvious."0


    Those with high levels wouldn''t be so impatient, and now only small fry wereing out.0


    Jiang Xinyue saw off Low Level Consort Yu, Consort Wen, and Noble Consort Ye at the door, and the Emperor immediately left the few talented young women who were still reciting poems and ran over.0


    "Is that the Imperial Noble Consort?"0


    Hearing about it before, and now seeing it, one realizes that the poems describing "a nce over the shoulder brings forth a hundred charms, while the beauty of the six pces pales inparison" were indeed real.0


    Consort Cheng''s handkerchief was almost twisted to pieces. She had deliberately sold the Emperor''s itinerary to those talented women, but none of them were useful.0


    Since the fall of the Pei family, Jiang Xinyue had been like a fish in water in the pce, free and easy. Only then did she realize that her father had always been working for the Minister of the Pei family.0


    Once the Pei family fell, Jiang Xinyue''s father discovered her father''s behind-the-scenes master. Although he hadn''t had time to take any major action, how could Minister Jiang keep a potential danger by his side?0


    The Emperor had already demoted her father back to Guangxi, where he worked as a small scribe in the county yamen.0


    She had never received the Emperor''s favor, and the gap between her and the Imperial Noble Consort was growing wider. She was almost giving up.0


    But she just couldn''t ept it, she didn''t believe the Emperor would remain faithful to Jiang Xinyue, she just wanted to see if the Emperor''s betrayal would cause the two to fall apart.0


    She just couldn''t bear to see Jiang Xinyue happy.0


    Thepetition in Chuxiu Pce was still intense, and the harem was also restless. Soon it would be April 12, the first birthday celebration of the Sixth Prince.0


    Consort Ru uninvited herself to the second princess''s pavilion: "I heard you don''t like the Imperial Noble Consort?"0


    The second princess red at her: "What do you want to say?"0


    Her dislike for Jiang Xinyue was her own business, what did this foreigner have to do with it?0


    "Then why don''t you target the eldest princess?"0


    Consort Ru''s bright eyes looked at her: "The eldest princess is going to marry a man from the Jiang family, and then she''ll be a Jiang. That''s your enemy, why don''t you target the eldest princess, make her disfigured or lose her innocence? Don''t the people of Great Yan value this the most? As long as..."

 Chapter 366

    <h1>Chapter 366</h1>


    "?????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????Crash!"0


    A teapot shattered at her feet,pletely broken. The second princess jumped up from her chair and rushed forward, pping Consort Ru across the face: "I warn you, if you dare touch the eldest princess even a single hair, I''ll kill you."0


    "You hit me? Even my older brother never hit me! I''m going to fight you!"0


    In an instant, the pce attendants hadn''t even reacted yet, but the second princess had already started fighting with Consort Ru.0


    Jiang Xinyue massaged her temples, looking at Ruyi and the Second Princess kneeling in the main hall with a headache.0


    Both of them had messy hair like a bird''s nest, with a stream of nosebleed hanging from their noses. Neither hade out unscathed, and they both red at each other, unconvinced.0


    "Consort Ru, how old are you? Why are you seriously fighting with a child? The second princess is only twelve years old, and you''re over twenty. Can''t you let her win?"0


    Low Level Consort Yu didn''t hold back in criticizing Consort Ru.0


    "Why should I let her? She was the one who started hitting first. Do you expect me to just stand there and let her hit me?"0


    The second princess red at her fiercely: "You deserved it!"0


    Jiang Xinyue raised her eyes: "What did you say to the second princess?"0


    ...0


    Silence,plete silence.0


    Consort Ru didn''t dare to say what she had said. She had been inciting the second princess to disfigure the eldest princess or ruin her reputation!0


    Although the second princess also suspected that Jiang Xinyue knew about her hatred for her, she didn''t want to break that thinyer of window paper and withdrew her gaze that was staring fiercely at her like a concubine, lowering her head in silence.0


    Jiang Xinyue understood. It was something she shouldn''t hear. That meant both of them were talking bad about her or plotting to harm her. But their opinions differed, so they ended up fighting.0


    ¡°Consort Ru, you have shown contempt for the pce regtions and assaulted a royal princess. You are sentenced to three months of house arrest, one month''s sry deduction, and you must copy the pce regtions twenty times. No one is allowed to copy on your behalf.¡±0


    "Why?"0


    Consort Ru immediately stood up from the ground.0


    "Thirty times."0


    "I don''t give a damn!"0


    "Forty times."0


    "You!"0


    "Fifty..."0


    ¡°Stop adding! I''ll copy... I''ll copy, alright?¡±0


    Consort Ru had a bitter expression, wanting to cry and return to Goguryeo.0


    Her older brother had told her that once she arrived in Great Yan, she could bewitch the emperor and make him infatuated. Liars, all of them.0


    She hadn''t won the emperor''s favor, but instead got beaten and now had to copy the pce rules forty times. Wu wu wu wu...0


    "The second princess, your impulsive behavior and assault on a foreign princess are uneptable. You will receive the same punishment. Do you have any objections?"0


    The second princess respectfully bowed: "Thank you, Imperial Noble Consort Jiang, I have no objections."0


    Just after rewarding the second princess with out-of-season fabrics, she coincidentally got into a fight with Consort Ru, knowing that the Imperial Noble Consort would definitely intervene to resolve the conflict.0


    When Shuang Jiang left, she paid special attention to her feet, and Jiang Xinyue only nced sideways to notice the reflection in the sunlight.0


    Although there were traces of rainwater covering the surface, no matter what kind of oil it was, it couldn''t mix with water and would always leave floating oil stains.0


    The water puddles on the ground had been swept clean, without any umtion, and the oil stains were not obvious.0


    Jiang Xinyue lifted her leg high and, under the second princess''s intense gaze, turned a corner and stepped on the clean ground, as if mocking her childish tricks.0


    What made the second princess even angrier than Jiang Xinyue avoiding her trap was the disdain in Jiang Xinyue''s eyes, not taking her provocation seriously.0


    "Your Highness..."0


    Both Shuang Jiang and Xi Que saw the second princess''s clumsy scheme and were furious.0


    The second princess really is Consort De''s daughter, full of evil intentions. She actually wanted to make our Empress fall!0


    The entire harem knew that the emperor had postponed the coronation ceremony to take care of Jiang Xinyue''s pregnancy, not wanting her to be too tired.0


    Was the second princess trying to cause the Imperial Noble Consort to miscarry?0


    Low Level Consort Yu had some affection for the second princess. She awkwardlyughed: "Maybe it was that old nanny around her who took the initiative? I always felt that the second princess isn''t that bad of a child..."0


    Back then, when the former empress was still alive, and Consort De hadn''t fallen out with them, their children often yed together. The second princess was always a quiet, gentle girl who would blush at apliment from the former empress and cry when the eldest princess pricked her finger while sewing.0


    After the princesses turned seven, they were taught by specialized tutors, so Consort De didn''t need to worry much. But the second princess always adored her mother and often clung to her.0


    Who knows what Consort De has been teaching the second princess these past few years to turn her into what she is today?0


    The second princess''s wet nurse has already been taken away by the emperor. The one now serving her is a new one appointed by the emperor.0


    This means there''s no one left to take the me for the second princess.0


    Low Level Consort Yu chuckled again: "This child... Tomorrow, I''ll have Ming Yu talk to her."0


    "Don''t involve the eldest princess."0


    Jiang Xinyue shook her head: "Her main task now is to prepare for her marriage. Although my cousin is the top schr of this year''s imperial examination, his family background isn''t as strong as those of the aristocratic families in the capital. You should focus more on your daughter and not worry about others. The eldest princess''s marriage is the priority."0


    Having the eldest princess lecture the second princess might lead to the second princess taking her anger out on the eldest princess.0


    With the wedding approaching, it''s best not to create unnecessary trouble.0


    Low Level Consort Yu seemed to understand Jiang Xinyue''s implied meaning, her eyes calm as if deep in thought.0


    Chuxiu Pce¡ª0


    A charming and bright youngdy poured dirty water over another girl dressed in white: "Pfft! How dare youpare yourself to my cousin Jiang Xinyue? It''s already your fortune to resemble her even a little. Yet you still say you''re just yourself, not like anyone else. Then why are you imitating her fashion style?"0


    The girl in white had tears in her eyes: "I''ve never met the Imperial Noble Consort, and I''ve always dressed this way. I''m not deliberately imitating anyone. Huang Yanyu, don''t push me too far."0


    Huang Yanyu sneered: "What if I bully you? You''re just a country bumpkin from the countryside. What can you do to me? I''m the Imperial Noble Consort''s cousin. Who do you think you are?"0


    Surrounding them were other beautiful women watching the spectacle, but no one dared to step forward to help the girl in white. Huang Yanyu became even more arrogant, her words full of mockery: "I heard your father owes gambling debts, and you were bought by eunuchs for twenty taels of silver. Living with you lowers my status."0


    It turned out that because they lived in the same room, but the girl in white arrived first and took the bed by the inner room, Huang Yanyu was taking her anger out on her.0


    "You can talk to Madam Duan and ask her to arrange for you to sleep elsewhere."0


    Mu Qianqian''s eyes were zing: "Now, please move aside. I need to go in and change my clothes."0n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    The weather had just started to warm up, and she was worried that this cold water might cause her to catch a fever. Tomorrow was the pce selection.0


    She couldn''t miss it.

 Chapter 367

    <h1>Chapter 367</h1>


    Huang Yanyu raised her hand to block her path: "I don''t want to share this room with you. Move out!"0


    As she spoke, two other maidens in the same room began throwing Mu Qianqian''s belongings out, tossing them onto the ground.0


    "Your bed is now ours, Yanyu''s."0


    "Yes! I found a hairpin under your bed just now. I know your family is not well-off, so I won''t ask you to return it, but our room doesn''t need someone with sticky fingers. You''d better find another ce."0


    "You... you..."0


    Mu Qianqian pointed at the grinning group: "I didn''t steal anything. You can''t frame me like this."0


    Her face turned red with anger. Behind Huang Yanyu, Han Qingqing chuckled: "You say you didn''t steal, so you''re implying we''re all framing you? If you''re so unpopr, it must be a problem with your character. Otherwise, why would we frame you and not others?"0


    The other maidens whispered among themselves, and Mu Qianqian felt their gazes piercing her like needles, making her extremely ufortable.0


    At that moment, a bright pink figure walked over, seemingly oblivious to them, and bumped into Huang Yanyu.0


    "ng!"0


    A jade bracelet fell to the ground and shattered into four pieces. The pink-d girl gasped: "How dare you! This was a gift from thete emperor to my father. You broke it!"0


    The pink-d girl was no ordinary person; she was Wei Shu, the daughter of the Prince of Ruyang, a bona fide princess of the royal family.0


    Huang Yanyu was startled and took a few steps back: "How can you lie like this? So many eyes are watching! You bumped into me."0


    "Am I?"0


    Wei Shu''s eyes sparkled with a threatening smile: "Who saw me bump into her?"0


    "Huang Yanyu bumped into Princess Wei Shu. I saw it."0


    "Yes, I saw it too. You bumped into the princess."0


    With a noble like Wei Shu standing up for the pitiful Mu Qianqian, those who disliked Huang Yanyu began to speak out against her.0


    "Mu Qianqian is already so pitiful, and they still gang up on her. It''s too much."0


    "Hmph! She ims to be the cousin of the Imperial Noble Consort, but it''s been a month since she entered the pce, and the Consort hasn''t summoned her even once. Who knows if her im is true or not."0


    "Not summoning her is understandable. After all, the Imperial Noble Consort manages the six pces and is busy with many affairs. But not even sending a maid to check on her or bestow some gifts? Her words must be full of water."0


    Wei Shu pursed her lips: "Mu Qianqian, don''t be afraid of her. Just go in. Today, I want to see what she dares to do to you."0


    Huang Yanyu tried to stop her, but Wei Shu spoke slowly: "My sister-inw once served thete Empress Dowager Fushun and had a good rtionship with the Imperial Noble Consort. She said the Consort is a wise, kind, and reasonable woman. If she knew someone was using her name to bully the weak in Chuxiu Pce, I don''t think that person would have a good oue. What do you say, Lady Huang?"0


    Huang Yanyu, being addressed, blinked nervously, not daring to meet Wei Shu''s gaze.0


    She was indeed the cousin of the Imperial Noble Consort, but the connection was distant.0


    She was the niece of Jiang Xinyue''s second uncle''s wife, referring to Jiang Xinyue''s cousin brother as her own cousin, so she could reluctantly call Jiang Xinyue her cousin sister.0


    Mu Qianqian picked up her clothes and hairpins from the ground, thanked Wei Shu, and then went inside.0


    Her bed, which used to get sunlight, had been taken over by Huang Yanyu. Even if the princess could help her temporarily, she couldn''t protect her forever.0


    She had no power or influence. It was better not to provoke them again.0


    But when she looked for her bedding, she found her pillow and quilt soaked and lying behind the screen.0


    She was drenched, her bones shivering, and a chill ran through her heart.0


    Huang Yanyu chuckled and gave Wei Shu a challenging look.0


    The other two maidens behind her also watched Mu Qianqian with mockery.0


    "What are you all standing around for?"0


    A stern, elderly voice rang out: "Have you finished today''s lessons?"0


    "Matron Duan!"0


    The maidens were respectful to the matron who taught them etiquette. After all, unless they had the strong background like Huang Yanyu or Wei Shu, if Matron Duan said, "Shecks proper behavior and is not fit to be selected," they would be disqualified from the final selection and end up as pce maids.0


    Who entered the pce not to be a mistress?0


    Who would want to do menial work?0


    Matron ?????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????Duan observed the expressions on everyone''s faces and nced at the beds in the room, understanding the situation at a nce.0


    Her stern face showed no emotion: "Lady Mu, follow me to get a clean set of bedding. The sixth prince''s first birthday banquet is only a few days away. I hope you all behave and don''t cause any trouble that would upset the Imperial Noble Consort. Do you understand?"0


    After speaking, she also gave Huang Yanyu a warning nce.0


    Among this batch of maidens, Huang Yanyu was the most foolish, easily provoked into picking on Lady Mu.0


    Before heading to the Internal Affairs Office, Matron Duan took her to her own room to change into clean clothes, dried her hair, and styled it before taking her out.0


    "Stop crying."0


    Throughout the journey, Mu Qianqian silently wept. Matron Duan didn''t even turn her head: "Once you''re in the pce, tears are worthless. There will be plenty of time for you to cryter."0


    Mu Qianqian, feeling even more distressed, sobbed: "Matron, I... I don''t want to be bullied all the time. What... what should I do? Please guide me."0


    Matron Duan coldly replied: "Leave the pce."0


    The current emperor doted on the Imperial Noble Consort to the point of neglecting the other pces.0


    Thedy in Hexi Pce is pregnant, and the emperor personally attends to her every day after handling state affairs, never delegating tasks to others.0


    He visits during the day and even stays overnight, either in Hexi Pce or alone in Chengqian Pce.0


    ording to the eunuchs in Chengqian Pce, if it weren''t for the emperor worrying that histe-night visits might disturb the Imperial Noble Consort''s rest, he would stay by her side day and night.0


    The other consorts in the pce, whether resigned or not, have epted the reality: the emperor is deeply in love with the Imperial Noble Consort, and there''s no room for anyone else.0


    Except for the newly arrived Princess Lihua, who is still making trouble, the entire pce is lifeless, with no one having the will topete.0


    But now, things are different. Among these new maidens, who knows if there will be another Jiang Xinyue?0n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    The pce is never short of fresh flowers, and whether they bloom or wither depends on their own fate.0


    Matron Duan has seen it all and still doesn''t think entering the pce is the best choice for a woman.0


    Over the decades, thousands of maidens have entered the pce, but how many can rise to the level of the Imperial Noble Consort?

 Chapter 368

    <h1>Chapter 368</h1>


    ¡°I cannot leave the pce.¡±0


    Mu Qianqian''s body trembled as she was about to exin her difficulties, but Matron Duan had no interest in hearing her sob story. With a wooden expression, she said, ¡°Then fight for favor. Use your entire life, even your very life, to win the Emperor''s favor.¡±0


    This statement was too profound for the fifteen-year-old Mu Qianqian.0


    She simply didn''t understand.0


    Wasn''t it natural for the Emperor to favor the maidens?0


    Why did Matron Duan tell her to risk her life for favor?0


    Under the bright sun, the pce that had just experienced a snowy winter now gleamed with a fresh luster, as if the eaves and corners had been washed clean.0


    The sunlight bathed the orderly rows of green tiles and red walls, highlighting their grandeur and splendor.0


    At the end of the long pce path, pce attendants suddenly knelt down along the walls in unison.0


    A noble''s pnquin was approaching.0


    Matron Duan pushed Mu Qianqian to the side: ¡°Kneel.¡±0


    As the grand procession approached, Mu Qianqian felt a fragrant breeze and couldn''t help but sneak a nce.0


    Twelve attendants surrounded a pnquin, on which sat a stunningly beautiful woman, her attire luxurious and her borate hairstyle adorned with an array of exquisite ornaments that didn''t appear cluttered but rather exuded the elegance of a pampered noblewoman.0


    Her crimson pce gown, paired with her perfectly applied makeup, made her seem as if she had been born for this majestic imperial city.0


    The woman''s lofty presence was akin to the pce itself¡ªrich and mesmerizing.0


    Xi Que couldn''t help but cover her mouth andugh, prompting Jiang Xinyue to nce at her: ¡°What are youughing at by yourself?¡±0


    Xi Que looked up, her eyes brimming with mirth: ¡°I was just thinking about three years ago when I apanied you, Your Highness, to the pce for the selection. Back then, we encountered thete Empress''s pnquin on this very path, and some maidens were scolded by the chief eunuch for daring to look up at thete Empress.¡±0


    She took a deep breath, as if reminiscing: ¡°Now, our Highness has be the object of envy for the maidens. Isn''t this what Eunuch Qian Sheng always says¡ªthat while the flowers remain the same each year, the people change?¡±0


    Shuang Jiang chuckled: ¡°He actually says, ¡®Year after year, the flowers remain simr; year after year, the people change.¡¯¡±0


    Xi Que retorted confidently: ¡°Isn''t that the same meaning?¡±0


    Jiang Xinyue also chuckled softly. Xi Que''s logic was unbeatable, and Shuang Jiang stood no chance.0


    ¡°But I think this saying needs to be revised now,¡± Xi Que mused, shaking her head.0


    ¡°It should be, ¡®Year after year, the flowers remain simr; year after year, the people remain the same.¡¯¡±0


    Jiang Xinyue nodded: ¡°It seems our Xi Que has the potential to be a great poet.¡±0


    The pce was now filled with roses of various species, including new varieties developed by craftsmen.0


    Gardens of plum blossoms, crabapple flowers, and lotus ponds were gone, reced entirely by roses.0


    Qingyang Pce had been renamed from Xihuo Pce. The former lotus pond had been filled in and covered with roses, making the pce no longer damp and mosquito-infested. In spring, the blooming roses created a breathtaking sight.0


    Many maidens were already inquiring about Qingyang Pce, hoping to move in after their ennoblement.0


    As for the rumors of deaths within the pce and vengeful spirits in the lotus pond, the Emperor had ordered that no one was to speak of such matters. Who would dare to reveal them?0


    Everyone only knew that this was the former residence of the Imperial Noble Consort, where she had regained the Emperor''s favor. It was considered a blessed ce for the maidens.0


    Praised by Jiang Xinyue, Xi Que was overjoyed, pouting her lips at Shuang Jiang: ¡°Did you hear that? Her Highness says I''m a poet.¡±0


    Shuang Jiang: Her Highness said you have the potential to be a poet, didn''t she?0


    And thatment was clearly a tease. Yet here you are, taking everypliment as truth and ignoring any criticism.0


    Truly, you are Xi Que.0


    ¡°Yes!¡±0


    Shuang Jiang teased her, seeing her smug expression: ¡°Our great poet can write several love poems tonight for someone. I''m sure that someone will be thrilled to receive them.¡±0


    ¡°Shuang Jiang!¡±0


    Xi Que''s eyes widened, her face and neck turning crimson. Assuming Jiang Xinyue was unaware, she nced at her mistress and nudged Shuang Jiang with her elbow: ¡°Don''t talk nonsense. I don''t like Qing Yu. I''m not getting married. I want to serve Her Highness forever.¡±0


    ¡°Did I say that someone was Qing Yu?¡±0


    Jiang Xinyue nearly burst outughing at the silly girl but held back, biting her teeth to maintain herposure.0


    She had to pretend ignorance, allowing Xi Que and Qing Yu to develop naturally without putting too much pressure on Xi Que.0


    In this era, marriage was akin to rebirth for women.0


    She didn''t want to reduce women''s worth to marriage and childbirth, but in The Great Yan Dynasty, women''s opportunities were limited to the inner chambers.0


    Engaging inmerce or politics, or showing their faces in public, was considered disgraceful and impossible for women.0


    asionally, a woman might rise above men, but that was an exception, driven by circumstances and requiring unimaginable hardship.0


    Therefore, if Xi Que were to marry Qing Yu, Jiang Xinyue hoped they would fully understand each other, ept each other''s strengths and ws, and ensure they could be together for life before marrying.0


    Xi ?????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????Que turned bright red and quickly changed the subject: ¡°Your Highness, did you notice? The maiden behind Matron Duan looks just like you when you first entered the pce!¡±0


    From her demeanor, figure, and gestures, the resemnce was striking.0n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    However, the maiden had her head down, so Xi Que couldn''t tell how simr their faces were.0


    It was this resemnce that had caught her attention.0


    Jiang Xinyue turned back but saw only a vague silhouette as Matron Duan and the maiden disappeared at the end of the path.0


    Still, it didn''t matter.0


    She was young and beautiful. The Emperor wouldn''t seek a substitute unless she were dead. With the original version still present, why would he bother with a copy?0


    The Emperor was at least fourteen or fifteen years older than her. If anyone were to die first, it would be the Emperor. No one could rece her.0


    ¡°Qingyang Pce?¡±0


    Wei Shu sneered: ¡°Let that fool move into Qingyang Pce if she wants. Let''s see if she''ll cry and beg to leave once she knows the truth.¡±0


    Huang Yanyu''s bribery of the Internal Affairs Department to secure a ce in Qingyang Pce was no secret.0


    Her arrogance made it impossible for others not to notice.0


    Such a brazen person, if protected by the Imperial Noble Consort, might enjoy a brief period of dominance.0


    Without that protection, her fate was sealed.0


    Wei Shu had grown up in the imperial court and knew more pce secrets than others.0


    She had heard about what happened in Qingyang Pce from her sister-inw, Pei Wu.0


    A ce where people had died was considered unlucky by the Emperor. How could he possibly favor a maiden from such a ce?

 Chapter 369

    <h1>Chapter 369</h1>


    The next day, the Emperor and Jiang Xinyue both woke up early.0


    With no ruler in the harem, and even the Dowager Empress Wu having passed away, Jiang Xinyue was the most senior figure aside from the Emperor himself.0


    The pce selection of concubines had to be presided over by her. If it weren''t for this, the Emperor wouldn''t have reluctantly allowed her to wake up so early while she was pregnant.0


    Jiang Xinyue''s pregnancy made her particrly prone to sleepiness.0


    When she was awakened by Xi Que and Shuang Jiang in the morning, her eyes could barely open. The Emperor held her as she was getting dressed and made up in front of the bronze mirror.0


    The candidates woke up even earlier, before dawn, to choose their outfits and jewelry, trying out several makeup looks to maximize their beauty to its fullest potential.0


    Mu Qianqian, seeing the other candidates already dressed and adorned, looked down at her own washed-out old clothes and felt ashamed, stepping back slightly.0


    Wei Shu noticed her movement and whispered something to her maid, who soon after brought a bright and vibrant outfit to Mu Qianqian.0


    Through the crowd, Mu Qianqian gratefully nced at Wei Shu, who smiled and nodded at her but did not approach to engage in conversation.0


    When Mu Qianqian emerged after changing into the new outfit, all the candidates waiting in line for the selection were astonished.0


    The looks directed at her were filled with jealousy, envy, dislike, and hostility...0


    She nervously returned to the waiting line, gripping the sides of her dress tightly, repeatedly encouraging herself: Mu Qianqian, don''t be afraid, you can do it!0


    She couldn''t afford to be rejected, to be a pce maid, or to be expelled from the pce.0


    Her father and brother were both gambling addicts, waiting for her to grow up so they could sell her for a good price.0


    If it weren''t for the eunuch in charge of selecting candidates who hade to Tongzhou in search of beauties and identally saw her being forced by her father and brother to be sold to a brothel, her life would have been ruined.0


    If she became a pce maid, with her beauty, no mistress in the harem would be able to tolerate her.0


    Wait!0


    No!0n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    There was one ce that could amodate her.0


    The thought struck her, and her mind raced through countless scenarios.0


    Matron Duan hadn''t arrived yet, so she quickly rushed back into the room, changed out of the bright outfit, and put on her washed-out old clothes again.0


    She even undid her carefully styled hair, loosely tying it back with a wooden hairpin.0


    Her beautiful face was hidden behind heavy bangs, and the resemnce to Jiang Xinyue, which had been seven points before, was now only three.0


    Although the other candidates didn''t understand what she was doing, the absence of a strongpetitor made them happy.0


    Huang ?????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????Yanyu disdainfully pursed her lips: "What else could it be? She''s imitating my Imperial Noble Consort cousin, afraid of being noticed by my cousin, so she wants to hide her brilliance and avoid being noticed by my Imperial Noble Consort cousin!"0


    This exnation made sense to some.0


    The first day of the selection was held in the Yaotai Pce in the Imperial Garden.0


    Low Level Consort Yu and Consort Wen also joined.0


    After all, the Emperor had said that if the Imperial Noble Consort felt tired, they would take over.0


    Low Level Consort Yu had a feeling that she was about to be promoted, otherwise, why would the Emperor let her participate in such an important task?0


    Under the guidance of the pce eunuchs, the candidates lined up in groups of four in the courtyard of Yaotai Pce. Only those called would enter the hall for the selection.0


    "Does the Emperor have any candidates he must keep?"0


    Jiang Xinyue leaned sideways, whispering into the Emperor''s ear: "If the Emperor doesn''t tell me, I''ll choose ording to my own heart. Don''t me meter..."0


    "My heart is already entirely yours. Why do you still doubt my sincerity?"0


    The Emperor, with a serious expression, said: "If you keep this up, I really will get angry."0


    The guilty beauty pouted and chuckled: "I just wanted the Emperor to be mentally prepared!"0


    Prepared for what?0


    The Xuanwu Emperor reflexively wondered but didn''t dwell on it, instead smiling and gently bumping his forehead against hers: "Choose candidates that please you, those you find amiable. If you like them, keep them. After all, these people will be here to keep youpany."0


    As for him, he had Jiang Xinyue.0


    He also had the Sixth Prince and the soon-to-be-born Princess, plus his busy political affairs, leaving him with no time for new candidates or romantic games.0


    One Jiang Xinyue was more than enough to handle; dealing with several would be a direct threat to his life.0


    Announce - Daughter of the Hanlin Academy Schr Meng Wanqing, Daughter of the Chancellor''s Office Clerk Han Ruier, Daughter of the Yanzhou Prefect Shi Ruojun.0


    With the announcement by the Eunuch of the Imperial Household Department, the three-day selection of candidates began.0


    Several nobledies were also present in the hall. Not all the candidates aimed to be the Emperor''s concubines.0


    Some had already been promised to the high officials by their families, but the Emperor, to show his respect for these officials, would go through the formality of granting them in marriage to the officials'' sons.0


    This was also a matter of great prestige for these nobledies.0


    Having their daughters-inw recognized and guided by Matron Duan in the pce would silence any doubts about their daughters-inw''s manners and virtues.0


    Wave after wave of candidates entered and exited, each with varying expressions, but all seemed somewhat distant, as if lost in thought.0


    "Were they rejected or epted? Why do they all look neither happy nor sad?"0


    "What''s the result?"0


    Announce - Daughter of the Prince of Ruyang Wei Shu, Daughter of the Yizhou merchant Huang Yanyu, Commoner girl selected by the eunuch Mu Qianqian, Daughter of the Hangzhou saltmissioner Su Hongliu.0


    Among all the candidates, the most beautiful were in this group, and so were the ones with the most prestigious backgrounds.0


    When "Yizhou" was mentioned, Xi Que carefully observed Huang Yanyu and then whispered something to Jiang Xinyue.0


    Wei Shu behaved confidently and gracefully, earning nods of approval from the nobledies present. The Emperor also smiled kindly at her: "Your father often says you are mischievous and boyish, but today I see that your father is mistaken. You are clearly a littledy."0


    "Thank you, Your Majesty, for thepliment."0


    Huang Yanyu, looking down, had a resentful expression. This Wei Shu was always showing off, stealing the spotlight, leaving nothing for the rest of them.0


    Fortunately, Mu Qianqian had gone mad, covering up her face that resembled the Imperial Noble Consort''s by seven points, otherwise, with both looks and background inferior, they would have no chance.0


    Could it be that Wei Shu had already been chosen?0


    As Huang Yanyu was grinding her teeth in frustration, she heard a clear voice say: "I''ve heard your sister-inw mention you several times, but I never had the chance to meet you. Indeed, as she said, you have a straightforward personality."0


    The Prince of Ruyang was the son of a cousin of thete Emperor. During thete Emperor''s crisis, this cousin had protected him, so after the stability of the Great Yan, the cousin was granted the title of princess and was deeply favored by thete Emperor.0


    Later, when the princess married, thete Emperor bestowed the title of Prince of Ruyang upon her husband, allowing the title to be inherited.

 Chapter 370

    <h1>Chapter 370</h1>


    So, when ites toworking, Wei Shu is actually the emperor''s cousin, but since they are of significantly different ages, they haven''t had much interaction since childhood.0


    Everyone in the same rank noticed that the emperor and the Imperial Noble Consort seemed to have a special fondness for Wei Shu, and the heated and jealous nces directed at her became more intense.0


    Huang Yanyu stood at the very edge, with Mu Qianqian in between her and Wei Shu.0


    Her eyes darted around, and a wicked idea came to her.0


    Taking advantage of everyone''s attention being on Wei Shu, she pretended to twist her ankle, lightly brushing against Mu Qianqian, but with her other hand, she gave Mu Qianqian a hard shove from behind.0


    Wei Shu had just taken a few steps forward to answer the emperor''s question when a sudden force from behind,pletely unexpected, nearly sent her flying.0


    "?????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????Ah!"0


    Mu Qianqian let out a cry of surprise as she fell heavily to the ground, while Wei Shu, with some martial arts skills, spun around a few times to dissipate the force behind her, finally steadying herself, still shaken.0


    That face...0


    In a fleeting sh of white light, the Xuanwu Emperor seemed to see Jiang Xinyue falling to the ground, and his heart clenched with fear.0


    But when he turned back, he saw her sitting safely in her chair, her eyes tightly closed, unable to bear seeing someone fall.0


    Therefore, she hadn''t seen the face of the person who fell.0


    The air seemed to freeze for a moment. Losingposure in the imperial court was a serious offense. How could this maiden be so ipetent?0


    To faint and fall like that... Such behavior was utterly unsuitable for the asion. How did Chuxiu Pce teach her etiquette?0


    Hearing the heavy sigh from those around her, clearly startled, the emperor''s peach blossom eyes filled with frost as he looked coldly at Mu Qianqian, who had hurriedly gotten up from the ground and was now shivering, kneeling in the hall: "Cowardly as a mouse, dismiss her, and grant her a flower."0


    Only those who were dismissed received a flower; those selected were granted a fragrant pouch.0


    Mu Qianqian was dismissed!0


    Huang Yanyu''s heart nearly leapt out of her throat, but seeing that Mu Qianqian was too timid to argue for herself, she became even more smug, feeling that this person was easy to bully.0


    After a moment of silence, a nobledy praised Wei Shu a few times, and the atmosphere became lively again.0


    It wasn''t until the emperor''s imperial decree of betrothal was announced that Huang Yanyu learned that Wei Shu was not to enter the pce as a consort but was to marry Eldest Yan, the eldest son of the Grand General.0


    With the emperor''s betrothal, this marriage became even more prestigious, and it was only then that the Grand General''s wife gestured towards Wei Shu, clearly indicating that they had met privately many times before.0


    The Grand General''s wife was very satisfied with this daughter-inw.0


    Huang Yanyu''s jealousy was almost unbearable.0


    Since Wei Shu was the daughter of the Prince of Ruyang, she could have been pre-selected for a high-ranking consort position, and even the Imperial Noble Consort would have to treat her with kindness.0


    But instead of bing a consort, her family had arranged everything for her, allowing her to choose whom she wanted to marry. Her noble status would ensure that every potential mother-inw would wee her with open arms and dare not mistreat her.0


    Why was her life so fortunate?0


    However, Huang Yanyu was still quite pleased with herself for getting rid of the threat of Mu Qianqian.0


    She had never considered Wei Shu as apetitor; it was Mu Qianqian she needed to guard against.0


    "Huang Yanyu, are you from Yizhou?"0


    Huang Yanyu''s appearance was extraordinary, her beauty bright and charming, and the two little dimples on her lips added a touch of cuteness to her smile.0


    She took a few steps forward to answer: "Yes, my father is the brother of the second wife of the Jiang family of Yizhou."0


    In other words, she was the daughter of Jiang Xinyue''s second aunt''s brother.0


    So what?0


    Jiang Xinyue didn''t even know her.0


    She smiled faintly: "So, you are rted to me?"0


    Was she nning to use Jiang Xinyue''s name to bully the weak in the pce?0


    Huang Yanyu blushed shyly: "I dare not im kinship with thedy, I only wish thedy eternal youth, good health, and may the Sixth Prince grow strong and healthy."0


    ¡°She¡¯s quite eloquent,¡± Low Level Consort Yu chimed in, her eyes twinkling. ¡°Your Highness, I dare to suggest that my pce is in need of a female official. How about letting your cousin serve in my pce?¡±0


    Huang Yanyu: ???0


    Jiang Xinyue almostughed out loud: "You rarely ask me for anything, and since you''ve spoken up this time, how could I refuse?"0


    After saying that, she turned to Huang Yanyu: "Low Level Consort Yu has asked for you, and I have agreed. You wouldn''t refuse, would you?"0


    Huang Yanyu: ...0


    Could she say no? Did she have the right to refuse?0


    She didn''t, because the emperor showed no sign of dissatisfaction with the Imperial Noble Consort''s decision.0


    "I... I am willing."0


    Of the four most watched individuals, only the rtively less noticeable Shi Ruojun remained.0


    The other three, two of the top choices became pce maids, and one was betrothed to the eldest son of the Grand General.0


    What exactly was the criteria for selection?0


    As soon as Huang Yanyu left the inner hall, she ran all the way to the restroom and threw herself onto the table, sobbing loudly.0


    "Oh! Stop crying, what happened? We''ve all asked, and out of two hundred candidates, only three were selected. What''s going on?"0


    ¡°Could it be... wuwuwu... could it be... what... what''s going on... wuwuwu... it''s because the Imperial Noble Consort... she''s afraid that we new maidens will... will take away her favor... wuwuwu, she wants to monopolize the emperor.¡±0


    "Ah? Didn''t you say the Imperial Noble Consort is your cousin? How did you get rejected? Didn''t your familymunicate with the pce?"0


    "Are you lying? If you really were the Imperial Noble Consort''s cousin, how could she not let you in? Wouldn''t having another sister as an ally be better?"0


    Men are fickle, loving one after another, let alone the emperor.0


    With new beauties entering the pce, the Imperial Noble Consort should be building alliances for herself.0


    When this question was asked, the maidens all understood and fell silent.0


    If the emperor''s favor could change overnight, would the Imperial Noble Consort dare to be so arbitrary, dismissing all the beautiful maidens in front of the emperor?0


    If it weren''t for the emperor''s indulgence, would the Imperial Noble Consort''s arrogance be so tant?0


    It was precisely because of the emperor''s exclusive favor that she didn''t need to build alliances with anyone!0


    But Huang Yanyu didn''t think so. She suddenly sat up: "Low Level Consort Yu doesn''t get along with her. Knowing that I''m her cousin, she asked for me to be her female official, definitely to humiliate the Imperial Noble Consort."0


    In Yaotai Pce, Low Level Consort Yu winked at Jiang Xinyue, as if to say: How about that? Am I clever? By taking your cousin away, you won¡¯t have to worry about how to exin it to your family.0


    If Jiang Xinyue knew what she was thinking, she would tell her that she was worrying unnecessarily.0


    The Jiang family was now under the control of her adoptive father.0


    He would never arrange for the family''s daughters to enter the pce to share her favor.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

 Chapter 371

    <h1>Chapter 371</h1>


    In the past, the pce selection process for concubines would take three days to choose three hundred candidates, and that was considered remarkably fast.0


    After all, these women were to serve the Emperor, and thete Empress would carefully inquire about their personalities and preferences, selecting only those who were well-rounded in all aspects to receive the "retained que."0


    Out of three hundred candidates, at least thirty to fifty would typically be chosen.0


    However, the speed at which the Imperial Noble Consort conducted the selection was unprecedented. She managed toplete the selection of three hundred candidates in a single day, with each group entering and exiting the hall in the blink of an eye.0


    asionally, a group might linger a bit longer, but even then, it was only for the duration of two blinks.0


    What surprised everyone even more was that the few candidates who were selected were all in-lookingmoners, while the daughters of high-ranking officials were all rejected.0


    Those with prestigious family backgrounds were all arranged to be married off instead.0


    Well then!0


    At this rate, after one more day of selection tomorrow, this grand concubine selection event would likely conclude, with no more than ten women bing imperial consorts.0


    This move stirred discontent among the court officials.0


    As the selection process was in full swing, the families of the candidates were also busy. Pce servants were tasked with delivering the lists of those who were selected and those who were rejected.0


    Servants waiting at the pce gates quickly scanned the lists for their young mistresses'' names, and regardless of whether they were selected or rejected, they would rush back to their mansions to deliver the news.0


    And this news was enough to throw these officials'' households into chaos.0


    "What? My daughter was rejected? How is that possible? My daughter is one of the most beautiful and talented in the capital. Why was she rejected?"0


    "This can''t be true, it absolutely can''t be true. My Xue''er is both beautiful and talented. We even spent a fortune to obtain information from the pce about the Emperor''s favorite color for her attire. We prepared so thoroughly. How could she be rejected?"0N?v(el)B\\jnn


    "Was your daughter also rejected?"0


    "What about yours?"0


    "All of them were rejected!"0


    As these officials inquired among themselves, they discovered that the selected candidates were all unexpected choices, with none of the popr candidates making the cut. This had stirred up a ho''s nest among the ministers.0


    The sun had already set in the west, its afterglow casting a golden hue over the entire pce.0


    Jiang Xinyue had removed her hairpins and was preparing to dine with the Emperor. The first batch of candidates had already been selected, and after the Sixth Prince''s first birthday celebration tomorrow, the selection would continue the day after.0


    Compared to this concubine selection, the Emperor was more concerned with the Sixth Prince''s birthday banquet.0


    Taihe Hall had already been fully prepared. Wang Dequan hadn''t gone to Yaotai Pce today, instead spending the entire day overseeing the arrangements at Taihe Hall to ensure that nothing would go wrong during the Sixth Prince''s birthday banquet tomorrow.0


    "Wait!"0


    Wang Dequan called out to a eunuch. "What is this?"0


    A familiar scent wafted from the jar the eunuch was carrying.0


    The eunuch quickly bowed and replied, "Reporting to Chief Eunuch Wang, this is peanut sauce sent from the imperial kitchen."0


    Wang Dequan''s frown deepened, his brows almost meeting. "The Sixth Prince is allergic to peanuts. Didn''t I already make it clear that nothing rted to peanuts is to appear at the banquet? Are you all ignoring my orders?"0


    The eunuch fell to his knees in fear. "This lowly servant deserves death! I only arrived two days ago, and a chef from the imperial kitchen told me to bring this in, saying it would be needed for the banquet tomorrow."0


    It seemed that those who couldn''t act in the shadows were now openly trying to harm the Sixth Prince.0


    Wang Dequan gave a meaningful nce to a eunuch behind him, who quickly picked up the small jar of peanut sauce and threw it away. He then helped the trembling eunuch to his feet. "In the future, be careful with things given to you by people you don''t know. If you vite the taboos of the masters, it''s your own life that will be at risk."0


    "Yes, ?????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????yes, I understand. I''ll never dare to do such a thing again. I was so scared!"0


    Chief Eunuch Wang had been so fierce earlier that the eunuch thought he was done for.0


    Life in the pce was indeed not easy. He would have to be smarter in the future and not let himself be used so foolishly.0


    After the weather cleared, the sky remained bright even as dusk approached.0


    The Emperor had just taken a few bites of his meal when Tang Shiliang entered. "Your Majesty, dozens of ministers are at the pce gates requesting an audience."0


    It was past the time for morning court, and unless summoned by the Emperor, the ministers were not allowed to enter the pce.0


    Jiang Xinyue, resting her hand on her belly, looked up at Tang Shiliang. Their eyes met for just a moment, and she knew that these ministers hade because of the day''s selection.0


    She then turned her gaze to the Emperor, whose displeasure briefly shed in his eyes before he quicklyposed himself. He said to Jiang Xinyue, "You go ahead and eat. I''ll be back shortly."0


    "Alright. I''ll have the kitchen prepare some fresh dishes for Your Majesty. State affairs are never-ending, but Your Majesty must not overwork yourself. Please take care of your health."0


    Her eyes were filled with heartfelt concern.0


    The Emperor cupped her face and yfully ruffled it, turning her concern into mock anger. Only then did he release her, his mood lifted. "You, little pregnant woman, should worry less. As long as you take care of yourself, I''ll be fine. Don''t worry about me. I''ll handle all the discordant voices and ensure the best for you and our two children."0


    Jiang Xinyue smiled, like a woman basking in happiness, her face filled with shy joy.0


    Once the Emperor left, she took a deep breath and had Nanny Xiang and Wet Nurse Lu bring out the Sixth Prince so they could spend some time bonding.0


    Early education was still essential.0


    The Sixth Prince''s bedchamber was filled with various educational toys and colorful books for learning characters and objects, all personally directed by Jiang Xinyue.0


    Moreover, the Emperor had now left Master Jing in the pce to teach the Sixth Prince, with the Fourth Prince also attending. Every day, they would spend two hours "ying" in Wenhua Pce.0


    Though it was called y, it was actually a way to teach them the principles of how to behave and act, instilling good values and habits from a young age.0


    The Sixth Prince was being groomed in the ways of an emperor, while the Fourth Prince was learning the duties of a subject.0


    However, the Sixth Prince was still too young, so the lessons had to be subtly integrated into y, allowing him to unconsciously mimic the behaviors of adults. When he grew older, learning would be easier.0


    The Fourth Prince, on the other hand, had made significant progress. Previously, having been neglected in the Pce of Exile, he had to relearn all the proper etiquette and manners. Now, he studied more diligently every day. It was said that Master Jing had tailored different teaching methods for the Fourth Prince and the Sixth Prince.0


    The Emperor''s stance was that the Sixth Prince was the priority, and the Fourth Prince was merely an afterthought, not requiring as much attention.0


    When Master Jing heard this, he scolded the Emperor harshly.0


    Throughout history, many struggles for the throne had arisen from jealousy and resentment among princes. The Emperor''s tant favoritism would inevitably bring danger to the Sixth Prince.0


    The Fourth Prince overheard some of this andter told Jiang Xinyue, "Mother, although I am disappointed in Father, I will not envy the Sixth Prince. If it weren''t for you, Grandfather and I would have died long ago. No matter what happens in the future, I am willing to protect the Sixth Prince and you with my life."0


    When the Sixth Prince bes the Crown Prince, he would be his most powerful ally.

 Chapter 372

    <h1>Chapter 372</h1>


    He would absolutely never harm his sixth brother.0


    Grand Preceptor Jing said that as long as he harbored good intentions and always treated his sixth brother as his closest kin, he would be a virtuous prince.0


    Once he was enfeoffed as a prince, he could take his grandmother out of the pce to establish a residence. His grandmother had spent her entire life in the pce, and the only time she had ever left was when his mother had taken them to a temporary pce.0


    He wanted to take his grandmother out of the pce to enjoy her twilight years in peace and assist his sixth brother diligently.0


    Imperial Study¡ª0


    The Xuanwu Emperor had not yet arrived, but Jiang Yankun, having caught wind of the situation, had already entered with the others.0


    Several ministers were in a heated dispute over the fact that the Imperial Consort had dismissed their daughters during the selection process.0


    "How can the Imperial Consort be fit for the position of Empress when she acts in such a manner? With such jealousy, and the Emperor indulging her, does the Great Yan royal family not need to expand its lineage and seek prosperity through many descendants?"0


    "Throughout history, no concubine has ever acted like this. The Emperor favors her and entrusted her with the responsibility of overseeing the selection, yet she has shown such pettiness¡ªchoosing none of the suitable candidates and instead selecting many who are unfit."0


    Take, for example, the daughter of Yanzhou Governor Shi Minghai, Shi Ruojun. At sixteen, she remained unmarried because she was known as a tigress. Her favorite pastime was beating men. If any man spoke disrespectfully to her or made indecent jokes, regardless of his status or age, she would p him without hesitation.0


    In Yanzhou, the number of men she had beaten numbered at least eight hundred, if not a thousand.0


    She was a figure of terror, a woman no one dared to consider for marriage.0


    The selection process had saved Governor Shi Minghai, for in a few more years, the authorities would have forcibly married her off.0


    Now that she had been chosen for the pce, would the Emperor be safe from her ps?0


    Then there was the daughter of the Hanlin Academy Reader, Meng Wanqing. Anyone in the capital with even a hint of news had heard of this extraordinary young woman.0


    The "Meng Omen"!0


    The third daughter of Reader Meng, aged fourteen, had been betrothed seven times in one year, and all seven fianc¨¦s had died suddenly before the weddings could take ce.0


    This wasn¡¯t just an omen¡ªit was practically a ck widow!0


    Because of this, Meng Wanqing¡¯s younger sisters, despite their good character and talents, remained unmarried.0


    People joked that even male flies would flee in fear when passing by the Meng residence.0


    Who else had been selected?0


    Ah, yes, there was also amoner girl, just thirteen years old, still very much a child. It was said that her family had four daughters but no sons, and they wanted to keep trying for a boy but couldn¡¯t afford to raise more children. So, they sold their daughters.0


    The youngest, being the most beautiful, was bought and sent to the pce.0


    The other selected candidates all had their own bizarre backgrounds¡ªessentially, they were all women who couldn¡¯t find husbands.0


    "Is the Imperial Consort selecting concubines for the Emperor, or is she turning the pce into a shelter for unmarriageable women? She¡¯s stuffing the Emperor¡¯s harem with those no one else would take."0


    And she¡¯s choosing women the Emperor would never visit.0


    What a clever scheme.0


    "This is utterly absurd. Those selected candidates are merely taking advantage of the situation. What qualifications do they have to serve the Emperor?"0


    "If the Imperial Consort is allowed to control the harem, who else will ever receive the Emperor¡¯s favor? Such a bewitching and maniptive woman¡ªwe must unite to bring her down."0


    "Exactly, we can¡¯t let her dominate. We must find a way to reveal her true nature to the Emperor."0


    "Cough, cough, cough¡­"0


    Jiang Yankun, who had been silently crouching in a corner, suddenly burst into a fit of violent coughing.0N?v(el)B\\jnn


    The Yanzhou Governor, the Hanlin Academy Reader, and the fathers of the other selected candidates all turned to face the group of ministers who had been speaking ill of them.0


    ¡­¡­0


    ¡­¡­0


    ¡­¡­0


    What could be more awkward than being caught red-handed gossiping about others?0


    The two groups stared at each other, the officials around Jiang Yankun narrowing their eyes and ring with murderous intensity at the other side.0


    If Minister Jiang hadn¡¯t told them to stay quiet earlier, they would have already jumped to their feet and started cursing.0


    What did they mean by "tigress," "hag," "omen," or "glutton"?0


    Even if it were true, they shouldn¡¯t say such things in public!0


    How hurtful!0


    "Minister Jiang!"0


    One bold opponent stepped forward: "You raised such an unconventional, rule-breaking, jealous, and selfish daughter. You should be the first to apologize to us."0


    "Pfft!"0


    Jiang Yankun let out a disdainfulugh: "What¡¯s this? Can¡¯t find any fault with me in court, so you¡¯re resorting to moral grandstanding to attack me?"0


    He was utterly unyielding, turning to Reader Meng beside him: "Minister Meng, look at them. Doesn¡¯t their sour grapes attitude remind you of those shrews in the market who scream at old vegetable sellers over a few coins?"0


    One moment they¡¯re saying the vegetables are stale, the next they¡¯reining that the old woman is blocking their way, demanding that the patrolling officers arrest her.0


    A very apt description.0


    Minister Meng nodded vigorously: "Yes, shrews!"0


    "You!"0


    "We¡¯ve long heard that Minister Jiang¡¯s tongue is as sharp as arsenic. Today, we¡¯ve truly witnessed it. No wonder the Imperial Consort runs rampant in the harem¡ªit¡¯s clearly a family trait."0


    Unable to attack the person, they now attacked the Jiang family¡¯s reputation, aiming to condemn the entire family.0


    Jiang Yankun flicked his wide sleeves, grasped the jade belt at his waist, and fixed the speaking official with a firm gaze, his voice booming like thunder: "I may have a sharp tongue, but you¡¯re worse¡ªyou have a poisonous heart. What are you really protesting here? Isn¡¯t it just that your daughters weren¡¯t selected? You attack me, attack the Imperial Consort, isn¡¯t it because she¡¯s harmed your interests? If it¡¯s for yourselves, just say so. Why hide behind all these excuses to nder the Imperial Consort? Do you think it makes you any nobler? A bunch of shameless old men, gossiping about young girls behind their backs¡ªwhere¡¯s your sense of decency?"0


    "You¡¯re all halfway to the grave, yet you still spew such venom at young girls. Why shouldn¡¯t the Imperial Consort oversee the selection? Didn¡¯t she choose candidates for the Emperor? If the Emperor doesn¡¯t object, it means he¡¯s satisfied with her choices. Are you the Emperor? How do you know he¡¯d prefer your daughters? You¡¯re all just peddling your own wares, making meugh to the point of losing my teeth."0


    The opposing side was left speechless.0


    Indeed!0


    They had been ranting and raving, condemning the Imperial Consort, but the Emperor hadn¡¯t said a word!0


    The Emperor was a wise man. If he were dissatisfied but didn¡¯t want to argue with the Imperial Consort, he would surely hint to his ministers to help curb her arrogance.0


    "Fine, let¡¯s wait for the Emperor to rify."0


    "The Emperor arrives¡ª"0


    Hearing that the argument inside had reached its peak, Tang Shiliang announced.0


    The Xuanwu Emperor strode into the Imperial Study, where dozens of officials had nearly filled the room to capacity.

 Chapter 373

    <h1>Chapter 373</h1>


    The officials, who had been seething with anger earlier, all quieted down in the presence of the emperor, not daring to cause any trouble.0


    Jiang Yankun followed the others in paying his respects, then stood up and snorted, "Spineless cowards."0


    The official who had been arguing with him earlier turned red with anger, his neck bulging. "Who are you calling a coward?"0


    Jiang Yankun muttered under his breath, "You¡¯re the one who jumped out to admit it. Why ask when you already know?"0


    His tone, innocent yet taunting, was truly, truly, truly infuriating.0


    The official was boiling with rage, but Jiang Yankun remained calm, not showing a hint of anger or frustration. If he tried to argue further, it would only make him seem like the unreasonable one.0


    "Your Majesty!"0


    "Please judge this matter for me. Minister Jiang... Minister Jiang is being utterly unreasonable."0


    Unable to win the argument, he sought external help.0


    The Xuanwu Emperor slowly turned his head in another direction, pretending not to hear, and scratched his forehead.0


    After a brief silence, he cleared his throat. "What urgent matter brings you all here at this hour?"0


    If it¡¯s just some trivial matter unrted to the court or the people, you¡¯ll regret it.0


    The emperor¡¯s implied message was clear to those who were sharp, but there were always those who were less perceptive, stubbornly opposing the emperor.0


    "Your Majesty, the daughter of the Yanzhou governor, Shi Ruojun, is a violent, unmarriageable shrew! How could you have chosen her for the imperial harem?"0


    "Lady Shi, I find her straightforward, adorable, strong, and brave. I quite like her."0


    After just one meeting, the emperor could already tell she was strong and brave?0


    "And what about the daughter of the Hanlin Academy reader, Meng Wanqing? She¡¯s had seven fianc¨¦s, all of whom met untimely deaths! Your Majesty, aren¡¯t you afraid..."0


    "Nonsense!"0


    The emperor mmed his hand on the table. "Lady Meng is gentle, well-read, and eloquent. She¡¯s a rare talent, and I find her quite charming. Besides, precisely because she¡¯s cursed, I should take her into the harem. As the Son of Heaven, protected by the dragon¡¯s aura, no evil can harm me. It¡¯s better to keep her from harming others."0


    "Your Majesty is wise, truly wise!"0


    Reader Meng, overwhelmed with gratitude, knelt on the ground, kowtowing. Your Majesty has saved the Meng family from disaster.0


    "And there¡¯s also..."0


    "Enough!"0


    The Xuanwu Emperor red at the speaking officials, his eyes zing with anger and his tone filled with disdain. "You are officials paid by the state treasury, tasked with caring for the hardships of the people. I thought you were here to discuss matters of great importance to the fate of Great Yan, but instead, you¡¯re fixated on my harem."0


    He repeatedly pped the table. "Selecting consorts is my personal affair. What are you trying to do? Do I need your approval to like a woman? If I don¡¯tply with your wishes, are you going to rebel? Isn¡¯t that tantamount to threatening me?"0


    Thest official who dared to threaten the emperor probably met the founding emperor in the afterlife.0


    "We dare not!"0


    The officials who had been criticizing Jiang Xinyue, seeing the emperor¡¯s rage, all knelt on the ground, their foreheads beading with cold sweat.0


    They hadn¡¯t expected the emperor¡¯s tastes to be so... unique.0


    "If you put even half the effort you spend on meddling in the harem into caring for the people, I can¡¯t imagine how happy my subjects would be. But what are you arguing about? Why your daughters weren¡¯t chosen for the harem? I¡¯ve already selected the ones I like. Do you expect me to take every single candidate into the harem?"0


    With too many women in the harem, trouble is bound to arise, and Yue¡¯er will be schemed against again.0


    The emperor¡¯s gaze swept over the officials, and he sighed. "I¡¯m getting older, and many things are beyond my control. For those candidates who were not selected and do not wish to remain in the pce, I permit them to return home and marry as they please."0


    Those pampered youngdies from noble families, if they stayed in the pce as maids, would only add to the burden of the existing pce staff.0


    They don¡¯t know how to serve others; they¡¯d only cause more trouble.0


    After the emperor¡¯s words, the officials¡¯ indignation lessened, though some still felt resentful.0


    How could they ept that their well-bred daughters lost out to candidates with questionable reputations?0


    But at least their precious daughters wouldn¡¯t have to stay in the pce as maids, waiting until they were twenty-five to leave. They could return home and save face.0


    In the gloomy Chuxiu Pce, a maid rushed into the hall, out of breath. "Miss... Miss... we can go home, we can go home!"0


    Su Hongliu jumped up from her chair. "What? What do you mean we can go home?"0


    The maid, tears of joy streaming down her face, said, "The families of dozens of the rejected candidates havee to the imperial study to protest! The emperor was so annoyed that he dered if the rejected candidates don¡¯t wish to serve in the pce, they can all return home and marry as they please."0


    Tears immediately fell from Su Hongliu¡¯s eyes. "Thank heavens... thank heavens... I thought I¡¯d have to wait until I was twenty-five to leave the pce..."0


    By then, she¡¯d be an old maid, unwanted by anyone.0


    Being able to leave the pce was a stroke of luck. If they made any mistakes during their time in the pce, being scolded or punished, they might not even survive to see the day they could leave.0


    "Ah... wuwuwu..."0


    Only one person cried even more bitterly.0


    Huang Yanyu was utterly distraught. If rolling on the ground could get her out of the pce, she wouldn¡¯t even care about losing face.0n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    A few candidates who had disliked her for her bullying ways gloated. "Oh dear! We¡¯re all leaving the pce. Will you be lonely here, Yanyu?"0


    "Your cousin is the emperor¡¯s favorite consort... no, wait, starting tomorrow, we¡¯ll have to call her the empress. Your cousin is the empress, and you¡¯re a maid. How peculiar."0


    "With hundreds of sisters in the pce serving the imperial consorts, how could she possibly be lonely?"0


    "Hahaha..."0


    Several candidates burst intoughter.0


    Mu Qianqian didn¡¯t dare say a word. When she left home, she had stolen the most valuable jade pendant from her family, one her father had intended to give to her brother for his wedding.0


    It was said to be a precious jade pendant worth ten gold pieces, gifted to her grandfather by a nobleman in his time.0


    Now, that pendant had been given to a eunuch in Chengqian Pce, securing her a position as a tea-serving maid there.0


    The early bird catches the worm. She intended to be the one to pluck the moon from the sky.0


    Auntie Duan was right. If she didn¡¯t want to leave the pce or be bullied as a servant, she had topete for favor.0


    As a consort, with the emperor¡¯s exclusive favor toward the imperial noble consort, she would never get a chance to see him.0


    But as a maid in Chengqian Pce, she could see the emperor every day. How could she not develop feelings over time?0


    Even if there were no feelings, what man in the world could resist temptation?0

 Chapter 374

    <h1>Chapter 374</h1>


    On the twelfth day of the fourth month, the court was bustling with activity as all the officials and their families gathered in the pce to celebrate the first birthday of the Sixth Prince.


    For the youngdies who had been candidates for the imperial harem just the day before, their mood upon entering the pce today was entirely different.


    To put it simply, it felt like surviving a disaster!


    Jiang Xinyue¡¯s gaze swept across the room, noticing that the sharp eyes of the noblewomen, which had previously been fixed either on the Emperor or herself, were now uniformly directed at the busy pce maids.


    They watched with clenched teeth, shaking their heads as if relieved.


    It seemed that from this day forward, the mention of entering the pce for the selection of imperial consorts would send these nobledies running in the opposite direction.


    The Sixth Prince¡¯s name had already been exceptionally recorded in the imperial jade register. Now, under the direction of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the formal announcement was made to the ancestral temple.


    In the Shen family genealogy, beneath the Emperor¡¯s name, alongside his other sons, a new name appeared: Shen Mingye.


    The characters ¡°Ye¡± and ¡°Ye¡± shared the same pronunciation, and the ministers, finally catching on, realized that the Emperor had intended for the Sixth Prince to be the Crown Prince from the moment he named him.


    How old was the Sixth Prince then?


    He must have been just a newborn!


    It was clear that even back then, the Noble Consort and the Third Prince had already been excluded from the session. No wonder the Noble Consort had eventually gone mad, resorting to faking her own death to attempt an assassination.


    As ?????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????the banquet reached its midpoint, the Emperor signaled to Wang Dequan to prepare to read the edicts appointing the Crown Prince and the Empress.


    ¡°Your Majesty! Noble Consort! The Sixth Prince¡­ the Sixth Prince¡­¡±


    Nanny Xiang, in a state of unprecedented panic, rushed out of Taihe Hall and copsed near Jiang Xinyue¡¯s seat. ¡°The Sixth Prince has suddenly broken out in rashes and is having difficulty breathing!¡±


    Jiang Xinyue immediately rose from her seat and, without a word, ran toward the inner chambers.


    The Emperor quickly stood up but, suppressing his anger, sat back down. It was evident that someone was deliberately trying to sabotage the appointments of Jiang Xinyue and the little prince.


    His fingers gripped the dragon-head armrests so tightly it seemed he might crush them.


    He let out a coldugh. ¡°Wang Dequan, read the edict.¡±


    Even if the sky were to fall today, he would ensure that the banquet proceeded as nned, refusing to let the schemers seed.


    The attendees, having heard Nanny Xiang¡¯s cry, were thrown into chaos, unsure of what to do.


    The Jiang family was especially anxious. If not for the many eyes watching, they would have rushed in immediately.


    At that moment, Wang Dequan unrolled the imperial edict. Before he even began to read, all the ministers and their families in Taihe Hall knelt to the ground.


    ¡°By the Mandate of Heaven, the Emperor decrees: I, having inherited the sacred teachings of my ancestors and devoted myself to the ancestral temple with utmost diligence, have never ckened in my duties. I have heard that a sage ruler must establish an Empress to uphold the ancestral temple and govern the realm. Noble Consort Jiang, daughter of Jiang Yankun, Minister of Justice, has long been entrusted with the imperial mandate. She is virtuous, gentle, graceful, and dignified. It is fitting to establish her as the Empress, to serve the ancestral temple. In ordance with the wishes of my ancestors, I hereby appoint Jing Weimin, the Chief of the Secretariat, to confer upon her the Empress¡¯s seal, that she may serve as the mother of the nation. May she unite with the Emperor in heart, love the country and its people, and together create a prosperous era for Great Yan. So it is decreed¡ª¡±


    Even as the Sixth Prince was being harmed and the Noble Consort was absent, the Emperor, with unyielding resolve, appointed Jiang Xinyue as the Empress.


    Through his actions, he made it clear to everyone that no scheme or conspiracy could hinder his determination to appoint the Noble Consort and the Sixth Prince.


    As for those who had plotted against them, the Emperor vowed to scour the entire pce after the banquet and make them pay an unbearable price.


    ¡°The Emperor is wise! Long live the Emperor! Long live the Empress!¡±


    The deafening cheers echoed throughout the hall, reaching even Jiang Xinyue in the inner chambers.


    But she had no time to spare for them. Holding the crying Sixth Prince, her eyes reddened. ¡°Yan the Imperial Physician, is this an allergic reaction?¡±


    The Sixth Prince¡¯s head, chest, and fingertips were covered in acupuncture needles. Yan the Imperial Physician had chosen to use acupuncture to regte the prince¡¯s yin and yang bnce, aiming to treat the skin condition.


    By stimting and adjusting the flow of qi and blood at specific points, acupuncture could enhance the body¡¯s natural healing ability, alleviating the symptoms of the skin condition and providing some relief for the prince.


    As he crushed herbs like coptis and anemarrhena, he asked, ¡°It seems so. Did the Sixth Prince consume any peanuts today?¡±


    Nanny Xiang, choking on her tears, replied, ¡°No¡­ no¡­ Everyone in Hexi Pce knows that the Sixth Prince is allergic to peanuts. His diet strictly prohibits peanuts. I have been vignt every day, and it¡¯s impossible that he was given peanuts.¡±n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    She truly couldn¡¯t understand how the prince had still suffered an allergic reaction.


    ¡°What about the wet nurse? Did she eat peanuts?¡±


    Wet Nurse Lu shook her head in guilt. ¡°I¡¯ve been extremely careful. Not only do I avoid peanuts, but since learning of the prince¡¯s allergy, I¡¯ve also stopped eating any simr foods.¡±


    Nanny Xiang had told her to eliminate all potential risks, so she had given up not just peanuts but all nuts entirely.


    ¡°That¡¯s strange¡­¡±


    Yan the Imperial Physician stroked his beard. ¡°The Sixth Prince¡¯s severe reaction suggests that he must have ingested something.¡±


    The prince¡¯s once fair and adorable face was now swollen, hisrge eyes reduced to slits, and his entire head seemed to have grownrger.


    Tormented by the itching, the little prince struggled and cried incessantly, causing maids like Magpie and Frostfall to weep as well.


    If they could, they would willingly bear this suffering in his ce.


    Heavenly Bodhisattva, please protect the Sixth Prince and let him recover quickly!


    They would even give up years of their own lives for his sake.


    Most critically, the prince, already struggling to breathe, cried even harder, worsening his condition.


    If this vicious cycle wasn¡¯t broken, the prince¡¯s life would be in grave danger.


    Jiang Xinyue had always considered herself strong and unyielding, but seeing her son in such pain brought silent tears to her eyes.


    Suppressing her heartache, sheid the prince on the bed, applied herbal ointment to his body, and gently held him, cing his head against her chest so he could hear her heartbeat. ¡°My precious baby, everything will be alright. You must be strong. Mommy is here, Mommy will always be here. Don¡¯t be afraid. Be brave and fight this. I swear, this will never happen again. My darling, don¡¯t be scared, okay?¡±


    Her soothing voice seemed to cast a spell, and the prince, nestled against her chest, gradually calmed down. His nearly swollen-shut eyes gazed intently at Jiang Xinyue¡¯s face. ¡°Mo¡­ mo¡­ Mommy¡­ hurts!¡±


    The Sixth Prince had spoken his first words!


    Ovee with both joy and sorrow, Jiang Xinyue kissed his cheek. ¡°Mommy will blow on it, and the pain will go away. Little Tuan Tuan, sleep now. When you wake up, the pain will be gone.¡±


    If Mommy said so, it must be true. The prince drifted into a drowsy sleep.


    Yan the Imperial Physician let out a sigh of relief. ¡°It¡¯s good that he¡¯s stopped crying. I will perform acupuncture every hour and change the medicine every two hours. Once the swelling subsides, he should be out of danger.¡±


    ¡°No!¡±


    Jiang Xinyue¡¯s eyes shed with fury. ¡°This is far from over. This is a grave matter!¡±

 Chapter 375

    <h1>Chapter 375</h1>


    In the past, those who had wronged Little Tuantuan had not actually harmed him physically or caused him pain, so she could limit her revenge to the mastermind alone.


    But now, they had caused her son such agony, such suffering, nearly costing him his life.


    If it weren¡¯t for Yan the Imperial Physician¡¯s relentless pursuit of knowledge over the years, driven by his ambition to be the head of the Imperial Hospital, and his mastery of treatments for rare andplex illnesses, it would have been uncertain whether the Sixth Prince would have survived today.


    As for the other imperial physicians, she didn¡¯t trust them nearly as much.


    Thus, the situation had escted.


    If she didn¡¯t make an example of someone, everyone would think her Tuantuan was an easy target!


    It had been too long since she had wielded a de, and they had forgotten that she, too, had once fought her way through blood and chaos.


    The inner hall of Taihe Hall was so quiet that the sound of a falling needle could be heard. It was in this silence that Wang Dequan announced the imperial edict, followed immediately by another.


    ¡°By the decree of Heaven, the Emperor proims: Since ascending the throne by the will of thete Emperor, We have diligently attended to matters of state and governance, never allowing Ourselves to growcent. The continuation of Our lineage is a sacred duty, and We have strived day and night to honor the legacy of Our ancestors. Now, the Sixth Prince, born of Empress Jiang Xinyue, is destined by Heaven to seed Us. In ordance with Our initial decree and the rites of the court, We hereby dere him Crown Prince, to reside in the Eastern Pce and uphold the eternal order of Our realm, bringing peace to the hearts of all under Heaven. So it is decreed¡ª¡±


    The order of these two edicts clearly demonstrated the Emperor¡¯s deep concern for Jiang Xinyue and her son.


    First, he had named her Empress to calm her earlier distress, and then he had dered the Sixth Prince Crown Prince.


    With the edict naming her Empress preceding the other, the Sixth Prince¡¯s status was elevated from that of a concubine¡¯s son to ¡°born of the Empress, chosen by Heaven.¡±


    His ?????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????position had be iparably more prestigious.


    His appointment as Crown Prince was both justified and rightful.


    Xi Que wiped her tears and asked, ¡°Your Majesty, is the Emperor warning those who harmed the Crown Prince?¡±


    On any ordinary day, if the young Crown Prince had so much as a sniffle, the Emperor would have been beside himself with worry and would have rushed to check on him.


    But today, he had acted out of character, not only refraining from entering but also remaining seated on his throne in Taihe Hall.


    Jiang Xinyue pressed the back of her hand to the Crown Prince¡¯s forehead, then touched her own, relieved to find that the child was not feverish. She called for Xiao Xiangzi and instructed him, ¡°Go inform Tang Shiliang that the Crown Prince was in critical condition, but thanks to Yan the Imperial Physician¡¯s exceptional skills, he has now stabilized.¡±


    The current head of the Imperial Hospital, Chief Physician Hu, was advanced in years and had recently requested to retire, which the Emperor had approved.


    It was time to promote Yan the Imperial Physician.


    Upon receiving the message, Tang Shiliang hurried to the main hall and ryed the Crown Prince¡¯s condition to the Emperor.


    The Emperor¡¯s tense expression visibly rxed as the weight of his worry lifted.


    Lady Ruan was beside herself with anxiety. ¡°Husband, may I go in to see the Crown Prince and Her Majesty? My heart is¡­¡±


    ¡°The Crown Prince is fine now.¡±


    ¡°How do you know?¡±


    Jiang Yankun gestured subtly toward the Emperor. ¡°Tang Shiliang apanied Her Majesty inside and stayed for a long time, likely waiting for news. Just now, I saw him rush out and whisper something to the Emperor, whose expression immediately softened. That means the news was good¡ªthe Crown Prince is safe.¡±


    Lady Ruan studied the Emperor¡¯s face and noticed that his earlier grim expression had indeed eased.


    She clutched her racing heart and slumped into Jiang Yankun¡¯s arms. ¡°Thank goodness¡­ Thank goodness! I was so frightened. May the Bodhisattva protect us!¡±


    However, not everyone¡¯splexion had improved.


    Consort Cheng, seated near the end of the concubines¡¯ section, was pale and visibly shaken. To avoid drawing Noble Consort Ye¡¯s attention, she deliberately knocked over her wine cup, spilling its contents on her dress.


    ¡°Oh dear!¡±


    After a soft exmation, she stood up. ¡°Sister Ye, I¡¯ve soiled my dress. I¡¯ll return to my chambers to change. If anyone asks, please exin for me.¡±


    ¡°You don¡¯t look well,¡± Noble Consort Ye remarked, eyeing her curiously. ¡°Is it so hot? You¡¯re sweating profusely.¡±


    Consort Cheng forced a smile. ¡°I¡¯m just¡­ in a hurry.¡±


    With that, she gathered her skirts and fled, her demeanor uncharacteristically flustered.


    Noble Consort Ye found this odd. Consort Cheng had always been so concerned with propriety, yet she had just acted quite out of sorts.


    Was she afraid that now that Her Majesty had been named Empress, she would be held ountable for her past misdeeds?


    If she was so easily frightened, why had she dared to provoke the Empress in the first ce? It was like lighting antern in an outhouse¡ªasking for trouble.


    ¡°You may all leave. I wish to be alone,¡± Consort Cheng said, dismissing her attendants.


    Once they were gone, she began frantically rummaging through her belongings, packing as if preparing to flee. But halfway through, she froze.


    Where could she go?


    This was the imperial pce, heavily guarded by the Imperial Guards. One misstep, and she could be mistaken for an assassin and killed on the spot.


    Without a token, there was no way she could escape the pce.


    She hadn¡¯t meant for things to go this far!


    Wait¡ªthat person¡­ she needed to find that person¡­


    The dim candlelight flickered in the vast chamber. The pce maids and eunuchs had all gone to Taihe Hall to celebrate the Empress and the Crown Prince.


    Here, there wasn¡¯t even anyone to fetch her a cup of hot water.


    ¡°Bang!¡±


    The creditor hade to collect her debt.


    ¡°You said¡­ you said the Crown Prince might be allergic to peanuts, and that recing the walnut oil in his food with peanut oil might make him ufortable. But¡­ but why did he almost die?¡±n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    ¡°Yes, I said that, but I never acted on it. Who told you to take me seriously? You went ahead and did it, and now you¡¯re trying to drag me down with you?¡±


    ¡°But¡­ you were the one who told me you overheard Wang Dequan scolding a eunuch about the Crown Prince¡¯s peanut allergy!¡±


    ¡°I did hear that, but I was just making conversation. You¡¯re the one who acted on it. What does that have to do with me?¡±


    ¡°The Empress will trace this back to me soon. You have to save me. If you don¡¯t, I¡¯ll expose you. I¡¯ll say it was you who led me to do it. If I¡¯m going down, you¡¯reing with me.¡±


    Consort Cheng had no idea that an allergy could be fatal.


    Even with a hundred times her courage, she would never have dared to harm the Crown Prince. Her schemes had always been limited to seducing the Emperor and undermining Jiang Xinyue¡¯s favor.


    ¡°Thud!¡±


    ¡°Ah¡­¡±


    A golden hairpin pierced Consort Cheng¡¯s neck, and blood gushed out, sttering onto the pale face of her assant. Consort Cheng copsed in terror, clutching her throat as she tried to crawl toward the door.


    But the demonic voice behind her spoke again. ¡°Since that¡¯s the case, you might as well die. It¡¯s your good fortune that your death coincides with the Crown Prince¡¯s birthday.¡±


    The sight of blood on the Crown Prince¡¯s birthday was an ill omen.


    Let Consort Cheng¡¯s blood serve as a curse upon the Crown Prince.

 Chapter 376

    <h1>Chapter 376</h1>


    After the pce banquet, the Emperor specifically asked Jiang Yankun and his wife to stay behind. They were led into the inner chamber of Taihe Hall to see the Crown Prince and confirm that he was unharmed before being escorted out of the pce.


    The little one had undergone countless acupuncture sessions and herbal treatments, and while the swelling on his face had subsided somewhat, it hadn¡¯tpletely healed. His face was still covered in tiny rashes, densely packed and quite unsettling to look at.


    In his sleep, he whimpered and fidgeted, unconsciously trying to scratch the itch.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    Jiang Xinyue knew that human nails harbored many bacteria. If the skin were scratched open, it could easily lead to inmmation and even cause the wounds to fester.


    It wouldn¡¯t do for him to have scars in the future.


    She held the little one¡¯s hand and softly hummed by his ear, lulling him back to sleep.


    The entire night, the Emperor and Jiang Xinyue took turns watching over him, fearing that the Crown Prince¡¯s condition might worsen.


    When the sky began to lighten, the Emperor had to attend the morning court session. Without even closing his eyes, he hurried off to the Golden Hall.


    As he left, his eyes were bloodshot.


    Jiang Xinyue instructed Xi Que and Shuang Jiang to keep a close watch, then leaned against the bedpost to rest for a moment.


    After she had rested and her mind was clearer, she noticed that the rashes on the Crown Prince¡¯s body had mostly subsided.


    The little one, having been tormented all night, looked utterly exhausted. His dark eyes stared unblinkingly at Jiang Xinyue, and then he gave a weak smile: ¡°Moth¡­ther¡­¡±


    He had learned to call her ¡°mother,¡± though his tongue still stumbled a bit. His babyish voice melted her heart.


    But aside from that one word, he couldn¡¯t say anything else.


    Jiang Xinyue kissed the Crown Prince¡¯s little cheek and smiled at him, then asked Xi Que to bring over the warm codfish porridge: ¡°Is my little dumpling hungry? Shall mother feed you some porridge?¡±


    At the mention of ¡°porridge,¡± the Crown Prince¡¯s eyes lit up, and he immediately tried to sit up in bed.


    Xi Que handed the porridge to Jiang Xinyue and helped the little Crown Prince sit up properly. Jiang Xinyue scooped a spoonful of porridge, blew on it, and a rich aroma of food oil mixed with the savory scent of codfish wafted up.


    She held the spoon away and examined it, then sniffed it again: ¡°Xiao Xiangzi, go to Hexi Pce and bring the Crown Prince¡¯s supplementary oil from the kitchen for Yan the Imperial Physician to examine. I smell¡­ is this peanut oil?¡±


    Peanuts and walnuts are both nuts, and the oils extracted from them have very simr scents. Without careful sniffing, it¡¯s hard to tell them apart.


    But in Hexi Pce, the little one¡¯s food was strictly managed and arranged by the Internal Affairs Department, following Jiang Xinyue¡¯s exact standards. There was no way they could have mixed it up.


    Taihe Hall was eerily quiet. With the Crown Prince ill, no one dared to make noise and add to the Empress¡¯s troubles.


    Xiao Xiangzi returned after about a quarter of an hour, carrying a small jar. Yan the Imperial Physician quickly took it, scooped out a bit with a spoon, and tasted it with his finger.


    All eyes were on Yan the Imperial Physician as he spat the oil into a handkerchief: ¡°Your Majesty, this is indeed peanut oil! The Crown Prince¡¯s walnut oil has been swapped.¡±


    Jiang Xinyue had already suspected as much. She mmed the bowl of codfish porridge onto the table: ¡°Summon the Internal Affairs Department to see me immediately, and bring all the stored walnut oil.¡±


    ¡°Waaahhh¡­¡±


    The Crown Prince, who had been waiting for his delicious fish porridge, burst into tears. Jiang Xinyue instructed Xi Que and Shuang Jiang to take him to Wet Nurse Lu: ¡°Since the wet nurse is fine, let her feed the Crown Prince milk for now. Don¡¯t prepare any supplementary food for him these next few days.¡±


    She needed to find out whether only this jar of oil was tainted or if all the oil had beenpromised.


    If only the jar from Hexi Pce was affected, then she would have to investigate whether there was a traitor in her own pce.


    If all the oil was tainted, then someone in the Internal Affairs Department had been bribed to harm the Crown Prince.


    Jiang Xinyue was more inclined to believe that the problemy with the Internal Affairs Department.


    Hexi Pce had long been thoroughly cleaned out. From Xi Que, Shuang Jiang, Xiao Xiangzi, Jiang Chuan, to Nanny Xiang and Wet Nurse Lu, they were all her trusted confidants. It was impossible for them to betray her.


    The lower-ranking servants had also been carefully selected and trained, all fiercely loyal to Hexi Pce.


    In short, her pce was like an impregnable fortress. No one could possibly breach it.


    The Internal Affairs Department, however¡­


    ¡°Crash!¡±


    ¡°Ah!¡±


    ¡°Xiao Shunzi, what¡¯s going on?¡±


    ¡°Whoosh!¡±


    ¡°Ah! Fire¡­ fire! Someone, put out the fire!¡±


    Just as Xiao Xiangzi reached the entrance of the Internal Affairs Department, he saw thick ck smoke billowing out. A crowd of eunuchs rushed out, shouting for help to extinguish the mes.


    Immediately, he realized that someone was ¡°destroying the evidence.¡± Without a doubt, the fire was targeting the Crown Prince¡¯s batch of walnut oil.


    He pushed past a few blocking eunuchs and dashed inside. No matter what, he had to salvage a few jars of oil.


    Amid the chaotic crowd, a pair of sinister eyes red at his retreating figure: ¡°Seeking death!¡±


    The Emperor had yet to finish the morning court session. The sky was still gloomy, not fully bright, and many people were still asleep, gradually awakened by themotion at the Internal Affairs Department.


    When Xiao Xiangzi rushed into the fire, the ce was already deserted. Everyone had run out to fetch water to fight the mes.


    It was the storage room!


    The arsonist had quite the audacity. To cover up the truth, they had set fire to the most crucial storage room in the Internal Affairs Department.


    Fortunately, this area only stored food and oil. If it had been near the living quarters, the wind could have spread the fire, resulting in countless casualties.


    Covering his mouth and nose, Xiao Xiangzi quickly searched through the areas the mes hadn¡¯t yet reached.


    Amid the towering mes, he spotted a eunuch in a light blue uniform, already burned beyond recognition, lying in a pile of charred wood.


    Suppressing his nausea and fear, he used his sleeve to push aside the wood. Beneath ity the Crown Prince¡¯s walnut oil.


    Just as expected¡­


    The arsonist had intended to burn all the walnut oil.


    But with Xiao Xiangzi here, they wouldn¡¯t seed!


    He reached out, trying to retrieve the oil through the gaps in the wood, but his shoulder got stuck. He was just a little short. Determined, he pushed forward with more force.


    He didn¡¯t notice the shadow creeping up behind him.


    The shadow held a thick wooden stick, raised high.


    ¡°?????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????Thud!¡±


    Xiao Xiangzi¡¯s body crumpled into the sea of mes. The crackling embers were about to engulf him.


    As the sky brightened slightly, the Emperor finally finished the morning court session. It had ended earlier than usual, mainly because the ministers, seeing the fire in his eyes, swallowed their intended reports.


    Never mind, they thought. Whatever it was could wait until tomorrow.


    There was no need to rush.


    Haste makes waste, after all.


    ¡°The Internal Affairs Department is on fire?¡±


    The Emperor paused: ¡°How could it catch fire out of nowhere?¡±


    ¡°They say a eunuch¡¯s clothes somehow caught fire, and he knocked over a barrel of oil in the storage room. The mes spread quickly, and the eunuch was burned to death.¡±


    How could it be such a coincidence?


    He had just nned to investigate the Internal Affairs Department, and now there was a fire and a death?

 Chapter 377

    <h1>Chapter 377</h1>


    It was hard to believe there was no trickery involved in this.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    "Let¡¯s head to the Taihe Hall first. Has the Crown Prince woken up?"


    Tang Shiliang hurriedly followed behind the emperor: "Her Majesty the Empress sent me to inform Your Majesty that the rash on the Crown Prince¡¯s face has healed, and he has now returned to Hexi Pce."


    The emperor immediately changed his direction toward Hexi Pce. He had been in a bad mood all morning after not being able to apany the Crown Prince during the morning court session. His mind had been preupied, worried that the little one might feel unwell and start crying again.


    Last night, the little one had cried so hard that his voice had gone hoarse, which had nearly broken the emperor¡¯s heart.


    After all, this was the Crown Prince he had raised with his own hands, through thick and thin!


    "Hit, ?????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????hit, hit, hit..."


    Inside Hexi Pce, the Fourth Prince and the Crown Prince were sitting on soft cushions on the floor, ying a game of "Whack-a-Mole" that Jiang Xinyue had made for them.


    The Crown Prince, well-fed and rested, was in high spirits, having already forgotten the difort of his earlier allergic reaction. He was enthusiastically swinging a small hammer, chanting, "Hit, hit, hit, hit..."


    The Fourth Prince joined in, mimicking him: "Hit, hit, hit, hit..."


    The sound of their y filled Hexi Pce, asionally interrupted by the joyful barking of a dog.


    It seemed that "Gui" was also inside, joining in the fun with the two little ones!


    When the emperor entered, he saw Jiang Xinyue holding the Sixth Prince, guiding his hand to whack the moles. Each time a new mole popped up, the little prince would squeal with excitement, but also shrink back in fear, burying himself in his mother¡¯s arms.


    He had be even more clingy than before.


    The emperor didn¡¯t announce his arrival, but everyone in the hall noticed him and immediately knelt in respect. Jiang Xinyue pointed toward the entrance: "Little Tuan, look who¡¯s here?"


    The voice caught the Crown Prince¡¯s attention, and he turned to see a familiar face.


    He dropped the small wooden hammer, pushed away Jiang Xinyue¡¯s hand, and with a little wobble, managed to stand up on his own.


    This was the first time in his life he had stood up independently. The maids, including Xique and Shuangjiang, froze in their tasks, wide-eyed and holding their breath, waiting to see what he would do next.


    "Uh... uh..."


    The little chubby boy plopped back down, seeking his mother¡¯s help, but when their eyes met, he saw only encouragement on her face, with no intention of lifting him up.


    So, he ced his hands on the ground, stuck his bottom up, and slowly, unsteadily, stood up again.


    Those little legs bravely took their first step.


    Jiang Xinyue¡¯s eyes reddened as she covered her mouth with her hand. While she was genuinely moved, her reaction was somewhat exaggerated¡ªit was all an act for the emperor.


    "Hehehehe..."


    The Crown Prince stumbled and ran into the emperor¡¯s arms, grabbing onto his father¡¯s golden crown and refusing to let go: "Give... give..."


    Only Her Majesty the Empress and the Crown Prince dared to mess with the emperor¡¯s crown.


    "Do you want Father¡¯s crown?"


    "Mm!"


    The Crown Prince might not yet understand what "mm" meant, but he was a quick learner.


    The Fourth Prince had been saying "mm" earlier, and now he was copying him.


    The Xuanwu Emperorughed heartily: "Father can¡¯t give it to you now¡ªyou don¡¯t even have enough hair to wear it! When your hair grows longer, Father will have a prettier one made for you, alright?"


    "Mm, mm..."


    This time, he not only answered but also nodded repeatedly.


    "What a clever little one."


    The emperor lifted him up and bounced him a couple of times, causing the Crown Prince to giggle like a flower in bloom, his childishughter filling the room.


    Jiang Xinyue nced at the Fourth Prince and pulled him into her arms: "Oh dear! Xiaoman, you¡¯ve gotten so chubbytely, like a little piggy. Mother can hardly hold you anymore."


    The Fourth Prince felt a warmth in his heart, knowing full well that this was his mother¡¯s way offorting him, afraid he might feel left out.


    Sigh...


    His grandmother had once told him that people were born different, and one couldn¡¯t have everything. Those who were too greedy woulde to no good end.


    He couldn¡¯t have both his mother¡¯s love and his father¡¯s.


    Having one was already more than enough!


    It was worth it, considering how he had deliberately caught his father¡¯s attention during the pce coupunched by the traitor Lady Ye.


    The best decision he had ever made was provoking the nasty eunuchs on duty near Hexi Pce.


    He had deliberately spat at them, taunted them, and driven them into a rage, causing them to beat him as they had done countless times before.


    Luckily, after just a dozen kicks, the emperor had seen him and sent him and his grandmother to Hexi Pce.


    Since then, he no longer had to scheme just to survive, because with Mother around, no one dared to bully him.


    Having her was enough!


    "Xiaoman, Grand Tutor Jing recently praised you to Father, saying you¡¯ve been doing very well in your studies and setting a good example for your younger brother. Don¡¯t getcent¡ªkeep it up, alright?"


    Even such a simplepliment from the emperor made the Fourth Prince¡¯s eyes light up: "Father, don¡¯t worry. I will always protect my younger brother and be a good role model for him."


    He still didn¡¯t know that his younger brother had narrowly escaped death.


    Jiang Xinyue patted his head: "You and your younger brother are both Mother¡¯s good children. I¡¯m very grateful that you, as the older brother, want to protect him. But you must never put someone else¡¯s life before your own. No matter what, you are the most important. Mother hopes that you will protect yourself first, and then your younger brother, understand?"


    These words sounded very familiar to the Xuanwu Emperor. Wasn¡¯t this what Jiang Xinyue had once told him¡ªto prioritize his own feelings and never sacrifice himself for anyone else?


    It was those words back then that had made him develop genuine feelings for her, unlike his other concubines.


    If even the emperor hadn¡¯t been able to resist her words, how could the Fourth Prince, who had a simr background, hold back?


    His eyes welled up with tears as he looked at Jiang Xinyue with adoration, burying his face in her arms, too shy to look up.


    From an outsider¡¯s perspective, the emperor could truly feel that Jiang Xinyue¡¯s words were sincere, not an attempt to manipte anyone.


    Jiang Xinyue, of course, knew the emperor would find her words familiar, but he was mistaken.


    Her affection for the Fourth Prince was genuine, not maniption. But when it came to the emperor, who had countless women, it was indeed maniption, without a shred of sincerity.


    To expect sincerity from an emperor was as futile as trying to ascend to immortality.


    Up until now, her coquettishness, her tears, her jealousy¡ªit was all an act.


    Demanding his exclusive attention, forbidding him from taking new concubines, all of it was to make him believe she loved him deeply and couldn¡¯t bear to share him with anyone else.


    This was her way of ensuring no new threats entered the pce, allowing the Crown Prince to grow up safely, free from harm.


    As long as the emperor could resist temptation while the Crown Prince was young, she could tolerate it. Once the Crown Prince was grown, she wouldn¡¯t mind if the emperor filled the pce with a hundred beauties.


    If the emperor behaved himself, she would happily grow old with him in harmony.


    But if he didn¡¯t...


    Well, as she often said, the emperor was over a decade older than her. He would die before her.

 Chapter 378

    <h1>Chapter 378</h1>


    "Your Majesty! Your Majesty! Something terrible has happened!"


    Just ?????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????as the Crown Prince had been taken by Wet Nurse Lu and Nanny Xiang to sleep, a sharp cry erupted outside: "Xiao Xiangzi¡­ Eunuch Xiao Xiangzi is in trouble."


    Jiang Xinyue was pouring tea for the Emperor when she heard this. Her hand trembled, and she immediately set down the teapot, lifting her skirt as she hurried outside at a brisk pace.


    The Emperor felt a strange sensation, as if Xiao Xiangzi mattered more to her than he did.


    After a moment of hesitation, he quickly stood up and followed. How could he have such a thought? In Jiang Xinyue¡¯s heart, he was the most important person, even more so than the Crown Prince.


    "Someone, quick, someone!"


    Jiang Chuan was holding the barely conscious Xiao Xiangzi in his arms, crying out, "Fetch the imperial physician¡­ hurry and fetch the imperial physician!"


    Xiao Xiangzi¡¯s arms were covered in blisters and red burns, mixed with soot, looking terrifying. His back was soaked with blood, a result of a severe blow to his head.


    Jiang Chuan¡¯s hands and face were smeared with Xiao Xiangzi¡¯s blood.


    He frantically urged those around him to summon the imperial physician. Even the servants of Hexi Pce were not to be treated lightly, and the Imperial Hospital dared not refuse to send someone.


    Otherwise, offending the Empress would spell disaster for the entire Imperial Hospital.


    Moreover, rumors were spreading that after Chief Physician Hu retired, his recement would be Yan the Imperial Physician.


    And who was Yan the Imperial Physician?


    He was a loyal ally of the Empress, a steadfast supporter. Offending Hexi Pce was tantamount to giving up any future in the Imperial Hospital.


    "Cough, cough, cough¡­"


    Xiao Xiangzi weakly opened his eyes, calling out to Jiang Chuan in a faint voice, "Brother Chuan¡­ you¡­ you¡­"


    Jiang Chuan thought Xiao Xiangzi was about to deliver hisst words and wept even more uncontrobly, "Don¡¯t¡­ don¡¯t speak. Don¡¯t worry¡­ you¡¯ll be fine. I won¡¯t let anything happen to you. Don¡¯t ask me to do anything for you. I won¡¯t¡­ you should handle your own affairs."


    He cried so hard that snot and tears streamed down his face, unable to form a coherent sentence.


    If it hadn¡¯t been for the Empress¡¯s concern that there might be a mole in the Internal Affairs Department, and her fear that Xiao Xiangzi, being alone and unprepared, might be in danger, she had asked Jiang Chuan to apany him. Otherwise, Xiao Xiangzi would surely have died.


    The eunuch who had knocked Xiao Xiangzi unconscious with a stick was immediately tackled by Jiang Chuan, and the two wrestled in the burning room. In the end, Jiang Chuan, being over six feet tall, overpowered the eunuch and subdued him.


    Now, the eunuch who had injured Xiao Xiangzi had been taken by Jiang Chuan¡¯s men to the Investigative Bureau.


    The man-eating giant yellow fish in the Investigative Bureau hadn¡¯t had a meal in a long time.


    But none of this could save Xiao Xiangzi¡¯s life.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    If only Jiang Chuan had arrived earlier, he could have saved his good friend.


    Xiao Xiangzi winced in pain, "Brother Chuan¡­ what you said is exactly what I wanted to say. I should handle my own affairs. So, could you please put me down?"


    He really could walk on his own.


    His injury was to his head, and he knew his condition wasn¡¯t fatal¡ªjust a case of excessive blood loss and a dizzy feeling.


    Being carried around by Jiang Chuan, jostling up and down, was only making the blood flow faster. He felt like he might die from the shaking.


    Jiang Chuan hadn¡¯t asked Xiao Xiangzi how he felt, assuming he was on the brink of death, and had carried him all the way back to Hexi Pce.


    It was thanks to his tall stature and strong build that he could carry the five-foot-five Xiao Xiangzi, a little potato, so far without stopping.


    By this time, Jiang Xinyue, along with her maids Xi Que and Shuang Jiang, had reached the front hall. Seeing the blood-covered pair, they were all startled.


    After a flurry of activity, Xiao Xiangzi was finally settled in the room he shared with Jiang Chuan.


    For once, he experienced the feeling of being the center of attention, surrounded by none other than the Emperor and the Empress herself.


    He didn¡¯t dare to faint now.


    After the imperial physician bandaged the wound on his head and treated the burns on his arms with herbal medicine, they prescribed some medication and left.


    The Emperor couldn¡¯t wait any longer, "What happened? You¡¯re a servant of the Empress¡¯s pce. Who dared toy a hand on you?"


    Were they courting death?


    Xiao Xiangzi wanted to answer, but waves of darkness clouded his vision, and a sense of weakness overwhelmed him, leaving him unable to speak.


    Jiang Chuan quickly exined on his behalf, "Your Majesty, when I arrived at the Internal Affairs Department, Xiao Xiangzi was trying to salvage the walnut oil for the Crown Prince from the burning storeroom. But a eunuch ambushed him from behind, striking his head and causing severe bleeding. I managed to rescue him, but¡­ the walnut oil waspletely destroyed."


    And that wasn¡¯t all.


    A eunuch named Xiao Shunzi had also died in the fire.


    Jiang Xinyue let out a heavy sigh, "You did well. Material things are not as important as human lives. The fact that they were so desperate to destroy the evidence proves that the oil had already been reced with peanut oil. There¡¯s no need to investigate further¡ªthe problem lies within the Internal Affairs Department."


    Upon hearing this, the Emperor¡¯s anger surged. How dare someone harm his son right under his nose? They must have a death wish.


    "Where is the head of the Internal Affairs Department? He¡¯s been lining his pockets but has done nothing to address this issue. Wang Dequan, strip him of his position and appoint someone from your own ranks to take his ce."


    The former head of the Internal Affairs Department had been loyal to thete Empress and had always been somewhat resistant to Jiang Xinyue¡¯s authority, which was why he had neglected matters concerning the Crown Prince.


    This was a lingering issue from the past.


    Just as many believed that Jiang Xinyue had benefited the most from thete Empress¡¯s death, they assumed she had yed a role in it.


    Unless the Zhu family came forward to rify, this misunderstanding would persist.


    But now, the Zhu family was living in hardship in a narrow alley. If it weren¡¯t for Zhu Eng working hard to earn money and support them, they wouldn¡¯t have survived.


    In truth, Wang Dequan¡¯s best option would have been to appoint Tang Shiliang to the Internal Affairs Department, ensuring everything would be handled wlessly.


    But he knew Tang Shiliang¡¯s ambitionsy not in the Internal Affairs Department but in the position of Grand Steward¡ªhis own position.


    Assigning Tang Shiliang to the Internal Affairs Department might seem like a promotion to others, a cause for celebration.


    But for Tang Shiliang, it would be a demotion in disguise. Wang Dequan sighed inwardly, realizing he would have to find someone else capable of handling the responsibilities of the Internal Affairs Department.


    The sessor he had been grooming for himself had now be the Empress¡¯s man. He cast a resentful nce at the Empress, who stood by Xiao Xiangzi¡¯s bedside, and resigned himself to the task at hand.


    What could he do?


    He had, after all, received numerous favors from the Empress, both openly and discreetly. As the saying goes, when you eat someone¡¯s food, your mouth softens; when you take someone¡¯s gifts, your hands shorten. He would continue to toil for the Crown Prince¡¯s sake.


    After all, the Empress was a good person and would not mistreat those loyal to her.

 Chapter 379

    <h1>Chapter 379</h1>


    The matter concerning the Crown Prince weighed heavily on the Emperor and Empress, and the results of the Investigative Bureau''s interrogation were of great concern to both. This, in turn, ced immense pressure on the head of the Investigative Bureau.0


    "No, no, no, no, no, no, ahhhhh..."0


    Inside a massive transparent ss fish tank, a three-meter-long, nearly 200-kilogram giant piranha had been starved for a long time. A little eunuch was suspended above the tank, screaming in agony: "No... don''t throw me in!"0


    "ng!"0


    The rope holding him was attached to a mechanical arm. Someone pulled a lever on the wall, and the mechanical arm made a loud noise as his body plummeted downward.0


    "Ssh!"0


    The piranha leaped up, its ferocious jaws snapping open. Each jump brought it closer to sinking its teeth into the little eunuch''s ankle, threatening to tear him apart. Though it hadn''t yet seeded, every time the little eunuch looked down and saw the piranha''s gaping maw and the dark abyss of its throat, he felt as though he was moments away from being devoured.0


    This psychological torture inflicted immense stress and trauma on him.0


    From the shadows emerged a graceful figure. Jiang Xinyue tapped on the ss of the fish tank, and the agitated piranha swam around violently, creating a bizarre scene alongside the beautiful woman.0


    "Who ordered you to tamper with the Crown Prince''s food? Still not talking?"0


    The little eunuch trembled. "Your servant... Your servant truly doesn''t know what Her Majesty the Empress is talking about. It wasn''t me."0


    "If it wasn''t you, why did you try to kill Xiao Xiangzi?"0


    "I didn''t! I thought he was the arsonist, so I was just trying to catch him."0


    "That exnation does seem usible."0


    Jiang Xinyue sneered, "But I don''t believe it."0n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    She tilted her chin slightly, and Xi Que, with both hands, forcefully pulled down the wooden arm, causing it to drop a significant distance. The Investigative Bureau officials were stunned. The mechanical arm weighed over 200 pounds and usually required three guards to move it together. Yet, Xi Que, a young woman, managed to pull it down effortlessly.0


    Xi Que: It wasn''t entirely effortless. Normally, she could do it with one hand, but today she had to use both.0


    "Ssh!"0


    "Ahhhhhhh!"0


    This time, the piranha caught the eunuch''s toes. The immense force of its bite tore his toes clean off his foot. The excruciating pain left him writhing and trembling uncontrobly.0


    Just as everyone thought the little eunuch would finally confess, Jiang Xinyue said, "Let him down."0


    The Investigative Bureau officials were puzzled but dared not disobey the cunning Empress. They quickly moved the fish tank away and secured the area with iron bars.0


    The piranha, now having tasted blood, grew even more frenzied, thrashing around in the tank. But the iron bars held firm, no matter how violently it struggled.0


    The little eunuch thought he had been spared, but before he could catch his breath, Jiang Xinyue''s icy voice rang out again, "Hang him back up."0


    What?0


    The Investigative Bureau officials thought they had misheard, but one look at Jiang Xinyue''s cold, unfeeling eyes made themply without hesitation. They lifted the little eunuch and tied him back to the mechanical arm.0


    "No, no, no, no! I don''t want to... I don''t want to go back up!"0


    But his protests were ignored. The mechanical arm slowly rose, and the fish tank was pushed back beneath him. The iron bars were opened again, and the pale-faced eunuch, with blood dripping from his toes, hung above the piranha''s gaping jaws. It seemed as though the moment the arm dropped, the fish would swallow him whole.0


    Jiang Xinyue gave Xi Que a look, and Xi Que shed an evil smile. The Investigative Bureau guards shivered at the sight.0


    This time, the mechanical arm didn''t drop quickly. Instead, it descended slowly, inch by inch...0


    It felt like ten thousand ants crawling over his body. Sweat dripped from the little eunuch''s chin, running down his neck and into his clothes. His face turned ashen, like a ghost.0


    The piranhazily swished its tail, creating a "gentle" sshing sound.0


    "Click, click, click..."0


    The mechanical sounds mixed with the sshing water, tormenting the little eunuch''s already shattered mind.0


    Someone who had already faced death once and been spared, especially someone who didn''t want to die, couldn''t bear to face it again.0


    "Consort Cheng! It was Consort Cheng! Your servant was nted in the Internal Affairs Department by Consort Cheng. Your servant... is Consort Cheng''s man."0


    The little eunuch wailed, "I killed Xiao Shunzi. The night before, I deliberately made noise to keep him awake. The next day, when he was exhausted, I set his clothes on fire. While he was unaware, I pushed him into an oil barrel, making it look like he had identally knocked it over and started the fire. The mes on his clothes ignited the oil, and then I ran out to call for help..."0


    But the fire spread quickly, and Xiao Shunzi was burned to death before he knew what was happening.0


    If it hadn''t been for Xiao Xiangzi and Jiang Chuan arriving, Xiao Shunzi would have been framed as the one who tampered with the walnut oil andmitted suicide out of guilt.0


    It was a clever n, but unfortunately, he had encountered Jiang Xinyue, someone who could anticipate their every move.0


    "Only Consort Cheng?"0


    Consort Cheng''s father held a low-ranking position and had even been demoted. He couldn''t possibly have the influence to manipte the Internal Affairs Department. Recing all the walnut oil wasn''t something one person could do alone.0


    He must have had aplices.0


    These aplices might not necessarily be Consort Cheng''s people. They could also be using Consort Cheng to harm the little prince.0


    "If Her Majesty doesn''t believe me, you can check. Consort Cheng has already disappeared."0


    If ?????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????it hadn''t been for Consort Cheng''s disappearance, he wouldn''t have been so desperate as to set the Internal Affairs Department on fire.0


    Soon, Investigative Bureau officials went to investigate and quickly returned to report, "Your Majesty, Consort Cheng is indeed missing."0


    Moreover, since yesterday was the Crown Prince''s first birthday celebration, it wasn''t just a grand event for the coronation of the Empress and the Crown Prince but also the highly anticipated "Grab the Zhou" ceremony. Many eunuchs and maids from various pces had sneaked in to watch the festivities.0


    Although pce rules technically forbade it, in practice, it was a joyous asion, and no one would say anything about a little excitement.0


    Thus, no one had seen where Consort Cheng had gone.0


    Where could she be?0


    "Find her for me. I want to see her alive or dead."0


    Why did the Empress say "dead or alive"?0


    Could Consort Cheng already be dead?0


    The head of the Investigative Bureau immediately imagined over a dozen scenarios, the most usible being that Consort Cheng had been silenced.0


    The Empress was truly a master strategist, able to predict everything.0


    This statement was a reminder to the Investigative Bureau that Consort Cheng was merely a pawn, and there was someone else pulling the strings behind her.0


    "Ssh!"0


    A huge wave of water erupted from the fish tank. The piranha, having waited too long for its meal, was growing impatient.

 Chapter 380

    <h1>Chapter 380</h1>


    The young eunuch felt a sharp pain in his toes. With a pale face, he clenched his teeth and pleaded, ¡°I¡¯ve confessed everything I know. I beg Her Majesty the Empress to spare my life.¡±


    How could that be possible?


    Jiang Xinyue¡¯s lips curved into a sweet smile, but anyone who saw it would not mistake her for an innocent soul.


    With a graceful wave of her delicate hand, Xi Que, understanding the order, yanked down the lever of the mechanism. The young eunuch¡¯s face twisted in terror, but before he could even scream, he was swallowed into the gaping mouth of a massive fish.


    In an instant, half of his body vanished. His face, once pale from pain, turned ashen in the blink of an eye.


    A thick, metallic stench of blood filled the dungeons of the Investigative Bureau. Even the guards, who were ustomed to witnessing brutal tortures, were overwhelmed by the gruesome scene, retching in disgust.


    The horrifying sight of scattered organs and intestines was something no one could ever grow used to, no matter how many times they saw it.


    Yet, Her Majesty the Empress remained unfazed. She watched coldly as the eunuch was devoured, her eyes icy and unfeeling. ¡°Harming me is one thing, but harming my child? This is the consequence.¡±


    She didn¡¯t care if her ruthless reputation spread among the people of the Investigative Bureau. In fact, she wanted them to fear her.


    Only through fear and awe would they dare noty a hand on the Crown Prince.


    Failure would bring consequences they could never bear.


    Xi Que¡¯s stomach churned, but she held herself together, her face only slightly paler than usual.


    The crunching sound of the piranha¡¯s teeth crushing the eunuch¡¯s skull sent shivers down the spines of the less resilient guards. When they nced at the Empress, their eyes betrayed a subtle mix of respect and fear.


    If such a merciless woman wasn¡¯t the queen of pce intrigue, who else could dominate the harem?


    The people of the Investigative Bureau had seen many things in their years of navigating the pce, but they had never encountered a consort as bold and ruthless as Jiang Xinyue.


    The pce was neither toorge nor too small, but finding someone who had disappeared was still a challenge.


    Jiang Xinyue wasn¡¯t in a hurry. The imperial decree naming her Empress had been issued the day before, and she had many matters to attend to.


    First and foremost was the move to Kunning Pce, a task of utmost importance.


    Previously, the Emperor had not wanted the Dowager Empress to reside in Cining Pce, so he had arranged for her to live in Kunning Pce instead. As the Empress, she had been relegated to Yikun Pce, but for the Dowager Empress, Kunning Pce symbolized the pinnacle of power in the harem, and she was content to stay there.


    Later, when Yikun Pce was destroyed in a fire and rebuilt, and the Dowager Empress was confined to the detention hall, both pces, representing the highest status of women in the harem, were left vacant.


    Now, Kunning Pce was about to wee its new mistress.


    Although the head of the Internal Affairs Department had been displeased with Jiang Xinyue for her alleged role in the death of the previous Empress, he dared not disobey the Emperor¡¯s order to renovate Kunning Pce.


    The pce was now a sight of fresh splendor. The old, somber dark red wooden decorations favored by the Dowager Empress had been reced with the elegant, delicate furnishings Jiang Xinyue loved.


    Kunning Pce had beenpletely transformed.


    After the Imperial Astronomers selected an auspicious date, everyone from Hexi Pce packed up and moved in.


    In the courtyard of Kunning Pce¡¯s front hall, arge section of the wall was adorned with a fence, over which climbed clusters of vibrant multi-petaled roses, blooming brilliantly under the sunlight.


    Pink, red, white, and pink-and-white roses¡­


    Amidst ?????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????the rose bushes, a swing had been installed, identical to the one in Hexi Pce.


    ¡°Woof, woof, woof!¡±


    The dog, now muchrger, spotted the swing and ran excitedly around the Crown Prince, who was wobbling on the grass. Then, with a swift leap, it jumped onto the swing.


    The Crown Prince was startled and fell onto his bottom, his lips trembling as he was about to cry.


    The Fourth Prince was the first to step forward. He picked up the Crown Prince and patted him gently. ¡°Don¡¯t be scared, little brother. Fourth Prince is here¡­ I¡¯m here. The dog was just ying with you. It ran too fast and startled you, didn¡¯t it?¡±


    The Crown Prince pointed at the dog happily swinging on the swing and then at the green grass, babbling, ¡°Waa waa yue yue yue, a wu yi ya wu wu¡­¡±


    ¡°Fourth Prince understands, Fourth Prince understands. The dog was being naughty, scaring the Crown Prince on purpose, and the ground was mean too, making you fall, right?¡±


    ¡°Ang wu yo ye ye, wa ye ye wu yo wu a¡­¡±


    The Crown Prince¡¯s angry little expression made it clear he was tattling.


    Jiang Xinyue was amused by his cuteness, but the next moment, the Emperor took her hand. ¡°Let Little Man and the Crown Prince y for a while. I¡¯ll take you inside to have a look.¡±


    Of course, leaving the Fourth Prince to y with the Crown Prince didn¡¯t mean just the two children would be outside.


    Wang Dequan, Tang Shiliang, Nanny Xiang, Wet Nurse Lu, Xi Que, Shuang Jiang, and others were to remain outside, while Xiao Xiangzi, who was still recovering from his injuries, was allowed to rest in his assigned room.


    Ever since Jiang Chuan had been seen crying uncontrobly while holding Xiao Xiangzi, with snot and tears everywhere, he had been avoiding Xiao Xiangzi out of embarrassment.


    What were those young pce maids saying?


    That he liked Xiao Xiangzi? That he coveted Xiao Xiangzi¡¯s body? That they were a couple?


    Even though they were eunuchs, devoid of certain parts, they were still normal men, weren¡¯t they?


    How could a man like another man? That would be a case of homosexuality!


    The thought alone made his skin crawl.


    But it seemed like everyone in Hexi Pce thought so. Recently, even Xi Que had been trying tofort him, saying things like¡­ there¡¯s nothing shameful about love, it¡¯s just that he happened to love a man, and that he should bravely pursue his feelings.


    The silly girl had no idea that Xiao Xiangzi had always had feelings for her. How could she be so clueless and yet try to y the role of his emotional guide?


    Jiang Chuan pushed open the door, and Xiao Xiangzi on the bed cautiously wrapped himself in the nket, afraid that Jiang Chuan might actually lose control and take advantage of him.


    Meanwhile, Jiang Xinyue was led by the Emperor into the inner chambers.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    All traces of the Dowager Empress had beenpletely erased. The decor was elegant and refined, simr to Hexi Pce but with a more dignified and stately atmosphere.


    The biggest difference was the walls of Kunning Pce, which were adorned with the powder made from the flowers of the pepper tree.


    Since ancient times, the walls of the Empress¡¯s chambers were painted with pepper tree flower powder, symbolizing warmth, fragrance, and fertility.


    This was the origin of the term ¡°pepper chamber favor,¡± a metaphor for the Emperor¡¯s utmost affection and the highest honor in the harem.


    The Xuanwu Emperor was making it clear to the world that his favor toward Jiang Xinyue, the Empress, was unparalleled and irreceable.


    The Internal Affairs Department couldn¡¯t have been so meticulous. Every detail reflected Jiang Xinyue¡¯s preferences.


    Her eyes glistened with unshed tears as she leaned softly into the Emperor¡¯s embrace, her voice tender. ¡°What have I done to deserve Your Majesty¡¯s boundless favor? Did you design Kunning Pce yourself?¡±

 Chapter 381

    <h1>Chapter 381</h1>


    No one understood Jiang Xinyue''s preferences better than the emperor.


    Even the vase on the rosewood antique shelf by the window was of the style and color she loved, filled with a bouquet of delicate pink and white flowers, pleasing to the eye.


    Having only read about or seen the exclusive favor of the imperial concubine in books or on television, Jiang Xinyue now experienced it firsthand. She ran her hand over the priceless silk bedding beneath her, feeling rather pleased.


    No wonder everyone in the pce vied for the emperor''s favor¡ªonly by winning his affection could one enjoy the finest luxuries.


    Having risen to her position solely through the emperor''s favor, Jiang Xinyue didn¡¯t want to be hypocritical, enjoying the benefits he bestowed while despising the fact that he had been generous to others in the past.


    She leaned against the emperor¡¯s chest and said, "Your Majesty, I know you¡¯ve faced a lot of pressure in making me your empress. I will always remember your kindness to me and our child. I promise to do my best as your empress and never let you down."


    She was so considerate, never taking his efforts for granted or assuming his devotion was her due.


    This was why rtionships were mutual.


    Because Jiang Xinyue understood him, knew his struggles, cared for him, and chose to stand by his side even when she didn¡¯t want to be empress.


    How could he not offer her the very best?


    The Xuanwu Emperor was deeply moved. He held her close, warmth filling his heart. "Silly girl, I made you my empress because I wanted to. You are the one I cherish, the one I¡¯m grateful to have in my life. Everything I¡¯ve done is out of my own will. You don¡¯t need to feel any pressure. I don¡¯t need a perfect empress¡ªI just want you to be happy. To be with you day and night, to share a bed in life and a grave in death, that is the best life I could ask for."


    He would take care of his country and his people, but he didn¡¯t need Jiang Xinyue to sacrifice herself for the sake of propriety.


    If he had wanted a perfect empress, Empress Zhu would have been the ideal choice.


    But instead, he had fallen for Jiang Xinyue, who wasn¡¯t particrly proper, reasonable, or virtuous, and who even had a bit of a jealous streak.


    At first, it was her beauty that captivated him, but now he truly couldn¡¯t live without her.


    The empress wasn¡¯t just the empress¡ªshe was the woman he loved most. What did the fate of the nation have to do with her?


    Would choosing Jiang Xinyue as empress lead to the downfall of Great Yan?


    Frankly, that was just an excuse used by the ipetent.


    He considered himself a wise ruler, and the court was filled with officials selected through the imperial examinations and nurtured by noble families. If they couldn¡¯t prevent the fall of a dynasty, what did the rise and fall of a nation have to do with a single woman?


    It was the ipetence of those in power and the officials.


    The copse of a nation was rooted in its decay. Great Yan had been prosperous for too long, making its officialscent and forgetful of the need to remain vignt in times of peace.


    In this era of prosperity, corruption ran rampant.


    These parasites, having hollowed out Great Yan, would then shift the me for the nation¡¯s decline onto others, with power and women being eternal scapegoats.


    So, from now on, whoever impeached Jiang Xinyue, he would investigate, and he was sure to find evidence of their misdeeds.


    As for those who had harmed his child, he didn¡¯t believe a mere consort like Consort Cheng had the capability to act alone.


    He would uncover the mastermind behind it and eliminate the threat once and for all.


    "Your Majesty, we¡¯ve found her¡­ we¡¯ve found her¡­"


    Consort Cheng probably never imagined that she would be remembered by the emperor in such a way. The Investigative Bureau had searched for half a month, turning over every possible hiding ce in the pce, before finally discovering her body buried in the woods near Yanxi Pce.


    The weather in April and May wasn¡¯t too hot yet, and Jiang Xinyue still needed to wear a small cloak in the mornings, so Consort Cheng¡¯s body hadn¡¯t dposed too badly.


    Still, she had been dead for half a month, and her corpse showed signs of lividity and emitted a foul odor.


    Jiang Xinyue wanted to inspect the scene herself, but the emperor, mindful of her four- or five-month pregnancy, didn¡¯t want her exposed to such a sight.


    He feared that if she saw it, the sweet, delicate little princess in her womb might also be affected.


    Moreover, the smell was unpleasant, and he didn¡¯t want her to feel nauseous.


    So Jiang Xinyue had to rely on reports from Tang Shiliang to analyze who Consort Cheng¡¯s aplices might be.


    "Consort Cheng died from a deep wound to her throat. The coroner from the Investigative Bureau believes it was caused by a sharp object like a hairpin. The wound was deep, suggesting she was struck without warning and died instantly. His Majesty has ordered an investigation into hairpins that match the size of the wound."


    The clothing and essories worn by the pce concubines were all made by the Mansion of Treasures and the Internal Affairs Department. The emperor deduced that the murderer must be someone who had lived in the pce for a long time and had influence within these departments.


    Unfavored concubines were ruled out, and among those who had once been favored and were still in the pce, the number of suspects was small.


    The emperor narrowed his focus to one primary suspect, and soon, clues emerged.


    Jiang ?????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????Xinyue frowned. "Zhang Wanrong? She has the nerve?"


    Tang Shiliang thought for a moment and said, "Zhang Wanrong¡¯s father is a minister in the Ministry of Works. During the recent selection of pce maidens, her half-sister was chosen¡ªthe one who aspired to be a royal chef. Your Majesty praised her ambition and allowed her to stay. It¡¯s said that this half-sister and Zhang Wanrong didn¡¯t get along well in their youth and often shed."n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Now that her half-sister was in the pce and had won the empress¡¯s favor, it was possible that Zhang Wanrong harbored resentment.


    Jiang Xinyue was truly exasperated by Zhang Wanrong.


    She had chosen the aspiring chef because the girl had been stifled at home, unable to pursue her culinary talents. It was a pity to let such a gifted chef go to waste, so she had allowed her to enter the pce.


    Since her arrival, the girl had practically lived in the imperial kitchen. The head chef, who was loyal to Jiang Xinyue, had even remarked that the girl was a culinary genius. If she were a man, he would have taken her as his apprentice.


    Jiang Xinyue had encouraged him to mentor her regardless. Who said that important positions in the pce were reserved only for men?


    In Jiang Xinyue¡¯s eyes, capability mattered most.


    The idea that women could hold up half the sky didn¡¯t have to wait for future generations. As long as there were women willing to showcase their talents and brave enough to break free from societal constraints, she would provide them with opportunities.


    This was the stage she, as empress, should offer to women.


    What was Zhang Wanrong thinking?


    How did this concern her?


    The Office of Careful Punishment reeked of blood, with tortured eunuchs and maids lying in rows¡ªall from Zhang Wanrong¡¯s pce.


    The Investigative Bureau officials whispered among themselves that the emperor and empress were a ruthless pair, each more formidable than the other.


    It seemed their interrogation methods were too mild. They needed to learn from these two masters of cruelty to improve their efficiency in handling cases.

 Chapter 382

    <h1>Chapter 382</h1>


    During the Crown Prince''s first birthday celebration, all the servants from Zhang Wanrong''s pce went to see the festivities. However, Zhang Wanrong imed that she was ill that night, suffering from a severe headache, and insisted that her personal maid could vouch for her.


    At first, the maid''s story aligned perfectly with Zhang Wanrong''s. She said that there were few servants in their pce to begin with, and she was the only one who diligently attended to Zhang Wanrong.


    While the Taihe Hall was filled with music, dance, and lively celebrations for the Crown Prince''s birthday, everyone from their pce had abandoned their posts to join the excitement, leaving only her to care for the ailing Zhang Wanrong.


    Under harsh interrogation, the other servants admitted to looking down on Zhang Wanrong, unwilling to serve someone whocked favor, status, or power and was constantly at odds with the Empress.


    They confirmed that they hadn¡¯t seen Zhang Wanrong¡¯s personal maid leave that night, suggesting that Zhang Wanrong was telling the truth and had a solid alibi.


    Unfortunately, the Emperor, like Jiang Xinyue, didn¡¯t believe their testimonies.


    Without revealing his doubts, he had Zhang Wanrong taken to the Investigative Bureau, separating her from her maid and interrogating them in istion.


    To Zhang Wanrong, he said that the maid had confessed to the truth of that night: that she had killed Consort Cheng, and together they had disposed of the body. The maid now imed that Zhang Wanrong was the murderer, and she had merely followed orders, begging the Emperor for mercy.


    The maid argued that she had no choice but to obey her mistress, as disobedience would have meant certain death. She had been forced intoplicity.


    To the maid, the Emperor said that Zhang Wanrong had admitted that the maid had identally killed Consort Cheng, and she had only helped bury the body out of pity after witnessing the maid¡¯s desperate tears. She pleaded for leniency.


    Both sides were fed lies, fabricated out of thin air.


    Zhang Wanrong, naturally suspicious, crumbled under the pressure and confessed after a few more questions.


    In the dungeon, she cursed the maid, calling her a traitor andmenting that they had agreed to stick to the story of her illness. Who could prove she was lying?


    In the harem, she was invisible, a nobody. No one would care whether an unloved, insignificant figure like her was truly ill or not.


    Thus, the truth became impossible to verify.


    The maid, berated mercilessly by Zhang Wanrong, publicly exposed her mistress¡¯s crimes that very night. It was only then that Zhang Wanrong realized the Emperor had tricked her¡ªthe maid had never betrayed her.


    But her outburst had already sealed her fate. It was toote for regrets.


    Tang Shiliang shook his head. ¡°Zhang Wanrong was worried that you, Your Majesty, intended to promote her half-sister by assigning her to the imperial kitchen, hoping she could win the Emperor¡¯s favor through her culinary skills and eventually be rmended for his attention. Back at home, she had bullied her younger half-sister and caused the death of her mother. Consumed by guilt, she feared that if her sister ever gained power, she would seek revenge. So, she decided to teach you a lesson. First, she incited Consort Cheng to act, then secretly aided her. The aplices in the Ministry of Internal Affairs have all been executed by the Emperor.¡±


    As for the deceased Consort Cheng and the still-living Zhang Wanrong¡­


    Consort Cheng¡¯s father, who had previously been demoted, was now stripped of his position entirely, and his entire family was exiled to the coal mines in Bing Province.


    Zhang ?????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????Wanrong, the mastermind behind the plot to harm the Crown Prince, was found guilty and sentenced to the extermination of her entire n.


    This was the first time since Jiang Xinyue had transmigrated to the Great Yan Dynasty that she had witnessed the Emperor ordering the extermination of an entire family.


    She knew that Emperor Xuanwu was a good ruler, one who valued human life and seldom resorted to executions unless his bottom line was crossed.


    Let alone the extermination of an entire n.


    Jiang Xinyue was relieved that the Emperor hadn¡¯t shown the same leniency toward Zhang Wanrong as he had toward Consort De. If such crimes were not met with severe punishment, the tragic fate of thete Crown Prince would be repeated with her own child.


    She wasn¡¯t a deity, and she couldn¡¯t be certain that she could protect her son from every poison or plot.


    All she knew was that any threat to her son¡¯s survival must be eradicated, regardless of the consequences.


    The Emperor, likely fearing a repeat of past events, had chosen to uproot the threat entirely.


    In the imperial kitchen, a young woman with her sleeves rolled up copsed to the ground, wailing uncontrobly upon hearing that the Zhang family had been exterminated. ¡°I knew she was a curse! She killed my mother, and now she¡¯s trying to kill me too! I finally had a chance to do what I love, and she couldn¡¯t stand to see me happy. She¡¯s in such a hurry to send me to the underworld! Anyone in the Zhang family can die, but not me! I promised my mother I would bring honor to our family and avenge her! I don¡¯t want to die!¡±


    ¡°Who said anything about killing you?¡±


    Xi Que, holding a cucumber, took a crisp bite. ¡°Miss Xiuzhu, Her Majesty said she enjoyed the braised chicken you made yesterday. The Emperor liked it too. She wants you to prepare another dish today.¡±n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Zhang Xiuzhu¡¯s sobs stopped abruptly. ¡°You¡¯re not going to kill me?¡±


    ¡°Why would we kill you? You¡¯re in the pce now, a servant of the Emperor and the Empress. What does the extermination of the Zhang family have to do with you?¡±


    In Zhang Xiuzhu¡¯s heart, the only family she had was her mother.


    But her mother had been killed by her elder sister, Zhang Wanrong, many years ago. Her father and stepmother had covered up the crime, iming her mother had died of a sudden illness.


    How could that be?


    She had seen Zhang Wanrong push her mother into a well and drown her.


    She had sought justice from her father, but instead of receiving it, she was beaten nearly to death by her stepmother for defying her elder sister and spreading false usations.


    From that day on, she knew she had no family.


    To fight against the injustice of her fate, she relied on the culinary skills her mother had taught her. But trapped in the Zhang family¡¯s backyard, she had no opportunity to leave.


    She had once disguised herself, sneaked out of the estate, and worked as a chef in a restaurant under a false name, earning both money and reputation. But when she was discovered, someone else took credit for her work.


    Her father and stepmother, upon finding out, subjected her to another round of harsh punishment, berating her for disgracing the family by working in public.


    All she wanted was to cook. What had she done wrong? How was that shameful?


    Was she supposed to ept her fate, let her stepmother dictate her life, and marry some corrupt official decades her senior, all while being grateful for the abuse?


    Why should she?


    So, when she learned that her father had selected her sisters for the pce selection but they were unwilling to go, she secretly changed the name on the list to her own.


    If her life was destined to be controlled by her stepmother, ignored by her father, and filled with humiliation, she would rather enter the pce and escape far away.


    She never imagined that her culinary skills would catch the attention of the Empress, earning her a ce in the imperial kitchen.


    When the news of the Zhang family¡¯s extermination reached her, her hatred for Zhang Wanrong burned hotter than ever.


    But Xi Que had just said they weren¡¯t going to kill her?


    ¡°Ugh¡­ I¡¯m going to die of fright one of these days¡­¡±

 Chapter 383

    <h1>Chapter 383</h1>


    Xi Que patted her shoulder with a cheerful grin, her words crisp and lively: "Don¡¯t worry, just focus on learning cooking from Chief Steward Gao. The Empress has high hopes for you."0n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Otherwise, she wouldn¡¯t have specifically sent Xi Que to find Zhang Xiuzhu today, just to reassure her and prevent her from being frightened.0


    Zhang Xiuzhu pouted, wiping away her tears: "Thank you, Empress. I will definitely make an even more delicious soy sauce chicken to repay her kindness."0


    But did the Empress really want her soy sauce chicken?0


    No, it was clearly a way to tell her that she wouldn¡¯t have to be buried as a sacrificial offering and that she could rest assured while learning her craft in the imperial kitchen.0


    The Empress trusted her so much and treated her so well. Zhang Xiuzhu was determined to repay her by creating even more delicious dishes.0


    Many, many yearster, when Zhang Xiuzhu became a renowned master chef with countless disciples, she still felt deeply grateful for the opportunity the Empress had given her to showcase her talents.0


    By then, the Empress no longer needed her gratitude, for in thousands of industries, thousands of women had risen to prominence.0


    But that was all in the future. For now, Zhang Xiuzhu was just a fifteen-year-old girl who could be scared to the point of her legs giving way.0


    Her journey was still long, and so was Jiang Xinyue¡¯s.0


    One day, they would meet at the pinnacle, alongside countless other women like them, standing tall and gazing up at their shared beacon of hope.0


    For now, Zhang Xiuzhu had to go help Chief Steward Gao prepare ingredients.0


    "You¡¯re too timid. If you keep being this weak, don¡¯t you dare call yourself my disciple when you step outside."0


    "Master, if you¡¯re not afraid of me being executed, why are your hands trembling?"0


    "Daring to talk back to your master? Cut carrots twenty times, each slice as thin as a cicada¡¯s wing."0


    Xi Que wiped her mouth and turned to leave the imperial kitchen. With the culprit behind the Crown Prince¡¯s injury brought to justice, she was in high spirits, practically skipping as she walked.0


    "Hey! Ha! Hey¡ªHa!"0


    The sound of a staff cutting through the air echoed, and a slender figure in ck martial attire twirled gracefully beneath arge tree. The spear in her hands moved like a swift dragon, swift and fierce, exuding an aura of lethal precision.0


    The ground around her was littered with fallen leaves, yet the area where she wielded her spear remained spotless, not a single leaf in sight.0


    Such mastery of the spear was truly remarkable.0


    It was exhrating! Absolutely thrilling!0


    Xi Que watched with delight. She, too, had a fondness for martial arts and weaponry.0


    "What are you looking at?"0


    Someone tapped her shoulder. Xi Que turned around, but no one was there. Then, her other shoulder was tapped, and this time, she was greeted by arge bouquet of roses.0


    Xi Que took the flowers and yfully punched Qing Yu¡¯s shoulder. "You! These were nted by the Emperor for the Empress. How dare you pick so many? I¡¯m going to tell Her Majesty and have you punished."0


    Qing Yu, with his youthful charm, shed a confident smile, drew the sword from his waist, and charged forward, his face radiating boldness and vigor.0


    "Hey!"0


    Xi Que couldn¡¯t stop him and could only watch as Qing Yu engaged in a fierce duel with the young woman.0


    He knew she liked watching, so he let her enjoy the spectacle to her heart¡¯s content, making sure it was thrilling and exciting.0


    The spear-wielding girl¡¯s eyes sparkled with surprise, clearly not expecting someone to step up and spar with her. The two fought intensely, neither willing to back down.0


    Xi Que¡¯s initial worry soon turned into admiration as the two exchanged over a hundred moves.0


    Finally, she shouted to Qing Yu, "You two keep fighting. I¡¯m heading back to Kunning Pce."0


    No matter how vast the world was, her Empress came first.0


    Having already dyed for so long, it was time for her to return.0


    Qing Yu held back no longer. With a swift upward motion of his sword, he disarmed the girl, sending her spear flying.0


    Without a hint of arrogance, he caught the spear and tossed it back to the stunned girl, then hurried after Xi Que¡¯s retreating figure. "Xi Que, wait for me!"0


    Shi Ruojun grabbed Qing Yu¡¯s cor. "Hey! What¡¯s your name? Which pce do you serve? Ie here every day to train. The instructors the Empress hired for me have all been defeated by me. You¡¯re good. Can you be my teacher from now on?"0


    Qing Yu, eager to catch up with Xi Que, flicked his scabbard to shake off her hand and hurried away.0


    Teach her?0


    He had no interest in taking on a female disciple. Being an imperial guard was already demanding enough.0


    Shi Ruojun, who revered martial prowess, was captivated by Qing Yu¡¯s strength. Her eyes gleamed as she muttered to herself, "Xi Que? She must be one of the Empress¡¯s maids."0


    That made things easier.0


    The Empress had promised her that if she loved martial arts, she would find her a skilled instructor. She thought the young man from earlier would be perfect.0


    As for Xi Que, she could easily inquire about her. She¡¯d just have to ask the Empress, and the matter would be settled.0


    Pleased with having found a potential mentor, Shi Ruojun felt her decision to enter the pce was the right one. Her father had said the Empress was highly favored, and by joining the pce, she wouldn¡¯t have to serve men and could even resolve her marital prospects, sparing her from the endless gossip at home about her being unmarriageable.0


    Now, not only was she married, but she was wed to the most powerful man in the world, bing a mistress of the pce with countless servants at her disposal. Her superior, the Empress, even appreciated her talents and allowed her to pursue martial arts. Which otherdy of the house would be so open-minded?0


    It was safe to say that entering the pce had plunged her into a world of happiness.0


    Dreaming big, she might even achieve her ambition of bing a female general who defends the nation!0


    Her maid shook her head helplessly. Having a mistress who only aspired to be a female general was both a blessing and a curse in the pce. Weren¡¯t concubines supposed topete for favor?0


    Didn¡¯t they say that in the pce, if you didn¡¯t fight, you¡¯d perish?0


    In Kunning Pce, the Crown Prince ced his tiny hand on Jiang Xinyue¡¯s slightly rounded belly and chanted, "Brother, brother, brother, brother¡­"0


    The Xuanwu Emperor red and countered, "Sister, sister, sister, sister¡­"0


    The Crown Prince frowned, then shouted even louder, "Brother, brother, brother, brother¡­"0


    The Fourth Prince nced at his father, then at his younger brother, and whispered into Jiang Xinyue¡¯s ear, "Mother, Father is so childish!"0


    To think he waspeting with the Crown Prince, who didn¡¯t even understand what they were arguing about.0


    The Emperor cleared his throat. "You can say that a little louder so everyone outside can hear you calling your father childish."0


    The Fourth Prince stuck out his tongue, grabbed the Crown Prince¡¯s hand, and ran inside. "Crown Prince, let¡¯s go y whack-a-mole."0


    "Ah ah ah ah ah¡­"0


    The Crown Prince roared excitedly, "Hit, hit, hit, hit, hit¡­"0


    As the Emperor and Empress chatted, the servants naturally withdrew. The Emperor frowned with concern. "Children¡¯s words oftene true. It seems there¡¯s an eighty percent chance that the child in your belly is another prince."0


    He already had many sons, but not a single sweet, delicate princess born from Jiang Xinyue.0


    Jiang Xinyue swatted his hand away. "What? If I give birth to a prince, will Your Majesty no longer love them?"0


    The ?????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????Shen family had a throne to inherit. The ministers, unable to persuade the Emperor to distribute his affections evenly, could only pray that the Empress would bear more princes to ensure the royal lineage wouldn¡¯t dwindle.

 Chapter 384

    The Emperor smiled, hisrge hand gently covering her belly once more. "How could that be? As long as it''s our child, I will love them. But I''ve heard that daughters are more considerate from a young age, like a warm coat for their parents. I haven''t experienced that yet, so I hope you can fulfill my wish."


    He then patted her belly reassuringly. "Your father still loves Xiao Qi very much. Whether it''s a prince or a princess, I will give all my love to you. So, Xiao Qi, you must grow healthy ande out smoothly, causing as little trouble as possible for your mother, understood?"


    At over five months, there were already slight movements from the baby. But as the saying goes, "The first child is treasured like a jewel, the second like grass." So, these movements no longer startled the Emperor or Jiang Xinyue. Still, the Emperor couldn''t resist poking the gently rising and falling belly with his finger.


    Yanqing Pce¡ª


    Consort Ru''s face was dark. "We finally managed to incite that fool Zhang Wanrong, but it still failed. All the pieces my brother spent ten years cing in the Ministry of Internal Affairs are now useless."


    Her maid, Hui Ai, tensed. "Your Highness, what should we do now? The King''s intention is for you to quickly bear an heir to the Great Yan royal family, so that in the future..."


    Consort Ru raised her hand, cutting off Hui Ai''s words. "As long as the Empress lives and the Crown Prince remains, the Emperor won''t step foot in the harem. How can we talk about bearing an heir?"


    Without a prince of Great Yan, their Goguryeo bloodline could not infiltrate the Great Yan dynasty, and her brother''s ambitions would never be realized.


    Hui Ai bit her lip nervously. "But what if they trace it back to us?"


    Consort Ru pondered for a moment before shaking her head. "They shouldn''t. Those pieces in the Ministry of Internal Affairs were chosen by my brother from the Goguryeo court ten years ago. They are loyal to the royal family, posing as Great Yan citizens, and willingly castrated themselves to enter the pce. They would never betray us."n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    These people were somewhat like the "dead soldiers" spoken of in the Central ins.


    As long as they didn''t expose them, all would be well.


    The sunlight outside reached the doorway but couldn''t prate further. The side chamber was far less bright than the main hall.


    Consort Ru grew increasingly impatient. "With Zhang Wanrong gone, there''s still the second princess. Isn''t she also at odds with the Empress? If she were to harm the sixth prince, it would make sense."


    The next scapegoat would be the second princess.


    Her brother''s imperial ambitions¡ªshe was determined to help him achieve them.


    The second princess, just released from house arrest, had heard about the Crown Prince''s near-fatal allergic reaction. Sitting on the warm kang, she felt a wave of confusion.


    Did she really... hate Empress Jiang?


    Why did she feel no joy upon hearing of the Crown Prince''s misfortune, but instead worry for him?


    Was it Empress Jiang she hated, or her own mother? Did she hate her mother for taking the wrong path, abandoning her and her brother? Or did she hate that after her mother''s death, her younger brother also left her, choosing to live in the Ancestral Hall?


    After hearing about the Crown Prince''s allergic reaction, she felt lost.


    That day outside her pavilion in Yanqing Pce, she had indeed poured oil. She even knew Empress Jiang wouldn''t step on it, but she did it anyway.


    Was it to punish Empress Jiang, or to punish herself? Only she knew the answer.


    She was conflicted!


    If she grew close to Empress Jiang, she would feel guilty toward her grandfather and mother. She could only hate... she could only hate...


    "Second Princess, the eldest princess is here."


    "I don''t want to see anyone! Tell her to leave, make her go!"


    Tomorrow was the eldest princess''s wedding day. The Emperor had already ordered the Ministry of Internal Affairs to build a princess residence outside the pce. Even her elder sister was leaving.


    Everyone was leaving!


    No one cared about her life or death!


    Outside the door, the eldest princess sighed. "Ming Zhu, tomorrow I will leave the pce and won''t be able to visit you often. I heard from the Emperor that Fusang has been pushed back by the General of Cavalry and is now offeringnd for peace. The general hasn''t agreed yet, but continuing the war would be detrimental to the country. Fusang intends to send their prince for a political marriage, asking the Emperor to marry a suitable princess to the Fusang prince and have him settle in the capital as a son-inw. Think carefully. If you don''t want to marry a Fusang man, you should quickly ask the Emperor for a marriage decree. Third Yan from the General''s household is a man of good character and has no sweetheart. If you''re interested, you can speak to the Emperor."


    The Emperor only had two princesses. With the eldest princess about to marry, naturally, she couldn''t be part of the political marriage.


    That left only the second princess.


    The Emperor hadn''t agreed yet, but that didn''t mean he wouldn''t eventually.


    Especially since the second princess had been constantly opposing Jiang Xinyue.


    The people of Great Yan despised the Fusang people because they often caused trouble at the border, engaging in petty thefts.


    Taking advantage of the distance from the Great Yan court, they would im that this or that part of Great Yan''s territory was theirs, detaining fishermen and merchant ships, demanding ransom from their families.


    At first, Great Yan merely issued warnings, but after repeated offenses, the Emperor, who was no pushover, sent troops to suppress them.


    In the face of overwhelming military force, any distortion of facts was futile. Once the Cavalry Army was deployed, Fusang trembled in fear, offeringnd for peace and even sending their prince for a political marriage.


    But the people of Great Yan, who had lost sons, fathers, and husbands in the war, wanted nothing to do with the stinking Fusang prince.


    He would be pelted with rotten vegetables and eggs if he stepped outside.


    If the second princess married the Fusang prince, she would likely be despised by the people of Great Yan for the rest of her life.


    She didn''t want that!


    As soon as the eldest princess finished speaking, the second princess pushed open the door. "Is that true?"


    The eldest princess''s eyes widened. "When have I ever lied to you? It was the Empress who told me, but I suspect she meant for me to pass the message to you."


    The second princess flushed. "Don''t speak well of her. If she truly cared for me, why didn''t she tell me herself?"


    "p!"


    The eldest princess smacked her arm. "How can you say that? I heard from my mother that you poured oil outside your door, trying to make the Empress slip. Do you know that Zhang Wanrong was executed along with her entire family for harming the Crown Prince? How many lives do you think you have to withstand the Emperor''s wrath?"


    "I..."


    "Fortunately, the Empress didn''t hold it against you and didn''t tell the Emperor. Otherwise, you''d already be promised to Fusang. Do you think the Empress owes it to you toe and tell you herself? What status do you hold? Consort De nearly killed her and the Crown Prince. Why should she treat you as her own? If you know what''s good for you, go and apologize, then ask the Emperor for a marriage decree. Otherwise, you''ll suffer."


    The second princess wasn''t inherently bad, but she was introverted and sensitive,cking a sense of security.


    After Consort De was suddenly executed and her younger brother quickly moved to the Ancestral Hall without even saying goodbye, she felt abandoned and began to spiral.


    Afraid of being hurt, sheshed out like a porcupine, using her spikes to protect herself.


    The eldest princess didn''t want her sister to continue down this path of bitterness.

 Chapter 391

    The eighteen-year-old empress, wasn¡¯t she easily brought to tears with just a few words?


    Jiang Xinyue nced at her expressionlessly, her eyes filled with annoyance: ¡°On the day Consort Liang was poisoned, who saw Consort Ru or her maid Hui Yuan?¡±


    ¡°Your Majesty, what are you implying? Are you suspecting that I poisoned Consort Liang?¡±


    Jiang Xinyue remained silent, her dark eyes scrutinizing Consort Ru with suspicion.


    ¡°How ridiculous! I am a princess of Goguryeo. I came here for a marriage alliance to ensure peace between our nations. How could I possibly¡­¡±


    *p!*


    Xi Que stepped forward and struck Consort Ru¡¯s face so hard that her head snapped to the side. Consort Ru, recovering from the shock, immediately tried to retaliate, but Xi Que, with her immense strength, grabbed her wrist and flung her aside, causing her to stagger and nearly fall.


    ¡°Consort Ru, you should address Her Majesty with the respectful ¡®Your Majesty¡¯ and refer to yourself as ¡®this humble consort,¡¯ not ¡®I.¡¯ You¡¯ve shown disrespect to Her Majesty. I trust you have no objections to being disciplined?¡±


    ¡°You!¡±


    ¡°And one more thing¡­¡±


    Xi Que¡¯s tone was firm: ¡°I don¡¯t care if you¡¯re a princess of Goguryeo or anywhere else. Now that you¡¯ve entered the harem of Great Yan, you are but one of the Emperor¡¯s consorts. Her Majesty is the mistress of the inner pce. Anyone who dares to challenge her authority will be taught a lesson by the pce rules. I suggest you familiarize yourself with the harem¡¯s regtions soon, or next time, it¡¯ll be the rod that disciplines you.¡±


    People tend to bully the weak and fear the strong. Xi Que¡¯s reputation among the pce servants was well-known, and Consort Ru had heard of it.


    Swallowing her anger, Consort Ru said, ¡°Be that as it may, Your Majesty has no evidence to suspect me. This is an insult to my character, and I cannot ept it. I will have the Emperor judge this matter.¡±


    ¡°No evidence, you say?¡±


    Jiang Xinyue sneered: ¡°You im you came to visit Consort Liang, but from the moment you entered Shunan Pce, you¡¯ve stood here without moving. Moreover, you deliberately madements about me interrogating people like a criminal, trying to turn the pce servants against me and make them uncooperative. Such behavior makes it impossible not to suspect that you poisoned Consort Liang. Now, you¡¯re here causing trouble to cover up the truth.¡±


    ¡°I suspect you, and I¡¯m searching for evidence. If you¡¯re innocent, why fear my investigation?¡±


    If you¡¯ve done nothing wrong, why be nervous?


    Consort Ru was left speechless by Jiang Xinyue¡¯s sharp retort, only now realizing how cutting her words could be.


    The servants below whispered among themselves. Consort Ru¡¯s schemes had been exposed, and they felt a sense of anger at being used as pawns.


    Their gazes toward Consort Ru turned sharp, like daggers.


    ¡°I¡­ I think I saw Consort Ru¡¯s maid that day.¡±


    A timid voice spoke up, filled with uncertainty: ¡°The weather was nice that day, and Shu Xiang mentioned that we should take everything from the consort¡¯s storeroom out to air, to prevent mold. Since our consort had been demoted and moved, some items were missing from the storeroom. Shu Xiang asked us to reorganize and re-catalog everything¡­¡±


    The maid nced nervously at Huang Yanyu: ¡°Yanyu was in charge of the new catalog. I was carrying some paintings and calligraphy to air when Yanyu said she needed to use the restroom. But she didn¡¯t return for a long time. Shu Xiang evenmented that she waszy and always cking off. I also needed to use the restroom, but when I went, Yanyu wasn¡¯t there.¡±


    So, the little maid had already felt some resentment. Everyone was so busy, and Huang Yanyu, a new maid, had abandoned her tasks and disappeared somewhere.


    She had wanted to find her.


    While looking around, she saw Huang Yanyu passing by Hui Yuan in a pavilion not far from Shunan Pce.


    She hadn¡¯t mentioned it earlier because she didn¡¯t know what it had to do with Consort Liang¡¯s poisoning.


    Besides, Huang Yanyu herself had been poisoned after stealing some of the consort¡¯s chicken soup, so she hadn¡¯t connected the dots.


    But now that Her Majesty was asking, she told the truth.


    Shu Xiang frowned and added: ¡°I remember now. On the day we were organizing the storeroom, Huang Yanyu asked me if all the gifts were from the consorts in the harem.¡±


    Every gift, every social exchange, was meticulously recorded.


    Which pce sent it? What was sent? Why was it sent?


    The old catalog had all the details.


    In other words, Huang Yanyu knew that the two lingzhi mushrooms were a gift from the Empress.


    Jiang Xinyue¡¯s gaze turned to Huang Yanyu, whose face was pale, whether from the poisoning or something else.


    Taking a deep breath, Huang Yanyu said weakly: ¡°I came out of the restroom that day and just took a break in the pavilion. How was I to know Consort Ru¡¯s maid would pass by? If I had known the chicken soup was poisoned, would I have stolen it? I nearly lost my life. Does Her Majesty still suspect me?¡±


    ¡°But you didn¡¯t die, did you?¡±


    Jiang Xinyue¡¯s words were piercing: ¡°Yet Consort Liang is on the brink of death, her life hanging by a thread.¡±


    The tactic of tasting poison was something she had used herself back in the cold pce.


    If the poison had been carefully chosen, like the one the former Empress had used on her in the cold pce, and the dosage controlled, it wouldn¡¯t be fatal.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Huang Yanyu had imed she stole the chicken soup to escape suspicion.


    The Jiang family was a prominent local family, not exactly wealthy enough to rival a nation, but certainly affluent.


    As rtives of the Jiang family, the Huang family was equally prosperous.


    In Great Yan, marriages were based on social status, and the Huang family was also a wealthy and influential household.


    As the eldest daughter of the Huang family, Huang Yanyu had seen and tasted all the finest things.


    She wasn¡¯t from a poor background. How could she be tempted by a bowl of chicken soup?


    Huang Yanyu swallowed nervously and averted her gaze. That single action confirmed to Jiang Xinyue that she was involved in Consort Liang¡¯s poisoning.


    Jiang Xinyue raised her hand: ¡°Take Huang Yanyu to the Investigative Bureau. If she doesn¡¯t reveal the mastermind behind this, throw her into the fish tank to feed the piranha.¡±


    The two-hundred-kilogram piranha in the Investigative Bureau was feared by everyone in the pce. Tales of how many people it had devoured were still circting, striking terror into all who heard them.


    Huang Yanyu hadn¡¯t been in the pce long, but she had already heard of the piranha¡¯s fearsome reputation.


    Her breathing quickened, and she grabbed the sleeve of the person beside her: ¡°It was Consort Ru! It was Consort Ru! She gave me the poison and told me to sprinkle it on the lingzhi mushrooms, then hint to the kitchen staff that the mushrooms could soothe coughs and nourish the lungs, so they¡¯d cook them for Consort Liang. Cousin¡­ cousin, I was wrong. I¡¯ll never do it again. It was Consort Ru who forced me. She forced me!¡±


    Jiang Xinyue nced at Consort Ru, whose face was a mix of shock and fury. Consort Ru stepped forward and kicked Huang Yanyu to the ground: ¡°You little maid, how dare you nder me! I don¡¯t even know you, and you¡¯re already throwing dirt on me. You¡¯ve gone too far!¡±


    She had intended to harm the Empress, but she hadn¡¯t even had the chance to act yet!

 Chapter 386

    A true man knows when to yield and when to stand firm, and she, as a young woman, also understands that the wise adapt to circumstances. Kneeling a few more times is nothing to her.


    Moreover, she was indeed in the wrong.


    Her elder sister was right; she shouldn''t have vented her resentment on the Empress. The Empress owed her nothing.


    "Do you realize your mistake?"


    "Yes, yes, I do..."


    When she wasn''t being rebellious, this little rascal was quite endearing.


    Lady Ruan seized the opportunity to mention, "Empress, I will go to the back to check on the Crown Prince."


    She nodded slightly to the two princesses, who returned the gesture, and then Lady Ruan, led by the maid Xi Que, headed to the rear hall.


    "Speak!"


    Jiang Xinyue took a sip of tea: "What brings you to me?"


    The eldest princess and the second princess exchanged nces, hesitating whether to voice their request. Finally, the second princess mustered the courage to say, "We originally wanted to ask Father to arrange a marriage for us and sought your opinion, but now..."


    Now that they knew Third Yan wished to marry the Empress''s younger sister, it became awkward to bring it up.


    "Third Yan is not suitable for you."


    To their surprise, Jiang Xinyue saw through their intentions and directly stated, "My father has written to me. The wife of the Grand General has privately sought his opinion, wishing to form an alliance with the Jiang family. However, it is not the Jiang family''s status they are interested in, but rather Third Yan''s preference for gentle, refined, and well-educated women. Are you such a woman?"


    The second princess, though introverted, was stubborn, sensitive, and fragile, requiring careful handling of her emotions, or else she would explode.


    How foolish she could be when she exploded was evident in her previous attitude toward Jiang Xinyue.


    "No..."


    The second princess pouted, feeling disheartened. She truly didn''t want to marry a submissive husband from Fusang.


    Jiang Xinyue nced at her, seeing her pitiful, tearful expression, no longer the little porcupine she had been before.


    She then walked to the screen behind the desk and pulled out a portrait: "Old Marchioness Yunyang wrote a letter three months ago, hoping the Emperor would arrange a marriage for her grandson, Shi Jiarong. Your father has investigated. Old Marchioness Yunyang''s husband is henpecked, and Shi Jiarong has been docile around women since childhood, like a kitten. If you marry him, you will have a harmonious rtionship, and he will surely listen to you in all matters."


    Old Marchioness Yunyang came from a prestigious family, having been granted the title of marchioness due to her family''s meritorious service. She held real power, with a fief and a stipend, a true marchioness in every sense.


    However, marrying into the Shi family would mean moving to Yunyang County, Old Marchioness Yunyang''s fief, and no longer residing in the capital.


    "Shi Jiarong is only fifteen. Old Marchioness Yunyang''s intention is for the Emperor to inform her once he has made a selection. She wishes to wait until her grandson turns eighteen before the marriage takes ce. Since you are only twelve now, it would be appropriate for you to have youring-of-age ceremony in the pce three yearster before marrying."


    A princess mansion would also be built for her outside the pce, so during festivals, they could return to visit and stay there.


    The scroll unfurled, revealing a handsome young man with delicate features, a slender figure, and a gentle demeanor, more docile than the noble sons of the capital. His eyes were tender and warm, exuding kindness.


    The second princess blushed and said, "I leave it to you and Father to decide. I will follow your arrangements."


    This indicated her satisfaction and agreement to the engagement with Shi Jiarong.


    Jiang Xinyue nodded: "I will discuss this with your father. There''s no need to rush. This year, I am pregnant, and your father has canceled the summer retreat. I will invite Old Marchioness Yunyang to the pce to escape the heat, and you can meet Shi Jiarong then."


    Yunyang County was under the jurisdiction of the capital, though it was on the outskirts. It would take about three hours by carriage, equivalent to six hours in modern times.


    It wasn''t too far, but not exactly close either. However, making the trip wasn''t too difficult.


    Mentioning her marriage prospects, the second princess felt shy and remained silent.


    Despite her mature demeanor, she was still just a twelve or thirteen-year-old child. In Jiang Xinyue''s time, she would still be in elementary school.


    But in the Great Yan Dynasty, girls of twelve or thirteen were already being considered for marriage.


    And this was considered fortunate, as the government mandated marriage by the age of eighteen. From what Jiang Xinyue knew of history, in ancient times, no girl remained unmarried past the age of fifteen. If they did, it was because there was something wrong with them, making them unmarriageable.


    In this regard, the Emperor had done well, not disregarding the well-being of women.


    Before leaving, the second princess asked, "How is Younger Brother Xuan doing in the Ancestral Hall? May I visit him?"


    It had been a long time since the siblings had seen each other. Now that the second princess had emerged from her stubbornness and no longer believed that the third prince had abandoned her, willing to reconcile and get along with him, how could Jiang Xinyue refuse?


    That child was also pitiful.


    In summer, he refused to use ice, and in winter, he refused to use charcoal. Every day, he chanted sutras and copied scriptures for thete Empress and his two elder brothers.


    He wasn''t putting on a show; he was genuinely trying to atone for his mother''s sins and bring peace to the souls of the deceased.


    By tormenting himself, he hoped to appease the restless spirits.


    If the second princess could show him more affection and guide him, perhaps he would willingly emerge from his self-imposed istion.


    The Jiang family had been celebrating a series of happy events. On the day of the eldest princess''s wedding, the second branch of the Jiang family was adorned withnterns and decorations. Jiang Shoucheng, riding a tall horse, spiritedly escorted the eldest princess from the pce gates.


    Low Level Consort Yu had been reinstated as Consort Liang on New Year''s Day. She was both joyful and sorrowful, her eyes swollen from crying.


    Her little Mingyu had grown up so quickly, already reaching marriageable age. The groom had been chosen by both mother and daughter, and they were very pleased.


    Wah wah wah...


    But when would the Emperor pass away?


    Once that happened, she would be a dowager consort and could ask the Empress for the favor of having the eldest princess take her out of the pce to live out her remaining years in peace.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    She missed the carefree days outside the pce.


    Consort Wen Jiang Yuan was now Consort Shu, while the former Consort Shu had long been forgotten in the annals of history.


    In a few more decades, when people spoke of Consort Shu, they would only remember this one.


    But Consort Shu was still better off. Consort Liang, after three years of struggle, had returned to her original position.


    They say that after three days apart, one should look at a person with new eyes.


    But after three years of scheming, she was still in the same ce.


    However, none of that mattered now. What mattered was that she wanted to be a dowager consort.


    Consort Shu wiped her tears: "Don''t cry. The eldest princess hasn''t married far away; she''s still in the capital. If you want to see her, you can always ask the Empress to summon her to the pce."


    Consort Liang couldn''t help but cry again: "The problem is that I want to see her all the time. She''s grown up so much, and this is the first time we''ve been apart for so long. What if she can''t adjust... Pah pah pah..."


    Feeling her words were inauspicious, she immediately pped her mouth: "No, no, the eldest princess is so capable; she will surely be loved by the entire Jiang family."


    Moreover, after their marriage, they wouldn''t have to live with the Jiang family and serve her inws; they would have a Princess Mansion.


    The princess and her consort would reside in the Princess Mansion.


    With her daughter and son-inw right under her nose, they should be able to live happily ever after.

 Chapter 387

    When her son was chosen to marry the princess, Lady Huang of the Jiang family¡¯s second branch could hardly contain her joy.


    As she stood at the entrance weing guests, her younger brother, Huang Xicai, timidly squeezed his way to her side. ¡°Sister, have you heard anything about the matter I asked you to look into? What¡¯s the situation with our Yanyu? Has the Empress really kept her in the pce as a maid?¡±


    Was it just a pretense to train her, or something else?


    After all, they were somewhat rted. Surely the Empress wouldn¡¯t be so cruel?


    If Yanyu were to be released from the pce at the age of twenty-five, his daughter would be ruined.


    Lady Huang pushed him away, rolling her eyes impatiently. ¡°I told you before, the Jiang family doesn¡¯t send daughters into the pce. With the Empress already there, why would we need to send another topete for favor? Over this, your brother-inw even scolded me. How could you be so foolish as to offend the Empress? Thankfully, my son is capable, and the Empress didn¡¯t hold it against us. Otherwise, if he hadn¡¯t been chosen as the royal son-inw, I¡¯d have skinned you alive.¡±


    She wasn¡¯t one to sacrifice herself for her brother¡¯s family.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t mean for you to offend the Empress,¡± Huang Xicai said, pointing to the princess¡¯s bridal sedan that had just arrived at their doorstep. ¡°The princess¡¯s mother is Consort Liang, isn¡¯t she? Our Yanyu is serving in Consort Liang¡¯s pce. Sister, now that the princess is your daughter-inw, couldn¡¯t you ask her to go to the pce and bring Yanyu out? I won¡¯t let herpete for the Empress¡¯s favor anymore, alright?¡±


    Originally, he had thought that during the triennial selection of pce maidens, at least a hundred would be chosen. Why couldn¡¯t his daughter be one of them?


    Moreover, the Huang and Jiang families were rted by marriage. Yanyu entering the pce could have been a support for the Empress. Wouldn¡¯t it be better to have someone from the family by her side?


    So how did she end up being sent as a maid?


    Lady Huang rolled her eyes again. ¡°Do you think the pce is your home? You cane and go as you please? If you dare bring this up in front of the princess, I¡¯ll skin you alive.¡±


    She couldn¡¯t bear the embarrassment.


    The princess¡¯s procession had already disappeared from sight, but the sound of music and celebration still filled the air. The streets were crowded with people eager to witness the grandeur of the princess¡¯s wedding.


    Consort Liang finally stopped crying and smiled happily, kneeling to kowtow to Jiang Xinyue and the Emperor. ¡°Your humble servant thanks Your Majesty and the Empress. Mingyu¡¯s marriage to a good man is the greatest wish of my life. Now that it hase true, I am truly overjoyed.¡±


    When she passed away, she wouldn¡¯t have to worry about the princess being mistreated.


    The Yu family had fallen from grace, but in the future, the Crown Prince would be her support.


    As long as she and her daughter remained loyal to the Empress, the Crown Prince would remember their kindness when he grew up.


    Consort Shu watched Consort Liang with envy, touching her own empty belly. She would never have the chance to have a child.


    The Emperor would never favor an aging concubine like her.


    No!


    With the Empress by his side, the Emperor might never set foot in the harem again. No one would have the chance to conceive.


    The Emperor¡¯s heart was unpredictable. No one could say for sure whether the Empress would still hold his exclusive favor in ten years.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    But one thing was clear to them all: the Emperor¡¯s feelings for the Empress were different.


    Even if other concubines gained favor in the future, no one could ever shake Jiang Xinyue¡¯s position.


    Once the Crown Prince was established in the Great Yan Dynasty, unless hemitted a heinous crime like patricide, he could not be easily deposed, not even by the Emperor.


    The early establishment of the Crown Prince had already demonstrated the Emperor¡¯s resolve.


    He had given the Empress and the Crown Prince a guarantee. Even if one day he were to lose his mind and favor another concubine, no one could rece the Crown Prince¡¯s position.


    As long as the Crown Prince remained, the Empress¡¯s position would be as solid as Mount Tai.


    As long as the Emperor retained his senses, he would understand that among his few remaining sons, only the Crown Prince was fit to rule. No matter how foolish he became, he would never allow anyone to harm the Crown Prince.


    Thinking this, Consort Shu¡¯s mood brightened. She turned her gaze to the Crown Prince, who was being held by Nurse L¨¹, and pped her hands yfully, reaching out to hold him. ¡°Your Highness, will you let Consort Shu hold you?¡±


    The little Crown Prince gave a bright smile, stretching out his tiny arms and lunging toward Consort Shu. ¡°Auntie¡­ smells nice¡­ smells nice¡­¡±


    Jiang Yuan was skilled in making incense. Ever since Jiang Xinyue gave birth to the Crown Prince, she had been using light, fresh fragrances that were safe for children.


    Even Jiang Xinyue and the Crown Prince¡¯s clothes were often scented with the incense she made.


    This was her passion, and Jiang Xinyue made sure to support it fully. Every month, she sent valuable materials to Consort Shu¡¯s pce for her to create incense, and the results were even better than the imperial rewards.


    The Crown Prince particrly liked Consort Shu because she always smelled so pleasant.


    Jiang Xinyue wasn¡¯t worried about anyone tampering with the incense. With Jiang Yuan¡¯s keen sense of smell, even the slightest change in ingredients would be detected. There had never been a mistake.


    She was also thinking that after she gave birth to her seventh child, she would send some pce maids, aged eighteen to twenty, who were interested in learning the art of incense-making to Consort Shu¡¯s pce to learn from her.


    It would be up to Consort Shu whether she wanted to teach them just the basics or share her full expertise, giving these maids a skill to rely on after they left the pce.


    Of course, if Consort Shu wasn¡¯t willing, Jiang Xinyue wouldn¡¯t force her. There were also incense-making officials in the pce, and she could arrange for the maids to learn at the Bureau of Pce Affairs.


    This idea hade about because Consort Shu had onceined in Kunning Pce, saying that she had all this knowledge but neither the princess nor the second princess showed any talent for incense-making. She had even joked that Jiang Xinyue should find her some students.


    That was how the idea had taken root.


    After bing Empress, Jiang Xinyue had ordered a review of the pce maids¡¯ records and discovered that many of them, upon reaching the age of twenty-five, didn¡¯t want to leave the pce.


    But pce rules were strict, and they had no choice but to leave.


    Those who didn¡¯t want to leave surely had their reasons¡ªeither they had no family outside or no home to return to.


    For those from wealthy families, it wasn¡¯t a big deal. They could afford to feed one more mouth, even if they were asionally scolded.


    But for those from poor families, their aging daughters, having returned from the pce, might be sold off again.


    As for where they were sold or what they were made to do, that was anyone¡¯s guess. But it was unlikely to end well.


    Jiang Xinyue felt that these maids had spent their best years serving in the pce, only to face such a bleak future. It was truly pitiful.


    That was why she had Shi Ruojun learn martial arts, Zhang Xiuzhu enter the imperial kitchen, and Consort Shu make incense¡­


    She wanted them to stand tall and be role models, showing women bound by feudal traditions that life wasn¡¯t just about marriage.


    They too could shine brightly.


    Why rely on men?


    By relying on themselves, they could undoubtedly lead even more extraordinary lives.

 Chapter 388

    Shunan Pce¡ª


    Huang Yanyu held a brush, scribbling and sketching in the ount book, her eyes revealing a hint of impatience.


    ¡°What are you standing around for?¡±


    Shu Xiang pped her lightly: ¡°These are all the gifts the various pces have sent to Her Ladyship over the years. Be careful with your entries; Her Ladyship will need to send return gifts. Don¡¯t make any mistakes.¡±


    Huang Yanyu¡¯s brow twitched: ¡°You mean¡­ all these things were sent by thedies of the inner pce?¡±


    ¡°Yes!¡±


    Shu Xiang chuckled: ¡°Don¡¯t act like you¡¯ve never seen anything before. Ourdy is the Empress¡¯s close friend. Kunning Pce alone has sent quite a few gifts! Don¡¯t ck off, hurry up and record them.¡±


    ¡°I understand.¡±


    Huang Yanyu categorized and meticulously recorded each item in the new ount book.


    When Consort Liang was promoted, Kunning Pce sent two exquisite lingzhi mushrooms.


    ¡°Cough, cough, cough¡­¡±


    Consort Liang had cried too much during the day, overwhelmed with both joy and sorrow. She had caught a chill while sitting on the wall, and by evening, she was coughing incessantly.


    As the eldest princess was getting married today, the Emperor, fearing that Consort Liang might be heartbroken over her daughter¡¯s departure, came to Shunan Pce to keep herpany.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong with Consort Liang?¡±


    The Emperor heard her violent coughing as soon as he entered. Shu Xiang was patting her back and immediately knelt upon seeing the Emperor.


    Consort Liang tried to rise and offer her respects, but the Emperor pressed her shoulder: ¡°No need for formalities. Weren¡¯t you fine this morning? Why are you coughing so badly now?¡±


    Consort Liang felt as if her lungs were about to cough out. Shu Xiang quickly exined: ¡°Your Majesty, Her Ladyship didn¡¯t sleep at allst night. She was worried about the eldest princess¡¯s wedding and kept getting up to check the dowry, afraid something might be missing. She went barefoot several times and probably caught a chill then.¡±


    Before dawn today, she went to the eldest princess¡¯s chamber to watch the matron of honorb her hair, cleanse her face, apply makeup, and offer blessings¡­


    She had been too tense.


    Now that the eldest princess had left the pce, she suddenly rxed, and the cold took hold.


    ¡°Your Majesty, Consort Liang¡­¡±


    Huang Yanyu appeared in a fresh, light green pce dress, with a delicate touch of makeup, exuding a charming and yful air: ¡°The kitchen maid heard that Her Ladyship has caught a cold. She asked me to fetch the lingzhi mushrooms gifted by the Empress from the storeroom to make chicken soup. It¡¯s said to relieve coughs, calm the breath, and soothe the spirit.¡±


    Her voice was sweet and soft, full of youthful vitality.


    In the past, the Emperor might have found such a charming maid attractive and might have favored her, giving her a title the next day.


    But not now.


    He had Jiang Xinyue.


    The Emperor¡¯s handsome face showed a scrutinizing expression. Consort Liang nced at the Emperor, then at Huang Yanyu, and gave Shu Xiang a meaningful look.


    Shu Xiang stepped forward to take the soup: ¡°You¡¯re no longer needed here. You may leave.¡±


    Huang Yanyu, still unwilling to give up, cast a shy and pleading nce at the Emperor, but her efforts were wasted¡ªthe Emperor didn¡¯t even look at her.


    Consort Liang was also feeling a bit hungry and began sipping the soup slowly, testing the waters: ¡°Your Majesty, were you perhaps¡­ moved by that maid just now?¡±


    The Emperor felt a pang of frustration. Was this a test? It felt more like a direct challenge!


    He simply thought the maid was too mboyant, dressed almost as borately as Consort Liang herself, which was against the rules.


    ¡°I found her somewhat familiar. Wasn¡¯t she the one you asked the Empress for during the selection?¡±


    If he didn¡¯t rify, this gossipmonger might spread exaggerated rumors to Jiang Xinyue.


    ¡°Your Majesty remembers her?¡± Consort Liang looked at her in surprise: ¡°Yes, she¡¯s the Empress¡¯s distant cousin. I found her quite clever and asked for her to serve as a pce maid.¡±


    The Emperor¡­


    He remembered this maid because she imed to be Jiang Xinyue¡¯s cousin!


    Why did Consort Liang act as if he was about to betray Jiang Xinyue?


    Was she¡­ out of her mind?


    ¡°Clever? I don¡¯t see it.¡±


    The Emperor¡¯s disgust was evident: ¡°She¡¯s too shy. I don¡¯t like her. If she¡¯s from the Jiang family, send her out of the pce as soon as possible. If you¡¯re short on maids, ask the Empress for a few more.¡±


    Jiang Xinyue was only eighteen or neen, at the peak of her beauty. Where did these women get the confidence to think he would abandon Jiang Xinyue for them?


    In terms of beauty, temperament, talent, character, or even the ways they tried to please him, how could they possiblypare to Jiang Xinyue?


    Why would he give up the best for those who were inferior?


    If they wanted to win his favor, they¡¯d at least need to surpass Jiang Xinyue in looks. Trying topete without even matching her was sheer arrogance.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Hearing this, Consort Liang finally rxed a little and continued sipping her soup.


    The Emperor felt as if he had been hit on the head to think that Consort Liang would be too heartbroken over her daughter¡¯s marriage to eat.


    She was enjoying her meal thoroughly, not even thinking to share with him or ask if he had eaten dinner.


    Consort Liang had changed; she wasn¡¯t like this before.


    Or had he been away from the inner pce for so long that he misremembered? Had Consort Liang always been this indifferent to him?


    ¡°Ah!¡±


    ¡°Yanyu!¡±


    ¡°Yanyu?¡±


    A terrified scream came from outside. Wang Dequan hurried in: ¡°Your Majesty, Consort Liang, a maid has been poisoned and is vomiting¡­¡±


    ¡°Sss¡­¡±


    Consort Liang clutched her chest as a sharp pain surged through her abdomen, causing her to gasp: ¡°Pfft¡ª¡±


    A mouthful of ck blood spewed from her lips. Her eyes widened as she vomited anotherrge amount of blood.


    ¡°Your Ladyship! Your Ladyship, what¡¯s wrong?¡±


    Shu Xiang screamed in panic, rushing to support Consort Liang, who had copsed by the bed.


    Consort Liang¡¯s face contorted in agony: ¡°It¡­ it hurts¡­ my stomach hurts!¡±


    At that moment, Huang Yanyu was helped in, ck blood still dripping from her lips: ¡°Your Ladyship¡­ Your Ladyship¡­ the lingzhi¡­ the lingzhi is poisoned¡­ don¡¯t¡­ don¡¯t eat it¡­ ugh¡­¡±


    But it was toote. The delicious lingzhi chicken soup had already been consumed entirely by Consort Liang.


    ¡°Consort Liang has been poisoned?¡±


    ¡°I heard it was from the lingzhi sent by the Empress.¡±


    ¡°Tsk tsk¡­ who would have thought? The Empress seemed so close to Consort Liang, but secretly she wanted her dead.¡±


    ¡°Was it jealousy because the Emperor visited Shunan Pce today? After all, the Emperor has been exclusively devoted to the Empress for so long. Suddenly visiting Consort Liang must have been too much for her to bear.¡±


    So she tried to poison Consort Liang?


    That¡¯s taking things too far.


    When Jiang Xinyue arrived at Shunan Pce, Consort Liang had already fallen unconscious. Huang Yanyu, having ingested less poison, was still conscious but had been given an emetic and was vomiting violently, leaving her extremely weak.


    ¡°How is Consort Liang?¡±


    Shu Xiang knelt to the side, wiping her tears: ¡°Your Majesty, the imperial physician said Her Ladyship ingested too much poison¡­ she might¡­ she might¡­ sob¡­¡±

 Chapter 389

    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 uncontrobly.


    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 pce, all iming 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 pce 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 pce 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 nder go unchallenged.


    On the very day Consort Liang fell into aa from poisoning, the news was only whispered among the pce 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 pces, no one dared to gossip any further.


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


    At Shunan Pce¡ª


    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, sheposed 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."n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    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 usations¡ªthat 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 nced 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 pce 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 projectsst 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 warrantpensation 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 pce. 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,petitive, 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 usation 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 pce 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 pce for long, she has already given birth to the fourth and sixth princes, and she is now expecting another. ording to the ancestral teachings of thete 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 bing 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.

 Chapter 390

    At the head of the hall, the Emperor rested his head on his hand, his elbow propped on the armrest of the dragon throne. His eyes were closed, and he remained unmoved as the court officials argued fiercely amongst themselves.


    Master Jing, having already countered Yan the Censor, fell silent. Jiang Yankun, who had been ready to unleash his sharp tongue, was abruptly silenced by Master Jing¡¯s intervention.


    Yan the Censor, who had been prostrating on the ground, expressing his loyalty for quite some time, noticed that the Emperor had not uttered a single word.


    After a long pause¡ª


    The Emperor opened his eyes, his gaze sweeping across the room. The officials standing at the front suddenly felt as though their throats had been gripped, and the cacophony of arguments ceased instantly.


    As the front row fell silent, so did the rest of the court. Only Yan the Censor continued to kowtow, his voice pleading, ¡°Your Majesty, my admiration for you is as boundless as the endless flow of a great river. How could I possibly be a spy for the enemy? Everything I have done has been for Your Majesty, for the sake of The Great Yan Dynasty!¡±


    ¡°Thud!¡±


    An open memorial was thrown down from the high tform,nding beside Yan the Censor¡¯s knees. The Emperor¡¯s authoritative voice rang out, ¡°Someone has submitted a memorial impeaching Yan the Censor, using you of favoring your concubine over your wife, allowing your concubine to abuse your wife and mistreat your legitimate children, driving your wife to hang herself. Is this true?¡±


    The Emperor¡¯s tone was calm, his voice devoid of any fluctuation, yet Yan the Censor felt an overwhelming pressure emanating from his words.


    The hall was deathly silent. Beads of sweat trickled from Yan the Censor¡¯s receding hairline, soaking the back of his official robe in moments.


    The Emperor¡­ how could he know?


    How did the Emperor learn about his household affairs?


    No, who had impeached him and informed the Emperor of these matters?


    Master Jing raised an eyebrow at Jiang Yankun, a hint of pride in his voice as he whispered, ¡°What do you think? This move of cutting off the enemy¡¯s retreat is quite effective, isn¡¯t it? I told you not to waste time on meaningless arguments. Just seize their weakness, and they won¡¯t be able to make a fuss anymore.¡±


    Jiang Yankun nodded in admiration, ¡°Master Jing¡¯s tactics are indeed brilliant. I am in awe.¡±


    Master Jing had been teaching and nurturing students ever since the death of Consort Jing. His academy was a dream destination for many schrs.


    Jiang Yankun had once studied at Master Jing¡¯s academy in his youth. Later, he moved his family to the capital to prepare for the imperial examinations.


    Thus, it was only natural for him to refer to himself as a student.


    Master Jing also treated him as one of his own, always looking out for him and supporting him.


    Most importantly, Jiang Yankun was the maternal grandfather of the Crown Prince, making them family.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    ¡°Yan the Censor?¡±


    The Emperor straightened up, his cold gaze fixed on the trembling Yan the Censor, ¡°Why are you silent now? Weren¡¯t you quite eloquent earlier? Was your mistreatment of your wife and children also for my sake, for the sake of The Great Yan Dynasty?¡±


    Yan the Censor was so panicked that he could barely think straight. If he hadn¡¯t already been kneeling, his legs would have been shaking uncontrobly.


    ¡°Crack!¡±


    A jade ring shattered at Yan the Censor¡¯s feet, the shards grazing his cheek and leaving a thin line of blood.


    Before he could even raise his hand to wipe it away, the Emperor¡¯s reprimand thundered through the hall, ¡°The Empress has been in the pce for over three years. She is kind-hearted, reasonable, and has earned the praise of everyone in the pce. She has adopted the Fourth Prince, given birth to the Crown Prince, and is now pregnant again. She has managed the imperial harem with great order, allowing me to focus on state affairs without worry. I can honestly say there is no better partner than her. Yet you, the officials who live off the Emperor¡¯s bounty, instead of assisting me, are here causing trouble. What? Are your own households so spotless?¡±


    ¡°If you are so concerned about my harem, perhaps I should help you all clean up your own households, hmm?¡±


    These officials who opposed Jiang Xinyue¡¯s position as Empress and demanded her removal were simply jealous of the rapid rise of the Jiang family, which had encroached on their interests.


    But among these officials, whether corrupt or upright, which of their households was truly without fault?


    If they couldn¡¯t even manage their own family affairs, how dare they meddle in the Emperor¡¯s harem?


    Who gave them the audacity?


    With the Emperor¡¯s wrath, no one dared to speak further.


    Meanwhile, in Shunan Pce, Jiang Xinyue had gathered all the pce servants in the courtyard. Even Huang Yanyu, who had been poisoned and was lying in bed, was helped to sit on a chair to wait.


    The maids, eunuchs, and servants were being questioned one by one.


    Shuang Jiang, with a stern expression, exuded an air of authority, ¡°Who suggested making the ganoderma chicken soup for Consort Huang?¡±


    ¡°It was the kitchen maid, Zhang. She said Consort Huang had caught a cold, and the ganoderma in the storeroom could be used to make soup to clear her lungs and stop her cough.¡±


    ¡°Your Majesty, I only heard it from Auntie Zhou. She said Consort Huang seemed unwell after returning from outside. When I saw the ganoderma during the storeroom inventory, I suggested it.¡±


    The cook, Auntie Zhou, quickly added, ¡°But I wasn¡¯t lying! I did hear Consort Huang coughing, so I mentioned it. I had no idea the ganoderma was poisoned, and I didn¡¯t make the soup. I¡­¡±


    ¡°Enough!¡±


    Shuang Jiang cut her off, ¡°We¡¯re asking you to recount what happened that day, not to make excuses. Who is at fault and who isn¡¯t will be determined by Her Majesty.¡±


    Auntie Zhou mumbled and fell silent.


    Shu Xiang nced at Huang Yanyu, her suspicions growing, though she dared not voice them openly.


    ¡°Your Majesty, Consort Shu and Consort Ru have arrived with Noble Consort Ye, Tong Xiuyuan, and Shi Xiuyi to visit Consort Huang.¡±


    At the entrance of Shunan Pce, arge group of consorts and their servants entered. Consort Shu and Noble Consort Ye, genuinely concerned about Huang Yanyu¡¯s condition, hurried inside after paying their respects to Jiang Xinyue.


    Consort Ru, however, was clearly there for the spectacle. She stood behind Jiang Xinyue, not moving, and said with a smile, ¡°Your Majesty, are you interrogating criminals?¡±


    The courtyard full of maids and eunuchs bristled with indignation.


    They weren¡¯t criminals, so why were they being treated as such?


    It was clear that the Empress herself was guilty. If she hadn¡¯t poisoned the ganoderma, how could Consort Huang have vomited blood after drinking the soup?


    This was a case of the thief crying ¡°Stop thief!¡±


    Consort Ru had not been in the pce for long, and in her mind, Jiang Xinyue had always been a sweet, charming kitten who had won the Emperor¡¯s favor through coquetry and ttery.


    The Empress had always been kind to the other consorts, never putting on airs. She often skipped the daily greetings and was lenient with those who made mistakes.


    This had given Consort Ru the impression that Jiang Xinyue was a pushover, someone who could be easily bullied.


    The Empress was only eighteen, while Consort Ru was in her twenties. In her mind, she was the elder.


    In her homnd of Goguryeo, even a single day¡¯s difference in age made one the elder, and the younger had to show respect.

 Chapter 391

    The eighteen-year-old empress, wasn¡¯t she easily brought to tears with just a few words?


    Jiang Xinyue nced at her expressionlessly, her eyes filled with annoyance: ¡°On the day Consort Liang was poisoned, who saw Consort Ru or her maid Hui Yuan?¡±


    ¡°Your Majesty, what are you implying? Are you suspecting that I poisoned Consort Liang?¡±


    Jiang Xinyue remained silent, her dark eyes scrutinizing Consort Ru with suspicion.


    ¡°How ridiculous! I am a princess of Goguryeo. I came here for a marriage alliance to ensure peace between our nations. How could I possibly¡­¡±


    *p!*


    Xi Que stepped forward and struck Consort Ru¡¯s face so hard that her head snapped to the side. Consort Ru, recovering from the shock, immediately tried to retaliate, but Xi Que, with her immense strength, grabbed her wrist and flung her aside, causing her to stagger and nearly fall.


    ¡°Consort Ru, you should address Her Majesty with the respectful ¡®Your Majesty¡¯ and refer to yourself as ¡®this humble consort,¡¯ not ¡®I.¡¯ You¡¯ve shown disrespect to Her Majesty. I trust you have no objections to being disciplined?¡±


    ¡°You!¡±


    ¡°And one more thing¡­¡±


    Xi Que¡¯s tone was firm: ¡°I don¡¯t care if you¡¯re a princess of Goguryeo or anywhere else. Now that you¡¯ve entered the harem of Great Yan, you are but one of the Emperor¡¯s consorts. Her Majesty is the mistress of the inner pce. Anyone who dares to challenge her authority will be taught a lesson by the pce rules. I suggest you familiarize yourself with the harem¡¯s regtions soon, or next time, it¡¯ll be the rod that disciplines you.¡±


    People tend to bully the weak and fear the strong. Xi Que¡¯s reputation among the pce servants was well-known, and Consort Ru had heard of it.


    Swallowing her anger, Consort Ru said, ¡°Be that as it may, Your Majesty has no evidence to suspect me. This is an insult to my character, and I cannot ept it. I will have the Emperor judge this matter.¡±


    ¡°No evidence, you say?¡±


    Jiang Xinyue sneered: ¡°You im you came to visit Consort Liang, but from the moment you entered Shunan Pce, you¡¯ve stood here without moving. Moreover, you deliberately madements about me interrogating people like a criminal, trying to turn the pce servants against me and make them uncooperative. Such behavior makes it impossible not to suspect that you poisoned Consort Liang. Now, you¡¯re here causing trouble to cover up the truth.¡±


    ¡°I suspect you, and I¡¯m searching for evidence. If you¡¯re innocent, why fear my investigation?¡±


    If you¡¯ve done nothing wrong, why be nervous?


    Consort Ru was left speechless by Jiang Xinyue¡¯s sharp retort, only now realizing how cutting her words could be.


    The servants below whispered among themselves. Consort Ru¡¯s schemes had been exposed, and they felt a sense of anger at being used as pawns.


    Their gazes toward Consort Ru turned sharp, like daggers.


    ¡°I¡­ I think I saw Consort Ru¡¯s maid that day.¡±


    A timid voice spoke up, filled with uncertainty: ¡°The weather was nice that day, and Shu Xiang mentioned that we should take everything from the consort¡¯s storeroom out to air, to prevent mold. Since our consort had been demoted and moved, some items were missing from the storeroom. Shu Xiang asked us to reorganize and re-catalog everything¡­¡±


    The maid nced nervously at Huang Yanyu: ¡°Yanyu was in charge of the new catalog. I was carrying some paintings and calligraphy to air when Yanyu said she needed to use the restroom. But she didn¡¯t return for a long time. Shu Xiang evenmented that she waszy and always cking off. I also needed to use the restroom, but when I went, Yanyu wasn¡¯t there.¡±


    So, the little maid had already felt some resentment. Everyone was so busy, and Huang Yanyu, a new maid, had abandoned her tasks and disappeared somewhere.


    She had wanted to find her.


    While looking around, she saw Huang Yanyu passing by Hui Yuan in a pavilion not far from Shunan Pce.


    She hadn¡¯t mentioned it earlier because she didn¡¯t know what it had to do with Consort Liang¡¯s poisoning.


    Besides, Huang Yanyu herself had been poisoned after stealing some of the consort¡¯s chicken soup, so she hadn¡¯t connected the dots.


    But now that Her Majesty was asking, she told the truth.


    Shu Xiang frowned and added: ¡°I remember now. On the day we were organizing the storeroom, Huang Yanyu asked me if all the gifts were from the consorts in the harem.¡±


    Every gift, every social exchange, was meticulously recorded.


    Which pce sent it? What was sent? Why was it sent?


    The old catalog had all the details.


    In other words, Huang Yanyu knew that the two lingzhi mushrooms were a gift from the Empress.


    Jiang Xinyue¡¯s gaze turned to Huang Yanyu, whose face was pale, whether from the poisoning or something else.


    Taking a deep breath, Huang Yanyu said weakly: ¡°I came out of the restroom that day and just took a break in the pavilion. How was I to know Consort Ru¡¯s maid would pass by? If I had known the chicken soup was poisoned, would I have stolen it? I nearly lost my life. Does Her Majesty still suspect me?¡±


    ¡°But you didn¡¯t die, did you?¡±


    Jiang Xinyue¡¯s words were piercing: ¡°Yet Consort Liang is on the brink of death, her life hanging by a thread.¡±n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    The tactic of tasting poison was something she had used herself back in the cold pce.


    If the poison had been carefully chosen, like the one the former Empress had used on her in the cold pce, and the dosage controlled, it wouldn¡¯t be fatal.


    Huang Yanyu had imed she stole the chicken soup to escape suspicion.


    The Jiang family was a prominent local family, not exactly wealthy enough to rival a nation, but certainly affluent.


    As rtives of the Jiang family, the Huang family was equally prosperous.


    In Great Yan, marriages were based on social status, and the Huang family was also a wealthy and influential household.


    As the eldest daughter of the Huang family, Huang Yanyu had seen and tasted all the finest things.


    She wasn¡¯t from a poor background. How could she be tempted by a bowl of chicken soup?


    Huang Yanyu swallowed nervously and averted her gaze. That single action confirmed to Jiang Xinyue that she was involved in Consort Liang¡¯s poisoning.


    Jiang Xinyue raised her hand: ¡°Take Huang Yanyu to the Investigative Bureau. If she doesn¡¯t reveal the mastermind behind this, throw her into the fish tank to feed the piranha.¡±


    The two-hundred-kilogram piranha in the Investigative Bureau was feared by everyone in the pce. Tales of how many people it had devoured were still circting, striking terror into all who heard them.


    Huang Yanyu hadn¡¯t been in the pce long, but she had already heard of the piranha¡¯s fearsome reputation.


    Her breathing quickened, and she grabbed the sleeve of the person beside her: ¡°It was Consort Ru! It was Consort Ru! She gave me the poison and told me to sprinkle it on the lingzhi mushrooms, then hint to the kitchen staff that the mushrooms could soothe coughs and nourish the lungs, so they¡¯d cook them for Consort Liang. Cousin¡­ cousin, I was wrong. I¡¯ll never do it again. It was Consort Ru who forced me. She forced me!¡±


    Jiang Xinyue nced at Consort Ru, whose face was a mix of shock and fury. Consort Ru stepped forward and kicked Huang Yanyu to the ground: ¡°You little maid, how dare you nder me! I don¡¯t even know you, and you¡¯re already throwing dirt on me. You¡¯ve gone too far!¡±


    She had intended to harm the Empress, but she hadn¡¯t even had the chance to act yet!

 Chapter 392

    Huang Yanyu was crying uncontrobly: "Consort Ru, how can you turn your back on me now? Everyone saw me interacting with Hui Yuan. How can you discard me after using me? Didn¡¯t you say we should sow discord between the Empress and Consort Liang, then spread the news so that the court officials would impeach the Empress, forcing the Emperor to depose her?"


    Her words sounded quite logical: "I¡¯m just a lowly pce maid. What benefit would I gain from overthrowing the Empress? But you¡¯re different. You¡¯re a princess of Goguryeo and a consort. If the Empress falls, you¡¯re the most likely to take her ce. Isn¡¯t that what you said?"


    What an idiot!


    Even if Consort Ru truly thought that way, she would never reveal it to an outsider like Huang Yanyu. The more Huang Yanyu spoke, the deeper she dug her own grave.


    "So that¡¯s how it is," Jiang Xinyue said coldly. "The poison was also given to you by Consort Ru, wasn¡¯t it?"


    Huang Yanyu eagerlytched onto the lifeline Jiang Xinyue offered: "Yes, yes¡­ I¡¯m just a maid. Before entering the pce, I was thoroughly searched by the matrons. I couldn¡¯t possibly have any poison."


    The implication was clear: Consort Ru was different. As a foreign princess, even though she was also searched before entering the pce, she had her ways to smuggle poison in. Whether as a foreign princess or a consort, she had far more resources than a mere maid.


    Consort Ru was left speechless, her mouth agape and eyes wide with disbelief. She had never encountered someone so shameless. In her frustration, she nearly abandoned her royal decorum, an expletive like "Aish" stuck in her throat, but she refrained from uttering it, fearing it would be beneath her dignity.


    Is this how things worked in the Great Yan pce? People could just lie through their teeth without consequence?


    She was truly getting an education.


    "It wasn¡¯t me!" Consort Ru stomped her feet in anger. "I swear it wasn¡¯t me! Empress, I came here as a peace envoy between our nations, not to stir up trouble. My brother is the king of Goguryeo, and Goguryeo has always looked up to Great Yan as its celestial empire. My brother reveres the Emperor of Great Yan as a god. How could I, raised in such a tradition, cause chaos in the Emperor¡¯s harem? This wretched maid is just trying to shift the me onto me to lessen her own punishment. I beg the Empress to see through her lies and clear my name."


    What a ttering speech¡­


    If Jiang Xinyue hadn¡¯t witnessed leaders in her past life flip-flop, betray allies, and switch sides at the drop of a hat, she might have believed Consort Ru¡¯s words.


    She knew Huang Yanyu was spouting nonsense, but¡­


    Since Consort Liang had already suffered, she couldn¡¯t let her ordeal be in vain.


    She had to maximize the benefits.


    "Whether to clear your name or find evidence of your involvement in harming Consort Liang, I will discuss it with the Emperor. For now, since Huang Yanyu has used you of inciting her to poison Consort Liang, and you deny it, both of you will be sent to the Investigative Bureau for further questioning."


    Why was it still the Investigative Bureau?


    Huang Yanyu wanted to argue further, but Jiang Xinyue thought she was too foolish. If she said anything more, she might inadvertently exonerate Consort Ru. With a subtle nce, Shuangjiang and Xique grabbed Huang Yanyu, gagged her, and dragged her away.


    "It wasn¡¯t me! It really wasn¡¯t me!"


    Consort Ru struggled. "Empress, you¡¯re using your authority for personal vengeance. You¡¯re afraid the Emperor will favor me, so you¡¯re trying to eliminate me. How vicious! My brother will never let you get away with this! Mmmph¡ª"


    Her words were cut off as the matrons stuffed a dirty cloth into her mouth.


    Tong Xiuyuan and Shi Xiuyi watched in horror as Consort Ru was dragged away, too frightened to speak, even their breathing subdued.


    Jiang Xinyue¡¯s casual nce in their direction made them avert their eyes, their hands and feet fidgeting nervously.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Tong Xiuyuan stammered, "I¡­ I¡¯ll go check on Consort Liang."


    Shi Xiuyi stuttered, "I¡­ I just remembered I have porridge cooking in my pce. I¡¯ll go back and have some¡­"


    Tong Xiuyuan grabbed her arm and pulled her along. "You don¡¯t even have a kitchen. What porridge are you talking about? Don¡¯t make it so obvious!"


    Consort Liang was still unconscious. Imperial Doctor Hu said she wasn¡¯t out of danger yet. The poison wasmon, the kind found everywhere in themon folk. The Imperial Hospital had the antidote, but Consort Liang had ingested arge dose, which was why her condition was so severe.


    This kind of poison didn¡¯t seem like something Consort Ru would use, but it fit Huang Yanyu¡¯s status perfectly.


    No matter how wealthy Huang Yanyu¡¯s family was, they were still merchants. It would be easy for her to buy such amon poison from a pharmacy.


    If she hadn¡¯t been helping Consort Liang organize her storeroom that day, who would the poison have been used on?


    Jiang Xinyue thought it would probably have been used to frame her.


    You couldn¡¯t apply normal logic to the thought process of a fool.


    Why did Huang Yanyu think that if Jiang Xinyue died, she could rise to power?


    Did she think the other consorts in the pce were just going to stand by and let that happen?


    The eldest princess sat by the bed, weeping, while Consort Shu and Noble Consort Ye took turnsforting her. Tong Xiuyuan and Shi Xiuyi remained huddled in a corner, too scared to approach.


    Jiang Xinyue felt a headacheing on. "Tong Xiuyuan and Shi Xiuyi, you may leave. I¡¯ll stay here with Consort Liang."


    "Yes, we¡¯ll take our leave."


    "Yes, we¡¯ll take our leave."


    The two of them exhaled in relief, grabbed each other¡¯s hands, and bolted out the door.


    The eldest princess was both amused and furious. "Who asked them toe? They rushed over here, didn¡¯t even get close to my mother, and then ran off in fear. I don¡¯t think they came to visit her; they came to see if she was dead!"


    Consort Shu sighed. "Some things are better left unsaid."


    Noble Consort Ye nodded. "Recently, there¡¯s been a lot of opposition to the Empress in the court, and some have been pushing for those two to rise in rank. It seems they¡¯ve started entertaining ideas they shouldn¡¯t."


    Tong Xiuyuan¡¯s father was only the Minister of Works, and even the Grand Tutor had said in court that they shouldn¡¯t force the issue.


    Shi Xiuyi, however, likely harbored greater ambitions.


    Her father had achieved numerous military victories, and as his legitimate daughter, she felt she deserved to be rewarded.


    "The Empress is too domineering. She gets to enjoy romantic moments with the Emperor, while the rest of us can¡¯t even catch his eye."


    Tong Xiuyuan vented her frustration by tearing at the leaves on the roadside. "When the incident with Consort De happened, I thought she was a good person, someone who would encourage us to bear children for the Emperor, like thete Empress did. But instead, she¡¯s the only one having children, and the rest of us are just decorations."


    "Exactly," Shi Xiuyi said, fiddling with the bracelet on her wrist. "She even dared to throw the princess of Goguryeo into the Investigative Bureau. What are we in her eyes? She can scold or hit us whenever she pleases."


    Tong Xiuyuan suddenly stopped. "Isn¡¯t there anyone who can put her in her ce? If this continues, all of us who don¡¯t kiss up to her will be suppressed and never have a chance to rise."


    As the daughter of a minister herself, Tong Xiuyuan never felt she was inferior to Jiang Xinyue.


    She couldn¡¯t bring herself to idolize Jiang Xinyue the way Consort Shu and Consort Liang did.

 Chapter 393

    If she could have done it, she wouldn¡¯t still be just a lowly Xiuyuan after all this time in the pce.


    Shi Xiuyi paused her motion of twisting her bracelet, her expression turning hesitant as she looked at Tong Xiuyuan, seemingly on the verge of saying something but holding back. This piqued Tong Xiuyuan¡¯s curiosity: ¡°What¡¯s the matter? Between us sisters, what can¡¯t be said directly?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s just¡­¡±


    Shi Xiuyi sighed heavily. ¡°It¡¯s not that I can¡¯t say it, I just¡­ don¡¯t know if it¡¯s true or not, and I dare not spread rumors¡­ after all¡­ it concerns Her Majesty the Empress¡¯s reputation. If it¡¯s false, it might harm the rtionship between the Emperor and Her Majesty.¡±


    ¡°Reputation?¡±


    The more she hesitated, the more interested Tong Xiuyuan became. ¡°Come on! Tell me, I won¡¯t tell anyone. How would the Emperor ever know?¡±


    ¡°Then¡­ you mustn¡¯t go around spreading this!¡±


    Shi Xiuyi leaned in close to Tong Xiuyuan¡¯s ear and whispered, ¡°Last time my uncle and aunt came to the pce for a banquet, they told me that Her Majesty the Empress¡­¡±


    The two of them stood there whispering for a long time, so quietly that even the pce servants couldn¡¯t make out what they were saying.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    In the side hall of Yanxi Pce¡ª


    Maner watched as her mistress hummed a cheerful Jiangnan tune, feeling puzzled. ¡°Your Highness, your uncle went through so much trouble to get this information. Why did you so easily share it with Tong Xiuyuan? This was a perfect opportunity to bring down Her Majesty the Empress!¡±


    Shi Xiuyi, trimming a pot of orchids by the window, merely smiled lightly. ¡°My uncle told me this so that if I ever offend Her Majesty, I can use it to protect myself. Now that we¡¯ve got Jiang Xinyue¡¯s weakness, who exposes it doesn¡¯t matter. Tong Xiuyuan and I are close, so it¡¯s only right that I give her this opportunity.¡±


    Maner was still confused, only understanding thest part. She stepped forward to open the window, letting the cool breeze in, and turned to look at Shi Xiuyi with admiration. ¡°Your Highness is too kind-hearted and unwilling topete for favor. Otherwise, with your background, how could Her Majesty the Empress have surpassed you?¡±


    When Her Majesty the Empress first entered the pce, the Jiang family wasn¡¯t even ranked among the prominent families in the capital.


    But her mistress was the legitimate daughter of the General of the Northern Frontier!


    Shi Xiuyi smiled faintly at the praise, but behind that smiley a deep calction.


    The opportunity she gave to Tong Xiuyuan was actually a death sentence!


    Her uncle had told her this information so she could find a scapegoat.


    Why would she be the one to expose it?


    The Emperor¡¯s obsession with Jiang Xinyue was known throughout the pce. Formerly, even the Noble Consort Li, Consort Shu, Consort De, and even thete Empress were no match for her. Shi Xiuyi knew she couldn¡¯t win either.


    If she failed to bring down the Empress, she might end up losing her own life.


    Even if the Empress really had¡­ before entering the pce, and she seeded in exposing her, the disadvantages would outweigh the benefits for her.


    The Emperor loved Jiang Xinyue so much, so deeply. Could he ept her betrayal?


    If he couldn¡¯t, Jiang Xinyue¡¯s fate aside, the person who exposed the Empress¡¯s infidelity would surely be executed.


    The Emperor might not be willing to kill Jiang Xinyue, perhaps he¡¯d imprison and torment her, but the person who exposed this would bear the full brunt of his wrath.


    She had no intention of being that informant who would be killed by the Emperor.


    She was truly tired of living in this cold, deste Yanxi Pce.


    ¡°The imperial decree has arrived¡ª¡±


    Outside Yanxi Pce and Jinhua Pce, the eunuch announced the decree conferring the title of Consort.


    The Emperor gave them a p and then a sweet treat, rejecting the proposal to make Tong Xiuyuan and Shi Xiuyi Empress, instead granting them the titles of Consort Tong and Consort Shi, moving them from the side halls to the main halls of their respective pces.


    It was a perfunctory gesture, not even giving them proper titles.


    Meanwhile, Jiang Xinyue, who had been plotted against by Shi Xiuyi, couldn¡¯t remember how many times she had been to the Investigative Bureau.


    Consort Ru and her maid were locked up together, while Huang Yanyu was held alone in the cell across from them.


    The three of them became agitated when they saw Jiang Xinyue emerge from the shadows.


    Huang Yanyu cried, ¡°Cousin, cousin, I really know I was wrong. Let me go home, please let me go home! I¡¯ll never dare to dream again¡­ this ce is too terrifying, I don¡¯t want to be here, I beg you¡­ sob¡­¡±


    She had no idea that poisoning Consort Liang would lead to her being discovered so quickly.


    To clear her name, she had even taken poison herself, suffering so much, only for it to bepletely futile.


    Her Majesty the Empress didn¡¯t even need evidence to solve the case. She just looked at her twice and knew she was the one who did it.


    She didn¡¯t know if the Empress believed her attempt to frame Consort Ru.


    Would she slip up during the interrogation?


    Wouldn¡¯t that make her crime even worse?


    Jiang Xinyue walked over and reached through the bars to pat her head. ¡°Don¡¯t be afraid. As long as it wasn¡¯t you, I¡¯ll protect you.¡±


    Wh-what?


    Huang Yanyu¡¯s frightened eyes suddenly lit up. ¡°Cousin¡­¡±


    Did the Empress mean¡­ for her to keep ming Consort Ru?


    Yes, yes¡­


    Compared to her, a mere maid, Consort Ru¡¯s beauty was the real threat to the Empress.


    The Emperor loved the Empress now, so he wouldn¡¯t pay attention to other beauties, but what if one day he grew tired of her and sought amusement with Consort Ru¡­


    Once it started, it would continue.


    With the new, fresh-faced beauties entering the pce, once the Emperor tasted younger, more beautiful bodies, the Empress would no longer be his white moonlight or cinnabar mole, but leftover rice and a mosquito¡¯s blood.


    The Empress was so smart; she must have already thought of this and wanted to prevent it.


    Huang Yanyu felt she had found a way to survive and leave the pce alive.


    ¡°Empress, let me out. I¡¯m a princess of Goguryeo. You can¡¯t treat me like this.¡±


    Consort Ru didn¡¯t hear what Jiang Xinyue and Huang Yanyu were saying, but she knew it couldn¡¯t be good for her.


    ¡°Shut up!¡±


    Once inside the Investigative Bureau, Jiang Xinyue no longer cared what the other concubines might hear.


    She red at Consort Ru impatiently. ¡°Goguryeo, Goguryeo, aren¡¯t you tired of saying it? Is Goguryeo so great? A tiny ce with such big ambitions, just like Fusang, always coveting thend of Great Yan. If Goguryeo is so amazing, why did youe here to marry? Why didn¡¯t your brother just make you Empress?¡±


    ¡°Oh! I overestimated your brother. He¡¯s not capable of that. Such a useless man, and you keep bringing him up. Are you trying to remind me of his ipetence?¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t you dare insult my brother!¡±


    Consort Ru mmed her hands against the bars. ¡°My brother will¡ª¡±


    ¡°Will what?¡±


    Jiang Xinyue crossed her arms and sneered. ¡°Will he dare to hit me or kill me? I bet he won¡¯t even dare to fart. You¡¯ll be the one who¡¯s truly devastated then!¡±


    What did ¡°devastated¡± mean?


    Was she mocking her for being in a prison cell?


    So infuriating¡­ truly infuriating¡­


    Consort Ru gritted her teeth, wishing she could rush out and tear Jiang Xinyue¡¯s hair out.

 Chapter 394

    Unfortunately, she was trapped inside, unable to get out, and could only re at Jiang Xinyue through the wooden bars: "Even if you are the Empress, everything requires evidence. You have no evidence, yet you¡¯ve locked me up. Do you think the Emperor¡¯s harem is your personal domain?"


    Jiang Xinyue looked at her as if she were a fool: "Someone used you of poisoning Consort Liang, and a pce maid saw your maid, Hui Yuan, interacting with Huang Yanyu. What does that have to do with me? I¡¯m just following the rules to ensure justice for Consort Liang. Why are you ming me for everything?"


    The maid who saw Hui Yuan and Huang Yanyu crossing paths wasn¡¯t one of Jiang Xinyue¡¯s people; she served in Consort Liang¡¯s pce.


    Huang Yanyu was a newly entered pce maid, assigned to Consort Liang. If she were Jiang Xinyue¡¯s person, she would have been presented to the Emperor long ago. Why would she be a maid?


    So, these usations had nothing to do with Jiang Xinyue.


    "Empress, we¡¯ve found something in the side hall of Yanqing Pce."


    The Investigative Bureau guards presented a wrapped package. Jiang Xinyue didn¡¯t rush to take it. Instead, she addressed Leader Du: "To prevent Consort Ru from throwing mud at me, I won¡¯t touch this. Leader Du, you serve the Emperor. Please examine it and see if I¡¯ve wronged her."


    "Gulp!"


    The maid, Magpie, clearly heard Leader Du swallow hard before the guard handed him the oil-paper package.


    Leader Du opened the package, dipped his finger into the powder, and sniffed it. He then looked at Consort Ru in shock.


    What an idiot! How could she leave such crucial evidence in her room for anyone to find?


    Did she think the Investigative Bureau was full of fools who wouldn¡¯t trace it back to her?


    Consort Ru frowned, not understanding why Leader Du was looking at her like that.


    "Someone, inform the Emperor that the person who poisoned Consort Liang has been found. Ask him how to proceed."


    After all, Consort Ru was the Emperor¡¯s consort, and the Investigative Bureau had no authority to punish her privately.


    But since the Empress was present, she technically had the final say.


    Leader Du was clever. To prevent Consort Ru from making wild usations again, he sent someone to seek the Emperor¡¯s orders.


    Shunan Pce¡ª


    The second princess¡¯s heart was pounding as she grabbed Consort Shu¡¯s hand: "Will¡­ will we be discovered?"


    Consort Shu¡¯s expression was stern: "Rx, we¡¯ve been very careful. Nothing will go wrong."


    "I was afraid the Investigative Bureau wouldn¡¯t find anything, so I hid a few packages under Consort Ru¡¯s bed and in her wardrobe."


    Consort Shu nodded: "Well done. That vile woman dared to harm the Crown Prince, thinking she could get away with it by pinning all the me on Zhang Wanrong. Hmph! Now that she¡¯s in the Investigative Bureau, the Empress will make sure she suffers."


    The second princess asked curiously: "But even Father didn¡¯t figure out that Consort Ru was the one who caused the Crown Prince¡¯s allergy. How did Mother know?"


    "At first, we didn¡¯t either¡­"


    Butter, the Empress mentioned that the walnut oil used for the Crown Prince had been sent to the pce by the Jiang Family¡¯s shops.


    After the Crown Prince turned one, the Empress ordered the imperial kitchen to prepare his meals, and since there was no walnut oil in the pce, she personally wrote to the Jiang Family, asking them to procure the finest walnuts from Jiangcheng, press them into oil, and transport it back to the capital.


    Due to seasonal constraints, the Jiang Family shipped two entire carriages of walnut oil to ensure there was enough.


    From harvesting to shelling, pressing to bottling and transportation, the entire process was overseen by the Jiang Family, with no outsiders involved.


    With so much walnut oil, how could Zhang Wanrong and a single eunuch have secretly reced it all with peanut oil?


    Moreover, the Internal Affairs Department kept detailed records of all expenditures and inventory. The storeroom was a heavily guarded area, essible only with the chief eunuch¡¯s permission.


    They would have had to transport peanut oil from outside to rece it, and doing so quietly in such a short time¡ªor even at all¡ªwould have been impossible for one person.


    So, the Empress concluded that Zhang Wanrong wasn¡¯t the only one involved. There was a hidden hand behind it all.


    The Emperor agreed that it was best not to alert the culprit, allowing them to think they were safe beforeunching a secret investigation.


    Initially, they nned to interrogate the eunuchs who had assisted Zhang Wanrong, but those eunuchs turned out to be spies. Before they could even be sent to the Investigative Bureau, they bit their tongues andmitted suicide.


    This further confirmed that Zhang Wanrong was merely a pawn.


    When the Emperor ordered the secret investigation, he didn¡¯t use the Investigative Bureau. Instead, he entrusted the task to a few trusted captains of the Imperial Guards, who assigned their most loyal subordinates to search the eunuchs¡¯ quarters.


    Finally, in one of the eunuch¡¯s partially burned undergarments, they discovered the national flower of Goguryeo¡ªthe Wuji flower.


    Beneath the flower, a name was embroidered in Goguryeo script.


    After consulting an expert, they learned the name read "Shen Hanping."


    Jiang Xinyue spected that this was the real name of the eunuch who hadmitted suicide.


    The surname "Shen" was rare in The Great Yan Dynasty butmon in Goguryeo, leading them to suspect that the true mastermind behind the Crown Prince¡¯s poisoning was Consort Ru.


    The eldest princess sat by Consort Liang¡¯s sickbed, listening to their conversation, unable to believe that so much had happened in the less than two weeks since she had been married off.


    "Cough, cough, cough¡­"


    Consort Liang, half-reclined on the bed, coughed painfully, her chest aching with each breath.


    She winced: "That Huang Yanyu¡­ damn it¡­ it hurts so much¡­"


    Consort Liang had woken up a few days earlier, and it was then that Jiang Xinyue had sought her permission to use this opportunity to bring down Consort Ru as well.


    The eldest princess quickly stood up, handing Consort Liang a cup of hot tea: "Mother, please calm down. The Empress has gone to the Investigative Bureau. She¡¯ll surely bring you justice."


    Consort Liang struggled to even open her eyes, her throat feeling as if it were being sliced by tiny knives. She took a sip of the hot water, and the eldest princess gently wiped the droplets from her lips with a handkerchief.


    Noble Consort Ye helped by taking the teacup from the eldest princess and cing it on the table: "The Empress is still at the Investigative Bureau, and they¡¯ve already found the poison in Consort Ru¡¯s pce. She won¡¯t escape, and neither will Huang Yanyu."


    The only regret was that Consort Ru¡¯s crime wasn¡¯t harming the royal heir but poisoning a consort, which was slightly less severe.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    While Consort Liang¡¯s life was valuable, the Crown Prince¡¯s was far more precious.


    If Consort Ru had been convicted of harming the Crown Prince, the Emperor would have had her body sent back to Goguryeo.

 Chapter 404

    He knew that speaking so openly would be a blow to the dignity of a ruler, but he had to rify things. Otherwise, the thorn in his heart would inevitably lead to a growing distance between him and Yue''er. In matters of the heart, he didn¡¯t want to be someone gued by constant suspicion and doubt.


    Lan Xiaolou gave a sorrowful smile, one that seemed genuine. "Your Majesty, every word I¡¯ve said about my beloved being no longer of this world is true. If I¡¯m lying, may I never find love in this life or the next, live in poverty, and meet a wretched end."


    When the Empress had sent him the letter, he already knew that his Second Lady Jiang was no longer there. The soul residing in her body now belonged to someone else.


    His Second Lady, on the surface, was like a porcupine, quick to prick anyone who came too close. If anyone touched her wounds, she would bare her thorns, leaving them bloodied, even if it meant she herself was left scarred.


    Yet, deep down, she was softer and kinder than anyone. After every act of defiance, she would weep with guilt. She couldn¡¯t stand to see the weak bullied and always put on a strong front to protect those she cared about.


    The Empress was the Emperor¡¯s Yue''er, but she was no longer his Second Lady.


    That was why he dared to swear such an oath.


    Opera performers, especially esteemed ones like Lan Xiaolou, were deeply superstitious. Before every performance, they would light incense and kneel before the gods, praying for a smooth show free of mishaps.


    So, if he dared to swear such an oath, it meant he had a clear conscience.


    The Emperor¡¯s hostility faded, and he smiled. "I feel as though Lan Xiaolou and I have be fast friends, and our conversation has made me lose track of time."


    He raised his head slightly. "Tang Shiliang, reward the Rongsheng Opera Troupe with a thousand taels of silver and present Lan Xiaolou with the title of ''The Greatest Voice Under Heaven.'' Escort them out of the pce."


    Tang Shiliang bowed. "As Your Majestymands."


    After Lan Xiaolou left, the smile on the Emperor¡¯s face vanished, and his once tender peach-blossom eyes turned icy cold. "Wang Dequan, has Leader Du sent any word back yet?"


    It had only been a night¡ªhow could there be news so soon?


    But Wang Dequan only dared to grumble in his heart. Out loud, he replied, "Your Majesty, Cang County is still beneath Yunyang County. Even by carriage, it would take six hours. Leader Du, no matter how fast he is, would have just arrived in Cang County by now."


    Add to that the time needed to investigate whether Lan Xiaolou¡¯s ims were true, and the return journey, it would take at least another day or night.


    A carrier pigeon might be faster, but not by much, and there was always the risk of the bird being shot down mid-flight.


    The Emperor¡¯s concern was clouding his judgment.


    If Leader Du¡¯s report confirmed that Lan Xiaolou indeed had a wife who had passed away, the rewards bestowed upon the Rongsheng Opera Troupe would elevate them to the pinnacle of the opera world.


    But if the report revealed that Lan Xiaolou had lied, those very rewards could be the harbinger of his doom.


    "What is the Empress doing now?"n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    "Her Majesty¡¯s maid, Shuang Jiang, came by earlier to ask when Lan Xiaolou would be leaving the pce. The Empress wishes to see him off."


    The Emperor¡¯s heart, which had been in suspense, finally settled.


    If Yue''er had acted too coldly or indifferently, he would have suspected that there were still lingering feelings between the two.


    "Your Majesty¡­"


    A glint of cunning shed in Wang Dequan¡¯s shrewd eyes. "Shall I send someone to keep an eye on them?"


    *Thud!*


    A memorial was hurled at him. "What kind of person would that make me?"


    "This servant deserves death. I should not have presumed to guess Your Majesty¡¯s intentions."


    The force of the thrown memorial wasn¡¯t particrly strong. If the Emperor had been truly angry, it would have been Wang Dequan¡¯s head that was struck.


    After leaving the imperial study, Wang Dequan let out a sigh of relief. By showing his loyalty to the Emperor, he had ensured that His Majesty wouldn¡¯t suspect him of colluding with the Empress.


    As for sending someone to watch Lan Xiaolou and the Empress, it was merely a suggestion.


    The Emperor was an exceedingly proud man, and with good reason. Eavesdropping on others? He would never stoop to such a thing.


    On the path leading out of the pce, Jiang Xinyue¡¯s pnquin had been waiting for some time.


    Tang Shiliang led the Rongsheng Opera Troupe forward to pay their respects to the Empress, then quickly ushered the rest of the troupe away, leaving only Jiang Xinyue and her attendants, Xi Que and Jiang Chuan.


    Their eyes met, but there was no love, longing, or joy in Jiang Xinyue¡¯s gaze¡ªnor was there disappointment, pain, or sorrow.


    She simply smiled, breathtakingly beautiful, but her eyes were so unfamiliar that Lan Xiaolou barely recognized her.


    "She¡­"


    He opened his mouth, wanting to ask where the original Jiang Xinyue had gone.


    But after uttering just one word, he found himself at a loss for how to continue.


    "Her soul is free now."


    Lan Xiaolou was stunned for a moment, then his perpetually sorrowful eyes filled with a sense of relief.


    Heughed heartily, turned, and walked away.


    Xi Que nced at her mistress, then at Jiang Chuan, and finally at Lan Xiaolou¡¯s retreating figure. "What¡­ what just happened? Your Majesty, what did you mean by ''her soul is free''? I know every word you said, but I can¡¯t make sense of it. Why did Lan Xiaolouugh like that?"


    "It¡¯s nothing," Jiang Xinyue replied, waving her hand as the pnquin began to move. She patted Xi Que¡¯s head. "When talking to people in the arts, it¡¯s best to be ambiguous. Don¡¯t spell things out too clearly¡ªlet them draw their own conclusions."


    What she had meant by "her soul is free" was that the original Jiang Xinyue had died. But Lan Xiaolou had interpreted it as the true Jiang Xinyue having gone to a ce of her choosing, living the life she wanted, perhaps even reincarnated into another form, embarking on a new, free existence.


    Jiang Xinyue certainly wasn¡¯t going to tell him that the original had died. Who knew if he might suddenly go mad, using her of having killed the original, stolen her body, and then cozying up to the Emperor?


    Only by letting him believe that she had taken over the body unwillingly, and that the original was still alive somewhere in the world, could she ensure that he would leave the pce peacefully and not cause trouble for her.


    Self-preservation was a natural instinct. All she wanted was to live safely in the depths of the pce.


    The Emperor stood atop the city wall, overlooking the scene below. Though he couldn¡¯t hear their conversation, he heard Lan Xiaolou¡¯s heartyughter.


    What had they said that was so amusing?


    What pleased him was that Jiang Xinyue had exchanged no more than a few words with Lan Xiaolou, and they had maintained a considerable distance, with servants attending to them. There was no chance for them to share any intimate words.


    Wang Dequan, who had been so sure that the Emperor wouldn¡¯t eavesdrop, scratched his forehead, wondering if he was getting too old to keep up with His Majesty¡¯s whims.


    When had the Emperor be so contradictory?


    Back in Kunning Pce, Shuang Jiang was waiting at the entrance. "Your Majesty, the Emperor is here. He¡¯s in the side chamber, teaching the Crown Prince his characters."


    Jiang Xinyue nodded, went to her room to change into a fresh set of clothes, and was just putting on her outer robe when a warm embrace enveloped her from behind.


    "Yue''er, let me hold you."

 Chapter 396

    Those who were dissatisfied and always sought to rece her, hoping to elevate their own daughters, should carefully consider their own worth. Otherwise, they would end up like the Huang Family, and they would have no one but themselves to me.


    She was a person who, when pushed to her limits, would show no mercy, even to her own family. So, they shouldn¡¯t me herter for not caring about family ties or face.


    Jiang Yankun looked at the elegant and delicate handwriting, unable to discern whether it was written by his daughter or by someone else on her behalf.


    But the message was undoubtedly his daughter¡¯s.


    He nced at the elders gathered in the Jiang Family¡¯s reception hall. It seemed they all knew that the younger ones couldn¡¯t handle Jiang Yankun, so they had sent the older, more respected members of the n.


    ¡°Yankun, Huang Xicai came to my house, saying that he sent his daughter into the pce to assist the Empress, but she was falsely used of poisoning Consort Liang, forced to drink poison, and expelled from the pce. Is this true?¡±


    ¡°How could this happen? She¡¯s still young, and her actions are too extreme. Now that she¡¯s beautiful and favored by the Emperor, what will happen when she grows old and loses his favor? Won¡¯t the family send other girls to help her secure his affection?¡±


    ¡°Yankun, you must talk to her. Being too cruel will make her unlikable to men. Right now, she¡¯s in favor, so no one dares to confront her. But if she falls out of favor, this will be brought up and damage the Crown Prince¡¯s reputation!¡±


    ¡°She became the Empress with the family¡¯s support. Her behavior now suggests she thinks we sent the Huang girl into the pce. Is this her way of warning us, the elders?¡±


    ¡°Exactly! This is uneptable.¡±


    ...


    These people were all voicing their dissatisfaction with Jiang Xinyue. In the past, Jiang Yankun would have turned into a fierce critic andshed out at them.


    They knew his daughter was currently favored by the Emperor, yet they still wanted to send young girls into the pce. Were they trying to secure her position or steal it? The old men knew the answer themselves.


    If they truly wanted to help Jiang Xinyue maintain the Emperor¡¯s favor, they should wait until she had fallen from grace, with no hope of recovery, before sending young, beautiful, and skilled women into the pce to help her regain his affection.


    But no, they saw that she was currently in power, loved by the Emperor, with the entire harem bowing to her, and her son had been named the Crown Prince. She was at the peak of her influence and favor.


    Sending their own daughters into the pce at this time was clearly using Jiang Xinyue as a stepping stone, hoping she would pave the way for their daughters. If the Emperor were truly captivated by their daughters, Jiang Xinyue¡¯s position would be in jeopardy.


    What did they mean by saying the family had contributed greatly to Jiang Xinyue bing the Empress?


    Back when he hadn¡¯t yet taken the imperial exams and wasn¡¯t an official in the capital, when had the family ever treated his branch with respect?


    It wasn¡¯t that the family had willingly helped Jiang Xinyue; it was that after she gained the Emperor¡¯s favor, the Jiang Family¡¯s status rose, and they all reaped tangible benefits. That was why they listened to Jiang Yanxi and supported Jiang Xinyue wholeheartedly.


    If Jiang Xinyue had remained a low-ranking concubine in the pce, bringing them no benefits, would they have helped her?


    Absolutely not.


    So, this was a mutually beneficial arrangement. Why did they act as if they had made selfless sacrifices, and that Jiang Xinyue was ungrateful for notplying with their wishes?


    He went over these thoughts in his mind, and his anger subsided a little.


    Thanks to Master Jing¡¯s teachings, he was no longer the hot-headed critic he used to be. Now, he was the reasonable Minister Jiang.


    ¡°You elders are right. I, Jiang Yankun, owe my current position to the family¡¯s support. But let¡¯s be clear, so that no one in the future can exaggerate their contributions and tarnish the reputation of the Empress and the Crown Prince. What do you think?¡±


    ¡°What do you mean by ¡®be clear¡¯?¡±


    ¡°If there¡¯s something unclear, just say it.¡±


    ¡°Since the Empress entered the pce over three years ago, she has risen from a low-ranking concubine to the position of Empress. Frankly, as her father, I haven¡¯t been able to help her at all. Instead, it is the Empress who has elevated me, an unworthy father, from a minor official in the Ministry of Rites to the head of the Ministry of Punishment, and now to a member of the imperial cab. All of this is due to the Emperor¡¯s love and respect for the Empress. Her life in the pce is fraught with danger; one misstep could lead to disaster. Today, I¡¯m making it clear: I will not allow anyone, under any pretext, to harm my daughter.¡±n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    His years as an official had given him an imposing aura, and those with guilty consciences couldn¡¯t meet his gaze.


    Jiang Yankun snorted heavily through his nose: ¡°The cases I¡¯ve solved could circle the city. Don¡¯t try to y any tricks in front of me. If I expose your schemes, it will be embarrassing for everyone. If you want this wealth and status to continue, then, as before, stand united with the Empress. If you harbor any ulterior motives, the Huang Family¡¯s fate will be yours. I, Jiang Yankun, will always prioritize the Empress and the Crown Prince. Remember this: anyone¡ªand I mean anyone¡ªwho dares to harm their interests, I will personally remove them from the Jiang Family¡¯s genealogy.¡±


    The old men, who valued their n above all else, were too frightened to speak.


    They had unanimously chosen Jiang Yankun as the new n leader, and now it was toote to regret their decision.


    After leaving the Jiang Family¡¯s estate, a few of the elders gathered to discuss Jiang Yankun¡¯s words: ¡°What did he mean by saying he hadn¡¯t helped the Empress?¡±


    Before the previous Empress passed away, Jiang Yanxi and Jiang Yankun had written to the n, asking them to send a rare and luxurious garment to the Zhu family through the Duke of Cheng. The garment had beenced with a powerful sedative capable of knocking out an ox. Wasn¡¯t that helping the Empress?


    ¡°Are you stupid? Didn¡¯t you understand what he meant? He was saying that even he, as her father, hadn¡¯t been able to help the Empress. Instead, it was her favor with the Emperor that had elevated him to the cab. We, as members of the n, had done even less. He was telling us not to act self-important or try to morally ckmail the Empress.¡±


    ¡°He¡¯s certainly improved. He didn¡¯t directly call us old fools, as he would have in the past. With this kind of progress, the Jiang Family might have a brighter future.¡±


    ¡°Go home and arrange marriages for our daughters. Judging by Jiang Yankun and the Empress¡¯s attitude, sending them into the pce would only displease the Empress. We might end up losing our most promising girls for nothing.¡±


    ¡°All we want is wealth and status. As long as Jiang Xinyue continues to promote the younger members of the n and allows the Jiang Family to support the Crown Prince, that¡¯s enough. If we fight among ourselves, others will benefit.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s true. Jiang Yankun was very restrained. He didn¡¯t curse us out, which shows he still cares about the family¡¯s reputation.¡±


    Jiang Yankun himself hadn¡¯t expected that by notshing out, these old men would start praising him.

 Chapter 397

    "What? You want me to marry someone?"


    In the boudoir of Jiang Shu''er, the legitimate daughter of the third branch of the Jiang family, her sharp voice rang out: "No! Father said he would bring me to the capital and send me to the pce. Why should I marry someone now?"


    Her friends back in her hometown all knew she was going to enter the pce and be a concubine, and they were all green with envy.


    The day she left Yizhou was a grand spectacle. Every notable youngdy in Yizhou came to see her off.


    And now what?


    Instead of letting her enter the pce, they want her to marry some random person. When she returns to Yizhou, she¡¯ll be theughingstock.


    She might as well hang herself with a white silk ribbon now and save herself from the humiliation.


    Madam Zou thumped her arm several times: "Shut up! Do you know that Huang Yanyu, the daughter the Huang family sent to the pce, was expelled? She was poisoned and almost died. She managed to survive, but the Huang family was banished from the capital, never to return. That means their descendants will never have a chance to rise again."


    One daughter brought ruin to the entire family. It¡¯s simply not worth it.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    "Huang Yanyu?"


    The Jiang and Huang families had many business dealings, so their younger generations naturally interacted frequently.


    Instead of sympathy, Jiang Shu''er wore a smug expression: "She deserved it. Back in Yizhou, she always stole the spotlight from me. Now she¡¯s been sent back to Yizhou in disgrace. I¡¯d like to see how she can show her face in public."


    "She won¡¯t have to show her face anymore."


    Madam Zou¡¯s expression was stern and disapproving: "Can¡¯t you put yourself in someone else¡¯s shoes? Your head is as muddled as Huang Yanyu¡¯s. You¡¯re no better than her. Your father was obsessed with the idea that your beauty could win the Emperor¡¯s favor, and I didn¡¯t say anything at the time. But now your grandfather has spoken. The girls of our third branch are not allowed to enter the pce. We must arrange marriages for you as soon as possible. Do you think you¡¯re any smarter than Huang Yanyu?"


    The Huang family, fearing the Empress¡¯s wrath, had already sent Huang Yanyu to a nunnery to be a nun.


    After all, the doctor said that she had ingested too much poison and hadn¡¯t been treated in time. Her body was permanently damaged. She could no longer bear children, and her lifespan had been shortened. She wouldn¡¯t live much longer.


    Jiang Shu''er covered her ears: "I don¡¯t want to hear you belittle me. Father said I could enter the pce, and I will!"


    "You!"


    Madam Zou was so angry she felt a headacheing on: "If you keep this up, I¡¯ll send you back to Yizhou. I can¡¯t deal with you anymore."


    Jiang Shu''er turned her back in anger, burying her face in her arms and sobbing.


    Jiang Xinyue had no idea that her letter had caused such a storm within the Jiang family.


    Even if she had known, she would have done the same.


    Xi Que looked up curiously: "Your Majesty, what did you say to Noble Consort Jin earlier? She looked like she¡¯d seen a ghost."


    Jiang Xinyue smiled: "Ask Shuang Jiang."


    "Your Majesty must have whispered in Noble Consort Jin¡¯s ear that her plot to harm the Crown Prince has been exposed. That¡¯s why she was so terrified."


    Using a eunuch¡¯s pants as evidence to convict Noble Consort Jin was impossible. All the witnesses were dead, so any investigation would be futile.


    Noble Consort Jin probably thought the same, which was why she was struck speechless when Her Majesty spoke those words.


    Jiang Xinyue nodded. She had simply whispered in Noble Consort Jin¡¯s ear: "Did you think your n was wless? You harmed my son and thought you could escape unscathed? Dream on! From now on, every day you spend in the pce will feel like a year, and you¡¯ll wish you were dead."


    The suffering her little one endured, Noble Consort Jin would experience year after year. Only then would Jiang Xinyue¡¯s hatred be satisfied.


    Xi Que scratched her head. No one else had heard what Her Majesty said, so how did Shuang Jiang guess it so urately?


    Is the gap between people really that big?


    Jiang Xinyue didn¡¯t return to her own pce but instead went to Shunan Pce to visit Consort Liang.


    After hearing about Huang Yanyu¡¯s fate, Consort Liang¡¯s mood improved. Thatrge bowl of poisoned chicken soup had done its job¡ªif she wasn¡¯t dead, she was certainly crippled.


    When Jiang Xinyue left Consort Liang¡¯s pce, the evening glow bathed the sky, casting a golden light over the entire pce. The resplendent halls were breathtakingly beautiful.


    The eldest princess bowed slightly: "Auntie Zhen, I thank you. Thank you for saving my mother."


    Jiang Xinyue quickly held her hand: "There¡¯s no need to thank me. She¡¯s your mother and also my friend. Doing everything I can to save her is my duty."


    Though she said this, the eldest princess knew that if it weren¡¯t for Jiang Xinyue¡¯s efforts, the Emperor wouldn¡¯t have sent Imperial Doctor Hu to treat her mother, nor would he have used rare and precious medicines from the private treasury.


    She was truly grateful that her mother had listened to her and turned an enemy into a friend.


    "Are you worried?"


    Jiang Xinyue smiled at her: "Now that you¡¯re married and leaving the pce, are you afraid your mother might be in danger here?"


    The eldest princess blushed: "My mother is impulsive and simple-minded. I¡¯m afraid she might be manipted by bad people."


    "Don¡¯t worry. Focus on being the eldest princess outside the pce. Your mother isn¡¯t a child anymore. I believe she¡¯ll grow up after this ordeal."


    While it¡¯s usually the mother who worries when the child travels far, in this case, it¡¯s the child who worries even though she¡¯s not going far.


    Jiang Xinyue¡¯s implicit promise was that she wouldn¡¯t let Consort Liang be used by others.


    The eldest princess understood her meaning and smiled in acknowledgment.


    "Princess, it¡¯s time to go home."


    Jiang Shoucheng stood under the lush tree outside Shunan Pce, bowing to Jiang Xinyue: "Greetings to Her Majesty the Empress."


    The evening light shone on the young man. His smile was bright, and he exuded an air of integrity¡ªthe very image of a refined gentleman.


    His looks weren¡¯t overly striking, but it was this understated quality that made him appear mature and reliable, as if he could handle any task entrusted to him.


    The eldest princess lifted her skirt and walked over happily, her face filled with joy: "Yes, husband, let¡¯s go home."


    Jiang Xinyue didn¡¯t approach but watched them leave from a distance.


    It wasn¡¯t for any particr reason¡ªshe just felt a bit awkward.


    By age, she should have called Jiang Shoucheng her cousin, but now that she was the Empress, even though she was only a few years older than the eldest princess, in the hierarchy of the Great Yan Dynasty, she was technically the eldest princess¡¯s stepmother.


    Her cousin had married her nominal stepdaughter. Should she call him cousin or son-inw?


    The thought was amusing¡ªshe¡¯d have to call someone older than her son-inw.


    It¡¯s probably best if they avoid seeing each other too often.


    She was sure Jiang Shoucheng felt the same way.


    June¡ª


    The heat was unbearable. This year¡¯s summer retreat had been canceled, so the pce resorted to various methods to stay cool.


    Especially since Her Majesty the Empress was pregnant and particrly sensitive to the heat, the Emperor ordered craftsmen to build two Cool Breeze Pavilions in Kunning Pce and the Imperial Garden.


    When the Empress was in Kunning Pce,rge quantities of ice were transported in. Using the unique design of the Cool Breeze Pavilion, the ice was poured into an ice pool, and pce servants continuously hand-cranked giant banana leaf fans several meters high to send cool air into the inner chambers.

 Chapter 408

    As Jiang Xinyue was lost in self-doubt, the doors of the imperial study opened, and Yan the Imperial Physician stepped out: "The Emperor has awakened and requests the Empress to enter. The rest of you should disperse."


    "Only the Empress is to see him?"


    "How is the Emperor? How is his health? Is there anything serious?"


    "The Empress is with child. How can she attend to the Emperor in such a state? Why not let the higher-ranking consorts enter as well, so as not to burden the Empress?"


    "That''s right, the Empress is pregnant and should not be overworked. Let the other consorts apany her."


    The ministers who spoke were not advocating for Consort Shu or Consort Liang, but were instead aligned with the Northern General''s Mansion, pushing for Concubine Shi.


    Yan the Imperial Physician nced at the officials who had spoken: "These are the Emperor''s orders. I am merely conveying his edict. If any of you have objections, you may take them up with the Emperor yourselves."


    Wasn''t this nonsense?


    The Emperor hadn''t summoned them; how could they dare to enter uninvited? They might be mistaken for assassins by the Emperor''s personal guards and killed on the spot.


    "No... no, no..."


    Concubine Shi, blushing slightly, smiled apologetically at Jiang Xinyue: "Empress, I... I rushed here in haste and now feel a sharp pain in my abdomen. I wish to return to rest, if Your Majesty permits."


    The ministers looked frustrated, their expressions betraying their disappointment in Concubine Shi. But she seemed oblivious, her pleading gaze fixed on Jiang Xinyue.


    "Abdominal pain?"


    Jiang Xinyue smiled faintly: "Since Consort Liang and Consort Shu are also returning to their quarters, why don''t you apany them?"


    Concubine Shi''s demeanor was that of a quiet, unambitious concubine, fitting the image everyone had of her. Even though her family wanted to elevate her status, she herself kept a low profile.


    But Jiang Xinyue had said it before: in this pce, she trusted no one. Even with Consort Shu and Consort Liang, she remained cautious, let alone Concubine Shi, who was currently her rival.


    At the entrance of Consort Shu''s pce, her broken sedan chair stilly. Now Concubine Shi was asking to leave, and Jiang Xinyue wasn''tfortable with that.


    Consort Shu and Consort Liang exchanged a nce before warmly taking Concubine Shi''s arm: "Is Concubine Shi in pain? Then you must return quickly and call for the Imperial Physician. We happen to be going the same way; let us apany you."


    "Same... same way?"


    "Yes, I wish to visit Noble Consort Jin at Qingyang Pce."


    Consort Shu''s eyes widened. She had forgotten about the princess from Goguryeo, Noble Consort Jin. Consort Liang was indeed clever, lying without hesitation.


    Concubine Shi was ushered out, with no chance to refuse.


    Jiang Xinyue then lifted her skirt and walked to the doorway, turning back slightly and raising her voice: "The Emperor has been neglecting his meals and rest while handling state affairs. Don''t you, as his ministers, know to remind him? If he falls ill, I will hold you ountable."


    Does the Empress not know?


    The ministers exchanged nces under the corridor. Could it be that the Emperor had made this decision without informing the Empress?


    Jiang Xinyue stepped inside, passing through the main hall and the covered walkway, arriving at the rear courtyard of the imperial study, where the Emperor often rested during his midday breaks while reviewing memorials.


    The courtyard was silent. Wang Dequan was not guarding the entrance; instead, a somewhat familiar young maid stood there.


    The maid bowed her head: "Greetings, Empress."


    On the other side, a eunuch bent low and pushed the door open. Jiang Xinyue walked in without hesitation.


    Mu Qianqian looked up, her stunning face nowpletely obscured by heavy bangs.


    Laying low...


    Matron Duan was right. She needed to bide her time. Until she had the strength to rival the Empress, she must not reveal even a hint of ambition.


    Her beauty didn''t need to be disyed to the world; it only needed to be seen by the Emperor.


    She had been transferred to the Emperor''s service several months ago, starting as a lowly cleaning maid. But driven by her determination to rise, she had worked her way up to be a tea-serving maid. She would not give up.


    From her careful observations over the past few months, she suspected that Wang Dequan, the chief eunuch, and Tang Shiliang were both loyal to the Empress.


    Thus, she could not reveal herself in front of them.


    Patience was the key to victory.


    What good did Concubine Tong''s schemes against the Empress do?


    The Emperor''s heart belonged to Jiang Xinyue. No matter how others ndered her, he would always believe in her innocence.


    She had to wait until the Emperor grew tired of her, until his affection waned and turned to impatience.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Only then could she set her trap, aligning with the Emperor''s feelings. Wouldn''t he act then?


    In the bedchamber¡ª


    The Emperor sat on the bed, downing a bowl of medicine in one gulp.


    The bitter taste didn''t make him frown, but when he saw Jiang Xinyue, his brow furrowed slightly: "Didn''t I say not to inform the Empress and worry her?"


    Wang Dequan lowered his head and muttered softly: "Your Majesty, you only said that after you woke up. It was toote by then."


    If the Emperor fainted, how could they not inform the Empress? If something serious happened, someone needed to make decisions.


    Moreover, they were also concerned that if the Emperor... well, you know...


    If the Empress didn''t take charge, they would all be in trouble.


    "If Your Majesty doesn''t want me here, I will leave. There''s no need to trouble Wang Dequan and the others."


    With that, she turned to leave.


    But the concern in her eyes was already evident. She had nced over the Emperor from head to toe, confirming he was fine before speaking in anger.


    "You... *cough cough cough*..."


    The Emperor, in a panic, stood up from the bed. After taking two steps, he began coughing and "weakly" crouched on the ground.


    "Your Majesty!"


    Wang Dequan eximed loudly on purpose: "What''s wrong, Your Majesty?"


    Tang Shiliang frantically blinked at the Emperor, who caught the hint and pretended to faint, copsing into Tang Shiliang''s arms.


    Jiang Xinyue could tell from Wang Dequan''s tone that the Emperor was fine.


    But she still turned back in worry, her eyes reddening at the sight of the Emperor lying motionless: "Your Majesty!"


    Her performance was far more convincing than Wang Dequan''s.


    It didn''t seem like an act at all.


    As she rushed to the Emperor''s side, she tripped over her own skirt and stumbled toward him.


    The Emperor, peeking through half-closed eyes, quickly reached out to catch her, ensuring she didn''t hit anything hard.


    Wang Dequan and Tang Shiliang, ever perceptive, retreated to wait outside.


    "Xinyue, it''s been half a month. Are you still angry?"


    "Your Majesty doubted my integrity and chastity, insulting me so deeply. Should I not be angry?"


    "You''re exaggerating."


    The Emperor averted his gaze guiltily: "I only looked into Lan Xiaolou a little. If I hadn''t, how would I have known the Tong family was framing you?"


    But who was really framing whom?


    The broken tombstone didn''t have the character "Dong" altered to "Jiang." It was the other way around¡ªthe "Jiang" had been changed to "Dong."


    Thus, it was a perfect setup to shift the me.

 Chapter 399

    Behind the scenes, their family and the Jiang family had already reached an understanding.


    His mother mentioned that Grand Schr Jiang had agreed to take their birth charts to the Imperial Observatory in a few days forpatibility assessment. If there were no issues, a betrothal date would be set.


    What issues could there possibly be?


    He had practically worn out the threshold of the Imperial Observatory, ensuring that his and Fourth Miss Jiang''s birth charts were a match made in heaven.


    The faint, bitter scent of pine and cypress wafted through the air as Jiang Xinyan blushed and pushed him away, but he remained unmoved, instead pressing closer.


    With a hint of possessiveness, he used his wide sleeves to entangle with Jiang Xinyan''s sleeves.


    The young men who had been eager to approach Jiang Xinyan looked on in surprise. Seeing the warning in Third Yan''s eyes, they quickly averted their gazes.


    Good heavens...


    Third Yan had set his sights on Fourth Miss Jiang. What a powerful union that would be!n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    In the future, when the Crown Princees of age, with Grand Preceptor Jing and Grand Schr Jiang handling civil affairs and the Cavalry General''s Mansion overseeing military matters, who would dare to oppose?


    The Emperor was clearly paving the way for the Crown Prince while he was still young, cutting down all thorns in his path.


    As the performance in the Imperial Garden concluded, the actors came forward to receive their rewards and express their gratitude.


    Coincidentally, the Emperor, having finished his court duties, arrived at that moment. Jiang Xinyue led the group in greeting him: "Your Majesty, what brings you here today?"


    The Emperor helped her up, carefully supporting her visibly pregnant belly, his eyes filled with warmth: "Princess Yunyang hase from afar. Of course, I must personally wee her."


    After all, this elderly princess was the only one from the previous Emperor''s reign to have lived to such an advanced age.


    Moreover, his daughter was soon to marry into the Princess''s household. To show his care for this daughter, he had to be present.


    He didn¡¯t want the Shi Family to think he didn¡¯t value her, lest they mistreat her in the future.


    Mingzhu wasn¡¯t as sensible as Mingyu. Sometimes she offended people without realizing it. If her Emperor father didn¡¯t stand up for her, who would indulge her or give her leeway?


    As everyone rose, the members of the Rongsheng Opera Troupe remained kneeling, waiting for their rewards.


    Concubine Tong suddenly eximed, "Oh!" pointing at the bowing Lan Xiaolou. "I wasn¡¯t sure at first, but isn¡¯t this the once-renowned Master Cui from Cuili Garden? I heard you had retired from the stage to return to your hometown and get married. Didn¡¯t you leave the opera world? Why are you back in the business? Did your marriage not happen?"


    Lan Xiaolou, with his graceful posture, knelt before Jiang Xinyue, refusing to lift his head. "Noble Concubine, the Cuiyu Tower of the past is dead. What you see now is merely Lan Xiaolou of the Rongsheng Opera Troupe. My wife passed away three years ago. I would rather not speak of it, so please, Noble Concubine, do not press me."


    "Hmph!"


    Concubine Tong chuckled. "Is it that you don¡¯t want to speak, or that you dare not speak? The Empress is standing right in front of you, yet you won¡¯t even look up to let her see you?"


    What did she mean?


    Jiang Xinyue was about to speak when fragments of chaotic memories shed through her mind.


    Stumbling through the woods, the sound of hurried breathing, someone pushing her: "Go, go... as far away as you can."


    "They¡¯reing again. I can¡¯t drag you down anymore. Leave me, please! I beg you, go!"


    "I¡¯ll take you away. We¡¯ll be together forever."


    "tter!"


    The sound of dishes falling: "Did you gamble again? Did you gamble again?"


    "You¡¯re hopeless. You¡¯re beyond saving. I¡¯m done with you."


    "Xiaolou, I¡¯m going to the pce to participate in the selection. From now on... take care of yourself."


    To the onlookers, it seemed that the moment Lan Xiaolou looked up, the Empress swayed and nearly fainted.


    "Yue¡¯er!"


    The Emperor swiftly caught her, while Lan Xiaolou¡¯s outstretched hand quickly retracted, hidden behind his back.


    The heavy stage makeup on his face masked his concern.


    Concubine Tong, however, seemed to have caught onto something, eximing dramatically, "I recall that before Her Majesty entered the pce, she was quite close to Master Cui? There are still rumors in Cuili Garden that Master Cui left the opera world for the sake of a nobledy. Empress, do you know who that nobledy was? You must know, right?"


    Consort Shu¡¯s eyes darted between Lan Xiaolou and Jiang Xinyue before she interjected, "Concubine Tong, have you lost your mind? How dare you question the Empress?"


    Jiang Xinyue straightened up in the Emperor¡¯s arms, smiling weakly. "If Concubine Tong hadn¡¯t mentioned it, I would have forgotten about this old friend of mine. Back then, I was quite the fan of Boss Xiaolou, even obsessed for a time. It brings me joy to see you return to the stage, Xiaolou."


    "You clearly are..."


    "What?"


    Jiang Xinyue¡¯s gaze sharpened, exuding a murderous aura. Concubine Tong recoiled, not daring to continue.


    But who among the onlookers wasn¡¯t sharp?


    Combined with Concubine Tong¡¯s earlier words, it seemed she was exposing that the Empress had been involved with this lowly actor before entering the pce.


    Not only that, but the two had even nned to marry, though for some reason, the Empress ultimately entered the pce.


    And Lan Xiaolou, who had announced his retirement for the sake of his wife, had now reappeared with the Rongsheng Opera Troupe.


    In an instant, the gazes directed at Jiang Xinyue in the Imperial Garden turned suspicious.


    Lan Xiaolou clenched and unclenched his fists before kowtowing three times to her. "Thanks to the Empress¡¯s generosity, I was able to ovee my hardships. I am deeply grateful for your kindness."


    From Lan Xiaolou¡¯s mouth, the story took on a different meaning.


    "You¡¯re lying!"


    Concubine Tong wasn¡¯t about to let this opportunity slip. She stepped forward, pointing at Lan Xiaolou. "The person you were about to marry¡ªdare you swear it wasn¡¯t the Empress?"


    "Whoosh¡ª"


    So it was true!


    This news was too explosive!


    "What are you talking about, Noble Concubine?"


    Lan Xiaolou let out a self-deprecatingugh. "The Empress and I share a bond of mentorship and rescue. Back then, I was framed and fell into gambling. It was the Empress who helped me repay my debts. Filled with fear, I decided to leave the opera world and return to my hometown to marry my childhood sweetheart, my cousin. But she fell ill and passed away, which is why I epted the invitation from the Rongsheng Opera Troupe to return to the capital and perform."


    His eyes were clear and resolute, a stark contrast to his earlier flirtatious demeanor. "If there were any inappropriate rtionship between the Empress and me, I would never have dared to ept the invitation to perform in the pce. Do I have a death wish?"


    Impossible!


    Concubine Tong had investigated thoroughly. Before Jiang Xinyue entered the pce, she had been involved with this actor.


    "But the people from Cuiyu Tower didn¡¯t tell it that way."


    Concubine Tong pped her hands, and from behind the archway emerged two men and two women, all in theirte teens.


    More familiar yet unfamiliar faces.

 Chapter 410

    "Dang dang dang dang..."


    The yamen officers, emerging from the government office, beat gongs and drums, instantly drawing the attention of themon folk.


    On the notice board outside, the old announcements were torn down, and someone swiftly pasted up a new one. A literate person immediately began reading aloud: "By the Mandate of Heaven, the Emperor decrees: Having been favored by thete Emperor, since ascending the throne, We have diligently attended to state affairs, never allowing a single day of negligence. Now, having found a virtuous wife, We have established her as Empress. She has borne Us children, managed the imperial harem with diligence and grace, and possesses a gentle and pure character. Therefore, We hereby confer upon Empress Lady Jiang the title of Heavenly Empress of Great Yan, granting her the authority to assist in governance, to stand alongside Us in creating a prosperous era for our dynasty. So it is decreed¡ª"


    "What? What does the Emperor mean by this? Conferring the title of Heavenly Empress upon Empress Jiang? And allowing her to assist in governance? Isn''t this a case of the harem meddling in state affairs?"


    "Since when have women ever handled state affairs? Such a thing has never happened in any dynasty throughout history. What hase over the Emperor?"


    "Women entering the court? What a joke! With their limited perspective, how could they possibly manage the affairs of a nation?"


    "The Emperor must be blinded by beauty. Since when have imperial consorts ever meddled in governance? In previous dynasties, such a thing would have cost them their heads!"


    "So, does this mean the Empress will now stand on equal footing with the Emperor? Could it be that women will also be allowed to hold official positions?"


    "Hahaha... Dream on! I bet this edict is just the Emperor''s way of amusing Empress Jiang. How could the Emperor''s bed tolerate another''s presence?"


    "Who says women can''t hold office? What''s so great about you men? If the Emperor can elevate Empress Jiang to Heavenly Empress and share the empire with her, what do you have? Nothing! Yet you still look down on women. How about you never marry and see who will carry on your family line?"


    "Enough arguing! There''s more!"


    The yamen officers pasted anotherrge yellow sheet of paper beside the edict conferring the title of Heavenly Empress: "The matter of Empress Jiang bing the Heavenly Empress has little to do with you. That is the Emperor''s affair. But pay close attention to this neww. Failure toply will result in imprisonment."


    The crowd turned their attention to the new announcement. This one contained more text, and as it was a newly issuedw, the government scribe had set up a desk and chair to copy it down.


    As he copied, he read aloud: "From the fifteenth year of Xuanwu, women in our dynasty must be at least eighteen years old before they can marry. Thew forcing women to marry by the age of twenty is hereby abolished. After marriage, if the husband is at fault¡ªincluding but not limited to domestic violence, keeping mistresses, gambling, or plotting to harm the wife¡ªthe wife may petition for divorce or separation. The government will investigate and rule on the matter. If the husband is found guilty, the wife may demand that he leave the household with nothing or divide the family property equally."


    "The court encourages talented women to open businesses and schools, supports women in stepping out of the inner courtyards, allows them to study in academies, train in martial arts schools, and, as long as they do not vite moral standards, pursue any endeavor they wish."


    "In the next imperial examination, a separate examination hall will be established for women. Those who pass will be appointed to official positions by the Heavenly Empress. From this day forward, women shall stand on equal footing with men,peting fairly for all privileges men enjoy."


    The announcement caused an uproar throughout thend.


    In every street, alley, tavern, and teahouse, people were discussing the newly issuedw.


    "Have you heard? Starting today, court officials can only take concubines if they have no sons by the age of forty, and even then, they must obtain their wives'' consent. If they are found keeping mistresses without permission, they could lose their positions or even be ruined financially."


    "Is this for real? I thought it was a joke. This is absurd!"


    "How can men not take concubines? Spending a lifetime with just one woman? What''s the fun in that? Did all the officials agree to this?"


    "Agree or not, it doesn''t matter. I heard the Emperor spoke to each of them individually. Those who disagreed were forced to retire, and their positions were given to those who agreed. Who dares to object now?"


    "Besides, thisw was jointly drafted by the court officials and the Emperor. If they don''t follow it, how can they expect themon people toply? They must lead by example, don''t you think?"


    The Emperor has set a fine example. To this day, he remains devoted to Empress Jiang¡ªno, now she is the Heavenly Empress.


    The Emperor''s exclusive devotion to the Heavenly Empress serves as a model for all officials.


    While men grumbled about the neww, women cheered.


    "The Heavenly Empress is truly a role model for us. Not only has she won the Emperor''s love, but she has also earned his respect."


    "If the most esteemed man in the world can respect his wife, refrain from indulging in frivolous affairs, and genuinely consider the welfare of women, then what excuse do other men have? Some men are utterly unremarkablecking talent and looks¡ªyet they still look down on us. Who do they think they are? Thete Emperor?"n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    "In the end, it is the Heavenly Empress who has secured these benefits for us. The higher her status, the more we can hold our heads high."


    "For the sake of ourselves and our daughters'' futures, we women must unite and strive for respect. We cannot let the Heavenly Empress''s efforts go to waste."


    "You''re right. Now that we have the opportunity to take charge, we can no longer allow men to mistreat us. We must, we must reim our dignity."


    **In the Imperial Pce¡ª**


    The scorching heat of June made the air restless. The sun hung in the sky like a massive fireball, mercilessly baking the earth.


    In the imperial study, the ice was being used up faster than usual.


    Jiang Xinyue sat behind the desk, a vermilion brush in hand, her brow furrowed as she looked at the Emperor. The Emperor sat beside her, amused. "Didn''t you say you wanted to stand on equal footing with Us? Now that We''ve granted you that, why aren''t you happy?"


    Jiang Xinyue tossed the brush aside and pouted. "What I meant by ''equal footing'' was for Your Majesty to genuinely regard me as an equal partner, a lifelongpanion, not as a tool to share the burden of governance."


    She wrapped her arms around the Emperor''s neck and said coquettishly, "I know nothing about handling state affairs. How am I supposed to review these memorials?"


    The Emperor pulled her onto hisp, took the memorial from her hand, and said, "What don''t you understand? Let Us exin it to you..."


    "Here..."


    "And here..."


    Thenguage of the ancients was always ornate, emphasizing phrasing, structure, and rhythm, often making it obscure and difficult to understand.


    A simple matter could be expressed straightforwardly, but they insisted on using flowerynguage, as if writing an imperial examination essay.


    Though Jiang Xinyue was intelligent, she was still a modern person. Many of the dialectal expressions or the officials'' convoluted writing styles were still a bit challenging for her.


    The Emperor, however, was an excellent teacher, and Jiang Xinyue was a diligent student.


    Often, after just one exnation from the Emperor, she would grasp the concept immediately.


    The Emperor found it effortless, and Jiang Xinyue enjoyed the learning process.


    It must be said that the Emperor was erudite, well-versed in both ancient and modern knowledge. What she learned from him enriched her own reservoir of knowledge.


    In the future, she would have even more to teach the Crown Prince.

 Chapter 401

    ¡°Even if I fabricated some lies, it is true that the Empress and Lan Xiaolou had an affair. I did not deceive Your Majesty! Your Majesty cannot treat me this way. Everything I said is true.¡±


    Lady Ruan sneered, ¡°Rambling nonsense! One moment you admit to lying, the next you im everything is true. Who can tell what¡¯s real and what¡¯s false?¡±


    ¡°Sigh!¡±


    Concubine Shi sighed, ¡°Your Majesty, please calm your anger. Sister Concubine Tong was blinded by jealousy, which led her to make such a mistake. I beg Your Majesty to show leniency, considering her years of service and her otherwise well-behaved nature in the pce.¡±


    She and Concubine Tong had always been close, so it would be out of character for her not to plead on her behalf.


    ¡°Does jealousy justify tarnishing the Empress¡¯s reputation?¡±


    ¡°Exactly! I¡¯m also jealous of Concubine Shi¡¯s noble background. Should I gather a group of people tomorrow to use her of having affairs with musicians or painters?¡±


    ¡°I¡­ I didn¡¯t mean it that way.¡±


    ¡°Disrespecting one¡¯s superiors must be severely punished. If everyone in the pce disrespected the Empress, wouldn¡¯t chaos ensue?¡±


    Consort Shu and Noble Consort Ye tag-teamed, nearly pinning Concubine Shi to the wall with their words.


    It was fortunate that Consort Liang was still recuperating and couldn¡¯t attend, as her sharp tongue was the most unforgiving.


    Jiang Xinyue knew that if she didn¡¯t rify things today, she would never have another chance.


    She stood up and walked over to the Emperor, speaking calmly, ¡°I originally didn¡¯t intend to reveal my secret, but since Concubine Tong has twisted the truth, I must speak up.¡±


    She sighed, ¡°Since I was young¡­ I¡¯ve loved singing opera¡­¡±


    ¡°What?¡±


    As if embarrassed, she blushed and bit her lip, ¡°But I knew that a youngdy of noble birth learning to sing opera would be scorned, ridiculed, and seen as a disgrace to the family. Back then, I only dared to practice in secret. No one knew until I identally met Xiaolou at Cuili Garden¡­¡±


    That was why she disguised herself as a man, learned the craft, and even helped Lan Xiaolou pay off his gambling debts. After settling his debts, Lan Xiaolou returned to his hometown to marry his cousin, but sadly, the young cousin had already passed away.


    During this time, Jiang Xinyue entered the pce through the selection process and lost contact with Lan Xiaolou.


    Since entering the pce, Jiang Xinyue had never touched anything that others considered ¡°unworthy of refinement.¡±


    Little did she expect that this old story would be dug up, embellished, and brought before the Emperor.


    The Emperor pondered for a moment, suddenly recalling a night years ago when Jiang Xinyue, dressed in white, danced gracefully under the moonlight, singing a piece of opera.


    Something about¡­ in a splendid world, she sang of meeting an old friend in a foreignnd¡­ and¡­ he spoke of the wedding night, with everyone congratting the beauty and the schr¡­


    Those were roughly the lines¡­


    She had indeed sung them in an operatic style.


    So, she had studied it before, which was why she could sing it?


    Jiang Xinyue¡¯s mind was in turmoil, and she secretly wiped the sweat from her brow: Thank heavens! I sang that song to charm the Emperor back then, or I¡¯d be in deep trouble today.


    Seeing the Emperor¡¯s visibly softened gaze, Jiang Xinyue temporarily rxed.


    But she knew their Emperor was not an easy man to fool, so she remained on high alert, not daring to let her guard down.


    Concubine Shi opened her mouth in surprise and smiled, ¡°The Empress has such a talent? I had no idea! Has Your Majesty heard it before? It must be truly delightful.¡±


    Whether she meant well or not, her words lightened the atmosphere.


    Jiang Xinyue cleared her throat, ¡°Since Concubine Shi is curious, I¡¯ll sing a few lines.¡±


    She didn¡¯t know anything tooplex, but in her past life, everyone knew a few lines from ¡°The Female Schr,¡± and it was simple enough.


    ¡°To save my beloved, I left my home, never expecting to top the imperial exam. Wearing the red robe of a schr, with a flower-adorned hat, how fresh it feels! I¡¯ve attended the royal banquet, I¡¯ve ridden through the imperial streets. Everyone praises my Pan An-like beauty, but it¡¯s the schr¡¯s hat that truly reveals my grace!¡±


    Indeed, her expressive eyes and charming demeanor showed she had truly inherited Lan Xiaolou¡¯s artistry.


    ¡°What opera is this? I¡¯ve never heard it before, but it¡¯s quite delightful!¡±


    ¡°Didn¡¯t the Empress say she and Lan Xiaolou were mentor and student? He must have taught her!¡±


    ¡°I never imagined the Empress could master such a difficult piece.¡±n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    ¡°What¡¯s so ¡®lowly¡¯ or ¡®unrefined¡¯ about it? That¡¯s just narrow-mindedness. Everything in this world, as long as it doesn¡¯t harm others, is good. What¡¯s wrong with the Empress liking opera? I enjoy street magic shows. Last year, I performed one for my father, and he praised me!¡±


    Among those present were not just Concubine Shi and Concubine Tong, but also the group ofdies Jiang Xinyue had selected to enter the pce.


    There was Shi Ruojun, who dared to p anyone and aspired to be a female general; Meng Wanqing, who was well-read and aspired to establish a school for women; Zhang Xiuzhu, who was skilled in cooking and deeply grateful to Jiang Xinyue; and Zhao Xiaonan, who had been sold to the pce officials for cursing her parents¡¯ favoritism toward her brother¡­


    Their thoughts were progressive, long freed from the shackles of traditional female virtues.


    So what if the Empress liked to sing a little?


    It wasn¡¯t like she wasmitting murder or arson. What was the harm?


    Rumors spread like wildfire, but positive opinions could too.


    When most people agreed that there was nothing wrong with the Empress, that she was noble and great, the few who were uncertain would follow the crowd.


    Exactly!


    What¡¯s wrong with liking to sing a little?


    The scene Concubine Shi had hoped for, where everyone would gossip about the Empress¡¯s alleged affair with Lan Xiaolou, never materialized.


    Instead, several people were inspired by Jiang Xinyue¡¯s courage and boldly shared their own ¡°shameful¡± talents.


    Some enjoyed being ountants, some loved sewing clothes to sell, others liked making cosmetics or brewing wine¡­


    In short, these seemingly elegant and demure youngdies each had their own unique interests.


    What¡¯s wrong with a hundred flowers blooming?


    After the gathering ended, many youngdies saw Jiang Xinyue as their idol, admiring her for fearlessly pursuing her passions, something they felt they couldn¡¯t do.


    Concubine Shi hadn¡¯t expected Jiang Xinyue to be so prepared, having learned to sing opera.


    Not only had she failed to bring her down, but she had also gained a legion of admirers, something even Jiang Xinyue hadn¡¯t anticipated.


    On the way back to Kunning Pce, Xi Que tilted her head happily, ¡°That Concubine Tong is truly ungrateful. We even felt sorry for her before, but she turned around and tried to harm our Empress. Thankfully, the Emperor always believed in our Empress¡¯s innocence.¡±


    ¡°Did he?¡±


    Jiang Xinyue leaned on the armrest, her expression unusually serious, ¡°If the Emperor truly trusted mepletely, he wouldn¡¯t have taken Lan Xiaolou away.¡±


    Then she sighed, ¡°I hope my mother conveyed my message to my father. He¡¯ll know what to do.¡±

 Chapter 402

    "The Jiang Family is truly despicable."


    Jiang Yankun scolded angrily, turning to Ma Yiyang, who was seated below him, and said, "Now that the Ministry of Punishment is under your control, quickly arrange for a few trusted subordinates to go to Cang County..."


    After Jiang Yankun entered the cab, Ma Yiyang had be the Minister of the Ministry of Punishment, and now the entire ministry followed his orders.


    Ma Yiyang immediately stood up: "Rest assured, sir. I will ensure that we reach Cang County before the Emperor''s men."


    Cang County, part of the capital, was located less than fifty miles below Yunyang County and was known as the opera hub of Great Yan. Cuiyu Tower, which had gained fame many years ago due to a talented singer, was a household name.


    Ma Yiyang knew the gravity of the matter and dared not dy. As soon as he left the Jiang residence, he mounted his horse and hurried to the Ministry of Punishment.


    He had two officials under him, both of whom he had personally promoted after Jiang Yankun''s departure.


    Jiang Yankun was excellent in every way, but his methods were not ruthless enough. He followed the path of a schr, which made him suitable for the cab but not for the Ministry of Punishment.


    Ma Yiyang was different.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    He came from humble beginnings, having grown up among the lower sses and frequenting street gambling dens. His martial skills were taught by a few enforcers at the gambling house,bined with his own natural talent.


    He had a fierce and unyielding demeanor, a kind of bandit-like aura that made people tremble at the sight of him.


    He was more suited to be the Minister of the Ministry of Punishment.


    This was also the reason Jiang Yankun had promoted him when he left.


    Of course, the more important reason was that Ma Yiyang was fiercely loyal to the Crown Prince, the Empress, and the Jiang Family.


    For those in power, loyalty was the most important quality, even more so than ability.


    And Ma Yiyang was a rare talent who possessed both loyalty and skill.


    "Giddy-up! Giddy-up! Giddy-up!"


    Several sleek ck horses galloped past the entrance of the Jiang Family''s main residence. Ma Yiyang noticed the constant stream of carriages at the gate and asked with some surprise, "Is there a celebration at Governor Jiang''s house recently?"


    The two young men behind him reined in their horses and stopped as well. "Sir, haven''t you heard? The Empress''s eldest cousin is about to turn twenty. If she doesn''t marry soon, the authorities will force her into a match. The Governor''s wife has been actively looking for a suitable family to marry Miss Jiang Yunxia off!"


    However, the marriage agreement between the Jiang Family and the Su Family had been widely known, and in the end, the Su Family''s young master had be a monk. Many families were reluctant to offer their promising sons to Jiang Yunxia.


    "I heard that thosedies are pushing their own illegitimate sons, which has infuriated the Governor''s wife."


    "Honestly, where do they get the nerve? She''s the Empress''s cousin, with beauty and talent beyondpare. And she''s gentle and virtuous. The Su Family''s young master chose to be a monk rather than marry another woman, which shows how noble Miss Jiang''s character is. They..."


    "Xiao Zhong, watch your words!"


    Ma Yiyang shot a warning nce at the chattering Xiao Zhong. "She has no connection to the Su Family anymore. Don''t mention them together."


    He flicked the reins in his hand and said, "Let''s go! The Empress''s matter is urgent and cannot be dyed."


    A stone bridge spanned a flowing stream, surrounded by flowering vines and lush grass. A winding corridor led to a secluded area, where a delicate pavilion appeared behind a round archway.


    In thedy''s chamber, a dressing table made of yellow por wood was adorned with a round ss mirror that reflected everything clearly.


    The person in the mirror had features as delicate as a painting, her beauty unparalleled, like a carefully nurtured orchid in full bloom.


    "Sigh..."


    Jiang Yunxia had sighed dozens of times, so much so that Jiang Yuncai sat up from the bed and said, "Why don''t you just tell Mother that you want to marry Minister Ma? Otherwise, with all these matchmaking meetings, if you don''t get dizzy, I will."


    Four or five meetings a day, all with illegitimate sons¡ªno legitimate sons in sight, and even those who were legitimate wanted her sister to be a concubine.


    They all said her sister had been promised to someone else and that her reputation was tarnished.


    Her sister was pure, virtuous, and kind¡ªhow was her reputation tarnished?


    She really wanted to smash their heads.


    Jiang Yunxia blushed and said dejectedly, "As a youngdy, should I be the one to propose to the Ma Family? I don''t even know if Minister Ma has any feelings for me. If I rashly tell Mother and she disagrees, wouldn''t I just be causing trouble for him? It''s better not to say anything."


    The Ma Family...


    They were an ordinary family, not even considered wealthy in the capital. The household consisted only of an elderly mother and a sister who had divorced her husband.


    It was said that the ex-husband was a heavy drinker who would beat his wife when drunk. At first, the sister had kept it hidden, not daring to let Ma Yiyang find out.


    But as the abuse grew worse, the sister''s injuries became impossible to conceal. When Ma Yiyang found out, he beat the scoundrel severely and forced him to sign a divorce agreement at the local government office.


    Later, it was said that whenever Ma Yiyang saw the man on the streets, he would beat him up and even threw him into the Ministry of Punishment''s prison, where he was tortured until he lost his mind.


    With such a fierce brother, no one dared to marry the sister, and she remained unmarried to this day.


    How could her family possibly agree to let her marry Ma Yiyang?


    She didn''t even dare to mention it, fearing that her parents might think Ma Yiyang had seduced her and go after him, ruining his future.


    With his humble background, it had been hard enough for him to rise to his current position. If he were suppressed by the Jiang Family because of her, she would feel immensely guilty.


    Cang County¡ª


    Following the address Jiang Yankun had provided, Ma Yiyang easily found Lan Xiaolou''s home. But he was cautious. The Emperor''s men might arrive just a few steps behind them, leaving no time to cover for the Empress.


    So, he stopped a few children who were wandering the streets and some vendors at the city entrance, gave them some silver, and instructed them to direct anyone asking for the location of Cuiyu Tower to Ji Family Vige, next to Lou Family Vige in Cang County.


    "Giddy-up! Giddy-up! Giddy-up..."


    The galloping horses left a trail of dust in their wake. In the Emperor''s study, Lan Xiaolou, now dressed in male attire but still strikingly beautiful, stood in the center, his posture slightly bent. The Emperor remained silent, and so did he.


    After a long while, the Emperor smiled and said, "Should I call you Master Cui or Master Lan?"


    Lan Xiaolou knelt on the ground with a straight back and replied, "Your Majesty, this humble one''s surname is Lou."


    The Xuanwu Emperor didn''t care about his surname; he had only spoken to break the silence.


    "How old are you now?"


    Though the Emperor knew he was the same age as Yue''er, he still asked. Lan Xiaolou understood perfectly¡ªthe Emperor''s casual questions were meant to lower his guard.


    Once he was lulled into a false sense of security, the real questions would follow.


    "This humble one turned neen this past March."


    "How many people are in your family?"


    "My parents passed away long ago. I am alone, with no rtives."


    ...

 Chapter 403

    The emperor asked dozens of such questions, and it wasn¡¯t until Lan Xiaolou felt his knees ache from kneeling and could barely hold on any longer that the emperor¡¯s gaze flickered slightly: ¡°How did you and the Empress meet?¡±


    Kunning Pce¡ª


    Jiang Chuan and Xiao Xiangzi craned their necks to look outside. Xi Que approached and patted Xiao Xiangzi on the shoulder: ¡°What are you two doing here? Your necks are practically stretched out! Are you nning to turn into ¡®gazing stones¡¯ waiting for your husbands?¡±


    ¡°Tsk!¡±


    Jiang Chuan red at her: ¡°What nonsense are you spouting? We¡¯re here to see if anyone from the Emperor¡¯s pce is around. Maybe we¡¯ll catch a glimpse of Eunuch Tang bringing someone out.¡±


    Xiao Xiangzi chimed in: ¡°That¡¯s right! What exactly is Her Majesty¡¯s n? Shouldn¡¯t we send someone to investigate?¡±


    ¡°Sigh¡­¡±


    Xi Que plopped down on the railing of the long corridor, her face full of worry: ¡°I¡¯d like to investigate too, but Her Majesty said that the more critical the situation, the more we must avoid rash actions.¡±


    She nced around and whispered aint: ¡°The Emperor is so petty. If he finds out that Her Majesty is secretly inquiring about Lan Xiaolou, he¡¯ll definitely assume there¡¯s something going on between them.¡±


    Xi Que had entered the Jiang household as a child and had always been Jiang Xinyue¡¯s personal maid. To say she knew nothing would be a lie.


    But to say she knew everything would also be wrong¡ªshe truly didn¡¯t know what was going on between Her Majesty and Lan Xiaolou.


    Because every time Her Majesty disguised herself as a man and went out, Xi Que stayed behind, pretending to be Her Majesty to fool the household servants.


    The chirping of cicadas seemed especially loud in the silence. The darkness enveloping the pce was like a giant beast opening its maw, ready to swallow all the moonlight pouring in.


    The mes danced in the main bedchamber of Kunning Pce as Jiang Xinyue burned the letter she had just received. The worry on her face moments ago was reced by a meaningful smile.


    Shuang Jiang closed the window: ¡°Your Majesty, why did you¡­¡±


    ¡°Why did I hide it from my mother, from Xi Que, from my father, and from everyone else? Why did I deliberately let Concubine Tong bring the Rongsheng Opera Troupe into the pce, is that what you¡¯re asking?¡±


    Shuang Jiang nodded. Her modest intelligence was no match for the Empress¡¯s cunning.


    She could understand hiding it from Xi Que, as Xi Que couldn¡¯t keep a secret¡ªher emotions were always written on her face.


    What she couldn¡¯t understand was why Her Majesty would willingly hand over her own weakness to Concubine Tong.


    ¡°I¡¯m cing myself in a desperate situation to ensure my survival.¡±


    About half a month ago, fragmented memories of a stranger began to surface in her mind.


    She knew they were the memories of the original owner of this body.


    Jiang Xinyue had met Lan Xiaolou at a family banquet of the Jiang household. Back then, he wasn¡¯t yet the renowned opera star Cuiyu Tower; he was just an unknown understudy for the female roles in Cuili Garden.


    Learning opera was a hard life, and with his humble background, coupled with his striking looks and heavenly voice, it was no surprise that he attracted jealousy.


    ¡°Beat this little bastard! How dare he steal my spotlight? I¡¯m Master Mei¡¯s head disciple! You¡¯ll only get your chance when I¡¯m no longer useful, understand?¡±


    ¡°Master Mei has lost his voice. By rights, it should be the senior brother¡¯s turn. Even if the senior brother¡¯s foot is injured, there¡¯s still the second and third brothers. When would it ever be your turn, a neer, to seek rewards in front of the nobles?¡±


    ¡°Scar his face! Once he¡¯s disfigured, he¡¯ll never be able to perform again. Let¡¯s see how he¡¯ll show off then!¡±


    ¡°Stop!¡±


    Jiang Xinyue stepped out from the shadows and shouted at the men holding knives, ready to sh Lan Xiaolou¡¯s face: ¡°How dare you hurt someone in my family¡¯s home! Do you have a death wish? Guards, seize them!¡±


    Back then, Jiang Xinyue was also an unfavored concubine¡¯s daughter. She had no guards at hermand¡ªonly a foolish Xi Que.


    But the men didn¡¯t know that. Seeing Jiang Xinyue¡¯s delicate and noble appearance, they immediately assumed her to be of high status and fled in a panic.


    From that day on, Jiang Xinyue and Lan Xiaolou became friends.


    When she was bullied by her stepmother and stepsister, and her father turned a blind eye, she often sneaked out of the mansion to visit Lan Xiaolou at the opera garden, pouring out her sorrows to him.


    As the years passed and Lan Xiaolou¡¯s fame grew, their bond deepened.


    But Jiang Xinyue knew that if this rtionship were exposed, both she and Lan Xiaolou would be torn apart.


    So they could only meet in secret, not daring to let anyone know.


    However, secrets never stay hidden forever. The senior brother who had bullied Lan Xiaolou in the past eventually found out.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    The senior brother forced Lan Xiaolou to lure Jiang Xinyue out, intending to drug and assault her, thereby bing the Jiang family¡¯s son-inw.


    Lan Xiaolou refused, so the senior brother drugged him and threw him into an underground gambling den. When Lan Xiaolou woke up, he owed a debt sorge he could never repay it in three lifetimes.


    When Jiang Xinyue found out, she sold all her gold, silver, jewelry, and fine silks to help him pay off the debt. She also sent the injured Lan Xiaolou back to Cang County.


    There, they exchanged vows, but without the blessing of their parents, and Lan Xiaolou neverid a hand on her.


    In her presence, he always felt unworthy.


    She was so delicate, so perfect¡ªhow could someone like him, a lowly peasant, ever deserve her?


    So he gave up on himself, returned to the capital, and entered the gambling den once more.


    He wanted to win back her silver¡­


    But it was a foolish dream. A den of thieves would never show mercy.


    What followed was Jiang Xinyue¡¯s despair and his regret¡­


    Until finally, they were separated by the pce walls, never to meet again.


    Recalling the memories of the original owner, Jiang Xinyue knew that such a significant matter would eventuallye to light. If someone were determined to investigate, it would be impossible to hide.


    So, half a month ago, Jiang Xinyue had already sent someone to find Lan Xiaolou, who had since changed his name. She warned him that if anyone approached him or inquired about his past in Cuili Garden, it would be to harm them both.


    They had to work together to eliminate this threat to their lives.


    Lan Xiaolou was no longer the powerless Cuiyu Tower who could be bullied at will.


    He was now a treasure of the opera world, with connections to many nobles. When the news of the Tong family¡¯s search for people from Cuili Garden reached his ears¡­ from that moment on, Concubine Tong had fallen into the trap set by Jiang Xinyue and Lan Xiaolou.


    Outside, the faint light of dawn was beginning to appear. The emperor rubbed his temples: ¡°Wang Dequan, what time is it?¡±


    ¡°Your Majesty, it¡¯s already Yin hour.¡±


    Yin hour?


    The sky was almost bright.


    The emperor looked up in surprise: ¡°No one hase from the Empress¡¯s pce?¡±


    When he took Lan Xiaolou away, he had deliberately let Jiang Xinyue see it. If she still had feelings for this man, how could she be so indifferent to his fate?


    ¡°Are you truly harboring no improper thoughts toward my Jiang Xinyue?¡±


    After talking all night, he finally asked the question he had been longing to ask.

 Chapter 416

    "Emperor, this..."


    In the imperial study, a middle-aged man dressed in crimson court robes presented four or five memorials: "Emperor, these are the memorials reviewed by the Empress. Please take a look... here, and also here..."


    He pointed out the details: "The Empress is exceptionally brilliant. She deliberately left these ws to avoid appearing too intelligent in front of Your Majesty. If she didn¡¯t consider Your Majesty¡¯s feelings, she could have handled everything wlessly on her own."


    The Emperor chuckled softly: "I knew it. Every time she stirs up my frustration, it¡¯s just to divert my attention."


    But after all, he was the Emperor. How could he be so easily fooled?


    It was simply that he adored Yue''er and was willing to y along, pretending to be oblivious.


    "Emperor, the Empress is truly a prodigy. Look at her proposed governance philosophy: ''To enrich the people is the foundation; the key to enriching the people lies in frugality.'' Such political insight is not umon among men, but for the Empress, who was raised in the inner chambers and only learned the arts of the boudoir, to have such profound understanding is truly remarkable."N?v(el)B\\jnn


    "And here, see... ''The way to govern a nation must begin with enriching the people. When the people are wealthy, they are easy to govern; when they are poor, they are difficult to govern. How do we know this is so? When the people are wealthy, they cherish their homes and value their livelihoods. When they cherish their homes and value their livelihoods, they respect authority and fear punishment. When they respect authority and fear punishment, they are easy to govern. When the people are poor, they be restless and neglect their homes. When they are restless and neglect their homes, they dare to defy authority and break thew. When they defy authority and break thew, they are difficult to govern. Therefore, a well-governed nation is always prosperous, while a chaotic nation is always impoverished. Thus, those who excel at governing a nation must first enrich the people, and then rule them.''"


    In other words, to govern a nation, one must first ensure the prosperity of the people.


    Prosperous people are easier to rule, while impoverished people are harder to rule.


    Prosperous people will live peacefully in their hometowns and value their livelihoods. When they value their livelihoods, they will respect authority and fear punishment, making them easier to govern.


    Impoverished people will be restless and neglect their homes, daring to defy authority and break thew, making them harder to govern.


    Thus, in peaceful times, the people remain prosperous, while in turbulent times, the people remain poor.


    Therefore, the people must first be enriched to make governance easier.


    This was not the kind of insight one would expect from a woman raised in the inner chambers. Even many officials in the court might not possess such understanding.


    Otherwise, there wouldn¡¯t be so many corrupt officials in the Great Yan Dynasty.


    Those who only seek to enrich themselves are the root cause of the court losing its authority and the people¡¯s trust.


    The Emperor studied the memorials carefully, his yful smile fading as he straightened up, his eyes never leaving the documents: "To describe her as a woman of the inner chambers is already underestimating her. Her intelligence is something even I admire."


    In fact, he felt somewhat inferior.


    Previously, Yue''er had mentioned "Great Harmony Under Heaven." When he asked what it meant, Yue''er exined that she had read about it in Lord Jiang¡¯s study.


    Butter, when he subtly discussed the topic with Lord Jiang, he realized that Lord Jiang only had a superficial understanding and didn¡¯t truly grasp the concept of Great Harmony Under Heaven.


    This proved that it wasn¡¯t something from Lord Jiang¡¯s study but rather Yue''er¡¯s own insight, gained through extensive reading.


    She was simply afraid that her brilliance might make him wary, so she pretended to be naive and adorable, gradually lowering his guard.


    Now, he fully understood Yue''er¡¯s true nature, but he was already deeply entangled in the web of affection she had woven. Even knowing her formidable skills, he loved her dearly.


    "Emperor, this cannot go on!"


    The official in crimson robes wore a look of panic: "When the mother is strong, the child is weak; when the mother is weak, the child is strong. The more capable the Empress bes, the more the Crown Prince will rely on her. If this continues, the Jiang Family¡¯s influence will grow too powerful, fostering ambition, which is detrimental to the nation!"


    "Minister Xie, you speak too soon."


    The Emperor smiled: "Jiang Yankun is a smart man. He knows that if he dares to harbor even the slightest disloyal thought, I can annihte the Jiang Family in an instant. Yue''er¡¯s achievements are beyond anything he could have imagined. Right now, he is only filled with fear. How would he dare to influence my son?"


    He could elevate the Jiang Family to great heights out of love for Yue''er, but he could also bring them crashing down for the sake of his son.


    However, the Jiang Family was, after all, Yue''er¡¯s maternal family. Unless absolutely necessary, he didn¡¯t want to harm them.


    If rumors spread that Yue''er had fallen out of favor, leading to disrespect toward her, that was not what he desired.


    Because he knew that Yue''er and the Jiang Family¡¯s ambitions were limited to wealth and status, not the supreme power above the throne, he allowed Yue''er to use her intelligence in state affairs and permitted Jiang Yankun to seek benefits for his family, as long as it didn¡¯t affect the Crown Prince.


    After all, if it weren¡¯t Jiang Yankun, it would be someone else.


    At least both Yue''er and the Jiang Family would prioritize the Crown Prince¡¯s interests.


    Since indulging anyone was inevitable, why not indulge the woman he loved?


    Schr Xie sighed: "But human desires are endless. Can Your Majesty guarantee that the Empress will never harbor ambitions to rece you?"


    The Emperor¡¯s wise eyes sparkled like stars: "That is my concern, Minister Xie. There¡¯s no need for you to say more."


    This was a clear indication that he would follow this path to the end, heedless of anyone¡¯s advice.


    *Creak¡ª*


    The door of the imperial study opened. As Schr Xie stepped out, several ministers gathered around him: "Well? What did the Emperor say? Will he take back the Empress¡¯s authority?"


    "Isn¡¯t it obvious? Of course, he will. The Emperor isn¡¯t foolish. How can he allow a woman to dominate him? That would destabilize the court."


    Jiang Yankun snorted coldly: "I¡¯ve never heard of anyone, with the Emperor present, daring to rise above him. No matter how much authority the Empress has, it¡¯s granted by the Emperor. Have you ever heard of the Empress presiding over court affairs from behind a curtain?"


    As soon as he spoke, all the officials who had aligned themselves with the Jiang Family began arguing with the others at the entrance of the imperial study.


    Though they didn¡¯t necessarily support the Empress¡¯s authority, they were eyeing positions as advisors to the Crown Prince, hoping to secure influential roles in the future.


    *Bang!*


    *Crash!*


    The door of the imperial study was struck by something heavy, and the sound of shattering porcin pierced the air. The ministers, who had been loudly quarreling moments ago, fell silent.


    Realizing that their argument had been overheard by the Emperor, they froze.


    The door opened again, and Wang Dequan flicked his horsetail whisk: "The Emperor has decreed that those who insulted the Empress will be fined three months¡¯ sry and receive fifteenshes. If this happens again, the punishment will be severe. As for those who recklessly implicated the Crown Prince, the Investigative Bureau will investigate, and they will be dismissed and prosecuted."


    Another wave ofmentations followed.


    Now, there was no need to test the Emperor¡¯s stance. Those who offended the Empress and the Crown Prince had no way out.

 Chapter 405

    Just moments ago, she had suspected that the person I loved was Lan Xiaolou, and now shees running for a hug? Am I some kind of lowly person?


    Jiang Xinyue muttered to herself, twisting her body to break free from the Emperor''s embrace. She sat on the bed, her back turned to him, remaining silent.


    The Emperor sighed and sat down beside her. "Xinyue, it''s my fault. I didn''t have a part in your past, which is why I feel uneasy. I''m afraid you don''t love me."


    "Ultimately, Your Majesty has never truly trusted me."


    Jiang Xinyue''s face remained cold as she refused to look at him. "If in the future, anyone uses me of having improper rtions with some gentleman or actor, and Your Majesty sends people to investigate me, giving others the chance to frame me, I beg you to depose me now. But I don¡¯t want to die. I hope Your Majesty, for the sake of the children I¡¯ve borne you, will spare my life and send me to the cold pce, where I¡¯ll be out of sight and out of mind."


    Her tone was calm, her eyes dry and lifeless, which made the Emperor even more anxious than if she had been crying.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    "Why are you saying such things out of the blue?"


    The Xuanwu Emperor felt a moment of difort but quickly regained hisposure, trying to soothe her. "I investigated to clear your name. I don¡¯t want them to gossip about you."


    "So, Your Majesty was doing me a favor?"


    Jiang Xinyue''s voice was filled with self-mocking sarcasm. "Then I must thank Your Majesty for always thinking of me."


    "Xinyue, can¡¯t you speak to me in a different tone? It breaks my heart."


    When harsh words didn¡¯t work, he resorted to soft ones. Did the Emperor really think he had her under his thumb?


    Jiang Xinyue let out another cold snort. "Not only have I never liked Lan Xiaolou, I only respected him as my teacher. But even if I had someone I liked before entering the pce, so what? Was I Your Majesty''s first love? Was I the first person you favored? Have you only ever loved me? Haven¡¯t I been hurt and saddened too? Why is it that Your Majesty can treat me this way, while I must always greet you with a smile, never showing the slightest neglect?"


    When it came to such matters, the Emperor was undoubtedly the most guilty.


    Had he not loved more than one woman?


    In his youth, he had adored the Former Concubine Shu, protecting her like she was the apple of his eye, even using Jiang Xinyue as a shield for her. Later, when Concubine Li entered the pce, he fell for her vivacity and beauty, favoring her for over a decade.


    Among the women in the harem, he had slept with so many that he couldn¡¯t even remember their faces.


    But he was the Emperor!


    Thinking this, aplex emotion flickered in his eyes.


    Jiang Xinyue exploded, rising abruptly. The Emperor, rmed, quickly reached out to steady her. "Careful, careful! Xinyue, you¡¯re carrying a child! Don¡¯t get so angry, you¡¯ll harm yourself."


    Oh!


    She had almost forgotten¡ªshe was pregnant. Pregnant women¡¯s emotions were the most vtile, and she could afford to be even more dramatic.


    Immediately, she covered her belly, closed her eyes, and feigned unbearable pain, staggering as if she might copse.


    The Emperor tried to support her, but she pushed his hand away, saying coldly, "Is Your Majesty thinking that as the Son of Heaven, you can love and favor whomever you please, without needing my permission? Do you think I¡¯m only daring to treat you this way because of your favor?"


    The Emperor quickly waved his hands. "I¡¯m not! Don¡¯t use me wrongly!"


    But in his mind, this was how emperors were supposed to be. He favored his concubines to stabilize the court and to produce heirs. This was how it had always been¡ªwhat was wrong with that?


    Moreover, since falling in love with Jiang Xinyue and realizing she would feel hurt and jealous, he had not favored anyone else.


    Even when she was pregnant, court officials urged him to spread his favors, but he ignored them.


    For an emperor, this was already an extraordinary effort.


    "You do!"


    Jiang Xinyue took a few steps back, distancing herself from him. "Love is about setting aside all external factors¡ªstatus, power, wealth, and societal expectations. It¡¯s about two equals sharing a genuine emotion. But Your Majesty always stands above me, looking down. When you hurt me, you brush it off with a simple ''it¡¯s for your own good.'' I can¡¯t ept that."


    Her words left the Emperor at a loss.


    Was she this angry because she felt he was too high and mighty, looking down on her?


    Heaven knows, he never looked down on her.


    But she said that in love, men and women were equal, and external factors like status and power should be set aside.


    This was the first time he had heard such a notion.


    In the Great Yan Dynasty, women were bound by the Three Obediences and Four Virtues: obeying their fathers before marriage, their husbands after marriage, and their sons after their husbands¡¯ deaths.


    Women were expected to uphold virtues, speech, appearance, and skills, but no one ever spoke of men¡¯s virtues, speech, appearance, or skills.


    That was the crux of the problem.


    The Emperor was an astute and intelligent man. When Jiang Xinyue said she couldn¡¯t ept it, he understood she was referring to this inequality.


    Men demanded their wives and daughters to uphold moral standards, follow etiquette, and sacrifice everything for their husbands and children.


    But no one ever considered their feelings.


    "Are you saying you want to stand as my equal?"


    Jiang Xinyue thought to herself, *What would be best is if you pave the way for my son to ascend the throne, then abdicate and let me be the Empress Dowager, so I don¡¯t have to live under your shadow.*


    Before she could formte a response, the Emperor stood up, gave her a deep look, and walked out.


    What now?


    Couldn¡¯t handle a few soothing words, and now that she wanted equality, he was done?


    Jiang Xinyue gritted her teeth. "Xi Que, pack up His Majesty¡¯s belongings and send them back to Chengqian Pce."


    The news of the Empress quarreling with the Emperor spread through the harem in no time.


    Not only did they quarrel, but everyone in the pce, from the masters to the servants, saw Xi Que packing up the Emperor¡¯s belongings and having them carried to Chengqian Pce.


    The Emperor was furious. The eunuchs on duty at Chengqian Pce heard him scolding Xi Que for being audacious, aiding and abetting, and being a troublemaker.


    He threatened to have her beaten sooner orter.


    Xi Que simplyy on the ground. "Whether it¡¯s sooner orter, I¡¯ll be beaten. Your Majesty might as well do it now!"


    She had many audacious days ahead of her.


    It was better to get it over with.


    Eunuch Tang finally gave the Emperor an out, pushing and pulling Xi Que out of Chengqian Pce.


    Yanxi Pce¡ª


    Concubine Shi was trimming her pot of orchids.


    Maner chuckled. "They say Xi Que is formidable, but I think she¡¯s just shameless. Daring to cause a scene at Chengqian Pce¡ªHis Majesty must be even more disgusted with the Empress now."


    "Don¡¯t celebrate too soon."


    Concubine Shi put down her scissors. "The Empress is very capable. She won¡¯t fall so easily."


    But it didn¡¯t matter. Slowly eroding the rtionship between the Emperor and the Empress would keep her own hands clean.

 Chapter 406

    Cang County¡ª


    Leader Du finally arrived at the destination, where his subordinates had already impatiently grabbed a few children at the entrance of the town: "Hey, kids, do you know of someone here who¡¯s really good at opera, from the Rongsheng Opera Troupe, named Lan Xiaolou?"


    The children exchanged nces, and one of them took the copper coins they offered: "Yes, yes, Lan Xiaolou. You go from here, turn left at every fork, and after passing three viges, you¡¯ll find it. But, sir, he hasn¡¯t been back for a long time. If you¡¯re looking for him, you might not find him."


    The guard shoved the child: "Go on, why are you meddling? Take the money and scram."n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    The children ran back into the alley, divided the money, and scattered. The guard then stepped forward to lead Leader Du.


    "No rush!"


    Leader Du was more cautious. He opened his tired eyes and said, "Go ask the adults at the stalls. Children¡¯s words aren¡¯t reliable."


    The guard hurried over and pulled out a pouch of copper coins: "Madam¡­ could I ask you something?"


    "Madam what?"


    "Madam?"


    "What madam?"


    The old woman was hard of hearing!


    After much effort, the guard finally made himself clear, and the old woman pointed in the same direction as the children.


    Only then did the guard return to report. Leader Du flicked his horsewhip: "Let¡¯s hurry."


    The Emperor must be growing impatient.


    "Clip-clop, clip-clop¡­"


    Ma Yiyang felt like an eternity had passed before he heard the muffled sound of hooves. He quickly made a hand signal, and Xiao Zhong and Luo Cheng vanished in an instant.


    "Whoa¡ª"


    "Damn it!"


    Someone cursed: "Those kids and the old woman dared to deceive us. The neighboring vige is clearly Ji Family Vige. They wasted so much of our time. When we go back, I¡¯ll make sure to catch them and give them a beating."


    Leader Du was especially irritable. He kicked the guard who had been muttering about the directions: "Is this Lan Xiaolou¡¯s home? Let¡¯s go in and see."


    If he really had a cousin who had been with him since childhood, there should be traces of a woman¡¯s presence in this house.


    "Creak¡ª"


    The dpidated wooden door was pushed open, and thetch on one side broke. Dust fell from above, making Leader Du and the others cough.


    The room was dim and dusty. Two guards stepped forward and opened the windows, causing another cloud of dust to rise.


    Leader Du waved his hand to clear the air and finally took in the scene inside.


    There was a simple wooden bed, but above it hung a pale green gauze canopy. On the bed was a wedding quilt embroidered by a woman.


    How did he know it was embroidered by a woman?


    Because in The Great Yan Dynasty, men didn¡¯t embroider, and the patterns on the quilt were far from skillful, clearly the work of a beginner who had put in a lot of effort.


    In the center of the room was a round table with a teapot and cups.


    Looking around, the woman¡¯s dressing table seemed rtively new, possibly well cared for by its owner.


    "Crash!"


    The sound of wood breaking startled Leader Du, who was observing the surroundings. The guard quickly exined: "Leader, there¡¯s women¡¯s clothing here."


    It was a set of red wedding attire.


    Wrapped in ck cloth, it had faded slightly over the years, but it was the only clean item in the room.


    Leader Du used the scabbard of his sword to lift the wedding dress and examine it. The garment seemedrger than the Empress¡¯s¡­ pff pff pff¡­ he couldn¡¯t disrespect the Empress.


    Muttering an apology, he ordered the guard to take the dress as evidence: "This is proof. Take it back for the Emperor to decide."


    "Leader,e quickly! There¡¯s a grave here that¡¯s been dug up."


    Someone had dug up a grave?


    Leader Du rushed out the back door in an instant, only to find a scene of chaos.


    The coffin had been forcibly pried open, and the remains inside were gone. On the groundy a wooden tombstone broken in two, inscribed with "Beloved Wife¡­ Dong¡­ something¡­ of the Tomb?"


    The name on the tombstone had been scratched beyond recognition, but it was clear that someone had tried to change the character "Dong" to "Jiang."


    This was a deliberate attempt to frame the Empress! That¡¯s why those children had misled them.


    Fortunately, Leader Du had been sharp enough to realize they were on the wrong path when they saw the vigers outside Ji Family Vige. He quickly turned the horses around and headed for Lou Family Vige, as the vigers had directed.


    Lan Xiaolou¡¯s stage name was Cuiyulou, which included the character "Lou," so it had to be Lou Family Vige.


    Leader Du felt as if a veil had been lifted from his eyes. He grabbed the broken pieces of the tombstone and ran: "Quick! Return to the pce and inform the Emperor that the Empress has been wronged."


    It was Concubine Tong who was trying to harm her!


    If he had been more observant, he would have noticed that the soil dug up from the grave was freshly disturbed.


    Jiang Xinyue had instructed Jiang Yankun to send people to Cang County not to create a fake tombstone¡ªthat would have been too obvious. They weren¡¯t so powerful as to conjure up a set of remains and build a grave that looked three or four years old.


    So, how could they create a new grave that wouldn¡¯t be recognized as such?


    Jiang Xinyue¡¯s letter exined: have someone dig up the non-existent grave, remove the coffin, and steal the non-existent remains.


    The soil dug up from the ground was fresh, and no one could tell how old it was.


    Whoever wanted to harm her would have to bear the me for desecrating the grave of Lan Xiaolou¡¯s "fianc¨¦e."


    After another six hours of hard riding, Leader Du and his men returned to the pce, dusty and exhausted. They presented the evidence to the Emperor and said: "Your Majesty, the Tong family is truly despicable. They dug up someone¡¯s grave and stole the remains. If we hadn¡¯t realized the deception in time and rushed to Lou Family Vige, they would have even altered the name on the tombstone."


    "Dong?"


    Lan Xiaolou¡¯s parents had died long ago, and he had no other rtives except for this cousin, who also had no family. There was no way to verify their identities.


    But no one could haveid the groundwork for such a lie so far in advance, so it must be true.


    The clothing Leader Du brought back was two sizesrger than Jiang Xinyue¡¯s, clearly not hers.


    The Emperor knew then that Jiang Xinyue had always loved him.


    The Tong family was truly despicable.


    "Wang Dequan, issue my decree: Tong Bingchen, Minister of Works, is to be dismissed and investigated immediately for ndering and framing the Empress. Let this serve as a warning to others."


    Whether the Empress would fall from grace, Wang Dequan didn¡¯t know, but he felt the Emperor was on the verge of copsing.


    The Emperor had been frequently summoning officials to the study for days and hadn¡¯t returned to Chengqian Pce to rest.


    The harem spected that he was nursing a broken heart and had thrown himself into state affairs.


    The concubines were all waiting for the Empress to lose favor, each vying for the Emperor¡¯s attention with their own schemes.

 Chapter 407

    On a sweltering day, Consort Liang was dressed in thick clothing, yet her hands and feet remained icy cold.


    She threw down a white tile and rolled her eyes. "The Emperor is truly amusing. He has already loved so many women. For the sake of Consort Li, he even sent our Empress to the cold pce, causing her to be poisoned by thete Empress and suffer so much. And now, he wants to investigate her?"


    Consort Shu dared not speak up, as she had once putxatives in Jiang Xinyue''s pastries, only for thete Empress to rece them with arsenic.


    She wasn¡¯t innocent!


    Noble Consort Ye intercepted Consort Liang¡¯s white tile with a smug look, pursing her lips. "Ah! I think the Empress is living quitefortably now¡ªwealthy, leisurely, and with a son. When the Emperor is no longer in power, there¡¯s still the Crown Prince. She can just spend her days drinking tea, ying cards, and chatting with us sisters. How wonderful!"n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    She couldn¡¯t imagine how happy she¡¯d be if Consort Liang yed cards with her every day and lost so much money to her.


    Jiang Xinyue stared at Noble Consort Ye¡¯s hand. As soon as she yed an eight of circles, Jiang Xinyue pushed her jade tiles onto the table. "Can we not talk about him while we¡¯re together? I¡¯m waiting for a one of circles. I win! Pay up."


    Noble Consort Ye looked at her own tiles, which could have won her over twenty taels of silver, and felt tears of regret welling up in her mouth. "Your Majesty¡­ you¡¯re quite ruthless!"


    "Will the Emperor really let this go so easily?"


    Consort Shu frowned. "I heard from my father that the Rongsheng Opera Troupe has been holding private performances recently, and every show is packed to the brim. Tickets are hard toe by, and nobles are lining up with silver notes to invite Lan Xiaolou to perform at their homes."


    The Emperor was truly generous, considering Lan Xiaolou was rumored to be his romantic rival.


    "What can he do even if he doesn¡¯t let it go?"


    Consort Liang scoffed. "When pce maidens enter the pce, they are examined by the matrons. If it were true, as that woman surnamed Tong imed, that the Empress and Lan Xiaolou were once married, could there really be such a virtuous man in the world who could remain unmoved in the face of such beauty? I don¡¯t believe it."


    Jiang Xinyue raised an eyebrow. Lan Xiaolou indeed hadn¡¯t touched her, as he felt unworthy of her.


    Their wedding ceremony was merely to fulfill a dream of his, and he never intended to ruin her purity.


    "Your Majesty¡­ Your Majesty¡­"


    The voice of Shuang Jiang, sometimes distant and sometimes near, called out. "The Emperor¡­ the Emperor has¡­ fainted!"


    "Crash!"


    The card table was pushed far away as Consort Liang stood up in a panic, rushing over to grab Shuang Jiang¡¯s hand. "What happened? What do you mean the Emperor fainted? How could the Emperor faint? Exin clearly!"


    Consort Shu and Noble Consort Ye also hurried forward. Jiang Xinyue pulled Jiang Chuan aside. "Return to Kunning Pce, lock the gates, and protect the Fourth Prince and the Crown Prince."


    Shuang Jiang ran up to Jiang Xinyue and swallowed hard before speaking. "Eunuch Tang said that the Emperor has been in the study for over ten days, dismissing all his attendants and meeting with court officials one by one. He sleeps at most two hours a day. His body can¡¯t take it anymore."


    What was he doing that required him to exhaust himself so much, disregarding the safety of his imperial body?


    The Crown Prince was still young and had no foundation. He needed his father to pave the way for him.


    Though Jiang Xinyue could dominate the harem, the Emperor had never allowed her to interfere in court matters.


    Now, with the Crown Prince supported by Grand Preceptor Jing, who could predict what would happen in a decade or two?


    The group hurried toward the study. Jiang Xinyue, being pregnant and with the weather so hot, naturally took a sedan chair.


    "Wait."


    Just as she was about to step onto the sedan chair, Jiang Xinyue paused, gripping the armrest. Everyone turned to look at her. "Your Majesty, what¡¯s wrong?"


    At this moment, everyone was concerned about the Emperor¡¯s life and wanted to rush to the study. If Jiang Xinyue also lost herposure, the child in her womb might not survive.


    With a "snap," she exerted force, and the armrest of the sedan chair broke cleanly and fell to the ground.


    Noble Consort Ye screamed, "Someone is trying to harm the child in Her Majesty¡¯s womb during the chaos!"


    Xi Que, standing on the other side, had strong hands. She pushed aside a eunuch carrying the sedan chair and pressed on the joint between the seat and the carrying pole. The pole connecting to the seat also broke.


    She felt the broken surface, which was uneven, as if it had naturally decayed over time.


    But how could such a coincidence happen?


    The Emperor had just fainted, and now the Empress¡¯s sedan chair was broken?


    If Jiang Xinyue hadn¡¯t noticed the wobble when she gripped the armrest, the sedan chair would have jolted, and she would have surely miscarried.


    Consort Liang made a quick decision. "Your Majesty, take my sedan chair. Mine is intact."


    Jiang Chuan had returned to Kunning Pce. Xiao Xiangzi, who usually handled internal affairs, worked with Jiang Chuan and rarely apanied Jiang Xinyue outside. Now, only Shuang Jiang and Xi Que were left by her side.


    Considering Shuang Jiang¡¯s meticulousness and the sharpness she had learned from Xi Que, Jiang Xinyue said, "Shuang Jiang, stay here and protect the scene. Send someone to the Investigative Bureau to summon Leader Du."


    Though only Shuang Jiang and Xi Que were truly reliable, there were still many eunuchs and maids under hermand.


    Shuang Jiang nodded solemnly. "Your Majesty, rest assured. I will guard this ce."


    If any suspicious person appeared, she would capture and interrogate them.


    Consort Liang gave her sedan chair to Jiang Xinyue, while Consort Shu¡¯s sedan chair was too small to fit two people. However, Consort Shu had been poisoned before and was physically weak, so she offered her sedan chair to Consort Liang. She and Noble Consort Ye hurried on foot, arriving at the study at the same time as the sedan chairs.


    Outside the study stood Grand Preceptor Jing, Jiang Yankun, and a group of court officials.


    Jiang Xinyue stepped down from the sedan chair and, holding her belly, jogged toward the study. "Worried" about the Emperor¡¯s health, she nearly fell, but a maid quickly steadied her.


    "Grand Preceptor, what¡¯s going on? Where is the Emperor? Is he inside?"


    With that, she tried to rush in.


    "Your Majesty!"


    Grand Preceptor Jing, his eyes red, stopped her. "The imperial physicians are inside performing acupuncture. No one can disturb them. Please wait a moment."


    Jiang Yankun gave a subtle nod, remaining silent. With so many eyes watching, he had to avoid suspicion.


    But Jiang Xinyue clearly sensed a newfound respect in her father¡¯s gaze.


    Had the Emperor fainted because of her?


    In the past ten days, aside from having Xi Que throw all his belongings back to Chengqian Pce and ignoring himpletely, she hadn¡¯t done anything particrly infuriating. She had simply been enjoying herself with Princess Yunyang and others, watching performances and living carefreely.


    Surely that couldn¡¯t have caused this?


    Yet the gazes of the officials around her lingered on her, filled with scrutiny, surprise, and admiration¡­


    Could it really be that she had angered him to the point of fainting?

 Chapter 408

    As Jiang Xinyue was lost in self-doubt, the doors of the imperial study opened, and Yan the Imperial Physician stepped out: "The Emperor has awakened and requests the Empress to enter. The rest of you should disperse."


    "Only the Empress is to see him?"


    "How is the Emperor? How is his health? Is there anything serious?"


    "The Empress is with child. How can she attend to the Emperor in such a state? Why not let the higher-ranking consorts enter as well, so as not to burden the Empress?"


    "That''s right, the Empress is pregnant and should not be overworked. Let the other consorts apany her."


    The ministers who spoke were not advocating for Consort Shu or Consort Liang, but were instead aligned with the Northern General''s Mansion, pushing for Concubine Shi.


    Yan the Imperial Physician nced at the officials who had spoken: "These are the Emperor''s orders. I am merely conveying his edict. If any of you have objections, you may take them up with the Emperor yourselves."


    Wasn''t this nonsense?


    The Emperor hadn''t summoned them; how could they dare to enter uninvited? They might be mistaken for assassins by the Emperor''s personal guards and killed on the spot.


    "No... no, no..."


    Concubine Shi, blushing slightly, smiled apologetically at Jiang Xinyue: "Empress, I... I rushed here in haste and now feel a sharp pain in my abdomen. I wish to return to rest, if Your Majesty permits."


    The ministers looked frustrated, their expressions betraying their disappointment in Concubine Shi. But she seemed oblivious, her pleading gaze fixed on Jiang Xinyue.


    "Abdominal pain?"


    Jiang Xinyue smiled faintly: "Since Consort Liang and Consort Shu are also returning to their quarters, why don''t you apany them?"


    Concubine Shi''s demeanor was that of a quiet, unambitious concubine, fitting the image everyone had of her. Even though her family wanted to elevate her status, she herself kept a low profile.


    But Jiang Xinyue had said it before: in this pce, she trusted no one. Even with Consort Shu and Consort Liang, she remained cautious, let alone Concubine Shi, who was currently her rival.


    At the entrance of Consort Shu''s pce, her broken sedan chair stilly. Now Concubine Shi was asking to leave, and Jiang Xinyue wasn''tfortable with that.


    Consort Shu and Consort Liang exchanged a nce before warmly taking Concubine Shi''s arm: "Is Concubine Shi in pain? Then you must return quickly and call for the Imperial Physician. We happen to be going the same way; let us apany you."


    "Same... same way?"


    "Yes, I wish to visit Noble Consort Jin at Qingyang Pce."


    Consort Shu''s eyes widened. She had forgotten about the princess from Goguryeo, Noble Consort Jin. Consort Liang was indeed clever, lying without hesitation.


    Concubine Shi was ushered out, with no chance to refuse.


    Jiang Xinyue then lifted her skirt and walked to the doorway, turning back slightly and raising her voice: "The Emperor has been neglecting his meals and rest while handling state affairs. Don''t you, as his ministers, know to remind him? If he falls ill, I will hold you ountable."


    Does the Empress not know?


    The ministers exchanged nces under the corridor. Could it be that the Emperor had made this decision without informing the Empress?


    Jiang Xinyue stepped inside, passing through the main hall and the covered walkway, arriving at the rear courtyard of the imperial study, where the Emperor often rested during his midday breaks while reviewing memorials.


    The courtyard was silent. Wang Dequan was not guarding the entrance; instead, a somewhat familiar young maid stood there.


    The maid bowed her head: "Greetings, Empress."


    On the other side, a eunuch bent low and pushed the door open. Jiang Xinyue walked in without hesitation.


    Mu Qianqian looked up, her stunning face nowpletely obscured by heavy bangs.


    Laying low...


    Matron Duan was right. She needed to bide her time. Until she had the strength to rival the Empress, she must not reveal even a hint of ambition.


    Her beauty didn''t need to be disyed to the world; it only needed to be seen by the Emperor.


    She had been transferred to the Emperor''s service several months ago, starting as a lowly cleaning maid. But driven by her determination to rise, she had worked her way up to be a tea-serving maid. She would not give up.


    From her careful observations over the past few months, she suspected that Wang Dequan, the chief eunuch, and Tang Shiliang were both loyal to the Empress.


    Thus, she could not reveal herself in front of them.


    Patience was the key to victory.


    What good did Concubine Tong''s schemes against the Empress do?


    The Emperor''s heart belonged to Jiang Xinyue. No matter how others ndered her, he would always believe in her innocence.


    She had to wait until the Emperor grew tired of her, until his affection waned and turned to impatience.


    Only then could she set her trap, aligning with the Emperor''s feelings. Wouldn''t he act then?


    In the bedchamber¡ª


    The Emperor sat on the bed, downing a bowl of medicine in one gulp.


    The bitter taste didn''t make him frown, but when he saw Jiang Xinyue, his brow furrowed slightly: "Didn''t I say not to inform the Empress and worry her?"


    Wang Dequan lowered his head and muttered softly: "Your Majesty, you only said that after you woke up. It was toote by then."


    If the Emperor fainted, how could they not inform the Empress? If something serious happened, someone needed to make decisions.


    Moreover, they were also concerned that if the Emperor... well, you know...


    If the Empress didn''t take charge, they would all be in trouble.


    "If Your Majesty doesn''t want me here, I will leave. There''s no need to trouble Wang Dequan and the others."


    With that, she turned to leave.


    But the concern in her eyes was already evident. She had nced over the Emperor from head to toe, confirming he was fine before speaking in anger.


    "You... *cough cough cough*..."


    The Emperor, in a panic, stood up from the bed. After taking two steps, he began coughing and "weakly" crouched on the ground.


    "Your Majesty!"


    Wang Dequan eximed loudly on purpose: "What''s wrong, Your Majesty?"


    Tang Shiliang frantically blinked at the Emperor, who caught the hint and pretended to faint, copsing into Tang Shiliang''s arms.


    Jiang Xinyue could tell from Wang Dequan''s tone that the Emperor was fine.


    But she still turned back in worry, her eyes reddening at the sight of the Emperor lying motionless: "Your Majesty!"


    Her performance was far more convincing than Wang Dequan''s.


    It didn''t seem like an act at all.


    As she rushed to the Emperor''s side, she tripped over her own skirt and stumbled toward him.


    The Emperor, peeking through half-closed eyes, quickly reached out to catch her, ensuring she didn''t hit anything hard.


    Wang Dequan and Tang Shiliang, ever perceptive, retreated to wait outside.


    "Xinyue, it''s been half a month. Are you still angry?"


    "Your Majesty doubted my integrity and chastity, insulting me so deeply. Should I not be angry?"


    "You''re exaggerating."


    The Emperor averted his gaze guiltily: "I only looked into Lan Xiaolou a little. If I hadn''t, how would I have known the Tong family was framing you?"


    But who was really framing whom?n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    The broken tombstone didn''t have the character "Dong" altered to "Jiang." It was the other way around¡ªthe "Jiang" had been changed to "Dong."


    Thus, it was a perfect setup to shift the me.

 Chapter 409

    If the Tong family wanted to harm her, they would only reap what they sowed.


    Because she understood the kind of person the Emperor was, every step he took was within Jiang Xinyue''s expectations.


    As long as she prepared countermeasures in advance, even a crisis could be turned into her opportunity.


    Once the matter of Lan Xiaolou was resolved, no one would ever bring it up again to im that she had an affair with him.


    Jiang Xinyue''s face remained gloomy, and her expression was still unpleasant. "Your Majesty, please return to bed. Since Your Majesty is fine, this concubine will take her leave."


    Now that she was here, how could the Emperor let her leave so easily?


    He tightly grasped Jiang Xinyue''s hand, firmly held her wrist, pulled her into his embrace, and kissed her chattering, rosy lips.


    Qingyang Pce¡ª


    "What''s wrong with you? It''s been all morning, and you still haven''t finished washing these six pieces of clothing?"


    "Nanny, may I... may I wash them for my mistress... mydy?"


    "That won''t do. The higher-ups have ordered that the clothes washed by Noble Consort Jin are exceptionally fragrant, so she must wash them herself. No one else is allowed to do it for her."


    It was clear who the "higher-ups" referred to.


    How had Noble Consort Jin been demoted and sent to a remote pce like Qingyang Pce?


    Because she had instructed Consort Liang''s maid to poison Consort Liang and then framed the Empress, attempting to sow discord between Consort Liang and the Empress.


    Therefore, the "higher-ups" who gave the order were undoubtedly the Empress.


    Noble Consort Jin scrubbed a few more times, her fingers aching.


    In less than two months, her slender, fair, and delicate fingers had already developed calluses.


    Most importantly, even with the thin calluses, she still hadn''t grown ustomed to this life of servitude.


    "Bang!"


    "Ssh!"


    Arge basin of cold water was thrown onto the nanny in charge. Noble Consort Jin sneered, "Jiang Xinyue bullies me, but she''s the Empress, so I endure it. What are you, to dare shout at me like this? Today, I won''t wash anything. Do you dare kill me?"


    The nanny was startled by her scolding. By the time she recovered, she was drenched, her face flushed red. "Yes, Noble Consort Jin is so noble, always calling herself ''this princess.'' Pray tell, which daughter of our Emperor are you?"


    "You!"


    Noble Consort Jin red at her, but the nanny called out, "Someone! Noble Consort Jin has disrespected the Empress. p her face!"


    "You dare?"


    "Hit her!"


    "p! p! p..."


    Hui Yuan knelt on the ground, clutching the nanny''s pants. "Please have mercy, Nanny. We''ll wash the clothes, we''ll wash them. Please spare ourdy. If you keep hitting her, her face will be ruined."


    Without her beauty, she would truly have no chance left.


    Noble Consort Jin was pped until her vision blurred, her cheeks burning with pain. She red at the nanny with a murderous gaze, but as Hui Yuan pleaded for mercy, the old nanny kicked her over. "Since Noble Consort Jin doesn''t want to wash clothes, she can go wash the chamber pots! Take Noble Consort Jin and Hui Yuan to thetrine. If they don''t clean all the chamber pots, they won''t eat today."


    Noble Consort Jin, numb from the beating, was pushed to the ground and huddled with Hui Yuan, a pitiful sight.


    The old nanny''s heart was cold and unyielding. "This old servant cannot kill Noble Consort Jin, but there are plenty of ways to make her suffer. Until she learns her lesson and recognizes her mistakes, this old servant will continue to teach her the rules of the pce."


    "The pce rules? This princess... this concubine has long memorized them. What do you, this old hag, have to teach me? If you want to torment me, just say it. Does Jiang Xinyue dare not take responsibility?"


    "p!"


    The old nanny pped her again. "This old servant will say it once more: in the pce, no one but the Emperor may address the Empress by her name."


    "The rules this old servant wants you to learn are summed up in eight words. Please listen carefully and remember them well."


    Consort Liang stood at the door. "Eight words? This concubine remembers there being three thousand pce rules."


    Consort Shu nodded. "To be precise, three thousand and eight. Isn''t that right, Concubine Shi?"


    Concubine Shi, who had been dragged to Yanxi Pce against her will, was already displeased. Now she had to watch Jiang Xinyue''s people unt their authority. One might think Consort Liang and Consort Shu were subtly warning her not to oppose the Empress.


    Otherwise, she would end up like Noble Consort Jin.


    Hui Yuan shrank back. "Eight words?"


    "The Empress is the rule."


    Everything revolved around the Empress¡ªrespecting her, trusting her, submitting to her, and following hermands. That was the rule of the pce, the so-called pce regtions.


    Noble Consort Jin had never imagined that Jiang Xinyue had be so powerful.


    In the past, she thought Jiang Xinyue looked harmless and easy to bully. But now, she was trapped in the pce, washing clothes, folding quilts, sweeping floors, wiping tables, and even scrubbing chamber pots.


    She, a princess of Goguryeo, a noble rose of the royal court, who had never lifted a finger to do any work, was now reduced to washing chamber pots...


    "Serves her right!"


    Consort Liangughed heartily, then took Concubine Shi''s arm and walked toward Yanxi Pce. "The most important thing for a person is to know their ce. Don''t you think so, Concubine Shi?"


    Concubine Shi took a deep breath and forced a smile. "Consort Liang is absolutely right."


    It wasn''t until they had escorted Concubine Shi back to her pce that Consort Liang and Consort Shu left together.


    Maner stood behind Concubine Shi. "Mydy..."


    Concubine Shi raised her hand, signaling her to be silent. "It wasn''t us who did it. She won''t trace it back to us."


    Not long ago, a beam in a side hall of Yanxi Pce had suddenly copsed. Fortunately, no one was inside at the time, so no one was hurt.


    But on Concubine Shi''s birthday, she had invited a few close concubines to drink, including some who were on good terms with Concubine Tong.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    She had merely drawn inspiration from the copsed beam: "So even the finest rosewood and small-leaf sandalwood can rot from dampness and copse from neglect over time."


    The Empress''s pnquin was made of small-leaf sandalwood and golden nanmu, among other precious woods.


    Whether she had intended it or not, those who heard her words took them to heart.


    There were many in the pce who resented Jiang Xinyue''s exclusive favor. Given the chance, they would all want to destroy her.


    Who had overheard her words and who had used them¡ªwhat did it matter to her?


    She had merely sighed in passing.


    Jiang Xinyue, who had been forcibly kissed, struggled a few times, but the Emperor showed no signs of letting go.


    He held her shoulders. "Can you calm down now and listen to what I have to say?"


    "When did I ever stop Your Majesty from speaking?"


    Then why had she just run off with that "I won''t listen" attitude?


    The Emperor muttered to himself, then gently stroked Jiang Xinyue''s head and smiled tenderly. "What you said that day, I''ve thought about it for a long time. I believe there''s some truth to it. I always say I want a world of harmony, but I haven''t achieved equality between men and women. So, for the past half month, I''ve been working tirelessly, debating with the court officials, and preparing to enact a neww."


    A neww?


    Was it... what she thought it was?

 Chapter 410

    "Dang dang dang dang..."


    The yamen officers, emerging from the government office, beat gongs and drums, instantly drawing the attention of themon folk.


    On the notice board outside, the old announcements were torn down, and someone swiftly pasted up a new one. A literate person immediately began reading aloud: "By the Mandate of Heaven, the Emperor decrees: Having been favored by thete Emperor, since ascending the throne, We have diligently attended to state affairs, never allowing a single day of negligence. Now, having found a virtuous wife, We have established her as Empress. She has borne Us children, managed the imperial harem with diligence and grace, and possesses a gentle and pure character. Therefore, We hereby confer upon Empress Lady Jiang the title of Heavenly Empress of Great Yan, granting her the authority to assist in governance, to stand alongside Us in creating a prosperous era for our dynasty. So it is decreed¡ª"


    "What? What does the Emperor mean by this? Conferring the title of Heavenly Empress upon Empress Jiang? And allowing her to assist in governance? Isn''t this a case of the harem meddling in state affairs?"


    "Since when have women ever handled state affairs? Such a thing has never happened in any dynasty throughout history. What hase over the Emperor?"


    "Women entering the court? What a joke! With their limited perspective, how could they possibly manage the affairs of a nation?"


    "The Emperor must be blinded by beauty. Since when have imperial consorts ever meddled in governance? In previous dynasties, such a thing would have cost them their heads!"


    "So, does this mean the Empress will now stand on equal footing with the Emperor? Could it be that women will also be allowed to hold official positions?"


    "Hahaha... Dream on! I bet this edict is just the Emperor''s way of amusing Empress Jiang. How could the Emperor''s bed tolerate another''s presence?"


    "Who says women can''t hold office? What''s so great about you men? If the Emperor can elevate Empress Jiang to Heavenly Empress and share the empire with her, what do you have? Nothing! Yet you still look down on women. How about you never marry and see who will carry on your family line?"


    "Enough arguing! There''s more!"


    The yamen officers pasted anotherrge yellow sheet of paper beside the edict conferring the title of Heavenly Empress: "The matter of Empress Jiang bing the Heavenly Empress has little to do with you. That is the Emperor''s affair. But pay close attention to this neww. Failure toply will result in imprisonment."


    The crowd turned their attention to the new announcement. This one contained more text, and as it was a newly issuedw, the government scribe had set up a desk and chair to copy it down.


    As he copied, he read aloud: "From the fifteenth year of Xuanwu, women in our dynasty must be at least eighteen years old before they can marry. Thew forcing women to marry by the age of twenty is hereby abolished. After marriage, if the husband is at fault¡ªincluding but not limited to domestic violence, keeping mistresses, gambling, or plotting to harm the wife¡ªthe wife may petition for divorce or separation. The government will investigate and rule on the matter. If the husband is found guilty, the wife may demand that he leave the household with nothing or divide the family property equally."


    "The court encourages talented women to open businesses and schools, supports women in stepping out of the inner courtyards, allows them to study in academies, train in martial arts schools, and, as long as they do not vite moral standards, pursue any endeavor they wish."


    "In the next imperial examination, a separate examination hall will be established for women. Those who pass will be appointed to official positions by the Heavenly Empress. From this day forward, women shall stand on equal footing with men,peting fairly for all privileges men enjoy."


    The announcement caused an uproar throughout thend.


    In every street, alley, tavern, and teahouse, people were discussing the newly issuedw.


    "Have you heard? Starting today, court officials can only take concubines if they have no sons by the age of forty, and even then, they must obtain their wives'' consent. If they are found keeping mistresses without permission, they could lose their positions or even be ruined financially."


    "Is this for real? I thought it was a joke. This is absurd!"


    "How can men not take concubines? Spending a lifetime with just one woman? What''s the fun in that? Did all the officials agree to this?"


    "Agree or not, it doesn''t matter. I heard the Emperor spoke to each of them individually. Those who disagreed were forced to retire, and their positions were given to those who agreed. Who dares to object now?"


    "Besides, thisw was jointly drafted by the court officials and the Emperor. If they don''t follow it, how can they expect themon people toply? They must lead by example, don''t you think?"


    The Emperor has set a fine example. To this day, he remains devoted to Empress Jiang¡ªno, now she is the Heavenly Empress.


    The Emperor''s exclusive devotion to the Heavenly Empress serves as a model for all officials.


    While men grumbled about the neww, women cheered.


    "The Heavenly Empress is truly a role model for us. Not only has she won the Emperor''s love, but she has also earned his respect."


    "If the most esteemed man in the world can respect his wife, refrain from indulging in frivolous affairs, and genuinely consider the welfare of women, then what excuse do other men have? Some men are utterly unremarkablecking talent and looks¡ªyet they still look down on us. Who do they think they are? Thete Emperor?"


    "In the end, it is the Heavenly Empress who has secured these benefits for us. The higher her status, the more we can hold our heads high."


    "For the sake of ourselves and our daughters'' futures, we women must unite and strive for respect. We cannot let the Heavenly Empress''s efforts go to waste."


    "You''re right. Now that we have the opportunity to take charge, we can no longer allow men to mistreat us. We must, we must reim our dignity."


    **In the Imperial Pce¡ª**


    The scorching heat of June made the air restless. The sun hung in the sky like a massive fireball, mercilessly baking the earth.


    In the imperial study, the ice was being used up faster than usual.


    Jiang Xinyue sat behind the desk, a vermilion brush in hand, her brow furrowed as she looked at the Emperor. The Emperor sat beside her, amused. "Didn''t you say you wanted to stand on equal footing with Us? Now that We''ve granted you that, why aren''t you happy?"


    Jiang Xinyue tossed the brush aside and pouted. "What I meant by ''equal footing'' was for Your Majesty to genuinely regard me as an equal partner, a lifelongpanion, not as a tool to share the burden of governance."n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    She wrapped her arms around the Emperor''s neck and said coquettishly, "I know nothing about handling state affairs. How am I supposed to review these memorials?"


    The Emperor pulled her onto hisp, took the memorial from her hand, and said, "What don''t you understand? Let Us exin it to you..."


    "Here..."


    "And here..."


    Thenguage of the ancients was always ornate, emphasizing phrasing, structure, and rhythm, often making it obscure and difficult to understand.


    A simple matter could be expressed straightforwardly, but they insisted on using flowerynguage, as if writing an imperial examination essay.


    Though Jiang Xinyue was intelligent, she was still a modern person. Many of the dialectal expressions or the officials'' convoluted writing styles were still a bit challenging for her.


    The Emperor, however, was an excellent teacher, and Jiang Xinyue was a diligent student.


    Often, after just one exnation from the Emperor, she would grasp the concept immediately.


    The Emperor found it effortless, and Jiang Xinyue enjoyed the learning process.


    It must be said that the Emperor was erudite, well-versed in both ancient and modern knowledge. What she learned from him enriched her own reservoir of knowledge.


    In the future, she would have even more to teach the Crown Prince.

 Chapter 411

    The pce was a picture of tranquility, but outside its walls, the Jiang Family was weathering a storm of relentless criticism.


    Several prominent noble families had approached Jiang Yankun, urging him to seek an audience with the emperor. They demanded the repeal of the newws and a return to the old ways. They also insisted that he reprimand his daughter.


    Her ambitions were simply too grand. Rising from a mere noble consort to empress wasn¡¯t enough for her¡ªshe now dared to im equal status with the emperor, dering herself "Empress of Heaven."


    She forbade men from doing this and that, while granting women the freedom to pursue whatever they desired.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    What was this supposed to mean?


    Gender discrimination?


    If she were to truly seize power, would there even be a ce for men in the Great Yan Dynasty?


    The emperor was over a decade older than her, and her son was the crown prince. The thought alone was terrifying.


    After sending off the sixth wave of visitors from noble families that day, Jiang Yankun felt utterly drained, both physically and mentally.


    Initially, he had only hoped that sending his daughter into the pce would bring some favor to the family, ensuring their prosperity.


    When Sister Yue gained the emperor¡¯s favor, he began to dream of a brighter future for himself.


    But now, not only had Sister Yue secured his future, she had elevated the entire Jiang Family. The n had rallied together to support her rise.


    Now, his daughter held the title of Empress of Heaven, his grandson was the crown prince, and the emperor was enacting newws to elevate the status of women.


    The noble families were alling to him with their grievances. He wasn¡¯t afraid of them, but he worried deeply. What if, after this wave of favor, the emperor came to his senses? Sister Yue could fall from grace, and her downfall would be catastrophic.


    This era simply couldn¡¯t tolerate a woman who was both ambitious and capable.


    Lady Ruan stood tall and resolute. ¡°I don¡¯t care what anyone says. If Sister Yue wants to do something, we must support her. Think about it¡ªhasn¡¯t everything she¡¯s done since gaining favor benefited the Jiang Family? I trust my daughterpletely. She must have her reasons.¡±


    Even Concubine Lin, who was usually timid and submissive, spoke up in support. ¡°Master, Lady Ruan is right. Empress of Heaven is a woman of great wisdom. We can¡¯t judge her by ordinary standards. She must have her reasons for doing this. Please don¡¯t waver and side with outsiders against her.¡±


    She added softly, almost as if to herself, ¡°If Empress of Heaven were to be angry, the wealth and status you enjoy now could vanish. How much better off would the Jiang Family be then?¡±


    Jiang Yankun red at her, exhaling heavily through his nose. ¡°I haven¡¯t even said anything, and you¡¯ve already said it all.¡±


    He knew exactly what Concubine Lin was thinking. The more power Sister Yue wielded, the higher the Jiang Family¡¯s status would rise. Countless sycophants would try to tter him by sending beautiful women to his household.


    After all, he was the father of the Empress of Heaven.


    For Concubine Lin, this was a grave threat. She was older, had no sons to rely on, and only remained in Lady Ruan¡¯s good graces because of her kindness. She managed the household ounts and hoped that Empress of Heaven might one day arrange a good marriage for her daughter, Fifth Miss.


    She and Lady Ruan were on the same boat, and she didn¡¯t want any seductresses stealing Jiang Yankun¡¯s attention.


    Jiang Yankun waved his hand impatiently. ¡°I know what to do. You women¡­¡±


    He stopped himself mid-sentence, remembering the emperor¡¯s newws, and swallowed his dismissive words. ¡°Don¡¯t worry about these matters.¡±


    Concubine Lin wanted to say more, but Lady Ruan gently stopped her, smiling slightly. ¡°As long as you understand, husband, we are all one family. I won¡¯t disturb you further.¡±


    After leaving, Concubine Lin whispered, ¡°Lady Ruan, why didn¡¯t you let me scold him?¡±


    The emperor had issued newws allowing women to serve as officials, yet so many useless men still looked down on women.


    ¡°Why scold him?¡± Lady Ruan chuckled. ¡°If he supports Sister Yue, we¡¯ll remain a harmonious family. But if he listens to those noble families and turns against her, I¡¯ll show him that while my name is Lady Ruan, I¡¯m anything but soft.¡±


    A mother¡¯s strength was formidable, and she would prove it if necessary.


    The newws weren¡¯t just a battle between the noble families and the Jiang Family¡ªthey were a sh over the status of men and women in the Great Yan Dynasty.


    Jiang Xinyue had never expected to achieve everything overnight. She anticipated both support and opposition from the people.


    In fact, she had guessed that the opposition would far outweigh the support.


    Men opposed thews because they had grown ustomed to a patriarchal society, where the belief in male superiority was deeply ingrained. This mindset was hard to change, and they had no desire to do so¡ªit threatened their interests.


    Some women also opposed thews, bound by feudal traditions. They believed women should stay in the inner quarters, tending to their husbands and children, and adhering to ancient rules.


    To them, virtues like obedience, chastity, and loyalty were the ultimate ideals.


    But the worst were the women who, having suffered themselves, wanted to tear down the umbres of others.


    These women, having endured hardship, wished for all married women to be trapped in the same cycle of domestic strife, wasting their lives revolving around unworthy men.


    In just three months, under the emperor¡¯s guidance, Jiang Xinyue had be adept at reviewing memorials.


    The emperor, exhausted from managing court affairs, found relief in having Jiang Xinyue assist him.


    Though he had always been diligent, shuttling between the court, the inner pce, and the imperial study, workingte into the night, he had never felt the strain. But once someone shared his burden, lifting it again became difficult.


    Even emperors were human, prone toziness.


    Though he was hardworking, his body could no longer endure the strain as it had in his youth.


    This time, after just half a month of intense work, he copsed.


    This had never happened before.


    Imperial Doctor Hu had retired, and the new head of the imperial medical bureau was Yan the Imperial Physician, skilled in acupuncture.


    When the emperor regained consciousness, Yan exined that his body was riddled with old ailments caused by overwork. Combined with the lingering effects of a Miao Bordends poison he had once suffered, it had led to his copse.


    If he wanted to live longer, he could no longer neglect his health while managing state affairs.


    Of course, he wanted to live longer¡ªto spend more time with Jiang Xinyue and their children.


    It was already September, and Jiang Xinyue¡¯s child was due in a month. Seeing her energetic and untiring as she reviewed memorials, the emperor couldn¡¯t help but marvel at the vitality of youth.

 Chapter 412

    Kunning Pce¡ª


    "Your Majesty¡­"


    Xi Que, dressed in a dazzling fabric newly imported by the Internal Affairs Department, hurried forward. "The person who damaged the pnquin¡­ has been caught¡­"


    "Where is she?"


    "Bring her in!"


    A concubine dressed in in green robes, far less luxurious than Xi Que''s attire, was brought in.


    Her appearance was merely delicate, her skin sallow. Despite it being the golden autumn of September, she wore only a thin gray robe. Her eyes, filled with guilt, refused to meet anyone''s gaze, and her hands nervously clutched at her clothes. "Your humble servant¡­ pays her respects to the Empress Dowager."


    She knelt on the ground, trembling uncontrobly even before Jiang Xinyue could speak, weeping and begging for mercy. "Your Majesty, please spare me! I will never dare to do it again! Please, Your Majesty, spare my life¡­"


    Seeing how spineless she was, Jiang Xinyue didn''t even bother with questioning. She simply waved her hand, signaling Jiang Chuan to take her away. The incessant crying was utterly irritating.


    Shuang Jiang couldn''t help but notice that ever since her mistress had been crowned Empress Dowager and had spent considerable time learning from the Emperor, her aura of authority had grown increasingly formidable, almost resembling the Emperor himself.


    With her hands sped over her abdomen, Shuang Jiang stepped forward and bowed. "Your Majesty, she is the daughter of a minor county official. When she entered the pce, she was a Court Lady. After being favored for a few days, she was promoted to Consort. She bears no personal grudge against Your Majesty. It''s just that during the reign of the previous Empress Dowager, everyone had hopes of advancement. But since Your Majesty assumed power, their prospects have dwindled. When she saw the copse of the side hall in Yanxi Pce, she thought of sabotaging Your Majesty''s pnquin."


    Xi Que fumed, "How could a powerless little Consort like her dare to touch Your Majesty''s belongings?"


    Shuang Jiang also seemed displeased. "Consort Yuan has a beautiful maid, originally brought from her family, intended to be offered to the Emperor to win his favor if Consort Yuan ever became pregnant. But now that there''s no hope of winning the Emperor''s favor, she was given to the eunuch in charge of carrying Your Majesty''s pnquin."


    The poor maid had been forced into it. The eunuch had a penchant for abuse, and when the maid was rescued, there wasn''t a single patch of unblemished skin on her body.


    Xiao Xiangzi, responsible for the internal affairs of Kunning Pce, felt deeply ashamed that such a person had emerged under his watch. He knelt in the courtyard, begging for punishment.


    Xi Que, carefully observing her mistress''s expression, timidly pleaded, "Your Majesty, Xiao Xiangzi has punished all the eunuchs who lived with that vile man. He had their tendons severed in front of all the pce servants and then threw them into the mass graves to fend for themselves. The servants were all terrified, and for a while, no one will dare to betray Your Majesty."


    "Your Majesty~ If you''re still angry, perhaps you could have Xiao Xiangzi beaten a dozen times to vent your frustration?"


    Shuang Jiang thought for a moment and said, "Your Majesty, now that you hold such a high position and are busy with state affairs, with only Xiao Xiangzi and Nanny Xiang managing the pce, we are indeed short-handed. If we could transfer some personnel from the Bureau of Pce Affairs, such incidents might not happen again."


    Fang Rumeng, whom Her Majesty had personally promoted, was now the head of the Bureau of Pce Affairs, overseeing the six pces and twenty-four departments. She had many capable female officials under her, so it wouldn''t be difficult for Her Majesty to request a few.


    "Then this matter is entrusted to you and Xiao Xiangzi. Fang Rumeng won''t give you any trouble. Go and select a few trustworthy individuals. I trust your judgment."


    Especially Shuang Jiang, who was beginning to exhibit the demeanor of a pce steward. In the future, the internal affairs of Kunning Pce would inevitably fall into her and Xiao Xiangzi''s hands.


    As for Xi Que, her temperament wasn''t suited for prolonged service in the pce. Besides, she had already found someone she loved. It would be better for her to live freely outside the pce.


    That afternoon, Shuang Jiang brought four female officials from the Bureau of Pce Affairs into Kunning Pce.


    "Your servant, Chunfen."


    "Your servant, Xiazhi."


    "Your servant, Qiuhe."


    "Your servant, Dongxue."


    "Greetings to the Empress Dowager!"


    The four seasons-themed women had dignified and pleasant appearances. They weren''t strikingly beautiful, but their features were well-proportioned, making them quite agreeable to look at, and their smiles were warm and inviting.


    Fang Rumeng exined, "These are the officials I have specially trained for Your Majesty. They are proficient in arithmetic and are intelligent. They will surely be able to assist Your Majesty in managing affairs."


    That evening, Jiang Xinyue called Xi Que for a heart-to-heart talk.


    "Guard Meng will turn twenty after the New Year. The Cavalry General''s Mansion intends for him to join the army as a deputy general. What are your thoughts on this?"


    Xi Que''s face immediately turned crimson, all the way to her ears. "What do I think? I only want to serve Your Majesty well. I don''t think about anything else."n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    "Still ying coy, are you? Do you think I don''t know that several guards have offered you gifts, but you only epted Guard Meng''s? Isn''t that a sign of affection?"


    "That pear blossom hairpin you''re wearing¡ªhe carved it himself, didn''t he?"


    "And your hand¡­"


    "Your Majesty!"


    Xi Que stomped her foot, clearly embarrassed.


    "Make up your mind quickly so I can prepare your dowry. That way, you can marry him before he joins the army. Once he bes a deputy general, I can confer upon you the title of a noblewoman. Then, during festivals, you cane to the pce, and we can catch up from time to time. It won''t be like we''ll never see each other again, right?"


    Jiang Xinyue had already sent word to the Meng family. The elderly matriarch, who came from humble origins, was more than willing for her grandson to marry Her Majesty''s most trusted maid.


    However, Meng Qingyu''s sister seemed eager to meddle in her brother''s marriage. She had been married off to a deputy general through the Cavalry General''s Mansion''s matchmaking. The deputy general''s family had an orphaned child of a former military officer, whom the deputy general had adopted. Meng Qingyu''s brother-inw had tried to arrange a match, but both the Meng family matriarch and Meng Qingyu himself had refused.


    Though the sister had taken matters into her own hands, the grandmother was sensible and always deferred to her grandson''s wishes.


    Jiang Xinyue was confident that with Xi Que''s formidable personality, dealing with a meddling sister-inw would be a breeze.


    "Does Your Majesty think I''m too foolish and want to get rid of me?"


    Xi Que''s eyes reddened, and tears began to fall. She sat at Jiang Xinyue''s feet, hugging her legs and sobbing. "I was wrong. I''ll return all his gifts. I don''t want to get married. I''m scared. I don''t want to leave Your Majesty¡­"


    She had grown up with Her Majesty, who had always made decisions for her. She was clumsy, and only with Her Majesty''s support did she feel fearless.


    "How could I ever abandon you? You''re like a younger sister to me. I only wish for your happiness. How could I ever cast you aside?"


    Jiang Xinyue gently stroked her head. "Xi Que, you''re not like Shuang Jiang. She was sold into the pce, and leaving would only mean being sold again. That''s why she refuses to leave or marry. But your parents are outside the pce. When you followed me into the pce, your parents cried until they nearly went blind. Now, someone has promised me that he will treat you well for the rest of your life, that he will never take a concubine, and that he will ensure your happiness. And you love him too. I want you to have a life filled with children and grandchildren, to be happy and fulfilled. Do you understand my intentions?"

 Chapter 413

    She would not keep Xi Que in the pce for her entire life just because she needed a confidant.


    The square pce walls had trapped the youth of so many women, and she hoped... at least those around her could find happiness.


    Xi Que cried even harder: "Your Majesty... Your Majesty... I... I can''t bear to leave you, wuwuwu..."


    "I can''t bear to part with you either," Jiang Xinyue pinched her chubby little cheeks. "But all banquets muste to an end, Xi Que. You''ve apanied me this far, and I am already deeply grateful."n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    The road ahead would only be more difficult and dangerous than being a concubine, a hundred times more treacherous. Xi Que was too pure-hearted and not suited to stay by her side any longer.


    She was too straightforward, and it would be easy for someone to harm her. Jiang Xinyue feared that in the future, she would be too busy with state affairs to protect Xi Que with the same care.


    If Xi Que were to lose her life because of this, Jiang Xinyue would carry the guilt forever.


    "If you don''t make a decision soon, Guard Meng is going to die of anxiety."


    Xi Que blushed, wiping her tears as she sniffled: "This servant... this servant will follow Your Majesty''s arrangement."


    Jiang Xinyue smiled and nodded: "Then let''s set it for the end of the year! There are many auspicious days then, and I will have just finished my postpartum recovery. You can also help me take care of the Seventh Prince until he''s a month old."


    Wet Nurse Lu was originally supposed to leave the pce, as the Crown Prince had already been weaned and was under the care of Nanny Xiang. However, with Jiang Xinyue''s pregnancy, she couldn''t leave after all. Wet Nurse Lu was promoted to Nanny L¨¹ and assigned to the Seventh Prince.


    As for the Seventh Prince''s wet nurses, the Emperor had already arranged several, and they were now residing in Kunning Pce, being instructed by Nanny Xiang and Nanny L¨¹ on the necessary precautions and etiquette.


    Late at night¡ª


    A narrow gap opened in the side gate of Kunning Pce, and a slender figure cloaked in ck emerged from the darkness. The woman in her twenties was startled: "You scared me! Why did you call me out? The rules in Kunning Pce are strict. Hurry up and say what you need to; I have to go back soon."


    "Take this..."


    "What is it?"


    "After the Empress gives birth, find a way to put this in her food. It will make her bleed to death without anyone noticing."


    "What? Are you out of your mind? You called me out to plot against the Empress?"


    "I sent word for you to enter the pce to help me. It''s toote to back out now. If the Emperor finds out about our connection, do you think you''ll leave the pce alive?"


    "You... you only said the Empress needed wet nurses. How was I supposed to know..."


    "But my brother knew, and he still sent you. Don''t you understand what he meant?"


    The woman''s face turned red with panic: "You... I... I''m really going to be ruined by you."


    The shadowy figure pressed the small bottle into the woman''s hand: "Only if the Empress dies will I have a chance to rise. And if I rise, your children will have a bright future, won''t they?"


    The woman, with her dignified appearance, gritted her teeth and took the bottle, tucking it into her robes: "The greater the risk, the greater the reward. I''ll trust you one more time. But if something happens to me, you must take care of my children."


    The sound of orderly footsteps from the patrolling guards approached, and the figure in the ck cloak retreated into the shadows: "Sister-inw, once this seeds, your status will be beyond measure."


    The woman had just closed the back gate and taken two steps when a night-patrolling eunuch from Kunning Pce spotted her: "What are you doing there?"


    Shang Hong was startled but quicklyposed herself: "Eunuch, I... I''m a new wet nurse who arrived today. I needed to use the restroom but got lost. I''m about to burst. Could you please show me the way?"


    ...


    "Father, hold me! Hahaha... Father, higher! Higher!"


    In Kunning Pce, the Emperor was ying with the Crown Prince, lifting him high into the air. Tang Shiliang led a few eunuchs carrying tall stacks of memorials into the room: "Your Majesty, these are..."


    "Just leave them there," the Emperor waved his hand before Tang Shiliang could finish. "The Empress is inside. Give them to her."


    In front of outsiders, the Emperor referred to Jiang Xinyue as the Empress, but among his close attendants, he still called her the Empress.


    In his heart, Jiang Xinyue had always been his one and only Empress.


    "Father, Mother is tired."


    The Emperor kissed the Crown Prince: "Your mother has been so absorbed in reviewing memorialstely that she hasn''t had time for me. You little ingrate, I y with you every day, and you''re worried about your mother being tired. Why don''t you worry about me?"


    The Crown Prince giggled, dodging the Emperor''s kisses: "Go see Mother, go see Mother..."


    "Xiazhi, sort the memorials by urgency for me."


    "Qiuhe, distribute the ones I''ve already reviewed. Let''s finish today''s work today and speed things up."


    "Dongxue, put the memorials from Qinzhou on the far right. There are some matters I need to discuss with the Emperor before making a decision."


    "Chunfen, throw all the memorials that criticize or insult me into the brazier. These pedantic officials, always quick with their pens but slow to act."


    Their insults were endless.


    Things like "a hen crowing at dawn brings ruin to the household" or "a wicked Empress ruling the country brings disaster to the people."


    As if the world would copse if a woman took charge, as if Great Yan would fall.


    Yet Consort Shu had trained arge number of skilled perfumers among the pce maids, and these women had yed a significant role in the women''s academy established by the Bureau of Pce Affairs, attracting a great deal of talent.


    The imperial kitchens were no longer a male-dominated domain either, with more and more talented female chefs crafting delicious dishes.


    Zhang Xiuzhu, a pce maid who entered the pce in March, had be a master chef in just half a year, standing shoulder-to-shoulder with her mentor, Chief Steward Gao.


    "Mother... Mother..."


    A soft, tiny touch brushed against her leg. Jiang Xinyue looked down to see a little ball of a child clinging to her legs, his small hands wrapped around her calves and his tiny feet hooked onto her. His grape-like eyes blinked up at her: "Mother, your eyes hurt? Let me blow on them, hoo hoo~ hoo hoo~"


    Jiang Xinyue lifted the little one onto herp: "How did my little treasure get in here? Where''s Father?"


    "Knock knock!"


    The door to the study in Kunning Pce creaked open, and the Emperor''s head peeked in, a few strands of hair sticking up where the little one had grabbed them.


    Where was the dignity of the Son of Heaven?


    He looked more like an ordinary father and husband.


    Jiang Xinyue couldn''t help butugh, and her attendants, Chunfen, Xiazhi, Qiuhe, and Dongxue, discreetly lowered their heads and withdrew.


    "Does Xinyue no longer need me and our little one, now that she has her memorials to keep herpany?"


    He sounded a bit like the Emperor of old, who had once been so absorbed in his work that he forgot to eat or sleep.


    Jiang Xinyue set the little one on the table and wrapped her arms around the Emperor''s neck: "How could that be? Your Majesty is my sky. Everything I have today is because of Your Majesty''s favor. There''s still so much I don''t understand. How could I not need you?"

 Chapter 431

    Outside the door stood Tang Shiliang, the most trusted eunuch of the Emperor, who served only the Emperor and the Empress Dowager.


    He held arge tray in his hands, on whichy a set of exquisite moon-white robes and a matching headdress. His demeanor was obsequious as he said, "Miss Mu, His Majesty has sent me to deliver these gifts to you. In a few days, the Emperor will lead his ministers to the Eastern Mountain Imperial Mausoleum to pay homage to the ancestors. His Majesty said you look particrly beautiful in white."


    Mu Qianqian''s face lit up with a sweet smile, the kind of infatuated smile that one lost in the throes of love might wear¡ªa smile that Jiang Xinyue would never have shown.


    Coming from a humble background, Mu Qianqian had never seen such luxurious items before. The sight of the moon-white satin robes dazzled her. She reached out to touch the fabric repeatedly, her eyes gleaming with delight. "Are these really for me?"


    She had never seen such beautiful clothing before.


    Wait, no¡ª


    She had seen something simr before.


    The Empress Dowager''s robes were far more splendid than these.


    At this thought, her smile and excitement faded slightly. She took the tray from Tang Shiliang and said, "Thank you, Eunuch Tang."


    Mu Qianqian, still a low-ranking pce maid, shared amunal bed with several other maids. There was no way to hide the fact that Eunuch Tang had brought her such a gift, and Mu Qianqian didn¡¯t intend to hide it anyway.


    She basked in the envy, admiration, praise, and jealousy of her peers, her face glowing with pride.


    This feeling was unlike anything she had ever experienced before.


    Autumn leaves, golden as scattered coins, covered the ground. The eunuchs of Kunning Pce diligently swept the winding paths, ensuring they were spotless.


    "Your Majesty..."n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Shuang Jiang approached Jiang Xinyue and whispered, "Physician Yan confirmed that the wine originally contained a potent aphrodisiac, but it waster reced with a sedative. It seems the Emperor ordered the change."


    Jiang Xinyue put down the book she was holding. "I''ve seen many who seek to rise in status, but someone as bold as her? This is a first."


    To personally serve the Emperor a drugged drink, to carry it in herself¡ªwhat was she thinking? Did she think Tang Shiliang and Wang Dequan were mere decorations?


    The Emperor was no novice. Not only could he identify the scent of eighty-one different aphrodisiacs, but Tang Shiliang and Wang Dequan, having risen to their positions, were far from inexperienced in pce intrigues.


    The moment that wine was brought in, the Emperor and his attendants must have known.


    "She''s not worth Your Majesty''s concern."


    "She isn''t, but I need to know who is behind her."


    That Mu Qianqian thought that by keeping her head down, the people of Kunning Pce wouldn¡¯t notice her resemnce to Jiang Xinyue.


    In truth, the moment she first appeared by the Emperor''s side, deliberately hiding her face, Jiang Xinyue had already noticed her.


    If she had nothing to hide, why conceal her appearance?


    Jiang Xinyue wasn¡¯t like thete Virtuous Consort, who had a penchant for cruelty and murder. She wouldn¡¯t torment a maid simply because they bore a slight resemnce to her.


    At first, Mu Qianqian might have been afraid of attracting trouble, given her unfamiliarity with Jiang Xinyue¡¯s temperament. That was understandable.


    But after spending time in the pce, both the pce staff and Mu Qianqian herself would havee to understand that Jiang Xinyue had no interest in bullying others.


    Her greatest pleasures were admiring flowers in Kunning Pce, ying cards, enjoying fruits, and being waited on hand and foot. She reveled in the luxury of having meals prepared for her and being entertained by the musicians from the Imperial Music Bureau.


    When she missed her children, she would summon them for a cuddle, a kiss, or a yful pinch. When she didn¡¯t, she would have the nurses and nannies take them away, allowing her to continue her life of opulence.


    Her days were as carefree as those of a celestial being.


    She had no time to trouble herself with a lowly pce maid.


    Mu Qianqian meant nothing to her¡ªor rather, Jiang Xinyue had never even considered her worth a second nce.


    But Mu Qianqian¡¯s attempts to conceal her appearance suggested she had ulterior motives. To avoid being caught off guard, Jiang Xinyue had instructed Xi Que and Shuang Jiang to ask some of the maids from Chengqian Pce to keep an eye on Mu Qianqian.


    There was something unsettling about her face.


    "She¡¯s truly deceiving herself."


    Xi Que chuckled. "Your Majesty, I¡¯ve grown up with you. I could recognize your face and figure from hundreds of feet away. Did she really think that covering her forehead with bangs would fool me? Does she take us all for fools?"


    "Yes, yes, our Xi Que is the cleverest. You even know the phrase ''deceiving oneself.''"


    No doubt, Meng Qingyu had taught her that.


    Xi Que seemed to catch the implied meaning in Jiang Xinyue¡¯s words¡ªor perhaps she didn¡¯t, but the mention of Meng Qingyu made her blush.


    However, she quickly regained herposure and leaned in mischievously toward Shuang Jiang. "But if the Emperor didn¡¯t favor her, why does she look so drained and listless every day? I¡¯ve heard she even has marks on her body! Many in the pce think she¡¯s the Emperor¡¯s new favorite, and she¡¯s been strutting around like a peacock, looking down her nose at everyone."


    She imitated Mu Qianqian¡¯s haughty posture, lifting her chin and pointing her nose at Shuang Jiang.


    Shuang Jiang smacked her on the head and forcibly straightened her. "She dared to drug the Emperor with something so harmful. Did she think the Emperor wouldn¡¯t see through her scheme and turn the tables on her?"


    The Emperor often used the tactic of turning an opponent¡¯s methods against them.


    Mu Qianqian would drink the wine and pass out, only to wake up and find the Emperor already dressed or gone to court. In reality, the Emperor had never shared a bed with her¡ªit was all an act.


    As for why she felt sore and exhausted after each "favor," it was merely the side effects of the sedative.


    Mu Qianqian¡¯s actions were despicable, but the Emperor¡¯s upbringing forbade him from stooping to her level. He would never arrange for someone else to take advantage of her.


    This path of ambition was one she had chosen for herself, and she would have to bear the consequences.


    Mu Qianqian, still believing herself clever and in control, sat in a pnquin adorned in the luxurious robes and golden hairpins gifted by the Emperor. Like a proud peacock, she waved to the cheering crowds, her face now even more strikingly simr to Jiang Xinyue¡¯s.


    The Emperor and Empress were on the move, and themoners made way. Soldiers maintained order, while a few burly men in the crowd exchanged solemn nces and subtle signals.


    The Minister of Rites, puzzled, turned to Jiang Yankun. "Lord Jiang, didn¡¯t the Emperor secretly summon mest night, saying that the Empress Dowager would remain in the pce to recuperate and wouldn¡¯t be joining the trip to the Eastern Mountain? Why is she here now? And she looks so radiant, not at all like someone who recently gave birth to two children."


    Jiang Yankun nced at the woman in the twelve-man pnquin and then back at the Minister. "Do you really think that¡¯s the Empress Dowager?"

 Chapter 415

    After the Emperor left, Jiang Xinyue''s expression darkened. "Jiang Chuan, send someone to investigate who has been whispering in the Emperor''s ear. How could he start to waver?"


    She knew very well that the Emperor had initially crowned her as the Empress and issued new decrees ording to her wishes because of her defiance¡ªbecause she wanted to stand as his equal.


    At that time, the Emperor, blinded by love, had wanted her to forgive him quickly. In a moment of impulsiveness, he summoned his ministers and pressured them to support his decision.


    Now, several months had passed, and the noble families and court officials were all opposing her. Some even threatened to boycott court sessions unless the Emperor stripped Jiang Xinyue of her power.


    At first, the Emperor had stood his ground, but as the opposition grew louder, he began to waver. Every time he tried to speak his mind, Jiang Xinyue would cut him off, and he would soon find himself lost in her tender embrace.


    As he walked out of Kunning Pce once more, the Emperor sighed. He had always been the one to outsmart others throughout his life, so how had he ended up being the one constantly outmaneuvered by Jiang Xinyue?


    The words he had been holding back still lingered in his throat, unspoken.


    Thinking of this, he touched his Adam''s apple and paused by theke.


    A faint smile curled at the corners of his lips, and he chuckled softly.


    Jiang Xinyue had just told him that his Adam''s apple was very attractive. Was it really?


    He had never noticed it before.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    That soft chuckle made Mu Qianqian look up. A cold breeze swept past, lifting the heavy bangs on her forehead and revealing a face that bore an uncanny resemnce to Jiang Xinyue''s.


    "You..."


    The Emperor''s gaze darkened. "Look up."


    The face before him was strikingly beautiful, almost a carbon copy of Jiang Xinyue''s at first nce. But upon closer inspection, it was clear that it was more of a cheap imitation.


    In terms of the delicacy of her features, the allure of her eyes, and the noble aura she carried, anyone familiar with Jiang Xinyue could easily tell the two apart.


    But why would such a beautiful woman deliberately conceal her stunning looks?


    There were two reasons: one, to avoid unwanted attention, and two, to y hard to get and pique a man''s interest.


    "Your... Your Majesty..."


    Mu Qianqian knelt on the ground. "Your Majesty, please forgive me. I didn''t mean to resemble Empress Jiang. I''ve done my best to conceal it so no one would notice."


    She had concealed it well, moving about under the Emperor''s very nose every day. Not a single person in Chengqian Pce had noticed her extraordinary beauty.


    So, what kind of concealment was this?


    Meanwhile, at the Jing Family residence¡ª


    The second, third, and fourth sons of the Jing Family, along with several branch family leaders closely associated with the main line, had gathered in the study.


    They all looked at Master Jing, seated at the head of the room, their faces flushed from the heated argument. They red at each other, each harboring a sense of dissatisfaction.


    "Are you suggesting that Father should oppose Empress Jiang? Have you forgotten that Father is now the Crown Prince''s tutor, and Empress Jiang is the Crown Prince''s mother?"


    "Precisely because she is the Crown Prince''s mother, we must suppress her. If we allow her ambitions to grow unchecked, won''t she be another Dowager Empress? Do you remember how Father was forced into retirement? It was because the Dowager Empress couldn''t tolerate our Jing Family!"


    "But that''s different! The Dowager Empress killed our sister and made the Emperor recognize her as his mother. She was guilty and couldn''t stand us. Empress Jiang is the Crown Prince''s mother and always acts in his best interest. If Father stands by her side, the Jing Family''s former glory will be restored in no time."


    During the reign of thete Emperor, when the Jing Family''s influence was at its peak, they had been a prominent noble family in the capital, the subject of endless ttery.


    Master Jing had served as thete Emperor''s tutor and held a high position in the cab, wielding immense power.


    But after thete Emperor''s passing, the Dowager Empress had targeted the Jing Family relentlessly. The young Emperor, powerless at the time, had been forced to pressure Master Jing into retiring.


    "Restore the Jing Family''s glory? Hmph! Empress Jiang''s own family is thriving, with talented individuals emerging one after another. If she wants to promote anyone, it will be her own Jiang Family. Why would she remember us? I fear she''ll discard us like used tools once she''s done."


    "You..."


    "Enough!"


    Master Jing''s aged voice cut through the tension like a de. "What''s wrong with Empress Jiang elevating the status of women? Has it infringed upon your rights?"


    "In the future, your wives, daughters, and concubines will have opportunities to achieve greatness. If a talented woman emerges from our family, she could even serve in the court. Isn''t that a great honor for our family? Men achieve glory and bring honor to their ancestors, but it shouldn''te at the expense of suppressing women. If we want a strong nation, we must first strengthen ourselves. If everyone can contribute their talents to the prosperity of the Great Yan Dynasty, who would dare to invade our borders?"


    The vision of a prosperous nation, with all countries paying tribute and the people living in peace, would be realized under his grandson''s rule. This would be a monumental achievement, worthy of being recorded in history for eternity. Why oppose it?


    Only your enemies would wish for your people to be weak and ipetent.


    "But Master Jing, if the Jiang Family gains too much power, and Empress Jiang begins to interfere in court affairs, creating chaos, where will the Jing Family stand? I fear a sword will hang over our heads!"


    Master Jing exhaled heavily, clearly displeased. "I have taught the Crown Prince and have spoken with Empress Jiang. She is not an ambitious woman. She simply pities the hardships women face and wants to do something for them. You are all men, and you think it''s natural for women to sacrifice for you, to remain subservient under male authority. But have you ever considered what would happen if they stood as your equals,peting fairly? Could you still look down on them from your high pedestal?"


    "Aren''t you curious? How far could they go?


    "Would they be weaker than you, or stronger?"


    After Master Jing''s questions, the study fell into an unprecedented silence.


    They had always been afraid¡ªafraid that women, once freed from societal constraints, would rise like dragons unleashed upon the water.


    What were they so afraid of?


    The men, realizing this, broke into a cold sweat. Why were they so terrified of women''s rise?


    Master Jing stroked his beard and smiled knowingly, ruthlessly tearing away their facade. "Because you call them ''mere women,'' refusing to acknowledge their contributions to the family. You belittle and suppress them with your words, but deep down, you know they are just as capable as you are. If given the chance, they might even surpass your achievements."


    Only weak men are afraid, which is why they desperately try to stop it.


    The men, who had been arguing fiercely moments ago, now turned even redder with shame.


    Their dark, hidden fears had beenid bare, and they could hardly ept it themselves.

 Chapter 416

    "Emperor, this..."


    In the imperial study, a middle-aged man dressed in crimson court robes presented four or five memorials: "Emperor, these are the memorials reviewed by the Empress. Please take a look... here, and also here..."


    He pointed out the details: "The Empress is exceptionally brilliant. She deliberately left these ws to avoid appearing too intelligent in front of Your Majesty. If she didn¡¯t consider Your Majesty¡¯s feelings, she could have handled everything wlessly on her own."


    The Emperor chuckled softly: "I knew it. Every time she stirs up my frustration, it¡¯s just to divert my attention."


    But after all, he was the Emperor. How could he be so easily fooled?


    It was simply that he adored Yue''er and was willing to y along, pretending to be oblivious.


    "Emperor, the Empress is truly a prodigy. Look at her proposed governance philosophy: ''To enrich the people is the foundation; the key to enriching the people lies in frugality.'' Such political insight is not umon among men, but for the Empress, who was raised in the inner chambers and only learned the arts of the boudoir, to have such profound understanding is truly remarkable."


    "And here, see... ''The way to govern a nation must begin with enriching the people. When the people are wealthy, they are easy to govern; when they are poor, they are difficult to govern. How do we know this is so? When the people are wealthy, they cherish their homes and value their livelihoods. When they cherish their homes and value their livelihoods, they respect authority and fear punishment. When they respect authority and fear punishment, they are easy to govern. When the people are poor, they be restless and neglect their homes. When they are restless and neglect their homes, they dare to defy authority and break thew. When they defy authority and break thew, they are difficult to govern. Therefore, a well-governed nation is always prosperous, while a chaotic nation is always impoverished. Thus, those who excel at governing a nation must first enrich the people, and then rule them.''"


    In other words, to govern a nation, one must first ensure the prosperity of the people.


    Prosperous people are easier to rule, while impoverished people are harder to rule.


    Prosperous people will live peacefully in their hometowns and value their livelihoods. When they value their livelihoods, they will respect authority and fear punishment, making them easier to govern.


    Impoverished people will be restless and neglect their homes, daring to defy authority and break thew, making them harder to govern.


    Thus, in peaceful times, the people remain prosperous, while in turbulent times, the people remain poor.


    Therefore, the people must first be enriched to make governance easier.


    This was not the kind of insight one would expect from a woman raised in the inner chambers. Even many officials in the court might not possess such understanding.


    Otherwise, there wouldn¡¯t be so many corrupt officials in the Great Yan Dynasty.


    Those who only seek to enrich themselves are the root cause of the court losing its authority and the people¡¯s trust.


    The Emperor studied the memorials carefully, his yful smile fading as he straightened up, his eyes never leaving the documents: "To describe her as a woman of the inner chambers is already underestimating her. Her intelligence is something even I admire."


    In fact, he felt somewhat inferior.


    Previously, Yue''er had mentioned "Great Harmony Under Heaven." When he asked what it meant, Yue''er exined that she had read about it in Lord Jiang¡¯s study.


    Butter, when he subtly discussed the topic with Lord Jiang, he realized that Lord Jiang only had a superficial understanding and didn¡¯t truly grasp the concept of Great Harmony Under Heaven.


    This proved that it wasn¡¯t something from Lord Jiang¡¯s study but rather Yue''er¡¯s own insight, gained through extensive reading.


    She was simply afraid that her brilliance might make him wary, so she pretended to be naive and adorable, gradually lowering his guard.


    Now, he fully understood Yue''er¡¯s true nature, but he was already deeply entangled in the web of affection she had woven. Even knowing her formidable skills, he loved her dearly.


    "Emperor, this cannot go on!"


    The official in crimson robes wore a look of panic: "When the mother is strong, the child is weak; when the mother is weak, the child is strong. The more capable the Empress bes, the more the Crown Prince will rely on her. If this continues, the Jiang Family¡¯s influence will grow too powerful, fostering ambition, which is detrimental to the nation!"


    "Minister Xie, you speak too soon."


    The Emperor smiled: "Jiang Yankun is a smart man. He knows that if he dares to harbor even the slightest disloyal thought, I can annihte the Jiang Family in an instant. Yue''er¡¯s achievements are beyond anything he could have imagined. Right now, he is only filled with fear. How would he dare to influence my son?"


    He could elevate the Jiang Family to great heights out of love for Yue''er, but he could also bring them crashing down for the sake of his son.


    However, the Jiang Family was, after all, Yue''er¡¯s maternal family. Unless absolutely necessary, he didn¡¯t want to harm them.


    If rumors spread that Yue''er had fallen out of favor, leading to disrespect toward her, that was not what he desired.


    Because he knew that Yue''er and the Jiang Family¡¯s ambitions were limited to wealth and status, not the supreme power above the throne, he allowed Yue''er to use her intelligence in state affairs and permitted Jiang Yankun to seek benefits for his family, as long as it didn¡¯t affect the Crown Prince.


    After all, if it weren¡¯t Jiang Yankun, it would be someone else.


    At least both Yue''er and the Jiang Family would prioritize the Crown Prince¡¯s interests.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Since indulging anyone was inevitable, why not indulge the woman he loved?


    Schr Xie sighed: "But human desires are endless. Can Your Majesty guarantee that the Empress will never harbor ambitions to rece you?"


    The Emperor¡¯s wise eyes sparkled like stars: "That is my concern, Minister Xie. There¡¯s no need for you to say more."


    This was a clear indication that he would follow this path to the end, heedless of anyone¡¯s advice.


    *Creak¡ª*


    The door of the imperial study opened. As Schr Xie stepped out, several ministers gathered around him: "Well? What did the Emperor say? Will he take back the Empress¡¯s authority?"


    "Isn¡¯t it obvious? Of course, he will. The Emperor isn¡¯t foolish. How can he allow a woman to dominate him? That would destabilize the court."


    Jiang Yankun snorted coldly: "I¡¯ve never heard of anyone, with the Emperor present, daring to rise above him. No matter how much authority the Empress has, it¡¯s granted by the Emperor. Have you ever heard of the Empress presiding over court affairs from behind a curtain?"


    As soon as he spoke, all the officials who had aligned themselves with the Jiang Family began arguing with the others at the entrance of the imperial study.


    Though they didn¡¯t necessarily support the Empress¡¯s authority, they were eyeing positions as advisors to the Crown Prince, hoping to secure influential roles in the future.


    *Bang!*


    *Crash!*


    The door of the imperial study was struck by something heavy, and the sound of shattering porcin pierced the air. The ministers, who had been loudly quarreling moments ago, fell silent.


    Realizing that their argument had been overheard by the Emperor, they froze.


    The door opened again, and Wang Dequan flicked his horsetail whisk: "The Emperor has decreed that those who insulted the Empress will be fined three months¡¯ sry and receive fifteenshes. If this happens again, the punishment will be severe. As for those who recklessly implicated the Crown Prince, the Investigative Bureau will investigate, and they will be dismissed and prosecuted."


    Another wave ofmentations followed.


    Now, there was no need to test the Emperor¡¯s stance. Those who offended the Empress and the Crown Prince had no way out.

 Chapter 417

    "Schr Xie, you must think of a solution!"


    "Exactly! We can''t let this continue. Schr Xie, you muste up with a n."


    Schr Xie sighed deeply, "I''ve already spoken to the Emperor, saying everything I could, both good and bad. But the Emperor insists on protecting the Empress and the Crown Prince. I truly have no way out."


    "In two months, the Emperor will lead the court officials to the Eastern Mausoleum to pay respects to our ancestors."


    Someone suddenly interjected, "Isn''t the Fifth Prince at the mausoleum?"


    "What do you mean by that?"


    "The Fifth Prince is the legitimate son of thete Empress. By tradition, whether by seniority or legitimacy, he should be the Crown Prince."


    If the Fifth Prince were to be the Crown Prince, the Empress would no longer be able to act so recklessly in pursuit of her ambitions.


    The Emperor has been hesitant to make a decision out of respect for the Crown Prince''s mother.


    Late at night¡ª


    Several high-ranking officials left Schr Xie''s residence, while hidden spies quietly returned to the pce.


    "Xie Huai?"


    "Xie Chenghui''s father?"


    Shuang Jiang nodded, "The ministers who have been inciting opposition against the Empress are all from families with daughters in the pce as concubines. Schr Xie holds great prestige in the Hanlin Academy and was the most likely candidate to join the Grand Secretariat, but..."


    Jiang Xinyue finished her sentence, "But because my father was exceptionally promoted to the Grand Secretariat by Grand Preceptor Jing, he took Schr Xie''s spot, didn''t he?"


    "Not necessarily."


    Shuang Jiang frowned, "The Grand Secretariat isn''t so easy to enter. If Lord Jiang didn''t have the capability, Grand Preceptor Jing wouldn''t have rmended him. It must be that your father had the qualifications, coupled with his status as the Crown Prince''s maternal grandfather, that led to his selection."


    Therefore, it wasn''t a case of her father taking Schr Xie''s ce.


    "It seems it''s time to meet this Schr Xie."


    The night was cool, and the red candle inside the window flickered in the cold breeze. Outside, a light rain fell diagonally, and droplets of water, like broken pearls, dripped silently from the eaves, creating ripples on the ground.


    Xie Huai sat by the window, gazing at the rain, when suddenly a shadow appeared, startling him. "Ah..."


    Upon recognizing the person, his tension eased, and he patted his chest lightly. "You rascal, you scared me half to death."


    Xie Chenghui''s face was cold, "If you''ve done nothing wrong, you wouldn''t fear a knock at your door. Father, you must have done too many wrongs to be so frightened by me."


    "Tsk!"


    Xie Huai red at him, "How dare you speak to your father like that?"


    Xie Chenghui snorted, "Father, you¡¯ve been privately meeting with so many officials during the day, which could be seen as forming cliques. On top of that, you¡¯ve been openly criticizing the Crown Prince and the Empress. Aren¡¯t you afraid of being exposed and having the Emperor strip you of your position?"


    "You ungrateful son!"


    The plump Schr Xie trembled with anger, pointing at his son outside the window and cursing, "Who else would expose me but you, you little brat? Don¡¯t think I don¡¯t know what¡¯s going on in that head of yours! You still refuse to marry, and for whom? Now you¡¯re thinking of betraying me to win favor with that woman, aren¡¯t you? You¡¯ve lost your mind!"


    "Father, please watch your words."


    Xie Chenghui''s expression remained icy, "I haven¡¯t married because I haven¡¯t found the right person. If you insist on making baseless assumptions, let¡¯s go before the Emperor and rify everything. I don¡¯t want to drag anyone into this."


    "You... you really... you¡¯re going to be the death of me..."


    "Aren¡¯t you fond of..."


    The name barely escaped Xie Huai¡¯s lips, so softly that Xie Chenghui almost missed it. "Then why do you keep her portrait hidden in your study?"


    "I¡¯ve told you many times, that portrait was part of a series I painted for the Emperor and the Empress. I thought her beauty deserved to be the centerpiece of the Twelve Beauties collection. Can you not insult my integrity?"


    He did admire the Empress, but when he painted her, there was not a trace of improper thought. He painted the Twelve Beauties openly, naming each after a flower, with the Empress as the first¡ªthe peony.


    The other beauties were still being sought by him and his teacher.


    His father had seen the portrait of the Empress in his study and concluded that his refusal to marry was because of her.


    "If you don¡¯t believe me, ask my teacher. We¡¯ve been working on the Twelve Beauties collection. Isn¡¯t that proof enough?"


    His admiration for the Empress was the most secretive, private, and unspoken thing in his life.


    If he painted her out of personal desire, it would be an insult to her and to his own character.


    He had vowed never to secretly keep a portrait of the Empress.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    He would never do anything that could cause trouble for anyone.


    Xie Huai¡¯s previously firm expression wavered, half-doubtful and half-convinced. "Are you telling the truth?"


    He stroked his beard, somewhat awkwardly clicking his tongue. His anger softened into relief, "I knew it! My son is the most talented young man of the Great Yan Dynasty. How could he harbor such disgraceful thoughts? This is the son of the Xie family I know! Why are you standing outside? Come in! It¡¯s raining so hard, don¡¯t catch a cold."


    It was as if he had just noticed his son standing under the eaves.


    Xie Chenghui pushed his father¡¯s hand away, "You didn¡¯t start targeting the Empress because of that portrait in my study, did you?"


    "Of course not!"


    Xie Huai tried to argue, but under his son¡¯s sharp gaze, he faltered. "Well, not entirely. I was already nning to advise the Emperor against allowing the Empress¡¯s family to gain too much power, fearing it would harm the Crown Prince in the future."


    At first, he hadn¡¯t intended to impeach Jiang Xinyue. He had hoped to reason with the Emperor. If the Emperor listened, that would be ideal. If not, there was little he could do.


    After all, the empire belonged to the Emperor. How could a mere official defy him?


    But the portrait in his son¡¯s study had nted seeds of suspicion in his mind, leading him to view the Empress with unwarranted prejudice.


    That was why he had fixated on Jiang Xinyue, staying upte to scrutinize her memorials, searching for any evidence to present to the Emperor.


    He wanted the Emperor to see her as dangerous, to recognize her cunning and ambition, and to strip her of her power.


    Yet, after presenting his findings, the Emperor hadn¡¯t shown shock or displeasure. Instead, he seemed to admire the Empress even more.


    When court officials deliberately argued at the study¡¯s entrance to test the Emperor¡¯s stance, they were swiftly dealt with by his iron hand.


    How could he admit to his son that he hadn¡¯t even had the chance to confront the Empress before being shut down by the Emperor?

 Chapter 418

    Xie Chenghui nced at her father with displeasure: "In any case, you should stay out of such matters in the future. Grand Preceptor Jing is the Crown Prince''s teacher and holds the position of Chief Grand Councilor. He has already made an exception to bring Lord Jiang into the cab. Whose side do you think he''s on?"


    Only then did Grand Secretary Xie realize that in this matter, Grand Preceptor Jing had been as invisible as a ghost¡ªwhy hadn¡¯t he spoken up at all?


    Whether he agreed or disagreed, he had never clearly stated his position.


    But every time someone vehemently opposed the Empress, he would always bring up the Crown Prince.


    He would say that the young prince was lively, sensible, and had a strong sense of autonomy. Despite his young age, he was articte and good at expressing his emotions, and he would undoubtedly grow into an excellent heir to the throne.


    In doing so, he subtly reassured everyone that there was no need to worry about the Empress ruining the Crown Prince, as the young prince still had his own ideas.


    But no one believed that the Empress, who had tasted the pinnacle of power, could ever let go of the sword of authority in her hands.


    The next day¡ª


    While Xie Huai was on his way back from court, he heard that his brother-inw had gotten into trouble and had already been imprisoned by Ma Yiyang, the Minister of Justice.


    Upon hearing this devastating news, his wife had fainted.


    Her brother was her only sibling and the sole male heir to continue the family line.


    Madam Pang, being eighteen years older than her brother, had practically raised him as her own son.


    Xie Huai knew that he had offended the Empress, and now his wife¡¯s family was suffering the consequences.


    He rushed to the Ministry of Punishment, only to be stopped at the prison gates: "Grand Secretary Xie, this ce is filled with vicious criminals. Youe from a noble schrly family¡ªwhat business do you have in such a filthy ce?"


    Hadn¡¯t he criticized the Empress, saying that her humble origins made her prone to clinging to power?


    The officials at the Ministry of Punishment had already received orders from Ma Yiyang to humiliate Grand Secretary Xie.


    So what if he came from a prestigious background?


    Did that give him the right to insult others?


    Even those of humble origins knew the principles of propriety, righteousness, and shame¡ªthey knew what was right and what was wrong.


    No wonder Grand Preceptor Jing hadn¡¯t included Xie Huai in the cab but instead chose the Empress¡¯s father. It seemed the old man had good judgment.


    If someone like Xie Huai, who divided people into sses, had been selected, he would have only worked for the benefit of the noble families, leaving themon people to suffer.


    Xie Huai was unaware that his inappropriate remarks, made when he mistakenly thought his son was fond of the Empress, had already been spread far and wide by Jiang Xinyue.


    The Emperor had always suppressed the noble families and prioritized the imperial examinations, promoting talented individuals from humble backgrounds. Xie Huai¡¯s statement that those of low birth were shortsighted and prone to greed was essentially questioning the Emperor¡¯s judgment.


    The Ministry of Punishment was a ce of chaos, and Ma Yiyang himself came from a humble background. When selecting officials, he didn¡¯t care about their origins¡ªonly their abilities mattered.


    Xie Huai¡¯s words had struck a nerve.


    Madam Pang¡¯s younger brother, Young Master Pang, came from the Pang family, which had once been a respected noble family. However, since the Emperor¡¯s ascension, the noble families had fallen out of favor, and the Pangs had declined.


    Over the years, the Pang family had been gued by illness and death, leaving only Young Master Pang as thest remaining heir. Madam Pang had spoiled him rotten.


    In the capital, he was known as a troublemaker, always causing mischief, teasing women, and stirring up trouble.


    Out of respect for Grand Secretary Xie, people in the capital usually turned a blind eye to his antics and didn¡¯t hold him ountable.


    He was also a coward at heart, only daring to make suggestive remarks and never taking any real action.


    But this time, Jiang Xinyue had set a trap for him, and how could he escape?


    The girl selling herself to bury her father by the roadside was actually a tea-serving maid from a brothel, hired for twenty taels of silver. With her tearful demeanor and fragile appearance, she easily stirred Young Master Pang¡¯s mischievous side.


    He insisted on taking the girl by force, and in broad daylight, he and his friends tried to drag her away in front of the entire capital.


    The girl, though seemingly delicate, had a fierce spirit. She immediately dashed her head against the stone lion at the entrance of a nearby house and died on the spot.


    Young Master Pang was terrified on the spot and was promptly arrested by the Ministry of Punishment, thrown into the prison without dy.


    To make matters worse, the family whose stone lion the girl had used to end her life was now demandingpensation, iming that Young Master Pang had ruined their feng shui.


    These were minor issues, but the real problem was that after Jiang Yankun joined the cab, the new Minister of Justice, Ma Yiyang, was a ruthless man. It was said that the number of tortures in the Ministry of Punishment¡¯s prison had increased by more than a dozen since Jiang Yankun¡¯s time.


    Each one was designed to inflict unbearable pain.


    That was why Madam Pang had fainted upon hearing that her brother had been thrown into the Ministry of Punishment¡¯s prison.


    That ce was easy to enter but hard to leave.


    If something happened to him, the Pang family line woulde to an end.


    "You... you..."


    Xie Huai¡¯s hand trembled as he pointed at the group of rough-looking constables from the Ministry of Punishment, his face flushed with anger.


    He knew full well that his brother-inw¡¯s public arrest was a trap set by the Empress through the Ministry of Punishment.


    He knew exactly what kind of person his brother-inw was¡ªeven if he were given a hundred chances, he wouldn¡¯t dare to cause a death.


    But what could he say?


    His brother-inw had caused a death in front of everyone. Knowing it was a trap was useless; the people wouldn¡¯t believe him.


    If the Ministry of Punishment executed his brother-inw ording to thew, they would have no grounds to protest.


    The Empress¡¯s methods were truly formidable, leaving him in utter misery.


    If his brother-inw lost his life, his wife would likely hang herself.


    This was a n to destroy his family!


    "Grand Secretary Xie is a man of integrity, but it seems there has been some misunderstanding regarding our Empress. Her Majesty is willing to give you a chance to clear up this misunderstanding. What do you say?"


    Xi Que had left the pce today with the Internal Affairs Department¡¯s procurement eunuch. Sometimes, when the Empress wanted small trinkets or snacks, Xi Que would apany the eunuch, and it wouldn¡¯t attract much attention.


    Especially since she was already engaged to Meng Qingyu, and everyone in the pce knew it. Even if she requested permission to leave the pce to meet with Meng Qingyu, it wouldn¡¯t raise any eyebrows.


    No one would have guessed that Xi Que¡¯s trip outside wasn¡¯t for romance but to carry out an important task for the Empress.


    With the Empress¡¯s most trusteddy-in-waiting personally delivering the message, how could Xie Huai refuse?


    In a teahouse by the street, Jiang Xinyue emerged from her cloak, revealing her stunningly beautiful face.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    Jiang Chuan poured her a cup of tea: "Your Majesty, will Grand Secretary Xiee?"


    "He has no choice."


    If even his wife¡¯s fainting couldn¡¯t make him reconsider and he insisted on siding with those stubborn old fools, then Young Master Pang¡¯s fake crime would be a real one.


    She would grant him his wish to remain loyal to his principles¡ªand let his family be destroyed.


    Reform always requires bloodshed.

 Chapter 419

    "The private room on the second floor has been reserved? Who¡¯s so bold? I¡¯m going up to see for myself."


    "Young Master Shi, you can¡¯t go up¡­ you can¡¯t! There¡¯s a distinguished guest up there. If you cause trouble, this humble shop won¡¯t be able to exin itself!"


    Jiang Xinyue had kept her trip a secret. She didn¡¯t want to make a scene or be recognized, so she had reserved the entire second floor of the teahouse. All her guards were hidden in the shadows, and they wouldn¡¯t reveal themselves unless she gave the order.


    "I¡¯ll see for myself just who this so-called distinguished guest is. Speak up¡­"


    "Thud!"


    As soon as Shi Jinlei stepped behind the screen, he was pinned to the table by Jiang Xinyue¡¯s personal guards.


    "Ah! Murder! Who do you think you are? How dare youy hands on me? Do you know who I am? I¡¯m Shi¡­"


    "Throw him out!"


    At Jiang Xinyue¡¯smand, the guards grabbed him by the cor and prepared to toss him down the stairs.


    Shi Jinlei was too stunned to react, his eyes fixed on the breathtakingly beautiful woman before him. Even as he was thrown out the window, he couldn¡¯t tear his gaze away from her.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    "Thud!"


    "Ouch! That hurt like hell¡­"


    "Your Majesty, Minister Xie has arrived."


    Xie Huai cautiously observed Jiang Xinyue¡¯s face, so stunning it seemed to overshadow the heavens and earth. He couldn¡¯t reconcile her beauty with the word "ambitious."


    After all, in the eyes of men, a woman of such beauty was little more than a decorative vase, meant to be admired and nothing more.


    But Empress Jiang Xinyue was not just a beauty. She possessed wisdom and strategic acumen that far surpassed others.


    If she had been born a man, she would have undoubtedly made a name for herself in the imperial court.


    Perhaps she could have even rivaled the Grand Tutor Jing.


    Inside the teahouse¡¯s private room, the air was filled with the soothing aroma of tea and the warmth of burning charcoal. The calming scents of tea and wood intertwined, instantly soothing any restless hearts.


    Empress Jiang Xinyue¡¯s movements as she poured tea were graceful and elegant. Her striking beauty and noble demeanor elevated the modest tea room to a higher standard.


    The sound of water trickling into the teacup seemed to strike a chord with Xie Huai, who bowed respectfully. "Your humble servant¡­ greets Her Majesty, the Empress."


    As the sound of water ceased, Jiang Xinyue set down the teapot. "Minister Xie, please take a seat."


    The golden hue of the tea exuded a rich fragrance, and the tea leaves swirled in the cup, a testament to the Empress¡¯s skill in brewing tea.


    Xie Huai couldn¡¯t help but grumble inwardly: How did Jiang Yankun raise his children? None of his legitimate children amounted to much. Two of the three legitimate heirs had died, leaving only Jiang Dng, who held a mediocre position in the Ministry of Rites.


    On the other hand, the illegitimate children had all achieved remarkable sess.


    No¡­ not just remarkable¡ªextraordinary sess.


    When Empress Jiang Xinyue entered the pce as a concubine at the age of fifteen, she was already proficient in music, chess, calligraphy, and painting. It was even said she could speak multiplenguages.


    How could a child raised as a concubine¡¯s daughter be so aplished?


    It was as if¡­


    "Minister Xie, please enjoy your tea."


    While Xie Huai¡¯s thoughts were in turmoil, Jiang Xinyue¡¯s gaze met his with a gentle smile. He froze, as if someone had pressed a pause button, and mechanically took a seat across from her. "Your Majesty¡­"


    "I much prefer the way you used to call me ¡®the scheming Empress¡¯ with such defiance, Minister Xie."


    "ng!"


    The teacup slipped from his hand and fell onto the table, spilling tea everywhere. His robes were soaked.


    ¡­


    Shi Jinlei picked himself up off the ground, still craning his neck to look up at the second floor. "Beautiful! Truly beautiful! I need to find out who thatdy is so my father can propose a marriage alliance."


    His group of spoiled friends rushed out of the teahouse, eager for action. "Brother, who dared to throw you down from upstairs? Let¡¯s go teach them a lesson. Brother, why aren¡¯t you saying anything?"


    "Whoever dared to mess with our brother is going to regret it. I¡¯ll go gather more men. They won¡¯t leave this teahouse alive."


    "I think I saw Minister Xie Huai being escorted upstairs earlier. We should be careful. Minister Xie isn¡¯t someone to be trifled with."


    Back when thete Emperor was still alive, Xie Huai¡¯s father had been highly favored, overseeing the Hanlin Academy, the sacred ce for schrs. Every top candidate in the imperial examinations had to pass through the Hanlin Academy before being assigned to their official posts.


    Even Empress Jiang Xinyue¡¯s father had started in the Hanlin Academy before being rmended to the Ministry of Rites.


    As for Xie Chenghui of the Xie family, he was on apletely different level from them.


    While they were still relying on their family names to bully others, Xie Chenghui had already be a court painter, highly esteemed and chosen to paint the official portraits of the Emperor and Empress.


    Their fathers often praised Xie Chenghui, saying the Emperor adored his work and had hung his paintings in Chengqian Pce.


    Nowadays, Xie Chenghui¡¯s paintings were priceless treasures.


    "Xie Huai?"


    Shi Jinlei rolled up his sleeves. "That old lecher! His son is already as old as that youngdy, yet he¡¯s still keeping a mistress. The Emperor has already decreed that keeping a mistress is against the neww and punishable by imprisonment. That old fool must have sweet-talked that youngdy into it. I¡¯m going to expose him."


    "Brothers, wait here. When that old pervertes out, we¡¯ll give him a good beating."


    The sky after the rain was a brilliant blue, with white clouds floating like fluffy cotton candy. The golden sunlight filtered through the clouds, casting a holy glow over the ck-tiled roofs and white walls of the city.


    Bridges, carriages, shops, women, children¡­


    Cries, shouts,ughter, curses, vendors¡¯ calls¡­


    The bustling life of the capital was vivid and alive.


    Shi Jinlei waited from morning until the sun was high in the sky, but the beautifuldy never emerged from the teahouse. Instead, he saw Minister Xie Huai stumbling down the stairs, looking dazed.


    That old lecher must have been dazzled by her beauty!


    "Let¡¯s go. We¡¯ll ambush that old scoundrel and give him a beating."


    Since she was a mistress, she wouldn¡¯t leave with Xie Huai. After dealing with him, they could follow thedy home and find out who she was.


    But Shi Jinlei waited until sunset without seeing Jiang Xinyue leave through the front door.


    When they finally went back in to ask, the teahouse owner said thedy had already left through the back door.


    Sneaking around like that¡ªwhat else could she be but a mistress?


    Ah¡­


    Such a beauty, yet reduced to such a state.


    But finding her wouldn¡¯t be impossible.


    It was said that Minister Xie Huai was terrified of his wife. If they leaked the news to Madam Xie, she would surely make a scene.


    And when she did, they could finally uncover the identity of the beautifuldy.


    Jiang Xinyue had no idea that her brief appearance had already caught the attention of a notorious flirt.


    With Minister Xie Huai dealt with, she breathed a sigh of relief. The rest were just a ragtag bunch, not worth worrying about.

 Chapter 420

    Early the next morning, Grand Secretary Xie appeared at court with panda eyes and a swollen face, yet he praised the Empress Dowager''s actions as benefiting the people.


    Had Xie Huai undergone a change of heart?


    Just yesterday, everyone had been dining, drinking, and cursing the Empress Dowager together. How had he transformed so drastically overnight?


    The Xuanwu Emperor, looking at his injuries, couldn''t help but chuckle, "Minister Xie speaks wisely. The imperial examinations next spring shall be entrusted to your arrangements."


    Xie Huai: Your Majesty sure knows how to climb thedder when it''s offered!


    The officials who had previously stood on the same side as Xie Huai now red at him with fury, feeling betrayed and united in their resentment.


    Xie Huai was unable to voice his grievances and could only grit his teeth and ept the task.


    To make matters worse, that scoundrel Jiang Yankun, after the court session, warmly slung an arm over his shoulder, acting like they were the best of friends, "Ah, Brother Xie! Tomorrow is my day off. Bring your wife over for a meal. My wife will personally cook for you. Don¡¯t you love Jiangnan cuisine? My wife is from Jiangnan, and her local dishes will surely suit your taste. It''s settled then!"


    "Was Xie Huai beaten by the Empress Dowager''s people? Look at how terrified he is! Was he threatened?"


    "Impossible. That scoundrel Xie Huai has been beaten plenty of times before. The Empress Dowager must have offered him immense benefits to make him change his tune so quickly. That cunning old fox has yed us all for fools."


    "So his opposition to the Empress Dowager was just a ploy to gain her favor? He¡¯s using us as cannon fodder! What kind of future do we have now?"


    Their fears were justified.


    After Jiang Xinyue "gently" dealt with Xie Huai, her iron-fisted methods would soon be turned on them.


    Over the next half month, they no longer had the energy to oppose the Empress Dowager''s new policies, as each of their families faced cmities, with some even losing their lives.


    The court officials were reced one after another, and gradually, no one dared to utter a word of dissent.


    Jiang Xinyue''s presence made them realize a harsh truth: those whoplied would thrive, while those who opposed would perish.


    Reform required bloodshed, but it was the blood of those who opposed the Empress Dowager.


    The day before Jiang Xinyue''s due date, several officials who supported Concubine Shi as the new Empress were assassinated or investigated. Even among themon folk, rumors spread that the Empress Dowager would not tolerate any opposition.


    Concubine Shi''s poprity as a candidate for Empress was high, but it seemed she too would not live long.


    Jiang Xinyue paid no heed to these rumors, calmly awaiting childbirth in Kunning Pce.


    The Emperor, after morning court sessions, would return to Kunning Pce and stay by her side, not leaving even for a moment. Her first childbirth, when she delivered the Crown Prince, had left him deeply traumatized.


    Nanny Xiang teased him, "Your Majesty, there''s no need to be so nervous. Your anxiety will only make Her Majesty more fearful. Women who have given birth before often find the second delivery much easier. The Empress Dowager is in excellent health, and this birth will go smoothly."


    "Ugh!"


    The Emperor covered his mouth, his expression pained, "I don¡¯t want to be nervous, but I feel so nauseous."


    Even when the court officials threatened to boycott the court unless he stripped Jiang Xinyue of her power, he hadn¡¯t been this anxious.


    After all, if any court official were removed, their subordinates could immediately rece them. The Great Yan Dynasty wouldn¡¯t copse without any one person.


    But if something happened to Yue''er, there would never be another Yue''er. If she were gone, she would be gone forever. Just the thought of it was unbearable.


    Jiang Xinyue hadn¡¯t been afraid initially, but seeing him like this, her heart, which had been calm, now felt three parts uneasy.


    Frowning, she said with some irritation, "Why don¡¯t you step outside? Your presence is making me more nervous."


    The Emperor, still feeling nauseous, replied, "I really want to stay with you, but... I¡¯ll wait outside. If you need me, just call for me."


    The pain from her first childbirth was still vivid in her memory. Though she was mentally prepared this time, fear still lingered.


    Nanny Xiang and the midwives allforted her, "Your Majesty, don¡¯t be afraid. Breathe deeply and exhale. The contractions have just started; there¡¯s still a long way to go."


    "Indeed, Your Majesty, the second birth won¡¯t be as painful as the first. Don¡¯t be afraid. The little prince will slip right out, quick and easy!"


    Their chatter helped ease Jiang Xinyue''s nerves, and the anxiety the Emperor had stirred in her gradually subsided.


    Taking a few deep breaths, the waves of pain became more bearable.


    Outside the room¡ª


    Concubine Shi clenched her fists tightly inside her sleeves, though her face maintained aposed smile.


    "ng!"


    A young maid from Kunning Pce, serving tea to Concubine Shi, tripped over something unseen and fell at her feet, spilling tea on her embroidered shoes and the hem of her dress.


    The maid nced back but only saw the Chengqian Pce maids standing respectfully behind the Emperor.


    Without time to think, she hurriedly begged for Concubine Shi''s forgiveness.


    This was Kunning Pce''s territory, and even if Concubine Shi was furious, she couldn¡¯t punish one of Jiang Xinyue''s maids during such a critical moment.


    She didn¡¯t have the authority.


    Concubine Shi smiled gently and helped the maid up, "I¡¯m fine. Are you hurt? Get up quickly."


    The maid, overwhelmed by her kindness, stood up but failed to notice the venomous re Concubine Shi shot at her eunuch.


    Mu Qianqian, standing behind the Emperor with her head bowed and bangs covering her eyes, smirked briefly before resuming her expressionless stance, blending into the background.


    Consort Shu, Consort Liang, and Noble Consort Ye were all on edge. Yesterday, while ying cards with them, Her Majesty had suddenlyined of stomach pains. Unprepared, they had frantically rushed her back to Kunning Pce.


    For this, the Emperor had scolded them harshly, even threatening to cut off their gambling hands if anything happened to Her Majesty.


    Heaven knows, ever since the Second Princess''s marriage to the grandson of Princess Yunyang was set for the new year, Consort Liang, being close to the Second Princess, had been as busy as a spinning top.


    Moreover, the Empress Dowager had been preupied with reviewing memorials, and they hadn¡¯t had a chance to y cards together in a long time.


    Finally, on the eve of Her Majesty''s delivery, with the Second Princess''s dowry nearly ready, they had managed to arrange a game.


    Who could have guessed that just before dawn the next day, the Empress Dowager would go intobor?


    Speaking of which, there were several joyous eventsing up in the new year.


    The Second Princess was to be married, the maid Xi Que was also to be wed, and it seemed the Empress Dowager''s younger sister was set to marry into the Cavalry General''s Mansion.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    However, as the Second Princess was of royal blood, the Imperial Astronomers had chosen the most auspicious day for her wedding, and all other weddings in the capital would have to yield to hers.


    Though their wedding dates weren¡¯t far apart.


    But I digress...


    Why is the Empress Dowager so quiet this time during childbirth?

 Chapter 421

    The Emperor and Consort Liang shared the same confusion. He stood up, sat down, then stood up again, pacing to the door and peering inside. "Consort Liang, did you scream when you gave birth to the eldest princess?"


    Consort Liang immediately sprang up from her chair. This was her moment to shine. "Of course I did! How could I not? Has Your Majesty never heard the imperial physicians say that giving birth is like having ten ribs broken all at once? It¡¯s excruciating! Didn¡¯t the Empress scream a lot when she gave birth to the Crown Prince?"


    The Emperor''s heart tightened. "Then why isn¡¯t she screaming now?"


    How would Consort Liang know why the Empress wasn¡¯t screaming? Perhaps Her Majesty had an iron will and could endure the pain?


    Concubine Shi forced a bitter smile. "Your Majesty, there¡¯s no need to worry. If anything were amiss, someone would havee out to inform you. With so many experienced midwives and skilled medical attendants assisting, Her Majesty will surely deliver the Seventh Prince safely."


    The Emperor, his mind entirely focused on Jiang Xinyue, didn¡¯t fully grasp the deeper meaning of her words. He took them at face value and felt slightly reassured. His restless heart calmed a little.


    Consort Liang rolled her eyes and muttered to Consort Shu, "She¡¯s always got something to say, doesn¡¯t she? Acting like she knows everything. All that nonsense was just to imply that if the Empress screams now, it¡¯s because she¡¯s being dramatic, since so many people are already attending to her."


    Consort Shu nudged her with an elbow. "She¡¯s looking at you. She probably heard you."


    Consort Liang rolled her eyes even harder. "Let her look. I¡¯m not afraid of her. If she has the guts, let here at me. I¡¯ll bite her to death."


    "You¡¯re not a dog."


    "I¡¯m the Empress¡¯s loyal dog," Consort Liang whispered suddenly into Consort Shu¡¯s ear. "And so are you."


    Consort Shu was speechless.


    How dare she insult her like that?


    She was clearly the Empress¡¯s beloved little undergarment.


    Inside the room¡ª


    Jiang Xinyue clenched her teeth, pushing again and again without making a sound.


    Having gone through childbirth once before, she knew to conserve her energy.


    More importantly, she no longer needed the Emperor¡¯s pity to make him anxious for her.


    "Your Majesty, push a little harder. Half of the Seventh Prince¡¯s hair is already out."


    "Really? You¡¯re not lying to me likest time, are you?"


    Xi Que leaned in, her eyes wide. "Your Majesty, it¡¯s true. If I¡¯m lying this time, I¡¯ll be a dog. The Seventh Prince¡¯s hair is even thicker than the Crown Prince¡¯s. He¡¯s going to be so handsome."


    Jiang Xinyue didn¡¯t deny it. Both she and the Xuanwu Emperor were good-looking, so their child was bound to be beautiful.


    The pressure below was intense, butpared to her first delivery, it was much easier. She gathered all her strength and pushed hard, feeling something slip out of her body.


    "It¡¯s out! It¡¯s out!"


    "Quick, cut the umbilical cord."


    "He¡¯s so clean and adorable."


    "Wait,e and look at this!"


    The Seventh Prince, now swaddled, was carried out by Xi Que, while Nanny Xiang stayed inside to keep watch.


    Jiang Xinyue didn¡¯t trust the midwives or the scheming people in the pce.


    That¡¯s why the Crown Prince had Nanny L¨¹ and Shuang Jiang guarding him, and only Xi Que was allowed to carry the newborn. Inside the delivery room, Nanny Xiang kept an eye on things, while Jiang Chuan and Xiao Xiangzi waited outside the screen, ready to carry out Her Majesty¡¯s orders.


    Yan the Imperial Physician was in the side room, ready to be summoned if anything went wrong.


    Originally, the Emperor had wanted Yan to wait behind the screen, but Jiang Xinyue refused.


    It wasn¡¯t that she had anything against medical professionals; she just couldn¡¯t get past the psychological barrier.


    Having the midwives check how many centimeters her cervix had dted was already embarrassing enough. Imagining a male obstetrician delivering her baby was simply too much for her to handle.


    Even if she tried to think of him as a cabbage, it didn¡¯t help.


    She also didn¡¯t believe she was in any real danger. No one dared to harm her now.


    After all, the consequences were more than anyone could bear.


    Who in themon folk didn¡¯t know that the Empress was ruthless and unyielding?


    "Your Majesty! Congrattions, the Empress has given birth to another prince!"


    "A prince?"


    The Emperor was pleased but not overly excited. He nced at the Seventh Prince, who was fair-skinned but slightly red, cradled in Xi Que¡¯s arms, but made no move to hold him.


    He calmly uttered one word: "Reward!"


    The Empress had added another legitimate prince to the royal family, a great blessing for the nation and its people. Naturally, rewards were in order.


    Consort Shu and Consort Liang were more excited than he was, crowding around to see the Seventh Prince. "Wow! He¡¯s so adorable. His eyes aren¡¯t even open yet, but his eyelids are so big. Doesn¡¯t he look like a little girl? So pretty!"


    "Let me see, let me see!"


    "I think he looks like a little girl too. So beautiful, just like the Empress!"


    "Look, look! He opened his eyes and nced at me. Does he agree with what Consort Shu said? Come on, smile for me, little one!"


    The Emperor nced over. The tiny bundle had his eyes closed, his face small and delicate, with a pointed chin. He was noticeably fairer than most newborns.


    But¡­


    Consort Shu and Consort Liang were exaggerating. How could this little fellowpare to Jiang Xinyue¡¯s beauty?


    If he resembled her even a little, it was already a blessing.


    "How is Jiang Xinyue? Is she alright?"


    Xi Que smiled. "The Seventh Prince is considerate of his mother. Her Majesty delivered quickly this time and didn¡¯t suffer too much."


    Hearing this, the Emperor felt relieved.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    When she gave birth to the Crown Prince, her screams had torn at his heart. This time, the absence of her cries had made him anxious and restless.


    He had been terrified that something might happen to her.


    Thankfully, everything was fine.


    "May I go in now?"


    Jiang Xinyue had trained her man well. He now knew not to barge into ces she hadn¡¯t permitted and even asked for permission.


    "Xi Que! Xi Que,e in quickly!"


    "What¡¯s wrong? What¡¯s wrong?"


    The Emperor was more frantic than Xi Que, craning his neck to shout inside. "Is something wrong with Jiang Xinyue? Yan the Imperial Physician! Where is he? Get in there now!"


    "Yan the Imperial Physician is here! He¡¯s here!"


    The tall, thin old man ran as fast as he could, about to enter, when a furious shout stopped him in his tracks: "Get out!"


    "Right away!"


    Yan the Imperial Physician, who had just crossed the threshold, immediately turned on his heel and returned to the Emperor. "Your Majesty, Her Majesty¡¯s voice is strong and full of energy. She¡¯s clearly in excellent condition and doesn¡¯t need me."


    Xi Que quickly carried the Seventh Prince back inside.


    "Xi Que, how is she? How is Jiang Xinyue?"


    "Speak!"


    Xi Que¡¯s voice trembled. "Your¡­ Your Majesty, there¡¯s another one in Her Majesty¡¯s womb!"

 Chapter 423

    ¡°What on earth is going on?¡±


    The Emperor looked at Jiang Xinyue lying on the bed, her brows and eyes softened as if she were smiling, yet she remained unconscious. ¡°Didn¡¯t you say she was fine? Why hasn¡¯t she woken up even after a whole day? I¡¯ve tried everything to rouse her.¡±


    Yan the Imperial Physician was beginning to panic. He checked her pulse again and even lifted her eyelids to examine her. ¡°This shouldn¡¯t be happening! I didn¡¯t detect twins earlier¡ªperhaps the Seventh Prince was blocking the Third Princess. But Her Majesty didn¡¯t suffer a difficult birth, nor did she hemorrhage. There¡¯s no reason for her to be in aa!¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t want to hear your excuses. Wake her up immediately, or I¡¯ll have your heads.¡±


    ¡°Your Majesty, please calm down¡­ let this old servant think of a solution¡­ think of a solution¡­¡±


    He was desperate. If Jiang Xinyue didn¡¯t recover, the Yan Family would be doomed. Over the years, he had aligned himself with the Empress, and in doing so, he had made many enemies. If anything happened to her, those enemies would tear him apart.


    And what about his daughter? She had married half a year ago and was now pregnant. Though her husband¡¯s family doted on her, who knew if it was out of genuine affection or fear of the Yan Family¡¯s close ties with the Empress?


    For the sake of the Yan Family¡¯s prosperity, for his hard-earned position as the head of the Imperial Hospital, and for his daughter¡¯s marital happiness, he had to wake the Empress, no matter what.


    As night fell, everyone in Kunning Pce prayed for the Empress¡¯s recovery. However, one wet nurse, Yun Niang, kept passing gas.


    The wet nurse sharing the room with Yun Niang couldn¡¯t take it anymore. She rushed out of the side chamber and went straight to the head maid. ¡°Nanny, I can¡¯t stand it anymore. Please let Yun Niang go to the restroom. It¡¯s unbearable¡ªshe keeps farting.¡±


    How could she feed the Seventh Prince and Third Princess like this?


    ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡±


    The head maid pushed the door open and was immediately hit by a foul smell. She quickly stepped back. ¡°What did you eat?¡±


    Yun Niang¡¯s face turned red with embarrassment. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Nanny. I¡­ I might have kicked off the nketst night and caught a chill in my stomach. I didn¡¯t mean to¡­¡±


    She clutched her stomach, looking pained. The head maid waved her hand and called for two maids. ¡°Take Yun Niang to the restroom. Remember, Eunuch Tang has ordered that until the truth behind Her Majesty¡¯s condition is uncovered, no one is to act alone.¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    The two young maids were under Xi Que¡¯s supervision. They were lively and clever, but like their leader, theycked a bit ofmon sense.


    Along the way, Yun Niang continued to pass gas. By the time they reached the restroom, she looked even more embarrassed. She turned to one of the maids and said, ¡°I¡¯m so sorry to trouble you, but¡­ my undergarments seem to be soiled. Could you please go back and fetch me a clean pair?¡±


    The maid, feeling sorry for her, quickly agreed. She told the other maid to keep a close eye on Yun Niang, warning her that Xi Que would scold them if they messed up.


    Once the maid left, Yun Niang entered the restroom. Not long after, the door to the adjacent stall opened.


    The maid guarding the door nced over but quickly turned her attention back to Yun Niang¡¯s stall.


    A nk between the two stalls was quietly removed, and a figure in blue leaned over. ¡°Did you put the medicine I gave you into the Empress¡¯s tonic? Why is she in aa? She was supposed to bleed to death!¡±


    Yun Niang broke into a cold sweat, her heart pounding. ¡°I was too nervous. I hadn¡¯t finished pouring the medicine when Nanny Xiang came to take the tonic. I only managed to put a little in before I ran off. If Nanny Xiang had caught me, I¡¯d be finished.¡±


    ¡°You fool¡­ you had the perfect chance to get rid of Jiang Xinyue, and you wasted it. If she wakes up and investigates, you¡¯ll be the first one theye after. I¡¯ll deny everything.¡±


    ¡°What should I do then?¡±


    ¡°Finish what you started. Kill Jiang Xinyue. Only her death can save you. Otherwise, the people in her pce will track you down in no time.¡±


    ¡°But how can I¡­ she¡¯s the Empress¡­¡±


    ¡°Yun Niang, are you done? I thought I heard you talking to someone.¡±


    ¡°Oh, no, no¡­ I¡¯m alone in here. Who would I be talking to? You cane in and see for yourself.¡±


    Just as the maid with the clean undergarments pushed the door open, the nk between the stalls was hastily put back in ce, and the figure in blue slipped away.


    The two maids looked at Yun Niang, who was still squatting over the chamber pot. ¡°Hurry up. If we¡¯rete, Nanny will scold us.¡±


    The towering pce walls and majestic rooftops held no interest for the Fourth Prince.


    He and the Crown Prince had just been in the Imperial Library, undergoing an examination by Grand Preceptor Jing, when Xiao Xiangzi from Kunning Pce came running, out of breath, to inform them that their father had summoned them back immediately.


    The two boys rushed into Kunning Pce, barely noticing the Emperor sitting by the bed. They threw themselves at Jiang Xinyue¡¯s bedside, her peaceful, closed eyes making them fear the worst.


    ¡°Mother! Mother!¡±


    ¡°Mother¡­ wu wu¡­ Mother¡­¡±


    The Crown Prince cried so hard that snot bubbles formed. ¡°Mother, get up¡­ get up and fly kites with me¡­ wu wu¡­ Little Dumpling wants to fly kites.¡±


    His words were still babyish and unclear, his sobs punctuated by hups.


    The Fourth Prince clung to Jiang Xinyue¡¯s hand, rubbing it against his cheek. ¡°Mother, didn¡¯t you say you¡¯d test Little Dumpling and me on our studies after Grand Preceptor Jing¡¯s lesson today? We¡¯re back now. Please wake up. I even taught Little Dumpling a poem. Listen¡­¡±


    ¡°The threads of a loving mother¡¯s hands¡­ wu wu¡­ sewing clothes¡­ Mother sewed Little Dumpling¡¯s clothes¡­¡±


    The Crown Prince climbed over the Emperor and onto the bed, lying directly on Jiang Xinyue¡¯s chest. When he heard her heartbeat, he suddenly sat up and pointed at her chest, eximing to the Fourth Prince, ¡°Fourth Brother, Mother¡¯s heart¡­ is beating!¡±


    The Fourth Prince, who had been crying uncontrobly, quickly wiped his tears and grabbed Jiang Xinyue¡¯s hand. ¡°It¡¯s warm! Mother is still alive!¡±n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    He looked up at the Emperor. ¡°Father, where¡¯s the physician? Call the physician to save Mother!¡±


    The Emperor had been keeping vigil by the bed all night, his head heavy with exhaustion. Tang Shiliang stepped forward to support him. ¡°Your Majesty, please rest in the side chamber for a while. If Her Majesty wakes, I¡¯ll inform you immediately.¡±


    The Emperor patted the Crown Prince¡¯s head and lifted him off Jiang Xinyue. ¡°Xiao Man, take good care of your brother. Yan the Imperial Physician will be here soon to administer acupuncture. I¡¯ll rest for a bit, but I¡¯ll be close by if anything happens.¡±


    He couldn¡¯t stay during the acupuncture session. If Yan the Imperial Physician became nervous and made a mistake, it could be fatal.


    ¡°Don¡¯t guard the door. I¡¯ll rest for a while. Keep an eye on Xinyue. I won¡¯t tolerate any harming to her.¡±


    He needed to regain his strength so he could thoroughly investigate the cause of Xinyue¡¯sa.

 Chapter 424

    The pce maids around the emperor also worked in shifts. During the handover, the maids at the entrance of Chengqian Pce looked at Mu Qianqian in surprise: "You..."


    Mu Qianqian kept her gaze straight ahead, standing at the entrance, ignoring their stares.


    What was the matter?


    Was it just because she revealed a face strikingly simr to that of the Empress?


    Was it only fair for Jiang Xinyue to be as beautiful as a flower, while Mu Qianqian couldn''t be as stunning as a fish-drowning, goose-falling beauty?


    When Wang Dequan followed the emperor to the side hall, his eyes immediately fell upon the radiant Mu Qianqian.


    Like the others, she wore the attire of a pce maid, but her figure was more graceful than any other maid''s, especially her face, which bore such a striking resemnce to the Empress that it was impossible not to notice.


    The emperor''s steps faltered for a moment. Indeed, could she no longer restrain herself?


    He showed no particr expression, and Mu Qianqian couldn''t help but lower her head in disappointment. She and another maid pushed open the door to allow the emperor and Wang Dequan to enter.


    Wang Dequan''s cold and sharp eyes lingered on Mu Qianqian for a moment, making her feel as though her breath had been stolen.


    But she had to climb higher. She had to win the emperor''s heart. This was her destined path.


    As long as the Empress died while the emperor still loved her most, she would be his eternal white moonlight.


    And Mu Qianqian, as her substitute, could stay by the emperor''s side, slowly warming his wounded and lonely heart.


    What the Empress could achieve, she could achieve too.


    After all, didn''t they look so much alike?


    "Bang!"


    "Ah!"


    A young maid had just stepped out of the Internal Affairs Department when she collided with a fat, big-eared eunuch. The eunuch''s face twisted into a menacing expression, and he pped the maid to the ground: "Are you blind? How dare you bump into anyone? Next time, keep your eyes wide open, or you''ll face the consequences. Don''t think that just because you''re a maid from the Empress''s pce, you can act recklessly. There are plenty of ways to make you suffer."


    Before the young maid could even defend herself, the fat eunuch left with his entourage.


    "How unreasonable! He was the one who bumped into me, yet he med me for it."


    "Don''t say anymore. Avoid trouble. That''s Eunuch Hong from the Pce Eunuch Office, one of its managing eunuchs."


    Before the Empress became the emperor''s exclusive favorite, the Pce Eunuch Office had been a powerful entity in the pce, with everyone seeking to curry favor.


    But after the Empress rose to prominence, the Pce Eunuch Office became a mere decoration, no longer able to profit from bribes. Naturally, its members resented everyone from Kunning Pce.


    The young maid got up from the ground, arge wound on her lip, blood trickling down her chin.


    She took the handkerchief offered by a kind-hearted maid and wiped away her tears and blood: "It''s fine. He was wrong. I''m not just a maid from Kunning Pce; I''m also under the care of Shuang Jiang, the first-ss maid. For now, I don''t want to cause trouble for our mistress. But once she recovers, I''ll make sure he pays for this."


    Both the Empress and Xi Que had said that no one could bully anyone from Kunning Pce.


    Those who dared would pay a hundredfold for their actions.


    "Has the Empress woken up yet?"


    As soon as Xi Que returned from outside, her first task was to inquire outside Jiang Xinyue''s birthing chamber.


    Shuang Jiang shook her head: "Yan the Imperial Physician is still inside performing acupuncture. A few medical maids are assisting, but there''s no sign of her waking yet."


    Xi Que''s face was filled with anger: "What went wrong? We''ve been so vignt. How could someone still slip through unnoticed?"


    Her seemingly casual remark reminded Shuang Jiang of something. She thought carefully, her expression growing more serious: "No... Xi Que... Could it be someone from Consort Liang, Concubine Shu, Noble Consort Ye... or even Consort Shi?"


    Even the most meticulous ns could have ws. At that time, everyone''s attention had been focused on the birthing chamber. Those in charge had been stationed in various ces to handle emergencies.


    This meant that others might have had the opportunity to act from elsewhere.


    "Are you saying..."


    Both of them simultaneously thought of Nanny Xiang''s bowl of fish soup.


    "Where''s the bowl?"


    "It''s still in the kitchen!"


    "Hurry and bring it to Yan the Imperial Physician for examination. Don''t let the kitchen maid wash it."


    Nanny Xiang sat on a low stool, repeatedly recalling the events: "Xi Que, Shuang Jiang, I truly can''t remember. That day, I had the entire soup-making process supervised. The two maids were trusted members of our own team. They couldn''t have poisoned it!"


    "But Yan the Imperial Physician has already detected poison in the bowl of fish soup the Empress drank. Thankfully, the dosage was small. If it had beenrger, the Empress would have already bled to death."


    "p!"


    Nanny Xiang suddenly pped herself hard across the face: "It''s all my fault! My fault! I was too careless. If anything happens to the Empress, even if I offer my life inpensation, it wouldn''t be enough..."


    "p!"


    She pped herself again, this time even harder.


    Shuang Jiang quickly grabbed her hand: "Xi Que, now is not the time to me Nanny Xiang. The more critical the situation, the more we must unite to find the culprit. Nanny Xiang only wanted to help the Empress recover quickly by preparing the fish soup."


    Xi Que understood this well.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    But herdy... reduced to this state because of a bowl of fish soup... she simply couldn''t bear it.


    Those heartless scoundrels, why couldn''t they leave her mistress alone? Why did they seize every opportunity to harm her?


    What had her mistress done wrong?


    Climbing higher...


    Everyone wanted to climb higher. Who wanted to be trampled underfoot and humiliated?


    But while pursuing fame and fortune, one must at least remain human. Being human requires a moral bottom line!


    Her mistress had worked tirelessly to reach her current position, but Xi Que could swear on her life that they had never actively harmed anyone.


    Because what her mistress did most was to capture the emperor''s heart.


    As long as the emperor''s heart belonged to her, anyone who tried to harm her would face dire consequences.


    Shuang Jiang knelt down, her gentle gazeforting Nanny Xiang: "Don''t panic. Think carefully. There must be something you''ve overlooked."


    Nanny Xiang wiped her tears, her breathing gradually calming.


    She had already recalled the events countless times: "Yesterday..."


    Yanxi Pce¡ª


    A plump eunuch walked out, weighing a money pouch in his hand. Feeling its satisfying weight, he smiled with satisfaction.


    Beside him was a tall, thin young eunuch: "Godfather, that''s someone from the Empress''s pce. Aren''t we..."


    Eunuch Hong snorted coldly: "What''s there to fear? The Empress has been in aa since giving birth to the Seventh Prince and Third Princess yesterday. With her life hanging by a thread, she has no time to worry about the affairs of us lowly servants. Don''t overthink it."


    "Ah? How does Godfather know?"


    The pce was still immersed in the joy and shock of the Empress giving birth to twins. Apart from a few high-ranking consorts, no one knew what had happened in Kunning Pce.

 Chapter 426

    Yun Niang''s arms were broken, her face pale with pain as she knelt on the ground, curled up in agony.


    "No... I didn''t..."


    She repeatedly denied, but she couldn''t exin why she had been hiding on the roof beam in the dead of night, waiting to assassinate Her Majesty, the Empress.


    Jiang Xinyue stepped out of the emperor''s embrace, took the hot water handed to her by Shuang Jiang to "calm her nerves," and said slowly, "Did Concubine Shi send you?"


    Concubine Shi?


    Yun Niang nced at her in surprise, then lowered her head, trying to conceal the person behind her with silence.


    Soon, Wang Dequan arrived at Yanxi Pce with his men: "Concubine Shi, His Majesty requests your presence in Kunning Pce for questioning."


    The nails digging into her palm snapped with a sharp crack, and blood seeped from the torn flesh.


    Concubine Shi forced a smile: "I''ve already retired for the night. I''m not properly dressed to meet His Majesty. Eunuch Wang, would you allow me to change my clothes first?"


    "Concubine Shi, please make it quick. His Majesty is waiting," Wang Dequan replied.


    Concubine Shi changed into a stone-blue dress, her hair loose and without any adornments, and quickly emerged: "Thank you for waiting, Eunuch Wang."


    The night was silent as Concubine Shi followed behind Wang Dequan, ring at the back of his head, finding him utterly detestable.


    "Eunuch Wang, you''ve served His Majesty for many years and have never epted bribes. I''m curious, what did Her Majesty, the Empress, offer you? My family is far more powerful than the Jiang family. Whatever she can give, I can surely match. Why did you choose to side with her?"


    In this pce, which concubine didn''t want to win over Wang Dequan?


    But Wang Dequan was the emperor''s confidant, and without absolute certainty, no one dared to broach the subject.


    What if he reported everything to the emperor? One could lose favor before even gaining it.


    What exactly did Jiang Xinyue promise this old eunuch?


    Wang Dequan didn''t even turn his head: "This servant has never epted any bribes from Her Majesty, nor has she ever promised me anything. Everything I do is in ordance with His Majesty''s wishes. Whoever His Majesty wishes to protect, I protect. Whoever His Majesty wishes to help, I help. Concubine Shi, it''s best not to specte recklessly. As the saying goes, ''troublees from the mouth.''"


    How times have changed. Even a mere eunuch dares to threaten a concubine now.


    Did they think the Northern General''s Mansion was an easy target?


    Concubine Shi snorted coldly, pushed past Wang Dequan, and quickened her pace to leave him behind.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    If he didn''t want to say, then so be it. Why hide behind such lofty excuses?


    The world is driven by profit. Without gain, there is no reason for help.


    "Eunuch!"


    A young eunuch beside Wang Dequan looked indignant: "Her Majesty, the Empress, treats you with such respect, yet she..."


    "Enough!"


    Wang Dequan raised his hand to stop him: "If she''s rushing to her doom, why should we stop her?"


    Why did he side with Her Majesty, the Empress?


    Wasn''t she the answer herself?


    Because Her Majesty treated him like a normal human being, giving him the respect and dignity he had never received before.


    He was already the emperor''s closest attendant. Hecked nothing except for a sense of respect.


    He didn''t need others to look up to him, but at the very least, he wouldn''t tolerate anyone looking down on him.


    Her Majesty treated every pce servant equally, never considering maids or eunuchs inferior. As long as everyone did their job, life was good.


    Which servant in Chengqian Pce didn''t envy Xi Que and Shuang Jiang? Who didn''t want to be like Jiang Chuan and Xiao Xiangzi?


    Her Majesty was fiercely protective of her own.


    Once you became her confidant, you could even afford to be a bit more audacious in front of the emperor.


    And yet, the emperor often praised the servants of Kunning Pce for being livelier and more spirited than those in other pces.


    Other pces would love to be lively too!


    But the emperor would see it as an affront, and with just a few words, he''d have them dragged out and beaten to death.


    When Concubine Shi arrived at Kunning Pce, she saw Jiang Xinyue still lying in bed, with the emperor seated beside her.


    "Your servant greets His Majesty..."


    *Crack!*


    *Hiss¡ª*


    Concubine Shi''s curtsy was interrupted as a small porcin bottle shattered at her feet, shards flying up and cutting her cheek.


    Meng Qingyu shoved Yun Niang to her knees: "Your Majesty, she has confessed. She was sent by Concubine Shi to harm Her Majesty in Kunning Pce."


    Concubine Shi looked both shocked and confused: "What? I sent her? I don''t even know who she is. How could I have sent her?"


    Yun Niang looked up at her: "Concubine Shi, how can you deny it now? You said that if I killed Her Majesty, you would take her ce as empress. You evenined that the poison I used wasn''t strong enough to make her bleed to death, and you ordered me to finish the job. Isn''t that right?"


    "What are you talking about? I don''t understand a word of this," Concubine Shi said, kneeling at the emperor''s feet, tears streaming down her face. "Your Majesty, I truly don''t know her. I have no idea who she is!"


    Xi Que pulled a young maid forward: "Then, Concubine Shi, why did you bribe Eunuch Hong from the Pce Eunuch Office to beat the tea-serving maid from Kunning Pce?"


    The maid''s mouth was bruised, and her cheeks and eyes were swollen and discolored.


    She had clearly been beaten severely.


    Eunuch Hong was also pushed to the ground and, without daring to lift his head, threw out a bag of silver: "Your Majesty, spare me! I''ll never do it again! Concubine Shi ordered me to teach the maid from Kunning Pce a lesson. I was blinded by greed. I deserve punishment, but I only agreed because I feared offending Concubine Shi. Please, Your Majesty, have mercy!"


    After his plea, he finally dared to look up, only to freeze in shock when he saw the maid''s face: "No..."


    The maid covered her face and sobbed: "I deserve to die. Her Majesty is unconscious, and yet I''ve caused such trouble. I deserve punishment, Your Majesty. Please punish me..."


    The perpetrator begged for mercy, while the victim asked for punishment. What kind of world was this?


    Concubine Shi clutched the emperor''s pant leg: "No... it''s not like that, Your Majesty... I only wanted to teach that maid a lesson for spilling water on my shoes. I didn''t..."


    "If Concubine Shi hadn''t already harbored hatred for Her Majesty, why would she beat a maid over such a trivial mistake? It''s clear that her hatred extends to all the servants of Kunning Pce!"


    Shuang Jiang''s words painted Concubine Shi''s actions in the worst possible light.


    Her hatred had driven her to harm even the pce servants, all because of her desire to kill Jiang Xinyue.

 Chapter 427

    "Concubine Shi, it seems you''ve done far more than this."


    Xi Que pped her hands, and two matrons dragged in a familiar face, her head bowed low, emitting a soft, bitterugh.


    "Maidservant Tong Jia, you insisted on seeing our mistress in the Pce of Exile. Now that His Majesty is here, if you have any grievances, speak them to him!"


    The appearance of Tong Jia instantly changed Concubine Shi''s expression. Her tearful, pitiful face twisted momentarily.


    Tong Jia stared at Concubine Shi with eyes full of hatred: "Shi Yan, I truly thought you were my closest friend. All these years in the pce, how many times have I helped you? If it weren¡¯t for you, I wouldn¡¯t have been exposed when I was pregnant, and I wouldn¡¯t have fallen victim to that vile Consort De. Did I ever me you? Why did you have to betray me like this?"


    Concubine Shi''s eyes darted around guiltily, refusing to meet Tong Jia''s gaze. "What does this have to do with me? You were the foolish one. What did I do to you? Did I tell you to frame the Empress? You were the one with a wicked heart. Don¡¯t use me as your scapegoat."


    Tong Jia first shed tears: "I might as well have fed my sincerity to a dog. I was naive to think there could be genuine affection in this deep pce. It was indeed my own stupidity."


    Then, her eyes hardened: "But back then, wasn¡¯t it you who told me that your uncle identally discovered the Empress''s affair with an actor? You even told me not to tell anyone, and that¡¯s how I fell into your trap, didn¡¯t I?"


    Concubine Shi had thought the matter ended with Tong Jia being exiled to the Pce of Exile, but she didn¡¯t know that Jiang Xinyue had secretly sent people to investigate outside the pce.


    Not long ago, it was discovered that the witnesses had all been bribed by the Shi family, who had deliberately sent them to the Tong family to frame Tong Jia.


    Jiang Xinyue immediately had the truth ryed to Tong Jia, who was struggling to survive in the Pce of Exile. Only then did Tong Jia realize that her closest friend had deceived her.


    "It was... it was you... I..."


    "Ah!"n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    The Emperor kicked Concubine Shi aside: "You vile woman! Jiang Xinyue is kind-hearted and gentle. Everyone in the pce praises her. With her managing the harem, I have no worries in the court. What could you possibly have against her?"


    He sneered coldly: "Did you think that if something happened to Jiang Xinyue, I would make you Empress? Let me tell you this¡ªif anything happens to Jiang Xinyue, I swear on my ancestors that the position of Empress will remain vacant forever. No one... will ever be my Empress again."


    A hundred years from now, the only one who will rest beside him in the tomb will be Jiang Xinyue.


    The weight of these words crashed over Concubine Shi like a thousand galloping horses. She half-copsed on the ground, barely propping herself up: "Do you think... do you think I wanted to kill Jiang Xinyue just because I wanted to be your Empress?"


    Concubine Shiughed and cried at the same time: "Back then, when thete Emperor had only you as his heir, the Shen n was filled with those coveting the throne. Thete Emperor considered adopting several sons from the Shen n topete with you for the throne. It was the Empress Dowager herself who went to the Northern General''s Mansion to propose the marriage, saying you would treat me well. My father disagreed, but I was blindly in love with you. I insisted on bing your concubine. If it weren¡¯t for the support of thete Empress, Concubine Li, and our Shi family, how could you have secured the throne with the help of that impoverished Wu Family?"


    "They were all smart. Only I was foolish. When I could have sought power, I sought your love instead. After seeing your true nature, I tried to seek power again, but by then, the pce was filled with more and more beautiful concubines. I had already missed my chance. At first, I thought, since none of us could win your love, it would be fine to live out my days in peace."


    "But... but why did you have to be so biased toward Jiang Xinyue? What does she have besides her looks? Is she as magnanimous as thete Empress? Does she have the noble background of Concubine Li? Does she love you as unconditionally as I do? She has nothing! Why did you have to kill thete Empress? Why her?"


    Thete Empress... was killed by the Emperor?


    Tong Jia trembled as if she had heard some unspeakable secret.


    Shi Yan...


    She even knew such a thing, but she never told her. It was true¡ªshe had never truly considered her a friend.


    The Emperor¡¯s brow furrowed deeply, but Concubine Shi staggered to her feet: "Now it¡¯s good. That vile Jiang Xinyue is about to die. You betrayed my sincerity, and now you deserve to lose the woman you love most. She deserves to die! She deserves it! Hahaha..."


    If Jiang Xinyue weren¡¯t on the brink of death, she wouldn¡¯t have been able to wound the Emperor¡¯s heart like this.


    It was as if she was venting years of resentment: "Jiang Xinyue is kind-hearted? Which concubine entered the pce already wicked? It¡¯s your harem that forces us to climb over each other, leaving those at the bottom to suffer endless abuse. Is it our fault for bing cruel? No, the fault is yours! You¡¯re the one who brought us into the pce, only to let us waste away in this deep, cold ce, while we¡¯re expected to bless your union with other women? What are we to you? Just background props?"


    "What nonsense are you spouting?"


    Jiang Xinyue couldn¡¯t take it anymore. She threw off the covers and got out of bed: "Entering the pce was your own choice. If you truly didn¡¯t want toe, you could have feigned illness, arranged an early marriage, or found a way to fail the selection. Did the Emperor hold a knife to your throat and force you to enter? You wanted to seek a bright future, but now you¡¯re ming the Emperor for everything. Isn¡¯t that unfair to him?"


    Though in her heart, she also felt that this damned feudal society had buried too many women¡¯s lives, the system itself was to me, not the individual.


    If this were modern times, no man would dare marry so many wives. Society and thew would punish him before any woman could.


    But this wasn¡¯t modern times. This was an era where polygamy was legal, a feudal empire ruled by imperial power.


    Even wealthymoners could have one wife and two concubines, let alone the Emperor.


    Jiang Xinyue wasn¡¯t being hypocritical. Even if she wanted the Emperor to love only her, she would have to use every trick in the book to make him fall for her. Otherwise, she herself would wonder why the Emperor should devote himself entirely to her.


    All she could say was that she wouldn¡¯t let herself be a bitter, resentful woman. She would do everything in her power to get what she wanted without actively harming others.


    If she couldn¡¯t get it, she wouldn¡¯t chase after illusions. She would make the best of what she had and live asfortably as possible.


    "You... you..."


    Concubine Shi took a few steps back, her voice shrill: "You¡¯re not dead?"


    "Sorry to disappoint, but I won¡¯t die even if you do."


    Xi Que and Shuang Jiang stepped forward, one on each side, to dress Jiang Xinyue in her dark phoenix robe.


    The aura of someone who ruled the world emanated from her, and Concubine Shi turned pale with fear, though she still tried to stand her ground: "You... you were faking it all along. You were never poisoned, were you?"


    That wasn¡¯t entirely true. She had indeed stood at the gates of the underworld, but realizing she couldn¡¯t go back and with the responsibility of a child tying her to this world, she chose to return.


    The Emperor had better treat her well, or else...

 Chapter 428

    She smoothed her hair and did not answer Concubine Shi''s question.


    Forget it, the Emperor''s current behavior was already quite good, and she had noints for now.


    Concubine Shi sneered, her heart filled with despair, but she would never reveal that she had originally nned to poison Jiang Xinyue. Before she could act, someone else had already taken action¡ªNanny Yun.


    Her plot to harm Jiang Xinyue was now set in stone, and she would never tell the Emperor or Jiang Xinyue that there was someone else behind Nanny Yun.


    She hoped that person would be able to bring down Jiang Xinyue.


    As for Concubine Shi''s fate, she would be sent to the cold pce to keep Tong Jiapany. This pair of "good sisters" surely had much to say and many things to confront each other about.


    Kunning Pce was illuminated by dim yellow lights, and the main hall was particrly lively.


    The Fourth Prince held the Crown Prince''s small hand as the two of them leaned over the cribs of the Seventh Prince and the Third Princess, reaching out to touch the two little bundles of joy.


    The Fourth Prince, being several years older than the Crown Prince, had longer limbs, and his hand easily reached the soft, chubby cheek of the Third Princess.


    The Crown Prince, with his short arms and legs, couldn''t quite reach no matter how he stretched. His lips quivered, and he was on the verge of tears. Spotting a small stool nearby, he quickly toddled over, dragged it back, and climbed into the crib, gently reaching out to touch the Seventh Prince and the little princess.


    "Aiyo!"


    Nanny Xiang turned around and noticed the two little ones'' antics. She quickly scooped up the Crown Prince: "My little ancestor, you can''t go in there! The little ones are still too fragile and could easily get hurt."


    The Crown Prince hugged Nanny Xiang''s face and patted it: "No pain, no pain. Tuan Tuan will pat Nanny to make it better."


    Nanny Xiang couldn''t stop smiling: "Ah! The Crown Prince is so thoughtful. He thought Nanny was hurt and wanted tofort her!"


    Xi Que and the others gathered around the crib, entertaining the Crown Prince and the Fourth Prince while watching the nannies feed the Seventh Prince and the Third Princess.


    The Emperor had gone to the side hall to review memorials, and Jiang Xinyue''s primary task now was to recover from childbirth.


    Although her poisoning wasn''t severe, it had frightened the Emperor greatly. Such incidents kept happening, and he felt his previous methods of dealing with them hadn''t been harsh enough, which made people think they had a chance if Jiang Xinyue were to die.


    Coincidentally, her giving birth to twins was a joyous asion, and the Emperor ordered promations to be posted, granting amnesty to the empire. The people were celebrating, believing that the heavens had sent down celestial children, a sign that the Great Yan Dynasty would prosper for at least another century.


    "What does the promation say?"


    "It says that Empress Jiang Xinyue is the Heaven-ordained mistress of the imperial harem, but there are always ambitious people in the pce who seek to harm her. This time, after giving birth to celestial twins, she was nearly killed by Concubine Shi, the daughter of the General of the Northern Garrison. Therefore, the Emperor has dered that after Empress Jiang Xinyue, there will be no more empresses. If anything happens to her, the Emperor will disband the harem and erect a longevity monument in her honor, so that it may apany him in his old age."


    This was the most severe warning and the most romantic deration.


    As long as she lived, there would be an empress. If she were gone, the harem would be meaningless, and no other woman would ever set foot in the ce she once ruled.


    She was the Emperor''s one and only.


    Jiang Xinyue listened to Xi Que''s excited chatter: "Mydy, from now on, no concubine will dare harm you. The Emperor said that if anything happens to you, he will send them all home."


    Jiang Xinyue''s first reaction wasn''t joy but a furrowed brow: "Then wouldn''t any concubine who wants to escape the harem just kill me to get out?"


    Was the Emperor trying to shorten her lifespan by giving her more threats to deal with?


    Xi Que''s cheerful voice faltered, and she looked conflicted: "So... is that good or bad?"


    Jiang Xinyue smiled: "For me, whatever the Emperor does is good."


    Even if it wasn''t, she could turn those threats into opportunities to make the Emperor feel even more heartbroken and protective of her.


    With his affection, she could push for even more radical reforms, and he would find a way to ept them.


    In the side hall¡ª


    Mu Qianqian followed the Emperor''s orders and brought in a pot of warm wine: "Your Majesty, let this servant pour you a drink."


    The Emperor''s gaze flicked toward Tang Shiliang, who gave a slight nod and gestured for the servants in the side hall to leave.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Mu Qianqian''s heart raced, her breathing grew uneven, and her intuition told her that something would happen between her and the Emperor tonight.


    Otherwise, why would the Emperor dismiss all the servants?


    As the wine flowed into the cup, the Emperor lifted her delicate chin with his finger, a charming smile on his lips: "Have you thought it through? Are you truly willing to serve me? If not, I can let you leave the pce. With your beauty, you could easily be the legitimate wife of a wealthy family."


    Mu Qianqian nced timidly at the Emperor, her legs weak from his devilishly handsome smile.


    Her hands trembled with excitement as she took the cup of wine from him and drank it all in one go: "Your... Your Majesty, this servant... this servant admires you. I wish... to be your woman."


    The handsome face before her blurred and swayed: "Your... Your Majesty, this wine... it''s so strong! This servant..."


    "Thud!"


    Her body went limp, and she copsed to the floor.


    The Emperor looked at her without a trace of affection, stepped over her, and walked out the door.


    Outside, Tang Shiliang caught the Emperor''s nce and immediately bowed his head before entering the side hall.


    "Mydy, look at this..."


    Shuang Jiang approached with a wine pot and whispered in her ear: "The side hall... the maid... I suspect..."


    Jiang Xinyue chuckled softly: "She must be feeling quite smug now, thinking Concubine Shi took the fall for her. Let her enjoy her triumph for a few more days. What about Nanny Yun?"


    Shuang Jiang set the wine pot down: "Mydy, you were right. After I released her, she went straight to that person¡ªexactly who we suspected."


    "His Majesty is¡ª"


    The eunuch outside hadn''t finished announcing when the Emperor presumably cut him off. Shuang Jiang quickly tossed the wine pot under the bed, pulled the nket over Jiang Xinyue, and knelt on the floor.


    Jiang Xinyue closed her eyes and tilted her head to the side. The Emperor sat on the edge of the bed and asked softly: "Has yourdy not woken yet?"


    "Mmm..."


    Jiang Xinyue opened her dazed eyes and weakly propped herself up. Her white undergarments hung loosely, revealing one smooth shoulder.


    She pulled her clothes up, exuding an alluring, coy charm. The Emperor''s nose grew warm, and he wrapped her tightly in the nket: "Xinyue, you need to stay warm. You''re still recovering from childbirth. Dress warmly and don''t catch a cold."


    Jiang Xinyue was bundled up like a dumpling, blinking herrge eyes in confusion.


    What was this?


    Since when did the Emperor have such self-control?


    Or had her charm lost its effect?

 Chapter 430

    The pce maids exchanged nces, and finally, one of the bolder ones stepped forward, cing a wine jug in Mu Qianqian''s hands. "His Majesty is in a foul mood inside, and none of us dare to enter. Since your status is different from ours, perhaps you should be the one to deliver it."


    The phrase "your status is different from ours" greatly pleased Mu Qianqian. She smiled shyly and said, "We all serve His Majesty; how is it different? But since none of you dare to go, I¡¯ll give it a try."


    "Pah!"


    After she entered, one of the maids waved her fist toward the door. "Look at her smug, triumphant expression. She doesn¡¯t hold a candle to Her Majesty the Empress in grace. And yet she dares to dream of recing our Empress? What a ridiculous clown!"


    "Exactly! What does His Majesty even see in her? She¡¯s a poor imitation, like a tiger painted as a dog."


    "She¡¯s quite the actress, though. She¡¯s been hiding her beauty all this time, blending in with us, only to reveal herself in one grand move. Truly, she¡¯s either silent or makes a grand entrance."


    ...


    The night sky was heavy with stars, unpolluted and dazzling, with the crescent moon glowing softly amidst the celestial crowd.


    The news of Mu Qianqian spending another night in Chengqian Pce spread like wildfire through the pce, carried by the whispers of servants. By morning, it had reached every corner of the imperial grounds.


    Many officials, upon hearing the news, found excuses to visit Chengqian Pce after the morning court session, ostensibly to see His Majesty but actually to catch a glimpse of the woman who had supposedly "seduced" the Emperor into straying.


    After seeing Mu Qianqian¡¯s appearance, however, they left disappointed.


    Wasn¡¯t this just a cheap imitation of Empress Jiang Xinyue?


    Surely, the Emperor would return to the Empress¡¯s embrace sooner orter.


    But some officials thought differently. They believed the Emperor was sending a signal: they should start searching for women who resembled Empress Jiang Xinyue to send to the pce.


    After all, the Emperor clearly had a preference for that type of beauty.


    Soon, it becamemon for people across thend to search for stunning beauties to present to the Emperor, hoping to cultivate another Empress Jiang Xinyue.


    But that was all forter.


    As it stood, finding someone with Jiang Xinyue¡¯s face was already a near-impossible task, let alone trying to create a second version of her with ulterior motives. It was a challenge upon a challenge.


    Jiang Yankun had just left the court session and was descending the steps of the Golden Luan Hall when he overheard whispers behind him, seemingly deliberate.


    "So, you see, women shouldn¡¯t be too ambitious. Men don¡¯t like that."


    "His Majesty is the Son of Heaven, above all others. Some people don¡¯t have the capability but still try to manipte the Emperor. Now, not only is their power slipping away, but their favor is gone too."


    "The Emperor would rather have a fake than return to Empress Jiang Xinyue. It seems her days are numbered. We¡¯re all men here; once you¡¯ve tasted something, you crave it again. It¡¯s human nature."


    "Ha! Some people are so arrogant, thinking they¡¯re invincible just because they¡¯ve scolded everyone in court. But really, we¡¯ve all been holding back out of respect for the Emperor. If it came down to it, who¡¯s afraid of whom?"


    "Bang!"


    "Bang!"


    Without a word, Jiang Yankun turned around and delivered two punches, knocking the two gossiping officials to the ground. Without so much as a nce or a word, he straightened his sleeves and walked away.


    He was done with verbal battles. If someone crossed him, he¡¯d settle it with his fists.


    His reputation among the opposition was already bad; it couldn¡¯t get much worse.


    Jiang Hewei, who had been walking with him, was left behind. The two officials red at him furiously, and he quickly raised his hands in defense. "It¡¯s not my fault... it¡¯s not my fault!"


    As he spoke, he shuffled to the side and, before the two officials could get up, bolted away.


    In the Imperial Study¡ª


    The Emperor chuckled softly, pointing at two memorials as he addressed Tang Shiliang and Wang Dequan. "You see, I told you Jiang Yankun is still the same upright and outspoken man he¡¯s always been. His grandfather warned him not to cause trouble, but he just punches people and runs away. Now they¡¯vee to me toin."


    Tang Shiliangughed along. "Minister Jiang is truly a man of principle. Empress Jiang Xinyue takes after her father."


    This guy...


    He really knew how to read the Emperor¡¯s mind.


    Wang Dequan closed the two memorials and stacked them together. "Your Majesty, what should we do with these?"


    "Burn them. Don¡¯t let the Empress see them."


    Jiang Xinyue was still in her postpartum recovery period. If she found out Jiang Yankun had hit someone, she¡¯d inevitably dig into the reasons, and he didn¡¯t want her to hear those idle rumors.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    The next morning, before the two officials could even begin their tearfulints in court, they were impeached by the Censorate. The censors used them of neglecting their duties, failing to serve the people, and spending their days gossiping about Empress Jiang Xinyue.


    Forming cliques, excluding loyal officials, and ndering the imperial consort¡ªeach charge was enough to ruin them.


    "Your Majesty, I have a matter to report."


    "With thete Emperor¡¯s memorial day approaching, which officials will apany Your Majesty to pay respects? Has the list been finalized? The Ministry of Rites and the Internal Affairs Department should begin preparations."


    The Emperor¡¯s eyes flickered. "The list has been handed to the Internal Affairs Department. The Ministry of Rites and the Internal Affairs Department can coordinate."


    Then, as if remembering something, he added, "Add Empress Jiang Xinyue to the list."


    "This..."


    The Minister of Rites nced at Jiang Yankun, hesitating. "Empress Jiang Xinyue has just given birth to the Seventh Prince and Third Princess. She¡¯s still in her postpartum recovery period. ording to tradition..."


    "What tradition?"


    The Emperor¡¯s voice turned cold and sharp when he was displeased. "I wish to bring my Empress, my wife, to pay respects to my grandfather and father. What tradition forbids that?"


    The Minister of Rites hesitated, wanting to speak but not daring to.


    Childbirth was considered impure, and women who had recently given birth were barred from participating in rituals to avoid offending the ancestors and spirits.


    But with the Emperor clearly unhappy, he didn¡¯t dare say more.


    After all, the Emperor¡¯s word wasw. If he said it was allowed, then it was allowed.


    The Emperor¡¯s decision to break tradition and bring Empress Jiang Xinyue, still recovering from childbirth, to the Eastern Mausoleum for the memorial ceremony sparked widespread debate.


    It seemed the Emperor still favored Empress Jiang Xinyue above all. A substitute was just that¡ªa substitute, unable topare to the true white moonlight.


    Mu Qianqian had just finished her shift, her body aching and her exhaustion unrelieved. In fact, theck of proper rest only made the pain worse.


    Yet, despite the physical difort, her heart was filled with sweetness.


    Today, the Emperor had gifted her a new golden hairpin, atest design from the Bureau of Pce Affairs, one that even Empress Jiang Xinyue didn¡¯t have yet.


    If Empress Jiang Xinyue didn¡¯t have it, she wanted it. If Empress Jiang Xinyue did have it, she¡¯d take it from her.


    "Knock, knock, knock..."


    "Miss Mu, I¡¯ve been sent by His Majesty to deliver new clothes for you."


    Another gift?

 Chapter 431

    Outside the door stood Tang Shiliang, the most trusted eunuch of the Emperor, who served only the Emperor and the Empress Dowager.


    He held arge tray in his hands, on whichy a set of exquisite moon-white robes and a matching headdress. His demeanor was obsequious as he said, "Miss Mu, His Majesty has sent me to deliver these gifts to you. In a few days, the Emperor will lead his ministers to the Eastern Mountain Imperial Mausoleum to pay homage to the ancestors. His Majesty said you look particrly beautiful in white."


    Mu Qianqian''s face lit up with a sweet smile, the kind of infatuated smile that one lost in the throes of love might wear¡ªa smile that Jiang Xinyue would never have shown.


    Coming from a humble background, Mu Qianqian had never seen such luxurious items before. The sight of the moon-white satin robes dazzled her. She reached out to touch the fabric repeatedly, her eyes gleaming with delight. "Are these really for me?"


    She had never seen such beautiful clothing before.


    Wait, no¡ª


    She had seen something simr before.


    The Empress Dowager''s robes were far more splendid than these.


    At this thought, her smile and excitement faded slightly. She took the tray from Tang Shiliang and said, "Thank you, Eunuch Tang."


    Mu Qianqian, still a low-ranking pce maid, shared amunal bed with several other maids. There was no way to hide the fact that Eunuch Tang had brought her such a gift, and Mu Qianqian didn¡¯t intend to hide it anyway.


    She basked in the envy, admiration, praise, and jealousy of her peers, her face glowing with pride.


    This feeling was unlike anything she had ever experienced before.


    Autumn leaves, golden as scattered coins, covered the ground. The eunuchs of Kunning Pce diligently swept the winding paths, ensuring they were spotless.


    "Your Majesty..."


    Shuang Jiang approached Jiang Xinyue and whispered, "Physician Yan confirmed that the wine originally contained a potent aphrodisiac, but it waster reced with a sedative. It seems the Emperor ordered the change."


    Jiang Xinyue put down the book she was holding. "I''ve seen many who seek to rise in status, but someone as bold as her? This is a first."


    To personally serve the Emperor a drugged drink, to carry it in herself¡ªwhat was she thinking? Did she think Tang Shiliang and Wang Dequan were mere decorations?


    The Emperor was no novice. Not only could he identify the scent of eighty-one different aphrodisiacs, but Tang Shiliang and Wang Dequan, having risen to their positions, were far from inexperienced in pce intrigues.


    The moment that wine was brought in, the Emperor and his attendants must have known.


    "She''s not worth Your Majesty''s concern."


    "She isn''t, but I need to know who is behind her."


    That Mu Qianqian thought that by keeping her head down, the people of Kunning Pce wouldn¡¯t notice her resemnce to Jiang Xinyue.


    In truth, the moment she first appeared by the Emperor''s side, deliberately hiding her face, Jiang Xinyue had already noticed her.


    If she had nothing to hide, why conceal her appearance?


    Jiang Xinyue wasn¡¯t like thete Virtuous Consort, who had a penchant for cruelty and murder. She wouldn¡¯t torment a maid simply because they bore a slight resemnce to her.


    At first, Mu Qianqian might have been afraid of attracting trouble, given her unfamiliarity with Jiang Xinyue¡¯s temperament. That was understandable.


    But after spending time in the pce, both the pce staff and Mu Qianqian herself would havee to understand that Jiang Xinyue had no interest in bullying others.


    Her greatest pleasures were admiring flowers in Kunning Pce, ying cards, enjoying fruits, and being waited on hand and foot. She reveled in the luxury of having meals prepared for her and being entertained by the musicians from the Imperial Music Bureau.


    When she missed her children, she would summon them for a cuddle, a kiss, or a yful pinch. When she didn¡¯t, she would have the nurses and nannies take them away, allowing her to continue her life of opulence.


    Her days were as carefree as those of a celestial being.


    She had no time to trouble herself with a lowly pce maid.


    Mu Qianqian meant nothing to her¡ªor rather, Jiang Xinyue had never even considered her worth a second nce.


    But Mu Qianqian¡¯s attempts to conceal her appearance suggested she had ulterior motives. To avoid being caught off guard, Jiang Xinyue had instructed Xi Que and Shuang Jiang to ask some of the maids from Chengqian Pce to keep an eye on Mu Qianqian.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    There was something unsettling about her face.


    "She¡¯s truly deceiving herself."


    Xi Que chuckled. "Your Majesty, I¡¯ve grown up with you. I could recognize your face and figure from hundreds of feet away. Did she really think that covering her forehead with bangs would fool me? Does she take us all for fools?"


    "Yes, yes, our Xi Que is the cleverest. You even know the phrase ''deceiving oneself.''"


    No doubt, Meng Qingyu had taught her that.


    Xi Que seemed to catch the implied meaning in Jiang Xinyue¡¯s words¡ªor perhaps she didn¡¯t, but the mention of Meng Qingyu made her blush.


    However, she quickly regained herposure and leaned in mischievously toward Shuang Jiang. "But if the Emperor didn¡¯t favor her, why does she look so drained and listless every day? I¡¯ve heard she even has marks on her body! Many in the pce think she¡¯s the Emperor¡¯s new favorite, and she¡¯s been strutting around like a peacock, looking down her nose at everyone."


    She imitated Mu Qianqian¡¯s haughty posture, lifting her chin and pointing her nose at Shuang Jiang.


    Shuang Jiang smacked her on the head and forcibly straightened her. "She dared to drug the Emperor with something so harmful. Did she think the Emperor wouldn¡¯t see through her scheme and turn the tables on her?"


    The Emperor often used the tactic of turning an opponent¡¯s methods against them.


    Mu Qianqian would drink the wine and pass out, only to wake up and find the Emperor already dressed or gone to court. In reality, the Emperor had never shared a bed with her¡ªit was all an act.


    As for why she felt sore and exhausted after each "favor," it was merely the side effects of the sedative.


    Mu Qianqian¡¯s actions were despicable, but the Emperor¡¯s upbringing forbade him from stooping to her level. He would never arrange for someone else to take advantage of her.


    This path of ambition was one she had chosen for herself, and she would have to bear the consequences.


    Mu Qianqian, still believing herself clever and in control, sat in a pnquin adorned in the luxurious robes and golden hairpins gifted by the Emperor. Like a proud peacock, she waved to the cheering crowds, her face now even more strikingly simr to Jiang Xinyue¡¯s.


    The Emperor and Empress were on the move, and themoners made way. Soldiers maintained order, while a few burly men in the crowd exchanged solemn nces and subtle signals.


    The Minister of Rites, puzzled, turned to Jiang Yankun. "Lord Jiang, didn¡¯t the Emperor secretly summon mest night, saying that the Empress Dowager would remain in the pce to recuperate and wouldn¡¯t be joining the trip to the Eastern Mountain? Why is she here now? And she looks so radiant, not at all like someone who recently gave birth to two children."


    Jiang Yankun nced at the woman in the twelve-man pnquin and then back at the Minister. "Do you really think that¡¯s the Empress Dowager?"

 Chapter 432

    How could this be?


    Is it really possible?


    That¡¯s unmistakably¡­ the Empress Dowager!


    And if she weren¡¯t, she wouldn¡¯t be sitting behind the Emperor¡­ No¡­


    In the past, when the Emperor and Empress needed to leave the pce together, the Empress Dowager never rode in a separate carriage. She always shared the imperial dragon carriage with the Emperor.


    The eyes of the Minister of Rites grew wider and wider. Could it be¡­


    Jiang Yankun let out another scoff. ¡°Even you thought she was the Empress Dowager. Those who don¡¯t know her would surely mistake her.¡±


    ¡°Is she really a pce concubine? She¡¯s so beautiful!¡±


    ¡°Her clothes are glowing, so stunning. No wonder she¡¯s a concubine¡ªher beauty is extraordinary.¡±


    ¡°She¡¯s so majestic!¡±


    ¡­


    Countless women below gazed up at Mu Qianqian. Their chatter gradually reached her ears, feeding her vanity.


    She felt as though a bright path was beckoning her¡­


    Fame, favor, wealth, power¡­


    The envy, jealousy, and adoration of the people¡­ all the things that once belonged to the Empress Dowager would soon be hers.


    She would be the most powerful woman in the Great Yan Dynasty.


    ¡°Evil Empress! Pay with your life for my master!¡±


    ¡°Thud!¡±


    ¡°Ah¡ª¡±


    ¡°Protect His Majesty! Protect His Majesty! There¡¯s an assassin!¡±


    Amid the chaos, the Emperor stood up and shouted, ¡°Capture him alive!¡±


    Zhu Qianyi had been working under Ma Yiyang in the Ministry of Punishment ever since he joined the Jiang family.


    Jiang Yankun followed the Emperor¡¯s instructions: he couldn¡¯t treat Zhu Qianyi too well or too closely, nor could he offer too much substantial help. Yet, he had to make sure Zhu Qianyi understood that it was the Jiang family who saved him, gave him new hope, and humbled his pride.


    Only then would he submit wholeheartedly to the Crown Prince and the Empress Dowager.


    When the assassin shouted ¡°master,¡± Zhu Qianyi already sensed something was wrong.


    Because during his father¡¯s lifetime, only those under hismand referred to him as ¡°master.¡±


    Mu Qianqian¡¯s smile froze on her face as a long dagger pierced her chest, running through her frail body. Blood gushed out, staining her silver-glowing, moon-white robes, blossoming into vivid, crimson flowers.


    ¡°The Evil Empress is dead! The Evil Empress is dead, hahaha¡­¡±


    ¡°Why¡­ kill me?¡±


    ¡°Evil Empress, you conspired with the Emperor to kill thete Empress and assassinate my master. Now, you¡¯ll pay for their deaths.¡±


    A general amnesty had been dered in the capital, and many prisoners who had behaved well were released.


    This included the Zhu family, rtives of thete Empress, who had been confined to the narrow alleys of the city.


    If it weren¡¯t for the Jiang family¡¯s support, the Zhu family would have been crushed by other influential families long ago. How could they have survived until the amnesty?


    Zhu Qianyi was certain that no one in the Zhu family opposed the Empress Dowager. Aside from him, the only surviving male member, the rest of the family had perished.


    The women in the family weren¡¯t all weak and helpless. Some were ambitious, hoping to restore the Zhu family¡¯s glory on their own.


    The Empress Dowager¡¯s new policies benefited them. How could they possibly incite old family servants to assassinate her?


    Mu Qianqian copsed in the carriage, blood pouring from her mouth. She watched as a lean, ck-d young man subdued the assassin. She convulsed, ¡°But I¡­ I¡¯m not¡­ not the Empress Dowager!¡±


    Her dreams of wealth, her pride, her borate schemes¡­ all of it¡­ was it all for nothing?


    The searing pain in her chest scattered her thoughts, yet her mind remained painfully clear. The Emperor, d in his dragon robes, approached, his handsome face devoid of any sorrow.


    Mu Qianqian reached out, ¡°Your¡­ Your Majesty¡­¡±


    The Emperor stepped over her blood, walking closer, looking down at her with disdain.


    ¡°Did you¡­ ever¡­ ever love¡­ love me?¡±


    Had all the affection and joy she experienced during this time been nothing but a lie?


    ¡°Hah!¡±


    The Emperor even chuckled. ¡°You¡¯re so foolish, I almost pity you.¡±


    From the very beginning, the Emperor had been informed of an assassination plot against Jiang Xinyue during the eastern mountain trip.


    If Jiang Xinyue didn¡¯t leave the pce, the assassins nned to infiltrate the pce and kill her while the Emperor was away at the ancestral tombs.


    If Jiang Xinyue apanied the Emperor, they would create a diversion and strike before leaving the imperial city.


    The assassins had assumed Jiang Xinyue would ride in the imperial dragon carriage with the Emperor. But rumors suggested she had quarreled with the Emperor over a pce maid and was traveling alone in a separate carriage.


    The Emperor deliberately distanced himself, riding ahead with most of the guards, as everyone feared an attempt on the Emperor¡¯s life.


    Who would have thought anyone would target a concubine?


    They didn¡¯t realize this was the Emperor¡¯s calcted move¡ªa deliberate w to lure them out, waiting for them to reveal themselves so the guards could capture them alive.


    Because the Emperor didn¡¯t believe the Zhu family was behind this.


    Only by capturing the assassins and interrogating them could he uncover the true mastermind and put his mind at ease.


    As for Mu Qianqian, the scapegoat, he had given her a choice. She chose to stay in the pce, insisting on being Jiang Xinyue¡¯s decoy.


    No!


    It was all an act. The Emperor had never loved her.


    ¡°One night¡­ one night as husband and wife, a hundred days of¡­¡±


    ¡°Who was your husband? I never touched you. You remain untouched.¡±


    Mu Qianqian¡¯s pupils contracted sharply as realization dawned. ¡°You deliberately¡­ deliberately¡­ made me¡­¡±


    Before she could finish, another gush of blood spilled from her mouth. The pain began to fade, and the light before her eyes dimmed.


    She knew she was dying¡­


    It had all been the Emperor¡¯s scheme. She thought she was the clever one, but the moment she revealed her face, she had already fallen into his trap.


    All to protect the Empress Dowager!


    The Emperor didn¡¯t want Jiang Xinyue to face even the slightest danger. Even though the pce was heavily guarded, and the assassins couldn¡¯t possibly breach it, the Emperor refused to let her take any risk.


    He chose a decoy to lure the snake out of its hole.


    He seeded¡­ hahaha¡­ he seeded.


    And so, she would die.


    ¡°Your Majesty, six assassins¡ªfour are dead, and two are captured alive.¡±


    Zhu Qianyi stepped forward. ¡°I can assure you, these men are not remnants of the Zhu family. Someone is impersonating them.¡±


    Someone wanted the Empress Dowager dead, using the amnesty as a cover to pin the me on the recently released Zhu family.


    He would never allow it!


    The Emperor didn¡¯t spare another nce at Mu Qianqian¡¯s lifeless body. His voice was cold and detached. ¡°Take them to the Ministry of Justice. Order the Ministry of Justice and the Ministry of Punishment to jointly investigate this case. They must uncover the mastermind. And if these assassins die or are silenced before I return, the Minister of Justice can resign.¡±


    His words sent a chill through the crowd.


    The Emperor intended to uproot this conspiracy entirely.


    A thorough investigation¡­


    Would implicate countless officials.


    Even those uninvolved but closely associated would be dragged into the mess.


    As their eyes fell on Mu Qianqian¡¯s face, many officials gasped in horror. ¡°Who¡­ who is that? That¡¯s not the Empress Dowager?¡±n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om

 Chapter 433

    Mu Qianqian''s face had turned ashen from the loss of blood, with blood flowing from her mouth through her nostrils, down her cheeks, and behind her ears.


    At the junction of her dark hairline and pale skin, the skin began to wrinkle, then swell due to the onset of death, until it finally cracked and fell off, unable to withstand the pressure.


    "Ah! Is that the legendary face-swapping technique?"


    "Heavens! The face-swapping technique? Doesn¡¯t that involve peeling skin from a living person? How cruel!"


    "I know now, that¡¯s Mu Qianqian, the pce maid who once stole the Empress''s favor."


    "This is unbelievable. She actually wore a face so simr to the Empress¡¯s just to gain the Emperor¡¯s affection?"


    Zhu Qianyi, standing on the imperial carriage, noticed the Emperor frowning as he looked at Mu Qianqian¡¯s corpse. He immediately stepped forward, took out a in handkerchief from his sleeve, and wiped the bloodstains from her face.


    The woman¡¯s real face bore some resemnce to Jiang Xinyue, but only by two or three parts, not enough to truly deceive anyone.


    Someone had crafted a mask for her, allowing her to impersonate Jiang Xinyue, all in an attempt to win the Emperor¡¯s favor and sow discord between him and Jiang Xinyue.


    What a grand scheme!


    If the Emperor hadn¡¯t coincidentally chosen her as Jiang Xinyue¡¯s stand-in, no one would have discovered that her face was fake.


    No wonder Jiang Xinyue had said Mu Qianqian¡¯s face looked strange, as if her eyes and face didn¡¯t belong together. It turned out the face wasn¡¯t her own after all.


    Jiang Residence¡ª


    "What did you say? Sister Yue¡­ the Empress was attacked?"


    Lady Ruan stood in the main hall, having just bid farewell to her husband. She was preparing to go to Sheng''an Temple with Concubine Lin to pray for the safety of the Seventh Prince and Third Princess, but before she could leave, a servant stopped her.


    Her body suddenly swayed backward, and her vision went dark.


    "Mother!"


    "Madam!"


    Jiang Xinyan and Lady Lin eximed in rm, rushing to support her. In an instant, Lady Ruan¡¯s vision cleared.


    Gasping for breath, she leaned weakly on her younger daughter¡¯s shoulder and asked the servant, "What¡­ what did you just say? I didn¡¯t hear clearly. Say it again¡­ please?"


    "Madam¡­"


    The servant¡¯s face was grim. "Today, the Emperor took the Empress and the court officials to the Eastern Mountain Imperial Mausoleum to pay respects to the ancestors and thete Emperor. For some reason, the Empress wasn¡¯t originally on the list, but the Emperor specifically added her. Just now¡­ on Tiansheng Street, the Empress was attacked. There was so much blood¡­ When I passed by, I heard the assassins shouting that the Demon Empress was dead. I¡­ I rushed back as fast as I could."


    If the Empress had been killed by the assassins, the Jiang family would be in deep trouble. Over time, the Emperor would forget about them.


    Without the Emperor¡¯s protection, the Jiang family¡¯s rise would slow significantly, making it difficult to secure the Crown Prince¡¯s position for the Sixth Prince.


    "No, no¡­"


    Lady Ruan was on the verge of fainting. Jiang Xinyan shook her head desperately, tears welling in her eyes. "The Emperor loves Sister dearly. He would definitely protect her. How could she be attacked? You must have heard wrong."


    Concubine Lin also stammered, "That¡¯s right! This is the Emperor we¡¯re talking about. If the Emperor wants to protect someone, who could possibly harm them?"


    The servant pped his thigh. "I saw it with my own eyes and heard it with my own ears, Madam. There¡¯s no mistake¡­ ah!"


    "Thud!"


    The servant was kicked hard in the rear, causing him to fall face-first onto the ground.


    Turning around, he saw a slender, pale young man with exquisite features and deep, striking eyes, his face filled with anger. "You fool! What nonsense are you spouting? You¡¯ve frightened my mother and sister."


    "Junze¡­"


    Lady Ruan, as if finding her anchor, rushed toward her son. Summoning all her courage, she asked, "You said you were going to watch the procession today. What about your sister? Is she safe? Is she¡­ is she still alive?"


    Even if she was injured, as long as she was alive, that was all that mattered.


    "Mother, what are you talking about? Sister is in the pce, recovering from childbirth. She wasn¡¯t part of the procession!"


    Sister was the Empress, after all. The pce was her domain. What could possibly happen to her there?


    Of course, she was safe.


    "Huh?"


    The servant thought his young master was trying tofort Lady Ruan and the youngdy, unsure whether to continue.


    Lady Ruan nced at him, then pped Jiang Junze¡¯s arm. "Tell me the truth. What happened to Sister Yue? Was she badly injured? Don¡¯t lie to me."


    "Ouch!"


    Jiang Junze rubbed his sore arm. "Mother, this fool misheard and didn¡¯t see the whole thing. It wasn¡¯t Sister who died, but her stand-in. The Emperor had arranged it all in advance. Sister is perfectly fine."


    "Really?"N?v(el)B\\jnn


    "Absolutely. I swear I¡¯m not lying."


    Lady Ruan burst into tears, but not from sorrow¡ªit was the relief of surviving a close call. "It¡¯s good that she¡¯s safe¡­ it¡¯s good. You scared me to death, really scared me."


    Jiang Xinyan also let out a sigh of relief.


    A person¡¯s mouth might lie, but their eyes wouldn¡¯t. If something had really happened to her sister, Jiang Junze¡¯s eyes would have been red.


    The servant, having been kicked twice by Jiang Junze, quickly ran out in shame.


    He had rushed back hoping to be the first to deliver the news and earn some credit, but instead, he had caused a misunderstanding.


    Eastern Mountain Imperial Mausoleum¡ª


    "Ha ha ha ha¡­"


    A group of dirty children surrounded a cleanly dressed, solemn-looking child, pointing and making faces at him. "Come and see, everyone! The orphan with no parents is out again."


    "Ha ha ha¡­ Why does he look so strange? Let¡¯s fix him up a bit."


    Stones and mud were hurled at the three-year-old boy, and within moments, his clean clothes were covered in filth.


    The little boy cried loudly, but no one cared. Then, someone threw arger stone, hitting him squarely on the forehead, causing blood to gush out.


    "Oh no, we¡¯re in trouble now. That ugly woman wille after us again. Let¡¯s run!"


    "You brats, bullying our little Sheng again! Get out of here!"


    A woman with an ugly scar on her face rushed out, chasing after the misbehaving children like a madwoman.


    "Ah ah ah¡­ The crazy woman is losing it again! Run! Ha ha ha ha¡­"


    "Nyah nyah¡­ The orphan has no parents. We¡¯re not scared of you, crazydy. We¡¯ll keep bullying you, nyah nyah¡­"


    Exhausted and panting, the woman could only watch as the children scattered like slippery eels.


    The Fifth Prince¡¯s wound was still bleeding, so she could only re in frustration before carrying him back to tend to his injury.

 Chapter 434

    "Quickly clean up the eastern quarters. The Emperor''s procession will arrive this afternoon. Why is the garden in the courtyard still not tidied up?"


    "The ceremonial utensils should be fetched from the storeroom. What are you all standing around for? Hurry up!"


    Manager Luo, a woman with a plump and cheerful figure, was startled when she saw Fen Yun and the Fifth Prince, whose head was covered in blood. "Heavens! What happened here? Why is there so much blood? Go back inside, I¡¯ll fetch a physician right away."


    Fen Yun wiped her tears and coldly brushed off Manager Luo''s hand, retreating to her room without a word.


    She was the chief maid who had served thete Empress, and now she was in charge of the Fifth Prince. No one in the imperial mausoleum could order her around.


    This made theborers in the mausoleum jealous, and they often banded together to bully her and the Fifth Prince.


    "Manager Luo, you¡¯re so kind to her, yet she doesn¡¯t appreciate it! If I were you, I wouldn¡¯t care about her at all."


    "She¡¯s clinging to a prince who¡¯s been exiled and cast out by the royal family. Does she really think she¡¯s holding onto something precious? Who even cares about them?"


    "When thete Empress was alive, she acted all high and mighty, and people ttered her. But now that she¡¯s been banished to this deste ce, what does she have to be proud of?"


    "Now, now, let¡¯s not speak like that," Manager Luo waved her hand dismissively. "She was a pce official who fell from grace due to unforeseen circumstances. We should help her when we can. And you lot, stop letting your children bully the Fifth Prince. After all, he¡¯s still a prince! What if he¡¯s restored to favor one day? You¡¯ll regret it then."


    "Afraid of a little brat who¡¯s barely grown any hair? Ha!"


    "Ha! If he¡¯s ever restored, it¡¯ll be the same day the Empress falls out of favor and the Crown Prince is disgraced. Only then might he have a chance!"


    "Everyone knows his mother used underhanded means to climb into the Emperor¡¯s bed. The Emperor probably wishes he could strangle him. Sending him to the imperial mausoleum was just to get him out of sight. If he ever returns to the pce, I¡¯ll eat my hat."


    "Ew, that¡¯s disgusting! Hahaha¡­"


    The mocking voices outside were piercing. The Fifth Prince obediently closed his eyes as Fen Yun gently wiped the blood from his face.


    He seemed ustomed to such minor injuries, as if he couldn¡¯t feel the pain. Suddenly, he asked, "Aunt Fen Yun, is Father Emperoring to see me?"


    He had heard the adults talking earlier. They said the Emperor wasing.


    Aunt Fen Yun had told him that the Emperor was his father.


    Tears fell without warning as Fen Yun wrapped a cloth around his wounded forehead and wiped his cheeks. "Your Highness, your imperial grandfather and great-grandfather are buried here. Your father ising to pay his respects to them."


    "But won¡¯t hee to see me?" The Fifth Prince opened his innocent eyes wide. "Doesn¡¯t he love me? I heard that parents love their children. If Father Emperor loves me, he¡¯lle to see me, right? Did I do something wrong to make him unhappy? I can change¡­"


    "I¡¯ve never even seen Father Emperor."


    His calm tone broke Fen Yun¡¯s heart. She hugged his small body tightly. "No¡­ you¡¯ve done nothing wrong. You¡¯ve seen the Emperor before, when you were very little. He even held you in his arms. Don¡¯t you remember?"


    The Fifth Prince shook his head in her embrace. "Aunt Fen Yun, I miss my mother."


    His mother was the kindest person in the world to him.


    Though he couldn¡¯t remember her face, he remembered her warm hands and the loving gaze she always gave him. That look, filled with boundless affection, was something he would never forget.


    His words made Fen Yun¡¯s tears flow again. "It will be alright. Everything will be alright, Your Highness¡­ You still have me. I¡¯ll take care of you for the rest of my life. I¡¯ll never leave you."


    The Fifth Prince finally smiled through his tears. "I have Aunt Fen Yun. I love Aunt Fen Yun."


    "Aunt Fen Yun will go to the kitchen to heat up some porridge for you. Stay in the room and don¡¯t wander off, understand?"


    The Fifth Prince nodded. "I¡¯ll wait for Aunt Fen Yun. I¡¯ll have porridge."


    Not long after Fen Yun left, two shadowy figures appeared outside the room. The Fifth Prince, frightened, wrapped himself tightly in his nket. "I¡¯m not afraid, I¡¯m not afraid¡­ Aunt Fen Yun said there are no ghosts in this world."


    "It¡¯s really pitiful, the Fifth Prince. So young, yet the Empress has driven him to the imperial mausoleum."n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    "Indeed. The imperial mausoleum is a ce for guarding the dead. Being exiled here means he¡¯ll never see the Emperor again."


    "Not just the Emperor. Look at Fen Yun. She used to be so prestigious in the pce, the chief maid of thete Empress. So many people ttered her. And now? Anyone can bully her."


    "The Empress is truly ruthless. The Fifth Prince is so young, yet she forced him to guard the mausoleum. It¡¯s all because she¡¯s afraid he¡¯ll seek revenge after learning she was responsible for thete Empress¡¯s death."


    "Thete Empress died so tragically, burned alive in a fire. The Empress was there too, but she came out unscathed. How is that possible? There must be something fishy about it."


    "The Fifth Prince is the most pitiful. So young¡­"


    "The Empress did it for the Crown Prince. The Crown Prince is only two years old, and the Fifth Prince is his strongest rival. If the Fifth Prince were allowed to grow up in the pce, he¡¯d be a formidable threat to the Crown Prince."


    "The ?????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????Emperor is so biased. He only favors the Crown Prince and ignores the Fifth Prince. If I were the Fifth Prince, I¡¯d find a way to kill the Crown Prince when I return to the pce. Only then could he and Fen Yun live a good life."


    The Empress?


    The Crown Prince?


    Who were these people?


    He had never heard of them before.


    But he understood one thing: he was being bullied because of these people called the Empress and the Crown Prince. They were the reason he had been driven out of the pce.


    They were the reason Aunt Fen Yun was being mistreated.


    The little boy, still too young to fully grasp right from wrong, clenched his tiny fists in anger at the conversation he overheard.


    Fen Yun had insisted on keeping the Fifth Prince far from the capital, raising him in the deste imperial mausoleum, to prevent anyone from sowing discord between him and Jiang Xinyue.


    But she didn¡¯t realize that trouble would find them no matter where they went.


    Meanwhile, Jiang Xinyue, blissfully enjoying her postpartum rest in Kunning Pce, waspletely unaware of the danger brewing. She was in the midst of a lively game of mahjong with Consort Shu, Consort Liang, and Noble Consort Ye.


    "Single tile, five of circles!"


    "Ah¡­ I win, I win, I win!"


    "Pay up, pay up¡­"


    Jiang Xinyue¡¯s long ck hair was tied up, and she wore a loose gown with one foot propped on a chair. Together with the other consorts, she sat in a carefree manner, far from the image of a refined noblewoman.


    Without any men around, the sisters had let loose, shedding all pretense of decorum.

 Chapter 435

    ¡°Empress¡­¡±


    Jiang Chuan stood behind her, his deep purple eunuch robe giving him an air of elegance: ¡°Mu Qianqian is dead. Her body has been sent to the Ministry of Justice.¡±


    Jiang Xinyue didn¡¯t even look up, her eyes fixed on the ¡°battle¡± on the table as she tentatively threw out a tile: ¡°Tell the Ministry of Punishment to investigate thoroughly. Find out who Mu Qianqian really worked for.¡±


    Jiang Chuan hesitated for a moment, ncing at the other three consorts before speaking: ¡°When she was killed by the assassin today, the human skin mask on her face fell off. Your Majesty, she didn¡¯t resemble you much naturally¡ªit was all painted on.¡±


    Consort Shu¡¯s hand trembled, and the tile she was about to y fell onto Jiang Xinyue¡¯s tile. She didn¡¯t even notice, her innocent eyes wide with shock: ¡°A human skin mask? Could it be the kind of mask made from peeling the skin off a living person, the one that¡¯s been rumored in the martial world?¡±


    Jiang Chuan nodded: ¡°Yes, Consort Shu, that¡¯s the one.¡±


    Consort Liang grimaced, even reaching up to touch her own face as if she had been skinned herself.


    Her empathy was a bit too strong.


    Noble Consort Ye didn¡¯t look much better either. She stopped ying altogether, cradling her face in her hands: ¡°Peeling¡­ peeling the skin off a living person? How could anyone do something so vile?¡±


    Men die for wealth, birds die for food.


    As long as people have desires, they can do the most unimaginable things to achieve them.


    None of those sitting here could honestly im they had never done anything bad.


    Even Jiang Xinyue didn¡¯t consider herself a virtuous person.


    To achieve her goals, she too could be ruthless.


    But she had her limits. She held onto her principles, refusing to make deals with the devil or sell her soul.


    ¡°A human skin mask¡­¡±


    Jiang Xinyue murmured to herself. This was indeed outside her realm of knowledge.


    But it didn¡¯t matter. The Jiang family now had no shortage of skilled professionals. Solving cases like this was best left to the Ministry of Punishment.


    ¡°Send Ma Yiyang to the Ministry of Justice personally. Tell the Minister of Justice that Mu Qianqian was also a member of the inner pce. Though she held no official title, she had served the Emperor. I cannot stand by and do nothing. Separate this case from the assassination case. I want to find out who it was that painted Mu Qianqian¡¯s face.¡±


    ¡°We must get to the bottom of this.¡±


    Consort Liang nodded in agreement: ¡°Whoever mastered such a skill to paint Your Majesty¡¯s face so urately must be someone who has seen you often in the pce. Could it be someone close to the three of us?¡±


    As soon as these words were spoken, Consort Shu and Noble Consort Ye quickly scanned the maids and eunuchs around them, clutching themselves tightly in a protective stance, their eyes filled with terror.


    Jiang Xinyue watched their antics and couldn¡¯t help but tease: ¡°Paranoia, much? If they were face-stealing monsters, my face would¡¯ve been peeled off countless times by now.¡±


    Everyone serving in Kunning Pce was loyal to the Empress.


    As she said, if it were someone from Kunning Pce with such skills, they would¡¯ve already peeled her face off and worn it themselves.


    That way, the Emperor would look at the fake and remember the real one.


    ¡°Ah!¡±


    Consort Shu finally noticed the tile she had dropped on the table and wailed: ¡°My winning tile! Damn those face-stealing monsters!¡±


    ¡°You can¡¯t take it back now.¡±


    Consort Liang grabbed her restless hand: ¡°Once a tile is yed, it¡¯s final. You can¡¯t just take it back.¡±


    With a mournful face, Consort Shu reluctantly withdrew her cheating hand under the table.


    Qingyang Pce¡ª


    ¡°?????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????Thud!¡±


    Noble Consort Jin was struck down by a heavy object, the chamber pot in her hand falling to the ground with a dull thud.


    Blood seeped into the cracks of the bluestone pavement, staining the soil a dark red.


    ¡°Waaah¡­¡±


    The cries of the Seventh Prince shattered the tranquility of Kunning Pce, and the pce lights flickered on one by one.


    ¡°Ahhh! Dead¡­ dead body!¡±


    ¡°Noble Consort Jin¡­ Noble Consort Jin is dead!¡±


    Before Jiang Xinyue could finish her breakfast, a servant from Qingyang Pce arrived at Kunning Pce, bringing along Hui Yuan, who was crying her eyes out.


    ¡°Wait here for now. Her Majesty is still having breakfast. She will summon you shortly.¡±


    Hui Yuan nodded, her face full of gratitude, her red-rimmed eyes streaked with bloodshot veins. The maid, overwhelmed with sympathy, patted her shoulder tofort her.


    The Fourth Prince and the Crown Prince had finished their meal and were about to head to the library for a lesson with Grand Preceptor Jing. When Jiang Chuan and Xiao Xiangzi entered, the two little ones had already eaten.


    They bowed to Jiang Xinyue with all the formality they could muster: ¡°Mother Empress, we are done eating. We bid you farewell.¡±n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    As they skipped to the door, the Crown Prince peeked his head back in: ¡°Mother Empress, see you tonight. Don¡¯t let Rou Rou and Yuan Yuan sleep too early. Wait for me toe back.¡±


    The youngest Crown Prince had suddenly be the older brother to two little ones overnight. He had recently taken a liking to his new role,ing back from the library every day to tease his younger siblings and assert his authority as the eldest.


    After the two young princes left, Jiang Chuan and Xiao Xiangzi exchanged a nce before speaking softly: ¡°Your Majesty, Noble Consort Jin was found dead this morning by her personal maid behind thetrine in Qingyang Pce. Her body was already stiff.¡±


    What a tragic way to die.


    A princess of a nation, dead in the filthiest part of the pce, her body cold before anyone noticed.


    Jiang Xinyue nodded in understanding: ¡°What are people saying outside?¡±


    Mu Qianqian had just died, and it was discovered that her face was a painted mask.


    Now, coincidentally, the Goryeo princess, known for her skill in makeup, was also dead.


    Jiang Xinyue didn¡¯t need to think hard to know this was another conspiracy¡ªeither targeting the true mastermind behind the human skin masks or aimed directly at her.


    Xiao Xiangzi didn¡¯t hesitate: ¡°The pce is buzzing with rumors. They say Noble Consort Jin resented you for punishing her and ordering the servants to mistreat her. So, she deliberately found a new concubine who resembled you slightly and had her face altered. This angered you, so you killed the person who altered her face.¡±


    See? See?


    She knew it. Even if it had nothing to do with her, people would find a way to smear her name.


    Seeing her expression, Xiao Xiangzi quickly added: ¡°The rumors started from Qingyang Pce. I¡¯ve already taken control of the situation, but since Qingyang Pce was the first to discover the body, some gossip has already spread.¡±


    ¡°Consort Liang¡¯s guess wasn¡¯t far off. The person who altered the face is indeed close to me.¡±


    ¡°Someone very close to me.¡±


    Jiang Chuan was puzzled: ¡°Your Majesty means¡­¡±


    The person skilled in face-altering is hiding in Kunning Pce?


    That¡¯s horrifying.


    Or rather, are the people around them still the same ones who had weathered hardships together?


    Could they have been killed, and the ones wearing their skins now be the masterminds plotting against Her Majesty?

 Chapter 436

    Thinking this way, Jiang Chuan and Xiao Xiangzi exchanged uneasy nces.


    Who knew what kind of sinister intentionsy beneath the surface of Xiao Xiangzi (Jiang Chuan)?


    Jiang Xinyue tossed a few fruits over: "Do you know why that person went through all this trouble to set things up, even though they knew you would quickly control the rumors?"


    Jiang Chuan and Xiao Xiangzi finally stopped suspecting each other and turned their puzzled gazes toward Jiang Xinyue.


    What did Her Majesty mean by this?


    Wasn''t it her who said it?


    The person wearing the mask was among them, possibly someone very familiar with Her Majesty.


    "What you just did was exactly what the mastermind wanted, wasn''t it?"


    Xiao Xiangzi and Jiang Chuan suddenly realized: "Your Majesty means that the person wanted us to be suspicious of each other, causing chaos so that others could take advantage?"


    Imagine if even Jiang Chuan and Xiao Xiangzi, the chief eunuchs of Kunning Pce, were suspicious of each other, how much chaos would that create among the subordinates?


    How could anyone get any work done if they were constantly paranoid?


    Those with weaker nerves might not even be able to sleep, worrying every day that the face-stealing monster might peel off their faces.


    If everyone was too busy being suspicious and on guard, wouldn''t that create problems for Jiang Xinyue?


    The mastermind would seize the opportunity to eliminate Jiang Xinyue.


    That was their ultimate goal.


    What a sinister n.


    Could there really be such a person in the pce?


    They must be deeply hidden.


    Hui Yuan cried while rubbing her legs. The initial shock and fear had passed, and now that everything had settled, her legs felt weak.


    She wondered if Her Majesty had deliberately made her stand here for so long.


    But even if it was intentional, she couldn''t utter a word ofint.


    Her princess had been demoted and sent to Qingyang Pce by imperial decree after scheming against the Crown Prince and offending Her Majesty.


    The two of them had suffered endless humiliation there, tormented by the head maid until they were left with nothing. Now, her life had been taken too.


    "Her Majesty, the Empress, has arrived¡ª"


    The eunuch''s voice rang out, and Hui Yuan quickly knelt on the ground, not daring to look up.


    Jiang Xinyue walked straight to the main seat and sat down, while a maid who had already understood the situation began exining.


    Last night, Noble Consort Jin had argued with the maid as usual and was then taken to the washroom to clean the chamber pots. Originally, someone was supposed to watch her, but her mouth was filthier than the cesspool in thetrine, and her insults were too vulgar.


    So the maids and eunuchs of Qingyang Pce left her in front of the washroom and walked away.


    After all, she was not one of them, and she had attempted to harm the Crown Prince. Shuang Jiang, Her Majesty''s chief maid, had personally instructed them to give her "special treatment." Naturally, they showed her no kindness.


    Noble Consort Jin''s treatment in Qingyang Pce was no better than that of the lowest-ranking maid. If she didn''t finish her daily tasks, she wouldn''t get any food.


    Though her mouth was sharp, her body was obedient. To avoid suffering, she wouldplete the tasks assigned to her.


    Whether she did them well or not was another matter, as Hui Yuan was always there to clean up after her.


    Butst night, Noble Consort Jin was washing chamber pots until midnight. Hui Yuan had brought her some food, but Noble Consort Jin scolded her for being inconsiderate and threw the food away, forcing her to eat in the washroom.


    Hui Yuan, feeling wronged, hid in her room and cried herself to sleep. When she woke up, she realized her princess hadn''t returned.


    Jiang Xinyue interrupted the maid and asked Hui Yuan, "When you went out to look for your mistress, what time was it?"


    Hui Yuan thought for a moment: "It was around... the third watch of the night."


    The third watch, between 3 and 5 a.m., was when the people of Qingyang Pce were in their deepest sleep¡ªthe perfect time for the murderer to strike.


    "You''re saying that when you went out to look for your mistress, you found her body in the washroom, already stiff, correct?"


    Remembering ?????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????the scene, Hui Yuan''s tears began to flow uncontrobly. She tried to speak several times but was choked with sobs.


    Then, she fell to her knees with a thud: "Your Majesty... Your Majesty, I... I apologize on behalf of my mistress. I can die now to atone for her sins. But Your Majesty, I beg you... I beg you to find the person who killed her. My princess... she was spoiled, but she was so pitiful, wuwuwu..."


    She cried so hard she nearly fainted. Jiang Xinyue waved her hand, and the maid who had brought her in took her away.


    Shuang Jiang helped her up: "Your Majesty, is the mastermind trying to pin the identity of the face-stealer on Noble Consort Jin and drag you down with her?"


    Jiang Xinyue nodded: "It''s probably moreplicated than that."


    Noble Consort Jin was a princess of Goguryeo. No matter how ambitious Goguryeo might be, on the surface, they were still a vassal state of Great Yan.


    Their king had sent his princess here for a marriage alliance, yet within a year, she had been killed in the pce. This was utterly uneptable.


    If Great Yan treated its vassal states this way, was it really the right choice for them to pledge allegiance to an emperor who didn''t value their lives?


    After some thought, if someone were to stir up trouble, they might suddenly turn against Great Yan, just like Fusang, and cause chaos at the border.


    In that case, Jiang Xinyue would be remembered as a viin throughout history.


    Because the rumors spread by the mastermind imed that she had killed Noble Consort Jin.


    It seemed that the face-stealer harbored a deep hatred for her, not only wanting to kill her but also to tarnish her name forever, ensuring that the Jiang family would be utterly destroyed.


    When had she ever offended such a vicious and ruthless person?


    She had no idea.


    Ministry of Justice¡ª


    "Zhu Qianyi, you coward! The emperor killed your father and brothers, and even your sister. How can you work for him? You''ve sold your soul for wealth and status, recognizing your enemy as your father. Heaven is watching, and you will pay for this."


    "Even we, your father''s loyal servants, remember our master''s grudge. Yet you, his most beloved son, have thrown away the Zhu family''s kindness. To save your own skin, you serve the man who killed your father. What a joke!"


    ...


    The two surviving assassins took turns berating Zhu Qianyi, hurling insults at him.


    "Sizzle!"n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    The smell of roasted meat filled the interrogation room of the Ministry of Justice.


    "Ah! Ugh..."


    A red-hot branding iron was pressed against one of the assassin''s mouths. Ma Yiyang''s veins bulged on the back of his hand, but his face remained calm andposed.


    Only when the other assassin saw hisrade writhing in pain, his lips ttened and fused together from the branding, did he pale and fall silent.


    "Sizzle¡ªsizzle¡ªsizzle¡ª"


    The branding iron, still glowing red after killing the man, was plunged into a basin of water. The cold water instantly boiled and churned, a terrifying sight.