《The Girl Who Struggled Through Palace Intrigues to Become the Empress》


 Chapter 1: Enter the Palace with a Decree

    <h4>Chapter 1</h4>


    The third year of Qiyuan, July.


    This summer was much more sultry than previous years.


    Song Zhao looked through the trellis window at the wilted flowers in the courtyard.


    Steam rose from the lotus pond in the zing sun, and even the cicadas in the branches seemed toozy to chatter.


    But her boudoir was very cool.


    Song Zhao leanedzily on the warm seat, her delicate fingers idly fiddling with the ice ced in front of her.


    The icy mist lingered on her fingertips, then dissipated in a sh.


    Her boudoir faced west, and in fact for the whole summer she had been living as if in a steamer.


    It was only a few days ago, when the imperial decree for her to enter the pce as a concubine arrived at Duke of Protector''s Mansion, that a steady stream of ice had been delivered to her boudoir.


    "Squeak-"


    Song Zhao instinctively nced up when she heard the sound of the door being pushed open.


    Maid Yun Shan walked in carrying a purple cloak, which she neatly ced in front of Song Zhao.


    "Second young miss, the clothes for entering the pce have arrived."


    It was a purple cloud brocade cloak embroidered with su, made of top-quality fabric and workmanship.


    As an illegitimate daughter, Song Zhao had never even touched such fine things before.


    Now she had been given them, yet she looked at them unhappily.


    "Put them away for now. I''ll wear what I have on when I enter the pce tomorrow."


    Yun Shan nced at the gray cloud-patterned shirt Song Zhao was wearing. The fabric was ordinary, the stitches crude, and the color drab. She felt uneasy,


    "Second young miss, I know you''re unhappy, but the imperial decree has been issued, everything has been settled, there''s no room left to maneuver."


    Seeing Song Zhao silently bow her head without speaking, Yun Shan picked up the clothes and held them against her topare.


    "Look, this color makes you look so spirited! A beautiful woman entering the pce for the first time has the chance to meet His Majesty. Master said you must seize this opportunity to make the emperor notice you with one nce. If you don''t gain his favor at first sight, it will be hard to earn his indulgence afterwards."


    Song Zhao was silent for a moment, then asked, "What time is it now?"


    "Noon. Tomorrow you enter the pce, so Master and Madam are waiting for you in the main hall to bid farewell."


    "Help me up and dress my hair."


    Hearing this, Yun Shan''s eyes shed with joy. "Good! It''s great that second young miss is willing to pull herself together!"


    In her eyes, the fact that Song Zhao was willing to dress up meant she hadn''tpletely given up on herself.


    Although the road into the pce would be arduous, it was still better than staying in the mansion.


    Her young miss was so extraordinarily beautiful that as long as she showed her face to His Majesty, there was no reason she wouldn''t gain his favor.


    If she stayed in the mansion, who knew how much bullying she would continue to suffer from the madam and young miss.


    As Yun Shan dressed Song Zhao''s hair, Song Zhao took out a new box of powder from the drawer and handed it to her.


    "My elder sister gave me this powder when she learned I was entering the pce. I''ll use it today."


    Song Zhao had very fair skin, smooth and translucent like beautiful jade.


    With her heavenly appearance, even without any powder, just some rouge and lip color, she was already dazzlingly beautiful.


    But today, Song Zhao had Yun Shan apply an extrayer of powder on her face.


    Yun Shan said, "Actually second young miss looks best with her natural bare face."


    Song Zhao looked at her exquisite features in the mirror and smiled without replying.


    After dressing up, she went to the main hall where the whole family had been waiting for some time.


    Sitting at the head was Duke of Protector Song Shicheng. To his left and right were his principal wife, Jiang, and eldest daughter Song Yue.


    The three of them fixed their six eyes on Song Zhao, each with their own thoughts.


    Song Zhao knelt down and bowed to the high seat.


    "Daughter iste, making father, mother and elder sister wait. It is daughter''s fault."


    Song Shicheng beckoned her to rise. "I thought you were being stubborn again and didn''t even want to see us thisst time. Sit."


    After she sat down, she heard Jiang sneer,


    "You should know, letting you enter the pce is entirely for your own good. Your elder sister felt sorry for you and gave up her own spot to enter the pce, begging your father to send you to the pce. There is endless glory and wealth to enjoy in the pce, you''ve gained this advantage, so don''t be ungrateful."


    "Yes, daughter is most grateful to mother and elder sister." Song Zhao thanked them obediently. As she spoke, her fingers inadvertently scratched her cheek.


    Elder sister Song Yue added, "Of this batch of new pcedies, there are only four beauties. Although you only got a ceholder position because you''re illegitimate, the imperial consorts are all friendly. I''m sure they won''t make things difficult for you."


    Song Zhao nodded. "Elder sister is absolutely right."


    As she spoke, she didn''t stop scratching her face, and it grew more intense.


    Jiang frowned. "Everyone is talking to you, what are you scratching your ears and cheeks for?"


    Hearing Jiang''s reprimand, Song Zhao forced herself to stop scratching her inexplicably itchy face and put her hands down. But then Jiang cried out again,


    "Oh! Your face..."


    Everyone looked over.


    Only then did they see Song Zhao''s originally exquisite and beautiful face was now covered in swollen red rashes, a shocking sight!


    Song Zhao wept piteously as they looked on in astonishment. She covered her face and asked in confusion,


    "What happened to my face?"


    Song Shicheng quickly said, "Don''t touch it! Fetch Doctor Zhang here!"


    While waiting for Doctor Zhang, everyone had moved from the main hall to the side hall. By now, Song Zhao had also seen her pustuled face in the bronze mirror.


    A woman''s fortune depended on her looks, and Song Zhao was originally so brightly beautiful, with innate charm.


    Entering the pce tomorrow, she could have earned a good future relying on this face.


    But now her ruinedplexion meant everything was over.


    She wept so sadly that anyone would feel pity. Jiang and daughter watched mockingly from the side, while Song Shicheng was very concerned about Song Zhao''s condition.


    To be precise, he cared about Song Zhao''s face that could entrance all men in the world.


    After all, he had hoped Song Zhao could gain imperial favor in the pce and do him credit.


    Later, after Doctor Zhang examined her, he quickly found the cause of Song Zhao''s facial swelling and rashes.


    "My lord, this is an allergic reaction in second young miss."


    "Allergic reaction?" Song Shicheng asked in puzzlement. "She''s only allergic to peach blossoms. Since we''ve known about this condition, peach trees have been banned in Duke of Protector''s Mansion. How could she havee into contact with peach blossoms in July?"


    Doctor Zhang stroked his beard. "Since the reaction is only on her face, the pollen could not have been ingested through food. Perhaps it rtes to second young miss''s daily toiletries."


    Following this lead, Song Shicheng had people investigate in detail.


    Soon, the box of powder Song Yue had given to Song Zhao was presented to everyone.


    After careful examination, Doctor Zhang said in rm,


    "My lord, peach blossom pollen has been mixed into this powder! And the pollen was ground extremely fine, very difficult to detect any problem without close inspection."


    With this, the side hall immediately erupted into chaos.


    Before Song Yue could even try to defend herself,


    Song Zhao cried and used her, "Elder sister, why are you so cruel to me?"

 Chapter 2: Fragrant Tea

    <h4>Chapter 2</h4>


    When Jiang and her daughter Song Yue heard this, they could no longer sit still as the dirty water had been sshed on them.


    Jiang shouted out in injustice, "My Lord, please investigate this clearly! This matter has nothing to do with me and Yue! Song Zhao is entering the pce tomorrow, who would dare to be negligent about such an important matter in front of the Emperor? Even if I look down on her, I would never make a joke out of the honor of the entire Song family!"


    Song Yue also said, "Father, don''t believe this wicked person''s words! Let me tell you, this peach blossom powder must have been put in by Song Zhao herself in order to frame me and my mother!"


    Hearing this, Song Zhao cried even harder, "Elder sister, why do you suspect me like this? If I wanted to frame you and mother, I could have done so long ago! Tomorrow is the day I enter the pce to meet His Majesty, why would I ruin my own future at this time to falsely use you?"


    Looking at Song Shicheng, with tears in her eyes she shook her head, "Father, your daughter has shamed you. Your daughter will not enter the pce anymore! Just let your daughter bash her head to death. Tomorrow you can just report my death to the pce!"


    After saying this, she really wanted to smash her head on the corner of the table.


    Song Shicheng reacted quickly and grabbed her, "What are you doing? Don''t be foolish!"


    He certainly did not dare to let Song Zhao bash her head to death.


    Although Song Zhao had not yet entered the pce, the imperial decree had been issued, so she was already considered a proper young mistress.


    If she died at this moment, and the Song family could not deliver her to the pce tomorrow, they would be the ones to suffer.


    In order to appease Song Zhao''s emotions, Song Shicheng ordered, "Doctor Zhang, you and the steward search the residence and see if you can find the harmful dirty stuff!"


    After searching around, they did indeed find some powder under the pagoda tree in Song Yue''s backyard courtyard.


    Doctor Zhang presented it to Song Shicheng and said, "My Lord, we found this powder in eldest miss''s backyard courtyard. It is confirmed to be peach blossom powder!"


    Upon hearing this, Song Yue''s eyes widened in disbelief, "No, this is not possible! Father, it wasn''t me, I...ah!"


    Before Song Yue could finish her denial, Song Shicheng fiercely pped her to the ground.


    He was furious and pointed at Song Yue scolding, "She is your sister! By doing this, do you want her to die, for our Song family to die?"


    Song Yue cried out injustice, "It wasn''t me! Really it wasn''t me Father! Mother! It really wasn''t me!"


    Jiang squatted on the ground, shielding Song Yue behind her, "Speak properly, how can you hit Yue?"


    Song Shicheng pointed at the peach blossom powder and angrily said, "The powder was found in her courtyard, the evidence is conclusive! What more can you argue for her? This is the good daughter you have raised for me!"


    Song Yue also did not know how the peach blossom powder had gotten into her backyard. Having been spoiled all her life, experiencing such a sudden change, she was stunned and at a loss.


    Song Zhao meanwhile cried and asked her, "Elder sister...if I have offended you in any way, you can beat me and scold me. But I''m entering the pce tomorrow, after you have ruined my appearance like this, how will I conduct myself in the pce in the future?"


    She was quite emotional as she said this, and after finishing she again tried tomit suicide, scaring Song Shicheng tremendously.


    No matter what, Song Zhao had to enter the imperial pce tomorrow.


    Not only if she contracted some incurable disease, even if her limbs were all severed and she only had one breath left, she would still have to be carried into the imperial pce and die in that cage surrounded on all sides by crimson walls.


    But now Song Zhao felt she had lost face. She was bent on suicide and would not listen no matter how they persuaded her.


    "Zhao''er, father knows you have suffered an injustice. Like this, father will restore justice for you!"


    Song Shicheng also harbored resentment towards Jiang mother and daughter. He med them for destroying Song Zhao''s appearance at this time and messing up his big n, which now caused real damage to his interests. Only now would he put on this performance.


    With a wave of his hand he ordered, "Come, lock the Lady and eldest miss in the firewood shed for a flogging punishment!"


    Jiang and her daughter were filled with injustice, shouting out that they were being falsely used.


    But who would listen?


    The stewards only uttered a ''forgive me'', then dragged the two into the firewood shed.


    After that, the entire Duke of Guardianship manor could hear the hysterical screamsing from the firewood shed.


    On the surface, Song Zhao expressed gratitude to her father. But in her heart it was as clear as a mirror:


    Over these years Jiang and her daughter had bullied her for not just one or two days.


    In the past Song Shicheng had turned a blind eye, only because it did not harm his interests.


    Now that her face was ruined, and she would not obtain a good position in the pce tomorrow, it directly damaged his interests, so only now would he put on this show.


    People, only when the knife point pricks their own flesh, will they feel the pain.


    Later that evening, Song Shicheng looked at Song Zhao after she had applied medicine, and urged her to rest early and not dy entering the pce tomorrow.


    Lying in bed, Song Zhao''s face still stung from the burning.


    Soon, her maid Yun Shan came in to pass on: "Second miss, Doctor Zhang is here to change your medicine."


    "Let him in. I haven''t eaten dinner, so I''m a little hungry now. Go make me a bowl of porridge."


    Song Zhao got up and went to the dressing table, looking at her swollen red face that was gradually subsiding, but still frightening.


    Doctor Zhang stood next to her and bowed with sped hands, "Second miss, I''vee to change your medicine."


    Song Zhao raised her hand to stop him, and slowly asked, "How many days?"


    "If we follow the prescription I gave you, it should be better in three to five days. But the amount of peach blossom powder you used was too much. Although it won''t scar, to fully recover, it will take at least half a month."


    "I see." Song Zhao replied tonelessly, then took out a silver note from the dressing table drawer and handed it to him,


    "You did this matter well. Take this silver for now. I heard your younger brother got into trouble in the pce and was punished to work at Xin Repository, and is not doing well. After I enter the pce, I will also find an opportunity to have him serve me, so he doesn''t have to suffer anymore."


    Doctor Zhang did not take the silver note. He bowed again and thanked her,


    "I didn''t really do anything, just took the opportunity during the search to sprinkle the peach blossom powder in eldest miss''s courtyard, and said a few words in front of the Lord as second miss instructed.


    In truth, it was second miss who took the risk and suffered. This silver I do not need. I only hope after second miss enters the pce, you can save my younger brother. Back when my family fell into hardship, because father was in dire straits he sent my younger brother into the pce to exchange for silver. He has a pitiful life, I really cannot bear to see him suffer more in the pce."


    Song Zhao smiled lightly, "Don''t worry, with him by my side, no one will have the ability to bully him. As for the silver, it is what you deserve for doing this matter well, so keep it."


    After he took the silver note, Song Zhao carefully applied the medicinal ointment on her face, and said with a sardonic smile,


    "When people are beaten, they will naturally be injured. With injuries, they naturally need medication."


    Then looking up at Doctor Zhang, her eyes were like silk threads, smiling charmingly, "Doctor Zhang, you are clever. You should know how important my mother and elder sister are to me. So when treating their injuries, you must be extra attentive."


    Doctor Zhang naturally understood Song Zhao''s meaning, andughed, "Second miss, rest assured, I will ''take good care'' of treating them, and definitely not disappoint you."

 Chapter 3: Whipping Mother

    <h4>Chapter 3</h4>


    Everyone thought that Song Zhao didn''t want to enter the pce,


    But no one knew that she actually wanted to enter the pce more than anyone else.


    Because only by entering the pce could shepletely escape the earthly purgatory of the Song family and avenge her deceased mother.


    Bai, Song Zhao''s birth mother, was a concubine of Song Shicheng.


    Bai was beautiful and became the favored concubine upon entering the Song family.


    Therefore, after she entered the family, the main wife, Jiang, had some grievances against her.


    When Song Zhao was still young, Jiang framed Bai for theft and publicly whipped her to death, right in front of Song Zhao.


    Jiang''s family had provided considerable support to Song Shicheng in the officialdom, so even though he knew that Bai was wrongly killed, he never questioned it.


    Having witnessed the tragic death of her birth mother, Song Zhao understood from a young age:


    Men must have power, and women must also hold real power in their hands.


    If they only rely on men, when their beauty fades and love weakens, even if they are beaten to death, it would be considered a worthless life, and no one would care.


    So she didn''t want to be the one who was beaten by others.


    If she had to, then she must be the one holding the whip.


    Late one night, Song Zhao went to the firewood shed.


    She saw that Jiang and her daughter had indeed suffered some torment.


    Their faces were pale, with many bloodstains, and they had no strength to speak.


    Seeing this, Song Zhao furrowed her brows and reprimanded the executioner, saying,


    "Father told you to administer the punishment, not to beat my sister and mother to death. If you leave visible injuries, how can they entertain guests in the future?"


    The executioner scratched his head and said, "But the master said that thirtyshes must bepleted, and we still have tenshes left."


    "Women are weak. If you continue beating them like this, they will be half-dead."


    Song Zhao rolled up her sleeves, took the whip from the executioner''s hand, and said, "Forget it, I''ll finish the remaining tenshes for you. It''s just a formality, so you can report to my father."


    Jiang was the main wife after all, and the executioner didn''t want to do this job that offended people.


    Seeing that Song Zhao was going to take over, he quickly handed her the whip and fled as if his life depended on it.


    Song Zhao walked slowly towards Jiang and her daughter.


    With both hands gripping the whip, she cracked it, making a loud sound.


    Jiang and her daughter looked at her in horror, cowering against the wall.


    "What... What do you want?" Jiang stammered.


    "Crack!"


    Song Zhao raised the whip and struck Jiang''s face harshly.


    A red, almost ck, bloodstain appeared on her left cheek, and the pain made her scream as she fell to the ground, covering her face.


    Song Yue rushed to protect her mother, ring at Song Zhao with eyes full of hatred.


    "You... You wicked woman! All of this was your n against me and my mother! You... Ah!"


    "Crack!"


    Anothersh struck Song Yue''s forehead.


    "You think I nned all this against you? Ha~ Compared to the humiliation you have subjected me to all these years,pared to your mother killing mine, these fewshes today are far from enough!


    If it weren''t for the rule that newly entered pce maids cannot attend funerals, do you think I would let you live? But it doesn''t matter. After I enter the pce, that will be the beginning of your nightmares."


    "I spit on you!" Jiang spat a mouthful of blood at Song Zhao. "You''ve disfigured your own face in order to frame us. Tomorrow, when you enter the pce, you won''t be able to receive favor anymore!


    Yes, you''re good-looking, but the pce is nevercking in beautiful women. You''re amon-born daughter, and there has never been a precedent of amon-born daughter bing a noble concubine in Qichao Dynasty! Just be content with your fate and wait to die in the pce!"


    Song Zhao twirled the whip in the air a couple of times and thenughed.


    "Noble concubine? Haha! I entered the pce to be an empress, or else what''s the point? Should I go cook for others?"


    Her eyes turned cold, and suddenly, he turned fierce,shing out at Jiang and Song Yue with the whip.


    After suppressing the anger that had been pent up for years, she finally breathed a sigh of relief and said,


    "I''ve endured you all these years, and you should know to what extent I can go to get what I want.


    I''m not my mother, sacrificing my life for empty promises from Song Shicheng.


    I know very well what I want, and anyone who stands in my way will be eliminated one by one,pletely eradicated.


    And you, today, are the best examples!"


    With that, she casually threw the whip at Jiang''s face and walked away, pping his hands.

 Chapter 4: First entry into the Imperial Chambers

    <h4>Chapter 4</h4>


    The second day early in the morning, the imperial carriage came to the Song mansion to pick up Song Zhao to enter the pce.


    At the moment of parting, Song Shicheng saw her off at the gate of the mansion.


    He cried with tears streaming down his face, and kept urging Song Zhao to take good care of herself after entering the pce.


    As a family-born maid, Yun Shan could apany Song Zhao into the pce.


    After the imperial carriage left the Song mansion for a while, Yun Shanmented, "In fact, when all is said and done, the old master still cares about Second Miss. This servant has worked in the mansion for so many years, and has never seen the old master cry like this."


    Song Zhao smiled and looked at the scenery outside the window without saying a word.


    Was he crying for himself?


    He was just crying for the people in front of the emperor, trying to cry out an image of a kind father for himself.


    All the way into the pce through the Meridian Gate, the imperial carriage stopped outside the Crimson Snow Pavilion.


    Just as it stopped steadily, a shrill voice was heard outside the carriage,


    "This humble servant is Little Shun Zi from the Pce Affairs Department. I humbly greet the young miss."


    The carriage door opened from the outside, and Song Zhao took a look at the eunuch standing at the front of the carriage and nodded to him with a smile.


    Little Shun Zi was all smiles originally, but his expression changed instantly when he saw Song Zhao''s swollen face.


    The pce servants were most adept at discerning the situation, ttering the powerful and looking down on the weak.


    Especially those who worked in Pce Affairs Department, they were best at sensing the emperor''s preferences, knowing which kind of people could please the emperor and which would be unwee.


    From Little Shun Zi''s attitude, it could be seen that he felt Song Zhao''s appearance was surely unattractive and not favored, so he was toozy to even pretend to be polite.


    After getting off the carriage, Little Shun Zi led Song Zhao and Yun Shan into the Crimson Snow Pavilion.


    Yun Shan asked him, "Excuse me for asking, will His Majestye hereter?"


    But Little Shun Zi ignored her as if he didn''t hear, and kept leading the way ahead, toozy to even turn his head.


    Yun Shan thought he didn''t hear, so she cleared her throat and wanted to ask again in a louder voice.


    At this time, Song Zhao pulled her and shook her head, signalling her not to ask any more.


    After arriving at the inner hall of Crimson Snow Pavilion, Song Zhao saw that the other three chosen beauties who entered with her were already there.


    Little Shun Zi was rude to her, but fawned over these new beauties with smiles,


    "Noble Consort Li, Concubine Xiao, Concubine Liu, this is Song Zhao. Youngdies, please wait here for a moment. After the emperor finishes the morning court session, he will summon you to meet him."


    Among them, Song Zhao had the lowest status. She saluted these three first.


    And when they saw Song Zhao, they just nodded lightly, which counted as returning the courtesy.


    Standing at the front was Noble Consort Li. She wore a grape purple embroidered cloud brocade robe, with lots of gold and silver hair ornaments and earrings, obviously her family background was much better than Concubine Xiao and Concubine Liu beside her.


    She was savvy and got her personal maid to take some silver to give to Little Shun Zi,


    "I just entered the pce and am ignorant of many rules. I hope Manager Shun can give me more guidance in the future."


    Little Shun Zi took the silver with a smile stretching to his ears, "The young miss is clever and beautiful, and will naturally gain the favor of His Majesty."


    Concubine Xiao and Concubine Liu also gave some benefits.


    Only Song Zhao kept fiddling with her handkerchief, looking very nervous.


    "Manager Shun, I didn''t bring much money into the pce. Let''s do this..."


    She took off a silver earring and handed it to Little Shun Zi, "Please take this. I hope you can..."


    "No need, no need." Little Shun Zi waved his hand and declined Song Zhao''s goodwill without even touching the earring.


    "How can this servant ept the young miss''s personal ornament? This is a valuable item, you should keep it yourself."


    After speaking sarcastically, he left, making Noble Consort Li and the othersugh awkwardly.


    Song Zhao was so ashamed that her face turned red. She lowered her head and went to sit in a corner.


    Noble Consort Li and Concubine Xiao looked towards Song Zhao''s direction, and their voices were loud enough, as if afraid Song Zhao couldn''t hear them.


    Concubine Xiao said, "Oh my, the Duke of Protector is still an important minister of the second rank. She is from the Duke''s mansion after all, how can she be so poor?"


    Concubine Liu said, "Sister Li is different. Her father is the Minister of Transportation, also an official of the second rank. But Sister entered the pce as a noble consort, with arge dowry from her family. She must be much better than an insignificant concubine like her!"


    Concubine Xiao picked up the conversation andughed, "Silly girl, have you forgotten? Sister Li is a daughter of the legal wife while that Song woman is just a concubine''s daughter. Letting her start from the status of an imperial daughter-inw is already giving face to the Duke''s family. Just look at her ugly appearance, who knows if she has some hidden illness? We''d better stay away from her."


    Hearing their ttery, Noble Consort Li was delighted.


    So she smiled and waved her hand pretending to be graceful, "Alright, alright. We are all sisters after entering the pce. You shouldn''t say such things."


    These words were hurtful like daggers, even making Yun Shan feel sour.


    But she saw Song Zhao looking indifferent, even leisurely picking at the rouge on her fingernails.


    Yun Shan whispered, "Young miss, before entering the pce, the old master clearly gave us two hundred taels of silver, for us to bribe the pce servants. Everyone else gave money, why didn''t you give that manager something, just go along with them?"


    Song Zhao looked up at Yun Shan and mouthed:


    ''He is doomed.''


    Yun Shan seemed to understand, but didn''t know what it meant.


    Just as she was about to ask more, Little Shun Zi''s miserable screams were heard from outside:


    "This servant knows his wrongs! Spare my life!"


    Everyone looked towards the sound and saw Little Shun Zi being seized and kneeling on the ground. The benefits he had just received fell out from his bosom as he kowtowed too hard, scattering all over the floor.


    Standing in front of him was a tall and graceful woman, wearing a crimson gold-threaded satin robe, draped in a silver yarn coat, with clouds styled hair, and phoenix gold hairpin and jade stepsway.


    She gently stroked her coiffure, nced coldly at Little Shun Zi, and sternly said:


    "His Majesty has been purging corrupt officials, yet you still dare stretch your ws into the harem? Which hand did you use to take the bribe?"


    Little Shun Zi did not dare to answer stammering. A pce maid beside said:


    "Replying to Consort Yin, it was his right hand."


    Consort Yin raised her kerchief to below her nose, patted the powder on her face, and casually said:


    "Then chop off his right hand and send him to Xinze Prison for hardbor."


    Severing a hand was an extreme punishment, but it sounded as casual as killing a chicken when said by Consort Yin.


    Killing a chicken to warn the monkeys, Little Shun Zi was gagged and dragged away. Consort Yin then turned and entered the inner hall.


    Like Song Zhao, Noble Consort Li and the others were just sixteen-year-old girls who had been pampered at home. They had never seen such bloody affairs before.


    Plus the bribes were indeed given by them, so before Consort Yin even approached them, they were already trembling with fear and could barely stand steadily.


    When saluting Consort Yin, Noble Consort Li''s knee went soft and she almost fell to the ground.


    "This concubine pays respect to Consort Yin, may Consort have good fortune and health."


    Consort Yin''s sharp eyes nced over them swiftly, then she smiled,


    "Look at you, just now still chatting andughing. What''s the matter now? Could it be you were frightened by this consort punishing the criminal?"


    As she spoke, her gaze naturally fell on Song Zhao standing in the corner.

 Chapter 5: Great Wisdom as a Fool

    <h4>Chapter 5</h4>


    The moment their eyes met, the air seemed to congeal like glue.


    This was the first time Song Zhao felt the imposing aura of a woman. Consort Yin¡¯s sharp gaze seemed able to see right through her at a nce.


    It was different from her past dealings with Jiang, Song Yue and the others back at the Song manor. Song Zhao knew very clearly that none of the women who had made it to the rank of consort in the pce were simple characters.


    She bent her knees and bowed deeply, performing the full ritual of paying respects, ¡°This concubine answers to Lady Song¡¯s summons, and hase to pay my respects to Noble Consort Yin. I wish Noble Consort Yin a thousand years, ten thousand years of blessings and good fortune.¡±


    When paying respects, low ranked concubines were not allowed to look directly at highly ranked ones. Although Song Zhao had kept her head lowered throughout without meeting Consort Yin¡¯s eyes, she could still sense Consort Yin swiftly scrutinizing her with piercing eyes.


    After a long pause, she finally heard Consort Yin say, ¡°Disregard formalities, rise.¡±


    After everyone had gotten up, Consort Yin sat down in the chief position. Her posture was upright and her voice steady as she said,


    ¡°His Majesty should have summoned you himself, but the Empress suddenly suffered a bout of heart problems. After court adjourned, His Majesty went straight to Fenghuang Pce. The Empress then told Us to receive you in his stead.¡±


    She paused briefly, then let out a coldugh. Her eyes shed sharply as she continued, ¡°But We did not expect to witness such an amusing scene!¡±


    With that, she mmed her palm onto the tabletop, startling everyone.


    ¡°His Majesty has been investigating corrupt officials strictly since ascension. Yet you new consorts are already bribing eunuchs in the rear pce? Looking at your distinguished families, where did you learn such rotten tricks?¡±


    Seeing her anger re, including Song Zhao, all four women knelt down together.


    ¡°Please calm yourself Consort Yin. This concubine knows her wrongs...¡±


    Consort Yin nced at them from the corner of her eyes. Her tone softened slightly,


    ¡°We know that you have no connections after entering the pce, and only wanted to build your foundations and gain helpers. We will not overly fault you for something only human. But if you use the wrong methods and go down the wrong path, it will implicate your paternal families.¡±


    Li Noble Consort kowtowed noisily as she pleaded repeatedly, ¡°Mother is absolutely right. This foolish concubine has ignorantlymitted a grave mistake. I beg Mother show leniency and give this concubine a chance to repent and reform.¡±


    Xiao Concubine and Liu Concubine also pleaded, ¡°Please give this concubine a chance to repent and reform.¡±


    Naturally, Song Zhao chimed in with whatever the others were saying.


    Consort Yin found it strange that Song Zhao was admitting wrongdoing together with them, even though she hadn¡¯t bribed Eunuch Shun.


    ¡°Song Attendant, you did not bribe him, so why are you admitting wrong with them?¡±


    Song Zhao respectfully replied, ¡°This concubine did not bribe Eunuch Shun, not because I did not want to, but...this concubine does not have anything decent to offer.


    Although Eunuch Shun did not ept this concubine¡¯s bribe, I did have that improper intention. Consort Mother is right to scold me. Wrong is wrong, I dare not conceal it, that would onlypound my errors.¡±


    Consort Yin seemed quite satisfied with her reply, nodding and smiling as she gestured for everyone to rise.


    ¡°Considering this is your first offense, We shall forgive you all this once, and will not inform His Majesty or Her Majesty the Empress of this matter. Do take care to act properly in the future, and refrain from such improper thoughts.¡±


    The women were overjoyed, as if granted amnesty. They repeatedly thanked Consort Yin for her magnanimity.


    Consort Yin lectured them perfunctorily for a bit more, before having the pce maids lead them back to their own pces.


    Song Zhao was assigned to Yaohua Pce, where Noble Consort Li also resided.


    Noble Consort Li was talkative. On their way back, she chattered incessantly to Song Zhao,


    ¡°Let me tell you, you¡¯re really muddleheaded. Consort Yin didn¡¯t even know about you giving gifts earlier. Yet you took the initiative to admit to it yourself. With how honest you are, I doubt you can even survive in the pce.¡±


    Song Zhao looked at her nkly, ¡°Didn¡¯t Consort Yin already forgive us? It should be fine now, right?¡±


    ¡°You understand nothing,¡± Li Noble Consort lowered her voice and whispered in her ear. ¡°Consort Yin only outwardly let the matter go. In truth, she now has ckmail material over us. In the future when we gain imperial favor, she will likely bring this up to threaten us.¡±


    With that, she nced at Song Zhao and shook her head with a frown. ¡°Tsk tsk, looking at you, there¡¯s no chance of you gaining favor. Naturally you don¡¯t have such worries.¡±


    Song Zhao gently nodded her head, ¡°I¡¯m not as beautiful or well-connected as sister, nor as clever as sister. Since we¡¯ll be living together, I hope sister will take good care of me.¡±


    With just two sentences, she made Li Noble Consort bloom with pride and satisfaction, lifting her chin arrogantly, ¡°Of course I¡¯m different from you. If you¡¯re willing to follow me as an attendant in the future, when I be a Consort or Imperial Noble Consort, I may be able to protect you.¡±


    Song Zhao smiled. ¡°Then I will have to thank sister deeply.¡±


    The head mistress of Yaohua Pce was Consort Yao, but she had gone with the other consorts to Fenghuang Pce to attend to the suddenly ill Empress today. So when Song Zhao arrived, Consort Yao was not present.


    Li Noble Consort lived in the east wing, while Song Zhao lived in the west wing. After entering Yaohua Pce, they split up and went their separate ways to their own quarters.


    As soon as she entered the west wing, Yun Shan immediately shut the pce doors tightly. After greeting her mistress, she pulled Song Zhao mysteriously to the side and asked in a hushed voice,


    ¡°Young Mistress, although Li Noble Consort¡¯s words were unpleasant, she was not entirely wrong. Earlier, Consort Yin clearly had no suspicions about you, so why did you take the initiative to admit to bribing Eunuch Shun? Also, this servant asked you earlier why you didn¡¯t give Eunuch Shun a gift. Why did you say...he didn¡¯t have the fortune to receive it?¡±


    Song Zhao leisurely tidied her sleeves as she casually exined,


    ¡°Father often mentioned in the manor that His Majesty had started investigating corrupt officials since his ession. Now that the previous reign¡¯s administration is being rectified, naturally the rear pce will also need to clean up this sort of unhealthy custom.


    When Li Noble Consort gave silver to Eunuch Shun earlier, I noticed a pce maid sneakily peering in through the window. We¡¯re all new consorts and concubines, what was there worth her looking at?


    So I guessed that she was probably sent by His Majesty or some other master or mistress to monitor us.¡±


    Yun Shan propped up her chin with both hands and asked with a tilted head, ¡°Young Mistress clearly saw it, so why did you still take out your silver pendant to give to Eunuch Shun?¡±


    Song Zhao slowly exined, ¡°Think about it. If everyone else gave gifts but I was the only one who didn¡¯t, what would Consort Yin say about me?¡±


    Yun Shan said, ¡°She would certainly praise Young Mistress in front of everyone.¡±


    Song Zhao nodded with a smile, ¡°She praises me, and Li Noble Consort will feel I¡¯m sly and crafty, and stop letting down her guard against me.


    When Li Noble Consort said those things to me earlier, shepletely took me for a fool. This is exactly the effect I wanted.


    Everyone will think I¡¯m stupid, so everyone will stop being wary of me, and stop staring at me like I¡¯m a thorn in their side.


    Even if Consort Yin reports this matter to His Majesty and Her Majesty, when a group makes the same mistake, they would be punished together. They all have influential backgrounds, for such a trivial matter, His Majesty wouldn¡¯t risk offending their families over it. That is what the principle of collective responsibility means.¡±


    Only then did Yun Shan suddenly understand. As it turned out, everything was part of her young mistress¡¯ calctions.


    Her cat-like eyes shone as she gazed at Song Zhao worshipfully and eximed, ¡°Wow! Young Mistress, you¡¯re so amazing! Isn¡¯t this what the old master calls...um...hiding one¡¯s abilities and biding one¡¯s time?¡±


    Song Zhao scoffed disdainfully and shook her head, ¡°If father knew what that phrase meant, he wouldn¡¯t have sent me to the pce.¡±


    Yun Shan looked puzzled. ¡°Young Mistress speaks in riddles again...¡±


    Song Zhao stroked her hair indulgently, her smile gentle, ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter if you don¡¯t understand. Just remember, the good show has only just begun.¡±

 Chapter 6: Greetings from the Six Palaces

    <h4>Chapter 6</h4>


    Zhi Hua and Xi Ying had been chatting idly with Yun Shan for about half a stick of incense when they suddenly heard greetings at the door:


    "Servants Zhi Hua and Xi Ying pay respects to young master Song Zhao."


    Yun Shan peeked out the window to see who was outside, and said to Song Zhao, "Young master, they must be pce maids sent by the Inner Affairs Bureau to serve you."


    Song Zhao nodded, and Yun Shan cleared his throat and sternly called out, "Come in."


    Zhi Hua and Xi Ying looked to be around the same age as Song Zhao. Although they had youthful appearances, their every move was proper and poised.


    After greeting Song Zhao and introducing themselves, they stood silently in ce, as if waiting for Song Zhao to instruct them.


    Unexpectedly, Song Zhao looked at them with a smile and kindly said, "Pce maids enter the pce at eight years old and have long since learned all the rules and etiquette, so there is no need for me to lecture you further. In the future, you will be part of my quarters. Do your duties well, and I will not mistreat you."


    Other masters would usually assert their authority over new servants when entering the pce.


    Take Noble Consort Li who lived in the East side hall for example. Just as Zhi Hua and Xi Ying were on their way over to Song Zhao''s ce, they could hear Noble Consort Li berating her pce maids from far away.


    They did not expect that at Song Zhao''s ce, they would receive gentle words and kind treatment.


    They quickly expressed their gratitude for Song Zhao''s graciousness, their eyes brightening up, and busily started working.


    As they went out of the bedchamber to tidy up the courtyard, Zhi Hua whispered to Xi Ying,


    "I think Young Master Song has a gentle personality and will be very good to get along with. Our days ahead will be much better."


    Xi Ying frowned in disapproval, clearly disagreeing with her words. "What good is a gentle personality? We are pce maids, we can only gain face if our masters favor us, otherwise we''d be lower than dirt."


    As she absentmindedly pruned the branches and leaves, she continuedining,


    "Although Noble Consort Li is difficult to serve, she has status and beauty. Entering the pce as a noble consort shows how much the Emperor values her. How can wepare?"


    Xi Ying nced back at the tightly shutttice window of the West side hall and said in disgust,


    "Not only is she a daughter ofmon birth, but she was also born with pockmarks on her face. How could the Emperor possibly favor her?"


    "Don''t speak recklessly!" Zhi Hua jabbed Xi Ying with her elbow. "We must not gossip about our masters. Hurry up with your work!"


    The two spoke very softly, so Song Zhao naturally could not hear anything from inside the hall.


    Yun Shan brewed a pot of floral tea for her and asked, "Young miss, your father said that pce servants are most adept at ttering the powerful and bullying the meek. He told you to be stricter with them after entering the pce so they would know to fear you. Yet earlier, why were you so kind and pleasant to them?"


    Song Zhao toyed with the porcin lid of her teacup and coldlyughed.


    "Why would I scold them? Don''t worry, those who serve by my side will not be disloyal."


    *


    Early the next morning was the first day for the new beauties to pay respects and greet the Empress in Feng Luan Pce.


    Song Zhao dared not be negligent and got ready early to hurry over to the Empress''s pce.


    She was still wearing the same outfit from when she had entered the pce yesterday.


    To put it nicely, it made her look gentle and simply elegant. To put it bluntly, she would be hard to pick out in a crowd.


    She had brains, and so did everyone else.


    Noble Consort Li, Concubine Xiao and Concubine Liu had also arrived very early, and were dressed much more inly than yesterday.


    What still drew attention was Noble Consort Li.


    After greeting the Empress, she was still holding a square jet ck brocade box for no reason. Concubine Xiao and Concubine Liu asked her what was inside, but she evaded the question and refused to tell the truth.


    Later, more consorts arrived one after another. Song Zhao and the other three new consorts stood properly in the hall below and followed etiquette to greet each high-ranked consort.


    The first to enter was Consort Yao, who lived with Song Zhao and Noble Consort Li in Yao Hua Pce.


    Consort Yao was not remarkably beautiful, nor very tall, but she had an extremely slender figure. Her ample bosom was set off by her cinched waist that could be encircled with one hand.


    She clearly knew her own advantages and wore very form-fitting clothes that further entuated her voluptuous figure.


    Last night, after attending to the Empress, she had returned to Yao Hua Pce and met Noble Consort Li and Song Zhao, seeming quite kind upon first impression without putting on airs.


    After her came Consort Hui.


    She had willow leaf brows, peach blossom eyes, a petite nose and mouth, and rosy cheeks like a powdered peach. She looked very childlike.


    Seeing Song Zhao and the others curtsy to her, she smiled gleefully and kept giggling.


    "How wonderful, from now on there will be more sisters in the pce to apany me in fun and games!"


    She addressed Song Zhao and the others as "sisters", not meant to be sarcastic, but because she truly had a child''s mind.


    It was said Consort Hui was still not yet fourteen years old, the only consort of the older generation who had not spent the night with the Emperor.


    Although she looked young, her attire was exceptionally valuable.


    Just the strand of bijiu jade beads around her wrist was worth hundreds in gold.


    Her family was affluent, a renowned wealthy household in the Jiangsu and Zhejiang region. During the drought in the previous dynasty, her family had provided substantial assistance to the former Emperor.


    Later, it was said the former Emperor had forcibly granted her father a sinecure fourth-rank official position, just so his daughter could marry into the imperial pce and form an inw rtionship with the imperial family.


    After her came Consort Yin, who Song Zhao had seen yesterday, walking in side by side with another consort of some beauty but poorerplexion.


    From how Consort Yin addressed her, this should be Consort Yun.


    "Consort Yun, why get so upset over this matter? Consort Chen is arrogant thanks to the Emperor''s favor, this is hardly the first time."


    After the two entered the main hall, Song Zhao and the others quickly curtsied for them to rise.


    Consort Yin smiled and signaled for them to rise, but Consort Yun did not even nce at them. She sat down and immediately startedining to Consort Yin again,


    "This consort simply cannot tolerate her arrogant manner! Consort Shu is pregnant, and has only stopped attending the Empress thest couple days due to the hot weather. But Consort Chen, who does she think she is?"


    Song Zhao listened silently on the side.


    Back in the manor, she had already heard that Consort Chen was the favored one as soon as she entered the pce.


    In fact, it was not surprising that Emperor Xiao Jingheng would dote on her so.


    Rumor had it that Consort Chen was the most alluring beauty of the former imperial harem, and her father was the Minister of the Imperial Bodyguards.


    With such a powerful maternal family deeply involved in the inner pce affairs of the previous dynasty, it was expected that she would be favored.


    As for Consort Shu, she was the luckiest among these consorts.


    In the three years since Xiao Jingheng ascended to the throne, he was busy governing and observing the mourning period for his father during the first two years, so he hardly spent time visiting the imperial harem. It was justst year that he started bestowing affections upon his consorts.


    Although Consort Shu did not receive an overwhelming amount of favor, she was blessed with good fortune and was able to spread the joyous news early on of being pregnant.


    Moreover, her gentle and low-key personality meant she never formed grudges with others. Thus, no one in the harem openly expressed jealousy over her pregnancy.


    But who knew what was in their hearts?


    Song Zhao kept her gaze leveled ahead while discreetly sizing up all the women in the hall.


    She thought to herself:


    Things are going to get lively from now on.

 Chapter 7: First Meet the Queen

    <h4>Chapter 7</h4>


    The idle chatter between Consort Yun and Consort Yin stopped when a pce maid solemnly announced, "The Empress is arriving."


    The noble consorts who were already seated rose to their feet, faced the corridor leading from the inner pce to the main hall, and paid their respects, saying:


    "This lowly concubine pays her respects to the honorable Empress. May the Empress receive endless blessings and prosperity."


    Song Zhao followed etiquette along with the crowd, ncing at the Empress as she gradually made her way to the phoenix seat.


    The Empress wore a bright yellow phoenix embroidered peony robe, a gold and jade phoenix crown on her head, three pendant pearl earrings in her ears, and was dressed solemnly and impressively overall. As she walked, her posture was elegant and poised, with barely a flutter detectable in the tassels of her robe''s hem.


    After the Empress was seated steadily on the phoenix seat and bid the crowd dispense with ceremony, Song Zhao finally got a good look at her appearance.


    She had sharp, upturned phoenix eyes, soft, full, cherry-red lips, a straight nose, and an air ofposure and grace.


    Only the somewhat heavy rouge and powder on her face seemed deliberately applied to conceal signs of poor health.


    After appraising the neer, the kindly smiling Empress asked,


    "You entered the pce just yesterday and left your family estate. Are you adjusting well to life here?"


    The women unanimously nodded their heads. Noble Consort Li, standing at the front, was quick to tter the Empress, saying,


    "This lowly concubine thanks the Empress for her care. The eastern wing of Yao Hua Pce has a courtyard filled with blooming azaleas, which happen to be this concubine''s favorite flower. This concubine''s family home had many nted as well, so moving in yesterday felt as warm and homey as being back there."


    The Empress kindly replied, "Good that you like it. I should have personally overseen arrangements for your residences. But I''ve had heart trouble these past few days, so I left those matters to Consort Yin."


    She nodded with a smile at Consort Yin. "You have a meticulous mind. Thank you for taking on this troublesome task."


    Consort Yin quickly responded, "The Empress tters me. To share in some trivial affairs for you is this concubine''s good fortune."


    The savvy Noble Consort Li hurriedly expressed gratitude to Consort Yin as well. "This lowly concubine offers much thanks to Consort Yin."


    Consort Yin nced at her briefly and gave a cursory "Mm" of acknowledgement.


    The Empress went on, "Yesterday was a joyous day for you all to enter the pce. You should have each had an audience with His Majesty. me my illness for impeding him at an inopportune time. Do not take it to heart."


    The women hastened to say, "How could the Empress say such a thing? That would grieve us deeply. Your phoenix-like health is of paramount importance."


    The impatient Consort Yun couldn''t resist rolling her eyes and angrily dering,


    "How could we me the Empress? We heard clearly yesterday while attending to you that you repeatedly urged His Majesty to receive the new concubines, so they would not feel neglected.


    If Consort Chen hadn''t obstinately seduced and pulled His Majesty to her pce, I''m certain we sisters would have met His Majesty''s holy countenance yesterday!"


    Song Zhao could discern that Consort Yun said this to make the new concubines resent the unseen Consort Chen.


    The Empress let Consort Yun''s words pass without objection, indicating she was also unsatisfied with Consort Chen''s conduct yesterday.


    But as the legitimate empress, it would be unseemly for her to voice jealousy.


    Later, the Empress asked them some trivial questions about their lives. Song Zhao stood quietly without responding.


    She waited until she heard the Empress give a couple weak coughs, then saw Noble Consort Li make a move.


    The noble consort had her maid pass up a ck brocade box. She respectfully offered it to the Empress with both hands, saying,


    "Hearing yesterday that the Empress was afflicted by heart trouble, this lowly concubine was anxious. This century-old wild ginseng was brought by this concubine on her father''s orders to nourish and enrich the qi. I hope the Empress will not despise this token of goodwill."


    Song Zhao sneakily inspected the wild ginseng in the ck brocade box. Its quality was indeed excellent.


    The Empress also said with a smile, "This wild ginseng is of the finest grade. Noble Consort Li''s thoughtfulness is much appreciated."


    Before her voice faded, her head pce maid Shuang Ruo moved to ept the gift.


    Just then, Consort Yun gave a cold mockingugh. "Ha, Noble Consort Li means well, but she should have investigated the Empress''s symptoms first.


    The Empress''s heart trouble red up this time due to the hot weathertely. There is excess heat and deficiency of yin with exuberant fire in her body. This ''gift'' of yours is absolutely unsuitable for those conditions."


    Hearing this, Noble Consort Li''s expression changed. She hurriedly pleaded,


    "The Empress must forgive this offense... This lowly concubine does not understand such things. I beg the Empress not me me for my ignorance."


    The Empress serenely smiled. "You meant well. How could I me you? Let''s do this - I will ept your gift, but if I wish to re-gift it, will you take offense?"


    Noble Consort Li forced a smile. "Of course not."


    The Empress then said, "Consort Shu is pregnant and deficient, in need of nourishment. This excellent wild ginseng is perfect for her. Today I will regift this item to Consort Shu."


    Consort Shu was absent from court today due to pregnancy, but her pce maid Qing Yue was present.


    She came to convey Consort Shu''s apologies, and to listen in andter report back to her mistress.


    Qing Yue stepped forward and epted the ck brocade box from Shuang Ruo, saying,


    "This lowly servant conveys Consort Shu''s deep gratitude for the Empress''s generosity."


    The Empress nodded slightly. "When you return, remember to tell your mistress these are tokens of Noble Consort Li''s regard."


    Naturally, Noble Consort Li was delighted.


    Her gift had earned her favor from both the Empress and Consort Shu. Though wild ginseng was pricey, it was worth it.


    The new consorts'' name ques would be sent to the attendance room tonight. She thought to herself, at this morning''s court session she had performed the best. She might get to serve the emperor tonight.


    Later, the wearied Empress dismissed the consorts to return to their pces, following proper order of precedence.


    As the most junior, Song Zhao was thest to leave.


    But she had barely stepped out of Feng Luan Pce when someone called for her to wait.


    She turned back to see it was Shuang Ruo.


    The pce maid held a palm-sized yellow pear wood box, which she handed to Song Zhao, saying:


    "This is Purple Gold Blood Activating Ointment, extremely effective for treating rashes. The Empress has instructed me to give this to you. Apply a thinyer morning and night, and the red swelling and oozing rash on your face will disappear in under five days."


    Song Zhao epted the box happily, smiling as she said:


    "This lowly concubine offers profound thanks for the Empress''s abounding grace. I should thank her personally. Her care is deeply moving."


    Shuang Ruo replied, "The Empress is tired today and says there is no need to thank her. You may go."


    With that, she turned and went back to Feng Luan Pce.


    Song Zhao gave the pear wood box to Cloud Zhao, telling her maid to take good care of it. Then she too headed for Yao Hua Pce.


    Walking some distance away, Cloud Zhao whispered to Song Zhao, "The Empress is indeed as kind and caring as the rumors say."


    Song Zhao just lightly hmm-ed in response.


    She thought to herself, in this treacherous pce, kindness alone could not have enabled the Empress to keep her position steadily for so many years under Consort Chen''s pressure.


    Moreover, this was their first meeting, yet the Empress already somehow knew about her rash and prepared tailored medication in advance.


    She was pondering this when a cold, stern female voice suddenly sounded behind her:


    "Who goes there?"

 Chapter 8: In the Cold Eye

    <h4>Chapter 8</h4>


    Song Zhao turned around and saw the imposing arrival of a person.


    A morous woman dressed as magnificently as the Empress herself, surrounded by a group of twenty to thirty pce maids.


    Two attendants stood close by, holding ornate parasols to shade her from the sun, while another two fanned her with palm-leaf fans. In front of her, several pce maids held ice-filled trays emitting a white mist that appeared refreshingly cool.


    Song Zhao quickly nced at the woman. She had phoenix-shaped eyes with a slight upward tilt at the corners, sharp edges, and a crimson teardrop birthmark at the corner of her right eye. This mark softened her gaze, adding an indescribable allure.


    Having encountered numerous concubines in the pce, Song Zhao could confidently say that this woman before her was the most outstanding among them all.


    With her luxurious attire and a hint of arrogance in her eyes and brows, it was not difficult to guess that she was Consort Chen, who made the entire harem seethe with jealousy.


    Song Zhao immediately bowed respectfully and spoke in a courteous tone, "This concubine, Song Zhao, greets Consort Chen. May you be blessed and secure."


    Consort Chen briefly nced at her and did not ask her to rise. Instead, she turned to a pce maid beside her and asked, "Is this Song Shicheng''s daughter?"


    The pce maid named Yingxiang replied, "Yes, Your Ladyship. She is the daughter of the Duke of Protector''s household and entered the pce yesterday along with three other selected maidens."


    Upon hearing this, Consort Chen said, "So, she is Song Shicheng''s daughter. You may rise."


    After expressing her gratitude, Song Zhao listened as Consort Chen continued, "Your father and my father had some personal connections. Although you are amoner''s daughter, there is no need for you to belittle yourself. In your free time, you can visit my pce frequently, and I will surely bestow some benefits upon you."


    The harem detested factions forming among the concubines, and Consort Chen openly made such a statement near the Empress''s pce gates, showing her audacity and disregard for the Empress.


    Consort Chen extended an olive branch, but Song Zhao dared not ept it. With so many pce attendants passing through this area, any one of them could be close to the Empress. If she agreed to Consort Chen''s proposal and the Empress found out, she would surely view Song Zhao unfavorably. On the other hand, if she declined, Consort Chen would stare at her with anticipation. Caught between a rock and a hard ce, she couldn''t afford to offend anyone.


    Song Zhao''s thoughts raced, and she quickly came up with an idea.


    Yun Shan stood beside her, supporting her. Pretending to bow down again to pay her respects to Consort Chen, Song Zhao intentionally nudged Yun Shan''s left hand, which held a box made of pearwood.


    The pearwood box fell to the ground, and Yun Shan immediately stooped to pick it up.


    Meanwhile, Song Zhao put on a delighted expression and spoke with utmost respect, "I am deeply grateful for Consort Chen''s favor. This concubine..."


    "What is this?" Consort Chen''s gaze was drawn to the pearwood box on the ground, and she interrupted Song Zhao with a cold voice, moving closer to examine it carefully.


    Every item that came out of the Empress''s pce was adorned with phoenix patterns.


    Consort Chen froze for a moment upon seeing the phoenix pattern and then sneered.


    "Hmph, the Empress doesn''t mind that you are just a lowly concubine, yet she regards you so highly."


    Step by step, she approached Song Zhao and raised her chin with a hand covered in icy armor, almost piercing Song Zhao''s skin. Hurriedly, Song Zhao exined:


    "Empress and Consort Chen are both very considerate of the new pce maidens who have recently entered the pce. They are concerned about the eczema and sores on the maidens'' faces, fearing that such a condition would frighten the emperor during their intimate moments. Therefore, they specially rewarded the pce maidens with a box of Purple Gold Healing Ointment."


    Consort Chen snorted, "Hmph, since you have received such a grand gift from the Empress, then enjoy it."


    With that, she waved her hand and lightly stroked her temple, "I still need to pay respects to the Empress, I have no time to chat with you. You may leave on your own."


    Song Zhao bowed to Consort Chen once again and quickly left with Yun Shan.


    After they had walked far away, Yun Shan released the breath she had been holding in her chest, "I was so scared. Consort Chen looked like she wanted to devour our little mistress alive."


    Song Zhao remained indifferent, "She doesn''t have time to devour me. She only devours those who receive her favor. Today, Li Noble Consort has taken all the attention during the greetings. How long do you think it will be until we hear the good news of her being favored by the emperor?"


    Yun Shan said, "Tonight, the Pce Eunuch Office will present the green head ques of our little mistress and Noble Consort Li to the emperor. New maidens entering the pce are usually favored by the emperor within a month. Since Li Noble Consort has pleased the Empress today, I believe the Empress will also speak favorably of her in front of the emperor."


    Song Zhao smiled, "Yes, we should congratte her."


    "Our little mistress should also heal her facial wounds quickly. She looks better than any of them, and I believe the emperor will be delighted to see her when the timees!" Yun Shan shook the sandalwood box in her hand and continued,


    "Although this Purple Gold Healing Ointment is excellent, Master said that people in the pce are unpredictable. Any internal or external use of substances must be tested by the imperial physicians first. The imperial physician, Liu, is one of our people. I will go to the Imperial Medical Bureauter and ask..."


    "No need to go." Song Zhao took the sandalwood box and yed with it in her hand, "Whether it''s tested or not, I won''t use this thing anyway. Don''t bother."


    *


    In the blink of an eye, it had been nearly a month since Song Zhao entered the pce.


    Her facial redness and swelling should have healed by now, but when she went to pay respects every day, everyone saw no difference between her and when she first entered the pce.


    When the Empress asked, she exined, "I couldn''t resist my cravings that day and ate a few pieces of fresh flower cake. Onlyter did I realize that there was peach blossom pollen in it. It was my own carelessness..."


    The Empress shook her head helplessly, "Oh, you should have been more careful knowing your own condition. Look, a month has passed, and several others who entered the pce with you have already served the emperor, but you haven''t even met him yet. This won''t do."


    Yes.


    In this month, Noble Consort Li, Concubine Xiao, and Concubine Liu each received the emperor''s favor once.


    Only Song Zhao hadn''t even seen Xiao Jingheng.


    Without the emperor''s favor, her days in the pce were difficult.


    Not to mention that the Internal Affairs Office neglected her duties in the pce, even Concubine Xiao and Concubine Liu, who entered the pce with her, often mocked Song Zhao, not to mention Noble Consort Li, who was currently in the spotlight.


    On this day, Song Zhao was leisurely flipping through a book in the pce, while Zhi Hua was sweeping the flowers, scattering them in the hall. Xi Ying had found a shady spot outside the door to rx.


    Just as the pce attendants came to discuss matters, they happened to catch Xi Ying cking off at the entrance. One of them said, "The monthly allowances have arrived. Come with me to collect them."


    Upon hearing this, Xi Ying was unwilling. "I can see clearly that you just delivered the allowances for Noble Consort Li and Noble Consort Yao. It should be a matter of course for you to bring ours along as well. But instead, you make us go and fetch it ourselves?"


    The attendant didn''t indulge her. "Oh, so you have quite an attitude? What''s the status of Noble Consort Li and Noble Consort Yao? It''s up to you whether you want these allowances or not!"


    The argument between the two outside the door was heard loud and clear by Song Zhao and Zhi Hua in the sleeping chamber.


    Song Zhao''s expression remained calm, but the speed of flipping through the book noticeably slowed down.


    Zhi Hua saw it and whispered, "Young mistress... don''t take it to heart. The servants of the pce attendants are always like this. When you start attending to the court in the future, there will be plenty of opportunities for them to fawn over you."


    Song Zhao raised her eyebrows and smiled, nodding at Zhi Hua.


    Outside the door, the voices of Xi Ying and the attendant arguing grew louder.


    Unable to bear it any longer, Zhi Hua rushed out and handed the cloth to Xi Ying, saying, "Forget it, forget it. If you don''t want to go, then don''t. I''ll go with the attendant. There are still two flower vases in the sleeping chamber that haven''t been wiped clean. You go in and finish the task."


    Only then did Xi Ying snort at the attendant and take the cloth from Zhi Hua''s hand, reluctantly entering the sleeping chamber.

 Chapter 9: Song Zhao Competing for Favour

    <h4>Chapter 9</h4>


    Zhi Hua and Xi Ying had been serving by Song Zhao''s side for nearly a month now.


    Zhi Hua was diligent in her work and seldomined, making her quite conscientious.


    However, Xi Ying was alwayszy, avoiding work and often trying to be clever by assigning all the dirty and tiring tasks to Zhi Hua.


    Song Zhao noticed all of this but never said anything to her.


    At this moment, as she entered the bedroom to clean the flower vase, Song Zhao nced at her with a sidelong look. The cloth merely went through the motions on the outer wall of the vase, not even wiping off the dirt from the flower mud at the bottle''s mouth.


    Just as Song Zhao was about to reprimand her, Yun Shan hurriedly rushed back.


    Upon seeing Xi Ying present, Yun Shan deliberately said, "Xi Ying, I noticed that the grass in the flower garden outside has grown wild. Go and trim it."


    Xi Ying reluctantly agreed and as she was leaving, Yun Shan reminded her, "Close the door. I need to speak with the young mistress."


    Xi Ying''s eyes wanderedzily as she closed the door slowly.


    After she left, Yun Shan said to Song Zhao, "Young mistress, we have obtained some information. The pce staff epted our money and revealed that tomorrow evening, the Emperor will pay respects to the Empress Dowager. On his way back, he will pass through the northeast corner of the imperial garden."


    Song Zhao closed the book she had been reading on the desk and pondered, her expression filled with worry. "Since that''s the case, we need to prepare quickly. When I entered the pce, didn''t I bring a crimson-purple cloud brocade cloak embroidered with Su embroidery? I heard the Emperor likes that color. Fetch it and make the necessary arrangements. Tomorrow, I will wear it to ''identally'' encounter the Emperor."


    Yun Shan, dexterous in her movements, immediately rummaged through the wardrobe and found the garment. Shepared it to Song Zhao''s figure, saying, "This garmentplements the young mistress''s slender figure, coupled with her graceful dancing, the Emperor will surely be enchanted."


    "Ah..." Song Zhao sighed, shaking her head helplessly. "Originally, I didn''t want to contend for anything. But as you can see, if the women in the pce don''t receive favor, their lives are worse off than servants. After a month in the pce, the Emperor hasn''t shown any intention of summoning me. If I don''t put in some effort, I''m afraid there won''t be a ce for me in this harem."


    The master and servant pondered for a while, devising a n to capture the Emperor''s heart in one fell swoop.


    To present herself in the best condition, Song Zhao had refrained from eating or drinking since the previous night. When she became excessively thirsty, she moistened her lips with a damp cloth, iming that it was necessary to expel the moisture from her body and make her facial features appear more defined.


    By the next evening, a resplendently dressed Song Zhao secretly slipped out of the pce while Consort Yao and Noble Consort Li were having their meals.


    When the master and servant returned, the sky had already turnedpletely dark.


    Coincidentally, they ran into Noble Consort Li strolling in the courtyard. Seeing how Song Zhao''s attire today was strikingly different from her usual simplicity, she asked, "Where did you go?"


    Song Zhao replied, "Yesterday, during the audience, when I was chatting casually with Consort Hui, we happened to mention that my mother is also from the Jiangsu-Zhejiang region, just like Consort Hui''s maternal family."


    Consort Hui said that there was a snack from her maternal family called "Onion Dumpling Stew" that she liked very much, but the pce chefs couldn''t make it. When I was a concubine in my previous home, I learned this dish from my mother. So Consort Hui invited me to her pce and asked me to show off my skills by making the hometown snack she had been longing for.


    All the women in the pce were vying for favor, except for Consort Hui, who was young and spent her days indulging in food, drink, and entertainment.


    Noble Consort Li, who ranked below Consort Hui, didn''t dare to gossip about Consort Hui. Instead, she began to pick on Song Zhao.


    "If you want to cook, then cook. Why are you dressed like this? It''s not like your usual attire," Noble Consort Li remarked.


    Blushing, Song Zhao smiled and looked a little embarrassed as she nced at herself and said, "It was the Empress who said that the eczema on my face has persisted for a long time, perhaps due to my mood. The Empress said that when a woman dresses up and feels happy herself, her mood improves. So I tried to dress up a bit."


    Noble Consort Li had never paid any attention to Song Zhao before.


    She had a better background, a higher rank, and more favor than Song Zhao. She had no need to be wary of her.


    But today, with just a slight change in appearance, Song Zhao''s whole demeanor changed, despite her facial blemishes.


    Noble Consort Li didn''t want anyone to take away the favor she had fought so hard to gain, so she cleared her throat and reprimanded, "Your clothes are overly shy and exude a vulgar air. The Emperor dislikes women who dress like this. I''ll give you a piece of advice for your own good: don''t wear these clothes anymore."


    Song Zhao nodded and smiled, saying, "Thank you for your advice, sister."


    Back in her own room, Yun Shan eximed in anger, "What did Noble Consort Li say? She just can''t stand to see you doing well! What does she mean the Emperor doesn''t like it? If the Emperor truly didn''t like it, would she dress up like a butterfly every day?"


    Song Zhao couldn''t be bothered with the foolish and brainless Noble Consort Li, so she didn''t respond to Yun Shan''s words.


    Just then, Zhi Hua passed by the door, and Song Zhao called her, "Zhi Hua, have you seen Xi Ying?"


    Zhi Hua stood outside the door and replied, "Little Mistress just left a while ago. She said she was going to the Imperial Household Department to get some spices and left. When she came back just now, I don''t know if she had a conflict with the people from the Imperial Household Department, but her eyes were red, her left cheek was swollen, and there was blood at the corner of her mouth... It looks like she was pped..."


    Song Zhao said, "If my master is not favored, it means you all are suffering with me. Today, my maternal family sent some gold, silver, and delicate items to the pce. I thought of two things that would suit you all very well, so I wanted to keep them for you."


    After about the time it takes to burn an incense stick, Zhi Hua finally brought Xi Ying from her chamber.


    The red swelling on Xi Ying''s face was very prominent, clearly the result of a p.


    Song Zhao pretended not to see and smiled, saying, "Today, my maternal family sent some gold, silver, and delicate items to the pce. You all work hard to serve me, so I thought of two things that would be suitable for you. I wanted to give them to you as gifts."


    With that, Yun Shan handed two small and exquisite jewelry boxes to Zhi Hua and Xi Ying.


    After expressing their thanks, Xi Ying seemed preupied and didn''t pay much attention to the gifts.


    Zhi Hua joyously said, "Thank you, Young Mistress. May I open and have a look?"


    Song Zhao smiled and replied, "Of course."


    Zhi Hua opened the brocade box and took out a jade bracelet from inside. She was overjoyed and immediately put it on her wrist, expressing her gratitude to Song Zhao repeatedly.


    Song Zhao said, "I''m d you like the gift. Also, I noticed that the bedding you sleep on is already worn out, and the household management department neglects its duties. So, I have instructed Yun Shan to rece it with new ones for you. Would you like to go and see if you like them?"


    Zhi Hua became even happier upon hearing this and thanked Song Zhao multiple times before leaving with joy.


    After she left, Song Zhao smiled as he observed Xi Ying and asked, "What''s the matter? Aren''t you happy with the gift I gave you?"


    Xi Ying pursed her lips and replied, "I dare not be dissatisfied."


    Song Zhao said, "Then, open it and see if it suits your taste."


    Xi Ying slowly opened the jewelry box in her hands but let out a startled cry when she saw what was inside. She was so frightened that the jewelry box fell to the ground.


    As the jewelry box fell, a bloody finger rolled out from inside!


    Witnessing this scene sent shivers down people''s spines, making their hair stand on end.

 Chapter 10: No Soft Spot

    <h4>Chapter 10</h4>


    "Ahhhh!"


    Xi Ying screamed and retreated back two steps.


    Yun Shan raised his hand and gave Xi Ying a p across the face,


    "Why are you screaming? You''ll startle the young miss!"


    "Yun Shan, don''t hit her," Song Zhao said with a smile as she slowly got up and walked towards Xi Ying''s frightened and astonished gaze.


    "What''s wrong? Was this gift too frightening for you?"


    She nced down at the severed finger lying quietly on the ground, then reached out and stroked Xi Ying''s disheveled hair. She spoke very gently,


    "It''s your own family, what is there to be afraid of? Have you forgotten that your younger brother has a brown birthmark on his right index finger? When your brother got lost as a child, your parents recognized him because of that birthmark, right?"


    Xi Ying, still in shock, stared at the severed finger on the ground for a long time.


    When she finally recognized that the birthmark on the severed finger was exactly the same as her brother''s, she was so frightened that her knees went weak and she copsed onto the ground like a puddle of mud.


    Song Zhao looked at her coldly from above, then said to Yun Shan:


    "Help her up, the floor is cold."


    When Yun Shan moved closer to Xi Ying, she was so frightened that her soul left her body. She shrank back until she hit the wall and could retreat no further. Then, with trembling lips, she said,


    "W-What have you done to my brother? He''s only twelve... How can you be so cruel?!"


    Song Zhao leisurely walked over to stand in front of her. Yun Shan brought over a chair for Song Zhao to sit on.


    After sitting down, Song Zhao leaned forward and hooked Xi Ying''s chin with her forefinger, subtly exerting force to make Xi Ying raise her head and meet her gaze.


    "I don''t know what benefits Consort Chen gave you to have you monitor my every move. But I know that Consort Chen''s father is the Minister of Imperial Guards and concurrently serves as Viceroy of Sichuan and Shaanxi. Her whole family is in the Sichuan and Shaanxi region, so she certainly won''t threaten your family''s lives to coerce you. I''m different."


    Her slender fingers slowly moved upwards, her water-green nails sliding over Xi Ying''s swollen cheek,


    "My father is the Duke of Protector, and the Protectorate is in the capital. What a coincidence, your family also lives in the capital. Tsk tsk... I seem to remember you live on Nongzhuang Lane? Oh dear, what if that ce suddenly caught fire? What would you do then?"


    Xi Ying was terribly frightened and quickly said, "Young miss, spare my life! This servant knows she was wrong, please give me a chance!"


    Song Zhao gently stroked the wound on Xi Ying''s cheek and smiled gently, "Does it hurt? Today Consort Chen came up empty-handed and only gave you a p on the face, you got off easy."


    In fact, this so-called petition for favor" was just a scheme set up by Song Zhao.


    She deliberately let Xi Ying overhear her ns with Yun Shan, and secretly had Yun Shan follow her to see who she would tell.


    Today Consort Chen got the tip-off from Xi Ying and rushed to the northeast corner of the Imperial Garden, but after waiting all night she didn''t see any sign of Song Zhao.


    In her rage, she gave Xi Ying a p and told her to keep monitoring Song Zhao''s every move.


    She also said that if there was another false rm next time, she would show no mercy.


    At this moment, Song Zhao''s hand stroking Xi Ying''s cheek felt very warm, but Xi Ying felt a chill emanating from Song Zhao''s palm into the depths of her heart.


    After a while, Song Zhao gently patted Xi Ying''s cheek, her smile growing even warmer,


    "Doubt those who should be doubted, and trust those who should be trusted. This time I''m giving you a chance. I believe that after this incident, you''ll know what you should and shouldn''t do, right?"


    Xi Ying nodded profusely. She watched as Yun Shan handed Song Zhao a jade bracelet just like the one she had given to Zhi Hua.


    Song Zhao held the bracelet andpared it to Xi Ying''s wrist, "You and Zhi Hua both serve me, so what she has, you''ll have too. I don''t know how much silver Consort Chen paid you. But you just need to understand one thing - whatever Consort Chen can give you, I can give you just as much, if not more. Haven''t you always said that for a servant, choosing the right mistress is the most important thing?"


    As Song Zhao spoke, she rolled up Xi Ying''s wrist and gently put the jade bracelet on her.


    Then she patted the back of Xi Ying''s hand and raised her eyebrows at her with a smile,


    "Now that things havee to this, have you made your choice?"


    Did Xi Ying have a choice?


    Right now, wholeheartedly following Song Zhao was her only option. Otherwise, her whole family''s lives would be at stake.


    So after Song Zhao finished speaking, she immediately kneeled down and bowed to thank Song Zhao profusely,


    "Thank you for your mercy, young miss! This servant will serve you faithfully with all my heart from now on!"


    Song Zhao sat back down on the heated seat, took a sip of tea from her cup, and asked casually,


    "What did Consort Chen want you to do around me?"


    Xi Ying said, "Consort Chen gave me some silver to monitor your every move. She wanted me to report everything you do daily, no matter how trivial."


    Then she lowered her voice and said, "It''s not just around you. I heard that Consort Chen has nted people around all the new young misses who just entered the pce..."


    It was not umon for a favored consort to nt spies around neers to consolidate her position and favor.


    Song Zhao responded nonchntly to Xi Ying,


    "Just keep epting Consort Chen''s silver like usual in the future. She wants to know my every move, so just tell her openly. But you know what to say and what not to say. A clever girl like you shouldn''t need me to teach you personally, right?"


    Xi Ying nodded profusely again. Song Zhao said, "I''m tired, you may leave now."


    As she spoke, she nced meaningfully at the ground, "Bring your brother''s finger with you."


    Xi Ying''s hands trembled as she picked up the severed finger. She bowed deeply to Song Zhao before hurriedly leaving.


    Seeing how readily Song Zhao let Xi Ying off, Yun Shan was a little annoyed and said,


    "Young miss is too kind-hearted. A two-faced creature like her should at least be punished a little."


    Song Zhao scoffed lightly, held out her hand, and appreciated her slender fingers in the candlelight.


    "Isn''t that crimson stain on her brother''s severed finger punishment enough for her? Consort Chen was bound to nt spies around me no matter what, so we might as well keep Xi Ying. After all, family is the weakness for most people. With her whole family''s lives in my hands, she''ll naturally know to watch her mouth."


    Yun Shan said, "Young miss is so thoughtful. You''re right, for someone like you, the old master is your backing in the pce, but also your weakness..."


    He stopped mid-sentence when he saw Song Zhao''s brow twitch subtly. Yun Shan didn''t continue.


    Song Zhao was silent for a moment. shes of her mother being beaten to death by Jiang and Song Shicheng watching the whole thing without intervening appeared in her mind.


    Her expression became sinister, her jaws slightly clenched. She enunciated heavily,


    "I have no weaknesses."


    Having said that, she blew out the candle in front of her.

 Chapter 11: Eyeliner in the Palace

    <h4>Chapter 11</h4>


    In the pce these couple of days, the most illustrious person is none other than [Noble Consort Li].


    [Emperor Xiao Jingheng] seems to be quite satisfied with her. Just yesterday, he promoted her title again.


    Amongst the new concubines who entered the pce recently, she is the only one who has been summoned to the imperial bedchamber twice.


    The consortspete to fawn over her, especially [Consort Chen]. Gifts from her pcee unceasingly.


    [Song Zhao] watched from the [West side hall] as the [East side hall] gate was bustling with people delivering gifts, wave after wave.


    Later, even [Ying Xiang] from [Consort Chen]''s side came to deliver gifts to [Noble Consort Li]. When she left, [Noble Consort Li] personally escorted her out.


    [Noble Consort Li] said loudly to [Ying Xiang], "Thank you for personallying over. I really like the pink pearl earrings [Consort Chen] bestowed upon me. I will definitelye to thank her in person another day."


    After seeing [Ying Xiang] off, she returned inside swaying her hips, looking very smug.


    [Song Zhao] watched this happen. She suddenly ordered [Yun Shan], "I remember that among the jewelry I brought into the pce, there was a pair of pearl earrings. Go take them out and find a nice box to put them in. Come with me to congratte [Noble Consort Li]."


    [Noble Consort Li] was at the height of glory. She looked down on [Song Zhao] to begin with. Of course she would mock her a bit when [Song Zhao] came to give gifts.


    "Let me see what you''ve brought," she said.


    She opened the redwood gift box and took out a pair of pearl earrings, sneering,


    "These soft-shelled river mussel pearls aremonce, too petty for formal asions. And these pearls are so tiny, they would be hard to find if they fell onto the floor. Sister, it''s a bit shabby for you to bring such gifts."


    Then she casually took a pair of plump, round, pink pearl earrings from the table andpared them to the ones [Song Zhao] brought.


    Not to mention the pink pearls were a size bigger, the pale pink color was also much more eye-catching than the in white.


    [Song Zhao]''s eyes opened wide, as if she had never seen such fine jewelry.


    Seeing [Song Zhao]''s expression, [Noble Consort Li] became even more smug. "These were bestowed by [Consort Chen]. The pink pearls are from eastern sea giant ms. To get a pair this finely matched is one in ten thousand. Now these are proper treasures."


    [Song Zhao]''s eyes shimmered as she stared at the pink pearls, unable to look away.


    "Such beautiful pearls, I''ve never seen them before. Noble Consort''s graceful bearing matches these pink pearls perfectly. I''ve also heard that [Consort Chen] rarely bestows gifts, which shows how much she values you."


    "This is nothing," [Noble Consort Li] said proudly, raising her chin. She picked up a nearby gold-mounted phoenix hairpin and twirled it in her hand. "This hairpin was bestowed by the [Empress]. The workmanship is exquisite and I really like it."


    [Song Zhao] said, "The hairpin is beautiful, but it''s a bit too in. Inparison, I still think the earrings [Consort Chen] gave Noble Consort are more beautiful. If you wear them tomorrow when you greet the emperor, you will certainly outshine everyone."


    "Fool, what do you know?"


    [Noble Consort Li] rolled her eyes at [Song Zhao] and inserted the hairpin into her own hair bun by herself.


    "The consorts all sent over gifts, of course I will pick the best to wear tomorrow. [Consort Chen]''s gift is good, but she has an unyielding temperament, petty and jealous. What good would it do to rely on her? It''s still best to rely on the [Empress]. After all, she holds the position of Empress, not somemon consort."


    Seeing [Song Zhao] looking confused, she spoke in a lecturing tone, "To survive in the harem, you must observe people''s expressions and understand the circumstances. Neers to the pce have little status or power, so they must find the most worthwhile person to attach themselves to, only then can the future path be smoother. Do you understand?"


    [Song Zhao] pretended to be enlightened and quickly bowed in gratitude to [Noble Consort Li]. "Thank you Noble Consort for your guidance."


    [Noble Consort Li] said smugly, "From now on, I will rely on the Empress, and you will follow me. With your looks, you won''t gain favor anyway. Serve me well, and I can ensure you''re fed and clothed, that''s no difficult task."


    After that, [Noble Consort Li] said a lot more snide remarks for quite a while. [Song Zhao] epted it all obediently, and even ttered her profusely, praising her as an unparalleled fairy on heaven and earth.


    [Yun Shan] watched this happen and felt injustice for her mistress.


    After listening to [Noble Consort Li] talk for nearly half a hour, she finally let [Song Zhao] leave.


    Upon returning to her pce, [Yun Shan] massaged and kneaded [Song Zhao], saying sorrowfully, "Mistress, you know you would inevitably be humiliated by seeing her, why did you still go and give her gifts?"


    [Song Zhao] casually picked up a grape from the table, peeled and ate it. "She''s a Noble Consort and I''m a Concubine, it''s normal for me to fawn over her. We live under the same roof after all."


    [Yun Shan] sighed. "I just hope Mistress can be summoned soon. That way, life in the pce would be easier in the future."


    The windows in [Song Zhao]''s [West side hall] happened to overlook the side gate of the [East side hall].


    After fawning over [Noble Consort Li], she kept staring out that window.


    Soon, she saw [Lian Er] who served [Noble Consort Li] hurriedly leave through the side gate, sneaking away stealthily. Only then did a hint of a smile emerge on her lips.


    [Xi Ying] had said that [Consort Chen] nted spies beside all the new concubines.


    So [Song Zhao] went to give gifts to [Noble Consort Li] today specifically to provoke her into speaking ill of [Consort Chen] and praising the [Empress].


    With [Consort Chen]''s unyielding temper, even without [Song Zhao] taking action, [Noble Consort Li]''s good days were probably limited.


    *


    At the same time, in [Yong An Pce].


    "She really said that?"


    [Consort Chen] sat at the head position, her words tinged with anger.


    [Lian Er] who served [Noble Consort Li] was kneeling below. She respectfully said,


    "This servant does not dare speak falsehoods. [Noble Consort Li] did say those words. [Song Zhao] who shares her residence also tried to dissuade her, saying the earrings you gave suit her well. But she said the [Empress]'' gifts were more to her liking. She even explicitly said she would rely on the [Empress] in the future, and told [Song Zhao] who has not gained favor yet to rely on her in future."


    [Consort Chen] gave a cold snort. "Hmph, she sure is ambitious. A mere Noble Consort who just entered the pce a few days starts plotting and forming alliances immediately? She likes relying on the Empress, this pce will satisfy her wish. Doesn''t the Empress like advising His Majesty to favor all equally? [Ying Xiang]."


    [Ying Xiang] stepped forward and knelt down. "This servant is here."


    [Consort Chen] said, "Go to the [Pce Eunuch Office] and tell them [Noble Consort Li] is feeling unwell from wind-chill and cannot be summoned. Have them take down her green que. And tell [Zhang Jiugui] to remind His Majesty that there is still [Song Zhao] from [Yao Hua Pce] who has not met the emperor since entering the pce."


    [Ying Xiang] epted the order and withdrew. [Consort Chen] looked at [Lian Er] again and asked, "Do you understand what I mean when I said [Noble Consort Li] is unwell from wind-chill?"


    [Lian Er] smiled cleverly, "This servant knows what to do."


    [Consort Chen] nodded, very satisfied. She had the pce maid bring a few silver pieces to give [Lian Er], before saying, "You may leave. Take good care of your mistress."


    [Lian Er] thanked [Consort Chen] for her grace, and left happily hugging the silver.

 Chapter 12: The Yellow Sparrow

    <h4>Chapter 12</h4>


    After two days, at noon one day, Song Zhao saw Noble Consort Li jumping up and down under the zing sun. She was drenched in sweat.


    The pce maids stood aside, none daring to dissuade her. Song Zhao asked Lian Er,


    "What is wrong with your mistress? Isn''t she afraid of ruining herplexion under such a scorching sun?"


    Lian Er said, "My young mistress craves coolness in summer. She uses too much ice at night and didn''t cover up well, so she caught a chill. When a noble consort is ill, she cannot serve in the bedroom, so the Attendant''s Office hung up her green que. The Imperial Physician said sweating more could speed her recovery, so my young mistress insisted on standing under the sun..."


    "The Noble Consort has fainted! Quick, summon the Imperial Physician!"


    Just as they were speaking, Noble Consort Li copsed from exhaustion.


    The pce maids swarmed over to check on her. Song Zhao stood outside the crowd to watch themotion.


    She saw that Noble Consort Li was nearly spent, yet still held Lian Er''s hand to instruct her,


    "Re...remember to inform His Majesty that I fainted. His Majesty will be worried for me ande see me."


    Song Zhao gave a coldugh to herself, thinking inwardly, "Foolish woman." She didn''t even bother with her and went back to her own chambers.


    It wasn''t that she didn''t care at all for Noble Consort Li. In the afternoon, she personally brewed a bowl of mung bean soup to dispel the heat and brought it over.


    Noble Consort Li had no appetite and refused to drink it. Song Zhao persuaded her,


    "Sister, there is no need to be so impatient. This is just an ordinary chill. Medication and nursing for seven to eight days will have you fully recovered. Why torture yourself standing under the sun at noon?"


    "What do you understand?" Noble Consort Li snapped at her, then asked Lian Er instead, "Did you inform the Inner Court? Does His Majesty know I fainted?"


    Lian Er said, "I reported it twice, mydy."


    Noble Consort Li heaved a long sigh of relief and nodded contentedly. But soon she thought of something else and suddenly rose from bed to head for her dressing table, muttering as she went,


    "When His Majesty arrivester, he mustn''t see me looking so haggard. Lian Er,e do my makeup!"


    Seeing her like this, Song Zhao didn''t feel pity, only ridicule.


    She thought to herself that if all the women vying for favor were of this quality, life would be rather dull.


    Later, Noble Consort Li did indeed receive good news after getting dressed up.


    An unfamiliar little eunuch from the Attendant''s Office came to give her joyful news,


    "Congrattions, Noble Consort. The phoenix-calling sedan chair is on its way to Yao Hua Pce. Please get ready."


    Noble Consort Li was overjoyed. Upon hearing this news, her illness vanished by more than half.


    She straightened her back and headed to the courtyard, beaming.


    After half a stick of incense, the phoenix-calling sedan chair did indeed stop outside Yao Hua Pce.


    The one receiving her today was Zhang Jiugui, Steward of the Attendant''s Office.


    ording to protocol, only when a consort spent her first night in attendance would the Steward of the Attendant''s Office personally escort her.


    Afterwards, unless there was an imperial favorite with a special edict, no one else would receive this treatment.


    Noble Consort Li was even more delighted. She came up and chatted smilingly with Zhang Jiugui, "Steward Zhang, what brings you here?"


    Zhang Jiugui gave her a perfunctory smile. "Is the Noble Consort feeling better?"


    Noble Consort Li said, "Much better, thank you for your concern."


    Seeing no one hade to receive her, she simply lifted the sedan curtain herself to get in.


    "Ah, mydy, wait." Zhang Jiugui stopped her and closed the sedan curtain. "His Majesty did not summon you tonight."


    "Not me?" Shock filled Noble Consort Li''s eyes. She pointed at the little eunuch who hade earlier to announce the summons and said, "How could it not be me? This gentleman clearly said His Majesty summoned me tonight."


    "Foolish thing!" Zhang Jiugui kicked the little eunuch. He quickly exined to Noble Consort Li with an apologetic smile, "That dimwit just arrived at the Attendant''s Office and mixed up protocol."


    Then he turned to Song Zhao, who was watching the spectacle, bowed with hands sped, and respectfully said, "Congrattions, Song Zhao. His Majesty summoned your que tonight."


    At his words, all eyes turned to Song Zhao.


    Noble Consort Li was so angry her teeth hurt. Her eyes seemed to bleed.


    Song Zhao pointed to herself in puzzlement. "Me?"


    Zhang Jiugui gestured for her toe. "Mydy, don''t just stand there. Please."


    Upon hearing the news, Yun Shan was overjoyed.


    "Mydy! You didn''t mishear. His Majesty summoned your que!"


    But just after a sentence of joy, she became conflicted. "Steward Zhang, that gentleman announced wrongly just now. Mydy heard this sudden news and didn''t have time to dress up. Could you wait a moment for this ve to help..."


    "Wait?" Zhang Jiugui waved his hand looking very troubled. "The summons have protocols that cannot be dyed. I hope Song Zhao does not make things difficult for this ve."


    Yun Shan thought that while the swelling on her mistress''s face had gone down, the rash still remained. She had to apply some powder to conceal it. Otherwise, going to serve like this would leave a terrible impression on His Majesty.


    But Zhang Jiugui was urging insistently, and Song Zhao said, "The steward is right, protocols cannot be broken. I will go with you now."


    Noble Consort Li watched as Song Zhao with her pockmarked face entered the phoenix-calling sedan chair, and was so angry she nearly tore apart the silk handkerchief she was twisting.


    "With that face, is she going to scare His Majesty to death?"


    Whether she would scare His Majesty to death was uncertain, but anyone could see that Noble Consort Li was nearly scared to death now.


    Once in the phoenix-calling sedan chair, the puzzlement on Song Zhao''s face disappeared, reced byposure and calm once more.


    She heard Zhang Jiugui whispering outside the sedan, "Today, Song Zhao has a rare chance to serve thanks to Consort Chen''s efforts to secure it for you. You must treasure it well!"


    Song Zhao said, "Please convey my thanks to Consort Chen for giving me this opportunity."


    Zhang Jiuguiughed. "This ve only serves his masters. There is no need to thank me. It''s just rare for Consort Chen to care about another consort''s affairs. It shows she thinks highly of you."


    "I understand Consort Chen''s good intentions. I will certainly not fail to meet her expectations."


    In her mind, it was clear as a mirror.


    The Attendant''s Office did things wlessly. How could they have announced wrongly?


    This mixup today was clearly arranged by Consort Chen on purpose.


    Firstly, it was to p Noble Consort Li''s face in front of everyone and make her lose face.


    Secondly, the mistaken announcement meant Song Zhao had no time to dress up in advance.


    By the time she entered Chaoyang Pce barefaced, if Xiao Jingheng saw those unattractive pockmarks, he might be repulsed and send her straight back. It would be aplete return to Zhao.


    Consort Chen had schemed left and right. In this move, she oppressed Noble Consort Li, openly gave Song Zhao a chance, and secretly humiliated Song Zhao in the presence of the emperor. It was hitting three birds with one stone.


    Little did she know, she thought herself a praying mantis stalking the cicada, unaware of the oriole behind.


    The seemingly exploited Song Zhao was actually the craftiest oriole seizing the opportunity in this game.

 Chapter 13: Song Zhao’s Bedtime 01

    <h4>Chapter 13</h4>


    The weather today turned gloomy in thete afternoon.


    The air was filled with thick moisture, and asional bursts of muffled thunder could be heard from the densely clouded sky.


    As the carriage carrying Song Zhao arrived outside the gates of Chaoyang Pce, she looked up at the pitch-ck sky.


    After enduring the sweltering heat for so many days, it was about time for a good rain.


    Zhang Jiugui respectfully guided Song Zhao into Chaoyang Pce and led her to a side hall, where a familiar-looking maid was waiting.


    Zhang Jiugui introduced her to Song Zhao, saying, "This is the etiquette maid of the imperial court, responsible for teaching the rules of serving the emperor to the young princess."


    As a eunuch, he couldn''t hear what the women behind them were saying, so he stepped outside and waited.


    The maid said to Song Zhao, "There are many rules to follow when serving the emperor, but they can be summed up in two things: obedience and amodation.


    Our emperor is young. He ascended the throne at the age of twenty-one and has been reigning for three years. In September, after the Longevity Festival, he will turn twenty-four, which is the prime of his life.


    When serving the emperor, the most important thing is to never oppose his wishes or dampen his spirits. In short, everything should be done ording to his desires, pleasing his royal countenance. This way, the emperor can forget the toils of his diligent governance during the day, and it will be the credit of the young princess.


    Before serving, the pce maids will apany the young princess to bathe and change clothes, and then escort her to the emperor''s sleeping chamber. After the service, someone wille to escort the young princess back to the pce. Of course, if the emperor is pleased and grants permission to stay overnight, it would be even better."


    After listening, Song Zhao nodded earnestly and said, "Thank you for your guidance. I have noted everything."


    Then the maid arranged for the pce maids to take Song Zhao for a bath.


    After the intimate service, there would always be someone to redo the makeup for the concubines.


    However, Zhang Jiugui privately reminded the maid, "Song Zhao''s red rash is a symptom of an unresolved illness. If we were to cover it with makeup now, it might worsen under the stimtion. It''s better to let her go before the emperor with a natural face."


    The maid smiled and said, "What Consort Chen Ning said is absolutely right. I understand what to do."


    So that night, after Song Zhao finished bathing and changing clothes, no one came to apply makeup for her. Instead, she was directly sent to Xiao Jingheng''s sleeping chamber.


    When she arrived, Xiao Jingheng was sitting on a warm seat, reviewing official documents.


    Hearing the sound of Song Zhao entering, he didn''t look up but continued to elegantly leave hisments on the documents with a brush.


    Inside the hall, the candlelight flickered, casting a warm and cozy glow.


    The agarwood in the incense burner emitted a dense and white smoke, rising and lingering in front of Xiao Jingheng.


    This was the first time Song Zhao saw her husband.


    Just as the rumors had described, Xiao Jingheng was extraordinarily handsome, truly a rare sight.


    His thick and neatly arranged eyebrows and obsidian-like pupils gave him a deep and resolute gaze.


    His noble nose and thin lips added a touch of unattainable aloofness.


    Or perhaps, this sense of alienationes from his inherent regal aura.


    Song Zhao slowly knelt down, spreading her skirt out, and respectfully greeted, "I, your concubine, havee to pay respects to Your Majesty. May Your Majesty live long and prosper."


    Upon hearing her words, Xiao Jingheng''s pen paused.


    He nced at Song Zhao and said, "Raise your head when speaking."


    A deep and ear-grabbing voice echoed in Song Zhao''s ears.


    She raised her head in response. During the period of court etiquette, concubines were not allowed to look directly at the emperor''s face. So, even though she lifted her head, she kept her eyes lowered, evading his gaze.


    Xiao Jingheng noticed her nervousness and unease, as well as the dense rash on her face.


    Long before she entered the bedchamber, Xiao Jingheng had already heard about this Song Zhao from the Empress.


    The Empress said she was extraordinarily beautiful and charming, but due to an allergy to peach tree pollen, she had developed some red rashes on her face.


    Today, upon seeing her, the Empress''s words proved true.


    Although Song Zhao''s facial rash looked rming, it was still evident that her features were exceptionally superior.


    Xiao Jingheng''s gaze did not linger on her for long.


    After a brief nce, he quickly refocused his attention on the memorial.


    However, he did not ignore Song Zhao. He said, "Come forward and attend to the writing materials."


    "Yes, I will follow Your orders," Song Zhao replied.


    Stepping lightly, Song Zhao walked to Xiao Jingheng''s side.


    She rolled up her sleeves slightly, revealing a section of fair and delicate wrist, and then took a cinnabar inkstone to start grinding ink.


    "Boom!"


    Outside the window, the sound of thunder grew denser.


    Unintentionally, Song Zhao''s hand trembled, causing the ink droplet to spill outside the inkstone.


    She hurriedly took the handkerchief from her waist and wiped away the ink droplet.


    Xiao Jingheng nced sideways and asked in a cold tone, "Are you afraid?"


    "N-No, I''m not afraid," Song Zhao''s voice stuttered and trembled, clearly telling a falsehood.


    Xiao Jingheng could tell that she was putting on a brave front, but he didn''t press further and continued to calmly review the memorial.


    Before long, the sound of raindrops tapping against the window grew louder.


    The rain grew heavier, and the wind blew stronger, until it pushed open thetticed window beside the warm seat, letting in dampness and gusts of wind that blew a memorial off the table.


    Song Zhao quickly ran to the window, forcefully closed thetticed window, andtched it.


    Then she turned around and picked up the fallen memorial, presenting it to Xiao Jingheng with both hands.


    Throughout the entire process, Xiao Jingheng didn''t even spare her a nce.


    As the rain continued to patter against the eaves, he casually recited a poem.


    "With a single night''s gentle thunder, countless threads fall,


    Clear light shimmers on azure roof tiles."


    He hadn''t expected that a soft and delicate female voice would respond to him,


    "Affectionate peonies hold tears of spring,


    Incapable roses rest on morning branches."


    A glimmer shed in Xiao Jingheng''s eyes, and he couldn''t help but raise his eyebrows as he reassessed Song Zhao.


    "This is Qin Guan''s hidden poem, not well-known and rarely heard of, yet you know it?"


    Song Zhao''s beautiful eyes shimmered, her cheeks blushed, and she tenderly replied, "My father enjoys reading poetry and books. I have been exposed to them, so I have a superficial understanding. I hope I haven''t embarrassed Your Majesty by showing off in front of you."


    This time, the distance between the two of them was less than three feet, allowing Xiao Jingheng to see her more clearly.


    There was a natural charm in every frown and wrinkle.


    When she went to close the window in the rain, her cheeks and temples were wet with raindrops.


    Xiao Jingheng reached out to brush away the water droplets on her cheek, but Song Zhao instinctively took a step back, trying to evade.


    But it was toote.


    At the moment when Xiao Jingheng''s fingers touched Song Zhao''s cheek, the water droplet was wiped away, along with the red rash in that spot, which faded away.


    Xiao Jingheng toyed with the paint-stained water on his fingertips,


    Seeing this, Song Zhao was greatly rmed and quickly kneeled down,


    "Your Majesty, please forgive me..."


    Xiao Jingheng''s sharp gaze met Song Zhao''s panicked eyes,


    He flicked away the water stain on his fingertip and his deep voice carried a strong sense of oppression,


    "By doing this, do you not desire to serve in bed?"

 Chapter 14: Song Zhao’s Bedtime 02

    <h4>Chapter 14</h4>


    ''Boom!''


    Another peal of thunder rumbled through the skies, startling Song Zhao so much that she couldn''t help but shudder violently.


    At that time, she was kneeling in front of Xiao Jingheng, her frail figure curled up into a ball. Her clothes were soaked and she was trembling all over.


    Tears welled up in her eyes, overflowing as her long eyshes fluttered. The tears rolled down her cheeks in big drops,


    staining her indigo clothes as they spread into a wet patch.


    "Your Majesty...this concubine...," she spoke in a breathy voice, as if trying hard to hold back her sobs. It made one''s heart ache to hear her.


    Xiao Jingheng saw all this.


    Men are always inclined to cherish frail women.


    The more delicate a woman is, the more she arouses their protective instincts.


    Of course, the prerequisite is that the woman has to be alluring enough that when she cries, her tears appear like pearls and dew drops, evoking pity in those who see her.


    And the thing Song Zhao was most blessed with was precisely her looks.


    Xiao Jingheng hid the ferocity in his eyes. He reached out to help Song Zhao up from the icy floor.


    Her hands were smooth, fair, and cold,


    like a piece of wless jade being sped in his hand.


    Xiao Jingheng gripped her hand tighter and softened his tone, "Don''t be afraid, I''m not a fierce beast."


    Song Zhao shrank her shoulders and nodded. In an extremely aggrieved and soft voice, she murmured, "Th-thank you, Your Majesty."


    Xiao Jingheng asked her, "Mydy is so beautiful, why pretend to still have a rash when it''s clearly faded?"


    "This concubine is afraid...," Song Zhao pursed her lips, and her breathing gradually became uneven. She had been holding back her emotions for a long time, but they suddenly spiraled out of control. She covered her face with a handkerchief and began to quietly sob.


    She cried very skillfully,


    shedding tears while remaining beautiful.


    At what angle should she face Xiao Jingheng, how often should she blink, should the tears fall from the corners or lower lids of her eyes, and what tone should she use when sobbing,


    so that she sounds pitiful?


    Song Zhao had practiced countless times in private.


    In Xiao Jingheng''s eyes, there were no ws at all. Her crying only made his heart churn.


    "Don''t cry," he reached out to gently wipe away her tears, "Tell me, what are you afraid of?"


    Song Zhao took a few deep breaths, trying hard to steady her emotions.


    She didn''t want to say it, but under Xiao Jingheng''s repeated urging, she reluctantly began,


    "This concubine is afraid of gaining favor, which is why I had those crooked thoughts."


    Xiao Jingheng asked, "Others fear not gaining favor, yet you fear gaining it?"


    Song Zhao said sadly, "My aunt gained my father''s affection, thus incurring my mother''s disfavor. When I was six, my aunt made a small mistake, and my mother beat her to death right in front of me... This concubine is afraid of gaining favor, for fear that one day I will end up with the same fate as my aunt..."


    (Note: ording to ancient etiquette, children of concubines must address the primary wife as "Mother," while concubines, regardless of whether they are the child''s birth mother, should be called "Aunt".)


    After listening to Song Zhao''s words, Xiao Jingheng gentlyforted her on the surface:


    "Don''t be afraid. Your father didn''t protect your aunt back then, but now that you are my concubine, I will naturally protect you. Moreover, within the pce, propriety prevails, and no one can arbitrarily beat or scold you without reason, understand?"


    Inwardly, he was thinking:


    This Song Zhao is truly beautiful, but not very clever.


    She blurted out such shameful family matters right in front of me, isn''t she worried I''ll think badly of Song Shichen?


    Being an imperial consort is like being with a tiger. With one careless word, she could ruin her father''s prospects at any time.


    Butpared to his other consorts, Song Zhao''s ck of cleverness" was perfectly to Xiao Jingheng''s liking.


    The consorts in the harem, from the Empress down, which of them didn''t have ulterior motives?


    Even just chatting casually, who knew how many times they had deliberated in their hearts about what to say from their mouths?


    Sometimes being with someone too proper and clever could be tiring, having to constantly be on guard against their schemes.


    Of course Xiao Jingheng didn''t know that Song Zhao was eager to drag her maternal family down to hell, and make them apany her birth mother in death.


    ''Boom!''


    The rainstorm showed no signs of letting up, and the capital hadn''t seen rain this heavy in years.


    With each peal of thunder, Song Zhao would shudder involuntarily.


    Xiao Jingheng gazed at Song Zhao.


    The tear tracks had washed away most of the rash on her face, revealing her original, exquisite, silk-smooth skin, looking even more vivid and enchanting, impossible to part from.


    "Still saying you''re not afraid of thunder?" He smiled indulgently, stroking Song Zhao''s head as if soothing a child,


    "Crying like this, your eyes will be swollen tomorrow, and others will think I bullied you tonight if they see you. Go wash your face, I''m here with you, don''t be afraid."


    Xiao Jingheng held Song Zhao''s hand and led her from the heated tform to the vanity.


    Beside the vanity was a pure gold, dragon engraved basin filled with morning dew steeped with rose and camellia petals.


    Xiao Jingheng asked her, "You''re only allergic to peach blossoms, other flowers don''t affect you?"


    Song Zhao shyly shook her head, then epted the in handkerchief Xiao Jingheng handed her and began gently washing her face.


    Xiao Jingheng watched as the rash on her face gradually faded with each rinse until thest trace of makeup was washed away, revealing her trueplexion, fair and delicate.


    As an emperor, he had of course seen countless beauties,


    and the women in his harem, with Consort Chen at their lead, were each peerless beauties.


    Even so, after seeing Song Zhao''s real appearance, Xiao Jingheng couldn''t help the shock in his heart, silently thinking - a natural beauty.


    Like a lotus blossoming out of clear water, free of any ornamentation.


    Song Zhao was somewhat embarrassed by Xiao Jingheng''s burning gaze.


    She lowered her head, a flush creeping into her cheeks, and murmured softly,


    "Your Majesty..."


    Xiao Jingheng swept her into his embrace, circling her slender waist as he carried her and gently ced her on the dragon bed.


    Before setting her down, his finger had already hooked the sash at her waist,


    with a slight tug, the sash came loose, and spring''s glory wasid bare before his eyes.


    His fingertips gently glided across Song Zhao''s shoulder. Apanied by the rumbling thunder outside, Song Zhao''s body trembled uncontrobly.


    Xiao Jingheng leaned over her, bringing his warm breath to her earlobe, and whispered by her ear,


    "If you''re afraid, hold me tighter."


    Then he grabbed Song Zhao''s wrist and ced it around his lean waist.


    Song Zhao let out a soft ''mm'' and slowly slid her hands up Xiao Jingheng''s firm back.


    With each peal of thunder, her slender fingers gradually tightened their hold.


    The night grew deeper,


    yet the lights in Chaoyang Pce remained litte into the night.

 Chapter 15: Know What to Do

    <h4>Chapter 15</h4>


    After a romantic interlude, Song Zhao leaned against Xiao Jingheng''s embrace.


    The man''s somewhat rough fingertips gently caressed her fragrant shoulders,


    "You''re afraid of thunder, so wait until the rain stops before leaving."


    It was obvious to anyone that the rain today would not stop anytime soon.


    What Xiao Jingheng meant between the lines was that he wanted to be intimate with Song Zhao again.


    He understood restraint and seldom indulged in beauty.


    Of all the concubines in the pce, only Consort Chen had received the rare honor of being favored twice in one night due to her excellent skills.


    Song Zhao was expected to happily ept, but instead she said:


    "Your Majesty, I cannot stay, or else people will certainly gossip tomorrow, saying that I spent too much time in Your Majesty''s pce. Today is the first time I have served you, I don''t want to attract too much attention..."


    When she spoke, she sounded timid. With their skin touching, Xiao Jingheng could clearly feel the trembling of her delicate body.


    He thought that perhaps the incident where Song Zhao''s birth mother beat her aunt to death in front of her gave her tremendous psychological trauma.


    That''s why it led to her being extremely cautious and not daring to overstep.


    But this was good too, a woman like her would not be arrogant due to favoritism.


    Xiao Jingheng turned to the side and lightly kissed Song Zhao''s forehead,


    "Alright, I will have someone escort you back."


    When Song Zhao got up to get dressed, Xiao Jingheng reclined on the couch, propping up his head with one hand. His fiery gaze shamelessly fell on Song Zhao''s body.


    He looked at her as if appreciating an exquisitely carved work of art. Every inch of the girl''s body could stir his imagination.


    He had felt this freshness towards beautiful concubines before, but his feelings towards Song Zhao were more intense.


    "Be careful in everything, go back to the Queen Mother''s pce tomorrow after leaving here today. If the ''rash'' on your face haspletely healed, it would arouse suspicion instead. If anyone asks how your face got better, just say that I called an imperial physician to treat you, and that''s how it faded away."


    After tying her sash, Song Zhao bowed and saluted, "Thank you, Your Majesty, for considering this soprehensively for your concubine."


    Xiao Jingheng beckoned her over, "Come here."


    Song Zhao approached the couch as docile as a kitten.


    Xiao Jingheng held her hand tightly, "Tomorrow when the thunder stops and the rain clears, I will summon you again."


    Song Zhao nodded shyly, softly murmuring an "En."


    Xiao Jinghengughed heartily and pinched her slender waist, then called out towards the door, "Jiang Deshun."


    The door of the bedchamber immediately opened as the head eunuch Jiang Deshun respectfully entered and kowtowed:


    "Your Majesty, your order?"


    "The wind and rain outside are heavy, escort Song Zhao out."


    That day, Song Zhao was escorted out of Chaoyang Pce by Jiang Deshun all the way.


    Jiang Deshun held an umbre over her the entire way, gettingpletely drenched himself.


    Standing outside the side gate of Chaoyang Pce, Zhang Jiugui was first stunned seeing this, then quickly fawned over Song Zhao as she was carried onto the phoenix-calling sedan chair, before quietly saying to Jiang Deshun:


    "Eunuch Jiang, why did you personally escort Song Zhao out?"


    As head eunuch, Jiang Deshun was literally the boss of all eunuchs in the imperial city. Even Zhang Jiugui, the steward of the attendance office, had to treat him with utmost respect.


    Zhang Jiugui moved his umbre over Jiang Deshun''s head, obediently wiping away the water stains on his body.


    Unexpectedly, Jiang Deshun nced at him and grumbled, "You''re getting better and better at your job. After sending Noble Consort Song back, go to the inner bureau and receive your punishment."


    These pce servants had all be sly people.


    With just a word from their master, or a look, they could grasp the unspoken meaning.


    Other concubines would have servants specially prepare them before serving the emperor, yet Song Zhao was ''bare-faced'' when sent into Chaoyang Pce. How could Xiao Jingheng not know that the attendance office had sabotaged this?


    But since the matter was trivial, Xiao Jingheng was toozy to investigate who exactly was behind it. Punishing Zhang Jiugui would make that person naturally know to restrain themselves.


    ''Boom!''


    Sitting in the phoenix-calling sedan chair right now, Song Zhao heard the muffled thunder outside but her face showed no trace of the previous fear. In fact, a hint of a smile crept up at the corners of her lips.


    Having lived through fiery waters since childhood, Song Zhao was not even afraid of hell, much less thunder.


    But today in front of Xiao Jingheng, she had to be afraid, she had to give Xiao Jingheng a chance to cherish her. She had to let Xiao Jingheng gain a sense of aplishment from her.


    These emotional values, along with her bright face and charming figure, held equal value.


    She wanted to get what she desired from Xiao Jingheng, so these were the chips she had to pay.


    At this moment in Yao Hua Pce, Noble Consort Li, who had watched Song Zhao being carried away earlier, was sleepless all night.


    She thought that with Song Zhao''s status, being carried to serve the emperor would end with her being ''returned''.


    Yet she did not expect that after nearly two hours, Song Zhao still had note back.


    Later, when it was almost the second watch of the night, she finally heard movement in the courtyard.


    She hurried out and saw Song Zhao holding an umbre, about to return to the West side hall. She called out to stop her,


    "You were gone for so long?"


    "Sister, you haven''t slept yet?" Seeing hering over without an umbre, Song Zhao quickly gave her half of her own umbre, "Sister, you''re still ill, it''s not good to get rained on."


    Sharing an umbre, Noble Consort Li was angry but reluctantly gave Song Zhao a disgusted side-eye.


    But that one look allowed her to see Song Zhao''s wless, breathtakingly beautiful face clearly!


    She was shocked, "Your face?"


    Song Zhao stroked her cheek, somewhat embarrassed to say: "At the imperial audience today, seeing that the rash on my face wouldn''t go away, Your Majesty happened to have an imperial physiciane to take his pulse and wish him well. Your Majesty had the imperial physician take a look at me. With the physician''s miraculous hands, after acupuncture and medication, the rash actually faded away. That''s why I was dyed for some time beforeing backte."


    Hearing her exnation, Noble Consort Li was so angry her teeth itched.


    Previously, Noble Consort Li had never taken Song Zhao seriously. In her eyes, even Liu Changzai and Xiao Changzai had a greater possibility of gaining favor than Song Zhao.


    But after seeing her original appearance today, even the confident Noble Consort Li would secretly be jealous in her heart.


    Not just Xiao Jingheng, even she couldn''t help but be amazed at this face.


    "Hmph." Noble Consort Li scoffed coldly, "His Majesty likes you a lot, doesn''t he?"


    Song Zhao changed the subject, "How could Ipare to Sister? Just now when the imperial physician was treating me, Your Majesty knew that I live with Sister, and kept asking if Sister''s health had improved, saying he was free toe visit Sister."


    "I served His Majesty before you, so naturally my rtionship with him cannot bepared to yours."


    Just as they were talking, Noble Consort Li suddenly snatched the umbre from Song Zhao''s hand,


    "I''m warning you! Don''t think you can be on equal footing with me just because you served him once. I''m a Noble Consort, you''re merely a consort. If you dare to seduce and confuse His Majesty, I''ll tell the Empress and have her punish you!"


    Having said that, she huffed and returned to the East side hall, leaving Song Zhao alone in the rain.

 Chapter 16: First Sight of Princess Shufei

    <h4>Chapter 16</h4>


    Yun Shan heard themotioning from the courtyard. When she came out from the wing room, she saw Song Zhao standing alone in the heavy rain. Yun Shan hurriedly took an umbre and ran to Song Zhao''s side. She held the umbre over Song Zhao while helping wipe the rainwater off her bangs.


    "Mydy, what are you doing? Why are you standing in the rain like this?"


    She saw Noble Consort Li m the door to the east wing pce shut. Yun Shan asked again, "Did Noble Consort Li make you stand here?"


    "No, it''s got nothing to do with her," Song Zhao held the umbre handle and nced at the pce gate as she spoke to Yun Shan. "I''m a little tired. Let''s go in first and talk."


    Back in the room, Yun Shan helped Song Zhao change into her night clothes and brought hot water to wash up.


    Song Zhao sat quietly as if lost in thought.


    But just as Yun Shan turned around to fetch a towel, Song Zhao suddenly pushed open the window, allowing the cold wind and rainwater to rush in, soaking her again.


    Yun Shan was so frightened she was stunned. "Mydy, what are you doing? You''ll catch a cold if you get drenched like this!"


    She ran up to close the window but was stopped by Song Zhao. "I must catch this cold today. Not only that, I need to develop a high fever to make myself sick."


    "Mydy! You''ve just been favored today. Concubines who are ill cannot serve the emperor. You''re..."


    "It''s not serving I want, but His Majesty''s exclusive favor."


    The raindrops kept hitting Song Zhao''s beautiful face, setting off her beauty like a peony blossoming in a storm.


    Although the petals were wet, the roots remained upright.


    Once her upper body was drenched again, Song Zhao closed thettice window herself.


    She took the towel from Yun Shan''s hand and started drying her wet hair while speaking inly, "From the moment His Majesty had Jiang Deshun personally escort me out of Chaoyang Pce, I knew I couldn''t avoid punishment for Zhang Jiugui''s negligence.


    To offset his crimes, Zhang Jiugui will definitely try to find a way through me. He knows I have the emperor''s favor so he''ll likely dutifully tell His Majesty about my situation after returning to the pce.


    Just now when Noble Consort Li reprimanded me in the courtyard, I saw a figure slipping by the pce gate from the corner of my eye. I guessed it was Zhang Jiugui spying.


    If it really was him, it''d be even better for him to see Noble Consort Li mistreating me like that and report it to His Majesty. This way, when I fall ill tomorrow, His Majesty can see what his favor has brought me and feel guilty and remorseful.


    If Zhang Jiugui didn''t see anything, it doesn''t matter. His Majesty wanted me to wait until the rain stopped before leaving tonight, but I insisted on following protocol and came back in the rain, thus catching my illness."


    After hearing this, Yun Shan was even more puzzled. "But what''s the point of getting sick? When Noble Consort Li caught a cold, His Majesty didn''t pay her any attention."


    Song Zhao sneered. "Her illness was her own stupidity. But my sickness is because of His Majesty. It''s just amon cold, no big deal, but an illness caught for a man will make him empathize and feel heartache down to his bones."


    After a night of torment, Song Zhao did catch a cold and developed a high fever the next morning, as expected.


    It was her first time serving the emperor, so she had to pay respects to the Empress no matter what.


    Today during greetings, the other concubines saw that the red rashes on her face had faded. Although still a little sickly, her beauty remained exceptional, inevitably stirring some vignce in them.


    Consort Yun insinuated, "Song Zhao is so gorgeous. With such beauty, it''s a pity she only got the title of Promise. She''s really done an injustice, poor girl."


    Consort Yin chimed in, "You''ve been sick for so long without getting better despite all the medicine. Yet one visit to His Majesty and you recovered swiftly? It seems the dragon''s aura in Chaoyang Pce really nourishes, the saying is evidently true."


    "Cough, cough..." Song Zhao coughed lightly twice and got up to politely reply, "This concubine''s persistent illness has finally been cured, entirely thanks to the meticulous care from all the noble consorts. I will forever remember my sisters'' kindness in my heart and never dare to forget."


    Neither Consort Yun nor Consort Yin called for her to rise. They just nced at her standing respectfully.


    It was the Empress who gently said, "We''re all family, there''s no need for such formal greetings between sisters. Please sit."


    "This concubine is most grateful to Her Majesty the Empress."


    After Song Zhao sat down, Consort Chen said, "Oh my, now that you''ve served the emperor, all the new concubines have received his favor. This really calls for celebration."


    She gently stroked her hair and tilted her head, seeming to smile yet not smile as she looked to the Empress on the phoenix throne. "When I was favored in the past, His Majesty spent four or five out of every ten days by my side. As I recall, Her Majesty often advised His Majesty to favor all equally. Her Majesty must be very happy now, right?"


    The Empress looked at her with gentle eyes and gave a tranquil smile. "It brings me joy when everyone is favored. A harmonious harem brings His Majesty peace. Naturally I''m delighted."


    The corners of Consort Chen''s eyebrows lifted and her smile grew even more smug. "Yes, though if I remember correctly, it''s been two or three months since His Majestyst summoned Her Majesty to serve him, right? Of course, Her Majesty has a chronic illness that prevents her from such strenuous activities."


    The Empress'' smile instantly froze at these words.


    "Consort Shu pays her respects to Her Majesty the Empress."


    The pce maid''s announcement broke the awkward atmosphere.


    Like everyone else, Song Zhao turned her gaze to the doorway.


    She saw Consort Shu wearing a wide, ornately embroidered cape with extravagant pearls and ornaments. Her left hand held her waist while her right cradled her very swollen belly. Four pce maids surrounded her, taking care to prevent any mishaps.


    Consort Shu stood below the hall, seeming to want to bow to the Empress. The Empress quickly said, "In your condition, such etiquette is unnecessary. Qing Yue, help your mistress sit."


    After Consort Shu sat down, she smiled and said, "It''s been nearly a month since I''ve paid respects to Her Majesty in this summer heat. Today it finally cooled afterst night''s rain, so I hurried over."


    The Empress said, "Given your pregnancy, I''d already permitted you need note pay respects, yet you insist on perfect etiquette without the slightest carelessness."


    "My respect for Her Majestyes from the bottom of my heart, so of course I cannot be the slightest bit negligent," Consort Shu said loudly, intentionally ncing at Consort Chen triumphantly. "Unlike some who, emboldened by a few days of favor, can''t even distinguish between proper hierarchy."


    Consort Yun always looked down on Consort Chen''s arrogance from favoritism. Hearing Consort Shu bring up the topic, she chimed in, "So what if she was favored for a few days? For us consorts and imperial concubines, the most important thing is to continue the emperor''s lineage. Consort Shu''s pregnancy is about six months along now, right?"


    Consort Shu stroked her belly and smiled in agreement, "That''s right."


    "Then you must be extra careful and watch your every move, especially avoiding falls and bumps." Consort Yun said, then smiled and asked Consort Chen, "Wouldn''t you agree, Consort Chen?"

 Chapter 17: Take Refuge in the Concubine

    <h4>Chapter 17</h4>


    Consort Chen''s face immediately darkened when she heard this.


    She red at Consort Yun, and her vicious eyes fell on Consort Shu''s bulging belly again, a fleeting loss shing through her brows.


    However, she soon straightened her back again and resumed her usual arrogance, coldlyughing:


    "Consort Shu''s belly is so round and plump, clearly a fortunate person. How could she run into the same misfortune as I did?"


    Song Zhao already knew before entering the pce that Consort Chen was the first to spread the good news about her belly.


    However, she had bad luck. She fell at the door of her own pce when she was six months pregnant, and the good child was lost just like that.


    I heard that because of this, Xiao Jingheng always felt indebted to her. After her body recovered, his favor for her was even greater than before.


    What she just said to Consort Shu were actually not kind words.


    There was a folk saying that a woman with a round belly will give birth to a girl, while a woman with a pointed belly will give birth to a boy. Consort Chen saying that Consort Shu''s belly was round and plump implied that even if she gave birth this time, it would most likely be just a useless princess.


    Consort Shu naturally understood her implied meaning, and the smile on her face froze as well.


    Consort Chen nced at her disdainfully, thenzily bowed to the Empress and said,


    "The Emperor has invited this concubine to share lunch with him, afraid of beingte and dying the time, so I''ll take my leave first."


    After saying that, she left without waiting for the Empress to dismiss her.


    "How arrogant!" Consort Yun said indignantly as she watched Consort Chen''s back: "Consort Chen is so rude, and Empress does not discipline her?"


    The Empress maintained her graceful demeanor with a faint smile, not ashamed or annoyed.


    She just ignored Consort Yun''sint and said to Consort Shu, "You haven''t met the new concubines who just entered the pce. Let me introduce you to everyone today."


    Hearing this, Song Zhao and Noble Consort Li got up and paid their respects to Consort Shu,


    "This concubine pays respect to Consort Shu, may Consort be forever peaceful."


    Consort Shu''s gentle gaze swept over them and asked, "Which one is Noble Consort Li?"


    Noble Consort Li stepped forward and said, "Replying to Consort Shu, this concubine is Noble Consort Li."


    Consort Shu smiled, "The wild mountain ginseng you gave me is really excellent. I like it very much."


    Noble Consort Li bowed deeply again, unable to conceal her joy, "As long as you like it, Consort. Actually, if I may say, Consort''s slightly bulging belly is blunt, not round, most likely it''s a prince!"


    "How can you tell the gender when the birth chart is not evenpleted?"


    Although Consort Shu said this, seeing her trying to stifle herughter, she was also cheered up by Noble Consort Li''s words.


    Later, she chatted with Concubine Xiao and Concubine Liu for a while. When it was finally Song Zhao''s turn, the smile on her face faded a little as she stared at her face for a long time before saying,


    "Song Zhao is indeed very beautiful."


    Song Zhao respectfully responded, "This concubine''s looks are vulgar, how can theypare with all the Consorts? Cough cough....."


    She had been coughing ever since she came to pay respects today.


    After Consort Chen left earlier, her coughs became even louder.


    The Empress asked caringly, "What''s wrong with you?"


    Song Zhao said timidly, "Cough cough... This concubine caught a cold, my throat is dry and itchy, losing etiquette in front of the Empress. I beg the Empress not to me me."


    The Empress said, "It''s fine. The weather has been fickletely, we all have to be more careful."


    Everyone said in unison, "This servant/concubine thanks the Empress for her care."


    Seeing that Song Zhao''s cough was really severe, the Empress said, "There''s nothing else today, go back to the pce and rest early since you''re unwell."


    Song Zhao bowed and said apprehensively, "This concubine''s status is the lowest, leaving early after paying respect is improper. But this cold sickness is contagious, this concubine is also afraid of passing the sickness to the Consorts. This concubine will take her leave today and ask for forgiveness from the Empress another day."


    Her words were logical and coherent, leaving no loopholes for others to pick on.


    After Song Zhao bowed and retreated, only Noble Consort Li and Concubine Xiao whispered about her a few words. Consort Shu said to the Empress,


    "This Song Zhao is quite knowledgeable about etiquette and also pleasing to the eye. Why does she only have the title of a Lower Concubine?"


    Unexpectedly, before the Empress could speak, Noble Consort Li suddenly interrupted,


    "Consort Shu must not know yet? Song Zhao is not like us sisters here who are legitimate daughters, she is a daughter of a concubine. The illegitimate have no ce in the spotlight, it is already her blessing to be able to enter the pce."


    When Consort Shu heard this, the hand on her belly tightened slightly.


    The illegitimate can never stand in the spotlight?


    Noble Consort Li had just insulted the unborn child in Consort Shu''s belly as well.


    The atmosphere in the hall was slightly embarrassing. Nobe Consort Li was stupid and did not realize she had said the wrong thing.


    Seeing Consort Shu''s displeasure, the Empress had no choice but to make excuses for Noble Consort Li, "Actually, it doesn''t matter whether one is legitimate or not, the most important thing is to gain the Emperor''s favor. Thete Emperor''s Empress Zhaoding was also an illegitimate daughter, but she was still loved by all the ministers and people under heaven. Noble Consort Li, you went too far."


    Noble Consort Li lost face and panicked, quickly bowing down and said, "This concubine spoke recklessly, I beg the Empress to forgive me."


    The Empress told her to rise. The concubines no longer held it against her.


    But who knows what everyone was thinking privately?


    Song Zhao, who had left this storm early, also stopped coughing after leaving Feng Luan Pce. She almost ran to catch up with Consort Chen''s procession.


    "Consort Chen."


    The procession stopped, and Consort Chen looked back in surprise, "It''s you?"


    Song Zhao walked up to her with quick steps and bowed deeply to Consort Chen,


    "This concubine is most grateful for Consort Chen''s guidance."


    Yesterday, Song Zhao was able to attend the Emperor thanks to Consort Chen''s arrangements behind the scenes.


    She originally just wanted to frustrate Noble Consort Li a bit, thinking that with Song Zhao''s appearance, even if she was sent to the Emperor, she wouldn''t cause much waves.


    But unexpectedly, Song Zhao turned misfortune into blessing, gaining imperial favor instead.


    "What are you thanking me for? Didn''t the Empress reward you with Purple Gold Blood Activating Ointment? You epted her favor, but stille to thank me when you know I don''t get along with her?"


    Song Zhao lowered her voice and said, "Who is truly kind to this concubine, who pretends to be perfunctory, this concubine can tell clearly. This concubine has been in the pce for a month, if the Empress really wanted to help this concubine, this concubine could have met His Majesty early on. If it wasn''t for Consort Chen, I''m afraid this concubine would have sunk into obscurity in this deep pce."


    Consort Chen looked closely at Song Zhao''s seductive face.


    Selfishly, she thought, this woman is so beautiful, beautiful enough to make her jealous, beautiful enough to make her want to tear her face off.


    But this woman was also really stupid.


    This was her first time serving the Emperor. She had not even finished paying respects to the Empress, yet dared to tantly follow her out like this after seeing her leave first?


    Anyone with eyes could see her intentions. She was anxious to sever all her back routes?


    But this was also good. With more and more women in the harem, she would also need some useful people around her.


    Thinking of this, Consort Chen nced at Song Zhao with the corner of her eyes and said lightly,


    "Aren''t you sick? Don''t be restrained by etiquette, get up."

 Chapter 18: Refuse to Sleep

    <h4>Chapter 18</h4>


    Song Zhao got up and listened to Consort Chen say: ¡°I did not do it for you originally. I really could not stand the way the Empress fawned over His Majesty.


    The Empress is used to pleasing His Majesty. When she herself does not have favor, she would be eager to send young and beautifuldies to His Majesty''s bedside every day, just to build herself a reputation of virtue and wisdom.


    A few days ago, the rash on your face did not go away. The Empress obviously has taken you as an abandoned piece. Instead, she often advised His Majesty to look for Noble Consort Li who lives with you. I really could not bear to watch it, so I secretly helped you out."


    Song Zhao understood very clearly how much of Consort Chen''s words were true and how much were false.


    However, since she had extended an olive branch, Song Zhao had no reason not to take it.


    "This concubine is very grateful for Imperial Consort''s care. As a new arrival to the pce harem without any support, if Imperial Consort does not despise me, I am willing to often visit Imperial Consort''s pce to apany and serve by Imperial Consort''s side."


    These words clearly expressed Song Zhao''s intention to surrender to Consort Chen.


    Upon hearing this, Consort Chen pondered silently for a moment. She thought that there were many hidden things in the pce that were inconvenient for her to do personally, so she needed to find a controbleckey.


    Song Zhao would be perfect.


    Her identity as a child of a concubine determined that even if she gained favor, her status would not be too high. And she could say these words, which also showed that she was a brainless person.


    Beautiful but without family background and brains, such a person would be most suitable to be used.


    So Consort Chen''s face showed a rare smile and said, "Alright, seeing you look so sickly, don''t stand here chatting with me. Go back for now."


    On the way back to the pce, Yun Shan remained silent with a heavy look on her face.


    Song Zhao saw her worried appearance and asked, "What''s wrong? Speak if you have something to say."


    Only then did Yun Shan say, "Mydy... Are you really determined to rely on Imperial Consort Chen? Before we entered the pce, we had heard that His Majesty favored her the most, and that she had an infamous ferocious and overbearing personality. Compared to her, this servant feels that the Empress still looks more kind, at least she won''t calcte against mydy..."


    Song Zhao said, "I just promised to rely on her secretly. Even if so, she won''t let me confront the Empress publicly. Also, since you said she is ferocious and jealous, then she must be willing to calcte against favoreddies.


    I must first be someone for her to use, only then will she calcte against me in the end. I need some time to first avoid her edge, so that before I can stand firmly in front of His Majesty, she won''t make me a target. "


    Yun Shan thought about it and felt Song Zhao''s words made sense. She nodded in seeming understanding and said,


    "Didn''t His Majesty say yesterday that he would summon mydy to serve him tonight? Let''s hurry back to the pce, take medicine and sweat it out, to make the body morefortable."


    "I won''t be going to serve him tonight." Looking at the road ahead, Song Zhao said this with an expressionless face.


    Yun Shan was surprised and said, "Not going? Is mydy worried that His Majesty would know you are sick and flip your que? But what if His Majesty really flips your que? We should be prepared."


    Song Zhao said indifferently, "What I mean by not going is that no matter whether people from the Attendant''s Pcee or not, I won''t go. If they don''te, then so be it. If they doe, you go and convey for me. Just say I caught a cold and have a high fever, afraid of passing the sickness to His Majesty, so I cannot serve."


    Yun Shan stared wide-eyed and said, "How can this do? His Majesty flipping the que is equivalent to issuing an imperial decree. If mydy does not go, this would be defying the decree!"


    Hearing this, Song Zhao seemed to have heard some very funny joke. She chuckled and said, "I reckon no one in this rear pce would dare defy His Majesty''s will? Then I will be the first to do so, to make him remember me. What''s more, my defiance is out of consideration for his dragon body''s safety. Don''t worry about other things, just do as I say."


    When night fell, almost time for the evening meal, people from the Attendant''s Pce came as expected.


    The one who personally led the sedan chair into Yao Hua Pce today was still Zhang Jiugui, the head eunuch of the Attendant''s Pce. This showed how much Xiao Jingheng cared about Song Zhao.


    When Yun Shan went out to greet, she saw Zhang Jiugui walking with a limp, as if he had been caned on the buttocks.


    Yun Shan thought to herself that herdy was indeed right, Zhang Jiugui must have been caned for neglecting herdy yesterday.


    When Zhang Jiugui saw Yun Shan, he immediately walked up with a smile and said, "Where is Lady Song? Great joy! His Majesty flipped Lady Song''s que today again! Being flipped two days in a row, this was an honor that only Imperial Consort Chen had before."


    It sounded like great joy, but Yun Shan''s face was full of worries and she could not be happy.


    "Sir, you may not know, but mydy caught a cold and now has a high fever lying in bed. Mydy is sick and afraid of passing the sickness to His Majesty, so I''m afraid she cannot serve tonight."


    When Zhang Jiugui heard this, his expression changed. "She was fine when she came back yesterday, how did she suddenly fall ill? Is it serious? Have you summoned the Imperial Physician?"


    Yun Shan shook her head, "Mydy has a weak constitution. She got caught in the rain yesterday morning and fell ill after getting up. Mydy did not want to make a fuss, so she didn''t let me summon the Imperial Physician. She just said drinking ginger soup and sweating it out would be fine. I couldn''t persuade her otherwise."


    Zhang Jiugui got his buttocks caned yesterday and it still hurt badly.


    If Xiao Jingheng knew Song Zhao got sick from being caught in the rain, and he was the one who escorted Song Zhao back yesterday, Xiao Jingheng would inevitably me it on him too. Then he might as well give up his head.


    Fortunately he had the foresight yesterday. After sending Song Zhao back, he did not leave directly but eavesdropped for a while. It seemed like he saw Noble Consort Li arguing with Song Zhao.


    So in order to clear himselfpletely, he immediately said to Yun Shan:


    "We saw it yesterday. It was Noble Consort Li who snatched away Lady Song''s umbre and made her stand in the rain! That must be how Lady Song caught the cold!"


    Hearing this, Yun Shan understood in her heart.


    Everything was just as Song Zhao had expected. Zhang Jiugui did see everything.


    So ording to Song Zhao''s instructions, she said, "Sir, don''t speak nonsense. Mydy has never argued with Noble Consort Li!"


    At this point, no matter what Yun Shan said, Zhang Jiugui would tell Xiao Jingheng about Noble Consort Li arguing with Song Zhao and snatching her umbre, forcing her to stand in the rain, just to clear himself of involvement.


    Zhang Jiugui waved his horsehair whisk and said hurriedly, "We saw it yesterday, stop covering it up. Take good care of Lady Song. I''m going back now to report this to His Majesty!"

 Chapter 19: Calculating Lee

    <h4>Chapter 19</h4>


    Zhang Jiugui that monkey spirit, after dropping these words, limped and ran away.


    When Noble Consort Li''s ornamented pnquin arrived just now, she eagerly stood at the door to watch.


    When Yun Shan and Zhang Jiugui were talking at the pce gate, their voices were extremely low, like whispering. Others could not hear what they said.


    Noble Consort Li only saw Zhang Jiugui leave. She was still thinking that he had heard Song Zhao was ill, so he hurried back to report to Xiao Jingheng and took down Song Zhao''s green que in passing.


    After all, when she caught a cold, had not the Steward''s Office taken down her green que?


    This was good. She stood in front of Yun Shan, blocking her way, and said with a tteringugh:


    "What? Your young master is ill, and you still want to serve by her side? To have sweet dreams?"


    Yun Shan did not n to pay attention to Noble Consort Li. She hurriedly bowed and wanted to leave.


    But Noble Consort Li suddenly lost her temper and pped Yun Shan.


    Yun Shan covered her red cheeks and looked at Noble Consort Li. Noble Consort Li looked at people arrogantly down her nose.


    "Maids following a daughter of a concubine do not understand etiquette! I am a Noble Consort, and Song Zhao is just an Imperial Concubine. When I speak to her, she must listen to me respectfully. Who do you think you are?"


    Yun Shan felt wronged in her heart, but what could she do?


    The status in the harem was like the official titles in the previous dynasty. The higher rank could oppress people.


    No matter how wronged she felt, she had to endure it, otherwise it would implicate Song Zhao.


    "Noble Consort Li, please restrain your anger. This ve knows her mistake. This ve does not mean to slight Noble Consort Li. I was just anxious because my young miss is ill and wanted to hurry back to attend to her."


    "Humph! It''s just a cold, it won''t kill anyone. Hasn''t she pretended to be weak and pitiful to gain sympathy in front of the Empress all day today?"


    Noble Consort Li said, pushing Yun Shan, "Go back and tell your young miss that I hate pretenders the most! Tell her to restrain herself! Get lost!"


    Yun Shan endured her tears and nodded obediently before leaving.


    When she returned to the door of the West Side Pce, she quickly wiped away the tears from the corners of her eyes, took a deep breath to adjust her emotions until her expression appeared normal, then she pushed open the door and went in.


    She replied to Song Zhao, "Young miss, I have told Old Zhang as you instructed. You guessed right. The shadow swaying in front of the pce gatest night was indeed him."


    Song Zhaoy on the couch, very weakly nodding her head.


    Yun Shan touched her forehead. She was clearly burning up more severely than in the afternoon. Yun Shan anxiously said, "Young miss, why don''t we ask the Imperial Physician? Letting the fever go on like this is not a solution."


    Song Zhao casually said, "No need for us to ask. The Imperial Physician wille by himselfter." Then feeling a little thirsty, she looked at Yun Shan and said, "Go get me... What happened to your face?"


    Only then did she notice that Yun Shan''s left cheek was slightly swollen, as if she had been beaten.


    Yun Shan hurriedly turned her head away, avoiding Song Zhao''s eyes, stammering, "It''s... it''s nothing. I just bumped into something myself..."


    "Nonsense. With eyes on your head, how could you bump your face walking on t ground?" Song Zhao''s dark eyes narrowed as she asked, "Was it Noble Consort Li?"


    Seeing that she could not hide it, Yun Shan told Song Zhao what had happened in the courtyard.


    In her words, she did not mention her grievances, but persuaded Song Zhao, "Young miss, don''t take it to heart. Noble Consort Li is just jealous that you receive favor. That''s why she says such sour words."


    "She can''t spit out ivory from her dog mouth. Let her say whatever she wants. I won''t quibble with a mad dog." Song Zhao gently stroked Yun Shan''s cheeks and said distressingly, "But she should not have hit you."


    Yun Shan pursed her lips and shook her head. "This ve is fine. Young miss does not need to worry about this ve. For ves, where is there no beatings and scoldings? But young miss''s health is most important. Let this ve get you a cup of warm water to wet your throat."


    After bringing the water back, Yun Shan supported Song Zhao up. Song Zhao only drank a sip, then said:


    "Noble Consort Li has been in the pce for a month and must have offended many people. I did not intend to deal with her, just let her rise and fall on her own. But since she is asking for death herself, why don''t I fulfill her?"


    She nced out the window. It was dinner time now. The pce maids were sending a stream of food to the main hall.


    The main resident of the main hall was Consort Yao, the main consort of Yao Hua Pce.


    She liked liveliness. Usually at lunch or dinner, she would have Song Zhao and Noble Consort Li eat together with her.


    Song Zhao thought for a moment, then told Yun Shan, "Go and tell Consort Mother that I am feeling very ufortable and afraid of passing the sickness to her and Noble Consort Li, so I won''t go for dinner today." She paused, then added, "Go after a quarter hour."


    Yun Shan thought that even if Song Zhao did not go for dinner, Consort Yao would not ask her anything.


    And it looked like dinner was just about to start in the main hall. Going after a quarter hour, Consort Yao and Noble Consort Li would have finished eating. Was there any need to make a trip?


    But since her mistress told her to do so, there must be reason behind it. So she did not ask. After apanying Song Zhao for a quarter hour in the West Side Pce, she went to the main hall.


    Sure enough, when she arrived, Consort Yao and Noble Consort Li were almost finished with their meal.


    Yun Shan said, "Consort Mother Yao, ten thousand blessings. Noble Consort Li, ten thousand blessings. My young miss is severely ill and afraid of passing the sickness to you two young misses, so she will not join you for dinner today."


    Upon hearing this, Noble Consort Li gave a cold snort, "If she doesn''t want toe then don''te. No one invited her. She thinks so highly of herself?"


    But Consort Yao''s heart sank.


    After all, Song Zhao was one of her pce''s residents. If she did not even ask about Song Zhao, and something untoward really happened, she would inevitably be scolded.


    So she pretended to show concern, "This Consort thought Imperial Concubine Song was better. Is she more severely ill?"


    She took a silk handkerchief to wipe her mouth, got up and said, "This Consort will go take a look at her."


    Since Consort Yao wanted to see Song Zhao, Noble Consort Li naturally could not miss this opportunity to see Song Zhao make a fool of herself. She eagerly followed along.


    The two of them entered the West Side Pce. Consort Yao sat by Song Zhao''s couch, held her hand and asked with concern,


    "Poor child. Such a spirited youngdy burning up like this? Why didn''t you let this Consort know so I could have sent someone to summon the Imperial Physician to take a look?"


    "Cough cough..." Song Zhao weakly propped herself up and respectfully said, "Thank you for Consort Mother''s care. This concubine''s condition is not serious. Sleeping will make me better."


    Noble Consort Li had also caught a cold these past two days. From start to finish, Consort Yao did not ask about her at all. Thinking about this, she felt even more certain that Song Zhao was deliberately pretending to be pitiful to gain sympathy.


    ncing at Yun Shan standing to the side, and seeing a seemingly smiling expression on Yun Shan''s face, she became even more convinced of her spection.


    So disregarding Consort Yao''s presence, she lost her temper at Song Zhao,


    "What are you pretending for? When others are sick, you pretend to be sick too. But when you catch a cold, you act as if you have a terminal illness?"


    Yun Shan exined, "Noble Consort, you should not say that. Everyone has a different constitution. My young miss has been frail and sickly since she was home. She..."


    "What qualifies a ve to interrupt when the mistress is speaking?"


    Noble Consort Li red at Yun Shan, cutting off her words. Then she continued, "Your mistress is just a daughter of a concubine. She was also unloved at home. If she was frail and sickly, how could she live to over ten years at home? How is it that she could live at home, but once she entered the pce, she can''t stand the wind or sun?"


    Consort Yao felt Noble Consort Li''s words were offensive, so she advised, "As fellows under the same roof, Noble Consort Li, you shouldn''t be so harsh with your words."


    Hearing that Noble Consort Li showed signs of stopping, Song Zhao deliberately coughed twice, pretending to be even weaker.


    "Cough cough... Noble Consort misunderstands me. If I have unknowingly done something to displease you, please tell me so I can correct it."


    Song Zhao pretended to be so weak she could barely support herself, as if she might cough up blood at any moment. This made Noble Consort Li even more furious. She scolded:


    "Are you done? If you''re really so ill you''re about to die, go summon the Imperial Physician! You don''t call the Imperial Physician because you''re afraid he will expose that you''re not actually that severe! Who are you pretending to be pitiful for? Don''t think you can..."


    "The Emperor arrives!"


    Noble Consort Li had just cursed halfway when she was cut off by the inner attendant''s announcement from outside the door.


    Upon hearing this, Song Zhaoughed in her heart:


    Of course she was pretending to be pitiful for Xiao Jingheng to see.


    And look, the spectator had arrived right on cue.

 Chapter 20: Lee’s Demotion

    <h4>Chapter 20</h4>


    Song Zhao was adept at calcting the opportune moment.


    Her performancest night had greatly pleased Xiao Jingheng. Additionally, being the first concubine to reject sharing the bed with him, Xiao Jingheng couldn''t help but be curious and decided to visit Yaohua Pce.


    Song Zhao had long been aware of the time it took to travel from Chaoyang Pce to Yaohua Pce, having spent a month within the pce. That''s why she had Yun Shan dy informing Yao Consort for an additional quarter of an hour.


    She anticipated that Yao Consort would be afraid of taking responsibility ande to check on her, as well as knowing that Noble Consort Li would follow and criticize her. She even predicted that Xiao Jingheng would arrive just in time to witness Noble Consort Li''s tantrum.


    Every detail was interconnected, without the slightest deviation.


    Yao Consort and Noble Consort Li hurriedly bowed towards the main gate, while Song Zhao, propping up her frail body, rose from the bed and spoke with them:


    "I respectfully greet the Emperor and wish him good health."


    After Xiao Jingheng entered, he noticed Song Zhao coughing and his gaze fell entirely on her.


    At this moment, Song Zhao was dressed in a in sleeping gown, her knees slightly bent, exuding a delicate and weak demeanor.


    With her naturally fairplexion and the flush brought on by her high fever, her cheeks had a rosy tint, giving her a slightly intoxicated appearance.


    Sensing Xiao Jingheng''s gaze upon her, Song Zhao''s body swayed slightly, fully embodying fragility. Her slender and feeble figure resembled a drifting waterweed, evoking even more pity.


    Xiao Jingheng hastened his steps towards her and held her hand.


    "Why is your hand so hot?"


    As he spoke, he attempted to touch her forehead, but Song Zhao covered her mouth and nose, taking a step back to evade him.


    "Your Majesty... this concubine is unfit to be in your presence while ill. It would be even more sinful to pass on my illness to Your Majesty. Please take care of your dragon body and refrain from..."


    "Stop talking." Xiao Jingheng held onto Song Zhao''s hand and didn''t let go. On the contrary, he exerted a hidden force, pulling the delicate and willowy young girl into his embrace.


    He used the back of his hand to feel Song Zhao''s forehead and discovered that her fever was severe, causing him to feel even more distressed and self-reproachful.


    Supporting Song Zhao to sit on the couch, he then called out towards the entrance:


    "Jiang Deshun, go fetch Chu Imperial Physician for me."


    Upon hearing the name Chu Imperial Physician, neither Song Zhao nor Noble Consort Li knew who he was, but Yao Consort''s thoughts tightened.


    That Chu Imperial Physician was the chief physician of the Imperial Hospital, and he had always treated only Xiao Jingheng. Who could possiblymand him?


    In an instant, Yao Consort understood Song Zhao''s position in Xiao Jingheng''s heart.


    Whether it was for the sake of novelty or the pursuit of her youthful beauty, at this moment, Song Zhao held a higher position in Xiao Jingheng''s heart than she and Noble Consort Li did.


    Otherwise, Xiao Jingheng wouldn''t have stayed here for so long, allowing them to be restrained by etiquette.


    Thus, Yao Consort immediately said, "As the primary upant of Yaohua Pce, it is my negligence for not taking good care of Sister Song. I ask for Your Majesty''s forgiveness."


    For such a trivial matter, Xiao Jingheng naturally wouldn''t punish Yao Consort and said, "You have been busy attending to the Empress''s illness these past two days. It''s understandable to overlook things. Rise."


    Consort Yao was called to attention and heard Emperor Xiao Jingheng coughing discreetly twice. He personally took a tea cup from the small table and handed it to Song Zhao, saying in a restrained manner, "If you need to cough, just cough it out. I am not a stranger. Have some water to soothe your throat."


    Song Zhao blushed and timidly said, "Thank you, Your Majesty."


    All of this was observed by Noble Consort Li, who was still maintaining her decorum. Since Xiao Jingheng entered, she had been very reserved, and he not only did not ask her to rise, but he didn''t even look at her directly.


    She felt aggrieved in her heart.


    Clearly, she had also caught a cold a few days ago, so why did Xiao Jingheng show no concern for her and instead showed such care for someone else?


    Feeling uneasy, she pretended to cough intentionally twice.


    This cough actually caught Xiao Jingheng''s attention.


    But his gaze towards Noble Consort Li carried a hint of gloominess.


    Earlier, Zhang Jiugui had informed him that after Song Zhao had served him in bed yesterday, she somehow provoked Noble Consort Li''s dissatisfaction and was punished by being made to stand in the rain for most of the night, which led to her catching a cold.


    He was the emperor, and just yesterday he had promised Song Zhao that his favor would not bring her any danger.


    But today, he broke his promise.


    In that case, hadn''t Noble Consort Li pped him in the face?


    Xiao Jingheng nced at Noble Consort Li with a cold tone, "Is your illness not yet healed?"


    Noble Consort Li thought that Xiao Jingheng liked women who acted pitiful and weak like Song Zhao, so she continued to pretend, "Your Majesty, cough... since I was young, I have always been weak. This cold has persisted for seven or eight days and hasn''t improved... cough..."


    "Oh? But when you were talking to Song Zhao just now, you seemed quite confident," Xiao Jingheng said with anger. "Living under the same roof as Song Zhao, you have already started to bring trouble upon her. As a woman, you disy such fierce jealousy. I wonder how your father taught you in the past."


    Noble Consort Li hurriedly defended herself, "Your Majesty, please understand! The matter of Song Zhao catching a cold has nothing to do with me. If you don''t believe me, you can ask her!"


    Song Zhao weakly pursed her lips and nodded, "I''m sick because of my weak constitution. It really has nothing to do with Noble Consort Li... Noble Consort Li has always been... very good to me. Your Majesty, please don''t me Noble Consort Li."


    Xiao Jingheng, in his ears, heard Song Zhao''s words defending Noble Consort Li as nothing more than her kind-heartedness.


    He raised his hand and interrupted Song Zhao, "I only believe what I see and hear."


    Noble Consort Li waspletely panicked and fell to her knees with a loud thud, kowtowing repeatedly like crushing garlic.


    "Your Majesty, please understand! Your Majesty, please understand! I really didn''t do it, really didn''t!"


    "Just now, you imed that your illness hadn''t fully recovered. Howe you can now respond so smoothly, without even a single cough?" Xiao Jingheng suddenly straightened his back, his dignified posture highlighting his imperial authority. "Did your father never teach you the consequences of deceiving and betraying the emperor?"


    With this, Noble Consort Li had no room left to argue.


    After all, she had just lied in front of Xiao Jingheng.


    She had been sheltered and pampered since childhood, never having witnessed the might of the emperor. Now, she was so frightened that her soul seemed to have left her body, her head thudding against the ground, repeatedly apologizing, acknowledging her mistake.


    Seeing her forehead bloodied, Xiao Jingheng, devoid of any tender feelings, remarked:


    "In consideration of the fact that your father was a meritorious official, today''s punishment serves as a warning to you, so that you may learn your lesson.


    Issue the decree immediately, demoting Noble Consort Li to the rank of amon attendant and reducing her stipend for six months. If you fail to restrain yourself in the future, I will have no choice but to send you out of the pce and let your father personally educate you."

 Chapter 21: Refuse to return to Welcome

    <h4>Chapter 21</h4>


    Xiao Jingheng med Noble Consort Li for deceiving the emperor, not for bullying Song Zhao.


    This way, it would not attract more jealousy toward Song Zhao, and it would make the punishment more justified.


    When Concubine Li was taken away, she did not even dare to say a word of injustice, only able to cry and shout ''Thank the emperor for his grace.''


    After she left, Consort Yao was astute and knew that Xiao Jingheng wanted to be alone with Song Zhao, so she tactfully withdrew as well.


    Later, Chu Imperial Physician took Song Zhao''s pulse and prescribed medicine, saying her illness was not serious and she would recover after peacefully recuperating for two days.


    After the medicine was decocted, Xiao Jingheng sat by Song Zhao''s bedside and personally attended to her taking the medicine.


    He carefully blew on each spoonful until the temperature was suitable before bringing it to Song Zhao''s mouth.


    Song Zhao shyly and bashfully parted her rosy lips to swallow each mouthful, her slender brows slightly furrowed, like a spoiled little girl as she said:


    "Such bitter medicine..."


    Xiao Jingheng stroked her forehead, "Good medicine is bitter to the mouth, be obedient."


    After Song Zhao reluctantly finished drinking the bowl of medicinal soup, Xiao Jingheng suddenly snapped his fingers by her ear, then moved his clenched right hand in front of Song Zhao, smiling as he said:


    "Guess what''s in my hand?"


    Song Zhao blinked her watery big eyes, full of curiosity, "What is it?"


    Xiao Jingheng slowly unclenched his palm, revealing several sugar-coated beans that had mysteriously appeared in his palm.


    When Song Zhao saw them, her eyes shimmered, and she took one in her mouth, suddenly eximing in surprise: "Sugar lotus seeds?"


    Xiao Jingheng said, "I was afraid the medicine would be too bitter for you, so I had Jiang Deshun fetch some earlier. You have a cough, and overly sweet things will make it worse. I thought these moderately sweet lotus seeds would be perfect for you, and lotus seeds also have the effect of clearing heat and eliminating fire."


    Song Zhao''s pearly teeth lightly bit into the candy coating and gently chewed the boiled lotus seed inside.


    The specially processed lotus seeds had their inherent bitterness nicely bnced.


    But as Song Zhao ate, tears welled up in her bright eyes, wetting hershes.


    Xiao Jingheng, not understanding why, wiped away her tears and asked in puzzlement, "What''s the matter, why are you crying?"


    Song Zhao said, "When I was little, my auntie also used to make sugar lotus seeds for the concubines to eat. I haven''t tasted this vor in such a long time, and suddenly all the emotions came back to me at once, making me lose face in front of Your Majesty..."


    Xiao Jingheng gazed at her tearful eyes, his heartbeat quickening slightly.


    This woman was like a bewitching enchantress, beautiful enough to take one''s breath away with just a frown or a smile.


    Xiao Jingheng already felt indebted to her, and seeing her cry now made him even more tender toward her. He said,


    "Noble Consort Li bullied you because I summoned you to my bedchamber. I didn''t anticipate that. I promised you that by my side, I absolutely won''t let anyone humiliate you. Don''t worry."


    Song Zhao nodded, "This concubine believes Your Majesty."


    She deliberately nodded with more vigor, and the loose bun on her head, barely held in ce by a single silver hairpin, came undone. Her cascading ck tresses spilled down.


    The scent of jasmine from the ends of her hair wafted into Xiao Jingheng''s nose, mingling with his breath.


    He deeply inhaled the fragrance and pulled Song Zhao into his embrace, saying, "Your hair smells so nice, is it jasmine?"


    Song Zhao looked up at him, "Yes, I like the scent of jasmine, so I added jasmine extract to the soap I use to wash my hair."


    As she spoke, she secretly observed the subtle changes in Xiao Jingheng''s expression.


    She knew Xiao Jingheng must like jasmine, otherwise the staff of the Flowers and Birds Department wouldn''t keep sending pots of jasmine flowers to Noble Consort Cheng''s pce.


    Sure enough, her spection hit Xiao Jingheng''s sweet spot.


    Xiao Jingheng held her even tighter and lightly rubbed his nose against her forehead, "I also like it. My beloved consort truly understands me."


    After he spoke, he gently kissed her forehead.


    His kisses slowly moved down, inch by inch invading Song Zhao''s face.


    To be honest, Song Zhao did not resist Xiao Jingheng''s intimacy with her.


    After all, this emperor was young, handsome, and fit, with clear, smooth muscr lines.


    Men lusted, and so did women - everyone had the right to yearn for beautiful things, it was not shameful.


    It was just that today, she had to refuse Xiao Jingheng.


    So, just as Xiao Jingheng''s kisses approached frenzy, Song Zhao firmly pushed him away,


    "Your Majesty... Imperial Physician Chu said earlier that although my illness is not serious, the sickness can still be passed to others. If I were intimate with You today and it harmed Your dragon body, how could I ever rest easy?"


    Of course Song Zhao knew that pouring cold water on a man when he was aroused was extremely unromantic.


    One look at the slight anger appearing between Xiao Jingheng''s brows told her that her disobedience had already displeased him.


    Xiao Jingheng said in a deep voice, "Are you trying to drive me away?"


    "This concubine wouldn''t dare," Song Zhao said in fright, "Your Majesty is the Son of Heaven, but Your Majesty is also this concubine''s husband. This concubine is sick, and naturally hopes her husband can stay by her side. But exactly because Your Majesty is this concubine''s husband, this concubine cannot let her husband stay with her while she is sick."


    She lowered her head, blushing as she weakly said,


    "Your Majesty cares for this concubine, and this concubine also cares for Your Majesty. This concubine...hopes Your Majesty will be well in every way."


    Hearing this, Xiao Jingheng was puzzled for quite a while:


    Back when he was still a prince, countless beauties had thrown themselves at him,


    and he had seen more than enough women eagerly seeking his favor. But a woman who rejected him - this was the first time he had encountered it.


    What''s more, Song Zhao had already refused him twice this very night.


    This inevitably made him even more curious about this woman.


    And because he sincerely didn''t have the heart to tire her out while she was still sick,


    he couldn''t help sighing and said, "Fine, you rest well then. I''lle see you another day."


    He helped Song Zhao lie back down, carefully tucking in her bedcovers before taking another sugar-coated lotus seed and giving it to her,


    "Have another lotus seed, focus on recovering, don''t make me worry about you, understand?"


    He personally ced the lotus seed into Song Zhao''s mouth, his fingertips gently caressing her thin lips,


    making Song Zhao''s face flush with shyness. Seeing her so made Xiao Jingheng''s heart tingle.


    This woman really was interesting.


    After he had just left, Yun Shan came in.


    "Young miss, this servant saw that the emperor''s expression didn''t look too good when he was leaving."


    "His expression was bad because he didn''t get what he wanted. He''s used to people obeying him, so I insist on letting him taste what it feels like to be rejected." Song Zhao got up on her own and spat the lotus seed in her mouth onto the floor. "After suffering bitter days for so long, I don''t want to taste bitterness anymore."


    Yun Shan handed Song Zhao a sweetmeat, "But Young Miss, rejecting His Majesty like this again and again, aren''t you worried it will anger him and make him nevere see you again?"


    "He won''t," Song Zhao coldly shook her head with a mocking smile. "Do you really think a man will easily let go of something he can''t obtain? Actually, you don''t even have to specify men - that''s just human nature. The more unattainable something is, the more preupied they be with it. The more powerful the man, the more he enjoys conquering women. What they enjoy is the process, like climbing a mountain. When they climb one peak, they''ll always see a higher one. What I need to do is make sure he can never summit my peak. That way, he''ll keep thinking of me, wanting me, and take the initiative to deliver what I want right to me."

 Chapter 22: Virtuous and Virtuous

    <h4>Chapter 22</h4>


    Xiao Jingheng had left, but the fire in his heart that Song Zhao had stirred up was now burning brightly.


    With the fire stoked, being rejected by Song Zhao only made him want to go extinguish it elsewhere.


    So Song Zhao had Yun Shan summon Xi Ying.


    Ever since the incident where Song Zhao had Xi Ying''s finger cut off, Xi Ying had been terrified of her.


    In her daily tasks, she didn''t dare be negligent anymore. And when privately serving Song Zhao, she was even more careful not to make the slightest mistake.


    Seeing Song Zhao now, she kept her head low, eyes shifting about nervously.


    Song Zhaoughed and joked, "What are you afraid of? Am I going to eat you? Raise your head."


    Xi Ying slowly lifted her head and looked at Song Zhao apprehensively. "W-What are mydy''s instructions?"


    Song Zhao said, "Tomorrow when you go give a reply to Consort Chen, tell her that tonight the Emperor originally wanted to stay here with me, but I kept persuading him to go see her instead. Understand?"


    "This servant obeys!"


    Xi Ying nodded profusely. Song Zhao casually waved her off to leave.


    Yun Shan asked, "Mydy, how did you know the Emperor would go see Consort Chen tonight?"


    Song Zhao coldlyughed. "Whoever he wants to see, he''ll see. How could someone as insignificant as me sway his thoughts? I''m only doing this to let Consort Chen know that I''m on her side. That''s enough."


    *


    Late into the night, lights filled Feng Luan Pce.


    The Empress sat on a heated cushion, a needle and thread in hand. She was carefully embroidering a lifelike five-wed golden dragon on the yellow fabric.


    Each scale on the dragon''s body had to be embroidered seven or eight times with a flying needle technique to achieve that shimmering texture when viewed from afar.


    It was clear the Empress had put in great effort to embroider this dragon.


    She was so focused on her embroidery that she didn''t even hear her head pce maid Frost Like enter.


    "Ten thousand blessings to the Empress."


    Frost Like bowed to the Empress and set two candle stands on the table to better illuminate her work.


    "Embroidery takes the most concentration. Your Majesty must be careful with your eyes."


    The Empress nodded with a smile but her hands kept moving. "The Emperor''s birthday is in a month. My illness recently dyed my progress so I must hurry with my work."


    Frost Like said, "Your Majesty started this robe the day after New Year''s Eve and has spent eight months on it already. The detailed golden dragon motif isn''t easy. And you refuse to let anyone help. This servant truly worries for you."


    The Empress continued her stitching. "This is my heartfelt gift for the Emperor. Hisfort brings me joy. I don''t feel it''s hard work at all."


    After finishing an inch of trim, she asked, "Did youe to see me about something?"


    "Reporting to Your Majesty, the Emperor just demoted Noble Consort Li to be a perpetual attendant and halved her allowance for six months."


    "Oh?" The Empress''s hands stilled. "Wasn''t he quite fond of her? Why the sudden decision?"


    Frost Like said, "Li didn''t know her ce. She was too ostentatious and spoke without thinking. The other day at greeting, she offended Consort Shu. I heard shemitted some offense against the Emperor this time, which is why he punished her. Those in the imperial presence won''t say more. This servant doesn''t know the details."


    The Empress''s expression was calm as she resumed her needlework. "Last time she offended Consort Shu, I could still speak for her. But offending the Emperor, there''s nothing I can do. Let her rely on her own blessings."


    "Empress, the Emperor is here!" A pce maid urgently announced from outside before the Empress''s joy showed on her face.


    She quickly handed her unfinished robe to Frost Like to put away. After tidying up, she went to the main hall to greet him.


    Just as she entered, Xiao Jingheng had arrived.


    The Empress bowed down, "Ten thousand blessings to the Emperor."


    Xiao Jingheng grabbed her arm to help her rise. "Is your health better today?"


    The Empress smiled gently. "Thank you for your concern, Your Majesty. Much improved."


    She took the purple jade teapot to pour him tea, but he stopped her.


    "Every time Ie, you busy yourself with serving me. Leave that to the servants. You''re the Empress, there''s no need."


    But the Empress said, "It''s no trouble. Serving Your Majesty is my duty. I dare not neglect my wifely duties."


    She insisted on pouring him a cup and getting a soft cushion for hisfort.


    Then she began ordering Frost Like to prepare tea and night snacks.


    Xiao Jingheng watched her efforts silently, feeling not touched but annoyed.


    The Empress was too intent on following the rules befitting a proper wife¨Dmagnanimous to the concubines but solicitous toward him. As a result, they had lost much of the intimacy between husband and wife.


    By the time the Empress finally sat down across from him, Xiao Jingheng said,


    "Just now, I demoted Li of Yao Hua Pce to be a perpetual attendant and halved her allowance. I''m informing you as head of the harem."


    The consorts were not allowed to inquire about court news. Although the Empress already knew of Li''s demotion, she still had to pretend ignorance before Xiao Jingheng.


    "Oh? Wasn''t Your Majesty quite fond of Li? Why the sudden decision?"


    Xiao Jingheng said, "She didn''t know her ce."


    The Empress said, "Li is somewhat rash but she didn''t seem ill-intentioned. Lowering her status can be considered a harsh punishment. But halving her allowance for six months means she''ll have nothing during the winter and holidays. That would be difficult for her."


    Xiao Jingheng raised his brow at her. His left hand under the table slowly rubbed his thumb ring. After some time he said,


    "What does the Empress think should be done then?"


    As expected of the virtuous and wise Empress, she said,


    "Perhaps halving her allowance for three months as a minor punishment to warn her severely?"


    Xiao Jingheng nodded. "We''ll do as you proposed."


    At that moment, Frost Like brought in the night snacks, all Xiao Jingheng''s favorites, as the Empress knew his tastes well and had them prepared daily in case of his visits.


    "Your Majesty,st time you said you liked this chicken shreds swallow''s nest soup. I tweaked the recipe by adding gtin and bamboo shoots. Please try it."


    The Empress brought him a steaming bowl but Xiao Jingheng didn''t even take it.


    "I''ve eaten my fill at dinner. I''m not hungry now. You eat it yourself. I won''t disturb your rest. I''m leaving."


    With that, he swept out his sleeves and left without even acknowledging the Empress''s bows.


    Frost Like helped the stunned Empress up from the icy floor, whispering, "Why did Your Majesty speak for Li when she offended the Emperor?"


    The Empress wondered too. She was trying to disy her wisdom and virtue by advising leniency for Li. Why did it upset Xiao Jingheng instead?


    But she forgot one thing:


    Xiao Jingheng had only told her he demoted Li to be a perpetual attendant and halved her allowance. But he never said how much allowance he cut.


    Since he didn''t specify, how did the Empress know the precise details?

 Chapter 23: Song Zhao Stays Over

    <h4>Chapter 23</h4>


    It was said that yesterday night, Xiao Jingheng stayed at the Yonghe Pce.


    Today when the concubines went to pay their respects to the Empress, Consort Chen arrived earlier than usual.


    As soon as she saw Li Changzai, she said, "Concubine Li, howe you don''t look so well today?"


    Then she raised her handkerchief to cover her mouth and chuckled, "Oh, I forgot. I should call you Li Changzai now. You are quite capable, these years since the Emperor ascended the throne, I''ve only heard of raising the ranks of concubines, but degrading them is the first time I''ve seen it."


    Li Changzai was so embarrassed that her face turned red and she wished she could find a crack in the ground to hide in.


    It was the Empress who came to her rescue, "No one is a sage, who doesn''t make mistakes? The important thing is to know your mistakes and be able to correct them, then it''s not toote."


    Li Concubine quickly took the opportunity to decline, saying hurriedly, "Thank you Empress for speaking up for this concubine. Letting His Majesty punish me lightly, this concubine is extremely grateful."


    "Once you enter the pce, you are all sisters. We should all try to help each other, who would kick someone when they are down?"


    When the Empress said this, she deliberately nced at Consort Chen.


    Consort Chen looked at her disdainfully from head to toe, sneered, then turned her head away and ignored her.


    As autumn was approaching, thesest two days the autumn tiger had be more and more ferocious. Even though the Empress''s pce was full of ice, with so many people it was still hot and suffocating.


    Therefore, paying respects was just a formality, and it didn''t evenst a quarter of an hour before the Empress let everyone disperse.


    After paying respects, Song Zhao had originally nned to return to the pce to rest, but on the way back she happened to run into Consort Chen.


    Consort Chen was fiery-tempered, not the kind of person who liked to beat around the bush. Seeing Song Zhao, she got straight to the point and asked, "I heard that you drove the Emperor awayst night? Why?"


    Song Zhao respectfully said, "This concubine attended the Emperor two nights ago. If I had attended him against night, it would have broken the rules. Firstly, this concubine has caught a cold and is not suitable to serve the Emperor; Secondly, in the entire pce, only Consort Chen has the fortune to serve the Emperor consecutively, this concubine dare notpare with Consort Chen."


    "Hmm, you are quite self-aware." Consort Chen looked her up and down frivolously. Turning her head she ordered, "Ying Xiang, give it to her."


    Ying Xiang came up and handed Song Zhao a brocade box. Song Zhao opened it and found a pair of pink pearl earrings inside, even bigger and rounder than the ones Consort Chen had given to Li Changzaist time.


    "This...this gift is too valuable, I dare not ept it."


    "Just take it since I''m giving it to you. You are the one who will be attending the Emperor, you can''t dress too shabbily. If you follow me, the benefits will be more than just these."


    So Song Zhao reluctantly epted the generous gift, "Consort''s enthusiasm is hard to decline, this concubine is very grateful for Consort''s bestowal."


    Before leaving, Consort Chen urged Song Zhao to recover soon, and even said she would find an opportunity to arrange for Song Zhao to serve the Emperor.


    Song Zhao was toozy to guess how true Consort Chen''s words were. Even if she didn''t arrange it, Song Zhao had her own ways to make Xiao Jingheng obsessed with her.


    After that, for about ten days, Song Zhao''s health had not fully recovered, so the Office of Rites continued to hang up her green que.


    During this time, Xiao Jingheng came to see her once, but was still rejected by her for the same reason.


    Later, busy with the affairs of the previous dynasty, Xiao Jingheng did note to find her again.


    These days, apart from Consort Chen, Xiao Jingheng had not summoned any other concubines.


    In the Imperial Observatory under the Ministry of Rites, there was a minor official who had previously worked under Song Shicheng.


    The Imperial Observatory was responsible for observing celestial phenomena and astrological divination. That day, the minor official secretly passed a letter to Song Zhao,


    "Lady Song, the Chief Astronomer has calcted that there will definitely be a heavy rain in the capital at midnight today."


    Song Zhao already had a sense of it. She asked Yun Shan to go to the Office of Rites and report that she had recovered.


    Sure enough, that night Xiao Jingheng immediately flipped over her que.


    The Song Zhao who attended the emperor this time waspletely different from before.


    She wore extremely delicate makeup, bringing out the best of her features, so beautiful it was mesmerizing. Even the inner eunuchs carrying her pnquin couldn''t help but take an extra look at her.


    Needless to say, it aroused the desire of Xiao Jingheng, a vigorous man even more.


    He put his arm around Song Zhao¡¯s willowy waist, whispering in her ear,


    "Beloved Consort has been ill for so many days, you really made me miss you."


    Song Zhao giggled and said, "I wonder if His Majesty misses this concubine''s person, or misses this concubine''s body."


    She was not an insensitive person either. As she spoke, her slender, boneless fingers slipped into Xiao Jingheng''spel, gently and softly circling his muscr chest, arousing him.


    The ticklish feeling spread all over his body instantly, bringing Xiao Jingheng''s desire to explore her to the extreme.


    He arrogantly picked up Song Zhao with one hand and they both fell onto the imperial couch, beginning an primal exploration.


    When attending the emperor, Xiao Jingheng was intoxicated, their breaths intertwined and sweat flowed freely.


    It had been a long time since a woman had given him such an ethereal experience.


    Usually after intimacy with his concubines, he would calm down quickly and lose interest in it.


    But with Song Zhao, it waspletely different.


    Hey t on the couch, letting Song Zhao snuggle into his arms like a docile kitten, while his hand hugged her shoulders, drifting along her pronounced corbone from time to time.


    Just this one encounter consumed nearly an hour.


    As it approached the hour of zi, it was time for Song Zhao to return to her pce.


    Xiao Jingheng held her hand. "Stay with me a little longer."


    Letting go of his imperial status, under Song Zhao''s tender assault, this sentence seemed to have a hint of pleading in it.


    Song Zhao shook her head reluctantly, just as she was about to decline,


    suddenly, there was a deafening rumble of thunder from outside the window.


    Song Zhao shuddered instinctively, and Xiao Jingheng took the opportunity to pull her back into his arms.


    He hugged Song Zhao with both hands, protecting her tightly, "Don''t be afraid, I''m here."


    The Imperial Observatory''s observation of the heavenly bodies was extremely urate. After a couple rumbles of thunder, the rain began to drizzle down.


    Nestled in Xiao Jingheng''s arms, Song Zhao stared at the rain outside the curtains, her expression both startled and fearful, unconsciously shrinking further into Xiao Jingheng''s embrace.


    Xiao Jingheng kissed her forehead lightly and said gently,


    "Stay."


    "Your Majesty, I cannot..."


    "Thest few days you didn''t let mee to you, afraid of passing your illness to me, saying you would feel uneasy about it. Now there is thunder and rain outside, you are afraid of thunder, and your health has just recovered. If you go back today and get sick again, wouldn''t it make me worry?"


    Xiao Jingheng tilted Song Zhao''s chin with his fingertips, slowly turning her head to face him.


    His handsome brows pressed against Song Zhao''s eyes, each breath spraying on her porcin skin.


    He leaned down and nted a burning kiss on Song Zhao''s lips, then hoarsely said,


    "Can you bear to make me uneasy?"


    Song Zhao''s heart was beating very fast, the ''thump thump'' sound even overwhelmed the sound of rain outside.


    She was extremely shy, turning back to hook Xiao Jingheng''s neck,


    moving closer to him inch by inch, breathing heavily and saying,


    "This concubine...cannot bear it."

 Chapter 24: Sealed to Be Always

    <h4>Chapter 24</h4>


    The thunderstorm tonight was like divine intervention for Song Zhao.


    After the Empress and Consort Chen, she became the third concubine who was allowed to stay overnight at Chaoyang Pce.


    That night, Xiao Jingheng unleashed all his favor and love for Song Zhao until they were both exhausted and fell asleep near the third watch.


    No matter howte he slept, Xiao Jingheng would always wake up on time at the fourth watch.


    But today when he opened his eyes, he found that Song Zhao had woken up even earlier than him.


    She was busy with something at the desk not far away.


    With her back to him, Song Zhao didn''t notice that he had woken up.


    Xiao Jingheng also remained silent and just watched her quietly.


    He saw Song Zhao take his court robes and neatly spread them out on the desk. Then she poured boiling water into a t-bottomed bowl and used the bottom of the bowl to tten out the tiny wrinkles in the court robes.


    Curious, Xiao Jingheng asked, "What are you doing?"


    "Your Majesty is awake?" Song Zhao looked back at him with a charming smile. "This concubine is helping Your Majesty tten out the wrinkles in the court robes. When I was at home in the past, my mother would always help my father tidy up his official robes like this, so I''m trying to learn from her."


    Xiao Jingheng didn''t hear anything Song Zhao said after that.


    His gaze remained fixed on Song Zhao''s wless beautiful face.


    The Empress and Consort Chen had also spent the night by his side before, and he had seen what they looked like in the morning after waking up.


    Without makeup and after a night''s sleep, even a beauty like Consort Chen would have disheveled hair and a greasyplexion, losing some of her appeal.


    But Song Zhao was different.


    This woman was truly too beautiful. Even just after waking up in the morning and before washing up, her face showed no greasiness, only a rosyplexion.


    It made people''s hearts itch.


    He got up from the bed and called Song Zhao to his side, taking her hand and saying,


    "You worked hard to serve mest night. Why didn''t you sleep a little longer after getting up so early in the morning? Let the pce servants do these things. I feel distressed seeing you do them yourself."


    After speaking, he squeezed Song Zhao''s hand tighter.


    Song Zhao shook her head with a smile. "I don''t feel tired at all."


    She continued in a softer voice, "Serving my own husband will only make me feel happy in my heart. How could I feel tired?"


    Not just once, Song Zhao had openly called him her husband in Xiao Jingheng''s presence.


    Such words were actually presumptuous.


    In the vast inner pce, even the Empress did not dare to refer to Xiao Jingheng as her husband in private.


    But Song Zhao dared,


    and her daring happened to please Xiao Jingheng.


    A man liked when his woman knew her ce and propriety, but also liked a little different intimacy when interacting privately with his woman.


    Therefore, Xiao Jingheng not only did not reprimand her, but instead went along with her words,


    "Since your mother treated your father this way, and you treat me the same, I certainly won''t betray your feelings."


    After Song Zhao helped Xiao Jingheng change into his court robes, she escorted him all the way to the door of his bedchamber.


    Xiao Jingheng stroked her nose and smiled indulgently. "You worked hard keeping mepanyst night. You don''t have to go pay your respects to the Empress today. Last night you told me your cooking skills were very good. I will go to your pce at noon for a meal, to see if you were just ttering me."


    Song Zhao smiled and agreed. She watched Xiao Jingheng get into his sedan chair until his figure disappeared from sight before the smile froze on her face.


    To not go pay respects to the Empress after receiving favor was something only an imperial consort like Consort Chen would dare to do.


    Song Zhao was very clear about her current position in Xiao Jingheng''s heart.


    His kindness to her was only because she was fresh and new to him; to put it bluntly, it was just lust.


    That was why she would not let loose. At this critical juncture, she had to adhere even more strictly to etiquette and rules, not letting anyone pick out the slightest error or oversight.


    When Song Zhao went to pay her respects to the Empress, the news about Xiao Jingheng staying overnight with her at Chaoyang Pce had not yet spread through the six pces.


    So no one made things difficult for her.


    Same as before, a group of women gathered to chat about trivial things. After listening to Consort Chen snap at the Empress a few times, the respect-paying was considered over.


    After returning to Yao Hua Pce, Song Zhao began preparing for the noon meal.


    She had already found out early on what dishes Xiao Jingheng liked to eat.


    But she could not cater too obviously to his preferences, or else it would make Xiao Jingheng suspect she had secretly investigated his likes.


    So at noon she prepared eight dishes, two of which were Xiao Jingheng''s favorites, and the other six were just dishes she was adept at making.


    When the dishes were ready, judging that it was about time for Xiao Jingheng to arrive, Song Zhao did not hurry to receive him. Instead, she looked at a redwood table in the west side hall and said to Zhi Hua and Xi Ying:


    "Thecquer on this table has peeled off. When His Majestyester and sees it, it will look unpresentable. Move it out for now and put it in your own room."


    But the solid redwood table was too heavy for Zhi Hua and Xi Ying''s delicate strength. After struggling for a while, they had only managed to shift it to the door of the bedchamber.


    Seeing they were working slowly, Song Zhao said, "Yun Shan,e help me move it."


    It was improper for the mistress to help servants with work. Yun Shan wanted to stop her, but Song Zhao had already trotted over to the table and grabbed the edge to start lifting upwards.


    With four people''s strengthbined, they could barely lift the redwood table.


    After shifting it to the courtyard, they suddenly heard the inner attendant at the pce gate announce:


    "His Majesty arrives!"


    Distracted, Song Zhao rxed her strength. The redwood table mmed into the ground, banging her calf and immediately bringing tears of pain to her eyes.


    Yun Shan and the others crowded around Song Zhao, asking her if she was okay. This scene happened to be seen by Xiao Jingheng.


    He quickly said, "What''s going on?"


    Song Zhao wiped away her tears and endured the pain to exin, "It''s nothing, Your Majesty. It''s all because I was careless for a moment. Thecquer on this redwood table was peeling, and I was afraid you would see it and find it unsightly. So I asked them to move it out first. But the table was too heavy for them to shift easily, and I thought I could lend a hand. I didn''t expect that I would also be clumsy and end up injuring myself."


    In the summer, her skirts were thin. Xiao Jingheng vaguely saw what looked like blood stains showing through the fabric on Song Zhao''s calf.


    He hurriedly carried her in his arms to the inner hall and ced her on the couch to roll up her pant leg.


    He saw a crescent-shaped wound on Song Zhao''s fair and smooth calf, and his heart twisted painfully.


    "Didn''t you just promise me you would take good care of yourself? You''re determined to make me worry. That redwood table is so heavy, how could a woman like you move it?"


    Song Zhao instead acted as if it was no big deal, even joking,


    "It''s nothing, Your Majesty. Just a little scraped skin, no bother at all. And as I said, there are only women in my pce. Surely you don''t expect Your Majesty to personallye help move tables for me?"


    Xiao Jingheng had someone fetch golden sore medicine and applied it to Song Zhao''s wound himself while saying,


    "I cane help you move it, it''s not impossible. But this reminds me that with no capable serving girl of strength by your side, there are many inconveniences. Let the Imperial Household Department select a capable inner attendant to wait upon you, to have someone to rely on."


    Hearing this, Jiang Deshun, who was at the side, reminded, "Your Majesty... Lady Song''s status is only a concubine. The pce rules are fixed. Female officials and concubines cannot have inner attendants serving them."


    Xiao Jingheng dismissively said, "This is not difficult. Issue a decree allowing Song Concubine of Yao Hua Pce to immediately be a resident concubine."


    Everyone present was stunned by these words.

 Chapter 25: A Happy Servant

    <h4>Chapter 25</h4>


    Everyone was stunned for the reason that, ording to His Majesty''s harem:


    Ordinary concubines'' promotion, most of the time is sitting on a position with no merit or fault for a long time, or their family made great contributions in the previous dynasty, or gave birth to an imperial heir with merit, only then would they be promoted in one leap to enjoy glory.


    But the reason why Xiao Jingheng wanted to promote Song Zhao to Changzai was actually...


    He wanted her to have one more eunuch to serve around her?


    If this reason spread out, I''m afraid no one would believe it.


    When Song Zhao heard this, she was naturally panicked and uneasy, and quickly declined:


    "Your Majesty, I''m new to the harem, and have no merit or virtue. How can I suddenly be raised to this position? Please take back your kindness, don''t break me!"


    Xiao Jingheng didn''t say a word, and was concentrating on treating the injury on Song Zhao''s calf.


    Jiang Deshun had been serving in front of the emperor for a long time, and of course understood what Xiao Jingheng meant. He then said:


    "Your servant will pass on your order. I will go to the Pce Administration Office and the Attendant''s Office to report this."


    Only when a concubine is made Consort, she needs the emperor to issue an edict and hold an investiture ceremony.


    For ordinary promotions to Changzai or Noble Lady, only a word from the emperor would do.


    Seeing Jiang Deshun running off in a sh, this matter was set in stone, with no room left forpromise.


    Song Zhao was apprehensive inside, her fingers kept fiddling with her clothes.


    These nervous little actions were seen by Xiao Jingheng. He said in an extremely gentle voice:


    "Don''t be afraid. This is my will, no one dares to disobey. Actually, I intended to give you the position of a Noble Lady, which you also deserve. But you don''t like too much attention, so I''ll first give you the position of Changzai, so as not to embarrass you too much."


    His words sounded reasonable, but on second thoughts it was not the case.


    He was the Emperor. If he wanted to give Song Zhao the position of a Noble Lady, where was the need for so much consideration?


    The fact is, Song Zhao''s face was still not enough temptation for him to lose his mind.


    Song Zhao followed his words and said: "Your Majesty knows that positions don''t matter much to your concubine. As long as Your Majesty has me in his heart, that is enough."


    "Pure nonsense." After applying medicine on Song Zhao''s leg, Xiao Jingheng put down her pants very gently. "If I didn''t care about you, why would Ie to your pce and have a meal you cooked on such a hot day?"


    "Ah!" Song Zhao suddenly eximed and pped her head, somewhat annoyed: "Your concubine forgot that the crucian carp soup was still on the stove!"


    She then got up from the bed and rushed towards the small kitchen.


    Seeing her clumsy beauty, Xiao Jingheng felt very amused. He couldn''t helpughing too:


    "Go slowly, don''t fall down!"


    Today''s lunch, Xiao Jingheng ate with great satisfaction, and so did Song Zhao.


    After entering the pce for over a month, she finally got what she wanted from this man.


    Although it was just a little bit, as long as things were off to a good start, the road ahead would not be too difficult.


    That night, servants from the Pce Administration Office were sent to serve Song Zhao.


    These servants were personally chosen by Song Zhao, one named Xiao Fuzi.


    At first, the Chief Eunuch of the Pce Administration Office said he had arranged many clever and capable people for Song Zhao, but she didn''t like any of them. She said:


    "His Majesty raising my position is already the greatest honor. If I ask for talented people from the Pce Administration Office to serve me, it would be somewhat improper. Sir, please introduce some criminals who have made mistakes in the past to serve me. Firstly, it won''t attract gossips, secondly I''d like to give those who made mistakes a chance to reform themselves."


    After hearing this, the Chief Eunuch quickly said Song Zhao was very wise, and brought her a list of criminals serving sentences in the Divine Punishment Department for her to choose from.


    Song Zhao casually pointed and picked Xiao Fuzi.


    Now he was standing respectfully below, giving greetings to Song Zhao, "Servant Xiao Fuzi greets Lady Changzai. May Lady Changzai live thousands of years with endless blessings and prosperity."


    Song Zhao smiled and said, "It''s been many years, do you still remember me?"


    Hearing this, Xiao Fuzi was emotionally stirred. He actually shed tears, "Second youngdy''s kindness, this servant will never forget for life!"


    This Xiao Fuzi was actually the younger brother of Doctor Zhang from the Duke of Protection''s mansion.


    Song Zhao had promised Doctor Zhang that she would get his brother out of the Divine Punishment Department. She had always kept this in mind.


    "I promised your brother I would save you. From now on following me, no one will bully you again."


    Xiao Fuzi was 14 years younger than Doctor Zhang, simr in age to Song Zhao and Yun Shan.


    When he was little he had stayed in the Duke of Protection''s mansion. The three children yed together for some time, disregarding formalities.


    Seeing Xiao Fuzi crying heavily, Yun Shan walked up and pretended to pat his shoulder.


    "You little pig, today is ourdy''s big happy day. Don''t cry out any bad luck!"


    Hearing this, Xiao Fuzi quickly wiped his tears, and kowtowed to Song Zhao twice more.


    "This servant congrattes mydy''s joyous asion! Mydy''s kindness, this servant cannot repay. I can only serve mydy wholeheartedly, be her ox and horse, and will not decline any hard work!"


    Hisical appearance made Song Zhao and Yun Shan smile at each other.


    Yun Shan helped him up. Song Zhao said gently with a smile:


    "I remember when you were little, you had the aspiration to be a doctor like your brother. You were only 4 or 5 back then, but already understood a lot of medical theory. Unfortunately your family met with misforter, and you were sold into the pce, which buried your talent."


    Xiao Fuzi said: "After entering the pce, I did chores at the Imperial Medical Bureau. During free time I also read a lot of medical books. The reason I was punished to the Divine Punishment Department was because I was caught reading medical books secretly. However I do have some medical skills. I hope to be of help to mydy in the future."


    "No need to wait for the future, I have something that requires your help now."


    Song Zhao asked Yun Shan to pass the pair of pink bead earrings Consort Chen had given her to Xiao Fuzi, "Take a look, see if there''s anything wrong with these earrings?"


    Xiao Fuzi took the earrings and examined them carefully. He said:


    "Replying mydy, there is nothing wrong with these pink beads. Moreover, these beads are hollow inside, filled with agarwood. That thing is extremely precious, best for tranquilizing the mind and spirit. Mydy wearing more of this will also benefit your health."


    These earrings were given by Consort Chen to Song Zhao. If Song Zhao didn''t wear them for long, it might upset Consort Chen.


    But Song Zhao really didn''t trust Consort Chen, and didn''t dare take this to other imperial physicians for checking, in case someone talked and Consort Chen found out, which would bring endless trouble.


    Hearing Xiao Fuzi''s words today, Song Zhao felt somewhat reassured.


    But in her heart she still found it strange:


    Pink beads were already very precious, the agarwood inside was even more invaluable.


    For Consort Chen to give her such an expensive gift on their first meeting, it was really hard not to make one doubt her intentions...

 Chapter 26: Poisoned by the Cloud Concubine

    <h4>Chapter 26</h4>


    When Song Zhao suddenly received the news that she was conferred the title of Concubine Changzai, it quickly spread throughout the six pces.


    Apart from Xiao Jingheng, the consorts and imperial concubines of the various pces alsopeted with each other to send her gifts.


    Even Concubine Li, whose status had been lowered because of her, was no exception.


    She sent an exquisite bi xi jade pendant of superior quality,pletely changing her previously arrogant and aloof manner. In a gentle and harmonious way, she said to Song Zhao, ¡°I heard that you have been conferred the title of Concubine Changzai. I am also very happy for you in my heart. If I was impatient before and offended you in any way, please don¡¯t take it to heart.¡±


    Song Zhao did not hold it against her either. She smiled and said, ¡°Sister has always been good to me. How could there be any offense? In my selfish heart, I was even thinking that the previous incident was a misunderstanding of Sister by His Majesty. In the future when there is a chance, I will definitely exin it clearly to His Majesty and advise His Majesty to restore Sister¡¯s status."


    Concubine Li was just being polite. She naturally knew that Song Zhao was also perfunctory. So she smiled and nodded. As long as they could maintain face in front of each other, that was enough.


    Not long after sending off Concubine Li, Song Zhao weed a distinguished guest in her pce.


    Consort Shu walked in with a round pregnant belly. As soon as she entered, sheughed and shouted, "I said long ago that Sister is not an ordinary person. His Majesty cherishes beauties and loves beauties. He would never let such a bright pearl be covered in dust."


    Song Zhao was also surprised to see here in person. She quickly got up to greet her, "Why did Consort Shue in person? Zhi Hua, Xi Ying, quickly attend to Consort."


    Zhi Hua and Xi Ying went to Consort Shu''s side, trying to support her, but were stopped by Consort Shu¡¯s maid Qing Yue.


    All the way, Qing Yue protected Consort Shu and helped her sit on the warm couch, and put a goose feather soft cushion behind her waist. During the whole process, she did not allow anyone to have physical contact with Consort Shu, for fear that something might happen identally and injure her mistress'' unborn imperial child.


    It made sense since pregnant women naturally had more concerns.


    In fact, Song Zhao did not want to entertain her either. After all, if something happened to Consort Shu in her pce, it would be a headache.


    So she did not let anyone serve tea to Consort Shu, and only said, "Consort should not drink tea during pregnancy. May I ask what kind of drinks Consort would like? This concubine will let the servants prepare ordingly."


    "No need." Consort Shu smiled and waved her hand, "The imperial physician said that I should walk more these days. Today the weather was good so I went to the Imperial Garden for a walk. On the way back, I happened to pass by Concubine Yao''s pce, so I dropped by to see you along the way."


    Song Zhao said, "Actually, it should have been that this concubine goes to greet Consort. But Consort is pregnant, and His Majesty said not to disturb, so I was dyed."


    She looked down at Consort Shu''s belly and smiled gently, "About seven months, right?"


    Concubine Shu nodded, stroking her belly, "Almost, the expected delivery date is in October. October is good, the weather will be cooler by then. Have you heard of His Late Majesty¡¯s Consort Duan? She gave birth to the Eighth Prince in the hot summer. The Eighth Prince was slightlyrger in the womb, and Consort Duan tore her vagina while giving birth. Because of the sultry heat and excessive sweating in summer, her wound never healed. She was tormented to death in the end..."


    After listening, Song Zhao took a sip of tea without replying.


    Discussing the previous emperor¡¯s consorts openly was a serious crime. She did not want to get herself into trouble.


    Seeing that she did not speak, Consort Shu also seemed to realize the inappropriateness. She quickly changed the subject and said,


    "Look at me, why am I telling you all this? Qing Yue, quickly hand over the gift to Consort Changzai."


    Qing Yue presented Song Zhao with a beautiful jade ruyi scepter.


    The color of the jade was lustrous and translucent without any impurities. It felt warm to the touch. One could tell at a nce that it was valuable.


    Song Zhao declined and said that she could not ept such an expensive gift. But Consort Shu said, "It''s not just because of your conferment. At first sight of you, I felt close to you, only because you look very much like my younger sister in my family. Since I entered the pce, I have not seen my family again. That day when I first saw you, I was very excited in my heart."


    She held Song Zhao''s hand and forced her to ept the ruyi scepter, "You keep it as me recognizing you as a younger sister. In the future,e to my pce often to sit and chat with me when you are free, to apany me and relieve my boredom. Is that okay?"


    Since she was so enthusiastic, Song Zhao had to ept it lest she appeared unappreciative.


    She had to ept the ruyi scepter and perfunctorily responded to her words.


    Song Zhao was toozy to care about Consort Shu¡¯s calctions in her mind. Anyway, no matter what she said, Song Zhao would just treat it as a joke.


    On this day, the previously deserted West Side Hall of Yao Hua Pce now had its doorsteps almost worn out by people.


    Just the gifts she had received were enough to fill half a storage room.


    After dealing with these annoying visitors, Song Zhao asked Xiao Fuzi to check one by one whether there were any problems with the gifts they brought.


    Xiao Fuzi was quick and skillful. After half an hour, he came back to report to Song Zhao, "Replying to young miss, the gifts from the various consorts and imperial concubines have been checked and there are no abnormalities."


    Song Zhao nodded in acknowledgement. Then she asked carefully, "I remember that the gift Consort Yun sent was ''Morning Congealing Fragrance Dew'', right?"


    Yun Shan said, "That''s right, young miss. Morning Congealing Fragrance Dew is hailed as the king of ten thousand fragrances and is extremely rare. Among the consorts in the pce, only Consort Yun loves fragrances, so His Majesty gave her some. Her giving this to young miss shows that she also has the intention to get close to young miss."


    From Yun Shan¡¯s words, Song Zhao sensed something wrong. "Yun Shan, I remember you have two exquisite golden bells that are very beautiful. Will you give me one?"


    Upon hearing this, Yun Shan immediately showed difficulty on her face. "Young miss... those were keepsakes from my mother to me. I can give anything else to young miss, but only..."


    Song Zhao gave a coldugh, "I see. The things your mother gave you, you naturally cherish them. As for the exclusive favor His Majesty gave to Consort Yun, how could she be willing to share it with me? Moreover, she also loves fragrances."


    Yun Shan said, "Does young miss mean that you suspect something wrong with the fragrance?"


    "Let me bring it to double check." Xiao Fuzi came and went in a hurry. He took out the Morning Congealing Fragrance Dew from the warehouse.


    This time, in front of Song Zhao, Xiao Fuzi scooped out a small spoonful of fragrance powder and carefully examined it again. Still, he did not find anything wrong.


    However, Song Zhao kept her eyes on the sandalwood box that held the fragrance. "Bring me the box. Let me take a look."


    Xiao Fuzi handed her the box. Using a silver spoon, she stirred up the fragrance powder on top. Suddenly she said,


    "Look, isn''t the fragrance powder in the bottomyer slightly darker in colorpared to the topyer?"


    Yun Shan and Xiao Fuzi came over to take a closer look. "Oh! It really is! Usually when using it, the fragrance powder is scooped spoonful by spoonful and thrown into the censer. No one would specifically check the differences between the topyer and bottomyer..."


    Xiao Fuzi took a spoonful of fragrance powder from the bottomyer and spread it out t on the table to examine again carefully.


    He discovered that coarser particles were mixed into the bottomyer fragrance powder. After sieving out the particles and examining them carefully, hisplexion greatly changed.


    "Replying to young miss, a small amount of patchouli has been mixed into the bottomyer of the fragrance powder!"


    Looking at the fragrance powder on the table, Song Zhao gave a cold snort and asked,


    "What is that? Is it poisonous?"

 Chapter 27: Princess Miscarriage 01

    <h4>Chapter 27</h4>


    Xiao Fuzi exined, "This substance is not poisonous, and burning it together with fragrant powder has the effect of regting qi and blood deficiency."


    Yun Shan was puzzled and said, "Not poisonous? Don''t tell me Consort Yun went through so much trouble to add this stuff to the morning dew fragrance just to nourish Song Zhao''s qi and blood? She would be so kind-hearted?"


    Compared to Yun Shan''s surprise, Song Zhao''s expression was calm. "Let him continue."


    Xiao Fuzi went on, "Although this agarwood is not poisonous, it has taboos. It absolutely cannot be used together with frankincense. These two fragrances counteract each other. Used separately they are excellent things, but if used together, they can damage a woman''s womb. Prolonged exposure can lead to infertility in women, or even if pregnant, it often leads to miscarriage..."


    "Vile!" Yun Shan clenched her fists tightly in indignation, "Consort Chen sent pearl earrings with frankincense inside, Consort Yun sent morning dew fragrance mixed with agarwood, they are joining hands to harm Song Zhao, to make it so even if she gains favor she can''t give birth to children!"


    As she spoke, she rummaged through the drawers of the dressing table.


    Song Zhao gently asked her, "What are you looking for?"


    "I''m taking out the pearl earrings, and will bring these gifts to the Emperor, he must know someone wants to harm Song Zhao!"


    "Don''t waste your efforts," Song Zhao waved her hand to stop her, "Didn''t you hear what Xiao Fuzi said? This agarwood and frankincense are excellent things, only harmful when used together. Even if you take the so-called evidence to the Emperor, what can you do? One was given by Consort Chen, the other by Consort Yun. Who would believe the honorable consorts would go through such effort to harm a lowly concubine?"


    Yun Shan frowned and shook her head, "But they clearly want to harm Song Zhao!"


    "So what if they do? Don''t say I''m not hurt, even if I were hurt, in the future when ites to light, Consort Chen and Consort Yun could absolve themselves of responsibility."


    Song Zhao understood early on that a big tree attracts the wind. She also knew there were countless schemes among the pce women. But she never imagined that for a newly favored concubine like herself, Consort Chen and Consort Yun would join forces to give her such a "great gift".


    She rested her chin in her hand, gazing at the bright moon hanging in the sky, murmuring,


    "What puzzles me is, Consort Chen and Consort Yun appear to be at odds, while Consort Yun seems closer to the Empress. Could they have colluded secretly? Their conflict is just for show to fool the Empress?"


    Things she didn''t understand, let alone Yun Shan and Xiao Fuzi.


    They could only think privately:


    In the days toe, she would have to be extra vignt,


    Otherwise, a moment of carelessness could bring disaster without her even realizing.


    If Song Zhao revealed this matter today, it would be offending Consort Chen and Consort Yun openly,


    So she could only let it go, pretending to be an oblivious fool.


    She ordered, "Take the frankincense out of the pearl earrings and rece it with ordinary fragrance powder. The morning dew fragrance sent by Consort Yun, we will still use daily in the pce, but Xiao Fuzi you must be careful to remove the agarwood powder from the bottomyer. Remember, only we three know about this. Keep it hidden from Zhihua and Xiyin for now."


    After dealing with these matters, the sky was already dark.


    The imperial sedan did note to fetch Song Zhao today, Xiao Fengying likely called Consort Chen to serve him.


    Exhausted from the day''s events, Song Zhao felt weary in body and mind. After washing up simply, she prepared to retire early.


    But just as she was falling asleep, she suddenly heard the main gate of the courtyard being knocked loudly.


    At this time, Yaohua Pce was locked up, and Consort Yao had also rested. To make such a racket, something must have happened in the pce.


    The Empress was frail, with recurring illnesses every now and then.


    Whenever she had an attack, the consorts and concubines took turns attending to her illness. Could her sickness have red up again?


    Song Zhao thought that if the Empress was ill again, she would have to go along this time to avoid criticism.


    She peered out the window, and saw an unfamiliar eunuch head directly to Consort Yao''s main hall.


    Not long after entering, the darkened main hall was lit up by newly lit candles.


    Song Zhao hurriedly put on an outer garment, wanting to see what was going on.


    Just as she came out of the west wing, she saw Consort Yao also walking hurriedly out of the main hall.


    She quickly asked, "Consort Yao, what happened?"


    Consort Yao''s expression was extremely ugly, eyebrows knitted tightly as she uttered,


    "Something happened in Zhongcui Pce."


    Upon hearing this, Song Zhao''s heart tightened.


    Zhongcui Pce housed only Consort Shu. If something happened to her, it would be even more serious than the Empress''s illness recurring!


    "What happened to Consort Shu?"


    "How would I know the details? Just now the eunuchs from the Imperial Household Department reported that after Consort Shu finished her evening meal, she felt unwell. By the time she rested at night, she suddenly had an attack, it seems...she saw blood."


    "Saw blood?" Song Zhao was shocked and incredulous, covering her mouth in horror, "Didn''t the Imperial Hospital keep reporting Consort Shu''s pregnancy was very stable? She''s already seven months along, how could she suddenly see blood?"


    She acted very surprised, but was secretly relieved inside.


    Fortunately today when Consort Shu came to see her, she did not give her anything to eat or drink,


    otherwise with this incident, she would not have escaped involvement.


    Consort Yao said, "How would I know? Consort Shu''s belly is the most precious in the entire harem, I hope nothing goes wrong."


    As they were talking, Li Changzai from the east wing also heard themotion and came out,


    "What''s happening sote at night?"


    Ever since Xiao Fengying scolded Li Changzaist time, Consort Yao waszy to pay her any mind. She only said to Song Zhao, "Let''s go take a look first."


    Li Changzai trotted after them eagerly, wanting to join in the "excitement".


    Rushing over, when they reached Zhongcui Pce''s gate, they heard the crisp sound of porcin smashing inside,


    followed by Consort Shu''s hysterical crying,


    "My child is seven months along already! How can you make me miscarry at this time? I want to see the Emperor!"


    Song Zhao quickened her pace following Consort Yao.


    Upon entering, she saw three Imperial Physicians and several pce maids gathered around Consort Shu''s bed,


    but at a nce she could not see Consort Shu, only hear her terrifying cries.


    Song Zhao nced at the broken porcin bowl on the floor, still mixed with some remnants of medicinal soup.


    She recognized the herbs at a nce as Achyranthes Root.


    And Achyranthes Root soup was used specifically to induce miscarriage.

 Chapter 28: Princess Miscarriage 02

    <h4>Chapter 28</h4>


    "What''s happening here?"


    Consort Yao pushed through the crowd and approached to see what was going on.


    From a distance, Song Zhao saw Empress Shu''s face pale, and the light blue bedding was stained with fresh blood.


    Li, the concubine, covered her mouth and whispered to Song Zhao,


    "With so much blood, I''m afraid the child won''t survive."


    Of course, there was no hope of saving the child.


    Whenever there was even a glimmer of hope, the doctors from the Imperial Medical Bureau dared not administer any miscarriage-inducing medicine to Consort Shu.


    As Consort Shu caused amotion, the Empress, Consort Yun, and Consort Yin arrived one after another.


    Consort Shu cried incessantly when she saw the Empress. "Empress Mother, they want to harm me! They want me to miscarry!"


    The Empress held Consort Shu''s hand, feeling the warmth and dampness.


    With a slight nce, she saw that Consort Shu''s palms were soaked in blood.


    The Empress took a deep breath and said, "Don''t be afraid. I am here, and no one can harm you."


    Consort Shu''s belly was in intense pain, causing her whole body to tremble.


    The Empress asked Consort Yun and Consort Yin to stay by Consort Shu''s side. Then she called the doctor responsible for protecting Consort Shu''s pregnancy aside and asked in a low voice,


    "What''s the situation? How did this happen all of a sudden?"


    The doctor was also frightened and could barely speak. "Replying to the Empress, when I received the news and rushed here, Consort Shu''s pulse had already shown signs of weakness and miscarriage... and she was bleeding... The fetal movements in her abdomen are extremely weak. I''m afraid... it cannot be saved."


    "Nonsense!" The Empress, who was usually dignified and calm, became angry. "Do you have multiple lives to joke about the matter of the imperial heir? Even if there is a glimmer of hope, we must find a way to save it!"


    The doctor was speechless at the Empress''s words and was about to kneel down and kowtow to her.


    His previous words were already tactful enough, but anyone could see that with Consort Shu''s severe bleeding, there was no reason to hope for the child''s survival.


    "The Emperor has arrived!"


    Following the voice, Song Zhao looked over and saw Xiao Jingheng and Consort Chen hurrying over, one after the other.


    The concubines paid their respects, but Xiao Jingheng ignored them and went straight to check Consort Shu''s condition.


    Consort Chen leisurely walked into the hall, yawning as she passed by Song Zhao andzily asked,


    "What is she up to?"


    Before Song Zhao could speak, Concubine Li preempted and said to Consort Chen, "Consort Chen, it seems that Consort Shu''s pregnancy may not be viable."


    Consort Chen clearly paused for a moment upon hearing this, then tiptoed a nce in Consort Shu''s direction.


    After seeing the bloodstains all over the bed, her legs went weak, causing her to stagger backward. Luckily, Ying Xiang followed closely behind and quickly supported her to stabilize her body.


    "How... how could this happen?"


    Consort Chen tightly held the cor of her robe over her chest, her gaze anxious as she looked at Consort Shu, who was going mad.


    "Emperor! They want to harm me! They want to harm you and our child!"


    Consort Shu clung to Xiao Jingheng, crying her heart out.


    Xiao Jingheng embraced her shoulders, looking at the bloodstains covering the bed, his brows furrowing deeply.


    He arrived with the judge of the Imperial Medical Bureau. After the judge diagnosed Consort Shu''s condition, he knelt before Xiao Jingheng anxiously and sorrowfully said,


    "Your Majesty... Please ept my condolences! The heir in Consort Shu''s womb has passed away. If we don''t remove the stillborn child soon, it could endanger Consort Shu''s life!"


    "No!!! My child!" Consort Shu cried until her voice became hoarse. The words she uttered felt like they were soaked in blood.


    She tightly grasped Xiao Jingheng''s arm, her emotions crumbling. "It''s impossible, Your Majesty. Our child is fine, perfectly fine! You visited yesterday, and he kicked you from within my womb. How... How could they tell me that I lost my child?"


    This scene before their eyes would move even the hardest of hearts.


    Even Consort Chen, who was usually arrogant and domineering, turned away and wiped her tears in secret.


    Back then, when she had a miscarriage after six months of pregnancy, she was just like Consort Shu today¡ªdesperate, helpless, feeling as if the sky above her head had copsed.


    Song Zhao nced at Xiao Jingheng secretly. He saw that Xiao Jingheng''s right hand was tightly clenched, his fist turning red, veins popping on his neck, and his expression was quiteplex.


    There was anger, sadness, and even a hint of pity towards Consort Shu.


    But he was the Emperor, the ruler of thend. No matter how significant the matter was, he had to remain calm andposed, not revealing any signs of vulnerability.


    Seeing that he just closed his eyes and remained silent for a moment, Song Zhao quickly regainedposure, gently stroked Consort Shu''s shoulder, and said in a deep voice,


    "What''s most important now is to take care of your body. You''re still young, and we will have children in the future."


    "No! I want this child! Your Majesty, please save our child!"


    Consort Shu went mad. She dug her fingers into Xiao Jingheng''s hand, almost embedding her nails into his flesh.


    Xiao Jingheng stiffly moved her hand away and coldly ordered the Imperial Medical Bureau, "Prepare the medicine for inducing abortion for Consort Shu."


    In the end, the medicine that expelled the child was administered by Xiao Jingheng himself.


    The medicine took effect quickly, causing Consort Shu immense pain, and her cries were heart-wrenching.


    The physicians attended to her bedside, assisting with the delivery, while Xiao Jingheng and the other consorts waited for news in the main hall.


    After such a major event, the pce maids in Zhongcui Pce knelt throughout the entire hall, their souls shaken, not daring to raise their heads.


    Xiao Jingheng nced at the crowd with a chilling gaze, continuously rubbing the thumb ring on his finger.


    "How have you all been serving the Empress?" he asked.


    Qing Yue, who was kneeling at the front, kowtowed twice and cried, "Since the Empress conceived, we have been wholeheartedly serving her. The Empress''s health had always been good. But tonight, after having dinner, the Empress suddenly felt unwell. I helped her back to the bed for a short rest, and immediately sent someone to call for the Imperial Medical Bureau... But before the physicians arrived, the Empress started bleeding!"


    "What did you all serve Consort Shu for dinner?" the Empress asked.


    Qing Yue said, "Every day, the Empress''s meals are arranged ording to the prescribed menu from the Imperial Medical Bureau and the Imperial Food Management Bureau. To avoid any mishaps, three months ago, the meals stopped being delivered by the Imperial Food Management Bureau and instead, the Empress started cooking in the small kitchen within the pce.


    For tonight''s dinner, there are steamed pork ribs with millet, stir-fried shrimp with bamboo shoots, golden garlic-infused green leaf roots, steamed perch, and ck chicken ginseng soup. These are all dishes that the Empress enjoys on a regr basis, and they have been prepared under close supervision, so there should be no issues."


    "Should be?" Xiao Jingheng mmed the table in anger and sternly said, "Are you protecting the safety of your mistress and the Crown Prince with just a ''should be''? Guards! Summon the internal supervisors responsible for tasting the Empress''s meals and have them thoroughly inspect the leftovers from Consort Shu''s dinner tonight!"

 Chapter 29: Thousands of People Blame

    <h4>Chapter 29</h4>


    The inner monitor who tasted the meal was called Xiao Anzi. He came very quickly.


    When he arrived, the leftovers from Consort Shu''s evening meal had already been brought to the main hall and neatly ced before everyone.


    Xiao Anzi tasted these five dishes one by one.


    When he tasted the ck chicken ginseng soup, his expression suddenly became heavier.


    After repeatedly checking it three times, he said to Xiao Jingheng:


    "Your Majesty, there is a problem with this ck chicken ginseng soup. In addition to the main ingredients and seasonings, someone has also added a not insignificant amount of five-vor berry, trichosanthes fruit, safflower, aconite, and peach kernel... as well as epimedium.


    These are all blood-activating and stasis-resolving substances, and epimedium will maximize their medicinal effects. Consort Shu is now seven months pregnant, and she absolutely cannot take any of these things!"


    As soon as these words came out, they immediately caused amotion among those present, who inevitably whispered to each other.


    Song Zhao silently stood by and observed Xiao Jingheng''s expression. She also felt something was wrong:


    Who doesn''t know that the most precious thing in the harem right now is the baby in Consort Shu''s belly?


    Yet someone dared to tantly harm her like this at such a sensitive time?


    Later, when the whispers grew louder, the Empress angrily said, "Quiet, all of you!"


    Then she red at Qing Yue and asked, "Speak! How did these dirty things get mixed into Consort Shu''s food?"


    "I... I don''t know. But this soup was indeed prepared under my supervision. No outsiders were allowed to touch it. The ingredients used, the ck chicken was delivered from the imperial kitchen, and the ginseng was wild mountain ginseng."


    Qing Yue looked at the Empress as she exined, "It was... it was the wild mountain ginseng that Li Changzai had gifted Your Majesty, and then Your Majesty gave it to Consort Shu..."


    Upon hearing this, the Empress'' eyebrows furrowed almost imperceptibly.


    Li Changzai twisted the handkerchief in her hands even more nervously.


    Xiao Jingheng coldly said, "Investigate."


    The ck chicken had been stewed whole, so there was no way to thoroughly examine it anymore.


    But of the wild mountain ginseng Li Changzai had brought, only one third had been used to make the soup. The rest was taken back and stored in the warehouse.


    Jiang Deshun brought the wild ginseng and handed it to Xiao Anzi and Judge Chu to examine together.


    With just one look, anomalies were discovered immediately.


    Judge Chu snapped one of the thicker ginseng roots in half, and everyone saw that the root was actually hollow!


    Judge Chu stood the root upright, and a dark red powder immediately spilled out from inside the root.


    After examining it, he said:


    "Your Majesty, this powder is made by grinding the few blood-activating and stasis-resolving medicinals that Xiao Gonggong mentioned..."


    Things immediately became clear. The problemy with this wild ginseng.


    In an instant, all suspicion pointed towards Li Changzai.


    She was instantly flustered and knelt on the ground proiming her innocence:


    "Your Majesty, please see clearly! Your Majesty the Empress, please see clearly! This matter has nothing to do with your concubine. I have no grudge against Consort Shu. Why would I do such a thing?


    Besides, I originally wanted to give this wild ginseng to Your Majesty the Empress. It was only because Your Majesty could not use it that you gifted it to Consort Shu! I could not have foreseen this sudden incident!"


    Although clumsy with words, her mind was clear.


    On that day, it was indeed the Empress who had said in front of everyone that she wanted to gift the wild ginseng to Consort Shu.


    With this exnation, much of the suspicion on her was dispelled.


    Just then, Consort Chen said insinuatingly:


    "Humph. Everyone in the pce knows Her Majesty the Empress has a heart condition and cannot take ginseng to nourish her qi. Yet you deliberately chose this item to give her? Who knows if you had nned all along that Her Majesty would regift it to Consort Shu? In any case, you were the one who brought this item. No matter how much you argue, you can''t clear your own suspicion."


    Upon hearing Consort Chen''s words, Song Zhao thought to herself, how clever.


    With just a few words, suspicion was pulled back onto Li Changzai.


    Just then, the doctor who had been helping Consort Shu miscarry in the inner chambers brought out a tray covered in red cloth.


    The stenching from under the red cloth let everyone know what was inside.


    The doctor knelt before Xiao Jingheng and wept, "Your Majesty, please restrain your sorrow. Consort Shu has given birth to a little prince for Your Majesty... Unfortunately, the prince passed as soon as he was born. There was no way to save him..."


    A look of grief appeared on Xiao Jingheng''s brow and eyes.


    He clenched his back teeth tightly, his temples throbbing visibly, his bloodshot eyes looking frightful.


    The Empress waved her handkerchief to wipe her tears, signaling for the doctor to take away the "prince" first. She then consoled Xiao Jingheng tearfully, "Things havee to this. Your Majesty should not grieve too much. This matter..."


    Before the Empress could finish speaking, Xiao Jingheng raised the teacup by his side and smashed it on the ground.


    The consorts all knelt and said in unison, "Your Majesty, calm your anger."


    Xiao Jingheng paid them no heed. Pressing down his rage, he ordered:


    "Jiang Deshun! Take people to thoroughly investigate Yao Hua Pce!"


    Kneeling among the crowd, Song Zhao swept her eyes around.


    She saw Xiao Jingheng''s anger and grief.


    Li Changzai, kneeling beside her, was shaking badly, her face drained of color from fear.


    From the inner chambers, Consort Shu''s weeping could also be heard intermittently.


    The harem had always been a ce where one could be devoured. This saying was not false at all.


    Consort Shu had been so careful, yet in the end still lost her pleasant dream.


    Not even a whole stick of incenseter, Jiang Deshun returned with the imperial guards.


    And in his hands was a light green embroidered pouch.


    "Your Majesty... we found this in Yao Hua Pce."


    Judge Chu examined the pouch and confirmed that it contained the substance that had caused Consort Shu to miscarry today.


    Xiao Jingheng took the pouch and forcefully smashed it into Li Changzai''s face.


    "Caught red-handed, what more can you say!"


    Li Changzai looked at the pouch that had fallen before her in shock and confusion, shaking her head dazedly. "Impossible! This is impossible!"


    Just as everyone thought Xiao Jingheng would severely punish Li Changzai,


    Jiang Deshun suddenly exined to Xiao Jingheng:


    "Your Majesty, this item was indeed found in Yao Hua Pce, but not in the east wing where Li Changzai lives. Rather..."


    His gaze slowly fell upon Song Zhao, and he said with some difficulty:


    "It was found in the west wing where Song Changzai lives."


    Upon hearing this, Song Zhao felt her scalp tingle and her ears buzz ceaselessly.

 Chapter 30: Grounded by Song Zhao

    <h4>Chapter 30</h4>


    "Good! So it turns out that you, this cheap woman, wanted to harm me!"


    Li Changzai suddenly erupted and grabbed Song Zhao''s arm to p her in the face.


    Fortunately, Yun Shan rushed forward to stop Li Changzai, allowing her to use him as a punching bag.


    "Cheap woman! I have no grievance or enmity with you, why do you want to put me to death?"


    Li Changzai scolded more and more uncontrobly. The Empress frowned, "Crazy nonsense, how undignified!"


    Her words had just fallen when she quickly signaled the pce maids to pull Li Changzai away.


    At this moment, Song Zhao had not yet recovered from the shock.


    She did not know who wanted to harm her. For a while, she also found it hard to prove her own innocence.


    But reason told her not to panic.


    If she panicked at this time, everything would be over.


    So her eyes brimmed with tears as she stared straight at Xiao Jingheng.


    Xiao Jingheng''s eyes were cold and piercing, filled with the emperor''s ruthlessness and majesty.


    He walked step by step to Song Zhao and looked down at her from above,


    "Was it you?"


    Song Zhao shook her head in tears, "This concubine did not do it."


    Consort Yin said, "You and Consort Shu have no grievances, why did you want to harm her unborn prince? Or is it... you deliberately did these things just to suppress Li Changzai? After all, she entered the pce as a nobledy, lived under the same roof as you, and I often heard that she looked down on you openly and secretly. So you had the crooked idea of wanting to frame her, right?"


    Consort Yun said, "I just heard Xiao Anzi say that there was peach kernel mixed in the medicinal powder hidden in the wild ginseng...?"


    Xiao Anzi nodded in confirmation. Consort Yun frowned at Song Zhao,


    "That''s it then. You are allergic to peach blossom powder, so of course you would also be allergic to peach kernels. No wonder you broke out in red rashes all over your face before entering the pce. It turns out you were secretly preparing these dirty things and got retribution when they got on you!"


    Following Consort Yun''s words, Li Changzai continued,


    "She is just jealous that I have the same background as her. I entered the pce as a nobledy, while she is just a lowly concubine. So she wanted to frame me! How pitiful Consort Shu and the little prince are, they unwittingly became pawns for you to frame me! Song Zhao! You really have a vicious heart!"


    As Song Zhao listened to their endless mudslinging, and even helping her think of motives for doing this, as if wanting Xiao Jingheng to wave his hand and have her dragged out and beheaded to set an example.


    Although she had secretly sought refuge with Consort Chen, faced with such a big incident, Consort Chen would protect herself first before speaking up for her. That would already be giving her face.


    Song Zhao understood that whether she lived or died in this matter depended on no one but herself.


    She ignored their idle gossip and only looked at Xiao Jingheng to ask,


    "Does the Emperor think I would do such things just topete for favor?"


    Her expression and tone were somewhat arrogant.


    Xiao Jingheng''s expression was solemn as he kept rubbing the ring on his thumb, "I hope it wasn''t you. What do you have to say in your defense?"


    Song Zhao knelt straight on the ground and said in a deep voice,


    "This concubine has no way to prove her innocence, nor does she know why those dirty things ended up in her pce. But this concubine wants to ask, if I had intended to scheme such a big plot to frame Li Changzai, the wild ginseng had already been sent to Consort Shu''s pce for over a month. Why would I still keep those dirty things, waiting for things toe to light and incriminate myself?"


    Seeing Xiao Jingheng''s expression soften a little, she looked at Li Changzai and asked,


    "Li Changzai said I did these things to frame you. If I had such cunning poisoning skills, why didn''t I just target you directly? Why go through all that convoluted effort, causing such a bigmotion that would be unfavorable to myself?"


    Li Changzai said, "Only you know why you did it this way! Your Majesty, the evidence now is clear. Song Zhao schemed to harm the imperial heir and injure the imperial consort. Her crime deserves execution! Please, Your Majesty, punish her severely!"


    Facing Li Changzai''s impassioned speech, Xiao Jingheng seemed somewhat indifferent.


    As the Emperor, he thinks three steps ahead.


    How could he not see the discrepancies here?


    Furthermore, he was somewhat reluctant to deal with Song Zhao so rashly without rity.


    Seeing Xiao Jingheng''s hesitation, the Empress knew he would definitely not jump to conclusions about this matter.


    Since that''s the case, she might as well earn some goodwill first. She said,


    "Your subject feels there are doubts about this matter. Harming the imperial heir is a crime that implicates nine generations. If conclusions are drawn rashly without rity, it would be an egregious injustice if the wrong person is med. "


    "What the Empress said is reasonable." Xiao Jingheng reached out to help Song Zhao up from the cold floor, and said,


    "I told you I won''t let you suffer unjust prosecution. If you didn''t do it, I will prove your innocence. Are you willing to believe in me?"


    Song Zhao looked extremely aggrieved.


    She bit her lips, staining them with blood, "This concubine doesn''t know why things became like this, nor who wants to put me to death. I cannot prove my own innocence, but I believe in the Emperor."


    She raised her eyes, and tears rolled down her cheeks precisely, "This concubine knows the Emperor will prove her innocence. But this concubine also doesn''t want to trouble you. Now all the evidence points to this concubine, so I am willing to voluntarily enter prison. When the truthes to light, I will serve at the Emperor''s side with a clear name again."


    Xiao Jingheng looked at the beauty before him, her nose red, eyes brimming with tears, pitiful and distressed.


    Large teardrops fell heavily on the back of his hand, burning his heart.


    How could he still bear to reprimand her?


    So he said, "If I send you to the prison, wouldn''t I be prejudging your guilt and hurting your feelings? So, you will remain in the Jade Flower Pce, but I will have the west wing locked. Stay in seclusion for a few days. I will investigate the facts as soon as possible and give you and Consort Shu justice."


    Song Zhao sobbed and nodded, "This concubine thanks the Emperor deeply."


    The drama of this day finally came to a temporary stop.


    The west wing where Song Zhao lived was locked, and the pce maids were not allowed to serve at her side.


    Leaning alone on the heated kang, listening to Li Changzai''s curses in the courtyard, she took them for the barks of stray dogs.


    She did not believe at all that Xiao Jingheng would prove her innocent.


    She could not leave her life in the hands of a man she had only known for months and only slept with twice.


    She had to think of a way to get herself out of this quagmire.


    So the first thing she had to do was figure out who exactly wanted to harm her.

 Chapter 31: Frame Someone Else

    <h4>Chapter 31</h4>


    Jiang Deshun said that the embroidered pouch containing a dirty substance was found in her inner chamber.


    Every day when she went to pay respects to the Empress, Yun Shan would diligently clean her inner chamber, so it would be impossible for this pouch to have been hidden there for several days without being discovered.


    Therefore, it was certain that the pouch was only ced in her chamber today.


    Today, when the six pces learned of her promotion to a regr consort, almost all the concubines in the harem came to offer her gifts.


    Among them, led by the Empress, were Consort Chen, Consort Yun, and Consort Ying, who sent pce maids to deliver the gifts. Song Zhao only received them in the outer hall.


    Consort Yao encountered Song Zhao in the courtyard early in the morning, so she gave her the gift right there in the courtyard and didn''t evene to the outer hall of the western side pce.


    As for Consort Hui, she had a childish nature and didn''t understand the art of winning people''s favor, so she didn''t even send anyone to deliver a gift to Song Zhao.


    Therefore, the only people who entered the inner chamber today were Li Changzai, Xiao Changzai, Liu Changzai, and Consort Shu.


    Consort Shu, who was pregnant, was always cautious and had only two more months until her due date. She was more concerned about her own child than anyone else and would naturally not harm her own child by falsely using Song Zhao.


    As for that wild ginseng, it was obvious that something had gone wrong when it was sent to Consort Shu''s pce.


    Xiao Changzai and Liu Changzai never had a chance toe into contact with it.


    Thinking it over, the only person who had both the motive and the means to do this was Li Changzai.


    If anyone wanted to inquire about the recipes Consort Shu consumed each day, it wouldn''t be difficult.


    Wild ginseng is a precious item, and Consort Shu, who cared so much about her unborn child, would naturally not miss out on any nourishing food.


    So as long as Li Changzai knew which day Consort Shu''s meal would include ginseng, she would have prepared the "dirty substance" in advance and found a way to ce it in Song Zhao''s pce, thus establishing her guilt.


    Song Zhao''s eyes, filled with coldness, peered through the cracks of the diamond-shaped window, watching Li Changzai still scolding and cursing in the courtyard.


    She had underestimated her before. Who would have thought she coulde up with such a subtle n to frame her?


    Song Zhao toyed with the chrysanthemum flowers arranged on the small table. Petal by petal, she plucked them until only the bare flower core remained. A cold smile crept across her lips as she abruptly uprooted it, brought it close to her nose, and murmured to herself,


    "It seems I''ll have toe up with a way topletely ruin this flower."


    With that, she casually tossed the chrysanthemum into the incense burner and burned it.


    *


    For the next two days, Song Zhao didn''t eat a single bite of the food sent by the imperial kitchen. She returned it untouched.


    During these two days, she sustained herself solely by drinking water.


    But on the third day, a pce maid brought her a steamer basket of steamed buns.


    She took a small taste and immediately recognized Yun Shan''s craftsmanship.


    Knowing that she was under house arrest, Yun Shan must have been extremely anxious outside, constantly concerned about her situation.


    Today, this steamed bun must have been the result of Yun Shan spending arge sum of money to pull strings and have her own creation delivered.


    After the food was brought to Song Zhao, the doors to the western side pce were closed again, and two pce maids stood guard outside, not allowing anyone to approach.


    After a short while, they heard the sound of bowls and dishes being shattered from inside the hall.


    They pushed open the door to check and saw that Song Zhao had thrown the steamed buns and lunch baskets to the ground.


    "Take these things away! Is this how the imperial kitchen treats me? Even though I am just a legitimate junior princess and the emperor has not used me of anything, how dare they send me this spoiled food? Who are they trying to smear?"


    The two pce maids only kept watch over Song Zhao. She didn''t want to eat, and no one forced her to.


    So they picked up the dirty steamed buns from the ground and when they left, they threw them into the slop bucket.


    While the maids were disposing of the steamed buns, Yun Shan had been following behind.


    Yun Shan naturally found it strange.


    Her own mistress would not fail to notice her culinary skills, and even if she didn''t want to eat, there was no need to react so angrily.


    After the maids left, she picked up the steamed buns from the slop bucket, broke them apart one by one,


    Sure enough, in one of the steamed buns, she found a rolled-up note.


    There were only two characters written on the note:


    [Huo, Fu]


    Yun Shan couldn''t understand what it meant, but if Song Zhao was sending her a message at this time, it must be something of great importance.


    The only person in the pce she could discuss matters with was Xiao Fuzi.


    So she didn''t dare to dy and quickly went to find Xiao Fuzi, showing him the note.


    "I don''t know what the princess means by this, please take a look," she said urgently.


    Xiao Fuzi stared at the two characters for a while before suddenly asking,


    "On the day Consort Shu had a miscarriage, were you present at the scene? Did you hear them mention a medicinal herb called Huo Purple Grass?"


    Yun Shan thought for a moment and nodded, "Yes, they did mention it. Is there anything special about it?"


    Xiao Fuzi said, "That''s it. Huo Purple Grass can maximize the effectiveness of blood-activating and stasis-removing medicines, but because its effects are single-minded, it is rarely used in daily life. The imperial physician rarely prescribes this medicine to treat people, and very few people buy it. Since I just started serving the princess, there are many things I''m not clear about. I remember that the servant Li Chang brought into the pce, is her name Fu''er?"


    Yun Shan nodded vigorously, suddenly realizing, "Oh! I understand now! So the character ''Fu'' that the princess wrote means Fu''er?"


    Xiao Fuzi said, "That should be the meaning. The only thing that can incriminate the princess in the attempt on Consort Shu''s life is the embroidered pouch found in the princess''s bedchamber containing the powdered medicine.


    The imperial pharmacy keeps records of medications, so the poisonous substances in that pouch definitely didn''te from within the pce. If the emperor wants to prove the princess''s innocence, he will definitely send people to search in the capital and see if any pharmacies sold those things to someone. Especially the Huo Purple Grass.


    If I''m not mistaken, the princess means for us to find a way to inform the master as soon as possible, to preemptively inform the people at the pharmacies in the capital and show them Fu''er''s portrait. Then, when the pce staff inspect that pharmacy, they can identify Fu''er as the person who purchased those blood-activating and stasis-removing herbs. This way, the princess''s suspicion can be cleared!"


    Yun Shan was not a clever young girl. However, as she listened to Xiao Fuzi''s articte exnation, she began to feel that her mistress might be able to turn the tide this time. Her heart immediately filled with excitement, and she cried out,


    "Thank goodness for you. If I were alone, I wouldn''t have understood what our young mistress meant. I might have caused her harm..."


    "Please stop crying," Xiao Fuzi wiped away her tears. "Right now, our young mistress can only rely on us. Let''s quickly find a way to pass on the message outside the pce!"

 Chapter 32: Poisoning Song Zhao

    <h4>Chapter 32</h4>


    During the days that Song Zhao was under house arrest, Xiao Jingheng did note to see her even once.


    She still had no appetite and had lost weight from starving herself.


    On the sixth night of her house arrest, right before going to sleep, Song Zhao heard a knock on her door.


    "Who is it?"


    "Lady Song, it''s your servant."


    Song Zhao recognized Jiang Deshun''s voice and felt relieved, "Master Jiang, why have youe? Pleasee in."


    Jiang Deshun entered with a food container that he ced on the table.


    He originally had a smile on his face, but upon seeing how frail and weak Song Zhao looked, his smile instantly froze.


    "Mydy, why torture yourself like this? In just a few days you''ve wasted away. If His Majesty sees you like this, his heart will ache!"


    Song Zhao said anxiously, "I''m worried sick about Consort Shu. Now that she has suffered such a thing, I have no appetite. How is Consort Shu?"


    Jiang Deshun said, "After this cmity, Consort Shu''s body will need at least three to five months to fully recover. Although His Majesty has been at Consort Shu''s side these past few days, he is still thinking about My Lady. When he heard you weren''t eating, he specifically told me to bring you some food."


    He opened the container. Song Zhao saw the exquisitely prepared, aromatic dishes inside, very different from the congee and steamed buns brought to her these past few days.


    Jiang Deshun took out each dish and said with a smile, "These are all My Lady''s favorites. His Majesty ordered the imperial kitchens to make them as delicious as possible to stimte your appetite."


    Seeing the table full of tantalizing dishes, Song Zhao''s eyes instantly reddened and she had an pitiable look as if she was about to cry.


    Jiang Dehun lowered his voice and continued, "Regarding Consort Shu''s miscarriage, His Majesty never doubted My Lady. To restore your reputation as soon as posssible, His Majesty ordered the Court of Judicial Review and Ministry of Justice to jointly investigate the miscarriage. They already have clues. The poisoner is someone else, you have been exonerated, My Lady. But they still need to confirm, lest they startle the snake in the grass. Please bear with it a little longer, My Lady."


    Song Zhao silently nodded, but she found itughable in her heart:


    The Emperor''s words are just niceties.


    Xiao Jingheng is investigating because he wants vengeance for the unjust death of the crown prince and to restore Consort Shu''s reputation.


    How could he shamelessly im through Jiang Deshun that he did all this for her reputation?


    Furthermore, if Xiao Jingheng never doubted her, he would have ordered the pce servants to serve and feed her properly from the very first day of her confinement. Why put on this show of concern only after the "truth"es out to exonerate her after starving herself for so long?


    But Song Zhao didn''t take it to heart. After all she didn''t take Xiao Jingheng seriously. If he wants to act, she''ll act along.


    "I know His Majesty will give me justice. I trust him. So I''ve never worried about my own circumstances. I''m just devastated about Consort Shu and the little prince..." Song Zhao said.


    Seeing that she was about to cry again, Jiang Deshun quickly said, "You have a kind heart, no wonder His Majesty loves and pities you so. From now on, His Majesty will have the imperial kitchen carefully prepare your meals during your confinement. Don''t keep punishing yourself, My Lady. His Majesty would be heartbroken to see you so haggard when your confinement ends."


    Song Zhao pursed her lips and nodded, gently saying, "Thank you for taking care of His Majesty as well. Although he doesn''t say it, the prince''s death must sadden him deeply."


    "This servant understands. Rest early after your meal, My Lady. This servant shall take his leave."


    That night, Song Zhao only ate a few bites from some appetizing dishes instead of indulging herself. After all, she hadn''t eaten properly for days and was quite hungry.


    But she starved herself thin deliberately for Xiao Jingheng to see.


    In a day or two when the "truth"es out, proving she wasn''t the one who harmed Consort Shu, and considering she had been confined for so long and wasted away...what man wouldn''t feel distressed seeing her like that?


    The next day at noon, Song Zhao was sitting on a heated cushion reading when she suddenly heard Li Changzai shouting loudly in the courtyard,


    "Missing a meal or two won''t starve her to death! Why''s this criminal woman putting on an act?"


    Song Zhao only heard that sentence. Clearly Li Changzai was deliberately letting her hear those insulting words.


    Moreover, today''s lunch arrived half an hourte.


    The pce maid who delivered the food immediately apologized profusely upon entering,


    "So sorry, My Lady. Just now Li Changzai summoned me to help her move furniture in her pce, that''s why I''mte..."


    Song Zhao didn''t me her and smiled, "That''s okay. Sister Li''s matterse first. And I was so troubled those days, I''m afraid I gave you a hard time when you delivered my meals."


    "Serving you is this servant''s duty, how could that be a hardship?"


    She neatly arranged the dishes on the table and respectfully said, "Please enjoy your meal, My Lady."


    Song Zhao nced at the now lukewarm dishes, calmly picked up her chopsticks, and heartily ate.


    *


    In the Chanfu Pce


    Xiao Jingheng, seated on the dragon throne, leaned forward with anger etched into his brow and eyes.


    "Keep going," he ordered.


    Standing below, the Supreme Court Justice said,


    "This servant visited all the pharmacies in the capital and discovered only the Life-giver Hall sold mugwort in the past two months. Using that lead, I showed pictures of the four new concubines and their personal pce maids to the pharmacist and his helpers, and they recognized one of them."


    He handed a portrait to Jiang Deshun, who solemnly presented it to Xiao Jinheng while announcing, "Your Majesty, she is Concubine Li Changzai''s personal maid, Fu''er."


    Upon hearing this, Xiao Jingheng tightly clutched the painting as his hands curled into fists.


    "Li Changzai! How dare she!" He furiously flung the paper wad to the ground, scaring all the attendants to their knees begging him to quell his anger.


    "Your Majesty! Emergency, Your Majesty!" A eunuch barged in, further infuriating Xiao Jingheng, "Cease your mor!"


    "Your¡ªYour Majesty! Concubine Song in the West Chamber...she''s been poisoned!"


    "What did you say!?" Shocked and dumbfounded, Xiao Jingheng immediately stood up and shouted, "Speak clearly!"


    "Your servant doesn''t know the details, the imperial physician has rushed over. Just now the maid from the Jade Flower Pce reported she seemed to have ingested arsenic!"


    Upon hearing "arsenic", it felt like a heavy hammer struck Xiao Jingheng''s heart.


    His heart raced faster and he rushed towards the Jade Flower Pce...

 Chapter 33: The Death of Lee

    <h4>Chapter 33</h4>


    Xiao Jingheng came very quickly.


    When he arrived, he saw Song Zhao lying unconscious on the bed. He hurriedly walked to the bedside in three steps and grabbed her hand, asking the imperial physician:


    "What is her condition?"


    The imperial physician said: "Your Majesty, Concubine Song was poisoned by arsenic in the prison. Fortunately, Concubine Song eats very little, and didn''t eat much at lunch, so the poisoning is not serious. This official has already given her emetics to expel the toxinspletely, so I gave her a strong dose. Therefore, Concubine Song may remain unconscious for half a day."


    After hearing this, Xiao Jingheng finally felt relieved.


    He had always known that his harem seemed like still waters, but there were actually undercurrents surging within.


    But this time, with a neer entering the pce, these vicious tricks were actually overtly disyed.


    He took a deep breath to restrain his anger and asked:


    "Who was responsible for delivering meals to Song Zhao?"


    The pce maid responsible for delivering meals was scared stiff. She hurriedly knelt on the ground and stammered: "It was this ve, but this ve also doesn''t know why the young miss was poisoned... After this ve brought the meals from the imperial kitchen, she was supposed to deliver them directly to Song Zhao. But she was forcibly called away by Concubine Li to help move tables in her pce, which dyed some time. But the food was only a little cold, it couldn''t have..."


    "Take her away for 50 strokes of the rod as punishment and throw her into the Xinsi jail for hardbor," Xiao Jingheng said coldly, interrupting her words. Soon the guards gagged the maid and dragged her away.


    In the silence of the full hall, Xiao Jingheng asked again:


    "Where is the master of Yaohua Pce?"


    "Your Majesty, Concubine Yao went to pay respects to the Empress after leaving the Pce of Discernment. As for Concubine Li... she must be taking an afternoon nap now?"


    "Afternoon nap?" Xiao Jingheng gave a cold sneer. He slowly put Song Zhao¡¯s hand back under the quilt and tidyed up her bedding. Then he said, "Bring that person to me."


    At this time, Concubine Li really was taking an afternoon nap.


    She slept deeply and didn¡¯t hear any movement. In addition, she normally had a violent temper towards her maids, beating or scolding them. Even if the maids knew something was happening in the west side hall, no one dared to wake her up.


    After being woken up by the person Xiao Jingheng sent, and hearing that Xiao Jingheng wanted to see her, she happily jogged all the way over.


    Afraid to disturb Song Zhao¡¯s rest, Xiao Jingheng had Concubine Li meet him in the main hall instead.


    Before Concubine Li even arrived, her shrill voice called out affectionately:


    "Your Majesty~ Why have youe at this time?"


    But as soon as she entered, she sensed something was off with the atmosphere.


    Xiao Jingheng was sitting upright in the master seat, his handsome face seemed to be covered by a thinyer of ice, looking creepy.


    "Your Majesty, what''s the matter?"


    Concubine Li walked to Xiao Jingheng''s side and tentatively reached out to have some physical contact with him.


    Unexpectedly, Xiao Jingheng backhandedly pped her with great force, knocking her to the ground.


    Concubine Li was pped ck and blue. She fell to the ground for a long time, stunned, just looking at Xiao Jingheng in disbelief.


    "Your Majesty..."


    "You poisonous woman, how many more people do you want to kill?"


    Xiao Jingheng''s voice suddenly rose, frightening Concubine Li badly.


    She was panicked and very puzzled in her heart:


    This matter had already been settled as Song Zhao doing it, so why would Xiao Jingheng still suspect her?


    "It was Song Zhao who killed the Consort Dowager and the young prince! It wasn''t this concubine! Although the adulterated wild ginseng was sent out by this concubine, the dirty stuff found in Song Zhao''s room isn''t that the proof?"


    Concubine Li cried grievously, staring widely in disbelief as she asked: "Is Your Majesty suspecting that this concubine poisoned Song Zhao? This is the forbidden inner pce, how could this concubine do such a thing?"


    "You dared to plot against the Consort Dowager and her son, what else can''t you do?"


    Xiao Jingheng''s voice rose sharply, frightening Concubine Li badly.


    She panicked in her heart and was very puzzled: This matter had clearly been settled as Song Zhao doing it, so why would Xiao Jingheng still suspect her?


    "The Consort Dowager and young prince were killed by Song Zhao! It wasn''t this concubine! Although the wild ginseng was sent out by this concubine, the dirty stuff found in Song Zhao''s room, isn''t that proof enough? Why does Your Majesty still suspect this concubine?"


    Concubine Li cried grievously, but it only angered Xiao Jingheng more.


    He signaled Jiang Deshun to hand over the interrogation record from the head of the Supreme Court to Concubine Li.


    After reading it, Concubine Li was shocked beyond belief. Crying, she shouted:


    "Impossible, Your Majesty! Fu''er has always been with this concubine. How could she possibly have gone to the capital to buy wolfbane? This concubine doesn''t even know what wolfbane is! Something is wrong with this, someone must be falsely using this concubine!"


    She tightly clutched the interrogation record in her palm and heavily kowtowed, banging her head on the ground. "Please, Your Majesty, see clearly! Fu''er is currently in the east side hall. If Your Majesty doesn''t believe it, you can take her to the Interrogation Bureau for torture! This concubine really didn''t do it!"


    Seeing that Xiao Jingheng didn¡¯t even nce at her, she crawled forward two inches, grabbed Jiang Deshun''s pants leg and pleaded:


    "Duke Jiang, please help this concubine exin it clearly to His Majesty. This matter really wasn''t done by this concubine! First summon Fu''er over and get to the bottom of things first!"


    Jiang Deshun looked at her with lowered brows and cold eyes, full of contempt.


    The pce maids had served their masters since childhood, and were supposed to be the closest to them.


    Yet to protect herself, Concubine Li could casually talk about throwing Fu¡¯er to the Interrogation Bureau for torture.


    As a servant himself, how could Jiang Deshun have any good feelings towards her?


    But he still had to ask the questions he should:


    "Your Majesty, do you want to take that pce maid to the Interrogation Bureau for questioning?"


    "No need!" Xiao Jingheng waved his hand. "The people from the Supreme Court and Ministry of Justice investigated the matter clearly. What else is there to ask?"


    He looked at Concubine Li, his eyes full of disgust. "If you didn''t have a guilty conscience, why were you in such a hurry to poison Song Zhao to silence her?"


    Concubine Li was suddenly faced with such a huge change in circumstances. For a while, she was rendered speechless and could only cry while repeatedly pleading her innocence.


    But her cries of injustice were meaningless in the face of the mountain of evidence against her.


    Xiao Jingheng gazed at her for a moment, then shook his head. "For the Li family to produce a poisonous woman like you is truly unfortunate for your ancestors! Take Fu''er out and beat her to death with rods. As for Concubine Li..."


    He stroked the ring on his thumb, silently pondering:


    Just the crime of plotting against the imperial heir was enough for her entire Li family to be executed for nine generations.


    But Concubine Li''s father was the Superintendent of River Transport, an important official in the previous dynasty.


    The court was in need of capable people at this time, so Xiao Jingheng couldn''t be too harsh.


    So he said, "Concubine Li plotted the death of the imperial consort and assassinated the crown prince. Her crimes deserve execution! But considering her maternal family''s contributions to the nation, I will exceptionally spare her family. As for you, take her to the secret prison. At noon tomorrow, she shall be executed by strangtion!"


    Concubine Li''s face instantly turned deathly pale upon hearing she would be executed. She screamed and cried:


    "Your Majesty! This concubine is wrongly used! This concubine has nevermitted any crime to harm others, so why is Your Majesty treating this concubine like this!"


    Seeing Xiao Jingheng''s expression turning uglier, Jiang Deshun quickly waved the horsehair whisk in his hand and shouted:


    "What are you still standing there for? Hurry up and take her away, don''t dirty His Majesty''s eyes!"

 Chapter 34: Love Concubine Heart Kindness

    <h4>Chapter 34</h4>


    Song Zhao awoke in thete afternoon of that day.


    Upon waking, she heard the soft rustling sound of paper pages turning not far away. She opened her eyes a sliver and nced in the direction of the sound from the corner of her eye.


    She saw Xiao Jingheng sitting at a small table not far away, reviewing memorials while keeping watch over her.


    She drew her gaze back and looked out the window at the sky dyed red by the setting sun, thinking that she had only been unconscious for two hours. If she wanted to pretend to be pitiful and delicate, passing out for such a short time after being poisoned was clearly not enough.


    So she simply closed her eyes again and went back to sleep.


    When she woke up again, the sky had gonepletely dark, nearing the hour of zi.


    Xiao Jingheng still sat at the small table. His elbow was propped on the tabletop, his left hand supporting his forehead, eyes lightly shut, seemingly having fallen asleep.


    Song Zhao watched the flickering candlelight dance across his face, the hazy warm glow setting off his handsome features even more strikingly.


    Among all the women in the pce, even if Consort Shu had taken ill, Xiao Jingheng had never kept watch at her bedside for so long.


    It was clear that Song Zhao¡¯s decision to poison herself this time was not a mistake.


    "Cough, cough..."


    The girl''s weak coughing roused Xiao Jingheng from his light sleep. Seeing Song Zhao awake, he quickly got up and sat down next to her, gazing at her with a face full of distress.


    "You''re finally awake. How are you feeling - does anything feel ufortable?"


    Song Zhao dazedly shook her head. Very quickly, a gleam shed in her eyes, as if she had thought of something terrible. She suddenly bolted up in bed and threw herself into Xiao Jingheng''s embrace, tightly encircling his slender waist with both hands. She said in a trembling voice:


    "Your Majesty... someone wants to kill your concubine!"


    "Don''t be scared, I will protect you. No one will dare harm you again."


    Xiao Jingheng lightly stroked Song Zhao''s back with his broad palm, speaking with utmost gentleness. "The poison didn''t affect you too deeply. The imperial physician has already purged the remaining toxins, you will be fine. As for the one who harmed you, I have ordered her to be strangled to death. You have suffered this time because of her."


    Huddled in Xiao Jingheng''s arms, Song Zhao took two deep breaths before timidly and weakly asking: "Who wanted to kill your concubine?"


    "Li." Xiao Jingheng subconsciously held Song Zhao even tighter. "The arsenic in your meal was slipped in by her."


    "Sister Li?" Song Zhao suddenly raised her head, looking at Xiao Jingheng with an astonished expression. "Why would she want to harm me? I have never offended her..."


    Xiao Jingheng gazed at Song Zhao¡¯s face, which was beautiful and striking even without any cosmetics on. He couldn''t help but lightly caress her smooth, tender cheeks with his fingertips. "The innocent be victims when the guilty start fearing the consequences of their crimes. Li was jealous of you and wanted you dead so that she could feel better. So she harmed Consort Shu and her unborn son, intending to frame you for it. When she saw I was determined to investigate the matter to the bottom, she tried to silence you by killing you."


    Upon hearing this, Song Zhao froze for a good while before she came back to her senses.


    She tightly clutched the front of her clothes to her chest. Sounding both frightened and aggrieved, she said:


    "Your concubine has never harmed Sister Li before. Why would she treat me this way? If she dislikes your concubine, she can just take her grievances out on me instead of harming Consort Shu! The little prince was going to be born in just two months. Whenever I think about this, I feel extremely distressed."


    When talking about herself her tone was in, but when she mentioned Consort Shu and her son, her tears spilled from her eyes like a snapped string of pearls.


    Xiao Jingheng wiped her tears for her whileforting her, "Don''t cry. You''re still recovering, crying too much will only hurt your health."


    Song Zhao nodded with tears in her eyes. "Your concubine thanks Your Majesty for restoring her innocence and believing in her."


    Hearing this, Xiao Jingheng was silent for a moment before he gave a slight nod in response.


    In fact, he didn¡¯t really believe in Song Zhao. To be precise, he didn¡¯t believe anyone, only the factsid out before him.


    Song Zhao also knew better than to be too dramatic here.


    She knew Xiao Jingheng was not feeling good about losing his child either, so sheforted him instead.


    "Your Majesty said your concubine has be thin, but aren''t you the same way?"


    Her boneless fingers stroked Xiao Jingheng''s cheek. She said distressedly:


    "Your concubine knows you are also feeling unwell over what happened to the little prince. When I was young, my aunt told me that departed loved ones will reunite with us again soon. Your Majesty and Consort Shu are both still young. I believe that once Consort Shu has recovered her health, we will soon receive good news again. By then, the little prince will return to see Your Majesty."


    Xiao Jingheng gave a nod. Gripping Song Zhao¡¯s hand tighter, he said:


    "You must also recover quickly. Don''t make me worry, understand?"


    ''Knock, knock, knock.''


    Soft knocking sounds came from outside the door, then Jiang Deshun''s voice:


    "Your Majesty, your servant has something to report."


    "Come in and speak."


    Jiang Deshun entered and bowed to Xiao Jingheng and Song Zhao. He said:


    "Reporting to Your Majesty: Li is making a scene in the underground prison. After Lord Li heard about this, he also sent someone to make a plea to you."


    Xiao Jingheng''s brow sank. He asked sternly: "What is he pleading for?"


    "Lord Li says Li has made terrible, irreversible mistakes. He takes responsibility for failing to teach her properly. He volunteers to forfeit one year of his sry and begs Your Majesty to show her grace by allowing Li an intact corpse."


    Xiao Jingheng said: "Have someone tell Li Heng that his daughter hasmitted crimes warranting extermination of nine generations of her n. I have already given him enough face by not pursuing punishment against the Li family. Tell him to resign himself to his fate!"


    Hearing this, Song Zhao understood that even though Xiao Jingheng was furious, he didn''t let Jiang Deshun convey any harsh words to the Li family. This showed he still feared them in his heart.


    He had only been emperor for four years and his power was not yet fully established. Many of his subjects were officials from the previous dynasty. Offending them recklessly would not do.


    What¡¯s more, it was currently August. The annual autumn grain tribute shipment would start next month. Li¡¯s father, Li Heng, was the shipping minister overseeing all the empire¡¯s grain transports. At such a critical time, offending Li Heng could be disastrous if he nursed resentment and sabotaged the transport operations.


    Xiao Jingheng was the emperor and had to keep face. Even if he feared Li Heng, he could not simply grant every request from the Li family.


    So this was when someone needed to provide him a way to back down gracefully.


    Thus Song Zhao spoke up timidly: "Your Majesty... Sister Li made a terrible mistake in a moment of poor judgment. Although she has vited thew and her crimes warrant execution, your concubine was close to her after all and does not wish to see her given the punishment of ligature and dismemberment. If possible, your concubine hopes Your Majesty can show her a final grace and dignity as a woman by allowing her an intact corpse."


    Sure enough, as soon as she finished speaking, Xiao Jingheng picked up the conversation:


    "She harmed you to this extent, yet you plead for her forgiveness?"


    "But she didn''t end up harming your concubine. It¡¯s just that your concubine feels sorry for Consort Shu..." Song Zhao paused before continuing: "Your Majesty, your concubine also wishes to see her onest time to ask why she acted this way against me."


    After a moment of silence, Xiao Jingheng nodded in acquiescence. "She does owe you an apology. Very well, since you have pleaded for her, I shall show special grace and allow her to take her own life."


    "Your concubine thanks Your Majesty deeply."


    Seeing Song Zhao trying to get up to bow, Xiao Jingheng quickly stopped her:


    "You¡¯re so good in every way, and far too kindhearted for your own good."


    As he spoke, he leaned down and pressed a scorching kiss to her forehead.


    Recognizing his cue, Jiang Deshun discreetly exited to give them privacy.

 Chapter 35: Femme Fatale

    <h4>Chapter 35</h4>


    The next morning at the crack of dawn was the seventh day since the young prince''s passing. All the concubines above the rank of imperial consort followed the Empress to the Dharma Flower Hall to burn incense and pray, while Song Zhao went alone to the secret prison.


    When she arrived outside the door, she happened to run into the eunuchs from the Censorate, who were there on imperial orders to send Concubine Li on her way.


    Seeing Song Zhao, they bowed with sped hands in proper etiquette. Song Zhao saw that the one leading the group was holding a tray covered with a ck cloth, so she asked, "Are those the things prepared for Concubine Li?"


    "Yes, young mistress, they are the three items from the pce."


    The eunuch lifted a corner of the ck cloth, and Song Zhao saw three things neatly arranged on the tray: a white scarf, a dagger, and a cup of poisoned wine. She said, "His Majesty asked me to see Concubine Li off. Please bring those things inside for me."


    "As you wish, young mistress."


    The door to the secret prison was opened a crack, and a moldy smell immediately wafted out from the room.


    Song Zhao''s brows furrowed slightly as she carried the tray calmly inside.


    She saw Concubine Li huddled in a corner of the room, disheveled and vacant-eyed. Her feet were shackled to the wall with iron chains.


    The moment their eyes met, Concubine Li''s emotions changed abruptly to agitation.


    "You came! You''re unharmed!" She lunged at Song Zhao, but her movements were restricted by the fetters on her feet, so she could only stop a few yards away. "Go and tell His Majesty that I didn''t harm you! I really didn''t!"


    "Shhh." Song Zhao went to ce the tray on a nearby table, then turned to face Concubine Li with a faint smile.


    "Does it matter if it was you who poisoned me? What''s important is that His Majesty believes it was you trying to silence me."


    Concubine Li denied hysterically, "It wasn''t me! I never liked you, but I would never poison you! Something like this could easily be investigated. Do you take me for a fool?"


    Song Zhao nodded lightly. "I know it wasn''t you."


    Hearing this, Concubine Li''s eyes lit up.


    She grabbed Song Zhao''s arm pleadingly, "Save me! Put in a good word for me with His Majesty. Once I get out of this, I won''t forget what you''ve done!"


    Song Zhao looked her up and down with an icy gaze before pushing her hand away. Her rouge lips then curled into a bone-chilling smile.


    "Because I was the one who poisoned myself."


    Concubine Li froze in shock, staring nkly for a good while before she finally grasped the implications.


    "It was you!" Fu''er could never have bought wolfsbane. You framed me to shake off suspicion! Song Zhao, why would you do this!?"


    "No reason whatsoever," Song Zhao replied amusedly, smiling coquettishly. "From the moment you put wolfsbane in my room, didn''t you already wish for death? Since that''s the case, sending you off is simply my duty. Sister needn''t thank me."


    "I never did that!" Concubine Li shouted angrily. "I had nothing to do with Imperial Consort Shu''s miscarriage either!"


    Her murky eyes rolled wildly in their sockets. Then she took a deep breath to steady herself and pointed a trembling finger at Song Zhao.


    "Fu''er could never have bought any wolfsbane. You made all this up to frame me!"


    Song Zhao gave a mockingugh. "Frame you? Where were you wrongly used? Dare you say you never thought of harming me?"


    Concubine Li fell silent. Song Zhao went on, "Of course you thought about it. You''re just stupid and clumsy, bungling even attempted murder. Your current predicament is no one''s fault but your own foolishness!"


    "Vile woman!" Concubine Li cursed loudly. "You cheap whore born of a concubine, may you meet a nasty end!"


    Song Zhao responded calmly, "Whether Ie to a good end remains uncertain, but sister, your nasty end is guaranteed."


    Concubine Li panted heavily before gathering herself to say, "Don''t getcent! His Majesty sentenced me to death by strangtion. Before the execution, inspectors from the Censorate wille to supervise. I''ll tell them everything then. Even in death, I won''t let you get your way!"


    "Hahahaha!" Song Zhaoughed behind her hand as she returned to the table.


    "What are youughing at, you cheap slut?" Concubine Li shouted.


    "Sometimes I really envy sister," Song Zhao sighed. "You were born to the proper wife. Your father dotes on you like a treasure, disying deep father-daughter affection that others envy. Does sister even know? When your father heard you were sentenced to death for a serious crime, he voluntarily took a pay cut for a year just to leave you an intact corpse. Out of regard for your father''s love, His Majesty showed special favor by allowing you to take your own life."


    Having said this, she suddenly flipped open the ck cloth.


    Seeing the items on the tray, Concubine Li turned deathly pale and screamed as she cowered into the corner.


    Song Zhao slid her fingers over each of the lethal objects and shook her head with a sigh.


    "Tsk, I wonder how these eunuchs keep their jobs. His Majesty clearly said to leave sister an intact corpse, yet this white scarf and dagger would leave marks on sister''s body. Born so beautiful, how could I bear to let sister die a hideous death?"


    She then picked up the cup of poisoned wine and asked Concubine Li with a smile, "Why not the poison then? Down in one gulp and your intestines will burst, while raging fire burns your heart. It''s rather painful, I''ll admit, but at least your flesh remains unspoiled. What does sister think?"


    "No...I won''t drink it! Get away from me!" Concubine Li shrieked in horror, her twisted features making her appear deranged.


    Song Zhao closed in step by step until Concubine Li was cornered against the wall with nowhere to retreat. Only then did she slowly bend down, gently caressing Concubine Li''s face to wipe away her tears.


    "Why is sister shaking so badly? Are you afraid?"


    As she spoke, her palm slowly moved to Concubine Li''s cheek. Suddenly clenching it in a vicelike grip, she forced open Concubine Li''s mouth and poured the entire cup of poisoned wine down her throat, an ephemeral smile on her face all the while.


    The moment Song Zhao released her hold, Concubine Li frantically crawled on the floor, shoving her fingers down her throat in an attempt to induce vomiting, coughing violently asrge amounts of wine gushed out.


    But with pce poisoned wine, merely a sip seals one''s doom.


    She retched desperately until finally vomiting a mouthful of ck blood, then went limp in a puddle of filth on the ground, wailing in despair.


    She raised her head to re at Song Zhao, bloodshot eyes full of hatred that could kill.


    "Song Zhao, you murderous femme fatale! May you never know peace! Even as a vengeful ghost I will haunt you!"


    "Oh?" Song Zhao shrugged amusedly as she wiped her hands and headed for the cell door.


    Pausing at the entrance, she suddenly turned back with a tilt of her head and quirked brow.


    "Sister is quite determined. This little sister shall await the day your powers are on full disy."


    And with that parting taunt, she strode out and mmed the heavy door shut.

 Chapter 36: Don’t Be a Shadow

    <h4>Chapter 36</h4>


    Concubine Li died.


    Xiao Jingheng removed her name from the imperial concubines'' registry and sent her corpse back to her maternal home.


    It was as if she had never existed in the pce.


    When going to pay respects to the Empress, it was inevitable to hear others talk about her a bit.


    Consort Yun said, "I didn''t expect her to be so vicious. Plotting against Concubine Song was bad enough, but she even targeted Consort Shu''s belly!"


    While eating pastries, Consort Hui said, "But I feel Sister Li was usually quite polite and friendly with us all. She didn''t seem like a bad person."


    "What do you understand?" Consort Yin impatiently nced at Consort Hui, then suddenly changed her tone with a smile, "The milk candy puffs today were made by my pce and sent to greet the Empress. The Empress is treating everyone with them now. If you like them, I¡¯ll have some more sent to youter."


    "Hehe, thanks Sister Consort Yin!¡± Consort Hui replied as she ate anotherrge piece.


    Of them all, only Consort Hui was different when paying respects to the Empress.


    While others talked, she just kept eating.


    Day after day, Song Zhao watched as Consort Hui seemed to have grown another size around the waist after just over a month in the pce.


    Everyone knew Xiao Jingheng didn¡¯t like women who were too plump. Yet the consorts kept sending tasty things for Consort Hui,


    Their intentions were clear. They wanted to fatten her up quickly before she could gain the Emperor¡¯s favor.


    That way, by the time she was sent to Xiao Jingheng¡¯s bed, she would just be a mascot and no threat to the other consorts.


    Lost in thought, Song Zhao suddenly heard Consort Yin call her name,


    ¡°Concubine Song, didn¡¯t you hear? That Li tried to harm you but yesterday you still went to see her off on her final journey. Aren¡¯t you worried about misfortune rubbing off?¡±


    After a slight pause, Song Zhao replied, ¡°This concubine merely wanted to ask her why she plotted against me.¡±


    ¡°So did you get to the bottom of it?¡±


    Song Zhao helplessly shook her head, ¡°She refused to say anything. She only admitted to poisoning my food but wouldn¡¯t confess to harming Consort Shu and her child even until death.¡±


    As she spoke, she secretly observed the subtle expressions on the consorts¡¯ faces.


    Song Zhao had her suspicions about Consort Shu¡¯s miscarriage.


    Although all evidence pointed to Concubine Li, only Song Zhao knew that she had deliberately arranged it to frame Li.


    Regardless of whether Concubine Li was actually responsible, to protect herself, Song Zhao had to push Li into the fire pit.


    But if the real culprit was someone else lurking unseen, then their intentions ran deeper than she could fathom.


    ncing around, everyone seemed undisguised. Only Consort Yun impatiently remarked,


    ¡°The Ministries of Justice and Punishment did a thorough joint investigation. The evidence was clear and damning. No matter how strongly she denied it, Li was powerless.¡±


    ¡°Let''s not talk more of this,¡± the Empress admonished, fingering her rosary. ¡°Li was full of evil schemes and deserved her fate. Let her serve as a warning to you all. I don¡¯t want to see anyone else harboring crooked thoughts."


    "Yes, we shall abide by the Empress''s teachings," the consorts chorused.


    Only one voice differed,ing from Consort Chen.


    ¡°The Empress governs this harem poorly for such disasters to happen, yet instead scolds others?¡±


    It was clear Consort Chen deliberately provoked the Empress,


    Yet the Empress seemed undisturbed, as if she hadn¡¯t even heard her. She continued speaking,


    ¡°Consort Shu is still recovering so I¡¯ve permitted her to rest and needn¡¯te pay respects for now. The pain of losing her child grieves her soul more than her injuries. Those of you who have time should visit her more to provide somefort.¡±


    Consort Chen let out a cold sneer, ¡°The Empress truly knows how to handle people. But before, that Li openly went around iming she was the Empress¡¯s confidante. Now that she has created such chaos, it¡¯s hard not to wonder how much of this involves the Empress.¡±


    ¡°Consort Chen! You go too far!¡± Unable to listen further, Consort Yun leapt to the Empress¡¯ defense. ¡°The Empress is the only proper authority in this harem. We should all be her subordinates. What is the meaning of your words? Surely you don¡¯t n on forming factions and cliques in the harem?¡±


    Consort Chen raised a slender arched brow and coldlyughed. ¡°Oh my, the owner hasn¡¯t made a sound yet her dog is already barking.¡±


    Consort Yun, ¡°You-!¡±


    Consort Chen stood up leisurely and yawned, ¡°This concubine is tired. Empress, please continue lecturing them. I¡¯m leaving.¡±


    Without even bowing, she then sashayed out with her slender waist.


    Consort Yun cursed at her retreating back beforeforting the Empress, ¡°Don¡¯t take it to heart, Empress. Consort Chen¡¯s insolence will bring its own retribution!¡±


    Song Zhao kept silent throughout, watching their performance unfold before the Empress.


    If Consort Yun and Consort Chen hadn¡¯t previously joined forces to poison her, she wouldn¡¯t have figured out that they had long been colluding secretly.


    On the surface, Consort Chen opposed the Empress fiercely while Consort Yun defended her at every turn.


    But in truth, Consort Yun was just a chess piece nted by Consort Chen at the Empress¡¯ side.


    For several days after, Xiao Jingheng did not summon Song Zhao and only had her apany him for a meal at Ch¨¢ngy¨¢ng Pce one day.


    When Yun Shan went to the Attendants¡¯ Office to investigate and returned, her face was full of bewilderment.


    ¡°Mydy, guess who the Emperor has been summoning to serve him these days?¡±


    Song Zhao casually pruned a potted green vine. ¡°No need to guess. Consort Chen hasn¡¯t paid respects to the Empress for five days already. If not for the Emperor¡¯s daily summons, she wouldn¡¯t dare be so bold.¡±


    Yun Shan said, ¡°But I don¡¯t understand. Previously, the Emperor wronged you and you were poisoned by Li. Logically, to make up for it, the Emperor should be keeping yourpany. Even if he won¡¯te to you, Consort Shu was the one who miscarried, not Consort Chen. What is the meaning of him constantly summoning Consort Chen?¡±


    Song Zhao smiled, snapping off some unruly branches and leaves on the vine. ¡°Everyone only thinks about poor Consort Shu for losing her child, but no one considers that the Emperor also lost a child. She weeps inconsbly day and night. He may have been willing tofort her for a day or two but not forever. How much patience can a man have? Over time, he would still grow weary.


    When a man is in low spirits, he likes amusement. And besides being illiterate, Consort Chen is adept at singing, dancing, ying the zither and pipa. Otherwise how do you think she maintained exclusive favor for so many years? Surely you didn¡¯t think she relied solely on her family background without any charms of her own?¡±


    Yun Shan nodded hesitantly inprehension. She quickly suggested, ¡°Since that¡¯s so, the next time mydy sees the Emperor, you could also...¡±


    Song Zhao raised her hand to stop Yun Shan¡¯s words. ¡°I won¡¯t do what others have already done. Even done perfectly well, it would still carry shadows of others.¡±


    After a brief pause, she used a silver spoon to scoop some fragrant powder into the incense burner and lit it.


    Deeply inhaling the ethereal scent as it rose, she smiled serenely,


    ¡°If I make my move, I will only do what no one has ever done before and let them be my shadow.¡±

 Chapter 37: Eating Together

    <h4>Chapter 37</h4>


    Yun Shan stared at Song Zhao for a long time. She always felt that her young missus was very different from when she was in the mansion in the past. Even more beautiful and moreposed.


    "What are you looking at?" Song Zhao asked.


    "Your servant suddenly realized that the silver hairpin that the young missus usually wears seems to have not been seen for several days now."


    Song Zhao gently stroked her hair bun and said lightly, "It must have been lost somewhere."


    Yun Shan quickly said, "Then I will send someone to look for it carefully. That hairpin was given to the young missus by Master Song Shicheng. The young missus wore it specially when she entered the pce, saying that she wanted to leave a memento. It must not be lost."


    "No need." Song Zhao shook her head. "In such a huge imperial pce, looking for a hairpin would be like looking for a needle in the ocean. There is mourning in the pce, everything should be low-key, just forget it."


    "Oh." Yun Shan pouted her lips. ¡°What a pity... But with so many rewards bestowed upon the young missus by His Majesty, she can¡¯t possibly wear them all every day anyway."


    Song Zhao smiled without responding.


    The reason why she wanted to bring the silver hairpin into the pce was not because Song Shicheng had given it to her and she wanted to bring it as a keepsake.


    That father of hers should just die. How could she have the leisure to miss him?


    The reason she brought the hairpin into the pce was that the head of the hairpin was hollow and could hold things inside.


    Before entering the pce, Song Zhao had hidden a small amount of arsenic in the hollow hairpin head. She had nned that after gaining favor and arousing others'' jealousy, she would poison herself to make Xiao Jingheng feel pity for her.


    It was just a coincidence that Concubine Li had rushed to her unprovoked, which worked in her favor.


    The next day, after paying respects to the Empress, Song Zhao went with Consort Yao to visit Consort Shu.


    Consort Shu was still very depressed. She didn''t greet the guests and justy on the couch holding a small baby sling embroidered with a qilin.


    It was made by her own hands for her unborn little prince, but now only the sling remained while the person was gone.


    Consort Yao persuaded Consort Shu for a bit, but every mention of the matter of the little prince made Consort Shu''s tears flow like broken beads, unable to stop.


    When the two of them left Consort Shu''s pce, Consort Yao whispered to Song Zhao,


    "It''s no wonder that Consort Shu cries so sadly. A perfectly healthy seven-month pregnancy ended just like that. Who could bear such a blow?"


    Song Zhao responded with an empathetic sigh and then asked, "I heard that when Noble Consort Chen was six months pregnant, she also had a miscarriage. It seems she fell by ident?"


    A trace of ridicule shed across the corner of Consort Yao''s mouth. "She deserved it."


    Noticing Song Zhao''s gaze falling on her, she quickly hid her smile and changed the subject,


    "It will be His Majesty¡¯s birthday celebration in a couple of days. I still have to go to the Court Music Division to practice the zither with Madam Jiao. You should go back to your pce first."


    After seeing off Consort Yao, Song Zhao happened to meet Yun Shan and Xiao Fuzi at the pce gate on her way back.


    Xiao Fuzi was covered in dust and limping along, apparently supported back by Yun Shan.


    Song Zhao hurriedly asked, "What happened?"


    As the three returned to the pce, Yun Shan recounted the incident in lingering fear,


    "The artificial mountain in the southeast corner of the imperial garden, some loose rocks on it fell down. They almost smashed me. Fortunately Xiao Fuzi pulled me away just in time. I''m fine, but he sprained his ankle."


    Song Zhao looked at Xiao Fuzi with concern. "Are you okay?"


    Xiao Fuzi waved his hand with a smile. "Compared to the hardships I suffered in Xin Zhe prison in the past, a sprained ankle is nothing. I can just apply some safflower oil myself. But this matter should be reported to the Imperial Household Department quickly for them to reinforce the artificial mountain properly, in case it injures you nobles in the future."


    Xiao Fuzi and Yun Shan discussed quickly reporting this matter, but Song Zhao thought for a moment and said,


    "The trivial affairs within the imperial harem are all handled by Noble Consort Yin on behalf of the Empress. If you report this blindly to the Imperial Household Department, it may make Noble Consort Yin feel like we are overstepping our bounds. After all, people from the department inspect the pce daily. They will discover this sooner orter. Let''s just pretend we don''t know about this.¡±


    That night, Xiao Jingheng still chose Consort Chen to spend the night with.


    But after night fell, Zhang Jiugui from the Attendant''s Room personally came to inform Song Zhao,


    "Lady Song, His Majesty invites you to share lunch with him at Chaoyang Pce tomorrow noon."


    Song Zhao happily epted the invitation. After Zhang Jiugui left, she began preparing for the lunch meeting.


    Last time when Xiao Jingheng had a meal at her ce, there was a bamboo shoot ham soup that he seemed to particrly enjoy. So Song Zhao told Yun Shan to prepare the ingredients in advance. She would make it herself to bring to Xiao Jingheng tomorrow.


    In the process, she deliberately instructed,


    "The soup stock should be cooked with fresh mushrooms, tea tree mushrooms and cordyceps hanging in it to make the vor fuller. Extract the mushroom broth in advance, then soak some sweet potato vermicelli in it to infuse the vor.¡±


    Yun Shan was a bit puzzled. ¡°It¡¯s just a soup, mostly for rinsing the mouth after the main course. Sweet potato vermicelli is especially bloating. Why add that?¡±


    Song Zhao said, ¡°It will float transparently on top, just for decoration. Whether His Majesty eats it or not is up to him. Just do as I say.¡±


    The next day at lunch time, Song Zhao brought the bamboo shoot ham soup to Chaoyang Pce. Sure enough, Xiao Jingheng particrly enjoyed this dish.


    After the meal he asked for two more bowls to be served. The vorful soup with delicious vermicelli provoked his appetite, making him reluctant to stop eating.


    The ancestors had set a rule of ¡°no more than three bowls¡± when dining, lest the emperor favor and overindulge in a particr dish, allowing ill-intentioned people a chance to take advantage and plot to harm him.


    So normally the consorts would dissuade His Majesty at this time. Xiao Jingheng had been persuaded many times. When the pce servants moved to serve a third bowl, he reflexively nced at Song Zhao.


    But he saw the silly girl resting her cheek on hand, sweetly smiling at him.


    Xiao Jingheng pinched her cute little nose and asked, "What are you smiling about staring at me?"


    Song Zhao said, "I''m happy that Your Majesty enjoys the dish I made."


    Xiao Jinghengughed out loud. ¡°I enjoy having you by my side. Not like the Empress with her many rules, or Consort Chen with her endless words. Just a quiet meal together is extremely nice."


    How could it not be nice? When others dine with him, they either care about his health or try their best to curry favor.


    While Song Zhao was very simple. She simply wanted Xiao Jingheng to eat more.


    After downing most of the big bowl of soup, the bloating sweet potato vermicelli filled Xiao Jingheng up.


    Song Zhao waited on him to rinse his mouth. "Your Majesty, please take a nap? You still have memorials to review in the afternoon.¡±


    How could Xiao Jingheng fall asleep in this stuffed state?


    He smiled and said, "I was a bit gluttonous just now. Will you take a walk with me around to aid my digestion?¡±


    Song Zhao nodded in agreement. Jiang Deshun spoke up offering advice,


    "The chrysanthemums in the Imperial Garden are in full glorious bloom now. Perhaps His Majesty would like to enjoy them?"


    When autumn arrives, all flowers wither except for the chrysanthemums still embracing fragrance on the branches.


    Jiang Deshun could only suggest Xiao Jingheng appreciate chrysanthemums. What else could he suggest, appreciating the fallen petals and withered flowers carpeting the ground?


    And the best ce to admire chrysanthemums in the pce was right behind the artificial mountain in the southeast corner of the Imperial Garden.

 Chapter 38: Die to save us

    <h4>Chapter 38</h4>


    Xiao Jingheng traveled with an imperial carriage and an endless number of pce attendants following him everywhere he went.


    Song Zhao only had her own two feet to rely on.


    In the pce, only the highest ranking imperial consorts were allowed to travel by sedan chair. Her rank was still far too low for that privilege.


    However, Xiao Jingheng thought of her needs.


    When he brought Song Zhao to the outer area of Chaoyang Pce, he instructed Zhang Deshun: ¡°Go have a sedan chair prepared for Concubine Song.¡±


    Song Zhao quickly declined, ¡°Thank you, Your Majesty, but my rank is too low to deserve such an honor...¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m granting this reward to you, so of course you are worthy of it,¡± Xiao Jingheng grasped her hand tighter as he jokingly suggested, ¡°If you feel it would bring you undue attention to ride alone, you can share my imperial carriage and be closer to me.¡±


    Riding alone would spur unnecessary rumors, but sharing the imperial carriage with Xiao Jingheng would surely cause even more trouble.


    Song Zhao had ¡°important business¡± to take care of today, so she had no choice but to half-heartedly respond, ¡°Your Majesty likes to tease me so.¡±


    Under Jiang Deshun¡¯s guidance, she stepped into a red sandalwood sedan chair carried by two servants.


    Chaoyang Pce was situated right next to the Imperial Garden.


    After only half a stick of incense, the sedan chair arrived at the southeast corner of the Imperial Garden.


    Once the sedan chair was stable, Xiao Jingheng lifted Song Zhao''s curtain and reached out his hand for her,


    ¡°Give me your hand.¡±


    As Song Zhao let him help her down from the sedan chair, she deliberately stumbled and gracefully fell into Xiao Jingheng''s arms.


    She had dressed herself up especially beautifully whening to Chaoyang Pce today.


    Seeing the beauty in his arms up close now, a subtle, light fragrance drifted from Song Zhao¡¯s body to Xiao Jingheng¡¯s nose.


    The scent was fresh and delicate like her natural perfume, yet even more alluring than the scent of flowers.


    He had spent the past few days with Imperial Consort Chen, who preferred heavy makeup and strong floral fragrances.


    Such ostentatious styles made striking first impressions but grew tiresome over time.


    Song Zhao was just right,


    alluring but not unting, with the captivating innocence of a young maiden and the graceful charm of a mature woman.


    At first, Song Zhao had "identally" stumbled into Xiao Jingheng¡¯s embrace, but now hisrge palm gripped her slender shoulder tightly, not allowing her to escape.


    Song Zhao demurely lowered her long, thickshes with a shy, alluring look as she whispered,


    ¡°Your Majesty...so many people are watching~¡±


    ¡°Hahahaha~¡± Xiao Jingheng loved seeing her adorably bashful expressions that made her appear even more delicate and tempting to kiss.


    He tilted up her chin, gradually nearing her lips.


    But just when Song Zhao closed her eyes expecting his kiss, he suddenly stopped and whispered seductively into her ear instead,


    ¡°I favor you, so let them watch if they want.¡±


    ¡°Your Majesty...¡± Song Zhao buried her blushing face into Xiao Jingheng¡¯s embrace, too embarrassed by his forwardness.


    As she continued rubbing against him, what man could resist such an alluring beauty?


    Xiao Jingheng wrapped his arm around her slender waist and led her deeper into the Imperial Garden.


    Jiang Deshun and the other attendants only managed to follow a couple steps before Xiao Jingheng nced back and ordered,


    ¡°All of you stay here and wait. Don¡¯t follow me.¡±


    Hearing this, Jiang Deshun immediately realized His Majesty wanted some intimate alone time with the consort today. He tactfully kept all the pce attendants back and waited from a distance.


    Once the pair was some ways off, Xiao Jingheng''s hands started wandering.


    ¡°What do you think of the scenery here, my beloved consort?¡±


    Tickled by his touches, Song Zhao let out a sweet moan as she shyly nodded, ¡°Very beautiful.¡±


    ¡°Oh?¡± Xiao Jingheng nibbled her earlobe, his deep, gravelly voice gave her tingles. ¡°But I think this Imperial Garden scenery doesn¡¯tpare to even one percent of your beauty.¡±


    As he said this, his palm had reached the sash at her waist.


    Just as the spring colors were about to be revealed,


    suddenly, a pce attendant behind them shrieked,


    ¡°Your Majesty, watch out!¡±


    Startled from his amorous reverie, Xiao Jingheng¡¯s senses sharply focused as he nced back.


    He saw countless rubble suddenly crashing down the artificial hill towards them at great speed.


    The guards were too far away to make it there in time.


    In that split second, Song Zhao suddenly used all her strength to push Xiao Jingheng aside. She took a quick step forward, shielding him with her slender frame as the rain of rubble pelted her back.


    Stifling a pained groan, her knees went weak and she half-crouched on the ground.


    Xiao Jingheng, who she had pushed away, immediately went to check on her, ¡°Are you hurt?¡±


    Biting her lip, Song Zhao shook her head and asked instead, ¡°Is Your Majesty injured?¡±


    Xiao Jingheng helped Song Zhao stand up and looked at the rubble scattered around them. There were a fewrger chunks mixed within that would have been extremely painful if they¡¯d struck a person after falling from that height.


    ¡°Why did you do something so foolish?¡±


    He gazed at Song Zhao, worry and distress swimming in his eyes.


    Yet she gave him a weak smile and gently said, ¡°When the danger happened just now, I was afraid Your Majesty would get hurt, so I didn''t think much else.¡±


    Xiao Jingheng softly stroked Song Zhao¡¯s back. His touch was light, but still drew a faint hiss from her lips at first contact.


    His brows furrowed in concern as his heart twisted painfully. ¡°You said you weren¡¯t hurt? You must be injured.¡±


    Jiang Deshun rushed over with guards in tow, flustered as he asked ¡°Your Majesty wasn''t injured, right?¡±


    Xiao Jingheng¡¯s face darkened. Moving gently, he scooped Song Zhao into his arms and strode swiftly back towards the imperial carriage while coldly ordering,


    ¡°Send the imperial physician to Yao Hua Pce. Also, find the pce attendant in charge of the artificial hill¡¯s maintenance from the Internal Affairs Bureau and have them all caned to death.¡±


    Later that day, Song Zhao returned together in the imperial carriage with Xiao Jingheng to Yao Hua Pce.


    At first when Consort Yao saw the imperial carriage arrive, she thought Xiao Jingheng hade to visit her. She hurried out the door to greet him.


    But she had just paid her respects when she saw Xiao Jingheng carrying Song Zhao down from the carriage. Shocked, Consort Yao stared wide-eyed, momentarily struck speechless.


    The imperial physician arrived swiftly after hearing Song Zhao had shielded Xiao Jingheng from the falling rubble, injuring her back. He said he needed to thoroughly examine Song Zhao.


    Song Zhao tightly clutched her cor, reluctance showing on her face as she shook her head. ¡°Your Majesty, I''m really fine...¡±


    Xiao Jingheng understood her maidenly modesty.


    After all, how could a youngdy allow the physician to see her bare back?


    He told the doctor to wait in the outer hall before saying gently to Song Zhao,


    ¡°He can¡¯t examine you, but you don¡¯t need to hide anything from me. Let me see.¡±


    Still reluctant, Song Zhao gradually turned her back towards him, letting Xiao Jingheng remove her thin silken robes.


    As her clothes peeled off bit by bit, her slender, fair back and beautiful shoulder des were revealed. Further down, several distinct bruises colored her skin¡ªclearly left behind from the rubble that had struck her earlier.

 Chapter 39: Suspicion of Kings

    <h4>Chapter 39</h4>


    Xiao Jingheng saw the scars on Song Zhao and they burned holes in his heart.


    He draped a shirt over Song Zhao''s shoulders, looking at her with eyes full ofpassion. "Why are you being so foolish?"


    Song Zhao''s clear gaze fell on Xiao Jingheng''s face. She smiled lightly, "Because the Emperor is my husband. How could I bear to see the Emperor injured? I cannot stand it."


    "You are distressed over Me, but how could I not also be distressed over you? Since you see Me as your husband, you should let Me protect you."


    This incident had a profound impact on Xiao Jingheng.


    He had always felt that Song Zhao was delicate and fragile - afraid of thunder, prone to illness, and unaware of the intricate schemes in the pce. She was very much in need of someone''s protection.


    Yet he did not expect that it would be a woman like her who would step forward to shield him at a critical moment.


    Later, the imperial doctor prepared a medicinal ointment to activate blood cirction and dissipate blood stasis for Song Zhao, based on the injuries described by Xiao Jingheng.


    Xiao Jingheng had originally intended to personally apply the ointment for Song Zhao, but Song Zhao said:


    "The Emperor has an appointment with the Grand Academician and Minister of Personnelter to discuss state affairs. National affairs take precedence and it would be remiss of this concubine to dy important business for such a trivial matter."


    She took the ointment from Xiao Jingheng very naturally and handed it to Yun Shan, "These are just minor injuries. Let Yun Shan help apply the medicine. The Emperor need not worry."


    Seeing his woman injured trying to protect him, Xiao Jingheng selfishly wanted to stay and keep Song Zhaopany.


    But he did have important things to discuss with the Minister of Personnel today that he really could not dy.


    So he firmly grasped Song Zhao''s hand and patted the back of her hand, saying:


    "Take good care of yourself. I wille see you after I finish my tasks."


    Then he leaned down and left a scorching kiss on her forehead.


    Later, when Xiao Jingheng returned to the Chaoyang Pce to receive the Grand Academician and Minister of Personnel, he was somewhat distracted.


    The scene of Song Zhao throwing herself before him to shield him kept reying in his mind.


    He also recalled her pained expression and the scars on her back, making him feel more and more troubled.


    This woman really made one worry for her.


    But after the feeling of being moved had passed, Xiao Jingheng felt something was off about the whole incident.


    Under normal circumstances, when faced with sudden danger, one''s instincts would make them try to evade out of self-preservation.


    Even he, someone who had killed on battlefields, with superb martial arts, could not react in time to the incident earlier.


    So how was it that Song Zhao, a woman confined to the inner pce, could react so quickly?


    Unless...


    She knew beforehand that there would be falling debris from the artificial hill, in fact this whole thing could have been a drama staged and directed by her.


    The more Xiao Jingheng thought about it, the deeper his doubts grew. His thumb rubbed ceaselessly over his seal ring as his expression grew heavier.


    After the Grand Academician and Minster of Personnel finished their business and took their leave, Jiang Deshun respectfully entered and reported to Xiao Jingheng:


    "Your Majesty, the pce attendants responsible for repairing the artificial hill have all been caned to death. The supervisor of the Pce Affairs Department, Lin Tianhai, is waiting outside to plead guilty. Does Your Majesty want him summoned?"


    "Let him in."


    Jiang Deshun waved his horsehair whisk towards the pce gates. The attendant on duty brought Lin Tianhai inside.


    Lin Tianhai had an anxious look. He stumbled with each step, falling to his knees immediately upon entering the hall. He crawled all the way to the foot of the dais and kowtowed repeatedly to Xiao Jingheng until his forehead bled. Only then did he stammer in fear:


    "This ve deserves ten thousand deaths! Today''s incident nearly injured Your Majesty. Please pardon this ve''s crimes!"


    Xiao Jingheng stared at him with narrowed eyes. "How do your subordinates work?"


    "Your Majesty, quell your anger. There were signs that the viewing stones on the artificial hill had be loose recently. This ve had ordered people to repair it quickly. But thosezy subordinates dragged it out for two days before today''s ident almost happened..."


    Hearing this, Xiao Jingheng''s thumb stilled over his seal ring. "It was showing signs of issues two days ago?"


    Lin Tianhai fearfully replied: "Y-yes..."


    Xiao Jingheng tapped his fingers lightly on the long table, making soft ''thud'' sounds.


    He was still unwilling to believe Song Zhao would plot against him like this. But he had to consider all possibilities,


    Because everything had happened far too coincidentally.


    Since this summer began, he was busy with state affairs and had not even set foot in the Imperial Garden.


    It was only today after feeling somewhat full from the afternoon meal that he mentioned taking a walk in the garden with Song Zhao.


    If not for Song Zhao thoughtfully sending over a soup that suited his appetite, why would he, usually so restrained, overindulge?


    Moreover, if other consorts were injured trying to save him, it could be considered a great service. Even if they did not seek rewards, they would at least seek affection and ask him to keep thempany.


    Yet as soon as Song Zhao heard he was going to apply medicine for her, she hurriedly shooed him away?


    Xiao Jingheng recalled Song Zhao smearing fake rashes on her face to deliberately make herself ugly. His brows knitted together as he thought to himself:


    Could it be the scars on her back now were also painted on by herself?


    Thinking thus, Xiao Jingheng could no longer remain seated.


    He rushed to the Yao Hua Pce, not allowing the pce maids to announce his arrival. Instead, he directly headed to the west wing himself.


    Standing outside the doors, he happened to overhear voices conversing within. So he quietly listened for a while.


    "Young miss, you really do not cherish your life! Fortunately those rocks only hit your back. What if they smashed your head? Have you forgotten Wang Gui from our household? He identally fell off a tree while trying to catch cicadas one summer. He hit the back of his head on the ground and died right there! Aren''t you afraid of the same happening to you?"


    "Of course I was afraid. But in that moment I really couldn''t consider much else. My mind went nk, I just saw those falling rocks about to hit the Emperor and I couldn''t think of anything else. I only thought that I absolutely could not let the Emperor get injured..."


    "Alright alright, don''t pout unhappily. I''m fine now aren''t I?"


    Listening outside, Xiao Jingheng felt Yun Shan had a point.


    Even if this was Song Zhao''s scheme, the trajectory of the falling rocks could not be controlled. Even the slightest deviation would be fatal.


    With his doubts somewhat appeased, he finally pushed the doors open.


    At that time, Song Zhao had her back facing the doors as she allowed Yun Shan to apply medicine to the injuries on her bare back.


    Seeing Xiao Jingheng arrive, she hurriedly grabbed a shirt to cover herself and tried to stand to greet him.


    Xiao Jingheng strode over in two quick steps and gently pressed her shoulder, "You''re injured, don''t move about."


    Then, he very naturally took the ointment from Yun Shan''s hands. "Let me apply the medicine for you."


    Song Zhao reflexively pulled the shirt draped over herself tighter and said awkwardly:


    "Your Majesty... such menial tasks are not fit for you... This concubine..."


    "It''s nothing." Xiao Jingheng hooked a corner of the shirt with his fingertip and slowly peeled it off Song Zhao''s shoulder. "You were injured because of Me. How could I begrudge this?"


    Then he scooped some ointment onto his fingertip and gently applied it on the wounds on Song Zhao''s back, massaging it in circles...

 Chapter 40: Capture the Heart of the King

    <h4>Chapter 40</h4>


    Xiao Jingheng''s fingertips gradually increased in force.


    He didn''t seem to be applying medicine, but rather trying to rub something off Song Zhao''s back.


    Like those patches of purplish bruises.


    "Ow..."


    Song Zhao lightly bit her lip and let out a soft moan. Her body also shook uncontrobly along with his increasing force.


    Xiao Jingheng could see very clearly,


    the ointment smeared on the bruise, but didn''t take away the color of the bruise. On the contrary, because he had used too much force, it left an even deeper red imprint on the bruise.


    This showed that the bruise was not fake, and Song Zhao''s intention to protect him with her life was also true.


    Xiao Jingheng let out a short breath, and only then stopped doubting Song Zhao.


    On the contrary, he felt even more guilty towards her in his heart.


    When helping Song Zhao treat the remaining bruises, Xiao Jingheng''s movements were very gentle.


    While applying medicine, he also gently blew on the wounds.


    Afterpletely applying the medicine, he lowered his head and lightly kissed the back of Song Zhao''s neck.


    Song Zhao had her back facing him, so he couldn''t see her expression at this moment.


    He only heard her ask somewhat frustratedly,


    "Your Majesty, my back looks terrible, right..."


    "Nonsense." Xiao Jingheng didn''t hesitate at all to cut her off. His warm palm was gently rubbing her back, "My beloved consort was born delicate and beautiful. Even with bruises on her back, they look like red flower petals. It just pains me to see them."


    His lips moved down from Song Zhao''s jade neck, wandering above her fragrant shoulder. Then he used his low voice to say:


    "I apply medicine on you every day. I believe it will soon recover as before, wless beautiful jade."


    "Your Majesty..." Song Zhao''s voice was even weaker. Looking from behind, even her earlobes seemed to be blushing through, extremely charming.


    Yet how could he have known?


    At this moment, Song Zhao was using the softest voice to say the most shy words.


    But there was a trace of a smug smile at the corner of her lips.


    Like a hunter who had perfectly captured high-quality prey,


    and was about to gather firewood and have a full meal.


    Xiao Jingheng''s kiss gradually changed from restrained to crazy.


    His hand also slowly shifted from Song Zhao''s back to the spring scenery in front of her.


    Song Zhao seemed a little panicked.


    Her soft boneless hands sped the bulging veins on the back of his hand.


    "Your Majesty...I''m afraid I''m not very convenient today..."


    As soon as she finished speaking, the man gently pinched her cheek and slowly turned her head back.


    With their noses touching and breaths intertwining,


    Xiao Jingheng stared at the peach flush gradually appearing on her cheek, the corners of his mouth hooked up in a yful smile,


    "I remember your period is not in the next two days."


    "The bruises on my back hurt even with slight pressure. I''m afraid I won''t be able to lie t for several days."


    "It doesn¡¯t matter." Xiao Jingheng moved forward and lightly bit her lips. "You can be on top, so I can look at you."


    Song Zhao was extremely embarrassed, and her entire upper body''s fair skin was covered with a thinyer of red.


    Xiao Jingheng just loved seeing her like this.


    He firmly grasped Song Zhao''s slender waist, pulling her an inch closer to himself, and kissed her uncontrobly.


    But right at this exciting moment, they were disturbed by the sound of knocking on the door.


    Jiang Deshun''s respectful voice came from outside:


    "Your Majesty, Her Majesty the Empress and Consort Chen have heard about Your Majesty¡¯s dangerous incident in the imperial garden today. Now they have each prepared some nourishing soup in the Chaoyang Pce waiting for you. What do you think..."


    It was as if Xiao Jingheng had been poured with a bucket of cold water. How could his face look good?


    He suppressed his anger and yelled at the door:


    "Who was the big mouth that told them about this?"


    It was obvious who it was. When Xiao Jingheng was holding Song Zhao back to Yaohua Pce today, weren''t they bumped into Consort Yao at the pce gate?


    But of course Jiang Deshun couldn''t gossip about Consort Yao¡¯s deeds at this time.


    He could only bite the bullet and say he didn''t know.


    Song Zhao secretly observed Xiao Jingheng''s expression.


    He was in the mood and of course didn''t want to leave.


    Even if he had to leave, he wouldn¡¯t miss the chance to be intimate with Song Zhao first.


    But if she kept him now, wouldn¡¯t it be offending the Empress and Consort Chen at the same time?


    Song Zhao was not stupid.


    She only wanted this man¡¯s guilt towards her, not his body.


    So she nestled in Xiao Jingheng''s arms, obedient like a rabbit, and said:


    "Today¡¯s incident was indeed dangerous. I was worried about you. The imperial consorts must also be worried about Your Majesty. Your Majesty has already apanied this lowly concubine for so long today. It¡¯s not good to keep Her Majesty the Empress and Consort Chen worried."


    Xiao Jingheng was silent for a moment and said, "Very well, you were also frightened today. I am also reluctant to toss you around. You should rest early and recuperate. I wille to see you again tomorrow after morning court."


    Afterforting Song Zhao and seeing her fall asleep, he reluctantly left.


    Song Zhao had just lied down sideways on the bed to rest, when there was another crisp knock on the door outside.


    "Miss, have you rested?"


    When Song Zhao heard Xiao Fuzi''s voice, she got up, wrapped herself in a coat and said, "Come in."


    When Xiao Fuzi entered, she handed a white porcin medicine bottle to Song Zhao and said:


    "This medicinal powder was specially prepared by this ve for miss. It can help miss¡¯s bruises disperse faster. The imperial doctor prescribed the ''Golden Blood-Activating Powder'' for you. That medicine is expensive and has a magical effect on just-formed bruises. But it is not so effective on bruises that have already spread out."


    Song Zhao put the white porcin medicine bottle aside with an indifferent expression: "You are thoughtful."


    Xiao Fuzi smiled and was about to withdraw, but turned back when she reached the door. She looked embarrassed, "Miss, this move of yours is really too dangerous. With new injuries on old ones, you have really suffered."


    Song Zhao smiled nonchntly. "If I don''t act convincingly, how can I deceive His Majesty? Moreover, if I had messed up the act in front of His Majesty, let alone favors, I might not even be able to keep my life."


    Xiao Fuzi said, "In fact, His Majesty treats Miss very well already. Miss really doesn''t need to use her own body as a bargaining chip."


    Song Zhao said, "Who doesn''t His Majesty treat well in your eyes? At the call of the Empress and Consort Chen, didn''t he also rush to leave? Which woman in the harem doesn¡¯t have looks and status? How long can the favor sought by feminine charmsst?¡±


    She swung the white porcin medicine bottle in her hand and smiled smugly, ¡°On the other hand, just a few bruises can make His Majesty think that I risked my life to save him, and make him pay more attention to me. It was really worth it."


    Then she suddenly looked up at Xiao Fuzi, "You did a good job with your tasks today. You grasped the timing of the falling rubble very urately and retreated cleanly without leaving any evidence behind. I really didn¡¯t put my trust in the wrong person."


    (Happy Lantern Festival, my beauties! There will be no updates during the holidays, so let me wish you another happy new year! Also, happy new semester!)

 Chapter 41: All Kinds of Favors

    <h4>Chapter 41</h4>


    Song Zhao''s unexpected incident in the Imperial Garden today was entirely man-made.


    The mastermind behind this scene was none other than Song Zhao herself.


    A few days ago, when Song Zhao heard Yun Shan and Xiao Fuzi say that there were signs of loose and falling rubble from the artificial mountain in the northeast corner of the Imperial Garden, she had already started plotting her "big n".


    She had to do something special to leave a deep impression on Xiao Jingheng.


    Being as beautiful as a flower, knowledgeable, and skilled in the four arts was toomonce.


    All the concubines strived in these areas, and if Song Zhao did the same things everyone else could do, she would just blend in with the crowd.


    Therefore, she decided to be Xiao Jingheng''s "life-saving benefactor".


    Yesterday, when Xiao Jingheng invited her to share a meal, she had already set her scheme into motion by intentionally putting bloat-inducing sweet potato noodles in the bamboo shoot and ham soup, which she knew he loved to drink.


    Her goal was to make Xiao Jingheng eat too much at the meal and suggest going out for a walk to aid his digestion.


    It was early autumn now, and the flowers in the Imperial Garden had all wilted.


    Only therge chrysanthemum garden nted in the northeast corner of the Imperial Garden could add a touch of color on an autumn day.


    Song Zhao expected that as soon as Xiao Jingheng suggested going for a walk, Jiang Deshun would rmend that he go appreciate the chrysanthemums.


    Therefore, she had arranged for Xiao Fuzi to hide behind the artificial mountain in the northeast corner of the Imperial Garden ahead of time.


    As soon as she and Xiao Jingheng entered the scene, Xiao Fuzi would take the opportunity to push down the crumbling rocks from the mountain.


    For this staged "hero saves the beauty" act to achieve the effect Song Zhao desired, leaving some injury marks on her body was essential.


    To ensure nothing went wrong, she had Xiao Fuzi smash her back with rocks the night before, leaving several bruises.


    Anyway, even if Xiao Jinghengter called for an imperial doctor to examine her, since the injuries were on her back, she could refuse the doctor''s treatment on ount of the impropriety of showing that area of her body.


    Xiao Jingheng had no medical knowledge, so he could only see the bruising on Song Zhao''s back from being struck but had no way of discerning whether they were fresh injuries or old bruises from the night before.


    Everything was going precisely ording to her calctions, without a hitch.


    Through this incident, Song Zhao was convinced that she could at least upy a ce in Xiao Jingheng''s heart.


    As she reminisced about her "masterpiece", an increasingly bright smile lit up her face.


    Coming back to herself, she took out arge square brocade box from the drawer beside her bed and handed it to Xiao Fuzi.


    "This is for you, take it."


    Xiao Fuzi hurriedly declined, "No no no, mydy saved this ve''s life by rescuing me from the Divine Punishment Department. I am devoted to serving you wholeheartedly, how could I ept rewards from you?"


    Song Zhao''s gaze fell upon the brocade box, and she raised her eyebrows with a faint smile.


    "Open it and take a look first."


    Xiao Fuzi opened the box and discovered that rather than gold, silver, jewels or other vulgar objects, it neatly contained four volumes of the arcane medical text "Prescriptions Worth a Thousand in Gold".


    Holding the volumes in his hands, his eyes lit up.


    "This...this is a medical ssic written by a grand master, an invaluable rarity! Mydy, where did you obtain this?"


    When giving gifts, one must cater to the recipient''s preferences.


    Song Zhao needed someone like Xiao Fuzi who could assist her by her side, so she put great thought into selecting his gift.


    "I know you love studying medicine, just like your elder brother. You''re a fanatic for it. In the past, you were beaten and sent to the Divine Punishment Department for secretly peeking at medical texts in the Imperial Hospital. From now on, following me, if there are any medical ssics you wish to read, I will provide them in abundance. You needn''t hide or sneak around anymore, just openly read whatever you wish."


    Xiao Fuzi was overjoyed, as if he had obtained a priceless treasure. He knelt on the ground with a thud and excitedly eximed,


    "This ve thanks mydy!"


    Song Zhao lent him a hand to help prop him back up, "You are following me now, so we flourish together and perish together. We must trust each other. This matter stays between you and me, don''t even tell Yun Shan about it. She''s timid, I''m afraid it would frighten her."


    Xiao Fuzi vigorously nodded his head, "Mydy can rest assured, this ve knows what should and should not be said."


    After this incident, the rtionship between Xiao Jingheng and Song Zhao became visibly more intimate.


    An unceasing stream of rewards were bestowed upon Yao Hua Pce. The concubines who previously looked down on Song Zhao due to their higher status now greeted her deferentially, calling her sister.


    The formerly fawning attitude Xiao Changzai and Liu Changzai once disyed towards Li Changzai was now turned towards buttering up Song Zhao at every opportunity.


    As for imperial favor, Consort Chen previously upied over half of the emperor''s intimate visits with his consorts every month.


    But now, Song Zhao was already on her way to being a formidable rival.


    One day, the two happened to run into each other in the Imperial Garden by chance.


    Song Zhao greeted Consort Chen with perfect etiquette and propriety, yet received a cold nce in return as Consort Chen spoke to her with mocking words,


    "With how you delight His Majesty nowadays, I reckon in a matter of days once signs of a little one start showing, you''ll be bestowed the title Imperial Concubine."


    Song Zhao replied, "This concubine''s current status is entirely thanks to Consort Chen''s grace. I dare not forget my humble beginnings. His Majesty only dotes on me temporarily out of novelty, while he has favored you consistently for years."


    Consort Chen narrowed her phoenix eyes, her piercing gaze fixed on Song Zhao.


    She slowly said while walking around Song Zhao,


    "Yet you shouldn''t underestimate yourself either. You''re an intelligent woman who knew to choose a bright and spectacr path for yourself immediately upon entering the pce."


    As she spoke, she fiddled with the gold-iid battle armor ring on her pinky finger. "Ah, just look at Li, who entered the pce alongside you. She foolishly sucked up to the Empress everyday instead, and what was the oue? She still met her end at the execution grounds."


    Song Zhao nodded in agreement. Consort Chen continued, "As long as you understand the rules, that will do. The imperial physician said that this is an auspicious fertile period for me recently, extremely likely to conceive a child. So I have to apany His Majesty frequently, which will also be beneficial for the imperial lineage."


    Consort Chen stopped right in front of Song Zhao after circling her,zily smiling as she said,


    "Yet His Majesty has only been thinking of youtely, andes to see me less often. Now what do you propose should be done about it?"


    What was bound toe always would.


    Having received imperial favor, Song Zhao expected there woulde a day Consort Chen would look to cause trouble for her.


    Nevertheless, Consort Chen had still treated her rtively courteously, stopping short of outright sabotaging her. Instead, her overt and covert words were indicating that Song Zhao should lie low for the time being and stop diverting the emperor''s affections from her.


    Song Zhao was well prepared in her mind and pondered briefly before replying,


    "His Majesty was interested in this concubine''s novelty momentarily. If he wants to visit me, it would be difficult for me to dissuade him froming. However, Consort Chen can rest assured that I know what I should do."


    Consort Chen gave a coldugh and nced at her. Without another word, she turned and strode away confidently.


    Watching her disappear into the distance, the light in Song Zhao''s eyes gradually dimmed.


    She would not allow Consort Chen to get pregnant so easily.


    After all, she had entered the pce with the intention of climbing upwards step by step.


    If Consort Chen bore an imperial heir, her status would only grow more unshakeable, which would pose more obstacles for Song Zhao''s own advancement.


    After silently watching the flowers in the Imperial Garden for a while, Song Zhao soon thought of a "clever n" - one that would not offend Consort Chen yet could make Xiao Jingheng abstain from visiting her for the next couple of days...

 Chapter 42: The Calculating Xiao

    <h4>Chapter 42</h4>


    Xiao Jingheng said yesterday that he woulde to Yao Hua Pce today to have lunch.


    After Song Zhao returned to the pce, she and Consort Yao busied themselves in the small kitchen.


    Since Song Zhao was favored, the number of times Xiao Jingheng came to Yao Hua Pce recently increased significantly.


    As the saying goes, "A glimpse of a face tells a lot", Consort Yao is the primary consort of Yao Hua Pce, she could always reap some benefits from Song Zhao''s favor.


    The two were busy chatting andughing in the small kitchen.


    Yun Shan came in, greeted them with a bow and said, "Mydy, Xiao the Concubine hase to see you again."


    A smile froze on Song Zhao¡¯s face as she said helplessly:


    "Go tell her to wait for me for a moment in the West Side Hall. I¡¯ll be there shortly."


    "Why bother with her?" Consort Yao''s face darkened. "She seldom got close with you in the past. Now that she sees you have obtained the Emperor''s favor, shees to see you every day. Is she here to see you or to try her luck to meet the Emperor through you? Can you not see that?"


    Song Zhao understood why Consort Yao got upset all of a sudden.


    Xiao Jingheng woulde to have lunchter. Originally only Consort Yao and her could serve him at the side. If Xiao the Concubine was also present, whose attention would Xiao Jingheng give?


    As a tactful person who tried not to offend anyone, Song Zhao said,


    "Since she¡¯s already here, as fellow sisters I should not shut her out. Let me go see her, chat for a bit to get rid of her, so she won¡¯t stay for lunchter."


    ncing at the exquisite dishes Consort Yao prepared on the kitchen counter, she smiled and said, "No one but you can cook so wonderfully, Consort. I alone cannot finish all this. How can I bear to share it with her?"


    Only then did Consort Yao smile again. "If you like to eat it, I''ll prepare more for youter."


    When Song Zhao returned to the West Side Hall, Xiao the Concubine smiled and greeted her enthusiastically right away.


    She behaved very intimately with Song Zhao, held her hand and led her to sit on the heated cushions.


    "It''s rare to see Sister in such good spirits today, even wanting to cook by yourself?"


    Song Zhao said, "I had nothing to do, so I wanted to make a couple hometown dishes."


    "Oh, then I¡¯m fortunate to have a treat." After blurting that out, Xiao pretended to be embarrassed and asked, "But I¡¯m intruding without even asking if Sister wees me. I took the liberty to invite myself over for lunch. Does Sister wee me?"


    Song Zhao smiled gently, "Why say that, Sister? Adding another pair of chopsticks is nothing. Consort would also love having more people around. Of course you''re wee."


    "We¡¯re kindred spirits. I love spending time with you~" Xiao sighed and said, "You don''t know how much I suffered in Zhaochun Pce. Consort Hui has a child''s temperament and is nice to get along with, but that Concubine Liu... Since I entered the pce, I''ve served His Majesty only once, while Concubine Liu has served three times. She would show contempt for me both openly and privately just because of that. Facing her every day really upsets me."


    When it came to others¡¯ gossip, Song Zhao of course wouldn¡¯t chime in.


    So she ignored it and changed the subject, "The Emperor¡¯s birthday ising up in a few days. What gift have you prepared for His Majesty, Sister?"


    Xiao''s words tripped up as she said, "I n to perform a water sleeve dance at His Majesty¡¯s birthday banquet. "


    The Emperor¡¯s birthday was also when all consorts and concubines showed their presence before His Majesty. Everyone would exhibit their best skills, especially new consorts and concubines who entered the pcest year like Song Zhao and Xiao.


    Song Zhao had thoroughly investigated Xiao. Her specialty was singing, how could she possibly dance before His Majesty?


    But Song Zhao chose not to expose her. She just smiled and said,


    "Sister is graceful with captivating beauty. The water sleeve dance can best showcase feminine charm. I believe Sister will surely fascinate all of Jing City with one dance and earn a special look from His Majesty."


    Xiao waved her hand. "I''m just a woman of humble origin. I cannotpare with you, beautiful enough to captivate people, who also bravely protected His Majesty in the imperial garden. It¡¯s obvious that other than Empress, His Majesty favors you the most now. If I guessed correctly, His Majesty must have flipped your name que against night to summon you?"


    Song Zhao shyly said, "Sister, stop teasing me. His Sixth Highness came today. His Majesty should apany him to Shoukang Pce tonight to visit Princess Dowager Jinggui together instead of doing that."


    Xiao silently nodded, seemingly pondering something.


    Sitting on the heated cushion, she felt something poking her thigh. After shifting her body, she found that it was a songbook pressed under her.


    Just as Xiao picked up the songbook before opening it, Song Zhao panicked.


    Unlike her usual calm andposed manner, she rashly tried to snatch the songbook. Xiao was swifter, dodged aside and jokingly said, "What''s this? Look how nervous Sister became."


    After flipping through the songbook, she said,


    "This is the score for Kunqu Opera ''The Hairpin''? Sister enjoys singing?"


    Song Zhao shook her head and sighed, ¡°It¡¯s not that I enjoy it. His Majesty mentioned to me the other day that he really likes this Kunqu piece ¡®The Hairpin¡¯. So I wanted to learn it to surprise him. But I have no talent at all, I couldn¡¯t even find the right notes after practicing a few times...¡±


    As Xiao listened, the light in her eyes flickered.


    Kunqu Opera was exactly her strength.


    Song Zhao didn¡¯t know how to sing it, but she did!


    If Xiao Jingheng really liked listening to Kunqu Opera, this could be her opportunity to advance.


    Xiao pondered briefly then quickly returned the songbook to Song Zhao. She got up and said,


    "I suddenly remembered I still have some matters to attend to in the pce. I''m afraid I can¡¯t stay for lunch with Sister today. I¡¯lle find you another day."


    "Sister is leaving already? Lunch is ready soon. Why don''t you stay for lunch before you go?" Song Zhao called out while following behind Xiao.


    Yet Xiao dashed out of Yao Hua Pce like a wild rabbit having fun.


    Song Zhao stood under the cypress tree in the courtyard, gazing serenely at Xiao¡¯s hurriedly retreating figure.


    The thin rosy lips curved up beautifully as she silently uttered,


    ¡°Fool.¡±


    About ten minutes after Xiao left, Xiao Jingheng arrived.


    During the lunch with the three people, Consort Yao kept enthusiastically serving dishes to Xiao Jingheng.


    Yet in the whole meal, Xiao Jingheng only looked at her twice and said one sentence to her,


    ¡°Consort Yao¡¯s cooking skill has improved again.¡±


    Just this one word of praise was enough to delight Consort Yao for a long time.


    After lunch ended, Xiao Jingheng naturally went to the West Side Hall of Song Zhao¡¯s residence to take a nap.


    He kept his words. Still concerned about Song Zhao¡¯s back contusion, he woulde every day to apply medicine for her.


    ¡°I¡¯ve seen your back contusion heal very well these days. It seems it¡¯ll soon disappear without a trace. ¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s all thanks to Your Majesty, isn¡¯t it?¡± Song Zhao put on her outer garment and snuggled into Xiao Jingheng''s arms, stroking the stubble on his chin with her fingertips. ¡°Your Majesty takes such good care of me personally every day. I don¡¯t know how to repay Your kindness.¡±


    The girl in his arms had a tender voice, cool fingertips, and captivating eyes like silk threads. Every seemingly idental touch was in fact tant flirting.


    ¡°Oh?¡± Xiao Jingheng¡¯s tone rose. He tilted her chin with one hand and smiled wickedly,


    ¡°Then let me tell you how you should repay me.¡±


    As he said that, his warm palm slid pastyers of obstacles and gently probed toward the tender spot.

 Chapter 43: A Song to Win Favor

    <h4>Chapter 43</h4>


    After Song Zhao bravely protected the lord in the Imperial Garden, Xiao Jingheng felt bad that she was injured on her back, and was always very restrained whenever he was intimate with her.


    But today, he was like a fierce tigering out of its cage, tiring Song Zhao out until her waist was sore and legs were weak.


    After their passionate lovemaking, Xiao Jingheng took Song Zhao into his embrace,


    "My beloved consort understands my feelings more and more now."


    Song Zhao let out an embarrassedugh, turned over and was half lying on Xiao Jingheng, her slender index finger tracing circles on his muscr chest,


    "The consort''s heart is close to the Emperor''s, what the Emperor likes, the consort naturally likes too."


    "Hahahaha!" Xiao Jinghengughed loudly, joking, "You''re bing more and more silver-tongued."


    After saying that, he suddenly lowered his head and captured her lips, and the two began a new round of exploration.


    Song Zhao was different from his other consorts,


    most of them were rather shy when doing that, didn''t dare make any sounds or move much. Only Consort Chen had more tricks up her sleeve,


    butpared to Song Zhao she stillcked a bit.


    Not only did Song Zhao know how to amodate him, she also knew how to explore new ''things'' together with Xiao Jingheng.


    Although she didn''t love Xiao Jingheng, she coveted his good looks and physique.


    After all it was something they both enjoyed, she was quite open about it and just took it as each taking what they needed.


    After their passionate lovemaking, the two cuddled and rested for a while.


    Xiao Jingheng had government affairs to attend to in the afternoon so he couldn''t stay long. Before leaving, he said to Song Zhao:


    "Prince An ising to the pce today. Tonight I have to apany him to visit Princess Dowager Jinggui, so I won''t be summoning you tonight. You should rest well."


    Song Zhao knew this was just an excuse from Xiao Jingheng. These few days were Consort Chen''s propitious days, he would most likely be spending the night with Consort Chen.


    But Consort Chen probably wouldn''t get her way today.


    Song Zhao was confident about this. Men always craved freshness. So even if Xiao Jingheng didn''te to her tonight, he definitely wouldn''t be spending the night with Consort Chen either.


    After all, there was still Concubine Xiao, who was no less unrestrained.


    At that time, after Concubine Xiao returned to the pce, she closed her door and started doing vocal exercises.


    When she felt the time was right, she changed into a newly tailored light blue Yun Brocade cheongsam, put on exquisite heavy makeup, and stealthily made her way to the Nine Turns Corridor.


    The Nine Turns Corridor was on the only route to Shoukang Pce. Concubine Xiao stood in a nearby flower garden and started singing Songs of the Jade Hairpin.


    When she was singing it for the third time, Xiao Jingheng arrived as expected.


    Seeing the imperial carriage approaching her, Concubine Xiao stopped singing abruptly. She knelt down looking flustered,


    "This concubine greets the Emperor, may the Emperor live ten thousand years."


    Her voice was trembling, sounding rather afraid.


    Xiao Jingheng stopped and sized her up. The eunuch holding the pcentern immediately brought it closer to Concubine Xiao to let Xiao Jingheng see her face clearly.


    But it was useless even if he saw her clearly, because Xiao Jingheng had absolutely no recollection of who she was at all.


    Jiang Deshun quickly whispered a reminder to him, "Your Majesty, she is Concubine Xiao from Zhaochun Pce."


    Only then did he say: "Rise."


    But Concubine Xiao remained kneeling and didn''t get up, "Making loud noises is prohibited in the pce at night. By singing here, this concubine has vited pce rules and does not dare get up."


    She thought that by saying this, it would make Xiao Jingheng see her as someone who understood the rules and look upon her differently.


    But Xiao Jingheng wasn''t stupid at all.


    If she really understood the rules, she wouldn''t havee all the way from Zhaochun Pce to sing here. Since she was here, she must have found out that he would be passing by and deliberately did this.


    Xiao Jingheng saw through herme acting at one nce.


    However, Concubine Xiao''s Kunqu opera singing was truly good, and the light blue cheongsam alsoplimented her looks. So Xiao Jingheng didn''t expose her,


    "It''s fine, I won''t me you for it."


    "Thank you, Your Majesty."


    After Concubine Xiao got up, Xiao Jingheng suddenly recalled something and asked,


    "Are you Prefect of Jiangzhou Xiao Bin''s daughter?"


    Concubine Xiao immediately replied, "Myte father was indeed Jiangzhou Prefect Xiao Bin."


    Xiao Jingheng said, "I remember Xiao Bin was from the branch of Prince Qi during Emperor Taizu''s time. That would make you my cousin."


    She could only be considered Xiao Jingheng''s cousin. Concubine Xiao didn''t dare overstep her bounds by calling him cousin.


    After all, imperial rtives connected after tracing back three generations could barely be considered rted. She didn''t dare get involved.


    Concubine Xiao silently nodded her head, not daring to continue the conversation.


    Xiao Jingheng went on, "Your rendition of Songs of the Jade Hairpin just now was great. Your voice was gentle, lingering and distant. The rhythm had spaced out pauses, slow and fast tempos. Your recitation was also quite elegant. It''s apparent that you''ve bitterly toiled to formally study this."


    Concubine Xiao feigned surprise, "Does Your Majesty also enjoy Kunqu opera? When I was in Jiangzhou, I learned it from Master Liu."


    "You mean Liu Yuanzhi?"


    "Does Your Majesty know my teacher?"


    "During myte father''s time, he would often summon him to the pce to sing opera. I''ve listened to him perform a few times. Though by then, he was already advanced in years and his voice was somewhat muddled. I feel it doesn''tpare to yours today."


    "You tter me, Your Majesty." Concubine Xiao lowered her head blushing as she bashfully said,


    "If it pleases Your Majesty, I will sing specially for you whenever you have time in the future."


    Xiao Jingheng lightly hmm-ed, which counted as a response.


    Concubine Xiao also didn''t dare overstep her bounds. After paying her respects, she said, "Then this concubine shall take her leave first."


    She had only taken two steps when she heard Xiao Jingheng call out to her from behind,


    "Tonight, the hazy moonlight reminds me of Bai Nianchuan''s Song of the Cloud Envoy. Can you sing that?"


    When Concubine Xiao heard this, she was so excited that her heart nearly leapt out of her throat.


    She took a deep breath to calm herself down. Turning back with an unchanged expression, she said:


    "I''m also very fond of that opera."


    "Thene to Chaoyang Pce and sing it for me."


    "Yes, this concubine abides by the decree!"


    *


    Half an hourter in Yonghe Pce.


    Consort Chen had prepared a full table of fine cuisine and exquisite wine since early in the morning.


    But the food had been reheated three times and Xiao Jingheng still hadn''t arrived.


    She sent Ying Xiang to find out the situation. When Ying Xiang came back, she looked troubled and stuttered,


    "Esteemed Consort... I''m afraid His Majesty won''t being tonight..."


    "Won''t being?" Consort Chen''s brows furrowed tightly as anger instantly surged up, "His Majesty has summoned Song Zhao again?"


    Ying Xiang shook her head, "No..."


    "No? Weren''t you saying just now that the Sixth Prince has left the pce? So is His Majesty resting in Chaoyang Pce tonight?" Consort Chen pondered briefly before quickly saying, "Then hurry and prepare, I''m going over to Chaoyang Pce."


    When Consort Chen did things, she was impulsive saying things assuredly.


    Seeing that she was about to head out the pce door, Ying Xiang was so frightened that she immediately knelt before her and fearfully said:


    "Esteemed Consort must not go... Tonight, His Majesty has summoned...Concubine Xiao..."


    "Concubine Xiao?" Upon suddenly hearing this name, it took Consort Chen a good while before she remembered who she was. "What is she!?"


    Consort Chen forcefully mmed the table. As she casually swept aside and broke several side dishes on the table, she angrily said:


    "Speak! Why would His Majesty suddenly think of summoning that slut!"

 Chapter 44: The Target of Criticism

    <h4>Chapter 44</h4>


    Ying Xiang had already inquired about the details behind Concubine Xiao''s sudden favor from the Emperor today.


    After Ying Xiang meticulously recounted every detail to Consort Chen, Consort Chen''s expression turned even more grim.


    "What an uncultured woman! Does she treat the pce as a brothel? Singing and seducing the Emperor, she has no shame!"


    Ying Xiang advised, "Your Highness, there''s no need to get angry over this. The Emperor''s attention towards her is merely a passing fancy. You, Your Highness, are always the one he values the most."


    "Anyone can say that, but the Emperor only visits the harem a few times a month. Today he goes to her, tomorrow he goes to you. How many opportunities are left for me?"


    Consort Chen narrowed her eyebrows as she looked towards the direction of Chao Yang Pce, her voice filled with determination.


    "If she enjoys singing so much, then I shall let her sing to her heart''s content!"


    *


    In Yao Hua Pce,


    Tonight, when Xiao Jingheng didn''te, Song Zhao felt at ease.


    After dinner, she enjoyed the moon for a while, read two volumes of books, and just as she was about to have someone attend to her for washing up and rest, someone from the Internal Affairs Department came.


    "Master Song, the Emperor has sent me to deliver something to you."


    Song Zhao looked at the food box he was carrying curiously and asked, "What is it?"


    "It''s a calming tea for you. The Emperor said that you have had a tiring day and he wants you to drink this tea for a peaceful sleep."


    The eunuch took out a jade-green teapot and respectfully poured a cup of tea for Song Zhao. He then ttered and ingratiated himself, saying,


    "Among those honored to receive this special treatment in the pce, besides the Empress and Consort Chen, it''s none other than you, Master."


    Song Zhao blushed and smiled, nodding her head as she took out some silver from a drawer and handed it to him. "Thank you for making this trip, Sir."


    The eunuch epted the silver and became even more delighted.


    In the past, Song Zhao refrained from rewarding the servants, but that was only for show.


    To survive in the pce, it was necessary to spend money to reward the servants, buy information, and establish connections.


    Just after she gave the silver, Xiao Fu rushed in hastily.


    Upon seeing that there was an outsider, she leaned close to Song Zhao''s ear and said,


    "Master, tonight''s bedpanion is Concubine Xiao Jingheng. However, the Emperor didn''t spend the night. She has already been sent out of Chao Yang Pce."


    Song Zhao pondered for a moment and pushed the jade-green teapot a few inches closer to the eunuch, smiling.


    "I find your face familiar, as if the Emperor always sends the Internal Affairs Department to deliver things to me. And it''s always you who takes care of the errands."


    "Master Song, you have a good memory. I am specifically responsible for delivering rewards to the Eastern Six Pces."


    "You work hard in your position, but I see that you are clever as well. If you can please Concubine Xiao Jingheng, who is considered the Emperor''s cousin, and be a servant by her side in the Eastern Six Pces, your future will be much broader than in the Internal Affairs Department."


    The eunuch pondered for a moment and said, "Master Song, you have given me a valuable reminder. But I am of low status and influence. How can I make Concubine Xiao Jingheng look at me differently?"


    "There''s an opportunity right now." Song Zhao brought out an ordinary purple y teapot, poured all the remaining calming tea from the jade-green teapot into it, and handed it to the eunuch.


    "Concubine Xiao puts a lot of effort into serving in the imperial bedchamber. You should give her this excellent item as a gesture. Firstly, it will make her feel favored by the emperor, and secondly, it will make her think that you are considerate and understanding."


    Song Zhao''s intention was for the eunuch to take the specially brewed calming tea and use it to please Concubine Xiao. It was an irregr matter, but the pce servants were willing to take even riskier actions to gain favor and climb up the ranks.


    After hesitating for a moment, the eunuch knelt down and expressed gratitude for Song Zhao''s kindness. He then hurriedly left with the calming tea.


    Song Zhao''s actions left Xiao Fuzi somewhat puzzled.


    "Why would you use the gift bestowed upon you by the Emperor to do someone a favor? And why would you benefit the lowest-ranking servant?" Xiao Fuzi asked.


    Song Zhao held the teacup in her hands, took a small sip, and then stopped drinking.


    "You can take it and pour it out," she said.


    Xiao Fuzi was taken aback. "You... can''t drink it?"


    "This calming tea is a special item used by the Emperor. It''s undoubtedly excellent. It helps those with nightmares and insomnia sleep soundly until dawn. But tomorrow, the Empress will gather the concubines half an hour earlier than usual to discuss the Emperor''s birthday. I can''t afford to dy," Song Zhao exined.


    Upon hearing this, Xiao Fuzi immediately understood Song Zhao''s intention.


    "You''re wise, Your Highness! Everyone in the pce knows that these days are Consort Chen''s ''auspicious days.'' At this time, if Concubine Xiao resorts to underhanded methods and steals the Emperor''s favor, she will surely offend Consort Chen. If Concubine Xiao drinks the calming tea tonight and dys paying her respects to the Empress tomorrow, she will be used of arrogance due to favoritism and offend the Empress as well. With such consequences, her future days will be..." Xiao Fuzi trailed off.


    "Don''t speak nonsense," Song Zhao interrupted with a smile and a wave of her hand. "I gave her the calming tea because I saw how hard she works in the imperial bedchamber. I wanted to help the Emperor and had no ulterior motives."


    "Yes, yes, yes," Xiao Fuzi quickly responded, tapping his own mouth twice. "I spoke without thinking. Please forgive me, Your Highness."


    In truth, Song Zhao''s thoughts were simple.


    She didn''t want Consort Chen to experience joy at this time, but she couldn''t openly take away her favor. That''s why she considered Concubine Xiao, who had both the Emperor''s favor and unique talents, as her best pawn.


    Furthermore, now that Li Changzai had passed away, among the newly entered concubines in the harem, she was the most eye-catching.


    The Empress and Consort Chen were both watching her closely, ready to seize any opportunity to criticize her. She felt constrained in everything she did.


    By suddenly bringing Concubine Xiao into the picture and diverting their attention, Song Zhao ensured that she would be the target instead. This was the best strategy.


    The next day, Song Zhao woke up early and arrived at the Empress''s pce before dawn.


    After waiting for a while, the concubines started arriving one by one.


    However, there was no sign of Concubine Xiao and Consort Chen.


    Consort Yun nced at Consort Hui, who was eating pastries, and said sarcastically,


    "It''s not surprising that Consort Chen iste, but why isn''t Concubine Xiao here today?"


    Consort Hui had her mouth full of pastries. After washing them down with a sip of milk tea, she replied in a muffled voice,


    "I don''t know either. Last night, Concubine Xiao went to the Chongyang Pce to meet the emperor, and she hadn''t returned when I went to sleep. The Empress Dowager said that she wanted an early audience today, but I overslept and arrivedte, so I didn''t pay attention to anything else."


    The crowd began to discuss it, each person offering their thoughts, but Song Zhao remained silent, quietly observing the empress''s expression.


    As the Empress, it was already a great disrespect for the consorts to arrivete for the audience.


    She had enough trouble dealing with Consort Chen before, and now Concubine Xiao had appeared out of nowhere.


    No matter how magnanimous she was, it was impossible for her not to feel any anger.


    Butter, when Concubine Xiao arrived in a panic and bowed beneath the hall, apologizing to the Empress, Song Zhao watched as the discontent on the empress''s face vanished in an instant, reced by her usual serene and gentle smile.


    "It''s alright. You work hard serving the emperor. Today, the pce audience was scheduled earlier than usual, so it doesn''t matter if you were a littlete. Please rise and take a seat."

 Chapter 45: Ice Water Blame

    <h4>Chapter 45</h4>


    The Empress naturally wouldn''t reprimand Concubine Xiao Zai,


    Because Consort Chen arrived eventer than her.


    If she were to scold Concubine Xiao Zai, what would Consort Chen say?


    So she could only endure it silently, but that doesn''t mean she doesn''t mind.


    After Concubine Xiao Zai arrived, everyone waited for a while until Consort Chen arrived leisurely.


    She perfunctorily greeted the Empress and took her seat. When she saw everyone''s gaze fixed on her,


    She rolled her eyes and covered her nose with a handkerchief, yawningzily, and said,


    "Weren''t we supposed to discuss how to celebrate the Emperor''s birthday? Are you all able to tell from staring at me like that?"


    After being sarcastically challenged by her, the other concubines withdrew their gazes and, prompted by the Empress, each spoke about the programs or gifts they had prepared to celebrate Xiao Jingheng''s birthday.


    When it was Song Zhao''s turn, she timidly said,


    "Your servant has no exceptional skills, but I can y the pipa. I have been practicing diligently these past few days, hoping to perform a piece for the Emperor''s birthday."


    The Empress smiled and said, "Very well, the pipa has a clear and resonant tone, and it is also quite challenging to y. Among the harem, only Consort Chen, who is skilled in many things without being overwhelmed, has some knowledge. But she can''t im expertise either."


    Consort Chen nced at Song Zhao from the corner of her eye and sneered, "Then y well. I''m also looking forward to seeing your performance."


    Then she turned to Xiao Zai and said, "Oh, Xiao Zai, you look really good today. I heard that your song yesterday deeply touched the Emperor''s heart, and he was very pleased. When ites to the Emperor''s birthday banquet, why don''t you also sing for us? Let the sisters have a glimpse of what kind of singing can make the Emperor take notice of you."


    Consort Chen''s words were filled with jealousy, and even Xiao Zai, who was not very clever, could sense the tone.


    She immediately panicked and said, "This servant... I dare not. Consort Chen, please forgive me. It was a slip of the tongue, and it didn''t mean that..."


    When she became nervous, she became tongue-tied and couldn''t articte her words clearly.


    Consort Chen didn''t even look at her, allowing her to remain reserved in her presence.


    The other concubines were all watching the spectacle with the mentality of enjoying the show, and no one was willing to mediate for Xiao Zai.


    Just at that moment, the Empress cleared her throat and said,


    "Consort Chen, we all heard the disrespectful implications in Xiao Zai''s words towards the Emperor. It was an unintentional mistake. Please don''t make things difficult for her."


    Upon hearing this, Consort Chen nced at the Empress, and then unexpectedly smiled and helped Xiao Zai to her feet.


    "This pce was just teasing you. Why are you so scared? This pce admires your beautiful voice. When you have free time, will you teach this pce?"


    Xiao Changzai finally breathed a sigh of relief and hurriedly said, "Noble Consort, you are too kind. It is an honor for me if you appreciate my humble skills."


    "Your words are truly sweet, no wonder the Emperor likes you. Since we''vee this far in our conversation, why not take advantage of the opportunity? Are you free today?"


    Xiao Changzai nodded repeatedly, "Of course, I am avable."


    Consort Chen said, "After bidding farewell to the Empress, apany this pce back to the pce. I hope you can teach me well."


    Everyone''s gaze fell on Consort Chen and Xiao Changzai,


    Only Song Zhao was looking at the Empress.


    The Empress had a faint smile on her lips, and she appearedposed, but it gave Song Zhao a chilling feeling.


    Although on the surface, the Empress was speaking up for Xiao Changzai, who didn''t know about the conflict between Consort Chen and the Empress?


    When the Empress advocated for Xiao Changzai, Consort Chen felt that the Empress was deliberately trying to win her over,


    In Consort Chen''s eyes, Xiao Changzai had taken away her favorst night, and today the Empress was extending an olive branch to Xiao Changzai. How could she tolerate Xiao Changzai?


    The Empress''s clever move of borrowing strength indeed worked wonders.


    Later, when they finished paying their respects and dispersed, Xiao Changzai followed Consort Chen back to the pce.


    On the way to Yonghe Pce, Xiao Changzai was still thinking:


    Consort Chen had a considerable influence in the harem, and if she could win her favor, her future would be much brighter.


    With this expectation in mind, when they arrived at Yonghe Pce, Consort Chen asked her to sing a sample.


    Xiao Changzai sang the song "A Dream in the Garden" with a beautiful and melodious voice, showing great skill.


    However, Consort Chen''s mind was filled with the seductive image of Xiao Jingheng on the dragon bedst night.


    So, before Xiao Changzai finished singing, she said, "Your performance is good, but it feels a bit off. Why don''t you try singing louder with a higher pitch? Let this pce hear how it sounds."


    Kunqu opera emphasizes a gentle and graceful melody, with a touch of mncholy. It''s not about who has the loudest voice or the highest pitch.


    Singing in such a strained and loud manner would only lose its charm.


    But Consort Chen insisted on hearing it, so Xiao Changzai had no choice but to sing with a forced effort.


    As she reached the high notes, it was evident that Xiao Changzai was already struggling, almost forcing her voice to sing.


    Consort Chen apuded and said, "That''s it, that''s much better. Sing a few more times, and let this pce listen and learn."


    At this moment, Xiao Changzai realized that Consort Chen was deliberately making things difficult for her,


    But it was easy for her to enter Yonghe Pce, but not so simple to leave.


    She could only obey Consort Chen''s words and sing two more times, even though her voice was already exhausted, and even her speaking voice became hoarse.


    "Consort Chen, cough... I''m feeling a bit exhausted. Can I..."


    "You can sing all night for the Emperor, but you can''t sing for this pce? Why? Are you unwilling to sing for this pce?"


    Xiao Changzai quickly swallowed the second half of her sentence and rephrased,


    "Concubine Xiao''s throat feels ufortable. May I ask the Consort Chen for a ss of water?"


    Consort Chen smiled and said, "Seems like I''ve been absent-minded. You''ve been singing for quite a while, yet I haven''t even prepared a cup of clear water for you. Ying Xiang, quickly fetch some water for Concubine Xiao."


    Ying Xiang swiftly handed a cup of water to Concubine Xiao.


    However, Concubine Xiao noticed that the water was filled with ice cubes, and her fingers holding the cup felt extremely cold.


    Seeing that she didn''t drink, Consort Chen asked, "Didn''t you say you wanted water from me? Why aren''t you drinking?"


    Concubine Xiao''s eyes turned red with bitterness, but reluctantly she finished the cup of icy water in one gulp.


    Consort Chen then smirked and yawned, saying,


    "I''m feeling a bit tired. I''ll go rest for a while. Ying Xiang, you''ll be in charge of attending to Concubine Xiao. Let her sing for another two hours, and once she bes proficient, she can then teach me."


    As Ying Xiang apanied Consort Chen back to the sleeping quarters, she deliberately raised her voice when passing by Concubine Xiao, saying,


    "Rest assured, Your Highness. I will take good care of Concubine Xiao!"

 Chapter 46: A Struggle for Favour

    <h4>Chapter 46</h4>


    It goes without saying that Concubine Xiao had strained her voice for a full two hours singing Kunqu opera in Yonghe Pce. Even the best voice would have been exhausted by now.


    As soon as she returned to the pce, she summoned the imperial physician. The physician informed her that it would take at least a couple of months for her condition to fully recover. This meant that during Xiao Jingheng''s birthday banquet, she would struggle not only to sing but even to utter a few words of blessing.


    Concubine Xiao''s favor was originally earned through her excellent singing voice. Now that her voice was hoarse, she had to resort to charming Xiao Jingheng in a coquettish manner at Chaoyang Pce in the hope of winning his sympathy.


    However, she was not clever enough. Shecked the noble family background of Consort Chen, the gracefulness of Consort Yao, and the beauty of Song Zhao.


    When she tearfully pleaded before Xiao Jingheng with her cracked voice, he only felt repulsed.


    He had heard that Concubine Xiao had strained her voice like this after singing in Consort Chen''s pce for an afternoon, so he knew that Consort Chen was once again jealous and throwing a tantrum.


    On the surface, heforted Concubine Xiao, saying, "You are just being foolish. If Consort Chen asks you to sing and you feel ufortable, you should have refused. Why did you ruin your voice like this?"


    Concubine Xiao hesitated upon hearing this.


    She did want to refuse, but as a lowly concubine, how could she dare to refuse Consort Chen?


    Just as she was about to express her grievances, Xiao Jingheng continued, "Your voice is damaged, and crying like this will only hinder your recovery. Go back and take care of yourself. Tomorrow, I will have someone send you some honey from Mount Zhongnan."


    With that, Concubine Xiao had nothing more to say and could only return home feeling frustrated.


    That night, Xiao Jingheng overturned Consort Chen''s signboard.


    Not only did he not me Consort Chen for this matter, but when he saw her, he jokingly remarked, "Why bother arguing with her?"


    "I, your humble concubine, naturally have to argue. Your Majesty knew that yesterday and today were my ''auspicious days,'' and you promised to apany me. It''s certainly not a good feeling for me," Consort Chen replied.


    Whenever Consort Chen and Xiao Jingheng were alone, they threw all rules out the window, but their yful banter was full of charm.


    She walked up to Xiao Jingheng and gracefully sat in his embrace with a slight tilt of her body.


    "I prepared a sumptuous feast for you yesterday, but you said you couldn''te and simply didn''t show up. I definitely felt disheartened," she said, raising her head in Xiao Jingheng''s embrace. With a flirtatious smile, she rubbed her nose against his chin like a yful kitten.


    "Your Majesty made me sad all night. Today, you mustpensate me well," she said in a soft, alluring voice. Her delicate hands slowly moved beneath her, reaching for the sash of Xiao Jingheng''s dragon robe.


    Xiao Jingheng chuckled and leaned closer to Consort Chen, lowering his voice.


    "Among all the pce women, you are the most unruly. Where do you think your hands should be?"


    He reached back and caught Consort Chen''s hand, exerting a little pressure. Just as they were about to explore further, a voice of urgency came from outside the door.


    "Your Majesty... Empress Dowager''s illness has rpsed. Would you like to go and see her?"


    Upon hearing this, Xiao Jingheng immediately stopped his actions.


    He supported Consort Chen''s slender waist, barely a handful, and moved her aside before asking, "Didn''t the imperial physician say that the illness would be less likely to recur in autumn? Why is it not getting better?"


    "I am not sure either. The Empress did not send anyone to inform us. She only summoned the other consorts to attend to her illness."


    Consort Chen looked at Xiao Jingheng''s concerned expression and grew increasingly resentful. She understood perfectly well that the Empress was pretending to be sick!


    So, without mincing her words, she said, "Why is it that every time I serve His Majesty, the Empress feels ufortable here and there? If those who know think it''s the Empress''s heart ailment, those who don''t know would think I am the one troubling the Empress."


    Xiao Jingheng, aware of Consort Chen''s dissatisfaction, held her hand and reassured her, "Tonight, I flipped your sign, so naturally, I will apany you. If the Empress is unwell, I cannot ignore it. If you don''t like it, you can stay behind and wait for my return."


    "The Emperor has already gone. If I don''t go, what business do I have? I will apany the Emperor on this trip, so that I can also show concern for the Empress and fulfill the duties of a consort."


    The two of them arrived at Feng Luan Pce, and almost all the consorts in the imperial harem, except for Consort Shu who was still recuperating, had gathered.


    Following the others, Song Zhao also wanted to pay her respects to Xiao Jingheng. However, he went straight to the Empress''s bedside and inquired, "How is the Empress feeling?"


    The Empress was somewhat surprised by Xiao Jingheng''s sudden visit. "Why has the Emperore?"


    She wanted to get up and greet him, but Xiao Jingheng pressed her down and said, "You are unwell. There''s no need for formalities. What did the imperial physician say?"


    The Empress replied, "I am fine. I just feel a bit suffocated in my chest. Consort Ying came to visit me and saw that I wasn''t doing well, so she gathered the sisters from the harem to attend to me. I didn''t expect to disturb Your Majesty''s rest."


    Xiao Jingheng held her hand and reassured her, "It''s alright. Your well-being is the most important."


    Unbeknownst to them, Song Zhao quietly observed the Empress''s act.


    If it wasn''t her intention, why would Consort Ying gather all the consorts to attend to her?


    The Empress was also pretending to be clueless while harboring a clear understanding.


    The collective visit of the consorts to Feng Luan Pce was quite amotion. How could the people in the court not inform Xiao Jingheng?


    Song Zhao understood the intention behind her actions. It was simply to prevent Xiao Jingheng from summoning her to his bed during Consort Chen''s "favorable days."


    This reasoning was apparent to Song Zhao, and certainly Consort Chen understood it as well.


    Seeing that the two were about to argue further, Xiao Jingheng''s expression turned serious as he said, "Enough. The Empress is ill, so both of you should refrain from arguing further."


    As they spoke, he asked again, "The imperial physician said that once the Empress''s autumn heart ailment settles, it is less likely to rpse. However, she suddenly feels unwell today. Did the imperial physician mention the reason?"


    Concubine Xiao hurriedly replied, "The imperial physician said that the Empress has developed an illness due to excessivebor. He advised her not to overexert herself in her daily affairs."


    Consort Yun expressed her confusion, "It is said that the Empress had already entrusted the intricate matters of the six pces to Consort Yin since the beginning of spring. She shouldn''t have muchborious work to do. How could she have developed an illness due to excessivebor?"


    "Heh~" Consort Chen sneered, "In my opinion, the Empress burdens her heart with unnecessary worries on ordinary days, which ultimately takes a toll on her own well-being. This heart ailment should be rested carefully. Your Majesty, the Empress should rest early."


    The Empress could naturally discern the sarcasm in Consort Chen''s words, but since Xiao Jingheng didn''t intervene, she could only maintain her usual gentle smile and calmly say, "Your Majesty, please don''t worry about tonight''s matter. I am fine. It would be best for you and Consort Chen to return and rest."


    "Thud!"


    Just as the Empress finished her words of persuasion, a muffled sound of impact came from the direction of the main hall.


    Everyone turned their heads towards the sound and saw that Shuang Ruo, a senior pce maid by the Empress''s side, had hastily stuffed something into a cab and closed the door in a flustered manner...

 Chapter 47: Watching the Fire from the Shore

    <h4>Chapter 47</h4>


    Shuang Ruo was anxious and uneasy, her eyes darting to the wardrobe behind her from time to time, making it easy for people to imagine that she had hidden something bad inside.


    Seeing everyone staring at Shuang Ruo, the Empress'' expression was also slightly unnatural,


    "Shuang Ruo, you have been getting clumsier recently. The tea has gone cold, go and make some fresh tea for Us."


    Just as Shuang Ruo was about to withdraw to carry out the order, Consort Chen noticed the abnormality between the master and servant, and quickly said:


    "Wait a moment. This servant sees her acting suspiciously, not knowing what she is up to. There is amon saying that it is difficult to prevent theft in one''s own household. The Empress is ill, yet this maid is not attending to Her Majesty, but instead has been rummaging around in your wardrobe?"


    The atmosphere in the hall was tense for a moment,


    Taking advantage of the fact that Xiao Jingheng had not yet spoken, Consort Chen had Ying Xiang open the wardrobe to see what Shuang Ruo had hidden inside.


    Unexpectedly, as soon as the wardrobe was opened, a bright yellow nightgown fell out.


    Fortunately, Shuang Ruo reacted quickly to catch it before the nightgown hit the ground.


    Clutching the nightgown, Shuang Ruo checked it anxiously, murmuring from time to time:


    "Luckily it''s not dirty, otherwise the heartfelt gift that the Empress made for the Emperor would have gone to waste..."


    Everyone''s eyes fell on what was in her hands,


    and saw that she was holding an unfinished nightgown.


    The material used for the nightgown was high-quality bright yellow brocade, embroidered with nine five-wed golden dragons, implying supreme status.


    One could tell at a nce that this was hand-made by the Empress herself, intended as a gift for Xiao Jingheng.


    The golden dragons embroidered on the nightgown were vivid and the needlework exquisite, clearly created with great effort and skill.


    After a brief silence in the hall, Xiao Jingheng asked:


    "Why did you hide a nightgown?"


    Shuang Ruo pursed her lips and stole a nce at the Empress before replying stubbornly:


    "Replying to Your Majesty, this nightgown is a birthday gift specially made by Her Majesty the Empress for you. She started preparing it earlyst year, personally taking charge of selecting the material, cutting and embroidery.


    Her Majesty had originally intended to keep it a secret from Your Majesty and give you a surprise on your birthday. But Your Majesty paid an unexpected visit today, and this servant was afraid you would catch sight of the nightgown hidden behind the feather pillow, so I wanted to hide it away. I didn''t expect..."


    Shuang Ruo rambled on and on, in fact to convey two points to Xiao Jingheng.


    First, the Empress had prepared his birthday present for eight or nine months.


    Second, the reason the Empress had "fallen ill from overwork" was from personally sewing the nightgown day and night.


    The Empress had shown utmost sincerity, how could Xiao Jingheng not be moved?


    After all, true feelings were the rarest thing in the harem, even for an emperor.


    The Empress blushed after her secret was uncovered, bashfully lowering her head and saying:


    "Your servant''s skills are crude, Your Majesty must beughing."


    Xiao Jingheng gestured for Shuang Ruo to bring the nightgown forward. He gently caressed the soft fabric and exquisite embroidery, then said after a long pause:


    "Embroidering this golden dragon design is extremelyplicated, and you used the Xiang embroidery technique, which is most delicate and difficult. It goes without saying how much thought you put into this. I am truly touched by your sentiments."


    "I''m d it pleases Your Majesty. These are actually just my wifely duties. Naturally as a wife I hope my husband can wear a nightgown made by my own hands, that is the most intimate feeling."


    Xiao Jingheng nodded slightly, holding the Empress''s hand, "It is very good that you have this intention. But in future, you must take care of your health first in everything, understand?"


    The Empress nodded lightly, a warm smile blossoming and lighting up the room.


    This scene appeared harmonious between emperor and empress to onlookers, but Consort Chen only felt disgusted.


    Later Xiao Jingheng said, "Since the Empress is in good health, there is no need for you to remain here, return to your pces and rest."


    Upon hearing this, Consort Chen immediately took two steps forward, wanting to take Xiao Jingheng''s arm to apany him back to Chaoyang Pce.


    But before she could get close, she saw Xiao Jingheng looking tenderly at the Empress, gently saying:


    "I will stay tonight to apany the Empress."


    Consort Chen froze where she stood,


    the hand already half stretched out stiffened in mid air, neither able to advance nor retreat.


    The Empress said, "But...wasn''t Consort Chen''s turn with Your Majesty tonight? Staying to keep mepany does not seem quite proper."


    "It''s fine," Xiao Jingheng looked at Consort Chen, "Wan''er is not petty in that way."


    His words were equivalent to directly sealing Consort Chen''s mouth.


    He had given her high praise, what more could she say?


    She could only force out an awkward smile, "Since the Empress is unwell, it is natural for Your Majesty to stay and attend to her. After all I often have the fortune of Your Majesty''spany, it makes no difference to miss a day or two."


    That night, as expected Xiao Jingheng stayed in the Empress'' pce.


    In the following days Xiao Jingheng did not visit Song Zhao at all, but instead greatly favored Consort Chen,


    clearly trying to please her as he summoned her twice in five days.


    Xiao Jingheng noting to see Song Zhao did not bother her one bit.


    She spent her days in the pce practicing the pipa, while Yun Shan was the first to lose patience.


    "Little mistress, His Majesty has not been to our pce for many days. Shall we prepare some snacks tomorrow and visit him to show our faces?"


    Yun Shan meant well. The emperor''s favor was gained and lost swiftly. She was worried that without his favor, Song Zhao would be bullied again.


    But Song Zhao said, "If His Majesty wanted to see me, even if knives rained from the sky he woulde. Since he doesn''t wish to see me, going to pester him would only be annoying. Why bother?"


    She appearedpletely unconcerned, continuing to strum her pipa.


    But in her heart she was assured:


    So what if Xiao Jingheng currently favored Consort Chen?


    Consort Chen had suffered a miscarriage before, damaging her fertility. It would be very difficult for her to conceive again.


    Her "auspicious day" was the day calcted by the Imperial Medical Bureau and Imperial Astronomical Bureau to be suitable for her to conceive.


    Such a day was rare, urring only two or three days every three to five months. Missing this chance, who knew how long more she would have to wait?


    Consort Chen had eagerly anticipated this but ended up with nothing. How could she not be furious?


    From beginning to end, ruining Consort Chen''s good fortune could be said to be a joint effort by the Empress and Song Zhao.


    Yet Consort Chen was unaware of Song Zhao''s involvement, only ming the Empress and Xiao Changzai.


    Song Zhao knew that given Consort Chen''s personality, she would never swallow this grievance.


    As for herself, she did not need to do anything. She just had to keep her hands clean and watch the show from afar.

 Chapter 48: Song Zhao is Pregnant

    <h4>Chapter 48</h4>


    As the Wan Shou Festival approached for Xiao Jingheng, ording to pce rules, each pce had to send pce women to the Wanfo Temple outside the pce to burn incense and pray, representing the princes and princesses to pray for the emperor''s blessings.


    Song Zhao originally nned to send Yun Shan, but upon hearing this arrangement, Xiao Fuzi said:


    "To pray outside the pce, it takes a full seven days, and for the first three days, one must fast. It''s extremely difficult. Yun Shan, a young girl, can''t endure such hardships. It''s better for a servant to go instead."


    Xiao Fuzi and Yun Shan had been friends since childhood,


    Although he had suffered a knife wound that severed his future generations, he still fulfilled his role as a man.


    Since following Song Zhao, he had taken care of all the trivial matters inside and outside the pce in an orderly manner, and he also took good care of Yun Shan.


    Upon hearing his openly concerned words, Yun Shan blushed and felt embarrassed, saying:


    "You''re right! I can endure any hardship for the princess. I won''t fall for your kindness~"


    Xiao Fuzi teased, "I didn''t say it was for you. You just picked it up for nothing. As a girl, it''s definitely more convenient for you to stay by the princess''s side and take care of her than for me."


    Song Zhao, seeing the banter between the two of them, couldn''t help butugh,


    "I''ve seen peoplepete for good things, but I''ve never seen anyonepete to be monks and nuns at the temple. I think Xiao Fuzi makes sense. It''s more convenient for Yun Shan to serve me up close. Zhi Hua and Xi Ying, no matter what, they''re not part of our own people, and I can''t trust them."


    Upon hearing this, Xiao Fuzi proudly lifted his chin at Yun Shan.


    Yun Shan became infuriated, stomping her feet and patting his shoulders forcefully, muttering a few teasing words. The two of them started quarreling again.


    The days in the pce were monotonous and tiresome.


    But with Yun Shan and Xiao Fuzi by her side, even the most boring days didn''t make Song Zhao feel bored.


    The next day, Xiao Fuzi left the pce for the temple. During the evening meal, Xiao Jingheng came to the Yaohua Pce.


    It had been seven or eight days since Song Zhaost saw him.


    He looked radiant and even more handsome, a testament to how well Consort Chen had taken care of him.


    As soon as he saw Song Zhao, he became very affectionate, holding her hand and taking a seat next to her, saying:


    "I''ve missed you a lot these past few days."


    Song Zhao, rarely disying a bit of coquettishness, withdrew her hand from his palm and turned away, pretending to be jealous, saying:


    "I thought Your Majesty had forgotten about me."


    "If I had forgotten you, how could I know that you y the pipa so well?"


    A hint of surprise shed in Song Zhao''s eyes, pouting yfully, she said:


    "Why is Your Majesty like this? I kindly prepared a birthday celebration program for you, and you had people eavesdrop on it."


    Xiao Jingheng smiled and pulled her into his embrace, "I miss you, so I always have the people in the courte and see what you''re doing. When they reach your door, they hear the sound of the pipa ying day and night, but it''s not intentional for people to listen."


    Song Zhao gave a coquettish hum, pretending to be sullen, and teased Xiao Jingheng.


    "Could it be that I was wrong?" Xiao Jingheng lowered his head and lightly kissed her on the neck, saying, "The pce women say you y the pipa extremely well. They brought it for me to listen to as well?"


    "No," Song Zhao pouted and shook her head, looking both adorable and coy. "I said it''s a surprise for the Emperor''s birthday. If I reveal it now, where''s the surprise? It wouldn''t be right for the Emperor to leave his concubine aside during the birthday feast, right?"


    Her coquettish behavior melted Xiao Jingheng''s heart.


    He held her tighter and coaxed her, saying, "Alright, alright. Then I''ll wait for my beloved consort to amaze everyone at my birthday banquet."


    In preparation for Xiao Jingheng''s birthday, all the concubines in the pce were getting ready.


    However, everyone was keeping it a secret, afraid of stealing the limelight from others.


    But Song Zhao was different.


    She had already informed everyone that she would y the pipa and practiced daily in the pce, with Yao Consort as her audience.


    The more she did that, the more Xiao Jingheng felt she was an innocent person without schemes.


    In this pce, the more pure and untainted a person was, the more likable they became.


    After having dinner together, Xiao Jingheng originally nned to take Song Zhao back to Chaoyang Pce.


    But at that moment, Jiang Deshun suddenly muttered a few words that Xiao Jingheng didn''t understand, so Xiao Jingheng said, "Then rest well today. I won''t summon anyone else and will return to Chaoyang Pce to review the memorials."


    Shortly after he left, the pce staff brought Song Zhao a cup of excellent ginger tea with brown sugar.


    It tasted best during her menstruation.


    While sipping the warm ginger tea, Song Zhao leaned against the railing and gazed at the moon.


    Yun Shan spected softly, "It has been five days since the princess''s menstrual cycle started. Could it be...?"


    Having served Song Zhao for many years, it was the first time Yun Shan witnessed her irregr menstrual cycle, so her thoughts naturally turned to the possibility of pregnancy.


    Song Zhao lightly replied, "Is it that easy?"


    In fact, she also had doubts in her heart, wondering if her previous actions to solidify Li''s guilt by poisoning herself had caused her menstrual cycle to be irregr.


    To be cautious, she nned to find a royal physician the next day to examine her pulse.


    After bidding farewell to the Empress the next day and just as Song Zhao was about to return to the pce, Consort Yun, who usually had little interaction with her, stopped her.


    "I heard that you''re preparing to y the pipa at the Emperor''s birthday banquet? I happened to have a copy of ''The Green Fairy by the Washed Stream.'' It''s perfect for ying on such a festive asion. Take it and study it."


    Consort Yun''s invitation was hard to refuse, and Song Zhao politely epted.


    She knew Consort Yun wasn''t so kind-hearted; she just wanted to see what trick she was ying.


    To her surprise, when they arrived at Changchun Pce, Consort Yun didn''t say anything unnecessary and directly handed the music score to Song Zhao.


    As Song Zhao flipped through the pages, she realized it was the lost second half of ''The Green Fairy by the Washed Stream.''


    For someone who loved music, this was truly a priceless treasure.


    Song Zhao hurriedly said, "This... How can I ept such a generous gift from Your Highness?"


    Consort Yun waved her hand dismissively, "It''s all for serving the Emperor. Naturally, the Emperor''s happiness takes priority during his birthday banquet. Besides, I''m only letting you study it, not giving it to you. You don''t need to be so polite."


    Song Zhao thanked Consort Yun for her generosity and chatted with her over tea for a while.


    But unexpectedly, while they were talking, Song Zhao suddenly felt a surge in her stomach and couldn''t help but retch.


    Consort Yun gently swept her hand over Song Zhao''s back and asked with concern, "Oh, what''s wrong? Are you feeling ufortable somewhere?"


    Song Zhao didn''t furrow her brows and shook her head. "I''m fine, perhaps I caught a chill due to the recent change in weather."


    "It doesn''t seem like that to me. The way you look reminds me of Consort Chen and Consort Shu when they were pregnant," Consort Yun said, lowering her voice. "Let me ask you, has your monthly cycle arrived this month?"


    Blushing shyly, Song Zhao shook her head. Consort Yun immediately eximed, "Oh my! There might be good news! Coincidentally, Imperial Physician Zhao is here to check my pulse for safety. He''s waiting in the side hall. Let him examine you!" Without waiting for Song Zhao''s response, Consort Yun took her hand and hurriedly led her to the side hall.


    "My kitchen is still cooking, I''lle right after I fetch Imperial Physician Zhao for you," Consort Yun said before leaving, leaving Song Zhao alone with Imperial Physician Zhao.


    Imperial Physician Zhao had a mature appearance and stroked his beard as he respectfully asked Song Zhao to take a seat. After covering her wrist with a thin gauze, he began feeling her pulse.


    Song Zhao watched as his expression changed from calm to delighted before her eyes.


    After a moment,


    His eyes sparkled with joy, and he took two steps back, bowing deeply. "Congrattions, Your Highness! Congrattions, Your Highness! ording to your pulse, you have been pregnant for over a month!"

 Chapter 49: The Wave of Happy Pulse

    <h4>Chapter 49</h4>


    Compared to Imperial Physician Zhao''s joy, Song Zhao somehow felt that there was something strange about this matter that was hard to pinpoint.


    Yun Shan was very happy, however. "Congrattions, mydy! This is tremendously good news!"


    Imperial Physician Zhao also said with a smile, "His Majesty has been in low spirits due to Consort Shu''s miscarriage. Now that there is mydy''s pregnancy, it can be considered as somefort."


    Song Zhao was silent for a while before saying with a smile, "This is all thanks to Imperial Physician Zhao''s blessings."


    Later, Imperial Physician Zhao said he was going to Consort Hui''s Pce to take her pulse. Then he hurried away.


    No sooner had he left than Consort Yun returned to the side hall.


    "How is it? What did Imperial Physician Zhao say?"


    Yun Shan happily said, "Replying Consort Yun, Imperial Physician Zhao said mydy..."


    "She did catch a chill," Song Zhao interjected, cutting off Yun Shan''s following words. "It was my own fault for craving coolness, I always keep the window open when I sleep now that autumn has arrived."


    Hearing this, the smile on Consort Yun''s face froze slightly, but soon returned to normal.


    "This servant doesn''t think so. Look at your pce maid, she looks gleeful. If you were sick, wouldn''t she feel distressed for you?"


    She moved closer to Song Zhao and lowered her voice to ask,


    "Could it be that my sister has a joyous news, and wants to keep it for now to surprise His Majesty at his birthday celebration?"


    Song Zhao smiled mildly. "Baseless spection. How could I dare joke about such an important matter as the imperial heir?"


    Since Consort Yun could not say anything more, she chatted for a few more sentences before letting Song Zhao return to her pce with the music score.


    After sending Song Zhao out of the pce, Zhi Lan returned to Consort Yun''s side to serve her.


    "Mydy, do you think Song Zhao believes this?"


    Consort Yun''s narrow eyes arched up and her expression was unrestrained. "Whether she believes it or not, even if she has doubts and asks other imperial physicians from the Imperial Medical Bureau to verify when she returns to her pce, what can she do? She is only a Consort Zhen. She can only order the imperial physicians Hu and Xu to take her pulse. They all sing the same tune and will only say that she is indeed pregnant."


    As she spoke, a frivolous smile appeared on her face. "As long as she believes she is pregnant, if one day she can''t restrain herself and speaks it out, only to have it exposed that she faked the pregnancy topete for favor, then her favor will bepletely cut off."


    *


    On the way back to the pce, Song Zhao was silent all the way and did not speak.


    Privately, Yun Shan thought that women in the pce were full of schemes. It was normal for Song Zhao to not want to tell Consort Yun about her pregnancy. After all, Consort Shu''s example was right there. Anyone would need to be more vignt.


    But even if she concealed it from the consorts, she would still need to inform Xiao Jingheng.


    Yun Shan put a goose feather cushion under Song Zhao¡¯s lower back. ¡°When does mydy n to tell His Majesty this good news?¡±


    Song Zhao pondered and shook her head. ¡°Don¡¯t rush for now. There is something strange I noticed. Why didn¡¯t Imperial Physician Zhao tell Consort Yun that he diagnosed me as pregnant? Didn''t Consort Yun say that Imperial Physician Zhao came to take her pulse? Howe after taking my pulse, he hurried away?¡±


    Yun Shan was shocked. ¡°Is mydy suspecting this is a scheme? But that doesn¡¯t make sense. If we announce this and it turns out that mydy is not actually pregnant, then Imperial Physician Zhao would be all talk. Would he give up his future prospects?


    Song Zhao raised her eyebrows at Yun Shan. ¡°Then who can prove that Imperial Physician Zhao said this to me? After all, when he told me I was pregnant, the only people in the side hall were you and me.¡±


    After hearing this, Yun Shan couldn¡¯t help but gasp. ¡°So he deliberately wants to harm mydy! Fortunately, mydy stopped me earlier when I wanted to announce the pregnancy. Otherwise this matter would definitely have spread everywhere. Instead, it would seem that mydy faked her pregnancy topete for favor. This would be jumping into the Yellow River and still unable to wash oneself clear. This servant will invite other imperial physicians from the Imperial Medical Bureau to examine mydy again.¡±


    Song Zhao calmly said, ¡°Go ahead and invite them.¡±


    About half a time periodter, Yun Shan brought Imperial Physician Xu to Yao Hua Pce.


    After Imperial Physician Xu examined Song Zhao¡¯s pulse again, he also had an ecstatic expression as he happily announced, ¡°Congrattions mydy, you have been pregnant for over a month!¡±


    Hearing this, Song Zhao was suddenly overjoyed and somewhat flustered as she said, ¡°How could there be such joyous news? Then I¡¯ll have to trouble the imperial physician to inform His Majesty.¡±


    However, Imperial Physician Xu said, ¡°This is tremendous news. You still have to personally tell His Majesty yourself to make him happier. His Majesty¡¯s birthday celebration ising up soon. If you announce this news at his birthday banquet, wouldn¡¯t it delight His Majesty more than any birthday present?¡±


    Song Zhao pondered briefly before nodding repeatedly. ¡°What the imperial physician said makes sense. Then I¡¯ll wait until His Majesty¡¯s birthday banquet to personally give him this pleasant surprise. Please help me keep this a secret for now.¡±


    ¡°Naturally, naturally.¡±


    After Imperial Physician Xu left, Song Zhao gently caressed her t abdomen and coldlyughed. ¡°My status is only that of a Consort Zhen. The only imperial physicians who specifically serve Consort Zhen are Imperial Physician Hu and Imperial Physician Xu. If someone ordered them to deceive me, then I would really be helpless.¡±


    Shezily reclined backwards, her gaze falling on the nail polish on her nails which she gently fiddled with. She leisurely said to Yun Shan,


    ¡°The reason I asked you to invite the imperial physicians was not to hear any truths from them, but to make the person scheming against me in the shadows believe I have fallen into her trap. Only then would she let down her guard and reveal her tricks.¡±


    Yun Shan said, ¡°No matter how they scheme against mydy, with your astuteness, they definitely won¡¯t seed! No matter how much malicious intent they have, they can never guess that there is also the exceptionally skilled Xiao Fuzi by mydy¡¯s side!¡±


    Three dayster, after Xiao Fuzi¡¯s period of seclusion and prayer for blessings ended, the first thing she did upon returning to Yao Hua Pce was to carefully examine Song Zhao¡¯s pulse.


    Sure enough, the pulse showed that Song Zhao was not pregnant at all.


    She was a little puzzled. ¡°It makes sense that I''m not pregnant, but why didn''t I get my period this month? Do you know why?¡±


    Xiao Fuzi frowned and pondered for a moment before saying, ¡°Mydy¡¯s pulse shows slightly deficient qi and blood, and loss of menstrual blood. I''m afraid some unclean item was consumed.¡±


    Yun Shan quickly said, ¡°That can¡¯t be. Ever since the arsenic incident, mydy has been extremely cautious with food. The meals sent from the imperial kitchen have all been personally verified by the food tasters. There wouldn¡¯t be any problems.¡±


    Song Zhao thought for a moment and said, ¡°The problem is not in our pce. When I go to greet the Empress every day, I can''t not eat or use the snacks and tea she rewards me with. I remember that the tea snacks from the Empress¡¯ pce these two days were all local specialties sent by Consort Yun. If she has malicious intent, it would not be difficult for her to arrange something.¡±


    Yun Shan asked, ¡°Should mydy inform His Majesty about this?¡±


    Song Zhao raised her eyebrows and shook her head, smiling calmly.


    ¡°Since Consort Yun wants to harm me, I¡¯ll just repay her tooth for tooth, and use an even fiercer and more vicious method to harm her. His Majesty has state affairs to manage daily, why should I add to his troubles?¡±

 Chapter 50: The Emperor serves Meals

    <h4>Chapter 50</h4>


    The next morning when Song Zhao got up, the sunlight was obscured by thick clouds, and the cool autumn wind rolled up the first withered leaves in the courtyard and drifted into the hall through thettice windows, falling into Song Zhao''s hands.


    She looked up at the gloomy sky, and an autumn rain fell down without any sign.


    Today when going to greet the Empress, many consorts camete because of the rain.


    Consort Chen, who had never arrived on time before, simply had Ying Xiange back to the Empress today to tell her that she would note.


    Fortunately, the Empress had always been very generous and never cared about such things with Consort Chen. After everyone arrived, the Empress took out the itinerary she had prepared for Xiao Jingheng¡¯s longevity banquet and shared it with everyone.


    In the past when greeting the Empress, Consort Hui had always eaten the most cakes and drinks.


    But today Song Zhao ate even more than her.


    Consort Yin nced at her and joked, "What''s the matter with Lady Song today? She seems to have an even better appetite than Sister Consort Hui!"


    Consort Hui had round bulging cheeks like a little squirrel as she looked at Song Zhao and smiled coquettishly,


    "Sister Song must feel the same as me, that the desserts in the Empress''s pce are especially delicious!"


    Song Zhao was a little embarrassed and said, "What Consort Hui said is right. Today I saw that it was raining and I was afraid that I would miss the time to greet the Empress, so I hurried over without having breakfast. Now losing etiquette in front of you sisters, I have really made myself a joke."


    "It doesn''t matter. Recently the tea and pastries you use when greeting are all specialties from Consort Yun''s hometown." The Empress smiled gently and pointed to the honey water in front of Song Zhao, saying,


    "For example, the rhododendron honey in front of you was personally brewed by Zhi Lan, who is always by Consort Yun''s side, and brought to Us every day. Consort Yun is very thoughtful. She was afraid others would not grasp the proper temperature of the boiling water and would ruin this high quality honey, which would be a waste."


    When Song Zhao heard this, she knew what was going on.


    She had wondered before how Consort Yun dared to urately slip her something dirty.


    After all, when greeting the Empress, everyone was eating the same food and drinks.


    She couldn¡¯t have slipped something into everyone¡¯s tea and cakes to make the whole harem¡¯s periods dyed and falsely pregnant together, right?


    But if this rhododendron honey was personally brewed by Zhi Lan by Consort Yun''s side, then the effect would be different.


    After passing through her hands, she could naturally slip something to whomever she wanted without anyone noticing.


    Song Zhao secretly calcted in her heart, and after drinking a bowl of rhododendron honey, she bashfully said to Consort Yun:


    "The taste of this rhododendron honey is so wonderful, I¡¯m afraid I¡¯ve been rude to ask for another bowl."


    When Consort Yun heard this, she smiled and said, "Since my sister likes it so much, I will have Zhi Lan fetch more for you to take back to your pce, and also have her teach your maids the method of brewing it, so you can drink it anytime you want in the future."


    Song Zhao was overjoyed and said, "How can this be? I¡¯ve heard rhododendron honey is extremely precious, how can I..."


    "We¡¯re all sisters, why are you being so polite with me?" Consort Yun acted very enthusiastically, and quickly beckoned Yun Shan to follow Zhi Lan to fetch the honey.


    Her behavior made Song Zhao puzzled in her heart, thinking:


    Consort Yun doesn''t seem stupid, so how dare she openly give out honey with dirty stuff added under everyone''s eyes like this?


    Later, after Song Zhao returned to the pce and had Xiao Fuzi inspect the rhododendron honey, she realized that the reason Consort Yun dared to do this was not because she was stupid, but because she was extremely cunning.


    Xiao Fuzi said: "Just like the boronia fragrance added to the morning dew Consort Yun gifted youst time, this rhododendron honey also contains an ingredient called ''toad liquorice''. It¡¯s harmless when taken alone, but it conflicts fatally with brown sugar. If taken together with brown sugar, it will cause dyed menstruation in women."


    Yun Shan said angrily: "After the poisoning incidentst time, the imperial doctor ordered the young miss to nourish her qi and blood. It ismon knowledge in the pce that the young miss drinks a bowl of brown sugar water every morning after getting up!"


    It was another case of drug-food interaction, enough to show Consort Yun''s mastery of pharmacology, and that she was a very cautious person.


    No wonder she dared give the rhododendron honey to Song Zhao.


    Because she knew that even if anything went wrong, she could still get away with itpletely.


    Song Zhao''s delicate eyebrows rolled up some yfulness as she coldlyughed and said,


    "She really thinks highly of me."


    Yun Shan said, "The young miss will not drink this stuff in the future. Let''s see what other tricks she can still y to harm the young miss! This ve will throw away the dirty stuff now!"


    As she spoke, she hugged the honey jar and headed out.


    Song Zhao called her back and said, "This stuff is so precious, it would be a pity to pour it away. Keep it, as I still have other uses for it."


    *


    These two days because of Song Zhao''s "period", Xiao Jingheng did not summon her to serve him at night.


    But for Song Zhao, Xiao Jingheng still treated her differently from the other consorts after all.


    Even without spending the night together, he did notpletely neglect Song Zhao.


    As it happened, tonight an attendant from the imperial presence came to pass a message to Song Zhao, saying that Xiao Jingheng wanted her to have lunch with him at Chaoyang Pce tomorrow.


    Early the next morning, Song Zhao ordered Xiao Fuzi, "Go to the Bird and Flower Office and get two pots of wisteria flowers they are cultivating for me."


    She then took Yun Shan with her to the Imperial Garden.


    After yesterday''s rain, a lot of autumn dew had condensed in the Imperial Garden.


    The pce maids said using autumn dew to wash your face could best moisturize the skin, so the Imperial Garden was very lively today with almost every pce sending people to collect it.


    While collecting autumn dew, Song Zhao and Yun Shan saw Consort Chen''s Ying Xiang in the distance.


    The mistress and servant circled behind Ying Xiang about ten meters away. While collecting autumn dew, Yun Shan said:


    "If this ve may say so, His Majesty still cares a lot about the young miss. Although the young miss couldn''t serve him these two nights, His Majesty still thinks about you. Didn''t he send someone to our pce yesterday to say he wanted to have lunch with the young miss today?"


    Song Zhao blushed with shame and pped Yun Shan on the shoulder, "Oh you, your jokes are getting more and more smooth."


    They walked awayughing and talking, but the two "idental" sentences were heard clearly by Ying Xiang.


    After returning to the pce, Song Zhao got busy in the small kitchen.


    Xiao Fuzi brought the wisteria flowers back from the Bird and Flower Office. Song Zhao added fresh wisteria petals when cooking, making a dessert.


    Yun Shan wondered, "Is the young miss going to take this to His Majesty? But His Majesty doesn''t like sweet food..."


    While skillfully kneading the dough, Song Zhao smiled and said,


    "His Majesty has been very busy these days with the floods in the south. This wisteria brown sugar cake is the best for nourishing qi and blood. Whether His Majesty eats it or not, at least he¡¯ll know my thoughts."


    "The young miss is so thoughtful, no wonder His Majesty likes you~"


    After the cakes were done, seeing it was about time, Song Zhao took the food box and hurried to Chaoyang Pce.


    As soon as she entered the pce gate, Jiang Deshun personally weed her to the imperial presence.


    But unlike previous smiles and greetings, Jiang Deshun''s face was obviously a bit awkward today.


    After greeting Song Zhao past the covered walkway, he whispered,


    "Lady Song, Consort Chen is also attending His Majesty at the moment."

 Chapter 51: An Eye for an Eye

    <h4>Chapter 51</h4>


    When Song Zhao heard this, she slowed her pace and said somewhat awkwardly:


    "Since His Majesty has Consort Chen to serve him, I will take my leave first."


    She turned to leave, but Jiang Deshun hurriedly stopped her,


    "Lady Song has misunderstood. Today His Majesty has invited you to dine with him. Even if Consort Chenes, His Majesty has specifically reminded this servant to bring you directly to the hall when you arrive. If Lady Song leaves like this, His Majesty will surely me this servant for being ipetent..."


    Song Zhao was silent for a moment before nodding, "I understand. His Majesty is considering me and does not want me to feel neglected. If I leave now, it would be somewhat ungrateful.


    Jiang Deshunughed heartily, "Lady Song, what are you saying? Please, this way."


    Outside the main hall, Jiang Deshun knocked on the door three times. Xiao Jingheng¡¯s low and appealing voice immediately responded from inside,


    "Enter."


    Jiang Deshun bowed and pushed open the door, gesturing for Song Zhao to enter.


    Clutching the food box in her hand, she slowly stepped inside. She saw Xiao Jingheng and Consort Chen sitting at the dining table, having already started their meal.


    Standing far away, she curtsied to both of them,


    "This concubine pays her respects to His Majesty and Consort Chen. May Consort remain in good health and His Majesty live for ten thousand years."


    It was only then that Xiao Jingheng¡¯s gaze fell upon Song Zhao. Just as he was about to say "rise,"


    Consort Chen picked up a piece of seared beef with her chopsticks and brought it close to Xiao Jingheng¡¯s mouth coquettishly,


    "Your Majesty, this seared beef must be eaten while hot. It won''t taste as good when it gets cold."


    Xiao Jingheng ate the beef and said to Consort Chen, "The consort is thoughtful."


    Only then did he say to Song Zhao, "There is no need to stand on ceremony, take a seat."


    Consort Chenughed awkwardly, "Oh my, this concubine is muddled. I was so focused on letting His Majesty enjoy his meal that I forgot my sister was still standing there."


    She got up and pulled back the chair next to her, raising her brows at Song Zhao,


    "Sister, do take a seat. His Majesty was just talking to me about you."


    At that moment, Consort Chen¡¯s smile looked more like a sharp de in Song Zhao¡¯s eyes.


    And Xiao Jingheng''s earlier attitude had made the distinction clear as ck and white.


    The seared beef that Consort Chen fed him represented her standing in Xiao Jingheng¡¯s heart,


    And when he told Song Zhao to take a seat represented her standing.


    Consort Chen had emerged victorious.


    But this was also to be expected.


    Song Zhao neatly sat down across from Consort Chen and Xiao Jingheng.


    Watching Consort Chen and Xiao Jingheng chatting pleasantly, she was like an outsider.


    In fact, during their conversation, Xiao Jingheng did try to involve Song Zhao, deliberately bringing up topics for her. But Consort Chen cleverly hijacked them every time, not giving Song Zhao a chance to cut in.


    Later, when Xiao Jingheng noticed the food box next to Song Zhao¡¯s hand, he asked:


    "What have you brought?"


    "This concubine has personally made jujube red sugar cakes and pastries. Your Majesty has been exhausted from worrying about the flooding in the southern region recently, and I could not help much. So I made some fortifying food to nourish Your Majesty¡¯s energy and blood, hoping that Your Majesty would not find them distasteful."


    Song Zhao spoke as she opened the box and took out the pastries.


    She waspletely oblivious to the subtle change in Consort Chen''s expression.


    Xiao Jingheng nced at Consort Chen¡¯s slightly furrowed brows before looking at Song Zhao, who was carefully setting out the food. He thought, this woman really doesn¡¯t have any tact.


    She made nourishing cakes to calm the liver and reduce internal heat, while Consort Chen fed him seared beef that easily aggravates his fiery temperament.


    Wasn''t this clearly saying that Consort Chen did not know how to take care of him?


    Such thoughtless words could only havee from Song Zhao in the entire rear pce.


    Song Zhao respectfully served the cakes to Xiao Jingheng and Consort Chen,


    "Please have a taste, Your Majesty and Consort Chen, see if they suit your ptes."


    After the food had been inspected and approved by the imperial kitchen attendant, Xiao Jingheng tried a piece.


    Knowing that praising Song Zhao now would only intensify Consort Chen¡¯s jealousy, he just inly said:


    "Not bad."


    Consort Chen smiled after tasting it, "His Majesty does not like sweets. Sister¡¯s kind intentions were wasted. But this concubine finds these jujube sugar cakes quite delightful."


    Xiao Jingheng said, "I remember you like using azalea flowers in your food. No wonder you like the taste."


    "His Majesty always treats this concubine so wonderfully, even remembering such trivial preferences of mine. But just speaking of this dish, no one in the pce canpare with Lady Song¡¯s skills."


    Consort Chen smiled gently and turned to Song Zhao,


    "Would it be possible for sister to make some more to be delivered to my pce as well?"


    Song Zhao quickly replied, "Consort Chen looking favorably upon this concubine¡¯s skills is this concubine¡¯s fortune. How could this concubine find it inconvenient?"


    Consort Chen said, "Then I will have to trouble sister."


    Xiao Jingheng watched the exchange between the two concubines closely.


    Although Consort Chen''s status was higher than Song Zhao''s, they were both imperial consorts. Such a chore of making pastries was rather demeaning to say.


    In the entire rear pce, the only one who could order other consorts to serve her was the Empress alone. It was clearly improper for Consort Chen to ask this of Song Zhao.


    But Song Zhao did not show any reluctance over this matter at all.


    And that was precisely why Xiao Jingheng found her even more endearing.


    So that afternoon, after finishing his government duties, Xiao Jingheng specially visited Song Zhao at the Yaohua Pce.


    He pulled Song Zhao into his embrace, caressing her smooth tender cheeks with one hand, dotingly asking:


    "Consort Chen bullied you today. But you seempletely unbothered. Do you feel wronged in your heart?"


    Song Zhao smiled and shook her head. "Why would I? All the imperial consorts serve Your Majesty, so we are like sisters. Consort Chen likes the food I make. Making it for her is no trouble at all, and she appreciates my cooking skills. Why would my heart feel wronged?"


    Hearing this, Xiao Jingheng held her even tighter and reverently kissed her forehead,


    "Having you by my side is my blessing."


    Xiao Jingheng had seen too much drama over favor and jealousy in the pce. Someone as upetitive and considerate as Song Zhao was rare indeed.


    For the emperor¡¯s woman, background, looks, charm were not the most important. Recognizing the time and situation, knowing when to advance and when to retreat, that was how one could endure.


    But if one truly loved someone deeply, how could they not care or be jealous at all?


    Xiao Jingheng had originally wanted to stay and apany Song Zhao for a while longer, but Song Zhao said:


    "Your Majesty still has memorials to review. Please return to the pce earlier. This concubine still has to make pastries for Consort Chen and deliver them swiftly."


    That¡¯s right. The pastries had to be sent over while the iron was hot.


    After Xiao Jingheng left, Song Zhao locked herself in the small kitchen.


    In the darkness of the night, candle mes flickered. Her beautiful face appeared bright then dimmed following the jumps of the me.


    Judging from her expression, she seemed to be in good spirits.


    Humming a tune, she poured the osmanthus honey bestowed by Consort Yun into the flour all at once and kneaded the dough together.


    Xiao Jingheng did not like sweets, but Song Zhao had long known of Consort Chen¡¯s fondness for using azalea flowers in her cuisine.


    Today in the imperial garden, she had deliberately let Rong Xiang overhear that she was going to the Chaoyang Pce for the afternoon meal. Consort Chen hated having her favor taken the most. Knowing this news, how could she restrain herself?


    Consort Chen going meant she wanted to intimidate Song Zhao.


    So when she saw Song Zhao ingratiating Xiao Jingheng by sending over pastries, the best intimidation would be to make Song Zhao do the same for her.


    But Consort Chen did not know that such an intimidation was actually the result Song Zhao wanted most right now.


    Once the pastries were sent and eaten by Consort Chen, she would likely "conceive¡± just like Song Zhao did.


    Consort Chen longed so desperately to have her own child. This time, Song Zhao would fulfill her wish. Consort Chen would probablyugh herself awake from dreams tonight.


    Thinking of this, Song Zhao truly could not help feeling happy for Consort Chen, which was why the smile on her face never faded.

 Chapter 52: A Glimpse

    <h4>Chapter 52</h4>


    Song Zhao hurriedly sent the pastries to Yonghe Pce overnight.


    When she was outside the pce gate, she could already faintly hear the sound of opera singinging from inside the pce.


    The pce maid led her all the way to the outside of Consort Chen''s bedroom. The opera singing sounded clearer and clearer:


    "The official entered the concubine''s room and asked the vicious mother to go against her conscience. s, s, the wife''s affection is cold. Ask her to worship in the bridal hall and kowtow eighteen times, to know inferiority and superiority..."


    The Wee Fragrance who was guarding the door nced at Song Zhao and did not bow to her either. Her tone was cold:


    "Her Majesty the Consort is listening to opera inside, please wait outside the door."


    Song Zhao smiled slightly and bowed her head, "Thank you, Auntie."


    The singer inside was singing the Yue opera "The Embroidered Lady",


    this opera could not be performed on stage, telling the story of an official pampering his concubine and causing misfortune to his family.


    The singer was inside, but the lyrics were meant for Song Zhao to hear.


    Song Zhao waited patiently outside the door for a full hour.


    Only after the singer came out did Consort Chen''szy voicee from inside,


    "Bring her in."


    When Song Zhao entered, Consort Chen was sitting cross-legged on the warm seat, with a booklet in her hand that she was casually flipping through, without even looking at Song Zhao.


    Song Zhao knelt down on one knee, "This concubine pays respect to Her Majesty the Consort."


    Consort Chen did not look up or respond, letting Song Zhao maintain her courteous posture.


    After thinking for a moment, Song Zhao silently ced the food box on the small table next to the warm seat, then knelt upright in front of Consort Chen and kowtowed:


    "This concubine greets Consort Chen and wishes her myriad blessings and peace."


    Consort Chen snorted lightly and finally closed the booklet.


    She used her slender and fair fingers to open the food box, took out a freshly-made red date and jujube cake, examined it for a while, then said coldly with augh:


    "Your craftsmanship is really good. This pastry isplicated to make, yet you can make it so well. It shows that you must have often made some exquisite and delicious food for His Majesty when serving him intimately!"


    Song Zhao quickly said, "This concubine was reckless, please forgive me, Your Majesty."


    "You are His Majesty¡¯s concubine. What¡¯s wrong with you making food for His Majesty? Why mention offending me?"


    Consort Chen put the cake in her mouth. Her white teeth moved lightly, chewing carefully,


    "It''s just that although the pastry tastes good, His Majesty has always disliked sweets. Do you know that sometimes, though well-intentioned, doing something can be worse than doing nothing?"


    Having listened to the opera outside for an hour, how could Song Zhao not understand what Consort Chen wanted to tell her?


    In other words, she was telling Song Zhao that


    she could let Song Zhao serve the emperor at night, but would never allow Song Zhao to take away the slightest bit of Xiao Jingheng¡¯s favor.


    If Song Zhao did anything offensive that displeased her, then she would make Song Zhaopletely shattered like the official''s legal wife in the lyrics.


    Song Zhao said, "Today¡¯s matter was this concubine''s confusion and offensive to His Majesty. Consort reprimanded rightly that this concubine must keep to her ce in the future, do less and make less mistakes, it''s best to do nothing."


    Consort Chen looked at her with lowered eyebrows and a faint smile, nodded slightly and said, "This pce is also for your own good. It¡¯s best that you¡¯re sensible. This pce will keep these pastries. It¡¯ste, go back early to rest.¡±


    Consort Chen didn''t like any womanpeting with her for favor, but Song Zhao was still under her control. She also really needed a counterweight against the empress¡¯s chess piece, so she didn¡¯t dwell on this matter with Song Zhao for the time being.


    Besides, the red date and jujube cakes made by Song Zhao were indeed delicious. She often ate this dessert when she was at home. It was made by her own mother.


    Later when her father was promoted and the whole family moved to the Sichuan-Shaanxi area, her mother could no longer often send things to the pce.


    Consort Chen''s rampant arrogance was mostly pampered by her family when she was at home.


    Missing her family¡¯s kindness, she unconsciously ate two more pieces of cake.


    *


    In the past few days, Concubine Liu, who entered the pce together with Song Zhao, had been running to Yonghe Pce frequently.


    She tried to get close and curry favor from Consort Chen, wanting to find a backer in the harem.


    But Consort Chen looked down on her for having no prestigious family background and not particrly beautiful looks, so she was always unwilling to bother with her.


    However, Concubine Liu was like a sticky ster, diligently waiting upon her side every day. Consort Chen could only treat her like a servant and order her around.


    On this day, while Concubine Liu was attending Consort Chen, she saw that Consort Chen wanted to eat some raw seafood for lunch and advised:


    "This concubine remembers that it is Your Majesty¡¯s period these days. You should avoid eating cold food."


    Consort Chen''s chopsticks were about to pick up a slice of shellfish when she heard this and was stunned for a moment. She turned her head and asked Wee Fragrance, "How many days has it beente?"


    Wee Fragrance said: "Your Majesty¡¯s menstruation was supposed toe three days ago, but now..."


    She hesitated for a moment. Her ck pupils rolled as happiness appeared on her brows instantly,


    "It¡¯s rare for Your Majesty to bete. Plus these days, I saw that you often seem distracted and always feel sleepy... Isn''t this the same symptoms as when you were pregnant for the first time? "


    Hearing this, Concubine Liu immediately began to tter, "Congrattions, Your Majesty. If you really have conceived again, it would be wonderful great news!"


    Consort Chen had been dreaming day and night of getting pregnant. Usually, even just a simple nausea would make her hurry to call the imperial physician to examine her.


    She basically had all the early pregnancy symptoms this time. How could she sit still?


    She immediately asked Wee Fragrance to invite the best imperial physician in the pce to diagnose her.


    The result of the full heart¡¯s delight fell short.


    The imperial physician said: "Based on the pulse condition, this is not an auspicious pulse... On the contrary, there are signs of menstrual blood loss. This official boldly spectes that it seems Your Majesty has been poisoned..."


    "What did you say?" Consort Chen¡¯s happy expression disappeared instantly. She pped the table hard enough to make her palms slightly numb, "Poisoned? Who in this pce is tired of living and dares to poison me?"


    Consort Chen called the inner supervisor responsible for her food tasting and thoroughly examined everything she had eaten and drunk recently.


    The problem was finally discovered in the red date and jujube cakes.


    Consort Chen said angrily, "Does Song Zhao want to die? Wee Fragrance, go report this to His Majesty immediately!"


    Wee Fragrance rushed to go, but Concubine Liu stopped her,


    "Don¡¯t worry, Your Majesty. This concubine always feels something strange about this."


    "What do you want to say?"


    "How can anyone poison so tantly? Besides, Miss Song wants to get close to you, so doing this would be exposed instantly. What good would it do her?"


    After a little thought, Consort Chen said to the food-tasting inner supervisor: "Tell me clearly what¡¯s wrong with these cakes."


    "Replying to Your Majesty, two extra ingredients were added to these red date and jujube cakes, namely ¡®South Sea Honey¡¯ and ¡®Frog Licorice¡¯. The problem lies in the ¡®Frog Licorice¡¯. It conflicts with brown sugar and cannot be taken together."


    Consort Chen didn''t know what ¡®Frog Licorice¡¯ was, but in the entire harem, only Consort Yun had ¡®South Sea Honey¡¯. She heard that Consort Yun had also given some to Song Zhao recently.


    She silently sorted out her clues and soon figured it out:


    It must be Consort Yun who wanted to frame Song Zhao, giving her a false pregnancy charge topete favor.


    Song Zhao thought South Sea Honey was a good thing, so she added it when making the red date and jujube cakes, which identally made her eat it.


    Consort Chen frowned and was silent for a while. Then she said to Concubine Liu,


    "Pretend you don''t know anything about today¡¯s matter. If you leak half a word that shouldn¡¯t be said, watch your tongue."


    Concubine Liu promised again and again. After seeing her withdraw, Consort Chen sank her face towards Wee Fragrance,


    "Go to Changchun Pce and call that stupid Consort Yun over for me."

 Chapter 53: Mass Poisoning

    <h4>Chapter 53</h4>


    When Consort Yun arrived at Yonghe Pce, it was already close to the hour of zi (11pm-1am).


    When she came, she was dressed inly, not attracting any attention like when she usually wore gorgeous costumes.


    As soon as she entered, she whispered to Consort Chen,


    "Didn''t we agree to meet less often in private? Why did you ask Yingxiang toe to my pce? Aren''t you afraid of people seeing?" You..."


    Before Consort Yun could finish speaking, Consort Chen raised her hand and gave her a p on the face.


    Consort Yun covered her burning cheek, her eyes wide open in shock,


    "You and I are both imperial consorts, how can you hit me?"


    "I went easy on you!"


    Consort Chen knocked over the food box beside her, spilling red bean glutinous rice cakes all over the ground,


    "If these things were sent to His Majesty, the p I gave you would be from His Majesty!"


    Consort Yun looked at the rice cakes, still not understanding,


    "What are these things?"


    "These are red bean glutinous rice cakes, made with the sweet-scented osmanthus honey sent from your pce." Consort Chen''s sharp eyes red at Consort Yun, "Now do you know what these things are?"


    Hearing this, Consort Yun''s mind buzzed. She froze in ce, not knowing how to get out of this situation.


    She couldn''t understand how the things she used to frame Song Zhao ended up in Consort Chen''s pce.


    Consort Chen said, "If Song Zhao hadn''t tried to curry favor with me and added the sweet-scented osmanthus honey you gave her to the cakes she made for me, I wouldn''t have known about your schemes! His Majesty hates consorts plotting against each other. What has she ever done to offend you? If you''re bored with nothing to do, must you engage in such vulgar tricks?"


    Consort Yun timidly said, "But she doesn''t have any proof of this..."


    "What exactly is in your head?" Consort Chen jabbed her finger forcefully at Consort Yun''s temple, displeased, "Does everyone in the pce not know that after Lady Li poisoned Song Zhao with arsenic, the imperial physician had her take red sugar every day to nourish her qi and blood? And you had Zhn specifically give Song Zhao ''toad venom'' when the consorts paid respects to the Empress. When the timees to investigate the six pces, Song Zhao will be the only one found with health issues. Do you think everyone is stupid and can''t see your schemes?"


    Consort Yun felt a chill down her spine. She was quite frightened thinking back on it.


    Seeing that her face had turned white from fear, Consort Chen softened her tone,


    "I will cover this up for you, but you must immediately stop with your nonsense, don''t continue digging your own grave."


    Consort Yun held her chest, still feeling lingering fear as she said, "Thank you for helping me in this matter."


    Consort Chen stroked Consort Yun¡¯s still somewhat reddened cheek, her voice gentle,


    "Don''t take it to heart that I hit you. Do you remember your father seizing territory in Qizhou? Why do you think my father helped him conceal it for so long? It''s not because I see you as a younger sister and don''t want to see your family fall, is it?"


    Consort Yun pursed her lips and nodded tremblingly, "I understand all this."


    Consort Chen smiled and said, "Alright, let''s consider this matter over. Oh right, you must have used up all that fragrant powder I gave you? Yingxiang, go fetch some more fragrant powder for Consort Yun."


    As she spoke, she took Consort Yun''s hand and gently patted the back of it affectionately,


    "The Empress has been exceptionally intimate with you recently. Although Consort Yin tters and has gained authority over the six pces. Over this past year of us being at odds, you have also gained some of the Empress''s trust."


    She whispered in Consort Yun¡¯s ear,


    "She is the central pce, you should spend more time apanying her."


    As she spoke, Yingxiang had already brought the fragrant powder and presented it to Consort Yun.


    Consort Yun did not respond to Consort Chen¡¯s words. Instead, she tightly gripped the embroidered box holding the fragrant powder, nodding somewhat helplessly.


    After she left, Yingxiang said to Consort Chen, "Consort Yun is quite obedient to you. She uses that fragrant powder daily, and often apanies the Empress as well. The ¡®special ingredient¡¯ in the fragrant powder exacerbates the Empress''s heart condition, preventing her illness from fully recovering, yet not severe enough for the imperial physician to notice."


    Consort Chen stroked her temple disdainfully,ughing,


    ¡°She and her father bothck brains. If not for her position as consort allowing her to get close to the Empress, I wouldn¡¯t be willing to cover up that pile of rotten business from her maternal family.¡±


    In fact, all along, the outward animosity between Consort Chen and Consort Yun has been an act for the Empress to see.


    Consort Chen¡¯s intentions were simple. In the fragrant powder she gave Consort Yun, there was an ingredient that could slightly elerate one¡¯s blood flow when smelled.


    Ordinary people would not be harmed from smelling it, but because the Empress had a heart condition, by having her constantly smell this scent, her illness would never fully recover.


    Those with heart conditions could not safely give birth, even if they did get pregnant. Otherwise, there was a high possibility of their heart condition worsening during childbirth, leading to their death.


    Consort Chen was determined for her child to be born before anyone else¡¯s. It would be best if the Empress could never give birth. Then the chances of Consort Chen¡¯s child bing the crown prince in the future would be even greater.


    *


    Tonight when Consort Yun secretly came to Consort Chen¡¯s pce, they both thought no one saw them.


    But in these past few days, Xiaofuzi had been secretly spying on the movements in Yonghe Pce. Now he returned to Yao Hua Pce and told Song Zhao,


    ¡°Young miss guessed correctly. Consort Yun did go to Yonghe Pce, yet emerged unharmed.¡±


    From this, Song Zhao knew that Consort Chen must have discovered something amiss with the red bean glutinous rice cakes, yet chose to cover up the matter for Consort Yun.


    This confirmed that Consort Yun and Consort Chen were working together.


    But could Consort Chen really cover up this matter if she wanted to? The rise and fall of this inner pce has always been up to Song Zhao.


    Song Zhao smiled calmly as she set down the pipa she was practicing. Cloaked under night¡¯s darkness she entered the small kitchen, busying herself with some unknown task.


    The next day when the six pces went to pay respects to the Empress, Song Zhao arrived thetest.


    As soon as she entered, she heard Consort Yin unhappily say,


    ¡°Concubine Song has beenter andter recently when paying respects to Her Majesty. You usually understand the rules. After being in the pce for such a short time, how can you have forgotten all the rules already?¡±


    Song Zhao did not try to defend herself. She first greeted the Empress, then sincerely admitted her mistake,


    ¡°Arrivingte to pay respects to Her Majesty is this concubine¡¯s fault. This concubine is willing to ept punishment.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s fine.¡± The Empress did not me her. On the contrary, seeing that today she brought two servant girls with her, both holding food containers, she asked, ¡°What are your pce¡¯s maidservants holding?¡±


    Song Zhao said, ¡°This is some pastries your concubine made, which is why I waste for paying respects today.¡±


    She signaled to Yun Shang and Zhi Hua with her eyes. The two presented the containers,


    as Song Zhaoughing said, ¡°His Majesty and Consort Chen tried these pastries and quite liked them. So I made some more, thinking to let all the consorts have a taste.¡±


    As soon as the container opened, the gluttonous Consort Hui rushed over first to take a peek,


    ¡°Ah! Red bean glutinous rice cakes!¡±


    She then disregarded all etiquette to take one and happily started eating.


    Seeing the two boxes full of red bean glutinous rice cakes,


    Consort Chen¡¯s expression immediately darkened,


    while Consort Yun was so frightened she sat unsteadily, anxiously fiddling with her handkerchief and gripping her fingers so tightly they turned white...

 Chapter 54: No Bad Thoughts

    <h4>Chapter 54</h4>


    Consort Hui walked in sweetly, and was even more full of praise for Song Zhao''s cooking skills,


    "Sister Song Zhao''s pastries are much more delicious than those from the imperial kitchen. In the future when Sister makes good pastries, can you let mee to the pce to try them too?"


    Song Zhaoughed and said, "That''s for sure." "It would be this servant''s blessing if Consort Hui is willing toe to my pce more often."


    The two chatted andughed.


    Yet Consort Yun''s face had turned ghastly pale with fright.


    She kept giving Consort Chen meaningful nces, her eyelids fluttering tiredly.


    After considering for a moment, Consort Chen came up with a n and said, "This servant has tasted the cakes, they are sweet but not cloying, very good."


    She then signaled to Ying Xiang with a slight raise of her brow, "Go and help Song Zhao distribute the cakes, and let the sisters all have a taste of her skills."


    Ying Xiang answered yes and swiftly snatched the food boxes in Yun Shan and Zhi Hua''s hands.


    Clutching a box in each hand, she headed towards the Empress. But after just two steps, she reacted as if she had just bumped into a ghost, tripping over her own feet and falling t on the ground.


    The boxes overturned as she fell, sending the cakes rolling across the floor.


    The gazes of all the Consorts snapped towards Ying Xiang.


    Panic-stricken, she climbed to her feet, knocking her head as she pleaded,


    "Empress, please forgive this servant''s offense... This servant did not mean it..."


    "Foolish thing!" Consort Chen was furious. Pointing at Ying Xiang, she scolded loudly, "Song Zhao sincerely made refreshments, yet you deliberately ruined it all!"


    "Consort Chen, this servant did not mean it!"


    "You still dare argue? p your own face!"


    Immediately, clear pping sounds echoed in the hall.


    Ying Xiang sobbed as she ruthlessly struck her own cheeks, beating herself until blood trickled from the corners of her mouth, yet she did not dare stop.


    The sight frightened Consort Hui, who shrank into her seat. Voice trembling, she persuaded,


    "Sister Chen, spare her... She didn''t do it on purpose..."


    Hearing this, Consort Chen gently stroked her temple. In a meaningful tone, she said,


    "If the Empress and Song Zhao are unwilling to forgive you today, this servant will send you to the Cin Zhe prison. Don''t remain by my side to serve me in the future."


    Song Zhao also persuaded, "This servant made the refreshments hoping to please my sisters. If it ended up harming our harmony instead, it would be this servant''s fault. Ying Xiang just slipped by ident, may Your Ladyship not hold it against her."


    Ying Xiang gave thanks to Song Zhao for not ming her, then continued kowtowing and pleading to the Empress for forgiveness.


    The Empress listened to her wails with annoyance. Coldly, she said,


    "Consort Chen, if you want to discipline your servant, you can slowly do so back in your own pce. Do not make a ruckus here in My Phoenix Hall."


    Consort Chen red at Ying Xiang. "Useless thing, wait until we return to the pce for this servant to properly teach you manners."


    She then nced at Song Zhao, casually saying,


    "It was quite unfortunate for Song Zhao to have fruitlessly worked hard. This servant''s pce just made some jujube glutinous rice cakes, light and suitable for the Empress''s taste. Ying Xiang, go fetch them to let the sisters chat over some snacks."


    Besides Song Zhao, Consort Chen, Consort Yun, and Consort Liu, none of the other Consorts knew what secret was hidden in these red date persimmon cakes.


    Realizing that Consort Chen didn''t want to escte matters, Consort Liu''s mind raced. She promptly stood and said,


    "Song Zhao made refreshments for everyone, Consort Xiao also often shares seasonal fruits. It''s this servant who has been most ill-mannered. This servant will pour tea for everyone, busybodies should keep their hands out of other''s affairs."


    As she busily scurried about refilling teacups, she intentionally trampled and mashed the fallen red date persimmon cakes into mush under her feet, erasing their original appearance.


    Consort Yun had been afraid that the Empress would suspect something amiss with the cakes. Seeing this, she urged,


    "These cakes are dirty and cannot be eaten now. And the Empress''s Phoenix Hall has been made a dreadful mess. Zhi Lan, Ting Lan, hurry and help Her Ladyship clean the floor."


    As she spoke, the Empress deliberately nced at her.


    The Empress''s gaze held lingering doubts. Meeting Consort Yun''s shifty eyes, she slowly smiled with a nod.


    The fleeting changes in the Empress''s expressions did not escape Song Zhao''s notice. She smiled mysteriously to herself but said nothing.


    In truth, the refreshments Song Zhao brought today were perfectly harmless.


    She only wished to make Consort Chen and Consort Yun''s guilty consciences apparent to the Empress.


    Even the most seasoned dissembler would inevitably reveal their true nature once flustered.


    When Consort Yun kept signaling desperately to Consort Chen the moment she saw the cakes, this behavior was witnessed not only by Song Zhao, but the Empress as well.


    Moreover, Consort Yun and Consort Chen were usually outright adversarial, with Consort Yun rebutting anything Consort Chen said.


    Yet today, Consort Yun not only didn''t criticize Consort Chen for her blunder, but even took the initiative to have her own pce maid help clean up Consort Chen''s mess?


    All these little clues strongly suggested one thing - the hostility between Consort Yun and Consort Chen was but an act.


    That night, as Yun Shan served Song Zhao''s bath, she asked,


    "Does Young Lady believe the Empress noticed anything peculiar about today''s events?"


    Eyes closed blissfully, misty vapor from the bathwater cloaked Song Zhao''s porcin skin,plementing her dazzling beauty even more.


    "Whether the Empress noticed or not, Consort Yun will be unfortunate. If the Empress didn''t notice, she would be unfortunate herself. Whichever misfortune urs will benefit me, as it means they will be too preupied quarreling to always scrutinize me."


    Yun Shanughed. "The fiercer their covert feud, the less attention they can spare for Young Lady. Young Lady''s scheme was truly ingenious."


    Scooping up water, Song Zhao gently poured it over her own corbone. Smiling, she said,


    "I merely enjoy watching lively bustle, what malicious intentions could I have?"


    Yun Shan fetched a towel. "Young Lady should get out of the bath now, this servant will help you dry off."


    "No hurry." Still soaking in the tub, Song Zhao did not get up. "Wait a little longer."


    Just as Yun Shan wondered what Song Zhao was waiting for, she suddenly heard the awkward squawks of three Oriental magpie robins from outside.


    Song Zhao then said, "The water has somewhat cooled, go and add some hot water."


    After Yun Shan withdrew, Song Zhao amused herself by ying with the flower petals floating on the water surface.


    Gathering the petals to her chest, she cupped the water and tossed it high. Showered by the petal-speckled droplets falling upon her, she blissfully giggled like a carefree child.


    Engrossed in her water y, she was startled when hot water began trickling into her bath from behind.


    Eyes closed, Song Zhao leanedfortably against the tub wall, softly saying,


    "Yun Shan, see if the wounds on my back have fully healed. I was thinking that if they haven''t, next time I spend the night you can cover them up with powder. If His Majesty sees them, it would inevitably remind him about the assassination. I don''t wish for His Majesty to always recall that incident, or for His Majesty to... favor me solely because of that incident."


    "Yun Shan? Are you listening?"


    Receiving no response behind her for some time, arge palm was suddenlyid across her back instead, shocking Song Zhao into sshing about in the water.


    ncing back hastily, her pupils quivered intensely upon recognizing the figure.


    "Y-Your Majesty?"

 Chapter 55: Bathing Together

    <h4>Chapter 55</h4>


    Song Zhao''s beautiful eyes stared at Xiao Jingheng in disbelief, fragments of light flickering in her eyes. She gazed at him nkly.


    It had to be said, his facial features were exceptionally handsome.


    Especially his nose, straight and prominent, extremely heroic.


    At this moment, the candlelight in the pce hall was dim and yellow, and the staggered shadows projected on his face highlighted his rugged and chiseled features even more.


    The reason why Xiao Jingheng had such good looks was entirely thanks to his birth mother, Yue Noble Consort.


    It was said that Yue Noble Consort had an elegant bearing, with the grace of a phoenix, and was the most beautiful woman in thete emperor''s harem.


    It took her less than ten years to rise from being a Noble Lady to a Noble Consort.


    Ten years may seem long, but there were many concubines who entered the pce and never had their ranks change from the time they entered to the time they died.


    It was just that Yue Noble Consort was ill-fated and passed away when Xiao Jingheng was fourteen years old.


    And Xiao Jingheng did not have a very deep impression of this birth mother.


    ording to the rules of the pce, only concubines with at least the rank of Consort were allowed to raise their children by their side, while the children of lower-ranked concubines were usually raised under higher-ranked concubines.


    When Yue Noble Consort gave birth to Xiao Jingheng, she was still only a Noble Lady. Young Xiao Jingheng had always been raised under the current Empress Dowager, who was Empress Shunyi at the time.


    By the time Yue Noble Consort was promoted to the rank of Consort, Xiao Jingheng was already eight years old and had moved from Empress Shunyi¡¯s pce to the Imperial Prince¡¯s residence.


    So the mother-son bond between Xiao Jingheng and Yue Noble Consort was very shallow, but he was very filial to the current Empress Dowager.


    At that time, Xiao Jingheng stood beside the bathtub, a warm smile lingering at the corners of his lips that softened the emperor''s domineering aura around him. Instead, it gave the false impression that he could be relied on and trusted like a gentleman.


    He stroked Song Zhao''s damp bangs as if soothing a frightened kitten, and said gently,


    ¡°You¡¯re right to think I¡¯m only treating you well because of what happened that day.¡±


    As he spoke, his hand moved down from her wet bangs to her porcin-white and smooth cheeks,


    ¡°But that was the real you, so why wouldn¡¯t I want to remember that? You treat me differently from my other consorts, so naturally I would treat you differently from others.¡±


    Xiao Jingheng stared straight at Song Zhao in the water. His gaze made Song Zhao a little shy. Blushing, she covered her chest and whispered softly,


    ¡°This concubine understands, it was this concubine overthinking things for a moment.¡±


    ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter,¡± Xiao Jingheng said lightly as he pinched her cheek. ¡°It shows you were thinking of me. How could I me you for that?¡±


    Song Zhao smiled coyly. Only then did she dare to raise her head to meet Xiao Jingheng¡¯s burning gaze. She asked,


    ¡°Why has Your Majestye at this time?¡±


    Xiao Jingheng said, ¡°My beloved consort was wronged today. I was thinking of you. When you went to greet the Empress today, did Consort Chen make things difficult for you again?¡±


    Hearing this, Song Zhao''s mind turned:


    Heard about it?


    Who could he have heard this from?


    Wouldn¡¯t it have been the Empress who thought Consort Chen deliberately made things difficult for her today and told Xiao Jingheng about it?


    The Empress knew that Song Zhao was Xiao Jingheng¡¯s new favorite now, so she would rather have Xiao Jingheng dote on Song Zhao more in order to make indirect usations about Consort Chen¡¯s wrongdoings in front of Xiao Jingheng.


    Seeing them fighting, it was the best time for Song Zhao to reap the rewards of their conflict.


    She smiled lightly with an indifferent expression, shook her head and said,


    ¡°What happened today was just an ident when Breath of Spring stumbled. Consort Chen has always been very generous. Where is there any talk of her making things difficult for this concubine?¡±


    Xiao Jingheng seemed very satisfied with her reply. He nodded, ¡°Consort Chen is generous, while you are utterly genuine and pure. You should know that the purity and authenticity in you are what I value most.¡±


    Song Zhao smiled shyly, but she sneered in her heart:


    Look at His Majesty spouting nonsense with his eyes wide open again!


    In terms of purity and innocence, Concubine Hui didn¡¯t even understand matters between men and women. She only knew about eating, drinking and having fun all day long without any sophistication or scheming. Wasn''t she more innocent than anyone else? But why didn¡¯t Xiao Jingheng even nce at her?


    Ultimately, wasn¡¯t it that he first took a liking to Song Zhao¡¯s looks before digging out her many other good qualities based on her appearance?


    As autumn arrived, the weather gradually turned cooler. Hot water had just been added to the bathtub, and steam rose in wisps. The mist gradually filled the space partitioned off by the screen.


    Like a thin veil, it was ambiguous and hazy.


    Song Zhao looked at Xiao Jingheng. His face was slightly red, his Adam''s apple rolled, and his knuckles wandered restlessly over her body...


    Song Zhao knew what he was thinking about and how to cater to him too.


    Just now when she had turned around suddenly, the sshing water got Xiao Jingheng¡¯s clothes wet.


    Song Zhao pretended that she had just noticed. She quickly took the scarf draped over the edge of the bathtub and moved closer to Xiao Jingheng, who was standing at the edge of the tub in the water.


    ¡°This concubine identally got Your Majesty¡¯s court attire wet. The night wind outside is a little cool. If it''s not wiped dry, the chill might seep into the body. This concubine might worry again.¡±


    As she wiped him, she gradually moved lower and lower until she touched a sensitive area before realizing something was off.


    Song Zhao¡¯s hand holding the scarf was limp and boneless. It trembled slightly as she tried to move it away, but Xiao Jingheng suddenly grabbed her wrist,


    ¡°Since it¡¯s already wet, just let it getpletely soaked.¡±


    After he finished speaking, he supported himself on the edge of the tub with one hand and nimbly flipped over into the water, sshing water droplets everywhere.


    The bathtub was so small that with two people inside, they were almost shoulder-to-shoulder without any room to evade each other.


    Song Zhao was extremely embarrassed. She turned her back against the edge of the bathtub, bit her lip coyly, and said timidly, ¡°Your Majesty, this concubine...¡±


    Before she could get her bashful words out, she suddenly felt a domineering strength wrap around her slender waist, forcing her to turn back and fall into a sturdy embrace.


    Xiao Jingheng rested his chin on the tip of her nose. His warm breath blew on her face, making her heart itch unbearably.


    Just as she wanted to say something, Xiao Jingheng''s lips pressed down, prying open her lips and teeth aggressively to take what he wanted.

 Chapter 56: The Emperor’s Birthday

    <h4>Chapter 56</h4>


    That night, Xiao Jingheng entered the forbidden area as expected.


    However, this time when they were intimate, the two fully embodied the phrase "the joy of fish and water."


    Because everything happened in the water, even though Xiao Jingheng thought Song Zhao was having her period, it didn''t dampen his enthusiasm at all.


    At first, Song Zhao tried to dissuade him, saying there was a saying in the pce that "seeing red is unlucky." She was hesitant.


    When Xiao Jingheng heard this, he jokingly teased instead, "There are no taboos. If seeing red is unlucky, why are there red decorations everywhere during the festivals?"


    As the emperor, he could do whatever he wanted without following rules.


    So if one could truly be the apple of his eye, then all shackles and rules would be meaningless.


    Of course, Song Zhao also wanted to be "unrestrained." So she knew how to capture Xiao Jingheng''s heart.


    After enjoying themselves thoroughly in the bedroom, Xiao Fuzi sent Xiao Jingheng back to his pce, then returned and softly said to Song Zhao, "Mistress, Imperial Physician Zhao has been dismissed and banished from the pce."


    Song Zhao was sitting at the dressing table, using Fairy Powder to apply makeup to her face. She casually asked, "What happened?"


    Xiao Fuzi said, "I heard he made mistakes when gathering medicine for Consort Yun. He was dismissed for hisck of medical skills."


    Song Zhao sneered. "Imperial Physician Zhao even dared to make mistakes when treating Consort Yun. It shows how ipetent he is. So it''s ''understandable'' that he mistook my pulse for that of a pregnant woman."


    Song Zhao knew that dismissing Imperial Physician Zhao from the pce was just a pretext to frame him.


    After being provoked by the Noble Consort, Consort Yun was definitely afraid that the truth woulde out. So she hastily withdrew her hand.


    But it didn''t matter. Song Zhao wouldn''t be stupid enough to actually announce her "pregnancy" at Xiao Jingheng''s birthday banquet.


    This matter was originally Consort Yun''s scheme to frame Song Zhao.


    In the end, the scheme failed. Instead, Consort Yun revealed her tricks in front of the Empress Dowager.


    After going around such a big circle, besides proving that she was aplete fool, Consort Yun gained nothing.


    When Xiao Fuzi was helping Song Zhao rinse her mouth, he smiled and said, "Mistress guessed right that His Majesty woulde to our pce tonight, and he really dide."


    Song Zhao smiled without replying.


    Whether Xiao Jingheng woulde tonight, Song Zhao was just guessing at first.


    She thought that the Empress would definitelyin about the Noble Consort to Xiao Jingheng.


    Song Zhao thought that if Xiao Jingheng believed she was really pregnant, then she had to properly "indulge" him.


    After all, the key to ying hard to get was to eventually "get." Refusing was not the point.


    To control a man''s heart, one must first be moderately rxed and able to handle things smoothly.


    This was simr to fishing.


    If the fishing line was too tight, it would break easily. If it was too loose, the fish could escape. To catch a big fish, one had to master all the tricks.


    Song Zhao asked Xiao Fuzi to stand guard earlier. If Xiao Jingheng came to Yao Hua Pce, he had to chirp like a Eurasian tree sparrow to signal them.


    When Song Zhao heard the bird calls, she immediately asked Yun Shan to go out and boil hot water. She calcted that Yun Shan would surely run into Xiao Jingheng when she went out.


    From Song Zhao¡¯s understanding of Xiao Jingheng, he was not a rigid and boring person without a sense of romance.


    So as long as Xiao Jingheng came in, it would be a carefully nned ¡°bathhouse warmth and fragrance¡± tonight.


    Men always needed to be given a different experience to distinguish a woman from other women,


    so that they would remember her more deeply andstingly, and keep relishing the memory.


    *


    Two dayster, on September 16th,


    after so much preparation, Xiao Jingheng¡¯s birthday banquet finally arrived.


    The pce was very festively decorated today, even more lively than during the New Year.


    Today was Xiao Jingheng¡¯s day of rest and bathing.


    In the morning, he went with the Empress to pay respects to their ancestors at the imperial mausoleum outside the capital. After returning to the pce, he went to greet the Empress Dowager.


    Speaking of the Empress Dowager, Song Zhao still hadn¡¯t met her face-to-face since entering the pce.


    The Empress Dowager had always been in poor health. She stayed in Xian Shou Pce without going out,


    so as not to tire herself. Normally, the consorts were also exempted from paying respects to her.


    However, ording to the elders in the pce, the Empress Dowager was easy-going and tolerant, a very nice master.


    In the afternoon, the consorts all dressed up beautifully and went to Tong Hua Terrace where the banquet would be held.


    Song Zhao went there with Consort Yao. Consort Yao was very cautious in everything she did. Today, she brought Song Zhao to their seats half an hour early, for fear of any dys.


    Later, the other consorts arrived sessively.


    Unexpectedly, Consort Shu, who had been heartbroken over her miscarriage for a long time, also came today.


    She looked much better and was no longer always feeling sad and sorry for herself. A smile had reappeared on her face.


    As soon as she arrived, she immediately became the center of attention. Everyone surrounded her, asking about her health - some sincerely, some perfunctorily.


    The Noble Consort had also lost a child. Although she looked down on Consort Shu, the two had suffered the same misfortune. So she also made a few polite enquiries about Consort Shu¡¯s well-being.


    After the crowd around Consort Shu dispersed, Song Zhao went over to greet her.


    "Greetings Consort Shu. Seeing you glowing today, I''m truly happy for you from the bottom of my heart. The past cannot be undone, but Consort Shu, you have great good fortune. There are still good days ahead."


    Consort Shu smiled and nodded. "Thank you for your kind wishes. Li deserved to die for what she did to me and my son. However, I heard that you were wrongly used because of this matter. Fortunately, His Majesty is wise and proved your innocence. Otherwise, I would feel uneasy if you got implicated."


    The two chatted for a while. When the time was almost up, they had to take their seats.


    The main seat was naturally reserved for Xiao Jingheng today. The Empress would sit next to him, followed by the four consorts, with the Noble Consort seated first.


    Song Zhao sat next to Concubine Xiao and Concubine Liu. After the previous incident, Concubine Xiao¡¯s throat still hadn¡¯t fully recovered, and her voice was still hoarse.


    "I heard that several of His Majesty¡¯s brothers, with whom he has a deep fraternal bond, will alsoe today?"


    Concubine Liu looked around the hall and said, "That was the n, but I don''t see anyone yet, when we¡¯re about to start."


    Before her voice faded away, bursts of heartyughter sounded outside the hall.


    Following the direction of theughter, Song Zhao saw three men enter the hall, chatting andughing.


    The three were wearing python robes, clearly indicating their status.


    What made Song Zhao take a second look was the man walking in the middle.


    He looked very young, probably seventeen or eighteen. He had sharp eyebrows, bright eyes, thin lips and white teeth, very handsome.


    The hem of his python robe was slightly flipped up, casually tucked into the white jade belt around his waist.


    It didn''t look sloppy. Compared to the other two princes dressed properly beside him, it made him look more casual.


    He chatted andughed freely with confidence. Hisughter was bright and resonant, and his demeanor had a hint of arrogance.


    In terms of looks, he wasparable to Xiao Jingheng.


    But hecked some of Xiao Jingheng¡¯s gravitas and instead had some defiant and roguish charm unique to him.


    Concubine Xiao whispered, "Which prince is that in the middle? His court dress is not neat."


    Concubine Liu said, "He looks like the Sixth Prince, Prince An. The Sixth Prince and His Majesty grew up together under the Empress Dowager''s care. They have the deepest fraternal bond. He''s always been unrestrained, and His Majesty always spoils him anyway, never minding such trivial things."


    As Song Zhao was watching, Prince An inadvertently nced her way, and their eyes met.


    He smiled frivolously at Song Zhao with the tip of his tongue against his jaw, and nodded slightly to acknowledge her.


    His manner was very simr to the local ruffians in the city.


    Song Zhao did not respond to him but quickly looked away, continuing her conversation andughter with Concubine Xiao.

 Chapter 57: Each in His own Right

    <h4>Chapter 57</h4>


    "The Emperor has arrived!"


    Following the announcement from Jiang Deshun outside the door, the hall instantly quieted down.


    Everyone stood up to respectfully wee Xiao Jingheng and the Empress.


    Xiao Jingheng and the Empress entered side by side, holding hands affectionately.


    Today the Empress also changed into her exclusive phoenix robe, making her look dignified and virtuous.


    After Xiao Jingheng was seated at the head seat, the Empress slowly walked to stand below the hall, leading everyone to kneel down and pay respects,


    The group of imperial consorts said in unison:


    "We wish the Emperor a happy birthday full of auspiciousness and joy, and that everything goes smoothly. May your blessings be as vast as the Eastern Sea, and your longevity be as long as that of Heaven."


    Xiao Jingheng waved his hand saying: "Rise. Today at the birthday banquet everyone here is family, let''s be at ease and happy together, no need to stand on ceremony."


    Everyone thanked and stood up, returning to their seats. Prince An was the first to say:


    "Imperial brother is always hiding away and unwilling to drink wine with me. Today is imperial brother''s birthday, we brothers ought to drink merrily, not leaving until drunk!"


    As soon as he said this, the expressions of Prince Qi and Prince Rui soured.


    Xiao Jingheng addressing them as brothers was just politeness. For them to address Xiao Jingheng as brother was presumptuous.


    What''s more, everyone in the pce was advising Xiao Jingheng to drink less, not wanting him to harm his health from overdrinking. Only Prince An dared to tantly say the four words "not leaving until drunk" to Xiao Jingheng.


    Prince Rui was seated closer to Prince An. He quietly advised:


    "Sixth brother, the Emperor is busy with government affairs, we should be advising him to drink less."


    Prince An patted Prince Rui on the shoulder andughed: "Fifth brother is no fun, always so stifled. Today is imperial brother''s birthday. It''s rare to have leisure, if we don''t revel merrily it would be restricting, and that would not be ideal."


    "Hahahaha~" Hearing this, Xiao Jingheng guffawed loudly. Raising his wine cup towards Prince An he said: "What old six says is right. Just don''t get drunk again and refuse to leave my pce, giving me a headache."


    The three princes raised their cups together, celebrating Xiao Jingheng''s birthday joy.


    They chatted andughed, not talking about government affairs, simply gathering like ordinary brothers.


    After the feast began, everyone enjoyed singing and dancing performances while eating and drinking merrily.


    The Empress said to Xiao Jingheng: "The consorts from all pces have prepared performances for your birthday. Would you take a look?"


    Naturally Xiao Jingheng nodded in assent.


    Of course at this time the Empress could not take the spotlight, or it would make her seem petty.


    So she let the other consorts perform first.


    They modestly deferred to each other until Consort Chen took the initiative. While the others were still discussing who would perform first, her pce had already brought out her jade zither.


    She yed the tune "Autumn Poem", the timbre deep and distant, the harmonics clear like sshing jade, trembling as if dragon''s cry, demonstrating profound zither skills and fluent finger techniques. Even the most skilled court musicians could notpare.


    This was the first time Song Zhao witnessed Consort Chen''s talent.


    She sighed to herself, originally thinking praise of Consort Chen as a master zither yer was exaggerated. After listening today, she realized it was no exaggeration.


    After Consort Chen finished her tune, there was thunderous apuse in the hall. Xiao Jingheng also said:


    "My beloved''s zither skills have be even more refined."


    Consort Chen revealed a proud and pampered smile, saying:


    "Not having yed for a while, I was bound to be rusty. It''s just that in order to make the Emperor happy, I started practicing again recently. As long as the Emperor is pleased."


    Xiao Jingheng was naturally pleased. He even had Consort Chen''s seat moved next to him, wanting her to rival the Empress.


    The Empress didn''t say anything though, not even ncing at Consort Chen, disdaining to see her smug manner.


    After that, Consort Yin performed a whirling dance from her Hu ethnicity background.


    Dressed in the clothing of her own people, each dance movement brimmed with power, making everyone''s eyes light up.


    Consort Shu''s health had not yet recovered, but she had also made preparations ahead of time for Xiao Jingheng''s birthday.


    She speciallyposed a poem to recite for everyone, likewise earning enthusiastic apuse.


    In summary, the performances opened Song Zhao''s eyes.


    These women were aplished like the Eight Immortals Crossing the Sea, each possessing extraordinary talents, not to be underestimated.


    However there were exceptions,


    such as Consort Hui. She truly had no talents.


    Though the Empress intended to let her show her face in front of Xiao Jinghen, she was absorbed in enjoying the Buddha Jumps Over the Wall dish in front of her. Replying with her mouth still full of food:


    "You older sisters are all so amazing. Unlike me, I''m good at nothing..."


    Consort Chen nced at the mess on her table andughed behind her hand:


    "Why not perform for the Emperor how you can sweep the table clean in less than half an hour?"


    "Hahahahaha~"


    Consort Chen''s joke drew loudughter from everyone.


    Even Consort Hui herselfughed: "Hehe, although I didn''t prepare a performance for the Emperor, a few days ago father wrote in his letter that our family seems to have opened a few more money houses recently, profits very good. For the Emperor''s birthday, father said he will contribute 100,000 taels of gold to the state treasury, just a token of heartfelt wishes."


    Hearing this, the smiles froze on everyone''s faces, shifting instead to Xiao Jingheng''s face.


    After all, 100,000 taels of gold was no trifling sum. Even if the other consorts'' families had this much, they wouldn''t dare take it out openly.


    Because their maternal families were court officials. This money was clearly obtained through corruption and bribery.


    Consort Hui was different. Her family had always been merchants, tycoons in the Jiangsu and Zhejiang region.


    However much money her family took out to offer the court was reasonable.


    The other consorts were now green with envy. But Consort Hui had a childlike temperament,pletely oblivious to the impropriety.


    Only feeling that the Buddha Jumps Over the Wall dish in front of her was finished, she said to Xiao Jingheng: "Your Majesty, this Buddha Jumps Over the Wall tastes like my family''s vor, so delicious!"


    She smacked her lips longingly.


    Xiao Jingheng smiled: "Since you like the taste, have more. Serve another portion of Buddha Jumps Over the Wall for Consort Hui."


    "Heehee, thanks Your Majesty!"


    With this matter settled, everyone continued drinking merrily, each showing off their own talents to delight Xiao Jingheng.


    Liu Changzai raised her teacup saying softly to Song Zhao:


    "After Imperial Concubine Rao''s performance, it will be your turn. I cannot hold my liquor well, so I toast you tea instead of wine. Hope your pipa ter will astonish the audience."


    Song Zhao had just returned from toasting Xiao Jingheng. She drank a cup of tea to dispel the wine taste. Her teacup was now empty.


    She hurried to refill it with hot tea, smiling as she said: "Thank you elder sister."


    As they clinked cups, somehow the sound was loud, as if someone deliberately wanted to make things difficult.


    Song Zhao had just filled the teacup. Tea sshed out, scalding the back of her hand.


    She cried out in pain, reflexively letting go. The teacup rapidly smashed towards the floor.


    Today was Xiao Jingheng''s birthday. Smashing something during the celebration would be a serious sign of disrespect.


    So Song Zhao instinctively reached out to catch the teacup mid-fall.


    Although the teacup didn''t break, the scalding tea still reddened her fingers.


    Everyone began expressing concern for Song Zhao.


    Xiao Jingheng even stood up from his seat anxiously asking:


    "What happened? Are you hurt?"


    Enduring the pain, Song Zhao hid her hands behind her back, shaking her head with knitted brows.


    Yun Shan grabbed her wrist, seeing her fingers scalded red. Heart-achingly he said:


    "Mydy says it''s nothing when her fingers are all scalded red!"


    Hearing this, Xiao Jingheng immediately strode towards Song Zhao. The other consorts followed along.


    Only Liu Changzai standing beside Song Zhao was both nervous and puzzled:


    When they toasted earlier, she clearly only tapped lightly.


    How could Song Zhao be so delicate that she couldn''t even hold the teacup, injuring herself from the scalding?

 Chapter 58: Pipa Robbery 01

    <h4>Chapter 58</h4>


    It is often said that "Ten fingers are connected to the heart."


    Moreover, a burn is different from other injuries. The initial pain can be endured, but after a while, the burned area feels like it''s being pricked by needles, causing a piercing pain.


    Xiao Jingheng gently ced Song Zhao''s hand in his palm, his eyes filled withpassion.


    "Go and fetch the imperial physician!"


    During grand banquets in the pce, the imperial physician would be present in the side hall, ready to attend to any emergencies.


    Xiao Jingheng urgently called for the imperial physician, who hurriedly ran from the side hall to attend to Song Zhao''s injury.


    After a brief examination of the injury, the imperial physician said:


    "Fortunately, the temperature of the tea was not too high, and the injury is not severe. I will apply some cooling ointment for burns, and within three to five days, it should fully heal."


    "Three to five days..." Song Zhao suddenly withdrew her hand and shook her head, pursing her lips. "I still want to y a pipa piece to celebrate the Emperor''s birthday. Would the imperial physician wait for me to finish ying before treating me?"


    "Well..." The imperial physician clearly hesitated and struggled to respond.


    Xiao Jingheng, concerned and displeased, said:


    "Nonsense. You can y the pipa anytime. How can we let the roots of the injury take hold? Chu Imperial Physician, go and fetch the medicine."


    Xiao Jingheng could sense the disappointment on Song Zhao''s face, so he embraced her shoulders and softlyforted her:


    "Alright, I understand your intentions. But if you y the pipa while injured, won''t every note cause me heartache?"


    With so many eyes watching Song Zhao, Xiao Jingheng''s concern for her was undeniable.


    If she were to act coquettish at this moment, it would likely invite much envy.


    So, she tactfully said, "It''s because this concubine is clumsy and has ruined Your Majesty''s enjoyment."


    Xiao Jingheng found it strange.


    In his eyes, Song Zhao was never a reckless person. On such an asion, she would not even be unable to hold a cup steady.


    As his thoughts drifted, he instinctively looked at Concubine Liu.


    Concubine Liu was startled by his sharp gaze and was about to defend herself when Song Zhao preemptively spoke:


    "Your Majesty, it has nothing to do with Concubine Liu. It was this concubine''s carelessness in failing to hold the cup firmly."


    Concubine Liu''s exnation was stuck in her throat and she swallowed it back down. She then leaned close to Song Zhao, gently blowing on her fingers, disying a look ofpassion.


    Observing their "deep sisterly bond," Xiao Jingheng''s suspicions did not dissipate.


    He felt that something was amiss with this situation.


    Perhaps Concubine Liu had deliberately caused it. After all, the sound of their cups clinking earlier was loud enough for him, who was seated at the head, to hear clearly.


    And Song Zhao, with her gentle and conflict-averse nature, perhaps didn''t want to invite trouble, so she swallowed her grievances.


    "Ah!" Just as Xiao Jingheng was about to continue his questioning, Song Zhao suddenly let out a cry of pain while the imperial physician was applying the cooling ointment.


    The young girl tightly bit her lip, and a faint blush colored her lips.


    Song Zhao''s delicate eyebrows furrowed slightly, and tears glistened in her eyes.


    Xiao Jingheng''s heart shattered as he watched, his tone turning stern with the imperial physician.


    "Can''t you be more careful with your actions?"


    The imperial physician noticed that Song Zhao''s fingers, which were applying ointment, were trembling. He quickly fetched some clean water and rinsed off the ointment from her fingertips.


    Upon closer inspection, they discovered numerous tiny wounds on Song Zhao''s fingertips that were barely noticeable to the naked eye.


    "Your Majesty, please forgive me, Princess, please forgive me. This humble servant was foolish and did not notice the many minor wounds on Princess''s fingertips before."


    "This cooling ointment should not be used on open wounds. Otherwise, the ointment would seep into the wounds and cause a stinging sensation. This humble servant will prepare a milder ointment for Princess, which should alleviate her pain quickly."


    The imperial physician swiftly retrieved another ointment.


    However, this time, Xiao Jingheng said, "Bring it here. I''ll apply the ointment to Song Zhao."


    He cradled Song Zhao''s hand and gently applied the ointment to her fingertips.


    The other consorts, who had initiallye to spectate, unexpectedly witnessed Xiao Jingheng''s tender treatment of Song Zhao.


    Empress Ying caught a glimpse of a displeased expression on Concubine Chen''s face and took the opportunity to sarcastically remark in a low voice, "The Emperor is so considerate towards Song Zhao. Concubine Chen, the Emperor dotes on you the most. Has he ever treated you this way?"


    "Hmph," Concubine Chen''s jealousy dissipated, reced by a scornful expression. "Since I entered the pce, I''ve rarely experienced any illnesses. The only time was during a miscarriage, and the Emperor stayed by my side for a full two months. Ying, you should be asking the Empress about this matter."


    She smiled and looked at the Empress, her tone filled with a peculiar air. "Empress, you often suffer from heart ailments. Has the Emperor ever treated you like this?"


    The Empress responded with a gentle and smiling demeanor,pletely ignoring Concubine Chen as if she didn''t exist.


    She stepped forward and stood before Song Zhao, showing concern.


    "I heard from Consort Yao that you originally had no knowledge of ying musical instruments. However, in order to make the Emperor happy during the Wan Shou Festival, you tirelessly practiced the pipa day and night. At night, you even braved the cold winds to practice in the corridor, so is that true?"


    Song Zhao felt a bit embarrassed and lowered her head, shaking it in denial.


    "I am naturally untalented, but I can only make up for it with diligence in order to learn a thing or two."


    Xiao Jingheng finally understood. "So the wounds on your fingers were caused by the strings of the qin?"


    Song Zhao pursed her lips and remained silent. Yun Shan, who was standing aside, couldn''t hold back and interjected, "Princess, practicing the pipa day and night without skill, how could you not get injured? Besides, if it''s because your wristsck strength from practicing for so long, howe you can''t even hold a teacup steady?"


    "Yun Shan, do not speak out of turn in front of the Emperor!"


    Despite the admonishment, the words had already been spoken.


    As for whether it was an indiscreet remark, the speaker may have had no ill intentions, but the listener naturally had their own thoughts.


    For example, Xiao Jingheng, who was currently applying ointment to Song Zhao''s fingers.


    As he looked into Song Zhao''s eyes, there was clearly an added touch of pity and tenderness.


    "How can I not feel heartache when you''re like this?"


    "Your Majesty, this concubine only wanted to give you a surprise..." Song Zhao''s emotions were deeply despondent as she choked up and said, "Unfortunately, even such a small matter has been ruined by this concubine."


    Her grievances wereid bare,


    She had worked so hard to prepare for this, but now her heartfelt intentions had only caused her own failure,


    Self-me and regret were inevitable.


    Actually, if she were to cry in Xiao Jingheng''s embrace at this moment, it might bring him somefort.


    But watching her desperately suppress all her grievances and swallow them down,


    It was as if there were countless sharp hooks scratching at Xiao Jingheng''s heart.


    He held Song Zhao tightly, speaking with gentle reassurance,


    And Song Zhao, always understanding the bigger picture,


    Not a single tear fell from her eyes, only a glistening hint of tears as she smiled at Xiao Jingheng,


    Seeing Xiao Jingheng furrow his brow with concern, she reached out and smoothed his brow,


    "Today is Your Majesty''s auspicious birthday. Sisters have all prepared performances with great care. Your Majesty should be happy. When Your Majesty is pleased, this concubine will also be happy."

 Chapter 59: The Pipa 02

    <h4>Chapter 59</h4>


    Just at that moment, the people from the Musical Instrument Workshop hurriedly arrived.


    A pce maid held a tray made of yellow pear wood, covered with a piece of ink blue velvet cloth.


    After presenting the item in front of Xiao Jingheng, the maid uncovered the velvet cloth.


    "Your Majesty, the Phoenix Head Pipa has arrived."


    Almost all the women in the pce fixed their gaze on the pipa at the same time.


    It was a purple sandalwood pipa with a flowing radiance all over it.


    The body was made of Lanli bamboo, and the phoenix head was carved from pure white ivory.


    The strings were ck and red, made of resilient silk from chen hong wood, and each inch of it was worth a fortune.


    Even Consort Chen, who was ustomed to extravagance, was astonished by the luxury of this pipa.


    She whispered to the Empress, "Does His Majesty truly hold her in high regard? This is the Phoenix Head Pipa bestowed upon the Holy Mother Empress Dowager by thete emperor. Why would it be brought out?"


    The Empress smiledposedly, "As long as it is what His Majesty likes, there is nothing that cannot be done."


    Song Zhao didn''t know the origin of this pipa, but by its appearance and craftsmanship, she knew it was no ordinary item. She asked, "Your Majesty, this is..."


    Xiao Jingheng exined, "This is the Phoenix Head Pipa bestowed upon the Holy Mother Empress Dowager by thete emperor, and it is the most exquisite pipa in the world. Originally, I thought since you were going to y the pipa today, I would bring it out to enhance the asion for you."


    While speaking, he had been paying attention to Song Zhao''s expression. Seeing her somewhat disappointed, he quickly changed the topic, saying, "It''s alright. You can y it for me once you''ve recovered from your injury."


    With those words, he waved his hand, signaling the pce maid to take the pipa away.


    At this moment, Concubine Xiao, who had been silent all along, suddenly spoke up.


    "Your Majesty... In fact, the performance I prepared today also involves ying the pipa..."


    As soon as she said that, Consort Chen immediately mocked her, "Who is this speaking? With such a coarse and hoarse voice, I thought it was some prince. Turns out it''s Concubine Xiao?"


    She sneered and nced at Concubine Xiao.


    "What''s this? Isn''t your specialty singing Kunqu opera? Can you even y the pipa?"


    Having witnessed Consort Chen''s ruthlessness, Concubine Xiao didn''t dare to look her in the eye, but she really wanted to seize this opportunity. So, she could only lower her head and nod silently.


    Consort Chen coldly snorted, "Hmph, Concubine Xiao is indeed knowledgeable."


    The Empress, ignoring Consort Chen, turned to Xiao Jingheng and asked, "What does Your Majesty think?"


    Watching this round of confrontation between the Empress and Consort Chen, on the surface, it seemed that Consort Chen had the upper hand. Little did they know that the Empress had a way of turning the tide, far more clever than Consort Chen.


    Allowing Consort Chen to vent her anger and feelcent, the Empress simply handed this problem over to Xiao Jingheng.


    Today, there were also three princes present. Consort Chen advocated against allowing Concubine Xiao to y, while the Empress advocated for everyone to have a good time.


    In such a situation, Xiao Jingheng had to consider the Empress''s dignity.


    Concubine Xiao expectedly spoke, saying, "Since Xiao Jingheng can y and has sent the qin, let her y."


    Consort Chen''s face immediately darkened upon hearing these words, while the smile on the Empress''s face grew brighter.


    "Concubine Xiao, why are you still standing there? Get ready," said the Empress.


    Concubine Xiao hurriedly expressed her gratitude and began preparing with the pipa in her arms.


    In fact, Concubine Xiao was a clever woman. When her voice became hoarse, she had thought of performing something different at Xiao Jingheng''s birthday banquet, to catch his attention.


    However, there were only a few instruments suitable for women to y, and almost all the pce concubines had already imed them.


    If she performed something that others had already performed, she would offend people if she did well and be aughingstock if she did poorly. It was always a dilemma.


    Later, when she found out that Song Zhao was going to perform the pipa and was still a novice, she knew that her "opportunity" hade again.


    She had some foundation in ying the pipa, and like Song Zhao, she was a frequent presence. She was not afraid of offending Song Zhao, and when they performed together, she could outshine her and not offend the other concubines. Why wouldn''t she take advantage of this?


    After the preparations were made, a chair was moved to the right side of the hall, slightly off-center.


    Concubine Xiao sat upright on the chair, holding the pipa and rolled up her sleeves, revealing a pair of fair and delicate wrists. She blushed and said shyly:


    "At the beginning of the year, during the sessful campaign against the Xi Rong, we relied entirely on the Emperor''s wisdom and strategic nning. Today, I offer a piece called ''Ambush from Ten Sides'' to celebrate our triumph."


    With that, she assumed a posture and began ying gently and skillfully.


    Concubine Xiao was proficient in ying the qin, and her melodies flowed like pearls, smooth and with clear variations in tempo.


    First, she used alternating plucking and strumming techniques to simte the sound of charging troops and shing weapons.


    Then, she employed techniques such as ying double strings and sliding, gradually pushing the piece to a climax.


    At the most intense part, Concubine Xiao''s finger movements became extremely fast, almost creating an afterimage on the strings, making the performance not only pleasant to the ear but also visually captivating.


    At first, Xiao Jingheng merely listened casually, not expecting Concubine Xiao to produce anything remarkable.


    However, as the piece reached sessive climaxes, he began to appreciate Concubine Xiao''s talent a bit more.


    Among the concubines in the imperial harem, Consort Chen excelled in various musical instruments, and her skills with the pipa and jade qin were especially outstanding.


    The Empress nced at her with a frown, her face showing impatience as she turned away, as if she wanted to block her ears. She then smiled and said:


    "Concubine Xiao''s musical talent can bepared to that of her sister. It seems that in the future, when the Emperor wants to listen to the pipa, he won''t have to go to her sister''s pce."


    Consort Chen narrowed her eyes and looked at the Empress, calmly saying:


    "Yes, when the Emperor wants to listen to the pipa, he will think of me, but when he wants nourishment, naturally, he can only think of the Empress. After all, in the entire imperial harem, apart from the Empress''s Phoenix Pavilion, there is no other ce that constantly exudes a medicinal fragrance."


    The piece was yed perfectly, as if it was providing background music for the verbal battle between the Empress and Consort Chen.


    The Empress was about to respond to Consort Chen when suddenly a piercing crack sound came from below the hall, followed by a startled cry from Concubine Xiao as she dropped the pipa to the ground.


    Everyone turned their heads towards the sound and saw Concubine Xiao clutching her left cheek with her hand, blood seeping through her fingers.


    On the groundy the broken strings of the pipa, with two snapped strings that had grazed Concubine Xiao''s left cheek, leaving a long gash on her smooth and delicate skin.


    The sight was horrifying, sending shivers down everyone''s spines...

 Chapter 60: The Pipa 03

    <h4>Chapter 60</h4>


    The ident happened very quickly, so quickly that Concubine Xiao didn''t even have time to react to figure out what was going on.


    She saw that everyone was looking at her with either horrified or astonished eyes, and she also saw that the Phoenix Head Lute had been smashed on the ground by her, broken beyond repair. Only then did she realize that she had caused terrible trouble.


    She was so frightened that her legs went soft and she slid off the wooden chair onto the ground. Following her momentum, she knelt down and knocked her head on the floor, stammering:


    "Your Majesty, please forgive this lowly concubine''s offense... Your Majesty the Empress, please forgive this lowly concubine''s offense... This lowly concubine did it unintentionally..."


    However, she had just pleaded for forgiveness halfway when Concubine Xiao caught a glimpse of the dripping blood on her left hand out of the corner of her eye.


    She couldn''t help but shiver, and froze in ce.


    Song Zhao and Concubine Liu were the closest to her. The two walked over at the same time and helped pull her up from the cold marble floor.


    Song Zhao happened to stand on Concubine Xiao''s left side, and could see the wound on her face most clearly.


    The scar was long and deep, running diagonally up from her chin to her cheekbone.


    If it had been just a little more off-center, it was likely that even her eye would have been injured.


    The rest of the consorts had also stood up by now, tiptoeing to see Concubine Xiao''s condition.


    Only Xiao Jingheng remained seated steadily high above on the dais, an impassive expression on his face as he lightly ordered for the imperial physician to be summoned.


    The Empress then walked to Concubine Xiao''s side. Seeing her raise her hand as if to wipe her face, the Empress quickly stopped her and said with concern showing all over her face:


    "Don''t move around. Let the imperial physician take a look first."


    Concubine Xiao, having regained her senses, now felt a fiery pain on the left side of her face.


    She asked in panic, "Is my face...? Your Majesty the Empress, is my face injured?"


    Everyone kept silence for a long time, soundlessly giving Concubine Xiao an affirmative answer.


    Her emotions were suddenly stirred up. She struggled free of the Empress''s hand and covered her wounded cheek, suffering immense pain.


    For pce women, their face was their second life.


    No matter how well you could sing, dance, or exhibit literary talent and thoughtfulness,


    once there was something wrong with your face, you could basically say goodbye to enjoying imperial favor.


    When the imperial physician came to treat Concubine Xiao''s wound, she still hadn''t been able to calm down emotionally, and her weeping grew ever more mournful.


    Left without recourse, the Empress could only have Concubine Xiao moved to a side pce for the physician to properly treat her injuries.


    After Concubine Xiao left, the rest of the consorts returned to their own seats.


    They had assumed Xiao Jingheng would investigate into this matter, but after a period of silence in the hall, they heard him say indifferently, as if nothing had happened:


    "The imperial physician is caring for Concubine Xiao so her injury should be fine. It''s made all of you look so gloomy just because of this one ident. Brother Five, Brother Six, time to refill your wine cups?"


    Xiao Jingheng hadbeled what happened as an ident, and his attitude was now very clear - he didn''t want to pursue this matter.


    Now that he had spoken, no one else would investigate further.


    The singing and dancing in the hall continued.


    Amidst the clinking wine cups, Concubine Liu whispered to Song Zhao, "It was just ying a lute. How could something so dangerous have happened? I saw Concubine Xiao''s facial wound is very deep, it will probably scar. "


    Song Zhao was preupied with her own thoughts and temporarily lost in a daze, failing to respond.


    Concubine Liu took a sip of tea to wet her throat, then continued murmuring to herself,


    "In my view, do you think the lute strings broke on their own for no reason? That was the Phoenix Head Lute, one of the few remaining possessions left in this world by the Holy Mother Empress Dowager, and there are special caretakers responsible for its regr maintenance. How could the strings snap before Concubine Xiao had even finished one song?"


    She moved next to Song Zhao''s ear and added softly, "I see that His Majesty doesn''t have any intention of looking into this matter, he only feels sympathy for Concubine Xiao... Don''t you think someone must have tampered with things behind the scenes in this matter?"


    Song Zhao sighed and shook her head. "Concubine Xiao met with bad luck due to her fate. But sister, you can''t make such spection. His Majesty isn''t pursuing things further. If someone heard you say this, you would inevitably be criticized for stirring up trouble and make things difficult for yourself."


    Concubine Liu silently nodded, and didn''t continue speaking.


    Song Zhao maintained herposure, casually eating the delicacies before her while asionally using her peripheral vision to nce at Xiao Jingheng high above on the dais.


    He was drinking and chatting merrily with the Prince of An and the others, not disying anything amiss.


    But Song Zhao knew that Xiao Jingheng was only pretending.


    He was definitely going to look into this matter, just not right now, in front of his brothers where he couldn''t lose his imperial dignity and allow others to see the malignance hidden in his harem.


    As for Song Zhao, she also had lingering fears about what had just happened.


    If this matter was merely an ident, that would be easy to exin.


    But if it wasn''t an ident, then the real target of the schemer was none other than herself, not Concubine Xiao.


    Because Concubine Xiao had kept secret the fact that she would y the lute at Xiao Jingheng''s birthday celebration, while it was public knowledge that Song Zhao would perform.


    In fact, from the very start when Song Zhao told the other consorts that she would y the lute to celebrate Xiao Jingheng''s birthday,


    the entire thing was just a front.


    When Song Zhao lived in the household of the Duke of Protecting the Nation, her days were miserable as Lady Jiang made her life hellish and treated her like a ve. So how could Lady Jiang have possibly allowed her to learn musical instruments?


    Even for reading and writing, it was only because Song Zhao took the initiative and secretly learned by hiding in a corner when her older sister Song Yue had lessons.


    Since she knew nothing about musical instruments, rushed practicing was not a solution. Bungled ying in front of Xiao Jingheng would only embarrass her, it''d be better not to perform at all.


    Moreover, her purpose for entering the pce was to gain status. She hadn''te to serve and entertain like some singing girl from the musical academy.


    Why should she have to use such lowly methods like the dancing girls to fawn over Xiao Jingheng''s favor?


    Song Zhao thought it over clearly. Actually, what the performance consisted of wasn''t important. After all, no matter how well she yed, it wasn''t like she could bring a lute with her into Xiao Jingheng''s bedchambers.


    As long as she could make him feel sympathy and know how much effort she had put in, that was enough.


    Therefore, today when toasting with Concubine Liu, Song Zhao deliberately spilled the tea onto her own hand. And the minor cuts on her fingertips were etched the night before by her using the lute strings on herself.


    She had achieved her goal as Xiao Jingheng was fooled by her act and moved by her supposed suffering.


    Yet even someone as clever as her couldn''t figure out who had sabotaged the Phoenix Head Lute.


    If she hadn''t premeditated her n of strategic retreat, the one disfigured today would have been her instead of Concubine Xiao.


    Song Zhao''s eyes slowly swept past the twittering swallows and orioles around her.


    They were dressed in the most luxurious clothing and made up with utmost care,


    outwardly morous and dazzling, yet inwardly full of dirty schemes, guarded against.


    The more Song Zhao thought about this matter, the more a chill went down her spine.


    She had already been so careful yet had still nearly fallen to another''s plot.


    It seemed the hearts of the people in this pce were not as easy to fathom and manipte as she had imagined.

 Chapter 61: The Pipa 04

    <h4>Chapter 61</h4>


    It had to be said that although Song Zhao had not been in the pce for long, she was quite confident in her guesses about [Xiao Jingheng]''s intentions.


    On this day, after three rounds of drinking, [Prince An], [Prince Rui] and [Prince Qi] left the pce together.


    After they withdrew from their seats, [Xiao Jingheng], who was sitting at the head seat, suddenly had a dark look on his face.


    He was fiddling with a string of eight treasures honey wax Buddhist beads in his hand. Suddenly he raised his hand and violently smashed it on the table.


    The loud noise cut off the music being yed. The [Empress] was the first to get up and walk to the hall below, leading all the imperial consorts to kneel down together,


    "Your Majesty, please restrain your anger!"


    [Jiang Deshun] leaned over and presented the broken phoenix-headed lute with strings snapped to [Xiao Jingheng].


    "Your Majesty, the court musicians have already checked the ce where the lute strings were broken. The musicians said that the reason why the strings broke was because the wooden part was damp and [Concubine Xiao] was ying Vigorous Ambush just now, which is an passionate song, that¡¯s why this ident happened...¡±


    [Xiao Jingheng] red at him and said solemnly:


    "Are you trying to tell Us that this was purely an ident?"


    [Jiang Deshun] was so frightened that he fell to his knees, "This ve does not dare."


    [Xiao Jingheng] said, "This phoenix-headed lute has always been taken care of by a special person. Bring the person in charge here."


    He looked at the group of imperial consorts kneeling on the ground, his eyes shing with cold light, scanning them one by one before letting them get up.


    Everyone got up except for the Empress. After getting up, she knelt down again and said,


    "No matter what, I am responsible for this. I was negligent for a moment and did not send someone to check the situation of the phoenix-headed lute beforehand. This has caused such a disaster. However, Your Majesty said this was not an ident?"


    The Empress paused and said hesitantly, "Then we have to thoroughly investigate this and see who wants to plot against [Concubine Song].¡±


    "No one wanted to plot against her. This was just an idental injury." [Xiao Jingheng]¡¯s eyes slowly fell on Song Zhao, the cold light in his eyes dissipated a bit, and his tone was much softer, ¡°The one who offered to y the lute today was originally only [Concubine Song]. If it wasn''t for her idental injury to her hand, the disfigured person right now would probably be her."


    Upon hearing this, a few unbelievable lights shed across Song Zhao''s eyes.


    Then she was visibly panicked. Her hands that naturally hung in front of her kept anxiously fiddling with her skirt.


    She wanted to say something, but she just opened her mouth and swallowed her words back.


    Later she timidly lowered her head, her body shrank back a little, looking like a wronged, delicate little rabbit, making people feel pity for her.


    At this moment, Consort Yin suddenly said,


    "When [Concubine Song] said she wanted to y the lute just now, it seemed to this consort that Consort Chen didn''t want her to touch that phoenix-headed lute. s, it turned out that [Concubine Song] was unlucky. There was someone who kept persuading her not to, but she just couldn''t be persuaded.¡±


    At first listen, Consort Yin seemed to bementing [Concubine Song]¡¯s situation.


    But if you carefully taste the profound meaning behind her words, you can feel that something is wrong.


    She mentioned this sentence for no reason. Isn''t it suggesting in a roundabout way that Consort Chen was suspicious?


    It sounded as if Consort Chen wanted to deal with Song Zhao, but something went wrong and she didn''t seed.


    So she simply stopped [Concubine Song] from touching the phoenix-headed lute, for fear that the person she wanted to harm was unharmed, and she would have to bear the risk of her vicious plot being exposed.


    Everyone in the harem knew about Consort Chen¡¯s jealousy. And it was also obvious to all that [Xiao Jingheng] had been favoring Song Zhao recently.


    One thing led to another, and even her motive for doing this was avable.


    I didn''t expect that Consort Yin, who seldom spoke on ordinary days, was able to hit the nail on the head with one sentence when she did speak.


    Consort Chen was no fool either. Of course she understood the profound meaning behind Consort Yin¡¯s words.


    She looked back at Consort Yin and said unpleasantly,


    "What do you mean by this? Are you saying that I tampered with the lute?"


    Consort Yin said, "These were your own spections. I didn''t say anything specific."


    "You..."


    While the two were arguing, the eunuchs had just brought in the pce maid who was in charge of taking care of the phoenix-headed lute.


    That pce maid was so frightened just by the thought of facing the Emperor that her legs trembled, her face extremely pale. She knelt down in the hall with chattering teeth and said,


    "Y-Your Majesty, please forgive me. I am the one responsible for taking care of the [Holy Mother Empress Dowager]¡¯s phoenix-headed lute... Ever since the [Holy Mother Empress Dowager] passed away, the phoenix-headed lute was sealed in the depot by thete emperor without being taken out.


    It was this ve''s momentaryziness that caused me to forget to apply tung oil on the lutest month, and that¡¯s why the strings became brittle and snapped... This ve has no malice! Please pardon me, Your Majesty! Please give this ve another chance to correct my mistakes!"


    This pce maid admitted her guilt readily. After saying all this, she kept kowtowing desperately to [Xiao Jingheng].


    [Xiao Jingheng] stroked the biyu ring on his thumb. His face was still filled with doubt.


    He obviously didn''t believe what the pce maid said, but after being silent for a while, he still said, "Being so negligent in your duties, drag her out to be beaten to death with staffs."


    That pce maid didn''t even have the chance to defend herself before being gagged and dragged away by the guards.


    [Xiao Jingheng] had drunk a lot today. At the moment, he leaned his elbows on the table with his palms propping up his forehead, looking dizzy.


    The Empress took the opportunity to support him,


    "Your Majesty, your servant has brewed a sobering soup in the pce. Drinking it will make you feel better."


    [Xiao Jingheng] did not refuse it. So the Empress supported him and left first.


    With the protagonist gone, the imperial consorts should also disperse.


    When they left, Consort Chen called Consort Yin back. Her momentum seemed to indicate that she was going to make trouble with Consort Yin.


    A ce of right and wrong was not suitable for a long stay. Song Zhao did not linger and hurried away with [Yun Shan].


    On the way back, when they passed by the side hall, she deliberately nced out the window.


    She heard [Concubine Song] ask the imperial physician,


    "Can you tell me the truth? Can my face recover to its original state?"


    "This... I dare not deceive the young mistress. The scars on the young mistress''s face are very deep. It is unlikely to be fully restored. But in the future, the scars can be concealed with powder. If you don''t look closely, nothing will seem amiss.¡±


    Then she couldn¡¯t hear the conversation in the hall anymore, only [Concubine Song]¡¯s heart-wrenching wails.


    [Yun Shan] supported Song Zhao and said in a low voice, "It¡¯ste now. Let¡¯s go back to rest, Young Mistress."


    Back in the pce, when [Yun Shan] was helping Song Zhao wash up, she said,


    "It seems that His Majesty was pretending to be drunk today."


    "Oh?" Song Zhao raised her eyebrows at her, "What makes you say that?"


    [Yun Shan] said, "There are not many dull servants in the pce. Even if they make mistakes on ordinary days, they will not admit it directly, and most will try to find some excuses to fight for a chance to live. But that eunuch who looked after the lute readily admitted to his guilt, as if he was afraid he wouldn¡¯t die. This servant thinks that he deliberately wanted to die for someone else. "


    Song Zhao looked at [Yun Shan] for a while, a little appreciatively said: "After following me for so long, you''ve finally made some progress."


    "So does the Young Mistress think it was Consort Chen?"


    "I don''t know," Song Zhao shook her head. "No matter if it was her or not, from now on I will have to be extra vignt. Looking at things today, keeping a low profile for so long, I was still being watched.¡±


    Recalling [Concubine Song]¡¯s miserable state, [Yun Shan] couldn¡¯t help but shiver, ¡°Luckily it wasn''t the Young Mistress who encountered this matter today. Otherwise, His Majesty would have been heartbroken."


    Upon hearing this, Song Zhao sneered,


    Just as she had finished praising [Yun Shan] for making progress, she became muddled again,


    "What is he heartbroken for? You should be d that my face wasn''t hurt. Otherwise who do you think His Majesty would side with? He won¡¯t punish Consort Chen for me, at most he will pretend to care about me for appearance, then he will lose interest, and no longer look my way."


    ''Bang Bang Bang¡¯


    A few urgent knocks on the door interrupted Song Zhao''s words. She asked, "What''s the matter?"


    [Xiao Fuzi] said outside the door:


    "Young Mistress, His Majesty is here."

 Chapter 62: Intentional Maintenance

    <h4>Chapter 62</h4>


    Song Zhao calmly straightened out the folds on her nightgown, before getting up to greet him.


    By the time she reached the door of the bedchamber, the door was pulled open from outside.


    She quickly knelt down, intending to greet Xiao Jingheng,


    But Xiao Jing heng gently held her wrist, "There is no need for so much etiquette when we are alone."


    After saying that, he naturally reached out to hold her hand.


    Perhaps he was worried about her injured hand, Xiao Jingheng held her hand very gently.


    He walked in front, not looking sideways. Song Zhao secretly nced at him and saw fine beads of sweat on his temples, then she knew he had hurried over here.


    The two sat down side by side on the warm seats, Xiao Jingheng put his arm around Song Zhao''s shoulders and drew her into his embrace.


    This time, his grip was a little heavier, and his fingers gently rubbed her shoulder des.


    Song Zhao leaned against his shoulder, smelling the faint aroma of wine on him, and his words and deeds seemed much more sober.


    "Wasn''t Your Majesty resting in Consort Chen''s pce? Why have youe to this concubine''s ce sote?"


    "I was worried about you." Xiao Jingheng was not stingy in dering his concern for Song Zhao. As he spoke, he took her hand and blew at the red spot on her fingertip, "Does it still hurt?"


    Song Zhao lightly shook her head, not answering him directly, but instead cared about him,


    "Your Majesty was drunk,ing to this concubine''s cete at night after the wind. If you have a headache tomorrow, won''t this concubine''s heart hurt even more?"


    Xiao Jingheng looked back at her, his eyes full of deep feelings,


    "Today you hurt your hand, it can also be considered a blessing in disguise. Otherwise, there would have been a great chance that it was you who got your face cut by the piano wire."


    He gently stroked Song Zhao''s cheek, as if stroking a rare beauty, his eyes brightened unknowingly,


    "Luckily you are safe and sound."


    This ¡°safe and sound¡± naturally refers to Song Zhao''s appearance, which is the country''s colour and fragrance, the beauty that overshadows the harem.


    Song Zhao would not be swayed by just a few sweet words from him yet.


    She wanted Xiao Jingheng to know that Song Zhao not only had her appearance but also a kind heart.


    So she showed a worried look and sighed,


    "How can this be called a blessing in disguise? Although this concubine was not injured, Xiao Sister was severely wronged."


    She looked up at Xiao Jingheng''s eyes, the turning eyes were full of purity and innocence, "Women all value their looks, I hope Your Majesty will visit Xiao Sister these days, don''t let her feel cold and think randomly, and have a harder time."


    Xiao Jingheng responded indifferently, "Consort Chen judges others by herself, she really has a kind heart. No matter what, Concubine Xiao is my cousin, I will certainly not mistreat her."


    These four words ''will not mistreat'' have already exined that Concubine Xiao was doomed to be unloved in the future.


    Hearing his tone, Song Zhao said no more.


    Today when Xiao Jingheng came to see Song Zhao, he always felt that his beloved seemed a little more dignified than usual, looking a little preupied.


    So while they were talking, Xiao Jingheng suddenly pressed his palm to his forehead, and his rxed brow wrinkled slightly, pretending to have a headache.


    Song Zhao quickly massaged his temples for him, "Does Your Majesty have a headache?"


    Xiao Jingheng said helplessly, "Drinking causes trouble. I was dyed this time and got drunk. In a moment of anger, I killed the pce maid who was guarding the Feng Shou pipa. After drinking sober soup at the Empress''s ce and sobering up, I felt more and more that I shouldn''t have acted so rashly."


    He put his hand on the back of Song Zhao¡¯s hand that was massaging his temples, and gently patted it, "I always feel that there is something suspicious about this matter. At that time I should have let people from the Department of Justice take him away and torture him severely, to find out if there are any more ins and outs to this matter, so that you can rest assured."


    Xiao Jingheng''s words were sincere,


    and every word revealed his infinite concern for Song Zhao.


    But Song Zhao didn''t think so:


    On the surface, the person with the most motive to set things up was Consort Chen, who loved topete for favour.


    And the reason why Xiao Jingheng wanted to drop the matter was because he was also suspicious of Consort Chen, so he wanted to settle the matter hastily.


    Not to mention Consort Chen was the one serving him and the one he liked most. The fact that Consort Chen had such a prominent background meant that if something suspicious was really discovered, how would the matter be handled?


    The rtionship between the previous dynasty and the harem wasplicated, often touching one would shake the whole body. Since the victim this time was Concubine Xiao, who had neither favour nor background, there was no need to investigate further.


    In fact, there was evidence originally,


    but wasn''t that evidence clubbed to death by Xiao Jingheng in his "drunkenness"?


    With this quick fix, the whole thing became impossible to investigate.


    Whether Xiao Jingheng was really drunk today, no one knew better than himself.


    Since he wanted to pretend to be muddled,


    Song Zhao simply yed even more muddled than him.


    "This concubine has never offended anyone, and Li has been executed, I believe no one in the pce wants to plot against this concubine again. In my opinion, this whole thing was just an ident that Your Majesty is overthinking.."


    Xiao Jingheng was clearly unexpected that Song Zhao would say this, so his brows twitched visibly.


    He only knew that Song Zhao had no thoughts of plotting against others, but today he saw that she did not even have the idea of guarding against others.


    Actually for Xiao Jingheng, it was good that she didn¡¯t think too much. The more innocent she was, the more she could arouse Xiao Jingheng''s desire to protect her.


    Although he didn''t say it, but in his heart he considered that he would have to protect Song Zhao more in the future, so as not to let anyone bully such a pure and beautiful human being.


    Although Xiao Jingheng did not openly punish Consort Chen for this matter, he was notpletely indifferent about it either.


    From his change of attitude towards Consort Chen, one could see clues.


    Later, for nearly half a month, Xiao Jingheng did not visit Consort Chen.


    Even when Consort Chen went to the Morning Sun Pce to find him, he declined her proposal many times on the grounds of state affairs. It could also be regarded as giving Consort Chen a warning.


    But whether this matter was really done by Consort Chen still remained debatable in Song Zhao¡¯s opinion.


    After all, she did not believe any woman in this harem.


    But this did not prevent her from assuming for the time being that Consort Chen did it.


    Because Concubine Xiao needed an answer over there.


    She had to know who disfigured her before having a goal for revenge, right?


    That afternoon when Song Zhao woke up from her nap, Yun Shan said while serving her,


    "Young Lady, the gauze on Concubine Xiao¡¯s face has been removed."


    "Did you find out? How is it?¡±


    Yun Shan shook her head, "It scarred, and the scar is not shallow. The scar is still new and red, I''m afraid even the best powder can''t cover it up."


    Song Zhao looked at her wless features in the mirror and sighed regretfully,


    "s, we are all women, I really can''t bear to see her like that."


    Then she got up and pulled Yun Shan, "Go pick some skin moisturizing stuff from the storeroom,e with me to see her."

 Chapter 63: You Want Revenge

    <h4>Chapter 63</h4>


    Song Zhao had always wanted to visit Concubine Xiao Changzai, but she had been sick and had not removed the gauze on her face. Except for Xiao Jingheng, no one else was allowed to see her.


    Previously, Song Zhao had told Xiao Jingheng that she felt that Concubine Xiao Changzai had suffered for her sake, and she couldn''t sleep at night because of the guilt she felt. She begged Xiao Jingheng to allow her to take Judge Chu from the Imperial Medical Bureau to treat Concubine Xiao Changzai, hoping to find some peace of mind.


    This request was reasonable, and Xiao Jingheng naturally agreed.


    Before setting off today, Song Zhao inquired and found out that there was a physician currently examining Concubine Xiao Changzai at the Imperial Medical Bureau. So she told Xiaofuzi, "Yun Shan and I are going to Zhaochun Pce. You should go to the Imperial Medical Bureau and ask Judge Chu toe along. Just say it''s an order from the Emperor."


    Song Zhao took out the royal jelly that Xiao Jingheng had given her from the treasury. It was the best for external use on scars.


    When they arrived at Zhaochun Pce, they heard Concubine Xiao Changzai, who was residing in the west side hall, arguing with the physician.


    "I don''t care about anything else! My face must be healed! I can afford any expensive medicine! If my monthly stipend is not enough, my family will provide the silver to make up for it!"


    "Princess, it''s not about the medicine, it''s about your face..."


    "Is my sister feeling better?"


    Song Zhao stepped in and interrupted the physician before he could say anything else.


    Concubine Xiao Changzai, perhaps feeling self-conscious about her face, turned to the side and only showed her right side to Song Zhao.


    "What are you doing here? I don''t want to see anyone. Leave!"


    Song Zhao spoke kindly, "I happen to have some royal jelly here. I thought of bringing it to see if my sister could use it."


    She handed the item to the physician and said, "Doctor, please take a look as well. See if this royal jelly has any effect on the scars on Concubine Xiao Changzai''s face."


    In the pce, one couldn''t casually give things to others, as the things given away might be a weapon used against oneself.


    By having the physician examine the royal jelly in front of Concubine Xiao Changzai, even if she were to go mad in the future, she wouldn''t be able to use the royal jelly to plot against Song Zhao.


    After examining it, the physician said, "This is an excellent quality royal jelly. Applying it to the scars can have a lightening effect."


    "Thank you for your trouble, Doctor." Song Zhao ced the royal jelly on a small table next to Concubine Xiao Changzai''s bed, and then said to the physician, "There are still things I need to discuss with Concubine Xiao Changzai. Once you''re done with your examination, you may leave."


    After the physician left, Song Zhao also sent Yun Shan away, and she herself moved a chair to sit beside Concubine Xiao Changzai''s bed, showing her concern.


    "Things havee to this point, sister, there''s no need to be sad anymore. Excessive worry is harmful to your health. It''s not good for yourself."


    "You say it so easily!" Concubine Xiao Changzai covered her face and shifted her body further into the bed. "It''s not you whose appearance has been ruined. Of course, you can say whatever you want! In fact, the one who should have been ying the pipa that day was you, and the one who should have had the ident was you! But instead, I suffered the consequences for you. And now you''re pretending to be sympathetic in front of me!"


    Upon hearing these words, tears immediately welled up in Song Zhao''s eyes.


    "I also think that I have wronged my sister. That''s why I pleaded with the emperor to bring Judge Chu from the Imperial Medical Bureau to treat my sister. Judge Chu is highly skilled in medicine, and perhaps there is hope for the scars on my sister''s face to be healed."


    Judge Chu, as the judge of the Imperial Medical Bureau, only serves Emperor Xiao Jingheng, the Empress, and the Empress Dowager. Even Concubine Chen cannotmand him.


    Upon hearing that there might be a chance for her sister''s face to recover, Xiao Jingheng''s attitude towards Song Zhao also softened.


    "Why are you crying? It should be me who should cry."


    Song Zhao pursed her lips and nodded. "I am not as strong as my sister. This incident was purely idental, and my sister should look forward."


    "idental?" Xiao Jingheng furrowed his brows and shook his head. "Do you really think it was an ident? This incident was originally aimed at you. With your favoritism, it is inevitable that someone would want to plot against you!"


    Song Zhao remained silent for a moment, her expression appearing somewhat unnatural.


    After a brief silence, she deliberately changed the subject. "In the past two days, my sister refused to see anyone, but I heard that the emperor visited her twice. It shows that the emperor still cares about my sister."


    "He just came to see me briefly, like dealing with official duties. He didn''t want to stay for even a moment." Xiao Jingheng touched the scars on his face and sighed, "I know in my heart that with this appearance, the emperor must despise me."


    Song Zhao said, "The emperor has been busy with state affairs recently. Being able to visit my sister is already taking time out of his busy schedule. How could there be any disdain for my sister? My sister should know that since the emperor''s birthday banquet, even Concubine Chen has not seen him once. Compared to that, it shows the emperor''s concern for my sister."


    Xiao Jingheng was momentarily stunned by her words.


    Hasn''t seen Concubine Chen?


    Every time Xiao Jingheng came to see her, they would exchange a few words.


    He clearly heard Xiao Jingheng say that the country was prosperous and he had plenty of leisure time.


    If he had free time, why didn''t he go to see Concubine Chen?


    Xiao Jingheng pondered in his heart:


    Could it be that Concubine Chen had a hand in this matter? But because of the powerful influence of her maternal family, Xiao Jingheng didn''t want to investigate, so he dealt with it hastily? And then, by not going to see her and leaving Concubine Chen hanging, was it a lesson for her?


    Without giving it much thought, Xiao Jingheng arrived.


    He examined the scars on Xiao Jingheng''s face, and his expression appeared somewhat serious.


    Just as he was about to say something, he heard Song Zhao cough, diverting Judge Chu''s attention.


    Xiao Jingheng secretly watched as Song Zhao seemed to exchange a nce with Judge Chu.


    Then Judge Chu said, "The injuries on the princess''s face are not severe. I am treating them diligently, and in some time, there will be a chance for a full recovery."


    Xiao Jingheng, upon hearing this, hurriedly said, "Then I will trouble Judge Chu."


    Although she said that on the surface, Xiao Jingheng still felt that there was something between Judge Chu and Song Zhao.


    After the two individuals left together, Xiao Jingheng quietly followed behind.


    It wasn''t until they reached the corner of the side gate, where they were about to part ways, that Xiao Jingheng stopped.


    Concealed behind the corner of the gate, Xiao Jingheng eavesdropped on their conversation.


    Song Zhao said, "Thank you, Judge Chu, for your trouble. I hope Judge Chu can keep this a secret from Concubine Xiao. It''s a way to give her some hope and prevent her from overthinking. After all, when a person is alive, they must have something to look forward to."


    Judge Chu replied, "I understand. Song Zhao has a kind heart. Although it''s impossible topletely restore the scars on Concubine Xiao''s face, with continuous medical treatment, the scars will definitely fade a bit."


    Song Zhao sighed, "That''s all we can do. Xiaojie is truly pitiful. I hope the Emperor will show her more care in the future."


    After a brief conversation, they parted ways at the crossroads, each going their own direction.


    Concealed behind the corner gate, Concubine Xiao listened to their conversation clearly.


    Her tears seemed to have run dry, and she sat weakly against the red wall, sliding down to the ground little by little.


    She didn''t know how much time had passed. Her tears had dried up, and the despair and helplessness in her eyes were reced by resentment and hatred.


    She lifted her head and looked towards Yonghe Pce, where the Imperial Consort resided.


    Her hands clenched into tight fists, her nails digging into her flesh without feeling any pain...

 Chapter 64: Gift Pin Temptation

    <h4>Chapter 64</h4>


    Later, whenever Song Zhao had free time, she would go to visit Concubine Xiao.


    She didn''t do much, just apanied her to chat andforted her, hoping that she wouldn''t bottle everything up inside.


    Others who saw this thought that Song Zhao was really stupid.


    Concubine Xiao''s appearance was ruined. It was obvious that she could no longer gain favor. They didn''t understand why Song Zhao cared so much about her.


    But Song Zhao knew that it was exactly people like Concubine Xiao, who had been pushed to the edge, who were more likely to react desperately and do shocking things.


    Regarding the incident of her ruined appearance, Song Zhao made Concubine Xiao think it was Consort Chen who had tampered with her pipa. Concubine Xiao might go after Consort Chen, but she could also go after Song Zhao.


    After all, Concubine Xiao had served as her scapegoat. Of course she felt resentful.


    Song Zhao didn¡¯t want to provoke such troubles. She didn¡¯t want her schemes to eventually scheme herself.


    That was why she was particrly caring towards Concubine Xiao.


    She wanted to be a ray of light in Concubine Xiao¡¯s hopeless situation, so that Concubine Xiao wouldn¡¯t resent her.


    At the end of the month, the pce received a tribute of mammary orange from Lingnan.


    Lingnan was far away from the capital. Mammary orange was expensive. Transporting it required very harsh conditions.


    Plus this was a bad harvest year. There weren¡¯t many fruits of good quality either. So when they were delivered to the pce, there was less than two dou left. (Less than 20 catties)


    The Empress Dowager loved mammary oranges the most. So one dou was delivered to her.


    The rest were distributed to the concubines based on precedence in previous years. The Empress and Consort Chen received the most. Concubines Ying, Yun and Shu also received some. But the lower ranking concubines didn¡¯t get any.


    However, there were exceptions.


    For example, although Song Zhao was only a Secondary Consort, she also received some.


    The Imperial Household Department kept records of imperial favors. Song Zhao couldn¡¯t possibly hide this.


    But she handled things very well, sharing the mammary oranges with all the consorts and concubines in the pce, so it didn¡¯t arouse too much jealousy.


    When she went to visit Concubine Xiao that day, she peeled oranges for Concubine Xiao while saying, ¡°Judge Chu¡¯s medical treatment seems to have reduced the scars on your face a lot these past days.¡±


    She handed the peeled orange slices to Concubine Xiao, and added, ¡°Winter ising in a few days. I heard the plum blossoms have sprouted in the Plum Garden. Midwinter¡¯s Day next month is when the rear pce appreciates plum blossoms. Why don¡¯t you go too, Sister?¡±


    ¡°Why would I go?¡± Concubine Xiao took the orange slices but had no appetite to eat them. She absentmindedly put them on the te andmented, ¡°Everyone appreciates the flowers. If I go like this, looking like a ruined flower, I¡¯d just spoil the fun.¡±


    ¡°Her Majesty the Empress is arriving~¡±


    The pce maid had just made the announcement when the Empress had already entered the bedchamber.


    Song Zhao and Concubine Xiao hurried to curtsy. The Empress was very kind and told them to rise. Then she looked at Song Zhao and said,


    ¡°You¡¯ve been apanying Concubine Xiao these days. It shows your sincerity in treating people. In fact, I should havee earlier. But knowing she was unwilling to see anyone then, I didn¡¯t insist. Yet I was concerned about her in my heart, always asking the imperial physician about her condition.¡±


    As she spoke, she gently caressed Concubine Xiao¡¯s cheek, ¡°You¡¯re much better now. Remember to watch your diet so your scars can heal well.¡±


    Concubine Xiao bowed and said, ¡°Thank you, Empress, for your care.¡±


    Afterwards, as the three were seated, the Empress kept asking about Concubine Xiao¡¯s condition while Song Zhao sat respectfully to one side.


    Watching the Empress¡¯ kind demeanor, she truly deserved to be called ¡®Mother of the Nation¡¯.


    No matter who encountered difficulties in the harem, she cared a lot about them, as if treating everyone like her own sisters.


    But Song Zhao still couldn¡¯t tell if this was the Empress¡¯ true nature, or just a facade she put on.


    Just like what the Empress had said earlier, on the surface it was harmless, but on second thoughts:


    She said Song Zhao had been sincerely apanying Concubine Xiao every day, and she knew Concubine Xiao didn¡¯t want to see anyone because of her injured face, that was why she hadn¡¯te.


    Wasn¡¯t that implying Song Zhao was going overboard in her caring, forcing the injured Concubine Xiao against her wish? Thankfully Concubine Xiao wasn¡¯t very smart. Otherwise, with a little thought about the Empress¡¯ words, Song Zhao¡¯s days of apanying her would be a crime instead.


    The Empress held Concubine Xiao¡¯s hand and persuaded, ¡°I know your heart cannot be happy with the injury on your face. But once you entered the pce, His Majesty and I, as well as many sisters in the harem, we have all be your family. Who would look down on their own family member? You¡¯ve been confining yourself in your residence, overthinking makes it worse for you. If you really can¡¯t feel at ease, you can join me in Buddhist rituals in the future. Whenprehending Buddhist teachings, your heart can also find peace.¡±


    With the Empress speaking like this, what else could Concubine Xiao say?


    She hadn¡¯t paid her respects to the Empress for over half a month. That was already improper of her. If she rejected the Empress¡¯ goodwill again, she would have no standing left in the pce.


    So in the following days, although Concubine Xiao still didn¡¯t go greet the Empress, after the consorts and concubines had their daily audience, she would go to the Empress alone to chant scriptures and worship Buddha with her.


    In recent days, Consort Chenid low. Song Zhao once again became the most favored in the pce.


    Xiao Jingheng still hadn¡¯t gotten over his fondness for Song Zhao. He still cherished her like a rare treasure.


    Just now, after noon there was news from the Attendants¡¯ Office again that Xiao Jingheng had drawn Song Zhao¡¯s name que for the night.


    But unlike previous times, when the sedan chair arrived at Yao Hua Pce that night to fetch Song Zhao for the imperial favor, the chief eunuch leading the sedan chair was Zhang Jiugui instead.


    He was the manager of the Attendants¡¯ Office. Usually he would only lead the sedan chair on a consort¡¯s first night serving the emperor, or if Xiao Jingheng had special instructions.


    So Song Zhao asked him, ¡°Why did youe today, Sir?¡±


    Zhang Jiugui smiled obsequiously with hunched shoulders and said, ¡°I happened to have time today, so I wanted to escort the young mistress personally.¡±


    After speaking, he took out a hairpin from his clothes and presented it to Song Zhao, ¡°This hairpin was bestowed on you by Consort Chen. The xanthoxylum fruit tassels carved on it look exquisitely lifelike. With your fairplexion, it would definitely look good on you.¡±


    As soon as Song Zhao took the hairpin in her hand, she understood what was going on.


    Zhang Jiugui was Consort Chen¡¯s man. His words represented Consort Chen¡¯s intentions.


    As for the xanthoxylum flower tassels, Song Zhao had long learned about the preferences of the consorts and concubines. She knew xanthoxylum flowers were Consort Chen¡¯s favorite flowers.


    She had heard that it was because Consort Chen once danced under the xanthoxylum trees when they were in full blossom, drunk on the sunset glow, that she managed to capture Xiao Jingheng¡¯s heart from then on.


    And now, Consort Chen was letting Song Zhao wear the hairpin with xanthoxylum flower pendant when attending the emperor, in hopes that Xiao Jingheng would see it and be reminded of their past sweet memories together.


    Ever since that incident, Xiao Jingheng had not seen Consort Chen for almost a month.


    Song Zhao thought Consort Chen must have double intentions in sending over the hairpin at this time.


    The first intention was naturally wanting to regain the holy favor.


    The second intention was actually testing Song Zhao herself.


    If Xiao Jingheng still showed no intention of reconciling with Consort Chen after seeing the hairpin today, then it meant Song Zhao already held quite some status in Xiao Jingheng¡¯s heart.


    By then Consort Chen would definitely be wary against her, even plotting against her.


    In a very brief moment, Song Zhao quickly ran through her thoughts. Then pretending to be oblivious, she smiled and inserted the hairpin into her coiffure. She told Zhang Jiugui, ¡°Please thank Consort Chen that I really like this hairpin. I will definitely go to thank Her Ladyship personally tomorrow.¡±

 Chapter 65: Let the King go

    <h4>Chapter 65</h4>


    When they arrived at Chaoyang Pce, after washing up and getting dressed, the pce maids led Song Zhao to the inner chambers.


    She took very small steps when entering, and frowned when she saw Xiao Jingheng kneeling to greet her.


    Xiao Jingheng could tell she was ufortable, and quickly helped her sit on the heated seat,


    "My beloved concubine, what''s the matter? Are you not feeling well anywhere?"


    "His Majesty still asks..." Song Zhao''s face turned red, and she lightly patted his chest, then looked towards the long case beside them,


    "It''s all His Majesty''s fault the other night... it left my back sore and I''ve had back pain for a long time."


    Two nights ago when Song Zhao came to the imperial consort chambers, the two of them explored new territory, using only a cushion on the long table. They began the most primitive exploration.


    That night they were both extremely satisfied. Xiao Jingheng liked watching Song Zhao''s beautiful face illuminated by the candlelight from the front.


    Especially her frowns and grimaces while engaging in the act, which made her even more enchanting.


    Hearing herin now, he covered her slender waist with his hand and gently massaged it. Lowering his voice, heughed,


    "It was all Me, wasn''t it? I don''t know who was holding Me so tightly that her nails left scratches all over my back."


    Song Zhao let out a charming groan, and buried her head deeper into his embrace,


    "His Majesty always says such things, leaving his concubine too embarrassed."


    Xiao Jinghengughed heartily, stroking Song Zhao''s bangs indulgently.


    He liked Song Zhao being like this, acting intimate whether in bed or not. Her coquettishness and shyness made Xiao Jingheng infatuated with her.


    He was about to tease Song Zhao some more with indecent words, but his actions suddenly froze when he touched the hairpin in her upswept hair.


    His gaze fell upon recognizing the cassia blossoms on the hairpin, naturally reminding him of someone else.


    Seeing he had gone silent, Song Zhao asked, "What is His Majesty thinking about?"


    "Do you like cassia?"


    "Mm." Song Zhao nodded obediently, "The cassia is a flower that only blooms once its leaves have all fallen, and only bears fruit once its flowers have all withered. When I was young I heard my father say, this flower concentrates all its effort like no other in this world. I like its character."


    Xiao Jingheng had asked the same question of Consort Chen.


    However, Consort Chen was unknowledgeable and her answercked depth.


    She only said she liked the coquettishness and fragrance of cassia, and also because she had first met Xiao Jingheng under a cassia tree, so the flower held special meaning to her and she liked it even more.


    While reminiscing about the past, he heard the beauty in his arms groan again, so he asked, "Does it still hurt a lot?"


    Song Zhao said, "I felt a bit ufortable when I got up this morning, but thought it was nothing so I didn''t summon the imperial physician. I didn''t expect it to get worse tonight."


    Seeing her shiver slightly in his arms, how could Xiao Jingheng bear to ''torment'' her further?


    So he said, "It was my fault for losing restraint. I will personally escort you back and have the physician on duty diagnose and treat you."


    On the way back to the pce, in order to amodate her, Xiao Jingheng apanied her in the same sedan chair.


    Normally Song Zhao would have declined, but perhaps their rtionship had progressed another step, as she said nothing against it today.


    On the ride back, Song Zhao snuggled in Xiao Jingheng''s embrace, coquettishly saying, "I''m reluctant to part with Your Majesty."


    Xiao Jingheng caressed her shoulder, "Then what should we do? Shall I stay over at Yao Hua Pce with you tonight?"


    Song Zhao hurriedly shook her head, "Only the main consort''s pce would permit His Majesty an overnight stay, I wouldn''t dare overstep my bounds."


    Peering through the fluttering window curtain, she looked at the inky night sky dotted with fragmented jade stars, happily saying, "The skies stretch vast tonight without a single cloud, and the night scenery is exceptionally charming. Would His Majesty apany me to appreciate the night view?"


    Xiao Jingheng said, "Alright, all ording to your wish."


    As winter approached, the weather had turned cold. Admiring the moon standing in the wind would be unrealistic.


    Therefore, the two could only sit in the sedan appreciating the scenery through the small window.


    The closest route from Chaoyang Pce to Yao Hua Pce passed through long streets.


    The tall, lofty walls of the long streets obstructed the view, ill-suited for scenic viewing.


    Upon learning his master wanted to admire the stars and moon, Jiang Deshun ordered the sedan bearers to take a slightly longer route that was more open with better visibility, allowing his master to fully enjoy himself.


    Xiao Jingheng had originally pulled Song Zhao into his embrace to admire the moon, chatting andughing together.


    But when they passed Guangyang Gate, Xiao Jingheng suddenly fell silent.


    This small path inevitably passed Guangyang Gate, and nking both sides of Guangyang Gate were the pce¡¯srge cassia ntations.


    Passing this area now, with the cassia flowers not in bloom, the bare branches looked bleak and deste under the moonlight.


    Xiao Jingheng recalled meeting Consort Chen for the first time here, when cassia flowers filled the trees. Petals danced in the wind around the graceful, charming maiden.


    Consort Chen then was no different from Song Zhao now, innocent and vivacious, yfully throwing tantrums, though she would also bicker and show jealousy, she would never secretly plot anything malicious.


    The same scene, the same people, everything seemed unchanged, yet everything had be different.


    When the sedan stopped outside the gates of Yao Hua Pce, Xiao Jingheng supported Song Zhao out of the sedan, instructing her,


    "The imperial physician willeter to diagnose you. Take your medicine and rest early after he leaves. If you still feel ufortable tomorrow morning, ask Empress Chen for leave and properly rest for two days."


    "Thank you for Your Majesty''s concern."


    Song Zhao hooked Xiao Jingheng''s neck, tiptoeing to lightly kiss his cheek.


    "It growste and the dew is heavy, Your Majesty should also return to the pce soon."


    Xiao Jingheng smiled indulgently, flicking the tip of her exquisite little nose,


    "I wille see you when I have time tomorrow."


    After watching Song Zhao return to the pce, as Xiao Jingheng turned to board his sedan, Jiang Deshun flicked his horsehair whisk, saying


    "Your Majesty, back to the pce."


    Yet they had just walked two steps when Xiao Jingheng said from within the sedan,


    "I''m going to visit Consort Chen."


    Jiang Deshun visibly stiffened for a moment, but quickly called out loudly,


    "To Yonghe Pce!"

 Chapter 66: The Return of the Concubine

    <h4>Chapter 66</h4>


    Yonghe Pce.


    The sudden cold wind rolled up the withered yellow leaves of the maple trees in the courtyard, swirling and falling at Consort Chen''s feet as she leaned against the door frame of the bedchamber.


    She tilted her head slightly, gazing at the moon alone, letting the cool breeze blow her hair into disarray.


    Ying Xiang draped a cloak over her shoulders, worriedly saying, "Your Highness has been standing at the pce gate for over an hour. You have been frail ever since giving birth. The imperial doctor ordered that you must not be exposed to the wind. Please return to the pce to rest."


    Consort Chen still had her head raised, not at all inclined to go back.


    She asked Ying Xiang, "The Emperor wille see me, won''t he?"


    Upon hearing this, Ying Xiang was momentarily at a loss for words.


    It was almost midnight.


    Zhang Jiugui hade earlier saying he saw with his own eyes Song Zhao putting on the hibiscus hairpin.


    If Xiao Jingheng wanted toe, he would havee long ago...


    After a brief silence, Ying Xiang changed the subject, advising again, "Your Highness, if you want to wait, then wait inside the pce. If you hurt your health over this matter again, it would pain the Emperor."


    Consort Chen was unmoved, still foolishly looking at the bright moon.


    Strangely enough, she and Xiao Jingheng had enjoyed the moon together countless times before.


    Gazing at its round silvery disk, they had felt that the perfect pairing of the moon and people was profoundly satisfying.


    Yet today, although the moon remained full and bright, Consort Chen saw it hanging solitary in the sky, feeling endless sorrow.


    She murmured forlornly,


    "Ying Xiang, do you think the Emperor''s affection for me has faded?"


    Ying Xiang quickly denied, "Nonsense, Your Highness. The Emperor still treats you so well that even the Empress looks on enviously. How could His Majesty''s feelings possibly change?"


    "If he cared for me, he would believe me. I may dislike that he favors other women, but the Phoenix Head Lute was thete Empress Dowager''s treasure. How could I bear to destroy it and cause the Emperor grief?"


    Consort Chen clearly knew the reason for Xiao Jingheng''s coldness towards her.


    He held her responsible for the broken lute strings.


    So she felt even more wronged.


    She didn''t understand when she had be so undeserving in Xiao Jingheng''s heart.


    In the past, even when she made mistakes, Xiao Jingheng had always steadfastly stood by her side.


    As she thought of this, her heart ached, and her vision began to blur with tears.


    Warm tears slid down her cheeks.


    She raised her hand, palm up, brushing the tears away as she shook her head with a bitterugh, murmuring, "Enough, enough."


    Consort Chen took Ying Xiang''s arm. With her support, she had just turned to return to the pce when she suddenly heard a familiar male voice behind her.


    "It''s cold tonight. Why are you standing alone under the eaves?"


    That voice drilled into her ears then mixed into her blood, straight to her heart.


    The heart that had felt chilled just a moment ago instantly warmed.


    Consort Chen joyfully looked back to see Xiao Jingheng striding towards her.


    The silver moonlight spilled onto his bright yellow dragon robe. The gold thread embroidery glimmered faintly, and to Consort Chen, that faint glow was dazzlingly bright.


    Forgetting the decorum expected of a consort, she rushed into Xiao Jingheng''s arms, hugging his slender waist tightly and burying her head in his chest. Unable to restrain her tears, she said,


    "I was afraid Your Majesty would nevere see me again..."


    Xiao Jingheng also embraced her.


    His broad palm pressed against her back, gently patting and soothing her.


    "I''ve been busy with state affairs these past days and neglected you. Don''t take it to heart."


    Whether he had truly been upied with state affairs and unintentionally neglected her, Consort Chen knew clearly in her heart.


    But she could not nitpick or exin to Xiao Jingheng that she had nothing to do with the broken Phoenix Head Lute strings.


    After all, Xiao Jingheng had never rified this matter. If she brought it up now, it would seem she protested too much.


    "As long as Your Majesty still thinks fondly of me. This concubine feared you have found a new favorite and forgotten your old lover."


    Only Consort Chen daringly uttered such presumptuous words when sulking with Xiao Jingheng.


    Yet Xiao Jingheng did not rebuke her. On the contrary, he tenderly wiped her tears and smiled brightly.


    "Look at you. Standing in the wind has made your little nose red."


    He shielded her from the wind on his right side as he led her by the hand towards the bedchamber, saying,


    "The bayberry and honeydew in your pce are the best. I''ve worked up quite an appetite. Have you prepared any...?"


    Before Xiao Jingheng could even finish speaking, Consort Chen had already begun calling for Ying Xiang to ready everything below.


    That night, Xiao Jingheng stayed over at Consort Chen''s pce.


    Yonghe Pce had always maintained the strictest secrecy, so none of the other consorts heard about this.


    The next day when Song Zhao went to pay her respects to the Empress, she saw the long absent Xiao Changzao there, surprisingly.


    The consorts had not seen her for some time. Even if it was merely perfunctory politeness, they still exchanged a few words.


    Consort Shu said, "It''s good you finally came out. Grief can be endured, but life must go on, no? Having just experienced the loss of a child myself, I can understand how you feel."


    Consort Yin said, "You haven''te for so long that we were worried for you."


    Consort Yun added, "The scars on your face don''t look so serious either. If one doesn''t scrutinize, they aren''t noticeable."


    Faced with everyone''s concern, Xiao Changzao thanked them one by one. Then she said,


    "It''s all thanks to the Empress not looking down on me. These days I have been chanting sutras and worshiping Buddha every day under her guidance. Throughprehending the Buddha''s teachings, I havee to understand many matters clearly."


    The Empress replied gently, "It is Xiao Changzao who has an affinity with Buddha. For others whoe here, they may find the smell of incense too overpowering to even sit still."


    The one the Empress described as ''unable to sit still'' was naturally Consort Chen.


    She had note again today. Consort Yin picked up where the Empress had left off,


    "Why has Consort Che again today? When she was favored, beingte to serve His Majesty could be forgiven. But now that the Emperor rarely even acknowledges her, who is she putting on airs for?"


    Consort Yun mocked, "Some people are ustomed tock of propriety. Rules must be set for her. Empress, you cannot always indulge her so much. She must be disciplined to set her straight!"


    "Consort Chen pays her respects to the Empress."


    The consorts were mid-conversation when they suddenly heard the attendant formally announce outside.


    Everyone looked towards the door and saw Consort Chen entering slowly, surrounded by arge group of pce maids.


    Her retinue stopped outside the door. Only Ying Xiang supported her as she gracefully walked inside.


    Today Consort Chen wore a scarlet cloak with a hundred birds paying homage to the phoenix embroidery pattern. Around her neck hung a Hanging Cloud Pearl that looked exactly like the Eastern Pearl. She was covered in jewels and radiated luxury and brilliance.


    The ''hundred birds paying homage to the phoenix'' pattern imitated the design reserved only for the Empress, ''hundred birds paying homage to the Phoenix''. The Hanging Cloud Pearl also imitated the Eastern Pearl.


    These were things that only the Empress could use.


    Although the consorts were long ustomed to Consort Chen''s rampant arrogance, her grand outfit today was clearly meant to intimidate the Empress. Their expressions inevitably changed.


    Song Zhao secretly nced at the Empress.


    She remained smiling, unruffled.


    Consort Chen, meanwhile, headed straight for her, not even ncing at the other consorts on both sides.


    Standing below the hall, shezily bent her knees slightly as a cursory bow. Not waiting for the Empress to permit her to rise, she arrogantly took her seat before everyone''s eyes.

 Chapter 67: Help You Die

    <h4>Chapter 67</h4>


    Consort Chen had no intention of giving any face to the Empress.


    Even theposed Empress couldn''t hide the visible change in her expression, which turned unpleasant.


    Consort Yun seized the opportunity to express her loyalty to the Empress and criticized Consort Chen sharply, saying:


    "Consort Chen! Have youpletely forgotten your manners? It''s one thing to arrivete for the greeting, but just look at your attire. What are you trying to do? Do you want to overstep your bounds?"


    "Heh." Consort Chen sneered contemptuously, casually caressing the intricate embroidery on her cloak.


    "Are you saying that the peacock pattern on my garments is presumptuous, or perhaps the string of cloud-shaped pearls around my neck is presumptuous?"


    Leaning backzily against the chair, she leisurely gazed at the Empress and said nonchntly:


    "You may find these things precious, but they are merelymonce in my pce. If the Empress wishes, I can send some to you as well."


    Traditionally, it was the Empress who rewarded lower-ranking consorts with gifts for their clothing and expenses.


    Where was the logic in lower-ranking consorts rewarding the Empress?


    However, the Empress didn''t dwell on Consort Chen''s mistake and continued to smile, saying:


    "How can I ept your gifts, Sister? Moreover, I see that the peacock embroidery on your garmentsplements your delicate beauty, and the cloud-shaped pearls around your neck entuate your fair and radiantplexion. These things are truly most suitable for you, Sister. You should keep them."


    Song Zhao enjoyed a leisurely life in the pce, and her favorite pastime was witnessing the Empress and Consort Chen sh.


    However, it must be said thatpared to Consort Chen''s arrogance and ostentation, the Empress''sposure and dignity appeared much more refined.


    By saying that the peacock pattern and cloud-shaped pearls were most suitable for Consort Chen, the Empress was implicitly telling her:


    No matter how domineering and presumptuous you are, you can only rely on these imitations of the imperial pce''s treasures.


    But imitations were imitations after all, no matter how close they resembled the real thing, they could neverpare.


    Consort Chen also understood the Empress''s underlying meaning. After a brief contemtion, she saw the Empress unabashedly staring at the embroidery on her phoenix robe and said:


    "In fact, I think there might be some things that are more suitable for me."


    She dared not speak her mind directly, and the Empress simply ignored her words, allowing her to go mad.


    Consort Yin interjected at the right moment and said, "You had a reason for arrivingte after serving the Emperor in the past, but what does it mean toete without any reason today? Consort Chen, it seems that you are taking advantage of the Empress''s leniency and bing more and more insolent!"


    Consort Chen nced indifferently at Consort Yin and replied, "You oversee the affairs of the six pces, but do you even know who attended to the Emperorst night? Do you know how you helped the Empress manage the affairs of the harem?"


    Consort Yin asked, "What do you mean by that? The Emperor was clearly ying cards with Song Zhaost night. How could it be...?"


    "So what?" Consort Chenughed wantonly, her beautiful phoenix eyes looking upward provocatively.


    "If others can''t figure it out, can''t you? You''re the one who had sedan chairs carried all the way to the gate of Chaoyang Pce but was then sent back to rest when the Emperor summoned me. You''ve yed out this scene many times before, so why are you so surprised now?"


    Consort Yin, with her strong and assertive personality inherited from her Hu ancestry, [Note: "Hu" refers to a group of ethnic minorities in ancient China.]


    Once upon a time, when Consort Yin offended Consort Chen with her temperament, she fell out of favor.


    During that time, whenever Xiao Jingheng turned over the cards to choose Consort Yin for the night, Consort Chen would interfere and snatch away Consort Yin''s favor.


    Bringing up this matter in public would be embarrassing, and Consort Yin was left speechless, her face turning red with embarrassment.


    In the midst of the tense and awkward atmosphere, the Empress offered some advice,


    "The Emperor''s heart can change too. For example, when I had a heart ailmentst time, didn''t the Emperor leave Consort Chen to apany me?" She looked at Song Zhao and continued, "Song Zhao, don''t take this matter to heart."


    Song Zhao immediately replied, "I dare not! Consort Chen has served the Emperor for a long time and naturally knows how to make himfortable."


    Consort Chen smiled faintly upon hearing Song Zhao''s words but remained silent.


    Afterward, everyone fell into a silent and subdued state.


    Suddenly, Concubine Xiao, who had been sitting quietly all along, stood up and bowed to the concubines, saying,


    "When I and the Empress were offering prayers to the Buddha, I specially made protective sachets for each of you."


    Her maid, Yinzhi, brought out a bamboo-woven basket containing sachets of various colors, with scriptures transcribed on them.


    Concubine Xiao distributed the sachets to everyone and said,


    "I personally made these sachets and burned incense while praying, hoping to bring peace and smoothness to all of you."


    Thedies praised the sachets when they received them.


    When Concubine Xiao approached Consort Chen with the sachet, Consort Chen looked her up and down, then signaled to Yingxiang, who was by her side, to ept the sachet. She spoke in a cold tone,


    "You are considerate."


    After Concubine Xiao finished distributing the sachets, the Empress suggested,


    "It''s winter now, and the plum blossoms in the Plum Garden are blooming. Tomorrow is the designated day for admiring the plum blossoms in the pce. Sisters, there''s no need toe to my pce to pay respects. Tomorrow morning, let''s go to the Plum Garden together to enjoy the blossoms."


    The concubines replied in unison, "Yes."


    On the way back to the pce, Song Zhao heard someone calling her from behind.


    She turned around and saw Yingxiang, who was by Consort Chen''s side.


    "Convey my regards to Song Zhao," Consort Chen said, "She handled yesterday''s matter very well. I want to reward her with this."


    Yingxiang handed a letter to Song Zhao, and at a nce, she recognized the handwriting on it.


    It was from Song Shicheng.


    Song Zhao eagerly epted the letter, showing great excitement.


    "As lower-ranking concubines, we are not allowed to have correspondence with our families. I have been in the pce for three months and have missed my family dearly. Consort Chen has treated me with such care, so I must personally express my gratitude," Song Zhao said.


    Yingxiang replied, "Consort Chen knows that Song Zhao is grateful, but the weather has turned colder recently, and Consort Chen doesn''t want Song Zhao to shuttle between the two pces. If there''s anything, I can convey the message on behalf of Song Zhao."


    Song Zhao understood that Consort Chen was afraid of the Empress detecting any suspiciousness between them, so she deliberately wanted to avoid suspicion.


    In response, Song Zhao said, "Then, please thank Consort Chen on my behalf, Aunt."


    After returning to the pce, Song Zhao finally opened the letter from Song Shicheng.


    Upon unfolding therge sheet of paper, she saw only sixteen words written on it:


    [My daughter, are you well? I am greatly relieved. Support Consort Chen and strive for promotion.]


    Every word in this document reflects Song Shicheng''s ambition.


    He had a close rtionship with Consort Chen''s maternal family in secret,


    so that Song Zhao could support Consort Chen. Firstly, this would help ingratiate himself with Consort Chen''s father, and secondly, it would benefit Song Zhao himself.


    Ideally, he would rise to the position of a chief pce attendant as soon as possible and have a say in front of Xiao Jingheng.


    Finally, he would consider that he hadn''t raised his daughter in vain.


    After reading the letter, Song Zhao casually set it on fire.


    She watched the ashes rise and swirl in the censer, with a flicker of starlight in her eyes,


    and suddenly, she smiled.


    He was her father, after all, and she naturally had to support him.


    Support him in colluding with the Ning family, causing trouble together,


    support him in going down to the depths of hell as soon as possible, experiencing all the trials and tribtions,


    and then going to see his deceased concubine, shedding blood with every word, kowtowing and admitting guilt!

 Chapter 68: Winter Snake Disaster 01

    <h4>Chapter 68</h4>


    When the ash in the incense burner had burned out, Song Zhao ordered Yun Shan:


    "Go call Xiao Fuzi in. I have some questions for him."


    At that time, Xiao Fuzi was in the courtyard with Zhi Hua, Xi Ying and others, trimming the flowers, grass and dead branches. As soon as he heard Song Zhao was looking for him, he quickly wiped the mud from his fingers onto his pants. This made Yun Shan frown in disgust.


    "Why are you so messy?"


    Although the young girl''s face was full of contempt, she still used a handkerchief to brush the floating dust off the edges of his pants.


    Xiao Fuzi was a little embarrassed and scratched the back of his head, staring at Yun Shan with a silly smile.


    Yun Shan red at him and said impatiently, "What are you smiling about? The young mistress is calling for you!"


    "Oh right, I''ll go now!"


    He hurried into the main hall. Zhi Hua smiled at Yun Shan and said, "Sister Yun Shan, you really care about Xiao Fuzi. I don''t see you asking me or Xi Ying if our hands are dirty too, even though they are."


    Yun Shan''s face turned red at the teasing. "I...I don''t! He''s going in to see the young mistress. Being dirty would offend her eyes!"


    Having said that, she lowered her head in embarrassment and helped Zhi Hua and Xi Ying prune the dead branches.


    On the other side, Xiao Fuzi, who had entered the bedroom to respond to Song Zhao, couldn''t help but smile on his face too.


    Song Zhao looked him up and down and asked with a smile, "What happy event made you so cheerful? Tell me too."


    Xiao Fuzi quickly wiped the smile off his face and said somewhat awkwardly, "No...nothing. What instructions does the young mistress have for this ve?"


    Song Zhao took out the sachet that Concubine Xiao had sent and handed it to him, "Take a look. See if anything is wrong with it."


    Xiao Fuzi took the sachet and nimbly took it apart.


    He examined the dried flowers and herbs inside carefully before saying,


    "In response to the young mistress, they are all things that calm the mind and settle the spirit. Nothing seems wrong."


    Song Zhao was silent for a moment and asked hesitantly, "What exactly is inside this? Tell me one by one."


    Xiao Fuzi said, "There is mint, woolly tea, magnolia, sophora vescens, snakeflower, and cuscuta in it..."


    "Wait. Did you say there is snakeflower in it?"


    Xiao Fuzi nodded in confirmation and skillfully picked out a de of grass to show Song Zhao.


    As soon as it was brought to her face, Song Zhao smelled a strong foreign fragrance.


    "I remember this stuff is used by snake catchers to lure snakes. Why would it be in the sachet?"


    Xiao Fuzi exined, "The peculiar smell given off by snakeflower does attract snakes by exciting them. But this smell is harmless to humans and actually has excellent tranquilizing effects.


    Now that winter has arrived, the snakes are dormant. The efficacy of the herbs in this sachet will fade in two to three months. By next spring when the snakes emerge, the snakeflower inside will have lost its power to lure them. So the young mistress doesn''t need to worry that this sachet will attract snakes."


    Song Zhao pondered for a moment, deftly fiddling with the snakeflower in front of her, and said coldly with augh:


    "The snakes outside the pce may hibernate, but inside the lively pce, people can hardly sleep soundly, let alone those reptiles.


    This sachet is after all a token of Concubine Xiao''s feelings. I shouldn''t discard it outright either. Take this sachet and store it properly in an airtight box in the warehouse."


    Xiao Fuzi never asked why about Song Zhao''s orders.


    He just knew Song Zhao wanted him to do something, so he would get it done.


    After lunch break, Song Zhao said she wanted to go to the main hall to pay respects to Consort Yao, and took Xiao Fuzi with her.


    After greeting each other as sisters when they met, they chatted for a while. Then Song Zhao smiled and said:


    "I heard Mother mention the legs of the yellow pear wood table in her bedroom were a little loose. My Xiao Fuzi at the pce is the best at repairs and tune-ups. Let him take a look for Mother, shall we?"


    "Then I''ll have to trouble my little sister."


    Consort Yao led Xiao Fuzi to the table while Song Zhao followed her at her side. From the corner of her eye, she saw that Consort Yao was already wearing the sachet sent by Concubine Xiao at her waist.


    So Song Zhao staggered and threw herself at Consort Yao. Consort Yao reflexively steadied her.


    "What''s the matter?"


    Song Zhao calmed herself and said somewhat awkwardly, "This concubine is muddled. I managed to trip over myself while walking on t ground and nearly knocked into Mother."


    When she bumped into Consort Yao, her right hand grabbed the sachet at Consort Yao¡¯s waist and yanked it forcefully, throwing it onto the ground.


    Now looking at the sachet on the ground, she said, "Xiao Fuzi, quickly pick up the sachet for Mother Consort."


    When Xiao Fuzi bent down to pick up the sachet, he deliberately squeezed it hard in his hand to leave some of the smell on his palm.


    After finishing the table repair for Consort Yao, Song Zhao took him back to the West Side Hall. Hearing him say:


    "In response to the young mistress, the sachet worn by Consort Yao is the same as yours. It also contains snakeflower."


    Upon hearing this, Song Zhao was somewhat puzzled.


    She had originally thought that Concubine Xiao regarded her as an enemy, so she came up with some vicious trick to harm her.


    But Consort Yao waspletely innocent towards Concubine Xiao from beginning to end. Why would there be snakeflower in the sachet Concubine Xiao gifted Consort Yao too?


    Or could it be...


    It wasn''t just Consort Yao. The sachets Concubine Xiao gave everyone were all equal?


    The minds of the women in this pce were bing more and more inscrutable to Song Zhao.


    However, having doubts was also good for being vignt early on.


    It looked like it would snow in another two days. The Empress¡¯ pce would also stop receiving greetings then. The consorts and concubines in the pces would rarely go out then.


    So no matter who Concubine Xiao intended to harm,


    tomorrow when the six pces went to enjoy the plum blossoms in the Plum Garden together would be her best chance.


    Xiao Fuzi seemed to sense Song Zhao¡¯s worries and said,


    ¡°Is the young mistress still going plum blossoming viewing tomorrow?¡±


    Song Zhao looked at him with a smile and nodded calmly,


    ¡°Of course I''m going. If everyone else goes and only I don''t, then if something strange happens in the Plum Garden tomorrow, wouldn¡¯t it all be counted against me?¡±


    In winter days, the sky always brightened veryte.


    The next day, while it was still dark, Song Zhao had already gotten up.


    After washing up, she told Yun Shan, "It looks very cold today. And we¡¯re going to the Plum Garden. Help me get thicker underwear and socks and shoes."


    The reason why Song Zhao wanted to wear thicker underwear and socks and shoes was not to fight the cold. After all, who knew if the hibernating snakes would suddenly wake up out of nowhere and bite her.


    It was best to wear thicker clothes over the parts of her body that could be bitten, just in case.


    When she went out, Song Zhao said to Yun Shan again: "The pce maids¡¯ clothes are too thin. You¡¯ll freeze badly following me."


    Then she looked at Xiao Fuzi standing to the side, "Let Xiao Fuzi apany me today. His skin is thick and won¡¯t freeze easily."


    At first, Yun Shan was unwilling. She felt that Xiao Fuzi was after all a man, clumsy in waiting upon others, and was worried that he would not be able to take good care of Song Zhao.


    But she really could not ovee Song Zhao¡¯s insistence, so Yun Shan had no choice but to reluctantly agree. She also deliberately put on a fierce look and threatened Xiao Fuzi fiercely:


    "You''d better take good care of the young mistress. If shees back sick from catching cold, don''t think I''ll let you off easily!"


    Although being threatened by her, Xiao Fuzi still had a silly smile on his face.


    "Don''t worry, I will take good care of the young mistress!"

 Chapter 69: Winter Snake Disaster 02

    <h4>Chapter 69</h4>


    On the way to Plum Garden, Xiao Fuzi asked Song Zhao,


    "Is the young master afraid that Yun Shan will follow and something unexpected will happen?"


    Song Zhao replied, "She is timid, and I''m afraid she will panic if she sees something dirty and end up getting hurt instead."


    Xiao Fuzi said, "I understand. The young master didn''t tell Yun Shan in advance because she is too innocent, and you didn''t want her to worry."


    Song Zhao nodded lightly and instructed, "Be more alert. If something really happens, make sure to take care of yourself and avoid getting hurt."


    "You can rest assured, young master. I will protect you well."


    During this period, Song Zhao hadn''t been clear about many things with Yun Shan, but she had regr discussions with Xiao Fuzi.


    Yun Shan was loyal, but shecked cleverness.


    In fact, not everything needed to be made known to a loyal servant.


    When Song Zhao arrived at Plum Garden, Consort Hui, Concubine Xiao, and Concubine Liu from Zhaochun Pce had already arrived.


    She saw Consort Hui running around in Plum Garden from a distance, looking as joyful as a child,


    Concubine Xiao and Concubine Liu followed closely behind, afraid that she might stumble and fall.


    Song Zhao should have greeted Consort Hui, but she didn''t pay attention and identally bumped into her.


    Consort Hui was not tall, only reaching Song Zhao''s chin,


    She rushed into her, losing her bnce and almost falling.


    Fortunately, Song Zhao quickly supported her, saying, "Be careful, Consort Hui."


    After regaining her bnce, Consort Hui was still in high spirits,


    She reached out and held Song Zhao''s hand, smiling and saying,


    "Sister Song,e and take a look. The plum blossoms are so beautiful~"


    With Consort Hui pulling her along, Song Zhao arrived under a plum tree.


    In the pce, white color was considered taboo, so red plums were nted in Plum Garden.


    The plum tree in front of them was the most vibrant,


    With its icy branches and tender green leaves, elegant and sparse shadows, vibrant red flowers, and a lingering fragrance, it truly added a rare touch of color to the winter.


    Originally, she was enjoying the plum blossoms happily, but Song Zhao noticed the smile on Consort Hui''s face gradually fading,


    Soon, her eyebrows drooped and her small red mouth pouted, looking somewhat sad.


    "In the past, during winter, my mother used to incorporate plum blossoms in our meals and make plum blossom pancakes for me to eat."


    As she spoke, her eyes turned red, and her tone became more aggrieved, "I miss my mother..."


    Consort Hui''s words also stirred up memories for Song Zhao.


    When she was young, two red plum trees were nted in the side courtyard of Duke of Protector''s Mansion,


    Whenever winter came and white snowkes fell, the plum blossoms bloomed, and Song Zhao''s birth mother would pick plum blossoms and make many plum blossom pancakes for her.


    The taste was sweet and filled with memories of Song Zhao''s entire childhood winters.


    Unfortunately, she had never tasted that vor again.


    As she looked at Consort Hui, who longed for her mother, she also recalled her past self.


    However, inparison, Consort Hui was considered fortunate.


    Although she hadn''t seen her family for four years since entering the pce at the age of ten,


    At least, the people she missed were still alive.


    As long as someone is still alive, there will always be a day for reunion.


    Her wandering thoughts were quickly pulled back to reality,


    Song Zhao''s face did not show a hint of sadness. Instead, he smiled and said to Consort Hui:


    "In the past, my concubine''s aunt would make plum blossom pastries for me to eat. The Empress''s mother and my concubine''s aunt are both from the Jiangsu-Zhejiang region, so it seems there are many simrities in our cuisine."


    Consort Hui asked, "Can you make plum blossom pastries?"


    Song Zhao nodded, "Of course. If Consort Hui likes them, I will make them in a few days and bring them for you to enjoy together. How does that sound?"


    "Really?" Consort Hui, being young and easily swayed by her emotions, immediately smiled again upon hearing that Song Zhao would make delicious food for her. "Then let''s make it a promise!"


    As she spoke, she extended her hand and hooked her pinky finger with Song Zhao''s.


    Later, the remaining concubines gradually arrived, and finally, the Empress and Consort Chen made their appearance.


    The Empress had a heart condition and couldn''t be exposed to cold winds, so when she came today, she was carrying a hot water bottle.


    The water inside the hot water bottle was boiled, emitting a faint and pleasant fragrance that made people feel at ease.


    After all the concubines greeted the Empress, she solemnly said, "On the thirteenth day of the tenth month, we have a tradition of appreciating plum blossoms. Plum blossoms possess both arrogance and humility, fearlessness and perseverance. The act of appreciating flowers reflects the qualities we should possess as individuals. Our ancestors established this tradition, hoping that we, the women of the pce, can have these beautiful qualities, just like plum blossoms."


    Everyone echoed in unison, "What the Empress said is absolutely right. We, the concubines, have learned from your teachings."


    Amidst the harmonious response, a voice with a hint of mockery could be heard, "The Empress is well-read and knowledgeable in all matters."


    Consort Chenzily stroked her hair and smiled as she nced at the Empress, "It''s just appreciating flowers, yet the Empress can speak such profound truths. I truly feel inferior."


    The Empress smiled and said, "Looking at your confidence and pride, I know you also understand these principles. There''s no need for you to belittle yourself."


    Consort Chen coldly snorted and didn''t respond to the Empress''s words.


    When the Empress led everyone to appreciate the plum blossoms, Consort Chen unexpectedly took two quick steps and deliberately bypassed the Empress, taking a position in front of her.


    This act was extremely presumptuous.


    However, the Empress didn''t say a word, and the other concubines could only quietly express their grievances.


    Song Zhao overheard Consort Ying whispering to Consort Shu, "The Empress is the highest-ranking consort, and Consort Chen has been provoking hertely. The Empress has been magnanimous and hasn''t bothered with her. But I think I should find an opportunity to inform the Emperor."


    Consort Shu sighed and advised her, "What will telling the Emperor aplish? Consort Chen has been like this for so many years. Have you ever seen the Emperor intervene?"


    "Oh! There''s a snake!"


    Song Zhao was listening to themotion when suddenly he heard Concubine Liu exim from the crowd.


    She was frightened and her face turned pale. She stepped back in panic and pointed at the soft mud in front of her.


    From behind the plum blossom tree, two snakes, nearly half a zhang in length, darted out.


    Their heads were triangr in shape, their bodies thick with short tails, and their backs had dark brown coloration with circr patterns on the sides.


    Snakes are usually wary of humans, but these two snakes were behaving unusually. They hissed and writhed as they rapidly crawled in the direction of the consorts.


    The consorts were frightened and screamed in rm, scrambling to escape. The scene immediately descended into chaos.


    Song Zhao, who had been prepared for this, remained calm even when faced with the snakes. She moved back with the crowd, while Xiao Fuzi protected her from the front.


    Since the snakes had emerged from the front, Consort Chen, who was at the forefront, ended up running at the back.


    The pce attendants shielded her as they retreated, and just as she reached Song Zhao''s side in the midst of the confusion, something seemed to trip her up.


    Suddenly, she leaned forward and fell to the ground.


    The two relentless snakes with their fiery red tongues continued spitting venom and darted towards Consort Chen...

 Chapter 70: Winter Snake Disaster 03

    <h4>Chapter 70</h4>


    "Ah! Don''t, don''te over!"


    Consort Chen was so frightened that her legs turned soft, unable to stand up for the moment,


    She could only support herself with both hands on the muddy ground while kicking towards the direction of the snake¡¯s approach, clumsily shifting backwards.


    "Be careful, Your Highness!"


    In a split second,


    Song Zhao almost didn''t think at all and rushed forward to grab Consort Chen''s arm, forcibly pulling her back.


    When he dragged the person to his side, he hurriedly leaned forward to support Consort Chen by the elbows and pulled her up from the ground.


    At the same time, the pce maids waiting upon Consort Chen also swarmed around.


    The two snakes also crawled to everyone''s feet at this moment,


    Bending the front half of their bodies, flicking their tongues ¡®hiss¡¯ hiss¡¯, not giving people enough time to react, they would strike out.


    Song Zhao was supporting Consort Chen and the direction of the snake¡¯s attack was also towards them. It was unclear which of them the two snakes might bite first.


    Xiao Fuzi was not too far from Song Zhao, but the speed of the snake¡¯s attack was too fast for him to protect Song Zhao in time,


    And at this moment in front of him, blocking his way was a pce maid who was visibly somewhat afraid of snakes.


    Xiao Fuzi recognized this pce maid was Bao Xia from Consort Chen¡¯s pce.


    He had heard pce women punished to Xinze Prison mention her before when he worked there.


    They said she was the most fond of causing trouble in front of the master.


    Knowing she was not a good person, Xiao Fuzi simply steeled his heart. Taking the opportunity when everyone was focused on Consort Chen, he pushed Bao Xia forcefully from behind.


    "Ah!"


    Bao Xia lost her bnce and fell face up towards the direction of the two snakes¡¯ attack. The snakes nimbly dodged while also in shock themselves.


    The snakes opened their mouths wide, biting Bao Xia¡¯s arm and leg fiercely.


    And biting extremely fiercely, like going mad, not letting go no matter how Bao Xia struggled.


    Consort Chen and Song Zhao had already been escorted by the pce maids to safety.


    The two of them stood with the other consorts, watching with their own eyes as Bao Xia issued screams of pain after being attacked by the snakes.


    Yet besides shouting loudly for help, everyone was helpless.


    The loud noise attracted the patrolling guards of Plum Garden. Seeing this, they immediately drew their swords out to sh at the snakes¡¯ heads. Their hands rose up then fell down, beheading the snakes.


    Yet even so, the snake heads were still tightly biting Bao Xia, the sight sending chills down everyone¡¯s spine.


    Bao Xia already had little courage daily. Just now when Duo Xiang and the others were protecting Consort Chen, she happened to have hidden a bit further away.


    Being bitten by snakes like this now, she was even more frightened, unable to utter aplete sentence.


    From the corner of her eye, Song Zhao caught a glimpse of Xiao Fuzi¡¯s somewhat unnaturalplexion. Recalling that he seemed to be standing behind Bao Xia earlier, she guessed that Xiao Fuzi might have pushed Bao Xia out in order to protect her.


    If this was truly so, then if Bao Xia were to expose Xiao Fuzi now, Song Zhao would also be implicated.


    Thus she immediately said, ¡°Consort Chen, this pce maid just now threw herself forward to protect Your Highness, that''s why she got bitten by the snakes. Shouldn''t we quickly summon the imperial doctor to treat her?¡±


    Consort Chen had yet to recover from her panic,


    Beads of sweat asrge as beans rolled down her forehead, soaking the makeup on her face and messing it up.


    Hearing Song Zhao say this, she thought back fearfully and said, ¡°Quick, go summon the imperial doctor!¡±


    Seeing the situation under control, the Empress then said,


    ¡°This ce is not safe. Guards shall escort us out first.¡±


    Today¡¯s incident involved Consort Chen while Plum Garden was also the closest to Consort Chen¡¯s Yonghe Pce, so the Empress led everyone to Yonghe Pce together.


    Consort Chen arranged for Doctor Qi, whom she entrusted with her health, to speciallye and diagnose Bao Xia.


    The consorts sat in the main hall, still somewhat disturbed recalling the earlier events.


    Consort Yun said, ¡°Why are there still snakes in the dead of such cold winter?¡±


    Consort Shu said, ¡°Plum Garden does not have pce maids inspecting and cleaning it daily like the Imperial Garden does. Perhaps it is precisely because of this that it gave those nasty things a chance.¡±


    While discussing, weeping sounds suddenly traveled through the crowd.


    Consort Hui curled up in her chair, crying non-stop,


    ¡°Wuwuwu, I¡¯m most afraid of snakes! Those two snakes were so frightening, seeming to have enmity with us as they rushed straight at us. Wuwuwu, scared me to death...¡±


    Consort Yao beside her gently patted her back tofort her, ¡°Sister, don¡¯t be afraid. Fortunately none of us were injured.¡±


    She paused awhile, feeling somewhat strange inwardly, and continued, ¡°Consort Hui has a point too. Snakes all fear humans. Even in the wild, they would not actively attack people if one does not step on them. How could those two snakes today be so bold?¡±


    The Empress tightened her grip on the hot water bottle in her hand, and softly chanted ¡®Amitabha¡¯, ¡°Amitabha, hope only that the snakes are not venomous and that the little pce maid is safe and sound.¡±


    As soon as she finished speaking, Doctor Qi entered the main hall and gave the consorts a respectful greeting, though with a heavy tone.


    Consort Chen quickly asked, ¡°How about Bao Xia? How is she?¡±


    Doctor Qi shook his head in frustration, ¡°In reply to Your Highness, the snakes that bit Bao Xia were spitting cobras. This snake has extremely potent venom. The bites the pce maid received were truly severe, with fangs prating deeply into her bones. This ipetent official is powerless to save her.¡±


    Hearing that, everyone sucked in a breath of cold air.


    Though Consort Chen was arrogant and overbearing, her treatment of her own pce maids was not too bad.


    She immediately got to her feet and strode off silently towards the sick bay.


    The Empress gave a long sigh full of grief for Bao Xia, ¡°s...poor child.¡±


    Song Zhao rose to say, ¡°Your Majesty, Bao Xia saved Consort Chen, and also saved this concubine. This concubine also wishes to go take a look at her.¡±


    The Empress nodded her assent. ¡°Just now when you rushed forward without regard for yourself to protect Consort Chen, you also gave Us a fright. In the future when you encounter danger you must not do so again. When attempting to rescue someone, you must first protect yourself. Understood?¡±


    ¡°Many thanks for Your Majesty''s concern.¡±


    Song Zhao performed an obeisance then withdrew, quickly following to the sick bay.


    By the time she arrived, Consort Chen was sitting at Bao Xia¡¯s sickbed holding her hand, saying:


    ¡°You can tell Bengong about anything you have remaining worries about. Bengong will surely help you resolve them.¡±


    Bao Xia¡¯s face was deathly pale, her body shivering unceasingly.


    Hearing Consort Chen¡¯s words, she also knew she would not live for long.


    She had originally wanted to tell Consort Chen about Xiao Fuzi pushing her,


    ¡°Your Highness, actually---¡±


    ¡°If you cannot let go of worries about your family, Consort Chen and I will properly take care of them for you.¡±


    Song Zhao strode forward to stand at Bao Xia¡¯s bedside, her eyes icy cold while looking at Bao Xia.


    Consort Chen had her back facing Song Zhao so she could not see the expression on her face.


    But Bao Xia could see it very clearly.


    Thus she also understood the implications behind Song Zhao''s words.


    In short, what Song Zhao was saying amounted to two points:


    Firstly, if Bao Xia did not mention that Xiao Fuzi had pushed her, then her actions today would be regarded as courageously saving her master. After her death, the court wouldpensate her family members while Consort Chen would also ensure her family would want for nothing for the rest of their lives.


    Secondly, if Bao Xia exposed that Xiao Fuzi had pushed her instead, then behind Song Zhao stood the entire Duke of Protection¡¯s Estate. If Song Zhao did not have good days ahead, logically Bao Xia''s family members would surely also die friendless and homeless.


    Bao Xia was already a dead woman.


    Naturally, she did not wish for anything untoward to happen to her family after her death.


    Thus she changed tack and said tearfully to Consort Chen,


    ¡°Please Your...Highness...look after...ve''s family...¡±


    Consort Chen firmly held her hand, repeatedly nodding her head, ¡°Rest assured, Bengong will properly care for them.¡±


    Upon hearing these words from Consort Chen, Bao Xia seemed to have aplished her dying wish.


    Then after exhaling a long breath, she closed her eyes for eternity.

 Chapter 71: Winter Snake Disaster 04

    <h4>Chapter 71</h4>


    Song Zhao looked at Bao Xia who had stopped breathing, and couldn''t help crying:


    "Bao Xia was truly wholehearted..."


    Consort Chen raised her eyebrows and looked at her, speaking gently:


    "If you hadn''t rushed forward recklessly just now to pull This Pce first, I''m afraid This Pce wouldn''t have lived to see Bao Xia''s loyalty today either."


    She got up, took a deep breath, and murmured softly:


    "Thank you."


    Song Zhao quickly said: "This concubine, how could I stand by and watch when the Empress was in mortal danger?"


    In fact, Consort Chen''s attitude surprised Song Zhao as well.


    She had always felt that Consort Chen was a woman with a vicious heart, cold and arrogant,


    But today, whether it was her attitude towards Bao Xia, or the "thank you" from her mouth just now,


    It was the first time Song Zhao saw her humane side,


    And she felt a little unustomed.


    Consort Chen asked Ying Xiang to properly arrange Bao Xia''s aftermath, then went back to the main hall with Song Zhao.


    The Empress helplessly sighed: "What happened today came suddenly. Fortunately, my sister was not injured."


    "An ident?" Consort Chen suppressed the anger in her heart, looking sharply at the Empress, aggressively questioning:


    "Does the Empress think it was an ident that there was a snake on a winter day? Or does she think snakes don''t fear people was an ident? Or... does the Empress think it was an ident that when This Concubine was retreating, someone deliberately tripped me?"


    As she spoke, she narrowed her eyes and looked around at the concubines in attendance.


    Although she didn''t say a word, her aura was extremely terrifying,


    Scaring everyone so much that they didn''t dare to speak or look her in the eye,


    Afraid that as soon as their eyes met, they would be suspected.


    And Consort Chen''s eyes lightly nced over one person.


    That person was naturally Song Zhao, who had just risked her life to save her.


    At that time, Song Zhao was sitting in the position near the door, watching the atmosphere in the hall be more and more tense withposure.


    She thought to herself, the good show has finally arrived.


    In fact, when the ident happened in Plum Garden just now, how could she be willing to save Consort Chen?


    If she had really been bitten by the snake, it wouldn''t have been a joke.


    But she had no choice but to save her.


    The ident happened suddenly. In just a sh, Song Zhao had already figured it out.


    Consort Chen didn''t stumble early or stumblete, but happened to stumble when she passed by her. What does this mean?


    It means someone wanted to harm Consort Chen, of course,


    But thinking deeper,


    How could that person not want to shift the me to Song Zhao, so that everyone would think Song Zhao had deliberately tripped Consort Chen?


    Rather than pleading innocence to no availter, why not take a gamble.


    So there was the brave scene of Song Zhao shielding Consort Chen at all costs just now.


    At the moment, Song Zhao carefully recalled who was around her when chaos broke out just now.


    She lowered her head, and inadvertently nced at the concubines in attendance from the corner of her eye,


    Concubine Xiao was there, and Concubine Liu was there, Qing Yue, Concubine Shu''s maid, it seemed there were also two unfamiliar pce maids, but Song Zhao couldn''t remember who they were.


    Facing Consort Chen''s questioning, the Empress'' expression also became solemn,


    "Does my sister mean that what happened today was someone deliberately trying to harm you?"


    Consort Chen''s face darkened suddenly, her words thorny:


    "This Concubine doesn''t know. This Concubine only knows that today''s plum appreciation was invited by the Empress."


    "Absurd!" Upon hearing her nderous words, the Empress, who rarely got angry, was furious, "Appreciating plums on the thirteenth day of the tenth lunar month is a ruleid down by the ancestors. What do you mean by saying this? Are you implying that the person who wanted to harm you was This Pce? "


    Consort Chen sneered and raised her eyebrows at the Empress:


    "This Concubine hasn''t said anything yet, why is the Empress annoyed already? Fortunately, the disaster was avoided this time and the one unfortunately injured by the viper was This Concubine''s Bao Xia. If the Empress had been injured, wouldn''t that have been a sin?"


    She straightened her back and put on an aggressive stance, enunciating word for word:


    "Someone wanted to harm the Empress, this matter must not be left alone, it should be reported to His Majesty and let the people from Ministry of Justicee into the pce to investigate!"


    With a few words, Consort Chen immediately escted the severity of the situation.


    The Empress argued that this was an ident, and at worst, it was just the death of a pce maid, so the incident would not be big.


    But Consort Chen pointed the spearhead at the Empress, saying that this incident was very likely to be someone trying to harm the Empress, then the nature of this incident has be attempted rebellion.


    The women in the pce are good at listening for information. Everyone knows what Consort Chen meant by saying this.


    She made it clear that she suspected that everything that happened today was a plot by the Empress to harm her.


    However, the Empress imed to have a clear conscience and was not afraid of shadows, and said fearlessly:


    "What Consort Chen said is reasonable. Shuang Ruo, report this matter to His Majesty immediately and see if His Majesty has time now."


    Shuang Ruo agreed with a bow. Just then a gust of wind blew through the hall, and the Empress, who was sitting opposite the host seat, shuddered slightly.


    So Shuang Ruo said, "The Empress Mother''s soup warmer has cooled down. This ve will go change it for you."


    The Empress casually handed the soup warmer to her, and she took it and went downstairs.


    About half an hourter, Shuang Ruo came back to Yonghe Pce with Jiang Deshun.


    Jiang Deshun gave the Empress a deep bow and said, "His Majesty is discussing affairs with the Minister of Revenue at the moment and can''t get away for a while. He sent me to understand the situation first."


    He waved his horsetail whisk forward and summoned a pce maid from outside toe in and introduced her to the Empress:


    "This is Xiao Sui Zi from the Bureau of Flowers and Birds who has done a lot of research on snakes and insects."


    Xiao Sui Zi paid her respects to the Empress and then said: "Reporting to the Empress Mother, at this time of year, pit vipers should be hibernating, so suddenlying out and attacking people means it probably smelled something it shouldn''t have. As for whether the snake didn''t hibernate itself or someone deliberately released it in Plum Garden, that''s hard to tell... I only know pit vipers are everywhere in the capital, but I''ve never seen one in the pce before."


    "A smell it shouldn''t have smelled?"


    Consort Chen saw that most of the concubines today were wearing fragrance sachets that Consort Xiao had given them yesterday. Although she didn''t wear it herself, Consort Yin who was sitting next to her did.


    So she directly reached out and pulled the fragrance sachet from Consort Yin''s waist.


    Consort Yin was annoyed and said angrily: "What are you doing?"


    Consort Chenpletely ignored her, only handed the fragrance sachet to Xiao Sui Zi and said: "See if there''s anything wrong with this."


    From the corner of her eye, Song Zhao saw that the moment Consort Chen handed the fragrance sachet to Xiao Sui Zi, Consort Xiao''s expression had already be unnatural.


    Xiao Sui Zi opened the fragrance sachet and quickly discovered the snake weed inside, so she immediately said:


    "Replying to Consort Chen, this fragrance sachet contains a snake weed that snake catchers specially use to lure snakes!"


    Everyone in the hall was shocked when this was said.


    The concubines wearing fragrance sachets hurriedly took them off and threw them aside. Xiao Sui Zi examined them one by one and confirmed that all the fragrance sachets contained snake weed, and then said: "If all this amount of snake weed is added together, it is possible to stimte pit vipers and make them extremely aggressive!"


    As soon as she finished speaking, the concubines looked at Consort Xiao in astonishment.


    Concubine Xiao was frightened and her face turned pale. She hurriedly got up from her seat and ran to the middle of the front of the hall, kneeling down to the Empress to exin in panic:


    "Empress Mother, please discern clearly! This matter has nothing to do with this concubine!"

 Chapter 72: Winter Snake Disaster 05

    <h4>Chapter 72</h4>


    The hall was very quiet, so quiet that Concubine Xiao''s heavy gasps due to nervousness sounded particrly abrupt.


    Song Zhao looked at her panicked appearance expressionlessly, she did look really unaware.


    However, everyone in this pce is acting, with solid evidence right in front of you, even if you go on stage to sing Injustice to Du E, it would be of no avail.


    It''s just that Concubine Xiao made it too sloppy this time, full of loopholes.


    Since she had taken action, she should at least be prepared for things toe to light,


    At the very least, she should havee up with some excuses in advance. When people pointed fingers at her, she shouldn¡¯t just duck her head saying that she was wronged.


    Anyone in this pce who hasmitted an offence, be it a consort or a servant girl, what is the first sentence that pops out of their mouth? iming injustice!


    But who would listen?


    The masters present had already determined Concubine Xiao''s alleged crime in their hearts.


    Consort Yin snorted, "How can you be so vicious? Putting snake-flowering grass in everyone''s sachet? Do you want us all to be bitten by snakes so that you can be happy?"


    Consort Yun also said, "This consort said that there was no reason for two snakes to pop up out of nowhere in the middle of winter! It turns out you had this n all along. I bet you even arranged for the snakes beforehand! Has your destroyed appearance also turned your heart ck?"


    Consort Yao couldn''t help but admonish her a couple of sentences either, "You should know that although your appearance is damaged, none of us ridiculed or mocked you, and everyone tried to say nice things tofort you. Who would have thought you could do something so insane..."


    usations and curses poured towards Concubine Xiao from all sides.


    She cried as she exined: "This concubine also doesn''t know where the snakes came from. I didn''t do it, I really didn''t! Please investigate clearly, Empress!"


    "Worthless thing!"


    Concubine Xiao was still talking when Consort Chen suddenlyshed out.


    She couldn''t care less about the deportment befitting her rank anymore. She raised her foot and kicked Concubine Xiao in the shoulder, knocking her to the ground.


    "Do you think I don''t know what you have in mind? In your selfish heart you think it was this consort who tampered with the Phoenix Head Lute back then and ruined your appearance. So you were just waiting for a chance to get back at this consort!"


    Consort Chen red at Concubine Xiao condescendingly, her voice vicious,


    "What is your status? What is my standing? Do you think you deserve to damage the relic of thete Empress Dowager to plot against me? Disgusting creature!"


    After finishing speaking she moved to kick and hit Concubine Xiao again.


    It was Ying Xiang who came forward to stop her and advised, "Your Ladyship, don''t lower yourself to her level. In case you injure yourself."


    "I just recalled that before Your Ladyship tripped in Plum Garden, Concubine Xiao seemed to be right next to you. Maybe...it was her who deliberately tripped Your Ladyship on purpose."


    Seeing anotheryer of suspicion added, with even the motive supplied,


    Concubine Xiao broke out in cold sweat. She climbed up from the ground in a somersault and kowtowed to Consort Chen, pounding her head on the floor.


    "This concubine didn''t do it! At the time..."


    She suddenly raised her head, pointing her finger at several people, "At that time, Concubine Liu, Concubine Song were also beside this concubine, I think Aunt Qing Yue was there too. Everyone panicked at that time. Maybe it was one of them who identally tripped Your Ladyship in the chaos!"


    "Concubine Xiao, you can''t talk nonsense!"


    Before Concubine Xiao''s words fell, Concubine Liu hurried to exin.


    "Who would be looking at their feet when running for their life? Why would anyone randomly stick out a leg under Consort Chen''s foot?"


    In response to this, Song Zhao remained silent while her servant Xiaofuzi exined on her behalf.


    "Then it is even less possible that my young missy did it. If my young missy harbored such malicious thoughts, why would she disregard her own life afterwards and rush out to save Consort Chen?"


    Consort Shu also asked Qing Yue, "Did you trip Consort Chen?"


    Qing Yue was somewhat embarrassed as she said, "This ve should have been by Your Ladyship''s side to serve you, but because of some hidden afflictions, I walked slower..."


    Consort Chen gave her a sideways nce. "Do you have corns on your feet? Not guarding your own mistress and swaggering around in front of me instead?"


    Qing Yue helplessly pulled up her trousers, revealing her tiny shoes underneath.


    The shoes were very small, far from the size needed to envelop the foot of a grown woman.


    "This ve is from Yue State. Yue women have the custom of foot binding. Although this ve''s feet were unbound when she was sold to Consort Shu at the age of eight, the deformed foot bones make my soles particrly small. Normally I can''t take big strides when walking. So how could I have tripped Consort Chen?"


    Consort Shu added an exnation, "When Qing Yue was following me in my maternal home, she already couldn''t walk fast. Don''t me her for this."


    It turned out that when Consort Chen tripped, everyone had evidence to prove that they didn''t do it themselves.


    Although Concubine Liu''s evidence was very weak, she had been deliberately currying favor with Consort Chen before, secretly and openly helping Consort Chen many times. So Consort Chen naturally wouldn''t suspect her.


    As a result, Concubine Xiao''s suspicion deepened.


    Consort Chen grunted and sternly ordered,


    "Come, bring this worthless woman to the Judicial Department for harsh interrogation and torture. Let''s see if she can still remain steadfast!"


    "Wait," the Empress said in a deep voice. "The truth hasn''t been determined yet. After all, Concubine Xiao is His Majesty¡¯s cousin. We can''t just casually dispose of her. If we really send her to the Judicial Department for torture and she loses half her life to prove her innocence, wouldn''t that make one¡¯s heart turn cold?"


    Consort Chen let out a cold sneer and said sarcastically, "The Empress is indeed good at being human. Then what do you suggest? Let her do as she pleases so that next time when she fails to harm me, she will try again harder?"


    "Consort Chen, mind your words," the Empress scolded Consort Chen, ignoring whatever little temper she threw. Instead, she looked at Concubine Xiao and asked her quite calmly, "The biggest doubt in this matter still lies in the sachet you gave out. Why would you suddenly give everyone sachets for no reason?"


    Concubine Xiao exined, "These sachets were made at Consort Shu''s behest. Consort Shu said I had been away for so long without paying respects to the Empress, which was already a transgression. So she asked me to make sachets for everyone, firstly to pray for peace and good fortune, secondly so that no one would dwell on my issues..."


    Consort Shu said indifferently, "I did ask you to make sachets, but I never told you to put anything like snake-flowering grass inside."


    "In that case, why did you put snake-flowering grass inside, Concubine Xiao?" The Empress stroked the medicine doll sent back by Frost Ruoxin in her arms, and added another sentence: "Although this snake-flowering grass can calm the nerves, it is by no means somethingmonly found inside sachets."


    Concubine Xiao exined, "This concubine doesn''t understand medicine at all. I only instructed the Imperial Pharmacy to send me some dried flowers and herbs that can calm the nerves..."


    Upon hearing this, the Empress nced at Jiang Deshun and he immediately sent someone to summon the people from the Imperial Pharmacy.


    But when the medicine boy came, he nailed Concubine Xiao''s evil deeds even further.


    "Reporting to Empress, it was indeed this ve who was in charge of prescribing medicine for Concubine Xiao that day. However, that snake-flowering grass was... "


    He looked at Yin Zhi, who was kneeling on the ground together with Concubine Xiao, and said, "It was specifically asked for by Yin Zhi by Concubine Xiao''s side."


    Concubine Xiao suddenly turned to look at Yin Zhi, her pupils trembling in extreme shock.


    While Yin Zhi directly admitted to it, her voice shaking,


    "This ve only knew it was something good for calming nerves. This ve didn''t know it would attract snakes..."


    At this point, such an exnation from Yin Zhi seemed extremely weak.


    Infinite despair mingled into the air, gushing towards Concubine Xiao like surging tidal waves,


    As if they would crush and grind her into powder.


    Perhaps it was because she was too nervous and fearful. Concubine Xiao wanted to exin but her chest suddenly convulsed and she couldn''t help but retch on the spot...


    The Empress saw that there was probably no more she could ask with Concubine Xiao in this state. She simply said,


    "In that case, I have no choice but to detain you first until His Majesty finishes state affairs then makes a ruling."


    "Come, bring Concubine Xiao to solitary confinement and keep a close eye on her."

 Chapter 73: Winter Snake Disaster 06

    <h4>Chapter 73</h4>


    Theedy of this day finally came to an end.


    Song Zhao didn''t pay much attention to what those women were fussing about. After all, it was a dog-eat-dog situation, and she let them bite each other as they pleased.


    However, there was one thing that puzzled her:


    Snakes are not human, especially when they go mad, they be uncontroble.


    Today, there were so many concubines present at the Plum Blossom Garden to admire the plum blossoms. Did Xiao Chang ever consider what would happen if she identally got bitten by the snake herself?


    That was a venomous viper. One bite and it would be fatal.


    Was Xiao Chang really so foolish, or was this matter not as simple as it seemed on the surface? Song Zhao couldn''t figure it out for a while.


    So, on the way back to the pce, she remained silent and pondered over the matter.


    Xiao Fuzi apanied her all the way, noticing her gloomy face. When they reached a slightly secluded ce, he suddenly knelt down and said to Song Zhao,


    "I beg the princess''s forgiveness."


    Song Zhao was taken aback but quickly understood the meaning behind Xiao Fuzi''s sudden apology. She calmly replied,


    "Rise."


    Xiao Fuzi straightened himself up while still kneeling. "This servant dares not... This servant was rash and confused when pushing Bao Xia away to protect the princess earlier. Fortunately, the princess is wise and covered Bao Xia''s mouth, preventing her from exposing this servant. Otherwise... this servant''s worthless life would be insignificant, but if it implicated the princess, it would truly be this servant''s great sin."


    Song Zhao leaned down and helped him up from the ground. "You are smarter than Yun Shan. If it were Yun Shan today, I''m afraid she would have rushed out without regard for her own life to protect me. If it wasn''t Bao Xia who died today, but Yun Shan, I would have been extremely upset."


    As she spoke, she gently patted Xiao Fuzi''s shoulder and looked at him with a firm gaze, saying,


    "And you are the same."


    These seemingly ordinary words deeply moved Xiao Fuzi.


    He had originally thought that Song Zhao would me him for not sacrificing himself to protect her and for causing trouble by pushing Bao Xia away.


    But Xiao Fuzi was also human, and he feared death too.


    In a moment of desperation, his first reaction was to protect Song Zhao, but he didn''t want to lose his own life. That''s why he pushed Bao Xia away. It was a human instinct.


    However, after the incident, he felt remorseful.


    He kept thinking that Song Zhao had dug him out from the Xinze Prison, where he had been like a living dead. He kept proiming his unwavering loyalty to Song Zhao, but he hadn''t fulfilled his promise, and he truly felt uneasy.


    Seeing his expression, Song Zhao understood his thoughts. So, with a seemingly casual smile, she said,


    "Those who serve me, I always hope that you will protect yourselves first and then me. If you don''t even cherish your own life, how can you protect others?"


    Her gentle gaze met Xiao Fuzi''s, and she raised an eyebrow slightly, nodding warmly.


    "Don''t think too much. You and I are inseparable in serving our master. Today, it was thanks to you that I was protected, and I had the chance to silence Bao Xia. Compared to asking you to risk your life to protect me, this actually makes me feel more at ease. Do you understand?"


    As Xiao Fuzi continued to listen to Song Zhao, he couldn''t help but feel that he hadn''t handled today''s matter well, and his sense of indebtedness to Song Zhao grew deeper.


    With red eyes, he nodded firmly and said, "Rest assured, my lord. I will be even more devoted to protecting you in the future, as you have treated me with such care."


    Song Zhao nodded lightly and teased him, saying, "I''ve always said that those who follow me will onlyugh, not cry. If you shed tears in front of me, I''ll send you back to Xinze Prison."


    Xiao Fuzi blinked back his tears and smiled knowingly.


    In Song Zhao''s rational view, she knew very well that everyone in this world put themselves first.


    So when she had someone like Yun Shan, who always prioritized her in everything, whether it was her loyal servant or her younger sister, she cherished them even more.


    Even though she knew Yun Shan wasn''t clever and might cause dys in her affairs, she never thought of dismissing him.


    Yun Shan had been with her since childhood and was her only "family" in this world.


    If she were to send Yun Shan out of the pce, Jiang Shi would see her as a thorn in her side, and she might be killed before she even left the capital.


    And Xiao Fuzi was also loyal and clever.


    Having such a person serving by her side should not leave him with any difort.


    Otherwise, if this difort umted and he felt pressure, he would be hesitant and inefficient in his work, which would be more trouble than it''s worth.


    When they were nearing Yao Hua Pce, Song Zhao suddenly asked Xiao Fuzi, "I have a strange feeling about today''s incident. What if that snake had bitten Xiao Chang instead of herself? How would she handle it?"


    Xiao Fuzi replied, "If she can harm others, she must have a foolproof n, right?"


    "With her intelligence? Hah..." Song Zhao shook her head with a suppressedugh. "I find it difficult to believe."


    As they turned the corner, Song Zhao spotted Yun Shan standing outside the pce gate.


    Yun Shan also saw Song Zhao and hurriedly ran towards her, nearly stumbling and falling along the way.


    "Slow down, why are you running so fast?" Song Zhao said.


    Gasping for breath, Yun Shan stood in front of Song Zhao and looked around her from all angles, her voice choked with tears as she kept repeating, "As long as you''re safe, my lord, as long as you''re safe..."


    Seeing how anxious she was, Song Zhao quickly embraced her,forting her by saying, "Don''t cry. Xiao Fuzi has protected me well. I''m perfectly fine, you see?"


    Only then did Yun Shan''s anxious heart calm down, and she turned back to Xiao Fuzi, grumbling, "Hmph! You better have eyes. If anything happens to my lord, I won''t let you off!"


    The three of them were now openly disying their affectionate banter without caring about others.


    Song Zhao observed it all with a smile, seeing through it but not exposing it.


    When they returned to the West Wing Pce, as soon as they pushed open the door to the bedroom, Song Zhao was greeted by a faint fragrance.


    This scent was very familiar, and Song Zhao took a deep breath, trying to recall it.


    Suddenly, she matched this fragrance with the scent she had encountered earlier today, the one emanating from the maidservant in the Empress''s arms.


    The fragrance was surprisingly simr, about sixty to seventy percent alike?


    Xiao Fuzi also noticed it.


    After exchanging nces with Song Zhao, he turned to Yun Shan and asked, "What''s the situation in the pce?"


    Yun Shan replied, "I heard there was a snake incident, and I was very frightened. Fortunately, there was still some aromatic musk wine left in the pce, which is said to be the scent that snakes fear the most. I boiled it and sprinkled some in the sleeping quarters, hoping for some peace of mind."


    Upon hearing this,


    Song Zhao''s mind suddenly sank, a slight furrow appeared on his forehead, and his gaze dimmed for a moment...

 Chapter 74: Life is Cheaper than grass.

    <h4>Chapter 74</h4>


    Yun Shan saw that Song Zhao did not look very good, so she said:


    "The young master must have been frightened by today''s events and has not yet recovered. This servant is stewing a soothing soup in the small kitchen. Would the young master have a bowl?"


    Song Zhao nodded lightly and further instructed her, "Also bring some to Consort Yao, she was also startled."


    Yun Shan readily agreed and retreated. As soon as she went out the door, Xiao Fuzi said in a low voice to Song Zhao:


    "Young master, it seems there is more to this matter."


    "The Empress..." Song Zhao murmured, her gaze drifting out the window. Her slender fingers tapped lightly on the table, making a ''dudu'' sound.


    Xiao Fuzi said, "The Empress and Consort Chen have been at odds for a long time. Now that Consort Chen is favored again, she looks down on the Empress even more. It''s not impossible that the Empress wanted to get rid of Consort Chen by taking advantage of what happened with Concubine Xiao. I didn''t expect that the Empress, who usually seems harmonious and steady, would have such thoughts behind the scenes..."


    As Xiao Fuzi spoke more enthusiastically, he gradually lost his sense of propriety.


    Song Zhao nced at him and cut him off, saying solemnly:


    "The Empress, as the mistress of the inner pce, is not someone we can gossip about. Moreover, just based on the sulfur wine, what can you say to use her? She is susceptible to chills and has a heart condition. Sulfur wine dispels chills and promotes blood cirction. It is not umon for the Empress to have simmered it with water in her hot water bottle."


    "This servant spoke out of turn, I hope the young master will not me me," Xiao Fuzi made a gesture of covering his mouth, not daring to specte further.


    Song Zhao did not continue to reprimand him either. She changed the subject, "Go and help me prepare some sulfur wine. Now that there is a snake in the pce, it would be false to say I am not afraid."


    She closed her eyes slightly and deeply inhaled the smell of sulfur wine that had been sprinkled and swept through the pce,


    "I think Yun Shan''s method is very good."


    To say that Song Zhao was also quite strange,


    She said that she liked Yun Shan¡¯s method and told Xiao Fuzi to prepare sulfur wine,


    But in the blink of an eye, she had Weihua and Xiyin open all the doors and windows of her bedroom, saying that she could not stand the smell and had people dispel it.


    Later, after drinking the soothing soup, most of the smell in the hall had dissipated.


    Just as she was thinking of taking a short rest, the pce maid came to report that Xiao Jingheng had arrived.


    Before Song Zhao could get up and go out to greet him, Xiao Jingheng had already entered the west wing.


    Song Zhao met him at the door and quickly knelt down in greeting, "Greetings to Your Majesty."


    As usual, Xiao Jingheng took her hand to help her up, "Didn''t I say that when we are alone you don''t need to adhere to so much etiquette."


    Song Zhao naturally intertwined her ten fingers with Xiao Jingheng¡¯s and looked at him joyfully, asking:


    "Why has Your Majestye at this time?"


    "You must have been frightened by today''s events," Xiao Jingheng tightened his grip on Song Zhao¡¯s hand, his eyes filled with warmth and gentleness.


    Song Zhao pursed her lips, still a little scared, and nodded, "Seeing the vicious snake with my own eyes, and poor Xia Shi dying so pitifully..."


    Xiao Jinghengforted her, "The most important thing is that you are alright."


    In fact, Song Zhao had expected early on that Xiao Jingheng would definitelye to see her today, which was why she had the smell of sulfur wine in the inner pcepletely dissipated ahead of time.


    The smell emanating from the hot water bottle held by the Empress today was definitely smelled by more than just Song Zhao.


    If another short-sighted consort also suspected the Empress and rashly told Xiao Jingheng about it, then Xiao Jingheng would naturally associate it with the smell Song Zhao also smelled in her pce earlier.


    The thoughts of the emperor were unpredictable. Who knew if he would think that Song Zhao was implying that the Empress had issues?


    Song Zhao did not want the innocent and pure image she had carefully cultivated in front of Xiao Jingheng to bepletely ruined just like that.


    However, Song Zhao was determined to spread the word that the Empress''s hot water bottle contained sulfur wine.


    But it would definitely not be spread to Xiao Jingheng.


    At this time, the two sat side by side on the heated couch. Xiao Jingheng exined:


    "When Jiang Deshun told me about this, he was confused. He only said that a snake had been discovered in Plum Garden and that it had bitten a pce maid to death. I originally thought it was the fault of the negligent Bureau of Flowers and Birds staff. At that time the ministers were also talking to me about things, so I sent him away to deal with the matter. But I didn''t expect you and Consort Chen to be involved."


    As Xiao Jingheng spoke, Song Zhao secretly pondered:


    Who was Jiang Deshun?


    He was the old eunuch who served Xiao Jingheng and was the most seasoned ve in the entire pce.


    Given Song Zhao¡¯s current imperial favor and Consort Chen¡¯s long-standing status as the favorite of the six pces,


    How could he not report it if he knew the two women who Xiao Jingheng treasured were almost in danger?


    So the only possibility for him not saying anything was that even he did not know the truth.


    Most likely it was Shuang Ruo, who was by the Empress''s side, who downyed the facts when reporting to the throne, only saying that a pce maid had died without mentioning anything else.


    Of course, the Empress also had her reasons for doing so.


    At the time, although Consort Chen only saw Jiang Deshun arrive and did not see Xiao Jingheng, her expression betrayed her undisguised disappointment.


    This was the Empress''s intention.


    She wanted Consort Chen to feel that Xiao Jingheng no longer valued her as much as before,


    She wanted her to be anxious and insecure again.


    Although Song Zhao saw through it clearly, she still had to y the fool in front of Xiao Jingheng.


    She asked Xiao Jingheng, "Did Your Majesty go to see Consort Chen?"


    Xiao Jingheng did not directly answer her question, but just perfunctorily nodded his head and quickly changed the subject,


    "The Concubine Xiao¡¯s actions this time were truly vicious. I have repeatedlyforted her for ruining her looks, but I didn''t expect her to do something so foolish."


    Song Zhao asked again, "How does Your Majesty n to deal with her?"


    Xiao Jingheng said, "I originally intended the same fate as Li. But considering that her father, Xiao Bin, was also a descendant of the imperial n, and has always worked diligently without ever making a mistake, and the Empress also pleaded for her, I decided to let her off lightly in consideration of her disturbed state of mind which led her to make such a big mistake. So I decided to give her a way out and spare her life, only punishing her by sending her to the Cold Pce."


    The implication was that Xiao Jingheng had not only seen Consort Chen, but also the Empress.


    In terms of position in his heart, Song Zhao was at most ranked third at best.


    But she was very satisfied.


    After all, she had only been in the pce for three months, while the Empress and Consort Chen had both entered the pce nearly four years ago. She did not feel that she had lost anything to them.


    However, more than debating over high and low rankings, what Song Zhao saw clearly about Xiao Jingheng this time was one thing:


    In the pce, as long as you could gain Xiao Jingheng¡¯s love and favor after making a mistake, it was tantamount to possessing a golden ticket to avoid death.


    Xiao Jingheng thought it was Consort Chen who had cut the pipa strings, not only disfiguring Concubine Xiao but also destroying the Holy Mother Empress Dowager¡¯s relic, which was a major crime.


    But because it was Consort Chen, Xiao Jingheng only alienated her for a month without even symbolic punishment.


    In contrast, this time Concubine Xiao made a mistake, yet Xiao Jingheng could dismissively throw her into the Cold Pce so lightly?


    Recalling the past, didn¡¯t Concubine Xiao also win the emperor¡¯s heart with Kunqu opera at one go because she gained Xiao Jingheng¡¯s special attention at the time?


    Now that she had lost her singing voice and ruined her looks,


    No matter how great a beauty she was, she could still be thrown to the ends of the earth in an instant, her life truly more worthless than grass...

 Chapter 75: The Scourge of Water Draws from the East

    <h4>Chapter 75</h4>


    Song Zhao nestled in Xiao Jingheng''s arms, pressing tightly against his solid chest.


    His heartbeat was vigorous and warm,


    but it couldn''t bring any sense of security to Song Zhao.


    Even though she was favored now, what could it really change?


    Twenty years had passed in the blink of an eye, and once her beauty faded with age, who could guarantee that Xiao Jingheng wouldn''t abandon her just like he had abandoned Xiao Chang? Would he discard her just as decisively?


    Song Zhao had always understood that expecting someone, whether it be a man or a woman, to remainpletely faithful was againstmon sense.


    So, after realizing this fact, she never expected Xiao Jingheng to treat her differently.


    Instead of hoping for a miracle, she decided to live her life as a legend.


    Her hand naturally rested on Xiao Jingheng''s thigh, unconsciously caressing the intricately woven golden threads on his dragon robe.


    She stared at the lifelike golden dragon and suddenly felt thatpared to the man holding her in his arms, this garment symbolizing ultimate power was even more attractive to her.


    After all, only with real power in hand could a woman be spared from being treated as a ything by men.


    "What are you thinking?"


    Xiao Jingheng gently stroked Song Zhao''s delicate chin, applying slight pressure to make her lift her head in his embrace.


    Their eyes met, and Song Zhao unintentionally drew closer,


    "I was thinking, if it were me who got bitten today, I''m afraid I wouldn''t be able to apany the Emperor anymore. Now that I think about it, I feel scared."


    "Silly girl, talking nonsense as always." Xiao Jingheng leaned down and lightly kissed the girl''s lips, then said:


    "Empress Chen told me today that in order to save her, you rushed out without considering your own safety. You always put others before yourself, treat them wholeheartedly, but often overlook your own well-being."


    Song Zhao blushed and said, "I don''t deserve the Emperor''s praise."


    In fact, she was somewhat surprised,


    She hadn''t expected Consort Chen to speak up for another woman in front of Xiao Jingheng.


    It seemed that her "self-sacrifice" this time had gained Consort Chen''s trust even more.


    Xiao Jingheng supported Song Zhao''s back, making her sit up straight, and his burning gaze stared directly at her,


    "In the pce, there is no noble rank higher than that of a consort. I am thinking of elevating your position. Can you handle it?"


    Upon hearing this, Song Zhao almost instinctively refused,


    "I have only been in the pce for a little over three months, and my experience is stillcking. Besides, I have not contributed anything to the Emperor''s sessor. I dare not assume a high position. When things are not right, words will not go smoothly. I ask the Emperor to withdraw the decree."


    Song Zhao was well aware that the positions in the harem were merely superficial. If she hadn''t captured Xiao Jingheng''s heart, what good would it do for her to be a consort?


    Wasn''t Li Shi a consort before? Her bones must be cold now...


    Moreover, before this, Song Zhao had only been promoted once. Now, if she were to be promoted again and reached a higher rank within just two months, wouldn''t she be even more of a thorn in the side of the other consorts?


    That''s why she kept refusing.


    Later, Xiao Jingheng couldn''t persuade her any longer and had to give up, but he couldn''t help teasing her along the way:


    "In order to have a legitimate reason, you said that I need to have a pregnancy. Implicitly, it means that I have to put in more effort."


    "Your Majesty..."


    Xiao Jinghengughed loudly and then carried Song Zhao horizontally, disregarding the girl''s struggles in his arms. He carried her all the way to the bed and began to show her tender affection.


    *


    The next day was the Empress''s rest day, so the concubines did not need to pay respects at the Feng Luan Pce.


    However, Song Zhao still woke up early and, after dressing and grooming herself, she told Yun Shan during breakfast,


    "Yesterday, Consort Chen was frightened. I''m going to visit her pce and check on her."


    Yun Shan said, "It has cooled down today. Mydy, you should wear moreyers."


    As soon as she finished speaking, Xiao Fuzi brought a smoky blue cloak and said, "Mydy, wearing this cloak will keep you from getting cold."


    Yun Shan smelled a strong scent of realgar wine on the cloak and praised Xiao Fuzi, saying,


    "You''re smart. You also know that Consort Chen''s Yonghe Pce is closest to the Plum Garden, so you sprinkled realgar wine on the cloak to keep those filthy things away from ourdy."


    Xiao Fuzi smiled foolishly and said, "I learned it all from you."


    Yun Shan proudly raised her chin at him. After Song Zhao finished her breakfast, Yun Shan helped her put on the cloak and they went to the Yonghe Pce together.


    Upon arrival, Song Zhao saw Concubine Liu there as well.


    It wasn''t surprising that she was trying to curry favor with Consort Chen.


    "Concubine Liu pays respects to Consort Chen, greetings, Your Highness."


    "Please rise and take a seat."


    Song Zhao stepped forward and exchanged a smile with Concubine Liu, acknowledging the greeting.


    As soon as Song Zhao sat down today, a pce maid brought her a cup of new tea.


    She sat close to Concubine Liu and noticed that there was ordinary Biluochun tea in Concubine Liu''s teacup, while the cup in front of her contained excellent pre-rain Longjing tea.


    It seemed that Consort Chen still remembered her favor from yesterday.


    But just as Song Zhao took a few sips of tea and before she could say a few words to Consort Chen, Consort Chen suddenly reverted to her usual expression of disdain, rolling her eyes and asking,


    "What''s that smell on you?"


    She waved her handkerchief to cover her nose and said, "It smells really pungent."


    Song Zhao smiled and nced at Yun Shan, who was serving by her side, and exined, "This clever girl thought that realgar wine can ward off snakes and insects, so she sprinkled some on my cloak. It''s also for our peace of mind, isn''t it? The Plum Garden is so close to Your Highness''s Yonghe Pce, so Your Highness can also sprinkle some in the pce, just in case."


    Consort Chen disdainfully sneered, "Huh. The Xiao n is on the verge of being sent to the Cold Pce. If there are any poisonous snakes in the pce in the future, they should go to the Cold Pce to find her."


    Later, Song Zhao expressed a few more words of sincere concern,


    But the scent of realgar wine on her body was too strong, and Consort Chen kept holding her nose, gradually bing impatient.


    Song Zhao tactfully took her leave.


    After she left, Concubine Liu suddenly lowered her voice and said to Consort Chen,


    "Your Highness, when you smelled the scent on Song Zhao''s cloak, did it feel familiar to you?"


    Consort Chen pondered in silence for a moment, took a deep breath, and then said:


    "I didn''t realize it until you mentioned it, but now that you have, it seems like I''ve smelled this scent somewhere in the past few days, though not as pungent as it is on her."


    Concubine Liu''s eyes darkened. "Yesterday, when I went to the Plum Garden to admire the plum blossoms, the soup maid that the Empress Dowager was holding in her arms faintly exuded this scent. I think it must be the musk wine that was diluted with water and then boiled again, which is why the scent has be milder..."


    Consort Chen was not foolish. With Concubine Liu''s subtle guidance, she immediately understood.


    "It turns out to be that wretched Empress!"


    She was so angry that she stood up and mmed the table, anxiously saying, "She pretends to be full of benevolence and righteousness on a daily basis, but her methods behind the scenes are so malicious! I will immediately go and inform the Emperor about this matter. I must expose the hypocritical facade of that wretched woman!"


    Seeing Consort Chen about to rush to the Imperial Court in a hurry, Concubine Liu immediately followed to stop her.


    "Your Highness, please calm down. It''s just musk wine after all, and besides, it''s only our perception. There is no evidence. The soup maid has already been reced, so there is no basis for usation. The Emperor wouldn''t be able to confront the Empress without any solid proof."


    "What should we do then? Shall we let her continue to make a fool of me?"


    While the two were talking, Ying Xiang hurriedly ran in, gasping for breath, and said,


    "Your Highness... Xiao Shi, she... she..."


    "Why are you stammering? Did she get sent to the Cold Pce?"


    "No..." Ying Xiang lowered her head, afraid to meet Consort Chen''s eyes, and her voice gradually weakened.


    "The Emperor released her from the secret prison and... and gave her the position of a noble consort..."


    Upon hearing this, Consort Chen and Concubine Liu were both shocked beyond words.


    Almost simultaneously, they asked in astonishment,


    "What did you say!?"

 Chapter 76: Happy Pulse for Relief of Distress

    <h4>Chapter 76</h4>


    When Song Zhao returned to Yao Hua Pce, her original intention was to go directly to the West Side Hall. However, she heard a crisp sound resembling the shattering of a bowling from the main hall.


    She took off her cloak and handed it to Yun Shan, saying, "I''ll go and see what''s going on."


    When she arrived at the main hall, she saw Consort Yao reprimanding a young pce maid. Upon seeing Song Zhao, Consort Yao''s temper slightly subsided, and she coldly instructed the pce maid, "What are you standing there for? Quickly clean up the broken porcin pieces."


    With a smile, Song Zhao approached and greeted Consort Yao respectfully, saying, "Did the servants not perform their duties well and offend Your Ladyship?"


    Consort Yao, with a hint of mockery in her tone, replied, "What does it matter if they perform their duties well or not? Those who serve in the pce must satisfy the Emperor to be considered the top priority."


    Song Zhao silently rejected Consort Yao''s words and asked in confusion, "I''m sorry, Your Ladyship, but I don''t understand your meaning."


    Consort Yao, with a somewhat mocking tone, said, "It doesn''t matter if you don''t understand. Go to your storage and pick some gifts. Follow me to Zhaochun Pce to congratte Noble Consort Xiao."


    Song Zhao puzzledly asked, "Noble Consort Xiao?"


    "Oh... isn''t she the one who was locked in the secret dungeon?" Consort Yao sighed and exined to Song Zhao, "Before Xiao Shi was moved to the Cold Pce, the pce attendants had to examine her to ensure she didn''t bring any dirty items inside. However, during the examination, Xiao Shi became very agitated and kept insisting that she was innocent and wanted to see the Emperor. Somehow, she became so agitated that she fainted."


    She hasn''t been sent to the Cold Pce yet, so she cannot be considered a deposed concubine. The servant who was taking her to the Cold Pce was afraid that something might happen to her, so a physician was called. The result of the examination was quite something..."


    Consort Yao wrinkled the handkerchief in her hand and said resentfully, "She unexpectedly became pregnant at this time! As soon as the Emperor heard about it, he immediately issued an edict to move her back to Zhaochun Pce. The physician said that her excessive emotional agitation would be harmful to the fetus, so the Emperor granted her the status of a noble consort on the spot."


    As she spoke, Consort Yao unconsciously protected her t abdomen with her hand and said spitefully, "It''s all because of my ipetence. I had to watch someone with such malicious intentions conceive an imperial heir!"


    After hearing Consort Yao''s ount of the whole incident, Song Zhao felt a slight unease. She thought to herself that Xiao Shi was indeed fortunate.


    But this incident could also be considered a good thing. Xiao Shi''s disfigured appearance prevented Xiao Jingheng from favoring her, and her background was not considered good either. Allowing her to give birth to Xiao Jingheng''s first child as an esteemed son was much better than the Empress or Consort Chen giving birth to a son first.


    "What did the Emperor say about the incident at the Plum Garden?" Song Zhao asked.


    Consort Yao sneered, "What else could the Emperor say? No one else was injured, just one pce maid died. It''s not a catastrophic event. ording to the rumors in the court, the Emperor has ssified it as an ident and has nothing to do with Noble Consort Xiao."


    Consort Yao was straightforward in character. The reason she was so angry was that she felt Xiao Shi had done something wicked in the pce, but because she became pregnant, everything was forgiven and Consort Yao felt frustrated in her heart.


    So Song Zhao advised her, "Noble Consort, don''t be upset. Since the Emperor said it was an ident, then it can only be an ident. Let''s go congratte Noble Consort Xiao quickly."


    As they made their way to Zhaochun Pce, they caught sight from a distance of Xiao Jinghenging out of the pce and boarding a sedan.


    He must have just visited Noble Consort Xiao, with a smile on his face and looking very happy.


    Consort Yao couldn''t help but clench her fists and murmured softly, "Look at how happy the Emperor is. Even if Lady Chen was bitten by a snake yesterday, the Emperor would still have to wait for the child in Noble Consort Xiao''s belly to be born before he can hold her responsible."


    Her voice gradually faded, unable to conceal her disappointment. "It''s clear that having an heir in the pce is more important than anything else."


    Song Zhao lowered her voice and reminded her, "Noble Consort, we must not gossip about the Emperor."


    Hearing this, Consort Yao refrained from saying anything further and waited until the sedan was far away before entering Zhaochun Pce with Song Zhao.


    In fact, it was not umon for Xiao Jingheng to be happy.


    He had lost two children in a row, so this pregnancy of Noble Consort Xiao was undoubtedly more precious.


    If the heavens were merciful to Noble Consort Xiao and allowed her to give birth to a child, even without his favor, her status as the mother of a noble son would make her eligible for promotion to a concubine or even a consort.


    When Song Zhao and Consort Yao arrived in Noble Consort Xiao''s chamber, almost all the consorts and concubines were already present, except for Lady Chen and Concubine Liu.


    It was evident that the Empress was particrly concerned about Noble Consort Xiao.


    The Empress sat in front of Noble Consort Xiao''s bed, holding her hand with a gentle smile on her face, giving her various instructions to take care of herself.


    Noble Consort Xiao was still anxious and kept insisting to the Empress that she had nothing to do with the snake incident in the Plum Garden.


    The Empress gently patted her hand and reassured her, "The Emperor said it was an ident, so it was an ident. We all trust you, so you don''t have to worry too much. The most important thing now is to take care of your health and give birth to a child for the royal family, understand?"


    Consort Shu also approached Noble Consort Xiao and told her many taboos during pregnancy, rambling on and on. Then she gently touched her belly and sighed, "I lost my child, so you must protect this pregnancy."


    "Consort Chen has arrived."


    With a sharp and shrill announcement from the pce servant, Consort Chen strode into the hall.


    She had a stern expression on her face and walked with such confidence that it was intimidating to look at her.


    Upon seeing her, Concubine Liu immediately shrank to the side of the bed, trembling against the cold white wall.


    The Empress stood up and stood in front of her, blocking Consort Chen from approaching.


    "Consort Chen, the Emperor has already said that yesterday''s incident was purely an ident, so you..."


    "I heard that Noble Consort Xiao is pregnant? Congrattions to you," Consort Chen interrupted the Empress without even looking at her, and bypassed her to stand above Noble Consort Xiao, who was trembling on the bed. "You must take good care of yourself. Keeping this heaven-sent blessing is what truly matters."


    After speaking, the sharp phoenix eyes turned towards the Empress. "Shouldn''t the Empress know better than anyone else that this matter is not an ident?"


    Her gaze was disdainful as she looked down upon the Empress and coldlyughed, saying:


    "The Empress is truly considering the prosperity of the nation. Knowing her own frailty and inability to bear children, at the news of Noble Consort Xiao''s pregnancy, she hurriedly rushed over. How about it? Do you suddenly not feel cold, even without your personal maid by your side?"


    These words were cutting, causing the Empress''s face to change instantly.


    Consort Yin stepped forward and spoke up for the Empress, saying, "Consort Chen, you''ve gone too far!"


    Consort Chen nced at her and said, "Is it wrong for me to be concerned about the Empress?"


    Consort Chen''s stature was slightly taller than the Empress''s, and as she spoke, she inclined her head slightly closer to the Empress''s ear.


    There was a sinister smile on her face as she whispered something that only the two of them could hear:


    "Since you dare to make a move on the first day, don''t me me for going all out on the fifteenth day.


    We still have a long time in the pce, you and I, and there will be more battles toe!"


    After finishing her words, Consort Chen didn''t even spare a nce at the Empress''s pale and defeated face.


    She swiftly turned around, pushing aside the concubines blocking her way. Despite her usual domineering demeanor, she left in such a grand manner.

 Chapter 77: A Cloud of Suspicion

    <h4>Chapter 77</h4>


    Consort Yun was extremely displeased with Consort Chen''s gesture of showing off her might.


    "Who is she trying to show off for?"


    The Empress was also clearly very angry.


    Her breathing gradually became hurried, and she couldn''t help clutching her chest as she staggered back two steps before sitting down in a chair.


    It was clear she had been angered by Consort Chen to the point where her heart condition acted up.


    The concubines immediately gathered around her with concern about her condition.


    Consort Yao stood outside the crowd and shouted loudly to order the pce maid, "The Empress''s heart condition is acting up again. Quickly summon the imperial physician!"


    "Don''t go..." The Empress weakly stopped her with a sentence, knitting her brows and shaking her head,


    "Noble Consort Xiao bing pregnant is a joyous event. Don''t make a big fuss lest the Emperor hear that I and Consort Chen have had another argument. This happy event might end up giving the Emperor another headache."


    Consort Yin said, "How is this just Consort Chen arguing with the Empress? She is clearly bullying too arrogantly! When the Emperor finds out, Consort Chen should be taught a lesson to take a look at her arrogance!"


    "This Pce has said not to go so don''t go!" The Empress was clearly somewhat anxious as her face was flushed red.


    Fortunately Shuang Ruo had medicine pills on her that could relieve heart conditions. She took them out for the Empress to take with water. She also continuously patted the Empress''s chest to help relieve her breath.


    After over half a moment, the Empress''s condition finally eased somewhat.


    She let out a long breath and said, "Harmony in the harem allows the Emperor to focus on handling court affairs out front. Don''t let such a small matter bother the Emperor."


    Song Zhao watched this scene unfold. She didn''t know whether the Empress was truly sick from anger or deliberately putting on an act in front of everyone.


    In any case, this little scene made the impressions of the wise and virtuous Empress and the arrogant and domineering Consort Chen even more concrete.


    Later, the Empress ordered Noble Consort Xiao to rest well before taking her leave first.


    On the way back to her pce, the Empress sat in her pnquin while Shuang Ruo walked alongside, attending to her.


    In the winter, pnquins were sealed up tightly to prevent drafts.


    Feeling somewhat stifled, the Empress simply lifted the pnquin curtain to let in some air.


    About what happened earlier, Shuang Ruo had felt irritated the whole way.


    After holding it in for half the journey, when the Empress lifted the curtain, seeing the Empress''s pale and weak appearance made Shuang Ruo even more distressed. She couldn''t help but say,


    "Consort Chen is going too far. Your Ladyship should give her some punishment."


    She lowered her voice and moved closer to the pnquin, continuing, "That sentence she said in your ear earlier, this servant roughly heard it. What did she mean? Could it be she thought it was Your Ladyship working with Noble Consort Xiao to harm her?"


    The Empress was silent for a moment before saying,


    "Consort Chen was vexed that Noble Consort Xiao is now pregnant and His Majesty revoked her punishment, so sheshed out at me to vent."


    She leaned her elbow against the window frame, and her bare index finger gently massaged her sore temples. She said somewhat doubtfully,


    "But I also feel it''s strange. His Majesty has already pardoned Noble Consort Xiao, so if Consort Chen had any sense, she shouldn''t have kept insisting to me that she was framed about the matter in Plum Garden. So why does she keep dragging me back to reiterate that she''s innocent?"


    "Perhaps she''s putting on an act for others to see?" Shuang Ruo thought and said, "After all, she escaped punishment due to credit for the imperial heir. It wasn''t that she was truly innocent. If this matter is glossed over, when the timees after the imperial heir is born, it''s hard to guarantee the Emperor and Consort Chen won''t settle ounts in the future."


    The Empress nodded perfunctorily and pondered for a moment before speaking,


    "The pce maid attending to her is called Yin Zhi, I remember. It was her who took the initiative to go to the Imperial Pharmacy for snake flower buttercup without Consort Chen''s order. His Majesty determined this matter to be an ident, and that pce maid is Consort Chen''s personal servant. She will most likely be released soon. Keep an eye on the Judicial Department. After she''s released, bring her directly to this Pce. I want to personally interrogate her."


    *


    At the same time, the liveliness in Zhao Chun Pce had already dispersed.


    The concubinesing to congratte Noble Consort Xiao was merely because she was pregnant so they had no choice but toe give blessings.


    But most still believed she was the one who released snakes in Plum Garden,


    Naturally, the concubines kept their distance from this kind of person.


    Previously, Song Zhao put on an act of being close with Noble Consort Xiao, so she was thest to stay.


    Only after seeing everyone had left did Noble Consort Xiao indifferently ask Song Zhao, "Do you believe me?"


    Song Zhao was silent for a moment before slowly nodding her head, "I naturally believe Elder Sister."


    Their previous interaction had given Noble Consort Xiao a bit of good feelings towards Song Zhao. Currently, Song Zhao was the only one she could talk openly with, so she directly said,


    "Someone wanted me to be a scapegoat. From beginning to end I did nothing.


    I admit that when I realized it was very likely my face was harmed by Consort Chen''s sabotage, I thought about getting revenge on her. But after calming down, I thought that if I really harmed Consort Chen and the truth came out one day, with Consort Chen''s powerful background, forget about me, even all my maternal family would be in danger."


    Noble Consort Xiao became more agitated the more she spoke. She grabbed Song Zhao''s hand and repeatedly shook her head,


    "I can''t implicate my family. So I gave up the idea of revenge back then. I really didn''t do this! Believe me!"


    "I already said I believe Elder Sister." Song Zhao grasped her hand in return. Her tone was firm as she spoke.


    By this point, Song Zhao already had ny percent certainty that this matter had nothing to do with Noble Consort Xiao.


    But she also couldn''t directly tell Noble Consort Xiao that she suspected everything was a scheme by the Empress. She could only hint obliquely,


    "Actually, the most suspicious person in this whole matter is Yin Zhi. Without Elder Sister''s order, why would she randomly go to the Imperial Pharmacy for snake flower buttercup? Now His Majesty says this was an ident. As Yin Zhi is Elder Sister''s personal servant, she should be released soon. When that timees, Elder Sister must ask her clearly just what exactly happened."


    Noble Consort Xiao nodded repeatedly, then resentfully said,


    "That treacherous ve! When shees back, even if I beat her to death, I must wring the truth from her mouth."


    *


    That night, in the deep of night,


    After winter came, few people would pass by the Lily Pond to the west side of the Imperial Garden.


    The pce lights that used to burn all night here had broken recently. After night fell it was even more deserted without even patrolling guards willing toe by.


    Yet tonight, there was a woman standing by the pond.


    The woman stood under a tree. The tree shade immersed her in darkness so her appearance could not be seen clearly.


    Before long, an internal monitor secretly ran over to rendezvous with the woman.


    "Replying to Auntie, everything has been taken care of. Yin Zhi was disguised to appear as if she couldn''t withstand torture and died suddenly. No one will notice anything amiss."


    "Well done."


    The woman took out a small, exquisite brocade box from her bosom. After weighing it in her hand she handed it to the internal monitor.


    "This is the reward promised to you by Her Ladyship. Take a look, is it enough?"


    The internal monitor smiled and said, "Many thanks to Her Ladyship''s reward. This servant already has money in hand. I will naturally leave the pce stealthily with the water wheel tomorrow and never return in this lifetime. Please tell Her Ladyship not to worry."


    After he finished speaking, he hastily opened the brocade box. But the instant the box opened, arge amount of white powder suddenly blew towards his face.


    After just one sniff, he instantly lost consciousness and fainted with eyes rolled back.


    The woman looked down at him with an icy smile. She mumbled softly,


    "Her Ladyship only believes dead men can keep secrets."


    She kicked the fainted internal monitor by the waist.


    With the sloped ground, the internal monitor''s body easily rolled into the Lily Pond appearing to have drowned by ident.


    The woman watched as the internal monitor slowly sank inch by inch until no more ripples disturbed the surface of the pond.


    Only then did she hurry away under the moonlight......

 Chapter 78: Watch the Tiger on the Mountain 01

    <h4>Chapter 78</h4>


    Late at night, the Imperial Pce was quiet and still.


    Only the Western Chamber of Yao Hua Pce was illuminated by candlelight at this hour.


    Song Zhao sat alone at the warm seat, flipping through a qin music score in her hand.


    Although Xiao Jingheng''s birthday had already passed, she still diligently practiced her qin skills and singing abilities.


    After all, these were the chips she could use to please Xiao Jingheng in the future.


    Men always needed to be captivated by novelty.


    When the novelty of youpletely fades away, that''s when you start losing their favor.


    "Knock, knock, knock."


    A crisp knocking sound came from outside the door, and Song Zhao softly replied, "Come in."


    Xiao Fuzi entered, bowing respectfully, and carefully closed the door before walking to Song Zhao''s side and whispered,


    "Master, your calctions were amazing! There''s indeed some activity in Zhong Cui Pce."


    "Oh?" Song Zhao calmly closed the qin music score. "I asked you to keep an eye on her for only two days, and she couldn''t restrain herself? Tell me, what did you see?"


    Xiao Fuzi said, "I''ve been guarding outside Zhong Cui Pce. After midnight, I saw Qing Yue wearing a cloak and leaving the pce. She went straight to the Thousand Carp Pond in the western part of the Imperial Garden.


    That ce is already secluded in a corner of the pce, and during winter, very few people go there. Moreover, the pce lights have been broken for the past two days, making it even darker. Even the guards on patrol are toozy to go there.


    After Qing Yue arrived at the Thousand Carp Pond, not long after, a eunuch came to find her. I watched in secret and couldn''t hear what they were saying, but I saw that after a few words, Qing Yue took out a brocade box and handed it to him.


    After the eunuch opened the brocade box, arge amount of white powder flew out, seemingly some kind of drug. He immediately fainted after smelling it, and Qing Yue took the opportunity to kick him into the Thousand Carp Pond. I watched as he sank to the bottom, and then she hurriedly left."


    Song Zhao listened quietly as Xiao Fuzi finished speaking and asked, "Did anyone see you?"


    Xiao Fuzi replied, "Master, rest assured, I hid myself well and didn''t expose anything."


    Only then did she nod slightly and sighed, "Consort Shu... I didn''t pay much attention to her before, but I didn''t expect her to be the one with the most sinister methods."


    Xiao Fuzi asked, "I just don''t understand. Why would Consort Shu drown a low-ranking eunuch in the Thousand Carp Pond? Did he make a mistake and offend Consort Shu?"


    Song Zhao coldly smiled and shook her head. "That eunuch should be from the Judicial Department. Yin Zhi will being out of the Judicial Department tomorrow. Whoever ordered Yin Zhi to go to the Imperial Pharmacy to get Snake Jade Grass certainly didn''t want to see here out of the Judicial Department alive.


    If I''m not mistaken, Consort Shu arranged for someone from the Judicial Department to secretly kill Yin Zhi. Then Consort Shu let Qing Yue provide an excuse for the person who did it, and also took care of him, ensuring that there would be no evidence."


    "Does Master mean that Consort Shu was behind the incident in the Plum Garden?" Xiao Fuzi became more confused as she listened. She furrowed her brows and scratched her head, then asked, "But in public, we have been suspecting the Empress all along. When did Master realize that Consort Shu was acting suspiciously?"


    "Many things may seem fine at first nce, but they cannot withstand careful scrutiny," Song Zhao raised his eyebrows and looked at Xiao Fuzi, questioning, "Do you remember when Lady Xiao said that Consort Shu taught her to make scented sachets for the pce?"


    After a moment of recollection, Xiao Fuzi nodded repeatedly.


    Song Zhao continued, "After the incident in Mei Garden with the snake, when Lady Chen fell beside me, there were three people standing beside me: Lady Xiao, Liu Chang, and another person, Qing Yue, who was by Consort Shu''s side."


    Xiao Fuzi gradually understood Song Zhao''s suspicion and eximed with a hint of surprise, "So, Consort Shu orchestrated this whole affair, and the person who tripped Lady Chen, seemingly the least likely suspect, could very well be Qing Yue!"


    Song Zhao nodded calmly, his eyes lowered as he idly yed with his fingernails.


    After contemting for a while, hepletely understood the situation in his mind and said, "At the time, I thought this was directed at me, which is why I rushed out to save Lady Chen. But think about it, if I hadn''t rushed out that day, how would things have unfolded?"


    Xiao Fuzi replied, "Lady Chen would definitely not have survived. In that case, Lady Xiao would be the one who went to the imperial pharmacy to get the snakeweed, and she would be the one hurrying to make scented sachets for the concubines. And when the incident happened in Mei Garden, the person most likely to trip Lady Chen, who was standing beside her, would also be Lady Xiao!"


    "All the pieces fit together like a puzzle. So, everyone would naturally believe that Lady Xiao, embittered by the disfigurement of her appearance, harbored deep hatred toward Lady Chen and plotted to kill her. If Lady Chen had truly died, Lady Xiao probably wouldn''t even have had a chance to be diagnosed with carrying the imperial heir before the emperor, in a fit of anger, executed her..."


    Xiao Fuzi''s analysis aligned perfectly with Song Zhao''s thoughts.


    And the reason she suspected Consort Shu had another piece of evidence that had been overlooked by everyone.


    She said, "On the day when the incident happened in Mei Garden, we had always assumed that the scent of realgar came from the soup servant carried by the empress. But think about it, Consort Shu was almost always together with the empress that day, and she remained by the empress''s side throughout. If we consider the possibility that the scent of realgar came from Consort Shu herself, it''s not entirely impossible."


    Xiao Fuzi carefully recalled the scene from that day and remembered that Consort Shu had indeed stayed close to the empress. With a sudden realization, she pped her thigh and eximed, "That''s right! My lord is truly wise! We only saw the empress carrying a soup servant and immediately assumed that the smell came from the servant. But if Consort Shu used realgar powder, it''s entirely possible that the scent came from her!"


    After a moment of contemtion, Song Zhao said, "That''s the cunning aspect of Consort Shu''s n. Even if Lady Chen hadn''t died, Consort Shu could distance herself from any involvement and even implicate the empress."


    Xiao Fuzi sighed, "I never expected that Consort Shu would appear calm and gentle on the surface but harbor so many sinister thoughts behind the scenes..."


    "Her sinister thoughts go far beyond this," Song Zhao''s clear gaze gradually clouded over, and he said in a deep voice, "I suspect that the incident of her miscarriage in the past was also a turmoil she stirred up herself."


    "This...," Xiao Fuzi was bewildered by the words and said, "Are you suggesting that Consort Shu caused her own miscarriage?"


    He pondered for a moment and found the idea absurd. Shaking his head repeatedly, he said, "But she had been pregnant for nearly seven months with the Emperor''s first child, a precious son. Your position, Young Master, is only secondary. It is highly unlikely that Consort Shu would sacrifice the opportunity to bear a noble child just to frame you."


    Upon hearing this, Song Zhao looked up at Xiao Fuzi. A faint smile yed at the corners of her lips as she raised an eyebrow at him.


    "But what if she couldn''t maintain the pregnancy in the first ce?"

 Chapter 79: Watch the Tiger 02

    <h4>Chapter 79</h4>


    Song Zhao had always harbored resentment over the incident when Consort Shu had a miscarriage and she became the target of public criticism and was confined. She had initially believed that it was all Li''s scheme against her, even though the whole thingcked logic and had many inconsistencies. But at that time, in order to protect herself, she had no choice but to shift all the me onto Li.


    Song Zhao always remembered that when she went to see Li for thest time, Li never admitted to orchestrating the miscarriage. She was already on her deathbed, so why cling to innocence?


    This matter had been weighing on Song Zhao''s mind, and only recently had shee to understand it.


    "At that time, I was the object of public scorn, and the Emperor didn''t trust me. In order to protect myself, I had to have you spread the news outside the pce and contact the pharmacy to pin the whole thing on Li. But now, I realize that besides Li, Consort Shu is also a possibility for cing the incriminating evidence in my pce. I was frequently visited by the other consorts, who sent gifts, mostly through pce maids. Only Consort Shu, who was in a higher position, personally brought her gift, and I received her in my inner chamber.


    Furthermore, we have always believed that the ginseng sent by Li was tampered with during her gift presentation. But the ginseng was in Consort Shu''s pce for over a month. If she wanted to tamper with it herself, wouldn''t it have been easy?"


    Although Song Zhao''s reasoning was sound, Xiao Fu Zi still found it hard to believe.


    "But Consort Shu had no reason to frame you. If your spection is correct, Consort Shu''s pregnancy was already unstable. If she had malicious intentions, she could have targeted Consort Chen or even the Empress. After all, by eliminating them, Consort Shu would have gained the most. So why would she choose to harm you, who held power and posed no threat to her?"


    Song Zhao calmly continued her analysis:


    "Consort Chen''s behavior is rebellious, and she looks down on the other consorts and avoids getting close to them. It was only by attaching myself to her that I could receive some favor from her. If Consort Shu wanted to ce those harmful things in Consort Chen''s pce, she would have had to personally visit. Given Consort Chen''s arrogance, Consort Shu would have been turned away at the pce gates.


    As for the Empress, it would be even more impossible. First, the Empress would never entertain any of the other consorts in her own sleeping chamber. Second, the Empress is meticulous in her religious practices and the pce is cleaned three times a day. If Consort Shu had tried to nt something in the Empress''s pce in an attempt to frame her, she would have been discovered even before she had a miscarriage."


    Song Zhao paused for a moment and continued:


    "But if it were ced in my pce, it would be different. I had just entered the pce and my position of favor was not yet secure. Being a low-ranking person, it would be easy for others to cast suspicion on me. If I couldn''t protect myself, I would never be able to clear my name in this matter. In that case, the Emperor, suspecting someone was manipting me from behind the scenes, would first suspect whom?"


    After some contemtion, Xiaofuzi spoke, "The news of Consort Shu''s pregnancy coincided almost simultaneously with Consort Chen''s miscarriage. Consort Chen has always been deeply troubled by this, so naturally, the Emperor would also suspect her..."


    He paused for a moment, then added, "And there''s also the Empress. After all, if Consort Shu safely delivers, the heir she gives birth to will be highly esteemed. The status of a child born to a favored consort is precious, and even if the Empresster gives birth to a legitimate son, their positions would be on par. If the Emperor harbors doubts about this matter, he will undoubtedly cast suspicion on them."


    Song Zhao nodded faintly and sneered, "It''s said that suspicion breeds demons. Once the Emperor harbors suspicion, he will begin to distance himself from them.


    Just think about it, I am the Emperor''s new favorite, Consort Chen has enjoyed his favor for so many years, and the Empress is the main consort. Consort Shu''s move can be said to have thrown the three of us into the water, and she can use the miscarriage to feign a pitiful appearance and win the Emperor''s sympathy. If her scheme seeds, won''t she have the exclusive devotion of the Emperor and seize the opportunity to rise to power?"


    After hearing Song Zhao''s words, Xiaofuzi couldn''t help but gasp, feeling a chill run down his spine.


    Xiaofuzi considered himself somewhat clever,


    But even if he racked his brains, he probably wouldn''t be able toe up with the kind of analysis Song Zhao just made.


    On the surface, Consort Shu appeared gentle, with a kind and docile demeanor, always treating others well,


    No one could have imagined that such an unassuming person would be scheming so many intricate and dirty tricks behind the scenes.


    Such cunning and scheming truly left people speechless.


    Xiaofuzi fell silent for a moment, then bowed to Song Zhao and said,


    "Your Highness, your keen insight allows you to see opportunities in even the tiniest details. I admire you. Today, when Qingyue did what she did at the Qianli Pond, it indirectly confirmed Your Highness''s conjecture. Consort Shu is so adept at scheming, she''s not easy to deal with. It would be better for Your Highness to inform Consort Chen about this matter, treating it as a favor to her. With Consort Chen''s strength, she can easily defeat Consort Shu."


    Upon hearing this, Song Zhao showed no expression and simply shook her head, rejecting Xiaofuzi''s suggestion.


    "Would Consort Chen believe me if I told her? She might even think that I''m capable ofing up with so many twists and turns," she said, waving her hand dismissively and sighing, "Forget it, we know about this matter ourselves. We''ll be cautious. As for others, they can seek their own fortunes."


    Later, she imed to be tired and asked Xiaofuzi to leave and rest, instructing him to keep quiet about this matter and not tell anyone.


    Once Xiaofuzi left, Song Zhao casually picked up a silver pair of scissors and idly yed with the candlewick that was about to be submerged in the wax.


    The flickering mes danced on her face, casting intermittent shadows,


    Her thin yet alluring lips curved slightly, carrying a mysterious and even somewhat chilling smile.


    Of course, she would not tell Consort Chen or the Empress about this matter,


    Not only would she not tell them, but she would also protect Consort Shu''s secret.


    In doing so, she could watch the Empress and Consort Chen be increasingly at odds,


    And all she needed to do was hide in the shadows with Consort Shu, quietly observing the power struggle from afar.


    When the Empress and Consort Chen, the two most influential figures in the pce, fought each other to mutual destruction, Consort Shu believed she could seize the opportunity to take the lead.


    Naturally, Song Zhao would find a way to subtly reveal all the "good deeds" done by Consort Shu to Xiao Jingheng.


    At that moment, she wouldn''t need to do anything. She would be able to eliminate the three formidable mountains¡ªthe Empress, Consort Chen, and Consort Shu¡ªwithout lifting a finger. Moreover, she would be one step closer to the throne she desired, the throne of the Empress.


    With these thoughts in mind, the smile on the corners of her lips deepened, and she murmured to herself,


    "The days in this pce are bing more and more interesting."


    She thought:


    Just witnessing these women fighting amongst themselves was already thrilling enough, and it spared her from taking action herself.


    It was a perfect opportunity to free up her hands and invest more time and effort into Xiao Jingheng.


    With this in mind, she exerted force with the scissors in her hand, cutting the wick of the flower-shaped candle.


    The swaying shadows behind her instantly disappeared into the darkness...

 Chapter 80: Wish for the First Snow 01

    <h4>Chapter 80</h4>


    The next morning, news spread from the Judicial Department as expected.


    Yin Zhi couldn''t withstand the punishment and died suddenlytest night.


    The following day, the body of a judicial officer from the Judicial Department was found in the Thousand Carp Pond.


    The death of a servant was an insignificant matter within the pce, and the people of the Judicial Department didn''t want to make a fuss about it. They didn''t even report it to the Pce Affairs Department and privately took care of the corpse themselves.


    As a result, the incident of Mei Yuan encountering a snake became an unsolved mystery.


    Noble Consort Xiao was destined to be unable to prove her innocence.


    However, relying on her precious pregnancy, she could enjoy the favor of Xiao Jingheng for quite some time.


    In the following days, she would be the most prominent figure in the harem.


    Xiao Jingheng showered her withvish gifts, sending everything to her pce first.


    The Empress also knew how to handle things. Seeing that the weather was getting colder and the other pces had started to burn charcoal, she reced the silver charcoal that Noble Consort Xiao was entitled to with the red silk charcoal reserved for the position of a consort, making her winter amodations warmer.


    Both Xiao Jingheng and the Empress made their intentions clear, so gradually, no one mentioned the incident of Mei Yuan encountering a snake anymore.


    However, as a result of this incident, the Empress and Consort Chenpletely fell out.


    Although Consort Chen had been arrogant and domineering in the past, she still had some regard for the Empress''s status in the imperial harem. Even when she skipped her daily greetings, she always had a reasonable excuse.


    Buttely, her excuses for skipping have be increasingly absurd.


    Just yesterday, she had the audacity to tell the Empress through Ying Xiang that her pet cat had died, and because she was in a bad mood, she wouldn''te to pay her respects to the Empress.


    Upon hearing this excuse, the Empress''s face darkened, but she didn''t reprimand Consort Chen. She let it slide.


    This morning, when Song Zhao went to pay respects to the Empress, Consort Chen surprisingly didn''t arrivete.


    However, she appeared mncholy and sighed continuously after taking her seat.


    Perhaps the Empress felt that their current standoff was not good, so she smiled and extended an olive branch to Consort Chen:


    "I heard that your snowball died. It''s truly a pity. I know how much you liked it. So, I had someone find a white cat that looks just like Snowball to give it to you. Take a look and see if you like it."


    She raised her eyebrows and looked at Frost Ruo. Frost Ruo immediately went into the inner pce and brought out a snow-white cat, presenting it to Consort Chen.


    Consort Chen forced a smile upon seeing the white cat, giving the Empress face. After receiving it from Frost Ruo, she politely said, "Thank you, Empress."


    Later, when the pcedies gossiped, the Empress made a remark, "Seeing that the weather has been getting colder these past two days, I thought that once the first snow falls, we should suspend the greetings, so everyone can stay in their own chambers and avoid idents. It wouldn''t be good to slip or get injured."


    Everyone expressed their thanks to the Empress for her consideration.


    Consort Chen also said, "Empress, do you know how my Snowball died?"


    The Empress shook her head.


    While stroking the soft white fur of the cat in her arms, Consort Chen sighed and said,


    "It''s said that the little fellow had an unlucky fate. It would always stay motionless,zily lounging around and showing no interest in anything. The servants from the Bureau of Flowers and Birds were called to examine it, and they said its heart rate was slower than other cats'', as if it had a congenital condition that couldn''t be treated. Now, in this winter, it couldn''t withstand the cold and died."


    The hall was originally harmonious, but as soon as Consort Chen spoke, the smiles on everyone''s faces froze, and they began to use drinking tea to conceal their embarrassment.


    Her remark about her cat having a heart condition and not surviving this winter carried a strong undertone of mockery.


    Except for Consort Huiping, who only knew how to eat, everyone else could tell that Consort Chen was using the death of her cat as a metaphor for the Empress.


    The Empress''s expression became extremely unpleasant.


    But Consort Chen turned a blind eye to it,


    She yed with the cat in her arms for a moment, and continued nonchntly:


    "The Empress''s pce is very warm. Besides the Emperor''s Chaoyang Pce and the Empress Dowager''s Xianshou Pce, only your Fengluan Pce is warmed by underground heating. It''s much better than where I reside. I can only use some red charcoal to keep warm in my pce, and can''t even keep a weak cat alive."


    As she spoke, she casually threw the white cat to the ground, allowing it to startle and vanish.


    "This cat should stay in the Empress''s pce. When the dayes that I am fortunate enough, and my pce is as warm as the Empress''s, then it will be a good time to raise it."


    She got up, covered her face with a handkerchief, and yawnedzily, saying:


    "The Empress''s pce is very warm. I feel tired after just a while. I''ll take my leave first."


    Consort Chen was always like this,


    Once she had shown her power, infuriating the Empress to half-death, she would then proudly swing her sleeves and leave.


    But Emperor Song Zhao loved watching this y.


    After enjoying the show that day, Song Zhao sat on the warm seat in the pce and continued studying the music score.


    The Pce Affairs Department had just delivered the charcoal, and Yun Shan was adding it to the charcoal basin next to the warm seat.


    "The Emperor always thinks of the Young Master. Look, they sent you red charcoal that only consorts can use. In the entire harem, only Noble Consort Xiao is treated like this. But that''s because she has a pregnancy. If we ignore that and only consider the favor, it still can''tpare to the Young Master''s."


    Her voice lowered as she said, "Young Master, Consort Yao still uses silver charcoal. Shall I choose some to send to her? We can say that the Pce Affairs Department specially sent them to our Yaohua Pce."


    "Do as you said." Song Zhao nced at the red charcoal in the charcoal holder, then smiled at Yun Shan.


    "Hmm, I feel like you''ve be quite clever recently. In the past, even if we were to send them to Consort Yao, you would have recklessly said that the red charcoal was personally bestowed upon me by the Emperor, and I kindly shared it with her. It would sound as if she had gained some advantage."


    Yun Shan felt a little embarrassed and stuck out her tongue. "I learned this from Xiao Fuzi. He said that being in the pce is different from being in a mansion, and I should be cautious in everything. So as not to say the wrong thing and offend someone, causing them to hold a grudge against the Young Master. That wouldn''t be good."


    Song Zhao nodded with some satisfaction. "Xiao Fuzi, it''s good for you to listen to what he has to say. It won''t do you any harm."


    "Ah!" Yun Shan smiled and agreed, skillfully selecting a basket of good charcoal and taking it to Consort Yao, who resided in the main hall.


    Before long, when she returned, even before entering the hall, Song Zhao heard her joyful voice from afar:


    "Young Master,e out and see! It''s snowing!"


    Upon hearing this, Song Zhao opened the diamond-shaped window just a narrow crack.


    Outside the window,rge snowkes were falling like feathers, transforming the red walls and green tiles into a picturesque scene.


    She pushed the window wider and reached out to catch a snowke in her hand.


    Watching it gradually melt into colorless water in the palm of her hand, for some reason, her heart also felt a chill.


    She always remembered that her mother closed her eyes forever on a day with such heavy snowfall...

 Chapter 81: Good Luck for the First Snow 02

    <h4>Chapter 81</h4>


    Song Zhao gazed out of the window at the snowyndscape, lost in her thoughts. Memories long buried surged up from the depths of her heart, clouding her vision.


    It was as if she could once again see her forever young mother, alive in her memories.


    *


    "Darling, look, it''s snowing outside."


    Bai stood outside the bedroom, pointing to the snowkes dancing in the air, calling out to Song Zhao, who was busy cutting paper inside.


    Song Zhao nced at the door and immediately broke into a bright smile on her chubby face.


    "Wow! It''s so beautiful!"


    Excitedly, she ran towards the door, but in her haste, she tripped over the door frame and fell down on the cold floor of the corridor, crying in pain.


    Bai was frantic and quickly rushed to her daughter''s side in three strides.


    She had intended to bend down and help Song Zhao up, even crouching down, but she hesitated and didn''t reach out her hand.


    With tears streaming down her reddened nose, Song Zhao looked at Bai with a sense of grievance.


    "Mother, it hurts... Can you hug me?"


    But Bai said, "Darling, everyone falls sometimes. It''s okay to fall down; what''s important is learning how to pick yourself up."


    She gently stroked Song Zhao''s forehead, her eyes filled with tender concern.


    "You''re the strongest, my darling. Auntie will be with you."


    The little girl had scraped her palm and her knee hurt badly.


    She tried twice but couldn''t stand up.


    But she seemed to possess an inherent spirit of not giving up. The more she couldn''t get up, the more she challenged herself.


    After struggling three or five times, she finally managed to climb up through her own efforts.


    Strangely, at the moment she stood up on her own, she suddenly stopped crying.


    It was as if the pain in her body had diminished.


    Bai looked at her, her eyes squinting with a smile.


    It was the first time Song Zhao had seen her mother so joyous.


    Her mother lifted her up and nted a firm kiss on her forehead.


    "You''re amazing, my darling. Would you like Auntie to take you to build a snowman?"


    "Yes! Mother is the most skillful~ Mother, please build a big snowman for me!"


    *


    "Princess? Princess~ Do you think the snowman I made is beautiful?"


    Fleeting thoughts were brought back by the sound of Yun Shan calling in her ear.


    Song Zhao didn''t want to recall what happened afterwards.


    Because just as Bai was building a snowman for her, Jiang suddenly erupted in fury and whipped Bai to death that very day.


    At that young age, Song Zhao didn''t understand what had happened.


    She thought her mother was simply sleeping and kept thinking that when dawn broke, her mother would wake up and use the snow covering the courtyard to build the most beautiful snowman for her.


    But she never expected that this wait would lead to the present moment.


    Now, Song Zhao looked at the snowman in Yun Shan''s hands, her eyes slightly sore, but she still smiled and nodded with emphasis.


    "It''s beautiful,"


    "Very beautiful."


    Yun Shan smiled and pointed outside the window, saying, "The snow is falling heavier outside. When it settles, I''ll build a bigger one for the Princess!"


    Bai had taught Song Zhao that sorrowes and goes, as does joy, and she should never dwell in sorrow but learn to look forward.


    Therefore, Song Zhao never indulged in self-pity. Sad emotions came and went quickly for her.


    She took a deep breath and soon regained herposure.


    She received the snowman from Yun Shan and ced it on the table.


    Then, she held Yun Shan''s hand and gently scolded her in a low voice, saying, "You, always so yful, don''t you worry about freezing your hands?"


    While speaking, she held Yun Shan''s hand and ced it on the heating device emitting warm air, allowing her to warm up by the fire.


    Yun Shan loved snowy days very much.


    She raised her head and looked out of the diamond-shaped window, chanting, "Today is the fifteenth day, the first snow on the fifteenth day. It''s a very auspicious sign."


    Upon hearing her words, Song Zhao suddenly had an idea and said, "Praying for blessings on the day of the first snow is a good omen. But I heard that the empress dowager has been worshiping Buddha these days, and the empress is apanying her. The concubines are not allowed to enter the temple. We should still try to share in the joy. Since we can''t go to the temple, why don''t we find a ce that symbolizes prosperity and good fortune, and go there to pray at night?"


    Yun Shan thought for a moment and said, "Today is the fifteenth day, and the emperor usually stays in the empress''s pce on the fifteenth day of each month. He won''t summon the imperial concubines tonight, so it''s not impossible for the imperial concubines to pray for a good omen. However, in winter, all the flowers wither, except for the red plum blossoms in Plum Garden, which is an auspicious ce. But... there was a snake incident there recently, so we''d better not go."


    Song Zhao said, "After the incident, the people from the Bureau of Flowers and Birds thoroughly searched the Plum Garden. If there were still problems, wouldn''t they lose their heads? It''s fine, let''s go there."


    Although she said they would pray, Song Zhao didn''t seem to be in a hurry.


    When it was the ninth hour (nine o''clock) at night, Yun Shan thought she wasn''t going anymore, but Song Zhao was getting ready at this time, adding some makeup and saying, "Let''s go. There aren''t many people moving around in the pce at this time, so it will be peaceful."


    The two of them walked in the snow and arrived at Plum Garden on foot.


    After more than ten days, the red plum blossoms in Plum Garden had be even more abundant.


    Looking at it, the red and white colors blended together, creating a breathtaking sight.


    Song Zhao casually removed her sky-blue cloak and was about to take it off, but Yun Shan immediately grabbed her shoulder and stopped her, saying, "What are you doing, Miss? It''s freezing cold out here, and your undergarments are thin. If you take off the cloak, what if you catch a cold?"


    Song Zhao smiled at her and said, "People are not made of paper. How can they be easily chilled? Besides, in this kind of weather, even frost and cold are to be feared. When praying, we must be sincere. If the deities and Buddhas see me being disrespectful, it would be my fault."


    As she spoke, she tidied her clothes and respectfully knelt on the snowy ground.


    Yun Shan couldn''t persuade her, so she had no choice but to kneel down with her.


    She intentionally knelt on the left side of Song Zhao, blocking the cold wind from directly blowing on her.


    Song Zhao appeared very devout.


    Closing her eyelids, folding her hands together, she respectfully said, "First snow brings good fortune, may riches and honor descend from heaven. Xiao Jiejie (elder sister), may you conceive a child and may the heavens bless you, so that your pregnancy will be safe and smooth, bringing joy and fortune to the emperor."


    After finishing her prayer, she kowtowed and continued,


    "May the divine blessings be upon our dynasty, ensuring prosperity for generations toe and the eternal well-being of our emperor. Long live and be blessed for ten thousand years."


    As the words fell, three consecutive kowtows followed.


    Yun Shan''s gaze was fixed on Song Zhao, her forehead covered in snow, and her heart ached.


    "Princess, we have finished our prayers. Let me help you up," she said, intending to support Song Zhao. However, Song Zhao skillfully evaded her.


    Song Zhao remained in a kneeling position, her hands still sped together, and spoke softly:


    "Praying for blessings is not a merest-minute gesture. It requires sincerity and respect. I genuinely wish for the well-being of the emperor. How can I merely go through the motions? Even if I were to perform the grand ceremony of three kowtows and nine prostrations, I still feel it would not be enough to express my sincerity."


    Yun Shan was momentarily stunned upon hearing this and privately thought:


    "If she were to perform the full ceremony of three kowtows and nine prostrations in the snow, our princess would surely fall ill tomorrow."


    Just as she was about to persuade Song Zhao again,


    a shadow cast over them from behind.


    Then, a fleeting bright yellow caught her peripheral vision,


    and upon closer inspection, she saw a pair of well-defined hands draping a ck fox fur cloak over Song Zhao''s shoulders.


    Feeling the weight on her shoulders, Song Zhao was startled and instinctively turned her head.


    Finally, her gaze met Xiao Jingheng''s burning eyes.


    In a moment of confusion and panic, she almost lost her bnce and fell to the ground,


    "Y-Your Majesty?"

 Chapter 82: Accompanying Palace

    <h4>Chapter 82</h4>


    ¡°Long live Your Majesty.¡±


    Song Zhao appropriately bowed to Xiao Jingheng and asked somewhat puzzled,


    ¡°It¡¯s a snowy night in the dead of winter. Today is the 15th. Your Majesty should be in the Queen''s pce. Howe you are here instead?¡±


    Xiao Jingheng seemed to not hear her words at all.


    He just looked at the delicate beauty kneeling in the snow, shivering uncontrobly, and his heart was filled with distress.


    He bent down to lightly wrap his arm around Song Zhao¡¯s waist, wanting to help her up from the snowy ground.


    Song Zhao subconsciously wanted to refuse, but Xiao Jingheng¡¯s grip only tightened as he forcefully pulled her up into his embrace,


    ¡°If all the gods in heaven wanted to see you freeze to death before they would bless Us, people would stop praising the Buddha''spassion.¡±


    Song Zhao had been kneeling in the snow for a while. Her body was covered in fluffy snow.


    Especially her fair and tender pair of jade-like hands. To kowtow, she had to support herself with both hands sunk deep into the snow. At this moment, they were even more frozen red.


    Xiao Jingheng noticed and his brows involuntarily furrowed, visibly distressed.


    He personally helped Song Zhao dust off the snow on her body, and cupped her icy hands in his palms, gently kneading them,


    ¡°With your hands so cold, are you deliberately trying to make me worry?¡±


    His actions were very gentle, yet still made Song Zhao whimper in pain as she unconsciously tried to pull her hands back.


    Noticing her reaction, Xiao Jingheng held her hand and examined it carefully, only to discover her hands were not just red from the cold. Having been buried in the snow for too long, her fingertips had turned purple.


    He quickly said, ¡°This might develop chilins. Come to the pce with me. I¡¯ll apply medicine for you.¡±


    He didn¡¯t dare continue holding her hand, afraid to hurt her. So he moved his palm up to clutch her slender wrist instead.


    Song Zhao did not dare to defy him and could only let him lead her forward by the hand.


    Jiang Deshun hurriedly walked to Xiao Jingheng¡¯s side and asked softly in a very weak voice,


    ¡°Your Majesty, what about Concubine Chen...¡±


    ¡°Foolish thing. I already told you, by the time her pce maid came to report, I was resting with the Queen. ¡± Xiao Jingheng coldly cut Jiang Deshun off and fell silent for a bit before instructing, ¡°Make her a cup of the imperial tranquilizing tea. It works best against nightmares.¡±


    Upon hearing this, Song Zhao asked, ¡°Is Concubine Chen unwell?¡±


    ¡°She was frightened by the snake incident and has been having nightmares recently. It¡¯s nothing serious.¡±


    Xiao Jingheng answered dismissively and took Song Zhao onto the sedan chair.


    On the ride back to Chaoyang Pce, Song Zhao tried to persuade Xiao Jingheng to go see Concubine Chen, but Xiao Jingheng had just seen her kowtowing for him in the snow, and was so touched that he had no mind to bother about others.


    Furthermore, whether Concubine Chen was truly unwell or deliberately throwing a tantrum, he could tell clearly.


    Seeing Xiao Jingheng¡¯s attitude, Song Zhao said no more unsavory words and obediently nestled in his embrace like a kitten as the sedan chair made its way to Chaoyang Pce.


    It was the 15th today. On the 15th every month, Xiao Jingheng was supposed to spend the night in the Queen¡¯s pce.


    Given what had transpired between Concubine Chen and the Queen, Song Zhao figured she must be nning something to get Xiao Jingheng out of the Queen¡¯s pce.


    If he did abandon the Queen for her, to go to Concubine Chen¡¯s Yonghe Pce he would have to pass the Plum Garden.


    That¡¯s why there was the scene earlier of Song Zhao insisting on praying in the snow there.


    Song Zhao was clearly trying to obstruct Concubine Chen¡¯s favor.


    But she was not like Consort Xiao from before, openly and unabashedly fighting over favor and making a fool of herself.


    Tonight, it was Xiao Jingheng who decided to leave the Queen on his own to go check on Concubine Chen.


    On his way there, as he passed the Plum Garden, it just so happened that he saw Song Zhao kneeling in the snow and stopped the sedan chair to go see what was going on.


    He then ¡°coincidentally¡± overheard the blessing Song Zhao was praying for. Seeing her covered in snow and her bright red frozen hands,


    he was filled with tender affection and insisted on taking Song Zhao back to the pce.


    All this did not seem like Song Zhao deliberately seeking his favor, but rather Xiao Jingheng unable to restrain himself with her.


    Of course, in making this move, Song Zhao had also given herself a way out.


    When the sedan chair stopped outside Chaoyang Pce, she worriedly said to Xiao Jingheng:


    ¡°Your Majesty, this concubine is extremely anxious. Tonight, you were supposed to spend it in the Queen¡¯s pce. On your way to see Concubine Chen who was unwell, you happened to run into me. Now you want me to stay in Chaoyang Pce, neither returning to the Queen nor going to check on Concubine Chen. The 15th is a full moon. I am of too lowly status, how could I possibly monopolize your favor tonight?¡±


    Xiao Jingheng knew Song Zhao well.


    This delicate beauty had always disliked harem intrigues and would never fight for favor.


    Yet the more she was like this, the more it made Xiao Jingheng dotingly cherish her from the bottom of his heart.


    He held her hand, gazing at her with warm and unwavering eyes,


    ¡°Staying by the side of the woman I love, others dare not gossip. If you¡¯re afraid my favor would bring you unwanted trouble, we won¡¯t record it on the register tonight.¡±


    As he gently caressed the loose strands of hair by her temple, smiling, he asked,


    ¡°Why? Are you unwilling to apany me?¡±


    Song Zhao shyly lowered her gaze. In a delicate and gentle voice that pierced Xiao Jingheng¡¯s heart she answered,


    ¡°I¡¯m willing...¡±


    Without records from the secretarial office today, no one would know Song Zhao spent the night.


    To protect her, Xiao Jingheng would definitely hide this from both the Queen and Concubine Chen.


    The Queen¡¯s side would assume Xiao Jingheng had abandoned her for Concubine Chen.


    While Concubine Chen would assume Xiao Jingheng did not care that she was unwell and only wanted to apany the Queen.


    Would this not make them resent each other even more?


    But Song Zhao did not care.


    The more fiercely they fought, the more Xiao Jingheng would distance himself from them.


    After all, what man wouldn¡¯t be more affectionate towards the woman who prayed devoutly for him than those bickering jealously over his favor?


    That night, as expected, Song Zhao spent the night in Chaoyang Pce.


    She barely slept a wink all night. The next day at the fourth watch, Xiao Jingheng rose very gently, afraid to disturb her.


    So she kept her eyes shut and continued pretending to be asleep.


    After all, she had gone three rounds with Xiao Jinghengst night and her body ached with fatigue. She wanted to lie in a little longer.


    A woman should also know to appear weak before a man.


    The more shezily overslept today, the more Xiao Jingheng would think highly of his own virilityst night.


    Even though regarding that matter, Xiao Jingheng had indeed been quite valiant.


    With eyes closed, Song Zhao listened carefully to the sounds in the room.


    As Jiang Deshun was attending to Xiao Jingheng washing up and changing, she heard Xiao Jingheng instruct him,


    ¡°It has been a cold winter this year. I n to take Mother Empress to the hot springs vi for a short stay in a few days. Have the Queen arrange which consorts and concubines will join the entourage.¡±


    Jiang Deshun obediently answered in acknowledgment. Then Song Zhao heard Xiao Jingheng add,


    ¡°Tell the Queen, Song Chang¡¯in wille along too.¡±

 Chapter 83: Mind of the Queen

    <h4>Chapter 83</h4>


    Feng Luan Pce.


    Since Xiao Jingheng leftst night, the Empress had barely slept a wink.


    She watched the falling snow growing denser and denser outside her window, slowly piling up on the eaves.


    It was as if it was also piling up in her heart, chilling her to the bone.


    The next morning when Frost Ru entered to attend to the Empress''s morning ablutions, she saw the Empress already fully dressed and standing at her desk, copying out Buddhist sutras by hand.


    Not daring to bring upst night''s events for fear of upsetting the Empress, she simply said:


    ¡°Your Majesty, the snow has stopped outside. You need not grant morning audiences to the Six Pces today.¡±


    The Empress was silent for a moment, waiting until she had finished the line she was writing. Then she replied:


    ¡°It''s bitter cold and snowy outside, I don''t want them making trips back and forth. Have someone notify the Six Pces that they need note pay their respects to Us from today up until New Year''s Eve.¡±


    Frost Ru obeyed and quickly instructed others to carry out the order. By the time she came back, she had brought someone with her.


    ¡°Your Majesty, Superintendent Jiang is here.¡±


    The Empress raised her eyebrows at Jiang Deshun. With a more or less serene expression she asked:


    ¡°Superintendent Jiang, what brings you here at this hour?¡±


    Jiang Deshun bowed with hands sped and said:


    ¡°In reply to Your Majesty, His Majesty said that with the bitter cold this winter, he wishes to spend the season at the Hot Spring Mountain Vi. He has specially sent me here to inform Your Majesty. His Majesty said that you may decide who else shall go along to the Hot Spring Mountain Vi.¡±


    He paused, sounding slightly embarrassed as he added:


    ¡°There is just one thing. His Majesty wants Concubine Song to apany him on this trip.¡±


    The Empress''s writing brush faltered. The page full of her graceful calligraphy was quite abruptly stained with a ssh of jarring ink.


    Yet her face betrayed no change in expression. She nodded imperceptibly to Jiang Deshun and gently replied:


    ¡°We are aware. With the chill these days, when attending to His Majesty make sure to add a cup of medicinal tea to nourish his qi and blood, and help stave off the cold.¡±


    Jiang Deshun smiled and said: ¡°Your Majesty''s kindness and benevolence towards His Majesty is boundless. This servant shall certainly heed your instructions and attend to His Majesty diligently.¡±


    Having conveyed his message, he also did not tarry longer. iming duties to attend to, he bowed and took his leave.


    After Jiang Deshun left, Frost Ru put aside the Buddhist sutra the Empress had marked up. As she slowly rolled it up, she couldn''t helpmenting:


    ¡°I wouldn''t have thought His Majesty values Concubine Song so highly. The honor of apanying him to the Hot Spring Mountain Vi is usually only granted to consorts of rank. As a lowly concubine, it goes against propriety for Concubine Song toe along.¡±


    Lowering her voice, she reminded the Empress:


    ¡°The Dowager Empress will certainly be apanying His Majesty on this trip. Her Ladyship ces utmost importance on propriety. There will surely be words said about this. Shouldn''t Your Majesty remind His Majesty?¡±


    The Empress spread open a fresh sheet of paper. As she swiftly copied out the Buddhist sutra, she casually replied:


    ¡°Didn''t you hear Jiang Deshun say that His Majesty tasked Us to decide who shall go? If the matter of Concubine Song angers the Dowager Empress and she questions Us, can We tell her that His Majesty insisted on bringing Concubine Song?¡±


    She shook her head with augh. ¡°His Majesty is the Son of Heaven, how could the Son of Heaven be at fault? If the Dowager Empress asks, We can only say We made the arrangements. That way, in her eyes the one flouting propriety would only be Ourself.¡±


    Hearing this, a shade seemed to pass through Frost Ru''s eyes. Helplessly she said, ¡°Which means Your Majesty will be wrongfully implicated again.¡±


    ¡°What does it implicate upon Us?¡± The Empress picked up the newly copied sutra. Looking it over with satisfaction, she handed it to Frost Ru and said, ¡°As head of the inner pce, of course We must serve His Majesty well.¡±


    After Frost Ru put away the Buddhist sutra, she swiftly brought over theyout of the Hot Spring Mountain Vi.


    The Empress nced over it briefly, then pointed to two structures inside and asked:


    ¡°If I remember correctly, I heard that repair work had begun on the Yingchun Pavilion and Ting Yu Pavilion in the vi after His Majesty''s birthdayst month. It probably hasn''t beenpleted yet, right?¡±


    Frost Ru nodded in confirmation. The Empress frowned at the blueprint.


    Winters were usually warm in the capital, bitter cold ones like this year were rare once in decades.


    Therefore, opportunities to use the Hot Spring Mountain Vi paled considerablypared to the Summer Mountain Vi.


    For instance, this was Emperor Xiao''s first time going since his enthronement.


    As visits were infrequent, simplistic construction was advocated when building the vi.


    There were only eight living quarters able to house masters.


    With the Yingchun Pavilion and Ting Yu Pavilion still under renovation, that left only six structures.


    Moreover, these living quarters had no annexes. It was improper for multiple masters to reside together.


    Frost Ru counted on her fingers. ¡°His Majesty and Your Majesty will certainly be going. The Dowager Empress will apany him. His Majesty specifically named Concubine Song toe along as well. Then doesn''t that leave only two quarters for the remaining consorts?¡±


    The Empress shook her head. ¡°Not two, only one. Since Noble Consort Xiao has a child on the way, how can We leave her behind in the pce?¡±


    Frost Ru pondered briefly before suggesting:


    ¡°In any case, His Majesty said you may decide who goes. Just choose one from among Consorts Yin, Yun and Shu. Yesterday was the 15th, His Majesty should have spent the night in your pce. Yet Consort Chen had no regard for propriety and used tricks to lure His Majesty away! She craves his favor; you should leave her behind in the pce and let her crave her fill! See who still entertains her then!¡±


    There was urgency in Frost Ru''s tone. The Empress couldn''t help chiding her, ¡°Consort Chen still holds the rank of consort. Is it proper for you to disparage your mistress behind her back like so?¡±


    Frost Ru quickly apologized. ¡°Your Majesty''s reproach is apt. This ve spoke out of turn...¡±


    The Empress did not dwell on it further. She went on:


    ¡°You said not to allow Consort Chen toe, but We insist on letting her apany Us, lest His Majesty thinks We harbor the same petty mindset as Consort Chen.¡±


    ¡°But if you let here along, with how often she oversteps her bounds and His Majesty turns a blind eye, won''t Your Majesty have to swallow offense from her every day?¡±


    ¡°What offense can she give Us?¡± The Empress gave a derisiveugh. ¡°We never nned on going in the first ce. Consort Shu has been depressed since losing her child. We wish to give up Our spot for her to go with Consort Chen, to cheer her up.¡±


    Hearing the Empress say this, Frost Ru felt even more awful:


    Emperor Xiao was going to the Hot Spring Mountain Vi to spend the winter.


    It was only the end of the tenth month now; this trip wouldst at least until New Year''s Eve.


    If the Empress did not apany him, it would mean nearly a month and a half without seeing Emperor Xiao.


    Yet as a mere servant, there were many words of dissuasion she could not voice, so she could only ache for her mistress and say:


    ¡°Your Majesty is truly too kindhearted, always thinking of the big picture. Compared to you, Consort Chen should be ashamed.¡±


    The Empress dismissed this with a smile. ¡°We are the Empress, His Majesty''s primary wife. What is there topete with a concubine over?¡±


    She handed the blueprint of the Hot Spring Mountain Vi back to Frost Ru. ¡°Go inform the Six Pces of this news.¡±

 Chapter 84: Yuntai Distress 01

    <h4>Chapter 84</h4>


    Shuang Ruo went ahead and informed Consort Shu and Consort Chen in the pce,


    and when Song Zhao arrived, it happened to be during the break after lunch.


    Consort Yao was resting, so she wasn''t disturbed, and Song Zhao went straight to the Western Pavilion to meet her.


    She sinctly informed Song Zhao about the arrangements for apanying the Warm Spring Manor,


    "The Emperor intends to visit the Warm Spring Manor and wants the Empress to select the concubines to apany him. The Empress has chosen Consort Shu, Consort Chen, and the pregnant Noble Consort Xiao. The remaining spot has been given to you."


    Shuang Ruo said that


    all of this was arranged by Xiao Jingheng, and the Empress chose Song Zhao and gave her a spot to apany them.


    Although Song Zhao knew that all of this was Xiao Jingheng''s intention, she had to go along with the Empress''s act, right?


    So, after hearing Shuang Ruo''s exnation, she hurriedly said, "How can this be? The Empress is the Empress Dowager. How can she stay alone in the pce?"


    She looked embarrassed and took the responsibility upon herself, saying,


    "If the Empress decided to stay in the pce because she wanted to arrange for me to go to the Warm Spring Manor, I request Aunt to retract the order. Otherwise, I will be sincerely troubled."


    Shuang Ruo said, "The Empress has a heart condition, and even if she goes to the Warm Spring Manor, she won''t be able to enjoy the hot springs. Besides, the Empress prefers tranquility and dislikes being bothered, so she chose to stay in the pce. It has nothing to do with you being constantly by her side. In any case, the matter has been decided, so you should prepare yourself quickly."


    Song Zhao had no choice but to say, "Thank you, Empress, for your understanding. Later, I will personally go to the Empress''s pce to express my gratitude."


    She said so, and Shuang Ruo didn''t stop her.


    After Song Zhao left, Yun Shan said, "The Empress was perfectly fine. Why did she grant such a huge favor to the Young Lady? I feel like there''s more to this than meets the eye."


    Song Zhao looked at her with interest and asked, "Oh? Tell me, why didn''t she go herself?"


    Yun Shan pondered for a moment and analyzed, "It was the Emperor''s intention for the Young Lady to go to the Warm Spring Manor. Shuang Ruo said what she said because she thought the Young Lady didn''t know, so she attributed all the credit to the Empress, hoping that the Young Lady would remember the Empress''s kindness. As for why the Empress didn''t go herself..."


    She propped her chin and thought for a while, then suddenly pped her hands, her eyes brightening.


    "I''ve figured it out! The Empress Dowager will definitely apany them on this trip to the Warm Spring Manor. The Empress Dowager is the most rule-abiding person in the pce, and only the principal consorts and above can apany her, whether it''s the Summer Retreat Vi or the Warm Spring Manor.


    As for Noble Consort Xiao, it''s a different story, but as for you, Young Lady, your status is only that of a constantpanion, so it''s inappropriate for you to go along. If the Empress Dowager finds out, she will inevitably criticize the Empress''s arrangement. But now that the Empress herself isn''t going and has given up her spot, in the Empress Dowager''s eyes, it will appear as if the Empress is considering the Emperor''s preferences and sacrificing herself to benefit the Young Lady."


    As Yun Shan spoke, her emotions grew more and more intense, and her face became increasingly grim.


    "Then the Empress Dowager will definitely have no objections to the Empress, and instead, she will see the Empress as virtuous and considerate of the overall situation. But when ites to the Young Mistress... she will most likely think that the Young Mistress has captivated the Lord with her seductive charm! The Young Mistress left a bad impression on the Empress Dowager the first time she met her, so it will be difficult to make the Empress Dowager look at the Young Mistress differently in the future."


    After listening to Yun Shan''s logical and well-founded analysis, Song Zhao truly started to see her in a different light.


    She smiled as she looked at Yun Shan and jokingly said, "I will definitely find some time to ask Xiao Fuzi what she has been teaching you in private. You have been with me for so long, and this is the first time I''ve seen you analyze things so thoroughly."


    In reality, what else could Xiao Fuzi teach Yun Shan?


    She simply told Yun Shan that if she wanted to see things clearly, she shouldn''t just look at the surface like she did when she was in the mansion.


    Because as Song Zhao''s personal servant, there woulde a day when herck of astuteness would cause trouble for Song Zhao.


    Yun Shan considered Song Zhao even more important than herself. How could she allow Song Zhao to be implicated in any way because of her mistakes?


    So after that, Yun Shan became even more cautious and thoughtful.


    Her analysis just now was not wrong, but it only saw through oneyer of the deeper meaning behind it.


    Song Zhao knew that the Empress''s main purpose in doing this was not to make the Empress Dowager have a negative opinion of her.


    It was to distance herself from certain matters.


    Like the child in Noble Consort Xiao''s womb.


    Noble Consort Xiao was pregnant, and her belly was like a hot potato. Whoever touched it would be unlucky.


    The imperial harem had already lost the two children of Consort Chen and Consort Shu in session, and many people were secretly eyeing Noble Consort Xiao''s belly.


    The Empress has sent Noble Consort Xiao to the Hot Spring Vi, while she herself remained in the capital.


    So when the timees, if anything happens to the heir in Noble Consort Xiao''s womb at the Hot Spring Vi, the Empress can stay far away, and no one can ssh dirty water on her.


    At this point, Song Zhao actually didn''t want to go to the Hot Spring Vi.


    But this time, she had no choice but to go.


    She had already rejected Xiao Jingheng too many times.


    Rejecting a man once or twice might make him think you''re different, fresh.


    But if you reject him three or four times, even if you are a peerless beauty, people will think you don''t know how to appreciate.


    Everything needs a bnce. When it''s time to give Xiao Jingheng some sweetness, Song Zhao would never be stingy.


    Not long after Shuang Ruo left, Song Zhao hurried to the Empress''s pce.


    As she approached, she could smell a strong fragrance of powder from afar.


    It was the fragrance that Consort Yun often used. Song Zhao always felt that the scent was somewhat strange, but she couldn''t pinpoint what was odd about it.


    Later, when she saw the Empress, the Empress also said, "Consort Yun just left, and you came. It''s quite a coincidence."


    Song Zhao came this time to thank the Empress for her grace.


    She exchanged pleasantries with the Empress, but after a while, the Empress''splexion started to turn somewhat unpleasant, and her breathing became rapid.


    Song Zhao had seen her experience these symptoms when her heart condition acted up, and she knew that her old ailment had recurred.


    Shuang Ruo handed a pill to the Empress and Song Zhao attended to her, serving her water.


    After the Empress''s condition improved slightly, she self-mockingly remarked, "Whenever winter arrives, my body bes even more useless."


    Song Zhao had heard before that the Empress had a congenital heart condition that couldn''t be cured.


    All she could do was offer some perfunctory words offort to the Empress.


    But just as they were speaking, the Empress, who had just recovered, suddenly issued an edict of dismissal.


    "Song Zhao, this pce is going out for a while. I won''t keep you here."


    Song Zhao was puzzled and said, "The snow outside hasn''t melted yet, and the ground is cold and slippery. Your Majesty, you''ve just had a heart condition, shouldn''t you rest well in the pce and not move around?"


    Shuang Ruo also added, "Yes, Your Majesty, you should..."


    "This pce must go," the Empress insisted, rising to her feet. "The talisman of peace enshrined at Yuntai must be retrieved at the appointed time, or else it won''t be effective. Shuang Ruo, arrange for a sedan chair."

 Chapter 85: Yuntai Distress 02

    <h4>Chapter 85</h4>


    The Cloud Terrace mentioned by the Empress was built by the Former Emperor for the devout belief in Buddhism of the Dowager Empress.


    The Cloud Terrace consists of a total of 999 steps, making it the tallest structure in the pce.


    ording to the Former Emperor, this is called ''Reaching the Sky,'' emphasizing that the closer one is to the heavens during the worship of Buddha, the more devout they be.


    On top of the Cloud Terrace, there is a temple dedicated to the Bodhisattva with Ten Halls. It is a sacred ce in the pce where incense is offered throughout the year and prayers for blessings are made.


    However, due to the immense height of the Cloud Terrace and theck of shortcuts to reach the top, even the Emperor himself would have to climb step by step if he wished to worship Buddha on the Cloud Terrace.


    Over time, the lord of the pce grewzy and stoppeding to this ce to pray for blessings.


    But the Empress was different.


    Every fifteenth day of the month, she would personally ascend to the top, offering the peace talisman she had written herself to the Temple of the Bodhisattva with Ten Halls. It would be enveloped in the fragrance of incense throughout the night, and then she would personally retrieve it and entrust it to Xiao Jingheng to ensure the safety and auspiciousness of the emperor.


    Xiao Jingheng found this task burdensome and repeatedly advised the Empress not to go through the trouble anymore.


    However, the Empress continued to do so every month, stating that it was her way of expressing her affection for Xiao Jingheng and hoping for his well-being.


    As a result, it became widely known throughout the pce that the Empress would ascend the Cloud Terrace on the fifteenth and sixteenth of each month.


    But today was different.


    The Empress was feeling unwell, and it had snowed the entire day yesterday. Although the pce attendants had cleared the snow, the Cloud Terrace was still covered in remnants of frozen snow, making it slippery and difficult to traverse.


    A young pce maid stepped forward and said, "Your Majesty, shall I go and retrieve it for you?"


    However, before she could finish speaking, Shuang Ruo reprimanded her, "The peace talisman was ced by the master. How can we, as servants, go and retrieve it? We must not tarnish the Empress''s intentions."


    Song Zhao, who had been standing by, listened to the implications in Shuang Ruo''s words.


    The Empress would definitely be unable to go in her weak state. If she were to go today and identally slip on the Cloud Terrace, Xiao Jingheng would surely hold someone ountable. Song Zhao couldn''t just stand by and ignore the situation; otherwise, she would be at fault.


    Shuang Ruo added that both pce maids and eunuchs were servants and should not be the ones to retrieve it.


    Therefore, the most suitable person to retrieve the peace talisman on behalf of the Empress was Song Zhao alone.


    She found herself caught in a dilemma. Going was not an option, but not going was also not an option.


    After a moment of silence, she saw that the Empress was still determined to go, so she stepped in front of her and tentatively said, "Why don''t I go and retrieve it for you?"


    The Empress, of course, would not agree and replied, "The steps of the Cloud Terrace are steep, and it bes even more slippery after the snow. How can I let you go? I will go by myself."


    Hearing her words, Song Zhao realized that she couldn''t go, but the Empress, the mistress of the harem, could take the risk?


    With those words spoken, even if Song Zhao didn''t want to go, she had no choice now.


    "When the Empress personally presented the peace talisman to pray for the Emperor''s well-being, it already demonstrated her sincerity to the gods and Buddhas. Now, I also wish to pray for the Emperor''s well-being. I kindly ask the Empress to give me an opportunity to retrieve the peace talisman on behalf of the Emperor."


    Only then did the Empress reluctantly say, "Very well, be careful on your way."


    After leaving the Empress''s pce and walking a distance, Yun Shan whispered to Song Zhao:


    "Are you really going, mydy? I can''t help but find this matter very suspicious. If the Empress wants to retrieve the protective talisman, she could have gone when the snow hadn''t frozen yet in the early morning. Why wait until now?"


    Song Zhao replied, "Since the Empress has already insisted, I have no choice but to go. We just need to be cautious."


    When the master and servant arrived at Cloud Terrace, they happened to see pce maids sweeping the steps.


    The snow on the lower steps had already been cleared away, and salt had been sprinkled on them.


    Yun Shan walked a few steps back and forth on the first few steps to make sure they were not slippery, then said to Song Zhao, "Mydy, these steps are safe."


    Song Zhao also tested two steps herself. Even though there were still some water stains on the salted steps, they were not freezing and wouldn''t make them slip.


    However, despite this, Song Zhao still had some concerns.


    After all, Cloud Terrace was tall and steep. If something unexpected happened and she fell from above, it would be a matter of life and death.


    She stood at the bottom of the terrace, watching a pce maid climb up the steps one by one from a lower position. She made it all the way to the top without any mishaps. Only then did Song Zhao say to Yun Shan, "Let''s go, but let''s take it slow."


    Cloud Terrace leaned against the mountain on one side and hung in the air on the other.


    The mountain was on the right, and the open space was on the left.


    ording to etiquette, Song Zhao should have walked on the left side, with Yun Shan on the right side.


    But Yun Shan was afraid that something might happen to Song Zhao, so she ignored the rules and voluntarily went to a ce on the left side that was not against the mountain.


    "Mydy, it''s safer to walk on the inside."


    The master and servant supported each other, but after only a dozen steps, they suddenly heard a proud female voice behind them.


    "Stop there."


    Song Zhao turned around abruptly and saw Consort Chen''s sedan passing by this spot.


    Consort Chen lifted the curtain of the sedan and looked at Song Zhao. Her phoenix eyes narrowed slightly as she scanned her from top to bottom with sharp eyes.


    "What are you doing?"


    Song Zhao had already climbed more than a dozen steps and was standing significantly higher than Consort Chen.


    She couldn''t stand in a higher ce than Consort Chen to pay her respects, so she turned around and went back down, standing respectfully in front of Consort Chen''s sedan. She saluted and said,


    "Respectfully to Consort Chen, the Empress has sent me to retrieve the protective talisman enshrined in the Temple of the Bodhisattva with Ten Halls."


    "Hmph," Consort Chen sneered, her tone cold and menacing.


    "You attach yourself to this pce, yet you still eagerly try to please the Empress? You really know how to y both sides!"


    Song Zhao hurriedly said, "I didn''t intend to please the Empress. It''s just..."


    She recounted in detail what had happened in the Phoenix Pce earlier to Consort Chen.


    After finishing, she sighed helplessly and said, "I happened to get caught up in this matter. This Cloud Terrace is so high, and it snowed yesterday. Honestly, I''m very afraid too."


    Consort Chen didn''t pay any attention to Song Zhao''s exnation at all.


    She gently stroked her temple and rolled her eyes at Song Zhao, speaking in a sarcastic tone:


    "Pay close attention to the path beneath your feet and you won''t make any missteps. There''s nothing to fear then. I noticed that your hands have developed frostbite from the cold chains that protect you on each side of the Cloud Terrace. It''s as cold as ice in winter, so it''s best not to touch them and risk freezing your delicate hands. It wouldn''t be easy to serve as the Empress in the future!"


    With a disgruntled hum, Consort Chen finished speaking and sullenly dropped the curtain of the pnquin, instructing the pce attendants to carry her away.


    Although Consort Chen had always been this way, Song Zhao couldn''t help but feel that there was something peculiar about her today.


    Perhaps it was because Consort Chen mentioned it that Song Zhao climbed the steps without touching the iron chains that guarded the Cloud Terrace.


    Although she didn''t touch them, her gaze remained fixed on them.


    When they reached the halfway point up the mountain, Song Zhao gradually slowed her pace. Yun Shan turned to look at her and asked, "What''s the matter, Young Lady?"


    Song Zhao stopped silently, leaned her body against Yun Shan, and casually grabbed one of the chains. With a little force, she pulled it downward.


    With this simple tug, the connection of the chain instantly gave way, making a nging sound as it fell.


    The sound startled Yun Shan, who trembled and eximed, "Young Lady, be careful!"


    She firmly supported Song Zhao and watched the loosened chain fall to the ground, her heart still pounding with fear. She said, "Fortunately, you didn''t hold onto the chain, or else the force would have been applied to it. If the chain suddenly broke, you would have definitely fallen!"


    Being at a high altitude, the biting cold wind continuously blew into Song Zhao''s cor.


    However, she was sweating profusely from the fright.


    "There''s a lucky cloud pattern on this chain. Only the mistress can touch it; pce attendants are not allowed. The maid we saw down below is someone who serves in the temple. She climbs the Cloud Terrace every day and has been trained to not feel tired. But the mistress in the pce doesn''t do physicalbor like the attendants. If someone gets tired climbing and grabs onto this chain, they might end up flying out and being smashed to pieces..."


    Yun Shan was shocked upon hearing this and eximed anxiously, "The Empress wants to harm you!"


    Song Zhao remained silent, looking at the steep steps behind her. Warm breath escaped her mouth, forming a mist in the air.


    "It''s Consort Chen who wants to save me."

 Chapter 86: What You Like and What You Hate

    <h4>Chapter 86</h4>


    Afterwards when Song Zhao and Yun Shan climbed up Cloud Terrace again, they were even more careful.


    Master and servant leaned against the cliff, taking one step at a time only after making sure their footing was secure before daring to go on.


    After ascending Cloud Terrace and entering the Temple of the Bodhisattva with Ten Halls, Song Zhao kneeled and paid respects to the Buddha statues. She then took the peace talisman ced before the Buddhist shrine and carefully wrapped it in a silk handkerchief before putting it in her belt.


    As they were leaving, she said to the pce maid servicing this ce:


    ¡°The protective chains on both sides of Cloud Terrace are broken. Please arrange for someone to fix them quickly, so that no one gets injured.¡±


    The pce maid repeatedly acknowledged, but her face was full of puzzlement as she muttered:


    ¡°They were just re-securedst month, how could they break in just a few days?¡±


    Song Zhao didn¡¯t say anything more after hearing this.


    On the way down the mountain, a sentence Consort Chen had said kept running through Song Zhao''s mind:


    "The protective chains on both sides of Cloud Terrace are as cold as ice blocks in winter. One would avoid touching them if possible, lest your delicate hands freeze and cause trouble for the Empresster!"


    If Consort Chen hadn''t made that seemingly out-of-ce remark, Song Zhao would likely be in mortal peril right now.


    After safely descending from Cloud Terrace, Yun Shan heaved a long sigh of relief,


    "Such treacherous terrain. Her Majesty has to ascend Cloud Terrace twice every month, I thought it was just more tiring, didn''t expect this ce could easily cost someone their life with a slight carelessness."


    Song Zhao gave a coldugh. ¡°It has to be this way for her to show how good she is to the Emperor, right?"


    "If she is willing to sacrifice her life just to make the Emperor feel she is good, my humble opinion is such hard-earned feelings might as well be foregone."


    On this matter, Yun Shan saw things more clearly than the Empress.


    The consorts were all attentive towards Xiao Jingheng, but the Empress¡¯ attention went a bit overboard.


    When attention went beyond propriety, she was no longer a wife but more like a mother.


    No wonder Xiao Jingheng still treated her with due courtesy and deference, yet with little marital affection between them.


    Walking about ten zhang away from Cloud Terrace, Yun Shan looked back with lingering fear at the chains hanging on the cliff and couldn¡¯t help gasping,


    ¡°It was truly dangerous just now. If Consort Chen didn''t happen to sarcastically mention those chains when making fun of young miss, I''m afraid young miss would have been in danger after grabbing them."


    "She didn''t happen to mention it," Song Zhao said heavily. "She said it deliberately for me to hear."


    "Deliberately? Is young miss saying Consort Chen already knew there was a problem with the chains beforehand?"


    Song Zhao didn''t reply, staring straight ahead as she walked.


    Yun Shan pondered for a long while before suddenly realizing, "Or rather, those chains were..."


    Song Zhao nced at Yun Shan.


    There were ears in the pce walls, even the winds had the ability to eavesdrop.


    Yun Shan got the hint and immediately shut her mouth.


    In fact the whole matter was already quite clear now.


    Consort Chen thought the Empress tried to harm her during the snake incident in Plum Garden, so she racked her brains on getting back at the Empress.


    It wasmon knowledge in the pce that the Empress ascended Cloud Terrace on the fifteenth and sixteenth every month.


    So if Consort Chen wanted to harm the Empress, the most straightforward method was sabotaging the chains at Cloud Terrace.


    This method was very simple, it was also brainless. If discovered it could easily lead back to her. But that was indeed Consort Chen''s usual style...


    Besides, Consort Chen wasn''t Buddhist. Why would her sedan chair somehow end up going to Cloud Terrace?


    She was probably hiding nearby all along, wanting to watch the Empress fall to her death with her own eyes to resolve the hatred in her heart.


    The ident in the whole matter was Song Zhao''s sudden appearance.


    After Song Zhao returned the peace talisman to the Empress, they exchanged a few pleasantries and she withdrew.


    Upon leaving the Empress''s pce she didn''t return straight back, but took a detour to Consort Chen¡¯s pce instead.


    When she arrived, Consort Chen was watching a y so she waited quietly at the side for around half a shichen.


    After the performers left, Song Zhao immediately went to the center front of the hall and knelt down in front of Consort Chen without hesitation, bowing deeply to her,


    "This concubine gives thanks to Consort Chen."


    Even with Consort Chen''s usually disdainful appearance looking down on everyone, she still rolled her eyes at Song Zhao and said,


    "What are you thanking this consort for? I didn''t do anything, if you want to thank someone then thank yourself!"


    Of course Consort Chen had to pretend not to understand what Song Zhao meant.


    Otherwise wouldn''t it imply admission to damaging the Cloud Terrace chains?


    Song Zhao understood Consort Chen''s meaning, she simply said,


    "This concubine has chilins on her hands that get worse in the cold. If not for Consort Chen''s reminder today, this concubine would surely grab the icy chains to climb up Cloud Terrace. By then my hands would be numb from the cold, I¡¯m afraid even getting dressed and eating would pose difficulties."


    Consort Chen was silent for a while before indicating for Song Zhao to stand. Smirking coldly she said,


    "You kept your hands intact, hope you know who else you should now serve with them, understand?"


    Song Zhao nodded repeatedly respectfully and said, "This concubine has attained her current standing solely through Consort Chen''s guidance all this while. Consort Chen has shown this concubine great benevolence that this concubine will surely not forget her roots."


    Consort Chen stared fixedly at Song Zhao''s wless beautiful face. Whenever alone with her, Consort Chen quietly marveled at this stunning woman.


    Especially upon seeing Xiao Jingheng''s scorching, ardent looks directed at Song Zhao, how she wished she could peel the skin off Song Zhao''s face.


    But of course such an enviable woman was also the one who saved her life...


    Consort Chen''s eyes narrowed, filled with piercing brilliance shing vicious daggers at Song Zhao. Then hatefully and with utmost disgust she said,


    "You certainly should not forget your roots. Otherwise I was able to rmend you to the Emperor''s bed, I can also get you buried deep underground at Concubine Mausoleum! Yingxiang, escort her out!"


    That day Song Zhao was chased out of Yonghe Pce by Consort Chen in the end. Yet she didn''t find it upsetting at all. Rather, she inwardly felt Consort Chen was stupid to the point of being hard to resent.


    Compared to those in the rear court backstabbing each other in the shadows, someone like Consort Chen who wore her heart on her sleeve was actually seemingly less detestable.


    Upon returning to Yao Hua Pce, Song Zhao simply tidied up some luggage and ced the travel bag she was bringing along at the bedside, intending to organize thingster.


    However Xiao Jingheng arrived unexpectedly at this time.


    As usual he didn''t send anyone to announce him, surprising Song Zhao.


    At the moment Song Zhao was busy fiddling with the travel bag by her bed. Seeing Xiao Jingheng''s arrival, she immediately became somewhat flustered and covered the bag with her quilt. Then she went forward to greet Xiao Jingheng with a curtsy.


    "Ten thousand blessings to the Emperor."


    Seeing these suspicious actions, Xiao Jingheng expressionlessly helped Song Zhao up while pulling her towards the bed,


    "Hiding some nice stuff? Won''t even let Zhen see?"


    "No...no, just some things this concubine needs to bring along for the Hot Spring Mountain Vi." Song Zhao stammered with shifty eyes, making Xiao Jingheng more certain something was amiss.


    He suddenly flipped off the quilt, knocking the packed travel bag onto the ground too.


    Xiao Jingheng bent down to retrieve the bag, just about to open it to investigate when he saw Song Zhao nervously biting her lips with a red face, shyly saying:


    "It''s just ordinary daily items inside, Your Majesty please don''t look..."

 Chapter 87: Closer

    <h4>Chapter 87</h4>


    Song Zhao''s words and deeds today were really strange,pletely different from the casual elegance she had shown in front of Xiao Jingheng before. The more she was like this, the more Xiao Jingheng felt there was something odd about that travel bag.


    His eyes were slightly cold as he awkwardly untied the straps of the bag to open it. But when he saw what was inside, it waspletely beyond Xiao Jingheng''s expectations.


    As Song Zhao had said, the travel bag contained only some daily necessities:


    Things like dried jasmine flowers, mint oil, cotton knee pads and so on...


    So Xiao Jingheng was even more puzzled.


    "You said the travel bag contained things you would carry with you, but I remember you don''t like the smell of mint. This is..."


    "But Your Majesty likes it!" Song Zhao''s face turned red as she snatched the travel bag back from Xiao Jingheng''s hands, pointed at the items inside and shyly said:


    "Your Majesty likes the scent of jasmine, so I brought these dried jasmine flowers, nning to let Your Majesty use them when soaking in the hot spring at the Hot Spring Mountain Vi. As for this mint oil, smelling it is the best way to stimte the mind. Your Majesty cares deeply about national affairs, so even if we go to the Mountain Vi, there will still be endless memorials and court politics to deal with. I was thinking that if Your Majesty feels tired, this could help relieve it. As for this cotton knee pad..."


    She took out the knee pads, intentionally showing Xiao Jingheng the dragon patterns on them.


    The embroidery of the dragon patterns was not outstanding, and loose stitches could vaguely be seen. It didn''t look like the work of the embroiderydies in the pce.


    "I personally sewed this knee pad, but the embroidery is really unsightly. So I was nning to give it to Your Majesty after I fix it up properly."


    Xiao Jingheng took the knee pads and looked them over, saying: "This contains your feelings, so I already really like it. But why make me knee pads when the Mountain Vi has spring weather all year round?"


    Song Zhao said: "The Hunting Ground is near the Mountain Vi, and Prince An''s Mansion is also in the vicinity. So I thought that if Your Majesty feels like hunting with Prince An on a spur of the moment while we''re there, these knee pads can protect you and also keep you warm..."


    As she spoke, Xiao Jingheng''s burning gaze had been fixed on Song Zhao the whole time, and he was less and less able to hide the smile on his face.


    Song Zhao was embarrassed by his stare that she didn''t continue and just shyly lowered her head, weakly saying:


    "Why is Your Majesty looking at concubine this way..."


    "Hahaha~" Xiao Jinghengughed out loud and pulled Song Zhao into his arms, "You are so thoughtful about me, it makes me happy."


    His hand around Song Zhao''s shoulders couldn''t help tightening.


    He really was happy, but also felt guilty.


    Song Zhao had been considerate of everything for him, yet just now he had doubted her, thinking she hid something bad in her travel bag.


    Now that he thought about it carefully, he really had doubted her too much.


    Being held by him, Song Zhao identally dropped the travel bag in her hand again.


    The moment it hit the ground, a scroll painting hidden deep inside rolled out.


    She panicked and immediately bent down to pick it up. But Xiao Jingheng''s arms were longer and he picked it up first.


    "What is this?"


    Song Zhao was anxious, reaching out to snatch it back, "Your Majesty, don''t look! Give it back to concubine!"


    Xiao Jingheng held the scroll high out of her reach, deliberately teasing her, "What thing is it that makes the Noble Consort so concerned?"


    Just now he had misunderstood Song Zhao, leaving Xiao Jingheng feeling a little guilty.


    He had not intended to look at the scroll, only wanting to tease Song Zhao a little before returning it to her.


    But as Song Zhao tiptoed, desperately trying to reach it, she identally loosened the string tying up the scroll.


    In that instant as it unrolled, Xiao Jingheng saw that the person depicted in Song Zhao''s painting was actually himself?


    The Xiao Jingheng in the painting was alone at the imperial desk, bowed and concentrating hard on reviewing memorials.


    This painting was extremely exquisite, capturing even the tiny details like the folds in his clothes and strands of hair. It was clear that effort had been spent on it.


    While Xiao Jingheng was still astonished, Song Zhao seized the opportunity to snatch back the scroll painting.


    As she hastily rolled it up, she shyly said:


    "This crude painting by concubine was just randomly sketched. It''s not fit to show Your Majesty..."


    "If this is called crude brushwork, I''m afraid even the painters of the Ruixiang Atelier would be driven from the pce."


    Seeing how red Song Zhao''s face was, Xiao Jingheng gently caressed the girl''s tender cheeks and smiled, saying:


    "Why so shy? This painting should be given to me sooner orter. I already really like how it looks now. I''ll have Jiang Deshun take it backter to have it mounted, and disy it in a prominent spot in Chaoyang Pce for me to see every day."


    "No way!" Song Zhao pouted, somewhat stubbornly saying: "This painting isn''t for Your Majesty, I want to keep it myself."


    "Oh?" Xiao Jingheng raised a brow, askingly interestedly: "And why''s that?"


    Song Zhao was silent for a moment, her expression suddenly turning somewhat distressed.


    She lowered her head, silently gripped the scroll tightly in her hands, and softly said:


    "I miss Your Majesty every day, but you can''t be by my side all the time. So I thought I''d paint Your Majesty''s likeness so that I can take it out and look whenever I miss you."


    Song Zhao''s voice was tender and soft. Listening to it, Xiao Jingheng felt his heart ache.


    Lately, Noble Consort Xiao was pregnant and Consort Chen kept seeking his favor, so he had been neglecting Song Zhao somewhat.


    But this little girl neverined at all. When she couldn''t see him, she just quietly painted this tofort her longing. This pure, intense love ¡ª how could it not move Xiao Jingheng?


    He took Song Zhao''s hand, speaking earnestly:


    "Everything in your personal travel bag is about me. There''s not a single thing for yourself. With you treating me this way, how could I bear to neglect you?"


    He moved closer to Song Zhao and ced a light kiss on her pink lips,


    "I promise you that from now on if you miss me, you cane see me anytime. No matter how busy I am, I will make time to apany you."


    Hearing this, Song Zhao first happilyughed like a little girl.


    But very soon, she shook her head in refusal again. "Your Majesty has important state affairs, concubine doesn''t want to be a burden."


    She then cleverly nestled into Xiao Jingheng''s embrace, "Concubine doesn''t care how much free time Your Majesty can spare to be with me. As long as our hearts are close, that''s good enough."


    Her soft fingers wound over Xiao Jingheng''s chest,


    hooking into hispel and shamelessly reaching inside.


    Only when they reached Xiao Jingheng''s firm pectorals did he grab her wrist.


    Xiao Jingheng turned over in a sh, pressing Song Zhao beneath him.


    Their faces touched, breaths intermingling, extremely intimate.


    Xiao Jingheng gripped Song Zhao''s hand and firmly pressed it against his chest, using a low voice to ask:


    "So does Noble Consort feel our hearts are close or not?"


    Feeling his strong, vigorous heartbeat, Song Zhao shyly pursed her lips and nodded.


    Seeing her like this stirred up a fire in Xiao Jingheng''s heart even more.


    He lowered himself right next to Song Zhao''s ear, gently biting her earlobe as he breathed heavily:


    "I can make the distance between you and me even closer."

 Chapter 88: Hidden Disaster in Court

    <h4>Chapter 88</h4>


    After a spring night of clouds and rain, Song Zhao woke up early the next morning.


    Today was the day to go to the Hot Spring Mountain Vi. It was also the first time Song Zhao would meet the Empress Dowager since entering the pce.


    The pce servants said that the Empress Dowager was very strict about etiquette, so the first meeting had to be formal.


    When the concubines entered the pce, ceremonial outfits were tailored for them ording to their ranks.


    Song Zhao had only worn her ceremonial outfit three times - the first time when the concubines paid respects to the Empress, the second time the day after spending the night with the Emperor, and the third time at Xiao Jingheng¡¯s birthday banquet.


    In order to make a good impression on the Empress Dowager, after Song Zhao learned that she would be attending the Hot Spring Mountain Vi, she asked the pce servants to send her ceremonial outfit to be cleaned ahead of time.


    This morning while Song Zhao was washing up and putting on make-up, Zhi Hua came back from theundry with the ceremonial outfit.


    When she entered the bedroom, her expression did not look very good. Yun Shan couldn¡¯t help but scold her,


    ¡°Why did it take you so long? I was about to go look for you. Anyter and it would dy the schedule.¡±


    As sheined, she took the ceremonial outfit from Zhi Hua¡¯s hands.


    But as soon as she touched it, Yun Shan noticed something was wrong. ¡°Oh my, why is it wet?¡±


    She touched the dark brown satin outeryer of the outfit. There was obvious dampness seeping through the surface, as if it had not beenpletely dried after washing.


    Zhi Hua quickly exined, ¡°When I went to get the outfit, I noticed it was notpletely dry. I asked theundry servants too. They said that because of the cold weather these past two days, the outfits were hard to dry after washing, that¡¯s why it turned out like this.¡±


    Song Zhao had put her in charge of this errand, so she was naturally panicking that something had gone wrong.


    Seeing that everyone was quiet and not saying anything, she quickly tried to remedy the situation. ¡°But only the outeryer is wet. I touched it. The inner lining ispletely dry.¡±


    She turned the inner lining of the outfit inside out. After Yun Shan touched it and confirmed the lining was dry, she said,


    ¡°The lining is dry. At least it won¡¯t get damp and cold. Why don¡¯t you try it on first, mydy? We have to go to Ninghua Gate and meet up with the convoy at noon. The Empress Dowager will be there today too, you can¡¯t bete.¡±


    She leaned over, wanting to help Song Zhao change. But Song Zhao waved to stop her actions. ¡°No rush.¡±


    She pondered slightly, then looked up at the guilty and self-ming Zhi Hua. Gently she asked,


    ¡°Tell me carefully. What exactly did theundry servants say to you?¡±


    Zhi Hua timidly replied, ¡°They said...because of the cold weather these days, and it snowed heavily, the outfits were hard to dry...¡±


    ¡°They were negligent in their duties and just making up excuses to gloss things over!¡± Yun Shan said angrily. ¡°Back when we were still in the manor, I personally took care of all these things for mydy. Although the winters are cold here in the capital, it is also dry. Especially after it snows. Even if the outfit wasn¡¯t dried in a warm room, just hanging it in a well-ventted area would have dried itpletely in a day.¡±


    She pouted and muttered under her breath, ¡°They must have forgotten about mydy¡¯s errand for the pce! The outfit was sent two days ago. They probably only remembered to wash it yesterday.¡±


    Although Yun Shan¡¯s tone was unpleasant, what she said was reasonable.


    It was theundry¡¯s responsibility to wash clothes for the masters and mistresses of the pce. They would not mess up such a simple job.


    Furthermore, although Song Zhao was only a low-ranked concubine, Emperor Xiao¡¯s favoritism towards her was well known in the pce. The servants always tried to curry favor with the concubines based on the emperor¡¯s preferences. So there should not have been any negligence or oversight from theundry regarding Song Zhao¡¯s errands.


    Song Zhao pondered in silence, methodically eliminating all possibilities. When nothing was left, this matter became strange.


    She said, ¡°Even if they only remembered to wash the outfit yesterday, it wouldn¡¯t have been difficult to dry it thoroughly overnight using braziers.¡±


    As she spoke, she nced at Xiao Fuzi, who immediately understood her intention and brought over a brazier from the heated sitting area.


    Song Zhao took the outfit from Yun Shan and started drying the edge of the sleeve over the brazier.


    Seeing her solemn expression, Yun Shan did not dare say anything more, only pulled Xiao Fuzi closer and whispered,


    ¡°It¡¯s definitely toote for mydy to try drying the outfit now. The ceremonial outfit is dark brown so water stains won¡¯t be obvious anyway. It should be fine to wear even if it¡¯s a little damp. Today is the first time mydy meets the Empress Dowager. It would still be bad to dy things...¡±


    Xiao Fuzi stared intently at the outfit being dried over the brazier, and said quietly to Yun Shan, ¡°Have you forgotten what I taught you? When something out of the ordinary happens, there must be sinister intentions. It is always better for mydy to be more cautious.¡±


    As the two spoke, Song Zhao suddenly sighed coldly.


    Everyone¡¯s gaze focused on the edge of the sleeve. To their astonishment, the originally dark brown satin where it had been dried was gradually fading to a light yellow.


    Everyone was surprised, except for Song Zhao who seemed to have expected this. She just stared coldly at the fading fabric.


    After another moment, the area waspletely dried, and the color had permanently changed from light yellow to bright yellow.


    The rest of the outfit was dark brown so this patch of bright yellow stood out ringly.


    Yun Shan was stunned speechless for quite awhile before eximing, ¡°Someone tampered with the outfit!¡±


    As Zhi Hua was responsible for delivering the outfit, seeing this frightened her silly too. She stammered exnations to Song Zhao,


    ¡°My...mydy, I really don¡¯t know why this happened. I followed your orders and sent the outfit to theundry two days ago. I even specifically told them to be very careful. This morning before dawn, before theundry opened, I rushed over there to wait so I could bring it back as soon as possible...¡±


    The little maid was so anxious she was nearly in tears. Song Zhao did not suspect her at all.


    It was obvious someone had ordered theundry to do this. Even if Yun Shan was the one to deliver and retrieve the outfit, the result would probably still have been the same.


    Song Zhao gently patted Zhi Hua¡¯s shoulder tofort her. ¡°I know this has nothing to do with you. Don¡¯t me yourself. I also don¡¯t want to make a big fuss out of this. Just pretend you know nothing. Go take care of your other errands.¡±


    Zhi Hua nodded vigorously, her eyes red, and retreated out.


    Xiao Fuzi took the outfit from Song Zhao to examine it closely. Touching the slightly tacky satin, he said solemnly,


    ¡°Some kind of special dye must have been applied on the satin, which fades when wet, and shows color when dry.


    Fortunately mydy did not wear this outfit to meet the Empress Dowager. Otherwise at the beginning when the outfit was still damp on the surface, nothing would seem amiss. But we would be taking carriages with braziers to the Hot Spring Mountain Vi. Halfway there the outfit would have likely beenpletely dried. By then, what was originally a dark brown ceremonial outfit would have turned entirely bright yellow, which is a huge taboo!¡±


    Yun Shan also felt lingering fear. ¡°Mydy¡¯s luggage was all packed in the rear carriage too. By then even if mydy wanted to change outfits, there would have been no other clothes to change into. The Empress Dowager cares most about propriety and rules. If she saw mydy show up at the Hot Spring Mountain Vi wearing bright yellow from head to toe, she would surely harshly punish mydy!¡±


    Song Zhao said nothing, her eyes cold and gloomy as she stared at the outfit held in Xiao Fuzi¡¯s hands, a shallow crease appearing between her brows.

 Chapter 89: First Encounter with the Queen Mother

    <h4>Chapter 89</h4>


    Xiao Fuzi and Yun Shan''s analysis, Song Zhao had thought of long ago.


    But the difficulty with this matter was that even if she could discern the opportunity in advance, she would not be able to easily avoid this disaster.


    She only had one court dress, and she would have to wear it today to meet the Empress Dowager, otherwise if everyone else was wearing one and she was not, it would be extremely disrespectful to the Empress Dowager.


    But if she really wore the court dress over there, as soon as she got off the carriage at the Hot Spring Mountain Vi, wouldn''t her bright yellow, glittering appearance be like one foot stepping into the grave?


    It was less than half an hour before Chen time when they had to meet up with the entourage at Ninghua Gate, and if they werete it would cause even more trouble.


    In a moment of panic, Xiao Fuzi came up with an idea for Song Zhao,


    "Why doesn''t the young mistress just go wearing this wet court dress? Anyway, as long as it''s wet it will still be dark brown and no one will notice anything wrong. The young mistress can bring a change of clothes with her, you¡¯ll be riding alone in the carriage, so the young mistress can change clothes in the carriage?¡±


    Yun Shan also chimed in, "This servant will go find a dress that is easy for the young mistress to change into."


    "No need," Song Zhao stopped her, and solemnly said, "I am going to Hot Spring Mountain Vi which is already improper, the Empress Dowager will surely think I am a seductress bewitching the master. If I change clothes while sitting in the carriage, wouldn¡¯t that make the Empress Dowager look at me even more unpleasantly?"


    "Then what should we do? Who knows which viin is trying to plot against the young mistress like this!"


    Song Zhao was toozy to guess who was plotting against her at this point.


    After all, in this pce it was either you harm me or I harm you, there were few with kind intentions.


    After a brief silence, Song Zhao''s expression suddenly became calm,


    She unhurriedly picked up the court dress, "What Xiao Fuzi said makes sense, I do need to change clothes, but not on my own initiative."


    She had Yun Shan help her put on the court dress, and asked Xiao Fuzi to prepare a hot water bottle.


    After the dress was changed, Song Zhao freshly soaked the hem to make it instantly turn from bright yellow back to dark brown.


    At the same time, Xiao Fuzi also warmed up the hot water bottle.


    Yun Shan was anxious to take the hot water bottle from Xiao Fuzi¡¯s hands, but Xiao Fuzi dodged a bit,


    He dodged with too much momentum which spilled some of the water from the hot water bottle,


    Yun Shan reprimanded him a little, "The lid is not tight either, giving it to the young mistress like this, if she gets burnt how can that be good?"


    She snatched over the hot water bottle wanting to tighten the copper lid, but discovered that the spilled water was warm instead of scalding,


    Now she looked even more helpless, "How can you be so reckless doing things? The water in this hot water bottle is only warm, how can the young mistress keep herself warm with this?"


    "Give it to me," Song Zhao smiled and took the hot water bottle to cradle in her hands, then nodded at Xiao Fuzi, "Well done."


    Xiao Fuzi somewhat bashfully scratched the back of his head, "It is thanks to the young mistress¡¯ wisdom, to be able toe up with such a wless n in such a short time."


    Seeing the exchange between master and servant, it took Yun Shan a good while to recover her senses,


    pping her forehead in frustration she said,


    "I belong to a muddled one! The young mistress is wearing the court dress and has paid respects to the Empress Dowager, then before getting on the carriage she identally spills out the water from the hot water bottle. On such a cold winter day, His Majesty will surely feel distressed seeing the young mistress'' dress wet, he would take the initiative to ask the young mistress to change her clothes. This way even if the Empress Dowager saw, she would not say anything!"


    Song Zhao just smiled without answering, and took Yun Shan¡¯s hand saying, "Let¡¯s go, we must not bete."


    Rushing all the way, they finally arrived at Ninghua Gate without beingte.


    Although there were only Song Zhao, Consort Chen, Consort Shu, and Noble Consort Xiao apanying today, they were sending off Noble Consort Xiao and the Empress Dowager who were leaving the pce, so all the consorts and concubines had arrived at the scene.


    Among them, the pregnant Noble Consort Xiao had clearly be the focus of the crowd,


    Everyone crowded around her asking superficial questions about her well-being, which also meant no one paid any attention to Song Zhao, allowing her to stand to the side and quietly wait.


    Another person who did not enjoy the lively scene was Consort Chen.


    She rolled her eyes at the bustling crowd and went to stand by herself to the side.


    As she walked past Song Zhao, she muttered, "Out of those crowding around Noble Consort Xiao inquiring about her well-being, how many have malicious intentions in their belly, wanting to harm the imperial child in her womb to death?"


    Only Consort Chen would dare to blurt out such words.


    Song Zhao naturally did not dare to answer, only lowered her head to listen silently.


    Later, Xiao Jingheng also arrived,


    The consorts and concubines greeted him together, the Empress led everyone to say some auspicious farewell words. After Xiao Jingheng called for them to rise, she took two steps forward and handed him the peace talisman she had personally drawn,


    "As Your Majesty is going to the Hot Spring Mountain Vi, your subject and wife cannot attend by Your Majesty¡¯s side, I hope that Your Majesty will remain well in all matters."


    "You are thoughtful," Xiao Jingheng epted the peace talisman and squeezed the Empress¡¯ hand tightly, "Illnesses are prone to ur in the winter days, the day before yesterday it snowed and you still went to the Cloud Terrace to pray for blessings on my behalf. I will certainly cherish your thoughtfulness."


    The Empress smiled shyly, but did not im sole credit, instead she smiled and nced at Song Zhao,


    "It is not only your subject and wife¡¯s intention. I ced this peace talisman to pray, it was Consort Song who personally retrieved it."


    "Oh?" Xiao Jingheng looked back at Song Zhao, his eyes full of tenderness, "Why did I not hear you mention this yesterday?"


    Song Zhao quickly said: "To be able to pray for fortune and blessings for Your Majesty and Her Majesty, it is this concubine¡¯s blessing."


    Xiao Jinghengughed, "I understand your thoughts, but it was truly arduous, the Cloud Terrace would have been nearly impassable after the snow, do not take such risks for these matters in the future."


    Xiao Jingheng¡¯s few words of concern instantly attracted the attention of all the consorts and concubines.


    The Empress saying this in front of everyone, wasn¡¯t it clearly to let Song Zhao ''shine prominently¡¯, attracting jealousy?


    Fortunately the Empress Dowager timely arrivedter, the Empress had to lead everyone to greet the Empress Dowager, so she did not say anything further.


    This was the first time Song Zhao had seen the Empress Dowager,


    When she genuflected with lowered eyes and head to curtsey, she secretly peeked at the Empress Dowager.


    Although the Empress Dowager was over forty years old, she was well maintained and very spirited, not showing any signs of an old woman¡¯s decline.


    She wore a fox fur cloak with five bats for longevity, dressed inly without any gold or silver adornments, but innate nobility cannot be concealed. Her temperament was clearly extraordinary.


    The newly entered consorts and concubines had never met the Empress Dowager before,


    the Empress smiled and introduced them to the Empress Dowager, ¡°Empress Dowager, this is Noble Consort Xiao.¡±


    Noble Consort Xiao went forward to curtsey respectfully to the Empress Dowager,


    The Empress Dowager sized her up briefly and said with a smile, "You are with child, no need for excessive courtesy."


    The Empress then looked towards the other concubine beside Noble Consort Xiao saying, "This is Concubine Liu.¡±


    Concubine Liu was equally polite in her courtesy, but the Empress Dowager merely nced at her, the look in her eyes indifferent as she lightly hmmed, not praising her much.


    When the Empress mentioned Song Zhao to the Empress Dowager,


    Song Zhao immediately stepped forward, bowed deeply and respectfully said,


    "This concubine greets the Empress Dowager. May Empress Dowager live for thousands of years with abundant blessings and excellent health and fortune."


    Although the Empress Dowager did not leave the pce, she also knew Song Zhao was Xiao Jingheng¡¯s new favorite. For Song Zhao to apany the travel to Hot Spring Mountain Vi did not adhere to proper etiquette, and the Empress Dowager valued etiquette the most, so when she first looked at Song Zhao, her eyes held some displeasure.


    But the instant her gaze fell onto Song Zhao¡¯s face,


    her mood changed abruptly.


    The resentment in her eyes instantly vanished, reced by a few shocked stars,


    she stared at Song Zhao for a long time, lost in memory for a moment murmuring,


    ¡°Rui Er?¡±


    These two familiar words, carried by the cold wind into Song Zhao¡¯s ears, heavily hammered her heart,


    she suddenly raised her head meeting the Empress Dowager¡¯s gaze, her heart trembling uncontrobly...

 Chapter 90: Birth Mother’s Old Friend

    <h4>Chapter 90</h4>


    Rui Er was the affectionate nickname for Song Zhao''s birth mother.


    Only those who were extremely close to her would address her in such a way.


    It had been many years since Song Zhaost heard this name uttered by the Empress Dowager.


    Song Zhao''s beauty, almost eighty percent of it, was inherited from her birth mother, Bai.


    In particr, the facial features of the mother and daughter were nearly identical.


    Butpared to Bai''s gentle demeanor, Song Zhao possessed a more radiant allure.


    At that moment, she looked at the Empress Dowager with restrained respect and cautiously replied,


    "Your servant''s birth mother''s nickname is indeed Rui Er. Does the Empress Dowager know Lady Bai?"


    The Empress Dowager paused briefly, her eyes filled with even greater joy.


    She held Song Zhao''s hand, exempting her from formalities, and her voice trembled with excitement,


    "Turns out, you are Rui Er''s daughter..."


    Before she could finish her sentence, her eyes welled up with tears.


    The Empress Dowager was alwaysposed and rarely showed any signs of losing control.


    So her current state not only astonished the concubines but also left Xiao Jingheng perplexed.


    He asked, "Mother, are you acquainted with Lady Bai, who was often in thepany of Song Chang?"


    The Empress Dowager took a deep breath, making an effort to calm her agitated emotions, and nodded slowly,


    "The maternal family of this humble pce is from Hang City in the Jiangsu-Zhejiang area, involved in the silk trade. The Bai family and my maternal family were separated by only a wall. They were engaged in embroidery, which happened to be our family''s business. As a result, there was frequent interaction between the two families."


    As she spoke, she tightened her grip on Song Zhao''s hand and continued, "This humble pce and your mother had a close rtionship since childhood. We were both the only daughters in our respective families, and our older brothers were more interested in ying with boys, so they didn''t want to be burdened with us. Thus, we sought our own amusement.


    In our youth, I often shared a pot of tea and a meal with your mother, and at night, we would climb onto the roof to gaze at the stars."


    As the Empress Dowager recounted these memories, a faint smile yed on her lips, and her vacant eyes gleamed with nostalgia.


    It was evident that this childhood memory held infinite beauty for the Empress Dowager.


    Trapped in the depths of the pce for decades, living the same life day in and day out, bound by rules and etiquette, it was only natural that the yearning for elusive freedom grew stronger with age.


    She continued, "Later, this humble pce entered the pce by imperial decree, and since then, contact with Rui Er was severed. This humble pce also sent many letters to the old residence of the Bai family, but there was no response."


    Song Zhao exined, "ording to Aunt, after Uncle passed away, the Bai family had internal conflicts. Uncle drove Aunt out of the mansion, and they no longer engaged in embroidery. After leaving the mansion, Aunt traveled to various ces and eventually settled in the capital, where she opened a small embroidery workshop to make a living."


    Upon hearing this, the Empress Dowager suddenly recalled something and said, "You are the daughter of the Duke of Protector''s household, so Rui Er married into the Duke''s household?"


    Song Zhao nodded, and the Empress Dowager continued, "I never expected that we have been in the capital together for so many years and still managed to overlook each other. The Duke''s legitimate wife had visited this humble pce a few times. If this humble pce had known earlier that Rui Er had married into the Duke''s household, we would have met each other all these years."


    She smiled at Song Zhao, her voice gentle as she asked, "Is your mother doing well now?"


    Upon hearing this, Song Zhao''s previously harmonious smile faded away.


    Her slender featheredshes drooped slightly as she shook her head with a touch of mncholy, and in a weak voice, she said:


    "Empress Dowager, Aunt passed away ten years ago..."


    The Empress Dowager''s nose tingled, and she pressed her thin lips in sorrow. She wanted to say something but hesitated.


    After a long pause, she tightened her grip on Song Zhao''s hand and said,


    "When I was sick, I often remembered thete Emperor and cherished the friendship between you and your mother in our youth. Rui Er and I were close confidantes in the pce for more than ten years. How could I not miss her? I thought we would always have a chance to meet again, but..."


    The Empress Dowager''s voice gradually choked up, and Song Zhao quicklyforted her,


    "The departed are gone. If Aunt were still alive, she would not want to see you saddened and shedding tears for her."


    The Empress Dowager took a deep breath and raised her hand to tuck away a stray lock of hair near Song Zhao''s temples.


    "Fortunately, Rui Er has a good daughter like you. Just like your mother, you are elegant and graceful, no wonder the Emperor favors you."


    Xiao Jingheng initially thought that the Empress Dowager would give Song Zhao a hard time when they first met,


    But he never expected such a deep connection between the two of them.


    The Empress Dowager genuinely liked Song Zhao and had been holding her hand since they met.


    Xiao Jingheng took the opportunity to praise Song Zhao to the Empress Dowager,


    "Song Zhao is gentle, considerate, and understands the big picture. She is remarkable."


    The Empress Dowager smiled and said, "Just like her mother, both have gentle and tender personalities. With her taking care of the Emperor, I can rest assured."


    The Empress Dowager was indeed at ease, and Xiao Jingheng was pleased with the situation,


    However, how could the other concubines not feel jealous?


    Even the dignified Empress had never been as close to the Empress Dowager as Song Zhao.


    Everyone fell into silence, not daring to show any displeasure.


    Just then, a breeze blew, and the Empress took a few steps forward with a smile,


    "I never expected such a bond between the Empress Dowager and Song Zhao. Song Zhao, when we go to the Hot Spring Mountain Vi, you must take good care of the Empress Dowager."


    Song Zhao bowed and replied, and then the Empress said, "It''s windy, the Empress Dowager shouldn''t stand in the draft. Let''s get on the carriage first, shall we?"


    The Empress Dowager turned to look at the Empress, nodded with a smile, and said, "Thank you, Empress, for your concern. Please take care of the affairs in the pce."


    Then, she turned to Song Zhao and said, "Girl, do you mind sharing a carriage with me?"


    The fact that the Empress Dowager referred to Song Zhao as ''girl'' instead of ''Zhao'' showed her genuine fondness for her.


    The other concubines felt a sourness in their hearts, but Song Zhao didn''t have time to worry about how others saw her.


    If she could make the Empress Dowager look at her differently and have her protection, it would be more reliable than the verbal promises of Xiao Jingheng.


    So she immediately said, "It is the blessing of a concubine to serve the Empress Dowager. Why would I mind?"


    As they prepared to help the Empress Dowager onto the carriage, Song Zhao expressed her concern, "It''s cold. Empress Dowager, would you like a warm hot pot?"


    She signaled to Yun Shan, and when she reached out to take the hot pot he handed her, she discreetly knocked it over without leaving a trace.


    The warm water that rolled over her body emitted a steamy heat, even in the winter.


    Song Zhao was momentarily frightened and quickly bowed, "I apologize for my rudeness, Your Majesty..."


    Yun Shan also dropped to her knees and kowtowed, confessing, "This servant is clumsy and has offended the Empress Dowager and the young mistress. I beg for the Empress Dowager and the young mistress''s forgiveness..."


    When the pot of hot water was knocked over, the Empress Dowager witnessed it with her own eyes.


    To prevent the sshing water from reaching her, Song Zhao quickly shifted to the side and shielded herself from the sshes.


    As a result, the Empress Dowager developed a slight fondness for this acquaintance''s daughter.


    Everyone in the pce knew that the Empress Dowager highly valued etiquette,


    Yet, at this moment, not only was she not angered by Song Zhao, but she also carefully inquired if she was hurt.


    Xiao Jingheng approached Song Zhao with concern, "Are you scalded?"


    Feeling guilty, Song Zhao shook her head, and Xiao Jingheng suggested, "Your clothes are soaked. Xuanli Hall is right next to us. You should go and change into dry garments to avoid catching a cold."


    The Empress Dowager also nced at Yun Shan, who was trembling on the ground, and benevolently said, "You don''t need to kneel anymore. Follow along to serve your young mistress."

 Chapter 91: New Backers

    <h4>Chapter 91</h4>


    Song Zhao rushed to Xuanli Hall in a few steps. While helping Song Zhao change her clothes, Yun Shan eximed with feeling:


    "I did not expect that Her Majesty the Empress Dowager would actually be an old acquaintance of the youngdy."


    Song Zhao smoothed out the folds on her in robe sleeves, raised her eyes to look at the azure sky outside the window, and said with a smile tinged with some bitterness:


    "I also did not expect that after my mother has been dead for so long, she would still be protecting me in some unknown way."


    Song Zhao thought:


    During this trip to the Hot Spring Mountain Vi, no matter what goes on between Consort Chen, Consort Shu and Noble Consort Xiao, she only needed to gain more of the Empress Dowager''s favor during this period, and her position in the harem would definitely be easier in the future.


    Since both Song Zhao and Yun Shan knew that the hot spring would leak today and their morning clothes would get wet, they would definitely have to change their clothes. So everything was prepared in advance, and there was no panic in changing clothes. Very soon, everything was neat and tidy.


    Yun Shan looked Song Zhao up and down in her new outfit and smiled: "Youngdy looks so beautiful, no matter what color clothes you wear, it highlights your fairness."


    Song Zhao nced back at her delicate features in the mirror, and smiled coldly:


    "There has never been a shortage of beauties in the harem, what has always beencking are minds that are clear and piercing beneath the appearance."


    Yun Shan nodded thoughtfully, and after a while changed the subject: "Youngdy has tidied up, let''s go out quickly too, don''t keep His Majesty and Her Majesty waiting too long."


    But Song Zhao said, "There is no hurry."


    She turned back and sat down again, absentmindedly fiddling with the gold threads on her sleeves,


    "The hot spring spilled all over me, I must have been flustered. If I get dressed so quickly and go out, it would seem unusual instead. Also, I want to wait a while too, to let Her Majesty talk with His Majesty for a while."


    Yun Shan did not know what Song Zhao was waiting for, but since her youngdy said to wait, she did not urge her anymore.


    After about half a stick of incense, Song Zhao finally stepped out slowly.


    From afar, she saw Xiao Jingheng standing by the side of the Empress Dowager''s carriage, chatting with Her Majesty inside the carriage.


    The Empress Dowager''s eyes had been staring towards Xuanli Hall. As soon as she caught sight of Song Zhao, she immediately waved and smiled at her.


    Song Zhao quickened her pace and walked over. When she reached the side of the carriage, Xiao Jingheng said softly to her:


    "It is rare that the Empress Dowager is so fond of you. On the way, take good care of her on my behalf."


    "Your Majesty, don''t worry."


    Xiao Jingheng saw that she had changed into a new outfit, which set off her graceful figure even more beautifully. He couldn''t help but pinch her slender waist lightly, and then helped her up into the carriage himself.


    After Song Zhao got into the carriage and sat facing the Empress Dowager, the carriage moved forward steadily. Smelling the faint scent emanating from the Empress Dowager''s body, she asked:


    "Is Her Majesty using agarwood?"


    "You recognize this scent?"


    Song Zhao obediently nodded, "This scent is very familiar, and smells the same as my auntie. It''sforting."


    The Empress Dowager nodded repeatedly as she felt emotional,


    "Yes. Ordinarydies prefer fragrant powder made from floral fragrances, but your mother and I had simr tastes. We both felt that the sweet scent was too cloying and not as clear and ethereal as agarwood, which calms the mind. So ever since Rui Er and I started using fragrance when we were young, we liked to use this scent. Later it became a habit and I haven''t changed it for decades."


    Song Zhao listened carefully to the Empress Dowager''s words, nodding from time to time in response.


    When the Empress Dowager slowed down, she tentatively asked:


    "I remember when I was young my auntie often mentioned a sister Lan. I didn''t think much about it at first, but now after some thought, could it be that the one my auntie was referring to is actually Your Majesty''s given name?"


    Hearing this, the Empress Dowager nodded repeatedly, rather emotionally,


    "Yes, I was thinking of Rui Er, and Rui Er was also thinking of me. It is regrettable that we have been separated by fate, unexpectedly losing such an intimate friend from our boudoir like this."


    In fact, when Song Zhao¡¯s mother was little, she never mentioned any Sister Lan to Song Zhao at all.


    When Bai died, Song Zhao was only six years old. Even if she had mentioned it, Song Zhao would not have any memory of someone she had never met.


    The reason why Song Zhao said this was to deliberately convey a message to the Empress Dowager - that Bai had been thinking of their friendship all these years.


    As for the Empress Dowager¡¯s name, it was not really a secret to begin with.


    It was obvious that Song Zhao¡¯s words struck a chord with the Empress Dowager. Her previously calmed emotions became agitated again, and her eyes became moist again.


    Later, when the Empress Dowager asked Song Zhao, "How did your mother pass away?"


    Song Zhao''s expression became unnatural, her words vague:


    "My auntie, she... Her illness could not be cured and she died identally."


    Her answer was clearly not the one the Empress Dowager wanted to hear.


    The Empress Dowager''s expression darkened slightly as she shook her head:


    "Are you trying to protect your unscrupulous father and that overbearing legal wife?"


    "I dare not..." Song Zhao was shocked and immediately bowed down.


    The Empress Dowager only sighed and did not me her,


    "You get up. I do not intend to punish you." She held Song Zhao''s hand and gently caressed it. "You really are as kindhearted as your mother. Just now, I asked the Emperor and he told me that your mother was flogged to death by Jiang, Duke of Protector''s legal wife, for the charge of theft."


    She took a breath, her tone bing more and more angry. "I grew up with Rui Er since childhood, and knew her temperament best of all. She was aloof by nature and would never demean herself to that. I do not believe she would do such an underhanded thing."


    Song Zhao said with some loss:


    "In fact, I also believe in my auntie''s innocence. But it has been so long since it happened that there is no way to investigate what really happened back then. I ask that Her Majesty not pursue this anymore..."


    "Hmph." The Empress Dowager snorted coldly. "With Jiang in power, your days under her must have been difficult. Rest assured. As Rui Er''s bosom friend, I will never let her die with injustice unaddressed. When we return to the capital from the Hot Spring Mountain Vi, I will personally make Jiang exin this matter!"


    Since the Empress Dowager insisted in this way, Song Zhao pretended to be at a loss and did not say anything more.


    Later along this road, the two no longer mentioned the unpleasant matters. They only chatted about daily life and happy things.


    Song Zhao had asked the elders in the pce about the Empress Dowager¡¯s likes early on. She subtly brought up topics of the Empress Dowager¡¯s interest as they talked, amusing her greatly, making her even more fond of Song Zhao.


    In fact, the reason why Song Zhao deliberately came out of Xuanli Hall a littleter after changing was because she expected that the Empress Dowager would definitely ask Xiao Jingheng about how Bai died. Xiao Jingheng had no reason to cover for Song Zhaocheng, so he would definitely tell her the truth.


    Then when the Empress Dowager asked Song Zhao about itter, Song Zhao only needed to present herself as someone unwilling to stir up trouble but endured humiliation with kindness and gentleness in front of the Empress Dowager.


    After all, which elder would not feel distressed about and like such an obedient, sensible and magnanimous girl?


    The more obedient Song Zhao behaved, the more displeased the Empress Dowager would be with Jiang.


    The Empress Dowager, wasn¡¯t she the most venerated woman under heaven? Offending her, I¡¯m afraid Jiang¡¯s days of dominance would soon be over...


    The female lead''s mother knew the Empress Dowager, so why was she still oppressed by Jiang?


    It was because the female lead''s mother had died ten years ago when the Empress Dowager was still just a lower-ranked consort without much status. Also, she and the female lead were just close female friends, not family members. Song Zhaocheng and Jiang possibly did not even know about this. Even if they did, the Empress Dowager was not even the Empress yet at that time, while the female lead''s mother could not enter the pce, so Jiang had no need to be wary of her at all.


    That concludes the trantion. Finally, I wish you a happy Monday ahead!

 Chapter 92: Hard Wings

    <h4>Chapter 92</h4>


    Time passed as swiftly as a white steed galloping by. Day after day was spent in vain as grains of sand slipping through one''s fingers.


    In the blink of an eye, half a month had passed since the imperial cortege arrived at the Wenquan Mountain Vi.


    In the past when attending to the imperial cortege, Consort Chen would almost exclusively monopolize the favor. Others couldn''t even get a tiny share.


    It was said that this time there were only four imperial consorts apanying the vi. Noble Consort Xiao was pregnant and couldn''t attend to the emperor. Consort Chen''s favor should have stood unparalleled.


    Yet unexpectedly, there was the exception of Song Zhao.


    Consort Chen secretly counted. In over ten days at the vi, Xiao Jingheng had visited Song Zhao more times than her.


    Moreover, Song Zhao was in the good graces of the Empress Dowager.


    It was said the Empress Dowager had rewarded her with a kingfisher hairpin, ordinary in style with mediocre workmanship, but it had been many years since the Empress Dowager gifted anything to anyone other than the Empress and Consort Chen. Now, Song Zhao was just an attendant, yet she received such fortune?


    Consort Chen couldn''t stand otherspeting with her favor. She had to remind Song Zhao to know her ce.


    So she told Song Zhao not to keep buzzing around Xiao Jingheng and to understand propriety.


    Song Zhao obeyed on the surface, but that very night, Xiao Jingheng stayed in her quarters again.


    Now Consort Chen was thoroughly furious. While fuming in her room at night, Xi Ying happened to arrive.


    When Song Zhao entered the pce, Consort Chen had arranged for Xi Ying to monitor her. Xi Ying had been reporting everything to Consort Chen, yet never found any missteps of Song Zhao.


    But this time, she seemed to have "rendered meritorious service."


    She presented Consort Chen with a letter and said, "Niangniang, this is a family letter that the attendant Song wrote to her maternal home, asking this ve to send it out. This ve noticed odd contents, so brought it for Niangniang to review first."


    Consort Chen took the letter and impatiently unfolded it:


    [Ask father well. Daughter is fine in the pce and has encountered a joyous event recently at the Wenquan Mountain Vi.


    It turns out the Empress Dowager was an intimate friend with maternal aunt in their youth. Cherishing past feelings, the Empress Dowager naturally treats daughter well.


    With the Empress Dowager''s protection, daughter''s future in the pce hopefully won''t be too difficult.


    If daughter is fortunate enough to gain a good position in the future, will surely serve father well.


    Convey regards to mother.]


    "She wants to overturn the heavens!"


    Consort Chen was furious upon reading it and tossed the letter aside.


    Yingxiang immediately picked up the letter, neatly refolded it, and handed it back to Xi Ying with instructions:


    "Send this family letter to her unaltered."


    Of course, even in her anger, Consort Chen couldn''t use this letter against Song Zhao.


    Firstly, there was nothing outrageous written. Secondly, if the letter was withheld, it would startle the snake in the grass and alert Song Zhao that she was being monitored.


    Consort Chen resentfully asked Xi Ying, "Did she pretend to be unwell today and tell the emperor to rest instead of staying for dinner?"


    Xi Ying shook her head. "No. She was chatting merrily with the emperor. Didn''t even finish dinner before they went to bathe in the hot spring together..."


    "That shameless vixen!" Consort Chen angrily pped the table. After numbing her palm, she demanded: "What other bewitching things has she done recently? Tell Zhen clearly!"


    Xi Ying timidly replied: "Song attendant has always upheld propriety and followed Niangniang''s instructions. Just recently, she has ignored them for some reason..."


    She didn''t know why. But Consort Chen did.


    It was probably because Song Zhao curried favor from the Empress Dowager and gained a powerful backer, so she no longer feared Consort Chen.


    Yingxiangforted Consort Chen to quell her anger while instructing Xi Ying:


    "Go keep a close eye on her and report any movements."


    Then she routinely gave Xi Ying a few silver coins before sending her away.


    After she left, Yingxiang said to Consort Chen: "Niangniang must be vignt against the Song woman now. She used to rely on Niangniang in the harem since she had no other supporters. But now that she stands in the Empress Dowager''s favor, she must harbor ulterior motives against Niangniang. Although the Duke of Protector only holds the second-rank official position, there is no precedent of bestowing a formal consort title to a daughter of secondary status. But judging by the emperor''s favor now, I fear..."


    She stopped mid-sentence as Consort Chen suddenly red at Yingxiang, voice hardening:


    "With which eye did you see the emperor favoring her?"


    Yingxiang immediately knelt in apology. "ve misspoke. The emperor only toys with Song''s novelty. He will tire of her after a few days. But the Empress Dowager and Song''s mother have a history, so Niangniang must make ns early on..."


    Although still irritated, Consort Chen was no fool.


    Yingxiang was right.


    The most principled person in the harem had always been the Empress Dowager. Although of secondary birth, if Song Zhao birthed an imperial prince by fortune in the future, Xiao Jingheng would want to raise her status, yet the Empress Dowager would surely oppose it.


    But now, seeing how the Empress Dowager favored Song Zhao over Xiao Jingheng himself, if Xiao Jingheng did confer Song Zhao an elevated status in the future, the Empress Dowager would most likely turn a blind eye.


    After some thought, Consort Chen sneered coldly:


    "Song Shicheng gained his dukedom by riding his ancestors¡¯ glory. The title is but an empty shell to him. Even the emperor disdains interacting with him. If not for him fawning over this Zhen¡¯s father and brothers, secretly doing their dirty work that cannot see the light of day, his misdeeds would have already been reported to the throne. How else could he enjoy such prestige today?"


    She scoffed with contempt then added:


    "Her father is but a dog raised by the Ning Family. What could that Song Zhao amount to?"


    Yingxiang said: "That''s why Niangniang must make preparations before it rains. To make Song attendant devotedly serve as Niangniang¡¯s dog, Niangniang must make her understand the meat in her bowl is all Niangniang¡¯s reward, not her own credit. Now that Niangniang is displeased and kicked her begging bowl aside, leaving her hungry for two days, she will learn better."


    Consort Chen contemted then said: "The Duke of Protector still has some face on the surface as an official family. As his secondary daughter forcing her way up, she can bask in some glory too. But cmity often lurks with fortune. If her maternal familymits a crime, their standing would be her burden instead."


    Languidly reclining against her chair, she smiled slyly:


    "Perhaps a daughter of secondary status still has hope of advancement, but the daughter of a convicted criminal - no matter how exceptional her abilities - would never have the audacity to bluster in front of the throne again once stripped of her glory!"


    Consort Chen''s logic was sound.


    The Empress Dowager might overlook Song Zhao''s secondary birth, but if she became the daughter of a convicted criminal, even if Xiao Jingheng still wished to raise her status in the future, the opposition from elder court officials on moral grounds alone would give him a headache.


    Thus, Consort Chen said sinisterly with a smirk:


    "The Duke still has to handle affairs for his father, so cannot be touched for now. But Zhen heard his principal wife, Jiang, isn''t a harmless character either - unting gold and splendor all day, putting on ostentatious airs.


    Send brother a letter to have him help Zhen keep watch for any wrongdoings. Let''s see how long she can remain so arrogant!"

 Chapter 93: Revenge on My Mother

    <h4>Chapter 93</h4>


    In the early morning, the first ray of morning light filtered through the cracks of thettice windows, mapping onto Song Zhao''s porcin-like skin.


    Shezily opened her eyes, only to find Xiao Jingheng leaning on his side, with a smile full of deep feelings as he gazed at her affectionately.


    Song Zhao panicked for a moment and quickly pulled over the quilt to cover her head. "Your Majesty...I just got up and I''m a mess, please don''t stare at me like that..."


    "Ugly? If you are ugly, then there would be no beauty left in this world."


    Xiao Jingheng pulled down the quilt, looking at the beautiful woman blushing with shyness, her eyes dodging around like a panicked fawn, making him even more tickled.


    Such a beauty, her skin white as snow, graceful brows and sparkling eyes, red lips without lipstick, how could he not feast his eyes on her?


    Unable to restrain himself, Xiao Jingheng moved closer to Song Zhao and nted a kiss on her cheek, his maic deep voice mixed with desire sounded out,


    "My Zhao''er, no matter when, you are always stunningly beautiful."


    His hands had already started wandering unrestrainedly, but Song Zhao was not about to let him have his way.


    She nimbly slipped out of Xiao Jingheng''s embrace with an agile twist and got off the bed.


    Her loosely tied up hair cascaded down like a waterfall as she moved a bit dramatically. Letting her hair spread out, she smiled coquettishly at Xiao Jingheng, intentionally arousing his desire,


    "Your Majesty must be hungry while I''m hungry too~ Let this concubine go prepare breakfast for you now~"


    With that said, she turned around and left without paying attention to whatever indecent words Xiao Jingheng was saying on the bed.


    Xiao Jingheng always felt that Song Zhao was different from all the women he had met before.


    Needless to say about her beauty, just the fact that she could be immactely beautiful first thing in the morning without any make up on, was enough to make all the other consorts and concubines in the harem pale inparison.


    But the truth is?


    No matter how beautiful Song Zhao is, she is still just an ordinary woman.


    Compared to the other consorts, she did not possess any extraordinary talents, just a bit more hard work and careful thoughts.


    The others would be fast asleep in Xiao Jingheng¡¯s arms after spending the night with him,


    But she on the other hand, would almost always stay up the whole night without sleep after serving him.


    Every time when Xiao Jingheng fell asleep, she would quietly touch up her make up, not missing any rouge, powder, or lipstick. Just lightly applied to not leave any visible traces.


    Song Zhao would never miss any chance that could capture Xiao Jingheng''s heart. After all, after she bes the Empress or even the Dowager Empress one day, she could sleep anytime she wanted. It wouldn''t matter much at that point to miss a moment or two now.


    Busy with preparations in the morning ording to Xiao Jingheng¡¯s preferences, she prepared a full table of delicious food for him.


    After the morning meal, Xiao Jingheng had to go to Bitong Academy to handle government affairs. He asked Song Zhao what her ns were for the day.


    Song Zhaoughed and said, ¡°The Dowager Empress said today that she wanted to teach me a dish from her hometown, a delicacy that my aunt used to like too."


    Xiao Jingheng stroked her nose andughed, ¡°Then follow along and learn well. When you¡¯ve seeded, let me have a taste too."


    ¡°I¡¯m clumsy, if you don¡¯t despise me then we have a deal. Don¡¯t go back on your word~¡± Song Zhao¡¯s tranquil smile on her face fascinated Xiao Jingheng very much.


    Smiling without showing her teeth, passionate eyes, charming and gorgeous. She was extremely enchanting.


    He felt that everything about Song Zhao was perfect. If only he knew that even such a simple smile took countless times of practice in front of the mirror by Song Zhao, calcting what angle she should lift her lips, what expressions her eyes should contain, alluring but not cheap, before she could present such a captivating and perfect effect.


    After sending off Xiao Jingheng, the smile on Song Zhao¡¯s face disappeared instantly, reced by an icy coldness.


    She stared at the door, watching Xi Ying carefully entering, paying her respects in the most respectful manner,


    ¡°Miss, this servant followed your orders and showed Consort Chen that family letter, also telling her that you deliberately made His Majesty stay yesterday.¡±


    As she spoke, she took out several pieces of silver from her sleeve, ¡°This is the reward given to me by Consort Chen. Please ept it, Miss."


    Song Zhao looked at her coldly, "Since she gave it to you then keep it, who doesn''t like money?"


    She then signaled Yun Shan with her eyes.


    Yun Shan understood, and took out silver that was significantly more than what Consort Chen had given, cing it on the table in front of Xi Ying.


    Song Zhao continued, "I said, helping me has great benefits. These are what you deserved."


    Xi Ying thanked her profusely with joy, as if she had picked up a great fortune, hugging the silver as she withdrew.


    That so-called family letter was written by Song Zhao specifically for Consort Chen to see.


    She knew that Song Shicheng relied on the support of Consort Chen¡¯s maternal family, so she had to think of a way to motivate Consort Chen to act against Song Shicheng.


    After so long since entering the pce, she still hadn''t ¡°repaid¡± her father and mother properly, which was quite unfilial.


    But whether Consort Chen would take action after reading the letter still remained unknown.


    When doing things, Song Zhao always demanded certainty of sess.


    After a while, Xiao Fuzi came in.


    He greeted Song Zhao with sped hands, "Miss, this servant has investigated clearly. The incense you saw in the Dowager Empress¡¯ pce is called Jin Fogan. Extremely precious, a single stick costs nearly 100 taels."


    These days, Song Zhao apanied the Dowager Empress daily.


    She saw an incense box ced in front of the shrine when the Dowager Empress was paying respects to Buddha. That incense looked entirely golden, as if it was made of gold. It appeared extraordinary.


    Song Zhao was very curious about what it was, so when she went to greet the Dowager Empress yesterday, she brought Xiao Fuzi along.


    Xiao Fuzi was smart and familiar with servants from all over the ce, perfect for probing information.


    Now Song Zhao knew what incense the Dowager Empress used, and had a sense of it in her mind.


    Today when she went to greet the Dowager Empress, she deliberately arrived half an hourter.


    By the time she arrived, the Dowager Empress happened to be in the middle of offering incense and praying to Buddha. She waited for a while until the Dowager Empress finished paying respects to Buddha before smiling and saying,


    ¡°This concubine camete today.¡±


    She opened the container she brought and ced it on the table. Inside contained a dish of fried yunsu pastries,


    "Thinking that the Dowager Empress was going to teach me a hometown dish today, I also prepared fried yunsu pastries for you. My aunt used to make them for me often when I was little. I wonder if it suits the Dowager Empress'' taste?"


    "This fried yunsu was also a childhood snack that I loved with your mother. But too oily and salty now, I haven''t had it in a long time."


    Although the Dowager Empress said this, her actions did not show any disdain. She immediately took one and put it in her mouth, and kept praising Song Zhao''s craftsmanship.


    Song Zhao said, "You tter me too much Dowager Empress. My skills are very average, I¡¯m honored that you do not despise me."


    As she spoke, she deeply sniffed a few times, and curiously asked,


    "The scent in the Dowager Empress¡¯ pce smells very familiar to me."


    "Proper offerings require a sincere heart. Naturally I should offer the Buddha the best incense."


    The Dowager Empress let her close attendant Qingzhu beside her take the incense from the shrine for Song Zhao to see.


    As soon as Song Zhao saw the incense, she blurted out,


    "Is this Jin Fogan? No wonder it smells so familiar to me."


    The Dowager Empress knew how rare Jin Fogan was. Seeing that Song Zhao seemed quite familiar with this incense, she couldn''t help asking curiously,


    ¡°You actually recognize this incense?"


    Song Zhao casually nodded her head, as if she was very ustomed to seeing it. She casually said,


    ¡°When I was at home in the past, my mother would burn this daily. My mother shares the same deep faith in Buddhism as the Dowager Empress. I believe you two could have gotten along well."


    Upon hearing this, the Dowager Empress'' expression instantly turned ugly, filled with suspicions inwardly:


    Jin Fogan was precious and something even she used prudently,


    How could the legal wife Jiang of Duke Huguo, Song Zhao''s mother, be so wealthy to use it daily?

 Chapter 94: Wealth brings Trouble

    <h4>Chapter 94</h4>


    The Empress Dowager temporarily set aside this matter and waited until Xiao Jingheng came to greet her in the evening before directly addressing the issue.


    "After four years of the Emperor''s reign, the rampant corruption of the previous dynasty has been vigorously suppressed, showing some results. But the Empress Dowager never expected that someone would still rush headlong into this storm," she said.


    Xiao Jingheng never liked it when women beat around the bush, so he replied in a calm tone, "Mother, feel free to speak your mind."


    The Empress Dowager clenched a string of amber Buddhist beads in her hand and pondered for a moment before saying, "How could the Emperor not notice the wealth and power of the Song family?"


    Xiao Jingheng didn''t understand why the Empress Dowager suddenly mentioned Song Shicheng, but he had known all along that Song Shicheng was not clean.


    In fact, it wasn''t just him who was tainted. How many officials from the previous dynasty could withstand a thorough investigation?


    But such is the way of governing a country. As the saying goes, if there are no benefits to be gained, people won''t be wholeheartedlymitted to their work.


    During Xiao Jingheng''s previous crackdown, he only arrested the most corrupt individuals as examples to deter others. Naturally, other officials would restrain themselves.


    However, restraint doesn''t mean they aren''t corrupt at all.


    If everyone became an upright official, it would be difficult to govern the country.


    The reason Xiao Jingheng didn''t take action against Song Shicheng was that he knew Song had restrained himself and hadn''t been excessively greedy.


    But now the Empress Dowager brought up this matter in public, and Xiao Jingheng couldn''t help but pretend to be clueless and ask, "Why does Mother bring this up?"


    The Empress Dowager took a fragrant box from beside her and handed it to Xiao Jingheng, saying, "This golden Buddha is a gift from the Emperor to show filial piety to me. It is extravagant, and I feel uneasy using it. I wonder how much sry the Duke of Huguo receives each month to afford his legitimate wife using this incense every day in the mansion?"


    Seeing that Xiao Jingheng examined the golden Buddha for a moment, the Empress Dowager preemptively answered the question she anticipated.


    "I happened to know about this by chance. Today, Song Changzai was here with me, and he immediately recognized the scent of the golden Buddha in my pce. The youngd has a pure heart and doesn''t know the true value of this item. He only mentioned it to me because he wanted me to think that his stepmother and I use the same incense, hoping to reduce the resentment between him and his stepmother."


    Xiao Jingheng more or less understood what the Empress Dowager meant.


    The Empress Dowager personally believed that Bai had died unjustly, and all of this was inextricably linked to Jiang.


    Therefore, once she discovered any unfavorable signs from Jiang, she would thoroughly investigate without leaving any room for sentiment.


    However, at this time, it wasn''t appropriate for Xiao Jingheng to personally investigate the Duke of Huguo''s residence:


    Firstly, he was well aware that Song Shicheng took orders from someone behind the scenes. If he wanted to eliminate the person who posed the greatest threat to the court, he had to investigate along the line of Song Shicheng. Therefore, he couldn''t startle the snake in the grass for the time being.


    Secondly, Song Shicheng was Song Zhao''s father, and Xiao Jingheng doted on Song Zhao. Naturally, he didn''t want any conflicts to arise between him and his beloved due to these matters.


    However, he couldn''t disregard the Empress Dowager''s face.


    In a moment of thought, Xiao Jingheng quickly came up with a win-win strategy.


    Jiang Shi was the second-ranked noblewoman with an official title, appointed by the imperial court.


    All noblewomen with official titles fell under the jurisdiction of the imperial harem. If the Empress Dowager wanted to investigate someone, she had the authority to bypass the Emperor and conduct the investigation personally.


    Therefore, Xiao Jingheng said, "I have investigated Song Shicheng and found nothing amiss. However, I overlooked his legitimate wife, Jiang Shi. If the Empress Dowager suspects something, she can order a secret investigation by Tianji Office. If anything is uncovered, severe punishment will be imposed."


    The Empress Dowager sensed that Xiao Jingheng didn''t want to get involved in the matter, so she didn''t pursue it further.


    Three dayster,


    One night, after Consort Chen finished attending to the Emperor and returned from Xiao Jingheng''s residence, she received some good news from Ying Xiang.


    "Your Highness, the Eldest Young Master has been monitoring Jiang Shi for a few days and has indeed discovered something.


    Jiang Shi ims to have connections and can conveniently handle all kinds of matters for others. This reputation has spread throughout the capital and even in surrounding cities like Xici and Binhe. Whenever a wealthy family encounters difficulties, they send someone to seek her help.


    And her so-called ''convenience'' is nothing more than unting the Duke Huoguo''s influence. People offer her money, and she uses her influence over Song Shicheng to assist them.


    She handles only minor tasks, such asnd disputes, family conflicts, or cases of illicit activities that have reached the yamen. With the Duke Huoguo''s status, he can intervene, and as long as it doesn''t involve matters of life and death, almost everything can be resolved."


    Consort Chen listened and sneered, "No wonder she enjoys such wealth and status. A mere woman dares to extend her ws into the former dynasty. I''m tired of her antics!"


    Ying Xiang continued, "The Eldest Young Master''s letter also mentioned something else. While investigating this matter, his people discovered that Tianji Office seems to be secretly investigating as well."


    "Tianji Office?" Consort Chen was taken aback and asked curiously, "Isn''t that the office that works for the Empress Dowager? If they are investigating Jiang Shi, does it mean that the Empress Dowager also suspects her?"


    Ying Xiang nodded silently, and Consort Chen''s eyebrows arched mischievously. She smiled and said,


    "That''s great! It means my brother can keep his distance. Let the news spread openly; we don''t need to intervene ourselves. Consider it helping the Empress Dowager fulfill her wishes."


    As the n to suppress Song Zhao was taking shape, Consort Chen''s mood visibly improved.


    Seizing the opportunity, Ying Xiang handed her a picture album and said with a smile,


    "This is the ''Hundred Treasures Painting'' that the Eldest Young Master had someone deliver to the pce. It showcases the most fashionable fabrics, cosmetics, and jewelry from various ces. The Eldest Young Master said you can choose whatever you like, and he will instruct someone to procure them before spring and deliver them to the pce."


    Consort Chen raised her chin proudly and said, "What kind of treasures are there? Let me see."


    She took the picture album and flipped through the pages with delicate fingers. The more she looked, the more delighted she became. A smile that couldn''t be contained appeared on her lips.


    "My brother has always doted on me. Hmph, Jiang Shi may have money, but she won''t be able to spend it all. It''s just perfect for me to fulfill her desires on her behalf."

 Chapter 95: Song Zhao Personally flogged his own mother 01

    <h4>Chapter 95</h4>


    The climate at Hot Spring Mountain Vi was warm all year round, like an eternal spring, making it a good ce that gathered the aura between heaven and earth.


    On this day, as Song Zhao was casually sewing fragrance bags for Xiao Jingheng in her residence, Yun Shan suddenly came bouncing in, her face full of joy, and said, ¡°Young Miss, look what this is!¡±


    She had hidden her hands behind her back, and now suddenly presented a bunch of spring dendrobium flowers in front of Song Zhao.


    Song Zhao took the flowers and brought them close to her nose to smell. Smiling, she said, ¡°It¡¯s only the beginning of December, yet the spring dendrobium at Hot Spring Mountain Vi have already bloomed?¡±


    Yun Shan said, ¡°I happened to run into Ying Xiang on my way back from the kitchen just now. She said the aura was warmest in Sanyuan Garden, so the spring dendrobium had bloomed. She wanted to pick some to bring back for Consort Chen. I thought that the Young Miss also liked these flowers, so I picked some to bring back too.¡±


    Song Zhao clutched the flowers tightly for a moment, pondering, then said, ¡°Now that the flowers have bloomed, it would be a waste for no one to appreciate their beauty. Anyway, we¡¯re free today, why don¡¯t you apany me for a walk?¡±


    Chatting andughing, mistress and servant went to Sanyuan Garden. Seeing the bright red spring dendrobium, they couldn¡¯t resist following the flower beds further inside.


    After walking forty to fifty yards deeper inside, Song Zhao saw two pce maids dressed in brown clothes whispering about something in a corner.


    The rules were the same at Hot Spring Mountain Vi as within the pce - only pce maids who attended the emperor and empress could wear brown attire.


    Song Zhao slowed her footsteps and hid behind a cypress tree to eavesdrop on their discussion:


    ¡°Have you heard? His Majesty was furious today! Earlier at Bitong Academy, in front of Minister Gu, Minister Liu, and Director Qi, he severely reprimanded the wife of Duke Huguo, and said he would deal with this matter harshly!¡±


    ¡°With the uproar, who doesn¡¯t know about it? I just didn¡¯t expect that while Duke Huguo himself is innocent, his wife would be so greedy! It¡¯s obvious His Majesty will also be displeased with Duke Huguo because of this. I heard this matter was investigated by Tianji from the retinue of the Empress Dowager. The Empress Dowager values propriety the most. Now that something like this has happened, she will surely pursue the matter.¡±


    ¡°What do you guess will happen to the wife of Duke Huguo this time?¡±


    ¡°In order to rectify this kind of corrupt influence, she will likely suffer some harsh punishment. It would be lucky for her to keep her life.¡±


    Hearing this, Song Zhao could no longer restrain herself. She immediately rushed out to face the two pce maids.


    She ran very quickly without watching her step, and nearly tripped over a dead branch.


    Yun Shan hurried to catch up and supported her to stand firmly, ¡°Careful, Young Miss, don¡¯t fall.¡±


    But Song Zhao had no time for anything else.


    Somewhat rudely, she asked the maids, ¡°What are you talking about? Speak clearly!¡±


    The maids did not dare to answer her. Panicking, they mumbled an apology and hurried away.


    Song Zhao was anxious as an ant on a hot pan. She kept fiddling with her handkerchief as she paced back and forth on the spot.


    Yun Shan also became nervous. ¡°Young Miss, it seems your mother is in trouble. What should we do?¡±


    ¡°This won¡¯t do. Mother caused disaster, it will definitely implicate Father too! As a daughter of the Song family, if my family suffers misfortune yet I just watch without helping, misfortune will soon fall upon me too!¡±


    ¡°The Young Miss must think of something, you have to save Madam!¡±


    ¡°At this time I can¡¯t directly approach His Majesty... I¡¯ll go beg Consort Chen, she should be able to persuade His Majesty.¡±


    In her hasty decision-making, Song Zhao was visibly in a panic.


    By the time she staggered away, the eavesdropping Ying Xiang finally emerged from the shadows.


    Sending Yun Shan to pick flowers today was Consort Chen deliberately arranging for her to encounter Song Zhao by chance. They anticipated that Song Zhao woulde to see the novel sight, so they had arranged the two ¡°inner pce maids¡± early on, deliberately to let them tell Jiang¡¯s misfortune within Song Zhao¡¯s hearing.


    Seeing how Song Zhao had been fooled, Ying Xiang couldn¡¯t help but sneer to herself, thinking inwardly:


    This kind of fool alsopetes with my mistress for favor? She is truly useless.


    When Song Zhao hurried to Consort Chen¡¯s residence, the pce maid said that Consort Chen was resting and blocked her outside the door.


    Anxious, Song Zhao disregarded all propriety and knelt directly outside Consort Chen¡¯s bedchamber, tearfully pleading:


    ¡°Consort Chen, my maternal family is in trouble. Have mercy and save my mother!¡±


    As she spoke, she continued to kowtow.


    After a while, the bedchamber door opened.


    Wearing a bright red night robe even more vibrant than the spring flowers, Consort Chen stoodzily at the door, casting an frivolous gaze looking Song Zhao up and down. Only then did she slowly yawn and say:


    ¡°It¡¯s not that I don¡¯t want to help you, but your mother¡¯s crimes were exposed by the Empress Dowager. Now it¡¯s the Empress Dowager who wants to punish her harshly. What can I do?¡±


    As she spoke, she walked over in pretense to help Song Zhao stand up from the ground, one hand wiping her tears while persuading her:


    ¡°Don¡¯t cry now. Since it has already happened, you have to think of a way to resolve it, right? I see that the Empress Dowager dotes on you very much. After all, it was the Empress Dowager who was angry first about this matter. Why don¡¯t you go beg the Empress Dowager?¡±


    Song Zhao sobbed, ¡°But...will the Empress Dowager help me?¡±


    ¡°There is always some leftover affection from past ties when meeting face-to-face. If you don¡¯t try, how will you know? But you must hurry if you want to go. The imperial edict has not been issued yet, so everything can still be salvaged. If you wait until after the edictes down before going, then it really will be toote.¡±


    Hearing this, Song Zhao bid Consort Chen a hasty farewell. In her hurry she was so frantic that she dropped her handkerchief on the ground without even picking it up.


    Seeing her lost appearance, Consort Chenughed even more smugly.


    Ying Xiang, who had just hurried back, casually kicked Song Zhao¡¯s fallen handkerchief to the side. Laughing, she sidled up to Consort Chen and said:


    ¡°Mistress, Song Zhao must be panicking senseless right now. If she goes to the Empress Dowager like this and losesposure again in front of her, I¡¯m afraid the Empress Dowager¡¯s impression of her will also greatly diminish.¡±


    Consort Chen raised her silken kerchief to cover her face,ughing unrestrainedly.


    ¡°She overestimates herself. What does it matter to her if Jiang didn¡¯t give birth to her? Yet she still affectionately calls Jiang ¡®mother¡¯.¡±


    Ying Xiang giggled. ¡°Can¡¯t me her for panicking. After all, with Jiang convicted, she will be the daughter of a criminal woman in the future. With no prospects for herself, how could she not panic?¡±


    Indeed, Song Zhao really was in a panic.


    All the way jogging through Hot Spring Mountain Vi, glimpsed by many pce maids in such a rude manner.


    Yet this panicked woman suddenly slowed her pace when nearing the Empress Dowager¡¯s residence.


    The Empress Dowager valued self-cultivation and tranquility. There was a bamboo grove on the west side of Hot Spring Mountain Vi where she lived in the Bamboo Hall behind it.


    Now Song Zhao warily looked all around and, seeing no passing pce maids, pulled Yun Shan to hide in the depth of the bamboo grove.


    ¡°Give it to me.¡±


    Her tone had suddenly be extremely calm, without a trace of the previous panic on her face.


    Yun Shan took out a box of powder from her bosom and handed it to Song Zhao.


    Song Zhao wet her lips and dabbed a little of the powder onto her originally pink lips.


    As soon as the powder color covered over it, herplexion immediately looked much poorer, resembling someone who had suffered cmity and been frightened pale.


    Holding up a small bronze mirror, she calmly touched up her appearance - even portraying despair, she still had to first ensure that she looked to be a beauty in despair.


    While she added this ¡°sick makeup¡± for herself, Yun Shan was not idle either.


    She quickly dug a hole in the soft soil with her handkerchief padded hand.


    By the time she finished digging the hole, Song Zhao had alsopleted her preparations.


    She nced at Yun Shan and asked weakly, feigning frailty:


    ¡°How is it?¡±


    ¡°The Young Miss looks as if she really is sick! Bright eyes brimming with tears, bloodless lips, anyone seeing this would feel heartbroken!¡±


    Song Zhao smiled calmly, then casually threw the powder box into the newly dug hole.


    After Yun Shan filled in the soil to tten it, mistress and servant emerged from the bamboo grove.


    Song Zhao cleared her throat, and the calm expression on her face instantly turned to numb panic.


    Then she hurried to the Empress Dowager¡¯s bedchamber entrance in just a few quick steps and fell to her knees on the ground.


    As she wept, she desperately suppressed her sobs, using only a slightly hoarse voice to choke out:


    ¡°Thismoner Song Zhao requests an audience with the Empress Dowager...¡±

 Chapter 96: Song Zhao Personally flogged his own mother 02

    <h4>Chapter 96</h4>


    Song Zhao knelt outside the door for about the time it takes a stick of incense to burn before Qingzhu auntie finally pushed the door open.


    She quickly walked over to Song Zhao and helped her stand up,


    "The Empress Dowager summons the young mistress inside to talk."


    "Many thanks, auntie..."


    Qingzhu saw the absent-mindedness in her eyes. As she led her inside, she whispered a reminder,


    "Young mistress, don''t me this ve for being long-winded. The Empress Dowager is currently furious over the matter with the Duke of Protector''s wife. When you see the Empress Dowagerter, remember to be prudent in speech and action. Don''t say anything you shouldn''t, even if it rots in your stomach."


    She meant well. Song Zhao agreed with her fully.


    But as soon as she entered and saw the Empress Dowager, she forgot all about Qingzhu''s words.


    "Empress Dowager, my mother..."


    "Stop." The Empress Dowager''s expression was gloomy as she waved her hand to cut Song Zhao off, "If you''vee to plead for Jiang Shi, you might as well not speak. As the wife of an important minister of the court, conferred with the second-rank title of Madame, the crimes she hasmitted are beyond count. She must be strictly punished in order to purge this unhealthy trend!"


    Song Zhao stood gloomily under the hall, deer-like eyes brimming with tears, petite lips pursed tightly, evoking heartache.


    The Empress Dowager also couldn''t bear to be too harsh with such an innocent child.


    She heaved a helpless sigh and beckoned for Song Zhao toe to her side, wiping away the tears spilling from her eyes,


    "Ai knows you are a good child. Ai will not me Jiang Shi''s crimes on you, nor will His Majesty distance himself from you because of this. Don''t cry anymore."


    But the usually well-behaved Song Zhao would not listen to persuasion today.


    Even after the Empress Dowager had said so much, she still insisted on pleading for Jiang Shi.


    "This concubine only hopes that the Empress Dowager can spare mother a lifeline... Consort Chen has already told this concubine the context of what happened. If it wasn''t because I had carelessly mentioned the golden Buddha relic at home in front of the Empress Dowager back then, this disaster would not have befallen my mother."


    As she tearfully recounted, her peripheral vision kept a subtle watch on the subtle changes in the Empress Dowager''s expression.


    Sure enough, at the mention of Consort Chen''s name, the Empress Dowager''s brow distinctly twitched.


    When Tian Ji thoroughly investigated Jiang Shi, he did not exin the reason.


    Since this was so, how did Consort Chen know that Jiang Shi''s misfortunate was caused by the golden Buddha?


    The Empress Dowager privately wondered about this.


    No wonder Tian Ji''s people said that all of Jiang Shi''s evidence of guilt seemed deliberatelyid out for them to discover.


    It seemed Consort Chen also harbored malicious intent to stir up trouble in Song Zhao''s maternal home, so that Song Zhao would lose favor before the Emperor.


    The Empress Dowager had never liked scheming women to begin with. After hearing Song Zhao''s casual words, her dissatisfaction towards Consort Chen deepened somewhat.


    Song Zhao sobbed as she pleaded for Jiang Shi for a long time, but the Empress Dowager was lost in thought earlier and had not paid attention to what exactly she said.


    She only heard her say at the end:


    "Although mother is not my birth mother, she was still gracious to raise me. I thoughtlessly implicated mother with my words and feel extremely miserable..."


    After hearing this, the Empress Dowager''s expression darkened a few shades further.


    "Whether you speak or not, Jiang Shi must pay the due price for her mistakes. You''re not suggesting that you n to conceal her multitude of misdeeds despite clearly knowing about them, are you?"


    Song Zhao panicked, "This concubine does not dare..."


    Song Zhao knew clearly that saying such thoughtless words would displease the Empress Dowager, yet she stubbornly said them anyway.


    Someone who was truly flustered, even if normally well-behaved, would inevitably let slip a couple mindless words in this situation.


    She had to act like this in order to convince the Empress Dowager that she genuinely cared about Jiang Shi.


    Just as the atmosphere in the hall was reaching freezing point,


    they suddenly heard a loud announcement from outside:


    "His Majesty arrives!"


    Song Zhao immediately stumbled as she ran to the entrance. Disregarding ceremony in her haste, she grabbed Xiao Jingheng''s arm and cried pleadingly:


    "Your Majesty, please pardon my mother and give her a chance to repent and reform!"


    Song Zhao''s eyes were misty with pear blossom tears, her voice slightly hoarse. She leaned weakly against Xiao Jingheng like a tender willow shoot floating precariously.


    What man could fail to feel distressed when such a soft, pitiable beauty threw herself at him?


    And after having put on such an borate act for so long before the Empress Dowager, after shedding all those tears, it was to wee the male lead Xiao Jingheng''s entry onstage.


    She knew Xiao Jingheng would definitelye.


    Just now as she wept and wailed while running through the manor, so many pce maids had seen her along the way that there was no way the news would fail to reach Xiao Jingheng''s ears.


    So as long as Xiao Jingheng had even the slightest affection for her, he would definitely show up.


    Song Zhao herself had not expected that Xiao Jingheng woulde so swiftly.


    "Don''t cry." Xiao Jingheng enfolded her in his embrace, gently stroking away the pearly teardrops with his warm fingertips, gazing at her with eyes full of distress. "Zhen knows you are anxious, but the crimes Jiang Shimitted are severe. The rear pce should not intervene in state affairs either. You should not havee to Imperial Mother to say such indecorous things."


    "This concubine knows that, yet what else can I do... As her child, how can I quietly stand by while mother suffers disaster? I... I cannot..."


    The more Song Zhao stubbornly pleaded for Jiang Shi, the angrier it made the Empress Dowager look upon the sight.


    "For Jiang Shi tomit deeds like these, severe punishment is warranted to purge unrighteous practices, and it serves as a warning for other ministers to conscientiously oversee their own wives and concubines when they return.


    Thus, Ai has already decided, for the sake of the Duke of Protector''s face, to bestow a full corpse upon Jiang Shi. This matter is now set in stone, there is no need for you to say more."


    As Empress Dowager, she had the authority to directly deal with official wives of ministers conferred with titles, overruling Xiao Jingheng.


    Hearing this, Song Zhao was struck with a paroxysm of grief, and fainted on the spot into Xiao Jingheng''s arms from the excess sorrow.


    "Zhao''er? Zhao''er! Jiang Deshun, call an imperial physician!"


    Xiao Jingheng still cared deeply for Song Zhao. After picking her up in his arms, he gentlyid her upon the warmed seat.


    Although the Empress Dowager''s words were harsh, her anger was only towards Song Zhao''s muddle-headedness for pleading on behalf of a woman who killed her own birth mother.


    As for Song Zhao herself, she still cherished her greatly.


    As there were attending imperial physicians in Xiuzhu Hall to begin with, one came rushed in practically right after being summoned by Xiao Jingheng.


    After examining Song Zhao''s condition, the physician said: "Your Majesty, please set your mind at ease. The young mistress fainted from excessive grief. With some medicinal oils, this official should be able to revive her."


    As the physician treated Song Zhao with medicinal oils, the Empress Dowager watched from the side andmented helplessly:


    "This girl has a kind heart ingrained down to her very bones, the same as her birth mother. She clearly knows that pleading on Jiang Shi''s behalf would displease Ai and His Majesty, yet she stubbornly insists on doing so. Even if Jiang Shi had personally killed her birth mother that day, she would still plead for leniency due to Jiang Shi''s grace in raising her."


    Then, raising her eyes to nce at Xiao Jingheng, "Girls as purely kindhearted as her are rare nowadays."


    Xiao Jingheng also nodded. "Zhao''er has always been like this, only knowing how to consider others before herself. It''s precisely because of her disposition that Zhen cherishes her all the more."


    Their conversation was heard loud and clear by ''unconscious'' Song Zhao.


    Yet, she showed no visible reaction and continued pretending to be dead.


    After all, the more convincing her act, the more it would make them distressed over her.

 Chapter 97: Song Zhao Personally flogged his own mother 03

    <h4>Chapter 97</h4>


    Jiangshi, in fact, had a way out.


    Her corruption was nothing more than greed, and embezzling a few thousand taels of silver was not a significant amount. As long as she surrendered all the embezzled silver to the imperial court, at worst, she would be sentenced to ten or eight years.


    But Song Zhao only wanted her dead, which led to the grand spectacle we see today.


    She knew the deep bond between the Empress Dowager and Jin Lan, her own mother.


    What could be more irrational and infuriating than watching her daughter, who was dear to Jin Lan, begging with tears streaming down her face for the life of the person who killed Jin Lan?


    So from beginning to end, Song Zhao was pleading for Jiangshi''s death, not her own survival.


    After the court physician applied the medicinal oil, Song Zhao woke up shortly afterward.


    Xiao Jingheng immediately grasped her hand, gently stroking the strands of hair stuck to her cheeks by tears, and asked softly, "Are you feeling any difort?"


    Song Zhao appeared extremely weak, even shaking her head seemed extremely difficult.


    Her tears had dried up, and her bright eyes had be dull and empty.


    However, this fainting spell had also brought her some rity.


    She was no longer fixated on pleading for Jiangshi, and after briefly calming her emotions, with Yun Shan''s support, she kneeled to apologize to the Empress Dowager, saying, "I was overstepping my bounds out of concern. I spoke out of turn for a moment. I beg the Empress Dowager for punishment."


    Seeing her looking so haggard, how could the Empress Dowager bear to punish her?


    She didn''t even allow her to kneel and quickly helped her up, saying, "The fault does not lie with you. I will not me you."


    Song Zhao said, "Mother has made a grave mistake, and I should not have troubled the Emperor and the Empress Dowager, nor should I have spoken words defending Mother''s favoritism. But Mother has indeed nurtured me, and I beg the Emperor and the Empress Dowager to allow me to return to my mother''s home to fulfill my filial duty and see Mother off on her final journey."


    At this moment, her request was unreasonable, but it was in line with her kind and innocent nature.


    Jiangshi''s crime was discovered by the Empress Dowager and Song Zhao during a casual conversation, which led to the Empress Dowager thoroughly investigating Jiangshi.


    Although Jiangshi deserved her punishment, Xiao Jingheng felt that Song Zhao must have thought that she was the one who caused Jiangshi''s downfall.


    She was inherently introspective and sentimental, so Xiao Jingheng didn''t want her to bear such a heavy psychological burden.


    So he asked the Empress Dowager, "What does Mother Empress think?"


    The Empress Dowager said sternly, "Rules are necessary for everything, especially in the pce, where rules are strictly enforced. There has never been a precedent for a concubine to leave the pce to return to her mother''s home. This is all I have to say. The Emperor will decide for himself."


    After speaking, she imed fatigue and turned back to the inner chamber.


    Although the Empress Dowager''s words seemed to refuse Song Zhao, they were actually a subtle way of granting her wish.


    "Strict rules in the pce," "no precedent for a concubine to leave the pce to return to her mother''s home"¡ª


    But now, they were not in the pce but in the Wenspring Vi.


    Implicitly, some rules could be broken.


    Xiao Jingheng caught on to the subtleties in the Empress Dowager''s words.


    Seeing Song Zhao''s sorrowful expression, he thought that the innocent girl probably couldn''t understand these intricacies.


    So he took it upon himself to y the role of a good person and said, "The Empress Dowager doesn''t permit you to return to your mother''s home, but I don''t want you to me yourself for this matter."


    He embraced Song Zhao''s shoulders, his gaze burning as he stared at her. "I can allow you to return to your mother''s home to apany Jiang on her final journey. But I want you to know that this is Jiang''s own fault and has nothing to do with you. I don''t want you to me yourself for this. Do you understand?"


    Song Zhao was deeply moved and nodded vigorously, tears welling up in her eyes. Then she leaned against Xiao Jingheng''s chest and sobbed softly.


    "I know that my mother has gone too far this time, and it is right for the Emperor and the Empress Dowager to punish her. I was too concerned and lost myposure in front of the court, and I did many absurd things. I ask for your forgiveness for my recklessness today."


    Xiao Jingheng naturally didn''t care about those things. Instead, he worried that Song Zhao might be in a bad mood, so he stayed by her side untilte at night.


    Unusually, he didn''t have any thoughts of intimacy with her. He only chatted, amused, and entertained Song Zhao to lighten her spirits.


    Behind closed doors, the two of them seemed like an ordinary couple.


    The husband put in great effort tofort his wife when she was feeling down, asionally even deliberately causing some funny scenes just to make her smile.


    In that moment, Song Zhao felt that although Xiao Jingheng was cunning and had deep schemes, he truly cared for her.


    But she also knew clearly in her heart that the Emperor''s heart was filled with the women from the three pces and six courtyards.


    Such care and consideration,


    today for her, tomorrow for someone else,


    it showed his cheapness, and she would rather not have it.


    Xiao Jingheng allowed Song Zhao to return to her mother''s home, and she traveled for three days with Yun Shan before finally returning to the ce that raised her.


    After the sedan chair steadied, Yun Shan helped Song Zhao down and suddenly felt a chill on her neck.


    Looking up, the clear sky from earlier was now covered in dark clouds, and a sudden snowfall caught them off guard.


    "Miss, look, it''s snowing!"


    Song Zhao stood in front of the Duke''s Mansion, looking up at the goose feather-like snowkes continuously hitting the golden que.


    After a moment, she murmured sadly,


    "Yes, it''s snowing."


    Song Zhao disliked snow very much.


    Childhood memories linked her mother''s death and the heavy snowfall together.


    Every time she saw the earth covered in a silver coat, her heart ached.


    But today was different.


    She thought, perhaps her mother was watching her from heaven?


    Watching how she would avenge Jiang and make that despicable woman pay with her life!


    "Miss, someone is knocking on the door."


    The person who approached to speak was Xiao Yinzi, Jiang Deshun''s disciple. Xiao Jingheng specifically had him apany and take care of Song Zhao on this journey.


    Xiao Yinzi knocked on the door three times, and it was opened from inside.


    The news of Song Zhao''s return had reached the mansion two days ago, so the people who came to greet her were Song Shicheng and Song Yue.


    As soon as they saw Song Zhao, they knelt down on the ground, paying their respects.


    "We, your subjects, pay our respects to the young mistress."


    Song Zhao looked down at Song Shicheng,


    His temples had grayed, and he had visible signs of aging under his eyes.


    The decades of love and loyalty between him and Jiang were evident, and it was clear that he had been tirelessly working behind the scenes for Jiang''s sake.


    But it was precisely this show of deep affection that made Song Zhao feel disgusted!


    "Father, elder sister, how can I, your daughter, ept such a grand gesture from you? Please, please get up!"


    She pretended to be affectionate on the surface and quickly helped Song Shicheng and Song Yue to their feet.


    Yun Shan handed Xiao Yinzi a silver ticket and said, "Master Yin, you must be tired. Allow me to take you for a cup of tea?"


    Understanding the etiquette, Xiao Yinzi epted the silver ticket and respectfully bowed to Song Zhao, saying, "It has been a long time since youst saw your family. I won''t disturb you, Master, and will wait in the side hall."


    As soon as he left, Song Shicheng eagerly asked Song Zhao, "Father heard that you wereing back, and he knew that there was a chance for things to change. Did you persuade the Emperor to change his mind and spare your mother''s life?"


    Song Yue even took Song Zhao''s hand directly and said, "Dear sister, we are family after all. If our mother is truly in trouble, your path in the pce won''t be easy either. That''s why I told father early on that you will definitely save our mother!"


    Song Zhao didn''t say much, just nodded perfunctorily and asked, "Where is mother? I want to see her."


    "Mother is locked in the firewood room. There are pce guards watching her. This morning, an executioner from the pce came and brought the three items used for execution, saying that they will send mother on her final journey." Song Yue pulled Song Zhao along towards the firewood room. "Dear sister, you must save our mother!"


    The pce maid guarding the entrance of the firewood room stopped Song Yue and allowed only Song Zhao to enter.


    She approached against the light, and as the door of the firewood room closed heavily, it took away the fleeting light that briefly shone on Jiang''s face.


    Jiang looked up at Song Zhao in astonishment and asked, "Is it you? How did youe back?"


    With a slight raise of his eyebrow at Jiang, Song Zhao calmly walked to her side and lowered himself, his lips close to her ear.


    Then, a wicked smile formed on his lips as he murmured, "If I didn''te back, who would send you on your final journey?"

 Chapter 98: Song Zhao Personally flogged his own mother 04

    <h4>Chapter 98</h4>


    "What are you so proud of, you illegitimate child?"


    Jiang forcefully pushed Song Zhao away and pretended to be confident as she shouted,


    "I am the legitimate wife of the Duke of Protector, the officially titled second-rank noblewoman appointed by the imperial court! My husband and I share deep affection and loyalty. He will surely intercede for me in this difficult time! The Emperor would never decree my death!"


    "Perhaps," Song Zhao shrugged nonchntly, sitting across from Jiang and smiling.


    "Originally, Father could have interceded for you, but I sent him a letter long ago, urging him not to act rashly. I told him that there might be a chance for things to turn around, and we should discuss everything when I return. So, these days, Father has been eagerly waiting for my return and hasn''t done anything else."


    Jiang stared at Song Zhao in horror, trembling uncontrobly, and shook her head desperately.


    "It''s impossible! This can''t be!" She suddenly went mad, clinging to the tightly sealed window crack and shouting outside,


    "Master! Master, save me! Master!"


    "Save you? Hah..." Song Zhao scoffed disdainfully. "The imperial edict has been issued. Saving you would mean defying the Emperor''smand. And do you think you''re the only one facing cmity? Hasn''t Father also been implicated?"


    Jiang turned her gaze back, ring fiercely at Song Zhao.


    "What do you, you illegitimate child, want to say?"


    Song Zhao furrowed his brows, his tone turning serious. "I''m not afraid to tell you that the Emperor has already started to suspect. Father was aware of the evil deeds youmitted and didn''t report them, even participating in some of them. Do you still dare to ask Father to plead on your behalf to the Emperor? Are you trying to bring the entire family down with you? Is that what satisfies you?"


    With those words, Song Zhao''s features rxed for a moment, wearing a look of ease. He casually leaned back, spreading his hands and said,


    "I don''t care. I am already married into the imperial family. Even if the Song family ends up being executed, it won''t affect me. But you should think about your own daughter, Yue Er.


    She''s only eighteen, and she''s deeply in love with Lord Ge''s son. When you sent me to the pce, wasn''t it to help Eldest Sister and Young Master Ge be together?


    If you continue to stir up trouble, it would be best if the Song family''s celebration turns into a funeral feast! Lord Ge loves Eldest Sister deeply, and perhaps he will collect her bones and offer them in his family''s ancestral hall. That would be a beautiful oue, wouldn''t it?"


    "Yue Er... Yue Er... No, it can''t be!"


    Jiang muttered in a daze, then suddenly jolted and grabbed Song Zhao''s shoulders with her withered hands, shaking him forcefully.


    "I warn you! If you dare to harm Yue Er even a bit, I won''t spare you!"


    "No one wants to harm your daughter," Song Zhao pushed Jiang away harshly. "The only one who has done harm from beginning to end is you."


    Jiang was momentarily speechless, despairingly sitting on the ground.


    Survival is a human instinct,


    And Jiang wanted to live more than anyone else,


    But at the same time, she was Yue Er''s mother.


    As a mother, no matter how wicked, how many are not concerned for the well-being of their children?


    Though Song Zhao''s words were unpleasant, they made sense.


    Over the years, Jiang had umted wealth through various connections, mostly relying on Song Shicheng''s reputation.


    Now that the truth hase to light, the Emperor is furious. If she doesn''t obediently ept death, but instead causes amotion and turns everything upside down, it will certainly prompt Xiao Jingheng to thoroughly investigate the matter.


    In the previous dynasty, among the three thousand courtiers, who could withstand the thorough investigation, which involves being skinned and tortured, by the Inspectorate?


    At that time, not only her life would be in jeopardy, but even Song Shicheng and Song Yue might also suffer the same fate.


    Jiang struggled within her heart for a long time.


    She sat on the ground like a pile of mud, until she cried all her tears, and then she spoke in an almost inaudible voice,


    "Bring the things in, I will do as you wish..."


    "Are you nning tomit suicide? Tsk tsk..." Song Zhao seemed to have heard the biggest joke, repeatedly sneering, "Are you pretending to be ignorant or are you really foolish? What''s the use ofmitting suicide? The Emperor granting you death is to save face for the Duke of Protector''s Manor. But if you reallymit suicide, the Emperor''s suspicion towards your father will forever remain, and the Duke of Protector''s Manor will always be implicated."


    Jiang remained silent for a moment, then she bent down and helped Jiang up from the ground.


    "You won''t be able to escape death either way. Instead of dyingfortably, it''s better to leave behind a heap of trouble. It''s better to die spectacrly, cutting off any future problems for the family."


    Jiang looked at her warily, "What do you mean?"


    Song Zhao took a deep breath and said solemnly, "Let Father carry out familyw and beat you to death. That way, Father can create an image in front of the Emperor, showing that he knew nothing about these filthy matters and is deeply saddened by your actions. He wants you to die as a result of familyw, which is a sincere gesture towards the court and a way to prove his innocence to the Emperor."


    Seeing Jiang in extreme grief, her voice choked with tears, Song Zhao knew that she had also been swayed.


    With a sigh, she said helplessly, "This method is indeed cruel for you. But no one is forcing you. You can choose which path to take."


    Although Jiang was malicious, she had genuine feelings for Song Shicheng.


    She knew that she couldn''t escape death today. Thinking of her husband, thinking of her daughter,


    Even if she had the greatest fear in her heart, she gritted her teeth and epted that her life would soone to an end.


    She pushed Song Zhao away, wiped the tears from her face, and resumed her previous disdainful and resentful attitude towards Song Zhao, saying,


    "Do you think I don''t know what you, this illegitimate child, are thinking? You keep saying that it''s for the Master, but in reality, you''re just afraid that the Song family will suffer and you''ll be implicated too. You''re plotting everything for your own sake, so why pretend to be noble in front of me!"


    Song Zhao casually replied, "I never hide the fact that I do things for my own sake. But whether or not you are willing to make sacrifices for the sake of your daughter, that''s for you to decide."


    In the end, Jiang decided to follow Song Zhao''s suggestion, to choose death by familyw.


    When Song Zhao returned to the main hall to meet with Song Shicheng and Song Yue, both of them had anxious expressions and asked if there was any hope for a turnaround.


    Crying, Song Zhao said, "Father, your daughter is unfilial, there''s really no way to save Mother..."


    Upon hearing this, Song Yue became extremely agitated and grabbed Song Shicheng''s arm, pleading with him to save Jiang.


    After a brief silence, Song Shicheng let out a long sigh and said sorrowfully, "Forget it... This matter was decreed by the Emperor and the Empress Dowager together. No one can do anything about it. Yue Er, let''s properly send your mother on her final journey."


    It was evident from his words that he had already made up his mind to abandon Jiang in order to protect himself.


    Song Zhao, being ustomed to men''s nature, didn''t find it surprising at all.


    However, Song Yue went mad, crying and shouting that she must save Jiang and even snatched Song Shicheng''s sword. She seemed determined to rush towards the firewood room, ready to face death.


    Song Shicheng was momentarily rmed, afraid that she would cause a disturbance in front of the imperial court and bring trouble upon him. Therefore, he decisively struck the back of Song Yue''s neck, knocking her unconscious, and ordered his subordinates, saying, "Bring the young miss back to her room and keep a close watch on her. Without my orders, no one is allowed to let her out!"

 Chapter 99: Song Zhao Personally flogged his own mother 05

    <h4>Chapter 99</h4>


    After Song Yue was carried out, Song Shicheng disyed an appearance of remorse, pounding his chest and stamping his feet. He struggled to squeeze out a tear, eager to show it to Song Zhao.


    Song Zhao was all too familiar with this hypocritical face.


    When their mother passed away, wasn''t Song Shicheng just as affectionate?


    But he clearly watched their mother being beaten to death...


    The sight of Song Zhao now made her sick to her stomach.


    Her hatred for Song Shicheng was even greater than her hatred for Jiang.


    But for now, she couldn''t show this emotion. She had to pretend with Song Shicheng.


    "Father, Mother entrusted me with something to tell you.


    Mother can''t bear to leave you. She said that her suffering doesn''t matter, but she fears that the Emperor will continue to suspect you and it will affect your career and our elder sister''s future marriage prospects. So, Mother has decided not to take her own life but to let you carry out the punishment, flogging her to death, as a sincere gesture to the court."


    Song Zhao originally thought that no matter what, Song Shicheng would refuse this matter first.


    But to her surprise, he only cried harder and whispered a sentence,


    "Tong''er... why do you have to do this?"


    Song Zhao also wanted to see how far he would take this act, so she deliberately said,


    "The decision still rests with you, Father. Although Mother has this idea, you can refuse."


    Then, she saw Song Shicheng, with the most affectionate expression, utter the most heartless words,


    "Since your mother has made this decision, I can''t let her die with resentment. Let it be as she said. But after being married to your mother for decades, how can I bring myself to do this?"


    As he spoke, Song Shicheng''s murky gaze fell on a servant standing nearby.


    The servant panicked and knelt down before Song Shicheng spoke, "Sir, Madam has always treated us poorly, often beating and scolding us, and withholding our monthly wages. Where does his im of ''treating us well''e from?"


    The servant''s words made Song Zhao realize that the entire Song residence was like a troupe of actors in the Ministry of Rites, each one better at acting than the other.


    Jiang had always mistreated the servants, frequently resorting to abuse and withholding their wages. How could they say she treated them well?


    The servant''s words were just an attempt to avoid responsibility.


    If someone actually killed Jiang, when Song Yue woke up, wouldn''t they be skinned alive?


    Furthermore, the execution of familyw had to be resolved within the Song family itself.


    The officials sent by the court were there to take Jiang''s self-inflicted death decree, and they dared not act.


    The situation reached a stalemate.


    Pretending to be conflicted, Song Zhao finally knelt before Song Shicheng, as if she had made a great decision,


    "Our family is in trouble, and Mother is acting righteously! I don''t want to trouble you, Father. If there must be someone to y the viin, let me do it."


    Song Shicheng appeared deeply moved by Song Zhao''s actions on the surface, but deep down, he understood that Song Zhao''s willingness to take action also meant a desire for revenge on Bai.


    But he wouldn''t stop her.


    Jiang''s death had be a settled matter, and only by her death could the court believe that he was not involved in those crimes.


    In reality, many things are simply a matter of each person taking what they need, and there''s no need to reveal it all.


    After Song Zhao had everything prepared, she had the pce attendants wait outside the inner courtyard while she and Song Shicheng entered.


    Jiang knelt in the center of the courtyard, and Song Zhao whispered to Song Shicheng:


    "Father, if you can''t bear to watch, then stay in the room and don''te out."


    She took the whip from Song Shicheng''s hand and continued, "Although your daughter is acting on your behalf, this matter needs to make it seem like you personally took action in order to have an effect on the court.


    Later, when you submit another memorial in the room, exin in detail the reasons for carrying out familyw and whipping your mother. It''s crucial to make the emperor believe that your mother''s actions over the years have no connection to you, otherwise her sacrifice would be in vain."


    Song Shicheng certainly understood that the wording of this memorial had to be heart-wrenching in order to regain the trust of Xiao Jingheng.


    Perhaps out of guilt or an unwillingness to part,


    He didn''t even say a final farewell to Jiang before hastily returning to the room and closing the door.


    Song Zhao tightened her grip on the whip in her hand and looked up at the misty sky.


    The snow was falling heavily,


    even heavier than the day her mother died.


    Expressionless, she walked up to Jiang,


    before Jiang could even feel fear, Song Zhao had already raised the whip and struck her waist forcefully.


    The in clothes were instantly torn, revealing bloody flesh.


    Jiang fell to the snowy ground, and in that moment, Song Zhao seemed to see her mother''s shadow in her expression.


    That expression, eroded by despair and fear step by step, Song Zhao would never forget it in her lifetime.


    "Crack"


    "Crack"


    "Crack"


    Throughout the punishment, Song Zhao remained silent, but the force in her hand grew stronger with each strike.


    The skin at the base of her thumb was marked with blood, but she still gripped the whip tightly, exerting all her strength with each swing,


    yet each strike cleverly avoided vital areas.


    It wasn''t until Jiang was beaten to the point of being covered in blood, with deep wounds exposing bone,


    until shey on the ground, her hysterical cries growing weak,


    that Song Zhao finally stopped.


    She slowly squatted down, admiring the painting made of blood on Jiang''s body,


    and suddenly, she smiled.


    "Mother, rest assured."


    She approached Jiang step by step, and in a lowered voice, added,


    "Don''t worry, in the near future, I will send Father and Eldest Sister down to apany you.


    On this journey to the underworld, you won''t be lonely."


    Jiang''s eyes filled with terror, almost using up herst bit of strength, she weakly said,


    "You...you''re deceiving me..."


    With a smile, Song Zhao raised her delicate eyebrows and suddenly, her gaze turned fierce. She forcefully struck Jiang''s skull with the whip.


    Watching Jiang take herst breath, Song Zhao then threw the whip beside her lifeless body and casually said,


    "Forty-sixshes."


    "For the twenty-threeshes you once struck upon my mother, I shall repay them twofold today."


    With those words, Song Zhao''s knees sank into the snowy ground,


    Her bright eyes filled with tears as she bowed three times in the direction behind Jiang,


    "Mother, may you rest in peace."


    *


    It was already three dayster when they returned to the Wenspring Vi.


    News of Song Shicheng personally killing Jiang had reached Xiao Jingheng''s ears ahead of time.


    On this day, when Song Zhao returned, Xiao Jingheng personally went outside the estate to greet her.


    As soon as Song Zhao saw him, she started crying, and my heart went out to her. "Emperor..."


    Xiao Jingheng embraced her and gently consoled, "What happened? Why are you trembling like this?"


    Yun Shan exined from the side, "Your Majesty, the Princess was frightened at home."


    "Frightened?" Xiao Jingheng asked, "What happened?"


    Song Zhao, like a startled cat, clung to Xiao Jingheng''s embrace, shivering and unable to speak.


    Yun Shan continued, "My lord, in front of the Princess, Lord Song personally beat Lady Jiang to death... The Princess has never seen such a bloody scene before, and since then, she has been restless and gued by nightmares at night, unable to sleep well."


    Xiao Yinzi also added, "Your Majesty, I went to take a look, and the condemned woman was beaten beyond recognition, so it''s no wonder the Princess is afraid."


    As she spoke, Xiao Yinzi took out a memorial from her bosom and presented it to Xiao Jingheng with both hands, saying, "Lord Song entrusted me to deliver this memorial to Your Majesty''s hands, and I ask Your Majesty to take a look."

 Chapter 100: The Daughter of the Guilty Minister

    <h4>Chapter 100</h4>


    Xiao Jingheng took over the memorial and nced over it roughly.


    The memorial stated that when Song Shicheng learned of Jiang''s evil deeds, he was furious and felt grieved, deeply ashamed of failing the court''s trust and Xiao Jingheng''s confidence.


    Therefore, he decided to execute familyw on Jiang and whip her to death, to demonstrate his unwavering loyalty to the court.


    The memorial''s wording was grievous and stirring, tearfully pleading,


    but after Xiao Jingheng read it, he only had one thought in his mind:


    If Song Shicheng was truly unaware of Jiang''s misdeeds, why would he be in such a hurry to whip her alive to death? And use such heavy hands as well?


    Such actions make one suspect instead that he was afraid Jiang would say something she should not have said in self defense before killing herself,


    so Song Shicheng wanted to silence her.


    As Xiao Jingheng silently pondered, he did not notice at all that the beautiful woman beside him was peeking at him from the corner of her eye.


    Seeing Xiao Jingheng''s expression gradually be severe,


    Song Zhao knew that Song Shicheng had be the next parasite at court that Xiao Jingheng wanted to eliminate.


    Thus, she no longer needed to continue instigating things against him in front of Xiao Jingheng.


    Overeagerness in anything can easily reveal ws,


    after all she was only sixteen, she had plenty of time before Song Shicheng fell into an abyss of no return.


    That night, Xiao Jingheng originally intended to favor Song Zhao,


    partly asfort, and partly because he missed her after not seeing her for days.


    But Song Zhao declined his favor, iming that she had not rested well for days which disrupted her monthly cycle, causing her period toe early.


    After Xiao Jingheng left, Yun Shan quickly handed Song Zhao a hot water bottle to warm her lower abdomen,


    "This foolish servant did not know little mistress'' monthly visitor came, I will go brew red date ginger tea for little mistress now."


    Song Zhao waved her hand. "No need, I''m fine, I just don''t feel like making the effort to do that with him after the tiring travel." She said, "Go get Xi Ying, I have instructions for her."


    Xi Ying came very quickly. Upon entering, she respectfully bowed to Song Zhao, "Little mistress, do you have any instructions?"


    Song Zhao said indifferently: "I have returned to the manor. Consort Chen will surely summon you for questioning tomorrow. Tell her that His Majesty came to see me today, but only offered some brief, perfunctoryfort, his attitude was much more aloof than before. Then tell her I made myself appear pitiful, hoping His Majesty would stay to apany me, but he declined citing pressing state affairs."


    The next day after Xi Ying ryed this to Consort Chen, Consort Chen was overjoyed.


    She secretly observed for two days, and saw that Xiao Jingheng either remained at the Bi Tong Academy or slept in her pce over the past few days.


    He asionally visited the pregnant Noble Consort Xiao, and even went to Consort Shu''s pce once,


    but he did not let Song Zhao serve him at night.


    This affirmed Consort Chen''s belief that Song Zhao had incurred Xiao Jingheng''s taboo due to her identity as a traitor''s daughter, and it would be difficult for her to gain favor again in the future.


    Believing her scheme had seeded, Consort Chen then began using her influence to iste Song Zhao.


    When Song Zhao paid her respects, she shut her out. When Song Zhao paid respects to Consort Shu, she was also dismissed. Even when visiting Noble Consort Xiao, she could barely exchange a few sentences before being told to leave.


    But Song Zhao was neither anxious nor angry, and continued hustling around every day.


    It was their business if they refused to see her, but she had to go.


    A few dayster, Yun Shan said to Song Zhao: "Little mistress, are you still going today when Consort Chen and the others are having tea and a meal to appreciate flowers at Lianxin Pavilion?"


    Song Zhao smiled. "Of course I''m going. My sisters don''t like me, so I have to fawn over them even more."


    As they spoke, an eunuch from the imperial household arrived.


    He hade almost every day recently, because Xiao Jingheng cared about Song Zhao and constantly had the inner pce prepare fresh hot red date ginger tea to send to her daily.


    "Thank you for your hard work these days, eunuch."


    "You''re too kind, little mistress. This is my duty."


    Song Zhao opened the tea pot and took a small sip of the ginger tea, then casually said:


    "The other day when I went to Bi Tong Academy, I noticed the flower arrangements still used red plum blossoms. Festive indeed, but it gets somewhat monotonous after long. I heard the flower gardens around Lianxin Pavilion have mild weather and many lovely spring flowers in full bloom, gorgeous beyondpare. Eunuch, when you have time could you send someone to gather some fresh flowers from there? It would delight His Majesty''s mood as well."


    The inner pce''s servants would seize any opportunity to curry favor with Xiao Jingheng. With this pointer from Song Zhao, the little eunuch naturally took it to heart and hurriedly bade farewell to her.


    Watching his hurried departing figure, Song Zhaoughed. "Let''s go as well, we shouldn''t keep my sisters waiting."


    Lianxin Pavilion was surrounded by water on three sides, with spring flowers in full bloom on both banks of flower gardens. It was a nice scenic spot.


    At this time Consort Chen, Consort Shu and Noble Consort Xiao were already seated.


    They had not called for Song Zhao at all, and started their meal and tea once everyone else had arrived, chatting idly as well.


    Consort Chen said to Noble Consort Xiao: "This pce heard Song Shangzai visited you and stayed half an incense stick''s time yesterday?"


    Noble Consort Xiao nodded, looking slightly uneasy.


    Consort Chen discontentedly said: "Use your brains. She is now the daughter of a traitor. His Majesty does not favor her anymore either. You are pregnant, so you should meet her less, in case her inauspicious influence rubs off on the imperial child in your belly."


    Though Noble Consort Xiao did not actually want to distance herself from Song Zhao¨Dafter all Song Zhao had stayed by her side during her most difficult days¨Dshe did not dare to defy Consort Chen either, and could only obediently agree:


    "Consort Chen teaches rightly, this concubine understands now."


    Consort Shu did not participate at all, merely quietly enjoying her tea and the scenery.


    After chatting for a while, Ying Xiang came to report to Consort Chen:


    "Esteemed consort, Concubine Song has arrived."


    "Oh?" Consort Chen nced in the direction of the corridor bridge, and saw Song Zhao standing alone in the distance looking rather awkward.


    Sheughed. "She''s already here, what manners to let her stand in the flower gardens? Let her in."


    Ying Xiang went to invite Song Zhao. Consort Chen continued casual small talk with Consort Shu and the rest.


    Aftering in Song Zhao greeted them, but the threepletely ignored her.


    The atmosphere instantly became extremely awkward. Song Zhao had no choice but to stiffly smile and say:


    "Hearing my sisters were gathering today, I came to join since I was free with nothing to do. I hope I''m not intruding on my sisters."


    Upon hearing this, Consort Chen raised a brow and sized her up, then arrogantly said:


    "This pce remembers Concubine Song used to be very proper. How is it that as soon as your maternal familymitted treason, you forgot all proper etiquette?


    Consort Shu and I hold the rank of consorts, while Noble Consort Xiao carries an imperial child. You did not address us with formal speech, directly calling us sisters. Did you learn thisck of etiquette from your shameless birth mother?"

 Chapter 101: A Noble Man

    <h4>Chapter 101</h4>


    Song Zhao hurriedly kneeled down, bowing respectfully and saying, "I apologize for my momentary slip of the tongue, Consort Chen, please forgive me."


    "It''s not a big deal that you slipped up for a moment, but I fear that if you ever gain power, your arrogance will know no bounds," Consort Chen said sharply, her gaze scanning Song Zhao from head to toe with a mocking smile. "What''s this? The Empress Dowager and the Emperor have been ignoring youtely, and now you suddenly remember us, your sisters? We can''tpare to your mother, who has such a prestigious background. She greedily snatches thousands of taels of silver like it''s nothing, without even batting an eye."


    Song Zhao lowered her head and bit her lip, feeling somewhat wronged. She said, "I understand your admonishment, but I have no knowledge of my mother''s actions, and I would never do anything like her. Please, Consort Chen..."


    "Put away your foxy charms. Just looking at you makes me sick," Consort Chen mmed her chopsticks on the table with force, her voice filled with thinly veiled anger. "Jiangmitted actions that have troubled the Emperor, and if he''s unhappy, I naturally can''t have things my way. If you want me to overlook this..."


    She raised an eyebrow and nced at the cold, hard floor paved with jade, sneering, "Kneel there. Show your sincerity and serve us while kneeling. If I sense your sincerity, I will naturally let bygones be bygones and treat you as a sister in the future."


    Regardless of their rank, all concubines of Xiao Jingheng were considered his consorts as long as they were registered.


    Apart from the Empress, who was his legal wife, no one had the right to make other consorts kneel and serve.


    Consort Chen''s actions were indeed presumptuous,


    but that was just her nature, and such acts of provocation were nothing new to her.


    Noble Consort Xiao felt that this matter was inappropriate, but she was insignificant and dared not speak up. She could only watch as Song Zhao signaled her with her eyes, asking her to yield to Consort Chen.


    Consort Shu spoke up, advising, "Consort Chen, Song Zhao is, after all, a legitimate consort. What you are doing seems a bit..."


    Before she could finish her sentence, Consort Chen''s sharp gaze fell on her,


    with just one nce, Consort Shu dared not speak any further.


    However, no one had anticipated that just when everyone thought Song Zhao would be caught in a dilemma, she unexpectedly knelt down in front of Consort Chen and respectfully said, "I am willing to serve Consort Chen, it is an honor for me to serve you during meals."


    Consort Chen was momentarily stunned, but quickly covered her face and smiled, saying, "Then I will trouble you, Song Zhao."


    This kind of humiliation made Noble Consort Xiao feel heartbroken for Song Zhao.


    So when Song Zhao was about to serve her, she honestly said that she was already full and didn''t need anything.


    Consort Chenughed and said, "Noble Consort Xiao can now eat two people''s portions with just one mouth. It''s no big deal if you go hungry, but it would be a problem if the heir to the throne goes hungry."


    Noble Consort Xiao replied, "Thank you for your kindness. I have been having some indigestiontely, and the imperial physician advised me to eat smaller meals more frequently."


    "Well, then you won''t have the privilege anymore," Consort Chen said while looking at a Hawthorn Pastry in front of her. "I must say, this Hawthorn Pastry looks quite delicious."


    Understanding her intention, Song Zhao immediately knelt down and picked up a piece of Hawthorn Pastry, cing it on Consort Chen''s te.


    But Consort Chen deliberately shook the te, causing the Hawthorn Pastry to roll off the corner of her robe and fall to the ground.


    Immediately, she grew irritated and asked, "Did you do that on purpose?"


    Anyone could see that Consort Chen was deliberately provoking Song Zhao. Song Zhao was timid and weak, unable to resist. With tears in her eyes, she softly said, "I identally dirtied Your Majesty''s clothes. I beg for Your Majesty''s forgiveness."


    Consort Chen replied, "If I''m willing to overlook it, then it''s fine."


    She intentionally flicked the fallen Osmanthus Pastry with her toe and said, "You must pick up this pastry from the ground and eat it immediately. Then we shall consider the matter settled."


    Song Zhao felt extremely embarrassed. She tightly pursed her thin lips, bowed her head, and remained silent. Tears, as big as pearls, fell one by one.


    Consort Shu couldn''t help but advise, "Consort Chen, why do you have to make things difficult for her? We are all sisters here, you..."


    "It''s your choice if you want to treat her as a sister, but don''t drag me into it," Consort Chen nced at Song Zhao with impatience and said, "So, are you going to eat it or not?"


    Song Zhao hesitantly reached out her hand towards the Osmanthus Pastry, picked it up, and choked out, "I...ply with your orders."


    After saying that, she clenched her teeth, closed her eyes, and brought the Osmanthus Pastry to her mouth.


    "The Emperor has arrived!"


    Xiao Jingheng''s sudden arrival relieved Song Zhao from her predicament.


    Consort Chen anxiously looked towards the corridor bridge and saw Xiao Jingheng walking towards the Lotus Heart Pavilion with a solemn expression.


    Immediately, she stood up with Consort Shu and Noble Consort Xiao, and respectfully greeted, "May the Emperor be blessed and secure."


    However, Xiao Jingheng ignored them as if he hadn''t seen them at all. He walked straight to Song Zhao, helped her up, and forcefully snatched the Osmanthus Pastry from her hand, throwing it into theke.


    Consort Chen forced a smile and said, "Why is the Emperor in such high spirits today..."


    "If I hadn''te, I wouldn''t have seen how you treat other concubines behind my back!" Xiao Jingheng rebuked Consort Chen harshly while wiping away Song Zhao''s tears.


    Consort Chen''s heart skipped a beat from being yelled at by him. Xiao Jingheng rarely scolded her, even though she had been disrespectful to the Empress on multiple asions, he had never been this angry before.


    She hurriedly exined, "Your Majesty, you''ve misunderstood. Song Zhao was having a meal with us, and when the pastry fell on the ground, she insisted on picking it up and eating it. I''ve already advised her, but it was her own..."


    "Are you saying I''m blind!?" Xiao Jingheng angrily interrupted her, startling Consort Chen.


    Song Zhao tugged at Xiao Jingheng''s sleeve, tears in her eyes, and pleaded, "Your Majesty, it''s not Consort Chen''s fault. It was my own..."


    "Enough," Xiao Jingheng held her hand, "You are naturally reserved and gentle. You always tolerate everything. It''s because of this that everyone takes advantage of you."


    His words were clearly meant for Consort Chen to hear. Consort Chen couldn''t bear to hear Xiao Jingheng defending Song Zhao like this because, in her eyes, she had always been the one enduring for Song Zhao''s sake, enduring her husband''s affection being given to other women.


    She felt wronged in her heart.


    In a fit of anger, she questioned Xiao Jingheng, "Am I mistaken, Your Majesty? Did you say that Song Zhao endures for someone?"


    "I said she endures for you!" Xiao Jingheng didn''t give Consort Chen any face, answering her questions one after another.


    "Why were the people from the Tianji Bureau able to uncover Jiang''s affairs so quickly? Did you think that I, the Emperor, knew nothing about it? Initially, I had no intention of investigating this matter. Does Consort Chen want me to thoroughly investigate and find out who, despite being far away in Sichuan and Shaanxi, still meddles in the affairs of the capital?"


    Upon hearing these words, Consort Chen became thoroughly panicked.


    She had thought that her n was foolproof, but she never expected that everything would be exposed under Xiao Jingheng''s watchful eyes.


    With flushed eyes and lowered head, she dared not speak any further.


    Xiao Jingheng paid her no attention. Instead, he protected Song Zhao and solemnly addressed the crowd:


    "In the past few days, Song has been trying to find all of you, but each one of you has been avoiding her. Do you think I would vent my anger on her because of Jiang''s actions, and that''s why you all are so afraid to face her?


    Then, today, I will make it clear to you all. Jiang is Jiang, and Zhao is Zhao. Zhao knows nothing about Jiang''s mistakes. I am not a tyrant, and I will not implicate Zhao in this matter."


    Xiao Jingheng could clearly see the grievances Song Zhao had suffered today.


    His attitude would determine how the other concubines treated Song Zhao. If Jiang was punished and Song Zhao had to endure humiliation even at the Warm Springs Vi, wouldn''t she face even more mistreatment in the pce?


    Therefore, he called Jiang Deshun forward and instructed him:


    "You will immediately convey my decree to the pce. Inform the Empress and the Six Pces. From this day forth, Zhao of the Jin n shall be honored as a noblewoman."


    "Your servant obeys!"


    Jiang Deshun promptly responded, leaving Consort Chen and the others dumbfounded.


    No matter what, they could never have imagined that Xiao Jingheng, who had clearly abandoned Song Zhao, would suddenly elevate her status.


    Song Zhao also appeared fearful, "Your Majesty, I..."


    "No need to say anything. You can shoulder this position," Xiao Jingheng interrupted the words of refusal from Song Zhao. Then, he solemnly addressed the crowd:


    "As for today''s matter, I don''t wish to pursue it further. If in the future, I witness high-ranking consorts arbitrarily mistreating and insulting low-ranking consorts, don''t me me for showing no mercy!"


    With that, he held Song Zhao''s hand and left.


    Consort Chen was left sitting on the ground, as if her soul had been drained from her body...

 Chapter 102: The Ambitious

    <h4>Chapter 102</h4>


    "Your Majesty, please rise first. The floor is cold."


    Yingxiang wanted to step forward to support Consort Chen, but she was pushed aside.


    Consort Chen stood up on her own, her expression still disying her usual arrogance.


    "That wretched Song Zhao! I must teach her a lesson and make her realize my power!"


    She angrily uttered these words, leaving Noble Consort Xiao breathless with fear.


    After Consort Chen left, Consort Shu noticed that Noble Consort Xiao''s face had turned pale, so she held her hand and asked, "Why are your hands so cold? Are you feeling unwell?"


    Noble Consort Xiao shook her head nervously.


    It was evident that she had been terrified of Consort Chen ever since the incident with the snake in the Plum Garden.


    Consort Shu advised her, "I can see that you''re frightened. But don''t worry, the person who offended the Emperor is Consort Chen, and the person who offended Consort Chen is Song Zhao... I mean, Song, the Noble Consort. This matter has nothing to do with you, so don''t overthink it."


    She naturally ced her hand on Noble Consort Xiao''s abdomen and said, "You''re pregnant, and nothing is more important than the stability of the imperial heir in your womb. Understand?"


    Noble Consort Xiao timidly nodded and said, "Thank you, Consort Shu."


    Consort Shu linked her arm with Noble Consort Xiao''s and said she would escort her back to her residence.


    On the way, she suddenly sighed and said, "Ah, judging by Consort Chen''s behavior, it seems that she won''t tolerate Song, the Noble Consort. Song, the Noble Consort, has suddenly gained the Emperor''s favor, but whether it''s a blessing or a curse, we don''t know."


    Noble Consort Xiao said, "Consort Chen is fiercely jealous, but this is all happening under the Emperor''s watchful eyes. I don''t think she would dare to do anything too extreme."


    Consort Shu replied, "You entered the pcete, so there are many things you don''t know. In the past, there was another Noble Consort named Yang. She was as knowledgeable, gentle, and quiet as Song, the Noble Consort, and the Emperor liked her as well. But because she offended Consort Chen, she suddenly went mad without any warning. She wandered the streets with disheveled hair, wearing only a bellyband. Even the imperial physicians couldn''t find any clues. Eventually, she drank cinnabar in the pce and took her own life..."


    As Consort Shu spoke, she noticed that Noble Consort Xiao''s expression had turned unpleasant, so she quickly changed the subject.


    "Let''s not talk about these things. Consort Chen''s maternal family is influential, and even the Emperor has to give her face to some extent. How can we dare to meddle in her affairs? Let''s just focus on living our own lives."


    On the other side, Xiao Jingheng also apanied Song Zhao back to her residence.


    Along the way, Xiao Jingheng shielded Song Zhao from the wind, and his affection for her was evident to everyone.


    After returning to her room, Song Zhao took the initiative to hold Xiao Jingheng''s hand, warming his white and delicate palm.


    "The Emperor protected me all the way, and you ended up feeling the cold wind. Yunsong, go and prepare some hot ginger tea with brown sugar to warm the Emperor."


    "Don''t bother, I''m not made of paper." Xiao Jingheng held Song Zhao''s hand in his own, his words gentle. "I can protect you for a while, but I can''t be by your side all the time. Most of the time, you have to learn to protect yourself. Understand?"


    Song Zhao nodded slowly and said, "I understand, my lord."


    "What do you understand?" Xiao Jinghengughed as he pulled her into his embrace. "The most clueless one is you. I felt sorry even watching Consort Chen treat you that way. She may hold the position of a consort, and you should respect her, but you shouldn''t allow anyone to mistreat you."


    Song Zhao replied softly, "I know, Your Highness."


    She leaned against Xiao Jingheng''s chest, her hands tightly encircling his slender and firm waist. She resembled a dependent little bird.


    "As long as the Emperor is by my side, I''m not afraid of anything. Actually, today''s incident shouldn''t be entirely med on Consort Chen. My mother brought trouble upon herself and caused you unnecessary worries. Consort Chen cares about you, and naturally, she can''t stand to see you troubled. Love begets trouble, and concern leads to chaos. That''s why she became angry with me."


    Xiao Jingheng said, "She has a petnt temperament, but her true nature isn''t bad. However, she went too far this time. I will have to ignore her for a couple of days and let her reflect on her actions."


    Song Zhao understood that Xiao Jingheng didn''t want to discuss Consort Chen''s matters at the moment, so she remained silent.


    "Would Your Majesty like to taste the dishes I prepared for dinner?" she suddenly asked.


    She raised her eyes, and her watery orbs sparkled with a captivating light. "I promised the Empress Dowager that I would prepare a vegetarian feast in the Bamboo Hall tonight. Would you like to join me, Your Majesty?"


    Xiao Jingheng leaned closer, his straight nose rubbing against her forehead. "Your cooking is always excellent. I also want to taste the vegetarian dishes you made."


    He deliberately lowered his voice and spoke mischievously, "We''ll have a vegetarian dinner, but should we indulge in some carnal pleasure at night?"


    Song Zhao couldn''t bear to hear such suggestive words, and her face turned red instantly.


    She lightly patted his chest andined, "Your Majesty always wants to tease me like this, knowing well that I''m very shy..."


    "Shy? Hahaha~" Xiao Jinghengughed heartily, his broad hand holding onto Song Zhao''s waist, causing her to lean back in his embrace. "You are the one who won''t let the lights be extinguished, and you are the one who won''t let me leave. And now, you say you''re shy?"


    He tickled the ticklish flesh on the side of the young girl''s waist, making herugh uncontrobly. "Let me see, how does your shyness manifest?"


    The curtains fell, and the pce attendants retreated.


    The fragrant aroma and the tender jade-like figure were within arm''s reach. It would be a waste not to cherish them.


    It was time for Song Zhao to give Xiao Jingheng some satisfaction as well.


    After all, she had obtained what she wanted.


    Although she knew early on that when she returned to the Bamboo Hall, she would undoubtedly be promoted by Xiao Jingheng.


    Once she returned to the Bamboo Hall, she began to earnestly set up her next move:


    The more Consort Chen tried to win over Consort Shu and Noble Consort Xiao to suppress her, the more she would visit them every day and face rejection.


    Because she knew that these things would always reach Xiao Jingheng in an unexpected way, making him see her as both sincere and pitiable.


    And sending Xiaoyinzi to the Lotus Heart Pavilion to witness Consort Chen''s harassment towards her was intended to make Xiaoyinzi aware of it.


    Every day, Xiao Yinzi would send Song Zhao a cup of ginger tea with brown sugar. Naturally, he knew how important Song Zhao was in Xiao Jingheng''s heart.


    Seeing Song Zhao being humiliated, he would definitely rush to inform Xiao Jingheng about it.


    If Xiao Jingheng went to Lianxin Terrace, he would surely put a stop to Consort Chen''s mistreatment of Song Zhao.


    The root cause of all these troubles was Jiang''s offense against the court, which led to the mistreatment of Song Zhao by the other consorts.


    Xiao Jingheng wanted to clear Song Zhao''s name and the simplest and most direct way to do so was to elevate her status.


    Besides, he had already had such thoughts before, and now, with the current rtionship between the Empress Dowager and Song Zhao, it was impossible to stop it.


    Therefore, everything fell perfectly into ce.


    Hence, this elevated status was never something that Xiao Jingheng actively bestowed upon Song Zhao.


    Instead, she fought for it herself.


    Of course, her ambition went far beyond being just a minor noblewoman.


    Song Zhao was determined to dominate the entire imperial harem,


    to make everyone kneel before her,


    to receive their utmost respect and submission,


    that would be truly satisfying for her!

 Chapter 103: Bathing in Doubt

    <h4>Chapter 103</h4>


    On that day, Song Zhao prepared eighteen vegetarian dishes at the Xiu Zhu Hall and had a delightful conversation with Xiao Jingheng and the Empress Dowager during dinner.


    During this time, Consort Chen sent someone to invite Xiao Jingheng, but before the person could enter the inner chamber, they were turned away by the Empress Dowager''s people.


    That night, Xiao Jingheng, feeling quite calm, returned alone to rest at the Bitong Academy.


    Well,


    After a half-hour of turmoil in the afternoon, almost dying the audience with courtiers, how could there be any energy left?


    When Song Zhao returned to her residence and finished washing up, it was already close to midnight.


    Yun Shan massaged her shoulders while saying,


    "It''s a good thing that you''ve been promoted. However, today the Emperor scolded Consort Chen to protect you, and Consort Chen will surely hold a grudge against you in the future. You should be more careful, Song Zhao..."


    Yun Shan''s words were veiled, but she was actually worried about another matter.


    In the past, Song Zhao had surrendered to Consort Chen and relied on her sincerely, which temporarily prevented Consort Chen from targeting her.


    But now that all pretenses have been dropped, Yun Shan is genuinely worried that Song Zhao will fall victim to Consort Chen''s schemes.


    However, Song Zhao appeared indifferent, casually stating,


    "From the moment the Empress Dowager started treating me with suspicion, Consort Chen could no longer tolerate my presence. Instead of continuing to grovel before her and not gaining any benefits, it''s better to break this seemingly harmonious rtionship and transform our dependence on each other into cooperation."


    "Cooperation?" Yun Shan pursed her lips, tilted her head, and pondered for a while before saying, "But Consort Chen is so overbearing and arrogant. She doesn''t even regard the Empress as important. Will she really cooperate with you?"


    Song Zhao remainedposed and said, "When interests converge, peoplee together, and when interests diverge, they go their separate ways. As long as I still have value to offer, Consort Chen must cooperate with me. She may be fierce but foolish, so she has no choice."


    The next morning, Song Zhao visited Noble Consort Xiao early.


    As soon as Noble Consort Xiao saw her, a smile appeared at the corner of her mouth. "It''s great. You are now a noble consort too. Yesterday, when I saw how Consort Chen was bullying you, I couldn''t bear it, but you know I have little influence, and it wouldn''t be good for me to speak up for you."


    Song Zhao also smiled and said, "It was my fault. Sister, you have a pregnancy to worry about, and yet you still had to be concerned for me."


    Noble Consort Xiao said, "When I was in a difficult situation, only you were willing to stay by my side. I will always remember this act of kindness."


    Song Zhao held her hand and nodded, "Fortunately, everything is fine now."


    Compared to Song Zhao''s optimism, Noble Consort Xiao seemed a little worried. "Do you really think everything is fine?"


    She pulled Song Zhao into the inner room and, cautiously looking at the slightly open diamond-shaped window, whispered,


    "Do you know that Consort Chen hates you to the bone because of this incident? Yesterday, after the Emperor took you away, she said in front of me and Consort Shu that she would definitely make you suffer."


    Song Zhao shrugged off her concerns, saying, "She probably won''t, right? After all, I am an imperial consort personally appointed by the Emperor. Even if she envies me, she can''t be too tant about it."


    Noble Consort Xiao furrowed her brows and shook her head, dismissing the words spoken by Consort Shu. "There are some things you don''t know. Consort Shu told me that there was once a Consort Yang in the pce who, like you, incurred the jealousy of Consort Chen because of the Emperor''s favor.


    Later on, that Consort Yang, who was perfectly fine before, lost her sanity and died within a few days. Everyone in the pce said it was Consort Chen''s doing, but they couldn''t find any evidence. It''s clear that Consort Chen is cunning and can harm others without leaving any trace. You must be careful," Noble Consort Xiao expressed her concern sincerely.


    Song Zhao responded, saying she understood, but in reality, she had already figured it out.


    It was true that Consort Chen resented her, but Consort Chen had been immersed in the pce for many years and was a formidable opponent who could contend even with the Empress. Although Consort Chen was impulsive and reckless, it didn''t mean shecked intelligence.


    Even if Consort Chen wanted to harm her, she couldn''t do it now. Wouldn''t that be too obvious and make Xiao Jingheng suspicious?


    It was Consort Shu...


    Why would she, seemingly perfectly fine, talk to Noble Consort Xiao about these things?


    Afterward, Song Zhao and Noble Consort Xiao chatted for a while longer. Noble Consort Xiao nced at the bronze hourss and suddenly said, "It''s time for me to bathe. I won''t keep you any longer, sister."


    Song Zhao was puzzled and asked, "It''s not even noon yet, why would you choose this time to bathe, sister?"


    Tong Hua, a pce maid standing by, exined, "The young mistress values cleanliness. In the past, she would bathe at least twice a day in the pce. It''s even more convenient at the Hot Spring Mountain Vi, so she changed it to three times a day."


    Three times a day?


    Even for someone with cleanliness obsession, bathing three times a day was indeed a bit excessive.


    Song Zhao reminded her, "I heard that it''s not advisable for women to soak in hot springs during pregnancy. The hot water can cause the Qi and blood to surge, which is harmful to the heir. Sister, you..."


    "Rest assured, I''ve already inquired about it. The Emperor is also aware of this matter, so the hot spring water I have here is mixed with cold water, just warm andfortable. The imperial physician also said there''s no problem."


    Noble Consort Xiao knew how important this pregnancy was to her, so she would definitely be extra cautious in everything. Song Zhao decided not to persuade her further.


    "Then, sister, please go and bathe. I''ll take my leave first."


    Tong Hua escorted Song Zhao outside, and Song Zhao said to her, "You don''t have to see me off. Hurry back in and attend to your young mistress''s bath."


    Tong Hua replied, "Song Zhao, you don''t know. My young mistress is very shy and hates being seen by others. When she bathes, she never allows anyone to attend to her. Even when Silver Branch was her personal maidservant, it was the same. We maidservants can''t be by her side."


    Upon hearing this, Song Zhao felt that something was amiss.


    The consorts and concubines who could enter the pce all had prominent backgrounds in the imperial court. While they might be pampered and spoiled, they had been ustomed to it after being favored once.


    Moreover, bathing was a troublesome matter.


    It involved scrubbing, pouring water, and wiping the body, and all these steps were indispensable. It was especially difficult to clean certain areas like the back without assistance.


    Since Noble Consort Xiao liked cleanliness, it would make more sense for her to have someone attend to her.


    If she liked cleanliness and insisted on bathing alone, wouldn''t that be contradictory?


    However, Song Zhao merely sensed that something was amiss but didn''t want to get involved.


    In the pce, it was best to ignore matters that had nothing to do with oneself.


    Taking fewer actions means making fewer mistakes, but doing nothing doesn''t guarantee being faultless. Otherwise, one might unintentionally invite trouble and end up with a headache.


    Returning to her residence, Song Zhao found Yun Shan and the others had brought back a variety of fresh flowers and were busy arranging them in the dormitory.


    Song Zhao looked at the vibrant colors blooming around her and felt a sense of joy.


    Later, Yun Shan said, "Actually, the rose garden was in full bloom, and I nned to pick some flowers. But Qing Yue happened toe and gather flowers too. The young mistress had instructed me to keep my distance from Consort Shu, so I deliberately avoided her. She approached me for a conversation, and I made an excuse about being busy with residence matters and returned here."


    Upon hearing this, Song Zhao became more alert.


    She called Xiao Fuzi and asked him to carefully examine each of the newly picked flowers for any issues.


    After a thorough inspection, Xiao Fuzi said, "Rest assured, Young Mistress. These are all fresh flowers and haven''t been tampered with."


    Song Zhao smiled and took a branch of wintersweet flower, bringing it close to her nose for a sniff.


    After a moment of silence, her gaze darkened, and a sinister smile appeared on her face.


    "Since there are no problems, then let''s make them have problems."

 Chapter 104: The Plot 01

    <h4>Chapter 104</h4>


    Three dayster, on a fine noon,


    Consort Chen had just finished her lunch and was about to rest,


    when Ying Xiang rushed in to report, "Esteemed Consort, Xi Ying is here."


    Consort Chen lightly responded "Mm," and signaled for Ying Xiang to bring her in.


    Whenever Xi Ying came to see Consort Chen in the past, she would be timid and shrinking,


    but today, as soon as she entered, one could see the unconceble delight on her face.


    She bowed deeply to Consort Chen and eximed gleefully:


    "Congrattions, Esteemed Consort! My felicitations, Esteemed Consort!"


    "What nonsense are you spewing from your mouth?" Before she could finish speaking, Ying Xiang angrily interrupted her. "His Majesty hasn''te to Esteemed Consort for three days already, yet you''vee to offer congrattions?"


    Bang!


    No sooner had Ying Xiang finished speaking when a dull thud sounded from behind her.


    She hurriedly turned her head to see that Consort Chen had smashed the teacup on the table, spilling tea all over it. At this moment, Consort Chen was ring at her fiercely.


    Only then did Ying Xiang realize she had spoken wrongly. She lowered her head silently and started cleaning up the spilled tea on the table.


    Consort Chen then shifted her gaze to Xi Ying and asked, "Go on, tell Us what you havee to congratte this Pce for?"


    Xi Ying said, "Song Zhao has offended Esteemed Consort, but I fear she has also offended others! Someone has poisoned her!"


    "Oh?" This matter piqued Consort Chen''s interest. She said coldly with a mocking smile, "Then is she dead?"


    "This..." Xi Ying shook her head with some regret. "Song Zhao has great fortune. Xiao Fuzi, who attends to her, knows a little medicine and noticed something amiss."


    Ying Xiang also asked, "What poison did someone use on her?"


    Xi Ying replied, "Over the past couple of days, Song Zhao has been feeling weary and dispirited. She has been breaking out in night sweats and suffering from insomnia. Sensing something wrong, she thoroughly searched her residence, and Xiao Fuzi discovered that the fresh flowers that are changed daily in her room had been tampered with."


    "I overheard Xiao Fuzi say that it seemed like Soul Scattering Powder was mixed into the flower stamens..."


    Consort Chen, who had only been casually listening for amusement up to this point, immediately became alert upon hearing "Soul Scattering Powder."


    Even Ying Xiang''s expression darkened in an instant. The teacup she had just picked up nearly spilled again.


    Exchanging a look with her mistress, Ying Xiang then said to Xi Ying,


    "Esteemed Consort has heard about this matter. Return to keep a lookout and see if Song Zhao has any other movements."


    After dismissing Xi Ying with a few words, Ying Xiang let the pce maids leave to attend to other duties. She then carefully shut the doors and windows before lowering her voice to say to Consort Chen,


    "Esteemed Consort, how could someone feed Song Zhao Soul Scattering Powder for no reason? That substance was what we used on Noble Consort Yang previously. How could it..."


    Ying Xiang was not the only one with this question¡ªConsort Chen also found it very strange.


    Back then, Noble Consort Yang had relied on favoritism and acted arrogantly because Xiao Jingheng doted on her a little. She had dared to openly confront Consort Chen.


    Consort Chen could not swallow this insult. Thus, she secretly mixed Soul Scattering Powder from Miao Territory into Noble Consort Yang''s food and drinks, causing her to unknowingly go insane.


    Soul Scattering Powder is a poison produced in Miao Territory. It is colorless and odorless, and once its effects set in, even famed doctors would not be able to ascertain the cause upon examination.


    So when Noble Consort Yang died, no one ever knew how she had gone crazy.


    Consort Chen used this method to eliminate Noble Consort Yang, but she could never use the same trick in the pce again,


    otherwise people could easily link the two incidents if investigated thoroughly, which would implicate her.


    She had not expected that today, someone would actually try to plot against Song Zhao using the exact same approach!


    Consort Chen said, "It is obvious someone is trying to secretly learn from this Pce''s methods to harm Song Zhao, while also plotting against Us! If not for Song Zhao''s great fortune in detecting this early, once she really went insane, His Majesty''s first suspicion would surelynd on this Pce''s head!"


    In this pce, it had always been Consort Chen scheming against others, yet who would have thought there would be someone daring enough to scheme against her?


    At this moment, Consort Chen''s face was livid with rage.


    Ying Xiang also sucked in a breath of cold air as suspicion quickly arose in her heart. "Could it be Consort Shu?"


    "If not her, then who else?" Consort Chen mmed the table furiously as she spat out viciously, "Among the consorts currently at the Hot Spring Mountain Vi, there is only Us, Song Zhao, Noble Consort Xiao, and Consort Shu! When Noble Consort Yang died back then, Song Zhao and Noble Consort Xiao had not entered the pce yet, only Consort Shu knew about this matter!"


    Her phoenix eyes narrowed slightly and her clenched fist rested on the table. "To think I looked down on her for always being dispirited. I have underestimated her!"


    "What does Esteemed Consort n to do now?"


    "Fool! Quickly bring people to bring Song Zhao over to Us! A few days ago, because of her, His Majesty reprimanded Us and We did not go easy on her. If she were to run to His Majesty now and report this matter to him rashly, His Majesty would surely be prejudiced into thinking that We harbored jealousy and hatred. When the timees, We would have no defense!"


    Ying Xiang responded repeatedly and hurried off to bring people to capture Song Zhao.


    But before she exited the inner chambers, she heard a pce maid say from outside,


    "Esteemed Consort, Song Zhao is asking for an audience."


    "Quick, let her in!"


    When Song Zhao entered, she held a bunch of gorgeously blossomed flowers in her hands. Compared to the rich purple and red hues, herplexion was extremely unsightly.


    Consort Chen pretended to beposed as she asked, "What brings you here?"


    Song Zhao performed a curtsy and said in a low voice, "The flowers in this ve''s hands were picked from the flower gardens by pce maids. New ones are changed daily in this ve''s pce. I thought the fragrant flowers could calm my heart, but ever since I kept these flowers in my inner halls, this ve has not been sleeping peacefully at night."


    "Afterwards, Xiao Fuzi attending to this ve happened to discover the cause of this ve''s insomnia and nightmares. It turned out to originate from these fresh flowers!"


    Song Zhao moved the bouquet closer to Consort Chen. Consort Chen reacted strongly as if facing a formidable foe, immediately covering her nose tightly with her silk handkerchief. "What are you doing? Move those away!"


    Song Zhao withdrew the flowers slightly and continued, "These fresh flowers were tampered with. Soul Scattering Powder was added to the stamens. Keeping these toxic flowers indoors, once they have fully blossomed, their pollen will float in the wind. Those who smell it will feel palpitations and mncholy. If afflicted by this poison daily, I''m afraid one would be a deranged lunatic in less than 10-15 days!"


    After speaking, she again lifted the flower bouquet near Consort Chen''s face. "Esteemed Consort can get someone to examine and verify this!"


    Consort Chen knew the potency of Soul Scattering Powder. Moreover, Xi Ying had given her advance notice earlier, so she was predisposed to believing that Soul Scattering Powder had indeed been slipped into the flowers. Hence, she did not even have the patience to test it. She hurriedly signaled Ying Xiang with her eyes.


    Blocking her nose, Ying Xiang snatched the bouquet from Song Zhao''s hands. She then ordered the pce maids to take it outside, trample it into mush, and discard it as far away as possible.


    Only after this was done could Consort Chen finally rx slightly. She rolled her eyes at Song Zhao and said coldly with a sinister smile, "So? Are you using Us of wanting to harm you?"

 Chapter 105: The Plot 02

    <h4>Chapter 105</h4>


    "If that''s what this concubine wishes, then the bouquet this concubine received earlier would have been presented to the Emperor instead ofing to find Your Ladyship."


    Song Zhao kneeled and paid her respects to Consort Chen with great deference, saying:


    "Your Ladyship''s gracious act of rescuing me from the Yun Tai tform in the past is something this concubine will always remember. This concubine understands that Your Ladyship may not be pleased with the closeness between the Empress Dowager and me. On the day at the Lianxin Terrace, when the Emperor reprimanded Your Ladyship, it elevated this concubine''s status and caused Your Ladyship to lose face..."


    "Bold Song Guiren!" Ying Xiang scolded loudly, cutting off Song Zhao''s words. "The Emperor has never reprimanded Your Ladyship. He merely spoke to Your Ladyship in a slightly louder voice. Do not speak nonsense!"


    The people around Consort Chen knew how much she cared about Xiao Jingheng,


    When the master is not clear-headed, the servants also deceive themselves and others, selectively saying pleasant things to please Consort Chen.


    Of course, Song Zhao knew that her words were like thorns, precisely piercing the softest part of Consort Chen''s heart,


    But she must speak these words today, so shepletely ignored Ying Xiang and continued:


    "This concubine knows that Your Ladyship may not wish to be close to this concubine because of these matters. However, this concubine believes that the person who wants to harm this concubine cannot be Your Ladyship."


    "Oh?" Consort Chen looked at Song Zhao with a dark expression, evaluating her. "You have spoken so much about the things that displease this pce. Where does your confidencee from to say that this pce won''t harm you?"


    Song Zhao said, "Because whatever Your Ladyship does, it is all for the sake of gaining the Emperor''s favor. So even if Your Ladyship looks down on this concubine, it is not possible to act against this concubine at this time. If it provokes the Emperor''s suspicion of Your Ladyship, it would not be worth it for Your Ladyship."


    She paused for a moment, then suddenly knelt in front of Consort Chen without any warning,


    "Your Ladyship genuinely loves the Emperor, and the Emperor''s treatment of Your Ladyship is also genuine. But it is different for this concubine; the Emperor only sees this concubine as an attractive ything. And this concubine also has selfish motives."


    Song Zhao took a deep breath, as if making a significant decision, and earnestly said:


    "This concubine wants to take advantage of the novelty this concubine still has in front of the Emperor and obtain a good position for herself. It would be best to be promoted to a noble consort or a princess, bing the principal consort."


    "Based on what? You?"


    Consort Chen clearly did not expect Song Zhao to dare to openly dere her ambition like this. She was momentarily stunned, but quickly sneered and said:


    "Setting aside your illegitimate status, just based on the fact that your legitimate mother offended the court, the fact that you can currently hold the position of a noblewoman is already a miracle for your Song family."


    "This concubine knows her own situation, which is why this concubine came to find Your Ladyship today."


    Song Zhao lowered her body and performed a kowtow to Consort Chen,


    "This concubine hopes that Your Ladyship will not dwell on past grievances and continue to allow this concubine to assist you."


    Consort Chen squinted her eyes, looking down at Song Zhao from a higher position. "Are you trying to sell this pce a favor?"


    "This concubine does not intend to sell Your Ladyship a favor. This concubine wants to sincerely express her intentions, so as to gain Your Ladyship''s protection."


    Consort Chen''s eyes grew darker as she scrutinized Song Zhao for a moment before suddenly erupting in anger. She grabbed the tea cup next to her and hurled it towards her.


    The tea cup shattered near Song Zhao, and the broken porcin shards grazed her delicate wrist, leaving a bleeding cut.


    Consort Chen stood up furiously and pointed at her, cursing, "Do you want me to support you in climbing to a higher position, making it easier for you topete with me for the emperor''s favor? Song Zhao, who gave you such audacity to utter such absurd words to me?"


    Consort Chen''s imposing presence sent shivers down Song Zhao''s spine.


    However, Song Zhao remained kneeling, paying no attention to the blood pooling on the floor, and continued speaking with a slightly trembling voice:


    "As a concubine in the pce, I cannot neglect my own interests. The emperor''s favor towards me is solely based on my appearance. But beauty will fade one day, and the emperor will certainly notck young and beautiful women during the selection every three years.


    I am not as deeply beloved by the emperor as you, Consort Chen. Without my beauty, I am left with nothing.


    But if I can be the head of a pce, I can raise the future heir under my care, providing me with a support within the pce. I have never thought ofpeting for the emperor''s favor, let alone bing enemies with Consort Chen."


    As she spoke, Song Zhao suddenly lifted her head, her tearful eyes staring directly at Consort Chen.


    With determination, she earnestly said, "I only want to live."


    Song Zhao spoke candidly,


    She straightforwardly exined her intentions to Consort Chen from the beginning.


    Since entering the pce, she had never been cast out by the vortex of harem conflicts.


    She feared losing Xiao Jingheng''s favor not because she genuinely loved him, but because she knew that being greatly favored would inevitably attract jealousy, and if she fell from grace one day, she might not even be able to protect her own life.


    In reality, with so many people holding positions in the harem, one more Song Zhao wouldn''t make much difference.


    Moreover, she had a point,


    If she had really given the bouquet to Xiao Jingheng today, Consort Chen would surely face continuous troubles.


    Consort Chen naturally remained cautious of Song Zhao. Even if Song Zhao spoke honestly, Consort Chen only believed her to a certain extent.


    However, at the moment, dealing with Consort Shu was the most important task for Consort Chen,


    So, Song Zhao still had some value to her; she couldn''t outright reject Song Zhao''s allegiance.


    Consort Chen''s expression softened slightly, and she said calmly,


    "Rise and respond. Ying Xiang, go and fetch the golden wound medicine to treat Song Zhao''s wrist injury."


    Later, while Ying Xiang was tending to Song Zhao''s injured wrist, she said to Consort Chen:


    "Consort, this matter is clearly targeting you. I am just a pawn. It was Consort who arranged my first night in the pce, and Consort who saved my life. I really want to stand behind Consort and do my best to protect you. I just don''t know if Consort is willing to ept me..."


    Consort Chen fell into silence for a moment,pletely ignoring Song Zhao''s offer to surrender, and changed the topic:


    "I, the pce, prefer straightforwardness and despise those who scheme behind others'' backs. I have a few suspicions about who might be responsible for this matter. For now, let''s set it aside and pretend you know nothing. Give me three days, and I will ensure that the person who harmed you faces the consequences she deserves."


    With that, Song Zhao had to express her gratitude for Consort Chen''s protection and then withdrew.


    Back at her ce of residence, Yun Shan nervously said as she helped Song Zhao rebandage her wounds:


    "I was so frightened... There was no Soul-Departing Powder in that bouquet at all. If Consort Chen orders an investigation, won''t our secret be exposed?"


    "She won''t," Song Zhao calmly smiled. "Xi Ying informed her in advance, and she knows how dangerous that thing is. When she saw me holding the bouquet, she was afraid of hurting herself and definitely wouldn''t want to keep it for a moment longer."


    Yun Shan asked again, "Does the youngdy think Consort Chen will take action against Consort Shu? But there''s no evidence in this matter, and the youngdy, being in the vige, couldn''t possibly find that Miaojiang poison to frame Consort Shu. This..."


    Song Zhao shook her head and chuckled, "No evidence? Consort Chen will naturally find a way to create evidence. Why should we be in a hurry?"

 Chapter 106: The Scheming Princess 03

    <h4>Chapter 106</h4>


    In the fresh flowers of Song Zhao Pce, there was no trace of the Soul-Depriving Powder. Even the flower buds in the garden were devoid of anything. No one was plotting against her; it was simply her own sense of boredom and desire for amusement that led her to seek some excitement.


    After learning about the past of Noble Consort Yang from Noble Consort Xiao, Song Zhao casually mentioned the matter to Xiao Fuzi. Upon hearing this, Xiao Fuzi revealed that he had read several volumes of Miao Territory''s witch doctors'' prescriptions and knew that the symptoms of the Soul-Depriving Powder poisoning were remarkably simr to those experienced by Noble Consort Yang when she fell ill.


    Song Zhao recalled that just before Noble Consort Yang''s death, Consort Chen''s elder brother had achieved great sess in attacking Miao Territory with his troops. This made it entirely possible for Consort Chen to obtain the Soul-Depriving Powder without much difficulty.


    Thus, Song Zhao spected whether it was Consort Chen who secretly administered the Soul-Depriving Powder to Noble Consort Yang, leading to her madness.


    With this idea in mind, she wasted no time in verifying it. Song Zhao instructed Xi Ying to inform Consort Chen about the Soul-Depriving Powder. When Xi Ying returned with a reply, she reported that both Consort Chen and Ying Xiang had visibly changed upon hearing about the Soul-Depriving Powder.


    This confirmed Song Zhao''s suspicion. That''s why sheter appeared before Consort Chen, holding a bouquet of flowers.


    And once again, Consort Chen fell into the trap.


    On the day when her elder brother triumphantly conquered Miao Territory, he brought back a considerable amount of Soul-Depriving Powder, which was now hidden in the former residence of the Ning family in the capital.


    Consort Chenmanded Ying Xiang, saying, "Spread the news and have our trusted contacts in the capital bring the Soul-Depriving Powder to me. If Consort Shu intends to scheme against me, I''ll make her face the consequences!"


    *


    That night, when Song Zhao was about to retire for the night, Xiao Fuzi came to give her a report.


    "Young Mistress, as per your instructions, I kept an eye on Consort Chen''s actions. Just now, Ying Xiang surreptitiously went to the southwest corner of the estate and imitated a cat''s meow a few times. Afterward, someone threw a package over the wall from outside."


    "Understood," Song Zhao replied calmly and dismissed Xiao Fuzi.


    As Xiao Fuzi walked to the door of the inner chamber, he suddenly stopped and asked anxiously, "Young Mistress, there''s something I don''t understand. There was no Soul-Depriving Powder in your bedroom, and the flowers in the garden were perfectly clean. Even if Consort Chen managed to hide the powder in Consort Shu''s residence, it seems unlikely to incriminate Consort Shu."


    Song Zhao chuckled lightly and said, "I don''t have that filthy stuff, Consort Shu doesn''t have it either. But didn''t Consort Chen send someone to retrieve it? Don''t worry, I have a way to make it appear out of thin air."


    The next morning, before dawn, Song Zhao hurried to Consort Chen''s pce. At that moment, Consort Chen was preparing herself, and Song Zhao boldly barged in.


    Consort Chen nced at her with a disdainful look and impatiently asked, "What is it this time?"


    Song Zhao, catching her breath, replied, "Noble Consort, it seems that the person who wanted to harm me knows that I discovered something... It was my negligence. After I found out about the issue with the flowers that day, I had all the flowers thrown away."


    Perhaps because themotion was too loud and would startle the snake, from yesterday onwards, the concubines were allowed to continue picking flowers in the flower garden just like before. However, the flowers they brought back did not contain any "Soul-Departing Powder." The other flowers in the garden were also clean and untouched. It seems that person has withdrawn...¡±


    "You fool," Consort Chen scolded. Compared to Song Zhao''s panic, she appeared notably calm.


    "You don''t need to worry about anything. Tomorrow, continue sending your people to the flower garden to pick flowers. If the emperor summons you to his bed these two days, perform well in front of him as if you''re acting in a y."


    Consort Chen motioned with her finger, beckoning Song Zhao toe closer like teasing a cat or calling a dog. She whispered in a low voice:


    "When you go to sleep at night, pretend to be suddenly frightened by a nightmare, creating as muchmotion as possible. Do you understand?"


    Song Zhao quickly replied, "I will follow all of your instructions, Your Majesty."


    The next day, Yun Shan went to the flower garden as usual and returned with fresh flowers.


    Once the flowers were brought back, Song Zhao instructed Xiao Fuzi to carefully inspect them for anything suspicious.


    Xiao Fuzi checked each one and noticed something amiss in the stamens of several winter jasmine flowers.


    "Your Majesty, take a look. There are traces of someone deliberately separating the stamens of these winter jasmine flowers. Besides the pollen, there is also some pale white powder mixed in. I have read descriptions of Soul-Departing Powder in the witch doctor''s records, and it should be this substance."


    Song Zhao nodded indifferently and then ordered someone to ce the flower bouquet in her inner chamber, preferably closer to her bed.


    Xiao Fuzi expressed concern, "This substance is very dangerous. Shouldn''t you avoid risking your life, Your Highness?"


    Song Zhao smiled, "I only had it ced in my room; I didn''t say I would sleep beside it."


    She nced at Yun Shan and raised an eyebrow, saying, "Back when we were in the mansion, whenever the weather turned cold, we would always squeeze onto one bed. We used to chat endlessly, with never-ending conversations."


    Yun Shan immediately understood and hurriedly said, "Then let me prepare the bed for you, Your Highness!"


    Now that everything was ready, Song Zhao didn''t need to do anything else but wait to see how Consort Chen and Consort Shu wouldpete.


    If Consort Chen could seize the opportunity, Consort Shu would be burdened with the crime of plotting the death of her fellow consorts, including Noble Consort Yang.


    If Consort Shu could turn the tide, then it would be Consort Chen''s plot to harm Song Zhao and frame Consort Shu, causing Xiao Jingheng to be utterly disappointed in her.


    Regardless of who wins or loses,


    Song Zhao, the instigator of all this, could stay out of it and watch from the sidelines,


    hoping that the fire would burn even brighter.


    Song Zhao originally thought that she would have to sleep at Yun Shan''s ce for two days before Xiao Jingheng summoned her to his bed.


    After all, as the end of the year approached, the memorials from all over were piling up like a mountain, and Xiao Jingheng had no leisure to do anything else.


    However, to her surprise, news came that evening from the court that Xiao Jingheng wanted her to stay by his side at Bitong Academy tonight.


    When Song Zhao arrived, Xiao Jingheng was busy reviewing the memorials.


    At first, upon hearing that Song Zhao had arrived, he didn''t raise his head and simply said, "Come closer to me."


    Song Zhao approached and said, "Shall I serve you in grinding the ink, Your Majesty?"


    As Song Zhao picked up the ink stick to grind ink in the inkstone, Xiao Jingheng caught a glimpse of her wrist wrapped in white cloth.


    Xiao Jingheng set down his brush and took hold of Song Zhao''s hand, showing concern. "Are you hurt?"


    Song Zhao nodded and replied, "I identally knocked over a teacup and got cut by the broken porcin, but it''s nothing serious."


    Xiao Jingheng said, "Then rest and don''t exert yourself, so the wound doesn''t reopen."


    He moved the inkstone away from Song Zhao and said, "I didn''t summon you here to make you work. You don''t need to do anything. Just quietly apany me by my side, and that''s enough."


    The more time Song Zhao spent with Xiao Jingheng, the more she could sense that he treated her differently.


    In the past, when they met, besides the intimate encounters in bed, there wasn''t much to talk about.


    But now, Xiao Jingheng carefully considered Song Zhao''s feelings.


    For example, when he saw Song Zhao''s injured wrist today, he not only prevented her from doing any work, but also refrained from forcing her to engage in intimate activities when they rested at night. They simply embraced each other and went to sleep.


    In thetter half of the night, Xiao Jingheng was suddenly awakened by some movement beside him.


    Rubbing his sleepy eyes, he looked over in the dim moonlight and saw Song Zhao sitting on the bed, holding her head and trembling.


    "What''s wrong? Are you feeling unwell?" Xiao Jingheng ced his hand on Song Zhao''s shoulder to console her, but this simple gesture startled her.


    "Ah!!!" she screamed out of nowhere. "No, don''t! Don''t kill me!"


    Saying this, she pushed Xiao Jingheng away and acted like a madwoman, throwing off the covers and running outside without even bothering to put on her shoes and socks.


    Faced with this sudden scene, Xiao Jingheng froze for a moment, and a memory from the past shed through his mind:


    Back then, Noble Consort Yang had also acted like this, going crazy in his arms one night without any warning...


    Xiao Jingheng dared not think too much and quickly shouted outside the door, "Stop Noble Consort Song, don''t hurt her!"


    Then, hastily putting on his boots, he rushed out with long strides to chase after her...

 Chapter 107: The Plot 04

    <h4>Chapter 107</h4>


    When Xiao Jingheng chased out, the pce maidens had already stopped Song Zhao.


    They followed the rules and did not dare to pull Song Zhao. They only formed a human wall in front of her. Song Zhao was still in a daze, screaming uncontrobly and kept pushing the pce maidens blocking her way.


    Xiao Jingheng strode forward and hugged the young girl from behind with his arms wrapped tightly around her, forcibly protecting the young girl in his embrace.


    The powerful forearms held Song Zhao tightly. She struggled desperately and cried, "Don¡¯t kill me! No..."


    Tears as hot as boiling water dripped onto Xiao Jingheng¡¯s arms, burning his heartache.


    He hugged Song Zhao even tighter, and his curling palms gently stroked her arms to soothe her. His maic voice was firm and powerful:


    "Zhao''er, I am here. Don''t be afraid."


    His words offort were obviously effective.


    In his arms, Song Zhao''s agitated emotions gradually calmed down.


    She looked back with tearful eyes at Xiao Jingheng and weakly called out,


    "Your Majesty..."


    Before her voice fell, she fainted.


    Seeing her haggard appearance, Xiao Jingheng''s chest felt more and more stuffy.


    He carried Song Zhao in his arms and ordered solemnly, "Go get Judge Chu!"


    Judge Chu''s residence was very close to Bitong Academy.


    By the time Xiao Jingheng carried Song Zhao back to the inner bedroom and ced her on the couch, Judge Chu had rushed over in a panic.


    On the way, the pce maidens had told him the general situation.


    When Judge Chu took her pulse, he did find that Song Zhao''s pulse was beating very fast, but there was no other anomaly.


    So he said, "Noble Consort Song most likely fainted from excessive fright, and there is no major issue."


    Jiang Deshun said from the side, "Your Majesty and Noble Consort Song had just gone to bed. While soundly asleep, what could have frightened the Noble Consort so much? If it was a nightmare, she shouldn''t have had such a big reaction, unable to distinguish reality from dreams."


    Jiang Deshun had hit on the key point.


    Song Zhao was usually very quiet and gentle, even speaking in a soft voice. Compared to her behavior just now, there was no difference from a shrew in the market, which would make anyone feel strange.


    After a short silence, Xiao Jingheng asked solemnly,


    "Judge Chu, do you think Song Consort''s behavior today is simr to Noble Consort Yang back then?"


    When Judge Chu heard this, he was momentarily speechless.


    Back then, when Noble Consort Yang was in the height of holy favor, she suddenly went mad for no reason. The entire Imperial Medical Bureau was helpless about her illness. Even after Judge Chu searched through medical books extensively, he could not find the cause.


    Later, this incident was characterized by the Empress Dowager as bewitchment. After Yang Consort¡¯s death, the Empress Dowager ordered a grand water andnd ritual to be held three times in her pce, and since then no one was allowed to mention this person again.


    Now that Xiao Jingheng took the initiative to ask about it, Judge Chu dared to bring up the old incident again.


    "Back then, Noble Consort Yang¡¯s madness was truly groundless and inexplicable. I had checked medical knowledge extensively but could not find the root cause. However, a monthter, Qi Dynastypletely recovered Miao Territory. Along with it, the witchcraft and poison skills of Miao physicians also entered the Central ins.


    After careful research, I discovered that Miao Territory has a poison called Soul Scattering Powder. Those poisoned show no anomalies in their pulses like ordinary people. At the beginning there would only be manifestations like frightening nightmares, heart palpitations and trembling. But if continuously harmed by this poison over time, they would gradually develop insanity. The symptoms would then be very simr to those disyed by Noble Consort Yang back then."


    While listening, Xiao Jingheng kept stroking the ink jade finger ring on his thumb, and he also had some spections in his mind.


    Miao Territory...


    The elder brother of Consort Chen who led the imperial campaign to conquer Miao Territory was the Supreme Commander Ning Xiuqi.


    And at almost the same time, this filthy stuff entered the pce and was used to harm Noble Consort Yang?


    It would be difficult for Xiao Jingheng not to suspect and associate these two incidents.


    But spection alone could not prove anything. Evidence was needed in everything.


    So he said angrily,


    "Jiang Deshun, take Judge Chu to inspect Noble Consort Song¡¯s residence and investigate whether her food, clothing, shelter, conduct and daily items have been tampered with."


    After thinking for a moment, he added another sentence,


    "Keep the noise down so as not to disturb the Empress Dowager¡¯s rest."


    In other words, Xiao Jingheng asked them to secretly investigate without alerting any masters in the Hot Spring Mountain Vi.


    Lying in her feigned unconsciousness, Song Zhao heard their words clearly.


    It was time for her act to end, she just had to watch others perform afterwards.


    Suddenly,


    A warm hand grabbed her hand, the slightly rough fingertips held her even tighter and tighter.


    She heard Xiao Jingheng say in an extremely low voice,


    "Zhao¡¯er, I won''t let anyone hurt you. You must also stay with me at all times and live safely by my side."


    As he spoke, a warm kissnded on the girl''s forehead.


    Song Zhao remained ''unconscious'', but her heartbeat sped up uncontrobly by half a beat.


    After about an incense stick of time, Song Zhao finally woke up hazily.


    As she opened her eyes, she bumped right into Xiao Jingheng¡¯s handsome face without peer. His previously tightly knitted brows were now rxed, and the corners of his lips were also raised into a good-looking curve.


    "Zhao''er, you woke up."


    Song Zhao pretended to rub her sore temples and sat up with Xiao Jingheng¡¯s support, leaning against him nkly and asking,


    "What happened to your concubine?"


    As she spoke, she lightly hissed, lifted the quilt and took a look at her bare feet.


    Running barefoot on the rocky path earlier may not have cut or scraped her feet, but some pain should still be disyed.


    She was silent for a moment, then seemed to think of something. She immediately struggled out of Xiao Jingheng¡¯s embrace like a startled cat, got out of bed and was about to kneel down.


    Xiao Jingheng grabbed her arm. "You just woke up, what are you doing?"


    Song Zhao said in fright, "Your concubine was rude just now... Please forgive this concubine, Your Majesty."


    "It doesn''t matter, the most important thing is that you are fine." Xiao Jingheng helped her up to sit on the edge of the couch again.


    He listened to her say uneasily, "Recently your concubine has been having frequent nightmares, and always feels panicky... It must be that my family¡¯s matters are still troubling your concubine... Your concubine should have told His Majesty about this beforehand, but selfishly missed His Majesty very much, so I hid it. Now I have disturbed His Majesty¡¯s sleep, it is really your concubine¡¯s fault..."


    Xiao Jingheng felt distressed for Song Zhao, and hoped in his heart that this matter was really as she said -


    She went mad so suddenly because she personally witnessed the tragic death of Jiang and was traumatized.


    In fact, deep down, Xiao Jingheng did not want this matter to be truly rted to Consort Chen either.


    But reality was often contrary to wishes.


    Jiang Deshun and Judge Chu came back with solemn expressions. Judge Chu even directly said,


    "In reply to Your Majesty, after careful inspection of Noble Consort Song¡¯s belongings, I discovered the weing spring flowers ced at the head of her bed had been tampered with. Soul Scattering Powder was mixed into the flower buds, and with the blooming of the flowers, the wind would blow and unconsciously let Noble Consort Song inhale it into her body."


    After listening, Xiao Jingheng''s brows couldn¡¯t help but frown.


    While Song Zhao clutched her chest in horror and lost her voice, "Your Majesty... Someone wants to harm your concubine?"

 Chapter 108: The Plot 05

    <h4>Chapter 108</h4>


    The atmosphere in the hall was heavy and tense.


    Song Zhao still had lingering fear in her heart as she said, "Could it be someone close to me who did this? The flowers in my pce are all picked from the garden by Yunsan every day. I trust her as my personal maidservant..."


    Xiao Jingheng''s voice was cold as he replied, "I remember that you have a fondness for the Wee Spring flowers, and it seems this matter has already been tampered with from its source. Jiang Deshun, take people to the flower garden where the Wee Spring flowers are usually abundant and investigate."


    It didn''t take long for Jiang Deshun to uncover the truth. "Your Majesty''s spection was correct. The Wee Spring flowers in the garden have indeed been tampered with! Most of the flower buds have been contaminated with dirty substances."


    "Outrageous!" Xiao Jingheng''s anger shook the hall, causing all the pce attendants to kneel in fear.


    Song Zhao was even more frightened, her face pale as she looked at Xiao Jingheng, tears streaming down her face. She sobbed, "Your Majesty... I can''t think of anyone I have offended. Who would resort to such malicious means to harm me?"


    Xiao Jingheng wiped away her tears and suppressed his anger, soothing her gently, "Don''t worry, I will thoroughly investigate this matter and ensure justice is served."


    In his heart, Xiao Jingheng already had a suspect in mind regarding who might be responsible for this.


    Chu Yuanpan straightforwardly mentioned the incident with Song Zhao today, as well as the incident in the past involving Noble Consort Yang''s madness, suggesting a connection.


    The person who did this must be one of the elderly people in the pce.


    Currently, there are only a few people in the Warm Springs Vi, and there are only two elderly women: Consort Chen and Consort Shu.


    Consort Chen had conflicts with Song Zhao before, and her elder brother was the one who led the troops to defeat the Miao Territory. Obtaining Soul Scattering Powder, such a dirty item, would not be difficult for her.


    Although Xiao Jingheng believed there was a 90% chance that Consort Chen was behind this, he couldn''t directly use her.


    He said, "Jiang Deshun, go and summon Consort Chen and Consort Shu for me, tell them I have something to discuss with them. After they leave, conduct a careful investigation of their residences to see if anything is amiss."


    It was already past midnight, and the concubines should have already retired for the night. However, when Consort Chen and Consort Shu arrived, their appearances werepletely different.


    Consort Shu had a natural and unadorned face, wearing her sleeping gown, with a dazed look as if she had just woken up.


    On the other hand, Consort Chen was dressed in borate attire, her makeup vibrant, without any signs of haste. It was as if she had known that Xiao Jingheng would summon her tonight, so she deliberately dressed up.


    She was indeed beautiful, but it raised suspicions.


    However, she had her exnation, "I had just finished watching a y and was nning to freshen up and retire when Jiang Deshun came."


    She yawned and said wearily, "I wonder why His Majesty summoned me in the middle of the night. Is there something important to discuss?"


    "Is there a matter that needs to be attended to?" Consort Shu looked around in confusion and murmured, "Why isn''t Noble Consort Xiao here?"


    Xiao Jingheng''s expression remained calm, without answering their questions. He simply asked them to take a seat.


    After the two of them sat down, Consort Chen nced at Song Zhao and asked, "Noble Consort Song, what''s the matter with you? Your eyes are red, as if you have been crying."


    Consort Shu furrowed her brows and lowered her voice as she asked, "But what taboo did youmit to displease the Emperor?"


    Song Zhao timidly shook her head and then lowered her gaze, choosing not to say another word.


    The pce hall fell intoplete silence, so quiet that even the sound of breathing from those around seemed jarringly loud.


    This oppressive atmosphere persisted for about a quarter of an hour until there was movement outside the door.


    Jiang Deshun led two pce maids inside and presented a securely wrapped deep blue bag to Xiao Jingheng.


    In a deep voice, he said, "Reporting to the Emperor, this bag indeed contains Soul Scattering Powder!"


    With the incriminating evidence found, the case now had solid proof.


    Enraged, Xiao Jingheng grabbed the bag and hurled it towards Consort Chen.


    The bag hit the ground near Consort Chen''s feet, causing her to step back in fright. She eximed, "Your Majesty, what does this mean?"


    Xiao Jingheng''s sharp gaze fixed on Consort Chen, ready to reprimand her, but Jiang Deshun interjected, saying, "Your Majesty, please calm down. This... was found in Consort Shu''s residence..."


    His words shocked the entire hall.


    Especially Consort Shu.


    All eyes turned sharply towards her, and she asked Jiang Deshun in confusion, "This bag was found in my living quarters?"


    Jiang Deshun replied, "Indeed, it was found under the heated seat cushion in the Consort''s sleeping chamber."


    "But I have never seen it," Consort Shu inquired further, "And what exactly is Soul Scattering Powder?"


    "Soul Scattering Powder is a poison from the Miao Territory. Those who use it will unknowingly suffer from madness. Yang Noble Consort was killed by this substance in the past, and today, it was also found in Song Noble Consort''s residence," Jiang Deshun exined.


    Upon hearing this exnation, Consort Shu finally became fearful.


    Her terrified gaze met Xiao Jingheng''s stern scrutiny.


    Overwhelmed, she didn''t know what to do and hastily knelt on the ground, exining, "Your Majesty! This thing does not belong to me. I have never seen it before! I have no grievances with Noble Consort Yang or Noble Consort Song. Why would I plot to harm them?"


    Consort Chen seized the opportunity to pour dirty water on Consort Shu, even before Xiao Jingheng could speak. She eximed, "It wasn''t me! I never did such a wicked thing! Your Majesty, please see through this. I have nothing to do with this matter!"


    Xiao Jingheng''s face darkened. He stood up and approached Consort Shu step by step.


    Standing behind and in front of her, he looked at her with cold, indifferent eyes.


    Suddenly, he reached out and grasped Consort Shu''s chin, forcefully lifting her face,pelling her to meet his gaze.


    "Tell Us, why did these filthy things appear in your chambers?" he demanded.


    "I don''t know! I truly don''t know! I have never seen that bag before... Furthermore, I bear no grudge against Noble Consort Yang or Noble Consort Song. Why would I do such a thing?" Consort Shu pleaded earnestly, her face disying innocence, as if she genuinely had no knowledge of the matter.


    Deep down, Xiao Jingheng didn''t entirely believe that Consort Shu was responsible for these events.


    After all, she had never engaged in conflicts or rivalries with other concubines in the pce, despite her position.


    But the fact remained that Soul Scattering Powder was indeed found in her chambers...


    Xiao Jingheng grunted and forcefully pushed Consort Shu''s chin away, standing with his hands behind his back, exuding an imposing aura.


    Consort Shu fell to the ground, gasping for breath. After a moment, she suddenly shifted her gaze to Consort Chen.


    "Someone must be deliberately framing me in this matter!"


    Consort Chen locked eyes with her and spoke in a harsh tone, "Why are you staring at me? Do you think I want to harm you? Ridiculous!"


    As she spoke, Consort Chen raised her hand, intending to p Consort Shu.


    Song Zhao stood beside her and quickly intervened, "Your Majesty, please calm down. Let the Emperor decide on this matter."


    Just now, Xiao Jingheng had thrown a bag containing Soul Scattering Powder near Consort Chen''s feet.


    While Song Zhao was stopping Consort Chen, he identally kicked the bag.


    Consort Shu watched intently as the bag rolled, and in the flickering candlelight, it unexpectedly emitted a shimmering and radiant glow.


    She hurriedly said, "Your Majesty! There''s something wrong with this bag!"

 Chapter 109: Attainder

    <h4>Chapter 109</h4>


    Consort Shu struggled to her feet, strode forward to pick up the bag,


    She held the bag under the candlelight and turned it around, everyone could clearly see that the fabric used to make the bag reflected different colors as the light changed.


    "Your Majesty, look! This bag is made of shimmer brocade! The only one in the entire pce that you have rewarded shimmer brocade to is Consort Chen! How could I have gotten it?"


    Consort Shu handed the bag to Xiao Jingheng, then looked towards the astonished Consort Chen and yelled harshly:


    "Just yesterday I was wondering why you woulde to find me out of the blue. Now when I think about it, you must have hidden this filthy thing in my inner quarters at that time! Consort Chen! I have no grievance or enmity with you, why would you want to harm me like this!?"


    Just now Consort Chen was still overbearing, feeling that they had caught Shu red-handed this time and that she would surely be unable to defend herself and would have to admit defeat.


    But now the bag in Xiao Jingheng''s hands was clearly visible to her as well,


    That bag was indeed made of shimmer brocade!


    She panicked in her heart for a moment, and also felt strange...


    She clearly watched with her own eyes as Ying Xiang used a most ordinary piece of blue cloth to make this bag,


    Why would this thing turn into shimmer brocade after spending a night in Shu''s room?


    Seeing that Ying Xiang had the same frightened and baffled expression, Consort Chen quickly understood:


    Shu must have discovered something wrong early and used shimmer brocade to make an identical bag, just waiting to turn the tables on her!


    She quickly said: "Your Majesty, although you rewarded all the shimmer brocade to this concubine, I had already used it to make two outfits before the new year. The director of tailoring, Liu, can testify for this concubine! Besides, although this shimmer brocade was bestowed by Your Majesty, it is not uniquely one-of-a-kind in this world! If other consorts desire it, they can always find ways to obtain it!"


    Xiao Jingheng paid no heed to Consort Chen''s defense.


    He carefully examined the bag in his hand and discovered a patch of dried dark stains at the bottom of the bag.


    He passed the bag to Judge Chu, "Take a look, what is this stuff?"


    Judge Chu took a small silver spoon, scraped off some of the stains that had dried into powder, dissolved it in water,


    After confirming it was not poisonous, he dipped his fingertips in it and tasted a little, making a diagnosis,


    "Your Majesty, this should be Warm Yang Seed Soup, used to aid conception."


    He paused for a moment, inadvertently ncing at Consort Chen, said in a low voice: "I have only prescribed this form for Consort Chen recently..."


    Judge Chu''s words further substantiated the evidence against Consort Chen.


    All the proof had turned against her in an instant. She obviously did not expect this situation to ur. Shocked, she froze stiffly like a wooden stake, standing straight in her original spot.


    Consort Shu cried: "Back then you were jealous that Noble Consort Yang enjoyed favor, so you used despicable means to poison her to death! And now that Noble Consort Song has gained favor, you are rpsing again!


    Judge Chu said that Life Severing Powder came from Miao territory, your elder brother once led troops to attack Miao territory, if you wanted to obtain this substance, it would have been effortless. While my maternal family is far away in Longcheng, in the opposite direction of Miao territory, how could I possibly have the ability to acquire so much Life Severing Powder?


    This is clearly a repeat offense of your tricks, wanting to kill Noble Consort Song, and make me take the fall for you! Consort Chen! You really are quite the schemer!"


    Consort Shuid out her reasoning very clearly,


    Piece by piece, point by point, saying it sensibly, reasonably and coherently,


    Rendering Consort Chen speechless as she berated her.


    She could only muster her usual arrogance to put on an act.


    She shoved Consort Shu''s shoulders forcefully while cursing:


    "Despicable slut! How dare you falsely use me!"


    "Audacious!" Xiao Jingheng red at Consort Chen and yelled loudly: "Exin it clearly to me, why are there remains of medicine only you use sticking to this shimmer brocade bag?"


    Exin?


    Consort Chen didn''t even know what was going on herself, how could she exin?


    Seeing Xiao Jingheng''s explosive rage, she could only kneel on the ground crying injustice at first.


    State matters were already troublesome enough recently, yet his harem still caused him to be vexed day and night.


    Xiao Jingheng was truly fed up with headaches,


    He did not want to listen to Consort Chen''s nonsense any further, andmanded:


    "Come, take Consort Chen into custody. Interrogate all the pce maids serving her thoroughly in the dark prison. You must get to the bottom of this matter!"


    Consort Chen wailed, "Does Your Majesty really doubt that this concubine did it?"


    Song Zhao, who had been watching the show on the side, now also stepped in to say a sentence for Consort Chen:


    "Your Majesty, this matter is truly bizarre, shouldn''t we...."


    "Zhen will handle this properly." Xiao Jingheng waved his hand cutting off Song Zhao''s words, then harshly yelled at the servants, "Why aren''t you moving yet?"


    Seeing Jiang Deshun lead people to surround them, Consort Chen finally panickedpletely.


    If this matter was thoroughly investigated, ws would definitely be exposed from questioning people around her.


    If it further implicated her elder brother, wouldn''t that be disastrous?


    At this crucial moment, Ying Xiang suddenly knelt in front of Consort Chen and spread open her arms to shield her behind herself,


    "Your Majesty restrain your anger! My mistress has nothing to do with this matter!"


    She gritted her teeth and cried loudly: "All of this is solely this ve''s crime! I went behind my mistress'' back to take matters into my own hands. The Life Severing Powder that poisoned Noble Consort Yang and Noble Consort Song was administered by me!"


    For Ying Xiang to stand out at this time was clearly because she wanted to sacrifice herself to absolve Consort Chen.


    Admitting to these two incidents would surely lead to her death. And as Consort Chen''s personal servant she had served her since childhood. They were not ordinary mistress and servant.


    Consort Chen pulled at her and shook her head sorrowfully, "Ying Xiang, do not spout nonsense!"


    But Ying Xiang pushed Consort Chen away and crawled all the way to Xiao Jingheng''s feet, knocking her head ceaselessly on the floor.


    "Your Majesty restrain your anger! My mistress has nothing to do with this!"


    She gritted her teeth and cried loudly, "After Noble Consort Yang and Noble Consort Song gained favor, they would unt themselves smugly in front of my mistress! Your Majesty''s favoritism towards them was like a dagger, piercing deeply into my mistress'' heart! This ve sees my mistress hiding herself frequently to cry. How can I not feel aggrieved for her?"


    As she spoke, her forehead was bleeding profusely from knocking it on the floor.


    She red fiercely at Song Zhao and venomously said: "So I harbored evil intentions and plotted to poison Noble Consort Song! My mistress Consort Chen knew nothing about the entire matter! Consort Chen is the only one in the entire harem who truly cares for Your Majesty! Your Majesty must not doubt my mistress further, hurting her heart even more!"


    "Ying Xiang, I told you to stop talking!"


    Even an arrogant and willful person like Consort Chen had now cried herself hoarse.


    She held Ying Xiang in her embrace, putting on quite a show of deep affection between mistress and servant.


    Xiao Jingheng wasn''t stupid. How could he not see that this was abandoning a pawn to protect the king?


    But now was not yet the time to deal with Consort Chen.


    Seeing Xiao Jingheng breathing heavily, face darkened like iron from anger, Song Zhao took the tea from the dragon table and offered it to him.


    She knew Xiao Jingheng was in no mood for tea at this moment.


    But this cup of tea should still have another use.


    Sure enough, in his fury Xiao Jingheng picked up the tea cup as soon as it was offered and fiercely smashed it on the ground beside Consort Chen.


    Shards of porcin scattered, cutting a gash on Consort Chen''s wrist,


    Deeper and longer than the one on Song Zhao''s wrist that day...


    A fleeting smile shed at the corner of Song Zhao''s mouth. She knelt on the floor apprehensively, "Your Majesty calm your anger."


    Xiao Jingheng did not even want to nce at Consort Chen again. He solemnly decreed:


    "Pce maid Ying Xiang plotted to harm the noble consorts with malicious intent. Drag her out for lingchi execution! As for Consort Chen...failing to honor superiors and provide proper guidance to subordinates. Pass on my edict, stripping Consort Chen of her title and sending her back to the pce by nightfall. Zhen does not wish to see her again!"


    Stripping of title was an even harsher punishment than demotion.


    Consort Chen wept until her voice went hoarse. She grabbed Xiao Jingheng''s trouser leg, choking with sobs as she pleaded for mercy:


    "This concubine knew nothing about this matter, Your Majesty! Ying Xiang has served me since she was a child. She did this on a whim. Please spare her life, Your Majesty!"


    Xiao Jingheng shook her off with a kick, voice cold as he said:


    "Whether you knew or not, your own conscience is clear. If you plead for that lowly maid again, I will have people from the Supreme Court take over investigating this thoroughly!"


    Xiao Jingheng''s wordsshed Consort Chen''s heart like a heavy whip.


    When did the man who once held her and promised:


    Rest assured, Zhen will protect you in this life and not let you suffer grievances,


    Be the man who now kicked her aside, not even willing to look at her again?


    She copsed prone on the ground, as if her soul had been snatched away. Miserably mumbling:


    "Your Majesty... Can you really be so heartless?"


    Yet the only response she received was the pitiful cries of Ying Xiang as she was dragged away by the pce maidservants,


    and the soundless tears that fell from her eyes onto the ground...

 Chapter 110: Add a Fire

    <h4>Chapter 110</h4>


    That night, Song Zhao was still staying overnight at the Bitong Academy.


    After the farce had ended, it was almost dawn.


    The two of themy in bed, eyes open, each harboring unfathomable thoughts.


    Song Zhaoy curled against Xiao Jingheng, listening to his steady, powerful heartbeat, her soft fingers tracing circles on his smooth chest,


    "Thank you, Your Majesty, for protecting this concubine."


    Xiao Jingheng had an arm around her fragrant shoulder, his fingertips gently caressing the smooth skin of the young woman,


    "I said that as long as I am here, I won''t let you suffer any grievances."


    It sounded good,


    but Xiao Jingheng did not seem sincere when he said it.


    He looked very worried, not in high spirits at all.


    Later, Jiang Deshun reported from outside:


    "Your Majesty, the criminal maid Yingxiang has been executed. The convoy is currently at...at Consort Ning''s residence tidying up. They should escort Consort Ning back to the pce in about a quarter hour."


    Xiao Jingheng was silent for a while, then said, "It''s a mountain road back to the pce. Dawn will break in about an hour. Send her back after daybreak. Also, send several more guards to keep an eye on her along the way!"


    Jiang Deshun acknowledged the order and withdrew. Song Zhao also understood the implication behind Xiao Jingheng''s words.


    Send guards to watch over Consort Ning? Watch her do what?


    No matter how arrogant and willful she was, she was just a delicate woman. If Xiao Jingheng was sending her back to the pce, could she escape halfway?


    The so-called sending more guards was actually Xiao Jingheng''s covert way of saying to protect Consort Ning well, for fear that something might happen to her along the way.


    Everyone in the pce thought Xiao Jingheng favored Consort Chen because of her distinguished family background.


    Only Song Zhao did not think so:


    She had seen the lost look on Xiao Jingheng''s face when he passed by the Xin Yi Forest,


    She had seen his barely suppressed smile when he mentioned Consort Ning,


    She had seen him deprive Consort Ning of her title, yet he still held her in his arms absentmindedly.


    All these signs indicated that Consort Ning held a ce in Xiao Jingheng''s heart.


    So Song Zhao said, "Actually, I feel...this matter may have nothing to do with Consort Chen."


    "Whether Consort Ning knows about it or not, the people who tried to harm Noble Consort Yang and attempt the same on you again are from her pce." Xiao Jingheng sighed helplessly, his voice growing colder, "I used to think she was just a little arrogant, though mischievous, still cute. Now it seems that by indulging her again and again, I have only made her more unbridled."


    Just now, Song Zhao still called Consort Ning "Consort Chen", testing Xiao Jingheng''s attitude.


    Hearing him address her intimately as "Consort Ning", Song Zhao changed her form of address and said:


    "Perhaps Consort Ning really knows nothing about this matter? Your Majesty has already dealt with Yingxiang and stripped Consort Ning of her title, which is severe punishment. Please don''t hold it against her anymore?"


    Xiao Jingheng was surprised to hear this.


    He held Song Zhao tighter and looked down at her,


    "She almost killed you, yet you still plead for her?"


    "I feel Consort Ning is not that kind of person."


    Song Zhao nimbly flipped over andy on top of Xiao Jingheng like a soft kitten, her bright eyes full of pure innocence,


    "In my opinion, Consort Ning is just stubborn on the outside but soft on the inside. Does Your Majesty still remember when I first entered the harem and drew pockmarks all over my face to avoid your favor?


    At that time, the Pce Eunuch Office had already taken down my green que. It was Consort Ning who took pity on me and ordered the eunuchs to hang up my que again, thus beginning my fate with Your Majesty.


    Back then I was just a lowly invisible concubine in the harem. Consort Ning was willing to promote me even then and treat me like a sister. I have always felt she would not do anything so vicious."


    Song Zhao sounded sincere in her plea for Consort Ning.


    But when Xiao Jingheng heard this, it took on another meaning.


    The Pce Eunuch Office reported directly to the imperial household. Even the Empress could not interfere. How could Consort Ning get Song Zhao sent to Xiao Jingheng''s bed with just a word?


    It showed that Consort Ning actually had improper ties with those eunuchs.


    Xiao Jingheng did not show any reaction on the surface. He only said, "I also hope it''s not her."


    Song Zhao moved closer to Xiao Jingheng and fiddled with the beaded earrings she wore every day,


    "Didn''t Your Majesty praise how nice my beaded earrings look? They were actually gifted by Consort Ning. For her to bestow such fine beads on me... How could she harm me?"


    Xiao Jingheng knew Consort Ning well.


    A proud phoenix like her, why would she generously give such a valuable gift to Song Zhao for no reason?


    Add to that what Song Zhao said, which was also his suspicion ¡ª


    A woman in her prime, enjoying endless favor, yet still not pregnant after so long?


    The more Xiao Jingheng thought about it, the more doubtful he became of the beaded earrings that Song Zhao wore almost every day.


    He said casually, "As for children, sess depends on the time, location and people. Don''t be impatient. The earrings do look good on you, but the color seems somewhat muddy."


    "Really?" Hearing this, Song Zhao took off her earrings and spread them on her palm for closer inspection, "Oh my, I didn''t notice since I wear them every day. The color does look less vibrant than before."


    "Beaded earrings need regr maintenance to keep the beads shiny and new," Xiao Jingheng picked up the earrings, seemingly casual, from Song Zhao''s hand. "I''ll have Jiang Deshun send them to the Qiaozhen Workshop tomorrow to restore them. It''ll match you better."


    Song Zhao smiled sweetly. "Then thank you, Your Majesty."


    The next day at dawn after Song Zhao left, Xiao Jingheng called Jiang Deshun and asked him to check if there were any issues with the beaded earrings.


    Having served in the imperial presence for a long time, Jiang Deshun had handled many treasures before. He weighed the beads in his palm and immediately noticed something off about the weight. Looking closely, he discovered an almost invisible crack in the middle of the bead.


    Using a small pry bar to open the crack, a deep red powder began trickling out, apanied by a strong peculiar fragrance.


    Xiao Jingheng frowned, "What is this?"


    Jiang Deshun summoned Xiao Yinzi, who had expertise in fragrances, to identify the substance. Xiao Yinzi came to a conclusion as soon as he took over,


    "Your Majesty, this is musk!"

 Chapter 111: Death by Hand

    <h4>Chapter 111</h4>


    Afterward, there is no need for Xiaoyinzi to continue speaking.


    Musk, when used alone, can invigorate the blood and dispel stasis, but it is highly taboo for pregnant women.


    In the previous dynasty, the Imperial Concubine Jing once used this substance to plot against Consort Nn, who was carrying the heir to the throne.


    If unmarried women wear this substance for an extended period, it is highly likely to cause infertility. Even if they are already pregnant, it may lead to miscarriage.


    This powder bead was a gift from Consort Ning to Song Zhao, so it is evident who put the musk inside.


    Xiao Jingheng looked at the red powder in front of him and felt that it was ring, piercing his heart.


    His disappointment towards Consort Ning deepened even more.


    He ordered someone to remove the musk from the powder bead, seal it again with beeswax, and have it returned to Song Zhao.


    When the item was returned to Song Zhao, she didn''t even bother to look at it. She instructed Xiaofuzi to open the powder bead.


    She saw that the musk originally filled in the powder bead had been reced with white pearl powder.


    She remained calm and smiled without saying anything.


    As Xiaofuzi restored the powder bead, she exined, "Originally, Consort Ning added benzoin to this bead. It is harmless and calming, but it needs to be mixed with the patchouli from the Morning Dew Fragrance that Consort Yun sent. Only then will it have the effect of damaging a woman''splexion, causing infertility, and harming pregnancy.


    The young mistress took out the benzoin from the powder bead and added musk to it. Now that the Emperor has seen it and the musk inside has been reced with pearl powder, it indicates that he has discovered the problem. The young mistress wonders how the Emperor will deal with Consort Ning."


    Song Zhao leisurely took a sip of porridge before saying, "The Emperor won''t do anything. Both emotionally and logically, now is not the time for him to move against Consort Ning. I made the Emperor believe that it was Consort Ning who added musk to the powder bead, just to make him further alienate her. As long as Consort Ning loses favor, she will go to great lengths to regain the Emperor''s love. In this way, she won''t have the leisure to deal with me."


    Xiaofuzi bowed and eximed, "The young mistress is wise!" Then, she lowered her voice and asked cautiously, "May I ask how we should deal with that wretched servant?"


    Song Zhao wiped her mouth with a handkerchief and said in a cold voice, "Keep an eye on her. Don''t startle the snake. We''ll discuss everything when I return."


    After finishing breakfast, Song Zhao went alone to Consort Shu''s residence.


    She went to pay her respects, but as soon as she entered, Consort Shu hurriedly dismissed the attendants.


    After all the pce maids had left, Consort Shu personally helped Song Zhao up and smiled, saying, "There''s no need for excessive formalities between you and this pce. If it weren''t for you informing this pce about Consort Ning''s plot to harm this pce, it might have been this pce who was sent back to the pce... Thinking about it, you saved this pce."


    Song Zhao anxiously said, "I was also saving myself. Consort Ning forced me to use the Soul-Departing Powder and secretly threw the bag containing the powder into the Empress''s pce, intending to frame the Empress.


    If anything had really happened to the Empress, I couldn''t imagine what means Consort Ning would use in the future to force me to harm others. I don''t want to engage in immoral acts, nor do I want to be her pawn. That''s why I decided to inform the Empress about this matter."


    Consort Shu said, "To sum it up, I will remember your favor this time."


    Song Zhao never expected Consort Shu to remember any favor.


    In fact, Consort Ning''s recent blunder was not due to Consort Shu''s foreknowledge but because Song Zhao had informed Consort Shu about Consort Ning and her entire n in advance.


    Initially, Song Zhao and Consort Ning had joined forces to deal with Consort Shu.


    However, at thest moment, Song Zhao changed her mind.


    The reason was:


    Ever since Song Zhao found out that Xi Ying was a minion of Consort Ning, she had never fully trusted her.


    She had always had Xiao Fuzi secretly monitor everything Xi Ying did.


    On the day Song Zhao was preparing to go to the Bitong Academy, Xiao Fuzi informed her that she had seen Xi Ying surreptitiously putting something in her food.


    Later, after investigation, Xiao Fuzi confirmed that the substance Xi Ying had put in was Dispersing Soul Powder!


    The effects of ingesting Dispersing Soul Powder were drastically different from merely inhaling it.


    If Song Zhao hadn''t had someone keep an eye on Xi Ying and had unknowingly consumed those Dispersing Soul Powders, she would have likely ended up like Yang Guifei, a deranged and pitiful woman.


    Song Zhao quickly understood that Consort Ning wanted to take advantage of this opportunity to stage a real drama, making Song Zhao gopletely insane and eliminating someone who couldpete with her for favor. At the same time, Consort Ning could shift all the me onto Consort Shu, killing two birds with one stone.


    Xi Ying had always obeyed Song Zhao''s orders because Song Zhao had used her family as leverage.


    Now that Consort Ning ordered Xi Ying to poison Song Zhao, if Song Zhao truly became a lunatic, she would no longer be able to threaten Xi Ying.


    That''s why Xi Ying agreed to carry out this task for Consort Ning.


    Upon learning of this, Song Zhao decided to turn the tables.


    She was always a meticulous woman.


    She still remembered the humiliation when Consort Ning made her kneel at the Lianxin Terrace, treated her like a dog, and shattered a teacup, cutting her wrist.


    Given that she had given Consort Ning face, but Consort Ning rejected it, the best way to deal with someone who didn''t appreciate her kindness was to withhold it.


    So Song Zhao turned around and sold that face to Consort Shu.


    In this way, yesterday''s y at the Bitong Academy, where she turned the tables, came to fruition!


    After leaving Consort Shu''s ce, Song Zhao went to pay her respects to the Empress Dowager and spent the whole afternoon in prayer. By the time she returned to her residence, it was already dark outside.


    She reclined on a warm seat, ying with a piece of mossy stone she had picked up from who knows where, and instructed someone to bring Xi Ying in.


    As soon as Xi Ying saw her, her expression visibly turned anxious.


    Song Zhao lifted her gaze and examined her for a moment before smiling and saying,


    "Did I ever tell you what fate awaits those who betray me?"


    Song Zhao wasn''t insane,


    So Xi Ying also knew that her attempt to poison Song Zhao must have been exposed by now.


    Now that Consort Ning had been demoted back to the pce and no one could save her, Xi Ying could only kneel on the ground, crying and pleading with Song Zhao,


    "Please spare me, mydy! I was foolish for a moment! I won''t dare anymore. I realize my mistake, mydy!"


    Song Zhao casually tossed the piece of mossy stone in his hand, skillfully catching it again. He then stood up with a smile and approached Xi Ying, looking down at her from a higher position.


    "I gave you a chance, but you proved to be useless."


    "Master! This servant truly realizes her mistake, this servant..."


    "Bang!"


    Before Xi Ying could finish her words, Song Zhao raised the stubborn stone high in the air and ruthlessly smashed it towards her temple.


    The temple is the weakest part of the skull.


    With just one blow, Xi Ying fell to the ground, lifeless.


    Song Zhao lowered his gaze and calmly watched Xi Ying''s lifeless body. Then, he casually picked up a bouquet of flowers from the table and ced it tightly in Xi Ying''s hand.


    Afterpleting these actions, she coldly chuckled and brushed off the dirt from her palm.


    "Creak."


    Xiao Fuzi entered the room and heard Song Zhao say with a hint of sorrow, "While Xi Ying was gathering flowers for me, she identally slipped and fell from the slope, hitting her head on a stubborn stone. She couldn''t be saved."


    Xiao Fuzi hurriedly said, "Xi Ying was truly loyal. This servant knows what to do."


    As he spoke, he spat on Xi Ying''s lifeless body.


    Then, under the cover of darkness, Xiao Fuzi discreetly disposed of Xi Ying''s body by tossing it down the slope in the flower garden...

 Chapter 112: The Trouble Starts Again

    <h4>Chapter 112</h4>


    Xiyin''s death did not cause any waves.


    The people from the Internal Affairs Court casually rolled her up in a straw mat and threw her somewhere, not knowing where it ended up, treating her as if she were a pile of rotten meat.


    In this deep pce, anyone without power or influence could one day be rotten meat like her, with no exceptions.


    In fact, Song Zhao had a simple reason for plotting against either Consort Shu or Consort Ning this time.


    The precious imperial heir in Noble Consort Xiao''s womb, regardless of whether Consort Shu or Consort Ning wanted to harm the heir, they were likely to shift the me onto Song Zhao and make her the scapegoat.


    Now that Consort Ning has been sent back to the pce, only Consort Shu remains at the Hot Spring Mountain Vi.


    Although she has the intention, she probablycks the courage.


    These past few days, the weather at the Hot Spring Mountain Vi has been getting warmer day by day.


    December is nearing its end, and the cold winter ising to a close. The New Year is quietly approaching, and it''s about time for the imperial carriage to return to the capital.


    Noble Consort Xiao is now three months pregnant with the imperial heir, and her pregnancy is starting to show.


    Originally, Song Zhao wanted to avoid her, but she regarded Song Zhao as a good sister. If Song Zhao didn''te to her, she woulde to Song Zhao every day.


    As a result, Song Zhao had no choice but to pay a visit to Noble Consort Xiao every day after greeting the Empress Dowager.


    On this day, while apanying Noble Consort Xiao for lunch as usual, Song Zhao noticed that she kept unconsciously scratching her neck.


    She took a careful nce and saw some dry kes on Noble Consort Xiao''s neck, so she asked with concern, "Sister, what''s wrong?"


    Song Zhao leaned closer to get a better look, but Noble Consort Xiao suddenly became extremely guarded, clutching her cor tightly and shaking her head repeatedly. "It''s nothing... sister, we''ve almost finished our lunch. I feel a bit tired. Why don''t you go ahead?"


    She began pushing and shoving Song Zhao toward the door, afraid that she would linger for a moment longer.


    Song Zhao didn''t dare to push back or show any signs of excitement, afraid of harming the imperial heir in Noble Consort Xiao''s womb.


    She had no choice but toply. "Then rest well, sister. I''ll go first."


    Just before leaving, Song Zhao overheard Noble Consort Xiao hurriedly say to a pce maid, "Quickly prepare some water! I want to take a bath!"


    Song Zhao found it increasingly strange, but before she could dwell on it, she ran into Xiao Yinzi, a eunuch, head-on.


    Xiao Yinzi rushed over to her, clearly in a panic. "Consort Song! Something has happened, Consort Song!"


    "Xiao Gonggong, what''s the matter? Calm down and tell me slowly."


    "Consort, please go and persuade them at Bitong Academy. Your father has arrived, and the Emperor is furious with him!"


    Song Zhao furrowed her brows. "Exin clearly what happened. Why would my fathere for this? Is it about my mother?"


    Xiao Yinzi waved his hands repeatedly. "No, no! It''s not about that. The granary in the capital caught fire! As you know, the granary stored military provisions, and nearly one-fifth of the supplies were destroyed by the firest night. It''s a grave matter to touch military provisions, and whoever is involved in this will face severe consequences. That''s why the Emperor is furious."


    Upon hearing this, Song Zhao had a good idea.


    Wasn''t my nominal elder sister, Song Yue, deeply in love and passionately involved with the eldest son of the Ge family?


    And the master of the Ge family is actually the grain control officer appointed by the imperial court. When there''s an issue with military provisions, their entire family is implicated.


    Is Song Shicheng, this spineless man, really rushing to plead for his future son-inw?


    Song Zhao pretended to be confused and asked, "The protection of military provisions is not the responsibility of the Marquis of the Guard''s residence. Why is the Emperor angry with my father?"


    "Exactly! The eldest son of the grain control officer, Ge Zhongqi, is responsible for safeguarding the military provisions. The Emperor, in his anger, has surrounded the Ge family and wants to deal with Ge Zhongqi. But at this critical moment, Marquis of the Guard has arrived at the Hot Spring Mountain Vi to speak up and protect the Ge family."


    Xiao Yinzi was genuinely worried for Song Zhao. He pped his thigh anxiously, saying, "The Emperor is furious because of this matter. That''s why Master asked me to quickly bring you here and have you persuade your father. The Emperor is enraged, and Marquis of the Guard is adding fuel to the fire. Shouldn''t he discard his official hat?"


    Song Zhao didn''t care whether he kept his official hat or not.


    Song Shicheng would be better off without the chunk of meat hanging from his neck. It would serve him right if he provoked Xiao Jingheng and got beheaded.


    However, Song Zhao had to maintain her gentle andposed demeanor in front of Xiao Jingheng.


    So, she hurriedly followed Xiao Yinzi to Bitong Academy.


    She thought that upon arriving at Bitong Academy, she would witness Xiao Jingheng berating Song Shicheng.


    But to her surprise, as soon as they reached the entrance, she heard harmoniousughtering from inside.


    After Xiao Yinzi led her inside, Xiao Jingheng pointed at Song Shicheng, who was standing straight in the hall, and said with a smile, "Zhao''er, your father has made a rare visit to the Hot Spring Mountain Vi. Later, take him around. Tonight, I will host a banquet at Lianxin Terrace and have a good drink with Minister Song!"


    Song Shicheng sped his hands and bowed, saying, "I am grateful for Your Majesty''s kindness!"


    This puzzled Song Zhao.


    Didn''t Xiao Jingheng''s face show anger, and weren''t he and Song Shicheng arguing fiercely ording to Xiao Yinzi?


    How did they suddenly be so amicable and jovial in the blink of an eye?

 Chapter 113: All Things Lost 01

    <h4>Chapter 113</h4>


    Later, Song Zhao took Song Shicheng back to her residence, and couldn''t help but reprimand him a few words,


    "Father, are you really muddled? What does the Ge family''s affairs have to do with you? They have provoked such a great disaster, yet you came to plead with His Majesty for them? Do you think what happened to Mother did not annoy our Song family enough for His Majesty?"


    Song Shicheng sighed longly, and said helplessly: "Your elder sister and Young Master Ge have a marriage contract. When she heard about this, she cried and made a fuss, seeking death at home. As her father, what could I do? Could I just sit idly by?"


    "We should just sit idly by for this matter!" Song Zhao rarely took a tough stance in front of Song Shicheng,


    "The military rations being burned is a major military affair. If handled improperly, it could lead to the execution of entire households! On my way here, Uncle Yin told me that the reason the granary caught fire was because Ge Zhongqi, that prodigal son, was drinking and gambling with the soldiers in the granary. They got terribly drunk and knocked over an oilmp, thus causing the disaster!


    "With someone so negligent of his duties, what good would it do for my elder sister to marry into his family? My sister likes him, but can liking be eaten as food? It seems to me that not only would it not be edible, but it would also likely leave her unable to eat anything!"


    Song Zhao was quite angry, her words fierce, like a good daughter who only cared about the Song family.


    She held Song Shicheng''s hand tightly and pleaded:


    "If I were you, I would only hope to see that useless man clearly sooner, annul the engagement, and not let my elder sister marry into his family. It would be best if he died, which would conveniently end my elder sister''s thoughts about him!"


    Every word Song Zhao said was reasonable,


    and such obvious truths, how could Song Shicheng, who had lived most of his life, not understand?


    He slumped weakly into a chair, rested his palm on his forehead, sighed again and again,


    and after a long silence, he suddenly pped the table hard, extremely frustrated:


    "Do you think I want to get involved in this? But now, this is something I cannot not get involved in..."


    "Your elder sister... she is bearing that prodigal''s child!"


    Upon hearing this, Song Zhao was stunned silly,


    Her mind went nk, a buzzing sound kept ringing in her ears,


    She had to grab the edge of the table and stumble back two steps before she could barely sit down.


    "Illicit intimacy leading to a secret pregnancy, my elder sister is from a prestigious family after all, how could she be so muddled as to do something so absurd?"


    She acted very indignant, but in her heart she wished Song Yue would hurry up and marry into the Ge family to apany her beloved husband to the execution ground.


    And Song Shicheng?


    Thest time Song Zhao saw him, he had just started greying at the temples,


    but today when she saw him again, his temples had turned all white, his face full of worry.


    It was obvious he had been extremely anxious about his useless eldest daughter.


    "Things havee to this, as her father I have no other way. The n for now is for me to first use my position as Duke of Protector to protect the Ge family, then discuss what to do afterwards."


    Song Zhao asked: "Just now when His Majesty was talking to you, he was very amiable and treated you well. Father, what have you promised His Majesty to make him not pursue this matter?"


    Song Shicheng said: "Master Ge has assured me that he can increase the Capital City''s grain yield threefold next year. Just now, I pleaded to His Majesty with this reason before getting him to show exceptional favor."


    "Threefold!?" Song Zhao was shocked beyond belief, her bright eyes stared roundly, incredulously asking:


    "Father! Do you know what threefold means? Most of the Capital City¡¯s graines from Yu Province. This year, the Capital City had a severe winter, while Yu Province had a warm winter instead. As a result, the rice sparrows in the Capital City area would definitely fly to Yu Province to spend the winter, soe next spring, the number of rice sparrows in Yu Province will greatly increase.


    Rice sparrows mainly feed on rice, so when it''s time to sow seeds in spring, the out-of-control rice sparrows would have eaten up all the seeds. By harvest time in autumn, not to mention threefold, I wonder if you and Master Ge could even produce as much grain as this year!"


    Song Zhao''s analysis was quite reasonable,


    and Song Shicheng was no fool either, he understood this reasoning too, but he didn''t seem worried about this at all,


    "I have considered these matters. Back then when the Capital City had a rice sparrow infestation, didn''t the court have counter policies? Getting themon people to catch rice sparrows, paying one penny per bird, and before long the infestation was ovee. I discussed with Master Ge and we can take simr measures to get through the difficulties. Oh well, we''ll just take it as spending money to avoid disaster."


    "Get through difficulties? Even if father gets themoners to catch rice sparrows then, the grain yield would at best remain the same, could your catching match their voracious eating?"


    Song Zhao pondered briefly, and soon came up with a good solution:


    "Father, we want increased grain production, not to maintain it at the same level. Rice sparrows breed very quickly. By the time you start catching them in spring, it would be toote. While they are now spending winter in Yu Province, father should take action now!"


    Song Shicheng thought about it and felt Song Zhao''s words made sense, so he said:


    "After father enjoys the imperial banquet rewarded by His Majesty tonight, I will set off for Yu Province to make arrangements..."


    "Still waiting?" Song Zhao was visibly anxious. She suddenly stood up and paced around, "Father can have that imperial meal anytime, but now it''s already the end of the year, spring wille soon. The longer you wait, the more trouble there will beter! I''m afraid after you finish thatfortable meal, our entire Duke of Protector''s residence and the Ge family would have to obediently go in to eat the executioner''s meal!"


    She clutched Song Shicheng''s hand and pleaded:


    "Father, the situation is urgent, we really cannot wait!"

 Chapter 114: All Is Lost 02

    <h4>Chapter 114</h4>


    Fortunately, Song Shicheng was willing to take advice. However, he was extremely anxious after taking on such a difficult task. As a result, he imed to be unwell and resigned from Xiao Jingheng, then hurriedly returned home to pack his belongings. Apanied by his disciples, he rushed to Yu Province.


    Throughout the conversation between Song Zhao and Song Shicheng today, Xiao Fuzi was present, so he heard everything clearly. He knew that Song Zhao had always resented Song Shicheng''s indifference when Bai Shi was beaten to death by Jiang Shi, so he found Song Zhao''s support for Song Shicheng''s actions this time very unexpected.


    With a heavy heart, he pondered over this matter, his face showing deep concern. Song Zhao noticed and asked him, "What are you thinking about? The incense has already burned outside."


    Xiao Fuzi snapped out of his thoughts and tidied up the incense powder spilled near the incense burner before replying, "I was thinking, Young Master, you are truly benevolent. Despite how Master and Miss treated you in the past, you are still willing to support them in their time of need."


    Upon hearing this, Song Zhao gave a cold smile and said, "Of course, I will do my best to assist them. What use is it to annihte the entire Ge family now? Even if that useless Ge Zhongqi is dead, Song Yue, that debt-ridden girl, won''t die."


    She picked up a silver incense stick and casually toyed with the ashes in the incense burner, calmly stating, "Didn''t the eldest sister have a close rtionship with Ge Zhongqi? They were inseparable. Wouldn''t it be improper for her to marry anyone else? As someone from the same family, I must fulfill her wishes. How can an affectionate wife not apany her husband in death?"


    Song Zhao watched as the ashes in the incense burner reignited under her maniption, then she took a tea cup and poured all the cold tea into it.


    ''Sizzle~''


    The ashes were extinguished, and wisps of thin smoke enveloped Song Zhao''s ever-changing face.


    Her lips curved into an eerie smile as she said, "A family should always be in perfect harmony."


    Xiao Fuzi, witnessing Song Zhao''s expression, couldn''t help but shiver, feeling a chill run down his spine.


    He didn''t quite understand Song Zhao''s intentions, so he said, "Young Master, I''m sorry, but I don''t understand what you mean. The method you told Master about was clearly used during the management of the sparrow disaster in the capital before. Could there be any ws?"


    Song Zhao sneered, "Most of the people in the capital were engaged inmerce, and very few were truly impoverished. Moreover, the sparrow disaster urred in the early spring when many people had their own work to do. Hardly anyone would catch sparrows for a mere penny. So, at that time, less than ten thousand sparrows were caught, and the sparrow disaster eventually subsided."


    She paused for a moment, lifting her bright eyes to look at Xiao Fuzi, and said, "Let me ask you this, how do you think this method would work in Yu Province?"


    Xiao Fuzi supported his chin and pondered for a moment before replying, "Most of Yu Province consists of farmers who face the yellow earth every day, focusing mainly on agriculture, with few engaged inmerce. Moreover, they don''t have much silver in their hands."


    Let them go catch the Reed Sparrows for a mere one wen each, and they will surely flock to it like ducks. Moreover, Reed Sparrows are easy to catch during winter, as one catch can yield an entire nest. Since the farmers don''t cultivate during winter, this is a great opportunity to earn money. They will definitely act collectively and catch all the Reed Sparrows in Yu Province."


    "Indeed," Song Zhao nodded approvingly, "If Father employs the same method used in the capital in Yu Province, I guarantee that within half a month, all the Reed Sparrows in Yu Province will be caught. Let me ask you this: if the Reed Sparrows are all caught, does that mean there will be nothing left for them to eat, such as rice?"


    "Yes..." Xiao Fuzi replied without hesitation, but as he observed the sinister smile on Song Zhao''s face, he quickly realized something was amiss and cautiously said:


    "Reed Sparrows eat rice, but they are also natural enemies of locusts! If the Reed Sparrows in Yu Province are truly all caught, when summer arrives and the locust gue ensues, it will be far worse than the Reed Sparrows! It''s possible that this year Yu Province will have a harvest failure!"


    Song Zhao maintained a calm smile and raised an eyebrow at him, saying:


    "So, do you still think my idea is a good one?"


    Only then did Xiao Fuzi realize the depth of his young master''s scheme...


    If Song Shicheng truly lets the people of Yu Province catch the Reed Sparrows, there will undoubtedly be a locust gue when summeres.


    If the entire Yu Province has a harvest failure, not to mention the Ge Family, even the Song Family will face extermination!


    However, in doing so, although revenge would be obtained, Yu Province possesses one-third of Qi Dynasty''s farnd. If Yu Province fails to harvest, Qi Dynasty will undoubtedly experience a famine.


    It would result in widespread suffering and starvation, a great cmity!


    Xiao Fuzi couldn''t me Song Zhao for anything, so he could only tactfully say, "Young Master, this n is indeed ingenious! If Yu Province suffers a harvest failure, it will anger the emperor, and the Duke of Protector''s Mansion and the Ge Family will have to pay the price. However... it will be a bitter oue for themon people."


    "Rest assured, it won''t happen," Song Zhao said confidently, with an air of certainty. "Once the situation esctes, someone will report it to the court. As long as the court deploys troops in advance to catch an appropriate number of Reed Sparrows from other regions and bring them to Yu Province, not only will Yu Province not suffer a harvest failure, but the reduction in Reed Sparrow poption will lead to increased grain production, and the people will have more abundant lives."


    She looked out of the window at the azure sky and said in a deep voice:


    "I only want to ensure that those who have wronged my mother and me receive the retribution they deserve. I hold no grudges against the innocent people in this world. I won''t harm a single innocent life for the sake of revenge against evildoers."


    Hearing this, Xiao Fuzi finally understood his own narrow-mindedness.


    He felt deeply guilty and bowed deeply to Song Zhao, saying,


    "Young Master, your nning is impable, and your concern extends to the whole world. I admire you!"

 Chapter 115: New Tricks

    <h4>Chapter 115</h4>


    The day of the Emperor''s return to the capital was set for December 23rd.


    With only three days left, Song Zhao began to make preparations in advance.


    On this day, while Xiao Fuzi was tidying up the qin box in the inner chamber, a jade tassel identally fell out.


    Yun Shan, who was arranging clothes, noticed themotion and nced over. Seeing the jade tassel on the ground, she quickly put down her work and rushed over. "Oh! Why are you always so clumsy?"


    She hurriedly picked up the jade tassel and blew on it, making sure it was undamaged before finally heaving a sigh of relief.


    "Thank goodness it''s not damaged. If it were, you would have been in trouble, young master!"


    Xiao Fuzi looked at the seemingly ordinary jade tassel, which wouldn''t attract much attention even if it were thrown into Song Zhao''s jewelry drawer, and asked, "Is this jade tassel very important to the young master? It looks like an ordinary trinket."


    "What do you know?" Yun Shan rolled her eyes at Xiao Fuzi. "It was a gift from Sister Tong to the young master, so it''s precious to him."


    "Sister Tong? I''ve never heard of her."


    Yun Shan carefully put away the jade tassel and exined, "She''s the daughter of Lord Tong from Jiangdu. Lord Tong and our master were very close friends. When our master used to return to the capital for official business, he often stayed at our mansion. But you were already sent to the pce back then, so you wouldn''t know. At that time, Madam Bai had just passed away, and thedy of the house treated the young master poorly, often beating and scolding him."


    "During that time, Sister Tong happened to be staying at our mansion. When she saw this, she asked the young master to live with her, and they spent their days and nights together, so no one could bully the young master anymore. Sister Tonges to the capital every spring and stays at our mansion for a while. The young master always looks forward to it."


    "The young master has had such a close friend since childhood. The things she gives him are naturally treasured by him."


    "Lord Tong from Jiangdu? Isn''t he the Admiral of the Navy?" Xiao Fuzi scratched his head. "I heard he only has one daughter, so she should be entering the pce along with the young master. Why isn''t she here?"


    Yun Shan shook her head. "Who knows? If we go by the rules, it should have been the youngdy entering the pce this time, but in the end, it was the young master who went instead. Anyway, stop talking about it and let''s finish getting things ready. Let''s not discuss matters concerning the master."


    The two of them quickly and efficiently tidied up the things outside.


    Suddenly, Xiao Fuzi remembered something and asked, "By the way, why didn''t you apany the young master to Bitong Academy today to have lunch with the Emperor?"


    "Guess why?" Yun Shan yfully circled around Xiao Fuzi and suddenly pulled out a brand new in handkerchief from her sleeve, waving it in front of Xiao Fuzi''s eyes. "Here, it''s for you!"


    Xiao Fuzi nkly took the handkerchief, noticing the embroidered pattern of bamboo, symbolizing safety and peace. He was pleasantly surprised. "Is this... your handiwork?"


    "You''ve got a good eye! Do you like it?" Yun Shan proudly raised her chin at him. "You better keep it safe. Besides the young master, I haven''t given embroidered patterns to anyone else yet!"


    Xiao Fuzi hurriedly tucked the handkerchief close to his body, tucking it into his clothes. As he did so, he felt his own chest, and his heartbeat was... really intense.


    Yun Shan said, "I''ve finished tidying up here. You go to the waiting room, and I''ll prepare a couple of small dishes. The Young Mistress asked Doctor Zhang and remembered that today is your birthday. When the Young Mistress returns, she has good news for you. You can secretly celebrate."


    After saying that, she hummed a little tune and happily went into the small kitchen.


    Xiao Fuzi watched her joyful figure as she left, and suddenly a warm feeling surged in his heart, causing tears to well up in his eyes.


    Being a servant for so long, being humiliated, squeezed, and scolded were allmonce.


    Before he met Song Zhao, he couldn''t even have a decent meal, let alone celebrate his birthday.


    Over the years, he had long forgotten what day his birthday was.


    But Song Zhao remembered for him.


    His nose tingled, and he wiped away the tears. In his heart, he silently vowed:


    In the future, he must serve Song Zhao even better. Even if it meant sacrificing his life, he would protect her and take care of her for the rest of her life.


    *


    On one side, Yun Shan and Xiao Fuzi''s small kitchen was bustling,


    On the other side, inside the Bitong Academy, Song Zhao and Xiao Jingheng enjoyed their lunch with relish.


    Xiao Jingheng''s love for Song Zhao gradually manifested through the small details of their daily interactions.


    He didn''t like seafood and always disliked its fishy smell.


    But knowing that Song Zhao liked it, today''s lunch included stir-fried prawns, braised bird''s nest with wings, and steamed dragon grouper, none of which were left out.


    At this moment, he even peeled the prawn shells and removed the prawn veins, then handed the delicious and plump prawn meat to Song Zhao''s lips.


    As Song Zhao lightly bit into the prawn meat, she intentionally pressed her lips against Xiao Jingheng''s fingertips.


    Xiao Jingheng saw her seductive eyes, every frown and smile making it impossible for him to resist falling into a state of intoxication. His desire grew even stronger.


    He had been fascinated by many women before,


    But there had never been a woman who could captivate him for so long.


    Only Song Zhao was the exception.


    His thumb traced the corner of Song Zhao''s lips, gently caressing, and smiled at her with sparkling eyes.


    Song Zhao felt a bit rude and hurriedly said, "Did I make a fool of myself?"


    She thought there was oil stain on the corner of her lips and immediately took out a handkerchief to wipe it away.


    But Xiao Jingheng stopped her, saying, "Enjoy your meal in peace. I like seeing you as a lovely cat, very charming."


    "Your Majesty, are you teasing me again..."


    Later, when they had nearly finished their lunch, the two of them strolled hand in hand in the courtyard. Xiao Jingheng said to her,


    "For your promotion, because we''re in the countryside, we can only keep it simple. But once we return to the pce, I won''t skimp on the rewards you deserve. They will only increase, not decrease."


    "Your Majesty, I..."


    "I know that what you desire is not these material things, but giving them to you is my heartfelt intention. You must not refuse."


    Song Zhao smiled yfully, "Who said I would refuse? I am naturally greedy. I still feel that those material things are not enough. I want to ask Your Majesty for another favor."


    Xiao Jingheng''s tone slightly rose, "Oh? Do tell."


    "Darling...," Xiao Jingheng suddenly stopped in his tracks. He tiptoed and leaned close to Song Zhao''s ear, exhaling a gentle fragrance of orchids. In an instant, a sweet kissnded on Xiao Jingheng''s right cheek.


    "I have obtained the favor I desired, thanks to His Majesty," she whispered.


    Though inherently beautiful, in the warm afternoon sunlight, Song Zhao smiled like a mischievous child.


    Xiao Jinghengughed openly and effortlessly embraced the beauty, holding her chin firmly. His voice, low and hoarse, murmured, "Did you read the book I gave youst time?"


    Upon hearing his words, Song Zhao blushed deeply, her cheeks burning.


    A few days ago, Xiao Jingheng had given her a book, but it was "Fragrant Shadows in the Warm Bed." The illustrations depicted amorous encounters between men and women.


    "Oh, Your Majesty," Song Zhao yfully pouted and lightly pped Xiao Jingheng''s chest, "When you sent the book, you deliberately folded a page. Were you specifically asking me to examine it closely?"


    "Hahaha, my intelligent consort, who prides herself on being well-read and knowledgeable, should naturally be perceptive and learn independently."


    Xiao Jingheng nodded approvingly, leaning closer to her, his nose touching her delicate neck. His scorching breath filled the air, causing Song Zhao''s body to tremble slightly.


    "So tonight, I may test your knowledge and see how much you have learned."

 Chapter 116: Meet King Ann Again

    <h4>Chapter 116</h4>


    In the afternoon, Xiao Jingheng still had to meet with court officials, so even though he had the intention and ability, he had to temporarily "let go" of Song Zhao for now.


    After leaving Bitong Academy, Song Zhao saw that it was almost time for the Empress Dowager''s afternoon rest, so she went to the Bamboo Hall to pay her respects.


    To save some distance, Song Zhao chose a shortcut through the Purple Bamboo Forest from Bitong Academy to the Bamboo Hall.


    After walking through the bamboo forest for a considerable distance, Song Zhao suddenly heard a strange roar that shook the birds in the forest, causing the tender leaves to flutter down.


    Song Zhao was startled for a moment and looked around in bewilderment.


    Finally, her gaze met a pair of dazzling golden eyes.


    Right in front of her, a ck panther emerged!


    The ck panther''s fur was sleek and glossy, like satin.


    Its teeth were sharp, its ws thick and sharp.


    Song Zhao was initially very frightened, but when she saw the string of bells around the panther''s neck, her nervousness eased slightly. The fact that it wore bells indicated that it was not a wild beast but a domesticated one.


    However, even domesticated animals can be aggressive, despite their docile nature.


    Song Zhao watched the panther''s every move and slowly took off the hairpin that was holding her bun, tightly gripping it in her hand.


    The previously docile panther may have been provoked by her action, as it suddenly roared angrily and charged towards her like a madman.


    The panther''s roar sent shivers down one''s spine.


    Song Zhao, despite herposure, was still a weak woman, and how could she not be afraid when faced with such a scene?


    Her hand trembled, and the hairpin fell to the ground.


    "Ah!"


    She was so frightened that her legs went weak. She let out a cry, furrowing her brows, closing her eyes, and remaining motionless.


    "A Huan, stop fooling around."


    At this critical moment, a clear and unrestrained voice of a young man reached Song Zhao''s ears.


    Somehow, upon hearing this voice, she inexplicably felt a sense of reassurance.


    She slowly opened her eyes and saw that the ck panther had stopped just a yard away from her, obediently lying on the ground and licking its paws with its bright red tongue.


    Behind it, another slender figure appeared.


    Song Zhao''s gaze slowly settled on the man who walked towards her.


    He was dressed in a fitted brown shirt, with a jade pendant hanging from his waist. His gait exuded an air of nonconformity.


    As her gaze moved upward, she noticed his well-defined eyebrows, starry eyes, straight nose, thin lips, and a fresh green bamboo leaf in his mouth, giving him a slightly roguish charm as he smiled at Song Zhao.


    At a nce, Song Zhao recognized him.


    This man was none other than Prince An, Xiao Jingyan, who had a brief encounter with her at Xiao Jingheng''s birthday banquet.


    The sunlight pierced through the cracks in the bamboo forest, breaking into scattered golden rays that fell disorderly on Xiao Jingyan.


    With his head slightly raised, he disyed the vigor of youth.


    The prominent Adam''s apple moved up and down as he put on a carefree expression, waving his hand towards Song Zhao and uttered, "Lady Song, greetings."


    Song Zhao didn''t know why Xiao Jingyan appeared in the Purple Bamboo Forest at this moment,


    She only knew from the rumors in the streets that this Prince An was azy and idle scoundrel, taking advantage of Xiao Jingheng''s favoritism towards him. He would often indulge in debauchery and misbehavior, and his reputation in the capital was already rotten.


    Song Zhao naturally wanted nothing to do with such a person.


    So, she hastily uttered, "Prince An," and hurriedly walked away, taking quick steps.


    But as she passed by Xiao Jingyan, she heard him teasingly say,


    "Even nobledies can be afraid?"


    Song Zhao ignored him and quickened her pace.


    But he chuckled even more, "A nobledy who isn''t even afraid of death, how could she be afraid of a big cat?"


    Upon hearing this, Song Zhao furrowed her brows and was forced to stop.


    With her back turned to Xiao Jingyan, she solemnly said,


    "I don''t understand what you''re saying, Your Highness."


    Xiao Jingyan sauntered over to Song Zhao''s side, found a slightly thicker bamboo stick, and casually leaned on it.


    "I, this young master, happened to stumble upon the flower garden five days ago when I was returning from the manor after drinking with my imperial brother," he said, spitting out the leaf that was between his lips. The bamboo leaf spun perfectly in the air andnded right on the forehead of the ck panther named A Huan.


    "Meow~"


    A Huan suddenly let out a cat''s cry, raising its head and lowering its eyelids, looking aggrieved.


    "Stay put," Xiao Jingyan dismissed it, then turned back to Song Zhao, lowering his voice with a mischievous smile.


    "In the flower garden, I happened toe across someone disposing of a corpse. Hiss... It seems that person was a eunuch from the nobledy''s side."


    !!!


    Upon hearing this, Song Zhao''s heart skipped a beat...


    Of course, she couldn''t admit to this matter, and her brain quickly raced toe up with a n.


    She knew that even if Xiao Jingyan saw it, by now it had been many days since the incident, and Xie Ying''s corpse had already decayed. There was no way to verify the truth.


    Moreover, if Xiao Jingyan wanted to inform Xiao Jingheng, he would''ve done so long ago, without waiting until now.


    So she forced herself to remain calm and said,


    "Your Highness is mistaken. Little Fuzi went to save someone, not dispose of a corpse."


    Xiao Jingyan leisurely observed Song Zhao for a while, then lightly bounced back a step, instantly standing in front of her.


    He leaned down, his nose almost touching Song Zhao''s face, which startled her, causing her to quickly retreat several steps.


    "Your Highness!" she eximed.


    Seeing her flustered and at a loss, Xiao Jingyan smiled triumphantly and mischievously, "Whether it''s disposing of a corpse or saving someone, in any case... the nobledy has lied to my imperial brother~"


    Song Zhao finally realized that


    this man was truly aplete madman.


    Continuing to entangle with him would only be detrimental to herself, so she spoke in a cold voice,


    "I don''t understand what you''re saying. If you think it was Little Fuzi who had a dispute with Xie Ying and identally killed her, then you should inform the Pce Affairs Department and let them thoroughly investigate. I''m in a hurry to pay respects to the Empress Dowager. Your Highness, please excuse me."


    "Ah! Let me finish what I have to say first!"


    Xiao Jingyan grabbed Song Zhao''s arm,


    Song Zhao struggled hard and managed to break free from his grip, which wasn''t exerting any force,


    But because her movement was too sudden, her unfastened hairpin caused her hair bun to instantlye apart.


    Silken ck hair cascaded down her shoulders like a waterfall, swaying gently in the forest breeze, carrying a faint scent of jasmine that wafted into Xiao Jingyan''s nostrils.


    He nced at Song Zhao for just a moment, but it felt like an eternity.


    Realizing his rudeness, he quickly averted his gaze.


    Just then, he noticed a silver hairpin glimmering in the sunlight by his feet. With a flick of his toe, he kicked the hairpin up and caught it skillfully, then returned it to Song Zhao with an elegant flourish.


    "Your hairpin, mydy."


    Blushing, Song Zhao epted the hairpin without a word of thanks and hurriedly walked away, her hair still in disarray.


    However, Xiao Jingyan followed her like an unwanted shadow, incessantly pestering her along the way.


    "Mydy, please don''t be angry. This matter can remain a secret, but I need a favor from you as repayment for this act of kindness."


    Song Zhao''s face was full of disgust, as if she had encountered a gue. She refused to even look at Xiao Jingyan.


    But as they were about to leave the Purple Bamboo Forest, Song Zhao realized that if Xiao Jingyan continued to pester her like this, it would invite gossip and spection.


    So she halted abruptly, raised her head, and red at Xiao Jingyan, her voiceced with irritation.


    "What exactly do you want to do!?"


    "Hehe," Xiao Jingyan chuckled, raising his index finger to rub the tip of his nose. With a mischievous grin on his face, he replied,


    "It''s quite simple, mydy. I need you to help me...mit a little theft."

 Chapter 117: A Lot of Bad People

    <h4>Chapter 117</h4>


    Xiao Jingyan''s words were utterly outrageous.


    "You want me to be a thief?"


    Song Zhao was quite surprised, as if she had heard an unbelievable joke. She smiled helplessly and said,


    "With your status as a prince, why would you need to steal any rare treasures? You just have to utter a word, and countless treasures will be delivered to you on a silver tter. As a mere pce concubine, what can I do to help you?"


    "You''re right, but what I need this time can only be obtained with the help of someone influential like you."


    Xiao Jingyan leaned in closer to Song Zhao, lowering his voice and murmuring, "Because what I want is the Empress Dowager''s Tianji Secret Order."


    His warm breath poured into Song Zhao''s ears, sending shivers down her spine.


    It wasn''t because of his deep and captivating voice, but rather the mention of the "Tianji Secret Order" that made Song Zhao''s scalp tingle with fear.


    "Are you out of your mind?" Her expression turned serious, and her voice was even lower than Xiao Jingyan''s. "The Tianji Secret Order is the only key that can control the Tianji Office. They obey the orders but not the person. The Empress Dowager keeps it close to her. How can I..."


    "The influential can find a way," Xiao Jingyan interrupted Song Zhao, smiling calmly. "The Empress Dowager is unwilling to get close to anyone except for someone influential. Amongst the entire pce, only someone as clever as you can stealthily steal the Tianji Secret Order without anyone noticing. Don''t worry, I will take just two days, and I guarantee that it won''t cause any trouble for you, mydy."


    Even if Xiao Jingyan talked until he was blue in the face, there was no way Song Zhao could help him in this matter.


    Asking her to be a thief was already beyond belief, but to ask her to steal something from the Empress Dowager?


    If anything went wrong, not only would she be in danger, but even Xiao Jingyan, the prince, wouldn''t survive!


    This person was simply a madman!


    "I can''t do this task, nor do I have the ability to do it. Your Highness, you should seek help elsewhere."


    Song Zhao firmly refused Xiao Jingyan. Just as she was about to leave, she heard Xiao Jingyan mutter under his breath from behind her,


    "Alright, since the influentialdy is unwilling to help, then I can only go and tell the emperor. I''ll let him know that the influentialdy''s stepmother was whipped to death by her own hands."


    "You..." Song Zhao sharply turned around, her sharp gaze meeting Xiao Jingyan''s yful eyes, leaving her momentarily speechless.


    A mysterious chill crept into her cor, spreading through her body, chilling her to the core.


    The young man in front of her was about the same age as her, with a carefree expression and a smooth tongue.


    But how could such a rascal, as described by others, know so many of her secrets?


    Song Zhao couldn''t help but take in a cold breath:


    When did he start keeping an eye on her?


    Xiao Jingyan wanted the Tianji Secret Order, so he must have started secretly watching Song Zhao as soon as he learned about her connection to the Empress Dowager.


    The Hot Spring Vi was located outside the pce and didn''t have the same level of strict security.


    If a nobleman truly had the intention, it wouldn''t be difficult to assign secret guards to watch someone for twelve hours a day.


    So...


    During Song Zhao''s time at the Hot Spring Vi, had everything she did beenpletely exposed to Xiao Jingyan?


    She had thought she had been cautious enough,


    But she could defend against an open attack, not a hidden enemy.


    Her journey to contend for power and position in the harem had just begun.


    If Xiao Jingyan were to go to Xiao Jingheng now and talk nonsense, not only would she lose favor, but her head might also be at risk of relocation!


    Fortunately, at this moment, Xiao Jingyan still had a request for her, so he wouldn''t act recklessly.


    Xiao Jingyan pretended to shiver under Song Zhao''s icy gaze and jokingly said, "Your expression is as if you want to kill me. Rest assured, there are ways for the people in the pce to survive, and I don''t really care what you do as long as you can keep it hidden from the Crown Prince. I promise you, as long as you help me this time, in the future, you can go your own way and I''ll go mine. I won''t bother you anymore."


    Xiao Jingyan''s every word and action exuded an untimely ruffian air,pletely devoid of any imperial dignity.


    It was precisely because of this that Song Zhao understood even more clearly that if she didn''t go along with him today, she would definitely not have a good oue.


    After thinking for a while, she calmly said, "Alright, I agree."


    "Great~" Xiao Jingyan pped his hands with a smirk, "Then, I''ll be waiting for good news from you, mydy~"


    Having said that, he called out to Ah Huan and intended to leave with his ''big cat''.


    Song Zhao acted quickly and swiftly grabbed the jade pendant that Xiao Jingyan had tied around his waist.


    Xiao Jingyan''s movement was a beat slow, and he furrowed his brow and reached out to Song Zhao, saying, "Give it back."


    Song Zhao smiled lightly and yed with the jade pendant in her hand. "There are some floral patterns on this. When I was at home, my father mentioned it by chance. Thete emperor obtained a jade pendant with floral patterns, with translucent jade and rare craftsmanship. It is a unique treasure in the world. My father, who loves pleasure, once asked thete emperor for it, but thete emperor had already given it to the prince before him.


    The prince wants me to do something for you, so he must give me some assurance. If I help the prince and he breaks his promise afterward, wouldn''t I have no means to deal with the prince at all?


    If the prince gives me this jade pendant, in the future, if the prince breaks his promise, I will have someone throw this jade pendant into a brothel and set the brothel on fire, leaving the me on the prince."


    Xiao Jingyan paid no attention to what she was saying and rolled up his sleeves, preparing to snatch it back.


    Meanwhile, Song Zhao held the jade pendant high and threatened him, saying, "If the prince approaches again, I will smash this jade pendant. We''ll just part ways immediately."


    She smiled at Xiao Jingyan, raised an eyebrow calmly, and said, "Do you want the Tianji Secret Order or the jade pendant, Your Highness? Choose for yourself."


    "Roar!"


    Ah Huan arched its body and let out a low roar toward Song Zhao.


    Before it could disy its power, Xiao Jingyan forcefully patted its head,


    causing Ah Huan to cry out in pain and shrink behind Xiao Jingyan with a pitiful look.


    "Alright, let''s go with your idea," Xiao Jingyan readily agreed and added, "Today is the 20th, and ten days from now is New Year''s Eve. I''ll give you ten days. On the night of New Year''s Eve, there will be a pce banquet. When I enter the pce to attend the banquet, I hope you can deliver the Tianji Secret Order into my hands."


    Song Zhao calmly responded, "Understood."


    Having said that, she securely tucked away the jade pendant and quickly distanced herself from Xiao Jingyan.


    Later that day, when Song Zhao returned to her residence, she didn''t me Xiao Fuzi for his ipetence, nor did she mention anything about what happened earlier at all.


    How could she me Xiao Fuzi for being careless?


    After all, even she had exposed herselfpletely in front of Xiao Jingyan. If anyone is to me, it can only be her own negligence andck of caution.


    Tonight was supposed to be the night Song Zhao would attend to Xiao Jingyan, but Xiao Yinzi came and said that Xiao Jingheng and the Prince of An had gotten drunk, so they retired early for the night.


    As Song Zhaoy alone on the bed at night, she tossed and turned, unable to fall asleep no matter what she did.


    Whenever she closed her eyes, she would see the handsome yet detestable face of Xiao Jingyan in her mind!


    What does he want as a carefree and idle king with the Tianji Secret Order in his possession?


    Fortunately, the Tianji Secret Order can only govern the imperial consorts and has no influence over the court''s affairs.


    If he wants it, then let him have it. It won''t cause any majormotion.


    However, Song Zhao has always disliked being threatened.


    She thought to herself:


    In the future, I muste up with a n.


    I have to make that scoundrel submit before me, only then can I finally relieve the pent-up frustration in my chest...

 Chapter 118: Show the Edge Again

    <h4>Chapter 118</h4>


    Three days passed by in the blink of an eye.


    Today was the day His Majesty would return to the Capital City from the Hot Spring Mountain Vi.


    Early in the morning, the convoy set out from the Hot Spring Mountain Vi towards the imperial city.


    There had been no snowfall in the Capital City for over a dozen days, and the umted snow in the suburbs had already melted.


    Therefore, there was no need to take the Main Street for His Majesty''s return trip, instead taking a winding mountain route to save some mileage.


    Midway they rested for a night, and the next morning at dawn His Majesty arrived back at the pce.


    The main body of troops entered through Wu Gate. The Empress and a host of consorts waited in attendance to greet them early on.


    When Xiao Jingheng and the others got out of the pnquin, the Empress, with joy spread all over her face, was the first to step forward and greet them,


    "Your Majesty has been away for over a month, Your Lady misses you dearly."


    Xiao Jingheng gently replied, "Is everything well in the pce?"


    The Empress nodded repeatedly, "With Your Majesty''s great fortune''s protection, of course all is good."


    Xiao Jingheng squeezed the Empress''s hand tightly, "The Empress works hard."


    Today the Empress was exceptionally busy.


    After greeting Xiao Jingheng, she went to pay her respects to the Empress Dowager, "Empress Dowager, was your body able to bear the journey? Your Lady prepared an incense of repose early this morning in your pce, best for alleviating bodily fatigue. I will send Empress Dowager to your pceter and give you a good shoulder and nape massage, beating your back to rx you."


    The Empress Dowager smiled and said: "The Empress is kind, but managing the affairs of the consorts must already take up much of your time. Now that the Emperor has returned, you should apany His Majesty well in your pce. As for me..."


    As the Empress Dowager turned to look at Song Zhao standing to the side, she continued, "I''ll just trouble Noble Consort Song to attend me."


    Song Zhao quickly replied, "It is my good fortune to be able to serve Empress Dowager, where is there any trouble in this? Empress Dowager jests."


    "This is good too, Noble Consort Song is gentle and considerate, best at understanding people''s thoughts." The Empress looked towards Song Zhao, alsoughing as she spoke, "This pce has yet to congratte you, now having be a Noble Consort. You must attend His Majesty and Empress Dowager even better in the future, do you understand?"


    With hands sped respectfully in greeting, Song Zhao reverently replied, "Your Lady''s teachings are understood."


    Later, after Song Zhao had returned to her pce, the pce''s servants delivered the rewards for her investiture.


    Gold and silver treasures, silk gauzes, jade ornaments; in total twenty four carts worth of twelve categories of gifts arrived, making it dazzling to behold, almost blinding people with their magnificence.


    Seeing it, Consort Yao felt very envious, unable to help eximing emotionally:


    "These rewards almost match what I received when I was conferred consort! Showing His Majesty''s genuine affection for you. After little sister''s trip to the Hot Spring Mountain Vi, his favor for you surpasses even before. It seems it won''t be long before you will advance to Consort with your own pce. Then you would have to move out from my Jade Flower Pce!"


    Song Zhao quickly replied, "Your Lady speaks such heart-piercing words, listening makes me very ufortable!"


    She held Consort Yao''s hand, showing particr intimacy as she said:


    "Since entering the pce, I have been Your Lady''s, no matter what position I gain, I remain willing to stay together with you. Only if you tire of me and want to drive me away will I leave."


    Consort Yaoughed and said, "You are skilled in sweet talk, ever since Noble Consort Li''s passing, I have always hoped you would keep mepany. When you went to the Hot Spring Mountain Vi, my days were quite lonely too."


    Of the rewards Xiao Jingheng had given to Song Zhao, Song Zhao selected the best pieces and added them to Consort Yao''s gifts, saying it was to thank her for all these years of care and understanding.


    Giving gifts dispels pettiness. Consort Yao originally felt somewhat jealous regarding Song Zhao''s sudden favor. But with these flowing gifts, most of her jealousy dispersed.


    Later she even pulled Song Zhao and incessantly pressed her for details:


    "Tell me quickly, how exactly did Consort Ning offend His Majesty? Hahaha~ Her bearing when she was chased back, not uttering a word butpletely shamefaced! It was truly gratifying!"


    Consort Ning was unpopr with and disliked by the people,


    now that she had fallen from grace, naturally others were keen to bring out her faults.


    Yet Song Zhao did not relish such idle gossip about others behind their backs, giving an excuse to steer the conversation away, instead asking:


    "While I was away from the pce, was everything fine?"


    Consort Yao replied: "Nothing much different from before. Just that with the snow stopping and warmer weather half a month ago, the Empress also didn''t call upon us. We got to enjoy ourselves in leisure."


    Just as they were speaking, the Empress''s head eunuch Yan Jiude arrived:


    "Give my greetings to Consort Yao and Noble Consort Song. The Empress has directed that beginning tomorrow, the ritual greetings between the Six Pces will resume. Consort Yao and Noble Consort Song must not bete in attendance."


    Early next morning, Song Zhao and Consort Yao went together to Vermilion Bird Pce.


    As they saw Consort Yin still ignoring everyone while Consort Yun curried favor with the Empress as always, Consort Hui eating without end,


    everything was seemingly unchanged from before Song Zhao''s departure.


    The only difference was, the seat of the most senior among the four consorts, previously upied by Consort Ning, was currently filled by Consort Yin.


    Everyone thought that Consort Ning who cared most about face would surely note today.


    But just as the Empress was about to speak to those present, the eunuchs outside announced:


    "Consort Ning is here!"


    Over ten pairs of eyes in the pce turned towards the entrance.


    Originally, Song Zhao imagined that when she next met Consort Ning after returning to the pce, Consort Ning would appear somewhat dispirited.


    Yet looking at her today, still dressed in majestic red robes with shining pearls and jewels, turned outvishly as grandly as before.


    And as aloof as always, she did not spare the Empress so much as a nce upon reaching the pce floor, directly making for the seat beside Consort Yin.


    Before anyone could react, Consort Ning coldly rained a resounding p upon Consort Yin out of the blue.


    Not one to be easily provoked, Consort Yin mmed the table and angrily yelled at Consort Ning:


    "What right have you to hit me?"


    Consort Ning''s entire face was filled with disdain. From on high, she sized up Consort Yin top to bottom, then sneered and said:


    "You even dared sit in my seat, isn''t that asking for a beating yourself?"


    This time, the Empress did not indulge Consort Ning. She sternly admonished:


    "Audacious Consort Ning! Such unruliness will not do in my pce! Have you forgotten His Majesty stripped you of your title? Amongst the four consorts, only you are without title. Consort Yin assists me in managing the affairs of the six pces, naturally she sits in the foremost seat most befitting of her status!"


    In contrast to the Empress''s anger, Consort Ning was indifferent to the point of scorn,


    merelyughing mockingly as she retorted:


    "Does Her Ladyship say Consort Yin deserves this seat? As a barbarian, how can she be deserving!"


    "You..."


    "What, you?" Consort Ning suddenly red at Consort Yin, raising her imposing aura as she berated:


    "Have you forgotten how your own father Ada Kehan surrendered to the court? Over ten years ago, my father lead thirty thousand crack troops and routed your hundred thousand cavalry!


    Back then, when your father knelt pleading my father to spare his life, you were still suckling at your mother''s breasts! You were sent as tribute into the pce, be clear on your own status."


    Consort Ning''s words repeatedly prodded Consort Yin''s sore spots.


    In an instant, Consort Yin''s morale plummeted as her eyes darted around uneasily while she lowered her head.


    Consort Ning gave a coldugh, then lifted her chin and forced her to meet her gaze, fiercely saying:


    "You wish to vie with me? Do you even know how much you''re still worth after being yedyer byyer!?"

 Chapter 119: You Are Happy in Zhong Gong

    <h4>Chapter 119</h4>


    "Enough!"


    Seeing Consort Ning bing more and more presumptuous, the Empress was angered.


    "I am the one in the central pce, my words are the imperial edict!"


    She swept her phoenix eyes across the concubines sitting below, stating firmly: "Consort Yin, sit down!"


    With the Empress''s support, Consort Yin regained her confidence and sat down neatly.


    Consort Ning nced at her and looked at the Empress with a cold voice: "Since the Empress''s pce can''t amodate me, then I don''t need to stay here and watch you all put on a performance of sisterly affection."


    Arrogant as she was, after snapping at the Empress, Consort Ning turned around to leave immediately.


    However, she had not taken two steps when she suddenly heard the Empress retching, and then heard Consort Shu say:


    "Your Majesty, you must not get angry, be careful of hurting the fetus."


    Upon hearing this, the entire hall was in an uproar.


    Consort Ning''s feet froze as if filled with lead.


    She stiffly turned her head back and looked at the Empress on the phoenix seat pretending to retch.


    The concubines began chattering eagerly,


    "Hurt the fetus? Don''t tell me Her Majesty has good news?"


    "That''s right, look, today Her Majesty didn''t even drink her usual golden needle, only a cup of warm water in front of her."


    "When is the happy event? Her Majesty didn''t tell us so we could also bask in the joy!"


    Faced with the influx of concern, the Empress remained quite calm.


    She smiled and took a sip of water to suppress the urge to retch, then said,


    "The reason I asked you all toe today is to tell you this. I do have a three-month pregnancy."


    Three months?


    Song Zhao nced at Noble Consort Xiao. Her expression clearly flickered for a moment.


    Counting it out, her pregnancy was also over three months...


    So the Empress had gotten pregnant at almost the same time as her?


    If that was the case, the Empress must have kept it steady, concealing it for three full months until the fetus was stable before announcing it.


    Not just Song Zhao, but most of the concubines probably realized this.


    But the Empress gave them a reasonable exnation,


    "Actually, I was muddled. My health has always been poor, my monthly cycles irregr. With many trivial affairs to attend to in the pce,ing and going, I neglected it even more. Please don''tugh, but I only found out about this newsst night when I asked the imperial physician to take my pulse."


    How could the Empress have forgotten?


    If she gave birth to Xiao Jingheng''s first child, and it happened to be a boy, this child would not only be the crown prince, but also an honored child, with an extremely noble status.


    He would probably have already taken half of the seat of Crown Prince into his swaddling clothes as soon as he was born.


    Although the concubines acquiesced to the Empress''s words, whether genuine or fake, smiles couldn''t stop spreading across their faces.


    Only one person was different. Consort Ning had a straightforward temperament, her likes and dislikes clearly written on her face.


    She looked in-faced at the Empress for a while, her gaze finally falling on her t belly, "What woman doesn''t have children? Why are you all rushing to congratte? Wait until the Empress safely gives birth to the imperial heir, that will be the time you tter up to congratte her!"


    What was originally a joyous event was ruined by Consort Ning''s words, and everyone''s expressions darkened.


    Consort Yin scolded loudly, "Consort Ning! How dare you curse the central pce!"


    Consort Ning scoffed disdainfully, "What do you know, you cheap thing? I''m not cursing the Empress, on the contrary, I''m sincerely caring about her. Childbirth itself is a brush with death for women, and with the Empress''s heart condition, giving birth will be going through mortal danger."


    She saluted the Empress slightly, watching the scene as if it were a y and sneered coldly, "This concubine looks forward to the Empress''s safe delivery of mother and child!"


    After making that sarcastic remark filled with innuendo, Consort Ning strode away arrogantly under everyone''s gaze.


    "So disrespectful of superiors and inferiors, no wonder His Majesty has tired of her!"


    The concubines criticized Consort Ning''s impropriety, and began tofort the Empress again.


    However, the Empress did not get angry again because of Consort Ning.


    She said calmly, "No one understands my health better than I do. If fate looks kindly upon me, I will deliver safely on my own. But if fate is unwilling to fulfill my wish..."


    A fleeting sadness shed through her eyes as she unconsciously clenched her fists, speaking firmly:


    "Even if it kills me, I will give birth to an heir for His Majesty."


    Consort Yin quickly said, "Your Majesty must not say such things..."


    Consort Shu also said, "Yes, this is a joyous event to begin with. Your fortune will surely protect you and the child to safely deliver."


    The mood in the Phoenix Concubine Pce reached an unprecedented high that day.


    Later, Xiao Jingheng also went and was very happy to hear about the Empress''s pregnancy. Not content with rewarding her with the best things, he also said that at the end of the year he would personally apany all the concubines there to pray for the Empress''s safe delivery of mother and child.


    Song Zhao watched as blissful smiles spread across the Empress''s face and somehow, she felt a little heartache.


    The women in the harem were undeserving to begin with.


    She thought: If I were in her ce instead, knowing that giving birth this time might endanger my life, yet my husband was still fully delighted for me to give birth, how would I feel?


    It turned out that even as the mother of the nation and Xiao Jingheng¡¯s wife, in the end, the Empress''s life mattered less than the mere title of a legitimate heir. How ironic.


    *


    Compared to the excitement in the Empress''s pce, the once bustling Yonghe Pce now appeared unusually bleak.


    Consort Ning sat alone in the pce on a camphor wood chair carved with phoenix patterns.


    This chair was bestowed on her by Xiao Jingheng.


    She was also the only concubine in the entire pce, apart from the Empress, who could have phoenix pattern decorations.


    She caressed the phoenix pattern on the chair in fascination, memories of sweet nothings Xiao Jingheng used to whisper to her in their times of affection flooding into her mind.


    Thinking of it, her eyes brimmed red.


    A glimpse from the corner of her eye showed the wood seemed to be discolored and faded. Consort Ning immediately became anxious and shouted loudly,


    ¡°Ying Xiang! How do you do things? The color is fading already, go get some pine oil to moisturize it!¡±


    The one who stumbled in hastily to respond turned out to be pce maid Qiu Lan instead.


    ¡°Please don¡¯t be angry, My Lady. I¡¯ll go now.¡±


    Seeing her instead of Ying Xiang, Consort Ning suddenly realized that Ying Xiang was gone...


    Ying Xiang had served her since the age of six for over ten years. She served her wholeheartedly.


    Now she had died at the hot springs vi. Consort Ning couldn¡¯t even see her for thest time, much less give her a proper funeral.


    Seeing tears shimmering in Consort Ning¡¯s eyes, Qiu Lan carefullyforted, ¡°My Lady...¡±


    ¡°What are you still dawdling around for!¡± Consort Ning suddenly nced up and red at Qiu Lan resentfully, "Get out and do what you''re supposed to do!"


    Qiu Lan was so frightened that she almost fell over as she scrambled out like her life depended on it.


    Shortly after she left, while Consort Ning was still brooding alone, she heard movement outside the door again and scolded without even lifting her head,


    "Didn¡¯t I tell you to get lost and do your job? Do those two pieces of flesh on your cheeks no longer work?"


    "Why is my sister so angry?"


    Hearing Consort Yun''s voice, only then did Consort Ning lift her head and re at her, still sounding displeased. "What are you doing here?"


    Consort Yun cautiously closed the door and lowered her voice while standing beside Consort Ning, pretending to whisper secretly,


    "I know sister is upset about the Empress¡¯s pregnancy. But isn¡¯t this the perfect opportunity for sister to take revenge? I¡¯ve just used up my share of fragrant powder here, so I¡¯ll take some more back today. During your trip to the hot springs resort with His Majesty these days, the Empress has been quite intimate with me. I''ll just pester her everyday, make sure she can''t carry to full term before her heart condition acts up and she miscarries!"


    Consort Ning shot her a sideways nce. For some reason, she felt a few degrees more disgusted by her than before.


    When the Empress didn''t have a child, she always equivocated and refused over and over at her attempts to harm the Empress.


    Now when she heard the Empress was pregnant, she even eagerly took the initiative herself?


    Consort Ning was silent for a moment, then indifferently said, "Never mind, don''t bother then."


    "Don''t bother?" Consort Yun lookedpletely baffled. "You''ve always suspected the Empress had something to do with your miscarriage back then. Now there''s finally a good opportunity to avenge your unjustly dead child, yet you are..."


    ¡°Of course I hate her!¡± Consort Ning¡¯s emotions suddenly became agitated, her eyes wide open as she said furiously: ¡°I hate her so much I want to skin and debone that cheap woman and throw her into a pot to be fried into scraps! But...but...¡±


    She was initially full of hatred,


    But I don''t know why, her tone gradually weakened,


    There were tears welling up in her dim eyes as she stroked the phoenix pattern on the chair and said with grief:


    ¡°But her child is also the Emperor''s child.¡±


    "How could I let the Emperor be heartbroken..."

 Chapter 120: Guet Secret Order 01

    <h4>Chapter 120</h4>


    Xiao Jingheng was genuinely annoyed with Consort Ning this time.


    It had been three days since he returned to the pce, and not only did he not visit her, he didn''t even mention her. It seemed like Consort Ning was also sulking with him. She didn''t take the initiative to look for him, nor did she pay respects to the Empress. Instead, she locked herself in Yonghe Pce and refused to see anyone.


    On the other hand, Song Zhao seemed to be very concerned about the Empress''s pregnancy. Ever since the news came out, she had been serving diligently in the Feng Luan Pce, always trying to please the Empress. Others couldn''t help but think that she was deliberately trying to gain favor with the Empress.


    Two days ago, when the Empress Dowager came to visit the Empress''s pce, she pretended to scold Song Zhao, saying, "You, on the way back from the countryside, said you would oftene to apany me in the pce, but now you''re always by the side of the Empress." Although her words sounded like reprimands, her face was filled with a gentle smile.


    Song Zhao seemed a little at a loss, and the Empress Dowager quickly said, "Look, I was just teasing you. You are attentive and knowledgeable. With you by the Empress''s side, she won''t feel bored during her pregnancy."


    The Empress also smiled and said, "Yes, Song Guiren keeps me entertained with jokes every day. I really like her."


    "The Empress Dowager and the Empress are praising me so much, it''s making me embarrassed," Song Zhao smiled and said, "When the Emperor heard about the pregnancy, he said he wanted to lead the concubines of the harem to burn incense and pray to the gods for the Empress''s safe and smooth delivery. So these past two days, I have already started eating vegetarian meals. When we go to pray, I will sincerely pray for the Empress''s well-being in front of the Buddha."


    The Empress smiled and said, "You are so thoughtful."


    But the Empress Dowager said, "The Emperor, too, only mentioned your pregnancy and kept this matter of offering prayers a secret from me."


    She held the Empress''s hand and said affectionately, "When we go to offer prayers, I will also include you. I offer prayers to the Buddha all year round, so I must sincerely pray for the well-being of my daughter-inw."


    The Empress was overjoyed and said gratefully, "Thank you, Empress Dowager."


    The day of the prayer was set for the twenty-ninth day of the lunar new year.


    On the night of the twenty-seventh day of the lunar new year, Xiao Jingheng turned over Song Zhao''s sign, and the servants from the ceremonial department took her to Chao Yang Pce early in the morning.


    During their meal, Song Zhao casually asked, "Where does the Emperor n to go on the day after tomorrow when we offer prayers for the Empress?"


    Xiao Jingheng replied, "For this prayer for the Empress, all the consorts will go together. It''s not convenient to leave the pce during the festive season. I was thinking of going to the Temple of the Bodhisattva with Ten Halls on Cloud Terrace."


    Song Zhao was serving him food when she suddenly froze upon hearing the words "Cloud Terrace," and the bamboo shoot she was holding with her chopsticks fell on the table.


    "I''m so clumsy; I must have made the Emperorugh," she said.


    Xiao Jingheng noticed her slightly nervous expression and asked, "What''s wrong?"


    Song Zhao hesitated and said, "I have some concerns in my heart, but I''m afraid that if I tell the Emperor about it, it might implicate innocent parties..."


    She hesitated, which only further piqued Xiao Jingheng''s curiosity. "Just say it, I promise not to me you."


    Song Zhao then spoke, "Your Majesty, do you remember the safety amulet that the Empress Dowager gave you before we went to the Hot Spring Mountain Vi? The amulet was personally presented to you by the Empress Dowager on the Cloud Terrace. Later, because of her illness, I personally retrieved it."


    Xiao Jingheng nodded, "You retrieved the amulet for me, so I have been wearing it all this time."


    Song Zhao recalled the past, with lingering fear in her heart, and described in detail the entire process of her nearly falling from the Cloud Terrace that day. She continued, "Later, I went to check, and the Pce Affairs Department had already reinforced the iron chain. But the steps of the Cloud Terrace are steep, and not many people go there on regr days. However, in the future, if a consort or concubine climbs up and slips due to fatigue, it would be unfortunate."


    "Even if such an incident urred, you should have told me earlier," Xiao Jingheng put down his chopsticks, held Song Zhao''s hand, his eyes filled with concern.


    Song Zhao said, "The other consorts and I are fine. If I had mentioned it earlier, wouldn''t Your Majesty worry?"


    Xiao Jingheng understood Song Zhao''s nature. She was inherently kind-hearted, always considering others before herself. On that day, she didn''t speak up because she was afraid that the pce attendants from the Pce Affairs Department would be held ountable. Now, she spoke up because she was afraid that others might be harmed in the future.


    Xiao Jingheng tightened his grip on her hand, "You''re right. But since I have agreed to the Empress''s request, I can''t go back on my word."


    Song Zhao pondered for a moment and said, "Sincerity is crucial when making offerings to the Buddha. Besides, the Empress Dowager was delighted to hear that the Empress was expecting and said she wanted to pray for blessings together with Your Majesty. The Empress Dowager is already old, and she can''t climb the Cloud Terrace. It wouldn''t be right to make her go through all the trouble."


    When Song Zhao casually mentioned the Empress Dowager, it reminded Xiao Jingheng of something. "There is a pure gold Buddha statue in the Empress Dowager''s pce, and she is devoutly religious, offering prayers to the Buddha all year round. There is no ce in the pce more devout than the Xian Shou Pce. Why don''t we gather all the consorts and go to the Empress Dowager''s pce to pray for blessings for the Empress? It would save the Empress Dowager from exerting herself."


    Song Zhao didn''t express any further opinions and calmly continued to serve the dishes to Xiao Jingheng. She casually replied, "I will follow Your Majesty''s arrangements."

 Chapter 121: Breguet 02

    <h4>Chapter 121</h4>


    After the intimate encounter that evening, Song Zhao seemed visibly exhausted.


    She leaned against Xiao Jingheng''s shoulder, and soon her breathing grew steady.


    Moonlight bathed the delicate and fairplexion of the young girl as Xiao Jingheng leaned over and ced a light kiss on her forehead before falling asleep.


    About a quarter of an hourter, once Xiao Jingheng had entered the realm of dreams, Song Zhao opened her eyes.


    She waited for another joss stick''s worth of time, making sure that Xiao Jingheng was fast asleep, before gently rising from the bed and quietly tiptoeing to the diamond-shaped window, opening it slightly.


    The cold winter wind seeped in through the crack, causing Song Zhao to shiver.


    Instead of immediately wrapping herself in the covers upon returning to the dragon couch, she proceeded to tuck all the nkets over Xiao Jingheng, fearing that he might catch a chill.


    As for herself, she only wore a thin sleeping gown andy down like that.


    At dawn the next day, Xiao Jingheng was awakened by the chilly air.


    He noticed that he had twoyers of nkets wrapped around him, while Song Zhaoy curled up next to him, still asleep and furrowing her brows.


    Hastily, he covered Song Zhao with the nkets and instinctively nced towards the diamond-shaped window, only to realize that it had been left open throughout the night.


    He thought that in thetter half of the night, feeling the cold, he unconsciously took all the nkets for himself, leaving Song Zhao exposed to the cold.


    As he gently touched Song Zhao''s icy cheek, his eyes filled with tenderness and his heart with guilt.


    Song Zhao slowly raised her eyelids under his caress, her voice sounding weak, "Your Majesty... cough... "


    Xiao Jingheng felt a pang of distress at the sound of her two coughs.


    He adjusted the bedding, wrapping Song Zhao up like a zongzi, and said apologetically, "I apologize for letting you catch a chill. It was my faultst night."


    Song Zhao reached out to smooth the crease in Xiao Jingheng''s brow and smiled, "Where do you see weakness? Your Majesty, rest assured, I''m fine. I just felt a bit cold."


    Xiao Jingheng didn''t mention the fact that he had taken all the nkets. Song Zhao didn''t bring it up either.


    As long as they both understood what had happened, it was enough.


    Later, when Xiao Jingheng hurried off to attend court, he instructed Jiang Deshun to make some ginger tea to drive away the cold and deliver it to Song Zhao. He also told her, "I wille to see you after court."


    Upon returning to the pce, Song Zhao, who had been exposed to the cold air all night, began to show signs of fever.


    Yun Shan was anxious to call for the imperial physician, but Song Zhao stopped her.


    "If you go to fetch the physician at this time, won''t it make His Majesty worry? Don''t go. Didn''t Jiang Gonggong bring some ginger tea? I''ll have some of that, and then you can have Xiao Fuzie in and check my pulse. Just ask him to prescribe some medicine for a wind-cold. Let''s keep this matter from reaching His Majesty''s ears."


    "No need," Song Zhao said with a cold gaze as she took the medicine bowl from Xiao Fuzi, but instead of drinking it, she poured it all into the waste bucket.


    Xiao Fuzi couldn''t help but wonder, "Why is the young master doing this?"


    Song Zhao exined, "I have caught a cold and fallen ill. I don''t want to pass on the sickness to the Emperor and others. So, when the consorts apany the Emperor to pray at the Empress Dowager''s pce tomorrow, I won''t go. You will go in my ce and inform the Emperor that I am unwell."


    Xiao Fuzi became even more puzzled. Song Zhao''s illness was caused by catching a chill, not a contagious disease that could be passed on to others.


    Furthermore, their young master always ns ahead, so she must be aware that if she doesn''t apany the Emperor to pray for the Empress, she will likely face criticism.


    "If the young master doesn''t go tomorrow, I''m afraid the consorts will certainly criticize her," Xiao Fuzi remarked.


    Song Zhao coldly chuckled, "My illness is caused by the Emperor himself. Who dares to say otherwise?"


    After saying that, he raised an eyebrow at Xiao Fuzi and said in a mysterious tone, "Come closer, I have something more important to tell you."


    ...


    The next morning, Xiao Jingheng led the consorts and went to the Empress Dowager''s pce.


    During the time of praying, servants were not allowed to be present.


    In the eyes of those in power, the eunuchs and maidservants held low status and were considered impure.


    Keeping them around would taint the sanctity of the Buddha.


    Moreover, as they were praying in the Empress Dowager''s pce, all pce attendants were dismissed, leaving only the masters.


    It was Xiao Jingheng who arranged this, with the Empress Dowager''s presence. Since it was for the Empress''s prayers, none of the consorts dared to show any negligence and arrived early.


    However, among the crowd of elegant figures, Consort Ning and Song Zhao were nowhere to be seen.


    Others couldn''t help butment on this.


    The murmurs and whispers annoyed Xiao Jingheng, so he sent people to check on Yonghe Pce and Yaohua Pce, to see what was happening.


    Yonghe Pce was rtively close to the Empress Dowager''s Xianshou Pce, so the pce attendants sent to invite Consort Ning quickly returned with a message.


    "Report to the Emperor, Consort Ning is feeling unwell... She can''te today..."


    Anyone could tell that Consort Ning was just throwing a tantrum.


    Xiao Jingheng, feeling slightly unwell, said, "Tell them to ''invite'' Consort Ning here."


    However, the Empress intervened, "Emperor, since Consort Ning is unwell, let''s not make her go back and forth if she''s not feeling well."


    With these words, the Empress demonstrated her magnanimity, which made Consort Ning''s petty behavior even more apparent.


    While the Emperor and Empress were speaking, Xiao Fuzi, who was by Song Zhao''s side, arrived.


    He hesitantly ryed a message to Xiao Jingheng, "Emperor, my young master has caught a chill and is afraid of passing on the illness to the consorts. That''s why she... probably can''te today."


    As soon as Xiao Fuzi finished speaking, Consort Yun began to speak sarcastically, "She''s never sick when it''s convenient, but she conveniently falls ill now? Consort Yao, did you see her calling for a physician?"


    Consort Yao hesitated, "Um... I didn''t see that. During dinnerst night, Song Zhao dined in her own side hall, and I didn''t see her in person."


    Consort Yun sneered, "If she''s truly sick, why didn''t she call for a physician? Is she genuinely ill or just pretending? I suspect she doesn''t want toe and pray for the Empress, so she deliberately found an excuse to avoid it!"


    Xiao Jingheng understood Song Zhao''s illness all too well.


    Upon hearing Consort Yun''s spection about Song Zhao, he immediately rebuked her.


    "Who would joke about their own body? Do you think everyone is like you, full of hidden intentions? Consort Song is virtuous, and I believe she wouldn''t do such a thing."


    The Empress Dowager and the Empress also spoke a few words in defense of Song Zhao.


    Consort Yun was embarrassed and had no choice but to subdue herself and refrain from furthermenting on right and wrong.


    Later, Xiao Jingheng instructed Xiao Fuzi, "Go and inform your young master to take good care of herself. I''ll visit her once I''m done with my duties."


    Xiao Fuzi promptly acknowledged and hurriedly took his leave.

 Chapter 122: Breguet 03

    <h4>Chapter 122</h4>


    At the same time, in Yonghe Pce.


    Consort Ning sat upright at the head seat, looking down condescendingly at Song Zhao who was kneeling below and paying her respects.


    Only after letting her keep her obeisance for a good while did Consort Ning say:


    ¡°Everyone has gone to the Empress Dowager¡¯s Pce to pray blessings for the empress¡¯s belly. Why have you not gone?¡±


    Song Zhao solemnly said: ¡°This concubine shares the same heart and virtues with Her Majesty. Whoever does not get along with Her Majesty is not getting along with this concubine.¡±


    Consort Ning sneered coldly: ¡°You don¡¯t get along with her? Hmph, I saw that you¡¯ve been going to her pce very diligently these past few days!¡±


    Song Zhao quickly said: ¡°If this concubine does not go, how can I probe the circumstances of the empress¡¯s pregnancy this time!¡±


    She lowered her voice, her tone mocking: ¡°Esteemed Consort need not worry, the empress has a very difficult pregnancy this time, there will definitely be a time when she suffers!¡±


    Consort Ning knew that Song Zhao hade to dere her loyalty.


    She also did not know whether to say this woman was clever or stupid.


    The Ning family had great power in the previous dynasty, so Consort Ning did have the capital to be willful and overbearing in front of Xiao Jingheng.


    But Song Zhao was merely a lowly concubine without a prominent maternal background. She had only gained a little favor from Xiao Jingheng, yet she dared to publicly oppose the empress?


    Originally, after learning of Xi Ying¡¯s death, Consort Ning had suspected Song Zhao.


    But after this matter, she was even more certain that Song Zhao was aplete fool. Her doubts towards her were also dismissed.


    As such, Consort Ning did not make things difficult for her anymore. ¡°You may rise and sit.¡±


    After Song Zhao gave thanks and sat down, Consort Ning asked again: ¡°Ever since I left the hot springs vi, that cheap woman Consort Shu must have been very smug right?¡±


    Song Zhao awkwardly nodded: ¡°She kept insisting it was Esteemed Consort who wanted to harm her. In front of His Majesty she wept tears of grievance, looking utterly pitiable. His Majesty felt distressed and apanied her closely for several days. In fact, Esteemed Consort and this concubine both know that this whole matter was clearly Consort Shu deliberately causing trouble to frame Esteemed Consort! Only this concubine regrets being ipetent, also unable to think of a way to make His Majesty see the truth. I could only watch powerlessly as Esteemed Consort fell into dire straits yet was of no help whatsoever...¡±


    Song Zhao mentioning Xiao Jingheng¡¯s pity towards Consort Shu was meant to provoke Consort Ning.


    And Consort Ning reacted just as Song Zhao had anticipated.


    Her neck was stretched taut and one could faintly see the veins bulging from anger beneath her fair skin, indicating she was extremely furious.


    "That cheap woman! If this consort ever lets her have a single peaceful day again, then I am not a daughter of the Ning family!"


    Consort Ning was still fuming with rage. She impatiently dismissed Song Zhao so she could leave.


    After returning to her pce, Song Zhao ignored everything else and went straight to bed for a nap.


    Later, in her half-awake state, she felt the bed edge sink lightly as if someone was gently stroking her hair. Only then did she force her heavy eyelids open with difficulty: ¡°Y-Your Majesty?¡±


    She made to get up to greet Xiao Jingheng but was aggressively pulled into his embrace before she could fully rise.


    ¡°If you¡¯re sick then rest properly, don¡¯t make me worry.¡±


    Song Zhao¡¯s long eyshes trembled lightly as she med herself: ¡°This concubine is useless. To miss such a major event like blessing Her Majesty the Empress because of illness, this concubine feels awful...¡±


    Tears sprang forth as Xiao Jingheng continuously caressed her shoulders, gently persuading:


    ¡°I understand. This is not your fault, do not me yourself.¡±


    ¡°But...Her Majesty the Empress is pregnant. This sickly concubine should keep away, and Your Majesty too...¡±


    As Song Zhao spoke, she lightly pushed Xiao Jingheng¡¯s chest, turning her face away to muffle her coughs with her hand.


    Right at this moment, Yun Shan came in with the medicine.


    Xiao Jingheng showed no intention of leaving at all. He received the medicine bowl and said, ¡°You¡¯re sick because of me. How can I avoid you? Be good and drink the medicine.¡±


    He was very attentive. He gently blew on the soup to cool it to a suitable temperature before carefully feeding Song Zhao spoon by spoon.


    That day, Xiao Jingheng apanied Song Zhao until evening when he had finished dinner. Only after coaxing her to sleep early did he hurry back to Zhaoyang Pce to review the umted memorials and documents.


    Not long after he left, Xiao Fuzi came in.


    He shut the doors and windows tightly, very cautiously taking out a parcel wrapped in a silk handkerchief from his bosom and handed it to Song Zhao.


    ¡°Young Miss, I''ve brought the item.¡±


    Song Zhao unfolded theyers of wraps. A pure gold seal engraved with a phoenix pattern emerged before her - the unmistakable Tian Ji secret order.


    The characters ¡®Tian Ji¡¯ were embossed in the center.


    ¡°Did it go smoothly?¡± Song Zhao asked.


    Xiao Fuzi nodded: ¡°Today at the blessing ceremony, lower servants were not permitted to remain in the Empress Dowager¡¯s Pce. After your servant went to report being absent on your behalf, I took the opportunity when no one was around to sneak into the Empress Dowager¡¯s bedchamber. I took this item from the hiddenpartment inside the cab by her Buddhist shrine. Going in and out did not take long. The pce maids guarding outside can testify for your servant - I did not linger.¡±


    When Xiao Fuzi entered and left, and how long he spoke with Xiao Jingyan, the maids outside would have kept time.


    If Song Zhao had not told Xiao Fuzi beforehand where the Tian Ji secret order was hidden for him to make a beeline towards the target, it would have been absolutely impossible for him to take the order so stealthily.


    He also had doubts about this matter: ¡°Young Miss, what is the use in taking such risks to obtain this object? And how did you know the location where the Empress Dowager kept it?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m tired, you may leave,¡± Song Zhao dodged the subject clearly unwilling to say more.


    Xiao Fuzi tactfully retreated upon realizing she did not wish to speak further.


    Alone on the heated couch, the gaze in Song Zhao¡¯s eyes gradually darkened as she clenched the Tian Ji secret order in her hand:


    Naturally, it was Xiao Jingyan who told her where the secret order was hidden.


    And everything today had alsopletely been within Song Zhao¡¯s calctions.


    The Empress Dowager was not close to the consorts and seldom allowed consorts to enter Xian Shou Pce.


    Therefore, after returning from the hot springs vi this time, Song Zhao also did not go to the Empress Dowager, deliberately avoiding suspicion.


    Then through insinuations, she got Xiao Jingheng to change the blessing ceremony''s location from Yuntai to the Empress Dowager¡¯s pce.


    This way, the number of people who had gone to the Empress Dowager¡¯s pce increased sharply.


    On the contrary, Song Zhao had not gone at all.


    If the secret order was discovered missing in the future, no one would suspect her.


    By doing so:


    Firstly, she could prove her own innocence.


    Secondly, by not going to bless the empress, Consort Ning would further believe she was a fool and no longer dwell on whether there were shady dealings behind Xi Ying¡¯s death.


    Thirdly, because Xiao Jingheng thought she was sick due to him, he would naturally feel guilty and dote on her in every possible way.


    The eve of the new year was in another two days.


    By then, passing the Tian Ji secret order to Prince An would be akin to sending this harbinger of ill fortune away.


    After carefully hiding away the Tian Ji secret order, Song Zhao originally nned to rest.


    But she had justin down when she vaguely heard amotion outside.


    Feeling strange, she had just gotten up, intending to go out and take a look when Yun Shan rushed in flusteredly:


    "Young Miss, something''s happened!"


    She seemed badly frightened, panting for breath between words:


    Song Zhao said firmly: ¡°Speak slowly. What happened outside?¡±


    "Somehow, Feng Luan Pce suddenly sprung a leak! Her Majesty the Empress seems to still be trapped inside. It¡¯s chaos out there now!"


    This news was like a sudden p of thunder, sting by Song Zhao''s ears without warning.


    She did not have the time to react with surprise, only throwing on a cloak before hurriedly running outside...

 Chapter 123: Sun Disaster 01

    <h4>Chapter 123</h4>


    As the night fell,


    The sky, which should have been dark blue, was now stained red by the mes.


    The mes soared into the sky, billowing ck smoke,


    As I approached, the acrid smell of burning charcoal filled the air.


    Song Zhao hurriedly rushed to Feng Luan Pce, where the Water Dragon Army had already set up water cannons and stood on high alert.


    The fire was evenrger than Song Zhao had imagined.


    The entire Feng Luan Pce was almost engulfed by the sea of fire, with twisting and rampant tongues of fire reaching for the sky.


    Cries and screams filled the air.


    Song Zhao saw pce maids being carried out from the fire, their tattered pce garments charred and fused with their festering flesh, just a nce at them made one''s stomach churn.


    In the surging mes outside the main gate, Song Zhao caught a glimpse of a bright yellow figure.


    Xiao Jingheng kept shouting, "Quick, save the Empress!"


    Not only did he shout, but he also seemed ready to rush inside,


    However, there were several concubines surrounding him, each one pulling at him, preventing him from charging into the sea of fire.


    In Song Zhao''s view, these women were somewhat unnecessary.


    Even if they cleared a path for Xiao Jingheng, he probably wouldn''t dare to step inside,


    After all, the Emperor''s life was far more precious than the lives of the imperial harem and his own son.


    Song Zhao''s expression turned anxious as he hurriedly stepped forward and asked, "Is the Empress inside?"


    Consort Shu covered her chest and said, "The fire is fierce, most of the Water Dragon Army who went in to rescue people were burned and carried out."


    Consort Ying, on the other hand, pushed and urged the hesitant Water Dragon Army soldiers nearby, scolding, "What are you all standing there for? If anything happens to the Empress, I will make sure you apany her in death!"


    "Your Majesty, look! That''s the Empress!"


    Someone eximed, and everyone turned their gaze towards the depths of the sea of fire,


    Behind Eunuch Yan Jiude was a woman wrapped in a wet cotton quilt, wearing golden phoenix sleepwear, running towards the gate.


    His clothes were scorched by the fire, distorting his face, but his movements did not slow down,


    He only stopped rolling on the ground after safely carrying the Empress out of the pce gate, and the Water Dragon Army sprayed water on him, extinguishing the mes.


    "Empress! Wake up!"


    Xiao Jingheng held the unconscious Empress in his arms, calling out to her incessantly.


    Song Zhao quickly examined the Empress and found that she had almost no burns on her body,


    Whether it was due to the blessing of her position as Empress or the wet cotton quilt wrapped around her by Yan Jiude, it was hard to say,


    In any case, apart from the ck soot on her face, there was hardly any sign that she had just been rescued from the sea of fire.


    Later, the Empress was taken to the Chaoyang Pce to be examined by the imperial physician.


    The physician said, "It''s truly fortunate! The Empress has not been burned, her fainting is likely due to excessive fright."


    He performed acupuncture on the Empress at several awakening points, and she indeed woke up.


    When she regained consciousness, she screamed in panic, but it was only when Xiao Jingheng tightly embraced her that she gradually regained herposure.


    "Your Majesty!"


    She held Xiao Jingheng tightly, trembling all over, and cried like a tearful person, "I thought I would never see the Emperor again..."


    Xiao Jingheng gently stroked her back and reassured her in a warm voice, "Don''t be afraid, I''m here. As long as you''re safe, everything will be fine."


    "What about our child?" The Empress protected her abdomen and tearfully inquired.


    The imperial physician replied, "Rest assured, Your Majesty. The Emperor''s blessings have safeguarded you and the future heir in your womb. Both of you are unharmed."


    With that, the Empress breathed a sigh of relief, and her tense nerves rxed.


    This incident was truly an unwarranted disaster.


    In the morning, prayers were offered to the gods and Buddhas for protection in the pce. How could such a dangerous incident ur during the night?


    Xiao Jingheng ordered a thorough investigation of the matter, and since the fire broke out, Jiang Deshun had already begun investigating the cause of the fire.


    After a moment, Xiao Jingheng returned to the court to report, "Your Majesty, it appears to be an idental incident. Frost Ru¨° and Yan Jiude, who were protecting the Empress, were present during the fire. They stated that the fire initially started in the meditation room, then spread to the side halls and the main hall. However, the central hall and inner chambers, which are the innermost parts of the pce, were not affected by the fire. It was only because the fire outside was too intense that it dyed the Empress''s escape.


    ording to M¨°''er, one of the pce maids rescued from the meditation room, after the key to the pce door was handed over, the Empress went to the meditation room to pray for the future heir. M¨°''er was in charge of tending to the incense in the meditation room. However, she becamezy and didn''t extinguish the embers with water before falling asleep. Unexpectedly, the embers reignited and set fire to the prayer gs, resulting in the massive fire in Feng Luan Pce today."


    Xiao Jingheng''s face darkened, and he said solemnly, "What about the maid?"


    Jiang Deshun replied, "Your Majesty, M¨°''er was severely burned in the fire and couldn''t be saved."


    Upon hearing this, the Empress wept in sorrow, "M¨°''er was a clever maid in my pce, always diligent in her duties. If only I hadn''t been so upied with matters, she wouldn''t have made such a careless mistake... She truly deserves pity."


    Look at herself, almost burned to death, yet here she is grieving for the one who caused it,


    This truly shows that the Empress has apassionate heart and embodies the virtues of a mother to the world.


    Since the incident was an ident and not the result of intentional arson, and the Empress and her child were safe, Xiao Jingheng did not pursue the matter further.


    That night, the Empress stayed in the Chaoyang Pce, apanied by Xiao Jingheng.


    After returning to the pce, Song Zhao couldn''t stop thinking about the incident and tossed and turned, unable to sleep no matter how hard she tried.


    She felt that there was something suspicious about this incident:


    If it was truly an ident, then the servants in the Empress''s pce were incredibly negligent. Among all the servants in the pce, those in the Empress''s pce were the most disciplined. Now that the Empress was pregnant, they should have been even more vignt. So why did such an ident happen in their area?


    But if this incident wasn''t an ident, then it means the Empress set the fire herself.


    She burned Feng Luan Pce like that and didn''t even try to find an opportunity to frame someone else. Isn''t that just foolhardy, with nothing better to do than to court death?


    Song Zhao spected that this incident was definitely not as simple as it seemed.


    The Empress is in danger within the Imperial Pce, and the situation is grave. If everything is purely idental, then most likely astrological signs will be used to exin it.


    After all, baseless usations of arson are not easily thrown around without evidence. It wouldn''t be wise to ssh dirty water without justification.


    But if someone wants tobel another as an ''ominous person,'' it only takes a single sentence.


    If the Empress truly has a contingency n, then tomorrow she will surely summon the astrologers from the Bureau of Astronomy to make calctions.


    And the person who will be branded as the ''ominous person'' is undoubtedly Consort Ning, with whom the Empress has an irreconcble conflict.


    After this night''s sleep, I fear that it is tomorrow when the real drama will begin.

 Chapter 124: Sun Disaster 02

    <h4>Chapter 124</h4>


    It was uncertain whether it was due to witnessing the charred corpsesst night, but Song Zhao couldn''t calm her mind and didn''t sleep well.


    Early the next morning, Consort Yao woke her up and said, "Empress has moved to Kun Ning Pce. Let''s go and see her early?"


    Kun Ning Pce was the ce where the emperor and empress had their grand wedding, and after the wedding, it was no longer inhabited. Feng Luan Pce was destroyed by fire, and it would take time to rebuild. Among the vacant pces, Kun Ning Pce was the only one suitable for the empress. It was only natural for her to move in there.


    When they saw the empress again today, she didn''t look well, as if she hadn''t fully recovered from yesterday''s shock. The consorts tried tofort her, but Consort Yin was the first to question, "How could such a cmity happen for no reason? The pce hasn''t had a fire incident for a long time."


    Consort Shu quickly added, "Yes, it''s really mysterious. It''s inauspicious to have such an event. Empress, you should have the people from the Imperial Astronomical Bureaue and make calctions."


    Sure enough, when the empress''s stage was set up, it was time for the real performance. She pondered and said, "Tomorrow is New Year''s Eve, and we should have the people from the Imperial Astronomical Bureaue and make calctions. Yan Jiude, go and invite the Supervisor from the Imperial Astronomical Bureau."


    "Your servant obeys."


    In about the time it takes to drink a cup of tea, Yan Jiude arrived at Kun Ning Pce with the Supervisor.


    "Reporting to Empress, the Supervisor was about to go to Chaoyang Pce to discuss matters with the Emperor. Upon hearing that the Empress summoned, he came to Kun Ning Pce first."


    The Supervisor respectfully saluted the empress, saying, "I am Wei Zhengde, the Supervisor of the Imperial Astronomical Bureau. Greetings to Empress."


    "No need for formalities. Wei Supervisor, were you going to see the Emperor early this morning? What''s the matter?" asked the empress.


    "It''s rted to the fire incident at Feng Luan Pcest night."


    "Oh? Please exin in detail."


    Wei Supervisor took out a personal horoscope and exined, "I recently calcted that Tianyang Star faintly has the potential to collide with Tianfu Star. Tianfu Star assists the Purple Micro Emperor Star and is a significant star in the central pce constetion. Tianyang Star used to be a stable star, but now it has formed a collision with Tianfu Star, resulting in a disaster. When two stars are close and in conflict, and Tianyang Star is associated with fire, that''s why the fire incident happened yesterday."


    The empress''s expression grew serious. "ording to your observation, who does this Tianyang Star refer to?"


    After some calctions, Wei Supervisor replied, "The two stars were supposed to interact the night before, but they crossed paths separately and collided instead. Tianfu Star represents the empress, and Tianyang Star naturally refers to the lord of the pce. Based on the astrological signs, it should be a minor lord with a birth sign belonging to the fire element, and they didn''t meet with the empress yesterday."


    "They didn''t meet with the empress yesterday?" Consort Yin pondered for a moment and said, "Yesterday, the Emperor led us to pray for the empress, and all the consorts were present except Consort Ning and Consort Song due to some circumstances."


    She looked at Song Zhao and raised an eyebrow, asking, "Consort Song, when is your birthday?"


    Song Zhao replied calmly, "Replying to Consort Yin, the consort''s birthday is on the fourth day of the first month, at three-quarters past the hour of the tiger."


    Wei Supervisor calcted based on Song Zhao''s birthday and shook his head. "Consort Song''s birth sign doesn''t belong to the fire element."


    With that, there was only one suspicious person left.


    The empress sighed helplessly and said, "Since it has nothing to do with Consort Song, then..."


    ¡ª"Then it must be me, right?"


    Consort Ning''s disdainful voice echoed from outside the door.


    Everyone turned to look and saw her walking gracefully, with a proud smile on her rosy lips,pletely disregarding anyone around her.


    After standing in the hall, she didn''t pay respects to the empress. Instead, she smiled and said, "I heard that the empress''s pce had a water leak yesterday? I came today to console you, Your Majesty. How are you? I hope you weren''t frightened enough to fall ill."


    "Consort Ning! Are you here with such a sarcastic tone to inquire about the empress?" Consort Yin scolded Consort Ning loudly, but then seemed to remember something and eximed, "I remember now! Your birthday falls on the eighteenth day of the third month, at the hour of Mao. Wei Supervisor, calcte and see if she is the person you mentioned, the one conflicting with the empress."


    Consort Ning sneered, "Consort Yin, you really have an exceptional memory for my birthday. It seems you care about me more than anyone else. Tell me, do you remember my birth details as clearly as you remember your mother''s death anniversary?"


    "You..."


    Before the two could argue further, Wei Supervisor had already made the divination.


    "Reporting to the empress, Consort Ning...," he hesitantly looked at Consort Ning, his voice weak, "Consort Ning was indeed born under the fire zodiac sign, which shes with the empress''s zodiac sign when she conceived with the trailing star."


    As soon as these words were spoken, the entire hall erupted in an uproar.


    Only Consort Ning remained indifferent, her mocking smile not diminishing in the slightest.


    The empress anxiously asked, "How can we avoid this sh?"


    Wei Supervisor replied, "Actually, it''s not difficult to avoid it. It just requires Consort Ning to be confined until the empress safely gives birth."


    After a moment of consideration, the empress said, "Consort Ning,ter I will take Wei Supervisor to meet the emperor and exin the situation. To ensure the safety of the imperial sessor, I hope you can prioritize the overall situation. You will be confined to Yonghe Pce for six months until I give birth..."


    "Smack!"


    Before the empress could finish speaking, a crisp p resounded in the hall.


    Surprisingly, Consort Ning unexpectedly pped Wei Supervisor across the face without any warning!


    The concubines were dumbfounded, and the empress was furious, saying, "Consort Ning! You are being too audacious! Wei Supervisor is an official appointed by the court. How can you, a mere consort, dare to hit him? Apologize to Wei Supervisor immediately!"


    Consort Ning sneered, nced at the empress, and arrogantly said, "I''ll hit him if I want to. What can you do about it?"


    Then, she delivered another fierce p to Wei Supervisor''s face, pointing at him and cursing, "You foolish imbecile! Your turtle mouth can''t hold a pearl. You''re only good at speaking nonsense! As someone who freeloads without contributing anything, do you really think I can''t hit you?"


    Wei Supervisor, a dignified man of seven feet tall, could be Consort Ning''s father in terms of age.


    Suddenly being publicly pped twice by Consort Ning, how could he maintain his dignity?


    Consort Ning''s voice turned harsh as she said, "I base all my calctions on celestial observations. Whatever the stars indicate, I will speak ordingly. Consort Ning, you are the cmitous star Tianyang, and there is no mistake about it!"


    "Hahaha!"


    Consort Ning seemed to have heard the most hrious joke from his words and burst intoughter, shaking with amusement.


    "My grandmother was once targeted by the sorcery of witchcraft and died as a result. That''s why since I entered the pce, the birthdate provided to the Imperial Household Department has been false. The Emperor is well aware of this, and the true birthdate of mine is known only to him within the entire pce."


    She paused herughter, her gaze turning fierce and sharp as she stared at Wei Supervisor, her words resounding with determination.


    "You fool, tell me, how did you use a false birthdate to calcte that I am the cmitous star?"

 Chapter 125: Scourge of the Sun 03

    <h4>Chapter 125</h4>


    Consort Ning clearly came prepared, and within a few sentences, Wei Zhengde was left speechless.


    Song Zhao watched as Wei Zhengde''s flickering gaze asionally stole nces at the Empress, while the Empress didn''t even spare him a nce. It was as if they were afraid that a mere exchange of nces would reveal some secretive, undisclosed truth between them.


    Just as the drama reached its climax, Xiao Jingheng arrived.


    "The Emperor has arrived~"


    The Empress stood up, leading the concubines to pay their respects to Xiao Jingheng.


    Xiao Jingheng, without diverting his gaze, walked straight toward the high tform and the phoenix seat.


    As he passed by Consort Ning, she raised her eyebrows and cast a sidelong nce at him.


    With just one nce, her eyes welled up with tears.


    She pursed her lips, blinked forcefully, suppressing the tears, and regained her usual air of arrogance, not allowing anyone to see her vulnerable side.


    Xiao Jingheng personally helped the Empress to her seat before instructing the concubines to rise and forgo the formalities.


    Yan Jiude brought a chair and ced it in the second seat on the phoenix seat at the top.


    Xiao Jingheng and the Empress took their seats, and he held her hand with concern. "How are you today? Are you feeling better?"


    The Empress smiled serenely and replied, "Thank you for your concern, Your Majesty. I''m doing well."


    "Good to hear." Xiao Jingheng nodded slightly, then his gaze swept down to the obvious palm prints on Wei Zhengde''s face. He asked, "Wei Qingjia, what happened to you?"


    Just as Wei Zhengde was about to respond, Consort Ning stepped forward and preempted him, saying, "Your Majesty, you must listen carefully to Wei Jianzheng''s words. He ims that I am an ill-fated star, a demonic consort!"


    With a burst of anger, she stubbornly and aggrievedly looked at Xiao Jingheng and mockingly said, "After hearing the reasons, it is Your Majesty''s judgment that matters. If Your Majesty also believes that I am an ill-fated star, there is no need to confine me anymore. Just send me to the Cold Pce and give me a white silk cloth. It would save the trouble of breaking my heart."


    Xiao Jingheng frowned, "What nonsense are you talking about?"


    Consort Ning snorted in a coquettish manner, then nced at the Empress and said, "Your Majesty should ask Wei Jianzheng what nonsense he''s spouting! He took the false birthdate I provided to the Pce Affairs Department and confidently asserted that I am an ill-fated star! Only you, Your Majesty, know my true birthdate. Why don''t you ask Wei Jianzheng how he arrived at this astrological conclusion?"


    Consort Ning questioned Wei Zhengde while her sharp gaze never left the Empress.


    Unshaken, the Empress went along with Consort Ning''s words and asked, "Wei Jianzheng, I''m also curious to know the situation. Could you please exin?"


    Wei Zhengde bowed and solemnly replied, "The astrological signs indicate that it is a matter of destiny, not some fabrication by this humble servant. The Tianyang Star is indeed in a conflicting position with the Tianfu Star, indicating a cmitous situation that is unfavorable for the Empress and the imperial heir."


    Consort Ning sneered, "Then who did you deduce it to be? You imed that this person did not meet with the Empress during the visit to the Buddhist temple in the Six Pces yesterday. Among all the pce concubines, only I and Song Guiren were absent. You say it''s not Song Guiren, and you say it''s not me. It''s truly strange..."


    "Could it be that there''s a sister hidden away by the Emperor in this pce, someone we haven''t met yet?" she added sarcastically.


    Consort Ning''s words became increasingly audacious and disrespectful. Normally, at a time like this, Xiao Jingheng would scold her even if he indulged her.


    But today, Xiao Jingheng remained silent and let her speak freely.


    Clearly, he also wanted to know what secrets were hidden in all of this.


    The Empress nced sideways and saw Xiao Jingheng''s face darken. Immediately, she spoke up:


    "Wei Zhengde, the safety of the crown prince is rted to the prosperity of the nation. You must be careful and not make any mistakes."


    Wei Zhengde stroked his beard and calcted silently, muttering something to himself.


    After a while, he finally said, "If it''s not because of the astrological sign of the Fire Element, then it must be a sh in their personal names. Consort Ning and Song Zhao, can you reveal your given names to this humble official?"


    The personal names of the pce concubines could not be revealed.


    So the officials of the previous dynasty only knew their surnames and titles, not their given names.


    Consort Ning and Song Zhao exchanged a nce and then both turned their gaze to Xiao Jingheng.


    He remained silent for a while before saying, "Consort Ning''s given name is Wan Shuang, and Song Zhao''s given name is simply Zhao."


    Wei Zhengde''s expression changed upon hearing this and he immediately asked, "Is it the bright Zhao as in the sun?"


    Song Zhao''s heart tightened, sensing that something was not right. But all she could do was respond, "Yes, it is."


    Wei Zhengde immediately bowed to Xiao Jingheng and said, "Reporting to Your Majesty! As the sun represents the day, the problem lies in Song Zhao''s given name..."


    Everyone''s gaze fell on Song Zhao.


    Song Zhao sped her hands tightly at her side, appearing flustered and at a loss.


    But in her heart, she knew better than anyone:


    The Empress had thought of everything.


    She had already nned for every possible oue.


    She wanted to trap Consort Ning because of her arrogance and jealousy. The Empress was afraid that Consort Ning would have thoughts about the crown prince in her womb, so she set up this scheme to trap Consort Ning.


    But if there were any mistakes, she also had a backup n.


    That was to let the people from the Imperial Astronomical Bureau also pin the me on Song Zhao as the ominous person.


    After all, Song Zhao was currently favored by the emperor.


    The Empress, who was pregnant and unable to be intimate, would be pleased if Song Zhao was trapped. It would also sever her favor.


    After all, Consort Ning''s astrological sign could be fake, but Song Zhao''s name couldn''t be, right?


    This move was preemptive, yet it also counterattacked.


    It was truly a well-thought-out strategy!


    The hall fell silent for a moment, and then the Empress sighed and said, "So it''s Song Zhao? Recently, when I informed her of my pregnancy, she has been by my side every day, taking care of me meticulously and entertaining me with idle talk, bing very close to me. How could the cmitous star be her? Wei Zhengde, could you have made a mistake?"


    Upon hearing the Empress''s words, Wei Zhengde became even more certain and said, "If the Empress says so, it only confirms what the celestial signs have shown. Because Song Zhao has been frequently apanying you, although her intentions are pure, her recent astrological signs shed with those of the Empress, leading to the misfortune that urred yesterday!"


    What else could Song Zhao say at this moment?


    She hadn''t done anything wrong, nor did she need to exin herself.


    She could only gaze at Xiao Jingheng, waiting to see how he would handle the situation.


    After the gaze between Song Zhao and Xiao Jingheng ended, his eyes gradually darkened.


    He looked at Wei Zhengde and asked softly, "If the astrology prediction about Consort Song''s sh with the Empress is true, how should we handle this matter?"


    Wei Zhengde replied, "It''s not too difficult to deal with. We just need to confine Consort Song until the Empress safely delivers her child. Once the trajectory of the Tianyang Star changes and it no longer shes with the Tianfu Star, we can lift the confinement."


    Before Xiao Jingheng could speak, Consort Ning, growing more irritated, red at Wei Zhengde. Her anger was about to burst from the top of her head.


    "Do you think we''re all fools and can be fooled by your nonsensical words?" she said, approaching Wei Zhengde. In a voice audible only to the two of them, she spoke through gritted teeth, "This is yourst chance. Honestly tell the Emperor who instructed you to spout such nonsense here. If not, be prepared to have your ivory-less dog mouth torn apart by me!"

 Chapter 126: Grounded on New Year’s Eve

    <h4>Chapter 126</h4>


    Consort Ning pressed Wei Zhengde relentlessly, frightening him until cold sweat poured down his back and his eyes darted around.


    Song Zhao had been peering at Xiao Jingheng''s subtle expressions on his face as he sat in the chief seat.


    She saw his Adam''s apple bob as he swallowed, just as he was about to speak,


    Song Zhao quickly stood up and spoke before he could,


    "The celestial phenomenon is not something that should be doubted. If locking this concubine up can protect the safety of Her Majesty the Empress and her son, then I am willing to be confined in Yaohua Pce until Her Majesty the Empress safely gives birth."


    Upon hearing this, the formerly silent consorts immediately chimed in.


    Consort Ying nodded. "Lady Song is truly generous to offer this."


    Consort Yun followed. "It seems this is the best solution."


    Consort Shu also said, "Mydy Song will be put through some hardship then."


    Even the usually taciturn Consort Liu echoed a word or two.


    Of course! With Song Zhao confined, it was a good opportunity for them concubines who hadn''t enjoyed the Emperor''s favor for some time.


    Yet in the chorus of agreement, another dissenting voice rang out.


    Consort Ning strode over to stand in front of Song Zhao, raising a hand to poke at her forehead, extremely angry. "Song Zhao, did you get your head filled with mush? This whole thing is clearly someone deliberately fabricating things to frame you and me! Put away your inappropriate kindness, we can''t let this go just like that!"


    She pulled Song Zhao by the wrist, dragging her to stand in the center of the main hall below. Then she held her head high, phoenix eyes shing as she looked straight at the Emperor.


    "Your Majesty! That Zhen Tian Jian is dodgy and vague, do you really think he''s meless? Your servant believes there must be a thorough investigation of him!"


    "Enough!"


    Xiao Jingheng, silent for a long time, suddenly erupted in anger.


    He shouted to put an end to it, then got up swiftly, sweeping his sleeves as he strode over to Song Zhao''s side.


    His handsome brows were filled with extremelyplicated emotions in that moment, inscrutable.


    After a brief moment of eye contact with Song Zhao, he rested his hand on her slender shoulder, patting it gently as he said warmly,


    "Then I''ll have to trouble you."


    Having said this, he didn''t bother with anyone else in the hall, striding right out.


    After he left, Jiang Deshun took some people to "invite" Song Zhao back to Yaohua Pce.


    On her way out of Kunning Pce, Song Zhao could still hear Consort Ning scolding the Empress from inside,


    But the matter was already set in stone, and no more words could change the fact that she would be confined.


    After returning to the west wing pavilion, the pce maids locked the gates.


    Jiang Deshun had always been very respectful to Song Zhao. Privately, he told her:


    "While you''ll be confined, as for food, clothing and other needs, the inner pce will not mistreat you. Yun Shan is your personal servant girl, so this old ve will not drive her away. But other pce maids won''t be allowed to serve by your side during this time."


    Song Zhao said nkly, "You have my thanks, Steward Jiang..."


    Seeing her distressed, Jiang Deshun advised her, "Mydy understands the big picture. His Majesty saw everything today, he will certainly not shortchange you. This old ve will speak on your behalf before His Majesty when the timees."


    Song Zhao nodded dumbly, as if her sorrow had reached an extreme, not even hearing Jiang Deshun''s words.


    Seeing this, Jiang Deshun could not say anything more. He sighed helplessly and left with the others.


    Yet almost as soon as he had walked out, the deste look on Song Zhao''s face disappeared entirely.


    She even had the mood to pick up a mandarin orange from the table and start peeling and eating it.


    Yun Shan walked around the west wing pavilion and returned, saying,


    "Mydy, all the exits have been locked... Tomorrow is New Year''s Eve, and His Majesty bears to confine you over the big festival? s... There''s clearly still room to maneuver on this matter, why did you voluntarily ask to be confined?"


    "Even you can see something fishy about that Chief Astrologer, do you think His Majesty can''t?" Song Zhao gave a coldugh as she put an orange slice in her mouth. "He definitely noticed it even clearer than anyone else."


    Yun Shan thought for a moment. "Since His Majesty noticed, he should have investigated the matter. Why confine you instead?"


    Song Zhao said coolly, "What else could he do? Protect me, then go confront the Empress? She''s pregnant with the heir, the royal child is in her belly, of course everything has to revolve around her. I''m just a lowly concubine, nothingpared to the state and mountains and rivers. Besides, didn''t you see His Majesty ignore everyone when he left? He obviously had to give the Empress face."


    Yun Shan knew herdy had done this to give Xiao Jingheng a way out too.


    Yet she still could not ept it. "You''re acting out of consideration for the big picture, but His Majesty should also appreciate your goodness! If you''re really confined for half a year until the Empress gives birth, His Majesty might forget you by then!"


    Look, even the guileless Yun Shan could see Xiao Jingheng''s fickleness. How could Song Zhao expect to get any sense of security from him then?


    In any situation, that sense of security had to be fought for by oneself, only then was it reliable.


    "I won''t let myself stay confined for half a year, I''m confident I''ll get out very soon," Song Zhao said confidently and calmly.


    Then she casually tossed the orange peel into the brazier to burn.


    *


    The next day was New Year''s Eve.


    The pce was filled with the sounds of firecrackers and fireworks, extremely lively.


    Only Song Zhao''s ce was as deste as if one foot was already in the cold pce.


    She naturally could not attend the New Year''s Eve feast.


    But the little eunuch called Xiaoyinzi sent many delicious delicacies to her, saying:


    "His Majesty cares about you. He specially ordered me to bring this food to you."


    Faced with the table of fine cuisine, Song Zhao was clearly not interested.


    She lightly acknowledged it, then started coughing heavily.


    "Cough cough... Cough cough cough..."


    When she lowered the handkerchief covering her lips after the bout of coughs, Xiaoyinzi saw clearly that¡ª


    On the corners of Song Zhao''s lips, the handkerchief she had lowered was stained with scarlet blood!


    He panicked and quickly asked, "Mydy, what''s wrong?"


    Song Zhao clenched the bloodied handkerchief in her hand, shaking her head weakly as she said, "I''m fine, don''t tell His Majesty about this. I don''t want him bothered over me on New Year''s Eve. Please convey my regards to His Majesty. I''m tired, you should report back."


    After Xiaoyinzi left, Yun Shan immediately poured her a cup of tea and took out the jade pot, attending to her as she rinsed her mouth.


    "This sea buckthorn juice mixed with cinnabar does look a lot like blood, mydy. But cinnabar is poisonous. You should rinse quickly to avoid swallowing it and hurting your body."


    The clean, fresh scent of the jasmine tea washed away the rich, sweet and sour vor in her mouth. Song Zhao spat out the light red tea water in the pot. She unhurriedly took a clean handkerchief to wipe the corners of her mouth.


    Yun Shan said: "His Majesty feels indebted to you, Xiaoyinzi likes to fawn and will definitely tell him you were coughing blood. He''ll certainlye see you tonight."


    Song Zhao smiled slightly and nodded. Then she said she was tired and told Yun Shan to withdraw first.


    She definitely knew that Xiao Jingheng would definitelye visit her that night.


    At the same time, she was also very clear that the Wei Zhengde who had pinned the cmitybel on her would die a pitiful death this night!


    The warm, shifting candle mes were reflected on Song Zhao''s face, pale and delicate as porcin. The sinister smile at her lips gradually faded.


    Then she lifted her head to look at the roof beams and said coldly:


    "You''ve been lurking up there for so long, were you nning to steal?"

 Chapter 127: Easy Way Out

    <h4>Chapter 127</h4>


    There was a faint rustling sounding from the roof, like a cat arching its back and stepping over the tiles.


    Just as Song Zhao was staring intently at the ceiling beam,


    the window next to the kang was suddenly pushed open,


    and a gust of cold wind blew in a figure in blue.


    Xiao Jingyan stood in front of Song Zhao, pped his hands to brush off dust, and said with a roguish smile:


    "Isn''t it you who''s the thief? Why turn the tables?"


    Song Zhao nced at him sullenly, not answering.


    Xiao Jingyan sat down casually in front of her, leaning backzily in his chair, and said jokingly:


    "I heard you set fire to the Empress''s quarters?"


    ncing back at the wide open window, he clicked his tongue and said, "Tsk tsk, such a big crime. It seems Brother Emperor isn''t intent on imprisoning you, since he didn''t even lock the window."


    Seeing his gangster-like sitting posture, Song Zhao was increasingly annoyed by this gue god.


    Although it was the night of the New Year''s Eve banquet today, Concubine Yao, the mistress of Yao Hua Pce, had gone to Tong Hua Terrace early to attend the banquet, and the pce maids had been given half a day off today. So at this moment, the vast Yao Hua Pce was empty.


    But Xiao Jingyan was talking to her with the window wide open. What if someone saw them?


    Song Zhao didn''t have the audacity he had, so she got up and closed the window, then sat down next to the kang to keep her distance from him,


    "Aren''t you afraid His Majesty will suspect you for slipping away from the joint court banquet tonight?"


    "I''m scared to death!" Xiao Jingyan pretended to clutch his chest in horror and said, "So we have to make it quick!"


    He suddenly got up and reached out to Song Zhao, "May I trouble you to hand over the item to me."


    Song Zhao looked at him for a while without giving him the Secret Order of the Heavenly Seal, but instead leisurely took the teapot and refilled a cup of hot tea for herself.


    Xiao Jingyan held out his hand in the air for a long time before Song Zhao ignored him. Somewhat impatiently he said, "What do you mean?"


    Song Zhao held the teacup in her palm and gently swirled it, unhurriedly said:


    "The Secret Order of the Heavenly Seal is on me. But His Highness has to promise me one request first before I can give you the order."


    "Tell me."


    Song Zhao smiled faintly, then suddenly overturned the teacup,


    spilling the scalding tea onto the floor, as if making an offering to the dead,


    "I want His Highness to help me kill someone."


    Her tone was cold and casual, as if killing someone was no different to her than ughtering amb or chicken.


    "Who?" Xiao Jingyan asked, rather surprised.


    Song Zhao parted her vermilion lips and pronounced each word clearly:


    "Wei Zhengde, Chief Superintendent of the Imperial Observatory."


    "Him?" Xiao Jingyan rubbed his chin thoughtfully, "I heard that it was him who told Brother Emperor you''re a disaster star, so Brother Emperor imprisoned you. So you resent him for being a loudmouth and causing you to spend New Year''s Eve alone in confinement, and want to send him on his way?"


    "Whatever His Highness thinks." Song Zhao didn''t directly answer his question, simply humoring him. Then she asked again, "So will you help me or not?"


    "Alright, I promise you." Xiao Jingyan agreed almost without thinking.


    Song Zhao was also very quick to take out the hidden Secret Order of the Heavenly Seal and hand it to him.


    Xiao Jingyan put away the Secret Order of the Heavenly Seal safely on his person. Then he suddenly threw a roguish grin at Song Zhao,


    "Aren''t you afraid that I''m just deceiving you? That I''ll take the order but won''t help you?"


    That was exactly what Xiao Jingyan was thinking to himself.


    No matter what, Wei Zhengde was still an important court official. In case something unexpected happened if he made a move on him, wouldn''t it cause trouble for himself instead?


    He had thought Song Zhao would get angry when she heard this.


    But Song Zhao''s confidence andposure were clearly beyond his expectations.


    "Since His Highness dared to take the order, he surely won''t deceive me."


    Under the candlelight, Song Zhao spread her ten fingers to appreciate the newly added rouge on her opera mask, smiling vibrantly,


    "If Wei Zhengde isn''t dead tomorrow, then I''ll tell His Majesty and Her Majesty that it was His Highness who forced me to steal the Secret Order of the Heavenly Seal."


    Xiao Jingyan''s eyebrows twitched. He asked in a low voice, "Aren''t you afraid to die?"


    Song Zhao''s smile grew even warmer. She lookedpletely nonchnt, "Of course I''m afraid, but I know His Highness won''t let me die. I''m just a disaster star rejected and imprisoned by His Majesty. While His Highness is His Majesty''s most beloved younger brother. I believe His Highness will keep himself safe, and keep me safe too, right?"


    "Hahahaha, this is really interesting." Xiao Jingyanughed heartily, and his solemn expression also rxed. "Don''t worry, I''ll take care of this for you. But I''m very curious why you didn''t ask at all what I''m going to use the Secret Order of the Heavenly Seal for?"


    Song Zhao said coolly, "If I asked, would you not have taken it?"


    "......" Xiao Jingyan was speechless for a moment, but this unppable woman piqued his curiosity even more.


    "Aren''t you afraid there''ll be trouble?"


    "Hasn''t His Highness really got nothing better to do than to ask the same question over and over?" Song Zhao said. "Didn''t I already answer His Highness? Not only am I afraid, I''m very afraid. But if something really happens, if I can''t live, neither can His Highness. Even if His Highness runs away, your noble mother is still in the harem. His Highness may be an unrestrained prince who doesn''t dabble in court politics, but is known for his filial piety."


    The corners of Song Zhao''s lips curved up into a dazzling smile. She cocked an eyebrow at Xiao Jingyan and said calmly, "You even dare to gamble with your noble mother''s life against me. What more do I have to be afraid of?"


    "Tsk tsk......" Hearing Song Zhao''s words, Xiao Jingyan kept shaking his head. "That''s why I''ve always said, when women get smart, there''s nothing men can do. It''s just that Brother Emperor is highly skilled and daring enough to keep marrying these women into his harem. If it were me, they''d give me a headache~"


    With that said, he waved at Song Zhao and nimbly leapt out of the window. His figure then disappeared into the thick night of Yao Hua Pce.


    Song Zhao knew that with Xiao Jingyan''s departure, Wei Zhengde would undoubtedly die tonight.


    As long as he died, Xiao Jingyan and the Empress would inevitably be suspicious of each other.


    The Empress would think that it was Xiao Jingyan who sent someone to kill Wei Zhengde, in order to warn her not to go too far.


    And Xiao Jingyan would also think that it was the Empress who killed Wei Zhengde to eliminate any future trouble without revealing anything.


    Once doubts arose between them, sinister schemes would follow.


    The Empress thought herself clever by inexplicably framing Song Zhao.


    Then Song Zhao would make the Empress abandon her pawns and lose all her schemes, ending up in total defeat!


    Moreover, with the death of Superintendent Wei Zhengde, his deputy at the Imperial Observatory would naturally take over his post.


    Seeing Wei Zhengde dead, the deputy would surely be afraid, anxious and worried all day, fearing for his own life.


    In order to save himself, he certainly wouldn''t make careless criticisms in court again.


    That way, Song Zhao could easily clear herself of the disaster starbel and walk proudly out of Yao Hua Pce.


    She calcted that the Empress'' machinations could confine her for three or two days at most.


    These three or two days could deepen Xiao Jingyan''s guilt towards her even more, and gain her a reputation for being sensible and seeing the big picture.


    No matter how it''s calcted, she, Song Zhao, would be the only real winner of this game!

 Chapter 128: The Doubting Queen

    <h4>Chapter 128</h4>


    When night fell,


    As the most splendid fireworks blossomed in the twilight sky, the bustling imperial pce gradually became quiet.


    Song Zhao took out her pipa and yed the song "Xiang Fei Yuan" alone.


    Her pipa skills were already very skilled, but today when she yed, there were mistakes everywhere, which showed that she was in a bad mood.


    The unpleasing pipa sounds were heard by Xiao Jingheng who arrivedte.


    At that time, the door lock of the west side hall of Yao Hua Pce was opened by the people in front of the emperor,


    Yun Shan saw Xiao Jingheng and immediately bowed to greet him. Xiao Jingheng heard the pipa sounding from the inner bedroom, so he wanted Yun Shan to withdraw first, and listened to a song alone outside the door.


    Later, when the song was over, he vaguely heard the faint sobs of a woman, so he immediately pushed the door and entered.


    In the bedroom, Song Zhao hugged the pipa and cried sadly under the dim candlelight,


    "Zhao''er."


    Hearing someone calling her, Song Zhao suddenly looked up at the door,


    The moment her misty eyes met Xiao Jingheng''s burning eyes,


    First there was undisguised joy, but she soon suppressed this emotion again, put down the pipa and hurriedly paid respects to Xiao Jingheng,


    "Long live the Emperor, may you live ten thousand years in good health."


    "I said that when you see me in private, you don''t have to be courteous."


    Xiao Jingheng strode towards her, but she staggered back in fear for two steps, biting her lips hard against the root of the wall, looking aggrieved.


    "This concubine is an inauspicious person, it is better for the Emperor to not get too close to this concubine, so as not to offend the Emperor."


    Her words stabbed Xiao Jingheng''s heart,


    He didn''t slow down his pace, and when he came to Song Zhao''s side, he hugged her tightly,


    "It was wrong of me to let you suffer."


    At first, Song Zhao struggled in his arms for a while, but Xiao Jingheng''s arms were powerful, how could a weak woman like her easily break free?


    Since she couldn''t get away, Song Zhao simply sobbed softly in Xiao Jingheng''s arms, wanting to show him all her grievances by crying.


    "This concubine thought that the Emperor also regarded this concubine as an inauspicious person, and would never pay attention to this concubine again..."


    "I have never believed the unfounded words of others, nor have I ever regarded Zhao''er as a disaster star."


    Xiao Jingheng wiped away her warm tears and said very distressed: "The Empress is pregnant now, I cannot ignore what the Imperial Astronomical Bureau said. But rest assured, I will only keep you under house arrest temporarily, not for too long. Trust me, I will let you walk out of here fair and square very soon."


    Fair and square?


    Innocent?


    Which part of her Song Zhao was not fair? Which part was not innocent? And why would she need anyone to prove it?


    Hearing this, it was really ridiculous.


    But Song Zhao did not show any displeasure at all, on the contrary, she looked very moved, hugging Xiao Jingheng even tighter,


    "As long as the Emperor believes in this concubine, this concubine won''t care about anything else, and won''t feel wronged about anything else."


    Later, after Song Zhao''s emotions stabilized, Xiao Jingheng took her hand and sat her on the bed,


    Song Zhao leaned on Xiao Jingheng''s shoulder and asked softly: "Why did the Emperore at this time?"


    "I was worried about your health. Xiao Yinzi said you coughed badly and even coughed up blood? How do you feel now?"


    "It was just some blood mixed in the phlegm from excessive coughing, I told him not to tell the Emperor, how could he still..."


    "I know you''re afraid I''ll worry, but no matter what happens to you, good or bad, I want to know." Xiao Jingheng leaned down and kissed Song Zhao on the forehead, "Keeping you under house arrest, I have been worried about you all this time. Tonight at the New Year''s Eve banquet, when I looked around and didn''t see you, I always felt empty, and had no mood for anything."


    No mood for anything?


    She could clearly smell the alcohol on him.


    If he really had no mood, he should havee to see her early, why wait until the banquet was over?


    Even Prince An could lie that he took the opportunity to leave the banquet when he was drunk, and ran over here to get the secret order of the Heavenly Jade Seal,


    It shows that if he wanted to, Xiao Jingheng should havee early too.


    But he came today, from his point of view, it was already rare.


    Song Zhao knew very well that Xiao Jingheng had feelings for her in his heart, but she was not the only one.


    So Song Zhao was not angry,


    After all, she didn''t have any feelings for Xiao Jingheng in her heart at all,


    Compared with this, what did she have to be angry about?


    So she could still smile calmly and ingratiatingly said:


    "The Emperor caring about this concubine, this concubine feels the same way."


    It was New Year¡¯s Eve today, tonight, Xiao Jingheng was originally supposed to spend the night in the Empress''s pce.


    So his visit to Song Zhao was destined to be brief.


    But Song Zhao had her ways to keep Xiao Jingheng longer.


    For example, when she was in his arms, her hands started to move restlessly, arousing Xiao Jingheng''s most primitive desires...


    After a spring night, the quilt was soaked with sweat,


    Looking at the stained quilt, Song Zhao shyly said:


    "This concubine has to moisten the sweaty areas first with water, otherwise the stains will be difficult to wash clean when dried tomorrow."


    Xiao Jingheng clearly wanted to linger with her for a while longer, so he held her wrist and said, "If it gets dirty then throw it away, you don''t have to bother."


    "That won''t do." Song Zhao pulled the corner of the quilt as if it was a precious treasure, smiling and said, "Did the Emperor forget? This is the quilt that the Emperor rewarded this concubine when conferring the title of Imperial Concubine. Since it was the Emperor¡¯s reward, it represents the Emperor''s feelings towards this concubine. Not to mention throwing it away, even the slightest damage would break this concubine¡¯s heart."


    Xiao Jingheng smiled, "Only you are so particr about things like this."


    "No, not at all!" As Song Zhao wiped the quilt clean with a handkerchief soaked in water, she said, "All the concubines in the imperial harem cherish the Emperor¡¯s affection deeply. Take the Empress for example. The quilt the Empress uses is the dragon and phoenix quilt from the grand wedding. The Empress has been using it ever since. Is the Emperor going to say that the Empress is overly particr as well?"


    As Song Zhao spoke, she also unintentionally eximed: "Now that I think about it, fortunately on the day of the big fire, Empress was wrapped in a in quilt and rescued by Eunuch Yan. If she had been draped in the dragon and phoenix quilt which caught fire, the Empress would definitely have been heartbroken."


    The speaker had no intention, but the listener took it personally.


    Xiao Jingheng''s face, which originally had a warm smile, visibly darkened after hearing Song Zhao''s words.


    In his mind he analyzed:


    On that day, both Yan Jiude and Shuang Ruo beside the Empress said that when they went in to rescue people during the fire, the Empress had already fainted in the room due to inhaling too much smoke and being overly frightened.


    In such an emergency, their only thought was to rescue the Empress. They must have grabbed the dragon and phoenix quilt on the Empress¡¯ bed, soaked it with water and wrapped her in it before taking her out.


    They certainly wouldn''t have specially gone back to the storeroom to fetch a in quilt to rescue her at the crucial moment between life and death.


    So...


    The only possibility for the Empress to be wrapped in a in quilt when she was rescued that day


    was that she already knew


    that the Phoenix Pavilion would inevitably catch fire that night...

 Chapter 129: It’s Hard to Be True

    <h4>Chapter 129</h4>


    Xiao Jingheng was lost in thought,


    Song Zhao saw his handsome brow slightly frown, eyes full of doubts, and realized her careless words had aroused Xiao Jingheng''s suspicion of the Empress.


    So she was in no hurry, and continued tidying her quilt, giving Xiao Jingheng time to think things through clearly about the whole matter.


    Only after she was done with what was at hand did Song Zhao casually and unnoticeably look at Xiao Jingheng, smiling lightly and calling out twice,


    ¡°Your Majesty? Your Majesty?¡±


    ¡°Hmm?¡± Xiao Jingheng came back to his senses, his expression did not reveal any abnormality.


    ¡°What is Your Majesty thinking about? So lost in thought?¡± Song Zhao picked up his clothes, pretending to dress him, ¡°It is gettingte, Your Majesty still has to go to the Empress''s pce, concubine will attend to Your Majesty changing clothes.¡±


    ¡°No need.¡± Xiao Jingheng grabbed the clothes from Song Zhao''s hands and casually threw them on the nearby screen, only holding her wrist, said: ¡°I will stay with you tonight.¡±


    The Emperor had to stay in the Empress''s pce on the night of New Year''s Eve and the first day of the new year, this was the rule set by the ancestors.


    If it was any other day, Song Zhao would have definitely persuaded Xiao Jingheng,


    but today, Song Zhao put away her understanding of propriety and righteousness, and treated herself as a wronged little woman who also needed her husband¡¯spany.


    Didn¡¯t the Empress like to confine her?


    Then let the Empress have a taste of what it feels like to be home alone without being confined.


    At the beginning of the new year that night, Song Zhao nestled in Xiao Jingheng¡¯s arms, the smile at the corner of her lips was particrly sweet.


    Early the next morning, Jiang Deshun knocked on the door of the west wing of Yao Hua Pce.


    Seeing Song Zhao sleeping soundly, Xiao Jingheng did not call her. He got up, put on a shirt by himself, walked lightly over the screen, and called Jiang Deshun toe in.


    At this time, the ¡®deep asleep¡¯ Song Zhao''s ears stood up like a pair of sensitive rabbit''s ears. She heard Xiao Jingheng¡¯s deep voice behind the screen, ¡°Did you take care of things?¡±


    Jiang Deshun said somewhat awkwardly: ¡°Your Majesty, Wei Zhengde is dead. But... this was not done by the Secret Guards.¡±


    Xiao Jingheng was silent for a moment, then asked, ¡°How did he die?¡±


    ¡°Your Majesty originally asked this ve to gather the Secret Guards to behead Wei Zhengde. After midnight, Wei Zhengde was drinking merrily at the Chunri Pavilion in the capital. When the Secret Guards rushed over, they just happened to see him fall out of the window on the third floor and break his neck. He couldn¡¯t be saved. Wei Zhengde was heavily drunk. Perhaps he had fallen down drunk, it is hard to tell...¡±


    ¡°Fell down himself? Huh...¡± Xiao Jingheng scoffed lightly, sounding meaningful, ¡°He died rather timely.¡±


    Jiang Deshun of course knew what Xiao Jingheng meant behind his words, he was suspecting the Empress.


    However he could only pretend not to know and remain silent.


    After a long silence, Xiao Jingheng spoke again, ¡°Forget it, dead or alive it¡¯s the same for him, this matter ends here.¡±


    Jiang Deshun took his leave, while Xiao Jingheng walked back to the couch.


    However now his mood was not to go back to sleep.


    He sat on the edge of the couch, staring at Song Zhao intently, enjoying the beauty of her sleeping posture, couldn''t help reaching out to touch the strands of ck hair scattered on both sides of her face.


    At that moment, the fast asleep Song Zhao very naturally turned over,


    the quilts slipped off, revealing her snow-white beautiful back to Xiao Jingheng.


    Along with the alluring spring scene entering Xiao Jingheng¡¯s eyes, there were also a few faint purple bruises.


    That was the scar left when Song Zhao was hit by falling rocks when she risked her life to protect him.


    Although the imperial doctor had done his best to treat her, Song Zhao was born with fair and delicate skin. Such beautiful skin is easily scarred.


    So even though the wound had healed, it would take some time for the bruise topletely fade away.


    It was this unintentional move that quickly diminished Xiao Jingheng''s doubts about her.


    As the ruler of a country, Xiao Jingheng held supreme power in his hands, and precisely because of this, everyone around him seemed to approach him with ulterior motives in his eyes.


    He was tired of the ttery and fawning, but true feelings were hard toe by.


    So he really should not doubt a woman who was willing to sacrifice her life for him.


    The doubts in his mind turned into remorse,


    he pulled the quilt to cover Song Zhao¡¯s exposed frosty jade skin.


    And Song Zhao woke up at this time.


    ¡°Your Majesty?¡±


    She rubbed her sleepy eyes like azy cat, yawned, and said with a smile: ¡°Today is Your Majesty¡¯s day off, why did Your Majesty still get up so early?¡±


    Xiao Jingheng stroked her cheek with the back of his finger, smiling as well: ¡°You are still confined, I was worried about this, and wanted to get you out of the misfortune as soon as possible, to lift your confinement with a clear conscience. Of course I could not indulge myself to sleep in.¡±


    Song Zhao sat up halfway, hooked Xiao Jingheng''s neck with her hand, and rubbed her nose on his prominent adam''s apple. She coquettishly said:


    ¡°As long as Your Majesty apanies concubine, confinement or not, concubine does not care.¡±


    ¡°I know, but I want to restore innocence to my beloved woman.¡±


    Xiao Jingheng''s words were sincere. After speaking, he bowed his head and nted a kiss on Song Zhao''s lips,


    ¡°You will be able to walk out of here fair and square soon. I promise you, rest assured.¡±


    There were tears shining in Song Zhao''s bright eyes as she nodded vigorously.


    Of course she was reassured.


    But this reassurance was not because of Xiao Jingheng''s promise.


    It was because with her own means, she had once again saved herself from the mire.


    Her destiny was always in her own hands,


    so how could she not feel reassured?


    It has to be said that Xiao Jingheng¡¯s actions were quite fast this time.


    That afternoon, when Song Zhao woke up from her nap, little Yinzi came to Yao Hua Pce to pass her a message,


    ¡°Miss Song, His Majesty and thedies of various pces are currently in Kun Ning Pce, summoned you to go there.¡±


    ¡°Understood, thanks to the eunuch for conveying the message.¡±


    Song Zhao calmly touched up her makeup, to look sickly yet beautiful,


    when she arrived at Kun Ning Pce, the six pce concubines had all gathered,


    from the corner of her eye, Song Zhao saw that the Empress''s face looked somewhat blue, but concubine Ning was very proud,


    from time to time she nced at the Empress, with a sneering smile at the corners of her mouth, as if waiting tough at her openly.


    After Song Zhao paid her respects to the Emperor and Empress, Xiao Jingheng gave her permission to sit down.


    She had just sat steadily when a male official dressed in official uniform rushed in and greeted everyone with a bow,


    "This insignificant official is the vice minister of the Imperial Observatory, Li Yun, pays respect to Your Majesty, Empress, and all the young mistresses."

 Chapter 130: Concealment of Pregnancy

    <h4>Chapter 130</h4>


    "There is no need for formalities, please rise."


    Xiao Jingheng got straight to the point and asked, "Regarding the matter of celestial patterns, Wei Supervisor spoke vaguely that day. When I wanted to ask him to calcte it again, I learned that he had an ident and died. Since this is the case, you can rece him and calcte whether Noble Consort Song''s star chart truly shes with the Empress''s, as he imed."


    As the deputy of the Astronomy Bureau, Li Yun naturally had a close rtionship with Wei Zhengde.


    He couldn''t possibly not know that Wei Zhengde died mysteriously at this critical juncture because he offended someone he shouldn''t have.


    And it was very likely that this person was the Emperor!


    As such, how could Li Yun dare to speak recklessly anymore?


    He was so frightened that his body shook uncontrobly as he stammered, "Y-Your Majesty, please wait a moment while this humble official calctes."


    He took out apass and pretended to calcte ceremoniously in the hall.


    After a while, he seemed to have calcted something odd, and his eyebrows shed with momentary astonishment. He was so shocked that he knelt on the ground,


    "Reporting to Your Majesty, ording to this humble official''s calctions, there is no conflicting energy between the Heavenly Treasury Star and the Sun Star, and recent celestial patterns show nothing amiss..."


    "Oh?" Xiao Jingheng asked solemnly, "Why is your statementpletely different from Wei Supervisor''s a few days ago?"


    Li Yun quickly replied, "P-Perhaps Wei Supervisor looked at it wrongly when he was divining! Your Majesty, what you don''t know is that Wei Supervisor was extremely fond of wine, and would always have wine by his side even when on duty. Maybe the alcohol damaged his health and clouded his mind. That''s why he was somewhat delusional."


    Xiao Jingheng was very satisfied with this statement.


    He nodded, "I see. Wei Supervisor was indeed extremely fond of wine, and in the end lost his life due to drunkenness. It serves him right. The Astronomy Bureau allowing such an unvirtuous and ipetent person to upy the Supervisor position for so long is truly preposterous."


    After a short pause, he deliberately asked again, "Let me ask you, in your opinion, does Noble Consort Song still need to be under house arrest?"


    "No need, no need! The celestial patterns show no harm. Noble Consort Song does not need to be confined," Li Yun answered so quickly as if someone behind him was rushing his life.


    The Empress silently let out the breath she had been holding.


    Xiao Jingheng then looked towards Song Zhao and gently said, "Since this is the case, release Noble Consort Song from confinement."


    He then deliberately asked the Empress again, "Does the Empress think My decision is good?"


    How could the Empress dare to disagree anymore?


    She only said, "Since it was Supervisor Wei''s mistake while on duty, it''s only right to restore Noble Consort Song''s freedom. It''s just unfortunate for her to be confined to her pce and miss the New Year''s Eve feast all because of some drunken rambling. She was truly wronged."


    Song Zhao immediately got up and gave thanks, "This concubine gives thanks to Your Majesty and the Empress."


    In contests between masters, themon tactic is to stop after scoring a point.


    With just a few words, the Empress has shifted all the me onto the dead Supervisor Wei and cleared her own suspicions thoroughly.


    Xiao Jingheng also did not investigate further, but promoted Li Yun to be the new supervisor of the Astronomy Bureau, which served as a warning to the Empress.


    Only Consort Ning failed to grasp the situation and kept saying,


    "Does Your Majesty think this matter was Supervisor Wei''s idea alone? If no one instigated him, why would a minor official dare to ssh dirt on me and Noble Consort Song?"


    Of course her questions would get no response from Xiao Jingheng.


    In the end, the Empress is still the Empress. And now pregnant, she is the pir of the harem. Even if she flipped the harem upside down now, Xiao Jingheng would only turn a blind eye instead of investigating deeply.


    But Xiao Jingheng didpensate Song Zhao.


    After releasing her from confinement, all kinds of exquisite and luxurious rewards were sent to Yao Pce by the internal affairs department like flowing water. Nothing less than the best would be presented to Song Zhao.


    Song Zhao gave thanks for imperial favor and epted everything readily.


    Although she did not care for material things herself, having money by her side would still be indispensable for managing internal affairs in the future


    In the following days, Song Zhao acted as if nothing had happened, and would still visit the Empress as usual.


    The Empress said to her, "Consort Ning believes this was my doing and must have said a lot of nonsense to you. Yet you pay it no mind and still keep intimate terms with me?"


    Song Zhao smiled and said, "Since entering the pce, this concubine has enjoyed much favor from the Empress. How could I think this matter would be under your orders? Also, I witnessed the great fire of Phoenix Pavilion with my own eyes. I would me myself for being an ill-fated star who brought danger onto the Empress. That would be my sin."


    Shuang Ruo chimed in from the side, "People say whatever is on one''s mind is how they see others. Noble Consort Song is kind-hearted, so of course she wouldn''te up with those conjectures or be disrespectful to the Empress. But as for Consort Ning...her mind is full of malice, so she assumes everyone else is like her too. She..."


    "Shuang Ruo! Do not speak ill of your mistress," the Empress sharply reprimanded Shuang Ruo to stop her.


    But if the Empress hadn''t instructed Shuang Ruo beforehand, as someone who followed etiquette, how could she dare to interrupt when her mistresses were speaking?


    The mistress and servant enjoyed putting on an act while Song Zhao simply watched the show.


    After the show finished, she went to the Empress Dowager''s pce to apany her in Buddhist practices.


    She had beening every day in recent days to apany the Empress Dowager in praying for blessings for the Empress and Noble Consort Xiao''s unborn imperial children.


    The Empress Dowager was extremely fond of Song Zhao and praised her frequently without reservation, "My child, you have the kindest heart and never get involved in the disputes within the harem. You are just like your mother was. Selfishly, I also hope that someday you can bear a child for the Emperor. That would be even better."


    As she gazed at Song Zhao''s t belly, she sighed. "The Emperor also favors you greatly. Why is there still no news?"


    Song Zhao shyly replied, "Such matters should follow the will of heaven. This concubine cannot possibly force what isn''t willing toe."


    But how would the Empress Dowager know whether she was already pregnant?


    After returning to the pce that day, Xiao Fuzi came to check Song Zhao''s pulse.


    He was extremely cautious, checking again and again. Finally, he firmly stated:


    "Mistress, you truly have a one month pregnancy! Although this ve''s medical skills arecking, I am sure of this."


    Upon hearing this news, Song Zhao''s expression remained indifferent as usual. She did not show the typical tion like other people when hearing they were pregnant, as if they had obtained a precious treasure.


    "I understand. Keep this a secret for now and don''t tell anyone," she instructed.


    Xiao Fuzi said, "Yes, Mistress should start adhering to dietary prohibitions soon."


    Song Zhao smilingly nodded, then dismissed Xiao Fuzi.


    In fact, after returning from the hot springs vi, Song Zhao''s menstruation had beente. She had already asked Xiao Fuzi to check her pulse then.


    She had known about her pregnancy early on, so even without Prince An''s help that day, she still had the means to resolve the confinement predicament.


    But using the pregnancy news to exchange for lifting the confinement was too much of a loss.


    In the pce, whoever has a child can usually obtain some benefits for themselves.


    So Song Zhao was waiting for the right opportunity to announce this news in order to maximize the gains.


    For instance -


    to be conferred as an Imperial Concubine directly and be a female master of her own pce.


    Only then could she openly raise her own child under her care in the future.

 Chapter 131: The Imperial Temptation

    <h4>Chapter 131</h4>


    On the fifth day of the lunar month, Xiao Jingheng held a banquet at the Paulownia Pavilion to entertain important ministers of the court.


    Ning Bochuan, the father of Consort Ning who was far away in Sichuan and Shaanxi, was also among the guests today.


    The Ning father and son had won three consecutive battlesst year, and it would not be an exaggeration to say that their achievements were extremely great.


    Therefore, this banquet could also be considered as Xiao Jingheng''s banquet tomend the Ning family.


    Almost all the ministers of the court were surrounding Ning Bochuan, singing his praises and fawning over him.


    Yet Ning Bochuan was not blinded by these tteries.


    He followed etiquette, raised his wine cup to toast Xiao Jingheng, and said, "I am able to achieve what I have today entirely thanks to Your Majesty''s trust and cultivation. Your benevolence is as boundless as the sea, which I dare not forget. This cup of wine, I toast to Your Majesty."


    After he finished speaking without hesitation, he drained the wine in his cup in one go.


    Xiao Jinghengughed and said, "Ning loves dearly, you have made great military exploits for the Qi Dynasty. Itforts Us greatly. Thus, We have decided to raise your beloved son''s peerage and promote your wife to ''Zhengyi Pin'' Imperial Concubine. You may submit a memorial to report."


    Whether it was raising his eldest son¡¯s peerage or promoting his wife to the prestigious position of Zhengyi Pin Imperial Concubine, they were all rarely seen honors in the imperial court, which highlighted Ning Bochuan''s transcendent status in the Qi court.


    Having received such joyous news, all the ministers in the hall were eager to congratte Ning Bochuan.


    But he did not seem satisfied with these rewards and promotions.


    Ning Bochuan filled up a cup of wine and drank it all by himself. Then he heavily put down the wine cup on the table and saluted Xiao Jingheng with sped fists, "This official is deeply grateful for Your Majesty¡¯s generous favors. In the future, I will follow the example of General Rong from the previous dynasty to expand territories for Great Qi and shed blood for the court and Your Majesty without fear of death!"


    His words were passionate and rousing. Superficially, they sounded nice,


    But who was General Rong from the previous dynasty?


    He was the only Grand General who Pacified the Country since the founding of the Qi Dynasty, and was the previous emperor¡¯s sworn brother in life and death.


    He held the highest office in the imperial court, and was personally awarded the Gold que of Immunity from Death and the Treasured Sword of Imperial Agency by the previous emperor. Hemanded 200,000 elite soldiers and could enter the court in military attire.


    Although General Rong was immensely powerful, he was absolutely loyal to the previous emperor.


    He dedicated his entire life to the Qi Dynasty, and finally died a heroic death on the battlefield.


    He had no wife or children his whole life. After his death, the previous emperor even held a state funeral for him, which was unprecedented.


    Byparing himself with General Rong now, it was evident that Ning Bochuan harbored ambitions on the vital position of Grand General Who Pacifies the Country.


    In response to this, Xiao Jingheng''s expression remained unchanged. On the contrary, he returned a cup of wine to Ning Bochuan and said, "We also hope that you can be a pir of support like General Rong. Come, drink!"


    After exchanging three toasts, Ning Bochuan changed the subject and said, "This official has been away on military campaigns for a year and misses Consort Ning deeply in the pce. May I ask if she is well recently?"


    Xiao Jingheng put down his wine cup expressionlessly, and his tone was obviously heavier,


    "Consort Chen is fine."


    Revoking a consort''s title was a grave matter. How could Ning Bochuan not know about it? By brazenly addressing Consort Ning as Consort Chen, wasn''t he openly fighting for favor for his daughter? It seemed that with Xiao Jingheng loosening his stance today, it would not be long before Consort Ning could restore her title.


    *


    At the same time, behind the artificial hill in the southwest corner of the Imperial Garden.


    Shrouded in the night, Song Zhao came to this ce alone.


    When she arrived, she saw Xiao Jingyan leaning against a cypress tree,zily gazing up at the moon.


    Only when he heard Song Zhao¡¯s footsteps did Xiao Jingyan withdraw his gaze and nced at her. The corner of his lips curled into his usual roguish smile.


    He fished out the Tianji Secret Order from his bosom and threw it to Song Zhao,


    ¡°Thanks ya~¡±


    After receiving the Tianji Secret Order, Song Zhao didn¡¯t want to say another word to him. She turned around to leave immediately.


    But Xiao Jingyan followed behind her, yelling,


    ¡°Hey hey hey! At the very least, I¡¯ve helped you resolve the predicament of house arrest. Yet you didn¡¯t even say a word of thanks?¡±


    Song Zhao stopped and looked back. Indifferently, she said, ¡°Prince and I are only helping each other for our own interests. I thought what His Highness and I talked about was strictly business. Or does His Highness not think so?¡±


    Xiao Jingyan scratched his head in frustration. ¡°Alright alright, whatever you say is correct. Since you said it¡¯s business, I¡¯m generous as always. I¡¯ll give you one more piece of news as a bonus.¡±


    In a swift movement, he came up close to Song Zhao and said jokingly, ¡°One of my polo buddies just returned from Yu Province. He said your father is making great waves in Yu, and has almost caught all the skrks there. I estimate that this news will soon reach Imperial Brother¡¯s ears. With the skrks gone, the harvests in Yu Province will greatly increase this year, and Imperial Brother will definitely reward your Song Family generously.¡±


    He paused briefly, then raised his handsome eyebrows at Song Zhao, ¡°How about it? This news must be really good for you, right?¡±


    Feigning ignorance, Song Zhao coldly said, ¡°It is good if Father can make achievements, but whether His Majesty rewards us or not is none of my business, nor Prince¡¯s. You have taken the Tianji Secret Order and must have finished your business with it. I hope that Prince can keep his promise. From now on, we will walk separately on our own roads, as if strangers when we meet again.¡±


    This time, Song Zhao left very decisively, and Xiao Jingyan didn''t try to pester her anymore.


    The next day, Song Zhao first took the opportunity of apanying the Empress Dowager to worship Buddha to secretly return the Tianji Secret Order to its original ce.


    After midday, she was summoned to provide writing supplies for His Majesty.


    As usual, Xiao Jingheng reviewed memorials while she quietly prepared ink beside.


    But today, Xiao Jingheng was suddenly outraged upon seeing a memorial. He fiercely mmed it onto the floor and shouted,


    "Ridiculous!"


    "Your Majesty, please quell your anger." Song Zhao went over to pick up the memorial and ced it back on the imperial desk.


    Seeing Xiao Jingheng''s solemn expression, she tentatively asked, "What matter has angered His Majesty so?"


    Xiao Jingheng did not hide it from her. "Do you still remember that your father personally volunteered to go to Yu Province some time ago to oversee increasing grain yields?"


    Song Zhao nodded. Xiao Jingheng continued, "In order to increase yields by 30%, he mimicked the method previously used in the capital to tackle bird pestilence. He encouraged Yu Provincemoners by rewarding them one penny per skrk to mass hunt skrks."


    Song Zhao was taken aback. "Skrks feed on rice grains. With reduced numbers, crop yields will naturally increase. Consort has slightly heard about the bird pestilence in the capital years ago. Was it not due to this method that the capital¡¯s harvest increased instead of declining that year?"


    Xiao Jingheng said, "The method itself was good, but your father failed to adapt to local conditions. Yu Provincemoners are not as wealthy as those from the capital and chiefly rely on farming for their livelihood. Come winter, they basically have no ie. Yet your father''s rewards in cash enticed themoners of Yu Province, both men and women, young and old, to risk hunting skrks in the harsh winter." He pounded the memorial furiously, even more exasperated, "Today Yu Province''s administrator has submitted a memorial stating that nearly all skrks in Yu Province have been hunted by themoners!"


    Song Zhao turned pale with shock upon hearing this. Anxiety roosted in her heart as she worriedly said, "Then...with skrks gone, a gue of locusts is extremely likelye summer. Locust gue is far more terrible than bird pestilence! How can Father be so confused?¡±


    ¡°Even you understand this logic, yet your father is foolish and dense in this matter!¡± fumed Xiao Jingheng. He beat the memorial and continued venting,


    ¡°The previous emperor appointed your father hereditary Duke of Protecting the Country because your great grandfather had made meritorious contributions to the court. I have always known that your father is an incapable statesman, so I seldom entrusted him with significant responsibilities.


    This time, he stoutly assured Me that he could increase Yu Province''s yield. Seeing hisposure, I thought even if he couldn''t handle this assignment well, things still wouldn''t go too bad. Thus, I granted his request. I didn''t expect him to arrogantly act without authorization and court such a huge disaster!¡±

 Chapter 132: Death Letter

    <h4>Chapter 132</h4>


    Upon hearing Xiao Jingheng''s tone, Song Shicheng was truly annoyed this time.


    However, Song Zhao felt that the whole matter today revealed strangeness and peculiarity:


    What kind of person was Xiao Jingheng? His suspicions and schemes were deeper than anyone else''s. How could such a person reprimand Song Shicheng in front of her?


    After all, that was her father. Wasn''t he afraid that she would inform him, startling the snake in the grass?


    As her thoughts flowed, Song Zhao soon sobered up.


    Perhaps...Xiao Jingheng had deliberately summoned her to the imperial court to serve ink and paper today, just to deliberately act out this y in front of her, wanting to see what her reaction would be.


    Song Zhao had long known that in front of Xiao Jingheng, she was as clean as a winter snowke, truly too pure and true.


    In this world, anything that was too much would arouse suspicion, not to mention she was facing such a suspicious person.


    So Xiao Jingheng''s test of her woulde sooner orter.


    Song Zhao was not at all nervous or afraid. On the contrary, she felt that his test hade at the right time.


    That way, she could take this opportunity to apany him in a good show.


    ¡ªA show that could ruin the Song family!


    Song Zhao stood silently beside Xiao Jingheng with her head down. The worries between her knitted brows were visible.


    Xiao Jingheng waited for a while, but did not hear Song Zhao ask him a word about how he nned to deal with Song Shicheng.


    Seeing only her worried appearance, her eyes wandering as if her soul had flown away.


    So he said, "Leave this matter until your father returns to the capital. I will question him in detail before making arrangements. This matter may also be a method taught by Lord Ge. If that is the case, then I can also, for your sake, let your father off the hook.


    As for the Ge family... Neglecting their duties as guards of military rations, resulting in the burning down of granaries, is already a serious crime! If he also told your brainless father this stupid method, trying to remedy his negligence but instead causing disaster, then there is no need to keep such a scourge of the people anymore."


    Xiao Jingheng''s words were a pretext.


    He made it clear that he was telling Song Zhao that


    if Song Shicheng said that all of this was Lord Ge''s idea, then he would let Song Shicheng off the hook.


    If Song Zhao wanted to save Song Shicheng, she would definitely try to pass on the news to Song Shicheng,


    so that when Song Shicheng returned to the capital, he could put all the me on Lord Ge.


    And after hearing his words, Song Zhao did "take the bait".


    She was so frightened that her face turned pale, and her hands twisted her clothes hem quite unnaturally.


    Xiao Jingheng saw her unease and asked, "What''s the matter with you?"


    Song Zhao timidly said, "What His Majesty said concerns national affairs. As a concubine, I should not intervene in politics. Hearing His Majesty''s words makes this concubine extremely apprehensive..."


    "Then go back to the pce and rest first. I wille see you after I have dealt with this matter."


    "This concubine bids farewell."


    Song Zhao''s hasty departure was so rushed that she did not evenplete the full courtesy.


    The more she acted this way, the more Xiao Jingheng would suspect her.


    So as soon as Song Zhao left, Xiao Jingheng immediately ordered Jiang Deshun, "Go and send someone to watch Song Noble Lady to see if she will do anything silly."


    *


    After Song Zhao returned to the pce, she uncharacteristically slipped into the small kitchen and started bustling about.


    About half an hourter, she handed a tray of pastries to Little Fu Zi.


    Carrying the pastries, Little Fu Zi went all the way to the water room.


    He gave the pastries and some silver to the water room servant, whispered a few words in his ear, and hurried away.


    He had just left when Jiang Deshun arrived with his men.


    "Seize him!"


    The servant was pressed to the ground, scared out of his wits, his face pale as he pleaded for mercy:


    "Lord Jiang, spare my life! This ve, this ve doesn''t know how he has offended you!"


    Jiang Deshun nced down at him and said pretentiously, "Tell the truth. What did thedy from Yao Hua Pce say to you just now?"


    "Little Fu Zi said... he said that the elder sister of Noble Lady Song would soon have a birthday. Noble Lady Song made some pastries and asked me to help deliver them when I went out of the pce to fetch water."


    Jiang Deshun picked up the tray of pastries. "This?"


    "Yes, my lord, I dare not conceal anything!"


    "Pretend you know nothing about anything today. If Noble Lady Song asks, just say the pastries have been delivered. If you dare say an extra word, watch your tongue!"


    After taking away the pastries, Jiang Deshun dared not dy and hurried back to Chaoyang Pce to present them to Xiao Jingheng.


    "Your Majesty, after Noble Lady Song returned to the pce, she went straight to the small kitchen and started working hard. She made this tray of pastries and said that her elder sister would soon have a birthday. She asked me to help deliver these pastries through the water room servant."


    Xiao Jingheng lifted the tray cover and crushed each pastry one by one.


    In the third pastry, he found a rolled up note...


    He clutched the note in his hand as his expression darkened instantly, but was unwilling to open it for a long time.


    For Song Zhao to ry a message like this at this time,


    there was a 90 percent chance that after her elder sister received the news, she would inform Song Shicheng who was far away in Yu Province.


    Xiao Jingheng hoped he was being overly suspicious.


    But with evidence right in front of him, he had no choice but to re-examine the woman who used to be so true and pure without any scheming in his eyes.


    After a while, he finally unfolded the note, frowning as he read Song Zhao''s delicate handwriting.


    But to his surprise, the content of the note did not mention Song Shicheng at all. It was all written to her elder sister Song Yue:


    [Elder sister, hurry up and find a way to get rid of the fetus in your belly. You must not let anyone know about your secret affair with Ge Zhongqi which led to your pregnancy, otherwise your life will be in danger!]


    Xiao Jingheng heaved a long sigh of relief, inexplicably feeling several points more reassured.


    He was relieved that this note was not Song Zhaomunicating with the outside world, which meant that Song Zhao did not intend to intervene in government affairs and had not betrayed him.


    Although Xiao Jingheng dismissed his doubts about Song Zhao, the contents of the note only increased his anger towards the Song family.


    Song Yue was pregnant? And it was the eldest son of Lord Ge, Ge Zhongqi?


    No wonder...


    No wonder Song Shicheng insisted on defending the Ge family despite knowing that the destruction of military grain was a military secret!


    At that time, Song Shicheng used the reason that his eldest daughter Song Yue could not conceive to be exempted from the imperial harem selection, and let his younger daughter Song Zhao take her ce instead.


    But if what Song Zhao''s note said was true, that Song Yue could actually conceive but deliberately avoided the selection on this excuse and even privately involved with a man out of wedlock?


    This was clearly a crime of deceiving the emperor!


    The Qi Dynasty had strictws. Girls of marriageable age from families of officials ranked fourth or higher must be sent to the imperial pce for selection.


    The emperor would then decide whether to keep them as concubines, grant them to other princes and nobles, or allow them to marry if not selected.


    Now the Song family''s actions clearly showed no regard for thews of the Qi Dynasty.


    It was even treating Xiao Jingheng, the ruler of the country, as a monkey to fool!


    Upon realizing the truth, Xiao Jingheng crumpled and shredded the note in anger, furious beyond control.


    "Come! Go immediately to the Duke Protection Residence and the Ge Residence to bring the eldest daughter of the Duke Protector, Song Yue, and the eldest son of Lord Ge, Ge Zhongqi, into the pce!"

 Chapter 133: Bite each Other

    <h4>Chapter 133</h4>


    The dark clouds hung low over Kyoto tonight, veiling the bright moon like a gossamer. The atmosphere was unusually oppressive.


    Inside the Duke Hu''s Residence, Song Yuey in bed, tossing and turning, unable to fall asleep.


    Her heart was racing, sometimes worrying about the Ge family, and other times hoping that Song Shicheng would return triumphantly from the front lines.


    "Bang! Bang! Bang!"


    The urgent knocking made her tremble.


    "What''s the matter?"


    "Miss... There are people from the pce who havee, saying they want to take Miss into the pce to meet the emperor."


    "To meet the emperor?" Song Yue hastily put on a coat and opened the door to her chamber. "I have no dealings with the pce in my daily life. Why would the emperor summon me to the pce in the middle of the night?"


    Her dark eyes restlessly darted in their sockets as she asked, "Has that wretched Song Zhao done something wrong?"


    "I''m not sure, but the people who came were very rude and kept urging Miss to hurry."


    "I understand. Go back and tell them that I will follow them after I change my clothes."


    After saying that, Song Yue was about to turn back to her room when she saw the people from the pce had already barged in.


    Leading the way was Xiao Yinzi, who usually wore a smiling face in the pce, but today he exuded an air of authority as he shouted at Song Yue, "The emperor has summoned you. How dare you dawdle? Men, take her into the pce immediately!"


    Thus, in the chilly night of early spring, with only a thin sleeping gown draped over her, Song Yue was escorted into the imperial pce.


    It was her first time entering the pce, with its crimson walls, green tiles, and resplendent golden brilliance. Everything she saw exuded an air of nobility, but it also filled her with trepidation.


    On the way, she asked Xiao Yinzi, "Has my wayward half-sister caused trouble in the pce? She is nothing but a disgrace as a low-born. If she has done something disgraceful, it has nothing to do with me, the legitimate daughter of the Duke Hu''s Residence!"


    Xiao Yinzi, upon hearing this, promptly pped Song Yue across the face, leaving her ears ringing and her head throbbing.


    "Song Noblewoman is the emperor''s concubine. Do you think you have the right toment on her like this? If you dare to speak nonsense again, I will teach you some manners!"


    Having received this p, Song Yue quickly learned her lesson. Holding back her tears, she followed the pce attendants in silence, no longer daring to utter a word.


    When they arrived outside the main gate of the Chaoyang Pce, they ran into another group of people.


    She saw that the person being escorted was none other than Ge Zhongqi, and instantly her emotions surged.


    Since the incident with the granary fire, which resulted in the Ge family being ced under house arrest, Song Yue had been concerned about Ge Zhongqi.


    Upon seeing each other, Ge Zhongqi, however, adopted an unusual attitude. He pretended not to recognize Song Yue and gave her a signal to restrain herself.


    Only then did Song Yue hold back her tears and feigned indifference as she added, "Although we are not acquainted, our fathers were colleagues after all. It is only natural for me to show concern."


    The two of them were brought into the grand hall and knelt down to pay their respects to Emperor Xiao Jingheng on the dragon throne.


    "We, your subjects, pay our respects to Your Majesty. May Your Majesty be blessed."


    Emperor Xiao Jingheng did not instruct them to rise. He looked down at them with a gloomy gaze and first asked Ge Zhongqi a question.


    "During the year of your suitable marriage, have you set your sights on any nobledies from official families? I can make arrangements for you, which would also fulfill your father''s wish."


    Ge Zhongqi replied timidly, "I am wholeheartedly devoted to serving the court and have no other desires!"


    Xiao Jingheng sneered and then spoke sternly, "If you are wholeheartedly devoted to serving the court, how could you have allowed the army''s provisions to be burned? If you have any ulterior motives, wouldn''t that be tantamount to plotting rebellion!?"


    Ge Zhongqi couldn''t withstand the fright and immediately kowtowed, saying, "I made a major mistake due to a momentary negligence. I hope Your Majesty can give me a chance to make amends!"


    He finished speaking but continued banging his head.


    His head crashed against the jade stone floor, and before long, blood sttered.


    Xiao Jingheng paid no attention to him and looked at Song Yue instead. "You are the legitimate daughter of the Duke of Huguo?"


    Song Yue was overwhelmed by his oppressive aura and dared not speak, only trembling as she nodded in response.


    Xiao Jingheng continued, "Your half-sister, Song Zhao, is a favored concubine of mine. She has taught her well¡ªshe understands etiquette, follows the rules, and is knowledgeable and sensible. Considering you are her older sister and of legitimate birth, you should surpass her in every aspect."


    Song Yue, being naive, couldn''t detect the sarcasm in Xiao Jingheng''s words and thought he was praising her.


    So she immediately picked up on it and said, "Thank you for your praise, Your Majesty. Our father has always been strict in teaching us sisters since childhood, and I will uphold his teachings diligently, never ckening for a moment."


    "Oh?" Xiao Jingheng rubbed the ruby si ring on his thumb, showing great interest. He smiled and said, "Let''s test your knowledge then. Do you know what the crime of deceiving the emperor entails?"


    Song Yue was startled and stammered, "The crime of deceiving the emperor... deserves... deserves the extermination of nine generations."


    Upon hearing this, Xiao Jingheng''s expression turned serious, and he suddenly became furious. "Since you know, how dare you deceive me along with your father?"


    Song Yue was terrified, struggling to catch her breath, and stuttered, "I-I didn''t..."


    "You didn''t? Song Shicheng used your infertility as a reason to let Zhao''er rece you in the pce. But now you are secretly involved with someone and carrying their child. You and Ge Zhongqi have done such shameless things right under my nose. Do you think your life is too long?"


    Xiao Jingheng directly exposed the illicit rtionship between the two in front of everyone.


    Both of them were at a loss for words, denying it incoherently.


    At that moment, Jiang Deshun ordered his men to hold Song Yue down, and a royal physician came forward to examine her pulse.


    "Your Majesty, this woman is indeed more than two months pregnant."


    In the face of irrefutable evidence, all their arguments seemed feeble.


    Song Yue, being a delicate and pampered woman since childhood, had never encountered such a situation before. She hadpletely lost her senses.


    But she genuinely loved Ge Zhongqi.


    Seeing her beloved also pale from fright, his head bleeding from repeatedly banging it, her heart couldn''t help but tremble.


    So she made up her mind and, gritting her teeth, decided to shoulder all the me herself.


    "Your Majesty! The affair between me and Lord Ge was entirely my fault! The me lies solely with me. I implore Your Majesty..."


    "Yes, yes, yes! Your Majesty, please judge ordingly!"


    Song Yue didn''t expect that before she could finish her words, Ge Zhongqi interrupted and pointed at her, saying:


    "It was she who seduced me! I was drunk and unclear, which led to that... She seduced me! Your Majesty, please be merciful!"


    Ge Zhongqi''s words echoed in Song Yue''s ears like a thunderbolt.


    She was so angry that her whole body trembled, and with tearful eyes, she stared at the man she once loved dearly.


    He continued, "Why are you looking at me like that? Hurry up and exin to His Majesty that it was you who seduced me! Speak up!"


    Song Yue had never seen such a repulsive face on him. The deep affection they had just moments ago instantly shattered and copsed.


    She angrily scolded, "Ge Zhongqi! You shameless person! I seduced you? Who taught me such methods, allowing my father to lie to the emperor on my behalf, sparing me from the selection process to enter the pce? And who climbed over the wall of my house in the middle of the night, insisting on rendezvousing with me under the moonlight? Moreover, who promised to marry me and imed that the child in my womb was adopted by us, deceiving the court?"


    "You... you stop spouting nonsense!"


    With thest teardrop falling, Song Yue refused to say another word to Ge Zhongqi.


    She turned around, facing Xiao Jingheng, and with a dignified posture, kneeled on the ground, her heart filled with despair.


    "I have kept all the love letters he gave me. If His Majesty doesn''t believe it, I can bring them for him to examine one by one!"

 Chapter 134: Cut off from Life

    <h4>Chapter 134</h4>


    Xiao Jingheng had no interest in knowing who seduced whom between the two.


    He waved his sleeve, his voice solemnly decreed:


    "Behead all the men of the Ge family, distribute the women as ves to the west. Send them to the armored warriors."


    "Your Majesty shows mercy! Your Majesty shows mercy!" Ge Zhongqi cried out injustice and pleaded for mercy, but was gagged and dragged away.


    Xiao Jingheng strode towards the door, pausing briefly as he passed Song Yue to instruct:


    "Jiang Deshun, have her womb child beaten out and thrown into the dungeons forter judgment."


    Song Yue panicked, grabbing Xiao Jingheng''s pants and crying out:


    "Your Majesty spare my life! The young one is innocent, Your Majesty! Ah!!!"


    Before she could plead a full sentence, Jiang Deshun pushed away her hands, then kicked viciously at her lower abdomen.


    Song Yue writhed in pain on the ground, crying ceaselessly.


    After Xiao Jingheng left, Jiang Deshun beckoned over several pce women and said emotionlessly:


    "You heard His Majesty¡¯s order? Then get to work."


    The pce women swarmed over, stuffing Song Yue¡¯s mouth with sackcloth and trampling her like mud under their feet, wantonly abusing her.


    *


    After handling this matter, Xiao Jingheng went to Song Zhao''s pce.


    He wanted to see if, inplete ignorance, she would still speak well of Song Shicheng.


    However, when he saw Song Zhao today, she looked grief-stricken, not even daring to meet his eyes after the greeting.


    Xiao Jingheng asked, "What''s the matter with you?"


    At this question, Song Zhao knelt before him, her voice choked with tears:


    "This concubine is guilty, please punish me, Your Majesty."


    Xiao Jingheng''s eyebrows furrowed slightly. He did not personally help her up as usual, but said lightly:


    "If there is anything, stand up and speak."


    Song Zhao remained kneeling, bowing her head very low, sobbing:


    "This concubine doesn¡¯t dare to face Your Majesty. Today...after learning from You that the Ge family would be punished, this concubine privately sent a family letter to elder sister."


    As she spoke, she kowtowed and reproached herself:


    "There is one thing that this concubine has concealed from Your Majesty for a long time. During father''sst visit to the hot springs vi, he inadvertently revealed to this concubine that elder sister and Ge family¡¯s eldest son were having an affair and a secret pregnancy. But not only did this concubine not tell Your Majesty, but also, fearing Your Majesty would me this concubine¡¯s maternal family, deliberately concealed this matter."


    By this point in her words, Song Zhao was crying uncontrobly.


    "Today this concubine has made an even bigger mistake, prematurely informing elder sister, thinking that as long as she aborted the child, she would not be implicated by the Ge family. But after sending the letter, this concubine''s heart was still uneasy. Your Majesty treats this concubine so well, yet this concubine harbored selfishness for her own family..."


    Watching the trembling, sobbing Song Zhao knelt before him, Xiao Jingheng was first filled with doubts, then felt distressed.


    It was absolutely impossible for Song Zhao to have foreknowledge of today¡¯s events.


    Firstly, the ve who delivered the waterwheel had already left the pce, and was followed by Jiang Deshun¡¯s people the entire time, so there was no way for him to ry information back to Song Zhao.


    Secondly, Song Yue and Ge Zhongqi were escorted into the pce secretly through the heavily guarded Chongyang Gate, so Song Zhao could not have possibly known.


    Thirdly, in court the only ones privy to this were Jiang Deshun and Little Seal - two loyal retainers that even the Empress and Concubine Ning could not buy over - so there was no way the news would have been privately passed to a lowly concubine.


    Thus, Xiao Jingheng was certain


    that Song Zhao''s confession today stemmed purely from a guilty conscience.


    At this moment Song Zhao''s crying was breaking his heart.


    How could he still bear to me her?


    He quickly stepped forward to help Song Zhao up, gently wiping away the brimming tears on her face,


    "Don¡¯t cry anymore, I do not me you. It is only human nature for you to worry about your elder sister. Besides, I have long been aware of what happened between her and Ge Zhongqi. "


    There was a flicker of astonishment in Song Zhao''s eyes. "Your Majesty already knew beforehand?"


    Xiao Jingheng nodded lightly, then said, "Today I also summoned your elder sister and Ge Zhongqi into the pce. Just now, in front of me, they have already admitted those disgraceful affairs between them. I have severely punished the Ge family. As for your elder sister..."


    He put his arm around Song Zhao''s slender shoulders, drawing her into his embrace, gently saying,


    "The state has itsws. Her collusion with Song Shicheng to deceive the ruler is solid evidence. I cannot show favoritism towards you and pardon her just because I dote on you. However, I can promise you that now my concubine, no matter what outrageous things the Song family causes, I will never implicate you."


    Xiao Jingheng¡¯s wordspletely cut off any path for Song Zhao to plead for Song Yue.


    Song Zhao could only say, "Elder sister was indeed wrong. Your Majesty should punish her however you see fit. This concubine will not ask another word. As for this matter, this concubine is also at fault.


    In a moment of confusion this concubine passed information to elder sister, and felt uneasy and guilty towards Your Majesty¡¯s kindness to this concubine. So this concubine would like to request halving rations for six months, to teach myself a lesson."


    Xiao Jingheng was not angry with Song Zhao at all.


    She did not pass information to Song Shicheng, which was equivalent to not interfering with politics.


    The only w wasmunicating with Song Yue, but she soon realized her mistake and repented in time,


    so Xiao Jingheng did not punish Song Zhao, only saying:


    "Your elder sister is imprisoned by me now. Everything else can be decidedter."


    Xiao Jingheng would not spare Song Yue,


    but directly executing her would inevitably upset Song Zhao.


    So as not to alienate her, he told Song Zhao that he only temporarily detained Song Yue.


    Because he knew Song Zhao was kindhearted and would definitely plead with the Empress Dowager to save Song Yue,


    and as a woman of the imperial household, the Empress Dowager also had the power to decide her life and death.


    Yet the Empress Dowager was prejudiced against Jiang to begin with. If Song Zhao went to plead with her now, the Empress Dowager would surely fly into a rage and directly execute Song Yue!


    When the time came, Song Yue¡¯s death would be on the Empress Dowager with no rtion to Xiao Jingheng whatsoever. Even if Song Zhao felt unhappy, she would not resent Xiao Jingheng.


    Just as Xiao Jingheng predicted,


    early next morning Song Zhao went to plead with the Empress Dowager.


    Upon hearing the full story, the Empress Dowager was indeed furious.


    "This whole matter is simply preposterous! You would ask me to spare that whore''s life? She and your father havemitted treason - it is already the Emperor''s favor towards you that he is not pursuing you! I advise you not to meddle with this matter!"


    Song Zhao wept bitterly, "This concubine knows, but...in the end she is this concubine¡¯s elder sister."


    The Empress Dowager knew Song Zhao was kindhearted,


    but she truly could not stand her treating everyone well, seeming tockmon sense.


    With this personality, sooner orter she would suffer losses in the harem.


    So the Empress Dowager fell silent for a moment, deciding to teach Song Zhao a lesson to discipline her merciful Buddhist heart.


    She said, "Since you¡¯vee to me pleading, and in such distress, I cannot bear to refuse you. But this - your father and elder sister, I can only spare one. Who lives and dies, you decide."


    Song Zhao bowed her head in tears, silent for a long while, before stuttering in a trembling voice:


    "I beg the Empress Dowager...to pardon my father!"


    "Alright, I shall grant you this."


    The Empress Dowager took out a handkerchief to wipe Song Zhao''s tears.


    "But your elder sister¡¯s life must be taken by your own hand. This serves to show me and His Majesty your stance, and can quell any negative talk that might emerge in the harem, so no one can say I and His Majesty favor you. Do you understand?"


    Song Zhao''s face was agonized and conflicted.


    After a long while, she bowed heavily and agreed, unable to restrain her tears from falling once more.


    Perhaps afraid of the Empress Dowager seeing, she quickly turned her back, forcefully stifling her sobs saying:


    "The tea has gone cold, allow this concubine to fetch fresh tea for Empress Dowager."


    As the Empress Dowager watched her leave, shoulders trembling uncontrobly from weeping, she still felt pity in her heart.


    Yet how could she know, the tremble of Song Zhao''s shoulders now had nothing to do with crying at all?


    The moment she turned her back, she had nearly burst intoughter instead,


    Where were there still any more tears to shed?

 Chapter 135: The Death of Song Yue 01

    <h4>Chapter 135</h4>


    The empress dowager wanted Song Zhao to swiftly resolve the chaos and ordered her to immediately go and apany Song Yue on her final journey.


    However, Song Zhao, considering her sisterly bond with Song Yue, pleaded with the empress dowager, saying, "I beg the empress dowager to allow me to return to the pce and prepare a hearty meal for my elder sister, so she won''t depart on an empty stomach."


    The empress dowager grunted in displeasure but didn''t stop her.


    Once back in the pce, Song Zhao hurriedly busied herself in the small kitchen.


    Yun Shan, who had returned from the Ministry of Internal Affairs with her monthly allowance, learned from Xiao Fuzi that Song Yue was to be executed. Needless to say, she was overjoyed.


    She was happy for Song Zhao. Their young mistress had been bullied by that arrogant miss for so long, and today she would finally receive hereuppance!


    Yun Shan cheerfully went to the small kitchen and saw Song Zhao steaming something in a bamboo steamer. She asked, "Mistress, what would you like to eat? Just tell this servant, why bother doing it yourself?"


    She wanted to lend a hand, but Song Zhao waved away her good intentions and shook her head, saying, "This is for my elder sister. She is locked in the dungeon and won''t even have a proper meal. We share a sisterly bond, and I don''t want her to leave in such a pitiful state."


    Yun Shan, in an unusual tone, grew more intense. "It''s good that she dies! Mistress, you''ve endured her mistreatment for so many years. If I were in your ce, I wouldn''t utter a word of plea on her behalf in front of the emperor!"


    Song Zhao sighed and said, "Forget it. When a person is about to die, what''s the point of holding grudges?"


    "Till this day, I still remember when our young mistress was twelve years old, and there was a gue in the capital. But she actually stuffed rats into our young mistress''s bed, causing her to be bitten and infected with the illness, almost losing her life! She has always been scheming. Today''s unfortunate oue is nothing but her just desserts!"


    "She was spoiled by her parents since childhood and became quite arrogant."


    Song Zhao calmly took out the steamed pork from the bamboo steamer and filled a bowl with fragrant rice.


    "Let Xiao Fuzi apany me to the dungeon today. He is a male servant, and if my elder sister refuses to face her death, he can assist me."


    Later, as dusk approached, Song Zhao and Xiao Fuzi set off for the dungeon.


    Song Yue was imprisoned in the inner prison, where all the pce''s wrongdoers were held.


    Led by the prison attendant, Song Zhao wandered through the cramped and dim cells until they reached the innermost one.


    "Your Grace, the prisoner is held in this cell," the attendant said.


    Song Zhao nodded faintly, and Xiao Fuzi promptly took out a couple of silver coins from his pocket and handed them to the attendant, whispering to him, "My mistress and the prisoner have some parting words to exchange. Please give us some privacy. Half an hourter, you cane and collect the body."


    With a smile, the attendant epted the silver coins and readily handed over the key to Xiao Fuzi.


    "I''ll be waiting over there," he said, pointing to a corner, and left.


    After he was gone, Xiao Fuzi unlocked the cell door.


    The cells in the inner prison were individual rooms, devoid of windows.


    As soon as the door opened, a pungent and foul smell assaulted their senses in the dimness.


    Song Zhao held a handkerchief to her nose while Xiao Fuzi helped her sit down and pulled out a match to light the almost dried-out candle in the prison cell.


    In the dim candlelight, Song Zhao caught a glimpse of Song Yue curled up in the corner.


    She was trembling, disheveled, and had no trace of color on her face.


    She was wearing a luxurious silk nightgown, meticulously crafted from the silk of silkworms. Song Zhao remembered that it was a gift from Song Shicheng to Song Yue, worth twenty taels of silver. At that time, she herself only wore coarse cloth simr to that of a servant.


    But now,pared to the magnificent robe Song Zhao wore, the dirty nightgown on Song Yue seemed cheap and tawdry.


    In a daze, Song Yue lifted her weary eyes.


    She saw Song Zhao''s exquisite and radiant face flickering in the candlelight, as if it gave her a glimpse of the only light that could redeem her from the depths of despair.


    With all her strength, she crawled to Song Zhao''s feet and asked, "Zhao''er... Are you here to save your sister?"


    "Elder sister has suffered. Quick, Xiao Fuzi, help her up," Song Zhao said softly.


    Xiao Fuzi supported Song Yue and helped her sit opposite Song Zhao.


    Song Zhao looked at the rotten cabbage leaves and moldy steamed buns scattered on the ground and eximed in shock and anger, "This is outrageous! You are my elder sister, yet they dare to give you this swill-like food?"


    Song Yue couldn''t contain her excitement and burst into tears, "Wuwu, Zhao''er! Please, get me out of this ce! I can''t bear a moment longer here!"


    Song Zhao held her hand and said gently, "Elder sister, don''t worry. If I cane to see you, I will find a way to help you."


    She then signaled to Xiao Fuzi, who ced a food tray in front of Song Yue and opened the lid.


    The rich aroma of meat filled the air, making Song Yue salivate, and her stomach rumbled.


    Song Zhao took out the dishes, and also handed Song Yue a pair of chopsticks, saying, "These are braised pork slices that I cooked myself. I remember how much elder sister loved them when we were at home. Come, elder sister, eat while it''s still hot."


    Song Yue was extremely hungry.


    Without even picking up the chopsticks, she grabbed the pork slices and rice with her hands and stuffed them into her mouth.


    Seeing her devouring the food, Song Zhao smiled and said, "Elder sister, take it easy. Eat slowly."


    When Song Yue had eaten half of the pork slices, she suddenly noticed something underneath them.


    She moved aside the sauce and was shocked to find aplete mouse skin on top:


    "Ah!!! What... What did you make me eat!?"


    Before she could finish her sentence, her stomach churned, and she leaned over the table, about to vomit. Unexpectedly, Xiao Fuzi swiftly stepped forward and covered her mouth, preventing her from spitting it out.


    Song Zhao looked at Song Yue with a seductive gaze.


    After a while, she couldn''t help butugh out loud.


    "Haha~ Sister, didn''t you used to love mice the most? In the past, you dared to catch mice and put them in my beddings. It shows that Sister is not afraid of these little creatures."


    She picked up a pair of bamboo chopsticks and waved a piece of rat meat in front of Song Yue.


    "Today, I specially cooked this little guy for you to eat. You should be delighted, right? Why aren''t you smiling? I remember when the mice bit me and I ran around the room in a panic, you were outside the doorughing so hard that you almost bent over!"


    Song Yue, because she was being held back by Xiao Fuzi, vomited out what she had eaten and swallowed it back down.


    She mustered all her strength to push Xiao Fuzi away and fell to the ground in fear.


    "I won''t eat it! Take it away! Take it away!"


    Song Zhao saw that she was almost scared out of her wits, and she felt nothing but delight in her heart.


    The smile on her face grew even more intense as she softly instructed Xiao Fuzi:


    "Xiao Fuzi, what are you still standing there for? Go and serve Miss in her meal."


    "Your servant obeys!"

 Chapter 136: The Death of Song Yue 02

    <h4>Chapter 136</h4>


    The delicacies personally cooked by Song Zhao naturally could not be left to waste.


    So whether Song Yue wanted to eat them or not, she had to eat them!


    Xiao Fuzi practically force-fed Song Yue the entire te of braised meat slices.


    In the process, Song Yue vomited twice, but even the vomit was grabbed by Xiao Fuzi and stuffed back into her mouth, forcing her to swallow it.


    Finally, after the "delicacies" had been cleanly consumed, Xiao Fuzi casually pushed Song Yue, knocking her over onto the ground like a pile of mud.


    Song Yuey prone on the ground, drenched in sweat, crying as she shouted at Song Zhao:


    "Why are you treating me this way? No matter what, I''m still your elder sister! We both have the Song family blood flowing in our veins. You..."


    "Now you remember that you''re my elder sister?" Song Zhao cut her off with a coldugh. "Aren''t you always telling people that the unluckiest thing in your life is having a bastard younger sister like me?"


    Of course Song Yue could not swallow this humiliation.


    But more than salvaging her pride, she wanted to survive.


    And Song Zhao was her only lifeline.


    With great difficulty, she crawled to Song Zhao''s feet, grasping her pants leg, and softened her tone:


    "Let''s say I really did wrong you in the past. You can hate me all you want, but think of me as your elder sister and save me first. Once I get through this cmity, you can make me your ox or your horse to repay you however you want!"


    "Save you? Hahaha~" Song Zhaoughed as if she had heard the funniest joke. She casually kicked Song Yue''s hands away and mocked, "It was me who told the Emperor about your sordid affair with Ge Zhongqi. How can you still be so naive as to think I would save you?"


    Upon hearing this, Song Yue was struck dumb. She stared wide-eyed in shock:


    "It was you? It was actually you!"


    She suddenly erupted in madness, mustering all her strength to throw herself at Song Zhao.


    Song Zhao sat unmoved like a mountain, merely seeing her as a joke.


    Before Song Yue could even get close, she was fiercely kicked in the abdomen by Xiao Fuzi and sent flying over ten feet away.


    Clutching her abdomen in agony, she painfully rolled about on the ground:


    "Why! Why did you kill my child! Why did you ruin my entire life!"


    "Then why did you ruin my entire life!?" Song Zhao suddenly erupted in fury, enunciating each word sharply:


    "You made me take your ce and enter the pce, trapping me in this gilded cage for life, while you got to cavort freely with your lover? I''m telling you, I won''t allow it!"


    "Wretched woman... you jinx! Mother was right, you were born to extract vengeance on the Song family!"


    "How could I possibly havee to take vengeance? I clearly came to repay kindness."


    Song Zhaoposed herself, smiling prettily with scarlet lips. "Don''t you love Ge Zhongqi so much you were willing to live and die for him? Don''t worry, I''ll be sending you to him very soon. I will definitely arrange for you adulterous lovers to be joined in matrimony in the underworld, so you won''t fail each other."


    "Pah!" Song Yue spat a mouthful of bloody phlegm at Song Zhao, cursing resentfully: "Wicked woman! How vicious your heart is!"


    Song Zhao was unangered, even smiling in response. She bowed her head deferentially. "I thank elder sister for your high praise, but little sister does not deserve it."


    As she finished speaking, her gaze drifted to the candle on the table. She casually ordered:


    "Xiao Fuzi, the candle is nearly burnt out. It''s about time to send youngdy Song on her way."


    Xiao Fuzi acknowledged and took out the poison given by the Empress Dowager from her sleeve. She pried open Song Yue''s mouth and forced it down her throat.


    That poison was extremely toxic, sealing the throat on contact with blood.


    After drinking it down, Song Yue still wanted to curse Song Zhao with an ''evil death''.


    But she didn''t even have the chance to utter the word ''death'' before her eyes zed over and she breathed herst.


    The instant she died violently, the me in the prison cell also happened to flicker out,


    And everything was shrouded in darkness once more.


    - Boom -


    After leaving the tower dungeon,


    Song Zhao looked up to see the warm golden sunset overcast by ayer of pitch ck clouds.


    A few muffled rumbles sounded before a spring rain unexpectedly began pouring down.


    At the same time, Xiao Jingheng, who was reviewing memorials in the study hall, was also startled by the thunder.


    He used to love the moist aroma of petrichor on rainy days,


    but ever since bing affectionate with Song Zhao, whenever a storm approached he could only worry about that one woman.


    He was just thinking that he would have to apany Song Zhao tonight,


    otherwise his delicate darling would surely cry again.


    Just then, he saw Jiang Deshune forward and report:


    "Your Majesty, the eldest daughter of the Song family just... died violently in the tower dungeon."


    Xiao Jingheng was unsurprised and casually asked, "Was it by the Empress Dowager''s decree?"


    "Yes... but the executioner was Concubine Song..."


    Only then did Xiao Jingheng realize that the Empress Dowager had actually ordered Song Zhao to kill her own elder sister with her own hands.


    The Empress Dowager''s intention was to purge the harem and protect Song Zhao, preventing any idle gossip from entangling her in the future.


    But Song Zhao was fainthearted by nature and would surely be terrified to kill someone.


    - Boom -


    Another earth-shaking roar of thunder sounded.


    Xiao Jingheng lost all interest in reviewing memorials and promptly ordered:


    "Ready the pnquin. I will go see Concubine Song at Yao Hua Pce."


    That night when he saw Song Zhao, she seemed just as usual on the surface, only slightly more weary.


    The thunderstorm persisted into the night. Xiao Jingheng said he would stay to apany Song Zhao,


    And Song Zhao did not refuse him, only saying she was truly exhausted today and had no mood for intimacy. Xiao Jingheng acquiesced and the two retired early.


    Later in the deep of night, following a sudden p of thunder,


    Song Zhao, who had already fallen asleep, was startled awake with a jolt.


    She bolted upright in bed, hands covering her ears tightly as she cried out in panic:


    "No! Elder sister, don''t!"


    Xiao Jingheng was also woken up. Realizing she was having a nightmare, he got up and took her into his embrace, gently stroking her back as he softlyforted:


    "Don''t be afraid, Zhao''er. It was just a dream. I''m here."


    Song Zhao clung tightly to Xiao Jingheng, trembling as she said: "There was blood, so much blood... Elder sister asked me why I killed her! Your Majesty, I''m so frightened..."


    It was evident she had truly been terrified,


    otherwise she who was usually most proper would not address herself as ''I'' in front of Xiao Jingheng.


    But he did not chastise her, instead holding her even tighter:


    "The Empress Dowager made you do that to protect you, and to prevent gossip circting in the harem about you. But I know having you personally execute your elder sister ced a difficult burden on you."


    He lowered his head, softly kissing her forehead:


    "Don''t be scared. I will stay by your side. With me here, be at peace."


    Later, Xiao Jingheng held Song Zhao tightly the entire night.


    And this timid beauty snuggled softly against him like a rabbit,


    eyes closed as she quietly listened to the sound of rain pattering outside the window.


    She had never felt the sound of raindrops drumming the window ledge


    could be so soothing as in that moment.

 Chapter 137: Princess Ninh

    <h4>Chapter 137</h4>


    Song Shicheng caused a major incident in Yu Province. Immediately, Xiao Jingheng ordered the deputymander of the Yu Province troops to detain him and bring him back to the capital for trial.


    Today was supposed to be the day when Song Shicheng arrived in the capital, but a messenger arrived with news that while passing through Yun Mountain Road, a falling rock startled Song Shicheng''s carriage, causing him to fall off and lose consciousness.


    The apanying military doctor advised against rushing the journey as it could hinder Song Shicheng''s treatment. So, the messenger urgently returned to the pce, seeking Xiao Jingheng''s instructions.


    Song Shicheng had caused a great uproar andmitted the crime of deceiving the emperor. Originally, there was no way out for him. Xiao Jingheng didn''t care about his life or death, but he cared about Song Zhao''s feelings.


    After all, Song Shicheng was her only remaining rtive in the world. Thus, Xiao Jingheng said, "What I want to see is him alive, not his corpse. Keep watch over him, ensure he receives medical treatment, and then bring him back to the capital to report."


    Later, this matter reached Song Zhao''s ears through a court attendant.


    Of course, Song Zhao knew that Xiao Jingheng deliberately leaked the news to let her know, showcasing the extent of his favor towards her.


    Song Zhao was deeply moved and was about to express her gratitude in person when she encountered Consort Yao at the door.


    Consort Yao had a smile on her face and was whispering something to her close maid, Fu''er.


    When she saw Song Zhao, she waved and asked, "Where are you going?"


    Song Zhao bowed respectfully and replied, "To Your Majesty, my father had an ident on his way back from Yu Province, so the Emperor allowed him to stay in Yu Province for treatment before returning. I was about to go to Chaoyang Pce to thank the Emperor for his grace."


    Consort Yao waved her hand and said, "Don''t make a wasted trip. His Majesty is currently at the Empress''s pce. I just came from there."


    She took Song Zhao''s hand and couldn''t help but chuckle, saying, "I just heard a strange story, and it made meugh so much."


    Song Zhao showed great interest in Consort Yao''s words and also smiled, saying, "What could make Your Majesty so delighted?"


    "Noble Consort Xiao is pregnant. His Majesty went to visit her today and originally nned to have a meal at her pce. But she insisted on taking a bath first and asked His Majesty to wait for her. Hahaha!"


    Consort Yaoughed so hard that her shoulders shook. She wiped off some powder from the tip of her nose and continued, "Who would have thought she would spend half an hour just bathing? His Majesty couldn''t wait that long, so he went to the Empress''s pce instead. Ha ha! Can you imagine? She''s already four months pregnant, and His Majesty can''t do anything to her. What is she expecting with that thorough bath? Such a shameless person, doesn''t she know any shame?"


    After listening, Song Zhao didn''t find the matter particrly amusing, but she still forced a couple ofughs, following Consort Yao''s lead.


    In contrast to mocking Noble Consort Xiao, Song Zhao was actually quite puzzled. She had known about Noble Consort Xiao''s fondness for cleanliness a long time ago. In the past, when she went to visit Noble Consort Xiao, she was driven away by the noble consort, who used bathing as an excuse.


    But now, it was Xiao Jingheng who went to see her.


    She had never been favored much, so when Xiao Jingheng finally visited her pce, she had to seize this opportunity tightly, right?


    How much effort does it take for her to have a meal? Yet she insisted on going to bathe at this moment?


    The next day, when paying respects to the Empress, the other concubines couldn''t resist teasing Noble Consort Xiao about it,


    calling her "water nymph" and "mermaid beauty," using whatever words they could find to offend her.


    Noble Consort Xiao dared not retort, only sitting in her ce with her head lowered,


    Song Zhao, who was sitting close to her, saw tears falling from her eyes like broken pearls onto her aqua-colored outer garment, and she looked so pitiful.


    After the greetings were over, Song Zhao apanied Noble Consort Xiao for a while,


    and on the way, she asked her, "Sister, have you encountered any difficulties? If you don''t trust others, you can tell me. Two heads are better than one."


    But Noble Consort Xiao replied, "N-No, nothing. I don''t care what they say about me!"


    She protected her abdomen and spoke with determination, "Once I safely give birth to this child, if I can do so before the Empress does, then it will be a precious child! At that time, as the mother of a precious child, let''s see who dares to mock me!"


    After saying that, she unconsciously quickened her pace, leaving Song Zhao far behind.


    Song Zhao sensed something was amiss, but she was never one to meddle in other people''s affairs,


    since Noble Consort Xiao didn''t want to reveal more, she decided not to delve into the matter any further.


    Days in the pce passed quickly, and in the blink of an eye, fifteen days had gone by.


    Recently, there hadn''t been any good news from the pce,


    but there was news from the previous dynasty.


    The wheat-eating birds in Yu Province werepletely caught by Song Shicheng, and the one who actively helped him clean up the mess was Consort Ning''s father, Ning Bochuan.


    He ordered his subordinates to catch thirty-six carts of wheat-eating birds from all over the country and had Ning Bochuan''s elder brother, Ning Xiuqi, personally transport them to Yu Province,


    effectively eliminating the threat of locusts in Yu Province during the summer.


    Xiao Jingheng was overjoyed about this and even specially praised the Ning family during the morning court session today.


    Song Zhao knew well that Consort Ning''s favor was not only due to Xiao Jingheng''s affection for her,


    but also because her maternal family had been loyal ministers in the previous dynasty.


    After this incident, Consort Ning would probably regain favor soon.


    Song Zhao thought that instead of waiting for Xiao Jingheng to restore Consort Ning''s position on his own, she might as well give it a push and sell a favor to Consort Ning.


    As she was pondering over this matter,


    Yun Shan happily ran in,


    "Miss, look at this~"


    Song Zhao raised her eyes and saw Yun Shan holding several clusters of sweet osmanthus flowers in her hands,


    the flowers were pale purple, exuding a rich fragrance. They were beautiful.


    Yun Shan said, "Last year was a mild winter, but who would have thought that this year would be an early spring. Sweet osmanthus flowers usually bloom in February, but they are blooming abundantly now. When you look towards Guangyang Gate, the entire corridor is filled with purple! It''s so beautiful!"


    Song Zhao took the sweet osmanthus flowers, gently stroking the petals with her fingertips, and smiled,


    "People who love them are fortunate, and naturally, the flowers bloom beautifully. After the first day of the new year, I haven''t been to Yonghe Pce. Go to Guangyang Gate and gather more sweet osmanthus flowers, make a bouquet, and let''s go see Consort Ning together."


    Consort Ning loved sweet osmanthus flowers,


    When the sweet osmanthus flowers bloom, she would be the first to know throughout the pce.


    When Song Zhao arrived at Consort Ning''s residence with a bouquet of flowers, Yonghe Pce was already adorned with these flowers.


    Song Zhao smiled awkwardly and said, "I thought the consort would like them, so I specially picked them to offer to you. Now it seems unnecessary."


    Consort Ning gestured to a pce maid beside her, signaling her to ept the bouquet. Only then did Consort Ning speak, "Since you''re here, why bother with such sentimental words? The Empress Dowager has allowed you to rest and not pay respects to the Empress. Why did youe here today?"


    Song Zhao showed a respectful expression and kneeled down again, "Consort, you resolved the locust disaster and concealed the cmity, which made up for the fault of the concubine''s father. The concubine is grateful for your grace, so even though I am ill, I came to express my gratitude to you."


    Upon hearing this, Consort Ning visibly paused.


    She had never cared about Song Shicheng''s life or death.


    Although Song Shicheng had relied on the Ning family, he was just an abandoned individual.


    Her father and brother gathered support from all over the country, providing aid and assistance to Yu Province, only to gain a favorable image in front of Emperor Xiao Jingheng. What connection did he, Song Shicheng, have with them?


    But since Song Zhao attributed the credit to her, Consort Ning calmly epted it all.


    "You are clever to acknowledge that it was I who supported you from behind. I have told you that if you follow me, I will naturally protect you. Unlike the Empress, who speaks with honeyed words and hides a dagger in her heart, speaking insincerely, it disgusts people."

 Chapter 138: Restoration of Title

    <h4>Chapter 138</h4>


    Consort Ning invited Song Zhao to take a seat and instructed the pce maid to serve tea and refreshments. They engaged in casual conversation.


    Song Zhao said, "I haven''t seen Your Ladyship go out for a walk recently."


    Consort Ning rolled her eyes in disgust. "What''s the point of going out? The withered flowers and deste scenery in the pce only irritate me."


    In a low voice, Song Zhao asked, "Is Your Ladyship still upset with the Emperor?"


    Since the incident involving the Tianyang Disaster Star was resolved, Consort Ning had not taken the initiative to seek Xiao Jingheng''spany.


    At this moment, a hint of disappointment filled her eyes, but she continued to put up a strong front. "He doesn''t want to see me. Should I chase after him?"


    There was a moment of silence before she shook her head, forcing a bitter smile. "That would be too boring."


    "Doesn''t the Emperor want to see Your Ladyship?" Song Zhao didn''t fully agree with Consort Ning''s words and shook her head. "If he doesn''t want to meet you, then why does he yearn for you in his dreams and mention Your Ladyship''s nickname while sleeping by the side of his concubine?"


    Hearing this, Consort Ning''s despondency faded away, and her eyes immediately lit up.


    "Is that true?"


    "Besides Your Ladyship, who else in the pce is called ''Wan''er''?"


    Wan''er...


    Consort Ning hadn''t heard Xiao Jingheng call her by that nickname in a long time.


    Before she received her title, Xiao Jingheng used to call her that both in public and private.


    But after she was bestowed the title of "Consort Chen," which carried implications of an emperor, the address changed.


    "Consort Chen" became the norm, and Consort Ning wasn''t as happy anymore...


    She didn''t want to be his Consort Chen.


    She just wanted to be his Wan''er.


    As she reminisced about the past, her eyes turned red with emotion.


    Seeing this, Song Zhao quickly spoke up.


    "In fact, both Your Ladyship and the Emperor are waiting for each other to take the first step. I know that Your Ladyship thinks the Emperor doesn''t trust you, and it hurts your heart. But think about it, he is the Emperor after all, and there are times when he can''t easily let go of his pride. If that''s the case, why wouldn''t you take the first step? Is it really that important for Your Ladyship topete with the Emperor over this matter?"


    Since the moment she decided to challenge Xiao Jingheng and stopped actively seeking him out, Consort Ning hadn''t felt a single moment of relief.


    Longing is something that can deceive the world but not oneself.


    Restraining herself from meeting Xiao Jingheng didn''t mean she could stop secretly yearning for him within her heart.


    She took a deep breath, unwilling to let Song Zhao see her mncholy. With her head held high and a hint of pride, she replied,


    "I am not at fault, so why should I be the one topromise first? As you said, if the Emperor truly cares about me, why would he insist onpeting with me?"


    Song Zhao paid no attention to what Consort Ning had said and continued, "Yesterday, the Emperor told me that the family of Consort Yin had presented some ck mountain yaks as tribute. Tonight, he will visit Consort Yin''s pce and enjoy the delicacy together. To reach Chengqian Pce from Chaoyang Pce, one must pass through Guangyang Gate."


    She picked up a nearby magnolia flower and brought it close to her nose, taking a deep breath.


    "In the past, Your Majesty was enchanted by a dance of Consort Yin amidst a sea of magnolia flowers, and since then, she has be the dearest person in your heart. Yesterday, your joy was the envy of others. Why not let those beautiful moments of the past be relived?"


    Consort Ning fell silent for a moment before speaking, "I understand your intentions."


    With a suspicious gaze, she stared at Song Zhao for a while and said, "ording to reason, I am in the current position, and as the Queen is also pregnant, you should be the most favored person in the harem. Yet, why do you choose to speak of these matters at this time?"


    Song Zhao replied gently, "If Consort helps me, I naturally have thoughts of helping Consort as well. Isn''t it what sisters would do for each other? It is only right."


    "Heh," Consort Chen sneered disdainfully, her face full of contempt. "Where in the harem does deep sisterly affection exist? It''s nothing more than mutual exploitation between us. Today, you have told me so much and revealed the Emperor''s whereabouts. I won''t forget your favor."


    "In a few days, my brother will return to the capital for his report, and your father, who fell ill halfway, should be returning as well, right? At that time, I will make sure my brother speaks a few kind words for him in front of the Emperor. It''s all about saving his life, and I won''t owe you anything."


    Song Zhao hurriedly got up and bowed, saying, "I am deeply grateful for Consort Ning''s great kindness."


    In fact, Xiao Jingheng had already promised Song Zhao that he would spare the life of Song Shicheng and not impose excessive punishment on him, so as not to make it difficult for Song Zhao to navigate the harem.


    However, Xiao Jingheng was wary of the Ning family. Whoever gets involved with the Ning family''s influence would touch his bottom line.


    He could maintain the outward appearance of the Song family for the sake of Song Zhao.


    And because of the influence of the Ning family, he could once again push the Song family into an irreparable situation.


    And this,


    was the true purpose of Song Zhao''s assistance to Consort Ning in regaining favor.


    *


    That night, when Xiao Jingheng passed through Guangyang Gate in his imperial carriage,


    he happened to see Consort Ning dressed in a green gown, gracefully dancing amidst a sea of magnolia flowers.


    With the wind blowing, the pale purple petals rose into the air, like a sudden rain of colored ink,


    and Consort Ning''s every move and expression in this magnificent scene was stunning.


    This scene was exactly the same as when Xiao Jingheng first met Consort Ning.


    He ordered his carriage to stop and calmly walked towards Consort Ning.


    Consort Ning was intoxicated in her dance and only caught sight of Xiao Jingheng standing behind her.


    With just one nce, her eyes immediately reddened.


    Without saying a word, she turned her back and tried to leave,


    but Xiao Jingheng grabbed her wrist and said in a deep voice, "You refuse to see Us?"


    Consort Ning remained silent, sobbing softly,


    Xiao Jingheng sighed, "We remember when We first met you, it was like this."


    Consort Ning looked back with a touch of sorrow, tears welling in her eyes as she gazed at him. "Your Majesty still remembers? I thought you had long forgotten about me..."


    In the midst of their affectionate exchange, Jiang Deshun interjected unexpectedly, saying, "Your Majesty, Consort Yin is still waiting to have dinner with you."


    However, Xiao Jingheng replied, "Inform Consort Yin that I will visit her tomorrow for lunch."


    And where was he going tonight?


    It was self-evident.


    *


    The next day, while the consorts were paying respects to the Empress, Jiang Deshun arrived.


    He first greeted the Empress and then delivered Xiao Jingheng''s decree, saying, "Your Majesty''s decree is to reinstate Consort Ning''s title as Royal Consort and have Consort Chen temporarily assist you in managing the affairs of the six pces, as Consort Yin has toiled day and night with many difficulties."


    Consort Yin, of course, did not take kindly to this. Last night, she had waited the whole night for Xiao Jingheng, and today he had entrusted Consort Chen with the responsibility of managing the six pces.


    Enraged by her fiery temperament, she impulsively questioned Jiang Deshun, "I have always taken care of the six pces on behalf of the Empress. Why did His Majesty..."


    "You, a barbarian, dare to question His Majesty''s decree?" A domineering and elegant voice interrupted from outside the door.


    Consort Chen, wearing a crimson robe adorned with hundreds of bird motifs, applied red lipstick and drew distant mountains¡ªa selfposed grace exuded from her, imposing and intimidating.


    With a disdainful smile on her lips, she walked confidently to Consort Yin''s side and said scornfully, "The ck mountain yak in your pce has a taste that suits barbarians, it''s quite pungent. His Majesty asked me to tell you that he will not be joining you for lunch today!"


    Consort Yin trembled with anger, while Consort Chen didn''t even bother to spare her a nce.


    She simply sat on her designated seat, then turned to look at the pale-faced Empress on the throne, raising her eyebrows yfully, and boldly dered, "From now on, I will be in charge of managing the six pces. Empress, you can focus on nurturing your child. Tsk tsk... What''s wrong? You seem displeased?"


    Leaningzily backward, she reached for a tea cup and took a sip of fragrant tea before continuing, "If there''s anything that upsets you, just say it, and I will make decisions on your behalf!"

 Chapter 139: Dead Toffee

    <h4>Chapter 139</h4>


    When the concubines in the pce heard Consort Chen''s words, subtle changes appeared on their faces.


    She''s here to make decisions for the Empress?


    She is merely in charge of managing the six pces. Without the Empress relinquishing power, she would be powerless even if she held a chicken feather.


    They had assumed the Empress would be annoyed, but she responded gently:


    "Why would I be unhappy? Whether it''s you helping me or Concubine Ying helping me, it''s all very good."


    She deliberately stroked her slightly protruding belly and added:


    "I''m pregnant now and it''s inconvenient for me to exhaust my mind and body. In the future, affairs of the rear pce will have to trouble my younger sister to handle more."


    Consort Chen scoffed: "Empress, don''t worry, your subject will fulfill the responsibilities that the head of the six pces should bear!"


    The Empress alsoughed. "It''s good that my younger sister has this determination. Coincidentally, there is something right now that requires my younger sister to handle. It''s early spring now, and summer will probablye very soon."


    She paused and looked towards Song Zhao, "I''ve been thinking that although the peach blossoms at Zhongsi Gate are beautiful, Imperial Concubine Song has reactions to the peach pollen. I''m thinking those peach trees should be removed as soon as possible to avoid any incidents."


    Facing the Empress''s sudden concern, Song Zhao seemed somewhat at a loss.


    She first stood up to thank the Empress for her grace, then said: "This concubine usually does not go to Zhongsi Gate often. Her Imperial Majesty the Empress and Her Ladyship Consort Chen do not need to worry about this concubine''s trivial matters."


    The Empress said: "That won''t do. Qingliang Stage is near Zhongsi Gate. Everyone often goes there to listen to operas in the summer. You can''t avoid going there just for the sake of a few peach trees. The flowers are dead, but people are alive. You can''t let your rtionship with the imperial consorts grow distant just because of a few peach trees."


    Her face was all smiles without any hint of the daggers hidden behind. She said to Consort Chen again: "What do you think? Can you handle this matter well?"


    Song Zhao understood clearly in her heart that the Empress wanting to cut down the peach trees at Zhongsi Gate now was definitely not for her own good.


    Everyone in the pce knew that the peach trees at Zhongsi Gate were nted by thete emperor for Consort Yu!


    Consort Yu was Prince Rui''s birth mother, and Prince Rui was the force most dissatisfied with the Ning family in the previous dynasty.


    If Consort Chen really moved those peach trees away, it would be openly offending Consort Yu and let Prince Rui watch for faults in their Ning family closely.


    Consort Chen naturally understood this logic too. She was used to being rampant and never put anyone in her eyes. She immediately answered the Empress:


    "This is not a difficult matter. Your subject will handle it properly for Her Majesty the Empress."


    The Empress told her to move the peach trees elsewhere, but that afternoon, Consort Chen had people cut down all the peach trees instead!


    She also ordered the pce maid: "I''m following Her Majesty the Empress''s edict to clear this ce out. Send these cut-down peach trees to Shoukang Pce for Consort Yu and tell her they are a gift from Her Majesty the Empress."


    By saying so, Consort Chen washed her hands of this cleanly.


    If Consort Yu found fault with thister, she would simply say that everything was ordered by the Empress and could easily push the me away.


    Consort Yu''s health had always been poor and she had been quietly recuperating in the pce. If she saw that the peach trees today representing her rtionship with thete emperor had been chopped down at the waist, she would be so angry that problems would arise with her frail health, and she did spit out blood!


    When Shoukang Pce reported this news to the imperial court, Jiang Deshun immediately went to the Ministers'' Hall to report it to Xiao Jingheng.


    When he entered, he saw Xiao Jingheng throw a memorial on the ground in anger. Itnded right at his feet.


    "Your servant pays respects to His Majesty." Jiang Deshun kneeled and picked up the memorial to present back on the dragon table properly.


    He heard Xiao JIngheng say in displeasure: "Ning Bochuan''s eldest son is even more unbridled than him! He actually memorialized, asking Us to pardon Song Shicheng and said something about not freezing an old minister''s heart!"


    Xiao Jingheng mmed the table furiously. "He can''t even keep things under control in the Ning family, yet he wants toment on how We deal with treasonous officials? Truly unbridled and presumptuous!"


    Seeing Xiao Jingheng''s palms red from mming the table, Jiang Deshun quickly advised:


    "Your Majesty, calm your anger and take care of the dragon''s body!"


    Eunuchs were not allowed to discuss state affairs. Xiao Jingheng had only told him a few more sentences to let off steam. Now that his anger had subsided a little, he took the warm tea offered by Jiang Deshun and asked lightly:


    "What brought you here?"


    Jiang Deshun said: "Consort Chen cut down the peach trees at Zhongsi Gate and angered Consort Yu. Consort Yu''s health was already poor. Shoukang Pce just reported that Consort Yu coughed up blood..."


    This matter was originally very serious, but Xiao Jingheng responded indifferently:


    "Consort Yu is Fifth Brother''s birth mother. Now that she is ill, summon Fifth Brother to enter the pce and visit her."


    That night when Prince Rui rushed into the pce, he did not even get to see Consort Yu onest time.


    She just died from anger like this.


    Upon learning what had happened, Prince Rui was naturally furious. He went to Chaoyang Pce to ask to see Xiao Jingheng and demanded him to punish Consort Chen.


    But Xiao Jingheng said: "This matter cannot be med entirely on Consort Chen either. She is assisting the Empress in managing the six pces. We can''t reprimand her just because she cut down a few peach trees. Consort Yu''s death has made her feel very guilty too. Hasn''t she also gone to pay her respects?"


    Such cold words were truly unbelievable to Prince Rui!


    He asked Xiao Jingheng emotionally:


    "My Imperial Brother fears the Nings so much that things have be like this?"


    "You are insolent!" Xiao Jingheng erupted in great anger, and hostility red between the two brothers instantly.


    Jiang Deshun quickly persuaded: "Oh dear Prince, no matter how heartbroken you are, you cannot speak to His Majesty like this!"


    In the end, Prince Rui no longer paid Xiao Jingheng any heed and left without even asking to withdraw.


    *


    Consort Yu''s funeral arrangements were done very hastily. The pce mourned for two days before everything returned to normal.


    Xiao Jingheng did not reprimand Consort Chen or me the Empress. Perhaps feeling guilty towards Prince Rui, he even raised his princely title. Thus, Prince Rui became the one with the highest status among all the princes.


    That day, when Song Zhao returned from paying respects at Consort Yu''s memorial tablet, Xiao Fuzi asked her:


    "Consort Chen has caused great disaster this time, yet His Majesty did not even scold her once. It''s clear she has gained even greater favor than before after receiving his affection."


    Song Zhao gave a coldugh and lowered her voice to say:


    "This disaster is one that His Majesty allowed her to cause. Why would His Majesty reprimand her?"


    Xiao Fuzi did not understand what Song Zhao meant, but seeing that she did not want to continue speaking, he did not pursue the question further.


    After returning to the pce, seeing him lost in thought about this matter, she gave him a pointer: "I''ll ask you, when His Majesty restored Consort Chen''s title and granted her authority to manage the six pces, which department would have informed the Empress first about this?"


    Xiao Fuzi said: "Naturally, they would have notified Her Majesty the Empress first."


    Song Zhao smiled. "So do you now understand why Consort Yu died such an unjust death at this time?"


    Xiao Fuzi pondered for a long time before suddenly pping his thigh and eximing in realization:


    "I see! So it''s because..."


    "Shhh." Song Zhao ced her forefinger on her lips and gestured for Xiao Fuzi to be silent. "We cannot discuss His Majesty''s affairs. Go get busy with your own matters."

 Chapter 140: The Middle of the Family

    <h4>Chapter 140</h4>


    In fact, from the moment the Empress proposed to cut down the peach tree at the Zhongsi Gate, Song Zhao had already begun to suspect something.


    Having been in the pce for so long, the peach tree at the Zhongsi Gate had been there for quite some time.


    Why did the Empress choose to deal with it only after Consort Chen obtained the authority to manage the six pces?


    And what about Consort Chen?


    Initially, she could have refused, but on her first day managing the six pces, with so many other concubines watching, if the Empress used a little provocation, she would definitely take the bait.


    Princess Dowage Yu and the Ning Family had already been at odds, but this incident poured fuel on the fire.


    On the surface, it seemed like the Empress was plotting against Consort Chen.


    However, upon closer consideration, Song Zhao felt that this matter was likely far more than what it appeared to be on the surface.


    The Empress''s scheme was too superficial to deceive the deeply suspicious Xiao Jingheng.


    This n of the Empress''s would hurt the enemy a thousandfold while also harming herself. It didn''t match her usualposed style of doing things.


    When all possibilities were ruled out, there was only one truth left:


    - That everything happening today was part of Xiao Jingheng''s scheme.


    He wanted the Empress to take a liking to cutting down the peach tree, and then he gave Consort Chen the authority to manage the six pces.


    At this moment, to avoid suspicion, the Empress would definitely go along with it and hand over this matter to Consort Chen.


    And since Consort Chen had just obtained great power, she needed to establish her authority in the harem and couldn''t possibly refuse.


    With the peach tree cut down, Princess Dowage Yu would be driven to her death by anger.


    Moreover, Prince Rui would hold the Ning Family responsible for this.


    At this particr time, Xiao Jingheng granted Prince Rui the title of a prince, making it more convenient for him to act in the former dynasty.


    The vendetta of killing one''s mother was an irreconcble one.


    Prince Rui would surely continue to bite at the Ning Family, and they would retaliate against him.


    Among all the princes, Prince Rui already had the most power and prestige.


    When the former emperor designated the crown prince, he had hesitated for quite some time between Prince Rui and Xiao Jingheng.


    In regard to Prince Rui, Xiao Jingheng had always been wary.


    Now, it was good.


    After this incident, Prince Rui and the Ning Family had be sworn enemies.


    They would bite and fight each other, while Xiao Jingheng only needed to watch from the sidelines and enjoy the show.


    No matter who ended up losing the fight in the end,


    Xiao Jingheng could eliminate a major threat without expending a single soldier or horse.


    As for whether Princess Dowage Yu was angered to death


    or poisoned to death by Xiao Jingheng going along with the flow...


    Song Zhao couldn''t be bothered to guess and didn''t want to think about it any further.


    She only knew that the thoughts of an emperor were undoubtedly much moreplex than those of the women in the harem.


    So in the future, when facing Xiao Jingheng, she must be even more cautious and calcte three steps ahead to ensure prudence.


    *


    The next day at noon, Xiao Fuzi hurriedly came to report:


    "Miss, the carriage and horses escorting Lord have already entered the pce this morning. After the Emperor finished the morning court session, he immediately interrogated Lord. Now, the matter has been settled."


    While removing the delicate makeup from her face, Song Zhao casually asked, "What did the Emperor say?"


    Xiao Fuzi said, "His Majesty spared Lord Shicheng''s life but stripped him of his title as Duke of Protecting the Nation, demoting him to an envoy. Lord Shicheng is to travel far to the cold northern region to handle foreign affairs."


    Xiao Jingheng did spare Song Shicheng''s life,


    but he banished him to a foreignnd, essentially forbidding him from ever returning to the capital.


    Song Zhao applied some rouge to her vermilion lips, trying to look distressed and mncholic. She then asked Xiao Fuzi,


    "Father will embark on a long journey, and when he was in the Yu Province, he suffered a head injury with unhealed blood clots. It may be risky for him to travel. I asked you earlier to prepare a good medicine to dissipate the blood clots. Did you prepare it?"


    Xiao Fuzi nodded and went back to her chamber, fetching a hidden brown pill for Song Zhao.


    After epting the pill, Song Zhao nced at the bronze hourss and said, "By this hour, Father should be approaching the noontime side gate. Come with me to see him off."


    When Song Zhao reached the noontime side gate, she coincidentally encountered Song Shicheng who was about to leave the pce.


    "Father!"


    With a tearful voice, she called out from afar,


    Song Shicheng stopped and turned around. Seeing his daughter running towards him in tears, he felt a mix of emotions.


    Throughout the years, he had favored Song Yue and mistreated Song Zhao,


    but he never expected that the one who would plead with the Emperor to spare his life would be this illegitimate daughter he didn''t value.


    Xiao Yinzi, who was responsible for escorting Song Shicheng out of the pce, had epted the bribe from Xiao Fuzi. He didn''t give Song Zhao a hard time and said,


    "Miss, if you have anything to say, say it quickly to Lord Song. I am following orders and can''t afford to dy."


    After saying that, he stood aside and didn''t stop Song Shicheng from approaching Song Zhao.


    At this moment, Song Shicheng was no longer the illustrious Duke of Protecting the Nation he used to be.


    His figure was stooped, his hair grayed, and his voice filled with weariness.


    "Zhao''er, I won''t be able to support you in the future. Be careful in the pce..."


    Song Zhao knelt before Song Shicheng, crying, "How can Father say you won''t be able to support me? As long as you stay well, that''s the greatestfort for your daughter!"


    Her act of bidding farewell to Song Shicheng vited the pce etiquette.


    Song Shicheng quickly stepped forward to support her, saying, "Miss, you mustn''t!"


    As Song Shicheng helped her up,


    Song Zhao surreptitiously slipped the pill hidden in her sleeve into his hand,


    The father and daughter embraced each other and wept. Song Zhao whispered in a voice only they could hear,


    "This medicine was bought by your daughter at a high price from the Imperial Pharmacy. If you take it, the blood clots in your brain will dissipate. When you reach the harshnd, make sure to take care of yourself before continuing the journey. Don''t worry your daughter."


    Song Shicheng was brought back from the Yu Province as a criminal,


    Even if military physicians treated him, they wouldn''t put much effort into it,


    Even if they did, it would still pale inparison to the miraculous medicines of the pce.


    Song Shicheng calmly epted the pill and, with tears streaming down his face, said a few words of farewell to Song Zhao. Only then, under Xiao Yinzi''s urging, did he leave the pce.


    As Song Zhao watched Song Shicheng''s departing figure, her initially sorrowful expression turned cold.


    She gently wiped away the tear stains from her cheeks and murmured,


    "Father, may you rest in peace."


    In reality, the pill she gave to Song Shicheng was not some good remedy for removing stagnant blood, but rather amon tonic pill.


    However, within it, invisible lethal poison had been added!


    Lethal poison was a substance used by the royal family for executing people. The reason Song Zhao had it was because when the Empress Dowager ordered her to kill Song Yue, she had been cautious and left some behind.


    Lethal poison knew no dosage; as long as it came into contact with someone, it was undoubtedly fatal!


    Deep inside, Xiao Fuzi felt a trace of worry. Only after returning to the pce, during a moment when there was no one around, did she ask Song Zhao,


    "Miss, what if the coroner discovers that Master was poisoned to death by lethal poison? I''m worried that the Emperor will suspect you."


    "Suspect me? Hahaha!" Song Zhao burst intoughter.


    "The Emperor would suspect that the Empress Dowager secretly made a move to protect the dignity of the royal family. The Empress Dowager would suspect that the Emperor couldn''t tolerate him and resorted to murderous intentions. Based on their numerous spections, they would never suspect me."


    She spoke while concealing herughter, and pretended to be sorrowful, saying,


    "After all, I''m just a pitiful person who has lost her entire family. From now on, I''ll have no one to rely on in this world."

 Chapter 141: Mother’s Family Offering Sacrifices to Heaven

    <h4>Chapter 141</h4>


    No matter what, Song Shicheng owed his life to the favor he received from Song Zhao in front of Xiao Jingheng.


    Song Zhao cherished this favor deeply.


    After returning to the pce, Song Zhao personally made some exquisite and delicious snacks and brought them to the Office of the Imperial Secretariat as a gift for Xiao Jingheng.


    Xiao Jingheng tasted one and praised Song Zhao''s craftsmanship, saying, "If I didn''t have to meet with the court officialster, I would have shared this whole tray with my beloved consort."


    Song Zhao took a piece of sweet pastry and fed it to Xiao Jingheng, smiling yfully, "If we eat all these sweet pastries, we might get tired of them~"


    "How could I ever get tired of your affection?" Xiao Jingheng replied, taking the sweet pastry into his mouth and deliberately brushing Song Zhao''s finger with his lips, teasingly.


    Song Zhao lightly tapped Xiao Jingheng''s handsome nose with her fingertip, and they both became more ambiguous in their words and actions.


    "Your Majesty hasn''te to dine in the consort''s pce for a long time," Song Zhaoined, pouting.


    "Tonight, I have a discussion with the officials from the Military Strategy Department, but tomorrow night, I wille to your pce," Xiao Jingheng said, embracing Song Zhao''s slender waist andughing openly.


    "No, I don''t want that! Your Majesty hasn''t tasted the consort''s cooking for a long time. If you have a light dinner, you won''t eat enough. Let the consort prepare a grand feast, and we won''t stop until we''ve had a full table. If Your Majesty is free tomorrow, why note to the consort''s pce for lunch? That way, the consort''s efforts won''t be wasted," Song Zhao coquettishly protested.


    "Hahaha, mydy is bing more and more willful," Xiao Jingheng chuckled and pinched her waist, making Song Zhao ticklish in his arms. He agreed, "Alright, I''ll do as you wish."


    Later, when the court officials were about to arrive, Song Zhao took her leave first.


    As for why she insisted on having Xiao Jinghenge to the consort''s pce for lunch, there was definitely a deeper meaning behind it.


    The former Duke Huguo''s mansion had now fallen, and not even a single servant remained.


    If Song Shicheng died tonight in that mansion, his body would turn cold without anyone noticing.


    The court required him to depart for the North Cold River at noon tomorrow, so that''s when his demise would be discovered.


    Once he died, the news had to be reported to the court as soon as possible.


    Calcting the time, by the time this news reached Jiang Deshun and he informed Xiao Jingheng, it should be exactly at six in the afternoon, when Xiao Jingheng was having lunch.


    Song Zhao needed to hear the news together with Xiao Jingheng.


    Only then could she perform an impable act before Xiao Jingheng!


    *


    On the way back to the pce that day, Song Zhao''s attention was drawn to a blue paper kite flying in the sky above the Imperial Garden.


    Privately, she wondered when the women in the pce had the leisure to fly kites in the Imperial Garden.


    As she walked towards the spot where the kite was tied, she approached and heard the tender voice of Consort Hui.


    "Fly higher! A little higher!"


    Consort Hui pulled the kite string up and down, and herughter tinkled like silver bells. Her eyes narrowed into slits from her amusement.


    Somehow, when Song Zhao saw how happy she was, she couldn''t help butugh along.


    In Consort Hui, she seemed to see her mother when she was still alive, carefree and worry-free.


    She should have had a life like this, free from scheming and calctions...


    "Sister Song!" Consort Hui caught sight of her and immediately waved happily, "Would you like to fly kites with me? It''s so much fun~"


    Song Zhao smiled and returned her greeting, "Consort Hui, what has brought you such good spirits today?"


    "Hehe~ After my birthday next month, I will be turning fourteen~ When I was at home, my mother told me that one month before my birthday, I should write my wishes on a kite. It''s called ''Communicating with the Heavens.'' We need to let the heavens know our wishes in advance so they cane true," Consort Hui exined.


    A gust of wind blew, causing the kite to soar even higher.


    Consort Hui pointed at it with increasing joy, her eyes filled with pure innocence untouched by the treacherous harem, saying, "Sister Song, look! Wow~~ I can barely see it anymore!"


    Sometimes Song Zhao couldn''t tell whether Consort Hui''s innocence was genuine or fake.


    After all, she had such a privileged background, with a family wealthparable to the national treasury. She had been well-fed and clothed since childhood, and her family didn''t care about her pursuing an official career orpeting for anything on behalf of the family.


    For someone like her, the most important thing was to live a happy life on her own terms.


    Song Zhao responded, "The kite is flying so high; the heavens must have seen your wishes, Consort Hui. They will surelye true."


    "I think so too!" Consort Hui pouted, counting on her fingers, "My wish is for my father, mother, and older brother toe to the pce and see me. I miss them so much..."


    In one moment, Consort Hui was full of joy, but after uttering those words, her deer-like eyes were filled with tears.


    Song Zhao took out a handkerchief and gently wiped away her tears,forting her like an older sister, "Consort Hui''s sincerity will move the heavens, and the heavens will grant Consort Hui''s wish."


    Consort Hui''s father held a low official position, merely a titr title without any real responsibilities. If she wanted to see her parents, it would have to wait until she became pregnant and gave birth to an imperial heir.


    Song Zhao said she would get her wish because Consort Hui would soone of age and be eligible to enter the emperor''s bedchamber.


    But when she did, she would be under the scrutiny of countless eyes in the harem.


    At that time, the real storms of bloodshed woulde crashing down upon her.


    May she be safe and well through it all.


    *


    The next day at noon, Song Zhao prepared a table full of delicious delicacies, and Xiao Jingheng arrived as expected after the morning court session.


    After Song Zhao and Xiao Jingheng held hands and took their seats, they chatted leisurely while enjoying their meal, looking just like an ordinary couple from themon folk, blissful and content.


    After a while, Song Zhao noticed a bird fluttering aimlessly against thettice window, though Xiao Jingheng didn''t pay it much attention. It was only visible to Song Zhao, who knew it was the secret signal between her and Xiao Fuzi.


    Whenever Xiao Fuzi saw Jiang Deshun rushing to Yao Hua Pce, he would send out such a signal to Song Zhao.


    Setting down her chopsticks, Song Zhao smiled calmly and said, "There''s also a jade beef soup, which the Emperor likes. I''ve been simmering it since early morning, and it''s just right now. Please wait a moment, Your Majesty, while I fetch it."


    Xiao Jingheng replied, "These little tasks should be handled by the pce servants."


    Song Zhao refused, "How can serving the emperor be a trivial matter? This concubine has to do it herself in order to see the emperor enjoy the delicious food and feel happy in her heart~"


    She happily glided to the small kitchen like a lively little rabbit.


    Before long, Jiang Deshun hurried over.


    Usually, Xiao Jingheng and the concubines would not be disturbed during their meals, so when Jiang Deshun came with an unpleasant expression today, Xiao Jingheng asked him, "What''s the matter?"


    Jiang Deshun looked around and saw that Song Zhao was not in the hall, so he hesitated and said:


    "Reporting to Your Majesty... Mr. Song, he..st night at his mitted suicide by hanging himself!" (Emphasized)


    ''Crash!''


    As Jiang Deshun''s words fell,


    There came the crisp sound of a porcin bowl shattering on the ground from outside the door.

 Chapter 142: Song Zhao is pregnant Lord of a Palace in the Jin Dynasty

    <h4>Chapter 142</h4>


    The sudden sound caught Xiao Jingheng off guard, sending a shiver down his spine.


    He looked up and saw that Song Zhao was standing at the doorway, though he didn''t know when she had arrived.


    In front of her was a mess of spilled soup and broken porcin shards scattered on the floor.


    Hot soup sshed onto her delicate jade shoes, surely scalding her feet.


    But Song Zhao seemed oblivious to the pain.


    Her eyes widened with shock and disbelief, and tears welled up instantly, spilling over her cheeks.


    "Father..."


    Her voice was barely a whisper,


    almost gasping out the words before fainting.


    "Zhao''er!"


    Xiao Jingheng swiftly stepped forward, catching Song Zhao''s arm in his quick and agile hands, pulling her into his embrace to prevent her from falling and getting cut by the broken shards.


    "Zhao''er? Zhao''er!"


    He called her name repeatedly, but the young girl in his arms showed no response.


    Furious, he raised his gaze and red at Jiang Deshun, who was already petrified, and shouted:


    "Why are you still standing there? Go fetch the imperial physician!"


    Song Zhao, in her ''unconscious'' state, could clearly hear all themotion around her.


    Xiao Jingheng carried her onto the bed, holding her hand tightly while speaking words of concern.


    Later, the imperial physician arrived and, after examining her pulse, joyfully reported to Xiao Jingheng:


    "Congrattions, Your Majesty! Congrattions, Your Majesty! Song Guiren is already two months pregnant!"


    Xiao Jingheng was overjoyed, but he didn''t forget to inquire about Song Zhao''s current condition.


    One by one, the other consorts learned about the news and hurried to visit Song Zhao.


    Throughout it all, Song Zhaoy quietly on the bed, even controlling her breathing rhythm perfectly,


    looking as if she were merely asleep.


    After nearly an hour of being unconscious, she finally stirred her fingers slightly, and her closed eyelids began to flutter.


    "Your Majesty, Song Guiren is showing signs of waking up!"


    "Zhao''er, can you hear me?"


    Xiao Jingheng held Song Zhao''s hand tightly. She could even feel the thinyer of sweat on his palm.


    She lifted her heavy eyelids and the first thing she saw was Xiao Jingheng standing by her bedside.


    That day, it could be said that it was the liveliest day in the Western Pavilion of the Yao Hua Pce since Song Zhao entered the pce.


    All the consorts were present, without exception.


    However, their expressions varied greatly, each harboring their own thoughts.


    Seeing Song Zhao awake, Xiao Jingheng eximed with joy, "Zhao''er, you''ve finally awakened! You had me so worried!"


    At first, Song Zhao was a little puzzled by the situation in the pce, but she quickly regained her senses.


    Suddenly, she sat up straight from the bed, grabbed Xiao Jingheng''s hand, and asked eagerly, her emotions running high:


    "Your Majesty! Did Grand Tutor Jiang really say those words to you? Father...?"


    Xiao Jingheng looked into Song Zhao''s teary eyes, which still held a glimmer of hope,


    but at this point, the truth couldn''t be concealed any longer. Once a person dies, they cannot be brought back to life.


    He took a deep breath and spoke with a hint of helplessness, "I will give your father a proper burial and maintain his title as Duke Huguo."


    "Father... Father... No!!!"


    Upon hearing these words, Song Zhao felt as if thest straw she had been clutching onto had been mercilessly broken.


    Her emotionspletely copsed, and her crying became hysterical, her voice hoarse from the strain.


    Witnessing this scene, even the most cold-hearted individuals would be infected by her emotions, feeling a sense ofpassion.


    Xiao Jingheng''s eyes turned red, as he tried his best to hold back his tears in front of the concubines.


    "Emperor... I no longer have a father, and I no longer have any family, Emperor!"


    Song Zhao buried her head in Xiao Jingheng''s embrace, trembling as she cried, her emotions unusually intense.


    When a person is in a state of extreme sadness, it is very easy for those around them to be affected.


    Xiao Jingheng originally wanted to console Song Zhao, but when he spoke, his voice choked up, leaving him speechless.


    Later on, it was the Empress who, with red eyes, advised,


    "Song Noble Lady, you have been pregnant for two months now. Considering the well-being of the imperial heir, you should not let your emotions be so agitated."


    "Pregnant?" Song Zhao choked up, lifting her head from Xiao Jingheng''s embrace, tears falling as she stared nkly at her t belly.


    Clearly, the news of her pregnancy did not heal the wounds in Song Zhao''s heart.


    Shepletely avoided mentioning this matter, as if she was trying hard to suppress her emotions, but she couldn''t help but sob, causing people''s hearts to ache as they watched.


    What more could Xiao Jingheng do at this moment?


    All words offort seemed feeble and powerless; all he could do was silently wipe away Song Zhao''s tears, holding her tighter, and even tighter.


    The imperial physician, seeing that Song Zhao''s agitated emotions were not calming down, anxiously spoke:


    "Noble Lady, you must not let your emotions be too agitated. I just examined your pulse, and although it is a joyful pulse, there are signs of weakness and slipperiness. Perhaps it is because since bing pregnant, you have been consistently low-spirited and sorrowful. If you continue to grieve like this, it may harm the well-being of the imperial heir..."


    The imperial physician''s words indicated that Song Zhao had been low-spirited and sorrowful since bing pregnant.


    Isn''t that the truth?


    Calcting the days of her pregnancy, she had experienced the death of her stepmother, and even killed her own elder sister with her own hands.


    And now, the only living father she had in this world couldn''t bear the blows and took his own life.


    In just two months, the Song family experienced a catastrophic loss, a blow that no one could withstand.


    Xiao Jingheng truly felt heartache for Song Zhao.


    He looked at the beauty in his arms, who wept so pitifully, took a deep breath to adjust his own sorrowful emotions, and then spoke solemnly:


    "Spread my decree! From this moment on, Song Noble Lady shall be promoted to the rank of Imperial Consort!"


    As soon as these words were spoken, all the concubines present were dumbfounded, even more shocked than when they heard the news of Song Zhao''s pregnancy!


    In the history of the Qichao Dynasty, there had never been a rule that a concubine should be promoted immediately upon bing pregnant.


    Moreover, this rank of Imperial Consort was not a small position like a consort, amon presence in the pce.


    This was a position of a primary consort.


    To bestow the position of a primary consort, it was necessary to draft the imperial decree in advance, set an auspicious date for the investiture, and perform the rituals of the investiture.


    After a series of procedures, the promotion of a consort should take at least three months of preparation.


    But now, with just one sentence from Xiao Jingheng, Song Zhao was to be immediately promoted to the rank of Imperial Consort.


    It was truly too rushed.


    As the Empress, the head of the harem, even though she was usuallyposed, she could not help but speak out in frustration:


    "Your Majesty, bestowing a consort''s position is no trivial matter. Moreover, there has never been a precedent where a concubine is promoted upon bing pregnant. Your..."


    "And so what?"


    Before the Empress could finish her words of advice, Xiao Jingheng sternly interrupted her, his words resounding with authority:


    "Since it has never been done before, then I shall establish this precedent today!"


    ¡ª¡ª


    Aside: Here Ie again, babbling!


    My lovely readers, please don''tin about the slow progress. This is a tale of pce intrigue, not a sweet romance! Do any of the characters here strike you as na?ve? Therefore, even if Sister Song is pregnant, without her meticulous calctions and cunning schemes, the Emperor would never simply grant her the position of a primary consort.


    Moreover, consider this: she has only been in the pce for half a year, and she has already soared from one promotion to another. Isn''t that like riding a rocket?


    Don''t fret, my dear readers. Once Sister Song, the formidable demon queen, ascends to the position of a primary consort, chaos will ensue in the imperial harem~

 Chapter 143: The Gift of Eternal Happiness

    <h4>Chapter 143</h4>


    The Empress naturally did not want Song Zhao to be granted a noble consort position at this time.


    If she became a noble consort, her children could be raised by her side.


    Currently, besides the Empress, the only ones in the imperial harem who were pregnant were Song Zhao and Consort Chen.


    If the Empress managed to give birth to a son before Consort Chen, then her child would not only be the eldest legitimate son but also a noble one, with an exceptionally privileged status.


    If by any chance the heavens were unkind and the Empress gave birth to a princess while Consort Chen gave birth to a prince, then as the stepmother, the Empress could im Consort Chen''s child to be raised by her side.


    However, if both the Empress and Consort Chen gave birth to princesses, and Song Zhao, who arrivedter, gave birth to a prince, it would mean that Song Zhao would rise in rank and be the primary consort. The Empress would lose the opportunity to have her child raised by her side.


    This was the Empress''s concern.


    Therefore, even though she knew that Xiao Jingheng might not be pleased, she insisted on expressing her opinion:


    "But, Your Majesty, have you considered that if..."


    "Then congrattions to Noble Consort Song."


    Before the Empress could finish her advice, Consort Chen''sughter interrupted her.


    Consort Chen moved through the crowd and approached Xiao Jingheng, looking down at the tearful Song Zhao with gentle eyes. She softlyforted her:


    "You must take good care of yourself and the child. Don''t disappoint His Majesty''s deep affection for you. Do you understand?"


    The Empress was taken aback. She didn''t expect Consort Chen, who had always been jealous andpetitive, to congratte Song Zhao without a trace of jealousy.


    It was just that Consort Chen had spoken before her. If she continued to obstruct, she would appear petty as the Empress. So she could only sulk and keep quiet.


    Although Consort Chen spoke these words to Song Zhao with a smile, how could she truly be willing?


    From the moment she learned of Song Zhao''s good news and hurried to Yao Hua Pce, she witnessed how Xiao Jingheng doted on Song Zhao. She saw how he embraced her tightly, consoled her while choking back tears, gently wiped away her tears, and called her "Zhao''er" with deep affection.


    Just like in the past when Xiao Jingheng strolled beneath the magnolia trees with her alone, calling her "Wan''er."


    Consort Chen felt a sour ache in her heart, a hidden pain. But she had no choice but to pretend to be magnanimous.


    It was all because that night when she regained favor and shared the bed with Xiao Jingheng, he said to her:


    "For me, everything about you is good. You have been in the position of a consort for a long time, and I also want to promote your status. But you know, you have a straightforward personality, and your words unintentionally sh with the Empress. The other consorts are also afraid of you. If you can be more gentle in temperament and more magnanimous, I will only favor you as the Noble Consort."


    She remembered Xiao Jingheng''s words.


    And she believed his words.


    Naively, she thought that as long as she became the Noble Consort, Xiao Jingheng''s love for her would increase...


    Later, the imperial physician said that Song Zhao''s physical condition was not good and she needed rest. Xiao Jingheng ordered all the consorts to return to their pces, leaving him alone to apany Song Zhao.


    Granting a noble consort position was a joyful event, but seeing Song Zhao still full of sorrow, as if this joyous asion was not significant to her, Xiao Jingheng consoled her:


    "Zhao''er, you are no longer alone. You are about to be a mother. We must consider our child. If you continue to be so sad, it''s not good for you and the prince."


    Song Zhao had already passed the hysterical phase and now, she was calmly shedding tears in Xiao Jingheng''s embrace. Her sorrowful weeping was profoundly beautiful.


    "The Emperor knows that what this concubine desires is never these...," she said.


    "I understand, but I want to give the best to the woman I love," Xiao Jingheng embraced Song Zhao''s trembling slender shoulders and spoke with utmost tenderness.


    "As for the matters concerning your father''s posthumous arrangements, I will ensure they are dignified. I will order the historians not to mention his faultsmitted in the Yu Province. This way, you can maintain your innocence. Your Song family, despite everything, has always been loyal ministers who have made significant contributions to the prosperity of the dynasty," he assured her.


    Only then did Song Zhao sob and say, "Thank you, Your Majesty."


    Xiao Jingheng kissed away the glistening tears on her cheek and whispered in her ear, "From now on, you should refer to yourself as ''this official''s concubine.''"


    ***


    Two dayster, Song Shicheng was buried in the ancestral tomb of the Song family. Even Jiang, who had already been treated as a fallen woman and buried in a nameless grave, and Song Yue, whose corpse had decayed, were exhumed and ced in the family tomb, adorned with the glory of the Duke of Protecting the Nation''s residence.


    The Ministry of Rites handled the funeral, which, though not extravagant, was still conducted with dignity and grandeur.


    Due to her pregnancy, Song Zhao was unable to participate in mourning rituals and had been staying in the pce these past few days.


    Xiao Jingheng allowed her to recuperate, so she did not go to pay respects to the Empress. The pce gates remained closed, and no one was allowed to see her.


    On the day when the mourning rites for Song Shicheng werepleted, Xiao Jingheng came to see her after court.


    Seeing that she looked better, he said, "The enthronement ceremony is scheduled for the 16th of February. Has the Ministry of Rites and the Imperial Household Department shown you the ceremonial attire? Are you satisfied with it?"


    Song Zhao replied calmly, "Everything is fine. It''s just that the ceremonial attire seems a bit too extravagant."


    "It doesn''t matter. My Zhao''er deserves the best," Xiao Jingheng looked around and continued, "The Yao Hua Pce is nice, but it''s a bit far from my Chaoyang Pce. Now that you have officially be a consort, you should have your own residence."


    Song Zhao said, "This concubine has been living together with Consort Yao for a long time, and Consort Yao has always been kind to this concubine. Now that this concubine is pregnant and unable to move easily, it''s better not to cause too much trouble."


    Xiao Jingheng waved his hand and said, "It won''t be too much trouble. Chang Le Pce has been prepared for you. After your formal instation as a consort, the pce staff will move your belongings there. Chang Le Pce is a beautiful ce, close to the Imperial Garden, and it''s suitable for you to peacefully nurture your child."


    Song Zhao naturally knew what kind of excellent ce Chang Le Pce was.


    In the entire pce, apart from the Feng Luan Pce where the Empress resided and the Yonghe Pce where Consort Chen lived, Chang Le Pce was the closest to the Chaoyang Pce.


    Moreover, that ce used to be the residence of the esteemed Imperial Noble Consort during the previous dynasty.


    It was widely known that the position of Imperial Noble Consort was as honorable as that of the Vice Empress. Under normal circumstances, if the Empress was still alive, there would be no Imperial Noble Consort in the harem.


    Yet, this Imperial Noble Consort was the only one who had been bestowed that position by the Emperor while the Empress was still reigning.


    For Song Zhao to move to such a splendid ce now,


    she naturally had to act as if she were apprehensive.


    "I know that Your Majesty cherishes me, but Chang Le Pce is truly too extravagant, I..."


    "No need to say more. This matter is settled." Xiao Jingheng, knowing Song Zhao''s modest nature, did not let her finish her refusal. He pped his hands, finalizing the matter.


    Later, he apanied Song Zhao for lunch and informed her that he had state affairs to attend to in the afternoon, promising to visit her again on another day.


    Not long after he left, Yun Shan and Xiao Fuzi led a group of new pce maidservants to meet Song Zhao.


    "We, the humble servants, pay our respects to Lady Consort Song. May Lady Consort be blessed with ten thousand fortunes!"


    Song Zhao calmly and gently nced at these new faces, and kindly said, "Please rise."


    Xiao Fuzi exined, "Lady Consort, these are pce maidservants newly assigned by the Internal Affairs Bureau. This is..."


    Before he could start introducing them one by one, Song Zhao raised her hand slightly and smiled, saying, "Since you havee to my pce, as long as you serve dutifully, I will not mistreat you. At this moment, I am a little tired, and I can''t remember all your names for now, so there''s no need for individual introductions. We have plenty of time to get to know each other in the future."

 Chapter 144: Mother and Son Suspect

    <h4>Chapter 144</h4>


    The servants all obediently withdrew,


    Once everyone dispersed, Song Zhao instructed Yun Shan:


    "Let Zhihua oversee them and only allow them to do the most basic cleaning tasks. As for matters pertaining to me personally, it will still be you and Xiao Fuzi attending to them."


    Yun Shan respectfully nodded and then went off to give the instructions.


    Meanwhile, Xiao Fuzi stood by Song Zhao''s side and whispered:


    "Your Majesty, I have followed your orders and inquired about it. The coroner who examined the body confirmed that His Majesty indeed died from hanging and there were no signs of poisoning."


    Song Zhao furrowed her delicate eyebrows slightly, pondered for a moment, and said:


    "Hemitted suicide? I know my father''s temperament very well. If he wanted to die, he would have done so long ago in Yu Province. Why would he wait until he returned to the capital to take his own life?"


    She couldn''t help but chuckle, "What? Did he know that the Song Residence is filled with so many wicked spirits and sins that the umted grievances bring it close to the depths of hell? Was he in such a hurry to die so that he could escape to theherworld and dive into a cauldron of boiling oil?"


    Xiao Fuzi didn''tugh at Song Zhao''s jest. Instead, his expression grew more serious and he asked,


    "Your Majesty, do you suspect that His Majesty was murdered?"


    Pausing for a moment, he cautiously ventured, "By the Emperor?"


    "It''s unlikely," Song Zhao pondered for a moment and shook her head. "If it were the Emperor, then he would have already known that Song Shicheng would undoubtedly die that day. He wouldn''t havee to my pce for lunch and deliberately let me hear the news of Song Shicheng''s death just to grieve me, right? I think it''s possible that the Emperor is unaware of this matter."


    "Then... could it be the Empress Dowager?"


    Song Zhao felt a bit weary. She sighed and smiled wryly, "Perhaps. I can''t figure it out either. Since the person is already dead, there''s no point in investigating the matter further. Let it be."


    *Creak*


    Yun Shan entered the room, holding a pearwood tray with a bowl of lukewarm medicinal soup on top.


    She ced the medicinal soup on the small table next to Song Zhao and said with lingering fear:


    "After drinking thisst dose of medicine, Your Majesty''s symptoms of weak and slippery pulse will be relieved. A while ago, you asked Xiao Fuzi to administer medicine that would make your pulse feel weak and slippery. But day and night, I have been worried, fearing that it might harm you and the little prince."


    Xiao Fuzi added, "Your Majesty, you have taken an extremely dangerous step. Although I can control the dosage when administering the medicine, so as not to harm you as much as possible, the medicine is still slightly poisonous. This is truly a risky move..."


    Song Zhao smiled dismissively at their concerns and casually picked up the medicinal soup by her side.


    The medicine was bitter, just the smell alone made one''s throat tighten,


    But Song Zhao didn''t even furrow her brows. She downed it all in one gulp.


    After finishing the medicine, she casually set the bowl aside and protectively held her small abdomen, her tone cold and solemn:


    "If my child cannot endure even this bit of bitterness, then once he is born, imagine the dangers in this pce filled with hidden dangers. Which one of them won''t be more perilous than this? "


    Ever since Song Zhao learned about her pregnancy,


    She had already begun to make arrangements.


    She secretly had Xiao Fuzi prepare a medicinal soup that could cause a smooth and weak pulse. While ensuring the safety of her unborn child, she drank several doses of the medicine.


    There are many reasons that can lead to a pregnant woman having a weak and smooth pulse, and one of the most important factors is pent-up emotions, palpitations, and worries.


    This perfectly matched Song Zhao''s mood after the death of her entire family.


    Song Zhao knew very well that her joyful pulse had to be diagnosed by the imperial physician in front of Xiao Jingheng in order to achieve the desired effect.


    After all, one can fake feelings of sadness, but the pulse cannot deceive people.


    Only in this way could everyone believe that she was truly heartbroken,


    and only then could Xiao Jingheng show her exceptional tenderness and eagerness to do something tofort her.


    He gave Song Zhao this concubine position,


    whether it was to preserve the imperial heir or out of genuine affection for Song Zhao,


    Song Zhao didn''t care.


    What she cared about


    was only her status as the mistress of this pce, which she now firmly held in her hands.


    On this day, the Empress Dowager also came to visit Song Zhao.


    Since learning of Song Zhao''s pregnancy, the Empress Dowager, who rarely left Shoukang Pce, had visited Song Zhao three times.


    Even when the Empress was pregnant, the Empress Dowager only symbolically visited her twice,


    which shows Song Zhao''s position in her heart.


    Compared to the previous two meetings, the smile on her face was noticeably brighter, and she didn''t look like a frostbitten eggnt anymore.


    But the Empress Dowager could see that there was still bitterness behind Song Zhao''s smile.


    She held Song Zhao''s hand and her expression became slightly solemn:


    "I know you''re suffering in your heart. But although you are a daughter of the Song family, you are also the Emperor''s concubine. As a woman of the Emperor, the affairs of your natal family are no longer your concern. Even if it''s hard for you, you can only bear it and swallow it, understand?"


    Song Zhao nodded and said, "I understand. Both His Majesty and the Empress Dowager have been very good to me. My father''s funeral was handled properly, and I have enjoyed all the glory and wealth in the pce. I don''t feel any bitterness."


    Only then did the Empress Dowager smile kindly and say, "It''s best if you can think like that."


    After leaving Song Zhao''s ce, on the way back to the pce, the Empress Dowager said to Qingzhu:


    "I don''t like Song Shicheng, but the Emperor has gone a bit too far this time. Fortunately, Song Zhao is a determined person. Otherwise, if this incident had harmed the imperial heir in her womb, the Emperor would have regrets."


    Qingzhu asked softly, "Does the Empress Dowager think that the death of Lord Song was the Emperor''s intention?"


    "Ha," the Empress Dowager sneered and shook her head, "I still don''t know him? Remember, those who have ambitions for the world often have the narrowest minds. Song Shicheng caused such a big disturbance in Yu Province and evenmitted the crime of deceiving the Emperor. In such a situation, the Ning family still came out to plead for him? No matter which of these three matters he is involved in, the Emperor cannot spare him."


    Qingzhu didn''t dare toment on Xiao Jingheng, so she could only follow the Empress Dowager''s words and say,


    "The Emperor has been quite ruthless this time. Fortunately, Consort Song and her child are safe."


    "Ruthless? Haha." The Empress Dowager chuckled meaningfully. "Who among the emperors hasn''t climbed to the top by stepping on a mountain of corpses? Those who aren''t ruthless can only have their breath cut short and be trampled underfoot. How could they ever conquer this world and its throne?"


    Meanwhile, in the Chao Yang Pce,


    Xiao Jingheng dismissed his attendants and remained alone with Jiang Deshun to converse.


    "Since the Emperor suspects that Lady Song''s death was orchestrated by the Empress Dowager, should I order an investigation by the Tianji Office?" Jiang Deshun asked.


    Xiao Jingheng''s expression turned cold,


    as he repeatedly touched the ink jade thumb ring on his thumb,


    he fell into silence for a while before speaking:


    "If you investigate the Tianji Office, wouldn''t it strain the mother-son rtionship between the Empress Dowager and me? Besides, the Empress Dowager''s actions are also meant to preserve the dignity of the imperial family."


    He sighed, then waved his hand. "Forget it, as long as Lady Song and her child are safe, let''s not mention this matter again."


    "Bang bang bang!"


    As the two were conversing, there came a few muffled knocks on the door from outside the main hall.


    Xiao Yinzi reported from outside the door:


    "Your Majesty, the Empress is here with the Ministry of Internal Affairs to present the conferred title for Lady Song. They ask if you have a moment."


    Upon hearing this, a hint of joy appeared on Xiao Jingheng''s brows.


    "Let them in."


    [Direct Spoiler: The lousy father is not the Emperor or the Empress Dowager''s doing; there is someone else behind it.]

 Chapter 145: A surname

    <h4>Chapter 145</h4>


    After the empress entered the pce, Xiao Jingheng stood up and held her hand, sitting together on the warm seat.


    "How have you been? Have the morning sickness symptoms been severe?" he asked.


    "Thank you for your concern, Your Majesty. I have been taking the prescription from Imperial Physician Chu, and the symptoms have eased a lot."


    The empress ced a small box she was holding on the small table in front of them and said,


    "The Ministry of Internal Affairs has prepared several titles for Consort Song. Your Majesty, please take a look and see which one is suitable."


    She opened the box and took out golden paper inscribed with the titles one by one, cing them in front of Xiao Jingheng.


    The Ministry of Internal Affairs had prepared three titles for Consort Song.


    Xiao Jingheng scanned the words on each one,


    They were: "Peace," "Harmony," and "Blessing."


    These weremon titles for imperial consorts, and their meanings were all appropriate and unremarkable.


    But upon closer inspection, all of these titles were rted to pregnancy.


    The character "Peace" could mean ensuring a safe pregnancy,


    The character "Harmony" could mean a smooth delivery,


    The character "Blessing" could mean a joyful event.


    Each title seemed to imply that Consort Song''s position was elevated because she was carrying the emperor''s child, which inevitably led to various interpretations.


    Xiao Jingheng immediately saw the hidden intentions behind these titles and asked with a serious expression,


    "Were these titles discussed between the empress and the Ministry of Internal Affairs?"


    The empress shook her head and replied, "Now that Consort Chen is assisting in managing the harem, I can focus on nurturing the child and have some leisure. These matters were all entrusted to Consort Chen."


    Xiao Jingheng didn''t beat around the bush either and said, "None of these titles are quite appropriate. They all rte too much to Consort Song''s pregnancy. It''s inevitable that people would think that I granted her this position because she is pregnant."


    The empress fell silent for a moment, then nodded in agreement. "I also find them inappropriate. But Consort Chen has limited education, perhaps she thought these titles had good meanings and had them prepared without any other intentions."


    She put the golden papers back into the box and changed the subject,


    "Since Your Majesty is not satisfied, I will return these titles, and the Ministry of Internal Affairs cane up with new ones."


    "No need to go through all that trouble. I have thought of a title that I believe suits Consort Song well."


    "Oh?" The empress smiled. "It''s a coincidence because I also thought of one. How about we write down our respective ideas on paper and see which one is better?"


    Xiao Jingheng readily agreed to the empress''s proposal, and Jiang Deshun quickly prepared paper and brushes for them.


    They started writing down their thoughts on the rice paper, and soon they ced them in the center of the small table.


    Only then did they realize the extent of their tacit understanding.


    Xiao Jingheng wrote the character "Yi" in cursive script,


    While the empress wrote the same character in regr script.


    "Hahaha~" Xiao Jingheng chuckled even more, nodding repeatedly. "It seems that the empress understands my intentions the best."


    The empress also smiled gracefully. "The character ''Yi'' implies virtuous conduct, and I think it''s a perfect description for Consort Song."


    "I share the same opinion," Xiao Jingheng said, following the empress''s words at first, but his subsequent words carried a hint of probing.


    "But this title is a grand one. Since the founding of the dynasty, only the Imperial Noble Consort Qin, the consort of Emperor Taizu, was bestowed with the title ''Yi.'' I thought that when the Empress learned of this matter, she would advise me as she did on the day I granted Consort Chen of the Jin n the title of concubine."


    The Empress gently shook her head with a warm expression, "The reason I advised Your Majesty on that day was because all the pce concubines were present. As Your Majesty''s wife, I also bear the responsibility of offering counsel in the imperial court. Even if I know that speaking of certain matters would displease Your Majesty, I still have to remind you. It is my duty as the Empress.


    Of course, I also wish to be like Consort Chen, able to go along with Your Majesty''s wishes in all matters, making you happier and not feeling restrained like me."


    Xiao Jingheng heard the destion in the Empress''s words, so he took her hand and held it in his palm,forting her, "I have never thought of the Empress in that way."


    The Empress grasped his hand in response, understanding his meaning, and nodded.


    "I understand. In fact, I also hope that Consort Song can obtain a good position. Today''s matter has been settled with the approval of the Empress Dowager, and there have been no objections from the previous dynasty. That is good.


    As for the matter of the title, whether it is grand or small is not of great importance. What matters is whether the person who receives this title can live up to it."


    The Empress gazed at Xiao Jingheng with gentle eyes, sensing that his expression had changed somewhat, but she pretended not to notice and continued,


    "Your Majesty has always treated the pce concubines in this manner. As your wife, I should also be the same."


    "The Empress is considerate."


    Xiao Jingheng replied perfunctorily and then released the Empress''s hand.


    The Empress didn''t disturb him any further and took her leave with tact.


    Back in the pce, she picked up a book and began reading.


    When Frost brought her tea and saw the faint smile on her lips, she asked,


    "Empress, you seem to be in a good mood today?"


    Without looking up, the Empress smiled and said while flipping through the book,


    "The beauty of maturity brings joy to the heart. As the saying goes, appearances reflect the state of the heart, so naturally, you see that I am delighted."


    "Empress, you are benevolent and magnanimous. By granting the title ''Yi'' to Consort Song, you have truly elevated her."


    "What have I elevated her to? His Majesty has even granted her residence in Chang Le Pce, which used to be the residence of Imperial Noble Consort Yi, the consort of Emperor Taizu. Isn''t His Majesty''s intention clear enough?


    I am just going along with the flow. Coincidentally, doesn''t Consort Chen also like to go with the flow? She eagerly rushed to congratte Consort Song on her elevation to a concubine. So, I might as well let her enjoy herself to the fullest."


    Frost sneered, "In the past, among the pce concubines, the honor of having the title personally designated by His Majesty was exclusive to Consort Chen. Now that Consort Song has it too, Consort Chen is no longer the sole recipient of favor. When she hears this news, I''m afraid she will go mad."


    Speaking in a lowered voice, her smile turned sinister,


    "In the past, Consort Chen was overjoyed when she received the title as if she had obtained something extraordinary. How could she know... that this title was actually forced upon her by you, Your Majesty?"


    *


    Years ago, when the Ministry of Internal Affairs was designating a title for Ning Wanshuang, the Empress used the lives of the ministry''s officials as leverage and had theme up with the character ''Chen'' and presented it to Xiao Jingheng.


    Xiao Jingheng was infuriated when he saw the character, so he secretly put the Director of the Internal Affairs Office to death.


    On that day, the Empress, who had participated in the selection of titles alongside Xiao Jingheng, advised him:


    "The Internal Affairs Office chose a good title for Consort Ning because they saw the Emperor''s favor towards her. Your Majesty doesn''t need to be so angry."


    However, Xiao Jingheng replied, "The character ''Chen'' implies an emperor. Besides the Empress, who else is worthy of such a title? Is the Internal Affairs Office following my preferences, or have they received some benefits under the table?"


    In truth, Xiao Jingheng sincerely liked Ning Wanshuang at that time.


    She was genuine, decisive, and radiant like the sunshine of a spring day.


    Although she could be a bit stubborn at times, she dared to be straightforward in front of him. In the entire harem, only Ning Wanshuang stood out.


    It was precisely because of her uniqueness that Xiao Jingheng had showered her with favor.


    However, a monarch''s love can never bepletely pure.


    While Ning Wanshuang was excellent, her maternal family had always been a great concern for Xiao Jingheng.


    He had always suspected that the Ning family was arrogant and had hidden ambitions. He feared that one day they might rise to a position of power, so he was wary of them.


    In light of this situation, Xiao Jingheng decided to use the title matter as a test for the former dynasty and Ning Wanshuang.


    During the morning court session, he announced that he personally selected the character ''Chen'' as Ning Wanshuang''s title, wanting to see the reaction from the former dynasty.


    There were many courtiers who had close ties with the former dynasty and the Ning family.


    Although most of them held opposing views, there were still many courtiers who believed that this was the Emperor''s family matter and they would support Xiao Jingheng''s decision.


    Later, Xiao Jingheng asked Ning Wanshuang for her opinion.


    Ning Wanshuang thought that ''Chen'' could refer to the Empress and believed it was a sign of Xiao Jingheng''s deep favor towards her. Naturally, she expressed her gratitude.


    However, this made Xiao Jingheng think that she was ambitious and coveted the throne, causing him to distance himself from her.


    This is why, since Ning Wanshuang received the title of Consort Chen, Xiao Jingheng''s treatment towards her had changedpared to before.


    Because every time Xiao Jingheng saw her, he no longer saw just her as an individual, but also the heavy burden of her maternal family.


    He had to be on guard and wary of them.


    *


    Recalling this incident, the Empress''s smile deepened.


    Ning Wanshuang ttered, "Your Majesty is wise. It''sughable how Consort Chen received the title and became so delighted, strutting around like an arrogant wild bird, daring to unt her power in front of you, Your Majesty."


    "Ah~"


    The Empress let out a soft sigh, slowly closing the book in her hand, and said,


    "That''s why, in one''s leisure time, one should read more books. If Consort Chen had known more characters, she would have understood how to refuse when the Emperor wanted to give her this title.


    If she had refused, perhaps the Emperor would not have gradually distanced himself from her."

 Chapter 146: Come on

    <h4>Chapter 146</h4>


    Xiao Jingheng had just finalized the title he would bestow upon Song Zhao when the Pce Affairs Department was already rushing to curry favor.


    Chen Minzhong, the head of the Pce Affairs Department, personally came to offer his congrattions to Song Zhao. He bowed to her and said,


    "Congrattions, Your Majesty. The Emperor personally bestowed upon you a title."


    One of his subordinates respectfully handed over a scroll, and Yun Shan received it and opened it. Song Zhao saw a neatly written character ''Yi'' in golden ink on the scroll.


    "''Yi''?" Song Zhao asked.


    Chen Minzhong nodded with a ttering smile and said, "Your Majesty possesses great virtue, and this title is befitting. It is a special honor personally bestowed by the Emperor. Apart from Consort Chen, no one else in the pce has received such recognition. It shows the Emperor''s high regard for you."


    Song Zhao hurriedly declined, saying, "This character represents a major title. I have only recently entered the pce, and my experience is limited. How can I bear such a responsibility? Please convey to His Majesty on my behalf..."


    "You need not belittle yourself," Chen Minzhong interrupted Song Zhao and continued, "The Emperor anticipated your reluctance and specifically instructed me to inform you that this title is already modest. If you refuse again, the Emperor will have to elevate it to a dual-character title."


    The term "dual-character title" meant exactly what it implied: the title would be expanded to two characters, simr to the former titles of the Empress Dowager and the Virtuous Consort.


    Typically, such dual-character titles were granted to the maternal families of imperial consorts from the previous dynasty or to the birth mothers of crown princes. Song Zhao, of course, could not ept such an honor that she was currently unprepared for.


    Song Zhao hastily replied, "Sir, you must not y such jokes."


    Chen Minzhong smiled and said, "Then, Your Majesty, please do not decline the Emperor''s heartfelt intentions."


    With that, she reluctantly allowed Yun Shan to ept the character ''Yi.''


    Xiao Fuzi showed Chen Minzhong some tea, but he did not drink it. Instead, he engaged in casual conversation with Song Zhao.


    "In fact, initially, it was Consort Chen who was responsible for choosing a title for Your Majesty. She first proposed the characters ''An,'' ''Shun,'' and ''Xi.'' However, when she presented them to the Empress, the Empress felt that these titles were not quite suitable. So, she advised the Emperor to personally choose a title for you. Hence, the grand title ''Yi'' came into being."


    In this pce, every piece of "casual conversation" spoken by a servant with influence carried a deep meaning.


    For example, Chen Minzhong''s words were meant to inform Song Zhao that her favor with the Emperor was entirely due to the Empress. Furthermore, Consort Chen, who appeared to be supportive, was actually creating obstacles for her.


    From his implications, it could be inferred that the Empress persuaded Xiao Jingheng, and only then did Song Zhao receive the honor of a personally chosen title. This indicated that if Song Zhao were to align herself with the Empress in the future, she would receive even greater benefits.


    Understanding the underlying message, Song Zhao said, "Thank you for informing me. The Empress is benevolent and gracious to all the consorts. I will personally express my gratitude."


    Chen Minzhong smiled and nodded, saying, "The enthronement ceremony is scheduled for the 16th of February. It is only a few days away, so Your Majesty should prepare in advance."


    After he left, Yun Shan stared at the dazzling "Yi" character on the tribute paper, lost in thought.


    "This title is very good, ''Yi'' is also an extremely noble and grand title. But in this way, the Empress''s favor will be too excessive, and she will be even more targeted," she mused.


    Song Zhao calmly replied, "Ever since the news of my pregnancy became known in the harem, I have already be a target of criticism. There is no way to avoid it."


    She gently traced her fingers over the tribute paper, her slender nails brushing against the gold powder embedded in the characters. She raised her gaze and looked at Yun Shan, saying,


    "At times, one must learn to temper their sharpness. But if the sharpness bes too intense to hide perfectly, it is better to boldly expose it. People should look at it with fear and trepidation.


    In doing so, even if someone harbors malicious intentions against me, they would have to weigh my position and status before making a move."


    Song Zhao knew that she would definitely receive a good title.


    If Xiao Jingheng casually bestowed upon her a title like "Yi" or "Rou" (meaning gentle and soft), it would undermine her long-held calctions.


    So, the current "Yi" character was not a burden for her. Instead, it resembled her spoils of war.


    However, her true concerny elsewhere.


    While she was talking with Yun Shan, Xiao Fuzi entered.


    He said, "I''ve inquired and confirmed that Consort Chen had a miscarriage on the 16th of Februaryst year."


    "Ah, as expected," Song Zhao coldly sneered, then calmly rolled up the scroll.


    Yun Shan was surprised and said, "Doesn''t that mean the day of Your Majesty''s promotion coincided with the unfortunate day of Consort Chen''s unborn child? The people in the Pce Affairs Department wouldn''t be so negligent. It seems they did it intentionally."


    "Whether intentional or unintentional, I cannot dy the grand ceremony of my pregnancy and title bestowment. The most auspicious day in the entire month of February is indeed the 16th. The Empress personally chose the day for the bestowment. If she truly wanted to avoid it, the 15th or the 21st of February would have been suitable dates, but she deliberately arranged it this way."


    Song Zhao felt that Yun Shan had grown a lot recently, showing more thoughtfulness in her words and actions. She raised an eyebrow and smiled as she asked her,


    "Think about it, what does the Empress''s insistence on such an arrangement mean?"

 Chapter 147: Canonization Ceremony

    <h4>Chapter 147</h4>


    Yun Shan pondered for a moment, then timidly attempted to analyze:


    "On the day of the enthronement ceremony, the Emperor should have apanied the Empress in the evening. However, that day happened to be the anniversary of Consort Chen''s miscarriage a year ago...


    If the Emperor apanied the Empress and neglected Consort Chen, she would surely be jealous and might even plot against the Empress. But if the Emperor went to apany Consort Chen, it would mean neglecting the Empress, and she would definitely feel uneasy."


    "Hmm, not bad," Song Zhao nodded approvingly, her eyes filled with a hint of admiration. "You have be more mature after spending time with Xiao Fuzi."


    Upon hearing this, Yun Shan''s cheeks blushed deeply. "Empress, you''re teasing this servant again..."


    Xiao Fuzi stood awkwardly to the side, smiling and scratching the back of his head.


    Song Zhao smiled lightly and stopped teasing them, her expression turning serious. "The Empress is truly resourceful, always able to achieve two goals with one action, ensuring her own safety. After all, the ceremonies for the imperial consorts are held on auspicious days, and no one can say anything against it.


    However, it''s a pity that she miscalcted one step."


    Song Zhao''s gaze turned cold, and a faint smile appeared at the corner of her mouth.


    She didn''t continue with her words.


    But with just a nce exchanged between the mistress and servant, they understood each other''s thoughts.


    Song Zhao had never had any feelings for Xiao Jingheng, so why would she care if he apanied her on this important day?


    Since she didn''t care, she wouldn''t harbor any resentment.


    Song Zhao thought:


    Since the Empress has set up this situation, she should naturally appreciate it.


    When the timees, not only will she not keep Xiao Jingheng, but she will also persuade him to visit Consort Chen.


    She wanted Xiao Jingheng to think of her as understanding and not prone to jealousy, a virtuous and considerate woman.


    On the day of the enthronement ceremony,


    The Empress performed the rituals while Song Zhao, being a consort, didn''t need to be present.


    Among the onlookers in the hall, there were only Consort Yao, Consort Hui, Noble Consort Xiao, and Concubine Liu.


    After the borate ceremony, the Empress allowed everyone to take their seats and engage in casual conversation.


    Consort Yao stepped forward to congratte Song Zhao, saying, "I''ve always said that you are not an ordinary person, but a shining pearl. How could you remain hidden in the dust?"


    She tugged at Song Zhao''s sleeve, looking left and right, and said with a smile, "This ceremonial dress is exquisite, making you even more beautiful."


    Upon hearing this, the Empress also smiled and said, "The pattern on Consort Yi''s ceremonial dress is embroidered using the Fenghui needle technique. From different angles, the patterns on the dress appear diverse and naturally beautiful. Moreover, purple is a color of nobility. You usually dress modestly and rarely adorn yourself so brilliantly. I think it suits you very well."


    Song Zhao quickly expressed her gratitude for the Empress''s praise and said, "This ceremonial dress is truly precious. The Fenghui needle technique was only used during the enthronement of consorts in the past. I am unworthy of such a position and feel sincerely humbled."


    Empress Wen spoke in a gentle tone, "If the Emperor likes it, there is no question of unworthiness. However, Concubine Yi is alwaysposed and restrained. No matter how favored she is, she never forgets the rules. I believe that''s why the Emperor loves you so much."


    "Yes! I wouldn''t have realized it if Empress hadn''t mentioned it," Consort Hui replied yfully.


    Consort Hui was always childish in nature.


    Before Empress could finish her sentence, Consort Hui interrupted and changed the topic.


    She got up and ran over to Song Zhao, circling around her curiously.


    "Wow! The cloud pattern on this dress actually changes! Sister Song, can I touch it?"


    Song Zhao smiled, "Of course."


    Consort Hui touched the fabric and from the way her eyes lit up, it was clear that she was delighted.


    "Hehe, the fabric is so soft, it''s wonderful. I''ll ask my father to make me a dress like this too."


    Song Zhao had just mentioned that the phoenix embroidery on the dress was an exclusive honor for the titled consort. If someone else had said these words, it might have been seen as coveting the consort position. But because it was Consort Hui who said it, no one took offense.


    Consort Yao teased, "Little sisteres from a wealthy family and is the beloved only daughter. Naturally, she can have whatever she wants. But look at me, so envious of Sister Yao."


    Consort Hui couldn''t sense the sarcasm in Consort Yao''s words and casually said, "If Sister Yao likes it, I''ll have my father send you one too."


    "You..." Consort Yao looked embarrassed and nced at the Empress. She cleared her throat and hurriedly said, "This pce doesn''t need anything from the younger sister. I appreciate the kind offer, but I''ll kindly decline."


    Consort Hui noticed Consort Yao''s awkwardness but didn''t understand why she was acting this way. She touched her ear, unable to figure it out, so she decided to forget about it and turned to her personal maid, Rui''er.


    "Rui''er, bring the food box over."


    Rui''er handed the food box to Consort Hui. When it was opened, everyone saw that it was filled with plum cakes.


    Consort Hui gave it to Yun Shan and smiled at Song Zhao.


    "Sister Song, you''re happy, and I didn''t know what to give you, so I made plum cakes myself and gave them to you. They''re sour and sweet, very delicious."


    She took one out and politely handed it to Noble Consort Xiao, saying, "Consort Xiao, you should try it too. The Empress has been having morning sickness and likes to eat something sour and sweet. I made these for her, and she said they''re great. I believe you will like them too."


    Noble Consort Xiao held the plum cake as if it were scalding hot.


    She thanked Consort Yao for her kindness but said, "Beforeing here, I took a medicine to protect the fetus. The physician advised me not to eat anything for an hour. Your cooking, Your Highness, I will taste it when I return to the pce."


    After saying this, she was afraid that Consort Yao would urge her to eat, so she quickly pulled Concubine Liu together to congratte Song Zhao.


    "Consort Liu pays respects to Consort Yi. Congrattions on your happiness."


    "Quickly, get up! Are my sisters going to part ways with me?" Song Zhao hurriedly reached out to help Noble Consort Xiao and Concubine Liu up. "We entered the pce together out of sisterly affection. When I agreed before, my sisters never mistreated me and have always been good to me. When we interact privately, let''s not worry about our positions."


    Upon hearing this, the Empress smiled and praised Song Zhao, saying, "Consort Yi, you treat people kindly, without any airs, even if you were to be the main consort. If all the sisters in the pce could be like you, treating others with kindness and getting along harmoniously, this pce would be even happier."


    The concubines all echoed, "We, your humble concubines, will abide by the teachings of the Empress and treat each other kindly, supporting one another."


    "Oh..."


    Just as she was about to respond, Noble Consort Xiao suddenly eximed, attracting everyone''s attention.


    Song Zhao noticed Noble Consort Xiao furrowing her brows and quickly supported her, asking, "Sister, what''s wrong?"


    "He moved." Noble Consort Xiao rxed her furrowed brow for a moment, protecting her abdomen and gently rubbing it, her eyes filled with joy.


    "Right here! He just kicked me!"

 Chapter 148: The Royal Son Adopts His Mother

    <h4>Chapter 148</h4>


    Counting the days, Noble Consort Xiao had been pregnant for five months.


    As a first-time mother, she naturally felt exceptionally ted at every little change.


    The Empress also smiled and said, "The other night, the little one in my belly was also making a fuss. At that time I was still groggy and barely reacted. I almost called for the imperial physician and nearly made aughingstock of myself."


    Since it was the first pregnancy for both the Empress and Noble Consort Xiao, and their due dates were simr, there were naturally many things they could rte to with each other.


    Later, the Empress and Noble Consort Xiao chatted very agreeably.


    Song Zhao watched from the side and blurted out,


    "The Empress and Elder Sister Xiao are at simr stages of pregnancy. It would be good if their children could bepanions in the future."


    She looked at Noble Consort Xiao and pretended to be mysterious, "Elder sister is unwilling to tell the Empress what is on her mind. Should I tell her on your behalf?"


    Noble Consort Xiao was rendered speechless by Song Zhao''s words.


    She had no idea what Song Zhao meant by that.


    Just as she was about to ask, she heard the Empress say first, "What is it?"


    Song Zhao immediately said, "My elder sister hopes that her child can be raised under the care of the Empress in the future, but she doesn''t dare to ask."


    Noble Consort Xiao eximed in surprise, "I didn''t... I didn''t mean that!"


    But her halting cry of astonishment made everyone think that she was just too shy to admit it.


    The Empress was determined to gain the upper hand regarding this "precious son".


    Of course she wanted to raise Noble Consort Xiao''s child under her own care.


    Now that it was out in the open, she said,


    "If you trust me to look after your child, I would be more than willing. It takes effort to care for one, but no more tiring to care for two. And the princes would have apanion, which would be great."


    Since the Empress had said this, it would be inappropriate for Noble Consort Xiao to deny that was her intention.


    So she could only reluctantly agree, "Then this concubine will thank the Empress in advance on behalf of her child."


    The Empress smiled gently, "But who the prince''s wet nurse would be still needs to be decided by His Majesty. We shall see how His Majesty arranges it."


    After leaving the Empress''s pce, Song Zhao and Noble Consort Xiao would usually walk together.


    But today, Noble Consort Xiao looked upset and walked exceptionally fast.


    Song Zhao hurried to catch up with her and asked, "Is elder sister angry?"


    Noble Consort Xiao said unpleasantly, "When did I ever tell you that I wanted my child raised under the Empress''s care?"


    "Has elder sister forgotten?" Song Zhao held Noble Consort Xiao''s hand and led her to the corridor. She lowered her voice and said,


    "When elder sister gives birth in the future, she would not be able to raise the child by her side given her status. So who does elder sister wish to raise her child?"


    "I..."


    "Is it raised under Consort Yin who has Hu ethnic blood? Or under the careless Consortium Yun? Or perhaps, does elder sister wish to send her child to Yonghe Pce to apany Consort Chen?"


    "Certainly not to Consort Chen!" Noble Consort Xiao said rather agitatedly: "If she raises my child, I would worry day and night."


    "There you go. Elder sister must consider the future of the child in her belly. It would be best if the child grows up under the Empress. "


    Song Zhao analyzed in detail to Noble Consort Xiao,


    "Think about it elder sister, the Empress is the central pce. No matter what, she wouldn''t mistreat your child. Moreover, she would have her own child then. She certainly wouldn''t stop you from seeing your child.


    But if a powerless person raises your child, and spends all her heart and effort on this child, when he grows up, he might not even recognize you as his birth mother. Wouldn''t all your suffering be in vain, and instead helped someone else?"


    Song Zhao''s analysis was reasonable. Only then did Noble Consort Xiao understand her good intentions.


    "You were considering the well-being of my child and me. I misunderstood you just now."


    Song Zhao did not keep count of the grievances. Holding her hand, she continued,


    "I''m close with elder sister, so I must consider everything carefully for you. This matter needs His Majesty''s consent before it can happen. Elder sister is quite far along in the pregnancy now. There are many concubines eyeing your child as well. Who knows what tricks they may use topete in the future? While they haven''t made a move yet, elder sister must n ahead and tell His Majesty your thoughts."


    Noble Consort Xiao looked slightly dejected as she stroked her protruding belly. She said reluctantly, "You mean I should tell His Majesty that I want my child raised under the Empress''s care?"


    Song Zhao said, "His Majesty would at least listen somewhat to the birth mother''s opinion regarding the prince. Today, it''s elder sister''s turn to serve His Majesty. Elder sister can take this opportunity to casually mention this matter to His Majesty."


    She held Noble Consort Xiao''s hand tightly,


    "For the child, being raised under the Empress is the best n."


    Noble Consort Xiao pondered silently for a long time. Weighing the pros and cons, she finally agreed,


    "Alright, you''re right. My appearance is ruined and I have received all the favor I could in this life. But I absolutely cannot let my child suffer!"


    *


    Later that day, Song Zhao moved into the main hall of Changle Pce.


    This used to be the residence of the Imperial Noble Consort, and it had been renovated. Naturally it was much more luxurious than Yaohua Pce.


    Upon entering the bedchamber, Song Zhao immediately ordered Xiaofuzi, "Take this plum cake away and throw it out. Don''t let anyone see it."


    Xiaofuzi obeyed and left with the food container. Yun Shu was massaging Song Zhao''s shoulders and said,


    "Today is an auspicious day for Consort''s investiture. His Majesty willeter. Let this ve freshen up mistress''s makeup."


    Song Zhao mildly agreed. By the time her makeup was touched up, Xiao Jingheng had arrived.


    Seeing Song Zhao''s outfit today, he was nearly entranced.


    "The clothes suit you well today and you look very different from before."


    Song Zhao scoffed and retorted, "Did His Majesty think I looked ugly when I dressed simpler previously?"


    "You look good either way, each has its own beauty. The old saying goes that the appropriate amount of makeup suits the person. That is my Zhao''er."


    Xiao Jingheng put his arm around her waist and caringly asked if she had fully recovered and if today''s investiture ceremony went smoothly.


    Song Zhao smiled and said, "Everything went smoothly, and there is good news. After the investiture ceremony today, Elder Sister Xiao''s baby moved!"


    However, Xiao Jingheng only ndly replied, "She came and told me too. Her eyes were smiling like crescent moons from joy."


    Song Zhao rubbed her own t belly and looked forward longingly,


    "I''m also looking forward to that day... The Empress and Elder Sister Xiao are at simr stages of pregnancy. They chatted very agreeably today. The Empress even suggested raising both children together in the future."


    Xiao Jingheng''s heart sank, but his expression remained unchanged.


    He held Song Zhao tighter around the waist, and asked expressionlessly,


    "Oh? What did the Empress say?"


    Song Zhao thought for a moment and said, "The Empress also wishes to raise both children together. It would be good for them to have apanion. Children prefer lively environments after all. It''s definitely better than being alone."


    With her back facing Xiao Jingheng in his embrace, neither could see the other''s expression.


    But Song Zhao guessed that he probably didn''t look too happy.


    And as she had guessed, Xiao Jingheng''s face darkened like a storm was brewing.


    He was puzzled why Noble Consort Xiao would suddenly tell him today that she hoped her child could be raised under the Empress''s care.


    Hearing what Song Zhao said, it was likely the Empress had secretly said something to Noble Consort Xiao, which prompted her to make this request.


    What Xiao Jingheng wanted in his harem was bnce of power, not for any single woman to dominate. They needed to check each other to maintain equilibrium.


    He had reason to be wary of Consort Chen''s background, and it was the same for the Empress''s side.


    Xiao Jingheng clearly understood the unparalleled status of a "precious son". By wanting to raise both the precious son and the crown prince under her care, the Empress was obviously trying to control the top candidates for heir apparent.


    Throughout history, the precious son and crown prince were always the best choices to seed the throne.


    This made Xiao Jingheng suspicious.


    As he held Song Zhao by the waist, he kept stroking the ring on his thumb, thinking:


    The Empress seems to have far too many private thoughtstely...

 Chapter 149: How Much We Love

    <h4>Chapter 149</h4>


    As the night grew quiet,


    the lights in the Yonghe Pce remained bright.


    Inside the courtyard, pce maids were busy sweeping away the scattered paper offerings.


    Chief eunuch Kang Yubin urged them on, saying,


    "Move faster! Bury the ashes of the incense burners in the ground after burning the paper offerings. Clean the burners and then dispose of them. And some of you, bring out the censers and cover the smoke."


    Just moments ago, Consort Chen had conducted a grand memorial ceremony here,


    scattering yellow paper, burning spirit money, and hanging mourning banners,


    creating quite amotion, all in honor of her unborn child who had died in the womb.


    No one dared to dissuade her within the Yonghe Pce, but everyone was on edge, fearing for their own safety.


    ording to the pce rules, except for state mourning, no one was allowed to openly conduct memorial ceremonies within the pce,


    otherwise it would be a grave taboo.


    If news of this incident spread, Xiao Jingheng would certainly not me Consort Chen,


    but her servants and attendants might lose their heads.


    The courtyard was now in chaos,


    while Consort Chen sat alone in the sleeping chamber, drinking in solitude.


    The dishes on the table had gone cold, with oil seeping into them, yet she didn''t take a single bite.


    And the wine in the jug had already reached the bottom.


    She shook the jug, slightly intoxicated, and called out to the door,


    "Qin, bring me more wine!"


    Qin responded and entered the chamber. Seeing Consort Chen in a state of drunkenness, she advised,


    "Your Highness, you mustn''t drink any more!"


    Consort Chen''s eyes shed with coldness as she red at her, saying, "I told you to go, so go! If you dare to prattle on, I''ll tear your mouth apart!"


    Qin was a servant given to Consort Chen after she entered the pce,


    andpared to Yingxiang, who had served Consort Chen since childhood, they were naturally less close.


    But this maid didn''t know where she got the courage from,


    and now she was kneeling in front of Consort Chen, her voice choked with tears as she pleaded,


    "Today is the anniversary of the young prince''s passing. I know you suffer, Your Highness, but drinking excessively harms your health. If His Majesty were toeter and see you in this state, it wouldn''t be good..."


    No one in the Yonghe Pce had ever dared to defy Consort Chen''s wishes,


    not even Yingxiang had dared to advise her when her mood was sour.


    But now that Qin had spoken up, Consort Chen couldn''t help but take notice of this maid.


    However, her face still showed a disgusted expression as she deliberately threw the cup towards Qin,


    despite putting some strength into it, she intentionally missed her.


    "What kind of thing are you? Do you think you can lecture me? Get out!"


    Perhaps hearing themotion from the inner chamber,


    Kang Yubin, who had been watching over the sweeping, hurriedly rushed in.


    Seeing the situation, without a word, he swung his whisk and struck Qin''s back,


    "You wretched servant! Annoying Her Highness for no reason. Watch how I beat you to death today!"


    As he struck, Qin cried out,


    Consort Chen, feeling annoyed, said, "Stop it. Take her away and don''t disturb me."


    Kang Yubin kicked Qin and drove her out, then he promptly brought the wine, bowing like a servant, and presented it to Consort Chen.


    "Niangniang, you don''t need to pay attention to her. If there''s anything, just let the servants take care of it."


    As she spoke, she refilled Consort Chen''s wine cup.


    "I''ve inquired already. Today is the ceremony for the appointment of Yi Concubine. The Emperor is currently at Changle Pce."


    Implicit in her words was the fact that Xiao Jingheng would not being tonight. Consort Chen could indulge herself as she pleased.


    Sheughed bitterly and said, "Yes, today is a joyous day for Song Zhao. Yi Concubine... she has finally achieved her wish."


    She downed a cup of wine, coughing several times and making her eyes well up.


    "The Emperor has arrived!"


    Just then, the eunuch guarding the main gate announced, his voice like a swift bolt of lightning, reaching Consort Chen''s ears and causing her body to tremble.


    She dropped the wine cup in her hand, spilling the remaining wine all over the floor.


    Kang Yubin immediately eximed with joy, "Niangniang! The Emperor hase! The Emperor hase to see you! The Emperor still remembers you!"


    A faint smile finally appeared on Consort Chen''s previously deste face.


    In a fluster, she gave orders, "Quick! Remove the wine and bring the incense closer."


    While speaking, she lifted her sleeve and sniffed, asking, "Is the smell of alcohol on me strong?"


    Kang Yubin swiftly brought the incense closer, adding a spoonful of fragrance to it. "Niangniang, don''t worry. This fragrance can cover up the smell."


    Saying that, he also hid the wine jug behind him.


    Consort Chen adjusted her appearance in the mirror, preparing to go out and greet Xiao Jingheng, but he was already standing outside the door.


    Consort Chen stood at the doorway, looking into his eyes.


    Those handsome eyes, like stars, could make one''s eyes well up with tears with just one nce.


    "Your Majesty... This subject pays respects to Your Majesty. May Your Majesty be blessed."


    "Rise," Xiao Jingheng said, extending his hand to help Consort Chen up. On the side, Kang Yubin also saluted Xiao Jingheng, but just as he was about to slip away through a side door, he was stopped by Xiao Jingheng.


    "Leave the wine."


    Kang Yubin was taken aback but stammered his agreement, cing the wine jug back on the table. He added, "The food has gone cold. This servant will have someone heat it up."


    After the pce maids cleared away the dishes, Xiao Jingheng and Consort Chen sat facing each other at the table.


    He poured himself a ss of wine, drinking only half of it and spilling the rest on the floor.


    Consort Chen was deeply moved by his actions, her heart aching.


    "What is the meaning of this, Your Majesty?"


    "I have never forgotten about our child, Yu''er."


    Yu''er was the nickname that Xiao Jingheng had given to their unborn child.


    Consort Chen had always been proud and willful. No matter how sad she was, she would never shed a tear in front of others.


    Even during tonight''s ceremony to mourn their deceased child, her heart felt like it was being hammered a thousand times, almost suffocating her, but she would not cry.


    Only in front of Xiao Jingheng was she fragile and soft.


    At the mention of the name "Yu," tears welled up in her eyes uncontrobly.


    Her tears were not as beautiful as Song Zhao''s, and because of the intense anguish, her torn clothes made her look somewhat pitiful.


    Xiao Jingheng sat down beside her, embracing her shoulder and spoke in a deep voice,fortingly:


    "I know you miss our child very much, and I feel the same."


    Consort Chen lifted her teary eyes and gazed at Xiao Jingheng.


    Tears blurred her vision, as if a mist had enveloped them, making it difficult for her to see the expression on this man''s face.


    In that moment, she suddenly felt distant from Xiao Jingheng,


    So distant that even if her eyes were tearless, she could hardly make out his features.


    But what was the reason for this?


    She couldn''t quite figure it out.


    She could only choke back her sobs and say:


    "There have been continuous joyous events in the pce, and I thought Your Majesty had long forgotten..."


    "I have never forgotten."


    Xiao Jingheng''s reply was resolute, with a hint of sorrow.


    "Your Majesty..."


    Consort Chen buried her head in Xiao Jingheng''s chest, like a young girl untouched by the hardships of the world,


    Only in front of those she trusted could she let down her guardpletely,


    And weep unabashedly.


    With Xiao Jingheng''spanionship and sce,


    The pain of losing a child was slightly diminished.


    After Consort Chen had finished crying, she wiped away her tears, not wanting Xiao Jingheng to see her disheveled appearance.


    The meal was prepared again and served hot,


    Consort Chen, as usual, skillfully served the dishes for Xiao Jingheng.


    When Xiao Jingheng dined in other consorts'' pces, there were always a few dishes that didn''t suit his taste, which needed to be scrutinized.


    But not here, in Consort Chen''s ce.


    Because every dish here was prepared ording to his preferences,


    Any dish he didn''t like, Consort Chen would never allow it to appear in the Yonghe Pce.


    Casually, during the meal, Consort Chen asked with apparent indifference,


    "Today is the joyous day of Yi Concubine''s elevation ceremony. I thought Your Majesty would be by her side."


    Xiao Jingheng replied, "I did visit her. But I remembered today and knew it would sadden you, so I came to you instead."


    Words that touched the heart,


    These words of deep affection, Consort Chen listened to them, and her heart suddenly warmed like the arrival of spring.


    Shepletely disregarded Xiao Jingheng''s mention of


    how Song Zhao had persuaded him toe and see Consort Chen tonight.

 Chapter 150: Open Robbery

    <h4>Chapter 150</h4>


    After finishing their meal, Xiao Jingheng and Consort Chen strolled hand in hand through the courtyard for a while. Feeling a bit tired, they returned to their chamber.


    In front of the mirror, Xiao Jingheng personally removed the hairpin from Consort Chen''s hair. Her soft, ck tresses brushed against his fingertips. As he looked at Consort Chen''s reflection in the mirror, his bright eyes always carried a hint of gentle concern. So he asked,


    "Lately, I''ve noticed that you haven''t been feeling well. Is it because of the sessive pregnancies of the other consorts, which saddens you?"


    "I... I haven''t..."


    "There''s no need to hide anything between you and me."


    Upon hearing this, Consort Chen''s eyes widened, and her heart stirred. It had been a long time since she had heard the intimate address of "Wan''er" from Xiao Jingheng.


    Today, hearing him call her that again, it was as if she instantly returned to that time when their love was fervent.


    "Even if I''m not feeling well, it''s not because I''m jealous of others. I me myself for not being able to conceive your child after all this time."


    "Both of us are still young, and we will have children eventually," Xiao Jingheng said as he unraveled the intricately styled hair. "But seeing you always in a mncholy mood weighs heavily on my heart. So I have decided that when Noble Consort Xiao gives birth to the heir, whether it''s a prince or princess, they shall be raised under your care."


    Consort Chen''s pupils suddenly dted, clearly astonished. She abruptly turned her head, causing her dark tresses to be tugged by Xiao Jingheng''s fingers, but she didn''t feel the pain.


    "Raised under my care?" Her eyes shimmered with an incredulous gleam, blinking repeatedly as if to confirm that all of this wasn''t a figment of her imagination.


    Xiao Jingheng smiled. "What? Do you not want it?"


    "I want it! Consort Chen naturally wants it! It''s just... Consort Chen thought that Your Majesty would have the child raised under the Empress''s care."


    Both Noble Consort Xiao and the Empress were pregnant at the same time. If Noble Consort Xiao gave birth to a son, it was highly likely to be an esteemed prince. If the noble prince were raised under her care, then her position as the prince''s foster mother would naturally be of great importance.


    By then, even if the Empress desperately gave birth to a legitimate son, what could she do?


    Consort Chen would still have the standing topete with the Empress.


    Moreover, the Empress herself had a heart condition.


    Even if she forbade Yunfei from using that secretive powder and exacerbated the Empress''s symptoms, which worsened her heart condition, there was a high chance of an ident urring during childbirth.


    If the Empress were to die, wouldn''t the position of Empress be within her grasp?


    To be honest, Consort Chen didn''t really care about the position of Empress.


    What she cared about was always Xiao Jingheng.


    And what haunted her dreams was always the identity of a legitimate wife, a status that could openly stand by Xiao Jingheng''s side.


    If a woman genuinely loves a man, how many women in this world would willingly be a concubine to someone else?


    In response to Consort Chen''s earlier question, Xiao Jingheng casually replied, "The Empress will have her own child. Besides, she is burdened with a heart condition, and having two children by her side would inevitably be troublesome and disrupt her rest."


    Consort Chen immediately spoke, "Your Majesty''s words are indeed correct. The well-being of the Empress is more important than anything else. In that case, I am also willing to have a child who can apany me. When the timees and Your Majesty and I have our own child, it will be easier for us to raise them."


    Xiao Jingheng stared intently at Consort Chen, observing the radiant smile on her face.


    For a brief moment, he seemed to see the scene from the past when he bestowed the title "Consort Chen" upon her.


    Back then, Consort Chen had smiled in the same way.


    Xiao Jingheng chose not to say anything further,


    and simply said, "It''ste, let''s go to sleep."


    *


    The next day, when the imperial consorts went to pay their respects to the Empress, they heard that Xiao Jingheng had spent the night in Consort Chen''s pce, leaving Song Zhao neglected on the day of her great joy. The Empress thenforted Song Zhao, saying,


    "The Emperor should not have left you alonest night. However, there were reasons behind it. I believe you can understand the Emperor''s difficulties."


    At this moment, she appeared to be expressing concern for Song Zhao on the surface, but in reality, she wanted to expose the matter in front of everyone, making Song Zhao lose face and intensifying her hatred for Consort Chen.


    Song Zhao saw through her intentions and decided to y along.


    She put on a gloomy expression and responded perfunctorily,


    "I did not take it to heart. The Emperor is the ruler, and naturally, he can go wherever he wants."


    Listen,


    There was a strong hint of jealousy in her words,


    And the Empress nodded with a concealed smile.


    Later, while everyone was conversing, there was suddenly amotion outside the door.


    It turned out that Consort Chen, apanied by many maids and eunuchs, disregarded the objections of the other consorts and barged into the hall.


    When the consorts paid respects to the Empress, apart from the personal attendants, other pce maids were not allowed to enter.


    However, Consort Chen boldly brought in about ten pce maids and eunuchs,pletely ignoring the rules, and walked straight to Noble Consort Xiao.


    Seeing Noble Consort Xiao gently stroking her temples and speaking in azy tone, Consort Chen said,


    "The pce in the Pure Pce has already been prepared. I have had all your belongings moved to the Eternal Harmony Pce. From today onwards, you will live together with me, in the eastern side hall of the Eternal Harmony Pce."


    Noble Consort Xiao was frightened by this grand disy,


    "Consort Chen, what does this mean?"


    Consort Chen replied, "From now until the day you give birth, I will protect you and ensure the safety of the imperial heir in your womb. As the foster mother of this child, it is my duty to make sure the imperial heir is safe and not harmed by anyone!"


    The two words "harm" and "done" carried a heavy tone as Consort Chen spoke, clearly intended for the Empress to hear.


    Upon hearing Consort Chen''s words, the Empress herself was greatly shocked.


    However, she suppressed her confusion and solemnly said, "This matter is of great importance. I cannot simply take your word for it and allow you to bring Noble Consort Xiao back to your pce. You..."


    "Why are you in such a hurry, Empress?" Consort Chen, perhaps tired of listening, interrupted her and sneered, saying,


    "The imperial decree will be delivered shortly. Just wait patiently."


    After speaking, she red at the pce maids standing beside Noble Consort Xiao, her attitude bing even more arrogant, and said,


    "Why are you still standing here motionless? Take her away!"

 Chapter 151: The Innocent Child

    <h4>Chapter 151</h4>


    Consort Chen intended to leave with her entourage,


    Her bold move was a direct challenge to the Empress''s authority.


    If the Empress allowed this to happen, how would she maintain her dignity as the chief consort in the future?


    Thus, with rare anger in her voice, the Empress eximed,


    "Halt her! Without my imperial decree, no one can take Noble Consort Xiao away today!"


    Led by Yan Jiude, the head eunuch in charge of the Feng Luan Pce, a group of pce maids quickly blocked Consort Chen''s path at the door.


    Tensions escted between the two sides, reaching a point of imminent conflict.


    Watching from the sidelines, Song Zhao secretly hoped they would start fighting, even going as far as to wish for the pce roof to be torn off for some excitement.


    Most of the other consorts shared her sentiment.


    Only Consort Hui, frightened, hid behind Song Zhao and timidly cried out,


    "Sister Xiao is pregnant. Please be careful not to harm her in the chaos!"


    As the situation grew increasingly uncontroble and on the verge of spiraling out of control,


    Jiang Deshun fortuitously arrived.


    Seeing the motion" at the entrance of the main hall, he was also startled.


    The Empress, upon noticing him, did not want him to whisper anything to Noble Consort Xiao,


    So she quickly regained herposure, put on a smile, and said, "We ordered Consort Chen and you all to go outside and sweep the grounds. Why are you blocking the door? Step aside, it''s a mess!"


    Consort Chen, of course, had no interest in engaging with the Empress.


    She even rolled her eyes disdainfully at her and, with a smirk at the corner of her mouth, said,


    "Didn''t you hear what the Empress said? Clear the way quickly."


    In this manner, the two groups awkwardly dispersed.


    Having served in the court for many years, Jiang Deshun had long be astute and could see through the situation.


    However, he chose not to expose it. He bowed and greeted the consorts before saying,


    "Reporting to the Empress, it is the Emperor''s decree that Consort Chen is the foster mother of the heir in Noble Consort Xiao''s womb."


    The Empress clenched her hand tightly beneath the phoenix-shaped table, but she pretended to be at ease, smiling and saying,


    "If that''s the case, let Consort Chen bring Noble Consort Xiao back to her pce. It''s good for them to have each other''spany."


    Song Zhao, after witnessing this performance, could only marvel at their acting skills.


    This way, it would not be Consort Chen openly snatching someone, but rather the magnanimity of the Empress.


    When this matter reached Noble Consort Xiao''s ears, it would naturally be seen in a favorable light.


    However, Consort Chen couldn''t be bothered with the Empress.


    After giving her a scornful look and a contemptuous smile, she said,


    "Then let''s bring Noble Consort Xiao back to my pce."


    Once Jiang Deshun and Consort Chen left, the Empress''s expression immediately soured.


    Anyone could see her displeasure.


    She no longer had the mood to continue conversing with the others and dismissed them with a wave of her hand.


    After watching the drama unfold, Song Zhao returned to her pce with nothing to do and asked Xiao Fuzi to bring her pen and paper, wanting to practice calligraphy.


    As Xiao Fuzi served her tea by her side, he whispered softly,


    "The Empress has achieved her wish. This time, the Empress''s n has failed. Noble Consort Xiao''s child will be raised by Consort Chen in the future, making the Empress restless. As long as no one in the harem bes too powerful, no one will focus solely on the Empress. It is not only about not allowing the Empress to gain too much power, but also about ensuring the safety of Noble Consort Xiao and her child."


    Song Zhao wrote with a focused mind and casually replied, "It is not just about preventing the Empress from bing too powerful. I have more concerns for Noble Consort Xiao and her child. Only by having Consort Chen raise the child can we ensure the safety of Noble Consort Xiao and her child."


    Xiao Fuzi pondered for a moment and nodded, saying, "The Emperor wants Consort Chen to be the foster mother of Noble Consort Xiao''s child. Given Consort Chen''s temperament, she will definitely bring Noble Consort Xiao back to her side like a bodhisattva, fearing any mishaps. If Noble Consort Xiao resides in Consort Chen''s pce, it would be difficult for anyone to have ill intentions towards her."


    He marveled at Song Zhao''s strategies and for the first time saw her warmth towards the concubines in the harem.


    "Noble Consort Xiao and the Empress have grown close, and the Empress is willing to protect her. They have developed a deep bond," he said.


    "A bond?" Song Zhao lightly chuckled, "I didn''t enter the pce to make friends. What kind of bond do I have with her? Have you forgotten how she got that scar on her face?"


    She put down her brush and gracefully moved her wrist, saying, "I simply cannot bear to see anyone plotting against a child. Women in the harem can fight all they want, but innocent children should be spared."


    Song Zhao fell into silence and looked at her delicate and fair fingers, feeling a sense of mncholy. She sighed, "Since entering the pce, my hands have been stained with much blood. By doing this, I hope to umte blessings and merits for the child in my womb."


    As they were speaking, Yun Shan reported from outside the door, "Empress, Consort Shu hase to see you."


    Upon hearing this, Song Zhao''s eyes flickered, but she didn''t show much reaction and pretended to be delighted, saying, "Please,e in."


    She was originally going to greet Consort Shu at the door.


    As soon as Consort Shu entered, she held Song Zhao''s hand and dispensed with formalities. After they both sat on the warm seat, she began to show concern and care for Song Zhao.


    "Seeing my sister''s radiantplexion, I''m sure you will give birth to a little prince for the Emperor this time," Consort Shu said with a shy smile.


    Song Zhao blushed and shook her head, saying, "It''s only been a few months. How can we know the gender?"


    Consort Shu chuckled and said, "My sister is blessed. I''m sure you will have a boy with a single try."


    Then she sighed, "Ah, it''s a pity that your due date is a bitter than the Empress and Noble Consort Xiao. Otherwise, if you could give birth to a precious son, you would have hope of being honored as a consort in the future."


    Song Zhao replied, "I am already content with being a concubine. I dare not even think of anything more. Besides, now that the four consorts in the harem areplete, there is no ce for me."


    While talking to Consort Shu, Song Zhao caught a glimpse of a sachet hanging at her waist.


    The sachet was embroidered with the pattern of a qilin embracing the sun, and Consort Shu seemed to wear it almost every day, praying for safety.


    Song Zhao calmly picked up her brush and continued writing while conversing with Consort Shu.


    Listening to Consort Shu, she said, "Look at how the Emperor treats Consort Chen. First, he restored her title, then bestowed upon her the authority over the six pces. Yesterday, he even wanted to have Consort Xiao''s child raised by her. Our dynasty still doesn''t have a Noble Consort. Sister, with your intelligence, how far do you think Consort Chen is from bing a Noble Consort?"


    She continued, with a helpless smile. "Hehe, if she bes a Noble Consort, won''t that position of Consort be left vacant?"


    At that moment, Xiao Fuzi was still by their side, attending to them.


    Song Zhao handed him thepleted written scriptures and said, "These Buddhist scriptures are done. Help me deliver them to the Empress Dowager. Consort Shu and I have some private matters to discuss."


    Xiao Fuzi respectfully took the scroll and bowed before leaving.


    Only when she was alone with Consort Shu, Song Zhao worriedly said, "If she bes a Noble Consort, wouldn''t that mean she looks down upon everyone else? Who knows how she would mistreat us?"


    Consort Shu sighed, "Isn''t that the truth? But it all depends on the Emperor''s intentions. What can we do?"


    She fell silent for a moment, leaning slightly closer to Song Zhao, deliberately lowering her voice as she said,


    "But if Noble Consort Xiao gives birth to a daughter, or if something were to happen to her during this pregnancy... She is currently residing in Consort Chen''s pce, so if anything were to go wrong, Consort Chen would undoubtedly be implicated. I can see it now, by that time, Consort Chen won''t even have a chance to be a Noble Consort. She might not even be able to keep her current status as a consort!"

 Chapter 152: Distress in Pregnancy

    <h4>Chapter 152</h4>


    Consort Shu seemed to be chatting idly with Song Zhao, but every sentence was crucial.


    With Xiao Jingheng''s family fortunes lost, for him to receive another promotion would be as difficult as ascending to heaven.


    Therefore, giving birth to a noble son now was her only chance.


    But her child was a full three months behind the children of the Empress and Noble Consort Xiao. No matter what, Song Zhao could not possibly give birth before them.


    Consort Shu was a clever woman who understood human nature very well.


    Although Song Zhao used to be the type who did notpete or grab, every child is their mother''s weakness.


    So Consort Shu thought that even if Song Zhao did not n for her own future prospects, for the sake of her child, it would be easier for her to have improper thoughts.


    If she took Consort Shu''s words to heart today,


    No matter if Song Zhao hurt Noble Consort Xiao herself or daringly plotted against the Empress,


    Consort Shu could hide behind the scenes and watch the tigers fight, reaping the fisherman''s profits.


    Later, Yun Shan came in to pour tea for them, and Consort Shu stopped talking.


    To show her intimacy with Song Zhao, she chatted with her for a good while before saying,


    "Then the younger sister should rest well. This pce will take its leave first."


    Just now when Yun Shan was serving tea outside the door, she overheard a couple sentences of what Consort Shu said unintentionally.


    After Consort Shu left, she said, "My Lady... the provocative meaning in Consort Shu''s overt and covert words was really too obvious."


    Song Zhaoughed. "She''s a clever woman. She could make her words so obvious just to let me hear the melody. As for what I choose to do after listening to her, those are my decisions and have nothing to do with her."


    Yun Shan said, "With her provocative words sentence after sentence, my Lady certainly won''t believe them. But she was right about one thing she said. Now the positions in the rear pce are firmly upied. Even if my Lady gives birth to an imperial heir in the future, due to the misfortunes suffered by your maternal family, it will be very difficult to receive a higher position."


    Song Zhao took a sip of fresh milk from her teacup, then smiled calmly,


    "Since the positions in the rear pce are firmly upied, then I¡¯ll make one corner vacant and neatly give up the spot for myself."


    At this time, Xiao Fuzi also rushed back.


    As soon as Yun Shan saw him, she asked in surprise, "It''s closest from Changle Pce to Xianshou Pce. You went to deliver scriptures to the Empress Dowager, so why were you gone for so long?"


    Xiao Fuzi grinned evilly, waving his empty sleeves in front of the master and servant.


    Then he suddenly stretched out his hand next to Yun Shan''s ear, scaring her to unconsciously take two steps back.


    "You monkey! What are you doing?"


    "Hehe~"


    Xiao Fuzi waved his hand at Yun Shan. Only then did she see that a sachet had inexplicably appeared in his originally empty hand.


    Xiao Fuzi knew magic tricks. When there was nothing to do in the pce in the past, he would always do magic tricks to entertain Song Zhao and Yun Shan.


    Seeing hisck of integrity, Yun Shan red at him. "How can you be so shameless! I... Huh?"


    She had just mocked him for a few words when she recognized the pattern of a qilin hugging the sun on the sachet in his hand.


    She widened her eyes in surprise. "Isn''t this Consort Shu''s sachet? How did you get it?"


    Xiao Fuzi exchanged nces and smiles with Song Zhao, then presented the sachet to Song Zhao respectfully.


    Song Zhao took the sachet and weighed it in her palm. "Did you take it cleanly?"


    Xiao Fuzi patted his chest and looked very confident. "Has my Lady forgotten how fast these hands were when I did magic tricks for you in the past? I just bumped into Consort Shu at the door and got this item in an instant. She naturally didn''t notice."


    Yun Shan was even more confused when she heard this. "Ah! My Lady and Xiao Fuzi are ying guessing games with this servant again!"


    Song Zhaoughed. "The Empress Dowager didn''t ask me to copy scriptures at all. Do you understand now?"


    Yun Shan thought for a moment. Suddenly there was a sparkle in her eyes and she pped her hands loudly. "So the scriptures you gave to Xiao Fuzi just now actually had instructions for him to steal Consort Shu''s sachet?"


    Song Zhao nodded gently with a smile.


    As for what purpose this sachet would serve...


    Song Zhao naturally had her arrangements.


    *


    The next afternoon, the weather was exceptionally sunny.


    Xiao Jingheng said he wanted to take Song Zhao to the Imperial Garden to appreciate flowers.


    The messenger was Xiao Yinzi. Upon hearing this, Song Zhao said, "Then please wait a moment, this pce is going to change into clothes."


    After being conferred the title of Noble Lady, Song Zhao could now ride in a sedan chair when going out.


    The sedan chair in her pce was bestowed by Xiao Jingheng personally. The interior walls were even pasted with a special fragrance.


    Xiao Jingheng said since he could not openly give Song Zhao favor in the Pepper Room, this would serve as a substitute to show their affection for each other.


    Xiao Fuzi had the pce maid put down the sedan chair outside the main hall to wait while he took Xiao Yinzi to the side hall for tea.


    He was lively by nature and served Xiao Jingheng¡¯s beloved. Naturally it was easy for him to get along well with people in the pce.


    For example, in private, he and Xiao Yinzi got along very well.


    While chatting casually over tea, Xiao Yinzi asked him, "I¡¯m going out of the pce to purchase supplies next month. Let me know in advance if you need me to bring back anything."


    Xiao Fuzi said, "That works out great then. Please help me buy a jeweled hairpin with orchid flowers from Butterfly Pavilion."


    Xiao Yinzi joked, "What, you still haven''t confessed your feelings to Lady Yun Shan?"


    "Don''t talk nonsense..." Xiao Fuzi lightly punched his shoulder and smiled self-deprecatingly. "I¡¯m a eunuch. What more could I hope for? She¡¯s twenty-five this year so she can leave the pce. I just hope things go well for her. For the days she¡¯s still in the pce, I only want to protect that silly girl."


    After a casual chat for less than two sentences, Zhihua came to report:


    "My Lady is already in the sedan chair, you may proceed."


    Then Xiao Fuzi apanied Song Zhao''s sedan chair with Xiao Yinzi towards Chaoyang Pce.


    But they hadn¡¯t even walked a few steps when the sedan bearers in front suddenly slipped on the passageway corner,


    and the sedan chair fell straight to the ground with a loud bang.


    "Ah!"


    A cry of pain came from inside the sedan chair, and everyone panicked instantly.


    "My Lady! My Lady, are you alright?"


    Xiao Fuzi asked about Song Zhao¡¯s condition while the sedan bearer at the front knelt on the ground knocking his head ceaselessly, scared silly. "This ve deserves death! This ve deserves death! I don''t know why there seemed to be oil spilled here. That''s why I......"


    Xiao Yinzi was also anxious. Only then did he notice the shiny floor hidden in the red wall¡¯s shadow.


    "How... How could there be oil here all of a sudden! Noble Lady, are you alright?"


    "It hurts... My stomach really hurts!"


    Xiao Yinzi witnessed exactly how heavily the sedan chair fell. With such a loud noise, even a perfectly healthy person would at least suffer a little if they fell that hard, let alone Song Zhao, who was pregnant.


    Hearing Song Zhao''s weak voiceing faintly from the sedan chair, sounding so pained that her voice had changed, Xiao Yinzi instantly turned pale with fright. "What... What should we do now?"


    Xiao Fuzi immediately pushed him and said, "We must first carry my Lady back to the pce and summon the imperial physician for diagnosis and treatment. Go inform His Majesty!"


    "Oh, oh!"


    Xiao Yinzi hurriedly responded and crawled towards Chaoyang Pce.


    Meanwhile, Xiao Fuzi had the pce maid lift the sedan chair again and shouted loudly, "My Lady is blessed with great fortune and divine protection. Nothing will happen to you! Hold on!"

 Chapter 153: Steal the Dragon 01

    <h4>Chapter 153</h4>


    "Song Zhao!"


    Song Zhao was originally lying quietly on the couch, but upon hearing Xiao Jingheng calling out from outside the door, her face suddenly turned ugly.


    She clutched her lower abdomen tightly, moaning in pain.


    "Your Majesty..."


    "How are you feeling?" Xiao Jingheng rushed over and sat on the edge of Song Zhao''s couch, tightly grasping her hand covered in cold sweat.


    It was evident that he was very nervous, with a thinyer of grayness on his face.


    "This concubine''s stomach hurts badly..." Song Zhao uttered this sentence weakly, then gritted her teeth tightly, trying her best to endure the pain.


    The humming in her nostrils was like dense needles, pricking Xiao Jingheng''s heart over and over again.


    He grasped Song Zhao''s hand tighter and tighter. "Don''t be afraid, I am with you. You will be fine. The imperial physician will arrive soon, just endure it for a while."


    Almost as his words fell, Xiao Yinzi pulled Judge Chu in, panting as they hurried over.


    Xiao Jingheng didn''t even let Judge Chu catch his breath before he made room and urged him to immediately take Song Zhao''s pulse.


    Judge Chu knelt down in front of the couch, took out a handkerchief to pad Song Zhao''s wrist, and carefully took her pulse.


    But strangely,


    Song Zhao''s pulse was clearly disproportionate to the pain she was exhibiting.


    Judging from the pulse, there was nothing wrong with Song Zhao, her body was very healthy.


    But she looked painful, constantly shouting that her abdominal pain was unbearable?


    This left Judge Chu in a dilemma.


    He couldn''t say that Song Zhao was pretending either, after all, when people are extremely frightened after a shock, the body can also produce phantom pain.


    So first he soothed Song Zhao''s emotions and said,


    "Mistress, rx. This official has examined and found mistress'' pulse to be normal, the imperial heir is safe and sound without any harm."


    Upon hearing this, before Song Zhao said anything,


    she obviously heard someone next to her breathe a sigh of relief.


    Without raising her eyes, she knew that the person who let out this breath must be Xiao Jingheng.


    Then she heard him ask Judge Chu, "Why does Imperial Concubine still feel unbearable abdominal pain?"


    Judge Chu said, "It may be because the sedan chair shook when it fell just now, frightening the mistress, or she bumped into something. Anyway, it¡¯s not a big problem. This official will prescribe the mistress a sedative decoction to soothe her nerves, and decoct some pregnancy medicine for the mistress to take, then she can rx."


    Upon hearing these words, Song Zhao¡¯s tightly knitted brows finally rxed slightly.


    She held her lower abdomen more tightly, sighing with lingering fear,


    "As long as nothing happens to the child, that¡¯s good..."


    The imperial physician withdrew with a bow to instruct the pce maid on the medication.


    Xiao Jingheng sat down next to Song Zhao again, casting an angry look at Xiao Fuzi and shouted:


    "How can you be so negligent in your duties!?"


    Xiao Fuzi was so frightened that he knelt down on both knees, trembling and said: "Y-Your Majesty...Please forgive this ve''s crime...We pass through the south passage every day from Chang Le Pce to Chao Yang Pce, but I don''t know why there was grease on the passage today. The pce maid carrying the sedan chair slipped, startling the Mistress."


    As he spoke, he knocked his head to the ground, nearly injuring himself, before choking out:


    "Fortunately nothing happened to the Mistress and the imperial heir, even if this ve were to die thousands or tens of thousands of times, it would not atone for the crime!"


    Xiao Jingheng had already heard from Xiao Yinzi about why Song Zhao''s sedan chair shook.


    At this moment, his eyes were fierce. He suspected in his heart,


    Anyone could see that this was no ident, but someone deliberately tried to harm Song Zhao.


    After silently pondering for a moment, he solemnly said:


    "Jiang Deshun, take some people to investigate and see how the grease got onto the passage. Also, take all the pce maids who carried the sedan chair today and cane them to death!"


    "Your Majesty," Song Zhao pulled Xiao Jingheng''s arm, speaking weakly, "This concubine was not injured at all. The sedan bearers also did it unintentionally. This concubine is pregnant and can¡¯t bear to see bloodshed. Could Your Majesty be merciful and let them off lightly?"


    Xiao Jingheng was silent for a while before he changed his tone and said, "Since Song Zhao pleaded for them, then I¡¯ll let them off the hook. Each person is to be paddled twenty times and sent to Xin Prison to do hardbor. They shall not be allowed to serve their masters closely anymore!"


    After speaking, he nced down at Xiao Fuzi who was still kowtowing and said coldly:


    "Get up now. With your head injured like this, how can you still take care of your mistress?"


    "This ve is deeply grateful for Your Majesty''s favor and Mistress''s kindness."


    Xiao Fuzi wiped his tears and climbed to his feet. He wanted to continue serving by Song Zhao''s side, but heard Song Zhao say:


    "With your head bleeding like that, how can you still serve me? Go and get yourself cleaned up properly first."


    Xiao Fuzi choked back tears and acknowledged the order before withdrawing respectfully.


    After he left, Song Zhao leaned on Xiao Jingheng and her body shook involuntarily,


    "Your Majesty...is someone trying to harm this concubine today?"


    Xiao Jingheng did not answer her directly,


    but put his arm around her shoulders, gently caressing her vicle with his fingertip, his tone almost gentle,


    "Compared to the safety of the imperial heir, I¡¯m more worried about you."


    Song Zhao was deeply moved and moved closer towards Xiao Jingheng¡¯s embrace.


    She was perfectly sober despite putting on an act.


    When she heard that there was nothing wrong with the imperial heir earlier, she also clearly heard Xiao Jingheng''s long, relieved breath.


    So one shouldn¡¯t take the sweet words of an emperor seriously,


    otherwise you¡¯d only have yourself to me for the heartbreak.


    *


    After leaving the sleeping chambers, the injured Xiao Fuzi went straight to a small room in the southeast corner of Chang Le Pce instead of properly treating his forehead wound.


    Pushing open the door, he saw Yun Shan sitting on the bed.


    She had taken off her shoes and socks, and seemed to be examining the redness and swelling on her ankle.


    Seeing this, Xiao Fuzi immediately turned his back, embarassing Yun Shan to the point of blushing fiercely. She panicked and pulled the quilt to cover her legs:


    "Y-You, howe you are here? Did something happen to the Mistress?"


    "Mm. His Majesty is very affectionate and is apanying the Mistress right now."


    Xiao Fuzi stood there stiff as a piece of wood, facing the tightly closed door of the small room, unmoving, like he was facing the wall to reflect on his mistakes.


    Amused by his silly behavior, Yun Shan giggled


    "Pfft~ You look like a Chinese oak sapling. I''ve covered myself, turn around and talk to me."


    Only then did Xiao Fuzi turn around, scratching the back of his head awkwardly,


    "How are you? I didn''t expect the sedan chair to shake so violently just now. It frightened me watching it. Did you get hurt?"

 Chapter 154: How to Steal the Dragon 02

    <h4>Chapter 154</h4>


    Yun Shan shook his head vigorously,


    but the quilt covering his body tightened even more around his feet,


    "I-I''m fine."


    Xiao Fuzi approached, and only then did she notice the wound on his forehead. She immediately expressed her concern,


    "What happened to you? How did you cut your forehead?"


    Xiao Fuzi raised her hand and casually wiped away the blood, saying,


    "A small injury is nothing. The most important thing is to make the emperor believe in us and not see any ws."


    Yun Shan wanted to ask further, but Xiao Fuzi had already changed the subject.


    Heposed himself and said with some seriousness, "You say you''re fine? If you were fine, you would have changed your clothes and been serving by the empress''s side a long time ago."


    His gaze fell on Yun Shan''s covered feet, "But did you sprain your foot?"


    Out of concern, he reached out to grab the nket,


    but in that instant when he clenched the corner, his movement froze.


    How could a woman''s delicate feet be exposed in front of a man?


    It was about the purity of a woman, so Xiao Fuzi awkwardly withdrew his hand,


    "I''ll go get some medicinal oil for you to apply to your ankle. If it still hurts badly, we''ll have to call the imperial physician to take a look."


    "At a time like this, how can we dare to call the physician? Aren''t you afraid of causing trouble for the empress?" Yun Shan blushed, lowered his gaze, and weakly said, "Besides, the physician is a man, and you are also a man. Instead of having the physician treat me, it''s better for you to..."


    Upon hearing these words, Xiao Fuzi''s heart trembled.


    So... in Yun Shan''s eyes, he had always been seen as a man, not a eunuch?


    Such respect was extremely rare in the lonely pce.


    He stared at Yun Shan with eager eyes, making the young woman feel a little embarrassed,


    "What are you looking at? Are you nning to wait for me to be a cripple, so you can carry me everywhere in the future and feel satisfied in your heart?"


    "Hahaha~ I''ll carry you if I have to. You weigh almost nothing. Carrying you is easier than carrying two little chicks," Xiao Fuziughed as usual, provoking Yun Shan to no end with just a few words.


    And him?


    Perhaps because heughed too much, he even shed tears fromughing.


    *


    That night, Xiao Jingheng stayed in Chang Le Pce and apanied Song Zhao throughout the night, reluctantly parting ways when it was time for court the next day.


    Later, Jiang Deshun replied to Xiao Jingheng''s inquiry, saying that he had thoroughly investigated but couldn''t find the origin of the oil stain.


    This raised Xiao Jingheng''s suspicion even more.


    If it were an ident, they would have been able to trace where the oil stain came from.


    But now, it was clear that this matter was not idental but rather intentional, as it appeared out of thin air without leaving any traces.


    The power struggle in the harem never ceased. During the times when Xiao Jingheng couldn''t personally intervene, it was the Empress Dowager who established her authority in front of others.


    Today, when the consorts went to pay their respects to the empress, the Empress Dowager was also present.


    She didn''t show any courtesy, and straightforwardly stated,


    "Let''s get the ugly truth out in the open. If there is another unexpected incident in the harem or if anyone harbors malicious intentions towards the imperial heir, no matter who it is, don''t me me and the emperor for being ruthless!"


    Song Zhao, of course, didn''t hear the Empress Dowager''s admonishment in Kun Ning Pce.


    She was frightened yesterday and couldn''t sleep well all night, always worrying that someone wanted to harm her child.


    Seeing her like this, Xiao Jingheng allowed her to stay in the pce to recuperate for a few days.


    In the morning, when Yun Shan was helping her with her morning routine, she noticed that Yun Shan was limping while walking, so she held her hand and asked her, "Did you injure yourself yesterday?"


    Yun Shan smiled gently and shook her head, "I just twisted my ankle a bit, it''s nothing serious."


    Xiao Fuzi chuckled from the side and said, "Niangniang, you don''t know, yesterday Yun Shan wore your clothes and styled her hair like yours. She pretended to be you getting into the sedan chair and even imitated your voice. It was so convincing! She truly looked like a proper little master!"


    Although they were bothughing, one with a bump on the head and the other with a sprained foot, Song Zhao saw it in her eyes and felt uneasy in her heart.


    She couldn''tugh anymore, but instead, she looked at the two of them sincerely and said in a deep voice, "This matter is dangerous. If it''s ever discovered, it could be a capital offense. You have followed me withoutints or regrets, and this time I''m putting you in a difficult position."


    Seeing Song Zhao being courteous with them, they actually felt ufortable.


    Xiao Fuzi hurriedly said, "This servant''s life was saved by Niangniang. This servant is willing to do anything for Niangniang!"


    Yun Shan also said, "This humble maid knows she''s clumsy and usually can''t help Niangniang much. But being able to do this task well makes this humble maid happy!"


    It was supposed to be a good thing, but the silly girl started to have a tearful tone as she spoke.


    "I''ve grown up with Niangniang since I was little. If Niangniang lives well, I''m ten thousand times happier! Please don''t say such distant and estranged words to me anymore..."


    Song Zhao lightly tapped Yun Shan''s nose and coaxed her with a smile, "If I were to be estranged from you, there would be no one worth getting close to in this world for me. I''ve never treated you as my servants. In my heart, I''ve long regarded you as my closest people."


    Yun Shan nodded with a smile and added, "And His Majesty too! His Majesty truly treats Niangniang well."


    A frozen smile appeared on Song Zhao''s face, and she remained silent.


    Is he worthy?


    Obviously, he''s not.


    In fact, yesterday, Song Zhao never left Chang Le Pce at all.


    The person carried away in the sedan chair was actually Yun Shan disguised as Song Zhao.


    Usually, when the imperial consorts go out, the sedan chair stops at the pce gate.


    But yesterday, Xiao Fuzi deliberately had the sedan chair stop outside the sleeping quarters, using Song Zhao''s pregnancy as an excuse.


    Yun Shan and Song Zhao had simr heights and slender figures.


    And the pce attendants who carried the sedan chair couldn''t directly look at the emperor''s face.


    So Yun Shan wore Song Zhao''s clothes and styled her hair like hers. Even if the attendants caught a glimpse of her, they wouldn''t suspect anything.


    As for the oil stains that inexplicably appeared on the corridor, they were undoubtedly the work of Xiao Fuzi.


    Jiang Deshun would definitely not be able to investigate it, because even if he searched the harem, he wouldn''t be able to find any clues about Xiao Fuzi.


    When the sedan chair fell after the sedan bearers slipped on the oil stains, Xiao Yinzi, who was apanying them, would surely panic.


    Although the voice in the sedan chair didn''t sound much like Song Zhao''s, in a state of fear, one''s voice naturally undergoes changes.


    Moreover, Xiao Fuzi wouldn''t give Xiao Yinzi much time to think.


    As soon as something happened, he immediately sent Xiao Yinzi to inform Xiao Jingheng, and then ordered people to carry the sedan chair back to the pce.


    Upon returning to the pce, Yun Shan took off her clothes and let down her hair, hiding in the side chamber.


    Meanwhile, Song Zhao didn''t have to do anything except lie in bed and pretend to have a stomachache.


    In fact, this wasn''t the first time Song Zhao had used the strategy of pretending to be in pain.


    But things were different now.


    She was pregnant, and every action she took was constrained. She couldn''t behave as recklessly as before.


    Later, she heard Xiao Fuzi speak in a low voice, "The Emperor has be suspicious. It''s probably time to use the sachet you obtained from Consort Shu to solidify the evidence against her, right?"


    "No rush," Song Zhao said coldly, a confident smile on her face, as if victory was already in her grasp.


    "When you strike at a snake, you must aim for its weak spot, delivering a fatal blow. Otherwise, if it doesn''t die, it might bite you instead, and you will have to pay the price. Since I have chosen to make a move this time, I will ensure that Consort Shu has no chance to escape."


    She nced out the window and instructed, "Close the gates of Chang Le Pce to visitors for the next few days. I don''t want to see anyone."

 Chapter 155: Song Zhao Plays Monkey

    <h4>Chapter 155</h4>


    In the following days, the consorts came to ChangLe Pce to visit Song Zhao, expressing their concern for her well-being.


    However, Song Zhao refused to see any of them, iming to be ill and dismissing them all.


    During this time, Xiao Jingheng would also find time to visit her. Seeing her constantly wearing a mncholic expression, he naturally felt distressed.


    On the sixth day, the Empress herself paid a visit to ChangLe Pce.


    The principal consort of the six pcesing to see a concubine like her, Song Zhao couldn''t afford to be ungrateful. Therefore, this time, she not only allowed the Empress to enter but also had her brought into the inner chamber for a private conversation, to show intimacy.


    As they met, the Empress asked her with a concerned look, "How are you? Is your health improving?"


    "Thank you, Empress, for your concern. I am not seriously ill."


    "In that case, why do you lock yourself in the pce every day and refuse to see anyone?"


    "I...," Song Zhao nervously pursed her lips, and ayer of mist instantly covered her longshes. "I''m very afraid. I don''t know who wants to harm me. I''m filled with anxiety, fearing that something unexpected will happen as soon as I step out of the pce gates."


    She gazed at the Empress, her eyes filled with sincerity. "Now, the only person I can trust is Your Majesty, the Empress."


    The Empress appeared genuinely sympathetic and sighed helplessly as she took Song Zhao''s hand. She said, "The Emperor says it was an ident, so it must be an ident. Your constant worries and suspicions will not benefit the Crown Prince. Do you understand?"


    "Was it really an ident?" Song Zhao hesitated. "But since I entered the pce, I have never heard of a pnquin falling in the corridors."


    Seeing Song Zhao''s doubts, the Empress had a thought and continued along her line of suspicion, "If you insist that someone wants to harm you, have you never doubted who might be behind it? Now that you are pregnant and favored by the Emperor, who in the pce would be jealous enough to target you but still receive the Emperor''s protection?"


    Song Zhao pondered for a moment, then suddenly eximed, "Is it Consort Chen?"


    A sly glint shed in the Empress''s eyes, but she quicklyposed herself and said, "Everything leaves traces when done. The people in the imperial court are all perceptive. Can you truly believe that the Emperor would not find out? If the Emperor discovers the truth, think about it, among the six pces, who else would receive such protection from the Emperor despitemitting a mistake?"


    The Empress presented a logical analysis, subtly casting suspicion on Consort Chen.


    Seeing Song Zhao deep in thought, she continued, "I''ll be honest with you. I had someone investigate this matter, and Consort Chen indeed has more suspicions. I believe the Emperor is aware of most of what I know."


    But don''t me the Emperor, nor should you bother him with questions. Firstly, you weren''t actually harmed, so how can the Emperor intervene on your behalf? Secondly, Consort Chen has the support of her maternal family, and the Emperor is reluctant to punish her easily. If you were to ask him, it would only embarrass him."


    In just a few words, the Empress administered three doses of strong medicine to Song Zhao:


    Firstly, she nted doubts about Consort Chen, causing Song Zhao to distance herself further from her and seek refuge with the Empress.


    Secondly, Song Zhao felt that Xiao Jingheng knew that Consort Chen was behind this matter, but he didn''t show any indication, which chilled Song Zhao''s heart.


    Thirdly, she analyzed the pros and cons, advising Song Zhao not to ask Xiao Jingheng about it. As a result, this matter became a thorn in Song Zhao''s heart. Whenever she was alone with Xiao Jingheng, it would nag at her, leaving her with an ufortable feeling.


    This was not the first time Song Zhao had witnessed the Empress''s power, but no matter how formidable she was, in Song Zhao''s eyes at this moment, she was nothing more than a monkey jumping around with a bare red bottom, quite ridiculous.


    Song Zhao sneered inwardly, but on the surface, she appeared innocent and clueless, nodding with teary eyes, indicating that she understood.


    The Empress consoled her with a dignified smile, saying, "But don''t worry too much. Even the Empress Dowager has stepped in on this matter. It is expected that Consort Chen will know how to restrain herself and not dare to act recklessly again. On the contrary, it is you..."


    She ced her hand on Song Zhao''s back and gently patted it.


    "You are always gloomy. The Emperor can pamper you for a day or two, but if you remain like this for a long time, he may lose interest in you sooner orter. Don''t you want to be closer to the Emperor''s favor, rather than further away, even after you give birth to the heir?"


    Song Zhao replied, "Thank you, Empress, for your guidance."


    Song Zhao knew that the Empress''s visit this time was not a sincere one to see her. She had two purposes:


    One was to sow discord between Consort Chen and her, and the other was to force Song Zhao to stop being mncholic and to make her happy.


    The former would make Song Zhao rely more on her in the future, and thetter would let Xiao Jingheng know that Song Zhao''s mood improved only after she met the Empress, praising the Empress''s management of the harem.


    But even if the Empress thought through everything, she couldn''t possibly imagine that from the moment she stepped into the Changle Pce, she had already stepped into the trap carefully arranged by Song Zhao. (This will be highlighted, and will be used in the updates in the next two days.)


    Having watched the monkey show, Song Zhao naturally had to give the Empress some sweet moments.


    So, that night, when Xiao Jingheng came to visit Song Zhao,


    As soon as he entered the main hall, he saw arge table of dishes prepared by Song Zhao, waiting for him with a pleasant smile.


    Seeing that she was in a great mood, Xiao Jingheng curiously asked, "What good news did you receive today, Zhao''er?"


    Song Zhao said, "Today, the Empress came to visit me and spoke manyforting words. I now know that the incident in the corridor was purely an ident, so the burden in my heart has been lifted."


    "Oh?" Xiao Jingheng smiled and said, "So, the Empress''s words have more effect on you than mine?"


    "Does the Emperor even have to be jealous of the Empress''s words?" Song Zhao yfully smiled and took the opportunity to pick up a bite of boiledmb with a pair of chopsticks. "The Ministry of Internal Affairs sentmb from Lingnan. It''s delicious. Would you like to try some, Your Majesty?"


    Xiao Jingheng tasted it and praised, "This boiledmb was originally Consort Shu''s specialty dish. I didn''t expect you, Zhao''er, to know how to make it too."


    Song Zhao smiled, "Both Consort Shu and I have the Emperor in our hearts, so naturally our thoughts align."


    Yesterday, Xiao Jingheng had mentioned that tonight Consort Chen invited him to admire the moon together.


    After finishing his meal, Xiao Jingheng was about to head to Yonghe Pce.


    As Song Zhao apanied him on his way out of the pce, they passed by a courtyard where Xiaofuzi happened to be instructing the pce attendants. Holding a bundle of mugwort, Xiaofuzi was burning it in the four corners of the courtyard.


    "Tomorrow is Jingzhe," Xiaofuzi exined, "and the fragrance of mugwort can drive away the musty odor caused by snakes, insects, mice, and ants. Now that the Empress is pregnant, you must be careful with the fumigation."


    Song Zhao nced at Xiao Jingheng''s expression and self-mockingly said, "Even I, as a pregnant woman, have lost track of the days. Ipletely forgot that tomorrow is Jingzhe."


    Unbeknownst to others, Xiao Jingheng casually remarked, "This method is good. Mugwort can also help you have a safe pregnancy. It''s very beneficial."


    With those words, Xiao Jingheng lightly kissed Song Zhao''s forehead and then left, riding on the imperial carriage.


    Song Zhao stood at the pce gate, watching the imperial carriage gradually disappear into the distance. Xiaofuzi, who was beside her, leaned over and whispered, "Empress, do you think the Emperor would abandon Consort Chen and seek Consort Shu?"

 Chapter 156: The First Hand is the Best

    <h4>Chapter 156</h4>


    Tonight''s dinner, Song Zhao deliberately made that chilledmb dish, so that Xiao Jingheng could also eat the vors of Shufu Pce here. At the same time, when little Fuzi was sweeping the courtyard and mentioned that tomorrow was Start of Spring, it was also prearranged by Song Zhao.


    Because the day before Start of Springst year, was the auspicious day when the imperial physician diagnosed that Consort Shu was already two months pregnant.


    Song Zhao looked back, watching the busy pce maids in the four corners of the courtyard, and lightly said:


    "Today is the dayst year when the imperial physician diagnosed Consort Shu''s pregnancy. His Majesty treats all in the harem with great affection, especially regarding the matter of the imperial heir, he dares not be negligent. When I was conferred as a consort, he could leave me to apany Consort Chen in mourning for their deceased son. I imagine someone as affectionate as him would most likely leave Consort Chen today to visit Consort Shu!"


    The corners of her lips curled up in a mocking smile, slowly shaking her head:


    "Heh, who knows?"


    The next day, Song Zhao resumed her morning greeting to the Empress, going to Kunning Pce early.


    Now that Consort Chen had the power to oversee the six pces, she also came every day.


    However, she didn''te to pay respects to the Empress, but to order the other consorts to listen to her lectures, thus disying her noble status.


    But today, Consort Chen seemed to be in a rather bad mood.


    She sat in the head seat, giving each consort an equal white-eyed re. And when she saw the glowing face of Consort Shu, her re almost rolled to the heavens.


    She had wanted to verbally abuse Consort Shu, but the Empress spoke first:


    "This pce has heard that His Majesty flipped Consort Shu''s que yesterday?"


    Consort Shu smiled and nodded yes, and the Empress also smiled: "Very good, His Majesty hasn''t flipped a que for some time, and flipping yours first shows that Consort Shu is still in His thoughts. You should not always stay in your own pce, but should apany His Majesty more often at court."


    She looked serenely at these old faces in the pce, and added: "You are all veterandies of the pce, you should serve His Majesty more attentively."


    Consort Shu said: "His Majesty also told me so. Previously, I was despondent for a long time over my miscarriage, neglecting His Majesty''s affection. Yesterday, hearing His words, I will certainly treasure and remember them, and serve Him better."


    "Oh my, you really should remember well."


    Consort Chen sneered mockingly, using her habitual sarcastic tone to ridicule:


    "You''ve only served overnight once in a year and a half, of course you need to remember it clearly. It would be best for the Imperial Household Department to make you a golden que with the date engraved, for you to enshrine and worship every day in the pce."


    Consort Shu''s expression immediately fell, but she didn''t argue with Consort Chen.


    She understood Consort Chen''s temperament all too well. If she defended herself with one sentence, Consort Chen would surely have eight to ten more ridiculing words waiting for her.


    It was better to pretend to be deaf and dumb, and simply ignore her.


    Seeing the awkward atmosphere in the hall, the Empress looked towards Consort Hui, who was eating snacks nonstop in her seat.


    "Consort Hui, it''s been a few days since your birthday and you''ve turned fourteen. This pce will order the raising of your green que. The etiquette matrons will teach you the rules of serving overnight these next few days, you must study them well."


    Consort Hui gulped down the pastry in her mouth, choking herself into two coughs before drinking water to force it down. Then she smacked her lips and said:


    "Great! Then can I, just like Empress and Sister Song, get pregnant with the imperial heir right away too?"


    For a moment, everyone was struck dumb.


    Consort Chen nced at her impatiently. "You''re so young, how can you say such shameless things so blithely?"


    Seeing everyone trying not tough, Consort Hui was also somewhat embarrassed.


    But she didn''t understand what she had said wrong either, and could only lower her head, pouting aggrievedly:


    "I just miss my parents..."


    Today''s morning greeting left Consort Chen fuming.


    On the way back to the pce with Noble Consort Xiao, sheined angrily:


    "The Empress herself is pregnant and can''t serve overnight, yet rushes to send Consort Shu and Consort Hui up to throw themselves at His Majesty?"


    Noble Consort Xiao followed fearfully behind her, afraid to say a word.


    Hearing Consort Chen continue: "That little fox Consort Hui, pretending to be innocent and pure, saying nothing but shameless things with her mouth. I think she''s the most flirtatious! And Consort Shu! His Majesty clearly promised yesterday to appreciate the moon and stars with me, but in the end summoned Consort Shu again?"


    The more she talked, the angrier she got, her ears flushing red.


    "She miscarried in the sixth or seventh month, her belly is all wrinkled and scarred, just looking at it is disgusting! How could His Majesty bother with her? She must have used some trickery to deceive His Majesty there!"


    Listening to Consort Chenin the whole way, Noble Consort Xiao didn''t dare say a word, afraid of offending someone.


    When they finally reached the pce, just as they stepped through the gates, she said to Consort Chen:


    "Consort Chen, this concubine is a little tired, wishes to retire first to the side pce to rest..."


    Consort Chen looked her up and down with a piercing gaze, her face full of disgust.


    "You''re going to bathe again? Use less water! The pce maids don''t have to cart water to Yonghe Pce eight times a day, someone who doesn''t know better might think I''m raising some East Sea leviathan here!"


    Noble Consort Xiao was embarrassed red, murmuring acquiescence before hurrying away.


    After Consort Chen returned to the main hall, she sat on the phoenix embroidered chair hugging her pipa.


    She had wanted to y a tune to calm herself, but the more she yed, the more irritated she felt. Eventually she angrily threw aside the pipa, making a loud tter.


    Autumn Orchid came in to take a look, picked up the pipa and ced it aside, then poured a cup of tea for Consort Chen.


    "Calm yourself, mydy."


    Consort Chen was in no mood for tea presently.


    She pushed the cup aside, spilling water over the table.


    "That slut Consort Shu! I haven''t settled scores with her for scheming against me at the hot springs vi, yet she still darespete with me! I think she''s tired of living!"


    She thought for a moment, then ordered Autumn Orchid: "Go summon Consort Yi for me, I have something to tell her!"


    *


    Song Zhao came very quickly.


    Seeing each other, Consort Chen first asked concernedly: "Have you fully recovered?"


    Song Zhao replied: "It was nothing serious to begin with, thank you for your concern, mydy."


    Consort Chen also asked: "So what do you think about that vaginal sabotage, who wanted to harm you?"


    "His Majesty said that was an ident."


    "An ident?" Consort Chen sneered coldly. "Song Zhao, can you try to be a little smarter? I''ve investigated, Consort Shu visited you shortly before your ident. And you still naively think this was an ident?"


    "Does mydy mean that Consort Shu wanted to harm me?" Song Zhao lookedpletely bewildered. "But I have no enmity with her, why would she harm me?"


    Consort Chen impatiently said: "Was this her first time harming you? Have you forgotten how she put spirit-severing powder in your bone flower at the hot springs vi, wanting to kill you and frame me? A viin''s suspicion may be unjust, but you have His Majesty''s favor and now carry the imperial heir, of course she is jealous and wants to harm you. Is this so hard to understand?"


    Hearing this, Song Zhao paled in rm, instinctively protecting her belly as she fearfully asked:


    "Then, then what should I do? Should I tell His Majesty about this?"


    "Fool!" Consort Chen scolded her. "With no evidence, what can you tell His Majesty? But don''t worry, since you rely on me, I will certainly protect you. Now that Consort Shu has the intention to harm you, if there''s one attempt there will be a second."


    She moved closer to Song Zhao''s ear, lowering her voice to say one word at a time:


    "To protect yourself, you must first rein in your foolish weakness and learn to strike first!"

 Chapter 157: Pregnant Overboard

    <h4>Chapter 157</h4>


    The spring waters were warm, and the goldfish in the imperialke had also be lively.


    Consort Shu was of a tranquil nature, and did not enjoy liveliness by temperament.


    The other concubines and noble consorts would pass their leisure time watching dramas, listening to music and other such noisy activities, but she felt disturbed by the noise and never joined the crowds.


    When she had nothing to do, she just liked to go to the pavilion by the imperialke,


    blow some breeze, feed the fish, which made her feel at ease and content.


    On this day after her afternoon nap, it happened to be a nice sunny day, and Consort Shu was saying she''d go sit in the pavilion,


    but when she neared a corner, she heard Noble Consort Xiao and Song Zhao chatting in the pavilion.


    Song Zhao gently caressed Noble Consort Xiao''s bulging belly, smiling radiantly and saying: "Elder sister is already six months along, looking at your pointed belly, it must be a little prince!"


    But the smile that appeared on Noble Consort Xiao''s face seemed somewhat forced,


    "Whether it is a princess or a prince, what does it have to do with me? The moment the child is born, he will be raised on Consort Chen''s knees, and will inevitably grow distant from me. Actually, in my heart I hope I can give birth to a princess, so Consort Chen might allow the mother and daughter to meet frequently, but if I give birth to a prince, and moreover the precious prince..."


    She lowered her eyes, caressing her belly, with unconceble sadness in her eyes, "I''m afraid that mother and child, are destined to grow distant in this life."


    Her words were sorrowful, and Song Zhao quicklyforted her,


    "Elder sister, don''t be a pessimist. Think of it another way, Consort Chen lives in luxury, this child raised at her knees will surely be well taken care of. At worst, if Consort Chen truly prevents you from seeing the child, I can secretly mention it to His Majesty to persuade him to allow you to see the child."


    Noble Consort Xiao was very moved upon hearing this,


    she tightly grasped Song Zhao''s hand, her voice choking with sobs, "Then I must thank Consort Yi for this..." She coughed twice, and then started violently retching.


    Song Zhao immediately handed her a cup of warm water, and gently patted her back,


    "Elder sister, drink some water to moisten your throat. Howe the morning sickness has gotten worse these days?"


    Noble Consort Xiao sipped some milk, dabbed the corners of her lips with a handkerchief, "It''s like this every day, I''m used to it already."


    Song Zhao said: "If elder sister is ufortable, return to the pce to rest first?"


    Noble Consort Xiao waved her hand, "Being cooped up in the pce makes my chest feel stuffy and ufortable, I''d rather sit here and enjoy the breeze, it makes me feel much better."


    Song Zhao went on: "You still need to be cautious about everything. Although it''s notfortable in the pce, at least no idents will happen. I remember Consort Shu and Consort Chen lost their babies when they were six months pregnant, elder sister must be careful."


    "Hmph, what do I have to fear?"


    Noble Consort Xiao scoffed lightly, her face full of disdain, "I still have some apprehension toward Consort Chen. As for Consort Shu... Do you know why His Majesty turned over her que a few days ago? Wasn''t it because it was the anniversary of the day she conceivedst year? After she miscarried, His Majesty only turned over her que twice, and both times it was because of the aura of the imperial heir."


    Song Zhao anxiously shook her head, "Sister, stop talking. After all, Consort Shu holds the rank of consort..."


    "So what if she''s a consort? A consort without favor is less than me, a pregnant noble consort. If I give birth to a precious son, I will be able to rise in status through my son in the future! She would have to avoid me when we meet!"


    --"Noble Consort Xiao has great ambition."


    A solemn female voice rang out from the corner.


    The two looked in the direction of the voice, and saw that it was Consort Shu walking out with a dark expression.


    "I want to see which path you expect me to avoid when we meet!"


    She strode closer and closer to Noble Consort Xiao, frightening her into immediately kneeling down to pay respects,


    "Consort Shu, please forgive this ve for her thoughtless words, I did not mean to offend you, please pardon this ve!"


    Consort Shu stood loftily above Noble Consort Xiao, looking down at her,


    "You, a mere noble consort, dare to gossip about me behind my back? You''re pregnant with a child, not that you conquered the country for His Majesty! What makes you so proud?"


    Noble Consort Xiao stammered, "This ve knows her wrongs, Consort please forgive me just this once."


    Song Zhao also pleaded for her, "Consort, Noble Consort Xiao momentarily lost her senses and spoke thoughtlessly, please be broad-minded and do not hold it against her."


    "Hmph." Consort Shu let out a cold scoff, suppressing her anger to say: "How could I resent you, an esteemed mother of the imperial heir, when I am a consort without favor?"


    Having said that, she gently grasped Noble Consort Xiao''s wrist, "Come, let us go see His Majesty, and have you repeat what you just said in front of His Majesty!"


    Consort Shu was usually a veryposed person. If not for Noble Consort Xiao gossiping about her wrongfully deceased child, she would not have reacted so angrily.


    When one is blinded by anger, even the most cunning person will find it hard to control their emotions.


    "No! I don''t want to go!"


    Noble Consort Xiao cried out in fright, shaking off Consort Shu''s hand.


    After breaking free, she stumbled over her own calves and tripped on the low stone railing,


    momentarily losing her bnce and falling back, plunging straight into the imperialke with a ssh.


    This sudden ident stunned everyone present.


    The water where Noble Consort Xiao fell was not deep, she stood up and it just reached her chest,


    but she iled about in panic, causing her to bob up and down, unable even to yell for help clearly.


    Consort Shu froze on the spot, stunned for a good while before shoving Qingyue and shouting:


    "What are you standing there for? Hurry and save her!"


    Qingyue did not know how to swim, and did not have the courage to directly jump in.


    In their fluster, it was Song Zhao who first calmed herself down.


    Shey on the ground, stretching out her hand with great effort, barely managing to grab a handful of Noble Consort Xiao''s clothes,


    then yelled at Xiaofuzi: "Hurry and save her!"


    Xiaofuzi immediately leapt into the imperialke without a word, circling his arms under Noble Consort Xiao''s armpits to grasp her tightly and steady her.


    Seeing the person was saved, the stone in Consort Shu''s throat finally fell.


    But at this moment, an unbridled female voice rang out behind her,


    "What are you doing?"


    Consort Shu shuddered and looked back,


    only to see Consort Chen striding aggressively towards her.


    Upon reaching her, she berated and forcefully pped her resoundingly without letting Consort Shu get a word in edgewise,


    "Bold Consort Shu! Noble Consort Xiao is pregnant with the imperial heir, how dare you push her into the imperialke? Qinn, go report this to His Majesty and Her Majesty immediately!"

 Chapter 158: A Thorough Investigation of the Princess

    <h4>Chapter 158</h4>


    As the two were arguing, Xiao Fuzi had already fished Noble Consort Xiao out of the water.


    She was drenched, and scared out of her wits, standing shivering in the wind.


    Song Zhao took off her coat and draped it over her. "Sister, are you alright?"


    Noble Consort Xiao''s eyes were nk, and she didn''t say a word back to her.


    Consort Chen then said, "First take her back to Yonghe Pce and call for the Imperial Physician to take a look in case of any mishaps."


    Song Zhao and Xiao Fuzi first brought Noble Consort Xiao back to Yonghe Pce,


    while Consort Shu desperately tried to defend herself, "I had nothing to do with this! She fell in by herself!"


    Consort Chen''s phoenix eyes shed sharply as she red at her. "I saw it clearly with my own eyes, how can you try to deny it here? Kang Yubin, take her back to Yonghe Pce to await the Emperor''s judgement!"


    "This servant obeys!"


    Kang Yubin rolled up his sleeves, about to apprehend Consort Shu.


    Consort Shu backed up two steps, pointing at him and yelling angrily,


    "You dare! I am a consort personally favored by the Emperor, ranked second among the four consorts! Without the Emperor''s edict or the Empress''s decree, who dares touch me?"


    Kang Yubin was awed by her imposing manner, frozen in ce at a loss.


    But Consort Chen just sneered disdainfully, not taking Consort Shu seriously at all.


    "I have been decreed by heaven to assist in managing the six pces, and I am the chief of the four consorts appointed by the Emperor himself! I say I''m taking you in today, so I''m taking you in today! Do it!"


    Under Consort Chen''s coercion,


    Consort Shu was no match for the strong and sturdy Kang Yubin, and could only reluctantly be escorted back to Yonghe Pce.


    Qiu Lan went in to report,


    as this concerned the safety of the imperial heir, Empress Xiao Jingheng came very quickly.


    When they arrived, the Imperial Physician was treating Noble Consort Xiao in the inner pce.


    Consort Chen went up to report first, "Your Majesty, do not worry. The Imperial Physician is treating Noble Consort Xiao. This servant went in to ask just now, the imperial heir in Noble Consort Xiao''s belly is fine."


    Only then did Xiao Jingheng''s tightly knitted brows rx a little, and the Empress also heaved a sigh of relief, murmuring a Buddhist prayer, "Fortunately the imperial heir is unharmed."


    As she spoke, she caught sight of Kang Yubin escorting Consort Shu in the corner, and scolded,


    "Insolence! Kang Yubin! How dare a servant handle your mistress in this way?"


    Only then did Kang Yubin timidly release Consort Shu.


    After freeing herself, Consort Shu hurriedly ran to Xiao Jingheng, her face anguished as she pleaded,


    "Your Majesty! This servant did not push Noble Consort Xiao, it was all Consort Chen wrongly using me, please see justice done for this servant!"


    Xiao Jingheng''s gaze was obscured by a thinyer of gloom as he looked at her,


    before he could speak, Consort Chen interjected,


    "I wrongly used you? I saw it clearly with my own eyes, how could I wrongly use you?"


    The two of them argued back and forth, moring loudly.


    The Empress snapped at them, "What is the meaning of this quarreling? Do you want His Majesty to listen to you?"


    When they quieted down, she looked to Consort Chen, "Consort Chen, speak first. What exactly happened? You are responsible for looking after Noble Consort Xiao, how did she just fall into the water?"


    Consort Chen said, "Today Imperial Concubine Yi came to this servant''s pce to visit Noble Consort Xiao. Noble Consort Xiao said she felt stifled and wanted to go out for some air. At the time this servant was sewing pillowcases for His Majesty, so I let Imperial Concubine Yi and Noble Consort Xiao go sit in the pavilion near Yonghe Pce, nning to join themter.


    When I went over, I saw Consort Shu and Noble Consort Xiao arguing intensely for some reason. Consort Shu lost her temper and directly pushed Noble Consort Xiao into the Imperial Lake!"


    "Arguing?" Xiao Jingheng asked sternly, "Arguing over what?"


    Consort Shu replied, "This servant heard Noble Consort Xiao gossiping about me behind my back, and said that my miscarriage was retribution. I was angry and argued with her a little, originally wanting to bring her to see Your Majesty, but she shook off my hand. As a result she lost her footing and fell from the pavilion herself! It was purely an ident, how could I push her when I know she is pregnant?"


    Consort Shu and Consort Chen each stuck to their own story. Of course Xiao Jingheng would not fully believe either side.


    Hearing Consort Chen''s ount, Song Zhao was present the whole time with Noble Consort Xiao, so he asked Song Zhao,


    "You were there the entire time, so what exactly happened?"


    Song Zhao said apprehensively, "There was an argument, and some pulling, but whether Noble Consort Xiao fell by ident or Consort Shu pushed her...this servant was so panicked at the time I did not see clearly, so I cannot specte blindly."


    Just then, the Imperial Physician came out to report that Noble Consort Xiao had woken up.


    The group went to the side pce to see her.


    Noble Consort Xiao was lying on the couch, strands of wet hair still stered to her ghostly pale cheeks.


    Xiao Jingheng stood at the head of the couch and asked with concern, "How are you feeling?"


    Noble Consort Xiao hurriedly grabbed Xiao Jingheng''s sleeve, crying, "Your Majesty, you must see justice done for this concubine!"


    The Empress said, "Don''t cry first, speak up if you have any grievances. His Majesty and I are both here."


    "It was Consort Shu!" Noble Consort Xiao suddenly pointed at Consort Shu, yelling tearfully, "She was the one who pushed me!"


    "You''re talking nonsense!" Consort Shu''s eyes were filled with shock and fear as she vehemently denied, "When did I ever push you? You clearly lost your footing and fell yourself!"


    But at this point, no matter how Consort Shu tried to exin herself, it seemed feeble.


    Consort Chen had witnessed it personally, and Noble Consort Xiao also said it was her who pushed her. Although Song Zhao did not see clearly, she also testified that there had been pulling between the two.


    The only others who could corroborate were Xiao Fuzi and Qing Yue.


    Xiao Fuzi said he was standing far away, distracted ying with the koi fish in the Imperial Lake at the time, and did not see anything.


    But Qing Yue categorically testified, "Your Majesty! Empress! This servant can bear witness, my mistress definitely did not push Noble Consort Xiao, she lost her bnce and fell herself!"


    "Oh?" Consort Chen sneered coldly, "You are Consort Shu''s personal servant girl, of course you would take her side. If you want to prove your mistress''s innocence, you should let the Investigations Bureau interrogate you to hear the truth from your mouth."


    Consort Shu shielded Qing Yue, refusing, "What kind of ce is the Investigations Bureau? Anyone who goes in cannote out unskinned. For something this servant did not do, why should an innocent servant girl be harmed just to prove my innocence?"


    Consort Chen paid her no mind, only looking to Xiao Jingheng, "Your Majesty must see justice done in this matter. It is a pity for young Consort Xiao, if anything happens to her pregnancy at this stage, whatever shall we do?"


    Xiao Jingheng remained silent, neither agreeing nor refusing.


    But from his gloomy expression, the Empress had already guessed his thoughts.


    So she said to Qing Yue, "In order to prove your mistress''s innocence, I''m afraid you will have to suffer this time. Yan Jiude, take her to the Investigations Bureau and get to the bottom of this matter."


    The interrogators in the Investigations Bureau all had formidable skills.


    No matter how loyal you are, once you go in and are tortured, you will confess everything.


    Qing Yue was Consort Shu''s trusted aide, and had secretly helped Consort Shu do many things.


    Once she went in, the things she revealed from her mouth, who knew how exciting they would be.


    Song Zhao watched as the color drained from Consort Shu''s face, her eyes empty and legs weak as she slumped down against the wall.


    At this moment, she suddenly cried out,


    "Ow..."


    Xiao Jingheng immediately looked at her, "What''s the matter?"


    "It''s nothing..." Song Zhao rubbed her wrist, murmuring, "I must have twisted my wrist when pulling Sister Xiao just now."


    "You too, clearly pregnant yet still jumping into the water to rescue others." Xiao Jingheng flicked his eyes at the Imperial Physician, "Come take a look at Imperial Concubine Yi."


    Imperial Physician Liu examined Song Zhao''s external injury first, then began taking her pulse.


    But he had barely gotten a reading on her pulse before


    his expression abruptly changed greatly, stammering in panic,


    "This...reporting to Your Majesty, Imperial Concubine Yi''s wrist sprain is nothing serious,


    it''s just...just that there seems to be traces of musk use inside her!"

 Chapter 159: Double Play 01

    <h4>Chapter 159</h4>


    Upon hearing the imperial physician''s words, Song Zhao¡¯s eyes were filled with panic and rm.


    She felt weak in the knees and had to rely on Xiao Fuzi to support her before she barely managed to sit down on the chair.


    "I have never used musk, which damages the fetus'' vital energy!"


    She anxiously asked Imperial Physician Liu about the condition of the imperial heir in her belly,


    "Has the imperial heir in my womb been harmed?"


    Imperial Physician Liu said, "Fortunately it was discovered early. This servant will prescribe two doses of medicine for Consort to take, which will expel this substance from your body, then there will be no harm. Based on Consort''s pulse, the musk odor was externally contracted, not internally ingested. This shows that the musk does not exist in Consort''s daily diet, it should have been contaminated from something you came into contact recently."


    Xiao Jingheng''s expression was solemn as he asked in a deep voice, "Daily contact? What do you mean?"


    "It should be from application or inhtion. Based on the situation, Consort must havee into contact with this substance intermittently over the past dozen days or so. However, the dosage was light and gradual, not a potent drug, so Consort did not notice any physical difort. If this had not been discovered today, I¡¯m afraid the consequences would have been unthinkable a monthter from now..."


    As Imperial Physician Liu spoke, he sighed several times, apparently also finding the matter extremely dangerous.


    In response to his analysis, Song Zhao quickly shook her head in denial,


    "Impossible. Since I became pregnant, I have stopped using any cosmetics or fragrances. As for smelling some scent... I have rarely left my pce in recent days, only going to pay respects to the Empress in thest couple of days. During this period, I did not smell anything peculiar."


    Speaking of scents, it reminded Xiao Jingheng of something.


    A few days ago when he went to Song Zhao¡¯s pce, he happened to run into Xiao Fuzi burning mugwort all over the pce.


    It was onlyter that Xiao Jingheng learned that the idea of ??burning mugwort actually originated from the Empress.


    Burning mugwort can stabilize the fetus. It just so happened to be the sr term Start of Spring, when there were many snakes, insects, mice and ants, so it could also dispel evil influences.


    Therefore, the Empress had it burned in her own pce, and also asked Noble Consort Xiao and Song Zhao to do the same.


    The smell of burning mugwort was quite strong. If there was any musk in Song Zhao''s pce, it might have been masked by the smell of mugwort.


    So he said in a deep voice, "You didn''t not smell it, you couldn''t discern it."


    With that said, he looked at Noble Consort Xiao lying ill on the sickbed, instructing her to take good care of herself.


    Then he took Song Zhao''s hand and said, "Come, We will go with you to inspect your pce."


    Imperial Consort Chen said in a hurry, "Your Majesty... Then how should Consort Shu''s deed be punished?"


    Xiao Jingheng pondered briefly, and casually said, "The matter of Noble Consort Xiao falling into the water has not been investigated clearly yet. After the Ministry of Justice questions Yueyue, a verdict on this matter will be determined."


    His implication was that he was only concerned with who wanted to harm Song Zhao at the moment, and had no mind to deal with other matters.


    Later, Xiao Jingheng and Song Zhao returned to Chang Le Pce. The Empress also called Imperial Consort Chen and Consort Shu to follow along.


    After returning to the pce, everyone was seated in the main hall, while the imperial attendants were ordered to search the pce, focusing their investigation on Song Zhao''s bedchamber.


    After about a quarter of an hour, Jiang Deshun came out and reported:


    "Your Majesty, this servant searched under Consort Song''s bed and found a sachet attached to the bottom of the bed board. The scent smelled very strange."


    Imperial Physician Liu took the sachet and examined it closely, quickly reaching a conclusion:


    "Your Majesty, this sachet contains musk grains. This substance has an extremely strong fragrance, promoting blood cirction and dispersing stasis. Prolonged inhtion severely damages the fetus! With such a pungent odor, Consort should have noticed it long ago. Perhaps it was obscured by the smell of burning mugwort in the pce recently."


    Xiao Jingheng''s face darkened gloomily. He took the sachet from Imperial Physician Liu''s hand, and in a fleeting nce, he saw the embroidered pattern of a qilin hugging the sun on the sachet.


    His eyes bulged wide, veins on his neck throbbed, and he angrily shouted:


    "Outrageous!"


    After the reprimand, he flung the sachet into Consort Shu''s face.


    Consort Shu was stunned by the impact. When she came to her senses and picked up the sachet to examine it, her whole body stiffened in ce, dumbfounded.


    "How could this be..."


    The Empress asked puzzlingly: "You carry this sachet with the qilin hugging the sun embroidery every day. Why would it end up under Consort Song''s bed?"


    Song Zhao was also full of grievance, sobbing softly: "Consort Shu... I have always respected you greatly. Why would you..."


    "This matter has nothing to do with Us! Do not randomly implicate others!" Consort Shu sharply cut off Song Zhao''s grievance, then held up the sachet and said to Xiao Jingheng emotionally:


    "Your Majesty, this servant lost this sachet some days ago. When I discovered it missing that day, I already submitted a report to the Imperial Household Department to have the embroidery workshop make a new one for this servant. My words are all true, Your Majesty can send someone to investigate if you do not believe!"


    "Heh?" Imperial Consort Chen sneered contemptuously, "You could have easily ced this object in Consort Song''s pce first, then falsely reported its loss to the Imperial Household Department afterwards. This way, you could also clear yourself of suspicion after the incident came to light."


    "We have no enmity with Consort Song, why would We harm her? Furthermore, even if We did this, We could have wrapped the filthy object in in cloth before cing it under her bed. Why would We use our personal belonging, only to arouse suspicion!"


    After a brief panic, Consort Shu defended herself very clearly and logically.


    She knelt before Xiao Jingheng with tears brimming hershes,


    "Your Majesty, everything that happened today seems to target this servant. Do you not feel it is too suspicious?"


    Xiao Jingheng did not respond to her words.


    His gaze as sharp as an eagle''s quickly scanned the people in the hall.


    Song Zhao wept silently. The Empressforted her from the side. Imperial Consort Chen remained with a cold mocking smile, waiting to see Consort Shu''s embarrassment.


    He silently pondered to himself:


    Even if Consort Shu wanted to harm someone, she would not have made it so conspicuous. With such conclusive evidence, it was more like someone wanted to frame and implicate her.


    His hesitant gaze eventually fell upon the Empress.


    Imperial Physician Liu said the musk in Song Zhao''s body was umted intermittently over a dozen days or so.


    It was about a dozen days ago that the pnquin injured Song Zhao on the corridor, making her afraid to leave her pce afterwards.


    During those days, only the Empress was the one who came to visit her.


    The burning of mugwort in the pce was also an idea initiated by the Empress.


    Connecting all these matters, the plot to harm Song Zhao faintly took shape in Xiao Jingheng''s mind.


    Could it be...


    The Empress took Consort Shu''s sachet, added abortifacient musk grains inside,


    Then took the chance when visiting Song Zhao to sneakily ce the sachet under Song Zhao''s bed.


    Afterwards, to prevent Song Zhao from noticing, she had mugwort burned in all six pces, and deliberately had more burned in the pces of pregnant consorts and imperial concubines,


    Seemingly for the sake of stabilizing the fetuses,


    But actually to cover up the smell of musk?


    Thinking thus, Xiao Jingheng''s suspicions towards the Empress grew even heavier.


    His expression was solemn, his tone extremely cold, as hemanded:


    "Jiang Deshun, have someone take Consort Shu away. Without Our decree, do not let her take half a step outside of Zhongcui Pce. Go check with the Imperial Household Department again whether Consort Shu had reported the loss of this sachet."

 Chapter 160: Double Play 02

    <h4>Chapter 160</h4>


    Consort Shu was indeed crying injustice with her mouth,


    but who would listen?


    Even if Xiao Jingheng knew the musk incident might have nothing to do with her,


    this matter involved the Empress, so she had to admit to this injustice.


    Xiao Jingheng held Song Zhao''s hand and gentlyforted:


    "Your Majesty will definitely give you an exnation for this. Whoever intended harm upon our child, I will severely punish without mercy, to thoroughly cleanse the improper practices in the rear pce!"


    When he said this, Consort Chen, who was on the side, couldn''t hide the loss and sadness that slipped out in her eyes.


    In contrast, the Empress also med herself:


    "Recently, so many things have happened in the rear pce, and they were all directed at the crown prince. It really shows my ipetence and inability..."


    "How could the Empress be ipetent?" Consort Chen''s eyes were suddenly filled with unrestrained ridicule instead of loss:


    "If I may say, you must have great abilities. You, Yi Concubine and Noble Consort Xiao were all pregnant at the same time, and thetter two experienced several dangers, yet your dragon fetus is still protected well by you. If this is still considered ipetent, I really have to find a seam to crawl into."


    Consort Chen''s words were obviously mocking, and the Empress'' face also turned ugly,


    "Consort Chen, what do you mean?"


    "What could it mean? Empress, you..."


    "Consort Chen." Xiao Jingheng called her name, interrupting Consort Chen''s rampancy, "You must not be disrespectful to the Empress."


    Although Consort Chen was angry, she could not provoke the Empress since Xiao Jingheng had spoken.


    Later Xiao Jingheng also said to the Empress:


    "The Empress is almost seven months pregnant this time, it is inconvenient to move around duringte pregnancy, which is the most unsuitable time to work hard. These days you should rest well. Don''t let the concubines bother you before you give birth.


    From now on, when the consortse to greet you, let them go to Consort Chen''s pce temporarily. The trivial matters in the pce will also be fully entrusted to Consort Chen to handle. You just focus on nurturing the fetus."


    These words sounded like Xiao Jingheng''s care for the Empress,


    but in fact, it waspletely sidelining the Empress.


    At this time, the Empress did not realize that Xiao Jingheng was suspicious of her. She thought it was because she was ipetent in managing the consorts and incurred Xiao Jingheng''s dissatisfaction.


    The Empress naturally did not want to,


    she was still the master of the six pces, how could she let Consort Chen receive greetings from the concubines?


    So she immediately said, "Your Majesty, I think..."


    "This concubine obeys the decree." Consort Chen interrupted her words and directly epted Xiao Jingheng''s will. Then she smiled at the Empress,


    "The Empress should rest well. His Majesty is caring and considering for you to do this. This pregnancy of yours is His Majesty''s legitimate son. It absolutely cannot have any mishaps."


    Things hade to this point, if the Empress said more, it would be unappreciative.


    At this moment, she was like a mute eating huanglian [a bitter Chinese medicine], she could only swallow the grievance. She had no choice but to reluctantly agree,


    "This concubine...thanks His Majesty for his care."


    *


    Today''s farce ended here.


    In the next few days, the Empress'' pce waspletely quiet.


    Xiao Jingheng ordered her to nurture the fetus well and not to move around casually. He also didn''t allow the concubines to bother her.


    What''s the difference between this and indirectly confining her?


    It was just for the sake of the Empress'' prestige as the master of the central pce. He didn''t say it explicitly.


    After two days, Song Zhao went to greet Consort Chen and then visited Noble Consort Xiao in the side hall.


    She had caught a cold after falling into the water that day. Today she looked much better. Song Zhao sat by her bed and held her hand, "Sister, is your health fully recovered?"


    Noble Consort Xiao nodded listlessly. After a moment, she said very helplessly, "I''ll be honest with you, I''m really scared. Consort Chen used my child to threaten me, saying that if I don''t listen to her in the future, she will never let me see my child. What else can I do?"


    She pounded the bed in frustration, choking back tears and said, "This time she made me wrongly use Consort Shu. Next time, will she still use my child to threaten me to wrongly use Consort Yun, Consort Yin, or even...the Empress?"


    Noble Consort Xiao''s falling into the water was originally arranged by Consort Chen.


    She deliberately let Song Zhao and Noble Consort Xiao talk in the pavilion, timed it with Consort Shu''s arrival, and made Noble Consort Xiao speak recklessly.


    Consort Chen herself had never been pregnant, of course she knew what words could touch the fragile nerves of a mother who had lost her child, and make her reckless.


    Once Consort Shu became reckless, as long as there was any physical contact between her and Noble Consort Xiao,


    even without Consort Shu pushing her, Noble Consort Xiao would jump into the Imperial Lake herself, in order to frame Consort Shu.


    What Consort Chen originally said was, "Anyway, you bathe in the pce every day. The water in the pavilion is also shallow. Just treat it as taking a refreshing bath in the Imperial Lake."


    And Noble Consort Xiao, relying on Consort Chen''s power, could only do whatever Consort Chen said.


    Song Zhao also didn''t know how tofort Noble Consort Xiao. She could only say, "Sister, focus on nurturing the fetus and don''t overthink other things."


    Noble Consort Xiao smiled bitterly. "Be at ease? How could I be at ease?"


    Song Zhao didn''t know if she could be at ease,


    but after this incident, Song Zhao feltpletely reassured to give birth now.


    Because the people in the rear pce who could harm her unborn prince were now trapped.


    In fact, ever since the incident with the bridal sedan chair, Song Zhao had already begun nning this double kill:


    The bridal sedan chair fell, making Xiao Jingheng suspect someone in the rear pce wanted to harm the child, this was the first step;


    After that, Song Zhao was worried and paranoid, hiding in the pce and refusing to see anyone except letting only the Empress enter her bedroom. This was the second step;


    Using an attack on the mind, letting Xiao Jingheng neglect Consort Chen to visit Consort Shu, leading to Consort Chen''s jealousy of the cooperation between Consort Shu and Song Zhao again. This was the third step;


    After Consort Shu was entangled by Noble Consort Xiao''s incident, Song Zhao took the opportunity to have the imperial physician also treat her, revealing that she had used musk, thus letting Xiao Jingheng discover the musk sachet hidden in her pce. This was the fourth step;


    As for thisst step, which was also the most critical step in this scheme,


    it was to use Xiao Jingheng''s suspicion to make him feel that the whole thing was actually the Empress''s plot, and even shift the me onto Consort Shu!


    Song Zhao won this double kill scheme cleanly and beautifully.


    Whether Consort Shu pushed Noble Consort Xiao into the water or not, Song Zhao said she didn''t see it.


    As for the sachet in her pce, it was found by Xiao Jingheng''s own search, what did it have to do with her?


    This way, even if the Empress and Consort Shu could turn the tables in the future, they would not suspect Song Zhao at all.


    At most they would only suspect each other and continue fighting like dogs.


    The Empress was the master of the central pce, and her maternal family was also powerful. Now pregnant,


    so this scheme could only temporarily trap her for the time being, and could not overthrow her.


    What about Consort Shu?


    Did Consort Shu still have the possibility of turning the tables this time?


    Song Zhao also wanted to know,


    could Consort Shu''s personal maid Qingyue be loyal enough?


    After suffering the punishment of flowing water by the Shenxing Si [Imperial Censorate], could she still grit her teeth and not confess a single evil thing Consort Shu had done?


    And on this night, Song Zhao got the answer to this question.


    Xiaofuzi reported to herte at night:


    "Reporting to Mistress! Qingyue was tortured by the Shenxing Si until only half her life remained. She couldn''t withstand the punishment and confessed everything!"

 Chapter 161: In the Cold House 01

    <h4>Chapter 161</h4>


    The candlelight in the pce hall was dim and yellow, which made Consort Shu''s beautifulplexion appear indistinct.


    Her face was expressionless as she lightly asked, "Did you find out what she has confessed to?"


    Xiao Fuzi told her one by one, "She admitted that Consort Shu had given The Emperor an aphrodisiac in order topete for his favor;


    She harmed the former Consort Yi by pushing her off a rockery to make it look like an ident;


    Also...just as we suspected before, Consort Shu''s child could not have been sustained anyway. On that day, the sachet containing bulrush purple grass that was ced in the Empress''s pce was also arranged by Consort Shu in order to frame the Empress.


    In addition, regarding the snake disaster in the plum gardenst winter, it was also meticulously arranged by Consort Shu with the intention of harming Consort Chen. There are many more..."


    "I see. No matter which of these matters, they wouldpletely deprive her of any chance of turning the situation around. Her y should alsoe to an end." Song Zhao waved her hand to signal Xiao Fuzi to stop continuing.


    Xiao Fuzi responded: "She did a lot of evil deeds, so it''s her own fault that she ended up in this situation today. She has no one else to me."


    Song Zhao nodded silently, but there were no big ripples in her heart.


    Strangely, overthrowing Consort Shu should have been an extremely gratifying matter, but Song Zhao did not feel the joy she had imagined.


    On the contrary, she felt a little tired.


    If it was an ordinary wealthy family, the pregnant woman would only need to lie down and recuperate, living a moisturized life without lifting a finger.


    But once she entered the pce, entered this ce of supreme nobility throughout the world, even to safely give birth to a child required racking her brains and going through great pains.


    It was really absurd.


    Later Xiao Fuzi added: "The Empress used a scheme to restrain the Queen, and also pulled down Consort Shu in one fell swoop. The Empress did this all because she was thinking of the crown prince being born safely in the future. However, Consort Chen has now gained great power because of this. With her vicious nature, and the Empress being so close to her, I''m worried..."


    "She won''t." Song Zhao said firmly: "Even if she wanted to move against me, it would only happen after I''ve safely given birth. She is ruthless, but she won''t harm the crown prince. If she wanted to make a move, I''m afraid the Empress would have already had an ident."


    She raised her brows and looked at the puzzled Xiao Fuzi, slowly saying:


    "Haven''t you noticed? Ever since the Empress got pregnant, the scent of Consort Yun''s powder has changed.


    I guessed that the scent of the powder she used before would be detrimental to the Empress''s heart condition.


    Consort Chen had always believed that her child was killed by the Empress, so she secretly coborated with Consort Yun and had Consort Yun apply that kind of powder every day and unt it in front of the Empress, causing the Empress''s heart condition to remain unhealed for a long time.


    But now, the scent has changed, which also means that Consort Chen and Consort Yun have temporarily stayed their hands."


    Song Zhao lowered her brows and gently caressed her slightly bulging belly, murmuring:


    "She couldn''t even bear to kill the Empress''s child, let alone me, with whom she has never harbored a deep hatred."


    Xiao Fuzimented: "She has softened her heart after all."


    "When has she ever had a soft heart?" Song Zhao shook her head with a coldugh, mocking andmenting:


    "She just loves The Emperor too much."


    *


    At the same time, in the Chao Yang Pce.


    The atmosphere in the grand hall was oppressive.


    Xiao Jingheng sat upright at the head, his brows and eyes full of natural majesty and prestige.


    Below the hall,


    Consort Shu, dressed in in clothes with her hairpin removed and wearing the garb of a criminal, quietly knelt.


    ced in front of her was Qing Yue''s confession written in blood,


    The confession was detailed, leaving Consort Shu no room to refute even a little.


    With things having reached this point, she simply resigned herself to her fate and no longer feared anything.


    Of course, she still had to personally admit to each of these evil deeds before it was considered finished.


    So Xiao Jingheng suppressed his anger and asked her, "When you were still a consort in the past, you were as close as sisters with Consort Yi. Why did you kill her?"


    Consort Shu spoke indifferently: "It was because she discovered that I had put an aphrodisiac in The Emperor''s wine. So she had to die."


    Xiao Jingheng frowned.


    He had never imagined that the person in the harem who looked the most gentle and tranquil would be able to speak of murder so lightly.


    "I have not mistreated you! When I first ascended the throne, you and Consort Chen were the ones I favored most. Why did you still need to use such despicable means topete for favor?"


    Consort Shuughed coldly a few times, raised her brows and looked straight at the Emperor,


    "Was The Emperor really favoring me back then? The Emperor only felt that he couldn''t restrain himself when he was with me, and selfishly enjoyed the pleasure beneath my hips! I know that I''m ordinary looking and have no talents, but my admiration for The Emperor was genuine."


    The smile on her face gradually froze, and when she recalled the past, her eyes also became empty,


    "I still remember when I first met The Emperor. At that time, The Emperor was still the Prince, and I was only thirteen years old. The Emperor taught me how to practice writing characters with his hand. At that time, I felt that The Emperor''s hands were so strong and warm, as if by holding my hands, he could grab hold of my heart.


    I had liked The Emperor ever since then. Later, when I learned that The Emperor had chosen me to enter the pce as a consort, I was overjoyed and couldn''t sleep for nights. But what happened after I entered the pce?


    After entering the pce, The Emperor courteously treated the Empress, doted on Consort Chen exclusively, and even Consort Yao, whose status was not as high as mine, gained The Emperor''s favor because of her graceful figure. Did The Emperor even remember me? If it wasn''t for me using those aphrodisiacs, I''m afraid The Emperor would not even look at me properly until now!"


    Her words were full of grief, but did not earn a moment of sympathy from Xiao Jingheng.


    On the contrary, it made Xiao Jingheng feel that what she said was a huge joke.


    "So you think that because I neglected you, you could drug Me. Is that right?"


    "What else could I do? Why does The Emperor still me me now?" Consort Shu hadpletely smashed the vase. She didn''t even try to cover up, and shamelessly retorted Xiao Jingheng,


    "When The Emperory on top of me, writhing in pleasure at the climax, were you not extremely ecstatic and said that I was the woman you loved most in this life?"


    "Insolent!"


    Having the veil stripped away, Xiao Jingheng was extraordinarily angry. He angrily stopped Consort Shu from continuing to speak,


    "You used despicable means to obtain this favor. Are you satisfied with this?"


    And Consort Shu could only smile bitterly and shake her head,


    "But in the end, what did I get?"


    Xiao Jingheng''s eyes grew colder as he continued to question: "So you wanted to kill her just because of this?"


    "That''s right! I wanted her dead! Heaven knows and earth sees, she will not have a good ending." At that time, it was winter. I searched everywhere and finally found two short-tailed pit vipers. But on that day, a sharp-nosed viper, which is even more toxic than the short-tailed pit viper, unexpectedly appeared! Haha! Who would have known that it was not because Consort Chen herself did too many evil things that even the Old Man in Heaven couldn''t bear to see her anymore and was eager to take her wicked life!"

 Chapter 162: In the Cold House 02

    <h4>Chapter 162</h4>


    The grand entrance to the main hall was tightly shut,


    Yet a cool breeze managed to seep through the narrow gaps.


    As if with eyes, it found its way into the cors and sleeves of Consort Shu,


    Sending shivers down her spine.


    After a brief silence, Xiao Jingheng spoke again,


    "You seem to handle this matter with ease. But if you value your child so much, why did you resort to terminating your own pregnancy and then shift the me onto Yi Concubine? At that time, Yi Concubine had just entered the pce, and you had no interaction with her!" (Chapter 26)


    "Hahaha..."


    Upon hearing his words, Consort Shu seemed to go mad.


    She burst intoughter,


    Her voice hoarse, bitter tears sliding into her mouth,


    Laughing in a way that made Xiao Jingheng''s scalp tingle.


    "Enough! You madwoman!"


    He grabbed the nearby inkstone and hurled it fiercely at Consort Shu.


    The inkstone fell before her, sttering ink on her pristine white garment,


    Blooming into tiny ink flowers.


    Still smiling, she choked out these words,


    "Did the Emperor think I willingly chose this path? If I wasn''t already aware that I couldn''t carry this pregnancy to term, why would I resort to such extreme measures?"


    Clearly unaware of this, Xiao Jingheng questioned, "Couldn''t carry to term? Didn''t Imperial Physician Zhang, who was responsible for preserving your pregnancy, always assure you that the child was fine?"


    "If it weren''t for me forcing him to say so, would the Emperor have shown such concern for me during those months, knowing I was pregnant?"


    Consort Shu wiped her tears with her hand, shaking her head with a bitter smile. "When I was three months pregnant, Imperial Physician Zhang already informed me that I could only carry this child for a maximum of seven months. Even if it was born prematurely, it would undoubtedly be a stillborn that couldn''t survive..."


    "No wonder! No wonder Imperial Physician Zhang mysteriously died at home after your miscarriage. I fear this was your wicked act to silence him!" Xiao Jingheng''s chest heaved violently. The more Consort Shu spoke, the more he shuddered.


    "This child of yours can''t be preserved, but why does it have anything to do with the Empress?"


    "It''s not unrted to her! Has the Emperor forgotten? At that time, the Empress''s grandmother had just passed away, and she was deeply saddened by the loss. She would ask me to apany her in drinking to drown her sorrows every day. But it was during that time that I unknowingly carried the child!"


    Consort Shu clutched her abdomen in despair, slumping to the ground. "I drank with her several times during the early stages of my pregnancy, which caused the deficiency in the fetus. How can this not be considered the Empress''s fault for killing my child?"


    "Are you out of your mind?" Xiao Jingheng''s gaze bore heavily into her, filled with disbelief. "You didn''t even know about your own pregnancy, let alone the Empress. You made a foolish mistake, yet youpletely me others? It''s simply unreasonable!"


    "Yes! I am mad!"


    Consort Shu shouted at Xiao Jingheng with a strained neck, "The craziest thing I''ve ever done in my life was bing your consort! I, a foolish person, dreamt a futile dream, only to end up with blood on my hands. In the dead of night, even when I see myself in the mirror, I feel a chill in my heart. I don''t even understand how I became this way. I am not such a malicious woman!"


    Her tears seemed to have run dry,


    Her sobs were empty, without a single tear.


    After crying and shouting,


    Exhausted, she copsed on the cold ground, shaking her head in despair.


    "A while ago, the imperial physician told me that due to a miscarriage, I have injured my pce and can never conceive again... I know that you will never look at me again, and I despise these days, despise every lonely and deste night in the pce."


    She forced herself up, once again kneeling respectfully on the ground, kowtowing to Xiao Jingheng three times.


    "I am truly exhausted, I beg the Emperor not to involve my maternal family and grant me a quick death."


    Consort Shu''s maternal family is far away in Long City,


    Her father was a brave general who yed a crucial role in pacifying external turmoil and intimidating neighboring countries during the Qi Dynasty.


    So Xiao Jingheng would not execute Consort Shu,


    He would not let the affairs of the harem interfere with his own kingdom.


    His gaze at Consort Shu turned cold, colder than ever, and he spoke mercilessly,


    "I will not execute you. Jiang Deshun, convey my decree to Xiao Yu, confining Consort Shu to amoner''s status and isting her in the cold pce. She shall not leave unless dead."


    In one sentence, Consort Shu would be trapped in this golden cage for the rest of her life.


    At that moment, Jiang Deshun had already ordered someone to take Consort Shu away,


    But Consort Shu struggled and cried out,


    "Emperor! Why? I wholeheartedly sought death, why do you insist on imprisoning me in the pce? Why?"


    Her tearful question was met with Xiao Jingheng''s indifferent response,


    "If you attempt suicide, I will hold your entire family ountable. Take her away."


    In Xiao Jingheng''s eyes, most of the women in the pce


    Were nothing more than pawns to be used.


    The life or death of a pawn was inconsequential,


    Why would he care if the pawns were driven to madness by this ruthless harem?


    After Consort Shu was banished to the cold pce, it was as if she had never existed in the pce. No one mentioned her again.


    She disappeared just like that,


    More terrifying than death itself.


    After this incident, Xiao Jingheng was busy with state affairs for several consecutive days and did not enter the harem.


    Finally, when he had some free time, he turned over Song Zhao''s signboard.


    On this day, when Song Zhao arrived at Chaoyang Pce, he saw Xiao Jingheng reviewing memorials.


    The hall was dimly lit, and Xiao Jingheng''splexion appeared particrly grim amidst the flickering candlelight.


    Quietly approaching, Song Zhao added two more candles near him and then went behind him to massage his slightly stiff shoulders and neck.


    "Your Majesty, you have been working hard recently. Perhaps it would be better if..."


    Just as she was speaking, Xiao Jingheng suddenly stopped marking the memorial, reaching back to grasp Song Zhao''s wrist.


    He slowly turned around, raising his gaze to meet hers.


    His eyes were icy cold, exuding an oppressive aura that made one feel suffocated.


    "Your Majesty... Why are you looking at me like this?"


    "Consort Shu has confessed to her crimes. She has admitted that she deliberately framed you by hiding a sachet containing Huzi grass in your inner chamber when she visited you."


    Upon hearing this, Song Zhao felt a chill run down her spine. (Chapter 31)


    Before she could even speak to defend herself, Xiao Jingheng continued,


    "Since it was Consort Shu who ced the Huzi grass in your pce, then why did the investigation conducted by my officials find evidence that Li had previously purchased Huzi grass, thus clearing you of suspicion?"


    His sharp gaze locked onto Song Zhao''s flickering eyes, seeming like the sharpest sword in the world.


    "I need you to give me an exnation for this matter."

 Chapter 163: Others Take the Blame 01

    <h4>Chapter 163</h4>


    Facing Xiao Jingheng''s sudden question,


    Song Zhao was startled and shocked,


    but her eyes did not show any evasion. On the contrary, she looked straight into Xiao Jingheng''s hesitant gaze.


    From her eyes one could vaguely see the flickering of tears,


    mixed with loss... or disappointment.


    "What?"


    She had clearly heard Xiao Jingheng''s words, but it seemed as if she could not believe her own ears and asked again.


    Xiao Jingheng hesitated for a moment, slowly letting go of Song Zhao''s wrist he had been holding,


    "Nothing."


    The two looked at each other in silence.


    What broke this terrifying silence was Song Zhao''s pained questioning afterwards,


    "Does His Majesty doubt his concubine? Does His Majesty think that his concubine falsely used Li to escape punishment in the past?"


    Her voice choked up a little, but the tears in her eyes just circled in her eye sockets without falling,


    "Does His Majesty really think that his concubine is such a scheming and cunning woman?"


    Song Zhao''s aggrieved appearance made Xiao Jingheng waver for a moment.


    His expression softened a little as heforted her, "I just asked casually and made you overthink. It''s just that since this matter was Zhao''s own sin, I really don''t understand why Li ended up being the scapegoat in the end."


    "His Majesty doesn''t even understand what happened, yet he wants his concubine to give an exnation?"


    Song Zhao rarely put away her gentleness and instead questioned Xiao Jingheng, "During that time, his concubine asked to be confined, and His Majesty sent people to investigate the whole matter. What did the people in front of His Majesty find out? How could his concubine influence that? If His Majesty has doubts about this, he should summon everyone who investigated it at that time and question them one by one. Firstly, it would eliminate His Majesty''s doubts, and secondly, it would prove his concubine''s innocence."


    Her agitated emotions werepletely revealed in front of Xiao Jingheng.


    Like anyone who was wrongly used,


    Xiao Jingheng could not see any panic or fear on her face at all.


    All he saw was stubborn insistence and vaguely revealed grievances.


    Xiao Jingheng was used to seeing the faces of hypocrites in front of him,


    so when he saw Song Zhao like this, his doubts about her had already dissipated somewhat.


    He was about to take Song Zhao''s hand and say some soothing words,


    but Song Zhao deliberately put her hand behind her back. She said lightly,


    "His concubine is feeling a little ufortable tonight, I''m afraid I can''t apany His Majesty."


    After speaking, she bowed and said, "His concubine will take her leave."


    After she finished speaking, she turned and left by herself,


    ignoring Xiao Jingheng calling her several times behind her. She did not look back or stop.


    This was the first time Xiao Jingheng saw a hint of fierceness in this bright and beautiful woman.


    If she was really wrongly used in this matter,


    it would probably really chill her heart.


    For this, Xiao Jingheng also felt very remorseful.


    But as the emperor, holding the power of life and death over the world in his hands, he had seen too many schemes since he was a child.


    Suspicion was ingrained in the blood of the royal family. He had to suppress his feelings with reason at all times.


    So in the end, Xiao Jingheng did not go after her that day either.


    Instead, he ordered Jiang Deshun, "Go check the people involved in Li''s matter again and see exactly what happened. I remember that at first, Li was convicted because a pharmacy in the capital city said they saw Li''s servant girling to buy aconite. "


    He rubbed the ink jade ring on his thumb, silently paused for a long time, then stopped the movement of his hand and sternly said:


    "Bring the shopkeeper and helpers of that pharmacy and interrogate them strictly. If anyone dares to utter another false word, kill them directly, no need to report back to me."


    *


    During the time Jiang Deshun thoroughly investigated this matter, Xiao Jingheng did not visit Song Zhao once.


    Since he didn''te, Song Zhao did not take the initiative to see him either.


    The two were in a stalemate


    until three dayster, when Jiang Deshun brought back several confessions to report back to Xiao Jingheng,


    "Your Majesty, under severe torture, the shopkeeper and helpers of Tongji Hall have all confessed. This matter is indeed unrted to Concubine Li. Her servant girl Fu''er also never bought aconite. The reason why people from Tongji Hall said so was because someone had given them money and Fu''er''s portrait, and told them that as long as anyone asked about this matter, they must insist on seeing Fu''ere to purchase it. "


    Xiao Jingheng asked, "Who gave them the portrait and money?"


    Jiang Deshun said, "It was the inner eunuch Xiaojingzi from the Household Department who was responsible for purchasing. He is waiting outside the hall now. Does Your Majesty want me to summon him?"


    Xiao Jingheng nodded silently, and Jiang Deshun immediately said, "There is indeed a Liu Changzai in the pce. She entered the pcest year together with Concubine Hui, Concubine Xiao and Concubine Li."


    With his reminder, Xiao Jingheng finally had some impression of Liu Changzai.


    It seemed that when she first entered the pce, he had favored her a few times,


    but every time Liu Changzaiy in bed, she was like a dead piece of wood, not saying a word or making any sounds.


    Gradually, Xiao Jingheng stopped favoring her, to the point that after such a long time, he had almost forgotten her existence.


    "Since it was her, go bring her over."


    Jiang Deshun nodded, and then asked Xiao Jingheng, "Your Majesty, how should I deal with this eunuch?"


    Xiao Jingheng casually said, "You decide how to deal with him, but remember one thing. In the future, if any of the eunuchs in the pce dare to help convey messages between inside and outside the pce again, I will punish their families to the third generation without mercy!"


    Although he told Jiang Deshun to decide by himself, wasn''t he already telling Jiang Deshun how to deal with it?


    So Jiang Deshun took Xiaojingzi out and had him beaten to death with rods.


    Afterwards, he punished his three families outside the pce.


    He should have sentenced them all to death, but thinking that they were also servants, Jiang Deshun did not act too harshly. He just exiled them all to Lingnan, leaving them to fend for themselves.


    That day, when Liu Changzai was summoned to Chaoyang Pce, it was just at dusk.


    She lived in Zhaochun Pce together with Concubine Hui.


    After she lost Xiao Jingheng''s favor, she lived like a walking corpse every day.


    She would get up at the set time to pay respects to the Empress, then spend the rest of the day eating three meals in the pce.


    When the sun set, she would go to bed, repeating this cycle as if counting down the days until her death.


    She never had the mood to take another look at the scenery trapped within these red walls.


    Now, standing outside Chaoyang Pce, watching the afterglow of the setting sun spill onto the zed golden tiles of the hall, reflecting dazzling and bright splendor, she smiled helplessly.


    The pce maid escorting her asked, "What are youughing at? Hurry up and walk!"


    She whispered, murmuring to herself:


    "I used to think everything in the pce was good. This imperial city was shining, and once I entered, the road ahead would surely be bright and splendid. But now looking at it, I was justughable."

 Chapter 164: Others Take the Blame 02

    <h4>Chapter 164</h4>


    Upon entering the main hall, Concubine Liu knelt down below the hall after exchanging a nce with Xiao Jingheng.


    The powerful aura of the emperor oppressed her invisibly,


    she no longer smiled,


    Endless fear welled up, swallowing her and forcing her to tremble.


    Xiao Jingheng only asked her one question, and she shuddered and confessed everything,


    ¡°This concubine was muddled for a moment and made a big mistake. I hope Your Majesty can forgive this concubine and give me a chance to redeem myself.¡±


    Xiao Jingheng frowned, full of puzzlement, and asked in a deep voice, ¡°Why?¡±


    Concubine Liu cried and said, ¡°Li used to be favored and would often beat and scold me, treating me like a servant. I couldn''t stand the humiliation and was really driven desperate by her, which led me to think of that scheme to frame her!


    At that time, I didn''t consider anything, I just thought that if she could be relegated to the Cold Pce, then no one would bully me anymore in the future. I didn''t mean to harm her...¡±


    Faced with her confession, Xiao Jingheng still maintained a skeptical attitude.


    He asked in a deep voice, "Could someone have instigated you to do this? Or... did someone threaten you toe before Us and say these things?"


    Concubine Liu immediately shook her head and denied, "No, this was entirely my idea."


    Later, she argued more, but because her crying made her words indistinguishable, Xiao Jingheng stopped listening.


    Until a moment ago, he had actually suspected Song Zhao.


    He wondered if Song Zhao had pushed Concubine Liu out to take the me in order to exonerate herself.


    But when he thought about it, this waspletely impossible.


    Song Zhao''s maternal family had all gone to the underworld, and there was no one behind her to rely on. Who could still help her use Concubine Liu''s family as a threat?


    It seemed that this time, he had really wrongly used Song Zhao, and hurt Song Zhao''s heart.


    Xiao Jingheng''s thoughts were in turmoil, and Concubine Liu kept crying endlessly below, making him even more annoyed,


    So he said, "Since you have pleaded guilty, Li was killed by Us in the past, so We will also grant you an intact corpse."


    Concubine Liu turned pale with fright. She cried and begged Xiao Jingheng to spare her life, and said, "I did serve His Majesty once, how can His Majesty be so ruthless? I didn''t mean to harm Li, I really didn''t mean to!"


    She thought that because she had served Xiao Jingheng once, it would make Xiao Jingheng remember her a little bit of goodness.


    But she waspletely unaware that if it weren¡¯t for this incident today, Xiao Jingheng would havepletely forgotten that there was someone like her in the harem.


    Even if he remembered, he probably only remembered that she didn''t even moan when she was in bed with him.


    Xiao Jinghengpletely ignored Concubine Liu''s pleas for mercy, and only faintly said,


    "We will not involve your family because of this."


    Concubine Liu was dragged away that night and forced to drink poisoned wine, dying by the pce walls.


    After her death, Xiao Jingheng only said in the harem of the previous dynasty that she had suddenly died from a terrible illness, concealing all the evil she had done.


    Of course, Xiao Jingheng did this not to preserve Concubine Liu''s reputation after her death.


    It was just that the messy things Concubine Liu had done could not be made known to the previous dynasty.


    If it got out, wouldn''t everyone in the worldugh at him, the emperor?


    And if Concubine Liu''s crimes were confirmed, it would mean that Li had been wrongfully killed in the past, which would prove that Xiao Jingheng had judged the case wrongly and killed the wrong person.


    Xiao Jingheng was the emperor, how could the emperor make mistakes?


    Therefore, this matter could only end like this.


    On the night Concubine Liu died, Song Zhao had just finished washing up in the pce when Xiaofuzi hurriedly came to report,


    "Lady, Concubine Liu is dead."


    Hearing this, Song Zhao''s expression was extremelyplicated.


    She closed her eyes for a long time before helplessly sighing,


    "I always said that the women in this pce would stop at nothing for their own favor, and I really look down on them. But now? Now how am I any different from them?"


    Xiaofuzi heard the hurt in her words and hurriedlyforted,


    "My Lady need not think like this. This matter was not arranged by you in the end, you don''t need to bear any responsibility for Concubine Liu''s death.


    Besides, that Concubine Liu was not a good person to begin with. This servant heard Yunshan say that when My Lady first entered the harem and was a Promise, Concubine Liu colluded with Li to overtly and covertly make things difficult for My Lady.


    If not for My Lady''sposure and resourcefulness, I''m afraid she would have been harmed by them long ago. Furthermore,ter when she lost favor, did she be well-behaved?


    This servant heard that she and Concubine Hui lived together in Zhaochun Pce. She took advantage of Concubine Hui''s young age and ignorance to put on airs even in front of the Primary Consort, directly asking for any jewelry she fancied from her.


    A mere Concubine Liu daring to be so arrogant, if she had been favored, she surely would have been a disaster."


    Xiaofuzi said all this in one breath, just wanting tofort Song Zhao.


    Song Zhao also knew that Concubine Liu was not a good person,


    But not being a good person, was that enough reason to be denied the right to even live in the pce?


    After a long silence, Song Zhao waved her hand and said,


    "I''m tired, I want to rest first. You go down for now."


    Xiaofuzi said, "This... My Lady is suffering injustice and it should be redressed. His Majesty''s imperial carriage must be on the way to Changle Pce now. My Lady..."


    Song Zhao cut him off, "If hees, just say I''m asleep. Don''t worry about anything else, let him do as he pleases."


    Xiaofuzi obeyed and exited the inner chamber.


    After he left, Song Zhao added a cup of clear water to the teacup by herself, took a pinch of salt and put it in, stirred it with a hairpin until itpletely dissolved in the water.


    After doing this, she got up and went to the edge of the bed, and poured all the water onto the pillow in one go.


    Then she tidyed up the teacup,y down on the damp pillow, and closed her eyes.


    She listened quietly,


    listening to the noise outside, listening to the eunuchs respectfully saying "Long live the Emperor",


    listening to the door of the bedroom being pushed open,


    listening to those familiar footsteps getting closer and closer to her bed.


    The tear contained in her eyes finally slid precisely from the corner of her eye at this moment,


    falling onto the pillow, blending seamlessly into the water stains.


    At this moment,


    Xiao Jingheng stood in front of the bed,


    looking at Song Zhao''s wless sleeping face, looking at her still tightly knitted brows even in sleep, and the tears wetting the pillow,


    his heart felt as if it had been hit hard by a blunt object.


    It was heartache, and remorse.

 Chapter 165: Suspicion Dissipated

    <h4>Chapter 165</h4>


    Xiao Jingheng stood silently in front of Song Zhao''s bed for a moment,


    Without any movement, even his breath was slow,


    Just quietly watching her.


    Song Zhao had stopped crying,


    She sniffled and then rxed her brows, holding the pillow in her arms tighter.


    Xiao Jingheng was curious about what she was doing,


    "Boom!"


    Suddenly, thunder roared outside the window, startling Song Zhao from her dream,


    "Your Majesty!"


    These two words almost slipped out of Song Zhao''s mouth,


    At that moment, she hadn''t seen Xiao Jingheng yet; it was as if she had uttered something in her sleep.


    Until she regained her senses and saw Xiao Jingheng standing right in front of her bed, his warm gaze fixed on her,


    She still thought it was an illusion,


    Surprised, she rubbed her eyes forcefully.


    "Boom!"


    Another thunderp resounded, bringing down the rain that had been gathering in the clouds.


    Raindrops pattered heavily on the eaves and windowpanes,


    Swift and urgent.


    Just like Song Zhao at this moment, tears streamed down her face.


    Xiao Jingheng sat on the edge of the bed, tenderly embracing Song Zhao,


    He could feel the woman in his arms trembling uncontrobly,


    Just like when they first met on a stormy night.


    Xiao Jingheng held Song Zhao even tighter. "Zhao''er, don''t be afraid, I''m here."


    "Your Majesty... is it really you?"


    After feeling Xiao Jingheng''s warm body temperature and steady heartbeat,


    Song Zhao finally woke up from her daze, sobbing in grievance,


    "I thought I was dreaming... In my dream, I was holding you like this and even smelled the fragrance of lunar musk on you. I was so afraid that if I opened my eyes, Your Majesty would no longer care about me."


    Only then did Xiao Jingheng understand why Song Zhao had been sleeping with a pillow,


    She had mistaken the pillow for him.


    Xiao Jingheng''s heart stirred, and he gently stroked Song Zhao''s smooth, ck hair, his voice filled with regret and reluctance,


    "I doubted you, and I was wrong. To make you so sad and ignore you for several days... I was truly confused. Zhao''er, are you still angry with me?"


    Although Song Zhao felt wronged, she didn''t want to be overly dramatic,


    She understood that Xiao Jingheng, like a lion king, preferred obedient women,


    So she decided to seize the opportunity and timidly said, "I''ve never been angry with Your Majesty. I just feel that I haven''t done well enough, so I don''t have the face to face you..."


    Xiao Jingheng had expected Song Zhao to hold onto the injustice and throw a tantrum at him before he arrived.


    Therefore, when he heard her words, he was somewhat surprised.


    "Why do you say that?"


    "If I had done well enough, Your Majesty wouldn''t have doubted me in the first ce," Song Zhao said, burying her head deep in Xiao Jingheng''s embrace, so he wouldn''t see her tearful embarrassment,


    "For the past few days, I didn''t go to you, not to vent my anger, but to ponder over what I did wrong that made you upset. But I''m truly foolish; no matter how much I think, I can''t figure it out. I''m so afraid that Your Majesty will no longer love me in the future."


    Song Zhao, who was originally frail and delicate, was now trembling in Xiao Jingheng''s arms, crying so hard that her shoulders and neck were shaking. This intensified her sense of grievance to the extreme.


    Finally, in a feeble voice, she uttered a sentence,


    "After all, the emperor has so many choices, but I... only have the emperor left."


    With no support in the pce and her maternal family annihted,


    the person closest to Song Zhao in this world was none other than Xiao Jingheng, who could be called her husband.


    Her words, her tears, her grievances,


    Xiao Jingheng took them all in.


    His chest felt as if it were blocked by a stubborn stone, and he felt uneasy all over.


    This wasn''t the first time he had unjustly suspected the imperial concubines due to his own suspicions,


    but it was the only time he had felt regret afterwards.


    "Zhao''er, you''ve done well. It''s my fault. I shouldn''t have doubted you and made you sad."


    Xiao Jingheng lifted her chin, forcing her to raise her head.


    On the perfect face of the young girl were two lines of teardrops,


    broken yet beautiful.


    Unconsciously, Xiao Jingheng''s heart skipped a beat,


    and he gently wiped away Song Zhao''s tears,


    "You said you only have me, but haven''t I only had you? In the harem, no one has ever been able to rece the difference you hold in my heart."


    It''s not about status, but about being different.


    But this difference, spoken by Xiao Jingheng, was indeed rare.


    Song Zhao''s sobbing gradually subsided, and a hint of joy suddenly appeared in her previously hazy eyes,


    "Is what the emperor said true?"


    "Of course. The reason why I doubted you this time was because the facts about Zhao made me shudder. The harem is already murky, and yet there''s someone like you, who is so pure and virtuous, which made me misjudge."


    Xiao Jingheng held her hand and said with great solemnity,


    "I promise you that if we have conflicts in the future, we will openly and honestlymunicate with each other, and neither of us will ignore or hold grudges against the other, alright?"


    Song Zhao nodded vigorously, "Will the emperor listen to my exnation?"


    "As long as it''s what you say, I will believe you from now on. I am the emperor, and a ruler never makes empty promises."


    Xiao Jingheng responded, extending his little finger in front of her and yfully saying,


    "Don''t young girls like these kinds of things?"


    Song Zhao was momentarily taken aback, but after a short pause, she shyly reached out her hand and hooked her little finger with Xiao Jingheng''s, sealing their promise.


    Later, Xiao Jingheng said, "It''s a stormy night tonight, and you''re most afraid of thunderstorms. I''ll stay here with you."


    When the two of themy down together, Song Zhao turned her back to Xiao Jingheng, and he gently embraced her from behind.


    Xiao Jingheng and Song Zhao were very close to each other, resting their heads on the same pillow.


    Without realizing it, he took a deep breath against the pillow,


    catching a faint scent of jasmine and a slight hint of the saltiness of tears.


    This kind of breath, mixed with the dampness of grass that seeped in through the window crack,


    made Xiao Jingheng feel even more heartbroken for Song Zhao.


    He held her even tighter.


    [Three updates today]

 Chapter 166: Help the Concubine

    <h4>Chapter 166</h4>


    The rain continued without signs of stopping until the second day when Xiao Jingheng went to attend the early morning court session.


    It was mid-March, the time when rain was abundant during the return of southern spring in the capital city.


    The wet and slippery roads made it unnecessary for Xiao Jingheng to pay respects to Consort Chen today, as he had promised.


    However, in the end, Song Zhao still went.


    Upon Xiao Jingheng''s instructions, the empress dowager stayed in the Kun Ning Pce to rest and focus on nurturing her pregnancy, while the affairs of the harem were entrusted to Consort Chen alone.


    Long desiring the position of the empress, Consort Chen now held such privileges, and naturally, she assumed the authority of the empress, scolding the concubines daily to establish her power.


    "Regarding Concubine Liu''s case, although it was announced that she died suddenly, you all know full well what she had done and how she met her end.


    When the empress handled the affairs of the harem, she was always lenient andcked proper rules. But now, if it were me, I would rule with strict discipline, instilling fear in people''s hearts. Only through strict governance will they dare not make any mistakes or missteps."


    She cast a proud and contemptuous gaze at everyone.


    Seeing that everyone felt threatened and avoided direct eye contact, she became even more unbridled.


    Afterzily sighing, she lightly stroked her temples and sneered,


    "All of you better behave yourselves and not invite trouble. Do you understand?"


    Under her intimidating presence, everyoneplied, not daring to utter a word of disagreement.


    Once they all responded respectfully, Consort Chen theatrically dered,


    "That''s enough for today. You may leave now."


    The other concubines were unwilling to stay even for a moment longer, fleeing as if their feet were coated in oil, faster than anyone else.


    Only Song Zhao remained seated, motionless. After everyone had left, she stood up and stood respectfully in the hall, bowing to Consort Chen.


    "Chen, I thank you."


    Consort Chen did not respond to her words but instead instructed Qiu Lan, "Take some people and clean up the flower leaves in the courtyard that were dampened by the rain. I find it annoying to look at."


    As the pce attendants all withdrew from the hall, leaving only the two of them, Consort Chen walked to Song Zhao''s side and pretended to help her up.


    "As a pregnant woman, there''s no need for you to be so formal."


    Speaking close to Song Zhao''s ear, with a voice that only the two of them could hear, she coldlyughed and said,


    "I can help you clear Emperor''s suspicions about you, but you must remember what you promised me. Do you understand?"


    Song Zhao immediately responded, "Consort, I am deeply grateful and will never forget your kindness."


    "Tsk tsk, you have such a sweet tongue."


    Consort Chen lightly caressed Song Zhao''s cheek, and her gilded armor-d fingertip slid inch by inch, finally stopping at the corner of Song Zhao''s lips.


    The gilded tip of the armor sparkled brightly but was exceptionally sharp. With a slight force from Consort Chen, it caused Song Zhao to wince in pain.


    Seeing her reaction, Consort Chen raised her eyebrow triumphantly and said,


    "Of course, you must remember. Otherwise, the poisoned wine that Concubine Liu drank would have been poured into your belly."


    Her delicate and soft hand continued moving inch by inch,


    Passing over Song Zhao''s fair and slender neck and her ample and rounded chest,


    Until it reached her slightly protruding abdomen, where it finally paused, gently caressing it.


    After a moment, Consort Chenughed heartily and said,


    "Go back and take good care of yourself. I''m looking forward to you giving birth to a chubby little prince for the emperor."


    *


    This time, Song Zhao was able to escape the predicament thanks to the behind-the-scenes efforts of Consort Chen.


    Ever since Qingyue revealed the evil deeds of Consort Shu, Song Zhao knew that her troubles were about to begin.


    In the past, she was unjustly confined by Xiao Jingheng because of the matter with the Huzi grass (Chapter 30).


    At that time, in order to protect herself, she secretly leaked the information to her family, implicating the servant girl Fu''er from the Li family, and that was how she managed to break free.


    But now, Consort Shu admitted that she had ced the Huzi grass in Song Zhao''s pce, which indirectly proved that Noble Consort Li had been framed in the past.


    Song Zhao knew how suspicious Xiao Jingheng''s mind was.


    With this matter exposed, how could Xiao Jingheng not suspect her?


    So, from the moment Qingyue was taken to the Judicial Department, Song Zhao had already gone to find Consort Chen.


    She appeared like a desperate fool, without hiding anything, and exined the whole situation to Consort Chen clearly.


    Consort Chen, half surprised and half mocking, said,


    "Oh? I never expected you to have such great skills. I really underestimated you in the past. But... what do you mean by telling me all this now? Do you want me to help you? Hahaha~"


    Consort Chen burst intoughter suddenly, shook her head after a while, and said, "How much do you weigh? Why should I help you? Aren''t you afraid that I will personally tell the emperor about this matter?"


    Song Zhao knelt in front of Consort Chen, with a dignified posture, and earnestly said,


    "Because Ipletely trust you, Your Highness. Since I entered the pce, I have always relied on you for support in order to achieve my current status. I still hold the same belief, that no matter what I do, it is merely to stay alive."


    She saw Consort Chen, though seemingly indifferent, sipping her tea without stopping her from speaking further, so she continued,


    "I have never been an enemy to you, Your Highness. I am just a lowly concubine, with no family to rely on anymore. This life of mine, I''m afraid, has reached its peak of favor and affection. And the true enemy of Your Highness should be the empress, who has obstructed you in many ways!"


    Sensing the dark and resentful look in Consort Chen''s eyes,


    Song Zhao lowered her voice and continued,


    "The empress is devoid of talent, virtue, and beauty. What aspect of hers canpare to Your Highness? If Your Highness is willing to help me this time, I will be devoted to serving you in every matter from now on. Your enemies will be my enemies. Whatever Your Highness wants me to do, I will never utter a word of refusal!"


    Originally, such conditions were not enough to entice Consort Chen,


    She was a person full of self-confidence. Although she needed someone to deal with the empress, Consort Yun was already doing that behind the scenes, so Song Zhao seemed dispensable at this moment.


    Consort Chen scrutinized Song Zhao and finally fixed her gaze on her small belly.


    The flesh inside her belly was truly a treasure now.


    Consort Chen lightly tapped the table with her slender fingers and pondered to herself,


    The Empress and Consort Xiao are both ahead in terms of monthspared to Song Zhao''s pregnancy, but whether they will give birth to sons remains unknown.


    If fate does not favor them and both of them give birth to princesses,


    then even if the Empress can raise Consort Xiao''s child, it would only be better than nothing, a futile effort.


    But if at this moment, Song Zhao gives birth to a son,


    wouldn''t this child be a noble son?


    As a noble son, his status would be superior, and Consort Chen naturally desires to raise him under her care.


    After a moment of silence, Consort Chen finally spoke:


    "Very well, if you want this pce to help you, you can. You said you would regard this pce''s words as your guide, and you would do whatever this pce asks of you, is that correct?"


    Song Zhao nodded vigorously, and Consort Chen''s smile became sinister as she said:


    "Excellent. This pce happens to have a task that you can assist with. After your child is born in the future, regardless of the methods you use, you must persuade the emperor to let this child be raised under this pce''s care."


    As she spoke, Consort Chen noticed that Song Zhao''s expression was clearly panicked,


    so she raised her voice even more, with a domineering tone:


    "How about it? Can you do it?"


    [Flip to the next page for more]

 Chapter 167: Abdicate

    <h4>Chapter 167</h4>


    Not to mention whether Song Zhao''s current pregnancy is likely to bear a precious child,


    Even if it''s not, which child isn''t the apple of their mother''s eye?


    How could Song Zhao bear to hand over her own flesh and blood?


    "Um... Consort Chen, please give this concubine some time to consider," she said.


    Consort Chen was well aware in her heart,


    She knew that even if Xiao Jingheng was angry with Song Zhao and wanted to execute her, he would have to wait until she safely gave birth to the imperial heir.


    She had already raised Noble Consort Xiao''s child. If Song Zhao died, Song Zhao''s child would surely be handed over to the Empress for upbringing.


    If Consort Chen wanted a better chance of winning,


    She had to protect Song Zhao, exploit her weaknesses, and use them as leverage. That was the most suitable method.


    "Go back and consider it slowly. However, let this pce make it clear to you: if you want this pce''s help, you must provide this pce with a guarantee. Once you have made your decision, you must write a clear and detailed confession letter, stating the entire process of how you framed Li. This pce will keep the written evidence, and if you dare to go back on your word in the future, this pce will present it to the Emperor. You won''t get away with it!" she said.


    The imminent crisis clearly overwhelmed Song Zhao.


    She hadn''t really thought about it at all.


    After leaving Consort Chen in the morning, she brought the confession letter to see her in the afternoon.


    Consort Chen read it and found that the confession letter clearly stated


    that all the things Song Zhao had said about framing Li were done by her, leaving no detail unmentioned.


    Consort Chen was very satisfied and epted the confession letter. "I will arrange everything for you as you requested, and I will make sure you don''t reveal any ws in front of the Emperor. But if you ever go back on your word, this pce will anonymously send this letter to the court and expose you," she threatened.


    Her eyes werescivious as she scrutinized Song Zhao from top to bottom and said,


    "Don''t even think about changing your tune in front of the Emperor and telling him that this pce settled the matter for you. Without evidence, this pce can easily say that you''re ndering others. And if you do that, this pce guarantees that your child will be dismembered!" she said, whispering into Song Zhao''s ear, her tone yful yet wicked and vicious.


    "Consort, I... I dare not..." Song Zhao replied fearfully.


    Later on, Consort Chen fulfilled her promise to help Song Zhao.


    She had the people from the Ning family bribe the staff at Tongji Hall to change their testimony, iming that they had received money from Xiao Jingzi, who was acting on someone''s orders, to frame Fu''er.


    As for Xiao Jingzi, who was in charge of procurement in the Internal Affairs Department, he was known for being filial. Consort Chen used the lives of his entire family as leverage, forcing him to shift the me for this matter onto Concubine Liu.


    As for Concubine Liu, it was even easier. Her father served under Consort Chen''s older brother,


    And whether she lived or died was not determined by fate but by Ning Wanshuang''s words or a nod of her head,


    She didn''t even have to lift a finger. With just a nce, she could make Concubine Liu''s whole family meet a tragic end,


    Including her younger brother who was still in swaddling clothes!


    Concubine Liu knew that she would never receive Xiao Jingheng''s favor again in the future, and her days in the pce were already burdensome.


    If she were to choose to protect her own life and not bring trouble to her maternal family, Consort Chen would eventually silence her.


    Therefore, in order to safeguard her family, Song Zhao had no choice but toply with Consort Chen''s arrangements.


    In this situation, Song Zhao appeared to make a great sacrifice in order to escape the predicament, but in the future, she would bepletely controlled by Consort Chen and unable to even protect her own child.


    But in reality?


    Song Zhao''s wandering thoughts returned to the present,


    Recalling Consort Chen''s confident appearance, she couldn''t help but find it amusing.


    At this moment, she leaned against the warm seat and looked out the window,


    Seeing the pine trees and the clothes hanging in the courtyard,


    She heard the pine treein, "It''s always so damp. The clothes sent to theundry bureau by the Empress can be dried, but our clothes, even if it doesn''t rain, won''t dry for three to five days."


    Zhihua also helplessly smiled, "Ah, the weather in the capital is like this every year. When we return to the southern region, we''ll encounter continuous summer rain. Andter, when autumnes, it will turn damp again. Only inte autumn, before winter, does the weather be dry. The rest of the days are always troublesome."


    While listening to their idle chatter,


    Xiao Fuzi entered at this moment, catching Song Zhao''s attention away from the window.


    "These past few days, I''ve been so busy dealing with the Emperor that I forgot to ask you, have you taken care of the ink?"


    Xiao Fuzi replied, "I poured it into the Imperial Lake early in the morning. But Your Highness, your n was really risky. If Consort Chen had presented your confession to the Emperor beforehand, what would we have done?"


    Song Zhao remainedposed as always and smiled, "Did you forget? The Emperor dislikes dampness and prefers dryness, so the Morning Sun Pce is filled with an adequate amount of bamboo charcoal to absorb the moisture in the air. The Emperor doesn''t mind it when he drinks tea, but the pce maids on duty in the Morning Sun Pce can''t get a sip of water for half a day. Some even have dry, cracked lips."


    Xiao Fuzi rarely had the opportunity to enter the Morning Sun Pce,


    Hearing Song Zhao''s words, he finally felt relieved,


    "If that''s the case, then as long as Consort Chen takes the confession to the Morning Sun Pce, won''t the writing on it disappear from the moment she enters the pce?"


    Song Zhao wasn''t so foolish as to let someone catch her handle.


    Her hesitation and uneasiness in front of Consort Chen were all an act,


    She had alreadye up with a countermeasure long ago.


    The ink used on the confession she gave to Consort Chen was something new.


    Xiao Fuzi obtained the method from ancient books,


    It was an ink made from five seashells, turtle shell bamboo, three types of charcoal, andmb oil, which could only be seen when the environment was humid.


    Once the moisture in the air decreased and it became dry, the writing would quickly evaporate, leaving no trace.


    Even if the humidity returned in the future, the writing would not reappear.


    Xiao Fuzi added, "Actually, Consort Chen was also involved in this matter. Unless it''s absolutely necessary, she wouldn''t dare to present the confession to the Emperor."


    Song Zhao gently caressed her lower abdomen with lowered eyes and calmly said,


    "My due date is in October, which coincides with the dryness ofte autumn and early winter in the capital. The writing on the confession willpletely disappear. Even if I were to change my mind at that time, and Consort Chen bes angry, what can she do to me?"


    With a disdainful snort, she shook her head and said, "Does she really think she can take a nk piece of paper to the Emperor and use me of wrongdoing?"


    Consort Chen used this confession letter as leverage against Song Zhao,


    She would undoubtedly keep it safely hidden in a ce where no one could find it.


    Even if something unexpected happens and this confession letter is presented to the Chongyang Pce ahead of time,


    Once it enters the pce chambers, the words on it will magically disappear,


    Just a nk piece of paper, how can it determine anyone''s guilt?


    Song Zhao has always been cautious and meticulous in her actions, but Xiao Fuzi still had concerns,


    "But at that time, Consort Chen will surely anger the Empress, and they might even be enemies."


    Song Zhao didn''t think much of it and dismissed it with a smile,


    "I have been hiding and restraining myself in this pce, living a submissive life.


    Since my safe childbirth, the harem will turn against me, but am I afraid of her useless tricks?"


    She looked at the ss vase on the small table, filled with a bunch of narcissus flowers,


    Among them, one nt stood out, exceptionally vibrant with a fiery red color, catching the eye.


    This dazzling color has always been Consort Chen''s favorite.


    So, Song Zhao plucked the most eye-catching narcissus flower and yed with it in her hand.


    "The harem has been under the exclusive influence of Consort Chen for too long. It''s time for her to retire and step down, and see how I surpass her step by step."


    As she finished speaking, a bright smile yed at the corner of her lips,


    She crushed the flower petals with her fingertips and heartlessly discarded the remains into the waste bin...

 Chapter 168: My Little Love

    <h4>Chapter 168</h4>


    In the following days, the battles within the imperial harem seemed to havee to a halt.


    The weather grew hotter day by day, and the bellies of the pregnant concubines became rounder and fuller.


    By the end of April, with Noble Consort Xiao''s due date approaching in just one month, Consort Chen suspended the pce greetings from the six pces.


    She was extremely anxious about Noble Consort Xiao''s pregnancy, fearing that someone might harm her. As a result, besides Xiao Jingheng and the imperial physician responsible for ensuring her safe delivery, no one else was allowed to enter the Yonghe Pce under Consort Chen''smand.


    On ordinary days, Noble Consort Xiao was not permitted to leave either. It was as if she was confined within a restricted area, her movements restricted.


    During this period,


    Due to Song Zhao''s inability to attend to him, Consort Chen received the most attention from Emperor Xiao Jingheng.


    In a month''s time, Xiao Jingheng summoned her to his bed or stayed in her pce for five or six asions.


    Nevertheless, Xiao Jingheng did not neglect Song Zhao either.


    Whenever he had free time, he would visit her pce and keep herpany.


    On this day, when Xiao Jingheng came to visit Song Zhao during lunchtime, his face was beaming with joy, and he appeared to be in a very good mood.


    Smiling, Song Zhao asked him, "Your Majesty, have you received good news?"


    Xiao Jingheng also smiled and replied, "Today, I had the imperial physician Chu examine Noble Consort Xiao''s pulse. Based on the pulse reading, there is a high possibility that she is carrying a prince."


    At the mention of the word "prince," Xiao Jingheng''s eyes crinkled withughter, and he didn''t forget to praise Consort Chen, saying, "Consort Chen has taken great care of Noble Consort Xiao. Today, when I saw her, she had gained some weight and looked more plump."


    Song Zhao said, "In that case, congrattions, Your Majesty. With Consort Chen''s meticulous care for Noble Consort Xiao, it is certain that once the little prince is safely born, he will be healthy and chubby."


    Since Consort Chen was taking care of Noble Consort Xiao''s child, she naturally paid attention to every detail and would not overlook anything.


    However, being attentive is one thing, but who knows if there was any calction on her part regarding Noble Consort Xiao?


    A pregnant woman''s belly is naturally round, and if she indulges in excessive eating without restraint, her weight will rapidly increase, her figure will be plump, and her belly will be translucent.


    Once she gives birth, the flesh and skin of her abdomen will suddenly loosen, forming deep lines like gullies. If not properly maintained, it may even wrinkle and darken, appearing quite horrifying.


    Noble Consort Xiao has already ruined her appearance, and if her figure bes distorted and her body covered in cellulite after giving birth, her favor in this lifetime will probablye to an end.


    Of course,


    Song Zhao could think of these things, and Xiao Jingheng might have spected as well,


    But Xiao Jingheng would never say it.


    After all, if Noble Consort Xiao receives good nourishment and gives birth to a healthy little prince in the future, it is more important to him than anything else.


    After finishing their lunch, Xiao Jingheng apanied Song Zhao for a leisurely stroll in the courtyard.


    When it was time for Song Zhao''s afternoon rest, he said, "There are some matters from the former dynasty that I need to attend to. You rest assured and take a nap."


    Song Zhao saw Xiao Jingheng off from the pce and then returned to the sleeping quarters to rest.


    When she woke up and called Yun Shan in to help her freshen up, she noticed that the maid was constantly giggling. Curious, she asked, "What are youughing about?"


    Yun Shan replied, "Your Highness, go and see for yourself."


    Intrigued, Song Zhao went to the main hall and immediately noticed two desserts ced on the dining table.


    One dish was the ice-tempered sour jujube dumplings, and the other was lotus root powder apricot cake.


    However, their appearance didn''t look particrly appealing, not like the craftsmanship of Yun Shan or the Imperial Kitchen.


    Just as Song Zhao was about to ask a question, she heard the pce doors being pushed open from outside.


    Xiao Jingheng entered with a tray in his hand, carrying a soup bowl on top of it.


    His gaze met Song Zhao''s, and he smiled, saying, "You woke up just in time. Care to taste if it suits your pte?"


    Song Zhao was surprised and asked, "Did His Majesty make these?"


    Yun Shan, who was standing nearby, chuckled and said, "After Your Majesty saw you fall asleep, he came back. He spent half an hour in the small kitchen and personally made these desserts for you. It shows that you truly hold a special ce in His Majesty''s heart!"


    Blushing, Song Zhao said, "Yun Shan, don''t speak nonsense."


    But Xiao Jingheng''s smile grew wider. "This girl speaks the truth. How is it that even a simple truth cannot be spoken in your pce?"


    He took Song Zhao''s hand and guided her to sit at the dining table. Lowering his gaze, he looked at the sweet soup in front of him and said,


    "This is my first time cooking, so I don''t have much experience. Please have a taste."


    With that, he scooped a spoonful of sour plum and yogurt soup and brought it to Song Zhao''s lips.


    Song Zhao took a small sip and as soon as the soup touched her tongue, a strong sour taste exploded on her taste buds.


    It was incredibly sour.


    Despite that, Song Zhao didn''t even furrow her brows. Instead, she smiled lightly and continued to savor it, pleasantly surprised as she said,


    "Your Majesty, you have excellent culinary skills!"


    Having spoken, she took the spoon and happily continued to eat.


    Xiao Jingheng asked her, "Don''t you find it too sour?"


    She shook her head and replied, "It''s just right. Otherwise, I wouldn''t be able to taste the vor of the plums."


    Xiao Jingheng seemed satisfied with her response and nodded gently, saying,


    "As long as you like it, it''s worth the effort I put in."


    Seeing that Song Zhao was enjoying it, Xiao Jingheng said,


    "There will be court officialsing to pay their respects in the studyter. I''ll leave for now ande back to apany you tonight."


    This time, Song Zhao watched him as he boarded the imperial carriage, and it seemed that he had truly left.


    Returning to the main hall, she looked at the desserts on the table, and her mouth watered uncontrobly.


    She immediately picked up a teacup and took severalrge sips of tea to suppress the lingering sour taste in her mouth.


    "Go dig a hole in the courtyard and bury these things. Don''t pour them into the waste bucket," she said.


    Yun Shan was puzzled and asked, "But, Your Majesty, don''t you like eating them? Besides, this is His Majesty''s heartfelt gesture..."


    Song Zhao handed a piece of lotus root powder apricot cake to Yun Shan and said, "If you like it, then enjoy it."


    Yun Shan took a bite while still smiling, but after tasting the cake, the sourness made her eyes almost unable to open.


    "Wow... Why is it so sour? It''s almost making my teeth fall out!" she eximed.


    Xiao Fuzi, who was clearing the table,mented, "There''s a saying amongmoners that sour food is good for pregnant women. If they eat sour food without finding it sour, it''s likely that they''re carrying a boy. But such baseless rumors, who would have thought that even His Majesty would believe them?"


    Only then did Yun Shan realize, "So, after eating so much, you didn''t find it sour at all?"


    Song Zhao smiled serenely and replied,


    "I don''t think it matters whether it feels sour or not. What matters is that I know the Emperor wants to see me not feeling sour. Since the Emperor wants to see it, I''ll just do it for him.


    Otherwise, wouldn''t it be a waste of the effort he put into our friendship during the busy noon?"

 Chapter 169: The Murder of a Child

    <h4>Chapter 169</h4>


    On the way back to the study room of the Minister of State,


    Jiang Deshun followed beside the imperial carriage, smiling obsequiously at Xiao Jingheng and saying:


    "The Noble Consort Yi likes sour food. I''m thinking that this pregnancy will likely be another little prince. No wonder the smile hasn''t left His Majesty''s face during this entire journey. Just listening to this makes me share in the joy."


    "Hahaha!" Xiao Jinghengughed out loud. "Nonsense. Whether it''s a prince or princess, I like them both."


    He then instructed Jiang Deshun, "For the Noble Consort Yi''s pregnancy this time, have Chu Imperial Physician personally take care of her. Order himter to check her pulse to ensure the safety of the pregnancy."


    Jiang Deshun naturally understood Xiao Jingheng''s meaning.


    Chu Imperial Physician was the chief judge of the Imperial Medical Bureau and was usually only responsible for the health of the Emperor, Empress and Grand Empress Dowager.


    By having him take care of Song Zhao''s pregnancy,


    Xiao Jingheng wanted to protect the safety of Song Zhao and her child, and also intended to find out the gender early.


    After Xiao Jingheng finished meeting with his ministers in the study room, thinking that he should apany Song Zhao for dinner as promised, he was originally nning to go to Changle Pce. But before leaving, he casually asked:


    "How is it? Did Chu Imperial Physician go take a look at the Noble Consort Yi? What did he say?"


    "Well..." Jiang Deshun stammered, "Chu Chief Judge is...in Her Majesty the Empress''s pce, and has no time."


    "The Empress?" Xiao Jingheng asked in puzzlement. "Didn''t Chu Imperial Physician just check her pulse a few days ago and say that she and the child were safe and sound?"


    "Her Majesty the Empress had a recurrence of heart problems, so I summoned Chu Imperial Physician to diagnose and treat her."


    "Foolish! Why was I just told about this now?"


    Xiao Jingheng was clearly displeased. He hurriedly went with the imperial carriage to the Empress''s pce first.


    After entering Kunning Pce, he happened to run into Chu Chief Judgeing out of the Empress''s bedroom. So he asked:


    "How is the Empress?"


    Chu Chief Judge saluted with folded hands, "This lowly one has just performed acupuncture on Her Majesty the Empress. Her Majesty is now much better. At thiste stage of pregnancy, it is very taxing on her body. And Her Majesty also had a history of heart problems. It should have been well regted during pregnancy and rarely re up, but I''m afraid due to her many worries recently, it has rpsed."


    He paused, and advised with some worry:


    "I beg Your Majesty to advise Her Majesty not to worry too much about trivial matters, otherwise if her heart problems re up again during childbirth, it could be fatal..."


    Xiao Jingheng knew what the Empress was worrying about.


    She felt that Xiao Jingheng asking her to rest was marginalizing her. That was why she was mentally disturbed.


    This matter was not difficult to resolve.


    No matter what the Empress had done, she was the Queen of the inner pce, the birth mother of the Crown Prince. Xiao Jingheng''s tolerance for her would naturally be greater than that for the average consort.


    At that time, the Empress was leaning on the couch, with Shuang Ruo serving her medicine.


    Seeing Xiao Jingheng arrive, she eximed in surprise and joy: "Your Majesty... Why have youe?"


    She struggled to get up to greet Xiao Jingheng, but was pressed on the shoulder by him. "You are sick. Let us dispense with all these formalities."


    He took the medicine bowl from Shuang Ruo''s hand and started stirring the spoon to cool it down while asking,


    "How do you feel now? Are you feeling a bit better?"


    The Empress said: "It¡¯s not a big problem, just my old illness acting up again. Making His Majesty leave court affairs to visit this servant is really my fault."


    "You are my wife. If we continue talking like this, we will only grow further apart," Xiao Jingheng said.


    He very carefully fed the Empress medicine and added, "Fenghuang Pce has been renovated again. I asked the Ministry of Works to add some more decorations that you like."


    There were tears shimmering in the Empress''s eyes. "This servant thanks His Majesty deeply."


    Xiao Jingheng held her hand and gently patted the back,


    "After you give birth, move back to Fenghuang Pce. At that time, if your health permits and you can spare some attention, you can continue managing the affairs of the inner pce. As the Queen, you are ultimately more justified than the Imperial Consort. It is just that during this period I see that pregnancy has been taxing on you, so I don''t want you to worry."


    Xiao Jingheng said this tactfully. He turned the punishment of sidelining the Empress into his deep, loving concern, and it was unclear whether the Empress could discern his true meaning. But the Empress seemed very receptive to it anyway, her expression much more cheerful than before.


    That night, Xiao Jingheng naturally stayed to apany the Empress, which voided Song Zhao''s preparation of a table full of delicacies.


    The next morning after Xiao Jingheng went to court, the Empress''s face showed no signs of sickness and was instead radiant.


    While she was having breakfast, Shuang Ruo came in to report:


    "Mydy, Zhao from the Cold Pce has gone mad."


    "Oh?" The Empress paused briefly before continuing to drink her congee. "What madness is this?"


    Shuang Ruo said: "The guards watching the Cold Pce said she is grieving madly for her child. Every day she hugs a piece of dead wood and wanders around the Cold Pce, hair disheveled and dirty. One moment crying, the next momentughing. People are afraid she''s ruined."


    "What use is a mother''s grief?" The Empress sneered and shook her head. "When she dies and goes down the road of the yellow springs, how will she have the face to meet the infant less than a month old that she killed with her own hands?"


    Shuang Ruo jeered contemptuously:


    "That''s right! The little prince was originally healthy, with no diseases or disasters. For Consort Zhao to have aborted him herself? And attempting to frame the Noble Consort Yi to make His Majesty suspicious and alienate you from him? It''s simply daydreaming of a madman!"


    The day the Empress learned that Consort Shu was pregnant, she had asked Imperial Physician Zhang who confirmed Consort Shu¡¯s pregnancy about her condition.


    Imperial Physician Zhang said Consort Shu¡¯s fetus was stable and healthy.


    But how could the Empress tolerate another woman in the inner pce giving birth before her?


    The Empress recalled that after her grandmother passed away some time ago, she had shared drinks with Consort Shu several times. That was when Consort Shu was pregnant without realizing it.


    So she asked Imperial Physician Zhang, "Consort Shu''s pregnancy was nearly two months along when you diagnosed it. Both her and I were unaware then, and I drank excessively with her several times. Does that have no impact on the imperial heir? "


    "Your Ladyship need not worry, there is no impact."


    "Then make it have an impact."


    The Empress'' murmured words with gloomy eyes frightened Imperial Physician Zhang so much that his forehead was instantly drenched in cold sweat.


    "What does Your Majesty the Empress mean by this?"


    "Go tell Consort Shu that because she drank while pregnant early on, the fetus is weak and can be sustained at most seven months. And even if it''s born prematurely, it will be a stillbirth that cannot survive."


    Hearing this, Imperial Physician Zhang was so frightened that he knelt on the floor and kowtowed repeatedly to the Empress.


    "If... if Consort Shu has other imperial physicians diagnose her, they will definitely see through this. Then I..."


    The Empress raised her hand to cut him off and asserted firmly: "She won''t. Do as I told you, and I will protect you. After this is done, the vacant position of Deputy Director of the Imperial Medical Bureau will be yours."


    The Empress knew that if Imperial Physician Zhang really said those words to Consort Shu, then Consort Shu would definitely not let other physicians examine her. After all, one cannot be careless with the imperial heir, any mishap had to be reported to Xiao Jingheng.


    Consort Shu would know the child could not be saved. She must be flustered first, trying every means to have Imperial Physician Zhang keep this secret. How would she go stir up more trouble?


    Being pregnant, even if unable to give birth, could still be used to gain favor from Xiao Jingheng. Therefore, Consort Shu hid the matter the entire time.


    When it was nearing the due date, Imperial Physician Zhang urged her repeatedly that the child would soon be unsavable, and carrying a dead fetus could very likely end with two lives lost.


    Only then did Consort Shu painfully and reluctantly drink the aborted medicine, personally killing her originally safe and sound flesh and blood...


    Afterwards, Consort Shu was afraid this matter would be uncovered, so she privately sent someone to silence Imperial Physician Zhang permanently. (Chapter 162)


    That saves the Empress from having to get her hands dirty.


    At this time, the Empress had finished breakfast. After rinsing her mouth, she was dabbing her lips with a handkerchief.


    "For a mother to kill her unborn child with her own hands. Tsk tsk..."


    She shook her head bitterly and sighed. Putting down the handkerchief, she took up a prayer bead and turned it while chanting "Amitabha".


    "Amitabha, the heavy sins Zhaomitted have led to her current tragic state, it is wholly her retribution."


    Shuang Ruo agreed: "She''s crazy now. The Cold Pce guards said she doesn''t eat or drink, I estimate she doesn''t have many days left."


    The Empress'' expression flickered. After silently pondering for a while, she suddenly sinisterlyughed.


    "Before she dies, if she can aplish something important for me, it will umte blessings for her in the afterlife."


    Having said that, she beckoned Shuang Ruo over and whispered into her ear...

 Chapter 170: Assassination on the Strip

    <h4>Chapter 170</h4>


    On the 4th of May, it was Song Zhao''s birthday.


    Originally, Xiao Jingheng had nned to throw her a grand and splendid banquet,


    but Song Zhao politely declined his kind gesture.


    She said that as a concubine, it wouldn''t be appropriate to attract attention, and hosting avish feast would be wasteful. Instead, she suggested using the money to help the poor and needy, which would be a virtuous deed.


    Therefore, Xiao Jingheng established a porridge factory in the outskirts of the capital to provide assistance to the impoverished.


    This fulfilled Song Zhao''s wish and further enhanced his reputation for caring about the people''s well-being.


    Although the banquet was not held, Xiao Jingheng didn''t skimp on the gifts for Song Zhao.


    He carefully selected precious jewelry that women liked and spared no expense to bring a smile to her face.


    On her birthday, Xiao Jingheng even attended the morning court session before heading to Chang Le Pce.


    After having lunch, the two of them nned to rest for a while,


    but Xiao Jingheng''s attendant urgently interrupted them,


    "Your Majesty, the memorial tablet of thete Emperor in Fengxian Hall has fallen..."


    "What did you say?"


    Xiao Jingheng became furious, "How could those servants in the Imperial Household Department be so careless?"


    The falling of the memorial tablet of thete Emperor was not a good omen, and it required the Emperor himself to personally set it upright again. It couldn''t be taken lightly at all.


    Song Zhao advised from the side, "Your Majesty, you should go and see it quickly. The Empress Dowager just sent gifts to us earlier. After she takes her afternoon nap, I n to go and have a chat with her."


    Xiao Jingheng nodded, "Then, I''ll handle this matter first. After you finish with the Empress Dowager,e to Chaoyang Pce. I have specially instructed the kitchen to prepare dinner ording to your taste. Although we are not hosting a banquet, it''s still your birthday, and we shouldn''t be too perfunctory."


    "Thank you, Your Majesty."


    Xiao Jingheng hurriedly went to Fengxian Hall,


    while Song Zhao, after her nap, took a sedan chair to apany the Empress Dowager in Xian Shou Pce.


    Meanwhile, Consort Chen was filled with anger in Yonghe Pce.


    It was because Qiu Lan heard some gossip from the Cold Pce.


    "Zhao in the Cold Pce doesn''t know how to behave. She oftenins and even insults the Empress Dowager. It''s really audacious..."


    Consort Chen''s eyes shed with anger as she suppressed her fury and demanded, "What did she say about me?"


    "Well..." Qiu Lan lowered her head in fear, "I dare not say."


    "Speak up! Imand you!" Consort Chen mmed the table forcefully and raised her voice:


    "I want to hear it!"


    Qiu Lan trembled in fear and finally timidly said,


    "She said that you cannot conceive a child on your own, so you have to snatch someone else''s child to raise. She said you havemitted many sins, which is why you haven''t been blessed with offspring..."


    While Qiu Lan spoke, she cautiously nced at Consort Chen''s expression and lowered her voice even more,


    "She also said... she said you stumble even on t ground, and your miscarriage is your retribution..."


    "This is outrageous! I can''t stand her anymore!"


    Consort Chen had always been irritable, and the matter of her miscarriage was a constant sore spot for her.


    Upon hearing Qiu Lan''s words, her anger soared. She stormed off to the Cold Pce, intending to confront Zhao and cause trouble.


    Inside the vast Cold Pce, Zhao resided alone,


    and with the pce gate locked, the Imperial Household Department only assigned two eunuchs to stand guard outside as a mere formality.


    As soon as they saw Consort Chen, they immediately bowed respectfully.


    "We pay our respects to Consort Chen, may you be blessed and secure."


    However, Consort Chen didn''t even nce at them. "Open the door for me!" shemanded.


    "But... Consort Chen, ording to the Emperor''s decree, no one is allowed to see Consort Zhao. It would be better if you..." one of the eunuchs tried to reason.


    "Are you daring to obstruct me?" Consort Chen narrowed her eyes and coldly threatened, "As the one in charge of the six pces, I am responsible for managing the imperial harem for the Emperor. Even though Consort Zhao is a deposed concubine, her words can still cause harm, and I will not tolerate it! If you utter another word, I will have your tongue cut out!"


    She was always arrogant,


    Even the Empress had to give her some face, so how could these two pce maids dare to obstruct her without question?


    Helpless, they reluctantly unlocked the door and opened it.


    However, what they didn''t expect was that as soon as the door opened a crack, a disheveled and dirty madwoman rushed out from inside.


    She collided with Consort Chen, knocking her to the ground.


    After quickly getting up, the madwoman ran towards the distance.


    "Consort Chen, are you alright?"


    Consort Chen was not lightly injured, and the pce maids hurriedly went forward to support her.


    She held her aching waist and looked at the retreating figure of the madwoman on the corridor, unable to believe it.


    "That ghostly thing is Consort Shu?"


    "Yes, Your Highness, it is Consort Zhao..."


    "Then what are you waiting for?"


    Consort Chen herself panicked.


    If Consort Zhao, this madwoman, caused trouble by escaping, it would be a big problem for her.


    So she pushed the eunuch aside and scolded, "Useless trash! Go and catch her for me!"


    The eunuch hurriedly chased after her.


    Normally, Consort Zhao, who was crazy, didn''t eat much and shouldn''t have the energy to run far.


    But strangely, when the eunuch saw her turn a corner, by the time he caught up, she had disappeared in the narrow corridor.


    On the other end, Song Zhao had spent the afternoon chatting with the Empress Dowager.


    Later, Xiao Jingheng came to inform that everything was ready and asked her to go over.


    Song Zhao asked the Empress Dowager, "It''s dinner time. Why don''t youe along, Your Majesty?"


    The Empress Dowager smiled and waved her hand, teasingly saying, "If this old woman goes, you and the Emperor will feel constrained. You go, let the Emperor apany you and have a joyful birthday celebration."


    The Empress Dowager truly liked Song Zhao.


    She didn''t even want to see the other concubines, but when Song Zhao came, she would even personally send her off.


    The Empress Dowager apanied Song Zhao to the gate of Xian Shou Pce. Song Zhao was supposed to get on the sedan chair, but the pce attendants who were supposed to carry it said:


    "Your Highness, just now we discovered that the sedan chair''s pole is a bit loose. It might be due to the recent humid weather, making it unstable when carried.


    We are worried that if there is an ident and you get hurt, Your Highness, should we go to the Imperial Household Department to get a new one? However, it would require Your Highness to wait for a while."


    Song Zhao fell silent.


    With this back and forth, who knows how much time it would take?


    And the Empress Dowager was watching from the side.


    If Song Zhao really asked them to bring a new sedan chair, it would inevitably make people think she was being fussy.


    She said, "No need. The Chaoyang Pce is not far from the Empress Dowager''s Pce. Since the weather is clear today, I also want to take a walk and enjoy the scenery."


    The Empress Dowager smiled and said, "You are just like your mother, not one to be fussy. Go ahead, but be careful on the way."


    She nced at Yun Shan and instructed, "Take good care of your mistress and don''t let her get hurt."


    After bidding farewell to the Empress Dowager, Yun Shan supported Song Zhao as they walked along the long street leading to Chaoyang Pce.


    It was the time when the guards were changing shifts, so ordinary pce maids were not allowed to move around, making the street quite peaceful.


    The two of them leisurely strolled along, admiring the scenery and exchangingughter.


    "In the past, when the Lady was in the mansion, her birthday was never given much attention. But now, things have changed. The Emperor and the Empress Dowager both care about the Lady''s birthday. It''s no longer just the servant apanying the Lady on her birthday."


    Song Zhao looked at the open road ahead and smiled.


    "Days will always get better."


    "Ah!"


    Suddenly, a shrill scream came from behind them.


    Song Zhao quickly turned around and saw a disheveled woman wearing a dirty in cloth dress running towards her.


    She looked insane, with an extremely distorted and ferocious expression.


    It wasn''t until she was about to approach that Song Zhao recognized this deranged woman in front of her, who used to be the gentle and peaceful Consort Shu?


    "Be careful, my Lady! She has a knife!"


    Just as Yun Shan eximed, Zhao had already drawn a dagger and directly stabbed towards Song Zhao''s protruding belly!

 Chapter 171: The Guardian of a King

    <h4>Chapter 171</h4>


    "Your bastard child is dead, so my child can live!"


    Zhao shrieked manically, muttering,


    The dagger shing coldly was about to stab Song Zhao in an instant.


    In the sh of lightning,


    Yun Shan suddenly pulled Song Zhao,


    She didn''t hesitate at all, and rushed forward to protect Song Zhao behind her, using her own body as a meat shield to block the blow for Song Zhao.


    The de of the dagger was almostpletely inserted into Yun Shan''s abdomen.


    Yun Shan was the most afraid of pain. Usually, she would make a fuss for half a day if her hand was scraped a little when working.


    But today she didn''t know where the courage came from.


    She gripped Zhao''s wrist holding the dagger tightly, not allowing her to pull out the dagger, preventing her from hurting Song Zhao again.


    "Yun Shan!"


    Song Zhao was also shocked by the sudden attack.


    But Yun Shan shouted to her, "My Lady, run away!"


    It was impossible for Song Zhao to abandon Yun Shan at this time.


    At the critical juncture, she pulled out the gold hairpin with iy on her hair bun and stabbed it fiercely at Zhao''s neck.


    The hairpin pierced Zhao''s neck, but did not hurt her fatally.


    On the contrary, it drove her crazy!


    Her eyes greedily and morbidly stared at Song Zhao¡¯s swollen belly,


    Repeating that sentence, "Your bastard child is dead, so my child can live!"


    With that, Zhao stirred the dagger inserted into Yun Shan¡¯s abdomen violently with brute force until Yun Shan painful loosened her grip before seizing the chance and pushing Yun Shan to the ground.


    She held up the blood-stained red de without any hesitation and stabbed towards Song Zhao again.


    At the critical moment, a bright yellow shadow suddenly caught Song Zhao''s eye.


    Then a broad, powerful big hand pulled her small arm and drew her into his embrace.


    Song Zhao first smelled the scent of month orchid.


    After settling down, she saw that it was Xiao Jingheng who had appeared behind her somehow.


    As Zhao''s dagger fell, Xiao Jingheng raised his arm to block it with his forearm. His arm was identally injured.


    He acted very quickly. Taking advantage of Zhao''s absent-mindedness, he kicked her lower abdomen.


    Zhao was kicked more than ten feet away and fell to the ground. Jiang Deshun immediately controlled her.


    "Are you hurt?"


    Xiao Jingheng looked at Song Zhao with eyes full of concern.


    Song Zhao, still in shock, shook her head, but saw Xiao Jingheng¡¯s arm cut open and blood oozing from the damaged bright yellow dragon robe, extremely conspicuous.


    "Your Majesty, you are injured!"


    Xiao Jingheng put his hand behind his back indifferently. "It''s just a minor injury. The important thing is that you are unharmed."


    When Jiang Deshun learned that Xiao Jingheng was injured, he was so frightened that he turned pale. He immediately came up to ask questions and ordered someone to invite the Imperial Physician quickly.


    More and more pce maids surrounded Xiao Jingheng. Song Zhao was deliberately squeezed aside by the crowd.


    As soon as she was free, she immediately threw herself to the side of Yun Shan who was lying in a pool of blood, and held her cold hand, saying,


    "Yun Shan, hang in there!"


    Yun Shan''s body was very cold and kept shaking.


    Song Zhao took off her coat and covered her with it, patting her shoulders. "It''s okay. You''ll be fine."


    Yun Shan weakly raised her hand to wipe away Song Zhao''s tears.


    She looked relieved instead of painful, revealing a rxed smile.


    "Mydy, it¡¯s good that you¡¯re fine. I can finally... protect you once..."


    "Yun Shan! Wake up! Don''t sleep!"


    Yun Shan lost consciousness in Song Zhao''s arms without responding.


    Song Zhao shouted her name aloud and cried uncontrobly.


    All of this was seen by Xiao Jingheng, and he felt even more distressed.


    He asked them to take Yun Shan down to treat her injuries and be sure to save her life.


    Song Zhao really wanted to stay by Yun Shan¡¯s side the whole time, but after all Xiao Jingheng was also injured saving her. She couldn¡¯t not care about Xiao Jingheng at this moment, so she had no choice but to urge Jiang Deshun and said,


    "I''ll have to trouble Lord Jiang to take good care of this. Yun Shan grew up with me like a sister. You must make the imperial doctors save her life!"


    "Don''t worry, mydy. This servant will find the best imperial doctor to treat her!"


    Later, Song Zhao had no choice but to apany Xiao Jingheng back to Chaoyang Pce.


    When the imperial physician was bandaging his wound, on the one hand, Song Zhao was worried about Yun Shan¡¯s injury, and on the other hand, she was somewhat moved by Xiao Jingheng¡¯s rescue.


    She knew Xiao Jingheng.


    When the fire broke out in the Empress¡¯ pce, Xiao Jingheng was able to preserve himself, standing still as a rock outside the fire.


    How could he disregard his own safety today and help block the knife for her?


    This was really not like the cold and unemotional emperor she knew...


    The people serving in the imperial court worked very efficiently.


    Xiao Jingheng¡¯s wound had just been bandaged when Xiao Yinzi came in to report,


    "Replying to Your Majesty, Consort Chen had already gone mad in the Cold Pce. Her assassination attempt on Imperial Concubine Song should have been idental."


    Xiao Jingheng frowned in displeasure, "She was locked up in the Cold Pce, how did she get out?"


    "Well..." Xiao Yinzi hesitated, "It was because Consort Chen went to see her and identally let her escape."


    ¡ª¡ª"Your Majesty, Your Majesty, are you okay?"


    An anxious and somewhat erratic female voice sounded outside the door. Xiao Yinzi had just mentioned Consort Chen when she came to the door herself.


    Consort Chen ran into the inner bedroom crying.


    She loved beauty the most, but at this moment her tears had blurred her makeup after obviously crying all the way here. It could be seen that she was very anxious.


    As soon as she entered, she didn''t even bother to greet them properly, and ran up to Xiao Jingheng in a fluster, asking long questions


    "How is it? Imperial Physician Chu, is His Majesty''s injury serious or not? Why is there still so much blood even after the bandage?"


    She covered her nose and tears kept streaming down her face.


    "It''s all my fault, it''s all my fault! If anything happens to His Majesty, what am I going to do..."


    Song Zhao could see that Consort Chen''s tears were not fake this time.


    She was really worried about Xiao Jingheng, so anxious that she didn''t even want to cover up her own mistakes.


    Seeing her cry like this, Xiao Jingheng frowned and sighed,


    "What made you provoke Zhao for no reason? Didn''t I tell you that no one is allowed to visit her without my permission? Did you take my words as just air?"


    Consort Chen said, "This is all my fault. His Majesty is injured by that madwoman, I deserve ten thousand deaths. I beg His Majesty not to get angry... otherwise the just bandaged wound may open up again, which would be bad."


    She was only concerned about Xiao Jingheng¡¯s well-being. No matter how Xiao Jingheng scolded her, she agreed to everything.


    It seemed as if Xiao Jingheng was injured, her world had copsed.


    Later when the Empress heard the news and rushed over,


    she first asked about Xiao Jingheng¡¯s injury, and did not forget to give some words offort to the shocked Song Zhao.


    Then she scolded Consort Chen,


    "Consort Chen, you caused such chaos in managing the six pces. Zhao injured His Majesty¡¯s dragon body and almost harmed the imperial heir in Imperial Concubine¡¯s womb. Do you even know what you are doing?"


    Unlike usual, Consort Chen did not argue with the Empress. "Zhao said insane and insulting things to me in the Cold Pce. I was so angry that I wanted to go argue with her..."


    The Empress said sternly, "She has gone mad. Did you go mad with her too? What kind of nonsense can a madwoman say that is worth you arguing with her about it?"


    Although this was an ident, the me ultimatelyy with Consort Chen¡¯s recklessness. Xiao Jingheng also had to punish her.


    So he said to Consort Chen,


    "You still have this kind of temperament, reckless and impetuous. How can you manage the six pces well? Before the Empress gives birth, let Consort Yin be in charge of the affairs of the six pces. You can reflect well in the pce and change this impulsiveness as well."


    Consort Chen repeatedly nodded and sobbed,


    "I can give up everything, as long as His Majesty is safe and sound."


    From the corner of her eye, Song Zhao noticed that although the Empress''s expression was normal when Xiao Jingheng was speaking just now, her naturally hanging fingers were gently twisting her handkerchief.


    It could be seen that the Empress was very happy that Consort Chen had lost power but she pretended well by not saying anything more to ask Xiao Jingheng to punish Consort Chen further. Instead, she asked,


    "Then what should be done with Zhao?"


    Xiao Jingheng was silent for a moment, and spat out extremely coldly,


    "Secretly kill her without announcing the death."

 Chapter 172: Next to Your Eyes

    <h4>Chapter 172</h4>


    Zhao did not report the death, which was equivalent to dying without making it known.


    Thus, Zhao could neither enter the empress'' mausoleum, nor could her corpse be returned to her maternal home. She could only be hastily buried, bing a wandering ghost.


    Now, Zhao''s only remaining value to Xiao Jingheng was her somewhat useful maternal home, behind her back, in the court.


    He must have wanted topletely exploit herst bit of worth, so as not to have let her vainly enter the pce to enjoy glory and luxury for a while.


    The Empress did not try to advise him, only saying, "This servant understands what to do."


    Xiao Jingheng nodded in agreement, then said, "Alright, We have no major issues, you may all stop gathering here. Let Yi Concubine stay by my side to attend to me."


    Consort Chen guiltily said, "Please allow this servant to also stay by Your Majesty''s side to attend to you, or else I will not be able to feel at ease."


    The Empress paid them no mind regarding who would stay behind to care for the illness.


    After bidding farewell to Xiao Jingheng, she took her pnquin back to the pce.


    Upon returning to the pce, Shuang Ruo helped the Empress take off her shoes and socks, and massaged her slightly swollen jade feet. She also ordered someone to fetch a basin of hot water.


    Carrying this child was extremely arduous for the Empress. Almost all diforts of pregnancy were manifesting in her during theter trimesters.


    When the pce maid brought the hot water,


    Shuang Ruo began attending to the Empress washing her feet while saying,


    "Unexpectedly, at such a critical moment, His Majesty happened to catch them. What a pity, Zhao was ultimately unable to injure Yi Concubine in the end."


    The Empress faintly smiled, "It matters not. Unable to injure Yi Concubine, but Consort Chen''s authority to manage the Six Pces has also been diminished. With no real power left in her hands, let''s see how domineering she can still be."


    Shuang Ruo sighed, "But His Majesty was also truly endangered this time."


    The Empress'' heart tightened,


    Not because she was worried for Xiao Jingheng, but because of resentment and dissatisfaction.


    In the past, when Feng Luan Pce caught fire, Xiao Jingheng had stood outside the doors shouting, yet didn''t even dare to take a single step into the fire scene.


    How was it that today, when Song Zhao was in danger, Xiao Jingheng could throw himself in front of the de for her?


    Sensing the change in the Empress'' expression, Shuang Ruo realized she had spoken wrongly and immediately tried to remedy,


    "In fact, it was also because Yi Concubine is carrying the imperial heir that His Majesty would save her."


    "Hmph." The Empress let out a cold sneer, jealousy surfacing in her eyes, "Back when Feng Luan Pce flooded, was I not also pregnant and trapped in raging inferno?"


    Seeing there was no glossing this over, Shuang Ruo simply changed the subject, "Actually, this servant finds some things puzzling. Logically speaking, the child in Xiao Noble Lady''s womb should pose a greater threat to Empress. If she gives birth to an imperial son before Empress does, he would be the precious prince. Since Empress wanted to use Zhao this time, why not target Xiao Noble Lady instead?"


    "Her? Haha." The Empress coldlyughed with a shake of her head, her tone rxed, "Let her give birth. I guarantee you, even if she manages to birth a son before me, His Majesty will absolutely not recognize his status as precious prince."


    Shuang Ruo asked in puzzlement, "Does Empress know something? How can you be so certain?"


    The Empress said, "His Majesty is the true Son of Heaven, awe-inspiring and renowned throughout thend. How could he recognize a monster as his precious prince?"


    *


    At the same time, in Chaoyang Pce.


    Attending to Xiao Jingheng was one thing Consort Chen could do better than anyone.


    She was currentlyying out dishes for Xiao Jingheng and helping him rinse his mouth with a jade pot, wishing she could directly feed him the dishes.


    Today was Song Zhao''s birthday. The sumptuous evening meal in Chaoyang Pce was prepared for her,


    Yet now, Song Zhao was being ignored, as if an outsider.


    Seeing this, Xiao Jingheng said to Consort Chen, "Today is Yi Concubine''s birthday, leaving her here was intentional. You may return first."


    What mood did Song Zhao have left to stay for her birthday?


    Her mind waspletely preupied with Yun Shan''s well-being.


    Just as she was thinking of how to decline Xiao Jingheng, she heard Consort Chen say,


    "My young sister Yi Concubine is pregnant. Having been frightened today, and Your Majesty is also injured on the arm. It would be tiring for my sister to stay and attend to you, which might strain the imperial heir in her womb as well."


    Spotting an opportunity to cut in, Song Zhao promptly echoed, "This servant is fine."


    Although she said she was fine, her words came out feeble and breathless. She weakly grasped her temples and swayed unsteadily, looking as if she could barely stand.


    Only then did Xiao Jingheng say, "I was neglectful. Jiang Deshun, have someone escort Yi Concubine back."


    Consort Chen said, "Did Yi Concubine not say her pnquin was damaged just now? Let her take this servant''s pnquin back so that Your Majesty may feel at ease."


    Xiao Jingheng nodded in agreement, then had Consort Chen send Song Zhao off first.


    After the two left Chaoyang Pce, Consort Chen dismissed her attendants, leaving only Song Zhao standing with her at the gates.


    Although not looking Song Zhao in the eye directly, and speaking arrogantly, her words were not abrasive,


    "Believe me. This matter was not intended to target you. I went to find Zhao purely because she had been spewing all kinds of vile nonsense about me in the Cold Pce. I lost my temper and wanted to reason with her, but never expected her to get away... All of this was just an ident."


    "I naturally believe in Empress. But does Empress really think this matter was as simple as an ident?"


    "What do you mean?"


    Song Zhao moved closer to Consort Chen and lowered her voice, "Zhao was a madwoman who had escaped from the Cold Pce. So where did she get that dagger? Could it be she just happened to pick it up in the long corridors?"


    Consort Chen pondered briefly with knitted brows, casting a sideways nce at her, "Are you saying... someone set us up?"


    Song Zhao saw no need to beat around the bush with Consort Chen. "I don''t know who ryed Zhao''s vile ravings from the Cold Pce to Empress. But Empress should consider, was there really a need for you to know of those words?"


    Seeing Consort Chen lower her eyes in contemtion, Song Zhao continued, "A loyal servant is one who can relieve their master''s worries and troubles. Yet the person by Empress'' side deliberately told you these things? Other than inciting Empress'' anger, what possible benefit could saying these words bring Empress? It really makes one wonder about the intentions behind the person who uttered them."


    Had Song Zhao not brought it up, Consort Chen wouldn''t have found it suspicious.


    As soon as she mentioned it, Consort Chen immediately sensed something amiss.


    She had never asked Qiu Lan to go snoop around the Cold Pce for news of Zhao. Why did Qiu Lan voluntarily tell her all this?


    Her gaze darkened, harboring spection, "Was it Qiu Lan?"


    Song Zhao did not respond to her words, "In any case, Empress must watch over the pce maids closely. Ying Xiang was originally Empress'' personal pce maid, so Empress naturally trusted her. But who can guarantee that the maids by your side now are equally sincere to you?"


    Song Zhao paused, intentionally emphasizing, "One cannot rule out the possibility that the person Empress trusts now could in fact be someone else''s nted spy."


    Consort Chen was not smart enough.


    Even after Song Zhao''s reminders, she only just realized.


    She also understood arranging Shuiying by Song Zhao''s side.


    And Qiu Lan had onlye to serve her after entering the pce. Who could vouch for her background being clear?


    If it was said that Qiu Lan was a mole buried by her side,


    Other than the Empress, who else could be behind her?


    Consort Chen was suddenly furious, choking with anger, "That wretched Empress!"


    "Shh." Song Zhao gently ced her forefinger to her lips, making a silencing gesture, "Zhao has lost her mind. A madwoman''s words cannot be counted. Regarding this, Empress and I can only admit defeat, since there will be absolutely no evidence left behind."


    It took Consort Chen a good while to suppress her anger. She spoke to Song Zhao in as calm a tone as she could manage, "I understand now. Also, your personal maid was injured today, and protected you just as Ying Xiang once protected me. I also see Ying Xiang''s shadow in her."


    Mentioning Ying Xiang, Consort Chen was slightly despondent.


    She deeply inhaled, then let out a long sigh,


    "I hope she will be safe, and not meet the same fate as Ying Xiang. You should hurry back to check on her, don''t dy any longer. The pce maids carrying my pnquin have quick feet."


    Hearing this, Song Zhao''s gaze froze.


    She clearly had not expected such sentimental words toe from Consort Chen''s mouth.


    So she curtsied and said sincerely,


    "This servant gives Empress much thanks for your understanding."

 Chapter 173: A Restless Death

    <h4>Chapter 173</h4>


    The strange thing that happened today, Song Zhao had actually noticed something wrong early on:


    Zhao had gone mad, but was somehow able to get past so many guards along the long avenue, dagger in hand, lying in ambush for her on the road that must be taken to get to Chaoyang Pce from Xian Shou Pce?


    If no one had instructed her, helped and abetted her, there was no way she could have aplished this alone given her state.


    Moreover, today, as soon as Zhao saw her, she kept repeating the same crazed words over and over,


    "Your evil spawn is dead, and my child will be able to live again."


    Clearly someone had said something upsetting to the already mad Zhao, making her feel that by killing Song Zhao and the imperial heir in her belly, her own child woulde back to life.


    In addition, there were far too many coincidences in this matter.


    The spirit tablet of the previous emperor in Fengxian Hall randomly toppled over, Consort Chen inexplicably went to provoke Zhao and mistakenly let her out, Song Zhao''s pnquin broke down early orte, but it had to happen right at this moment...


    When there are too many coincidences, it necessarily means there are human factors involved.


    Later, when Song Zhao heard why Consort Chen had gone to provoke Zhao,


    Song Zhao guessed that the maid named Qiu Lan must be the Empress'' spy nted by Consort Chen''s side,


    Otherwise, what loyal servant would stir up trouble like this?


    Therefore, Song Zhao had to remind Consort Chen earlier to clean out the spies by her side as soon as possible.


    After all, if this spy remained in Consort Chen''s pce, and she happened to discover the confession letter Song Zhao had written to her one day, that would be a huge headache.


    Of course, Song Zhao was able to analyze this much based on the limited clues, which also meant Xiao Jingheng certainly would not be kept in the dark.


    But Zhao was a madwoman, a madwoman''s words could not be believed, so pursuing this matter further would be fruitless.


    The Empress had always acted in this way,


    thinking three steps ahead, ensuring she had a fallback n so she could get away scot-free before making her move.


    Although they could not pin anything on the Empress for this matter,


    with Xiao Jingheng''s suspicious nature, what good woulde to the Empress?


    She may have won this round, but there would surely be endless troubles waiting for her afterwards.


    Returning to the pce, the first thing Song Zhao did was go see how Yun Shan was doing.


    Xiao Fuzi had been keeping watch at Yun Shan''s side, eyes unblinking as he looked at her.


    The imperial doctor had cleaned Yun Shan''s wounds and stitched up the gashes.


    The bleeding had stopped and her life was temporarily preserved,


    but due to major blood loss, she still remained unconscious and had not emerged from danger.


    Looking at Yun Shan lying silently on the sickbed,


    her face was as pale as snow, her lips chapped and peeling,pletely devoid of vitality.


    Song Zhao felt a sharp wrench in her heart.


    She gently stroked Yun Shan''s forehead, tidying her disheveled hair. Fighting back the sorrow in her heart, she said to Xiao Fuzi:


    "You go rest, I will keep watch over her tonight."


    But Xiao Fuzi said, "Please let this ve stay by Yun Shan''s side..."


    She knew of his feelings for Yun Shan,


    so she did not stop him.


    That night, Song Zhao tossed and turned, barely sleeping a wink.


    At first light just before dawn the next day, she got up to wash and went to check on Yun Shan.


    Arriving there, she saw Xiao Fuzi still sitting on the stool by the bed, maintaining the exact same posture as yesterday. His eyes were bloodshot, and dark circles had formed under his eyes.


    "You didn''t sleep all night?"


    Xiao Fuzi was very proper, men and women should not be intimate. He did not dare sully Yun Shan''s purity,


    so he had spent the entire night just staring fixedly at her without even touching her hand once.


    "With Yun Shan like this, I can do nothing for her, I can only keep watching over her and hope she wakes up sooner."


    Song Zhao was worried that if this continued, Yun Shan would not wake up but Xiao Fuzi would copse first. So she said,


    "Go rest for a bit, I will keep watch here."


    Xiao Fuzi remained rooted to the spot, refusing to budge.


    Song Zhao reached out to pull him.


    But as soon as she grabbed his forearm, he let out a hiss, and his expression twisted in pain.


    Song Zhao''s eyebrows knitted slightly. Seeing the bloodstains seeping through Xiao Fuzi''s brown pce uniform,


    he tried to hide it, but Song Zhao had already grasped his wrist and rolled up his sleeve.


    Revealed before her eyes was Xiao Fuzi''s forearm wrapped in coarse cloth.


    The not-so-white material was almost soaked through with blood already.


    Song Zhao immediately understood, "You offered your flesh and blood as medicine?"


    Xiao Fuzi quickly pulled his arm back and sheepishly rolled down his sleeve. "This ve only wanted Yun Shan to wake up sooner, and tried to do something for her..."


    "Are you crazy?" Song Zhao was somewhat angry. "You study medicine yourself, don''t you know how absurd this method is? Yun Shan has been with me since childhood, I see her as a sister. She was injured protecting me, my heart aches more than anyone''s. But what can be done? Does it mean we stop living? Raise your head and look at me."


    Xiao Fuzi sobbed and lifted his eyes to meet Song Zhao''s resolute gaze.


    Hearing Song Zhao continue, "Feel sad in your heart, no need to show it. You don''t have to keep vigil at her bedside day and night, offer your flesh and blood as medicine, just to show your concern for her.


    Do you think that by doing this, other than gaining some worthless self-satisfaction, what else can you achieve? Can Yun Shan wake up because of it? If she wakes up and knows you harmed yourself like this, will it make her feel better?"


    The harsh words served to scold Xiao Fuzi awake.


    He wiped his tears and softly said, "What Lady teaches is right, it''s this ve''s mistake."


    Song Zhao knew his actions came from deep care for Yun Shan, so she did not continue ming him.


    "Lady." Zhihua''s voice sounded from outside the sickroom. "The Empress'' aunt Shuang Ruo is here. She said she''s following the Empress'' decree to bring medicine for Yun Shan."


    Song Zhao''s expression clearly turned ugly.


    She suppressed the disgust in her heart and spoke coldly, "Let her in."


    Xiao Fuzi moved the stool aside and stood formally behind Song Zhao.


    Soon after, Shuang Ruo entered bearing a medicine box. She bowed fully to Song Zhao and greeted her,


    "This lowly servant pays respects to Noble Lady Yi, may Lady be safe and well."


    "Lady, please rise." Song Zhao smiled amiably at her and said,


    "This is excellent Nine Heavens Golden Sore medicine, best for healing wounds. The Empress specially granted it as reward since Yun Shan is a loyal servant who protected her master."


    Song Zhao smiled shallowly and said, "The Empress is benevolent, even caring for the maids by my side, I am truly touched. Xiao Fuzi, quickly take the medicine."


    Afterwards, Shuang Ruo went through the motions of checking on Yun Shan, saying a couple perfunctory words of concern before taking her leave.


    As soon as she left the pce, Xiao Fuzi could not help but spit and say angrily,


    "She didn''te to care about Yun Shan at all! She clearly came to mock us on the Empress'' behalf!"


    Song Zhao''s expression was extremely gloomy, her eyes brimming with piercing murderous intent.


    She abruptly raised her hand and flipped over the medicine box on the floor,


    before tightly clenching her fists until her slender fingertips seemed to dig into her flesh, snarling,


    "If Yun Shanes to any harm, I will make the Empress unable to live or die in peace!"

 Chapter 174: Human Skin Lantern

    <h4>Chapter 174</h4>


    During the time Yun Shan was in aa, Zhao was secretly executed.


    Xiao Jingheng originally ordered her tomit suicide,


    but upon hearing that she was unwilling to go to her death, smashing the poisoned wine, throwing away the dagger, and tearing the white silk, making a big fuss.


    Later, it was toote, and the eunuch performing the execution ran out of patience.


    He grabbed her head and smashed it against the pce wall, directly bashing her to death.


    When this matter was reported to the emperor, Xiao Jingheng did not investigate further.


    He only had Zhao''s corpse cremated, leaving a handful of ashes ced in an urn, which was sent to Wanfu Temple on the outskirts of the capital for enshrinement.


    It was said to be for crossing over Zhao''s soul, but it was actually to suppress her resentful spirit, to give the living peace of mind.


    The day after Zhao''s death, Yun Shan, who had been in aa for days, finally woke up.


    Her body was still very weak, but she had regained consciousness.


    The imperial doctor said she had safely passed the critical period and was extremely fortunate.


    At that time, Xiao Fuzi was crying with tears and snot flowing down his face, while Song Zhao was also tightly holding Yun Shan''s hand, her eyes reddened.


    Yun Shan weakly smiled, "This ve thanks Mistress..."


    Song Zhao did not understand, and clutched her hand even tighter, "Silly girl, what are you thanking me for? You protected me with your life, I should be the one thanking you."


    "I saved Mistress, but Mistress also saved me." Yun Shan coughed lightly twice, caught her breath and continued,


    "Although I could not speak or move while I was sleeping these past few days, I was conscious and aware. At that time, I felt like I was shrouded in a ck fog, and I could only see a tiny bit of light in the distance.


    I felt so tired, and I wanted to fall asleep in the ck fog several times. But whenever I wanted to give up, I could hear two voices constantly talking to me, calling me back."


    With great effort, she raised her hand and wiped away the tears on Song Zhao''s cheeks, "I could tell one of the voices was Miss''s. I couldn''t bear to leave Miss, so I desperately ran towards the light."


    Song Zhao gently stroked Yun Shan''s bangs.


    There were still tears in her eyes, but she smiled indulgently, "What about the other voice?"


    Yun Shan nced at Xiao Fuzi who was crying his eyes out, and pouted, "That voice was sobbing and mumbling unclearly, I couldn''t make out what he was saying. I just felt he was useless."


    Upon hearing this, Xiao Fuzi immediately wiped away his tears and raised his chin at Yun Shan, and started to retort,


    "Who was sobbing? You and I serve Mistress together. If you were to have any mishaps, wouldn''t all the big and small matters in Chang Le Pce fall on me afterwards? Don''t think about cking off! So I kept calling out loudly for you, telling you to hurry up and wake up, hurry up and serve Mistress, don''t think you can hide away like that!"


    Yun Shan scolded him, "I''m more than happy to serve Mistress. If you''re not willing, you might as well give me your monthly wages, I''ll do your work and send you back to the Xinze Prison!"


    Song Zhaoughed as she watched them bickering.


    From the corner of her eye, she also glimpsed the scenery outside the window.


    The weather today was exceptionally sunny. The sun was at its peak, bathing the lush courtyard in ayer of golden light, very beautiful.


    Just like Song Zhao''s mood.


    *


    May 23rd was the Empress''s birthday.


    It should have been a grand celebration,


    but because the Empress was about to give birth soon, everything was kept simple. There was no birthday banquet held, only inviting the consorts to visit her pce, give blessings and gifts, and chat casually.


    On this day, Consort Chen, who was usually arrogant, arrived unusually early for once.


    After the consorts had presented the Empress with the gifts they had carefully prepared,


    she also took out her own present.


    What she gave to the Empress was antern made of leather,


    the leather was thin and translucent, looking very rare.


    Consort Yun curiously asked, "What kind of leather is this made of? It doesn''t look like sheepskin, it seems even thinner and more transparent."


    Consort Chen nced at her and awkwardlyughed, "As expected, a girl from a humble family has not seen much of the world. Naturally, what I gifted the Empress would be the best, how could I give her something ordinary?"


    As she spoke, she held up thentern and started introducing it,


    "This is made from the skin of a ck mountain antelopemb, it is tough and translucent. It is the best thing to use for lighting when walking at night."


    "I gift this to Her Majesty the Empress, wishing that the road ahead will be filled with radiant light for Her Majesty."


    The Empress smiled gracefully, "You are thoughtful. I really like it."


    "That''s good if Your Majesty likes it. Liu Yue, quickly present the gift."


    Consort Chen ordered the maidservant beside her. As Song Zhao watched, Consort Chen''s personal maid had already been reced with another in the past few days, and Qiu Lan was nowhere to be seen.


    That maid named Liu Yue had just taken thentern when Consort Chen introduced her to everyone,


    "I forgot to inform Her Majesty. This is Liu Yue. She used to serve me back when I was in my parental home, along with Ying Xiang. A few days ago, my brother sent her into the pce, saying he was afraid the maids from the imperial household department would not understand my temperament well and would not serve me properly. So His Majesty allowed her toe and attend to me. Your Majesty will not object, right?"


    The Empress said, "Of course, someone who has long served by your side would naturally know your thoughts better. Your family cares about you, and His Majesty has permitted it, what objections could I have?"


    Consort Chen smiled silently and signaled Liu Yue with her eyes to present thentern.


    Shuang Ruo had just taken thentern, and was about to pass it to the Empress for her to appreciate,


    when she suddenly caught sight of a purple orchid-shaped pattern on the side of thentern,


    "Ah!"


    She let out an inappropriate scream, and reflexively dropped thentern onto the ground.


    Consort Chen looked displeased, "What is the meaning of this? How could you ruin the gift I carefully prepared for Her Majesty in this way?"


    Shuang Ruo immediately knelt down, her voice trembling,


    "This ve recognizes her mistake, may the Empress forgive me, may Consort Chen forgive me!"


    The Empress also scolded, "Why are you so reckless?"


    Although she rebuked Shuang Ruo, Shuang Ruo had served the Empress for over ten years, so the Empress knew of Shuang Ruo''sposure, that she would never make such a low-level mistake.


    Thus, she lowered her eyes to look at the fallenntern,


    and was also shocked when she saw the orchid pattern.


    This pattern closely resembled the birthmark on Qiu Lan''s back, and it was because of this birthmark that she was given the name Qiu Lan.


    So...


    What Consort Chen had brought was not a leatherntern at all,


    but a human skinntern made from ying Qiu Lan''s skin!


    Thinking of such a bloody scene, the Empress only felt revulsion, and her stomach immediately churned, clutching her chest and retching repeatedly.


    Consort Chen, however, sneered,


    "Your Majesty''s pregnancy reactions are quite severe. Coincidentally, themp oil in thisntern, I deliberately added some tranquilizing incense, which works best to calm the nerves and stop vomiting."


    As she spoke, her eyes turned fierce as she scolded Shuang Ruo,


    "What are you still dawdling for? Hurry up and pick up thentern and light it for the Empress?"

 Chapter 175: Live in the House 01

    <h4>Chapter 175</h4>


    Shuang Ruo was so frightened that she froze in ce, not daring to move at all. "This is..."


    She turned pale as she looked towards the Empress.


    But she saw that the Empress had picked up her tea cup to take a sip of water, suppressing her nausea, before saying in her usual tone:


    "Since this is Consort Chen''s intention, go ahead and light it up."


    Only then did Shuang Ruo hesitantly pluck up the courage to pick up thentern with trembling hands and nervously light the candlewick.


    This "sheepskin"ntern was indeed thin and translucent,


    not only providing excellent illumination, but the smoke given off by thentern wick also had a refreshing and pleasant fragrance.


    The concubines offered sessivepliments, while Song Zhao also said a couple of polite words along with everyone else.


    However, her body was visibly leaning towards the side of Consort Yao next to her.


    She was feeling nauseous and had no desire at all to smell that odor.


    Consort Chen looked towards the Empress.


    At this moment, her expression was like someone who had just eaten a dead housefly but still had to smack her lips and praise what a wonderful vor it was - it looked rather ridiculous.


    So Consort Chen said very smugly:


    "It''s good that the Empress likes it. Then you can enjoy it properly. This servant will take her leave first."


    She had just left when the Empress quickly ordered everyone else to disperse as well.


    How could she not dismiss everyone?


    Otherwise, enduring it a moment longer, she was afraid she would start violently retching in front of everyone.


    No matter how Consort Chen and the Empress fought with each other, Song Zhao only watched it as entertainment.


    She didn''t take this matter to heart.


    After returning to the pce, she personally fed medicine to Yun Shan.


    The weather had started to be hot and humid recently, so Song Zhao also had half of the ice sent over by the Imperial Household Department ced in Yun Shan''s quarters.


    When dusk fell and a breeze came up in the courtyard making it nice and cool,


    Song Zhao then supported Yun Shan out to sit in the shady spot in the courtyard to enjoy the cool air.


    Leaning on her cheeks looking at the green leaves on the sophora tree, Yun Shan sighed emotionally:


    "Does Noble Consort still remember the summers when you were little? Sister Tong would oftene stay at our residence then. Every night, Noble Consort would sit under the big pine and cypress trees in the yard with Sister Tong to enjoy the evening cool, while this ve stood to one side attending you, also feeling extremely happy watching you joke around and have fun."


    What Yun Shan spoke of was, apart from her birth mother, one of the few happy memories from Song Zhao''s childhood.


    She also often thought back on those times.


    "Yes. I also wonder how Sister Tong is doing now, whether she has married the man she desired? I remember she most wished for a lifetimemitment to one person. Her father had never taken a concubine in his life. She said she really admired her mother for finding such an ideal husband."


    When Song Zhao mentioned Jin Lan, and then thought of herself, she gave a somewhat helpless sigh,


    "My only hope is that she is well in every way."


    At this moment, Xiao Fuzi came bouncing back from outside the pce. Coming up to Song Zhao, sheughed:


    "Noble Consort, guess who the Emperor flipped over the name que of tonight?"


    Song Zhao spoke in an indifferent tone. "Since you can ask this, it surely isn''t Consort Chen or Consort Ying. Is it Consort Yao?"


    "No! Tonight the Emperor turned over Consort Hui''s que!"


    "Consort Hui?" Song Zhao was a little surprised, but soon nodded. "She turned fourteen at the end of the second month. Today was the first time the Emperor turned over her que. That''s not unexpected."


    The day after a concubine''s first time sleeping with the Emperor, she had to go pay her respects to the Empress.


    So early next morning, all the concubines gathered together at Kunning Pce again.


    But Song Zhao noticed that all of theirplexions didn''t seem very good.


    Well, that was only natural.


    After today, there would be yet another person in the inner pcepeting with them for imperial favor.


    Other than Song Zhao, how could such a thing sit well with anyone else?


    Seeing that it was already past the time but there was still no sign of Consort Hui,


    Consort Chen was unable to restrain herself any longer.


    She shot a contemptuous look at Liu Yue for waving her fan too weakly, then snatched the fan over. Waving the fan herself with one hand while fanning air over herself with ill humor, she said:


    "That little twit dares toete for her first audience after spending the night? Just who is she trying to show off for?"


    --"Waa--waa--waa~"


    Consort Chen had scarcely finished speaking when the sound of a young girl''s sobs came from outside the pce hall.


    Everyone looked to see Consort Hui walking in wiping away her tears while crying miserably.


    She paid her respects to the Empress ording to full etiquette, but her babbling words were iprehensible due to her heavy crying.


    The Empress said: "First sit down. It''s always joy written on everyone''s faces the day after first spending the night. Why are you crying like a tearful ghost?"


    After Consort Hui sat down, her sobbing still did not cease. "Empress...this concubine is afraid..."


    She was crying so hard she was huping, unable to exin anything clearly.


    So the Empress asked her personal pce maid Rui Er,


    "What''s happened to your mistress?"


    Rui Er said: "Replying to the Empress, after my mistress returned from spending the night yesterday, at first everything was fine. But as soon as she entered the pce gate, she caught sight of a trail of linked rats running through the courtyard. My mistress is terrified of rats. With it being the season when there are the most snakes, worms, rats and ants, she was badly frightened."


    "Oh?" Consort Yun gave a contemptuous snort. "Just a few rats can frighten her like this? Consort Hui truly is delicate and precious."


    Consort Yun also mockingly added:


    "How could she not be delicate and precious? Consort Hui''s maternal home is even more prestigious than the imperial pce. She has been pampered since childhood, so where has she seen filthy things like rats?"


    Consort Yao also said: "She''s been in the pce for four years already. It''s not as if she hasn''t seen rats before either. Must she be so overly dramatic about it?"


    Seeing everyone ridiculing her, Consort Hui felt wronged in her heart and cried even harder.


    Rui Er spoke up to exin on her behalf:


    "When Consort Hui entered the pce, she lived together with Consort Yao at first. Later when she was granted her title and moved to Zhaochun Pce, not long after that when the new beauties entered the pce, my mistress came to live together with Noble Consort Xiao and Concubine Liu.


    Back then when she saw rats and the like, my mistress would also be afraid, but at least there were other consorts living together with my mistress who could apany her sleeping, so my mistress was not as fearful. But now Noble Consort Xiao has moved to live in Consort Chen''s pce, while Concubine Liu has... My mistress is left with no choice but to live alone. She has to keepmps lit all night while sleeping, so of course she became afraid..."


    Hearing these words, Consort Chen mocked even more harshly:


    "What''s this? Does she still need someone to hold and coax her to sleep at night? Wasn''t she dramatic enough with the Emperorst night? And now she wants us all to watch her pitiful theater here?"


    When Consort Hui heard this, she cried even harder.


    She sat next to Song Zhao and clutched her hand as she looked at her tearfully, "Sister Song Zhao, may I move to live with you?"


    "This is..."


    Song Zhao was somewhat troubled.


    Both she and Consort Hui held the rank of Noble Consort, and were the mistress of their respective pces.


    If Consort Hui moved in to live with her, what would that signify? Which main pce hall would have to be vacated?


    The Empress also said: "You both hold the same pce mistress rank, how can you possibly live together in the same pce?"


    Unexpectedly, Consort Hui blurted out entreatingly:


    "Waa--waa--I don''t want the mistress rank anymore! I will go beg the Emperor to demote me to a lower position like Concubine Liu''s, no matter what it is! Waa--waa-- I don''t want to live alone!"


    Hearing this, the entire hall immediately erupted into astonished murmurs.


    People had only ever seen others desperately seeking promotions, this was certainly the first time seeing someone voluntarily requesting demotion!


    But Consort Hui didn''t care whatsoever about everyone else''s astonished looks.


    She only clung tightly to Song Zhao''s hand, crying even harder.

 Chapter 176: Live With the Wives 02

    <h4>Chapter 176</h4>


    No matter what Consort Hui said,


    the Empress was certainly unwilling for her to move in with Song Zhao. The other consorts had the same thoughts.


    Everyone knew Song Zhao was currently favored and doted on. Plus Consort Hui was young and had just started serving the emperor''s bed, so she was fresh and new to Xiao Jingheng. He might favor and dote on her more.


    If they lived together, wouldn''t that make it easier for them to gang up andpete for favor in the future?


    In fact, it wasn''t just the others who didn''t want it, even Song Zhao herself didn''t want to live with Consort Hui.


    No one knew what these pce women really thought in private.


    Rather than keeping this unstable element by her side to be a hidden danger in the future,


    she might as well not ept her from the start.


    That was what Song Zhao thought, but she said:


    "Sister Consort Hui, don''t cry. Sister just wants to live with me, it''s not that big of a deal."


    Her eyes were gentle and smiling as she looked at the Empress,


    "Why doesn''t the Empress just grant her request? As it happens, I live alone in Changle Pce, and when I''m free I always feel bored."


    The consorts were already unhappy with what Consort Hui said.


    Now that even Song Zhao spoke like this, they became more vignt.


    First, Consort Chen disagreed, "You want her to live with you? Who lives in the main hall, and who lives in the side hall? How to differentiate status? Don''t tell me at night you two will wrap yourselves in nkets and sleep in one bed?"


    Consort Yun also said, "This is too improper. Let me ask, if in the future everyone says they are afraid to live alone and asks the Empress to rearrange the pces, wouldn''t the harem be chaotic? I could also say I''m afraid of the dark and simply move in with Consort Yin."


    "Don''t you daree." Consort Yin nced at Consort Yun with disdain. "I don''t have that interest. To sleep with you in one bed, just thinking about it makes me shudder."


    Consort Yun shot her a white-eyed re in return.


    "Hmph, who do you think you are, you Hu barbarian, some delicious tidbit?"


    Seeing they were about to start arguing, the Empress sternly said,


    "Enough, be quiet."


    When everyone calmed down, she looked at Song Zhao and Consort Hui and said,


    "The harem has its rules, it''s not something I can do whatever I want. Consort Hui, just keep living on your own. If you''re afraid, have more pce maids keep night watch in the corridor."


    Consort Hui pouted. "But..."


    "It''s settled. You''re all dismissed."


    The Empress decisively dashed Consort Hui''s hopes, which worked out for Song Zhao after all.


    On their way out, Song Zhao saw Consort Hui was still sobbing softly, so she went up tofort her,


    "Sister, don''t cry anymore. If you cry and make your eyes swell, it''ll make the Emperorugh."


    Consort Hui pursed her lips and wiped her tears aggrievedly.


    "The sisters all doted on me before, they didn''t fuss no matter what I said, and were always giving me tasty treats. I don''t know why today they''ve all changed..."


    Song Zhao didn''t know if Consort Hui really didn''t understand or was just pretending to be naive.


    She had served the emperor''s bed, she was no longer the child who only knew to fill her stomach and posed no threat to anyone.


    But Song Zhao didn''t spell it out for her, only saying,


    "Sister is overthinking, everyone still treats you the same as before. It''s just there''s never been a precedent for this, it involves the harem''s rules, so of course it seems especially serious. Don''t be upset, hurry back to rest."


    Song Zhao thought this little storm would pass uneventfully.


    It wasn''t until evening meal time, when Xiao Jingheng came to her pce to apany her, that she realized this matter was far from over.


    At the time, the two of them were dining. Xiao Jingheng suddenly mentioned what had happened that morning in the Empress''s pce.


    "I heard Consort Hui said she wanted to move in with you this morning and got the displeasure of the joint consorts?"


    Song Zhao said, "It''s not that they were displeased, just that everyone observes the rules and persuaded Sister Consort a bit, which upset her."


    Xiao Jingheng suddenly put down his chopsticks and grasped Song Zhao''s hand.


    "I don''t care what she thinks. But I remember you told me before you felt stifled living alone in the pce. Today when Consort Hui said she wanted to live with you, it reminded me. She''s innocent and carefree, without so many twists and turns in her thinking, and you two can chat together. I think having her keep youpany to liven things up wouldn''t be bad."


    Hearing this, Song Zhao smiled gently,


    "I didn''t expect the Emperor to take such care over a casual remark I made."


    Song Zhao had told Xiao Jingheng she felt stifled living alone in the pce.


    But anyone could tell those were coy words hinting that she wanted Xiao Jingheng to apany her more often.


    She didn''t expect Xiao Jingheng to use it as a pretext to force Consort Hui into her pce!


    Song Zhao was unhappy,


    but Xiao Jingheng had spoken, implicitly and explicitly showing care for her, so she couldn''t decline either.


    She could only say, "The Emperor''s intentions are good. But Sister Consort and I are both consorts. If we live together, Sister Consort entered the pce earlier, so she should rightly have the main hall. It wouldn''t be right to inconvenience her."


    But Xiao Jingheng appeared indifferent to this.


    "I''m having her move to keep youpany and liven things up. How could she take your main hall? Guests follow the host''s arrangements, naturally she should take the side hall."


    Things having reached this point, Song Zhao could not say anything more, she could only force a smile and agree.


    That night, Consort Hui moved over from Chunzhen Pce.


    She seemed extremely delighted, pulling Song Zhao''s hand while bouncing and skipping as she said, "This is great, Sister Song! Living together from now on, we''ll havepany!"


    Smacking her lips greedily like a gluttonous cat, she whispered, "Sister Song''s snacks are the tastiest, hehe~"


    Song Zhao smiled. "If you like them, feel free toe over any time. I can''t give Sister much else, but there''s always enough snacks."


    "Okay! Thank you Sister Song!"


    Consort Hui seemed to live just to open her mouth. If she got one delicious bite, her whole day brightened.


    She happily frolicked in the courtyard,


    but identally tripped and took a hard fall.


    Song Zhao stood in the corridor berating the pce maid. "How could you serve your mistress like this? Not even following to support her, what if she got hurt?"


    But Rui''er was nonchnt, slowly walking over to Consort Hui while muttering,


    "My mistress always loves ying around like this, she''s not afraid of bumps and scrapes."


    Later, Consort Hui even got up herself,ughing as she brushed off the dust saying she was fine.


    Then Song Zhao understood.


    No wonder Concubine Liu had dared to bully her before.


    Even her personal pce maid didn''t take good care of her, assuming her easygoing personality. How much the less would others?


    Song Zhao said, "I see Sister only has two pce maids attending her? That was fine before serving the emperor''s bed, but now that she''s a proper young mistress, she should have a clever girl attending her. Zhihua,e here."


    Zhihua bowed respectfully to Song Zhao and Consort Hui.


    Song Zhao introduced, "This is Zhihua, a very capable maid of mine. From now on, let her attend Sister, alright?"


    "Okay!" Consort Hui happily said sweetly, "Thank you Sister Song~"

 Chapter 177: What is It

    <h4>Chapter 177</h4>


    That night,


    when Song Zhao finished washing up and was about to rest, Xiao Fuzi came over to speak with her,


    "Your Ladyship, everything has been arranged properly. Zhi Hua is clever and knows what to do. In the future, she will pay close attention to every move Consort Hui makes and report back to Your Ladyship in full detail."


    Song Zhao nodded lightly and took a sip of orchid jade liquid from the jade pot.


    Xiao Fuzi handed her a handkerchief and whispered,


    "His Majesty insisted on sending Consort Hui to our Changle Pce. On the surface he said it was for her to apany you, but I suspect it is because Consort Hui cried and made a fuss to His Majesty, afraid of living alone, so he sent her here to live with you. This way, he indulges Consort Hui and makes you feel he is being considerate of you."


    Xiao Fuzi''s eyes have always been sharp and prative.


    Song Zhao listened but did not take it to heart. She just smiled coolly and said, "His Majesty is ustomed to being tactful. This is nothing new to you."


    Seeing Song Zhao was not bothered, Xiao Fuzi said,


    "It is good Consort Hui lives here after all. At least there will be someone to chat with you and keep youpany. Also, you entered the pcest year through the draft selection. The mourning period for His Majesty will be over this July, and that will be when the formal selection takes ce. Who knows how many new girls will flood in then. With two main consort titles upied here, those new girls won''t be assigned to share your pce, which spares you the nuisance."


    Song Zhao gently caressed her smooth nails. Her eyes darkened,


    "Yes, the draft selection is in July. By now the roster of all the families'' maidens should have been submitted. It seems this pce will really be lively after this."


    *


    By early June, the weather in the capital had be exceptionally hot,


    with the air saturated with humidity that made it hard to breathe.


    Fortunately, the Empress and Consort Xiao were nearing childbirth, so greetings to the six pces were suspended. With sufficient ice delivered to Changle Pce, Song Zhao''s difort during pregnancy was alleviated.


    Counting the days, Consort Hui had moved to Changle Pce for over ten days now.


    Song Zhao had guessed that the reason Consort Hui moved in to live with her was perhaps so she could take advantage and gain more favor?


    After all, Xiao Jingheng visited Song Zhao frequently. With her pregnancy, she could not serve him in bed. Wouldn''t it be perfect for Consort Hui to take advantage of this opportunity?


    But the reality waspletely different from what Song Zhao had imagined.


    Whenever Xiao Jingheng came to see Song Zhao, not only did Consort Hui not eagerly throw herself at him, she always politely greeted him then withdrew to her own quarters, seemingly intentionally avoiding Xiao Jingheng.


    Sometimes when Xiao Jingheng stayedte with Song Zhao, or if it was raining and inconvenient for him to leave, Song Zhao would persuade him,


    "Your Majesty, why not just spend the night at Changle Pce? It would save the trouble."


    But Xiao Jingheng always declined with a wave of his hand,


    "You are pregnant. I came to see you. For me to stay the night at another''s ce would only upset you."


    Outwardly, Song Zhao snuggled against Xiao Jingheng looking very moved.


    But deep down, she really could not agree with his words.


    Even if Xiao Jingheng did not stay with Consort Hui, he could always summon someone else to Zhaoyang Pce. The one to feel hurt would still feel hurt.


    So his repeated rejections of Consort Hui, without ncing her way even once, could only mean one thing:


    Xiao Jingheng did not seem that pleased with Consort Hui either.


    Today at noon, Song Zhao and Consort Hui were having lunch together.


    Many of the dishes on the table today were famous ones from Jiangsu and Zhejiang, Consort Hui''s hometown fare.


    As a result, her appetite grew sharply. She had already helped herself to a second bowl of rice.


    Song Zhaoughed and urged her, "Sister, eat a little less. That Dongpo pork is quite greasy. Looks like you''re going to finish the whole te. Aren''t you afraid you''ll get a stomachache?"


    Consort Hui''s mouth was full of rice. Sheughed foolishly and mumbled,


    "I won''t get a stomachache! The food in the pce tastes so much better than what I had at home before!"


    "Even if it tastes good, you can eat it every day. No need to gorge in one meal." Song Zhao ced a cup of milk beside Consort Hui and casually teased, "You used to never miss a meal. Yet yesterday when His Majesty came for dinner, you just greeted him and didn''t even eat before withdrawing. It was like you deliberately avoided him."


    At these words, the smile on Consort Hui''s face immediately froze.


    She put down her chopsticks, swallowed the food in her mouth with difficulty, took a sip of milk to push it down, then awkwardly exined,


    "No...no. I was ying sandball with Rui Er and the others that afternoon. I happened to be tired so I went back to rest, that''s all. Besides, His Majesty came to see Sister Song. I shouldn''t have..."


    "Ow..."


    Consort Hui was speaking when she suddenly saw Song Zhao frown and utter a low moan, one hand on her belly.


    She hurried over to Song Zhao''s side and asked anxiously,


    "What''s wrong, Sister Song?"


    Song Zhao gently massaged her belly in circles and smiled,


    "It''s nothing. The baby just kicked me."


    Consort Hui also breathed a sigh of relief, then giggled, "Hehe, so Sister Song''s baby is being naughty! Sister Song, may I feel him?"


    As Consort Hui reached to touch her, Xiao Fuzi immediately stepped forward to stop her.


    But Song Zhao grabbed Consort Hui''s wrist and brought her hand to rest lightly on her belly, still smiling as she let her gently caress it.


    As soon as Consort Hui''s hand made contact, perhaps the baby kicked again, and she quickly recoiled in fright,


    "Oh! He kicked me!"


    Song Zhaoughed. "I can see you really like children too. I remember, before your birthday, I saw you flying kites in the imperial garden. You said your greatest wish was to be reunited with your family soon. You also said once there was an imperial heir, your family could enter the pce, so you hoped for that eagerly. But you''re always avoiding His Majesty instead of spending the nights with him. So where will that imperial heire from?"


    "I don''t want it..." Originally all smiles, Consort Hui pouted sadly at these words and said aggrievedly,


    "Serving is painful, and there will be blood... I''m most afraid of pain! The other day, Consort Chen also told me, giving birth is even more painful. So I''m more afraid now..."


    Song Zhao couldn''t help widening her eyes, quite astonished. "You don''t even know there are pain relief measures for childbirth?"


    Consort Hui shook her head nkly. "At home, I asked Mother and she said giving birth to me was likeying an egg, very easy and painless. So I figured,ying an egg is a quick and effortless thing. How could it hurt?"


    "Hahahaha!"


    Both Song Zhao and Xiao Fuzi were amused by her words.


    At that moment, as Song Zhaoughed at the utterly confused Consort Hui, she actually felt she could not see through her at all.


    Later, when Consort Hui returned to rest in the afternoon, Zhi Hua came to report.


    She said aside from a fondness for snacks, Consort Hui just liked getting the pce maids to y games with her, nothing else inappropriate.


    So Xiao Fuzi said, "Keep a close eye on her for another ten days and see if you discover anything."


    But Song Zhao rested her chin in her hand and stared out the window towards Consort Hui''s quarters, slightly puzzled as she said,


    "If this is all an act from her, I really can''t figure out what she''s after."


    ¡¾I''m feeling crazy today, so here''s a fourth update.¡¿

 Chapter 178: Big and Small

    <h4>Chapter 178</h4>


    Yes,


    When people do anything, they are always mixed with purpose.


    What did Consort Hui work so hard to move to Chang Le Pce for? What is she after?


    She didn''te topete for favor. If she wanted to harm the imperial heir in Empress Song Zhao''s belly, she should have kept her distance. Why would she ask to live with Song Zhao? This is no different from digging her own grave.


    Look at Consort Hui spending her days eating, drinking and having fun without a care in the world.


    Even someone as astute as Song Zhao doesn''t see through what she is really up to.


    Song Zhao suspects that if Consort Hui isn''t hiding her intentions too deep, then her nature must simply be like this.


    In any case, Song Zhao is wary of her.


    That day in the evening, Song Zhao instructed Xiao Fuzi, "Go put more ice in Yun Shan''s cer room. Her wounds have just healed. If they get soaked in sweat again, it could cause problems and that would be bad."


    Xiao Fuzi quickly nodded and moved closer to Song Zhao to lower her voice,


    "Yesterday when I went to theundry department to get your clothes, I already took care of what you asked. And when I went there, the people from Consort Yin''s pce, Consort Yun''s pce, Consort Chen''s pce, and even Consort Yao''s pce were all there to get clothes for their masters. I didn''t stand out."


    Song Zhao stirred the fog rising from the ice pot with indifference, "In this hot and humid weather, even the most beautiful woman will be covered in ayer of sweat. It''s natural for the pces to send clothes to theundry department every day."


    Xiao Fuzi''s eyes darkened as she said viciously, "She nned to injure you and the imperial heir in your belly. And she made Yun Shan sick in bed for so long. She really is cold-hearted! I can only hope she pays for this with her life!"


    Song Zhao scolded, "Don''t say such vicious things. Just do your part and let fate handle the rest. Even if there is an ident this month, a premature birth 10 days early could still result in a safe delivery. It''s hard to say if that sickly one can make it through."


    Two dayster in the evening,


    The Empress was worshipping Buddha in her pce when Shuang Ruo rushed back to report,


    "Empress, I just got word from the Imperial Medical Bureau. Noble Consort Xiao is having intense contractions today. I''m afraid she will give birth prematurely, likely in the next couple days."


    The Empress lit three incense sticks over the candle me,


    "If she wants to give birth, let her give birth. Whates out won''t be anything good anyway."


    The Empress was very calm and detached. She just kept burning incense and worshipping Buddha without even ncing at Shuang Ruo.


    Shuang Ruoughed from the side, "That''s right, the Empress doesn''t need to do anything, just sit back and enjoy the show."


    As the Empress inserted the incense into the burner,


    when she bowed down to worship, her wide movement caused a pearl tassel on her phoenix robe toe loose and fall off.


    The hem of the phoenix robe was very close to the ground and the Empress was standing on a mat, so the pearl didn''t make a sound as it fell.


    It only rolled twice before quietlying to a stop at the Empress''s feet without her noticing.


    After finishing the incense offering, the Empress shook her head with a wry smile,


    "People whomit too many sins will surely be punished in the next generation. I''ll just watch and see what that Noble Consort Xiao can......ah!"


    As the Empress spoke, she turned to go back to her bedroom,


    but stepped right on the pearl under her foot. Her sole slipped and she fell straight to the ground.


    Thete-to-react Shuang Ruo was shocked speechless,


    "Empress! Are you alright?"


    She threw herself to the Empress''s side and helped her up, only to see the Empress clutching her belly with a grieved expression,


    "It hurts! My stomach hurts so badly!"


    Only then did Shuang Ruo notice the bloodstain spreading under the Empress. She cried out,


    "Yan Jiude! Quick, call the imperial physicians! The Empress is giving birth!"


    She held the Empress''s hand tightly and consoled her,


    "Hold on, Empress! With the blessings of the Bodhisattva, you and your child will be safe!"


    Just as she finished speaking,


    the incense sticks the Empress had put in the burner snapped at the tips, and the ashes extinguished on the ground, turning to dust.


    At that time, Xiao Jingheng was in Song Zhao''s pce sharing evening meal with her.


    "Your Majesty! Your Majesty!!"


    Jiang Deshun came scrambling and stammering in panic, "The Empress is giving birth!"


    "What?"


    Xiao Jingheng jumped up in shock, "Why so suddenly?"


    After sitting for so long, his sudden movement caused a rush of blood to his head. He felt dizzy and stumbled.


    Song Zhao and Jiang Deshun quickly steadied him,


    "Don''t panic, Your Majesty. I will apany you to the Empress''s pce."


    Chang Le Pce wasn''t far from Kun Ning Pce. Xiao Jingheng couldn''t bother with a sedan anymore. He hurried over on foot,


    but still told Song Zhao to take her time and go by sedan.


    Song Zhao arrived at Kun Ning Pce a bitter than Xiao Jingheng.


    Just at the pce gates, she could already hear the asional blood-curdling screams of womening from inside.


    The screams made one''s scalp tingle. Song Zhao couldn''t help but shudder.


    Xiao Fuzi steadied Song Zhao, "Be careful where you step, Mistress."


    Song Zhao entered the inner chambers. When she lifted the door curtain, the thick stench of blood rushed up her nose.


    Kun Ning Pce was in total chaos.


    Pce women were rushing in and out with basins of hot water and towels, all looking very harried.


    Xiao Jingheng stopped a pce maid and asked,


    "What happened? Isn''t the Empress still 20 some days from her due date? Why is she suddenly having contractions?"


    The pce maid was so anxious she was nearly in tears, "The weather is hot and humid. While the Empress was praying for Your Majesty''s fortune, her strength gave out, triggering prematurebor."


    The entire Kun Ning Pce must be reciting the same story.


    They certainly can''t tell Xiao Jingheng that the Empress slipped and fell.


    That would make Xiao Jingheng feel the Empress was careless and not taking the imperial heir seriously while pregnant.


    "What is the Empress''s condition now? Why are her screams so harrowing?" Xiao Jingheng asked again.


    The pce maid couldn''t answer that.


    Just as she hemmed and hawed,


    a person walked out from the inner chamber - the ace obstetrician from the Imperial Medical Bureau''s Department of Obstetrics, Imperial Physician Zhou.


    He specialized in obstetrics and was even more knowledgeable about women''s matters than the chief imperial physician Chu.


    Imperial Physician Zhou''s expression was very ugly.


    He didn''t even dare make eye contact with Xiao Jingheng.


    He kneeled with a thump when he got to Xiao Jingheng and said in a trembling voice,


    "R-reporting to Your Majesty. Because the Empress went into prematurebor due to sudden contractions, and the imperial heir isrge while her cervix is narrow, the birthing process has been extremely agonizing. Seeing that the Empress has exhausted her strength, I have no choice but to give her oxytocic drugs to ensure the delivery continues smoothly."


    Xiao Jingheng ordered, "Then go quickly!"


    "But this..." Imperial Physician Zhou steeled himself to continue, "Once oxytocics are administered, it will inevitably trigger the Empress''s heart disease to rpse. If her heart acts up at this time, it''s very likely that she will..."


    He kowtowed vigorously at this point, grief-stricken as he said,


    "Forgive me, Your Majesty! I dare to ask, if only one between the Empress and the imperial heir can be saved, does Your Majesty prefer...?"

 Chapter 179: The Queen Gets the Girl

    <h4>Chapter 179</h4>


    Imperial physician Zhou''s question had really put Xiao Jingheng in a difficult position.


    Perhaps seeing his dilemma, Imperial physician Zhou quickly added another sentence:


    "This servant has examined and found that Her Majesty the Empress is carrying a princess this time."


    Hearing this, Song Zhao glimpsed the troubled look on Xiao Jingheng''s face change suddenly.


    He cleared his throat, just about to speak, when Song Zhao quickly cut in ahead of him. She red at Imperial physician Zhou,


    "What nonsense are you saying, Imperial physician Zhou? Of course the lives of both Her Majesty the Empress and the little princess must be preserved! Otherwise, it would be dereliction of duty by the Imperial Medical Bureau!"


    Xiao Jingheng fell silent for a moment before echoing:


    "What Yi Consort said is right. You must try your utmost to ensure the safety of the Empress and princess! Otherwise, I will have your heads!"


    The Son of Heaven''s fury made his subjects break out in cold sweat.


    Imperial physician Zhou was scared half to death. He quickly acknowledged Xiao Jingheng''s words and was just about to crawl back to the inner court,


    when as soon as he pushed open the door, he heard the Empress scream from inside,


    "The dragon child must be preserved no matter what! I will stake my life to give birth to a rightful heir for His Majesty! No one can harm my child!"


    Hearing her desperate cries, even Xiao Jingheng could not help but be moved.


    But the birthing room was bloody, so it was not suitable for him to enter. He could only anxiously pace back and forth outside the door.


    In his heart, there was also something he could not figure out:


    Imperial Physician Chu had previously told him that both the Empress and Consort Xiao were carrying princes, so how did the Empress give birth to a princess instead?


    However, diagnosing the sex of the fetus from the pulses could not guarantee one hundred percent uracy, so asional deviations were nothing serious.


    No matter if it was a boy or girl, as long as his child was born safely, it would be fine.


    Later, the screams from the inner court gradually weakened, indicating the Empress''s condition had stabilized.


    Only then did Xiao Jingheng realize Song Zhao had been standing with him the entire time.


    He quickly took Song Zhao¡¯s hand and said, ¡°Keeping you standing here with me for so long must have tired you out. Please sit.¡±


    Xiao Jingheng led her to the heated cushion.


    Song Zhao could clearly feel the thinyer of sweat that had emerged on his palm.


    After sitting down, sheforted Xiao Jingheng, saying


    ¡°Your Majesty, please don¡¯t worry. Her Majesty the Empress is blessed by the heavens and will surely give birth safely with her daughter.¡±


    Xiao Jingheng nodded heavily, his gaze still fixed tightly on the direction of the inner court.


    Song Zhao nced at him, her emotions extremelyplicated.


    Earlier, when Imperial Physician Zhou had said the Empress was carrying a princess this time, Song Zhao had glimpsed his change in expression and figured out what he was thinking.


    He probably had already considered getting rid of the princess to preserve the Empress.


    If Song Zhao had not said they must preserve both lives prematurely, Xiao Jingheng might have really ordered the princess removed...


    To be honest, Song Zhao hated the Empress bitterly,


    hating her for scheming to harm her and her son¡¯s lives, hating her for nearly causing Yun Shan¡¯s death.


    Song Zhao wished for the Empress to die from her difficultbor, but she had never thought of harming the Empress''s child.


    After all, she would soon be a mother herself, so how could she do something so malicious like the Empress to harm an infant?


    After some time, faint cries of a newborn baby were vaguely heard from the inner court.


    Soon after, a wet nurse came running out with a happy look on her face, carrying a swaddled infant,


    "Congrattions, Your Majesty! Her Majesty the Empress has safely given birth to a little princess!"


    An unstoppable smile spread across Xiao Jingheng¡¯s face.


    Song Zhao also went up to take a look at themotion.


    The baby in the swaddle was fair-skinned and soft, but perhaps because the wet nurse was in a hurry to share the joyous news with Xiao Jingheng, she had not yet cleaned the birth fluids staining the little princess¡¯s body.


    Seeing this, the child was dirty all over and gave off a strong garlicky odor.


    Song Zhao knew this smell was likely the amniotic fluid, and a newborn that had juste out bawling loudly would have scrunched up features that made it hard to discern attractiveness.


    But Song Zhao still smiled and arched her brows at the little princess, praising her: "The princess has His Majesty¡¯s eyes and brows, with more resemnce to Her Majesty the Empress¡¯s nose and chin. She is extremely beautiful."


    Xiao Jinghengughed and said, "Good, even a princess is fine."


    Song Zhao then asked, "Would Your Majesty like to hold the little princess?"


    But Xiao Jingheng only perfunctorily stroked the little princess''s cheeks before saying, "The Empress went through much hardship. I will go see her first.¡±


    Song Zhao did not know if it was because he was anxious to check on the Empress or if he felt the birth fluids staining the little princess were too dirty and might soil his bright and gorgeous dragon robes...


    She instructed the wet nurses to first bring the little princess down to get her cleaned up. Song Zhao then followed Xiao Jingheng¡¯s footsteps into the inner court to visit the Empress.


    At this moment, Xiao Jingheng was sitting by the Empress¡¯s couch, tightly clutching her hand and solemnly saying:


    ¡°Empress, you have suffered much on my behalf and given birth to a daughter.¡±


    The Empress said somewhat despondently: ¡°Unable to bear you a son, it is a sign that your concubine is unworthy..."


    ¡°Son or daughter, after all, she is my first child. I like her all the same.¡±


    Song Zhao saw that the prematurebor had nearly taken half the Empress¡¯s life this time.


    She had suffered heart illness and barely clung to life to give birth to her child, so she had astounding luck to survive.


    At this moment, frail and exhausted, she struggled to even say a few more words and looked extremely haggard.


    Imperial Physician Zhou said: "Your Majesty the Empress had a tiringbor. You should properly rest and recuperate now to restore your vitality. Perhaps it would be better for His Majesty toe visit Your Majestyter?¡±


    Xiao Jingheng then tidied the Empress¡¯s quilt and urged her to rest well. But just as he had turned to leave, Xiao Yinzhi rushed in, unable to hide his delight as he kneeled and kowtowed:


    ¡°Reporting to Your Majesty! There is news from Yonghe Pce! Consort Xiao has gone intobor!¡±

 Chapter 180: The Horror of the Snake Fetus 01

    <h4>Chapter 180</h4>


    Xiao Jingheng was so busy today that his busyness almost reached the level when he ascended the throne.


    Kun Ning Pce finally breathed a sigh of relief, then had to hurry to Yonghe Pce to keep Consort Chenpany.


    The Empress needed to recuperate quietly, so it was not good to keep servants around her. Thus, Song Zhao also went along with Xiao Jingheng to Yonghe Pce.


    Counting the days, it had been almost two months since Song Zhaost set foot in this pce, after Consort Chen imposed the Inner Pce Prohibitions on Yonghe Pce.


    As she entered the pce gate today, she immediately felt that Yonghe Pce was refreshingly cool.


    Walking through the courtyard towards the inner part, she saw severalrge vats ced in the yard, all filled with ice.


    Kang Yubin was also shouting at the pce maids from the side, "Don''t you see the ice in the vat has somewhat melted? Go collect new ones to serve!"


    Song Zhao had heard from Little Fu Zi earlier that Consort Chen had moved one-third of the ice from the Pce Affairs Department to her own pce.


    Except for the Empress and Song Zhao who did notck ice to use during this hot summer day, the other concubines'' pces had far from enough ice supply.


    Although theyined a lot, when had Consort Chen ever cared about these things?


    Right now what she cared most was that Noble Consort Xiao could safely give birth to the Crown Prince.


    Lifting the door curtain and entering the outer chambers, Song Zhao saw that Consort Chen was talking with Xiao Jingheng.


    Song Zhao greeted Consort Chen from afar, but Consort Chen only nced at her and ignored her, continuing to say to Xiao Jingheng:


    "Your Majesty, please rest assured. Doctor Qi said that Noble Consort Xiao''s delivery went very smoothly and will certainly safely give birth to the little Prince for Your Majesty."


    Hearing the soundsing from Noble Consort Xiao''s inner chamber, which was slightly lesser than that from the Empress''s, Xiao Jingheng felt slightly relieved and said:


    "Earlier, the Empress was in so much pain duringbor,pared to the sounds here, she truly encountered a formidable one."


    Consort Chen''s eyes shed, then quickly smiled and said,


    "Then congrattions to Your Majesty! I suppose the Empress has already safely given birth to a little Prince for You?"


    Xiao Jingheng rubbed his hands and also smiled, "It''s a Princess, but that is also good."


    Hearing this, Consort Chen secretly breathed a sigh of relief, and her eyes and brows revealed a trace of pride.


    "Waa--waa--"


    Loud cries of a baby suddenly came from the inner chamber, interrupting the conversation between the two.


    Consort Chen''s bright eyes lit up, "Your Majesty, listen! This crying sound is so loud, it must be a little Prince!"


    The slightly nervous look that was on Xiao Jingheng''s face just now instantly disappeared, and delight swiftly climbed onto his brows.


    He strode to the entrance of the inner chamber and asked Doctor Qi who walked out:


    "Is it a Prince?"


    Strangely though, this Doctor Qi''splexion looked even more unpleasant than Imperial Physician Zhou earlier.


    It was as if his face was covered with an iron-blue color, without a trace of blood.


    Hearing Xiao Jingheng''s question, he was even more frightened, his knees went soft and he knelt on the ground, not even daring to raise his head, shivering without saying a word.


    The delighted look on Xiao Jingheng''s face instantly froze, "It''s a Princess?"


    Doctor Qi still did not speak, only trembled more severely.


    He was specially responsible for attending to Consort Chen. Seeing him like this, Consort Chen felt she could not keep face, so she scolded:


    "What is the matter? Speak!"


    "Replying... Replying to Your Majesty... Noble Consort Xiao... she... she..."


    He stammered and could not utter aplete sentence.


    Consort Chen was annoyed, she simply bypassed him and directly entered the inner chamber.


    She saw two midwives standing in front of Xiao Noble Consort''s couch, holding a baby and whispering to each other.


    Having just given birth, Noble Consort Xiao was also very weak.


    She seemed to have not seen her child yet either, and weakly asked:


    "How is it? Is it a Prince? Or a Princess?"


    The midwives did not answer her. Consort Chen scolded them:


    "What''s the matter with you all? I''m asking you a question!"


    Frightened by her yell, the midwife finally stammered, "Replying... Replying to Consort Chen... Noble Consort Xiao gave birth to a little Prince..."


    Hearing this, the stone in Consort Chen''s heart finally settled.


    She let out a long sigh of relief, smiling radiantly, "What great joy! You all look as if you are silly with delight?"


    Then she turned around and saw Xiao Jingheng, who also had a smiling face. She quickly knelt down on one knee and congratted,


    "This servant congrattes Your Majesty for happily gaining a noble son!"


    "Good! Good!"


    Unlike when he learned the Empress had given birth to a Princess earlier,


    Xiao Jingheng was clearly much more excited this time, even his tone rose unwittingly,


    "Bring him here and let me take a look."


    "Yes!"


    Consort Chen acknowledged loudly, then took the swaddling clothes from the midwife''s arms,


    "This child is really..." Ah!"


    But after Consort Chen took just one nce into the swaddling clothes, she was so frightened that she screamed, and identally dropped the swaddling clothes she was holding.


    Fortunately, the midwives were not far away and reacted quickly to catch the swaddling clothes.


    "Consort Chen! What''s with your clumsiness, how improper!"


    Xiao Jingheng scolded Consort Chen, but Consort Chen still stared wide-eyed and froze in ce.


    She seemed to have been scared silly, not saying a word.


    Sensing something wrong, Xiao Jingheng strode forward and lifted a corner of the swaddling clothes.


    Unexpectedly, everything that met his eyes also made Xiao Jingheng shudder involuntarily and stumble back...


    And at this moment, Song Zhao also saw the appearance of this much anticipated "Imperial Noble Son"...


    The skin on this child was extremely dry and cracked, peeling off in kes, almost covering his whole body in a scaly, dense pattern!


    Even his upper eyelids were stretched very tight due to the excessive dryness,


    which caused him to be unable to close his eyes at all, the pair of eyes bulging out bloodshot!


    This horrifying appearance was just like a human infant wearing snake skin!

 Chapter 181: Snake Fetus 02

    <h4>Chapter 181</h4>


    The atmosphere in the inner chamber seemed to freeze, and everyone fell silent. In this stillness, the cries of the newborn baby sounded particrly harsh.


    Noble Consort Xiao, who had just experienced the agonizing pain of childbirth, thought that she would beforted and cherished by Xiao Jingheng, her husband. In her secret heart, she even entertained the thought that if she gave birth to a noble child, Xiao Jingheng might be delighted and reward her with a higher rank, perhaps even a ce as a concubine.


    However, she never expected that what awaited her was Xiao Jingheng''s inexplicable indifference and the rejection and avoidance of her child by everyone present, as if the baby were a hot potato.


    She felt a chill in her heart and couldn''t help but pity the child. Determined, she struggled to sit up from the bed and insisted on snatching the swaddling clothes from the nurse''s hands.


    This was the first time sheid eyes on her child, and at the sight of him, she was momentarily surprised. She was astonished as to why she had given birth to a baby covered in snake-like scales...


    Perhaps due to the difort of dryness on his body, the child was unusually active, thrashing his limbs about and disying considerable strength. This made it difficult for Noble Consort Xiao to hold him, and the tearing pain at herher region became even more pronounced.


    Nevertheless, she did not let go; instead, she held the child even tighter.


    This was the flesh that she had painstakingly carried for ten months, the flesh that had fallen from her body. How could she despise her own child?


    She gently touched the baby''s dry and scaly cheeks, the scales-like kes rough and hard, pricking Noble Consort Xiao''s fingertips like invisible des stirring her heart.


    She couldn''t stop her tears from falling as she kept mumbling to herself:


    "Why is it like this? How could this happen?"


    Xiao Jingheng was also eager to know the answer to this question. He lifted his gloomy eyes and stared directly at Consort Chen, whose heart was still unsettled.


    "Consort Xiao''s pregnancy was under your care. Haven''t you been reporting her safety all along?"


    "I also don''t know why it turned out like this..."


    Consort Chen was equally puzzled. Over the past few months, she had taken meticulous care of Noble Consort Xiao, personally attending to every detail, fearing that she might fall victim to someone''s scheme.


    She couldn''t figure out where things had gone wrong.


    So she shouted outside the door:


    "Doctor Qi! What exactly is happening? Is our noble child ill or something?"


    Doctor Qi, stooped over, entered the room and replied cautiously,


    "Your Majesty, Consort Chen, in my humble opinion, the noble child... seems to have developed snake-scale psoriasis, an ailment brought forth from the womb. However, I have never encountered such a severe case of snake-scale psoriasis in all my decades of medical practice. To ensure aprehensive diagnosis, I request Judge Chu toe and examine the child together."


    Without waiting for Xiao Jingheng to give the order, Jiang Deshun, at first sight of the abnormality in the child, hurriedly withdrew and invited Judge Chu.


    Just as Doctor Qi finished speaking, Judge Chu arrived in a hurry.


    After exchanging brief pleasantries, he anxiously went to examine the baby in Noble Consort Xiao''s arms.


    From Judge Chu''s shocked expression, Song Zhao could tell that this child''s condition was likely to be a troublesome matter.


    She also stole a nce at Noble Consort Xiao, who, although tearful, had a flusteredplexion and evasive gaze, indicating that she was notpletely unaware of the situation.


    After a long while, Judge Chu finished a thorough examination of the baby''s condition and replied:


    "Your Majesty, the young prince is suffering from a severe case of psoriasis," Consort Chen asked anxiously, clutching her chest. "But was Noble Consort Xiao poisoned during her pregnancy?"


    "No," Judge Chu shook his head solemnly and replied, "This disease is usually hereditary. The parents must have had the condition for it to affect the child..."


    As he spoke, he intentionally or unintentionally nced at Noble Consort Xiao.


    Xiao Jingheng naturally did not have this condition, but as for Noble Consort Xiao...


    Anyone with discerning eyes could see that her exposed skin was smooth and delicate, without any signs of the child''s symptoms.


    However, Consort Chen noticed the flicker in Noble Consort Xiao''s eyes and felt something was amiss. She questioned her, "Noble Consort Xiao, are you hiding something?"


    Was there even a need to ask?


    From the moment the imperial physician mentioned that the child had psoriasis, Song Zhao already understood.


    If Noble Consort Xiao didn''t have the same condition, why would she bathe two or three times a day?


    She probably had a milder form of the disease, concealing it so as not to be noticed.


    Consort Chen instructed the pce maids to roll up Noble Consort Xiao''s sleeves.


    Sure enough, under the clothing that covered her skin, there were clear signs of dryness and king, indicating the symptoms of psoriasis.


    Although it was not severe, there was still a noticeable difference from normal skin.


    Seeing that the truth could no longer be concealed, Noble Consort Xiao choked back tears and confessed, "I didn''t know this disease could be transmitted to the prince... I have had this condition for a long time, but I concealed it because I was afraid Your Majesty would despise me."


    Upon hearing Noble Consort Xiao''s words, Xiao Jingheng''s already grim face filled with evident anger.


    Instead offorting her, he reproached her, "Do you realize you''re deceiving the emperor!?"


    Noble Consort Xiao was frightened and at a loss. She knelt before Xiao Jingheng, holding the young prince, and begged for forgiveness.


    And Xiao Jingheng?


    He deliberately averted his gaze, refusing to even look at Noble Consort Xiao and her child.


    Song Zhao interjected, "Your Majesty, please calm down. If the imperial physicians say this is a disease, there must be a way to treat it. Noble Consort Xiao has shared your bed many times before, and you never noticed anything amiss. It seems that the disease can indeed be alleviated by frequent bathing, as she said. Let the physicians take care of them, and the young prince, being blessed, should see some improvement."


    Before Xiao Jingheng could make a decision, Judge Chu interjected with difficulty, "Consort Yi''s words are mistaken. Psoriasis is not an ordinary disease. Once it afflicts someone, there is no cure, and they will suffer for life. They can only soak in medicinal water to alleviate the difort. Noble Consort Xiao''s condition is not severe and poses no major threat. However, the young prince''s condition..."


    He bowed deeply and lowered his head, offering a respectful salute. "Please forgive this humble servant for speaking frankly. Even with medicinal baths, the little prince''s condition of psoriasis will not improve in the slightest. Excessive dryness of the skin will cause it to peel off, and there will often be wounds of various sizes appearing on the body. This will inevitably affect his lifespan. Even if I exhaust all my medical skills and make every effort to treat him, I''m afraid I cannot guarantee that the little prince will live past the age of four or five."


    "No matter how difficult it may be, we must find a way to treat him!" Consort Chen suddenly raised her voice, reprimanding Judge Chu. "He is the Emperor''s firstborn son, a precious child! If a precious child is ill, even if we have to search far and wide for renowned doctors, we must find a cure for his illness..."


    "A precious child?" Xiao Jingheng''s solemn retort interrupted Consort Chen''s words.


    All eyes turned to him, and after a moment of silence, they heard his chillingly cold voice say:


    "Go to Consort Xiao''s residence in Xiaoyu Pce. Noble Consort Xiao had a difficult childbirth and gave birth to a stillborn child."


    [Snake-scale psoriasis, modernly known as ichthyosis. Noble Consort Xiao herself has a mild case of ichthyosis, so she often needs to bathe to alleviate the dryness of her skin. However, as mentioned earlier, she and Xiao Jingheng are close rtives, and the gic defects are magnified by close-kin marriage, resulting in their child being born with severe ichthyosis. In the middle of the night, I advise my dear readers not to search on Baidu for images of severe ichthyosis, or else you will definitelye back cursing and spitting at me. Remember, don''t do it! Listen to my advice!!]

 Chapter 182: Not on the Jade Plate

    <h4>Chapter 182</h4>


    When Xiao Jingheng uttered the words ''stillborn'', his tone was unusually cold and resolute.


    He was used to holding others'' lives and deaths in his hands, so he spoke lightly as if he was dealing with someone else''s child instead of his own flesh and blood.


    Those unaware would have thought so, but Song Zhao knew that this child born in the imperial family was more than just a baby. Behind him were many concerns:


    The fortune of the great nation, the face of the imperial family, the dignity of the emperor...


    The list went on.


    In Xiao Jingheng''s eyes, all of these were far more important than the child''s life.


    Although he was Xiao Jingheng''s own son, that did not mean he was Xiao Jingheng''s only choice.


    Xiao Noble Consort may lose favor for the rest of her life for birthing this child, but what about Xiao Jingheng?


    The imperial n had endless generations, and the rear pce certainly had no shortage of women vying to bear him children.


    As Xiao Noble Consort''s heart-wrenching sobs rang out with the child''s, Song Zhao''s heart tightened again and again.


    She lowered her eyes involuntarily, protecting her own belly.


    Ever since entering the pce, she had witnessed Xiao Jingheng''s ruthlessness and decisiveness as emperor countless times, but never had any moment allowed Song Zhao to see her own status so clearly and directly as today.


    In the inner pce, no matter whether it was the Empress, Imperial Noble Consort, Concubine Hui, Xiao Noble Consort, and so on,


    they were nothing but pieces on a chessboard, mere tools to Xiao Jingheng.


    Then what about her?


    Born from filth, how could she expect to remain untainted?


    Right now, with just a look from Xiao Jingheng, Jiang Deshun was going to take people to snatch the young prince from Xiao Noble Consort''s arms.


    As for whether they would bury him alive or burn him after snatching him, that was uncertain.


    In crisis, Xiao Noble Consort desperately shielded her child,


    but unexpectedly, the obedient Imperial Noble Consort suddenly rushed forward.


    Imperial Noble Consort kicked away the pce maid pulling at the young prince''s arm, and spread her sleeves wide to shield Xiao Noble Consort and her son.


    Facing Xiao Jingheng''s astonished gaze, she demanded:


    "Your Majesty! This is still your child! A tiger will not eat its cubs - how can you bear to kill your own flesh and blood with your own hands?"


    Her words were harsh, touching Xiao Jingheng''s reverse scales.


    His gaze turned cold, his voice as frigid as the ice offered in the hall.


    "Precisely because he is Zhen''s child, and moreover Zhen''s first son with Zhen''s blood flowing in him, from the moment he was born, the burden of the state''s fortune has been on his shoulders!


    Do you know how great an impact it would have on Qi if this matter spread? Then there would be public outcry, enemies spreading rumors, and whispers could easily topple even a strong nation!"


    Xiao Jingheng pointed at the ceaselessly weeping child, with a touch of warmth perceptible in his otherwise cold voice,


    "Does Zhen not know this is Zhen''s own flesh and blood? But for the sake of one fated to die anyway, must Zhen let worries run rampant among the people, even shaking the stable national fortunes? Zhen cannot do so!


    Zhen must firstly be the ruler of thisnd, only then the father of this child!"


    Xiao Jingheng had always been eloquent, leaving no openings for criticism.


    Upon hearing this, Song Zhao only felt that everything he said was logical, yet every word preposterous:


    Indeed, if the news that the esteemed imperial son was a miscarried freak spread, it would certainly stir up great waves, giving evildoers an excuse to make trouble, and would definitely whip up turmoil among themon folk.


    And when turmoil arises, themon people would be the first to suffer.


    This was the extent of Song Zhao''s understanding. The rest were an emperor''s considerations in governing, which Song Zhao did notprehend.


    But was discarding the child truly the only method to attain peace for the country and people?


    Surely not.


    So despite Xiao Jingheng''s impassioned exnations just now, it was merely an excuse tofort himself.


    At this moment, whether it was to maintain her kindly disposition before Xiao Jingheng, or out of sympathy for Xiao Noble Consort and her son, Song Zhao could not just stand by silently.


    She stepped forward and knelt properly before Xiao Jingheng, speaking earnestly,


    "Your Majesty, this child was born from Xiao Noble Consort risking her life. He is also Your Majesty''s first son since ascending the throne. Your subject understands that Your Majesty has the country''s interests in mind, and has no choice but to abandon this child. Your Majesty must be hurting inside.


    However, your subject believes there are still ways to dy this matter. As long as Your Majesty keeps this a secret within the pce, those outside will have no way of knowing, and turmoil will not arise.


    Let the young prince be nursed and cared for in the pce. Who knows, with Your Majesty''s blessings and Heaven''s sympathy, a miracle may yet happen?"


    As she spoke, she nced meaningfully at Judge Chu.


    Judge Chu immediately said, "This lowly official will definitely do his utmost to protect the young prince! Please spare him, Your Majesty!"


    Xiao Noble Consort wept as she kowtowed ceaselessly, forehead bleeding as sweat and blood stained the ground.


    "Your Majesty! This concubine begs you! Please spare our child!"


    The young prince''s cries were also piercing and heart-wrenching, too awful to bear hearing.


    Xiao Jingheng was not heartless after all.


    Under their pleading, after a long silence, he finally relented.


    "This child will not be recorded in the imperial genealogy, but will be raised in the pce. If anyone dares spread word of today''s events, Zhen will exterminate their entire n - Zhen will show no mercy!"


    Yan Jiude, who had been eavesdropping outside, hurriedly ran to Kun Ning Pce upon hearing the news to report the joyous news to the Empress.


    The Empress was very weak after giving birth, and her lower abdomen still ached badly, making it difficult for her to sleep peacefully.


    Although ice was offered in her bedchamber, because she could not risk any wind after birthing, the doors and windows were all shut tight, so the Empress still felt hot and bothered.


    She told Shuang Ruo, "Go bring that ice tub here before Zhen''s bed."


    Postpartum women should avoid catching cold, so Shuang Ruo wanted to refuse at first, but the Empress red at her, leaving her no choice but to obey.


    After the ice was brought, the Empress felt cooler and saw Yan Jiude gleefully entering to announce,


    "Empress, joyous news from Yonghe Pce!"


    Shuang Ruo scolded him, "Stop beating around the bush and speak!"


    Yan Jiudeughed. "Xiao Noble Consort gave birth to a boy, but he had snake skin covering his human skin - a freakish monster! His Majesty has decided to keep this a secret, not allowing the boy into the imperial genealogy, only to be raised in the pce."


    Shuang Ruo immediately told the Empress, "It seems that Autumn Orchid has been somewhat useful after all. If not for her spying on Xiao Noble Consort bathing in Imperial Noble Consort''s pce and noticing something off, we wouldn''t have known that Xiao Noble Consort actually had snake skin lesions on her body."


    The weakened Empress smiled. "Good. Since Imperial Noble Consort likes raising illegitimate sons so much, let that freak be raised under her care. Let''s see how prestigious she still is!"


    The mention of Imperial Noble Consort inevitably agitated the Empress.


    Her words were followed by two violent coughs, and she suddenly fainted.


    "Empress? Empress?"


    Shuang Ruo called out to the Empress while covering her with the quilt.


    But when her fingertips touched the quilt, she noticed a warm, wet sensation.


    Pulling it back immediately revealed the bed and quilt to be soaked with bright red blood!


    Shuang Ruo panicked at once, yelling hoarsely outside,


    "Someonee quick! The Empress is hemorrhaging!"

 Chapter 183: Infertile 01

    <h4>Chapter 183</h4>


    Kun Ning Pce was brightly lit throughout the night,


    with Judge Chu leading Imperial Medical Bureau to muster all their medical expertise in an attempt to save the Empress''s life.


    Xiao Jingheng and the Empress Dowager also kept vigil in the main hall all night,


    and told Consort Chen to lead thedies of the six pces to Baohua Hall to pray and make offerings for the Empress''s blessing and health.


    Among them, Noble Consort Xiao had just given birth so she did not need to go. Song Zhao was also pregnant and could not kneel for too long, so Xiao Jingheng specifically told her to rest in the pce.


    But when everyone gathered at Baohua Hall, Song Zhao still came.


    Consort Chen nced at her and said indifferently: "With your big belly, don''te and pretend with us. Go back."


    Song Zhao said worriedly: "The Empress is suffering, how can I sleep soundly? I beg Consort Chen to let me stay and pray together for the Empress, so I can do my humble part for the phoenix''s health and safety."


    At this time, how many consorts in the harem truly wished the Empress well?


    They all had ulterior motives, paying lip service while scheming privately.


    Only Consort Chen was the most straightforward,


    wearing her impatience on her face.


    She said to Song Zhao: "If you want to pretend, I won''t stop you. Liu Yue, bring Consort Song a chair. Don''t let her hurt herself and the baby with too much kneeling."


    Later when Consort Chen led the consorts in chanting scriptures, her perfunctory attitude was visible to the eye.


    She never believed in gods and Buddhas, and could not recognize many characters.


    Now holding the scripture, she stumbled over the unfamiliarplex words, misreading two or three in every ten.


    In fact, Liu Yue was already whispering to prompt her,


    so she just parroted after hearing it first.


    But she did not want to pretend at all, reading however she wanted, with perfunctory written all over her face.


    The other consorts did not dare say anything,


    only corrected the pronunciations themselves, chanting diligently.


    After chanting for half a time, Consort Chen was already sleepy.


    With so many people gathered, Baohua Hall was stuffy and hot. She simply picked up the scripture and fanned herself.


    Just then, she heard Consort Yun and Consort Yin whispering behind her:


    "It''s only early June, yet there is unrest in the harem already. The Empress having a premature birth was already ominous. Now she is hemorrhaging as well. The Empress herself also has a heart condition. I''m afraid she will..."


    Consort Yin also sighed: "Let us hope the Empress will be fine. As for Noble Consort Xiao, being perfectly healthy yet giving birth to a..."


    Before she finished speaking, Consort Chen who had suddenly turned around threw the scripture at her face.


    "If you have nothing to say, sew up those pping lips of yours! If I hear you speak of this again, be prepared for me to punish you ording to the pce rules!"


    Xiao Jingheng had forbidden discussion of this matter. Consort Chenshing out at Consort Yin followed precedence.


    But Consort Yin was a hot-tempered Hu woman, and would not suffer in silence.


    She picked up the scripture and offered it back to Consort Chen respectfully, saying:


    "I spoke out of turn, I should not have discussed this matter. Rather, I should congratte you. His Majesty previously allowed you to raise Noble Consort Xiao''s child. Congrattions on gaining a precious son."


    Consort Yin''s sarcastic words were meant to add to Consort Chen''s troubles.


    Everyone knew Xiao Jingheng did not like that "freak child".


    If the child was raised in Consort Chen''s pce, not only would she have to painstakingly care for his illnesses, Xiao Jingheng found the child inauspicious, and would likely visit Yonghe Pce less and less in the future.


    Consort Chen would not do something so taxing without reward.


    She said: "Noble Consort Xiao will move back to Zhaochun Pce after giving birth. Hasn''t Consort Hui already moved there to live with Consort Yi? With Noble Consort Xiao living alone in Zhaochun Pce, the little prince also needs attentive care, and no one understands better how to care for a child than his own mother. So I have decided to tell His Majesty to let Noble Consort Xiao raise her own child."


    Consort Yin said: "Noble Consort Xiao''s status is low, she is no empress, how can she raise the child herself?"


    "Oh?" Consort Chen brushed the stray hairs back behind her ears, nced at Consort Yin, and saidzily:


    "Then if she doesn''t raise him, shall I give him to you to raise?"


    "..."


    Consort Yin was left speechless, afraid to say another word,


    fearing Consort Chen would really find a way to foist the "freak child" upon her...


    Seeing her defeated, Consort Chen sneered scornfully.


    Her eyes also caught Song Zhao sweating on her brow as she read scriptures seated. She immediately ordered:


    "Come, bring an ice tub next to Consort Song, don''t let her overheat."


    Song Zhao was overjoyed at the favor, and was about to get up to thank her. At that moment, Consort Chen walked to her side and patted her shoulder, smilingly saying:


    "You need not thank me. With the Empress and Noble Consort Xiao both having given birth, your belly is now the most precious in the harem. Of course I must ensure you are well in every way."


    Song Zhao also smiled and gave thanks, but she saw through it all clearly as a mirror.


    The Empress had a daughter, while Noble Consort Xiao''s son did not count for the royal lineage.


    Thus, Consort Chen would keep even closer watch over her womb.


    But this was not bad.


    With Consort Chen''s protection, it was better than her scheming.


    Only when this child was safely born would Consort Chen realize she had fallen for Song Zhao''s scheme.


    By then it would be toote for Consort Chen to retaliate, however vicious her intents.


    Later, after the consorts chanted sutras for a while more,


    past the hour of zi, Kang Yubin stumbled into Baohua Hall, out of breath as he reported:


    "Reporting to Consort Chen, there is news from the Empress''s pce. The Imperial Medical Bureau exerted all their efforts and barely pulled the Empress back from the gates of hell. Though her life is preserved, the Empress''s hemorrhage this time was severe, damaging her vitality... She likely will bepletely infertile hereafter."


    Hearing this, everyone sighed andmented the pity.


    But from Consort Chen''s lips came a burst of untimelyughter:


    "Hahahaha! What great news!"


    Consort Chenughed as she offered incense before the bodhisattva statue, saying, "We really must thank the bodhisattva''s blessings."


    "Consort Chen! What do you mean by this?" Consort Yin angrily retorted. "The Empress has been reduced to this state yet you actually dare call it good news?"


    Consort Chen nced at her coldly and said inly:


    "Why are you so agitated? She didn''t die, did she? Giving premature birth to a princess, then making a scene with hemorrhaging, yet still barely clinging to half a life, how is this not the bodhisattva showing his power?"

 Chapter 184: Infertile 02

    <h4>Chapter 184</h4>


    Consort Chen said the Empress only kept half her life, and this remark was absolutely correct.


    For the women in this pce, losing the ability to reproduce was just like losing half their lives.


    Even more serious than that.


    Like most people, Song Zhao now had a mournful look on her face, with tears welling up in her eyes.


    But deep down in her heart, she was blooming with joy.


    No matter how the Empress tried to calcte everything, wasn''t she still going to be manipted and toyed with in Song Zhao''s palm in the end?


    The best way to hurt someone was often not directly taking their life,


    but rather when they were still alive, taking away what they treasured most.


    Only then could they be made to live every remaining day of their life in agony before Song Zhao,


    Only then could she feel gratified!


    At this moment,


    Song Zhao really wanted to immediately rush to Kunning Pce to see what expression the Empress had.


    The more heart-wrenching she cried,


    the more delightful Song Zhao would feel in her heart!


    Later that day,


    the group of concubines followed Consort Chen to visit the Empress.


    But Xiao Jingheng blocked them in the main hall, not allowing anyone in.


    He said, "The Empress is resting, don''t go disturb her recuperation."


    Though he said she was resting, they weren''t deaf.


    The sounds of cryinging from the inner chambers were clearly the Empress, and no one else.


    But since Xiao Jingheng said she was sleeping, the other consorts didn''t dare say anything more.


    Only the dumb Consort Hui actually asked,


    "I seem to hear someone crying in the inner chambers? Has the Empress really gone to sleep?"


    Hearing this, Xiao Jingheng red at her fiercely.


    Consort Hui didn''t understand why, but she was truly frightened by his terrifying gaze.


    She shrank back two steps, hiding behind Song Zhao, not daring to speak again.


    It was only then that Xiao Jingheng noticed Song Zhao among the group of consorts.


    He said in surprise, "Didn''t I tell you to go back to the pce and rest? Did you go with them just now to Baohua Pce?"


    Song Zhao''s brows furrowed slightly, her face full of concern, "Such a thing happened to the Empress, this subject is very uneasy. The Empress usually takes good care of me, I also want to do something for her."


    Xiao Jingheng reached through the crowd to take her hand, "You always make me worry. In your condition, running back and forth with me all night, and going to Baohua Pce to pray, how can you rest well?"


    Song Zhao said, "This subject is fine. I only want to stay by the Emperor''s side and share his worries."


    Such tempting words, Song Zhao would never have said so openly in front of everyone before.


    But since getting pregnant, she had long expected she would eventually be a target, so she was toozy to keep pretending in front of them.


    After all, gaining control over Xiao Jingheng''s heart was the most important thing.


    Seeing how Xiao Jingheng''s eyes were full of Song Zhao, Consort Chen was so jealous she was about to burst. She quickly said,


    "Consort Hui is under this subject''s care, Your Majesty need not worry. Just now at Baohua Pce praying, this subject had Consort Hui sit the entire time, afraid she''d get hot, I even moved an ice urn next to her."


    Xiao Jingheng nced at her and nodded, "You are thoughtful, you''ve also had a tiring night."


    With Xiao Jingheng''s word of concern, Consort Chen immediately beamed.


    Just as she was about to continue speaking,


    Consort Yin cut in and asked,


    "The Empress had reported mother and child safe after giving birth, right? How could she suddenly suffer from massive bleeding?"


    These words were clearly meant to make Xiao Jingheng suspect the Empress''s sudden bleeding was due to someone''s secret harm.


    And this someone undoubtedly pointed to Consort Chen, who had a long-standing grudge with the Empress.


    Hearing this, Consort Chen also red fiercely at Consort Yin.


    Even Consort Chen could understand such blunt words, let alone Xiao Jingheng?


    In fact, Xiao Jingheng had already ordered a thorough investigation of the matter earlier.


    But the results of the investigation were:


    This was purely an ident, with no foul y.


    So Xiao Jingheng did not respond to Consort Yin''s words, only saying to Song Zhao, "I will send you back to the pce to rest."


    Song Zhao quickly said, "Hasn''t the Emperor also been tired out from this night? There''s government affairs to handle early tomorrow, at most two hours of rest now. This subject can return to the pce herself, may the Emperor rest soon as well?"


    Consort Chen immediately saw an opportunity and said, "This subject has prepared sobering drinks since early morning in my pce, it would be good for the Emperor to drink some and sleep soundly."


    Xiao Jingheng did not say anything, silent for a while before nodding in agreement.


    Song Zhao didn''t know why, but watching his actions, she felt it was increasingly ridiculous.


    Just now he still had a face full of worry over the Empress''s matter, putting on a show as if he cared deeply for the Empress.


    But with Consort Chen''s casual invitation, he''s now following her?


    As Emperor, perceptive and wise, he naturally knew that for a woman, losing the ability to reproduce was like the sky falling down for her.


    If Xiao Jingheng truly cared about the Empress''s feelings, he should have stayed tofort her well tonight,


    instead of leaving the Empress crying inconsbly in her chambers while he goes to enjoy himself in Consort Chen''s pce.


    While Song Zhao did not agree with Xiao Jingheng''s actions,


    him treating the Empress this way was what Song Zhao was happy to see.


    So she knelt down and gave a slight bow, saying,


    "This subject respectfully bids the Emperor and Consort Chen farewell."


    Hearing her say this, the other consorts also followed to respectfully send them off.


    Thus, after everyone dispersed, this matter would certainly reach the Empress''s ears,


    and make her even more heartbroken and blinded by tears.

 Chapter 185: What’s Wrong with the Heart

    <h4>Chapter 185</h4>


    After Song Zhao returned to the pce,


    Xiao Fuzi brought her a bowl of decocted tranquility medicine and instructed:


    ¡°Your Highness has gone through a lot today, please drink this tranquility medicine first and be careful not to disturb the fetus.¡±


    Song Zhao picked up the bowl and gently swirled it, smiling lightly: ¡°My child is very promising, not so fussy. Besides, I¡¯m in a good mood today, I don¡¯t feel tired at all.¡±


    She drank the medicine, handed the empty bowl to Xiao Fuzi, and then lowered her voice, speaking in a volume only the two of them could hear:


    ¡°Did you go tell Yun Shan the news?¡±


    Ever since Consort Hui moved in to live here, the master and servant spoke to each other privately with great caution.


    They were afraid of walls having ears and disasters stemming from the mouth.


    Xiao Fuzi moved closer to Song Zhao and whispered like a mosquito:


    ¡°I told her as soon as I got back. Yun Shan knows the Empress has gone through these things, so she¡¯s also relieved of some resentment. However, I was afraid she would worry, so I didn''t tell her that all this was Your Highness¡¯ scheme.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s right not to tell her. She¡¯s too naive. I don''t want her to worry either.¡±


    Song Zhao looked at the ice in front of her, the corners of her lips curving into a trace of sinister smile:


    In fact, the series of idents today were orchestrated by Song Zhao from beginning to end.


    Earlier, the reason the phoenix robe¡¯s eastern pearl fell off was because when Xiao Fuzi went to theundry department to retrieve clothes per Song Zhao¡¯s order, he took the opportunity when it was crowded to tamper with it.


    It was also theundry department workers¡¯ own fault for being negligent on duty.


    In the summer, with the increase of clothes sent for washing by the imperial consorts and concubines of all pces, in order to save trouble, theundry workers did not separate and store the Empress¡¯ phoenix robes from themon clothes of imperial consorts and concubines.


    This gave Xiao Fuzi a chance to do something.


    When all the pces went to retrieve clothes, he loosened the gold thread from which the eastern pearl hung on the phoenix robe.


    This way, after the Empress wore the phoenix robe for a few days, the eastern pearl at the hem would naturally drop,


    fall at her feet, and she could easily step on it and slip.


    Even if the eastern pearl didn''t fall off, or the Empress didn''t step on it, it wouldn''t matter.


    Anyway, Song Zhao wanted her to give premature birth, so she always had a backup n to make sure she couldn''t have a peaceful pregnancy.


    Perhaps it was the Empress¡¯ own retribution for her misdeeds, Song Zhao only schemed this one time, yet she really did give premature birth.


    And Song Zhao?


    She was afraid the Empress could survive, so when she went with Xiao Jingheng to visit the Empress, she hid a package of colorless, odorless powdered medicine in her sleeve beforehand.


    It was Blood Invigoration Powder that Xiao Fuzi had stolen from the imperial pharmacy.


    This substance evaporates very quickly when meeting water, and just smelling it has the miraculous effect of invigorating blood and dissolving stasis.


    After the Empress safely gave birth to a girl, when Song Zhao and Xiao Jingheng went in to visit her,


    Song Zhao took the opportunity when everyone''s attention was on the Empress to surreptitiously throw this stuff into the ice vat holding the ice in the Empress'' inner chamber.


    The Empress could not be exposed to wind after giving birth,


    so the doors and windows of the inner chamber had to be kept tightly shut.


    When the Blood Invigoration Powder was sprinkled on the ice, it was colorless and odorless, not easy to detect. As the ice melted into water, it would quickly evaporate.


    With the inner chamber''s doors and windows closed, the Empress would naturally inhale it unknowingly,


    which would inevitably lead to massive hemorrhaging!


    This pregnancy of the Empress was premature, andbor-inducing medicine was used, so she already had the risk of massive hemorrhaging.


    When the news spread, Kunning Pce would be thrown into chaos.


    The imperial doctors who came would focus on treating the Empress first and wouldn''t notice anything amiss.


    By the time half of the ice in the pce melted and the pce maid brought it out to dump and rece it with new ice,


    the evidence would be gone.


    By then, what could Xiao Jingheng''s investigation turn up?


    Moreover, with the Empress losing so much blood from the hemorrhage, there would certainly be no way to detect traces of Blood Invigoration Powder used in her body.


    This scheme was meticulously nned. Even if someone wanted to investigate, there was no lead.


    However, Song Zhao also miscalcted in this plot.


    She had intended to directly take the Empress¡¯ life, but didn''t expect the Empress to survive!


    Song Zhao was puzzled in her heart.


    As she used a silver pick to stir the candle wick, she murmured:


    ¡°But no matter how I think about it, I just can''t understand. Prematurebor, takingbor-inducing medicine, plus massive hemorrhaging - even an ordinary person going through these life-threatening situations would find it extremely difficult to survive. Let alone the Empress?


    Doesn''t she have a heart condition? Going through all this torment, how could she still cling to life?¡±


    Xiao Fuzi said: ¡°Perhaps she has great luck, at the expense of her descendants¡¯ blessings, which brought her tremendous fortune and longevity?¡±


    Song Zhao pondered slightly, looking up at Xiao Fuzi whose eyes also revealed puzzlement, and shook her head:


    ¡°I''m wondering, is there a possibility that the so-called heart condition was made up by the Empress, an act from beginning to end?¡±

 Chapter 186: Gong Gao Covers the Lord

    <h4>Chapter 186</h4>


    Since the Empress and Noble Consort Xiao gave birth to consecutive children, the most favored person in the harem was only Song Zhao.


    Even though she was pregnant and unable to share the bed, Xiao Jingheng would make time every day to visit and asionally stay overnight at the Changle Pce.


    However, he adhered to the rules and did not force Song Zhao to engage in intimate activities during her pregnancy, despite her being six months along and the fetus being stable.


    Song Zhao understood that Xiao Jingheng''s kindness towards her carried with it certain high expectations for the imperial sessor in her womb.


    If Song Zhao could give birth to a son, even without the support of her maternal family, her noble status as the mother of a prince would be enough for her to aspire to a position among the imperial consorts. It wouldn''t be a difficult task.


    As for the Empress,


    she had been heartbroken for a long time after learning that she would never be able to bear children in her lifetime.


    During the past half month, aside from Xiao Jingheng and the Empress Dowager, she shut out all the consorts who came to visit her.


    However, Xiao Jingheng only visited her twice.


    The first time was tofort her emotions, and the second time was to name the little princess.


    Xiao Jingheng named the princess ''Princess Jinghe'' and promised the Empress that Princess Jinghe would never be married off to an external prince. He wanted the princess to stay by the Empress''s side as a source offort.


    As for Noble Consort Xiao''s son,


    let alone giving him a name, Xiao Jingheng hadn''t even looked at him once since his birth. It was as if he didn''t have a son.


    Looking at it this way, he wasn''t neglecting the Empresspared to Noble Consort Xiao.


    However, despite this, the Empress still spent her days in sorrow.


    She didn''t me anyone but herself, feeling unfortunate that as the Empress, she couldn''t give birth to a legitimate son for Xiao Jingheng.


    Xiao Jingheng advised her, "Regardless, you are my Empress. You have suffered from a heart condition, and you risked your life to give birth to a princess for me. I will always remember this favor."


    The Empress tightly held Xiao Jingheng''s hand, tears welling up in her eyes, and said:


    "As the Emperor''s wife, it is my duty to bear children for the Emperor. I... cough, cough, cough..."


    After being treated for so long, the Empress still appeared very weak.


    Whenever her emotions became slightly agitated, she would cough repeatedly while clutching her chest.


    Coincidentally, at this moment, Judge Chu arrived to check the Empress''s pulse, and Xiao Jingheng immediately had him brought in.


    After examining her pulse, Xiao Jingheng asked him, "Why does the Empress''s condition still appear to be unstable?"


    Judge Chu replied, "Empress, you had a premature birth and suffered from excessive bleeding, which caused a significant loss of vitality. Combined with your preexisting heart condition, after going through all this, your health is not as good as before. You''ll need careful recuperation in the future."


    Xiao Jingheng then said, "You have been responsible for the Empress''s health all along, and her heart condition has improved under your care over these years. I trust your medical skills, so please continue to take good care of the Empress."


    Another four or five days passed, and the Empress still imed illness, refusing to receive visits from the consorts in the Six Pces.


    In the afternoon of this day, right after the Empress took her medicine, she saw Shuang Ruo enter with a secretive smile on her face, and she respectfully said to her:


    "Your Majesty, the Empress, this morning the Emperor was furious."


    "What happened?"


    "The Ning family achieved a victory in the northern frontier, and the Emperor intended to reward them by granting them Ying City as their fiefdom. However, Ning Bochuan, that ambitious person, was not satisfied and dared to ask the Emperor for Chongling, a border area near Ying City!"


    Upon hearing this, the Empress was greatly shocked and sat up abruptly from her warm seat.


    "Chongling? That is the ce where our ancestors made their mark. Has Ning Bochuan gone mad?"


    Shuang Ruo replied, "Great achievements can make people arrogant. So the Emperor couldn''t maintain hisposure and his face turned pale, but he didn''t reprimand Ning Bochuan. He only said that this matter will be discussedter."


    The Ning family is full of skilled and brave warriors, and they have indeed achieved significant military exploits during the Qi Dynasty.


    Although Ning Bochuan is somewhat proud, he is ultimately loyal.


    So the Empress thought, perhaps there is another hidden motive behind his request for Chongling?


    "I remember that Chongling is adjacent to Zhuyin Country, which has been quite restlesstely. Ning Bochuan asking the Emperor for Chongling might be a n to deploy troops and set up defenses there, taking advantage of the frequent military triumphs of the Qi Dynasty to capture Zhuyin as well."


    Shuang Ruo pondered for a moment and said, "ording to Your Majesty''s words, can we consider Ning Family''s actions as loyalty to the country?"


    "Ah," the Empress sneered, "Whether he is loyal or disloyal, it''s not for us to decide. It depends on how the Emperor thinks. Sometimes loyalty and betrayal are determined by the Emperor''s whim."


    She caressed the phoenix-patterned golden incense burner on the small table, contemted for a while, and then said:


    "Go and deliver a message to my father, urging him to win over some court officials and offer more advice and persuasion to the Emperor."


    Shuang Ruo was momentarily stunned, "Persuasion?"


    The Empress continued, "Of course, it is to persuade the Emperor to grant Chongling to the Ning family. Ning Bochuan has made great contributions to the Qi Dynasty, pacifying internal and external troubles. He is indeed a renowned general of the Qi Dynasty. Our prosperity today is thanks to his protection. Therefore, whatever he asks for, we must give it serious consideration."


    Shuang Ruo understood immediately.


    The Empress intended to take advantage of the situation and push the Ning family into an irreversible abyss.


    Chongling is close to Zhuyin Country, and the Ning family''s request for Chongling may be seen as a convenient way to deploy troops and genuinely aim to capture the restless bordering state for the court.


    Xiao Jingheng would certainly consider this aspect as well.


    However, if, during his consideration, waves of court officials continuously offered advice and urged him to grant Chongling to the Ning family, Xiao Jingheng would inevitably be suspicious and specte that the Ning family was behind these court officials'' persuasion.


    As an emperor, he needed mighty generals to help him stabilize the country, but he also feared that these mighty generals might rebel and rise up against him overnight, catching him off guard.


    The Empress''s actions aimed to make Xiao Jingheng even more wary of the Ning family and bring the suppression of the Ning family to the forefront of the agenda.


    Shuang Ruo cunningly smiled and said, "I understand what to do."


    "Cough... Cough... Cough..."


    As soon as she finished speaking, the Empress started coughing violently.


    She tightly clutched her chest and clothing, appearing as if she could hardly catch her breath.


    "I feel extremely unwell. Quickly fetch the imperial physician!" she eximed.


    At the same time, news of Xiao Jingheng''s anger during the previous dynasty had also reached Consort Chen''s ears through Liu Yue.


    Upon hearing the whole story, Consort Chen immediately felt uneasy.


    "Has father gone mad? Chongling is the birthce of the ancestral emperor. Why does he want that ce from the emperor? It''spletely baseless, and yet he wants the emperor to specte about his hidden motives..."


    Restlessly pacing back and forth within the pce, Consort Chen murmured to herself from time to time.


    "Our family has always achieved great military exploits, and the emperor has some degree of wariness towards father. This time, father has truly gone too far."


    Liu Yue held a jade fan and followed closely behind Consort Chen, fanning her to keep her cool.


    "Don''t worry too much, Your Highness. Master is a military man, and he probably didn''t think of all those twists and turns. Chongling is closest to Zhuyin Country, and if Master obtains that territory, it would facilitate military deployments. Master is loyal to the country, so I believe the emperor won''t suspect anything."


    "If he didn''t suspect, he wouldn''t be angry!"


    Consort Chen red at Liu Yue, snatching the fan from her hand and shaking it irritably.


    "What''s the use of saying all this? The key is how the emperor perceives this matter. The emperor hasn''t rushed to deal with Zhuyin, but father is getting anxious first? Isn''t he exceeding his boundaries as a subject and trying to take the emperor''s ce?"


    The more Consort Chen thought about it, the more unsettled she became. She hurriedly urged Liu Yue.


    "Go and prepare paper and pen. Write down everything I say. We must send a letter to father, asking him to exin his intentions regarding Chongling to the emperor, so that the emperor won''t misunderstand him."


    [Three updates today, going crazy as usual.]

 Chapter 187: Inside the Bereaved

    <h4>Chapter 187</h4>


    This family letter was dictated by Consort Chen and written down by Liu Yue. It was brief and to the point.


    As soon as the letter waspleted, Consort Chen urged Liu Yue to send it out quickly.


    No sooner had Liu Yue left than Kang Yubin sidled in, smiling ingratiatingly.


    He made a bow to Consort Chen and said, "Your Highness, the Empress''s heart condition has red up again. It''s quite severe this time. Almost all the physicians on duty at the Imperial Medical Academy have gone to Kun Ning Pce."


    Consort Chenughed mockingly, "Will she die or not?"


    "This ve does not know," Kang Yubin''s smile froze.


    "You know nothing and yete to chatter idly to me?"


    The summer weather was already stifling. Consort Chen red at Kang Yubin. Seeing him standing there motionless, she grew even more impatient.


    "Still standing there in a daze? Go find out quickly!"


    "Yes, yes! This ve will go now!" Kang Yubin scurried off in a sh.


    In about half an hour, he brought fresh hot news back to Consort Chen.


    "Reporting to Your Highness, this ve made inquiries at the Imperial Medical Academy. The Empress gave premature birth and suffered from massive bleeding, which did great harm to her body. Imperial Physician Chu said the Empress originally had a heart condition. With such torment, if her heart condition frequently rpses, it''s very likely she will lose her life."


    "Lose her life?" Consort Chen murmured this sentence, pondering for a moment before smiling.


    "Good. Even heaven wants to take this vile woman. I shall obey heaven''s will! Go summon Consort Yun. I have words for her."


    This year marked the fifth year since Consort Chen entered the pce.


    Before Song Zhao entered the pce, Consort Chen was favored exclusively.


    At that time, although she was arrogant and willful, she still kept to her ce regarding the Empress and was very respectful.


    It wasn''t until she was six months pregnant and inexplicably slipped and fell at the pce gates, losing the child...


    Emperor Xiao Jingfeng judged it an ident, but Consort Chen had taken great care since bing pregnant. How could she have slipped and fallen that night if not for a severe leg cramp?


    Originally Consort Chen did not me anyone for this, butter she asked the imperial physicians why she kept having leg cramps.


    The physicians said it was likely because Consort Chen had weak bones.


    Consort Chen found this even more strange.


    She didn''t have leg cramps like this before getting pregnant.


    How could problems arise after getting pregnant and taking supplements?


    The more she thought about it, the more she felt something was amiss. She probed further into the cause of her weak bones.


    The physicians said this was most likely harm from what she ate. Consort Chen said,


    "But my daily meals are all based on the diet n jointly formted by the Imperial Kitchens and the Imperial Medical Academy. And every meal is prepared in my own small kitchen, how could there be mistakes?"


    The physicians examined the diet n and found no issues. But they then heard Consort Chen absentmindedly remark,


    "It''s just that I don''t like vegetarian food normally, so I had the servants take out those vegetable dishes from the n."


    The physicians quickly said, "That... Those dishes were specially formted for Your Highness. If you arbitrarily reduce the vegetables and increase the meat, that''s likely the cause of your weak bones."


    But Consort Chen said, "It''s not that I don''t eat vegetables, it''s just that I don''t like the ones in the diet n.


    The Empress also knows I''m a picky eater and remembers my preferences. She said I like spinach, lettuce and broli sprouts, so she told me to pick more vegetables I like. I''ve been eating these vegetables almost daily for the sake of the child. There''s no way the imperial heir''s nutrition would becking because of my pickiness."


    Upon hearing this, the color drained from the physicians'' faces. "The problem lies in Your Highness taking matters into your own hands! The vegetables you mentioned all can lead to weak bones during pregnancy. Eating them daily, no matter how much milk or bone broth you drink, cannot make up for the condition of weak bones..."


    Only then did Consort Chen realize she had miscarried due to the Empress''s scheming!


    But in this entire matter, the only thing the Empress did was advise her to pick more vegetables she liked to have a bnced diet for the imperial heir''s sake.


    What could Consort Chen say to that?


    She didn''t even have evidence to use the Empress before the Emperor!


    Since then, the estrangement between Consort Chen and the Empress was set in stone.


    The Empress had schemed to take her child''s life.


    How could she tolerate such a vicious woman sitting safely on the throne as the principal wife, standing alongside Emperor Xiao Jingfeng as hiswful wife?


    The June air in the imperial city felt boiling hot like a steaming vat.


    But thinking of her lost child, Consort Chen now felt a bone-chilling cold.


    When no one else was around, she let her tears fall silently, looking weak and helpless.


    But upon hearing the pce maid announce "Consort Yun arrives,"


    Consort Chen immediately wiped away the searing tears with her upturned palm.


    The grief on her face was swept away in an instant, and she was once again haughty and willful. Back straight, she sat properly in the seat of honor.


    As soon as Consort Yun entered, she smiled and greeted her,


    "What good spirits my sister is in today to summon me to visit."


    Consort Chen nced at her and immediately noticed a jeweled peacock hairpin in her hair.


    The workmanship of the hairpin was extremely exquisite, the peacock lifelike. One look and you knew it was priceless.


    So she also smiled and said, "The craftsmanship on that jeweled hairpin is very good. It looks expensive."


    "This..." Consort Yun looked somewhat awkward. She was silent for a while before taking out the hairpin and presenting it to Consort Chen.


    "If my sister likes it, I''ll give this hairpin to you."


    Consort Chen did not take it. Instead she raised a mocking eyebrow at her. "This is a valuable item, how can I take it from you?"


    Consort Yun quickly said, "If not for Lord Ning helping my father resolve matters in Qizhou, how could I have attained my present fortune and status? Please take it, sister."


    She nudged the hairpin closer to Consort Chen.


    But Consort Chen took the hairpin only to casually slip it back into Consort Yun''s coiffure.


    She looked over Consort Yun''s chignon hairstyle and kept nodding. "This hairpin suits you very well. You''re an imperial consort, of course you deserve nice things like this."


    Then she leaned in close to Consort Yun and took a sniff. "You''re using foreign rosewood incense today, aren''t you? It does smell nice, just a bit too vulgar for your status. I used to give you Yi Yun Incense. That suited you best. I''ll have someone fetch some for you after this."


    Upon hearing this, Consort Yun immediately understood Consort Chen''s intention in summoning her today.


    There was one ingredient in Yi Yun Incense that could mildly elerate the blood flow of those who smelled it.


    Ordinary people would not be harmed by it, but the Empress had a heart condition that had worsened. If she smelled it again, she could easily suffer a heart attack and lose her life.


    Consort Yun was also afraid. What if the Empress really died because of this incense? Then wouldn''t she get implicated in big trouble?


    She lowered her voice anxiously, "This... it was fine before, but things are different now. If the Empress smells this scent again, it could cost a life."


    Consort Chen red at her disdainfully. "It''s her fate to die from a rpse. What are you afraid of? If you follow my instructions, I will certainly reward you and your family with prosperity for generations. But if you make trouble and vex me..."


    She suddenly went silent, a sinister smile tugging at her lips.


    She slowly walked up to Consort Yun and lightly patted her cheek twice before speaking harshly,


    "If I''m unhappy, my father and brothers will be unhappy. If they''re unhappy, go figure out that mess your father made in Qizhou yourself!"

 Chapter 188: A Great Game of Chess

    <h4>Chapter 188</h4>


    Consort Yun was well aware of Consort Chen''s decisive and upromising nature. If she didn''t go along with this matter, she would be left with no way out but death. However, if she went along with it and Consort Chen was also involved, then even if Consort Chen acted to protect herself, she wouldn''t let Consort Yun get into trouble.


    After careful consideration, Consort Yun had no choice but to take the risk and ept this task.


    "Give me the fragrant powder, and I will follow your arrangements," she said.


    Upon hearing this, Consort Chen yfully toyed with the emerald bird feather on Consort Yun''s hairpin and smiled silently.


    *


    In early July, as the selection for the imperial harem was about to begin, if the Empress continued to im illness and neglect her duties in the harem, someone else would have to attend the selection on her behalf.


    Naturally, she wouldn''t allow anyone else to steal the limelight. Therefore, she resumed her greetings to the concubines in the harem.


    Considering her history of experiencing dangerous situations such as premature birth and excessive bleeding, today''s appearance in front of the other concubines was the first time the Empress had shown herself.


    Song Zhao discreetly observed the Empress, noticing her simple and elegant attire. Despite the light application of cosmetics, he could still faintly see traces of her weakened state after recovering from a serious illness.


    Later, the other concubines expressed their congrattions to her one after another.


    "Congrattions to the Empress for the birth of the princess," Consort Yin was the first to speak. She took out a gold-engraved safety button from her bosom and presented it to the Empress.


    "This is a safety button I personally made for the princess. I hope the princess will be safe and prosperous."


    The Empress smiled and epted it. Consort Yun then spoke, "I''m not as skillful as Consort Yin in such matters. Your Majesty knows that about me. Besides being knowledgeable in fragrances, I''m useless in other things. However, since Your Majesty doesn''t like using perfumes, I have extracted some fruit essences to make a fruit-scented oil for you. When you recite Buddhist scriptures, you can drop a few drops in the Buddha shrine to calm your mind."


    The Empress received the porcin bottle presented by Consort Yun and, as soon as she opened it, the fragrance of fruit filled the air, causing everyone to marvel.


    As for Consort Chen, she made quite a bold move today.


    She pped her hands, and someone brought in a statue of Guanyin covered in purple cloth.


    With a charming smile, Consort Chen walked to the side of the statue and personally removed the purple cloth.


    Only then did everyone see that the statue she had given to the Empress was actually a statue of Guanyin associated with fertility.


    The entire hall of concubines seemed to hold their breath simultaneously, and the Empress''s expression became extremely unpleasant.


    But Consort Chen smiled and said, "This statue of Guanyin symbolizes having many children and much happiness. I present it to you, Empress, hoping that you will have many heirs for the Emperor."


    "Consort Chen! Have you gone mad?"


    Consort Yun was the first to step forward and retort, "By giving the Empress this statue of Guanyin, are you intentionally trying to provoke her?"


    "Ridiculous! I am not provoking the Empress in any way," Consort Chen''s phoenix eyes flew, and she became even more unrestrained. "The imperial physician only said that it would be difficult for the Empress to conceive in the future, but he didn''t say she definitely couldn''t. In such matters, we can only do what is humanly possible and leave the rest to fate. By presenting this statue of Guanyin to the Empress, I am offering a sincere blessing for her well-being. Why are you so upset? Hehe."


    She suddenly covered her mouth with a silk handkerchief and emitted a mockingugh. "What''s wrong? Could it be that you think the Empress will never have another chance to conceive in her lifetime?"


    "You..." Consort Yun couldn''t argue with her words, so she quickly walked to the statue of the Goddess of Mercy for childbirth and covered it back with the purple cloth. "Someone! Move this thing out!"


    Later on, it was just Consort Chen and Consort Yun quarreling, and the Empress intervened.


    This was the scene that Song Zhao had seen the most during her time in the pce, after her entry as a concubine, so it was not surprising.


    However, when Consort Yun passed by her earlier, Song Zhao clearly smelled a familiar fragrance.


    Why was it familiar?


    Because before the Empress became pregnant, Consort Yun used this scented powder every day, unting it in front of the Empress.


    But after the Empress became pregnant, Consort Yun''s scent changed.


    And now that the Empress safely gave birth to a daughter, this fragrance had returned?


    Song Zhao turned her head slightly, with one hand holding a jade bi to converse with Consort Huiping, and the other hand subconsciously covering her nose with a handkerchief.


    During today''s greeting, Consort Yun defended the Empress and had a dispute with Consort Chen, leaving a favorable impression on the Empress.


    In the following days, Consort Yun behaved just like before, constantly fawning over the Empress.


    The Empress also appeared very close to her, even breaking the rules in private and calling her "sister."


    On this day, Consort Yun apanied the Empress in paying respects to the Buddha for half a day.


    After she left, Shuang Ruo brought a te of chilled watermelon to the Empress.


    She smelled the fragrance emanating from Consort Yun''s body, which almost overwhelmed the scent of sandalwood, and said,


    "Your Majesty, Consort Yun''s fragrance has indeed returned."


    The Empress didn''t think much of it and instead took a deep breath, saying contentedly,


    "Yes. But this scent is pleasant. I haven''t smelled it for a long time, and I''ve missed it."


    Shuang Ruo chuckled and said, "Consort Chen thought that this scented powder could cause Your Majesty''s heart condition to rpse. How could she know that Your Majesty never had any heart condition in the first ce? It was just a means for you to adapt to changing circumstances and y tricks on her."


    The Empress''s heart condition had always been her tactic to vie for favor.


    With a heart condition, Xiao Jingheng would naturally treat her more gently,


    And even if she didn''t have one, which man could resist the affection of a woman who risked her life to bear his offspring?


    The harem was filled with women who could bear children, so the Empress naturally had to be the most outstanding one to make Xiao Jingheng remember her favorably.


    Indeed, she had seeded.


    Although she only gave birth to a princess and could no longer bear children due to premature birth and postpartum hemorrhage,


    There were regrets, but Xiao Jingheng''s guilt and pity towards her were genuine.


    Sometimes, a man''s guilt towards you was enough to ensure your prosperity for the rest of your life.


    And by pretending to have a heart condition, if any concubines wanted to harm her, they would undoubtedly focus on this matter.


    But what was the use of their scheming?


    A healthy person, even if they were being plotted against, would only be a waste of others'' calctions.


    The Empress was originally smiling,


    But somehow, the smile on her face suddenly froze, and she spoke with a very anxious tone:


    "Consort Chen is well aware of my heart ailment, yet she conspires with Consort Yun, using such despicable means to harm me! It was because I used to be close to Consort Yun in the past, constantly exposed to the scent of her perfumes, that I suffered such severe consequences, resulting in premature birth and hemorrhaging! I can never conceive again in this lifetime!"


    She fiercely guarded her lower abdomen with her right hand, her eyes filled with determination. "Consort Chen''s maternal family offended the Emperor in the previous dynasty, and she hasmitted malicious acts in the pce, plotting against the Empress and harming the imperial sessor! How can the Emperor rest assured and let her remain by his side?"


    With just a few words, the Empress effortlessly shifted the me onto Consort Chen, tarnishing her with all the usations.


    Once matters unfold as she described,


    Even if Consort Chen possesses extraordinary abilities, she will have no chance of turning the tides.


    The Empress reached out to Shuang Ruo and allowed her to assist her to the bedside.


    She removed her shoes and socks before lying down unhurriedly,


    Then she gave Shuang Ruo a sinister smile and gestured with her hand.


    "My heart ailment is about to act up again. Go and inform the imperial physicians. Remember, make as muchmotion as possible, no matter the consequences."


    As she finished speaking, the smile on her face instantly vanished,


    And she tightly clutched her chest, starting to groan in pain...


    [It''s Friday tomorrow! I''ll bring all of you to watch a grand drama tomorrow night!]

 Chapter 189: The Poison Scheme 01

    <h4>Chapter 189</h4>


    Before going to the Imperial Medical Bureau, Shuang Ruo first yelled and ran between the six pces, gathering the imperial consorts to go to Kun Ning Pce, saying that the Empress wanted to talk to them.


    She did this with the permission of the Empress, just to make sure that all the consorts were trapped in Kun Ning Pce when it happened, so as not to give Consort Chen and Consort Yun time to escape.


    Among the consorts, except for Princess Zhao who is currently apanying the Empress Dowager in the Empress Dowager''s pce,


    the rest came slowly, and they had all gathered.


    After everyone arrived, Shuang Ruo then said,


    "I asked you all toe today because the Empress is ill and needs care. The Empress''s heart disease has rpsed and she feels very ufortable."


    In the main hall there were crowds of people, and they were all sweating from rushing over in the scorching sun. Consort Chen sat by the ice tub, even though the pce maids were fanning her desperately to cool her down, she still felt very hot.


    So she didn''t give Shuang Ruo a good expression,


    "The Empress is sick and you didn''t get the imperial doctors but gathered all the consorts first, what kind of logic is this?"


    Seeing Shuang Ruo drooping without speaking, Consort Chen became more unscrupulous and said,


    "What? Can''t she hold on anymore so wants to hand over her affairs before death?"


    Shuang Ruo was about to exin when Judge Chu arrived with a group of imperial doctors.


    She hurriedly greeted the doctors to go to the inner chamber,


    "Judge Chu, you are here. Please go see the Empress!"


    Consort Chen almost rolled her eyes to heaven and said,


    "Whoever wants to wait here can wait here. I''m tired and don''t have the energy to waste time with you."


    She got up to walk out of the hall but saw that the door was surrounded by the eunuchs under Yan Jiude.


    Consort Chen was stunned and raised her eyebrows at him and said, "What do you mean?"


    Yan Jiude did not back down, he cleared his throat and said, "The Empress''s heart disease has rpsed and her life is at stake. Consort Chen, as the head consort, please lead the consorts to burn incense and pray for the Empress, and pray for her safety."


    "Do these gods from heaven only ept offerings for the Empress? Everyone has abandoned their jobs and only watches over the safety of the Empress alone?" Consort Chen said mockingly, then lowered her voice and threatened Yan Jiude,


    "The person in charge of the six pces now is Imperial Consort Ying. Go ask her to lead people to the side hall. Let me tell you, if you dare to stop me from talking nonsense again, even if you are the head eunuch of the Empress'' pce, I can still find a way to strip you of your rank and skin you!"


    Just as the two sides were in a standstill, Xiao Jingheng happened to rush over at this time.


    After all, with the Empress having a heart attack and summoning all pce consorts to attend to her, as well as alerting the Imperial Medical Bureau, how could Xiao Jingheng not know about it?


    Seeing Yan Jiude blocking the door of the main hall with his men, seeming to have conflicted with Consort Chen, Xiao Jingheng asked solemnly,


    "What happened?"


    "Nothing." Consort Chen answered before Yan Jiude. With a worried look she said, "The Empress''s heart disease has rpsed, I''m very worried about her safety and was about to lead my sisters to the side hall to burn incense and pray for her, to pray for her peace and safety."


    Xiao Jingheng nodded slightly, "It''s good of you to have this in mind, go on then."


    "Yes." Just as Consort Chen responded, Judge Chu walked out of the inner chamber with a rushed look.


    "Reporting to Your Majesty, the Empress''s heart disease rpse this time is due to the reverse flow of qi and blood. It looks very bad."


    Xiao Jingheng frowned and asked, "Didn''t you say the Empress''s condition was stable? How could something like this happen suddenly?"


    "This..." Judge Chu wiped the sweat from his sleeve, somewhat embarrassed, "When I took the Empress''s pulse just now, I detected that her body seemed to have the symptoms of taking Xing Qi San, and not a small amount."


    No one else knew what Xing Qi San was. Judge Chu continued to exin,


    "Xing Qi San is an excellent medicine that speeds up the cirction of qi and blood. It is very effective in relieving stuffiness in the chest, blocked qi and blood. It''s usually harmless for ordinary people to smell it, but the Empress has a history of heart disease and must not be exposed to it."


    Upon hearing this, Xiao Jingheng''s face was covered with frost.


    "Are you saying someone tried to deliberately harm the Empress?"


    The Empress is one with the Emperor. Plotting to harm the Empress is no less than plotting to harm the Emperor himself.


    In the entire pce, who would have the guts to do such an outrageous thing so openly?


    When Xiao Jingheng asked, his eyes unconsciously fell on Consort Chen.


    But Consort Chen didn''t seem to care about it at all.


    While fanning Xiao Jingheng, she also asked the pce maid to move the ice tub closer to Xiao Jingheng,


    It seemed as if she hadn''t heard what Judge Chu had just said.


    When her bright eyes met Xiao Jingheng''s doubtful ones, she even asked lightly with a smile,


    "What does Your Majesty think of my fanning skills? This kind of weather makes people stuffy, no wonder the Empress is always unwell."


    After speaking, she took out her handkerchief and wiped the sparse sweat on Xiao Jingheng''s forehead.


    Xiao Jingheng knew Consort Chen''s temperament. Although she was arrogant and willful, she didn''t scheme much and wore her heart on her sleeve. Her performance was beyond reproach. On the contrary, Consort Yun, who stood next to her, looked suspicious.


    She deliberately shifted her eyes to avoid looking at Xiao Jingheng''s side,


    Her lowered hands were uneasily fiddling with her handkerchief, looking flustered.


    Judge Chuter said,


    "Whether this was intentional or idental can probably only be determined after the Empress wakes up and we ask her personally."


    "Judge Chu,e in quick! The Empress is coughing blood!"


    The female doctor attending the Empress in the inner chamber cried out urgently. Judge Chu did not dare to dy and hurried back after a bow.


    But his previous remarks were enough to make Xiao Jingheng suspicious about the Empress''s sudden heart attack.


    Seeing Shuang Ruo crouching in the corner, suppressing her cries and praying for the Empress''s safety, he called her over and asked,


    "How do you serve Her Majesty usually? How could you have been so careless to let her get exposed to such harmful things?"


    Shuang Ruo knelt in front of Xiao Jingheng and sobbed,


    "Ever since the Empress had a miscarriage, I have been even more careful in taking care of her.


    Her diet, clothing, supplies, I must go over everything twice to ensure safety before putting it in Her Majesty''s hands. I dare pledge my worthless life that we absolutely did not neglect this matter."


    Xiao Jingheng thought silently. Since Xing Qi San took effect simply by smelling it, there was no need to add it to the Empress¡¯s daily items.


    If it was added to cosmetics, wouldn¡¯t it be even more invisible and deadly?


    So he asked, "Has the Empress used any fragrance recently?"


    Shuang Ruo said, "The Empress doesn''t like fragrance on normal days. It was just a few days ago that Consort Yun gave her a very pure and refreshing fruity fragrance. Her Majesty really liked it and would often burn some."


    As soon as she said this, Xiao Jingheng immediately nced over at Consort Yun.


    [To be continued in next update]

 Chapter 190: The Poison 02

    <h4>Chapter 190</h4>


    Consort Yun, who was already in a state of confusion, turned pale when Xiao Jingheng nced at her.


    She took two steps forward and kneeled in front of Xiao Jingheng, exining:


    "Your Majesty, please understand! The fragrance I presented to the Empress was distilled from fresh flowers and fruits. It will not in any way harm the Empress''s well-being. Before sending the fragrance to the Empress, I even had the imperial physician verify its safety to ensure that there were no issues."


    Consort Yun was standing close to Xiao Jingheng, emitting a captivating and sweet scent with every movement.


    Among the pce concubines, Consort Yun was known for her love of fragrances. In the past, when she was favored, Xiao Jingheng had even specially rewarded her with high-quality Morning Dew Fragrance.


    After hearing her exnation, before Xiao Jingheng could speak, Shuang Ruo defended Consort Yun with a statement:


    "If the Empress has truly been harmed, Consort Yun would not be the culprit. Consort Yun has always shown great respect and attentiveness towards the Empress, constantly serving her and carrying out her duties diligently."


    Shuang Ruo''s casual remark revealed a clue to Xiao Jingheng.


    "The constant service" implied that Consort Yun would always be in the Empress''spany.


    So the Empress could smell this fragrance on Consort Yun every day?


    Furthermore, Judge Chu had said earlier that Qi-Regting Powder would not cause any harm to a normal person.


    Xiao Jingheng pondered carefully and fixed his scrutinizing gaze on Consort Yun as he asked:


    "What kind of powder are you using?"


    "Well..." Consort Yun visibly became more flustered, trembling even in her speech, clearly betraying her guilt.


    "Your Majesty, it''s just... ordinary powder," she quickly exined.


    Regardless of her exnation now, Xiao Jingheng wouldn''t believe her.


    He ordered Jiang Deshun to search Consort Yun''s pce and find the Yi Yun Incense. It had to be brought to light.


    Previously, when Consort Yun and Consort Chen came to Kun Ning Pce, they thought the Empress really wanted to discuss matters, so they didn''t take precautions.


    Consort Yun hadn''t concealed or hidden the Yi Yun Incense, and it was easily found by the pce attendants.


    When the item was presented to everyone, Xiao Jingheng instructed Shuang Ruo to carefully examine it, and soon the issue within it was exposed.


    "Well... Your Majesty, someone indeed mixed Qi-Regting Powder into this..."


    "Outrageous!"


    Xiao Jingheng forcefully smashed the teacup in his hand to the ground.


    The Emperor was furious, and everyone in the hall kneeled together.


    "Your Majesty, please calm down!"


    Xiao Jingheng flung the jar of fragrant powder at Consort Yun,


    Shattering the jar and scattering her hairpins,


    A few strands of dark hair fell across her forehead, adding to her current panic and fear.


    Consort Yun repeatedly kowtowed to Xiao Jingheng, her voice trembling:


    "Your Majesty, I don''t know, I really don''t know how the Qi-Regting Powder ended up in the fragrant powder. I swear!"


    Xiao Jingheng red at her with disgust, his voice filled with anger:


    "You don''t know? Are you suggesting that the powder grew legs and jumped into the fragrant powder you use every day?"


    Upon hearing that it was indeed rted to Consort Yun, Shuang Ruo couldn''t believe it. Disregarding her status as a maid, she cried out while Xiao Jingheng was still reprimanding Consort Yun:


    "Consort Yun... How could it be you? Why would you do such a thing?"


    Suddenly, she seemed to recall something, her tear-filled eyes widened as she looked at Xiao Jingheng:


    "Your Majesty! If there is something wrong with this fragrant powder, perhaps it''s been used to plot against the Empress! Consort Yun has always been on good terms with the Empress, and she has been using the same fragrant powder for quite some time. Before the Empress became ill with a heart condition, she had been suffering from recurring symptoms. Then she had a premature birth and even experienced hemorrhaging. Maybe all of this is because of the fragrant powder!"


    As soon as these words were spoken, everyone in the hall gasped in shock.


    Consort Yin, who had been kneeling beside Consort Yun, felt a deep sense of fear upon hearing these words and quickly moved away.


    Just then, Judge Chu returned from the inner chamber and reported:


    "Your Majesty, the Empress''s heart condition has stabilized, and there is currently no immediate danger to her life."


    Upon hearing this, Xiao Jingheng let out a sigh of relief and exchanged a nce with Jiang Deshun.


    Understanding his intention, Jiang Deshun ryed Shuang Ruo''s suspicions to Judge Chu.


    After hearing this, Judge Chu said:


    "If this is indeed the case, it would exin why the Empress''s heart condition has been incurable for so long and the reasons behind the premature birth and hemorrhaging..."


    Xiao Jingheng wanted to inquire further,


    but at that moment, from the direction of the corridor, a heart-wrenching cry echoed through the air.


    Everyone turned their heads in response,


    Only to discover that the Empress, at some unknown time, hade out from the inner chamber and was standing by the side door, having heard everything.


    She was dressed in a in sleeping gown, her face pale as snow,


    She was now seated on the ground, her emaciated hands tightly clutching her chest, veins bulging on her neck, temples throbbing. Her cries were hoarse and desperate, echoing like a cat in heat during spring, sending shivers down people''s spines...


    Shuang Ruo stumbled and rushed to the Empress''s side, helping her up from the cold ground,


    Xiao Jingheng followed closely, cradling the Empress in his arms, gently rubbing her trembling shoulders, whispering words offort.


    Judge Chu also eximed, "Your Majesty, the Empress has just escaped danger. She must not be subjected to any more shocks!"


    The Empress red at Consort Yun with eyes filled with fury, crying uncontrobly, repeatedly questioning her.


    "Consort Yun! I have always treated you like a sister, why! Why would you harm me like this?"


    She protected her small abdomen, her words filled with anguish, "I can never bear children in the future... A woman who loses the ability to give birth and raise children, what difference is there between me and a useless person! I might as well be dead!"


    The Empress cried so desperately, disregarding any dignity of a pce consort.


    The other consorts rushed forward to console her, but Consort Yun copsed on the ground, scared out of her wits.


    Xiao Jingheng was also infuriated,


    He almost shouted at Consort Yun, "Vile woman! Why did you plot against the Empress? Speak!"


    Consort Yun stuttered and couldn''t form aplete sentence, only bowing incessantly,


    Xiao Jingheng became even more annoyed and ordered, "Guards! Drag her away and administer the stick punishment until she confesses!"

 Chapter 191: Bite Back

    <h4>Chapter 191</h4>


    The ice in the hall had melted three jars,


    but at this time, everyone was shocked by the malicious thoughts behind Consort Yun¡¯s plot against the Empress.


    They were horrified in their hearts, and naturally felt a chill, so they did not feel hot anymore.


    The attendants in front of the throne dragged Consort Yun to take her to execution,


    Consort Yun broke free from them with great strength, and crawled to Xiao Jingheng¡¯s feet, grabbing his clothes and begging for mercy,


    ¡°Your Majesty, please show mercy! Your servant has... all this was instigated by Empress Dowager!¡±


    Dozens of eyes with various thoughts simultaneously looked towards Consort Chen,


    as if taking her as a target, eager to shoot through her.


    But Consort Chen?


    Her eyes drifted around, also at a loss.


    The Empress cried out in anguish, "Consort Chen! You and I have been at odds with each other, and I could tolerate you many times! But... how vicious your heart is!¡±


    Consort Chen nced at the Empress, and also saw Xiao Jingheng''s increasingly cold eyes.


    But she maintained her usual arrogance, and snapped at the Empress before Xiao Jingheng could question her,


    "This is baseless, don''t look at me like that!"


    The Empress wept, "If it weren''t for you, why would Consort Yun suddenly bite you like this?"


    Consort Chen sneered, "Whatever Consortium Yun says is true? Then if she says that I am the Queen Mother of the Nine Heavens, then in the future, the Empress might as well stop worshiping the Bodhisattva, and simply worship me instead of the temple!"


    "Consort Chen." Xiao Jingheng sternly shouted to stop her, "Do not be rude in front of the Empress."


    Consort Chen bowed slightly, and her tone softened a little, "Your servant understands."


    After speaking, she red at Consort Yun, pacing around her,


    "You said I ordered you to do this? Then tell everyone, when did I order you? And what benefits did I give you that made you willinglymit this crime that would lead to the execution of your n!"


    Seeing Consort Yun stuttering under her questioning, Consort Chen calmly said to the other consorts,


    "You have all witnessed the enmity between me and Consort Yun. When paying respects to the Empress, out of five times, at least three or two times I would bicker with her."


    She suddenly stopped and stood still in front of Consort Yun, staring at her fiercely,


    "Since you are so afraid of me, how dare you still provoke me in front of so many people? Doesn''t this contradict yourself when you say it?"


    Facing Consort Chen''s continuous questions, Consort Yun was clearly at a loss to respond.


    When she tried to defend herself, she stammered, making Xiao Jingheng feel more suspicious about this matter.


    "The Empress Dowager has arrived~"


    Just as Junning Pce was in chaos, the Empress Dowager also arrived to join in the excitement.


    At that time, the Empress Dowager entered slowly with the support of Song Zhao. The consorts all paid their respects to the Empress Dowager in full etiquette, and Xiao Jingheng asked,


    "Why did Mothere?"


    The Empress Dowager said unpleasantly, "How can I turn a deaf ear when the back pce is in such a state?"


    She went forward and took the Empress''s hands, full of distress, and said, "Good child, don''t cry anymore. If someone really plotted against you, Mother will definitely give you an exnation."


    After speaking, she red at Consort Yun and Consort Chen with gloomy eyes.


    Song Zhao exined to Xiao Jingheng,


    "I was originally apanying the Empress Dowager to chat idly while walking in the courtyard. When I saw two young eunuchs outside discussing something, I called them over to ask, and only then did I know that it was because the Empress had a recurrence of heart problems. The Empress Dowager and I were both worried about the Empress, so we rushed over together."


    Xiao Jingheng nodded, and gently said, "It''s hot, and you must have been tired rushing over here. Bring the cooling jars to the Empress Dowager and Concubine Yi."


    As the pce maid moved the cooling jars, Song Zhao supported the Empress Dowager to her seat.


    After sitting down, the Empress Dowager beckoned outside the door, and a white-bearded man in in clothes entered humbly.


    The Empress Dowager introduced him to everyone, "This is Divine Doctor Yu, the emperor has met him before."


    Divine Doctor Yu bowed to Xiao Jingheng. Xiao Jingheng observed him for a while and recognized him.


    "Divine Doctor Yu is a famous divine doctor in the capital. Myte father wanted to keep him in the pce, but Divine Doctor Yu was used to living freely, and was unwilling to stay, so he did not force him. Over the years, whenever he was free, he woulde to the pce to regte my mother''s health."


    The Empress Dowager nodded, and said, "The Empress was injured after prematurebor and could no longer conceive. She has always been mncholy and unhappy. I thought that since the imperial doctors in the pce could not cure her, I might as well invite famous doctors from outside the pce to diagnose and treat her together. So I summoned Divine Doctor Yu into the pce to see if he has a way to help her."


    After speaking, she nced at Divine Doctor Yu, "First go take the Empress''s pulse to see if she is well."


    At that time, the Empress felt like thunder in her ears, and her scalp tingled.


    If Frosty had not supported her, she would have copsed to the ground in weakness.


    Since this doctor was invited by the Empress Dowager, and everyone was watching, the Empress could not refuse no matter what. She could only grit her teeth and say,


    "Then please ask Divine Doctor Yu toe in and examine me."


    After the Empress entered the inner hall with Divine Doctor Yu, the Empress Dowager immediately darkened her face,


    "What is the meaning of this? I just heard outside that the Empress'' health has deteriorated, and it was Consort Chen who made Consort Yun harm her?"


    Consort Chen was not afraid at all, and reprimanded loudly,


    "I have never done such a dirty thing. If the Empress Dowager and Your Majesty do not believe me, and Consort Yun insists it was me... "


    She knelt on the ground, back straight, loud voice booming,


    "Then I ask Your Majesty to take Consort Yun to the Interrogation Bureau, pierce her fingers with silver needles, put her feet in ant nests, and subject her to all those tortures that torment people without killing them! I think by then, she will naturally spit out the truth and restore justice for me."


    Seeing Consort Chen''s demeanor of righteousness without fear of shadows, Xiao Jingheng did not suspect her much either.


    Plotting against the Empress was a capital crime, so whatever torture used on Consort Yun now was justified.


    So he ordered as Consort Chen suggested,


    "Servant Jiang De, do as Consort Chen said."


    "Your servant obeys the order!"


    Seven or eight eunuchs immediately swarmed towards Consort Yun, scaring her until her eyebrows flew around.


    She immediately fell to the ground, kowtowing desperately, crying out,


    "Your Majesty, please forgive me, Empress Dowager, please forgive me! Your servant dare not conceal again!


    All this... was originally forced by the Empress! It was the Empress who forced your servant to wrongly use Consort Chen!"

 Chapter 192: Queen Centrifugation 01

    <h4>Chapter 192</h4>


    Consort Yun''s words were like lighting a muffled explosive in the hall,


    shocking everyone to the core in disbelief.


    Everyone looked at her in astonishment and shock, Consort Yin even directly said she was talking nonsense,


    "The Empress is the central pce, the mother of all under heaven! Why would she need to risk her life just to get you to frame Consort Chen?"


    Sitting at the head of the table, Xiao Jingheng''s face was gloomy and he said nothing,


    but the Empress Dowager couldn''t help but ask, "Exin clearly, what exactly is going on here?"


    Consort Yun cried as she recounted:


    "The Empress''s intentions, I do not know. She only gave me the incense and told me to use it every day. She also said that in the future when her heart disease res up again, I should testify that Consort Chen was the one who gave it to me."


    Consort Chen poked at her temple furiously, "Are you brainless? She wanted you to frame me so you just framed me?"


    "I didn''t want to either! But what else could I do?" Consort Yun sobbed, "The Empress said if I didn''t do as she asked, she would force me to drink the red flower drink, so I could never conceive in this life! She is the central pce, I have long been under her tyranny, and my days have been truly difficult..."


    As she spoke, she rolled up her sleeves, revealing lotus root-like forearms.


    Her arms were very white, but they were covered in new wounds on top of old wounds, a ghastly sight.


    "I am of low status with no favor from His Majesty, and since my grandfather died, my family''s status in the previous dynasty has plummeted. If I did not obey the Empress, I fear she would have beaten me to death someday, and no one would have cared!"


    What she said was not wrong either.


    The only reason she was able to be a consort was because her grandfather was a founding elder of the Qi Dynasty, honored by the previous emperor, and also respected by Xiao Jingheng.


    After her grandfather died, her useless father contributed nothing to politics, and her maternal family''s glory was gone in a day.


    Hearing Consort Yun''s grief over her helplessness, Xiao Jingheng remained silent the entire time.


    The Empress Dowager nced at him and saw his face clouded like fog, clearly furious.


    So the Empress Dowager asked again, "You said all this was under the Empress'' coercion, so why were you tight-lipped earlier and confessing everything now?"


    Consort Yun said, "Only because the Empress said she would ensure my safety. But just now when His Majesty was about to punish me, she didn''t say a word, and I became truly frightened! I did not mastermind this, nor did I want to be a scapegoat for others!"


    Xiao Jingheng pondered silently,


    ording to Consort Yun''s ount, the Empress should have been trying to protect her earlier,


    but it just so happened that the Empress Dowager brought Divine Doctor Yu to give the Empress a consultation, so the Empress went to the inner chambers and had no time for Consort Yun.


    Xiao Jingheng didn''t notice anything strange earlier,


    but thinking about it now, it was suspicious that the Empress brought Divine Doctor Yu to the inner chambers.


    What was she trying to hide from others? So she didn''t dare let Divine Doctor Yu take her pulse in front of everyone?


    Consort Chen had always been hot-tempered. Hearing Consort Yun''s words made her furious.


    "How can this be! As the nation''s mother she is actually so vicious?"


    She nodded at Xiao Jingheng pleadingly and said aggrieved, "I hope Your Majesty and Empress Dowager can give me an exnation for today''s events!"


    Only then did Xiao Jingheng say in a deep voice,


    "This matter cannot be taken solely on Consort Yun''s words. After all, the Empress''s miscarriage and hemorrhage were facts, she wouldn''t use the imperial heir to frame you."


    Having said that, he called for Jiang Deshun, "Go call the Empress out, I have questions for her."


    At the same time, in the inner chambers,


    the Empress was reclining on a heated seat, letting Divine Doctor Yu take her pulse.


    Shuang Ruo and Yan Jiude were both standing by to serve her.


    Seeing Divine Doctor Yu''s expression change while taking her pulse, Shuang Ruo immediately took out a silver note and put it before him,


    "Divine Doctor Yu, your eyes see true and your mind is bright. Naturally you know what to say and not say before His Majesty. Your medical skills are superb, but the doctors in the pce are not necessarily that much worse than you, or less smart than you either. I believe at your venerable age, you should understand the importance of discretion."


    Divine Doctor Yu nced at the silver note and saw it was for one thousand taels.


    From the corner of his eye he also saw Yan Jiude standing to his right.


    That man was fiddling with a thick cloth, staring intently at him.


    The implication was already very clear.


    If Divine Doctor Yu did not take Shuang Ruo''s silver now, Yan Jiude would immediately take action and suffocate him to death, making it look like an ident.


    Then even if Xiao Jingheng investigatedter on, with just the few of them in the inner chambers, they could say whatever they wanted.


    In fact, as soon as Divine Doctor Yu started taking the Empress''s pulse, he could already tell she had no heart condition.


    And the reason the Empress was able to perfectly feign having a heart condition all these years was because she had privately given Judge Chu many benefits.


    The private residence Judge Chu had outside the pce was one of the Empress''s gifts.


    Judge Chu was highly virtuous and skilled in medicine, specially in charge of the health of the emperor, empress and empress dowager.


    Although over the years other imperial doctors had also taken the Empress''s pulse and found abnormalities, Judge Chu was the head of the Imperial Medical Bureau. Since he said the Empress had a heart condition, even if other doctors suspected something, what could they do?


    Whoever dared expose this would surely have no way out.


    Serving in the pce, medical skills were secondary.


    Most important was understanding the principle that less trouble is better than more trouble, and learning how to protect oneself.


    Just as the Empress was now threatening Divine Doctor Yu,


    at this moment, Divine Doctor Yu could only take the silver note, and then told the Empress,


    "Your Majesty, this humble one understands what must be done."


    The Empress smiled, "Divine Doctor Yu''s skills are superb, a true divine doctor. Rest assured, I cherish talent and will ensure you spend your life in splendor."


    No sooner had she finished speaking than they heard Jiang Deshun announce from outside,


    "Your Majesty the Empress, His Majesty cares about your condition. If Divine Doctor Yu has finished taking your pulse, pleasee to the main hall to speak."


    "Understood."


    After the Empress returned to the main hall, Xiao Jingheng immediately asked Divine Doctor Yu, "How is the Empress''s health?"


    Divine Doctor Yu said, "Her Majesty''s miscarriage, hemorrhage, and damaged constitution cannot be reversed. I''m afraid this humble one''s limited skills are unable to treat Her Majesty."


    This was no longer Xiao Jingheng''s main concern.


    He barely paused to think before asking again, "Then what about her heart condition?"


    At that time, the Empress still did not know what Consort Yun had told Xiao Jingheng while she was in the inner chambers.


    She was still pretending to cry, but her eyes were fixed intently on Divine Doctor Yu.


    Then she saw,


    the old man actually took out the silver note Shuang Ruo had given him, respectfully presented it to Xiao Jingheng, bowed and said,


    "This humble one cannot treat Her Majesty''s damaged constitution, and Her Majesty has no heart condition that requires treatment either. This consultation fee was given by Her Majesty just now, I dare not ept a reward for no achievement. I return it humbly to Your Majesty."

 Chapter 193: Queen Centrifuge 02

    <h4>Chapter 193</h4>


    The silver note fell into Divine Doctor Yu''s hands, it was like grasping the Empress''s lifeline.


    Everyone''s gazes instantly turned to the Empress,


    She was also panic-stricken, covering her chest with her hands, and could not think of how to refute for a moment.


    As for Divine Doctor Yu?


    He remainedposed and unruffled, did not even nce at the Empress.


    To tell the truth, the Empress was truly too careless this time,


    What kind of person was Divine Doctor Yu?


    When the Former Emperor wanted to keep him in the pce to serve, he could reject it outright with one word,


    Having lived to this age, he was well-versed in human affairs and had long be a sly old fox, how could he be easily coerced by the Empress?


    At this moment, Xiao Jingheng''s gaze, mingled with anger, fell on the Empress.


    She could only exin in pale desperation, "Your Majesty, this subject truly has a heart condition! Or... or perhaps... Divine Doctor Yu diagnosed wrongly, who knows!"


    "Your Majesty, why not let other imperial physicianse and diagnose this subject!"


    "Heh heh."


    Consort Chen cut off the Empress'' words with an arrogant, coldugh,


    Then sized up the Empress condescendingly from head to toe, and said:


    "If I were you, I would rather say that Judge Chu''s wonderful hands have alreadypletely cured your heart condition just now."


    She stepped closer and closer to the Empress, her face froze in a smile and her tone gradually became vicious,


    "Empress! I have no injustice or enmity with you, yet just because I opposed you a few times, you want to plot against me like this? You are already the Empress, what more do you want?"


    "I have never plotted against you!" The Empress suddenly raised her voice, as if to embolden herself. She pointed a trembling finger at Consort Chen and said:


    "It''s you! It''s you who told Consort Yun to serve me daily with fragranced sachets added with breath-calming powder, it''s you who harmed me and caused me to miscarry in blood! All of this is..."


    Seeing that the Empress'' fingertip was nearly poking Consort Chen''s nose,


    Consort Chen pushed her hand away, flipped her sharp eyebrows upwards, and said even more unbridledly:


    "Consort Yun has already confessed, what are you still pretending for?"


    "Confessed?" The Empress was stunned, "Confessed what?"


    "Naturally whatever you did, she confessed to that."


    With every step Consort Chen advanced towards the Empress, she mmed down her words sonorously,


    "It was you who gave the breath-calming powder to Consort Yun, and then staged this show in front of His Majesty, wanting to get rid of me first!


    If not for the Empress Dowager caring about your health today, bringing Divine Doctor Yu toe and diagnose your pulse, exposing your act of faking illness in front of others, I''m afraid I would have already been framed by you for scheming against the Empress!


    Scheming against the Empress is punishable by execution of nine familial exterminations! Empress, you really are vicious!"


    Hearing Consort Chen''s powerful words, the Empress paled even further,


    She stared nkly at Consort Yun kneeling on the ground, the astonishment in her eyes almost brimmed over,


    "Your nder! When did I ever order you to..."


    As soon as the Empress opened her mouth, Consort Yun shrank back in great fear,


    The Empress was briefly stunned, before she came to her senses and realized she had fallen victim to Consort Chen and Consort Yun''s scheme.


    She smiled bitterly again and again, raised her eyes to re at Consort Chen,


    "Good! Consort Chen, you''re impressive! To plot against me, you actually went through so much trouble?"


    "I have never plotted against you, everyone knows clearly who plotted this!"


    What followed next was the Empress and Consort Chen''s mutual recriminations,


    going round and round with the same few words over and over again, even Lady Song felt her ears going numb, let alone Xiao Jingheng?


    From the corner of her eye, Lady Song saw his ominous expression,


    She knew, with Xiao Jingheng''s suspicion, he would surely trust no one.


    But the matter of the Empress faking illness was set in stone, the evidence was right before them, so this matter had to have an exnation.


    "Silence!"


    Xiao Jingheng shouted, and the hall instantly quieted down.


    Only the Empress still cried to Xiao Jingheng:


    "Your Majesty, this subject is truly innocent! You saw with your own eyes how I risked my life to give birth to Jinghe for you, and that I did miscarry in blood is indisputable! Consort Chen said I wanted to plot against her, but how could I, as the mother of the nation, use my own inability to conceive again as the stake, to plot against a consort who does not yet have children?"


    The Empress wept bitterly, as if suffering great injustice.


    But Xiao Jingheng wasn''t blind,


    No matter how good the Empress'' acting was, Judge Chu beside her had turned white with fear, who couldn''t see that?


    If he wasn''t guilty, he should have spoken up long ago, so why did he remain silent?


    Xiao Jingheng must have also realized that the Empress was implicated in these evil deeds.


    But she was the Empress, the one he had painstakingly selected to grant the golden book and seals, the respected Mother of the Nation,


    if this matter spread today, wouldn''t it make the entire nation and peopleugh at the imperial family?


    Deceiving the ruler was a grave crime, but deposing the Empress abruptly would also bring all kinds of trouble that Xiao Jingheng had to consider.


    So after brief contemtion, Xiao Jingheng still spoke rtively calmly,


    "Divine Doctor Yu''s wonderful hands have cured the Empress'' heart condition. The thousand taels of silver is your deserved reward, there''s no need for you to decline."


    He threw the silver note back to Divine Doctor Yu, then looked down at Judge Chu,


    "As for Judge Chu, you have served the Empress for many years, yet you had no solution for the Empress'' stubborn illness, how do you know it wasn''t because your skills werecking, that you just ate and lived here for nothing? Since you''re so useless, there is no need to keep your post in the Imperial Medical Bureau."


    "Eunuch Jiang Deshun, go and strip him of his official uniform and carry out pce punishment, throw him into the workshop for hardbor."


    "Your servant obeys!"


    Jiang Deshun obeyed the order and immediately blocked Judge Chu''s mouth.


    Judge Chu did not even get to plead his case fully before he was dragged away.


    What Xiao Jingheng meant by "pce punishment" was not as simple as the literal meaning.


    Pce punishment meant cutting Judge Chu with a de, turning him into a eunuch.


    Eunuchs could not marry or have children, so Xiao Jingheng''s intention was that Judge Chu''s wife, three concubines, two daughters and one son outside the pce would all have to die.


    After taking care of these inside and outside matters,


    Xiao Jingheng walked straight to the Empress'' side and patted her shoulder gently, speaking gently:


    "The Empress injured her health from the bleeding, and had a heart condition again today, it''s really tiring. In your current condition, it''s not convenient for you to handle the matters of the six pces anymore. From now on, Consort Yin and Consort Chen will handle the affairs of the six pces together."


    "Your Majesty, this subject..."


    "As for Jinghe. You need to recuperate now, young children are always noisy, also not suitable to be by your side. "


    The Empress Dowager immediately understood Xiao Jingheng''s intention, and said,


    "This old woman''s health has been great recently, and I''m often idle. Why not send the princess to me, pamper my grandchild, that would be good."


    Xiao Jingheng nodded, "Then let it be as the Empress Dowager says, send the princess to the Empress Dowager''s side."


    Everything Xiao Jingheng said sounded like he was caring about the Empress'' health,


    but this concern subtly stripped the Empress of her power, took away her daughter who wasn''t even a month old,


    it was taking away everything she valued.


    What difference was there between such "concern" and deposing her?


    It only left her an empty title, and saved some face between them.


    [There are two more parts]

 Chapter 194: Happy Concubine

    <h4>Chapter 194</h4>


    Xiao Jingheng''s words, one word at a time, were like dense needles, carrying a chill and stabbing toward the Empress''s heart.


    At this moment she was still pleading for herself,


    "Your Majesty, your concubine is really wronged! Does Your Majesty not even believe your concubine, your wife, one bit?"


    But no matter what she said,


    Xiao Jingheng acted as if she did not exist at all. Whether good or bad, he would not give her a response.


    As for Consort Yun¡ª


    Since Xiao Jingheng was unwilling to expose the Empress''s evil deeds, Consort Yun''s testimony was meaningless as well.


    Simrly, she would not be punished by Xiao Jingheng either. It''s just that from this day on, the favor she enjoyed would bepletely cut off.


    Song Zhao had not said a single word throughout the entire farce today.


    She just listened quietly,


    focusing on listening to the Empress''s cries, listening to how wronged she was, listening to how shocked she was, listening to how heartbroken she was.


    The more tragic her cries were, the more refreshed andfortable Song Zhao felt,


    There was no sound more pleasing and delightful to her than this.


    Consort Chen, having regained the power to manage the six pces, immediately assumed her role. Song Zhao heard her instruct: "The Empress needs to recuperate quietly. With so many people going in and out serving her, how can she calm her heart? Keep just two personal servants and dismiss the rest."


    She was very smug,


    almost wanting to write the four characters "raise her eyebrows and spit arrogantly" on her face.


    In this y within a y, the Empress did not even have the capital to stage aeback.


    She slumped limply in her chair, not even able to squeeze out a tear as she cried.


    Consort Chen, on the other hand, seemed to be deliberately


    She swayed in front of the Empress a few times, then walked over to Xiao Jingheng''s side, affectionately pulling his arm, and said,


    "Thank you, Your Majesty, for clearing my wrongs and restoring my innocence. Listening to all this nonsense must have tired Your Majesty. Why don''t your concubine attend to Your Majesty and apany you back to the pce to rest?"


    Xiao Jingheng''s face was expressionless. His attitude was neither affirmative nor negative.


    Just as Consort Chen was about to continue soliciting his favor, she suddenly felt dizzy and staggered, barely able to stand.


    Xiao Jingheng reached back to support her until she steadied herself before asking, "What''s the matter?"


    Consort Chen weakly massaged her temples and weakly, charmingly said, "It must be stuffy in the hall. Your concubine feels like I can''t breathe."


    The Empress Dowager, who had witnessed the whole thing, was used to seeing the coquettish, favor-currying methods in the harem.


    She thought Consort Chen was deliberately putting on an affected appearance in front of Xiao Jingheng,


    so she did not indulge her and simply told Imperial Physician Yu, "Consort Chen is not feeling well, go take a look."


    However, no one could have expected that


    Imperial Physician Yu''s pulse reading would reveal a tremendous piece of good news for Consort Chen.


    "Congrattions, Consort Chen! You are already two months pregnant!"


    As soon as these words came out,


    the Kun Ning Pce, which had just quieted down, instantly livened up again.


    Consort Chen was even more stunned, asking in disbelief mingled with joy,


    "Is it true?"


    "It is undoubtedly true. Your pulse of happiness is obvious, powerful and forceful, this is truly tremendous news."


    Following Imperial Physician Yu''s confirmation, everyone''s eyes focused on Consort Chen.


    Song Zhao was the only exception.


    Her eyes quickly scanned the faces of everyone present, observing the subtle changes in their expressions.


    The Empress was jealous, Consort Rong envious, Consort Yun had not yete back to her senses and was still sobbing to herself.


    Concubine Yao couldn''t help touching her own belly resentfully,


    while Concubine Hui took the opportunity while no one was paying attention to grab a piece of chilled watermelon and stuffed it unceremoniously into her mouth, eating it with relish.


    As for Xiao Jingheng and the Empress Dowager...


    Song Zhao keenly captured the fleeting gloom in their eyes,


    but soon, both of them burst into radiant smiles.


    The Empress Dowager urged the pce maids to quickly help Consort Chen sit down. Xiao Jingheng also held her hand, looking very happy,


    "You silly thing, already two months pregnant yetpletely oblivious about it?"


    Song Zhao congratted Consort Chen along with the other consorts and concubines on her pregnancy.


    But Consort Chen did not even nce at them, only clinging tightly to Xiao Jingheng''s hand, tears shimmering in her eyes,


    "Your Majesty... Your concubine is finally pregnant with our child again!"


    It was obvious she was extremely happy.


    Xiao Jingheng seemed to be as well.


    It was just that some were genuinely happy from the bottom of their hearts, while others only appeared to be so.


    On this day, Consort Chen looked more glorious than ever.


    She had brought down the Empress, regained control over the six pces, and now she was pregnant as well.


    Nearly all good things had caught up with her on this one day.


    At this time, Xiao Jingheng would naturally stay by her side.


    Knowing her ce, Song Zhao merely said she was tired herself and left in her carriage.


    Yun Shan had been recovering for over a month. Her health was nowpletely restored.


    When Song Zhao returned, she saw Yun Shan leading pce maids to catch summer cicadas in the courtyard with a sticky rod.


    The girl was climbing up and down again in defiance of the imperial doctor¡®s orders.


    Song Zhao was about to call out to her when Xiao Fuzi hurriedly took the sticky rod from Yun Shan''s hand, his tone slightly severe,


    "Didn''t the imperial doctor say you still needed at least another month of recuperation? How can you leap around like a monkey?"


    "Oh, aren''t I perfectly fine?" Yun Shan spun around Xiao Fuzi, stuck out her tongue at him, then happily skipped over to Song Zhao''s side, pulling her along.


    "Mistress has returned~ Weren''t you with Her Majesty the whole day today? You must be tired..."


    Song Zhao held her hand with a smile. "You''ve only just recovered. Leave these matters to the maids."


    Yun Shan smiled sweetly and shook her head. "But I''m a maid too! Besides, I can''t let anything go wrong when serving Mistress. I have to do everything myself before I can feel at ease!"


    She and Xiao Fuzi apanied Song Zhao back to the inner chamber.


    Just as Yun Shan was about to attend to Song Zhao, she heard the girl say again, "The small kitchen has been simmering pregnancy-protecting medicine for Mistress all this time. I''m going to fetch it for Mistress, can''t dy the time to take medicine!"


    Then she bounced away energetically like a little rabbit.


    Xiao Fuzi watched her receding back helplessly and sighed, then said with a doting smile,


    "She''s always the most rambunctious one. Back when Mistress was still in the manor, she was such a headache."


    Song Zhao alsoughed. "It''s precisely because she apanied me all along the way that my days became much more bearable."


    Xiao Fuzi poured Song Zhao a cup of warm water, then lowered his voice and said,


    "What does Mistress think, now that the Empress has fallen, once Consort Chen sessfully gives birth, might she be promoted to Imperial Noble Consort, or even...Imperial Noble Consort?"


    Although there was the position of Imperial Noble Consort in the harem, it would not be granted while the Empress still upied her position.


    But Xiao Fuzi had reason to bring this up.


    After all, what difference was there now between the Empress being present or absent?


    Song Zhao did not directly answer his question.


    Instead, she shook her head meaningfully and said,


    "That depends on whether she can sessfully give birth."


    Xiao Fuzi understood that Song Zhao had noticed something,


    but since she didn''t explicitly say it, he didn''t ask further, only responding,


    "With the Empress losing everything in one wrong move this time, it seems His Majesty is truly furious with her."


    Hearing this, Song Zhao let out a cold chuckle, her tone indifferent as she said,


    "Her biggest mistake was targeting me in the first ce.


    "Since I entered the pce, I did note to suffer humiliation. If people don''t offend me, I try my best not to offend them. But if someone offends me, I will first make them wish they were dead, then cordially wish them a long life of a hundred years!"

 Chapter 195: Confession of Burning

    <h4>Chapter 195</h4>


    Consort Chen is impulsive and prone to acting on impulse.


    Today''s situation of countering the Empress is not her own idea.


    At that time, Consort Chen naively believed that the Empress was genuinely ill and was eager for Consort Yun to take the qi-regting medicine, hoping that it would cause the Empress''s illness to rpse and ultimately lead to her downfall.


    However, her perspectivepletely changed after a conversation with Song Zhao five days ago.


    Five days ago, in Yonghe Pce...


    "Do you not find this matter suspicious, Your Majesty?" Song Zhao asked, observing Consort Chen''s absent-mindedness from her seat at the top.


    "The Empress has a heart condition. She had a premature birth and took inducing medicine, and then she experienced postpartum hemorrhage. Yet she remains unharmed," she continued.


    "What are you trying to say?" Consort Chen impatiently rolled her eyes at Song Zhao. "Are you suggesting that she is incredibly lucky?"


    Song Zhao shook her head and said, "I believe that the Empress''s heart condition is rather peculiar. It seems to re up suddenly when she needs it, but she always manages to avoid any disasters."


    Consort Chen had never considered the possibility that the Empress''s heart condition could be fake. After all, they entered the pce together, and not long after, she heard from someone at the Imperial Medical Office that the Empress had been diagnosed with a heart condition.


    Initially, the Empress wanted to keep it a secret, but couldn''t hide it any longer and had to admit it.


    Consort Chen fell silent for a moment before saying, "Are you suggesting that she is pretending? You entered the pceter and didn''t know the situation. When the Imperial Medical Office first diagnosed the Empress with a heart condition, she wanted to keep it a secret. It was only when the truth couldn''t be concealed any longer that the Emperor found out, and she was upset about it for a long time."


    She seemed to think of something amusing and suddenly covered her nose with her handkerchief, chuckling, "Furthermore, what benefits does she gain from pretending to have a heart condition? The Emperor can''t fully enjoy their intimate moments because of her supposed illness. Isn''t she just sabotaging her own happiness?"


    Looking steadily at Consort Chen, Song Zhao casually asked, "Then, Your Majesty, has the Emperor distanced himself from her?"


    This question caused the smile on Consort Chen''s face to freeze.


    Indeed...


    Despite her heart condition, the Empress seemed to have gained unexpected fortune and received more attention from Xiao Jingheng.


    Seeing Consort Chen lost in thought, Song Zhao continued, "A woman is deemed beautiful when she is submissive. Just like a delicate flower swaying in the wind and rain, it is easier for her to win a man''s sympathy. Let''s not talk about how much care the Empress has received from the Emperor due to her heart condition. Let''s focus on the recent event of giving birth to the crown prince. She risked her life to give birth to the Emperor''s heir, and this favor will undoubtedly be remembered by the Emperor, deeply and firmly."


    Consort Chen''s doubts grew stronger. "But if she''s pretending, howe the doctors at the Imperial Medical Office couldn''t detect it?"


    Song Zhao replied, "Didn''t you say that the initial diagnosis of her illness came from the Imperial Medical Office? Judge Chu is highly respected, and he said the Empress has a heart condition. Who would doubt that?"


    Consort Chen hurriedly said, "This is deceiving the Emperor! How dare she?"


    "If Judge Chu doesn''t speak, and the Empress doesn''t speak, who in the pce would know that she is faking her illness?"


    "Then let the doctors from outside the pcee and treat her! I don''t believe she can keep up the act!" Consort Chen eximed.


    "Noble Consort and I are both forbidden from inviting men from outside into the pce, but the Empress Dowager can." Song Zhao leaned closer to Consort Chen and whispered,


    "I know there is a wandering physician outside the pce whom the Empress Dowager reveres as the Divine Doctor Yu. He possesses exceptional medical skills and often visits the pce to diagnose the Empress Dowager''s well-being. I want to petition the Empress Dowager to allow Divine Doctor Yu to enter the pce and treat the Empress''s infertility. The Empress Dowager has always valued the imperial heir and is unlikely to refuse."


    Upon hearing this, Consort Chen raised her eyelids and sneered, "Oh? It seems that you, like me, harbor resentment towards the Empress?"


    Song Zhao clenched the handkerchief tightly in her right hand and spoke solemnly, "The incident with Consort Shust time nearly cost me and my child''s lives. Who was behind it, both you and I know best.


    You know me, Consort Chen. I entered the pce not for favor but to live a good life. I''m truly afraid and don''t know what schemes the Empress mighte up with in the future to harm me."


    Consort Chenzily leaned back, "Then go ahead and do it. I also want to see whether that despicable woman is a human or a ghost!"


    Later on,


    Song Zhao privately discussed this matter with the Empress Dowager,


    The Empress Dowager praised Song Zhao''s kindness and thoughtfulness towards others.


    Meanwhile, Consort Chen discussed with Consort Yun how to turn the tables on the Empress.


    Thus, the grand drama that unfolded in the Kun Ning Pce today came into being.


    *


    That night, news spread throughout the six pces.


    Consort Chen was pregnant, and Xiao Jingheng was overjoyed. He entrusted her with the management of the six pces.


    Compared to assisting with the management, this management role was originally the Empress''s privilege, revealing Xiao Jingheng''s high regard for Consort Chen.


    Others were envious of Consort Chen to the point of turning green with jealousy,


    But Song Zhao did not think much of it and even felt a hint of pity for her.


    The next day, the consorts went to the Yonghe Pce to pay respects to Consort Chen.


    Consort Chen, being pregnant, was in a great mood, and her temperament had improved significantly.


    She didn''t scold anyone for half a day but had people serve her delicious food and drinks,


    After a few casual conversations, she said it was hot and let the sisters disperse.


    However, she specifically kept Song Zhao behind.


    She dismissed the attendants, and when only the two of them remained in the hall,


    She scrutinized Song Zhao with sharp eyes and smiled maliciously, saying,


    "Do you know why I specifically kept you behind?"


    Song Zhao respectfully replied, "I do not know."


    "Hmph."


    Consort Chen coldly snorted and then took out a slightly yellowed piece of paper from a drawer next to her.


    At first nce, Song Zhao recognized it as the confession letter she had written to Consort Chen in the past!


    Song Zhao couldn''t help but feel flustered,


    She didn''t understand why Consort Chen would take it out at this moment. What could she possibly want to do with it?


    Could it be... she discovered that someone had tampered with the confession letter?


    Just as Song Zhao''s mind was racing, trying toe up with a n,


    Consort Chen suddenly said,


    "This confession letter of yours should go where it belongs now."


    After saying that, Consort Chen did something that astonished Song Zhao.


    She lifted the lid of the incense burner,


    And then gently threw the confession letter into it, smiling as she watched it turn to ashes.


    "You don''t need to look at me like that, Song Zhao."


    Consort Chen put the incense burner lid back on, wearing an expression that showed her disdain for everyone. She casually stroked her temple andzily said,


    "If you hadn''t noticed that the empress''s illness was a pretense, I''m afraid it would have been me who suffered."


    With contempt in her eyes, she nced at Song Zhao and expressed her disgust,


    "I don''t like you, but I''m not a fool either. I see through those who support me and those who plot against me. I''ve burned this confession. As for the little thing that wille out of your belly in the future, you can raise it yourself."


    After speaking, Consort Chen gently touched her own belly. The arrogance on her face vanished, reced by a rare tenderness.


    "Why would I need to raise your child when I''m already pregnant with the emperor''s child?"


    No matter how Song Zhao calcted the situation, she never expected Consort Chen to act this way.


    She...


    She wasn''t the least bit worried that Song Zhao would bear a royal child in the future?


    However, Song Zhao''s confusion was only momentary, as she quickly understood.


    Among all the concubines in the pce, Consort Chen was different.


    Because in her eyes, it didn''t matter who gave birth to the royal child.


    She simply hoped that she and Xiao Jingheng could have a child of their own.


    Song Zhao looked at Consort Chen, whose smile was radiant and enchanting,pletely different from her usual fierce and domineering demeanor.


    At the same time, in Song Zhao''s mind, the mixed emotions in Xiao Jingheng''s eyes when he learned that Consort Chen was pregnant shed by...


    The two formed a sharp contrast, causing Song Zhao to be momentarily moved.


    She wanted to say something, but at that moment, Kang Yubin stumbled in,


    "Reporting to Your Highness, Noble Consort... Noble Consort Xiao had an ident."


    Consort Chen nced at him dismissively, "She stays in her own pce all the time. What kind of ident could she have?"


    Kang Yubin stuttered,


    "Noble Consort Xiao fell into a well... and drowned..."

 Chapter 196: Bright Philosophy to Protect Oneself

    <h4>Chapter 196</h4>


    ording to what Kang Yubin said,


    Noble Consort Xiao''s death was purely an ident.


    Ever since Noble Consort Xiao gave birth to the little prince who suffered from ichthyosis, although Xiao Jingheng didn''t show anything on the surface, the fact that the child was not allowed to be fed with jade milk and still didn''t have a name even though he was nearly a month old showed that he was not favored by the Emperor.


    The servants in the pce were ustomed to fawning on the powerful and bullying the meek,


    so gradually, the servants attending Noble Consort Xiao also becamezy,


    and just went through the motions when doing their daily chores.


    Noble Consort Xiao had lost favor, so even if she scolded those servants, she couldn''t intimidate them. If she offended them again, they would make more trouble for her in secret, which would be even worse.


    So she could only swallow the grievance for the sake of her child, and do everything herself.


    Every day before the fourth watch, she would get up and hurry to the sweet spring well in the east of the Imperial Garden to carry buckets of water back to the pce.


    But this morning, she identally fell into the well,


    and that ce was so remote that there wasn''t even anyone around at that early hour.


    She went there to fetch water to save her child''s life,


    but unexpectedly, she lost her own life in that well instead.


    After listening to Kang Yubin¡¯s whole story, Song Zhao felt stifled and nauseated,


    while Consort Chen said angrily:


    ¡°Those lowly servants dare to pick and choose whom to serve? How preposterous! No wonder I''ve always said those cheap ves can never be fully tamed.¡±


    Hearing Consort Chen¡¯s words, Kang Yubin¡¯s expression clearly showed that he was somewhat unhappy,


    but Consort Chen just gave him a dismissive nce,


    ¡°Go pass on my words, all the servants attending Zhaochun Pce are to be halved their sry for half a year! The eunuchs are to be thrown to work at the fourth warehouse, and pce maids will not be allowed to retire even after reaching 25 years old. Let¡¯s see if they still dare to mistreat their masters!¡±


    Kang Yubin assented and took his leave,


    just as he ran into Xiao Yinzi at the pce gate.


    Xiao Yinzi came to deliver Xiao Jingheng¡¯s order at this time, of course.


    After giving proper greetings to Consort Chen, he said:


    ¡°Reporting to Consort Chen, you must have already heard about what happened with Noble Consort Xiao. His Majesty is tied up with government affairs and cannot take care of everything, so it is His Majesty¡¯s wish that you handle the afterlife matters of Noble Consort Xiao at your discretion.¡±


    From Xiao Yinzi''s tone, Song Zhao sensed some strangeness,


    but Consort Chen didn¡¯t think there was anything wrong. Instead, she asked:


    ¡°What happened to Noble Consort Xiao is indeed very pitiful. She should be buried with full honors. However, what about the Crown Prince¡¯s side...¡±


    Xiao Yinzi quickly said, ¡°His Majesty said all these matters are left to Consort Chen to handle as you wish. Just follow the precedents in everything.¡±


    Consort Chen was silent for a moment, then said faintly: ¡°I see, you may leave.¡±


    As soon as Xiao Yinzi had stepped out of the pce door, she looked at Song Zhao and said somewhat helplessly:


    ¡°Follow precedents? When my Father-inw''s Consort Jing gave birth to the Fourth Prince, she died from a difficultbor afterwards. The Fourth Prince was born sickly, so Father-inw sent him to recuperate at the Summer Retreat Manor. And what happened afterward? He didn''t live past two years old and died prematurely.¡±


    Indeed. And it was precisely because of this that Xiao Jingheng asked Consort Chen to follow precedents and handle this matter.


    If Consort Chen were also to send the little prince to recuperate at the Summer Retreat Manor, given the little prince¡¯s current illness, he probably wouldn¡¯t even make it past six months.


    When the infant dies prematurely, and it was Consort Chen¡¯s idea to send him there, what would it have to do with Xiao Jingheng?


    It was obvious that Xiao Jingheng didn¡¯t want to keep that ill-fated child alive,


    yet Consort Chen somehow failed to see through this level of reasoning. Instead, she worriedly said:


    ¡°After all, it¡¯s still His Majesty¡¯s child. How could we just leave it at that? No, we need to n this properly.¡±


    She raised her hand to summon two pce maids and ordered them:


    ¡°Go gather all the imperial consorts and concubines and tell them I have matters to discuss with them.¡±


    While waiting for them toe back, Song Zhao quietly instructed Xiao Fuzi:


    ¡°It¡¯s time for me to take the medicine to protect the fetus. Consort Chen wants to talk to us now so I probably can¡¯t slip away for the moment. Since Chang Le Pce is not far, go get it for me.¡±


    Xiao Fuzi took her leave. Soon after, the imperial consorts and concubines arrived back sessively.


    When everyone had gathered, Consort Chen cut straight to the chase:


    ¡°Noble Consort Xiao unfortunately passed away. Her child still needs to be taken care of by someone. I and Imperial Concubine Yi have our own pregnancies to tend to, so we can¡¯t raise the child close by. As for Imperial Concubine Hui, she¡¯s still childish. I won¡¯t consider her.


    Among the rest, Consort Yin, Consort Yun, and Consort Yao, discuss among yourselves and give me a definite answer on who will be the child¡¯s foster mother.¡±


    As soon as Consort Chen finished speaking, the others immediately showed reluctance on their faces.


    Consort Yao spoke first: ¡°This concubine cannot do it. Consort Chen knows I¡¯m muddle-headed. Also, you have to take special care of Noble Consort Xiao¡¯s child, I¡¯m afraid I¡¯m not up to such an important task.¡±


    Consort Yin then said: ¡°Wasn¡¯t there precedent for this in the previous dynasty? Since the birth mother can¡¯t raise him herself, and the child is ill, then just send him to the Summer Retreat Manor.¡±


    Her voice grew smaller and smaller, and she muttered under her breath at the end:


    ¡°His Majesty doesn¡¯t care for him anyway. Who would want to take on such an ill-omened thing at this time?¡±


    As Xiao Jingheng was currently furious with Consort Yun over the matter of choosing the Empress, she certainly wouldn''t dare provoke Xiao Jingheng¡¯s taboo at this moment either. So she also echoed Consort Yin¡¯s words:


    ¡°I also think Consort Yin makes sense. Why don¡¯t we just...¡±


    ¡°Alright, enough!¡±


    Consort Chen irritably cut her off, and impartially threw each of them a dirty look. Sheined resentfully:


    ¡°All you think about is yourselves, yet still dare to shamelessly say you¡¯re afraid of ill omens? As if His Majesty would especially favor you if you don¡¯t raise this child. Just look at what a mess you all are.¡±


    Having finished venting, she heaved a short sigh. Pressing her fingertips to her temple, she knitted her delicate brows and said:


    ¡°Fine, just send the child to the Summer Retreat Manor. Instruct the manors to arrange two imperial physicians to carefully attend to him. We¡¯ll leave his fate to Heaven.¡±

 Chapter 197: Sisters Once upon a Time

    <h4>Chapter 197</h4>


    Today''s discussion in the entire pce was bound to end in discord.


    As everyone left, Xiao Fuzi just happened toe back.


    He was holding a medicine box in his hand, attending to Song Zhao into the pnquin, and handed the medicine box into the carriage.


    Song Zhao casually opened the medicine box,


    Seeing that the bowls and tes inside were empty, she nodded slightly, then lifted the curtain of the pnquin and asked Xiao Fuzi in a low voice,


    "Did you find out?"


    In fact, it wasn''t Song Zhao''s time to take medicine at this time.


    When she dismissed Xiao Fuzi at this time, she wanted Xiao Fuzi to take advantage of the fresh heat and go investigate Noble Consort Xiao''s death.


    Xiao Fuzi was really clever. Many words did not need to be spelled out. Just looking at Song Zhao''s eyes, he could know her intentions.


    He also replied in a low voice,


    "This ve saw it. The wellhead of the Sweet Spring Well was narrow. If you want to identally fall down... I''m afraid it''s still difficult."


    Song Zhao thought silently for a while, and just said ''I see'', and did not continue.


    After returning to the pce, Yun Shan had prepared lunch early,


    While eating, Song Zhao saw Consort Hui strolling on the corridor, peeking into her room from time to time,


    So she put down her bowl and chopsticks, smiled and beckoned to her,


    "It''s so hot standing outside? Come on in."


    "Hehe ~~"


    Consort Hui narrowed her eyes andughed happily, trotting all the way into the room and standing in front of the dining table, looking at the delicacies on the table, swallowing from time to time.


    Song Zhao asked her, "Didn''t you let Rui Er prepare roast goose for you yesterday? You also said that you had been thinking about that taste for a long time. Howe you''re hovering around my ce at lunch time?"


    Behind Consort Hui, Rui Er took two steps forward and saluted Song Zhao, "Replying to Imperial Consort, yesterday I was preparing roast goose, but Her Majesty the Empress Dowager happened to see it when she came to visit you yesterday. She said that the smell of oil and fat was not suitable for you during pregnancy, so she asked us to change the dishes. It was toote to prepare at that time, so today''s food was afraid that it would not suit my mistress'' taste."


    Song Zhao understood as soon as she heard it.


    Her mother''s maiden name was Rui Er. How could the Empress Dowager allow a pce maid to have the same name as her mother?


    It was just a trivial matter, and Song Zhao didn''t bother to open her mouth to Consort Hui because of a pce maid''s name.


    At this moment she said,


    "Chan Er sounds nice too, and it was personally named by the Empress Dowager. Others can''t even ask for such a blessing."


    As she spoke, Song Zhao saw Consort Hui wearing a beautiful silk scarf around her neck today, and curiously asked,


    "Little sister, this silk scarf is very beautiful, but isn''t it hot to wear it on such a hot day?"


    Consort Hui said with a smile, "This was given to me by my mother. It is ice silkworm silk that feels warm to the touch and feels cool!"


    She tugged at the corner of the scarf and let Song Zhao touch it,


    Song Zhao would not touch her things, so she just smiled and said, "This is your mother''s heartfelt gift, how can I let you make it dirty while we''re having a meal?"


    "Then I''ll have my mother send Sister Song one too tomorrow! Hee hee~"


    Consort Hui chuckled foolishly, and then only cared about wolfing down.


    After the meal, when she returned to the side hall,


    Xiao Fuzi took the pregnancy-protecting medicine and apanied Song Zhao inside to take it,


    during which he vigntly said:


    "Ma''am, do you think this Consort Hui is really naive or just pretending to be innocent?"


    "I can''t guess, and I''m toozy to guess. Anyway, she''s moving out in a couple of days, whether she''s real or fake, it''s none of our business."


    Xiao Fuzi thought for a while, "That''s right, Noble Consort Xiao died, so Zhaochun Pce is vacant now. There will definitely be new favorites entering the pce during the next concubine selection, then Ma''am can use recuperating during pregnancy as an excuse to ask His Majesty to send her back."


    Song Zhao nodded slightly, when Xiao Fuzi mentioned Zhaochun Pce, she couldn''t help sighing,


    "That Noble Consort Xiao was also a pitiful person."


    Xiao Fuzi looked around vigntly, then closed the window tightly before whispering,


    "Ma''am, do you suspect that Noble Consort Xiao didn''t identally fall into the well?"


    "What do you think?" Song Zhao looked up at him and asked.


    Xiao Fuzi stroked his chin and said slowly, "Well...the wellhead was so small, it would have been very difficult to identally fall in. But if it wasn''t an ident, who would have harmed her? In fact, there are many doubts about this matter. Why didn''t the Emperor thoroughly investigate it, but dealt with it hastily instead?"


    Song Zhao said coldly, "Noble Consort Xiao gave birth to a stillborn. The whole pce was waiting to see her embarrassment. Who had the time to harm her? This pce has no threatening people, only those who can live to a hundred years old. Just look at Consort Hui and you''ll know."


    "That''s..." Xiao Fuzi thought deeply for a moment, and suddenly felt chills down his spine, "the Emperor?"


    "Shhh." Song Zhao frowned at him, shook her head, "Some things you know clearly in your heart, there''s no need to say them out loud."


    Yes, only Xiao Jingheng would do this.


    Noble Consort Xiao''s ''idental'' death meant the little prince would be sent to the Summer Retreat Manor.


    Once he was there, death was the only path left.


    Other than Xiao Jingheng, who else would the mother and son''s survival hinder?


    After taking the pregnancy medicine, Song Zhao rested for a while at noon.


    When she got up and Yun Shan was dressing her hair, she whispered,


    "Ma''am, there was a rare event just now. The little prince was not sent out of the pce, guess who''s raising him now?"


    "Who?"


    "Consort Chen."


    Yun Shan said in detail,


    "I heard that Consort Chen originally went to Zhaochun Pce to send the little prince out of the pce, but the little prince was crying loudly originally. Yet for some reason, when he saw her, heughed? So Consort Chen had the little prince carried back to Yonghe Pce, saying she would raise him by her side from now on."


    Hearing this, Song Zhao didn''t know what to say for a while.


    She just felt that Consort Chen was really stupid.


    The imperial thoughts hidden in this matter, even Consort Yun and Consort Yin could see, yet Consort Chen waspletely kept in the dark?


    Or...


    Even if she saw that this matter was Xiao Jingheng''s intention, because of loving him, she couldn''t bear to see the child die in vain?


    Song Zhao thought:


    Consort Chen got pregnant when Xiao Jingheng least wanted her to be pregnant, and when Xiao Jingheng wanted to send the little prince out of the pce, she raised the child by her side.


    She insisted on destroying all her favor this way until she was satisfied...


    So be it, Consort Chen brought destruction upon herself, Song Zhao didn''t need to worry about it anymore.


    In fact, Song Zhao should have been happy.


    After all, the Empress had already fallen, and Consort Chen loved courting death.


    When she identally finished herself off one day, then there would be no one left in the harem who could stand in front of Song Zhao.


    But for some reason, Song Zhao was not very happy at the moment.


    She didn''t mention the matter again, but ordered Yun Shan,


    "New favorites will enter the pce the day after tomorrow. His Majesty set up the Dragon Phoenix tform in the Imperial Garden. At that time, the Empress Dowager and Consort Chen will apany the Emperor there to select new pce maidens. You sneak over and see what kind of status these people are."


    But no matter what, Song Zhao could never have imagined that Yun Shan''s trip would bring her a huge surprise.


    Two dayster, in the afternoon, Yun Shan ran back to Changle Pce drenched in sweat.


    As soon as she saw Song Zhao, she was so excited that she couldn''t even catch her breath, and happily said,


    "Ma''am! Ma''am! I, I saw Sister Tong!"


    When Song Zhao heard this, she identally knocked over the teacup in her hand, and asked in surprise and disbelief,


    "You mean... Sister Rongyue?"

 Chapter 198: Temple Selection Rookie 01

    <h4>Chapter 198</h4>


    Imperial Garden.


    The Imperial Household Department had built a Dragon and Phoenix tform a month ago just north of the Imperial Garden.


    The tform was made of golden stone, carved with dragons and phoenixes, and topped with an ornamental canopy, disying the majesty and prestige of royalty.


    There were also sixteen ice trays, surrounded by countless pce women fanning with palm leaf fans.


    Even at the hottest noon when the sun was most scorching, sitting in the Dragon and Phoenix tform one would not feel a hint of heat.


    At this moment, Xiao Jingheng sat upright in the chief seat, with the Empress Dowager seated to his left and Consort Chen to his right.


    In front of the tform, about six zhang away, was a wide purple road paved with cloud-patterned red silk satin, symbolizing the arrival of purple qi from the east, steadily rising.


    The beauties participating in the pce selection crowded together in the pavilion to the west.


    Whenever the eunuch at court called out someone''s name, she would step forward on the auspicious carpet, walking all the way to appear before Xiao Jingheng on the Dragon and Phoenix tform.


    This whole morning, watching group after group of beautiese and go, Xiao Jingheng must have seen at least seventy to eighty people, but only three were given ques to formally stay.


    Xiao Jingheng had always been very selective. In addition, the daughters of important ministers at court had basically already entered the harem during the wedding upon his ession to the thronest year or been granted in marriage to princes during the registry selection.


    For these beauties to get selected now, they would have to either be daughters of newly eligible age whose mothers¡¯ families were powerful in the previous dynasty, or possess exceptionally outstanding looks.


    Xiao Jingheng had seen countless beauties. Only someone as peerlessly beautiful as Song Zhao could catch his eye.


    But he already had the best, so the ones he saw today were just some ordinary mortals beneath his notice.


    Moreover, for a summer pce selection held outdoors in the garden, the beauties were soaked in sweat, with their make-up either faded or running.


    Far from being peerless beauties, there weren¡¯t even a few who still looked fresh and clean.


    Xiao Jingheng grew increasingly impatient.


    As a result, for the beauties lined upter, he just nced at them before uniformly rejecting them all.


    Naturally, the Empress Dowager was unhappy about this.


    ¡°Right now, there are many vacant concubine and consort positions in the harem. If His Majesty continues to be so picky, I¡¯m afraid it will be detrimental to producing an heir.¡±


    Xiao Jingheng saidnguidly, ¡°They are all vulgar rouge and powder. Even if they entered, they would be useless.¡±


    The Empress Dowager''s expression darkened slightly. ¡°There is no perfect solution in this world. Even if they don''t fully satisfy His Majesty, as long as they are adequate, giving them lower ranks and keeping them on hand is also possible.¡±


    Xiao Jingheng did not respond.


    Seeing that mother and son were on the verge of conflict, Consort Chen peeled a grape and handed it to Xiao Jingheng, saying,


    ¡°Your Majesty, this concubine has prepared willow branch syrup with added ice below. The new cooling effect can dispel the summer heat and also calm one¡¯s mind and spirit. Your Majesty has been watching for so long that your eyes must be tired. It¡¯s time to take a break.¡±


    This whole morning, Consort Chen had prompted Xiao Jingheng to take a break three times already.


    The longer he took breaks, the hotter it became under the sun, and the more miserable the waiting beauties would look.


    No matter how delicate a flower she originally was, wilted by the sun, how could she still look good?


    The Empress Dowager could see that Consort Chen was up to her old tricks again.


    Just as she was about to scold her,


    Jiang Deshun stepped forward and said hurriedly,


    ¡°Your Majesty, the Minister of Personnel requests an audience for important matters.¡±


    Seeing Xiao Jingheng lean forward, seeming about to get up, the Empress Dowager quickly said sternly to Jiang Deshun,


    ¡°He knows today is the day His Majesty is selecting beauties. What could be more important? Go back and tell him to wait.¡±


    Xiao Jingheng didn¡¯t even look at the Empress Dowager, but his gaze sank as he spoke.


    ¡°It¡¯s precisely because he knows today is the selection and stilles to see me, it must really be important matters.¡±


    He coldly cut off what the Empress Dowager had said, just short of dering that the harem should not meddle in politics.


    Actually, Xiao Jingheng could have chosen not to go. But after what the Empress Dowager said, he left without the slightest hesitation, simply rising and walking down from the tform, finally ordering,


    ¡°It¡¯s not good to keep these beauties under the sun like this either. There aren¡¯t many batches left. The Empress Dowager and Consort Chen can select those remaining as they see fit.¡±


    ¡°Your Majesty!¡±


    The Empress Dowager called Xiao Jingheng once, but without a single pause, Xiao Jingheng had already boarded his pnquin.


    The waiting beauties had also noticed something was off as they whispered secretly to one another in groups of three or two.


    Seeing the Empress Dowager was quite angry, Consort Chen advised:


    ¡°His Majesty governs diligently. The Empress Dowager is His Majesty¡¯s imperial mother. A mother and son are of one heart. Of course the Empress Dowager understands His Majesty¡¯s intent. It''s not unreasonable for the Empress Dowager to make selections on His Majesty¡¯s behalf.¡±


    While she spoke as such, in her heart she was happier than anyone.


    Now that Xiao Jingheng had left, whoever the Empress Dowager chose would inevitably not get to be close to him even if they entered the pce.


    Later, the little eunuch called out in session:


    ¡°Beauties paying respects.¡±


    Watching six beauties walk out of the pavilion in order, the little eunuch announced their names one by one.


    ¡°Daughter of the Prefect of Yuzhou, Song Qing, Song Abi, 15 years old.¡±


    ¡°Daughter of Meng Yu, Transport Commissioner of South Bin City, Meng Shuran, 17 years old.¡±


    ¡°Daughter of Tong Chishan, Commander of the Jiangdu Navy, Tong Rongyue, 18 years old.¡±


    ¡°...¡±


    The Empress Dowager didn¡¯t pay much attention to the first few who were announced.


    It wasn¡¯t until the little eunuch announced Tong Rongyue that the Empress Dowager suddenly said softly,


    ¡°The navymander is a first-rank official. This Dowager remembers that she missed selection for the pcest year because she was ill. How could Tong Chishan''s daughter be lined up sote for this year¡¯s pce selection?¡±


    As she spoke, she nced at Consort Chen. ¡°You were in charge of the selection order. Did you neglect this?¡±

 Chapter 199: Temple Selection Rookie 02

    <h4>Chapter 199</h4>


    Consort Chen spoke unhurriedly: "Your servant has a child on the way. I have long since handed over all these matters for Consort Ying to handle."


    The Empress Dowager saw through Consort Chen''s careful thoughts.


    She deliberately ced Tong Rongyue towards the back so that she would be exposed to the sun for longer, leaving her in less than optimal condition and making it difficult for her to gain Xiao Jingheng''s favor.


    However, the Empress Dowager did not say anything, simply letting out a cold snort before letting her gaze fall upon Tong Rongyue.


    She looked very different from those coquettish beauties at her side.


    She wore a smoke-green cloud patterned Hibiscus shirt, with her bangs simply tied back.


    The intricate make-up on the other women''s faces had mostly been smudged by sweat, appearing blotchy. Only she, with her bare face untouched by powders and rouge, looked fair despite the sweat. She stood out from the rest.


    The Empress Dowager said, "The beauty on the left in the third row, step forward."


    Hearing her name called, Rongyue gracefully stepped out from the line and moved forwards. She bowed gracefully towards the Empress Dowager and Consort Chen, her voice as sweet as a warbling oriole,


    "Your servant Tong Rongyue greets the Empress Dowager and Consort Chen. May the Empress Dowager enjoy great fortune and health. Consort Chen, may you live for a thousand years in peace and security."


    Consort Chen narrowed her eyes as she looked her over.


    She had a tall and slender figure, a swan-like neck, straight yet delicate shoulders.


    Crescent brows, phoenix eyes, a tall and upturned nose, red moist lips, plus jet ck lustrous hair, though simply coiled up, still could not conceal her graceful aura.


    She had seen Rongyue''s portrait in the registry of beauties. The real person was even more stunning than the painting had depicted.


    While she may not be as alluring as Song Zhao in looks alone,pared to Song Zhao she was of higher birth as the legitimate daughter of her household. A woman like her entering the pce would be yet another rival to contend with. Consort Chen certainly wanted to trip her up.


    Just then, the Empress Dowager asked her, "Your father is an Admiral of the navy. Your family should be quite well off. Then why do youe today looking so simply dressed, when you know there is a selection?"


    Rongyue stood straight and replied:


    "I was prepared, but wokete today and feared missing the appointed time, so I rushed over without time to dress up. I hope the Empress Dowager will pardon me."


    Hearing this, the smile that had just crept onto the corners of the Empress Dowager''s mouth quickly disappeared without a trace.


    To sleep in on such an important asion for the selection showed she did not take this seriously. And she even dared to admit this out loud?


    The Empress Dowager then realized either this girl was a fool or she did not respect imperial grace.


    Seeing that the Empress Dowager fell silent, Consort Chen sternly said:


    "Lady Tong has shown disrespect towards imperial grace and vited taboos. Drag her away. She may never be selected again."


    Hearing this, Rongyue felt a sh of joy in her heart, though she did not let it show on her face.


    She smoothed her skirt and knelt on the ground, bowing to the high tform three times:


    "Your servant bears no intention to offend the Empress Dowager and Consort Chen. I hope you both pardon me."


    The Empress Dowager nced at Consort Chen out of the corner of her eye.


    Seeing a smug smile ying at the corners of her lips, clearly very self-satisfied, she thought to herself that with the deposing of the Empress, Consort Chen now stood high alone, while Song Zhao had favor but no powerful background, unable to contend with Consort Chen.


    The inner pce had always stressed bnce in governance. And now there was the daughter of an Admiraling in, which could serve to restrain Consort Chen.


    Just as the pce maid moved to drag Tong Rongyue away, she raised her hand and said:


    "Wait. While she made a mistake, at least she understands the rules. If it were anyone else who had been dragged from the pce forbidden from selection, she would surely have panicked and wailed, begging for mercy. Yet she remainsposed."


    She nced at Consort Chen before letting her gaze settle on Rongyue, implying meaning in her words:


    "The emperor needs someone level-headed at his side to serve him. She may stay."


    Consort Chen quickly tried to block this: "Esteemed Empress Dowager, upholding the rules is paramount in the pce. This candidate was already negligent in her preparations for the selection. If she enters the pce, would she not blunder even more, disrupting the peace of the inner pce?"


    "Then do you understand the rules?" asked the Empress Dowager, narrowing her eyes to re at Consort Chen. "If you vite the rules, this dowager will issue an decree, and then you would have overstepped."


    The two of them snarled at each other, frightening the selection candidates until they seemed to stop breathing. Consort Chen could only reluctantly concede:


    "Since it pleases the Empress Dowager, then let her stay."


    The eunuch promptly dered: "Tong Rongyue is granted a token and awarded a fragrance sachet!"


    The gold filigree sachet was ced into Rongyue''s hands.


    Her palm was very cool; sping that sachet made it seem like she was grasping ice, sending chills to her heart.


    For a moment, she was lost in thought while the others assumed her dumbstruck with joy. Consort Chen snapped:


    "What are you standing there for? Kneel and give thanks!"


    Only then did Rongyue say: "Your servant gives thanks to the Empress Dowager and Consort Chen."


    In truth, Consort Chen had known early on that with Tong Rongyue''s background and looks, her selection was inevitable.


    So she had deliberately moved Rongyue''s position towards the back. Under the vicious sun, no matter how great her beauty, after being scorched for so long she certainly wouldn''t look her best, and thus fail to astonish Xiao Jingheng.


    Not even Consort Chen had expected that Xiao Jingheng would leave before Rongyue hade on stage. With things having already progressed to this point, the rest would be easy to handle.


    Consort Chen had deliberately provoked the argument with the Empress Dowager just now. She wanted these selection candidates to see the Empress Dowager scold Consort Chen in order to keep Tong Rongyue, implicitly indicating that Tong Rongyue had offended Consort Chen.


    Everyone knew Consort Chen was currently in highest favor in the inner pce.


    These clever candidates would surely take action without Consort Chen needing to make a move, and tidy up Tong Rongyue on her behalf.


    On this day of selections, including Tong Rongyue, a total of five candidates had been chosen in the end.


    As these girls all had families living outside the capital, they would temporarily reside in the Crimson Study within the pce. After their positions were assigned and living quarters selected, they would move into the Six Pces.


    As the group was led towards the Crimson Study by the eunuchs, the other girls were busy befriending each other, while Rongyue alone limped slowly at the back.


    Her personal maid Cai Ying supported her, gently reminding her:


    "Mydy, you have been selected. This is the pce. You should appear happier."


    Rongyue lightly nodded her head, forcing out a smile but not replying.

 Chapter 200: The New Whirl

    <h4>Chapter 200</h4>


    When Rongyue entered Crimson Snow Pavilion, the other beauties were all surrounded by the pce maid giving her rewards and favors, but Rongyue didn''t show any expression at all. She had found a cool ce early on to sit and rest.


    Cai Ying squatted at her feet, massaging her calves, "Miss, you''re tired today, and your leg injury hasn''t fully recovered yet. Let me apply some more medicine for you after we each return to our roomster?"


    Rongyue smiled weakly and shook her head helplessly, "Whether you apply it or not, it''ll be the same anyway, it doesn''t matter."


    "Miss..."


    Amidst the conversation between mistress and servant, those beauties had already finished giving favors and returned to Crimson Snow Pavilion.


    They were chattering noisily, surrounding a woman with exotic features, dressed in Mongolian clothing, wearing an exaggerated hat and dangling ornaments on her head. They were shamelessly fawning over and ttering her.


    Rongyue had quite an impression of this Mongolian woman from the beauty selection.


    She was the daughter of the Mongol King, called Ru Naren.


    Among this group of beauties, her status was very prestigious. It was said that when she was presented to the Emperor, Xiao Jingheng only nced at her once before keeping her identification que.


    Now everyone was ingratiating themselves with her:


    "Sister Naren, your outfit looks so beautiful, it sets off your good looks!"


    "That''s right! Mongolia has the well-known reputation as the ''Nation of Clothing and Adornment''. As soon as I saw Sister today, I was so stunned that I couldn''t take my eyes off you!"


    Ru Naren was puffed up by their ttery, and was very smug.


    Although everyone surrounded her, her clothes were very thick and heavy in order to show off her prestige, making her feel rather hot.


    Her gaze inadvertently caught sight of Rongyue sitting by the ice bucket, so she quickly walked over and arrogantly said to her:


    "Hey you, get up and let me sit down."


    Rongyue nced at her. She thought it was better to avoid trouble, and was about to get up to let Ru Naren have the seat, but her legs were not very mobile, so her movements were a little slow. She didn''t expect Ru Naren to impatiently snap:


    "Why are you dawdling? Are your legs broken? You were walking so smoothly when meeting the Empress Dowager just now!"


    Hearing this, Rongyue was also irritated.


    She simply remained seated steadily, didn''t even look at Ru Naren, and just said coldly:


    "This hall is very spacious, go find another ce to sit."


    "You!" Ru Naren was furious. She strode forward to shove Rongyue.


    At this moment, a beautiful woman stepped forward to stand between them, softly persuading:


    "Sister Naren, I see that Sister Tong''s legs really aren''t working well, so...."


    "Get lost!" Ru Naren pushed the beauty aside aggressively. She looked her up and down contemptuously, then snarled viciously: "Who the hell do you think you are?"


    "I...I''m called Kang Baoxin, my father is...the Prefect of Yingzhou." The beauty stammered nervously.


    "Prefect?" Ru Naren scoffed disdainfully: "Some poor, shabby petty official? How dare you block me?"


    She shoved Kang Baoxin forcefully away, still acting wildly and shouting for Rongyue to give up her seat.


    Rongyue let her rant as she pleased, and simply stopped responding.


    Ru Naren felt like she was losing face. She raised her hand, wanting to hit Rongyue.


    Just then, another beauty spoke up: "Sister Naren, I heard her father seems to be the Navy Commander. That''s not a low position. We''ve only just entered the pce, so shouldn''t stir up trouble!"


    The speaker was the only one among the selected beauties who had some connections in the pce already.


    She was called Li Zhen''er, and was the older sister of the disgraced Noble Consort Li.


    The reason she was selected this time was probably because Xiao Jingheng realized he had wronged Noble Consort Li, so he wanted to appease the Li family like this.


    But Ru Naren didn''t listen to her persuasion at all.


    "So what if he''s the Navy Commander? My father is the Mongol King!"


    She raised her chin arrogantly, increasingly smug as she dered:


    "The seventy-two tribes of Mongolia have to be treated deferentially by the Emperor. What''s wrong with me asking his daughter to give up her seat for me?"


    "Heh."


    A coldugh came from Rongyue''s mouth.


    She still didn''t look at Ru Naren, just pretending to chat idly with Cai Ying:


    "There''s an old saying, ''The rivers and mountains remain even when the nation falls''. But I actually don''t think that''s right. When a nation falls, the rivers and mountains will change ownership. Even if it''s still the same scenery as before, when the ruling n changes, it''s ultimately not the old homnd anymore. Do you know which dogs bark the fiercest?"


    Cai Ying frowned and shook her head. Rongyue smiled and said:


    "Naturally, it''s the dogs that have lost their home. They bark incessantly."


    These words clearly mocked Ru Naren.


    The Mongol nation had long ago been conquered by the Qi Dynasty. It was not even a nation anymore, split into seventy-two parts governed separately.


    Although they still lived on the Argun Grasnds, they had to pay annual taxes to the Qi Dynasty. How was that any different from a dog that had lost its home?


    Ru Naren was so angry with Rongyue''s words that her face turned red. She pointed at Rongyue and cursed:


    "Mongrel! Today I''m going to teach you a lesson!"


    She raised her right hand, about to p Rongyue''s face, when at that moment,


    a pce maid respectfully announced from outside the door:


    "Her Ladyship the Imperial Concubine has arrived!"


    [There are still two more updates after this. More people have entered the pce now. I''ve taken the outline table out for you to more intuitively see]

 Chapter 201: Mixed Doubles

    <h4>Chapter 201</h4>


    As Song Zhao entered the pce, the mor among the pce maids instantly ceased, and they hurriedly approached her to pay their respects.


    "We pay our respects to Consort Chen," they said in unison, bowing before her.


    Song Zhao swept her gaze over them, and when her eyes met Rongyue''s, a glimmer of delight appeared in both their eyes.


    However, it was widely frowned upon in the pce to form cliques and alliances. If it became known that Song Zhao and Rongyue had a close rtionship, it would only bring trouble to both of them.


    Both Song Zhao and Rongyue understood this well, so neither of them revealed their joy at being reunited after a long separation.


    With a slight smile on her lips, Song Zhao instructed everyone, "Please rise."


    Among these pce maids, Runaren was the most adept at ttery. As soon as she straightened herself, she immediately stepped forward, smiling and ingratiating herself to Song Zhao.


    "Consort Chen, you are with child. Why did youe here in person?" she said, her eyes filled with kindness.


    Song Zhao looked at her with a benevolent expression and replied, "I happened to pass by here on my way back from the Empress Dowager''s ce, so I thought ofing in to have a look."


    Runaren said, "When I was in Mongolia, I heard people say that there was a Consort Chen in the pce who was as beautiful as a heavenly fairy and greatly favored by the Emperor. I thought it was just a rumor, but now that I have seen you, I realize that no amount of embellishment in those rumors canpare to your exquisite beauty, Consort Chen."


    The phrase "exquisite beauty" was originally used to describe the Empress.


    Whether due to her poormand of the Chinesenguage or some other reason, Runaren used such words to describe Song Zhao.


    It was evident that she was simply an indiscreet and ignorant person.


    Song Zhao did not respond to her words and simply smiled, saying to everyone, "Please be seated."


    Due to Rongyue''s inconvenience in her legs, she hadn''t reached the door yet when Song Zhao entered.


    So she stood by the seat and paid her respects to Song Zhao.


    At this moment, Runaren saw that Rongyue was upying the best spot next to the ice jar and refused to give it up. She quickly walked two steps forward and deliberately pushed her aside.


    Then she turned to Song Zhao with a smile on her face and said, "Consort Chen, please sit here."


    Song Zhao nced at the ice jar beside her and smiled, saying, "I am with child and cannot withstand the cold. It seems that my sister is wearing the borate and ornate attire of your tribe, which must be making her sweat. Sister, please have a seat."


    "I thank Consort Chen for her concern!" Runaren was overjoyed and thanked Song Zhao before promptly sitting down, casting a proud nce at Rongyue.


    After everyone was seated, Song Zhao exchanged a few pleasantries with them and then said, "Once you enter the pce, we are all sisters. As this is my first time meeting you all, I feel a great affinity and thought I should give you all a little something."


    She looked at Yun Shan and instructed, "Go to the treasury and pick out some exquisite jewelry to give to the new youngdies who have entered the pce."


    "Yes," Yun Shan replied with a bow, and the pce maids expressed their gratitude to Song Zhao for her kindness.


    Meanwhile, Consort Chen quietly stood at the door, observing everything without announcing her presence.


    The first person to notice her among those sitting near the pce door was Runaren, who quickly eximed, "Oh! Isn''t this Consort Chen?"


    The first one to rise was Ru Naren, followed by the other courtdies who also performed the same gesture of respect.


    "Your Highness Consort Chen, I, as your servant, offer my greetings. May you be blessed with eternal prosperity and well-being."


    Consort Chen paid no attention to them and allowed them to maintain their formalities.


    She noticed a thinyer of sweat on Song Zhao''s forehead, while Ru Naren satfortably next to an ice jar, looking refreshed.


    Consort Chen nced at Ru Naren and said, "How dare you sit in that position? Can''t you see that Concubine Yi is pregnant? Are those two gaping holes in your face meant for venting air?"


    Knowing Consort Chen''s power, Ru Naren immediately knelt down and exined, "Your Highness Consort Chen, Concubine Yi should not be exposed to cold air due to her pregnancy, so... that''s why I am sitting here."


    Song Zhao continued to smile and said, "Sister Rues from a distant Mongolian family and has traveled a long way to the capital. In the future, we will be sisters. Naturally, I cannot neglect her. Besides, I heard her say that even the Emperor treats the seventy-two Mongolian tribes with respect. I may not know much about the previous dynasty''s affairs, but if the Emperor himself shows courtesy, I should set an example as well."


    "Respect?" Consort Chen sneered with disdain in her eyes as she stared at Ru Naren. "You Mongolians and your pitiful little army of horsemen can''t evenpare to the Ada Hu tribe, which Concubine Ying''s family belongs to. How dare you boast here? My father defeated your father in battle, and he ended up fleeing on a donkey. You, a lowly ve from outside, dare to talk about such matters?"


    "This... Your Highness Consort Chen, you have misunderstood. Please let me exin. I..."


    *Smack!*


    Before Ru Naren could finish her sentence, Consort Chen pped her across the face.


    Afterward, Consort Chen took a handkerchief from Liu Yue and wiped her palm with a look of disgust.


    "I can''t stand these foreign people with their faces caked in makeup thicker than ster. It''s so disgusting when it smears on my hand. Liu Yue, go and teach her a lesson."


    "Yes, Your Highness!"


    Liu Yue followed Consort Chen''s order without showing any mercy. She delivered seven or eight ps to Ru Naren''s face, causing her mouth to bleed, yet Liu Yue didn''t stop.


    Song Zhao couldn''t bear to watch and stood up, saying, "It''s time for me to take my medicine. I must return to the pce."


    Consort Chen nced at her, responded with a faint "Hmm," and said nothing more.


    Once Consort Chen had walked away, the other courtdies dared to approach Ru Naren and express their concern.


    "Sister Ru, are you alright? Your face is swollen..."


    Tears welled up in Ru Naren''s eyes, feeling deeply wronged. She also didn''t want others to see her as aughingstock, so she said bitterly, "Concubine Yi did it on purpose! Even without the support of her family, she..."


    However, before she could finish her sentence, they saw Yun Shan returning with rewards in his hand.


    "These jewelry pieces were bestowed upon Lady Yipin by the former emperor, empress dowager, and empress. The physician, Zhang Taiyi, who just examined your pulses, has confirmed that these items are made of top-quality gold and silver, without any ws. You can wear them with peace of mind."


    Everyone expressed their gratitude in unison, and Yun Shan proceeded to hand the jewelry box to each of them in turn.


    When it was Ru Naren''s turn, she licked her lips and said with a smiling face, "Thank you, Lady, for the bestowed gifts. The items in the pce must be of excellent quality! I... Ah!"


    She had only uttered half of her ttering words when unexpectedly Yun Shan swiftly delivered a resounding p across her face.


    The force behind it was much stronger than the one Liu Yue had previously used!


    Covering her face, Ru Naren looked at Yun Shan in astonishment and said, "You..."


    *Smack*


    Yun Shan''s expression turned cold as shended another loud p.


    "You''re nothing more than a newly entered pce maid. How dare you speak disrespectfully and offend mydy?"


    Ru Naren was dumbfounded by these two ps. She stood motionless, holding her face, as tears the size of beans welled up in her eyes.


    Yun Shan didn''t spare her another nce and solemnly addressed the remaining maids:


    "Lady Yipin asked this servant to deliver gifts to all the youngdies. I also have a message for you. Once you enter the pce, it''s not the same as being at home. Remember to choose your words carefully, guard your actions, and be cautious of the consequences of your words."


    The newly entered maids were frightened by this disy. They didn''t dare to breathe and could only respond in unison:


    "We, the maids, will heed Lady Yipin''s teachings..."

 Chapter 202: Take Away the Whines

    <h4>Chapter 202</h4>


    Longle Pce.


    After Song Zhao returned to the pce, she took out the unfinished embroidery on the waist warmer and continued sewing. There were two waist warmers, one sky blue and the other bright red, so no matter if she gave birth to a son or daughter in the future, both bases would be covered.


    After busying herself for a while, she heard the door to the inner chamber being pushed open.


    Song Zhao didn¡¯t even lift her head and simply asked, ¡°Finished beating?¡±


    Yun Shan nodded and said, ¡°Consort guessed right. This servant had only just finished delivering the gifts before going in. Sure enough, at the door, I heard that Mongolian woman badmouthing Consort.¡±


    Song Zhao scoffed disdainfully, ¡°Mongolians have many cows and horses, she must have grown up eating grass. She doesn¡¯t have half a brain.¡±


    Yun Shan smiled lightly and said, ¡°Consort wrote the letter herself and ced it in the jewelry box as well before handing it to Sister Tong.¡±


    ¡°Mm.¡± Song Zhao picked up the waist warmer, held it up against the bright sunlight outside the window,pared it for a bit, then calmly said,


    ¡°Go tell Zhi Hua that Consort Hui has recently taken a liking to jump rope, hasn¡¯t she? Consort Hui finishes her evening meal early, so after she¡¯s eaten dinnerter, have Zhi Hua take her to the back garden to y to her heart¡¯s content.¡±


    ¡°This servant understands.¡±


    After Yun Shan withdrew, Song Zhao did some more embroidery for a while. Seeing that the time disyed on the copper water clock was about right, she touched up her makeup in the mirror and had the pce maid carefully dress her up.


    Consort Hui ate her evening meal early. After resting for a bit, Zhi Hua and Chanyi then apanied her to the back garden to y jump rope.


    And now was the time for Song Zhao to have her evening meal.


    Today''s dishes on the table were all sweet and sour.


    There was sweet and sour squirrel fish, vinegar braised meatballs, pickled vegetable and pork, vinegar soaked bamboo shoots...


    Just the smell was enough to make one''s mouth water.


    But Song Zhao ate with great relish.


    It must be said that her cravings during pregnancy were also quite strange.


    She didn''t like sour or spicy foods, instead preferring light vors.


    Of course, today''s dishes weren''t prepared for her.


    Sure enough, the main guest arrived shortly after.


    "My Zhao''er has been increasingly fond of sour foods recently."


    Upon hearing Xiao Jingheng''s voice, Song Zhao was first startled.


    Looking back and seeing he was already standing outside the main hall, she hurriedly said, "All muddled, Your Majesty has arrived yet no one announced?"


    She got up to greet Xiao Jingheng, but he waved his hand at her and told her to stay seated,ughing as he said,


    "This was intentional on My part, to not have them make a ruckus."


    "Oh." Song Zhao responded perfunctorily. Just now her face still held joy, but now she pouted, somewhat unhappy.


    She also didn''t look at Xiao Jingheng, only concentrating on continuing to eat her meal as she said,


    "I have yet to congratte Your Majesty on gaining a beauty today."


    "Tsk tsk, I thought there was a smell of vinegar in this hall. Turns out it was someone eating vinegar?"


    "That''s not it at all." Song Zhao said somewhat stubbornly, "Why would your subject eat vinegar? Your Majesty is revered by all under heaven, the hope of every woman. If your subject were to eat vinegar, wouldn''t I eat until my bones turned soft?"


    "And you say you didn''t eat vinegar?" Xiao Jinghengughed as he took the chopsticks from her hand and grasped her hand to warm it. "Just now you congratted Me on gaining a beauty, this is incorrect as well. The beauty is already by My side, what need is there to gain another? The others are vulgar rouge and powder, they cannotpare to My Zhao''er."


    Song Zhao lightly drew circles in Xiao Jingheng''s palm with her fingertips. Her voice was bewitching and coquettish as she said,


    "Your Majesty is ustomed toforting your subject''s heart. This afternoon your subject apanied the Empress Dowager in paying respects to Buddha. On the way back to the pce, we happened to pass by Hongxue Pavilion. Seeing the new concubines had already moved in, I took the chance to go greet them.


    Seeing them one by one with exceptional beauty, it made your subject feel inadequate. Especially that Mongolian Ru Naren, her adornment was captivating and she was very beautiful, quite remarkable."


    "Oh?" Xiao Jingheng''s voice rose, "I heard she insulted you today, yet you speak well of her?"


    Song Zhao was astonished and hastily rose, bringing Yun Shan with her to bow and pay respects to Xiao Jingheng,


    "Your Majesty, please forgive."


    "You and your habit of bowing at the slightest thing, can it not be changed? If you keep startling and bumping into things, are you asking for Me to be worried?"


    Xiao Jingheng supported Song Zhao up and waved his hand at Yun Shan to tell her to rise as well.


    "I know the whole story of this matter, why do you apologize? Consort Chen already beat her yet she remains unrepentant, even daring to nder you behind your back?"


    As he spoke, he nced at Yun Shan and praised,


    "Your servant did well. Loyally protecting her mistress is a virtuous servant."


    Song Zhao understood Xiao Jingheng too well.


    He would definitely have people keeping an eye on new consorts entering the pce.


    So when she saw Ru Naren''s arrogance today, Song Zhao did not react.


    She knew early on that Consort Chen would surely establish her authority and punish Ru Naren, so she left that matter to Consort Chen.


    After Ru Naren received Consort Chen''s discipline, she would definitelyin about Song Zhao,


    And at that time, having Yun Shane forward to discipline the new concubine would be reasonable.


    In summary, in this whole matter, Song Zhao did not lift a finger from beginning to end. On the contrary, she kindly gifted all the new concubines.


    Where was there anything bad to be said about her?


    At this time, Song Zhao continued, "Ruimei is a Mongolian, her personality is uninhibited and she speaks directly from the heart. She didn''t mean anything by it."


    Xiao Jingheng said, "Intentional or not, My cherished consort is not someone she can casually talk about."


    Song Zhao''s face flushed red as she allowed Xiao Jingheng to pull his chair closer so they sat side by side.


    In the interim, Xiao Jingheng helped fill Song Zhao''s te while saying,


    "There is a Tong who seems to have lived at your residence for a period of time. I was thinking that if you were on good terms, I could have her move here to apany you, and be apanion."


    To this, although Song Zhao said ''that would be good'' with her mouth, her expression did not show any joy.


    So Xiao Jingheng asked, "What''s the matter? You''re unwilling?"


    "It''s not that... it''s just Sister Rongyue is the legitimate daughter, so naturally she was closer with Eldest Sister when living in your subject''s maternal home. But now Eldest Sister has..."


    Upon hearing this, Xiao Jingheng already understood.


    Before Song Zhao could finish speaking, he waved his hand and said, "Forget it, since you''re only passing acquaintances, don''t let here bother you."


    "Plowing the fields at noon, sweat dripping onto the earth below! Oh no, that''s wrong! You made a mistake! Again, again!"


    As the two were speaking, sudden raucousughter sounded from the back garden.


    Feeling it was noisy, Xiao Jingheng knitted his brows and asked, "What are they frolicking about?"


    Song Zhao smiled and said, "They must be ying jump rope. Little Sister Consort Hui loves these childish amusements."


    Yun Shan also added from the side, "Yes. It''s the height of summer now, hot days and nights gued by mosquitoes make it hard to sleep. Consort Hui enjoys lighting themps and ying with the pce maids in the back garden to liven things up."


    Hearing this, Xiao Jingheng''s expression became even more unhappy.


    "She''s having fun, but your household''s mistress is pregnant and needs peace and quiet. Yet they don''t advise her?"


    Song Zhao quickly said, "Your Majesty need not fuss over Little Sister Consort Hui about such trivial things. Your subject is not bothered."


    Xiao Jingheng was silent for a moment before shaking his head and saying,


    "I originally had here keep youpany, thinking you were lonely during your pregnancy and needed apanion. But now it seems she is instead disturbing you. I will tell herter to move back to Zhaochun Pce tomorrow. Now there are new consorts in the pce, people to live with her, she will not act out from fear and sulk again."


    Song Zhao said, "It''s no bother, Your Majesty. Your subject living together with Little Sister Consort Hui, chatting idly to dispel boredom has been quite nice. Why not let her..."


    Xiao Jingheng grasped her hand again, tightening his hold.


    "You are the priority. Everything else is unimportant."


    At this, Song Zhao''s face flushed as she finally said, "If so, then this spacious Longle Pce will only have your subject again. If your subject feels stifled, Your Majesty muste apany your subject frequently~"


    "Hahaha, my Ni''er is increasingly adept at wheedling. I will naturally apany you, my heart stays here, as will I."


    Xiao Jingheng pulled Song Zhao into his embrace.


    Song Zhao pressed close to his chest, listening to his steady, powerful heartbeat on one side, and Consort Hui''s unbridledughter from the back garden on the other.


    So she also smiled silently.

 Chapter 203: One Day In the Concubine

    <h4>Chapter 203</h4>


    Due to Xiao Jingheng''s instructions,


    Early next morning, Consort Hui moved out from Changle Pce.


    Before leaving, she clung to Song Zhao reluctantly and said gloomily:


    "Sister Song Zhao, can I stille to y with you in the future?"


    "Of course." Song Zhao smiled gently, "I''m close with my younger sister, and I certainly hope my younger sister cane to my pce often."


    Consort Hui thenughed merrily, "Alright! Sister Song Zhao treats me the best!"


    The smile on Song Zhao''s facested until Consort Hui''s entourage left in the sedan chair, then it disappeared instantly.


    Watching the magnificent parade, she seemed to have seen off the gue god and sighed lightly in relief.


    Later when Song Zhao woke up from her nap, Xiaofuzi came to report that the rank and residence for the new concubines have been decided.


    The ranks were jointly determined by Xiao Jingheng and the Empress Dowager, while the pces were arranged by Consort Chen.


    After Song Zhao took medicine to protect her pregnancy, Xiaofuzi recounted the details:


    "In the past, Noble Consort Li''s younger sister and Miss Tong were both granted the rank of Constant Attendant and moved to Zhaochun Pce to live with Consort Hui."


    "Because of her low status, Kang, the daughter of Yingzhou prefect, was only granted the rank of Candidate and moved to Yaohua Pce to live with Consort Yao."


    "As for Miss He, the daughter of the Minister of the Imperial Stud, she was also granted the rank of Constant Attendant and moved to... Zhongcui Pce."


    "Zhongcui Pce?" Song Zhao raised her hand to interrupt Xiaofuzi, asking doubtfully: "After Consort Shu died, Zhongcui Pce has been vacant. Without a main consort, why move her there?"


    Xiaofuzi said solemnly: "This is what I wanted to exin... Zhongcui Pce now has a new main consort - Ru Naren, the Mongol princess. She was favored by His Majesty and granted the rank of Concubine."


    Song Zhao idly fiddled with a sprig of jasmine on her side, silent for a moment, then said:


    "I thought she would at most be granted the rank of Noble Lady. Now it seems I have underestimated her. However, there is precedent for directly granting the concubine rank to new consorts when they enter the pce. We are currently on military campaigns expanding north and south. The Mongol tribes and Consort Ying''s maternal Adarkhan tribe have contributed troops.


    Although they are vassals, their status is simr to that of princes when ites to appointments. Granting her the concubine rank is also to appease her maternal tribe."


    Xiaofuzi also understood this reasoning, but he still resentfully said:


    "But this makes Concubine Ru equal in rank with you, mydy. She is even more difficult to handle than Consort Chen. I fear she will also cause headaches."


    Song Zhao smiled lightly, unconcerned: "Whether others give her face, she still has to have the ability to maintain her position. His Majesty favored her with the concubine rank, but whether she can sit firmly depends on her ownpetence."


    Xiaofuzi said: "The new consorts will purify themselves and pray for good fortune in Jiaxue Pavilion tonight. The area is under curfew. Once the decree is issued tomorrow morning, the matter will be settled."


    Song Zhao looked at him meaningfully, "Indeed. But aren''t graves also dug at night? Wait and see how our Concubine Ru digs her own grave tonight."


    Seeing the thriving jasmine in her hand with rich fragrance to cheer people, she asked:


    "Have the jasmines I requested from the Bird and Flower Office arrived?"


    "They have arrived, all excellent specimens."


    Song Zhao nodded: "Then have Yunshan deliver them to Jiaxue Pavilion, congratting their joy."


    *


    That night, in Rongyue''s room at Jiaxue Pavilion.


    Rongyue sat in front of the couch, letting Cai Ying carefully roll up her trouser legs.


    Her calves were slender and fair, but bandages were wrapped around them.


    Cai Ying unwrapped the gauze gently.


    Beneath it were two unfinished long scars, looking like whip marks.


    Cai Ying sprinkled gold sore medicine powder carefully on Rongyue''s leg wounds. Her actions were already very gentle, but Rongyue still couldn''t help sucking in her breath softly from the pain.


    "Young miss, have I hurt you?"


    Rongyue shook her head lightly without speaking.


    Cai Ying''s eyes instantly reddened, "The old master has never hit the young miss before. He was too harsh this time..."


    "Don''t cry." Rongyue stroked Cai Ying''s head, forcing a smile, "It was me talking nonsense that angered father. He had to beat me awake."


    The mistress and servant seemed to be avoiding something, not exining clearly.


    After Cai Ying dressed Rongyue''s wounds and rebandaged them, she asked quietly:


    "Earlier, the Yi Concubine sent a handwritten letter hidden in the jewelry box, inviting the young miss to meet tonight. But Jiaxue Pavilion is under curfew tonight for the new consorts'' purification and prayers. If you go out privately, it would be offensive to imperial grace. Young miss...are you still going?"


    Rongyue said coldly: "What does imperial grace have to do with me? I only know Tong and I were childhood sweethearts. After years of separation, I miss her dearly. The purification is over and the prayers have settled. I''ll dress as a pce maid to go out unnoticed."


    Thus, Cai Ying tried to dissuade her no more,


    "Then I will dress up the young miss. The night iste and frosty. Go and return quickly."


    At the same time, in Ru Naren''s room, it was extremely lively now.


    Knowing she was granted the concubine rank, the new consorts all crowded in after purification to fawn over her.


    After everyone left, only Constant Attendant He remained.


    Sharing Zhongcui Pce with Ru Naren and being lower in rank, she naturally needed to tter more:


    "Let me congratte Sister Ru! Miss Tonges from a prestigious family but only got the rank of Constant Attendant in the end. Sister gained the concubine rank directly - clearly showing His Majesty''s high regard!


    Tomorrow when the decreees down, Sister will be one of the Six Concubines with such an honored status! We sisters all came tonight to celebrate Sister''s joy, yet Miss Tong didn''te to see you?"


    "Speaking of that wretch makes me furious!" The swelling on Ru Naren''s face hadn''t subsided yet. Covering her cheeks, she resentfully said: "If not for her, I wouldn''t have been beaten by Consort Chen''s servants!"


    Constant Attendant He fawned: "Sister needn''t tolerate her anymore. You''re a concubine now, still afraid of a petty little Constant Attendant? Sister should assert your authority as the main consort and put Miss Tong in her ce!"


    Hearing this, Ru Naren straightened her back and smiled wantonly,


    "Let''s go then! See what thatme woman is up to!"

 Chapter 204: One Day’s Wives 02

    <h4>Chapter 204</h4>


    Ru Naren and Concubine He came to the outside of Tong''s room together. They peered inside and saw that it was pitch dark with no lights on. Ru Naren first knocked hard on the door several times, but there was no response.


    Concubine He said, "Isn''t it still before the hour of Hai? How could she be resting already?"


    "I''m a concubine and she''s an imperial concubine. I''m going to make her get up, she can''t be sleeping!" Ru Naren was really arrogant.


    The imperial decree conferring her title had not evene down yet, but she was already referring to herself as "I, the concubine". After saying this, she pushed the door open even harder and barged in with Concubine He.


    Once inside, they looked around, but surprisingly did not see Tong or any of her servants.


    "Strange, where did she and her people go in the middle of the night?"


    As the two of them were puzzled, they suddenly caught a glimpse of a pce maid not far away, sneaking around while looking back apprehensively as she walked toward the pce gate.


    Ru Naren took a close look. Although she could only see the back, the pce maid was walking with a limp, and her height and figure were quite simr to Tong''s. Ru Naren whispered to Concubine He,


    "Doesn''t that pce maid look a lot like Tong?"


    The two hid behind a pir in the corridor to peek. Concubine He also said, "It''s not just looking alike, in the entire Crimson Snow Pavilion there''s only her who limps. If it''s not her, who else could it be?"


    "Good! The emperor ordered that the new beauty was not to leave the Crimson Snow Pavilion tonight. Where does she think she''s going in disguise?"


    Ru Naren flicked her sleeve about to catch up, but Concubine He stopped her,


    "Sister, don''t go. Let''s see what she''s up to."


    The two stealthily followed behind Tong. To their surprise, they truly saw her sneak out of the Crimson Snow Pavilion when no one else was around.


    "How dare she! She really dared to go out?"


    Ru Naren was impulsive. She wanted to chase her again, but Concubine He quickly said,


    "Sister, aren''t you confused? The new beauty is not allowed to leave the pce today. If you go after her, won''t you be punished together with her?"


    Ru Naren was startled. "Then what should we do? Just let her act recklessly?"


    Concubine He had a clever look and chuckled, "Sister, don''t worry. She''s bringing this on herself and giving you a good opportunity."


    Seeing Ru Naren''s puzzled look, Concubine He slowly exined,


    "The new beauty is praying and purifying herself tonight, so there''s a curfew in the Crimson Snow Pavilion. The eunuch on duty clearly said that none of the masters can go out, but Tong disguised herself as a pce maid and sneaked out. Isn''t this a perfect chance for you to get rid of her?"


    She moved closer to Ru Naren and lowered her voice even more,


    "Moreover, Tong''s father is the Navy Commander. I guess you wouldn''t know since you were in Mongolia, but he has always been at odds with Consort Chen''s father, the Viceroy of Sichuan and Shaanxi. If you tell Consort Chen about this, wouldn''t you be giving her a favor?"


    Ru Naren carefully considered it and felt that what Concubine He said made some sense.


    Although she has obtained the concubine title, she had offended Consort Chen on her very first day in the pce, so the road ahead will surely not be easy.


    If she curries favor with Consort Chen this time, then she can not only get rid of Tong, but also get on Consort Chen''s good side to show goodwill. This win-win situation, why not do it?


    However, she was only happy for a moment before having doubts again,


    "But as you said, there''s a curfew now. How can I notify Consort Chen about this?"


    Concubine He said, "The curfew only applies to the masters, it doesn''t say the servants can''t go out. Sister, have your personal maid go find Consort Chen to tell her about this and ask her toe over now. It would be perfect to catch Tong red-handed, wouldn''t it?"


    Ru Naren thought about it briefly and suddenlyughed, "That''s not a bad idea! We''ll just stand guard at the door. Even if Tong wants toe backter, we won''t let her in!"


    After saying this, she called over her personal maid Saiji and began to instruct her.


    And what about Concubine He?


    She watched from the side, praising Ru Naren''s intelligence while secretly ridiculing her in her heart.


    After Saiji left to find Consort Chen, Ru Naren and Concubine He stood guard at the pce gate to prevent Tong from suddenlying back.


    Fortunately, Consort Chen arrived very quickly.


    Ru Naren immediately went up to greet her, "Consort Chen! That shrew still hasn''t returned!"


    Consort Chen first yawned wearily, then impatiently rolled her eyes at her and said,


    "Now that you''ve entered the pce, speak properly!"


    Ru Naren ate her words and quickly said in a low voice, "I mean...she hasn''te back yet."


    She led Consort Chen to Tong¡¯s room. The result was, as soon as they entered, Ru Naren was dumbfounded!


    Everyone could clearly see that at this moment Tong was lying quietly on the couch, fast asleep.


    Ru Naren¡¯s expression changed drastically. ¡°How...how is this possible?¡±


    She yelled noisily and woke Tong up.


    "What''s going on?" Tong rubbed her sleepy eyes, opened them, and saw a crowd of people surrounding her room, even Consort Chen was among them.


    She immediately got out of bed, paid her respects to Consort Chen with utmost courtesy,


    "Ten thousand blessings to Consort Chen. Why have youe sote into the night?"


    Consort Chen ignored her and cast her sharp eyes on Ru Naren instead,


    "Didn''t you say she went out?"


    Ru Naren stammered, "This...it''s impossible! How could this be?"


    She elbowed Concubine He, but Concubine He just kept silent with her head down like a wooden chicken.


    Later, when Consort Chen sent people to investigate, Cai Ying was resting in the side room.


    When she came out, she said to Consort Chen, "Replying to Consort Chen, after my youngdy finished praying, she went to young master Kang''s room to talk, then returned to rest."


    "Tonight there is a curfew in the Crimson Snow Pavilion. Who would dare to secretly go out and vite the major taboo?"


    Themotion grew bigger and all the beauties living in the Crimson Snow Pavilion rushed over, not just themselves but also the maids who were serving them.


    Ru Naren anxiously looked around at everyone present.


    Whether it was the masters or the servants living in the Crimson Snow Pavilion tonight, not a single one was missing!


    But she clearly saw a limping pce maid sneak out of the Crimson Snow Pavilion!


    Moreover, she and Concubine He had been standing guard at the door, firmly believing that the person who went out would not havee back...


    "How...how could this be? I clearly saw it! Consort Chen, you have to believe me!"


    "It looks to me like you¡¯re too full and have nothing to do, so you want to stir up some drama to feel at ease!" Consort Chen scolded angrily, frightening Ru Naren so much her knees turned soft.


    She knelt on the ground, murmuring hesitantly, "Or perhaps...I saw wrongly?"


    "You saw wrongly?" Consort Chen looked at her with narrowed eyes and said,


    "Tonight is when the new beauty prays, purifies herself and observes the curfew. Not only did you make such a big fuss and disturb my sleep, you even damaged the royal luck! What now? Do you think you can get away with it by simply saying you saw wrongly?"


    Ru Naren kowtowed repeatedly to Consort Chen, pleading again and again, "Consort Chen, please forgive my crime! I really didn''t know about it, I didn''t mean to..."


    "Insolence!" Liu Yue, who stood beside Consort Chen, sternly said,


    "On the night when the new beauty prays and purifies herself, the entire Crimson Snow Pavilion is under curfew. None of the new masters and servants who live inside can go out! And you still dare to quibble in front of Consort Chen?"


    Everyone in the pce knew about this old custom stated by Liu Yue.


    Perhaps only Ru Naren, as a Mongolian woman, was ignorant about it. She believed whatever Concubine He told her.


    Only then did Ru Naren realize that she had caused great trouble.


    She kept kowtowing to Consort Chen, repeatedly pleading, "Consort Chen, please forgive my crime! I really didn''t know..."


    "Hmph." Consort Chen stroked her hair and sneered,


    "I''m a concubine? One has to be conferred as a pce mistress before one can refer to themselves as ''I, the concubine''. You damaged the royal luck and made such a huge mistake. Do you still naively think you can be conferred as one of the six concubines?"


    "Kang Yubin, go report this to His Majesty immediately and let him know exactly what ¡®good things¡¯ this Mongolian nobledy has done tonight!"

 Chapter 205: One Day’s Wives 03

    <h4>Chapter 205</h4>


    Chang Le Pce.


    Tonight at dinner, Xiao Jingheng was at Song Zhao''s ce.


    Now after the two finished their midnight snacks, they took advantage of the cool evening breeze and leaned against each other in the corridor to appreciate the moon.


    Song Zhao has been pregnant for eight months now. Her belly was getting bigger and the baby''s movements were more frequent.


    Xiao Jingheng often liked to caress Song Zhao¡¯s belly to feel the baby¡¯s movements, delighted by the uing new life.


    "Our child is very lively, I see he will surely grow up to be sturdy," said Xiao Jingheng.


    Song Zhao joked, "If it¡¯s a prince then being sturdy is good, but if it¡¯s a princess who grows up sturdy, wouldn¡¯t that frighten people?"


    Xiao Jingheng put his arm around her shoulders. His nose moved closer to her hair which carried the fragrance of jasmine. He smiled indulgently,


    "The position of Consort is now vacant. After you safely give birth to an heir, I n to raise your position."


    In the past, Song Zhao would have quickly refused upon hearing this.


    But today, she skirted the issue,


    "This concubine only hopes to safely give birth to our child for the Emperor. Whether it¡¯s a prince or princess, this concubine will be delighted."


    Xiao Jingheng also said, "I feel the same."


    After speaking, he casually took a frosty winter plum from the jade te and fed it to Song Zhao with his own hand.


    At this moment of casual chat, Jiang Deshun who was guarding the pce gate hurriedly came forward and whispered to Xiao Jingheng:


    "Your Majesty, Kang Yubin, who serves Consort Chen, just came to say that Crimson Snow Pavilion...there is some disturbance."


    Xiao Jingheng frowned, looking very unhappy, "What''s the matter again?"


    Jiang Deshun said: "It¡¯s Consort Ru...she disregarded the rules and left her residence on her own, causing quite a stir. Consort Chen didn¡¯t know what to do so she wishes to trouble Your Majesty to go over."


    Xiao Jingheng was even more angry, "The decree to confer her title has not even gone out yet. She''s still ady-in-waiting, not a Consort."


    Jiang Deshun quickly pped himself on the mouth, "This ve spoke wrongly, please forgive me Your Majesty."


    "Since entering the pce, Ru is already so unruly. Go tell Consort Chen that I cannot spare the time and to have her handle things herself. Also change Ru¡¯s conferment decree and demote her to Commoner-in-Residence instead for her poor conduct."


    Just as Jiang Deshun was about to withdraw to carry out the order,


    After walking two steps, Xiao Jingheng called for him again, ¡°Wait.¡±


    He had a profound yet dark expression in his eyes. His right forefinger kept rubbing the ink jade thumb ring on his thumb.


    After a period of silence, he finally said: ¡°Demote to Noble Lady.¡±


    ¡°This ve understands,¡± replied Jiang Deshun.


    Song Zhao noticed Xiao Jingheng pressing his palm to his forehead at this time, likely getting a headache from the disturbance.


    She got up gracefully and walked behind Xiao Jingheng. Her fingertips gently massaged his temples as she softly said:


    ¡°Your Majesty, don¡¯t be upset. Ru is a Mongol woman, Mongol women have a wild and unconstrained nature. No restraints, she''s just not used to the pce life yet.¡±


    Xiao Jingheng sneered coldly, ¡°Not used to restraints? Consort Yin is a celestial maiden from the Ada Tribe, excelling in horse riding, archery and hunting since a young age. Why does she behave so well?¡±


    Song Zhao pondered briefly then said, ¡°This concubine has an idea. Since Ru and Consort Yin are both foreign women, why not have Ru live with Consort Yin at Chengqian Pce? Firstly, the Mongols and Ada belong to the same ethnic group and have simr lifestyles so they can get along. And secondly...it also allows Consort Yin to personally teach her the rules.¡±


    Song Zhao knew Consort Yin¡¯s true nature in private was fiery and fierce. If Ru and Consort Yin live together, the two women will be like fire and water, fighting openly and covertly trying to eliminate each other.


    Besides, Consort Yin had always pretended well in front of Xiao Jingheng - gentle and not fiery.


    Of course Xiao Jingheng would have no objections to this matter.


    ¡°Your method is quite good,¡± Xiao Jingheng appraised Song Zhao. He then held her hand and marveled,


    ¡°If every woman in my harem could be as sensible as you and help relieve my worries, then that would truly be my blessing.¡±


    Song Zhao smiled, ¡°Your Majesty¡¯s blessings go far beyond this.¡±


    Later, Xiao Jingheng apanied Song Zhao to take pregnancy tonics before saying, ¡°You should rest, I still have memorials to review so I won¡¯t be staying over tonight.¡±


    ¡°Your Majesty mustn¡¯t overwork yourself. State affairs are important but Your Dragon Body¡¯s health is most important.¡±


    After Xiao Jingheng left the pce, when Yun Zhan was attending to Song Zhao¡¯s nightly ablutions, she deliberately limped in an amusing fashion.


    Song Zhao teased her, ¡°Do you still remember the second son of that official who lived in the West City? He liked to imitate the lisping beggar boy and ended up developing a real lisp himself. Go ahead and fool around, just don¡¯t turn into a real cripple. Have Xiaofu make you a crutch, that would be fun~¡±


    Yun Zhan stuck out her tongue and giggled impishly,


    ¡°Consort knew Ru¡¯s temperament so you set a trap and she foolishly charged right in. ¡±


    ¡°She joined the pce but her brains remained on the Arig Qin Grasnds, merely an ostentatious fool. But Concubine He...¡±


    Song Zhao lightly rapped her fingertips on the table making crisp tapping sounds. ¡°She clearly knew of the curfew tonight with all masters and servants forbidden from leaving Crimson Snow Pavilion. Yet she still urged Ru to disregard it and let her personal maid seek out Consort Chen? Her intentions are not shallow.¡±

 Chapter 206: Meet the Sisters

    <h4>Chapter 206</h4>


    Yun Shan thought for a while and said, "Concubine He was originally arranged to live in Zhong Cui Pce together with the Ru n, if not for what happened tonight, Ru n would have been conferred as Consort tomorrow, and be the mistress of Zhong Cui Pce. Naturally she would overwhelm Concubine He. I think Concubine He did this deliberately to set a trap for Ru n."


    Song Zhao smiled coldly without saying anything.


    She only thought in her heart:


    These new beauties who have just entered the pce, I wonder how many are frugalmps.


    Ru Naren is ferocious but dull-witted, while Concubine He is like needles in cotton,


    As for Concubine Li, she is the younger sister of the former Concubine Li. The sisters must have learned the same kind of thinking. I''m afraid she is not someone to feel assured about either.


    But no matter how they make trouble,


    In Song Zhao¡¯s eyes, they are just some petty squabbling of children, only worth watching for amusement.


    The letter Song Zhao had Yun Shan deliver to Rongyue earlier did not contain any urgent wish to meet with Rongyue at all.


    Anyway, now that she has entered the pce, there are still many days ahead, there is no rush for the moment.


    The letter only mentioned one thing, which was to ask Rongyue to cooperate with her in putting on a good show, to first suppress Ru Naren, the most valued of the new beauties, and make her suffer a loss.


    This afternoon, after Yun Shan had delivered jasmine to all the new beauties in Crimson Snow Pavilion, she did not leave Crimson Snow Pavilion.


    She had been hiding in Rongyue¡¯s room all along.


    At night, Yun Shan pretended to be Rongyue, deliberately letting Ru Naren see her limping out of the pce.


    With Ru Naren¡¯s temperament, she would surely kick up a fuss.


    When the noise grew loud enough to alert others, they woulde to see that in Crimson Snow Pavilion, every mistress and servant was present and no one was missing.


    In the end, the only one to suffer greatly would be Ru Naren.


    The next day, the conferment ceremony for the new beauties would be held in the Empress''s pce.


    Although the Empress no longer held any real power now, as long as Xiao Jingfeng did not depose her, she would still be the mistress of the inner pce, and the concubines would still have to show her due courtesy.


    Song Zhao had not seen her for quite a few days either.


    Seeing her today, facing the group of neers, she was still the same as when Song Zhao had first entered the pce and met her for the first time.


    She was so benevolent and tranquil, every gesture showing the air of a mother of the nation.


    Who could have imagined that a person like this actually had a heart more venomous than snakes and scorpions?


    After greeting and settling down the newly entered concubines and consorts, they could go pay respects to the higher ranked consorts and concubines in the pce.


    Rongyue and Concubine Li both lived in Consort Hui''s Zhaochun Pce, so the two of them came together to greet Song Zhao.


    Song Zhao only exchanged some polite superficial words with them.


    Rongyue finished the courtesies properly then sat quietly, while Concubine Li was very assiduous, ttering Song Zhao a lot.


    "In the past, my elder sister often mentioned you in her letters, saying that you entered the pce together with her, and were the most beautiful of all the beauties selected for the draft. But in this concubine''s opinion, how can it be limited to just the few drafted into the pce? Consort Song Zhao, your beauty is unparalleled. Even looking throughout the entire capital, I''m afraid no one more beautiful than you can be found."


    Her mouth was as sweet as honey, trying to tter Song Zhao in every possible way, for no other reason than wanting to dere her allegiance to Song Zhao.


    Song Zhao saw through her intentions, so she looked at her with a smile and said,


    "In private, your elder sister actually has so many extravagant praises for me? No wonder that when we entered the pce together back then, she opposed me in overt and covert ways at every turn, causing me no end of trouble."


    She gently stroked her cheek, joking, "Now that I think about it, sometimes being beautiful is not always a good thing."


    Hearing this, Concubine Li immediately became uneasy.


    "My elder sister didn''t know any better. If she has offended Consort in any way, I apologize on her behalf."


    She was about to get up and bow to ask for forgiveness. Song Zhao pressed her hand to gesture for her to remain seated,


    "Because your elder sister didn''t know any better, His Majesty had her executed. I see that you are quite sensible. I believe you will surely obtain a good future in the pce."


    With just a few casual words from Song Zhao, Concubine Li broke out in a cold sweat.


    She had originally still been fawning over Song Zhao with a smiling face, but now didn''t even dare look at her bright smile, and could only sit obediently in her seat, well-behaved.


    After chatting idly for a few more sentences, Song Zhao said, "All right, it''s gettingte, you still have to hurry to pay respects to Consort Yao. I won''t keep you here any longer."


    Concubine Li was the first to stand up, flustered as she bowed to Song Zhao, wanting to flee.


    When she and Rongyue reached the doorway, they happened to bump into Yun Shaning in carrying a box of inkstick.


    The three ran into each other, and Concubine Li couldn''t avoid collision, bumping into Yun Shan and scattering ink all over the floor.


    Looking at the ink stains on the floor, Yun Shan said in distress, "Why are you two young misses in such a panicked rush? This is high quality inkstick. Our Lady had just freshly ground it to send to His Majesty, such thoughtful intention, only to have you mess it up."


    Hearing this, Concubine Li immediately disimed responsibility,


    "Consort, please discern clearly, this concubine did not bump into her, it was...it was Concubine Li who identally knocked into her."


    Rongyue also did not exin, bowing to ask for forgiveness, "This concubine has made an unintentional mistake, please forgive me, Consort."


    Seeing Rongyue admitting it just like that, Concubine Li thought she was a pushover. She immediately adopted a condescending tone,


    "Our Lady had such good intentions, yet you just had to spoil it. Do you think you can gloss over it with just ''it was unintentional''?"


    However, Song Zhao did not me her.


    "It doesn''t matter, the inkstick and inkstone are still here, I can just grind more ink, that''s all."


    Rongyue said, "Since it was this concubine''s fault, this concubine should make amends for it. If Consort does not despise me, please allow this concubine to stay and grind the ink for you."


    Song Zhao was silent for a moment, then nodded gently, "Since you are sincere, then stay."


    Hearing this, Concubine Li sneered at Rongyue. She turned to Song Zhao and said,


    "Then this concubine shall take her leave first."


    She thought Rongyue had offended Song Zhao right after paying respects to her for the first time, and thought she had caught her in an embarrassing situation.


    Little did she know that right after she had just left, Song Zhao ordered Yun Shan to close the pce door. She intimately beckoned Rongyue to sit by her side.


    The two held hands, their eyes brimming with tears even as they smiled,


    "Sister Rongyue, long time no see, I hope you have been well?"

 Chapter 207: Elevated to the Rank of Concubine

    <h4>Chapter 207</h4>


    Rongyue squeezed Song Zhao''s hand tightly and nodded repeatedly:


    "Everything is good, everything is good. I heard you entered the pce and were favored by His Majesty, I''m truly happy for you in my heart."


    Song Zhao held Rongyue''s hand in return, feeling the warmth of her palm.


    Xiao Fuzi had told Song Zhao before that when people lie, they unconsciously want to escape, so the blood naturally flows to the legs and feet. Then the temperature of the palms would uncontrobly turn cold.


    But now, Rongyue''s delicate and fair hand was very warm.


    It was evident that her words just now came from the heart.


    Song Zhao also smiled and said, "Now sister has entered the pce. With sister¡¯s talent and beauty, gaining favor is only a matter of time."


    After she finished speaking, Song Zhao clearly noticed Rongyue''s smile stiffened slightly.


    Her eyes dimmed for a moment and she did not respond.


    So Song Zhao changed the topic.


    She looked at Rongyue¡¯s calf and asked, "Did sister hurt her leg?"


    "I fell down myself, it''s nothing serious." As Rongyue spoke, she unnaturally moved her leg behind the chair.


    The two sisters had not seen each other for a long time. When they met again, they would naturally mention many interesting things from the past.


    But in the midst of their conversation, Song Zhao always saw Rongyue smiling with great difficulty, as if she had something on her mind.


    She just kept sullenly silent about it. So Song Zhao did not ask her.


    It was not until the two had dinner together that Rongyue seemed to really cannot hold it anymore.


    She suddenly put down her bowl and chopsticks with knitted brows and said seriously to Song Zhao:


    "Zhao¡¯er, I don''t want to serve the bed..."


    "Imperial Consort, Master Zhang has arrived."


    Before Rongyue could finish, she was interrupted by Xiao Fuzi''s announcement.


    Song Zhao immediately said to Xiao Fuzi, "Minister Zhang is an imperial attendant, he cannot be slighted. Why haven''t you brought him in yet?"


    Hearing there was a guest, Rongyue immediately got up from the dining table and respectfully stood behind Song Zhao.


    Seeing Zhang Jiuguie in smirking, greeting Song Zhao casually, he said:


    "May Imperial Noble Consort Song be blessed with good fortune and Imperial Consort Ling good luck."


    Song Zhao said, "Master Zhang? What brings you to my pce today?"


    Zhang Jiuguiughed. "I originally came to find Imperial Consort Ling. It was not easy to find her!" He bowed to Rongyue again and said tteringly: "Congrattions Imperial Consort Ling. His Majesty summoned your namest night! Among the new consorts, you got the first favor!"


    Hearing this, Rongyue''s face became extremely ugly. She unconsciously took two steps back, as if resisting something.


    But Song Zhao ignored it and insteadughed: ¡°Congrattions to Imperial Consort Ling. Go get ready with Master Zhang now.¡±


    With an outsider present, the sisters could not show intimacy.


    So Rongyue did not say anything more either. After bidding farewell to Song Zhao, she left the pce with Zhang Jiugui in low spirits.


    Because Rongyue was here today, dinner was prepared more abundantly.


    But now facing the table full of delicacies alone, Song Zhao had no appetite at all.


    When Yun Shan was helping hery out the dishes, he said in a low voice: "Imperial Consort, Imperial Consort Ling seemed to have something to tell you."


    "It would be best if she didn''t say it. Even if she did, I could only pretend not to hear it." Song Zhao sighed helplessly, "The wound on Sister¡¯s calf was inside the calf. How could that be injured by falling down? Besides, didn''t you smell the faint scent of golden sore medicine on her? I think her wound was most likely beaten."


    "Beaten? But Imperial Consort Ling is the daughter of the Water Force General, who would dare beat her?"


    Song Zhao raised her eyebrows at Yun Shan without answering.


    Yun Shan soon realized and eximed, "It was General Ling who hit her?"


    Song Zhao did not answer the question but said something else.


    "Sister once said that what she hoped for most was spending her whole life with one person. With her temperament, how could she be willing to enter the pce? But her status was right there. If she didn''t enter the pce, it would offend the heavenly grace and incur the emperor¡¯s wrath. The entire Ling family would suffer. Do you think I don''t know what she wanted to tell me just now? She wanted to tell me that she doesn''t want to serve the bed. But what can I do?"


    As the setting sun sank in the west, Song Zhao gazed at the stretch of fiery red clouds on the horizon and said calmly:


    "I don''t have the power to persuade His Majesty to let her out of the pce. So I can only pretend I know nothing. She has entered the pce. No matter how high-minded she is, there is no way back now. It would be best for her to give up such unrealistic ideas early on."


    It was true that Rongyue was Song Zhao¡¯s closest sister and friend. But in the pce, self-preservation must alwayse before sisterhood.


    After all, one had to survive well before having the capacity to care for other things.


    The next morning, Song Zhao heard that the former dynasty had received extremely joyous news, greatly delighting Xiao Jingheng¡¯s face.


    Xiao Fuzi brought back the news saying:


    "Another triumphant report from the front. General Ning has sessfully captured the Zhuyin Country..."


    "What?" Song Zhao was shocked. "In just over a month, he breached Zhuyin?"


    Xiao Fuzi nodded and also said: "When this servant returned to the pce just now, I met the pce attendants from the Manufacturing Department hurrying to the Yonghe Pce. I asked around and was told they were going to take measurements for the Noble Consort¡¯s new clothes..."


    Yun Shan wondered: "Howe it was the Manufacturing Department? Aren''t the consorts¡¯ clothes usually the responsibility of the Attire Department?"


    "There are always exceptions to everything." Song Zhao''s eyes darkened. On this hot summer day, her breath came out chilling.


    "For example, the Noble Consort''s attire has to be handled by the Manufacturing Department personally."

 Chapter 208: Escape from the Child

    <h4>Chapter 208</h4>


    Upon hearing Song Zhao''s words, both Yun Shan and Xiao Fuzi fell silent.


    With the Empress losing favor and Consort Chen already gaining prominence due to her pregnancy, if she were to be promoted to Noble Consort, her threat to Song Zhao would be no less than that of the former Empress.


    They were both anxious, but then they saw Song Zhao smiling and saying, "This is excellent news. Consort Chen is already the highest-ranking consort, and her maternal family has made numerous military achievements in the previous dynasty. She has also received an auspicious sign of pregnancy. Our dynasty has never had a Noble Consort before, and if we were to confer the title, it would only be fitting for Consort Chen''s exceptional qualities."


    Yun Shan and Xiao Fuzi exchanged puzzled nces, unable toprehend the situation.


    Song Zhao then asked Xiao Fuzi, "When you went to the Bureau today to measure the clothes for Consort Chen, were you the only one who knew about it?"


    Xiao Fuzi replied, "Not only me. When I asked about it, there were many pce maids passing by. However, I don''t know if they heard or not."


    Song Zhao chuckled and said, "If Consort Chen can truly be promoted to Noble Consort, it would be a momentous asion. Such a joyful event shouldn''t be kept secret, right? Find a few unfamiliar eunuchs and figure out a way to spread the news without leaving any traces."


    After saying this, Song Zhao''s smile receded slightly, and she instructed Xiao Fuzi, "Remember, inform all the newly-arrived consorts about this. As the main consort, I must not only think about myself but also consider the future of the neers. They all speak sweetly as if their words are coated in honey. Given this opportunity to curry favor with Consort Chen, perhaps their path in the pce will be much smoother if Consort Chen is pleased."


    Upon hearing this, a flicker of understanding shed in Xiao Fuzi''s eyes, and she immediately grasped Song Zhao''s intention.


    "Don''t worry, Your Majesty. I know what to do," Xiao Fuzi replied.


    As Xiao Fuzi hurried to carry out her task, Song Zhao called her back and instructed, "Later, I will have Yun Shan select some jewelry from the treasury. Since Tong Changzai served me for the first time yesterday, it''s customary to reward her. After you finish your task,e back and collect the jewelry, then go and deliver it to her."


    "I understand," Xiao Fuzi acknowledged.


    Once Xiao Fuzi left, Yun Shan massaged Song Zhao''s slightly swollen legs, a result of her advanced pregnancy, and said, "Why doesn''t Your Majesty allow me to deliver the reward? Is it because you''re afraid others might think you''re trying to win over Tong Changzai?"


    Yun Shan was Song Zhao''s personal maidservant, and once Song Zhao was conferred the title of consort, Yun Shan would gain the status of an aunt. Naturally, her position would be different from that of ordinary servants.


    If Yun Shan personally delivered the reward to Rongyue, it would appear as if Song Zhao attached great importance to her, and others might suspect an ulterior motive.


    However, Xiao Fuzi was assigned to serve Song Zhao only after she entered the pce, and others were unaware of the deeper connection between them.


    They would not think that Song Zhao cared much about Rongyue''s rise in favor.


    Moreover, with everyone in the harem keeping a close eye on Song Zhao''s belly, her favor was increasing day by day.


    At this time, the closer Song Zhao was to Rongyue, the more harm it would cause her.


    These were simple truths that anyone could understand.


    Yet Yun Shan''s ability to grasp them with a single statement impressed Song Zhao, who looked at her with lowered eyes and smiled, saying, "You''ve be even more perceptive of my thoughtstely."


    Yun Shan also smiled, "I know I am foolish and clumsy, but Xiao Fuzi is clever. I will learn from him with all my heart."


    She took a soft goose feather cushion and ced it on Song Zhao''s waist to make her morefortable.


    "When I follow the mistress, every word and action of mine represents the mistress. I used to have a clumsy tongue and often said the wrong things without realizing it. There are many people in the pce who watch for the mistress''s mistakes. Even if I can''t assist the mistress, I certainly cannot burden you."


    "What burden?" Song Zhao lightly stroked Yun Shan''s forehead, speaking with great care, "It is thanks to your protection that I am safe and sound."


    The young girl blushed and felt somewhat embarrassed, saying, "Then I will go to the treasury and pick some ordinary jewelry so that our gifts won''t be too conspicuous."


    Song Zhao smiled and nodded, letting her attend to it.


    Later in the day, after Xiao Fuzi had taken care of everything and returned to the pce to report to Song Zhao, she said, "ording to the mistress''s instructions, the news has already spread. It has gone through several channels, and no one will know that it originated from our Changle Pce.


    As for Consort Hui, when the servant went to deliver the gift to her, almost all the other concubines had already expressed their intentions. Our gift was ced in front of the gifts sent by Consort Chen and Consort Ying, and it appeared simple to the point of being perfunctory."


    At that moment, Song Zhao was embroidering a bellyband for the child in her womb. After hearing Xiao Fuzi''s report, she simply responded with a faint "Hmm."


    Usually at this time, Xiao Fuzi would have already tactfully withdrawn.


    But today, he stood by Song Zhao''s side for a while without moving.


    Song Zhao stopped her needlework and looked up at him, asking, "Is there something else?"


    Xiao Fuzi scratched the back of his head and whispered, "When the servant went to deliver the gift to Consort Hui just now, she happened to be ying sandbag toss with the pce maids. She was focused on catching the sandbags and didn''t pay attention to others. She identally bumped into Consort Hui. The servant reached out to help Consort Hui and happened to feel her pulse..."


    "What''s wrong with her?"


    "Consort Hui... her pulse is weak and slippery, and there seems to be a slight reverse flow of qi and blood. People with this kind of pulse either have a serious illness or..."


    Xiao Fuzi hesitated and swallowed the rest of his words for a long time.


    Song Zhao said, "You know that before the new consorts enter the pce, they are carefully examined by the imperial physician. If they have a serious illness, they cannot enter the pce. So whatever you wanted to say with the rest of your words, just say it."


    Only then did Xiao Fuzi say, "The servant spectes that Consort Hui must have taken a contraceptive drug..."


    Upon hearing this, Song Zhao couldn''t help but feel a bit uneasy.


    Rongyue had just entered the pce, and Xiao Jingheng was hoping for more offspring, so the contraceptive drug was definitely not given by him.


    Moreover, Rongyue was a very cautious person. Even if someone wanted to harm her, they wouldn''t easily seed.


    Therefore...


    This contraceptive drug must have been taken by herself.


    Song Zhao didn''t dwell too much on Rongyue''s motives for doing this. She simply asked Xiao Fuzi, "If she really took that thing, how long will this kind of pulse continue?"


    Xiao Fuzi said, "This item is most likely the Nine Cold Powder. It is made bybining nine ingredients with yin and cold properties, such as Dangmenzi, Linglingxiang, and Canzibu. Its medicinal effects are powerful, but theye and go quickly. If taken asionally, the symptoms willst for at most a day and then disappear without a trace."


    After speaking, he added with some concern, "But if these yin and cold ingredients are taken for a long time to prevent pregnancy, it may damage the body. In severe cases... it is likely impossible to conceive for the rest of one''s life."


    Song Zhao''s gaze dimmed for a moment.


    She knew well that Rongyue had a strong and stubborn personality. If she didn''t like someone, she would neverply with their wishes.


    However, Song Zhao didn''t expect that Rongyue would resort to such self-damaging methods to silently resist.


    Although Song Zhao felt that Rongyue''s approach was inappropriate, she wouldn''t try to persuade her.


    Even though they were sisters, they were both women who had passed the age of marriage.


    As adults, they had the right to choose their own paths in life.


    Whether it was good or bad, warm or cold, they knew it best themselves, and there was no need for others to interfere.


    So Song Zhao simply said, "Everyone has their own aspirations. Don''t bother yourself with other people''s affairs. If she doesn''t want favor or offspring, just let her be. Pretend you don''t know about this matter."

 Chapter 209: How to Kill

    <h4>Chapter 209</h4>


    Rumors in the harem have always spread the fastest.


    They swirl in the wind, hidden among the light,


    and within a day, they be widely known.


    On the second day after Xiaofuzi spread the news,


    when Song Zhao went to pay respects to Consort Chen,


    he saw the familiar sight of everyone ttering and fawning over her.


    The one who initiated the conversation was Noble Consort Ru.


    While others sat obediently after paying their respects, she stood up as soon as she sat down and bowed deeply to Consort Chen, saying,


    "I congratte Consort Chen on her great joy!"


    Consort Chen wrinkled her nose, as if she had smelled something, and immediately raised her delicate fingers to her nose, expressing disgust as she said,


    "What''s that scent on you?"


    Noble Consort Ru was wearing a leather jacket adorned with gemstones, which was quite dazzling.


    She raised her hand to smell herself and didn''t find anything inappropriate, so she exined,


    "This is a rare sheepskin garment. In my family, when we congratte others, we wear this clothing to show respect."


    Upon hearing this, Consort Chen cast a disdainful nce at her and said, "I thought the odor was emanating from your very bones. Don''t wear this outfit again; it gives me a headache."


    As soon as these words were spoken, the concubines in the hall couldn''t help but burst intoughter.


    Noble Consort Ru was embarrassed and tried to find a ce to hide, feeling extremely ufortable.


    Consort Chen ordered a pce maid to move a censer next to her to dispel the odor, and then slowly moved her hand away from her nose, raising an eyebrow as she asked, "What did you say just now? Congrattions on my great joy?"


    Noble Consort Ru forced a smile and said, "You have received the Emperor''s favor, and it seems you will soon be honored as the Noble Consort. I know that in this dynasty, there has never been a Noble Consort before. Consort Chen, you have obtained this special honor, and the glory extends throughout the harem. I am genuinely happy for you."


    Upon hearing these words, Consort Chen momentarily rxed her frowning expression and smiled faintly, saying,


    "You are well-informed. However, it''s just a matter of clothing, and the Emperor hasn''t explicitly stated anything. It''s best for you to refrain from such ttery in the future."


    Although she said to speak less, the smile that couldn''t be concealed on her lips was telling everyone that


    she enjoyed hearing such words.


    So, Li Changzai immediately stood up without being outdone and said,


    "Everyone in the pce knows how deeply the Emperor loves Consort Chen. Moreover, Consort Chen is already the highest-ranking concubine. It''s only a matter of time before she bes the Noble Consort."


    Kang Daying, who was sitting next to her, was originally timid and cowardly. On ordinary days, when the concubines spoke, she didn''t even dare to breathe deeply.


    But now, seeing everyone busy ttering and currying favor with Consort Chen, she gathered her courage and whispered,


    "The Emperor and Consort Chen share a deep affection, and we envy them greatly..."


    Whether they were neers or old-timers in the pce,


    everyone knew that Consort Chen liked to hear from others how much Xiao Jingheng cared about her.


    As long as someone said such words, Consort Chen would surely take them to heart.


    However, among the neers, there were also those who didn''t rush to tter her.


    Rongyue casually congratted Consort Chen, while Concubine He, who lived alone in the Zhongcui Pce, echoed her words.


    As for the elderly people in the pce, apart from Consort Yin, who remained silent with a cold expression, others had to follow suit and please Consort Chen due to her high status.


    Everyone exchanged words, making Consort Chen smile brightly.


    She said, "Actually, the title of Noble Consort doesn''t matter to me. It''s just a position. I don''t care. After all, I''ve always known that I hold a special ce in the Emperor''s heart, and that''s enough."


    While Consort Chen spoke contentedly, Song Zhao smiled and remained silent, allowing her to revel in her triumph.


    Later, during a break in the pce in the afternoon, Song Zhao noticed Xiao Fuzi entering with a birdcage.


    Inside the cage was a colorful parrot with a red head and blue tail, disying beautiful feathers.


    Song Zhao asked him, "Where did you get this little thing from?"


    Xiao Fuzi held up the birdcage, whistled a tune to amuse the parrot, and replied, "This was gifted to you by Noble Consort Ru. She brought some rare creatures from Mongolia to the pce. I heard that a few days ago, she sent a ''Pearl Bull'' to Consort Chen. It was about the size of arge dog, with round, bright eyes and an unusual fur color. But Consort Chen had Kang Yubin and the others set it on fire and ate it."


    Song Zhao chuckled and extended her finger into the birdcage, lightly stroking the parrot''s beak.


    "This little thing doesn''t have much meat on it. I can''t possibly ask you to roast it as well, can I?"


    Xiao Fuzi grinned and said, "Your Majesty knows how to joke around. But what about this little guy? Would you like to keep it?"


    "If Noble Consort Ru gifted it to me, it must hold some sentimental value for her. Consort Chen''s pce is suffering from a famine, while I have an abundance of food and clothing here. Why should I treat this creature like livestock? Let''s keep it."


    And so, Xiao Fuzi hung the birdcage on a tree branch in the courtyard and kept it for the time being.


    Later, in the evening, Xiao Fuzi received a message from the attendants'' room and reported it to Song Zhao in her chambers.


    To his surprise, Song Zhao had brought the birdcage inside and was currently feeding the parrot sunflower seeds.


    Xiao Fuzi respectfully said, "Your Majesty, the Emperor has summoned Consort Yin to spend the night with him."


    While feeding the parrot, Song Zhao smiled and said, "As expected. The Ning family couldn''t have sessfully conquered the nation of Zhuyin without the help of the Ada Hu tribe. The Emperor is overjoyed, so naturally, he wouldn''t neglect Consort Yin."


    As she spoke, her smile suddenly froze, and she dropped the sunflower seeds into the drawer with a sigh.


    "This little guy doesn''t even know how to crack open melon seeds. It''s truly precious, just like Noble Consort Ru. Later, have someone peel the sunflower seeds and put them in a box to feed it. Don''t let it go hungry."


    Xiao Fuzi nodded obediently but couldn''t help wondering why Song Zhao suddenly cared so much about a parrot.


    He subconsciously nced into the cage and noticed faint bloodstains on the husks of the sunflower seeds that the parrot had cracked open.


    Upon closer inspection, he realized that it was the parrot''s tongue, which had been snipped off by someone...


    Xiao Fuzi understood immediately and whispered to Song Zhao, getting closer to her. "Consort Yin and Consort Chen have never been on good terms. If Consort Yin hears those ttering words the other concubines say to Consort Chen during today''s audience, do you think she will mention it to the Emperor?"


    Song Zhao smiled charmingly and replied, "Whether she chooses to speak or not, I have no interest in guessing."


    Observing Song Zhao''s good mood today, Xiao Fuzi remarked, "The Empress seems to be in a very good mood today."


    Song Zhao raised an eyebrow yfully and leisurely peeled the melon seeds. "Consort Chen''s promotion to Noble Consort is something that everyone in the pce expected. Since the Emperor intends to elevate Consort Chen and often speaks of his fondness for harmony among the concubines, I believe that upon hearing this news, the Emperor will be delighted."


    Pausing for a moment, she dropped the peeled melon seeds into the food box for the parrot, observing its enjoyment, before continuing with a smile, "If the Emperor is happy, then naturally I will be happy as well."

 Chapter 210: The Walls Have Ears

    <h4>Chapter 210</h4>


    Within the harem, the only one who dares to openly confront Consort Chen is Consort Yin.


    Today, when Consort Chen was being praised by the other concubines during the court greetings, Consort Yin couldn''t stand her inted sense of self-importance.


    Consort Yin decided that she would find a way to let Xiao Jingheng know about this incident.


    However, she had to choose the right moment to speak up.


    The most opportune time for a man to listen and remain calm is right after the pleasures of the bedroom, when all desires have been fulfilled and one feels momentarily enlightened, like a wise sage. It is easier for them to be receptive to advice.


    So, taking advantage of this moment, Consort Yin subtly informed Xiao Jingheng about what had happened that day.


    Surprisingly, Xiao Jingheng didn''t seem surprised upon hearing the news. It was as if he had already known. He responded to Consort Yin, saying, "I have considered her as a noble consort, so it is only natural for others to congratte her upon hearing the news."


    His words seemed to imply that Consort Yin was being meddlesome and trying to stir up trouble.


    Later, Xiao Jingheng imed he was tired and had Consort Yin escorted back to the pce. Consort Yin couldn''t continue the conversation any further.


    In fact, there was no need for Consort Yin to personally inform Xiao Jingheng about the ttery from the other concubines towards Consort Chen. Someone had already detailed every little thing that happened during the court greetings and reported it to Xiao Jingheng.


    Now that Consort Yin had left, Xiao Jingheng changed into regr attire and said he was going to visit Consort Chen.


    Since it was nighttime, he didn''t allow the pce attendants to apany him.


    He only brought Jiang Deshun and two guards, enjoying the cool evening breeze as they walked to Yonghe Pce.


    At the pce gate, Kang Yubin noticed Xiao Jingheng and quickly paid his respects. He then smiled and said, "Why has Your Majestye at this hour? This servant will go and inform her..."


    "No need," Xiao Jingheng interrupted him with a wave of his hand. "I will go in by myself."


    Meanwhile, inside Consort Chen''s chamber.


    Consort Chen had changed into her nightgown and had just finished drinking milk, intending to rest early. However, suddenly, she heard the sound of a child crying loudly.


    Noble Consort Xiao''s child was currently being raised by Consort Chen. These past few days, for some reason, the child cried incessantly during the night.


    Consort Chen was annoyed by the crying and couldn''t help but vent her frustration, saying, "Three wet nurses can''t soothe a little child? Are they receiving their sries for nothing? Liu Yue, go and have someone bring that little thing over here!"


    Consort Chen urgently sent for the child, and soon, the wet nurse arrived, holding the prince in her arms.


    Consort Chen impatiently nced at him. The child''s face was red and his voice was hoarse from crying. She gently massaged her temples, showing her disgust, and said, "How did you all be wet nurses? Can''t you calm him down? Is it so difficult?"


    The wet nurse hurriedly exined, "The little prince has dry and cracked skin. Although we apply medicine, it only provides temporary relief. He is still ufortable."


    Due to his condition of scaly dermatitis, the prince''s skin already appeared wrinkled and unappealing. Now, with his crying, his features were even more twisted, making him look even less pleasing.


    Consort Chen''s attention was fixed on him for a moment, and in her raised and disdainful gaze, the words "displeasure" were clearly written.


    "This ugly thing is crying like this. How can I sleep peacefully? If you can''t make him stop crying, I''ll stuff his mouth with coarse cloth and see if he can still cry!"


    "Well..." The wet nurses looked at each other, feeling extremely anxious.


    But Consort Chen didn''t allow them to say a word. "Still hesitating? Take him and ce him on the warm seat, and all of you, get out of here!"


    Being pregnant, Consort Chen had a fiery temper, and no one dared to offend her.


    The wet nurses could only follow her orders and ce the little prince on the warm seat, then leave with worried hearts.


    To their surprise, as soon as they stepped out of the door, they ran into Xiao Jingheng standing in the corridor.


    They were about to greet him when they saw Xiao Jingheng put a finger to his lips, motioning them to be silent.


    Xiao Jingheng''s face was clouded, and his brows were tightly furrowed, forming the shape of a river character.


    After taking a deep look behind the window, he turned around and left in anger.


    Jiang Deshun followed closely behind Xiao Jingheng. Just before leaving Yonghe Pce, he instructed Kang Yubin, "No one in Yonghe Pce is allowed to mention anything about the Emperor''s visit tonight to Consort Chen. If this matter reaches Consort Chen''s ears, you better be prepared to move your head!"


    Kang Yubin smiled humbly and repeatedly replied, "I understand, Lord Kang. I will be careful!"


    On the way back to the pce from Yonghe Pce, Xiao Jingheng remained silent with a stern face, walking briskly, creating a gust of wind.


    It was evident that he was angry.


    In the past, he thought Consort Chen insisted on keeping this snake''s spawn because she loved him so much that she couldn''t bear to harm any child born to him by other women.


    But seeing her attitude towards that child today, he realized that Consort Chen despised the child.


    It was clear that when she spared the child''s life before, it was just an act she put on in front of him.


    Xiao Jingheng had always known that as an emperor, it was rare to receive genuine affection.


    Looking at his harem, it seemed that everyone was calcting for their own glory and favor, except for Song Zhao, who truly loved him without seeking anything else.


    But how could he know what would happen in the bedchambers of Yonghe Pce after he left?


    [End of the brief three updates]

 Chapter 211: Conflicted People

    <h4>Chapter 211</h4>


    At that time, Consort Chen dismissed all the attendants around her, leaving only the crying little prince wrapped in swaddling clothes, writhing alone on the warm seat.


    She walked to the side of the warm seat withzy steps and sat down, looking at the little prince with lowered eyebrows.


    The anger on her face waspletely lost, but was instead reced by an amiable smile. She spoke in a gentle and soft tone:


    "Little one, why are you crying again? Oh, look at the poor thing. Don''t cry, don''t cry. Will you let This Pce hug you?"


    She clumsily picked up the child in her arms, patting his back and whispering gently,


    "This Pce knows you are ufortable, but you have to learn to endure it, don''t you? You are your Father Emperor''s first son. You have to be like your Father Emperor, a towering and steadfast man. You also have to learn to be stronger and braver, understand?"


    What could a two month old baby understand?


    On the contrary, the more Consort Chen coaxed him, the harder he cried.


    "Oh oh oh~ don''t cry, don''t cry. Shall This Pce take you flying high?"


    She raised the little prince a little higher, shook him gently twice, then slowly lowered him.


    The candle mes in the hall were warm, and the evening breeze outside was mild.


    She, such an unruly woman, unexpectedly revealed her gentle side to a babypletely unrted to her by blood.


    The little prince also seemed very spirited. The wet nurses coaxed him as if they were just doing their job, still not as attentive as Consort Chen.


    Consort Chen yed with him, and he soon stopped crying and evenughed at Consort Chen.


    Hisughter made the wrinkles on his face deeper, like gnarled tree bark, not good-looking at all.


    Yet Consort Chen did not dislike him at all. On the contrary, hearing hisughter made her happy too. She couldn''t help pressing her cheek against his rough little face.


    "Don''t cry anymore. Your Father Emperor cares most about This Pce. When This Pce is conferred the title of Noble Consort in the future, and your Father Emperor asks what grace This Pce wants, This Pce will ask your Father Emperor to give you a name, all right?"


    The infant could not understand her words, only kept giggling.


    Seeing him like this, Consort Chen felt sore in her heart.


    She stroked his limp hair, and said distressfully:


    "You were also pitiful. But now that you are with This Pce, This Pce will not let you suffer any more grievances."


    The louder the little princeughed, the louder his voice became. In between, he even took the initiative to grab Consort Chen''s loose ck hair.


    Hearing hisughter, Consort Chen also couldn''t helpughing.


    But sheughed silently, afraid of letting others hear, thinking that she was so fond of this child.


    After all, someone as proud as her, if the pce maids knew that she liked a child born to Xiao Jingheng by another woman so much, she was afraid people wouldugh at her behind her back.


    Later the little prince fell asleep quietly in her arms before she gently put him back on the warm seat,


    then walked to the door to clear her throat and said loudly outside:


    "This ugly thing fell asleep. Let the wet nurse take him away and not bother This Pce¡¯s eyes."


    The wet nurse came in quickly and picked up the swaddling. Just as she was leaving, she heard Consort Chen say impatiently:


    "In the future if he cries and fusses again when you coax him, bring him to This Pce. Let¡¯s see if he dares to act wild in front of This Pce!"


    The wet nurse responded weakly, and hurried away holding the little prince.


    Liu Yue saw that Consort Chen was still angry, so she advised:


    "Why is Mistress getting angry with that child who is not favored by His Majesty? If you ask this ve, Mistress is kind-hearted. Back then, if you had directly sent him to the Summer Retreat Manor, wouldn''t there be so much trouble?"


    Consort Chen red at her. "What? Are you teaching This Pce what to do?"


    "ve doesn''t dare!" Liu Yue shook her head in panic. "It''s good for Mistress to raise him too. It can make His Majesty feel that Mistress is virtuous. Looking now, His Majesty is about to confer the title of Noble Consort on Mistress. The current Empress has lost favor and His Majesty''s affection. This ve thinks that in the future when Mistress safely gives birth to the heir, His Majesty will be greatly delighted. I''m afraid he will even raise Mistress to be Imperial Noble Consort!"


    Only then did Consort Chen''s expression rx a little, and said:


    "It''s already September, and the weather is getting cooler. There''s half a month left before His Majesty''s birthday celebration. How are the preparations in the six pces? Give This Pce the list of tribute gifts tomorrow. The useless Empress, This Pce will have to make more thoughtful arrangements on His Majesty''s behalf."


    In the next half month, after a brief two days of autumn heat, the weather cooled downpletely.


    During this time, Xiao Jingheng was still often apanying Song Zhao. She was due to give birth in a little over ten days, so Xiao Jingheng was naturally very attentive to her matters.


    As for Consort Chen, Xiao Jingheng did not neglect her either, still apanying her for dinner every two or three days.


    But when it came to favor, these days, someone new had also gradually risen among the new beauties.


    That person was Rongyue.


    Xiao Jingheng seemed to like Rongyue very much. He had visited her chamber three times in half a month, monopolizing the top spot.


    Such good fortune was really enviable to others.


    However, the favor envied by others may turn out to be bad luck for those involved, who can say for sure?

 Chapter 212: Song Zhao Gives birth Prematurely

    <h4>Chapter 212</h4>


    Time passed quickly, and before long it was Xiao Jingheng''s birthday again.


    Since he needed to avoid bad luck this year, his birthday was not celebrated extravagantly. He only gathered with his consorts and several close prince brothers for a regr celebration.


    During the birthday banquet, Xiao Jingyan, as Xiao Jingheng''s closest brother, naturally also attended.


    It had been a long time since Song Zhao had seen him. Seeing his roguish and unrestrained appearance today still made her feel disgusted.


    The consorts performed and offered gifts, and the atmosphere was lively.


    The Empress had not seen Xiao Jingheng for a long time. To demonstrate the harmony between the emperor and empress today, she still sat next to Xiao Jingheng.


    During the singing and dancing in the hall, the Empress toasted Xiao Jingheng with a cup of wine,


    "Your Majesty, this concubine congrattes you on your birthday. May you live ten thousand years with ten thousand blessings."


    Xiao Jingheng did not respond to her words, but he could not be too rude to her. In the end, he still drank the wine.


    Amidst the wine cups, the consorts were all trying to get on Xiao Jingheng''s good side.


    The newly admitted concubines also had their own ways to curry favor.


    But no matter what they did, Song Zhao only regarded them as some inferior singing and dancing girls, just there for entertainment.


    What was unexpected to Song Zhao was that Rongyue seemed a little different tonight than usual.


    She had said that she was unwilling to serve him in bed, and had secretly taken medicine to avoid pregnancy and cut off the emperor''s lineage.


    By her arrogance, she should have been unwilling to get close to Xiao Jingheng.


    But today she was very attentive to Xiao Jingheng,


    not only frequently toasting him, but also singing and dancing for him, behaving just like a young mistress from a prominent family, as if deliberately provoking Song Zhao.


    Moreover, Song Zhao knew that Rongyue could not drink alcohol.


    After two cups her face was flushed red, and if she drank more she would probably have trouble even walking steadily.


    Seeing her like this, Consort Chen thought she was deliberately trying to gain Xiao Jingheng''s favor.


    And thinking that recently Xiao Jingheng had visited Rongyue''s pce several times, she became even more disgusted with her.


    So she solemnly said, "Concubine Tong is losing her manners. Today there are many princes here, don''t embarrass yourself. If you can''t handle alcohol, you should return to your pce to rest early."


    So Rongyue smiled and said, "Today is His Majesty''s birthday, this concubine''s heart is truly delighted. This concubine wishes His Majesty ten thousand years with ten thousand blessings, to lead the Qi Dynasty to prosperity and the people to peace!"


    After speaking, she raised her wine cup and respectfully toasted another cup herself, before swaying away supported by her pce maids to retire.


    The birthday banquet did not quiet down because of her departure.


    Xiao Jingheng continued drinking and enjoying himself with the princes. Meanwhile, he asked Xiao Jingyan,


    "Why don''t I see your gift this year?"


    Xiao Jingyan smiled and said, "I obtained a calligraphy work earlier, a rare masterpiece by Yan Zhifeng. Knowing that Imperial Brother liked it, I had it delivered to the pce and ced in Imperial Mother''s ce a few days ago."


    Xiao Jingheng said, "Oh? Then have someone fetch it immediately."


    Xiao Jingyan suddenly stood up with a salute, "It has also been some days since Ist saw Imperial Mother. I want to personally fetch the congrattory gift, and also ask after Imperial Mother along the way."


    With such filial piety, how could Xiao Jingheng not allow it?


    "Alright, go ande back quickly."


    Over this past year, affairs of the Qi Dynasty prospered greatly, defeating enemy countries sessively. Xiao Jingheng was very delighted, and drank several more cups with the princes.


    During this time, Song Zhao felt stuffy inside the hall. After sitting for so long she also felt ufortable, so she asked Xiao Jingheng for permission to go out for some fresh air.


    Xiao Jingheng permitted her, and specifically ordered Yun Shan and Xiao Fuzi to take good care of her.


    Away from the meat and wine smell in Tong Hua Terrace, Song Zhao deeply breathed in the fresh night air in early autumn, feeling much morefortable.


    Tong Hua Terrace was built over the Imperial Lake.


    As Song Zhao walked along theke bank, when she passed the artificial hill, she vaguely heard faint crying soundsing from that area.


    Suspecting something might be going on and wanting to go take a look, she moved very lightly and crept over.


    As a result, behind the artificial hill, she actually saw Rongyue pulling and struggling with Xiao Jingyan!


    Song Zhao was very far away, unable to hear what they were saying.


    But seeing Rongyue''s unstopping tears, she guessed in her heart, and immediately understood......


    She was greatly shocked, and decided to pretend she hadn''t seen this. She hurriedly brought Yun Shan and Xiao Fuzi back, and quietly told them,


    "No matter what you saw today, pretend you didn''t see it."


    "Zhao''er! Zhao''er!"


    Xiao Jingheng''s shout came from not far away. Song Zhao suddenly looked up to see Xiao Jingheng stumbling drunkenly towards her.


    Song Zhao quickly stepped forward two paces to meet him, "Why has Your Majesty alsoe out?"


    The smell of alcohol on Xiao Jingheng was very strong, he was clearly already drunk.


    He grabbed Song Zhao''s hand, and said indistinctly,


    "You''ve been out for so long, I was worried about you. Come, I''ll apany you back."


    He pulled Song Zhao by the hand to head back, but perhaps because he was drunk, there was no lightness in his grip.


    With this tug, Song Zhao lost her bnce and tripped, falling to the ground!


    "Imperial Concubine!"


    Yun Shan cried out in shock, and immediately went to help up Song Zhao with Xiao Fuzi.


    Meanwhile, Song Zhao clutched her belly, her flushed face instantly turning pale, in so much pain that she couldn''t utter a word.


    Seeing her skirt already soaked with water, Yun Shan shouted at Xiao Fuzi:


    "Quick, call the Imperial Physicians! Her Ladyship is going intobor!"


    Facing this sudden change, even Xiao Jingheng was frightened instantly sober......

 Chapter 213: The Perils of Labor

    <h4>Chapter 213</h4>


    Xiao Fuzi crawled and scrambled to her feet, not daring to be negligent as she raced madly toward Tong Hua Terrace.


    Yun Shan held the shivering Song Zhao, who was in so much pain that her body trembled, tightly in her arms.


    At this time, Xiao Jingheng, sober from the wine, realized that he had made a big mistake. He quickly picked Song Zhao up and carried her horizontally,forting her while quickly walking toward Tong Hua Terrace.


    Fortunately, Tong Hua Terrace was not far from Chang Le Pce.


    By the time Xiao Jingheng carried Song Zhao back to Tong Hua Terrace, the sedan chair was already prepared. He put her in and repeatedly ordered the pce maid to walk faster.


    All the way, Xiao Jingheng tightly held Song Zhao¡¯s hand, speaking in a low voice tofort her,


    "Zhao''er, don''t be afraid, I am with you, I won''t let anything happen to you!"


    He was also very flustered, and felt remorseful for his rash actions just now,


    "It''s all my fault, to make you suffer so much..."


    "Your Majesty..."


    Song Zhao wanted to say something, but the severe pain did not allow her to utter aplete sentence.


    She could only shake her head with great effort, gripping Xiao Jingheng''s hand tightly,


    Her armor had been removed by Yun Shan earlier. At this moment, her fingers, slender as scallions, were almost embedded in the flesh on the back of Xiao Jingheng''s hand.


    Only by making Xiao Jingheng feel the pain could she share a moment of empathy with Song Zhao.


    After rushing back to Chang Le Pce, the midwives and imperial doctors were already waiting outside the hall.


    As Song Zhao was already close tobor, everything needed for childbirth had been prepared in Chang Le Pce.


    Xiao Jingheng carried Song Zhao all the way back to the inner bedroom and ced her on the couch extremely gently.


    The midwife immediately surrounded her and persuaded him, "Your Majesty, the delivery room is bloody, it would be inappropriate for you to stay here. Please go to the main hall first to wait."


    Xiao Jingheng leaned over and lightly kissed Song Zhao''s sweaty forehead, saying solemnly,


    "I''ll be right outside waiting for you. You and our child will definitely be safe!"


    Song Zhao gritted her teeth and nodded slightly in response.


    As Xiao Jingheng left the inner bedroom, Song Zhao heard him sternly instructing the imperial doctors waiting outside the door,


    "No matter what, you must ensure the safety of Imperial Concubine Yi."


    Then the door of the inner bedroom was closed heavily, blocking the sounds from outside.


    The four midwives surrounded Song Zhao, took off her lower garments, and began to assist her in childbirth.


    She was lying t on the couch, her legs pried apart by the midwives, and two pillows were padded under her buttocks to facilitate her pushing.


    They were like annoying flies, chattering incessantly in Song Zhao''s ears, asking her to push.


    But she only felt unbearable paining in waves, like being hit by something heavy in the lower abdomen, pounding her and drenching her in sweat. She couldn''t help screaming in agony.


    The harder she pushed, the more the pain increased, tormenting her until even breathing hurt badly.


    Fortunately, Yun Shan was by her side apanying her.


    Yun Shan let Song Zhao grasp her hand tightly. Only by squeezing it hard could Song Zhao exert a little more force.


    "Lady, please hang in there!"


    It was the little girl''s first time seeing such a scene. She really felt distressed seeing Song Zhao in such pain and involuntarily choked up.


    The chief midwife, Li Mama, said to her:


    "Miss, you should go and wait outside. Your crying will make it difficult for Her Ladyship to concentrate on giving birth."


    Yun Shan wiped away her tears to stop her crying, but she would not move an inch.


    Song Zhao had instructed her beforehand that no matter who told her to leave when she was inbor, even if it was Xiao Jingheng, she could not take half a step away.


    Now that Xiao Fuzi could not attend by Song Zhao¡¯s side, only Yun Shan could stay with her all the time.


    She had to keep a close eye on things at all times without the slightest negligence.


    After a while, seeing that Yun Shan remained stiffly unmoving, Li Mama said again: "Girl, go quickly and urge them to bring hot water for this old servant to clean Her Ladyship¡¯s privates."


    Song Zhao was exerting all her energy on giving birth and had no time for anything else.


    Yun Shan first shouted loudly at the door, "Bring hot water quickly!"


    Then she said solemnly to Li Mama: "Granny, concentrate on doing your job well, don''t bother ordering me around. If you get distracted and something happens to mydy, we will all suffer for it!"


    Seeing Yun Shan so gutsy, Li Mama was rather surprised. She did not expect this young girl could be so fierce.


    So she said nothing more and continued to focus on assisting Song Zhao¡¯s delivery.


    After an unknown period of time,


    Apanied by Song Zhao¡¯s repeated hoarse screams through gritted teeth, the child was finally delivered safely.


    The midwives'' first nce was to check the baby''s sex.


    They then happily announced the good news to Song Zhao:


    "Congrattions, My Lady! A little prince is born!"


    Song Zhao heaved a long sigh of relief as the tension in her nerves finally eased a little.


    Li Mama took the opportunity to reach into a tray next to her for scissors, about to cut the umbilical cord. But Yun Shan noticed something wrong.


    All the items needed for Song Zhao''s delivery were prepared by Yun Shan herself. Although the scissors Li Mama was holding looked very simr to the one she had prepared, Yun Shan still keenly sensed subtle differences.


    Her heart tightened. She immediately shouted, "Wait!"


    Taking advantage of Li Mama''s confusion, Yun Shan snatched the scissors from her hand. Without taking her eyes off Li Mama, she backed away to the dressing table drawer, took out a pair of scissors used for cutting thread and cloth.


    Yun Shan''s actions were very agile. She first coated the des with rice wine, passed them over a me, then handed the sterilized scissors to another midwife to cut the umbilical cord.


    After the umbilical cord was cut, the midwife patted the little prince¡¯s snow-white bottom a few times.


    The little prince immediately cried out, loud and crisp, reassuring to hear.


    After simply cleaning up the vernix on the child, the midwife carried the baby for Song Zhao to take a look,


    "My Lady, look, the little prince is so handsome!"


    Song Zhao looked at this unfamiliar little one.


    His skin was snow white, his eyebrows light-colored but shapely, his eyelids deeply creased like Xiao Jingheng¡¯s peach blossom eyes.


    But his exquisite, straight nose and slightly upturned lips were exactly like Song Zhao¡¯s.


    She was naturally delighted in her heart, but for a moment she doubted if this cute little thing really crawled out of her belly?


    After a long daze, she finally smiled and said,


    "Take him out for His Majesty to see too."


    When the midwives went out happily to announce the good news, Yun Shan still did not leave Song Zhao¡¯s side for a moment.


    She wiped the sweat from Song Zhao''s facepassionately and choked up,


    "Her Ladyship has really suffered."


    Song Zhao smiled weakly and whispered back,


    "I have to suffer this one time, so that the days toe will get better and better."

 Chapter 214: Give Birth to Your Son

    <h4>Chapter 214</h4>


    "Ha ha ha ha ha! Good! Very good!"


    Xiao Jingheng''s loudughter could be heard from outside the hall, entering Song Zhao''s ears.


    From his tone, one could tell that he was also very satisfied with this child.


    After theughter subsided, Xiao Jingheng then pushed open the door and walked in, sitting down in front of the couch with a delighted expression on his face. He grasped her hand and patted it, saying:


    "Zhao''er, you have safely given birth to a precious son for me."


    He unabashedly spoke the words "precious son" from his mouth,


    his attitudepletely different from when Consort Gui had given birth to a freak baby back then.


    "You''ve suffered." He patted the back of Song Zhao''s hand, and said in a low voice: "What happened today was my fault, making you suffer such torment for no reason."


    Having just given birth, Song Zhao looked rather weak,


    but she still managed to squeeze out a smile, shaking her head and saying: "Your Majesty must not me yourself, aren''t your concubine and the child both fine?"


    "Yes, everything is fine, very good!"


    Xiao Jingheng didn''t know if he was too overjoyed, or if he was still notpletely sober from the drinks,


    but his words sounded somewhat incoherent at the moment.


    Today, Song Zhao had gone intobor during Xiao Jingheng''s birthday banquet, so the female guests who had been attending the banquet naturally also came along to Longle Pce to check on the situation.


    When the Empress led the consorts into the inner chamber, Consort Chen walked ahead of her by one position,


    and was just in time to see Xiao Jingheng tightly grasping Song Zhao¡¯s hand, treating her as a precious treasure, gently soothing her. Her heart inevitably felt a little unhappy.


    But she still suppressed her temper, and calmly said to Song Zhao:


    "Congrattions to you."


    The Empress also said: "Consort Yi has safely delivered a son, this is incredibly joyous news. Seeing how happy His Majesty is, I am truly happy for Consort Yi on behalf of her."


    One by one, the consorts offered their congrattions to Song Zhao, with only one person lurking in the corner without making a sound. But she was the one who had most of Song Zhao''s attention.


    Rongyue stood at the entrance to the inner chamber, not squeezing inside.


    She was naturally tall and slender, and just by standing on her tiptoes she could stick her head out above the crowd.


    She took only one look at Song Zhao¡¯s haggard appearance, and her tears were already welling up,


    afraid that if she had to say some more congrattory words, she would start choking up.


    Song Zhao understood in her heart that even if Rongyue didn''t say anything, just hearing about her sudden prematurebor must have scared Rongyue badly.


    Amidst the chorus of congrattions, Jiang Deshun also cleverly said:


    "This servant congrattes Your Majesty and Consort Yi! It is such great fortune that the noble son shares the same birthday as Your Majesty. This is an incredibly auspicious omen!"


    Hearing this, Xiao Jinghengughed even more gleefully.


    He had someone bring over the child, and teased him together with Song Zhao.


    Consort Hui also squeezed forward, giggling nonstop at the little prince:


    "This child is so beautiful! He looks like Your Majesty, and also like Sister Song. As white as a porcin doll!"


    She stretched out a hand, wanting to touch the child, but her fingertips had just brushed against the child''s arm when she gave a start, immediately drawing back her hand:


    "Ah! He''s so soft, like a little cotton ball!"


    Just like a child herself, Consort Hui''s frightened and delighted words made everyone unable to hold back theirughter.


    Xiao Jingheng also said: "Your Sister Song originally had skin as fair as snow, soft and delicate. This child is clever, specifically inheriting all the best traits from his parents, making one unable to help spoiling him."


    Consort Huiughed. "Sister Song went through great hardship bearing a noble son for His Majesty. His Majesty must properly reward Sister Song!"


    "Naturally." Xiao Jingheng pondered briefly, then spoke loudly to issue an edict:


    "Consort Yi has given birth to a noble son, greatly delighting my heart. Longle Pce''s emoluments shall be rewarded with six months'' worth. There shall be three days of canceled court sessions, and a general amnesty dered for the realm."


    As he gently stroked Song Zhao¡¯s disheveled hair by her temple, he said with unlimited tenderness:


    "These next few days, I will properly apany you."


    Whether it was canceling court sessions or a general amnesty, these were all regarded as the greatest honors.


    In the past when thete Emperor was still on the throne, it was only when the Empress gave birth to the Crown Prince that she received such treatment.


    But although such rewards looked magnificent on the surface, when examined closely they were not entirely satisfactory.


    Among the consorts'' positions, the four corners remained vacant. Everyone assumed that now Song Zhao had given birth to an imperial son, Xiao Jingheng would surely be overjoyed and promote her to a Consort rank.


    But from his words now, it seemed Xiao Jingheng had no such intention?


    Everyone was somewhat surprised,


    while only Song Zhao understood clearly in her heart,


    Xiao Jingheng''s actions were likely yet another test,


    he wanted to see if Song Zhao was truly indifferent towards status and wealth, as she had appeared to be.


    Thus Song Zhao''s face showed no abnormality whatsoever, instead sheughed merrily:


    "Being able to receive Your Majesty¡¯spanionship is, for your concubine, the greatest reward in itself. I deeply thank Your Majesty!"


    After that, the imperial physician said that Song Zhao had just given birth and needed ample rest.


    So Xiao Jingheng handed over the young prince to a wet nurse to be entertained in the adjoining pce chambers, then left the inner chamber with the consorts, telling Song Zhao he woulde visit her again early next morning.


    As the crowds dispersed, Song Zhao lightly stroked her deted belly, still feeling as if everything that had happened today was just a dream¡ª


    though this dream was precisely something that she had deliberately orchestrated:


    Going into earlybor and giving birth to a noble son on Xiao Jingheng¡¯s birthday had all been calcted by Song Zhao well in advance.


    Her actual due date had beente September, only ten days before Xiao Jingheng¡¯s birthday. The child had been full term, premature delivery would not have harmed him from being underdeveloped.


    Enke had achieved victory after victory this past year, delighting Xiao Jingheng¡¯s heart, so he would certainly drink heavily during his birthday banquet.


    Song Zhao thus made an excuse of needing some fresh air during the banquet and left Plum Blossom Pavilion.


    She deliberately lingered outside, wasting time, because she knew how anxious Xiao Jingheng was about her pregnancy. Given how long she¡¯d been gone, he would definitelye find her personally.


    Having drunk so much, his mind would be a little muddled.


    At that time, even the slightest physical touch between Song Zhao and Xiao Jingheng would make her immediately copse, putting the me of her prematurebor on Xiao Jingheng.


    That way,


    If this child turned out to be male, as a noble son bearing the same birthday as Xiao Jingheng it would be a great auspicious sign of protecting Xiao Jingheng¡¯s Purple Forbidden Star, destined for smooth sailing in the future with all this blessing.


    And even if this child turned out female, there was no harm.


    Song Zhao simply had to keep pretending to be weak for a long time after the prematurebor, to make Xiao Jingheng feel that he was to me for it all, so that he would feel immense pity and tenderness for her.


    Song Zhao had calcted everything clearly,


    but there was one matter that hadpletely exceeded her expectations...


    And that was that Rongyue and Xiao Jingyan would actually have that kind of unspeakable rtionship between them?


    These two must be insane!


    Within the forbidden pce chambers, if not for Song Zhao¡¯s earlybor today putting the me on Xiao Jingheng, stopping him several more steps forward, he might have discovered Rongyue and Xiao Jingyan''s covert affair.


    Given Xiao Jingheng¡¯s obsession with face, if he found out about this, how would he still let them live?


    The more Song Zhao thought deeply, the more her head hurt.


    Just then, Yun Shan came in carrying a bowl of medicinal soup:


    "My Lady, this is a soup medication from Qinggong, drinking it will help you discharge the centa sooner."


    Song Zhao took the bowl, and took the opportunity to pat the back of Yun Shan¡¯s hand:


    "You did very well today."


    Yun Shan said firmly: "With me here, no one will dare harm my Lady one bit!"


    Song Zhao endured the bitter taste and drank the medicine. Xiao Fuzi very cleverly handed her a honey candy,


    which she put in her mouth. She then asked Yun Shan, "That pair of scissors...what did you notice was off about it?"


    "I just noticed it didn''t look like the one prepared by the pce maid."


    Yun Shan presented the scissors to Song Zhao with both hands. Song Zhao then had Xiao Fuzi take a look to see if anything was amiss.


    Xiao Fuzi''s brows instantly furrowed after looking it over:


    "In reply to my Lady, the des of these scissors are covered in a lot of rust! The color has been deliberately treated to match the des, making it hard to notice.


    Fortunately Yun Shan was vignt today, otherwise if the midwife had used these scissors to cut your umbilical cord, you and the little prince might both have contracted tetanus..."


    He paused, gasping sharply. Still frightened afterwards, he said:


    "That tetanus is an incurable affliction that no medicine or treatment can save one from... Once infected, death would be inevitable..."

 Chapter 215: The Devil wears himself out

    <h4>Chapter 215</h4>


    In the quiet of the inner chamber for a moment,


    First, Yun Shan eximed, "This is unreasonable! I can tell that Li Mama is not a good person! Your Majesty, should we inform the Emperor about this?"


    Song Zhao remained silent, while Xiao Fuzi interjected,


    "What good would it do to inform the Emperor now? At most, he would execute Li Mama, but she would surely im it was an ident and never reveal the mastermind behind it. After all, if something were to happen to you, Your Majesty, or to the young prince, the Emperor would be furious. Not only would Li Mama''s family be in danger, but even her extended rtives would likely be unable to escape punishment!"


    Yun Shan pondered for a moment, still perplexed, and asked,


    "But what does she gain from this? Even if she has the money, she can''t spend it if she''s dead. Is someone threatening her with the lives of her family members? But that doesn''t make sense... If something were to happen to you, Your Majesty, or to the young prince, and the Emperor became enraged, not only would her family be in danger, but her own life would be at stake too!"


    Deep in thought, Xiao Fuzi responded, "That''s why... there must be someone who possesses a secret that Li Mama doesn''t want revealed."


    Today, Xiao Fuzi, who was responsible for assisting Song Zhao in childbirth, had already investigated the backgrounds of the midwives.


    He recalled, "I remember that Li Mama has no children of her own. She only has a husband. Over a decade ago, her husband fell off a cliff while hunting and has been bedridden ever since. Li Mama has been taking care of him." [Note: The midwives who assist with childbirth are not pce maids and are allowed to live their own lives outside the pce when not needed. This is a fictional setting and not rted to actual history.]


    Upon hearing this, Song Zhao contemted for a moment before speaking, "That must be it. Regardless of gender, who wouldn''t be full of vigor in their youth? If she had to spend her young years as a widow, and she is not a saint herself, how could she willingly ept it? I think, in all likelihood, she had a secret rtionship with some other man in the past and conceived a child in secret. But this matter cannot be exposed."


    If we follow Song Zhao''s conjecture, it would provide a motive for Li Mama to risk everything.


    If she had an illegitimate child with another man outside the pce, and someone found out and used it to threaten her,


    Then, as a mother, she would do anything to protect her child. What could she not do?


    Yun Shan asked, "Your Majesty, do you suspect that she had a child with someone else?"


    Xiao Fuzi replied, "Li Mama went to such great lengths to carry out this suicidal act, suggesting that she had already anticipated that there would be no turning back for her. If the truth is exposed, she would die, her husband would die, but the child unknown to the world would survive. I believe Your Majesty''s spection has likely revealed the entire truth of the matter."


    Song Zhao''s eyebrows slightly raised, and she said coldly,


    "The more she tries to protect someone, the more I will cherish that person. There will be no ce for her to be buried."


    Yun Shan asked, "But even if we tell the Emperor about her negligence, what can we do if Li Mama insists it was an ident and denies any mastermind behind it?"


    "Who said we have to inform the Emperor of her mistake?" Song Zhao sneered, "Li Mama is meticulous in her actions. It was she who discovered that the scissors were tampered with and promptly reced them, thus saving both myself and the young prince''s lives."


    She not only did not harm me, but instead, she is my benefactor. I am grateful and determined to reward her generously. Gold and silver are mere trinkets; I must seek the Emperor''s approval to grant her an official position, only then will it be considered satisfactory."


    If this had been said in the past, Yun Shan would have beenpletely baffled by Song Zhao''s words.


    But now, as she looked at the smiles on the faces of Song Zhao and Xiao Fuzi, she quickly understood the situation with a little thought.


    She suddenly pped her hands and eximed:


    "The reward you''re giving her will make the person behind the scenes think that Li Mama has said something to you, and that person will definitely be anxious and eager to kill Li Mama to silence her! And since Li Mama hasn''t achieved her goal yet, the person behind the scenes will surely kill someone important to Li Mama out of frustration!"


    She stared at Song Zhao with shining eyes and couldn''t help but admire:


    "Your n is truly brilliant, Your Majesty! Without lifting a finger, you can wipe out Li Mama''s whole family and expose the person behind the scenes!"


    To Song Zhao, Yun Shan''s clever n was nothing out of the ordinary.


    She didn''t feel proud at all; instead, she calmly said:


    "Evil people will eventually meet their end. The person who manipted Li Mama might not necessarily expose themselves, but the people Li Mama wants to protect will surely die before her.


    Moreover, times have changed. If anyone dares to plot against my son, I won''t care about fairness or justice. I will make sure to annihte their entire family, killing parents, children, and everyone, to find satisfaction."


    The next day, during the morning rest period, Xiao Jingheng hurriedly came to Changle Pce to visit Song Zhao.


    The young prince was also brought over by his nursemaid and ced in the cradle for infants, beside his parents.


    Xiao Jingheng couldn''t take his eyes off the child and the smile never left his face.


    At that moment,


    He held Song Zhao in his arms, gently stroked the sleeping baby''s forehead,


    And whispered, "I havee up with a name for our son. It is thebination of ''Cheng'' and ''Yu,'' how does Zhao feel about it?"


    Cheng represents inheritance,


    Yu carries the meaning of me and fire.


    The name Cheng Yu signifies passing down the me, which shows Xiao Jingheng''s deep affection for their child.


    Since Song Zhao entered the pce, she has been cautious every step of the way, evading countless threats and dangers, to achieve her current position.


    After giving birth to a noble child, she was destined to be a target. Even if she tried to conceal her sharpness, it would be in vain.


    Rather than constantly being submissive, at this point, it was time for her to reveal her true strength and make others fear her.


    So, she didn''t refuse the name and simply said:


    "The naming of children has always been the father''s prerogative. As a humble servant, I don''t understand these matters, but I will follow Your Majesty''s arrangement. Cheng Yu... it sounds very pleasant."


    Xiao Jingheng also smiled and said, "Cheng Yu is our precious child. Even if the name didn''t have a good meaning, I would not bestow it upon him."


    Later, Yun Shan brought the morning meal, and Xiao Jingheng, like a "virtuous husband," fed Song Zhao himself. His care and affection for her were evident in his words and actions.


    After finishing their breakfast, both of them were busy pacifying their child. But suddenly, Song Zhao spoke up, "Your Majesty, I have a personal request to make."


    Xiao Jingheng''s mind stirred, thinking that Song Zhao couldn''t hold back anymore and wanted to mention the matter of being conferred the title of a consort.


    He looked at Cheng Yu in the cradle and calmly replied, "Go ahead."


    "I want..."


    *Creak*


    Before she could finish her sentence, Xiao Fuzi pushed open the door and respectfully entered.


    He paid his respects to the two of them and then said to Song Zhao, "Your Majesty, the gifts have been delivered, and Li Mama is very pleased."


    "Li Mama?" Xiao Jingheng wondered, "Wasn''t she the one who assisted you during childbirth yesterday? Why did you give her a reward separately?"


    Song Zhao exined, "Actually, during the delivery yesterday, I encountered a dangerous situation. The scissors used to cut the umbilical cord had a slight rust on them, which went unnoticed by others. Fortunately, Li Mama noticed it and promptly reced the scissors with a new one. If it weren''t for Li Mama, both Cheng Yu and I would have been in grave danger..."


    Xiao Jingheng furrowed his brows slightly, feeling displeased. "The people in the pce seem to be neglectful in their duties. As you said, Li Mama deserves a generous reward."


    "Exactly," Song Zhao continued along with his words, "That''s why I wanted to request Your Majesty''s favor. I believe Li Mama is meticulous and experienced. If she could be granted an official position, even if it''s a lower rank, she could devote herself to assisting pregnant concubines in the pce and attending to childbirth, which would also put Your Majesty''s mind at ease."


    Xiao Jingheng''s gaze darkened, clearly surprised by Song Zhao''s words.


    However, he didn''t show further astonishment and quicklyposed himself. He held Song Zhao''s hand, smiling warmly, and said, "Your choice is indeed a good one. Let''s grant her the position of a seventh-grade female official, and she can focus on assisting the consorts in childbirth in the future."


    [Thest day of the holiday, going slightly crazy. Three updates today.]

 Chapter 216: The Reverse Grip 01

    <h4>Chapter 216</h4>


    In the following days, Xiao Jingheng would apany Song Zhao by her side for a long time. He imed to be keeping herpany, but he also couldn''t resist teasing their precious and cherished child.


    Since they had passed three days of rest, he made it a point toe whenever he had free time.


    He would remind Song Zhao to rest well and not even get out of bed for the first ten days or so after giving birth.


    On the eighth day after Song Zhao''s delivery, she heard that Li Mama''s residence outside the pce had caught fire for no apparent reason. After the fire was extinguished, four charred bodies were discovered.


    One pair consisted of an adult man and woman, while the other pair were two children, not even ten years old.


    People spected that these children might havee to Li Mama''s residence to y and unfortunately perished in the fire. But who could truly know the truth?


    When Xiao Fuzi reported this to Song Zhao, she was busy soothing the crying Cheng Yu. Upon hearing the news, she merely responded with a faint "Hmm" and didn''t seem concerned.


    However, Yun Shan felt a bit uneasy after hearing it. When she left the inner chambers, Xiao Fuzi noticed the perplexed expression on her face and asked, "What''s bothering you?"


    Yun Shan sighed softly, "I can''t help but feel that those two children were innocent. They had no knowledge of Li Mama''s actions..."


    "Innocent? What do you mean?" Xiao Fuzi, who rarely showed a stern expression, rebuked Yun Shan. "If you hadn''t been vignt that day, it would have been the Empress and Prince Yu who suffered under Li Mama''s knife. What wrong had the Empress done? What wrong had Prince Yu done? Those children died because their mother took the wrong path, not because of any fault of their own. If the Empress were to hear such words, don''t think that she would only praise you for a couple of days before you fall back into confusion."


    "I get it, I get it!" Yun Shan stuck her tongue out at Xiao Fuzi. "You''re nagging me! Instead of lecturing me, you might as well go to the Imperial Medical Academy. The Empress''s divine beauty powder is running low, so bring some back."


    While Xiao Fuzi went on this errand, she not only brought back the beauty powder but also some seemingly unimportant news for Song Zhao.


    As she replenished the cosmetics drawer with new supplies, she chatted casually with Song Zhao, saying, "Empress, when I went to the Imperial Medical Academy earlier, I saw people from the Empress Dowager''s pce going to fetch the imperial physician."


    "The Empress Dowager?" Song Zhao paused her needlework and raised an eyebrow at Xiao Fuzi. "Didn''t shee to visit Cheng Yu the other day? She seemed to be in good health. What happened to her?"


    Xiao Fuzi replied, "It''s nothing serious. These past few days have been cool, and the Empress Dowager caught a slight chill, so she had the imperial physiciane and check on her."


    Song Zhao fell silent for a moment, then set aside the embroidery she was working on and stood up. She said, "The Empress Dowager has always cared for me the most. If she''s unwell, as her daughter-inw, I should go and see her."


    Xiao Fuzi hurriedly advised, "Empress, you''re still in your confinement period, and the Emperor has instructed you to minimize your movements. Maybe it''s better if you..."


    "I understand my own body, and besides, the Emperor is in court right now. I''ll visit the Empress Dowager and return quickly without letting him know," Song Zhao insisted.


    Yun Shan and Xiao Fuzi had no choice but to acquiesce.


    Later, while Yun Shan was helping Song Zhao change clothes, she selected a deep purple cloak with a motif of a hundred sparrows embroidered on it.


    Song Zhao nced at the clothing and remarked, "The color is too vibrant. The Empress Dowager is devoted to Buddhism, so it''s inappropriate for me to wear such attire when visiting her. Please choose something with a more subdued color."


    She casually pointed to the right side of the wardrobe and said, "Thatke blue flowing cloud brocade Su Changyi robe was previously bestowed by the Emperor. I have only worn it a couple of times. Let''s go with that."


    Yun Shan obeyed and brought the clothing to rece Song Zhao''s attire.


    Although the flowing cloud brocade robe appeared simple, it was actually quite expensive.


    Particrly, the tassels embellishing the garment were meticulously crafted.


    They were made by intertwining gold thread with silk from the silkworms of heaven, adorning the hem of the robe. When illuminated by sunlight, they radiated a dazzling glow, truly beautiful to behold.


    Moreover, these tassels were extremely precious and had only been bestowed upon Song Zhao by Xiao Jingheng.


    Because of this, Consort Chen had be quite jealous.


    By the time Song Zhao arrived at Xian Shou Pce, the imperial physician had just finished treating the Empress Dowager.


    At that moment, Qingzhu was attending to the Empress Dowager, helping her take her medicine.


    When the Empress Dowager saw her, she hurriedly said, "Why have youe on such a cold day? You should stay in confinement and avoid unnecessary movement."


    Qingzhu nodded her eyes and immediately went forward to wee Song Zhao, taking a seat opposite the Empress Dowager on a warm cushion.


    "I heard that the Empress Dowager''s health has been a concern, and I wanted toe and pay my respects," Song Zhao said, disying a well-behaved and gentle manner that would surely touch the Empress Dowager''s heart.


    "You, this child, how can I find fault with you?" the Empress Dowager said affectionately.


    Song Zhao then moved a bowl of medicine and personally served it to the Empress Dowager.


    Afterward, she apanied the Empress Dowager in casual conversation.


    However, most of the topics revolved around the little one in Song Zhao''sp.


    The Empress Dowager had seen Cheng Yu twice, and the child was indeed well-behaved.


    Whenever he saw the Empress Dowager, even if he had been crying vigorously, he would immediately quiet down.


    "Our paths are destined to cross. Just as I had a connection with your mother, so do I with you," the Empress Dowager said with a gentle smile. "I believe your mother is looking down from heaven, pleased to see that everything is going well for you. You have the Emperor''s favor, my care, and a prince to raise. Your mother would surely be delighted on your behalf."


    Mentioning Bai Shi, the Empress Dowager couldn''t help but feel a little sad.


    She held Song Zhao''s hand and kindly said, "With your contribution to giving birth to the imperial heir, it''s about time the Emperor elevated you to the position of imperial consort. You have borne the Emperor''s precious child, and you are certainly deserving of this position."


    However, Song Zhao shook her head and smiled tranquilly, saying, "Whether or not I hold the title of consort, I do not attach great importance to it. I have only been in the pce for just over a year, and when I think about how I went from being a concubine to bing the main consort, it has already vited the rules. Now, I only wish to properly serve the Emperor, raise Cheng Yu, show filial piety to the Empress Dowager, and fulfill my duties as a wife. That alone is enough for my contentment."


    Her words were spoken with propriety, and the Empress Dowager felt at ease listening to them. She cherished this sensible child even more.


    "You may not care about your position, but as the birth mother of a noble son, it is not appropriate for you to remain in a low-ranking position. Since you entered the pce, I have been observing you. You have served the Emperor diligently and without scheming against others. You do not involve yourself in the intrigues of the harem and only focus on living your own life. Yourposed nature is truly rare, and I greatly admire it."


    As the mother and daughter-inw were speaking,


    Qingzhu, who had been serving outside, suddenly returned and respectfully reported:


    "Empress Dowager, the Emperor is on his way to Xian Shou Pce. He has already reached Shunchang Gate and will be here shortly."


    [One more chapter remaining]

 Chapter 217: The Reverse Twist 02

    <h4>Chapter 217</h4>


    When Qingzhu passed by, she unintentionally nced at Song Zhao.


    At this moment, Song Zhao also appeared flustered.


    If she were to go out now, she would definitely bump into Xiao Jingheng.


    Xiao Jingheng had just instructed her not to wander around and to rest quietly during her confinement. It wouldn''t be good for him to see her now.


    The Empress Dowager noticed Song Zhao''s dilemma and said,


    "It''s alright. You can go behind the folding screen and hide. When the Emperor leaves, you cane out."


    "Thank you, Empress Dowager."


    Song Zhao hurriedly got up and ran anxiously to take temporary shelter behind the folding screen.


    Before long, Xiao Jingheng arrived.


    He greeted the Empress Dowager and naturally took a seat opposite her, where Song Zhao had been sitting earlier.


    It was chilly outside in the autumn, and the pce hall had not yet been heated with charcoal braziers, so the temperature was not high.


    As soon as Xiao Jingheng sat down, he felt that the seat still had some warmth.


    He didn''t think much of it, but with concern, he asked the Empress Dowager,


    "I heard that the Empress Dowager summoned the imperial physician. Are you feeling unwell?"


    "It''s nothing serious. I have some symptoms of a cold. Qingzhu was worried, so she privately called the imperial physician to diagnose and treat me. I''ve taken the medicine, and it''s not a big deal."


    Xiao Jingheng nodded and said, "That''s good. Recently, the weather has turned colder. I will instruct the Internal Affairs Department to warm the dragon bed in the Empress Dowager''s pce."


    "The Emperor is considerate." The Empress Dowager smiled and responded. She paused for a moment and then changed the subject,


    "Now that Yipin has given birth to the imperial heir, and the positions of the concubines in the harem are not yetplete, should the Emperor also consider raising Yipin''s status?"


    It was normal for the Empress Dowager to be concerned about matters in the harem.


    Xiao Jingheng hadn''t thought much about it, but just as he was about to reply, he caught a glimpse of something shiny on the warm seat out of the corner of his eye, which dazzled him for a moment.


    He looked around discreetly and quickly noticed a tassel made of gold thread and silkworm silk lying on the warm seat.


    He had only given such a tassel as a gift to Song Zhao, and he couldn''t help but specte when he thought about the warm seat that still retained some warmth when he sat down.


    Without showing any traces, he nced at the folding screen and suspected that Song Zhao might be hiding behind it.


    So he cleared his throat and deliberately said,


    "I have ns to raise a concubine. I''m thinking of promoting Yipin. She has served me for a long time and has endured three years in her current position. Perhaps she can be promoted to the status of a concubine."


    "Yipin?"


    When the Empress Dowager heard the name Yipin popping out of Xiao Jingheng''s mouth, she was puzzled. "Yipin doesn''t contribute to the imperial heir, and her family has no merits to the state. Why would the Emperor consider this? If you ask me, it would be more appropriate to promote Yipin."


    As Xiao Jingheng listened to the Empress Dowager persistently urging him to make Song Zhao a concubine, he understood.


    Most likely, Song Zhao hade to the Empress Dowager today and said something that made her so concerned.


    His face darkened slightly, and after sipping his tea, he said,


    "Mother, you don''t know the whole story. Zhao''er doesn''t aspire to these things. She doesn''t want to be envied by the other concubines or cause trouble. Her true desire is to live a peaceful life. Now that I have some free time, I can often apany her. Isn''t that the best of both worlds?"


    In the midst of their conversation, she discreetly nced at the screen.


    The Empress Dowager said, "Whether she is willing or not is her own business, but the Emperor''s decision to bestow a title is the Emperor''s intention. As the mother of the esteemed child, her status is only below that of a concubine. Doesn''t the Emperor think it is somewhat inappropriate?"


    Xiao Jingheng replied, "The child is still young. When he grows older, it won''t be toote for me to promote Zhao''er''s position."


    The Empress Dowager knew that Song Zhao was standing behind the screen and could clearly hear their conversation.


    She had originally intended to coax Xiao Jingheng into revealing his n to grant Song Zhao the position of consort, hoping that the child would be delighted upon hearing it.


    However, to her surprise, Xiao Jingheng made such disheartening remarks.


    She feared that if Song Zhao heard them, her heart would be chilled.


    So the Empress Dowager changed the subject and didn''t let Xiao Jingheng continue.


    Xiao Jingheng hade to visit the Empress Dowager, and upon seeing that she was well, he didn''t stay for long and said,


    "It''s good that the Empress Dowager is well. Otherwise, I would have been worried. There are matters from the previous dynasty that I still need to attend to, so I''ll take my leave."


    After Xiao Jingheng left, Song Zhao waited for a while before confidently walking out from behind the screen.


    The Empress Dowager, fearing that she might overthink things, quickly invited her to take a seat and spoke gently,


    "Don''t take the Emperor''s words to heart. In theory, the Emperor is considering you, taking your well-being into ount, and wanting to protect you, which is why he is dying your promotion."


    She had expected Song Zhao to be somewhat unhappy,


    But at this moment, looking at her, there was a smile on her face and a rxed expression in her eyes. She was actually very happy.


    "What are you saying, Empress Dowager? I was truly delighted to hear what the Emperor said just now!"


    She ced a hand on her chest and bashfully lowered her head,


    "The Emperor has considered me so deeply and far-sightedly, understanding my thoughts and knowing that I am the least willing to be a target of envy and suffer as a result. All of this shows how much the Emperor cares about me."


    The more she spoke, the more embarrassed she became, and her ears turned red,


    "I am a weak woman, and my maternal family has already... I don''t need any support from them. So, what use is a high position for me? All I have ever wanted is the Emperor''s genuine affection and a husband''s cherished love. Now that I have obtained everything I desired, what more could I ask for?"


    Song Zhao became overly delighted,


    And her words gradually became less restrained.


    Both for a husband or a wife, it was not something she, as a concubine, could publicly proim.


    As soon as the words left her mouth, Song Zhao immediately realized that it was improper and hastily said,


    "I spoke without thinking in the excitement of the moment. Please don''t hold it against me, Empress Dowager."


    The Empress Dowager didn''t mind, but instead smiled and said,


    "Silly child, the Emperor is your husband. Why would you be afraid to speak your mind?"


    She held Song Zhao''s hand and tightened her grip,


    "If I may say so, the Emperor is truly fortunate to have you by his side."


    Upon hearing this, Song Zhao blushed and smiled shyly.


    Inside the hall, the mother-inw and daughter-inw rejoiced, and everything remained peaceful.


    Outside the door, someone else revealed a knowing smile.


    Xiao Jingheng didn''t leave but stood outside the door, listening to themotion inside.


    He listened attentively to every word Song Zhao said,


    And each word resonated deeply within him, gradually dispelling his doubts and suspicions from before.


    A tinge of guilt welled up within...

 Chapter 218: The Reverse Twist 03

    <h4>Chapter 218</h4>


    That day, Song Zhao on her way back to the pce, ordered Yun Shan:


    "I remember the newly made Fairy Powder from the Imperial Medical Bureau. Little Fu Zi only brought back one basket, while Consort Chen''s ce must have taken more. Go over there and see how much is left, and bring it all back here."


    Yun Shan followed the order.


    Not long after the items were brought back to the pce, around dusk, Consort Yao came to visit Song Zhao at the Chang Le Pce.


    Little Fu Zi went in to announce the visitor, but Song Zhao said:


    "Just tell her I have been feeling weaktely and have gone to bed early. If she insists on visiting me, ask her toe back before noon tomorrow."


    The next day, a little before noon, Consort Yao came as expected.


    As soon as she entered the inner chamber, Song Zhao lying on the couch saw her very affectionately and wanted to get up to greet her. Consort Yao hurriedly took two steps to Song Zhao''s couch and pressed her hand to gesture her not to get up,


    "Sister, lie down, don''t exert yourself."


    Song Zhao half leaned against the headboard, held Consort Yao''s hand amiably, and smiled:


    "Why did youe on such a cold day, sister?"


    Consort Yao said: "After sister gave birth, I only visited once. I have been very concerned about you in my heart. How have you been? Has everything been fine during the confinement?"


    Song Zhao nodded slightly. Consort Yao took out a small square camphor wood box and gave it to her,


    "This is a Nourishing Balm that is specially used to deal with abdominalxity and pregnancy marks. You must ept it, sister."


    "How can I?" Song Zhao pretended to push it away, "This thing is expensive. How can I ask for such a heavy gift from sister?"


    Consort Yao quickly said, "We have lived together since you entered the pce and are close like sisters. Why be so polite with me? Are you trying to distance yourself from me?"


    Only then did Song Zhao reluctantly ept the gift, "Sister cares about me and I always cherish the affection when we lived together."


    Speaking, she beckoned Yun Shan, "Go and bring the Fairy Powder we prepared earlier for sister to take back."


    Yun Shan went to fetch it uponmand.


    When Song Zhao looked over, Consort Yao couldn''t help revealing a faint smile at the corner of her mouth.


    Song Zhao said, "It is hard toe by this stuff in the winter. I know sister always uses it, but Consort Chen loves to hoard everything. I was afraid she took it all and didn''t leave any for sister, so I told Yun Shan to bring more back. It was meant to give to sister originally."


    Consort Yao has a graceful voluptuous figure, but her appearance is not pleasing, especially with many dark pimples on her face and coarse skin. The Fairy Powder works wonders on treating her skin condition. Song Zhao took all the remaining Fairy Powder because she expected that Consort Yao woulde to her for it.


    Now that Song Zhao offered it to her before she even had to ask, Consort Yao was overjoyed,


    "In that case, I really have to thank sister sincerely."


    While talking, Little Fu Zi knocked and entered respectfully, carrying a bowl of nourishing soup to the small table by the couch,


    "Lady, this nourishing oyster ginseng soup was just simmered. Drink it while it''s hot."


    Saying that, she gave Song Zhao a meaningful nce with her eyes.


    Song Zhao then knew Xiao Jingheng would soon arrive at Chang Le Pce.


    At this moment, Consort Yao was delighted to obtain the Fairy Powder. She naturally had to tter Song Zhao a little,


    "Sister has gained a noble son, and I expect the decree to raise you to Consort must be arriving shortly ..."


    Song Zhao just smiled without replying.


    She estimated the timing. Feeling it''s almost time, she slowly said to Consort Yao after a moment:


    "I have only been in the pce for a year, yet have already been raised from Concubine to a Pce Mistress. His Majesty treats me so well that I feel quite content. But I think... sister may receive good news soon?"


    "Me?" Consort Yao gently stroked the dark pimples on her cheek that not even powder could hide, smiling self-deprecatingly, then sadly said, "What good news could I possibly get? His Majesty hasn''t summoned me for three months already. If it goes on like this for longer, I''m afraid even my existence would be forgotten."


    Song Zhao held Consort Yao''s hand and gentlyughed,


    "A fortunate one doesn''t dwell on transient moments of blessing. Sister has served His Majesty diligently over the years and has rendered merits. His Majesty surely still thinks of sister in his heart."


    Song Zhao leaned closer to her and deliberately lowered her voice,


    "Sister, trust me, I''m good at predicting things urately. Your fortunes are about to arrive soon."


    While speaking, she casually nced at the tightly closed chamber door.


    Whether Xiao Jingheng could hear them or not, she had to say these words.


    Eloquent words and deft actions,


    it was tiring,


    but Xiao Jingheng liked it.


    Song Zhao had to admit that Xiao Jingheng was a man of meticulous thoughts. He deserved to be the Emperor, possessing all the qualities an Emperor should have, for better or worse, only more not less.


    But the more meticulous a person''s thoughts, the easier they fall into traps set by others without realizing it.


    The wise are often misled by their own wisdom,


    which is probably the reason.


    -"His Majesty arrives!"


    Then, the eunuch''s announcement came from outside the hall.


    Almost simultaneously with the announcement, Xiao Jingheng had already entered, pushing the door open.


    Seeing him, Consort Yao was very delighted. She immediately got up and paid her respects,


    "Your humble concubine pays respect to Your Majesty. May Your Majesty live long and prosper!"


    Song Zhao also pretended to try getting up, but as expected, was held down by Xiao Jingheng on her shoulders.


    Standing in front of the couch, Xiao Jingheng casually waved his hand for Consort Yao to rise,


    yet didn''t even nce at her. He only looked at Song Zhao, smiling,


    "Busy congratting others, how do you not have joyous news of your own?"


    Song Zhao was slightly puzzled, "Your concubine has Cheng Yu. What greater joyous news could there be?"


    "Adding happiness to happiness is considered great joy."


    Xiao Jingheng sat on the edge of the couch, grasped Song Zhao''s hand tight, gazed at her affectionately, and slowly said,


    "You went through hardship bearing a noble son for me. It is a great achievement. I n to bestow you the rank of Consort on an auspicious day."


    Hearing this, Song Zhao''s eyes widened in surprise, showing utter disbelief.


    In her shimmering eyes was happiness tinged with panic,


    allowing Xiao Jingheng to clearly discern her emotions at one nce.

 Chapter 219: The Building will Fall

    <h4>Chapter 219</h4>


    Song Zhao stared at Xiao Jingheng''s smiling eyes in a daze for a good half a day, and was at a loss for words for a moment.


    It was Consort Yao whoughed and said,


    "Is my younger sister so overjoyed that she even forgot to give thanks?"


    Only then did Song Zhaoe back to her senses. She quickly shook her head and said,


    "Your Majesty... I have been in the pce for a short time and my status is still shallow. How could I deserve to be one of the four imperial consorts? It would be better if..."


    "It doesn''t matter,"


    Before she could make excuses for a few more sentences, Xiao Jingheng waved his hand to interrupt her,


    "I said you are worthy, so you are worthy."


    Then he pointed at Consort Yao and said, "You are close with Consort Yao, why don''t you ask her?"


    Consort Yao was upset in her heart, both envious and bitter.


    But she still had a bright smile on her face, and the ttering words came out smoothly,


    "My younger sister has given birth to a noble son and is favored by His Majesty, she naturally deserves to be one of the four imperial consorts."


    Song Zhao lowered her brows and bit her lips, murmuring softly,


    "Even my elder sister is making fun of me..."


    Xiao Jingheng held her in his arms, "It''ste September now, after Cheng Yu''s one month celebration next month, I n to hold your investiture ceremony on the auspicious day of the 15th of November. I will have the Office of Ceremonials take your measurements for your ceremonial robes. Your investiture ceremony will be grand."


    Usually the Office of Imperial Workshops would be in charge of the ceremonial robes for consorts,


    while the Office of Ceremonials would only be responsible for the Emperor, Empress Dowager, Empress and Imperial Noble Consort''s attire.


    Even for an investiture ceremony, Song Zhao was only being raised to a consort now, but Xiao Jingheng was having the Office of Ceremonials attend to her personally for everything, showing his favoritism towards Song Zhao.


    Song Zhao knew that the key to feigning reluctance was actually in showing willingness.


    She had already declined Xiao Jingheng once, if she declined again it would dampen his enthusiasm,


    so she shyly nodded and snuggled into Xiao Jingheng''s arms, whispering softly:


    "I''ll listen to Your Majesty''s arrangements."


    Consort Yao said from the side: "Speaking of auspicious days, wouldn''t the 7th day of the 10th month be perfect?"


    She counted on her fingers and said, "That''s a very auspicious day, if Song Zhao''s investiture as Consort is held then, followed by Cheng Yu''s one month celebration, she would be able to attend the one month celebration in the status of a Consort, that would be best."


    "That date is already taken," Xiao Jingheng said lightly, as if just stating a mundane fact,


    "I n to officially promote Consort Chen to Noble Consort on the 7th day of the 10th month."


    With that one sentence, Consort Yao''s expression instantly turned stiff, and she fell silent.


    Yet Song Zhao was still all smiles as usual, "That would be congrattory news for Consort Chen."


    Previously when the Office of Imperial Workshops took Consort Chen''s measurements for robes, the other consorts had spected that Xiao Jingheng might be nning to promote her to Noble Consort.


    But now that the date of investiture has been set, and in the afternoon, the imperial edict announcing Consort Chen''s promotion to Noble Consort was also delivered to Yonghe Pce, making it a done deal.


    When the other consorts got this "good news", they didn''t dare toin openly, but they were still somewhat unhappy in their hearts.


    Even when Consort Chen was still a Consort, she was already domineering and rampant over the six pces. Now that she has be Noble Consort in one move, and is pregnant, she holds even greater power over the six pces.


    It''s likely she would be even more prominent than the Empress...


    And the more prominent she bes, the more miserable life will be for others.


    However, this prominence did not evenst for a few days.


    On the 3rd day of the 10th month, a big incident happened in the former dynasty.


    After Xiao Fuzi got wind of the news, he immediately rushed back to the pce to tell Song Zhao about it,


    "Your Ladyship, a big incident happened in the former dynasty today!"


    From his tone, Song Zhao could not detect any emergency, but rather heard a hint of schadenfreude,


    so she asked: "The country is peaceful and calm, what could have happened?"


    Xiao Fuzi stepped forward and said in a lowugh,


    "Prince Rui and Consort Chen''s elder brother Ning Xiuqi, got into a conflict for some reason after leaving court today, and the two actually got into a big fight on the steps outside Jinluan Hall!


    Ning Xiuqi has been following Ning Bochuan on military campaigns over the years, and has trained his muscles. How could Prince Rui be his match? I heard the fight was fierce, and Prince Rui''s arm was broken..."


    "How could this be?" Yun Shan said in surprise: "Within the forbidden grounds of the imperial pce, right under the Son of Heaven''s feet, Consort Chen''s brother dared to be so arrogant as to assault a prince?"


    In contrast, Song Zhao did not look surprised at all, and simply asked lightly,


    "You found out clearly? What did the pce attendants who served in court say? Who started it first?"


    Xiao Fuzi said, "It was Prince Rui who attacked first."


    The grudge between Prince Rui and the Ning family was not formed in just thest few days. (Chapters 139, 140)


    Earlier, because Song Zhao had a severe allergy to peach blossoms, Xiao Jingheng ordered the Empress to have the peach trees near Zhongsi Gate removed.


    It just so happened that Consort Chen was overseeing the six pces then, so the Empress deliberately assigned this matter to Consort Chen.


    Recklessly, Consort Chen directly ordered for all the peach trees to be chopped down.


    But the peach trees near Zhongsi Gate were personally nted by thete Emperor for Prince Rui''s mother, Princess Dowager Yu.


    Princess Dowager Yu had always been sickly, and when she suddenly heard about this, she died from rage.


    After finding out about this, Xiao Jingheng assumed it was just an ident, and had Princess Dowager Yu properly buried, without punishing Consort Chen.


    But with the murder of one''s mother, there could be no peaceful coexistence under the same sky. And Prince Rui had always been hot-tempered and prone to holding grudges. How could he easily let the Ning family off?


    Today, the enemies met and saw red. Naturally, after just a few words, fists started flying.


    Xiao Fuzi said that currently Xiao Jingheng was dealing with the matter. Then he added gloatingly,


    "Consort Chen is about to be promoted to Noble Consort soon. At this time, her elder brother injuring a prince in the pce, a subject assaulting a prince is a grave offense and crime! I reckon the matter of promoting her to Noble Consort will also have to be postponed..."


    "I don''t think so."


    Song Zhao lowered her head and continued embroidering pearls on a tiger head shoe for Cheng Yu.


    "In my opinion, not only will His Majesty not postpone Consort Chen''s investiture ceremony this time, he might even grant more glory to the Ning family."


    Xiao Fuzi and Yun Shan looked at each other, somewhat puzzled.


    Song Zhao slowed her needlework, smiled coldly and said,


    "Let me ask you, Prince Rui rarely goes to court, and Ning Xiuqi has been on military campaigns for years, so he doesn''t return to the capital to give reports often either. Why did these two, who rarely frequent the court, just so happen to run into each other there today?"


    After thinking briefly, Xiao Fuzi''s eyes lit up, "Does Your Ladyship mean that..."


    Before he could speak his guess aloud, Song Zhao slightly nodded and said:


    "In times of turmoil in the realm, military generals who campaign and conquer thends be heroes. But in times of peace, those former heroes would naturally be the greatest threat to the ruler.


    If I haven''t guessed wrong, His Majesty''s sessive actions recently are to raise the Ning family''s power to the apex.


    When a towering building is about to copse, it must first be built up tall, piercing the skies, only then can it be razed to the ground in one move, leaving not a single brick or grain of sand behind."

 Chapter 220: The Concubine

    <h4>Chapter 220</h4>


    Song Zhao''s analysis was not entirely unreasonable.


    It had already been seven or eight months since the peach blossom tree incident.


    Why hadn''t Prince Rui and Ning Xiuqi met during these seven or eight months, but they happened to meet right before Consort Chen was going to be honored as Noble Consort in a few days?


    Moreover, Xiao Jingheng clearly knew Ning Xiuqi''s temperament. If he saw Ning Xiuqi, he would definitely not be able to resist fighting with him.


    So if Xiao Jingheng had any intentions, he would have definitely kept them apart during the audience to avoid trouble.


    But Xiao Jingheng had turned into a fool at this moment, letting the two of them meet face-to-face in front of the court,


    All these things, no matter how you look at them, it''s like Xiao Jingheng isying out a game of chess.


    Ning Xiuqi beat the prince, but Xiao Jingheng not only did not punish him, he still honored Consort Chen as Noble Consort on time.


    This imperial favor and glory, anyone could see Ning family''s position in Xiao Jingheng''s heart from it.


    And the Ning family would inevitably be arrogant and increasingly presumptuous.


    After that, Xiao Jingheng wouldn''t need to do anything else, he just had to wait for them to bring about their own destruction.


    Later, the final handling result of the chaos in front of the early court was indeed identical to Song Zhao''s spection.


    Xiao Jingheng did not me Ning Xiuqi at all, but instead scolded Prince Rui for losing the royal family''s face.


    And Consort Chen''s enthronement ceremony was held on this day, October 7th, as scheduled.


    All the consorts and concubines attended the ceremony.


    What Song Zhao saw today, Consort Chen seemed to be glowing all over.


    Dressed in gorgeous clothes and covered in jewels, standing with her back against the noon sunlight in the autumn sun, she walked step by step towards the enthronment stage.


    Compared to her magnificent attire, what was even more eye-catching was her confident and arrogant demeanor.


    She had always been arrogant, but the smile at the corner of her lips today contained a few more hints of a girl''s yearning for love.


    After receiving the imperial edict and hearing the Empress announce Noble Consort Chen''s six etiquettes, she became the first Noble Consort of this dynasty,


    Bing the most favored concubine second only to the Empress.


    This also meant that she was a little closer to Xiao Jingheng now.


    For her, status and glory were secondary.


    But she wanted to be Xiao Jingheng¡¯s official wife. She had to fight and snatch for it,


    Exhausting all her scheming, just hoping that she could stand shoulder to shoulder with her beloved fair and square.


    During the enthronement ceremony, Song Zhao and Consort Yao stood closest,


    Behind them were Rongyue and Noble Consort Ru and the others.


    Noble Consort Ru and the others were discussing how to curry favor with Noble Consort Chen in the future.


    But at this moment, Consort Yao whispered to Song Zhao,


    "Now that she is in power, our days will be even more difficult. If you ask me, I truly hope that she won''t be able to have a child. Otherwise, if she bes more powerful through her son, I''m afraid the entire harem will have to follow her surname."


    Song Zhao did not respond to her words,


    She just looked at the delighted expression on Consort Chen''s face as she received the imperial edict, and a nameless feeling surged in her heart.


    After the enthronement ceremony was over, all the consorts and concubines congratted Noble Consort Chen in unison,


    "We humbly congratte Noble Consort on this joyous asion. May Noble Consort enjoy good fortune and safety."


    Noble Consort Chen smiled radiantly and waved her hand,


    "Rise, today Bengong is extremely delighted. Let us sisters share in the joy. You will certainly receive rewards from me. Go back to your pces and wait for them."


    After returning to Yonghe Pce, Noble Consort Chen didn¡¯t rest at all.


    Today was the joyful day of her elevation to Noble Consort. Xiao Jingheng would definitely spend the night with her tonight.


    She had prepared early in the morning.


    The dishes were all Xiao Jingheng¡¯s favorites. Considering the dry autumn weather, she also prepared moistening loquat stewed Chinese flowering crab apples.


    Originally, she had personally prepared all these herself, but today, she unusually handed over these tasks to Liu Yue and the others,


    While she went to the side pce and took over from the wet nurse, helping to bathe little Prince Chenghuan.


    The eczema on little Prince Chenghuan was still very serious, but thanks to Noble Consort Chen¡¯s thoughtful care over the past few days, the rash looked much better than when he was just born.


    After rubbing medicine on his body, the dense kes could also adhere better and looked less frightening.


    As expected, Xiao Jingheng arrived that night.


    After the couple finished dinner, they were taking a walk hand in hand in the courtyard.


    Suddenly hearing little Prince Chenghuan cry from the side pce, Noble Consort Chen said,


    "Since Your Majesty hase, why not take a look at the little prince? His rash has improved a lot now."


    When she said this, she sounded very gentle.


    But Xiao Jingheng couldn¡¯t help but recall that day when he was outside the door and clearly heard Noble Consort Chen furiously say she wanted to seal the child¡¯s mouth shut because he wouldn¡¯t stop crying.


    The contrast between the two made Xiao Jingheng feel disgusted.


    However, he did not show any of it. Instead, he followed Noble Consort Chen to visit little Prince Chenghuan.


    Seeing the child¡¯s rash had improved a lot, Xiao Jingheng said to Noble Consort Chen,


    "Thanks to your attentive care."


    Noble Consort Chen picked up the child and rocked him in her arms. She smiled,


    "After all, he is Your Majesty¡¯s child. This concubine naturally loves him."


    Xiao Jingheng did not respond to her words, but sat down on a heated chair and casually said,


    "Now that you are a Noble Consort, I want to reward you with something. Feel free to ask for whatever you want."


    Noble Consort Chen sat down next to Xiao Jingheng. "Since Your Majesty asked, this concubine does have a request."


    Xiao Jingheng turned to look at her, "What is it?"


    Noble Consort Chen held the child very skillfully, and he was crying and fussing in the wet nurse''s arms but quieted down in hers.


    She stroked the child''s nose with her unarmored fingers, making himugh, and sheughed too,


    "This concubine thinks that since little Prince is now being raised in the pce, even if Your Majesty doesn''t want to enroll him as a heir, you still need to give the child a name, right? Now that this concubine is a Noble Consort and has Your Majesty¡¯s favor, Yonghe Pcecks nothing. I can¡¯t think of anything else to ask for my own sake. If I were to ask for something, it would be to ask Your Majesty to bestow a name on this child."


    While Noble Consort Chen was talking, Xiao Jingheng''s gaze had not left her the whole time.


    She was very gentle to little Prince Chenghuan and treated him as her own. One could not pick out a single fault.


    But the more it was like this, the more it scared Xiao Jingheng...


    He knew what kind of face Noble Consort Chen showed to little Prince Chenghuan in private. So it was easy for him to imagine that her pretentious appearance now was deliberately performed in front of him.


    Her purpose was to gain a reputation for virtue and ability in front of him.


    In fact, Xiao Jingheng also felt regretful for a moment.


    He recalled that in the past, his Wan''er had been so candid and unyielding, daring to love and hate, never knowing how to pretend, nor would she pretend in front of anyone.


    But now?


    She was going so far as to do all these things in front of him, just to make him think that she was virtuous and capable, with a maternal demeanor above all others in the world?


    So that the Empress who had been stripped of actual power would abdicate in favor of her virtues?


    Seeing Xiao Jingheng staring nkly at her for a long while as if he had lost himself in thought, Noble Consort Chen called out to him softly twice,


    "Your Majesty? Your Majesty?"


    Xiao Jingheng regained his senses, smiled broadly at her and said,


    "Noble Consort has a kind heart. Since you requested it, I will grant your wish."


    He looked down at little Prince Chenghuan and pondered for a moment. "Let''s call him ''Chenghuan'', meaning epting all happiness. He was met with tribtions since birth. I also hope he can have moreughter and joy in the future."


    "Chenghuan... What a wonderful name!"


    Stars gleamed in Noble Consort Chen''s eyes as sheughed while hugging Chenghuan,


    "Chenghuan~ Chenghuan~ You also like the name Father Emperor gave you very much, don''t you?"


    While Xiao Jingheng silently looked at her, the color in his eyes gradually darkened...

 Chapter 221: Stretch Marks

    <h4>Chapter 221</h4>


    The next day.


    When all the consorts went to pay their respects to Noble Consort Chen, they heard that Xiao Jingheng had bestowed the snake-born child with a name, and they all hurried to tter her,


    "If I may say so, this child is also blessed by Noble Consort''s good fortune. If it weren''t for Noble Consort raising him, His Majesty''s attitude towards him would not have softened."


    "That''s right, if Madame Xiao were still alive, with the child being raised by her side or sent to the summer resort, I''m afraid it would have been difficult for him to keep his life."


    These ttering words were what Noble Consort Chen loved to hear the most.


    But today her mind was not on it.


    Yesterday was the grand day of her investiture as Noble Consort, Xiao Jingheng should have stayed in Yonghe Pce to apany her.


    But when night fell, Xiao Jingheng said he was busy handling court affairs, so he left in a hurry.


    Noble Consort Chen felt empty inside, and early in the morning she heard Zhang Jiugui, the eunuch in charge of the bedroom, pass on the news that Xiao Jingheng had summoned Song Zhao to spend the night with him.


    This made Noble Consort Chen angry.


    At this moment, looking at Song Zhao''s wless beautiful face, she felt more and more irritated.


    So she raised her hand to stop the consorts'' congrattions,


    "Stop ttering me, you can leave now."


    After the consorts got up to leave, she stared at Song Zhao and said coldly,


    "Concubine Yi, stay behind."


    At first, Song Zhao looked confused, as if she didn''t know why Noble Consort Chen had kept her behind,


    After the consorts had withdrawn, she still smiled at Noble Consort Chen and said,


    "Does Noble Consort have something to say to this concubine?"


    "Of course." Noble Consort narrowed her eyes to look at her, the light in her eyes sharp, "They are busy congratting me, but I am here to congratte you. Your child has just been born and you haven''t even finished your postpartum confinement, yet you''ve regained imperial favor again. Looking at all those new concubines, added up they still can''tpare to your ce in His Majesty''s heart."


    Hearing the jealousy in Noble Consort Chen''s words, Song Zhao should have been afraid, but she lowered her eyes helplessly and shook her head repeatedly,


    "If Noble Consort mentions this, it makes this concubine sad..."


    "Sad?" Noble Consort Chen sneered, "What are you sad about? You must be dreaming!"


    Song Zhao got up by herself and stood in front of Noble Consort Chen. She curtsied and looked around at the pce maids standing on both sides. Somewhat awkwardly, she said,


    "May Noble Consort dismiss the attendants on both sides?"


    Noble Consort Chen was silent for a while, then waved her hand to order everyone to withdraw.


    When there were only Song Zhao and Noble Consort Chen left in the hall, she slowly unbuttoned the gold buttons on her sable robe one by one,


    After taking it off, she continued without stopping to take off her inner robe.


    Noble Consort Chen didn''t understand her actions and looked at her with disgust,


    "Have you gone mad? You haven''t taken off enough clothes at Zhaoyang Pce, now you want toe to my pce and strip?"


    Song Zhao didn''t answer.


    There were tears in her eyes, and she bit her lips tightly. Finally she revealed the light green belly wrap embroidered with colorful flowers, thestyer she was wearing.


    She lifted the belly wrap little by little.


    Noble Consort Chen nced at her casually at first, but when she saw Song Zhao''s abdominal skin, she was shocked and stared with her mouth wide open.


    "This is..."


    Song Zhao''s skin was very fair, the exposed parts of her body were wless, the envy of all women.


    But now Noble Consort Chen saw that her lower abdomen was densely covered with light brown wavy stripes!


    In the severe areas, even the skin was wrinkled together, looking like the shriveled and sagging hands of an old woman, shocking to behold.


    Noble Consort Chen was very surprised. "What''s going on? Weren''t you well taken care of during your pregnancy? How could you have..."


    While asking, Song Zhao burst into tears that she could not hold back.


    Sobbing, she put her clothes back on one by one,


    as if picking up her dignity again.


    "This concubine also doesn''t know why this happened. Yesterday when attending to His Majesty, although the lights were dimmed, His Majesty still felt it. Although His Majesty said he didn''t mind, now that this concubine is like this, even I can''t stand to look at myself, how could I expect others not to mind?"


    It''smon for women to get stretch marks after giving birth,


    As the baby is born, the abdomen detes rapidly, and wrinkled skin is normal.


    With proper care, most will gradually recover, leaving only faint brown streaks at most, which can be covered with powder during attendance at night.


    But severe cases like Song Zhao''s were rare.


    After seeing Song Zhao''s abdomen with her own eyes, Noble Consort Chen knew that the best skin in the harem was now wrinkled, and it would be difficult for her to gain favor in the future. So her attitude toward Song Zhao became much gentler,


    "Don''t be so discouraged, get proper treatment and you will get better."


    "This concubine is grateful for Noble Consort''s concern."


    Later, the two chatted casually about the prince''s amusing affairs for a while,


    when they suddenly heard Kang Yubin''s voice announcing outside the door,


    "Noble Consort, there is trouble on the Long Corridor."


    Noble Consort Chen called him in impatiently, "What is it?"


    Kang Yubin said, "Just now after the consorts had finished paying respects to you and were on their way back to their pces, Consort Yin had some conflict with Noble Consort Ru for some reason. After Noble Consort Ru talked back a couple times, Consort Yin pped her on the Long Corridor.


    Noble Consort Ru was hit but would not settle down, she even dared to yell at Consort Yin, saying her father was the Mongolian King, and tried to use her status outside the pce to suppress Consort Yin. Hearing this, Consort Yin became even more angry, and directly ordered people to make Noble Consort Ru kneel on the Long Corridor and told her personal pce maid Anna to p Noble Consort Ru''s mouth ...one hundred times..."


    "Oh? Haha~" Noble Consort Chen said gloatingly when she heard this, "This is interesting. The Long Corridor is where pce maids pass by. With Noble Consort Ru kneeling there being beaten, won''t she be aughing stock for all the servants?"


    Kang Yubin said, "That''s right. So I''vee to ask what Noble Consort intends to do about this matter?"


    Noble Consort Chen leanedzily against the back of the chair and was silent for a long time without answering.


    In her heart she had no intention of intervening in this matter, but as the head of the six pces now, it was improper for Consort Yin to have Noble Consort Ru kneel on the Long Corridor and be pped by a pce maid.


    If she handled this matter now, it would be a good opportunity to undermine Consort Yin''s prestige.


    Just as Noble Consort Chen was about to get up from her chair, she suddenly heard Song Zhao say,


    "Or maybe Noble Consort should go take a look? After all, Noble Consort Ru is a proper consort, being pped by someone kneeling on the Long Corridor, it would be inappropriate if the servants saw it."


    Then she added, "And Noble Consort Ru is of Mongolian descent, her features are somewhat heroic, a rare sight among the consorts. I think if she can restrain her temper in the future and serve at His Majesty''s side, she can also gain His Majesty''s favor. If her face gets beaten up now, wouldn''t she lose the chance of imperial favor for life?"


    Hearing her words, Noble Consort Chen''s butt that had just been lifted was firmly seated again.


    She rolled her eyes at Song Zhao and scoffed, "I see you are kind to everyone, a glib talker and no doer. Since you pity her so much, why don''t you go handle this matter yourself?"


    Noble Consort Chen leaned forward slightly, her palm propping up her chin, smiling ambiguously,


    "But don''t me me for not warning you, Consort Yin is now the assistant head of the six pces, if you get involved in this matter you would be overstepping. Are you going to disrupt the rules of the harem in order to save Noble Consort Ru, or are you going to do nothing and watch her get beaten, you decide for yourself."


    "This..." Song Zhao looked troubled, hemmed and hawed for a while before curtsying to Noble Consort Chen,


    "This concubine dares not overstep."


    "Huh." Noble Consort Chen shrugged and sneered, "Now you know to protect yourself? Just empty talk and no action."


    She gently stroked her hair, full of contempt, "I''m tired, you may curtsy and withdraw."

 Chapter 222: Two Lost Eggs

    <h4>Chapter 222</h4>


    The words of "admonition" that Song Zhao had just spoken were intentionally said for Noble Consort Chen to hear.


    She knew that, although originally even for the sake of showing off power in front of Consort Yin, Noble Consort Chen would have gone over to take a look, after hearing her praise how good-looking Noble Consort Ru was, and that she might take away some of Xiao Jingheng''s favor in the future, Noble Consort Chen''s heart immediately turned vinegar, and of course she couldn''t let Consort Yin directly disfigure Noble Consort Ru, so naturally she also wouldn''t get involved in this matter.


    The reason why Song Zhao didn''t want Noble Consort Chen to get involved in this matter


    was because she already had new schemes in mind.


    Song Zhao''s coronation as a consort was on the fifteenth day of the eleventh month, still a month away,


    during this month, she definitely could not stay idle.


    Since she was about to be one of the four consorts, it was also time for her to gain some real power for herself.


    For example, the power to assist in managing the six pces that was currently in Consort Yin''s hands,


    in Song Zhao''s eyes, looked very good.


    Right now the Empress was stripped of power, and the affairs of the six pces were managed by Noble Consort Chen, assisted by Consort Yin,


    but if Consort Yin made some mistake and lost the power to assist in managing the six pces, who could this power fall into the hands of?


    Yesterday, Noble Consort Chen was formally honored as Imperial Noble Consort, and now among the consorts besides the uing Song Zhao, there was only Consort Yin and Consort Yun left,


    Consort Yun naturally was impossible,


    because of her involvement in the matter of the Empress, Xiao Jingheng hade to detest her as well.


    So once Consort Yin lost the power to assist in managing the six pces,


    then this power would naturally fall into Song Zhao''s hands.


    After leaving Yonghe Pce, as soon as Song Zhao got into her pnquin, she saw an extra waterskin and a clean handkerchief on the seat.


    Yun Shan whispered at the window of the pnquin:


    "Esteemed Concubine, quickly wipe away the honey and umber with this, that stuff feels nasty when stuck on the body."


    Song Zhao sat in the pnquin, poured the warm water from the waterskin onto the handkerchief, then lifted her clothes to reveal her lower abdomen, and gently wiped it.


    Before long, the dense brown wavy lines that were originally on her lower abdomen disappeared without a trace, even the wrinkles in her skin faded away, looking as fair and smooth as before.


    During her pregnancy, Song Zhao was very careful,


    only starting to show after three months, by then she had already begun applying moisturizing cream to her belly,


    in theter stages of pregnancy, she was even more attentive, eating only a little of anything, for fear that stretching the skin too much would leave stretch markster.


    She didn''t have any stretch marks at all,


    and those so-called stretch marks were merely created by her using honey to stick to the skin, and evenly applying umber in the wrinkles.


    She did this stunt specifically for Noble Consort Chen to see, to make Noble Consort Chen temporarily lower her guard against her.


    After dealing with the filth on her lower abdomen, Song Zhao got dressed again, lifted the curtain of the pnquin, and said to Xiao Fuzi:


    "You walk fast, go back to the pce and get two boiled eggs for me."


    Xiao Fuzi quickly said: "Esteemed Concubine is going to visit Noble Consort Ru?"


    Song Zhao lightly nodded her head, Xiao Fuzi immediately instructed the pce maids to carry the pnquin to the corridor near the quarters of Noble Consort Ru in Chengqian Pce, then hurried back to the pce to prepare boiled eggs for Song Zhao.


    When the pnquin was carried near the corridor of Chengqian Pce,


    Song Zhao saw from afar that many pce maids were gathered there, whispering about something.


    She told them to stop the pnquin, supported by Yun Shan she slowly walked to behind the pce maids,


    "Ahem."


    Yun Shan cleared her throat to get the pce maids'' attention,


    they all turned back, saw Song Zhao standing behind them, and were immediately frightened pale, kneeling on the ground to greet her.


    Song Zhao didn''t even nce at them, only said in a solemn voice:


    "Are all of your errands done? Loitering here doing nothing when you''re free? If anyone is really free, I see there''s too much work to finish in Xinze Prison, just right for you."


    The pce maids immediately kowtowed to admit their mistake, after Yun Shan reprimanded them a few words, they scattered away.


    After the people cleared out, Song Zhao then saw, not far away, Noble Consort Ru was kneeling on the ground, being continuously pped by Anna at Consort Yin''s side.


    When she walked past the two, she pretended to inadvertently say to Anna,


    "You should also know limits when hitting."


    But Anna arrogantly said: "Consort Yin ordered this ve to p Noble Consort Ru one hundred times."


    Song Zhao said: "She said to hit one hundred times, but didn''t say lightly or heavily. I see you''ve already pped her face red and swollen, if you really beat her disfigured, when His Majesty investigatester, wouldn''t it be you harming Consort Yin?"


    Hearing this, Anna was very conflicted, after a while she bowed to Song Zhao,


    "Thank you Esteemed Concubine for the reminder, this ve understands now."


    After that, Anna''s strikes were not as heavy.


    When she had hit the number of times, on the crying Noble Consort Ru''s way back to her pce, she encountered Song Zhao again.


    She wiped her tears and bowed to Song Zhao,


    "This concubine is most grateful to Esteemed Concubine for saving me."


    "Get up quickly." Song Zhao helped her stand, looking at her with full sympathy, "We are all sisters, how could I bear to see you suffer?"


    Yun Shan handed Song Zhao peeled eggs that had been iced, Song Zhao took them and very gently rolled them on Noble Consort Ru''s cheeks,


    "I know your disposition, your heart is not bad, but you always say some reckless words that get you into trouble. Don''t take today''s matter to heart, Consort Yin also has a simr temperament as you, but she means well for you too. Now that you have entered the pce, you should restrain many of your dispositions. "


    Noble Consort Ru cried and said: "Esteemed Concubine does not know, ever since I have lived together with Consort Yin, she looks at me unpleasantly every day, on any pretense she would hit me with ps. My days are truly miserable. If I had known earlier, I should not have entered the pce back then..."


    "Shhh." Song Zhao ced her forefinger on Noble Consort Ru''s lips, stopping her from continuing to speak,


    "You see, you are speaking recklessly again, aren''t you?"


    Noble Consort Ru said no more, only cried more grievously.


    Song Zhaoforted her, patting her shoulder, and sighed helplessly:


    "I also slowly worked my way up from being a low-ranked concubine, which new low-ranked pce concubine hasn''t seen displeasure from the head concubine of her pce? Let alone, Consort Yin also holds the power to assist in managing the six pces, if she wants to punish you, no matter what you have to endure it."


    Noble Consort Ru clenched her fists, angrily said: "So I can only let her mistreat me?"


    Song Zhao murmured: "If Consort Yinmits some big mistake that angers His Majesty, then naturally she would lose her current prestige, and also wouldn''t dare mistreat you anymore.


    But Consort Yin has been serving His Majesty diligently and cautiously for many years without ever making mistakes, that''s why His Majesty granted her the power to assist in managing the six pces. As such, how could she easily make mistakes? You should endure her more, ande the day you gain favor, I suppose she wouldn''t dare mistreat you anymore."


    Favor?


    Right now Noble Consort Ru was being suppressed to death by Consort Yin, not even taking turns to serve the emperor, let alone gaining favor?


    Taking a step back, even if Xiao Jingheng flipped her tablet now and saw her swollen face, how could he have any good impression of her?


    Unable to take the proper path, Noble Consort Ru was also furious,


    she was angry at Consort Yin, always thinking Song Zhao''s words also made sense,


    rather than wait for Consort Yin to make mistakes herself, why don''t she take the initiative to create some faults for Consort Yin?


    Song Zhao secretly observed her,


    seeing the sinister look revealed between her eyebrows and eyes,


    she didn''t say anything, only gently advised:


    "Alright, I''ve said everything I should, go back and apologize to Consort Yin, and let this matter pass. Don''t overthink, after all you are sisters, how could there be overnight hatred?"


    Later on the way back to the pce, Yun Shan quietly asked Song Zhao, "Does Esteemed Concubine think Noble Consort Ru will move against Consort Yin this time?"


    Song Zhao indifferentlyughed: "Let her do whatever she wants, whatever she does is her own idea, it has nothing to do with us.


    Even if she does nothing it doesn''t matter. After all, my only loss is two eggs."

 Chapter 223: Helping Others to help Themselves

    <h4>Chapter 223</h4>


    The next day when Noble Consort Ru went to pay her respects to Noble Consort Chen,


    Noble Consort Chen looked at the red swellings from the p marks all over Noble Consort Ru''s face, and first casuallyforted her with a few words,


    "Look at you, such a fine beauty, now beaten to this extent? The hand was too cruel and malicious."


    Then her gaze drifted lightly and settled on Consort Ying, and she sternly said:


    "Even though all consorts are like sisters once entering the pce, even if Noble Consort Rumitted a grave mistake, you should not have beaten her like this."


    Consort Ying was indifferent and said: "As overseer of the six pces, I naturally have the authority to punish her for her presumptuous and reckless behavior."


    "Oh?"


    Hearing this, Noble Consort Chenughed mockingly,


    She slowly got up, walked lotus steps to Consort Ying,


    ''p!''


    Before Consort Ying could react, Noble Consort Chen suddenly raised her hand and fiercely pped Consort Ying.


    The other consorts were all stunned, timid Consort Hui even cried out in shock, nearly spilling the tea cup in her hand.


    Consort Ying red fiercely at Noble Consort Chen, covering her ming red cheek, "You..."


    Noble Consort Chen didn''t give her a chance to retort, and said loudly:


    "I am a Noble Consort, you are a Consort. You didn''t address yourself as this servant when seeing me, yet you dared to address me as ''I''?


    If Noble Consort Ru was presumptuous, you as overseer of the six pces have the authority to punish her. Then with your rude behavior before me, as overseer of the six pces, how can I not hit you?"


    Consort Ying trembled with anger,


    But Noble Consort Chen''s words were reasonable, so she could not refute and could only reluctantly swallow her anger.


    Seeing Consort Ying get hit, Noble Consort Ru felt veryfortable.


    When they left the greeting and went back to their own pces, because Rongyue walked slower, she happened to be on the same road as Noble Consort Ru.


    She quietlyforted Noble Consort Ru:


    "Sister Ru suffered yesterday. Today the Noble Consort reprimanded Consort Ying, it can be considered giving sister her justice."


    Noble Consort Ru nced at her, the swollen corners of her mouth arduously pulled into a smile,


    "Will Consort Ying ept Noble Consort''s reprimand? She just can''t do anything about it for now. It seems that to survive in this pce, gaining Noble Consort''s favor may be the best strategy. The emperor favors and respects the Noble Consort. And now she is pregnant with the imperial heir, looks like she has overshadowed even the Empress. "


    Rongyue silently pondered for a moment, and also agreed:


    "That''s right, the Noble Consort''s background and status is clear, no matter how much Consort Ying dislikes her, what can she do? Even if she hates the Noble Consort, she can only endure it?"


    Saying that, she moved closer to Noble Consort Ru, covered her mouth and whispered with a grin:


    "Could she go as far as using witchcraft and curses on Noble Consort Chen and the imperial heir in her belly?"


    Rongyue''s casual jest, upon being heard by Noble Consort Ru, was like a sh of inspiration.


    She knitted her brows, lost in thought about something. After a while, she no longer paid Rongyue any attention and walked faster ahead, while Rongyue turned back towards Song Zhao''s pce.


    The new consorts have already been in the pce for three months. During this time they were allowed to move around privately. And because Song Zhao had an imperial son, old and new consorts would often go to her pce to curry favor.


    So at this time Rongyue could openly go in and out of Chang Le pce without arousing suspicion.


    When the two sisters met, Song Zhao immediately had everyone else withdraw to serve outside, and had the wet nurse bring Cheng Yu over.


    Rongyue loved this child very much, and would hold and kiss him whenever she saw him, treasuring him like nothing else.


    "It is said that with seedlings you need not worry about growth. Look how in just two more days he will be one month old. I also have a gift prepared for him."


    She took out a white jade pendant from her waist. This jade piece was translucent, exquisitely carved, and of very fine quality.


    "This is top quality icy jade. My father gave me two pieces before I entered the pce. After you gave birth, I took out one piece and made this pendant. The tassels on top are made of dried Buddha''s hand citron, soaked in water to extract the strands, twisted together strand by strand, meaning auspiciousness, to protect Cheng Yu''s safety and smooth growth."


    For such a valuable gift, if it were others Song Zhao would definitely not ept.


    But she and Rongyue were very close, so there was no need to stand on ceremony.


    Song Zhaoughed and epted the pendant, then dangled it in front of Cheng Yu,


    "Look, auntie Rongyue gave this to you, do you like it?"


    Cheng Yu stared at the swaying tassels, entertained toughter.


    Seeing the childugh, Rongyue alsoughed happily.


    Seeing her smile, Song Zhao asked her, "Sister Rongyue also really likes children right?"


    Hearing this, a fleeting sadness shed through Rongyue''s eyes, then she quickly smiled again,


    "Of course. Which woman does not look forward to having children? Moreover having entered the pce, serving His Majesty, it is also better for the future if we have children. Even when we grow old and lose favor, having a child by our side, at least we will not end up destitute in our old age."


    Rongyue deeply understood the way of survival in the pce.


    She clearly knew the importance of children, yet she was still secretly taking contraceptive medicine, unwilling to conceive Xiao Jingpeng''s child. This showed her true feelings against having any further entanglements with Xiao Jingpeng.


    After all, she did not have a choice about entering the pce or not,


    But her womb was hers to decide.


    That day, Song Zhao had by chance seen the tussle between Prince Ang and Rongyue behind the maple terrace.


    She had never mentioned this incident to Rongyue from beginning to end.


    And because of this matter, Song Zhao understood one thing.


    Rongyue''s heart was never with Xiao Jingpeng to begin with. She didn''t even want children, needless to saypeting for favor.


    So she and Rongyue were unlikely to reach the point of bing sharply opposed.


    Later, after ying with Cheng Yu a while longer and seeing the child getting drowsy, Song Zhao had the wet nurse take him away to coax to sleep.


    After the wet nurse left, Rongyue softly said to Song Zhao:


    "I''ve passed on everything you wanted me to say to Noble Consort Ru. She is rash and foolish, she will most likely fall right into it."


    Song Zhao had a faint smile and calmly said: "That is her own matter, we did not force her to do anything."


    Rongyue said: "Actually I do hope that she can be a little smarter, and sessfully wrest the authority to oversee the six pces from Consort Ying, so that His Majesty grants this authority to you."


    Then earnestly holding Song Zhao''s hand, she sincerely said:


    "The greater your favor and grace in the pce, the more steady your foothold, to fight for a good future for you and your child."


    Rongyue did not say the following words,


    After all, once Song Zhao gained power, her days in the pce would also be easier.


    If she could endure until the day Cheng Yu bes Crown Prince, or even ascends the throne, then perhaps she may also gain permission to leave the pce?


    Only she did not know if by that time,


    her young sweetheart would still be waiting for her...

 Chapter 224: The Art of Witchcraft 01

    <h4>Chapter 224</h4>


    That day after Rongyue left, Song Zhao immediately called Xiao Fuzi and asked him to check whether there was anything wrong with the white jade pendant.


    After Xiao Fuzi carefully examined it and made sure there was nothing wrong, Song Zhao was relieved to let him put it away.


    During this time, Yun Shan asked in a low voice:


    "Is the Empress distrusting Young Master Tong?"


    Song Zhao shook her head, "I had a deep sisterly affection with her in our childhood, but it is also a fact that we haven''t seen each other for many years. Although I don''t live separately from her, as the saying goes, one can never be too careful.


    What''s more, this is the cruelest ce in the pce that could erode one''s nature over time. My extra carefulness is not meant to alienate her, on the contrary, I''m thinking of keeping our golden orchid friendshipsting longer."


    On the sixteenth day of the tenth month, Xiao Jingheng¡¯s one-month celebration for Prince Chengyu was held magnificently.


    Xiao Jingheng was extremely happy on this day, and anyone could see his fondness for this noble son.


    When the banquet dispersed, Xiao Jingheng further said, "Today is the one-month celebration for Chengyu. Naturally, I will spend the night in Yi Concubine''s pce."


    This was expected,


    but when Noble Consort Chen heard this, she still felt sour and nced at Song Zhao with jealousy.


    Thest time Song Zhao spent the night with the emperor was ten days ago when Consort Chen was promoted to Noble Consort.


    That night, Xiao Jingheng forcefully possessed Song Zhao, and said he had obtained some good stuff and wanted to use it with Song Zhao next time to enhance pleasure.


    Song Zhao secretly inquired that it was the "passion wine" tribute from Xichang Country.


    It was harmless to the body, but after drinking it, people would be more passionate and the intimacy would be more lingering.


    She thought that the "good stuff" Xiao Jingheng mentioned must be this.


    When the two returned to Yongle Pce to have supper together, they saw that Jiang Deshun had indeed presented a pot of wine on the dining table.


    Xiao Jingheng smiled and poured a cup for Song Zhao,


    He didn''t say the purpose and origin of this wine, he just said, "Today is a joyous day, drink two more cups with me."


    Song Zhao politely raised the wine ss and clinked sses with him before drinking it all in one go,


    then she smiled and said, "This concubine has a surprise for the Emperor, please wait a moment."


    "Oh? What surprise?"


    Song Zhao just smiled mysteriously, lightly kissed Xiao Jingheng on the cheek, and then went back to the inner chamber secretly.


    After entering the inner chamber, she first took a chopstick, opened her mouth to press her tongue root, and vomited all the wine she had just drunk.


    Then she took out an exotic costume of the Ada Tribe from the wardrobe and asked Yun Shan to help her change into it.


    This thing was barely clothing, it was just two strips of cloth.


    When she reappeared in front of Xiao Jingheng,


    His greedy eyes fell on her body, staring straight at her.


    Song Zhao''s clothes were half revealing, and when she danced, her peaks trembled, just like clouds appearing on Mount Wu, the more hazy the more itching people''s hearts.


    Xiao Jingheng had just drank the passion wine, and was already thinking about passion. Seeing Song Zhao like this, how could he still hold back?


    He simply picked up the beauty and embraced her with kisses as they headed to the inner chamber.


    Just when they were about to enjoy pleasure, Song Zhao suddenly sighed softly a few times with her brows unconsciously furrowed.


    Xiao Jingheng noticed her abnormal expression and asked, "What''s wrong, Zhao''er?"


    Song Zhao clutched her lower abdomen and shook her head, "This concubine has a severe stomachache..."


    Although Xiao Jingheng was eager to possess her, he also cherished her in his heart. Seeing her difort, he stopped his advances and called the Imperial Physician to diagnose and treat Song Zhao first.


    The imperial physician who came to diagnose Song Zhao this time was Imperial Physician Guo.


    He was the deputy chief of the Imperial Medical Bureau. After the previous chief Chu was castrated and became a eunuch, Xiao Jingheng promoted him to chief.


    When Guo Imperial Physician was taking Song Zhao''s pulse, he did not notice anything wrong from the pulse condition,


    so he asked Song Zhao, "May I ask, has the stomachache just started today, or has it been going on for several days?"


    Song Zhao recalled for a moment, lowered her head shyly and said, "Probably 10 days, ever since thest time I served the emperor, I asionally felt ufortable."


    "This... It is best not to have intercourse within one and a half months after childbirth, otherwise it will greatly harm the body. The midwife should have told Consort about this taboo." Guo Imperial Physician frowned and stroked his beard, "Consort''s stomachache now is most likely due to the lochia not being fully discharged, but had intercourse again, thus causing this."


    Xiao Jingheng then remembered,


    that day when he wanted to be intimate with Song Zhao, Song Zhao refused at first,


    but he insisted, so Song Zhao reluctantly agreed.


    At this moment, seeing her turn pale with pain and sweating, he felt even more distressed,


    "It''s all my fault for being reckless that day. Imperial Physician Guo, please immediately prescribe medicine and do your utmost to restore the health of Yi Concubine as soon as possible."


    Later, when Xiao Jingheng apanied Song Zhao to take medicine,


    Seeing his flushedplexion and unconcealed excitement, Song Zhao knew that the passion wine had taken effect,


    so her expression eased a little, and she said to Xiao Jingheng:


    "The stomachache was just on and off before, and I''ve taken medicine now, it shouldn''t be a big deal. It''s just that this concubine is afraid she can''t serve the emperor tonight..."


    Xiao Jingheng put his arm around her shoulders and gently said,


    "It doesn''t matter, your health is most important. Tonight I will coax you to sleep, then return to Chaoyang Pce to handle government affairs."


    Song Zhao nodded gently in his arms. She closed her eyes and leaned against him.


    When her breathing gradually deepened, Xiao Jingheng tried calling her name softly twice to test if she was asleep.


    After making sure she was sleeping, he left very lightly.


    However, as soon as Xiao Jingheng left the inner chamber, Song Zhao slowly opened her eyes again.


    Soon after, Xiao Fuzi came in to report,


    "Mistress, His Majesty''s entourage did head towards Chengqian Pce as expected."


    Song Zhao sneered coldly, "I''ve helped her this far, if she still can''t seed, then she doesn''t deserve to live anymore."


    Tonight, the passion wine and the exotic charm of the Ada Tribe, plus Xiao Jingheng''s disappointed departure after being aroused,


    were all meant to lead Xiao Jingheng to Chengqian Pce to seek pleasure from Consort Yin.


    The stage was set up for Consort Ru to secretly scheme against Consort Yin,


    Naturally Xiao Jingheng had to have time to go watch the show, right?


    Later at night, there was indeed movementing from Chengqian Pce,


    "Reporting to Mistress, a voodoo doll was found in Consort Yin''s room in Chengqian Pce, and the birth date on it was that of Noble Consort Chen. Voodoo arts are strictly prohibited in this dynasty, Noble Consort has gone over now, shall Mistress go take a look too?"


    Song Zhao pretended to be shocked, clutching her chest and said,


    "With such a big incident, I must go of course. Yun Shan, quickly help me change."


    When Song Zhao arrived at Chengqian Pce,


    she saw Xiao Jingheng sitting in the chief position with a solemn expression, holding a cloth doll with needles stuck in its belly in his hand.


    Noble Consort Ru was kneeling in the hall, while Consort Yin was just kneeling to the side.


    Noble Consort Chen was furious and pointed at Consort Yin''s nose questioning her,


    "I just reprimanded you a few words, yet you''re so vicious to curse me and my unborn child!?"


    Faced with Noble Consort Chen''s usations, Consort Yin waspletely calm.


    She saluted to Xiao Jingheng and took the voodoo doll to show it clearly to Noble Consort Chen,


    "Noble Consort, take a closer look, what birth date is written on this filthy thing?"


    "The 18th of the third month, one quarter past Mao hour (5-7am)..."


    Noble Consort Chen read it softly, then immediately cast a vicious look at Noble Consort Ru.


    Consort Yin indifferently said: "Noble Consort, the birth date you gave to the Imperial Household Department is fake, this has been an open secret in the pce since Feng Luan Pce burned down. Only new concubines who just entered the pce would not know about it."


    As she spoke, her phoenix eyes red at Noble Consort Ru,


    In a fit of anger, she even smashed the voodoo doll into Noble Consort Ru''s face,


    "Speak! Who gave you the guts to do such a despicable thing to curse the Noble Consort and frame me!?"


    ¡¾Guess what else Song Zhao has nned this time¡¿

 Chapter 225: Magic of Witches 02

    <h4>Chapter 225</h4>


    Noble Consort Ru could never have anticipated that Noble Consort Chen''s birthdate provided to the Imperial Household Department would turn out to be fake.


    Her wicked scheme has backfired and has caused her own downfall.


    However, now that things havee to this point, if she were to confess, it would mean certain death for her. It might be better for her to deny knowing anything and perhaps there would still be a glimmer of hope.


    So she repeatedly kowtowed to Xiao Jingheng, as if she had suffered a great injustice, crying out:


    "I''m innocent! Noble Consort Ru and I have no grievances or disputes. Why would I curse Noble Consort Chen?"


    "When you first entered the pce, I taught you a lesson. Do you think I''m unaware of what you say about me behind my back?"


    Noble Consort Chen supported her waist with one hand and protected her abdomen with the other, ring at Noble Consort Ru with an agitated expression. She said, "Fortunately, I had my suspicions early on. Otherwise, you would have learned about my birthdate, and both Noble Consort Chen and the heir in my womb would have fallen victim to your witchcraft and plotting!"


    The hall was in an uproar.


    Song Zhao and several other concubines who had arrivedter stood quietly to the side, not daring to make a sound.


    Noble Consort Chen caught a glimpse of the doll that had fallen beside Noble Consort Ru. The silver needle sticking out of its head was particrly eye-catching, and the character for her given name written on it made her heart skip a beat. She then instructed Liu Yue:


    "That filthy thing is extremely ominous. Pick it up and burn it."


    Liu Yue obeyed the order and approached, but Consort Yin stopped her and said:


    "Noble Consort, please wait. This object is now evidence of Noble Consort Ru''s presumption and overstepping. I''m afraid it cannot be destroyed."


    The two exchanged frowns, and there was an air of tension between them.


    Just as Xiao Jingheng was about to intervene, Song Zhao stepped forward with measured steps and picked up the doll.


    "What Consort Yin said has some merit, but the name of Noble Consort Chen is still written on this doll. It''s somewhat inappropriate," she said, surveying the surroundings. She noticed a pair of scissors used for trimming branches on a mahogany table and asked Yunshan to fetch them.


    Then, she cut off the piece of cloth on the doll''s abdomen that had Noble Consort Chen''s name written on it, folded it into a small piece, and handed it to Liu Yue. "Go ahead and burn this first."


    Song Zhao''s actions cleverly defused a dispute among the concubines on behalf of Xiao Jingheng.


    Xiao Jingheng raised an eyebrow as he looked at her, revealing a hint of appreciation in his eyes.


    Later, the doll that had been cut was ced on the desk next to Consort Yin.


    When the white cotton filling was exposed, it reflected a hint of pale yellow in the glow of the candlelight.


    Because the object was closest to Consort Yin and there was a brazier nearby, the scent from the cotton quickly dissipated.


    Consort Yin faintly caught a whiff of a gamey smell from it.


    Although both she and Noble Consort Ru were foreign women, Consort Yin disliked the smell of mutton and rarely ate it. She also avoided using sheepskin products in her daily life.


    On the other hand, Ru Naren, who came from Mongolia, enjoyed eating mutton and had many garments made from sheepskin.


    The cotton filling was dense and easily absorbed the scent of whoever came into contact with it.


    Consort Yin picked up the cloth doll and held it close to her nose, sniffing carefully. She confirmed that the musky scent wasing from the cotton stuffing. Immediately, she handed the doll to Xiao Jingheng, saying,


    "Your Majesty, please smell this. There is a hint of musk on the cotton stuffing used to sew this doll. As you know, I never use sheepskin products or eatmb. This scent must have been transferred to the doll by someone while Noble Consort Ru was sewing it!"


    Xiao Jingheng took the doll and casually waved it a few times, allowing the musky scent mixed with the air to enter his nostrils.


    Unconsciously, his brows furrowed, and his expression became more serious.


    Noble Consort Ru was also puzzled.


    When she was sewing the doll, she was afraid of getting any musky smell on it. She even carefully cleaned her hands with rose juice, which Consort Yin used for handwashing.


    She double-checked multiple times.


    But now, how could there still be a musky scent on the cotton stuffing?


    Xiao Jingheng''s gaze, sharp as a sword, swept over her.


    She was so frightened that she couldn''t even lift her head and could only cry out for injustice.


    While Xiao Jingheng was directly looking at Noble Consort Ru, his peripheral vision caught Consort Yin by the side.


    At this moment, he still had doubts about this matter.


    Because the musky scent on the cotton stuffing was too obvious, as if someone deliberately framed someone else.


    If this matter was indeed done by Noble Consort Ru,


    why would she want to frame Consort Yin? And how could she be so careless as to not clean her hands before doing such a thing?


    If Noble Consort Ru wanted to harm Consort Yin, she had the motive and reason.


    Just look at the swollen cheeks of Noble Consort Ru, and you would know that she didn''t have afortable time under Consort Yin''s hands.


    But there were so many neers entering the pce. Li Noble Consort was also arrogant and domineering when she entered the pce. Why didn''t Consort Yin show any annoyance towards her and only focused on Noble Consort Ru''s ws?


    After pondering the reasons, Xiao Jingheng spected that it was probably because Noble Consort Ru and Consort Yin were both from different tribes.


    In the past, because Consort Yin was from a different tribe, Xiao Jingheng would give slightly more rewards to the Ada Tribe and have slightly looser requirements for taxes and contributions.


    This was done to win over and appease the Ada Tribe.


    But now that Noble Consort Ru had entered the pce, Xiao Jingheng would also try to appease and win over the Mongolian tribe.


    As two different tribes, there would bepetition between them.


    For example, if the Mongolian tribe tried to curry favor with Xiao Jingheng by providing more offerings to the court,


    and the Ada Tribe continued to provide the same amount of taxes and contributions as before, it would inevitably cause dissatisfaction from the court. They would be forced to match the insufficient offerings of the Mongolian tribe.


    If Consort Yin could eliminate Noble Consort Ru before she gained power, then both she and her maternal tribe would have an easier path in the future.


    And today, this cloth doll,


    wasn''t it the one Consort Yin found herself after attending to her duties and rummaging through the wardrobe?


    Xiao Jingheng connected these doubts and spections together,


    and in his heart, the suspicion towards Consort Yin grew stronger.


    However, he still rebuked Noble Consort Ru, "You have been in the pce for several months and have already caused numerous troubles. It seems that the Mongol King has treated you too well, allowing you to be ustomed to a life of luxury, which is why you dare to behave so recklessly after entering the pce.


    Convey my decree: from this day forward, Noble Consort Ru shall be demoted to a regr status and confined to Chengqian Pce for three months. She cannot leave unless summoned."


    Upon hearing the decree of being demoted, Noble Consort Chen''s displeasure was evident.


    Practicing witchcraft and cursing the imperial heir within the pce is a grave crime that warrants the extermination of nine generations!


    However, Noble Consort Chen also understood that Xiao Jingheng''s hasty punishment was solely because the court still needed the influence of the Mongolian tribes on the border.


    Therefore, she couldn''t inquire further about the decree; instead, she shifted the focus and cast a dark gaze at Consort Yin.


    "Although this matter is Noble Consort Ru''s fault, Consort Yin, as the head of Chengqian Pce, you have failed to properly educate your subordinates? Causing such chaos, you cannot evade me! If even the matters within one pce cannot be handled peacefully, what qualifications do you have to assist me in managing the six pces?"


    "I do not agree with what Noble Consort said, I believe..."


    "I think Noble Consort''s words are not without merit."


    Before Consort Yin could finish her defense, Xiao Jingheng interrupted her with a stern voice.


    "If it weren''t for your frequent beatings and scoldings of Ru Shi, why would she falsely use you? First, you should handle the affairs within your own pce before anything else. During this period, Noble Consort will be solely in charge of the six pces..."


    "I willply with the decree."


    Noble Consort Chen hurriedly expressed her thanks, but she did not anticipate that Xiao Jingheng had more to say.


    He looked at Song Zhao with gentle eyes and spoke in a warm tone.


    "You have a calm disposition and clear rewards and punishments. I''ve been thinking that during these days, you should learn from Noble Consort and learn how to handle the affairs of the harem properly. When you are bestowed the title of Imperial Concubine next month, you will assist Noble Consort and manage the six pces together."

 Chapter 226: No Ability

    <h4>Chapter 226</h4>


    As soon as Xiao Jingheng uttered these words, the smile that was about to surface on Noble Consort Chen''s face froze instantly.


    She had advised Xiao Jingheng to strip Consort Yin of her power because she couldn''t stand Consort Yin''s frequent defiance towards her. She wanted to use this opportunity to make Consort Yin stumble, rather than let Xiao Jingheng transfer the power to Song Zhao.


    Therefore, she immediately interjected, saying, "Your Majesty, Yipin has only been in the pce for a short time, and she has a gentle temperament. Many things are beyond her capability and shecks the necessary strength. It would be better..."


    "That''s why I let her learn from you," Xiao Jingheng calmly interrupted her, "managing the affairs of the harem requires a bnce of firmness and gentleness, employing both grace and authority. I believe Yipin''s temperamentplements yours perfectly. Moreover, considering your pregnancy, I don''t want you to bear too much burden alone."


    Noble Consort Chen didn''t hear any other words; her sharpness faded a bit when she heard Xiao Jingheng say he didn''t want her to bear too much burden.


    At this moment, Song Zhao anxiously spoke, "I also think what Noble Consort said is right. I am truly unable to handle such a heavy responsibility. It would be better... Your Majesty, why not continue entrusting Consort Yin with the affairs of the six pces? Alternatively... Yunfei has served Your Majesty for many years and could also share the burden with Noble Consort."


    Consort Yin had just been stripped of the authority to manage the six pces by Xiao Jingheng. His words were not a jest, and it was impossible for her to regain that power.


    As for Yunfei... Xiao Jingheng felt annoyed just hearing that name. Not punishing her was already a reward; how could he bestow such an honor upon her?


    After a whole night of turmoil, Xiao Jingheng was tired. He didn''t want to say anything more and simply stated, "This matter will be handled like this."


    Then he turned and left for Chaoyang Pce.


    After he left, Song Zhao followed Noble Consort Chen and left Chengqian Pce together with her.


    Before getting into the sedan chair, Noble Consort Chen nced at Song Zhao with a sense of disdain.


    Seeing Song Zhao respectfully bowing to her, she said in an irritated tone, "All the benefits have fallen into yourp. Go ahead andugh in secret!"


    Song Zhao whispered, "Noble Consort, you have misunderstood me. I have no such intentions."


    "Hmph," Noble Consort Chen sneered, "If you have no intentions, go back to the Emperor the next day and tell him that you are naturally clumsy and unable to learn these things, and ask him to retract his decree. Otherwise, don''t act hypocritical in front of me!"


    With that, Noble Consort Chen didn''t look at Song Zhao again and was assisted onto the sedan chair, leaving.


    Song Zhao respectfully bowed to her retreating figure.


    However, at this moment, the anxious expression on her face disappearedpletely, and a cold smile appeared at the corner of her lips.


    After returning to the pce that night, Yun Shan prepared a basin of warm water mixed with jasmine juice and carefully cleaned Song Zhao''s delicate fingers.


    Xiao Fuzi went to the small kitchen and brought back a peeled onion, smiling as he said, "Onions are the best at removing the smell of mutton. Shall we add some to the basin?"


    "Go away! Don''t cause trouble!" Yun Shan waved her hand with a disgusted look on her face. "That smell is pungent. Take it away from here! Don''t choke the mistress."


    Song Zhao looked at their unruly squabble and couldn''t help but smile.


    The smell on her hands right now didn''te from the cotton in the doll, as one might think.


    On the contrary, the pungent smell on the cotton wick was actually from her hands.


    Early on, when she rushed to Chengqian Pce to watch themotion, she had instructed Xiao Fuzi to sneak a small pinch of sheep tallow powder into her pocket.


    When Consort Chen and Consort Yin started arguing over whether to burn the doll, Song Zhao took the opportunity to dip her fingers in the powder and confidently approached to cut open the doll, allowing the smell of the sheep tallow to cling to the cotton wick.


    Her movements were quick, and she wasn''t afraid of being discovered.


    After all, she had personally cut open the doll, so it wouldn''t be unreasonable to say that the smell on her hands had transferred to the cotton wick.


    Song Zhao had long known that it would be difficult to outmaneuver Consort Yin with Concubine Ru''s simple-mindedness.


    Instead of that, it was better to use Xiao Jingheng''s suspicion and personally ssh dirty water on Consort Yin.


    This n had been devised by Song Zhao ever since she learned about the moment when Concubine Ru was pped by Consort Yin.


    First, she pretended to care about Concubine Ru and told her that Consort Yin was influential, and unless Consort Yin herself made a mistake that angered Xiao Jingheng, Concubine Ru would have to endure being beneath her.


    Then, she subtly reminded Rongyue to indirectly suggest to Concubine Ru that if Consort Yin offended Noble Consort Chen, Xiao Jingheng would certainly punish Consort Yin severely. She also mentioned the phrase "witchcraft" casually, leading Concubine Ru to ponder about that matter.


    Once Concubine Ru fell into the trap, she would definitely try to obtain Noble Consort Chen''s birthdate.


    And the birthdate that Noble Consort Chen had left with the Imperial Household Department was originally fake.


    This intentional mistake was the opportunity specifically left by Song Zhao for Consort Yin to counterattack.


    Once Consort Yin counterattacked, Song Zhao would use the excuse of the doll bearing Noble Consort Chen''s name to remove the piece of fabric with the name written on it.


    By that time, when the cotton wick was revealed, she would take the opportunity to apply the sheep tallow powder and ce it near Consort Yin''s charcoal brazier.


    The brazier''s high temperature would cause the scent on the cotton wick to dissipate quickly, and Consort Yin would soon be able to smell it.


    Moreover, Consort Yin was an impulsive person. Once she smelled the pungent odor, she would immediately rush to inform Xiao Jingheng of this matter.


    With Xiao Jingheng''s suspicion, he would surely suspect that there was some element of self-orchestration from Consort Yin in this.


    Song Zhao deeply understood that in Xiao Jingheng''s mind, nothing could be more significant than national affairs.


    As long as the Mongolian tribes and the Ada Hu tribe were still useful to Qi Dynasty, Xiao Jingheng would not punish Concubine Ru and Consort Yin severely.


    So even if Xiao Jingheng had some doubts, he would not investigate this matter thoroughly.


    He would most likely directly me Concubine Ru for this and give her a slight punishment.


    And at this moment, wasn''t Noble Consort Chen always watching from the sidelines?


    This matter concerned the heir in her womb, and Xiao Jingheng had lightly favored Concubine Ru. Noble Consort Chen would definitely be displeased.


    Coupled with her inherent dislike for Consort Yin, she would definitely say something to let Xiao Jingheng take away Consort Yin''s authority over the six pces using this matter, thereby suppressing Consort Yin''s spirit.


    And with Xiao Jingheng''s suspicions already present, if Noble Consort Chen said such things, Xiao Jingheng would undoubtedly seize the opportunity to snatch the real power from Consort Yin''s hands.


    Then the benefits would naturally fall on Song Zhao.


    As Xiao Fuzi helped Song Zhao apply the medicinal ointment after she had cleaned her hands, she couldn''t help but praise,


    "Your Majesty, you have thoroughly understood the nature of Concubine Ru, Consort Yin, Noble Consort Chen, and even... the Emperor. It is only fitting that the responsibility of managing the power of the six pces falls into your hands."


    Song Zhao smiled gently and replied, "What people desire reveals their weaknesses. Concubine Ru desires to overthrow Consort Yin and escape her torment.


    Consort Yin desires to use Concubine Ru and appears so radical before the Emperor.


    Noble Consort Chen desires to diminish Consort Yin''s control over the six pces and monopolize power.


    As for the Emperor... all his thoughts revolve around weighing the pros and cons of the previous dynasty and the advantages of the maternal ns behind the imperial consorts.


    Once a person has desires, they have vulnerabilities that can be exploited."


    Xiao Fuzi also smiled and said, "It is precisely because Your Majesty has no desires that you cannot be easily manipted by others."


    "You are mistaken. Everyone has desires, and I am no exception."


    With a smile, Song Zhao picked up a silver skewer and yed with the flickering candle me nearby,


    "But in order to find my weaknesses, they must first have the ability to know what my desires truly are."


    The candle me flickered, casting intermittent shes on Song Zhao''s beautiful cheeks.


    She raised her gaze slowly, raised an eyebrow at Xiao Fuzi, and smiled,


    "But do you think they have the ability to do so? Hmm?"

 Chapter 227: All Kinds of Difficulties

    <h4>Chapter 227</h4>


    The next day,


    [{"Chinese":"ËÎÕÑ","English":"Song Zhao"}] as usual got up early and went to Yonghe Pce with the other imperial consorts to pay respects to [{{"Chinese":"å·¹óåú","English":"Noble Consort Chen"}}.


    After finishing paying respects and returning to her own pce, [{"Chinese":"ËÎÕÑ","English":"Song Zhao"}] was about to take a rest, but before she could sit down, [{{"Chinese":"å·¹óåú","English":"Noble Consort Chen"}}''s attendant [{{"Chinese":"¿µÓñ±ó","English":"Kang Yubin"}} came over.


    He smiled obsequiously at [{"Chinese":"ËÎÕÑ","English":"Song Zhao"}] and bowed with sped hands, "Esteemed Concubine Yi is in good health. [{"Chinese":"å·¹óåú","English":"Noble Consort Chen"}] summons you to Yonghe Pce. Yesterday, His Majesty granted you the privilege of learning to assist in managing the Six Pces. [{"Chinese":"å·¹óåú","English":"Noble Consort Chen"}] happens to have time now and can teach you."


    [{"Chinese":"ËÎÕÑ","English":"Song Zhao"}] smiled, "This concubine understands. Please ry to [{"Chinese":"å·¹óåú","English":"Noble Consort Chen"}] that I will arrive shortly."


    [{{"Chinese":"¿µÓñ±ó","English":"Kang Yubin"}} bowed and withdrew.


    When he had left the pce gate, [Yun Shan] watched angrily from the windowttice and said to [Song Zhao]: "It''s obvious that [Noble Consort Chen] is deliberately making things difficult! She said she wanted to teach you, so why didn''t she ask you to stay after paying respects just now? She insisted on waiting until we had just returned to the pce before sending someone to summon us again! Isn''t she clearly just trying to vex people?"


    Compared to [Yun Shan]''s anger, [Song Zhao] appeared much calmer. "Let her be. After all, we only have to endure her torment for a few more days."


    [Yun Shan] couldn''t stand to see her mistress bullied, but there was no alternative for now. She could only remind: "Then this servant will change you into lighter clothes. [Noble Consort Chen] is afraid of the cold, and with the pregnancy she is even more delicately cared for in the pce with seven or eight braziers. It''s stiflingly hot. Your current outfit is too thick. I saw you were sweating just from paying respects earlier. There are many rules in [Noble Consort Chen]''s pce, so it would be inappropriate for you to take off your outer robe there. It''s better to change into something thinner, to avoid suffering."


    After thinking it over briefly, [Song Zhao] said, "Just fetch a lighter outer shirt. But the middle garment and undergarment must be added with cotton - the warmer the better."


    [Yun Shan] didn''t ask further upon hearing this, only followed [Song Zhao]''s instructions.


    Later when [Song Zhao] hurried to Yonghe Pce, she saw that the desk in the inner chamber was piled high with ledgers and records of various sizes, like a small mountain, stacked inyers.


    [{"Chinese":"å·¹óåú","English":"Noble Consort Chen"}] leanedzily on the heated seat, seeming to smile while not smiling, and said, "Since you''re going to be in charge, you must first understand the prices of firewood, rice, oil and salt. What''s in front of you are the expenditures of each pce in the inner pce for thest three years, as well as the daily expenses of the six thousand three hundred pce servants. Go through them one by one and familiarize yourself first."


    It was obvious she was deliberately making things difficult for [Song Zhao].


    No matter the expenditures of the inner pce or the daily expenses of pce servants, these ounts would all be summarized and analyzed by specialized personnel at the end of the year, with all the data organized into ''grand totals''.


    After seeing the ''grand totals'', the expenditures for that year could be understood at a nce. There was no need toboriously view each one individually.


    But [Song Zhao] knew that [Noble Consort Chen] had not truly called her here today to teach her how to assist in managing the Six Pces. It was clear she just wanted to intimidate her.


    So she did not try to reason with [Noble Consort Chen], but sat down in front of the desk and started flipping through them one by one.


    The inner chamber of [Noble Consort Chen]''s pce was even warmer than the main hall.


    Added to this was the sedative incense she had lit in the pce for peace of mind and to protect the pregnancy.


    Heated by the warm air, the fragrance was most prone to make people drowsy.


    As [Song Zhao] looked at the tiny words densely packed together, she soon felt spiritually weary and couldn''t help but yawn.


    [Noble Consort Chen] watched her like a sharp-eyed eagle, waiting for her to make a mistake.


    Before [Song Zhao] could finish her yawn, she already sarcastically said, "His Majesty has granted you such great power, yet I see you don''t seem to take it seriously. Just a quarter hour and you''re already yawning?"


    Then slowly continuing, she sternly ordered: "[{"Chinese":"¿µÓñ±ó","English":"Kang Yubin"}}, move all these ount books outside to the corridor. Have Esteemed Concubine Yi stand out there and read them. The sun is nice now, it''ll also help wake her up."


    The pce maids efficiently moved everything outside.


    The moment [Song Zhao] stepped out into the corridor, she also couldn''t help but deeply breathe in some fresh air, feeling carefree andfortable.


    The cotton middle and under garments were warm enough, and the corridor was sheltered so there wasn''t much wind.


    Standing in the corridor was definitely morefortable than being in the inner chamber that was like a furnace.


    The ount book [Song Zhao] was currently flipping through happened to be for [{"Chinese":"»ÝæÉ","English":"Consort Hui"}] manor, Zhuangchun Pce.


    She looked at the expenditures listed and saw that the Imperial Household Department gave an allowance of over one thousand taels of silver per month to [Consort Hui] alone.


    [Song Zhao] held the same concubine rank as [Consort Hui], and even enjoyed special favor from [Xiao Jingheng], yet her own monthly allowance was only eight hundred taels.


    [Consort Hui]''s allowance of one thousand taels was already approaching that of a consort.


    Privately, [Song Zhao] felt a little puzzled, but she didn''t think deeply about it.


    After all, [Consort Hui]''s maternal family was wealthy and powerful, providing the court with a lot of silver and money every year.


    It was understandable that [Xiao Jingheng] would give her more allowance for this ''robbing Peter to pay Paul'' arrangement.


    After looking through the ledgers for a while longer, [Song Zhao] felt her eyes grow tired, so she raised her head to gaze into the distance.


    When she did, she discovered that at some unknown point, the courtyard had been covered by a thinyer of white.


    The first snow of the year had fallen, just like that, without any warning.


    *


    In the inner chamber,


    [Noble Consort Chen] had taken a short nap. When she woke up, it had probably been about half an hour since she had sent [Song Zhao] to the corridor to read the ount books.


    [Liu Yue] was attending her as she got up. [Noble Consort Chen] casually asked, "What about her? Has she been cking off out there?"


    [Liu Yue] giggled and said, "Master Kang is keeping an eye on her, not letting her bezy for a moment."


    Then she ran to the windowttice, opened up a crack, and said,


    "Esteemed Consort, look - it''s snowing outside! This servant saw that Esteemed Concubine Yi is dressed lightly today. Even though standing in the corridor means the snow won''t fall on her, she''s probably very cold!"


    "It''s snowing?"


    [Noble Consort Chen] went to the window. Seeing the silver wrapped courtyard outside, she immediately red at [Liu Yue] and said in displeasure,


    "Foolish thing! She has just given birth and cannot catch a cold, otherwise her health will be ruined for life! Why didn''t you call her back in?"


    [Liu Yue] was berated by [Noble Consort Chen] for no reason, also feeling very confused. "I... Esteemed Consort ordered her to stand in the corridor. How dare this servant..."


    "Useless fool!" [Noble Consort Chen] looked at her disdainfully and rolled her eyes. "Go bring her back in."


    As [Liu Yue] hurried to carry out the order, she also heard [Noble Consort Chen] call her back,


    "When you return, brew a pot of ginger brown sugar tea. On a day with the first snow, I''m craving that taste and also want to warm up."


    After [Song Zhao] was summoned back, [Noble Consort Chen] didn''t even nce at her, only immersed herself in flipping through a painting album.


    But this time, [Song Zhao] discovered that the previously empty desk had inexplicably gained a brazier next to it.


    Shortly after, [Liu Yue] brought in a pot of hot ginger brown sugar tea, and filled a jade cup in front of [Noble Consort Chen].


    As soon as [Noble Consort Chen] brought the cup to her lips for a sip, she immediately spat it out into a nearby jade spittoon, frowning andining,


    "How can you serve like this? You put in so much brown sugar, are you trying to sicken someone?"


    [Liu Yue] was so frightened she repeatedly admitted her wrongs, "Esteemed Consort, please forgive this ve''s offense... This ve will brew a fresh pot for you..."


    "Forget it." [Noble Consort Chen] impatiently raised her eyelids, and seemingly casually swept [Song Zhao] a nce, saying,


    "As the new year approaches, His Majesty wants frugality in the inner pce. Since it''s already brewed, don''t waste it. I can''t drink it, but Esteemed Concubine Yi isn''t so delicate. Go reward it to her to drink."


    [Song Zhao] was always cautious. She almost never touched the food and drink of other pces,


    so even when [Liu Yue] poured her a cup now, she only thanked [Noble Consort Chen] for the reward but hesitated to drink it down.


    Seeing that she wasn''t drinking it, [Noble Consort Chen] became somewhat annoyed. "I''m rewarding this to you, hurry and drink it while it''s hot. What''s the fuss?"


    Left with no choice, [Song Zhao] raised the cup.


    In her heart she thought, no matter how overbearing [Noble Consort Chen] was, she surely wouldn''t dare to openly drug her.


    This ginger tea could at most just be unpleasant to drink. There probably wouldn''t be any issues.


    Only then did she steel herself and take a sip.


    Unexpectedly, the ginger tea was warm on the tongue, with mild sweetness and just the right vor. There wasn''t the slightest trace of the cloying sweetness [Noble Consort Chen] had described.


    [Song Zhao] was confused for a moment. She raised her brows to look at [Noble Consort Chen],


    only to see her still with that aloof expression, even throwing [Song Zhao] a white eye before continuing to look at her painting album.


    Seeing some babies asking when the solo pampering will start, to avoid people giving bad reviews because sister Song doesn''t have a romance, I should rify in advance:


    The intention of this book is thement I made above - feudal male authority has always been suppressing the awakening of female gender awareness (an ugly way of phrasing it, but it persists even now), so in the end when Song Jie ispletely awakened, all she wants with the women of the rear pce is absolute equality. The storyline develops towards them uniting together in the end to resist the oppression of male authority, rather than indulging in petty romance from start to finish.


    Even if the wretched emperor wants to favor Song Jie alone, she would still find him disgusting and tell him to get lost immediately.


    With the emperor being so nauseating already, I also don''t understand why there would still be people wanting to read about him being affectionate and devoted to Song Jie without doubt.


    Sister! Go ahead and eat something nice!


    There''s still another updateingter~

 Chapter 228: Chengyu In Distress

    <h4>Chapter 228</h4>


    At this moment, Kang Yubin came in to report,


    "Noble Consort Chen, Qingzhu Auntie from the Empress Dowager''s side has arrived."


    "Oh?" Noble Consort Chen quickly closed the painting album beside her, "Why did shee in this snowy weather? Please invite her in quickly."


    After Qingzhu came in, she dusted off the snow and paid her respects to Noble Consort Chen,


    "Noble Consort Chen, good fortune and safety. Today is the first snow. Every year on the first snow, thete consort would go to Plum Garden to pray for blessings. The Empress Dowager said this year she wants you to be in charge of this matter. Lately the Empress Dowager''s health has improved, and she also wants to join in the fun."


    Praying for blessings in Plum Garden had always been handled by the Empress. Now that this matter fell into the hands of Noble Consort Chen, she was naturally overjoyed. She smiled at Qingzhu,


    "It''s troublesome for Auntie to convey my words to the Empress Dowager. I will definitely make proper arrangements for this."


    Qingzhu smiled with a nod, then looked at Yi Concubine Song Zhao beside her, and added,


    "Since Concubine Yi is also here, it saves this old servant another trip. The Empress Dowager said she misses Crown Prince Yi very much as she hasn''t seen him for a long time. She asked Concubine Yi to bring the Crown Prince with her tomorrow and told her to dress the Crown Prince warmly."


    Upon hearing this, a hint of loss shed through Noble Consort Chen''s eyes.


    Chenghuan was raised on her knees, he should have been Xiao Jinghuang''s eldest son,


    But Xiao Jinghuang did not recognize this child. The servants also acted as if this child did not exist, and only addressed Song Zhao''s Chengyu as the Crown Prince smoothly.


    Song Zhao just smiled and said, "Of course. And Chengyu has never seen snow before, he will surely be delighted."


    After Qingzhu left, Noble Consort Chen said unpleasantly to Song Zhao,


    "Alright, you can go back for today too. Since the Emperor wants you to assist in managing the six pces, I''ll hand over the misceneous chores of sweeping and preparing for tomorrow''s plum garden viewing to you. The Empress Dowager will also go tomorrow, you must make proper arrangements for everything, don''t disappoint me or make the Empress Dowagerugh at you."


    Song Zhao bowed respectfully to Noble Consort Chen, "This concubine is grateful for Noble Consort''s guidance."


    On her way back to the pce, Song Zhao was quietly thinking to herself, leaning against the sedan curtain.


    She heard Yun Shan muttering outside,


    "The misceneous chores have always been done by the servants of the Imperial Household Department. When Noble Consort was in charge of the six pces, she didn''t even manage these things. Why is it that when ites to Concubine, she nags about this and that, finding faults in everything?


    Just now she even forced Concubine to drink ginger tea, and ced a brazier by Concubine''s desk to warm her. How could she be so considerate? I suspect she deliberately made things difficult for Concubine after noticing Concubine was wearing thick clothes!"


    Song Zhao did not respond to Yun Shan''s words.


    Because even she herself did not know,


    whether Noble Consort Chen did this to deliberately make things difficult for her after noticing her thick clothing,


    or for some other reason...


    In any case, Noble Consort Chen handed the cleaning of Plum Garden to Song Zhao. Song Zhao did not dare to be negligent.


    She had Yun Shan prepare hot water bags for the consorts, with realgar wine inside to dispel snakes and insects most effectively.


    After the snow stopped at night, she also asked Xiao Fuzi to bring people to Plum Garden to spread salt on the umted snow,


    to ensure the snow would not freeze into ice after melting, so no one would slip and fall in Plum Garden tomorrow.


    All these preparations were already in ce,


    but unexpectedly it started snowing again the next morning at dawn.


    When Song Zhao arrived at Plum Garden with the wet nurse, the Empress Dowager and the others were already there.


    The Empress also came out today.


    She followed beside the Empress Dowager, constantly fawning over her with smiles,


    but the Empress Dowager did not seem to want to pay much attention to her, her expression remained in, only responding with a word or two asionally.


    It was only when she saw Chengyu that a warm smile appeared on the Empress Dowager''s face.


    The wet nurse brought Chengyu in front of the Empress Dowager. The Empress Dowager breathed into her palm to warm it before touching the child''s tender cheeks,


    "Little Chengyu, do you miss your Grand Empress?"


    Chengyu got along very well with the Empress Dowager. Every time the Empress Dowager teased him, he wouldugh gleefully.


    Seeing this, the Empress also smiled from the side, "It is said that children are closest to kind andpassionate people, this is indeed true. Look at how happy the Crown Prince is to see the Empress Dowager!"


    The Empress Dowager just smiled faintly, and casually said, "When your Jinghe and Yang are on my knees, they cry at the sight of me, as if I look fierce and sinister, scaring them."


    "... "


    The Empress was at a loss for words for a moment. She wanted to ask the Empress Dowager why she didn''t bring Jinghe and Yang out today, but could only keep silent for now.


    Everyone walked towards Plum Garden.


    The Empress stood to the left of the Empress Dowager, while the Noble Consort stood to the right, not wanting the Empress to gain any advantage.


    Chengyu was being held by the wet nurse at first, but the Empress Dowager was so fond of this child that she said,


    "Come, let Grand Empress hold you."


    The wet nurse respectfullyplied and handed over the swaddling clothes to the Empress Dowager.


    As Chengyu''s mother, Song Zhao was naturally more anxious about her child than anyone else.


    Seeing that the Empress Dowager was holding him, she wanted to walk over to stay close to the Empress Dowager, so as to be vignt at all times.


    But she had just taken two steps forward when she saw Consort Hui hopping over to her happily, still clutching a vibrant red plum blossom in her hand,


    "Sister Song, this is for you!"


    Song Zhao smiled as she received it. She also noticed the snow fox fur cor around Consort Hui''s neck today.


    The fur was snowy white and translucent, very beautiful.


    It also protected her neck tightly, not letting in any wind.


    Song Zhao said, "The fur cor looks very good on you today, it makes you look very lovely."


    Consort Hui stroked the fox fur and smiled cutely, "Hehe, I really like it too!"


    She was like a child who never grew up.


    After speaking, she hopped and skipped into Plum Garden again.


    But she was too focused on ying around and not watching her steps. The new snow had fallen on the old muddy snow. Consort Hui leaped up and stepped down, identally slipping. She fell hard on her bottom and started crying.


    Song Zhao was the closest to her and immediately went over to help her up.


    Her cries also caused the people walking ahead to stop and look back.


    The Empress Dowager asked sharply, "What happened?"


    But she did not know if it was because she had turned her head too quickly, or because her health was still unstable with lingering illnesses,


    the Empress Dowager suddenly felt dizzy and unsteady on her feet.


    The swaddling clothes she had been holding tightly in her arms also slipped from her hands, causing Chengyu to fall head first towards the ground.


    "Chengyu!"


    Song Zhao watched in horror as her child was about to crash onto the ground.


    She was so shocked that her heart almost jumped out of her throat.


    But she was helping Consort Hui up, and was at a distance from the Empress Dowager.


    Even though she had already thrown herself into the mud, there was no time to save Chengyu in this split second.


    At this critical moment, everyone eximed in shock.


    But Song Zhao noticed that a slightly stout figure had jumped out without any hesitation.


    She steadily caught Chengyu in midair, while twisting her own foot and falling to the ground herself.


    This person was none other than the...


    Noble Consort Chen, who was five months pregnant!

 Chapter 229: The Twin Son

    <h4>Chapter 229</h4>


    The concubines were in an uproar.


    They saw Noble Consort Chen falling to the ground, tightly holding a bundle in her arms, covered in mud.


    Fortunately, the snowy ground softened the impact, and she fell on her side, so it didn''t seem too severe.


    The other concubines rushed to help Noble Consort Chen up, while the wet nurse held Cheng Yu, who was crying uncontrobly, in her arms tofort him.


    Song Zhao quickly approached the wet nurse and saw that Cheng Yu had only a few specks of mud on his face, but no other injuries. His anxious heart finally eased a bit.


    He immediately turned his attention to Noble Consort Chen and sincerely asked, "Are you alright, Noble Consort?"


    Noble Consort Chen was also taken aback. She ced her right hand on her slightly swollen belly, her heart pounding. Thankfully, after being helped up by others, she didn''t feel any difort in her abdomen.


    However, when shended earlier, she had a slight abrasion on her wrist because she was solely focused on protecting Cheng Yu.


    The worried Empress Dowager hurriedly approached to check on her, asking, "How are you feeling? Do you sense any difort?"


    Noble Consort Chen took a deep breath, calmed herself, and smiled warmly at the Empress Dowager, saying, "Please don''t worry, Empress Dowager. I''m fine."


    The Empress Dowager tightly held her hand, filled with remorse as she shook her head, "It''s all because of me... If you hadn''t risked yourself to save him, I''m afraid I would have made a grave mistake."


    Then she nced back at the crying Cheng Yu and asked the wet nurse, "Is the Crown Prince unharmed?"


    The wet nurse stammered, "Noble Consort Chen protected himpletely. The Crown Prince didn''t suffer any harm, but he was just frightened."


    Upon hearing this, the Empress Dowager let out a sigh of relief and shifted her gaze back to Noble Consort Chen, saying, "You, too. You knew you were pregnant, so why did you rush out without even thinking?"


    Noble Consort Chen was momentarily speechless because she didn''t even know why she acted on instinct to save Song Zhao''s child.


    The dangerous situation happened in the blink of an eye, and she didn''t have time to react. It was purely an unconscious action...


    Amidst the crowd''s concerned voices, the Empress also spoke, "Whether a pregnant woman falls can have varying degrees of impact. Regardless, we must have the imperial physician examine you to ensure there are no issues before we can rest assured."


    The Empress Dowager hurriedly added, "Yes, we must summon the imperial physician to check on you. Cheng Yu has been crying like this; he must have been greatly frightened."


    So, Noble Consort Chen was escorted to her pce by the crowd.


    When the crowd dispersed, Song Zhao finally noticed that Rongyue, who had been in the midst of the crowd, was also covered in mud.


    It seemed that when Cheng Yu was in danger, Rongyue also rushed out without hesitation to try and save him.


    However, she was too far away, so she couldn''t reach him, but she stumbled and fell into the mud instead.


    As Song Zhao looked at Rongyue, her intense gaze remained fixed on him.


    In that brief moment when their eyes met, Song Zhao nodded slightly in acknowledgement, and Rongyue, without saying anything, also nodded in response.


    Once everyone arrived at Noble Consort Chen''s pce, they saw that the unfamiliar imperial physician was there to examine her.


    Noble Consort Chen asked Liu Yue, "Why has Doctor Qi, who has been attending to me all along, been reced today?"


    Liu Yue replied, "Doctor Qi took a leave of absence today and is not in the pce. However, Doctor He, who started serving in the pcest month, is also highly skilled in medicine."


    "It doesn''t matter. They are all doctors from the Imperial Physician''s Institute, and their medical skills shouldn''t be much different."


    Doctor He was originally supposed to examine Noble Consort Chen first, but seeing Cheng Yu crying so hard, she said, "You go check on the Second Prince first and see if he''s alright."


    Noble Consort Chen referred to the Second Prince by his name instead of calling Cheng Yu the Crown Prince like everyone else.


    Her pronunciation of this title was very distinct, and everyone heard it.


    However, the Empress Dowager remained silent, and Noble Consort Chen was the one who saved Cheng Yu, so naturally no one dared to say anything.


    After Doctor He finished diagnosing Cheng Yu and reported that everything was fine, Noble Consort Chen called him to examine her pulse.


    Knowing that Noble Consort Chen had fallen, Doctor He was very careful when examining her pulse.


    At first, there was a slight furrow on Doctor He''s brow.


    But as the pulse diagnosis went on, the severity on his face gradually faded until it was reced with a joyful expression.


    Then he repeatedly bowed to Noble Consort Chen and raised his voice, saying, "I congratte Consort Chen! Your Ladyship, congrattions on your great joy! From the pulse, it can be seen that you are carrying twins this time!"


    "Is it true?"


    Overwhelmed with joy, Noble Consort Chen sat upright.


    Her phoenix-like eyes widened in disbelief, "Butst month when Doctor Qi came to check my pulse, he didn''t mention anything different about this pregnancy!"


    Doctor He assured, "After practicing medicine for many years, I have some certainty in this matter."


    Receiving this good news, Noble Consort Chen could be considered fortunate after the mishap.


    The other consorts congratted her, including Song Zhao.


    However, when she congratted Noble Consort Chen, she caught a glimpse of the Empress Dowager''s expression.


    The Empress Dowager''s brows furrowed briefly, but she quickly smiled kindly at Noble Consort Chen and said, "This is wonderful, truly a great joy!"


    Kang Yubin hurriedly said, "I will go and inform the Emperor of this happy news."


    Noble Consort Chen smiled and agreed. But when he was about to leave, she called him back.


    "You just report the good news. Don''t mention anything about the incident in the Plum Garden today. The Second Prince is uninjured, so let''s not worry the Emperor. Besides, the Empress Dowager is already ming herself, and if the Emperor were to find out, it would make the Empress Dowager even more uneasy."


    Hearing this, the Empress Dowager''s gaze towards Noble Consort Chen visibly softened.


    But others couldn''t see it.


    In her gentle gaze, there was still a hint of imperceptible guilt.


    The sound of joy echoed throughout the Pce of Eternal Harmony, and the newly entered consorts also began to tter Noble Consort Chen.


    Concubine Li said, "If I may speak, this pregnancy of Noble Consort Chen is undoubtedly a good omen, with both a dragon and a phoenix!"


    Concubine He also said, "When the Emperor hears this news, he will surely be overjoyed!"


    At this moment, the phrase "overjoyed" sounded somewhat jarring to Song Zhao.


    Would Xiao Jingheng truly be overjoyed?


    Noble Consort Chen just revealed that the physician Doctor Qi, who has been responsible for ensuring her pregnancy, did not inform her that she was carrying twins.


    However, when Doctor Qi checked Noble Consort Chen''s pulsest month, she was already over four months pregnant.


    Doctor Qi is a renowned specialist in obstetrics and gynecology. Although it may be difficult to determine the gender of a four-month-old fetus, it seems unlikely that it would be impossible to distinguish between one or two babies in her womb.


    Furthermore, when He Imperial Physician, who recently joined the pce, blurted out the "happy news" of Noble Consort Chen''s twin pregnancy, the obvious stiffness on the Empress Dowager''s face revealed something:


    Both Xiao Jingheng and the Empress Dowager had known about Noble Consort Chen''s twin pregnancy long ago, leaving only the person involvedpletely unaware.


    Why did they choose to keep it a secret from Noble Consort Chen?


    The reason is not hard to guess:


    After all, it was already destined that the child could not be born.


    Why bother letting the birth mother know whether she was carrying one or two babies?

 Chapter 230: The Morning of Bliss

    <h4>Chapter 230</h4>


    On this day, after all the concubines had dispersed, only Song Zhao remained. She respectfully bowed to Noble Consort Chen and sincerely expressed her gratitude:


    "I am deeply grateful to Your Ladyship for risking your life to save Cheng Yu."


    Noble Consort Chenzily yawned and allowed Song Zhao to kneel for a while before saying:


    "You may rise. I have also experienced the pain of losing a child, so I understand the bitterness involved. I saved him not because of you, but because he is the Emperor''s flesh and blood. As for you..."


    She nced at Song Zhao with a stern look in her eyes, filled with coldness. "I entrusted you with the task of cleaning the Plum Garden, but you turned it into a muddy mess. If it weren''t for your ipetence, Consort Hui wouldn''t have tripped and the Empress Dowager wouldn''t have been startled, almost causing the death of your child!"


    Noble Consort Chen''s face was filled with disgust, and her tone revealed impatience.


    "You can''t even handle a small matter properly. If I were to entrust you with managing the six pces in the future, wouldn''t you cause chaos everywhere?"


    Song Zhao didn''t argue and simply replied humbly:


    "Your Ladyship''s teachings are heeded. I will carefully follow your instructions."


    Seeing that Song Zhao did not retort, Noble Consort Chen rolled her eyes at her and said irritably:


    "It''s hard to have a conversation with you. Just stay kneeling."


    After Song Zhao withdrew from the audience, Noble Consort Chen could no longer conceal her inner joy.


    The corners of her mouth curved into a beautiful arc, and her phoenix-like eyes turned into crescent moons as she smiled.


    She paced back and forth in the pce, her hands constantly caressing her swollen belly.


    Liu Yue followed Noble Consort Chen closely, afraid that she might stumble or get hurt again.


    "Noble Consort, you encountered a dangerous situation today, and you were somewhat affected. It would be better for you to rest and take the prescribed medicine for fetal safety," Liu Yue suggested.


    "Liu Yue, did you hear?" Noble Consort Chen suddenly squeezed Liu Yue''s hand, her eyes shining like stars falling from the sky.


    "The imperial physician said I''m expecting twins, twins! Finally, I can bear children for the Emperor, and it''s a double blessing! Do you think the Emperor will be as happy as I am when he hears this news? Will he cherish me even more in the future?"


    Liu Yue smiled along with Noble Consort Chen.


    "Of course! The Emperor has always loved and valued you the most. Now that you are about to give birth to twin heirs, I''m afraid he will soon promote you to the position of Imperial Noble Consort!"


    Noble Consort Chen yfully tapped Liu Yue''s cheek and then suddenly remembered something, saying hurriedly:


    "Quickly go to the small kitchen and have them prepare the dinner. Remember to include the dishes that the Emperor likes. After he hears this news, he will definitelye to visit me. Also, the Emperor doesn''t like the spiciness of chopped green onions in this season, so tell them to garnish withtro instead."


    She kept giving instructions, and fearing that Liu Yue would forget, she added with a touch of petnce:


    "Never mind, you are clumsy in everything you do. The meals prepared for the Emperor must be wless. I''ll personally oversee it."


    *


    As Song Zhao rode in a sedan chair back to the pce from Yonghe Pce, she chose to keep Cheng Yu in her arms throughout the journey instead of handing him over to the wet nurse.


    She held Cheng Yu tightly in her embrace, for a child always felt safest and most secure in their mother''s arms.


    While Song Zhao looked down at her peacefully sleeping little one, her heart couldn''t find a moment of calm.


    In her mind, the image of Cheng Yu falling from the Empress Dowager''s arms kept shing back, tormenting her and causing her heartache.


    If it weren''t for Noble Consort Chen''s selfless act of saving him today, she feared that she would have been forever separated from Cheng Yu.


    Ever since Cheng Yu came into her life, Song Zhao lived in the pce with even greater caution.


    She had been vignt in every aspect, but idents were called idents because they were unpredictable.


    Now, as she calmed down and thought about the events of the day, Song Zhao found them peculiar.


    The Empress Dowager''s concern for Cheng Yu was evident, and she wasn''t seriously ill, so why did she suddenly lose her grip on the child?


    At the time of the incident, besides Noble Consort Chen, the Empress was also standing beside the Empress Dowager...


    As Song Zhao recalled, when Consort Hui fell, the moment the Empress Dowager turned around, she clearly showed symptoms of dizziness.


    After contemting for a while, Song Zhao had some pharmacological questions she wanted to ask Xiao Fuzi.


    But when she opened the sedan curtain, she found only Yun Shan following the sedan.


    She asked, "Where''s Xiao Fuzi?"


    Yun Shan replied, "She said she had something important to attend to and didn''t say where she went."


    Song Zhao leaned her head and nced inside the sedan, then whispered, "Has the Crown Prince fallen asleep? Today''s incident was really dangerous, thanks to Noble Consort Chen... However, it''s unexpected that she would risk her life to save the Crown Prince... I feel indebted to her..."


    Song Zhao pressed her temple with her slender finger and fell silent for a while before saying, "If there''s a chance, I want to repay her kindness. The Ning family is destined to face cmity, but she... perhaps she still has a glimmer of hope."


    After returning to the pce, Song Zhao waited until Cheng Yu had fallen asleep in her room before Xiao Fuzi finally returned.


    "Reporting to Your Majesty, I thoroughly searched Mei Garden earlier and found nothing suspicious. Later, I went to the Imperial Pharmacy and learned about the prescription the Empress Dowager has been using to treat her cold."


    Xiao Fuzi took out a crumpled prescription from his pocket and handed it to Song Zhao.


    Song Zhao lowered her gaze and quickly read through it.


    "Ephedra, cinnamon twig, siler root, aconite, vitex, and angelica root... These are allmon medicinal ingredients used to treat colds. Did you notice anything unusual?"


    Xiao Fuzi solemnly said, "The ephedra used in the pce is refined together with Tianchuangzi, and its effects are much faster than ordinary ephedra. But because of that, anyone who takes this medicine must abstain from drinking alcohol."


    "Not only alcohol, but even a strong smell of alcohol is intolerable. Otherwise, they may experience temporary cardiac syncope, just like the Empress Dowager''s symptoms today..."


    The smell of alcohol is pungent, and the Empress Dowager is not a drinker. In theory, if she had smelled alcohol, she would have noticed it early on.


    Moreover, Song Zhao was present throughout the day, and she didn''t detect any smell of alcohol.


    After a moment of deep thought, a dreadful spection arose in Song Zhao''s mind. She then asked Yun Shan,


    "I want you to prepare the soup for the concubines, did the Empress ask for it?"


    Yun Shan said, "After the Empress suffered damage to her body, she became extremely sensitive to the cold. When I brought the soup to her today, I saw that she already had one in her hands."


    Upon hearing this, Song Zhao suddenly realized the truth.


    Filled with anger, she mmed the table, tightly clenched her fists, and her fingertips dug into her flesh without feeling any pain.


    Due to the incident with the snake in the Plum Gardenst year, Song Zhao had added realgar to the soup she prepared for the concubines this time.


    If the usual wine vor was warmed in the soup, it would definitely be noticed by someone.


    But if the Empress''s soup contained realgar wine, it would perfectly blend in with the other soups that had realgar added to them, and no one would suspect a thing.


    Moreover, the Empress was standing beside the Empress Dowager, who unconsciously kept smelling the wine aroma. Sooner orter, she would be dizzy, weak, and lose control of her limbs.


    Therefore, regardless of whether Consort Hui had fallen or not, the Empress Dowager would ''identally'' make Cheng Yu fall to the ground. It was only a matter of time.


    After the incident, everyone would surely panic, and no one would dare to use the Empress Dowager of anything.


    And by the time someone wanted to investigateter, the contents of the soup the Empress had would probably have been disposed of, leaving no trace.


    Xiao Fuzi had the same suspicion as Song Zhao, which was why he went to the Imperial Hospital to find the Empress Dowager''s prescription.


    Seeing Song Zhao trembling with anger, he whispered beside her, "Your Majesty, it would be difficult to pursue this matter now..."


    Song Zhao furrowed her brows tightly, her eyes filled with a murderous intent.


    After a long silence, she finally spoke with a cold voice, "Why bother investigating someone who is already as good as dead? Instead of investigating, it would be better for me to send her off personally..."


    "To ascend to bliss early!"

 Chapter 231: The Girl Dies

    <h4>Chapter 231</h4>


    Kun Ning Pce.


    "All conditioned phenomena are like dreams, illusions, bubbles, or shadows; they are like dewdrops, lightning, or a sh of lightning. Thus should you observe them."


    The Empress knelt in front of the Buddha shrine, softly chanting scriptures while tightly gripping a string of glossy honey-colored amber prayer beads.


    "Creak."


    She paused her movements upon hearing the door to her inner chamber being pushed open and casually asked,


    "Has the item been delivered to the Empress Dowager?"


    Frost Ruol stood behind her and bowed respectfully, saying, "The calming elixir has been delivered to the Empress Dowager. The amulet personally sewn by the Empress has also been given to the princess. The wet nurse said that the princess is doing well and assured the Empress not to worry. However, the Empress Dowager has been adamant about not allowing you to see the princess. Perhaps it would be better if..."


    "If she doesn''t want to see me, then so be it. Jing and Yang are by the Empress Dowager''s side, and no one would dare harbor ill intentions towards the princess," the Empress calmly raised her phoenix eyes and raised her hand, allowing Frost Ruol to support her as she continued, "Have you found out the information I asked for?"


    Frost Ruol replied, "I found Ephedra in the medicinal residue used by the Empress Dowager. The pce''s Ephedra is refined together with Tian Chuangzi. Those who consume it are advised to avoid drinking alcohol, to the extent that they cannot even tolerate its smell. Otherwise, they would experience symptoms simr to what the Empress Dowager had today, dizziness and weakness in the limbs."


    Frost Ruol had served the Empress for many years and was knowledgeable in the field of medicine.


    Upon hearing her words, the Empress had a general idea in her mind.


    She turned around and sat in the chair, her gaze sinister, and a faint smile on her thin lips.


    "Consort Yi thought she was clever. She added realgar in the decoction for the imperial concubines, but it ended up allowing someone with ulterior motives to use the scent of realgar to mask the taste of the realgar wine. The Empress Dowager unknowingly smelled it and suffered from dizziness. She almost fell and endangered the precious ''heir.''"


    The Empress''s tone was indifferent, but the smile on her lips grew stronger.


    "During this period of my recuperation, Consort Yi has gained favor from countless people, to the point where she can stand on equal footing with the Noble Consort. It seems that she has offended quite a few people because of this."


    Frost Ruol poured a cup of hot tea for the Empress and asked in a low voice, "Empress, who do you think is behind this?"


    "What does it matter who she is? What does it have to do with me? The Emperor ordered me to rest, and regardless of how chaotic the harem bes, it has nothing to do with me. If they want to fight to the death, let them. I will focus on my Buddhist practice and stay away from those filthy matters that would disturb my peace of mind."


    The Empress uncovered the tea cup and gently skimmed off the foam on the surface of the tea.


    She fell silent for a moment and instructed Frost Ruol, "Go to the Imperial Study and inform the Emperor that due to the cold winter weather, my health has been affected, and I need to rest. From now until the beginning of spring next year, even if it''s the New Year''s Eve banquet, I won''t be able to leave the pce to attend."


    The Empress was unwilling to be sidelined by Xiao Jingheng.


    Although recently Xiao Jingheng had reluctantly permitted her to move around outside the pce, at this moment, she voluntarily requested to stay confined. This matter was definitely not as simple as it seemed on the surface.


    Therefore, Frost Ruol asked, "Empress, what are you worried about?"


    The Empress sneered, "The things we can guess, the Empress Dowager and Yi Concubine may not be unable to guess. Today, during the plum blossom viewing in the Plum Garden, I will be standing beside the Empress Dowager. It''s inevitable that someone will suspect me of being behind it. The person who did this also wants to smear me with dirty water..."


    Shuangruo immediately said, "So, Your Majesty wants to temporarily avoid suspicion? On one hand, it can avoid me and prevent retaliation from Yi Concubine. On the other hand, it can also give the real culprit more opportunities to harm Yi Concubine and her child. Or... is it scheming against Noble Consort?"


    "The Amitabha Buddha." The Empress devoutly chanted a Buddhist phrase to interrupt Shuangruo''s words, and then said sternly,


    "I''m just feeling unwell, where do you get such suspicious thoughts? Cheng Yu is the Emperor''s own flesh and blood, Noble Consort and Yi Concubine are the Emperor''s favored concubines, and I am the Empress, who represents motherhood and the world. Naturally, I hope that everything goes well for them."


    Shuangruo chuckled and pped her cheek, saying, "Empress, you are full of benevolence. I misspoke."


    *


    On the other hand,


    In the evening, after Xiao Jingheng finished his court affairs, he hurried to the Yonghe Pce to visit Noble Consort Chen.


    He was delighted about the news of Noble Consort Chen expecting twins.


    As soon as he entered the bedchamber, he saw Noble Consort Chen bowing to pay her respects. Xiao Jingheng quickly helped her up with one hand and held her slightly plump waist with the other, smiling brightly and saying,


    "Why bother with all this when you are carrying a child? Please sit."


    As they sat side by side on the warm seat, Xiao Jingheng''s gaze fell on her small abdomen, filled with joy and emotion.


    "You were really clueless. How did you only find out about this after five months?"


    He hade in a sedan chair, and although the imperial carriage was warm, Noble Consort Chen felt his palm was cold.


    After they sat down, she held Xiao Jingheng''s clearly defined hand joints with both hands, warming them for him.


    "I, too, couldn''t believe it when I first heard. Even Qi, the imperial physician, couldn''t detect the signs of twins. His medical skills are top-notch in the pce. It''s a surprise even to him."


    Xiao Jingheng said, "You probably don''t know. Last month, Qi''s family had an unfortunate incident. His son passed away. As he was old and had only one child, this blow left him in a daze. It''s only natural."


    Noble Consort Chen looked surprised and said, "Is that so? No wonder the physician''s office said he took a leave... In that case, it''s better to let him take care of his family affairs first and then return to serve in the pce."


    Xiao Jingheng nodded lightly.


    He caressed Noble Consort Chen''s swollen belly, and joy of being a father was evident in his eyes and brows.


    "Wan''er, it''s our blessing that you are expecting twins. I''m overjoyed. Coincidentally, your father will be returning to the capital in a couple of days. I know you miss your family and want to arrange for your parents to enter the pce and meet you."


    Upon hearing this, Noble Consort Chen''s eyes sparkled, and a sudden warmth emerged from her heart, turning into mist and rising to her eyes.


    "I... thank you, Your Majesty, for your grace!"


    In the imperial harem, if the imperial consort is pregnant and favored by the Emperor, when she reaches the eighth month of pregnancy, she can arrange to meet her family:


    On one hand, it is to providefort and relieve homesickness, which helps with the delivery;


    On the other hand...


    Giving birth has always been a dangerous endeavor for women, with the saying "the child survives, the mother dies." There is always the fear of unexpected idents, leaving no chance to bid farewell to loved ones, which is always a regret.


    However, at only five months into Noble Consort Chen''s pregnancy, Xiao Jingheng arranged for her family to visit the pce, showing just how much he cared for her.


    But what touched Noble Consort Chen even more was not just that, but hearing that familiar address from Xiao Jingheng once again.


    ¡ª Wan''er.


    Compared to the title of Noble Consort, which symbolizes supreme honor, Noble Consort Chen preferred to be called Wan''er by Xiao Jingheng.


    For her, the warmth contained in that address was more important than anything else.


    That night, without any surprise, Xiao Jingheng stayed at Yonghe Pce to apany Noble Consort Chen.


    The next day, on his way to pay respects to the Empress Dowager, Jiang Deshun had already informed him of the danger that urred in the Plum Garden the day before.


    When he saw the Empress Dowager, she had Qingzhu recount the details of the incident to Xiao Jingheng once again.


    After Qingzhu finished speaking, the Empress Dowager dismissed the attendants and spoke softly to Xiao Jingheng:


    "Noble Consort is pregnant, yet she was willing to risk her own life to protect Cheng Yu. It shows her true nature is not wicked. Now that she has given birth to twins, has the Emperor considered fulfilling her wish to be a mother?"


    Xiao Jingheng lowered his eyes, leaned forward slightly with his arms resting on the sandalwood table.


    His right index finger asionally stroked the jade fingerstall on his thumb.


    After pondering for a long time, he closed his eyes, and in a calm voice, he said:


    "If it''s a princess, keeping her by Noble Consort''s side is not out of the question. But if it''s a prince, then what happened to Yu''er that day..."


    He paused for a moment,


    Then he suddenly lifted his eyelids, his gaze sharp as a sword, and in a tone devoid of any emotion, he uttered one sentence:


    "Today, it remains the same."


    [Chapter 149: Yu''er was the child of Noble Consort Chen who was lost after a fall.]

 Chapter 232: The Princess of Darkness

    <h4>Chapter 232</h4>


    These past two days, Noble Consort Chen has been summoning Song Zhao to her pce every day.


    She ims that she wants to teach her the rules of managing the six pces.


    But most of the time, she''s just finding ways to make things difficult for Song Zhao.


    For example, today, Noble Consort Chen asked Song Zhao to arrange the seating and menu for the New Year''s Eve banquet next month.


    However, ording to the usual procedure, these matters should have been nned by the Pce Affairs Department and the Imperial Food Management Bureau and then submitted to the master of the Six Pces for review. Any inappropriate aspects could be modified ordingly.


    Now, Song Zhao is solely responsible for everything. It''s not too difficult to arrange the seating, but when ites to deciding the menu for the banquet, it involves the preferences of the concubines in each pce.


    How can Song Zhao possibly know who likes what and who has dietary restrictions?


    Seeing that she hesitated with the pen for a long time without writing a single word, Noble Consort Chen impatiently said,


    "Be more careful this time. Don''t repeat what happenedst time in the Plum Garden when you couldn''t even get someone to clean the floor properly."


    Just then, Kang Yubin entered with a smiling face to report,


    "Reporting to Your Highness, Grand Eunuch Jiang from the Imperial Court came by earlier and delivered a message. The Emperor has arranged for the Grand General and his wife to visit the pce tomorrow to meet with you, Your Highness!"


    "Is that so?" Noble Consort Chen''s joy was written all over her face. She couldn''t help but look at Song Zhao with pride. "The Emperor truly cares about me. I simply mentioned that I wanted to see my family, and he immediately made the arrangements."


    Kang Yubin ttered, "Indeed, Your Highness holds a special ce in the Emperor''s heart. When ites to favor and affection in this pce, who canpare to Your Highness?"


    These words reached Song Zhao''s ears, and normally, they wouldn''t have caused any ripples in her heart.


    But she knew that Noble Consort Chen wanted to see her jealous and envious, so she deliberately made a sudden stroke with the brush, leaving a conspicuous ink blot on the pale yellow paper.


    Noble Consort Chen burst intoughter upon seeing this and continued to speak to herself,


    "Come to think of it, thest time I met my parents was two years ago when my father achieved great merit, and the Emperor personally arranged a family banquet. It''s been so long, and I miss them dearly. Liu Yue, instruct the small kitchen to prepare more seafood tomorrow. Mother has a particr fondness for it."


    Liu Yue acknowledged the order and withdrew. Kang Yubin then asked,


    "Your Highness, with the New Year approaching, should we prepare the customary congrattory gift for the Emperor on New Year''s Eve as usual?"


    "Naturally." Noble Consort Chen didn''t hesitate for a moment and said almost instinctively, "The gift for the Emperor must be something exceptional, without any room for negligence."


    Indeed, every year Noble Consort Chen would give Xiao Jingheng a New Year''s gift that required spending a fortune.


    Take, for example, the dragon-patterned jade bi she gave Xiao Jinghengst year, which was over ten feet tall. Just the pure white jade alone was worth a fortune, not to mention the natural dragon pattern on top of it.


    At this moment, Noble Consort Chen wore a satisfied expression, but Kang Yubin''s face showed a hint of worry. He whispered,


    "But... Your Highness, when you were pregnant and received your promotion, you generously rewarded the six pces. It has already depleted a significant amount of our treasury. Currently, we are facing some financial difficulties in the pce."


    Noble Consort Chen frowned disapprovingly, saying, "If you need to prepare, then go ahead and prepare. After all, Father will be entering the pce tomorrow. It''s a matter that pleases the Emperor, and no matter how much money is spent, Father won''t find it excessive."


    Most likely, Noble Consort Chen was putting on a show for Song Zhao. She wanted to indirectly convey to Song Zhao that she had a powerful maternal family that could support her at any time, unlike Song Zhao, who had no one behind her.


    But the more Song Zhao listened, the more she found Noble Consort Chen''s foolishness somewhat endearing...


    Throughout the years, whether it was Xiao Jingheng''s birthday or New Year''s gifts, the gifts sent by Noble Consort Chen from the pce always had to be the most extravagant and ostentatious.


    But has she ever considered...


    Even though she only receives a monthly allowance of a thousand taels of silver as a consort,


    And although her father and brothers were important officials in the previous dynasty, their sries amounted to only fifteen hundred taels.


    While the figures may sound wealthy, they still can''t sustain Noble Consort Chen''s extravagant lifestyle.


    Hasn''t she ever doubted where her father''s seemingly endless wealthes from?


    After Kang Yubin left, Noble Consort Chen asked Song Zhao to put down her pen and asked her,


    "Help me think about what gift I should give to the Emperor for the New Year''s Eve celebration that would please him."


    She couldn''t help but taunt Song Zhao, "Rest assured, I know you live a frugal life. If your suggestion is good, I will naturally help you prepare a small gift so that you won''t embarrass yourself too much during the New Year''s Eve banquet."


    Resting her chin on her hand, Song Zhao pondered for a moment and then said,


    "Last year, I was under house arrest and did not attend the New Year''s Eve banquet. Butter, I heard from Consort Yao that the Emperor greatly admired the jade seal with a dragon pattern that the Empress Consort gave him. He also praised the gift that Consort Yin presented."


    "Consort Yin?" Noble Consort Chen sneered, "Hmph. Wasn''t it because her maternal family supplied ten thousand soldiers to the court? The Ada Tribe was short on gold and silver, so they could only send some worthless livestock and people."


    Song Zhao replied, "When the Emperor, who rules over the world, desires any rare treasure, is there anything he can''t obtain? On the contrary, those seemingly worthless things in the Empress Consort''s eyes are actual military power and authority. They are valuable things that no amount of money can buy for the Emperor."


    Although Song Zhao''s words sounded somewhat harsh, upon careful consideration, they made sense.


    Noble Consort Chen said, "You make it sound so easy. The Ada Tribe has autonomy, so of course, they can send soldiers to the Emperor. But where can I go to recruit soldiers and buy horses for the Emperor?"


    "No need for you to recruit soldiers and buy horses, Your Highness." Song Zhao met Noble Consort Chen''s gaze and whispered, "Isn''t General Ningmanding an army of two hundred thousand?"


    Upon hearing this, Noble Consort Chen almost rolled her eyes to the heavens.


    "Song Zhao, have you lost your mind after giving birth to a child? The soldiers and horses under Father''smand belong to the Qi Dynasty. They originally belong to the Emperor. Are you suggesting that I take what belongs to the Emperor and give it back to him? Are you suggesting that I make a fool of the Emperor?"


    Song Zhao smiled lightly and calmly said,


    "Ning Grand General is brave and skilled in warfare. In recent years, he has pacified all the hostile foreign countries and territories that were against the Qi Dynasty. Since the defeat of Zhu Yin, the world has been unified, and all countries have submitted to the mighty Qi Dynasty. Now, the Qi Dynasty enjoys peace and prosperity, and there will be no more wars. At this moment, Ning Grand General returns his military power to the Emperor. Can there be a better gift for the Emperor?"


    Noble Consort Chen always considers things from Xiao Jingheng''s perspective.


    Song Zhao''s words also awakened her.


    Now that the world is at peace, if her father still holds a significant military force, it may invite criticism from the old courtiers of the previous dynasty who cling to outdated practices.


    But the Ning family has always been a family of militarymanders, not ordinary frontline generals, but governors.


    For a militarymander without military power, what is the meaning of being a governor?


    "You want my father to give up his military power? Then my father and brothers from the previous dynasty will be left with only a hollow title?"


    "Noble Consort, you worry too much. Ning Grand General is an expert in military strategy and undefeated in battle. The Emperor values his strategic acumen and his ability to lead troops. Whether he has military power or not, as long as he is present, the Qi Dynasty will never lose a war. The Emperor will continue to treat Ning Grand General favorably, and no one from the previous dynasty will dare to disrespect him. Most importantly, this gift, when presented, will please the Emperor more than any amount of gold, silver, or jade that Noble Consort can offer."


    Noble Consort Chen carefully pondered Song Zhao''s words for a long time before nodding slowly.


    "My father has carried the scars of years of campaigns and battles. If he still holds military power, he will inevitably have to lead troops and train them regrly, leaving him no time to heal his wounds. It would be better to transfer the military power to someone else, and then my father will have time to recover his strength."


    As she said this, she nced at Song Zhao and her tone softened.


    "Your idea is not bad. After my father enters the pce tomorrow, I will discuss this matter with him in detail. You have been here with me for half a day today. You can go back to the pce and rest."

 Chapter 233: No Intention

    <h4>Chapter 233</h4>


    On the way back to the pce from Yonghe Pce,


    Yun Shan reced Song Zhao''s old soupdy.


    Supporting Song Zhao into the sedan chair, she unfastened the wind button at his cor and asked in a low voice,


    "Does Your Majesty think that if Noble Consort Chen persuades General Ning Bochuan, the Ning family will willingly give up their military power?"


    Song Zhao nced back at the extravagant Yonghe Pce and shook his head lightly without answering.


    Regardless of whether the Ning family hands over the military power or not, they are already at their wits'' end.


    If Ning Bochuan refuses to relinquish his military power, Xiao Jingheng will eventually use an iron fist to take it back from him, branding him as a traitor and subjecting him to public scorn.


    If he does hand over the military power, his fate won''t be any better.


    Over the years, the Ning family has undoubtedly epted numerous bribes through their official positions. How could Xiao Jingheng not investigate?


    At this point, no matter what they do, the Ning family is doomed.


    The reason Song Zhao still allowed Noble Consort Chen to persuade Ning Bochuan is that she knows Xiao Jingheng''s intention in arranging for Noble Consort Chen to meet her maternal family at this time.


    During the meeting with the Ning family, Xiao Jingheng will definitely have spies eavesdropping on their conversation.


    If Noble Consort Chen''s advice to Ning Bochuan reaches Xiao Jingheng''s ears, then it is likely that Xiao Jingheng will consider their past rtionship and spare Noble Consort Chen''s life.


    Noble Consort Chen saved Cheng Yu''s life, for which Song Zhao owes her a debt. Song Zhao must repay it.


    As for the life and death of her maternal family, it can only be left to fate. It''s beyond Song Zhao''s power to control.


    At noon the next day, Jiang Deshun apanied Ning Bochuan and his wife to Yonghe Pce to pay respects to Noble Consort Chen.


    Noble Consort Chen hadn''t seen her parents for two years.


    Seeing them today, her father''s face was weathered, with gray hair growing on his temples, and a new scar with a faint redness on his left cheek.


    Her mother, on the other hand, had maintained herself well, showing no signs of the passage of time on her face.


    Her skin was like jade, her lips were as red as vermilion, her figure was graceful, and she was adorned with pearls and jade, just as rich and beautiful as Noble Consort Chen.


    Because they were in the pce, the two of them had to perform a kowtow to Noble Consort Chen.


    But Noble Consort Chen didn''t care about these formalities, nor did she mind Jiang Deshun standing by. She hurriedly helped her parents up,


    "Father and Mother, what are you doing? Your daughter is not filial enough to stay by your side, and now that we finally meet, you still have to kowtow like this. Won''t it make your daughter uneasy?"


    Jiang Deshun gestured with his eyes, but it wasn''t the right time to mention any rules. He smiled and said,


    "Noble Consort, it''s been a long time since you''ve seen your family. There must be a lot you want to talk about. This servant will return to Chaoyang Pce and report to General Ning. I''lle to escort General Ning out of the pce at the hour of Shen."


    After he left, Mrs. Han tightly held Noble Consort Chen''s hand, her tearful eyes choked up,


    "Wan''er, Mother often thinks of you. Seeing that everything is going well for you, and the Emperor treats you like a precious gem, and now you''re even pregnant with twins, it''s truly a blessing from heaven. Mother is truly happy for you."


    Seeing her mother crying, Noble Consort Chen also couldn''t help but well up with tears.


    "Mother, please don''t cry. The Emperor has granted permission for you and Father to stay in the Daughter''s Pce and have lunch together. It''s not convenient to talk here in the open. Let''s go inside first."


    As she supported Mrs. Han into the pce, Ning Bochuan, who followed alongside silently, took out a in handkerchief from his pocket and handed it to Mrs. Han to wipe away her tears.


    It seemed out of ce for a handkerchief from a man''s embrace to be taken out by a woman. But such scenes were familiar to Noble Consort Chen, who had witnessed them often when she was still at home.


    Everyone saw Ning Bochuan with his fierce appearance, amanding presence that didn''t require anger to intimidate, but only Noble Consort Chen knew the gentle side of her father.


    Ning Bochuan had only married Mrs. Han in his entire life, which was quite rare for someone in his position. Most officials at his level had multiple wives and concubines, let alone chambermaids.


    Growing up watching her parents'' affectionate rtionship, Noble Consort Chen also hoped to find a man like her father in the future. She wished for a love that would be as devoted and unconditional as her father''s love for her mother.


    Now, as she watched her parents'' affection, she smiled on the surface while secretly thinking,


    Once she gave birth to twins in the future, her position in Xiao Jingheng''s heart would surely surpass all other women.


    Then, she would probably be able to live a loving and unquestionable life with her beloved husband, just like her parents.


    Later, during the meal, Noble Consort Chen shared her thoughts about wanting Ning''s family to hand over military power to Xiao Jingheng.


    She expected Ning Bochuan to be displeased, but he merely put down his chopsticks and fell silent for a moment before saying,


    "I will discuss this matter with your older brother and make a decision. Besides, this is a matter from the previous dynasty, and the harem should not interfere in political affairs. Your most important task right now is to take care of your pregnancy."


    After speaking, his gaze inadvertently fell on Noble Consort Chen''s slightly protruding belly.


    Mixed emotions welled up within him, and words lingered on his tongue, but he ultimately chose not to say anything further.


    Ning Bochuan had experienced the ups and downs of the officialdom for many years. He knew well the difficult situation Ning''s family was currently facing, caught in a dilemma where they couldn''t advance or retreat.


    He had never harbored rebellious intentions, and he had long wanted to return military power to Xiao Jingheng.


    But it was also a fact that he had been involved in corruption and bribery. With peace prevailing throughout the country and no need for military forces, if he lost military power, Xiao Jingheng would undoubtedly seek retribution and punish him severely.


    However, he also knew that if he didn''t hand over the military power, his daughter would forever be under the watchful eye of her husband, and even the children she bore wouldn''t be able toe into the world.


    After returning to their residence in the capital, Ning Bochuan called his eldest son, Ning Xiuqi, and exined Noble Consort Chen''s intentions to him.


    Upon hearing this, Ning Xiuqi hurriedly said,


    "Over these years, our Ning family has received countless bribes in secret. During the previous troubled times when the court needed capable people, the Emperor turned a blind eye to this matter. But now that the country is at peace, do you really think the Emperor will let us off if you hand over military power?"


    Ning Bochuan replied, "If we don''t hand over the military power, how can Wan''er have a good life in the pce? You know how much she loves the Emperor, and you also know how she almost devastated herself after the miscarriage incident. If the twins in her belly cannot be safely born this time, won''t it be like taking her life?"


    His eyes contained a weary, turbid light, and he scoffed disdainfully,


    "Speaking of the word ''greed,'' who in the court of civil and military officials isn''t greedy? The higher the official position, the more they crave, and the more they crave, the more they can serve the court. The Ning family has made great contributions to the prosperity of the dynasty. Without the Ning family, countless people would have been disced and hungry. The money we receive as tribute is rightfully ours."


    Ning Xiuqi''s voice sank as he said, "Whether it''s rightfully ours or not depends on how the emperor evaluates it. Once we surrender our military power, it means we lose our initiative, and our lives will be at the mercy of the emperor''s whim. Father... think it over."


    "Now that the country is peaceful and all nations of the world are submissive to our Great Qi, we martial generals have lost our ce to disy our martial prowess. Therefore, I, as your father, n to resign and retire to our hometown after relinquishing the military power. It would be best if you can also leave the chaos behind and return to a peaceful life as well.


    I have no intention of rebelling, but your spection, my son, carries heavier consequences than the crime of rebellion."


    As Ning Bochuan spoke, he carefully observed theplex expression on Ning Xiuqi''s face.


    With his youthful zeal and his own ambitions, it was only natural that he was reluctant to step down when he was at the height of his glory.


    So Ning Bochuan patted his shoulder and said meaningfully, "The wealth we have umted in our mansion in Chuanshan is more than enough to provide us and our descendants with afortable life for ten generations. Qier, many times we must be willing to give up something in order to gain something."


    Deep down, Ning Xiuqi was still unwilling,


    but he truly loved his sister, who was trapped in the pce, consumed by love.


    If they didn''t surrender their military power, perhaps the emperor would forever be wary of the Ning family, but it wouldn''t be wise to turn against the Ning family either. They could only maintain a strained harmony on the surface.


    However, his sister resided deep within the pce, confined by the crimson walls, unable to see their parents. She could only rely on her husband alone.


    Ning Xiuqi couldn''t bear to see his sister live a destitute life, so he could only sigh and agree with his father''s words,


    "If Father decides to do so, then the son will certainly follow. As for Wan''er... as her elder brother, I don''t hope for her to ascend the throne and shine brightly. I only wish for her to find true happiness and live a peaceful and smooth life in the pce. That would be wonderful."

 Chapter 234: Rong Yue is Captured

    <h4>Chapter 234</h4>


    The winter days grew dark early and brightenedte, and the nights seemed endless.


    It felt as if the days were stolen by the thick darkness,


    and before they knew it, one day after another passed by.


    On the thirteenth day of November, two days before Song Zhao''s ennoblement as a concubine, the ceremonial attire from the Department of Ceremonies arrived.


    It was a crimson auspicious robe with intricate golden embroidery, adorned with cloud-shaped pearls, exuding a splendid and luxurious aura.


    Song Zhao usually preferred clean and simple colors and rarely wore brightly colored garments,


    so when Yun Shan helped her put on the auspicious robe, she was momentarily stunned.


    She already possessed a breathtaking beauty, and now, with such an borate and magnificent attire, she shone even more brilliantly among all the beauties.


    The attendants from the Department of Ceremonies couldn''t help but gaze at Song Zhao for a long while beforeing back to their senses. With a smile, one of them said,


    "Does Your Highness find the attire fitting? Is there anything that needs improvement?"


    Song Zhao looked at herself in the mirror and felt a surge of emotions.


    She couldn''t count how long she had been anticipating this day,


    the day she had fought and struggled every step of the way, using her own abilities to climb up to the position of the fourth-ranked concubine.


    The robe was heavy, making her feel ufortable,


    but she still smiled and said,


    "You''ve done well. Everything is fine."


    Today, the auspicious robe was just brought for Song Zhao to try on for size. The attendants would take it back and bring it again on the day of the formal ennoblement ceremony for Song Zhao to wear.


    Just as Song Zhao was about to return to her inner chamber and change her clothes, she heard the attendant say,


    "Your Highness, there''s no need to trouble yourself. The Emperor is concerned about you and has ordered that he will personallyeter to see if any adjustments are needed for the auspicious robe."


    As the attendant stepped closer to Song Zhao, lowering his voice with a ttering smile, he said,


    "The cloud-shaped pearls on this robe were personally selected by the Emperor. Each one is round and of simr size. In terms of this gesture, even the Noble Consort has never received such treatment."


    A radiant smile appeared on Song Zhao''s face as she nodded lightly, saying, "The Emperor''s intentions are important, but it''s also thanks to the efforts of your department."


    As soon as she finished speaking, Yun Shan handed a golden melon seed to the eunuch.


    He hesitated for a moment but eventually epted it with a smile.


    At this moment, Xiaoyinzi, who had been absent from the pce for a long time, suddenly arrived and said to Song Zhao,


    "Noble Consort Jin''an. His Majesty wants me to inform you that he is currently upied and afraid he won''t have the time to visit. He wille to your pceter."


    Song Zhao replied, "State affairs are important. While you serve in the imperial court, please remind His Majesty not to overexert himself."


    Xiaoyinzi acknowledged and continued, "His Majesty finished approving the memorials early this morning so he could apany you as soon as possible. Originally, he was about to leave, but then Prince Qi suddenly arrived. He has been traveling outside for over half a year, and His Majesty couldn''t neglect him. He also invited Prince An and Prince Rui to the pce. It seems that tonight''s banquet will be unavoidable."


    His intention was to remind Song Zhao that Xiao Jingheng would be drinking tonight, so she should prepare a sobering soup in advance. It was a way of giving her a heads-up.


    However, from his words, Song Zhao gleaned something even more important.


    Prince An, Xiao Jingyan...


    As soon as Xiao Yinzi and the servants from the Office of Household Affairs left, Song Zhao immediately instructed Yun Shan, saying,


    "Go to Zhaochun Pce and summon Concubine Tong. Tell her that I have something to discuss with her."


    Yun Shan quickly went on her way and returned alone after about two quarters of an hour.


    "Your Majesty, when I went to Zhaochun Pce, I saw Hui Consort ying around with the pce maids. As for Concubine Tong and Concubine Li... they were not in the pce," she reported.


    "Indeed..." Song Zhao murmured, feeling a sense of unease.


    These two individuals really didn''t regard Emperor Xiao Jingheng highly. In the forbidden chambers of the pce, if the imperial consorts were entangled with the princes, the consequences would be unimaginable.


    "Xiao Fuzi, go discreetly to Chaoyang Pce and observe whether Prince An has left early," Song Zhao instructed.


    Xiao Fuzi quickly returned with news, his expression filled with guilt and a touch of panic.


    "Your Majesty, when this servant hurried to the outskirts of Chaoyang Pce, I happened to see Prince An rushing out. I followed behind, but Prince An was extremely alert. In the blink of an eye, he... disappeared," he exined.


    Song Zhao did not me him, instead, she calmly pondered on where the two of them would choose to meet today.


    After careful consideration, the route between Zhaochun Pce and Chaoyang Pce was frequently traversed by pce maids. The only ce that was abandoned was a theater stage, where very few people went.


    Therefore, Song Zhao immediately led Yun Shan and Xiao Fuzi to hurry over there.


    When they arrived, Song Zhao spotted Concubine Li, who resided with Rongyue. At this moment, she was crouching behind a sturdy pine tree, stealing nces towards the back of the theater screen.


    Before Song Zhao coulde up with a n, Concubine Li stealthily retreated.


    Seeing a group of pce guards passing by ahead, it was clear that Concubine Li was running towards them. Song Zhao quickly caught up, calling out to her from behind.


    "Concubine Li, why were you acting so flustered here?"


    "Consort Yi?" Concubine Li turned around abruptly. When her gaze met Song Zhao''s, she quickly made a hushing gesture, then hurriedly approached and paid her respects. Her eyes flickered towards the theater stage not far away as she whispered,


    "Your Majesty, this servant saw Prince An and Concubine Tong behind the theater stage. They were acting suspiciously! The pce rules are strict, so this servant nned to inform the guards to capture Concubine Tong first, then report this matter to the Emperor."


    "Such a thing happened?" Song Zhao''s expression momentarily turned grave. After pondering for a moment, she said,


    "Did you hear what they were saying?"


    Concubine Li shook her head. "I was too far away to hear clearly, but Prince An kept holding onto Concubine Tong''s arm. Men and women shouldn''t have such intimate interactions. What else could it be?"


    Upon hearing this, Song Zhao''s expression grew solemn. "If you didn''t hear what they were saying, you can''t simply rely on your eyes to conclude that they have such improper rtions. Regardless of their innocence, you must not inform the guards about this matter. Otherwise, if it esctes, it will damage the Emperor''s reputation."


    Concubine Li fell silent for a moment, feeling that Song Zhao''s words made sense. However, she weakly protested,


    "What should we do? I can''t just pretend not to see it, can I?" Song Zhao asked with a determined voice.


    Xiao Jingyan asked, "Where are they? Take me there first."


    Concubine Li led Song Zhao behind the pine and cypress trees.


    Song Zhao peeked out and indeed saw Prince An entangled with Rongyue.


    Rongyue''s eyes glistened with tears, appearing determined to leave, while Prince An held onto her tightly, refusing to let go.


    Concubine Li whispered in Song Zhao''s ear, "Your Majesty, did you see that? Today, when Concubine Tong left the pce, I noticed her acting suspiciously, so I followed her here. I never expected her to be meeting Prince An in this ce."


    Song Zhao was also shocked by the scene before her eyes. She walked out from behind the trees and shouted loudly at the struggling couple:


    "How dare you, Concubine Tong! In the forbidden pce, you dare to engage with an outsider like this? What kind of behavior is this!?"


    Her voice instantly caught the attention of the two, but before they could react, Song Zhao sternly gave her orders:


    "Xiao Fuzi, go and apprehend Concubine Tong!"


    Xiao Fuzi quickly stepped forward to carry out themand. Seeing Xiao Jingyan clenching his fists, seemingly inclined to protect Rongyue, Song Zhao added in amanding tone,


    "Prince An, if you dare to obstruct me, I won''t even spare the life of your mother!"


    Song Zhao''s gaze locked onto Xiao Jingyan, exuding an immense sense of pressure that startled Concubine Li, who was standing nearby, causing her to break out in cold sweat.


    Only after Xiao Fuzi detained Rongyue did Song Zhao shift her gaze away from Xiao Jingyan.


    "Take her ande with me to meet the emperor!"


    "Consort Yi..." Xiao Jingyan called out in a deep voice, but Song Zhao had no intention of engaging with him any further. She turned decisively and spoke in a cold tone:


    "If Prince An has something to exin, he should personally present it to the emperor."


    With those words, Song Zhao''s gaze swept to Xiao Fuzi at the corner of her eye, emanating an imposing aura even without anger.


    "Take them away!"

 Chapter 235: Turning the Tide 01

    <h4>Chapter 235</h4>


    On the way to Chaoyang Pce,


    Song Zhao and Concubine Li Changzai walked ahead, while Xiao Fuzi and Yun Shan tightly held onto Rongyue, following behind.


    During the journey, Song Zhao whispered to Concubine Li Changzai,


    "When we meet the Emperor, don''t say anything. Just im that it was I who discovered this matter first, and you merely happened to stumble upon it."


    "I understand," replied Concubine Li Changzai softly.


    Although he agreed outwardly, deep down he felt that Song Zhao was trying to take all the credit for herself.


    It was clear that she had discovered the matter first. If she remained silent and let Song Zhao take all the glory in front of Xiao Jingheng, wouldn''t she be handing her marriage dress to someone else?


    Meanwhile, as Concubine Li Changzai pondered over these thoughts,


    Xiao Fuzi, walking behind, deliberately nced down and caught sight of the white jade embedded on Prince An''s official boots. She subtly raised her eyebrows and exchanged a meaningful nce with Prince An.


    When the group reached the corner of the street outside Chaoyang Pce, Song Zhao instructed Xiao Fuzi to release Rongyue,


    They finally arrived at the entrance of Chaoyang Pce, where Song Zhao spoke to Xiao Yinzi, who was guarding the door:


    "Kindly inform the Imperial Eunuch to ry a message to the Emperor on my behalf. Let him know that I have an urgent matter to discuss with him."


    Xiao Yinzi replied, "The Emperor is currently enjoying drinks and conversation with several princes inside. How about I inform him, and he can summon Her Majesty to join the gathering?"


    Song Zhao said, "Whisper to the Emperor discreetly, informing him that the situation is urgent. Please request His Majesty to move to the side hall."


    Xiao Yinzi rarely witnessed Song Zhao being so serious,


    Seeing Concubine Li Changzai and Tong Changzai by her side, he refrained from saying more and hurriedly entered to report the matter to Xiao Jingheng.


    After waiting for about fifteen minutes in the side hall, Xiao Jingheng arrived.


    Upon his arrival, he was momentarily unclear about the situation.


    He noticed Song Zhao and Concubine Li Changzai seated in the main seats, while Rongyue knelt on the floor below, with a drunken Xiao Jingyan standing beside her.


    Everyone bowed and paid their respects, but before Xiao Jingheng could gesture for them to rise, Concubine Li Changzai stepped forward, impatiently saying to him,


    "It''s good that Your Majesty hase. We are at a loss due to this situation and need Your Majesty''s guidance."


    Xiao Jingheng nced at her indifferently and asked, "What is it?"


    Concubine Li Changzai pointed at Rongyue and said, "Concubine Tong has vited her duties as a wife. She shamelessly engaged in intimate behavior with Prince An within the pce, disying wanton behavior!"


    Rongyue anxiously defended herself, "I didn''t!"


    *Smack*


    A crisp sound of a p resounded from the left cheek of Concubine Li Changzai.


    Without hesitation, Xiao Jingheng pped her across the face, his expression filled with anger.


    "Nonsense!"


    Concubine Li Changzai was stunned and overwhelmed with grievances. Choking back her tears, she said,


    "Your Majesty! I personally witnessed it! If you don''t believe me, ask Concubine Yipin. She saw it too!"


    Xiao Jingheng''s gaze turned dark. After ncing at Rongyue and Prince An,


    he finally fixed his eyes on Song Zhao and asked, "What did you see?"


    Song Zhao respectfully bowed and said, "Your Majesty, tonight you were enjoying drinks and conversation with the princes. I prepared a sobering soup, intending to send it to you and the princes."


    Concubine Li coincidentally encountered a flustered Li Changzai halfway. I asked her what she was doing and learned that she had witnessed a dispute between Tong Changzai and Prince An, and was anxious to find a guard to apprehend Tong Changzai.


    I believed that the matter had not yet been resolved and it would not be wise to rm the guards. So, I stopped her and apanied her to investigate the situation. To my surprise, at an abandoned stage, I indeed saw Prince An pulling on Tong Changzai''s arm, seemingly arguing with her. Unable to make a decision, I brought Tong Changzai back first and let the Emperor question her personally."


    Song Zhao''s ount was detailed and devoid of falsehoods.


    Concubine Li immediately chimed in, "That''s right! Your Majesty, I did not falsely use Tong Changzai!"


    Xiao Jingheng ignored her and instead cast a skeptical gaze at Prince An and Rongyue.


    However,


    Before he could inquire, Prince An, reeking of alcohol, stumbled his way in front of him and abruptly asked,


    "Brother, I want to ask, have you mistreated Tong Changzai?"


    Xiao Jingheng red at him angrily, "What kind of question is that?"


    Prince An belched and incoherently said,


    "If you haven''t mistreated Tong Changzai, why would she steal something from me, her own younger brother?"


    "I did not!" Rongyue vehemently retorted, "Why would the Prince use me falsely?"


    "No?" Prince An sneered and swayed towards her, raising two fingers and drunkenly saying, "Two months ago, on your birthday, I went to the Queen Mother''s pce to retrieve your birthday gift. Perhaps due to excessive drinking, I was somewhat disoriented along the way, and only realized after getting the item that the jade pendant I always wore was nowhere to be found."


    As he said this, he looked back at Xiao Jingheng, patted his empty waist, and eximed, "Do you remember, Brother? It was the jade pendant that Father gave me."


    Xiao Jingheng''s expression turned serious, and he remained silent, quietly observing Prince An''s drunken antics.


    Prince An continued, "I thought that when I vomited near the artificial mountain on the way to the Queen Mother''s pce, I identally dropped the jade pendant. So, I turned back to search for it.


    But what I saw was Tong Changzai picking it up. I initially wanted to confront her, but at that time, Consort Yi went into prematurebor, and male outsiders were not allowed to remain in the pce. So, I left the pce first..."


    Prince An appeared heavily intoxicated,


    Speaking while swaying and stumbling, almost tripping several times,


    He leaned against the armrest of a nearby huangli wood chair, squinted his eyes, and fixed his gaze on Rongyue,


    "Today, my brother summoned me to the pce after not seeing each other for a long time. Overjoyed, I drank a few more cups. When Brother saw me lose control, he asked me to go out and get some fresh air. Little did I know that I would coincidentally encounter Tong Changzai again.


    That jade pendant was the only keepsake left by Father. Naturally, I wanted to ask her to return it to me. But unexpectedly... she shamelessly imed she had never seen it before. I became furious, so I held onto her and wouldn''t let her leave, arguing with her."


    Prince An was the youngest brother whom Xiao Jingheng cherished the most.


    Xiao Jingheng was well aware that Prince An had a tendency to get drunk and behave inappropriately.


    Furthermore, the jade flute, which Prince An always carried with him, was nowhere to be found when Xiao Jingheng nced at his waist.


    Upon careful consideration, he realized that he hadn''t seen it for quite some time.


    So he asked Rongyue, "On the day of my birthday, you did leave the table early. Did you happen to pick up anything belonging to Prince An?"


    "Well... Your Majesty...," Rongyue stuttered, looking extremely flustered and unable to give a clear answer.


    On the other hand, Song Zhao furrowed her brows as if she suddenly remembered something.


    "The jade flute? Your Majesty, do you remember when Concubine Tong once gave me a gift wrapped in ebony wood during Prince Chengyu''s full moon celebration?"


    After a brief moment of contemtion, Xiao Jingheng nodded and said, "It seems like there was such an incident."


    "Inside the brocade box was a jade flute. However, I am not familiar with music, so after epting it, I never touched it again. It has been kept in the treasury all this time. Could it be..."


    Song Zhao suddenly looked at Rongyue, wearing a surprised expression, and said, "The gift you gave during Prince Chengyu''s celebration, did you steal it from Prince An?" [Refer to Chapter 117 for details]

 Chapter 236: Turn It Around 02

    <h4>Chapter 236</h4>


    Song Zhao used Rongyue of "stealing" and changed the nature of the matter.


    Rongyue panicked and immediately said, "This concubine did not steal! This concubine also does not know that thing belongs to Prince An... This concubine..."


    She was extremely afraid, her lips trembling as she spoke, frightened into tears spilling out.


    But Song Zhao did not even nce at her, only ordering Xiao Fuzi to retrieve the item from the pce for Prince An to take a look, to see if it was his lost possession.


    Xiao Fuzi went there and back in just the time it took to burn a stick of incense.


    He held in his hands a box of dark red wood, presenting it to Xiao Jingheng.


    Xiao Jingheng opened the embroidered box, and saw inside was ced a jade ruyi scepter.


    He picked up the jade ruyi, examined the patterned veins, which were enough to confirm this belonged to Prince An.


    "Take a look, is this yours?"


    Prince An had toe over, rubbing his drunk eyes to scrutinize it carefully before being emotionally moved. His eyes reddening, he said:


    "This vein-patterned jade ruyi is the only one of its kind in the world. Back then, Father Emperor originally wanted to gift this item to Eldest Imperial Brother, but Eldest Imperial Brother knew that I, his younger brother, enjoyed music, so he persuaded Father Emperor to gift it to me instead."


    He treasured the jade ruyi as he hung it back at his waist, his voice low:


    "This object holds extraordinary meaning for me. It is not only the one and only gift Father Emperor gave me, but also carries Eldest Imperial Brother''s deep affection for me. While objects may be lost, bonds cannot."


    Blinking back the tears shining in his eyes, he looked to Xiao Jingheng and solemnly bowed with sped hands:


    "Today I was drunk and offended Imperial Brother''s concubine. I beg Imperial Brother to forgive this younger brother."


    Mentioning past events also moved Xiao Jingheng somewhat.


    At this time, he could not bear to me Prince An. He only patted An''s shoulder and gently said:


    "If you lost something, you should have informed Us. You are a prince, your every move represents the imperial family''s dignity. Getting drunk and losingposure like this, would it not make others mock andugh?"


    Prince An guiltily responded: "Eldest Imperial Brother''s teaching is right, this younger brother knows his wrong."


    Xiao Jingheng waved his hand. "Forget it, just this one time, don''t let it happen again."


    This time, Xiao Jingheng was able to let go of his suspicions so quickly for two reasons. Half was because Prince An was his most doted-on younger brother, and the other half was that he felt Song Zhao had no need to interfere in this matter at all to conceal anything for Rongyue.


    Of the newly entered concubines, the one Xiao Jingheng valued most was Rongyue, summoning her most frequently. Song Zhao was clearly aware of this.


    So in Xiao Jingheng''s perspective, Song Zhao should feel some jealousy towards Rongyue,


    and even if not, she would not be intimate with Rongyue.


    Moreover, Consort Li was the one who discovered this matter first.


    Even if Song Zhao had the intention of helping rescue Rongyue, it was impossible for her to secretly take Prince An''s jade ruyi without knowing, and in a short time frame make up such a wless lie.


    After this analysis, Xiao Jingheng felt perhaps this whole thing was merely a misunderstanding.


    At this moment, looking at Rongyue who knelt on the ground weeping pitifully, he could not help feeling somewhat unhappy:


    "You take lost items without reporting them, and even bestow them to others? I originally thought you were tranquil and understood etiquette, but I did not expect you to be so undeserving."


    "Your Majesty, please forgive this concubine''s crimes. This concubine knows her wrongs..." Rongyue kowtowed to admit her crimes, but Xiao Jingheng no longer looked at her.


    Instead, he turned to nce at Song Zhao and asked, "What do you think, how should this matter be dealt with?"


    Song Zhao pondered calmly for a while before coolly saying:


    "Although Consort Li was innocent, such behavior cannot be condoned. However, this matter should not spread outward, otherwise it would ultimately damage the imperial family''s reputation. This concubine believes that cutting her sry for three months, and making her kneel to recite women''s virtues for one night, would teach her a lesson and also avoid making a big mor that all within the pce may know."


    This matter could of course absolutely not spread outside.


    The people involved in this matter, whether Xiao Jingheng, Prince An, or Rongyue, were all imperial family members, and safeguarding the imperial family''s reputation took utmost precedence.


    If this was really spread outside, there were many gossipy people in the inner pce. Something originally insignificant could be distorted by rumors into who knows what.


    Song Zhao''s method of dealing with this seemed very proper in Xiao Jingheng''s view.


    So he appraised Song Zhao with an approving look and nodded in agreement:


    "Then handle it as you suggested."


    Song Zhao gently nodded, and then her expression chilled as she lowered her gaze to Rongyue and said:


    "You go back to Zhaochun Pce to recite women''s virtues, and you would definitely disturb Consort Hui. Consort Hui has an innocent child''s temperament, and may inadvertently mention this matter to others, which would not be good. Let''s do this instead, you will apany this concubine back to Chang Le Pce afterward, and kneel to recite in this concubine''s side hall. That will avoidplications, and also allow people to watch that you do not ck off."


    Rongyue stopped sobbing and weakly responded, "This concubine obeys the instructions of Noble Consort."


    After handling this matter, Song Zhao looked back at Consort Li and sternly said:


    "Consort Li, you must keep today''s events secret, not mentioning a single word. We do not want any absurd rumors spread that tarnish the imperial family''s reputation."


    In the face of the sudden shift in events, Consort Li had yet to regain her senses.


    She thought it was still frightening when looking back,


    If Song Zhao had not stopped her earlier, she really might have recklessly summoned the guards in her agitation, escting the matter. Xiao Jingheng would definitely have been furious at her.


    Now, having narrowly avoided disaster, how could Consort Li dare have any dissent?


    She hurriedly said: "This concubine understands."


    While Song Zhao handled this matter, Xiao Jingheng remained silent the entire time, only watching quietly and also contemting inwardly, feeling she resolved this appropriately.


    If the person who discovered this matter today was instead Noble Consort Chen, with her temperament, she likely would have already made a big mor that the entire inner pce knew.


    Yet Song Zhao was different.


    What she considered at all times was first how to safeguard the imperial family¡¯s reputation and the emperor¡¯s unvible dignity.


    She knew to block Consort Li from summoning the guards and publicizing this matter,


    would call him to the side hall instead of mentioning it in the main hall before the other princes,


    thought of Consort Hui¡¯s childish temper and loose tongue, so even punishing Rongyue was secretly conducted in her own pce,


    Such meticulous thoughtfulness at every turn demonstrated that after spending this time in the pce she had gained experience and maturity.


    But Xiao Jingheng would not be wary of her for her cleverness,


    after all, the current Song Zhao no longer had backing from her maternal family and would not pose the slightest threat to state politics.


    It was precisely because of this that Song Zhao¡¯s adeptness disyed today would instead make Xiao Jingheng feel


    that with her having grown to this point and gained appropriate wisdom, she could assist to properly arrange inner pce affairs, reducing some of his own worries.


    That day, Xiao Fuzi and the rest brought Rongyue back to Chang Le Pce, while Prince An also returned to the main hall and pretended as if nothing had urred, continuing to feast and make merry with Prince Qi and the rest.


    Xiao Jingheng deliberately kept Song Zhao for half a ke (quarter hour) more. Smiling as he held her hand, he said:


    "I intended for you to assist in managing the inner pce, but was worried earlier that you were too soft and indecisive, unable to handle matters appropriately. But from what I see today, my Zhao''er has indeed not disappointed me, fully capable of wielding authority to coordinate the inner pce."


    Song Zhao blushed prettily, smiling as she naturally nestled into Xiao Jingheng''s embrace:


    "How could this concubine understand these things? This concubine only knows that no matter what happens in this inner pce, it must not damage Your Majesty''s reputation and prestige. This concubine privately feels that handling affairs as Assistant to the Inner Pce should be this way."


    As she spoke, she nced up, smiling charmingly as her silken eyes flickered brightly towards Xiao Jingheng:


    "Does Your Majesty feel this concubine''s understanding makes sense?"


    "Ha ha ha ha ha!" Xiao Jinghengughed out loud heartily. Nodding with his forehead touching her nose tip, he affectionately murmured low:


    "Zhao''er''s heart is most attuned to mine."


    ¡¾Have a happy weekend, upgrade to Boss Lady Song tomorrow! She''s going to start fighting the big bossdy soon!¡¿

 Chapter 237: Cut off Love

    <h4>Chapter 237</h4>


    Tonight, Xiao Jingheng originally intended to apany Song Zhao at Changle Pce.


    But at this moment, several princes were drinking and enjoying themselves. Xiao Jingheng''s words were somewhat blurred by the effects of alcohol. Song Zhao suggested, "It''s cold outside, and the dew is heavy. It''s not suitable for the Emperor to travel after drinking tonight. Why not stay at Chaoyang Pce and avoid unnecessary trouble?"


    Xiao Jingheng held her slender shoulders and gently caressed them with his fingertips.


    "In that case, you should stay tonight."


    Song Zhao smiled yfully and said, "Does the Emperor think that I don''t want to stay? But Cheng Yu is in a clingy phase now. If he doesn''t have me tofort him at night, he will cry and even the nursemaids won''t be able to calm him down."


    Only then did Xiao Jingheng say somewhat disappointedly, "Alright. I wille to see you tomorrow."


    After returning to the pce, Song Zhao asked Yun Shan, "Where is Tong Changzai?"


    Yun Shan replied, "She is kneeling in the side hall, reciting the virtues of women. I had prepared a cushion for her to kneel on, but she refused to use it..."


    "I will go and see her. You go andfort Cheng Yu with the nursemaids."


    Song Zhao entered the side hall alone and gently closed the pce door.


    Rongyue knelt facing away from the door, immersed in the recitation of female virtues, and she didn''t turn her head when she heard movement.


    Song Zhao walked to her side, lowered her gaze, and said lightly, "Sister, please rise."


    Only then did Rongyue close the book and shook her head, saying, "Kneeling and reciting all night, if my knees weren''t hurt, if the Emperor saw it again, he would inevitably suspect favoritism towards you."


    Her eyes, filled with a touch of mncholy, met Song Zhao''s gaze, and she earnestly said, "You are about to be crowned as the imperial concubine, responsible for the affairs of the six pces. Don''t let yourself be burdened because of me at this time."


    Song Zhao sighed and said, "If my sister can say these words, it shows that you are not unaware of the survival rules in this pce. But since you know, why did you repeatedly engage in such foolish acts with Prince An?"


    Rongyue''s gaze trembled for a moment, "Did you know long ago?"


    Song Zhao did not answer that question.


    She turned and sat down on the side, choosing her words carefully, "Sister should know that once you enter the pce, even if you are unwilling, you have be the Emperor''s woman. Even if you had a deep connection with Prince An in the past, you have to let it go."


    "He treated me sincerely, but I..."


    "Sister, you are confused!"


    Song Zhao couldn''t bear to hear Rongyue speak well of Xiao Jingyan, so she interrupted her with a stern tone.


    "If that scoundrel truly cared for you, would he willingly let you be in a dangerous situation? Today, I can save you once, but what about next time? If the Empress or the Queen Consort catches you, will you still have your life intact?"


    "There won''t be a next time..."


    Rongyue shook her head in a daze and said with a bitter smile, "It was I who wrote a letter to him today, insisting on seeing him face to face. It''s just to rify things between us and have no further involvement in the future."


    There was no trace of sadness on her face.


    She just stared nkly at the purple smoke rising from the incense burner in front of her.


    She watched as they entangled and climbed higher, but even a slight breeze couldn''t withstand their separation, and they scattered just like that.


    Tears fell numbly.


    Rongyue turned her face away, not wanting Song Zhao to see her disheveled appearance.


    She suppressed the choking in her voice and murmured,


    "I will be trapped here for the rest of my life. But he, he should have had a great life."


    Song Zhao and Rongyue had a deep bond since childhood. She knew well that Rongyue was not a foolish person when it came to handling matters. But when it came to matters of the heart, even the most rational person could do crazy things.


    Song Zhao couldn''t bear to see her like this.


    But what could she do when she couldn''t bear it in her heart?


    In this deep pce, matters of love were insignificantpared to the lives of the entire family.


    Song Zhao had initially wanted to persuade Rongyue or embrace her and let her cry out all the grievances in her heart.


    But in the end, she only said lightly,


    "Sister, you need to figure it out for yourself."


    After saying that, she got up and left, closing the door to the side hall behind her, giving Rongyue a space to vent her negative emotions.


    Song Zhao couldn''t help Rongyue in any way. She had no power to make Xiao Jingheng release Rongyue from the pce.


    At the same time, Song Zhao knew Rongyue''s temperament. For someone with such pride, serving someone she didn''t truly love was tormenting for her every day.


    So the only thing Song Zhao could do was to make Xiao Jingheng have a slightly worse impression of Rongyue.


    Only in this way could Rongyue receive less favor in the future.


    Today, in front of the Emperor, Song Zhao skillfully brushed aside the matter between Rongyue and Prince An, and also distanced Xiao Jingheng from Rongyue. Seeing Rongyue''s remarkable ability in handling affairs, Xiao Jingheng was reassured to entrust her with the power of managing the six pces.


    This turn of events can be considered a blessing in disguise.


    After leaving the side hall, Song Zhao first visited Cheng Yu, who was already fast asleep, before returning to her chambers.


    While Yun Shan was helping her freshen up, she said,


    "The day after tomorrow will be the grand day of your enfeoffment as a concubine. You should rest early these two days and recharge your energy."


    Song Zhao nodded faintly and suddenly thought of something. She then instructed Yun Shan,


    "It''s getting colder, and even with good precautions, it''s hard to avoid catching a cold. I''m feeling a bit unwell at the moment. Go to the Imperial Physician''s clinic and ask for the physician toe and check on me."


    Yun Shan said, "The pce gates have already been locked at this hour. If we summon the physician now, it might cause amotion known throughout the six pces. If there''s any difort, why not let Xiao Fuzi take a look for you first?"


    As she said that, Yun Shan was visibly taken aback. She knew that her mistress was always averse to trouble and very cautious. She understood that calling for the physician at this time would definitely cause a disturbance. So there must be some deep meaning behind her mistress''s insistence.


    Hence, Yun Shan stopped asking further and followed Song Zhao''s instructions to go to the Imperial Physician''s clinic.


    The attending Imperial Physician arrived promptly. After examining Song Zhao''s pulse, he didn''t find anything abnormal.


    But he did notice that she had a slight cough. He said,


    "From the pulse, there doesn''t seem to be any problem, but it could be due to catching a cold, exhibiting mild symptoms of a cold."


    Song Zhao expressed her concerns, "The day after tomorrow is the day of my enfeoffment as a concubine. I''m worried that if I catch a cold and feel weak, it will be troublesome. Could the physician please prescribe a few remedies to prevent a cold in advance?"


    Imperial Physician: "This matter is not difficult. Ma Huang Bifeng Powder can eliminate the evil energy within the body and is the best medicine for suppressing wind and cold ailments."


    Song Zhao smiled, "In that case, I will trouble the Imperial Physician."

 Chapter 238: Princess Song Zhaofeng Take charge of the Six Palaces

    <h4>Chapter 238</h4>


    On the fifteenth day of November, the sky was clear and cloudless.


    Both inside and outside Chang Le Pce, there was an atmosphere of excitement as Song Zhao finally greeted the day she would be conferred as a noble consort.


    She was dressed in exquisite attire, her lips painted in a deep red, radiating an air of wealth and splendor.


    As she made her way towards Kun Ning Pce, she gazed at the mottled red walls on both sides of the street, observing the sparse shadows cast by the branches of withered trees.


    Looking back, she suddenly realized that she had been walking along this path for quite some time.


    Outside Kun Ning Pce, Noble Consort Chen and the concubines from the six pces had been waiting since early morning.


    Song Zhao cautiously stepped forward, under the watchful gazes of the women, and stood upright below the ceremonial tform.


    A pce maid retrieved the imperial edict from a golden box.


    "May Noble Consort Yi receive the imperial edict," the pce maid announced.


    Song Zhao respectfully knelt on the lotus-patterned cushion in front of the tform.


    The pce maid slowly unfolded the imperial edict and solemnly read it aloud:


    "Today, Song Shi, with her grace, virtue, and dedication, has faithfully served her duties within the pce. She has diligently attended to my well-being, fulfilling her responsibilities day and night. With her loyalty and benevolence, she has upheld the virtues of integrity and abundance. Therefore, I hereby confer upon her the title of Noble Consort Yi. She shall hold authority over the six pces and manage their affairs. This is a great honor."


    "As a humble subject, Song Shi gratefully epts the heavenly grace," Song Zhao replied, her hands raised to receive the silver decree and the imperial seal symbolizing her noble status.


    Though both items held considerable weight, Song Zhao was able to bear them.


    After the ceremony, as the concubines who held lower positions than Song Zhao paid their respects, they all congratted her:


    "We humbly congratte Noble Consort Yi on this joyous asion. May Noble Consort Yi be blessed with prosperity and happiness."


    Song Zhao smiled gracefully, "We are all sisters here. Let us not allow our positions to create divisions. Please rise."


    Once they were all on their feet, Noble Consort Chen leisurely walked up to Song Zhao, a disdainful nce in her eyes, and coldly remarked:


    "Congrattions to you."


    Song Zhao respectfully bowed, "I thank Noble Consort Chen for her kind words."


    Noble Consort Chen responded with a nonchnt "Hmm" and did not trouble Song Zhao on this joyous day.


    Following that, Consort Yin stepped forward with a smile and said to Song Zhao:


    "The Emperor and the Empress are waiting for you in the pce. Now that the ceremony is over, let us go inside."


    Consort Yin''s words were intended for Noble Consort Chen to hear.


    Today was Song Zhao''s day of ennoblement, and the spotlight would undoubtedly be on her. Once they entered Kun Ning Pce, Xiao Jingheng''s thoughts and attention would be fully focused on Song Zhao, and he would only pay minimal attention to others.


    Consort Yin understood Noble Consort Chen very well.


    Indeed, as soon as Consort Yin finished speaking, Noble Consort Chen''s face darkened.


    Supporting herself with one hand on her waist andzily stroking her temple with the other, she wearily said:


    "I woke up early to attend your ennoblement ceremony, and now I''m feeling terribly tired. I''ll return to the pce first. You can all go in."


    With those words, she was assisted by Liu Yue and boarded the sedan chair, leaving without looking back.


    Consort Yin watched her departing figure and couldn''t help but sneer with great satisfaction.


    "Hmph, I simply can''t stand her affected demeanor."


    Song Zhao did not respond and, apanied by the entourage, entered Kun Ning Pce to express her gratitude to the Emperor and Empress.


    At that moment, Xiao Jingheng was seated at the head, followed by the Empress.


    Both of them wore gentle smiles on their faces, and Song Zhao also observed proper etiquette, bowing deeply to the Emperor and Empress before taking her ce in the hall.


    "I humbly thank Your Majesty and Your Majesty the Empress for your benevolence. In the future, I will adhere to the rules and conduct myself properly within the pce, doing my utmost to share Your Majesty and the Empress''s burdens," Song Zhao expressed with gratitude.


    Xiao Jingheng raised his hand and said, "No need for formalities. Today is a joyous asion for you. Please have a seat and let''s talk."


    As Song Zhao rose from her seat, she nced around and noticed that her original position had been taken by Consort Yao.


    Well, since she had been bestowed the title of concubine, naturally, a better position would be assigned to her.


    Looking around now, the first position on the left side was vacant, which was meant for Noble Consort Chen.


    And the first position on the right side should have been upied by Consort Yin, but she had moved aside, leaving the seat empty.


    Song Zhao hesitated for a moment, standing still in her original ce.


    Then the Empress spoke, "Why hasn''t Consort Yi taken her seat?"


    Song Zhao once again performed a respectful gesture, slightly apprehensive as she said, "I dare not assume such a high position."


    Xiao Jingheng said, "This was the Empress''s arrangement. Now that you are assisting in the management of the six pces and have given birth to a precious child for me, you should be the first among the consorts. Please take this seat."


    Song Zhao understood then that the Empress wasn''t being so kind-hearted.


    She wanted to heap all the favor and attention onto Song Zhao.


    And she also wanted the other consorts to direct their hidden daggers at her.


    Before Song Zhao could refuse, the Empress said, "I know that Consort Yi doesn''t like topete, but you deserve to be the first among the consorts."


    She looked at Consort Yin and Consort Yun, asking in aposed manner, "What do you think?"


    The two of them forced a smile and had no choice but to agree, "We believe what the Empress says is true. It is also His Majesty''s intention. Consort Yi should not decline."


    At this point, the jealousy among the consorts had already been aroused.


    Even if Song Zhao declined this position as the first among the consorts, it would undoubtedly not end well for her.


    This was the Empress''s shrewdness.


    She always managed to set up the situation invisibly, and with a benevolent appearance, she had trapped Song Zhao.


    So Song Zhao no longer declined and directly epted it.


    With a smile, she made a respectful gesture to the Empress and said, "Empress, you have shown me such great favor. I am truly grateful."


    After speaking, she did not offer any further excuses and sat directly in the seat of the first consort.


    The Empress''s gaze visibly flickered.


    Clearly, she had not expected Song Zhao to ept this favor so openly.


    She had intended to let Consort Yin reim that position if Song Zhao declined.


    After all, how could she willingly let the birth mother of the precious child be the first among the consorts?


    But now that Song Zhao had taken her seat so boldly, this matter had been settled.


    This was a loss for the Empress, and she could only swallow her frustration.


    Later, Xiao Jingheng casually chatted with the other consorts about pacifying the war and bringing peace to the world. He was delighted and said, "Since ascending the throne, I have never left the capital. I am thinking that when the weather clears up in the spring of theing year, it would be a good time to make a southern tour and see the various aspects of the people''s lives."


    When the Emperor made a southern tour, the consorts would apany him.


    However, the number of ces to apany him was limited, and not everyone could go.


    The concubines were all secretly pondering, trying toe up with a good idea to get Xiao Jingheng to take them along.


    Only Consort Hui, who was not so calcting, stood up excitedly and said to Xiao Jingheng:


    "Then, Your Majesty, take me with you? I miss my parents so much..."


    As she spoke, she tugged at the fur scarf around her neck, her bright cat-like eyes filled with anticipation.


    Consort Hui''s maternal family was a wealthy n from the Jiangsu-Zhejiang region, so it was expected that Xiao Jingheng would bring her along on his southern tour.


    However, Xiao Jingheng didn''t immediately agree to her request. He simply said:


    "This matter is still undecided. We shall discuss itter."


    "Oh... alright."


    Consort Hui pouted, feeling unhappy, and sat back down in a sulky manner.


    Just as everyone''s gaze fell on her, suddenly they heard Yun Shan exim,


    "Your Majesty! What''s happened to you, Your Majesty?"


    Everyone turned their heads towards the sound and saw that Song Zhao, who had been perfectly fine just moments ago, had fainted in her seat. No matter how Yun Shan shook her, she remained motionless.


    This sudden ident caused an uproar in the Kun Ning Pce.


    Xiao Jingheng was the first to rush to Song Zhao''s side, holding her shoulders and gently shaking her, calling out to her,


    "Zhao''er? Zhao''er!"

 Chapter 239: Two Faint

    <h4>Chapter 239</h4>


    After Xiao Jingheng called out to her several times, Song Zhao finally managed to sluggishly regain consciousness.


    She lightly knitted her brows, her eyes dazed, pressed a palm to her forehead, and had an ufortable look on her face.


    Xiao Jingheng anxiously asked her, "Zhao''er, how are you feeling?"


    Song Zhao weakly responded, "This concubine feels a bit dizzy, it is likely due to not having rested wellst night."


    Xiao Jingheng said: "Jiang Deshun, go summon the Imperial Physician to take a look at Consort Zhao."


    The Empress also caringly said from the side: "Since you are feeling unwell, you should first go rest for a bit in the side pce of this pce."


    Song Zhao bowed her head in thanks, while Xiao Jingheng supported her to get up.


    But as soon as she stood up and had not yet taken a step, Song Zhao felt her feet were as heavy as lead, numb and tingling, and she could not even stand steadily.


    Her body tilted and she fell into Xiao Jingheng''s embrace, appearing weak and helpless,


    "Your Majesty...this concubine''s legs and feet feel severely numb..."


    Xiao Jingheng did not force her and helped her sit down again, and ordered the pce maid to bring her a cup of hot tea.


    Seeing Song Zhao had broken into a sweat on her forehead, Consort Hui said,


    "Is it because the heated floor in the Empress''s pce is too warm? I see Sister Song''s forehead is sweating profusely. Why not open the windows to air out the room, it may make Sister feel a bit better?"


    Xiao Jingheng had been holding Song Zhao''s hand the entire time, he could feel Song Zhao''s palm was cool,


    so the perspiration on Song Zhao now should be cold sweat, not caused by external heat.


    He shook his head, "It is frigid outside, Consort Zhao is already suffering from chills, she should not be exposed to the evil winds."


    Song Zhao was dizzy and weak, with numb limbs, showing no signs of improvement for a long time.


    Everyone could only stay by her side and wait for the Imperial Physician toe and see exactly what was going on.


    During this time, the Empress Dowager also arrived.


    She was close to Song Zhao, and was originally going to participate in Song Zhao''s conferment ceremony today,


    but the Empress Dowager had to pay respects to Buddha for an hour every morning after waking up, so she came a littlete.


    When she entered, she saw Song Zhao leaning against Xiao Jingheng looking very ill.


    So she asked, "What is going on here?"


    When everyone saw the Empress Dowager arrive, they greeted and paid respects to her under the lead of the Empress.


    Song Zhao also wanted to get up, but her limbs were still weak, she could only give up after trying unsessfully to push against the chair handle to stand.


    "Empress Dowager, this concubine..."


    "You may remain seated since you are unwell." The Empress Dowager walked over to Song Zhao and took out her handkerchief to wipe the beads of sweat on her forehead,


    "What is it that you are feeling ufortable about? You have just given birth and your body is naturally weak and deficient. On top of that, you have been working hard these days for the conferment ceremony, could it be that you are exhausted?"


    Song Zhao said weakly, "Thank you for your concern, Empress Dowager. It was this concubine''s own weakness, yet I have burdened everyone."


    The Empress Dowager said, "You worked hard to give birth to a precious prince for the Emperor, it is only natural for everyone to care about you. You..."


    Just as she was speaking, a sudden dizzy spell surged into the Empress Dowager''s mind.


    Her vision went dark, her limbs swiftly became numb and she could not stand steadily.


    Fortunately, Qingzhu had been attending to her closely, and swiftly supported her arm, preventing her from crashing to the ground.


    "Mother!"


    "Empress Dowager!"


    Everyone swarmed over again to help seat the Empress Dowager next to Song Zhao.


    Song Zhao looked at her in puzzlement and concern, asking "What is the matter, Empress Dowager?"


    The Empress Dowager''splexion turned somewhat bluish for a moment, sweat also gradually emerged on her forehead, and her hands trembled uncontrobly.


    Seeing her condition was quite simr to Song Zhao, only her symptoms were slightly more severe.


    With Song Zhao and the Empress Dowager sessively bing dizzy and weak, this matter was clearly out of the ordinary.


    An imperceptible gloomy shadow also crawled onto the Empress''s face.


    Just as everyone was anxious, Jiang Deshun rushed over with the Imperial Physician.


    The arrival was Guo, who had just been appointed as Chief Imperial Physician of the Imperial Medical Bureau by Xiao Jingheng.


    He did not dare to dy at all, and without even properly performing the courtesy greetings, he immediately began taking the pulse for the Empress Dowager and Song Zhao.


    After carefully examining their pulses, Guo said urgently,


    "Replying to Your Majesty, the Empress Dowager and Imperial Consort Zhao are suffering from palpitations due to medicinal ipatibility."


    "Medicinal ipatibility?" Xiao Jingheng did not understand, "What ipatibility is this? And what is the cure?"


    Guo exined, "This servant asked Qingzhu and Yun Shan which medicines the Empress Dowager and Imperial Consort Zhao have taken recently.


    Imperial Consort Zhao had just given birth, and was mostly taking medicines to nourish qi and blood, nourish yin and protect the uterus.


    The Empress Dowager has been taking longevity medicines for many years.


    The only medicine they took inmon was the Mahuang Defeng Powder for treating wind-chill."


    Guo basically understood the cause for the Empress Dowager and Song Zhao''s sudden palpitations, so he further asked,


    "May I ask if the Empress Dowager and Imperial Consort drank any wine today?"


    Although the Empress Dowager''s vital energy was damaged, irritation could still be heard in her tone,


    "What nonsense are you talking about? This Dowager and the Consort are perfectly fine, why would we drink any wine?"


    Guo exined, "The reason this servant dared to ask is because the mahuang used in the Mahuang Defeng Powder taken by the Empress Dowager and Imperial Consort was processed together with Herba Cistanche.


    Although this medicine is very effective, alcohol must be avoided when taking it, otherwise it can cause palpitations. Even just smelling the aroma of alcohol can have an effect, although the symptoms will be milder."


    His words had made it quite clear already.


    Since neither the Empress Dowager nor Song Zhao drank any wine, and they both suddenly developed palpitations in the main hall of Kun Ning Pce, it meant there must be a barely noticeable scent of alcohol lingering in this main hall.


    Xiao Jingheng''s gaze flickered. He reflexively looked to the Empress,


    but before he could say anything to interrogate, he saw Concubine Li walk out from the crowd carrying a soup warmer, flustered as she timidly said,


    "Could it be...that this concubine had spiked the soup warmer with artemisia wine, which led to the Empress Dowager and Imperial Consort feeling unwell like this?"


    As soon as she stepped forward, the difort experienced by the Empress Dowager and Song Zhao seemed to worsen slightly.


    Guo quickly took the soup warmer from her hands, walked farther away, then opened the sealed cover. Inside was extremely mellow white liquor, but its aroma was entirely masked by the artemisia. That was why it was not easily detectable.


    He hurriedly said, "Quick, open the windows to ventte, and take this soup warmer outside."


    Upon hearing this, Jiang Deshun immediately ordered the pce maids to do so.


    Everyone also looked towards Concubine Li at the same time.


    She was scared out of her wits, shaking her head in terror,


    "This concubine had no ill intentions, I did not know this thing would have such side effects..."


    As she spoke, she pulled Consort Tong next to her and faltered,


    "Some time ago, this concubine had chilly hands and feet. Concubine Tong apanied me to see the Imperial Physician. The Imperial Physician said it was due to the winter chill invading my body and causing a cold uterus.


    This condition makes it hard to conceive, so I asked the Imperial Physician for methods to regte the body. It was the Imperial Physician who taught me to use artemisia wine to heat the soup warmer and apply it to the lower abdomen. The warmth of the wine steams and the artemisia warms the womb, it is the most useful for dispelling cold-dampness."


    "Your Majesty can ask Consort Tong if you do not believe me!"

 Chapter 240: Head-to-head

    <h4>Chapter 240</h4>


    Rongyue looked hesitant. She had no intention of getting involved in this matter, but Li, constantly nudging her with her elbow, left her no choice but to reluctantly say, "This method is indeed the Warming Pce method that the imperial physician told Sister Li about. And Sister Li only had the mugwort wine heated in the warmer at the herbalist''s yesterday."


    Li hurriedly said, "Your Majesty, you heard it! I really didn''t mean to!"


    With Rongyue''s testimony, most of the suspicion intentionally cast on Li was dispelled. Moreover, as a low-ranking concubine in the pce, she wouldn''t dare to openly engage in such actions on Princess Song Zhao''s big day.


    If she really did so, wouldn''t it be tantamount to seeking death?


    Seeing that Xiao Jingheng didn''t show any intention to me Li, Song Zhao smiled warmly at Li and said, "Li, it was an unintentional mistake. The pce and the Empress Dowager won''t hold it against you. Please don''t be so formal, get up."


    "Thank you, Empress Dowager!"


    At this moment, with the herbalist who administered the mugwort wine taken away, Song Zhao''splexion visibly eased. She turned to the Empress Dowager and asked, "Empress Dowager, are you feeling better now?"


    The Empress Dowager''s difort had also alleviated somewhat, but her expression carried a hint of deepening doubt.


    It was because she suddenly remembered that when she fainted in the Plum Garden that day, almost dropping Cheng Yu, the symptoms were strikingly simr to what happened today.


    After a brief silence, the Empress Dowager nodded slightly at Song Zhao and then her expression turned solemn. She said in a serious tone, "My condition is better now, but I recall another matter. When I was praying in the Plum Garden that day, I almost dropped Cheng Yu because I experienced the same symptoms as today. It seems that what happened that day may not have been a simple ident."


    The Empress Dowager''s words served as a catalyst, and the consorts immediately began discussing in hushed voices.


    Consort Yun said, "Empress Dowager, did you also smell the wine that day? But the Plum Garden is outdoors, and it was cold in winter. The only one who could have emitted a scent was the herbalist."


    Consort Yao recalled for a moment and added, "I remember on that day, during the plum-viewing event, the herbalists serving the consorts were personally prepared by Empress Dowager. Only..."


    She paused for a moment and unintentionally nced at the Empress, "Only the Empress''s warmer seemed to have been prepared in advance."


    With Consort Yao''s casual remark, the finger of me was directly pointed at the Empress.


    However, to everyone''s surprise, the Empress didn''t even attempt to defend herself. Instead, she immediately knelt down and paid her respects to Xiao Jingheng and the Empress Dowager, wearing a remorseful expression. She said, "I was wrong... I suffered from premature birth and postpartum hemorrhage, which caused damage to my pce body. Therefore, I have also been using the Warming Pce method that Li used. The mugwort wine I had in my warmer during the plum-viewing event was the same. Upon hearing Judge Guo''s words just now, I realized that the Empress Dowager''s sudden fainting may have been caused by the mugwort wine in my warmer. Fortunately, Consort Guifei timely saved Cheng Yu, averting a grave mistake. Otherwise, if the Crown Prince were harmed in any way, it would have been entirely my fault."


    She expressed deep remorse and regretted her past actions, lowering herself even further.


    "I am guilty, Your Majesty. I plead for your punishment," she said.


    Empress Song Zhao appeared before Emperor Zhao with a pitiful and sincere demeanor, causing him to think:


    This woman''s scheming is truly impressive.


    Empress Song Zhao had painstakingly set up a grand scheme. She knew that the Empress Dowager was still suffering from a lingering illness and taking medication. So, she obtained a prescription for Ma Huang Bifeng Powder from the imperial physician and had Rongyue fetch Ai Ye Wine to soothe the coldness in Concubine Li''s body.


    On the day of the enthronement ceremony, the Empress Dowager was certain to attend. At that time, both the Empress Dowager and Empress Song Zhao would faint, undoubtedly bringing up the incident in Meiyuan Garden. The soup maid on that day was prepared by Empress Song Zhao herself, making her the prime suspect.


    If the Empress thought that without evidence, she could deny the matter, then suspicions, especially from Xiao Jingheng, would only grow stronger.


    Sometimes, even without conclusive evidence, once doubts arise in the mind of a ruler, they can deliver a fatal blow to the other party.


    But why did the Empress readily admit it?


    And she could quickly devise a usible reason to request Xiao Jingheng''s punishment?


    However, what punishment could Xiao Jingheng impose on her now?


    The incident with the Ai Ye Wine just now could be forgiven as an unintentional mistake.


    Simrly, the Empress could also im it as an unintentional mistake. Moreover, considering her status, no one would continue to hold onto the matter.


    As expected,


    As soon as the Empress admitted her "guilt," Xiao Jingheng raised his hand and allowed her to rise.


    "You did not have ill intentions. You may rise," he said.


    The Empress Dowager clearly wanted to get to the bottom of this matter,


    but Xiao Jingheng''s attitude was evident, making it difficult for the Empress Dowager to say anything further.


    Once the Empress Dowager and Empress Song Zhao fully recovered their spirits, no one mentioned the matter again. Instead, they discussed the cities and counties they would visit during the southern tour next year.


    Later, when it was almost time, Xiao Jingheng still had matters to attend to from the previous dynasty, so he allowed everyone to disperse.


    At this moment, the Empress spoke kindly to Song Zhao:


    "Consort Yi is now responsible for assisting with the affairs of the six pces. There are some areas that require attention. I also wish to discuss them with you. Are you avable?"


    Song Zhao smiled, "Empress, if you are willing to teach this humble servant, I would be delighted."


    She had been smiling,


    However, as soon as everyone dispersed, her smile froze in an instant, and her gaze became cold.


    The Empress also wore a stern expression as she walked up to her, saying coldly,


    "Consort Yi, I underestimated you."


    At this point, everyone knew who was whom. They all understood each other''s intentions perfectly.


    In this deserted ce, there was no need to continue with the superficial pretenses.


    Song Zhao also sneered, "Empress, you possess great wisdom. How would this humble servant dare to show off before you?"


    "You naturally wouldn''t dare," the Empress said, looking down at her with raised eyebrows, her words carrying a sense of provocation.


    "I am a phoenix flying high in the sky, while you, at best, are merely a peacock. Even she can barely match my honor. And you? Hmph, you are nothing more than a hen."


    She suddenly reached out and grabbed Song Zhao''s chin, her eyebrows raised, and she sarcastically said,


    "With the power of poultry, do you dare topare yourself to the Empress? Don''t you think...?"


    Before the Empress could finish her triumphant words, she was startled by Song Zhao''s sudden movement as she stood up.


    Song Zhao had always had a tall and slender figure, so it was not noticeable when she usually bowed and kneeled before the Empress. But now, she stood tall, easily towering half a head above the Empress.


    At this moment, Song Zhao''s beautiful face was filled with indifference and disdain. Her presence was no less imposing than the Empress herself.


    "Poultry may be insignificant, but there was once a time when I raised a few chickens in my family''s backyard. They were usually timid and would hide whenever a servant passed by. But one day, when a hawk swooped down, trying to catch the chicks sheltered in their nest, guess what happened, Your Majesty?"


    As she spoke, Song Zhao suddenly revealed a stern expression, raising her voice and stepping closer to the Empress.


    "The mother hen, the one with the least courage, suddenly fluffed up her feathers and fought fiercely to protect her offspring. She was so ferocious that she even pecked the hawk and made it flee in panic!"


    When Song Zhao emphasized the words "flee in panic," she disyed an impressive aura, almost as if she were shouting.


    The Empress was startled and frozen in ce, with no way to retreat. She stumbled upon the corner of a table and nearly fell.


    At that moment, Song Zhao quickly reached out to support her.


    Then, with a hint of contempt in the corner of her eye, she smiled coldly and said,


    "You should pay attention to the path beneath your feet first, Your Majesty."

 Chapter 241: Doubting the Concubines 01

    <h4>Chapter 241</h4>


    That day, the Empress and Song Zhao parted unhappily,


    to the point that she, as the Empress, was instead oppressed by Song Zhao''s aura.


    The Empress should have been annoyed,


    but when Shuang Ruo entered to serve the Empress after Song Zhao left, she saw the Empress sitting leisurely on the phoenix chair,


    a calm smile lingering at the corners of her mouth, her hand ying with a string of honey wax Buddhist beads.


    Shuang Ruo did not understand, "The Yi Consort offended you, why didn''t the Empress use your status as the Empress to punish her?"


    "Offended? Who saw it?"


    The Empress raised her eyebrows at Shuang Ruo and said slowly, "She was only favored as a consort today, she''s still the Emperor''s favorite. While I have aroused the doubts of the Emperor and Empress Dowager, if I quarrel with her now, who do you think will suffer?"


    Shuang Ruo thought about it and said, "Speaking of today''s events, I really don''t understand... before, you were worried that the Yi Consort would think the plum garden incident was done by you, and take the opportunity to retaliate against you. So you asked me to apply for leave from the Emperor, saying that you were unwell and might not even be able to attend the New Year''s Eve banquet. But today the Yi Consort was favored, why did you give her such great face and personally hold the ceremony?"


    The Empress sneered, "If I didn''te, she would always have doubts in her heart. I came and acted out a y with her to make her even more convinced that this was done by me. That way, the more she suspects me, the easier it will be for those lurking in the dark watching her to nder her easily."


    Shuang Ruo suddenly realized, and quickly said, "So just now... did the Empress deliberately keep the Yi Consort to make things clearer to her, just to make the Yi Consort even more convinced that all these things that are unfavorable to the Crown Prince were done by you, so that she focuses on dealing with you and overlooks other things?"


    The Empressughed quite smugly, unconsciously straightening her back and sitting more properly.


    "As the mother of the world, I have to weigh the six pces. There are many intricacies in this. Although the Noble Consort is arrogant, she is just a talisman for the Emperor to restrain the Ning family. To be blunt, she can''tpare to the useless embroidered pillow. On the contrary, this Song Zhao is my biggest threat."


    She took a breath, lowered her eyes and fixed them on theplex phoenix patterns on the sleeves of her phoenix robe, her smile bing more and more sinister,


    "So what if she has the favor of the Emperor? She''s the birth mother of the noble son, so what? No matter how arrogant she is, as long as she falls, I, the birth mother, will of course take good care of her child, so she won''t feel cold down in the Yellow Springs."


    "How will she feel cold?" Shuang Ruo covered her mouth and chuckled, "The Empress''s status is so noble, if the Yi Consort''s child can be raised under your knees, it would be a great blessing that their mother and child couldn''t gain in several lifetimes!"


    "Haha~" The Empress was pleased by Shuang Ruo''s words. She waved her sleeves to help her up, and added,


    "Then let''s prepare for me to pray to the Buddha. I have to pray to all the gods and Buddhas in the sky to bestow this boundless blessing on her as soon as possible."


    *


    The next day.


    Song Zhao had just been ranked among the four consorts, so Chang Le Pce should have been very lively with peopleing and going to congratte her.


    But because of the sudden change in weather today, it was gloomy and cold,


    so most of the higher-ranking concubines just sent people to bring congrattory gifts to Song Zhao,


    and among the new consorts who entered the pce, only Consort He and Consort Kang came to congratte Song Zhao in person.


    After finishing lunch, Song Zhao had originally nned to rest for a while,


    but at this moment, Consort Hui came with Li Changzai and Tong Changzai.


    The three of them originally lived in Zhaochun Pce, so it wasmon for them toe and go together.


    As soon as they met, Consort Hui was very intimate with Song Zhao.


    She gave Song Zhao a fire fox fur cor.


    The fur was bright and glossy, thick and warm, perfect for keeping out the winter cold.


    "Sister Song praised the scarf I worest time and said she liked it very much. As soon as I saw it, I knew Sister Song would definitely like it too. So when I wrote home, I asked my father to send me another one to the pce."


    As Consort Hui spoke, she fumbled with the fire fox fur cor in her hand and tried to wrap it around Song Zhao''s neck.


    Song Zhao did not refuse her and let her stand on tiptoe in front of her to arrange the scarf.


    After it was tied, Consort Hui was even more delighted, chuckling like a child, happily saying:


    "Sister Song is beautiful, this charming red really suits sister the most! Does sister like it?"


    Song Zhao nodded gently with a smile. "Since you gave it to me, of course I like it very much."


    To show intimacy, Song Zhao gently pinched Consort Hui''s smiling, dimpled cheeks.


    Later, Rongyue and Li Changzai also gave gifts to Song Zhao. Song Zhao quickly let Xiaofuzi collect them, saying that she was very happy,


    and added: "Look at me, all of you have been here for half a day, only caring about talking with you and forgot to invite you in. It¡¯s making my sisters stand in the corridor blowing wind. Come on, let''s talk inside. Yunshan, bring the newly supplied Dongjiang Chuyun Xian from the Internal Service Department, and make Consort Hui a cup of hot milk tea, her favorite."


    Everyone entered the main hallughing and talking.


    As soon as they entered the door and sat down, Li Changzai said:


    "It¡¯s really warm in the Yi Consort¡¯s pce!"


    Song Zhao smiled, "There is a child being raised in the pce, of course I have to worry about everything for him - fearing that he will be cold or hot. It really gives me a headache."


    Consort Hui said, "Sister Song, is Chengyu asleep? I haven''t seen him for a long time."


    Song Zhao looked at her with a smile, "He just fell asleep. But his nap is only half an hour. When he wakes upter, I¡¯ll have the wet nurse bring him over for you to coax him, okay?"


    Consort Hui nodded again and again, also smiling happily.


    After chatting for a while, the chill they brought in from outside had beenpletely dispelled by the warmth inside the hall. Instead, it became quite hot.


    Rongyue waved her kerchief to wipe away the thin sweat on her temples, and casually said:


    "When we went out, we noticed the temperature had dropped, so we specifically went back and changed into thicker clothes to pay respects to Consort. I didn''t expect it to be so warm in Consort¡¯s pce."


    Song Zhao saw that her flushed face was red, so she said, "If you feel hot, you can take off your outer garment. We are all sisters here, no need to stand on ceremony in my pce."


    Rongyue quickly said, "Then I¡¯m being rude."


    She eagerly took off her outer garment. Li Changzai next to her was also unbearably hot and echoed Rongyue, also undoing the big button on her padded jacket.


    Consort Hui on the other hand...


    She was drinking cow''s milk hotter than tea, and her clothes were no thinner than Rongyue and theirs.


    But not only did she not take off her clothes, she didn''t even want to take off the fox fur scarf wrapped around her own neck.


    Seeing Consort Hui with sweaty bangs stuck to her skin, Rongyue asked caringly, "Doesn''t Consort Hui feel hot? See, you''re sweating. Why don''t you take off your outer clothes too?"


    "Ah? No... not hot. I''ve always been afraid of the cold. Sister Song¡¯s pce is just right for me!"


    Consort Hui stuttered, looked awkward, pursed her lips and shook her head.

 Chapter 242: Doubting the Concubines 02

    <h4>Chapter 242</h4>


    Consort Hui did not want to take off her clothes, so no one could go up and strip her, right?


    Therefore, no one forced her to do anything either.


    Song Zhao also brought the topic back to the southern tour next spring.


    In between, everyone was chatting andughing, only Consort Hui was obviously a little restless from the heat.


    However, Song Zhao pretended not to see it and said with a smile to Consort Hui:


    "This southern tour will definitely be to the Jiang-Zhe region. Your mother''s family is there, so His Majesty will definitely bring you along."


    "Really?" Consort Hui''s eyes lit up, first somewhat delighted, but soon, the sparkle in her eyes faded again, and the corners of her mouth drooped down, saying:


    "But when I asked His Majesty yesterday, His Majesty didn''t say he would bring me... It would be best if His Majesty could bring me along, I haven''t seen my parents for a long time, and I miss them in my heart."


    Her frown was full of childish naivete, she really didn''t look like she was pretending at all.


    Song Zhao consoled her, "Little sister, your thoughts are too simple, aren''t they? The quota for the southern tour is limited. If His Majesty said yesterday that he would bring you with him, wouldn''t that make the other consorts jealous for no reason?"


    Consort Hui''s ck eyes rolled quickly in their sockets, "Mm... That makes sense."


    Soon she smiled again, "Then that means His Majesty will bring me along, he just can''t tell everyone to their face? Hehe~ That''s good then! When the timees, if I really get to go home, I''ll have His Majesty and Sister Song stay at my house!"


    She spread her arms wide and drew a big circle in the air, very proudly saying:


    "My house is so big! Although not as big as the pce, but it can easily amodate over a hundred people without feeling cramped at all."


    Rongyue and Concubine Li were amused by her innocence and liveliness,


    Song Zhao also said: "Then we''ll wait for the southern tour, for little sister to show us around."


    After chatting for a while longer,


    Consort Hui suddenly pointed out the window and eximed joyfully: "Sister Song, look! It''s snowing outside!"


    She jumped up from her chair abruptly like a little rabbit, and hopped happily towards the outside,


    while also turning back every three steps to say to Song Zhao: "Sister Song,e y in the snow with me!"


    Song Zhao smiled and shook her head, "I won''t go. I have to take care of Chengyu when he wakes upter."


    "Oh..."


    Consort Hui was briefly disappointed, but quickly came back and pulled Rongyue and Concubine Li along, saying:


    "Then Sister Li and Sister Tong keep mepany! Let''s go back to the pce and have a great time behind closed doors! Out here we might disturb the Crown Prince."


    She was excited now, no one could dissuade her.


    So Song Zhao ordered the servants,


    "We''ve chatted for a while today, you guys go back with Consort Hui first. Walk slowly, be careful not to let her slip."


    After they left, Yun Shang immediately opened two windows in the front hall,


    and Xiao Fu Zi also called in two inner pce maids from outside to move the four or five very hot braziers that were set up extra in the hall to the outside.


    After getting this done, and waiting for the stuffiness in the hall to dissipate, he stood by Song Zhao''s side and said in a low voice:


    "Mother''s guess was right, there is something wrong with that Consort Hui."


    "Yes!" While fanning Song Zhao''s palms to cool her down, Yun Shang also said: "It was so hot, yet she still wouldn''t take off the fur cor around her neck. She can''t be covering up some birthmark or anything, when Mother first entered the pce, Xiao Fu Zi was still in the pce and saw Consort Hui before, she wasn''t being secretive like this."


    Today, it was per Song Zhao''s instructions for Rongyue to tell Consort Hui while at Zhaojun Pce, to invite Concubine Li toe to Changle Pce together.


    Didn''t Consort Hui love crowds and liveliness the most? When she heard about this, she would definitely follow Rongyue over even if it was just to keep up appearances in front of the others.


    And Song Zhao had Xiao Fu Zi heat up the braziers in the pce in advance,


    this move was meant to make Consort Hui feel the heat, to see if she would take off the fur cor around her neck.


    Xiao Fu Zi said: "Consort Hui wears a fur cor in winter and a gauze scarf in summer. If Mother hadn''t mentioned it, I wouldn''t have thought anything of it, I had assumed she just liked to dress that way since she was young. But thinking about it now, given how hot our pce was today yet she still refused to take off her fur cor, it really is suspicious."


    Song Zhao stared at the smoky red fox fur cor that Consort Hui had just gifted her ced on the table beside her, and gave a cold smile,


    "Since she won''t take it off, this Pce will think of a way to help her remove it."


    Regarding Song Zhao''s sudden suspicion of Consort Hui, Yun Shang still didn''t understand, she asked:


    "When did Mother start suspecting Consort Hui? Yesterday at Kunning Pce, the Empress turned against you, which is equivalent to tacitly admitting that the incident at Meiyuan was her doing, right?"


    Song Zhao disdainfully said: "The more the Empress does this, the more suspicious I find it. This Pce is not unaware of what kind of watertight person the Empress is.


    In the past, when faced with solid evidence right in front of her, she could calmly and firmly deny it. So why is she so eager to admit it this time, and uncharacteristically forcing me to be adversaries with her?"


    Song Zhao gently caressed her cinnabar red fingernails, her tone bing heavier,


    "She is too anxious. It''s like she is deliberately trying to tell me that she did all this, that she wants to harm me and my child, impatiently wanting me to resent her. But think about it, what sane person would use such an extreme method, taking all the hatred onto themselves?"


    After hearing Song Zhao''s words, Xiao Fu Zi pondered for a moment, then slowly said:


    "So Mother feels that the Empress is deliberately trying to mislead you?


    She wants you to think that everything is her doing, so that you focus all your attention on guarding against her and bing enemies, thus overlooking the person right beside you who truly wants to harm you and the Crown Prince?"


    "That''s right." Song Zhao lightly concurred, then added: "I have always found it strange, if the Empress wanted to harm someone, it should be me instead of Chengyu. With her worn out body, she won''t be able to bear children in the future, she can only keep her princess until her dying days.


    If something were to happen to me, then she would be Chengyu''s rightful mother, the most suitable person to raise Chengyu. Why would she harm Chengyu? The Empress herself said, she is the phoenix soaring in the ninth heaven. The phoenix has treasures everywhere, she would not do unrewarding things."


    Song Zhao was silent for a moment, then suddenly looked up at Xiao Fu Zi, changing the subject:


    "As for why I suspect Consort Hui... think carefully, has there been any disaster in this pce when she was not present? I don''t know whether she is human or ghost, but I just feel that something is off about her."


    The next day,


    after noon when the snow had lightened up a bit, Song Zhao went to Zhaojun Pce.


    When she arrived, Consort Hui happened to be building a snowman in the courtyard with Concubine Li and Rongyue.


    Song Zhao smiled and said: "Yesterday little sister wanted me to y in the snow with you, but Chengyu was about to wake up so I had no time. Today I finally have some free time and came to have fun in the snow with little sister."


    "Great!" Consort Hui pped her hands happily, "With Sister Song here too, we''ll be even more lively."


    Rongyue suggested: "Why don''t we have a snowball fight? The fresh snow is soft, so it won''t hurt if it hits you. Isn''t that right, Sister Li?"


    As she spoke, somehow she had already rolled up a snowball and threw it at Concubine Li''s waist.


    Concubine Li, caught off guard by her "sneak attack", pretended to be angry and quickly made a snowball to retaliate.


    In the midst of their yful fight, no one could tell who had thrown which snowball, but one of them happened to hit Consort Hui right on the neck.


    At this moment, Rongyue just happened to be standing next to Consort Hui, so she quickly said:


    "Oh dear, the snow is about to go down Consort''s neck!"


    As she spoke, she took the opportunity while Consort Hui had yet to react, and directly reached out and pulled off the fur cor wrapped around Consort Hui''s neck.


    "Ah!!!!"


    Almost at the same time,


    Concubine Li, who was standing directly opposite Consort Hui, screamed in fright


    when she saw Consort Hui''s jade-like neck...

 Chapter 243: Doubting the Wives 03

    <h4>Chapter 243</h4>


    Song Zhao''s gaze quickly fell upon Consort Hui''s neck.


    At first nce, he caught sight of a narrow and sinister red mark, resembling intertwined centipedes wrapped around her neck, sending a shiver down his spine.


    However, upon closer inspection, he realized it was a distinct brownish-red raised scar.


    The scar covered a wide area, almost spanning her entire front neck.


    Like the tangled roots of a withered tree, it clung tightly to her neck, extending all the way to her chest.


    Even the surrounding skin was wrinkled, presenting a distressing sight.


    The onlookers were momentarily stunned,


    while Consort Hui, in a state of panic, covered her neck, standing frozen in ce, unsure of what to do.


    Tears welled up in her eyes and glistened in the falling snowkes.


    "Consort Hui..."


    Rongyue looked remorseful as she gently patted Consort Hui''s shoulder and offered her a fur scarf,


    but Consort Hui, taken aback, pushed Rongyue away with a gesture of disgust,


    then hurriedly covered her scarred neck, crying as she ran towards the inner chamber.


    It was more like fleeing than running,


    and on the slippery snowy ground, she lost her footing and fell hard into the muddy snow.


    As Song Zhao realized he wanted to go forward and help her up,


    she gritted her teeth, tears in her eyes, and with a sense of shame and anger, she crawled to her feet, hastening her pace and vanished into the inner chamber, locking the door behind her.


    "What''s happening? What is all this?"


    Chane Er, who had been busy in the small kitchen, rushed out to see what was going on.


    Upon seeing Rongyue still clutching the fur scarf, her eyes widened in obvious surprise and displeasure.


    "What is Tong Chang doing? How could you..."


    Chane Er stomped her foot in frustration, too busy to argue with Rongyue, and hurriedly turned around to forcefully knock on the door of the inner chamber.


    "Master? Please open the door and let your servant in first!"


    There was no response from inside, only the faint sound of Consort Hui''s distressed sobbing.


    Women are particr about their appearance, especially their looks.


    Consort Hui''s "hidden ailment" was now revealed without warning, and the blow to her must have been significant.


    Concubine Li also anxiously suggested,


    "Shouldn''t we just break down the door? Let''s not have any idents."


    Upon hearing this, Chane Er suddenly turned around, opening her arms to stop her,


    "Concubine Li, don''t make trouble here!"


    Her hostility was evident, and when she spoke to Song Zhao, she didn''t mince her words either,


    "Empress Yi, please go back for now. Our master probably doesn''t want to see anyone. Please, all of you... let our master preserve some dignity..."


    She was a personal maid to a concubine, yet she dared to speak to Song Zhao in such a tone?


    If she wasn''t insane, she must be genuinely protective of her master.


    Song Zhao heard Consort Hui crying inside and didn''t bother with Chane Er. He simply said,


    "In that case, I''ll go back to the pce first. Please try to console your mistress."


    On the way back to the pce, Song Zhao overheard Yun Shan and Xiao Fuzi arguing outside the sedan chair,


    "Didn''t you say Consort Hui was fine before? How did she get such arge scar on her neck? Didn''t the Internal Affairs Department notice it during the selection process?"


    Xiao Fuzi scratched his head. "Perhaps something unexpected happened to Consort Hui after entering the pce? Judging by the scar, it looks like a burn."


    Yun Shan replied, "If it were an ident of such severity, how could it be concealed without anyone in the pces knowing?"


    Song Zhao sat silently in the sedan, not saying a word.


    Recalling Consort Hui''s tearful and indignant appearance earlier, there was a moment when Song Zhao felt a twinge of guilt for her actions today.


    Initially, she thought Consort Hui was hiding some big secret behind her actions.


    But she didn''t expect...


    Actually, it wasn''t difficult to understand. Even if Consort Hui had the temperament of a child, what girl doesn''t care about her appearance? Who would willingly disy their ws in front of others?


    Wasn''t Noble Consort Xiao the same in the past?


    Having psoriasis, she would bathe and find ways to conceal it, afraid that people would discover her secret.


    However, Song Zhao found it somewhat strange.


    Noble Consort Xiao''s psoriasis was a mild case, and she could still deceive everyone.


    But Consort Hui''s scars were so obvious, and she had served Xiao Jingheng intimately. How could Xiao Jingheng not know about this?


    Coincidentally, tonight Xiao Jingheng came to her pce to have dinner together.


    Halfway through the meal, Song Zhao suddenly wore a troubled expression and said to him, "Your Majesty... Today, when I was ying in the snow with Consort Hui, something unexpected happened."


    Upon hearing this, Xiao Jingheng immediately set down his chopsticks and carefully looked around, concerned, as he asked, "Where did she get hurt?"


    Song Zhao shook her head and said with guilt in her voice, "It wasn''t me... It''s just that... a snowball hit Consort Hui''s neck. Tong Chang was afraid that the melted snow would seep into her scarf and cause her to catch a cold, so he took off her scarf for her. But unexpectedly... "


    Song Zhao only said half of her words when she noticed a slight frown from Xiao Jingheng, realizing that he had known about this earlier.


    They remained silent for a moment, and then Xiao Jingheng sighed with deep regret, saying, "It was my carelessness. It was probably two years ago. At that time, when I was drunk, I identally went to Zhao Chun Pce.


    Consort Hui had someone prepare a sobering soup for me, but she was young and hadn''t served me before, so she brought the scalding hot soup on a tray. I was also drunk and thoughtlessly felt it was hot, so I threw the bowl away. As a result... the whole bowl of boiling soup poured down Consort Hui''s neckline, causing her serious injuries..."


    Poured down her neckline...


    Even just listening to Xiao Jingheng''s description, Song Zhao felt a difort in her chest. It was very unpleasant.


    In this light, Consort Hui''s burn wasn''t just on her neck, but possibly on her body as well?


    And considering that Consort Hui was already fifteen this year, but her chest hadn''t developed much...


    Perhaps it was rted to this ident.


    If the scar on her chest was as severe as the one on her neck, being injured at such a young age, her pair of jade-like breasts would undoubtedly be ruined.


    Having learned about the tragic experiences that Consort Hui had endured in the past, Song Zhao''s feelings of guilt deepened even further. "Consort Hui has truly suffered..." Xiao Jingheng said, "Though she possesses a childlike nature, she also desires to be beautiful. It was my fault in the first ce. To protect her reputation, we kept the incident secret and had the imperial physician carefully treat her. Now that you know about this, make sure that Concubine Li and Tong Changzai don''t cause any trouble, so as to prevent Consort Hui from being subjected to unnecessary gossip."


    Song Zhao nodded and replied, "I understand."


    Her voice was weak as she spoke, her gaze flickering, and her emotions appeared downcast.


    Xiao Jingheng saw through her thoughts and gently took her hand, asking, "What''s the matter?"


    Song Zhao sighed and said, "When I left the Chongchun Pce today, Consort Hui was crying incessantly. I was momentarily at a loss and didn''t know how tofort her."


    "Consort Hui has a kind-hearted nature. No matter how troubling her concerns may be, as long as she sees something delicious, she forgets all about them," Xiao Jingheng said in a contemtive tone.


    After a brief moment of silence, Xiao Jingheng came up with an idea for Song Zhao.


    "Here''s what you can do. Your mother is also from the Jiangsu and Zhejiang region. Tomorrow, have the pce servants prepare some dishes from your hometown and give them to Consort Hui. Say a fewforting words to her as well. Whenever I have some free time, I will also go and visit her. Let her know that she doesn''t need to worry about this matter anymore."


    There was no better solution at the moment, so Song Zhao could only softly agree.


    However, for some reason, deep down, she still felt that there was something inexplicably strange about this whole situation...


    [Please excuse me, I will make up for it with an additional three updates tomorrow.]

 Chapter 244: Doubting the Concubines 04

    <h4>Chapter 244</h4>


    Consort Hui''s temperament was indeed as Xiao Jingheng had said, the most carefree.


    The next day when Song Zhao went to see her at Zhaochun Pce, she saw Consort Hui looking as carefree as if nothing had happened, already chatting andughing with Rongyue and the others, as if she hadn''t taken yesterday''s incident to heart at all.


    Seeing Song Zhaoe, she immediately stood up to greet her,


    "Sister Song~ I was just telling Sister Li and the others I wanted toe find you~"


    Consort Hui seemed oddly happy, which puzzled Song Zhao.


    Before she could respond, she saw Consort Hui craning her neck curiously at the food box in Yun Shan''s hands, smacking her lips and asking:


    "What nice things are those?"


    Yun Shan smiled and opened the box. Seeing the dishes inside, Consort Hui''s cat-like eyes lit up with ayer of lively light.


    "Wow! Shredded fish with garlic sprouts, braised pork with preserved vegetables, shrimp with Longjing tea, and...fried silkie chicken! These are all my favorites, but the Imperial Food Management Bureau don''t like to make them because they''re too much trouble."


    Song Zhao smiled and said, "Made ording to the vors of home, I figured my sister would like them. Actually, about yesterday..."


    "Master Tong apologized to me already. I don''t me my sisters at all."


    Consort Hui casually picked up a shrimp and popped it into her mouth, munching away with great satisfaction.


    After swallowing it down, she said somewhat glumly,


    "I just can''t get over it in my heart, afraid my sisters will look down on me and not want to y with me anymore."


    Rongyue said, "Your Ladyship worries too much. Since we entered the pce, Your Ladyship has always treated us like sisters. How could we ever grow distant from you?"


    Li Changzai also said, "Which of the other principal consorts would condescend to dine with us lowly concubines like Consort Hui? For us to serve in Your Ladyship''s pce is our good fortune."


    Consort Hui giggled and naturally took Song Zhao''s hand. "Since Sister Song is here, keep mepany for the meal! It''s more fun with lots of people to eat these delicious things~"


    Song Zhao smiled. "Of course."


    As the servants were setting out the dishes, Consort Hui couldn''t wait and had already started picking at the braised pork with her chopsticks.


    She ate with relish, frequently praising Song Zhao''s cooking skills,


    "Sister Song is so skilled, just like my mother''s cooking~ So delicious!"


    Song Zhao used a kerchief to wipe away the oil at the corner of Consort Hui''s lips, gently saying, "I''m d you like it, but eat slower, don''t choke."


    "Oh right, Sister Song, you were so right! This morning His Majesty sent Eunuch Jiang to pass word that he''ll be taking me along on his southern tour!"


    "Oh? That''s wonderful news. My sister has been longing to reunite with family, now your heart can be at ease."


    In the midst of chatting, Yun Shan had finished setting out all the dishes.


    Thest dish was the famous Buddha Jumps Over the Wall, also one of Consort Hui''s favorites that Song Zhao had gotten up early to stew for her.


    Underneath the pot of Buddha Jumps Over the Wall a small brazier still bubbled away. The rich white soup churned and boiled, and just the smell of it was mouthwatering.


    Li Changzai praised, "Her Ladyship the Noble Consort is truly skilled. This Buddha Jumps Over the Wall looks, smells and tastes perfect, I dare say it''s better than the Imperial Food Management Bureau''s."


    Song Zhao smiled. "Li sister tters me. You haven''t even tasted it yet, how do you know it''s good?"


    Since the dish was in front of Song Zhao, she gently told everyone, "Since you say so, I shall serve each of you a bowl myself. Don''t just tter me."


    Song Zhao picked up a porcin soup spoon, intending to personally serve them the soup.


    For a high-ranked consort to serve lower-ranked concubines was a tremendous honor. Li Changzai and Rongyue held out their jade bowls, waiting respectfully for Song Zhao''s "reward".


    The greedy little Consort Hui couldn''t wait either, and had also brought her bowl close to Song Zhao.


    When Song Zhao was serving her, thinking she liked to eat, she firstyered the bottom of the bowl with a fullyer of seafood.


    Perhaps the ingredients were too chunky, when sheter tried to spoon in the soup, just one spoonful caused the soup to overflow.


    The scalding soup sshed onto the web between Consort Hui''s thumb and index finger.


    Although just a few drops, it still burnt her and made her cry out softly as she immediately let go of the bowl.


    The soup and ingredients spilled towards the west side of the table. Li Changzai and Rongyue almost simultaneously stood and backed away to avoid getting sshed.


    Song Zhao hurriedly got to her feet and grasped Consort Hui''s hand to check it carefully.


    "Sister, are you alright? I''m so muddleheaded..."


    She gently pressed her fingertips over the web between Consort Hui''s right thumb and index finger.


    Consort Hui didn''t take it to heart. She shook her head and looked longingly at the mess on the table, somewhat regretfully saying:


    "It''s just a waste of Sister Song''s efforts..."


    Song Zhao held her hand and gently blew over the slightly reddened wound.


    "The important thing is you''re not hurt. Tell me what foods you like and I''ll have Yun Shan make them and send them to you, you can eat your fill."


    Later, when the servants had cleaned up the table, everyone finished off the remaining dishes.


    When it was past noon, Song Zhao said it was almost time for the Emperor''s afternoon nap, and only then left Zhaochun Pce.


    Upon returning to her pce, seeing the beautiful blooming plum blossoms covered in snow in the courtyard, she had Yun Shan apany her on a stroll around the courtyard.


    As mistress and servant walked, Yun Shan looked around in confusion and said:


    "Little Fu Zi has run off somewhere again."


    Speak of the devil - no sooner had she said this than they saw Little Fu Zi rushing back to the pce, footsteps hurried.


    He quickly went before Song Zhao and bowed respectfully. As Song Zhao admired the plum blossoms, she casually asked him:


    "What did you find out?"


    Little Fu Zi said: "In response, Your Ladyship, Zhi Hua has been keeping an eye on Consort Hui as you ordered. Zhi Hua says Consort Hui spends all day in her pce only eating, drinking, and ying around. She seems cheerful every day, nothing out of the ordinary. After you left yesterday, when Master Tong came to apologize and make amends, Consort Hui did not make things difficult for them..."


    He stared at the darkening of Song Zhao''s eyes, hesitated briefly, then continued:


    "Also about the incident where the Crown Prince was nearly harmed in Plum Garden. Zhi Hua said the night before they went to Plum Garden to pray for blessings, Consort Yao yed chess with Consort Hui. The next day Consort Hui wokete and almost missed the auspicious time for praying.


    She rushed to Plum Garden in a fluster, didn''t even have time to put on her robe. The warmer was prepared by Your Ladyship, and Zhi Hua was with Consort Hui the whole time that day. She indeed did not notice anything strange about her."


    Yun Shan said: "From how you describe it, Consort Hui seemspletely innocent this time. Could we have misunderstood her?"


    Song Zhao casually plucked a plum blossom covered in snow, and coldlyughed:


    "The murky waters of the inner pce cannot nurture such a clean fish."


    Having said this, she shook the snow off the plum blossom into her palm.


    Taking advantage of Yun Shan lost in thought, she suddenly stuffed the snow down the cor of Yun Shan''s robe...

 Chapter 245: New Year’s Eve Handover 01

    <h4>Chapter 245</h4>


    "Ah!"


    Yun Shan was startled and quickly took two steps back.


    Since her reaction was quick, only a few snowkesnded on her cor and didn''t make their way inside.


    "What is the Empress doing?"


    Song Zhao smiled but remained silent, while Xiao Fuzi quickly understood what was happening and said:


    "If a few snowkese into contact with the skin, a normal person would quickly move away due to the cold sensation and wouldn''t give the snow a chance to enter the cor. If even cold objects are handled this way, how could the Emperor pour the hot sobering soup into Consort Hui''s cor? She got burned, didn''t she know how to avoid it?"


    Yun Shan said, "Are you suggesting that Consort Hui took advantage of the Emperor''s drunkenness, intentionally didn''t dodge, and allowed the Emperor to ''identally'' injure her with the sobering soup? But who would do such a thing? Even if she wanted to gain the Emperor''s sympathy, it wouldn''t be worth it topletely ruin her own body. Maybe... Consort Hui had a slow reaction?"


    "Slow?" Song Zhao chuckled suddenly, "Didn''t you see when I served her the soup? The temperature of that Buddha Jumps Over the Wall dish was simr to that of the sobering soup from that day. Look at Consort Hui''s agile movements, does she look like someone with a slow reaction?"


    Xiao Fuzi wondered, "I''m confused... What could be Consort Hui''s motive for doing this? If she wanted topete for favor, why would she intentionally burn herself?


    With her family background, she doesn''t need to feign ignorance and live peacefully in the pce. Once she bes pregnant, the Emperor would give her a consort position out of respect for her maternal family. Moreover, from what I can see, she doesn''t seem to like the Emperor..."


    His question was also Song Zhao''s question.


    During her time in the pce, Song Zhao had encountered all sorts of people, but she couldn''t figure out anything about Consort Hui.


    To the point where all her spections about Consort Hui were baseless.


    However, Song Zhao firmly believed that Consort Hui was definitely not as innocent as she appeared.


    Although she had suspicions, she couldn''t confirm them.


    For now, she could only be cautious around Consort Hui and take things one step at a time.


    "Let Zhi Hua continue to keep an eye on her. Also, go and inform Rongyue to be more vignt of Consort Hui in her daily life. If Consort Hui is truly someone who causes trouble, and she hides it so well that no one can see through her, she might be a more troublesome presence than the Empress in the future."


    *


    In this winter, the snow in the capital city continued endlessly.


    They say auspicious snow brings a bountiful year, but when there is too much snow, it bes a disaster.


    Many thatched houses in the outskirts of the city copsed under the weight of umted snow.


    The impoverishedmoners had nowhere to seek shelter from the bitter cold, and some even froze to death.


    Upon hearing this news, Xiao Jingheng immediately opened the national treasury to provide relief for the disaster, constructing temporary shelters to amodate the victims and ensuring they had three meals a day, so they could have peace of mind.


    Due to this, the New Year''s Eve banquet was also simplified.


    Last year, Song Zhao was forbidden by Xiao Jingheng to leave and couldn''t celebrate the New Year properly in the pce.


    This year, it was her first time celebrating the New Year in the pce in an official and proper manner.


    The regtions for this New Year''s Eve banquet are simr to those of Xiao Jingheng''s birthday banquet. The concubines are all gathered together, and the prince enters the feast. It''s a family gathering at the end of the year, where they enjoy wine, talk, and dance to liven up the atmosphere. There isn''t much novelty in it.


    By the halfway point of the feast, all the concubines who were supposed to showcase their talents have performed, and it''s time for everyone to present gifts to Xiao Jingheng.


    Last year, Xiao Jingheng encountered some setbacks, so he has been cautious and avoided any mishaps. Thankfully, he has managed to stay safe throughout the year.


    Therefore, this year, the concubines have put extra effort into congratting him, and their prepared gifts are particrly thoughtful.


    Various precious treasures are being presented, and most of the concubines started saving money three to four months in advance.


    For example, Consort Yao, who is not favored and whose family was not influential in the previous dynasty, started saving money half a year ago, nning what to give to Xiao Jingheng to win his favor.


    Song Zhao quietly observes as these concubines flutter around. She doesn''t know whether to find themughable or pitiable.


    It''sughable because they actually believe that as long as they give him valuable gifts, Xiao Jingheng will pay more attention to them.


    It''s pitiable because the people in the capital are suffering and disced due to the snow disaster, and the court has simplified everything, even the New Year''s Eve banquet. Yet, these concubines are rushing to give Xiao Jingheng various expensive gifts. What''s the difference between that and courting disaster?


    Of course, there are clever people in the pce as well.


    Among those who have already given their gifts are Consort Yin and the newly entered Concubine He. They have given Xiao Jingheng modest gifts.


    And then there''s Rongyue. Despite being a regr presence, she has actually given Xiao Jingheng a handle of Hetian jade ruyi.


    Both the jade quality and craftsmanship of this item are excellent. It''s impossible to acquire such a piece without spending more than a thousand taels of silver.


    After receiving this gift, Xiao Jingheng''s expression noticeably darkens.


    But that''s fine.


    Xiao Jingheng''s disgust is exactly what Rongyue had hoped for.


    Later, when Song Zhao presents her gift, she gives Xiao Jingheng a jade pendant carved with a dragon pattern.


    The dragon pattern on it is not very clear, and the jade color is not very transparent. It even contains some impurities.


    Consort Yun chuckles and says, "What did Consort Yi give? It''s not only that the jade is not transparent, but the carved dragon pattern is also crooked and twisted. If the emperor were to wear this, it would seem rather plebeian."


    She looks down upon Song Zhao and adds with a smile, "Considering that you are now in a position of honor as a consort, your monthly allowance is quite substantial. But how is it that when giving a gift to the emperor, you are so careless?"


    Song Zhao responds calmly with a gentle smile,


    "Sister, naturally, I can''tpare to you in wealth and status. My family can''t provide support, and justst month, the capital experienced a snow disaster. Seeing those suffering and discedmoners is truly pitiful. The emperor himself is deeply concerned and unable to eat properly due to this matter.


    Therefore, I have given all the monthly silver I have saved over these past few months to the Ministry of Revenue, asking them to use it for disaster relief. It''s a small effort to contribute to the well-being of the affected people."

 Chapter 246: New Year’s Eve Handover 02

    <h4>Chapter 246</h4>


    Song Zhao lightly and casually said a sentence, which made Consort Yun''s face flush red with embarrassment.


    She secretly nced at Xiao Jingheng on the high seat, recalling therge coral jadeite she had just given to Xiao Jingheng. She had thought that she could use it to turn the situation around and regain the Saint''s favor.


    But she saw that Xiao Jingheng didn''t even look at her, instead he smiled lightly and yed with the "inferior" jade pendant that Song Zhao had given him. She then knew that she had just tried to curry favor but it backfired.


    She heard Xiao Jingheng murmur after a moment, then ask Song Zhao:


    "This jade looks like that mottled nephrite pendant you wear close to your body?"


    "Yes," Song Zhao answered weakly, with some shyness showing between her brows.


    Xiao Jingheng had seen this piece of mottled nephrite several times when it was with Song Zhao.


    Song Zhao treasured it and had put it in the bottomyer of her jewelry box for safekeeping.


    Song Zhao had told him that it was a keepsake left by her mother.


    For Song Zhao, there was nothing more precious than this object outside of herself.


    "The dragon pattern on it was personally carved by this concubine. But my skills arecking, I''m afraid it will cause displeasure and ridicule from the Emperor."


    Carving patterns on jade takes great effort. It cannot be too light or too heavy, and one careless mistake can cause the jade to break apart, ruining the heart''s blood in an instant.


    At this time, Xiao Jingheng saw the faint dark circles under Song Zhao''s eyes, and knew how much thought she had put into this gift.


    The courtesy was considerate, the meaning profound.


    For someone like Xiao Jingheng who was used to seeing fine things, what he valued most was always affection.


    "Noble Consort''s gift is what pleases Zhen (I) the most tonight. The dragon pattern on it, every cut and every engraving, contains your thoughts and feelings. How could Zhen find fault or ridicule it?"


    After he finished speaking, he put on the jade pendant around his neck and ced it inside his clothes, keeping it close to his body.


    This gesture demonstrated his intimacy with Song Zhao.


    Those who envied Song Zhao''s favor could only look on helplessly.


    Noble Consort Chen, who was sitting to the right of Xiao Jingheng, rolled her eyes towards the sky.


    She was now seven months pregnant with twins, so her belly was a full circlerger than when Song Zhao was pregnant with Chen Yu. It was very difficult for her to move around.


    Even so, when she saw that Xiao Jingheng only had eyes for Song Zhao, she resolutely got up.


    With support holding her waist, she took two to three steps and crossed over to stand in front of Xiao Jingheng, blocking his line of sight.


    "The Emperor hasn''t looked at my gift, how can you say Noble Consort''s is the one that suits you most?"


    She snorted softly and made a coquettish, petty expression, "I do not agree!"


    "You always have topete to be number one to feelfortable." Although there was ridicule in Xiao Jingheng''s words to Noble Consort Chen, the smile at the corner of his lips did not hide. "You are pregnant, didn''t I say you should move around less? Come back and sit down."


    "I have to stand to present my gift to the Emperor in order to show my respect and sincerity."


    Xiao Jingheng did not initially understand what Noble Consort Chen meant by this.


    He then saw her take out a golden wood embroidered box. She held it over her head with both hands, presenting it with the utmost respect.


    Xiao Jingheng took the box and was about to casually open it, but after seeing what was inside, there was an involuntary shudder in his eyes.


    It was an engraved gold-ted iron tiger tally that was reflecting a dazzling brilliance under the candlelight, making people''s eyes blurry.


    This tiger tally couldmand 200,000 frontier troops and was the most important leverage in Ning Bochuan''s hands.


    The troops were out on expeditions, the Emperor was far away, and the imperial edicts often didn''t reach the front lines in time. Therefore, for the fighting men, the tiger tally was like a silent imperial order.


    The military order was strict, wherever the holder of the tiger tally told them to go, they absolutely did not dare to take half a step in the other direction.


    It was precisely because of this that the Ning Family had be Xiao Jingheng''s greatest threat.


    Yet now, this tiger tally, which symbolized the greatest threat to imperial power, was being presented by Noble Consort Chen as a congrattory gift, right in front of him!


    For a moment he was stunned speechless, the surprise revealed from the corners of his eyes was noticed by everyone present.


    Someone jokingly asked, "What nice thing has the Noble Consort given to make even the Emperor amazed? Let us also take a look!"


    Xiao Jingheng hesitated, and after a long pause, held up the tiger tally that was ced quietly in the embroidered box for the crowd to see.


    Most of the women in the harem did not recognize this object and discussed amongst themselves in whispers.


    But the princes present knew this item all too well...


    Especially Prince Rui, who alsomanded his own troops. After seeing the tiger tally, he subconsciously exchanged nces with Prince An and Prince Qi.


    Although the brothers didn''t say anything, theirplex expressions were enough to show how great an impact this matter had on them.


    Princess Yin, who was oblivious, asked:


    "What is this? It doesn''t look like any ornament I''ve seen."


    Noble Consort Chen arrogantly nced at her and quite smugly said:


    "This thing actually has some connection with Consort Yin. This is the Qi Army''s Tiger Tally that canmand 200 thousand troops and horses. It was what my father used back then to issue orders and conquer your Ada Tribe."


    Having said that, she deliberately raised her eyebrows at Princess Yin, fearing that she hadn''t angered her.


    After finding out that this object was the Tiger Tally, anothermotion erupted among the Consorts.


    Xiao Jingheng also asked in puzzlement: "How did your father''s tiger tally end up in your hands?"


    Noble Consort Chen smiled and said, "I was surprised too. Earlier, Father sent me a letter saying that now that thend is peaceful, it is time to return military power to the ruler.


    The tiger tally should have been personally handed over by my father to you at court after the new year. But coinciding with such a joyous asion today, Father thought to add blessings upon blessings and let me pass it on in his stead."


    (There is 1 more part)

 Chapter 247: The Hare and the Dog Cook

    <h4>Chapter 247</h4>


    At that time, Song Zhao looked at Noble Consort Chen''s smug expression, and suddenly understood one thing:


    Noble Consort Chen''s foolishness was most likely inherited from her father and brothers.


    The harem''s greatest taboo was for a consort to have ties with a past dynasty. Even letters sent by a consort''s family into the pce had to be inspected by the Imperial Household Department before being given to the consort.


    If this letter containing the tiger tally had gone through the Imperial Household Department''s hands, Xiao Jingheng would have known about it.


    But if it didn''t go through the Imperial Household Department, how did the tiger tally and letter get delivered in?


    Yet Noble Consort Chen dared to brazenly take it out.


    This showed that she was either extremely dull-witted, or had be unruly in the pce, discarding all its strict rules.


    Yet Xiao Jingheng did not look into this matter, and instead seemed very delighted.


    He said that Ning Grand General''s achievements were extremely great, and now that the realm was at peace, he should be promoted and ennobled.


    Xiao Jingheng also had Noble Consort Chen''s desk and chair moved next to his, and sat almost side by side with her.


    Noble Consort Chen was ted, and seeing the Empress to the left with a green face, she respectfully toasted the Empress during the banquet,


    "Empress, at the beginning of the new year, this concubine offers you a toast with water instead of wine. This concubine is pregnant and unable to stand, I hope the Empress will not me me for this?"


    The Empress forced a smile and said, "My sister''s intention is kind, how could I me you?"


    She, the Empress, still had to stand and walk to the Noble Consort''s side to clink sses with her.


    It was truly preposterous.


    Yet this scene happened right in front of Xiao Jingheng''s eyes.


    He only busied himself drinking merrily with the princes, willfully ignoring it.


    The next day at the morning court session, Ning Bochuan brought his eldest son Ning Xiuqi to hand a memorial to Xiao Jingheng, asking to resign his post and return home.


    Thispletely dispelled Xiao Jingheng''s suspicions and apprehensions towards them.


    He had always known that the Ning father and son were not clean-handed, and had embezzled no small amount over the years.


    But they had rendered merit to the country, and their achievements outweighed their faults. Xiao Jingheng had turned a blind eye, unwilling to nitpick with them.


    He thought that if the Ning family was content to live quietly from now on, he could leave them a way out to retreat from the capital back to Sichuan and Shaanxi, to live affluently for the second half of their lives.


    So at court, although he did not agree to the Ning family''s request to resign, he said:


    "You have established great military achievements for the founding of the dynasty. Now the realm is at peace, and I know you have spent half your life on battlefields, and now wish to retire and spend your days in leisure. I will reserve your official posts, and you will still be Grand General Who Pacifies The Frontiers to the outside world. But if you wish to live a peaceful life, I permit it."


    Ning Bochuan cupped his hands respectfully, and loudly said:


    "This subject thanks Your Majesty profusely! If the nation calls again in the future, we will surely serve Your Majesty, stabilize the dynasty, and not hesitate to offer our heads and spill our hot blood!"


    After court that day, Xiao Jingheng summoned Prince Rui.


    All this time, he had been using Prince Rui to check the Ning family. For the Ning family''s sudden relinquishing of power, he also wanted to hear Prince Rui''s opinion.


    "What do you make of this matter?"


    Prince Rui said: "This foolish brother does not dare make wild spections. I only have one doubt. Since our dynasty''s great victory over Candle Shade, nearly half a year has passed. With Candle Shade thoroughly routed, the realm is now at peace. Why did the Ning family not relinquish their military power then, but instead only gave up their iron grip on the troops now, right when Noble Consort Chen is about to give birth?"


    Seeing Xiao Jingheng''s increasingly overcast expression, Prince Rui added in a low voice,


    "Does my foolish royal brother think they might have deeper motives for doing this?"


    Prince Rui was practically spelling out that the Ning family was trying to make Xiao Jingheng lower his guard, safely allow the Noble Consort to give birth, then make their move afterwards.


    Xiao Jingheng knitted his brows, continuously rubbing his thumb ring as he slowly said after a long pause:


    "I am not without your apprehensions. Sometimes, the inclinations of the human heart can be more fearsome than power in hand. I do not know what the generals and troops think about Ning Bochuan''s resignation."


    Prince Rui understood now. Xiao Jingheng wanted to probe Ning Bochuan''s standing amongst the soldiers. But if Xiao Jingheng summoned the generals himself, he would surely not hear the truth from them.


    So Prince Rui said: "If you wish to investigate, it is no difficult task. Among the armies are many personal guards who have fought alongside this foolish brother."


    Xiao Jingheng said: "Then discreetly ask around, and see what the generals and troops privately think about Ning Bochuan relinquishing his military power to the court."


    Prince Rui bowed with cupped fists, and loudly said:


    "This foolish brother will surely not fail your order!"


    In the following days, Prince Rui wholeheartedly carried out this task, privately probing many generals in a roundabout manner.


    He sorted through the intelligence he gathered, but the results were vastly different from his expectations.


    The generals'' evaluations of Ning Bochuan were unexpectedly good.


    They said he governed the army strictly but treated the soldiers well, had no airs in daily life, and could get along with even the lowest soldiers. They could find no faults with him.


    Regarding Ning Bochuan''s resignation, the generals all said that although they felt some regret, they believed the Emperor must have better arrangements, and as the dynasty''s generals they would look to the Emperor for guidance.


    Prince Rui knew well that reporting this to Xiao Jingheng would make Xiao Jingheng spare the Ning family.


    But how could he willingly let the Ning family get away scot-free?


    To him, his birth mother had been hounded to death by Noble Consort Chen, and his arm had been broken by Ning Xiuqi.


    He would never easily let go of vengeance for his mother''s death.


    So when replying to Xiao Jingheng, he embellished and exaggerated:


    "This foolish brother privately asked the generals, and they universally sang praises of Ning Grand General. They mentioned Ning Grand General treats the soldiers well, viewing them as brothers, and is amiable without airs.


    After all, I did not hear anyone speak a single bad word of Ning Grand General, but only extol andud him ceaselessly. As for Ning Grand General''s resignation, this foolish brother heard some vulgar words that I dare not repeat, for fear of sullying Your Majesty''s ears."


    At this time, Xiao Jingheng''s expression had already be extremely ugly.


    He angrily rebuked:


    "Just say it."


    Only then did Prince Rui hesitantly and haltingly say:


    "Some generals said Ning Grand General''s resignation is because Your Majesty sees the present peace in the realm and wants to forget moral principles. When the rabbit dies... the hound is stewed!"

 Chapter 248: Treat the Ning Family Kindly

    <h4>Chapter 248</h4>


    The elusive smoke from the Boshan incense burner wafted through the hall, mingling with a faint scent of submerged water.


    Although the bluish smoke seemed far from Xiao Jingheng, who sat on the dragon throne,


    it appeared as if ayer of blue mist had veiled his face.


    Upon hearing what Prince Rui said, he fell silent for a long time,


    tapping his fingertips lightly on the dragon case, producing a clear and crisp sound, as if contemting something with great conflict.


    Prince Rui consistently nodded and showed deference, stealing nces at Xiao Jingheng''s expression in his heart,


    secretly hoping that under Xiao Jingheng''s rage, he would directly demand the lives of the Ning family father and son.


    But in the end, all he received was Xiao Jingheng''s casual remark,


    "That''s enough."


    "Enough?" Prince Rui''s face was filled with disbelief. "But, Your Highness..."


    "I know what you want to say." Xiao Jingheng waved his hand to interrupt Prince Rui''s words. "However, what you just heard was merely from the mouths of others, and it does not represent the attitude of the Ning family father and son.


    All I see is the unwavering loyalty of the Ning family father and son to the court. Since they have already handed over their military power and voluntarily retired, if I continue to make things difficult for them, it is likely to invite criticism from the previous dynasty and the scorn of the people. Let them go."


    "But are you not nning to investigate their embezzlement andwlessness?" Prince Rui''s tone became noticeably agitated.


    Xiao Jingheng, however, remained calm and said, "The Ning family also made significant donations during the snow disaster in the capital. Moreover, how many officials from the previous dynasty had clean hands in their pockets?"


    With a nce at Prince Rui, he continued, "You are my sibling, and this world belongs to our Xiao family. But can you guarantee that all the silver in your residence can stand the test of scrutiny?"


    Faced with Xiao Jingheng''s questioning, Prince Rui''s momentum visibly weakened, and he lowered his gaze, avoiding Xiao Jingheng''s piercing gaze.


    Seeing his silence, Xiao Jingheng added, "In all matters, when there is profit to be gained, there will be people willing to sacrifice everything and serve with unwavering loyalty. This has been the case throughout the ages. If we were to delve deeper, it would inevitably cause a chain reaction."


    "But..."


    "Enough, I have made up my mind about this matter. There is no need to speak further."


    Xiao Jingheng tapped his right hand on the dragon case, indicating that he had concluded today''s conversation. If Prince Rui continued, it would only be self-defeating.


    So he could only bow and return begrudgingly.


    But how could he be content?


    Instead, the more Xiao Jingheng favored the Ning family, the more unjust his deceased mother felt for sacrificing herself.


    *


    In the fifth year of Qiyuan, on the fifth day of the first month,


    General Dingyuan Ning Bochuan and General of Valiant Cavalry Ning Xiuqi retired from the court and requested permission to relocate and settle in the Qin Mountains area.


    The emperor granted their request, awarding General Dingyuan a thousand taels of gold and General of Valiant Cavalry five hundred taels, while retaining their official positions.


    Furthermore, the title of General Dingyuan was elevated to Duke, and the title would be hereditary and irreceable.


    To talk about other rewards would be unnecessary, but to raise Ning Bochuan''s title from Duke to Duke, with hereditary and irreceable status, was truly an unparalleled honor that had no precedent.


    It should be noted that in the Qi Dynasty, hereditary and irreceable titles were rarely bestowed, even to princes.


    Typically, the titles of princes were also hereditary. However, hereditary titles would be gradually diminished with each generation.


    In the Qi Dynasty, the hereditary titles were strictly adhered to. For example, if a prince held the title of a duke, his child would inherit the title of a marquis, and his grandchild would be a count.


    Sessive generations would continue to hold lower titles unless they made significant contributions to the country. Even if they were close rtives of the emperor, they would eventually bemoners if they failed to contribute.


    However, hereditary session was different. It meant that the titles would not be changed or abolished.


    With this imperial decree, Ning Bochuan could enjoy his ducal title for a lifetime, and it would be passed down unchanged to Ning Xiuqi. In the future, Ning Xiuqi''s eldest son would also inherit this title.


    In other words, as long as the Ning family did not anger the heavens, their descendants would enjoy the privileges of a duke for generations toe. This truly ensured thesting glory of the Ning family.


    These rewards clearly showed how highly Xiao Jingheng valued the Ning family. In the past, the Qi Dynasty had focused more on literature than martial arts, but now the court was also rewarding militarymanders who had made significant contributions to the country. This boosted the morale of the troops and gave them more motivation to serve the Qi Dynasty in the future.


    Of course, Ning Bochuan''s status in the previous dynasty and Noble Consort Chen''s position in the imperial harem were unparalleled.


    Noble Consort Chen was due to give birth at the end of February. Since the Lantern Festival, Xiao Jingheng had been apanying her almost every day.


    He took care of her in every possible way, even more so than when the former empress was pregnant.


    Under the favor of Noble Consort Chen, even the peerless beauty, Song Zhao, who had always been held in high regard by Xiao Jingheng, seemed dim inparison.


    Xiao Jingheng had already nned a southern expedition before the new year.


    It was supposed to begin in early spring, but so far there had been no movement.


    Everyone knew that he was waiting for the safe birth of Noble Consort Chen''s child.


    Only Noble Consort Chen pretended not to understand and asked Xiao Jingheng, "Your Majesty, didn''t you say you were going on a southern expedition? Spring has arrived, why haven''t you left yet?"


    At that moment, Xiao Jingheng was sitting opposite Noble Consort Chen, reading military books. When he heard her words, he immediately closed the book, ced it on the table, and made a motion as if he was getting up.


    "If you''re concerned about it, then I''ll set off tomorrow," he said.


    "Oh! Your Majesty~" Noble Consort Chen pouted and pulled Xiao Jingheng''s hand. She lightly caressed his hand with her fingertips and coquettishly said, "If Your Majesty leaves like this, you won''t be able to see our child being born!"


    "Hahaha~" Xiao Jinghengughed openly. He gently flicked Noble Consort Chen''s delicate and upturned nose with his finger and said, "My dear, you''ve be more mischievous because of my doting. You know very well that I haven''t left because I''m thinking of you. Yet, you still ask knowingly, just so you can hear me say it out loud. Does it make you feel relieved when you hear it from my own mouth?"


    "I am not a worm in Your Majesty''s belly. If you don''t say it, how would I know what Your Majesty is thinking?" Noble Consort Chen held Xiao Jingheng''s hand and ced it gently on her pregnant belly. "Your Majesty, do you think our child will be a boy or a girl?"


    Xiao Jingheng countered, "Why can''t it be a symbol of prosperity and harmony, like a dragon and a phoenix?"


    "Noble Consort Chen murmured, ''Dragon and phoenix symbolize harmony and auspiciousness... However, within the imperial family, if the phoenix is in front and the dragon is behind, it is considered as ''phoenix suppressing dragon,'' which is highly inauspicious and detrimental to the fortune of the nation.''


    ''Since when did Wan''er start believing in such things?'' Xiao Jingheng, with his arm around her shoulder, spoke gently. ''Our child will be blessed and free from any taboos.''


    Upon hearing these words, Noble Consort Chen felt a warm sensation welling up from the depths of her heart. She knew that the fortune of the nation was of utmost importance to Xiao Jingheng. Otherwise, when Xiao''s concubine gave birth to Chenghuan, he would not have been so ruthless as to abandon the child due to his defects.


    But now, if she were to bear a child, Xiao Jingheng seemed to care nothing about these superstitious matters, which was a clear indication of his sincere affection towards her.


    At this moment, Noble Consort Chen nestled in Xiao Jingheng''s embrace, and a mist of tears gradually veiled her phoenix-like eyes.


    She thought:


    In fact, the order of precedence, whether she was in the front or not, was truly insignificant to her.


    All along, all she wanted was Xiao Jingheng''s genuine love and affection.


    Now that she had obtained it, and her parents and brothers had all returned to their hometown to enjoy their twilight years, it was also the supreme honor bestowed upon her maternal family by her husband.


    Noble Consort Chen felt that her life had reached its fulfillment.


    As for the phoenix position that she had always pursued, at this moment, she could finally let go of that obsession.


    Deep down, all she hoped for was the safe birth of her child, so that she could apany Xiao Jingheng by his side, year after year, in a harmonious and blissful union.


    That would be perfect.

 Chapter 249: The Princess Gives Birth

    <h4>Chapter 249</h4>


    In February, the capital city was the most beautiful time of the year.


    The gentle spring breeze lightly brushed by,


    Wherever itnded, it made the ce blossom in its purple and red beauty.


    The pce had be a colorful and gorgeous painting, just like Noble Consort Chen''s mood at this time.


    Every morning when she opened her eyes, she could clearly feel the powerful movements of the two little ones in her belly,


    Sometimes when they got too rowdy, they would kick up several big bumps on her belly, looking rather frightening.


    But Noble Consort Chen was not afraid at all,


    These were her children, she was overjoyed that the children were strong and powerful, how could she be afraid?


    After a few spring rains in early spring, the weather had also lost the dryness of winter,


    The air became humid, and Chenghuan''s eczema had also improved a lot.


    Speaking of the child,


    In the past, whenever Xiao Jingheng came to Noble Consort Chen''s pce, he did not even want to look at him.


    But under Noble Consort Chen''s persistence and efforts, Xiao Jingheng had more contact with the little one, after all, blood is thicker than water, he had started to change his attitude somewhat.


    Just yesterday, he even smiled at the little one.


    Ning Wanshuang saw it in her eyes, and her heart was also joyful,


    She thought that after some time had passed, when her child was born, perhaps she could also beg Xiao Jingheng to enter Yu''er into the jade records?


    Even as a secondary son would do,


    The child had to have an identity to live in the pce.


    Moreover, Chenghuan was born different from others to begin with, when he grew up and became sensible, knowing that he was treated this way by his father, he would surely be inferior to the bone.


    But her child from Ning Wanshuang''s womb must live a proud life from beginning to end,


    She would not let ''her child'' be inferior and self-pitying.


    Throughout February, it wasn''t all happy days for Noble Consort Chen.


    She also had moments of grief,


    For example, on the sixteenth day of the second month, she had not shown a hint of a smile on her face since morning.


    This day was the anniversary of her Yu''er''s passing.


    She had never seen the child, but in her heart, she had always remembered him.


    That was her and Xiao Jingheng''s first child,


    As a mother, whether in life or death, how could she forget her own child?


    On this evening, Noble Consort Chen still burned spirit money in the pce for her unborn child,


    Standing in the mes, the breeze brushed her face and blew away the tears on her cheeks,


    "Yu''er, your younger siblings are about to be born soon."


    "When they grow up, Imperial Concubine will definitely tell them that they have this elder brother."


    "Your father and imperial concubine will not forget you."


    "Never..."


    After the memorial service was over, Liu Yue saw that Noble Consort Chen was not in good spirits, and was afraid that she would be choked by the smoke standing in the wind, so she supported her and walked to the inner chamber.


    Unfortunately, the strong wind blew up the still sparking ashes whichnded on the back of Noble Consort Chen''s dress.


    Her magnificent cape was covered with a thinyer of gauze, the sparks caught on fire as soon as they touched it.


    "Ah! Noble Consort''s clothes are on fire!"


    Someone eximed, and the pce maids immediately fell into chaos,


    Liu Yue held Noble Consort Chen tightly, afraid that she would copse in shock,


    And pped the burning hem vigorously with a handkerchief.


    Kang Yubin was also nearby, he was calm in the crisis, he fetched adle of water from the courtyard basin and sshed it on the mes,


    Fortunately the fire was not big, and it was extinguished with just thisdle of water.


    But Noble Consort Chen was really frightened,


    After calming down, she could clearly feel her lower abdomen tightening in waves,


    Not long after, intense pain suddenly rushed towards her, almost making her unable to stand.


    Liu Yue saw that her amniotic fluid had already broken, and immediately eximed loudly:


    "Noble Consort is going intobor! Hurry and call the imperial physician! Notify His Majesty quickly!"


    *


    At that time, Xiao Jingheng was having dinner with Song Zhao in Chang Le Pce,


    Seeing Jiang Deshun rushing in flustered and pale-faced, urgently saying:


    "Your Majesty, Noble Consort seems to be going intobor!"


    Upon hearing this news, Xiao Jingheng and Song Zhao hurried to Yonghe Pce without stopping.


    The pain suffered by women in childbirth varies, but it is extremely difficult to endure.


    Especially for Noble Consort Chen,


    She was petite but carrying twins, the birth process was destined to be more painful and agonizing.


    When they reached the gate of Yonghe Pce, Song Zhao could already hear the agonizing screams from inside.


    As someone who had gone through such an ordeal herself, she felt the softest part of her heart being twisted, and felt suffocated.


    She and Xiao Jingheng waited in the main hall for news,


    Seeing Xiao Jingheng was also very nervous,


    He kept pacing back and forth, sending people in from time to time to ask about the situation inside.


    Fortunately, although Noble Consort Chen''sbor was arduous, everything went rtively smoothly.


    After about half an hour, a midwife hurriedly came out and announced happily:


    "Congrattions Your Majesty! Noble Consort has first given birth to a little prince!"


    "Excellent! Wonderful!"


    Xiao Jingheng pped his hands reflexively, looking very happy,


    And Song Zhao also inexplicably felt as if a huge boulder pressing down on her heart had been lifted, and secretly breathed a sigh of relief.


    The prince was born first, so no matter if the child born afterwards was a prince or princess, it would not be a case of ''a phoenix suppressing a dragon'', so Xiao Jingheng had no reason to kill the child.


    Although Noble Consort Chen had schemed against Song Zhao many times, she did save Cheng Yu''s life after all,


    She was so fond of children, Song Zhao was already a mother herself, and sincerely hoped that she could give birth safely this time and everything would go smoothly.


    The midwife said: "We are cleaning the caul for the little prince inside, and will bring him out soon for His Majesty to see. Noble Consort is still inbor, I''ll go back to assist."


    After the midwife hurried back into the inner chamber, Song Zhao gently walked up, smiled at Xiao Jingheng and congratted:


    "Congrattions Your Majesty on gaining another son."


    Xiao Jingheng took her hand and helped her up, also smiling and saying:


    "It is great news. From now on, our Cheng Yu will also have a brother to keep himpany."


    He was all smiles,


    But his hand was not warm.


    Song Zhao was stunned for a moment, and could not think to respond to Xiao Jingheng for the time being.


    She vaguely felt that something was strangely amiss somewhere.


    After a long while, Song Zhao took a deep look at the inner chamber, before suddenly realizing:


    That child...


    Why isn''t he crying?

 Chapter 250: The Same Day is Taboo

    <h4>Chapter 250</h4>


    The interior of the pce was unusually quiet,


    Except for the almost exhausted cries of Noble Consort Chen, hardly any other sound could be heard.


    Song Zhao intended to ask Xiao Jingheng why the baby''s crying was so strangely absent.


    But seeing that Xiao Jingheng seemedpletely unconcerned about this matter,


    She understood in her heart.


    As parents, they should naturally be more concerned about their own child,


    Bing nervous, they would inquire about every detail.


    But Xiao Jingheng only paced anxiously in the hall, without mentioning a word about this obvious abnormality.


    A terrible thought suddenly arose in Song Zhao''s mind:


    Perhaps...


    This so-called abnormality was already expected by Xiao Jingheng?


    Before long, the agonizing cries of Noble Consort Chen gradually weakened with a painful roar.


    Having given birth herself, Song Zhao knew that the second child had been born.


    Soon, the sound of a baby''s loud crying came from the inner chamber.


    Xiao Jingheng''s furrowed brow slightly rxed, and he hurriedly walked a few steps to the door of the inner chamber, eagerly anticipating the pce maid toe out with good news.


    After a brief silence, the door of the inner chamber was slowly pushed open.


    Song Zhao approached and saw the wet nurses holding two swaddled babies, but their facescked any sign of joy.


    Someone reported the good news, but without congrattions, their expressions were solemn. "Reporting to Your Majesty, Noble Consort has given birth to another princess for you."


    The wet nurse handed one of the swaddled babies to Xiao Jingheng,


    Xiao Jingheng looked at the crying baby girl, moving her limbs with force, and a hint of joy appeared on his face.


    "She resembles Noble Consort."


    After praising her briefly, he quickly turned his gaze to the other swaddled baby. "Bring the little prince here for me to see."


    The wet nurse hesitated upon hearing this, bing even more tightly gripping the swaddled baby in her arms, and did not move forward an inch.


    Xiao Jingheng''s face suddenly darkened. "What''s wrong?"


    As soon as the words fell, the wet nurses and the royal physician seemed to be facing a great enemy.


    They immediately dropped to their knees in unison before him.


    Leading the group was Doctor Qi, who had been responsible for protecting Noble Consort Chen''s pregnancy.


    At this moment, he was even more fearful and restless, his voice trembling as he said:


    "Your Majesty, please forgive me! The little prince... has no connection with you anymore!"


    Xiao Jingheng''s face turned pale, and he staggered back two steps,


    Then, when he regained his senses, he abruptly snatched the swaddled baby from the wet nurse''s arms.


    The yellow cloth covered the face of the little prince in the swaddling clothes.


    Xiao Jingheng''s fingertips trembled as he lifted the cloth, only to catch a glimpse of the child, before closing his eyes abruptly, biting his lips and enduring it, tears flowing out from between his eyelids.


    Jiang Deshun, seeing the situation was not good, immediately took the swaddled baby from Xiao Jingheng''s arms and stepped back respectfully, afraid that Xiao Jingheng would see it again and be overwhelmed by emotions.


    This was the first time Song Zhao had seen Xiao Jingheng shed tears.


    Standing beside Xiao Jingheng, she also saw the child lying quietly in the swaddling clothes.


    The little prince''s face was pale, his eyes tightly shut, without a trace of vitality.


    Perhaps due to being a mother herself, Song Zhao''s heart felt as if it had been struck by a blunt object, causing a sharp pain.


    With teary eyes, she asked, "Does Noble Consort know?"


    Doctor Qi shook his head with a sorrowful expression. "Your Majesty, the Imperial Concubine has endured great hardships in giving birth to twins. Due to her weakened condition, she fainted just now. However, there is no harm to her health, and I believe she will wake up soon after taking the recuperative pills... Ah!"


    Before he could finish speaking, Xiao Jingheng suddenly erupted and ruthlessly kicked Doctor Qi in the chest. He exerted great force, sending Doctor Qi flying a yard away until he collided with the door frame and fell to the ground.


    Struggling to get up, Doctor Qi quickly crawled back to Xiao Jingheng and knelt down, pleading, "Your Majesty, please calm down!"


    "You have always reported that the Imperial Concubine''s pregnancy was safe. Why did this unexpected event ur? How can you, as a doctor, allow this to happen?"


    "As soon as the little prince was born, he had a blockage condition. I tried everything I could to make him cry, but it was in vain..."


    Doctor Qi was drenched in sweat, repeatedly kowtowing in desperation. "I am ipetent! Please forgive me, Your Majesty!"


    Xiao Jingheng supported his forehead with his right hand, his expression greatly distressed. The pulsing of his temples was uncontroble, and his neck stiffened, with veins visibly twitching.


    Pointing at Doctor Qi, he angrily rebuked with an astonishing tone, "Is my son''s life only ounted for by your ipetence? Guards! Drag him away and execute him immediately!"


    "Your Majesty, have mercy! Your Majesty, have mercy!"


    Doctor Qi pleaded in fear, but before he could say a few more words, the attendants swiftly covered his mouth and dragged him away at high speed.


    As he was being taken away, Doctor Qi happened to be seen by the Empress Dowager and the other consorts who had rushed in after hearing the news.


    The Empress Dowager saw Doctor Qi''s contorted face and the astonishment in his eyes, and she knew that the situation was not good.


    "Empress Dowager, this..."


    The Empress Dowager''s face darkened as she hurriedly entered the main hall.


    She saw Jiang Deshun holding a swaddled baby in the corner and immediately approached to check the situation.


    Jiang Deshun suddenly knelt down and cried, "Empress Dowager, please mourn... the little prince has passed away..."


    In the main hall, the sounds of consorts weeping, princesses crying, and maidservants pleading echoed, tangled and noisy, lingering in the rafters for a long time.


    Song Zhao watched Xiao Jingheng''s tearful eyes and trembling lips, and she knew that he was genuinely saddened by the death of the little prince.


    But sadness did not mean that the person who had harmed the little prince could not be him.


    Regardless of whether there were any suspicious circumstances, the appropriate course of action would have been to first apprehend Doctor Qi and thoroughly investigate whether there were any deliberate factors contributing to the premature death of the little prince.


    However, Xiao Jingheng was busy trying to execute the doctor.


    What was he afraid of, or rather, what was he trying to conceal?


    The more Song Zhao looked at Xiao Jingheng''s superficial disy of deep affection, the more she felt a chill run down her spine.


    That was their own son!


    Song Zhao couldn''t imagine what it would be like if one day Cheng Yu fell victim to her own biological father''s machinations. How would she cope then...


    Amidst the mournful voices of the crowd, the first to regainposure was the Empress Dowager, the oldest among them.


    In a weary tone, she instructed Qingzhu, "Go and bring the little princess here."


    Once Qingzhu took the swaddled baby from the nurse''s hands, the Empress Dowager immediately spoke with solemnity:


    "These midwives, just like Doctor Qi, are all ipetent! The young prince''s life was at stake, yet none of you experienced and skilled individuals could save him? Guards, take the person responsible for assisting the Empress in giving birth today and execute them by beating with a stick!"


    While the Empress Dowager was dealing with the midwives, the Empress and the other concubines gathered around Xiao Jingheng, consoling him with various words,


    "Your Majesty, please take sce. The Imperial Noble Consort is young and healthy. In the future, she will surely give birth to an heir for you."


    "This was an unfortunate incident indeed, but fortunately, the Imperial Noble Consort is carrying twins. There is still a little princess, which can be seen as a source offort for her. Your Majesty, just look at how adorable the little princess is."


    Xiao Jingheng gazed at the bundle in which the little princessy, hearing her cries, which only deepened his sorrow. He let out a heavy sigh and said,


    "February 16th... Why did it have to be this day? Both of our princes, the Imperial Consort''s and mine, met their premature end on this day."


    Upon hearing his words, everyone fell silent, unsure of what to say.


    After a while, Xiao Jingheng let out another long sigh and sadly spoke,


    "For now, let''s keep this matter a secret from the Imperial Noble Consort. I fear she won''t be able to bear it at the moment and it might further harm her health. If she inquires, we shall tell her that the young prince is unwell and is temporarily being cared for in the prince''s residence."


    "We concubines shall obey the decree."

 Chapter 251: The Curse of Witches

    <h4>Chapter 251</h4>


    In the midst of their conversation, a pce maid came to report,


    "Your Majesty, Noble Consort Chen has awakened."


    Xiao Jingheng took a deep breath, sweeping away the sorrow on his face, and a look of joy appeared in his brows.


    "I shall go in and see."


    The inner chamber was not spacious, and after giving birth, Noble Consort Chen didn''t have the energy to entertain the many people who came to offer their congrattions. Therefore, the Empress Dowager instructed the other consorts to wait outside while only she apanied Xiao Jingheng and the little princess inside to visit Noble Consort Chen.


    At that moment, Noble Consort Cheny weakly on the bed.


    She was once the most beautiful flower in the imperial city, but now she appeared pale and withered.


    Despite this, when she saw Xiao Jingheng enter, she made an effort to tidy up the strands of hair stuck to her forehead by sweat. With great difficulty, she smiled at Xiao Jingheng, wanting to show her best side to the man she loved the most.


    "My dear consort, you''ve worked hard," Xiao Jingheng held her hand and sat by the bedside, gently wiping away the sweat on her forehead.


    Qingzhu brought the little princess forward for Noble Consort Chen to see.


    With just one nce at the little one in Qingzhu''s arms, Noble Consort Chen felt her heart melting.


    She carefully caressed the baby''s cheek, overflowing with joy.


    "So, we have a princess this time? A princess is good, regardless. Before I fainted, I clearly remembered giving birth to a prince first. This way, I have given you, Your Majesty, a pair of auspicious dragon and phoenix, and there won''t be the taboo of ''phoenix suppressing the dragon.''"


    Noble Consort Chen let out a long sigh of relief, and the Empress Dowager also smiled from the side.


    "What you need to do now is to take good care of your health. Giving birth to twins will inevitably weaken your body. I will have someone carefully attend to your postnatal recovery, and you will be in good health."


    "Thank you, Your Majesty," Noble Consort Chen replied weakly. Then, she half-supported her body and looked around.


    However, all she saw was a swaddled bundle in Qingzhu''s arms.


    Confused, she asked, "Your Majesty, where is our son? When I gave birth earlier, I only heard the nursemaid say it was a prince. I was too focused on the delivery and didn''t get to see him. Your Majesty, please bring him in so that I can see if he resembles you more or me~"


    Xiao Jingheng spoke with a gentle tone, "The little prince was born with a minor ailment, but it''s not serious. When you fainted after giving birth, I had the imperial physician take our son to the Imperial Prince Residence for meticulous care."


    As he said this, he looked directly into Noble Consort Chen''s hopeful eyes, his gaze sincere and unwavering.


    He carefully tucked in the corners of Noble Consort Chen''s bedding and joked,


    "You know, even though that illness is not serious, if it is not treated properly, it will leave scars on the body. You wouldn''t want our child to have any shorings in the future, would you?"


    Noble Consort Chen wholeheartedly believed what Xiao Jingheng said.


    She thought of Chenghuan''s troubled life due to his psoriasis, so of course, she wanted her own biological son to be healthy and beautiful.


    So, she said somewhat regretfully,


    "In that case, let the imperial physician treat him well. We still have a long life ahead, and a day or two won''t make a difference."


    Xiao Jingheng nodded repeatedly. After a brief silence, he tightened his grip on Noble Consort Chen''s hand and sighed,


    "You have brought a pair of auspicious dragons and phoenixes to Us. We must reward you with something. We are thinking of bestowing the title of Princess Gulun upon our daughter. We will issue the decree immediately and forgo the marriage alliance. What do you think?"


    Upon hearing these words, Noble Consort Chen could hardly believe her ears.


    She stared wide-eyed in astonishment, her eyes filled with a mixture of surprise and joy.


    Princess Gulun was supposed to be the legitimate princess born to the Empress. It was an honor bestowed only if she gained the Emperor''s favor aftering of age or when granted the decree for a marriage alliance.


    Noble Consort Chen''s daughter was neither a legitimate princess nor required to marry.


    Yet, even with the child just born, Xiao Jingheng bestowed upon her such great honor.


    As a mother, how could she not be happy?


    Overwhelmed with joy, Noble Consort Chen could no longer hold back her tears, which burst forth uncontrobly.


    She choked back tears of happiness and repeatedly said:


    "Thank you, Your Majesty!"


    Inside the pce chambers, falseughter filled the air.


    In the main hall, concealed intentions were abound.


    The consorts who were just weeping a moment ago now gathered in pairs, whispering to each other. Their conversations were nothing more than mocking Noble Consort Chen.


    Consort Yao pulled Song Zhao to the side and whispered to her:


    "This is so satisfying. We have been oppressed by her for so long, and today, it seems like karma has finally caught up with her. Both of her sons died on the sixteenth day of the second month. If I were her, I would be crying my eyes out every February from now on."


    Song Zhao remained silent, with only a faint smile and a nod to acknowledge her.


    Amidst the eerie atmosphere, an untimely cry suddenly broke out.


    Following the sound, they saw Consort Hui covering her mouth, sobbing.


    Everyone gathered around her, asking what had happened.


    Through her tears, Consort Hui cried, "Wuwuwu... I just feel so sorry for the little prince. Noble Consort Chen''s pregnancy was going so well, how could it turn out like this..."


    The other consorts regarded her as if she were a joke and half-heartedly tried to console her.


    Consort Hui wiped away her tears with her small hand and continued to sob, saying:


    "That Ru, she did that voodoo doll to curse Noble Consort Chen. And now, look what happened to the little prince! Wuwuwu~"


    If she hadn''t mentioned it, everyone would almost have forgotten about that incident.


    Once this matter was brought up, it inevitably led to whispered spections.


    Later, when Xiao Jingheng emerged from the pce chambers, the Empress hurriedly approached him and inquired:


    "Your Majesty, Noble Consort Chen...?"


    Xiao Jingheng made a hushing gesture and whispered, "Her emotions have temporarily stabilized. It''s not advisable to grieve excessively after childbirth, as it can harm her health. Let''s keep it from her for a few days."


    The Empress''s face was filled withpassion as she nodded in agreement.


    After apanying Xiao Jingheng out of the main hall, she spoke:


    "While we were praying for Noble Consort Chen''s well-being, we suddenly remembered something that might be rted to the sudden loss of her child today..."


    Xiao Jingheng raised an eyebrow and asked, "What is it?"


    The Empress hesitated and said, "Consort Hui mentioned it unintentionally. She recalled the incident when Concubine Ru used witchcraft to curse Noble Consort Chen... And now, with Concubine Ru still under house arrest, Your Majesty, please consider this matter..." (Chapter 224)


    Upon hearing this, Xiao Jingheng''s face immediately darkened, as if a storm was about to unleash.


    He hardly hesitated for a moment and forcefully suppressed his anger, saying, "Originally, I thought that the art of witchcraft was nothing but a groundless rumor. Besides, Ru has no knowledge of the true date and time of the imperial concubine''s birth, so even if she had intentions to curse, it would be futile.


    In the past, out of consideration for the face of the Mongol King, I spared her life. But now it seems that my leniency has instead harmed my son! Jiang Deshun, take Ru to Chaoyang Pce. I will personally interrogate her."


    Concubine Ru, who had been under house arrest for several months, was taken aback when she saw Jiang Deshun suddenly arrive. She thought that Xiao Jingheng was going to release her ahead of time and greeted him with a smiling face, asking, "Why has Grand Tutor Jiange? Has the Emperor remembered me and decided to lift my confinement early?"


    "Hmph." Jiang Deshun snorted coldly, paying her no attention, and sternly replied, "I am here to take you out of the pce. But it''s not to lift your confinement, it''s to lead you to your death!"


    "What!?"


    Concubine Ru''s face turned pale, and she stammered in fear, "Thi-this... What do you mean, Grand Tutor?"


    Jiang Deshun''s voice was indifferent as he said, "Your witchcraft is truly formidable. The imperial concubine should have been a joyous asion, but because of you, the young prince was cursed to death!"


    Upon hearing the whole story, Concubine Ru was so frightened that her legs went weak. She leaned against the door frame to support herself and anxiously pleaded, "N-no, it''s not like that. I...!"


    "Enough. If you have anything to say, go and exin it to the Emperor in the court."


    With that, Jiang Deshun waved his dusting brush and shouted, "Take her away!"


    [520 Happy, except for the dog emperor.]

 Chapter 252: Mind of the Emperor 01

    <h4>Chapter 252</h4>


    Tonight''s Chaoyang Pce was the most ¡®lively¡¯ that Song Zhao had ever seen since entering the pce.


    Xiao Jingheng was going to personally interrogate Concubine Ru as usual, but for some reason, whether it was because he was too grieved, he had forgotten to dismiss everyone after getting into the pnquin, so all the consorts had no choice but to follow along to Chaoyang Pce.


    When Concubine Ru was brought to Chaoyang Pce, she saw Xiao Jingheng seated above, with the Empress Dowager and Empress standing on either side of him, and all the consorts of the pce lined up in the hall below.


    The hall was dimly lit by candlelight, and countless eyes were staring at Concubine Ru, causing goosebumps all over her body.


    She was held in custody in the middle of the great hall. Before Xiao Jingheng could even start questioning her, she suddenly knelt down and began to exin in a panic,


    "Your Majesty, please forgive me! I really have nothing to do with this! I never thought of cursing Noble Consort Chen and the imperial heir in her womb, I really didn''t!"


    She was terrified and kowtowed after every sentence, the muffled ''thud thud'' sound echoing on the golden dragon patterned ceiling, like muted thunder.


    "You didn''t? But the voodoo doll was found in your pce? You poisonous woman!"


    Because of the sudden loss of his son, Xiao Jingheng was very emotional. His angry shout echoed in the spacious hall, pounding Concubine Ru''s ears, and forcing cold sweat out of her.


    "Your Majesty, please calm your anger! Although I did make a straw doll, I didn''t privately intend to curse the Noble Consort! It was just because... just because Consort Yin bullied me too much, and I was muddled for a moment, wanting to frame her..."


    She knew she was wrong, and begged, "I plead for Your Majesty to consider that I just entered the pce and was bound to be muddled for a while, to forgive me this once!"


    When Consort Yin heard this, she immediately scowled and said sarcastically,


    "Oh, you really have an eloquent defense. It makes sense, framing me and cursing the imperial heir in the Noble Consort''s womb would indeed be a much lighter crime inparison."


    Concubine Ru was attacked from both front and back. The more she said, the more mistakes she made.


    She still wanted to defend herself, but Xiao Jingheng directly announced her death sentence,


    "You have done such a malicious thing with evil intentions. I cannot tolerate such a poisonous woman by my side. Considering your father''s contributions during the chaos in court, I will show you leniency and allow you to take your own life, and return your intact corpse to your maternal home!"


    The atmosphere in the hall was suffocatingly low.


    Although no one said it out loud, everyone was thinking:


    The Mongols and Consort Yin''s Ada Tribe were the forces Xiao Jingheng was most wary of.


    If he wasn''t really furious, he wouldn''t directly condemn Concubine Ru to death.


    This move showed that Noble Consort Chen''s position in his heart was superior.


    But Song Zhao had a different perspective.


    She didn''t feel that Xiao Jingheng''s move showed how much he cared for Noble Consort Chen. On the contrary, she felt that everything that happened tonight was strangely suspicious:


    Xiao Jingheng said he wanted to call Concubine Ru to personally interrogate her, but what did he interrogate?


    He just had someone scold her a few times, then hastily issued an edict allowing her suicide.


    His decisive edict showed that he had already made up his mind.


    If he had already decided, he could have issued a holy edict to execute Concubine Ru back at Yonghe Pce. Why go through the extra effort of seeing her and having all the consorts of the pce listen and watch?


    At that time, the only sound left in the hall was Concubine Ru''s muffled kowtows, one after another, and her hometownnguage that no one could understand, cried out in extreme fear.


    Jiang Deshun led the eunuchs to quicklye forward and drag Concubine Ru out of the hall.


    Concubine Ru struggled desperately, scratching the eunuchs'' hands bloody with her long, sharp nails.


    As soon as the eunuchs loosened their grip, she slipped out like a slippery loach, breaking free of her restraints and throwing herself at Xiao Jingheng''s feet again, crying out,


    "Please give this concubine one more chance! I really know I was wrong..."


    Seeing that Xiao Jingheng didn''t even want to look at her again, and waved his hand again to have her taken away,


    Concubine Ru''s eyes shed, and she suddenly thought of something. She hurriedly said,


    "This concubine is willing to write a letter to my father''s family, to have the Mongols dispatch 30,000 troops to atone for my crimes! I plead for Your Majesty''s mercy!"


    Everyone was visibly stunned by these words.


    Although the Mongols and Ada Tribe were both subordinate to the Qi Dynasty, they still had their own tribal troops, with considerable influence.


    These troops were under tribal autonomy and allegiance to other tribes, not under the militarymand of the Qi Dynasty.


    Therefore, the condition proposed by Concubine Ru was very tempting.


    In fact, with her status as an imperial consort, even if she hadmitted other offenses and was sentenced to death by the emperor, her Mongol King father would not possibly dispatch so many troops to save her life.


    But the situation was different now.


    Concubine Ru was now used by Xiao Jingheng of using witchcraft to harm the imperial heir.


    Anything involving the imperial heir that invoked the death penalty of extermination of nine generations.


    In his fury, Xiao Jingheng could easily portray this incident as the Mongols deliberately sending Concubine Ru into the pce to harm the imperial heir and damage the Qi Dynasty''s legitimacy.


    By then, not only Concubine Ru, but the entire Mongol tribe would face the possibility of the Qi Dynasty destroying them even at the cost of eight hundred casualties.


    At this time, the Mongol King handing over troops to the Qi Dynasty was not just to protect his daughter.


    It was to protect the entire Mongol tribe from a cruel war with corpses strewn everywhere.


    Even so, Xiao Jingheng still refused.


    He still angrily shouted, "How can 30,000 Mongol troops redeem the life of my son? Drag her away!"


    "Then 50,000!" Concubine Ru cried out, "50,000 troops! This concubine implores Your Majesty''s mercy! Your Majesty, please show mercy!"


    50,000 troops was almost half of the Mongol tribe''s military strength.


    But Xiao Jingheng still refused, not even responding, letting the eunuchs drag Concubine Ru to the door.


    Just as Concubine Ru was half dragged across the threshold,


    The Empress Dowager suddenly spoke, "Wait."


    She stopped the eunuchs and looked at Xiao Jingheng, saying word for word,


    "Has the Emperor considered this clearly? 50,000 Mongol troops would be greatly beneficial to the Qi Dynasty."


    Xiao Jingheng''s fingers trembled as he pointed at Concubine Ru and shouted,


    "She killed my own flesh and blood son! How can Mother expect me to let this go? If I do, how will I exin it to the Noble Consort when she finds out about this in the future?"


    The Empress Dowager said, "Witchcraft is just superstition. If Concubine Ru really had the ability to determine someone''s life and death by making a doll and sticking in two needles, she would have ascended to immortality long ago! In my opinion, the death of the imperial heir was purely an ident. When the timees, if the Noble Consort makes a fuss over this, I will exin it to her. She understands reason and will be considerate of the Emperor''s position."


    Seeing that Xiao Jingheng did not refute her, the Empress Dowager continued,


    "Let me take charge of this matter. Concubine Ru, write a letter to the Mongol King immediately. If he is willing to resolve this matter with 50,000 troops, then the Emperor and I will not pursue your mistakes further."

 Chapter 253: The Heart of a King 02

    <h4>Chapter 253</h4>


    The words of the Empress Dowager were like a lifeline thrown to someone in desperate straits.


    Concubine Ru, feeling as if she had been granted a reprieve, repeatedly kowtowed to Xiao Jingheng and the Empress Dowager, expressing her gratitude for their mercy.


    Throughout the entire process, Song Zhao kept his gaze on Concubine Ru, but his peripheral vision was constantly spying on Xiao Jingheng.


    Seeing the disgust on his face, it seemed as though he genuinely wanted to vent his anger by killing Concubine Ru, seeking revenge for the child who had unjustly died on behalf of him and the Noble Consort.


    But what was the reality?


    That day, after returning to the pce, the wet nurse had already put Cheng Yu to sleep.


    Song Zhao sat in front of the cradle, his eyes fixed on the peacefully sleeping little one.


    He was already almost six months old, and four tiny pearl-like teeth had sprouted from his gums. During the day, when Song Zhao yed with him, there were times when he would bite him, and it was starting to hurt.


    At night, his mouth would noticeably produce more drool.


    Song Zhao would asionally use a silk handkerchief to gently wipe the corners of the child''s mouth, and couldn''t help but sigh. Being born into the imperial family and growing up safely was truly a blessing from heaven.


    Outside the pce, whether a child could be born safely depended on the mother and the child''s own fate.


    But inside the pce, whether a child could be safely born depended on thebination of "heaven''s timing, earth''s blessings, and human harmony."


    And this "human harmony" referred to Xiao Jingheng.


    Based on everything that had happened today, Song Zhao could almost be certain that it was all orchestrated by Xiao Jingheng.


    The son of the Noble Consort, who had died young, was probably smothered to death by someone.


    With no male heirs under the Noble Consort, the possibility of the Ning family using the emperor''s power to dominate the vassals waspletely cut off.


    Xiao Jingheng appeared heartbroken throughout the entire ordeal, and all the consorts could see it. Even if the Noble Consort were to learn of her son''s death, she probably wouldn''t suspect Xiao Jingheng.


    Following that, Concubine Ru conveniently became the scapegoat for this matter.


    And knowing that Concubine Ru cherished her life, and considering the gravity of the situation, she would definitely propose using her family''s military power as a bargaining chip if she wanted to stay alive. After all, that was the only trump card she had.


    But Xiao Jingheng insisted on not agreeing to this, and in the end, he let the Empress Dowager decide.


    Recalling the scene when Concubine Ru was interrogated, Xiao Jingheng "unintentionally" made sure that all the consorts were present to witness it.


    Perhaps he wanted everyone to see that it was the Empress Dowager''s idea, and had nothing to do with him, the grieving emperor who had just lost his son.


    Though he was in a high position, in reality, he was just a pitiful father who couldn''t control anything...


    When the Noble Consort hears about this matter from others,


    she will probably be greatly moved by Xiao Jingheng''s attitude of putting Concubine Ru to death regardless of the court''s situation, all for the sake of their child.


    In this way,


    Xiao Jingheng only lost a son,


    but hepletely eliminated the possibility of the Ning family rebelling. Furthermore, he even managed to obtain fifty thousand troops from the Mongols willingly.


    What did he lose?


    There are so many women in the harem, and outside the pce, there are countless women eagerly hoping to enter.


    Xiao Jingheng was destined not to have a shortage of heirs.


    Looking at it this way, he didn''t suffer any losses. Instead, he gained immense wealth and power.


    Everyone could see through Xiao Jingheng''s calcted intentions. In his eyes, these women who apanied him day after day were not his wives and concubines; they were more like chips he used to consolidate his political power and develop the country.


    What were these women in the pce really fighting for?


    Were theypeting and scrambling just to demonstrate their greater utility in front of Xiao Jingheng?


    When a person''s ultimate goal is to live as an essory to others, they have truly lost themselves.


    Although it seemed like Song Zhao''s life was filled with glory and wealth, she had never lived a moment for herself.


    In the end, she fell victim to her husband''s cunning schemes.


    Such days, Song Zhao found them utterly dull.


    Lost in her thoughts, Song Zhao unintentionally let time slip away.


    Seeing that it was already past midnight and she hadn''t rested yet, Yun Shan went to the side chamber to find her.


    "Empress, it''s alreadyte at night. You''ve had a tiring day. You should rest early," Yun Shan said.


    Song Zhao looked up at her absentmindedly and asked inexplicably, "Yun Shan, do you think women are destined to be subordinate to men?"


    Yun Shan didn''t understand Song Zhao''s meaning but answered earnestly, "Women are under their fathers at home, under their husbands after marriage, and under their sons after their husbands pass away. This has been the way of things throughout history."


    Her response flowed naturally, as if she were reciting a profound maxim ingrained in her bones.


    Everything appeared unquestionably certain.


    Song Zhao lowered her gaze, looking at the scattered moonlight on the windowsill, and murmured, "If that''s how it is, does it mean it''s right?"


    "What did you say, Empress?"


    "It''s nothing." Song Zhao shook her head lightly and then extended her hand, allowing Yun Shan to help her up.


    "I''m tired. Please assist me with my ablutions."


    The person finding it hard to sleep tonight wasn''t just Song Zhao; the Empress Dowager was in the same predicament.


    Since returning to the pce, she had been kneeling in front of the Buddhist shrine, burning incense and offering prayers.


    She had recited the sutras over and over again, and her knees had be sore, but she didn''t want to get up.


    Qingzhu felt deep sympathy for her and advised, "Empress Dowager, it''s gettingte. You should rest."


    The Empress Dowager ced a fresh stick of incense upright in the censer, then let out a weary sigh and asked, "Qingzhu, do you think I''m doing the wrong thing?"


    Qingzhu understood and replied, "Empress Dowager, please forgive my blunt words. You are not the Emperor''s biological mother. Whatever the Emperor asks you to do, as long as it is for the prosperity and peace of the nation, you must cooperate."


    "But he is the Emperor''s own flesh and blood." The Empress Dowager''s tone couldn''t help but be agitated, and she added mockingly, "The Emperor takes three steps for every one we take. This time, he has not only restrained the Ning family but also weakened the Mongols. Thete Emperor chose him to ascend the throne, and he truly had keen insight into identifying heroes."


    Qingzhu replied, "Throughout history, how many emperors haven''t climbed to the throne on a mountain of corpses?"


    "But how many have they stepped on that belonged to their own flesh and blood?"


    Faced with the Empress Dowager''s retort, Qingzhu fell silent for a moment.


    Afterward, she no longer tried to persuade her. Instead, she let the Empress Dowager chant sutras and pray for that pitiable child throughout the night.


    *


    As usual, the urgent family letter was sent eight hundred miles to Mongolia and quickly received a reply from the Mongolian king.


    ording to the letter from the Mongolian king, it states that Mongolia voluntarily offers 50,000 troops to the imperial court without any conditions for exchange.


    As a result, the stalemate was broken, and the ban was lifted.


    She was a woman of strong character, appearing domineering like an imperial concubine, but in reality, she couldn''t withstand a scare.


    Since escaping from near death, she would have nightmares almost every night.


    On this night, she woke up in a panic, screaming as she touched her own neck.


    Saiji, the maidservant guarding outside, heard themotion and immediately rushed into the chamber to check on the situation.


    "Miss! What''s happening?" Saiji held onto Concubine Ru''s shoulders tightly and said firmly, "Miss, don''t be afraid. It was just a nightmare. You''re safe now. The Emperor has stopped pursuing the matter, and no one will harm you."


    After a while, Concubine Ru finally distinguished between the dream and reality.


    However, she was still sweating profusely, and her body trembled incessantly.


    She clenched her fists tightly and pounded the bedding with force, saying bitterly, "It''s all because of that arrogant concubine! It''s her own fault that her child died. She couldn''t even protect her own child. What''s it got to do with me?"


    "Miss, you mustn''t say such things!" Saiji hurriedly made a gesture for silence to Concubine Ru. "The Emperor forbids the harem from mentioning this matter, and the noble consort is still unaware of it. If she were to find out, who knows how heartbroken she would be..."


    Upon hearing this, a cunning gleam shed in Concubine Ru''s eyes, and she sneered.


    "Tomorrow is her son''s seventh day since passing. How can this so-called ''auspicious day'' be missed by a mother like her?"


    As she spoke, she motioned Saiji toe closer with a beckoning finger.


    "Come here, I have something to tell you."

 Chapter 254: A Gift of Fragrance

    <h4>Chapter 254</h4>


    Because Noble Consort Chen is currently in her confinement period, Emperor Song Zhao still insists on her "resting" in the pce. As the highest-ranked consort, Consort Song Zhao is expected to receive visits from the other consorts in her pce.


    Usually, these visits follow a formal procedure, with little conversation exchanged before Consort Song Zhao dismisses them. However, today is different.


    Upon seeing the consorts'' arrival, Consort Song Zhao wears a smile that seems both genuine and insincere on her face.


    After the initial greetings, Consort Yao can''t help but speak up, her patience wearing thin. She asks, "Have you all heard about what happenedst night?"


    "Who hasn''t?" Consort Yin chuckles. "The Yonghe Pce was in total chaos yesterday evening. Not only us, but even the two parrots that are always in the room must have known."


    Consort Yun adds, "The Noble Consort found out that her child had died and she cried inconsbly. The Emperorforted her throughout the night, and he even skipped the morning court session today..."


    She hesitates for a moment, her voice filled with resentment, and adds, "It''s the first time since his ascension to the throne that the Emperor has missed the morning court session because of a consort."


    Consort Yin sneers, "So what? Just because the Emperor spent the night with her, does that mean her child wille back to life?"


    Concubine He interjects, "The Emperor has also shownpassion to Noble Consort Chen. I heard that he promised to adopt Chenghuan as Noble Consort Chen''s own son and formally recorded him in the jade registry. In the future, even though he won''t be the Emperor''s biological son, he will still be considered a son of Noble Consort Chen."


    Upon hearing this, Consort Yinughs even more disdainfully and challenges, "Do you want that child?"


    Concubine He is momentarily at a loss for words, feeling awkward for a while before timidly responding, "I am merely a lowly concubine. How could I dare to imagine such good fortune..."


    "Enough," Consort Song Zhao interrupts in a solemn tone, putting an end to their discussion. "The matter of the imperial heir is not something we can discuss. Let''s not provoke the Emperor''s anger."


    With Consort Song Zhao''s intervention, the others finally stop their gossiping. They exchange nces, unsure of what to say for a moment.


    Just as Consort Song Zhao is about to dismiss them, Rongyue suddenly stands up and respectfully bows to her. She says, "May I inform Consort Yifei that my family has sent me some exquisite Xiyun incense? The production process for this incense is intricate and difficult to obtain. My family has sent me too much, and I can''t possibly use it all. I thought of sharing it with my sisters here."


    "Xiyun incense?" Consort Yun, who adores fragrance, is well aware of the rarity of this incense. She asks, "This incense can only be made by the ''Heavenly Fragrance Pavilion'' in Jiangdu. Moreover, it''s not even the time for this incense to be released. My family made a reservation with the Heavenly Fragrance Pavilion for delivery in April. How is it that you have it before me?"


    Rongyue exins with a smile, "It turns out that Consort Yun also patronizes the Heavenly Fragrance Pavilion''s products. It is truly my mother''s great honor."


    Rongyue bows again and says, "If you have any preferences, there is no need to trouble yourself. Just let me know, and I will make the arrangements for you."


    "Oh?" Consort Yun smiled brightly and said, "In that case, thank you in advance."


    As they spoke, Cai Ying had already presented Xi Yun Xiang.


    The originallyrge block of scented paste was divided into many small pieces and ced in different-sized iron boxes ording to the rank of the consorts, making it convenient to use.


    Rongyue distributed the scented paste, and when she was about to give it to Song Zhao, Song Zhao said,


    "Sister''s intention is good, but for something used so intimately, it should be checked by the imperial physician first to ensure its safety before we can all use it with peace of mind. I''m going the extra mile here. I hope you won''t mind, sister."


    "The empress''s words are reasonable. This concubine naturally doesn''t mind."


    Coincidentally, today was the day the imperial physician came to check Song Zhao''s pulse for peace and security, and he was waiting in the side hall, making it convenient to call him over.


    After the imperial physician carefully examined the scented paste and found no issues, Song Zhao smiled and said,


    "Thanks to Tong Chang''s thoughtful gesture. Take a whiff, everyone. This scented paste truly smells heavenly."


    Consort Yun also said, "That''s why it''s a highly sought-after product from the Heavenly Fragrance Pavilion. They only produce a limited quantity each year, and if you''rete to ce an order, you won''t even get a taste of it."


    Song Zhao said, "When ites to using fragrance, no one in the pce knows more than Consort Yun. It''s the same scented paste, but while Sister can make itst all day, I, as a fool, can''t keep the scent for even half a day. I''m truly wasting a good thing."


    Consort Yun felt quite pleased with the praise and said, "It depends on how you use it and where you apply it."


    Consort Yao then said, "Why not let Consort Yun teach us?"


    Consort Yun regarded this as her secret to gaining favor and naturally didn''t want others to know. But Consort Yao''s words caused a stir, and now everyone wanted Consort Yun to share her knowledge. Caught between a rock and a hard ce, she reluctantly agreed, putting on a brave face.


    "Alright, alright. Watch carefully, everyone. I''ll demonstrate once, but don''t bother me if you didn''t see it clearly."


    Consort Yun used a small amount of scented paste the size of a pea and warmed it with her fingertips before applying it to seven or eight different ces, such as her wrists, behind her ears, in her hair, and on her dress.


    Her movements were swift, as if she feared others would learn from her. It was dazzling to watch.


    During this time, the other consorts didn''t remain idle; they also took some scented paste and practiced along with her.


    In the end, the entire Pce of Eternal Joy was filled with a fragrant aroma. The consorts all gained some insights and then gathered in groups of two or three to discuss and leave.


    Later that night, when Song Zhao heard that Xiao Jingheng had returned to the Pce of Morning Sun from Noble Consort Chen''s pce, she prepared ate-night meal to visit him.


    Coincidentally, the curly red lilies she had carefully cultivated in the pce had bloomed.


    She picked some with a strong fragrance and brought them along.


    When she reached the gate of the Pce of Morning Sun, she happened to see Jiang Deshun pacing anxiously outside.


    Song Zhao approached and asked, "What''s the matter, Grand Tutor Jiang?"


    "Oh! Divine Empress, you''vee at just the right time!"


    Jiang Deshun saw her as if she were a lifesaving bodhisattva and immediately poured out his grievances.


    "The Emperor consoled the Noble Consortst night, and he has been by her side until now. The Noble Consort is overwhelmed with grief after the loss of her child. She cried herself to exhaustion and had to drink a sedative to fall asleep. However, the Emperor stayed up for a whole day and night because of this.


    Now that he has returned, despite the court attendant''s advice to rest, the Emperor refuses. He has a mountain of memorials piled up from the past two days, but he insists on handling state affairs before he can find peace of mind to rest. With the loss of the young prince and enduring a day and night without rest, even the strongest body could not bear it. Take a look at this..."


    Song Zhao sighed and said, "As parents, how can one not be heartbroken when such an event urs? The Emperor also wishes to immerse himself in state affairs temporarily to forget the sorrow. Your Excellency, please don''t worry. I will go in first and try to persuade the Emperor."

 Chapter 255: Six House Eyeliner

    <h4>Chapter 255</h4>


    The main hall of Chaoyang Pce was aze with countless candles, illuminating the room as if it were daytime.


    Xiao Jingheng sat upright on the dragon throne, one hand flipping through official documents, while the other held a pen, leaving red marks on the pages.


    He appeared greatly exhausted, his figure not as upright as before.


    Song Zhao approached gracefully, cing the evening meal and a bouquet of flowers aside, and bowed to Xiao Jingheng, saying,


    "I greet Your Majesty. May you be blessed and in good health."


    "Rise," Xiao Jingheng''s voice was slightly hoarse. After Song Zhao stood up, he paused his writing and looked at her, raising an eyebrow,


    "Why have youe at this hour?"


    Song Zhao replied, "I know Your Majesty is in a mncholic mood, and I understand that there is little I can do to alleviate your emotions. I thought of preparing a meal to apany you and be by your side, hoping it would bring you some peace."


    "You are thoughtful, Zhao''er."


    Xiao Jingheng nced at the food box on the side table, but his attention was drawn to the vibrant bouquet of curled peony lilies next to it.


    Unlike the usual pale and delicate appearance, these peony lilies were fiery red, with their petals curled in an eye-catching manner.


    "Are these curled peony lilies?"


    "Yes," Song Zhao nodded, then bowed even deeper, "I took the liberty of bringing such colorful flowers to Chaoyang Pce during the mourning period of the Little Prince. I beg Your Majesty''s pardon."


    After the recent loss of the Little Prince, everyone in the pce was cautious. Even the pce maids refrained from wearing flowers, let alone disying bright colors in front of Xiao Jingheng.


    Though Song Zhao''s action seemed reckless, Xiao Jingheng did not me her.


    "It is not easy to cultivate curled peony lilies in the capital city''s environment. Even the Bureau of Flowers and Birds has never grown them. Your effort to bring these flowers is evident. Besides, the fragrance of these lilies is soothing and calming. By bringing them to me now, you wish to help me find peace and have a good night''s sleep. You also want to bring some brightness to my mood. With such intentions, how can I me you?"


    Song Zhao lowered her gaze, her face blushing. She said, "It''s just a small gesture. If it can bring a little joy to Your Majesty, then the flowers will have fulfilled their purpose."


    Xiao Jingheng stood up and walked to her side, taking her hand. He spoke gently,


    "With so many recent events in the pce, everyone tells me to mourn, but only you truly bring me sce."


    As he spoke, he led Song Zhao to the side table, picked up the curled peony lilies, and gently sniffed them. Then he lowered his gaze and nodded,


    "The fragrance of flowers. And of people, too."


    "If Your Majesty likes them, I shall have fresh ones brought to you every day."


    "I naturally appreciate your kind intentions."


    From that day forward, as expected, Xiao Jingheng allowed Song Zhao to stay in Chaoyang Pce.


    After they shared the evening meal, Song Zhao advised Xiao Jingheng to rest early, to replenish his energy, and to prioritize his well-being.


    Xiao Jingheng followed her advice.


    He was weary, and that night, they did not engage in any intimate activities. He fell asleep almost as soon as his head touched the pillow.


    Meanwhile, Song Zhaoy on her side, facing away from him.


    Bathed in the faint moonlight, she stared unwaveringly at the bouquet of curled peony lilies, now resting on a warm seat on a small table.


    In the following days, Chang Le Pce would send fresh Curled Peony Lilies to Chaoyang Pce every day, to be ced in Xiao Jingheng''s inner chamber.


    However, the discarded flowers were never disposed of in a timely manner.


    Xiao Fuzi would secretly bring those lilies back to Chang Le Pce. First, she would fumigate the petals with incense, and then soak them in clear water.


    On the first day, everything seemed normal.


    But on the second day, the lily petals soaked in water gradually faded from orange-red to a pale yellow.


    Xiao Fuzi was taken aback and hurriedly carried the basin of water to Song Zhao''s inner chamber to report the matter.


    "Your Majesty, there is indeed a reaction!"


    At that moment, Song Zhao was sitting alone on a warm seat, ying chess to pass the time.


    Upon hearing Xiao Fuzi''s words, she instinctively raised her eyebrows and nced at the floating petals in the wooden basin.


    After seeing those faded petals, Song Zhao tightened her grip on a white chess piece held between her fingertips, and her expression noticeably darkened.


    "As expected..."


    Xiao Fuzi said, "On that day, Tong Chang added Huaqing Powder to the fragrance paste he gave to the concubines. Huaqing Powder evaporates very slowly, with a faint and hard-to-detect scent that lingers on the skin for a long time. If the scent of Huaqing Powder and the fragrance of Yuelin coincide on the lily petals, they will fade when soaked in water.


    In the entire pce, only His Majesty uses Yuelin Fragrance. And the Curled Peony Lilies have been ced on His Majesty''s warm seat in the inner chamber for the past two days. Consort Hui has only sat on the warm seat in the inner chamber, and for quite some time, which is why the scent of Huaqing Powder on her body has also contaminated the lily petals..."


    Xiao Fuzi''s analysis was already very thorough.


    These faded lily petals were clearly telling everyone that Consort Hui could freely enter and stay in Xiao Jingheng''s inner chamber.


    Yun Shan was also shocked. "But for the past two days, His Majesty has been with Noble Consort Chen and hasn''t flipped any other cards. The consorts only meet His Majesty in the main hall. Moreover, Consort Hui is not a favored consort, so how can she freely enter His Majesty''s inner chamber?"


    After a moment, Song Zhao let out a coldugh and said calmly,


    "The consorts all know how to ce their spies and pawns near those they fear. Do you think His Majesty is unaware of this? It''s just that His Majesty''s methods of cing his own pawns are far more sophisticated than those women in the harem."


    Yun Shan was shocked beyond words, almost speechless.


    "Your Majesty suspects that Consort Hui has been secretly monitoring the affairs of the harem on behalf of His Majesty?"


    In fact, Song Zhao had harbored this suspicion long ago.


    It''s just that this time, Consort Hui "unintentionally" mentioned the witchcraft she had been practicing as usual, whichpletely confirmed Song Zhao''s suspicions and was the first time she had revealed her true intentions.


    That seemingly innocent remark was just too coincidental. Without Consort Hui''s words, Xiao Jingheng wouldn''t have been able to obtain fifty thousand troops from Mongolia so smoothly.


    Coupled with many instances of internal strife among the women in the harem, which were not meant to be known by Xiao Jingheng, he always managed to find out quickly.


    And then there was thest time, the tantly unreasonable exnation Xiao Jingheng gave for the bruises on Consort Hui''s neck...


    All these various aspects were enough for Song Zhao to connect all the pieces together and direct the me towards Consort Hui.


    You see, many times when the imperial concubines spoke ill of others in secret, they didn''t avoid Consort Hui, thinking of her as a naive child who only knew about indulgence and food.


    And before that, Xiao Jingheng agreed to let Consort Hui move in and live with the pregnant Song Zhao.


    Unless something unexpected happened, it was also Xiao Jingheng''s way of testing Song Zhao...


    At this moment, Yun Shan also thought about the time when he used to live with Consort Hui, causing him to gasp in shock.


    "Fortunately, when Consort Hui lived with us in the past, the Empress had already started to be cautious of her. Otherwise, if we spoke privately without being cautious, she might have reported it to the Emperor and caused trouble for the Empress... It was a close call!"


    Song Zhao had already witnessed Xiao Jingheng''s sensitivity and suspicions multiple times.


    She thought she had be ustomed to whatever actions Xiao Jingheng might take, but after learning the truth about this matter, she was still shocked for quite some time.


    Once she regained herposure, Song Zhao quickly regained her usual demeanor and coldly smiled, saying:


    "It''s good that we know about this matter. If she does things for the Emperor, he will surely trust her more. We can also make use of her, after all, she is just a chess piece. If the Emperor can use her, so can I."


    As she spoke, Song Zhao lightly ced the white chess piece she had been holding between her fingertips onto the chessboard.


    With one move, the ck pieces on the chessboard that had been evenly matched with the white piece were immediately trapped in a deadlock, unable to ascend any further.


    "For example, use her... to bring down the Empress!"


    [Regarding Consort Hui, I won''t go over it again. From the beginning to now, there have been numerous clues and hints. The most recent event was the incident where Empress Dowager Mei Yuan almost fell, and although the Noble Consort said not to inform Xiao Jingheng, he already knew beforehand.]


    [There are many simr incidents, but the threads are too intricate and numerous along the way. Even a cute little follower who has been following along should be able to perceive them upon reflection, so I won''t point them out. Also, you might raise questions about how she could be so scheming at the age of ten when she entered the pce. Don''t worry, her story will unfoldter, and there will be revtions and exnations.]


    [In addition, enjoy traditional arts. Have a happy Monday.]

 Chapter 256: The Beatings

    <h4>Chapter 256</h4>


    In the following month after that, no one in the harem saw Noble Consort Chen.


    The doors of Yonghe Pce remained tightly shut every day. During this time, Song Zhao went to see her three times, but was turned away at the door each time.


    In early March, all the apricot blossoms near Guangyang Gate had bloomed. Branches full of brightly clustered petals formed a sea of flowers. The light breeze stirred up a mist of pale purple petals, and the delicate fragrance made the scene even more dreamlike and illusory.


    On several asions when Song Zhao passed by Guangyang Gate, she saw many consortsughing and ying under the apricot trees, chanting poems, dancing... But she didn¡¯t see Noble Consort Chen¡¯s figure there anymore.


    On the 19th of the third month, two major events happened in the pce.


    One was that Xiao Jingheng decided the date of his southern tour to be at the end of March. Other than Consort Hui and the Empress who had already been confirmed to go, he didn¡¯t specify if he would bring anyone else.


    The second was that the eunuchs in front of the emperor uprooted and cut down the most vibrant apricot trees near Guangyang Gate.


    Song Zhao entered the pcete and was unaware of this.


    The apricot trees that Xiao Jingheng ordered to cut down were exactly the ones she and Noble Consort Chen had nted together with their own hands, representing their friendship.


    Now the people were still there, but the trees were cut down. It was inevitable that it would make people think otherwise.


    Sure enough, when the consorts came to greet Song Zhao the next day, they started gossiping about this matter.


    Consort Yin spected: ¡°We all know Noble Consort¡¯s temperament. His Majesty goes tofort her every day, but she is always grieving about not having a child, most likelyining to His Majesty. She probably forgot that the child she lost prematurely was also His Majesty¡¯s son. Noble Consort only cares about her own feelings, no wonder His Majesty got annoyed.¡±


    Consort Yun also said: ¡°That¡¯s right. Do you still remember? In the past, when the Bureau of Flowers and Birds was weeding around those apricot trees but didn¡¯t clean up properly, Noble Consort saw it and nearly sent people to the Judicial Department. It shows how much those apricot trees meant to Noble Consort...¡±


    Consort Yao sneered coldly: ¡°What she cared about was her rtionship with His Majesty. But in the end, it was still because of the word ¡®rtionship¡¯ that she pushed His Majesty further and further away. Who can she me?¡±


    Noble Consort Chen had great power in the pce, swaggering and showing off her might for many years, always looking down on everyone.


    In this whole pce, from the Empress at the top to the most unknown answering maid anddy-in-waiting at the bottom, who hadn¡¯t suffered her overt ridicule and covert sarcasm?


    When her power was strong, she offended many people. Now that her power was weak, she was destined to have everyonee up and trample her.


    At this time, even the lowly Concubine Ru dared to mock:


    ¡°It looks like His Majesty is really angry with Noble Consort this time. But she brought it onto herself with her affectations. It wasn¡¯t His Majesty who caused her to lose her child. Who is she putting on an act for?¡±


    When Consort Yin heard this, she nced back at Concubine Ru and said with an embarrassed smile:


    ¡°That¡¯s right. If we¡¯re talking about who contributed the most to Noble Consort losing her child, it should be you. She should be sulking at you.¡±


    ¡°...¡±


    Concubine Ru didn¡¯t know how to respond and didn¡¯t dare to respond either.


    Feeling awkward, she could only turn to look at Song Zhao, who was sitting steadily in the chief position, and ttered with an insincere smile:


    ¡°If it was up to this concubine, Consort Song is being too modest. You just entered the pce a year ago and went from being an answering maid to the chief consort. Who in this pce is more favoured by His Majesty than you? Earlier His Highness visited no one except Noble Consort. It seems... If Noble Consort really offended His Majesty this time, then Consort Song may soon be able to rece her!¡±


    When Song Zhao heard her ttery, she smiled lightly and shook her head:


    ¡°Noble Consort has been serving His Majesty for a long time and their feelings run deep. Not to mention me, who in this pce can rece Noble Consort?¡±


    Concubine Ru went on: ¡°Consort Song, don¡¯t be so modest. Who in this pce can be more favoured by His Majesty than you?¡±


    She was stupid and kept ttering Song Zhao repeatedly, wanting to show her allegiance to Song Zhao so that she could have some backing in this deep pce.


    But with just a few words, she changed the expression of all the consorts.


    Especially Consort Yin. The authority to manage the six pces had shifted to Song Zhao, which already displeased her. Now her face was even harder to look at.


    Song Zhao briefly nced at everyone''s expressions below. Still smiling, she said:


    ¡°What Concubine Ru said is quite clever - disparaging Noble Consort while causing others to be jealous of me for no reason. No wonder Consort Yin let someone p your mouth in the street that day. If you were my pce maid, with that slick tongue of yours, I''m afraid I would have beaten you to a pulp."


    Song Zhao used the gentlest tone to say the most sarcastic words, making all the consortsugh embarrassedly.


    Only Concubine Ru was so ashamed that her face and ears turned red, wishing she could find a crack in the ground to crawl into.


    Just then, the little fortune boy guarding outside respectfully reported:


    "Noble Consort has arrived!"


    All eyes instinctively looked towards the door.


    I saw a sh of red figure, swaying against the light.


    Noble Consort Chen was still the same as before. No matter where she went, it was always with great fanfare.


    More than ten pce maids crowded around her. As they stepped closer and closer to the front hall, it gave people an intense sense of oppression.


    Today, she wore a vermilion cloak embroidered with phoenixes and peonies. Her hair was styled into a cloud bun, adorned with iid kingfisher hairpins. She was full of gold, silver and jade ornaments, dressed extravagantly.


    With exquisite makeup, her eyebrows were painted as distant mountains and her lips were dotted red.


    She had the appearance of a goddess, gorgeous and dazzling,pletely different from the haggard image that everyone imagined she would have.


    Seeing here, Song Zhao immediately got up and led all the consorts to greet her:


    ¡°Your servants (concubines) greet Noble Consort, may Noble Consort have boundless blessings and peace!"


    This time, Noble Consort Chen didn¡¯t even nce at them, let alone make them rise or acknowledge their greeting. She went straight toward the chief seat.


    When passing by Concubine Ru, she casually said:


    ¡°Kang Yubin, smash her mouth.¡±


    ¡°Yes, Your Ladyship!¡±


    Before Concubine Ru could react, Kang Yubin had viciously pped her face.


    He hit hard, smashing her mouth in just a few ps, drawing traces of blood.


    Apanied by the crisp sound of pping and Concubine Ru''s vague cries for mercy,


    Noble Consort Chen sat steadily in the chief seat and nced coldly at Song Zhao:


    ¡°You stand up. Sit there.¡±


    She pointed to the seat beside, indicating for Song Zhao alone to sit down.


    After Song Zhao thanked her and took her seat, Noble Consort Chen looked sharply at the consorts kneeling below and said loudly:


    ¡°What¡¯s the matter? Why don¡¯t you dare look up at me? All of you, aren¡¯t you hoping that I wouldpletely copse, be heartbroken and die miserably?¡±


    The consorts were terrified and quickly said in unison: ¡°We don¡¯t dare!¡±


    ¡°Humph.¡± Noble Consort Chen snorted coldly. Her tone was still arrogantly aggressive as always:


    ¡°Let me tell all of you, I¡¯m not made of paper, I won''t go down so easily. I definitely won''t let you cheap ves see me make a fool of myself!¡±

 Chapter 257: No Son, No Grandson

    <h4>Chapter 257</h4>


    During the asion of Noble Consort Chen''s admonishment of the concubines, Concubine Ru had already lost count of how many ps she had endured.


    Unable to bear the beating any longer, she struggled to push away Kang Yubin and ran to kneel in front of Noble Consort Chen, begging with slurred words, "Your Highness, please spare me! I don''t know how I have offended Your Highness... I..."


    "Spare you?" Noble Consort Chen''s eyes turned fierce, and she red at Concubine Ru with malevolence. "If I spare you, who will spare the life of my son!?"


    As she spoke, her voice trembled uncontrobly, and tears glistened in her eyes. However, Ning Wanshuang never shed tears in front of others, so she quickly suppressed the momentary grief.


    Leaning forward slightly, she lifted her thick-soled embroidered shoes and firmly stepped on Concubine Ru''s hand, which was supporting herself on the floor. Concubine Ru cried out in pain.


    Noble Consort Chen sneered, "Do you think I don''t know that it was you who spread the news of my deceased son to Yonghe Pce? I was still in confinement, and I know what was on your mind at that time. You know it too!"


    With that, she kicked Concubine Ru away and sternly ordered, "Kang Yubin, continue beating her!"


    Following hermand, several pce guards quickly surrounded Concubine Ru, and Kang Yubin rolled up his sleeves, preparing to teach her a lesson.


    To say that Concubine Ru had a miserable time would be an understatement. It had only been a few months since she entered the pce, and she was either pped or confined. She had to face all the misfortunes alone.


    Perhaps she had nothing to lose at this point, so she mustered the courage to retort against Noble Consort Chen, "Regardless of whether Your Highness believes it or not, the death of the young prince has nothing to do with me! The Emperor and the Empress Dowager have already stopped investigating me. Moreover, I am an officially recognized concubine appointed by the Emperor. If Your Highness dares to cause me harm today, I''m afraid it won''t go unnoticed by the Mongolian tribe!"


    She mentioned her maternal family, and Noble Consort Chen seemed genuinely cautious. She fell silent for a moment, then raised her hand to stop Kang Yubin''s pping. Suddenly, she smiled warmly and said, "I won''t kill you. You can stay under my control and suffer slowly."


    As her words fell, Liu Yue entered, carrying a food box in her hands.


    She stood calmly in front of Concubine Ru and opened the drawer of the food box. Everyone then saw a cup of dark brown medicinal soup with a strong and pungent aroma.


    Concubine Ru anxiously asked, "What... what is this?"


    Liu Yue replied indifferently, "In response to the youngdy, this is the Ten Cold Soup. Once you drink it, you willpletely sever your descendants'' blessings."


    As she spoke, she lifted the medicinal cup, stirring its contents with a spoon, and brought it to Concubine Ru''s lips.


    Concubine Ru''s face turned pale. Although she was restrained by the pce guards, her body still trembled, and she tightly clenched her teeth, shaking her head and shedding tears.


    Seeing that she refused to drink, Liu Yue added,


    "You often express admiration for Noble Consort Chen, who has no children and sits alone like a lotus flower. Noble Consort Chen knows of your admiration and specially bestowed this great fortune upon you. Why don''t you express your gratitude?"


    After speaking, Liu Yue suddenly turned fierce and firmly held Concubine Ru''s cheek with her left hand.


    Forcing her to open her mouth, she then lifted a cup of Ten Cold Soup and poured it into her mouth.


    All the other consorts knew how powerful Ten Cold Soup was.


    Once consumed, it immediately damaged the pce''s reproductive system, making it impossible for her to conceive for the rest of her life.


    Witnessing Concubine Ru being forced to consume this substance, everyone in the room trembled in fear and felt a chill down their spines.


    Concubine Ru was, after all, a member of Consort Yin''s pce. Although Consort Yin didn''t like her, at this moment, she couldn''t help but speak up for Concubine Ru.


    "Noble Consort! Concubine Ru is still one of the Emperor''s concubines. How dare you openly harm her? Aren''t you afraid..."


    "When has this pce ever been afraid?" Noble Consort Chen nced at Consort Yin provocatively and taunted, "If you don''t agree, you can report this matter to the Emperor. The Emperor can decide how to punish this pce. But if you don''t go, don''t make noise in front of this pce!"


    As she spoke, the full cup of Ten Cold Soup had already been poured into Concubine Ru''s stomach.


    She immediately reacted, clutching her belly and rolling on the ground, screaming in agony.


    Just as the consorts were anxiously unsettled, a eunuch hurriedly arrived in the court.


    He entered and saw Concubine Ru rolling at the entrance, but he didn''t spare her a second nce. Instead, he walked straight to the hall, smiled at Noble Consort Chen, and said,


    "Noble Consort, the several Osmanthus trees that the Emperor ordered have been moved to your pce. If you have time, please go and have a look to see if there''s anything unsatisfactory."


    Noble Consort Chen replied, "I understand. You can go back and report first."


    Hearing his words, everyone finally realized.


    The Osmanthus tree was uprooted, not because Xiao Jingheng was annoyed with Noble Consort Chen.


    Instead, it was moved to Noble Consort Chen''s pce so that she could see it every day, showcasing their affection for each other.


    Now let''s see how Song Zhao, after entering the court and witnessing Concubine Ru being tormented like this, still had a calm expression on her face.


    From this, it was clear that Noble Consort Chen''s actions had undoubtedly received Xiao Jingheng''s tacit approval.


    In this way, no one could say anything further.


    Noble Consort Chen hurriedly returned to the pce to check the transnt situation of the Osmanthus trees, dismissing everyone else.


    However, she herself didn''t rush to leave.


    After everyone else had left, she remained alone with Song Zhao in the hall and suddenly asked her,


    "Why?"


    Song Zhao pretended not to understand and asked in return, "What?"


    Noble Consort Chen said, "This pce asks why you helped the Emperore up with ideas and made this pce happy? This pce knows that the Emperor has only seen you recently, and the Emperor is usually clueless about such matters. If it weren''t for your suggestion, the Emperor would never have thought of moving the Osmanthus trees to this pce and using this method to please this pce."


    She stood up and walked slowly in front of Song Zhao, staring at her intently, as if trying to see through her.


    "Noble Consort Chen, what exactly are you thinking? Your son is a precious child. If I, the Imperial Noble Concubine, were to falter due to the loss of a child, then the position of Noble Consort would eventually be yours. There are so many women in the harem who wish for my demise, yet you advise the Emperor to reconcile with me. Are you trying to sell me a favor?"


    Faced with the scrutiny and questioning of Noble Consort Chen, Song Zhao remained calm andposed.


    She rose and respectfully bowed to Noble Consort Chen, speaking in a gentle tone, "Noble Consort, you worry too much. I have never advised the Emperor on anything. Whatever the Emperor wants to do and how he wants to do it, it is all for the sake of making you, Noble Consort, happy. Ites entirely from the Emperor''s heart, not from any scheming on my part."


    Noble Consort Chen''s intense gaze fell upon Song Zhao''s beautiful face. "In this pce, I know who is human and who is ghost. I can distinguish it clearly. Those who treat me well are the ones who secretly wish for my death. My eyes can see that clearly."


    Song Zhao did not respond to her words. Instead, she said, "It''s a good thing that Noble Consort cane out. As a mother myself, I understand that you would naturally feel sad and upset about such an incident, but..."


    "What is there for me to feel sad about?" Noble Consort Chen, as if triggered, hurriedly interrupted Song Zhao''s words.


    She wore a light and carefree expression on her face, showing no signs of grief. She even managed to lift a bright smile and lightly said, "I am still young and will have children with the Emperor. What is there for me to feel sad about? I''m not sad at all."


    With that, she decisively turned and left without looking back.


    *


    At the same time, in the Chaoyang Pce,


    After the morning court session today, Xiao Jingheng secretly summoned Prince Rui.


    At this moment, Xiao Jingheng was sitting on the dragon seat, with several bloody confessions presented by Prince Rui by his side.


    These confessions were written by several former border generals under Ning Bochuan''smand, detailing how Ning Bochuan contacted his trusted soldiers and privately conspired with them.


    Among these pieces of evidence, there was also a letter,


    Prince Rui imed that it was a handwritten letter from Ning Bochuan to his soldiers,


    Xiao Jingheng looked at the crooked and twisted words on it, which bore some resemnce to the handwriting of a military general like himself.


    After reading these confessions and letters, Xiao Jingheng fell into silence for a long time.


    Prince Rui respectfully bowed and solemnly said, "Imperial Brother, the Ning n has turned against us. They recently returned their military authority, but it is only to trick you into letting down your guard, giving them a chance to catch us off guard and strike back!


    These treacherous traitors must all be eliminated! I implore Imperial Brother to prioritize the overall situation, not to tolerate and cultivate traitors, and prevent a great disaster from urring!"

 Chapter 258: Jing GUI Toffee

    <h4>Chapter 258</h4>


    The main hall was deathly silent, with only the clear sound of water droplets from a copper clock.


    Xiao Jingheng remained silent for a while, then furrowed his brow and scrutinized Prince Rui.


    "Are there any inuracies in these incriminating pieces of evidence?"


    Prince Rui bowed deeper, speaking with conviction, "The families of the implicated soldiers have been controlled by my younger brother. With them under control, those soldiers dare not utter a word. If Your Majesty doubts it, you can summon them and question them one by one."


    "You are my brother, devoted to the welfare of the dynasty. I trust you," said Xiao Jingheng.


    Xiao Jingheng absentmindedly toyed with the ring on his thumb and muttered with a cold tone,


    "The Ning Family... very well!"


    "Creak!"


    As they conversed, the closed doors of the main hall were gently pushed open.


    Jiang Deshun entered and bowed deeply to Xiao Jingheng, standing at the lower level of the hall.


    "Your Majesty, Empress Yi sent some pastries. She is waiting outside," he respectfully reported.


    Xiao Jingheng had no leisure at the moment and replied, "Tell her to return for now. Inform her that I will visit her pce to have dinnerter."


    "I understand," Jiang Deshun replied. Just as he was about to take his leave, Xiao Jingheng called him again.


    "Hold on. Go and summon the Grand Secretary, Minister of War, Commander of the Nine Gates, and the Imperial Executioner."


    After a brief pause, he added, "Secretly."


    Upon hearing this, Jiang Deshun''s face immediately turned grave.


    The officials Xiao Jingheng mentioned were all important figures in the court.


    Summoning them all together meant that there was an important matter to discuss.


    Jiang Deshun dared not dy and quickly retreated.


    He first ryed Song Zhao''s message outside the door.


    "Empress Yi, His Majesty is currently discussing matters with the officials and is unable to meet you at the moment. His Majesty said you should return to your pce and that he will apany you for dinner tonight."


    "Thank you, Gonggong," Song Zhao said to Yun Shan, handing the food box to Jiang Deshun. Without lingering, she left the Chaoyang Pce.


    On the way back to the pce, Song Zhao looked at the clear sky and thought of taking a stroll in the Imperial Garden. It would also be an opportunity to pick some fresh flowers to add to Cheng Yu''s supplementary food.


    Xiao Fuzi suggested, "I heard that the peonies at Qingyu Terrace have been blooming exceptionally well recently. Why don''t we go there?"


    Yun Shan also chimed in, "Peonies are good for nourishing the liver and improving eyesight. They are also great for replenishing qi and blood. They would be excellent for the Crown Prince and the Empress."


    Qingyu Terrace happened to be near Shoukang Pce, where the empresses often frequented. So, Song Zhao asked Xiao Fuzi, "Who is that person? I haven''t seen her in the pce before."


    Xiao Fuzi stood on tiptoe, peering ahead. After getting a clear view of the appearance of the empress, he quickly replied,


    "Your Majesty, that is Princess Dowager Jinggui. She lives up to her title and greatly enjoys tranquility, so she rarely moves around the pce. Even during previous pce banquets, she always excused herself and stayed alone. Therefore, Your Majesty has not had the chance to meet her since entering the pce."


    "Princess Dowager Jinggui?" Song Zhao paused and asked, "Is she the birth mother of Prince An?"


    Xiao Fuzi nodded and replied, "Exactly."


    Due to the past incidents where Prince An had threatened Song Zhao and the unclear rtionship between him and Rong Yue, Song Zhao had developed a dislike for him deep in her heart.


    It is often said that love extends to everything associated with a loved one, and the same applies to hatred.


    Originally, Song Zhao had no intention of paying attention to Princess Dowager Jinggui. However, coincidentally, just as Princess Dowager Jinggui, who had been bending down to search for something, suddenly stood up, her gaze met Song Zhao''s.


    If Song Zhao were to continue pretending not to see her, it would be somewhat disrespectful. Therefore, she had no choice but to walk forward with a smile and bow respectfully to Princess Dowager Jinggui, saying,


    "I pay my respects to Princess Dowager, may you be blessed."


    Princess Dowager Jinggui nced at her and said indifferently, "Please rise."


    After this perfunctory remark, she lowered her head again and continued rummaging through the flowers and nts, searching for something.


    Song Zhao spoke, "Princess Dowager, have you lost something? Could you please inform me so that I can assist you in finding it?"


    Princess Dowager Jinggui ignored her and let her maid reply, "Replying to Your Highness, Princess Dowager lost a sachet in the flower garden."


    Upon hearing this, Song Zhao nced back and gave Xiao Fuzi a meaningful look. "Hurry and help Princess Dowager find it."


    Xiao Fuzi was clever and efficient in his work. Before long, he retrieved a bright yellow sachet from the flower garden.


    "Is this what Princess Dowager was looking for?"


    Princess Dowager Jinggui took the sachet that Xiao Fuzi handed over, gently dusted off the dust on it as if it were a treasure, and her solemn expression rxed slightly, revealing a faint smile.


    Song Zhao looked at the sachet, embroidered with mandarin ducks and dragon patterns, and spected that it must have been a gift from thete emperor to Princess Dowager Jinggui. It''s no wonder she treasured it so much.


    Now that the sachet had been lost and found, Princess Dowager Jinggui''s attitude towards Song Zhao also softened a bit.


    "The people under yourmand are quite clever," she said.


    While speaking, she tried to walk out of the flower garden but identally stepped into the muddy ground, causing her body to tilt and almost fall.


    Fortunately, Song Zhao was by her side and quickly supported her. "Please be careful, Princess Dowager."


    After Princess Dowager Jinggui stabilized herself with Song Zhao''s support, she finally looked at her directly for the first time.


    "I haven''t seen you before. You must be the Emperor''s new favorite?" she asked respectfully.


    Song Zhao replied, "I am Consort Yi, Song Shi."


    "Song Shi?" Princess Dowager Jinggui''s eyes trembled visibly, and she was clearly taken aback. The joy on her face instantly disappeared.


    She forcefully pulled her hand out of Song Zhao''s palm, and the sharp armor cut Song Zhao''s tender flesh, causing blood to seep out immediately.


    "Your Highness!" Yun Shan quickly stepped forward, guarding Song Zhao''s side, and took out a handkerchief to wipe the bloodstains on her palm. "Are you alright, Your Highness?"


    Song Zhao shook her head without answering, and she looked at Princess Dowager Jinggui in confusion.


    She saw the dull and dim gaze of Princess Dowager Jinggui, with a hint of resentment flowing within.


    "Princess Dowager, I..."


    Before Song Zhao could finish her words, Princess Dowager Jinggui suddenly turned and walked away, leaving her standing there, puzzled.


    Xiao Fuzi whispered, "Don''t take it to heart, Your Highness. Princess Dowager has always been peculiar, even the Empress rarely interacts with her."


    Song Zhao tightened the blood-stained handkerchief in her hand and fixed her gaze on the slightly hunched figure of Princess Dowager Jinggui. She spoke with a hint of unease,


    "They, mother and son, truly know how to provoke others. Well, let''s return to the pce."

 Chapter 259: The Eve of the Southern Tour

    <h4>Chapter 259</h4>


    As night fell, Xiao Jingheng came to Chang Le Pce as promised.


    For tonight''s dinner, Song Zhao had prepared hot pot, which didn''t require much borate preparation as long as the soup base was tasty and the ingredients were fresh.


    The dining table was moved into the courtyard.


    Sitting around the stove surrounded by a sky full of twinkling stars, Song Zhao and Xiao Jingheng listened to the bubbling sound from the hot pot while catching glimpses of the shy crescent moon hiding behind thin, gauzy clouds, feeling rather content and rxed.


    When Song Zhao ced a sliced piece of tenderloin into Xiao Jingheng''s bowl, he happened to notice the still unhealed wound on her palm.


    Xiao Jingheng put down his chopsticks and gently grasped Song Zhao''s wrist to open her palm.


    Seeing the long, red scar made his heart ache for a good while.


    "What happened?"


    "It''s n-nothing..." Song Zhao quickly closed her palm, her face blushing as she said, "This servant identally cut herself."


    "That''s not true!" Yun Shan couldn''t help butting in. "Her Majesty knew His Majesty likes to eat thin slices of tenderloin when having hotpot..."


    "Yun Shan, His Majesty was talking to Us, mind your manners."


    Song Zhao scolded Yun Shan to stop her from continuing. But Xiao Jingheng had already guessed most of what happened from her words.


    "Tenderloin has a soft and delicate texture. cing it on a wooden cutting board to slice thinly would easily deform it. So..."


    Xiao Jingheng''s gaze suddenly became scorching hot. In his eyes, the scar on Song Zhao''s palm now seemed to be burned into his own heart as well.


    "Did Zhao''er ce the tenderloin meat on her palm, using her palm''s warmth to protect it while slicing so she identally cut herself?"


    Song Zhaoughed lightly and shook her head. "There is little that this servant can do for His Majesty already. Compared to how well His Majesty treats me, this small matter is really not worth mentioning."


    "Silly girl." Xiao Jingheng drew the young beauty into his embrace. The clear, cold moonlight spilled onto Song Zhao''s exquisite, striking face, making her fair, porcin-like skin appear even more lustrous and beautiful enough to seize one''s soul.


    The wisps of osmanthus fragrance lingering in her hair strand by strand plucked at Xiao Jingheng''s stirred heart.


    He lowered his head and ced a kiss on the girl''s forehead. "Every bit of thought and care you show Me is no small matter."


    With the darling beauty shyly nestled in his arms, Xiao Jingheng held her even tighter and continued,


    "For this southern tour, other than the Empress and Concubine Hui, I had intended to bring you along as well. Our Chengyu will alsoe with us, so you won''t have to worry about missing him."


    Song Zhao had known early on that given her current standing in Xiao Jingheng''s heart and her status as the chief imperial concubine, he would definitely bring her along for this southern tour.


    So when she heard him personally announce this favor, there wasn''t the slightest ripple in Song Zhao''s heart.


    She only pretended to be extremely delighted on the surface, expressing her gratitude again and again for the Emperor''s graciousness.


    After dinner this day, Xiao Jingheng did not stay overnight at Song Zhao''s pce. On the excuse that he had many urgent state affairs piled up that required his attention, he said he was returning to Zhaoyang Pce. But he actually went to Yonghe Pce instead.


    He told Noble Consort Chen the same words he gave to Song Zhao, adding more thoughtful details:


    "I will definitely bring you along for this southern tour. And seeing that you''ve been so devastated recently, I also want you to go out for a change of scenery and mood. So I specially moved up the originally scheduled departure at the end of this month to the day after tomorrow."


    When Xiao Jingheng mentioned the death of Noble Consort Chen''s son, he was worried it might upset her sorrowful heart again.


    But Noble Consort Chen reacted as if nothing had happened, evenughing as she replied:


    "This servant thanks Your Majesty deeply~ It''s just that the little princess is too young for such a long trip. With us both gone, I would not feel assured leaving her alone in the pce either."


    Xiao Jingheng said, "I''ve arranged for the wet nurse to attentively care for her. If you cannot bear to part with your daughter, we can make the trip shorter."


    As he spoke, he grasped Noble Consort Chen''s hand tightly and gazed at her affectionately, "In any case, I must have you by My side."


    More than anyone else, Noble Consort Chen was easily drawn into Xiao Jingheng''s deep affection. After a brief struggle, she repeatedly nodded in agreement, "This servant also wishes to always apany Your Majesty."


    "Wah~ Wah wah!"


    Just as they were immersed in tender feelings for each other, the little princess who had been sleeping quietly in the crib suddenly cried out.


    Noble Consort Chen quickly let go of Xiao Jingheng''s hand and ran to the crib tofort the child.


    She gently rocked the crib, beaming down at the little princess as she sang a luby with a smooth, lilting melody.


    Meanwhile, Xiao Jingheng followed behind her and randomly picked up a pellet drum ced to the side. He shook it a couple times at the little princess.


    Strangely enough, as soon as the little princess saw Xiao Jingheng, her crying obviously weakened.


    As Xiao Jingheng shook the pellet drum faster and faster, the little princess actually broke intoughs, giggling at him delightedly.


    A baby''s smiles always brim with the warmest power.


    Seeing this, Xiao Jingheng felt his heart would melt from the warmth. He alsoughed along.


    At that fleeting moment, a thought suddenly surfaced in his mind.


    If the son he had with Noble Consort Chen was still alive, wouldn''t he be as adorable as the little princess too?


    Seeing his father, no matter how fiercely he might be crying or fussing, he could calm down andugh quickly as well.


    Thinking of this, the smile on his face unconsciously froze again.


    A child''s criese fast and also fade fast. As Noble Consort Chen rocked the crib, the little princess fell into sweet slumber before long.


    Xiao Jingheng put down the pellet drum and softly said to Noble Consort Chen:


    "Previously, the Imperial Household Department came up with a few names for our daughter, but I didn''t like any of them. So I personally thought of one - calling her ''Jin Yue''. What do you think?"


    "Jin Yue?"


    Noble Consort Chen repeated it. She wasn''t well read and didn''t understand the meaning behind the name, onlyughing as she replied:


    "It sounds really nice to hear."


    Xiao Jingheng nced at the zither ced on the table and exined, "Not just sounding nice, the meaning is wonderful too. The zither and joy are pleasing, reflecting my delight in you. This name also represents the affection between Rou''er and Me."


    Hearing his words, Noble Consort Chen was rather moved.


    She nestled into Xiao Jingheng''s embrace, feeling the warmth of his sturdy chest,


    while freeing one hand to gently caress Jin Yue''s face. She murmured softly:


    "Little Jin Yue, did you hear that? You must really like the name your father bestowed on you too. So does Mother."


    The next day, the list of people apanying the southern tour was submitted to the Empress.


    The names on the list were arranged ording to precedence:


    The Empress, Noble Consort Chen, Virtuous Consort Yi, Clever Consort Ying, Concubine Hui, Concubine Yao, and... Tong Changzai.


    When she came across Rong Yu''s name, the Empress'' hand paused briefly.


    "This Tong Changzai seems to be quite favored by His Majesty."


    Shuang Ruo said, "Yes indeed. Among the newly entered imperial consorts and concubines, she''s had her nameslip drawn the most times by His Majesty. Her father is also the Admiral of the Marine Forces, so her background is pretty good too."


    The Empress lightly smiled and nodded. "It''ll be good for her toe along on the southern tour too. It''ll also let Bengong take a look and see if she can be of use."


    As they talked, she flipped to thest page and saw the departure date written as "Leaving on the twenty-third day of the third month". She couldn''t help eximing in surprise:


    "Wasn''t it decided to leave at the end of the third month to start of fourth month previously? Why is it suddenly the day after tomorrow for the departure now?"


    "His Majesty said it''s tofort Noble Consort Chen and take her out of the pce early to ease her mind. But this servant has received a tremendously wonderful piece of news from Master."


    Shuang Ruo leaned in to whisper in the Empress'' ear:


    "Yesterday His Majesty urgently summoned Master into the pce. He is finally unable to tolerate the Ning family any longer and intends to take action against them."


    "Oh? Hahaha!" The Empressughed and said: "How wonderful, this day has finallye. No wonder His Majesty is hurrying to leave. With the Noble Consort away from the capital, she won''t know what has happened to her maternal family. Upon returning to the capital and learning her family has died in a tragedy after the southern tour, everything would have already been set in stone. Even if she knelt before His Majesty and cried her heart out, it would be of no use."


    "Yes indeed." Shuang Ruo replied sinisterly:


    "The Noble Consort relied on her family''s power and bullied Empress Mother for all these years. Once the Ning family ispletely eliminated this time, the Noble Consort will have lost her pir of support. Wouldn''t the decision of when to take her nameslip down then bepletely up to Empress Mother?"

 Chapter 260: Death by Weaving Flowers

    <h4>Chapter 260</h4>


    This southern tour was prepared earlier, so everything was inevitably hasty.


    The various pces were exempted from paying respects today and started packing up to leave.


    It was also busy in Chang Le Pce.


    There was an old custom called ''sweeping tiles'' in the pce. It meant that before the masters went on a long trip, the pce maids had to clean the roof until it was spotless, implying that all bad luck would be swept away to keep everything safe and smooth during the travels. This was also called ¡®eliminating gloom.¡¯


    At that time, Song Zhao was folding Concubine Hui''s bellybands in the room with Yun Shan and the others packing. Song Zhao unconsciously nced out the window when she heard Yun Shan say,


    "It will enter summer when we go south to Jiangnan. That ce is more humid than the capital. Pay attention to the clothes prepared for Consort. Choose light, cool and sheer ones, and be careful not to let them stuff up Consort."


    Song Zhao also heard Xiao Fuzi shouting loudly outside, "Hey! Xiao Zhuozi, go a little to the left. The gaps between the tiles and corners of the roof are the easiest ces to umte dirt. Don''t be careless at all, you guys... yo?"


    He was just talking when his tone suddenly became respectful. He said very deferentially,


    "Consort Hui? Why have youe at this time?"


    Song Zhao was originally folding the bellybands on the heated seat. When she heard this, she subconsciously nced out the window.


    She saw that in addition to Consort Hui, Rongyue and Concubine Li were also there with Xiao Fuzi.


    However, the expressions of the three did not look right.


    Consort Hui was crying sadly for some reason. Rongyue and Concubine Li also looked a little pale, as if they were frightened.


    After the people entered, Song Zhao hurriedly weed them and asked, "What''s the matter?"


    "Sister Song Zhao!" As soon as Consort Hui saw her, she drilled into her arms and cried even more sadly, "Sister Song Zhao, woo woo woo~ I''m scared..."


    While gently patting Consort Hui¡¯s back, Song Zhao took out a handkerchief to wipe away her tears, ¡°What¡¯s the matter with my sister? We¡¯re going to leave the pce for Jiangnan tomorrow. His Majesty said we would go to Suzhou first to fulfill your hometown longing. These are all joyous things, why is my sister crying so sadly for no reason?"


    "Sister Song Zhao... woo woo woo... "


    Consort Hui looked up at Song Zhao with her tearful eyes, looking pitiful. She was about to say something but couldn¡¯t help crying even harder. She could only bury her head in Song Zhao¡¯s arms, her body kept shaking.


    Song Zhao was extremely disgusted in her heart, and she didn¡¯t know what kind of drama this dirty thing wanted to perform in front of her again.


    Even so, she still showed great concern and anxiously asked Rongyue and Concubine Li,


    "What happened? Why is Consort Hui crying like this?"


    "Don''t me Consort Hui for being scared. We also lost our souls when we saw that.¡± Concubine Li covered her chest and said lingering fear, "Just now we were talking in the courtyard. Who would have thought a embroidery flower Consort Hui¡¯s pce identally fell from the roof. Itnded on the ground head first right in front of us, and the starch sshed out. She couldn¡¯t be saved on the spot..."


    "Ah!"


    Yun Shan covered her mouth and eximed softly, her eyes reddening instantly.


    It was understandable that she couldn¡¯t help it. The servants lived closely with each other like sisters.


    Even Song Zhao felt ufortable when she heard this, let alone Yun Shan, who had lived in the same wing room with Zhi Hua and interacted with her day and night.


    Song Zhao suppressed the difort in her heart and asked, "How could she have fallen from the roof for no reason?"


    Rongyue exined on the side, "Zhi Hua was kind-hearted. Tomorrow we¡¯ll set off and the pces have to ¡®sweep tiles¡¯ today. It was originally arranged for the internal supervisors to go up and clean, but Zhi Hua said we can never be sure if the internal supervisors would be careless, so she insisted on going up to eliminate gloom for Consort Hui. That maid had good intentions, she just didn''t expect..."


    Later, from their words, Song Zhao roughly pieced together the whole ¡°ident¡±.


    It was Zhi Hua who insisted on going up to ¡°sweep tiles¡±. And she fell when she was finishing up there, when only she was on the roof alone. She missed a step when climbing thedder and fell down. Other than Consort Hui, Rongyue and Concubine Li also witnessed the whole thing, so it could only be regarded as an ident.


    Consort Hui cried until her voice became hoarse. After drinking milk tea, she finally stopped sobbing and said chokingly,


    "Woo woo woo, Zhi Hua was the maid Sister Song Zhao gave me. She was always diligent and careful, never careless. She always yed with me privately. She even indulged my change of mind and petnce... Of all the servants in the pce, besides Wan''er, I like her the most. Woo woo woo..."


    She pulled Song Zhao¡¯s sleeve and looked down guiltily, tears falling on Song Zhao¡¯s turquoise sable coat, wetting a piece,


    "Sister Song Zhao, I''m sorry... I didn''t protect her well..."


    Song Zhao held Consort Hui¡¯s hand and sighed, ¡°Zhi Hua was a good maid, but the dead cannot be brought back to life. This was also an ident that no one wanted to see happen. Don''t me yourself too much, sister."


    No matter how Song Zhao persuaded her, Consort Hui''s tears kept flowing like a broken ne,


    If outsiders didn¡¯t know, they would have thought it was her mother who died.


    The more innocent and kind-hearted she pretended to be, the more Song Zhao hated her disguise and wanted to tear it apart immediately.


    Seeing that Consort Hui couldn¡¯t be persuaded, Song Zhao said to Yun Shan,


    "After all, Consort Hui is the master of a pce. It¡¯s improper if there is no intimate servant to serve her. Qiao Zhen from our pce is quite capable. She is only a year older than Consort Hui at sixteen and can y with her privately. Go and tell her to follow and serve Consort Huiter."


    Upon hearing this, Consort Hui¡¯s crying quickly weakened,


    "This... Sister Song Zhao, I failed to protect Zhi Hua, how dare I ask for someone else from sister¡¯s pce again? Or..."


    "It doesn¡¯t matter." Song Zhao patted Consort Hui''s hand gently and said with a smile, "You are my good sister. We are one family so let''s not stand on ceremony. Just don''t cry anymore. It hurts me to see you like this, you know?"


    Only then did Consort Hui ¡®reluctantly¡¯ hold back her crying.


    Later, Song Zhao advised andforted Consort Hui for a few more words, and finally made herugh with a joke before exining that there were still many things to prepare for tomorrow¡¯s departure, so Consort Hui should go back to get ready early.


    After Consort Hui left with Rongyue, Yun Shan came in to report to Song Zhao,


    "Replying to Consort, Qiao Zhen has gone back with Consort Hui."


    Song Zhao''s brows were filled with grief, and she nodded lightly, "Xiao Fuzi, go get five hundred taels of silver. Ask someone to send it to Zhi Hua¡¯s family. After all, she was my subordinate. Now that she has died such an unjust death, I also feel bad."


    Xiao Fuzi agreed respectfully. Yun Shan finally couldn¡¯t help sobbing and said,


    "Consort... Zhi Hua was always careful in her work. She wasn''t so careless. Could it be that she discovered something with Consort Hui, so Consort Hui had to get rid of her quickly to shut her mouth?¡±


    Hearing this, Song Zhao could only shake her head helplessly, "Rongyue witnessed this with her own eyes too. Consort Hui did it wlessly without any ws. Besides, it was just a death of a maid. How can I lead troops to interrogate Zhaochun Pce? No matter how suspicious we are, we can only let this go."


    Yun Shan said, "But why did Consort give Qiao Zhen to her pce? Qiao Zhen was assigned by Empress Dowager to you when you were conferred Imperial Consort. You have always suspected her to be Empress Dowager¡¯s spy, and never got close with her. She won¡¯t be able to find out anything by Consort Hui¡¯s side."


    "I didn''t expect her to find out any news by letting her follow Consort Hui. I simply wanted to disgust Consort Hui."


    Song Zhao''s face was extremely disgusted, and her tone was cold to the bone,


    "After all, Zhi Hua is dead. If something else happens to Qiao Zhen, wouldn''t the whole pce have to suspect that innocent, naive and charming young beauty Consort Hui has a problem? She can''t move Qiao Zhen, she can only be wary of her all the time. Seeing Qiao Zhen pestering her every day, she will be disgusted every day."


    Yun Shan nodded thoughtfully and continued along Song Zhao¡¯s words, "Besides, Consort Hui can¡¯t get Qiao Zhen to falsely use Consort either. After all, Qiao Zhen is a maid sent by the Empress Dowager. Whatever she says or does has to involve the Empress Dowager, so Consort Hui must have scruples."


    Song Zhao nodded slightly, and her brows unconsciously filled with more gloom.


    "I''m just a little puzzled by something. Zhi Hua has been with her for so long and nothing has happened, so why did Zhi Hua have an ident right when she was about to go on her southern tour? Consort Hui is going back to her maternal home... Could it be that she has some shameful business at her maternal home that requires even more caution and vignce than when she''s in the pce?"

 Chapter 261: Mother and Daughter

    <h4>Chapter 261</h4>


    On the twenty-third day of the third month in the fifth year of the Qiyuan era, it was a bright and sunny day.


    The Emperor, apanied by his entourage including the Empress Dowager, set out for Suzhou. The affairs of the imperial harem were temporarily entrusted to Consort Yun.


    Passing through six cities and seventeen towns, they indulged in the beauty of mountains and rivers, experiencing the joys of themon people.


    After a sixteen-day journey, they reached Suzhou in early April, on the eighth day of the month.


    Along the way, they encountered many rugged mountain roads that made travel difficult.


    The Empress Dowager couldn''t withstand the hardships of the journey and her health was not in the best condition. The Empress, out of concern, volunteered to apany the Empress Dowager in the horse carriage to take care of her.


    However, despite riding in the Empress Dowager''s sedan, the Empress seemed preupied and her worries about Princess Jinghe and Prince Cheng Yu were evident on her face.


    This slightly displeased the Empress Dowager, so she found an excuse to dismiss the Empress and asked Song Zhao to apany her instead.


    Princess Jinghe had been raised by the Empress Dowager since birth, and the Empress rarely had the opportunity to see her. It was understandable that on this journey, the Empress focused her thoughts on her own daughter.


    But Song Zhao was different.


    She could see Cheng Yu every day and knew exactly what she needed to do in different situations. Despite her young son also experiencing difort from motion sickness, Song Zhao never lost focus while taking care of the Empress Dowager. She attended to her every need, pouring tea, massaging her shoulders, and legs, disying the image of a dutiful daughter-inw.


    Whenever the Empress Dowager felt dizzy, Song Zhao would promptly take out some peppermint oil for her to inhale, and she would engage her in conversations to distract her attention, bringing joy to the Empress Dowager.


    The Empress Dowager even asked her, "I heard that Cheng Yu is also having a hard time and crying a lot. Why don''t you go andfort him?"


    Although Song Zhao was concerned, she understood her duties well. She replied, "There are three wet nurses taking care of him in the same carriage. They have more experience than me, and if I were to go, I would only be in the way. As a woman, I must take care of both raising my children and serving my elders. We have been traveling for more than ten days, and I have spent most of my time by Yu''s side. For the remaining few days, I would like to serve you, Empress Dowager, and fulfill my filial duties."


    Because of Song Zhao''s biological mother''s close rtionship with the Empress Dowager, she had always been particrly intimate with Song Zhao among all the concubines.


    She spoke eloquently and was considerate in her actions, making the Empress Dowager naturally fond of her.


    In fact, she treated her like a half-daughter and grew fonder of her as time went on.


    When the convoy entered Suzhou''s territory, the wind and sand outside the carriage gradually ceased. Song Zhao pushed open the window, allowing fresh air to pour in, hoping that the Empress Dowager would feel morefortable.


    As they traveled, she noticed many shops outside the city, each with a g hanging in front.


    On the gs, the word "Wei" was written in yellow characters on a red background, swaying in the wind and catching everyone''s attention.


    Consort Hui''s name was Wei Lin, so the "Wei" on the gs should represent her family, the Wei family.


    The Wei family was a wealthy and influential family in the Jiangsu and Zhejiang regions, so it wasn''t surprising that they owned extensive properties. However, Song Zhao was puzzled by the prominent use of the imperial colors, red and yellow, on the gs.


    The Empress Dowager exined, "These were all granted by thete Emperor. These shops that fly the imperial gs have to contribute half of their profits to the court, which is why thete Emperor gave the Wei family such great face."


    After another fifteen minutes, they arrived at the gates of Suzhou, and the procession came to a halt.


    Everyone got off the carriage and headed towards the city. At the city gate, they saw the prefect and local officials lining up in two rows, respectfully weing the arrival of the imperial family.


    When Song Zhao approached, he saw Xiao Jingheng chatting andughing with a middle-aged couple.


    "It has been many years. Is everything well with the Wei family?" asked Song Zhao.


    "Thanks to the grace of heaven, everything is fine," replied Wei Ying, the birth father of Consort Hui.


    Standing next to him was a splendidly dressed woman, who was likely Consort Hui''s stepmother, Mrs. Shao.


    During their conversation, Consort Huipletely disregarded propriety. Without waiting to be summoned, she rushed out of the crowd, her voice trembling as she cried out to Wei Ying and Mrs. Shao:


    "Father, Mother! I''ve missed you so much!"


    What followed was a heartwarming scene of the family of three reuniting and reminiscing.


    Mrs. Shao joyfully stroked Consort Hui''s hair, her eyes shimmering with tears.


    "Consort Hui has grown into a fine youngdy. Everything is good," she said, her voice filled with longing as she shed tears after just a few words.


    However, as Song Zhao looked on, her tears didn''t seem like tears of joy but rather tinged with a hint of sadness.


    Before Song Zhao could dwell on it, Wei Ying announced that everything was properly arranged in the city. He led everyone to their lodgings to rest and prepare, and in the evening, they would hold a grand banquet to wee Xiao Jingheng and refresh him from his journey.


    Upon entering the city, dressed in casual attire, themon people didn''t recognize their true identities and assumed they were high-ranking officials, paying little attention to them.


    Along the way, Xiao Jingheng noticed many people hurriedly heading east. Out of curiosity, he casually asked a passerby next to him,


    "Where is everyone rushing to?"


    "They are going to the temple opened by Tan Immortal!" the person hastily replied before swiftly disappearing.


    Xiao Jingheng was slightly puzzled. "Tan Immortal?" he asked.


    The prefect answered, "Your Majesty, Tan Immortal is a renowned fortune-teller in Jiangzhou. He never epts money for his divination, only relying on fate and temperament. However, his predictions are surprisingly urate."


    Xiao Jingheng, not cing much faith in these folk beliefs, smiled and let the matter drop.


    Song Zhao followed the procession and arrived at the shores of Taihu Lake, where they boarded a luxurious boat to cross to Lake Heart Ind.


    Upon reaching the ind and passing through the bamboo forest, they discovered a hidden paradise within.


    Almost the entire Lake Heart Ind belonged to the Wei family, with every brick and tile made of zed ss. The courtyards were spacious and exquisitely arranged, and the numerous buildings dazzled the eyes, showcasing extreme luxury.


    Following behind the esteemed concubine, Song Zhao couldn''t help but remark, "Consort Hui truly has a remarkable background. The other day, when she mentioned that her family estate could amodate more than a hundred people, I thought she was exaggerating. But now, seeing it firsthand, well, I should have known she was being modest."


    Song Zhao continued, "The Wei family donates half of their annual ie to the imperial court, yet they still manage to enjoy such wealth and prosperity. It seems the saying ''wealth begets wealth'' holds some truth."


    The servants guided each master to their respective chambers, and after settling in and freshening up, night had fallen, indicating it was time for avish banquet.


    In the center of Lake Heart Ind stood a magnificent Qionghua Terrace, with its steps and floor tiles embedded with green jade, surpassing even the grandeur of the Tong Hua Terrace in the pce.


    As the guests marveled at the wealth and luxury of the Wei family, they sat down to enjoy delicious delicacies.


    Being away from the confines of the red walls and green tiles, the change in scenery lifted everyone''s spirits and improved their mood.


    During the feast, the guests raised their cups and exchanged toasts,ughing and talking. Consort Hui received special permission from Xiao Jingheng to sit beside Mrs. Shao, fostering a close bond between them as mother and daughter.


    While others paid little attention to Consort Hui, Song Zhao couldn''t help but feel something peculiar about her. She discreetly stole nces at Consort Hui''s seat.


    She noticed Consort Hui constantly serving dishes to Mrs. Shao, and the mother and daughter sharedughter and intimate moments, appearing very close.


    Suddenly, Cheng Yu, who was sitting next to Song Zhao and being held by his nursemaid, dropped a toy tiger made of cloth to the ground yfully.


    As Song Zhao bent down to pick it up, she unintentionally caught sight of a detail. At the banquet today, Consort Hui sat to the left of Mrs. Shao, and Mrs. Shao''s right side was upied by her maid.


    However, as Song Zhao nced under the table, she noticed that Mrs. Shao''s legs were leaning towards the right, creating a distance between her and Consort Hui, while she seemed closer to her own maid.


    This behavior was highly unusual. Despite their apparent closeness on the surface, why did their physical gestures indicate such a level of detachment?


    Could it be that Mrs. Shao, who hadn''t seen her only daughter for five years, was less attached to her own flesh and blood than to a maid?


    This made Song Zhao inevitably ponder whether Mrs. Shao didn''t truly care for her daughter or if there was another hidden motive behind this.

 Chapter 262: Show the Ropes 01

    <h4>Chapter 262</h4>


    Although everything was fine in Jiangnan, as summer approached, heavy rains became frequent, and the annual floods were a headache for everyone.


    Despite being in the imperial pce, Xiao Jingheng''s heart was always concerned with state affairs.


    Lately, he had no interest in leisure activities. Instead, he apanied the water transport officials of Suzhou to inspect various river embankments every day, discussing how to rebuild and reinforce them to minimize the damage caused by the floods.


    As a result, during their stay in Suzhou, the imperial consorts could only stroll around the city.


    Suzhou''s residents were devout Buddhists, and there were as many as sixty-six Buddhist temples, particrly the Hanshan Temple outside the city. Legend has it that the Puming Pagoda inside the temple housed the remains of the Puming Patriarch, making it a sacred Buddhist site.


    The Empress Dowager, who was dedicated to Buddhism, naturally couldn''t miss such a ce when she visited.


    However, paying respects at each temple took up a good portion of the day, which the young and beautiful consorts couldn''t endure.


    Only Song Zhao neverined and wholeheartedly served by the Empress Dowager''s side, further deepening the Empress Dowager''s fondness for her.


    Now that they had arrived in Suzhou, they were actually visiting Consort Hui''s maternal family, and Consort Hui had done her best to show hospitality.


    Not only did she arrange good amodations and meals for everyone, but she also sent valuable gifts ording to each person''s preferences.


    On this day, after the consorts finished paying their respects to the Noble Consort and were dispersing, Song Zhao noticed a few new blemishes on Consort Yao''s face.


    Given that Jiangnan was prone to summer heat and was damp, with naturally oily skin, Consort Yao always carried a handkerchief to wipe away the oil stains on her face. It seemed like a lot of hard work.


    Song Zhao called her over, smiling warmly, and said affectionately, "You made it out of the pce in time. The divine beauty powder from the Imperial Household Department hasn''t been made yet. I suppose your supply from the sister''s ce must have run out?"


    Consort Yao felt slightly embarrassed, using a silk handkerchief to cover the blemishes on her face, she replied, "It was enough when I was in the capital, but sinceing to Suzhou, the dampness here has caused me to use it three times a day, and now it''s almost gone."


    "If my sister and I are no longer close," Song Zhao pretended to be annoyed, "then I really will be upset. We''re supposed to take care of each other as sisters. If you run out of something in your pce, you should let me know."


    Consort Yao hurriedly said, "How could I dare to trouble Consort Yi?"


    Song Zhao''s expression turned serious, and she said unhappily, "If my sister continues to keep her distance from me like this, I''ll truly be annoyed."


    As she spoke, she looked at Consort Yao, who appeared uneasy, and then she smiled and took her hand.


    "I''m just teasing my sister. But since I entered the pce, it has been my fate to live with my sister. But ever since I was appointed as a consort, my sister has rarelye to visit me. It''s inevitable that it would hurt my little sister''s feelings."


    Consort Yao tightened her grip on Song Zhao''s hand and said, "How could I not want toe and see you? But you have given birth to a noble child and have be the highest-ranked consort. If Ie to bother you too often, I''m afraid you might find it bothersome."


    Song Zhao shook her head repeatedly. "There is no reason for me to find fault with my sister. I still have a lot of that divine beauty powder in my pce. If my sister doesn''t mind, you can take it back and use it."


    Upon hearing this, Consort Yao''s facial features rxed for a moment, and she couldn''t help but smile.


    "Thank you, little sister. It''s not surprising that you still have a lot left. Look at your wless skin, so radiant and beautiful. Your skin is as smooth as a peeled egg. It makes me envy you."


    "Where can one find such natural beauty?" Song Zhao gently caressed her cheek and smiled. "A woman is like a flower, delicate from birth, but she also needs to pay attention to her post-natal care. Sister, why don''t youe to my ce and let me share some of my skincare tips with you?"


    Song Zhao''s words were precisely what Consort Yao had been longing for. She immediately followed her to Song Zhao''s room, where she obtained the miraculous Fairy Jade Powder and learned valuable skincare techniques. She felt greatly benefited.


    During their conversation, Song Zhao noticed a pendant hanging around Consort Yao''s neck. She held it up and examined it closely, unable to help but praise, "Sister, this jade pendant is exquisite. It looks like Imperial Jadeite."


    Consort Yao smiled and replied, "I don''t usually have such nice things. It''s thanks to my sister Consort Hui''s kindness."


    Song Zhao sighed, "Indeed, we sisters don''t have the good fortune of Consort Hui."


    She leaned closer to Consort Yao and lowered her voice, "The other day, I heard the Emperor mention that they are nning to repair the river embankment in Suzhou. Lord Wei apanied him during the inspection. Before the officials from the Water Transportation Department could speak, Lord Wei took out thirty thousand taels of silver from his own pocket, saying that he wanted to share the burden and benefit the people. I didn''t witness it personally, but the Emperor seemed quite pleased when he talked about it. It shows the wealth and confidence Consort Hui''s family possesses."


    "But that also requires being born with good fortune, like Consort Hui," Consort Yao self-deprecatinglyughed and shook her head. Shemented, "As for me, I don''t expect much. My family has no money or power, so what can I hope for? I can only wish to have a son and a daughter, so that my days in the pce will be better."


    "You have great fortune, sister. It''s only a matter of time before you give birth to an heir for the Emperor," Song Zhaoforted her and then skillfully changed the topic. "Oh... I see there is still one vacant position among the concubines. With Consort Hui receiving such support from her family, how much longer do you think it will be before she bes a noble consort?"


    Consort Yao bitterly smiled and replied, "I''m afraid I don''t have that kind of good fortune. Consort Hui and I entered the pce together, and she is more suitable for the position."


    As they were talking, they suddenly noticed Yun Shan entering with a potted kumquat tree in his hands. The leaves of the tree were made of thin emerald jade, and the kumquats were crafted from pure gold, indicating their considerable value.


    Yun Shan carefully ced the potted tree on the purple sandalwood table in the main hall and said, "Your Highness, this kumquat tree has been taken care of."


    Song Zhao nodded and replied, "Don''t leave it there. Move it to the inner room. After all, it''s a heartfelt gift from Consort Hui. We wouldn''t want it to get damaged."


    Upon hearing this, Consort Yao couldn''t help but sigh and say, "She really is generous with her gifts."


    Song Zhao smiled and said, "Consort Hui has a kind heart. It''s only fair to reciprocate. I also want to prepare something she likes as a gift. Giving her gold and silver treasures is unnecessary since the Wei family is not in need. I thought it would be better to prepare some of her favorite delicacies, as it shows thoughtfulness and conveys my feelings."


    Pausing for a moment, Song Zhao propped up her chin and furrowed her brows lightly. "But if I think about it carefully, I''m also confused. I''ve noticed that Consort Hui loves all kinds of food in the pce, as if she''s open to anything, but I don''t know which vor she loves the most. Well, isn''t this an opportunity to find out at her home? When I have some free timeter, I''ll go and inquire with Madam Wei."


    Consort Yao''s eyes went hollow upon hearing these words, as if she unintentionally took Song Zhao''s words to heart, contemting something.


    Later, when Song Zhao was seeing Consort Yao off, she mentioned that she would go and find Madam Wei afterward.


    However, just as they reached the entrance, Yun Shan hurriedly followed them out.


    "Your Highness, the Crown Prince is crying loudly, and his nursemaid can''t soothe him. Pleasee and have a look."


    "Why is he suddenly causing a fuss? Wasn''t he fine just now?"


    As soon as Song Zhao heard that something was wrong with the child, her face immediately turned anxious.


    Consort Yao hurriedly said, "Then, Your Highness, you should go and take care of the Crown Prince first. I''ll go back."


    Song Zhao nodded in agreement and rushed towards the side chambers.


    But it was just a feigned action. She had only taken a couple of steps before stopping in her tracks, turning her head to look at Consort Yao''s hurried figure as she departed. Her brows rxed, and she silently smiled.

 Chapter 263: Show Your Foot 02

    <h4>Chapter 263</h4>


    When Song Zhao returned to her chambers, Cheng Yu was peacefully asleep, showing no signs of crying or fussing.


    She spent some time with the child, and about half an hourter, Xiao Fuzi returned from his errand outside. Song Zhao then went to the main hall to hear his report.


    Xiao Fuzi said, "Reporting to Your Majesty, I followed Consort Yao the whole way, and she did indeed go to Lady Wei''s ce."


    Song Zhao sneered, "That''s to be expected. Without any backing, she must find a way to curry favor with Consort Hui, who is currently in power. Did you overhear their conversation?"


    Xiao Fuzi nodded and replied, "Once we''re out of the pce, even thergest estates are not as heavily guarded as within the pce. I eavesdropped on a few sentences by hugging the wall. Lady Wei told Consort Yao that Consort Hui''s favorite snack is almond cookies."


    "Almond cookies?" Song Zhao pondered for a moment, then motioned for Xiao Fuzi toe closer.


    "Come here, there''s something I want you to do for me."


    *


    The next day, after apanying the Empress Dowager to offer prayers at the temple, Song Zhao took the opportunity to visit Consort Hui''s pce. She wanted to express her gratitude for the valuable gifts she had received and also because Consort Hui had expressed her desire to chat with Song Zhao and alleviate her boredom.


    As they were discussing the beautiful scenery of Suzhou and engaging in casual conversation, a servant announced that Consort Yao had arrived.


    Consort Hui quickly called for someone to bring Consort Yao in.


    Consort Yao entered the room carrying a food box in her hand. Upon seeing Song Zhao, her eyes flickered briefly, clearly showing some uneasiness.


    However, Song Zhao didn''t make things difficult for her. Instead, she smiled and said, "Consort Yao, you''vee too? What a coincidence."


    Consort Hui approached and linked arms with Consort Yao, smiling as she said, "Dai sister just arrived! I was just telling Song sister that I wanted to invite you both to go sightseeing at theke tomorrow."


    Consort Yao sat down somewhat awkwardly across from Song Zhao, cing the food box behind her and intentionally hiding it.


    But Consort Hui, with keen eyes, had already noticed it. She leaned over Consort Yao''s shoulder and picked up the food box, asking, "What''s this? Did sister bring me some delicious treats?"


    Consort Yao forced a smile and said, "I was thinking of returning the favor for the gift sister gave me. I thought that since sister already has all the precious jewelry and fine things she needs, I... I personally made some pastries to bring to sister."


    As she spoke, she asionally stole nces at Song Zhao''s expression. Seeing that Song Zhao maintained a warm smile all along, Consort Yao felt slightly relieved.


    Consort Hui happily opened the food box and saw a te of beautifully crafted almond cookies inside. Her eyes instantly brightened.


    "Wow! These almond cookies are my favorite!" She picked up one and stuffed it into her mouth, chewing happily while saying, "They''re only delicious when they taste like this. We can''t have such treats in the pce. Thank you, Dai sister!"


    Consort Yao also smiled and said, "If you like them, please have more."


    She took another almond cookie and offered it to Song Zhao, but Song Zhao politely declined, still smiling.


    "Sister''s culinary skills are truly remarkable. However, when Consort Hui and I were chatting earlier, she generously persuaded me to try many pastries from her pce. I''m afraid I''ll be too full now, and it would be a waste of sister''s kind gesture."


    With that, Consort Yao awkwardly retracted her hand.


    After the two of them left Consort Hui''s chamber together, Consort Yao immediately exined to Song Zhao:


    "Noble Consort Yi, I didn''t intentionally do everything before you. It''s just..."


    "What are you saying, sister?" Song Zhao continued to smile brightly, showing no annoyance. "It was all for the sake of making Consort Hui happy. What''s the difference between what you did and what I did?"


    Consort Yao finally breathed a sigh of relief and reassured, "As long as you don''t mind, Your Highness. I was afraid that this small matter would damage our sisterly bond."


    Song Zhao shook her head with a smile, thinking to herself:


    She should thank Consort Yao for testing Consort Hui on her behalf.


    If she had asked Lady Wei herself, Consort Hui would have been suspicious of her motives.


    With suspiciones wariness, and it wouldn''t be so easy to take advantage of Consort Hui in the future.


    After returning to her own chamber, Yun Shan closed the doors and windows tightly, then finally let out the words she had been holding in all along,


    "Your Highness, who exactly is Consort Hui? Lady Wei said that Consort Hui''s favorite food is almond cake, but yesterday, you clearly had Xiao Fuzi secretly rece the almonds that Consort Yao was going to use for the pastries with peach kernels. Yet Consort Hui enjoyed them today without noticing anything?"


    The more Yun Shan thought about it, the more suspicious it seemed. She continued,


    "Although we reced them with sweet peach kernels that look simr in color and size to almonds, peach kernels still have a slight bitter taste. Most people may not be able to tell the difference, but Consort Hui has been eating them since she was young. How could she not taste the difference?"


    [Because they were peach kernels, Song Zhao is allergic, so Consort Hui didn''t touch them in advance.]


    "Because she is not Consort Hui at all."


    Song Zhao''s words reverberated loudly, causing Yun Shan''s face to slightly pale.


    "Your Highness, do you mean..."


    "Perhaps I should put it this way. Consort Hui is Consort Hui, but she is not Wei Ying''s only daughter, Wei Lin."


    Song Zhao casually yed with the newly painted nails on her fingers and said in a calm tone,


    "If I''m not mistaken, the real Consort Hui might have died before entering the pce. In the past few days, the people under Xiao Fuzi disguised themselves and gathered some information about the Wei family from the city.


    The Wei family is prominent and well-known, and even the smallest matters be widely known. People say that Wei Lin is weak and sickly, a frail child. Think about it, she was well taken care of in her family, yet she had a weak and sickly constitution. How could she be plump and healthy once she entered the pce?"


    She paused for a moment, and her gaze gradually darkened.


    "I suspect that the real Wei Lin is already dead, and the current Consort Hui was originally arranged by the Emperor to specifically listen to his orders and take care of the harem. Otherwise, with Consort Hui''s background, how could the Emperor dare to trust her?"


    After hearing Song Zhao''s analysis, Yun Shan couldn''t help but feel a shiver down her spine.


    "But... if she is obedient to the Emperor''s orders, and Your Highness suspects that the incident in the Plum Garden involving the Crown Prince is rted to her, does that mean the Emperor cannot tolerate the Crown Prince? But that shouldn''t be the case..."


    Song Zhao said, "She may obey the Emperor''s orders, but that doesn''t mean shecks ambition herself. Let''s be frank, she is the Emperor''s woman, and if anything were to happen to our precious child, she is the one the Emperor trusts the most. Sooner orter, she will reap the benefits of this trust."


    Yun Shan eximed in surprise, "Are you saying that she has already developed feelings of disloyalty towards the Emperor? She isn''t solely acting on his behalf but also has her own sinister motives?"


    The more Yun Shan thought about it, the more terrified she became. She hastily said, "This woman is so malicious and cunning. Your Majesty, we must find a way to deal with her as soon as possible!"


    "It''s not that easy," Song Zhao sighed deeply, shaking his head in helplessness.


    "Whether it''s the Empress or the Noble Consort, they both have their own families and conflicting interests. The Emperor is cautious of them. But we know next to nothing about Consort Hui''s background. If we try to scheme against her, we might inadvertently fall into her trap. This matter... is difficult to handle."


    Since the moment Song Zhao entered the imperial harem, she was well aware that it was a treacherous ce, filled with unpredictable situations. Who could emerge from the muddy waters unstained?


    Little did she expect that the hidden currents beneath the murky waters were even more treacherous than she had anticipated.


    After a long silence, she finally instructed Yun Shan, "From now on, we must remain vignt and act as if we know nothing. If Consort Hui truly has disloyal intentions, then at the very least, the Empress will also be her enemy. After all, during the incident with Cheng Yu, she tried to shift the me onto the Empress, didn''t she?


    In that case, why not use her as a pawn to bring down the Empress? Once she bescent, her ambitions won''t remain hidden. And when the timees, the first person who won''t tolerate her will be the Emperor."


    [These two chapters are a bitplicated, so if you don''t understand, read them a couple of times. The uing plot will be tightly woven together as well. I know there are many novels in the tomato genre, but each chapter in this book serves a purpose, so please try not to skip any chapters. If you''ve developed a habit of skipping chapters in other books, don''t ask me in thements sectionter if you can''t understand the plot. Even if you ask, I won''t answer. I''ll take the opportunity to tease you, hehe~]


    [Today, I was a bit busy, and I wasn''t satisfied with the new plot, so I deleted everything because it''s a crucial plot point, and I don''t want to water it down. I''ll rewrite it tomorrow. The update from 27th May is now scheduled for the early hours of 28th May. Four updates on 28th May.]

 Chapter 264: Happy and Pregnant

    <h4>Chapter 264</h4>


    The weather had been sultry for about a week, and finally, it poured down rain, bringing a refreshing relief.


    Now that they were no longer in the pce, the concubines found it easier to move around privately. They would often visit each other''s chambers or have conversations, without attracting too much attention.


    During these days, Rongyue would frequentlye to Song Zhao''s chamber to keep herpany.


    During this southern expedition, Xiao Jingheng only brought Rongyue among the newly entered concubines fromst year.


    Song Zhao found it strange in her heart. After all, one would expect Xiao Jingheng to be somewhat cold towards Rongyue after the "borrowing flowers to present the Buddha" incident.


    But Song Zhao had secretly checked the pce records and noticed that Rongyue hadn''t been spared from being turned over even once. However, it didn''t affect her favor with Xiao Jingheng.


    Perhaps it was Rongyue''s detachment from Xiao Jingheng in private that further piqued his interest.


    After all, for men, what they can''t have is always the most precious.


    Today, when Song Zhao saw Rongyue, she was wearing a dark blue embroidered silk dress, with a cloud brocade jacket draped over it, making her attire a bit too heavy.


    It had been raining since this morning, and although the rain had stopped now, the weather was still somewhat humid. There was no need to wear so many clothes for warmth.


    "Sister, please have a seat."


    Song Zhao held Rongyue''s hand and sat opposite her.


    She noticed that Rongyue''s hand was very cold, as if she had held a block of ice in the scorching summer.


    She remembered that Xiao Fuzi had once said that every time Rongyue served the emperor in bed, she would take cold contraceptive medicine to avoid getting pregnant.


    Now Rongyue''s hands and feet were ice-cold, and she clearly had symptoms of aversion to cold, indicating that she had taken too much of that medicine and harmed her body.


    Song Zhao had always pretended not to know about this matter, and she couldn''t bring it up now. She could only express her concern:


    "It''s already April, sister. You''re wearing so much, but your hands are still very cold. Have you seen a physician? Don''t tell me you have caught a cold. It would be troublesome if it develops into a chronic condition."


    Rongyue shook her head with a troubled expression, "I... It''s an old ailment of mine. There''s no need to have a physician look at it."


    Song Zhao said, "Because it''s an old ailment, you should pay even more attention to it. We can''t afford to be secretive about illnesses and avoid seeing physicians. Yunshan, go and rece Tong Chang''s cool tea with ginger tea sweetened with brown sugar. Make it slightly warm."


    As Yunshan left the room, Rongyue suddenly said to Caiying, "Yunshan is skilled. You should go down and learn from her."


    After sending everyone away, only Song Zhao and Rongyue remained in the room. Rongyue then hesitantly revealed to Song Zhao how she had been using contraception.


    Hearing this, Song Zhao pretended to be shocked and reproached her with a hint of displeasure, "Sister, you''re being foolish. Regardless of the reason, you should never y with your own health. You''re only neen now, and you''ll be serving as apanion in the pce for at least a decade. Are you nning to keep using this method?"


    Rongyue said, "Three months ago, my hands and feet started to feel cold. I knew it was most likely the onset of a chronic ailment. I was afraid that if it continued like this, it would raise suspicions and implicate my maternal family. So I''ve already stopped taking that medicine. But I''m still afraid to call for a physician, fearing that it would be discovered that I had used the Nine Yin Powder."


    Aware of Rongyue''s concerns, Song Zhao tightly held her hand and said in a gentle voice, "There is a skilled physician named Xiao Fuzi in my pce who is also loyal. If my sister doesn''t want to consult the imperial physician directly, we can ask him to take a look first. If it''s not appropriate, he can help with my sister''s recovery."


    Rongyue, fearing to implicate her family, did not refuse Song Zhao''s kind offer.


    However, little did she expect that after Xiao Fuzi examined her pulse, he would bring a huge "piece of news":


    "Congrattions, Tong Changzai. You have been pregnant for over two months."


    Although Xiao Fuzi''s words were meant to convey joy, there was no hint of joy in his tone. Upon hearing this, Rongyue''s face turned even more pale.


    She protected her lower abdomen, tightly clutching the embroidered silk fabric, her expressionplicated.


    "Everyone hopes for it, but I am the least willing to conceive his child. It seems that fate is ying tricks on me..."


    Song Zhao advised her, "Since it''s good news, my sister shouldn''t dwell on it too much. After all, this is still my sister''s child. Having an heir in the pce will ensure a stable future."


    Rongyue''s eyes were hollow, and she forced a smile before nodding. "The concubine''s self-inflicted death is a great sin, and harming the dragon''s heir is also a crime. I cannot implicate my father and mother."


    Although it was supposed to be a joyful asion, Song Zhao didn''t know how to express her congrattions. She noticed that Xiao Fuzi''s brow furrowed as if he had something to say, so she asked, "What''s the matter? Is there something wrong with my sister''s pregnancy?"


    Xiao Fuzi asked in a deep voice, "Please forgive my impudence, Lord Tong... Have you been using contraception?"


    Rongyue nodded with a dazed expression, "I stopped using it three months ago."


    After a moment of silence, Xiao Fuzi continued, "Please forgive my blunt words, but my lord... this pregnancy came right after you stopped using contraception. It is truly not the right time for the imperial heir to be conceived. Your pulse indicates weakness, and it is likely that the fetus has already been harmed. I believe it would be best to have the attending imperial physician diagnose you as soon as possible. Perhaps..."


    "Not possible," Song Zhao interrupted Xiao Fuzi in a low voice. "If you can detect that my sister used contraception, how could the imperial physician not detect it? If this matter were to be revealed now, it would only implicate my sister. I trust your medical skills, so first help my sister with her recovery. At the very least, remove the cold symptoms from her body and then report this matter."


    Rongyue, who had a worried expression on her face, felt some relief upon hearing Xiao Fuzi''s remark about the ill-timed pregnancy.


    After a long silence, she followed Song Zhao''s lead and said, "Song Zhao, you are attentive to details. Indeed, this matter cannot be made known to others at the moment."


    In the midst of their conversation, she suddenly changed the subject, "Last time we tested Consort Hui, she even dared to harm Cheng Yu. Her mind is truly treacherous. Song Zhao, you are currently highly favored, so you must be more cautious around her."


    Song Zhao nodded in agreement, "Sister, you''re right. We must be vignt in everything and not give her any opportunity to find fault. Now that my sister is pregnant, we must be even more careful. In the next few days, my sister should reduce her activities. I will secretly send the medicine for nourishing the fetus and removing the cold symptoms to your chambers. Take good care of yourself, sister. With me by your side, I will ensure that nothing harms you or the heir in your womb."


    After Rongyue bid farewell and left, Xiao Fuzi looked at Song Zhao with a mysterious expression and said,


    "Your Highness, Tong Zhu''er might be lying."


    Song Zhao furrowed her brows. "What do you mean?"


    Xiao Fuzi exined, "Based on Tong Zhu''er''s pulse just now, it seems that she has recently exhibited symptoms of taking Jiuyin Powder. Contrary to what she imed, she hasn''t stopped taking the medicine for three months."


    Song Zhao fell silent for a moment, then immediately dismissed Xiao Fuzi''s spection.


    "Since she has already admitted it to me, why would she need to go in circles and tell me this lie? Are you certain there was no misdiagnosis?"


    Xiao Fuzi firmly replied, "If I weren''t confident, I wouldn''t dare to speak directly to Your Highness. However, this time Tong Zhu''er took a very light dosage, unlike the previous times when she took a strong dose. Perhaps... she never intended to keep this child and nned to handle it quietly?"


    Song Zhao shook her head repeatedly, finding this matter increasingly illogical.


    "If she didn''t intend to keep it, it means she knew she was pregnant. If she knew she was pregnant early on, why would she agree to let you diagnose her pulse? It doesn''t make sense."


    [Four updates today.]

 Chapter 265: Danshen Operator

    <h4>Chapter 265</h4>


    As Xiao Yinzi and Song Zhao were talking, they suddenly heard a knock at the door.


    "Has the Noble Consort rested?"


    "Is that you, Xiao Yinzi?" Song Zhao asked Xiao Fuzi to open the door and wee Xiao Yinzi inside.


    When Xiao Yinzi came in, he had a big smile on his face. He bowed respectfully to Song Zhao with sped hands and said, "I thought you were still resting, I hope I have not disturbed you."


    Song Zhao said, "Why have youe at this time? His Majesty went to the Nine Bends Dike. Shouldn''t you be attending to him there?"


    Xiao Yinzi smiled and said, "The matters at the Nine Bends Dike have been resolved perfectly. His Majesty is in an excellent mood today. Having some free time, he wanted to take you to tour Suzhou City properly."


    Happiness also rose onto Song Zhao''s brow. "But isn''t it the concubines'' rest time now? Why not wait until..."


    Xiao Fuzi quickly said, "Too many people would be noisy. His Majesty only invited you and Noble Consort Chen. No one else has this blessing."


    Song Zhao then understood. "Let this concubine change clothes and will go with you immediately."


    After leaving the ind by boat and arriving on Zhengchang Street, from afar, Song Zhao saw several attendants in disguise guarding Xiao Jingheng and Noble Consort Chen, who were talking andughing.


    Xiao Yinzi led her forward and said, "Your Majesty, the Noble Consort has arrived."


    Following his voice, Song Zhao paid her respects and greeted, "Greetings to Your Majesty, Noble Consort."


    "You¡¯re here," said Xiao Jingheng, holding Song Zhao''s arm to spare her from bowing, looking at her withughter in his eyes.


    In contrast, Noble Consort Chen had an unhappy expression on her face.


    She looked Song Zhao up and down and said impatiently, "What are you doing here too?"


    Xiao Jingheng said, "I finally have some free time today, so I wanted to take you and the Noble Consort out to tour around."


    Noble Consort Chen coquettishly said, "Your Majesty, having this concubine apany you is enough. The Noble Consort still has to take care of Chen Yu. How can she make time?"


    Xiao Jingheng casually said, "There are many ancient calligraphies and paintings in Suzhou. You don¡¯t have much interest in them. With the Noble Consort along, she can also broaden my perspective."


    Hearing this, Noble Consort Chen''s eyes darkened. She nced impatiently at Song Zhao and said, "Well, since that''s the case,e along then."


    Having said that, she intimately held onto Xiao Jingheng¡¯s arm, deliberately quickening her pace to leave Song Zhao behind, afraid that she would get too close to Xiao Jingheng.


    Noble Consort Chen was used to being petty. Song Zhao didn¡¯t have the mind topete with her over such matters. She just quietly followed behind the whole way.


    After entering a calligraphy and painting gallery, Song Zhao saw a painting of A Thousand Li of Rivers and Mountains hanging in the center. The owner kept boasting that it was an authentic work by Wang Ximeng. Xiao Jingheng was quite interested in it and stopped to appreciate it carefully.


    "Zhao¡¯er,e take a look," he called.


    But before Song Zhao could even open her mouth, Noble Consort Chen started chattering away.


    "It really is a fine painting. The mountains stretch continuously and the rivers are vast. The scenery is detailed and exquisite. This painting''sposition is orderly, with continuity yet ever-changing momentum. Although it depicts expansive scenery, there are also mountain streams, thatched cottages, bamboo groves and pine trees, decorated with red flowers, green willows and more, making it magnificent yet notcking in detail."


    As she spoke, she became more self-satisfied. Pointing to the tiny human figures in the painting, she added:


    "Sir, look. Although the people are as small as ink dots, if you look closely, their expressions are all different and very true to life. Wang Ximeng''s brushwork focuses on boldness and lightness. Although the scene looks still, it¡¯s as if it¡¯s alive and moving, forcing admiration."


    "The painting''sposition is also quite deliberate - using near, far and level perspectives to showcase the majesty of the thousands of li of rivers and mountains. It really is ingenious!"


    As Noble Consort Chen eloquently analyzed with well-ordered points, even the shopkeeper couldn''t help but praise her, "What fine taste this nobledy has, touching on all the critical points!"


    Xiao Jingheng was also quite surprised. "Wasn''t Wan''er always disinterested in such things before?"


    Noble Consort Chen shyly flushed and softly said, "Being by your side, whatever you like, I like. Of course I had to learn. Knowing my inferior talent, I can only make up for it with hard work and diligence."


    Hearing her words, Xiao Jingheng repeatedly nodded, smiling from ear to ear.


    Song Zhao also smiled lightly, not giving her opinion about the painting.


    After leaving the gallery, Noble Consort Chen didn¡¯t understand why Xiao Jingheng was clearly very fond of the painting yet didn¡¯t buy it. So she asked, "Your Majesty liked that painting for a long time. Why didn''t you purchase it? The price was fair, even if high."


    Xiao Jingheng just smiled without answering. Instead, he pointed to Song Zhao, "Ask the Noble Consort.¡±


    Noble Consort Chen¡¯s gentleness instantly disappeared as she red at Song Zhao in disgust. ¡°What is it?¡±


    Song Zhao slightly bowed and replied, ¡°The rocks and mountains in that painting were blue.¡±


    Noble Consort Chen said, ¡°What of it? I read in the Guide to Painting that the reason mountains and rocks be blue is because the ink has faded over time. Isn¡¯t it good that it¡¯s blue?¡±


    Song Zhao answered, ¡°That¡¯s true. But the blue in that painting was newly added with azurite. It is subtly different from the indigo formed by the fading of mineral pigments...¡±


    Song Zhao had seen the fading of mineral pigments before. So had Xiao Jingheng.


    Only the Noble Consort was desperately grasping at book knowledge, letting slip what she had hastily learned.


    Although every word seemed like precious pearls, there wasn¡¯t a trace of original insight.


    Hearing Song Zhao¡¯s analysis, Noble Consort Chen felt she had lost face. Scoffing lightly, she said,


    ¡°You really are so worldly and learned!¡±


    As she turned to retort Song Zhao, she identally bumped into a careless woman, nearly knocking her over.


    Seeing this, the guards quickly surrounded them and seized the woman.


    Xiao Jingheng supported Noble Consort Chen and anxiously asked, ¡°Are you hurt?¡±


    Noble Consort Chen shook her head. Then she red at the sweating woman and said in irritation, ¡°What¡¯s your hurry? Don¡¯t you have eyes to watch the road?¡±


    The woman knelt before them with a thud, crying and begging for mercy.


    "Forgive me, nobledy, I didn''t mean it! My son is gravely ill, having convulsions and fainting spells. I heard that the divine Tan Yuezhi has opened his temple today. I was hurrying there, hoping he could save my son¡¯s life...¡±


    Hearing this, Noble Consort Chen''s expression softened slightly. ¡°Since it¡¯s your child who''s sick, you should find an imperial physician, not some chatan!¡±


    The woman exined, ¡°How could I afford an imperial physician? My son has been sick for two years and we have spent all our savings. My husband fell gathering medicine in the mountains and left my son and I widowed and orphaned. What else could I do...¡±


    She wept bitterly. Seeing her tattered clothes and skin-and-bones thinness, Noble Consort Chen took pity and told Liu Yue to give the woman twenty taels of silver.


    ¡°Take this money and properly treat your son. Stop believing in nonsense.¡±


    Thinking she had seen a living bodhisattva, the woman repeatedly kowtowed to Noble Consort Chen, wiping away tears as she scrambled back home.


    While Noble Consort Chen was handling the matter, Xiao Jingheng silently watched by the side, only speaking after the woman had left.


    ¡°Wan¡¯er has be even more gentle now.¡±


    Noble Consort Chen blushed and coquettishly smiled. ¡°Being a mother now, I cannot bear such sights.¡±


    Xiao Jingheng held her hand and gently caressed the back of it, showing his affection.


    He then asked Jiang Deshun, ¡°I often hear the people of Suzhou mention Tan the Immortal. What kind of extraordinary character is he that so draws the locals to him?¡±


    Jiang Deshun replied, ¡°This servant secretly investigated. The man is called Tan Yuezhi and is truly skilled in divination, possessing some abilities.¡±


    He then pointed to the popr temple not far away, ¡°That Temple of No Words was built for Tan Yuezhi by the people of Suzhou themselves.¡±


    Seeing the bustling crowd at the temple even livelier than a fair, Xiao Jingheng also became interested. ¡°Let¡¯s go take a look at themotion.¡±

 Chapter 266: A Prophecy

    <h4>Chapter 266</h4>


    The crowd in front of the Temple of No Words was as vast as the sea and the mountains, far exceeding the spectacle that Song Zhao had witnessed a few days ago when apanying the Empress Dowager to Hanshan Temple.


    Noble Consort Chen was annoyed by the overcrowding. Her magnificent attire was being jostled by themoners, and it was bing wrinkled. So she whispered to Xiao Jingheng, "Your Majesty! What''s so interesting about a fortune teller? No matter how talented he is, can he surpass the Imperial Astronomical Bureau? Let''s go~ The weather is already hot, and this ce is filled with so many people. It wouldn''t be good if Your Majesty gets identally injured."


    Song Zhao also added, "Noble Consort, what you said is true. This ce is chaotic and crowded. It''s better for Your Majesty to avoid it."


    Xiao Jingheng was initially just curious, but seeing the overwhelming crowd, he grew impatient and decided to heed their advice and turn back.


    However, after taking only a couple of steps, a temple servant emerged from the Temple of No Words and shouted for the people to quiet down. He solemnly announced, "The master is closing the temple today. Everyone, please go back."


    As the crowd dispersed, grumbling andining, the temple servant caught up to Xiao Jingheng and said, "Honored guest, please wait. My master invites you toe inside."


    Xiao Jingheng found this strange, but since the servant singled him out from the crowd, he thought that perhaps the master had discovered something mysterious about him.


    His curiosity piqued, he led Song Zhao and Noble Consort Chen into the temple.


    Upon entering, they saw a young man dressed in green robes, who had been waiting with a bow for quite some time.


    He appeared very young and handsome, far from the image of an old sage with white hair and an ethereal aura that Xiao Jingheng had imagined.


    Before Xiao Jingheng could speak, the servant bowed deeply to everyone and respectfully said, "The humble one pays respects to Your Majesty. Long live Your Majesty, long live, long live."


    Everyone was taken aback by his words.


    Xiao Jingheng furrowed his brow and scrutinized him, asking, "How do you know my identity?"


    The servant, Tan Yuezhi, replied, "Receiving a distinguished guest from the Wei family into the imperial garden is already a notable status. Furthermore, the number of patrols in the city has noticeably increased these past few days, and Mister Wei personally donated thirty thousand taels of silver to repair the river embankment. All these signs indicate that someone honorable ising. It''s not difficult to make an educated guess."


    Tan Yuezhi was renowned in Suzhou as a master of divination. Xiao Jingheng had expected him to spout nonsense, iming that he had foreseen everything through his divination. But instead, he spoke the truth.


    Hearing his words, Xiao Jingheng dispensed with formalities and said, "You are indeed sincere. The people of Suzhou refer to you as the ''Half Immortal,'' but are you using these petty tricks to deceive others?"


    Upon hearing this, Tan Yuezhi''s rxed expression suddenly turned serious, and he said solemnly, "The art of divination based on the eight trigrams of the Heavenly Stems and Earthly Branches reveals the fate of the person being divined. It is the disclosure of heavenly secrets. Because of this, how dare I disrespect the gods? What is true is true, and what is false is false. I would never dare to fabricate anything, or else I would incur heavenly punishment."


    These few words increased Xiao Jingheng''s interest.


    He turned and took a seat in the hall, casually jesting, "Oh? Then give me a divination. Let me see your skills."


    "It is my honor to divine for Your Majesty," Tan Yuezhi replied.


    Tan Yuezhi''s method of divination was based on the ancient diagrams of the Luoshu, which was quite different from the Luoshu used by the Imperial Astronomical Bureau.


    Song Zhao never believed in these baseless things.


    Now he sat beside Xiao Jingheng, watching Tan Yuezhi present a divination diagram, throwing coins inside a tortoise shell and standing in the hall, acting all mysterious. Song Zhao thought it was just for amusement.


    These so-called sorcerers of the martial world were nothing more than swindlers making a living. When he divined for Xiao Jingheng, it was mostly a show to entertain him with auspicious words after some tricks and pretending to be a deity.


    But unexpectedly, as Tan Yuezhi continued his divination, his face suddenly changed, and he lost all color in an instant.


    He knelt down abruptly, trembling with fear, and said, "Your Majesty, this... the divination shows an omen of great cmity, indicating that Your Majesty will encounter a bloody disaster during your southern expedition!"


    His words were like a thousand-pound weight dropping into everyone''s ears, causing a shock.


    Noble Consort Chen was particrly annoyed and said, "Nonsense! Guards, drag this impertinent chatan out and beat him to death!"


    With hermand, more than ten guards rushed in, ready to act against Tan Yuezhi.


    "Hold on."


    However, Xiao Jingheng stopped them, squinting his eyes as he looked at Tan Yuezhi, who was trembling on the ground.


    "You are not a fool; you should know that what you just said is highly disrespectful. Even if you really foresaw some anomaly, you could have told me everything was fine and ttered me to gain favor."


    With trembling lips, Tan Yuezhi replied, "The humble one said earlier that the divination of the innate eight trigrams cannot be filled with nonsense; it must be truthfully revealed. Otherwise, it will incur dark and ominous forces and invite heavenly condemnation..."


    Seeing that he was willing to speak even if it meant death, Xiao Jingheng asked, "Then tell me, what is this prophecy of a bloody disaster?"


    Tan Yuezhi understood the order and picked up the fallen divination tool, continuing his calctions.


    But this time, his expression gradually rxed.


    After a long while, he breathed a sigh of relief and said, "Fortunately, fortunately! The divination only shows the presence of a bloody disaster, but as for the source of this cmity, the divination cannot deduce, and the humble one cannot determine. However, based on the divination, this cmity will be mitigated by the presence of a noble person by Your Majesty''s side, whose noble aura will safeguard you, and Your Majesty will not suffer any harm!"


    Noble Consort Chen scolded, "Your words are as good as saying nothing. You keep changing your story. It seems you''re not someone talented."


    She looked at Xiao Jingheng and said, "The Emperor must be tired of listening to his nonsensical ramblings. Let''s go back."


    Xiao Jingheng remained silent for a moment, then ordered Jiang Deshun to give Tan Yuezhi a hundred taels of silver notes, and then they left the temple.


    Later, after strolling around the city for a while and noticing the dark clouds gathering, signaling an imminent rain, they decided to return to the boat and head to Lake Heart Ind.


    Inside the cabin, Xiao Jingheng was enjoying tea with Noble Consort Chen and Song Zhao.


    Noble Consort Chen couldn''t help butin, "If Your Majesty allows me to speak, that person is nothing but a shameless chatan. It''s only because of your benevolence, Your Majesty, that you don''t hold him ountable. Otherwise, speaking such disrespectful words would surely bring him nothing but trouble!"


    As soon as she finished speaking, Song Zhao, who was sitting near the ship''s rail, heard amotion outside.


    Curious, he opened the window to see what was happening.


    He saw countless pce maids running around on the deck, each wearing a gloomy expression.


    Just as he was wondering, Jiang Deshun suddenly burst in, looking rmed. He eximed,


    "Your Majesty! The ship is leaking!"


    Upon hearing this, Xiao Jingheng and Song Zhao remained calm, not overly worried.


    Instead, it was Noble Consort Chen who was taken aback and eximed, "How could this happen out of the blue? What... What should we do?"


    Song Zhao reassured her in a firm tone, "Noble Consort, there''s no need to panic. There are still twelve wooden boats on the ship. Even if this ship sinks, we will be safe."


    Noble Consort Chenposed herself and gave him a disapproving look, saying, "Who said I was panicking? I''m definitely not panicking. I''m just worried that Your Majesty will be bothered by this..."

 Chapter 267: A Miscarriage with Joy

    <h4>Chapter 267</h4>


    On that day, the ident was just a false rm.


    There was a leak in the bottom of the pavilion boat, but with Xiao Jingheng on it, there were more than ten craftsmen on the boat. They quickly repaired it and safely sent Xiao Jingheng back to Lake Heart Ind.


    That night, Xiao Jingheng summoned Song Zhao to serve him in the bedroom.


    When it was night, he sat at his desk reading a military book, and casually asked Song Zhao,


    "How do you see today''s incident?"


    "Does Your Majesty believe it?" Song Zhao asked back.


    Xiao Jingheng shook his head. Song Zhao then said,


    "Believing or not believing in divination is only in one''s mind. If Your Majesty believed Tan Yuezhi''s words about today''s pavilion boat incident, you would involuntarily associate the dangerous incident with what he said. Butter I asked, leaks in the bottom of pavilion boats aremon urrences that would definitely not lead to any idents.


    The reason why the pce maids were so nervous today was because Your Majesty was on the boat. This matter must not have any ws. Even if the pavilion boat really sank, Your Majesty could still take a small boat back to Lake Heart Ind, so there would definitely not be any idents. But coincidentally something happened, so it was inevitable for people to feel that today''s disaster turned into a blessing, and it was calcted urately by Tan Yuezhi."


    Xiao Jingheng smiled at Song Zhao, "What my beloved concubine said ords with what I was thinking."


    Song Zhao also smiled, and reached out to close the military book in front of Xiao Jingheng,


    "Your Majesty apanied your concubine around the city today which must have tired you out. Why not rest early?"


    Xiao Jingheng nodded in agreement. Song Zhao then started helping him change clothes.


    After taking off his outer robe, Song Zhao was surprised to find that the dragon-patterned embryo jade she gave to Xiao Jingheng at New Year¡¯s Eve was still worn intimately by him.


    "Your Majesty, this embryo jade has many ws and is far from matching your status. Yet Your Majesty is willing to wear it every day?"


    Xiao Jingheng fiddled with the embryo jade, "This is your most cherished thing. What''s precious is your feelings. Since you gave it to me, it represents our affection. I should of course not fail you."


    "Your Majesty..."


    Song Zhao nestled in Xiao Jingheng''s arms, her soft fingers wandered in, taking off his undergarment inch by inch, shyly yet coquettishly, allowing Xiao Jingheng¡¯s big hands to hold her waist tightly as they indulged in the spring night, their feelings intertwined.


    The next morning, when Song Zhao heard that the Empress Dowager¡¯s old illness had rpsed, she hurried over to visit her.


    The Empress Dowager¡¯s old illness came from a persistent high fever when she was young. Whenever there was a change of weather, she would be gued by headaches and suffer greatly.


    On that day, after serving the Empress Dowager for two hours, Song Zhao finally got a chance to rest when the Empress Dowager was slightly better and could sleep for a while. Song Zhao also returned to her own room, wanting to take a nap.


    She and Xiao Jingheng went over the topst night that she barely had any good sleep all night.


    Now when her head touched the pillow, sleepiness came. Just as she was about to doze off hazily, she suddenly heard Xiao Fuzi''s loud cries outside the door,


    "Concubine! Concubine! Terrible thing happened!"


    "You little rascal, what are you doing!" Yun Shan stopped him outside the door and whispered angrily: "Concubine attended the Empress Dowager all morning and has just got the chance to rest. Don''t startle Concubine!"


    Having been woken up, Song Zhao had lost her sleepiness. She put on a robe and got up to ask,


    "Speak slowly. What happened?"


    "Concubine... Master Tong, she, she had a miscarriage!"


    "What did you say?" Song Zhao looked incredulous and asked again, "How could she suddenly have a miscarriage out of the blue?"


    Xiao Fuzi said, "I don''t know the details either. This morning after His Majesty finished talking with the ministers, he summoned Master Tong to serve tea and brush. Later when it was time for lunch, after Master Tong came back and finished her meal, she said her stomach hurt badly. Consort Hui and Consort Yao were there then. They immediately asked someone to summon the imperial physician. But before the imperial physician arrived, Master Tong started bleeding..."


    After listening to the reason, Song Zhao''s heart felt like being gripped tightly by an invisible big hand, churning ufortably.


    If the imperial physician found out that Rongyue had been taking Nine Yin Powder all along, it would be punishable by death of her whole family.


    She hurried to Rongyue''s room. By the time she arrived, most of the concubines had arrived, and Xiao Jingheng sitting at the main seat looked grieved.


    Song Zhao quietly squeezed herself into the crowd and asked Consort Yao in a low voice,


    "I heard that Master Tong had a miscarriage. When did she get pregnant?"


    Consort Yao said, "Two months. She was muddled and didn''t even know herself. Just now we were chatting after the meal. Not long after, she said her stomach hurt badly..."


    Speaking of which, the imperial physician Guo walked out of the inner room.


    He looked grave and reported to Xiao Jingheng,


    "Replying to Your Majesty, Master Tong''s bleeding has stopped. Currently there is no threat to her life. However, when diagnosing Master Tong¡¯s pulse, I discovered the reason why she bled unceasingly was that she had taken Nine Yin Powder..."


    "Nine Yin Powder?" Xiao Jingheng asked again, "What is that?"


    Guo Imperial Physician said, "This medicine has simr effects as ten cold decoction, both being extremely cold medicines that greatly damage the mother¡¯s body. It¡¯s absolutely forbidden if a woman is pregnant... The amount of Nine Yin Powder Master Tong took was not light. She should have reacted immediately after taking it..."


    As soon as these words came out, it immediately caused an uproar.


    Consort Hui cried and asked, "What should we do now? Wuwuwu... Is Sister Tong''s baby really unable to keep?"


    Guo Imperial Physician shook his head sadly. Xiao Jingheng then asked sternly the maid serving Rongyue,


    "Guo Imperial Physician said that Master Tong reacted immediately after taking that dirty stuff. What has your mistress eaten today? "


    Cai Ying knelt on the ground choking with sobs as she replied, ¡°In the morning my mistress had no appetite. After washing up she went to serve Your Majesty¡¯s brush and ink. By the time she came back, Consort Hui brought food and ate with my mistress and Consort Yao. Shortly after finishing lunch, my mistress felt unbearable stomachache...¡±


    Consort Yao added: ¡°That¡¯s right, it was Consort Hui, myself and Master Tong who had lunch together today.¡±


    Xiao Jingheng ignored them and asked heavily:


    ¡°Where are the finished meals?¡±


    The maid who was waiting on them answered: ¡°With the recent hot weather, leftover food easily goes bad and attracts insects and rodents. Consort Hui is most afraid of insects and rodents. So for the leftovers, she urged us to dispose of them right away. Most of the time, we drain the soup and throw it into theke to feed the fish...¡±


    With this, there was no longer evidence to investigate the incident further.


    Xiao Jingheng was silent for a long time before he slowly looked at Consort Hui, his gaze gradually bing profound:


    ¡°Go check if there are any traces of Consort Hui and Consort Yao taking that dirty stuff.¡±


    Guo Imperial Physician diagnosed their pulses one by one.


    The result showed that Consort Yao did have symptoms of having taken Nine Yin Powder, but the amount she took was very little, not even half of what Rongyue took. Also because she was not pregnant, if the imperial physician had not examined her in detail, she herself might not have known that she had taken anything.


    On the other hand, Consort Hui¡¯s pulse was perfectly fine and very good.


    When Consort Yao heard that she had also taken Nine Yin Powder, she was so frightened that her face turned pale.


    ¡°This... Your Majesty! Someone wants to harm your concubine!¡±


    At that moment, everyone present looked at Consort Hui collectively, while Consort Hui still looked innocent, as if she did not know what had happened.

 Chapter 268: Poison Plum Soup

    <h4>Chapter 268</h4>


    After a brief silence in the hall, someone whispered in a low voice,


    "She looks innocent, but actually has the dirtiest mind."


    That voice was weak, but sharp as a thorn that pierced Consort Hui''s ears.


    Her pupils shook violently, and the lost look on her face instantly turned to horror.


    "Could my sisters suspect me?"


    Consort Hui''s eyes were wide with fear as she shook her head repeatedly.


    "No, I didn''t harm anyone! If there was something wrong with the lunch, Imperial Physician Guo would have found traces of that poison in me..."


    "Oh my, Consort Hui is so innocent," Noble Consort Chen nced at her andughed lightly, "Would the poisoner harm herself?"


    "I didn''t do it!" Consort Hui argued loudly. Her tearful eyes stared straight at Xiao Jingheng as she bit her lip and shook her head in grievance.


    "Your Majesty...I really didn''t do it."


    Consort Yin said, "If Consort Hui really did such a thing, wouldn''t she be too stupid? Who would harm someone so openly and get themselves involved?"


    Noble Consort Chen snapped at her, "What would she get involved in? Even Concubine Tong didn''t know she was pregnant. How would Consort Hui know today''s matter would be so serious?"


    She then asked Imperial Physician Guo, "Imperial Physician Guo, what would have happened if Concubine Tong wasn''t pregnant and took that poison?"


    Imperial Physician Guo respectfully replied, "Replying to Noble Consort, if she wasn''t pregnant, taking that would be no different than ordinary contraceptives. Just like Consort Yao now, she wouldn''t feel any difort."


    The previously silent Empress finally spoke up,


    "Jiang Deshun, who has the Emperor summoned to serve him these past few days?"


    Jiang Deshun replied, "The day before yesterday was Consort Yao, yesterday was Consort Yi, and this morning he summoned Concubine Tong to attend to his writing supplies."


    Hearing this, the Empress couldn''t help but frown slightly. After a moment of contemtion she said,


    "It seems someone doesn''t want the consorts to conceive an imperial heir, and made a mess of things in their clumsiness."


    Although there was no direct evidence that Consort Hui had tampered with the food, she did have the greatest suspicion.


    Song Zhao watched this and realized it was the first time she had seen Xiao Jingheng look at someone with such doubt and scrutiny for so long.


    Consort Hui was clearly frightened by this situation.


    She sobbed and wiped away her tears while choking back sobs to exin to everyone,


    "It wasn''t me... Dear sisters, believe me, I really didn''t do it..."


    However, who in this pce could easily believe anyone else?


    After arriving from Jiangnan, they had all be somewhat jealous seeing the Weis'' wealth.


    Now that it concerned the imperial heir, no one dared to defend Consort Hui.


    Xiao Jingheng stared at Consort Hui for a long time without speaking, seeming to be lost in thought.


    Amidst the tense atmosphere, Song Zhao kept an eye on Xiao Jingheng''s actions.


    When he was thinking through a problem, he would unconsciously fiddle with the ink jade finger stall he wore on his thumb.


    Once he figured out the crux of the issue, he would stop moving his hand, signaling it was time for him to speak.


    Song Zhao kept waiting for his hand to stop moving. The moment it did, before Xiao Jingheng could say anything, she stepped out from the crowd, saluted him, and said,


    "Your Majesty, I believe this matter is too suspicious to rashly use anyone of wrongdoing."


    Xiao Jingheng raised his eyebrows at her. "Oh? Why do you say that?"


    Song Zhao replied, "Today''s meal was prepared by Consort Hui to share with Consort Yao and Concubine Tong. Not to mention we have known Consort Hui for a long time and know in our hearts that she has the innocence of a child without so many crooked schemes. Even if she did harbor ill intent, isn''t it strange that she chose this particr moment, when it would be easiest to arouse suspicion, to make her move if she could have done so sooner orter? It makes no sense."


    Consort Yao was standing next to Song Zhao. Being the victim of this poisoning plot, Consort Yao cried nonstop in grievance.


    Song Zhao took her hand and used a handkerchief to wipe her tears. "Sister, stop crying for now. Consort Hui loves fine cuisine the most. Sister, think carefully - among the dishes today, were there any Consort Hui didn''t eat but only you and Concubine Tong ate?"


    Consort Yao''s eyes moved rapidly in thought. After a long pause, she shook her head and said,


    "Consort Hui ate...everything sweetly, it seems she ate every dish."


    "It really wasn''t me! When Concubine Tong and I lived together, I knew she liked Suzhou cuisine, so I specifically wanted to share it with her today!"


    Consort Hui strongly proimed her innocence. As she spoke, she ran over to stand behind Song Zhao, grabbing her sleeve in fright.


    "I ate every dish, so I don''t know why there''s no trace of the drug in me. Sister Song Zhao, I really didn''t..."


    Song Zhao turned back to pat Consort Hui''s shoulder, gently persuading her, "It''s alright, no one suspects you. Besides, His Majesty and Her Majesty are both here. They will stand up for you, don''t be scared."


    With just a few words, Song Zhao dispelled most of the suspicions about Consort Hui.


    Consort Yao had been certain Consort Hui had tampered with the food. Now feeling something was amiss with that theory, she couldn''t help carefully recalling if anything else unusual happened today.


    After thinking for a bit, she suddenly seemed to remember something. Clutching her chest, she eximed in shock,


    "Could it be..."


    "Be what?" Xiao Jingheng asked sternly.


    Consort Yao said, "In reply to Your Majesty, I remember at lunch today, there really was something only I and Concubine Tong consumed that Consort Hui did not touch. It was...plum soup."


    "Plum soup?" Consort Yin asked strangely. "As the weather grew hotter, Her Majesty had plum soup prepared and distributed everywhere. Was the plum soup Consort Hui gave you, or was it from Her Majesty?"


    Consort Yao fearfully lowered her eyes, not daring to meet the Empress''s gloomy gaze.


    "It was...it was plum soup bestowed by Her Majesty. Since Consort Hui and Concubine Tong came to have a meal in my pce today, I borrowed flowers to present them. Consort Hui has always disliked sourness, so she didn''t drink it..."


    "Insolence!"


    The Empress suddenly red with anger, startling Consort Yao.


    Pointing at Consort Yao, she said sharply, "Are you suspecting this pce? This pce had that plum soup distributed to everyone on the Dowager Empress''s orders to prevent summertime afflictions. How dare you spout empty usations about this pce''s good intentions?"


    Consort Yao fearfully said, "This concubine wouldn''t dare! But but...as things stand now, that''s the only thing I and Concubine Tong both consumed today..."


    "You...this pce..."


    "Empress," Xiao Jingheng interrupted her with a low call, "Calm down, there''s no need to get angry over these baseless usations."


    Only then did the Empress restrain herself and sit down, saying solemnly, "Your Majesty, this matter has nothing to do with this concubine. This concubine did not do it."


    Xiao Jingheng nodded in acquiescence and said, "Since that plum soup was distributed everywhere, let Imperial Physician Guo take all the consorts'' pulses. That will rify the Empress''s innocence."

 Chapter 269: Koi Fish for Trouble

    <h4>Chapter 269</h4>


    Guo Imperial Physician received the order and proceeded to examine the pulses of the Empress, Noble Consort, Song Zhao, and Consort Yin in that order.


    For the first few individuals, their pulses were normal, and there was no trace of anything unusual.


    However, when Guo Imperial Physician examined Consort Yin''s pulsest, his expression suddenly changed.


    After a while, he solemnly replied to Xiao Jingheng, "Reporting to Your Majesty, there are no issues with the Empress, Noble Consort, and Yifei. They do not exhibit any symptoms of having consumed the Nine Yin Powder. However... Consort Yin does show symptoms of having used this substance."


    Consort Yin was shocked and wore an incredulous expression. "How... could this be? Could it harm me fundamentally?"


    Guo Imperial Physician reassured her, "Don''t worry, Your Highness. Fortunately, the dosage was not heavy. I will prescribe some tonics for youter, and with proper care, there should be no problem."


    At this moment, Xiao Jingheng''s expression became extremelyplicated, and the Empress vigorously defended herself, "I also sent the plum soup to Noble Consort and Yifei. I drank it myself as well. Why is Consort Yin the only one affected?"


    "You have the audacity to ask that, Empress," Noble Consort Chen sneered at her with a sinister tone. "I dared not take a single sip of the plum soup you sent. After experiencing the incident with Yu''er''s miscarriage, how could I dare to use anything you give?"


    However, Song Zhao was puzzled and said, "But I did drink the plum soup the Empress sent that day, and I am indeed unharmed."


    Xiao Jingheng exined, "You have been sharing food and drinks with me these past few days. The plum soup the Empress sent to me had to be carefully inspected. There would be no contamination in it."


    As soon as he finished speaking, he stared at the Empress with a dark gaze.


    "What do you mean by this, Your Majesty?" The Empress was rmed and uneasy. "Could it be... that you truly suspect me of doing this?"


    She stood up, straightened her sleeves, and knelt directly in front of Xiao Jingheng, her words resolute:


    "I am innocent! If Your Majesty does not believe me, you can send people to thoroughly search my chambers and see if there is any such contamination!"


    "Search now? Ha!" Noble Consort Chen sneered. "You can utter these words because you must have already cleaned up any contamination long ago."


    "That''s not true." Consort Yin stepped forward and stood beside the Empress, speaking on her behalf.


    "The incident happened suddenly. At that time, I was in the Empress''s chamber, apanying her in conversation. It was the servants who came to report about Concubine Tong''s mishap with the fallen petals. The Empress immediately rushed over with me.


    Moreover, Guo Imperial Physician just mentioned that if a woman is not pregnant, the Nine Yin Powder would only act as a contraceptive without being noticeable. Even Concubine Tong herself didn''t know she was pregnant. How could the Empress have foreseen today''s disturbance?"


    Consort Yin''s words made sense. However, as the situation suddenly turned, and every detail seemed to point to the Empress, Xiao Jingheng couldn''t fully trust her.


    "Jiang Deshun, take people to search the Empress''s chambers. This matter must be resolved, and her clear reputation should be restored."


    The Empress expressed her gratitude, "Thank you, Your Majesty, for seeking justice and clearing my name!"


    During the search in the Empress''s chamber led by Jiang Deshun, the Empress remained calm throughout the entire process. She even went to the inner room to visit Rongyue, who was still unconscious, instructing the imperial physician to take good care of her and ensure her recovery so that she could continue to bear children for the royal family.


    After about two quarters of an hour, Jiang Deshun returned and reported, "Reporting to Your Majesty, I didn''t find anything that shouldn''t be there in the Empress''s chamber."


    Upon hearing this, the Empress finally let go of the anxiety that had been weighing on her. She took a deep breath and poured out her grievances, choked with sobs, "Your Majesty, I am innocent and clear of any wrongdoing."


    But as soon as she finished speaking, a eunuch entered the room carrying a wooden bucket covered with a white cloth.


    Despite that, a faint smell of blood could still be detected emanating from the bucket.


    Noble Consort Chen covered her nose and took two steps back, disgust evident on her face. She said, "What is this? It''s so bloody and nauseating."


    The eunuch replied, "Please pardon me, Noble Consort. Your Majesty, this was retrieved from the courtyard pond behind the Empress''s residence."


    He lifted the white cloth covering the top of the wooden bucket, and everyone looked inside to see five or six carp floating lifelessly on the water, their bellies turned white.


    The eunuch exined, "These carp were found gathered together, all with their bellies turned up. Carp are easy to keep alive, so it''s suspicious to find them in such arge group with upturned bellies. I thought it was unusual, so I picked them up."


    Xiao Jingheng nced at the wooden bucket and said to Guo Imperial Physician, "Go and have a look."


    Guo Imperial Physician bowed and ordered his assistant to carry the wooden bucket outside so as not to disgust the masters if it burst open.


    After a while, when Guo Imperial Physician returned, he had a in handkerchief in his hand, stained with some ck sticky powder in the center.


    He presented the item to Xiao Jingheng and solemnly reported, "Your Majesty, this item was found in the intestines of the carp. It is indeed Nine Yin Powder. I believe someone poured the Nine Yin Powder into the courtyard pond, and the carp mistakenly ingested it. If it were any other fish, they wouldn''t have turned up so quickly. But since carp don''t have a stomach, the food they eat goes directly into their intestines, causing rapid digestion and poisoning. It''s precisely because carp don''t have a stomach that I was able to retrieve these intact dirty substances from their intestines."


    The meaning behind Guo Imperial Physician''s words was already quite clear.


    This Nine Yin Powder must have been recently thrown into the water and was mistakenly ingested by the carp, causing them to die inexplicably.


    Earlier, Consort Yin mentioned that she and the Empress were in a hurry.


    Now, the way the Nine Yin Powder was handled confirms that someone must have been in a hurry to dispose of it and hastily threw it into the courtyard pond, hoping to cover up the evidence.


    Seeing the evidence found, the Empress couldn''t stay seated any longer.


    Ignoring Noble Consort Chen, she hastily stood up and cried out loudly, "I am innocent! I have never done such a thing. I don''t even know who has set up such a clever scheme to frame me! I..."


    "Frame you?" Noble Consort Chen sternly interrupted the Empress, "The plum soup was a gift from you, and the Nine Yin Powder was found in your chambers. Besides you, all the concubines who drank the plum soup showed signs of poisoning. Tell me, who has the ability to target you, the revered Empress?"


    She pressed closer to the Empress, her tone filled with resentment and agitation.


    "Do you remember how you schemed to cause my miscarriage? Have you forgotten? Wasn''t it done with such despicable means? And now that you have brought so much misfortune upon yourself and can no longer bear children, do you want all the imperial consorts to suffer the same fate as you? Empress, your cruelty knows no bounds!"


    The Empress was forced to retreat repeatedly, stumbling and tripping over a chair leg, finally falling to the ground.


    "It wasn''t me! I didn''t do it!"


    Noble Consort Chen red fiercely at the Empress, then turned around and knelt before Xiao Jingheng, speaking with solemnity:


    "I implore Your Majesty to thoroughly investigate this matter, to cleanse the pce and ensure that this wicked woman cannot bring further harm to the dynasty!"


    She set the stage, and Consort Yao quickly followed suit, also kneeling on the ground. In the meantime, she grabbed Consort Hui and pulled her down to kneel as well.


    Seeing Consort Yin, Song Zhao exchanged a nce with her and both of them promptly kneeled, speaking in unison to Xiao Jingheng:


    "We beseech Your Majesty to grant Concubine Tong justice for her unborn child!"


    [This is a game within a game within a game, and it''s also the first time that Consort Hui, the explosive loli, has shown her skills in the pce intrigue. The big boss has officially entered the chaotic battle.


    [The whole situation will be reviewed tomorrow, traditional arts, happy Monday.]

 Chapter 270: After the End of Emperor Desire

    <h4>Chapter 270</h4>


    Amidst the usations of the masses, the evidence was irrefutable.


    The Empress watched as the concubines knelt in the hall, beseeching Emperor Xiao Jingheng to make a decision regarding her fate. At this moment, she had no other recourse but to plead her innocence.


    Xiao Jingheng furrowed his brows, meeting her gaze sternly. "I have already given you a chance, but you have proven yourself unworthy bymitting such malicious acts!"


    "Your Majesty, please see the truth!" The Empress suddenly dropped to her knees, expressing her anguish. "Your Majesty, think carefully. Why would I want to harm them and prevent them from bearing royal heirs? I am unable to conceive myself, destined to be childless in this lifetime...


    Since you use me of being malicious, then I should be the one hoping more than anyone for their safe delivery of a prince. Afterwards, I would dly step aside and raise the child under my care! As the Empress, harming others would bring me no benefit and only harm myself. Why would I do such a foolish thing?"


    Consort Chen observed Xiao Jingheng''s ever-changing expression and offered her counsel, saying:


    "Your Majesty, if the Empress did notmit such deeds, the pce attendants around her would be well aware. Moreover, someone must have timed the disposal of the Nine Yin Powder perfectly to destroy the evidencepletely.


    If the Empress continues to protest her innocence, then Your Majesty should thoroughly interrogate the people around her. Under severe punishment, someone will eventually confess."


    Consort Yin added, "If Frost has been with the Empress throughout, she would not have had the time to destroy the evidence. The only person trusted by the Empress is the chief eunuch, Yan Jiude."


    She paused for a moment, surveying her surroundings, before continuing, "Yan Jiude has always served the Empress diligently, but he is conspicuously absent today."


    The Empress exined to Xiao Jingheng, "Since I suffered injuries in the pce, I have experienced symptoms of stagnant blood and qi. After lunch, I instructed Yan Jiude to purchase some medicinal herbs in the city to invigorate my blood and promote cirction. That''s why he..."


    "Hmm." Consort Chen sneered. "The remedies from the imperial pharmacy couldn''t cure your ailment, yet the medicines prescribed by the barefoot doctors in Suzhou City could make you rejuvenate? You truly..."


    "Noble Consort, you must not disrespect the Empress," Xiao Jingheng interrupted, his voice solemnly silencing Consort Chen. She red at the Empress before begrudgingly falling silent.


    Then, Xiao Jingheng ordered, "Go and fetch Yan Jiude for me."


    The attendants in the court were always efficient in their tasks. Within moments, Yan Jiude was brought before the Emperor.


    One of the attendants reported, "Just as I arrived at the Empress''s residence, I saw Chief Eunuch Yan returning from outside, holding a bag of medicinal herbs."


    Trembling on his knees, Yan Jiude replied, "Your... Your Majesty, I did indeed go to the city to purchase the blood-invigorating and stasis-dissipating herbs for the Empress."


    His backpack was also brought back by the attendant.


    After examining the herbs in the backpack, Imperial Physician Guo confirmed, "Your Majesty, these are indeed blood-invigorating and stasis-dissipating herbs."


    Consort Yao spoke up, "Even if he went to make the purchase, the round trip would have taken at most half an hour. Who knows when he actually went? Is there any witness?"


    Yan Jiude prostrated on the ground, repeatedly kowtowing to Xiao Jingheng, "Your Majesty! I am but a lowly servant who travels to and from Lake Heart Ind on a small boat. How...how...how can anyone vouch for me?"


    Noble Consort Chen, who was closest to Yan Jiude, noticed something dark and murky under his fingernails and said, "Judge Guo, go and see what substance is stuck in the crevices of his nails."


    Xiao Yinzi firmly held Yan Jiude down, while Judge Guo used a silver needle to extract a trace of dark brown powder from under Yan Jiude''s fingernails. After examining it, he reported, "Report to Noble Consort, this...is musk, the crucial ingredient used to make the Nine Yin Powder."


    Noble Consort Chen angrily rebuked, "Very well! So, you''re saying it wasn''t you? If you didn''t handle those filthy things for the Empress, how could your fingernails be contaminated with this substance?"


    Yan Jiude turned pale and continued to kowtow, exining, "Noble Consort, you misunderstand! When I went to purchase materials for promoting blood cirction and removing stasis, the shopkeeper brought out many ingredients for me to choose from. This substance was ced beside me. At that time, I didn''t know it was musk. I asked the shopkeeper cautiously, and he told me it was musk. Since it is prohibited in the pce, I quickly put it back without purchasing it! I believe...I believe the musk in the crevices of my nails...should have...identally stuck to them."


    Noble Consort Chen sneered, "What a coincidence. Your Majesty, do you believe this deceitful servant''s words?"


    Who would believe such a coincidental event and such an imusible exnation?


    At this moment, Xiao Jingheng''s expression turned extremely ugly, and his gaze towards the Empress became dim,


    "This ipetent servant was not attentive on duty and mixed filthy things into the plum soup prepared for the Empress, endangering the life of the Crown Prince. Such an useless servant does not need to stay by the Empress''s side anymore."


    Jiang Deshun nodded and spoke, "I understand. Take him away and deal with him."


    The guards silenced Yan Jiude''s protests and dragged him out.


    Xiao Jingheng''s action confirmed the Empress''s guilt, but he did not explicitly state it, allowing both the Empress and himself to save face.


    The Empress knew that there was no way to turn the tables and could only sit on the ground, despairing and crying.


    Xiao Jingheng didn''t spare her a nce and simply said, "The Empress suddenly fell ill. Take her back to the pce for recuperation."


    Jiang Deshun hesitated, "Your Majesty, it has been raining heavily recently, and the river is flooding. It might be dangerous to send the Empress back at this time...Moreover, there are only two days left until the Silk Worm Ceremony, traditionally presided over by the Empress..."


    Xiao Jingheng replied coldly, "Since it is difficult to travel in heavy rain, we will wait until the rain stops before setting off. As for the Silk Worm Ceremony, the Empress is ill, so there is no need to worry about such trivial matters. Everything will be taken care of by Noble Consort."


    Noble Consort Chen was overjoyed and quickly expressed her gratitude, "I thank Your Majesty for your trust. I will not disappoint your expectations!"


    The ceremony of worshipping the Silkworm God Leizu and feeding silkworms with mulberry leaves, known as the Empress''s Silkworm Rite, was personally presided over by the Empress. It aimed to encourage the people to be diligent in textile production.


    Since the establishment of the Qi Dynasty, the Empress has always taken charge of the Silkworm Rite throughout the sessive dynasties. Only in the absence of the Empress would the responsibility be delegated to the Noble Consort or other high-ranking consorts.


    However, now that the Empress is still alive, Xiao Jingheng''s disregard for the dignity of the Imperial Concubine suggests that he may have already contemted deposing the Empress.


    The Empress''s grieving cries were distressing to hear, but Xiao Jingheng turned a deaf ear and simply instructed someone to console Concubine Tong before leaving with a flick of his sleeve.


    After he departed, Noble Consort Chen approached the Empress in a leisurely manner, looking down on her with a cold sneer.


    "Take her away and confine her until the rain stops. Then, send her back to the pce immediately. We must prevent the Emperor from seeing her, as it would bring him ill fortune."

 Chapter 271: Consider the Horrors

    <h4>Chapter 271</h4>


    After thismotion, everyone was filled with cold sweat.


    Consort Yin couldn''t help but sigh, "I''ve been friends with the Empress for many years, but I never expected her to scheme against me. Truly, it''s hard to fathom human hearts."


    Noble Consort Chenughed, "You treated her like a sister, but she treated you as a burden. There is no such thing as deep sisterly affection in this pce. Let''s be honest, everyone is here to serve the Emperor. Who would willingly watch the Emperor neglect themselves while favoring others?"


    With a sweeping gaze, she arrogantly brushed her temple and said, "When ites to favor, none of you can surpass me. But look at what happened to the Empress today. Whoever dares to harbor jealousy andmit despicable acts in the future shouldn''t me me for showing no mercy!"


    She disyed her authority, but others were ustomed to it and didn''t bother engaging with her.


    Consort Yin didn''t even bid farewell and left in anger.


    Consort Hui cried uncontrobly out of fear, while Consort Yaoforted her.


    At this moment, Song Zhao advised Noble Consort Chen, "Noble Consort, perhaps we should go in and persuade Concubine Tong first?"


    Noble Consort Chen arrogantly replied, "If you want to go, go ahead. Didn''t you hear the Emperor just now, entrusting me with the responsibility of the Silk Worm Ceremony? I don''t have as much free time as you."


    After saying that, she proudly walked away with graceful movements.


    Consort Yao said, "Consort Yi, Consort Hui is genuinely frightened. I will apany her back to her chambers and console her. It''s not good if her family sees her crying like this."


    Song Zhao nodded in agreement and used a handkerchief to wipe away Consort Hui''s tears. "Stop crying. How can your swollen eyes look good? Go with Sister Dai and wash your face. I''ll calm Concubine Tong down and join youter."


    Consort Hui sobbed and nodded, then followed Consort Yao as they left together.


    Song Zhao stood in ce, his eyes dark and fixed on Consort Yao''s departing figure. He felt a surge of nausea in his chest that he couldn''t suppress.


    With themotion subsided, Song Zhao instructed Xiaofuzi and Yunsan, "Guard the door and don''t let anyone disturb Concubine Tong''s rest."


    "We understand, Master."


    When Song Zhao entered alone, he saw Rongyue lying on the bed, her face pale, brows lightly furrowed. He felt a pang of heartache.


    She sat on the edge of the bed and gently wiped the cold sweat from Rongyue''s forehead.


    After a short while, Rongyue''s trembling eyelids abruptly opened, and she weakly said, "Zhao''er... Did the Emperor punish Consort Hui?"


    Song Zhao held her cold hand and said with concern, "As soon as you woke up, you didn''t ask about our child''s well-being, but only about whether the Emperor punished Consort Hui. I knew my suspicions were correct.


    Today, you took the Nine Yin Powder by yourself, wanting to attribute the harm to our imperial sessor to Consort Hui."


    Rongyue tightened her grip on Song Zhao''s hand, not answering her doubts, and urgently asked another question, "Tell me quickly, did the Emperor punish that vile woman!?"


    Song Zhao lowered his gaze and shook his head lightly.


    Seeing this, the hope in Rongyue''s eyes vanished in an instant, and her gaze gradually turned fierce.


    "How despicable! The Emperor actually believes that vile woman!"


    Song Zhaorou asked her in a gentle voice, "Sister, is it worth it to sacrifice the life of your unborn child to scheme against Consort Hui?"


    Rongyue had a cold expression on her face, but her attitude was firm as she said,


    "I have no feelings for a man I don''t like. Even if he forcefully takes my body, don''t expect me to willingly bear children for him.


    And even if this child is born, what difference would it make? When I look at him, all I can think about is the ruined remainder of my life. How can I treat him well? It''s better not to give birth and spare him from experiencing the trials of this world."


    She was indifferent, as if the child''s absence brought her relief.


    "I drugged myself, I wanted to disrupt Consort Hui''s scheme!"


    Rongyue tightened her grip on Song Zhao''s hand and sincerely said,


    "I can''t let her harm Cheng Yu, and I can''t let her harm you! My path is already destroyed, but I can''t let anyone hinder yours!"


    Rare sincerity existed within the pce, and Song Zhao thought of Rongyue with deep affection, just as Rongyue did for her.


    "It''s a pity we weren''t able to expose Consort Hui this time!"


    Rongyue tried to sit up despite her illness, so Song Zhao supported her and ced a cushion against her waist.


    "Consort Hui isn''t as simple as you think. I can''t see through her true intentions," Song Zhao said in a detailed manner.


    "What about my miscarriage? Is the Emperor just going to let it go?" Rongyue asked again.


    Song Zhao replied, "The me for your miscarriage ultimately falls on the Empress. The Emperor has issued a decree to confine the Empress within the pce, forbidding her from overseeing any imperial ceremonies. It seems he has entertained the idea of deposing her."


    "What did you say?" Rongyue''s pupils trembled intensely, expressing shock. "How could it be her?"


    Song Zhao recounted the recent incident, recounting every detail to Rongyue.


    After listening, Rongyue took a sharp breath. "You said there was something wrong with the plum soup? Yao Consort also showed symptoms of using Jiuyin Powder, and even Yin Consort?"


    Song Zhao nodded. "Yes, that''s correct. There''s one more thing I must tell you. When Xiaofuzi examined your pulse that day, you imed to have stopped using Jiuyin Powder for nearly three months. However, Xiaofuzi detected symptoms in your pulse that indicated you had used Jiuyin Powder recently."


    She paused for a moment and continued, "If you didn''t misremember the dates, then someone has been secretly drugging you. This also exins why you''ve been cautious with your medication dosage, yet your body has still been affected by the cold qi, causing fundamental harm..."


    Rongyue murmured, "There are various types of contraceptive medicine, and I used Jiuyin Powder. The Empress also gave me Jiuyin Powder. This can''t be a coincidence. Could it be that the Empress knew my intentions from the beginning?"


    "It''s unlikely," Song Zhao lightly shook her head. "If the Empress had known early on, she would have informed the Emperor and cleared your name much earlier. The person who drugged you must have assumed that you wouldn''t willingly conceive the Emperor''s child, fearing that it would attract attention and jeopardize their own position."


    Therefore, Rongyue decided to turn the tables and add more ingredients to her sister''s daily meals, intending to gradually ruin her sister''s health without her realizing it. By doing so, her sister would suffer in silence, and Rongyue could also use this matter to her advantage, using it as an opportunity to bring down someone she desired to deal with.


    Song Zhao remained silent, simply watching Rongyue quietly as she pondered for a moment before eximing, "Consort Hui!?"


    Rongyue''s analysis continued, "Consort Hui and I live together, and initially, I had no suspicions about her. She grew close to me and was always following my sister around..."


    As she spoke, something came to her mind, and she raised her hand to examine her own wrist.


    "She often pulled me along to y games with her, holding onto my wrist tightly for a while. If she had some knowledge of medicine, wouldn''t she have discovered all the secrets hidden in my pulse? Whether it''s the matter of me taking the Nine Yin Powder or the fact that I am unknowingly pregnant, she would know about them all... In other words, today I coincidentally stumbled upon her scheme. Even if I hadn''t taken the Nine Yin Powder myself, the medicine she gave me would have been enough to cause a miscarriage..."


    Rongyue''s analysis aligned with Song Zhao''s spections.


    Because Song Zhao had foreseen Consort Hui''s intentions in advance, she stood up for Consort Hui when everyone else was criticizing her, speaking up to defend her and resolve the situation.


    In any case, it was impossible to bring Consort Hui down with this incident. Song Zhao decided to take this opportunity to "protect" Consort Hui, making her believe that Song Zhao was a foolish person who could be toyed with and letting Consort Hui drop her guard.


    After a long silence, Rongyue suddenly looked at Song Zhao with astonishment in her eyes and whispered,


    "But what I can''t figure out is... If Consort Hui orchestrated this incident to frame the Empress, she must have secretly added the Nine Yin Powder to the plum soup served to the Empress in various ces. She also arranged for someone to throw the Nine Yin Powder into the courtyard pond in the Empress''s chamber to provide evidence. She even timed it perfectly, bribing the owner of the city''s medicine shop and deliberately picking musk for Yan Jiude to choose, ensuring that he unknowingly had traces of musk under his fingernails, further confirming the Empress''s involvement."


    At this point, Rongyue took a sharp intake of breath and dared not dwell on the matter any further.


    "She can orchestrate such a series of events without leaving any evidence. Her calctions are so meticulous that it''s truly terrifying... But what benefit does she gain frompletely bringing down the Empress?"

 Chapter 272: Mother’s Day

    <h4>Chapter 272</h4>


    Rongyue took the tea cup, added a cup of warm water and handed it to Rongyue,


    "If Consort Hui is willing to be a pawn of the Emperor, then she would not cause so much trouble in private. Although your father is the Admiral of the Navy, holding military power and high status, the navy troops hemands and the Ning Family are different.


    The Emperor would not suspect that your maternal family would develop rebellious intentions in the future, so he would not be wary of your children. On the contrary, the Emperor has few children of his own. If he knows you are pregnant, he would definitely be overjoyed instead of ordering Consort Hui to harm your child.


    Moreover, I no longer have the support of my maternal family behind me, and Cheng Yu is the Emperor''s precious son. The Emperor would not be intolerant of him either. So since the incident of Cheng Yu being harmed, Consort Hui must have had her own schemes early on."


    Rongyue said, "In order to investigate what happened to Cheng Yu in the plum garden, we tried our old tricks to expose the person behind the scenes. At that time, all the evidence pointed to the Empress, and the Empress also implicitly admitted it. But if this was Consort Hui''s doing, would the Empress rashly take the me to make us lower our guard and let Consort Hui continue tomit outrageous acts?"


    Her brows furrowed as she clenched the cup in her hand, "In that case...does the Empress also know Consort Hui''s identity?"


    Song Zhao sneered and shook her head, "The Empress is meticulous and must have noticed something. As for how much she knows, we don''t know."


    "By rushing to take all the me on herself that day, she was trying to cover up for the real perpetrator who harmed Cheng Yu. But by doing so, it would also make Consort Hui feel that she has noticed something, so Consort Hui would be even more intolerant of her."


    Song Zhao listened to the increasing rain outside the window. She felt a chilling in through the cracks in thettice windows, making her hair stand on end. She couldn''t help but wrap her clothes tighter and said,


    "Consort Hui naturally has her own schemes since she is unwilling to be a pawn. She is also one of the Emperor''s concubines. In the future, if she bears the Emperor''s child, she would have the qualification to fight for the heir.


    So getting rid of the Empress would benefit her no matter what. After all, the Empress has sinister and hard to control thoughts, while the Noble Consort is reckless and easy to deceive. If the Empress ispletely overthrown and the Noble Consort has absolute power, and the Emperor cannot tolerate the Ning Family, then all the people in the forefront would be overthrown one by one. Only then would there be an opportunity for Consort Hui to rise."


    "That can''t happen!" Rongyue suddenly grabbed Song Zhao''s hand, her face full of worries, "If both the Empress and the Noble Consort fall, then you are the most favored concubine of the Emperor in the pce. Moreover, Cheng Yu is the precious son, making you and your son''s status extremely noble. That cheap woman must be mistaken to think that you would be the next target!"


    The harem is like a towering tree with dense, intertwined branches and leaves. Power oveps likeyers of leaves covering each other.


    After the obstructing branches and leaves above Song Zhao''s head, namely the Empress and the Noble Consort, are damaged and fallen by the storm, the only person facing the thunder and lightning would be her.


    "Consort Hui relies on the Emperor''s current trust in her, but how long can the Emperor''s trust in herst?"


    Song Zhao shook her head with a wry smile, "Except for himself, our Emperor would not trust anyone."


    Rongyue said, "Then we can''t just wait and do nothing until the Emperor loses faith in her?"


    "Of course not." Song Zhao''s eyes darkened as she pondered for a long while and said,


    "It''s just very tricky. I can''t think of a foolproof way for the moment. If ordinary schemes fall on Consort Hui and we act rashly, it would likely backfire. But today I''m the only one who spoke up for her, which should at least alleviate some of her concerns and prevent her from realizing that we''re beginning to suspect her."


    She patted Rongyue''s hand tofort her, "We still need a long-term n for this. Now the most important thing is for sister to recuperate. I also hope that in the future, sister can let me know in advance before doing anything. Only by discussing together can we avoid being caught off guard."


    Rongyue nodded in agreement, "I understand. I didn''t tell you about today''s matter because I knew you would never agree to let me take the risk. But I won''t do that again in the future."


    Seeing that Rongyue had calmed down and was exhausted from the ordeals today, Song Zhao told her to rest and settled her down before returning to her own residence.


    After she left, Rongyue got up and leaned against the head of the bed by herself, watching the rain beating down the tender green leaves outside the window. The bleak mess on the ground was just like her current plight.


    But after the new rain, the fallen leaves may still bloom,


    while her life would eventually fall into the mud and rot without any chance of redemption.


    The gloomy rain hadsted for days, shrouding the entire Suzhou city inyers of ck clouds.


    Although it was noon, it looked almost no different from dusk, oppressively suffocating.


    The annoying rain dampened everyone''s spirits,


    but Noble Consort Chen was extremely delighted.


    That day, she sat by the window watching the rain fall like strings of pearls, randomly flicking the raindrops with her hand, smiling and said:


    "Liu Yue, look, the falling rain is like pearls, really beautiful."


    Liu Yue chuckled and said, "Mistress is in a good mood, so everything looks good to you."


    "Nonsense." Noble Consort Chen coquettishly scolded, "How is this consort in a good mood? The sky is leaking every day and we can''t go anywhere with the constant rain. Being cooped up makes one feel suffocated, so how can I be in a good mood?"


    Liu Yue said, "That''s true. When the rain stops and the Empress is sent back to the pce, Mistress will truly be in a great mood! Today, His Majesty let Mistress personally preside over the silkworm ritual, which is an unprecedented honor since the founding of the dynasty. I believe the Empress has truly angered His Majesty this time. If the Empress is deposed, His Majesty would surely make Mistress ascend to the phoenix seat, be the central Empress, and be honored as the mother of the nation!"


    "You~" Noble Consort Chenughed and pped Liu Yue''s cheek, "Your little mouth is sweeter than honey. Don''t just tter me, are all the arrangements for the silkworm ritual in order?"


    "Everything is in order." Liu Yue handed a register to Noble Consort Chen, "Mistress take a look to see if there are any parts that need modifying?"


    Noble Consort Chen casually flipped through two pages. Her heart had long flown to Xiao Jingheng.


    She closed the register, got up abruptly and said, "Many details still need to be finalized with His Majesty. Let''s go find His Majesty."


    When the mistress and servant arrived at Xiao Jingheng''s courtyard in the rain, they saw Jiang Deshun scolding some pce maids by the side door. Noble Consort Chen did not ask him to send in an announcement. She headed directly towards Xiao Jingheng''s room.


    Just as she was about to knock on the door, she seemed to vaguely hear talking inside.


    Thinking that Xiao Jingheng might be discussing some important national affairs with court officials, Noble Consort Chen decided to wait with Liu Yue in the side room.


    But just as she was about to leave, she heard the man inside solemnly say,


    "Your Majesty, the father and son of the Ning Family have been captured and are held by the Minister of War. They will be jointly monitored and beheaded by the Minister of War and the Executioner in three days."

 Chapter 273: Get out of Jail Free

    <h4>Chapter 273</h4>


    ''Boom!''


    A p of thunder startled Noble Consort Chen. The words "execution by beheading" entered her ears along with the thunder, making her scalp tingle and her feet feel heavy. Her mind went nk, and she stood motionless.


    "Oh my, when did you arrive, Noble Consort?" Jiang Deshun hurriedly approached Noble Consort Chen, noticing that her expression was off.


    "Noble Consort? Noble Consort?" He called out a few times, pulling Noble Consort Chen''s wandering thoughts back.


    In her state of anxiety, Noble Consort Chen disregarded all etiquette and reached out to push the door open.


    Jiang Deshun quickly stepped in front of her and pleaded, "Noble Consort, you can''t do that! The Emperor is discussing matters with Lord Zhu inside. You can''t barge in!"


    "Get out of my way!" Noble Consort Chen forcefully pushed Jiang Deshun to the ground and stormed into the hall without any hesitation.


    Themotion outside the door had already caught the attention of the people in the hall.


    Xiao Jingheng and several ministers watched the door until it was pushed open, and Noble Consort Chen rushed in, her face filled with panic. Ignoring the presence of the court officials, she immediately questioned Xiao Jingheng,


    "Emperor! My father and brothers have already retired from the military, returning all their military power to the court. You also promised to let them return to their hometowns and live peacefully. Why do you now..."


    "Noble Consort, you''ve gone too far."


    Noble Consort Chen questioned Xiao Jingheng in front of the court officials, causing him to lose face. His expression became even more unpleasant.


    "I am discussing state affairs with the ministers. Without summoning me, how dare you barge in?"


    With tears glistening in her bright phoenix eyes, Noble Consort Chen turned a deaf ear to his reprimand and continued speaking emotionally,


    "Why are you treating my father and brothers like this, Your Majesty? Haven''t you always said that my father and brothers were loyal ministers of the Qi Dynasty?"


    Xiao Jingheng''s cold gaze met hers, and the anger in his brows was evident.


    Most of the former courtiers knew of Noble Consort Chen''s arrogant and unbridled nature.


    It wasn''t appropriate for them to stay here now that she was causing a scene, so they tactfully took their leave.


    After they left, Xiao Jingheng forcefully tapped the table in front of him, suppressing his anger.


    "See for yourself."


    Noble Consort Chen stumbled forward and picked up the stack of documents on the table.


    Listening to Xiao Jingheng''s resolute words, "Here is the evidence of Ning Bochuan and Zhu Yin conspiring to betray the country, as well as the letters from Ning Bochuan secretly contacting his old subordinates, falsely iming to surrender military power but actually nning rebellion. Those with bloodstains are the testimonies of the soldiers pointing to him. And there is also the irond evidence of your father and brothers'' corruption and bribery over the years. Look carefully, see if I have wronged them!"


    Noble Consort Chen quickly flipped through the documents.


    The handwriting was messy, and there were many characters she didn''t recognize.


    But she knew her father''s handwriting.


    She couldn''t find any problems with the letters that were supposedly written by Ning Bochuan himself, as the handwriting was very simr to his.


    However, her intuition told her that these letters, which were intended for treason, were definitely not written by her father''s hand.


    She scattered the documents all over the floor, then suddenly dropped to her knees in front of Xiao Jingheng, desperately holding back her tears.


    "Your Majesty! Your humble servant recognizes my father''s handwriting, and this correspondence was definitely not written by his hand! And even if they im that my father and brothers are colluding with the enemy and betraying the country, I absolutely refuse to believe it! My father has served the Qi Dynasty for many years with unwavering loyalty. Today''s events are clearly the result of scheming individuals falsely using my father and brothers! I implore Your Majesty to see the truth!"


    Xiao Jingheng sighed, saying, "All the evidence presented here was secretly collected by Prince Rui. There are even thirty-eight official reports using Ning Bochuan of embezzlement and bribery! Could it be that they conspired together to falsely incriminate Ning Bochuan!?"


    These pieces of evidence are irrefutable and have already caused a great uproar in the previous dynasty. I, as the ruler, cannot ignore the need to provide an exnation to the people of the realm!"


    Noble Consort Chen knows better than anyone whether Ning Bochuan is guilty of corruption. The extravagance she enjoys in the pce and the wealth of the Ning family outside the pce did note out of thin air.


    Faced with the overwhelming evidence in front of her, Noble Consort Chen bes increasingly anxious, her tear-filled eyes unable to hold back any longer.


    "Your Majesty! Even if my father has been corrupt and vited thew, he does not deserve to die! I can vouch with my life that my father and brothers have never harbored disloyalty towards Your Majesty, let alone conspire against you!"


    Xiao Jingheng looked at Noble Consort Chen, her tearful eyes clouded with confusion. His expression also reflected deep sorrow.


    "It''s cold on the floor. Please get up first."


    Little did he know that this plea would shatter Noble Consort Chen''sst trace of pride.


    She suddenly lowered herself, forcefully knocking her forehead against the ground, producing a resounding thud that struck fear into the hearts of those present.


    "I have never asked anything of Your Majesty before, but this time, I implore you! Considering the years I have served you faithfully, I beg Your Majesty to show mercy and spare the lives of my father and brothers!"


    Though she cried, her words remained resolute, and the force of her kowtowing grew stronger with each strike.


    Even as blood flowed from her broken forehead, blurring her vision, she did not lessen the intensity of her blows.


    "I am willing to surrender all the riches my mother''s family has gained, and I will return all the rewards Your Majesty has bestowed upon me to the national treasury! If there is a deficit, I am willing to forego my monthly stipend to make up for it!"


    "All I ask is for Your Majesty to spare their lives. Even if you exile our entire family to the harsh and frigidnds of the north, as long as they can live, I beg of you!"


    Xiao Jingheng, who sat firmly at the head, could no longer remain seated.


    He suddenly stood up and hurriedly descended the steps, gently holding Noble Consort Chen''s arms, preventing her from continuing to kowtow.


    "What are you doing? Please get up!"


    Noble Consort Chen raised her head to look at Xiao Jingheng, blood streaming down her forehead, staining the delicate makeup she had applied to please him.


    "Your Majesty... I beg of you... I implore you..."


    Xiao Jingheng furrowed his brow, his eyes filled withpassion.


    "Even if I were to forgive your mother''s family out of consideration for our many years of affection, in three days'' time, they are scheduled for execution. Moreover, I am currently in Suzhou and cannot issue an imperial decree in time."


    As Noble Consort Chen heard that there was still a glimmer of hope for her family, a renewed spark of hope ignited in her dim eyes.


    She wiped away the tears and blood from her face with a trembling hand, pleading desperately:


    "There''s still time! There''s still time, Your Majesty! With the fastest horses and non-stop travel day and night, we can return to the capital within three days!"


    Clutching Xiao Jingheng''s hand tightly, as if grasping thest straw that could save her family, she hoarsely and intively implored:


    "I beg Your Majesty to show mercy..."


    "Please rise."


    Xiao Jingheng helped the weeping Noble Consort Chen to her feet and embraced her, his own eyes reddened with emotion as he consoled her:


    "I will spare the lives of your father and brothers, but they must be exiled as a family. Otherwise, it would be difficult to quell the criticisms from the previous dynasty."


    "I... I thank Your Majesty!"


    Resting in Xiao Jingheng''s embrace, Noble Consort Chen once again felt the strong and steady heartbeat of her beloved. Although she had been shivering from the cold, upon hearing Xiao Jingheng''s words, warmth enveloped her.


    Then, Xiao Jingheng urgently called for Jiang Deshun and instructed:


    "Retrieve the pardon tokens and have Deputy General An personally deliver them. Travel day and night to return to the capital and pardon Ning''s family from their death sentence. Detain them temporarily in the prison, and all matters will be decided upon the Emperor''s return."

 Chapter 274: Quest for Gold

    <h4>Chapter 274</h4>


    Outside, the rain fell more densely.


    The curtain of water falling from the eaves was like a hazy, blocking the view.


    Although Xiao Jingheng had agreed to Noble Consort Chen''s request and spared the lives of her father and brothers,


    Noble Consort Chen still felt uneasy and anxious, unable to be at ease for even a moment.


    She watched the Milky Way spill outside the window, thinking about the many muddy mountain roads she still had to take to hurry back to the capital from Suzhou.


    If there was any dy on the way, she might not make it back to the capital before her father and brothers were beheaded.


    Entrusting her father and brother''s lives to others, how could she feel at ease?


    Seeing that Noble Consort Chen was staring nkly out the window lost in thought, Xiao Jingheng gently asked her,


    "I already agreed to you, why do you still look so worried?"


    Noble Consort Chen came back to her senses from her reverie. Her eyes shining brightly, she looked at Xiao Jingheng and said


    urgently,


    "Your Majesty...this servant begs Your Majesty to permit me to personally deliver the pardon back to the capital!"


    "Preposterous!" Xiao Jingheng stopped her. "You are but a woman. This journey will take you thousands of miles over treacherous mountain roads. You have only just recovered from childbirth. Do you mean to make me uneasy with this suggestion? This is absolutely out of the question!"


    "Your Majesty!" Noble Consort Chen clutched at Xiao Jingheng''s sleeve, half coquettishly and half pleadingly said:


    "I apanied Your Majesty hunting wild boars before and Your Majesty knows I am skilled at horsemanship and archery, even better than most men! If Your Majesty does not let me go personally, I will surely be unable to swallow my food or sleep at night..."


    Seeing that Xiao Jingheng had turned his face away and would not even look at her, Noble Consort Chen kneeled on the ground again, her voice choked with sobs.


    "Your Majesty has already indulged me once, please indulge my selfishness once more! If Your Majesty still refuses me, I will kneel here and not get up!"


    She was clearly threatening Xiao Jingheng,


    relying on his pity and fondness for her.


    Noble Consort Chen knew that Xiao Jingheng cared for her.


    No matter when it was before, no matter how absurd her requests were, as long as she threw a tantrum or acted petntly, Xiao Jingheng had always indulged her every whim.


    After they had been at an impasse for a while, by the time Jiang Deshun brought over the pardon, Xiao Jingheng looked at Noble Consort Chen helplessly yet tenderly and said:


    "Fine. Fine!"


    He heaved a long sigh, helped Noble Consort Chen to her feet, took the pardon from Jiang Deshun and handed it to her.


    "I will have Vice General An escort you on this journey. You must also promise me to know your limits. If you feel tired, do not push yourself. You have only just recovered from childbirth. I really worry for you."


    "Many thanks, Your Majesty!"


    Noble Consort Chen barely managed a smile. She bowed in gratitude to Xiao Jingheng, then tightly clutched the pardon and rushed into the stormy wind and rain without regard for anything else.


    Watching her determined, retreating figure, Xiao Jingheng felt a sudden stab of sadness in his heart.


    Seeing that Jiang Deshun was still standing there in a daze, he quickly scolded, "Useless thing! Why haven''t you hurried to send men to escort the Noble Consort and protect her safety!"


    "This servant obeys!"


    *


    At the same time, in the Empress''s pce.


    The rain in Suzhou showed no sign of stopping, so the Empress would not be sent back to the pce anytime soon.


    At this moment, she had flung the windows wide open. She sat on a heated seat beneath the windows, listening to the sound of rain with one ear while transcribing Buddhist scriptures with the other.


    Even though the rain had already dampened half a scroll of scriptures, aposed smile still lingered on her face.


    The door creaked open and a gust of restless wind stirred the air, blowing the finished transcribed scriptures scattered everywhere.


    After Shuang Ruo entered and bowed, she quickly shut the door. Then she rushed to the window to pull it closed andtch it.


    "Why was Empress Consort sitting here with the window open? Look, your clothes are wet..."


    She took out a clean handkerchief and wiped away the beads of water clinging to the Empress''s clothing.


    The Empress looked unconcernedly out the window. "The rain ising down harder. It looks like I won''t be able to return to the capital for a while."


    Shuang Ruo said, "His Majesty still cares about your many years as husband and wife in the end. He doesn''t truly want to punish you. This matter with Tong Chang''s miscarriage is clearly someone deliberately framing you. Who does Empress Consort think it is?"


    "Who else could it be?" The Empress snorted disdainfully. "It''s obvious Noble Consort Chen and Virtuous Consort Yi have joined hands to try and bring me down. But no matter how hard they try, what can they do? Not to mention they have falsely used me, even if what they say is true, His Majesty still won''t depose me as he pleases, as I am his Empress."


    She slowly got up and walked to the bed, lifting her gauzy canopy.


    On the bed, only her phoenix robes were neatlyid out, the golden pearls and beads faintly shimmering.


    The Empress took off her armor and lightly stroked the golden phoenix plumes on the robes, calmly and unconcernedly saying:


    "Deposing an empress is a serious matter that would damage the imperial family''s reputation. It would also make His Majesty aughingstock to the whole world. His Majesty cares most about face and has always kept up appearances. So even if he loathes me now, he would absolutely not depose me."


    As she spoke, her other hand unconsciously went to rest protectively over her lower abdomen, a fleeting look of loss shing through her eyes.


    "Besides, I can no longer bear children for His Majesty, so he already dislikes me. What more is there for me to worry about him disliking me even more?"


    She paused for a moment, then gave a bitterugh and shook her head.


    "Nothing else matters. As long as I am still his Empress, I can preserve the glory of the royal family. When the new emperor takes the throne in the future, I will be the one and only empress dowager, presiding over the Eastern Pces, the most honorable and exalted. What is there for me to fight over with those wives whose positions are precarious?"


    "Empress Consort''s words are most wise," Shuang Ruo echoed. She then bent over and moved closer to the Empress, lowering her voice to say:


    "There is another thing I just heard. Noble Consort Chen...rode back to the capital this afternoon."


    "What did you say?" The Empress couldn''t help looking surprised. She nced reflexively out the window, "With rain like this, what is she thinking?"


    Liu Yue said, "She found out about the Ning family matter."


    The Empress frowned. "How did she find out? His Majesty ordered the old ministers to keep this matter secret. I only got this information because Father is personally investigating this case for me."


    Shuang Ruo exined, "I heard that when Noble Consort Chen went to see His Majesty, she overheard His Majesty discussing this matter with his ministers outside the doors. That''s how she found out. With her temperament, she couldn''t sit still. She charged inside without any propriety at all. But His Majesty still seems to care for her sentiments...Noble Consort Chen pleaded profusely with him and actually managed to persuade His Majesty. His Majesty awarded her a pardon and even agreed to let her personally return to save her family."


    She said this worriedly, her tone sinking. "Rushing back from Suzhou to the capital travelling day and night, it would take at least three days even with great haste. It looks like...the Ning family may still have a way out this time?"


    "A way out?" The Empress suddenlyughed, a string of crazedughter that distorted her features, sending a chill down even Liu Yue''s spine.


    After a while, the Empress finally leaned on a table and sat down to one side, shaking her head mockingly and saying:


    "If I were to say, what His Majesty gave Ning Wanshuang is not a pardon, but a death warrant for the Ning family!"

 Chapter 275: Sending a Loved One Away

    <h4>Chapter 275</h4>


    Noble Consort Chen didn''t quite understand what the Empress meant. She stood to one side, somewhat woodenly scratching the back of her head.


    The Empress raised her brows at her. "You just said, where did she hear this news from?"


    Noble Consort Chen said, "It was outside the Emperor''s chambers, where she overheard the Emperor discussing state affairs with Lord Zhu and the others."


    The Empress said, "That was in Suzhou, not in the pce. The Emperor has countless covert guards responsible for protecting him wherever he goes. Inside, he was discussing state affairs with his ministers, and outside, Jiang Deshun was keeping watch. The corridor should also have been guarded by attendants. Even if the Noble Consort had supernatural abilities, it would have been impossible for her to stand outside the door and listen to what was being discussed inside."


    She paused for a moment, then suddenly gave a coldugh. "Unless the Emperor wanted her to hear."


    "The Emperor wanted her to hear?" Noble Consort Chen asked, puzzled. "But didn''t the Emperor decide to embark on the southern tour early precisely to take the Noble Consort away from the capital as soon as possible, to prevent her from finding out about this matter?"


    "To eliminate the treacherous officials at court, the former dynasty''s reputation must also be upheld."


    The Empress nced at the brazier, and Noble Consort Chen immediately understood. She moved the brush, ink, paper and inkstone to the small table in front of the Empress.


    As the Empress ground the ink, she said, "Now that the Noble Consort knows, she went and begged the Emperor herself, and the Emperor also gave her a pass to avoid execution. He even allowed her to go save her father and brother herself, which can be considered an imperial favor.


    Then if the Noble Consort cannot save her father and brother in time, it will be her own inability to save her own family, and what does it have to do with the Emperor?"


    She took a sheet of pristine white paper and spread it out on the desk, then started copying Buddhist scriptures while holding the brush.


    "In the future when this matteres out, outwardly, the Emperor was lenient and merciful to the criminal minister; inwardly, it can also be considered that he was benevolent to the utmost to the Noble Consort. Even if she wants to resent him, she has no reason to resent the Emperor in the slightest..."


    Seeing her mistress speak so sadly, Noble Consort Chen couldn''t help but giggle softly:


    "Then won''t the Noble Consort be miserable? To do this, the Emperor is truly punishing the cheap woman. Just listening to it makes this ve feel avenged!"


    Hearing this, the Empress'' brush tip suddenly paused, leaving an abrupt blot of ink on the snowy white paper.


    She narrowed her phoenix eyes slightly, a hint of hatred flickering in her eyes.


    "By doing this, the Emperor is actually cherishing the feelings he and the Noble Consort have shared over the years. He was afraid that after the Noble Consort learned of the shocking change in her maternal family''s circumstances, she would resent him greatly, so he made this n to scheme for her heart. No matter how much the Emperor calctes, I ultimately cannotpare to even half of his feelings for the Noble Consort..."


    Seeing her mistress speak so sadly, Noble Consort Chen quickly removed the stained sheet of paper in front of the Empress and reced it with a new one.


    "Your Majesty worries too much. You are the Emperor''s proper wife. The Emperor cherishes you greatly."


    "Hmph." The Empress gave a self-mockingugh. "Love or not love, I''m not a block of wood. One knows the warmth or coldness when drinking water. It''s just that I have no desire for that kind of favor. If I cannot save my own father and brothers, I''m afraid I will be gued by nightmares for the rest of my life, ming myself day and night, and life will be joyless."


    *


    After leaving Suzhou City, Noble Consort Chen and Deputy General An traveled day and night without stopping, rushing for a full day and night.


    The rain clouds seemed to have a spirit, chasing after them without giving them a moment''s rest.


    Those guards responsible for protecting Noble Consort Chen looked to be stalwart men, but after a day they could not bear it either.


    Only Noble Consort Chen seemed indefatigable, galloping wildly without stopping, only changing horses at the courier stations, without even catching her breath before rushing on.


    By the time they reached Yunmen Road, the rain was falling more heavily, until they could barely see the road ahead. The raindrops hitting them stung sharply.


    Deputy General An spurred his horse forward past Noble Consort Chen, blocking her path, and shouted loudly:


    "Noble Consort! The rain is very heavy now, and the mountain road ahead is difficult to traverse. This torrential rain looks like it will pass quickly. Why don''t we find a ce to take shelter from the rain and wait for it to lighten..."


    "Shut up with your nonsense!" Noble Consort Chen sat upright on her horse, her posture erect and heroic as she wiped the rain from her face and snapped:


    "If you''re tired, then turn back! Don''t block my way! Get lost!"


    "But, Noble Consort, this is..." Deputy General An was about to continue speaking, but Noble Consort Chen had alreadyshed out with her riding crop, striking him. She immediately cried "Ha!" to spur her horse on, and continued galloping wildly down the road ahead.


    She was skilled in horsemanship, and in a sh her back disappeared from view. This panicked Deputy General An. "Quick, catch up to the Noble Consort!"


    Noble Consort Chen''s mind was fixed on her father and brothers. This familial love supported her tirelessness.


    Even so, galloping wildly when she couldn''t see the road ahead clearly in the torrential rain was dangerous. As she went around a bend, she didn''t notice arge pit suddenly appear in the road ahead. As the horse stepped into it, its front legs gave way and it stumbled forward.


    Noble Consort Chen was thrown heavily off, falling into muddy water.


    She was still wearing the vermilion figured satin robe with crabapple pattern she had worn to seduce Xiao Jingheng.


    Now the robe was tattered and filthy, and she was also covered in injuries. There was not a trace left of the overbearing and mboyant woman who had lorded over the inner pce.


    This fall was not minor. Noble Consort Chen endured the pain and saw that the pass to avoid execution that had been tucked in her bosom had fallen into a nearby puddle. She crawled desperately towards the puddle, no longer caring about anything.


    She who loved cleanliness most would at this moment dive into the muddy water without hesitation, crawling on the ground like a madwoman fishing around in the puddle.


    "Father, brother... wait for me!"


    Only after she had picked up the pass to avoid execution did the tears she had been holding back finally burst forth like a dam breaking.


    Her tears mixed with the rainwater, indistinguishable.


    "Noble Consort! Are you alright?"


    The attendants finally caught up and helped Noble Consort Chen up from the mud.


    "Noble Consort, you''re injured! You should rest a while!"


    "Shut up!"


    Noble Consort Chen pushed Deputy General An away and grabbed the reins of his horse, leaping up into the saddle in one motion.


    Just then, the rain lightened. One attendant pointed at the sky overhead and yelled loudly:


    "It''s clearing up! Noble Consort, look!"


    Noble Consort Chen stared into the distance. She saw the inky darkness overhead beginning to show a faint orange-red, rays of pale golden light piercing through the thick cloud cover and shining down, reflecting the mist at the mountainside into a warm, candle-like glow.


    Noble Consort Chen wiped the rain and tears from her cheeks, and the corners of her mouth also curved up into a faint smile.


    In the next two days after leaving the Suzhou-Hangzhou region, the rain also stopped.


    The traveling party raced into the capital without daring to rest, heading straight for the execution ground.


    Noble Consort Chen whipped her horse on even faster, leaving everyone behind.


    She saw the execution stand,


    Saw the dense crowds surrounding it,


    Saw her father and brothers kneeling covered in blood and filth in prisoner''s garb at the center.


    She fumbled with trembling hands for the pass to avoid execution tucked in her bosom, raised it high overhead, crying out repeatedly:


    "Stop the de!"


    But after a day of jostling, she was already utterly exhausted. Now even exerting all her strength, she could only let out a faint, hoarse voice that was soon drowned out by the seething, tumultuous crowd.


    She whipped her horse furiously, wanting to go faster, ever faster.


    But just then, she heard the thunderousmand from the imperial executioner on the execution stand:


    "Time''s up, execute!"


    "No! Don''t do it! Don''t!!"


    The executioner indifferently cast down the warrant que. The headsman standing behind the Ning father and son raised the execution de high up.


    Noble Consort Chen''s heart jolted in fright. She tumbled from the horse again.


    Before her was the packed crowd. She crawled with difficulty through the forest of legs, still clutching tightly to the pass to avoid execution, screaming in terror and despair:


    "Don''t... Father! Brother! No..."


    What came to her ears next was only the crowd''s cries of rm towards the execution ground...


    The crowd was thrown into chaos for a time. Through a gap, Noble Consort Chen caught a glimpse of the spurting blood spraying on the execution ground.


    She only felt her heart pounded heavily several times as if by a blunt weapon. Her vision went ck and she fainted.


    The pass to avoid execution she had gripped tightly in her hand dropped to the ground.


    Under the clear skies, it still glinted with dazzling golden light.

 Chapter 276: A surname 02

    <h4>Chapter 276</h4>


    That summer in Suzhou, the sky seemed to have sprung a leak. [It''s the same in Xi''an. It''s been raining for over ten days here, like something is wrong!] Especially at night, it was very windy and rainy with thunder and lightning, which was very annoying.


    During the days when Noble Consort Chen left Suzhou to return to the capital, Xiao Jingheng apanied Song Zhao almost every night.


    He said he remembered Song Zhao was most afraid of thunderstorms and couldn''t bear to leave her alone.


    That was his excuse anyway, and Song Zhao just listened withoutmenting.


    On the fifth day after Noble Consort Chen returned to the capital, Xiao Jingheng came to Song Zhao''s ce to have lunch.


    During the meal, Xiao Jingheng suggested to Song Zhao, "We have been in Suzhou for twenty days. The government affairs here have been taken care of. I n to go to Hangzhou in a couple of days when the weather clears up. Your birth mother was from Hangzhou. You have never been to your birth mother''s hometown before. This trip can also allow you to experience the local customs there."


    Song Zhao said, "The itinerary of the Southern Tour is for the Emperor to decide. However, I''m very touched that you care so much about my matters."


    "I care about you, so naturally I would pay close attention to your matters, just as you treat me."


    Xiao Jingheng looked at the sea snail and dried scallop dishes ced in front of him and said,


    "You went through a lot of effort for this dish. I only casually mentioned it a couple of days ago but you remembered it and prepared it today."


    Song Zhao smiled. She picked up a piece with her chopsticks and put it in his bowl, "If you like it, have more. Only then would my efforts not be in vain."


    "Your Majesty~ Sister Song~"


    Just as they were talking, Consort Hui''s clearughter suddenly rang out from the courtyard.


    Song Zhao looked over and saw Consort Hui already standing at the door, staring longingly inside.


    Song Zhao smiled and waved to her, "Why did youe at this time, little sister? Come on in!"


    Xiao Jingheng joked, "Don''t tell me you caught a whiff of the tempting aroma from this room and it aroused your gluttony, so you followed the smell and found your way here."


    "That''s not it, Your Majesty! I didn''t!"


    Consort Hui''s face was all smiles as she bounced over to them,


    "Your Majesty, I came because there''s something I wanted to ask you~ You want Imperial Concubine to return to the pce after the rain stops right? I want... I want to go back with Imperial Concubine as well!"


    If it were someone else making this request, Xiao Jingheng would surely reject it.


    But the Ning Family wanted to open seventy-six porridge factories in the capital under the court''s name to umte good karma. This would give Xiao Jingheng face.


    Thus, Xiao Jingheng did not reject Consort Hui''s request,


    "It''s good that you''re filial. I will send people from the pce to apany you then. After your father finishes his business in the capital, you have to return to the pce promptly. Don''t make any more unreasonable requests."


    "Alright! Thank you, Your Majesty!"


    Consort Hui happily agreed, her eyes drifting back to the table spread.


    She looked at the table full of delicacies, unable to stop salivating.


    Song Zhao said with a smile, "You haven''t eaten yet right? Hurry, sit and try sister''s cooking."


    "Thanks sister Song~"


    Consort Hui did not stand on ceremony with Song Zhao at all. She plopped down beside her and started wolfing the food down.


    Song Zhao watched her affectionately, the fondness in her eyes overflowing like a real sister.


    But in her heart, she was utterly disgusted and couldn''t eat another bite.


    She thought, there must be more to Consort Hui suddenly wanting to return to the pce.


    Yesterday, she overheard Consort Yin and Consort Yao mention seeing Consort Hui''s mother secretly crying in the yard when she thought no one else was around.


    They found it baffling. It was such a joyous event to see her daughter, so why would she still cry every day?


    Song Zhao guessed that Consort Hui was afraid her mother couldn''t hide her secrets and would give something away. Xiao Jingheng was also worried that Consort Hui''s identity might raise suspicions and didn''t want any ws exposed. That was why he was in such a hurry to send this chess piece back to the pce, to avoid trouble brewing from overthinking at night.


    In fact, over the past few days, Song Zhao had already figured out how to deal with Consort Hui.


    But now that Consort Hui was suddenly returning to the pce, she could only put those ns on hold until the imperial carriage''s return.


    On second thought, it was just as well that Consort Hui left.


    If she stayed, Song Zhao would constantly worry that this seemingly innocent snake would scheme against Cheng Yu again when caught off guard.


    "Your Majesty!! Your Majesty!!"


    Amidst their casual chat, Jiang Deshun charged in anxiously with a crying face,


    "The Ning father and son... didn''t manage to wait until Noble Consort''s mercy scroll... they have already... already been beheaded!"


    "Ah!!"


    Consort Hui was so frightened she covered her mouth. Xiao Jingheng was also extremely disappointed.


    He rested his forehead on his hand, deep in thought for a long time before asking,


    "How is the Noble Consort?"


    Jiang Deshun said, "The Noble Consort happened to witness the scene as she rushed to the execution ground... Her Ladyship was shocked and had palpitations. She''s currently recuperating at the former Ning residence in the capital."


    Xiao Jingheng''s grief was evident on his face. "The Noble Consort left in a hurry without an attentive servant by her side. Ask Liu Yue and Kang Yubin to rush back overnight to take care of the Noble Consort. After her emotions stabilize somewhat, escort her back to the pce for the imperial physicians to examine thoroughly."


    "Yes, this servant understands." Jiang Deshun respectfully acknowledged before hesitantly asking again, "But the Ning father and son were traitors. For their funeral arrangements..."


    ording to thews of the Qi dynasty, traitors were not permitted funeral ceremonies.


    After decapitation, their severed heads would be disyed in the marketce for three months before being carelessly buried with their corpses in a mass grave.


    But after hesitating for a while, Xiao Jingheng uttered heavily,


    "Bury them properly."


    [Qingci: It means to ask for leave/permission to depart in literary Chinese, not to resign...]


    [Happy June 1st, short triple update.]

 Chapter 277: Joy in Dreams

    <h4>Chapter 277</h4>


    In the capital city of Kyoto, at the former residence of the Ning family,


    Under the clear afternoon sun, Ning Wanshuang sat on the warm seat in her chamber, propping up her chin and eagerly gazing towards the towering structure in the east of the city.


    That building, adorned with zed tiles, appeared as a tiny speck in her eyes,


    But she recognized it as the Chaoyang Pce, the ce where the emperor resided.


    "Ying Xiang, what do you think the emperor is doing right now?"


    "Miss! You''ve mentioned the emperor again!"


    Ying Xiang quickly made a hushing gesture to Ning Wanshuang, lowering her voice. "Master has informed the court that you have an undisclosed illness, preventing you from serving in the pce. He also forbade you from mentioning the emperor at home. If he hears you speaking like this, he will be displeased."


    "Hmph, what does it matter if Father is displeased?" Ning Wanshuang retorted, displeased. "I''m tired of his worn-out excuses. Why isn''t it a good oue to marry into the imperial family? If it''s not good, why do noblewomen from prestigious families throughout thendpete to enter the pce? Besides, I''m not seeking wealth and status by entering the pce. The emperor genuinely likes me!"


    She held Ying Xiang''s hand, her eyes sparkling. "You saw it that day too, didn''t you? Among all those distinguished youngdies, the emperor only spoke to me. I don''t understand why Father won''t let me marry the emperor."


    Ying Xiang tried to persuade her. "The position of empress has already been set, so if you enter the pce now, you can only be a concubine. Master doesn''t want you to suffer such grievances."


    "That''s not true," Ning Wanshuang pouted and shook her head. "Wasn''t Mother also Father''s concubine back then? The legitimate daughter of the Nanyuan Duke admired Father and begged thete emperor to arrange a marriage. But Father refused and insisted on taking Mother as his wife. When thete emperor forbade it, Father first took Mother as a concubine. Andter, he never married again, forcing thete emperor to acknowledge Mother''s status as his legal wife. Mother didn''t feel wronged at that time, so why should I feel wronged?"


    Ying Xiang said, "But the situation is different now..."


    "What''s different?" Ning Wanshuang argued. "It''s still about mutual affection and genuine liking. What''s different just because he is the emperor?"


    Unable to persuade her, Ying Xiang changed the subject. "Let me prepare some food for you secretly. Master won''t know."


    "I won''t eat!" Ning Wanshuang stubbornly dered. "I said I would starve myself, and if Father won''t let me marry the emperor, then I won''t eat for the rest of my life!"


    -"Wan''er~"


    Ning Xiuqi, the eldest son of the Ning family, called from the courtyard,


    At first, Ning Wanshuang couldn''t help but smile, but soon her expression turned serious as she ignored him.


    "Wan''er? Are you still angry?"


    Ning Xiuqi walked over with a yful smile, deliberately pulling her hair bun. "Turn around and see what your brother has brought for you."


    "What is it?" Ning Wanshuang turned around coquettishly and saw Ning Xiuqi hiding something behind his back. She yfully demanded, "Show me!"


    She snatched a roll of golden silk embroidered with a dragon pattern from Ning Xiuqi''s hand,


    As she unfolded it, she realized it was an imperial edict.


    It was the imperial edict summoning her to the pce as a consort!


    Ning Wanshuang couldn''t contain her excitement. "This... the Emperor has epted me as his concubine? The Emperor truly epted me as his concubine! But... didn''t Father oppose me marrying into the imperial family?"


    "Your father may object, but he can''t bear to see you behaving like this."


    A mocking voice filled with sarcasm came from behind Ning Xiuqi.


    Shortly after, Ning Bochuan entered with a stern face, taking broad strides.


    He put on a serious act, his hands behind his back. "You''re my only daughter. With all your crying, tantrums, and hunger strikes, how do you expect me to focus on the battlefield?"


    He reached out and lightly tapped Ning Wanshuang''s forehead with his knuckles.


    "You... you''ve lost weight because of this matter. I just can''t understand. Is the pce really that wonderful?"


    Ning Wanshuang covered her forehead and mischievously stuck out her tongue at Ning Bochuan. Then, she affectionately hooked her arm through his and leaned against his shoulder.


    "What''s so good about the pce? It''s full of rules, not as free as home. But..."


    She suddenly raised her gaze, her face youthful and full of hope, as she looked in the direction of the imperial city.


    "There, the person I like is there."


    Ning Bochuan sighed helplessly. "You''re already of marriageable age, yet you speak such words in front of your father and brothers without shame. But the Emperor truly likes you. Look, as soon as you enter the pce, you''ll be the highest-ranked concubine. It shows how much the Emperor treasures you."


    "That''s right!" Ning Wanshuang proudly lifted her chin at her father and brothers. "But what I care about is not the status. Mother was also a concubine when she married Father, butter, Father didn''t take another wife. Thete Emperor even agreed to promote Mother to an official wife. It shows that we have each other in our hearts and don''t mind the titles of wife and concubine."


    "Alright, alright, why do you have so many concerns?"


    Lady Ning, wearing an apron, approached with a smile on her face. "My little darling~ Now that your father has agreed, will you finally eat? Your father and brother will be going to the front lines tomorrow. If you don''t eat this farewell meal, there will be few opportunities for the family to gather once you enter the pce."


    "Ah? Are they leaving again?" Ning Wanshuang clung to her father and brother, acting spoiled. "Father and brother, when will youe back?"


    "They will be back soon."


    "Father and brother, you muste back early. And brother, don''t forget that you promised to buy me a magnolia hairpin! The Emperor likes that flower, and I like it too!"


    Ning Xiuqi indulgently ruffled Ning Wanshuang''s head andughed heartily.


    "Of course."


    ---


    "Empress? Empress?"


    Familiar voices called out near her ears, urging Empress Chen to slowly lift her heavy eyelids.


    She saw herself still lying in her familiar chamber, with everything arranged just as before.


    But the maid apanying her had changed from Ying Xiang to Liu Yue.


    "Empress, you''ve finally awakened!"


    Liu Yue''s eyes were red as she helped Empress Chen sit up and lean against the headboard.


    "Empress, you had a high fever and remained unconscious for five days. I was so worried..."


    Empress Chen felt a wave of dizziness in her head.


    As he furrowed his brows, Ning Xiuqi caught sight of a xi¨¡ny¨ª flower hairpin resting on the bedside table. He picked it up and clenched it in his hand, asking,


    "What is this...?"


    Liu Yue cried and replied, "It''s an item found on Young Master''s person... The Imperial Executioner sent it, returning it to Your Ladyship."


    Ning Xiuqi''s mind was wholly preupied with thoughts of defending the country on the battlefield, and at the age of twenty-three, he had yet to marry, his memory failing him.


    He had once promised to give a gift to the Imperial Consort Chen, and after five years had passed, it finallynded in her hands.


    Imperial Consort Chen tightly grasped the hairpin,


    The sharp tip of the hairpin pierced her delicate palm,


    As if it had also pierced her heart.


    "Brother... Father..."

 Chapter 278: The Princess in Question

    <h4>Chapter 278</h4>


    Noble Consort Chen silently mourned for her father and brothers, despairing calmly.


    She did not have a breakdown, did not roar, and did not even cry.


    The current her already had no more tears to shed.


    She sat numbly on the bed, her mindpletely nk,


    The intense stimtion made her unable to recall what had happened at the execution ground that day,


    Nor could she remember her father and brothers'' severed heads falling to the ground before her.


    Liu Yue persuaded her for a long time, but she only felt a constant buzzing in her ears. Other than the sound of her own heartbeat, she could not hear anything else.


    Until the room door was opened again, Kang Yubin bowed to Noble Consort Chen with sped hands,


    "Paying respects to Noble Consort. His Majesty knows about the affairs in your residence and is very concerned about you, so he immediately let use back to apany you. He also sent people back to the Qinling Mountains to check on the Old Madam. As for the Lord and Young Master''s funeral arrangements... His Majesty has also permitted an honorable burial."


    Noble Consort Chen regained her senses from her numbness, got out of bed,


    "Where are the people? This consort wants to go!"


    She rushed out emotionally, Liu Yue desperately held on to her, sobbing and persuading,


    "Noble Mother, don''t go! When you were unconscious... they had already been buried..."


    Noble Consort Chen was stunned for a good while by the door before grief and indignation flooded her,


    "Where is An Vice General? Go and bring him to this consort! This consort wants to ask him why he and his guards werete in catching up at the execution ground that day. If they had caught up, Father and Brother might not have... "


    Kang Yubin scratched his scalp and said, "When this ve passed by Tianyunge Pavilion just now, I heard amotion upstairs. Looking up, it was An Vice General drinking merrily with Prince Rui..."


    "He is with Prince Rui?" Noble Consort Chen was alert in an instant, murmuring, "That''s right... Prince Rui used to serve in Suzhou, he must know An Vice General..."


    She paced back and forth on the spot, before suddenly thinking of something else, urging Liu Yue,


    "Go and bring this consort the Map of Mountains and Rivers, hurry!"


    "What does Noble Mother want that thing for? Your fever has not yet subsided, you should be resting..."


    "When this consort tells you to go, just go!"


    Seeing that Noble Consort Chen was angry, Liu Yue did not dare to irritate her further. She searched all over the residence before finding a wrinkled and brittle Map of Mountains and Rivers.


    Noble Consort Chen spread it out on the table and took brush and ink to draw on it continuously.


    With Suzhou as the starting point and the capital as the endpoint,


    she marked all the ry stations she had passed through on this journey on the Map of Mountains and Rivers, finally connecting them into a line.


    But she saw that this line was winding and twisting, only the 100 odd li after leaving Suzhou was a straight line,


    the subsequent journey was winding around as much as possible, almost drawing circles in situ.


    Noble Consort Chen drew the direct distance between Suzhou and capital,


    She estimated roughly that if she had travelled in a straight line, galloping day and night from Suzhou back urgently, it would have taken her two days at most.


    "Why? It clearly only takes two days, but he took me on a three day detour!"


    Noble Consort Chen was increasingly agitated, as if mad, sweeping everything off the table, almost roaring hoarsely,


    "Why! Why take me on a detour? I could have made it in time to save Father and Brothers! Why!!!"


    There were tears in her eyes, but her gaze was fierce enough to frighten people.


    In that instant, the fog clouding her heart was peeled awayyer byyer.


    She recalled Xiao Jingheng telling her that all the evidence against the Ning family this time was gathered by Prince Rui,


    And she remembered that Prince Rui had always resented her for causing the death of his birth mother, so he had always been biting into the Ning family,


    Then there was the obviously impossible letter of treason that could not have been written by her father,


    As well as An Vice General who had deliberately taken her on a detour and was now drinking merrily with Prince Rui...


    The more Noble Consort Chen thought about it, the more furious she became, feeling that her five organs were about to explode inside her body.


    She clenched her ten fingers tightly, the just healed wounds on the fingernails that were broken during the long arduous journey split open and bled again.


    ¡°It¡¯s him! That bastard Xiao Jinglian!

 Chapter 279: The Ning Family Overturned 01

    <h4>Chapter 279</h4>


    Five dayster, in Suzhou.


    "A bunch of useless fools!"


    Xiao Jingheng threw everything on the desk to the ground.


    Countless pce maids and guards were kneeling in front of him, each one looking extremely nervous and not daring to look him in the eye.


    "Your Majesty, please calm your anger..."


    "If anything happens to Noble Consort Chen, I will have all of your heads!"


    Xiao Jingheng was furious, his breathing also noticeably coarse and heavy.


    Song Zhao brought a cup of green chrysanthemum tea to him and gently advised:


    "Anger harms the body, Your Majesty must not be angry with them. Noble Consort''s fortune runs deep, nothing will happen to her."


    Although Xiao Jingheng took the tea from Song Zhao''s hands, he didn''t drink any. Instead, he threw it back onto the table.


    The tea spilled all over the table, soaking the piles of memorials.


    Xiao Jingheng pointed at the open door and angrily shouted:


    "Still kneeling here? Get out!"


    Everyone was terrified and scrambled to escape.


    In fact, you couldn''t me Xiao Jingheng for being so angry.


    The day before, a message was sent back from the capital saying that Noble Consort Chen had mysteriously disappeared from the old Ning family residence for no reason.


    The disappearance of the current noble consort was a huge incident that shocked the heavens.


    Vice General An had searched the capital to no avail. He left a squad of soldiers to keep searching the outskirts of the capital, and personally led another squad, travelling day and night from the capital back to Suzhou, hoping to find Noble Consort Chen along the way.


    After Xiao Jingheng learned of this, he also dispatched arge number of people to search towards the Qinling Mountains, thinking that Noble Consort Chen might have gone back home to visit her mother.


    But after all the chaos, she still couldn''t be found anywhere, as if Noble Consort Chen had just vanished into thin air.


    At the moment, Xiao Jingheng was anxiously pacing in the room.


    Song Zhao could see that he was genuinely concerned about Noble Consort Chen this time, to the point that his attitude towards her had also cooled.


    Song Zhao advised him, "Your Majesty, don''t worry. Troops have been dispatched to search for her. Noble Consort will surely be safe and sound."


    "Your Majesty! Your Majesty!"


    Her words offort were interrupted by the reckless shouting of Xiao Yinzi, who stumbled as he ran into the room.


    Seeing that he hade without observing proper etiquette, Xiao Yinzi hurriedly reported to Xiao Jingheng:


    "She''s back! Noble Consort is back!"


    "Where is she?" Xiao Jingheng eagerly asked.


    Xiao Yinzi quickly replied: "Noble Consort has returned on horseback with her servants. She''s currently on a boat heading to the ind in theke. Noble Consort said she has an important matter to discuss with Your Majesty."


    "I''ll go greet her."


    After speaking, Xiao Jingheng turned to leave. Just as he was about to go out the door, he seemed to remember Song Zhao.


    So he turned back and gently said to her: "You are unwell, rest well. I''lle see you againter."


    "This subject pays her respects in sending off Your Majesty."


    Song Zhao bowed ceremoniously towards Xiao Jingheng''s dust-covered back as he left.


    After he had left the courtyard, Song Zhao finally let out a held breath. Then she clutched her chest and couldn''t help but retch again and again.


    Yun Shang hurried over to pat her back, and said sympathetically: "Why didn''t Noble Consort tell His Majesty about the pregnancy, but instead suffer so much trying to hide it?"


    She fetched a cup of water for Song Zhao to rinse her mouth, and said, "This pregnancy seems to be much more difficult than thest time..."


    After rinsing her mouth and spitting the water into an urn, Song Zhao finally spoke after catching her breath:


    "The first three months are the most crucial. Consort Hui hasn''t left yet. In a couple more days, after she and the Empress have returned to the pce, and the fetus bes more stable, it won''t be toote to say something."


    Yun Shang said: "Noble Consort has really suffered... His Majesty''s heart and eyes are full of the Noble Consort. I heard that even when Noble Consort was unwell and came to keep himpany, he was still preupied."


    Song Zhaoughed indifferently, "With Noble Consort''s return this time, I guess someone is about to have terrible luck."


    Yun Shang was curious: "Who?"


    Song Zhao raised her eyebrows at her and said firmly:


    "Prince Rui."


    *


    When Xiao Jingheng arrived at the shore, he saw Noble Consort being helped down from a t boat.


    After not seeing her for several days, she looked extremely haggard.


    She had lost a lot of weight, and her eyes were also red and swollen from crying, no longer as bright and beautiful as before.


    Seeing this, Xiao Jingheng also felt a stabbing pain in his heart.


    Seeing Noble Consort Chen dragging her weary body towards him, Xiao Jingheng quickly stepped forward two steps.


    "Go slowly, don''t fall."


    He held Noble Consort Chen''s hand tightly. Seeing that she wanted to say something, she first had a violent coughing fit for a good while.


    Noble Consort Chen''s hand was burning hot. The scalding heat spread through Xiao Jingheng''s palm all the way to his heaving chest, and burnt a hole in the tip of his heart.


    "You still have a high fever. How could you be so reckless?"


    "Your Majesty... *cough cough*! There''s something wrong with Prince Rui! He''s problematic!"


    Noble Consort Chen held Xiao Jingheng''s hand even tighter. Her eyes were full of resentment as she righteously dered:


    "Vice General An was previously under Prince Rui. He deliberately led me astray, causing me to miss the chance to save my father and brothers! Moreover, afterwards he drank and celebrated joyously with Prince Rui, extremely delighted, as if my father and brothers'' deaths brought them tremendous joy! Your Majesty! My father and brothers must have been wronged by Prince Rui. I beg Your Majesty to thoroughly investigate this matter and restore my father and brothers'' innocence!"


    Xiao Jingheng''s eyes also moistened slightly, and he sighed:


    "General Ning couldn''t be saved, seeing you like this also makes me very sad. Actually, I didn''t agree to pardon them because of your plea that day. Even without your plea, I felt there were many suspicious points about this matter. But at the time, with the irond evidence and pressure from the court, I had no choice but to provide an exnation to the world."


    He embraced Noble Consort Chen and cried hot tears onto her forehead:


    "I had the Minister of Justice investigate this matter repeatedly, and although the evidence was conclusive, I still had doubts. At the time when I agreed to spare your father and brothers'' lives, I also secretly ordered the Vice Minister of Justice to overstep his authority and reinvestigate this matter. Believe me, if your father and brothers were really wronged, I will definitely restore justice for them!"


    Noble Consort Chen nestled in Xiao Jingheng''s arms, sobbing uncontrobly:


    "Your Majesty... Prince Rui also holds authority over the Imperial Guards. That he insisted on falsely using and killing my father and brothers at this time of national peace and prosperity, his intentions must be suspect! It''s evident that he harbors ulterior motives, his heart deserves punishment!"


    Xiao Jingheng gently patted her slender shoulders and gently persuaded:


    "This matter has not yet been concluded, we shouldn''t specte. You''ve travelled extensively and are still ill, let me take you back to your quarters and have the imperial physician treat you."


    On the way back, they encountered Jiang Deshun, who hurriedly said to Xiao Jingheng:


    "Your Majesty, the Vice Minister of Justice requests an audience."


    "I see. Let him wait in the study, I''ll go after I''ve settled the Noble Consort."


    "Your Majesty! I want to go with you! I want to restore my father and brothers'' innocence, they can''t die in vain!"


    Noble Consort Chen was quite emotional. Since she insisted, Xiao Jingheng couldn''t refuse either, so he agreed to take her along to the study to listen to what the Minister of Justice had found out this time.

 Chapter 280: The Death of the Ning Family 02

    <h4>Chapter 280</h4>


    At first sight, the Junior Minister of the Ministry of Justice knelt down in the hall and pleaded guilty. He truthfully recounted the facts that the Ministry of Justice had reinvestigated.


    "Your Majesty... the so-called letter of treason written by Ning Grand General''s own hand, just as Your Majesty spected, was forged by others. The handwriting on it was exactly the same as that of Ning Grand General. It was likely imitated by a skilled forger.


    This humble official examined it closely. There was no ink blur on the letter, but Ning Grand General was in the Qinling Mountains, so the letter should have been sent from there. At that time, it was the rainy early spring in Qinling Mountains. If the letter had really been written there, the air would have been humid when the ink was applied, and there would have been slight ink blurring. But now there is none at all."


    Upon hearing this, Noble Consort Chen cried even harder, while Xiao Jingheng suppressed his anger and asked,


    "What else?"


    The Junior Minister of the Ministry of Justice continued:


    "Those so-called confidants and veterans of Ning Grand General, their families had long been secretly detained by Prince Rui, who used this to pressure the generals and soldiers to falsely use Ning Grand General of having rebellious intentions ording to his instructions. If they did notpromise, Prince Rui would kill their families. With no other choice, the generals and soldiers yielded and provided those blood-stained confessions that Your Majesty saw.


    Furthermore, Ning Grand General''s collusion with the Zhuyin Country waspletely fabricated. When Ning Grand General led troops into Zhuyin, the Zhuyin Country Emperor swore to resist to the death and even loudly insulted Your Majesty. In great anger, Ning Grand General skinned and tore the Zhuyin Emperor apart in the bustling marketce, which made the entire Zhuyin harbor resentment towards Ning Grand General for his excess brutality. The whole country was full of hatred for him, so it was impossible for them to join forces.


    As for those Zhuyin ministers iming that Ning Grand General intended to secretly collude with Zhuyin to rebel against Great Qi, it was also because they had received benefits from someone..."


    Although the Junior Minister of the Ministry of Justice did not say it explicitly, it was self-evident who had given them those benefits.


    After making clear the facts, he held his fists, grieved and said,


    "In addition to the embezzlement and bribery charges which were solid evidence, the rest of the alleged crimes pinned on General Ning and his son were nothing but malicious nders."


    Overwhelmed by sorrow and indignation, Noble Consort Chen wept so hard that it wrenched people¡¯s hearts to hear her.


    Xiao Jingheng also berated the Junior Minister of the Ministry of Justice furiously,


    "How on earth does the Ministry of Justice handle things? Didn''t I already order a thorough investigation of this matter when Prince Rui first presented the so-called evidence of Ning family''s crimes? Why are the previous and current ounts so drastically different?"


    "Replying to Your Majesty, it was presided over by Lord Mo from the Ministry of Justice at that time, and this humble official could not interfere. However, Lord Mo had long been bought over by Prince Rui. With him in charge, the facts could only be further obscured. If not for Your Majesty''s alertness to specially assign this humble official to overstep authority to investigate this case, I''m afraid Ning Grand General would still be wrongly used of treason down the ages!"


    Xiao Jingheng''s expression was extremely gloomy.


    He fiercely smashed the cup in his hand onto the ground, too angry to restrain himself,


    "What a good younger brother I have! Framing the loyal, weakening military power, colluding with Zhuyin, bribing the Ministry of Justice... What is he scheming? Could he really be nning to rebel against me!?"


    Noble Consort Chen was deeply grieved and hated Prince Rui bitterly.


    She suppressed her sobs and said harshly to Xiao Jingheng,


    "Your Majesty! The Former Emperor originally favored Prince Rui as the Crown Prince. If not for Prince Ruimitting a terrible mistake that angered the Former Emperor and caused him to be stripped of the crown prince position, I''m afraid... "


    She looked at Xiao Jingheng''s furious, convulsing eyebrows, and immediately knelt before him. She cried mournfully,


    "Prince Rui must still have aspirations for the imperial power. That''s why he wanted to plot against Your Majesty and covet Great Qi''snd! While framing my family is trivial, his heart set on usurping the throne is evident! Such a traitorous viin deserves to be torn into pieces by five horses and chopped into mincemeat ten thousand times, and it would not be too much!"


    She was quite agitated. Coupled with her lingering high fever, her body had reached an extremely frail state.


    Having forcefully uttered those impassioned words, she then fainted from exhaustion.


    Xiao Jingheng hurriedly ordered her to be moved back to her room for the imperial physicians to attend to her properly.


    He then decreed coldly,


    "Guards! Immediately surround Prince Rui''s residence and bring him to me in Suzhou! I want him alive! As for the others in his residence, kill them all whether they are guards, family members or servants, if anyone dares resist! No need to report back to me!"


    Xiao Jingheng demonstrated undiminished majesty and sentenced several people who had assisted Prince Rui in this matter to the extreme punishment of family execution.


    He apanied Noble Consort Chen in her room for a long time that day. Seeing that she was unconscious but still weeping and mumbling about her family in her dreams, Xiao Jingheng felt distressed. He waited until Noble Consort Chen was in deep slumber before returning to his own room.


    He ordered Jiang Deshun to stand guard outside and refused to see anyone.


    The next day, when the ministers came to greet him and report state affairs, they saw the supper sent from the kitchenst night and the breakfast sent today piled up outside the door. Xiao Jingheng hadn''t touched any of the meals.


    They sighed and whispered among themselves,


    "The Emperor is tormenting himself with guilt over the Ning family''s matter and has lost his appetite. If this persists, the damage to his health would be a huge problem."


    "This time, Prince Rui secretly framed the Ning family while we were pushing too hard in the previous dynasty, making the Emperor sentence the Ning father and son to death. Now it seems that we have be the criminals who wrongfully convicted the loyal."


    "One can''t me the Emperor for worrying over this. The Noble Consort has gained deep affection from him. With her family dying by the Emperor''s own hands, I''m afraid it will drive a wedge between them in the future."


    While they discussed outside, Xiao Jingheng was sitting alone in the room, having not slept the entire night.


    At dawn, he took out a ruby brocade box from the wardrobe. It was brought from the pce. Inside the box that he opened quietlyy an edict - the Former Emperor''s edict appointing Prince Rui as the Crown Prince...

 Chapter 281: Military Power to the Emperor

    <h4>Chapter 281</h4>


    Xiao Jingheng slowly unfolded the imperial edict in his hands.


    Its contents, he had read countless times over the years, and he knew them by heart.


    But this time, after reading every word of the edict, Xiao Jingheng casually tossed it into the censer and set it aze.


    The intensifying mes cast a twisted smile upon his face,


    And a misty haze of tears in his eyes.


    "Father, I remember that after the passing of the Empress, Consort Yu monopolized your favor. She belittled me in front of everyone, calling me a motherless wild child. Whenever I went to the Office of the Imperial Secretariat, Jinglian would mock me for days on end and beat me in front of our brothers."


    Xiao Jingheng murmured to himself, gazing at the ashes rising from the heated censer. His hands, naturally resting by his side, gradually clenched into fists.


    "I dared not fight back because I had the love of Consort Yu and the favor of my father. But I had nothing else. At that time, you told me, Father, that my elder and second brothers died young, so I, as your eldest son, must disy the demeanor of a crown prince. You advised me not to quarrel with Jinglian and said that you would reprimand him. Yet, when you turned around, you took Jinglian with you to Autumn Hunting and even forgot about the seventh-day memorial for the Empress."


    "Father, from childhood to adulthood, I understood that you loved Jinglian. Even Jingyan, despite your high expectations, received more attention from you than I did. Even if I excelled in everything, because of your estrangement with the Empress, you refused to spare me a nce."


    He took a deep breath, holding back the moisture welling up in his eyes. With a short sigh, he shook his head with a bitter smile.


    "Although I am not your favored candidate for the throne, I now sit on this imperial seat and must fulfill your wishes. I have always remembered the lessons you taught me and have shown kindness to Jingyan and leniency to Jinglian."


    As the edict burned to ashes, the fragments scattered and filled the air.


    They flew towards Xiao Jingheng, clouding his vision, and evoking tears.


    Xiao Jingheng rubbed his reddened eyes and looked at the unextinguished ashes in the censer. He picked up a teacup, symbolically poured tea into it as an offering to the heavens, and extinguished the remaining mes.


    "But now, Jinglian hasmitted such a grave mistake, which brings disgrace not only upon our ancestors but also upon the entire imperial family. I have no choice but to handle this matter impartially and return justice to the subjects of the realm. I implore you, Father, resting in theherworld, to understand the difficulties your son faces."


    With these words, Xiao Jingheng leaned back, his body supported by something, and though he smiled, tears continued to flow.


    In his mind, fragments of his strategic calctions for the whole situation yed over and over:


    Xiao Jingheng recalled how he had used Consort Yu''s love for Song Zhao, exploiting her allergy to peach blossom pollen as an excuse to force the Empress to deal with the peach blossom tree nted by Princess Dowage Yu.


    He had urately predicted the long-standing conflict between the Empress and Noble Consort Chen. In such a mess, the Empress would undoubtedly use her schemes to pressure Noble Consort Chen into taking action.


    After Noble Consort Chen cut down the peach tree, Princess Dowager Yu, who was already in poor health, passed away. Xiao Jingheng took the opportunity to secretly have her poisoned, making it appear as if she died from anger, which fueled Prince Rui''s resentment towards the Ning Family.


    Surprisingly, Xiao Jingheng didn''t punish the Ning Family but instead rewarded them shortly after, further provoking Prince Rui''s deep-seated grudge. Xiao Jingheng knew Prince Rui''s impulsive and vengeful nature all too well, so his subsequent move was to make sure Prince Rui continued to target the Ning Family.


    When the Ning Family returned their military power, Xiao Jingheng agreed to their request to retire from service. He knew that Prince Rui would definitely not easily let go of the Ning Family and would privately investigate the losses suffered by the father and son.


    Later, when Prince Rui presented the evidence he had gathered to Xiao Jingheng, he could immediately tell that some of the evidence was a mixture of truth and falsehood, far from being entirely urate. However, Xiao Jingheng chose to turn a blind eye and allowed Prince Rui to distort the truth, even escting the matter in court and pressuring his courtiers to force him to deal with the Ning Family.


    In the end, the father and son of the Ning Family met their deaths, and Xiao Jingheng used the opportunity of reopening the case to expose all the false usations against the Ning Family as Prince Rui''s fabrications. The crimes of framing loyal subjects, colluding with enemy nations, and threatening high-ranking officials were more than enough to enrage the people, uprooting Prince Rui''s foundation.


    At that time, the entire world would despise Prince Rui as a despicable viin, while Xiao Jingheng, even if he had mistakenly killed a loyal minister, would be seen as deceived and somewhat forgivable.


    Moreover, he had even given the Imperial Pardon, the first one since the establishment of the dynasty, to Noble Consort Chen, allowing her to personally save someone.


    If Noble Consort Chen couldn''t save her own family, how could she me him?


    In this game, Xiao Jingheng emerged victorious, even more decisively than when he plotted against Prince Rui and lost the position of Crown Prince.


    The external military power held by the Ning Family and the personal guard force held by Prince Rui could both be openly retrieved by him.


    In this world, from beginning to end, it could only be Xiao Jingheng alone.


    Anyone who threatened his reign, regardless of whether they had intentions of rebellion or not, would have only one path ahead: death.


    [In the previous section of Xiao Jingheng''s self-narration, the Empress Dowager mentioned is not the Empress Dowager but Xiao Jingheng''s biological mother. Xiao Jingheng''s mother was the Noble Consort of thete Emperor, and Xiao Jingheng was born of a concubine. His mother was wicked and had been involved in plotting against the Empress and the imperial heir in the pce, which made thete Emperor dislike and reject her. After Xiao Jingheng ascended to the throne, he posthumously honored the Noble Consort as the Empress Dowager Zhao Ding, intentionally moving her burial ce away from thete Emperor''s tomb to be buried together with him, with the purpose of disgusting thete Emperor and not allowing him to rest in peace.]

 Chapter 282: Forbidden Brothers

    <h4>Chapter 282</h4>


    Three dayster, Prince Rui was escorted into the borders of Suzhou.


    When he was brought to face the emperor, he had thought there would be a hall full of court ministers to judge him together,


    But ultimately, he only saw Xiao Jingheng dismissing his subordinates and being alone with him.


    At that time, Xiao Jingheng was sitting at the head position, his face gloomy.


    Prince Rui knelt down in the hall and greeted him,


    "Younger brother pays respect to Eldest Brother Emperor."


    Xiao Jingheng said nothing, only after a brief silence threw the evidence of crimes collected by the Ministry of Justice on the table towards Prince Rui,


    "Give this emperor an exnation."


    Prince Rui waspletely calm, didn''t even nce at the evidence on the ground, indifferently said:


    "Since Eldest Brother Emperor has already investigated clearly, younger brother has nothing to say."


    Xiao Jingheng frowned, hating hisck of argument: "Why did you do this?"


    Prince Rui bowed down and answered in a low voice, "Younger brother did this to help Eldest Brother Emperor clear his court! Even if the Ning family is not disobedient now, how can Eldest Brother Emperor guarantee that they won''t turn their backs in the future? Moreover, over the years, the Ning family has embezzled at least a million taels,pared to Suzhou''s annual ie from farmers, workers and merchants, it is negligible."


    Xiao Jingheng couldn''t conceal his anger and scolded loudly: "He was corrupt and perverted thew, there are ways to deal with corruption and perversion of thew. His merits and demerits can offset each other, his crimes do not warrant capital punishment! But you fabricated so much false evidence to force them onto the path of death! The Ning family were heroes who quelled the Qi Dynasty rebellion. By doing this, are you not going to condemn this emperor to injustice?"


    Prince Rui was silent for a while, but suddenly raised his head, his eyes were zing looking straight at Xiao Jingheng,


    "In fact, Eldest Brother Emperor doesn''t need to investigate this matter. The Ning family is very aplished, is Eldest Brother Emperor never worried about them even a little? Younger brother was just helping Eldest Brother Emperor do something that he wanted to do but was inconvenient."


    "Insolent!"


    Xiao Jingheng pped the table hard, extremely angry and shouted: "Now you want to rule on behalf of this emperor?"


    "Younger brother doesn''t dare."


    "You don''t dare? Do you think I don''t know what you''re thinking in your heart?"


    Xiao Jingheng pushed up his sleeve, strode to Prince Rui, looking down at him from above,


    "You resent Noble Consort Guan for cutting down the peach blossom tree in the imperial garden that thete emperor had nted for Consort Yu, causing the death of Consort Yu. So for the sake of your birth mother, you resent the Ning family, right?"


    When Consort Yu was mentioned, Prince Rui''s anger in his eyes was clearly aroused, roaring furiously:


    "A life for a life is thew of heaven! Although Noble Consort Guan didn''t murder my mother with her own hands, my mother did die because of her! The enmity of matricide cannot coexist under the heaven, how can I not hate her?"


    "Absurd! You are truly absurd!" Xiao Jingheng scolded angrily: "I ordered Empress to do this. The Empress then arranged for Noble Consort Guan to carry it out. Everything originated from me, why don''t you hate me?"


    Prince Rui was speechless for a moment, "Younger brother..."


    Xiao Jingheng became even more emotional:


    "That day, it was Consort Yu who sent my birth mother to her death after she was deposed by thete emperor. ording to your logic, Consort Yu was the murderer of my mother, but did I ever resent her or you and your mother?


    Over the years, I have always cared for Consort Yu with filial piety and never mistreated you. But for your own selfish desires, you brought chaos to court politics and made me bear the reputation of inhumanity and injustice! You are my brother, by doing such a thing, you have made my heart go cold..."


    As Xiao Jingheng mentioned past events, childhood memories were also evoked for Prince Rui.


    He remembered that when he was young, due to Xiao Jingheng¡¯s birth mother being tired of by thete emperor and ordered to death, back then there were rumors flying all over the pce. As a young and ignorant child, he had also bullied Xiao Jingheng a lot.


    Later when Xiao Jingheng ascended the throne, Consort Yu was terrified, fearing Xiao Jingheng would take revenge on her and her son.


    But Xiao Jingheng did not hold any past grudges, and showed great tolerance as a wise ruler. He not only did not dwell on the past, but was also especially gracious towards her and her son.


    At this moment, listening to Xiao Jingheng¡¯s heartfelt reprimands, Prince Rui also felt regretful,


    "Eldest Brother Emperor... younger brother did not intend for Eldest Brother Emperor to bear notoriety..."


    Seeing that his eyes had reddened, Xiao Jingheng helped him up from the icy floor, patted his shoulder meaningfully, and said helplessly:


    "Do you know why I didn''t imprison you in the dungeon, but had you escorted to see me in Suzhou? Also why today, not a single important minister is here?"


    Prince Rui pondered in his heart, but remained silent.


    Xiao Jingheng looked straight into his eyes with reddened eyes, and said sincerely:


    "Because you are my brother! If this matter was brought to court, those veteran officials could drown you in their spit! It wouldn''t just be you, your wife, your children, none of them would survive!"


    "Eldest Brother Emperor..."


    "I know you just had a moment of poor judgement. Although my heart has gone cold, I have also racked my brains to protect you. Over the years, only you and Jingyan have been the closest brothers to me. Although Prince Qi is thete emperor¡¯s adopted son, after all, he can''tpare to the brotherhood between us tied by blood."


    Hearing this, Prince Rui was deeply moved. His eyes flickered and he dared not look Xiao Jingheng in the eye,


    "Eldest Brother Emperor... it was younger brother who put you in a difficult position."


    Xiao Jingheng sighed, "If you had told me earlier, perhaps I could have helped you bear this without making a big deal out of it. But now the Ministry of Justice has investigated the matter, the former dynasty will definitely make a great fuss about it. If I let you off, I would only be pushing you into an abyss of eternal damnation."


    He was silent for a long time, as if making an extremely difficult decision. His voice trembling, he said:


    "I have decided to put you under house arrest in the Imperial n Court. You will not be allowed to leave alive or dead. I will also order your mansion to be confiscated immediately, to stop themon people''s gossiping mouths. As for your wives, children and concubines, I will properly arrange them, not letting anyone know their whereabouts, so as to prevent them from being avenged upon."


    When Prince Rui came, he was already prepared to die.


    After all, framing the innocent was an unforgivable crime no matter who it was.


    He had thought to end his life to atone, in exchange for a way out for his wife and children.


    But he didn''t expect Xiao Jingheng to consider him so thoroughly, not only sparing his life, but also willing to properly arrange his family.


    As a dignified seven foot tall man, at this moment he couldn¡¯t help but shed tears in front of Xiao Jingheng. He kneeled down and kowtowed three times, choking back sobs loudly:


    "Younger brother, thanks Eldest Brother Emperor for his saintly grace!"


    Xiao Jingheng ced his hand on his shoulder, unable to look him in the eye any longer,


    "You can go now."


    Soon, guards came in to escort Prince Rui back to the capital.


    Jiang Deshun also nced at Xiao Jingheng for instructions, "Your Majesty, how should we arrange Prince Rui¡¯s family?"


    Xiao Jingheng''s face, which was full of mncholy just a moment ago, suddenly turned as cold as the frost of midwinter. He said lightly:


    "Take them out of the capital, find a quiet ce, send them to apany thete emperor, to enjoy hispany."


    Jiang Deshun was shocked for a moment, but still responded without showing any emotions on his face, "Your servant understands."


    The noisy hallpletely quieted down.


    Xiao Jingheng returned alone to the head seat and sat steadily.


    He rubbed the ck jade ring worn on his thumb, and in his mind he kept recalling Prince Rui''s tearful and grateful appearance just now, endless pleasure in his heart.


    Prince Rui was not sentenced to death, only imprisoned. His family was also safe.


    The people of the world would say Xiao Jingheng rules the country with benevolence. But who would know that the secretly protected family members of Prince Rui who were sent away, were actually sent on their way to the underworld?


    Xiao Jingheng naturally wanted to kill all of Prince Rui¡¯s widows and orphans.


    If he let them live, wouldn¡¯t he be waiting for them to avenge their father in the future?

 Chapter 283: Establishment of Deputy Queen

    <h4>Chapter 283</h4>


    Xiao Jingheng''s handling of Prince Rui, although it won the approval of the ministers and people under heaven, Noble Consort Chen had quite a lot of opinions on this matter.


    She questioned Xiao Jingheng why he did not kill Prince Rui to vent his anger. Xiao Jingheng also helplessly said, "How could I not want to? But I also have my own helplessness."


    Noble Consort Chen shook her head with tears, "So my father and brothers died in vain just like that?"


    "No, I will not let your father and brothers die in vain. I promised you I will avenge the blood debt of your family."


    Xiao Jingheng called out towards the door, and Jiang Deshun immediately led in several pce maids.


    Each of them held arge ck box in their hands, covered with a white cloth on top.


    Xiao Jingheng put his arm around Noble Consort Chen¡¯s slender shoulders, leaned in close and lifted the white cloth on top,


    When Noble Consort Chen saw clearly what was inside, she screamed in fright,


    "Ah! This...this is!"


    Xiao Jingheng supported her and wanted to lift another one, but was stopped by Noble Consort Chen who held her chest,


    "Your Majesty, I can¡¯t stand to see these dirty things..."


    What was ced in those ck boxes were not other objects, but heads covered in blood.


    The one Noble Consort Chen had just seen belonged to Prince Rui''s Consort.


    During the night banquet at the imperial harem, Noble Consort Chen had met Prince Rui¡¯s Consort a few times before.


    At this moment, she was so frightened her appearance lost its color, shrinking into Xiao Jingheng¡¯s arms shivering,


    "Didn¡¯t Your Majesty spare their lives?"


    "Spare them? Hmph." Xiao Jingheng grunted, and said majestically without anger:


    ¡°If I spared them, how could I face you? There were so many eyes staring in the previous dynasty, I could not rashly move against Prince Rui. But I must avenge your father and brothers!¡±


    He spoke these words with true feelings, every word carried anger, as if Noble Consort Chen''s family were also his own family.


    Having lost her father and brothers, Noble Consort Chen was extremely sad,


    but her beloved man also deeply loved her, how could she bear to me this man?


    She leaned closer against Xiao Jingheng.


    Hearing him continue, "The Empress has lost virtue, I n to promote your status after returning from the southern tour."


    Noble Consort Chen was astonished for a while. Above the position of Imperial Consort was Imperial Noble Consort.


    The position of Imperial Noble Consort was equal to Vice Empress,pletely different from the status of an ordinary consort.


    The deaths of her father and brothers were difficult for Noble Consort Chen to ept.


    Although it was Xiao Jingheng who gave the decree to kill them, he was also under the pressure of state affairs and Prince Rui''s scheming,


    after all, it was not Xiao Jingheng''s true thoughts.


    Loving Xiao Jingheng as Noble Consort Chen did, how could she bear to me this man who also deeply loved her?


    "Status and such, I do not care about those. As long as Your Majesty can always be by my side, I will be content."


    The rainy season in Suzhou hadsted for nearly a month.


    After the Ning family and Prince Rui matter settled down, the weather gradually cleared up.


    Looking at the sunny sky outside the window, Xiao Jingheng said,


    "The rain has stopped. Tomorrow I will have the Empress sent back to the pce. I know you are very sad over the death of your father and brothers. I am also upset. For the uing southern tour, I will apany you and you will apany me. After all, no matter how sad we are, we still have to live this life."


    Noble Consort Chen was intoxicated in the fantasy bubbles Xiao Jingheng created for her day after day, unable to extricate herself.


    It seemed that as long as her young lover still had feelings for her,


    she could dissolve and ovee even the most difficult days on her own.


    *


    On the other hand,


    while the Empress was worshiping Buddha in her room, Shuang Ruo rushed in in a panic,


    "Empress, this is terrible! His Majesty ns to confer the title of Imperial Noble Consort on Ning after returning to the capital!"


    "What did you say!?"


    When the Empress heard this, she was so shocked that her soul nearly left her body.


    The Buddhist prayer beads she was holding were forcibly pulled apart by her, the wax Buddha beads rolled all over the floor, making crisp popping sounds.


    "Imperial Noble Consort? The position of Imperial Noble Consort is equal to Vice Empress. Throughout history, it has only been established when the Empress passed away or was seriously ill! I am still alive and well, is His Majesty treating me as if I were dead?!"


    She nearly shouted out these words, frightening Shuang Ruo to quickly close the doors and windows, and came forward to persuade,


    "Empress, you can¡¯t say such ominous words. You are His Majesty¡¯s legal wife. Even if the position of Imperial Noble Consort is highly regarded, she is nothing but a concubine..."


    "Did everyone not know that during Saint Ancestor Emperor''s reign, Empress Jia Ning was driven to despair and suicide by Imperial Noble Consort Duanyu? When she was still a consort, she already dared to show me disrespect many times. If she bes Imperial Noble Consort in the future, won''t she overturn the roof over my head?!"


    As she spoke, the Empress became increasingly annoyed as she kept hearing rustling noises outside,


    "What''s the noise outside?"


    Shuang Ruo said awkwardly, "The rain stopped... His Majesty said that he will send you back to the capital tomorrow. The servants are packing..."


    The Empress slumped to the ground in despair and wailed,


    "Your Majesty...do you despise me so much? I am your Empress, your legal wife!"


    "Empress, please don''t be too heartbroken. Now that things havee to this, once we return to the capital, we must still notify the Duke to join forces with the ministers to persuade His Majesty. Maybe His Majesty will change his mind..."


    "No need to rm the previous dynasty!"


    The Empress wiped away her tears, suddenly got up, and ran to the wardrobe like a madwoman, throwing the magnificent clothes inside all over the floor.


    "Empress, what are you doing?!"


    The Empress ignored her, and finally took out a locked brocade box from the innermost part of the wardrobe.


    The key was hidden in a box of empty rouge powder on her dresser.


    She took out the key with trembling fingers, unlocked it, and took out a wrinkled yellow paper from inside.


    Seeing this object, sheughed hysterically again,


    "Hahaha! Ning wants to take my ce with this ghost-suppressing talisman? You¡¯re delusional, you¡¯re dreaming!!"


    Saying so, she urged Shuang Ruo impatiently,


    "Go, go call all the concubines to me! Say that I will return to the capital tomorrow and they shoulde to bid farewell!"


    After Shuang Ruo withdrew, the Empress held the obituary, reading its contents over and over again.


    The smile on her face became increasingly distorted and sinister,


    "Ning Wanshuang, you dare to use this to try to rece me as Empress? Crazy! You wish!!"

 Chapter 284: Talisman

    <h4>Chapter 284</h4>


    Summoned by the Empress, the imperial concubines arrived in session.


    As always, Noble Consort Chen was thest to arrive fashionablyte.


    When she arrived, her face was made up exquisitely and brightly, and she wore a vermilion phoenix-patterned cloak that brought out her innate arrogance. Compared to the Empress dressed simply at the head, it was as if Noble Consort Chen was the rightful upant of the principal pce.


    Vermilion and phoenix patterns were originally not to be used by noble consorts, but she was about to be Imperial Noble Consort, so no one dared criticize her wearing them.


    Seeing her arrive aggressively, Consort Yin whispered to Song Zhao,


    "The Empress is likely trying to make her aughingstock, but instead has be the joke herself. The rank of Imperial Noble Consort is so esteemed that I fear the position of Empress will soon change hands."


    Song Zhao smiled without replying, quietly watching.


    After everyone was seated, the Empress smiled and said,


    "Tomorrow I will return to the pce. At the Many Buddhas Monastery in Suzhou, I will concentrate on worshipping Buddha with the Empress Dowager. So before I leave, I have personally transcribed some Buddhist scriptures to give to you all."


    As she spoke, she signaled Shuang Ruo with her eyebrows.


    Shuang Ruo immediately brought out a stack of scriptures from the back chamber for the pce maids to distribute.


    Because of Noble Consort Chen''s esteemed status, Shuang Ruo personally presented her scriptures to her.


    After receiving the scriptures, many leafed through them and thanked the Empress in unison,


    "This concubine gives thanks for the Empress''s kindness."


    Only Noble Consort Chen let Liu Yue receive the scriptures for her without even ncing at them once.


    Later, the Empress chatted idly with the concubines for a few more sentences, then said,


    "Let''s disperse for today. When I return to the pce, I look forward to hearing about the interesting things that happened during the southern inspection tour."


    As the concubines took their leave, the Empress added,


    "Noble Consort, remain for a moment. I have some instructions for you."


    Noble Consort Chen nced at her but said nothing, sitting still in her seat.


    After everyone else had left, she finally said to the Empress,


    "What is it? Are you trying tough at me? But I''ve disappointed you. My family has encountered misfortune and I''m in low spirits, but I haven''t fallen so far that a worthless cast-off like you canugh at me."


    She spoke disrespectfully, but the Empress was unprovoked. On the contrary, sheughed lightly,


    "Being cast off is still better than being used without realizing it. What does the Noble Consort think?"


    Noble Consort Chen red at her impatiently. "What are you trying to say?"


    The Empress casually pointed at the Buddhist scriptures in Liu Yue''s hands and said lightly,


    "I personally transcribed that Buddhist scripture. It is a rebirth spell, hoping your father and brothers can soon attain rebirth in the Western Paradise. Take a look."


    "No need." Noble Consort Chen abruptly stood up, her face filled with disgust. "I understand the Empress''s good intentions. But people all have ulterior motives, so how pure can hand-copied scriptures be? Liu Yue, put down the scriptures. Let''s go."


    "Wait a moment," the Empress stopped her. "This scripture contains not only my wishes, but also the Emperor''s. Are you sure you don''t want to look?"


    Noble Consort Chen was slightly suspicious. She paused and looked back skeptically at the stack of scriptures.


    Liu Yue presented them forward for Noble Consort Chen to flip through.


    The first few pages were normal rebirth spells, but as Noble Consort Chen continued turning the pages, she discovered a yellow paper tucked among the Buddhist scriptures.


    The yellow paper was wrinkled with traces of being burnt, apparently quite old.


    She nced over it casually and saw it was a memorial service text,


    and the handwriting was Xiao Jingheng''s.


    Only then did she examine it closely and realize it was a memorial service text Xiao Jingheng had written to the Former Emperor:


    ''Grieving Son Says:


    In the fifty-fourth year of Zhongyuan, on the seventh day of the eighth month, cyclical year Guichou, at the beginning of autumn, your son brings the imperial concubines to pay respects and mourn before the spirit of the diligent and reverent Great Undertaking Emperor, saying:


    The Emperor died young at only fifty years old. Night and day for the country and court, seldom resting. Your grace extends for ten thousand generations. Answering to the mandate of Heaven, we seeded each other as ruler, governing in ce of Heaven...


    Your son obeyed yourst wishes, treated the martial officials with respect, and honored the Ning family. I was forced to take Ning Wanshuang as a concubine. The Ning are fiendish monsters, and with this Ning girl as a talisman to subdue evil spirits in the pce, even if I do not like her, it ensures the country''s stability. I hope you are conscious in the Yellow Springs and can rest easy on your way to rebirth. Assist Great Qi in prospering for ten thousand generations with good fortune evesting...


    s and woe! Respectfully waiting to offer sacrifice.''


    The memorial service text was very long with many characters Noble Consort Chen did not recognize, and some ces were iplete due to being burnt.


    But the part mentioning the Ning family and her was written concisely and preserved very clearly.


    Noble Consort Chen''s gaze locked on the four characters ''talisman to subdue evil spirits.''


    Although it was sweltering summer, she felt bursts of cold air rushing at her, tightly enveloping her and nearly suffocating her.


    She trembled uncontrobly and froze in disbelief that this was really written by Xiao Jingheng''s own hand, and also couldn''t believe the affection between them over the years actually began with the phrase ''talisman to subdue evil spirits''...


    So all the favor she had received was actually the Emperor''s stake to control her father and brothers?


    She didn''t believe it!


    She was unwilling to believe it, and also didn''t dare believe it!


    Noble Consort Chen shook her head in a daze. Then in a burst of madness, she tore up the memorial service text, scattering paper scraps into the air,


    "I don''t believe it! The Emperor would not treat me this way!"


    She pointed at the Empress, her emotions out of control as she roared, "It was you! You worthless thing are jealous of the Emperor''s feelings for me, so you imitated his handwriting in order to sow discord between the Emperor and me!"


    The Empress looked at her calmly and unruffled. She gentlyughed,


    "This memorial service text was written by the Emperor himself when the Former Emperor passed away. It should have been burnt along with the other memorial texts to offer to the Former Emperor. Butter the Emperor fainted from extreme grief and exhaustion while holding the memorial service. When I took over the funeral arrangements, I discovered this memorial service text had been clipped at one corner by a seam in the incinerator and hadn''t burnedpletely. Thinking the Former Emperor would not ept it, I secretly preserved it until today."


    "Nonsense!" Noble Consort Chen didn''t believe a word the Empress said. To bolster her courage she raised her voice and loudly eximed,


    "Impossible! This is definitely not the Emperor''s handwriting! When I first met the Emperor, he already said he only had feelings for me. The Emperor would not lie to me, he would not!"


    "Oh? Is that so?" The Empressughed coldly and steadily continued,


    "In the past, you were convinced I was the one who caused you to miscarry. It''s true, I did want to harm you and prevent you from giving birth to an imperial heir before me. But even though you fell because of your weak constitution when you were six months pregnant and the fetus was stable, why did you miscarry not long after the imperial physician came to treat you and you drank medicine to steady the pregnancy?


    Was the medicine you drank that day really to steady the pregnancy, or was it actually to cause miscarriage?


    Did you never once suspect which it was?"

 Chapter 285: The Jade is broken and the tiles are falling

    <h4>Chapter 285</h4>


    Noble Consort Chen had already lost her spirit and was sitting limply in the chair, her eyes nk as she murmured to herself.


    The Empress was secretly delighted and pressed her advantage,


    ¡°What¡¯s more, when you gave birth to twins, why did your daughter survive while your son died at birth? Did you not find it the least bit suspicious?


    Have you never wondered why after your child died, rather than issuing an edict to investigate the matter thoroughly, His Majesty and the Dowager Empress quickly put an end to it, hastily killing all the imperial doctors and midwives who had attended your delivery? Was it because His Majesty loved you so much that the Son of Heaven vented his anger on them, or was it because he wanted to silence them and conceal the truth forever?


    If the goal was to cover up the truth, then take a guess, what truth was His Majesty trying to hide?¡±


    ¡°Stop it!¡± Noble Consort Chen was on the verge of emotional copse. She covered her ears and shook her head forcefully. ¡°Don¡¯t say anymore! I don¡¯t believe you! I don¡¯t believe any of this!¡±


    The Empress calmly said, ¡°If you don¡¯t believe me, you can always go and ask His Majesty directly.¡±


    After a pause, she shook her head with a coldugh, ¡°Tsk, even if you ask him, His Majesty will surely deny it. It would be a waste of words. Alright, I¡¯ve said everything I wanted to say. I¡¯m tired now. Shuang Ruo, show our guest out.¡±


    When Noble Consort Chen left, she looked as though her soul had been shattered. She could barely stand up straight.


    After seeing the guest out, Shuang Ruo came back apprehensively and said in a low voice,


    ¡°Your Majesty...the things you said to the Noble Consort, if she goes and confronts His Majesty about it all, revealing that she learned everything from you...then won¡¯t His Majesty...¡±


    ¡°So what if he does?¡± The Empress said indifferently. ¡°He¡¯s already done those things, who says others can¡¯t talk about it?¡±


    She wrapped her phoenix robes tightly around herself, as if afraid someone would snatch her treasured possession away.


    ¡°He won¡¯t depose me as Empress. Even if he finds out, what can he do to me? I don¡¯t care how much more hees to loathe me.¡± She shook her head sorrowfully. ¡°Since he has already disregarded our marital bonds, how can I watch my husband favor his concubine and destroy his wife, forcing me to step down from my position as Empress?¡±


    Shuang Ruo asked, ¡°Then does Your Majesty think the Noble Consort will go ask His Majesty?¡±


    ¡°Of course. What she cares about most is His Majesty¡¯s sincere feelings toward her. Now that I¡¯ve made her realize that the sincerity she relied on all these years in the harem was nothing but an illusion, do you think she could restrain herself?¡±


    The Empress leaned back slightly, seeming a bit mournful as she shook her head.


    ¡°Tsk, being used as a talisman against evil spirits by the man she loves so much, leading to the deaths of her own father and brothers and two sons. If I were her, I¡¯d smash my head on the floor and end it all, rather than continue as Noble Consort. The higher you climb, the moreughable you be. Hahaha~¡±


    *


    That day after returning to her pce, Noble Consort Chen did not make a scene as the Empress had anticipated.


    On the contrary, she was very calm. She personally went to the kitchen and prepared a table full of delicious delicacies.


    Every dish was Xiao Jingheng''s favorite and what Noble Consort Chen often made over the years.


    That night, as usual, Xiao Jingheng came.


    Seeing the table of food Noble Consort Chen had made with heartfelt care, he smiled and said,


    ¡°Wan''er''s cooking skills have improved remarkably.¡±


    Noble Consort Chen led Xiao Jingheng to his seat, also smiling, ¡°Your Majesty, your consort thought you had forgotten that today is her birthday.¡±


    ¡°How could I forget? The first day of the fifth month is your birthday. Aside from your family, I alone know this date. No matter how big an event might dy me over the years, I always made sure to spend this day with you.¡±


    Xiao Jingheng took out a fine pendant carved from blue stone jade, unpolished but naturally formed in the shape of daphne flowers. This made Noble Consort Chen exim in admiration,


    ¡°It¡¯s not difficult to find good quality blue stone jade, but one with such a natural daphne blossom shape is one in ten thousand.¡±


    Xiao Jingheng said, ¡°Knowing you¡¯d like it, even if it¡¯s one in ten thousand, I would find it for you. Come, let me put it on for you.¡±


    He hung the jade pendant around Noble Consort Chen''s fair neck. The jade set off her snow-white skin, making it even more lustrous.


    ¡°Beautiful.¡±


    As Noble Consort Chen fingered the pendant, she was also extremely delighted. ¡°Thank you, Your Majesty. Today is my birthday. After everything that has happened recently, I often feel upset. Today, Your Majesty must drink several cups with me and get drunk. Afterwards, I should make a clean break with the past. As you said, life goes on, we must look forward.¡±


    ¡°Alright, I''ll do as you say.¡±


    After tasting some dishes, Noble Consort Chen began drinking cup after cup, pouring wine for Xiao Jingheng.


    When it came to drinking, Noble Consort Chen had an unrestrained temperament, able to hold liquor like a man. Plus, she had taken sobering medicine beforehand. Thus, Xiao Jingheng was destined to lose to her.


    After three rounds, a misty red flush crept up Xiao Jingheng¡¯s handsome cheeks. Holding Noble Consort Chen''s hand, he drunkenly asked:


    ¡°It¡¯s your birthday today. Tell me if you have any wishes and I will grant them.¡±


    Noble Consort Chen was silent for a moment, then looking into Xiao Jingheng''s drunken eyes, said smiling:


    ¡°I don''t really have any wishes. It''s just that I''ve written a poem and hope Your Majesty can give me some pointers.¡±


    ¡°Oh?¡± Xiao Jingheng was quite surprised. ¡°Wan''er has never been fond of frivolous arts and letters. It''s rather unusual for you today. Let''s hear it.¡±


    The smile froze on Noble Consort Chen''s face.


    She was silent for a long while before finally reciting slowly under Xiao Jingheng¡¯s urging:


    ¡°The son follows histe father''s will, showing deference to the martial official, upholding the Ning family''s honor. Forced to take Ning Wanshuang as a concubine. The Ning family are monsters, and by making Ning Wanshuang a concubine, she will be like a talisman against evil spirits. Although the son is unwilling, keeping her can solidify the nation''s foundation. I only hope those in the underworld are aware and content in the afterlife. Assist the great endeavor, that prosperity may extend for ten thousand generations, and blessingsst forever...¡±


    As she recited, she kept her eyes fixed on Xiao Jingheng, clearly watching his changing expressions.


    After listening, Xiao Jingheng couldn''t conceal his emotions despite his drunken state, and reflexively asked:


    ¡°Where did you get all this from?¡±


    ¡°......¡±


    Hearing his words, Noble Consort Chen let out the breath she had been holding in her chest.


    She only felt icy winds piercing her pores and turning into swords, ruthlessly stirring her internal organs, as if wanting topletely shred her into pieces from the inside out.


    She took a deep, trembling breath and asked in a tiny voice,


    ¡°Does Your Majesty asking where I saw these words mean they really exist somewhere? Is that right?¡±


    Perhaps realizing he had said the wrong thing, Xiao Jingheng''s eyes became evasive, clearly flustered.


    Having lived with him day and night, Noble Consort Chen could discern his abnormality at a nce when Xiao Jingheng was drunk and unable to control his emotions.


    Supporting herself on the table, she got up with great difficulty. Every breath was agonizing.


    ¡°A talisman against evil spirits? Hahaha?¡±


    Sheughed coldly, then questioned sharply,


    ¡°Then what does that make me to you!?¡±


    Watching this young man she had been infatuated with for many years rendered speechless under questioning, Ning Wanshuang could no longer restrain her long-suppressed emotions.


    She violently tore off the daphne jade pendant hanging on her chest, scraping the back of her neck until it bled.


    But she felt no pain, only threw the pendant forcefully to the ground, shattering it into countless glittering fragments.


    Her once soft and youthful face twisted in ironicughter.


    ¡°What exactly am I to you!?¡±

 Chapter 286: Parting with the King

    <h4>Chapter 286</h4>


    The night was thick as ink, and the candle mes in the room radiated warmth.


    The warm, orange glow separated Xiao Jingheng and Ning Wanshuang, like a raging fire on the verge of being unleashed, ready to spread at the slightest contact.


    The room erupted in a greatmotion, and Jiang Deshun and Liu Yue hurriedly burst in.


    The heavy scent of wine in the room was overpowering and pungent.


    Jiang Deshun saw Ning Wanshuang with tears streaming down her face like rain, ring furiously at Xiao Jingheng with eyes wide and bloodshot.


    The xinhui jade pendant that he had painstakingly found for Xiao Jingheng was also shattered all over the floor.


    Having served in the imperial court for so many years, he had never seen any imperial consort quarrel so fiercely with Xiao Jingheng.


    Terrified, his words came out stammering:


    "Your Majesty, Imperial Consort...this is..."


    Before he could finish speaking, Xiao Jingheng casually grabbed a bowl from the table and hurled it at him in a rage:


    "Get out!"


    When the Emperor was furious, who dared advise him?


    Jiang Deshun and Liu Yue fled the room as if their souls had left their bodies.


    Xiao Jingheng slowly got up after a moment of silence, steadying himself on the table as he staggered over to Ning Wanshuang''s side. He grabbed her arm and pulled her into his embrace.


    But Ning Wanshuang was not appeased like usual after throwing a tantrum and getting a hug.


    She reflexively pushed Xiao Jingheng away forcefully and stumbled back two steps, shaking her head with tears in her eyes:


    "Has it reallye to this? Can Your Majesty tell me the truth for once? Have you never epted my father and brothers? Have you never epted...our child?"


    Xiao Jingheng was taken aback, standing still as he gazed at her, shaking his head repeatedly:


    "Where did you hear such nonsense? Don''t you know clearly how I''ve treated you all these years?"


    His attempt to dodge the question was clearly ineffective in this situation.


    Ning Wanshuang choked back sobs as she pressed on, "Then can Your Majesty swear an oath?"


    Xiao Jingheng''s lip twitched slightly, his expression changing abruptly. "What do you want me to swear?"


    Ning Wanshuang suddenly raised her right hand over her head, holding up three fingers to the heavens, and dered angrily:


    "Swear on what matters most to you. If you utter a single lie, may it bring cmity to your kingdom and dynasty, and may your heirs be disloyal and unfilial to you..."


    "How dare you!"


    Before Ning Wanshuang could finish speaking, Xiao Jingheng''s resounding p had alreadynded on her tear-stained face.


    She waspletely unprepared and did not expect that the youth who had always gently cherished her would m her heavily to the ground.


    Her entire body was flung to the floor, her head hitting the leg of a chair, scattering the bejeweled ornaments in her hair.


    Those treasures had all been rewards from Xiao Jingheng, but now strewn across the floor, they were only like irritating shards of ss, piercing her heart like a thousand wounds.


    Amidst the ringing in her ears, Ning Wanshuang''s cheeks felt numb from the heat.


    Her fair skin was marked with a red imprint, and blood seeped from the corner of her mouth.


    Yet she did not cover her face, instead straightening her neck to re at Xiao Jingheng, her face ashen.


    She saw a fleeting remorse sh across Xiao Jingheng''s eyes, but then heard him breathe heavily and bellow angrily:


    "I am the Emperor! How dare you utter such treasonous curses before me?"


    Perhaps it was the alcohol, but Xiao Jingheng had struck heavily. Ning Wanshuang swayed unsteadily, barely managing to stand up after three attempts.


    Mist clouded her vision, obscuring even the face of the young man before her.


    For a moment, she felt the man before her was a stranger, frightening in his unfamiliarity.


    "The innocent have no fear of oaths! If Your Majesty has long been wary of the Ning n, why pretend to dote on me all these years? Does it not exhaust you?"


    Xiao Jingheng''s voice was hoarse and coarse. "I am the Emperor. I must bnce court politics, set an example for the people, and protect the peace of themoners. There is much beyond my control, much that I have no choice but to ept... I thought you would understand. Being in a position of power, I have sacrificed and given up so much. I..."


    "What does that have to do with my father and brothers? With my poor child!?"


    Ning Wanshuang cut him off with an almost hysterical scream.


    "For your helplessness, my family deserves to die, and my affections deserve to be exploited! What wrong did my familymit? If I had known marrying you would bring such ruin and cause me to be this overbearing, jealous woman, I would rather have shorn my hair and be a nun, apanyingmps and Buddha, than blindly give my heart and life away!"


    Xiao Jingheng clearly did not expect Ning Wanshuang to retort like this.


    He furrowed his brows, his gaze towards her growing increasingly cold.


    "What wrong did your familymit? What about Noble Consort Yang, who died a wrongful death from madness? What about Consort Jia, who despairingly took her own life after you falsely used her and cut off her fingers? Over the years, you have defied the Empress, schemed against the consorts, lording over the harem however you wished. Do you think I''m blind?"


    He angrily mmed the table, casually flipping over a jade dish. His tone grew more agitated:


    "Yet I did not hold it against you, precisely because I doted on you, protected you! You stand here ming me, but are you yourself innocent? Consort, for many matters, it is better we close one eye."


    These icy words swirled in the humid summer night air before entering Ning Wanshuang''s ears.


    As she looked at Xiao Jingheng, at the irritable, furious expression revealed after she had peeled away his fake exterior, she suddenly felt that the deep affection between them these past years may have only been a long, empty dream.


    Now, having lost her family, she finally and btedly awoke from this dream - howughable.


    Ning Wanshuang''s expression was as deste as dirt, yet she no longer cried or threw a tantrum.


    She tidied her clothes and calmly looked at Xiao Jingheng, even forcing out a dimpled smile.


    "Yes, closing one eye. Hasn''t Your Majesty been doing that all these years? I killed Noble Consort Yang and dealt with Consort Jia, so what? Look back at the women in your harem. Which of them has clean hands?" She gave a hollowugh. "This muddied pool, who do you think is to me?"


    She wanted to say more, but felt it pointless, so just shook her head and said lightly:


    "Let it be. Your Majesty''s kindness, I do not deserve. If in your heart I am such a reprehensible criminal, then my family is dead, and I have lost my purpose as your protective talisman. There is no need to endure me; you may simply decree my death. At least then you would not have to face me daily, reminded of how thete Emperor forced you to take me, as if I had ruined your life."


    Xiao Jingheng felt he had gone too far with his earlier words. He sighed deeply, his tone now conciliatory:


    "I promised to fulfill your every wish, and will continue to treat you well. It''s just that you..."


    "Continue? Hahaha~" Ning Wanshuang gave a hollowugh. "No need. I cannot appreciate Your Majesty''s kindness."


    She turned and took out from a nearby drawer the seals and tabletsmemorating her elevation to Imperial Consort, which she respectfully presented before Xiao Jingheng. She then began methodically unbuttoning the gilt buttons on the front of her robe.


    Puzzled, Xiao Jingheng asked, "What are you doing?"


    Ning Wanshuang did not answer. She simply folded her robe neatly and ced it by the seals and tablets, before kneeling upright before Xiao Jingheng and performing a deep bow:


    "It growste, Your Majesty should retire."


    Having bowed, she added solemnly:


    "This peasant woman bids the Son of Heaven goodnight."

 Chapter 287: The Enemy is not a Woman

    <h4>Chapter 287</h4>


    ¡°What do you mean by this?¡±


    Xiao Jingheng was shocked beyondpare, ¡°Why did you take off your imperial consort¡¯s attire and return the imperial seal and insignia? Are you trying to sever ties with Us forever?¡±


    Ning Wanshuang gave a lightugh, but didn¡¯t even look at him. She said calmly as still water:


    ¡°Your Majesty promotes Mohism and allows people to be equal. Amongstmoners, if a wife is unwilling and hearts grow distant, husband and wife may separate with divorce, called heli. ¡±


    She looked up, her tears stopped abruptly, and gazed at Xiao Jingheng with utmost determination,


    ¡°Today, Wan¡¯er and Xiao Lang, only hope to part ways peacefully.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re insane! How dare you be so impudent!¡±


    Xiao Jingheng was so shocked that he stammered over his words. He lunged forward and grabbed Ning Wanshuang¡¯s chin forcefully, forcing her to look him in the eye,


    ¡°I¡¯m the Emperor, not amoner! You¡¯re my consort, if I don¡¯t release you, you have no right in this lifetime to leave my side!¡±


    Ning Wanshuang struggled futilely, so she just closed her eyes indifferently.


    Her expression was icy, devoid of any warmth, so icy it made people afraid.


    Her jade skin seemed to have scalded Xiao Jingheng¡¯s hand.


    He abruptly let go of Ning Wanshuang, with disbelief across his face. He shook his head and stumbled several steps back until he hit the corner of the table, only then did he regain someposure.


    ¡°Tonight we both drank too much. Whatever nonsense you¡¯re spouting, I¡¯ll assume it¡¯s the alcohol talking. It¡¯ste, Consort should rest early.¡±


    Having said that, he turned around and fled like he couldn¡¯t get away fast enough.


    *


    At the same time, in Song Zhao¡¯s residence.


    ¡°I think it looks perfect.¡±


    Rongyue had made a new belly wrap for Cheng Yu. She was nowparing it against the child¡¯s current size.


    The belly wrap fit Cheng Yu¡¯s proportions just right, not too big or small.


    ¡°This is just perfect. It would be ufortable if it was any bigger.¡±


    Song Zhaoughed, ¡°Children change so quickly at this age. Sister, you made a well-fitted belly wrap, but he¡¯ll outgrow it in just a few days. It¡¯d be better to make it a little bigger, so Cheng Yu can wear it longer before you have to make another. That way your efforts aren¡¯t wasted.¡±


    ¡°If it gets small, I can make him a new one. Making it too big would just be loose and saggy when he wears it. Our little Cheng Yu wouldn¡¯t befortable, would he?¡±


    Rongyue gently stroked the child¡¯s soft, dense hair, her smile grew even warmer. ¡°Isn¡¯t that right, little Cheng Yu?¡±


    The child gurgled andughed at her, as if in agreement.


    Song Zhao pretended to be helpless, ¡°Alright, I can¡¯t argue against both of you.¡±


    Rongyue took her hand and changed the subject,


    ¡°Zhao¡¯er, the Empress will return to the pce tomorrow. We should also set off for Hangzhou. Hangzhou is my family home. My father was recently honored for his achievements, perhaps that¡¯s why His Majesty is bringing me along on this southern tour. But I¡¯m d, since you¡¯ve never been to Hangzhou before, I can show you all around.¡±


    Her voice lowered, ¡°With the Empress gone, His Majesty intends to elevate Consort Ning to Imperial Noble Consort. Then timed with your birthday, when His Majesty learns of your joyous news, I expect he¡¯ll grant you the title of Consort at the very least.¡±


    Song Zhao said, ¡°There¡¯s no precedent of granting a promotion just because a consort is pregnant. Let¡¯s wait and see.¡±


    ¡°Ma... Mama~~¡±


    While they were talking, a tender childish voice suddenly rang out from Song Zhao¡¯s arms.


    Rongyue excitedly said, ¡°Was that...did the child just call you Mama?¡±


    [It''s universally true that babies'' first words are Mama, Papa. The Ancient Chinese dictionary Guangya¡¤Shixing states: "Mama, means mother;" "Papa, means father." It doesn''t make sense for some ancient child to defy nature and say "mother", "consort mother", dy", or other oddly formal and era-specific terms for their mother.]


    Song Zhao also couldn¡¯t believe her ears.


    She held Cheng Yu tighter and the mischievous child shouted loudly two more times,


    ¡°Mama, Mama!¡±


    ¡°There there, Mother is here,¡±


    Song Zhao happily responded, smiling radiantly,


    ¡°Sister, did you hear? My heart just melted hearing him call me.¡±


    ¡°How could I not hear? Look at you, smiling so wide your mouth can barely close.¡±


    Rongyue stroked the child¡¯s soft, delicate cheeks. Thinking of something, her eyes suddenly turned misty. She blinked rapidly a few times to hold back her tears.


    ¡°How wonderful. An eight month old baby already speaking, he must be so clever.¡±


    Just then, Xiao Fuzi rushed in to report,


    ¡°Consort, the Consort Ning and His Majesty had a fight.¡±


    ¡°What did they fight over?¡±


    ¡°I couldn¡¯t get the full details. I only know His Majesty smashed bowls and chopsticks in Consort Ning''s ce. Consort Ning presented the imperial seal and insignia, and even said outrageous things about divorcing His Majesty. His Majesty was furious and stormed off...¡±


    Song Zhao¡¯s heart tightened. She was at a loss for words.


    Rongyue just sneered coldly, ¡°Looks like this is over her family. It¡¯s not so easy to get over the murder of one¡¯s own father. Someone as proud as Consort Ning, doing something so outrageous now, with her father and brothers dead and rejected by His Majesty, how could she stand to stay alive and be ridiculed?¡±


    Xiao Fuzi agreed, ¡°That¡¯s right. I heard Consort Ning locked herself in her room and won¡¯t let anyone serve her. They both drank heavily. If you say the alcohol brought out her sorrows and she acted rashly in the moment, that makes sense too.¡±


    Cheng Yu had just learned to call Song Zhao, and kept happily shouting ¡°Mama¡± repeatedly in her arms.


    Song Zhao looked down at the dimples rising on Cheng Yu¡¯s cheeks, and thoughts of the day Ning Wanshuang risked herself to save Cheng Yu shed through her mind.


    She didn''t know why, but she just felt uneasy.


    After some time, she handed Cheng Yu to the wet nurse and tidied her clothes. "I''ll go take a look."


    "What are you going for?" Rongyue stopped her, "Don''t be confused, Zhao¡¯er. With the Empress out of favor, Consort Ning has also offended His Majesty. You''re the only one flourishing in the harem right now. At a time like this, why bother with her?"


    Song Zhao said, "If not for her saving Cheng Yu that day, how could I have a mother and child reunion to enjoy today? Besides, she and His Majesty are estranged now. I doubt their rtionship can be mended in the future. I only want to check on her, not to persuade His Majesty to reconcile with her. It won''t cause any trouble."


    "Zhao¡¯er!" Rongyue still didn''t let go. Her tone became more solemn, "Don''t me me for being meddlesome. In the depths of the pce, with the Empress gone, Consort Ning is your biggest obstacle. If you want to go further, you have to be ruthless and wish for her swift death. Only when she''s dead can you eliminate an enemy."


    Rongyue''s advice was logical and in Song Zhao''s best interest.


    But honestly, did she need to say all this?


    In the past, this was exactly Song Zhao''s own thinking -


    Watching those women struggle against each other, undermining each other one by one,


    She only needed to keep her sleeves clean as an observer, and reap the rewards.


    But after so long in the pce, Song Zhao increasingly felt things in the harem intrigue weren''t so simple.


    After a long silence, she finally said to Rongyue:


    "My enemies aren''t these women of the harem, nor should they be. The root of the harem''s conflicts lie with His Majesty. How far I can go in the future depends entirely on how long I can hold His Majesty''s heart, not on how many cold corpses pile up in the harem."


    Song Zhao insisted on going. Rongyue couldn''t persuade her further.


    She could only let go reluctantly and shake her head helplessly.


    Song Zhao''s residence wasn''t too far from Ning Wanshuang''s.


    When she arrived, she saw Liu Yue and Kang Yubin pacing anxiously outside the door.


    Seeing her, they quickly paid respects,


    "Greetings Consort."


    Song Zhao asked, "Where is Consort Ning?"


    Liu Yue''s face was full of grief, "Mistress locked herself in and said she was tired and resting. She hasn''t made a peep inside. No matter how we call, Mistress doesn''t respond. We''re at a loss..."


    Song Zhao looked at the bolted door. She vaguely felt something was off and urged, "Xiao Fuzi, break down the door!"

 Chapter 288: Ning Nu Wan Frost

    <h4>Chapter 288</h4>


    ''Bang!''


    As the door was mmed open, Song Zhao hurriedly strode in.


    She looked at the mess all over the main room, but did not see Ning Wanshuang.


    Suddenly, there was a muffled thud, seeminglying from the inner chamber.


    With Xiao Fuzi''s support, Song Zhao rushed towards the inner chamber.


    Lifting the curtain, the scene before them was shocking.


    The bed sheets were cut into long strips, wrapped three times around the roof beam.


    Ning Wanshuang had kicked over the chair below her and was now hanging mid-air, having hanged herself on it.


    Her beautiful face was twisted and flushed red from asphyxiation, but her limbs did not even struggle instinctively, showing how heavily determined she was to end her life.


    "Lady! What nonsense is this!"


    Liu Yue and Kang Yubin hurriedly ran over to lift Ning Wanshuang''s legs to relieve the pressure on her jade neck hanging on the cloth strip.


    Xiao Fuzi, reacting quickly, picked up the scissors on the table, righted the chair to stand on it, and cut the cloth strip in half at the waist.


    Together, they pulled Ning Wanshuang back from the gates of hell.


    She slumped on the ground, coughing uncontrobly a few times.


    When she had calmed down a little, she red at them again, her voice hoarse,


    "Who let you in? Get out!"


    Seeing the blood red marks left on her slender, fair neck, Liu Yue cried sorrowfully,


    "Lady, you must not think such thoughts, you...."


    Before she could finish, Ning Wanshuang pushed her violently to the ground,


    "Get out! I told you to get out!"


    Song Zhao knew Ning Wanshuang cared about face more than anyone.


    She never wanted anyone except Xiao Jingheng to see her fragile and unpresentable side.


    So Song Zhao said firmly to Liu Yue and the others,


    "You leave first. Do not let half a word about tonight''s events get out, or you will face severe punishment."


    "Yes..."


    Liu Yue and Kang Yubin bowed and retreated, but Xiao Fuzi was still worried about leaving Song Zhao alone with Ning Wanshuang. She whispered by Song Zhao''s side,


    "Lady, this servant should stay to protect you."


    Song Zhao shook her head gently, "You go out and stand guard at the door too. If anything happens I will call you."


    After the servants had left, Ning Wanshuang suddenly lifted her brows, staring at Song Zhao with hollow eyes,ughing coldly,


    "What? You just can''t wait to see me make a joke out of myself?"


    She was drunk, and had just undergone immense grief and sorrow. Clearly she was having trouble standing steadily.


    Song Zhao went forward to support her, "What has happened to the Lady?"


    "Don''t call me Lady!" Ning Wanshuang pushed her hand away in disgust, "What? After being the emperor''s woman for so long, do I no longer have my own name?"


    Song Zhao knew Ning Wanshuang must have had a big argument with Xiao Jingheng, which was why she did not even want to be associated with the title of imperial concubine now.


    But even so, Song Zhao did not dare to directly address her by name, since that would be greatly disrespectful.


    So she said, "After drinking until drunk, both you and His Majesty must have said some hurtful things in anger. When the alcohol wears off tomorrow, everything will be fine again."


    "Hahahahaha! Be fine again?"


    Ning Wanshuangughed with insane delight, her hair in disorder like a madwoman.


    "How can it be fine again? Can my elders and brotherse back to life? Will my poor child ever get the chance toy eyes on this world?"


    Bloodshot eyes wide with madness, Song Zhao was given a fright by her crazy state.


    Suddenly, herughter stopped abruptly as she lunged towards the table and picked up the scissors Xiao Fuzi had left behind earlier without any hesitation, holding it against her own neck.


    Song Zhao shouted, "What are you doing, Lady!"


    "Don''te over!" Ning Wanshuang held the scissors horizontally towards Song Zhao for a moment, clearly holding back to avoid harming her, then retreated several steps until her back touched the wall, murmuring,


    "I have failed my elders and brothers, failed my own child. My whole life has been spent foolishly bringing disaster to my whole family, and now I will end it as a joke..."


    She slowly closed her eyes, breathed out heavily, shaking her head bitterly with a wry smile.


    Then she raised the scissors high, stabbing down towards her chest.


    Taking advantage of her closed eyes, Song Zhao quickly grabbed the horse whip from the floor and flung it at her.


    The horse whip hit Ning Wanshuang''s scissors-holding hand, causing her to drop them in pain.


    As Ning Wanshuang came to her senses, she tried to bend down to pick them up again,


    But Song Zhao took a quick step forward, kicking the scissors under the bed before she could reach them.


    By now, Ning Wanshuang''s emotions hadpletely crumbled beyond control. Desperate to die, she turned instead to try and dash her head fatally against the nearby bronze cauldron.


    p!


    But before she had taken two steps, Song Zhao grabbed her wrist and pulled her back forcefully,


    Then delivered a tight-fisted p to Ning Wanshuang''s face without hesitation,


    "Have you gone mad!"


    Song Zhao held Ning Wanshuang''s wrist tightly, frowning at her,


    "Concubine suicide is a grave crime. Do you want your orphaned and helpless mother to follow you in death as well, so your Ning family can reunite again in the underworld?"


    Saying so, she shoved Ning Wanshuang violently to the ground, yelling loudly,


    "You have no father left already. Are you going to make your beloved Jin Yue lose her mother as well? You know very well yourself how many concubines you have offended over the years in the harem! If you die, it would be a miracle if your child is not skinned and eaten alive there without you!"


    "Chenghui....Jin Yue..."


    At the mention of her child, Ning Wanshuang finally could not hold back anymore.


    The tears welling in her eyes burst forth uncontrobly. Every breath was like scalding magma flooding her body, churning her heart and lungs.


    She clutched tightly at her torn garments over her chest, sobbing ceaselessly,


    "Why...why do this to me! Why..."


    Song Zhao bent down and handed her a handkerchief.


    "What use is there in asking why about things that have already happened."


    But to Song Zhao''s surprise, Ning Wanshuang suddenly hugged her tightly instead, crying even more sorrowfully.


    Song Zhao was at a momentary loss over this.


    The current Ning Wanshuang resembled a child who had lost a beloved toy, all distraught and crying loudly in panic.


    She held Ning Wanshuang in her arms, gently patting her back as if tofort a child,


    "Once a person is dead, everything is gone. No matter how difficult things are, you still have to endure and live to see hope."


    Her words offort received no response.


    She could only feel Ning Wanshuang trembling uncontrobly against her.


    So even an arrogant and pampered person would be so vulnerable once they lose the capital and support they relied on.


    After some time, when Ning Wanshuang seemed to have cried all her tears ande back to her senses, she let go of Song Zhao somewhat awkwardly. Turning her face away, she wiped her tear tracks as she asked coldly,


    "Why save me? Without me, your future would be much smoother."


    Song Zhao said gently, "Because Sister Wan once saved my Chenghui too. Chenghui is your son. As sister said, if he had died that day, sister''s path would also have been smoother.


    But sister saved him then regardless of self. So today, it isn''t me saving sister, but sister saving herself."


    Hearing this, Ning Wanshuang looked surprised for a moment.


    "You...called me what?"


    "Sister Wan."


    Song Zhao held her icy cold hand tightly.


    "However time may pass, you remain as elegant and graceful as before. Wanshuang is such a beautiful name."

 Chapter 289: Think It Through

    <h4>Chapter 289</h4>


    No one knew what had happened that night in Ning Wanshuang''s room,


    nor did anyone know exactly what Song Zhao had said to persuade her not to take her own life, which she was determined to do.


    However, at least for now, her life was spared.


    The next day,


    drunkards tend to rise early when the effects of alcohol wear off.


    When Xiao Jingheng woke in the morning, he felt parched and the smell of liquor filled his nostrils. His head also ached terribly.


    He sat up halfway, pressing his palm to his forehead to clear it,


    but when he closed his eyes, he could not help but recall Ning Wanshuang''s tearful, bitter usations the night before.


    In fact, he had not slept soundly the entire night either.


    He had many dreams, all about his past with Ning Wanshuang.


    As the emperor, Xiao Jingheng knew genuine affection was hard toe by in the pce.


    Through his long rtionship with Ning Wanshuang, he had also gradually realized her feelings for him were more sincere and ardent than those of all the other women in the harem.


    Thus, the talisman that had subdued evil spirits when they first met had slowly made its way into his heart and taken up residence there.


    In fact, Xiao Jingheng had always been carefully maintaining their rtionship.


    Even when the Ning family, this threat by his side, had to be eliminated, he had racked his brains to find ways to prevent Ning Wanshuang from distancing herself from him because of it.


    But even as the emperor, unexpected things happened in this world that he could notpletely control.


    Recalling these things, Jiang Deshun, hearing movement from the room, quickly brought in a bowl of hangover soup and bowed before entering.


    "Your Majesty, you drank heavilyst night, and you''re going to Hangzhou today. This hangover soup was sent by the Empress Dowager. Please drink it while it''s hot."


    "The Empress Dowager?" Xiao Jingheng paused slightly. "Didst night''s incident disturb the Empress Dowager?"


    Jiang Deshun exined awkwardly: "Your Majesty fought so fiercely with the Noble Consort, and Lake Heart Ind is so small. It was impossible to keep this from getting out..."


    Xiao Jingheng''s handsome brows furrowed slightly as he took the hangover soup and slowly sipped some, then asked,


    "Did you investigate what this king asked you tost night?"


    Jiang Deshun replied, "Your Majesty asked this ve to investigate everywhere the Noble Consort went and everyone she met yesterday. I have some clues now. The Empress summoned the consorts to see her off yesterday. After dismissing the others, the Empress was left alone with the Noble Consort and they talked for quite a while."


    "The Empress..."


    Xiao Jingheng''s eyes darkened coldly and he fiercely smashed the hangover soup onto the table.


    Worried that the hot soup would scald Xiao Jingheng, Jiang Deshun quickly wiped it up with a cloth and said in a low voice,


    "Your Majesty, this ve has something else to report..st night the Noble Consort tried tomit suicide, but was saved by Imperial Consort Song."


    "What?" Xiao Jingheng leaned forward, ready to get up. His expression was visibly anxious.


    "How is the Noble Consort?"


    Jiang Deshun quickly said, "Your Majesty, don''t worry. Fortunately Imperial Consort Song was there and persuaded her, so now she''s fine."


    Hearing this, the weight on Xiao Jingheng''s heart lightened slightly.


    Then he wondered, wasn''t Song Zhao clearly harmed many times by Ning Wanshuang in the past? Logically, she should resent Ning Wanshuang.


    With yesterday''s incident exposed, the other consorts were waiting to see Ning Wanshuang''s embarrassment. Why did Song Zhao still go to persuade her?


    Xiao Jingheng pondered silently, then instructed Jiang Deshun,


    "The attendants by the Noble Consort''s side are bing increasingly useless. But she''s used to them, so it''s not easy to dismiss them. Select some experienced ones to serve her, don''t let the Noble Consort get desperate thoughts again."


    "This ve understands."


    "Also, summon Imperial Consort Song."


    Jiang Deshun bowed and took his leave. But as soon as he stepped out the door, he ran into Song Zhao in the corridor.


    She was also holding a food box. From the smell, it clearly contained hangover soup.


    Hearing Jiang Deshun, Song Zhao greeted him,


    "This ve pays respects to Imperial Consort Song."


    Jiang Deshun bowed respectfully to Song Zhao. "His Majesty just summoned you and here you are, truly your heart is connected with His Majesty''s."


    As he spoke, he signaled to the eunuch, then lifted the lid of the hangover soup and smiled at Song Zhao,


    "Imperial Consort must not take offense. I have to follow proper protocol."


    Song Zhao just smiled without speaking, watching as the eunuch inserted a silver needle into the hangover soup. Seeing nothing amiss, the eunuch took a spoonful himself to prove it was harmless.


    Only after this process wasplete did Jiang Deshun bow and gesture for Song Zhao to enter,


    "Please, My Lady."


    As he weed Song Zhao inside to meet the emperor, Jiang Deshun heard Song Zhao casually ask,


    "Does His Majesty know about what happened with the Noble Consortst night?"


    Jiang Deshun replied, "He knows. His Majesty is very concerned about the Noble Consort. This ve was just about to head over to assign more people to carefully serve and attend to the Noble Consort. After all, it was upsetting that things got to that pointst night. If Imperial Consort had not been there, who knows how things could have developed."


    Inside the room, pce maids were dressing Xiao Jingheng.


    Seeing Song Zhao arrive, Xiao Jingheng waved for everyone to withdraw first.


    Song Zhao bowed in blessing to Xiao Jingheng before cing the hangover soup to the side. Then very naturally she began helping Xiao Jingheng dress instead,


    "Your Majesty drank heavilyst night, why not sleep in a while longer today?"


    Xiao Jingheng sighed, "With so much on my mind, how can I sleep soundly?"


    He grasped Song Zhao''s hand that was buttoning his robe and gently said, "I''ve heard about what happened yesterday. It''s rare you''re willing tofort the Noble Consort regardless of past grievances."


    Song Zhao tightly sped his hand. "This concubine manages the six pces. My duty is not just to help Your Majesty oversee the harem, but to also consider your reputation. If the Noble Consort had truly met with some ident on the southern tour, with the Ning family''s recent downfall, and the Noble Consort dead, it would inevitably invite public gossip.


    Also, Your Majesty and the Noble Consort share deep affection. Surely the conflictst night was just drunken ramblings. How can drunken ramblings be taken seriously? If a real ident urred because of this, wouldn''t it make Your Majesty even more heartbroken?"


    Xiao Jingheng gripped her hand tighter, nodding in gratification. Then he asked,


    "Did the Noble Consort tell you why she quarreled with Us in such a way?"


    Song Zhao gave a helplessugh and shook her head. "Does Your Majesty still not understand the Noble Consort''s personality? How could she be willing to say much to this concubine..."


    Xiao Jingheng was silent for a moment, then slowly nodded.


    "You handled this very well."


    As he spoke, he naturally embraced Song Zhao,


    "If the Noble Consort had half your thoughtfulness and was willing to consider more from Our perspective, We would not have ended up in such a stalemate with her yesterday."


    Song Zhao let him hold her, but did not respond to his words. Instead, looking at the spilled hangover soup on the table, sheughed,


    "Lord Jiang brought the hangover soup but Your Majesty spilled it. I got up at the fourth watch today to monitor the fire and prepare this bowl. If Your Majesty spills it again carelessly, don''t expect me to make more."


    "Ha ha ha ha!"


    Xiao Jinghengughed out loud. "What you make for Us, We will certainly treasure your heartfelt effort."

 Chapter 290: Hidden Thoughts

    <h4>Chapter 290</h4>


    Today was the day the Empress was scheduled to return to the pce. Early in the morning, there was already a flurry of activity in her quarters.


    Shuang Ruo had kept tabs on the movements in the Consort Yi''s quarters all night. She came now to report back to the Empress, "Your Majesty, the Consort Yi is fine..."


    "Oh?" The Empress knitted her brows and asked back, "Isn''t she the one who cares most about her rtionship with His Majesty? Now that their false affection has been exposed, given her temperament, how could she still cling on wretchedly?"


    Shuang Ruo said, "It''s Consort Yi. She went to advise the Consort."


    The Empress was silent for a moment, gave a hollowugh, and said, "You can keep someone''s body, but not their heart. Let it be. Let her live for now. I''ve suffered so much from her in the past, it''s time now for her to pay me back."


    As she spoke, she nced out the window and asked, "Are all the supplies prepared for the Eldest Princess''s journey?"


    Shuang Ruo nodded, "Everything is ready."


    The Empress asked again, "Has the wet nurse been informed?"


    "Her instructions have also been passed down..." Shuang Ruo fell silent for a while, then reluctantly said, "It''s just that the Eldest Princess has delicate skin at this young age. If the wet nurse is too heavy-handed..."


    "She won''t be," the Empress sternly cut her words short. "A daughter always belongs to her mother. To suffer some pain and get Jinghe back by my side, she would be willing too."


    Shuang Ruo slowly nodded her head, "Your Majesty speaks true. But...the Eldest Princess was raised by the Empress Dowager, and she has always been reluctant to let mother and daughter meet."


    "The Consort already knows it was Your Majesty who told her those things, which made her throw a tantrum. At this moment, when you ask His Majesty to bring the Eldest Princess back to the pce, would he agree?"


    "He has to agree, willing or not," the Empress said leisurely.


    "Today I''m returning to the pce, with hundreds of Suzhou officials seeing me off. His Majesty cares most about face. With his ministers watching, even if he has to pretend, he has to pretend affection and warmth with me. My request made in front of his officials, he cannot refuse."


    After hearing the Empress''s scheme, Shuang Ruo smiled, but still had some worries.


    "His Majesty hates being shackled the most. If you do this, I''m afraid you''llpletely sever your ties..."


    "If it severs, then so be it," the Empress fiddled with the smooth, round beeswax balls on the table. Indifferently, she said,


    "After so many years of marriage, all that''s left is an empty show of propriety. Truly boring. In the end, my maternal family is still useful to him, so he won''t depose me. From now on, we''ll politely co-exist. Haven''t we been doing that all these years, closing one eye and opening the other?"


    Though the Empress sounded nonchnt, Shuang Ruo still caught a sh of hurt in her eyes.


    Later that day, when the Empress arrived at the city gates, the entourage was already lined up to see her off with utmost respect.


    "We humbly ask for the Empress''s safety on her journey," Xiao Jingheng stood at the forefront of the ministers, smiling as he said,


    "The Empress has been feeling unwell. On this return journey, do not overexert yourself and rest well, lest We worry."


    The Empress blessed Xiao Jingheng and gently said, "We thank His Majesty for his care. Unable to apany you for the full southern tour, We only hope His Majesty will have a joyous time with the consorts."


    The royal couple held hands, gazing affectionately at each other.


    The ministers who saw this had no doubt as they praised,


    "His Majesty and Her Majesty have wonderful harmony, a match made in heaven."


    "His Majesty and Her Majesty have deep affections, setting an example for husbands and wives everywhere!"


    As the ttering words droned on repetitively, a message from Consort Ning Wanshuang''s side finally put an end to it.


    "Repoting to Your Majesty, Consort Ning wishes to return to the pce as well, feeling mentally exhausted. She has sent this servant to ask for Your Majesty''s decree."


    Emperor Xiao''s expression was unchanged, as though nothing had happened between him and Ning Wanshuang.


    "The Consort''s family met with such disaster, naturally she''d grieve. And she has always been a sentimental person. How could I let her return alone in low spirits? Tell Consort Ning toe along the southern tour to rx her heart and mind."


    Kang Yubin could only obey, "Yes...Your servant obeys."


    Now was an auspicious time. The court etiquette official had finished setting off the firecrackers. It was time for the Empress and Imperial Concubine Hui to set off.


    But just then, little Jinghe who had been quietly nestled in her wet nurse''s arms suddenly wailed loudly when she saw the Empress''s foot step into the carriage.


    The Empress hurriedly turned back and went to the wet nurse, gently caressing Jinghe''s hair.


    "Why is Jinghe crying? Don''t cry, don''t cry. When the southern tour is over, you can see Mother in the pce."


    But the coaxing did nothing to quiet the child''s cries.


    Tears swirled in the Empress''s eyes. She quickly took Jinghe from the wet nurse''s arms into her own.


    Strangely, after the Empress carried her for a bit, the child immediately ceased her tantrum and obediently stayed in her embrace.


    Shuang Ruo said from the side, "The Eldest Princess is reluctant to part from Your Majesty."


    The Empress looked at Jinghe with utmost doting, and nted a deep kiss on her forehead. Then she carried the child and knelt before Xiao Jingheng.


    "Your Majesty, the southern tour means much traveling and toil, and will take over two months. Might it be better if We bring the Princess back to the pce first?"


    The consorts sensed something amiss as soon as she said this.


    The outer court officials might not know of harem affairs, but how could they not?


    Little Jinghe was usually raised by Grand Empress Dowager. She rarely got intimate with the Empress.


    The mother and daughter met only a few times a year. Naturally the child felt closer to her wet nurse and grandmother.


    How could she cling to the Empress like this now?


    Clearly, something was going on beneath the surface.


    The Grand Empress Dowager looked back, ring fiercely at Chun Niang who had just held Jinghe.


    Chun Niang was frightened pale. She immediately lowered her head to avoid the Grand Empress Dowager''s gaze.


    But with so many officials watching, there was no w in the Empress''s words for His Majesty to pick on.


    Trapped under public scrutiny, Xiao Jingheng had no choice but to smile and nod.


    "Jinghe shares deep mother-daughter bonds with the Empress. Naturally she should follow her."


    The Grand Empress Dowager also said, "A child about to turn one yearns most for her mother. Let the Empress bring the Princess back to nurture her then."


    "But..." Her gaze drifted to the shifty-eyed Chun Niang as she gently said,


    "Chun Niang worked hard caring for the Princess these days. You look rather worn out too. Have two other wet nurses attend to the Princess on this trip."


    She then told Qingzhu, "Take Chun Niang away to ''rest''."


    Qingzhu obeyed and left with Chun Niang.


    To others, it seemed the Grand Empress Dowager''s kindness even extended to a lowly servant.


    But Song Zhao saw the deeper truth - Chun Niang had erred.


    Brought away by Qingzhu now, she would probably wind up resting eternally instead.


    With the matter settled, the Empress took the Princess onto her carriage.


    Imperial Concubine Hui bid farewell to Xiao Jingheng together with Wei Ying and Mrs. Shao.


    Xiao Jingheng said, "Minister Wei opened his coffers generously this time. We thank you on behalf of the poor people in the capital."


    He looked meaningfully at the Imperial Concubine and said,


    "The Empress is ill. When you return to the pce, serve her well. Understand?"


    The Imperial Concubine giggled and said, "Hehe~ Your servant knows~ Will take good care of Her Majesty, so His Majesty need not worry~"

 Chapter 291: Happy Again

    <h4>Chapter 291</h4>


    As the procession moved on, Consort Yin bid farewell together with the other concubines as they saw the Emperor off. However, Consort Yin chuckled as she leaned in to whisper to Song Zhao, ¡°My, isn¡¯t this a rare delight? That Consort Hui can barely take care of herself, yet His Majesty entrusts her with caring for the Empress? This is like pouring cold water into a cksmith¡¯s forge, utterly counterproductive.¡±


    Song Zhao gave a faint smile and murmured back, ¡°The ministers are all present today. It¡¯s a concubine¡¯s duty to serve the Empress. His Majesty was merely making an offhand remark. How could he truly expect her to assist the Empress in any matter?¡±


    Consort Yin replied, ¡°You¡¯re right. Still, among the four vacant concubine positions, this Consort Hui¡¯s father has been busy building dams and opening congee shops in the capital. I reckon he¡¯s gone to considerable effort and expense for the sake of his daughter. Sister, what do you think? When His Majesty returns, he ought to grant Consort Hui a Consort title, no?¡±


    Song Zhao smiled amusedly. ¡°Consort Hui and Consort Yao have both waited in the ranks of concubines for some time. And in terms of bedroom favors, Consort Yao has enjoyed more of them. Consort Hui is still young and needs more experience.¡±


    ¡°Consort Yao?¡± Consort Yin scoffed in disdain, shooting a nce at Consort Yao. She whispered, ¡°What good is a shapely figure alone? Look at those dark blotches on her face that no amount of powder can conceal. She simply cannotpare to Consort Hui¡¯s youthful glow.¡±


    Song Zhao did not engage with Consort Yin¡¯s disparaging remarks. She merelyughed it off and moved on.


    As the procession gradually faded into the distance and the ministers dispersed, Xiao Jingheng ordered his attendants to return and prepare their luggage. The imperial cortege would depart for Lin¡¯an in the afternoon.


    When the concubines finished paying their respects and took their leave, Song Zhao seemed to rise too quickly. Clutching her temple, she staggered and nearly fell.


    Fortunately, Consort Yin and Consort Yao were standing close by and caught her in time.


    ¡°Oh my, Consort Song, what¡¯s the matter?¡±


    Xiao Jingheng also asked with concern, ¡°Are you worn out from these past few days?¡±


    Though still weak, Song Zhao nodded and replied, ¡°This concubine is fine. Thank you for Your Majesty¡¯s concern.¡±


    Despite her ims, she was visibly pale.


    Xiao Jingheng thought that Song Zhao must be exhausted after staying up all night over Concubine Ning¡¯s matter, and then waking before dawn to brew his sobering tea. It would be too taxing for her to travel today.


    So he took her hand and said, ¡°You¡¯re clearly unwell and shouldn¡¯t be traveling far. Rest today, and we¡¯ll go to Lin¡¯an another time.¡±


    Then he instructed the attending Imperial Physician Guo, ¡°Go take a look at Consort Song.¡±


    Jiang Deshun brought over a stool for Song Zhao to sit on. Guo took out a handkerchief and checked her pulse carefully.


    At first calm, his expression suddenly brightened with pleasant surprise.


    ¡°This...this is wonderful news!¡±


    He quickly put away the handkerchief and made repeated bows to Xiao Jingheng.


    ¡°Congrattions, Your Majesty! Consort Song is already more than two months pregnant!¡±


    Xiao Jingheng¡¯s previously furrowed brows of concern instantly rxed as his face lit up with joy.


    ¡°Is it true?¡±


    Likewise astounded, Song Zhao ced a hand on her belly and asked incredulously, ¡°But why haven''t I felt anything?¡±


    Imperial Physician Guo smiled and said, ¡°It cannot be wrong! This isn''t Consort Song''s first pregnancy, so having less symptoms is normal. It shows Consort Song has a strong constitution!¡±


    This news was like a bombshell. Everyone crowded around Song Zhao, peppering her with questions and well-wishes. The Empress Dowager was particrly delighted.


    ¡°The temple in Suzhou is indeed efficacious! It was worth this old woman''s visit to pray for the Emperor''s prosperous lineage. Wonderful, simply wonderful!¡±


    By now, Xiao Jingheng had already enveloped Song Zhao in his arms. Their faces shone with the same euphoric smiles.


    ¡°This really is the best news imaginable.¡± Still overwhelmed with joy, Xiao Jingheng did not forget to ask Guo pointedly, ¡°How is Consort Song¡¯s pregnancy? Can she withstand the exertions of traveling by boat and carriage during this Southern Inspection Tour?¡±


    Imperial Physician Guo reassured, ¡°Your Majesty, please be at ease. The imperial fetus is strong and stable. Moreover, the pregnancy will benefit Consort Song to rx and take in the splendid scenery of the South alongside Your Majesty. It will ease her body and mind, and aid the birthter on.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s good to hear.¡± Xiao Jingheng gazed tenderly at Song Zhao, unwilling to admonish her. ¡°You¡¯ve exhausted yourself so blindly while pregnant. It worries me.¡± Turning to Lin¡¯an, he added, ¡°There is no rush. Rest for two days until you recover your strength, then we¡¯ll be on our way.¡±


    Supporting Song Zhao, the two walked off, chatting andughing together.


    Initially all smiles, Consort Yin and Consort Yao¡¯s expressions involuntarily soured after watching Xiao Jingheng leave with Song Zhao.


    As the two lived in close quarters, Consort Yao couldn¡¯t help but sigh repeatedly as they returned.


    Consort Yin asked her, ¡°Dear sister, what is the matter that makes you sigh so?¡±


    Consort Yao said, ¡°Consort Song is truly fortunate. She''s barely given birth to the noble son, and now has another child on the way. Whereas I...¡±


    She looked down at her t belly, her tone increasingly despondent. ¡°It¡¯s been five years since I entered the pce, yet there¡¯s still no sign of pregnancy.¡±


    ¡°Ah, listening to you has also awakened my own sorrow, sister. What woman doesn¡¯t yearn night and day to conceive, to enjoy the blessing of having children and grandchildren?¡±


    Although equally upset, Consort Yin quickly recovered her smile. Lowering her voice, she said to Consort Yao,


    ¡°But think carefully, sister. Consort Song¡¯s pregnancy is good news for us.¡±


    ¡°Good news?¡± Consort Yao was puzzled. ¡°I¡¯m afraid I don¡¯t follow, sister.¡±


    Consort Yin exined with a grin, ¡°Consider this - the Empress and Consort Hui have returned to the pce. Consort Guo has lost the Emperor¡¯s favor. Consort Tong is nursing Consort Fang¡¯s miscarriage and shouldn¡¯t be intimate. And now Consort Song is pregnant and won''t be joining the bedroom. So who does that leave to warm the Emperor''s bed during this Southern Tour, if not just us two sisters?¡±


    Lowering her gaze to Consort Yao''s belly, her smile broadened. ¡°If heaven is merciful, you and I may soon have good news to share as well~¡±


    Originally disconste, Consort Yao also smiled at Consort Yin''s analysis.


    ¡°As expected, sister sees further than me. I was too muddled to grasp this logic.¡±


    Consort Yin waved dismissively. ¡°In any case, we have two days of rest. Why don''t youe over? I just acquired excellentmb and was thinking of hot pot.¡±


    Consort Yao had no food taboos, but remembered Consort Yin''s distaste formb. Curious, she asked,


    ¡°Doesn''t Consort Yin dislike the gamey smell ofmb?¡±


    Consort Yin said, ¡°I can''t tolerate that odor. But you see, the Suzhou livestock department thought that as someone from the Ada tribe, I must enjoymb. So they eagerly delivered a great deal. At first I refused to eat it, but Anna said thismb has no gamey smell. She cooked some one day and it was quite ptable.¡±


    Then she whispered conspiratorially into Consort Yao''s ear,


    ¡°In fact, I heard that women who regrly eatmb and beef are more likely to bear sons.¡±


    Nothing interested Consort Yao more than conception. Hearing this, she perked right up. ¡°There''s such a saying?¡±


    Consort Yin smiled. ¡°Just look at the Ada and Mongolian tribes. Isn''t itmon for them to have far more boys than girls? Surely this can''t be unrted to their women''s habit of eatingmb and beef.¡±


    To Consort Yao these words were invaluable.


    She kept nodding, even bowing to Consort Yin in gratitude. ¡°Thank you so much for the advice, sister. I shall dly ept the invitation.¡±

 Chapter 292: Yingfei Dented

    <h4>Chapter 292</h4>


    In the following days, the spotlight was almost entirely on Song Zhao among the concubines.


    Because she was pregnant, Xiao Jingheng apanied her every day, and the Empress Dowager even obtained a rare and precious bone-shedding Buddha bead from a temple. She invited a master to chant sutras and bless it, instructing Song Zhao to wear it daily to ensure the safety of both mother and child.


    On Song Zhao''s birthday, which fell on the fourth day of May, the whole city of Suzhou was filled with joy and celebration, thanks to her influence.


    During the banquet, although Xiao Jingheng and the Empress Dowager didn''t explicitly mention it, their words and gestures hinted at promoting Song Zhao to a higher position after she safely delivered this child.


    After all, the only consort who kept herself locked in her chamber day after day, refusing to see anyone, had continuously given Xiao Jingheng the cold shoulder for five days straight.


    Men always prefer obedient women, especially when Xiao Jingheng is an emperor.


    Initially, he had intended to reconcile with Ning Wanshuang, but repeated setbacks made him lose face as an emperor. Consequently, he stopped visiting her chamber altogether.


    This time, with Song Zhao''s pregnancy, Rongyue found it much easier to move around since she was outside the pce. Therefore, she took exceptional care of Song Zhao.


    Anything rted to the well-being of Song Zhao and the royal heir in her womb received her utmost attention. Even the food she sent to Song Zhao had been triple-checked by the kitchen staff, the courtiers, and the people in Song Zhao''s chamber. Yet, Rongyue still went through it once more, striving for perfection.


    Before the meal, Song Zhao noticed Rongyue''s meticulousness and jokingly said, "Now that I''m pregnant, I''ve be a burden. I should have my sister feed me every bite of this feast."


    Rongyue replied, "These morsels that enter your mouth are crucial for the health of you and your child. How can I be careless? I''m just afraid that another venomous snake like Consort Huiping might emerge and plot against you in secret."


    Speaking of this, she finished inspecting all the dishes and smiled in reassurance.


    "Alright, it''s ready to be served. Yesterday, I noticed how much you enjoyed the shrimp, so I personally selected fresh ones for you to try today."


    The task of arranging the meal was originally assigned to Yunsan, but with Rongyue present, she couldn''t interfere. Yunsan could only jest and tease, saying, "Lord Tonges every day and has made us servants weary."


    Rongyue smiled and whispered to Song Zhao, "I''ve heard some news that I want to share with you. Let''s take it as a diversion during the meal."


    Curiously, Song Zhao asked, "What is it?"


    Rongyue put down her chopsticks and leaned closer to Song Zhao, lowering her voice. "Consort Yao''s facial e has worsened these past few days, and it has developed into pustules that are now oozing."


    Song Zhao''s expression showed a slight change. "When Ist saw her, it seemed like her condition had improved significantly."


    Rongyue scoffed and shook her head. "She eats hotpot with Consort Yin every day, which is asking for trouble. Hotpot itself induces internal heat, and I heard they even dippedmb meat into it.


    Lamb meat is hot in nature, and now it''s the peak of summer when internal heat is at its highest. Consuming excessive amounts of such heat-inducing food will undoubtedly cause e to keep erupting.


    I secretly went to see her, and she tried to cover the e with makeup, but by keeping the pimples covered and oozing, she will most likely be left with scars."


    Song Zhao quickly understood the intentions of others and said, "Consort Yin wants to monopolize favor?"


    Rongyue calmly replied, "It''s not surprising that she has such calctions. With the Empress and Consort Hui returning to the pce, and the Imperial Concubine at odds with the Emperor, I, as a small concubine, cannot share the bed with him while you are pregnant. At this time, if Consort Yao''s reputation worsens, Consort Yin will be the sole focus of attention."


    As she spoke, Rongyue gently caressed Song Zhao''s abdomen and added, "After all, others also want to bask in the glory of your pregnancy."


    "Fool," Song Zhao said. After savoring a shrimp, she disdainfully retorted, "With Consort Yin causing such amotion, how could we not see what''s really going on? The Emperor will never indulge her as she wishes. Her methods of seeking favor are low and foolish. How could the Emperor, who is surrounded by delicate women from the Jiangnan region, think of someone like her, who only knows how to wield a bow and arrow?"


    Song Zhao sneered and continued, "In my opinion, Consort Yin wants topletely exhaust her favoritism before she can feel at ease."


    "Let them do as they please," Rongyue said, tightening her grip on Song Zhao''s hand. "The more they stir up trouble, the better. We can consider it paving the way for you."


    The next day, the imperial entourage set off for Lin''an. After two days of traveling by water, they arrived at the city of Lin''an.


    Chen Kuangxiang, the regional inspector, and Tong Chishan, the navalmander, along with local officials, greeted the Emperor''s arrival.


    The wee banquet was held at the Lin''an Xianyu, a special pce that had been built by thete Emperor, who had a fondness for the Jiangnan region.


    Upon hearing of the Emperor''s visit, this pce had been prepared two months in advance for Xiao Jingheng and the imperial concubines to rest.


    The banquet was lively, with exquisite dishes and various performances such as Kunqu opera, Pingtan storytelling, and Yueju opera.


    In recent years, Lin''an had made great progress in water management, and Tong Chishan''s book, "The Essence of Water Management," had gained national recognition.


    Seeing this achievement, Xiao Jingheng felt delighted and unknowingly drank a few more cups.


    During the banquet, Ning Wanshuang excused herself, iming to feel unwell. The other concubines were engrossed in listening to music and watching the performances, and they noticed that Xiao Jingheng seemed a bit intoxicated.


    As the Empress Dowager was not present, and Ning Wanshuang had already left, among the women present, Song Zhao held the most esteemed position as the one who assisted in managing the six pces.


    ording to etiquette, she should advise Xiao Jingheng not to drink excessively. However, matters of men''s drinking at the table were mostly about saving face. If Song Zhao were to advise him now, the courtiers might think that Xiao Jingheng couldn''t hold his liquor, which would be embarrassing.


    Therefore, she remained silent and instructed Yun Shan to bring a cup of sobering soup in a purple y pot to Xiao Jingheng.


    When Xiao Jingheng tasted the tea and sensed something was amiss, he understood Song Zhao''s intentions. It allowed him to save face as the emperor while fulfilling the duty of the concubines'' admonishment. It was a win-win situation.


    At that moment, Rongyue, who was sitting behind Consort Yin, whispered something to her.


    "Consort Yin, it seems that the Emperor has had a bit too much to drink. It is the responsibility of the imperial concubines to offer advice, but Consort Yi is sitting there motionless, perhaps neglecting her duties."


    Upon hearing this, Consort Yin thought to herself,


    During Song Zhao''s pregnancy, she had been careless and neglected her duties. Among the other consorts, she held the highest position and needed to demonstrate it well.


    So she got up and respectfully greeted Xiao Jingheng, saying,


    "The Emperor is a bit intoxicated, and after traveling by water for two days, he must be tired. How about I attend to the Emperor and let him rest for today, and we can continue tomorrow..."


    "No need," Xiao Jingheng interrupted Consort Yin''s words with a cold voice. "Today, seeing all of you ministers so delighted, it is only right that I enjoy myself. If Consort Yin is tired, you may return and rest first."


    "This..." Consort Yin was left hanging, feeling extremely embarrassed.


    Fortunately, at that moment, the Governor of Lin''an spoke up,


    "Since the Emperor hase to Lin''an, how can he not appreciate the beauty of West Lake? The boats are already prepared, and a night tour of West Lake will surely bring a unique experience."

 Chapter 293: Qu Yi Yan Ran

    <h4>Chapter 293</h4>


    Xiao Jingheng, who was elegant and cultured, smiled when he heard the Governor''s suggestion:


    "Chen Aiqing''s proposal is very good."


    He instinctively looked at Song Zhao, originally wanting Song Zhao to apany him to appreciate the night view of West Lake, but Song Zhao said: "Your Majesty, your concubine is pregnant and has traveled for two days. I''m really tired, afraid that if I go together, it will ruin Your Majesty''s interest."


    So Xiao Jingheng said, "Then the Noble Consort should rest well. Also, Tong Chong has been in the pce for a year and hasn''t seen her family. Today she came to Lin''an, I specially permit her to stay overnight at her mother''s house tofort her longing for her parents."


    Tong Chishan and Rongyue thanked him in unison. They also heard Xiao Jingheng say awkwardly:


    "As for the concubines to apany me boating on theke..."


    Consort Yin had just heard a little when she immediately straightened her back and smiled, as if she was bound to get the favor.


    While Concubine Yao half covered her face with her jade fan, she didn''t fantasize about any favor in her heart, she just hoped to end the banquet early and go back to rest, so she wouldn''t embarrass herself in front of everyone.


    However, Xiao Jingheng''s decision was beyond both of their expectations,


    "Let Concubine Yao attend me."


    When Concubine Yao heard this, she was both delighted and terrified. At this moment, everyone''s eyes were focused on her.


    She covered her face even more with her jade fan, afraid to decline which would draw more attention, so she quickly agreed,


    "Your servant abides by the order."


    While Consort Yin stood still in ce, watching Xiao Jingheng lead Concubine Yao onto the boat, seeing her dazed expression, she must have lost her soul.


    *


    On the boat, lights twinkled on both banks, like stars sprinkled into the mortal world, reflecting the shimmering ripples on the water surface, it was beautiful.


    The night grew darker, the summer heat dissipated, and the light breeze on the deck felt cool like jade lightly caressing, quite pleasant.


    Concubine Yao sat with Xiao Jingheng in the cabin. She poured wine for Xiao Jingheng while still covering her face with her jade fan.


    Xiao Jingheng disliked her pretentiousness, so he said,


    "The scars on your face haven''t fully healed yet, don''t apply powder to cover them these days, or they will get worse."


    Concubine Yao nodded awkwardly, "Your servant thanks Your Majesty for your concern..."


    "Put down the fan," Xiao Jingheng nced at her, "I''ve seen what you look like, no need to cover up like this."


    "This... your servant, your servant..." Concubine Yao stammered, "Your servant is timid, afraid that..."


    "Forget it."


    The light breeze on theke rustled, making Xiao Jingheng feel more drunk.


    Impatiently he raised his hand to stop Concubine Yao''s words, then got up and said, "You can continue being timid."


    After saying that, he turned and walked briskly to the bow.


    Concubine Yao finally had a chance to be alone with Xiao Jingheng. She remembered Consort Yin''s words the other day and didn''t want to miss this hard-won opportunity.


    So she had to put down her fan and follow him with her head down to wait on Xiao Jingheng''s side.


    She gently held Xiao Jingheng''s arm and said softly,


    "Your Majesty, it''ste, why don''t you let your servant tuck you in to rest early?"


    Just as she finished speaking, before she got a response, Concubine Yao first heard a clear, melodious female voice singing:


    "This momentary encounter, we rest among the grass and flowers, then tie up the cloud hairpin, and lean against the red pine and green departments."


    Concubine Yao looked in the direction of the voice and saw that without knowing when, several t-bottomed boats had followed alongside the ship.


    Those boats stood many young girls dressed in light red and green clothes. From a distance, they were all young and graceful.


    Among them, the one standing on the second boat to the right was especially outstanding.


    She had an extraordinarily graceful figure and charming curves, not inferior to Concubine Yao at all.


    What''s more, her skin was fairer than snow. Her willow leaf eyebrows and apricot eyes were full of charm.


    Even looking at the entire rear pce, a woman of such beauty could only be barely matched by Song Zhao.


    The melodious singing also came from her mouth:


    "Seeing you, I want to snuggle close, slowly get intimate, wishing our flesh could stick together, arousing passion like rain of rouge and fresh flowers, wonderful!"


    As the girl sang, she also kept looking towards the ship, secretly sending flirtatious nces to Xiao Jingheng.


    Her seductive voice and coquettish manner greatly annoyed Concubine Yao.


    "How can a girl sing such licentious lyrics, isn''t she ashamed!"


    Xiao Jingheng nced at her, quite helpless, "These are lyrics from The Peony Pavilion, how can you say they are like that?"


    "This..." Concubine Yao was extremely embarrassed, nervously fiddling with her silk handkerchief, "Your servant didn''t know, made a joke of myself..."


    Xiao Jingheng sighed briefly, obviously disliking Concubine Yao even more.


    Later he didn''t even look at Concubine Yao at all, but kept his eyes on the girl in green clothes boating on theke, exchanging flirtatious nces.


    Hearing the girl sing again:


    "I want to leave but still reluctant, looking at each other, we met with no words."


    The bright lights on the ship reflected on the water''s surface, like ayer of romantic, rippling brocade, flowing gently towards the t-bottomed boats.


    When she finished singing, Xiao Jingheng apuded vigorously, calling it amazing.


    Seeing Xiao Jingheng''s expression and actions, Jiang Deshun who was attending nearby knew,


    These girls today were all chosen by local officials from distinguished families. Their background was also checked by the eunuchs beforehand, all were decent.


    So he tentatively asked, "Does Your Majesty want to spend the night on the boat?"


    Xiao Jingheng smiled and agreed. Jiang Deshun immediately called to the girl on theke,


    "Miss, His Majesty invites you onto the ship."


    The girl came onto the ship gracefully, supported by servants.


    She walked leisurely to Xiao Jingheng and bowed to him:


    "Your citizen pays respect to Your Majesty, long live my Emperor, long live, ten thousand years."


    She bowed without daring to look him in the eye.


    When she lowered her head, a lingxiao flower ornament in her hair floated and fell at Xiao Jingheng''s feet.


    Xiao Jingheng bent down to pick up the lingxiao flower and toyed with it in his hand.


    "What''s your name?"


    The girl lightly pursed her lips and shyly said,


    "Replying to Your Majesty, your citizen''s name is... Qu Yanran."

 Chapter 294: Assassination of an Emperor

    <h4>Chapter 294</h4>


    In the midst of their conversation, Qu Yanran slowly raised her gaze and shyly looked at Xiao Jingheng.


    Her furrowed brows revealed a yful and seductive look,


    Not to mention Xiao Jingheng, even as a woman, Consort Yao couldn''t help but be amazed by her beauty,


    After a moment, she cursed inwardly at the enchanting fox-like woman.


    However, Xiao Jingheng had a high regard for Qu Yanran,


    "You sing this song quite well, one can tell that you have put effort into it."


    Qu Yanran blushed and said, "I, amon girl, don''t really understand much. It''s just a gentle song, and by divine luck, it had the honor of reaching the emperor''s ears."


    The wind on theke gradually picked up, and the air became more humid, as if it was about to rain again.


    Xiao Jingheng nced at the dark clouds looming in the sky and casually said to Qu Yanran,


    "It looks like it''s going to rain, so don''t go through the trouble. Stay here tonight."


    Qu Yanran''s joy overflowed, and she quickly knelt down and kowtowed,


    "I thank the Emperor for his grace!"


    She was delighted, but Consort Yao, who was watching, felt extremely unhappy.


    She had already secured the Emperor''s favor for tonight, but it was snatched away by this seductive woman who appeared out of nowhere. Where was her dignity?


    She watched as Xiao Jingheng embraced Qu Yanran''s slender waist and left withughter and conversation, feeling even more bitter.


    Jiang Deshun noticed her displeasure and smiled as he advised,


    "Consort Yao, don''t be upset. Such a woman cannot enter the grand hall of elegance. The Emperor''s favor tonight is unlikely to result in an heir. You are a fortunate person, so why botherparing yourself to her for just a day of springtime?"


    Consort Yao sighed, "Even a day of springtime is a boon to her. Lord Jiang, you should be more discerning in your actions. Her name carries a bewitching aura, and she doesn''t seem like a virtuous person. If such a person is sent to serve the Emperor, won''t the Empress Dowager me us?"


    Jiang Deshun replied, "Your advice is wise, Consort Yao, but as officials, we must prioritize the Emperor''s desires, right? Here''s what we''ll do: when the Emperor is done showing favor to her tonight, I will have someone discreetly take her away so she doesn''t disturb you."


    Consort Yao responded indifferently, "It''s your responsibility, Lord Jiang. Deal with it yourself."


    With that, she turned and left in a hurry, but she had already started scheming in her mind.


    Jiang Deshun had just said that Qu Yanran would be taken away after serving the Emperor,


    And now, Xiao Jingheng, who was slightly intoxicated, was the perfect opportunity. If Qu Yanran were taken away, perhaps Consort Yao could take advantage of it?


    After all, her own future was ultimately in her own hands.


    So, Consort Yao made up her mind and headed towards the cabin where Xiao Jingheng resided.


    As she walked along the corridor, she saw numerous guards stationed there, making it nearly impossible for even a fly to get in.


    At this moment, Xiao Yinzi was guarding outside the cabin. When she saw Consort Yao, she respectfully greeted her,


    "Consort Yao, greetings. The Emperor is currently bathing and changing with Miss Qu inside, so he''s not here."


    "I know," Consort Yao said nonchntly, "I''ll wait here to bid the Emperor goodnight when he returns. By the way, when I came, I saw your master looking for you as if he had something to tell you."


    "This..." Xiao Yinzi hesitated for a moment and stammered, "I''m currently on duty, so it wouldn''t be appropriate for me to leave."


    "Your master instructed you to carry out your duties, and now you''ve learned how to bezy?" Consort Yao said impatiently, "There are guards stationed on both sides of the corridor. It''s unlikely that any thieves would be able to break in."


    Xiao Yinzi knew that Consort Yao was feeling neglected tonight and didn''t want to provoke her further, so he said,


    "In that case, let me go find my master. Consort Yao can wait outside the cabin, but please don''t enter..."


    "I don''t need you to exin these rules to me."


    "Yes, yes, I''ve said too much... I''ll take my leave!"


    After dismissing Xiao Yinzi, Consort Yao took advantage of theck of people around and secretly slipped into the cabin.


    The luxurious ship''s interior was no different from the pce, except for the shimmering waves outside the window, which revealed that it was floating on ake.


    Not far from the dragon bed was a wardrobe, empty inside. Consort Yao stealthily crept into it, like a thief.


    She hoped that after Qu Yanran finished serving Xiao Jingheng and was carried away, she could take advantage of Xiao Jingheng''s drunkenness and unnoticedly make her way to the dragon bed, fulfilling her own desires.


    Before long, Consort Yao heard movement outside the door. She quickly peeked out through the crack in the wardrobe.


    She saw Xiao Jingheng entering with Qu Yanran in his arms,ughing and joking. Qu Yanran, with her seductive charm, nestled in Xiao Jingheng''s embrace and shamelessly whispered words that had no sense of propriety, making the intoxicated Xiao Jingheng happy.


    The two of them intertwined until they reached the dragon bed. Qu Yanran even provocatively covered a piece of bright red silk in front of Xiao Jingheng''s eyes, disying her sensuality.


    Consort Yao''s heart burned with jealousy. She initially wanted to turn her head away and not trouble herself, but in that moment, as she averted her gaze, she caught a glimpse of something shiny from Qu Yanran''s wrist.


    She looked closer and was shocked to see Qu Yanran pulling out a dagger from her sleeve!


    Consort Yao was astonished and didn''t care about her own dignity. She hastily pushed open the wardrobe and shouted at the infatuated Xiao Jingheng,


    "Your Majesty, be careful!"


    But at this moment, the warning came toote.


    Just as Xiao Jingheng tore off the silk cloth and opened his eyes in astonishment,


    Qu Yanran had already raised the dagger high and ruthlessly stabbed it towards Xiao Jingheng''s chest.


    "You treacherous emperor! Pay with your life!"

 Chapter 295: The Help of Someone

    <h4>Chapter 295</h4>


    The dagger went straight into Xiao Jingheng''s chest,


    but the de seemed to be blocked by something and did not pierce in,


    only deviating due to inertia and cutting open the skin on Xiao Jingheng''s chest.


    Blood instantly dyed Xiao Jingheng''s night robe red in front of his chest,


    he was half sober from the wine, and took the opportunity of Qu Yanran''s momentary hesitation to kick her flying off the bed ten feet away.


    Yao Consort was also screaming loudly,


    "Come on! There''s an assassin! Protect His Majesty quickly!"


    The guards guarding outside rushed in one after another, and they all turned pale when they saw Xiao Jingheng injured.


    At this moment, Qu Yanran could no longer pose any threat to Xiao Jingheng,


    she ran quickly to the window, while Yao Consort, who was originally standing by, suddenly remembered to ''save the driver'' at this moment.


    She recklessly pounced on Qu Yanran and fought with her,


    but was stabbed by Qu Yanran with a very deep cut on her palm.


    By the time the guards chased to the window, Qu Yanran had already jumped out the window into theke and disappeared without a trace.


    The cabin was in chaos in an instant, Xiao Jingheng scolded angrily:


    "Go after her! Leave her alive!"


    The imperial physician who was attending hurried in and urgently treated Xiao Jingheng''s wound,


    Fortunately, his chest was only a superficialceration, and there was no major problem, but Yao Consort''s hand injury was serious, the wound was extremely deep and injured the tendons, and it took a lot of medical treatment.


    But Yao Consort didn''t care about her own situation at all, instead she asked Xiao Jingheng with red eyes,


    "Your Majesty, are you alright?"


    Xiao Jingheng frowned and red at her, "Why were you hiding in the closet?"


    Yao Consort stammered, "Your servant concubine...your servant concubine thought that Miss Qu looked suspicious, and she was also an outsider, your servant concubine was worried that she would do something improper to Your Majesty, so your servant concubine didn''t care about the rules of imperial consorts and concubines. Please punish your servant concubine..."


    What she said was half true and half false, anyone who heard it would know it was a lie,


    but after all, she did merit in saving the emperor, so Xiao Jingheng did not investigate the matter further,


    "Forget it, let the imperial doctor first treat your hand properly."


    Today, all the guards who were responsible for patrolling on the ship were beaten with nks on the deck,


    The provincial governor and the officials from Lin''an on the ship also kneeled all over the floor, shivering as they kowtowed to Xiao Jingheng and pleaded guilty.


    Today''s incident was extremely dangerous, and Xiao Jingheng was also furious,


    "These women were all selected by you, how could an assassin sneak in?"


    Then he looked at Jiang Deshun,


    "You eunuch, how did you serve? You didn''t even check the details of the people sent to the imperial court? How did she bring in that dagger?"


    Xiao Jingheng became more and more emotional, and the wound on his chest that had just been bandaged was bleeding again, staining the gauze red,


    "Everyone must be thoroughly investigated for today''s incident! Who selected Miss Qu and who was responsible for bathing and dressing her, take all those involved and throw them into prison for torture, you must get the truth from their mouths!"


    Seeing the ministers still kneeling in front of him, he scolded even more angrily,


    "Still kneeling here? Get lost from my sight!"


    After sending away a group of people, the ship began to stop at full speed towards the shore.


    Xiao Jingheng lowered his eyes and looked at the dragon-patterned agate pendant that Song Zhao had given him during the Spring Festival, which he had just taken off.


    There was a gap in the middle of the jade pendant, which had just blocked the fatal blow for him.


    Thinking about it now, he was still frightened afterwards.


    It made him inevitably think of the "fortune teller" Tan Yuezhi he had met in Suzhou,


    Tan Yuezhi had spoken recklessly and predicted that he would encounter a catastrophe of bloodshed on this southern tour, but fortunately there would be a noble person to help him, which could turn danger into safety.


    At that time, Xiao Jingheng thought it was a trick by an impostor Taoist priest, but now it seemed to havee true one by one.


    He clutched the jade pendant in his hand and stroked it silently, thinking:


    Could the noble person Tan Yuezhi said could help him turn danger into safety be Song Zhao?


    *


    In the second watch of the night,


    Song Zhao, who was pregnant, had already rested in the Xianyou Concubine''s Pce.


    But because she was in the early stages of pregnancy, and it was the hot summer, she slept very lightly.


    ''Bang bang bang''


    A few chaotic knocks on the doorpletely interrupted her peaceful sleep.


    "Yun Shan, who is knocking on the door sote?"


    Soon, she heard Rongyue''s voice,


    "Zhao''er!"


    Just getting up, Yun Shan had already brought Rongyue into the inner bedroom.


    Rongyue looked very flustered, and she was also sweaty, as if she had rushed over.


    "Sister Rongyue? His Majesty permitted you to stay at your mother''s house tonight, why did youe running in the middle of the night?"


    "Zhao''er, something big happened!"


    Rongyue sat on the edge of Song Zhao''s couch, clenching her hand uneasily and said:


    "His Majesty was assassinated!"


    "What?"


    Hearing this, Song Zhao was also shocked. Later, Rongyue told Song Zhao in detail about the thrilling scene on the ship, and said:


    "His Majesty returned in great anger and dealt with many people. My father was also urgently summoned to meet His Majesty because of this. I heard that His Majesty was in great danger this time, but Yao Consort happened to be hiding in the closet on the ship for some reason, and she just happened toe across this scene, which turned out to be a blessing in disguise and saved His Majesty."


    She breathed a long sigh of relief, and clenched Song Zhao''s hand tighter,


    "But the biggest contributor was not her, but you."


    "Me?" Song Zhao wrinkled her eyebrows in puzzlement.


    She didn''t board the ship tonight, precisely because she knew the officials in Lin''an would definitely arrange local girls of marriageable age to serve Xiao Jingheng,


    She didn''t want to dampen Xiao Jingheng''s mood, so she took the opportunity to do Yao Consort a favor.


    Now Yao Consort has merit in saving the emperor, why is this matter still linked to her?


    Seeing her confused, Rongyue exined in detail,


    "Do you still remember the dragon-patterned agate pendant you gave His Majesty during the Spring Festival? His Majesty values his rtionship with you and wears it every day. Today when that witch assassinated him and shed at His Majesty''s heart with a dagger, it was your jade pendant that blocked the fatal blow, so His Majesty was only slightly injured..."


    Lowering her voice even more, "I remember you told me that in Suzhou, a fortune teller said that His Majesty would encounter a catastrophe of bloodshed on this southern tour, but because of the help of a noble person, he could turn danger into safety. Looking at it now, isn''t that ''noble person'' referring to you? So for you, this is also a good thing."


    A good thing?


    Rongyue thought it was good, but Song Zhao, hearing it, felt it was mysterious.


    Song Zhao was not like others, who would simply feel grateful when gaining benefits.


    Having crawled out of such a human hell since childhood, she naturally understood that her fate was in her own hands, not heaven''s.


    Song Zhao firmly believed that such fortuitous things would not fall from the sky for no reason.


    Now Xiao Jingheng was assassinated, but all the benefits behind pointed to her, which made her even more vignt.


    She frowned and slowly raised her eyebrows to look at Rongyue, asking solemnly,


    "Sister, do you believe in fortune telling?"

 Chapter 296: The Wives of the Concubines

    <h4>Chapter 296</h4>


    Rongyue wholeheartedly cared for Song Zhao, but she was not as calm and didn''t think of these winding things so quickly.


    Now hearing Song Zhao''s question, she also fell silent very quickly.


    Song Zhao''s eyes grew darker as she said coldly, "It seems the struggles in the pce have extended outside, and the consequences will be much greater."


    Rongyue said, "I also thought too simplistically. How could being an ''imperial consort'' be so easy? His Majesty is suspicious, and if this matter is not investigated clearly, sooner orter His Majesty will suspect those around him."


    "At that time, if all the benefits fell to you alone, His Majesty might first believe you are the noble person who can help him transform bad luck into good fortune, but slowly, he will also suspect you of wanting to harm him..."


    Following her words, Song Zhao continued, "If the matter of harming the emperor seeds, then Prince Chengyu would naturally be the undisputed choice to inherit the throne. If this matter fails, I be the ''noble person'', and my position in the harem will rise straight up. No matter how this is calcted, I am the beneficiary, so it''s no wonder His Majesty would suspect me."


    "This...we were extremely careful, yet we still fell into others'' traps. But who could have done this?" Rongyue asked worriedly and puzzled, "How could that woman His Majesty favored just happen to be an assassin? The matrons check them before attending to His Majesty, so how did the dagger get in? The ship was heavily guarded, how could the assassin escape so easily?"


    After a moment, she suddenly said, "Could it be Concubine Hui? She is His Majesty''s chess piece in the harem. No matter how capable she is, her hands can''t reach outside the pce!"


    Song Zhao casually said, "Who did this, we don''t need to worry about. There are many people investigating this matter for His Majesty. What I''m thinking now is how to remove the title of ''noble person'' from my head first. I can''t enjoy honor today and be convicted tomorrow. That would be a total loss."


    After thinking for a while, Rongyue gently said, "Actually it''s not difficult. Didn''t Consort Yao also make merit by saving His Majesty?"


    Song Zhao nodded slightly in agreement and said, "For me this benefit is a disaster, but falling onto others it may be good fortune. Sister Wan probably doesn''t know about this yet?"


    Rongyue said, "She has given up on His Majesty, even if she knew she would be toozy to care."


    Song Zhao was silent for a moment, then waved at Xiao Fuzi waiting at the door, "Xiao Fuzi,e here. I have something to tell you."


    *


    The next day, the news of Xiao Jingheng''s assassination spread among the consorts.


    Everyone went to see Xiao Jingheng, even Ning Wanshuang, who had always been at odds with him, also went.


    However, she was indifferent to Xiao Jingheng, simply asked perfunctorily about his well-being, then hurriedly took her leave.


    But the fact that she went to see Xiao Jingheng, and he had dismissed the other consorts to keep only her, in the eyes of the other consorts, she was likely to be favored again.


    Thus, early next morning, the consorts all poured into Ning Wanshuang''s pce to greet her.


    Today Song Zhao used her pregnancy as an excuse for noting.


    Ning Wanshuang nced at her empty seat and said in a sarcastic tone,


    "Oh my, Imperial Consort Yi really is fortunate. That mottled imperial jade pendant she gave to His Majesty, didn''t it save His Majesty''s life? His Majesty treasures it, wearing it every day. Now it''s good, that rotten jade saved His Majesty''s life, Imperial Consort Yi has made another great contribution."


    However, Rongyue said, "The Noble Consort is mistaken. Imperial Consort Yi happened to be lucky. If we speak of merit in saving His Majesty, it should be Consort Yao."


    "Consort Yao? Hmph!" Ning Wanshuang let out a cold sneer, and unintentionally nced at Consort Yao, saying,


    "I don''t know about that. What were you doing hiding in His Majesty''s wardrobe in the middle of the night? Was it because you hadn''t enjoyed imperial favor for too long, thinking that even just seeing His Majesty pleasuring other women could satisfy your cravings?"


    Consort Yao blushed in embarrassment and timidly said, "This servant has no such intentions..."


    Ning Wanshuang said, "Only you know the despicable thoughts you harbor. And what saving His Majesty did you do? The assassin was already running away when you pounced over messing things up. Not only were you shed for no reason, you also dyed the guards from catching him.


    If I say so, it still doesn''tpare to Imperial Consort Yi. You don''t know, that day in Suzhou when I apanied His Majesty out with Imperial Consort Yi, we met a famous local diviner."


    "Diviner?" Consort Yin chimed in, "Could it be Danyue?"


    "Oh? Consort Yin also knows? That''s right, it was him. That day he divined that His Majesty would encounter bloodshed and danger during this southern tour, but that he would meet a noble person to help transform bad luck into good fortune. Thinking about it now, that noble person must be referring to Imperial Consort Yi!"


    After idly chatting for a while, seeming tired, Ning Wanshuangzily yawned and casually said,


    "In summary, whether it is Imperial Consort Yi or Consort Yao, whoever takes on the title of ''noble person'' will soon be close to meteoric sess. Alright, I''m tired after talking with you all for a while, you may all disperse now."


    Ning Wanshuang''s casual words, upon entering Consort Yao''s ears, immediately changed her expression.


    In order to perform meritoriously in front of Xiao Jingheng, Consort Yao''s tendons in her right hand were severed by Qu Yanran, and the imperial physician said that even if she fully recovered, this right hand could never freely move again in the future.


    For this matter Xiao Jingheng also rewarded her a lot.


    But what use were those material things to her?


    In the pce if a womancks imperial favor, she has no prospects for life.


    That day after Consort Yao returned to her own pce, her maid Fu''er saw her dejected andined on her behalf,


    "This servant also feels injustice for mydy. It''s clearly you who risked your life to protect His Majesty, yet now instead Imperial Consort Yi is taking advantage? She gave birth to a noble son, and now conceived again. If she bes His Majesty''s ''noble person'', in the future how will mydy not have to look at her expression? She came out of mydy''s pce. Now she is so arrogant while mydy..."


    As sheined, seeing Consort Yao''s expression turn, Fu''er hurriedly covered her own mouth,


    "This servant has misspoken, please forgive me mydy..."


    "Enough, why would I me you? What you said is the truth. If others spoke about this, their words would likely be even harder to hear."


    Looking at the pockmarks on her face in the bronze mirror, Consort Yao also felt extremely upset.


    She had served Xiao Jingheng in the pce for five years, yet only made it to Consort.


    Song Zhao came out of her pce, but now was about to be Imperial Consort. How could she not feel indignant?


    "Who will get the title of ''noble person'' is still uncertain! That diviner said His Majesty would get help from a noble person, so the noble person could be Imperial Consort Yi, or it could be me!"


    Consort Yao took a deep breath, then looked towards Fu''er and asked, "I remember the Imperial Observatory also went on this southern tour?"


    Fu''er nodded in agreement. Consort Yao then took out a stack of silver notes from her dressing table drawer and gave them to her,


    "Take these silver notes to the Director."


    Fu''er flipped through the thick stack of silver notes in surprise, "Mydy, this is all the savings you''ve umted over the years. Giving it all to the Director, this is..."


    "Compared to my future prospects, this is nothing. Give the silver notes to him, and pass my message."


    Her words trailed off as Consort Yao beckoned Fu''er closer before whispering in her ear.

 Chapter 297: Send You on Your Way

    <h4>Chapter 297</h4>


    Xiao Jingheng was stabbed on the boat, and after investigating for five full days, there were still no clues.


    The pce maid who was responsible for dressing Qu Yanran that night was thrown into prison and tortured, but she insisted firmly that when Qu Yanran left her, her body was clean and she absolutely could not have hidden a dagger.


    In the end she was tortured to death alive, but never changed her statement.


    As for the one who had selected Qu Yanran, it was the county magistrate of Tonglu County in Lin''an,


    but on the night of the incident, there was a water leak in the county magistrate''s home,


    and his family of thirteen were all burned to death, so there was no way to investigate further.


    To get to the bottom of this matter, Xiao Jingheng''s prestige and power did not diminish at all.


    He dismissed the Chief Inspector of Lin''an to be investigated, and ordered the Admiral of the navy to take over the case and spare no effort to arrest and bring Qu Yanran to justice.


    More than ten days after this matter, Xiao Jingheng''s shock finally settled downpletely.


    On this day, Consort Yao went to his room early in the morning to serve tea and stationery.


    She had stopped eating mutton, and the dark sores on her face had indeed shown signs of improvement and did not look so horrifying.


    And because she had protected him, Xiao Jingheng''s attitude towards her had also turned much friendlier.


    But after all, she still could notpare to a beauty like Song Zhao to apany his side and delight his mood.


    As Xiao Jingheng was thinking of Song Zhao, Jiang Deshun came to report,


    "Your Majesty, the Noble Consort has made some pastries and sent them over, and is now waiting in the warm pavilion."


    Xiao Jingheng immediately put aside his brush and paper, andughed, "Just in time, I''m also somewhat hungry. Quickly invite the Noble Consort in."


    When Song Zhao came, Xiao Jingheng exempted her from greeting ceremoniously, and directly sent Consort Yao down from the hall to make room for Song Zhao.


    Consort Yao was dissatisfied in her heart, but on the surface she was extremely respectful. She also greeted Song Zhao,


    "This concubine pays her respects to the Noble Consort."


    Song Zhao smiled, "Sister, why are you being so formal with me? These past two days have been hot, so I made some mung bean cakes to cool down. Sister, please try some too."


    Consort Yao politely declined Song Zhao''s kindness, and could only stand stiffly at the bottom of the hall, watching Xiao Jingheng be intimate with Song Zhao.


    After Xiao Jingheng tasted two mung bean cakes and praised Song Zhao for her improved skills, he also mentioned the fortune-telling in Suzhou that day,


    "Does my darling still remember that ''chatan'' in Suzhou?"


    "Is Your Majesty referring to Tan Yue Zhi?"


    "That''s right. That day he said that I would encounter a disaster of bloodshed on my southern tour, but with the help of a noble person, I could turn cmity into blessing."


    Speaking of this, Xiao Jingheng took out the dragon-patterned jade pendant that he wore close to his body, "If not for the jade you gave me that day, the assassin''s de would have stabbed directly into my heart chamber. Thinking back now, it really frightens me."


    Song Zhao did not im credit for herself, only saying: "How could it be thanks to me? Your Majesty is the Son of Heaven, blessed by the gods and Buddhas everywhere, how could those petty viins possibly harm Your Majesty''s dragon body?"


    While they were talking, Xiao Yinzi came in to report,


    "Your Majesty, the Chief of the Imperial Observatory requests an audience."


    This Imperial Observatory made predictions based on the heavens, which was somewhat simr to Tan Yue Zhi''s innate eight trigrams.


    Xiao Jingheng did not originally believe in such things, but after the assassination attempt, he inevitably had some doubts in his mind.


    "Send him in to speak."


    After the Chief came in, he first paid his respects to everyone, then said:


    "Your Majesty, I observed the stars and used turtle shell divinationst night, and calcted that Your Majesty was able to turn this cmity into good fortune thanks to the help of a noble person."


    This statement was remarkably consistent with what Tan Yue Zhi had said at the time, but saying it now seemed somewhat like hindsight.


    Xiao Jingheng said lightly, "Go on."


    The Chief said, "Your Majesty''s five elements are water. On the day of the assassination, it was a great Yang fire day, which is why Your Majesty fell into danger. But there was a noble person of the wood element who blocked the sinister fire and warded off the cmity for Your Majesty."


    Xiao Jingheng said, "The wood element? Which person in the harem has the wood element? Could it be the Noble Consort?"


    The Chief carefully calcted and said:


    "The Noble Consort''s birth horoscope is not wood. As for the concubines of the wood element, apart from the Imperial Consort whose birth details are unknown to the Imperial Observatory, the only ones left are Consort Yun and Consort Ruchang, whose birth horoscopes are wood."


    "Consort Yun and Consort Ruchang?" Xiao Jingheng asked in puzzlement: "They are both in the pce now, how could they be the ''noble person'' who warded off cmity for me?"


    "This..." The Chief was somewhat embarrassed. After stroking his beard for a while, he said: "If there is a wood character in her personal name, then it''s possible. However, I do not know the concubines'' personal names, so I cannot calcte exactly who Your Majesty''s noble person is."


    Upon hearing this, Song Zhao immediately looked eagerly at Consort Yao,


    "Sister''s private name is Chunying, with the ''ying'' character containing wood. Isn''t that considered having a wood character?"


    Consort Yao waspletely at a loss, but the Chief quickly said: "If so, then that''s right. It was indeed Consort Yao who saved Your Majesty that day."


    Xiao Jingheng had thought that the so-called noble person who could help him turn cmity into fortune must be Song Zhao,


    but hearing that it was Consort Yao, he was somewhat disappointed, though he did not show it on his face. On the contrary, he smiled at Consort Yao and said:


    "So the auspicious person turned out to be Consort Yao."


    Consort Yao was still confused and said, "This... At the time, this concubine only thought about not letting the viin harm Your Majesty at all, and did not consider much else..."


    Song Zhao said with a smile, "Consort Yao sister performed great merit in protecting Your Majesty. The situation was so dangerous that day, I heard sister didn''t even think and just rushed forward, she really had Your Majesty in her heart."


    Xiao Jingheng then said, "Consort Yao has been serving me for a long time, and has always been proper. Now that she has performed great merit, she shall be promoted to Noble Consort."


    Consort Yao was overjoyed, staring with wide eyes, stunned in ce, even forgetting to thank him.


    Song Zhao quickly prompted her, "Congrattions to Noble Consort Yao sister."


    Only when prompted did Consort Yaoe back to her senses. She hurriedly kowtowed to Xiao Jingheng to thank him for his grace,


    "This concubine... kowtows to thank Your Majesty''s holy grace!"


    Song Zhao nestled in Xiao Jingheng''s arms and said gently, "Noble Consort Yao sister is truly Your Majesty''s lucky star."


    Xiao Jingheng patted her slender shoulder lightly andughed loudly,


    "You are too."


    At the same time, the news of Xiao Jingheng''s assassination had also spread back to the pce.


    Although the Empress was often at odds with Xiao Jingheng, after all they had many years of marital ties.


    She sent Shuang Ruo out to carefully find out what exactly had happened.


    But Shuang Ruo went out and did note back for a whole day.


    By night, the vast Kunning Pce was oddly quiet. When it was time, not even a pce maid came to serve washing up.


    The Empress vaguely felt it was strange, so she called out to the door:


    "Where is everyone?"


    The door of the front hall creaked open, but the person entering was Consort Hui.


    She came in bathed in moonlight, with a faint smile at the corners of her mouth,


    a smile that was indescribably sinister, making people uneasy.


    After closing the hall door behind her, she stopped right in the center of the hall, then looked up at the Empress with raised eyebrows. Then she let out a few clear, silveryughs,


    which sounded even more eerie in the stillness of the night, scaring people to the bone.


    "Hehe~ This concubine hase to send the Empress on her way~"

 Chapter 298: Hot Flower 01

    <h4>Chapter 298</h4>


    Chapter Title: Consort Hui''s Revtion


    "Going somewhere?"


    The Empress did not understand. Seeing Consort Hui''s bizarre expression, she felt a chill down her spine for no reason. "Where are you taking Me?"


    "Why is the Empress pretending to be confused? What road is left for You to take?"


    Consort Hui stroked the ck gauze on her arm and said lightly: "The only road left for You is the road of no return to the Yellow Springs, isn''t it?"


    "How dare you!"


    The Empress did not know what madness hade over Consort Hui. She actually dared to curse her with such words of doom.


    She yelled towards the door:


    "Come quickly! Lock Consort Hui in solitary confinement this instant! Beat her severely for Me!"


    As soon as she finished speaking,


    her furious shouts echoed around the empty Hall of Earthly Tranquility.


    "Come quickly? Hahahaha~" Consort Hui suddenlyughed. "This concubine could openly walk in. Where could people possiblye from outside?"


    "You must be raving mad!"


    The Empress strode angrily toward the doorway. As she passed Consort Hui, she made sure to push her forcefully.


    Yet in that moment they brushed shoulders, she suddenly felt a tearing pain on her scalp.


    "Ah!! Wei Lin! What are you doing!?"


    Consort Hui violently pulled the Empress''s hair at the back of her head, messing up her coiffure and dislodging her phoenix crown, sending it crashing to the ground.


    The Empress cried out in pain, struggling as she shouted: "Let go! I am the Empress! How dare you attack your superior?"


    But Consort Hui was quite strong. The more the Empress struggled, the more heart-piercing the pain.


    After a brief stalemate,


    Consort Hui suddenly exerted force with her wrist, pulling the Empress in front of her, staring face to face,


    she smiled, "Empress? You need the Emperor''s recognition to be Empress. His Majesty has been quite dissatisfied with You for some time. Yet to get the Crown Princess back by your side, you dared to publicly humiliate His Majesty in Suzhou in front of all the civil and military officials! Tsk tsk..."


    Consort Hui clicked her tongue and shook her head. Her tender, petite left hand gently pped the Empress''s cheek as she mocked:


    "Tell Me, weren''t you asking for death?"


    "What I do has nothing to do with you! Let Me go!"


    But instead of letting her go, Consort Huiplied by roughly pushing the Empress to the ground, aided by momentum.


    The Empress fell hard on her cyx, the pain bringing instant tears to her eyes.


    "Vile woman! Just what are you trying to do!?"


    "I''m a vile woman? Then what exactly is the Empress? A nobledy often forgets what she has done. I fear you''ve forgotten many things after doing them. Let this concubine help remind Your Ladyship."


    Consort Hui pulled over a chair and primly sat down in front of the Empress. Smiling, she said:


    "Back then, Noble Consort Yang relied on You, and you ordered her to offend Consort Yu, angering Consort Yu enough to slip Noble Consort Yang a maddening drug. Afterwards, you had people drown Noble Consort Yang to death, making it seem like she hadmitted suicide herself, in order to wrongly use Consort Yu of murder to silence her. Do you recall this event?"


    Facing the Empress''s shocked gaze, her smile grew even more rxed:


    "It matters not if you don''t remember. Then there''s you colluding with the Imperial Physician, making Consort Shu think her dragon seed could not be preserved in her womb, forcing her to kill her own flesh and blood. You should have fresh memories of this, no? If not, then you faking illness to deceive His Majesty for years, using foul means to secretly harm the favored consorts. Surely you still remember all this? There''s much more. Does this concubine need to enumerate for You one by one?"


    "You know everything?" The Empress was shocked beyond belief. A chill crept down her spine and she even stammered as she spoke: "Just who are you?"


    Consort Hui only smiled, not answering. Instead she continued: "In fact, what truly angered His Majesty wasn''t even those things, but you using the Empress Dowager''s hand to scheme against the Heir Apparent, and in Suzhou you gave all the consorts and concubines plum soupced with Nine Yin Powder, even causing Concubine Tong to miscarry. Harming the imperial heirs one after another, that was why His Majesty could no longer tolerate you."


    "I never did those things!" The Empress denied. "I nevermitted any of that!"


    "Oh? It wasn''t you?" Consort Hui sneered. "So you were confident that His Majesty would not depose the Empress, which was why you tacitly acknowledged those matters, allowing His Majesty to suspect you but not letting him investigate further. You were also trying to conceal the truth for the real mastermind, making use of her tactics to get rid of your biggest threats?"


    She pped suddenly, entirely inappropriate to the situation.


    "Marvelous! As expected of the remarkable woman who upied the central pce for so many years. Your methods are truly ingenious!"


    The Empress'' heart pounded wildly, her chest tight and suffocating, almost choking off her breath.


    She looked at Consort Hui in utter panic, but no matter how she looked, she could not see through this little girl with the childish features. Just who was this celestial being before her?


    How did she know every single one of the Empress''s evil deeds so clearly?


    Even urately guessing her innermost thoughts?


    "Just who are you?"


    "If the Empress asks this, I can only be confused."


    Consort Hui pouted her pink lips, looking rather aggrieved. "I have served beside the Empress day and night for many years. The Empress has rewarded me with so many exotic delicacies, and said I was like a younger sister to You. Yet now, at this critical moment, You still ask who I am?"


    She leaned in, drawing close to the Empress''s ear, lowering her voice:


    "However, there is one thing for which I must thank You. If not for you readily admitting to all those crimes, I would have feared exposing myself through clumsiness, arousing His Majesty''s suspicions!~"


    "So it was you!" The Empress violently shoved Consort Hui aside, pointing a trembling finger at her as she gaped in shock:


    "It was you all along!"

 Chapter 299: Hot Flower 02

    <h4>Chapter 299</h4>


    The hall was extremely quiet,


    so quiet that only the Queen''s heavy panting could be heard.


    She used to be so dignified and serene, a mother to the nation,


    but now in front of Consort Hui, her eyes were fierce, her hair disheveled, looking no different from a madwoman.


    Seeing her like this, even Consort Hui sighed,


    "Is it worth it?"


    The Queen was stunned, "What did you say?"


    Consort Hui smiled calmly, "I''m asking if after all these years of fighting and struggling, ending up with an estranged husband and distant children, did you get what you wanted?"


    She bent down to pick up the scattered pieces of the Queen''s phoenix crown, and put it back on the Queen''s head,


    "Just to keep your position as Queen? You know you only became Queen because His Majesty was wary of the Ning family, so he let you have the leftovers. Haven''t these years been agonizing, living in constant anxiety?"


    Consort Hui''s words struck at the heart of what had been tormenting the Queen all these years.


    It made the Queen recall that when she first entered the pce, she was also a well-read, gentle and quiet youngdy from a prestigious family,


    At that time, she truly believed that by marrying the most noble man in the world, she would be able to teach her children in the future, be a mother to the nation, get along harmoniously with the concubines, and her days would be smooth and agreeable.


    Butter on,


    Xiao Jingheng grew cold towards her, Ning Wanshuang was overbearing, and favorites sprang up like bamboo shoots after the rain.


    On so many lonely and cold nights, as the seasons changed again and again, her heart was chilled.


    Only then did she realize that entering these pce walls was no fulfilling of a beautiful dream, but rather the beginning of a nightmare.


    Over the years, her father''s letters exhorted her in every sentence to manage the inner pce well, teaching her how to be a proper Queen,


    Yet no one cared about her circumstances, no one asked if she was safe and happy,


    All they had were endless instructions,


    Instructing her topete, to seize power, to solidify her position and continue her maternal family''s glory, to bear the heir, so that one day she may be the prestigious Grand Dowager.


    Even the Queen herself had forgotten when was it that she became suspicious of everything, her mind full of schemes and plots, regarding anyone who gained favor as a threat, and immediately seeking a backup n for herself.


    After a long silence, the Queen muttered absently with a stiff expression,


    "I am the Queen, no one can snatch my position! No one!"


    Consort Hui sighed softly and shook her head,


    "It is time for Her Majesty to move on."


    She got up and slowly closed in on the Queen,


    The Queen''s tailbone was injured so she could not get up,


    The phoenix who once soared through the nine heavens, now could only crawl on the ground like an ant, shrinking back in retreat,


    "What are you trying to do? If you dare touch me I will have your whole n buried with me!"


    All the way, Consort Hui forced the Queen to the sandalwood table. She bent down to lift the Queen''s chin, a mocking smile on her face,


    "We¡¯vee to this point, doesn¡¯t Her Majesty see through it yet? It¡¯s not me who wants you dead, but His Majesty cannot tolerate you anymore."


    "His Majesty?" The Queen shook her head in disbelief, "Impossible! His Majesty would never do this! I am the Queen, I am his principal wife!"


    Although extremely afraid, she was still stubborn, concerned about her family''s glory,


    "My father is the Minister of War, my maternal family were the meritorious ministers at the founding of the dynasty! His Majesty cannot depose me! He cannot!"


    "Which is why His Majesty did not depose you, isn''t it?"


    Consort Hui lightly stroked the Queen''s slender jade neck with her pinky finger.


    Her expression suddenly turned somber, emphasizing each word,


    "His Majesty will not dethrone the Queen, but he can be a widower."


    Upon hearing this, the Queen''s pupils contracted violently,


    Then as if realizing something, she asked incredulously,


    "You, you are His Majesty¡¯s woman?"


    Consort Hui was briefly stunned, then smiled again,


    "Perhaps. Anyway that''s what he thinks, so you can think so too. It doesn''t matter anymore."


    Her hand climbed inch by inch to the Queen''s forehead, gently burrowing into the Queen''s hair. Suddenly exerting force, grabbing the scalp tightly,


    "Farewell, Your Majesty~"


    Before the Queen could scream,


    Consort Hui had already seized her hair and mmed her temple forcefully against the hard table edge.


    After the fatal blow, without a sound the Queen copsed, her breath cut off.


    The door of the Kunning Pce hall creaked open,


    A few tall, sturdily-built men in dark clothes with their faces covered stood in the courtyard,


    They were Xiao Jingheng¡¯s secret guards in the pce, who only took orders from Xiao Jingheng.


    Consort Hui nced lightly at them and saw one of them holding Ruo Sha tightly.


    Ruo Sha''s hands were now tied, her mouth blocked, her face full of tear stains.


    Seeing Consort Hui, she became agitated, shouting something unclear.


    Consort Hui took out a white handkerchief from her waist and walked towards Ruo Sha while wiping her hands.


    The guard asked, ¡°Concubine, is it done?¡±


    Consort Hui nodded gently. The guard continued, ¡°Then what should we do with this servant girl?¡±


    Consort Hui did not reply, but headed straight for the pce gate,


    Only when passing by Ruo Sha did she softly say,


    ¡°The Queen tripped and died from the fall. Lady Ruo Sha was deeply attached to the Queen. She has gone to apany her in death.¡±


    As she finished speaking, she flung the handkerchief, letting it gently float down in front of Ruo Sha.


    Just as Consort Hui stepped out of the Kunning Pce, she heard violent crashesing from the courtyard.


    The guards worked swiftly and cleanly, seemingly having already sent Ruo Sha to apany her mistress in death.


    Consort Hui heaved a long sigh of relief, then looked at the coral red ring on her right forefinger, tears brimming in her eyes as she whispered,


    ¡°I will fulfill your wish in the end, and I will see you again in the end.¡±


    As she spoke she raised her forefinger and nted a deep kiss on the red ring.


    [Off-topic: Wishing my cute readers a happy weekend!


    And a personal plug! I recently got into watching figure skating, so I want to give a shoutout! Yuzuru Hanyu is so handsome!]

 Chapter 300: (The Death of Nakamiya)

    <h4>Chapter 300</h4>


    On the seventh day of the sixth month in the fifth year of the Qiyuan era,


    Wang Xihua the Empress passed away in the Kun Ning Pce at the age of twenty-three.


    When the news of the Empress''s passing reached Lin''an, all who heard it were shocked.


    Xiao Jingheng was especially grieved. He immediately ordered an end to the southern tour,manding the imperial carriage to hurriedly return to the capital day and night.


    This hurried journey was tiring for the horses and carriages. Even lying in afortable padded carriage did not feel pleasant.


    Xiao Jingheng was concerned that Song Zhao was pregnant and originally allowed her to take it easy, with guards escorting her back to the pce.


    But Song Zhao''s mind was filled with thoughts of the nation''s mother passing away. She did not dare be negligent at all and insisted on returning to the pce together with Xiao Jingheng.


    Thus, Xiao Jingheng allowed her sincere wish and specially permitted her to ride in the imperial carriage with him, in order to protect her from some of the bumps in the road.


    Xiao Jingheng did not speak much during this journey.


    He would look out the window from time to time, and at other times his eyes would redden. An invisible low pressure gathered in the carriage, making Song Zhao feel extremely heavy and oppressed.


    From when the Empress was in Suzhou and took advantage of the civil and military officials to subtly put pressure on Xiao Jingheng, going against his holy will by forcibly taking Jinghe back to the pce, to when Xiao Jingheng specifically instructed Consort Hui to "take care of" the Empress after returning to the pce, Song Zhao had already understood:


    The Empress was probably reaching the end of her life.


    Song Zhao had witnessed Xiao Jingheng''s methods of eliminating the Ning family and Prince Rui in one blow. Thus, the Empress''s death did not bring her any shock at all. Rather, she felt it wasmonce.


    Because this was something the emperor Xiao Jingheng could do without even batting an eye.


    There is amon saying, apanying the lord is like apanying a tiger. How could he possibly tolerate an Empress who could not give birth to a heir, was full of schemes and jealous of the imperial consorts, harmed the crown prince, and even dared to defy him?


    But Song Zhao waspletely different from the Empress.


    She was utterly obedient and attentive towards Xiao Jingheng.


    This time, with the passing of the Empress, Song Zhao assisted in managing the affairs of the six pces, arranging everything for the women of the rear pce very properly.


    Compared to when she first entered the pce, she was even moreposed, handling matters meticulously without any ws.


    Xiao Jingheng saw all this.


    From Song Zhao''s cluelessness when she first entered the pce to now able to adeptly handle the affairs of the six pces,


    in Xiao Jingheng''s eyes, these were all fruits of his personal nurturing.


    This sense of aplishment was gradually bingparable to Song Zhao''s world-rare beauty in Xiao Jingheng''s heart, bing another one of her irreceable merits.


    Now, Xiao Jingheng still wore his yellow dragon robes while Song Zhao had already changed into in linen clothes, with a white kerchief in her hair, dressed entirely in white hemp.


    Xiao Jingheng had barely closed his eyes this entire journey.


    There were dark circles under his eyes and red veins in the whites of his eyes. Despite still being handsome, he looked haggard.


    Seeing this, Song Zhao''s heart ached. She ced her palm over the back of his hand and choked back tears advising:


    "Your Majesty must not grieve too much. You still have to take care of your health and get some rest. After returning to the pce there will still be many matters requiring Your Majesty''s handling. If you overexert your holy self, whatever shall we do?"


    Xiao Jingheng looked at her with shimmering tears flowing in her eyes. Finally he could not help but let tears stream down as he reached out to wipe away her tear tracks, sighing softly:


    "Although We have had many dissatisfactions with what the Empress has done over the years, in the end she was Our principal wife. Now that she has suddenly passed, Our heart grieves and We find it hard to believe."


    As he spoke he grasped Song Zhao''s hand, intertwining their fingers tightly.


    Perhaps because there were ice containers in the carriage, when Song Zhao held Xiao Jingheng''s hand she felt his fingers were as cold as jade.


    "This concubine will always apany Your Majesty."


    Her words were sincere. Xiao Jingheng gazed at her and also felt slightlyforted.


    "We originally wanted you and the Noble Consort to handle the Empress''s funeral arrangements together. But the Noble Consort has filial duties and you also have a pregnancy, so it is not good for either of you to overexert yourselves. Thus, We were thinking of first letting Consort Yin, Consort Yao, and Consort Yun handle things. You may also properly rest, take care of yourself and the dragon heir."


    What Xiao Jingheng said was not to deprive Song Zhao of her authority to manage the six pces, but rather out of genuine concern for her.


    After all, handling the funeral of the nation''s mother involved adhering to numerous rules. When busily working on a state funeral, it wasmon to not even close one''s eyes for four to five days straight.


    There would be kneeling, bowing, crying one''s heart out until one vomited blood.


    Hurting one''s body and spirit, it was truly unsuitable for pregnant women to appear at such asions.


    Song Zhao had not gotten along with the Empress for a long time already. With her death, Song Zhao was naturally happy to be free of her.


    Now that Xiao Jingheng had allowed her not to handle the funeral arrangements, so she didn''t have to shed fake tears before the Empress''s memorial tablet, Song Zhao''s heart was ted.


    But in front of Xiao Jingheng she still put on a grieved appearance, choking back tears pleading:


    "This concubine shall follow whatever Your Majesty arranges. It is only that on the day the Empress Dowager''s spirit carriage leaves the pce to be entombed, this concubine must attend and see her off on her final journey, to fulfill my duty as an imperial consort and see the Empress Dowager off with no regrets left in my heart..."


    Xiao Jingheng relented seeing her sincerity.


    The imperial carriage entered the capital on the ninth day of the sixth month, returning to the pce after three Double Hours.


    Upon returning to the pce, everyone began busying themselves. Xiao Jingheng especially did not rest for a moment,


    pleading for the Empress''s spirit tablet with utmost grief within the pce.


    Because the Empress had passed in summer, it was improper for her remains to be kept for long.


    Thus on the eleventh of the sixth month, on an auspicious time chosen by Xiao Jingheng, he escorted the women of the rear pce and wives of officials, personally guarding the Funerary Chamber carrying the remains of Empress Wang to inter her in the imperial mausoleum.


    To demonstrate his grief, he then suspended court sessions for five days and wore mourning clothes for thirty six days. Common people stopped weddings, musical performances and celebrations. From dawn to dusk, all knelt and bowed towards the imperial mausoleum to mourn the nation''s mother, with the entire nation grieving together.


    With the Empress dying at this time, it also meant that for the next three years, no new imperial consorts could be promoted in the rear pce, nor could new women be selected to enter the pce.


    Song Zhao''s child in her belly had not been born yet.


    So whether it was the position of Noble Consort that Xiao Jingheng had promised Song Zhao, or Ning Wanshuang''s position as Imperial Noble Consort, they would all have to be put on hold first.


    But there was someone who benefited from this situation, and that was Consort Yao whom Xiao Jingheng saw as an "auspicious person for imperial consorts".


    Back in Lin''an, Xiao Jingheng had already decreed her elevation to the rank of Consort, although there was no official enfeoffment ceremony performed yet, but with the edict already issued she was already a rightful Consort Yao.


    During the mourning period for the Empress, except for showing her face on the first day, Ning Wanshuang had been staying in Yonghe Pce apanying her two children the entire time. Not wanting to walk around more in the summer heat.


    Even on the one day she made an appearance, in front of the Empress''s spirit tablet, she had been utterly indifferent from beginning to end, not shedding a single tear.


    At that time with so many civil officials and their wives watching, her performance inevitably drew criticism from others.


    Perhaps it was also due to this matter that Xiao Jingheng did not pay her a single visit after returning to the pce.


    Everyone in the pce gossiped that Ning Wanshuang had thoroughly lost Xiao Jingheng''s favor this time.


    Whereas Consort Yin, Consort Yun, and Consort Yao''s behavior during the mourning period for the Empress was utterly proper and dignified. They handled everything appropriately without any ws others could pick on.


    After all, with the passing of the Central Pce''s mistress, the rear pce was left without a leader. The Noble Consort had lost favor.


    So the next sessor would surely be chosen from among Consort Yin, Consort Yun, Consort Yao, and Consort Yi these four consorts.


    Being only one step away from the most esteemed position a woman under heaven could have, who would not have ambitious thoughts?


    Other than how Song Zhao had no other family besides her mother, the families of the remaining three consorts also began hustling about, stirring things up in the rear pces of the previous dynasty, setting off a new round of contention:


    The struggle for the position of the next Central Pce Mistress!


    [I have OCD and must make it an even 300 chapters, so there will be one update today andpensation with four updates tomorrow!]

 Chapter 301: God Sticks into the Palace

    <h4>Chapter 301</h4>


    Xiao Jingheng''s sadness deepened after the Empress''s death, and he had not visited any concubines in the past two months.


    Song Zhao was one who escaped this ¡°disaster¡± unscathed.


    Her pregnancy progressed day by day, and Cheng Yu was also clever, already able to say some simple phrases.


    Xiao Jingheng was very fond of the precious Cheng Yu, and he increasingly cherished Song Zhao.


    He came to Changle Pce almost every other day to chat with Song Zhao and y with Cheng Yu,


    as if only by doing so could he temporarily forget the pain of losing his wife.


    Sometimes to save trouble, Xiao Jingheng also brought memorials to Changle Pce to review.


    This day was the same as usual. Xiao Jingheng sat at the desk reviewing memorials while Song Zhao held Cheng Yu and apanied him.


    But looking at it, Xiao Jingheng''s expression was very solemn when reviewing the memorials today.


    "Is this Saqigebu thinking I''m muddled?"


    He suddenlyshed out, heavily throwing an unreviewed memorial on the table.


    This frightened Cheng Yu and the child cried incessantly.


    Song Zhaoforted him for a while, and felt that Xiao Jingheng was in a bad mood, and it would be annoying for the child to stay here making a fuss. Moreover, if he was frightened again by Xiao Jingheng''s irritable behavior, it would be even worse.


    So Song Zhao called the wet nurse to take Cheng Yu away to coax him,


    then went to Xiao Jingheng''s side and gently massaged his shoulders and neck,


    "Ada Khagan has always beenw-abiding and rarely submits memorials to the Emperor. Why did he provoke such anger from Your Majesty today?"


    Xiao Jingheng said unpleasantly: "He requested to cede the thirteen Khorchin guards under him to the court."


    Song Zhao said, "That is good news. Hasn''t Your Majesty always disliked Ada for harboring his own troops?"


    Xiao Jingheng shook his head coldly, "But he chose this time to do such things, clearly wanting to curry favor with the Qi dynasty. What can be the reason? When the Empress was alive, Saqigebu held the little military power in his hands tighter than anyone else. Now that the Empress has passed away, he is extremely fawning. How do we know if he doesn''t want to establish a reputation for loyalty in the previous dynasty through this, in preparation for Yingfei to make further moves in the future?"


    As he spoke, he pointed to a pile of memorials on the left, "And these, Consort Yun''s father is far away in Jizhou, but he can also pull strings with the Minister of Revenue to speak up for Consort Yun. Even the usually honest and content Consort Yao, her family has also begun to ingratiate themselves in the previous dynasty. The Empress has been dead for just two months, and they are already so impatient, eagerly colluding with the previous dynasty and the harem!"


    Xiao Jingheng angrily threw all the memorials onto the floor.


    Song Zhao signaled Yun Shan, who came forward to pick up the memorials and hand them to Song Zhao, and Song Zhao ced them back on the desk, then instructed:


    "This concubine has some private words to say to Your Majesty, you may withdraw for now."


    After dismissing the pce servants, Song Zhao massaged Xiao Jingheng¡¯s somewhat stiff and tense temples, and gently said:


    "In fact, Your Majesty need not be so angry. Now that the harem is without a mistress, it is inevitable that others will have improper thoughts. This does not mean that the several sisters with consort titles harbor such thoughts. After all, what their families do is not something they can control. For any family, having a daughter be an imperial consort is the greatest glory and help, a great benefit. It is inevitable that some people will be muddled. "


    Song Zhao first trivialized the impure intentions of the three remaining consorts'' families, then did not exclude herself either, instead saying:


    "Forgive this concubine for speaking bluntly, if this concubine''s father were still alive, I''m afraid he would also inevitably run around the previous dynasty for this concubine''s future. "


    Hearing her words, Xiao Jingheng held her hand and sat down with her in the warm seats.


    He looked at Song Zhao with burning eyes,


    "You alone in the pce dare to speak such truths to me. Everyone covets the position of Empress, yet everyone pretends to be indifferent, which annoys me the most."


    "Everyone?" Song Zhao smiled coquettishly, "Then Your Majesty must not include this concubine. This concubine just can''t understand, what is so good about being Empress? In my opinion, the nobler the status, the heavier the burden on one''s shoulders. It is better to enjoy Your Majesty''s favor, have children to warm your knees, and be a favored concubine, more carefree."


    Xiao Jinghengughed, "That is because you can enjoy my favor, and are never greedy for anything. My Zhao''er is naturally different from others."


    He stroked Song Zhao''s wless beautiful face,


    as if caressing a rare piece of uncarved jade, cherishing it.


    At this moment, Jiang Deshun came in to report,


    "Your Majesty, the Deputy Director of the Imperial Observatory seeks an audience."


    Xiao Jingheng nodded to indicate for him to bring the man in. Song Zhao tactfully said:


    "Your Majesty has matters to discuss with the Deputy Director, so perhaps this concubine should first withdraw to the inner chambers to avoid the meeting?"


    Xiao Jingheng waved his hand and said, "No need, the Imperial Observatory will note to discuss state affairs, don''t bother yourself. Also, I want you to meet this Deputy Director too."


    At that time, Song Zhao was still wondering, what was there for her, a woman, to meet an outsider male official for?


    But the moment the Deputy Director bowed and entered, she was also quite surprised.


    The man...


    was that "diviner" Tan Yuezhi from Suzhou!


    Tan Yuezhi was dressed in court attire, quite different from his former ethereal style.


    He stood below the hall, paying respects to Xiao Jingheng with utmost propriety,


    "This humble official Tan Yuezhi, Deputy Director of the Imperial Observatory, knocks to ask after Your Imperial Majesty''s well-being."


    Xiao Jingheng took a sip of tea and slowly said, "Is itfortable working in the pce?"


    Tan Yuezhi replied, "Thanks to Your Imperial Majesty''s great fortune, all is well."


    In her heart, Song Zhao was a little confused.


    ording to reason, Tan Yuezhi was used to wandering freely, and was hailed as almost a deity by themoners in Suzhou. With the lower half of his life free of worries about food and drink and unrestrained, why would such a person willingly enter the pce to take up office?


    As she looked at Tan Yuezhi doubtfully, Tan Yuezhi also looked at her,


    "This humble official pays respects to Imperial Concubine Yi. During Your Imperial Majesty''s southern tour this time, this humble official had divined that Your Imperial Majesty would encounter a noble person who would transform disaster into good fortune. I did not expect that Your Imperial Majesty''s noble person had already met this humble official that very day. Please forgive this humble official''s poor judgment, unable to discern."


    With his first words he ced a high hat on Song Zhao''s head. Naturally Song Zhao would not acknowledge it.


    She also smiled, "Master Tan''s calctions are profound and meticulous, how could he be poor of judgment? The reason Master did not discern that day is because this concubine is not Your Imperial Majesty''s noble person. The true noble person is Consort Yao sister, who saved the imperial carriage. When there is time in the future, this concubine and Consort Yao will visit the Imperial Observatory to have our fortunes told, and will let Master meet her then."


    With one sentence, shepletely blocked Tan Yuezhi''s ttery. Tan Yuezhi was rendered speechless for a moment, and smiled awkwardly without saying anything more.


    Later Xiao Jingheng asked him, "What did youe looking for Us for?"


    Tan Yuezhi''s expression suddenly became solemn. He cupped his fists and said,


    "Reporting to Your Imperial Majesty, this humble official''s divination indicated that there will soon be flooding disasters in Jiangnan, harming themon people. I implore Your Imperial Majesty to make preparations early."

 Chapter 302: Punishment for Joy

    <h4>Chapter 302</h4>


    "Flooding?"


    Xiao Jingheng was doubtful: "Although there have been more clouds and rain in Jiangnan this year, the dikes in Suzhou and Hangzhou have just been reinforced, and I have personally inspected the remaining dams - they are all firm and safe. Where does this talk of floodinge from?"


    Tan Yuezhi said: "This servant has only deduced it based on the hexagrams, without any actual evidence."


    Xiao Jingheng felt uneasy. "What does the Supervisor say?"


    "This servant uses different divination methods than the Supervisor. The Supervisor did not deduce this matter and argued with me about it. I had no choice but toe report this matter personally to Your Majesty."


    Xiao Jingheng took a moment to settle himself, and just said lightly ''I see'', before dismissing Tan Yuezhi. He clearly did not take this matter to heart.


    After the man left, Song Zhao asked: "Your Majesty has never believed in divination before. Why did you summon him to the pce this time?"


    Xiao Jingheng sighed: "After the dangers I faced during my southern inspection tour, his uncannily urate prediction left me with a somewhat different view of divination. After all, it is something passed down by our ancestors over thousands of years - it must have some truth to it.


    I originally summoned him because I saw potential in his skills, but now it seems he just spouts nonsense and I don''t know if what he told me before was just a lucky guess that happened toe true."


    Song Zhao said: "If he had no real skills and just relied on blind luck to eat and drink in the pce, Your Majesty need not keep such an idler around."


    Xiao Jingheng nodded. "The court has never supported freeloaders. Let''s observe him for three months - if he''s truly useless, I''ll dismiss him."


    *


    A few more days passed, the autumn tiger retreated, and the weather in the capital officially turned to autumn.


    The days grew pleasantly cooler by the day, putting people at ease.


    During this time, because Xiao Jingheng favored Song Zhao alone, Consorts Yin, Yun and Yao gradually banded together, rarely interacting with Song Zhao.


    Song Zhao was toozy to bother with them either, she just had Xiaofuzi secretly spread rumors of her intimacy with Xiao Jingheng, until all six pces knew.


    Beyond that, Song Zhao didn''t need to do anything, she just had to wait for someone''s patience to run out and try to cause trouble for her. Then she would casually give them a little push to send them on their way.


    Although the consorts shunned Song Zhao for their own interests, the lower ranked concubines who knew they had no hope of gaining the emperor''s favor were very fawning towards Song Zhao.


    On this day, Consort Hui came with Rongyue and Concubine Li to visit Song Zhao.


    At the time, Song Zhao was apanying Cheng Yu in the courtyard to teach him to walk.


    A child nearing one year old has just learned to walk from crawling. It was the most worrisome time. One always worried about looking away for a moment and the child stumbling or bumping into something - as a mother, it was heartbreaking.


    When Consort Hui entered and saw Cheng Yu surrounded by seven or eight eunuchs and pce maids protecting him as he toddled about happily, even able to clumsily call out "Mother Consort" to Song Zhao, she smiled and said:


    "Oh my! The Crown Prince isn''t even one yet but he can already run all over the ce. He really is clever!"


    She and Concubine Li congratted Song Zhao. Concubine Li alsoughed and said:


    "Consort doesn''t know, but earlier when we went to pay respects to Grand Empress Dowager, she is raising Princess Jinghe - now three months past her first birthday banquet, the Princess still stumbles when she walks and can''t speak clearly. She''s not as cute as the Crown Prince at all."


    Consort Hui said: "I heard from Mother that girls are supposed to talk earlier than boys, but looking now, that''s not the case."


    But Rongyue sneered coldly then: "No matter how dull, she''s the legitimate firstborn Princess - supremely honorable. How can a child of irregr birthpare?"


    At this, the smile on Song Zhao''s face clearly froze.


    To curry favor with Song Zhao, Concubine Li quickly retorted Rongyue, "Legitimate or not, they are all the Emperor''s children. Whoever the Emperor favors is naturally honorable. Have you seen the Emperor visit the Princess even once in the months you''ve been in the pce? Yet here in Sister Song''s pce, the Emperores to dote on her every few days."


    Rongyue said: "If the Emperor doesn''t see the Princess, it''s because he is grieving the Empress. Seeing the Princess would only pain him more. And even if the Emperor doese to Consort''s pce, so what? The Princess was granted a title as soon as she was born, while the Crown Prince still has no honors to this day."


    "You¨C" Concubine Li was even more irritated than Song Zhao. "We came to pay respects to Consort out of esteem for her. What empty prattle are you spouting here? Do you think I don''t know what you''re scheming? You''ve been quite close with Consort Yin - have you already pledged loyalty to her? What is it? Did Consort Yin send you here today to provoke Consort with this nonsense?"


    Rongyue refused to back down either. "Don''t smear me like this. His Majesty detests factions and conspiracies in the harem the most. You¨C"


    "Enough."


    Song Zhao sternly stopped the two from arguing further. Her piercing gaze settled on Rongyue as she coolly said:


    "Since you know His Majesty hates factions and conspiracies, you shouldn''t be so intimate with Consort Yin. That bracelet on your wrist is from the Huns, isn''t it? Consort Yin is quite generous to bestow such a fine item to you!"


    Rongyue hurriedly hid her hands behind her back, stammering awkwardly, "Consort, please see clearly, this servant has not..."


    "You know best whether you have or not." Song Zhao scoffed coldly, then ordered Yun Shan: "Concubine Li spoke rudely, watch her and make her kneel in the courtyard of Chang Le Pce for two hours before allowing her to return to her own pce."


    Rongyue begged for mercy repeatedly. Concubine Li looked smug, while Consort Hui pleaded weakly:


    "Sister Song, Sister Tong didn''t mean it. Why not just..."


    "Sister, don''t worry about this." Song Zhao took Consort Hui''s hand affectionately. "She''s your pce''s servant. Your kind heart doesn''t want to punish her, but as Overseer of the Six Pces, I cannot tolerate such a disruptive person in the harem."


    Thus, Consort Hui could not persuade her further either.


    Later, they left Rongyue kneeling alone in the courtyard and withdrew to chat idly for a while. When they were leaving, they saw Rongyue still kneeling in the courtyard. Concubine Li taunted: "Kneel well, you''re in Consort''s pce - no one will be kindhearted enough to save you like Consort Hui!"


    Consort Hui looked at Rongyue worriedly and whispered to Yun Shan:


    "Sister Tong is weak, don''t be too harsh on her..."


    How could they know, as soon as the two had just left Chang Le Pce, Song Zhao hurriedly helped Rongyue up from the ground,


    Gripping Rongyue''s hand tightly, her face full of regret,


    "I''m sorry to put you through this, Sister."


    Rongyue smiled and shook her head. "I''m not suffering. This was the only way - now word of my offense against you today will spread from Concubine Li''s mouth until the whole pce knows. Everyone will know I''ve severed ties with you, and Consort Yin will believe even more that I have no way out but to truly pledge loyalty to her."


    Song Zhao led Rongyue into the hall, and thinking how she doted on Cheng Yu the most, told Yun Shan to bring Cheng Yu over.


    But Rongyue stopped Yun Shan, saying: "Don''t go. The child is older now, he knows who is kind to him and stays close to them. You and I are supposed to be at odds - if your child is close to me, won''t that reveal something amiss?"


    She looked at Cheng Yu''s side residence longingly, then tightly gripped Song Zhao''s hand and entered the inner chambers without looking back.

 Chapter 303: Floods South of the Yangtze River

    <h4>Chapter 303</h4>


    In thepetition for the position behind the throne, apart from Song Zhao, the person with the greatest chance of winning is undoubtedly Consort Yin.


    Rongyue approached Consort Yin with the intention of gaining her trust, hoping to learn many of her hidden secrets that are unknown to others.


    These hidden secrets might be the key to overthrowing Consort Yin in the future.


    This idea was originally proposed by Rongyue.


    Song Zhao initially didn''t want her to do it because if Rongyue openly sided with Consort Yin, not only would the other consorts be wary of her, but even Xiao Jingheng might distance himself from her.


    However, Rongyue smiled and said, "Oh? In that case, I''m even more eager."


    "..."


    Today, although Rongyue couldn''t get close to Cheng Yu privately, her love for the child overflowed between the lines.


    "The little one will be one year old next month, coinciding with the Emperor''s birthday. We must celebrate in a grand way. Just thinking about it makes me happy."


    Song Zhao teased, "What''s the use of just being happy? Sister, don''t think you can escape the ceremony."


    Rongyue smiled and said, "Where would I escape? I''ve been preparing for it three months in advance. What we give to Cheng Yu must be the best in the world."


    Song Zhao curiously asked what it was, but Rongyue pretended to be mysterious, teasing her by flicking her nose and saying, "It''s a secret. I won''t tell you. You go ahead and see~ Haha~"


    After returning to the pce, the two sisters finally had a chance to be alone without arousing suspicion. Even if they only spoke idle talk, they were happy in each other''spany.


    After a short while of chatting, Song Zhao suddenly asked Rongyue with a serious expression, "Has Lord Tong made any progress in investigating Qu Yanran''s matter?"


    "How can it be so easy to investigate?" Rongyue shook her head helplessly. "All the people involved in the incident who should have died are dead. Qu Yanran disappeared after escaping that day. It''s not easy to find one person in the vast sea of people."


    Song Zhao pondered for a moment and said, "The person who can carry out such a secretive act outside the pce must have some influence. This time, the Emperor will have many suspects."


    "That''s why it''s a good thing," Rongyue held her hand and said, "You have no family background, so the Emperor naturally won''t suspect you of anything. That''s enough."


    Song Zhao nodded slightly and rxed before saying, "Sister, can you ask Lord Tong to investigate in detail outside the pce and find out the true identity of that Tanyue?"


    Rongyue couldn''t help but be curious and asked, "What do you suspect about him, Zhao''er? The background of anyone allowed into the pce has been thoroughly investigated, so there shouldn''t be any problems."


    Song Zhao furrowed her brows and shook her head, "I can''t pinpoint it, but I always feel that there''s something strange about him, both inside and out."


    "Your Majesty! Something serious has happened!"


    From outside the door, Xiao Fuzi''s urgent voice gradually approached.


    He rushed into the inner chamber, disregarding all formalities, and after ncing at Rongyue, he stuttered, "Jiangnan... is suffering from a flood!"


    Upon hearing this, Song Zhao''s heart tightened.


    Jiangnan is Rongyue''s maternal hometown, so naturally, Rongyue was extremely anxious. "What happened? Take your time and tell me. Is it serious?"


    Xiao Fuzi nodded vigorously, his face filled with worry. "The situation is severe! Chidong Dam has burst, and the people are going to suffer..."


    "What?"


    Rongyue stood up in distress, clutching the front of her clothes tightly with her right hand, her breath bing rapid.


    "Why did the Chidong Dam, which was recently reinforced and built, suddenly breach?" she asked anxiously.


    Xiao Fuzi replied, "I don''t know... The Emperor is extremely worried about this matter. He has summoned the court officials to the pce to discuss disaster relief strategies, and funds have been allocated for the flood relief."


    Song Zhao looked at Rongyue trembling and embraced her shoulders,forting her softly, "Sister, don''t worry. Tong, the Admiral of the Navy, is well-versed in water matters, and your maternal family is familiar with water as well. They will surely be safe."


    Rongyue bit her lip tightly, her crimson lips bing even more vibrant, as if blood was about to burst out.


    "But I need to find out the news... With the severity of the flooding, I''m afraid the information won''t be able to reach us," she said.


    She felt her whole body go weak and leaned against Song Zhao, tears streaming down her face.


    Song Zhaoforted her gently, but at the same time, he found it very strange.


    Could the divination of Tanyue Zhi really be so urate? Could he foresee natural disasters like floods in advance?


    *


    Later, Song Zhao learned that the severity of this flood in Jiangnan was unprecedented, unheard of.


    Inte summer and early autumn, incessant torrential rains gued Jiangnan day and night.


    Combined with the breach of the Chidong Dam, flooding poured into the Five Yan River, causing Taihu Lake to overflow.


    In Lin''an, the situation was even worse. Within a thousand miles,nd and sea merged, and floating corpses were everywhere, chilling the bones.


    Xiao Jingheng was busy dealing with the aftermath for several days, not having a moment''s rest.


    The Empress Dowager, apanied by the pcedies, recited sutras day and night in Fahua Hall, praying for blessings.


    In the midst of all this hustle and bustle, the Empress Dowager ended up exhausting herself before achieving any sess.


    It wasn''t until early September that news from Jiangnan finally reached the pce.


    The good news was that the flood had not caused significant damage to Rongyue''s maternal family. Except for her aunt who identally drowned, the rest of her rtives were unharmed.


    The bad news was that the flood was fierce, and the death toll among the people in Jiangnan numbered in the hundreds of thousands.


    But that was not the worst part.


    Jiangnan was known for its rice production, and now, during the harvest season, the flood had ruined the crops. Famine was imminent.


    Furthermore, after a major disaster, it was difficult to swiftly and properly handle the corpses of humans and animals, which would be followed by an outbreak of epidemics.


    This unprecedented cmity had the full attention of the court. Almost all avable manpower, resources, and finances were invested in Jiangnan.


    Xiao Jingheng even issued an imperial decree, instructing that every effort must be made to treat the surviving victims, leaving no room for negligence.


    However, with the entire nation focusing on disaster relief, it was also the weakest time for Qi Dynasty.


    If the external countries that had previously pledged allegiance were to take advantage of this situation andunch a war, it would be a matter of life and death for Qi Dynasty.


    Fortunately, the Ada Tribe and the Mongolian tribes did not seize the opportunity to plunder. Instead, they provided financial and material assistance, wholeheartedly helping with the disaster relief efforts.


    Especially the Ada Tribe, they mobilized their entire tribe to ensure the safety of Qi Dynasty during this cmity.


    Deployed to the border to prevent a potential uprising by the recently subdued Zhu Yin, who had just submitted to the reign of Emperor Qichao, Xiao Jingheng found himself juggling state affairs while also making time to be with Consort Yin by his side.


    Consort Yin''s maternal family had achieved great merit, solidifying her path to bing a noble in the future. This aplishment did not go unnoticed within the pce, and everyone began to fawn over and tter Consort Yin.


    In the blink of an eye, the atmosphere in the pce changed due to this natural disaster. The once prominent Song Zhao fell into silence, and it seemed that Consort Yin had be the center of attention, radiating her brilliance throughout the entire pce.

 Chapter 304: Again in Distress

    <h4>Chapter 304</h4>


    It had been more than half a month since Song Zhao had seen Xiao Jingheng.


    But she did not take it to heart.


    After all, the more Consort Yin relied on her maternal family due to Xiao Jingheng''s favor, the more likely she would end up like Ning Wanshuang. What was the hurry?


    These days the Empress Dowager was ill, so Song Zhao would bring Cheng Yu to visit her every other day.


    The Empress Dowager appreciated her filial piety, and was also moved.


    "You are with child, yet stille here daily to trouble me. Be careful not to overtire yourself."


    Song Zhao smiled. "Serving the Empress Dowager is my duty. I am not tired."


    She peeled a milk orange and handed it to the Empress Dowager, but she did not eat it. Instead, she threw it aside in irritation.


    "You know your ce, yet others seem to have forgotten theirs. The consorts are all currying favor with Consort Yin. When she came to greet me today, she had the look of smug satisfaction, only concerned about her own favor,pletely disregarding the people still suffering in Jiangnan. "


    Song Zhao advised, "Empress Dowager, do not be angry with Consort Yin. She stilles daily to serve you out of consideration for you."


    The Empress Dowager was astute. She gave a coldugh and shook her head.


    "Pretense and affectation, just for appearances. I have heard you handed management of the six pces to Consort Yin? As mother of the imperial prince, your status is much higher. Why must you defer to her in everything?"


    Song Zhao replied, "It is not that I deferred to Consort Yin, but Imperial Concubine manages the six pces. But her health is frail, so she cannot handle much. I am also with child, and really cannot manage. It is Consort Yin who kindly helped me."


    Look how she phrased it. Clearly Consort Yin lorded over her, yet from her it sounded like she had noints, and that everything was to help Consort Yin save face.


    The Empress Dowager held her hand, increasingly doting. "I see everything you do, thinking of the emperor. He does as well."


    Song Zhao knew Xiao Jingheng saw all this too. Otherwise her graciousness would have been wasted.


    Leaving the Empress Dowager''s pce that day, as Song Zhao passed the Yonghe Pce, she dropped in to visit Ning Wanshuang.


    Inside, she saw the furnishings were very simple, and many of the chrysanthemums in the courtyard had already wilted.


    Song Zhao said unhappily, "This cannot do. The eunuchs of the Internal Service dare to neglect my sister so. I must tell His Majesty and punish them."


    Ning Wanshuang had been strolling in the courtyard holding Jin Yue and leading Chenghuan. Afraid Chenghuan would frighten her younger brother, she quickly had the wet nurse take Chenghuan away before coldlyughing at Song Zhao.


    "Without Consort Yin''s approval, how would those eunuchs dare act so improperly? Forget it. I already dismissed half the pce attendants. As long as the childrenck nothing, what''s the harm? Don''t make trouble with Consort Yin for me."


    Song Zhao said, "You may not care, but the more you indulge them, the more excessive they will be."


    Ning Wanshuang scoffed indifferently. "You mean Consort Yin? Hmph, she was just a useless coward who didn''t even dare breathe heavily before me. I''ve pped her more times than she''s lived years. Why would I fear her? I heard she''s been attending the emperor''s bedchambertely?"


    Song Zhao slowly nodded. Ning Wanshuangughed even more.


    "No wonder she''s so smug. How delightful. What''s the difference between her and me back then? A meteoric rise often leads to a catastrophic downfall."


    Filled with indifference, she lightly stroked Song Zhao''s swollen belly and asked,


    "How many months?"


    "Nearly seven months."


    Ning Wanshuang rolled her eyes. "If it''s seven months, stop going everywhere. All the pce is watching that belly of yours. Don''t be a joke."


    Knowing her prickly but softhearted nature, Song Zhao wanted to tease her, but the child chose that moment to kick her hard, making her abdomen seize up and stumble slightly.


    "Zhao''er?"


    Yun Shan was right behind her and quickly supported her.


    Also helping to hold Song Zhao steady was Ning Wanshuang. That "Zhao''er" hade from her.


    Song Zhao looked at her with raised eyebrows andughed. "What did sister just call me?"


    "No...nothing." Ning Wanshuang nced at her, impatient.


    "I''m tired. Don''t stand here pestering me. Go back."


    After speaking, she turned and left, shy as a young girl, delighting Song Zhao.


    On the return trip, Song Zhao happened to run into Xiao Yinzi outside the Changle Gate.


    Xiao Yinzi made a bow and said Xiao Jingheng summoned her.


    Thinking Xiao Jingheng had not seen Cheng Yu for days either, Song Zhao brought Cheng Yu along to audience.


    Xiao Jingheng was also very happy to see his son. He had been head down reviewing memorials, but after hearing a soft childish "Father Emperor", he immediately set down his brush and looked over at the hall below.


    Song Zhao set Cheng Yu down to carefully follow him as he toddled toward his father.


    Xiao Jingheng rose to meet him. "Come, let Father hold you."


    He picked up Cheng Yu and weighed him in his arms, smiling at Song Zhao.


    "He seems a bit sturdier."


    Song Zhao also smiled. "Children change day by day at this age. Your Majesty is busy with government affairs and hasn''t seen Cheng Yu for over half a month, so of course he''s grown."


    Xiao Jingheng freed a hand to pat Song Zhao''s slender shoulder.


    "I''ve neglected you these days. Don''t take offense."


    "Your Majesty works hard for the country. I''m of no help at all. Why would I be jealous and add to your troubles over such a small thing?"


    Xiao Jingheng beamed, veryforted. "I can rx a bit only when alone with Zhao''er. Consort Yin alwaysins to me about her n''s loyalty. It makes my ears numb. It seems only when alone with you can I unwind."


    The two sat on the heated couch. Song Zhao knew not to ask about the flooding when Xiao Jingheng had a rare moment of family happiness amidst his busy schedule.


    After about a quarter hour, Jiang Deshun announced the ministers had arrived, so Xiao Jingheng handed the child to Song Zhao and instructed her,


    "I had the imperial kitchens prepare some dishes you like. Stay tonight with Cheng Yu."


    But Song Zhao remained humble and respectful. As Xiao Jingheng reached the doorway, Cheng Yu in her arms suddenly cried loudly, babbling "Father" between sobs.


    Xiao Jingheng nced back and saw the child crying hard. Heart aching, he turned back.


    "What''s the matter?"


    He had intended tofort his son, but the moment he stepped over the threshold, the "Diligent Government, Cherish the Worthy" que hanging there inexplicably broke free and crashed down heavily toward Xiao Jingheng''s fatal spot...

 Chapter 305: Set Up as a Prince

    <h4>Chapter 305</h4>


    "Your Majesty, watch out!"


    At this crucial moment, Jiang Deshun, who was standing behind Xiao Jingheng, acted on instinct without hesitation and pushed Xiao Jingheng out of the way.


    ''Bang!''


    The que barely missed Xiao Jingheng, but mmed right into Jiang Deshun''s right leg.


    His right leg was instantly twisted and deformed in an unimaginable posture, just barely hanging on by skin and flesh on the lower half of his body.


    The depth of the wound revealed stark white bone jutting out, a ghastly sight that made one''s heart skip a beat!


    "Is Your Majesty alright?"


    Song Zhao handed Cheng Yu over to the wet nurse to hold and hurried over to the still shocked Xiao Jingheng.


    "Are you hurt anywhere?"


    Xiao Jingheng breathed heavily, his face pale. He stared nkly at Jiang Deshun lying on the ground and crying out in pain.


    The que thatnded on his leg was broken into three sections. The four bold characters that read "Diligent Governance, Close to the Wise" were also shattered into pieces, looking abrupt and out of ce.


    With such a big incident urring, the rest of the pce women quickly surrounded them.


    Xiao Yinzi was even more anxious, crying out, "Master! Master, please endure!"


    This voice snapped Xiao Jingheng out of his daze. He quickly ordered, "Hurry and summon the imperial physician to treat Jiang Deshun!"


    Then he looked up, his gaze dark as he looked at the empty door frame. "Go see what is going on here."


    The pce women quickly carried Jiang Deshun out to the outer rooms of Chaoyang Pce, while Xiao Yinzi brought over adder and climbed up to inspect the abnormality of the door frame.


    "Your Majesty, the iron hook holding up the que came loose... But people from the Imperial Household Departmente to inspect and maintain these things every three days. There should not have been such an oversight."


    After further investigation, it turned out to be negligence by the eunuchs of the Imperial Household Department. On that day when they came to Chaoyang Pce to inspect and repair, they had just gone through the motions, looking at the "Righteousness and Brightness" que in the main hall, but neglecting the one by the inner chamber doors.


    Xiao Jingheng was furious. He punished the eunuch with death by lingchi, and also caned the head of the Imperial Household Department with one hundred heavy strokes, suspending his sry for a full year.


    As for Jiang Deshun, his right leg waspletely crippled.


    Xiao Jingheng appreciated his meritorious deed of protecting him, and richly rewarded him with much silver and gold. He also allowed him to retire early after five more years of service, granting him twenty mou of fertilend near the outskirts of the capital to support him for the rest of his life.


    After all, if not for Jiang Deshun, that que could havended on Xiao Jingheng today, and he might have lost his life.


    In the next few days, Xiao Jingheng did not spend the night with any of his consorts, only having Song Zhao apany him at night.


    At night, Song Zhao would often hear Xiao Jingheng mumbling in his sleep about people trying to assassinate him, frequently startled awake in cold sweat after a nightmare, unable to have a sound sleep.


    After the assassination attempt during the southern tour, Xiao Jingheng had already be more suspicious. Even though this incident with the que was just an ident, he still felt uneasy and jittery.


    The issues in Jiangnan had yet to be resolved, and dissent was gradually rising among themon people. Many unfortunate thingsing together made Xiao Jingheng feel like things had been too unfavorable recently.


    Moreover, Danjie had urately predicted the Jiangnan floods, making Xiao Jingheng rely on him even more, frequently summoning him, though no one knew what they discussed behind closed doors.


    By the ninth month, nearing Xiao Jingheng''s birthday, the consorts came to Song Zhao''s pce to pay their respects that day, and brought up the arrangements for Xiao Jingheng''s birthday celebration.


    Song Zhao said, "I was thinking that since it''s an eventful autumn this year, the court has also spent much silver to provide disaster relief to Jiangnan. For pce affairs, we should do everything simply this year. For His Majesty''s longevity celebration, we should also keep it as low-key as possible, to show the people that this sets an example. "


    However, Consort Yin had apletely different opinion than her.


    "This concubine thinks it''s inappropriate. It is especially during times like this that other nations keep an eye on the beginning of our dynasty. This concubine believes not only should we not simplify everything, we must make it exceptionally grand.


    Invite envoys from all nations to celebrate, lively and bustlingly hosting a longevity feast, also to show those with traitorous thoughts that although Qi encountered natural disasters, it remains prosperous and powerful, not to be coveted by them."


    Song Zhao said, "Consort Yin, do you really think your method is appropriate? Inviting envoys from all nations? Are you nning to fill the depleted national treasury with your own pocket money? Do you know how much silver it takes to host envoys from all nations, flowing out like water?"


    Consort Yin sneered lightly. "I don''t need to discuss these things with you. When I previously assisted thete Empress Dowager in managing the affairs of the six pces, you had not even entered the pce yet."


    Song Zhao also smiled. "Yes, my elder sister is older after all, naturally more experienced than I. In times like now where we have to split every ounce of silver, yet you want to invite envoys from all nations. This move perhaps wards off covetous smaller nations, but have you neglected the sentiments of themon people of Qi?"


    The two of them sparred with no intention of conceding. In the end, it took Consort Yao''s mediation to find apromise.


    "We''re all sisters here, there''s no need to bicker. Since Imperial Consort and Consort Yin each have their own views, why not present both your ideas to His Majesty and Her Majesty the Empress Dowager for them to decide?"


    Matters hade to this point, and Song Zhao was toozy to continue arguing with Consort Yin. She simply put it all in a memorial and had it delivered to Xiao Jingheng.


    The next day, when the consorts came to pay their respects at Song Zhao''s pce again, Xiao Jingheng hade along too.


    He sat in the chief seat, his gaze falling upon Consort Yin.


    "The memorials Imperial Consort and Consort Yin submitted yesterday, We have looked over them. We feel Consort Yin''s method is good, so let''s go with your thinking for now."


    Hearing this, Consort Yin was overjoyed, quickly giving her thanks again and again for the imperial grace, and arrogantly ring at Song Zhao.


    But before she could gloat for long, Xiao Jingheng''s next words left everyone present dumbfounded.


    "The reason for inviting envoys from all nations this time is not only to celebrate this Emperor''s birthday, but also Prince Cheng Yu''s first birthday."


    "The Prince of the Crown?"


    The consorts were baffled, almost blurting out this line in unison.


    Xiao Jingheng said, "The foundation of a nation is unstable. The turmoil of the nation and the suffering of its people weigh heavily on Our mind. Therefore, We have decided to appoint Crown Prince Cheng Yu as Heir Apparent immediately."


    His words were clear. It was even more shocking, leaving them all caught off guard. Song Zhao could only hurry to decline,


    "Your Majesty is in the prime of life. Cheng Yu is not yet one year old. How could he possibly..."


    "Our decision is made. Imperial Consort shall obey this decree."


    Xiao Jingheng gently replied Song Zhao''s protest, but his tone instantly became solemn when his gaze shifted to Consort Yin.


    "Imperial Consort still presides over the six pces. For all internal affairs of the six pces, you shall all listen to her. If anyone dares to overstep their bounds and act arrogantly, Imperial Consort can punish them ording to the pce rules at any time, with no need to report back to Us. Do you understand?"


    The consorts quickly got up to bow in eptance, saying in unison,


    "This concubine/servant would never dare to disobey."


    Xiao Jingheng''s words clearly were meant to reprimand Consort Yin.


    And even if this longevity celebration followed her suggestion, so what?


    After Xiao Jingheng left, Consort Yun quietly grumbled,


    "Cheng Yu is neither the eldest nor the principal son. How can he so casually be made Heir Apparent?"


    "Sister Dong doesn''t understand this matter? I get it~", Consort Hui interrupted with a face of innocence, happily looking at Song Zhao and candidly saying,


    "If Sister Song bes Empress, then little Cheng Yu would be the principal son, right? I think this is precisely His Majesty''s intention~"


    At her words, the knife-like gazes of the consorts all fell upon Song Zhao.


    But at this moment, Song Zhao didn''t have the mind to care what they thought.


    Appointing Cheng Yu as Heir Apparent was clearly an asion of great joy.


    Yet for some reason, her heart was in turmoil.

 Chapter 306: The Disappearance of Chengyu

    <h4>Chapter 306</h4>


    Cheng Yu was suddenly bestowed the title of Crown Prince, and the same afternoon the Steward of the Imperial Household brought people to tailor new clothes for Cheng Yu as Crown Prince''s court attire.


    It was ridiculous that such a tiny person would have his own court attire, something unheard of not only in Qi Dynasty but also in previous dynasties.


    In the past few days, Consort Ying had enjoyed the limelight in the pce, while Song Zhao beside greeting the emperor every morning was rarely noticed.


    But ever since Cheng Yu was named the Crown Prince, the threshold of Changle Pce had almost been trampled broken by the crowds ofdies.


    Yet Song Zhao had not seen anyone. She had not left Cheng Yu¡¯s side these days, and even when Emperor Xiao summoned her, she would take the child with her, unwilling to have him leave her side even for a moment.


    Seeing Song Zhao''s concerns, Xiao Fuzi often advised:


    "Imperial Consort, it is fortunate that His Majesty has named Prince Yu as the Crown Prince. Why do you still seem so worried?"


    "Don''t you find it strange?" Song Zhao knitted her beautiful brows. "A big reason why the imperial consorts fight over favor is that they want their own sons to have a legitimate im as heir when they give birth, so that their sons will have a better chance of seeding the Great Qi Empire. Now that His Majesty has hastily named Cheng Yu as Crown Prince, he has dashed their hopes. But..."


    She looked at Cheng Yu sleeping soundly in the crib, even more uneasy: "His Majesty was attacked in Jiangnan, and nearly assassinated in Chaoyang Pce recently. With so many troubles happening together, I can''t help feeling uneasy, really anxious.


    "In the past, no matter how the consorts fought, it was fine since I could see their intentions. But this time... it''s as ifyers of obscuring mist are before my eyes, and I can''t make out anything about what hidden arrows might target us mother and child in the future."


    "Be at ease, Imperial Consort. The Crown Prince and you enjoy deep imperial favor and noble status, who would dare plot against you?"


    Xiao Fuzi felt Song Zhao was worrying groundlessly.


    But Song Zhao remained firm: "In any case, now that Cheng Yu is the Crown Prince, there will be even more people wanting to harm him. I must be extra careful to protect Cheng Yu''s safety."


    She looked at Xiao Fuzi intently and instructed word for word:


    "Xiao Fuzi, there are few people I can trust in the pce. You are one, Yun Shan is another. Remember, from today on, you must stay by Cheng Yu''s side at all times. No matter what emergency happens, you cannot leave his side for a moment. Understand?"


    Xiao Fuzi bowed with hands sped, reverently saying:


    "Rest assured, Imperial Consort. Your servant will certainly protect the young master with my life, and will never let anyone harm him the slightest."


    Soon it was September 16th, Emperor Xiao¡¯s birthday, and also Cheng Yu¡¯s first birthday.


    Half a month ago, congrattory missions had already been dispatched from all nations.


    Border tribes and foreign states all sent envoys to congratte. The pce had not been so lively for a long time.


    The banquet was held in Jiuxiao Pce, thergest hall in the imperial pce. It wasst used when Emperor Xiao first ascended the throne.


    To introduce Crown Prince Cheng Yu to the foreign envoys, Emperor Xiao used it again, showing how much importance he ced on Cheng Yu.


    The splendor of Jiuxiao Pce wasparable to Chaoyang Pce, and its spacious hall could amodate hundreds of banquet tables.


    The nobles and foreign envoys entered the pce to celebrate, filling up every seat there, extremely bustling.


    Among the foreign states, Zhuyin Country was the strongest, and thest to surrender to Qi Dynasty, hence the Zhuyin envoys were the first to toast Emperor Xiao:


    ¡°Zhuyines to congratte and wish Your Majesty an auspicious birthday, and hopes the disaster in Jiangnan will soon be settled, and Great Qi will prosper for ten thousand generations!¡±


    Emperor Xiao said: "Zhuyin''s heart is good. Now that you have surrendered to Great Qi, Great Qi will naturally protect Zhuyin''s people. Zhuyin''s people are also my Great Qi''s people."


    The two clinked cups ceremoniously and drained their wine.


    Then the envoys offered Emperor Xiao the congrattory gift they had brought.


    It was an extremely rare and precious red coral reef, with an intense blood-red color, thick branches, and dense yet orderly branches. One look could tell it was an extremely fine item.


    "Zhuyin is by the sea. Thisrge red coral is a national treasure in Zhuyin. Hearing of Your Majesty''s birthday, my king ordered me to present this to Your Majesty, to show Zhuyin''s heart of submission to Great Qi."


    Emperor Xiaoughed loudly, praising the gift highly.


    The consorts watching by the side whispered discussion:


    "We''ve seen red coral before, but never one so huge. Our eyes are opened."


    "Didn''t you hear him say this is Zhuyin''s national treasure? To fawn over His Majesty they''ve presented even this. It seems the new Emperor of Zhuyin is much more cowardly than the previous one."


    "What''s the point talking about the previous one? He was stripped naked and paraded in the streets, then beheaded publicly. I think Consort Hui must really like this red coral. See, the red coral ring she always wears on her right forefinger, she''s never taken it off."


    At this time Consort Hui was enjoying the delicacies. Hearing the discussion, she just stroked her ring and smiled contentedly:


    "This coral ring was awarded by His Majesty. I like its cheerful color, so I wear it daily."


    Just then, Emperor Xiao raised his cup andughed:


    "Today the nations havee to celebrate, but not just my birthday. I have recently named the Crown Prince, and today is also the Crown Prince''s birthday. With the foreign envoys present, I will bring out the Crown Prince for everyone to take a look."


    After he spoke, Xiao Yinzi was ordered to carry Cheng Yu out from the inner pce.


    But soon he rushed back alone, disregarding imperial decorum. He staggered and knelt before Emperor Xiao, stammering:


    "Your Majesty! The Crown Prince...he''s gone!"


    "What did you say?"


    Emperor Xiao overturned the cups by his side, his eyes full of shock and puzzlement. "Gone? What do you mean gone?"


    A buzz of discussion rose among the guests. Xiao Yinzi stammered as if afraid to exin.


    Song Zhao¡¯s heart jerked violently. She didn¡¯t ask Emperor Xiao¡¯s permission before rushing to the inner pce.


    Only to see the two eunuchs guarding outside the inner pce were dead with their throats slit.


    Song Zhao hurried in heedless of rm, but saw the crib empty, while Xiao Fuzi who had been guarding by the crib had been stabbed in the chest andy in a pool of blood, uncertain of life or death...

 Chapter 307: Searching in Vain

    <h4>Chapter 307</h4>


    The candlelight was warm and cozy, theyers uponyers of golden orange light made people dizzy.


    The hall was extremely quiet, the creaking sound of the imperial crib seemed to still echo in Song Zhao''s ears,


    but the swaddling clothes were already empty.


    Song Zhao gently stroked the still warm swaddling clothes, herplexion instantly turned pale and bloodless.


    She was extremely anxious, but she had to force herself to calm down first.


    If she panicked at this moment, Cheng Yu would be in even greater danger.


    Song Zhao took a deep breath and looked at Yun Shan who was supporting her. She said in a trembling voice,


    "Go take a look at Xiao Fuzi."


    At this moment, Xiao Jingheng also rushed over with arge group of people.


    Seeing the scene before him, astonishment and wonder filled his worried brows.


    He put his arm around Song Zhao''s shoulders and advised in a low voice, "Don''t panic, don''t panic. This is in the pce, Cheng Yu will be fine!"


    The moment his broad palm came down, Song Zhao only felt her right shoulder weighed down as if by a thousand pounds.


    This heaviness did not give her any sense of security at all, on the contrary, it was as if it knocked her heart down into the eternal cold hell.


    The ominous premonition in her heart grew stronger and stronger.


    Song Zhao raised her already misty tearful eyes to look at Xiao Jingheng.


    She wanted to say something, but the tremendous grief and panic intertwined and surged in her heart,


    choking in her throat, she could only let out sobs.


    Xiao Jingheng looked at her with eyes full of distress as he gently wiped away her tears. He angrily shouted at the pce maids,


    "Pass on my order, the keys to the pce gates are not to be given to anyone! No one who attended tonight''s banquet at Jiuxiao Pce is allowed to leave until the Crown Prince is found! I want to see who dares to be so presumptuous right under this Emperor''s nose!"


    As his words fell, Yun Shan also shouted, "Imperial Concubine, Xiao Fuzi still has a breath!"


    Xiao Jingheng quickly said, "Someonee quickly! Bring Xiao Fuzi to the inner pce for treatment immediately! He was guarding Cheng Yu, he must be able to provide clues! Go call Guo Imperial Physician and tell him to be sure to revive this man!"


    Under the imperial order, the pce maids busily carried Xiao Fuzi to the inner pce.


    Xiao Jingheng tightly grasped Song Zhao''s hand, "Don''t worry, I will never let anyone hurt our child!"


    "Many thanks to Your Majesty," Song Zhao gave Xiao Jingheng a perfunctory bow. "Your Majesty should have Imperial Concubine Ying carefully investigate and inquire. This servant''s heart is already flustered, how can I still ask anything clearly?"


    Song Zhao interrupted Xiao Jingheng''s words and endured her grief to say, "It''s impossible for the child to disappear without a trace for no reason, this is inside the pce. Your Majesty is Cheng Yu''s father, and Cheng Yu is also your beloved noble son. I believe Your Majesty will definitely ensure Cheng Yu returns safely, won''t you?"


    Hearing her words, Xiao Jingheng was slightly stunned for a moment, then affirmed,


    "Don''t worry, I will never let anyone hurt our child!"


    "Thank you, Your Majesty," Song Zhao hurriedly bid farewell to Xiao Jingheng and rushed to the inner pce.


    By the time she arrived, Guo Imperial Physician had already started treating Xiao Fuzi.


    He obviously did not expect Song Zhao to rush over at this time and quickly said,


    "Imperial Concubine, I have to treat Fuzi''s wounds, it will be bloody, you are pregnant and cannot see such things. Please wait outside, Imperial Concubine."


    Song Zhao didn''t even look at him and quickly walked to Xiao Fuzi''s bedside and sat down, sternly scolding,


    "I will stay right here and watch you treat him. Guo Imperial Physician is benevolent and skilled, you will surely be able to save him."


    As she spoke, she could hear the extremely weak Xiao Fuzi still faintly murmuring,


    "Crown Prince...Crown Prince..."


    Guo Imperial Physician could not disobey Song Zhao, so he said, "Don''t worry Imperial Concubine, I will certainly do my best."


    Song Zhao red at him, then picked up a pair of scissors used for cutting gauze by her side. The des were pointed horizontally at Guo Imperial Physician, frightening him.


    "What is Imperial Concubine doing?"


    Song Zhao said, "I didn''t tell you to just do your best, I said you must save his life! If he doesn''t wake up and it dys me from finding out what happened to Cheng Yu, I will send you up to heaven immediately!"


    Guo Imperial Physician had never seen Song Zhao like this before.


    To be precise, he had never seen any imperial concubine from the harem act in this way.


    While frightened into a cold sweat, he also didn''t dare to be negligent in the slightest.


    Song Zhao watched over Guo Imperial Physician the entire time he treated Xiao Fuzi.


    She prayed wholeheartedly to all the gods and Buddha, and kept murmuring to herself,


    "Nothing will happen, nothing will happen to Cheng Yu..."


    Yun Shan was also extremely distressed and advised Song Zhao while holding back tears, "Don''t worry Imperial Concubine, with His Majesty overseeing everything, the Crown Prince will be safe and sound."


    "His Majesty..."


    Song Zhao lightly pursed her lips, tears falling down her face.


    She had always been sober and intelligent,


    but this time, although she knew something was suspicious, she didn''t dare to think too deeply...


    At the same time, Jiuxiao Pce was also in chaos.


    Xiao Jingheng had the imperial concubines moved to the warm pavilion and had Imperial Concubine Ying responsible for interrogating them.


    As for those foreign envoys, he and the hastily summoned Minister of Justice interrogated them together.


    All the servants in the pce also received the imperial order to search every corner of the pce like headless flies, not willing to overlook any ce.


    But after three hours, it was almost the third watch of the night, and there was still no trace of Cheng Yu.


    He seemed to have just evaporated from this deep pce...


    [Short third update]

 Chapter 308: A Love of the Frost

    <h4>Chapter 308</h4>


    In the Warm Pavilion, Consort Yin seemed indifferent to the disappearance of Crown Prince Chengyu. She was clearly not concerned about it. Although she was supposed to interrogate the other consorts, she only asked a couple of perfunctory questions out of habit.


    Crown Prince Chengyu being appointed as the crown prince had closed the path for her to be bestowed with a higher title. Now that the crown prince was missing, she wasn''t responsible for it, and she secretly hoped the child would never be found.


    Seeing that the other consorts were already yawning, Consort Yin spoke up, "What''s the point of us staying here and waiting? Does the Emperor suspect that we are involved?"


    Consort Yun agreed, "Yes, we are all in the pce. Who would have the ability to pull off such a grand scheme?"


    Consort Yao also chimed in, "It''s better for us to return to the pce and organize a search for the crown prince together. It''s better than wasting time here."


    Consort Yin nodded in agreement and replied, "Consort Yao makes sense. I have been questioning all night and have gotten nowhere. Everyone looks exhausted. After I report to the Emperor, we can disperse."


    As she was about to leave, Rongyue hurriedly blocked her path and said, "Consort Yin, ording to the Emperor''s decree, none of us are allowed to leave. The disappearance of the crown prince is a serious matter. If you leave now, I''m afraid..."


    Rongyue appeared loyal to Consort Yin, and although he was worried about Crown Prince Chengyu, his words were indeed for Consort Yin''s own good.


    However, Consort Yin felt that Rongyue had embarrassed her in front of the other consorts and became furious. She pped Rongyue hard across the face and said, "I''m going to ask for the Emperor''s permission. What right do you have to speak?"


    After saying that, she pushed Rongyue away and was about to push open the door when someone from outside pulled it open.


    Everyone looked over and saw Ning Wanshuang standing at the door with a cold and beautiful expression, blocking Consort Yin''s way.


    Due to differences in status, Consort Yin perfunctorily greeted Ning Wanshuang.


    But before she could even finish her greeting, Ning Wanshuang gave her a solid p, causing Consort Yin''s vision to darken and she stumbled and fell to the ground.


    "You!"


    Consort Yin covered her burning cheek and red at Ning Wanshuang with anger, "Today is the Emperor''s birthday, and the emissaries from the Ada Tribe are waiting outside! The Emperor has always treated the Ada Tribe well. How dare you hit me?"


    Ning Wanshuang lightly touched her temple and looked at Consort Yin as if she were looking at an ant. She lowered her gaze and said, "I am a noble consort personally appointed by the Emperor. I hit you because I wanted to. Do I need to choose an auspicious day to do it? If you dare to speak another word to me, I will tear your mouth apart!"


    Although Ning Wanshuang had lost her family background, her years of dominance in the pce had already made her notorious.


    At this moment, with just a few harsh words, she frightened Consort Yin to the point where she didn''t even dare to look at her.


    The other consorts all respectfully greeted Ning Wanshuang, "We pay our respects to Noble Consort. May you be blessed."


    Ning Wanshuang''s fierce gaze swept across the consorts, who remained bowed and did not dare to rise. She sternly ordered, "If the crown prince cannot be found, none of you are allowed to leave the Warm Pavilion. If anyone dares to take a step outside, I will personally break your legs!"


    As she spoke, she noticed Consort Yun yawning and added,


    "Kang Yubin, lock the doors! Interrogate them thoroughly one by one! If anyone dares to fall asleep, p her face hard until she wakes up!"


    As soon as these words were spoken, Consort Yun, who was halfway through a yawn, swallowed it forcibly. She even pinched her own thigh hard, not daring to show the slightest sign of fatigue...


    *


    As the night approached the early morning hours, Xiao Fuzi finally returned from his visit to the gates of the underworld and opened his eyes.


    "Xiao Fuzi, how do you feel?"


    Song Zhao was the first to approach him, and the first thing she said was not to press him for details, but to inquire about his well-being.


    Xiao Fuzi''s pale face was filled with guilt. With teary eyes, he choked out, "Your Majesty... I failed to protect the Crown Prince..."


    Song Zhao held back her tears and shook her head. "Don''t say that. I know you did your best."


    Yun Shan anxiously asked, "What happened exactly? Who injured you? And who took away the Crown Prince?"


    Xiao Fuzi replied, "I don''t know... The assants came in pairs, wearing masks and disying extraordinary skills. Before I could react, they covered my mouth and stabbed me three times in the chest... Cough... I copsed, losing consciousness, and when I came to, they had already taken the Crown Prince and escaped through the window... In a daze, I heard them say something..."


    "What did they say?" Song Zhao asked.


    Struggling to recall, Xiao Fuzi stuttered and finally uttered, "It sounded like... Ke Zan Yi Da? It sounded like a ng term used by the Hu people..."


    Upon receiving this information, Song Zhao immediately sent someone to inform Xiao Jingheng. The result confirmed that this phrase was indeed a ng term used by the Ada Tribe, meaning ''separate and act independently.''


    Xiao Jingheng was furious and promptly detained the envoy from the Ada Tribe in the Ministry of Justice, subjecting them to severe torture, with the decree to extract information about the whereabouts of the Crown Prince at all costs.


    However, Song Zhao didn''t feel slightly relieved orforted by the progress made in the investigation. On the contrary, she grew more worried...


    Even if the Ada Tribe had the courage of a lion, they would not dare tomit such an absurd act of kidnapping the Crown Prince in such a high-profile gathering of nations.


    But now, this outrageous incident had indeed urred.


    Whether the Ada Tribe was responsible or not, in order to appease the wrath of the Emperor, prove their innocence, and protect their entire tribe, they would undoubtedly be eager to surrender to the Qichao Dynasty. It was not impossible for them to do so, even if it meant ensuring the loyalty of all their subjects to the Qichao Dynasty.


    The more Song Zhao thought about it, the more she felt that this situation resembled Xiao Jingheng''s tactics in dealing with Prince Rui and the Ning Family in the past.


    The same watertight approach.


    The same sickening methods.

 Chapter 309: Worrying Premature

    <h4>Chapter 309</h4>


    In the following days, both inside and outside the pce becamepletely "lively."


    Everyone was searching everywhere for Cheng Yu''s whereabouts, but not a single piece of good news reached them.


    Wanshuang and Rongyue secretly visited Song Zhao several times, mostlyforting words to put Song Zhao''s mind at ease.


    Song Zhao found it somewhat ironic. In the past, she was busyforting others, but now it was her turn to be in despair.


    The power struggles and calctions within the pce seemed endless. No matter how intelligent a person was, they couldn''t always emerge victorious.


    Fortunes change, and with the passing of time, only the emperor remains undefeated.


    During these days, Xiao Jingheng spared no effort in searching for Cheng Yu. Since his ascension to the throne, he had suspended early morning court sessions for the first time, even leaving the management of the southern water crisis to Prince Qi and the four ministries.


    He was busy day and night, neglecting even his personal grooming. The stubble on his chin made him appear considerably older.


    He truly resembled a father who had lost his child, his mind in turmoil.


    Unfortunately, the envoy from the Ada Hu tribe in the Shenzhen Prison died before revealing any useful information, despite their ims.


    Enraged, Xiao Jingheng wanted to hold the Ada Hu tribe ountable. However, these foreign envoys from tribes and small countries who had submitted to the court were all witnesses to the prince''s disappearance. Whether it was to pledge allegiance to Xiao Jingheng or for their own self-proimed righteousness, they united unprecedentedly and were willing to assist him in eradicating the treacherous Ada Hu tribe responsible for such sinister acts.


    As the only reliance of the Ada Hu tribe within the pce, Consort Yin cried until she had no tears left when her maternal rtives were implicated in such a significant matter.


    On this day, Xiao Jingheng summoned Song Zhao to the Chaoyang Pce for a meeting.


    When Song Zhao arrived, she saw Consort Yin kneeling outside the Chaoyang Pce''s main gate under the clear sun, her hairpin removed as a sign of submission, continually kowtowing.


    "Your Majesty! My maternal rtives would never have such intentions, Your Majesty! My maternal rtives have always been loyal to Your Majesty. I refuse to believe they wouldmit such a treacherous and unfilial act! Your Majesty, please see the truth! Your Majesty, have mercy!"


    Despite Consort Yin''s pleading, even though her words were apanied by tears and her throat was hoarse, no response came from inside the main hall.


    Song Zhao bypassed her and headed towards the main hall.


    Consort Yin noticed her and crawled madly to her side, bowing repeatedly and crying out,


    "Consort Yi, Consort Yi, please listen to me! I truly didn''t do it, and neither did my maternal rtives! It truly wasn''t us! I didn''t harm your child, I swear it wasn''t me!"


    Song Zhao nced down at her, her face devoid of any emotional fluctuations, andmanded Yun Shan to help Consort Yin up.


    Consort Yin wiped away her tears. Due to her anxiety, she couldn''t even speak properly.


    "I, I swear, if my maternal rtives and I have evermitted such an unjust and unrighteous act as kidnapping the crown prince, may I be condemned by the heavens! May I have no descendants!"


    Song Zhao looked into her tear-filled eyes and nodded lightly.


    "I believe you."


    These words, "I believe you," caused Consort Yin topletely copse, sobbing in pain.


    Ever since the incident during the Festival of Eternal Longevity, all the women in the pce were waiting to see her be aughingstock. Not only did they not believe in her, but even those who used to be on her side would go to her and mock her, almost humiliating her.


    But she had treated Song Zhao the same way in the past.


    However, today, only Song Zhao, the person involved, was willing to say the word "believe" to her.


    Consort Yin tightly held Song Zhao''s hand, feeling moved in her heart, but also truly desperate:


    "But the Emperor wants to deal with my mother''s family, I really have no way... Yifei, I beg you, help me, let me see the Emperor..."


    Song Zhao remained silent, gently pushing away Consort Yin''s hand, and turned around, stepping slowly towards the main hall.


    Upon entering, she saw Xiao Jingheng drawing something on arge map of mountains and rivers that hung high.


    Song Zhao took a steady look and saw that the lines he drew seemed to be several necessary routes from the capital to the Ada Hu Tribe.


    As soon as Xiao Jingheng saw her, he immediately greeted her with concern.


    "Zhao''er, you''re here."


    He also felt that Consort Yin''s crying outside was really noisy, so he solemnly instructed a little eunuch,


    "Go out and tell Consort Yin that if she dares to make noise again and disturb Yifei''s pregnancy, I will immediately demote her to a concubine."


    The little eunuch left to carry out the order, and soon it became quiet outside.


    Xiao Jingheng held Song Zhao''s hand and gestured towards the routes and deployments on the map, exining them one by one.


    "I have discussed with the officials of the four ministries. If the people of the Hu Tribe have taken Cheng Yu away, they will definitely return through these routes. I have already sent six troops along the way to intercept them, it should be possible..."


    He spoke incessantly, discussing many methods they hade up with to rescue Cheng Yu.


    But all Song Zhao could see and hear was the horrifying aspect of it all.


    Suddenly, she asked Xiao Jingheng,


    "Emperor, what did the Chief Astronomer of the Astronomical Observatory say about this?"


    Xiao Jingheng was obviously not expecting Song Zhao to suddenly mention the Chief Astronomer, but he only hesitated for a moment before responding as usual,


    "I asked, but there were no clues."


    Song Zhao sarcastically remarked, "He can predict even floods, so how could he not predict the danger to the Emperor''s precious child? How could he not predict where Cheng Yu is now? It shows that he is useless."


    Xiao Jingheng responded, "I have instructed the Astronomical Observatory to intensify their divinations, but as the father of Cheng Yu, I cannot solely rely on the Astronomical Observatory to find our son."


    These words were eloquent.


    But as Song Zhao listened to them now, they only sounded harsh.


    She stared at Xiao Jingheng and asked again,


    "A few days ago, the Emperor was almost hit by a falling que. I remember that in the following days, the Chief Astronomer almost came to see the Emperor every day. What did hee to tell the Emperor?"


    Song Zhao, unlike her usual submissive self, came today with a somewhatpelling tone in her words.


    The warmth in Xiao Jingheng''s eyes faded a bit, "It was just some ordinary celestial phenomena."


    They looked at each other in silence for a long time.


    At this point, Song Zhao hadpletely run out of options.


    In this pce, the struggle between women has always relied on the wise judgments of Xiao Jingheng.


    Song Zhao had always believed that as long as she could manipte Xiao Jingheng, she would have a smooth sailing in the pce.


    But little did she know, one day she would also be a pawn in Xiao Jingheng''s game?


    When her reliance suddenly turned into her constraint,


    how could she escape from this predicament?


    And how could she save her own son?


    A boundless sense of despair swept over Song Zhao from all directions.


    It manifested as invisible pressure, weighing her down, wanting to crush her...


    An inexplicable pain, like a twisting knife, suddenly struck her lower abdomen, causing Song Zhao''s legs to go weak, and she fell into Xiao Jingheng''s arms.


    She was soaked underneath, her breathing became erratic.


    Before long, apanied by the calls of Xiao Jingheng and Yun Shan, everything turned ck before her eyes, and she fainted.


    Yun Shan looked at Song Zhao and realized that her water had broken. In a panic, she shouted, "Your Majesty! The Empress is about to give birth... but she''s only eight months pregnant!"


    Xiao Jingheng also panicked and said, "Quick! Hurry and fetch the imperial physician and the midwife. Move Zhao''er to the bedroom first! Be careful, don''t hurt her!"


    The Chao Yang Pce instantly became chaotic,


    Xiao Jingheng originally intended to apany Song Zhao in the bedroom,


    but on the corridor, he ran into the impulsive Xiao Yinzi,


    and Xiao Yinzi solemnly reported to him:


    "Your Majesty... the Navy Admiral has captured Qu Yanran, who was nning to assassinate you in Lin''an. They have already entered the pce with their men!"

 Chapter 310: Nirvana 01

    <h4>Chapter 310</h4>


    Song Zhao had fainted, but even though she couldn¡¯t open her eyes, she was still conscious.


    She could hear all the sounds around her. She heard Xiao Jingheng anxiously instructing the imperial physician, "You must do your utmost to ensure the safety of Concubine Yi and her child! If you must make a difficult choice, you must prioritize Concubine Yi''s safety!"


    She heard Yun Shan crying beside her, begging her to hold on.


    She heard the hushed whispers and sighs of the physicians and midwives.


    After some time, Song Zhao heard the loud cries of a newborn baby and the joyous congrattions of everyone present.


    After that, she didn¡¯t know anything more.


    Plunging into endless darkness, it was as if she was having a long dream.


    In the dream, from the night she entered the pce and first met Xiao Jingheng during the stormy night he spent with her,


    To the disappearance of Cheng Yu, when she was on the cusp of victory only to suddenly fail.


    All sorts of past events converged into ringly bright scenes shing through her mind.


    She had only been in the pce for two years, but it felt like so much longer had passed...


    When Song Zhao opened her eyes again, the mor around her had dispersed.


    The bedchamber was empty, only Yun Shan was sleeping leaned against her bedside pir.


    Seeing Yun Shan''s disheveled hair and swollen eyelids, she must have stayed by her side without leaving for a moment.


    Song Zhao gently propped herself up, trying not to disturb the maid, but she still woke up.


    "Mistress, you''re awake!"


    Yun Shan helped Song Zhao sit up, half anxious and half overjoyed. "Mistress, you scared me to death. After giving birth, you were unconscious for three days and nights..."


    Song Zhao instinctively reached for her t stomach and asked, "Where is my child?"


    "Mistress safely gave birth to a little princess, she''s here!"


    Yun Shan called out towards the door, urgently summoning the wet nurse to carry in the little princess for Song Zhao to see.


    The princess''s face was a little wrinkled, fair with a healthy glow. Her big eyes that looked exactly like Song Zhao''s stared roundly, curiously exploring the world and looking curiously at Song Zhao as well.


    Song Zhao took her from the wet nurse''s arms and held her tightly.


    The little princess was so soft and warm, reminding Song Zhao of the first time she held Cheng Yu.


    Back then, she had been so careful, afraid of hurting the child.


    But in the end, she still couldn''t protect her child.


    Her eyes turned red. She asked again, "What about Cheng Yu? Any news?"


    Seeing the tears flowing down Yun Shan''s face, Song Zhao already knew.


    She returned the child to the wet nurse and told her to take her away and attend to her. Then she said to Yun Shan,


    "Is Xiao Fuzi alright?"


    Yun Shan wiped her tears and nodded, "He''s fine, just needs more recovery before he cane serve Mistress."


    Song Zhao nodded slightly, "There''s no rush, let him recuperate well."


    Yun Shan was worried that Song Zhao hadn''t eaten for days while unconscious. She hurriedly had the pce servants bring in the prepared chicken porridge, thinking that Song Zhao should at least eat a little to regain some strength.


    But the smell made Song Zhao feel nauseous, she had no appetite at all.


    Yun Shan anxiously said, "Mistress, you must eat at least a couple mouthfuls, or we can change it to in porridge. You just gave birth and your body is weak, you can''t go on not eating like this!"


    She held up the bowl, stirring the porridge with the spoon, and brought a spoonful to Song Zhao''s lips. But just then, the little eunuch steward came in uninvited.


    He saluted Song Zhao, "This servant bids Concubine Yi good health. His Majesty requests all consorts and concubines to immediately proceed to the Chaoyang Pce."


    "Go right now?" It was rare for Yun Shan to get angry. "Mistress has just woken up and it''s not advisable for her to move after giving birth. Doesn''t His Majesty know that?"


    "Well..." The little steward was in a difficult position and couldn''t say much, just standing there woodenly.


    Song Zhao was silent for a moment.


    Suddenly, she threw aside her nkets. With Yun Shan''s support, she barely made it off the bed to stand. Her expression was one of utter resolve as she said,


    "I was just about to go see him anyway."


    When the sedan chair arrived at the Chaoyang Pce and Song Zhao went in, she saw that all the consorts and concubines were already present.


    The others just nced at her indifferently at most.


    Only Rongyue and Wanshuang''s eyes showed some anxiety, but they couldn''t ask her if she was alright given the formal setting.


    Xiao Jingheng sat imposingly at the head, his face overcast as if a storm was brewing. The atmosphere in the hall was extremely low.


    Song Zhao saluted Xiao Jingheng, but unlike his usual tender affection, Xiao Jingheng didn''t show her any special consideration or exemption from rituals given that she had just given birth and her body was weak.


    Instead, he just let herplete the full greeting ritual before saying,


    "Sit. Concubine Yi has just given birth and is susceptible to cold, bring the brazier closer to her and go heat up a hot water bottle."


    Although Song Zhao''s seat had threeyers of goose feather cushions, to her it still felt like sitting on needles.


    Before she even had a chance to catch her breath, she heard Consort Hui''s silveryugh.


    "Sister Song~ you''re awake! We were all so worried these days you were unconscious~"


    Song Zhao nced at her.


    Her smile was pure, her eyes clear without the slightest trace of malice.


    But Song Zhao knew in her heart that even if Cheng Yu''s disappearance was Xiao Jingheng''s scheme, Consort Hui was definitely not innocent in this matter.


    She withdrew her gaze, unusually ignoring Consort Hui''s overture.


    Consort Hui was unperturbed, still smiling as she took a white jade cake and enjoyed it. She asked Xiao Jingheng,


    "Your Majesty called Sister Song here to the Chaoyang Pce right after she gave birth. Why is that?"


    Only then did Xiao Jingheng exin, "There is a strange matter I heard about that I wanted you all to listen to."


    As he finished speaking, the little steward pped three times. Immediately, guards escorted in a disheveled woman covered in blood and filth.


    Song Zhao looked at her - although unkempt, it was still evident she was a beauty.


    But unexpectedly, as soon as the woman entered the hall, she violently broke free of the guards'' restraint and threw herself at Song Zhao''s feet. Grabbing her skirt desperately, the woman shrieked,


    "Concubine Yi, save me!"


    "Insolence!" The little steward brandished his horsewhip, pping away the woman''s hand clutching Song Zhao''s skirt. The guards also rushed up again to restrain her.


    Even so, the woman still screamed at Song Zhao, "Mistress, save me!"


    Song Zhao frowned, "Who are you?"


    "Ah!"


    Before Song Zhao had even finished speaking, Consort Yao suddenly eximed,


    "This...isn''t this Qu Yanran, the assassin who tried to kill His Majesty in Lin''an? I only saw her briefly on the boat that day. Why does she recognize you?"

 Chapter 311: Nirvana 02

    <h4>Chapter 311</h4>


    When she heard this, Song Zhao understood everything in an instant.


    Since the moment Xiao Jingheng was assassinated in Lin''an, the whole scheme had already beenid out.


    Even if she had rejected the title of ''Noble Lady'', she had already fallen into the trap, with no way to avoid it...


    After a brief moment of panic, Song Zhao quickly calmed down.


    She looked down at Qu Yanran and said in a steady voice, "You''re asking me to save you, but you havemitted the unforgivable crime of attempting to assassinate the Emperor. You know I cannot possibly save you, so by saying these things in front of the Emperor, you are trying to tell everyone that the Lin''an incident was ordered by me. Isn''t that so?"


    Qu Yanran froze for a moment, then tried to change the subject, "Could it be that Your Ladyship wants to kill the donkey after it''s finished grinding the flour?"


    "Kill the donkey after grinding the flour? Hmph!" Song Zhao let out a coldugh, then said in a deep, sonorous voice, "If this matter was truly ordered by me, I would have killed you, this donkey, to keep your mouth shut back in Lin''an. How could I have let you live until today, toe before the throne and recklessly nder my reputation!?"


    Qu Yanran was obviously not very bright.


    With just a few words from Song Zhao, she was rendered speechless, not knowing how to defend herself.


    She could only kneel before Xiao Jingheng repeatedly, pleading,


    "Your Majesty! All of this was ordered by Consort Song! At the time, I was short on money, so she took the opportunity to help me, forcing me tomit this heinous crime! She even said that if I didn''t do it, she would kill me to keep my mouth shut!"


    Every word and action from Qu Yanran could not stand up to scrutiny.


    Xiao Jingheng was no fool either. He stared at Qu Yanran, a sharp glint shing in his eyes, and said coldly,


    "You say Consort Song ordered you? But for something like this to be arranged so meticulously, it must have been nned well in advance. Consort Song has no one in her family, and has always lived in the pce. How could she have ordered you?"


    At this moment, the usually soft-spoken Concubine He spoke up,


    "But if it wasn''t done by Consort Song, how could the assassin, who had never seen the women of the inner pce before, recognize Consort Song as soon as she entered among all the consorts and concubines?"


    "Is your family so poor and destitute?" Ning Wanshuang sneered and rolled her eyes at Concubine He, "So poor that at your age, you don''t even have a single portrait? If someone with malicious intent had shown this wretch Consort Song''s portrait in advance, of course she would recognize Consort Song."


    Consort Yun chimed in, "Yes! Your Majesty, I feel there is something suspicious about this matter."


    Rongyue also said, "Consort Song has always been favored by Your Majesty. What good would it do her to do something like this?"


    Consort Hui also plucked up the courage to speak on Song Zhao''s behalf, "I think what my sisters have said makes a lot of sense. Even if Your Majesty had not officially named Chengyu as Crown Prince at the time, he was still Your Majesty''s eldest son, Your Majesty''s precious son. Consort Song was favored, and so was Chengyu. Why would Consort Song want to harm Your Majesty?"


    Consort Yun gave a coldugh and said, "Look at how clumsy Consort Hui is with words, yet asionally she can still make some sense. Indeed, Consort Song is favored, and Chengyu is Your Majesty''s only healthy prince. If something were to happen to Your Majesty, wouldn''t control over this flourishing dynasty fall entirely into the hands of Consort Song and her son?"


    "Consort Yun, mind your words," Song Zhao red at Consort Yun and said, "Speaking like you do, isn''t your father, far away in Jizhou, also secretly contacting the Minister of Personnel and the Minister of Revenue? What is he trying to do?"


    "You--"


    Amidst the consorts and concubines using each other, Consort Hui suddenly said indignantly,


    "Your Majesty! All this is because of the nonsense spewed by this assassin, sullying Consort Song''s reputation! I think we should lock her up in the Prison for Interrogation by Torture and subject her to severe punishment, to see if she will reveal who instructed her to falsely use Consort Song!"


    As she spoke, she unconsciously touched the red coral ring on her index finger.


    This action was noticed by Qu Yanran, who suddenly cried out,


    "Consort Song! I know that I will not leave here alive today after epting your orders to assassinate the Emperor! I''ve had enough of the punishments in the Prison for Interrogation by Torture, so I won''t let myself be tortured before death! Consort Song! You''ve brought me to this, I will haunt you even as a ghost!"


    As soon as she finished speaking, she struggled madly under the guards'' restraints, trying to pounce on Song Zhao.


    She seemed to have some martial arts skills. Breaking free of the restraints, even the guards could not hold her back.


    Seeing that she was about to harm Song Zhao, the guards had no choice but to unsheathe their swords and stab her.


    This sword pierced Qu Yanran''s chest and back, spurting out a gush of hot blood.


    She red viciously at Song Zhao, twisted her features and muttered faintly,


    "I will not...let you off..."


    Then, she breathed herst.


    "Ah!!!"


    The hall was in an uproar, the consorts and concubines were terrified, and Xiao Jingheng ordered people to cleanly remove the filthy corpse.


    Qu Yanran dying in front of Song Zhao was not enough to frighten her,


    but now that she was dead, how could this matter be proven without evidence?


    After a brief silence in the hall, Xiao Jingheng looked at Song Zhao and said in a rtively calm tone,


    "I will get to the bottom of this matter, but with her dying usation that you ordered her to do this. Consort Song, do you have any exnation?"


    Song Zhao looked up at him, her words sonorous, "For things I have not done, what does Your Majesty want me to exin?"


    Xiao Jingheng frowned at her for a moment, then let out a short sigh after some time,


    "Forget it, we''ll stop here for today. Everyone is dismissed..."


    "Your Majesty!"


    Before he could finish speaking, Xiao Yinzi hurriedly rushed in again, stepped forward and whispered in Xiao Jingheng''s ear for a moment.


    Xiao Jingheng''s previously rxed brows quickly furrowed again as he said coldly, "Then bring the person in."


    Soon, the guards brought in a thin man,


    Xiao Yinzi said, "Qu was an official appointed by the magistrate of Tonglu County in Lin''an to serve Your Majesty. After the incident, the magistrate''s manor in Tonglu County was wiped out, with all family members dying unnatural deaths. But this servant happened to be out drinking on that day and avoided the disaster."


    The servant was extremely frightened to see the Emperor''s face. Kneeling on the ground trembling, he said,


    "Yo-Your Majesty, I d-don''t know anything! It''s just that before the manor was wiped out, I saw the master talking with a stranger. Th-that man bumped into me on his way out and gave me a silver note, telling me to pretend I didn''t see anything that day."


    As he spoke, he fumbled in his clothes and took out a crumpled silver note which he handed to Xiao Yinzi.


    Xiao Yinzi presented it to Xiao Jingheng. Xiao Jingheng had only casually nced at it, but seemed to notice something in the corner of the note.


    He quickly sat up straight and took the note to examine it closely.


    Soon, his pupils suddenly constricted, and his expression became ashen.


    He flung the note on the table and said angrily, "Bring it to Consort Song to take a look."


    When the notended in Song Zhao''s hands, she saw that the lower right corner had an imprint that was blurred and faded.


    In that condition, it would be extremely difficult for others to discern it.


    But Song Zhao recognized it at a nce.


    Because...


    It was the unique imprint of the Seal of the Duke Who Protects the State!

 Chapter 312: Nirvana 03

    <h4>Chapter 312</h4>


    Song Zhao was greatly shocked when she saw Xiao Jingheng''s cold and piercing gaze. She quicklyposed herself and said calmly, "Your Majesty, there is indeed the seal of the Duke Hu State Residence, my mother''s family, on this banknote. It''s not surprising that it ended up in someone else''s possession after being circted and transferred."


    Xiao Jingheng clearly didn''t believe this exnation. He sighed with his eyes closed and said, "Xiao Yinzi, didn''t you say that the person who delivered the banknote to this servant had already been captured? Bring him in."


    There was another rustling sound outside the door, and Song Zhao turned her head to look. At that moment, her heart almost froze. The person who came in was Liu Chi, the steward of the former Duke Hu State Residence.


    Liu Chi stood below the hall and first greeted Xiao Jingheng respectfully before saying to Song Zhao, "Servant... greets Second Miss."


    His manners were impable, showing no trace of the contempt he used to have when he bullied Song Zhao in the residence.


    Liu Chi was a distant rtive of Song Zhao''s stepmother Jiang Shi. When he was working in the Duke Hu State Residence, Jiang Shi often caused trouble for Song Zhao in secret, and almost all of it was facilitated by Liu Chi.


    So, Song Zhao and he were like water and fire, ipatible with each other.


    In fact, Song Zhao had thought about dealing with this troublemaker, but after Jiang Shi''s death, the Duke Hu State Residence fell into destion and Liu Chi disappeared without a trace.


    Now that Liu Chi had reappeared, Song Zhao was at a loss for words.


    All this time, Song Zhao had pretended in front of Xiao Jingheng that she had a harmonious rtionship with her mother''s family and was close to her stepmother.


    Now, how could she tell Xiao Jingheng about the conflicts she had with Liu Chi?


    The crime of deceiving the emperor was also punishable by death.


    After a brief silence in the hall, Xiao Jingheng asked Liu Chi, "What have you done? Confess everything truthfully, and I will leave you with a whole corpse."


    Liu Chi, as expected, first bowed to Song Zhao and said with a bitter face, "Second Miss... I have let you down!"


    Then, with a ''nk,'' he knelt down and replied, "Your Majesty... I did find Qu Yanran, but it was at the instruction of Second Miss. She wanted me to find refugees for her use. It was also Second Miss who gave me money to bribe the magistrate of Tonglu County and rmend Qu Yanran to serve in the imperial court in Lin''an, providing her with an opportunity to strike.


    As for the fire that happened at the magistrate''s house afterwards, it was also my doing. Later, when the assassination plot failed, Second Miss ordered me to hunt down Qu Yanran, but that woman hid well, and I didn''t find her."


    The servant kneeling beside him also pointed and affirmed, "Yes! It was him! Your Majesty! This person gave the banknote to my master and paid him to keep silent!"


    Song Zhao trembled with anger, unable to control her shaking. She hadn''t even had a moment to recover from postpartum weakness, and now she felt like there were countless daggers churning in her stomach.


    This series of framed usations was one link after another, leaving no room for doubt.


    Song Zhao felt as if she had fallen into an endless abyss of coldness.


    The more she fell, the deeper and colder it became, but she had no idea when she would hit rock bottom.


    Consort Yao covered her mouth and eximed, "Consort Yi! How could you have such a heart?"


    Consort Yun also joined in, berating, "You have such audacity! How dare you plot against the Emperor!"


    The rest of them, including Rongyue, promptly agreed. They seized the opportunity to belittle Song Zhao, as if doing so demonstrated their loyalty to Xiao Jingheng.


    Seeing Song Zhao being wrongly used like this, Rongyue intended to stand up and plead with Xiao Jingheng for mercy.


    However, Ning Wanshuang gave her a stern re, a silent signal for her to sit down.


    Indeed, at this point, Song Zhao had no way out. Anyone who pleaded on her behalf would be implicated. The only option now was to remain still, hoping to find a way out for Song Zhao.


    Amidst the disdainful remarks from the crowd, only Consort Yin asked a question,


    "You say that Empress Yi arranged for you to do these things? Why would she make such arrangements? And when did it all start?"


    Liu Chi replied, "This servant does not know everything... I only know that it was Miss Er who suspected Lord''s death was not a suicide, but rather, he was killed by the Emperor. Since then, Miss Er secretly contacted me and asked me to help her with many things."


    Upon hearing this, Song Zhao couldn''t help butugh and cry.


    A deep father-daughter bond?


    She couldn''t even prevent Song Shicheng from falling into eternal purgatory, never to be reborn. When did she have such a deep bond with Song Shicheng?


    But upon further reflection, she and Song Shicheng did indeed have such a bond.


    After all, this was how Song Zhao had always behaved in front of Xiao Jingheng, wasn''t it?


    Vaguely, Song Zhao felt as if someone among the crowd was watching her intently.


    She raised her eyebrows and met the clear and bright gaze of Consort Hui.


    At this moment, Consort Hui dropped her pretenses.


    She tilted her head at Song Zhao, her earrings tinkling softly in her ears.


    Then, she subtly raised an eyebrow, as if teasing and provoking.


    Xiao Jingheng, who had been sitting at the head all along, stood up at this moment.


    With heavy footsteps, he walked step by step towards Song Zhao.


    His face turned pale, filled with extreme frustration.


    "Consort Yi, I have always treated you well."


    Song Zhao was about to say something.


    But before she could, Xiao Jingheng suddenly pped her across the face, leaving her dazed.


    Amidst the exmations from the consorts, all that remained was Xiao Jingheng''s furious interrogation.


    "Tell me! Why did you plot against me like this!"


    [Cheng Yu did not die, and there will be a major twistter on. Also, I want to write the story I like seriously and share it with you all. Of course, a story must have ups and downs, and changes in character''s mindset must be driven by events. I can''t write illogical things.]


    [So, if you think the novel can''t have any twists and turns, there''s no need to leavements saying you''ll abandon it. It''s your choice to read what you like, and I fully respect that! Love you all, kisses~]

 Chapter 313: Nirvana 04

    <h4>Chapter 313</h4>


    The light in the hall seemed to have dimmed extremely. Although the candles were still burning bright, Song Zhao could no longer see the path ahead clearly anymore.


    The faint purple smoke that rose gently from the incense burner coiled before her eyes, like a thinyer of gauze separating her from Xiao Jingheng,


    as sheer as cicada wings, yet keeping them thousands of miles apart.


    The warmth from the teacup in her hand cooled down gradually, just as Song Zhao''s heart at the moment.


    Xiao Jingheng was her first man, as well as the only man who had apanied her day and night over the past two years.


    Although Song Zhao was clear-minded and well aware of what she was asking for,


    she was after all a woman. After all, there had been a moment when she did harbor feelings for Xiao Jingheng.


    Now looking back at her foolishness, it was trulyughable.


    Song Zhao slowly raised her eyes to look straight at Xiao Jingheng, and said calmly:


    "Does His Majesty feel that his concubine is plotting something against him? His empire? His throne? His concubine doesn''t even know the whereabouts of her own child now. If his concubine really had such clever plots, how could she have been reduced to such dire straits?"


    Xiao Jingheng didn''t avert his gaze. His eyes were filled only with aloofness.


    He loved his empire too much. So much that no matter who, as long as they attempted to overreach, even on mere suspicion, he would soon grow cold-hearted to nip the flower for the greater good.


    At the moment, as Xiao Jingheng looked at Song Zhao for a long time, he seemed to be the deeply hurt one instead. His dark eyshes quivered as if he was trying hard to restrain something.


    After a long while, she heard him utter coldly:


    "The evidence is now conclusive. There is nothing more for us to talk about."


    Indeed, there was nothing more to talk about.


    The evidence in this case was irrefutable. Even Song Zhao''s motive for doing such a thing had been arranged reasonably by the mastermind behind the scenes.


    Song Zhao knew clearly that with the crime of regicide pressed upon her, she was now powerless to defend herself,


    just like the numerous times in the past when she had set traps for others,


    blocking all paths and leaving only one road to death, waiting for the prey to obediently step in.


    Once you enter the pce, everyone fights and struggles.


    If your skills fall short, you must resignedly face execution. This was something Song Zhao had always understood.


    Now when she thought of ChengYu, Song Zhao felt a stream of icy frost pouring down, so cold that even her heart froze into chunks...


    Xiao Jingheng''s attitude was already very clear.


    The concubines had always seen Song Zhao as a thorn in their side. Seizing this opportunity now, they would surely kick her while she¡¯s down.


    Consort Yun nced at Song Zhao with raised eyebrows,


    "Such a cheap whoremitting such unheard-of acts! Your Majesty, Consort Yi harbors great ambition. Keeping her will surely invite future troubles!"


    She took the lead to kneel down, her voice solemn as a bell,


    "This concubine begs Your Majesty to issue an order to execute Consort Yi, to rectify the harem!"


    Consort Yun''s words were like lighting the fuse. Consort Yao hurriedly knelt down after her, seemingly forgetting the past affection between her and Song Zhao,


    "Please Your Majesty, punish this treacherous woman to uphold proper principles!"


    Following closely, Concubine Ru, Concubine He, Concubine Li, Kang Daying...


    They knelt down one after another, as if harboring deep grievances against Song Zhao, their words urging Xiao Jingheng to execute Song Zhao on the spot before their very eyes.


    Later, even Consort Yin knelt down with lowered head without saying anything.


    Amidst such unanimous consensus, the only ones left standing out were Wanshuang and Rongyue, looking particrly conspicuous.


    Song Zhao and Rongyue looked at each other. Seeing Rongyue''s eyes reddened, seemingly unable to hold herself back,


    Song Zhao was afraid that she would make an impulsive appeal to Xiao Jingheng at this critical moment to plead for her sake.


    After all, if this was fated to be the end of her path, she shouldn''t implicate Rongyue anymore, otherwise there would be no hope left for the newborn daughter of Rongyue.


    Song Zhao pressed her eyebrows down and signaled Rongyue with her eyes not to act rashly.


    But at the moment of her life and death, how could Rongyue still care about all those concerns?


    She hurriedly took two steps forward and knelt directly in front of Xiao Jingheng,


    "Your Majesty! This concubine thinks Consort Yi, she..."


    "Let''s see who dares!"


    Before she could finish speaking, an angry roar came from outside. It stopped Rongyue first in her muddled attempt.


    "The Empress Dowager arrives!"


    Even before the pce maid finished her announcement, the Empress Dowager had already strode into the inner hall.


    She was still recovering from illness with herplexion looking rather poor,


    but it did not affect her imposing manner at all.


    The consorts turned to greet and pay respect to the Empress Dowager. Xiao Jingheng also bowed and greeted inly,


    "Greetings to Mother Empress from your son."


    The Empress Dowager nced at Song Zhao, then looked at Xiao Jingheng with raised eyebrows, and said firmly:


    "Song is the birth mother of the Crown Prince. If the Emperor kills her, how should the Crown Prince conduct himself in the future?"


    She took a breath, then added meaningfully:


    "Or does the Emperor believe that the Crown Prince no longer has any possibility of safely returning to the capital?"


    Xiao Jingheng was slightly taken aback, showing displeasure,


    "Song plotted to usurp the throne and attempted to assassinate me. I certainly cannot act as if nothing has happened."


    At this moment, Wanshuang, who had not spoken for a long time, suddenly spoke up:


    "Your Majesty, this concubine believes that now is not yet the time to kill Song. Your Majesty, think carefully. There are so manyyers of connections involved in this matter. How could Song possibly have done it alone? If not, I''m afraid there are still people behind the scenes manipting her. If Your Majesty kills her now, it wouldpletely sever the root of this matter."


    Consort Yun said: "Why not put her into the Interrogation Bureau and torture her severely? Under heavy torture, she must be able to spit out something.¡±


    "Consort Yun''s idea is too superficial," Consort Yin interrupted Consort Yun and shook her head, "What can be asked by sending her to the Interrogation Bureau? What Song hasmitted is punishable by execution of nine familial exterminations. Either way it would be death. Even if she enters the Interrogation Bureau, she still won''t talk."


    And Rongyue, who was already kneeling in front of Xiao Jingheng, also echoed Wanshuang and Consort Yin''s words and quickly changed her tune:


    "Your Majesty, what the Noble Consort said is precisely this concubine¡¯s concern just now. And Consort Yin''s words also make sense. If there really are people behind the scenes manipting Consort Yi, then the Interrogation Bureau would probably not be able to ask anything either.


    This concubine thinks that in this world, even the most hard-mouthed and stony-hearted woman cannot bear to see her own flesh and blood suffer. Now that Consort Yi has just given birth to the Third Princess, why doesn''t Your Majesty use the Third Princess to coerce her into revealing the mastermind behind the scenes?"


    In her selfish heart, Song Zhao understood that this was Wanshuang and Rongyue''s attempt to find an escape route for her.


    She understood their intention and hurriedly acted extremely pathetic and frightened, "No! You cannot harm my daughter!"


    Clutching Xiao Jingheng''s sleeve, she pleaded bitterly:


    "Your Majesty! She is also your own daughter! She has just been born, how can You bear to..."


    Before she finished speaking, the hands that Xiao Jingheng once held tenderly countless times were now mercilessly brushed away.


    Wanshuang red at Song Zhao and sneered,


    "It seems that Lady Song is very nervous about her child. Why doesn''t Your Majesty first send the Third Princess to this concubine to raise for the time being? As for Song Zhao..."


    She looked Song Zhao up and down, then said solemnly:


    "Immediately lock her up in solitary confinement and let her think it through herself, to see if she wants toe clean. If she remains stubborn and silent, then in the future, the Third Princess will be considered as born of this concubine. There are frequent political marriages with foreign countries. In the future when theye asking for a royal marriage, Your Majesty will not have to be embarrassed about which princess to marry off in splendor."

 Chapter 314: The Road Ahead is Hopeless

    <h4>Chapter 314</h4>


    Princess''s marriage means that she has to go far away from the capital and marry the chieftain of a foreign tribe. If she can marry into Mongolia or other Hu tribes, that would be considered a good destiny. If she is married to the freezing north or the drought west, she would have to live a life of eating fur and drinking blood. If the princess who is used to luxury and gentility is married to those ces, it would be a fate worse than death.


    Seeing Song Zhao''s unconcealed grief, the Empress Dowager said,


    ¡°This subject thinks Consort Hui''s suggestion is feasible. Anyway, the emperor has lost affection for Song Zhao, so the Third Princess who has her as a mother will certainly not gain the emperor''s favor. If in the future she can be married off to broker peace between wars, it can be considered as a merit for this mother and daughter.


    As she spoke, she nced meaningfully at Song Zhao,


    ¡°Song Zhao, go stay in the Cold Pce for now. For your children''s sake, you have to think this through carefully.¡±


    Now that things hade to this, Xiao Jingheng did not say anything more, only saying,


    ¡°Then follow the Empress Dowager''s intention and first move Song Zhao to the Cold Pce to stay.¡±


    Song Zhao bowed in thanks for the imperial grace,


    but now there was only hatred left in her eyes and heart.


    The group of consorts watched her being led away, some were delighted, some calm, some secretly worried,


    and just as Song Zhao was led away from Chang Le Pce, Xiao Jingheng said he wanted to be alone and quiet. At this moment, Consort Hui suddenly vomited for no reason.


    Everyone quickly asked what was wrong, but Consort Hui only raised her handkerchief to cover her cherry lips, somewhat embarrassed to say,


    ¡°I was too nervous just now, when I''m nervous I get greedy, perhaps I overate...¡±


    Hearing this from a consort was trulyughable,


    but before others couldugh, Chun''er, the servant attending Consort Hui, said:


    ¡°Mistress has not had her monthly period yet, could it be...¡±


    Hearing this, the gloom on Xiao Jingheng''s face instantly lessened. He quickly had the imperial physician at Chang Le Pce diagnose Consort Hui''s pulse.


    After this diagnosis, good news came out.


    The physician said, ¡°Congrattions Your Majesty, Consort Hui is already one month pregnant!¡±


    Xiao Jingheng immediately revealed some joy, saying to let Consort Hui nurture herself well.


    As for Consort Hui, she had an expression of confusion and disbelief, repeatedly touching her own belly, only beginning to smile foolishly after a long while,


    ¡°How wonderful! Then can my father and mother enter the pce soon?¡±


    Xiao Jingheng agreed, ¡°Naturally.¡±


    ¡°Hehe~ Many thanks, Your Majesty~¡±


    Since it was an asion of joy, the other consorts went to offer congrattions to Consort Hui. Amidst this, some also whispered,


    ¡°You say she''s onlyin with His Majesty a few times, how did she get pregnant so quickly?¡±


    ¡°Look at her, she can''t even take care of herself, how can she be a mother? Oh well, we''ll just take it as the blessings of fools.¡±


    *


    It was on that night Song Zhao was sent to the Cold Pce.


    Thews of the Qi Dynasty were strict, with no guilt by association unless onemitted crimes punishable by the Nine Exterminations.


    Thus, when consorts were deposed to the Cold Pce, the pce maids serving them could find another way out,


    even if it was to toilsome ces like the Four Storehouses, Bird and Flower Institute, or Laundry Bureau. After persevering until age 25, they could still hope to leave the pce.


    But Yun Shan insisted on following Song Zhao into the Cold Pce. Even when Song Zhao angrily forced her to leave, she would not obey.


    When entering the Cold Pce, Song Zhao earnestly advised her,


    ¡°Following me, you will likely never leave the pce in future days, it is even uncertain whether we will live or die, so why suffer this?¡±


    With red eyes, Yun Shan was nevertheless stubborn,


    ¡°I have followed Young Miss since I was small, I don''t want to leave Young Miss!¡±


    The maid wiped her tears, tightly grasping Song Zhao''s hand, vigorously shaking her head,


    ¡°Wherever Young Miss goes, I will go. I want to apany you always.¡±


    Song Zhao gently stroked her cheek, smiling with tears,


    In this ce full of cold hearts, there were still a few warm rays of light that could break through restrictions and shine on her.


    So Song Zhao no longer tried to push her away, unwilling to hurt the maid''s heart.


    Having suffered this disaster for no reason,


    although Song Zhao was hurt to the extreme, she was also extremely clear,


    she would not let herself be trapped in this Cold Pce for life,


    she still had people she wanted to protect, still had vengeance she wanted to take,


    no matter how bitter or difficult the days, she would grit her teeth and endure, biding her time.


    The consorts of the previous dynasty who lived in the Cold Pce had all perished from the hardship.


    The only one in this dynasty who had entered the Cold Pce was Consort Shu Zhao Junruo, who went mad and died early on.


    When strolling idly in the pce in times past, Song Zhao had passed by the Cold Pce gates many times. Seeing the destion, shemented that these women who were like flowers had lost imperial favor and were discarded like worn shoes, trulymentable.


    Yet she had never imagined this ce would one day be her abode.


    Compared to Chang Le Pce, this Cold Pce could be called extremely dpidated.


    Because it was uncleaned for a long time, overgrown with weeds and deste throughout the courtyard,


    it was exceptionally jarringpared to the golden tiles and jade walls of the imperial city.


    Mistress and servant picked a room whose four walls were undamaged to temporarily live in.


    Yun Shan nimbly prepared the bedding for Song Zhao, then said,


    ¡°Young Miss just gave birth and your body is weak, first lie down and rest. There is no charcoal in the Cold Pce, I will secretly go look to see if there are any dried branches to gather for burning, although it will be smoky it is better than Young Miss catching cold in your postpartum month.¡±


    Song Zhao had wanted to go along with Yun Shan but no matter what Yun Shan refused to let her work.


    Song Zhao could never win against her, so she could only obey.


    After Yun Shan left, Song Zhao stood by the bed, touching the shabby objects in the crude room.


    The floating dust and dense cobwebs reminded her in a sh of the days without sunlight when she was locked in the woodshed at the Duke of Protection''s manor.


    At that time, she thought that leaving the Duke of Protection''s manor was escaping from a sea of mes,


    yet she did not know she had merely gone from one fiery sea into another frigid prison...


    Lost in thought, the sound of the door being shoved open jolted her back to reality.


    Song Zhao looked towards the door,


    and saw Consort Hui holding a food box,ing by the moonlight.


    ¡°Sister Song Zhao, I''vee to see you...¡±


    She rushed to Song Zhao with a crying face, casually putting the food box on the dusty wooden table, then held Song Zhao''s hand,


    ¡°Sister Song Zhao, I know you''ve been wrongly used. Don''t be scared, the emperor will definitely investigate the truth and save you soon!¡±


    Song Zhao looked at her coldly.


    She still had that innocent and pure expression,


    her eyes were so clear, like an uncontaminated gemstone.


    ¡°Why is Sister Song Zhao looking at me this way?¡± Consort Hui pouted, somewhat puzzled.


    Song Zhao suddenly gave a coldugh, slowly withdrawing her hand from the girl''s small palm,


    ¡°Even now, you''re still going to keep pretending?¡±


    ¡°Sister Song Zhao?¡±


    Consort Hui''s face was full of bafflement, her innocent bright eyes blinking at Song Zhao.


    Seeing Song Zhao only giving her an icy stare in response,


    in a sh, the light in Consort Hui''s eyes dimmed. She suddenly raised her handkerchief to cover her nose,ughing crazily,


    ¡°Hahahahahaha!¡±


    That sinisterughter was like a night owl, making one feel disgusted and chilled to the bone.


    She tiptoed to get near Song Zhao, breathing by Song Zhao''s ear, leisurely saying,


    ¡°Sister Song Zhao, you''ve lost.¡±

 Chapter 315: Burying Children Alive

    <h4>Chapter 315</h4>


    Song Zhao felt disgusted by Consort Hui, and every inch of her skin trembled with unease. She pushed against Consort Hui''s chest, trying to avoid her, but her fingernail, like a sharp water onion, hooked onto the sp of Consort Hui''s cor, causing the button to pop off and the cor to fall to the ground.


    In that moment, Song Zhao looked up and saw something astonishing: Consort Hui''s neck, which should have been covered in burn scars, was now smooth and fair. The old scars hadpletely disappeared!


    In their ce were several distinct horizontal lines on her neck.


    Song Zhao widened her eyes, feeling both shocked and puzzled...


    Neck lines...


    The queen was twenty-three years old when she had just started to develop faint neck lines. Consort Hui was only fifteen this year, so why were the neck lines on her neck so noticeable?


    Unless...


    Consort Hui had a childlike face, but her actual age was older than even the queen''s?


    Facing Song Zhao''s astonished gaze, Consort Hui showed no fear. She twisted her neck from side to side, loosening her muscles, and smiled lightly.


    "You are truly clever and troublesome," she said.


    Song Zhao stared fixedly at Consort Hui''s youthful face, feeling her stomach churn, making her extremely nauseous!


    She suppressed the surge in her chest and asked with disgust, "What kind of monster are you?"


    "Tsk, tsk, you''ve discovered my little secret," Consort Hui blinked her round eyes mischievously and stuck out her tongue at Song Zhao.


    Then she bent down, picked up the cor from the ground, and draped it back around her neck before speaking again, "Hehe~ In that case, I should change how I address you now. I should call you Sister Song~"


    Facing Song Zhao''s astonished gaze, Consort Hui became even moreposed.


    "You don''t need to think about telling the emperor anything. I have known him since we were young. When he was just an unloved prince, he brought me into his residence. The emperor knows that we are the same age, and he has raised me all these years. He wanted me to rece thete Wei Lin in the pce and be his spy."


    Saying this, she looked at Song Zhao with a yful smile. "Actually, you must have guessed all of this a long time ago, right? As clever as you are, you probably already knew that I am the emperor''s person. I bet you even thought of using my identity to your advantage, right? Tsk, tsk..."


    Consort Hui shook her head slowly, her tone full of banter.


    "Sister Song, you truly are sharp-witted. In all these years in the pce, I have never encountered an opponent who can match me~"


    At this point, no matter how shocking the news was to Song Zhao, it seemed ordinary.


    She simply asked Consort Hui in a stern voice, "You say you work for the emperor, but many of the things you do are probably your own ideas, aren''t they?"


    Consort Hui smiled without confirming or denying it.


    Instead, she gently stroked her abdomen and boasted, "I am pregnant, so it''s not suitable for me to stay in this cold pce for long. But before I leave, I can show you some mercy and tell you something you''ve always been curious about. Don''t you want to know the whereabouts of your son?"


    Hearing her mention Cheng Yu, Song Zhao couldn''t help but feel a sinking feeling in her heart.


    Consort Hui then walked to her side, protectively holding her waist, and spoke with a voice as melodious as silver bells.


    "Since the birth of your noble child, have you ever considered how many disasters have urred inside and outside the pce?


    The emperor was assassinated, there were floods in the south, fertile fields were destroyed, epidemics spread, the empress dowager fell seriously ill, and the emperor narrowly escaped danger in the Chaoyang Pce. Each and every one of these incidents was a catastrophic event. Why is it that after your noble child was born, there have been peaceful and uneventful years, but now they coincide with unfavorable times?"


    She lightly patted Song Zhao''s shoulder, her smile bing more sinister.


    "But, it''s all thanks to your clever n. You intentionally gave birth prematurely, so that your child shares the same birthday as the emperor. Did you think that this way, your child would not attract any cmities due to their birthdate?


    It seems that your wish hase true. He is truly a lucky star. So, in times of turmoil for the nation and misfortune for the emperor, he will bear all of these burdens on behalf of the emperor and the people."


    Consort Hui spoke as if she was talking about something joyous, growing more excited as she continued.


    "In fact, this has been the case for emperors throughout history. Haven''t you heard of a practice called ''nting the foundation of fortune'' or ''burying blessings''? Your noble child, who shares the same birthdate as the emperor, is the foundation of the emperor''s fortune and the blessings of the Great Qi dynasty. That''s why the emperor has proimed him as the crown prince and even sent him to the imperial tomb... to..."


    She paused, looking at the glimmer of tears in Song Zhao''s eyes, as if she was admiring her spoils, feeling quite satisfied.


    She approached Song Zhao step by step, leaning close to her ear, and whispered word by word:


    "Emperor, bury him alive~"


    "You..."


    Intense grief spread throughout Song Zhao''s heart, engulfing every part of her body.


    Her heart was burdened with despair, a mix of sorrow and anger so overwhelming that she couldn''t contain it, and a mouthful of blood gushed out uncontrobly.


    At this moment, Consort Hui''sughter echoed incessantly, piercing Song Zhao''s heart even more deeply.


    Song Zhao desperately pushed Consort Hui away, wishing she could kill this venomous woman with her own hands!


    But weakened by her physical condition, she was pushed back by Consort Hui and fell to the ground.


    Consort Hui stood tall and looked down at her.


    "Song sister, take care of your own body. After childbirth, you must avoid great sorrow and grief. Don''t end up with postpartum hemorrhage. In the cold pce, there are no imperial physicians who can treat you!"


    Song Zhao''s breath seemed to be stuck, and because of the ubiquitous pain, her whole being, from the inside out, seemed to have beenpletely shattered.


    She realized that when a person reaches the utmost despair, it is not as easy as severing one''s liver and intestines.


    It is like having thousands of sharp knives simultaneously carving your flesh, peeling your bones, making you live as a mangled mess without a hair unharmed.


    Before Song Zhao lost consciousness, she saw Yun Shan rushing in and desperately protecting her.


    When she woke up again, it was already a dayter.


    Contrary to Consort Hui''s wish,


    she did not suffer from postpartum hemorrhage, nor did she end up consumed by sorrow and despair.


    However, the moment she opened her eyes, it was a life devoid of hope, and her heart turned to ashes.


    Buried alive...


    These two words lingered in Song Zhao''s ears at all times.


    She tightly gripped the bedding, tears flowing uncontrobly,


    feeling heartache for her poor child, and wishing she could throw Xiao Jingheng and Consort Hui into a sea of knives and fire, tormenting them until their flesh and skin were separated, until they died without aplete body.


    But her child...


    He was still so young, unable to walk steadily yet,


    And yet, he was so clever and adorable, often calling her "Mother" with his babbling voice.


    He is Xiao Jingheng''s child too!


    How could he...


    In the following two days, Song Zhao stopped eating and drinking, remaining silent. She couldn''t find rest either,


    She spent the whole day kneeling and huddled in the corner of the room, gazing nkly at the faint light seeping through the narrow diamond-shaped window.


    "Creak."


    The door was pushed open again, presumably Yun Shan bringing in food, trying to persuade her to eat some.


    But Song Zhao continued to stare out the window, showing no response at all.


    "Thud."


    With a muffled sound, the bowl was forcefully ced in front of her.


    "Eat!"


    Immediately, a man''s voice echoed in her ear, filled with rebuke.


    She mechanically lifted her head and saw standing beside her, none other than An Wang, Xiao Jingyan.

 Chapter 316: For My Brother

    <h4>Chapter 316</h4>


    In the cold pce forbidden gardens, even the women of the harem were not allowed toe and go freely.


    How did this Xiao Jingyan get in here in broad daylight?


    Song Zhao was shocked, afraid that Rongyue had entrusted him with something again, asking him to take risks.


    Now that she had fallen to this point, she could not drag Rongyue down no matter what.


    So she took a breath and asked, "How did you get in?"


    "I naturally have my ways to get in, don''t worry about it. Hurry up and eat your meal!" Xiao Jingyan replied in his roguish tone and manner, giving Song Zhao a headache.


    She turned her face away, perfunctorily saying:


    "I know Sister Rong did this for me. The food is here, I''ll eat when I''m hungry. You should leave quickly and don''te again in the future."


    But as soon as she finished speaking, a piece of cloth fell into her hands.


    ncing down, she saw that it was a belly wrap, not exquisitely made but rather particr about the material used, just the right size for an infant.


    Song Zhao looked at Xiao Jingyan puzzledly. Xiao Jingyan raised his brows at her and said, "Smell it."


    Song Zhao hesitated for a moment before lightly bringing the belly wrap to her nose. But with just a light sniff, there was already a sparkle in her eyes.


    This...this was Cheng Yu''s scent! There''s no mistake!


    How could a mother not recognize the scent of her own child?


    Song Zhao stared wide-eyed at Xiao Jingyan. "How do you have Cheng Yu''s belly wrap? And this style and embroidery work is not what he usually wears!"


    Xiao Jingyan pulled over a rotten wood chair to sit, but as soon as he sat down the chair copsed.


    Fortunately his reflexes were quick and he shifted his body to stand steadily again, then patted the dust off himself and said breezily:


    "No wonder you''re sitting on the floor, even just sitting on the chair would have killed you."


    Then jerking his chin, he grinned roguishly at Song Zhao and continued,


    "Your son is not dead. The Emperor trusts me the most as his brother, so when it came to the imperial tomb and ancestral tablet matters, he handed them over to me.


    So I pulled a trick, burying a dead baby in the imperial tomb as a stand-in. As for your son, I''ve already sent him to a sworn friend of mine in Hengzhou to be temporarily raised. We put our lives in each other''s hands. He''ll surely raise your son fat and white."


    Hearing this, Song Zhao was both delighted and apprehensive, "Is, is that true?"


    Xiao Jingyan said impatiently, "Can''t you recognize the scent of your own son?"


    Song Zhao clutched the belly wrap tightly, as if regaining hope for life. Her eyes, drained of tears earlier, once again grew wet,


    "Thank you...thank you..."


    Seeing Song Zhao cry like this, Xiao Jingyanughed instead.


    He picked up the bowl and chopsticks and handed them to Song Zhao, a little aggressively saying:


    "If you want to see your son again, hurry up and eat your meal. Stop wasting words!"


    Only then did Song Zhao start on her meal.


    She had never intended to die. But even if she were to die, she would drag down the people who harmed her and her son to 18 hells with her.


    Now knowing Cheng Yu was still alive, she had even more reason to keep living!


    The hatred smoldering in her heart alone was enough to sustain her to live well.


    Xiao Jingheng had snatched away her most cherished person. Then she would keep on living to make him watch on as she snatched away everything he treasured!


    Seeing Song Zhao wolfing down her food, Xiao Jingyan couldn''t help but reach out to tidy away the loose wisps of hair by her ears.


    "Look at you, like a hungry little beast."


    His finger had grazed over her earlobe, startling Song Zhao so she instinctively moved back in response.


    Xiao Jingyan realized the impropriety and was a little embarrassed as he scratched his head.


    After enduring an awkward silence for a while, Song Zhao asked:


    "Is it because of Sister Rong that you''re willing to help me? But if your Imperial Brother knew, that would mean deceiving the ruler, punishable by death. Aren''t you aware how he treats all of you brothers?"


    Xiao Jingyan gave a cold snort, filled with utter nonchnce.


    "I''m not his brother, why should I help him? Besides, my friend, my reason for helping you isn''t only because of Rong''er."


    These words left Song Zhao quite puzzled.


    Not Xiao Jingheng''s brother?


    She looked at him full of confusion.


    But Xiao Jingyan merely stroked her forehead, truly like he was teasing a cold and hungry stray puppy, before chuckling softly:


    "It''s also because, you are my little sister."

 Chapter 317: Brother and Sister

    <h4>Chapter 317</h4>


    Song Zhao hesitated with her chopsticks, and her eyes trembled as she blurted out, "What?"


    Xiao Jingyan supported his chin, scrutinizing Song Zhao with a contemtive gaze for a while before nodding assuredly, "Hmm, you even spill food while eating. Obviously, we''re close."


    As he spoke, he pointed to the corner of his lips with a yful smile.


    Song Zhao understood and touched the corner of her own lips, removing a few grains of rice that had stuck there while she was eating hastily. She then asked, "Stop teasing me at a time like this. You are the sixth son of the former emperor, born to the esteemed Princess Dowager Jinggui, who was favored among the six pces. What connection could there be between you and me?"


    Xiao Jingyan replied, "I originally intended to keep this to myself. After all, the more people who know, the more dangerous it is for both me and my mother. However, upon further thought, I realized that you and I are like two grasshoppers tied to the same string. If either of us lets slip, neither of us will survive."


    He pped his hands and casually leaned back against the corner of the table, pretending to be at ease. But his attempt at a suave gesture caused the delicate wooden table to mercilessly slip, making him stumble.


    It was quiteical, and it brought forth the first smile from Song Zhao in these past few days.


    "Don''tugh!" Xiao Jingyan cleared his throat lightly, straightened his clothes, and said earnestly, "You''re right, we shouldn''t have any connection. But our father... no, I should say ourmon enemy. He deprived you of the first half of your life and buried thetter half of my mother''s life."


    This news reached Song Zhao''s ears like a thunderbolt, causing her scalp to tingle. She was so shocked that her speech became stuttered.


    "Princess Dowager Jinggui... and my father?"


    Xiao Jingyan fell silent for a moment, seemingly lost in his thoughts. Then he shook his head with a touch of sorrow and finally revealed the embarrassing past that he had buried in his heart, speaking slowly to Song Zhao.


    "In the twenty-fourth year of the Qi Dynasty, during the former emperor''s third Southern Tour, the Old Duke of Protector... that is, your grandfather, apanied him. At that time, Song Shicheng also went along."


    This was not surprising, as Song Zhao''s grandfather was a meritorious official of the founding dynasty. If it weren''t for his grandfather''s great achievements during the reign of the former emperor, the emperor wouldn''t have allowed the title of Duke of Protector to be passed down for three generations, benefiting the useless Song Shicheng.


    But what Xiao Jingyan said next was enough to leave Song Zhao dumbfounded.


    "During the Southern Tour to Lin''an, the former emperor summoned the princess dowager for a night stroll at West Lake. Because Princess Dowager Jinggui was suffering from the effects of the local water and climate, she had been vomiting and experiencing diarrhea, so she arrived half an hourte. When she arrived, she found out that the former emperor had been dyed by state affairs and hadn''te. At that time, she was already prepared to board the boat, but she ran into that drunken bastard!"


    As he spoke, Xiao Jingyan''s emotions became evidently stirred up. His eyes were filled with intense hatred, and the veins on the back of his hands stood out clearly as he clenched his fists.


    "At that time, Song Shicheng was in charge of the former emperor''s security arrangements. That night, they had gathered fireworks and women to please and tter the former emperor. But since the emperor hadn''te, they started drinking and enjoying themselves. And because he was drunk, he mistook the princess dowager, who was wearing her everyday attire, for one of the women with fireworks and...+"


    On that day, all the guards on the ship were sent away, and the empress dowager struggled but dared not scream. The impact of this matter on the royal reputation was significant. If it caused a bigmotion, not only would the illegitimate child and the empress dowager be implicated, but also her maternal family. After the incident, Song Shicheng woke up from his drunken state and realized the gravity of his mistake. He and the empress dowager made a pact to keep this matter hidden for the sake of both families'' livelihoods...


    As Xiao Jingyan''s voice weakened, Song Zhao''s heart tightened inch by inch.


    She knew that if this matter went on, it would be like exposing Xiao Jingyan''s scars, and it would be cruel.


    So she handed him a cup of warm water andforted him gently, "That viin has already passed away, it can be considered as his retribution."


    However, although Song Zhao did not press for further details, she couldn''t help but feel puzzled.


    After all, everyone in the pce knew that Princess Dowager Jinggui was highly favored back then. During the reign of the former emperor, she received more love and favor than Ning Wanshuang.


    And if Xiao Jingyan was truly the child of Princess Dowager Jinggui and Song Shicheng, the timing was off by a short period, which was not appropriate.


    Therefore, to keep this matter hidden for so many years, it must have been a very narrow window of time between Princess Dowager Jinggui''s pregnancy and her intimate rtionship with the former emperor.


    But if that was the case, how could Princess Dowager Jinggui be so sure that Xiao Jingyan was the result of her and Song Shicheng''s misfortune, and not the bloodline of the former emperor?


    Perhaps it was the bond between siblings, their souls connected.


    Xiao Jingyan nced at Song Zhao and understood her confusion. He didn''t conceal anything and revealed everything.


    "One month after that incident, the empress dowager became pregnant. She didn''t know who was in her womb at that time, whether it was the former emperor''s or... In any case, life went on in a confused manner, and no one would suspect my identity. Two yearster, you, this newborn, arrived at the Marquis of Protecting the Nation''s residence. Did your biological mother ever mention to you how dangerous your birth was?"


    Song Zhao nodded slightly and recalled, "My mother told me that I was born in May, duringte spring in the capital city when the peach blossoms had not yet fully bloomed. The Marquis of Protecting the Nation''s residence had nted many peach blossoms as decoration, but I had an adverse reaction to the pollen as soon as I was born, almost sumbing to the illness."


    Xiao Jingyan said, "This matter became known in the pce, and the former emperor even sent a court physician out of the pce to treat you, saving your life. Later, when the nobledies in the pce met me, they all knew about this incident.


    The empress dowager only heard a few words and didn''t take this matter to heart. She had never been fond of ying with flowers and nts, and I was raised under her care since childhood. There weren''t many ces in the pce where peach blossoms were nted, so I never came into contact with them as a child.


    However, the following year, when the empress dowager took me to Princess Dowager Yu''s pce to y with Prince Rui, we passed by the Zhongsi Gate. There was a peach blossom tree nted there by the former emperor himself for Princess Dowager Yu. I was merely passing by, but I suddenly felt short of breath and developed a rash on my face, which triggered the same adverse reaction."


    Song Zhao felt a sudden thump in her chest. "You also have an adverse reaction to peach blossoms?"


    Xiao Jingyan responded in a muffled voice, "At that time, Mother Empress was in a panic and didn''t send for the imperial physician. I was kept in the pce and treated with folk remedies. Fortunately, I have always been healthy, so I recovered within a few days. Later, Mother Empress secretly sent someone to inquire about my condition with several renowned doctors outside the pce, and that''s when she learned about my inherited ailment from Song Shicheng."


    "From him?" Song Zhao couldn''t help but ask, "But I have been living with him for so many years, and I have never seen him having any problems with peach blossoms."


    Xiao Jingyan exined, "This is a hereditary weakness passed down from our father. He is a carrier of the condition, but it doesn''t manifest in him and is indistinguishable from an ordinary person. However, he can pass on the illness to his offspring. That''s why you have it, and I have it, but Song Yue doesn''t. The doctors also made it clear that if both parents don''t have this hidden condition, most likely their children won''t have it either.


    After extensive inquiries, Mother Empress finally confirmed my true identity amidst her grief. So, since I was young, she urged me to keep my inherited ailment a secret, not letting anyone know..."


    [End of Chapter]

 Chapter 318: Heart for Heart

    <h4>Chapter 318</h4>


    Hearing Xiao Jingyan finish speaking, Song Zhao was still unable to recover from the shock.


    She looked at Xiao Jingyan, who soon resumed his carefree and casual attitude after a brief moment of mncholy,


    Previously, she had most disliked seeing him like this,


    But now, he was still the same person, yet Song Zhao found she quite liked looking at him much more than before.


    ¡°Then you...Princess Dowager Jinggui shouldn''t have told you about this matter, how did she...¡±


    Before Song Zhao could finish speaking, Xiao Jingyan suddenly raised his hand and lightly flicked her between the eyebrows, joking:


    ¡°Isn¡¯t it because of you?¡±


    After joking around, his expression gradually became more somber as he lowered his voice and said, ¡°Ever since the Empress Dowager learned you had entered the pce, she had been anxious and worried all day. She was always someone who had difficulty keeping things locked in her heart. Whenever I came to pay my respects, I could see her distracted and absent-minded, so I felt something was amiss.


    Then one day, she suddenly told me to find a way to get rid of you. In my opinion, the Empress Dowager and the Duke of Protection''s residence had never intersected before, and after you entered the pce, the Empress Dowager became even more secluded. She hadn''t even seen you before. For her to suddenly do this, I was suspicious. After interrogating her, she finally told me about what happened that year."


    Song Zhao listened quietly, and the doubts that had been lurking in her heart were also gradually dispelled.


    ¡°No wonder when I happened to meet Princess Dowager Jinggui in the Imperial Garden that day, the way she looked at me was filled with hatred... It''s no wonder she felt that way. When a person''s lifelong purity is defiled by others, and they have to live in the shadows for half their life, perhaps eliminating me at that time was indeed the best solution for you mother and son. "


    Xiao Jingyan said heavily, "The culprit was Song Shicheng. Why should I eliminate you?"


    Song Zhao lightly clutched at the hem of her robe, reminiscing about the past events. She untangled the threads and asked again:


    "So...the reason you knew I was the one who whipped Jiang to death, and not because you were secretly watching me, was because you already had people lurking in secret around the Duke of Protection''s residence, lying in wait for a chance to make a move against Song Shicheng, so you identally found out about my matter?"


    Xiao Jingyan nodded slightly, "That''s right. It was also from that time that I realized you and I shared the same hatred towards the Song family. I felt sympathy for our shared plight. Because of that man, he ruined the first half of your life and the second half of the Empress Dowager''s life. He deserved to die. But before he died, I had to do one thing first to ensure the Empress Dowager had no worries."


    He turned his face slightly and looked at Song Zhao with a smile.


    Song Zhao understood in an instant, "So that day when you asked me to steal the Tianji Seal from the Empress Dowager, it was also rted to this matter?"


    Xiao Jingyan smiled and raised his eyebrows, "Correct. The movements of the imperial consorts were recorded by the pce maids. When she left her residence, where she went, when she returned were all recorded in detail. On the night of the incident, the Former Emperor did summon the Empress Dowager onto the boat tower, although the Former Emperor didn''t go, but the pce maids from the previous dynasty were unaware of this matter. So as long as no one checked the records afterwards, no one would know what the Empress Dowager did in those two hours after boarding the boat tower. But in the end, what was recorded in her movement log was still a hidden danger for the Empress Dowager and me.


    After the Former Emperor''s death, the movement logs of the previous dynasty''s consorts were kept by the Empress Dowager. These things were always stored outside the pce in the Tianji Office, and the Tianji Office had clearyers of defense and never shared information with each other. The attendants above and below only recognized the secret order and not the person. After obtaining the secret order from you, I had a confidant disguise himself as an old pce maid to sneak into the Tianji Office and steal the movement log from the 24th year of Qiannian for that southern inspection tour, andpletely destroyed it."


    Song Zhao suddenly understood, and she saw Xiao Jingyan in a new light.


    She had seen him as a prodigal prince who was unrestrained and only knew pleasure seeking.


    But now she saw that his carefree attitude was just a facade he put on for Xiao Jingheng, to get Xiao Jingheng to lower his guard against him.


    In his thoughts, this elder brother was no less cunning than her.


    "So Song Shicheng''s suicide, you also arranged it?" Song Zhao asked.


    Xiao Jingyan calmly nodded, readily admitting it, "I knew you wanted to poison him to death, but for such scum, poison would be too easy on him. On the night before he left for Beichuan, I sneaked into the Duke''s residence and hung him from a roof beam. Each time he was on the verge of death, I would loosen the silk ribbon a little, ''treating'' him like this for half an hour, before being willing to let him die. It could also be considered fulfilling my filial duty."


    When he said this, he sounded very gratified. His passionate tone was also faintly covered with an icy coldness.


    After he finished speaking, he realized Song Zhao was staring nkly at him, narrowing her eyes and looking him over carefully.


    "Why are you looking at me like that?" Xiao Jingyan said dryly with an awkwardugh, "Are you still thinking he was your father, and feel I went overboard?"


    Song Zhao slowly collected herself, and a hint of joy slowly surfaced on her face.


    Then she nodded gently and said warmly:


    "You did well."


    Her sudden words greatly amused Xiao Jingyan.


    Afterughing, he couldn''t help but worry for Song Zhao,


    "Speaking of which, what are your ns now? Is your daughter being raised by Noble Consort Chen alright? If not, I can also think of a way..."


    "I''m certainly at ease." Song Zhao said lightly, but her tone was very firm in interrupting Xiao Jingyan.


    Xiao Jingyan really couldn''t see through her confidence and said, "On that day, you were publicly shamed in Chaoyang Pce, I heard a little about it. Aside from Rong, the entire rear pce wished for your death. Noble Consort Chen even suggested locking you in the Cold Pce, using your daughter to threaten you and other despicable methods. Yet you are still at ease about her?"


    When he said this, the smile on Song Zhao''s face deepened even more.


    In the past, whenever others mentioned Noble Consort Chen, Song Zhao couldn''t help but feel apprehensive.


    But now, when others mentioned her again, the Noble Consort was no longer the Noble Consort,


    but that stubborn yet soft-hearted person, who would blurt out in anxious moments and call her "Zhao''er".


    So she said, "If Elder Sister Wen hadn''t said that, I''m afraid right now, I would already be dead."


    Hearing Song Zhao address Noble Consort Chen this way, Xiao Jingyan also understood.


    "I''m surprised you were able to get close to her. A proud and domineering person like the Noble Consort has always looked down on everyone in the pce. She understands even more than anyone that self-preservation is the way to survive in the pce. For her to be willing to help you?"


    Song Zhao was silent for a while, slowly raised her eyebrows and looked out thettice window.


    The originally cramped space seemed to be more expansive because of the exceptionally warm sunshine today.


    It was also like the change in her own mentality, quite enlightening.


    She slowly turned her head back, looking at Xiao Jingyan with a smile,


    "A person''s cold or warm heart needs to be exchanged with sincerity."


    "Self-preservation is the way to survive in the pce, I also understand this principle. But if I had chosen self-preservation that day, I shouldn''t have gotten involved when your and Elder Sister Rong''s affair was exposed, and should have just let Xiao Jingheng deal with you as he pleased.


    But if I had really done so, then today when I am in trouble, everyone would be focused on self-preservation, how would you and Elder Sister Rong still care about me? You call me your younger sister, but did you really help me for that reason? Song Yue was also your younger sister, but when she was in dire straits that day, why didn''t you protect her at all?"


    Song Zhao''s eyes were truly venomous. In casual conversation, she had punctured Xiao Jingyan''s ulterior motives.


    Xiao Jingyan''s embarrassment was visible. He smiled awkwardly, scratching his scalp in embarrassment. He hurriedly changed the subject,


    "Let''s not talk about this! By the way, the Empress Dowager is also very concerned about you. She worries you will be poisoned in the Cold Pce, so she decreed that the guards of the Cold Pce will all be reced tomorrow. If I want toe see you again in the future, I''m afraid it won''t be convenient. But don''t worry, among the guards being transferred here tomorrow, there is one named Qin Tai who is my confidant. In the future, he will secretly assist you and help pass messages to the outside world for you."


    He looked steadily at Song Zhao, his words were also deep,


    "My younger sister will definitely not be willing to spend her entire life imprisoned in the Cold Pce. I believe in you, that you can use your own abilities to clear your name and walk out of here fair and square."


    As he spoke, he patted Song Zhao on the shoulder and said meaningfully:


    "As for after you get out, whether you want to continue standing shoulder to shoulder with Xiao Jingheng, or... I believe you have your own decision."

 Chapter 319: I don’t Call Hello

    <h4>Chapter 319</h4>


    As they were chatting, Yun Shan knocked on the door and came in, bringing a freshly brewed pot of hot tea for Xiao Jingyan and Song Zhao.


    Song Zhao caught a whiff of the fragrance - it was a refreshing plum scent.


    Yun Shan smiled and said, "This is a new tea that Sister Tong asked Prince An to bring over for the young miss. The winter plum blossoms in the plum garden have bloomed. This red plum blossom is auspicious. Brewing tea with it can regte one''s spleen and stomach, bnce qi and dispel gloom. It would be best for the young miss to drink this now."


    Song Zhao held up the teacup, letting the rising steam blow onto her face.


    She lowered her eyes to look at the plum blossoms resting on the surface of the tea, clearly understanding the message that Rongyue wanted to convey to her.


    The character of plum blossoms represents the ability to persevere in cruel environments, to remain undaunted even when facing difficulties and hardships, to live on from near death.


    Song Zhao took a sip, then looked towards the open door and the rows of tall, dpidated pce walls that enclosed them.


    Although it was very difficult to see beyond them, there would always be light seeping in through countless tiny cracks and gathering in one ce, paving a gorgeous, romantic path.


    As she watched this, her heart settled.


    She looked at Xiao Jingyan and said firmly,


    "I will certainly get out of here, and I will walk step by step back to the Emperor''s side to repay his great kindness and virtue towards me."


    Xiao Jingyan looked at her with some satisfaction.


    "It''s good that you''ve made up your mind."


    Yun Shan was usually very proper. She should have left after pouring the tea, but uncharacteristically, she stood frozen by their side, biting her lip, her face full of thoughts.


    With one nce, Song Zhao understood what Yun Shan was worried about, so she asked Xiao Jingyan,


    "There is still one more thing I''d like to trouble you with. My pce servant Xiao Fuzi has always been loyal to me. He was severely injured protecting Chengyu. Although he has recovered now, with me in such dire straits, he has lost his livelihood. Prince, if it''s convenient, please help him out and make sure others don''t secretly harm him because he once served me."


    Xiao Jingyan said, "You don''t need to worry about this. Rongyue shares your thoughts, she knows that only Yun Shan and Xiao Fuzi are the most loyal servants to you. So after your incident, Rongyue used her status as an imperial consort to ask His Majesty for Xiao Fuzi to serve her, on the grounds that she was an unattended consort in the pce. After he recovers from his injuries, he will attend to Rongyue."


    This method killed two birds with one stone. Firstly Rongyue could protect Xiao Fuzi, and secondly, Xiao Fuzi was smart and could serve Rongyue well.


    Upon hearing Xiao Jingyan¡¯s words, Yun Shan was overjoyed. She repeatedly thanked him, ¡°Thank you Prince, thank you Little Miss Tong!¡± Then she quickly raised her sleeve to wipe her tears, afraid that she might break decorum by crying in front of her mistress.


    ¡°The Prince has brought some coal, this servant will go tidy it up to warm up the room for the young miss~¡±


    After she left, Xiao Jingyan¡¯s eyebrows quirked up as he teased Song Zhao,


    ¡°Is there something going on between those two?¡±


    Song Zhao just smiled without answering. Instead she asked Xiao Jingyan,


    ¡°I¡¯ve never really understood, what exactly is the rtionship between you and Sister Rong? No one knows your true identity, you¡¯re an esteemed Prince. If you and Sister Rong have feelings for each other and you ask Xiao Jingheng for her hand in marriage, how would he not agree? Yet you don¡¯t even mention it, and just let Sister Rong enter the pce. Why?¡±


    As soon as she uttered this, Xiao Jingyan¡¯s smile instantly froze.


    Obvious sadness shed across his eyes, and his face greyed for a moment.


    ¡°Many things, you can¡¯t get results just by trying hard. And not everything happens ording to my wishes, even if I act.¡±


    He clearly did not want to talk more about this matter. After a brief silence he quickly collected himself and changed the subject,


    ¡°I¡¯ve brought many medicines for treating various illnesses, and passed them to your maid to store properly, so if either of you fall ill from the cold in this pce, you can alleviate it. From now on if youck anything just tell Qin Tai privately.


    Rong and I will be waiting for you outside. And so will your son.¡±


    At the mention of Chengyu, Song Zhao still felt a twinge of heartache.


    ¡°Thank you for taking good care of Chengyu on my behalf.¡±


    ¡°He is my grandnephew, of course I will take good care of him.¡± Xiao Jingyan joked, and then said,


    ¡°I¡¯m going south at the end of the month. I was thinking that with me gone, if it was only Rong attending to you, as she is only an imperial consort her resources may fall short, and she may not be able to look after you thoroughly. But having heard of your close rtions with the Consort, I feel more assured leaving.¡±


    ¡°Going south at this time?¡± Song Zhao¡¯s heart clenched. ¡°After the floods, epidemics broke out in the south. I heard this outbreak is very serious, recurring and highly dangerous. Why do you want to go?¡±


    She paused briefly before asking again, ¡°Did Xiao Jingheng ask you to go?¡±


    Xiao Jingyanughed. ¡°The people of Jiangnan bitterlyin, so disaster relief and disease control are one thing, but in order to stabilise the country, appease public resentment, there must be imperial rtives who go down south to endure the same hardships as themon people - that would have the best effect.


    Officially I am Xiao Jingheng¡¯s most trusted younger brother. For this matter I am the best person to go, in order for it to have the greatest effect. Also since I hold no military power, by going I can demonstrate my loyalty to him, and he will not guard against me.¡±


    Realising it was inappropriate, he then self-deprecatingly added, ¡°At least not for the time being.¡±


    Speaking of epidemics, Song Zhao thought of someone.


    ¡°When I had the gue, many court physicians in the capital were helpless, but there was one called Zhang Hangche. He was originally an itinerant folk doctor. By chance he entered the manor to treat me, and cured my gue. Only then was he hired by my family.


    I heard his ancestors had a prescription that could treat various epidemics, and he also used it to cure me. Maybe he could be of use? Also I have some connection with him - Xiao Fuzi is his younger brother. And previously he was just an external physician for the Duke of Guo''s estate, so the court has no record of him or his rtionship with me and Xiao Fuzi . If you can find him and bring him along to Jiangnan, it would also keep you safe.¡±


    Xiao Jingyan seemed indifferent to her concern, simply responding with a dismissive ¡°I see, I see.¡±


    Then he patted Song Zhao''s shoulder and said, "It''s not proper for me to stay here too long, take care, I''m leaving first."


    As he turned to leave, Song Zhao quickly called out,


    "Hey¡ª¡ª"


    A word stuck in her throat, unable toe out. So instead she said somewhat shyly,


    "You...be careful."


    Xiao Jingyan looked back at her and couldn''t help but roll his eyes.


    "I''m not called Hey!"


    "Oh..."


    "Uh..." Xiao Jingyan shrugged helplessly and sighed, then turned to leave with a casual wave of his hand.


    "Forget it, I''m going~"


    "Hey!" Song Zhao called him again, but this time her tone was markedly louder.


    "What now!?" Xiao Jingyan whipped around, annoyance written all over his face.


    But he saw Song Zhao looking at him with clear bright eyes, a tranquil smile murmuring:


    "Thank you, brother."


    [Cold Pce for three years, but I won''t write about Lady Song enduring Cold Pce. The storyline will be Lady Song secretly plotting, then Rongyue, Wanshuang and Prince An acting in different capacities within the pce to assist Lady Song''seback against the odds. The plot progresses very quickly, Lady Song will emerge from Cold Pce with a whole new image within 10 chapters. Then it''s Imperial Consort returning to the pce, transforming into a Goddess of Death!]


    [Running a fever so can''t write more, next update on June 20, 4 updates. *kowtows to cute readers*]

 Chapter 320: The Competition for Flattery 01

    <h4>Chapter 320</h4>


    The next day, the guards of the Cold Pce had all been reced, and the Queen Mother''sdy-in-waiting Auntie Qingzhu had also been ordered to enter the Cold Pce to meet with Song Zhao.


    "Mydy, please be at ease. The Queen Mother has ordered you to temporarily reside in the Cold Pce. When the Emperor''s anger subsides, the Queen Mother will plead your case herself. There are many doubts about this incident, and the Emperor does not fully believe it either.


    The Emperor sent Prince An to Jiangnan this time, first to stabilize the hearts of the people, and second to have Prince An investigate the breach of the Chidong Dam. To be frank, the Emperor still cares about you in his heart. Otherwise, even if the Queen Mother pleaded otherwise, if the Emperor was determined to have you killed, you would not have survived until today."


    Song Zhao''s expression was tranquil as she slightly nodded her head, "I know the depth of the Emperor''s affection for me, and that the Queen Mother did this to protect me. Given the situation at that time, being put in the Cold Pce was the only way I could stay alive."


    She then eagerly asked, "I saw the Queen Mother looking very ill that day. Has her condition worsened?"


    Qingzhu sighed, "Ever since the fourth prince passed away, the Queen Mother has had tuberculosis. Over the years her condition has waxed and waned. It is difficult to curepletely. Now the imperial doctors are doing their utmost, and the Emperor has also summoned Imperial Physician Yu to regrly enter the pce and treat the Queen Mother, hoping that she will recover soon."


    Song Zhao said sympathetically, "I have imposed on Auntie to take good care of the Queen Mother. The Queen Mother treated me like her own daughter, yet I cannot attend to her during this time, it is very unfilial of me."


    Qingzhu said, "I will ry mydy''s feelings to the Queen Mother. The Cold Pce is a prohibited area, so I cannot stay here long either. Please take good care of yourself, mydy."


    At lunch time, the guard who came to deliver the meal, Qin Tai, also paid his respects to Song Zhao with utmost humility, not treating her as a deposed concubine at all.


    "This humble official, Qin Tai, pays my respects to mydy. From now on, I will be responsible for delivering all meals to mydy."


    Lowering his voice, he added: "Please rest assured mydy, this food has been verified safe three times before being brought to you."


    Song Zhao nodded her head, "Thank you for your trouble."


    She then took out a letter from her sleeve and handed it to Qin Tai, "I must also trouble you to find a way to pass this letter to Tong, Concubine Tong of the Zhaochun Pce."


    Qin Tai took the letter and tucked it close to him, cupping his fist he saluted, "Whatever mydy asks is Prince An''s order. This humble official will do his utmost for mydy!"


    *


    Ever since Song Zhao entered the Cold Pce, the situation in the pce became clearer.


    Imperial Noble Consort Ning Wanshuang was out of favor. Along with the entire Odhu n, Consort Yin had offended the emperor over the missing crown prince incident. She was also shunned by Xiao Jingheng.


    Among those still holding the consort titles, there were only Consort Yun and Consort Yao left.


    Moreover, Consort Yun had the most seniority amongst the consorts, so when the consorts came to pay their respects, they went to her Changchun Pce.


    She was ted with joy and felt that she was close to ascending to the position of Empress. Everyday she deliberately wore clothes in shades of fuchsia, crimson and ochre to stand out over the others and make herself seem more prestigious.


    When the consorts came to pay their respects today and saw Rongyue, she was also drastically different than before.


    She was usually a casually dressed person who never wore any make up. Although naturally beautiful, without cosmetics she looked quite simple and in without drawing any attention.


    But today her make up and outfit made her exceptionally eye-catching.


    Consort Yao spoke first, "Concubine Tong looks exceptionally charming today."


    Rongyue smiled lightly, "I recently received new brocade as an imperial reward from His Majesty, and made some new clothes. The colors are rather loud and I tried to tone it down with some rouge and lip color. I must have made my sistersugh."


    Concubine Li said coldly, "I wondered why you spent so long getting ready in your pce chambers today. So it turns out you were carefully dolling yourself up. It hasn''t even been half a year since our Empress passed away. We are still grieving, yet you are in the mood to dress up."


    Rongyue did not respond, but instead stood up and saluted Consort Yun, "Please forgive me Consort Yun. Concubine Li spoke thoughtlessly, she did not mean to mock you. Please do not take offense."


    Everyone looked towards Consort Yun and saw her expression darken. Concubine Li panicked and quickly apologized to Consort Yun,


    "Please forgive me, Your Ladyship, I did not mean it that way..."


    "Then what did you mean?" Consort Yun nced at her impatiently, "If you truly wish tomemorate ourte Empress, it is not about superficial matters. Concubine Li, since you care so deeply about ourte Empress, I shall reward you with copying one hundred volumes of Buddhist sutras while kneeling at the Anhua Pce, so that your grief may have an outlet."


    "Please forgive me Your Ladyship, this concubine knows her mistake!"


    "This is a reward, not a punishment, what mistakes have you made? Go on now. Return after you have finished copying."


    Concubine Li was punished to copy one hundred volumes of Buddhist sutras while kneeling at the Anhua Pce. She would probably have to stay there for three or four days before being allowed to return to the Zhaochun Pce.


    She shared living quarters with Consort Hui. It wasmon knowledge around the pce that Concubine Li had been very attentive towards the currently pregnant Consort Hui.


    Everyone knew that if Consort Hui sessfully bore a son this time, she would be promoted to Noble Consort to fill one of the vacant consort positions. Concubine Li had been currying favor from Consort Hui, so Consort Yun was already unhappy. Hence her ¡°reward¡± for Concubine Li was not unexpected.


    In fact, ever since Song Zhao entered the Cold Pce, Xiao Jingheng had not visited any of his consorts for over a month.


    Although he did not say it explicitly, it was obvious to perceptive observers that he still cared about Song Zhao in his heart.


    Recently, it had be difficult for the consorts to get a chance to see Xiao Jingheng. He only asionally went to Consort Hui''s pce because she was pregnant.


    That day, after apanying the pregnant Consort Hui for her evening meal, Xiao Jingheng was about to leave the Zhaochun Pce when he happened to run into Rongyue who had just rushed back.


    "Slow down, don''t damage the flowers."


    Rongyue called out to her pce maids who were carrying pot after pot of red plum blossoms into the courtyard.


    She waspletely absorbed in arranging the flowers and nts, only absentmindedly calling out in greeting when the pce maids announced the Emperor''s arrival, "Ten thousand blessings to His Majesty."


    Only then did she realize that Xiao Jingheng was silently watching her nearby.


    Rongyue was frightened. She quickly knelt down to greet him,


    "This concubine pays her respects to His Majesty, may His Majesty live for ten thousand years in good health."


    Her flowing cloud brocade robe shimmered under the moonlight, very eye-catching.


    Butpared to her exquisite features, these material things were just icing on the cake.


    Xiao Jingheng was used to seeing Rongyue without makeup. Now seeing her touched up with cosmetics and red lips, he couldn''t help but stare nkly, temporarily spellbound by her beauty.


    "Rise."


    Xiao Jingheng slowly walked forwards and casually toyed with the red plum branches in the pot,


    "I remember you like early spring flowers, why did you suddenly bring back these plum blossoms?"


    Rongyue said, "I was thinking that Consort Hui is pregnant, and now in the winter red plum blossoms are auspicious and meaningful. Consort Hui also likes them. So I brought some back to ce in the courtyard to bring her some joy."

 Chapter 321: The Competition for Grace 02

    <h4>Chapter 321</h4>


    "Your thoughts are quite clever," Xiao Jingheng plucked a branch of plum blossom and held it next to Rongyue''s temple, "The flower is so delicate, just like the person."


    Rongyue''s fair cheeks were suddenly flushed with ayer of crimson,


    She lowered her eyes demurely, a picture of tenderness and charm,


    "Your Majesty..."


    With the clustering red plum blossoms and the beauty under the moon, Xiao Jingheng felt that Rongyue tonight was extraordinarily glorious and appealing.


    Indeed,


    Among the consorts in the inner pce, no one couldpare to Song Zhao in beauty.


    Just slightly inferior to her were Ning Wanshuang and Rongyue.


    Now Song Zhao had been deposed to the cold pce, and Ning Wanshuang was also estranged from Xiao Jingheng over many matters.


    At this moment, as Rongyue dressed herself up before the mirror, with just a little effort, she could gain his favor.


    "Consort Hui has retired, leave the task of arranging the flowers to the servants. Come take a walk with me," Xiao Jingheng wanted to take Rongyue''s hand,


    But when he just touched her fingertips, he suddenly felt a piercing chill.


    Rongyue also cried out softly and quickly withdrew her hand back.


    "What''s the matter?" Xiao Jingheng asked her with concern.


    But Rongyue just hid her hands behind her back, biting her alluring lips and slowly shaking her head.


    It was the maid Cai Ying who exined to Xiao Jingheng, "Your Majesty, there is still unmelted snow in the plum garden. These plum blossoms were prepared for Consort Hui. Worried that picking wilted plum blossoms would be unlucky, my mistress insisted on doing everything herself. She spent nearly two hours arranging the flowers in the plum garden. This servant saw that mydy''s fingers were frostbitten before finally persuading her toe back and apply medicine."


    "Cai Ying... don''t say more..."


    But it was toote, everything that needed to be said had already been told.


    Xiao Jingheng grasped Rongyue''s wrist and insisted on looking at the wounds on her fingers. Seeing that all ten fingers were red from the freeze, he could not help feeling distressed, "Being so willful, what if your hands are ruined?"


    Rongyue said, "The Crown Prince has been missing until now with no news of his whereabouts. This pregnancy of Consort Hui is even more important. I know that I am clumsy and cannot do much. I only hope that I can pray for Consort Hui and the imperial heir, and also do my part for Your Majesty."


    "Your intentions are good, but seeing you like this, I feel distressed too. There is a good medicinal ointment for treating frostbite in Chaoyang Pce. Come with me and I will apply the medicine for you personally."


    Xiao Jingheng was very caring, and Rongyue did not decline his offer.


    After going to Chaoyang Pce, the night would not be as simple as just applying ointment to her fingers...


    In fact, Xiao Jingheng also saw through Rongyue''s intentions.


    The chance encounter at the gate, plucking plum blossoms to pray, frostbitten fingers, these were all little tricks.


    Rongyue knew that he woulde to Zhaochun Pce tonight, so everything she did today was just an act to ingratiate herself and seek his favor.


    Although Xiao Jingheng saw through it clearly, he would not expose it.


    After all, Rongyue did all this to obtain his favor.


    Ever since Rongyue entered the pce, she had always been lukewarm towards Xiao Jingheng, and he could feel it.


    Now that Rongyue went through great pains to please him, it also satisfied his desire for conquest.


    Many things, it was unnecessary to delve too deeply.


    After that day, Rongyue was thoroughly favored.


    In the following month, whenever Xiao Jingheng summoned a consort, it would be Rongyue''s name he called.


    And she was also promoted to Noble Consort, as was reasonable.


    Although during the mourning period for the Empress, promotions for consorts were not appropriate,


    Raising rank without an official conferral ceremony, as long as the officials of the previous reign did not make a fuss, the other consorts had to endure it even if dissatisfied.


    Rongyue''s favorsted until New Year''s Eve of that year before it ended.


    It turned out that on New Year''s Eve, Ning Wanshuang, who had not appeared for a long time, surprisingly attended the feast.


    Not only did shee, she also presented Xiao Jingheng with a special "gift".


    She took out her yaoqin that had not been touched for a long time, and at the banquet, she yed a piece called "Chang Xiangsi" for Xiao Jingheng.


    This was the first piece she had yed for Xiao Jingheng when she first performed the yaoqin for him.


    Listening today, the melody was sad and the lingering tones were heart-wrenching. Xiao Jingheng was moved to the point of anguish, while Ning Wanshuang could not stop the silent tears falling as she yed.


    This was the first time in her many years in the pce that she had shed tears in front of everyone,


    shocking those present and shattering Xiao Jingheng''s heart.


    That night, Xiao Jingheng went to Yonghe Pce,


    where he had not set foot for half a year. But he did not expect that the once extremely extravagant Yonghe Pce was now so dpidated.


    The destion in the courtyard need not be mentioned. Even the pirs in front of the main hall were mottled, showing how the servants had slighted Ning Wanshuang when Xiao Jingheng neglected her, implicitly making things difficult for her.


    The neglected Imperial Concubine was treated worse than a favored Noble Consort.


    Although it was New Year''s Eve tonight, there should have been people keeping night watch.


    But now at the main hall entrance, not even the shadow of a servant could be seen.


    Xiao Jingheng stood alone outside the door, and just as he was about to push the door and go inside, he heard Ning Wanshuang chanting blessings inside.


    She chanted blessing after blessing, the words unrted to herself, only wishing that Xiao Jingheng would have good health and the country would prosper.


    The sound of the front door opening was heard.


    Ning Wanshuang was alone, kneeling in front of the Buddhist shrine, but did not look back.


    "Liu Yue, didn''t I say no one shall serve me? Go out."


    Suddenly, a warm, heavy pressure fell on her shoulder.


    When she looked back in a daze, she saw that it was Xiao Jingheng, somehow standing behind her.


    Seeing each other''s eyes, Ning Wanshuang''s eyes instantly reddened. "Your Majesty..."


    "Get up, the ground is cold." Xiao Jingheng helped her stand up and saw that the beauty was in tears. He painfully wiped away her tears for her, "Long time no see, Wanshuang has be much thinner."


    Ning Wanshuang choked and said, "This concubine prayed blessings for Your Majesty, so I must abstain from meat and eat vegetarian meals to be pious. Only then is it sincere."


    Xiao Jingheng was moved and said, "Are you still ming me?"


    Ning Wanshuang was extremely grieved. Looking very remorseful, she repeatedly shook her head,


    "This concubine realized toote that I finally understood Your Majesty''s helplessness that day... Your Majesty is right that it is this concubine''s unyielding temperament that pushed you further and further away... Now this concubine no longer hopes for anything, only wishing to raise Chenghuan and Jin Yue safely, and hoping Your Majesty will have good health, then everything will be fine."


    Hearing her say this, Xiao Jingheng was also shocked.


    He had never seen Ning Wanshuang so gentle before.


    He was only unustomed for a moment, then soon understood and was delighted.


    He was delighted that his Wanshuang had finally curbed her unruly temper and became the way he liked best.


    Then for the deep affections over these years, he would certainly cherish her and not let her down again.


    He embraced Ning Wanshuang and gentlyforted:


    "There has never been any resentment between me and Wanshuang."

 Chapter 322: The Same Day

    <h4>Chapter 322</h4>


    Ning Wanshuang''s favor was restored almost overnight.


    When she was in disgrace, even the flowers in the pce withered along with her.


    Now that she has risen to power again, the inner pce can''t wait to move the best things to Yonghe Pce.


    Those who had looked down on her now live in constant fear.


    After Yonghe Pce was renovated inside and out, its former splendor was restored in about a month.


    Today is also the day when the rear pces return to Yonghe Pce to pay their respects to Ning Wanshuang.


    The rear pces have all witnessed Ning Wanshuang''s arrogance and tyranny, so no one dares to bete,


    except that Rongyue''s seat remains conspicuously empty.


    Ning Wanshuang then asks Consort Hui, "All the pces havee today to pay their respects to me, where is Noble Consort Tong from your pce?"


    Consort Hui says, "I don''t know either... I went to bed earlyst night and didn''t see Sister Tong this morning when I got up. I thought she had alreadye to pay her respects to Eldest Sister."


    Li Changzai says, "Replying to Noble Consort, Noble Consort Tong was picked up by the Luanming Imperial Litterst night."


    "She was picked up?" Ning Wanshuang asks in puzzlement, "His Majesty dined in my pcest night. When the eunuchs presented the name ques, I clearly saw His Majesty had chosen Kang Daying''s que. How did the Luanming Imperial Litter go to Zhaochun Pce instead?"


    This Kang Daying is also a pitiful one. Since entering the pce, she has been like an invisible person, favored by Xiao Jingheng only once before beingpletely neglected.


    If it weren''t for the Empress Dowager persuading Xiao Jingheng yesterday to be fair, I''m afraid Xiao Jingheng would have forgotten her existence after another year or two.


    When this matter is mentioned, Kang Daying also feels wronged.


    She lives in Yao Hua Pce together with Consort Yao, who speaks up for her, "Kang Daying was all dressed up yesterday, but at thest minute the eunuchs said His Majesty changed his mind and went to pick up Noble Consort Tong, telling Kang Daying to rest well. Look at how pitiful our Kang Daying is, with eyes red from crying all nightst night."


    Seeing Kang Daying''s red eyes now, everyone can''t help speaking up for her,


    "That Noble Consort Tong already has abundant favor, how can she also seize Kang Daying''s favor? This is going too far..."


    "The Noble Consort must restrain her, otherwise if everyone curries favor and fights for affection in the future, won''t it be chaotic?"


    Amidst the discussion among the rear pces, Rongyue finally arrives fashionablyte.


    She looks exhausted and can''t help yawning when paying her respects to Ning Wanshuang.


    Ning Wanshuang looks her up and down and says coolly,


    "Yonghe Pce has just been refurbished. Today is the first day the rear pces resume paying their respects to me. What is the meaning of you arriving sote?"


    "The Noble Consort forgives me," Rongyue perfunctorily salutes and says, "I did want toe, but after attending His Majestyst night, His Majesty felt I was tired and allowed me to go back to the pce and rest longer, so I camete. My sister wouldn''t nitpick such a small matter with her sister, right?"


    Her words and deeds are frivolous, obviously showing the arrogance from favoritism.


    But Ning Wanshuang is not annoyed with her and says with a smile instead,


    "You and I both serve His Majesty, of course His Majesty''s wishes are more important. It''s just that others will inevitably gossip about you for arrivingte, which would wrongly make my sister suffer."


    "To avoid resentment among the rear pces, starting today, you shall move from Consort Hui''s pce to live with me. This way, even if you want to rest for a while after attending His Majesty, you can do so in the side halls here in my pce without dying paying your respects to me."


    As soon as she says this, although the rear pces do not speak, they are all waiting to see Rongyue make a fool of herself.


    Who doesn''t know Ning Wanshuang''s domineering character?


    If Rongyue really moves to live with her, not to mention having to look at Ning Wanshuang''s face all the time openly and secretly, even if Xiao Jingheng flips Rongyue''s name que in the future and the eunuchs make the Luanming Imperial Litter stop at the gate of Yonghe Pce, Ning Wanshuang can also pretend to have gotten on the litter and forcibly keep Rongyue in the pce.


    In this way, Rongyue''s favor would bepletely cut off.


    Rongyue can also see what calctions Ning Wanshuang is making. She quickly says,


    "My humble self is grateful for the Noble Consort''s kindness, but since entering the pce, this concubine has lived with Consort Hui. Now my mistress is pregnant, so I must attentively serve at my mistress''s side. If I, an ungrateful person, go to enjoy blessings in the Noble Consort''s pce at this time, wouldn''t that be ungrateful?"


    Ning Wanshuang smiles, "It would be too tiring for you to serve His Majesty while still taking care of Consort Hui. It is best that the unattached concubine Li Changzai stays to take care of Consort Hui, isn''t it, sister?"


    Consort Hui was still eating the snacks on the table when Ning Wanshuang suddenly asked her a question. Just as she wipes her mouth to reply, she hears Ning Wanshuang continue to speak first,


    "If my sister has no objection, then it''s settled. All right, let''s disperse for today. Noble Consort Tong, stay behind. Have your pce maids go back and pack your daily necessities. From now on you will live here in my pce."


    Rongyue shows an expression of embarrassment and displeasure. In the eyes of the other rear pces who see it as they walk out the gate of Yonghe Pce, they want tough their teeth out in their hearts.


    But after everyone left, Rongyue''s distressed look disappears. Instead, she deeply salutes Ning Wanshuang,


    "Thank you, Noble Consort."


    Ning Wanshuang waves her hand carelessly at her. "No need for formalities when no outsiders are around."


    She gestures for Rongyue to sit beside her and says again, "Song Zhao has told us about Consort Hui''s identity. We must guard against her. Staying with me is much better than living in her pce."


    Rongyue nods in agreement, her gaze deepening,


    "Repaying trickery with trickery. Since Consort Hui likes to act, we might as well act out a good y with her. Hope the external arrangements can be done as soon as possible, so Zha''er''s innocence can be restored sooner."


    These days, Song Zhao has actually been secretly contacting Rongyue and Ning Wanshuang through Qin Tai.


    In her letters, she told them about the matter of Consort Hui, asking them to be careful and to ensure their own safety first, and discuss everything elseter.


    Song Zhao did not ask them to help n anything for her or to curry favor with Xiao Jingheng.


    But Rongyue and Ning Wanshuang still did so without consulting each other.


    Not for anything else, but because imperial favor is the only way for pcedies to gain the power of discourse.


    In order to save Song Zhao from dire straits,


    they must first gain Xiao Jingheng''s favor. Only then will they have the chance to speak up before him in the future.


    *


    In the fourth month of the sixth year of Qiyuan, good news finally came from Jiangnan.


    The raging epidemic for months was finally brought under control, and the post-disaster reconstruction work was also proceeding in an orderly manner under Prince An''s proper arrangements.


    When he returned to report on his duties in early May, he first introduced a Jianghu doctor to Xiao Jingheng,


    "Reporting to Imperial Brother, this is Doctor Zhang. This epidemic was cured all thanks to Doctor Zhang''s outstanding medical skills. He even came up with a form to treat the epidemic before the Imperial Medical Bureau''s physicians, saving the people of Jiangnan from dire straits."


    Having been introduced by Xiao Jingyan, Doctor Zhang quickly knelt down and kowtowed to Xiao Jingheng,


    "Your humble subject Zhang Hangche kowtows to greet my Emperor. Long live His Majesty, long live, long live!"


    "Rise and exempt from ceremony," Xiao Jinghengughs loudly. "I have heard of your deeds. Prince An also contracted the epidemic in Jiangnan earlier, which you cured. You have rendered outstanding service this time. I do not wish to bury such talented man. Would you be willing to remain in the pce to serve me? The position of Vice Director of the Imperial Medical Bureau is still vacant. If you are willing, you can fill that post."


    Zhang Hangche is overjoyed, repeatedly kowtowing,


    "This humble one is deeply grateful for Your Majesty''s grace! In the future, serving Your Majesty, I shall serve to the utmost, and ensure Your Majesty''s health!"


    Delighted by this, the eunuch takes him to prepare for his duty to enter the pce.


    When only the two brothers remain in the hall, Xiao Jingyan bows with cupped fist to Xiao Jingheng and says solemnly,


    "Imperial Brother ordered me to investigate the breach of the Chidong Embankment. I also have clues about it now. After detailed investigation and verification, there are indeed irregrities, as expected. This breach of the Chidong Embankment is by no means a natural disaster, but a deliberate sabotage!"


    [To be continued, must finish another update tonight. Continue tomorrow.]

 Chapter 323: Mastermind

    <h4>Chapter 323</h4>


    Xiao Jingyan took out a realistic painting of the Chidong Dam after the flood drawn by the painters from Ruyi Gallery, and exined in detail to Xiao Jingheng:


    "Your Majesty, take a closer look. The broken section of the great dam has ragged and steep ruins. If it was broken by the impact of the flood, the cross section should be a straight line. The fact that it is shattered in many ces indicates that arge amount of explosives were likely buried to deliberately st the dam."


    "sted?" Xiao Jingheng''s expression was slightly shocked. "It takes a lot of explosives to st the dam, it must have caused a bigmotion to set it up. Moreover, the flooding caused by the sted dam brought disaster to living beings. What was the purpose of the people who did this?"


    Xiao Jingyan said, "Chidong Dam is located in a remote area, usually with few visitors. Coupled with the continuous thunderstorms in the days preceding the incident, even fewer people would have passed through that area. If someone really buried explosives with sinister intentions, they only need to act secretly and it would not have been difficult.


    Moreover, after the incident, the floodwaters submerged the dam, leaving no trace of the remaining explosives. As for whether it was actually sted, I can only specte based on the condition of the broken dam surface, and have no evidence."


    On the day the Chidong Dam copsed, the surging floodwaters quickly submerged the dam, making it impossible to investigate many matters.


    Now that Xiao Jingyan brought back such news, it would inevitably make Xiao Jingheng think more and worry more.


    "If it really happened as you spected, then the purpose of the people who did this was not to watch Qi fall into chaos and profit from it."


    Xiao Jingyan self-deprecatingly admitted his stupidity, and was unable to continue analyzing with Xiao Jingheng.


    The next day was the day when the Imperial Astronomical Bureau entered Pure Pce to give the imperial heir in Consort Hui''s belly a fortune.


    Ever since Tan Yuezhi''s predictions of the assassination attempt on Xiao Jingheng and the flooding in Jiangnan came true, he has been favored by Xiao Jingheng.


    Therefore, the person giving fortunes to Consort Hui today was naturally him.


    Fortune-telling requires no outside disturbances, so Consort Hui dismissed all the pce maids.


    When only Tan Yuezhi and her were left in the hall, Tan Yuezhi did not give fortunes to her unborn child. Instead, he whispered to her,


    "Yesterday, His Majesty asked me to divine whether there are foreign tribes who do not submit to Qi and make trouble in secret."


    Consort Hui narrowed her eyes and pondered for a moment, "Why ask this for no reason?"


    "There were problems with the investigation of the Chidong Dam." Tan Yuezhi moved closer to Consort Hui and lowered his voice even more, "The Prince of An returned to the capital and reported to His Majesty that the Chidong Dam was sted."


    "Impossible!" Consort Hui was excited for a moment, then quickly asked in a low voice,


    "You and I both know clearly what happened with the Chidong Dam. It was arranged by our master for people to sneak into the construction team and sabotage the dam during reinforcement. By the end of summer, the increased water volume would inevitably copse the dam, leaving no trace afterwards. Since this is the case, where did the Prince of An''s im that the dam was stede from?"


    Tan Yuezhi was also puzzled about the crux of the matter,


    "Maybe the Prince of An made it up to gain credit?"


    Consort Hui anxiously fiddled with her kerchief, murmuring, "In any case, His Majesty must not suspect the mothend."


    Tan Yuezhi said, "His Majesty trusts me. As long as I divert the disaster elsewhere, the mothend will not be implicated for the time being."


    "For how long can His Majesty trust you? I have been by his side for more than ten years, I know his temperament too well! Other than himself, he trusts no one."


    Consort Hui lowered her eyes and pondered for a while, then suddenly stopped her restless movements, and said firmly,


    "It has been too peaceful in the pce recently. I will think of ways to stir up some more troubles. You still need to go before His Majesty like before to predict those so-called disasters in advance. Only when you can always get it right will His Majesty trust you for longer."


    Seeing that Tan Yuezhi did not respond for a long time, Consort Hui suddenly looked up at him.


    She saw through the unease hidden in Tan Yuezhi''s expression, so she slowly said,


    "You have alreadymitted capital offenses, whether you do more or less, there is no way back. I have been lurking by His Majesty''s side for so many years. Now that I am pregnant, we are only a few steps away from fulfilling our master''s n. No matter what, I willplete what our master expects of me. As for you..."


    Consort Hui''s sinister eyes met Tan Yuezhi''s flustered ones. She slowly got up with one hand on her belly, and paced beside him, speaking lightly,


    "You know better than anyone that your wife''s illness can only be treated by the witch doctors of our homnd using sorcery to keep her alive. Without the homnd, she cannot survive another day. Things havee to this, you can only wholeheartedly assist our master, and aplish this task. When it is done, there wille a day for you and your wife to reunite. If you fail..."


    She tiptoed and whispered beside Tan Yuezhi''s ear, giggling,


    "Hehe~ You''ve seen your wife suffering from the illness, with every inch of her skin ulcerated and bleeding, in unbearable pain. You don''t want her to suffer like that again, do you?"


    Her words seemed to touch the incurable wounds in Tan Yuezhi''s heart.


    It made Tan Yuezhi shudder for a moment, gritting his teeth with temples pulsating,


    "Rest assured, I will do my utmost to serve our master loyally!"


    That day, after leaving the pce, Tan Yuezhi did not go home as usual, but went to Tianxiang Building like he always did.


    He had toe here five times a month.


    Every time, it was to catch Mr. Hehuan, Tianxiang Building''s top courtesan, performing.


    Hehuan was as beautiful as a flower, and whenever she performed, Tianxiang Building would be packed without an empty seat. Most people came to see her beauty, but Tan Yuezhi''s state of mind was different.


    He came only because Hehuan looked seven parts simr to his wife.


    When he was tipsy, he could even mistake Hehuan for his wife,


    and takefort in watching her from afar.


    However, today, when Hehuan had just finished her dance and was about to leave the stage, she was harassed by several drunk rogues who surrounded her in a corner, groping her and speaking vulgar words.


    "Pretending what? Youe out to sell yourself anyway!"


    One of them took out a stack of cash and threw it at Hehuan''s frightened face,


    "I have money! What''s the difference between performing and selling your body? Aren''t you just selling to men?"

 Chapter 324: One Night Together

    <h4>Chapter 324</h4>


    "No! Let me go! Help!" Hehuan screamed sharply and piercingly for help.


    But at that moment, the one abusing Hehuan was a notorious ruffian in the capital city, and no one dared to offend him.


    While the crowd was only watching the spectacle, a drunken guest suddenly picked up a chair and smashed it into the back of the ruffian''s head.


    The chair broke, drawing fresh blood from the ruffian''s head.


    He paused for a moment, then slowly turned to look at Tan Yuezhi and spat before clutching the back of his head and yelling at his henchmen,


    "Damn it! Get this bastard for me!"


    Tan Yuezhi was not a martial artist, and being drunk, he was instantly beaten to the ground by four or five strong men and had no strength to fight back.


    Just as he was seeing stars and spitting up alcohol, he heard someone in the crowd shout something, and then painful cries came from those ruffians. Soon, the strong men surrounding him scattered and fled.


    Tan Yuezhi painfully raised his head to see a somewhat familiar-looking man half-squatting to support him, holding a broken bloody stick in the other hand.


    Apparently, he had just driven off those ruffians.


    With the man''s help, Tan Yuezhi staggered to his feet.


    "Take it slow, Mr. Tan."


    "You recognize me?"


    "I am an official named Liu Chong at the Observatory of Imperial Astronomical Bureau. I have met Mr. Tan a few times before."


    Tan Yuezhi nodded slightly in acknowledgment. He was injured all over and it would be difficult to walk home alone, so when Liu Chong offered to send him home, he did not refuse.


    As the two walked to Tianxiang Building, they suddenly heard a trembling female voice from behind them.


    "Wait... wait."


    They stopped and turned around to see Hehuan running towards them, holding up her skirt.


    She handed a box of ointment to Tan Yuezhi, blushing as she said: "Thank you for saving me just now. This is the finest wound medicine. Take it with you."


    Then she lowered her head shyly and murmured, "I remember you. When I was an entertainer, you gave me the most rewards, but we never spoke."


    Tan Yuezhi treated it casually, epted the ointment, and left with a wave of his sleeve.


    On the way back home supported by Liu Chong, Tan Yuezhi had sobered up substantially and gradually recalled who this Liu Chong was.


    When he first entered the Imperial Astronomical Bureau as the Deputy Director, many minor officials came to curry favor with him, hoping to be his subordinates.


    After all, the most important thing for being a servant in the pce was to understand pandering and seizing opportunities for advancement, regardless of ability.


    Otherwise, no matter how capable you were, if the superiors didn''t see you, you''d be buried.


    At that time, who in the pce didn''t know that Tan Yuezhi was flourishing before the Emperor?


    If you followed him, then there was hope for promotion in the future.


    Liu Chong had also visited a few times before but, like others, was turned away by Tan Yuezhi.


    But today was different.


    No matter what, Liu Chong had saved Tan Yuezhi''s life.


    So Tan Yuezhi asked Liu Chong, "Who are you following now?"


    Liu Chong quickly said, "Still at the Observatory. This minor official is dull-witted and unable to find a good mentor."


    Tan Yuezhi nced at him with a sarcastic smile: "I think you''re clever enough. Come report to me in a few days."


    Hearing this, Liu Chong was overjoyed, and he could hardly stop himself from kneeling down to kowtow earnestly.


    "This minor official is so grateful for Mr. Tan''s guidance!"


    With this master-disciple rtionship established, Tan Yuezhi became more attentive in caring for him as well.


    Sending someone home wasn''t considered much, but he also helped him undress and apply medicine, brewed tea, and took care of everything before leaving.


    After leaving Tan''s residence, Liu Chong didn''t return home but met Xiao Jingyan drinking alcohol under the moonlight at a street corner.


    He respectfully bowed to Xiao Jingyan and said:


    "Reporting to Your Highness, the task is aplished."


    Xiao Jingyan took a gulp of the strong liquor, wiped the corners of his mouth casually, and then patted Liu Chong''s shoulder as he said in a low voice:


    "You''ve worked hard for this."


    Liu Chong was fearful and bowed even lower. "Your Highness''s words humble me. If it weren''t for Your Highness, I would have frozen to death in the wilderness outside the capital five years ago. How could I have lived these five more years to see all the beautiful scenery in the world and bid farewell to my parents?"


    Smiling brightly, he continued, "Now that my illness is incurable, being able to repay Your Highness''s kindness with this life is a glorious demise without regrets!"


    *


    After that day, there were often some disturbances in the pce, such as the Snake Panic on the Spring Equinox, the Lotus Pond drying up, and well water reversing flow.


    Although these weren''t major events, Tan Yuezhi urately predicted each one, increasing Xiao Jingyan''s trust in him.


    And since Tan Yuezhi rescued Hehuan thest time, their rtionship had be closer.


    However, Tan Yuezhi was thinking of histe wife and only saw Hehuan as a substitute for her.


    He never did anything improper with Hehuan, and even when they were alone in private, he only listened to her sing and watched her dance.


    In his heart, he was thinking of every expression and gesture of histe wife.


    Gradually, after spending a long time together, Tan Yuezhi became ustomed to Hehuan being groped by ''patrons'' in exchange for tips.


    He felt pity for this worldly woman and gave her enough silver to redeem herself, allowing her to start a new life somewhere no one knew her after buying freedom.


    Hehuan was very touched. Burying her face in Tan Yuezhi''s shoulder, she murmured with tears in her eyes:


    "Sir has treated this servant so well. This servant has nothing to repay your kindness except to serve you once."


    "No need." Tan Yuezhi coldly pushed her away, but for some reason, he suddenly felt a dull pain in his lower back and waist, and his brows clearly twitched.


    Since the previous beating, he seemed to have hidden injuries and often felt unwell.


    Hehuan then said, "Sir seems to have too much internal dampness. Using acupuncture and cupping together can relieve the difort. This servant has epted so much silver from you, so she must do something to be at peace. Please allow this servant to serve you this once."


    Tan Yuezhi had long heard that Hehuan''s acupuncture skills were unparalleled, so upon her suggestion, he let her give it a try.


    During Hehuan''s acupuncture and cupping, a few candles in the room were extinguished, and calming incense was lit.


    Under Hehuan''s soft massage, Tan Yuezhi felt rxed all over and soon fell asleep.


    When he woke up, Hehuan had changed his clothes.


    "Sir, you''re awake? Do you feel morefortable?"


    Tan Yuezhi stretched and moved his muscles and found that the back and waist pain had indeed eased considerably. He joked:


    "With such skill, why did you fall into this state?"


    Hehuan smiled sweetly, but there was a hint of hurt in her eyes.


    She rushed into Tan Yuezhi''s arms, holding him tightly.


    "Sir, this servant is leaving and doesn''t know when we''ll meet again. I only wish for you to be well."

 Chapter 325: Shuangshuang Jin Feng

    <h4>Chapter 325</h4>


    In the eighth month of the sixth year of the Qiyuan era, Consort Hui sessfully gave birth to a royal prince.


    Xiao Jingheng was overjoyed, and he bestowed the name Chengjing upon his third son.


    With the birth of a male heir, there was much spection in the pce that Consort Hui''s promotion to Noble Consort was not far off.


    In the ninth month of the same year, the disaster in Jiangnan was resolved, and the bordering small nations submitted to the Qi Dynasty. The people''s hearts were at ease.


    That year, Xiao Jingheng''s Wan Shou Festival was grandly celebrated and filled with festivities.


    On that day, he drank a lot of wine. Just as he was about to leave the gathering, Rongyue took the opportunity of offering him a toast to whisper in his ear, "Your Majesty, I have prepared a surprise for you. But this surprise can only be seen by Your Majesty alone."


    As she spoke, she didn''t forget to send a breath of warm and fragrant orchid scent into Xiao Jingheng''s ear.


    Xiao Jingheng was aroused with desire. After the gathering dispersed and he returned to the pce, he immediately summoned Rongyue.


    The weather tonight was stuffy and devoid of the refreshing coolness of autumn.


    It was already September, yet the Chaoyang Pce was still icy.


    But when Rongyue arrived, she was wearing a cloak, wrapping herself tightly.


    Xiao Jingheng reached out his hand, gesturing for her toe closer, and teasingly said, "They say the autumn tiger is fierce, yet you''re wrapped in a cloak. Aren''t you feeling suffocated?"


    "Then let Your Majesty help me, and remove the hassle of this cloak," Rongyue said, grabbing Xiao Jingheng''s hand and guiding it to the sp of the cloak around her neck.


    Xiao Jingheng then pulled her waist closer, reiming the initiative, and roughly undid the sp of the cloak.


    With a "rustle," the sp came undone, and the smoky green cloak fell to the ground, revealing the clothes Rongyue wore underneath.


    At first nce, it was a dance costume from the Ada Tribe, gleaming green all over.


    Rather than calling it clothing, it looked more like a few pieces of fabric haphazardly wrapped around to conceal her modesty.


    Xiao Jingheng had seen the same style of clothing on another person before.


    That person was Song Zhao.


    A sudden thunderp outside the window echoed, as if a string ofrge and small pearls fell onto a jade te.


    Xiao Jingheng suddenly snapped back to reality.


    But Rongyue had already thrown herself into his arms, trembling with fear.


    "Your Majesty... I''m scared..."


    Her actions were reminiscent of the first time Xiao Jingheng met Song Zhao.


    Recalling the past, he could only sigh.


    Xiao Jingheng''s excitement plummeted in an instant.


    That night, he did not let Rongyue share his bed. Instead, he used drunkenness as an excuse and sent her away.


    As the night grew deeper, Xiao Jingheng was alone in his inner chamber, gazing at the rain outside the window. He felt as if something was missing, and no matter what, he couldn''t fill that void.


    In the blink of an eye, it had already been a year since Song Zhao was banished to the cold pce.


    Yet Xiao Jingheng would still think of her at many unexpected moments.


    He was too mindful of Song Zhao,


    to the point that he hadn''t named his daughter with her, nor did he dare to visit her.


    His emotions were always conflicting, filled with guilt and fear towards Song Zhao.


    Regretfully, he had believed the advice of Tan Yue about the conflict between father and son. He had also encountered several dangerous situations one after another. In order to secure his own safety, he had no choice but to personally bury Cheng Yu in the imperial tomb, thus extending his own good fortune.


    He was apprehensive because all the evidence from the past assassination attempt on the ship pointed to Song Zhao. If the assassination had seeded, only Song Zhao would have benefited from it.


    He always felt that everyone in this world coveted his throne. If even the person lying on the bed had such thoughts, it would make him shudder even more...


    Therefore, even if there was only a one in ten thousand chance that Song Zhao had intentions to seize his throne, he couldn''t leave such a hidden danger by his side.


    After all, this world was originally obtained through illegitimate means by him. He cared more about the throne than his own life, let alone a romantic rtionship?


    On the eve of the Lunar New Year in this year, Consort Hui once again received good news from her belly.


    She informed Xiao Jingheng of this good news at a banquet in their residence.


    "Your Majesty, I beg to inform you that it is not suitable for me to drink alcohol tonight."


    She gently touched her t abdomen and said with great joy, "The imperial physician has examined my pulse, and I am already two months pregnant."


    As soon as these words came out, the entire hall was in an uproar, followed by a flurry of congrattions.


    Xiao Jingheng had few heirs, and Consort Hui had given birth to several children in session. It was clear that he was very happy. He immediately issued an edict, saying, "You have endured enough as a consort. After the Lunar New Year, you will be promoted to the position of noble consort."


    Consort Hui, however, was not disrespectful and said, "Thank you for your grace, Your Majesty."


    Just as all the attention was focused on her, Rongyue suddenly stood up, bowed to Xiao Jingheng, and smiled, "I originally thought that only I, as a noble consort, had such good news to present as a gift to Your Majesty. I didn''t expect Consort Hui to have it too. It seems that my gift is not as surprising."


    Upon hearing her words, Xiao Jingheng hurriedly asked, "What about Noble Consort Tong?"


    Rongyue smiled and replied, "Just like Consort Hui, she is also two months pregnant."


    "Good! Very good!"


    Xiao Jingheng was overjoyed, raised his wine cup and drank it all, then smiled and ordered, "Where is the attending physician tonight?"


    Jiang Deshou responded, "Your Majesty, the attending physician from the Imperial Medical Bureau tonight is Vice Director Zhang."


    Xiao Jingheng said, "Go and summon him. Let him examine Consort Hui and Noble Consort Tong''s pulse for their well-being."


    Vice Director Zhang was quickly summoned.


    He examined the pulses of Consort Hui and Rongyue in order, and then smiled and congratted Xiao Jingheng, "Congrattions, Your Majesty. Consort Hui and Noble Consort Tong are indeed two months pregnant!"


    Xiao Jingheng smiled with great satisfaction, "Good. You took care of Consort Hui''s first pregnancy and everything went smoothly. I will entrust you with the care of Noble Consort Tong''s pregnancy as well. If you handle things well, I will reward you generously!"


    Vice Director Zhang bowed and replied, "I will definitely not disappoint Your Majesty''s trust!"


    Only then did the other concubines express their congrattions to Consort Hui. Now they had to put on a show of joy for Rongyue as well, and they were truly exhausted.


    Consort Yun nced around, and even if others didn''t truly feel happy in their hearts, they all stered smiles on their faces, ready to congratte Rongyue.


    Only Ning Wanshuang, with a face full of resentment, sat in her seat, drinking her sorrows away, not even willing to look at Rongyue.


    Consort Yun knew that she must be feeling miserable inside, so she deliberately provoked the situation and whispered to Xiao Jingheng:


    "Your Majesty, Noble Consort Tong has been serving you in the pce for quite some time now. Now that she is pregnant, you have elevated Consort Hui''s status. There are no vacant positions for consorts in the pce anymore. Why not reward Noble Consort Tong with a consort position as well, so that good fortunees in pairs?"


    Xiao Jingheng remained silent for a moment and then smiled, saying, "Consort Yun, your words make sense. It''s not appropriate to have vacant consort positions. Let''s promote Consort Hui to the position of Consort after the Lantern Festival and elevate Noble Consort Tong to a consort position. They shall be granted titles ordingly."


    As soon as these words came out, Ning Wanshuang''s face turned even uglier.


    Consort Yun, on the other hand, looked delighted and quickly led everyone to offer their congrattions, saying in unison:


    "We, the concubines, congratte Your Majesty on the double blessings. Congrattions to Consort Hui for her promotion to the position of Consort, and congrattions to Noble Consort Tong for her promotion to the position of consort."

 Chapter 326: Two MisCarriages

    <h4>Chapter 326</h4>


    The auspicious day for the conferment of titles to Consort Hui and Rongyue was set on the first day of the second month in the seventh year of the Qiyuan Era.


    Although the coronation ceremony could not take ce due to the mourning period for Empress Jia Rui, a decree was issued granting them court attire and official seals, which made the event legitimate.


    Since Consort Hui was promoted to the position of Consort, her demeanor and behavior had changed significantlypared to before.


    The superficial immaturity gradually faded away, and she became more tactful in her speech and actions, rarely causing any embarrassing incidents.


    People spected privately that it might be because she had be a mother that she underwent these changes.


    After all, she had turned seventeen, and it was time to shed the image of someone ignorant of the world and focused solely on eating.


    The pregnancy of Consort Hui and Rongyue went smoothly.


    However, a few days ago, Xiao Jingheng received a suggestion from Concubine Li, who said, "The divination I performed revealed an unusual hexagram, indicating that there will be many obstacles and difficulties for the pregnant consorts in the imperial harem. We must be cautious and avoid certain things."


    Xiao Jingheng hurriedly asked, "Please tell me what precautions to take to ensure the safety of the dragon seed."


    "The consorts and Concubine Shun are not living in seclusion. It''s inevitable that there will be conflicts when peoplee and go. It would be better if Your Majesty allows the two consorts to live separately. Perhaps this can avert the disaster," Concubine Li suggested.


    "Is living separately sufficient?" Xiao Jingheng pondered for a moment and nodded, saying, "Concubine Shun already holds a high position in one pce, so it''s not appropriate for her to continue residing in the Noble Consort''s pce. Originally, I nned to grant her a pce after she gives birth. Since you have raised this point, I will expedite the matter."


    On that day, Li Changzai, who used to live with Consort Hui, moved to Consort Yao''s Yao Hua Pce.


    Rongyue was granted the newly renovated Zhuixia Pce to live alone, as a sign of favor.


    Concubine Li''s suggestion to Xiao Jingheng was entirely based on Consort Hui''s instructions.


    Firstly, it drove Li Changzai out of Zhaochun Pce, ensuring that Consort Hui''s secret ns would not be overheard.


    Secondly, it made it more convenient for Consort Hui to harm Rongyue by moving her out of Ning Wanshuang''s Pce.


    After Rongyue moved out of Yonghe Pce, her private interactions with Consort Hui became even closer.


    Rongyue trusted Consort Huipletely and regarded her as a younger sister, often making exquisite and delicious snacks to share with her.


    On this day, Rongyue brought freshly made osmanthus cake to Consort Hui''s pce.


    They greeted each other affectionately and sat down. As they enjoyed the pastries, Rongyue suddenly caught a whiff of a faint fragrance of gardenia, which seemed to be emanating from the empty cup that Consort Hui had already finished drinking from. Curious, she asked, "Sister, what are you drinking? It smells so refreshing."


    Consort Hui smiled and replied, "The Emperor knows that I like gardenia, so he had the kitchen prepare some gardenia nectar for me. Would you like to try it, sister?"


    As she spoke, Chan Er brought a new teapot.


    Rongyue naturally took the teapot from her hand.


    She lifted the lid and leaned in to sniff it, pleasantly eximing, "Mmm, indeed a good thing."


    Afterward, as they sipped the fragrant osmanthus dew and enjoyed pastries, they chatted about trivial matters during pregnancy.


    Everything was going well in their conversation, but suddenly, Rongyue clutched her abdomen without warning, crying out in pain.


    Consort Hui was taken aback and hurriedly approached Rongyue, concerned. However, as she got closer, she saw that Rongyue''s lower body was covered in bright red...


    "Oh... what''s happened to Sister Tong?" Consort Hui eximed, taking two steps back in shock.


    Rongyue''s face turned pale for a moment, and she bit her lip, enduring the pain. "I have severe abdominal pain..."


    Consort Hui sensed something was wrong and urged the pce maid, saying, "Quickly, go and fetch the imperial physician! Also, call for assistance to help carry Shun Consort to the side hall to rest!"


    Chaos erupted in Zhaochun Pce in an instant.


    Consort Hui busied herself, showing more concern for Rongyue than anyone else.


    While it was true that she had plotted against Rongyue, she would not be foolish enough to harm her while she was in her own pce.


    If Rongyue truly lost her child in Consort Hui''s pce, she would naturally be suspected.


    As Consort Hui grew nervous, she also felt sharp pains in her lower abdomen.


    She had intended to sit down and rest, but then she heard Chan Er, who was supporting her, suddenly gasp, "Empress... you, you''re also bleeding!"


    Consort Hui turned pale and instinctively reached out to touch her skirt.


    When she saw her hand covered in crimson, she was even more astonished, staring dumbfoundedly and murmuring, "How... how is this possible? Ah!"


    The stabbing pain in her abdomen instantly turned into excruciating agony, causing Consort Hui to cry out in pain before fainting.


    Since both of them were under the care of Imperial Physician Zhang for this pregnancy, and both were in a dire state, Zhang hurriedly rushed to Zhaochun Pce to treat them.


    Following the order, he first went to see Consort Hui.


    At this moment, Consort Hui was still unconscious.


    The uncontroble bleeding from her lower body meant that the imperial heir was surely lost.


    Zhang Imperial Physician had no choice but to prescribe medicine first to cleanse Consort Hui''s body as soon as possible.


    While he was treating Consort Hui, he asionally faintly heard Rongyue''s hysterical criesing from the side hall.


    As he was about to go there, he happened to encounter Xiao Jingheng, who had rushed over upon hearing the news.


    "Your Majesty, greetings," Xiao Jingheng urgently said. "How is the imperial heir?"


    Zhang Imperial Physician''s face was filled with sorrow. "Consort Hui''s pregnancy cannot be saved. I was about to go and see Consort Shun after treating her. If Your Majesty wishes to take action, please wait until I have finished treating Consort Shun. It won''t be long."


    Rongyue''s agonizing cries continued to echo, and Xiao Jingheng urged Zhang Imperial Physician to hurry and go inside to treat her.


    However, when Zhang Imperial Physician entered, he found Rongyue sitting on the couch, seemingly unharmed.


    Aside from asionally pretending to cry out in pain, she appeared no different from an ordinary person.


    Xiao Fuzi ced a freshly brewed medicine on a small table in front of Rongyue''s couch.


    Rongyue nced at it lightly, reached out her hand, and prepared to drink it down.


    Zhang Imperial Physician hurriedly advised, "Your Majesty, please reconsider. If you drink this medicine, you will lose all hope of conceiving in this lifetime..."


    Rongyue paused for a moment and smiled, saying,


    "If I don''t drink it, then if we simply rece the imperial physician and have another pulse diagnosis, they will discover that my current pregnancy is false. I mustpletely ruin my health to prevent others from detecting any clues. Simting a false pregnancy to vie for favor among the concubines is a crime of deceiving the emperor. Zhang Imperial Physician, by not allowing me to drink this medicine, are you trying to deny me any chance of survival?"


    "Well..."


    Zhang Imperial Physician looked troubled, while Xiao Fuzi pulled him aside and shook his head with a bitter face, whispering,


    "Brother, Tong Zhu''er''s intentions are resolute. Let''s not try to persuade her."


    With determined eyes, Rongyue then drank the bowl of medicinal soup.


    After finishing the medicine, she felt relieved.


    She smiled, wiping away the traces of medicine from the corners of her lips, and took a deep breath, saying,


    "By drinking this medicine, I will find peace in the future. I also want the Emperor to know just how malicious the person scheming against me is!"


    Fifteen minutester,


    Zhang Imperial Physician rushed out of the side hall in panic and kowtowed repeatedly before Xiao Jingheng,


    "Your Majesty, please forgive me... I am ipetent and failed to protect the heir''s life. Moreover... this is the second time that Concubine Shun has suffered a miscarriage due to someone''s actions, causing harm to her body. It is feared that she will no longer have any hope of conceiving!"


    "You worthless fool!"


    Xiao Jingheng angrily kicked Zhang Imperial Physician aside,


    "Someone dared to administer medicine to Concubine Shun!? Who was it!?"


    In the midst of his furious anger, Xiao Yinzi approached tremblingly, holding a teapot, and weakly replied,


    "Reporting to Your Majesty... the servants and the internal supervisors who taste the pce meals have carefully inspected all the items consumed by the two consorts today. They found something suspicious only in this pot of osmanthus nectar in Consort Hui''s pce..."

 Chapter 327: My Own Cocoon 01

    <h4>Chapter 327</h4>


    As the evening approached, the light in the hall gradually dimmed.


    Xiao Jingheng nced at Zhang Imperial Physician, signaling him with his eyes.


    Zhang Imperial Physician promptly stepped forward to take the teapot brought by Xiao Yinzi, carefully examining its contents.


    After a while, he reported with a bow, "Your Majesty, in this Gardenia Sweet Dew, someone has added Xixin and Guiwei herbs, which have been distilled and purified multiple times, making their medicinal effects even stronger. Xixin is known for its warmth and dispelling of stagnant Qi, while Guiwei promotes blood cirction and regtes menstruation. Thebination of the two is indeed a potent weapon for causing a miscarriage..."


    As he spoke, Ning Wanshuang and a group of concubines had hurriedly arrived.


    Upon hearing Zhang Imperial Physician''s words, Ning Wanshuang eximed, "Your Majesty, I remember that this Gardenia Sweet Dew was exclusively given to Consort Hui as a reward. How could such a mishap ur with something bestowed by the imperial court?"


    Consort Ying also said, "The items presented before the Emperor surely wouldn''t have such oversight. It must be the fault of the pce attendants responsible for delivering the meals."


    Xiao Jingheng furrowed his brows, coldly remarking, "Investigate. Not only should we investigate the pce attendants responsible for delivering the meals, but also the maidservants in Zhaochun Pce!"


    This would involve a lot of people in the ensuing investigation.


    Chan Er, who served Consort Hui closely and never left her side in the inner chambers, heard that Consort Hui had a miscarriage due to the Gardenia Sweet Dew. She hurriedly ran to the Emperor, anxiously pleading, "Your Majesty! I am Chan Er, the servant who serves Consort Hui. Since Her Ladyship became pregnant, I have been extremely cautious when handling anything thates into Zhaochun Pce. As for the food, I have triple-checked for poison and had the pce attendants responsible for tasting the meals do the same, ensuring that everything was safe before presenting it to Her Ladyship. I dare to guarantee that there was absolutely no problem with the Gardenia Sweet Dew..."


    "Ah..." Zhang Imperial Physician sighed with worry, interrupting Chan Er''s words. "Forgive this humble official for speaking out of turn. I have repeatedly reminded everyone that during Her Ladyship''s pregnancy, everything that goes into her mouth must be inspected by me first.


    The Xixin and Guiwei added to the Gardenia Sweet Dew are medicinal herbs used for treating illnesses, and they cannot be detected through a poison test. Moreover, what use is it to have the pce attendants who tasted the food assess these substances that promote Qi cirction and blood flow?"


    "It''s impossible!" Chan Er replied firmly. "Although Zhang Imperial Physician did not inspect it, I have a good understanding of medical principles. On the day the Gardenia Sweet Dew was presented to Consort Hui and Consort Shun, I also rechecked it and found nothing unusual at that time. But now, the problem lies within this pot of Gardenia Sweet Dew...


    After it entered Zhaochun Pce, I have been solely responsible for storing it, with no possibility of anyone elseing into contact with it. If we are to say that someone else had contact with it, it would only be Consort Shun when she took off the lid today."


    Consort Yao took a sharp breath upon hearing this. "Are you suggesting that Consort Shun tampered with it herself?"


    "Consort Yao, please use your brain a little," Ning Wanshuang sneered and retorted, "Consort Hui and Consort Shun have no grievances or conflicts for a long time. Why would she use her firstborn''s favor to conspire against Consort Hui?"


    Xiao Jingheng raised his eyebrows and looked towards the side hall, his eyes filled with both pity and suspicion.


    Consort Yun seized the opportunity and said, "If Consort Shun''s pregnancy turns out to be false, what if it was a false pregnancy from the beginning?"


    Upon hearing this, Zhang Imperial Physician became angry and eximed, "Consort Yun''s words have tarnished the reputation of Consort Shun and insulted my unwavering loyalty to serve the Emperor! I kneel before Emperor Xiao Jingheng and confess my shorings. I have failed to protect the lives of the two consorts and it is my negligence. I am at the Emperor''s mercy for any punishment, but I must defend myself against Consort Yun''s usations. Consort Shun''s miscarriage has indeed caused irreparable damage, and she has lost all hope of conceiving in this lifetime. If the Emperor doubts this, other physicians can be called upon to examine her together!"


    Consort Yun did not expect such a strong reaction from Zhang Imperial Physician and blushed in embarrassment. She weakly replied, "I did not mean it that way, Zhang Imperial Physician, please do not take offense."


    Regardless of whether she meant it or not, such a significant incident in the pce could not be taken lightly. The physicians from the Imperial Medical Bureau, led by Guo Imperial Physician, had already arrived and were waiting in the corridor.


    Xiao Jingheng instructed them to carefully examine Consort Hui and Rongyue''s pulses. However, both of them had already taken abortifacient drugs, so what more could be revealed from examining their pulses, apart from the signs of physical weakness and miscarriage?


    However, Rongyue''s health had indeed deteriorated.


    After Guo Imperial Physician informed Xiao Jingheng of the examination results, his doubts about Consort Hui immediately dissipated.


    He certainly did not believe that Rongyue would sacrifice her own ability to conceive to frame Consort Hui.


    It was Consort Hui...


    Just as Xiao Jingheng''s suspicions shifted towards Consort Hui, Xiao Yinzi brought in a pce maid who served in the imperial court.


    "Emperor, this person is the eunuch who was responsible for delivering the jasmine nectar to the Pce of Pure Auspice today."


    The pce maid turned pale at the sight of themotion.


    Once Xiao Yinzi released his grip on her, she knelt on the ground and began speaking incoherently, "Please spare me, Emperor. I know nothing. I didn''t do it..."


    Xiao Yinzi asked her, "You just need to tell the Emperor everything you experienced today."


    "The eunuch... When I was delivering the jasmine nectar to the Pce of Pure Auspice, I passed by the stargazing tform and bumped into a foreign official. I almost spilled the jasmine nectar, but he helped me and prevented a major mistake. However, I don''t know if the contaminated substance that Consort Hui consumed was put there at that moment..."


    "Foreign official?" Xiao Jingheng momentarily puzzled, and Jiang Deshun reminded him, "Your Majesty, today is the day when the Astronomical Bureau came to the pce for star observation and divination."


    Xiao Jingheng then asked, "Do you remember what the person looked like?"


    The pce maid nodded repeatedly, and Xiao Jingheng dered, "Take this eunuch to the Astronomical Bureau and have her identify him. We must quickly find out everyone who had contact with him today!"


    As this matter concerned the imperial harem, Xiao Jingheng entrusted the investigation to Ning Wanshuang.


    On the following day, when the consorts hurried to Yonghe Pce to pay respects to Ning Wanshuang,


    Look at her weary expression and continuous yawning. It seems she hasn''t slept a wink all night.


    He Chang expressed his concern, "Empress Consort, you must be exhausted from dealing with the incident of the traitor poisoning."


    Consort Yao also said, "It''s truly pitiful for Consort Hui and Consort Shun. We still don''t know whose wicked hand caused them such suffering, and they haven''t regained consciousness until now..."


    Consort Yun raised an eyebrow and looked at Ning Wanshuang, asking, "Have you found any clues, Empress Consort?"


    Just then, a solemn announcement from the pce attendants outside interrupted the chatter of the consorts.


    "His Majesty has arrived!"


    Everyone stood up and respectfully greeted the Emperor at the door. Xiao Jingheng entered with broad strides, motioning for everyone to be seated before taking his ce next to Ning Wanshuang at the head of the table. He asked,


    "What have you discovered that made you so anxious to see me?"


    Ning Wanshuang replied with a hint of fear, "As the one in charge of the six pces, if this matter had urred within the harem, it would have been manageable for me to handle. But it involves important figures from the previous dynasty, and I dare not make decisions without Your Majesty''s guidance."


    Upon hearing this, Xiao Jingheng, puzzled, pped his hands sharply toward the door and said,


    "Kang Yubin, bring the person in."


    [End of the chapter. I''ll resume with two chapters tomorrow as I need to rest now.]

 Chapter 328: My Own Cocoon 02

    <h4>Chapter 328</h4>


    With a single order from Ning Wanshuang,


    Kang Yubin brought three guards and escorted a man with a sack over his head into the hall.


    After forcing the man to kneel down, Kang Yubin removed the sack from his head, and everyone was shocked to see that the man Ning Wanshuang had ''treated'' this way was none other than Tan Yuezhi, the deputy chief officer of the Imperial Astrology Agency.


    When Tan Yuezhi had entered the pce that morning, he had been grabbed out of nowhere, a sack put over his head, and brought to Yonghe Pce. At this moment, he waspletely bewildered.


    "Esteemed Consort, what is the meaning of this?"


    Xiao Jingheng''s expression also darkened. "Esteemed Consort, why did you bring him here? Could it be that the eunuch who bumped into the attendant delivering food to Zhaojun Pce yesterday was him?"


    "No," Ning Wanshuang lightly shook her head, her gaze drifting to settle on Tan Yuezhi. "But he is not without connection to the incident."


    As she finished speaking, two eunuchs escorted in another bloodied man who stumbled into the hall.


    The man was thrown to the floor, but struggled to crawl toward Tan Yuezhi, grabbing his robe and pleading in a hoarse voice,


    "Master...save me..."


    Only when he got closer was Tan Yuezhi able to make out his features from his filthy face and recognize his identity.


    "Liu Chong? What has happened to you?"


    Ning Wanshuang gently said to Xiao Jingheng, "Your Majesty, this man is called Liu Chong. He is the sole personal disciple of Tan Yuezhi and has followed him for over a year."


    Xiao Jingheng leaned forward slightly to examine Liu Chong, then slowly said:


    "He seems somewhat familiar."


    Ning Wanshuang''s voice became grave. "Liu Chong, you have murdered the imperial heir and caused the unjust deaths of two innocent lives. You cannot escape death. However, if you confess everything frankly, We may ask His Majesty to show mercy and grant you an intact corpse for burial."


    Upon hearing this, Liu Chong''s pupils violently trembled, seemingly panicked to the extreme.


    He slowly loosened his grip on Tan Yuezhi''s robes, an absent look on his face, murmuring to himself:


    "Dead? How could they be dead? Didn''t you say it would only make the imperial heir ufortable? How could they have died?!"


    He became agitated for a moment, fiercely pouncing at Tan Yuezhi.


    Fortunately the guards were quick to pull the two apart.


    Xiao Jingheng discerned the implications from his words and sternly questioned:


    "What did you mean by saying it would only make the imperial heir ufortable? Exin yourself."


    It was as if Liu Chong''s soul had been extracted. His legs suddenly weakened and he copsed on the ground, weeping:


    "Your Majesty! This lowly one had no malicious intent... Yesterday, this lowly one deliberately bumped into the eunuch delivering food to Zhaojun Pce. While he was distracted, I slipped a packet of powder into the teapot. That powder..."


    He tremblingly raised his hand and pointed at Tan Yuezhi usingly:


    "That powder was given to me by Master. I didn''t know that it could lead to the imperial heirs losing their lives..."


    "Liu Chong!" Tan Yuezhi angrily shouted. "When have I ever instructed you to do such things?"


    Liu Chong shook his head in bewilderment. "Was it not Master who said that you had memorialized to His Majesty that the pregnant consorts in the harem would suffer miscarriages, and that you must cause this ident to happen in order for His Majesty to further believe in the credibility of the Imperial Astrology Agency?"


    Grieving in distress, he tearfully cried, "I only thought the powder would cause some difort to the imperial heir at most. I never imagined... Had I known early on that the drug would cause the two Imperial Concubines to miscarry, even if I had the guts of a bear and leopard, I still wouldn''t have dared help Master do something so damaging to the yin!"


    By now, Tan Yuezhi finally understood that he had fallen into a trap set by someone else.


    Just as he had conspired with Consort Hui to frame Song Zhao in the past,


    Someone with malicious intentions had carefully orchestrated things in the shadows, waiting until this scheme was foolproof before inviting him into the pot, leaving only one path of death for him to take.


    If he hadn''t guessed wrongly, from the moment Liu Chong came to serve him, this pit had already been dug.


    He stared fiercely at Liu Chong. "You falsely use me of things I never instructed you to do. Just who ordered you to do so?"


    "Falsely use you? Was ordered to do so?" Liu Chong gave a miserable, coldugh. "I have always loyally carried out tasks for you. I didn''t expect that when things came to light today, you want topletely disassociate yourself!


    In spring, snakes were released; in summer, the well water surged; in autumn, the golden carp flipped belly up... Ever since you entered the pce, the strange omens happening frequently, which one was not carried out by you, only for you toter hypocritically report these inevitable incidents to His Majesty in advance, so as to curry favor?"


    Hearing this, Tan Yuezhi had already lost all color. His heartbeat became chaotically erratic.


    All the chaos Liu Chong spoke of had been secretly arranged by Consort Hui. Liu Chong shouldn''t have known about these things.


    Yet how could he state them so clearly andpletely?


    Right now, the look Xiao Jingheng gave Tan Yuezhi was filled with murderous intent.


    Tan Yuezhi desperately tried to calm himself in order to defend himself, but then heard Liu Chong cry out loudly:


    "I followed you for a year, respecting you inside and out as Master, but what did you teach me? You never taught me divination, only asking me daily to think of ways to cause trouble, saying that only when the state was unstable would the Imperial Astrology Agency continue to be valued highly by the court, allowing you to continue reaping benefits!"


    As he spoke, he suddenly turned back and deeply kowtowed to Xiao Jingheng, choking with sobs:


    "This lowly one has killed the imperial heirs and knows his crimes cannot be pardoned. I also cannot face begging Your Majesty for leniency anymore. I will end this worthless life now and apany the two young masters below the Yellow Springs to apologize!"


    After saying this, Liu Chong decisively smashed his head against the nearby phoenix-carved gold pir.


    He died violently on the spot.


    Xiaoyinzi quickly removed the corpse.


    This time, it was Tan Yuezhi who was rendered speechless.


    It was just like how he and Consort Hui had conspired to frame Song Zhao in the past.


    With the key witness dead from his own testimony, nothing could be extracted from a dead man''s mouth.


    Therefore, the injustice that Song Zhao once suffered would have to be endured by Tan Yuezhi today as well.


    Ning Wanshuang coolly questioned: "You stirred up these troubles in the pce yourself, proving that your so-called divination skills are nothing but nonsense. In that case, We are very curious to know, since you do not actually possess the ability to urately predict destiny, how did you foretell back then that His Majesty would encounter an assassination attempt in Jiangnan? And how did you predict that Jiangnan would suffer a devastating flood?"


    She paused for a moment, as if a thought had just urred to her. Her expression changed to one of astonishment as she hurriedly said:


    "Or could it be that His Majesty''s assassination attempt and Jiangnan''s floods were also disasters stirred up by you?"


    Ning Wanshuang''s spections were somewhat unreasonable.


    With Tan Yuezhi''s strength alone, there was no way he could aplish so many things.


    However, her words sparked associations in Xiao Jingheng''s mind with Xiao Jingyan''s past advice.


    Back then, Xiao Jingyan had said the Jiangnan floods were entirely caused by the breach of the Chidong Dam, and there was a high probability that the dam breach was man-made.


    Connecting these events together in his mind, the suspicions crystallizing in Xiao Jingheng''s heart gradually became clear.


    "Relying solely on your own strength, you would absolutely be unable to do all this. Speak, just what sinister force sent you here as their spy!?"

 Chapter 329: Born to Die 01

    <h4>Chapter 329</h4>


    When Xiao Jingheng uttered these words, the corner of his eye casually nced at Consort Yin and Ru Chang. Both of them hailed from powerful neighboring nations that Xiao Jingheng had once regarded with caution, the Ada Tribe and Mongolia.


    Normally, the two of them would have no reason to join forces, but at this moment, they both spontaneously bowed to Xiao Jingheng in respect.


    "Your Majesty, please rest assured that neither this concubine nor my maternal n have any ill intentions," Consort Yin spoke.


    Tan Yuezhi also spoke up in defense, "Your Majesty, I ampletely loyal to you!"


    "No ill intentions?" Ning Wanshuang scoffed and narrowed her eyes at him. "Even without ill intentions, you dared to conspire against the heir to the throne. If you had any ulterior motives, wouldn''t the entire Qi Dynasty be in jeopardy?"


    Her sharp gaze scrutinized Tan Yuezhi from head to toe, and the more she looked, the more she disliked him.


    "You deceived the Emperor, plotted against the heir, and yet you dare to wear the imperial attire? Kang Yubin, strip him of his court robes and immediately send him to the Office of Judicial Torture for severe punishment!"


    As Ning Wanshuang spoke, Xiao Jingheng remained silent.


    In an instant, Tan Yuezhi went from being in the Emperor''s favor to bing a despised prisoner. Kang Yubin, therefore, showed no mercy in handling him.


    When they forcibly removed his court robes, their actions were rough. They even tore apart the inner lining, exposing his wheat-colored skin between his waist and abdomen. With so many consorts present, it was truly unseemly.


    Consort Yun instinctively covered her eyes, but in a momentary nce, it seemed as though she had caught sight of something on Tan Yuezhi.


    She fixed her gaze and saw a deep-blue lotus tattooed in the middle of his back.


    Consort Yun eximed in shock, "That... Your Majesty, please have a look!"


    Her cry caught the attention of almost everyone present, all of their gazes drawn to the tattoo on Tan Yuezhi''s back.


    Some of the consorts were unfamiliar with the symbol, but Ning Wanshuang recognized it all too well.


    At this moment, she wore a look of astonishment tinged with fear as she supported Xiao Jingheng''s arm.


    "Your Majesty... that is the totem of the Qinglian Cult! But... didn''t my father eradicate the remnants of that cult during the Zhang Dynasty? How could they..."


    Ning Wanshuang mentioned the Qinglian Cult, an organization that had been formed by the remnants of the cult during the Zhang Dynasty, prior to the Qi Dynasty.


    In the 37th year of Qianyuan, the Qinglian Cult had joined forces with other rebels to rebel against the Qi Dynasty.


    However, they were ultimately defeated by Ning Bochuan''s mighty Qi army and ended in a crushing defeat.


    After that battle, thete Emperor ordered the extermination of the remnants of the Qinglian Cult, sparing no one, regardless of age or gender.


    Xiao Jingheng never expected that the remnants of the Qinglian Cult, which he had thought had long disappeared, would have been lurking by his side all this time, manipting him so effortlessly...


    Down in the hall, Tan Yuezhi was restrained by the guards, and he had no way of seeing the tattoo on his own back.


    But from Ning Wanshuang''s words, he could roughly guess what the tattoo on his back signified...


    This matter, if it had only been Liu Chong''s "deration of death," at most it would have confirmed Tan Yuezhi''s suspicion of plotting against the heir to the throne, but it wouldn''t have represented his motive or ability to arrange for someone to assassinate Xiao Jingheng and blow up Chidong Dam.


    However, if he werebeled as a remnant of the previous dynasty, then all of these events would have a reasonable exnation.


    He initially wanted to argue, but in an instant he understood the origin of this tattoo.


    On that day, he let Hehuan perform acupuncture and cupping for him, and he fell into a deep sleep.


    It''s likely that the room had already been filled with sedative incense at that time, and it was Hehuan who personally tattooed him during that moment.


    The location was on his back, right in the middle of his spine, which he couldn''t see no matter what.


    Furthermore, the tattoo had been there for a year already, the colors on the surface had faded, so even if he imed it was newly done, no one would believe it.


    Moreover, if Tan Yuezhi were to continue denying it now, it would only make Xiao Jingheng continue to investigate.


    If this matter implicated more than just the consort, then the "master" would undoubtedly be implicated as well.


    If their country were to be unstable, his wife would have no way out.


    At this point, he had no way out.


    Rather than that, it would be better to gather his courage and end this matterpletely with him.


    "Hahahaha!"


    Tan Yuezhi suddenlyughed madly, not bothering to pretend anymore, and roared at Xiao Jingheng:


    "You wretched emperor! I failed to kill you! It''s the greatest regret of my life!"


    After speaking, he somehow mustered up brute force, broke through the guards, and charged straight at Xiao Jingheng.


    Xiao Jingheng remained calm andposed in his seat.


    With so many secret guards protecting him, Tan Yuezhi didn''t even get close before having his tendons and ligaments severed, and was subdued once again.


    At this moment, Xiao Jingheng''s face was ashen, devoid of any anger, cold enough to frighten anyone.


    He stood up, took measured steps toward Tan Yuezhi, then stepped on his cheek with his foot, his elbow resting on his knee, leaning closer inch by inch, using a voice only they could hear, gritted his teeth and asked:


    "When you made me nt the foundation, were you deliberately plotting to make me kill my most beloved kin!?"


    Tan Yuezhiughed bitterly, spat at him, "Pah! If you weren''t so afraid of death, how could you have believed my groundless talk? Hahaha, you wretched emperor, your retribution is still toe!"


    His mockingughter was chilling and terrifying, sending shivers down people''s spines.


    Xiao Jingheng was overwhelmed with grief and anger, and angrily dered:


    "Guards! Drag this beast out for me! y him alive!"


    Xiao Jingheng was furious to the extreme.


    To the point where his eyes were red, his body trembling, and he couldn''t calm his emotions for a long time.


    Ning Wanshuang asionally brushed his chest to soothe him, but Consort Yin suddenly said:


    "If all of these things were done by that remnant of the previous dynasty, wouldn''t Song Zhao be wrongly confined in the cold pce?"


    Her untimely words left everyone speechless.


    Song Zhao had been sent to the cold pce by Xiao Jingheng''s order, so if she was wronged, it would be tantamount to using Xiao Jingheng of being an ipetent ruler.


    Ning Wanshuang, Consort Yin, rolled her eyes and replied impatiently, "Song entered the cold pce because she failed to serve the Emperor properly, and that''s the consequence she deserved. The Emperor has made it clear that she is not to be mentioned in the pce. Whoever dares to mention Song in the future will face the consequences ording to pce rules."


    With disdain, she shook her head and said, "She couldn''t even take care of the Crown Prince properly, to the point that his whereabouts are now unknown. Keeping her alive is already the Emperor''s mercy."


    But it was this remark that pierced Xiao Jingheng''s heart like a needle.


    At this moment, his mind was buzzing, and he didn''t even dare to turn around and see what foolish and ignorant things he had done!


    A boundless sense of guilt and sorrow surged endlessly within him.


    It was he who had killed the child of him and Song Zhao with his own hands.


    It was he who had sent the woman he loved, who upied his heart and mind, to the cold pce.


    He didn''t even know why he had acted so recklessly and confusedly...


    Fortunately, Cheng Yu''s matter was kept secret, and few people in the pce knew about it.


    If he could hide it from Song Zhao for her lifetime, then there might still be a chance for reconciliation between him and Song Zhao.


    That night, Xiao Jingheng issued an edict to reinstate Song Zhao as the honorable Imperial Consort and personally went to the cold pce to bring her out.


    When he arrived, he only saw a slender figure standing under the wutong tree in in clothes, looking up at the moon in a daze.


    It had been two years and five months since they hadst seen each other.


    In his memory, Song Zhao''s appearance had be somewhat blurred.


    But today, the beauty was as radiant as before, except for a touch of coldness and distance between her brows, like a jade that couldn''t be reached,manding respect and distance.


    "Zhao''er..." Xiao Jingheng called her gently, but the words choked in his throat and he couldn''t spit them out no matter what.


    Upon hearing his call, Song Zhao slowly withdrew her gaze and looked at him.


    There was no surprise in her eyes, and she asked casually, "How did the Emperore to the forbidden grounds of the cold pce?"


    Xiao Jingheng quickly walked to her side and tightly embraced her as if she were a precious treasure. His words were filled with guilt and indebtedness, "I have wronged you. It was not until today that I finally cleared your name of injustice. Can you me me?"


    His words were sincere, but as he spoke, he felt a weak force pushing against his sturdy chest.


    He loosened his embrace slightly and realized that Song Zhao was pushing him away without any expression on her face.


    "Zhao''er?" He was momentarily stunned, letting Song Zhao free herself from his embrace.


    Song Zhao didn''t answer his question but continued to face the moon, silently shedding tears.


    "Have you found Cheng Yu?" she asked.


    At her question, Xiao Jingheng''s heart was suddenly gripped.


    He lightly touched Song Zhao''s wless porcin skin, wiping away her tears, and then shook his head destely, saying, "There''s still no news for now. But over the years, I have never given up on finding Cheng Yu. Just a few days ago, I asked the Minister of War toe up with another n and decided to send ten thousand more troops to..."


    Before he could finish his sentence, he saw Song Zhao, who had been looking at the moon, suddenly fix her gaze on him.


    Her eyes were so bright, bright enough that even the hatred veiled by tears was evident.


    "You''ve already ordered him to be buried alive, so why waste those trivial efforts?"

 Chapter 330: Born to Die 02

    <h4>Chapter 330</h4>


    On a deep spring night, a sudden northern wind arose, rustling the new leaves of a full tree of Chinese schr trees.


    Chill moonlight scattered in the tranquil and silent courtyard, alternately narrowing and lengthening the shadows of the two, their silhouettes crudely ovepping.


    Xiao Jingheng''s cold question still rang in Song Zhao''s ears as she stared at him, watching the light in her eyes gradually dim, as if taking away thest glimmer of hope in his heart.


    After a brief moment of surprise, like the passing wind, Xiao Jingheng calmly asked,


    "Who told you?"


    Song Zhao looked at Xiao Jingheng with no expression, as if her heart had sunk to the depths. Her tone was t as she spoke,


    "Does it matter who told me? The important thing is that the Emperor really did this."


    Xiao Jingheng had imagined countless times what scenario might ensue if Song Zhao discovered the truth, but he had never thought this day woulde so suddenly, catching him off guard.


    Song Zhao''s every word was cold and final, as if toy out all the humiliation on the table, forcing Xiao Jingheng into speechlessness.


    He could only feel a tightness in his throat, and finally spoke in a hoarse voice,


    "I listened to nderous words, wronging Cheng Yu and hurting you."


    "Wronging?" Song Zhao let out a mockingugh, as if she had heard an extremely amusing joke. "You are the Emperor. It has always been others who wrong you. When have you ever wronged others?"


    Xiao Jingheng heard the sarcasm in her words, but due to his own guilt, he did not contend with her, only saying:


    "I was wrong in this matter. I know your emotions are difficult to calm at the moment, but mying to find you and being frank with you is to give us both a chance, is it not? Zhao''er, I understand that your feelings for me are rare and sincere..."


    "You think my feelings for you are sincere now?" Song Zhao''s anger made her smile bitterly. "You always say that your surroundings are filled with all sorts of schemes and calctions, and you find it so tiring living amidst all those intrigues every day.


    You said no one understands your troubles, and mypany by your side is afort. You said these words, and I believed them. But in the end, what did my trust in you bring me?"


    Here, the twisted smile on her face froze for an instant, and suddenly she shouted at Xiao Jingheng with all her might:


    "It brought me the rejection of my husband! It brought the unjust death of Cheng Yu!"


    She lunged forward like a madwoman, pounding Xiao Jingheng''s chest with all her strength.


    Tears blurred her vision, and she could only chokingly sob:


    "Cheng Yu had just turned one. He was so afraid of the dark, so timid, but you mercilessly had him buried alive in the imperial mausoleum? How could you bear it! At midnight in your dreams, when you see Cheng Yu smiling at you and calling you ''Father Emperor'', how can you sleep soundly!?"


    Song Zhao''s heart-wrenching usations hit Xiao Jingheng at his most painful points with every word.


    He too had red eyes as he tried to embrace the emotionally distressed Song Zhao, hoping to calm her down first.


    But Song Zhao reacted instinctively, desperately pushing Xiao Jingheng away, struggling out of his embrace.


    She stepped back two paces, raising her hand to wipe away the tears on her cheeks.


    "Don''t touch me! I feel disgusted!"


    Upon hearing this, Xiao Jingheng''s expression visibly froze for a moment.


    He clearly did not expect the woman who was once so gentle to utter such words to him.


    He closed his eyes, restraining the wetness in them, and when he raised his eyelids again, those deep pupils were as inscrutable as a frigid pond.


    "I was wrong, but I admit it. What more do you want from me? Cheng Yu was my precious son too. You grieve for him, but don''t you think I grieve for him as well?"


    Hearing the self-pity in his words, Song Zhao was even more disgusted to the extreme.


    She simply disregarded any remaining dignity between them and coldly raised her eyes, enunciating each word:


    "Grieve? Bearing offspring and burying fortune, using the lives of your own flesh and blood to extend your eternal dynasty. Your ''grief'' is very inexpensive!"


    These words seemed to pry open the wound that Xiao Jingheng had always hidden so well.


    They called him weak and ipetent, greedy for life and fearful of death, a disgrace as a father.


    Every word and syble was like a priceless gem, extremely humiliating.


    Each word, each sound, crashed down on Xiao Jingheng like a thousand pounds, and he trembled uncontrobly.


    Suddenly, he raised his hand, his palm about to strike Song Zhao''s cheek.


    However, Song Zhao did not dodge. Instead, she stepped forward and brought her face closer, arching her brow at him.


    Xiao Jingheng''s hand froze midair, and Song Zhao smiled bitterly.


    "Hit me? You''ve already hit me two years ago anyway, so this one more won''t make a difference."


    Xiao Jingheng curled his fingers and finally lowered his hand gently.


    "Must you treat me like this?"


    He asked, his icy fingertips tracing Song Zhao''s unadorned ck hair, just like when Song Zhao firsty with him.


    The past seemed to sh before his eyes, but in the woman before him, only hatred remained in her gaze.


    Song Zhao turned her eyes away, no longer looking at him, and calmly said: "If Your Majesty feels that I have spoken disrespectfully and offended heaven''s might, you may very well issue an edict to have me buried alive as well. I would be honored to keep my dead sonpany on his lonely journey."


    She did not cry anymore, nor make a scene.


    She was even unwilling to look at him again.


    Xiao Jingheng''s fingers continued downward, caressing Song Zhao''s cheek and lifting her chin, forcing her to meet his gaze.


    "I know your heart is filled with bitterness. Today I came to take you out of the cold pce first..."


    "No need." Song Zhao gripped his wrist, secretly using force to move his hand away, and then resolutely said:


    "You have already cast me aside. What''s the point of causing more discontent in the harem for the sake of a discarded concubine? After this autumn, the Empress''s three-year mourning period will be over, and new consorts can be brought into the harem again."


    She smiled wryly at this, then gently stroked her cheek and sighed:


    "You neverck attendants by your side. Why must you cling to me, an ornament of gold and jade on the outside?"


    Xiao Jingheng sighed. "You truly wish to be like this?"


    But Song Zhao was too tired to say another word to him.


    "I''m tired. Do as you please."


    With that, ignoring Xiao Jingheng''s repeated calls from behind, she returned to her room without turning her head.


    [I forgot yesterday was the Dragon Boat Festival. So I''ll deliver the fourth update today. Stay safe and healthy!]

 Chapter 331: Born to Play Chess

    <h4>Chapter 331</h4>


    Later that night, Zhaojun Pce.


    Consort Hui woke up from a lengthy nightmare, shocked and drenched in sweat.


    The moment she opened her eyes, she instinctively reached down to touch her belly.


    Chan Er saw that she had woken up and quickly said, "My Lady has awakened! You were unconscious for three days, scaring your maidservants..."


    Consort Hui weakly asked: "What about my child?"


    Chan Er''s eyes instantly reddened as she knelt before Consort Hui''s bed and bowed down,


    "My Lady, please endure the grief!"


    Consort Hui stared wide-eyed in disbelief,


    "How could this happen? Why did this happen? My child... He was perfectly fine, who wanted to harm him!?"


    -"His Majesty has arrived!"


    The court eunuch''s announcement echoed from afar to near, and Consort Hui looked up to see Xiao Jingheng had already swept aside the gauze curtains and stepped into the inner chamber.


    Overwhelmed by grief and sorrow, she waited until Xiao Jingheng came near before hurriedly grabbing his sleeve and crying:


    "Your Majesty! Our child is go--"


    But before she could finish speaking,


    Xiao Jingheng suddenly flung her hand aside and fiercely pped her across the face, hitting her hard enough to make her see stars.


    The crisp, decisive p shocked the pce maids to their knees as they trembled and pleaded, "Your Majesty, please restrain Your anger!"


    Xiao Jingheng''s rage did not diminish as he shouted, "All of you, get out!"


    After the pce women had filed out, the newly-pped Consort Hui finally regained her senses.


    Not knowing where she had offended Xiao Jingheng, she quickly knelt before him and said,


    "Your Majesty, restrain Your anger. This servant does not know why she has angered Your Majesty, please enlighten me."


    Xiao Jingheng red at her for a moment before his temper red up again.


    He clutched her slender neck with hisrge hand and shoved her against the wall, his eyes bulging as he demanded,


    "What have you told Yi Consort!?"


    Petite Consort Hui hung suspended in midair, her feet barely grazing the floor, as Xiao Jingheng gripped her neck.


    Her naturally paleplexion after losing her child now turned purple from asphyxiation.


    She desperately pried at Xiao Jingheng''s hands to gasp out a few words,


    "This servant...did not..."


    "You didn''t? Apart from you, no one else among the haremdies knew about the Crown Prince''s matter. If you didn''t say it, then who did? Was it Prince An who has nothing to do with Yi Consort, or is it that overthrown former dynasty''s remnant that We yed alive from the Imperial Astronomy Agency!?" Xiao Jingheng angrily spat out this torrent of words before finally loosening his hand to allow Consort Hui to breathe again.


    Consort Hui copsed on the floor, coughing violently and gulping air.


    In this time, her mind raced -


    The former dynasty''s remnant Xiao Jingheng spoke of must be referring to Tan Yuezhi. ying him alive meant the secret was already exposed, but Xiao Jingheng did not punish her, so Tan Yuezhi must not have implicated her homnd.


    Consort Hui quickly calmed herself.


    At this time, she absolutely could not let Xiao Jingheng suspect she had any connection with Tan Yuezhi.


    Thus, she did not even ask about Tan Yuezhi, only arduously crawled to Xiao Jingheng''s feet and cried,


    "Your Majesty, it is true that when Song was deposed to Cold Pce, this servant did go see her. I also told her that the Crown Prince was buried alive."


    "Wretched woman!" Xiao Jingheng was furious beyond belief and kicked Consort Hui aside. "Why did you do that!?"


    Unexpectedly, Consort Hui did not show an ounce of remorse, instead harboring deep resentment as she said,


    "This servant wanted her to be devastated with grief and anguish, dying of despair if possible! She plotted against Your Majesty, arranged the assassins in Lin''an that wanted Your Majesty''s life and great Qi''s rule! This servant''s life was once saved by you, how could I let anyone who wishes Your Majesty harm continue living in this world!?"


    As she spoke these words, she clutched at her chest in agony, her weeping reaching an extreme pitch of grief.


    Hearing this, Xiao Jingheng also felt somewhat moved.


    There was solid evidence of Song Zhao nning the assassination, so Consort Hui''s actions were reasonable.


    Yet his stern expression toward Consort Hui did not soften one bit.


    "The assassination attempt in Lin''an has been investigated clearly, it was not Zhao''er''s doing. She has been by my side, never seeking anything from me. It is I who have wronged her, wronged Chengyu."


    Seeing his knitted brows in pain and regret over his words of affection, Consort Hui knew that Yi Consort whom she finally brought down would soon rise again...


    She crawled to Xiao Jingheng''s feet once more, stroking his knee as she wept and pleaded:


    "This servant has been following by Your Majesty''s side since being saved on Mount Mang at fourteen. I am an orphan who has long treated Your Majesty as my only family these past ten years. Everything I do is out of consideration for You, I ask that you direct any punishment or beating at me instead, but do not damage the Imperial health over my pent-up grievances, for that would be this servant''s unpardonable crime."


    "Hmph."


    Xiao Jingheng gave a cold snort and roughly grabbed Consort Hui''s hand, pulling her up to face him.


    As they gazed at each other, breath intermingling, he said in a bone-chilling voice:


    "Remember this clearly: you are but a pawn to me, a tool used to check the former dynasty and the harem. A pawn should not, must not have its own ideas, nor presume my will. Understand?"


    Consort Hui nodded forlornly, "For all these years, that is how I''ve been."


    Xiao Jingheng abruptly released her wrist, "If you dare act privately against my wishes in the future, I promise I will make you suffer more than death."


    After he finished speaking, he turned and left.


    The dejected Consort Hui who had copsed on the ground maintained her grief-stricken expression, but once she could no longer see even a glimpse of Xiao Jingheng''s back, the light in her eyes gradually turned sinister.


    Warm liquid flowed from the torn corner of her mouth.


    Consort Hui''s expression was indifferent as she used a fingertip to wipe the blood from the corner of her mouth, then brought it to her lips and softly licked, murmuring,


    "I have underestimated you... Song Zhao."

 Chapter 332: The Queen Mother Is Gravely Ill

    <h4>Chapter 332</h4>


    Although Song Zhaoren had not yet been confined to the cold pce, Xiao Jingheng''s decree restoring her as the Yifei had already been issued yesterday.


    The next morning, when the news spread throughout the six pces, there were people who couldn''t sit still.


    Under the pretext of visiting Consort Hui, Consort Yao privately took Consort Yun and Consort Yin to the Zhaochun Pce.


    As soon as they met, Consort Yao briefly inquired about Consort Hui''s well-being before getting straight to the point.


    "Have you all heard the news? The Emperor has reinstated the concubine from the cold pce. He personally went to wee herst night. It''s quite strange, though. Why didn''t we see her when she paid her respects to the noble consorts today?"


    Consort Yun teased, "I heard that the concubine from the cold pce caused quite amotion with the Emperor yesterday. In the end, she ended up being ignored by the Emperor. It''s really quite foolish of her. She finally got a chance to turn things around, but she couldn''t make use of it."


    Consort Yao immediatelyughed and said, "It''s good that she''s useless. If she were useful and actually released from the pce, we would have five consorts in the pce. What kind of rumors would that spread?" She nudged Consort Yin with her elbow. "Consort Yin, don''t you agree?"


    Consort Yin nced at Consort Yao and sneered, "Whether Song Shi bes the Yifei or not has nothing to do with us. Consort Yun and I have been in our positions for a long time, while you and Consort Hui have only been promoted for two or three years.


    Besides, Consort Hui has given birth to the Emperor''s heir, so she deserves her position. As for you... you obviously don''t want Song Shi toe out. Otherwise, considering seniority, you would eagerly give up your seat to her, wouldn''t you?"


    "... "


    Consort Yao had initially intended to rally everyone together to obstruct Song Zhao''s release from the cold pce. However, besides Consort Yun''s ability to talk, Consort Hui was preupied with her recent miscarriage, and Consort Yin was constantly arguing back.


    In this situation, Consort Yao had no choice but to offer some favorable news to the lower-ranked concubines, giving them a chance to serve in bed and whisper in Xiao Jingheng''s ear.


    In April, Song Zhao continued to remain in the cold pce and refused toe out despite Xiao Jingheng''s three attempts to "invite" her.


    This matter became a thorn in Xiao Jingheng''s heart, causing him difort.


    At dusk, Xiao Jingheng went to the Yonghe Pce.


    Since there were children in the pce, Ning Wanshuang had set up a pavilion in the courtyard to provide shade. The surrounding area was covered in vine trellises, so even in the summer, the children ying outside wouldn''t be exposed to direct sunlight.


    When Xiao Jingheng arrived, he initially yed with the children in the pavilion for a while. However, seeing his serious expression, Ning Wanshuang instructed the nursemaids to take the children away, leaving only herself to apany Xiao Jingheng.


    She poured a cup of tea for him and smiled softly, saying, "Your Majesty, this is a new iced tea that I personally prepared. Please have a taste."


    Xiao Jingheng took the teacup and took a sip. His furrowed brow slightly rxed.


    "The summer grass in this tea is clearly made from the tenderest buds. Only someone as attentive as you would do such a thing in the pce."


    Ning Wanshuang''s smile remained calm. "I made it with Your Majesty''s preferences in mind."


    After finishing the tea, the sun had set.


    Xiao Jingheng held Ning Wanshuang''s hand as they strolled through the courtyard.


    "Look at the Emperor''s troubled appearance today. Has something difficult happened?" Ning Wanshuang asked.


    Xiao Jingheng sighed and replied, "Regarding the matter of bringing Yiyi Concubine out of seclusion, the consorts and the former dynasty seem to be colluding. They take turns advising me to think twice."


    He only mentioned the resistance from the former dynasty,pletely disregarding Song Zhao''s cold and resolute attitude towards him.


    It seemed as though he had already persuaded Song Zhao, and now the dilemmay in how to resolve the criticism from the former dynasty and the harem.


    Ning Wanshuang understood in her heart but only smiled and said, "It''s not surprising that they would say such things. It wouldn''t be appropriate to bring her back at this time. Your Majesty, if Song Shi returns, what position will you give her, now that the positions of the other consorts areplete?"


    As they were speaking, an eunuch suddenly appeared from nowhere, nearly colliding with Xiao Jingheng.


    Both Xiao Jingheng and Ning Wanshuang were startled, while the eunuch stood there, not observing proper etiquette, continuously apologizing, "I''m sorry, I''m sorry, I''m sorry..."


    Ning Wanshuang frowned at her and asked, "How did you run out? And why didn''t you properly attend to your duties, Liu Yue?"


    Liu Yue quickly arrived and apologized, pulling the eunuch away.


    Xiao Jingheng found it strange and took a closer look at the eunuch.


    She looked familiar and after thinking for a moment, he said, "Is this your newly appointed maid? She used to be clever when she served you before. Why does she seem disoriented today?"


    Ning Wanshuang sighed and exined, "Ah, this girl used to be attentive. Annoyed by the sound of cicadas in early summer, she climbed up with a sticky pole, saying she wanted to catch all the cicadas without disturbing us and the princes.


    But that day, she identally fell from a height and hit her head, remaining unconscious for four or five days before waking up. Although her life was saved, she lost all her memories. She''s like a nk piece of paper, needing to be taught everything from scratch.


    Considering her past diligence in serving me and herck of family, I felt sorry for her. So, I decided to keep her by my side and educate her, giving her a chance at a livelihood."


    After hearing this, Xiao Jingheng was momentarily lost in thought, as if some bizarre idea shed through his mind.


    He tightened his grip on Ning Wanshuang''s hand and said in a gentle voice,


    "Wan''er, you have a kind heart, and you treat your subordinates with suchpassion."


    "I am but emting your example, Your Majesty. As you govern the kingdom with benevolence and righteousness, I govern the harem with apassionate heart."


    "Your Majesty! Your Majesty!"


    Their intimate moment was abruptly interrupted by the high-pitched and urgent call of a eunuch.


    Jiang Deshun, with hisme leg, hobbled over to Xiao Jingheng, wearing a mournful expression, and said,


    "Your Majesty! Something... something is not good with the Empress Dowager!"

 Chapter 333: Champion of the Palace

    <h4>Chapter 333</h4>


    Upon hearing the sad news, Xiao Jingheng immediately rushed to Xian Shou Pce.


    The imperial physician was kneeling outside the gate, their faces filled with sorrow.


    Upon seeing Xiao Jingheng, Guo Imperial Physician Zhou paid his respects before slowly speaking, "Your Majesty... The Empress Dowager''s lung disease is chronic, and her internal organs are weak. There is no way to restore her vitality..."


    Xiao Jingheng asked, "Tell me, how much time does my mother have left?"


    Guo Imperial Physician bowed deeply and mournfully replied, "Empress Dowager... is on her deathbed!"


    Upon hearing the words "deathbed," Xiao Jingheng''s heart felt like it had been turned upside down, unable to express the mix of emotions he experienced.


    He walked heavily into the inner chamber of Xian Shou Pce,


    Where a faint smell of decaying flesh permeated the air.


    Though the fragrance of southern pear blossoms masked it well, Xiao Jingheng could still discern it.


    It was the odor unique to someone on the brink of death, emanating from their body.


    Xiao Jingheng lifted the veil and saw the Empress Dowager lying weakly on the bed, Qingzhu tearfully applying makeup for her.


    The Empress Dowager said with a smile, "Qingzhu, don''t let your hands tremble. Serve me onest time and let me meet thete Emperor with dignity."


    Countless candles illuminated the hall, making the night as bright as day.


    Xiao Jingheng slowly approached the bed, kneeling before the Empress Dowager and paying his respects.


    "Your son pays his respects to the Empress Dowager."


    "The Emperor has arrived." The Empress Dowager''splexion improved slightly upon seeing him.


    She weakly beckoned Xiao Jingheng toe closer. "Come,e to my side."


    Xiao Jingheng looked at her withered hand and couldn''t help but shed tears.


    He remembered the care the Empress Dowager had given him when he was raised by her, surpassing even the care she gave her own sons.


    At that time, the Empress Dowager would stroke his forehead and say, "Jingheng, don''t be afraid. In the future, you and Jingxuan will be my good children."


    And his fourth younger brother, Xiao Jingxuan, was equally generous to him,


    Anything thete Emperor rewarded Xiao Jingxuan with, he would share with Xiao Jingheng.


    Thinking of this, a subtle change in Xiao Jingheng''s expression could be detected,


    His hands, naturally resting at his side, clenched tightly into fists, and the long-suppressed resentment surged forth:


    The love of his birth mother, thete Emperor''s rewards¡ªthese were all rightfully his!


    Why did he have to be dependent on the mother and son, Xiao Jingxuan, now?


    "Emperor? Cough... Emperor."


    The weak voice of the Empress Dowager brought Xiao Jingheng''s drifting thoughts back to reality.


    The person before him was no longer the former Empress who ruled over the world.


    She was now frail, emaciated, and devoid of her former beauty.


    Strangely, witnessing this scene brought Xiao Jingheng a slight sense of sce.


    He sat on the edge of the bed, holding the Empress Dowager''s hand.


    "Mother, your son is here."


    Qingzhu wiped away her tears and said, "Your Majesty and the Empress Dowager probably have private matters to discuss. I shall take my leave."


    The Empress Dowagery back on the sickbed, her gaze cloudy yet faintly sparkling.


    "Your Majesty, over the years, you have treated me like family. You took good care of myte fourth brother, Jingxun, during his final days. I have witnessed it all."


    Her gaze slowly shifted to Xiao Jingheng, but she didn''t even have the strength to raise her hand and touch his cheek.


    Nevertheless, Xiao Jingheng took her hand and gently ced it on his own cheek.


    "The Empress Dowager has been kind to her son, and the son will repay her kindness," he said.


    The Empress Dowager nodded with relief. "In my entire life, the best decision I made was to raise you by my side after thete emperor passed away. When I am gone and buried, I will bless you and protect Daqi together with Jingxun...cough, cough..."


    "Mother, please don''t speak of such unlucky things," Xiao Jingheng said, cing the Empress Dowager''s hand back under the covers and tucking her in. "Since my childhood, I have been nurtured by the Empress Dowager. The motherly love she has given me is something I will never forget."


    As the mother and son conversed, the Empress Dowager faintly heard crying soundsing from outside.


    She asked, "Are the concubines outside crying?"


    Xiao Jingheng replied, "They are also worried about the Empress Dowager''s health."


    The Empress Dowager weakly smiled and said, "This filial piety is unnecessary."


    Seemingly exhausted, she closed her eyes and remained silent for a while before speaking again.


    "Your Majesty, I know my time is running out. During these days, I often think of thete emperor who used to apany me to watch the y ''Wangjiang Pavilion.'' Now, I... cough, cough, can recite it quite well."


    Xiao Jingheng suggested, "Mother, it is not suitable for you to exert yourself now. How about I arrange for someone to perform it outside? Although you won''t be able to see it, you can still hear it."


    "Good, good!" the Empress Dowager agreed and reminded him, "Also, since the incident of your assassination has been resolved, it''s time to clear Song Shi''s name too."


    Xiao Jingheng fell silent for a moment, then nodded slowly. "Mother, rest assured, I will not let Zhao''er down."


    The Empress Dowager lowered her gaze and nodded. "She is Rui''er''s only daughter. Although I have no daughters in my life, I feel a connection with her, an inexplicable closeness. Go and summon her, I want to talk to her as well."


    Xiao Jingheng saw that the Empress Dowager''s time was running out.


    He had to fulfill her final wish.


    Therefore, he immediately sent someone to invite the performers from the Imperial Music and Drama Bureau and informed Song Zhao that the Empress Dowager was critically ill and on her deathbed.


    As expected, despite Xiao Jingheng''s numerous attempts to persuade her, Song Zhao refused to leave the Cold Pce.


    But upon hearing the news of the Empress Dowager''s critical condition, she hurriedly rushed over.


    When she arrived, a troupe of actors in the courtyard was performing a y, their voices resounding loudly, causing a ringing sensation in the ears.


    Inside the main hall of the Xian Shou Pce, the concubines were kneeling on the ground, their tears flowing like pear blossoms. Seeing them, one couldn''t help but feel pity.


    When everyone saw Song Zhao, they had their own thoughts, but no one dared to say anything and continued pretending to weep.


    At that moment, Xiao Jingheng sat at the head, watching Song Zhao intently.


    But Song Zhao didn''t even spare him a nce, as if he didn''t exist. She walked past him directly and headed for the inner chambers.


    "Empress Dowager..."


    Song Zhao half-knelt in front of the Empress Dowager''s bed, holding her cold hand in her own and warming it in her palm.


    "I have been unfilial, I arrivedte..."


    The Empress Dowager held her hand in return. "You are here now, and that''s good."


    Within the depths of the pce, every step is a calction,


    And precisely because of this, even the tiniest shred of genuine affection from others bes exceedingly precious.


    The same applies to Song Zhao''s rtionship with the Empress Dowager.


    Despite having once used the Empress Dowager to vie for favor, her filial devotion towards the Empress Dowager was genuine.


    With reddened eyes, she forced back her tears and smiled as she spoke to the Empress Dowager, saying:


    "Empress Dowager, please take good care of your health. Your servant is still waiting to properly serve and honor you."


    *Cough cough cough...* The Empress Dowager suddenly coughed violently, gripping Song Zhao''s hand even tighter.


    "Child, do you know why thismenting one has always protected you?"


    Song Zhao nodded, holding back her tears. "It''s because of mother."


    "It''s because of Rui''er, and also because... thismenting one saw it early on that you aren''t an easy target."


    The Empress Dowager paused, facing Song Zhao''s bewildered teary eyes, and her mouth struggled to form a bitter smile.


    "Keeping you in the Emperor''s harem will surely disturb both the harem and the previous dynasty. This... is what thismenting one most wishes to see."


    As the Empress Dowager spoke, the climax of the y "Wangjiang Pavilion" was ying outside.


    "Who told you, the crow, to covet the phoenix''s nest? Who told you to relentlessly pursue your schemes?"


    For an instant, Song Zhao was stunned.


    She looked at the Empress Dowager, whose face bore a gentle smile, still radiating kindness and grace.


    Yet, the more she did so, the more Song Zhao felt a bone-chilling terror...

 Chapter 334: Deathbed Training

    <h4>Chapter 334</h4>


    Outside the hall, the tunes of the opera singers rose one above the other,pletely drowning out the cries of the concubines.


    Song Zhao recalled the past events, thinking of all her scheming in the pce - only with the Dowager Empress was everything smooth sailing. She had wondered before - how could a woman who had immersed in the pce for years and brought down the previous emperor''s consorts to be the Dowager Empress be so easily deceived, without the slightest suspicion towards her?


    It turned out the Dowager Empress had long seen through everything.


    Song Zhao thought she had outsmarted the Dowager Empress, but she didn''t know her scheming had fallen right into the Dowager Empress'' own scheming.


    Song Zhao barely maintained herposure. She had been kneeling in front of the Dowager Empress'' couch, but now she stood up and bowed deeply to the Dowager Empress.


    The wind blew up her skirt folds, making the nearly extinguished candlelight flicker.


    "This servant knows her mistakes."


    She didn''t try to defend herself anymore. After all, there was no need to put on an act when speaking to a clever person.


    The Dowager Empress lightly murmured "hmm", slowly raising her eyelids. Her gaze was tranquil like a pond whose surface was calm but with unknown depths,


    "Right and wrong are not for this widowed one to judge. In this pce, groups of womene and go. Outsiders see the mor, but only we ourselves know that once entering this celestial household, just wanting to survive requires utmost effort."


    She paused for a moment, breathing heavily, and patted the couch again, signaling for Song Zhao to sit down.


    "In order to make one''s own path go further and more steadily, who doesn''t scheme? Who doesn''t harm others? Since we''re all the same kind, where can we draw the line between right and wrong?"


    The Dowager Empress knitted her brows and gazed intently at Song Zhao, firmly grasping her hand, "If we really must distinguish right from wrong, then the one who wins in the end, no matter what she did, would be considered right."


    Song Zhao understood the Dowager Empress'' implications, but still had some doubts.


    "When did the Dowager Empress uncover this servant''s unsightly deeds?"


    The Dowager Empress smiled, "Do you still remember what happened when you first met this widowed one before the trip to the Chengxing Hot Springs Vi?"


    Song Zhao was surprised, "Back then, someone had tampered with this servant''s court dress."


    The Dowager Empress blinked calmly, "Although this widowed one had not met you then, when the Emperor came to pay respects, the concubine he mentioned most was you. The Emperor said you were innocent and pure."


    The Dowager Empress suddenlyughed, inciting herself to cough several times.


    Song Zhao handed over a cup of warm water for the Dowager Empress to moisten her throat, but she declined it.


    "This widowed one thought - a woman who could be promoted as soon as she entered the pce could not possibly be that innocent and pure. So this widowed one ordered someone to tamper with your court dress to test you.


    That day, if you had worn that dress to see this widowed one, wearing bright yellow would have been greatly disrespectful. Not only would the Emperor have punished you, even this widowed one would have disciplined you. If you had not worn it and tried to muddle through, it would have shown you had deep schemes. Then your path would have ended. However, this widowed one absolutely did not expect you to be Ru''er''s daughter. That''s why this widowed one allowed you to do as you wish that day, and did not expose you."


    After hearing the Dowager Empress'' words, Song Zhao broke out in goosebumps all over.


    Although it was April, she suddenly felt very cold.


    She never could have imagined the disaster she thought she had cleverly avoided that day was actually a death trap meticulously prepared for her by the Dowager Empress ahead of time.


    If it wasn''t for her birth mother''s friendship with the Dowager Empress, she probably wouldn''t even have had a chance to spar with the Dowager Empress at their first meeting before being eliminated by this biggest winner of the previous emperor''s harem.


    "This servant overreached herself, foolishly thinking my schemes were perfect. Turns out I was just making a joke of myself in front of the Dowager Empress."


    "You overreached yourself, but your skills are still far superior to the Empress and Imperial Concubine."


    The Dowager Empress said heavily, "You have ability and ambition, but your fault is being too impatient. To get revenge for your mother, you found ways to kill off your entire maternal family, which was equivalent to cutting off your support in the previous dynasty. That was an extremely foolish thing to do. If your maternal family was still around, relying on the Emperor''s favor towards you, how could you have been confined in the Cold Pce for so long?"


    All along, Song Zhao had only two purposes for entering the pce.


    One was to use Xiao Jingheng''s power to massacre the Song family and avenge her mother.


    The other was to stay by the Emperor''s side, constantly receiving imperial favor, defeating all the consorts in the pce, and bing the most honored woman under heaven, never to be bullied and trampled again.


    But these two points were inherently contradictory.


    How could a woman without a maternal family behind her be Empress?


    Song Zhao said lowly, "This servant did not think that far. This servant''s greatest wish upon entering the pce was to avenge Mother. As for whether I could have the good fortune like the Dowager Empress in the future, this servant dare not hope for that."


    "Good fortune? Do you think this widowed one won?"


    The Dowager Empress gave a self-deprecatingugh, then indifferently said, "This widowed one struggled for a lifetime, but in the end lost my son and won a worthless reputation. What use is that? Women are inherently subordinate to men. Our glory and disgrace all depend on the favor of men.


    So child, remember, the struggles in the harem will be a huge mistake if you focus on scheming and wrangling with those women! Only when power is truly in your own hands can you be called the winner."


    The Dowager Empress became emotionally agitated as she said this long speech in one breath, clearly exhausted.


    She heaved a long sigh, as if releasing all the resentment and dissatisfaction pent up in her heart for many years,


    carried out of the heavily guarded pce by the invisible wind.


    She suddenly grabbed Song Zhao''s hand tightly, and said viciously through gritted teeth,


    "You must be the winner. For your sake, for the sake of your children, and also... for this widowed one''s sake."

 Chapter 335: (The Death of the Empress)

    <h4>Chapter 335</h4>


    Song Zhao''s heart was as if it had been fiercely hit by something,


    shattering the mist lingering in her heart. Many things suddenly became clear.


    Outside the room, the singing did not abate in the slightest,


    Song Zhao moved closer to the Empress Dowager and whispered softly:


    "The Fourth Master was originally the Former Emperor''s choice for Crown Prince. At that time, the Former Emperor''s eldest son had passed away already. Although Prince Qi was the second son, he was the Former Emperor''s adopted son, and had no chance to inherit the throne.


    As such, The Emperor was the third son, and the Empress Dowager had already be the Former Emperor''s second wife. Your Fourth Master was the Former Emperor''s rightful son. The Former Emperor valued legitimacy greatly. If not for the Fourth Master contracting a chronic illnesster, the one listening to political affairs in court today would have been..."


    Song Zhao left her words hanging there,


    seeing that the light in the Empress Dowager''s eyes was gradually dimming, her expression also turned somewhat sorrowful,


    "The Emperor and Jing Xuan were both raised by me since young. When they were fourteen and moved out of the pce into their own mansions, although I could not see them often, they would still frequently visit me together. Like close brothers, they got along very harmoniously.


    Later, somehow Jing Xuan contracted smallpox. Groups of imperial physicians constantly went to treat him while I anxiously waited in the pce. Fortunately, The Emperor was very attentive in caring for Jing Xuan while living outside the pce then. He looked after Jing Xuan daily, working tirelessly day and night, doing everything an elder brother should do."


    As the Empress Dowager spoke, her tone paused abruptly, her words taking a sharp turn:


    "Yet under his attentive care, Jing Xuan... passed away."


    Song Zhao was shocked for a moment, "Could the Empress Dowager suspect that the Emperor..."


    The Empress Dowager said nothing, just looking at Song Zhao calmly,


    Many matters were conveyed without a word.


    Song Zhao knew that the Empress Dowager must have discovered irond evidence, which was why she said those words.


    But since the Empress Dowager did not borate, Song Zhao also could not probe further.


    After a brief silence in the hall, Song Zhao heard the Empress Dowager sigh again:


    "After Jing Xuan died, Prince Rui sessively quelled two rebellions, gaining the Former Emperor''s high regard. On the contrary, the Emperor caused trouble with the salt administration, earning himself a rebuke from the Former Emperor. Thenter when the Former Emperor passed suddenly, all civil and military officials followed his final edict to install the third imperial son as the new emperor. Back then, many veteran officials also directly questioned why the Former Emperor made this arrangement."


    The Empress Dowager paused, then suddenly gave a coldugh, "But now, one emperor and one batch of officials, I''m afraid those veteran officials who once doubted the Former Emperor''s final edict have all been thoroughly eliminated by the Emperor."


    Her implication was that regarding Xiao Jingheng inheriting the throne, the Empress Dowager had never harbored any doubts from beginning to end,


    or at least never revealed any doubts in front of Xiao Jingheng. That was why she could have today''s peaceful ending to her life.


    Otherwise, she would have likely long met the same fate as Prince Rui''s mother, Princess Dowage Yu, and have been secretly disposed of by Xiao Jingheng.


    "You must harbor hatred too?" The Empress Dowager asked.


    Song Zhao was lost in thought for a moment, "What?"


    "Towards the Emperor." The Empress Dowager''s voice grew fainter and fainter, "Your Chengyu mysteriously disappeared, I really cannot think of anyone besides the Emperor who would have the towering ability to do this. I guess you must also know something, which is why you''ve been at odds with the Emperor all this while?"


    Song Zhao silently nodded her head, and the Empress Dowager continued: "I don''t know what he is trying to do. He''s no longer the Jingheng I once knew, who grew up by my side, served me diligently, and called me Mother. He has long gone insane..."


    Exhausted, the Empress Dowager''s grip on Song Zhao''s hand also gradually weakened,


    but her tone remained solemn,


    "For the rest of your life, you won''t be able to leave these pce walls. Let me ask you, do you want to grow old together with a madman, or utilize him to gradually obtain what you desire?"


    Without a moment''s consideration, Song Zhao grasped the Empress Dowager''s hand tightly and dered decisively:


    "This servant will not fail to meet the Empress Dowager''s expectations."


    "Good, good." The Empress Dowager smiled in relief, tears in her eyes, "Take good care of yourself in future. Although I made use of you, the friendship between me and your mother, as well as my fondness for you, were genuine."


    The Empress Dowagerid t on the couch, her prating eyes that had seen through the mortal world were fixed tightly on the painting of a hundred birds paying homage to the phoenix on the ceiling.


    The colorful phoenix spread its wings high, its plumes majestic,


    yet having exhausted its entire life, it still could not fly out from within these three-inch red walls that made up its square world.


    The Empress Dowagerughed with difficulty, her strength fading,


    "Sometimes I truly miss my youth."


    "Back then, in the cool April nights of early summer, your mother and I would often climb onto the roof, randomly spread some grass mats, eat some sour apricots and cheese, gaze at the boundless stars in the sky, and chat about our beautiful hopes and wishes for the days toe. Those were wonderfully carefree days."


    "How wonderful..."


    The Empress Dowager''s voice gradually grew softer and softer,


    until herst note faded away,


    only then did she smile and close her eyes.


    On April 9th of the 7th year of Qiyuan''s reign, the Empress Dowager, Lady She, fell incurably ill and passed away in Xianshou Pce at the age of 46.

 Chapter 336: Wait and see

    <h4>Chapter 336</h4>


    During the Empress Dowager''s funeral, Song Zhao did not participate at all.


    She had been in the Cold Pce the entire time, silently praying for the Empress Dowager.


    Those with heart care not for empty formalities.


    Today was the seventh day after the Empress Dowager''s passing. Song Zhao in the Cold Pce also received some paper money, which could be burned to express grief.


    At that time, she and Yun Shan had just started a fire in a bronze basin, and she was holding a few sheets of paper money in her hand that had just been lit,


    when the door to the Cold Pce opened.


    Song Zhao raised an eyebrow to nce over, and saw that the visitor turned out to be Qingzhu, who had been by the Empress Dowager''s side. She quickly asked Yun Shan to greet her.


    Qingzhu walked over to Song Zhao and bowed, saying, "My condolences, Lady Song."


    Song Zhao slowly nodded her head and said, "The maid had served the Empress Dowager for many years, and they had a deep bond between mistress and servant. My condolences as well. As I''m in the Cold Pce and my status is unclear, it would be inappropriate for me to attend the Empress Dowager''s funeral, risking offense. But in my heart, I have been thinking of the Empress Dowager the whole time."


    As she spoke, Yun Shan had already returned from their shabby room, presenting a scroll of Buddhist scriptures to Qingzhu.


    Song Zhao said, "I personally copied this Buddhist sutra, originally nning to burn it along with the paper money. Now that you are here, please help me take it to the Empress Dowager''s spirit tablet and burn it on my behalf."


    Qingzhu solemnly epted the scripture, saying, "Lady Song cares for the Empress Dowager in her heart. Before herst breath, the Empress Dowager entrusted me to personally deliver something into Lady Song''s hands."


    She took out an exquisite small box from her sleeve and handed it to Yun Shan. After Yun Shan received it, she deeply bowed to Song Zhao again:


    "This servant is going to the imperial mausoleum now and will keep vigil over the Empress Dowager''s spirit for the rest of my life. I also hope that Lady Song can leave the Cold Pce soon."


    Song Zhao saw Qingzhu off. After she returned, she finally opened the small box. Inside, she saw the secret order of Tianji that she had desperately stolen from the Empress Dowager¡¯s pce back then!


    Song Zhao clutched the secret order tightly in her hand. Though it was just a small token, when held in her palm now, it felt as heavy as a thousand pounds.


    Tianji always only recognized the token, not the person.


    With this object, Song Zhao now had the power to secretly mobilize forces outside the pce.


    Her road ahead seemed much smoother.


    "Empress Dowager..."


    Song Zhao shed tears as she sent paper money into the fire, sheet by sheet.


    Yun Shanforted her with a few words from the side, and then said:


    ¡°Miss, Consort Hui sent a message with Qin Tai saying that it will be done in these two days. But...are you sure you want to do this?"


    Song Zhao said indifferently, "I¡¯ve alreadye this far. There''s no way for me to turn back now."


    She wiped away her tears and let out a heavy sigh.


    ¡°If I pretended to be ignorant about what happened to Cheng Yu, not mentioning a word of it, I would be giving Consort Hui a handle over me instead. If so, I would have no choice but topletely turn my face against His Majesty. Firstly, this would make him suspicious of Consort Hui¡¯s private motives. Secondly, how could a mother who lost her child ept the love of someone who killed her own flesh and blood? If I easily forgave him, with how suspicious he is, my days outside the Cold Pce wouldn¡¯t be much better than now even if I left."


    Yun Shan nodded. ¡°This servant understands. These matters lying between you and His Majesty will inevitably lead to more estrangement sooner orter, unless My Lady canpletely forget about past events. Only then would His Majesty be able to fully let go of his doubts towards you. It¡¯s just that Consort Hui has quite a bit of His Majesty¡¯s trust. For My Lady to overthrow her after leaving the Cold Pce this time would surely not be an easy task.¡±


    "Didn''t Consort Hui say that she was cultivated by His Majesty for many years and is a perfectly trained chess piece?"


    Song Zhao stroked her own cheek. She knew she was beautiful.


    "But if His Majesty obtained a chess piece like me, beautiful, obedient, and innocent as a nk sheet of paper, do you think he would still keep that old woman Consort Hui by his side? By then the chess piece would be an abandoned piece, merely aughing stock."


    After speaking, she slightly arched an eyebrow at Yun Shan. ¡°Do you know the fate of an abandoned piece?¡±


    Yun Shan vigorously nodded her head and said bitterly, ¡°Useless people should be yed and dismantled, and their blood offered to heaven. That would not be going overboard!"


    Song Zhao calmly nodded her head. Suddenly she threw the rest of the paper money into the fire, letting the mes burn more and more intensely.


    She gazed steadily at the raging fire. In her eyes reflecting the leaping mes, she smiled coldly.


    "Then let''s wait and see."


    ¡¾Brief update for the third time today. Leaving the Cold Pce tomorrow!¡¿

 Chapter 337: The Day of Rebirth 01

    <h4>Chapter 337</h4>


    On the first of May, it was Ning Wanshuang''s birthday. Unfortunately, it coincided with the Empress Dowager''s period of seclusion, so her birthday celebrations in the pce were limited.


    At this moment, she was sitting on her warm seat in her own pce, with Liu Yue fanning her.


    A smile graced her face as she admired the calligraphy on the small table in front of her and praised it without reservation.


    "This is really impressive. Take a look, won''t you?"


    Liu Yue also smiled and replied, "In just a short time, Nanny has looked at it seven or eight times. Although I don''t understand these things, I think it looks very nice too."


    "What are you looking at with such delight?"


    Xiao Jingheng''s voice came from outside the door.


    Ning Wanshuang raised her eyebrows and met his tender gaze. She hurriedly got up to greet him.


    Xiao Jingheng gestured for her to remain seated and sat down beside her with a smile.


    "Today is your birthday, even though we can''t celebrate it borately due to the Empress Dowager''s seclusion, I still remembered."


    As he spoke, he leaned forward and nted a gentle kiss on Ning Wanshuang''s forehead, saying warmly, "Happy birthday."


    Ning Wanshuang giggled and said, "As long as Your Majesty remembers me, I am happy every day."


    Xiao Jingheng held her hand and his gaze fell on the character disyed on the small table.


    It was a character for "longevity" written in golden ink, with a square and neat style.


    "The character is good. It''s just that the brush strokes are a bit weak, especially the final stroke, it''s clearly too light."


    Ning Wanshuang raised her face, feeling somewhat smug. "Being able to catch Your Majesty''s attention is already good enough. Your Majesty, this is the birthday gift Chenghuan gave me."


    Liu Yue chimed in, "The Empress likes it very much. She has been looking at it since early morning."


    Xiao Jingheng was also pleasantly surprised. "Oh? This child has also improved."


    Ning Wanshuang took a silver fork and picked up a peeled grape from the red silk food box, offering it to Xiao Jingheng''s lips.


    "Chenghuan will turn four years old next month and it''s time for him to start studying in the Office of the Imperial Secretariat."


    Xiao Jingheng took the grape and chewed slowly. "Then let the Grand Secretary arrange it and teach him properly."


    Just as he finished speaking, they suddenly heard the sound of a young boy reciting outside the room.


    "A sage is one who possesses both talent and virtue, a fool is one who possesses neither talent nor virtue, a gentleman is one who excels in virtue over talent, and a petty person is one who excels in talent over virtue..."


    Xiao Jingheng looked out the window and saw Chenghuan holding a scroll, reciting and shaking his head in the courtyard. He looked quite decent.


    "He already recognizes so many characters?"


    Ning Wanshuang chuckled self-deprecatingly. "I can''t recognize many big characters myself and often make funny mistakes. Since Chenghuan is being raised by me, I don''t want him to have the same shoring. So I''ve asked a few maidservants who can read to teach him during their free time."


    Speaking of which, this child is really bright. The other day, I heard him reciting the Book of Songs. He even said he wanted to give it to me and Your Majesty. It seemed to be... ''In life and in death, we are always together, holding hands and growing old together.'' I think the meaning is very good."


    "Hahaha~" Xiao Jinghengughed out loud, lightly patting Ning Wanshuang''s hand and smiling at her. "It''s ''qi kuo.''"


    Ning Wanshuang blushed and smiled awkwardly. "Look at me, I''ve made another joke."


    Actually, she knew the difference between ''qi kuo'' and ''qie kuo'' very well.


    The only thing that went wrong was the misinterpretation of the poems, which led to a misunderstanding. There''s no need to promise eternal love to the person listening to the verses.


    Xiao Jingheng had someone bring Chenghuan inside.


    Upon closer inspection, despite some improvement in Chenghuan''s snake-skin condition, it still looked somewhat rming.


    Due to dry skin, his forehead was devoid of hair, and his eyebrows were sparse and pitiful.


    Ning Wanshuang was already ustomed to seeing this appearance every day, but Xiao Jingheng shifted ufortably in his seat.


    "Son, pay your respects to your father and mother."


    Chenghuan knew his manners and bowed respectfully, making the gesture with precision. The little one was quite disciplined.


    Xiao Jingheng gently touched his forehead, but as soon as he made contact, kes of skin fell off.


    He quickly withdrew his hand,posed his expression, and smiled, saying, "Good child, you''ve given a wonderful gift to your mother. The calligraphy is excellent."


    Chenghuan understandingly replied, "Mother treats her son well, so her son will also treat her well. When it''s Father''s birthday, I will prepare a gift for Father too."


    Xiao Jingheng''s gaze warmed. "Good, Father will be waiting. Your mother told me you like reading. When you turn three next month, Father will send you to the Office of the Imperial Secretariat, okay?"


    Chenghuan nodded repeatedly. "Yes! Thank you, Father!"


    "Little master~ Little master?"


    While father and son were talking, a pce maid entered, bowing respectfully to Xiao Jingheng and Ning Wanshuang. She said politely, "This servant pays respects to Your Majesty and Royal Concubine. This servant did not mean to disturb Your Majesty and Royal Concubine, but it''s time."


    Then, she took Chenghuan''s hand and whispered, "Little master, it''s time for your medicinal bath."


    In that moment, Xiao Jingheng recognized her as Cai Jie.


    Chenghuan agreed with Cai Jie''s words, and Ning Wanshuang smiled as she gently caressed Chenghuan''s cheek, saying, "After you finish your bath,e and eat with Father and me."


    "Okay, I understand!" Chenghuan obediently replied, tightly holding Cai Jie''s hand as they left, full of energy.


    Xiao Jingheng watched their departing figures and casually remarked, "Your people in the pce have trained her well. When I saw herst month, she didn''t understand anything. Today, she''s already so well-behaved."


    At these words, Ning Wanshuang suddenly froze, as if she had just remembered something. She raised her eyebrows and smiled faintly.


    "Your Majesty, if you didn''t mention it, I would have forgotten about it. Speaking of Cai Jie, she''s really lucky. Now she remembers everything from the past."


    "Oh?" Xiao Jingheng''s interest was piqued, and his fingers unconsciously tapped on the small table. "Wasn''t it said that even the imperial physicians were helpless with her condition?"


    Ning Wanshuang said, "That''s why I said she''s been fortunate. Guo Imperial Physician examined her and said that Cai Jie''s condition was incurable. But when Zhang Imperial Physician came to check my pulse for peace, he heard about Cai Jie''s condition and imed to have a method to try. At first, I didn''t believe it, but I let him proceed anyway. Who knew he would just prick her head a few times, and she would truly remember everything."


    "Oh?" Xiao Jingheng''s expression shifted slightly. "So there''s such a thing?"


    Ning Wanshuang smiled, "Isn''t that right? He truly is a talented person. With him taking care of the Emperor''s affairs in the future, I can be more at ease."


    It was unclear whether Xiao Jingheng had heard her words or not. He simply gazed at her with a slightly deepening look, remaining silent as if pondering something.


    Ning Wanshuang was not in a hurry and allowed him to remain silent for a while before asking, "What is the Emperor thinking?"


    "Oh? Nothing much," Xiao Jingheng returned to his senses in an instant and smiled, "I was thinking that you enjoy eating braised fish fins. The fresh fish fins from the East Sea are quite exquisite. I''ll have the imperial kitchen prepare it for you tonight."


    Ning Wanshuang knew that he took the bait, but she saw through it without exposing it, and replied with a smile, "Then I am truly fortunate."


    *


    That night, after Xiao Jingheng had dinner with Ning Wanshuang, he returned to the Chaoyang Pce early.


    He ordered Jiang Deshun to summon Imperial Physician Zhang to check his pulse and ensure his well-being.


    After Zhang Imperial Physician confirmed that everything was fine, Xiao Jingheng spoke, "I heard that you cured Cai Jie''s condition in the Imperial Concubine''s pce. Cai Jie takes good care of the Imperial Concubine and is someone she is ustomed to having around. You did well in this matter."


    As he finished speaking, a small seal had already presented a box of silver ingots to Zhang Imperial Physician.


    Zhang Imperial Physician held the box in his hands, feeling its weight, and couldn''t contain his joy. He hurriedly expressed his gratitude, "It is the duty of a humble subject, and I am deeply grateful for Your Majesty''s generous reward."


    Xiao Jingheng toyed with his finger ring and chuckled, "You''ve done your job well, and the reward is well-deserved. However, I am also curious. Since you can use acupuncture to help people regain their memories, can you also use it... to make someonepletely forget their past?"

 Chapter 338: The Day of Rebirth 02

    <h4>Chapter 338</h4>


    Song Zhao''s birthday is very close to Ning Wanshuang''s.


    Three dayster, on the fourth day of May, it would be her twentieth birthday.


    This is the third birthday she has spent in the Cold Pce,


    The flowery years are nted in this deste and dpidated soil,


    Fortunately, time does not diminish her beauty, and Song Zhao is still stunningly beautiful,


    Butpared to four years ago when she first entered the pce, her mind ispletely different now.


    The sunlight today is excellent, weaving a denseyer of golden veil in the courtyard.


    Song Zhao sits under the phoenix tree, supporting her chin and looking at the small white flower that emerged from a crack in the stone on the ground, not knowing its name.


    There is a figure moving nearby. She looks up and sees Yun Shan, who somehow found a long stick and is jumping up and down, trying to catch the cicadas clinging to the treetops with a cloth wrapped around one end, smeared with paste.


    Song Zhao says, "This uneven ground is not suitable for jumping around. Be careful not to fall."


    Yun Shan wipes the sweat from her forehead and smiles brightly, saying, "It''s fine, Miss. These cicadas are so noisy. I''m catching them all so as not to disturb Miss''s tranquility."


    Song Zhao smiles lightly and says, "We are already in the Cold Pce. Where else can be quieter than this?"


    Hearing her words with a touch of sadness, Yun Shan realizes that she has said something wrong and quickly changes the subject, saying,


    "Today is Miss''s birthday. Tong Jier and the Imperial Concubine are both thinking of you. They secretly sent you birthday peaches, longevity noodles, and many delicate snacks that you like, everything... oh!"


    While Yun Shan is talking and catching cicadas, she identally trips and twists her foot.


    Fortunately, Song Zhao is nearby and quickly supports her, but she can''t help but sigh,


    "See what I said?"


    Yun Shanughs foolishly and teasingly sticks out her tongue at Song Zhao.


    She herself is fine, but because of the stumble, the potted flower she was wearing on her head falls to the ground.


    She immediately picks up the potted flower and carefully brushes off the dust from it.


    Yun Shan has never been fond of gold, silver, jade, or dressing up,


    But she is very attached to this hairpin.


    Song Zhao knows that the potted flower was given to Yun Shan by Xiao Fuzi, so she asks softly,


    "Have you talked to Xiao Fuzi about it?"


    Yun Shan is slightly startled, fidgets with the potted flower in her hand, and appears uneasy.


    "What did you say, Miss...? What do I have to talk to him about?"


    She denies it verbally, but her face turns red.


    Song Zhao chuckles lightly, "I didn''t say anything, why did you blush first?"


    "Oh, Miss..."


    The maid wants to run away in embarrassment, but Song Zhao holds her hand and looks at her with aposed expression.


    "Don''t you think he is an iplete person?"


    Yun Shan doesn''t hesitate, nods firmly, and says softly,


    "In my eyes, he is perfect. The rtionship between a man and a woman is not just about what happens on the bed. Sometimes, it is rare to meet someone who truly understands you."


    She lowers her head, ying with the broken stones on the ground. After a pause, she murmurs softly,


    "Since I like him, why should I reject him?"


    Song Zhao''s lips curved into a deeper smile. "Then he''s lucky. Your hearts are connected, and I will request a favor from the emperor to fulfill your wishes."


    "No, no, no," Yun Shan shook her head repeatedly. "Miss, you''ve already taken care of yourself after leaving the cold pce. I cannot burden you with my troubles on your difficult journey."


    "It''s alright," Song Zhao calmly interrupted her. "On my return to the pce, not only will I arrange for the emperor to grant your marriage, but I will also make sure he follows my lead."


    While they were speaking, Qin Tai entered the courtyard, holding a food box. He ced it on the stone table in front of Song Zhao and said, "Today is the young master''s birthday. The imperial kitchen has prepared these exquisite and delicious dishes. Please have some, young master."


    Song Zhao replied calmly, "Leave it there. I don''t have an appetite at the moment."


    Yun Shan teased, "Qin guard, you''re mistaken. Didn''t you just bring gifts for Concubine Shun and Concubine Gui a moment ago? Miss has already dined, so she can''t eat anymore."


    Normally, Qin Tai would exchange a few yful remarks with Yun Shan and have a little banter. However, today he was unusually serious and spoke without a hint of a smile, "Young master, you must eat this meal today. These dishes were sent by the emperor himself."


    Upon hearing this, Song Zhao understood.


    She decisively opened the food box, took the silver chopsticks, and picked up a piece of roasted beef, cing it in her mouth. After swallowing the tender and juicy meat, she nced around the cold pce and coolly said, "There is no better birthday gift than this. I thank His Majesty for his benevolent favor."


    After eating only a few bites of the delicacies, Song Zhao felt drowsy. Yun Shan supported her and they returned to the room for a nap.


    *


    "Cicadas~ cicadas~"


    The sound of chirping cicadas filled her ears, apanied by a warm breeze brushing against Song Zhao''s face.


    The breeze carried the fragrance of pear blossoms, gently coaxing her heavy eyelids to slowly lift.


    Soft light filtered into her eyes, and she saw the golden sparrows with outstretched wings painted on the beams.


    The bird feathers shimmered with a dazzling brilliance, captivating her gaze.


    She sat up slowly and noticed that she was covered with a thin silk quilt. The area around the bed was adorned with translucent gauze curtains, with a gap formed by the fluttering of the fabric.


    Curiously, Song Zhao looked outside and saw the half-opened redwood carved diamond-shaped window next to the warm seat.


    The courtyard outside was filled with precious flowers and nts, an endless disy of vibrant colors.


    As she was lost in her gaze, a voice filled with uncontainable joy suddenly reached her ears.


    "Zhao''er, you''re awake!"


    Someone rushed towards her like a gust of wind, lifting the curtain in front of the bed and tightly embracing her.


    "Now that you''re awake, it''s good. I was truly worried that something might happen to you..."


    The man''s body exuded a faint fragrance of monthly lily, which intruded forcefully into her nostrils.


    Startled, Song Zhao pushed him away abruptly. She held the thin quilt in front of her, her rmed eyes filled with suspicion as she vigntly stared at the man.


    She shrank back until she reached the corner of the wall before hesitantly speaking, "Who... who are you?"


    At her words, the joy on the man''s face instantly turned cold, a mix of confusion and shock evident as he asked, "Zhao''er? You don''t remember me?"


    "I... I... Where am I?"


    Song Zhao trembled uncontrobly, curling up into a small ball, looking incredibly pitiful.


    At this moment, Yun Shan hurriedly approached, trying to calm Song Zhao''s emotions and also expressing his confusion, "Your Majesty, what''s happening? This is your Changle Pce!"


    Speaking, he turned to look at the man and said, "Your Majesty, the Imperial Consort may have just woken up and hasn''t fully recovered her senses..."


    "Your Majesty?" Song Zhao leaned forward, carefully examining the man standing by the bed, his eyes filled with tender care for her.


    "He is the Emperor?"


    The man''s gaze flickered, afraid of startling Song Zhao, he slowly and gently sat down by the bed.


    Then, tentatively extending his hand, he saw that Song Zhao didn''t refuse, so he ced his broad and warm palm on her hand, which was tightly clutching the nket.


    With tears in his eyes, he looked at Song Zhao affectionately and spoke each word with heartfelt sincerity, "I am the Emperor. Also, your husband, Xiao Jingheng."

 Chapter 339: The Broken Mirror 01

    <h4>Chapter 339</h4>


    Song Zhao timidly raised her eyes to look at Xiao Jingheng, and asked in confusion:


    "Are you my husband?"


    Xiao Jingheng''s hand that was resting on the back of Song Zhao''s hand was about to sp it, but as his fingertips had just moved a little, Song Zhao immediately pulled her hand back.


    Xiao Jingheng could not conceal his loss. Just as he was about to speak, Little Yinzi came to report:


    "Your Majesty, the imperial physicians have arrived."


    Song Zhao watched as a group of unfamiliar faces walked into her pce quarters, respectfully greeting her and Xiao Jingheng:


    "This humble official pays respects to Your Majesty, Noble Consort."


    "No need for formalities," Xiao Jingheng said anxiously, "Hurry and see what is going on with the Noble Consort."


    After several imperial physicians had consulted, Guo, the head physician, responded to Xiao Jingheng:


    "Replying to Your Majesty, the Noble Consort has lost her memories from before, likely caused by the violent blow to her head that day. This is known as soul-loss syndrome. The symptoms are absentmindedness, inability to remember past events. The soul resides in the liver, so if there is liver deficiency..."


    "Don''t try to confuse Us with jargon," Xiao Jingheng coldly cut him off. "Just say how to treat it."


    At this question, the physicians were left speechless.


    Finally, Zhang the imperial physician reluctantly said:


    "Replying to Your Majesty, the Daoists say a person has three hun souls and seven po souls. So-called soul-loss means one hun soul has left its orifice. Your Majesty, some things, once lost, can never be found again..."


    "What you mean is..."


    The physicians showed difficulty on their faces. Exchanging nces, they unanimously bowed and said in unison:


    "We are ipetent. Please forgive Us, Your Majesty!"


    Upon hearing this, Xiao Jingheng was stunned for a moment, before slowly recovering his senses. He turned his gaze back to Song Zhao.


    In his reddened eyes was restrained tenderness.


    "You really can''t remember Us?"


    Compared to his deep affection, Song Zhao only numbly shook her head.


    Xiao Jingheng heaved a long sigh, and with difficulty squeezed out a smile to Song Zhao,


    "It doesn''t matter, don''t be afraid. Even if you can''t remember, it''s alright. As long as you''re safe and sound, as long as you''re still by Our side, we can start over again."


    His words were brief but heartfelt, yet Song Zhao didn''t take in a single word.


    She only watched as the physicians trembled in fear before Xiao Jingheng, bowing to him as if nailed to the ground, not daring to move at all, seemingly very afraid of him.


    So she pulled at the quilt and timidly said:


    "Are you always so fierce? They...seem to be very afraid of you."


    Xiao Jingheng said: "They are not afraid, they are reverent. And you need not behave like them before Us."


    Song Zhao evaded Xiao Jingheng''s burning gaze, tightly pursed her tempting lips, and didn''t speak again.


    Zhang the imperial physician stepped forward and said: "Your Majesty, the Noble Consort has only just awakened, it is inevitable she would be emotionally disturbed. To avoid startling the Consort, it is best not to have too many people gathered here."


    In a lower voice, he reminded Xiao Jingheng:


    "Your Majesty, many matters must be taken slowly."


    Only then did Xiao Jingheng say: "Then Zhao''er, you rest well. We wille see youter."


    Song Zhao watched as his tall figure gradually disappeared into the bright open space outside. Only then did she heave a long sigh of relief.


    Soon after, she saw a pce servant with a formal hat walk in.


    His eyes were moist as he knelt down ten feet away from Song Zhao''s couch, giving her a fright.


    "This ve greets the Noble Consort," he said.


    Song Zhao frowned and sized him up for a moment. She then instinctively looked to Yun Shan.


    Yun Shan understood, and quickly said: "I am Yun Shan, Consort''s personal servant girl who grew up by your side since childhood. He is Xiao Fuzi, assigned to serve you after you entered the pce. And you..."


    She looked at Song Zhao with tearful eyes: "Consort''s personal name is Song Zhao, daughter of Duke of Protector Song."


    "Song Zhao." Song Zhao softly murmured the name, then asked: "What about my parents?"


    Yun Shan''s expression fell for a moment. "There was upheaval in the household, Consort''s parents passed away early on."


    Perhaps because she had lost her memories, upon hearing of her parents'' deaths, Song Zhao did not show grief.


    Yun Shan quickly went on: "But His Majesty treats Consort extremely well. In the four years since entering the pce, Consort and His Majesty have been loving and harmonious, the envy of others."


    Seeing Song Zhao in a daze, Xiao Fuzi said: "Consort has only just woken up, it''s best to go slowly in telling her of many matters."


    In the days that followed, no matter how busy state affairs were, Xiao Jingheng made time every day to apany Song Zhao.


    Gifts from the Imperial Household Department continuously streamed into Chang Le Pce, a dazzling array of pearls and jewels. It was hard to pick out the best ones.


    By Xiao Jingheng''s decree, until Song Zhao''s emotions stabilized, no other consorts were permitted to bother her at Chang Le Pce.


    So Song Zhao had not yet seen any other consorts in the pce.


    One day while appreciating flowers in the Imperial Garden, she encountered Concubine He and Concubine Li.


    They quickly came to greet her: "This concubine pays respects to the Noble Consort, may Consort have endless blessings and peace."


    Yun Shan whispered in Song Zhao''s ear: "Consort, it is Concubine He and Concubine Li."


    Seeing them smile at her, Song Zhao also nodded slightly and returned them a faint smile.


    After parting, she asked Yun Shan: "Did I have a good rtionship with them before?"


    Yun Shan said: "The consorts in the rear pce live in harmony, Consort gets along extremely well with them."


    "They are also Xiao Jingheng''s women, but why do they..."


    "Consort, choose your words carefully!" Yun Shan was frightened, and quickly stopped Song Zhao''s recklessness. "You must address His Majesty as ''His Majesty'', not directly by name."


    "Oh..." Song Zhao responded vaguely, still puzzled. "They are also His Majesty''s women, but why do they go out alone while I have so many people following me?"


    Yun Shan said: "You are the Noble Consort, they are only concubines, naturally they cannotpare to your nobility."

 Chapter 340: Broken Mirror 02

    <h4>Chapter 340</h4>


    <Song Zhao> turned her head back and took a look. She saw her retinue had already gone out forty or fifty zhang*, with only sixteen close attendants around her.


    Four people held ornamental umbres to shade her from the sun, another four walked in front and behind her to fan her, and six more pushed ice boxes full of ice cubes to cool her down. The closest to her were <Yun Shan> and <Xiao Fuzi>.


    It was already hot in the summer day, and with so many people surrounding <Song Zhao>, even though they were there to serve andfort her, looking out all she could see was a dense crowd - how could this be fun?


    Sheined impatiently, "It''s already stuffy today, with so many peopleing and going, I don''t see how this makes it any better."


    <Yun Shan> hurriedly said, "Your Highness... these are all arranged by the Emperor out of his care and concern for you."


    When <Song Zhao> heard this, she became even more annoyed. "The Emperor is so good at arranging these things, howe whenever hees to see me, he''s alone? He''s the Emperor, even more esteemed than me, he should have all seventy or eighty people fussing around him, make him suffer from the heat."


    As soon as these words came out, she hadmitted a serious taboo. The pce maids attending her bowed their heads deeply, wishing they could plug their ears with cotton.


    <Yun Shan> was even more anxious, stamping her feet, "Your Highness! You... cannot say the word ''die'' in the pce, and certainly cannot connect these ill-omened words with the Emperor."


    "<Xiao Jingheng> can''t say this, can''t say that, this is so boring! Forget it, let''s not appreciate the flowers anymore, let''s go back!"


    <Song Zhao> said sullenly, ignoring the crowd of servants behind her as she quickened her pace and left.


    In her current state of amnesia, she hadpletely forgotten the proper etiquette she previously learned as a youngdy from a prestigious household.


    <Xiao Jingheng> could only instruct <Mama> to patiently teach her again.


    <Mama> taught her three times a day, with different rules each time, covering etiquette for sitting, standing, speaking, walking - there were taboos galore, giving <Song Zhao> a headache.


    On top of the exceptionally stuffy weather these past few days, the noisy cicadas outside were also annoying.


    That day, after <Song Zhao> got fed up listening to <Mama>''s nagging, she angrily chased her out.


    As <Mama> was leaving the pce crestfallen, she happened to run into <Xiao Jingheng>.


    But he didn''t say anything, justughed and sat down across from <Song Zhao> after entering the inner chambers, asking her, "Who made my Zhao''er so angry today? Why are you in such a temper?"


    <Song Zhao> shifted away to sit farther from <Xiao Jingheng>, sulking as sheined:


    "I can''t learn all those rules, I find them troublesome. Why can''t I let the swaying bead ornaments on my head move when I walk, why can''t I eat whatever I want when dining, why do people have to teach me how to sit and stand a certain way?"


    She looked up at <Xiao Jingheng>, her eyes full of grievance,


    "Is this what it takes to be your woman? If so, then I don''t want to do it."


    Her words were presumptuous and rude, but <Xiao Jingheng> was not angry. On the contrary, heughed,


    "Foolish words."


    He stretched out his hand and flicked <Song Zhao>''s pert little nose, "If you don''t want to learn them, then don''t. As long as Zhao''er is happy, that''s more important than anything."


    His willingness to indulge <Song Zhao> made her less resistant to him.


    That evening, he apanied <Song Zhao> for dinner. While taking a stroll in the courtyard afterwards, he suddenly reached out and grasped her hand.


    <Song Zhao> stiffened, instinctively wanting to pull her hand out, but he held it even tighter.


    "I used to always hold your hand like this, walking around the pce, stopping here and there. You would act coy and say your feet were tired, insisting that I carry you on my back."


    Recalling the past, he smiled gently.


    Although <Song Zhao> felt no ripples in her heart, she no longer struggled, allowing him to lead her forward by the hand.


    "I know you still can''t ept me for now, and I don''t want to force you either. Just being able to see you like this every day, to walk with you hand in hand, is good enough."


    He squeezed <Song Zhao>''s hand tenderly,


    A sudden gust of wind blew, scattering the hair by <Song Zhao>''s temples.


    <Xiao Jingheng> took the chance to step closer to her and brush the strands behind her ear, then lightly kissed her forehead.


    <Song Zhao> looked at him apprehensively, but he just smiled,


    "It''s gettingte, you should rest early. I''lle see you again tomorrow."


    After <Xiao Jingheng> left, <Song Zhao> stood in the courtyard a while longer until the wind grew stronger. Only then did <Yun Shan> say to her:


    "The wind is strong outside, Your Highness should retire to your quarters."


    <Song Zhao> nodded lightly, and <Yun Shan> supported her back to the inner chamber.


    When they reached the door, <Yun Shan> unconsciously nced at the two pce maids standing guard, then earnestly advised <Song Zhao>:


    "Actually, the Emperor treats Your Highness extremely well. Think about it, which woman in the realm can the Emperor not obtain? Yet the Emperor is willing to respect Your Highness''s thoughts and not force you against your wishes - this shows how deeply he cherishes you. Since the Emperor considers Your Highness so thoughtfully, Your Highness should also consider the Emperor''s feelings in return."


    "Consider what?"


    "Your Highness used to be intimate with the Emperor beyond any doubt. Now with your sudden amnesia, you''ve be so unfamiliar with him, how can the Emperor feel good in his heart...?"


    Hearing this, <Song Zhao> didn''t say anything more, just nodded pensively.


    Later that night after washing up, <Song Zhao> had just blown out the candles andid down when


    suddenly a loud thunderp sounded outside the window, giving her a tremendous shock.


    She grasped the edge of her nket tightly, crying out fearfully towards the door:


    "Yun Shan, Yun Shan?"


    ''Boom''


    Another muffled thunder, sounding like firecrackers ignited in a deserted in, the noise so deafening it made one''s heart tremble.


    "Ah!"


    <Song Zhao> couldn''t help letting out a frightened scream.


    She curled up on the bed, desperately covering her ears.


    Soon she heard urgent footsteps approaching her.


    Thinking it was <Yun Shan>, when the canopy was lifted she threw herself towards that figure.


    But instead she fell into a firm, warm embrace.


    Then a deep, gentle male voice sounded by her ear:


    "Don''t be afraid Zhao''er, I am here."

 Chapter 341: Broken Mirror 03

    <h4>Chapter 341</h4>


    Hearing Xiao Jingheng''s voice, Song Zhao was shocked.


    She suddenly loosened her arms around his waist.


    The inner chamber was pitch ck, lightning and thunder outside the window. She had nowhere to retreat.


    The thunder that rumbled one after another almost shattered Song Zhao''s soul.


    In hesitation between advancing and retreating, she had no choice but to hide in Xiao Jingheng''s embrace again,


    as if only this way could she gain a moment of peace.


    Xiao Jingheng held her tightly and whispered gently,


    "Don''t be afraid, I am with you, I have always been with you."


    Song Zhao just kept shivering. Her heart almost jumped out of her throat. She didn''t care what Xiao Jingheng was saying at the moment.


    She waited until the rain poured down vigorously before the thunder outside stopped. She slowly regained her senses


    "Didn''t you go back to the pce? Howe you are here?" She asked.


    Xiao Jingheng gently stroked her messy bangs and said, "Every time there was a thunderstorm, I would apany you. At that time, you were like now, like a frightened deer, clinging closely to my arms."


    Song Zhao blushed with shame and wanted to get out of Xiao Jingheng¡¯s arms immediately,


    but he refused to let go. Instead, he held Song Zhao even tighter, lowered his head to her ear, and hoarsely whispered unbearably:


    "Zhao¡¯er has forgotten the past. Why are you still unwilling to give us a chance to reconnect?"


    The man¡¯s warm breath circled Song Zhao¡¯s ear, making her shiver.


    She seemed to have softened and whispered, "Yun Shan and Xiao Fuzi told me that you and I were very affectionate in the past, but I don''t remember any of it at all. Actually I don''t dislike you, I avoid you only because...I''m afraid of you."


    She took a breath and added another sentence, "It seems like everyone here is very afraid of you."


    "But Zhao¡¯er doesn¡¯t need to be afraid."


    Xiao Jingheng turned her shoulders to face him, with their noses touching.


    "You said you regarded me as your husband, so why are you still afraid of your own husband? I will always cherish you and treat you like a pearl in my palm. I will never let you get hurt again."


    He approached inch by inch, trying step by step.


    Finally, he managed to embrace his beauty and enjoy the spring night.


    That night, after gracefully epting Xiao Jingheng¡¯s favor, Song Zhao felt that her rtionship with him had obviously be much closer.


    He treated her so gently, even asking her opinion every time they changed positions, he was very considerate.


    At the time, Song Zhao was lying in Xiao Jingheng''s arms without a hint of sleepiness. She listened to the pitter-patter of rain outside the window.


    Xiao Jingheng caressed her thin shoulders and asked, "What is Zhao¡¯er thinking?"


    Song Zhao was silent for a while and said, "I''m wondering why don''t you call me Imperial Concubine, but Zhao¡¯er instead."


    Xiao Jingheng smiled, "Naturally because I call you by your name, which is more intimate."


    Song Zhao disagreed and said, "I know, I am your wife, you call me Zhao¡¯er to show intimacy and closeness. But I always have to call you ¡®Your Majesty¡¯. Don''t you feel estranged?"


    "Oh?" Xiao Jingheng became interested, sat up halfway, looked at Song Zhao with a smile, "Then what does Zhao¡¯er want to call me?"


    Song Zhao thought for a while with her cheek in her hand, "How about Xiao Lang? I saw in folk operas these days that wives call their husbands that."


    Xiao Jingheng was stunned for a moment, and a bright light shed across his eyes.


    He seemed to be very satisfied with this title. Soon he smiled knowingly. His fingers gently brushed Song Zhao''s cheeks, and he spoke softly like the warm sun,


    "Xiao Lang, that''s perfect."


    It was expected that Song Zhao would receive such favor.


    But no one could have expected that Xiao Jingheng would spoil her beyond measure this time.


    Every day he would either spend the night at Changle Pce, or have Song Zhao apany him in Chaoyang Pce. It seemed that he could not rest assured without having Song Zhao by his side all the time.


    As a result, it naturally incurred the jealousy of the other concubines.


    They talked privately, "In the past, no matter how favored Imperial Concubine and Lady Shun were, His Majesty still did not neglect us that much. You see now? We can hardly even see His Majesty once!"


    "After all, Lady Song is so fortunate. She fell in the Cold Pce and lost her memory, so His Majesty treats her especially well. He even disregarded the three-year filial period for Empress Jia Rui and immediately made her the Imperial Concubine."


    "I heard that she became more charming after losing her memory. Calling His Majesty ''Xiao Lang'' so coquettishly in public and in private. His Majesty still indulges her?"


    "s, seeing that she¡¯s so favored now, our days will only get more difficult..."


    Whether their days would get better or worse, Song Zhao didn¡¯t know.


    She only knew that her good days were just beginning.


    On the seventh day of the sixth month was the anniversary of Empress Jia Rui¡¯s death. Xiao Jingheng observed mourning that day and did not summon Song Zhao at night.


    Taking advantage of her free time, Song Zhao took out brush, ink, paper and inkstone to practice calligraphy in her room.


    Yun Shan brought in freshly brewed soothing tea and said softly to Song Zhao,


    ¡°Young Lady, nowadays the whole pce is talking about you calling His Majesty ¡®Xiao Lang¡¯. Their tones, both explicit and implicit, are dissatisfied with you."


    Song Zhao just focused on writing calligraphy and didn¡¯t even lift her head. She indifferently let out a sentence,


    ¡°If they are dissatisfied, let them suffocate.¡±


    Yun Shan saw that Song Zhao was quite passionate about practicing calligraphy today and became curious, ¡°What is the youngdy writing?¡±


    She leaned over to take a look. Delicate handwriting came into view.


    ¡°Once entering the grand door it''s as deep as the sea, from now on Xiao Lang is just a passerby.¡±


    After reading this line, Yun Shan knew what it meant.


    ¡°Xiao Lang is just a passerby. This is now His Majesty¡¯s position in the youngdy¡¯s heart.¡±


    Song Zhao''s expression became stern, her eyes filled with only hatred.


    She casually ced the corner of the paper on the candle me and watched it ze furiously before scoffing,


    ¡°Is he worthy? Now in my heart, he doesn''t even have the qualifications to be a passerby. Seeing him only makes me nauseous.¡±

 Chapter 342: I beg You to Enter the Urn

    <h4>Chapter 342</h4>


    Moonlight filtered through thettice of the diamond-shaped window and cast a glow on Song Zhao''s face.


    Her wless skin shimmered with a cold light, mirroring her icy expression at this moment.


    The air in the room was serene. Song Zhao took a silver hairpin and plucked a small bundle of Gan golden incense, throwing it into the censer to burn.


    A faint fragrance wafted out, reminiscent of the one she had smelled in the Empress Dowager''s pce before.


    Song Zhao''s breath gradually slowed as she calmly asked Yun Shan,


    "I have never asked you what happened after that day when I fainted after eating the meal the emperor gave me."


    Yun Shan exined in detail, "After Miss lost consciousness that day, the Emperor came with Zhang Imperial Physician. He personally witnessed Zhang Imperial Physician giving you a needle on the top of your head. After it was done, he instructed me to tell others that you identally hit the back of your head and fainted all night.


    Using this as an excuse, the Emperor took you out of the Cold Pce and immediately bestowed upon you the position of Noble Consort. A few days ago, when I saw Sister Tong, she mentioned that after Miss woke up and developed dissociative amnesia, the Emperor issued an imperial edict in the pce, forbidding anyone from mentioning Miss''s unpleasant past in the pce. Otherwise, they would be severely punished."


    Song Zhao sneered lightly, "He truly loves me deeply."


    In fact, this whole thing began when Cai Jie lost her memory in the Ning Wanshuang Pce. Xiao Jingheng had already stepped into the trap set by Song Zhao specifically for him.


    First, when Xiao Jingheng went to visit Ning Wanshuang, Cai Jie suddenly appeared and bumped into them.


    Then, through Ning Wanshuang''s exnation, Cai Jie said that she had tripped and hit the back of her head,pletely forgetting what happened before.


    This nted a seed in Xiao Jingheng''s mind.


    Given his thoughtful nature, he would naturally think that if Song Zhao also lost her memory like Cai Jie, it would erase all the unpleasantness between them and they could reconcile.


    However, hitting the back of the head could be a serious matter.


    Xiao Jingheng cherished Song Zhao''s ethereal beauty and her gentle nature in the past.


    If the injury was not handled properly and it endangered Song Zhao''s life instead of causing amnesia, Xiao Jingheng would not want that.


    When the first of May, Ning Wanshuang''s birthday, arrived, Xiao Jingheng would definitely go and apany her.


    Song Zhao sent a message to Ning Wanshuang through Qin Tai, asking her to arrange for Cheng Yu to hide in the courtyard and wait for the right moment.


    Upon hearing this, Xiao Jingheng would summon Cheng Yu.


    After exchanging a few words with his son, it would be Cai Jie''s turn to appear again, acting as if nothing had happened, and take Cheng Yu away.


    At that time, Xiao Jingheng would surely be puzzled, and when he asked, Ning Wanshuang would say that Zhang Imperial Physician had miraculously cured Cai Jie''s amnesia with acupuncture.


    The rest of the n depended on Xiao Jingheng personally summoning Zhang Imperial Physician.


    The entire process was orchestrated by Xiao Jingheng as the active party. He would never suspect others.


    As for the matter of Cheng Yu being buried alive, besides Xiao Jingheng, Prince An, and Consort Hui, only Yun Shan knew about it.


    Before the n was executed, Song Zhao had already told Yun Shan that Xiao Jingheng would not take her life.


    Yun Shan believed in Song Zhao''s scheme, but there were still doubts in her heart, which she now voiced.


    "By now, everyone in the pce knows that Miss has suffered from amnesia, and there are no longer any grievances between her and the Emperor. However, there is still one thing that puzzles me. Miss, why were you so confident that the Emperor wouldn''t kill me to silence me?"


    Song Zhao smiled calmly and replied, word by word, "Because he cares about his reputation."


    She paused for a moment and set aside the beautiful and icy armor piece by piece from her fingertips. "He wants the people in the pce to believe that I identally fell and suffered an ident, rather than himying a hand on me."


    "So, you must stay alive. If something happened to me and you also had an ident, people would inevitably suspect his intentions behind my memory loss. Let me ask you, how did he instruct you to keep it hidden from me?"


    Yun Shan replied, "He only told me not to mention our past life to you, to avoid causing you sadness."


    Song Zhao''s smile became even clearer, and her tone grew colder. "Indeed, he didn''t even need to threaten you. It''s because we both understand that if you were to tell me the truth, you wouldn''t survive, and it would also ruin my future."


    "The Emperor knows that you are my personal maid, and he always considers my interests. By keeping this from Cheng Yu, our lives as master and servant can enjoy endless wealth and glory. In that case, as your loyal servant, as someone who has apanied me in the cold pce for three years, how could you bear to see me suffer in the future and tell me the truth?"


    Yun Shan pondered Song Zhao''s words repeatedly and soon revealed a delighted expression. "Miss, you have truly grasped the Emperor''s character."


    "Hmm?" Song Zhao chuckled coldly, her voice tinged with a chill. "He has always been an arrogant, self-important, and suspicious person. What is there for others to specte? Moreover, even if my spection is incorrect and he truly harbored murderous intentions towards you, I have my ways to protect you."


    "What?" Yun Shan asked curiously.


    Song raised her eyebrows and looked at her. "On that day, when he and the Imperial Physician Zhang were needling me in the room, you were waiting outside. At that time, Zhang asked him if he wanted to silently eliminate you."


    If he had agreed, Zhang would have given you a fake death drug, and you would have appeared to die suddenly from a sudden illness. He would have rolled you up in a mat and sent you out of the pce to be buried in an unmarked grave. Once outside the pce, my brother''s men would have taken care of you."


    Upon hearing this, Yun Shan''s heart warmed, her gaze trembled, and she deeply bowed to Song Zhao.


    "I am just a maid, how could I be so fortunate to have Miss consider me like this..."


    Song Zhao helped her up, held her hand, and spoke softly, "Actually, I would have preferred it if the Emperor had agreed to let the Imperial Physician end your life back then. That way, you could have left the pce and wouldn''t have to apany me, trapped in this perilous ce."


    Yun Shan couldn''t bear to hear these words, so before Song Zhao could finish, she was already wiping away tears, shaking her head.


    "I won''t go anywhere. I want to stay with Miss forever."


    "Don''t cry." Song Zhao smiled and brushed away the tears from the corner of Yun Shan''s eyes. "Now that we''vee out of the cold pce, let others suffer and shed tears if hardshipes. Understand?"


    Yun Shan raised her sleeve and wiped her moist eyes, then firmly nodded with determination.


    "I understand, Miss!"


    In the midst of their conversation, a colorful butterfly flew in through the diamond-shaped window andnded on a small table, on which a pot of gardenias was ced.


    Song Zhao watched the butterfly gracefully fluttering and suddenly recalled a joke. He then instructed Yun Shan, saying,


    "In the summer imperial garden, where a hundred flowers vie for beauty, butterflies are attracted by their fragrance. I must say this little creature is quite beautiful. For the next couple of days, you and Xiao Fuzi should bring some back for me."


    With a slightly intensified tone, he added, "Make sure to bring more people along. The more noise andmotion, the better."


    Yun Shan, puzzled by his words, couldn''t understand. After all, Miss Song clearly disliked butterflies, finding the powdery residue they left behind diforting to the eyes.


    However, she didn''t question it and obediently replied, "I understand. His Majesty has instructed the Empress to visit the Noble Consort''s pce tomorrow. He mentioned that Your Majesty''s health has almost fully recovered, and it''s time to reacquaint yourself with the concubines of the Six Pces. It''ste now, so it would be best for Miss to get some rest."


    Song Zhao smiled and nodded, but his eyes gleamed with a hint of determination and amusement. He remarked,


    "Yes, it''s about time to see those flowers, red and green. All the grievances and conflicts of these years shoulde to an end."


    ¡¾Three¡¿

 Chapter 343: Slaves Deceiving Their Masters 01

    <h4>Chapter 343</h4>


    The next morning,


    Song Zhao was attended by pce maids and changed into a bright red gauze immortal skirt sent by Xiao Jingheng.


    The gauze was woven from ice silkworm silk, dyed in cochineal, and embroidered with fortune cloud patterns in gold thread, lined with kingfisher feathers.


    Each feather was studded with small but brightly colored crystals, scattering jewel-like radiance in the light, gorgeous and dazzling.


    The immortal skirt was soft, made of some unrecognizable material, with a bright, pure color. On scenting it lightly, there seemed to be a floral fragrance moving through it.


    Yun Shan said, "The fine floral threads on this immortal skirt, fine as baby hair, are made of gold and silver threads soaked in hundred flower brew, twisted into three strands spun into one. And the lifelike pearls shaped like lotus petals on the embroidery are made of orient pearls that only the Empress is permitted to use."


    As she spoke, she sounded rather proud that her mistress was favored.


    Behind them, two pce maids werebing Song Zhao''s hair, also adorned with various precious beads and jade hairpins.


    Song Zhao felt this was improper, "The teaching mama told me, consorts must adhere to rules governing attire and lifestyle. Isn''t it inappropriate to dress so extravagantly today?"


    Bashfully lowering her eyes, she added, "My dear Lang said he doesn''t like shy women."


    Yun Shanughed, "The teaching mama makes sense, but these are bestowed by His Majesty. There can be no question of shy when they are imperial gifts. If Noble Consort didn''t wear them, His Majesty would take offense!"


    Hearing this, Song Zhao smiled at her reflection, allowing the attendants to busy themselves with her.


    After dressing up, she looked very different from her days as an imperial consort or nobledy.


    Before losing her memories, Song Zhao often dressed simply, not favoring extravagance.


    Now borately made up, stunningly beautiful was inadequate to describe her singr beauty.


    Not only would Xiao Jingheng be smitten on seeing her, even the pce maids and eunuchs who now stared dazedly at her, whispering amongst themselves in praise.


    As she was going to pay respects to Noble Consort Chen today, Song Zhao instructed before leaving,


    "On my first day visiting the consorts after recovering, I should call on Noble Consort Chen''s pce. Just Yun Shan and Xiao Fuzi need attend me."


    The maids chorused obedience. On the way to Yonghe Pce, passing the artificial hill in the imperial garden, Song Zhao spied several consorts walking ahead not far away.


    The one walking in the center had a slender figure, thin as a gust of wind might blow her away.


    Not recognizing her after three years just from the back view,


    Yun Shan whispered, "It''s Consort Yao."


    Song Zhao eximed, "How did she be so emaciated?"


    Xiao Fuzi exined, "To attract His Majesty''s favor and preserve her status, Consort Yao often eats just one meal a day. When hungry at other times, she drinks only papaya milk nonstop."


    Song Zhao sneered, "Beggar women on the streets often can''t afford a single daily meal, bing haggardly thin from starvation. Has His Majesty summoned them into the pce and granted them status as favored consorts or sent them to his dragon bed?"


    "Hahaha!" Yun Shan guffawed loudly, also mocking, "Intimacy happens by candlelight. Consort Yao''s chronic facial sores still haven''t healed. His Majesty probably has to cover her face with a cloth during intimacy to avoid bad luck."


    Mistress and servantughed together. Song Zhao arched her brow at Yun Shan curiously,


    "You seem quite disgruntled with her?"


    Yun Shan said indignantly, "She used to get along well with my mistress but grew distant after bing Consort. Not only that, she caused much mischief. When my mistress was falsely used in Chaoyang Pce, wasn''t it her and Cloudy Consort who urged His Majesty to sentence my mistress to death?"


    Song Zhao just smiled about past events, declining toment, only saying,


    "Let''s go. Meeting old acquaintances, we can join their group going to Elder Sister''s pce."


    At her words, the three hastened their pace.


    Oblivious Consort Yao ahead still meandered unawares.


    Her Concubine Li Changzai chatted andughed with her as they walked, not quickly. Beside them, the timid Kang Daying noticed Consort Yao ambling much too slowly. Hesitating a while, she tentatively advised,


    "Esteemed Consort, let''s walk a little faster, shall we? Today is Noble Consort Song''s first day visiting us after recovering. Being discourteous about etiquette wouldn''t look good..."


    "What? Are you in a hurry?" Consort Yao red at her. "If you''re in a hurry, run along yourself. No one''s stopping you. We always visit Noble Consort Chen at noon. I''ll just follow the proper time. What can Song Zhao say about me?"


    Chastened by the rebuke, Kang Daying wilted silently.


    Li Changzai even elbowed her, "Go on, stop following Her Esteemed Highness with a gloomy face."


    Then smiling ingratiatingly at Consort Yao, she fawned, "Pay her no mind, Your Highness. Your conduct is entirely proper. That Song, a consort by His Majesty''s pity. Losing her..."


    Catching herself as she remembered Xiao Jingheng''s edict, Li Changzai quickly switched tracks,


    "She''s half an idiot after that fall. Why should Your Highness show her full courtesy?"


    Hearing this greatly pleased Consort Yao. She sneered coldly,


    "After so long in seclusion, she''s probably gone moldy. What could I fear from her? I simply dislike her coquettish manner! Calling His Majesty ''my dear Lang'' daily - that''s how a principal wife addresses her husband. Who does she think she is? From a traitorous family, she''s a criminal''s daughter herself! Surely she can''t be deluded into thinking she could be seeding Empress someday?"


    ¡ª"Are you talking about me?"


    Just as Consort Yao was venting spleen fully,


    a cold female voice sounded behind her, scaring her soul nearly out of her body.

 Chapter 344: Slave Master 02

    <h4>Chapter 344</h4>


    The crowd turned in panic, only to find that indeed, Song Zhao had mysteriously appeared behind them like a ghost. They immediately kneeled down and respectfully greeted her:


    "We, the humble concubines, pay our respects to Honorable Consort Yao. May you be blessed with endless fortune and peace."


    Song Zhao approached slowly, without asking them to rise. She coldly nced at Consort Yao for a moment before speaking:


    "You just said that I, the pce, am the daughter of a traitor and that I have been to the Cold Pce. What do you mean by that? Exin yourself."


    Consort Yao was terrified and stammered, "Honorable... Honorable Consort, you misunderstood. I wasn''t talking about you. I was... I was referring to someone else."


    "Someone else?" Song Zhao''s expression turned stern. "Apart from me, is there anyone else in this pce with the surname Song?"


    "Well..." Consort Yao was frightened and at a loss for words.


    These were all things that Xiao Jingheng had forbidden Song Zhao from knowing, and he had explicitly forbidden anyone in the pce from mentioning them. If Xiao Jingheng were to find out about today''s events, everyone present would be in trouble.


    Fortunately, Li Changzai quickly regained hisposure and skillfully diverted the conversation, saying, "Honorable Consort, currently, you are the only one in the pce with the surname Song. However, in the past, there was indeed someone named Song Changzai."


    Kang Daying chimed in, "That''s correct."


    Song Zhao nced at Yun Shan, who also spoke up, "Consort, Consort Yao has always been close to you. She wasn''t referring to you."


    Upon hearing this, Song Zhao finally believed what everyone was saying. She looked at Consort Yao and asked Yun Shan in a low voice,


    "Did I have a good rtionship with her in the past?"


    Yun Shan nodded, and Xiao Fuzi added, "Ever since you entered the pce, you have been living in the same pce as Consort Yao. Your rtionship is deep."


    Song Zhao smiled awkwardly and said, "I was standing far away, so I couldn''t hear clearly what my sisters were saying. It was a misunderstanding. Sisters, please rise."


    She stepped forward and supported Consort Yao, saying regretfully,


    "Sister, please don''t me me. Ever since I woke up, I can''t remember the past. If the Emperor hears about today''s incident, he will think that on the first day I met the concubines, I had a quarrel with everyone..."


    "No, no," Consort Yao reassured her, breathing a sigh of relief. "Now that you have woken up, that''s all that matters. Our sisterly bond is strong, even if you don''t remember the past, I will still treat you sincerely."


    Song Zhao was easily fooled and deeply moved by Consort Yao''s words. She replied repeatedly,


    "I will also treat my sisters sincerely. When you have time, please tell me about the past."


    As she spoke, Song Zhao''s gaze remained fixed on Consort Yao''s face.


    Consort Yao''s long-standing e problem had not been cured, and it would worsen during the summer. Especially on her forehead and between her eyebrows, the e was particrly noticeable. Although she carefully applied makeup to conceal it, under the sun, one could still see a faint reddish hue beneath the powdery surface.


    Song Zhao was quite curious about this and asked, "What kind of makeup is that on your forehead, sister? Is it a floral pattern?"


    Consort Yao was taken aback and eximed, "Ah?"


    "I''m referring to the area between your eyebrows," Song Zhao reached out to touch it, but Consort Yao quickly evaded her.


    Song Zhao smiled and said, "It''s a bit presumptuous of me, but your makeup looks so beautiful. It would be a shame if it gets smudged. However, it''s the first time I''ve seen this unique raised floral design. How about you give me a couple of them as well, so I can try them onter?"


    She spoke with innocence and anticipation, looking earnestly at Consort Yao as if she greatly admired the "raised floral design" on her face.


    This remark caused Li and Kang Daying, who were standing nearby, to struggle to hold back theirughter. Consort Yao blushed even more and wished she could find a hole to hide in.


    "Forget it. I won''t snatch your favorite essory, sister. I''ll make a couple for myself when I have free time," Song Zhao said, suppressing herughter.


    Xiao Fuzi, trying to hold back her smile, said to Song Zhao, "Your Majesty, we still need to go to Yonghe Pce to meet the other consorts."


    Song Zhao replied, "I got so caught up in talking with my sister that I forgot. Let''s go together, sister."


    Consort Yao pursed her lips and nodded. Just as they were about to leave, Yun Shan interjected,


    "Consort Yao, please go ahead. Before this, she asked me to help her make some decorative pendants, and I still need to rify a few details with her."


    Song Zhao nodded. "Alright then, you apany my sister."


    With that said, they walked away with Li and Kang Daying.


    When the group had moved a bit further, Consort Yao quietly said to Yun Shan, "Thank you for helping me just now."


    "Smack!"


    Before her words could even finish, to her shock, Yun Shan unexpectedly pped her hard across the face.


    Fu''er, who was by Consort Yao''s side, immediately rushed to protect her. "Sister Yun Shan! What are you doing?"


    Consort Yao was furious and covered her left cheek with one hand while pointing at Yun Shan, scolding, "I am the Emperor''s favored consort! How dare you, a lowly servant, dare to strike me?"


    Yun Shan showed no fear and looked calmly at Fu''er. "Step aside."


    Fu''er tried to shield Consort Yao, but Yun Shan didn''t bother to argue with her. She raised her skirt and delivered a swift kick to Fu''er''s abdomen.


    The force of the kick was not light, and Fu''er grimaced in pain, clutching her stomach and crouching down.


    Before Consort Yao could recover from her shock, Yun Shan delivered another resounding p to her right cheek.


    Consort Yao''s lips trembled, and she was so enraged that she felt on the verge of madness.


    "You! This is outrageous! Guards, take this insolent servant who has overstepped her boundaries to the punishment chamber!"


    The other pce maids who served Consort Yao immediately surrounded Yun Shan, prepared to take action. But just as they were about toy hands on her, they heard Yun Shan boldly shout,


    "Who dares!"


    This shout truly frightened them.


    The pce maids hesitated to approach her, and Yun Shan, with a cold gaze fixed on Consort Yao, solemnly said,


    "Consort Yao, think carefully. The reason I pped you twice is because you mentioned the past misfortunes of the esteemed Consort Yi, including her banishment to the Cold Pce and the disgrace her family suffered."


    After speaking, Yun Shan bowed to the heavens, her voice now even more resolute,


    "By the Emperor''s decree, no one is allowed to mention any unpleasant memories from Consort Yi''s past in the pce, so as not to distress her. That''s why I pped you. Do you ept or not?"


    Yun Shan''s wordspletely grasped Consort Yao''s dilemma. After being publicly pped twice by a servant, Consort Yao naturally felt aggrieved. However, if she were to make a big deal out of it, she feared that Yun Shan would inform Xiao Jingheng about today''s incident. Weighing the pros and cons, Consort Yao could only endure the humiliation and meekly uttered, "I won''t do it again in the future."


    Hearing her response, Yun Shan''s expression remained solemn, as cold as ice. "I hope that Consort Yao will be more cautious with her words and actions in the future. Otherwise, if the Emperor were to find out, it wouldn''t be as simple as a servant pping you twice to brush it off."


    With that, Yun Shan nodded respectfully to Consort Yao and said, "I still need to attend to Consort Yigui. You should wipe the blood off the corner of your mouth and leave quickly. Don''t bete for paying respects, or else you''ll have to endure another round of punishment from Consort Chengui."


    Without looking back, Yun Shan swiftly departed.


    [Please excuse me, but I have to take a leave. My disappointing younger brother did well on his exams, and today I have to have a meal and drinks with a bunch of rtives. I won''t be able to provide an update on June 28th as usual, but I''ll make up for it with four updates on June 29th. Much love ??]

 Chapter 345: Yi Your Concubine

    <h4>Chapter 345</h4>


    Song Zhao arrived at the front of Yonghe Pce. It was just in time for the morning glow and dawn light.


    The fine sunny day shed misty golden light on the newly built zed roof tiles of Yonghe Pce, reflecting a continuous stretch of overflowing colored lights, impressively noble.


    Several potted xinyi trees that were transnted into the courtyard were in full bloom, filling the yard with fragrance.


    The light purple flowers on the trees were covered in glistening morning dew, looking so delicate and beautiful.


    After enjoying the view for a while, Song Zhao couldn¡¯t help sighing, ¡°Noble Consort Chen¡¯s pce is so elegant. Although my own courtyard has all kinds of flowers and potted nts, they are mostly low shrubs. I thought all the pces would be simr, but didn¡¯t expect Noble Consort Chen to have nted so many xinyi trees. It¡¯s quite unique.¡±


    Then her tone changed as she suddenly asked Concubine Li, ¡°Is His Majesty very fond of her?¡±


    Concubine Li quietly ttered her, ¡°His Majesty does dote on Noble Consort Chen, but Your Ladyship¡¯s position in His Majesty¡¯s heart is still more important. Look, ever since you woke up, with the exception of the anniversary of thete Empress Jia¡¯s passing, has His Majesty not summoned you to apany him every day?¡±


    Hearing this, Song Zhao couldn¡¯t help the corners of her mouth curving up, no longer able to hide her delight.


    Seeing her happy expression, Concubine Li knew she liked to be ttered. He quickly bowed and stepped forward, very attentively lifting the curtain for Song Zhao before the main hall, respectfully saying, ¡°Your Ladyship, please go ahead.¡±


    Song Zhao nodded slightly and walked gracefully into the hall.


    By this time, many familiar faces were already seated in the hall.


    Seeing Song Zhao arrive, they all stood up. Led by Concubine Hui and Concubine Yun, they greeted Song Zhao in unison.


    ¡°This concubine pays respect to Noble Consort Yi, may Your Ladyship have ten thousand blessings.¡±


    ¡°Why are my sisters being so courteous? Please rise.¡± Song Zhao smiled amiably, appearing very intimate with them. ¡°Having suffered a serious illness, I¡¯ve be forgetful. I¡¯ll have to trouble my sisters to introduce yourselves again.¡±


    After they had all introduced themselves, only Concubine Hui was the most familiar with Song Zhao.


    At this moment, she was tightly clutching Song Zhao¡¯s hand, tears welling up in her eyes.


    ¡°Sister Song, you¡¯ve finally recovered. When I heard about your ident, I couldn¡¯t sleep well day or night from worrying about you.¡±


    Song Zhao looked at her with a smile.


    After years of separation, Concubine Hui still had the face of a young girl. But having be a mother now, she no longer pretended to be innocent and carefree like before. Everything she said and did seemed much more steady now.


    Song Zhao felt disgusted by Concubine Hui''s tight grip on her hand, making her very ufortable.


    But on the surface she still smiled amiably, stroking Concubine Hui¡¯s embroidered sleeve, and gently said,


    ¡°Are you Lin Lan?¡±


    Concubine Hui nodded repeatedly, also surprised, ¡°Sister Song still remembers me?¡±


    Song Zhao shook her head helplessly, ¡°I was hoping I¡¯d remember. It¡¯s just that Yun Shang often mentions that I used to be very close to you and treated you like a younger sister.¡±


    Concubine Hui said, ¡°That¡¯s right. Sister Song treated me very well, indulging my sweet tooth. You would often make some exquisite delicious snacks for me. I miss those times dearly.¡±


    Song Zhao smiled. ¡°I don¡¯t have those skills anymore. But tell me what you like to eat, and when I have time I¡¯ll relearn to make them. We shouldn''t grow apart, my sister.¡±


    While exchanging pleasantries with Concubine Hui, Song Zhao noticed out of the corner of her eye that Rongyue was standing right behind Concubine Hui, staring intensely at her.


    Seeing the tears shimmering in Rongyue¡¯s eyes, just a brief moment of eye contact was enough to make her tear up. She hurriedly turned her head away, not daring to look again.


    Song Zhao understood that Rongyue had been thinking of her all these years, just as she had been thinking of Rongyue.


    After taking their seats, the consorts chatted casually. Just then, Ning Wanshuang arrived fashionablyte.


    She still had that aloof attitude, not even ncing at the consorts below.


    After receiving everyone¡¯s bows, shezily leaned back in her chair, lightly stroking her cloud-like hair. She looked Song Zhao up and down with sharp eyes for a while before speaking.


    ¡°Noble Consort Yi has fully recovered.¡±


    Song Zhao respectfully replied, ¡°Thanks to Noble Consort Chen''s concern. I have recovered.¡±


    Ning Wanshuang nodded coldly. The disgust in her eyes also surfaced. She was toozy to nce at Song Zhao again.


    Just then, Consort Yao arrivedte. Ning Wanshuang naturally shifted her gaze to her.


    Seeing her cheeks flushed, she asked,


    ¡°What happened to your face?¡±


    Consort Yao instinctively looked at Song Zhao, but was red at by Yun Shang beside Song Zhao.


    She timidly lowered her eyes and had to say,


    ¡°This concubine identally bumped into something.¡±


    ¡°Bumped into something?¡± Ning Wanshuang mocked. ¡°Are you so starved from fasting daily that you became dizzy? Born ordinary looking already, don''t go bumping your nose crooked and eyes skewed. His Majesty will look at you even less in the future.


    In fact, I have to say, you needn''t have wasted all that effort to begin with. Ever since Noble Consort Yi woke up, do you think His Majesty still remembers who you are?¡±


    Humiliated, Consort Yao bowed her head in frustration, fidgeting anxiously with her handkerchief as she softly said,


    ¡°This concubine is indeed unworthy...¡±


    Ning Wanshuang leaned forward slightly, speaking evenly, ¡°It is wise to know one''s own worth. Although you are unworthy, at least you know your own conduct. Always upetitive and ungrasping. That can be considered decent.¡±


    Then her piercing gaze instantly turned to Song Zhao. ¡°In this regard, Noble Consort Yi, you really ought to learn from her.¡±


    Song Zhao said, ¡°The tutors and His Majesty have taught me these lessons before. I understand.¡±


    ¡°You understand?¡± Ning Wanshuang sneered contemptuously. ¡°You understand what it means to be modest and know your ce, notpeting or grasping? If you really understand, then your amnesia can be considered a blessing in disguise.¡±


    As she waved her ivory fan, Ning Wanshuang was still smiling. But then her eyes hardened as her tone turned vicious.


    ¡°It''s just that you understand, but your daughter still doesn''t seem to understand very well. She has been quite arrogant and domineering here, always snatching Jin Yue''s toys and taking others'' belongings as her own. Or I should say, she is truly your own flesh and blood, cast from the same mold as you. That annoying girl is the spitting image of you back when you fought with me over the Emperor''s favor. "


    Song Zhao stared wide-eyed, hesitating slightly, ¡°My...daughter?¡±


    Yun Shang whispered to her, ¡°Your Ladyship, you do have a daughter with His Majesty, Princess Ruo Xin. But because Princess Ruo Xin has been sickly and frail, she has always been raised in your pce. She will be three years old soon...¡±


    Song Zhao still seemed stunned, with no hint of joy on her face. Instead, she looked worried.


    ¡°His Majesty didn¡¯t tell me about this?¡±


    ¡°Whether His Majesty told you or not, she is still your daughter.¡±


    Ning Wanshuang''s words grew increasingly barbed. ¡°Now that you¡¯re awake, you can bring her back to your pce to raise her yourself. Her bullying of Jin Yue is endless. If she continues to stay here, I''m afraid I won''t be able to stop myself from pping her across the face.¡±


    Then she arrogantly lifted her chin, provocatively smiling at Song Zhao,


    ¡°Just like I pped you back then.¡±

 Chapter 346: Returning the Pearl 01

    <h4>Chapter 346</h4>


    Song Zhao was reunited with her mother and daughter, and the concubines congratted her.


    Consort Hui said, "That''s wonderful. When Princess Ruo Xin returns to Sister Song''s side, I can also bring Chengjing along. He can have a ymate with his sister."


    Song Zhao''s face stiffened, her eyes dull,


    as if she hadn''t fully epted the fact that she suddenly had a daughter.


    Ning Wanshuang nced at her and said impatiently,


    "Alright, let''s disperse for now. Concubine Yi, you stay. Take that unfamiliar thing of yours back with youter."


    The concubines dispersed as instructed,


    whispering to each other as they left,


    "If we''re talking about someone who can handle Concubine Yi, it''s only Noble Consort Chen. Look at how she can''t even catch her breath in front of Noble Consort Chen. I''ve been holding back this anger for so long, and this might help me relieve it."


    Little did they know,


    as soon as they left, the expressions of the two people left in the pce changed.


    Song Zhao deeply bowed to Ning Wanshuang and choked out,


    "Thank you, Sister Wanshuang, for taking care of so much for me."


    Ning Wanshuang just smiled casually, "No need to mention it. I have something for you to see."


    She took a small booklet from the edge of the table and tossed it to Song Zhao from a distance.


    Song Zhao took it and flipped through it briefly. She saw that the booklet was actually an ount book, recording all the expenses for the children, their daily necessities, clothes, and other detailed expenditures.


    Song Zhao puzzled, "What is this...?"


    Ning Wanshuang said, "In all the years I have raised your daughter, a total of 735 taels and 3 qian of silver have been spent. Please repay me as soon as possible."


    As Song Zhao examined the ount book closely, she realized that each expense had a reason behind it.


    For example, when Ruo Xin learned to speak, Ning Wanshuang noted:


    [August 3rd, the first time she spoke, rewarded her with an embroidered bellyband, costing 12 taels of silver.]


    And when Ruo Xin learned to walk, Ning Wanshuang wrote:


    [At one year and three months old, she could stumble and walk. Although she''s clumsypared to Jin Yue, she still rewarded her with two pairs of Phoenix Feather and Northern Pearl shoes, costing 16 taels of silver.]


    And so on, the list goes on and on.


    She said with her mouth that she wanted Song Zhao to repay the debt, but in reality, she wanted to meticulously record every milestone of the child that Song Zhao missed,


    so that she could personally show them to Song Zhao in the future, providing her with somefort.


    Song Zhao understood Ning Wanshuang''s intention. The crooked and twisted words on the ount book were not pleasing to the eye, but they carried a warm andforting power. They seeped into her heart, causing her eyes to well up with tears.


    Ning Wanshuang couldn''t stand her melodrama and said coldly,


    "Don''t think that you can avoid repaying your debt to me by pretending to be wronged here."


    Song Zhao raised her eyebrows and, although tears couldn''t be held back, she smiled and said,


    "What I owe you, I''m afraid I won''t be able to repay in this lifetime."


    Ning Wanshuang said firmly, "Since you know you can''t repay, then live well and slowly repay it."


    As they were speaking, a wet nurse came in and reported,


    "Consort Yi, Princess San has arrived."


    Upon hearing this, Song Zhao''s heart trembled, and she quickly wiped away the tears from her cheeks.


    She turned around and saw a little person being led by a nanny, holding a toy drum, bouncing towards her.


    Song Zhao was filled with excitement, but she couldn''t show the slightest hint of it.


    She could only look at Ruo Xin indifferently, as if she was looking at apletely unrted stranger.


    And Ruo Xin, passing by her, took small, brisk steps and nestled into Ning Wanshuang''s embrace, sweetly saying:


    "Mother Consort, Mother Consort, look at the toy drum Chenghuan brother made for me."


    She spun the small drum, making a ''thump, thump'' sound.


    The sound entered Song Zhao''s ears and resonated infinitely, as if there was a small hammer striking her heart, leaving her inexplicably sour.


    Ning Wanshuang gently stroked Ruo Xin''s forehead, her eyes filled with love, soft like water.


    "Look at you, only concerned with ying, your face all dirty, like a little kitten."


    She took a silk handkerchief and wiped Ruo Xin''s cheeks, then gestured to the nanny, saying, "You don''t have anything to do here, you can leave."


    Song Zhao watched them, the harmonious interaction between mother and daughter, while she stood aside and became an outsider, inevitably feeling lost and mncholic.


    After the nanny left, Ruo Xin suddenly jumped down from Ning Wanshuang''s arms, taking small, hurried steps towards Song Zhao. With a serene smile, she revealed two faint dimples.


    "Mother?" she tilted her head, looking at Song Zhao with some confusion, as if confirming something.


    After a moment, before Song Zhao could recover, the little one took her hand and smiled even more.


    "You are Mother! Mother Consort! Mother has returned!"


    Song Zhao was shocked. She looked at Ruo Xin, then at Ning Wanshuang, stumbling over her words.


    "This... Ruo Xin and I have just met, why is she able to...?"


    Ning Wanshuang smiled. "Since she was able to remember things, I often showed her your portrait and told her that you are her biological mother who carried and gave birth to her. But due to unavoidable circumstances, we couldn''t keep her by our side."


    Her voice softened, and she beckoned to Ruo Xin.


    "Don''t you often praise the beautiful mother in the painting? Now that you''ve seen her, is she just as you imagined?"


    Ruo Xin nodded happily. "Mother is even more beautiful than in the painting."


    The warm words transformed the sourness in Song Zhao''s heart into sweet honey in an instant.


    She crouched down and embraced Ruo Xin, tears in her clear eyes.


    "Good child, let Mother give you a kiss."


    She pressed her cheek against Ruo Xin''s, feeling the child''s tender and smooth skin, just like when she used to embrace Cheng Yu.


    Speaking of Cheng Yu, he should be four years old now.


    Song Zhao missed him dearly, but she also knew very well that it would be difficult for them to meet again in this lifetime.


    But at least the child was still alive and well, and that brought her some peace of mind.


    Ruo Xin didn''t understand why Song Zhao was crying, but obediently wiped away the tears on her face with her little hand.


    "Why is Mother crying?"


    Song Zhao smiled. "Mother is happy in her heart."


    Ruo Xinughed along with her.


    Ning Wanshuang chuckled sarcastically. "Alright, you two shouldn''t linger here. Let''s sit down first."


    Song Zhao stood up, intending to hold Ruo Xin''s hand and sit together on the chair.


    But the little one quickly broke free from her grasp and shook the tambourine again, running into the arms of Ning Wanshuang.


    Song Zhao was momentarily stunned, but soon understood in her heart.


    Indeed, how much could such a young child understand?


    Naturally, she would be close to whoever raised her.


    She thought that if she forcibly took Ruo Xin back at this moment, it might also hurt the child''s feelings.


    So after careful consideration, she suppressed her reluctance and said to Ning Wanshuang:


    "Sister Wan, you know my current situation. If Ruo Xin stays with me, I''m afraid..."


    "You don''t have to say anything." Ning Wanshuang saw through Song Zhao''s thoughts at a nce and quickly interrupted her, her face full of pride:


    "You raise your own daughter. You''ve benefited from me all these years. Haven''t you benefited enough? Are you still expecting me to raise your daughter until she gets married? Tsk tsk... you''re quite the schemer."

 Chapter 347: Returning the Pearl 02

    <h4>Chapter 347</h4>


    Song Zhao and Ning Wanshuang exchanged words. Ruo Xin was too young to understand what the adults were talking about.


    She only vaguely felt that Ning Wanshuang seemed to want to send her away, so she became a little depressed.


    She blinked her bright eyes and pouted, asking Ning Wanshuang aggrievedly, "Mother, do you not want me anymore?"


    "Silly child, how could Mother not want you?" Ning Wanshuang gently pinched Ruo Xin''s cheeks, "Your mother''s Chang Le Pce is close to Mother''s Yonghe Pce. You cane to see Mother anytime and y with Chenghuan and Jin Yue. Haven''t you often told Mother that you think your mother is beautiful and that you like her very much?"


    However, such words were naturally useless for a child.


    Ruo Xin pouted silently, and her head drooped dispiritedly.


    At this moment, Yun Shan somehow took out an exquisitely made cloth doll.


    She waved the doll in front of Ruo Xin''s eyes, "Does the princess like it?"


    Ruo Xin''s eyes lit up as she nodded repeatedly, "Yes! I like it!"


    She took the cloth doll and held it, reluctant to let go.


    Yun Shan said, "Your mother''s pce also has many pretty cloth dolls like this. Going to the pce with your mother, you can y with different ones every day. How about that?"


    Children were indeed easy to coax.


    Hearing this, Ruo Xin''s thoughts visibly swayed.


    Moreover, Ning Wanshuang had long intended to return Ruo Xin to Song Zhao in the future. So ever since Ruo Xin was a child, even if she cried and made a fuss at night, Ning Wanshuang would let her sleep alone in a different bed.


    Therefore, although the child liked her, she was not particrly clingy.


    At this time, Ruo Xin clutched the cloth doll tightly and looked at Ning Wanshuang, asking in a low voice,


    "Then can I stille to see Motherter?"


    Ning Wanshuang smiled at her silliness. Song Zhao said gently,


    "Of course you can. Ruo Xin, whenever you want to see Mother, your mother can bring you to visit her."


    Ning Wanshuang also said, "Aren''t you always afraid to sleep alone at night? After going back with your mother, she can apany you to sleep every night and tell you many interesting stories."


    Hearing this, Ruo Xin didn''t hesitate at all. She nodded vigorously and said,


    "Okay! I''m willing to go back with Mother."


    Song Zhao smiled at Ning Wanshuang. Explicit gratitude would be too sentimental at this time. Just an exchange of nces conveyed everything.


    Later, Yun Shan took Ruo Xin to y nearby, while Song Zhao chatted with Ning Wanshuang.


    When Rongyue was mentioned, Ning Wanshuang rarely sighed,


    "It must be said that Imperial Concubine Shun has an extraordinary friendship with you. To get you out of the Cold Pce, she made the greatest sacrifice, ruthlessly cutting off her own future andpletely dashing her hopes of having children."


    Song Zhao knew Rongyue''s sincere feelings for her. She also understood that Rongyue''s actions were to fulfill her while also fulfilling herself.


    She said gratefully, "In this pce where human feelings are cold, I had no hope. Fortunately, I have Sister Wan and Sister Rong''s true feelings for me. Only then could I have my rebirth today. I, Song Zhao, will cherish this timely help in my direst need. I will engrave it on my heart and remember it forever."


    "It''s just putting oneself in another''s ce," Ning Wanshuang said inly. "How you treat others is how they will treat you."


    Then she smiled self-deprecatingly and shook her head bitterly, "It''s a pity that the Emperor cannot understand this simple truth."


    Her pained words made Song Zhao want tofort her, but just then, Ruo Xin pointed out the window and shouted, "Brother Chenghuan is back!"


    The two looked out the window and saw Chenghuan walking into the pce with his head drooping, going straight to his own room.


    Ning Wanshuang felt strange. "What''s wrong with the child today? Usually when hees back from the tutor''s he is happy and firstes to greet me. Why is he gloomy today, returning to his own room?"


    Sensing something wrong with the child, Song Zhao went with her to Chenghuan''s room to get to the bottom of it.


    Chenghuan was very sensible. Seeing theme, he first greeted Ning Wanshuang, then bowed respectfully to Song Zhao,


    "Greetings, Imperial Mother."


    Song Zhao smiled, "Chenghuan is very sensible. But Imperial Mother notices you don''t seem very happy today?"


    Chenghuan quickly shook his head, but his eyes and brows were full of worries.


    Ning Wanshuang had watched him grow up and had never seen him like this before. Anxiously, she kept asking what had happened.


    Chenghuan still didn''t answer. Only abruptly hid his arm behind his back.


    Ning Wanshuang sensed something amiss and quickly grabbed his arm, rolling up his sleeve to reveal a deep bruise on his forearm.


    She was extremely distressed. While gently blowing on Chenghuan''s wound, she asked, "What happened?"


    But Chenghuan said, "Noth...nothing. Your son identally bumped into something."


    "How could you just bump into something?"


    "Sister," Song Zhao pulled Ning Wanshuang and shook her head at her, signaling her not to ask further.


    Later, after the two had soothed Chenghuan''s emotions, they called in the wet nurse who took care of Chenghuan during his meal break.


    "What happened to Chenghuan today?" Song Zhao asked.


    The wet nurse said helplessly, "It''s all because I didn''t protect the young master well. Today was the Third Prince''s first day going to the tutor''s. Who knew when he saw the young master, he immediately called him a freak and threw rocks at him..."


    "How can this be allowed!" Ning Wanshuang angrily pped the table, unable to listen further.


    "Chenghuan is the Emperor''s eldest son and my child. How can she allow her son with a concubine''s rank to humiliate him like this?"


    She got up furiously, about to go reason with Consort Hui.


    But Song Zhao stopped her, "Sister, don''t go."


    She dismissed the wet nurse first, then said quietly to Ning Wanshuang,


    "Sister, if you go to Consort Hui, she will definitely apologize. But then what? You can''t hit her Chengjing. Children don''t know any better. In the future, he may still bully Chenghuan. Going to her will be useless."


    "What should we do then? Can we just let her son bully my son?"


    Song Zhao smiled and shook her head, seeming to imply something as she said,


    "Of course not. What I mean is, we need to find a way to make it so Chengjing can never bully Chenghuan again."


    That day, after Song Zhao brought Ruo Xin back to Chang Le Pce, she saw many butterflies gathered in the courtyard.


    Their fluttering wings were brightly colored, a rare beautiful sight in the summer.


    Ruo Xin was delighted to see them and went chasing butterflies with Yun Shan.


    Song Zhao nced around the pce and didn''t see the two pce maids, Chun Hua and Qiu Yue. So she asked Xiaofuzi,


    "Where are Chun Hua and Qiu Yue?"


    Xiaofuzi replied in a low voice, "Where else could they be? If they''re not in Chang Le Pce, they must have gone to Chaoyang Pce to report your circumstances to the Emperor. I really don''t understand, when you are already like this, what else does the Emperor suspect you of?"


    "He doesn''t suspect me." Song Zhao sneered coldly, "That''s just him feeling guilty."


    Xiaofuzi said, "But with these two spies always lurking, you have to be careful in everything you say and do. It''s really tiring. Why don''t... I find a way to get rid of them?"


    Just then, a pale blue butterflynded on Song Zhao''s clothes.


    She gently stroked the butterfly''s wings and said coldly with a sneer,


    "Do those about to die still need you to personally dispose of them?"

 Chapter 348: Butterfly Dance Peach Kill 01

    <h4>Chapter 348</h4>


    Yao Hua Pce.


    "Get out! All of you get out of here!"


    Consort Yao threw a huge tantrum in her bedchamber, driving out all the pce maids who were attending to her.


    She looked at herself in the mirror, at her badly swollen face, and felt both indignant and humiliated.


    Ultimately, the two ps from Yun Zhao were not what bothered Consort Yao the most. What she hated was the verbal humiliation from Song Zhao.


    Consort Yao looked at the lingering dark sores on her face, and recalled how Song Zhao had said it was rosacea. She remembered the barely suppressedughter on the pce maids'' faces, and felt even more stifled.


    "Ah!!"


    She grabbed the powder box like a madwoman and smashed it at the bronze mirror.


    As the bronze mirror shattered, a clear, bell-like female voice sounded from outside the door.


    "Sister, why are you throwing such a big tantrum?"


    Consort Yao suddenly turned back and saw that it was Consort Hui walking slowly into the room. Furious, she said,


    "Who allowed you toe in? Get out of here!"


    But contrary to expectations, Consort Hui not only did not leave, she even closed the door and shamelessly walked over to the yellow pearwood chair next to her and sat down.


    "I know my sister has been wronged today, so I came specially to see you."


    She took out an exquisite small box from her sleeve and handed it over.


    "This is a high quality healing ointment. If my sister uses it for a day or two, the red swollen palm prints on her face can be removed."


    "You..." Consort Yao was shocked, but she stroked her cheeks and pretended to be calm. "I don''t have any, I bumped into something by ident!"


    Consort Hui sighed and said sympathetically, "Sister, don''t say things like that. Chun Lan has already told me everything."


    "She told you?"


    Consort Yao nced at the pce maid following Consort Hui. She was short in stature and her looks were not particrly outstanding. She was inferior in every waypared to Chan Er who had previously served Consort Hui.


    She asked, "Why is it not Chan Er following you today?"


    Consort Hui''s eyes darkened sadly as she said, "Chan Er contracted a serious illness and has passed away. Chun Lan is a new pce maid dispatched by the Imperial Household Department. I saw that she was clever so I had her attend to me first."


    Consort Yao nced at Chun Lan and asked, "What did you see?"


    Consort Hui said, "Today is the first day Chengjing went to the Office of the Imperial Secretariat. I had Chun Lan send her off early. After sending off Chengjing, she passed by the Imperial Flower Garden and happened to see..."


    Consort Hui left her words hanging, and Consort Yao felt that she could not pretend any longer. Breathing heavily, she did not speak.


    After letting her calm down for a while, Consort Huiforted her,


    "Sister, don''t worry. I haven''t told anyone else about this. I came today tofort you. What Yun Zhao did was too much, but I believe this matter definitely has nothing to do with Song Zhao. Sister knows what kind of person Song Zhao is, she is not that kind of person..."


    "How do you know what kind of person she is? Are you a worm in her belly?" Consort Yao said resentfully, "Don''t pretend with me. Everyone in the pce knows that you and Song Zhao are close. Are youing to speak up for Song Zhao?"


    Consort Hui shook her head. "I am close with Song Zhao, but I also have many years of friendship with my sister. I naturally do not want to see misunderstandings and disharmony arise between you."


    Consort Yao had no intention of talking much with Consort Hui.


    But Consort Hui had now given birth to the Third Prince, and held the same consort rank as her. Consort Hui''s status was higher with a son.


    And after bing a mother, Consort Hui had matured a lot. When speaking with her, Consort Yao also had to consider propriety.


    So although she was unhappy in her heart, she still had to pretend on the surface.


    "I know you mean well."


    She epted the healing ointment from Consort Hui. Seeing the food box Chun Lan was holding, she asked, "What are you holding?"


    Consort Hui said, "It''s date paste cakes. Song Zhao used to love eating them. I just came back from her pce. Oh yes, sister doesn''t know yet right? Song Zhao has caught many butterflies and is keeping them in Chang Le Pce. It''s so beautiful!"


    Consort Yao was not interested in flowers or butterflies. She just saw that the food box was full, as if untouched.


    She found it strange and took the chance to sow discord,


    "You said you brought food for Imperial Consort Zhao, but looking at the full food box, it seems like she was unwilling to ept your kindness?"


    Consort Hui took the food box from Chun Lan and ced it on the table in front. She opened it, took out a date paste cake, ate one herself, and also handed one to Consort Yao.


    "Song Zhao used to love eating these date paste cakes, but I don''t know if it''s because of the amnesia, her tastes seem to have changed. She said she found them too sweet and they didn''t suit her pte. I thought since they were already made, it would be a waste not to eat them even if Song Zhao didn''t want them, so I brought them back."


    Consort Hui asked, "Sister, won''t you try some too?"


    Consort Yao ate two mouthfuls and said bitterly, "It''s admirable that you have such good intentions toward her, yet she does not appreciate it. If you had made these date paste cakes just for me, I would have been very grateful. Mindful of our sisterly affection, even if I didn''t like eating them, I would not have said it openly and hurt your feelings."


    Upon hearing this, Consort Hui''s expression fell for an instant. It took her a long time to say,


    "Then in the future I will also make some for my sister."


    Seeing her reaction, Consort Yao felt she had seeded in sowing discord. Feeling slightly smug, she also nodded and smiled at Consort Hui to show intimacy.


    She then heard Consort Hui say, "The things Song Zhao used to love eating the most, she doesn''t like anymore. This shows the amnesia has really greatly affected her. Sister, what do you think, with the amnesia, will Song Zhao no longer be allergic to peach blossoms?"


    "What are you talking about?" Consort Yaoughed at Consort Hui for being silly. "That allergy has been with her since birth, how could it be cured just because she has amnesia?"


    "Oh!" Consort Hui lightly pped the back of her own head and stuck out her tongue, "You''re right, I''m so silly. I can''t even understand something so simple."


    Seeing her like that, Consort Yao could not helpughing.


    But her casual words had also reminded Consort Yao of something.


    That day, after Consort Hui left, Consort Yao sat alone in the hall, lost in thought:


    There were butterflies flying in and out of Song Zhao''s pce. If the butterfly wings carried peach blossom pollen that drifted all over Song Zhao''s pce, wouldn''t her allergy re up again?


    Consort Yao knew the allergy would make rashes break out all over Song Zhao''s body and face.


    When she had first entered the harem, just a little contact with it had made her face rot.


    If she came into contact withrge amounts of peach blossom pollen this time, wouldn''t her peerlessly beautiful face bepletely ruined?


    The more Consort Yao thought about it, the more excited she became. Looking at her distorted reflection in the broken bronze mirror, her smile also gradually turned sinister as she muttered:


    "You cheap slut, how dare you mock me? Saying you really like the ''rosacea'' on my face too?"


    Boundless hatred shed in her eyes as she clenched her fist tightly.


    "Good! Since you like it, I will fulfill your wish!"

 Chapter 349: Butterfly Dance Peach Kill 02

    <h4>Chapter 349</h4>


    Kyoto had been raining for three days in a row, which killed the summer heat nicely.


    Taking advantage of the clear weather that day, Chang Le Pce also released all the butterflies kept in ss bottles.


    Xiao Jingheng valued Song Zhao greatly, so the flowers and nts supplied to Song Zhao¡¯s pce were the most abundant varieties.


    The garden of Chang Le Pce had be like a second Imperial Garden in the pce.


    This was also one of the reasons those butterflies lingered after entering Chang Le Pce.


    At the moment, Yun Shan and Chun Hua Qiu Yue were taking advantage of the nice weather to hang washed clothes to dry in a corner of the garden.


    They had just finished half of the work at hand when Xiao Fuzi ran over with a nk look, waving at Yun Shan mysteriously,


    ¡°Pss pss, Yun Shan,e here for a second.¡±


    Yun Shan nced at him without responding and continued hanging up clothes,


    ¡°What do you want? Just say it.¡±


    ¡°Ohe on, youe over!¡±


    Xiao Fuzi resorted to pulling and dragging Yun Shan when she didn''tply. He dragged her back to the dressing room and only let her go after closing the door.


    Yun Shan was a little annoyed, massaging her wrist unhappily, ¡°What¡¯s with all the mystery? Letting others see us tussling like this, what would they think?¡±


    Xiao Fuzi chuckled mischievously and suddenly pulled out a few flowers from his sleeve,


    ¡°Look what this is?¡±


    Yun Shan saw the flowers had light purple petals and a peculiar cone-shaped center like a pine cone, with a refreshing fragrance.


    She was not surprised at all, ¡°Why did you pick so many purple coneflowers and bring them back?¡±


    ¡°Shh! Keep it down!¡± Xiao Fuzi looked left and right stealthily before saying, ¡°Princess Ruo Xin lives in our pce now. She often misses Empress Chen. She goes to Yonghe Pce every day. Don¡¯t you think our Empress will be unhappy seeing this? So I thought of a way to keep the Princess here and make her miss Empress Chen less.¡±


    ¡°What?¡± Yun Shan joked, ¡°Just with these two flowers in your hand?¡±


    Xiao Fuzi said, ¡°Don''t underestimate these purple coneflowers. Their nectar is butterflies'' favorite. Doesn''t the Princess like butterflies? We can''t control where the butterflies fly. So I thought, if we soak our clothes in purple coneflower nectar, the butterflies will be attracted by the scent and flock here, right?¡±


    After listening, Yun Shan pondered briefly, ¡°Your idea is not bad. But these things cannot be on the young miss''s clothes.¡±


    ¡°You''re so dumb!¡± Xiao Fuzi lightly tapped Yun Shan¡¯s head with the flower bouquet, ¡°Who said anything about the young miss? We''ll soak our own clothes. When the butterflies swarm around us, the little miss will definitely be happy seeing them! She''ll be so happy ying that she might forget about going to Yonghe Pce.¡±


    He moved closer to Yun Shan and lowered his voice, ¡°Our Empress will be delighted then for sure. She won''t forget to reward us.¡±


    Yun Shan said, ¡°It sounds feasible when you put it that way. Then let''s hurry and pick more purple coneflowers to collect nectar to soak our clothes.¡±


    The next day.


    After paying her morning respects at Ning Wanshuang¡¯s Pce, Song Zhao returned to her pce with nothing to do. She took one of Xiao Jingheng''s military books left in her pce and started reading.


    While engrossed in reading, she suddenly heard Ruo Xin''s joyfulughtering from the garden,


    ¡°So beautiful! Sister Chun Hua, walk slower. I want the butterflies to chase me too!¡±


    Song Zhao looked out the window and saw swarms of butterflies dancing around Chun Hua and Qiu Yue as if they were flowers.


    Ruo Xin followed them happily, jumping and pping.


    Curious, Song Zhao went to the garden.


    Seeing her, Ruo Xin affectionately held her hand and smiled, ¡°Mother, look, isn''t it nice?¡±


    Song Zhao smiled and stroked the girl''s bangs, ¡°Nice. Mother has never seen anything like this before.¡±


    She asked Chun Hua and Qiu Yue, ¡°What clever method did you two think of that makes these butterflies fly around you?¡±


    Chun Hua said, ¡°Replying to Empress, we thought that butterflies like the scent of purple coneflowers. So we picked a lot of them and soaked our clothes in the nectar. The scent stuck to us, naturally attracting the butterflies.¡±


    Qiu Yue moved closer to Song Zhao and spoke softly, ¡°The Princess has been running to Yonghe Pce these days. I thought of this method to keep the Princess in our pce and reduce her intimacy with Empress Chen.¡±


    Song Zhao nodded frequently, seemingly very satisfied with their method. She asked Ruo Xin, ¡°Ruo Xin, do you like the butterflies? Are you having fun ying with Sister Chun Hua?¡±


    ¡°Yes, fun!¡± Ruo Xin nodded vigorously, smiling gleefully.


    Song Zhao then ordered Yun Shan, ¡°Chun Hua and Qiu Yue''s method is good, it also cheers up Ruo Xin. Go to my room and take some melon seeds to reward them.¡±


    Hearing this, Chun Hua and Qiu Yue hurriedly expressed gratitude. But Yun Shan pouted looking rather unhappy, muttering softly,


    ¡°But Xiao Fuzi and I were the ones who thought of this method first. They must have eavesdropped on us and then...¡±


    ¡°Sister Yun Shan, don''t falsely use people.¡± Chun Hua defended, ¡°Everyone knows butterflies like the scent of flowers and nectar. How does that mean we copied you?¡±


    Yun Shan sulked, ¡°Whether you eavesdropped or not, you know clearly in your heart. Hmph, copycat!¡±


    ¡°You...¡±


    ¡°Alright.¡±


    Seeing they were about to argue, Song Zhao immediately frowned and scolded, ¡°I''m still here. What are you arguing about?¡±


    Then she nced at Yun Shan, her tone heavier, ¡°And you, I''m just rewarding others some things, yet you''re so unhappy about it?¡±


    ¡°This servant did not...¡± Yun Shan lowered her head aggrievedly.


    But Song Zhao did not indulge her, ¡°If not, then quickly take the melon seeds to reward them, don''t stand there sulking for others to see.¡±


    ¡°Yes...¡±


    Seeing Yun Shan leave with red eyes, Chun Hua and Qiu Yue looked at each other, their eyes full of smugness.


    Song Zhao also spoke gently to them,


    ¡°It''s been hot recently, everyone is irritable. Yun Shan is not bad by nature. Don''t take offense at whatever she said.¡±


    As she spoke, seeing Ruo Xin ying happily with the butterflies, Song Zhao''s happy expression grew even more,


    ¡°Seeing the Princess like this, soak your clothes with nectar every day from now on. Keep the Princess happy, and I will richly reward you.¡±


    The two quickly rejoiced, ¡°Yes, we will surely live up to Empress''s expectations!¡±


    ¡¾Briefly going crazy, four updates today. Busy next month, so back to two updates normally. Will add more updates if time allows.¡¿

 Chapter 350: Butterfly Dance Peach Kill 03

    <h4>Chapter 350</h4>


    Song Zhao apanied Ruo Xin in the courtyard for a while.


    Xiao Fuzi rushed back from outside, holding arge jade bi carved with jadeite, and said to Song Zhao:


    "Your Highness, this is a gift from Consort Shun of Zhuixia Pce. The jade bi is engraved with the images of He and He, symbolizing harmony in the family and a blissful marriage. It carries extremely auspicious meanings."


    Song Zhao gently stroked the jade bi, smiling, "Consort Shun is considerate. I can''t recall her ever visiting me since my recovery. How were our rtions in the past?"


    Xiao Fuzi replied, "Consort Shun entered the pce a year after Your Highness. Although there wasn''t much interaction between you two on regr days, you were considered sisters."


    Song Zhao''s gaze remained fixed on the jade bi; it was evident she liked it.


    "If Consort Shun sends such a generous gift, I must personally express my gratitude. Put the jade bi down and apany me."


    Xiao Fuzi respectfully agreed. At the same time, Yun Shan emerged from the inner chambers, handed a few golden melon seeds to Chun Hua with an unwilling expression, then turned to Song Zhao:


    "I still have unfinished tasks; I''ll go and attend to them first."


    She left abruptly, seeming as if she had a disagreement with Song Zhao.


    Xiao Fuzi asked in a low voice, "Your Highness, what''s wrong with Yun Shan?"


    "Ignore her; let her be," replied Song Zhao, her tone not pleasant.


    Chun Hua took the opportunity to please, "Since Yun Shan has matters to attend to, let me apany Your Highness to Consort Shun''s ce?"


    Song Zhao smiled and shook her head, "Xiao Fuzi will apany me. Rarely do we see Ruo Xin so happy; you both stay and y with her in the pce."


    Upon entering Zhuixia Pce, Song Zhao found it quiet, with only Cai Ying busy in the courtyard.


    Presumably, Rongyue had anticipated her arrival, sending other pce maids away early for other tasks.


    Song Zhao didn''t let Cai Ying announce her presence and lifted the curtain to enter the inner chambers.


    "Sister."


    At that moment, Rongyue was lying on a warm seat, engaged in needlework. Hearing the movement, she looked up, a smile on her face.


    "You''re here. I know you like yangzhi gannuo, so I prepared it early."


    "Sister makes yangzhi gannuo that suits my taste; I''ve always missed it."


    Rongyue held Song Zhao''s hand, and they sat down side by side.


    "Now that I see you safe, it''s better than anything else. I was afraid I couldn''t help you..."


    She choked up after saying a few words, and a faint blush appeared in the corners of her eyes.


    Seeing her like this, Song Zhao also felt a pang of sadness.


    "Sister, you''ve nned for me so much, made such a sacrifice. To say you haven''t helped me is to make me feel ashamed."


    She carefully examined Rongyue''s expression and asked, "I heard you used that method to harm yourself. Are there any lingering diforts? So Zhang Imperial Physician can carefully treat you."


    Rongyue looked indifferent, smiling lightly and shaking her head, the feathers on her hairpin trembling slightly.


    "Everything''s fine. No need to worry. If I did that, it was a way of fulfilling myself. You don''t have to feel troubled about it."


    She obviously didn''t want to dwell on the events of that day, swiftly changing the subject, "How is she? Is Ruo Xin getting closer to you?"


    Song Zhao nodded, "Jie Jie often secretly shows Ruo Xin my portrait, so the child isn''t unfamiliar with me. But this maternal love of nearly three years, it''s something I owe her, filled in by Jie Jie on my behalf. To truly bring her closer to me will take some time."


    Rongyue said, "Noble Consort Chen treats Ruo Xin as her own, and Ruo Xin is quite sensible. If you spend more time with your daughter in the future, you two won''t grow apart."


    As they spoke, Song Zhao noticed a wrapped object on Rongyue''s desk, adorned with a golden silk knot, seemingly a gift.


    So he asked, "Is Jie Jie preparing a gift? I recall tomorrow is Consort Yao''s birthday."


    Rongyue chuckled softly, "She holds the title of consort after all, I must show her some respect. But considering her past closeness with you, when you encountered trouble, she was eager to see the Emperor execute you. Such malicious thoughts are no less than Consort Hui''s."


    She sighed deeply, then teased, "But she hasn''t had an easy time these years. Although the Emperor granted her the title of consort,pared to her former status as a concubine, she''s not as favored as before."


    Song Zhao didn''t express any resentment towards Consort Yao, only saying:


    "The Emperor''s favor towards me means I am destined to be a thorn in the eyes of the women in the harem. I should have anticipated this long ago."


    Rongyue said, "Do you really need to attend her birthday tomorrow? You''re a noble consort, you don''t need to give her that face."


    Song Zhao smiled, "I won''t attend in person, but courtesy still needs to be extended. So here I am, bringing the gift I intend to give her. But I''ll have to trouble Jie Jie to present it on my behalf."


    With that said, Xiao Fuzi ced a small wooden box, about the size of a palm, in front of Rongyue.


    "What is it?"


    Curious, Rongyue reached for the box to open it,


    But Song Zhao pressed her hand down, smiling and shaking his head,


    "This fine item is specifically for Consort Yao, Jie Jie needn''t open it."


    Rongyue suddenly understood, lowering her voice she asked, "Do you have a n?"


    Song Zhao smiled faintly, leaning in to whisper to Rongyue, sharing his thoughts in hushed tones.

 Chapter 351: Butterfly Dance Peach Kill 04

    <h4>Chapter 351</h4>


    In the Chao Yang Pce.


    Xiao Jingheng was reviewing memorials at his desk.


    Recently, the country had been peaceful and prosperous. The memorials from all over were mostly good news, which greatly delighted him.


    Just as he was putting a vermilion mark on thest memorial, Jiang Deshun crept in and said in a low voice:


    ¡°Your Majesty, it has been found.¡±


    Then he took out a token and respectfully presented it to Xiao Jingheng:


    "It was found behind the horizontal inscribed board in the Xian Shou Pce.¡±


    Xiao Jingheng took the token and nced at the engraved characters ¡®Tianji¡¯ on it. The corner of his lips curved up into an ominous smile.


    The Tianji Office had been established since the beginning of the dynasty. Its various departments were independent of each other. They cooperated with each other but did not interfere with each other. It was not under the jurisdiction of the imperial court. Only those who held the Tianji token could mobilize the Tianji Office.


    Throughout history, the Tianji token had always been kept by the empress dowager. Although the power of the Tianji Office could not contend with imperial power, it could still restrain the emperor to some extent¡ª to prevent an ipetent emperor from causing havoc, the empress dowager could use the power of the Tianji Office to restore order and make him mend his ways.


    Therefore, even for Xiao Jingheng whose power had reached its peak, he was still wary of the Tianji Office.


    At this moment, as he gripped the Tianji token tightly, his eyes gradually darkened.


    Jiang Deshun was very perceptive. He knew Xiao Jingheng had always been wary of the Tianji Office, so he asked:


    ¡°Now that Your Majesty has obtained the Tianji token, are you going to...¡±


    ¡°It is still very useful to me,¡± Xiao Jingheng said coldly with a sneer. ¡°It was wasted when it was in the hands of the empress dowager.¡±


    Jiang Deshun immediately understood that Xiao Jingheng intended to keep the Tianji token for himself and turn what used to be a threat to him into a bargaining chip to consolidate his imperial power.


    Although this went against ancestral precepts, as the Son of Heaven he made the rules. Moreover, Jiang Deshun always tried to curry favor with Xiao Jingheng. Naturally he would not admonish his lord, only saying:


    ¡°It seems to be time for the noon meal. Shall I summon the imperial trays?¡±


    Xiao Jingheng put the Tianji token into a hiddenpartment under his desk, then said with a smile:


    ¡°Did the imperial kitchen say they would send some squabs to the Chang Le Pce yesterday? I suddenly crave for them now.¡±


    Jiang Deshun understood. He quickly announced: ¡°His Majesty is going to the Chang Le Pce.¡±


    When Xiao Jingheng arrived, he saw colorful butterflies fluttering in the courtyard. Ruo Xin and Chunhua were chasing butterflies happily.


    Ruo Xin was having so much fun that her forehead was covered in sweat, but she did not seem tired at all.


    ¡°Sister Chunhua, lead the butterflies over here!¡±


    The child dashed about heedlessly and bumped right into Xiao Jingheng.


    She looked up at him and said sweetly with a smile:


    ¡°Father!¡±


    Xiao Jingheng wiped the sweat from her forehead affectionately and picked her up high.


    ¡°Come, let Father see if you have grown fatter.¡±


    He held her up high. Ruo Xin thought it was fun and giggled gleefully.


    Their merrymaking was seen by Song Zhao, who had juste out of the small kitchen.


    She smiled from afar and said: ¡°Ruo Xin loves to make trouble, you always indulge her, she is less and less like a princess now.¡±


    Xiao Jingheng alsoughed. ¡°Never mind, I like Ruo Xin¡¯s lively and cheerful character. If she was always dull like Jinghe, it would be too pitiful for a child.¡±


    Song Zhao walked up to them gracefully, took out a handkerchief from her waist, and carefully wiped away Ruo Xin¡¯s sweat. Then she called out:


    ¡°Yun Shan, take the princess to freshen up. It¡¯s time to dine.¡±


    After Yun Shan took Ruo Xin from Xiao Jingheng¡¯s arms, Song Zhao affectionately took his arm and leaned on him like a bird:


    ¡°You didn¡¯t let me know beforehand that you wereing. I haven¡¯t prepared much for our meal, don¡¯t be picky!¡±


    Xiao Jingheng stroked her slender shoulder and said with a mellowugh: ¡°As long as you are here, even if all we have is bran and vegetables, to me they would still taste like nectar.¡±


    During the family''s meal, Xiao Jingheng watched Ruo Xin, who was half-grown. She could already use chopsticks by herself and knew to share. Her favorite saut¨¦ed shrimp, she still picked up one piece each for him and Song Zhao with her chopsticks first, sweetly saying:


    ¡°Father and mother concubine should also eat.¡±


    Xiao Jingheng was very gratified. He patted the little one¡¯s head and asked:


    ¡°Do you like it here with your mother concubine?¡±


    Ruo Xin nodded obediently. ¡°Mother concubine treats me very well. Imperial Noble Consort also dotes on me a lot. Mother concubine often takes me to visit her. I y with Elder Brother Chenghuan and Sister Jin Yue.¡±


    Song Zhao smiled amusedly. ¡°You little naughty thing, bothering your siblings everyday.¡±


    Then she looked at Xiao Jingheng and shook her head in mock helplessness. ¡°With state affairs upying you, you might not know that the pce of the imperial noble consort has be a children¡¯s yground now. Princess Jinghe also goes there everyday. The children gather and have great fun.¡±


    Xiao Jingheng nodded again and again. ¡°It is good for siblings to get along harmoniously and be filial to their parents. My family happiness isplete.¡± He asked Ruo Xin:


    ¡°Do your elder siblings treat you well?¡±


    Ruo Xin said: ¡°Elder Brother and Sister dote on me very much.¡±


    Xiao Jingheng said: ¡°Then when you will be an elder sister in the future, you must also know how to dote on your younger brother.¡±


    ¡°Younger brother?¡± Ruo Xin smacked her lips in puzzlement and looked at Song Zhao. ¡°Mother concubine, do I also have a younger brother? Howe I¡¯ve never seen him...¡±


    An innocent remark from a child, yet it made both Xiao Jingheng and Song Zhao freeze.


    Song Zhao quickly smoothed things over: ¡°Of course you have a younger brother. Consort Hui¡¯s son is your third brother Chengjing.¡±


    Xiao Jingheng watched as Ruo Xin still looked puzzled when she heard the name Chengjing. His face sank.


    ¡°How is it that Consort Hui also does not bring Chengjing to y with the children?¡±


    Song Zhao smiled lightly. ¡°The weather has been hottely. Consort Hui also dotes on Chengjing, so they don¡¯t go out much.¡±


    Xiao Jingheng put down his chopsticks, obviously displeased. ¡°Children are at an impressionable age now. Ruo Xin is almost three and still doesn¡¯t know she has a brother. This is uneptable. Consort Hui is really thoughtless.¡±


    Then he hid his anger and said gently to Ruo Xin with a smile: ¡°I¡¯ll have your brothere y with you tomorrow, alright?¡±


    Ruo Xin blinked her round eyes, full of anticipation as she nodded.


    ¡°Okay! Then I can be an elder sister too. Hehe.¡±

 Chapter 352: Butterfly Dance Peach Kill 05

    <h4>Chapter 352</h4>


    The next day.


    Today was the monthly rest day for the rear pce concubines, so they did not need to go to Noble Consort Chen''s morning and evening audiences.


    Although it was leisure time, Consort Hui was not at ease at all.


    At that time, she was changing clothes for Chengjing. Chengjing rubbed his sleepy eyes and pouted, unhappily saying:


    "Mother consort, I don''t need to go to the study room of the Secretariat today, why do I still have to get up early..."


    Consort Hui said: "Your father emperor asked your mother to take you to y with Ruo Xin sister at Chang Le Pce. Go wash your face to wake yourself up, don''t go there and make peopleugh."


    After the pce maid took Chengjing away to wash up, Chun Lan said in a low voice to Consort Hui:


    "Is Mother really going? Haven''t you always avoided Concubine Yi and didn''t want to go to her pce?"


    Of course Consort Hui didn''t want to go.


    She had instructed Concubine Yao to harm Song Zhao with peach blossom powder, so of course she wanted to stay far away to watch the excitement. She was also afraid that if she went, it would cause troubleter and she would also arouse suspicion.


    But now that Xiao Jingfeng had told her to go, what could she do?


    Hearing her helpless tone: "Didn''t you see the emperor''s attitude towards me yesterday? If I don''t go, I''m afraid he will be even more annoyed."


    As she was talking, a pce maid came in and started making Consort Hui''s bed.


    Chun Lan stared at her unblinkingly, and as soon as the pce maid finished tidying the bed and withdrew, she flipped the bedding open again, examined it carefully, then tidied it up again.


    Consort Hui saw this in her eyes and said, "You really pay attention to everything."


    Chun Lan said, "No matter who serves Mother Consort in this pce, I can''t feel at ease. Especially when ites to personal matters, there can be no carelessness."


    Consort Hui nodded reassuringly, "My master arranged for you to enter the pce, so from now on I will have someone I can trust."


    Chun Lan''s expression became solemn, emphasizing her words: "Mother Consort, rest assured, I will definitely take good care of you and assist my master with you to aplish great things."


    Later, Consort Hui took Chengjing to Chang Le Pce.


    As soon as they entered, Chengjing''s eyes were attracted by the butterflies filling the courtyard.


    He mored to catch butterflies and y, but Consort Hui sternly scolded him, forcibly pulling him into the inner hall to greet Song Zhao.


    "Sister Song~"


    Song Zhao had been reading, and when she saw Consort Huie, she quickly closed her book roll and intimately came forward.


    She held Consort Hui''s hand with one hand, and touched Chengjing''s cheek with the other,


    "This is Chengjing, right? Very handsome."


    However, Chengjing did not appreciate this.


    Somehow the little thing had such a big temper, and pped Song Zhao''s hand away. He did not greet her at all, only kept moring with Consort Hui,


    "I want to y with butterflies! I want to y with butterflies!"


    "You cannot go!" Consort Hui sternly scolded: "You didn''t even greet Mother Consort Song and you still want to y with butterflies? Have youpletely forgotten the etiquette I taught you?"


    Chengjing stopped after the scolding and reluctantly said to Song Zhao:


    "Greetings, Mother Consort Song."


    Although it was a greeting, he neither bowed nor looked at her, just like he was perfunctorily going through the motions.


    Song Zhao did not fuss over him and still smiled: "Younger sister, pleasee sit."


    After they were seated, Xiao Fuzi brought Ruo Xin''s toys for Chengjing to y with.


    However, Chengjing picked up and tossed down one thing after another and still pouted at Consort Hui.


    Consort Hui was unable to coax him down, so she had to turn and ask Song Zhao: "Where is Third Princess?"


    For a moment, the grief in Song Zhao''s eyes overflowed and she shook her head helplessly, sighing: "Noble Consort Chen took her away again."


    Consort Hui discontentedly said: "She already has her own children, why must she snatch your daughter every day?"


    Song Zhao bitterly smiled and said: "Ruo Xin is closer to her as well, so I can''t force the child too much."


    She then changed the subject, her eyes full of maternal love looking at Chengjing,


    "I really can''tpare with you younger sister. Chengjing is so intimate with you."


    Song Zhao picked up a piece of milk crumb candy that was on the table and smilingly handed it to Chengjing.


    Unexpectedly Chengjing waved his hand and pped the milk crumb candy onto Song Zhao''s elegant robes, dropping smears on the fine fabric.


    He stared greedily out the window. He saw Chun Hua and Qiu Yue trimming flowers and branches in the courtyard, withrge groups of butterflies dancing around them, and he became even more difficult to control.


    "I want to y with butterflies! Let me go y with them!"


    Consort Hui sternly said, "You naughty child! Why don''t you listen?"


    She then said to Song Zhao: "Sister Song, look at him, this... s..."


    Song Zhao gently advised: "Also don''t be too harsh on the child, he''s younger than Ruo Xin. He''s at an age where he likes to y around. The sun isn''t too intense now, just let the child y if he wants to."


    Of course Consort Hui didn''t want Chengjing to leave her sight.


    She was afraid that if Concubine Yao really gave Song Zhao the peach blossom powder in the future, the matter would implicate her and her son.


    But at this point Chengjing was really making a fuss, and Consort Hui was at a loss. She had to say reluctantly:


    "Then go ahead, y in a shaded area, don''t get sunburnt. Chun Lan, follow along with him."


    Chengjing got his way and happily let Chun Lan lead him to the courtyard.


    Consort Hui watched his skipping figure with increasing helplessness:


    "Boys really are naughty. I really can''t do anything." She then said to Song Zhao, "You used to have a...."


    She stopped mid-sentence, her actions showing distinct embarrassment as she lifted her teacup and took a sip.


    Song Zhao curiously asked: "What did younger sister wanted to say? I used to have what?"


    Consort Hui awkwardly waved her hand. "Nothing, nothing. I was just talking randomly, don''t mind me Sister Song."


    "Ah!!!"


    Suddenly, several sharp piercing screams came from the courtyard, startling Consort Hui and Song Zhao.


    The two quickly looked towards the courtyard.


    They saw Chun Hua and Qiu Yue were inexplicably lying on the ground with their eyes wide open in horror. ck blood flowed from all their orifices. Still motionless, evidently they were dead...


    The butterflies in the courtyard were crazily whirling around Chun Lan and Chengjing.


    Chun Lan held Chengjing in her arms, continuously waving her hands to chase the butterflies away.


    But they saw that just as Chun Lan and Chengjing came into Consort Hui and Song Zhao''s view, the two had also copsed to the ground, motionless.


    Consort Hui lost her courage and frightfully screamed:


    "Chengjing! My son!"


    Then she rushed out not caring about her own safety in her panic.

 Chapter 353: Butterfly Dance Peach Kill 06

    <h4>Chapter 353</h4>


    Consort Hui was deeply concerned, almost rushing out of the door as if to seize the moment. However, the moment she stepped out of the inner chamber''s door and stood in the corridor, her steps came to a sudden halt.


    She gazed at the butterflies dancing in the sky, trying to steady her thoughts:


    Consort Yao, that foolish woman, might have added some poison to the peach blossom pollen. It seemed she harbored a genuine desire to harm Chengjing, the son of Song Zhao. If that were the case, the powder clinging to the wings of these butterflies could prove fatal to anyone inhaling it, causing a demise simr to bleeding from all seven orifices, just like spring flowers and autumn moons.


    Upon closer inspection, she observed that although Chengjing had also fainted, thankfully, Chun Lan had protected him, with her sleeve covering Chengjing''s nose and mouth. There seemed to be a glimmer of hope.


    Consort Hui took two steps back and shouted at the guards standing anxiously outside the door:


    "You! Cover your nose and mouth, then bring Chengjing to me!"


    Song Zhao also hurriedly caught up, standing beside Consort Hui in anxious astonishment, asking, "What... what is happening?"


    Consort Hui, at this moment, didn''t even spare a nce for Song Zhao. She red at the hesitant guards at the pce gate, growing irritated:


    "Can''t you hear what I''m saying? If you continue to dawdle, I will report to the Emperor and have your heads chopped off!"


    Under her coercion, the guards reluctantly covered their noses and mouths, bravely ran into the courtyard, and brought Chengjing from Chun Lan''s embrace. They hurriedly ced him on the warm bed inside.


    "Chengjing! My son!"


    Consort Hui rushed forward, observing Chengjing''s face turning blue, limbs convulsing uncontrobly, and his breath extremely weak. She shook him vigorously, yelling loudly:


    "Son, hold on! Mother won''t let anything happen to you! Go, fetch the Emperor, summon the imperial physician!"


    Song Zhao, unexpectedly faced with this situation, was also deeply frightened. Sheforted Consort Hui with a trembling voice, patting her chest:


    "Sister, don''t panic. Chengjing is the Emperor''s son, blessed by heaven. He will be fine. But why would such a cmity ur for no apparent reason..."


    The inner chamber was sealed shut, preventing the frenzied butterflies from flying in. However, this measure seemed unnecessary since those butterflies pped their wings a few times before falling lifeless to the ground, motionless.


    Xiao Fuzi, resourceful and courageous, organized the pce attendants to cover their noses and mouths. They gathered the lifeless bodies of the butterflies and covered them with a ck cloth.


    One pce maid suggested, "Fuzi, the deaths of Chun Hua and Qiu Yue were gruesome. These butterflies seem poisonous. Shouldn''t we burn them all to prevent further trouble?"


    Xiao Fuzi sternly rejected the idea, "Burning is not an option. These butterflies are raised in Chang Le Pce. If the Emperor investigates, and we burn them, it will onlyplicate matters. Let''s cover them with the ck cloth for now. Once the Emperor arrives, we''ll follow his decree on how to deal with this."


    After about two quarters of an hour, Xiao Jingheng and Judge Guo arrived one after another. The apanying imperial physician examined the lifeless bodies of Chun Hua, Qiu Yue, and Chun Lan in the courtyard.


    All three had sumbed, their orifices bleeding, skin turning blue, and tongues ck¡ªa clear sign of poisoning.


    Chengjing was only saved because Chun Lan risked her life to protect him when the incident urred. Fortunately, his poisoning wasn''t severe, and he still had a breath left.


    Xiao Jingheng immediately led a group of imperial physicians inside to treat him.


    Meanwhile, in the main hall, Consort Hui was already in tears.


    "Your Majesty! If anything happens to Chengjing, then this humble servant will go with him!"


    The sudden crisis had everyone on edge, including Xiao Jingheng, who did his best to console Consort Hui.


    "The physicians are here, Chengjing will be fine."


    He nced at Song Zhao, who stood nearby with a pale face, clearly shaken by the events.


    "Zhao''er? Don''t be afraid, I''m here."


    Song Zhao regained herposure and said sorrowfully,


    "Xiao Lang... How could this happen? Just a moment ago, Spring Flower and the others were ying happily with Chengjing in the courtyard. How did everything change in the blink of an eye?"


    As she finished speaking, Xiao Fuzi hurriedly entered and reported to Xiao Jingheng,


    "Your Majesty, today''s danger seems to have originated from the butterflies in the courtyard. The apanying physicians have examined them and found traces of a potent poison called Wudu Powder on a few of their wings. Once inhaled, this substance leads to swift death!"


    It was evident that someone had maliciously attempted to harm others.


    In the past three years, such sinister incidents hadn''t urred in the pce. Xiao Jingheng had believed that under his governance, the murky waters had gradually cleared, and the hidden currents beneath the surface had been stemmed. But after a brief lull, a more intense wave emerged!


    His expression darkened, and Consort Hui cried out,


    "Your Majesty! Someone intentionally wants to harm Chengjing, this humble servant!"


    Song Zhao also covered her face in sorrow,


    "Chengjing is not yet three years old, such a lovely child, who could bear to harm him like this?"


    As a mother herself, she empathized with Consort Hui''s grief.


    She embraced Consort Hui''s shoulders, tears welling in her eyes as she said,


    "Sister, don''t worry, Chengjing is a blessed child, he will ovee this misfortune. It was your quick thinking that immediately suspected the butterflies after the incident, and you resisted the urge to rush out to save Chengjing. Otherwise, if you had acted impulsively, you might not have escaped unscathed..."


    Upon hearing Song Zhao''s words, Xiao Jingheng''s gaze briefly fell on Consort Hui, with a hint of suspicion in his eyes.


    Xiao Fuzi added with concern,


    "Fortunately, Consort Guifei took Ruo Xin Princess away today. Otherwise, when the incident happened, it would have been you apanying the princess in the courtyard."


    Song Zhao was struck by a realization, and she copsed onto a nearby warm seat, looking at Xiao Jingheng in shock and fear,


    "Xiao Lang... someone wants to harm me?"


    Her shattered gaze tore at Xiao Jingheng''s heart.


    He quickly stepped forward, taking Song Zhao''s hand to reassure her,


    "Don''t worry, with me here, I''d like to see who dares to hurt you!"


    Song Zhao couldn''t hold back her tears, not for her own situation but for the sight of the closed door to the inner chamber.


    "I, the humble concubine, could endure any misfortune that befalls me, but Chengjing is still so young. He must not face any harm... If anything were to happen to Chengjing in my pce, it would be a fault that I could never rectify in the remaining years of my life."


    Though she spoke in this manner, when one delves deeper, what fault did Song Zhao trulymit?


    It was Xiao Jingheng who insisted that Consort Hui bring Chengjing to Chang Le Pce. Song Zhao never mentioned this matter from beginning to end.


    If there is anyone feeling uneasy, anyone burdened with self-me, it should be Xiao Jingheng.


    How could Xiao Jingheng allow such a malicious incident to happen under his roof?


    Therefore, he promptly issued a decree,manding the eunuch with the imperial seal to thoroughly investigate the six pces.


    After about half an hour, Guo Yuan, the pce judge, emerged from the inner chambers and reported on Chengjing''s condition.


    "Reporting to the Emperor, this humble official has done his utmost to purge the remaining poison from the Third Prince''s body. Though notpletely removed, it will not endanger his life at present."


    "Chengjing!" Consort Hui, anxious to see her son, rushed into the inner chambers without waiting for Guo Yuan to finish.


    Xiao Jingheng had intended to follow, but seeing Guo Yuan''s troubled expression, he felt a sense of unease. He spoke in a deep voice, questioning,


    "If everything is well, why do you wear such a grim expression? Is there something being concealed?"


    Guo Yuan was greatly rmed, immediately kneeling andmenting,


    "This humble official dare not conceal anything. While the Third Prince''s life is preserved, the poisoned blood has affected his spinal cord. It may hinder his ability to stand and walk again in the future..."

 Chapter 354: Butterfly Dance Peach Kill 07

    <h4>Chapter 354</h4>


    Guo Imperial Physician said this already in a very restrained manner. This life he would no longer be able to stand up again. To put it bluntly, he would be paralyzed from now on, spending all day in bed, taking care of eating, drinking, urinating and defecating all within that three inches of space.


    Xiao Jingheng was saddened in his heart and did not speak for a long time.


    Song Zhao cried even more sadly.


    She leaned on Xiao Jingheng''s shoulder and wept in despair,


    "Xiao Lang! This poisoner had malicious intent. If what Xiao Fuzi said was true, then that person was targeting concubine and Ruo Xing. Concubine really does not know who concubine had offended in the past that someone wanted to plot against concubine like this..."


    As she was crying andining, Xiao Yinzi hurried into the hall again,


    "Reporting to Your Majesty, your servant by decree searched the six pces, and in Consort Yao''s pce...found this."


    He offered up a coarse wooden box the size of a palm.


    Seeing Xiao Jingheng about to open this thing, he quickly said:


    "Your Majesty! There may be something odd about this object. It''s best to let Guo Imperial Physician examine it first."


    With a look from Xiao Jingheng, Guo Imperial Physician strode forward to take the coarse wooden box, and very cautiously opened it.


    But he only took one look at the powder presented inside, without needing any detailed examination or testing, he immediately dered:


    "Your Majesty! This is Five Poisons Powder!"


    "Outrageous!" Xiao Jingheng''s brows and eyes twisted up as he sternly said, "Where in Yao Hua Pce was this filthy stuff found?"


    Xiao Yinzi stuttered in reply, "It was... it was in Consort Yao''s inner chambers..."


    Xiao Jingheng''s face grew even greener, "Summon her!"


    Xiao Yinzi quickly said, "Seeing this object taken out from her inner chambers, Consort Yao was also shocked herself. Consort said she did not know about this matter and hurried to say that she wanted toe with your servant to exin in person to Your Majesty. She is waiting outside the hall now."


    Xiao Jingheng''s face was frosty as he angrily shouted, "Bring her in!"


    No sooner had Consort Yao entered than she heard the desperate weeping of Consort Huiing from the inner chambers,


    "My son is not yet three years old. How can you tell concubine that he will be bedridden for life, unable to get up and walk like an ordinary person? Concubine does not believe it!"


    That voice was so miserable it was like a cat that couldn''t endure the spring night, sending chills down people''s spines.


    Together with that voice, Consort Yao knelt before Xiao Jingheng with a face full of horror, bitterly pleading:


    "Your Majesty, I have nothing to do with this matter. I do not know who secretly put this wooden box in concubine''s pce!"


    Xiao Jingheng red at her with bulging eyes, the veins on his forehead violently throbbing.


    Perhaps it was also because he had doubts in his heart that he did not scold Consort Yao, but let her continue speaking.


    Consort Yao took a breath and said again, "On the asion of concubine''s recent birthday, many consorts hade to concubine''s pce to congratte concubine. Perhaps someone took the chance to ce this object in concubine''s pce, it''s hard to know!"


    She leaned forward and grabbed Xiao Jingheng''s dragon robe hem. Whether it was grievance or fear, tears glistened and flowed in her reddened eyes.


    "Concubine is really wronged! Your Majesty, think carefully. If concubine had done this, concubine should have disposed of these filthy things early on. How could concubine foolishly keep them and wait for someone toe and search the pce?"


    She defended herself to this point, and her reasoning was quite clear and precise, grasping the ws in this matter.


    At the same time, Consort Hui also walked out of the inner chambers dejectedly.


    She did not me Consort Yao, but instead spoke up for her,


    "Your Majesty, concubine also feels that this matter is quite suspicious. The imperial physician said the toxicity of Five Poisons Powder is intense and takes effect quickly, so those butterflies with the Five Poisons Powder on their wings couldn''t flutter for long before they all died.


    But Consort Yao did not go to Chang Le Pce today either, so if those butterflies flew out from Yao Hua Pce, they would have fallen midway and the scattered Five Poisons Powder would have already hurt the pce maids. How could it just take effect when it reached Sister Song''s pce?"


    Wiping away her tears, Consort Hui looked back at Song Zhao, and found leisure in her grief to show concern for her,


    "Sister Song, I''m afraid this matter was done by someone in your pce, so that the poisoned butterflies would only fly around in your pce. Sister, think carefully, have you offended anyone?"


    With a few simple words, Consort Hui directed all suspicion at Song Zhao.


    Indeed, the incident urred in Song Zhao''s pce, but Song Zhao was unharmed. The dead butterflies and maids were not close personal servants to her.


    It was Chengjing who nearly lost his life because of this.


    With some spection, it was reasonable to say that someone was targeting Song Zhao, and it was also not farfetched to say that Song Zhao deliberately tried to harm Consort Hui''s only son.


    It had to be said that Consort Hui had been by Xiao Jingheng''s side for a long time, and she really knew how to take advantage of his suspicious mind as the emperor.


    At this moment, the gaze Xiao Jingheng cast on Song Zhao already contained some doubts in addition to his original concern.


    Song Zhao waspletely astonished and did not answer, only asking in return,


    "Someone in my pce did it?"


    She looked around, the rm in her eyes growing,


    "But I haven''t offended anyone either..."


    At this point, Zhang Imperial Physician suddenly said,


    "Your Majesty, Five Poisons Powder should not be seen in the pce. In order to use this substance to harm people, the item must have been purchased from outside the pce and brought back."


    Reminded by him, Guo Imperial Physician also said,


    "What Zhang Imperial Physician said is very true. Moreover, Five Poisons Powder itself can also be used as a poison to fight poison, but because the toxicity is fierce and there are few conditions that can be cured by taking the right dosage, there are not many dealers selling this item in the capital. Your Majesty can bring them in one by one for careful interrogation, perhaps some clues may emerge."


    Thus, Xiao Jingheng temporarily dismissed his suspicions and had Jiang Deshun personally lead people out of the pce to handle this matter.


    The majesty of the Son of Heaven was undiminished, and the people serving before him did not dare to be negligent. By that night, Jiang Deshun had already captured all the dealers selling Five Poisons Powder in the capital and brought them back.


    Among them, only one dealer had recently sold Five Poisons Powder. Based on his ount, the painter from Ruyi Gallery drew a portrait of the person who bought it.


    Comparing the portrait, the Imperial Household Department identified the person in the painting as the inner eunuch in charge of purchasing from outside the pce, Xiao Yaozi.


    That night, Xiao Yaozi was detained in the Interrogation Bureau for harsh torture, in order to forcibly extract a confession from him.


    The next day, when the consorts went to pay respects to Empress Dowager Chen, Xiao Jingheng also came.


    He had Xiao Yaozi brought into the hall and asked him to identify who had ordered him to purchase the Five Poisons Powder from outside the pce.


    This Xiao Yaozi had already been beaten to a bloody pulp, with only half his life remaining.


    But as soon as he entered, he used his bloody hand to tremblingly point to Cai Ying, who was serving Rongyue, and said weakly,


    "Your Majesty... it was her who ordered your servant to buy back the Five Poisons Powder from outside the pce..."


    As soon as he finished speaking, the hall was in an uproar.


    Everyone turned their gaze to Rongyue.


    Even Song Zhao looked at her in disbelief and asked in a trembling voice,


    "I have no grudge against you, why did you want to harm me like this?"

 Chapter 355: Butterfly Dance Peach Kill 08

    <h4>Chapter 355</h4>


    The sounds of whispering in the hall was like the sound of wind rustling leaves outside the window,


    Although it was not loud, it was exceptionally clear, making one''s heart uneasy.


    Facing the sudden usations, Rongyue still didn''t know what had happened. She stared nkly at Xiao Yaozi,


    "What are you talking about?"


    Xiao Yaozi didn''t change his words at all, and pointed at Cai Ying even more firmly,


    "It''s her! I won''t make a mistake!"


    Cai Ying was shocked and turned pale. She knelt down in fear, ¡°Your Highness, I have never seen him before!"


    Consort Hui sobbed silently, pleading with Xiao Jingheng to give Chengjing justice.


    Consort Yun fanned the mes, "Concubine Shun, why did you do such a thing?"


    Consort Yao''s face also turned pale again and again. She was silent for a moment, and suddenly seemed to have thought of something. She pointed at Rongyue and questioned,


    "That day when you came to celebrate my birthday, you were sneaking around suspiciously in my room. That wooden box containing the five poisons must have been left by you in my room at that time! Concubine Shun, I have always been close to you, why do you want to frame me like this?¡±


    Ning Wanshuangzily stroked her bun and said lightly, "Concubine Shun, now that things havee to this, won''t you confess?"


    Facing so many usations and charges, Rongyue was at a loss for words.


    She clenched her fists tightly, her fingertips digging into her flesh but she didn''t feel the pain. "I didn''t do it, what is there to confess?"


    Xiao Jingheng had been frowning and silent at first, intending to give Rongyue a chance to defend herself.


    But Rongyue was vague and didn''t rify her involvement, he endured for a while before finally asking solemnly,


    "Was it you?"


    Rongyue looked up in surprise and collided with Xiao Jingheng''s sword-like gaze.


    "Your Majesty? Do you think I would do such a thing? With my damaged body, I have no hope of ever conceiving again. Whether it is Consort Yi or the Third Prince, I have no reason to harm them!"


    As usual, Concubine Li murmured, "Jealousy can breed hatred, isn''t that reason enough?"


    Li Changzai also said, "That''s right. Previously when Consort Yi was ill, His Majesty was quite fond of Concubine Shun. But seeing that Consort Yi recovered, His Majesty hasn''t flipped your name que even once after that. You must have felt jealous and unwilling in your heart, and made a mistake in the moment."


    With Xiao Yaozi''s testimony, not a single concubine in the hall believed Rongyue.


    The blood drained from her face little by little, and after a brief stunned moment, she didn''t answer anyone, but looked at Xiao Yaozi and asked,


    "Are you sure you didn''t see wrongly? It was Cai Ying who asked you to buy the five poisons?"


    Xiao Yaozi said firmly and solemnly, "I won''t be wrong!"


    After taking a careful look around the hall, Rongyue seemed to have made up her mind.


    Her voice became colder and colder, and she questioned sharply,


    "But I really didn''t do this. Cai Ying is my personal servant girl, and I believe she wouldn¡¯t randomly buy those dirty things for no reason.


    Now you are just babbling groundlessly without any real evidence. You readily admitted everything after just a few whips and beats. It¡¯s hard for anyone to fully believe you. Let me ask you, are you willing to undergo extreme torture again to prove that your words are not false?"


    Xiao Yaozi was stunned for a while, and quickly said, "This servant''s words are absolutely true without any falsehood. No matter what extreme torture, this servant will not change his words!"


    Hearing this, Rongyue was actually amused.


    She looked at Xiao Jingheng and shook her head with a wry smile, "Your Majesty, all people want to live. Even if wanting death, they hope for a quick and painless one. But this servant is strange, he has already been beaten, yet is still willing to be tortured again to use me. He is quite righteous. But I find it strange, if he is really so principled, how could he have privately consorted with pce maids?"


    Xiao Jingheng red fiercely at Xiao Yaozi. Xiao Yaozi''s face paled, and just as he was about to exin something,


    Rongyue preempted him and continued asking, "Don''t you still have family?"


    Fright appeared in Xiao Yaozi''s eyes. He stuttered, "I still have parents, younger siblings..."


    "Very good." Hearing this, Rongyue had an idea.


    Her expression was as cold as midwinter frost, and she pressed him relentlessly with her words,


    "Since you said you were the one who gave the five poisons to Cai Ying, then you privately consorted with her, which is a grave crime in the pce. Moreover, what you gave to Cai Ying was poison, yet you bought and gave it to her without asking anything, leading to the Third Prince being paralyzed from the waist down today, and Consort Yi nearly dying. You are an aplice in this, and cannot escape me."


    Then she turned and knelt upright before Xiao Jingheng, "Your Majesty, I have no defenses for this matter. If Your Majesty believes this matter was really done by me, then determine my crimes immediately.


    But before that, I hope Your Majesty can bring Xiao Yaozi''s family into the pce, and execute them in front of him, to uphold justice in the inner pce! After that I will ept my punishment, whether it is to kill or maim, it is up to Consort Yi and Consort Hui to decide."


    Rongyue''s expression was fearless and resolute, but Xiao Yaozi was so frightened he could barely stand steadily.


    "I alone did the deed, I alone will bear the consequences! My family has nothing to do with this!"


    Seeing Xiao Yaozi''s strangeness, Xiao Jingheng deliberately went along with Rongyue''s words, "Do as Concubine Shun says."


    Xiao Yaozi knocked his forehead on the ground in fright again and again, begging Xiao Jingheng to show mercy to his family.


    Consort Ying pressed her handkerchief to the powder on the tip of her nose, and said deeply,


    "Won''t you tell the truth yet? Confess everything honestly, and perhaps His Majesty may still be willing to show grace and spare your family''s lives."


    Hearing this, Xiao Yaozi wailed loudly, his psychological defensespletely copsed, and he told Xiao Jingheng with tears streaming down his face,


    "Begging Your Majesty to spare my family''s lives. This servant was forced and had no choice..."


    He suddenly raised his tear-streaked face and red fiercely at Consort Yao, gritting his teeth and saying,


    "It was all on Consort Yao''s orders! She captured my parents and younger siblings, forcing me to frame Concubine Shun before Your Majesty! In fact, the person who asked me to buy the five poisons was one of the pce maids by her side! But my rtives are all in her hands, so I had no choice but to obey her orders!"


    He almost roared as he used Consort Yao.


    Having said that, he kowtowed again and again to Xiao Jingheng, "This servant knows he was wrong, and does not fear death! But my family knew nothing! I was forced, so please show mercy, Your Majesty! Save my family!"


    Faced with Xiao Yaozi''s sudden turnaround, Consort Yao was so frightened that she lost all color.


    She nearly copsed to the ground, and had to be supported by pce maids to barely stand. Pointing at Xiao Yaozi, she scolded sharply,


    "What nonsense are you talking about!? When did I ever order you to do these things? You..."


    ''Bang!''


    The crisp sound of shattering porcin abruptly cut off Consort Yao''s words.


    At the head seat, Xiao Jingheng was filled with anger.


    He was obviously weary of listening to these messy affairs, and suddenly flung the vase in his hand to the ground.


    The consorts were all frightened and knelt down, saying in unison,


    "Your Majesty, calm your anger!"

 Chapter 356: Butterfly Dance Peach Kill 09

    <h4>Chapter 356</h4>


    The atmosphere in the pce hall was tense, so quiet that even the faint sobbing of Consort Yao seemed disturbing at this moment.


    Among the various consorts, only Consort Ning Wanshuang remained standing. She was closest to Xiao Jingheng, and now, by his side, she gently caressed his chest, which rose and fell violently with anger, and spoke soothingly:


    "Your Majesty, do not be angry. The well-being of the Dragon''s body is crucial. The words of this little eunuch are ever-changing and hard to fully trust. Perhaps it would be better for Your Majesty to send someone to find his family first. Sorting out right from wrong would be much easier then."


    Xiao Jingheng nodded in agreement, and, judging by his expression, those in attendance immediately began handling this matter.


    Meanwhile, Consort Yao half-crouched on the ground, repeatedly iming her innocence. Her tears flowed like a torrent, washing away the thickyer of powder on her cheeks. As her tears fell, they left two streaks of washed-out white, exposing the hidden blemishes beneath the makeup. The distortion of her face due to crying only emphasized Xiao Jingheng''s disgust.


    In this sudden turn of events, Consort Yao''s suspicion now surpassed that of Consort Rongyue. However, Consort Hui found the situation increasingly odd. Knowing Consort Yao to be as dull-witted as a pig, she couldn''t fathom her orchestrating such a intricate plot.


    With skepticism growing in her heart, Consort Hui spoke up on Consort Yao''s behalf:


    "Your Majesty, this matter is indeed quite peculiar. As I mentioned earlier, if Consort Yao were truly responsible, then the butterflies she released from the pce, contaminated with the toxic powder, could not have possibly flown to Changle Pce unharmed."


    She still wanted to redirect the me towards Song Zhao, but before she could continue her offensive, a low-ranking attendant bowed and entered, solemnly reporting:


    "Your Majesty, while investigating this matter within the pce, I encountered a patrol guard from outside Changle Pce. He has urgent matters to report and is currently waiting outside the hall."


    Xiao Jingheng''s voice turned cold as he ordered, "Bring him in."


    The guard entered quickly, paid his respects to Xiao Jingheng, and spoke:


    "I am in charge of patrolling and guarding Changle Pce for the Furen. Several days ago, I saw a maid named Fu''er, who serves Consort Yao, acting suspiciously outside Changle Pce. I instructed my subordinates to keep an eye on her, and they observed Fu''er hiding in the bushes nearby. She took out a ss bottle and released many butterflies from it."


    After hearing the guard''s testimony, Consort Yao turned pale, copsing to the ground as if her soul had been snatched away.


    It was true that she had instructed Fu''er to carry out this act. On that day, she intended to mix peach blossom pollen with the butterflies and harm Song Zhao by causing her difort, leading to a fate simr to her own marred appearance.


    However, she secretly worried that the butterflies might not cooperate and fly to Changle Pce as nned, rendering her scheming futile. So, she had Fu''er test it out with uncontaminated butterflies near Changle Pce beforehand.


    Initially, Consort Yao thought that even if someone witnessed it, she could have Fu''er cleverly exin it as a gift for Song Zhao, who supposedly liked butterflies. She had not anticipated the unfolding of this intricate scheme.


    Little did she expect that her meticulously woven scheme would now serve as the most damning evidence against her.


    Seeing her speechless and visibly flustered, Ning Wanshuang said impatiently, "No wonder those butterflies obediently flew into the Imperial Concubine Yigui''s pce. It turns out you had nned it all along! Consort Yao, what kind of heart do you have?"


    Rongyue also eximed with resentment, "You want to harm others and then throw dirt on me... Is this how you treat me as your sister? Your true intentions are truly frightening!"


    And Song Zhao, who had been silent throughout, now looked ashen-faced, gazing at Consort Yao with tears in her eyes as he said, "I don''t understand. Every day when you greeted Imperial Concubine Chen, youughed and talked with me, very close. Why would the person who wants to kill me turn out to be you..."


    Seeing the usations mounting, Consort Yao struggled to exin, "No, it wasn''t me! I really didn''t do it!"


    Consort Ying gave her a stern look and said, "Then how do you exin the guards seeing your maid, Fu''er, acting suspiciously in the Chang Le Pce? Fu''er couldn''t have wanted to harm Imperial Concubine Yigui on her own, could she?"


    "I... I..."


    At this moment, Consort Yao found herselfpletely trapped in a corner. What else could she exin?


    She certainly couldn''t admit that she had originally nned to harm Song Zhao with peach blossom pollen, could she?


    Seeing her falter, anyone could see through the demons lurking in her heart.


    Xiao Jingheng let out a deep sigh, squinting at Consort Yao with disdain, "You were close to Xiao''er on ordinary days, and you even had a bond from living together in the past. Why would you do such a thing?"


    Consort Yao''s face was streaked with tears as she knelt in front of Xiao Jingheng, about to exin, but unexpectedly, Yun Shan also knelt down with a ''plop'', crying before her, "Your Majesty, it''s all this servant''s fault!"


    She pped herself hard on both ears, tears streaming down her face, "Consort Yao once said something inappropriate to our young master, so this servant, following Your Majesty''s orders, had to p Consort Yao to make her learn her lesson. It''s probably because of this incident that Consort Yao harbored resentment towards our young master and did such a malicious thing!"


    Yun Shan''s tearful eyes met Consort Yao''s shocked gaze, questioning her with bloodshot eyes, "If Consort Yao had any dissatisfaction with me, you could have confronted me directly. But our young master genuinely cherished you. How could you bear to..."


    Perhaps others might not have known what Yun Shan was referring to, but Xiao Jingheng had indeed instructed Yun Shan that if anyone dared to mention unpleasant memories to Song Zhao, Yun Shan could reprimand her, no matter who it was.


    At this moment, Xiao Jingheng frowned, ignoring Consort Yao''s tears, and solemnly asked the pce attendants who served Consort Yao if Yun Shan''s words were true.


    At this point, who would dare lie to Xiao Jingheng?


    One by one, the pce attendants who served Consort Yao confessed truthfully, "Yun Shan indeed... pped Consort Yao. Consort Yao returned to the pce in a rage because of this incident."


    With this revtion, Consort Yao''s motive for harming Song Zhao became clear.


    With such strong evidence against her, she had no defense left.


    Only seeing her crawling on the ground like a piece of rotten flesh, clutching the hem of Xiao Jingheng''s court attire, she cried out in despair, her voice hoarse:


    "Your Majesty, I truly haven''t... Your Majesty..."


    "Get out of here!"


    How could Xiao Jingheng show any mercy to her?


    With a swift kick, he pushed Consort Yao aside, then rose angrily, pointing at her with indignation:


    "You venomous woman! You''re truly wicked to the core!"


    He panted heavily, then turned to Song Zhao, trying topose himself as much as possible.


    "Zhao''er, she intended to harm you. I entrust the power to deal with her to you. You can handle this venomous woman however you see fit!"


    At first, Song Zhao didn''t respond to Xiao Jingheng''s words. Instead, she wiped away tears with sorrow, unable to bear it in her heart:


    "Consort Yao and I were close, I never imagined that just because of a slight grievance, she would plot against me, putting me in mortal danger, and even causing harm to the Third Prince, ruining thetter half of his life..."


    Upon hearing Song Zhao''s words, Consort Hui stared at her fiercely from the corner of her eye.


    She didn''t believe Song Zhao, but what else could she do?


    When Consort Yao heard a glimmer of hope from Song Zhao''s words,


    she hurriedly crawled to Song Zhao''s side, clutching her hand tightly, pleading:


    "Sister Zhao, you''ve always been kind-hearted. You won''t let me be wrongly used, will you? It wasn''t me, truly it wasn''t..."


    "Kind-hearted?" Song Zhao fought back the tears welling up in her eyes, resolutely pushing Consort Yao''s hand away, and questioned her loudly,


    "Just because of my kindness, am I deserving of being betrayed by you like this!?"


    She rose abruptly, bowing deeply to Xiao Jingheng,


    "Xiao Lang once told me that thews of the court are strict, and the Emperor is subject to the samews as themon people. Consort Yao has condemned Prince Chengjing to spend thetter half of his life bedridden..."


    She paused, taking a deep breath, as if making a difficult decision, her words resolute:


    "Then, please, Xiao Lang, administer the punishment of amputation to her, let her suffer the agony of the Prince''s affliction as well!"


    [Amputation: One of the Five Punishments of the Xia and Shang dynasties, also known as the punishment of foot amputation or severing the kneecap of the criminal. In history, Sun Bin was called Sun Bin because he was subjected to amputation.]


    [July 2: Worked overtime all day, from seven in the morning until now without finishing, really have no time to update. The update scheduled for July 3 early morning will be postponed to July 4 early morning, with five chapters updated, sorry sorry.]

 Chapter 357: Smart People

    <h4>Chapter 357</h4>


    Xiao Jingheng''s patience with Consort Yao had worn thin, and he was not inclined to show any mercy.


    Following Song Zhao''s suggestion of the "b¨¬n x¨ªng" punishment, Xiao Jingheng promptly ordered that Consort Yao be taken to the Sh¨¨n X¨ªng S¨© (Careful Execution Court) to await her impending punishment.


    The next day,


    The individuals taken out of the pce by Xiao Yinzi were discovered in a dpidated temple on the outskirts of the city.


    The thieves who had detained Xiao Yaozi''s family resisted fiercely when the guards stormed in,


    But in the end, they were no match and were all eliminated by the guards.


    Xiao Yinzi questioned the rescued family members,


    They were clueless about why they were abducted, only mentioning that they overheard private discussions among their captors, specting that it was rted to carrying out tasks for Consort Yao within the pce.


    With this final piece of solid evidence, no matter how Consort Yao pleaded her innocence, it seemed futile.


    Three dayster, on a night with a dense rain that carried away the lingering heat ofte summer,


    Autumn arrived, bringing cooler weather.


    At that moment, Song Zhao sat by Ruo Xin''s bedside, holding a scroll of stories and narrating bedtime tales to soothe her.


    Her gentle voice enveloped Ruo Xin, providing immensefort to the child,


    "Once upon a time in the State of Zheng, there was a wise minister named Zichan. He was not only intelligent but had also contributed greatly to the nation, earning the affection of the people.


    One day, amoner brought a liverge fish to Zichan as a gesture of respect. Although Zichan''s household was already affluent and these items were not something theycked, he instructed his servants to ce the fish in the pond for the time being."


    Song Zhao''s voice gradually softened, asionally patting Ruo Xin''s back gently to lull her into sleep.


    But tonight, with the coolness of autumn, Ruo Xin seemed to particrly enjoy the weather. Wrapped tightly in a small quilt, only her little hands peeked out from under the covers. She looked at Song Zhao with a smile, eagerly awaiting the continuation of the story.


    Not wanting to spoil the child''s excitement, Song Zhao continued the narrative with vivid details,


    "The estate''s pond housed numerous fish, mainly reserved for the masters'' consumption, off-limits to the servants. However, this time, the fish ended up in the hands of a servant who, tempted by hunger, secretly cooked and ate it."


    "Afterward, the servant confessed to Zichan, saying, ''I already ced the fish back in the pond. Can you guess what happened?'' As soon as the fish entered the water, it floated on the surface motionless, even turning belly-up for a while. Just as I thought it couldn''t survive, it suddenly recovered, wagging its tail vigorously, and swiftly dived into the deep water, disappearing without a trace."


    "Expecting Zichan to be displeased, the servant was surprised when Zichan chuckled and said, ''This is what people often say - like a fish finding water. It found its suitable ce, which is a good omen.''"


    "The steward, having seeded with his lie, boasted privately to others: ''They all say Zichan is exceptionally wise, but in my opinion, he exaggerates. That big fish was cooked and eaten by me, yet he thinks the fish is frolicking in the deep pool. He keeps insisting it found a suitable ce. Could it be that this suitable ce is actually inside my belly?''"


    With that, Song Zhao closed the storybook, signaling the end of the tale.


    Ruo Xin puckered her lips, herrge eyes blinking rapidly as she pondered aloud, "But fish naturally swim deeper into the water. Mother said the wise minister''s household kept a pond of fish, so if one went missing, it would be reasonable."


    Song Zhao smiled, "Indeed, it is quite reasonable. That''s why Zichan didn''t see through the steward''s lie. Ruo Xin, after hearing this story, do you understand the lesson?"


    Ruo Xin pursed her lips, deep in thought for a moment, then shook her head with some confusion.


    Song Zhao continued, "Smart people are difficult to deceive with unreasonable lies. However, if the lie is told convincingly, with logic and evidence, even the cleverest can be deceived, which is within the realm of reason."


    Ruo Xin nodded as if understanding, and quickly asked, "Is Mother also clever? Could she be deceived?"


    Song Zhao paused for a moment, the smile on her face deepening, she shook her head, "Where does your Motherpare to your Father, the Emperor? Remember, your Father is the smartest person under the heavens."


    "What about Father?" Ruo Xin pressed, "Can he be deceived?"


    Song Zhao smiled but remained silent, gently stroking the child''s forehead.


    Before long, as they were about to leave, they heard Xiao Fuzi''s voice from outside the door.


    "Your Majesty, there''s something I must attend to," Xiao Fuzi said respectfully.


    Acknowledging with a "I understand," Song Zhao tucked Ruo Xin''s hand into the covers, gently saying, "It''ste, Ruo Xin should sleep now."


    Ruo Xin obediently nodded, then asked, "Even at this hour, does Mother still have matters to attend to?"


    Song Zhao chuckled, "Mother needs to check if any fish are missing from the courtyard pond."


    Shortly after Ruo Xin fell asleep, Song Zhao left the room and found Xiao Fuzi waiting respectfully outside.


    With his assistance, they made their way to the inner chambers.


    Along the way, Xiao Fuzi whispered, "Your Majesty, Consort Yao has been severely injured, her knee bone has been dislocated. She has been sent back to Yao Hua Pce, the injuries are grave."


    "The Emperor has left the decision regarding her to you. The physicians have consulted several times but are unsure how to proceed. They seek your guidance..."


    "Treat her," Song Zhao said casually, "Since the Emperor hasn''t deposed her, she remains a legitimate consort. Let the physicians treat her as they see fit, with the best medicines, expenses covered by Chang Le Pce. In any case, Consort Yao''s life must be preserved."


    Xiao Fuzi respectfully acknowledged, "Yes. Your kindness knows no bounds, Your Majesty."


    Song Zhao sneered, "Of course, I intend to let her live. Isn''t she the one who loves to gossip and spread rumors? I want to see how she''ll manage to do that if she spends the rest of her life bedridden. Who will she gossip to then?"


    Xiao Fuzi nodded, "Your Highness is right. Consort Yao brought this upon herself. If she hadn''t schemed to harm Your Highness with peach blossom pollen, she wouldn''t have met this fate today. However, it''s unfortunate that she didn''t manage to harm Consort Hui and her son."


    "What''s the rush?"


    Back in her chambers, Song Zhao calmly removed her nail guards and ced them in a delicately embroidered box made of yellow pear wood with a soft clink.


    "The pce days are still long. If she couldn''t die today, then we''ll wait until tomorrow. If the poison can''t take her son''s life, there are other ways to deal with them, whether it''s ying, drawing, or cooking in oil. There''s always a suitable method for them."


    [End of Chapter]

 Chapter 358: Something Fishy is Going on

    <h4>Chapter 358</h4>


    The flickering candlelight danced, casting a shimmering reflection on Song Zhao''s exquisite profile.


    Xiao Fuzi observed the sly smile ying on her lips, feeling a chill running down his spine.


    Yet, this chill wasn''t solely due to the imposing aura emanating from Song Zhao. Instead, he found sce in it.


    "Your Highness, now that you''ve hardened your heart, things have changed. Recalling how the former empress harmed you, you still harboredpassion for her innocent child. Only after she sessfully gave birth to Princess Jing and Prince Chang did you seek revenge..."


    "If Consort Hui''s son is innocent, what about my son?" Song Zhao interrupted Xiao Fuzi, not out of anger toward him but due to the painful reminder of Cheng Yu.


    Surviving was a stroke of luck for the child, but the anguish of mother and son being separated haunted Song Zhao every day.


    All of this was courtesy of Consort Hui.


    She took a deep breath, her voice resolute, "If Consort Hui intends to bury my son alive, she shouldn''t be surprised when I repay the injustice Cheng Yu suffered tenfold on her own son. Death is too easy; I don''t want her dead. I want her to suffer, to wish for death!"


    Seated at the dressing table, she gazed at herself in the mirror, slowly removing the adorned pearls and jade from her hair.


    "Cheng Jing deserves the fate he gets with a mother like Consort Hui. Let''s see how lucky he is, evading not just the first day but also the fifteenth."


    Outside the window, the night grew even quieter.


    After the pce curfew, the silence within was often unsettling. Yet, at this moment, cries of pain echoed from the direction of Yao Hua Pce.


    It was the court physician using pristine white gauze to dress the wounds on Consort Yao''s missing knee joint.


    Amidst these sounds, Song Zhao calmly sipped her calming tonic, allowing Yun Shan and others to attend to her.


    This spectacle had been in the making since Song Zhao reconciled with Xiao Jingheng and developed an interest in butterflies.


    Initially, she instructed Xiao Fuzi and Yun Shan to capture numerous butterflies from the imperial garden and release them in Chang Le Pce.


    After encountering Consort Yao in the imperial garden, Song Zhao informed Yun Shan beforehand that, regardless of Consort Yao''s words, Yun Shan should stay behind alone, p Consort Yao a few times, and the harsher, the better¡ªprovoking Consort Yao''s hatred.


    When visiting Ning Wanshuang to pay respects that day, anyone could see the red marks on Consort Yao''s face were from ps. However, nobody delved deeper into the matter.


    Upon Song Zhao''s return to the pce, Consort Hui soon visited her. Song Zhao intentionally released all the captured butterflies, allowing them to flutter gracefully before Consort Hui.


    Knowing Consort Hui''s cunning mind, even with her current ''amnesia,'' she would undoubtedly find a way to eliminate Song Zhao.


    As clever as Consort Hui was, witnessing the multitude of butterflies, how could she not think of Song Zhao''s allergy to peach blossom pollen?


    However, knowing Consort Hui wouldn''t act directly, Song Zhao instructed Xiao Fuzi to tail her after Consort Hui left Chang Le Pce.


    Until Xiao Fuzi saw Consort Hui entering Yao Hua Pce, Song Zhao knew that the fish had taken the bait.


    Later, Xiao Fuzi became more vignt, patrolling near Chang Le Pce daily.


    Sure enough, she spotted Fu''er, who often lurked around Chang Le Pce, sometimes releasing butterflies from the ss bottle she carried. Xiao Fuzi deliberately created distractions, leading the guards patrolling near Chang Le Pce astray and coincidentally witnessing Fu''er''s unusual behavior.


    When the chess pieces were set, it was time for Rongyue to make her appearance.


    Song Zhao, leveraging the convenience provided by Tian Ji, captured Xiao Yaozi, responsible for purchasing outside the pce, along with his entire family. She coerced Xiao Yaozi into buying Five Poisons Powder for her.


    She then handed the Five Poisons Powder to Rongyue, instructing her to discreetly ce it in Consort Yao''s sleeping chamber during the celebration of Consort Yao''s birthday.


    When Xiao Jingheng came to visit her, using Ruo Xin''s indiscreet words, Song Zhao mentioned never having seen her own brother, prompting Xiao Jingheng to personally invite Consort Hui and Chengjing to Chang Le Pce.


    On the day Consort Hui and her son were to visit, Ning Wanshuang boldly took Ruo Xin away in advance.


    Once Chengjing arrived, he would be captivated by the numerous butterflies dancing around Spring Flower and Autumn Moon. Xiao Fuzi deliberately let them overhear the method of "attracting bees and butterflies" mentioned by her and Yunsan.


    As soon as Chengjing yed with Spring Flower and Autumn Moon in the courtyard, Xiao Fuzi took the opportunity to release butterflies with Five Poisons Powder on their wings towards them.


    The powder fell like fine dust as the butterflies fluttered, leaving Spring Flower and Autumn Moon, both of whom were Xiao Jingheng''s informants in Chang Le Pce, with no way out. Chengjing, being closest to them, would naturally not escape.


    After the plot was exposed, Song Zhao thought that if all the evidence pointed directly to Consort Yao, it might seem too deliberate.


    So, she used the threat of Xiao Yaozi''s family to make him stage a dramatic turnaround in court, providing evidence against Consort Yao.


    This entire n could have eliminated Xiao Jingheng''s informants ced around her and made Consort Hui endure the pain of losing a son, while also getting rid of the ungrateful Consort Yao: a triple victory.


    However, there was one thing Song Zhao didn''t anticipate.


    Consort Hui''s attendant, Chun Lan, would actually risk her life to protect Chengjing?


    Now, having finished her evening preparations, Yun Shan, attending to Song Zhao''s bedtime arrangements, heard her ask:


    "I heard from Xiao Fuzi that Chun Lan, by Consort Hui''s side, was a servant assigned to her only after Chan''s death by the Internal Affairs Department?"


    Yun Shan nodded, saying, "Yes. She has been serving Consort Hui for only three months. Despite not being promoted to the position of head pce maid, she always apanies her wherever she goes, inside and outside the pce."


    Upon hearing this, Song Zhao couldn''t help but feel puzzled, finding it even more strange.


    "If she had only served for three months, how could she be so loyal to Consort Hui? On that critical day, she even disregarded her own life to protect Chengjing, holding onto him until herst breath?"


    She raised her eyebrows suddenly, looking at Yun Shan with suspicion filling her eyes. "Don''t you think this whole situation is just too irrational?"


    Yun Shan pondered for a moment before responding, "Before Miss mentioned it, this servant didn''t think much of it. But upon further reflection, Chun Lan, unlike other pce maids who enter the pce merely for gain, doesn''t hesitate to risk her own life..."


    The two exchanged a nce, but neither of them continued with the unsaid words.


    After a moment of silence, Song Zhao softly instructed, "Have Tian Ji''s men investigate Chun Lan and find out who she really is."

 Chapter 359: Pregnant Again

    <h4>Chapter 359</h4>


    Because Tianji Office always only recognized Tianji''s secret orders when handling matters, and in order to maintain absolute confidentiality, everything they did was not recorded.


    Now this secret order had already been sent out of the pce by Song Zhao and handed over to Xiao Jingyan for safekeeping.


    She only needed to secretly send a message out to Xiao Jingyan for whatever she needed to do in the pce, and Xiao Jingyan would find someone to go to Tianji Office to handle the matter securely without leaving a trace.


    Even if this came to lightter and was tracedyer byyer, it would be impossible to uncover Song Zhao as the behind-the-scenes yer no matter what.


    After receiving Song Zhao''s instructions, Yun Shan responded decisively and then said, "It''s gettingte, miss should rest early."


    Song Zhao nodded lightly andy down on the couch.


    But just as Yun Shan was about to blow out the oilmp, she suddenly heard Song Zhao retch inexplicably.


    Yun Shan hurriedly went up to support Song Zhao up and gently patted her back, "Miss, what''s the matter..."


    This kind of nauseous feeling was all too familiar to Song Zhao.


    It was so familiar that there was no need for an imperial physician''s diagnosis. Song Zhao already had a good idea in her heart.


    She was most likely pregnant again.


    It was not exactly unexpected. She was of childbearing age, and since she had ''lost her memory'', she had been continuously blessed.


    It was only natural that after all that rain and dew, she would conceive again.


    Song Zhao was not surprised by this at all. On the contrary, her heart was calm without any ripples. She calmly asked Yun Shan, "Who is on duty at the Imperial Medical Bureau tonight?"


    Yun Shan replied, "It''s Imperial Physician Zhang."


    Hearing that it was him, Song Zhao nodded in relief, "Then summon him here."


    When summoned by Song Zhao, Zhang Imperial Physician arrived quickly.


    After taking her pulse, he soon confirmed the auspicious pulse indicating pregnancy.


    Zhang Imperial Physician''s face revealed joy. He took two steps back, bowed to Song Zhao and said,


    "Congrattions, Your Highness, it is indeed an auspicious pulse, already over a month along."


    Song Zhao nodded calmly and casually instructed,


    "It''ste today. Please inform His Majesty of this matter early tomorrow morning."


    The next day after morning court, when Xiao Jingheng heard that Song Zhao was pregnant, he hurried to Changle Pce.


    When he arrived, the joy and excitement on his face was hard to contain.


    Seeing Song Zhao about to get up from the heated kang to greet him, he quickly walked over to her side and lightly pressed her shoulder,


    "I''ve told you there''s no need for such etiquette between us."


    After speaking, he sat down next to Song Zhao and sped her delicate hand tightly in his palm,


    "This is wonderful news, Zhao''er. We''re having another baby."


    Song Zhao was taken aback at first, but soon smiled helplessly, "Xiao Lang found out so quickly, I originally wanted to hide it for a while as a surprise for youter. That''s why I specifically instructed Zhang Imperial Physician not to tell you about this yet. I didn''t expect that while he readily agreed in front of me, he went and tattled to Your Majesty at the first opportunity. "


    Xiao Jinghengughed heartily, "No matter when I find out about such joyous news, it always delights me. Since that''s the case, of course the sooner the better."


    Song Zhao shyly lowered her eyes, half delighted and half worried, "I''m also very happy in my heart, but also nervous. It''s said that the pain of childbirth is like walking through ghost gate. Although I''ve forgotten the past, even though I''m already a mother, I''m still afraid in my heart."


    Xiao Jingheng held her even tighter, "Don''t be afraid, I will be by your side."


    Song Zhao nodded lightly, and only then did she look up at him with clear eyes, "I''m thinking that it would be good if I could have an imperial prince this time and share the blessing of having both son and daughter with you."


    Hearing this, Xiao Jingheng''s eyebrows tightened imperceptibly.


    However, he soon resumed his normal expression. He also smiled, "An imperial prince would of course be good, but a princess wouldn''t be bad either. Zhao''er, don''t put so much pressure on yourself. As long as it''s our child, I will be happy no matter what."


    After the brief joy, Song Zhao''s expression gradually became more and more deste, looking depressed.


    So Xiao Jingheng asked her, "With such a joyous event, why do you look so worried?"


    Song Zhao frowned and shook her head. She said in a low voice, "I heard about Consort Yao''s matter... At one point, I felt like she had been punished too severely, and at another point, I couldn''t understand why Consort Yao, who was usually on good terms with me, wanted to harm me like this?"


    After a pause, she asked again, "Did I offend her in some way in the past?"


    Xiao Jingheng quickly shook his head in denial, "Never. She treated you like this entirely out of jealousy."


    "Just because of jealousy she would do this..." Song Zhao''s expression became even more dismal. She clenched Xiao Jingheng''s hand even tighter, "Xiao Lang, I''m really scared in my heart."


    She nestled in Xiao Jingheng''s arms. Her long and delicate eyshes trembled slightly, making her look so fragile and uneasy.


    Xiao Jinghengforted her from time to time. Then she continued telling him,


    "Since I woke up, there have only been a few people close to me serving by my side, like Yun Shan, Xiao Fuzi, and Chun Hua and Qiu Yue. The poisonous butterflies killed Chun Hua and Qiu Yue that day. Watching them die before my eyes pained me extremely. Lately I''ve also been unable to sleep well at night. When I close my eyes I''ll think back to what happened that day..."


    Xiao Jingheng said, "The dead are gone. Zhao''er, don''t dwell on it too much. Although Chun Hua and Qiu Yue died such unjust deaths, it was also an ident beyond control. If it would set your mind at ease, I can have monks and Taoists summoned into the pce to hold a memorial service for them, crossing their souls over to the next life and hoping they can have prosperous days there."


    Following Xiao Jingheng''s suggestion, Song Zhao readily agreed.


    When Xiao Yinzi came to Changle Pce the next day to discuss details of the memorial service with Song Zhao, Song Zhao happened to mention,


    "Since we''ve summoned clergy to cross souls over, I was thinking not to only take care of Chun Hua and Qiu Yue. Three imperial consorts and concubines passed away sessivelyst month in Shoukang Pce. Have them stop by Shoukang Pce as well to cross those souls over too."


    Xiao Yinzi immediately voiced his agreement and praised Song Zhao''s kindheartedness.


    Song Zhao gave a faint smile, and then casually brought up,


    "Don''t forget about Song Changzai either. Although I don''t remember who she was, we were from the same n after all."


    Hearing this, it confused Xiao Yinzi instead.


    He knitted his brows and scratched the back of his head in puzzlement, "Song Changzai? Who is Your Highness referring to? You''re the only imperial consort in the pce surnamed Song!"

 Chapter 360: A Sense of Truth

    <h4>Chapter 360</h4>


    "Only me?"


    Song Zhao abruptly raised her eyebrows, staring at Xiao Yinzi with wide, bewildered eyes. "How could it be just me? That day, I heard Consort Yao and Concubine Li say to them that there used to be another Song Changzai in the pce. Her familymitted a grave mistake and was sentenced to death by His Majesty, and Song Changzai was also thrown into the Cold Pce. In the end, she died with resentment..."


    When Xiao Yinzi heard Song Zhao say this, he suddenly realized that he had let something slip that he should not have said.


    Xiao Jingheng had ordered the entire pce to conceal the unpleasant matters of Song Zhao''s past from her, even going so far as to issue a death order. Now Xiao Yinzi was frightened, his face pale. He hurriedly tried to make amends,ughing awkwardly,


    "Y-yes, yes! Look at this old ve''s terrible memory!"


    He fiercely pped the back of his head, smiling apologetically. "There was originally a Song Changzai in the pce. When Noble Consort Chen mentioned her offhandedly, this muddled old ve actually went and forgot about her."


    Seeing his clumsy acting, Song Zhao naturally did not believe him.


    "Forgot? You work for His Majesty, and there are only so many consorts in the rear pce. Song Changzai''s familymitted a crime and she died in the Cold Pce - such a major event, how could you have forgotten about it?"


    Faced with Song Zhao''s barrage of questioning, Xiao Yinzi was clearly panicking, stammering and unable to respond.


    Just then, Xiao Jingheng returned from the morning court session to Changle Pce.


    He had entered still smiling. "How did the discussion about the details of the memorial service go?"


    But as soon as he focused his eyes, he saw that Song Zhao had an expression of shock while Xiao Yinzi''s face was filled with apprehension and unease.


    Xiao Jingheng immediately sensed that something was amiss.


    But before he could ask, he heard Song Zhao speak first, asking him,


    "Xiao Lang, was there another Song Changzai in the pce before?"


    Yun Shan had previously reported Consort Yao''s idle gossip privately to Xiao Jingheng. At that time, they had fabricated a fictional "Song Changzai" in order to cate Song Zhao.


    So when Xiao Jingheng heard Song Zhao ask this, he was mentally prepared. He nodded and replied,


    "There was. She''s long gone, so why bring her up?"


    As he spoke, his eyes red at the sweaty Xiao Yinzi.


    When Song Zhao heard Xiao Jingheng say this, the doubtful look on her face did not diminish at all, but rather grew even more intense.


    She stared at Xiao Jingheng nkly, shaking her head as she murmured:


    "Yun Shan said my parents both died, and you said Ruo Xin was raised in Noble Consort Chen''s pce because she was ill since childhood. But after Ruo Xin was brought back, I saw she didn''t look at all like someone who had suffered a major illness.


    I was wondering, if a child was ill, why couldn''t she be raised by my side? Could it be that Noble Consort Chen would take better care of my own daughter than I, her mother, would? Even if that were truly so, as her mother, how could I have not visited Ruo Xin even once, to the point that my daughter is so unfamiliar with me? Could it be that..."


    As Song Zhao talked to herself, she methodically connected all the clues and doubts together.


    Her eyes reddened as she looked at Xiao Jingheng, her voice catching with sobs.


    "Could it be... could it be that the criminal''s daughter Consort Yao spoke of was referring to me? And the one thrown into the Cold Pce... was also me?"


    Seeing her be so visibly emotional, Xiao Jingheng also panicked, at a loss for what to do.


    He sped Song Zhao''s shoulders and said heavily, "Don''t think randomly, things are not as you imagine. Listen to me..."


    "Why did you lie to me?" Song Zhao''s fierce temper red up again. She abruptly pushed Xiao Jingheng away, retreating several steps back.


    "No wonder... no wonder Consort Yao wanted me dead. It was you who ordered the entire pce to hide the past from me, so when I overheard Consort Yao gossiping about me in private, she became so afraid. And she randomly fabricated a person who didn''t exist to cate me!


    She tried to poison me because she was afraid I would discover something wrong and question you about it, afraid of causing trouble, so she thought it''d be best if I just died to settle everything!"


    Song Zhao''s emotions copsed in an instant.


    She crouched down against the wall corner, clutching her hair tightly with both hands, pulling painfully at her scalp. She began to weep in despair.


    Seeing things develop to this point, Xiao Jingheng understood in his heart that concealing any more now would only lead to Song Zhao asking around herself and potentially discovering even more that he did not want her to know.


    So he could only choose to e clean" with Song Zhao first.


    He slowly approached her one step at a time, testing the waters.


    Seeing that she did not resist, he crouched down beside her. His heart ached as he said gently,


    "My dear, I... didn''t intend to hide anything from you."


    Song Zhao looked up at him with tearful eyes, choking back sobs as she asked,


    "Then can Xiao Lang tell me the truth? Just what exactly did I experience in the past?"


    Xiao Jingheng used his warm fingertips to wipe away the tear tracks on Song Zhao''s cheeks. He gazed sincerely into her eyes and said heavily,


    "Many things - after you lost your memories, I chose to conceal them from you because I did not want you to recall those unhappy memories again. Since you ask me today, I will no longer hide anything from you. Your father was the Duke Who Protects the State of this dynasty. Hemitted a grave crime and I demoted him, sending him to Beihanchuan as the Grand Commander. But unexpectedly, feeling remorseful for betraying the court''s many years of heavy trust and favor, in a moment of impulse he took his own life...


    The rear pce and previous dynasty were as one body, and ever since you entered the pce you enjoyed my special favor. Those stubbornly old-fashioned officials from the previous dynasty were dissatisfied with you early on. With your family causing such an incident, the officials all denounced you. To protect you, I quarreled with them at court. But you... in order not to put me in a difficult position, voluntarily requested to be punished by spending a year in the Cold Pce."


    At this point, his face was full of profound feelings, and his eyes had also reddened.


    "Ruo Xin had always been by your side since she was young, but when you insisted on entering the Cold Pce, it was just when she was slightly older and beginning to form memories. She was thus sent to Noble Consort Chen''s pce, growing close to her and inevitably distant from you."


    Song Zhao listened tearfully. Xiao Jingheng''s words were truly exquisite -


    It was as if he had profound feelings for Song Zhao, and Song Zhao had also always been considerate of him.


    The two seemed to have been a couple who lived toplement and sacrifice for one another.


    He spoke with such sincerity that if Song Zhao continued doubting his words, it would make her seem somewhat unappreciative.


    Although the tears kept falling, she managed to steady her emotions and ask,


    "Is what Xiao Lang said true?"


    Xiao Jingheng stated solemnly, "Absolutely true, without any falsehood!"


    Song Zhao sadly lowered her gaze, no longer ming Xiao Jingheng for deceiving her, but rather ming and reproaching herself.


    "So that''s how it is. To think that I am the daughter of a criminal... the daughter of a criminal..."

 Chapter 361: My Mother’s Power 01

    <h4>Chapter 361</h4>


    That day afterwards, Song Zhao did not continue to cry and make trouble after all.


    She lowered her head sadly, only saying that she wanted to be quiet for a while, and asked Xiao Jingheng to give her some time to calm down by herself.


    When Xiao Jingheng returned to Chaoyang Pce that day, although he did not say a word while reviewing the memorials, anyone could see the anger brewing in his heart.


    Xiao Yinzi knelt at the door of Chaoyang Pce, hitting his own mouth over and over again, kneeling and begging Xiao Jingheng for forgiveness.


    After all, he was Jiang Deshun''s disciple. When serving tea to Xiao Jingheng, Jiang Deshun also carefully said,


    "Your Majesty, Xiao Yinzi was really muddled about this matter. Don''t let him cause trouble for Your Majesty outside at this time. Allow this ve to take him back and discipline him well."


    "Discipline?" Xiao Jingheng suddenly stopped writing and put down the vermilion brush. He angrily said:


    "Is this the good disciple you have taught? It seems I don''t need to bother you anymore!"


    After saying that, he swept out his sleeves and stood under the corridor shouting at Xiao Yinzi:


    "I said that anyone who mentions her past affairs to Consort Zhao will end up dead! Considering that you have served me for many years, I will allow you a whole corpse."


    Hearing this, Xiao Yinzi was so frightened that his face turned pale. He kept kowtowing and begging Xiao Jingheng for his life.


    But Xiao Jinghengpletely ignored him and turned around to go back to the main hall.


    Seeing this, the people in front of the emperor knew Xiao Yinzi had no hope of surviving. They went up to arrest him and silently dispose of him.


    Just at this moment, Xiao Fuzi came to Chaoyang Pce.


    He paid his respects to Xiao Jingheng ording to protocol outside the door. Seeing that it was him, Xiao Jingheng hurriedly asked:


    "Did something happen to Consort Zhao?"


    Xiao Fuzi said, "The Consort is very upset. Consort Hui heard about this and has already rushed to Chang Le Pce tofort her."


    As he nced at the terrified Xiao Yinzi, he added:


    "The Consort is kind-hearted and afraid that Your Majesty will vent your anger on Xiao Yinzi because of this matter. Even in her grief, she still told this ve toe and ask Your Majesty to show mercy.


    The Consort said that as the daughter of a traitor, she is already burdened with sin and misfortune. If someone else dies because of her, she will feel even more uneasy. So the Consort earnestly asks Your Majesty to pardon Xiao Yinzi. He did not mean any harm after all."


    With Xiao Fuzi conveying this message on Song Zhao''s behalf, Xiao Jingheng finally rxed:


    "Forget it. Take him away to be caned fifty times as a warning."


    Then he instructed Xiao Fuzi: "Go back and take good care of the Consort. I will go see herter."


    Fifty heavy strokes is nearly fatal.


    After being punished, Xiao Yinzi had to be supported back to his room. He could only lie on the bed, unable to move at all.


    Jiang Deshun brought medicine to him and asked with concern:


    "How is it? Can you still endure it?"


    Seeing Jiang Deshun, Xiao Yinzi couldn''t help bursting into tears:


    "Master... I have served His Majesty with you for many years, handling everything carefully without any mistakes. But today His Majesty didn''t give me any chance. If it weren''t for Consort Zhao speaking up for me, I''m afraid I would already be..."


    "Nonsense!" Jiang Deshun scolded him harshly, "In this pce, our lives are in the hands of our masters. No matter how the master wants to punish you, you have to ept it. Moreover, you were clearly in the wrong first. What do you have toin about?"


    Xiao Yinziined bitterly while sobbing, "But I didn''t say anything to Consort Zhao... Those words were all said by Consort Yao and the others..."


    "This is the pce. As servants, we cannot distinguish right from wrong in front of our masters. Haven''t you understood this after following me for so many years?"


    Jiang Deshun sighed briefly, pointing to his broken leg, shaking his head helplessly:


    "My leg is broken, so it has been difficult for me to handle affairs. I should retire next year. At that time, you will take my ce and be the head eunuch. So you cannot have any resentment towards His Majesty. In the future, you must devote yourself fully to your duties and handle your affairs carefully. Do you understand?"


    At this point, even if Xiao Yinzi didn''t understandpletely, he had to understand.


    He wiped away his tears and nodded unwillingly, "Master''s teaching is right. Disciple understands."


    In the next few days, Xiao Jingheng''s heart was almostpletely trapped in Chang Le Pce.


    He would visit Song Zhao every day.


    Although Song Zhao no longer cried, her mood remained very depressed. All day she had no interest in eating or drinking.


    In just over ten days, she looked much more haggard and had lost a lot of weight.


    Now pregnant, such self-neglect was bad for both her and the unborn prince.


    So Xiao Jingheng summoned Yun Shan and asked her why Song Zhao was tormenting herself like this.


    At first, Yun Shan was very panicked and did not dare tell Xiao Jingheng what she had heard from Song Zhao.


    But forced by Xiao Jingheng''s prestige, she could only cry and say:


    "Mydy says...if the child is gone then it''s gone. She is the daughter of a traitor. Any prince born to her would also be a traitor''s descendant. Mydy says this child will only embarrass Your Majesty and shame the imperial family."


    "Nonsense!" Xiao Jingheng said quite helplessly: "Just because of some unimportant things in the past, how could she think like this?"


    Yun Shan said, "It is also because I am incapable and cannot properly advise mydy. Your Majesty should make time to stay by mydy''s side more. After all, only when you are there will mydy eat a bite. When you don''te, mydy just hides alone on the couch crying. I really feel heartbroken seeing it..."


    How could Xiao Jingheng not want to persuade Song Zhao?


    But the knots in her heart could not be untied for her in just a few words from Xiao Jingheng.


    A few more days passed, and Zhang Imperial Physician said to Xiao Jingheng:


    "Your Majesty, Consort Zhao is depressed and anxious. She has difficulty swallowing food during the day and cannot sleep at night. Looking at her previously healthy body, it has now be severely weakened. If the Consort continues like this, I''m afraid...it will be difficult to ensure the royal heir is safely born!"


    Hearing this, Xiao Jingheng became even more anxious.


    When Ning Wanshuang heard that Xiao Jingheng had not eaten all day because of this matter,


    she brought food she had cooked herself to Chaoyang Pce that evening, persuading him to take care of the dragon body and eat something no matter what.


    But Xiao Jingheng did not eat a bite of the food, only drinking a lot of alcohol.


    Seeing this, Ning Wanshuang could not conceal her distress and said, "I have heard about Consort Zhao''s matter. Actually, being sent to the cold pce does not bother her. It''s just that as the daughter of a traitor, this has be a knot in her heart. She is privately afraid that in the future, Your Majesty will be shamed because of her and her children."


    Xiao Jingheng sadly sped his forehead, "But I have never thought that way."


    "It doesn''t matter if Your Majesty thought that way or not. What''s important is that Consort Zhao has pushed herself into a dead end that she probably can''t get out of for a while."


    Ning Wanshuang moved closer to Xiao Jingheng and thoughtfully massaged his tense temples. She suddenly proposed:


    "I remember that earlier this year, the only daughter of Lord Luo, the Left Imperial Censor of the Inspectorate, fell ill beyond cure and sadly passed away. At that time, Your Majesty even personally summoned him to express condolences."


    Seeing Xiao Jingheng silent, Ning Wanshuang tentatively continued:


    "Actually, the Luo family lineage is clean. At Lord Luo''s age, it would be difficult for him to have any more children. I was thinking that if Consort Zhao could be Lord Luo''s daughter, then she would no longer be considered a traitor''s daughter."

 Chapter 362: The Mother of Power 02

    <h4>Chapter 362</h4>


    After a long silence in the hall, Xiao Jingheng finally let out a carefreeugh.


    "What Ning Wanshuang said is very much to My pleasure."


    He took the opportunity to lift his hand and sp Ning Wanshuang''s jade hand that was ced on his temple, toying with it in his palm, cherishing it dearly.


    Then, with a bright smile, he thought to himself:


    The Left Imperial Censor of the Inspectorate is a first-rank civil official who specially prosecutes all government agencies and impeaches any corrupt officials, and also concurrently serves in the Ministries of Justice and Punishment to review major cases in court, purifying the political environment.


    Rtives of the imperial family holding actual power has always been a taboo for emperors throughout history. Although the position of Left Imperial Censor is prestigious, there is no real power in his hands.


    Compared to Ning Wanshuang¡¯s father, the former Viceroy of Sichuan and Shaanxi, or the Empress Jia Rui¡¯s father, the Minister of War, who held solid military power, this Left Imperial Censor makes Xiao Jingheng feel much more at ease.


    If he raises Song Zhao''s status to marry her into this family, she would henceforth be considered innocent, and would no longer need to worry about being the daughter of a criminal.


    Over the years, Xiao Jingheng had always felt guilty towards Song Zhao because of what happened with Cheng Yu.


    By raising Song Zhao¡¯s status now, it would make up for his past faults, show her that he values her, and also put her mind at ease to nurture the unborn prince, bringing prosperity to the imperial family.


    This ingenious n that aplishes three purposes without any drawbacks makes Xiao Jingheng unable to stop smiling.


    He exerts slight force with his wrist to pull Ning Wanshuang into his embrace as he sits down,


    Then whispers next to the beauty''s ear with low allure,


    "Wanshuang is bing more and more thoughtful in helping Me resolve worries."


    The warm breath fans Ning Wanshuang''s ear, tickling her.


    She lowers her long eyshes, blushing with an enchanting smile, "It''s only natural for people to care for each other. His Majesty treats his concubine well, so his concubine would naturally think of everything for His Majesty."


    As she speaks, she pushes against Xiao Jingheng¡¯s chest, and turns her face away pretending to pout charmingly,


    "But now His Majesty cares too much for Song Zhao. Seeing him frowning when dining with his concubine, refusing to smile until he finds a good solution. It shows the fickleness of his heart."


    "Sweetheart talks nonsense." Xiao Jingheng gently holds her chin, forcing her to turn her face towards him. He slides along the tip of her exquisite nose,


    "After all, Wanshuang has apanied me for many years. My feelings for you run deeper, naturally. I was also thinking that you¡¯ve been a Noble Consort for some time now, and should get a promotion. But since we just finished Empress Jia Rui¡¯s mourning period, and with the passing of Grand Empress Dowager recently, it is an inauspicious year to establish a new Empress. I n to wait until the New Year¡¯s Eve sacrifice finishes..."


    "Your Majesty, promotion does not matter to your concubine. "


    Ning Wanshuang lightly rests her index finger on Xiao Jingheng¡¯s lips, interrupting his next words. "Your Majesty knows what your concubine wishes for is only your true feelings. As long as His Majesty keeps your concubine in your heart, and stays by my side a little longer, I will be content."


    Speaking so, she tilts her head, snuggling into Xiao Jingheng''s arms, murmuring quietly,


    "After all, my family was also convicted by the previous dynasty. I am no different than the daughter of a criminal. Now that Song Zhao is pregnant, she naturally takes precedence over everything. If His Majesty has decided to give her a new maternal family, how could there possibly be another one for his concubine?


    If that were the case, I''m afraid those stubborn old men would start gossiping about His Majesty favoring his concubines again. I do not wish for His Majesty to be put in a difficult position because of me."


    Ning Wanshuang spoke earnestly, with sincerity shining through her eyes.


    Xiao Jingheng is quite moved upon hearing this.


    He remains silent for a long time, just staring at the beauty in his arms.


    In her flowing gaze, he no longer sees the former arrogance and defiance, only gentle affection andpliance, like the waters of spring.


    He sighs deeply in his heart, and hugs her tighter,


    "Wanshuang is much more gentle nowpared to before. With you considering everything for me, how could I not cherish you?"


    Ning Wanshuang says lightly with a smile, "As a mother now, how could I still act spoiled? Wasn''t Concubine Hui also childish before? But she changed after having Chengjing."


    After a pause, she asks again, "So does His Majesty like me better this way now?"


    Xiao Jinghengughs out loud and nods heavily, "Naturally."


    That night, Xiao Jingheng keeps Ning Wanshuang to stay overnight at Chaoyang Pce.


    The next morning when Ning Wanshuang returns, she happens to run into Chenghuan reading aloud in the courtyard.


    She stands far watching without disturbing the child, listening silently,


    "A wise man should pay attention. Do not chase after the blowing wind. If you treat Flying sincerely, there will be thousands of paths in the clouds."


    The little guy sways his head reading the poem. ncing aside, he suddenly sees Ning Wanshuang standing under the camphor tree, watching him with a smile.


    His cracked face immediately lights up withyers of smiles. He happily runs to Ning Wanshuang,


    "Greetings Mother Noble Consort. Did Mother spend the night in Father Emperor¡¯s pcest night? How wonderful. Son noticed Father Emperor has been often visiting Concubine Yi¡¯s pcetely, and feared he would neglect Mother."


    Ning Wanshuang does not answer, just smiles. She gently strokes his forehead and asks,


    "What were you reciting earlier?"


    Chenghuan says solemnly, "It''s a lyric by Cai Shen. The Grand Tutor admires Cai Shen greatly, so Son asked him for his poetry collection and recites from it asionally."


    Ning Wanshuang takes the poetry collection from Chenghuan''s hand and softly reads a line,


    "If you treat Flying sincerely, there will be thousands of paths in the clouds."


    She doesn¡¯t quite understand the meaning, but her eyes settle on the words "true feelings". She spaces out for a moment.


    She recalls Xiao Jingheng''s words to herst night, and suddenly feels terribly amused.


    In the past, she had done everything for Xiao Jingheng, with her heart filled only with him, yet in return she received endless suspicion and distrust.


    Now that she truly schemes against him, he actually thinks she is being considerate of him everywhere, and is deeply moved.


    It is all rather ironic.


    "What is Mother thinking about?"


    "Nothing." Ning Wanshuang returns to herself with a gentle smile, handing the poetry collection back to Chenghuan. "Mother merely read a couplet casually. Don¡¯t dwell on it too much. It''s almost time, go to the academy with Aunt Liu Yue. "


    As Liu Yue leads Chenghuan out of the pce gate, she happens to bump into the eunuch from the Imperial Workshop, Eunuch Wei.


    Liu Yue asks curiously, "Eunuch Wei? What brings you here?"


    Eunuch Wei smiles obsequiously, "Aunt Liu jests. I am here on His Majesty¡¯s decree to tailor new clothes for Her Ladyship the Noble Consort."


    "Tailor clothes?"


    "This is joyous news. Didn''t Her Ladyship tell you when she returned to the pce?"


    Eunuch Wei moves closer to Liu Yue and says mysteriously, "His Majesty has granted Noble Consort Chen the title of Imperial Noble Consort, to be officially bestowed soon. Now, there is no more prestigious ce in the entire pce than the Yonghe Pce."

 Chapter 363: Arino Akira

    <h4>Chapter 363</h4>


    Actually, it''s not just Ning Wanshuang and the others who are unaware,


    This time, Ning Wanshuang kept the decree of being named the Imperial Noble Consort from beginning to end without boasting about it.


    In the past, she would have spread this news throughout the six pces, afraid that no one would see her pride,


    But now, she kept silent, learning to be restrained.


    Xiao Jingheng said she had grown a lot, bing more reserved and more charming,


    But Ning Wanshuang knew in her heart,


    She was still the same spirited and carefree woman as before,


    It''s just that some things, for her, are no longer a cause for celebration, so there''s no need to boast.


    This good news was kept secret in the Yonghe Pce, so all the attention in the pce fell on the Changle Pce.


    In the following days, the Changle Pce was extremely lively.


    Xiao Jingheng personally brought the Left Imperial Censor Luo and his wife into the Changle Pce, and adopted Song Zhao as their daughter,


    Originally worried that Song Zhao''s stubborn temperament would not agree, fortunately, Lady Luo and Song Zhao got along very well, as if they had known each other for a long time, with endless intimate words, as if it were destined.


    In this way, Song Zhao took on apletely new identity, and from now on, she was no longer the daughter of a criminal minister.


    For this matter, many concubines in the harem had criticisms, and the officials of the previous dynasty also had some words of dissent,


    Everyone criticized, saying that Xiao Jingheng''s favoritism towards Song Zhao was a bit too much.


    But Xiao Jingheng easily silenced the crowd with the words, ''Everything is for the imperial heir and the prosperity of the country.''


    But turning around, he said to Song Zhao:


    "For this matter, those old officials of the previous dynasty have made my ears calloused with their mor. But I am determined to grant you this, how can I allow others to gossip? I want everyone to see that I am doting on you. I am the emperor, I treat my beloved woman well, regardless of what others say."


    Hearing his words, Song Zhao was deeply moved, tears falling like pearls,


    "Xiao Lang treats me so well, how can I repay?"


    Xiao Jingheng smiled at her foolishness, "What repayment do you talk about with me? If you really want to repay me, then spend the rest of your life by my side, grow old with me, and enjoy family happiness together."


    Song Zhao nestled in Xiao Jingheng''s arms,


    From an angle he couldn''t see, a yful smile appeared on her lips, and she softly said,


    "With Xiao Lang treating me like this, Zhao''er dare not forget. In the future, I will repay Xiao Lang a thousand times over, to show my true feelings."


    Bing a member of the Luo family, breaking free from the Song family''s surname, Song Zhao''s life was no longer connected to the Song family.


    This was exactly what she had always hoped for.


    However, she couldn''t show her joy too obviously, if she suddenly became open-minded, thinking about food and drink, it would inevitably arouse Xiao Jingheng''s suspicion.


    Just when she had been hungry for two days, this matter passed from Yun Shan''s mouth to Xiao Jingheng''s ears, and he came up with a thoughtful n.


    He personally cooked in the kitchen, preparing some dishes that Song Zhao loved to eat.


    On this day, he busied himself in the small kitchen while Song Zhao napped, for a while.


    As Song Zhao got up, she saw Xiao Jingheng''s cheeks stained with oil, looking a bit disheveled, but he had prepared a table full of dishes.


    "Zhao''er, try my cooking."


    This was not the first time Xiao Jingheng had cooked for Song Zhao.


    Thinking back, it was also when she was pregnant, Xiao Jingheng made a table full of sour dishes just to counter the rumors of "sour wife and spicy husband," wishing to make Song Zhao jealous.


    Although the dishes on the table today were not top-notch in terms of appearance, taste, or fragrance, they were the dishes that Song Zhao loved to eat on a daily basis,


    It was Xiao Jingheng''s thoughtful gesture.


    She took a bite and smiled, saying, "This is Xiao Lang''s thoughtfulness, it''s very nice."


    Xiao Jingheng also smiled as he served her dishes, "Then you must eat more, don''t let my thoughtfulness go to waste."


    Looking at Xiao Jingheng carefully serving her dishes, Song Zhao couldn''t help but wonder, perhaps he was sincere this time?


    But this bted sincerity, every bit of it, made her feel disgusted.


    By the end of August, everything settled down, and Song Zhao''s pregnancy had passed the first two months, the fetus was stable.


    At that time, Xiao Jingheng was sitting in a warm seat, casually flipping through a military book,


    While Song Zhao was leaning on his shoulder, gazing out the window at the leaves turning yellow in the autumn breeze, lost in thought.


    Xiao Jingheng saw her absent-mindedness and reached out to wave in front of her eyes, smiling and asking,


    "What are you thinking, Zhao''er?"


    "I''m thinking about my maiden name." Song Zhao sat up, leaning on Xiao Jingheng''s shoulder, "I''m thinking that the name ''Zhao'' was also chosen by my parents at home. Now that I''ve changed my surname, my maiden name is still the same as before, which doesn''t feel quite right."


    As she spoke, her slender fingers climbed up Xiao Jingheng''s neck, gently encircling him, coquettishly saying,


    "Why don''t you give me another name, Xiao Lang?"


    Xiao Jingheng naturally agreed,


    But after thinking of several names in a row, seeing that Song Zhao was not quite satisfied, he said,


    "Why don''t you think of one yourself? I''ll help you brainstorm."


    Song Zhao propped her chin and pondered for a moment, then suddenly a spark shed in her eyes. She spread out Xiao Jingheng''s hand and used her index finger to sketch on his palm,


    "How about the character ''Hua''? Zhao Hua, it means beautiful and resembles the beauty of youth. It can be considered as every day we spend together in the future with Xiao Lang, all will be beautiful times."


    Xiao Jingheng closed his palm, holding Song Zhao''s hand, andughed,


    "This meaning is excellent. And the character ''Hua'' also has the meaning of beauty and brilliance. Just like Zhao''er, bright and radiant."


    He leaned closer to Song Zhao, his chin against her soft cheek, deliberately rubbing lightly,


    The newly grown stubble on Song Zhao''s face made her itch, and she couldn''t help butugh.


    She intended to get up, but Xiao Jingheng''s big hand held her waist, unable to escape,


    She could only push against Xiao Jingheng''s chest, coquettishly saying, "Xiao Lang always bullies me..."


    Amidst theirughter and yfulness, the years seemed peaceful.


    And from then on, Song Zhao and her past self had no more connection.

 Chapter 364: A Mother in Vain

    <h4>Chapter 364</h4>


    In the whole month of August, whenever the concubines went to Yonghe Pce to pay their respects to Ning Wanshuang, they hardly saw Consort Hui there.


    She was also extremely worried about Chengjing''s paralysis, and had been working herself to exhaustion over it.


    Zhao Hua and Yunfei had gone to see Consort Hui together a few days ago. Her eyes were red and swollen, and her body had be gaunt, which made people pity her.


    However, her diligent care for Chengjing was rewarded.


    That day, Xiao Jingheng summoned a troupe from the Southern Manor into the pce to sing for Zhao Hua, to cheer her up.


    While the two of them were listening to the performance, Imperial Physician Zhang happened toe to check Zhao Hua¡¯s pulse and wish her well-being. After he said Zhao Hua was fine, Xiao Jingheng asked him,


    "Some time ago, the chief judge said that your golden needle technique might be able to cure Chengjing''s paralysis. Have you seen any improvement after treating him these past few days?"


    Imperial Physician Zhang respectfully replied, "Replying to Your Majesty, the Third Prince originally had no sensation at all in his lower body, but after I needled him three times a day, he was able to feel pain the day before yesterday. This is an extremely good sign, indicating that the Third Prince''s lower body may not bepletely paralyzed and there is still a possibility of recovery!"


    Xiao Jingheng only had Chengjing, this one healthy son, but he was paralyzed by a senseless disaster. Now hearing from Imperial Physician Zhang that there was a turning point, he was naturally overjoyed.


    "Then in your opinion, is it possible for Chengjing to recoverpletely?"


    Imperial Physician Zhang said, "I dare not make definitive statements, I can only do my best in treatment, but there is hope overall."


    Zhao Hua was also smiling happily. "As long as there is hope, that''s good. Chengjing is still so young. If he had to lie in bed for the rest of his life, it would make anyone''s heart ache to hear it."


    Then she looked at Xiao Jingheng and couldn''t help sighing, "Xiao Lang doesn''t know that on the day of the terrible incident at Changle Pce, Consort Hui and I saw it with our own eyes. If it hadn''t been for Consort Hui''s pce maid, who risked her life to cover Chengjing''s mouth and nose, blocking most of the poison powder and saving Chengjing''s life, I''m afraid that even if Chengjing had survived, there would be no hope of a turning point like now."


    Xiao Jingheng''s rewards and punishments were always fair. At this moment, with great joy on his face, he said,


    "She was loyal to protect her master, which ismendable. The deceased has passed away, but the living can be rewarded. Call Little Imprint," he ordered, "Find out the name of that maid and have the Imperial Household Department send 100 taels of silver to provide for her family."


    Little Imprint was clever and knew the backgrounds of all the pce maids on duty like the back of his hand. He immediately responded to Xiao Jingheng,


    "Replying to Your Majesty, the maid who loyally protected her master was named Chun. She was alone and destitute, with both parents dead, and had no family ties."


    Hearing this, Zhao Hua couldn''t help joking, "So she was a pitiful person. Perhaps over the years she had long regarded Consort Hui as her own family, so at the critical moment she sacrificed herself to protect Chengjing. It shows Consort Hui usually treats her pce maids extremely well."


    But Little Imprint said, "This Chun was originally working at the Fourth Treasury. She had only been transferred to Consort Hui''s pce three months before the incident. She didn''t serve Consort Hui for long. But she was indeed loyal."


    Zhao Hua was surprised and said, "How could that be? I saw with my own eyes that day Chun nearly sacrificed her life to protect Chengjing. I thought she must have served Consort Hui for a long time, never expecting she was a neer. That''s even more remarkable."


    As she spoke, she nced at Xiao Jingheng from the corner of her eye.


    She noticed the originally bright look in Xiao Jingheng''s eyes had darkened somewhat,


    but he soon spoke as usual, "It is a servant''s duty to protect their master. Those who contribute will be rewarded. Perhaps Chun was loyal on one hand, but on the other hand she may have wanted to secure a better future for herself."


    Hearing this, Zhao Hua knew Xiao Jingheng was beginning to have suspicions. As clever as she was, she understood when to stop and subtly changed the subject, "Imperial Physician Zhang said Chengjing has improved. This is wonderful news. I visited Consort Hui a few days ago and saw her attending to Chengjing day and night until she was exhausted. Since we have time today, why don''t you and I go visit them together?"


    Xiao Jingheng also intended to do so. He dismissed the troupe and rode with Zhao Hua in the imperial carriage to Zhaochun Pce.


    At the same time, in Zhaochun Pce.


    "My son, drink this medicine quickly."


    Consort Hui sat at the edge of Chengjing''s couch, propping him up to sit leaning against the headboard.


    She also ced a soft goose down cushion behind him to make him morefortable sitting up.


    The bowl of medicinal soup on the small table beside them had cooled to a suitable temperature. She picked it up and stirred the bottom with a spoon, scooping up a spoonful and bringing it to Chengjing''s mouth.


    The medicine was extremely bitter. Just the smell of it was nauseating.


    The child''s brow furrowed into a little lump. He forced down a mouthful with great difficulty, then made a bitter face and started to throw a tantrum.


    "Mufei, this medicine is so bitter. I don''t want to drink it."


    "Chengjing darling, you have to be good and drink the medicine in order to get better quickly, understand?"


    Consort Hui scooped another spoonful and held it out. But Chengjing was quite stubborn. He pped the spoon away and screamed,


    "I don''t want to drink it! I don''t want to!"


    "Good boy, you have to be strong. You want to get better quickly too, don''t you?" Consort Hui patiently persuaded him, saying with a smile, "Come now, be good. After you drink the medicine, Mother will give you candied fruits, alright?"


    "I don''t want to drink it! I don''t want Imperial Physician Zhang to prick me with needles either! It hurts! I don''t want it!"


    He was making an awful fuss, constantly pushing Consort Hui''s hands away, eyes full of grievance.


    Consort Hui had been smiling just a moment ago, but seeing Chengjing like this, her expression instantly darkened. She said coldly,


    "I''ll ask you one more time. Will you drink it or not?"


    "I won''t drink it! I won''t drink it! I..."


    Before he could finish his tantrum, Consort Hui suddenly snapped. She pinched Chengjing''s jaw with a tiger mouth grip, forcefully prying his mouth open, and poured the medicinal soup down his throat.


    "You will drink this! If you''re paralyzed, what can I expect from you in the future? Drink!"


    She usually looked innocent and harmless,


    but now with such a hideous expression even the child didn''t dare cry out.


    Only after she finished pouring the medicine did Consort Hui angrily throw the bowl aside. Lowering her voice, she said to Chengjing,


    "Stop crying. You are my son. If you can''t even endure this bit of bitterness, what can I expect from you in the future?"


    "His Majesty arrives!"


    Hearing the shrill announcement from the eunuch outside, the ferocity on Consort Hui''s face instantly vanished.


    She looked to the doorway with red-rimmed eyes. The moment Xiao Jingheng and Zhao Hua entered, tears fell from her eyes.


    "This concubine pays respects to Your Majesty and Noble Consort."


    Seeing Xiao Jingheng, Chengjing''s suppressed sobs grew louder.


    "Wah...Father Emperor! Father Emperor!"


    "What''s going on here?"


    Seeing mother and child in tears, Xiao Jingheng felt an instant headache. He demanded of Consort Hui,


    "What is Chengjing crying about for no reason?"


    Just as Consort Hui was about to reply, Chengjing sobbed andined to Xiao Jingheng first,


    "Wah...the medicine is so bitter. I don''t want to drink it, but Mother forced me to drink it. Mother is so fierce...I''m scared!"

 Chapter 365: Between the Hands

    <h4>Chapter 365</h4>


    Chengjing''s crying turned hoarse, and he shouted a couple of times before bursting into coughs.


    Consort Hui had just been holding herself back in front of Xiao Jingheng. Hearing the child coughing, she immediately poured a cup of warm water and handed it to him,


    "Son, drink slowly and moisten your throat..."


    "I don''t want it! Wah wah wah..."


    Chengjing pushed the cup away forcefully, crying even harder.


    Consort Hui was also following him with sad tears, "Your Majesty, I''m also at a loss, I don''t know what to do..."


    Her body weakly copsed to the ground, shaking her head in despair,


    "Chengjing is still so young, how could he understand? He only knows that the medicine is bitter and refuses to drink it. How could he know what paralysis means to him? If I don''t force him to drink the medicine, what else can I do? Should I just give up on him and let him be bedridden for the rest of his life?"


    After all, Consort Hui was Chengjing''s birth mother. Which mother wouldn''t feel heartache for her child?


    Seeing Consort Hui crying like this, Xiao Jingheng couldn''t bear to reproach her either. He just went up and wiped away the tears on Chengjing''s face, gently persuading him, "Chengjing, don''t cry. You''re a man, you have to be strong."


    Although Zhao Hua''s eyes were also red, she still forced a smile at Chengjing and said,


    "Good boy, your Imperial Consort Mother means well for you. Look how you''ve made her cry."


    As she spoke, she helped Consort Hui up from the icy floor, clutching her hand andforting her,


    "Sister, don''t cry. Chengjing is going through such an ordeal, I know you are hurting inside, but there is still hope, right? Just now when I heard Zhang Imperial Physician say that Chengjing can feel pain in his lower body again, isn''t that a sign of improvement?"


    Zhang Imperial Physician, who was traveling with them, had originally hidden himself in the crowd.


    Hearing Zhao Hua''s call, he quickly came forward and bowed, saying,


    "The Third Prince does have some improvement. Over the past days, Consort Hui could try supporting the Third Prince to walk more, even if he can''t move, just help him exercise his legs, it would also be beneficial to his recovery."


    In fact, it wasn''t just Zhang Imperial Physician who had said this to Consort Hui.


    Guo Imperial Physician and Imperial Physician Liu had also given Consort Hui the same advice.


    And Consort Hui had some medical knowledge herself, of course she knew that if Chengjing stayed paralyzed in bed all the time, even if his legs could recover in the future, the atrophy caused by long-term inactivity would make it difficult to fully recoverter.


    So without being told, she had already tried to help Chengjing walk.


    More than ten dayster,


    Today, Zhao Hua saw the sunny weather in the courtyard and was leisurely feeding the golden canaries in the exquisite cage,


    when Zhang Imperial Physician came as usual to check her pulse for safety. After saying everything was fine, Zhao Hua casually took a handful of sunflower seeds and threw them into the birdcage, lightly asking:


    "Did you see Chengjing today? How is his recovery?"


    Zhang Imperial Physician said: "Consort Hui has someone take the Third Prince walking every day, or exercising his legs lying in bed. The Third Prince really can''t stand the pain and cries miserably every day like he''s being tortured.


    When I went today, in order to avoid acupuncture treatment and leg exercises, the Third Prince climbed out of bed and crawled into the closet to hide. It took people a while to find him."


    Zhao Hua sneered, "The entire Imperial Medical Bureau couldn''t get a response from his legs, only you, Zhang Imperial Physician, have a way to restore some feeling for him. You have such magical hands, you should do your best to cure him. If he can recover one day, it will also be a merit for you."


    Zhang Imperial Physician smiled slyly and lowered his voice, "Actually his disease can''t be cured. The acupuncture method can only restore some pain sensation for him. Walking or exercising his legs is still as painful as being stabbed to the bone. There is no other ''benefit'' besides that."


    Zhao Hua stroked the bright feathers of the golden canary indifferently with the gilt armor on her hand, and said casually, "I don''t know anything about medical techniques. Zhang Imperial Physician, just use your own methods to treat him."


    Zhang Imperial Physician immediately understood her meaning and nodded in agreement.


    Then he moved a little closer to Zhao Hua and whispered in a mosquito-like voice,


    "What Your Ladyship asked me to verify, I have found evidence. The Third Prince is definitely the blood descendant of His Majesty and Consort Hui, there can be no mistake."


    Hearing this, Zhao Hua was silent for a moment before nodding lightly, signaling Zhang Imperial Physician to go about his business.


    When the sun grew harsher at noon, Yun Shan protected Zhao Hua back into the inner chamber. As soon as the door closed, she heard Zhao Hua murmur softly,


    "It seems that to get the Third Prince better, Consort Hui has also hardened her heart."


    "Hardened her heart?" Zhao Hua sneered, "I think she is heartless. Didn''t you hear what Zhang Imperial Physician said just now? She forces Chengjing to walk every day, and Chengjing was in so much pain that he crawled into the closet to hide from her. It makes me wonder, if Cheng Yu or Ruo Xing were to suffer such torment one day, how would I react?"


    She lowered her eyes in thought for a while, shaking her head with a bleak smile,


    "A parent''s love for their child runs deep, that''s true. But seeing the poor child suffer like that, how could I still bear to be so heartless? Not eating medicine means being force-fed, legs in pain making walking difficult means forcing him to stumble two hours a day. If it were me seeing my child cry like that, I''m afraid my heart would break."


    Yun Shan said, "Consort Hui was also thinking of herself. She''s not favored like you, mydy. This is her only son, and her hope for the future."


    "What is she hoping for then?" Zhao Hua looked up at Yun Shan with a smile,


    "Cheng Yu no longer has any hope of returning to the pce, and Chenghuan has no fate of inheriting the empire. If no more princes are born in the harem, wouldn''t her Chengjing be the most suitable heir apparent if he was healthy?"


    Yun Shan realized the implications in horror, and quickly said, "Then mydy should avoid seeing her in the future, in case she has some dirty tricks up her sleeve again to harm you."


    Zhao Hua straightened her cloud-patterned sleeves indifferently and sneered contemptuously,


    "If she wants to harm others, she would need to have the ability to do so. In the past I worked in the dark while she worked in the light, giving her the opportunity to find loopholes. Now that we''ve both revealed our hands, if I still let her harm me, I would be too stupid."


    As she spoke, Xiao Fuzi knocked and respectfully entered, his voice low as he replied,


    "My Lady, Tian Ji has handled things smoothly and sent back a message."


    "Go ahead and tell me," Zhao Hua cocked her brow at him, and asked first, "Did that gold dragon take the bait?"


    Xiao Fuzi bowed deeply, admiringly saying,


    "My Lady calctes perfectly. The people from Tianji said that someone else from the pce also came to them with a Tianji order to investigate the same matter as My Lady ordered, which is to secretly look into Chun Lan''s background.


    ording to the portrait, it looks like the little eunuch by His Majesty''s side. However, the Tianji order he brought was a forgery made by Prince An per My Lady''s request back then. Tianji recognized the fake order, but on the surface they did not expose him. Instead, they passed the message to Prince An to ask My Lady''s intention."


    Zhao Hua nodded calmly, the corner of her lips hooked up in a scheming smile,


    "Whatever they found out, they should truthfully report it to the Emperor. The more genuine information the Emperor hears, the more he will trust Tianji''s capabilities."


    Her fingers had been tapping on the willow wood table. As she spoke, she slowly clenched her fist and chuckled coldly,


    "When he fully trusts them, it will be easier for me in the future to y him in the palm of my hand."

 Chapter 366: Love and Hate Line

    <h4>Chapter 366</h4>


    The Tianji Office is only under the jurisdiction of the current Empress Dowager. If the current Empress Dowager passes away, the Tianji Secret Order will be kept by the attending aunt who serves the Empress Dowager.


    The attending aunt will hide the Tianji Secret Order in the pce and leave a personal secret letter. In the future when the Emperor passes away and a new Empress Dowager moves into the Xian Shou Pce, someone will surely present the letter to inform the next Empress Dowager of the hiding ce of the Tianji Secret Order.


    During this period, the Emperor cannot force the attending aunt to reveal the whereabouts of the Tianji Secret Order, otherwise if this matter spreads to the previous dynasty, it will surely invite much negative talk, losing more than gaining.


    After the previous Empress Dowager passed away, Aunt Qingzhu gave the Tianji Secret Order to Zhao Hua. Neither she nor the Empress Dowager made a fake Tianji Secret Order to confuse people.


    Firstly, it''s normal that Xiao Jingheng can''t find the secretly hidden order.


    Secondly, the Empress Dowager firmly believed that Zhao Hua would be an Empress Dowager in the future, so she gave it to her in advance.


    But Zhao Hua''s thoughts went further than this.


    The moment she obtained the order, she thought:


    The Tianji Office has always only recognized the order, not the person. Such an organization, free from imperial power, gathered many talented people. With Xiao Jingheng''s crazy desire for power, how could he let it go?


    Zhao Hua guessed that he must order someone to secretly check Aunt Qingzhu''s luggage when she leaves the pce to keep vigil for the Empress Dowager,


    Or make her take drugs and search her body while she sleeps.


    In short, if he can''t get the Tianji Secret Order, his heart won''t be at ease. He might even secretly harm Aunt Qingzhu topletely eliminate the order once and for all.


    If so, why not make a fake Tianji Secret Order in advance and let Xiao Jingheng go through much trouble to find it.


    This way, whenever he needs to use the Tianji Office in the future, no matter what he wants to investigate, Zhao Hua will know it clearly.


    Once knowing clearly, any information Xiao Jingheng obtains from the Tianji Office in the future will be what Zhao Hua wants him to know.


    The next day, when Zhao Hua went to pay respects to Ning Wanshuang, she brought Ruo Xin with her.


    It happened to be Chenghuan''s day off from lessons today. After finishing paying respects, Ruo Xin made a fuss about ying with her brothers and sisters. So Zhao Hua naturally stayed.


    At that time, Ruo Xin and Jin Yue pestered Chenghuan to y blind man¡¯s bluff with them, but Chenghuan said, "I''m afraid I don''t have time today. I still have to go to Zhao Chun Pce to see my third brotherter."


    Hearing this, Ning Wanshuang unpleasantly said:


    "What are you going there for?"


    Thinking of how Chengjing had scolded Chenghuan a freak and even threw rocks at him, Ning Wanshuang was furious from head to toe.


    "With so many people waiting on him in Zhao Chun Pce, don''t go add to the chaos."


    Chenghuan bowed to Ning Wanshuang and exined:


    "Yesterday when Father came to ask me about my homework, he mentioned that I was his eldest son and told me to set an example for my younger siblings. He said I can''t just focus on studying, but also have to be friendly with siblings and uphold benevolence and righteousness."


    Hearing his words, Ning Wanshuang and Zhao Hua looked at each other, both with mixed feelings.


    Eldest son...


    Yes, ording to reason, Chenghuan is Xiao Jingheng¡¯s eldest son and noble son.


    But before, when Chengyu was around, Xiao Jingheng didn¡¯t want to recognize him as eldest son at all.


    He even tried to kill him several times, to avoid him bringing shame to the imperial family.


    Now seeing his own heirs scarce, he readily recognizes Chenghuan as eldest son.


    It''s really ironic.


    "Fine, since it''s your Father who told you to go, go early ande back early."


    With Ning Wanshuang''s permission, Chenghuan and the maid taking care of him were about to leave. But Jin Yue and Ruo Xin followed him like little tails, yelling:


    "We want to go too. Brother, take us together!"


    Seeing the children''s enthusiasm, Ning Wanshuang and Zhao Hua couldn''t bear to stop them. So they let Liu Yue, Yun Shan and Xiao Fuzi go with them to avoid any mishaps.


    After the children left noisily, the hall instantly became quiet, making people feel empty.


    Ning Wanshuang had prepared Zhao Hua¡¯s favorite drink, yangzhi sweet dew, and now had it served. But she indifferently said:


    ¡°This is what Consort Shun taught me to make recently. I originally wanted to make it for myself, but since it¡¯s my first try I don¡¯t know how it tastes. You try it first. If it doesn¡¯t taste good, pour it out to feed the cats and dogs.¡±


    She was always hard on the outside but soft on the inside, looking down on everyone. She didn¡¯t even give Zhao Hua a direct look.


    But Zhao Hua knew clearly that such awkwardness was Ning Wanshuang''s way of expressing concern. Naturally she enjoyed it.


    After drinking a full cup, Zhao Hua said repeatedly: "Sister made it very well, I like it a lot."


    Ning Wanshuang tried her best to restrain her expression, but the faint smile at the corner of her lips was still keenly captured by Zhao Hua.


    She didn''t poke holes in it, but respectfully said:


    ¡°I haven¡¯t congratted Sister yet. You¡¯ll soon be instated as Noble Consort.¡±


    "You already know?" Ning Wanshuang asked indifferently, the joy on her face gone in a sh.


    Zhao Hua nodded. "It was the Emperor who said it."


    Ning Wanshuang sneered coldly. ¡°What¡¯s Noble Consort or Imperial Noble Consort? Things longed for yet unattained, as time goes on, are no longer longed for.¡±


    She nced at the golden sunlight outside the window, her eyes gradually going out of focus, her voice weak:


    ¡°No matter what position he gives me, as long as it¡¯s not Empress, I¡¯ll smile and ept it. Anyway, whether I genuinely like it or am perfunctory doesn¡¯t matter to him. He just wants to see me smile to satisfy himself. This is my existence, the meaning to him.¡±


    Zhao Hua said, ¡°I know Sister doesn¡¯t want to be Empress, but...¡±


    "There are no buts."


    Ning Wanshuang listlessly cut off Zhao Hua''s words and shook her head indifferently:


    "If you be Empress, then in the future you''ll be buried with him in the imperial mausoleum. I don''t dare want such a blessing. Anyway, isn''t Empress Jia Rui already buried there? In the future the Emperor will have his legal wife to apany him. That should be enough."


    Although she spoke ruthlessly, Zhao Hua still sensed the loneliness she desperately tried to hide, from the corners of her eyes and brows.


    This loneliness precisely showed that after so many years, Ning Wanshuang still hadn''tpletely let go of her feelings for Xiao Jingheng in her heart.


    The boy she had loved since youth, who she had once fantasized about spending her whole life with,


    Such feelings, for a woman who values emotions like Ning Wanshuang, can''t be easily severed just by saying so.


    Now when she privately mentions Xiao Jingheng, it''s always with hatred and disgust on her face.


    Hatred,


    Yet how is it not another manifestation of deep love?

 Chapter 367: Giving Birth With Your Mouth

    <h4>Chapter 367</h4>


    To avoid hurting Ning Wanshuang''s feelings, Zhao Hua hurriedly changed the subject.


    Seeing arge red coral in the inner chamber, she said,


    "Thisrge red coral is so beautiful. I remember it was given by Zhu Yin several years ago as a birthday gift for the Emperor, right?"


    Ning Wanshuang nced at it disdainfully and said indifferently, "He said I liked the color red, so he sent it to me. But I don''t care for things from Zhu Yin at all."


    As she spoke, sheughed mockingly and raised her eyebrows at Zhao Hua, "Do you still remember when Father led the troops to attack Zhu Yin? The Qi troops marched in and conquered Zhu Yin in just over a month even though they resisted desperately to the end. In the end, Father publicly humiliated their old emperor before they submitted to Great Qi. How could I appreciate gifts from such a defeated enemy, no matter how precious they are?"


    Even now, when Ning Wanshuang mentioned her father and brothers, she was still arrogantly proud.


    Zhao Hua listened quietly, but suddenly sensed something amiss.


    "Zhu Yin... Sister, do you still remember Prince Qi? He was in charge of conquering Zhu Yin, but that war dragged on for three years without capturing Zhu Yin. Later when General Ning led the troops, he took Zhu Yin by storm with lightning speed."


    Ning Wanshuang did not understand the implication behind Zhao Hua''s words. She just nodded slightly smugly,


    "Of course. Who in the entire Qi Dynasty could match Father''s valor?"


    While General Ning was adept in military strategy and battle, Prince Qi hadparable military power, yet he campaigned against the small border country Zhu Yin for three years without capturing it. This was rather questionable.


    Moreover, Xiao Jingheng had reprimanded Prince Qi over this matter and confiscated all his military power.


    Now Prince Qi remained idle in the capital without any real power, not much different from a carefree prince.


    As for that Chun Lan...


    She was of humble birth, so why did people see hering and going from Prince Qi''s estate? What connection could a lowly maidservant have with Prince Qi?


    Besides, Chun Lan had only served Consort Hui for a few months. How could she be so loyal to Consort Hui?


    These messy threads were intricately interwoven into a knot.


    Zhao Hua faintly sensed there might be some intricate connection between Prince Qi, Zhu Yin, and Consort Hui. But she could not figure out what that connection was for now.


    "Thinking about what?"


    Ning Wanshuang''s voice interrupted Zhao Hua''s thoughts. She came back to her senses and smiled shaking her head,


    "Nothing."


    "Since it''s nothing,e with me to the small kitchen to prepare lunch," said Ning Wanshuang, smiling eagerly. "I know Ruo Xin ising today, so I had all her favorite dishes prepared early this morning."


    Zhao Hua also smiled and agreed, temporarily setting aside her unresolved ponderings to follow Ning Wanshuang to the small kitchen.


    About half an hourter, after Zhao Hua had put the shrimp dumplings into the steamer, she suddenly heard noisesing from the courtyard.


    She and Ning Wanshuang looked out and saw several children returning. They quickly washed their hands and went out to greet them.


    But when they met, they saw Ruo Xin''s eyes were red. She had obviously just cried.


    Before Zhao Hua could ask her what was wrong, Ruo Xin ran into Ning Wanshuang''s arms and cried grievously,


    "Mother... *sobs*"


    Seeing the child like this, Ning Wanshuang''s eyes were also full of distress. But she still reflexively nced at Zhao Hua first.


    Then she put her hand on Ruo Xin''s little shoulder, clearly wanting to send the child into Zhao Hua''s arms.


    But Zhao Hua did not stand on ceremony. She patted Ning Wanshuang''s hand and stopped her movement. Then she squatted beside Ruo Xin, gently stroking her bangs, and carefully asked,


    "What''s wrong, Ruo Xin?"


    Ruo Xin wiped her tears aggrievedly, pouting at Zhao Hua, "*sobs*... Mother, it hurts..."


    As she raised her tender little hand to wipe away tears, Zhao Hua immediately noticed the scald on the back of her hand.


    Spots of red blisters connected into one piece. The most severe ces even oozed liquid.


    It broke Zhao Hua''s heart to see this. She gently held Ruo Xin''s wrist, blowing air onto the wound.


    Standing to the side, Yun Shan lowered her head, also full of self-me. "Your Ladyship, it was this ve''s fault for not protecting the little master well..."


    Ning Wanshuang was angry at first. "What happened?"


    Holding back tears, Yun Shan said, "When the little masters went to see the Third Prince, Consort Hui was feeding the Third Prince medicine. The Third Prince refused to take medicine and threw a tantrum, knocking over the small stove boiling the medicine. The hot coals spilled out and scalded the little master..."


    Anxiously, Ning Wanshuang said, "Why haven''t you gone to summon the Imperial Physician yet?"


    Yun Shan said, "Xiao Fu has already gone."


    Although Ruo Xin¡¯s crying was weak, when it entered Zhao Hua¡¯s ears, it was like needles piercing her heart, which ached along with it.


    Although the burn area on the child was notrge or serious, the stinging pain after the blisters formed was difficult for even adults to endure, let alone a three-year-old child.


    Zhao Hua''s eyes were half distressed and half resentful.


    At this time, Jin Yue also ran to Ning Wanshuang and held her hand, saying,


    "Mother, I''ll never go see Third Brother again. He is so bad. Seeing Sister Ruo Xin crying from being scalded, he actually said she deserved it..."


    Hearing this, Ning Wanshuang''s irritable temper could no longer hold back.


    She strode out of Yonghe Pce without a word.


    Anyone could see that she was going to make trouble for Consort Hui.


    Afraid that she would cause chaos in her impulse, Zhao Hua hurriedly left Ruo Xin in Yun Shan''s care and rushed to catch up.


    As the two entered Zhaochun Pce, they saw Consort Hui walking out from the inner chamber.


    She also looked guilty and quickly said,


    "I was just about to go to Elder Sister''s pce to apologize. Chengjing really doesn''t know any better. I have already scolded him. He also knows now that he..."


    "Since you don''t teach your son, I will teach you how to discipline your son!"


    Ning Wanshuang ignored whatever Consort Hui said and raised her hand to hit her.


    But Consort Hui suddenly said, "Esteemed Concubine, please think thrice. In the past, no matter how you hit me, I could bear it. But now, you must not hit me."


    She took a step back, protecting her lower abdomen with her left hand, and said in a low voice, "Because this concubine is already one month pregnant."


    Hearing this, Zhao Hua''s eyebrows couldn''t help but furrow slightly. In her heart she was even more puzzled.


    She knew Xiao Jingheng did not like Consort Hui and only used her as a pawn. Besides, Consort Hui had passed childbearing age and was nearing 30 years old. How could she conceive so frequently?


    *p*


    While Zhao Hua was feeling suspicious, she suddenly heard a crisp sound.


    She then saw Ning Wanshuang''s p make a clean smack on Consort Hui''s cheek.


    Blood appeared from the corner of Consort Hui''s mouth. Clutching her red hot cheek, she stared at Ning Wanshuang with wide eyes,


    "Esteemed Concubine, you..."


    *p*


    Not letting her reply, Ning Wanshuang immediately delivered another loud p.


    She red at Consort Hui and mocked ruthlessly,


    "What if you''re pregnant? Are you going to give birth from your mouth in the future? Or is Chengjing your vomit, which is why he doesn''t teach but misleads, unable to spit ivory from his dog mouth?"

 Chapter 368: Kylin Xianrui 01

    <h4>Chapter 368</h4>


    A fleeting expression of resentment shed in Consort Hui''s eyes. She clenched her teeth, but instead of erupting in anger, she unexpectedly pped herself across the face.


    The force she used was no lighter than Ning Wanshuang''s. As her palmnded on her already flushed cheek, it visibly swelled.


    Feeling that one p was not enough, she followed it with several harsher ones in session.


    This left Ning Wanshuang and Zhao Hua bewildered.


    "What kind of despicable behavior is this? Consort Hui, you''ve truly opened my eyes," Consort Hui sobbed. "You''re right to reprimand me. It''s all because I failed to teach my son properly."


    Wiping away her tears, she turned and shouted into the hall, "Chengjing! Look at what you''ve done to your younger sister Ruoxin! If I don''t punish you severely today, who knows what mischievous acts you''llmit in the future!"


    She walked swiftly towards her inner chamber, all the way to Chengjing''s bedside, and abruptly pulled him up, poised to strike.


    The child was terrified and burst into loud sobs. Consort Hui, her voice choked with sorrow, said, "Your unruly behavior will make Empress Chen and Empress Yi think it''s your birth mother who taught you this! Watch how I discipline you harshly today!"


    It was rare for her to reveal such a fierce side in front of others. She seemed truly helpless when dealing with her own son''sck of discipline.


    But Ning Wanshuang and Zhao Hua were not fools.


    Seeing Consort Hui''s act, they couldn''t be bothered to intervene and simply watched quietly from the sidelines.


    Ning Wanshuangzily brushed her temples, adding fuel to the fire. "Don''t just scold him. When a child behaves mischievously, he needs to be disciplined. As the saying goes, a filial child is raised under the rod. It''s not an unfounded statement. What? Are you reluctant? Shall I assist you?"


    Ning Wanshuang eagerly awaited the spectacle. Consort Hui had pushed herself into a corner with this act. She had no way out.


    She had no choice but to forcefully strike Chengjing''s palms. While hitting him, she cried out, "I told you to behave! I told you to stop being unruly!"


    She didn''t hold back, and the ps resounded crisply.


    After Ning Wanshuang and Zhao Hua watched for quite some time, they yawned in impatience. "Enough already. Take your time teaching him. If you can''t manage, you can alwayse to Yonghe Pce and ask for my advice. I have rulers and leather whips ready for you to use."


    With that, they walked away without a backward nce.


    Once the onlookers dispersed, Consort Hui finally released her tightly clenched grip on Chengjing''s wrist.


    Chengjing had cried so much that his voice turned hoarse. "Wuwuwu, Mother never used to be like this. Wuwuwu..."


    Deep down, Consort Hui still harbored some maternal love for him.


    However, now that she had noticed signs of a possible change, and seeing Chengjing''s continued unruly behavior and unhealed condition, her patience gradually wore thin.


    She shot him a cold nce and said in a chilling tone, "When will this leg of yours be able to walk? Only then will I treat you well!"


    As she spoke, she tugged at Chengjing''s arm, her menacing demeanor on full disy. "Get up! Keep practicing!"


    Chengjing, terrified of her, struggled to free himself from Consort Hui''s grasp. But his legscked strength, and he fell heavily to the ground.


    For an instant, Consort Hui felt a twinge ofpassion. She had intended to help him up, but...


    Zhao Hua couldn''t believe her eyes as she watched Chengjing, her own son, crawling on the ground like a spineless creature. He struggled to reach the iron box beside the bed and began rummaging through it.


    This sight infuriated Consort Hui, and she couldn''t contain her anger. "How did I end up with such a pathetic son like you?" she eximed. "You might as well be a coward for the rest of your life!"


    *


    Meanwhile, Ruo Xin had been sent back to Chang Le Pce and was being treated in her own chambers. Zhang Imperial Physician carefully examined Ruo Xin''s injuries and had to puncture the blisters on her hand to drain the fluid inside.


    Ruo Xin cried out in pain, and Zhao Hua''s eyes welled up with tears. Once Zhang Imperial Physician finished treating Ruo Xin, Zhao Hua hurriedlyforted her daughter and personally put her to sleep.


    After the little one fell asleep, Zhao Hua anxiously asked Zhang Imperial Physician, "Will Ruo Xin be scarred?"


    Zhang Imperial Physician reassured her, saying, "Your Majesty, rest assured. Young children heal quickly, and with proper medication, the wounds will soon recover."


    Hearing this, Zhao Hua felt slightly relieved. She gently stroked Ruo Xin''s forehead and asked, "Is it true that Consort Hui is pregnant?"


    Zhang Imperial Physician sighed and replied, "There is no doubt about it. On that day, both Guo Yuanpan and I examined Consort Hui''s pulse. She is indeed pregnant and nearing full term."


    As they spoke, Xiao Fuzi had already fetched the records from the attendants'' quarters.


    Zhao Hua carefully reviewed the records and noticed that in the past month, Xiao Jingheng had spent only one night in Consort Hui''s pce. Coincidentally, it was the night when Chengjing showed slight signs of improvement ording to the hospital report.


    A wave of nausea swept over Zhao Hua, and she abruptly threw the records aside. "She''s a heartless mother," she eximed. "Her own son is paralyzed in bed, yet she still finds a way to crawl into the dragon bed. It''s utterly disgusting!"


    Yun Shan quickly brought some calming incense for Zhao Hua, hoping to ease her difort.


    Taking a moment topose herself, Zhao Hua asked Zhang Imperial Physician, "Has her son made any progresstely?"


    Zhang Imperial Physician replied, "After the acupuncture treatment, there won''t be any improvements other than reduced leg pain. But Consort Hui is pressuring him relentlessly. The Third Prince, in order to avoid her, seeks refuge in dim and narrow ces every day."


    Lowering his voice, he added, "I''ve overheard the pce maids in Zhaochun Pce gossiping. They say that sometimes the Third Prince sleeps in the wardrobe or an iron trunk overnight, perhaps because he''s already frightened by Consort Hui."


    Upon hearing this, Zhao Hua suddenly had a realization. She said, "Thank you for your efforts, Zhang Imperial Physician. Please continue to treat him."


    Zhang Imperial Physician bowed and replied meaningfully, "I will do my best to treat the Third Prince and not disappoint Your Majesty."


    After he left, Zhao Hua instructed Yun Shan to bring her the program list that the concubines had presented to her in the past few days.


    Next month would mark Xiao Jingheng''s thirtieth birthday, and in celebration of this joyous asion, the concubines had prepared various congrattory performances, hoping to capture Xiao Jingheng''s attention and affection.


    Consort Hui was also deeply involved in this matter, and the name of the performance she had prepared was called "Kirin Offering Auspiciousness."


    Zhao Hua asked Xiao Fuzi, "Did you find out what this ''Kirin Offering Auspiciousness'' is all about from the Mechanical Wonders Workshop?"


    Xiao Fuzi said, "It''s not something that can be considered prestigious. It''s just a folk performance, a trick. Take arge iron ball filled with a dough made of borax and flour. Shape the dough into a Qilin, resembling a mythical beast.


    Then, ce the iron ball on top of arge oil pot. Once it''s opened, the Qilin-shaped borax dough inside will fall into the pot and expand, transforming into various forms, as if a Qilin is walking and presenting auspiciousness in the oil pot, appearing lifelike."


    "Consort Hui really put in effort to please the Emperor."


    Zhao Hua sneered disdainfully, but then she quietly observed the burn mark on Ruo Xin''s hand, and a deep sense of resentment welled up in her heart.


    Her child, carefully nurtured by her and Sister Wan, was someone she couldn''t bear to see even a slight injury on.


    As such a precious pearl in her palm, why should she let others trample on it for no reason?


    The more Zhao Hua thought about it, the angrier she became.


    Suddenly, her eyes darkened, and through gritted teeth, she said,


    "Then let that Qilin offer its auspiciousness to the Emperor."

 Chapter 369: Kylin Xianrui 02

    <h4>Chapter 369</h4>


    Under the careful care of Zhang Imperial Physician, Chengjing''s condition is improving day by day.


    The improvement is manifested in the fact that his legs are more sensitive to pain,


    Previously, when he moved his lower limbs, the pain was unbearable, but crying for a while would get him through it,


    But now, unable to move for a moment, he would be in such pain that his face would contort, his whole body would tremble, until he passed out, shocking to see.


    Yet, his pitiful state did not receive any sympathy from Consort Hui,


    And because of his past mischievousness, he was already the least likable prince, coupled with the incident that hurt Ruoxin,


    Now, whether it''s the concubines or the princes and princesses, they are unwilling to interact with him.


    The only exception is Chenghuan, who is willing to apany him from time to time under the guidance of Xiao Jingheng.


    Children''s minds are always simple,


    Chengjing originally thought Chenghuan''s appearance was terrifying and didn''t want to get close to him,


    But Chenghuan didn''t hold a grudge, caring for him attentively, almosting to apany him for one or two hours every day,


    Gradually, Chengjing also opened up to Chenghuan.


    One day, Chenghuan brought a scroll and read the newly learned "Analects of Confucius" from the Minister''s study to Chengjing,


    Chengjing didn''t understand these words at all, and his mind was not on them at all. Instead, he asked Chenghuan,


    "Brother, is Consort Chen good to you?"


    Chenghuan was taken aback, smiled and nodded, "Of course."


    Chengjing pouted, looking very dejected, "But why is Mother always so harsh on me... She forces me to walk every day, my legs hurt so much, and when she sees me cry, she doesn''tfort me like she used to."


    Seeing him with red eyes, Chenghuan also felt sorry.


    He wanted to wipe away the tears for Chengjing, but when he saw the cracked skin on his fingertips, he felt inferior and withdrew his hand,


    "Consort Hui is also doing it for your own good, hoping you will recover soon. When you are well, everyone can be at ease."


    Chengjing felt even more wronged after hearing this, "But I''m sick, shouldn''t Father Emperor care more about me? But Father Emperor hasn''te to see me for a long time..."


    He suddenly grabbed Chenghuan''s arm, motioning for him toe closer, and whispered,


    "Brother, let me tell you, in order to avoid Mother forcing me to practice walking, I always hide in the wardrobe or under the bed. Originally, this method worked, but my room is so small that Mother always finds me..."


    Chenghuan thought for a moment and strategized for him, "These past few days when I came, I noticed arge iron ball with a dragon pattern ced in the courtyard. Today, out of curiosity, I looked closely and found a hidden door behind the iron ball, it seems you can crawl in there. If you are really afraid of practicing walking, why not hide there for a while, maybe Consort Hui won''t find you so easily."


    Chengjing pursed his lips and shook his head, "The big iron ball is in the courtyard, I haven''t crawled over there yet, I will be discovered before I even get there."


    Chenghuanughed at him, "Silly little brother, if you do it during the day, of course, you will be found out. But in the dead of night, who will know what you are doing?"


    He looked around very cautiously, then lowered his voice and said,


    "When I came over just now, I heard Consort Hui mentioning that tomorrow is Father Emperor''s birthday, so you have to practice longer tomorrow and go to the birthday banquet to let Father Emperor see your progress."


    "I don''t want to!" Chengjing was extremely afraid, as if in a panic, he grabbed the quilt covering his head, his voice trembling, saying:


    "Brother Emperor, help me, I''m scared..."


    "Don''t be afraid, with Brother Emperor here."


    Chenghuan tentatively lifted the quilt covering Chengjing''s head, gently stroked his forehead, and whispered softly:


    "Brother Emperor will teach you a way that may help you avoid it,e closer."


    Upon hearing this, Chengjing hurriedly leaned closer to Chenghuan, listening to him mutter in a low voice.


    *


    The next morning, the six pces were already bustling early in the morning.


    Unlike previous birthdays of Xiao Jingheng, this year, as it was his thirtieth birthday, the banquetsted the whole day.


    From the hour of the Snake, the princes and nobles had already entered the pce one after another, and the concubines and female attendants were also lined up at the Tonghua Terrace.


    However, Consort Hui waste.


    Just because at dawn, the people of Zhaochun Pce searched everywhere but could not find Chengjing''s figure.


    This had been the norm in Zhaochun Pce for the past few days, the little guy was afraid of the daily rehabilitation training and would always hide in a secluded corner.


    But Consort Hui didn''t have time to waste with him today, she only instructed the pce people, "Be careful to find him, once Chengjing is found, let him take his medicine and start today''s exercises quickly."


    During the birthday banquet, amidst the clinking of sses, the concubines presented their birthday congrattions to Xiao Jingheng ording to their ranks.


    The first to offer congrattions was Ning Wanshuang, who was skilled in ying the Yaoqin and was a national master.


    Although she had been neglecting her practice in recent years, she still won apuse as soon as she yed.


    Following her was Zhao Hua, who made a name for herself.


    She had retired to the back room early on, changed into a light chiffon dress with water sleeves,


    "I, your subject, have no great skills, but for the Emperor''s birthday, I have specially learned a dance, the Dance of the Luo Goddess, to show my clumsiness in front of everyone."


    The musicians from the Southern Mansion had already set up their instruments, and as Zhao Hua was about to start dancing, Xiao Jingheng suddenly stopped everyone and said,


    "Concubine Yi is pregnant, how can she work like this? I appreciate your intentions, but for the safety of you and your child, let''s not dance today."


    Seeing his concern for Zhao Hua, she blushed and agreed,


    Others said that Xiao Jingheng favored Zhao Hua greatly, and after Zhao Hua returned to her seat next to Xiao Jingheng, she held his slender waist, reciting affectionately,


    "Your dancing posture is graceful and elegant, how can it be cheapened in front of all the men? It should only be reserved for private moments when I can admire the Dance of the Luo Goddess alone."


    Zhao Hua was teased by him, blushing and embarrassed, saying, "Xiao Lang always likes to tease me..."


    Her dance stopped, and it was Consort Hui''s turn to present her splendid congrattions.


    Everyone watched as seven or eight pce maids lifted arge iron pot, one zhang wide, onto the stage,


    The pot was filled with overflowing oil, and a fire was burning at the bottom.


    Then a dragon-patterned iron ball was slowly lowered from the beam, directly facing the center of the iron pot.


    Xiao Jingheng was curious about what was happening, and Consort Hui smiled and said:


    "At the age of the emperor''sing of age, the imperial harem was filled with good news. Both Concubine Yi and Consort Hui are pregnant, so Concubine Yi wanted to present a auspicious sign of a qilin to the emperor, which is also a good omen."


    Xiao Jingheng was still unaware of what the ''qilin auspicious sign'' meant, but he was intrigued.


    Consort Hui invited Xiao Jingheng to the hall and handed him a dragon-patterned chain that would release a suspended iron ball when pulled together.


    "This dragon-patterned chain has two parts, one held by the emperor and one by me. When we pull together, the dragon-patterned iron ball will open, revealing the mystery inside. Please join me, emperor, in weing the auspicious sign."


    Everyone was curious to see this rare sight and eagerly gathered around.


    When everyone was in ce,


    Xiao Jingheng and Consort Hui exchanged a nce and simultaneously pulled the dragon-patterned chain.


    In the moment the mechanism opened, the suspended dragon-patterned ball split along the center,


    The qilin-shaped dough that fell out had lost its form,


    And along with it, a fainted child seemed to have also fallen into the oil pot..."

 Chapter 370: Awhile The Three Princes

    <h4>Chapter 370</h4>


    Heavy object fell into the iron pot, sshing arge amount of oil,


    At that moment, Xiao Jingheng and Consort Hui were closest to the iron pot, and both were sttered with oil.


    Xiao Jingheng had some martial arts training and reacted fairly quickly. In the split second of the incident, he immediately used his sleeve to shield himself, only getting a few oil stains on the back of his hand.


    But Consort Hui wasn''t as lucky,


    Being petite in stature, the oil sttered onto her face, leaving behind dense red spots.


    She screamed, covering her face and backing away repeatedly,


    And the "heavy object" that fell into the pot, perhaps unable to withstand the high temperature, woke up from unconsciousness at this moment,


    After yelling twice in agony, he fell silent in the boiling hot oil.


    Someone in the crowd shouted in horror,


    "It''s the Third Prince!"


    In the pot, Chengjing... [For the sake of sensitivity, I won''t go into detail]


    Consort Hui''s body trembled violently, she screamed frantically,


    "Help! Someone, help!"


    Xiao Jingheng was also shocked beyond words, his blood surged for a moment, choking him into silence.


    The scene here was like a hellish nightmare,


    The oil pot was scalding hot, who would dare to help?


    Let alone rescue, most people didn''t even have the courage to watch.


    Zhao Hua stood far away from the iron pot, but she was also petrified with fear,


    She quickly covered Ruo Xin''s eyes, turning her own face away, unable to bear witnessing this cruel and horrifying scene.


    In the end, it was Prince An and Prince Qi who first regained theirposure, Prince An shouted for everyone to step back, while Prince Qi stepped forward quickly, using a thick stick to prop up the bottom of the iron pot and tip it over.


    The iron pot toppled to the ground, and the hot oil flowed out like a torrent,


    Chengjingy face down, motionless, already still.


    He was severely injured, with not a patch of unharmed skin left on his body.


    The pce servants cushioned him with wet cloths, enduring the high temperature as they rescued Chengjing and ced him on a pnquin, carrying him to the side hall to fetch the imperial physician.


    Consort Hui''s heartbreaking cries sent shivers down everyone''s spine,


    The areas of her face scalded by the hot oil were already blistering rapidly, resembling a mass of smallpox,


    But she didn''t feel the pain at all, just clutching onto Xiao Jingheng''s robes tightly, crying out,


    "Your Majesty! Our son..."


    Before she could finish her sentence, ovee with grief, she copsed in Xiao Jingheng''s arms from exhaustion.


    The lively and cheerful Tong Hua Terrace from a moment ago was now in chaos, cries filling the air,


    Ruo Xin was also terrified by the scene just now, hiding in Zhao Hua''s embrace, crying so hard she could barely catch her breath.


    But Xiao Jingheng had no time to spare for them at the moment,


    He ordered people to also carry Consort Hui down for proper medical treatment, then hurried to the side hall to check on Chengjing''s condition.


    Seeing this, Zhao Hua quietly instructed Yun Shan, "You take Ruo Xin back first tofort her, I''ll go see what''s going on."


    And it wasn''t just her, when the heir to the throne was harmed, even if the consorts were pretending, they still had to show superficial concern,


    So by the time Zhao Hua rushed over, the side hall was already crowded with people,


    She nced over and saw Xiao Jingheng pacing anxiously in the hall, while the concubines kneeled and prayed, and others chanted scriptures with folded palms. It seemed that this child was receiving a lot of attention.


    After about a quarter of an hour, Guo Yuan, the judge of the court, staggered out from the inner chamber. The court physicians followed and knelt before Xiao Jingheng, their faces filled with sorrow.


    "Your Majesty... the Third Prince... has passed away!" they mournfully eximed.


    As soon as the words fell, cries of grief erupted in the hall.


    Xiao Jingheng also covered his tear-filled eyes with his palm, pressing it against his forehead.


    "How could the people in Zhaochun Pce be so negligent? How did Chengjing end up in that iron ball?"


    In his anger, he ordered the immediate execution of the pce attendants responsible for preparing this performance, as well as all the pce attendants serving in Zhaochun Pce.


    The two little pce maids who had apanied Consort Hui to the Tong Hua Terrace for the banquet today were pale with fear upon hearing this.


    They immediately knelt before Xiao Jingheng and pleaded, "Your Majesty, we are innocent... Since the Third Prince unfortunately developed paralysis, Consort Hui was anxious to help him recover as soon as possible. So every day, she would make the Third Prince endure the pain and practice walking for two or three hours."


    "The Third Prince was really scared, so he would often hide in the wardrobe or iron chest, and we would have to search for him. But today... when we woke up in the morning, we couldn''t find the Third Prince again. Consort Hui was worried that it would dy the birthday congrattions to Your Majesty, so she ordered the pce attendants to search the pce. No one expected that the Third Prince would crawl into that iron ball for the auspicious offering..."


    Upon hearing the words of the little pce maids, the concubines finally realized how harsh Consort Hui had been towards Chengjing.


    Someone cried out, "Consort Hui really pushed the Third Prince too hard. Such a young child, how could she bear to do that?"


    "It''s chilling to think about it. If Consort Hui had been more patient with the child and not put too much pressure on him, the child wouldn''t have constantly hidden in those dark and cramped ces, and today''s tragedy wouldn''t have happened..."


    Indeed, how could anyone intentionally have put Chengjing inside the iron ball?


    Firstly, the iron ball had always been kept in Zhaochun Pce.


    Secondly, apart from Chenghuan, no one had visited Zhaochun Pce recently, let alone had the opportunity to harm him.


    In the end, it was Consort Hui who brought this upon herself.


    Xiao Jingheng was heartbroken. He expressed his desire to be alone for a while.


    Since Consort Hui was still unconscious, the matter of Chengjing''s funeral arrangements was entrusted to Ning Wanshuang.


    When Zhao Hua returned to the pce that day, she found that Ruoxin had indeed been frightened. Even though it was a cool autumn evening, she was sweating profusely and had developed a high fever for no reason.


    Zhao Hua was extremely worried and immediately called for Zhang, the imperial physician, to diagnose and treat Ruoxin.


    Fortunately, after Zhang administered acupuncture and medicine to Ruoxin, the child''s condition gradually stabilized.


    "The Third Princess was frightened and shocked. I gave her acupuncture and an herbal tonic to calm her down. She will soon be well again. However, for the next few days, the Empress should take good care of her. After all, such a young child witnessing such an event may leave asting impact on her."


    Zhao Hua nodded in agreement but also felt that today''s incident was too suspicious. So she asked again:


    "Zhang Imperial Physician, why did Chengjing appear to be unconscious when he fell from the iron ball? Is there a hidden truth behind this incident? Is it possible that someone drugged and put the child in the iron ball?"


    Zhang Imperial Physician helplessly shook his head, "Your Majesty, you saw it today as well. The Third Prince rolled in the oil pot and was almost cooked through. There''s not much we can discern from examining his pulse. Even if there is a hidden truth, it''s impossible to investigate. However, considering the airtightness of the iron ball, it''s also possible that the Third Prince fainted due tock of oxygen from being trapped inside for too long."


    As they were speaking, Xiao Fuzi entered and whispered to Zhao Hua:


    "Your Majesty, Consort Shun has arrived."


    Zhao Hua said, "Please let her in. I can see that it''s about to rain outside. Take an umbre and escort your brother back to the Imperial Hospital."


    After everyone had dispersed, Zhao Hua and Rongyue remained alone in the side hall, guarding Ruo Xin''s bed.


    Rongyue looked at Ruo Xin with pity in her eyes and said with concern, "Poor Ruo Xin, witnessing such a thing. But if we are to speak of it, it''s Consort Hui''s retribution."


    She looked up at Zhao Hua, her voice bing deeper, "She suggested burying Chengyu alive to the Emperor. She should have realized that her own son would also have a day of misfortune!"


    Upon hearing these words, Zhao Hua''s heart trembled.


    She recalled that in the past, she had angrily told Rongyue that if Consort Hui treated Chengyu in such a way, then her own son deserved to be thrown into the fiery pits and cooked in oil.


    Thinking that Rongyue might have changed her mind, she held Rongyue''s hand and asked in a low voice,


    "Sister Rong, is this matter rted to you?"


    "Me?" Rongyue''s eyebrows suddenly showed a look of surprise, not inferior to Zhao Hua''s.


    She was stunned for a while before responding somewhat bewilderedly, "Isn''t it you?"

 Chapter 371: Brotherly Love

    <h4>Chapter 371</h4>


    Zhao Hua immediately shook her head in denial,


    "I only tampered with the oil, letting it be able to spew sparks when meeting borax. I was thinking Consort Hui must be close to the iron pot then, and would definitely be scalded, which could also be considered as revenge for Ruo Xin."


    She looked at the scab on the back of Ruo Xin''s hand that had fallen off, but the dark burnt area was still sunken, and her eyes could not help but churn up hatred,


    "I do hate Consort Hui to the bone, but I would not be stupid enough to cause such a bigmotion at the Emperor''s birthday banquet. Also, I felt that Chengjing did not deserve a good end. With how Consort Hui treated Cheng Yu, why should I let her son be better off?


    Older Sister Wan always tells me that children are innocent, but I don''t believe in this reasoning. I only know that others will be treated by me the same way they treat me. Consort Hui wanted to bury my son alive, so her son was fated to not have a good death."


    She was extremely resentful in her heart, so much so that her tone became gloomy,


    "If I were to make a move, I would have given him a quick death, and would never use such cruel means to deal with a child. Also, Ruo Xin and Chenghuan were present that day. How could I let my daughter see such a bloody scene?"


    Zhao Hua stroked Ruo Xin''s cheeks and found them still hot. She hurriedly took out a wet towel, folded it, and ced it on the girl¡¯s forehead.


    She felt that there was no need to continue with the remaining words.


    Rongyue had always known Zhao Hua¡¯s personality. She understood that Zhao Hua would not, and had no need to lie to her.


    It was precisely because of this that she became even more confused in her heart,


    "If that''s the case, then Chengjing meeting this fate today, could it be...it was truly heaven opening its eyes, to punish Consort Hui and her son?"


    Whether or not this matter was Consort Hui¡¯s retribution was still hard to define at this point.


    However, Consort Hui was greatly grieved by this incident, which also agitated the fetus, showing signs of spotting blood.


    Imperial Physician Guo ordered her to lie in bed to protect the fetus, so she was unable to attend Chengjing¡¯s funeral and could not send off her child for thest time.


    On the third day after Chengjing¡¯s burial, at the memorial service on the seventh day,


    Ning Wanshuang also held a ritual for Chengjing in her own pce after the offering ceremony at the Buddhism Hall.


    In her heart, she also hoped that he could quickly cross samsara and be reborn into a good family in his next life, no longer suffering this life¡¯s misery.


    She scattered paper money offerings into the lotus flower urn for rebirth while chanting scriptures in a low voice


    Liu Yue was puzzled, and advised from the side, ¡°Esteemed Consort has worked hard for a day. Why take the trouble to do these things after returning to the pce? The Third Prince was Consort Hui¡¯s son. He once hurt the Eldest Prince too...¡±


    ¡°No matter what, he was still a child.¡± Ning Wanshuang sternly cut off Liu Yue¡¯s words. ¡°Whether he was naughty or annoying, in the end, it was Consort Hui as his mother who raised him poorly. Children are always innocent.¡±


    Liu Yue said, ¡°What Esteemed Consort said is right. After all, Consort Hui cannotpare with you. Just look at how well you taught Chenghuan.¡±


    She led Ning Wanshuang to look out the window,


    Chenghuan was in the courtyard passageway, using a wooden horse to cheer up Jin Yue happily.


    That day, Jin Yue was also scared badly. It was just that she did not directly see Chengjing¡¯s miserable state, so her palpitations were much better than Ruo Xin.


    After amusing Jin Yue, Chenghuan let the wet nurse take Jin Yue to y in the courtyard. He then returned to the room to take out a food box and headed towards Ning Wanshuang.


    When he arrived, he first greeted Ning Wanshuang ording to etiquette before saying,


    ¡°Imperial Concubine Mother, your son hase with you to offer sacrifices to my third younger brother.¡±


    Ning Wanshuang nodded in acknowledgement, then asked again, ¡°You saw it that day too. Are you not afraid?¡±


    Chenghuan shook his head vigorously, but there were tears in his eyes. ¡°Your son is not afraid. Your son only feels that third younger brother was pitiful. Your son is the Emperor Father¡¯s eldest son. I originally had the responsibility to take good care of my younger siblings...¡±


    Seeing Chenghuan so sensible, Ning Wanshuang was extremely gratified.


    She gently stroked the child¡¯s forehead and said lightly with a smile, ¡°It¡¯s not your fault. Don¡¯t me yourself.¡±


    She also saw him bringing offerings to Chengjing in a food box and could not help but curiously asked, ¡°What is that you¡¯re holding?¡±


    Chenghuan wiped his tears and calmly opened the food box,


    ¡°These were third younger brother¡¯s favorite candied fruits. Your son has brought them for him.¡±


    He lowered his eyes to look at the jade te full of candied fruits, deep in wistful thoughts as he recalled thest time he saw Chengjing.


    That day, he taught Chengjing that when no one was around, he could drill into therge iron orb ced in the courtyard to hide.


    Chengjing was yful. He said he was afraid of the dark and was worried there would be no light at all if he crawled into the iron orb.


    So Chenghuan took out a piece of candied fruit and mysteriously said to him,


    "After eating this candied fruit, you will be able to see things clearly even in a dark environment. When you crawl into the big iron orbter, eat it and you won''t be afraid anymore."


    "Really?" Chengjing took the candied fruit and curiously examined it.


    Chenghuan affirmed, "Of course. How could your Eldest Brother lie to you?"


    To Chengjing, when he was most helpless, only Chenghuan was willing tofort and apany him.


    How could such a good elder brother lie to him?


    Thus, he fully believed Chenghuan¡¯s words. Taking advantage of the dim moonlightte at night, he quietly crawled into the iron orb and ate the candied fruit Chenghuan had given him.


    Little did he know, there was never anything in this world that after eating, one could see light in the darkness.


    There was only medicine that after taking, could make one faint silently.


    The flickering mes in the lotus flower urn for rebirth dazzled Chenghuan. His drifting thoughts snapped back in an instant.


    Then he carefully picked out arge and syrupy candied fruit from the jade te and threw it into the fire,


    The curling mes were reflected on Chenghuan''s face as he chanted ruefully with heart wrenching words,


    ¡°Third younger brother, you have eaten the candied fruit Eldest Brother prepared for you, so you may rest in peace now.¡±

 Chapter 372: Filthy Harem 01

    <h4>Chapter 372</h4>


    For the next half month, Consort Hui''s presence was nowhere to be found in the imperial harem.


    Guo Imperial Physician instructed her to rest in bed to protect the pregnancy, and she obediently followed the advice.


    She refused to receive any visitors and kept her doors closed to all.


    It was fortunate for Consort Hui that, despite the signs of a miscarriage, she managed to preserve the pregnancy by receiving three sessions of moxibustion daily.


    Before the thirty-seventh day of the lunar calendar, Imperial Physician Zhang secretly sent a message to Zhao Hua, saying, "Empress, Consort Hui is in good health and will most likely attend the thirty-seventh-day ceremony of the third prince."


    He took out several sticks of sandalwood wrapped in in cloth from his bosom and handed them to Zhao Hua, whispering, "These are the items you requested. The sandalwood is infused with a potent dose of camphor. Consort Hui has the symptoms of a miscarriage, and with prolonged exposure to moxibustion, if she catches a whiff of this scent, it is highly likely to induce a premature birth."


    Zhao Hua entrusted the sandalwood to Yun Shan and asked, "You will be on duty in the pce tomorrow night. Can you ensure her safety?"


    Imperial Physician Zhang was slightly taken aback and asked, "I can certainly do that, but Empress, why did you go through all this trouble if not to let Consort Hui miscarry? Why..."


    "I don''t want her to give birth to this child, but I am also unwilling to dirty my own hands. Hence, I have arranged everything," Zhao Hua interrupted firmly. "After the incident tomorrow, I ask that you do everything in your power to save Consort Hui and ensure the safety of both mother and child."


    Although Imperial Physician Zhang still had doubts, he did not inquire further and only said, "I will not fail in carrying out your instructions, Empress."


    That night, Yun Shan took the handwritten Book of the Dead by Zhao Hua and burned it in the Fahua Hall under the pretense of praying for blessings for thete third prince.


    In the process, she conveniently ced the tampered sandalwood on the topyer of the incense burner dedicated to the Buddha, ensuring that when Consort Hui offered her respects to the deceased third prince the next day, she would personally light the incense.


    The following day, all the consorts gathered in the Fahua Hall to bid their final farewells to thete prince, and Consort Hui reappeared before everyone''s eyes.


    On this day, Consort Hui looked extremely haggard.


    The blisters on her face, caused by scalding oil, had already subsided, but they left behind dark scars.


    To cover up her blemishes, Consort Hui, like Consort Yao before her, applied heavy makeup to her face.


    However, this only entuated her paleplexion, making her overall appearance even more frail. The loss of her child had aged her overnight, causing her to appear a decade older.


    While Consort Hui tearfully offered incense to pay her respects to thete prince, Zhao Hua overheard Consort Yin and Consort Yun whispering softly:


    "The sudden death of the third prince has truly dealt a heavy blow to Consort Hui. She used to be the youngest and most lively among us, but now she looks withered and pitiful."


    "Who can endure watching their own child being boiled in oil? Looking at Consort Hui in such a weary and aged state, it seems unlikely that she will ever regain favor in the future..."


    "She is fortunate indeed to still carry a child in her womb. If she gives birth to another prince, even without the Emperor''s favor in the future, she will have some hope for the rest of her life. It''s not like us..."


    Zhao Hua listened in silence, her gaze falling upon Consort Hui''s gaunt face. She couldn''t help but think that even if Consort Hui appeared older, how much older could a woman nearing thirty be?


    Today, rather than calling it a 37th birthday celebration for Cheng Jing, it was more like a grand performance orchestrated by the pce consorts.


    Behind the scenes, they had all enjoyed mocking Consort Hui. But now, in front of her, they were disying sisterly affection,forting her with words as if they themselves had lost a son. Tears flowed freely without restraint.


    Zhao Hua watched with a headache and imed to feel unwell, excusing herself to return to the pce.


    Once back in the pce, Xiao Fuzi, wearing a mysterious smile, handed a picture album to Zhao Hua.


    Curious, Zhao Hua asked, "What is this?"


    As she spoke, she opened the album.


    In an instant, her eyes turned red as she saw the portrait.


    On the first page of the album, there was a young boy riding a chestnut horse, his smile pure and innocent, galloping across the vast grasnd.


    Flipping through the pages, she saw the boy shooting arrows, studying, ying withpanions...


    The sixteen volumes of the album were filled with lifelike illustrations.


    At just one nce, Zhao Hua recognized that the little figure in the portrait was her longed-for son.


    She smiled, wiping away her tears, and asked Xiao Fuzi, "Where did thise from?"


    Xiao Fuzi replied, "His Royal Highness Prince An came to the pce today to discuss matters with the Emperor and secretly handed this to me."


    "Brother..." Zhao Hua closed the album and held it tightly against her chest.


    This was the closest she had felt to Cheng Yu in all these years.


    The painting could not emit warmth, but it was enough to warm her heart.


    Xiao Fuzi softly reassured her, "Young Master is doing well. Your Majesty, please rest assured."


    Zhao Hua nodded, smiling, and continued to carefully examine each volume.


    She caressed the handsome face of Cheng Yu in the portrait, regretting that she had missed so many important moments of her child''s life. But she also secretly rejoiced that her child was still alive and able to lead a peaceful and joyful life.


    After finishing her perusal, Zhao Hua decisively handed the album back to Xiao Fuzi.


    "Go and burn it. I can''t keep this by my side."


    Xiao Fuzi respectfully agreed and whispered to Zhao Hua, "There is one more thing. Your n, Your Majesty, has seeded."


    Upon hearing this, Zhao Hua sneered, her eyes filled with boundless scorn.


    On that day, Xiao Jingheng was furious over the sudden death of Cheng Jing. Originally, he intended to kill the two pce maids responsible for the "Qilin Offering Auspiciousness" as an outlet for his anger. However, he had a change of heart just before the execution, and instead, each of them received a hundredshes before being expelled from the pce, swiftly resolving the matter.


    At the time, Zhao Hua had suspicions. How could Xiao Jingheng, with his temperament, spare the two of them?


    By doing so, he must have suspected foul y and was testing something.


    Zhao Hua knew that due to Chun Lan, a loyal maid in Consort Hui''s service, having had some involvement with Prince Qi, Xiao Jingheng had been closely monitoring Prince Qi''s residence.


    So Zhao Hua took advantage of the situation and staged a big show outside the pce.


    The pce maids from the workshop would undoubtedly seek medical treatment from the imperial physician after being severely injured and expelled from the pce.


    Therefore, Zhao Hua secretly arranged for a physician who had a connection with the servants in Prince Qi''s residence to treat the maids.


    During the treatment, the physician used inappropriate herbs on the maids'' wounds, causing them to be infected and die shortly after.


    After their deaths, the physician vanished into thin air with the silver Zhao Hua had given him.


    Xiao Fuzi said, "From an outward perspective, it appears that Prince Qi is behind this matter, silencing the two pce maids from the Ingenious Workshop. If the Emperor were to learn of this, he would surely suspect Prince Qi''s involvement in the death of the Third Prince.


    On that day, the Emperor spared the lives of those two pce maids, probably because he sensed something suspicious about the Third Prince''s death. After all, there was a child hidden inside the iron ball, and they didn''t notice any difference in weight."


    Zhao Hua sneered, "If they couldn''t detect the abnormal weight, it means they were careless in their duties and not attentive to their tasks in the pce, and their fate was nothing but death. Let me ask you, what do you think the Emperor would suspect if he heard about Prince Qi silencing the pce maids from the Tianji Office?"


    "The Emperor would definitely suspect a connection between the death of the Third Prince and Prince Qi. And considering that Chun Lan, who had previously risked her life to protect the Third Prince, also had interactions with Prince Qi, I''m afraid the Emperor would even doubt Consort Hui..." Xiao Fuzi replied.


    "Doubt them about what?" Zhao Hua asked again.


    Xiao Fuzi cunningly smiled and said, "For a mother to be so heartless towards her own flesh and blood, there must be a threat to the mother''s life posed by the existence of this child. For example... the Third Prince is not the Emperor''s biological son at all, and Consort Hui has always been anxious about keeping this secret. Now that she is pregnant again, she fears that keeping the Third Prince by her side will eventually expose her secret. That''s why she had such twisted thoughts..."


    Although Cheng Jin was Xiao Jingheng''s biological child, Xiao Jingheng never doubted his lineage during his lifetime, so he never ordered the imperial physician to verify it. Among all the people in the pce, only Zhang Imperial Physician knew that Cheng Jin was Xiao Jingheng''s biological son.


    And Zhang Imperial Physician had investigated this matter in secret, acting on Zhao Hua''s orders.


    If this matter were to be exposed in the future, and Cheng Jin''s identity came under suspicion, Zhang Imperial Physician would simply act ignorant and pretend he knew nothing.


    "Yes, once a person is dead, it''s impossible to verify their true parentage. Consort Hui is skilled at fabricating rumors and using deception as a weapon to kill without leaving a trace, isn''t she? So today, I will let her taste what it''s like to have dirty usations thrown at her while being unable to defend herself," Zhao Hua said, casually ying with the amethyst stone on her armor. She smiled charmingly and continued, "Ask the Tianji Office to report the findings truthfully to the Emperor. My brother is still in the Chaoyang Pce, so convey a message from me to him."


    After speaking, Zhao Hua leaned closer to Xiao Fuzi and whispered something in a low voice.

 Chapter 373: Filthy Harem 02

    <h4>Chapter 373</h4>


    At night.


    Xiao Jingheng was reviewing memorials in Chaoyang Pce when Jiang Deshun untimely barged in, interrupting him,


    "Your Majesty, Tianji Office has sent back news. As Your Majesty guessed, those two pce maids from Mechanical Wonders Workshop were indeed killed to keep their mouths shut not long after leaving the pce. It was the medical officer who deliberately sprinkled substances on their wounds while treating them, causing their wounds to fester and leading to their deaths. And this medical officer... had dealings with the attendants of Prince Qi''s Mansion before."


    "Prince Qi?" Xiao Jingheng''s brows furrowed, somewhat puzzled, "What does he have to do with Chengjing''s death? Why would he go and silence the pce maids from Mechanical Wonders Workshop?"


    Having served in the imperial court for a long time, Jiang Deshun had the sharpest eyes for affairs. Since he learned of the letter submitted by Tianji Office, he had already made guesses, suspecting that there were likely some unspeakable secrets between Prince Qi and Concubine Hui.


    But he absolutely could not speak of this secret from his mouth, otherwise it would be a p in the emperor''s face.


    So he could only pretend he knew nothing and let Xiao Jingheng figure it out himself.


    "Your servant does not know about this matter. People from the Secret Agency are also waiting outside to report this to Your Majesty."


    The Secret Agency was Xiao Jingheng''s secret organization, simr in nature to Tianji Office, except the former were the emperor''s henchmen, while thetter was supposed to belong to the Empress Dowager.


    Xiao Jingheng harbored suspicions towards Prince Qi this time, not only having Tianji Office secretly keep an eye on Prince Qi''s Mansion, but the Secret Agency was also doing the same thing as Tianji Office.


    When the people from the Secret Agency came and reported the same thing as Tianji Office,


    it confirmed Prince Qi''s silencing of people.


    As people came in to report, Xiao Jingheng kept fiddling with the ring on his thumb, finding it increasingly strange the more he thought about it.


    The pce maids being silenced meant Chengjing''s death was no ident.


    But the person who silenced them was Prince Qi, who had always been outside the pce. What could Chengjing''s being alive interfere with him?


    Could it be...


    Xiao Jingheng''s eyes suddenly fixed as he grimly ordered Jiang Deshun,


    "Go and bring me the records of princes entering and leaving the Inner Pce."


    Jiang Deshun worked efficiently. In less than a quarter hour he presented the records before Xiao Jingheng.


    Xiao Jingheng quickly flipped through the records until he finally stopped at the year Qiyuan 5.


    The records detailed:


    [Qiyuan 5, 9th month, 16th day, the Emperor''s birthday grand celebration, Prince Qi summoned to enter the pce to celebrate. Entered the pce at 1 quarter past noon, left the pce at 3 quarters past xinshi.]


    [Qiyuan 5, 11th month, 3rd day, the Emperor summoned Prince Qi to dine and drink in the pce. Entered the pce at 2 quarters past shenshi, stayed overnight at Peni Ind with Prince An, left the pce at 1 quarter past chenshi the next day.]


    The remainder of the 11th month, the 9th and 18th, recorded that Xiao Jingheng summoned Prince Qi and Prince An to drink in the pce, and permitted them to stay overnight at Peni Ind in the center of the imperialke when they were drunkte into the night, leaving the pce the next day after sobering up.


    During this period was when the incident with Chuyu happened and Zhaohua entered the Cold Pce.


    Xiao Jingheng was distressed then, drinking every day, so he summoned Prince Qi and Prince An several times.


    And Chengjing''s birthday was on the 15th day of the 8th month in Qiyuan 6.


    Concubine Hui gave birth after a full pregnancy, so she must have conceived Chengjing in the 11th month of Qiyuan 5...


    The records were detailed and thorough. The 11th month of Qiyuan 5 was also when Prince Qi entered the pce most frequently and even often stayed overnight.


    At this point, Xiao Jingheng was even more suspicious, and his face was also unconsciously covered in an iron blue.


    He ordered Jiang Deshun to immediately summon Prince An into the pce for questioning in the middle of the night.


    When Xiao Jingyan arrived, it was already past zishi.


    Bleary-eyed, hezily paid respects to Xiao Jingheng, then yawned and said:


    "Imperial Brother has summoned me to enter the pce sote into the night, could it be that there is some urgent matter?"


    Since it concerned Xiao Jingheng''s imperial authority, to avoid spection, he of course could not directly ask.


    So he spoke circumspectly, smiling at Xiao Jingyan: "We were thinking Peni Ind has gone a long time without repairs, so it''s about time to dispatch people to work on it. Since We ascended the throne, only you and Prince Qi have stayed there, so We wanted to ask your opinion on refurbishing the ce."


    "Huh?" Xiao Jingyan scratched the back of his head in puzzlement. "Imperial Brother urgently summoned me into the pce in the dead of night, just to ask me this?"


    Xiao Jingheng said: "You know I can never keep things bottled up. If I don''t finish something today, I won''t even be able to sleep well. Just do your Imperial Brother a favor."


    Xiao Jingheng knew Xiao Jingyan did not have much expertise in this area. On the contrary, Prince Qi was quite knowledgeable, given that he had Prince Qi''s Mansion renovated every three years, extravagantly furnished.


    And just as Xiao Jingheng expected, Xiao Jingyan shifted the topic to Prince Qi.


    "Imperial Brother should not be asking me about this, but should ask Second Brother instead. After Imperial Brother ascended the throne, Imperial Brother had people manage the renovations of my mansion, and I have always been unrestrained, as long as there is a bed to sleep on I''m fine, I never paid attention to these things."


    Following his words, Xiao Jingheng casually asked:


    "Oh? Then were you and your Second Brotherfortable staying at Peni Ind?"


    "Comfortable, of coursefortable." Xiao Jingyan joked, "Every time we brothers stayed overnight in the pce, wasn''t it because we all got drunk? Imperial Brother knows me, I can''t hold my liquor. Once I got to Peni Ind I''d fall straight asleep, sometimes even sleeping on the ground. As forfortable or not, Imperial Brother should ask Second Brother."


    "Then after you fell asleep, what about your Second Brother?"


    "Second Brother is elegant and can hold his liquor. Every time after drinking with Imperial Brother, Second Brother was still in high spirits. He would often take a lone boat on theke, appreciating the moon''s reflection to form a party of three. Sometimes when I woke up thirstyte into the night, I saw Second Brother''s room was still empty, and I truly admire Second Brother''s capacity for liquor."


    Hearing Xiao Jingyan say this,


    Xiao Jingheng only felt like he had been pped hard across the face, his cheeks burning painfully.


    His hands under the desk were clenched tightly into fists, and the veins on the back of his hands were frighteningly taut.


    Prince Qi stayed with Xiao Jingyan on Peni Ind. In the dead of night he did not sleep, but insisted on boating alone on theke.


    So in such an unapanied moment, what exactly was he doing?


    "Your Majesty! This is terrible, Your Majesty!"


    Just as Xiao Jingheng was secretly furious, Xiao Yinzi came crashing in a daze,


    stumbling to his knees before Xiao Jingheng.


    He was so out of breath that he didn''t even pause to catch it before reporting:


    "Concubine Hui... she is bleeding profusely!"

 Chapter 374: Heal with All Your Heart

    <h4>Chapter 374</h4>


    The nights in the pce were always extremely quiet,


    but Zhaochun Pce was bustling tonight in an untimely manner.


    When Xiao Jingheng got the news and hurried to Zhaochun Pce, as soon as he reached the pce gates, he could vaguely hear Consort Hui''s painful moansing from the inner chamber.


    Amidst the brightly lit lights, the busy pce servants inside and outside were sending in basin after basin of hot water, and soon they carried out basins of water soaked with bloodied handkerchiefs.


    Under such circumstances, it seemed as if even the autumnal air was permeated with a lingering bloody smell that dissipated for a long time.


    The moment Xiao Jingheng stepped into the inner chamber, he immediately saw Consort Hui lying on the couch, struggling painfully.


    She was deathly pale, her features twisted in agony, looking extremely fierce.


    Consort Hui''s fair and slender fingers were clutching tightly at the corner of the quilt, and amidst gritting her teeth and shedding tears, she also caught sight of Xiao Jingheng standing still at the door.


    She then struggled even more fiercely, desperately reaching out to Xiao Jingheng and crying grievously,


    "Your Majesty... our child..."


    Our child?


    These short five words falling into Xiao Jingheng''s ears turned into sledgehammers forged from zirconium, pounding at Xiao Jingheng''s heart one after another.


    He recalled that intimate night with Consort Hui not long ago. He had stayed in Zhaochun Pce only because Chengjing was ill.


    Even he himself did not understand why, when his heart was full of worries about his son,


    he was still aroused by Consort Hui''s slight teasing and gave in to worldly desires.


    Not only did he make love to her, he insatiably made love to her three times in one passionate night...


    And Consort Hui was also blessed to conceive that very night.


    The records of the emperor''s visits to the imperial harem emerged in Xiao Jingheng''s mind again.


    He sized up Consort Hui with lowered eyes. Another shadow of doubt grew in his heart.


    Regarding Chengjing''s death, the murderer who silenced him was Prince Qi.


    And the auspicious unicorn performance for the emperor''s birthday celebration was also carefully nned by Consort Hui.


    He dared not imagine what kind of vicious woman would be capable of putting her own flesh and blood into boiling oil.


    Among the thousands of ways to die, only this method could dehydrate a person into a dried corpse. Even if one wanted to take blood samples from the remains to verify kinship and identity, it would be hopeless.


    If Chengjing''s death back then was a cover up by Consort Hui and Prince Qi for their adulterous affair,


    then what about now?


    Whose child was the one in her belly?


    Unconsciously, Xiao Jingheng was already standing in front of Consort Hui''s couch.


    He looked down at this woman who had apanied him for decades, watching her clutch his dragon robe and shed tears of pain like rain,


    yet he felt not the slightest bit of heartache, only indignation.


    That night the imperial physician on duty at the Imperial Medical Academy was Zhang the Imperial Physician. He was summoned to treat Consort Hui.


    Seeing that Consort Hui was extremely emotionally agitated after seeing Xiao Jingheng, and the bleeding below was increasingly difficult to stop,


    he advised, "Consort Hui, seeing His Majesty has made you emotionally excited. It would be inappropriate for His Majesty to stay here any longer. Your Majesty, please wait in the main hall. This humble official will do his utmost to save Consort Hui and the dragon heir with all his medical skills..."


    Before Zhang the Imperial Physician could even finish speaking, Xiao Jingheng had already decisively left, without even a word tofort Consort Hui.


    He sat alone in the main hall, listening to the moans from the inner chamber gradually weakening, as if Consort Hui''s condition had stabilized.


    During this time, Zhang the Imperial Physician came out once to personally instruct the medicine boy to prepare medicine.


    Xiao Jingheng asked him, "How is it?"


    Zhang the Imperial Physician wiped his sweat and replied tremblingly,


    "Consort Hui originally had metrorrhagia. Imperial Physician Guo had a hard time stabilizing her condition. But perhaps because Consort Hui was deeply worried about the death of Third Prince, and today she also attended the Third Prince''s funeral and grieved greatly, this led to her metrorrhagia developing into massive hemorrhage. This condition is quite tricky. I can only try my best to see if the dragon fetus can be saved..."


    Xiao Jingheng''s eyes were vacant, as if he was silently pondering something.


    Not long after, he murmured in a low voice,


    "If it''s really tricky, then..."


    He choked on the words that followed and did not utter them.


    Zhang the Imperial Physician asked puzzledly, "What did Your Majesty say?"


    "Nothing." Xiao Jingheng stroked the ring worn on his thumb, his brows and eyes clouded like dark clouds pressing down on a city. "You just do your best to treat her."


    In the end, Zhang the Imperial Physician still managed to save the imperial heir in Consort Hui''s belly from the gate of hell that day.


    However, Xiao Jingheng did not show much delight at this.


    He only perfunctorilyforted Consort Hui and told her to recuperate properly,


    without even a simple physical touch, before leaving.


    When this news reached Chang Le Pce the next morning, it was already early dawn.


    At that time, Zhao Hua had just gotten up, washed up and was making up. Xiao Fuzi came to report the matter to her.


    Zhao Hua just lightly and casually replied while carefully outlining her brows with a brow pencil,


    "It''s as expected."


    Xiao Fuzi asked puzzledly, "Yesterday, Prince An conveyed everything Your Ladyship intended for him to say to His Majesty. His Majesty should have started doubting the affair between Consort Hui and Prince Qi, and also had Tian Ji''s people closely monitor Prince Qi''s residence. I really don''t understand why His Majesty can still remain so tolerant when such a scandal has broken out."


    "Don''t you already know the answer?"

 Chapter 375: Two Sons and Daughters

    <h4>Chapter 375</h4>


    Zhao Hua gently put down her screwdriver and took the lipstick Yun Shan handed to her. She pursed her vermilion lips, leaving a bright and radiant mark.


    "What the Emperor cares most about is his reputation. If this matter really gets exposed, the storytellers in the streets will have a field day crafting stories about it. He would be theughingstock of the town, and it could even cost him his life. So, for now, he can only endure and wait to see how things unfold."


    "Furthermore, the Emperor cannot determine the true origin of the child in Consort Hui''s womb. With hisck of heirs and reaching middle age, he only has one recognized crown prince, Chenghuan, who still fails to win his favor."


    "Therefore, the Emperor naturally hopes that the child in Consort Hui''s womb is his own bloodline, preferably a prince. That way, in the future, he can silently eliminate the mother and keep the child, preserving his imperial dignity and securing the dynasty."


    With these words, Zhao Hua finished applying her makeup,


    gazing at her exquisite reflection in the mirror.


    Her beauty was still unparalleled. If someone could possess even a fraction of her looks, it would be considered extremely stunning. However, only Zhao Hua herself could see that the captivating radiance in her eyes,pared to when she first entered the pce at sixteen, had quietly faded away with the passing years.


    "Last night, your brother diligently protected Consort Hui''s pregnancy. The Emperor took notice and rewarded him with a hundred taels of silver, promising him the responsibility of looking after Consort Hui and the child in the future."


    "That''s good," Zhao Hua said with a satisfied smile, genuinely expressing her thoughts, "Let your brother take good care of Consort Hui and ensure nothing happens to her."


    Xiao Fuzi nodded slightly, a mischievous smile ying on her lips.


    "Don''t worry, Empress. My brother knows exactly what to do."


    *


    During that winter, the entire capital was nketed in pure white snow.


    Ning Wanshuang had stopped paying visits to the other pces early on, and the consorts quietly spent their days in their own quarters.


    Amidst the silverndscape, Consort Hui''s Pce of Shaochun stood out with a touch of delicate crimson.


    She had nted red plum blossoms in her pce, adding a ssh of color to the deste winter scenery. However, perhaps because of the visible beauty, her heart had grown cold.


    Since the day she nearly suffered a miscarriage, Xiao Jingheng hadn''t visited her even once.


    On the other hand, although Zhao Hua''s courtyard was quiet, Xiao Jingheng would visit her every few days, expressing his concern.


    Under Zhao Hua''s attentive care, Ruo Xin''s palpitations gradually improved. Xiao Jingheng also had a fondness for this daughter. Holding Ruo Xin in his arms, he yfully teased Zhao Hua,


    "I can tell from your appearance that you''re likely to give birth to a prince. That''s excellent. With a son and a daughter, both you and I will be blessed."


    Zhao Hua smiled coquettishly but disagreed, "Whether it''s a prince or a princess, as long as the child is mine, it''s my blessing. But since you prefer a prince, why don''t you visit Noble Consort Chen''s pce more often? I heard that recently, she has been taken to the Morning Sun Pce for intimate moments."


    Xiao Jingheng''s face showed a hint of embarrassment. After a moment of silence, he reached out and held Zhao Hua''s hand, forcing a smile.


    "I do like the prince, but I love our child even more."


    Upon hearing this, Zhao Hua smiled knowingly.


    However, her smile concealed a hint of disdain.


    Days passed like salt and snow,yer uponyer, pressing down on the passing time, until it was New Year''s Eve.


    This year''s New Year''s Eve banquet in the pce was quite special. No courtiers were allowed to enter the pce to celebrate. When asked about the reason, Xiao Jingheng simply said it was an auspicious sign of a prosperous year with the snow, and he let the nobles and officials blend in with themon people and rejoice together.


    But the true reason behind it was perhaps only known to him alone.


    The pce had suspended the court greetings for two months, and many faces had not been seen for a long time.


    Ning Wanshuang and Rongyue remained untainted by the ravages of time, while some of the concubines had be plumper from their stay in the pce. Others hid their thoughts and fell into silence, secretly imitating Zhao Hua''s appearance, hoping to catch Xiao Jingheng''s attention.


    But at most, it was a futile effort, like trying to copy someone''s beauty without sess.


    After Zhao Hua surveyed the hall, her gaze finally settled on Consort Hui.


    Consort Hui had a stable appearance, and her belly had grown day by day. Herplexion had improved, revealing a touch of youthful charm.


    Their eyes met for a moment, and they exchanged a gentle smile and nodded, appearing harmonious.


    Every year on New Year''s Eve, the Inner Court would distribute the rewards Xiao Jingheng gave to each pce in advance.


    During the banquet, it was time for the concubines to present their gifts to Xiao Jingheng in turn.


    However, when it was Zhao Hua''s turn, she stood up empty-handed and said with a smile, "I haven''t prepared a gift for you, Lord Xiao."


    Blushing and lowering her eyes, she caressed her abdomen and said softly, "It''s because the best gift is already in my womb. Lord Xiao, our wish hase true. This pregnancy of mine carries a little prince."


    Xiao Jingheng was overjoyed. "Is it true?"


    At the banquet, Guo, the Imperial Physician who had been serving, was summoned to meet the emperor and truthfully reported, "Your Majesty, the woman has been pregnant for four months, and it is possible to determine the gender. Based on the pulse, a rapid pulse on the left indicates a male, while a rapid pulse on the right indicates a female. If both pulses are rapid, it means she is carrying twin boys. Consort Hui''s pulse on the left side is significantly rapid and strong. I am 90% certain that Consort Hui is carrying a little prince."

 Chapter 376: Repeat the Same Trick

    <h4>Chapter 376</h4>


    Upon receiving this joyful news, Xiao Jingheng couldn''t contain his excitement andughed heartily. He immediately had Zhaohua sit beside him and even changed the dishes in front of her to those exclusively enjoyed by the Emperor.


    In the past, such regtions were only reserved for the Empress during family banquets. The other consorts couldn''t help but envy the scene, and although Consort Hui felt a pang of sadness, she dared not show the slightest hint. Quietly, she ced her hand, which was hanging under the table, on her wrist, examining her own pulse.


    Calcting that she was already four months pregnant and possessing some medical knowledge herself, Consort Hui had already examined her pulse earlier and determined the gender of the child.


    At this moment, her pulse remained rapid on the right and slow on the left, clearly indicating that she was carrying a daughter.


    Mixed emotions filled her heart as she contrasted herself with Zhaohua, who was nestled in Xiao Jingheng''s embrace, radiating with joy andughter.


    At the same time, Consort Yin and Rongyue, who were sitting next to her, began to whisper to each other.


    Rongyue initiated the conversation, saying, "Since the passing of the Third Prince, we haven''t seen the Emperor this happy in a long time. It seems that the saying ''a mother''s luck brings great fortune'' is indeed true. Consort Yi is truly fortunate."


    Consort Yin sighed and added, "If this time she really gives birth to a son, I''m afraid the position of Empress will be bestowed upon Consort Yi. After all, the Emperor has even changed her background. Isn''t it obvious that he is preparing for her future as the Empress? Otherwise, why hasn''t the Emperor changed Noble Consort Chen''s family background?"


    Rongyue pondered for a moment and replied, "Sister, you hit the nail on the head. In the future, we must curry favor with the right people. If Consort Yi bes the Empress, her child will be the legitimate heir. Didn''t the Emperor already designate the Second Prince as the Crown Prince in the past? It''s just a pity..."


    "Hush," Consort Yin eximed, hurriedly gesturing for silence, frowning. "Careful with your words. Such discussions are taboo in the pce. We can''t speak of them."


    Consort Hui listened attentively to their conversation. Although the words were unsettling, they were undeniably true.


    She nced at how Xiao Jingheng cherished Zhaohua while treating her coldly.


    If she were to give birth to another princess this time, and Zhaohua became the Empress in the future, with the legitimate heir being established as the Crown Prince, wouldn''t all the efforts and schemes she had made over the years be in vain?


    Later that night, after the banquet had dispersed, Consort Hui summoned Guo, the chief of the Imperial Medical Bureau, and Zhang, the Imperial Physician, under the pretext of feeling unwell.


    She still clung to a glimmer of hope, hoping that her medical skills had failed her in diagnosing the gender.


    She asked these two outstanding physicians from the Imperial Medical Bureau to examine her pulse and determine the gender.


    However, the words they uttered shattered the illusion in Consort Hui''s heart.


    "Based on Your Highness''s pulse, this pregnancy... is most likely a princess."


    "But even a princess would be close to Your Highness in the future and be attentive."


    Consort Hui couldn''t ept such shallow words. If she couldn''t give birth to an imperial prince, what hopes could she have with a princess by her side?


    At that moment, Consort Hui''s heart grew cold, realizing that this pregnancy wouldn''t bring her any favorable oues.


    So, she quietly calcted in her mind:


    This child, Zhao Hua, is utterly useless. However, if she can use this child topletely overthrow Consort Hui, it would be a great achievement for her.


    Without Zhao Hua in the picture, her path ahead would be much smoother.


    Whether Xiao Jingheng favors her or not doesn''t matter.


    As long as none of the male heirs under Xiao Jingheng''s knees survive,


    then the prince she gives birth to in the future will inevitably be the crown prince and endure until the day of inheriting the throne.


    Consort Hui has always been a lunatic. She wouldn''t hesitate to do the craziest things for the one she obsesses over and her mothend.


    However, little does she know that while she''s busy scheming against Zhao Hua,


    at this very moment, Zhao Hua is in her own pce, respectfully offering incense to Empress Jia Rui on her birthday.


    Yun Shan stands by, holding amp for Zhao Hua, whispering,


    "Empress Jia Rui probably never expected that on New Year''s Eve, Miss would still remember her and light a stick of incense for her."


    Zhao Hua bows three times before the Buddhist altar, holding the incense, and says with a gentle smile,


    "Not only am I offering incense to her, but I also need to express my gratitude. The methods she used against Consort Shu in the past were truly ingenious. Now it''s time for me to learn from her and apply it to my own advantage." [Summary: The Empress previously bribed the Imperial Physician taking care of Consort Shu during her pregnancy to tell Consort Shu that the unborn child wouldn''t survive seven months and was bound to die.]


    Yun Shan says, "Consort Hui has already informed Judge Guo and Physician Zhang. By now, she probably knows that Consort Hui is carrying a female fetus.


    Little does she imagine that Miss had Zhang Imperial Physician exhaust all efforts to save her in the past, just to gain her trust. This allowed Zhang Imperial Physician to secretly add another ingredient to the medication used to nurture the fetus.


    The medicine won''t cause any harm to Consort Hui''s body; it will only invigorate the qi in her right kidney. As a result, whoever takes her pulse will find it slightly irregr on the right side, indicating a pulse characteristic of a female fetus."


    Zhao Hua calmly inserts the incense into the Buddhist altar and says in a steady voice,


    "Whether Consort Hui is aiming for the position of Empress or the position of the crown prince, she won''t allow me to stand in her way. Now that she believes she''s carrying a princess in her womb, let''s see if she still has the audacity.


    If shepletely turns dark-hearted and uses the life of the future emperor in her womb as a weapon against me, to plot and frame me..."


    At this point, Zhao Hua suddenly bows to the statue of Guanyin Bodhisattva,


    then takes the jade bottle from Guanyin''s hand and pours all the nectar of immortality it contains into the incense burner,pletely extinguishing the sparks that were beginning to ignite. She then smiles icily and says,


    "It''s time for her performance toe to an end."

 Chapter 377: Cut Meat for the Eagles

    <h4>Chapter 377</h4>


    Zhao Hua had initially thought that there would soon be some news from Consort Hui''s side,


    but to her surprise, it remained quiet. Consort Hui rarely left her residence, focusing on nurturing her pregnancy. She even declined the daily visits to Ning Wanshuang''s Pce.


    After a few days, Yun Shan curiously asked Zhao Hua,


    "Miss, Consort Hui has been avoiding people every day. What kind of act is she putting on now?"


    Zhao Hua smiled and replied, "She can sing whatever she likes. Let''s just focus on living our own lives."


    Last winter was snowy, but as the new year arrived, it brought the warm spring with auspicious signs.


    After the Lantern Festival, the temperature gradually rose, and many nts in the pce sprouted new leaves.


    On this day, Yun Shan was working in the courtyard with a few young pce maids.


    These maids were all new faces, seemingly around twelve or thirteen years old, even younger than Yun Shan when she first entered the pce.


    Having been in the pce for a long time, both the masters and servants had developed shrewdness.


    Compared to the older ones, these young maids were inexperienced andcked the skills to handle matters.


    Therefore, the legitimate consorts in the six pces didn''t like using such servants.


    ording to the usual practice, they should have started by working in ces like the fourth warehouse, the Laundry Bureau, or the Bureau of Flowers and Birds, and only after mastering the ability to observe and understand situations would they be qualified to serve the young consorts and empresses.


    However, despite this, Zhao Hua was still willing to keep them by her side to serve.


    After all,pared to those pce residents who had been immersed in the dye vat of the harem, these nk tes were more trustworthy.


    Although the young girls were inexperienced, they were meticulous in their work.


    However, due to their young age, everything they encountered seemed fresh, and they couldn''t help but discuss it.


    At this moment, while they were weeding in the courtyard, someone discovered rows of small gray worms crawling among the grass roots. They excitedly called out, and everyone stopped their work and gathered around.


    "I heard from Madam that heavy snow in winter signifies a bountiful year. It means that when there is a lot of snow during winter, it freezes and kills the pests in the soil, resulting in a good harvest the following year. We had snow for the entire winterst year, but look, why are there still so many bugs among these weeds?"


    "Let me take a look. Huh? These bugs, I''ve never seen them before."


    They chatted with enthusiasm, asionally waving at Yun Shan and calling out,


    "Yun Shan,e and take a look! There are many gray-colored bugs in these weeds with long noses like little elephants."


    "Yes, you see, they are all lying motionless there, as if they have no life. But if you disturb them while weeding, they suddenly run away quickly."


    Yun Shan, however, was not curious.


    Without even ncing at them, she continued to busy herself with her work and casually replied,


    "They are called little gray elephant bugs."


    "Little gray elephant bugs? I''ve never heard that name before. Yun Shan, you are truly knowledgeable."


    Yun Shan smiled and said, "When you all grow older, there wille a time when you''ll see things in this world that you should and shouldn''t see. These creatures are of no benefit, and when we encounter them, we''ll just pour boiling water on them."


    "Yes, we understand," the group of young pce maids sweetly replied, and they resumed their respective tasks.


    After about a quarter of an hour, Yun Shan skillfully trimmed the drooping needles of the pine and cypress trees. In the corner of her eye, she caught sight of a pce maiding out of the small kitchen, holding a pregnancy-stabilizing medicine for Zhao Hua, and heading towards the inner chamber.


    She quickly intercepted her and called out, "Give me the item, you can go attend to something else."


    Taking the pregnancy-stabilizing medicine from the pce maid''s hand, Yun Shan first inspected it carefully with a silver needle. Then, using the method taught to her by Xiao Fuzi, she examined its color and smell. Finally, she took a small spoonful with a silver spoon and tasted it to confirm its safety before presenting it to Zhao Hua.


    When she arrived, she saw Zhao Hua gazing fondly at a pot of green potted nts on a warm seat table.


    The green nts were cared for by the Bureau of Flowers and Birds and did not wither during the winter. On the contrary, their branches and leaves grew lush.


    Yun Shan ced the pregnancy-stabilizing medicine aside and approached to take a closer look. She discovered that there were some small green worms and tiny gray elephant beetles crawling on the leaves of the green nts, nibbling on them a few times before disdainfully crawling away.


    Amused by the sight, Yun Shan quipped, "These small green worms and tiny gray elephant beetles are so picky. They only like the leaves and tender shoots of mulberry trees. When fed with other green nts, they still find them unsatisfactory."


    Zhao Huaughed, "They are indeed picky eaters. They im to love eating mulberry leaves but soon move on to the next spot after biting a leaf or even eat all the newly sprouted buds, preventing the mulberry tree from leafing out. It seems that these creatures are also demanding."


    Yun Shan looked at the holes made by the insects on the leaves of the potted nt andughed, "Miss, you carefully selected the freshest and greenest potted nt from the Bureau of Flowers and Birds. It seems that it doesn''t suit their taste, and they''ll have to go hungry."


    Zhao Hua chuckled and took a silver picker to pluck the insects off the leaves.


    "Don''t worry, they won''t go hungry for long. Isn''t February the time for mulberry trees to sprout new buds?" she said, then put down the silver picker and drank the pregnancy-stabilizing medicine with a bitter taste.


    Yun Shan nodded and immediately brought a concoction of orchid and peppermint water to help Zhao Hua rinse her mouth. She also brought some preserved fruits to soothe her throat.


    "Ever since Miss obtained the secretmand token from Tian Ji, she had people from Tian Ji secretly collect many eggs of these small green worms and tiny gray elephant beetles in the greenhouse starting from Julyst year. With each generation passing, they have now be ''thriving servants.''"


    Zhao Hua nodded lightly, "Once the lunar month passes, it will be time to let them have a good feast."


    Yun Shan whispered, "Now that these small gray elephant beetles and green worms have appeared in the pce, it won''t be long before they spread outside the pce. Miss''s thoughts are meticulous, and this time, she will surely get what she hopes for."


    "What can I hope to achieve? These thoughts are all well-intentioned," Zhao Hua responded.


    Zhao Hua casually picked up the tea cup beside her and abruptly poured the still-hot tea onto the leaves of the green luo nt. The tiny crawling insects that covered the leaves immediately ceased their movements due to the scalding.


    However, the smile at the corner of Zhao Hua''s lips did not wane even in the slightest.


    "Lately, I have been emting the Empress Dowager''s practice of offering prayers to the Buddha, and I havee to understand many things. As the Buddha teaches, all beings are born equal, and there is no distinction of high or low, noble or humble. In the past, when Shakyamuni Buddha cut his flesh to feed an eagle, it was an act of great righteousness. And now, when I abandon the mulberry leaves to feed the insects, it is essentially the same principle."


    She sped her hands together, silently reciting a Buddhist verse and continued, "Do not underestimate the power of small acts of kindness. Sometimes, when you do good deeds frequently, blessings naturally follow."

 Chapter 378: A Kingdom Without a Queen

    <h4>Chapter 378</h4>


    Thus, the days continued to pass smoothly for another ten days or so.


    By the second month, Zhao Hua was already eight months pregnant with this child.


    Xiao Jingheng was extremely anxious about her pregnancy this time, and no longer allowed her to walk around freely in private.


    However, this was not to restrict her freedom, but rather, wherever Zhao Hua wanted to go, Xiao Jingheng would apany her side, attentively protecting her, for fear that even the slightest ident would happen to her.


    His meticulous care and consideration, if given to any other imperial consort, would surely make her feel extremely grateful.


    But for Zhao Hua, it only made her feel strangely ufortable all over.


    On this day, the weather was sunny and clear. The flowers in the courtyard vied in beauty, with butterflies dancing and orioles singing.


    The air unique to spring days, mixed with the mouth-watering fragrance of the moist soil and the overpowering aroma of the flowers,


    Along with the soft pouring daylight, warmly shone on people, depicting a rare peaceful beauty.


    Seizing this fine day, Zhao Hua had originally wanted to rest for a while, quietly reading a book.


    But before she could calm down, she suddenly heard loud noises from outside the door,


    Which were the sounds of courtdiesing and going, following and leading each other.


    Without even looking, she knew that it was Xiao Jingheng who hade again.


    Her good mood was shattered in an instant. Zhao Hua helplessly rolled her eyes. She was toozy to even stand up and wee him with a smiling face.


    She just pretended not to hear anything and continued to sitfortably reading her book.


    Soon after, she heard light footsteps slowly approaching her,


    And then a gentle male voice with a hint ofughter sounded behind her,


    "What are you looking at? So focused?"


    Zhao Hua¡¯s fingertips that were turning the pages of the book twitched slightly. She suddenly turned her head back and after her eyes met Xiao Jingheng¡¯s, she said in surprise:


    "Xiao Lang hase?"


    She made a gesture to get up to greet him. Xiao Jingheng had already quickly sat down beside her, and kissed her forehead in passing.


    "Why are you reading the Book of Poetry today?"


    Xiao Jingheng took the book roll from Zhao Hua¡¯s side, smiling as he read the first sentence that caught his eyes,


    "With axes we cut the oakwood; there are three stars in the heavens. What night is tonight, that we meet this good man here?"


    After speaking, the smile lines at the corners of his eyes deepened. He jokingly said while holding Zhao Hua''s hand,


    "The good man is always by your side. It¡¯s just that I haven''te to see you for a day. Were you missing me that much while reading these verses?"


    His eyes were full of smiles. Zhao Hua did not dampen his enthusiasm and went along with his thoughts:


    "If Xiao Lang doesn¡¯te to see me for a day, it feels like we''ve been separated for three autumns. If you ask me, even if I lived on the eastern bank of the Yangtze, and you on the western, how heartbreaking would our lovesickness be... Ah~"


    Just as she was pouring out her tender words, she suddenly let out a charmingint. Her right hand gently stroked her belly as she smiled helplessly,


    "This little rascal kicked me again."


    Xiao Jingheng burst into heartyughter. He suddenly leaned down sideways and pressed his ear against Zhao Hua¡¯s stomach, quietly listening to the movement inside, "This level of fidgeting means that he will definitely be a healthy little prince in the future."


    ¡®Bang Bang Bang¡¯


    A hurried knock at the door suddenly rang out, forcing Xiao Jingheng to sit upright and collect himself,


    "What is it?"


    "Your Majesty......" Jiang Deshun''s timid voice floated in through the cracks in the door, "The Prefect Yin from the Capital City and the Lord Yang from the Department of Agriculture, as well as... also the Grand Remonstrator Yan Qi, are currently waiting in the State Council Chamber. They said... they need to report urgent matters to Your Majesty."


    Zhao Hua quietly watched on.


    After Jiang Deshun reported the names of the first two, Xiao Jingheng still had a calm expression.


    It was only after hearing the two words ¡°Grand Remonstrator¡± that his brows slightly furrowed instantly, and the distaste that was revealed from his eyebrows made it seem as if it would spill out,


    "What is Yan Qi here for?"


    Jiang Deshun''s voice trembled, "This... The three officials came in such a hurry. This servant wanted to ask, but Master Yan scolded this servant to only pass on the order for Your Majesty and said... not to bother with other idle matters..."


    Jiang Deshun was an old servant by Xiao Jingheng¡¯s side. Among all the civil and military officials in the imperial court, besides the ¡°Grand Remonstrator¡± Yan Qi, probably no one else dared speak to him like that.


    This so called "Grand Remonstrator" was one of the most annoying officials of the previous dynasty to Xiao Jingheng. His role was specifically to supervise and admonish the emperor with well-intentioned yet harsh criticism.


    Moreover, ording to the rulesid down by the ancestors, the Grand Remonstrator cannot be punished or dismissed. Therefore, every time he came, Xiao Jingheng had no choice but to listen to his reprimands.


    It was obvious that Xiao Jingheng was reluctant to see him. He simply told Jiang Deshun to send him away,


    "Tell him that I am busy and ask them toe again another day."


    "This..." Hearing Jiang Deshun''s embarrassment, Zhao Hua leaned against Xiao Jingheng''s shoulder and said gently,


    ¡°The ministersing to find Xiao Lang at this time must be about some extremely important matter. If Xiao Lang were to neglect state affairs because he was apanying this concubine, the guilt would be too much for this concubine to bear.¡±


    Xiao Jingheng was silent for a while before reluctantly sighing,


    "Alright then. I¡¯lle to see you againter."


    After the imperial carriage departed Chang Le Pce, it headed straight for the State Council Chamber.


    The three officials had been respectfully waiting outside the State Council Chamber for quite some time.


    As soon as they saw Xiao Jingheng arrive, they paid their respects ording to full court etiquette. Before Xiao Jingheng could enter and take a seat, Lord Yang from the Ministry of Agriculture hurriedly reported,


    ¡°I beg to report to Your Majesty that the Capital City is suffering from insect pest damages...¡±


    ¡°Pest damages?¡± Xiao Jingheng said strangely, ¡°Last year, there was continuous heavy snowfall in the Capital City during winter, and then it was a warm spring after New Year¡¯s Eve. How could there still be pest damages under such circumstances?¡±


    Lord Yang wiped the illusory sweat from his forehead and exined, ¡°This outbreak of pest damages is something the Capital City has never experienced before. The pests are nt lice and gray cutworms, both of which feed on young mulberry sprouts. Their sudden outbreak has caused all the mulberry trees on the outskirts of the Capital City to be stripped bare of new sprouts...¡±


    Prefect Yin bowed to Xiao Jingheng and picked up where Lord Yang left off,


    ¡°Although the Capital City cannotpare with Suzhou and Hangzhou as major centers of agriculture and textile production, manymoners still make a living through textile-rted work. Now that the mulberry trees have fallen victim to these pests, the silkworms in spring will have no food left to eat, making it difficult for them to spin silk cocoons. Themon people in the Capital City have already started voicing grievances over this matter...¡±


    ¡°Grievances?¡± Xiao Jingheng angrily waved his sleeve in displeasure, ¡°For natural disasters, the imperial court will naturally think of ways to provide disaster relief. What do they have toin about?¡±


    ¡°They areining about Your Majesty.¡±


    Yan Qi, who had been frowning with a stern face without saying a word, suddenly burst out this sentence at that moment.


    It made Xiao Jingheng''s face even darker as he red at him,


    "What else does Counselor Yan want to say?"


    Yan Qi slightly bowed to Xiao Jingheng, then loudly dered as if with bells and drums ringing,


    ¡°As themon people say, ever since the passing of Empress Jia Rui, the annual Silkworm Worship Ceremony in March has not been held for over four years now. The Silkworm Worship Ceremony is hosted by the Empress, who would lead thedies of the imperial harem and female court officials to worship the silkworm god Leizu, and personally pick mulberry leaves to feed silkworms, praying to the heavens for the prosperity of the silk industry.


    The importance of the Silkworm Worship Ceremony isparable to the First Farming Ceremony when Your Majesty would lead all the nobles. With the silkworms now neglected, it has given rise to abnormal changes in the heavens. This pestilence has so far only affected the Capital City, but if word of this were to spread to Suzhou and Hangzhou, would it not stir themoners who have just begun recovering from the previous flood''s devastation into renewed days and nights of livelihood worries?"


    At this point, Yan Qi suddenly knelt down heavily in front of Xiao Jingheng, loudly and sonorously dering,


    ¡°A nation cannot go one day without a seeding empress. I beseech Your Majesty to make arrangements early and establish a new Empress as soon as possible, to stabilize the hearts of the people!"

 Chapter 379: A Springboard

    <h4>Chapter 379</h4>


    Yan Qi''s straightforward advice brought the matter of the sessor to the throne into the open. The following day, during the morning court assembly, this issue became the sole topic of discussion among the courtiers.


    There were many courtiers who advocated for urging Xiao Jingheng to choose his sessor as soon as possible. They were not swayed by any personal interests but rather considered the welfare of the nation.


    Currently, Xiao Jingheng has only one son, Chenghuan. However, the court physician had previously stated that Chenghuan''s skin condition, known as "snake scale psoriasis," was a severe illness. If afflicted with this condition, there was a high probability that he would not live past the age of five. Even if he managed to survive beyond five years with careful attention, his future would be extremely difficult. The constant breakdown of his body would lead to recurring infections, ultimately depleting his health until his demise.


    An imperial prince who could pass away at any moment clearly had no hope of inheriting the throne.


    In the matter of selecting the sessor, some loyal courtiers who were devoted to the well-being of the dynasty advocated for choosing Zhao Hua as the empress. Their reasons were as follows:


    The royal lineage carries utmost importance, and Empress Jiawei had not borne a legitimate son for Xiao Jingheng. Therefore, the male fetus currently carried by Zhao Hua became the best choice.


    If Zhao Hua were to be the empress, her child would be of legitimate birth, with pure royal blood.


    On the other hand, some courtiers skilled in ttery also advised Xiao Jingheng to choose Zhao Hua as the empress. They were adept at discerning the imperial intentions. From their perspective, Xiao Jingheng''s previous efforts to improve Zhao Hua''s family background, such as marrying her into the Luo family, were paving the way for her future as the empress.


    Hence, their advice today was merely following Xiao Jingheng''s inclinations.


    The custom of paying respects to silkworms urred at the beginning of March, which coincided with Zhao Hua''s due date.


    From this perspective, choosing Zhao Hua as the empress seemed to align with the auspicious timing and harmonization of heaven, earth, and humanity.


    However, during the morning court assembly, Xiao Jingheng did not make a final decision. He temporarily set aside the matter for further discussion.


    *


    Before the imperial concubines gave birth, maternal rtives were allowed to enter the pce for visits.


    On this day, Mrs. Luo was summoned to the pce to see Zhao Hua.


    She brought many handmade baby bellybands for Zhao Hua. The bellybands were made from the softest silkworm silk, with colors predominantly chosen as bright yellow, indigo blue, and sky blue, which aremonly used for baby boys. The embroidered patterns on the bellybands were intricate designs of kylin and dragon motifs.


    It was evident that Mrs. Luo firmly believed that Zhao Hua was carrying an imperial prince.


    Receiving these thoughtful gifts, Zhao Hua smiled and said, "Mother, your eyesight is not good, yet you still put in so much effort to make these. I am truly touched."


    Mrs. Luo smiled with a hint of pride and said, "What''s the fuss about? When you be the empress one day, this child will be the emperor''s legitimate son. Compared to the emperor''s rewards, my little gifts won''t be worth mentioning."


    Upon hearing this, Zhao Hua''s expression suddenly changed, and she hurriedly whispered, "Mother, you mustn''t say such things."


    "Where am I speaking recklessly? This is already a rumor circting among the previous dynasty''s imperial concubines. Regarding the matter of the emperor appointing you as empress after the silkworm ceremony, I''m afraid the decree wille down soon."


    Mrs. Luo gently tightened her grip on Zhao Hua''s hand and said in a deep voice, "Rest assured, your father will join forces with officials he is familiar with to plead with the emperor for your session. The position of the Empress is within your grasp."


    "My father wants the officials of the previous dynasty to speak for me?"


    Zhao Hua''s face turned pale with anxiety. She instinctively withdrew her hand from Mrs. Luo''s palm and shook her head repeatedly.


    "Mother, you should advise him too. What my father is doing is rather confused. The matter of seeding the throne is a national affair, but fundamentally, it is the emperor''s family matter. The emperor has his own considerations for choosing the Empress, and he cannot be influenced by officials from the previous dynasty."


    "Besides, Noble Consort Chen has both sons and daughters, and she has been by the emperor''s side since his ascension, sharing a deep affection with him. If we talk about session, I personally feel that Noble Consort Chen is more suitable."


    "She has no hope anymore." Mrs. Luo interrupted Zhao Hua''s words coldly. "Noble Consort Ning''s father and brothers were once punished by the court. The emperor issued an edict to publicly execute them in the busy streets of the capital. Many people in the capital witnessed it. Her status is embarrassing. Even if the emperor has affection for her, he will not raise her to the status of awful wife."


    "Then please, Mother, persuade him not to go through all this trouble for my sake."


    Zhao Hua offered a cup of tea to Mrs. Luo and opened the skylight to speak frankly with her.


    "I know that the previous dynasties'' harem was part of the same entity. If my daughter can be the Empress, it will also bring honor to the Luo family. But as an unfilial daughter, I don''t have the ability to bear the heavy responsibility of being the Empress."


    "Mother, please don''tugh at me, but all I want is to live a carefree life. With abundance in life, children and a loving husband, and the grace of the emperor, that''s already wonderful. I know my father is nning for my sake, but all these good intentions will push me into a pit."


    "You, my child..."


    Mrs. Luo sighed repeatedly, feeling quite helpless.


    After a while, she picked up the tea cup offered by Zhao Hua and took a shallow sip.


    "Alright, alright. Even if your father seeds in nning for your position, your future days will be devoid of much joy. Whether you be a noble consort or an imperial noble consort, you will still be a concubine of the emperor. If you truly love the emperor and want to be his rightful wife, don''t you desire that?"


    During the private conversation between Mrs. Luo and Zhao Hua, Zhao Hua responded confidently and fluently, except when she heard these words, a hint of mncholy shed across her brows.


    However, she still forced a smile and said, "As long as we hold each other in our hearts, why should we care about the distinction between wife and concubine? I only know that Xiao Lang is my husband, and in his heart, he also considers me his wife. That''s enough."


    Later in the evening, Zhao Hua invited Mrs. Luo to have dinner at Chang Le Pce.


    Originally, she wanted her to stay overnight in the pce, but Mrs. Luo declined, citing that Lord Luo had been suffering from rheumatism and she needed to return home to take care of him. Zhao Hua didn''t insist and instructed Xiao Fuzi to see Mrs. Luo off properly.


    As expected, after Xiao Fuzi left, he returned about an hourter.


    At that time, Zhao Hua was soothing Ruo Xin to sleep. Xiao Fuzi waited outside the door for a while, only speaking in a low voice when Zhao Hua quietly left the side hall.


    "Your Majesty, Mrs. Luo left the pce in a sedan chair but returned after half an hour. I secretly observed that the sedan chair was taken in the direction of Chaoyang Pce."


    Zhao Hua smiled gracefully and replied, "It is understandable for the Empress Dowager to visit her son-inw."


    Xiao Fuzi also smiled and said, "Your Majesty, you predicted that the Emperor would send Mrs. Luo to test you. After hearing your conversation with her earlier, I believe the Emperor must have been moved."


    Zhao Hua chuckled and shook her head, then raised an eyebrow at him, teasingly saying, "She is not my mother, but merely a stepping stone. A stepping stone should fulfill its role properly to be truly useful. Otherwise, it would be no different from a useless piece of wood thrown into the fire to burn, wouldn''t it?"

 Chapter 380: A surname 03

    <h4>Chapter 380</h4>


    Throughout the years, the Luo family had relied on the benevolence of the imperial court.


    Unlike civil officials, who had their own responsibilities but little opportunity to achieve merit, military officers faced simr challenges.


    Consequently, their fortunes and rewards were at the whim of the emperor.


    Mrs. Luo understood this principle well.


    She also knew that now that Zhao Hua had be a member of the Luo family, the benefits she could bring to the family would only increase if she became the empress in the future.


    Therefore, even though Xiao Jingheng asked her to enter the pce to test Zhao Hua''s intentions, she would secretly protect Zhao Hua in her heart.


    During her audience with the emperor, Mrs. Luo embellished the conversation she had with Zhao Hua, presenting it to Xiao Jingheng in a more appealing manner.


    Delighted, Xiao Jingheng praised Mrs. Luo for her guidance in raising her daughter.


    After Mrs. Luo left, Jiang Deshun presented a carefully written note to Xiao Jingheng with utmost respect.


    "Your Majesty, this is a record of Yong Die''s words."


    Yong Die was Mrs. Luo''s maid who served her closely. However, since Zhao Hua became a part of the Luo family, Xiao Jingheng, to prevent collusion between the former dynasty and the harem, had secretly gained Yong Die''s loyalty and had her spy on the Luo family''s actions.


    On this day, while Mrs. Luo and Zhao Hua were discussing matters in their private quarters, Yong Die, who had gained Mrs. Luo''s trust, eavesdropped on the entire conversation.


    The record she presented to Xiao Jingheng faithfully reproduced every word spoken between Mrs. Luo and Zhao Hua, without embellishment or falsehood.


    Jiang Deshun observed Xiao Jingheng''s pleased expression as he read and said with a smile, "Although the words in this record are not as eloquent as Mrs. Luo''s, it is clear that Noble Consort Yi abides by the rules. She understands what to say and what to do, and is truly devoted to Your Majesty."


    Xiao Jingheng apuded andughed, "Of course I know that Zhao''er has always been like this."


    After this incident, there was a wave of support for Zhao Hua as the empress from the former dynasty, overwhelming any other opinions.


    Among the consorts, each had her own thoughts as they observed and listened.


    Originally, they would visit Ning Wanshuang in the Yonghe Pce to pay their respects every day.


    But gradually, perhaps out of tacit understanding, they began to visit Zhao Hua''s Changle Pce at all hours of the day.


    Even Consort Hui, who had been absent for a long time, made an appearance to congratte Zhao Hua.


    In the face of their ttery, Zhao Hua felt unworthy and always said, "Sisters, you are wee to visit me here, have a cup of tea and chat leisurely. But if you want to discuss matters regarding my position, I have no such intention. Please do not spread these words carelessly, lest I find myself in a difficult situation."


    But the fact remained that whether it was spread or not, it was already certain that Zhao Hua would be crowned as the empress.


    On this day, it was the time when the Imperial Hospital determined Zhao Hua''s due date.


    After the morning court session, Xiao Jingheng hurried to Changle Pce and listened to the Chief of the Imperial Hospital and Physician Zhang saying, "Your Majesty, the empress has reached full term since early in the third month, but the fetus is stable, and there are no signs ofbor. It is my belief that if the imperial heir remains in the womb for too long or grows toorge, it will be detrimental to the empress''s health. Therefore, if there are no signs of progress after a certain period, we can administerbor-inducing medicine to elerate the process."


    "March is considered an auspicious month, with many good days to choose from. For instance, the sixth day of March is an excellent day."


    Upon hearing this, Zhao Hua hadn''t said anything yet, but Xiao Jingheng smiled and said first,


    "That''s great. Everything is for the sake of your well-being, Zhao Er. I don''t want the delivery to be prolonged and cause harm to you."


    Zhao Hua wasn''t a fool either; she had consulted the almanac.


    On the sixth day of March, it''s highly auspicious, with the child corresponding to the father and protected by the Purple Microcosmic Star.


    For Xiao Jingheng, if the child could be born on this day, it would be more precious to him than having a valuable son.


    Although he always spoke eloquently, his selfishness, when spoken from his mouth, seemed to be considering everything for Zhao Hua''s sake.


    Zhao Hua dly epted such favor and replied,


    "In fact, it doesn''t matter to me at all. As long as the child is safe, I will be content."


    After the imperial physician left, lunch was prepared.


    During lunchtime, while apanying Zhao Hua, Xiao Jingheng noticed that she couldn''t eat, her eyebrows furrowed, her gaze vacant, and she seemed to have something on her mind.


    So he put down his chopsticks and asked, "What''s wrong, Zhao Er?"


    With lowered eyebrows, Zhao Chun softly said with a slight pout,


    "Xiao Lang... I''m a little scared."


    "What are you afraid of?" Xiao Jingheng took a seat next to her, embraced her slender shoulders, andforted her in a warm voice, "I''ll be with you. You have nothing to fear."


    "But Xiao Lang can''t apany me in this matter..." Zhao Hua''s tone became more aggrieved. "Although I have given birth to Ruo Xin before, I don''t remember anything about it.


    I''ve heard people say that women go through a difficult time during childbirth, and the only ones in the pce who have children are Noble Consort Chen and Consort Hui. I asked them a few days ago, and they both told me that giving birth is very painful, unbearable..."


    She tightly clenched her clothes with nervous hands, and her voice trembled.


    "Consort Hui even said that she endured two days and one night of pain when she gave birth to Chengjing... I used to be brave, and Consort Ying and Consort Shun also advised me not to think too much. But as the due date approaches, I feel more and more uneasy..."


    Xiao Jingheng listened silently, pondering in his heart:


    It''s not surprising that Ning Wanshuang would say these things to Zhao Hua. She has always been a jealous and temperamental person. Knowing that Zhao Hua might be named the Empress, she couldn''t ept it and said these things to frighten her.


    But Consort Hui also said the same things. It makes people doubt her intentions...


    It seems that this chess piece has be more independent and restless recently.


    Seeing Zhao Hua expressing her fears, her eyes were already red, which made Xiao Jingheng feel distressed.


    He embraced Zhao Hua in his arms, and his warm fingertips wiped away the tears that overflowed from her eyes.


    "Zhao Er, don''t be afraid. I promise you that I''ll be by your side during the delivery."


    As he spoke, he held Zhao Hua''s hand tightly. "I will hold your hand like this all the time. If you feel pain, squeeze my hand tightly. Even if it hurts me, it doesn''t matter. Although I can''t experience it with you, seeing you suffer for me, my heartache is no less than yours."


    Hearing his affectionate words, Zhao Hua''s wavering heart seemed to find its ce.


    She looked up at Xiao Jingheng with calm eyes, still a little timid, but her voice was resolute as she said,


    "With Xiao Lang by my side, I''m not afraid of anything."


    Xiao Jingheng lowered his head and leaned closer, his handsome nose brushing against Zhao Hua''s forehead as he doted,


    "Can we have our meal now? The dishes prepared today were all arranged by the imperial kitchen early in the morning, and they are all to your liking."


    Zhao Hua smiled gently and nodded. Just as she was about to struggle out of Xiao Jingheng''s embrace, she heard him say,


    "There''s one more thing..."


    "What is it?"


    Xiao Jingheng smiled knowingly, lightly caressing Zhao Hua''s small abdomen, and whispered in her ear,


    "I want to give our son a legitimate identity."


    [Don''t defame the female protagonist by iming she takes lives for her own gain. When she plotted against Song Shicheng in the past, she also used the locust disaster in Yu Province. However, in the end, Yu Province not only didn''t suffer losses, but the people''s ie also increased significantly.]


    [The same goes for this insect cmity. The female protagonist has a n. She wouldn''t take lives to fulfill her own desires. She herself crawled out of the fire pit, so how could she bear to push others into it again? Don''t rush to criticize, I beg you.]


    [Lowly small R, kowtowing online.]

 Chapter 381: Not Happy

    <h4>Chapter 381</h4>


    "Legitimate child?" Zhao Hua was slightly taken aback, with puzzlement filling her eyes as she looked at Xiao Jingheng.


    Xiao Jinghengughed at her silliness, "When you be My empress, our children will naturally be legitimate."


    It ismon for people to have desires, and anyone who suddenly hears such great news would show unrestrained joy.


    Zhao Hua was no exception.


    Although she was happy, her timidity still overshadowed it in the end,


    "Your servant knows she is not qualified enough, and cannot handle the many trivial matters in the harem, she cannot even figure out her own pce affairs, how can she bear such heavy responsibilities? Xiao Lang, wouldn''t it be better to..."


    "It doesn''t matter, these are all minor issues that can be slowly learned over time."


    Xiao Jingheng waved his hand casually, cutting off Zhao Hua''s words, "I want to make the woman I love My empress, if Zhao''er continues to decline, it would mean you are unwilling to be My wife."


    Seeing Zhao Hua''s emotional response, Xiao Jingheng seized her hand tightly, his words full of sincerity:


    "Hasn''t Zhao''er always said she wants to grow old with Me? By bing My wife, and being buried together after death, we would not let each other down. Is Zhao''er willing to walk alongside Me in the future, and always stay by My side?"


    He held Zhao Hua''s hand, slowly bringing it closer to his chest, causing a faint blush to appear on her cheeks.


    "Zhao''er is willing... As long as I can be with Xiao Lang, Zhao''er is willing to do anything."


    With mutual affection between husband and wife, looking at each other with naked hearts,


    At this moment, as their gazes intertwined, countless words of love and tenderness vanished into the unspoken,


    Henceforth, the matter of establishing an empress was settled.


    As Zhao Hua''s due date was nearing, the time for establishing the empress was set for early April,


    Only after she gave birth to the heir andpleted her confinement, would the grand enthronement ceremony that attracted nationwide attention be held,


    Only then would she reach the pinnacle of glory.


    Although she had not been formally invested, His Majesty''s heart was set, and the struggle for the position of empress in the six pces quietly faded out.


    In the following days, the concubines in the six pces came to pay respects to Zhao Hua even more diligently.


    On this day when they came to greet her, Consort Yun blurted out,


    "Looking at Her Majesty the Empress''s excellentplexion today, next month..."


    "She hasn''t been enthroned as Empress yet, but you address her so smoothly as Empress." Ning Wanshuang''s long brows nted upwards as she red coldly at Consort Yun, "I wonder who used to address her as a lowly ve."


    Consort Yun had always known Ning Wanshuang to be a loose-tongued madwoman, but did not expect her to show no regard for the new Empress''s prestige, and to so brazenly utter such greatly disrespectful words.


    Given that Zhao Hua received deep favor as soon as she entered the pce, which concubine here hadn''t heaped curses on her before?


    At this moment, Consort Yun was also nervous, secretly ncing at Zhao Hua''s expression, and hastily trying to defend herself,


    "Your Majesty the Empress must not listen to her nonsense, your servant absolutely did not..."


    Things from the past were not worth remembering.


    Zhao Hua simply smiled it off, then swiftly shifted the conversation,


    "Worthy Consort Yun is not wrong. Without the enthronement ceremony, I am still Noble Consort. Even if I be Empress, I will still be your sister. In our daily lives we still address each other as sisters, which disys greater intimacy."


    The concubines chorused: "Yes, we will abide by Noble Consort''s teachings."


    After sending them off today, only Ning Wanshuang alone stayed behind.


    She and Zhao Hua strolled in the garden,plex emotions churning on her face. For a long time, they remained silent, then she gave a bitterugh and said,


    "Congrattions to you."


    Upon hearing this, Zhao Hua also gave a wry smile and shook her head, "Does sister think this is a joyous event?"


    Ning Wanshuang said: "My rtionship with him is merely superficial harmony. I used to long for the position of Empress in hopes that with the status of his wife, I could have the legitimacy to apany him by his side. Although I no longer harbor such delusions now, having desired it for so long, I still can¡¯t help feelingplex emotions in my heart."


    Zhao Hua listened quietly. With an unintentional upward nce, her sightsnded on the gilded que in front of the pce halls,


    Looking at the threerge characters "Chang Le Pce", she couldn''t help sighing,


    "Sister lives in Yonghe Pce, your rtionship is discordant despite the facade. I live in Chang Le Pce, looking glorious and joyful to others, but only I know the bitterness within. Consort Hui lives in Zhaochun Pce, appearing to be the simplest person in the harem, but underneath that harmless appearance lies the most disgusting malice."


    She suddenly broke intoughter, frequently shaking her head,


    "Yonghecks harmony, Chang Lecks joy, Zhaochuncks purity... As for our Emperor''s discernment in selecting and assigning pces and chambers for us, it can be said he put in considerable effort."


    Ning Wanshuang also smiled self-deprecatingly, adding,


    "The others aside. You must be vignt against that one from Zhaochun Pce. Seeing you be Empress and give birth to an heir, she appears to be increasingly unable to restrain herself. In the next few days, it¡¯s best if you avoid any interaction with her. After the child is safely born, settle all grievances with her then."


    Zhao Hua nodded in acquiescence, smiling gently, "Many thanks to sister."


    After sending Ning Wanshuang off, Xiao Fuzi brought Zhao Hua news from outside the pce,


    "Mistress, Tianji Office has discovered more dubious details about Prince Qi''s estate. No faults can be picked with Prince Qi and his main consort, but his concubine is unconsciously revealing extravagant wealth. His concubine loves amethysts. Some days ago, she privately purchased an amethyst chest ornament worth thousands of taels..."


    "Thousands of taels?" Yun Shan clicked his tongue. "What is Prince Qi''s monthly sry? His concubine isn''t from some wealthy family, how could she casually spend thousands without blinking an eye? Could it be embezzled money?"


    "Embezzled?" Zhao Hua sneered, "He battled Candle Yin for three years without making any headway. His Majesty was furious with him and reduced him to an idle prince long ago. What present could an idle prince without any power possibly extort? Where would he get the ability to embezzle?"


    Xiao Fuzi said, "Back then, Mistress had suspected some covert connection between Prince Qi and Candle Yin. For his family to now possess such shocking wealth, if not bestowed by the imperial court, then there is likely another source."


    "Who knows?" Zhao Hua smiled enchantingly as she casually fiddled with the flowers and nts in the yard, "In any case, after His Majesty hears of this matter, he will naturally investigate. There is no need to trouble ourselves over it."


    "Yes, Tianji Office will continue monitoring Prince Qi''s estate."


    "To think Prince Qi is truly foolish to have eluded Tianji Office''s surveince for so long without noticing anything."


    "Tianji Office has always acted swiftly and covertly, it is not easy for them to expose ws."


    "You''re wrong." Zhao Hua looked at Xiao Fuzi, tone light as she said,


    "We must let him know. A frightened bird startles at the mere twang of a bow. Only when he hears them drawing the bowstring will he lose hisposure. Tell Tianji Office to reveal some ws deliberately and let Prince Qi discover someone secretly investigating him."


    Xiao Fuzi understood Zhao Hua¡¯s intention after a little thought. "Mistress''s wisdom is extraordinary. This servant knows what to do."


    ¡®Boom¡¯


    From the edges of the overcast sky, rumbles of thunder suddenly sounded,


    Almost at the same time as the sound faded, fine raindrops had already begun pelting Zhao Hua''s robes.


    Yun Shan shielded her to the corridor, lightly brushing the water beads off her clothes,ining:


    "The sudden spring rain. Mistress, you should head back to rest, in case the dampness affects you."


    Zhao Hua stretched out a hand into the rain, allowing the raindrops to ssh onto her palm, smiling lightly:


    "February 28th is Consort Hui''s birthday. There are not many days left. I have thoughtfully set up the stage for her. Let us watch as she performs this final act."

 Chapter 382: I Beg You to Enter the Urn 02

    <h4>Chapter 382</h4>


    That spring in the Capital City, it seemed like the sky had copsed,


    The rain kept falling ceaselessly, often not stopping for three to five days.


    The air was infused with damp moisture, and newly changed clothes soon became sticky against the skin, making one feel ufortable.


    As Zhao Hua''s due date approached, her feet were also badly swollen, to the point that she could no longer walk around freely now.


    Some days ago, Madam Marquis Jing''an had been critically ill, so Xiao Fengheng had sent Zhang Imperial Physician out of the pce to treat her, which had already been seven or eight days now.


    Therefore, these past few days, it was Gao Yuanpan who had been looking after Zhao Hua''s pregnancy.


    Today, after he came to check Zhao Hua''s pulse and confirmed her wellbeing, he said:


    "Your Highness, everything is fine, it''s just that the weather has been exceptionally humid recently, inevitably some dampness has entered Your Highness''s body, which led to Your Highness''s lower limb swelling looking a bit severe. But Your Highness is nearing your due date, once the imperial heir is safely delivered, all the diforts will be alleviated."


    Zhao Hua nodded gently, and asked with concern:


    "Counting it out, Consort Hui is almost seven months along, how has she been recently?"


    Gao Yuanpan was taken aback for a moment, stammering: "It should be...fine."


    "It should be?" Zhao Hua asked curiously, "What does this mean?"


    Gao Yuanpan helplessly sighed: "What Your Highness doesn''t know is that Consort Hui has found it troublesome to check her pulse daily, so she stopped me from attending to her regrly for over half a month now. However, the Imperial Pharmacy still delivers the pregnancy tonics to Zhaochun Pce every day, and Consort Hui has not summoned the imperial doctors either, so it seems there should be no issues."


    Upon hearing this, Zhao Hua immediately sensed something amiss.


    Consort Hui''s fetal pulse had always been maintained by a medicinal herb that Zhang Imperial Physician secretly added to her pregnancy tonics.


    Now with Zhang Imperial Physician not in the pce, even if those tonics were still being delivered to Consort Hui daily, if she had suspicions and refused to take them, no one else would know.


    To prevent Consort Hui from noticing anything, the doses that Zhang Imperial Physician secretly added to the tonics each time were very light.


    This made it difficult to detect any clues from the dregs, but if the medicine was stopped, the original pulse would return after three to five days.


    Zhao Hua thought to herself:


    Consort Hui herself has some medical knowledge, now that she has even stopped Gao Yuanpan from checking her pulse, it''s hard to say whether she has discovered some abnormality with her fetus...


    Zhao Hua''s scheming all hinged on Consort Hui using her female fetus to frame her.


    If Consort Hui knew she was carrying a male heir, she certainly wouldn''t use this prince who could help her rise in status to scheme against Zhao Hua anymore.


    By February 25th, there were three days until Consort Hui''s birthday, but she had declined the preparations for her birthday banquet on the grounds of needing peace and rest to nurture the fetus, and was still hiding away in her pce, refusing to see anyone.


    This confirmed Zhao Hua''s suspicions,


    it seemed her scheme had likely been seen through by Consort Hui.


    Yun Shan worriedly said: "Miss...Has Consort Hui discovered something wrong with the medicine? If she knows she''s carrying a male heir, hoping to advance herself with this child, she would be even less willing to easily see any of the consorts..."


    But this wasn''t even Zhao Hua''s biggest worry,


    What she was worried about was Zhang Imperial Physician''s safety right now.


    After thinking for a while, she instructed Xiao Fuzi:


    "Find a way to send word to your brother, tell him to slowly treat Madam Marquis Jing''an''s illness, don''t rush. As long as Madam Marquis Jing''an''s illness is not cured, your brother won''t need to return to the pce. Even if Consort Hui wants to investigate something through your brother, she will be powerless."


    Xiao Fuzi was also worried about his elder brother, hearing Zhao Hua''s words, he immediately went to arrange it.


    After he left, Zhao Hua secluded herself in the inner chamber for the entire afternoon, quietly thinking of countermeasures.


    She had experienced Consort Hui''s craftiness before, if she couldn''t thoroughly defeat her this time, then once Consort Hui rose up again, it would be endless trouble.


    About half a shichenter, Yun Shan brought in today''s pregnancy tonic for Zhao Hua to take.


    She knew Zhao Hua''s thoughts were in turmoil, and didn''t want to add to it, but still couldn''t help saying:


    "Miss, Imperial Physician Zhang can''t keep hiding at the Marquis Jing''an Estate forever. I''m worried that when he returns to the pce in the future, Consort Hui may discern the rtionship between us and him from him, and even make His Majesty suspicious about the incident of your amnesia that day..."


    Zhao Hua''s gaze darkened as she silently looked at the wee blossoms on the table.


    Her fingertips kept tapping the yellow pear wood table, her mind also momentarily nk.


    Just then, Xiao Fuzi returned to report:


    "Replying to Your Highness, the message has been sent out. Also, per Your Highness''s instructions, Tian Ji''s people deliberately revealed themselves, which has already alerted Prince Qi to someone secretly investigating him."


    Xiao Fuzi''s words were like rays of golden light prating the dark clouds,


    instantly dispersing the gloom that had been lingering in Zhao Hua''s heart.


    She smiled calmly, and suddenly changed the topic, saying to Yun Shan:


    "Didn''t you mention to me a few days ago that Li Changzai who lives with Consort Yao came looking for you, saying Consort Yao often verbally abused me in her own pce? Previously you stopped her from seeing me, today since we have time, go call her over."


    "Call her over?" Yun Shan said in puzzlement: "Miss is pregnant, how can you bear to hear such foul words?"


    "It''s fine. I''m in a good mood today, I actually want to hear what kind of lotus words cane out of Consort Yao''s slick mouth."


    Li Changzai was best at ttering those in power.


    Seeing Zhao Hua''s rising prestige in the harem now, soon to stand alone at the top, she had wanted to pledge allegiance to Zhao Hua early on.


    Summoned today, she scurried over even faster.


    "This concubine pays her respects to Esteemed Consort Zhao, may the consort have eternal blessings!"


    She bowed down to Zhao Hua in salutation, indicating her respect and allegiance.


    Zhao Hua smiled and bade her rise, after inviting her to sit and drink tea, she said:


    "The past few days this pce had difort due to the pregnancy, and had to decline your wish to chat a number of times. Today I finally have time, you were the first one I thought of."


    Li Changzai quickly cated her with a smile: "To be remembered by Esteemed Consort brings great fortune to this concubine."


    ncing around, she couldn''t help sighing: "In the end, it''s still peaceful in consort''s pce. This concubine lives in Yaohua Pce, having to hear such foulnguage every day, it''s truly headache-inducing."


    "Foulnguage?" Zhao Hua asked curiously: "Who said what?"


    Li Changzai had a conspiratorial look:


    "This concubine really couldn''t stand to keep listening, that''s why I wanted to report the matter to Esteemed Consort so many times. Ever since Consort Yao was crippled and paralyzed in bed, she has held much resentment toward you, often cursing ill words, not wishing consort well at all. Just now, upon hearing of consort''s impending coronation as Empress, she has been insulting consort even more vulgarity every day..."


    This Li Changzai was ustomed to ttering those above and trampling those below.


    When Consort Yao had been in power, she lingered around her daily, eager to even help her with her shoes if needed.


    Now that Consort Yao had fallen from grace, she wished for nothing more than Consort Yao''s death.


    Of course Zhao Hua also disliked such a fickle opportunist, but she was very useful nheless.


    So she smiled and asked Li Changzai, "Oh? Go ahead and tell me what Consort Yao has been cursing about me in private."

 Chapter 383: My Lord Into the Urn 02

    <h4>Chapter 383</h4>


    At first, Concubine Li was full of excuses,


    Saying that such words were disrespectful, she dared not speak them aloud,


    And they were all vulgar and offensive, not suitable for Zhao Hua to hear and feel upset.


    She was just waiting for Zhao Hua to say,


    "Younger sister, just speak the truth, this pce won''t me you."


    Then she opened her mouth and started talking non-stop,


    "Consort Yao said... that you, mydy, are the daughter of a traitor, unworthy of your position. The Emperor''s favor towards you is solely because of your beauty. Sooner orter, your beauty will fade and his love will wane. You will end up like her, losing the Emperor''s affection. She also said that even if you be the Empress, you will only be a secondary concubine. Inmoner''s terms, you will be nothing more than a bed filler. Furthermore..."


    Before she could finish speaking, Concubine Li suddenly noticed that Zhao Hua''s expression seemed off.


    Her brows furrowed, herplexion visibly paled, and beads of sweat formed on her forehead.


    "What... What''s wrong, Noble Consort?"


    Zhao Hua pursed her lips and shook her head, but anyone could see that she was enduring the difort caused by abdominal pain.


    Yun Shan supported her, clearly feeling her body trembling, and also panicked for a moment.


    "Mydy, are you alright? Mydy!?"


    She called Zhao Hua twice, but Zhao Hua leaned back against the chair, responding with a sudden fainting spell.


    "Mydy! Someonee! Fetch the imperial physician and summon the Emperor!"


    Chang Le Pce was thrown into chaos,


    Concubine Li was stunned and stood frozen in ce, unable to regain her senses for a while.


    The words she had just spoken were clearly prompted by Zhao Hua, and she hadn''t even uttered the most offensive parts yet.


    How could Zhao Hua be so fragile that she couldn''t withstand just two sentences?


    By the time Xiao Jingheng and Guo Imperial Physician arrived, Zhao Hua had already been carried back to her chambers.


    Although she was awake at the moment, her face still exhibited signs of fatigue and illness.


    Xiao Jingheng sat at the edge of the bed, keeping watch over her, urging Guo Imperial Physician to diagnose Zhao Hua''s pulse quickly.


    After a while, Guo Imperial Physician responded, "Your Majesty and mydy can rest assured. This is just a normal fetal movement, and it doesn''t have much impact."


    Upon hearing this, Xiao Jingheng secretly breathed a sigh of relief, but he noticed that Zhao Hua still had a worried expression, seemingly unaware of or unresponsive to Guo Imperial Physician''s words.


    Just as he was about tofort Zhao Hua, Yun Shan entered with a basin of hot water and respectfully said,


    "Your Majesty, Noble Consort perspired a lot just now. Guo Imperial Physician instructed this servant to help her freshen up. Would you please step aside for a moment?"


    After Xiao Jingheng and Guo Imperial Physician exited the chambers together, Guo quietly said to him,


    "Your Majesty, Noble Consort Y¨¬''s current fetal movements are due to her unsettled emotions. Originally, the fetus was stable, and we were only waiting for the auspicious time on the sixth day of the third month to administer medication to inducebor, ensuring the safety of both mother and child.


    However, now that Noble Consort''s emotions are unstable and burdened with worries, if this continues for several days, she will likely give birth prematurely. But Your Majesty need not worry too much. The imperial heir has reached full term, so even if there is an early birth, it will surely be safe and healthy."


    Guo''s words didn''t quite reach the depths of Xiao Jingheng''s heart.


    How could he not know that the imperial heir was due soon and that even if childbirth were to happen now, both mother and child would be safe?


    However, he didn''t want Zhao Hua to give birth right now.


    After all, a good day like the sixth day of the third month would benefit him, the prince, and the entire imperial family.


    As long as Zhao Hua''s safety could be ensured, he definitely hoped that she would wait until that auspicious day to give birth.


    Xiao Jingheng already knew when he arrived that Zhao Hua''s suddenbor was because of Concubine Li.


    At this moment, Concubine Li was kneeling outside the pce, begging for forgiveness.


    Through the threeyers of doors, Xiao Jingheng could faintly hear her crying, finding it increasingly annoying.


    Xiao Fuzi, worried about his mistress''s safety, had already offered several incense sticks in front of the Buddha''s shrine in just a short while.


    Xiao Jingheng called him forward to speak.


    "While you were serving Noble Consort Yi, what audacious words did Li Constantly Speak today that angered Noble Consort Yi to such an extent?" he asked solemnly.


    Xiao Fuzi whispered, "It was not Li Constantly''s audacity. It was Noble Consort Yao, who often insults Noble Consort Yi. Today, Li Constantly came to inform Noble Consort Yi about this matter, and Noble Consort Yi couldn''t bear to hear a few words, so she became angry."


    Xiao Jingheng''s eyes darkened, and he asked in a stern voice, "What exactly did she say?"


    Xiao Fuzi shrank back and said, trembling, "Those words were truly unbearable. This servant dares not repeat them."


    Xiao Jingheng''s anger red, "You tell me every detail, no matter how small, or I''ll take your head!"


    "May the Emperor show mercy!" Xiao Fuzi was frightened and fell to his knees, his voice trembling, "Li Constantly said that after Consort Yao learned of Noble Consort Yi''s impending elevation to the position of Empress, she has been insulting her in the pce every day.


    She called Noble Consort Yi a ''filler,'' saying that the Emperor dotes on her because of her beauty, and she cursed that Noble Consort Yi would eventually fade and lose the Emperor''s love just like her.


    Furthermore... she also said that even if Noble Consort Yi gives birth to the prince, the prince would still be considered the child of a concubine after being conferred the title of Empress. In the future, even if Noble Consort Yi bes the Empress, the prince would only be called the ''sessor heir'' and would still have the status of an illegitimate child..."

 Chapter 384: My Lord Into the Urn 03

    <h4>Chapter 384</h4>


    "Outrageous!"


    Xiao Jingheng was infuriated, mming the table and standing up, ready to reprimand Consort Yao.


    "Consort Dai has already been punished with banishment, yet she refuses to behave and dares to curse the pregnant concubines. It''s truly malicious! Jiang Deshun, immediately take people to Yao Hua Pce and send Consort Yao to the Cold Pce. No one is to attend to her, let her live or perish on her own!"


    Jiang Deshun bowed and epted the order, but he nced at Concubine Li, who was crying incessantly outside the door, feeling troubled.


    "May I ask, Your Majesty, how should we handle Miss Li, who is kneeling outside?"


    Xiao Jingheng''s anger did not waver as he replied, "Demote her to a courtdy, and give her eighty ps as a deterrent!"


    "Your servant obeys."


    After Jiang Deshun left, not long after, cries of desperation filled the air from outside the door. The eighty ps were meant to make her remember the consequences of spreading gossip within the pce. Although the instigators had been punished, the words that Princess Zhaohua had already heard could not be expelled from her ears.


    When Yun Shan finished wiping Princess Zhaohua''s body and Xiao Jingheng entered to visit her, he saw her eyes were red, as if she had just finished crying.


    He took a seat in front of the bed and tightly held Princess Zhaohua''s cold hand, filled with anguish as he said, "Consort Dai spoke nonsense, and Li''s actions caused trouble. I have already punished them severely. Those idle talk, Zhaohua, you don''t need to take them to heart."


    Princess Zhaohua weakly shook her head. "Xiao Lang, there''s no need to punish them. Consort Yao''s words were hurtful, but she spoke the truth. In fact, I don''t care what others say about me. I know that I have a ce in your heart, and that''s enough. But our child..."


    She protected her abdomen and couldn''t help but choke with sobs.


    "Being a child of a concubine is not something honorable. Chenghuan is also a child of a concubine, yet no one would discuss his identity. But if our child with you ister gossiped about as a ''sessor,'' it would seem as if he gained some kind of undeserved advantage. Just thinking about it makes me feel distressed."


    As she finished speaking, tears flowed uncontrobly, trickling down Princess Zhaohua''s smooth jawline, sshing onto Xiao Jingheng''s hand, causing a painful ache in his heart.


    The position of the Empress had already been determined, and it was only a matter of time. Princess Zhaohua had no need topete for anything anymore. She didn''t want to be the Empress in the first ce. If not for hearing those vile words today, she wouldn''t be so heartbroken.


    Women tend to be more pensive during pregnancy. Xiao Jingheng, on one hand, felt heartache for Princess Zhaohua, and on the other hand, he was afraid that her excessive worries would affect her childbirth, which was imminent.


    Therefore, in order to console her and stabilize her emotions, Xiao Jingheng immediately said, "I won''t let anyone gossip about Zhaohua and our son. The ceremony for your enthronement has already been scheduled, and the Ministry of Rites needs to make proper arrangements. Considering your current condition, it''s not suitable for you to go through the rituals andbor. Although the formal ceremony hasn''t taken ce yet, I have already favored you, and you are already my Empress."


    As he spoke, he called in Xiao Yinzi, who was guarding outside the door, and loudly instructed, "Spread my decree to the six pces of the imperial consorts. Noble Consort Luo, virtuous and auspicious, honorable and meritorious, gentle and amiable, virtuous and serene. From this day forth, you shall be crowned as the Empress, residing in the Imperial Pce, and the formal ceremony will be held on the eighth day of the fourth month."


    While issuing the decree, Xiao Jingheng held Zhaohua tightly in his arms.


    He held her tightly, listening to her gasping breaths mixed with sobs, and tightened his grip even more.


    Lowering his head, he gently kissed Zhao Hua''s forehead, overflowing with tenderness as he said,


    "From now on, you are my wife. No one in this world can make you cry or suffer. With me by your side, you have nothing to fear."


    "Xiao Lang..."


    Zhao Hua was deeply moved and buried her head in Xiao Jingheng''s embrace,


    Clutching his slender waist even tighter with her hands.


    *


    The next day, the Ministry of Rites sent the phoenix robe that had been prepared early in the morning to Zhao Hua.


    Everyone in the pce knew that Xiao Jingheng doted on Zhao Hua even more than he did on Ning Wanshuang in the past.


    The servants were trying their best to elevate Zhao Hua''s status,


    "Empress, please have a look at this phoenix robe and let us know if any modifications are needed. The Ministry of Rites will make adjustments ording to your preferences until you are satisfied."


    Zhao Hua gently stroked the yellow imperial robe embroidered with phoenix and peony patterns, feeling a lot of emotions in her heart, but it all turned into a smile,


    "You have done well in your work. I just find the phoenix eyes decorated with pearls a bit too shy. It would be better to rece them with ordinary zircon stones."


    The little eunuch nodded repeatedly. After receiving Zhao Hua''s praise for a few more words, he happily followed the little servant and left to receive his reward.


    Today was the first day the decree of bestowing the title of empress was announced, and it was also Zhao Hua''s first day as the empress.


    Although the formal ceremony of enthronement had not taken ce yet, with Xiao Jingheng''s protection, Zhao Hua''s position in the imperial harem was now legitimate.


    When she first entered the pce, Zhao Hua had said that she came to be the empress, but it was just a youthful and frivolous lie.


    Now, step by step, she had truly achieved her wish, but she didn''t feel particrly happy.


    She looked at the woman in the mirror,


    Truly beautiful and graceful,


    Everything seemed unchanged,


    But everything had already changedpletely.


    At this moment, Yun Shan entered and bowed, whispering,


    "Miss, all the concubines in the imperial harem are waiting outside."


    He leaned closer to Zhao Hua and deliberately lowered his voice, "Consort Hui is also there."


    Zhao Hua coldly smiled, "I am the empress. It is her duty to pay respects to me. Let here."


    She picked up the agate and gilded armor from the jewelry box and put them on one by one,


    Then, with Yun Shan''s support, she slowly stood up,posed herself in front of the mirror, and said in a deep voice,


    "Let''s go. It''s time for us to settle things with her."

 Chapter 385: After Zhaohua Feng With his own hands to beat off the belly of the Princess

    <h4>Chapter 385</h4>


    In the grand hall, the imperial concubines were all dressed in their finest attire. As far as the eye could see, there was a sea of vibrant colors, each person more beautiful than a flower.


    After Princess Zhaohua took her seat at the head, all the other concubines, except for Consort Hui and Consort Ning Wanshuang, rose and respectfully greeted Princess Zhaohua, saying in unison:


    "We, the humble servants, pay our respects to the Empress. May the Empress live a thousand years in blessings and prosperity."


    During the ceremony, Princess Zhaohua deliberately nced at Consort Hui. Today, Consort Hui was dressed simply, wearing a light blue silk robe with minimal jewelry. Her hair was simply tied up with a wooden hairpin, and she wore a red coral ring on her right index finger, which she did not take off.


    Xiao Jingheng practiced frugality, and Consort Hui followed suit, especially after bing pregnant. Although she was one of the wealthiest consorts in the pce, she now lived a simple life to demonstrate her obedience to Xiao Jingheng.


    Princess Zhaohua''s lips curved into a gentle smile but she didn''t say anything. She raised her hand to signal everyone to be seated and then spoke:


    "Knowing that my sisters wereing today, I prepared gifts early in the morning to send you off."


    As she finished speaking, Yun Shan, apanied by two pce maids, presented each consort with a tray made of redwood, containing the gifts.


    Some keen-eyed individuals noticed that these were the jewelry Princess Zhaohua had worn on previous asions. However, they were well maintained and looked almost new, and each piece was extremely precious.


    "This jade pendant was previously worn by the Empress. The Empress is giving her own jewelry to us. How fortunate we are!" eximed one of the consorts.


    Princess Zhaohua smiled warmly and said, "Since we are like sisters, why should we adhere strictly to the rules? It would only create distance between us. I thought of using these gifts to show you all that regardless of my status, our sisterhood will remain unchanged."


    As everyone expressed their gratitude, Consort Rongyue suddenly made a suggestion, "Since the Empress has been so kind to us and bestowed us with her personal essories, it seems that we have alle empty-handed."


    It was expected that the consorts woulde empty-handed since the date of Princess Zhaohua''s elevation to Empress had been moved up unexpectedly. Who would dare to be careless when giving gifts to the Empress?


    Instead of giving something of lesser value, it would be better to wait until the formal ceremony and present more extravagant gifts.


    However, Consort Rongyue''s sudden mention of this matter caught everyone off guard.


    With a smile, Consort Rongyue continued, "I was thinking, since the Empress has given us her personal essories, why don''t we choose something from our own belongings to present to her as a token of our friendship?"


    Setting an example, she took off the jade bracelet on her wrist and respectfully offered it to Princess Zhaohua.


    Princess Zhaohua received it with delight, and the other consorts followed suit, selecting personal items to present to her.


    Even Consort Ning Wanshuang, who had remained aloof throughout, took off a jade hairpin from her hair and tossed it to Yun Shan, saying, "This emerald shade seems to suit the Empress. She can wear it."


    Her words carried a sarcastic tone, but Princess Zhaohua was not offended. Instead, she smiled and said,


    "Thank you, Noble Consort Chen, I really like this hairpin."


    "Hmph." Ning Wanshuang snorted coldly, gave Consort Zhaohua a disdainful look, and ignored her.


    The atmosphere became awkward for a moment, but then Consort Yin suddenly spoke up:


    "It seems that Consort Hui hasn''t presented a gift to the Empress yet, right?"


    Consort Hui instinctively clenched her right hand, awkwardly resting it on herp.


    "I came in a hurry and didn''t prepare anything. How about I have someone fetch it from the pceter and present it to the Empress?" she suggested.


    "Is it because you weren''t prepared, or because you''re reluctant?" Ning Wanshuang interrupted Consort Hui''s words with a derisive smile. She nced at Consort Hui''s clenched right hand and mockingly said, "Don''t you always wear a red coral ring on your right index finger?"


    Upon hearing this, Consort Hui''s expression suddenly changed.


    "I can''t... This was given to me by the Emperor. How can I..."


    "Hahaha!" Ning Wanshuangughed brazenly,zily touching her temple and said, "All the items worn by the concubines in this pce are bestowed by the Emperor. Why do you think you''re so special?"


    Consort Yin also spoke in a deep voice, "Consort Hui, are you deliberately trying to show dominance over the Empress?"


    "I... I wouldn''t dare," Consort Hui replied.


    Consort Hui tightly pursed her lips, her eyes filled with reluctance and unwillingness.


    But with so many pairs of eyes watching her, what else could she do?


    She reluctantly took off the ring very slowly and had her maid, Ren Dong, present it to Consort Zhaohua.


    As Consort Zhaohua epted it, a smile appeared on her lips, and she immediatelypared it to the one the Emperor had given Noble Consort Chen. She couldn''t stop praising it, saying, "No wonder you''re reluctant. Look at this red coral, as red as blood. Its quality is on par with therge coral the Emperor gave to Noble Consort Chen."


    After saying that, she paid no attention to Consort Hui''s reaction and, after hearing a thunderp outside, she looked out the window and said, "It looks like it''s going to rain heavily soon. Sisters, let''s return to the pce early."


    The other consorts all took their leave, but Consort Hui hesitated to leave.


    When Consort Yun passed by her side, she called out to Consort Hui, but Consort Hui said she had something private to discuss with Consort Zhaohua and asked them to go ahead.


    After everyone had dispersed, Consort Zhaohua rxed her gaze and looked at Consort Hui, gently asking, "Is there something else, sister?"


    Consort Hui''s expression suddenly darkened. She no longer wanted to pretend in front of Consort Zhaohua.


    She took two steps forward, stood in front of the hall, and suddenly reached out her hand towards Consort Zhaohua, saying, "Give me back the ring."


    "So, sister, you''re unwilling to part with this ring?" Consort Zhaohua slowly took the ring off her finger, held it in her hand, and yed with it.


    "I saw you wearing this ring every day, and perhaps you''ve grown attached to it. Well then, a gentleman doesn''t take away what someone treasures. Since you''re unwilling, I will return it to you."


    As she spoke, she reached out her hand as if to give the red coral ring back to Consort Hui.


    But just as Consort Hui was about to reach out and take it, Consort Zhaohua suddenly let go, allowing the ring to fall to the ground.


    The coral was brittle and hard, and as it touched the equally hard marble floor, it instantly cracked in two.


    "Oh dear."


    Zhao Hua gently touched her chest and smiled somewhat sheepishly, "Look at me, being clumsy and careless."


    As she spoke, she provocatively raised her eyebrows and long eyshes at Consort Hui.


    "Song Zhao! You..."


    Consort Hui regarded the broken ring as more valuable than her own life. Ignoring her seven-month pregnancy, she hurriedly squatted down to pick up the shattered ring, clutching it tightly in her palm. Her eyes turned red instantly.


    Ren Dong quickly helped her up and said, "What are you doing, Your Highness? You have to be careful with your condition! You''re hurting yourself!"


    Little did Consort Hui know that she would suddenly lose her temper. She stood up and forcefully pushed Ren Dong aside, then stared angrily at Zhao Hua, who was seated at the head.


    She was furious, her delicate features contorted in a monstrous manner, resembling a mad beast.


    "Do you think I don''t know what you''re nning?" Consort Hui approached Zhao Hua step by step, but was blocked by Xiao Fuzi and Yun Shan standing in front of her.


    She squinted at Zhao Hua, lowered her voice, and said each word deliberately, "Do you really have amnesia? You know it deep down. How long can Zhang Imperial Physician hide in the Jing''an Marquis Mansion?


    You better pray that he never returns to the pce in his lifetime. Otherwise, forget about bing the Empress. You will be guilty of treason, mocking the Emperor like a monkey. Whether you can keep your life at that time is uncertain!"


    After uttering these harsh words, Consort Hui forcefully pushed Xiao Fuzi aside and turned to leave.


    She walked with great speed, approaching the entrance of the main hall, about to open the pce doors, when suddenly she heard Zhao Hua''s soft and gentle voice from behind.


    "Consort Hui, look at what this is?"


    She was taken aback and reluctantly turned her head. However, without any defense, she received a heavy blow to her lower abdomen.


    The pain made her ck out for a moment, and she lost her bnce and sat on the ground, unable to muster any strength.


    After a short while, she regained her senses and saw Zhao Hua holding a curtain rod in her left hand, with a sinister smile on her face, looking down at her from a high position.


    "Song Zhao! How dare you... how dare you plot against the Crown Prince... Ah!"


    "Crack!"


    Before Consort Hui could finish speaking, Zhao Hua raised the rod and struck her lower abdomen forcefully once again.


    "Why wouldn''t I dare?" Zhao Hua said calmly.


    She was about to strike again, and Ren Dong was also dumbfounded by the scene.


    She rushed over and protected Consort Hui, crying out, "Empress, our Lord is pregnant. How can you treat her like this?"


    Zhao Hua remained silent and stopped for the moment.


    Only when Xiao Fuzi took Ren Dong away did she notice the bloodstains under Consort Hui, staining her light blue skirt a deep red.


    Consort Hui clenched her teeth, covering her lower abdomen, her expression filled with extreme pain.


    She stared at Zhao Hua fiercely, beads of sweat appearing on her forehead, unable to speak a word.


    Zhao Hua calmly lowered her gaze, looking down at her from above as if she were observing an ant.


    "Laugh. Don''t you love tough at me?" she said with a sudden fierceness in her eyes.


    With that, she struck Consort Hui''s lower abdomen again with the rod, apanied by Consort Hui''s agonizing screams.


    Zhao Hua red at her with a vengeful look and scolded loudly:


    "Why aren''t you smiling? This pce demands yourughter!"

 Chapter 386: Rebirth of the Son

    <h4>Chapter 386</h4>


    Waves of tearing pain shot through Consort Hui''s lower abdomen, as if thousands of knives were stirring her internal organs, hurting her so much that she nearly fainted.


    She copsed on the ground, her hands already stained with blood as she clutched her lower body.


    In the moment before shepletely lost consciousness, she saw Yun Shan run madly out of the main hall, shouting loudly:


    "Come quickly! Protect His Majesty!"


    What happened after that, she didn''t know, as she fell into a long, conscious dream.


    She dreamed of her homnd and the youngd who had always upied her dreams.


    That man she called Master now stood before her, but his face was obscured by ayer of mist - although so close, she couldn''t make out his features.


    She had left her homnd at the age of thirteen, and seventeen years had passed since then. Perhaps she had already forgotten what her youngd looked like.


    But the one you love, even with an obscured face, often appears in your dreams.


    Shang Yang held the man tightly, her despair and helplessness turning into tears that poured out.


    "Ye Lang...I feel I can''t hold on much longer..."


    She was afraid.


    Afraid the man would use her of being useless, afraid he would resent herck of follow through.


    But what she finally heard was the man gently holding her in return.


    She heard him say gently:


    "Shang Yang, if you are tired,e back. Between you and the world, if I had to choose one, I would rather abandon the world and protect you."


    With just this one sentence, Consort Huipletely melted in this illusory embrace.


    Seventeen years...


    During these seventeen years, whenever Consort Hui felt she couldn''t hold on any longer, the man would say this to her in her dreams.


    This made her even more certain - dedicating herself to her homnd and her youngd was worth it.


    She was determined that since they loved each other, they should try to fulfill each other.


    So every time she awoke from the dream, she would turn away to wipe her tears, grit her teeth, and continue fighting in this endless struggle.


    However, even the most beautiful dream eventually disappears.


    When Consort Hui opened her eyes, she didn''t know how many years had passed.


    "You''re awake," said Ning Wanshuang. Standing next to her were Rongyue and Consort Yin.


    Consort Hui looked around woodenly, but did not see Xiao Jingheng or Zhao Hua.


    She instinctively touched her lower abdomen and found it sunken in, with only loose skin remaining.


    She was stunned for a moment, then looked at Ning Wanshuang and asked hoarsely:


    "My child...where is he?"


    "How dare you ask about your child?" Ning Wanshuang said angrily.


    "What kind of mother are you, so heartless as to beat your own son out of your belly? You don''t even deserve to be human!"


    Seeing that Consort Hui had not yet recovered, Rongyue used the gentlest tone to say the most gloating words:


    "When the doctor used medicine to force the child out of you, he was already dead. What a pity...he was a fully formed male fetus."


    After a brief silence, endless despair hit Consort Hui like a tide.


    "No!!"


    She clutched her chest in pain and cried out desperately:


    "I didn''t beat my child out! It was that slut Zhao Hua! Where is His Majesty? I want to see His Majesty!"


    "You still have the nerve to see His Majesty?" Consort Yin nced at her scornfully.


    "Because of you, the Empress was so shocked she went intobor for a whole day and night before the little prince was finally born. Fortunately the heir was unharmed, but the Empress is still unconscious from the difficultbor. His Majesty has been by her side in Chang Le Pce the whole time. Now that you''ve woken up, you should pray for forgiveness instead. If anything happens to the Empress, even if you kowtowed yourself to death in front of His Majesty, he would not spare you!"


    Having said what needed to be said, Ning Wanshuang and the others didn''t want Consort Hui''spany any longer. Without even a word offort, they turned and left.


    Consort Hui didn''t know what Zhao Hua had told Xiao Jingheng, or how the pce maids had distorted the truth.


    She only knew that if she didn''t exin herself now, things would get even worse if Zhao Hua continued her lies.


    When the incident happened, Ren Dong had witnessed everything at Consort Hui''s side. She would be the best witness.


    So despite the tearing pain in her lower body, Consort Hui shouted to the door:


    "Ren Dong! Come in!"


    But the answering voice belonged to a former cleaning maid.


    She timidly said to Consort Hui: "Consort Hui, please just instruct this servant."


    "Where is Ren Dong?"


    "Sister Ren Dong...His Majesty ordered her locked up in the prison for torture, to make her tell the truth about how the Empress was shocked and...and how you miscarried."


    Hearing this, Consort Hui felt slightly more at ease.


    Ren Dong was not originally from Consort Hui''s homnd anyway. She had only been serving Consort Hui for a long time. Ever since Chun Lan died, everything in the pce had been handled by Ren Dong.


    Consort Hui treated Ren Dong very well on the surface. When she heard Ren Dong''s family had fallen ill, she had rewarded her with one hundred taels of silver to use during the emergency.


    Ren Dong knew nothing about Consort Hui''s dirty tricks, so the prison would not be able to get anything out of her.


    As for what happened in Chang Le Pce - Zhao Hua beating the fetus out of Consort Hui''s belly - Ren Dong had witnessed it all.


    So she had no reason or motive to lie about it in front of His Majesty.


    At the same time, in Chang Le Pce...


    Zhao Hua felt her eyelids were very heavy. It took great effort before she finally opened them.


    "Zhao''er, you''re finally awake!"


    She heard a gentle male voice. Turning her head, she saw Xiao Jingheng tightly grasping her hand.


    He looked somewhat haggard.


    There were dark circles under his eyes, stubble lining his cheeks and jaw.


    Although he seemed rather feeble, his eyes couldn''t hide his delight.


    "You''ve suffered, Zhao''er. But you''ve safely given birth to a prince for me."


    Just as Zhao Hua regained consciousness, Yun Shan had joyfully rushed to the side hall to bring over the little prince, tears in her eyes.


    Now the sleeping baby in the swaddling clothes was held in front of Zhao Hua.


    Zhao Hua weakly nced at the cradle. The child was truly beautiful, even fairer than Cheng Yu had been at birth.


    The joy of being a first-time mother, seeing this sight, should move one to tears.


    And so after just one look, Zhao Hua was filled with myriad feelings, on the verge of weeping.


    Xiao Jingheng gently wiped her tears. "Don''t cry now. This is good news. As long as you and our son are safe, nothing makes me feel more relieved."


    As Zhao Hua sobbed softly, she seemed to suddenly remember something.


    She hurriedly grabbed Xiao Jingheng''s sleeve:


    "Your Majesty, what about...Consort Hui?"


    Before her words had even faded, furious curses could be heard from outside the pce:


    "Zhao Hua, you slut! Give me back my son''s life!"

 Chapter 387: Never Gonna Roll Over 01

    <h4>Chapter 387</h4>


    When Zhao Hua heard Consort Hui''s verbal abuse calling her out by name, she loosened her grip on Xiao Jingheng''s sleeve slightly, and her eyes and brows were even more filled with astonishment.


    "Your Majesty?"


    Xiao Jingheng held her hand in return, just about tofort her, when he saw Jiang Deshun rush in in a hurry, wiping sweat and saying:


    "Your Majesty, Consort Hui is making a big fuss outside, you see..."


    Xiao Jingheng''s expression instantly turned as cold as ice in the depth of winter, and he said: "Let her in."


    As soon as Consort Hui entered, she wanted to pounce at Zhao Hua.


    Fortunately, Xiao Fuzi, Jiang Deshun and the others worked together to stop her, so she couldn''t get close.


    Even so, in front of Xiao Jingheng, she still mored:


    "Song Zhao! You slut! It was you who caused me to miscarry, it was you who killed the Emperor''s son with your own hands!"


    She hated through gritted teeth, every word seemed to pop out from between her teeth, soaked in creepy hatred.


    Xiao Fuzi heard her unreasonable words and quickly admonished solemnly:


    "Consort Hui, watch your words! That day, how you miscarried your own child, how you went mad with fear and caused the prematurebor of the Empress, we all witnessed it."


    Facing Consort Hui''s usations, Zhao Hua was even more shocked and puzzled. She shook her head iprehensibly:


    "Why does my sister say such things?"


    "Bitch!" Consort Hui lost her mind. Even though she was stopped by others, she still tried hard to crane her neck covered in wrinkles towards Zhao Hua. The green veins on her neck throbbed and bulged, pounding and jumping.


    "I miscarried my own child? Zhao Song, can you really tell lies with your eyes wide open! Why would I miscarry my own child? Not to mention it was a healthy prince!"


    "What if you thought it was a princess?"


    Xiao Jingheng''s icy cold sentence was like pouring a basin of cold water over Consort Hui''s head.


    Consort Hui was taken aback, "What does Your Majesty mean?"


    Xiao Jingheng didn''t even look at her. His tone was extremely cold:


    "The Imperial Physician Guo added an ingredient to your sitz bath medicine to change your pulse condition and make it look like a female fetus pulse. That''s why all the imperial doctors who took your pulse, including Imperial Physician Zhang, said this pregnancy of yours was a girl. "


    It was like deafening rolling thunder roaring in her ears, making Consort Hui''s scalp tingle.


    "So it was Your Majesty''s doing?"


    Consort Hui muttered while swaying her frail body, "You actually did this? Why?"


    "You should ask yourself why," Xiao Jingheng countered evasively with a light tone.


    Consort Hui was stunned for a moment, then quickly regained herposure and had another outburst. She didn''t stop until Zhao Hua said:


    "No matter whether this child was a boy or a girl, I would never hurt my own child! Did Zhao Song beat and caused Consort Hui to miscarry her child right in front of His Majesty just because she has the merit of giving birth to the heir?"


    The more she spoke, the uglier Xiao Jingheng''s face became.


    Seeing that things were about to get out of control, Jiang Deshun hurriedly advised Consort Hui from the side:


    "Consort Hui, you are unwell after your miscarriage. Please go back."


    After speaking, he pulled Consort Hui''s arm, trying to drag her out.


    But Consort Hui struggled desperately like a dying trapped beast, suddenly exerting considerable strength to push Jiang Deshun away.


    "Don''t touch me!"


    Jiang Deshun had no choice but to say helplessly: "Consort Hui...His Majesty has already investigated this matter clearly. The one who beat and caused you to miscarry was a curtain rod. That thing is long and thin. If you use force to whip with it, it will definitely leave bruises on the tiger''s mouth. The Empress''s tiger mouth has no bruises, but your right tiger mouth has a ..."


    Consort Hui looked down at her palm.


    When she saw a long, thin bruise on her right tiger mouth, she couldn''t help but stare with widened eyes, mumbling "impossible" repeatedly.


    At almost the same time, Zhao Hua also spread open her palm.


    There was no anomaly detected on her left hand, but there were some healed abrasions on her right hand.


    Consort Hui also saw it and immediately yelled loudly:


    "How do you exin the wound on your right hand!?"


    Zhao Hua looked at Consort Hui puzzledly: "Don''t you know in your heart where my wound came from?"


    She was extremely disappointed, holding back tears and turning her face away, unwilling to say another word to Consort Hui.


    Yun Shan couldn''t bear to see his mistress wronged, and was not polite to question Consort Hui either:


    "If you hadn''t suddenly had an episode, grabbed the curtain rod and whacked your own abdomen, how could the Empress have rushed over to stop you? How could she have been identally injured by the curtain rod? How could she have gone into prematurebor and almost died..."


    Consort Hui yelled hoarsely: "You distort the truth! It was obviously..."


    "Consort Hui!" Jiang Deshun interrupted loudly, cutting off Consort Hui''s words, "The doctors also saw your abdominal injuries. The wound goes from upper left to lower right. If someone else had hit you, they must have stood in front of you with the rod in their left hand. Even if the Empress has wounds on her hands, it is on her right hand. How could she have..."


    "Impossible! It was her! She nned it from the very beginning! Your Majesty! All this is..."


    "nned?" Xiao Jingheng could not conceal his anger. He stared at Consort Hui with extreme disgust:


    "Did We ask the consorts from the six pces who came to greet the Empress that day? They all said that after the Empress let them leave, it was you who insisted on staying behind, saying that you had something to tell the Empress. You say the Empress nned it, could she have foreseen that you would voluntarily stay behind and take the opportunity to arrange all this?"


    Consort Hui paled with fright.


    Looking at the now tearful Zhao Hua, it took her a moment to react.


    In a moment of carelessness, she hadpletely fallen into the trap set by Zhao Hua.


    After Consort Hui regained her senses, she suddenly knelt down and crawled to Xiao Jingheng''s feet, clung to his clothes tightly, and pleaded desperately:


    "Your Majesty, you can''t just believe the bitch! Song Zhao never lost her memory at all, she''s just pretending! She''s full of schemes, definitely not as simple as Your Majesty thinks..."


    "Watch your mouth!"


    Without a moment''s hesitation, Xiao Jingheng gave Consort Hui a harsh p in the face.


    It made Consort Hui copse limply on the ground, half of her face numb.


    "You say Zhao Song wanted to harm your child. Let me ask you, what was her purpose in doing so? Even if you gave birth to a boy, could he be more valuable than the heir borne by the Empress?"


    Zhao Hua was protected behind Xiao Jingheng. She didn''t speak at all throughout the whole time, only crying grievously.


    At this point, Consort Hui was also dumbstruck for a moment, unable to utter a word.


    On the surface, Zhao Hua had no motive at all to harm her.


    She could only ask in return: "Then I dare to ask Your Majesty why I would beat and miscarry my own child!?"


    Hearing this, Xiao Jingheng''s already gloomy face turned livid instantly.


    He angrily pointed at Consort Hui and shouted furiously:


    "Right after Prince Qi discovered that We were investigating her, you miscarried immediately. And you still dare to ask why!?"


    His words seemed to imply that he knew about some shady connection between Consort Hui and Prince Qi.


    This made Consort Hui''s heart skip a beat instantly, and her eyes also flickered obviously.


    These unusual reactions did not escape Xiao Jingheng''s eyes. It was clearly Consort Hui behaving guiltily.


    Thus, his spection was even more confirmed.


    Hearing him cursing loudly:


    "Bitch! You did such a shameless thing yourself yet still mored and falsely used the Empress''s reputation here! Jiang Deshun, send Consort Hui to solitary confinement and pass on my order to immediately arrest Prince Qi''s entire household and throw them into the heavenly prison to await sentencing!"

 Chapter 388: Never Roll Over 02

    <h4>Chapter 388</h4>


    Prince Qi''s Mansion being arrested in full force caused quite a stir in the capital.


    Prince Qi was of the imperial n. Even if he had vited statews, he should have been taken to the Imperial n Court for interrogation.


    Yet Xiao Jingheng had Prince Qi''s entire family locked up in the Judicial Department. The rest of his distant rtives, retainers, and servants were also imprisoned in Tiao Prison.


    Onlookers gossiped amongst themselves, saying that the emperor''s might was like thunder, so Prince Qi must havemitted a grave crime.


    Consort Hui, who was thrown into the torture chamber, had also been interrogated by the judicial officers these past few days.


    She refused to talk, insisting that she was innocent.


    When asked about her rtionship with Prince Qi, she imed that over the years she had only seen him a few times at banquets and they were not close.


    Later, the interrogators directly used her of having an affair with Prince Qi.


    When Consort Hui heard this, her anxious heart suddenly calmed down.


    "Preposterous! How could I have secretly rendezvoused with Prince Qi? Does His Majesty really suspect that I killed my own child just because of these trumped up charges? The Fifth Prince has just passed away. If His Majesty does not believe me, he can do a blood test to prove our mother and child''s innocence!"


    Faced with Consort Hui''s adamant denials, the interrogator coldly said:


    "We have already verified this. The deceased Fifth Prince was indeed born of His Majesty''s bloodline. His Majesty has also ordered an honorable burial. But whether thete Third Prince was of His Majesty''s own bloodline, there is no way to verify now."


    "What nonsense are you talking about?" Consort Hui yelled in anger. "Chengjing''s features were practically carved from the same mold as His Majesty''s. How could there be any doubt about his heritage as a dragon''s descendant?"


    The interrogator said, "Then how does Consort exin this - the pce maidens from the Mechanical Wonders Workshop who were performing the auspicious Qilin dance were pardoned by His Majesty. Why then did Prince Qi hastily send people to silence them?


    Moreover, our covert agents have thoroughly investigated Prince Qi. There are witnesses who often saw Chun Lan visiting Prince Qi''s mansion before she entered the pce. After serving Consort for just a few months when the incident with the poisonous butterflies happened, why did Chun Lan risk her life to protect the Third Prince?"


    His barrage of pointed questions left Consort Hui speechless.


    Even with such ''irond evidence''id before her, Consort Hui kept her lips sealed. She insisted on her innocence even under torture. This left the covert agents quite vexed.


    Meanwhile, Zhao Hua was recovering from childbirth and had tasked Ning Wanshuang with managing the affairs of the six pces. Xiao Jingheng ordered her to thoroughly investigate Consort Hui''s Zhaochun Pce.


    That afternoon, as Ning Wanshuang was on her way to Chaoyang Pce to report back to Xiao Jingheng, she passed by Chang Le Pce and decided to stop in to see Zhao Hua.


    As soon as she entered, she saw Zhao Hua about to get up from the edge of the bed. Ning Wanshuang quickly scolded, "What are you doing? Lie back down!"


    She rushed over in two steps, grabbed Zhao Hua''s arm, and pulled her back onto the bed.


    "You''ve just given birth a few days ago. What are you trying to agitate yourself for?"


    Seeing Ning Wanshuang''s angry expression, Zhao Hua chuckled and said,


    "Imperial Physician Guo said my lochia is not drained and I should get up and walk around more."


    As she spoke, she obedientlyy back down and pulled up the quilt, yfully teasing,


    "If Sister Ning doesn''t allow me to walk around, then I''ll just stay lying down. Anyway, when I''m suffering from undrained lochia, Sister will have to tire herself taking care of me. I''m so fortunate!"


    "Who wants to take care of you?" Ning Wanshuang rolled her eyes at her, still not letting up with her sharp words, "I''m hoping for you to be in poor health and confined to bed, never able to get up! The longer younguish in bed, the longer I''ll be handling the affairs of the rear pce. I''m hoping for it!"


    Her words were the most sarcastic and disdainful, but her actions did not stop at all.


    She lifted Zhao Hua''s quilt, slowly helped her sit up, and even bent down to fetch slippers with soft soles when she saw Zhao Hua had difficulty bending over.


    This was a maid''s job, yet she, such an arrogant woman, was willing to do it. This surprised Zhao Hua.


    She quickly tried to stop her, "Sister, you mustn''t..."


    But before she could finish speaking, the shoes were already on her delicate feet.


    "What mustn''t? Don''t think that I care about you. I know you''re prone to suspicions. I''m afraid you''ll run to His Majesty and use me of obstructing your lochia drainage just to get me in trouble again."


    Zhao Hua silently watched Ning Wanshuang''s disgusted expression, feeling a sudden warmth in her heart. She couldn''t help but smile.


    In the past few days, the concubines and consorts had alle flocking to Chang Le Pce to see her, greeting her with smiling faces and perfunctory ttery.


    But to Zhao Hua, even Ning Wanshuang''s ''disgust'' now could notpare to any of that.


    Later, as Ning Wanshuang supported Zhao Hua on a stroll around the courtyard, Zhao Hua asked her, "Consort Hui still refuses to confess?"


    Ning Wanshuang scoffed coldly. "The cheap woman remains stubborn. I heard the covert agents have already tortured her. Let''s see how long she can hold out."


    Then her gaze darkened, as if a thought had urred to her. She also sounded puzzled, "The other day, when Consort Shun and I were chatting, we both felt one thing was very strange about Consort Hui. Consort Hui is ordinary looking with amon figure. Her only advantage is her youth, and even that is fabricated. Why then could she frequently spread such auspicious news from her belly?"


    Zhao Hua gently sighed and meaningfully said, "I''ve heard His Majesty privately mention this before. He said whenever he was alone with Consort Hui, he could not restrain his virility and passion took over..."


    "Are you saying Consort Hui drugged His Majesty?" Ning Wanshuang silently pondered for a while, then quickly shook her head, "Impossible. After every night''s service, the imperial physician takes His Majesty''s pulse the next morning. If His Majesty had truly been drugged by Consort Hui, how could the imperial physician not detect it?"


    Zhao Hua softly said, "Consort Hui was rarely summoned to His Majesty''s pce. When she and His Majesty indulged in pleasure, it was usually when His Majesty went to her pce. Although Consort Hui is not skilled at cooking, the plum wine she brews is quite tasty. His Majesty is rather fond of it and would often drink several cups when at her ce."


    She paused, took Ning Wanshuang''s hand, and calmly looked her in the eye,


    "Sister, don''t you think, if Consort Hui used an aphrodisiac perfume, and His Majesty drank alcohol which sped up the cirction of the drug through his body, by the next morning when the imperial physician took his pulse, the effects would have already dissipated? What could he detect?"


    Ning Wanshuang''s gaze darkened. She felt Zhao Hua''s conjecture was reasonable.


    But to find evidence for this kind of thing would be difficult.


    "Even if it is as you say, how could the meticulous Consort Hui possibly leave behind evidence for people to investigate? Kang Yubin has already searched Zhaochun Pce earlier and reported back to me that it was spotless, nothing found."


    Hearing this, Zhao Hua''s smile grew even more rxed.


    "She is an extremely filthy person. How could any ce she has lived be clean?"

 Chapter 389: Never Roll Over 03

    <h4>Chapter 389</h4>


    At that time, Ning Wanshuang had not yet understood the hidden meaning in Zhao Hua''s words. She waved to Xiao Fuzi, who was busy in the courtyard, and whispered amand to him.


    "Go and fetch the precious items we prepared earlier and bring them to Consort Hui."


    Xiao Fuzi understood and slyly smiled before immediately returning to the side chamber. Before long, he handed Ning Wanshuang a package wrapped in yellow paper.


    Only then did Ning Wanshuang realize what was inside without needing to ask.


    "Consort Hui was always adept at framing others. Now that she has fallen into her own trap, she should taste this bitterness."


    *


    Meanwhile, in the Chongyang Pce.


    Xiao Jingheng sat at the head seat, surrounded by a pile of memorials, but he had no intention of reviewing them.


    In the past few days, discussions had been stirring within the pce. People whispered behind closed doors, finding it peculiar and suspicious that Xiao Jingheng had implicated both Prince Qi and Consort Hui.


    The imperial pce was nevercking in rumors and gossip. The more Xiao Jingheng tried to intervene at such times, the more it would appear that he cared about those rumors. It would only intensify the doubts in people''s hearts.


    The matter of the consorts having an affair with the prince was a severe blow to his reputation. Xiao Jingheng always valued the dignity of the royal family and his imperial authority. That is why he had kept this matter a closely guarded secret, even handling the questioning of Consort Hui and Prince Qi personally, without involving the Ministry of Justice and the Ministry of Punishment. He tasked his trusted confidants from the secret department to conduct the investigations.


    Just when he was feeling troubled, Xiao Yinzi brought a cup of hot tea and whispered a report to him.


    "Your Majesty, the honeysuckle that Consort Hui had ingested could not withstand the torture and she passed away at noon. Even until her death, she did not change her testimony, stating that she had indeed witnessed the Empress personally striking Consort Hui''s abdomen, causing her to miscarry the royal heir..."


    After revealing the truth, Xiao Yinzi noticed Xiao Jingheng''s darkened expression and quickly added,


    "I have inquired, and the pce maids serving in the Pure Splendor Pce where Consort Hui resided always kept their distance from her. It was only after Chun''s death that Consort Hui became close to Honeysuckle. When Honeysuckle encountered trouble in her family, Consort Hui gave her a hundred taels of silver for emergencies. With such a master-servant bond, it is difficult to discern the truth in her words."


    In fact, Xiao Jingheng did not need Xiao Yinzi to say these words. He already had a clear understanding in his heart.


    He would never believe Honeysuckle''s testimony, and his suspicions at this moment were not solely focused on this lowly maid.


    After a moment of silence, he abruptly changed the topic and asked Xiao Yinzi,


    "Has Imperial Physician Zhang returned to the pce?"


    "Not yet. Madam Marquis Jing''an''s illness is quiteplicated, so Zhang Imperial Physician is still treating her at the marquis''s residence," Xiao Yinzi replied.


    Xiao Jingheng absentmindedly toyed with the ink-ck jade thumb ring on his thumb and then said after a moment,


    "Take a few experienced imperial physicians and go to Marquis Jing''an''s residence to bring Imperial Physician Zhang back to the pce."


    While he was speaking, another pce maid came to report,


    "Your Majesty, Noble Consort Chen requests an audience."


    Xiao Jingheng raised his hand to grant Ning Wanshuang an audience. Xiao Yinzi quickly attended to the task and respectfully took his leave.


    When Ning Wanshuang arrived, she observed that Xiao Jingheng''s expression was somewhat grave.


    She didn''t even have time to be mindful of propriety as she ced a yellow paper package on the dragon table.


    Xiao Jingheng furrowed his brows and asked, "What is this?"


    Ning Wanshuang replied, "The Emperor ordered me to search the Zhaochun Pce, and the pce maids found this in a secretpartment of the Consort Hui''s dressing table. It contains forbidden medicine from the pce. When this substance is mixed with water and consumed by both men and women, it ignites a passionate me that is hard to resist."


    Upon hearing this, Xiao Jingheng was filled with anger. He mmed the table with force, causing his palms to tingle.


    Ning Wanshuang''s face was filled with concern as she hurriedly approached and gently held Xiao Jingheng''s hands, massaging them gently.


    "Your Majesty, please calm down. It is outrageous for Consort Hui to use forbidden medicine to deceive you. Beforeing here, I consulted with the imperial physician who informed me that although this substance has a strong effect, it dissipates quickly in the body. Your preference for the plum wine brewed by Consort Hui elerates the blood cirction, allowing the substance to be expelled from your system faster. Therefore, even if the imperial physician examines your pulse the next day, he won''t detect anything suspicious."


    Xiao Jingheng had his suspicions about what Ning Wanshuang said. However, he had always trusted the imperial physician''s assurance and was overly confident in his control over Consort Hui, the pawn in his game. It was only due to his negligence that he fell victim to this plot without realizing it.


    "Go and have this substance delivered to the torture chamber. Let''s see how that wretched woman exins herself!"


    Ning Wanshuang softly acknowledged and was about to console Xiao Jingheng when Jiang Deshun trembled as he entered.


    His face was pale, clearly having experienced a great shock. Even when he greeted Xiao Jingheng, his words stuttered.


    "Your Majesty, Prince Qi... has confessed."


    Upon seeing Jiang Deshun''s appearance, Xiao Jingheng already had a rough idea.


    It was likely that Prince Qi had indeed had an affair with Consort Hui, causing even the experienced servant Jiang Deshun to turn pale with fear.


    Xiao Jingheng cared about his image, so he naturally didn''t want Ning Wanshuang to hear things she shouldn''t. He hurriedly dismissed her.


    After everyone left and the doors to the main hall were tightly closed, Xiao Jingheng spoke in a low voice to Jiang Deshun, "What did he confess? Did he really have a rtionship with Consort Hui?"


    Jiang Deshun shook his head and said, "There was no physical rtionship between Prince Qi and Consort Hui. Instead... there was another connection."


    "Another connection?"


    Upon hearing Jiang Deshun''s words, Xiao Jingheng felt a momentary relief, but soon became puzzled. "What other connection could there be between the two of them?"


    "Well..."


    Jiang Deshun was filled with anxiety, inexplicably kneeling down and bowing his head, unable to look directly at Xiao Jingheng.


    "Your Majesty, this matter is really... too much. Let me exin slowly. If Your Majesty hears it all at once, you might be extremely angry and harm your well-being."


    Impatiently, Xiao Jingheng urged, "Speak up, don''t hesitate!"


    Only then did Jiang Deshun''s lips tremble as he said, "Under the orders of Your Majesty, the covert operatives subjected Prince Qi to extreme punishment. He couldn''t bear it, so he confessed. He said that all the wealth and riches in his residence were obtained from Zhu Yin."


    It was also revealed that for many years, he had been unable to capture Zhu Yin because he had epted benefits from Zhu Yin and intentionally led his three armies to circle around, and had entrusted the secret military ns to Emperor Zhu Yin. This was what enabled Zhu Yin''s forces to receive divine assistance and remain unbroken for three years without being conquered by the Qi Army..."


    Xiao Jingheng''s expression grew increasingly furious as he shouted,


    "This is a matter of national importance. Since you im it is rted to Consort Hui, tell me the truth."


    "Well..." Jiang Deshun was filled with fear, trembling uncontrobly,


    "Prince Qi revealed... Several years ago, Zhu Yin nted a spy by your side. And the reason Prince Qi arranged for Chun to serve Consort Hui was because..."


    Every word that followed felt like a sharp de cutting through Jiang Deshun''s throat,


    With a thunderous roar from Xiao Jingheng, Jiang Deshun finally gritted his teeth and mustered the courage to confess,


    "The spy nted by Zhu Yin by your side is called Shang Yang, and this person... is Consort Hui."

 Chapter 390: Details of the Enemy Country

    <h4>Chapter 390</h4>


    The dim light in the main hall was like a skillful hand weaving a dense web in the shadows,


    It stuck the passing time, making every moment and every instant in this ce exceptionally long.


    After listening to Jiang Deshun''s ount, Xiao Jingheng, perhaps overwhelmed with anger, had suppressed his senses and couldn''t release his fury.


    He sat silently on the dragon seat at the top, overlooking the vast hall, andughed bitterly in his rage.


    In his eyes, he believed that the world was under his control, and he thought that everything in the world was within his grasp.


    But in the end, he had been calcted by others for so long, and he remained ignorant.


    He flipped through the Qi Prince''s confession, stained with blood, on the dragon case.


    After a long while, he said with a weary voice, "Summon Consort Hui."


    Jiang Deshun hurried to carry out the task.


    Today, the sun was particrly bright, and the gentle sunlight made the walls of the imperial city shine with a golden brilliance.


    But the path to the prison was muddy from the recent rain,


    And with one careless step, he ended up covered in dirt.


    In stark contrast to this scene was the Changle Pce in Zhao Hua.


    After days of continuous spring rain in the capital, the sun finally came out today, and pce maids gathered in groups, basking in the sunlight, sweeping away the fallen flowers in the courtyard.


    At that moment, Zhao Hua was holding the small and soft Fourth Prince in a side hall, gently rocking him to sleep.


    The Fourth Prince was the legitimate son born to the empress, so his name was particrly important.


    Based on his birthdate and the eight characters of his destiny, the astronomers from the Qintian Observatory had to identify the missing elements of the five elements.


    Then they would report it to the Imperial Cab, who would propose neen names for the emperor and empress to choose from. The name would be finalized on the day of the full moon.


    At this moment, the little one waszily sunbathing, and his round eyes had already narrowed into a slit.


    Zhao Hua softly sang to him, "On the twenty-ninth day, close the door. On the thirty-ninth day, freeze and crack. On the fifty-ninth day, the clever baby ps..."


    This was a nursery rhyme she used to sing to little Chengyu in the past.


    Now, singing it again couldn''t help but stir up many emotions.


    After the Fourth Prince fell asleep in her arms, Zhao Hua gently kissed his forehead and whispered softly,


    "My child, your older brother will return to the pce and reunite with us soon. In the future, you will have the love of your mother and the protection of your siblings. You will be the happiest child in this pce."


    She carefully ced the child in the cradle, intending to watch over the pce maids as they swept the courtyard. However, she suddenly stooped down and entered the inner chamber when Xiao Fuzi bowed and whispered to her,


    "Miss, Xiao Fuzi said there is news from the Ministry of Justice. Prince Qi couldn''t bear it anymore and has confessed everything."


    After returning to the main hall and closing the pce gates, Xiao Fuzi exined the whole process in detail to Zhao Hua,


    "At first, no one in Prince Qi''s residence was willing to confess. After all, Prince Qi was a rtive of the emperor, and the hidden forces were also wary, fearing that if they used torture and it turned out to be a wrongful case, Prince Qi would undoubtedly seek revenge on them. So they interrogated them one by one, starting with the side consort, and gradually uncovered clues."


    The Side Consort''svish spending on a cherished piece of jewelry has caught the attention of the secret agents, who have been relentlessly pursuing the source of her silver. When questioned about the origin of the money, the Side Consort ims that she stumbled upon a stash of silver notes hidden in the room of the Qi Consort. She believed that the Qi Consort was trying to restrict her spending and, feeling indignant, she took some of the silver notes without permission.


    The secret agents then followed up by interrogating the Qi Consort about the source of the money. Initially, she refused to confess, but under the threat of severe punishment, she eventually broke down and revealed everything. She admitted that she was unaware of the exact origin of the silver, but all the ill-gotten wealth had been sent back to her from the battlefield during the time when Prince Qi was attacking Zhu Yin.


    The Qi Consort had also questioned Prince Qi about the source of the wealth, and he imed that it was a reward given by the Emperor. However, after Prince Qi suffered a major defeat in the battle against Zhu Yin and was stripped of his power by the Emperor,rge sums of silver notes continued to be sent to the Qi Residence every year. Although the Qi Consort had her suspicions, she didn''t dare to inquire further."


    Xiao Fuzi paused for a moment, approached Zhao Hua, and lowered his voice even more.


    "With this information, there is substantial evidence of Prince Qi''s crimes. Compared to treason and illicit affairs, this is much more serious. The secret agents employed a brutal method of torture on Prince Qi. I heard that they pulled out all ten of his fingernails and soaked the wounds in chili oil. They would revive him with cold water whenever he fainted from the pain, only to continue tormenting him.


    Prince Qi, who had enjoyed a life of luxury for years, couldn''t withstand such torture. Before long, he confessed to his secret coboration with Zhu Yin. He revealed that on the day when General Ning attacked Zhu Yin, they achieved a swift andplete victory because Zhu Yin was in the midst of internal strife. The third son of thete Emperor, Jiang Muye, sought to seize power during the chaos, and with attacks from both inside and outside, Zhu Yin''s forces crumbled.


    After the death of thete Emperor, Jiang Muye seeded as the Emperor of Zhu Yin and immediately dered an unconditional surrender. However, this Jiang Muye had already nted a spy named Shang Yang by the Emperor''s side seventeen years ago. And that spy, now known as Consort Hui, is the same person."


    Upon hearing this news, Zhao Hua couldn''t help but be astonished. But it was only a brief moment before she regained herposure.


    She had long doubted the rtionship between Prince Qi and Zhu Yin. The Tian Ji Bureau had been diligently investigating, and they had also discovered a connection between Prince Qi and Consort Hui.


    Over the years, Consort Hui had notpeted for favor openly, but she had been scheming to eliminate all the healthy imperial princes.


    Her ambition was on the verge of being exposed.


    As a woman who had been alone and suffering in a foreignnd for seventeen years, Zhao Hua couldn''t fathom what was driving her.


    "I understand. Whatever crimes she hasmitted and whatever punishment she deserves, it is for the Emperor to decide. At this point, we can only watch from the sidelines."


    Xiao Fuzi nodded in agreement and changed the subject:


    "Your Majesty, these past few days, there has been a young eunuch lurking outside the pce, spying on us discreetly. I have already gathered information about him. His name is Zhao Baozhong, and he used to serve Consort Yao. After Consort Yao was banished to the cold pce, he was also transferred there and tasked with delivering meals to her twice a day."


    As he finished speaking, his tone inadvertently became heavier. "He is loyal to Consort Yao."


    Yun Shan became alert and said, "He used to serve Consort Yao, and he often wanders around our pce. What could he be up to?"


    Xiao Fuzi replied, "Consort Yao holds a deep grudge against Empress Dowager, so I''m afraid she might be nning something malicious against you, Your Majesty. Should I gather some people and capture him?"


    "Why would we capture him?"


    Zhao Hua sneered, her eyes flickering as a n quickly formed in her mind.


    With a mischievous smile, she said, "Consort Yao isn''t here to harm me. If I were to guess, she clearly intends to help me instead."

 Chapter 391: Turn into a Pawn

    <h4>Chapter 391</h4>


    On the other end, Shang Yang had already been brought out of the dark prison by Jiang Deshun.


    The people from the secret service did not torture her too badly, even her injuries were only in ces that could not be seen.


    But the clothes on her body were really worn for far too long, covered in bloodstains, and gave off a foul odor from time to time.


    Right next to the dark room was the water dungeon, an extremely damp environment.


    Shang Yang had not seen the sun for a long time. Now standing under the sun, she still had the leisure to stretchzily and greedily breathe in the fresh air.


    Hearing the urging of the guards behind her, she finally said to Jiang Deshun:


    "Master Jiang, allow me to return to the pce and change my clothes? This may be thest time I see His Majesty."


    In the past when Xiao Jingheng was still at the Prince''s residence, Jiang Deshun had served by his side.


    He was the first person in the entire pce to know Shang Yang.


    Seventeen years ago, after Xiao Jingheng identally injured Shang Yang with an arrow while hunting in the hunting grounds and brought her back to the residence to treat her, many aspects of Shang Yang¡¯s daily life were arranged by Jiang Deshun.


    Now Jiang Deshun also knew Shang Yang did not have much time left and could not help but sigh,


    "My Lady... why put yourself through this? If you had just told His Majesty about the candle yin earlier, His Majesty would have spared you considering your many years together."


    Shang Yang shook her head lightly and closed her eyes, seemingly lost in thought. After pondering for a while, she suddenly smiled gently.


    As herst request as mistress, Jiang Deshun''s heart softened and he agreed.


    After taking Shang Yang back to the pce, he saw her choose a in white silk robe to wear.


    The robe was in white without any embroidery, except for the turned out cuffs, where an embroidered bright red coral that looked like blood was visible.


    Jiang Deshun recognized it at first nce, "Was this the robe His Majesty asked this ve to buy for you when you were brought back to the Prince''s residence after His Majesty saved you? You... kept it all this time?"


    Shang Yang gave a silent, bitterugh, and stroked the red coral she hadter embroidered inside the cuff, saying faintly:


    "Let''s go."


    When Shang Yang stepped into the Zhaoyang Pce hall, Xiao Jingheng was sitting atop the throne, looking at her coldly.


    She looked at him calmly, gave him a bright smile, then bowed down in greeting,


    "Your servant, Shang Yang, pays respect to Your Majesty."


    These words came out lightly from her mouth, but they were like thunder ps in Xiao Jingheng¡¯s ears.


    He forcibly suppressed his anger, waved his hand to dismiss all sides, leaving only Shang Yang.


    The pce maids closed the heavy hall doors tightly. With a muffled bang, the chirping of insects and twitter of birds, the rustling of wind through the trees in the yard vanished in an instant.


    It was extremely quiet in the hall, as quiet as the many lonely, bitter, cold nights Shang Yang had spent over the years deep within the pce.


    It seemed as if even the air she breathed in had frozen over, painfully stabbing her lungs.


    Xiao Jingheng asked her coldly,


    ¡°When we were young I identally shot an arrow through your right shoulder while hunting in the hunting grounds. I couldn¡¯t bear to leave you there so I took you back to treat you. From that time on, you had already begun to plot against me. Isn¡¯t that right?¡±


    Upon hearing this, Shang Yang¡¯s smile remained as she calmly nodded,


    ¡°I should thank Your Majesty for saving me. Otherwise, this servant would likely have died seventeen years ago in the outskirts of the city.¡±


    Seeing her utterck of fear, Xiao Jingheng''s heart, on the contrary, was out of control and began to spasm.


    Of course now he felt nothing for Shang Yang,


    but he could not deny that when they first met all those years ago, she was just over the age of thirteen, more delicate than the flowers. Her eyes, bright as a cat''s, were filled with a luminous light, seeming to speak.


    Her beauty did fall slightly short of Zhao Hua¡¯s, but she was still delicate and lovable, innocent and ignorant.


    Xiao Jingheng had to admit, his first feelings of romantic love began with Shang Yang.


    He thought they had shared a wonderful time together.


    But over time, as she grew older and a new generation of fair women emerged,


    his fondness for her had unknowingly faded away.


    Now thinking back on those days, Xiao Jingheng¡¯s face turned as cold as an icy cier in an instant, with zing anger smoldering in his knit brows,


    ¡°You lurked by me for so long, only for the throne of the Son of Heaven?¡±


    ¡°What else?¡± Shang Yang shrugged lightly, looking as if she had heard an uproariously funny joke. Herughter was like silver bells.


    ¡°What good things of yours does His Majesty think I¡¯m still trying to get my hands on? Your shallow feelings? Your suspicious mind? Tsk tsk..."


    She spoke mockingly and shook her head, "It''s only today that you finally realized? Haha, if His Highness the King had not been so ipetent and given into torture, revealing everything, the throne would have already belonged to the King. Do you think you¡¯re very smart? Hmph, you¡¯re just lucky.¡±


    Her words were cutting, infuriating Xiao Jingheng.


    He red at Shang Yang, a sh of viciousness in his eyes,


    ¡°I have no time to listen to your ridicule and mockery. Tell me straight what you have done and what else the candle yin was plotting. If you do, I may be merciful and grant you a whole corpse.¡±


    "What have I done?" Shang Yang''s snow-white teeth lightly bit her slightly flushed lips as she pretended to ponder, leaning on her hand, "Now that you ask, you¡¯ve really got me good. What have I done? Tsk tsk...¡±


    She paced leisurely below the hall,pletely disregarding rules she had long been tired of over the years. Shortly after, she suddenly stopped and snapped her fingers at Xiao Jingheng, saying,


    "Oh, I remember now. When Consort Shu was pregnant, I talked with Empress Jia Rui a few times. I mentioned to her that my father favored boys over girls and had always been unwilling to give birth to daughters. When my mother was four months pregnant with me and found out I was a girl, she kept bribing the physician to lie to my father that I was a boy so I could be safely born. The wise Empress Jia Rui immediately thought of a good way to deal with Consort Shu after hearing this. She then went and had the imperial physician tell Consort Shu that the child in her belly would not survive, forcing Consort Shu to miscarriage herself.¡±


    She spoke more and more smugly, even rubbing her hands together excitedly,


    "And Noble Consort Xiao, I had her eat more fish, shrimp, crab and other fishy, strong smelling things during her pregnancy, aggravating the symptoms of snake skin eczema on the imperial child in her belly, giving you a deformed snake baby as a noble son! Of all the fools in your harem other than Song Zhao, who could safely give birth to an heir under my nose? Teehee~"


    "Vile woman!" Xiao Jingheng grabbed the nearby inkstone stand and smashed it violently at Shang Yang. The veins on his forehead pulsed violently as he pointed at Shang Yang and shouted, "The children are innocent, yet in order to achieve your goals you did not hesitate to..."


    "Hahahahahahahaha~" Shang Yang interrupted Xiao Jingheng with a near crazedughter, "Innocent children? How ironicing from you. Have you forgotten how Cheng Yu was buried alive by you? Let me tell you the truth. Tan Yuezhi is also my man. He advised you to bury your own son and you actually did it. You really do as I say~ Hahahahaha!"


    Xiao Jingheng had his scarsid bare before him, immediately flying into senseless rage,


    "Impudent!"


    But Shang Yang only looked at him with utter contempt, and raised an eyebrow,


    "Xiao Jingheng, you always thought I was your chess piece in the harem. Do you understand now? Between you and me, who is really the chess piece and who is the chess yer?"


    Having said that, she strode right up to the dragon throne and sternly shouted,


    "Your tricks and schemes do not even match those of I, a mere woman. Can you securely sit on that throne as ruler of the realm?"

 Chapter 392: Endgame

    <h4>Chapter 392</h4>


    Shang Yang had thought her words could provoke Xiao Jingheng, but he just looked at her with eyes like sealed mirrors, without a trace of emotional fluctuation in his eyes.


    He said, "You came to this King''s side when you were thirteen and ''endured humiliation'' for a full seventeen years. This King does not believe you are here for something as simple as your mothend."


    With a slight sigh, he continued, "Consort Hui, this King has always treated you well."


    Shang Yang did not answer his question, but happily said, "You and I serve different masters. Now that I have fallen short, feel free to kill or punish me as you wish."


    "You want to die?"


    A sh of cold light passed through Xiao Jingheng''s eyes. His sharp eagle-like eyes examined Shang Yang inch by inch, as if wanting to see through her.


    "This King will not let you die. This King will make you watch as your mothend suffers a miserable fate, and make you watch what will happen to your nsmen because of your schemes."


    Shang Yang was unafraid of his threats. On the contrary, sheughed mockingly and said,


    "What can you do to my mothend? You dare not tell the world that your Consort Hui, the birth mother of the Third Prince, is actually an undercover agent from an enemy state who has been by your side for seventeen years. Moreover, Zhu Yin has already surrendered to the Qi Dynasty, so Zhu Yin''s people are also the Qi people. If you attack Zhu Yin without reason at this time, you will definitely provoke criticism from your officials and people."


    As she spoke, she became more and more smug, provoking Xiao Jingheng by raising her eyebrows,


    "Xiao Jingheng, even if you have discovered my identity, what can you do? You still can''t do anything!"


    Hearing this, Xiao Jingheng''s eyes instantly darkened, and his smile gradually became gloomy.


    "This King will not harm Zhu Yin''smon people. But Jiang Muye will surely die a violent death."


    Shang Yang''s heart was shaken when he suddenly mentioned the person in her thoughts, and she blurted out without thinking,


    "You can''t!"


    But as soon as the words left her mouth, she regretted them.


    Just this one sentence was enough for Xiao Jingheng to detect something odd.


    "So he is the one you care about." He slowly sneered, cutting off Shang Yang''s words, and continued heart-piercingly,


    "Jiang Muye is after this King''s throne, so your identity as a spy cannot be known to the world, but he will also have to apologize to the world. Be prepared to watch how this King tortures him!"


    Shang Yang''s body trembled violently, and she said fiercely,


    "The Emperor led Zhu Yin to surrender to the Qi Dynasty. If not for him, the Qi Dynasty would have spent countless troops and horses to conquer Zhu Yin! You..."


    "You don''t need to list his ''great achievements'' to this King. From the moment he tried to plot against this King, he should have known that if he fails, he has no chance of surviving."


    Xiao Jingheng''s voice was steady. He sat upright on the dragon throne, looking down at Shang Yang,


    "Of course, if you want to keep him alive, that is also possible. This King wants to hear you tell the truth - how exactly did your unborn prince die in your belly?"


    Shang Yang was stunned for a moment, and though the words reached her lips, she swallowed them back.


    She understood Xiao Jingheng too well. His every frown and sigh could convey deep meanings to Shang Yang.


    She knew that no matter what she said, it would not change the ending for this heartless man.


    So after thinking for a moment, she suddenlyughed sadly, "Hahahaha! You really want to know? Then I''ll tell you the truth. I killed this child with my own hands."


    She caressed her t belly and said a little proudly,


    "But you can''t me me. You can only me yourself. It was you who ordered Doctor Guo to give me medication which made me think there was a daughter in my belly. I was nning to use her to scheme against Song Zhao. So..."


    Shang Yang calmly looked up and smiled oddly at Xiao Jingheng,


    "Congrattions, Xiao Jingheng. Once again, you have personally killed your own child!"


    Xiao Jingheng listened to her vicious words, but by now he didn''t care at all.


    Even if she had not killed the child herself, now that the truth was exposed, the child would have no chance of surviving.


    To Xiao Jingheng, anything that threatened his empire was not worthy of his extra care or affection, let alone sympathy.


    Then, the anger gradually disappeared from his face, leaving only coldness as he peered at Shang Yang:


    "Before the Fourth Prince''s one month celebration, the pce should not see bloodshed. This King will not kill you, but will have people torture you cruelly every day. If you dare to die, then the Emperor of Zhu Yin will apany you!"


    With a wave of his hand, he shouted loudly:


    "Men! Take this sinful woman and lock her in the water dungeon!"


    That night, Shang Yang suffered extreme torture in the torture chamber.


    The secret service members no longer had to worry or hesitate since they had Xiao Jingheng''s decree.


    They took turns inflicting on her every cruel punishment that can cause extreme pain - finger dislocation, beatings, ant bites, iron branding...


    Many times, the pain almost caused Shang Yang to lose consciousness, but as long as she touched the blood red coral in her sleeve, recalling the one person she loved all her life, she could grit her teeth and bear the pain no matter how intense it was.


    The next day, the inner court had decided on the name and title for the Fourth Prince.


    After court in the morning, Xiao Jingheng brought the name list to the Chang Le Pce.


    He sat intimately with Zhao Hua in the warmth, holding his beauty in his arms, pointing to the names on the name list one by one,


    "The Imperial Astronomical Bureau chose these as the most suitable names for our son''s birth and fate. Which character does my darling like?"


    Zhao Hua nced over quickly, and her gaze soonnded on the character "Ye".


    "The Astrological Bureau said that our Fourth Prince wascking the fire element. This character "Ye" looks perfect to me. It also connotes a flourishing light, zing a trail for the future, a very good sign. What does my lord think?"


    "Hahaha!" Xiao Jinghengughed heartily. Grasping Zhao Hua''s hand, he said, "As expected, my darling is of the same mind as this King!"


    Originally Zhao Hua was alsoughing with him, but soon, her smiling face turned to worry instead.


    "Actually, setting his birthday as early as the sixth day of the third month would have been best. With five elements fully present, it''s also an Emperor''s auspicious day. It''s a pity..."


    "The second day of the third month is also a good day." Xiao Jinghengforted her, "Consort Hui has already received due punishment. She also admitted that she personally miscarried her own child that day, only to frame you. But since Fourth Prince Cheng Ye''s one month celebration ising up and executions should not ur in the pce before then, after his one month celebration is over, this King will kill the lowly woman to avenge you and our son."


    Hearing this, Zhao Hua''s expression remained unchanged, but she felt quite shocked inside.


    She had thought that Shang Yang would bite to the death at herst breath, causing Xiao Jingheng to doubt her, but unexpectedly... she actually admitted to such an absurd thing herself?


    As things stood, Zhao Hua''s belly full of arguments was useless.


    While talking with Xiao Jingheng, the little eunuch Xiaoyin hurriedly came to report:


    "Your Majesty, tomorrow is the Grand Empress Dowager''s memorial ceremony. The Ministry of Rites has prepared everything. It''s just that since Her Majesty the Queen is still in her postpartum month, the Grand Empress Dowager''s memorial ceremony will take ce at Yuntai, which requires climbing heights. I wonder if this would be..."


    Without a second thought, Xiao Jingheng said, "While the Queen recuperates, isn''t Noble Consort Chen in charge of trivial matters in the six pces? Have her lead the concubines to make offerings to thete Empress Dowager."


    But Zhao Hua disagreed, "My lord, I have only just be Queen. This is also thete Empress Dowager''s first memorial ceremony. I want to personally perform the ceremonial rituals, to show my filial piety."


    "But your health..."


    "It doesn''t matter. The physicians also said to have me walk more. I will go tomorrow. If I really can''t handle it, Noble Consort Chen can take over. What does my lord think?"


    Thete Empress Dowager''s first memorial ceremony was very important. It would make all the civil and military officials see the Queen''s virtue if she personally led the concubines to perform the memorial rituals.


    As such, Xiao Jingheng had no choice but to reluctantly said:


    "Alright, since you insist, this King will not say more. Just remember not to push yourself too hard, you hear?"


    Zhao Hua nodded in agreement and nestled in Xiao Jingheng''s embrace, smiling silently.


    [One update today. I wasn''t satisfied with the plot development in today''s Chapter 2, so I deleted the whole thing. Please allow me some time to sort out my thoughts, and I''lle back with a triple update bombing run tomorrow. Thanks for understanding.]

 Chapter 393: My Son Is Fine

    <h4>Chapter 393</h4>


    That day, Xiao Jingheng apanied Zhao Hua to have dinner at Chang Le Pce, then hurried back to Chaoyang Pce at night to review memorials.


    On the way, Jiang Deshun said to him, "Reporting to Your Majesty, Zhang Imperial Physician returned to the pce two hours ago. But he caught a cold in the Capital City, so I just went to check on him. His illness seems quite severe, so I was afraid he would pass the sickness to Your Majesty. Does Your Majesty want to postpone the meeting with him for now?"


    Xiao Jingheng was eager to summon Zhang Imperial Physician, because he had doubts about Zhao Hua''s belly child being beaten and miscarried.


    But now that Zhao Hua had already clearly stated that she was the one who beat and miscarried the imperial heir, Xiao Jingheng''s suspicions about her had already dissipated by more than half.


    Therefore, he was no longer in such a hurry to summon Zhang Imperial Physician.


    So he waved his hand and said, "Forget it. Since he is sick, let him recuperate properly."


    Then he ordered Jiang Deshun, "Go to Prince An''s manor early tomorrow morning and ask Prince An toe to the pce for an audience."


    "Your servant obeys the order."


    *


    Chang Le Pce.


    Late at night, Xiao Fuzi brought a unfamiliar eunuch into the pce.


    The man followed behind Xiao Fuzi with his head down all the way until he entered the main hall and saw Zhao Hua, before he finally dared to lift up his head.


    Seeing Zhang Imperial Physician dressed in eunuch robes, Zhao Hua felt a little apologetic and said,


    "Asking you to disguise yourself like this to see Us is quite unfair to you."


    Unexpectedly, Zhang Imperial Physician suddenly knelt down and saluted Zhao Hua, "This humble official thanks Empress Dowager''s life-saving grace!"


    "What are you doing, Zhang Imperial Physician? Get up quickly." Zhao Hua promptly signaled Xiao Fuzi, who immediately helped Zhang Imperial Physician off the icy floor.


    After granting the two brothers seats, Zhao Hua said,


    "The new imperial physician who reced you might find out that you have been deliberately dying Madam Marquis Jing''an''s treatment?"


    Zhang Imperial Physician calmly said, "Slowing down the medication just makes the recovery slower. Now she is almost fully recovered, there are no visible signs of anything wrong."


    Zhao Hua''s uneasy feelings stabilized as she nodded lightly.


    Then Zhang Imperial Physician added in a low voice, "My younger brother has already informed me of Your Majesty''s n when he came. But... this matter is extremely dangerous. Is Your Majesty determined to do this?"


    Zhao Hua gave a faint, cold smile. She slowly sipped from the teacup in her hand and said, "Wealth and rank got by peril, our lives are also at stake. Moreover, I must bring Cheng Yu back to the pce, so I have to take this step no matter what."


    As she spoke, she lowered her eyes and sighed imperceptibly,


    "No matter how great the risk, as long as I can get my child back safely, I fear nothing. As a mother, I have failed to protect him, which is what I owe him..."


    Hearing this, Zhang Imperial Physician stopped trying to dissuade her. He simply saluted with folded hands and said firmly, "Since Your Majesty is determined, this humble official will do his utmost to assist!"


    *


    The next day after the morning court, when Xiao Jingheng returned to Chaoyang Pce, he saw that Xiao Jingyan was already waiting outside the hall.


    Seeing him, Xiao Jingyan waved and called out loudly, "Eldest Imperial Brother, good morning~"


    After that, he did not forget to yawn,pletely disregarding the proper etiquette a prince should observe.


    Xiao Jingheng was used to his ways, so he never reprimanded him. Instead, he affectionately put his arm around Xiao Jingyan''s shoulder as they walked into the hall together.


    "Whose daughter did you sneak away to be withst night?"


    "Eldest Imperial Brother, stop joking around. Recently, a new gambling house opened in the Capital City with many fun games. I''ve been spending my days there immersed in gambling, when would I have time to think about matters between men and women?"


    "You are hopeless." Xiao Jingheng shook his head with a broad smile. "You''re not young anymore. It''s time to settle down, start a family."


    Xiao Jingyan justughed awkwardly, choosing not to respond.


    After sitting down, the pce servants brought new tea and ced it in front of Xiao Jingyan. Xiao Jingheng said,


    "Try this new tea."


    Xiao Jingyan took a sip from the teacup, and his brows instantly wrinkled. "The vor is insipid, and there''s a sort of indescribable fishy smell. This doesn''t seem like something from our Central ins."


    "This is a tribute from Zhu Yin, called ''Cloud Tail''. " Xiao Jingheng sighed meaningfully, "I can no longer stand drinking it, so this tea supplier can be dismissed."


    Although Xiao Jingyan was debauched, he was no fool when it came to worldly affairs.


    Hearing Xiao Jingheng''s words, he immediately became serious.


    "If Eldest Imperial Brother has anything that requires my assistance, please just say so."


    Xiao Jingheng patted his shoulder approvingly and spoke in a deep voice,


    "I want you to go to Zhu Yin and bring back the head of its emperor, Jiang Muye."


    "Jiang Muye?" Xiao Jingyan could not conceal his astonishment. "After he seeded as the Emperor of Zhu Yin, he immediately submitted to Qi Dynasty. Among all foreignnds, Zhu Yin is the most obedient and tamed. Besides, hasn''t Eldest Imperial Brother always treated Zhu Yin exceptionally well? Why suddenly..."


    With Prince Rui confined at the Prince''s manor and Prince Qi imprisoned at the Censorate, Xiao Jingyan was the only brother Xiao Jingheng still trusted.


    Taking Jiang Muye''s head had to be done in secret, not brought out into the open. Keeping Xiao Jingyanpletely in the dark would not be good.


    Thus, Xiao Jingheng simply gave Xiao Jingyan a condensed ount of the twists and turns behind this matter.


    After some self-mockery and confession, he rubbed his temples and smiled bitterly,


    "I thought I was a wise ruler, yet I was schemed against by him for so many years without realizing it. Howughable."


    Xiao Jingyan''s eyes widened in shock and disbelief.


    "I was wondering what crime second brother could havemitted. I didn''t expect him to be a traitor who colludes with enemies and sells out his country! And Imperial Consort Hui..."


    A thought seemed to ur to him as his gaze fixed. He said in a low voice,


    "Back then, when the Second Prince was told by evil Daoists to nt a life base, Eldest Imperial Brother endured the pain and instructed me to handle the matter. I remember Imperial Consort Hui was at your sideforting you then... Could this matter also involve Zhu Yin''s scheming?"


    Xiao Jingheng had always felt guilty about Cheng Yu. At this moment, his eyes also reddened as he nodded lightly.


    But then, Xiao Jingyan suddenly knelt before him, unusually solemn as he said,


    "Eldest Imperial Brother, your younger brother deserves death. I beg you to reduce my punishment."


    Xiao Jingheng was startled, not understanding his intention for a moment. "Get up and exin yourself."


    But Xiao Jingyan remained kneeling as he dered in a deep voice,


    "Actually, when I received the order to take Second Prince''s life to nt the life base back then, I felt merciful. I knew how much Eldest Imperial Brother treasured Second Prince, and understood the pain in your heart.


    For the sake of the country, Eldest Imperial Brother had no choice but to do this. But I was afraid you would regret it one day.


    So... I disobeyed the imperial edict and took matters into my own hands. What is buried in the imperial tomb now is not the Second Prince. As for the Second Prince, I handed him over to trusted subordinates to take good care of him. I was humane but betrayed Eldest Imperial Brother''s trust. Please punish me for this crime!"

 Chapter 394: Life on the Line

    <h4>Chapter 394</h4>


    Sunlight streamed through thettice windows, casting undting spots of light on the magnificent golden hall.


    The spots of light were dazzling,


    just like Xiao Jingheng''s agitated mood at this moment.


    Hearing Xiao Jingyan''s words, he was shocked and even started stammering as he spoke,


    "Is, is that true?"


    Xiao Jingyan said firmly: "This younger brother would not dare to deceive Imperial Brother with half a sentence. The Second Prince is now being raised in Hengzhou, and has grown up safely."


    Every word seemed to carry a heartwarming warmth.


    They entered Xiao Jingheng''s heart through his ear, bringing tears brimming up in his eyes.


    He quickly helped Xiao Jingyan up from the ground and hugged him tightly.


    It had been many years since the brothers shared such an embrace.


    Hearing Xiao Jingheng''s soft sobs, Xiao Jingyan was moved that this was the first time he had seen Xiao Jingheng shed tears, though he did not know if it was because he missed his son or because of something else...


    "Does Imperial Brother me this younger brother?"


    "Why would I me you? You have filled the regrets in my heart, so that I don''t have to live in guilt for the rest of my life. How could I me you? I should reward you even more!"


    Xiao Jingheng''s eyes brimmed with hot tears. After loosening his embrace on Xiao Jingyan, he patted Xiao Jingyan forcefully on the shoulders, unable to contain his excitement.


    "Good! Very good! Go to the Candle Shadow Monument. You go to Hengzhou first to bring Cheng Yu back. After Cheng Yu returns to the pce, I will make you a Regent with hereditary privileges that cannot be revoked by future emperors!"


    Faced with this sudden bestowal, Xiao Jingyan was alsopletely unprepared.


    But before he could thank the favor, the panicked voice of the little eunuch came from outside.


    "Your Majesty! Your Majesty!"


    ''Bang!''


    The door of the main hall was hastily pushed open. The little eunuch ran to Xiao Jingheng with an ashen face, stuttering:


    "Your Majesty... the Empress... the Empress fell from the Cloud Terrace and was severely injured and unconscious!"


    "What?!"


    The joy on Xiao Jingheng¡¯s face vanished instantly. Without waiting for the carriage to be prepared, he strode towards Chang Le Pce.


    By the time he arrived at Chang Le Pce, he was already drenched in sweat.


    At this moment, almost all the imperial consorts and concubines had gathered here.


    Some were kneeling in the courtyard crying bitterly, while others paced back and forth anxiously in the main hall.


    "Zhao!"


    Xiao Jingheng ignored everyone and headed straight for the inner chamber.


    But just as he was about to push open the door, he was stopped by Ning Wanshuang.


    "Your Majesty, the imperial physician is treating the Empress inside. If you rush in now, I''m afraid it would distract him."


    Consort Yun also said: "Yes, Your Majesty. We know you are anxious, but the most important thing now is to stabilize the Empress''s condition first."


    Ning Wanshuang persuaded Xiao Jingheng to sit down, but he couldn¡¯t rest easy at all. His eyes kept ncing at the tightly closed door of the inner chamber.


    While worried, he also asked angrily:


    "What exactly happened? With so many servants around, how could the Empress fall from the Cloud Terrace?!"


    Ning Wanshuang exined:


    "After the Empress went up the Cloud Terrace, she first worshipped thete empress with the consorts and concubines. She then wanted to enter the Temple of the Bodhisattva with Ten Halls to pray for blessings for thete empress. I was originally apanying the Empress into the temple, but because Consort Shun also transcribed twelve volumes of texts for the afterlife, the Empress appreciated her efforts and allowed her to follow along.


    To show sincerity without offending the deities, the consorts and concubines had to retreat when entering the temple. Everything went smoothly while the Empress, Consort Shun and I were praying for blessings. But just as we were leaving, a little eunuch suddenly rushed out from somewhere and went straight for the Empress. He pulled the Empress and fell from the Cloud Terrace together...


    Fortunately they didn''t fall directly to the ground, but crashed onto a tform about ten meters below. The offending eunuch died instantly, while the Empress fell on top of him which cushioned her fall. But she still suffered a head injury from the three-zhang fall and is in critical condition..."


    After hearing Ning Wanshuang recount the incident in detail, Xiao Jingheng felt it was extremely bizarre.


    But Rongyue was also there to witness it. Since both of them said the same thing, it could not be false.


    Xiao Jingheng looked angry and scolded Jiang Deshun loudly:


    "Jiang Deshun! How could you let this happen as the head eunuch?! This is inside the pce, yet an inner eunuch dared to assassinate the Empress?!"


    "This ve deserves death! Please quell your anger, Your Majesty!"


    Jiang Deshun knelt down repeatedly in fright, trembling as he replied:


    "Your Majesty, the eunuch who fell to his death was Zhao Baozhong. He used to serve... the deposed Dai... in the Cold Pce. After Lady Dai was confined to the Cold Pce, he was also transferred there to deliver meals to Lady Dai twice a day.


    After the incident, I immediately went to the Cold Pce to question her. It seems Lady Dai has gone insane. When she heard that the Empress was gravely injured by Zhao Baozhong and struggling between life and death, she... sheughed maniacally and bluntly said...she had her revenge..."


    Since the culprit herself admitted that she sent someone to harm Zhao Hua, there was no need to investigate further.


    Xiao Jingheng was furious. He swung his arm and swept everything within reach on the table to the ground.


    Ceramics and jade cups shattered. The frightened consorts and concubines knelt down together.


    "Quell your anger, Your Majesty..."


    Xiao Jingheng bellowed: "Take that wretch to the execution ground immediately! I want her Quartered by Five Horses!"


    Quartered by five horses was the cruelest punishment, only used on Criminal Ministers guilty of treason since the founding of the Qi Dynasty.


    Seeing Xiao Jingheng mete out such punishment to Dai Chunying in anger, the consorts were horrified.


    They looked at each other speechlessly, all having turned pale.


    Silence filled the hall, so quiet that everyone''s breathing seemed noisy.


    ''Creak''


    The door of the inner chamber was cautiously pushed open.


    Everyone''s gaze instantly shifted over.


    Guo Imperial Physician came out bowing with three other physicians. One look at his timid expression as he stared at the floor was enough to know Zhao''s condition was not optimistic.


    Before Guo Imperial Physician could speak, Xiao Jingheng strode into the inner chamber.


    "Zhao!"


    He saw Zhao Hua lying peacefully on the couch. Apart from some visible abrasions, she looked as if she was just sleeping.


    Guo Imperial Physician followed closely behind, saying apprehensively:


    "Your Majesty, I have tried every treatment possible, but none can rouse the Empress. The Empress suffered severe head trauma this time. Now, acupuncture may be the only remedy left. But I am not proficient in it, and inurate needling may aggravate her condition. Among the imperial physicians, only Zhang Imperial Physician specializes in the mysteries of acupuncture. He may be able to help. Although he is still recovering from illness, the Empress''s safety is too important to dy! Your Majesty should summon him quickly to treat the Empress!"


    At this moment, Xiao Jingheng''s mind was in turmoil. He didn¡¯t reprimand Guo Imperial Physician, only ordering Jiang Deshun to swiftly summon Zhang Imperial Physician.


    He then sat on the edge of the couch, tightly grasping Zhao Hua¡¯s hand with tears glistening in his eyes.


    "Don¡¯t be afraid, Zhao. I definitely won''t let anything happen to you!"

 Chapter 395: The Recovery of Memory

    <h4>Chapter 395</h4>


    Zhao Hua was summoned, and Zhang Imperial Physician came quickly.


    He was still recovering from the cold and coughed repeatedly when he came, covering his face with a veil to avoid passing his sickness to others.


    Upon entering, he simply paid Xiao Jingheng a quick courtesy call before urgently beginning to diagnose Zhao Hua.


    The pulse diagnosis process was exceptionally agonizing. Seeing Zhang Imperial Physician''s expression be graver and graver, Xiao Jingheng anxiously asked:


    "How is it? What are the chances?"


    Zhang Imperial Physician withdrew his hand and nced around at the surrounding consorts waiting nearby. He said,


    "Your Majesty, there are too many people inside the inner pce, obstructing the air cirction, which is detrimental to Her Majesty the Empress''s health. I ask that Your Majesty please allow thedies to first go outside and wait."


    Zhang Imperial Physician was asking everyone else to leave, but did not ask Xiao Jingheng to leave.


    So Xiao Jingheng knew that Zhang Imperial Physician must have wanted to tell him something in private.


    Sure enough, after everyone had been sent away, Zhang Imperial Physician said in a low voice to Xiao Jingheng,


    "Your Majesty, Her Majesty the Empress has blood clots in her skull that are difficult to disperse. She must be needled in order to save her life. However... after needling, Her Majesty the Empress will definitely recall all of her past memories. Moreover, Her Majesty the Empress has already been needled twice. In the future, if you want Her Majesty the Empress topletely forget about the past again, I''m afraid it will be difficult..."


    Hearing this, Xiao Jingheng fell silent in contemtion for a little while, and soon said:


    "Just carry on with the medical treatment. As long as the Empress can be kept safe, there is no need to worry about other matters."


    Zhang Imperial Physician bowed with his hands sped and respectfully replied: "Your Majesty, please rest assured that I will definitely do my utmost to ensure Her Majesty the Empresses to no harm!"


    After Xiao Jingheng had also exited the inner pce, Zhang Imperial Physician began to "treat" Zhao Hua.


    He first parted her thick ck hair to reveal a slit, then gently pressed his fingertips near the crown of her head until a silver needle as fine as a strand of hair gradually emerged from Zhao Hua''s scalp. Only then did he swiftly and urately grasp the end of the needle and pull the entire needle out.


    He put away the silver needle and started briskly massaging Zhao Hua''s Baihui acupoint.


    Soon, seeing Zhao Hua slowly open her eyes, Zhang Imperial Physician finally wiped the sweat from his brow and heaved a long sigh of relief.


    Zhao Hua nced at Zhang Imperial Physician and gave him a weak smile, saying softly:


    "You and I have made it through another hurdle."


    Still terrified, Zhang Imperial Physician replied: "This method is truly perilous. I cannot guarantee that all will be well. Thank heavens, thank heavens that Your Ladyship has received divine protection..."


    "Zhang Imperial Physician''s medical skills are outstanding. I have always trusted you very much," said Zhao Hua.


    Today, Zhao Hua''s alleged fall from the Cloud Terrace was nothing but a ruse.


    The only one who truly fell from the Cloud Terrace was Zhao Baozhong, who had been secretly spying on Zhao Hua''s every move.


    He had followed Zhao Hua up the Cloud Terrace. It was Xiaofuzi who gave him a sudden push from the terrace when he was caught unawares.


    Afterwards, Zhao Hua only sustained some minor abrasions on her body. She quietlyy next to the now dead Zhao Baozhong, after which Zhang Imperial Physician, who had been secretly waiting nearby, inserted this hair-like silver needle into Zhao Hua¡¯s skull.


    With this needle pressing on her acupoint, the other imperial physicians would of course only be able to detect anomalies in Zhao Hua¡¯s pulse but be at aplete loss.


    Moreover, the only ones apanying Zhao Hua at the time were Ning Wanshuang and Rongyue.


    No matter how they wouldter try to distort the facts, it would be easy for them to pull it off.


    Although risky, this tactic was the only way forward to a bright future.


    "Next, go and tell the Emperor I''m fine now," said Zhao Hua faintly.


    Zhao Hua slowly closed her heavy eyelids. "I''m tired. I need to get some good rest first before I have enough energy to see what kind of act the Emperor will put on in front of me."


    Zhao Hua woke up at dawn the next day.


    When she opened her eyes, she discovered Xiao Jingheng keeping vigil at her bedside, gazing at her intently.


    Seeing that she was awake, Xiao Jingheng eagerly grabbed her hand,


    "Zhao''er, you''re finally awake!"


    However, Zhao Hua instead seemed frightened, abruptly pulling her hand back.


    She frowned at Xiao Jingheng, her eyes filled withplex emotions.


    Xiao Jingheng''s half-suspended hand froze awkwardly in mid-air. "Zhao''er... does anything feel ufortable?"


    "It''s nothing." Zhao Hua listlessly shook her head, then turned her face away, no longer looking at him.


    "I''m tired. Your Majesty should go back first," she said tly.


    Hearing Zhao Hua address him this way, Xiao Jingheng was also stunned.


    "Zhao''er... why do you not call me Xiao Lang anymore?"


    He gently caressed Zhao Hua''s cheek, gradually making her turn her head towards him.


    The beauty looked back with tears streaming down her face.


    Xiao Jingheng tenderly wiped away her tears. Hesitantly, he asked:


    "Have you... recalled something?"


    Song Zhao in the past was originally a strong-willed woman. Disregarding her vulnerability, she would dare to sternly question even Xiao Jingheng.


    Now that Zhao Hua had "regained" her past memories, how could she not have traces of Song Zhao''s shadow within her?


    At this moment, theplex look in her tearful eyes towards Xiao Jingheng contained intertwined love and hatred, distinct coldness and warmth.


    "Yes, I''ve recalled many things. I remember the Xiao Lang who cherished me like a precious jewel, but I also remember the Emperor who killed Cheng Yu and threw me into the cold pce..."


    "So you do remember everything..." said Xiao Jingheng remorsefully.


    His face was filled with guilt, and the fingers resting on Zhao Hua''s cheek also trembled slightly.


    He slowly withdrew his hand, his tone frustrated. "I was also in a difficult position. Zhao''er, are you willing to listen to my exnation?"


    Zhao Hua miserably wiped her tears and said coldly and decisively: "Now that things havee to this, does Your Majesty still feel there is any need to exin anything to this servant?"


    "Cheng Yu is not dead," said Xiao Jingheng solemnly, each word striking Zhao Hua''s ears like a ringing bell.


    She was utterly astonished. "What did you say?"


    Xiao Jingheng exined with bloodshot eyes: "I had no choice but to throw you into the cold pce back then. By feigning Cheng Yu''s death, it may have seemed heartless towards you mother and son, but in reality everything stemmed from how deeply I cared about you.


    Early on, I had noticed Consort Hui''s suspiciousness, but unfortunately Icked evidence while also fearing she would secretly harm you and Cheng Yu. So I had no choice but to throw you into the cold pce, and while it seemed I was removing an heir like a tiger devouring its cubs, I actually secretly sent Cheng Yu to Hengzhou to be cared for by people I trust.


    That way, no matter what chaos arose afterwards with the former dynasty or with the harem, I could at least ensure you mother and son were safe."


    As he spoke, seeing the tear pearls rolling down Zhao Hua''s face, Xiao Jingheng couldn''t help reaching out to wipe her tears.


    And this time, Zhao Hua did not recoil.


    So he continued earnestly:


    "I knew that if I told you all this, you would definitely disagree to being separated from your son. In any case, although I did it for you and Cheng Yu''s well-being, I did deceive you and hurt you. If you want to me me, I have nothing to say..."


    As his voice trailed off, the tears in his eyes could no longer be contained either, spilling over.


    It certainly seemed genuine.


    Zhao Hua still wore an expression of disbelief, repeatedly asking: "Is Cheng Yu really not dead?"


    Xiao Jingheng stated firmly and solemnly: "Now that the threat lurking in the dark has been eliminated, there is nothing more to fear. I already sent the Prince of An first thing to fetch Cheng Yu back from Hengzhou. In a few days, our son will be able to return to our side."


    He paused for a while, gripping Zhao Hua''s hand tightly again, his words imploring:


    "Zhao''er, I know my selfishness in protecting you has also hurt you. But I am the Emperor, I also have my own difficulties. Now that you know the truth of the matter, are you willing... to forgive me?"

 Chapter 396: Mother and Son Reunion 01

    <h4>Chapter 396</h4>


    Zhao Hua did not directly answer Xiao Jingheng''s question.


    She seemed slow and hesitant for a while,


    before finally grasping Xiao Jingheng''s hand and, with a tearful voice, softly calling him,


    "Xiao Lang."


    And then she threw herself into his embrace, unable to restrain her tears.


    For Xiao Jingheng, although Zhao Hua did not utter the word "forgiveness",


    her calling him "Xiao Lang" already indicated her attitude.


    She understood his helplessness as an emperor and the deep affection hidden beneath the circumstances.


    *


    It had been six days since Xiao Jingyan brought Cheng Yu back to the capital from Hengzhou.


    As soon as they entered the pce, he took Cheng Yu to Chaoyang Pce to meet the empress dowager.


    The reunion of father and son was filled with joy.


    After four years of separation, Cheng Yu had grown even more handsome.


    Standing in the hall as a young adult, he carried himself with poise, observing proper etiquette in speech and action.


    When he saw Xiao Jingheng, he respectfully bowed and said,


    "Your Majesty, your child greets you."


    Xiao Jingheng cherished his child in his heart,


    but in his memory, Cheng Yu was still a babbling toddler,


    so small, so innocent, always smiling and clinging to be held.


    Recalling the past, a deep sense of guilt surged within Xiao Jingheng,


    and he walked slowly toward Cheng Yu with tears in his eyes, opening his arms to him, and expressing his emotions:


    "Good child, let your father hold you."


    Cheng Yu obediently approached Xiao Jingheng and allowed him to embrace him tightly.


    Hearing Xiao Jingheng''s apologetic tone, he even consoled him with maturity:


    "Uncle has told me that everything father has done was to protect me. I understand the love father has for me, and I miss you very much."


    Both Cheng Yu and Chenghuan had been raised well,


    and when Xiao Jingheng looked at Cheng Yu''sposure, he felt as if he saw a reflection of his own childhood in him.


    He had been like this in his youth,


    adhering to rules, respectful andposed, methodical in his actions and impable in his speech.


    Perhaps both father and son had experienced childhood misfortunes, making them resemble each other to some extent.


    To the point that Xiao Jingheng didn''t realize,


    that a normal child, a child who loved him, at such a young age had gone through so much,


    and instinctively responded not by being clingy to their loved ones, but by behaving like a perfect saint.


    He even praised Cheng Yu''s behavior incessantly, eximing:


    "The Chen couple has taken good care of Cheng Yu, teaching him proper manners and a sense of propriety. I am deeply gratified."


    Then, he turned to Jiang Deshun and said, "Convey my decree. The Chen couple in Hengzhou have protected the imperial prince and deserve a reward of one thousand taels of gold. Furthermore, there is a vacant official position in the lower rank in Hengzhou. Let Chen Zhenjiang go there to gain experience. If he proves to be talented, I will treat him favorably."


    Xiao Jingheng felt the joy of this long-awaited reunion and naturally wanted Zhao Hua to experience it soon.


    So, he took Cheng Yu''s hand and said he would take him to see the empress.


    Xiao Jingyan observed the scene and said, "It is a joyful asion for the emperor and his son to reunite. As for me, I consider my mission aplished and will take my leave."


    "If it is a joyful asion, how can we let you escape?" Xiao Jingheng put his arm around Xiao Jingyan''s shoulder and eximed, "Stay here! Today, I am filled with joy, and I insist on drinking three hundred cups with you!"


    *


    At that time, Zhao Hua was embroidering a nightgown in the pce. Since she did not know Cheng Yu''s current measurements, she had been asking Chenghuan toe over these past few days to use his measurements as a reference.


    Now that the embroidered patterns on the nightgown wereplete, Zhao Hua spread it out under the golden sunlight and admired it with a smile on her lips that couldn''t be contained.


    Chenghuan, who was standing nearby, immediately spoke obediently, "Mother, my second younger brother ising back, and I am happy about it. So, I specially prepared a gift for him."


    He took out a jade pendant from his pocket.


    Zhao Hua recognized this jade pendant. It was the only gift Xiao Jingheng had ever given Chenghuan.


    Zhao Hua couldn''t take away this child''s scarce fatherly love. Instead, she carefully wore the jade pendant around Chenghuan''s neck and said with a smile, "This is something your father gave you, so you must keep it safe. Your second younger brother has been raised outside the pce since he was young and has had little contact with your father. Considering that, your position in your father''s heart must be much more important than your second younger brother''s."


    She lovingly stroked the child''s forehead and sincerely said, "You are your father''s eldest son, and in the future, you will have to take care of your second younger brother."


    Chenghuan nodded vigorously and replied, "Mother, rest assured, I will definitely treat my second younger brother well."


    Zhao Hua''s smile remained unchanged as she picked up the nightgown from the table andpared it to Chenghuan''s body.


    Chenghuan said, "My second younger brother and I are simr in age, so this dress will fit him perfectly."


    However, Zhao Hua just smiled and remained silent as she put the nightgown on Chenghuan.


    Chenghuan was quite surprised and asked, "Mother, why..."


    "I made two of these nightgowns, one for you and one for your second younger brother."


    Chenghuan widened his eyes, his face filled with disbelief.


    Apart from Ning Wanshuang, no one in the pce had ever cared for him like this.


    He was originally a child who was disliked by others, and his forced maturity was merely a survival skill he developed in the pce.


    Now, with Zhao Hua treating him like this all of a sudden, he couldn''t help but tear up.


    "Thank you, Mother!" he said, as he touched the embroidered pattern on the nightgown and noticed that instead of a qilin or dragon pattern, there was a depiction of a dragon head on a pipa.


    Curiously, he asked, "This dragon-headed pipa looks rare. I don''t recognize it."


    Zhao Hua gently exined, "The dragon has nine sons. The eldest son is Qiu Niu, and the second son is Ya Zi. Qiu Niu is skilled in music. The embroidered pattern on your nightgown represents Qiu Niu''s transformation, while your younger brother''s nightgown depicts Ya Zi. Simrly, in the future, your second younger brother will also respect and honor you. Do you understand?"


    In the pce, there was a distinction between legitimate and illegitimate children, and even if an illegitimate child had a noble status, it would always be inferior to the legitimate ones.


    Yet Zhao Hua was willing to let her legitimate son respect and honor Chenghuan, who was born out of wedlock.


    In this way, how could Chenghuan not cherish the kindness that Zhaohua had shown him?


    Now that he had received his sleeping clothes, he was so delighted that he didn''t want to take them off no matter what.


    Later, when Zhaohua saw him ying and running around in the courtyard with Ruoxin, all sweaty, she instructed Yunsan, saying:


    "Take the Crown Prince back to Noble Consort Chen''s Pce and have the pce maids take good care of him, making sure he washes up properly and doesn''t catch a cold."


    Upon hearing this, Ruoxin quickly said, "Mother, Chenghuan brother doesn''t have sses today. Can I go to Lady Jinyue''s ce in Chengmu Fei''s pce to y together?"


    Zhaohua smiled and caressed Ruoxin''s forehead, nodding gently. "Of course. Just don''t y too recklessly. It wouldn''t be good if you tire out Lady Chengmu Fei."


    Ruoxin nodded happily, and Yunsan took the two and a half children to y and frolic.


    Finding herself with a moment of leisure, Zhaohua was thinking that it was probably time for Chengye to wake up from his nap, and she wanted to go to the side hall to check on him.


    However, she saw Xiaofuzi running over, grinning from ear to ear, and joyfully reporting:


    "Empress! The Emperor ising to our Chang Le Pce with the Second Prince!"

 Chapter 397: Mother and Son Reunion 02

    <h4>Chapter 397</h4>


    This sudden good news made Zhao Hua unable to conceal her delight. She immediately got up to wee them.


    She stood at the pce gate, craning her neck in anticipation.


    Before long, she saw Xiao Jingheng leading a little person, walking towards her.


    Cheng Yu was even more handsome than he looked in the painting she had seen before.


    Zhao Hua took just one nce and her eyes reddened.


    She almost jogged over to wee them, but her gaze was fixed only on Cheng Yu.


    Xiao Jingheng knew she was delighted. He hurriedly held her hand and Cheng Yu''s little hand together,


    "My dear, our son has returned."


    Cheng Yu stared at Zhao Hua without moving his eyes.


    He felt somewhat familiar with Zhao Hua, but could no longer recognize her.


    But from Zhao Hua''s attire he could easily see,


    this was the Empress of Qichao, the Empress who had carried him in her womb for ten months before giving birth to him.


    So he observed etiquette and respectfully greeted Zhao Hua,


    "Your son pays respects to the Empress Mother."


    Your son...


    These two words were like hooks, subtly and ceaselessly pricking the softest ce in Zhao Hua''s heart.


    In front of her, Chenghuan called himself son, Ruo Xin called herself daughter,


    Chenghuan called her Empress Mother, Ruo Xin called her Mother.


    But Cheng Yu, faced her and observed full etiquette, calling himself your son.


    Zhao Hua felt deste, thinking that she owed the child too much...


    But Xiao Jingheng said with a smile, "Our son has been raised very well and understands etiquette very much."


    Yes, understands etiquette very much...


    But this etiquette was between monarch and subject, it should not have been between mother and son.


    Zhao Hua hadplex feelings, but still had to force out a smile without cracks, and gently stroked Cheng Yu''s bangs,


    "Cheng Yu has grown into a young man now."


    That afternoon, Xiao Jingheng sat in Zhao Hua''s pce for a while.


    When it was time for dinner, he said:


    "Today I feel delighted in my heart. I have agreed with the Prince of An to drink tonight to celebrate our joy. My dear,e along too?"


    Zhao Hua smiled lightly and shook her head, "Cheng Yu has just returned. I want to spend more time with him. Later when Ruo Xin returns she will meet her elder brother too, so it''s not good for me to leave."


    So Xiao Jingheng said, "Alright then, I wille see you all tomorrow."


    With those words, he lovingly touched Cheng Yu''s cheek, then nted a kiss on Zhao Hua''s forehead before leaving, his eyes and brows full of joy.


    After mother and son had seen him out of the pce gate, Zhao Hua took Cheng Yu''s hand and led him to the east wing.


    Everything in this side pce had been carefully arranged by Zhao Hua these past days.


    She didn''t know what Cheng Yu''s preferences were, so she said:


    "My son, if there is anything here not to your liking, tell Mother and I will rearrange it for you."


    Cheng Yu obediently said: "Everything is good, thank you Empress Mother."


    He fully epted Zhao Hua''s thoughts,


    Whether it was theyout of the room, arrangement of the pce maids, style of the clothes, or the night clothes Zhao Hua had personally made,


    Whatever Zhao Hua asked, he consistently said it was good.


    It is said mother and child are connected at heart. Even if Cheng Yu refused to say anything, Zhao Hua could clearly sense his loss.


    So afterwards, Zhao Hua simply stopped asking him these things,


    Instead, she dismissed her attendants and held Cheng Yu alone in the side hall, hugging him as she gently asked:


    "Cheng Yu, tell Mother, aren''t you still very concerned about your father and mother?"


    At these words, an expression of being moved finally appeared on Cheng Yu''s face.


    He didn''t speak, but forcefully nodded his head.


    Zhao Hua hugged him even tighter, gently saying:


    "My good child, Mother knows that since you became aware, the Chen family have been carefully looking after you, and you are deeply affectionate with them. Now suddenly parted from them, even though you have entered the pce full of riches and honor, it still cannot match your feelings for them."


    Cheng Yu looked up at Zhao Hua.


    After a long pause, he finally dropped etiquette and timidly said: "But Imperial Uncle said I am Father Emperor and Empress Mother''s son. After entering the pce, I can no longer mention my foster father and foster mother. Won''t Empress Mother me me for talking about missing them?"


    "My silly child", Zhao Hua rubbed Cheng Yu''s bangs, unable to hold back an indulgent smile, "If you don''t miss your father and mother who have been with you day and night, treating you like their own flesh and blood, that would be unfilial. A child who is unfilial, no matter how well they observe etiquette or etiquette, cannot be considered a good child."


    Cheng Yu nodded in confusion, and said again: "I feel Empress Mother and Father Emperor are very different. Seeing Empress Mother, I somehow feel close. But seeing Father Emperor makes me feel..."


    "There are still many days ahead, there is no rush," Zhao Hua interrupted the child''s next words, instead saying:


    "Mother promises you, in future if there is an opportunity, I will definitely let you meet your foster father and mother, alright?"


    Cheng Yu nodded again and again, stars shimmering in his eyes. His voice even unconsciously went up an octave, "Alright!"


    As he spoke, he smiled with understanding.


    This was the first smile Cheng Yu had shown since entering the pce.


    However,


    this was also the first lie Zhao Hua had told Cheng Yu.


    The next day, when Xiao Jingyan was going to secretly take Jiang Muye''s head in Candle Shade Valley, he learned of a piece of news from the imperial court.


    Originally, ever since Xiao Jingheng had sent Xiao Jingyan to bring Cheng Yu back from Hengzhou, Xiao Jingheng had already sent dark guards to make a move against Jiang Muye in Candle Shade Valley.


    He couldn''t wait a single day longer before immediately separating Jiang Muye''s head from his neck.


    On the second day after Crown Prince Chenghuan''s one month celebration,


    Jiang Muye''s severed head was also ced in a gilt wooden box, and sent to the imperial court.


    It happened to be the day of the First Farmer ceremony. Xiao Jingheng was going to lead the princes and ministers out of the pce to Mount Li to the First Farmer Altar, to make offerings to the First Farmer and perform the ceremonial plowing and sowing.


    This round trip would at least take three to five days.


    If they waited until his return to the pce before dealing with Shang Yang, even keeping Jiang Muye''s severed head iced, it would likely spoil by then.


    Also, Shang Yang had made things very difficult for Zhao Hua, so Xiao Jingheng wanted Zhao Hua to be able to personally take out her anger.


    Therefore, before leaving the pce, Xiao Jingheng gave this box to Zhao Hua, and told her to ''gift'' it to Shang Yang, and send her on her way when she was in her most desperate straits.


    No matter whether Shang Yang was an enemy spy or not, as long as she entered the pce gates she would always be a female dependent of the inner pce. Zhao Hua was in charge afterwards, so naturally it was her responsibility to deal with convicted imperial consorts.


    And so, on that afternoon when the imperial carriage left the capital, Zhao Hua had already sent people to bring Shang Yang back from the cruel prison to Zhao Chun Pce earlier, and given her a set of clean clothes to change into.


    Later, when she went to Zhao Chun Pce, she saw Shang Yang had already changed into new clothes and was lifeless, sitting limply on the heated seats. Her vacant eyes dully looked out at the crimson clouds at sunset.


    She wore an embroidered coral dress, setting off her fairplexion whiter than snow, but the injuries all over her body and the despair on her face made itpletely impossible to glimpse her former innocence.


    Hearing the door open, Shang Yangzily nced back.


    The moment their eyes met, she froze for a moment, then silentlyughed, murmuring almost inaudibly:


    "Song Zhao, you''ve won."

 Chapter 398: Palm Coral 01

    <h4>Chapter 398</h4>


    Shang Yang did not get up, but moved her body stiffly further into the warmth of the seat to make room, then said lightly to Zhao Hua:


    "Sit down. Life and death are but a fleeting moment, there is no hurry right now."


    Zhao Hua did not speak, but walked slowly to the warm seat.


    Xiao Fuzi hurried to stop in front of her and shook his head, whispering: "My Lady, you must not..."


    "It''s fine."


    Zhao Hua gently patted Xiao Fuzi''s shoulder to signal him to step aside and keep watch.


    After she sat down next to Shang Yang, a faint smell of blood immediately entered her nostrils.


    Mixed in that smell was a faint acidity, unbearable.


    However, Zhao Hua did not cover her nose with a veil, but her eyes fell on Shang Yang, scanning her up and down.


    Shang Yang had been imprisoned in the water dungeon for a long time, and the skin on her body had wrinkled somewhat from the soaking,


    Even though she had changed into new clothes, the wounds inflicted by the interrogators were still visible as blood red imprints on the new clothes.


    She waspletely listless, looking just like a wilted flower.


    Recalling five years ago when Zhao Hua first saw Shang Yang,


    with arched eyebrows and peach blossom eyes, small nose and mouth, rosy cheeks like peach blossoms, dressed in expensive silks and satins, jewels and jades worth a fortune,


    which set off her noble and pure temperament.


    But looking at the person in front now, it was very difficult to associate her with the bright and beautiful one in her memories.


    Zhao Hua could not help but feel sad in her heart for a long time without speaking.


    It was Shang Yang who saw the pity in her eyes and quickly said jokingly:


    "The way you''re looking at me now is exactly the same as the way I looked at you when you entered the Cold Pce." Survival of the fittest applies not only among men, but also among women. So you don''t need to pity me. Go ahead, how does Xiao Jingheng n to have me put to death?"


    She uttered the word "death" lightly, as if it had already be a relief.


    Zhao Hua asked lightly: "After fighting and struggling in the pce for so long, was it all just for a single word of ''death''?"


    Shang Yang nced contemptuously at her, then turned her face away with a sad smile:


    "If I had a choice, how could I be willing to fight and grab, staining my own hands with blood?"


    She stretched her neck and held her head high, staring nkly at thest glimpse of crimson dusk outside the window, sighing:


    "My mother was the abbess of the Candle Shade Herbal Hall. She was benevolent and gracious, helping those in need. The people of Candle Shade all respectfully called her the living bodhisattva. I grew up without a father and was raised solely by my mother, who taught me moral principles.


    My mother had so many teachings that my ears nearly grew calluses. She often said, ''Yang''er, being born human, you must always remember to keep kind thoughts, and not take lives indiscriminately. By umting virtue, even if others don''t know, Heaven will always see and reward you in the end.''


    When I was young, I followed my mother to worship Buddha and eat vegetarian food, and was extremely pious. I was also once a little girl who would cry at the sight of a wounded rabbit..."


    As Shang Yang spoke, sheughed at herself scornfully.


    Staring into the distance as the glow of dusk gradually faded away, the inky night devoured thest fiery colors at the edge of the sky,


    just as she was being eroded bit by bit, unable to diffuse the darkness.


    "But what about now?"


    She looked down at her hands, pale and swollen from being soaked in icy water and mped, sorrowful yet smiling.


    "Even I don''t know when I started bing numb to killing people. But I don''t think I''m wrong at all. Where there are people, there is struggle.


    The women in this pce all have their own schemes, striving for personal favor and glory for their maternal families. Who doesn''tpete and grab? Our intentions are all the same, none of us much cleaner than the others."


    As she spoke, her expression suddenly became stern as she red back at Zhao Hua and retorted, "Including you, right?"


    Zhao Hua did not answer.


    She gently stroked her temple, looking at Shang Yang with a shallow smile.


    As daylight faded, even sitting face to face she could no longer clearly make out Shang Yang''s expression.


    So she casually took the firestick on the table, struck a me and lit a nearly burnt-out candle.


    The flickering candlelight highlighted Zhao Hua''s breathtaking beauty.


    Shang Yang stared at her intently.


    As a fellow woman, from the first moment Shang Yang saw Zhao Hua, she already knew this peerlessly beautiful woman would be her strongest opponent in the future.


    A slightly twisted smile emerged on Shang Yang''s gaunt and sunken face.


    "Lady Song, you must hate and resent me right? If not for me, your son would not have died. Your future path would have been much smoother."


    Zhao Hua still did not answer, but instead took a silver pick and idly poked at the zing wick.


    It was Xiao Fuzi who sternly spoke up from the side,


    "The Second Prince has the blessings of Heaven protecting him, how could he be harmed by your sinister plot? His Majesty long ago saw through your ambitions. The Second Prince was not buried in the imperial tomb. Instead, His Majesty entrusted him to the care of trusted allies in Hengzhou. Now that you and Prince Qi''s actions have been exposed and you can no longer pose a threat, a few days ago His Majesty brought the Second Prince back to the pce, naturally he is safe and sound."


    "Safe and sound?"


    Shang Yang''s eyes bulged wide, her breathing suddenly bing hurried, her chest heaving violently,


    "What did you say? You said it was Xiao Jingheng who saved him? Hahahahaha!"


    Her abrupt burst ofughter was as shrill as a night owl''s cry, no longer like her former sweet silvery bells, sending chills through the heart.


    "Is that possible? With his tendency to rather wrongly kill a hundred than let one slip by, if he had known my identity early on, would I still be alive today? Lady Song, do you actually believe such nonsense?"

 Chapter 399: Palm Coral 02

    <h4>Chapter 399</h4>


    Shang Yang was so excited that she eitherughed too hard or choked on her own saliva. She coughed violently several times with tears being squeezed out.


    She was toozy to wipe away the tears. The teardrops rolled down her cheeks reflecting the weak candlelight, looking like red beads falling on the desk and sshing into pools of sorrow.


    "It''s fine. It''s good the child is alive. This is my retribution. I used all those nasty tricks and harmed so many people. So it''s only fair that my Chengjing met his end of being cooked in boiling oil. My mother said that good deeds will be rewarded and this is...this is my just deserts."


    Shang Yang paused to catch her breath. Then she leaned forward towards Song Zhao, "But in the end, it was me who got you locked up in the cold pce for three years, me who kept you from your children!"


    She gave an embarrassedugh. "Song Zhao, you must really hate me right? Why don''t you answer?"


    "Hate you?"


    Song Zhao, who had been silent all this time, just shook her head with a faint smile.


    She looked calmly at Shang Yang and gently said,


    "Perhaps. But that was all in the past. Now I just feel pity for you, though I do admire your dedication. For a man, you were willing to go so far. When you think about it, was it worth it?"


    Slumped limply on the heated cushion, Shang Yang gave a sobbing breath. Yet she still smiled as she said,


    "You wouldn''t understand. After my mother died when I was six, I was brought to the Candle Dragon Pce and assigned to serve as a ve in Ye Lang''s chambers. He was eight then and we were both innocent children. For the next seven years, I was always by his side. He said I was the only woman he loved in this life and that once I came of age, he would ask the emperor''s permission to take me as his concubine.


    Butter, when the Qi Dynasty grew dominant and Zhu Yin declined, I saw Ye Lang''s worried face and restless nights, so I asked what was troubling him. When I learned he needed someone trustworthy to get close to the prince who was most likely to seize the throne from Qi, I knew that person had to be me.


    Seeing how badly he wanted to save Zhu Yin from mes and floods, how fiercely he desired the position of Son of Heaven, I thought of nothing else. I only wanted to help him. Fulfilling his dream was fulfilling mine."


    As Shang Yang spoke, she showed no sadness, as if her tears were full of joy.


    Hearing this, Song Zhao felt there was no need to say anything more. So instead she said,


    "So you seeded in getting close to the emperor and entered his harem in Qi, bing a spy for Zhu Yin. But you were on the wrong path from the beginning. The intrigues of the harem are never about the women, but about capturing the emperor''s heart."


    "I was wrong? Hahahaha~" Shang Yang gave a hoarseugh. "You''re the one who''s wrong! What kind of man do you think Xiao Jingheng is? Do you think your beauty alone can securesting favor? How old are you now? In ten or twenty years, when your looks have faded and waves of young beauties are sent to the pce, how confident are you that you can still hold the heart of that fickle man?"


    Shang Yang''s gaunt face twisted into a mocking smile. She casually brushed her messy hair behind her ears and said in a low, clear voice,


    "You never intended to capture Xiao Jingheng''s heart at all, did you? Your hatred for him is no less than mine."


    Song Zhao''s expression was tranquil as she slowly said,


    "The emperor is my husband, my pir for the rest of my life. To hate him would be to betray myself."


    "Then make yourself your own pir!" Shang Yang''s brows jerked up fiercely as she hissed,


    "You have two imperial sons. Chenghuan is half dead so he has no chance of inheriting the throne. If Xiao Jingheng dies soon, you will be the biggest winner!"


    Seeing Song Zhao stare at her as if she were a madwoman, Shang Yang gave a bitterugh.


    "Why do you look at me like that? Don''t tell me you don''t know why I concealed from you the loss of the child you beat out of me. Song Zhao, pretending to lose and then ''coincidentally'' regain your memory was too risky a move. You only thought of smoothing over any storms I might stir up,pletely ignoring Xiao Jingheng''s suspicions."


    She moved closer to Song Zhao''s ear and ground her teeth as she said,


    "The best way to resolve an emperor''s doubts isn''t gaining his trust. It''s...removing the source of suspicion from this world!"


    In contrast to Shang Yang''s agitation, Song Zhao remained unusually calm.


    She gazed at Shang Yang with tranquil eyes like a still, waveless pool and smiled.


    "You''ve served well as a spy to the end, not forgetting your master''s orders even in death. But there''s no need to waste your breath trying to provoke a rift between me and the emperor."


    Hearing this, Shang Yang froze briefly in surprise.


    Seeing Song Zhao''s smile turn sinister, she understood and gave a mockingugh while shaking her head.


    "I know you understand clearly in your heart, without me telling you, what path you should take. Song Zhao, to be honest, sometimes I really envy you. I envy how you can live for no one but yourself, free to be yourself."


    She leaned limply against the wall by the heated cushion, as if extremely tired, and let out a long sigh.


    "If not for our opposed positions, perhaps we could have been the best of friends. After fighting all these years, only in contending with you could I feel such delight and satisfaction."


    Song Zhao said nothing, but nodded slightly.


    With this, Shang Yang felt at ease.


    She calmly asked Song Zhao, "Tell me, how does Xiao Jingheng n to execute me?"

 Chapter 400: Palm Coral 03

    <h4>Chapter 400</h4>


    The night wind was very strong, gushing into thettice windows, almost extinguishing the remaining candle on the table.


    Little Fu Zi bent over and went forward. When she was closing the window, the gold brocade box she was holding was ced on the small table in front of Shang Yang.


    Shang Yang stared at the brocade box in puzzlement, "You''ve been holding this thing since you arrived. Is this another new torment he devised for me?"


    Zhao Hua pushed the brocade box towards Shang Yang, "Open it and take a look."


    Shang Yang hesitated slightly before slowly opening the brocade box. But upon seeing what was inside, her eyes instantly reddened.


    "This is..."


    Inside therge brocade box, lying very conspicuously, was a broken coral ring.


    Shang Yang recognized it at a nce. This was the coral ring that Zhao Hua had smashed in front of her face, the one she had always worn.


    She was extremely emotional. She quickly took out the ring and clutched it tightly in her palm.


    The sharp broken coral pierced the swollen skin of her palm, oozing crimson blood that dyed it even more vibrant.


    Shang Yang''s hands were pressed tightly to her chest.


    Though the tears would not stop falling, the corners of her lips still bore a joyful smile.


    "Thank you," she said sincerely to Zhao Hua, and gazed longingly towards the southwest,


    where Zhu Yin was located.


    She then asked, "Jiang Muye..."


    Zhao Hua said, "Your dedication is all worth it. Zhuyin Country Emperor has not given up on you. The Emperor found fault with Zhuyin because of you spying for him, but Jiang Muye is willing to exchange thirty thousand of Zhuyin''s private troops and all the gold and silver treasures in his private treasury for your life."


    Shang Yang looked at Zhao Hua with tearful eyes, her slender eyshes quivering intensely,


    "Did Jiang Muye really say that?"


    Zhao Hua said firmly, "This pce has no need to lie to you."


    Shang Yang clutched the coral ring even tighter.


    She pushed open thettice window and faced southwest, closing her eyes. She let the slightly warm summer night wind blow on her cheeks.


    She thought of the countless nights in her youth when she and Jiang Muye had climbed the hills on the edge of the wilderness to wait for sunrise,


    Zhuyin''s night sky was full of glittering stars, dots of fireflies fluttering in the mountain valleys.


    With her loved one by her side, one day of twelve hours always seemed to pass too quickly during those days of endless joy. She wished it could be slower, even slower.


    She thought that was probably the most beautiful time of her life.


    And the wind here, the grassy scent swirling in it, was exactly the same as those days.


    It was as if as long as she closed her eyes, all the years of tribtions and hardships would go up in mes.


    She was still that bright and innocent girl of the past,


    and her young lover would also hold her hand and protect her for life.


    After a long time, such illusory and beautiful visions finally disappeared with Zhao Hua''s calm voice.


    "But what you two did has vited the emperor''s greatest taboo. The Emperor showed mercy, but only allowed one of you to live. If you live, the Zhuyin Country Emperor will be executed. But if you... then the Emperor will not pursue any responsibility from Zhuyin."


    Upon hearing this, Shang Yang smiled knowingly.


    In the seventeen years since the founding of Qi Dynasty, she had not heard any news better than this.


    She slowly opened her eyes and sat closer to Zhao Hua, holding out her blood-stained palm excitedly to show Zhao Hua the red coral ring.


    It was as if they had never been enemies, but intimate friends.


    "Zhao Hua, do you know the origin of this ring?"


    Zhao Hua guessed, "Zhuyin produces a lot of coral, this should be a gift Jiang Muye gave you?"


    "Yes!" Shang Yang nodded vigorously, smiling happily.


    "This originally belonged to Jiang Muye. Jiang Muye said that since I entered the pce, he could no longer apany me, so let this coral ring take his ce and apany me from afar. I have always known that he never took advantage of me, never..."


    She lowered her head and affectionately kissed the broken ring, then said to Zhao Hua:


    "You Han people have a poem that I really like."


    Then she recited slowly:


    "Cherished coral in palm, yet it must be moved to be apricot blossom facing the sun. Do you know what this means?"


    Zhao Hua nodded, "No matter how beautiful the coral is, even if you hold and protect it in your heart and palm, you can never truly make it your own. In the end, it will be raised as a flower facing the sun in a higher pce chamber."


    Shang Yang''s gaze lingered on the broken coral in her palm as she smiled gently.


    "Yes, but now this coral is shattered, and my ''Shang Yang flower'' should also wither appropriately."


    She stubbornly wiped away the tears on her face, and suddenly said solemnly to Zhao Hua,


    "I will plead guilty and ept punishment. But before that, I want to tell you a secret."


    She then whispered in Zhao Hua''s ear, word for word:


    "A secret about how the traitor killed the emperor and usurped the throne years ago!"

 Chapter 401: Killing My Father and Regicide

    <h4>Chapter 401</h4>


    Originally on a mildly warm night,


    yet because of what Shang Yang said, it sent a thinyer of chill up Zhao Hua''s back.


    Killing one''s father and overthrowing one''s sovereign, plotting to usurp the throne...


    Things like this were also once suspected by the Empress Dowager.


    Before the Empress Dowager passed away, she had said to Zhao Hua that she had always suspected the legitimacy of Xiao Jingheng''s ascension to the throne.


    The matter of establishing a crown prince, Emperor had originally favored the Fourth Imperial Son, Xiao Jingxuan, whom the Empress Dowager had given birth to. But Xiao Jingxuan unfortunately contracted smallpox shortly after moving out of the pce and establishing his own estate, and eventually passed away under Xiao Jingheng''s "attentive care".


    After Xiao Jingxuan''s death, Emperor still did not set his mind on Xiao Jingheng, but rather showed increasing favor towards the Fifth Imperial Son, Xiao Jinglian [Prince Rui].


    Yet Xiao Jinglian somehow caused great chaos over the minor matter of administrating salt, leading to the rampant smuggling of private salt in Qi Dynasty and the cries of suffering amongst themon people. And because of this matter he lost the Emperor''s trust.


    Not long after, Emperor suddenly fell ill and passed away.


    Later, a decree left by Emperor was presented, clearly stating Emperor''s wish for the Third Imperial Son Xiao Jingheng to ascend the throne.


    When Emperor was alive, he was often cold towards Xiao Jingheng.


    Therefore, upon seeing this decree, all the civil and military officials of the court had doubts about this matter.


    But there were people who could testify that they were present when Emperor made this decree.


    Thus, even though the civil and martial ministers were still puzzled, they had no choice but to kneel down and pay homage to the new emperor, bowing their heads in submission to Xiao Jingheng.


    At this moment, Zhao Hua''s mind involuntarily recalled the smile on the Empress Dowager''s face before her death.


    It was the deste bitter smile that emerged on the Empress Dowager''s face when they were at Wangjiang Pavilion singing the verse "who told you crow to upy the phoenix nest, who told you to take every possible means".


    The Empress Dowager spent most of her years deep in the pce. Her interaction with Xiao Jingheng was merely maintaining a superficial closeness.


    Many matters were difficult for even the sharp-eyed and keen-eared Empress Dowager to discern the truth.


    But Shang Yang was different.


    She had been undercover by Xiao Jingheng''s side since his time of seclusion.


    On the surface Shang Yang appeared innocent and harmless, but in reality she had an extremely meticulous mind. It was very possible she had discovered some clues.


    After Zhao Hua regained her senses, she looked towards Shang Yang and softly asked,


    "What are you trying to say?"


    A frosty glint shed across Shang Yang''s eyes, and the smile lines at the corners of her lips became even more prominent.


    "What I''m about to say you might not believe, but I''ve seen Emperor''s real decree. It was a decreepletely different from what was shown to all the civil and military officials."


    Facing Zhao Hua''s shocked gaze, she lightly continued:


    "The night Emperor passed away and the decree was announced to the world, Xiao Jingheng, whether out of joy for gaining the throne or grief for his father''s death, drank a lot of wine and got dead drunk. At that time he had not taken an empress or consorts yet, and I was the only one taking care of him in his residence.


    Xiao Jingheng was usually very prudent. His study was always locked. No servants were allowed to tidy it up and only he had the key. But what he didn''t expect was that I had long secretly made a copy and duplicated an identical key."


    She paused here and raised her eyebrows at Zhao Hua, "Guess what I saw when I sneaked in?"


    Zhao Hua silently shook her head. Shang Yang''s tone changed to ridicule as she coldlyughed and continued:


    "I saw him drunk and slumped over his desk, and by his side was a decree left by Emperor. I clearly saw the decree stated, ''The Fifth Imperial Son, Xiao Jinglian, benevolent, filial and wise, whose virtues are endowed by heaven, is suited to immediately assume the position of crown prince, andter seed the throne to continue the emperor''s will. All civil and military officials shall assist him with one heart, in order to fulfill my wish.'' [This decree had been kept by the deranged Xiao Jingheng as a trophy. It was only in chapter 280 at the end and chapter 281 at the beginning, when Xiao Jingheng was scheming to frame Prince Rui so he could take action to dispose of him, that he burned this decree.]"


    "Prince Rui?" Zhao Hua pondered and slowly shook her head. "But all the civil and military officials of the court saw Emperor''s decree that day. How could it be fake?"


    Shang Yang smiled. "A determined person can always mimic someone''s handwriting, even to the point of being indistinguishable from the original. That is not a difficult feat."


    Zhao Hua was still puzzled. "Throughout history, after an emperor made a decree, it would first be temporarily kept by the head eunuch. The next day, senior officials of the first rank would be summoned to jointly bear witness. Only then would it be sealed with wax and kept in a secret ce, to be taken out when the emperor passes away. With such borate procedures, how could it be forged?"


    ''Crack''


    The crisp pop of the candle wick in the tranquil night seemed to echo.


    Shang Yang took the silver pricker from Zhao Hua''s side and flicked away the ttened wick, and continued in a mocking tone amidst the flickering warm light, "Emperor''s death was so sudden. The decree was made right before he passed away. Thus, only three people witnessed Emperor making the decree. They were the head eunuch Feng Yuhe, War Cab official Zhou Kangwei, and...the Minister of the Imperial Bodyguards, Ning Bochuan."


    Zhao Hua was very familiar with these three names.


    There was no need to borate on Ning Bochuan. He was heavily favoured by Xiao Jingheng to sweep away enemies and establish great achievements.


    As for Feng Yuhe, he was an inner eunuch who had served Emperor for nearly thirty years, just like the highly regarded eunuch Jiang Deshun of today.


    Zhou Kangwei also had some ties with the Song family. After Xiao Jingheng''s ascension, he heavily favoured Zhou Kangwei. For a long period of time, Song Shicheng tried hard to curry favor from him as a rising star in court. Thus, Zhao Hua was no stranger to hearing this name at home.


    Seeing Zhao Hua silent for a long time, Shang Yang knew she was pondering over this. She directly revealed the key point, "After Feng Yuhe announced Emperor''s decree, he ''loyally followed his lord in death'' not long after and went with Emperor. After Xiao Jingheng ascended the throne, he heavily favoured Ning Bochuan and treated Zhou Kangwei well, but what was the oue? Hehe~"


    She ridiculed incessantly,ughing sardonically.


    "In the third year of Qiyuan, Zhou Kangwei fell to his death while drunk. Not long after, Xiao Jingheng even abolished the War Cab. As for Ning Bochuan, there is no need to borate on the tragic end met by the Ning father and son. We all know it clearly."


    That''s right, of the three who witnessed Emperor''s decree,


    one followed Emperor in death, one died bizarrely, one was executed - all dead.


    Looking into this carefully was frightening enough.


    With Xiao Jingheng now holding great power and such thunderous means, even if the officials of the previous dynasty had suspicions, they would still value self-preservation and y deaf and dumb.


    After hearing Shang Yang''s words, Zhao Hua almost blurted out,


    "So... after Emperor made the decree, the head eunuch Feng Yuhe secretly told His Majesty about it? Then His Majesty tempted Ning Bochuan and Zhou Kangwei with heavy profits and urged them to kill the emperor and fake the decree to usurp the throne? The Ning family..."


    Zhao Hua muttered to herself. The confusion in her heart also gradually cleared away the fog at this moment.


    No wonder...


    No wonder even when the Ning family already posed no threat to Xiao Jingheng''s empire, he still refused to let them live.


    The so-called rebellion was, from beginning to end, just a deadly trap tailored by Xiao Jingheng for the Ning family...


    Seeing Zhao Hua''s slightly lost expression, Shang Yang hid a gleeful delight in her mockery,


    "So Lady Song, you must understand one thing. The eunuch by the emperor''s side can be the emperor''s confidant, but also... a de stabbing towards the emperor."

 Chapter 402: Rising Sun and Falling Flowers

    <h4>Chapter 402</h4>


    Even without Shang Yang''s words, Zhao Hua had already started doing so. Jiang Deshun had served by Xiao Jingheng''s side since his childhood and had watched him grow up.


    It was difficult to make him join her faction.


    However, due to his incurable leg condition and old age, he would retire soon.


    At that time, Xiao Yinzi, as his disciple, would most likely rece him as the eunuch and be the new favorite of the emperor.


    Zhao Hua had always known that if she wanted to achieve high status, she had to change her background.


    Coincidentally, she had amnesia and was pregnant. As long as she remained depressed because of being the "daughter of a guilty official," Xiao Jingheng, considering the future heir, would solve her problems and let her focus on her pregnancy.


    In fact, it didn''t matter who said it, Zhao Hua only wanted the sessful oue of changing her family background.


    But in the end, she chose to let Xiao Yinzi bear the me.


    On that day, Xiao Yinzi identally revealed the truth, which angered Xiao Jingheng, and he wanted to execute him.


    It was Zhao Hua who sent Xiao Fuzi to save Xiao Yinzi''s life.


    Whether Xiao Yinzi would remember this act of kindness, Zhao Hua couldn''t say for sure.


    But she believed that after this incident, Xiao Yinzi would understand the saying "apanying the emperor is like apanying a tiger" even more.


    When he became the eunuch, he would be in the spotlight but also in great danger.


    He was a clever person and would naturally seek an escape route for himself.


    If Zhao Hua extended an olive branch to him at that time, he would probably not refuse.


    *


    Shang Yang had kept the secrets of the previous dynasty buried deep in her heart for a long time.


    After all, she had to rely on Xiao Jingheng to climb up in the past, so she naturally wouldn''t reveal such things.


    Now that she had confessed everything at once, she felt a sense of relief.


    Shezily leaned against the warm seat andughed recklessly.


    After a while, when theughter subsided, she saw Shang Yang suddenly get up and tightly hold Zhao Hua''s hand, saying:


    "Song Zhao, I have always been urate in judging people and matters. I believe that your future path will be bright and brilliant."


    After saying this, she quickly withdrew her hand and bitterly touched her blood-stained cheek.


    "Looking like this, I''m going to see my child. I''m afraid it will frighten him. Empress Dowager, could you reward me with a basin of clean water so that I can freshen up before leaving?"


    Zhao Hua didn''t say much, just nced back at Xiao Fuzi with a meaningful look.


    Xiao Fuzi immediately understood and hurriedly bowed and left.


    When he returned, he presented Shang Yang with a basin of water infused with rose essence, a shiny hornb, two boxes of rouge and powder, a bottle of hair oil forbing, and a dagger with a sharp de iid with ake-blue gem.


    Shang Yang looked at the items in front of her and understood Zhao Hua''s intention.


    Smiling, she said to Zhao Hua, "Thank you, Empress Dowager."


    Zhao Hua remained silent for a moment, nodded in response, and then left with Xiao Fuzi.


    After stepping out, Zhao Hua stood at the entrance of Zhaochun Pce, casting a nce at the golden que above it. Then she quietly gazed at the misty sky, feeling quite nostalgic.


    "There are no clouds for thousands of miles tonight. Tomorrow should be a wonderfully sunny day," she remarked.


    Following her gaze, Xiao Fuzi looked in the same direction and agreed, "After so many days of rain, the sky has been gloomy. Now that the clouds are parting, it''s time for the sun to shine."


    As the night breeze blew, it rustled Zhao Hua''s wide phoenix robe and billowing sleeves.


    Assisting Zhao Hua as she climbed into the carriage, Xiao Fuzi couldn''t help but reflect, "The Empress Dowager is truly kind-hearted. Despite Consort Hui''s scheming against her in the past, the Empress Dowager still allowed her to retain some dignity in the end."


    His words, apanied by the rustling sound of the wind, reached Zhao Hua''s ears.


    She smiled faintly and replied, "Who in this pce can truly outwit another? We have all fallen into the same intricate web spun by the same person, bing trapped like hunted animals. Helpless, we can only fight and struggle day after day until death."


    Nodding, Xiao Fuzi responded, "Although Consort Hui was malicious, she was also a clever person. Now that she cannot escape her deadly punishment, it can be seen as retribution. But with the thoughts the Empress Dowager left her, she won''t have to suffer too much in the end."


    Upon hearing this, Zhao Hua suddenly raised her gaze, her eyes fluctuating as she looked at Xiao Fuzi. She lightly smiled and asked, "If you believe she is intelligent, how much of that well-intentioned lie I just told her do you think she will believe?"


    "Well..." Xiao Fuzi was momentarily speechless. Sensing Zhao Hua''s reluctance to continue the conversation, he simply let down the carriage curtains and casually instructed, "It''ste at night, and the children are still waiting for me in the pce. Let''s go."


    The dense darkness of night engulfed the Queen''s procession, erasing thest flicker of a dim candle in Shang Yang''s inner chamber.


    In this pitch-ck world where one couldn''t see their own hand, Shang Yang stared at her reflection in the mirror. Gradually adjusting to the darkness, she finally saw her own beautifully adorned face after dressing up.


    She took a silk handkerchief and carefully tied it around her neck, concealing the obvious signs of aging.


    Looking at herself this way, it seemed as if time had not left any marks of its hurried passing.


    She remained the same bright and pure young girl she had been when she left her homnd, when she left Jiang Muye''s side.


    At this moment, Shang Yang had already cut her right wrist and dipped it into the basin that had been used for washing, staining the clear water a vibrant coral color as blood trickled out.


    She opened her tightly clenched left hand and looked at the broken red coral ring, smiling peacefully.


    "Yng, I havee to find you," she murmured.


    She understood Xiao Jingheng so well that she knew he would never let Jiang Muye go.


    What Zhao Hua had said to her was merely a well-intentioned deception.


    However, she had been clear-headed her entire life.


    Now, at the end, she wanted to bepletely confused, to be a fool for once.


    Her field of vision gradually became hazy.


    Shang Yang felt her eyelids grow heavy.


    But just before she closed her eyes, she suddenly saw a dazzling light.


    Someone was approaching against the light, getting closer and closer to her.


    This time, she clearly saw the appearance of her young lover.


    After enduring countless hardships, he remained handsome and unchanged,


    Still exuding a charming and energetic demeanor.


    He extended his hand towards Shang Yang from a distance, wearing a radiant smile, and spoke to her in a tender tone:


    "Yang''er, I will take you home."


    In the third day of the fourth month of the ninth year of Qiyuan, Consort Wei Lin passed away due to illness at the age of twenty in Zhaochun Pce.

 Chapter 403: Lie down on ice and beg for Carp

    <h4>Chapter 403</h4>


    Shang Yang''s funeral was organized in a very simple manner. She was dressed in the attire of a concubine and sent to the Concubine Mausoleum for burial during the night.


    Even in her burial, great attention was paid.


    Xiao Jingheng personally arranged the coffin for her early on. It was a coffin made of peach wood and purple gold, with the lid engraved with Five Demon Talismans. If Shang Yang were to be buried in it, her soul would be trapped, condemned to be a lonely ghost forever.


    In other words, Xiao Jingheng harbored such deep resentment towards her that he wouldn''t even let her go in death.


    *


    Two dayster, at noon, Cheng Yu went to the study and had lunch together with Chenghuan.


    Zhao Hua prepared some dishes that Ruo Xin liked and was currently having a meal with the child.


    Recently, the weather had turned hot, and both adults and children had lost their appetites. Ruo Xin only took a few bites and her mind was no longer on eating. Seeing Yunsan entertaining Cheng Ye beside her, she went over and yfully interacted with Cheng Ye.


    Cheng Ye was very well-behaved and wasughing happily under Ruo Xin''s teasing.


    Ruo Xin also smiled and said, "Little Fourth Brother is really well-behaved. Mother, was I also like this when I was young?"


    Zhao Hua was about to reply when she heard Ruo Xin quickly add,


    "Oh, Mother, you weren''t with me back then. I should ask Mother Consort Chen another day."


    Children speak without reservation.


    The childughed innocently, oblivious to how much bitterness these seemingly casual words brought to Zhao Hua.


    But Zhao Hua only felt a momentary pang of sadness and didn''t pay it much attention.


    After all, Ruo Xin was now very close to her.


    Zhao Hua had missed the stage of the child''s early growth, but she would make up for it in the future. She didn''t have time to wallow in self-pity.


    Zhao Hua gestured for Ruo Xin toe closer, scooped a spoonful of tofu and shrimp for her, and asked,


    "Your Second Brother has been back for some time. Mother hasn''t asked you yet, do you get along well with him in private?"


    Ruo Xin''s cheeks were puffed up, and only after she swallowed half of the food did she answer in a muffled voice,


    "Second Brother is always busy studying and doesn''t like to y with us like Chenghuan does. The day before yesterday, Second Brother finally agreed to y sandbags with us. I saw a beautiful tassel hanging from his waist and yed with it. Second Brother was a little unhappy..."


    Zhao Hua knew what Ruo Xin was referring to as the tassel.


    It was a gift from the Chen couple to Cheng Yu, something he cherished dearly.


    She was about to exin a few words to Ruo Xin when Xiao Fuzi entered and whispered,


    "Empress, the Emperor''s carriage has arrived in the capital. He will enter the pce around noon."


    "Understood," Zhao Hua replied calmly and asked, "Has Tian Jipleted the task?"


    Xiao Fuzi said, "Everything has been arranged ording to your instructions, Empress."


    Zhao Hua nodded and then smiled at Ruo Xin,


    "If you think that tassel is beautiful, tell your father when he arrives. Ask him for one too. Also, tell your father exactly what you told me earlier. Okay?"


    Ruo Xin obediently nodded, "Okay!"


    After finishing their meal, Zhao Hua took Ruo Xin for a stroll in the Imperial Garden. Upon returning to the pce, just as she was about to lull Ruo Xin to sleep, Xiao Jingheng arrived.


    As he approached the side hall entrance, he could hear Zhao Hua telling Ruo Xin a story from inside.


    "Once, there was a mother who desired to have fish, but it was bitterly cold and everything was frozen. Thankfully, a stroke of luck urred. She undressed and cut through the ice to find the fish, and suddenly, the ice cracked open, and two carps leaped out..."


    After hearing the story, Ruo Xin said, "Wang Xiang treats his stepmother so well. He is truly filial. In the future, Ruo Xin wants to be like him, filial to the empress and the emperor."


    *Squeak*


    Xiao Jingheng pushed open the door and entered, smiling as he looked at the mother and daughter.


    "Ruo Xin is growing up and already knows the importance of being filial to the emperor and empress."


    "Father!" Ruo Xin was delighted to see Xiao Jingheng. She immediately jumped off the bed and stumbled her way to his side, pestering him to pick her up.


    Xiao Jingheng lifted the child up and affectionately pressed his cheek against hers. Then he looked at Zhao Hua, his smile undiminished.


    "Hui Fei''s matter is being handled well by Zhao Er. I also asked the Grand Schr earlier, and he said that Cheng Yu''s studies are excellent. It is evident that Mr. Chen and his wife have never ckened in their guidance of Cheng Yu. Zhao Er can rest assured."


    Although it was meant to be good news, Zhao Hua nodded with a somewhat forlorn smile.


    "Yes, Mr. Chen and his wife have been very attentive to Cheng Yu, treating him almost like their own son. In the past, Wang Xiangy on the ice to catch fish for his stepmother. Now, perhaps Cheng Yu can do the same for his foster parents..."


    Xiao Jingheng sensed the self-deprecating and bitter undertones in Zhao Hua''s words. He was about to console her when Ruo Xin preempted him.


    "Did Father bring me a gift?"


    Xiao Jingheng yfully rubbed Ruo Xin''s nose. "I bring you things you like every month. Aren''t all those toys enough?"


    "Not enough, not enough!" Ruo Xin grabbed Xiao Jingheng''s cor with her little hand, sweetly coaxing him.


    Xiao Jingheng''s face beamed with a smile, his heart melting. He hurriedly said, "Alright, alright. Whatever Ruo Xin wants, Father will grant it."


    "Then I want a tassel for a sword!"


    "A tassel?" Xiao Jingheng chuckled in confusion. "That''s something boys y with. Ruo Xin likes it too?"


    "Yes!" Ruo Xin vigorously nodded. "Second Brother has a tassel for his sword, and it''s so beautiful. I want to y with it, but Second Brother gets a little upset. It must be valuable, so I want to have one too."


    Zhao Hua exined from the side, "It was a gift from Mr. Chen and his wife to Cheng Yu. It''s kept as a keepsake, and the child can''t bear to part with it."


    Upon hearing this, Xiao Jingheng''s face visibly darkened.


    After putting Ruo Xin to sleep, as they walked hand in hand in the courtyard, Xiao Jingheng suddenly asked,


    "Zhao Er, what are your thoughts on Wang Xiang''s act of catching fish for his stepmother?"


    "Filial piety is the highest virtue. Wang Xiang also owes his stepmother gratitude for raising him, so it is only right for him to be filial." Zhao Hua paused and looked at Xiao Jingheng, then shifted the conversation.


    "But I believe this kind of filial piety should be limited to themon people and not be present in the pce."


    Xiao Jingheng raised an intrigued eyebrow and asked, "Oh? Why do you say that?"


    Zhao Hua replied, "The grace of nurturing surpasses the heavens. Even in this folk saying, ''nurturing''es before ''raising.'' Cheng Yu has been raised by the Chen couple since he can remember. I''m afraid he already holds them in higher regard than his own biological parents."


    She tightened her grip on Xiao Jingheng''s hand, her face filled with concern.


    "Xiao Lang, I must be honest with you. I''m very worried. While such filial piety would be eptable in themon folk, Cheng Yu is a prince. If he continues to hold onto his adoptive parents outside the pce andter honors the Chen couple as his own parents, what will be of him?"


    Halfway through her words, Zhao Hua suddenly bowed to Xiao Jingheng.


    "Xiao Lang, I have an unconventional request."


    Xiao Jingheng quickly helped her up and said, "Please, rise and speak."


    Struggling to find the right words, Zhao Hua finally said:


    "To prevent futureplications, I implore you, Xiao Lang... to grant the Chen couple a sense of closure."


    [There will be another update soon, and also!! I''ll be standing with my hands on my hips today! Let''s see who dares to judge Zhao Zhao without knowing the whole story! (Fierce snarl.jpg)]

 Chapter 404: Fenghou Grand Ceremony

    <h4>Chapter 404</h4>


    Zhao Hua''s words actually reflected Xiao Jingheng''s concerns.


    That''s why even though Cheng Yu had already been proimed as the crown prince, Xiao Jingheng didn''t mention it at all after his return to the pce. Internally and externally, he still referred to Cheng Yu as a "prince."


    By doing so, wasn''t he essentially denying the fact that Cheng Yu had already been established as the crown prince?


    He knew very well that there was no way to acknowledge this matter.


    If Cheng Yu became the crown prince and eventually inherited the throne, if he truly treated Chen''s couple as his own family out of filial piety, as Zhao Hua suggested, wouldn''t it damage his reputation as an emperor?


    Therefore, since the moment Cheng Yu was brought back to the pce, Xiao Jingheng had no intention of letting Chen''s couple live. It''s just that he had been dyed by the earlier agricultural ceremony and hadn''t had a chance to put this matter on the agenda yet.


    Now that Zhao Hua had spoken those words, it seemed that they were in sync with his thoughts.


    At this moment, Xiao Jingheng gazed affectionately at Zhao Hua.


    However, this gaze puzzled Zhao Hua.


    "Why is Lord Xiao looking at me like this?"


    "Our hearts are growing even closer, Zhao Er," Xiao Jingheng smiled and then held Zhao Hua''s hand, "I won''t hide it from you. Your concerns are also my worries. When I returned to the pce this time, I had already nned for the operatives of the secret department to quietly take action and give Chen''s couple a painless end. But this matter cannot be done too obviously, so I intend to set Chen''s residence on fire and make it all appear as an ident."


    Upon hearing this, Zhao Hua nodded in relief. However, the furrowed brows rxed only for a moment before knitting together again.


    She said in a mncholic tone, "Lord Xiao, you had this arrangement in mind long ago, and I worried unnecessarily. However... Chen''s couple did raise and care for Cheng Yu. It doesn''t sit well with me to be so ruthless towards them. I can''t help but feel like I''m repaying kindness with enmity."


    "Don''t have such thoughts, Zhao Er," Xiao Jingheng consoled her, "Those who aspire to achieve great things must make sacrifices. Chen''s couple are also subjects of the Qi Dynasty. Sacrificing themselves for the country is the duty they were born with."


    He embraced Zhao Hua''s slender shoulders, exerting a gentle force as he drew her into his embrace.


    "If you still can''t understand, let me be the viin in this matter. You should pretend not to know anything, and don''t trouble yourself with unnecessary thoughts. The day after tomorrow is your coronation ceremony as the empress. Prepare for it well. I''m also looking forward to the day when you officially proim to the world that you are mywful wife."


    The next day,


    On the eve of the coronation ceremony, the phoenix crown and phoenix robe of the empress were delivered to Chang Le Pce in advance.


    During the reign of the Qi Dynasty, there had been Empress Jia Rui. ording to the rules, the Office of Ceremonial and the Imperial Household Department should have followed the previous precedents for the design and production of the phoenix crown and phoenix robe.


    But judging solely from theplexity of the production of these items, they had already far surpassed those of Empress Jia Rui''s era.


    Moreover, these items had been delivered before,


    When Zhao Hua first saw them, they were far less magnificent than they were today.


    "Didn''t they say it should not be overly extravagant?"


    Minzhong Chen, the chief steward of the Internal Affairs Department, smiled and replied, "The Emperor values the Empress greatly, and everything must be the best for her. All of this is the Emperor''s arrangement."


    As the secondary consort, Zhao Hua must follow the rules and regtions set by Empress Jia Rui, both in terms of attire and the ceremony for her promotion to the rank of Empress. However, the current situation can be considered unconventional.


    But Xiao Jingheng, being more knowledgeable about the rules than her, insisted on doing things this way, and Zhao Hua had no choice but toply.


    At this moment, she looked at the phoenix crown and phoenix robe ced before her, with golden threads and exquisite pearls shining like the Milky Way. She couldn''t help but feel emotional.


    Finally, the day hade.


    Chen Minzhong ttered, saying, "After tomorrow''s ceremony, the Empress will have to move out of Chang Le Pce. Feng Luan Pce was already repaired after the fire, but the Emperor ordered us to renovate it again specifically for you, the Empress. Now it is decorated splendidly, with dazzling gold, and anyone passing by the pce gate will not be able to resist praising its beauty."


    Zhao Hua, upon hearing this, merely smiled and nodded.


    After all, no matter how luxurious the ce was, her most vivid memory of it was the raging fire ignited here by Empress Jia Rui herself.


    That night, the burning Feng Luan Pce had almost dyed the sky red, bing a more dazzling presence than Chaoyang Pce.


    And now, Zhao Hua was going to that most splendid ce.


    On the eighth day of the fourth month of the ninth year of Qiyuan, an auspicious day for weddings and marriages, the festivities in Chang Le Pce began early in the morning.


    As far as the eye could see, everything was adorned in festive red.


    The entire imperial city resounded with the continuous sounds of joyous music and celebrations, except for the time when the Emperor ascended the throne, there had never been such a lively atmosphere in the pce.


    At that moment, Yun Shan, apanied by several pce maids, was attending to Zhao Hua''s grooming.


    Her makeup today was exceptionally beautiful.


    With red lips and a touch of vermilion on her brows, a yellow peony flower adorned her forehead, making her radiant and captivating, attracting everyone''s attention.


    Even her aura waspletely different from when she was just a consort or a concubine.


    Looking at herself in the mirror, Zhao Hua suddenly recalled the words the Empress Dowager had spoken to her before her death.


    "In this lifetime, you will never leave these pce walls. Let me ask you, do you want to spend your life with a madman, or do you want to use him step by step to obtain what you desire?"


    Regarding this question, Zhao Hua now had a resolute answer in her heart.


    After helping Zhao Hua with her attire, Yun Shan looked at the exquisite phoenix embroidery on the robe, and scenes from the past shed before her eyes.


    She had apanied Zhao Hua step by step to this day, recalling the many hardships and sorrows of the past. With tears in her eyes, she said, "Congrattions on officially bing the Empress. Now, you are the most respected woman in the world, and from now on, you no longer have to care about other people''s opinions."


    Zhao Hua smiled and nodded, as if finally crossing countless mountains and letting out a long sigh of relief.


    "Yes, everything is fine now."


    However, there was one thing she could only keep in her heart and not speak out loud.


    She lifted her gaze and looked out of the window, gazing into the distance towards Chaoyang Pce. However, all she could see through theyers of magnificent golden buildings was a faint glimpse of a glistening roof. Atop the roof, coiled around a majestic golden dragon, it raised its head towards the sky as if it could soar into the heavens at any moment.


    Zhao Hua smiled softly without uttering a word, yet in her heart, she understood:


    This phoenix throne was not the ultimate pinnacle.


    Above this phoenix throne, there still remained a precarious dragon seat.

 Chapter 405: One Servant, Two Masters

    <h4>Chapter 405</h4>


    On that day,


    As Zhao Hua, dressed in magnificent attire, approached the main gate of Chang Le Pce, she saw that the one in charge of the ceremony for the crowning of the empress was unexpectedly Xiao Jingyan.


    He was wearing a dark brown dragon-embroidered robe, which was a unique court attire for princes. The somber color and imposing dragon embroidery seemed out of ce with his handsome and charming demeanor.


    The royal finery seemed like heavy shackles on him, appearing especially incongruous.


    When he saw Zhao Huaing out, he solemnlymanded,


    "Kneel!"


    The female officials and pce attendants standing on both sides of the street immediately knelt down, leaving a path in the middle of the street covered with a red peony-patterned cloud carpet that extended endlessly.


    Zhao Hua walked in the center of the cloud carpet, step by step, heading towards the direction of Chaoyang Pce.


    And Xiao Jingyan stood by her side, apanying her like an elder brother bidding farewell to his younger sister on her wedding day.


    However, his expression was serious and stern, devoid of any joy or happiness.


    Faintly, there was a slight furrow between his eyebrows, as if he carried a belly full of concerns.


    The sound of the ceremonial guards'' whips echoed like thunder on the long street,


    The continuous sounds of ceremonial music drowned out all the noise,


    Zhao Hua slightly parted her vermilion lips and in a voice only she and Xiao Jingyan could hear, she asked softly,


    "Brother, do you have something on your mind?"


    Xiao Jingyan kept his gaze fixed on the path ahead, pretending not to hear Zhao Hua''s question,


    But hisplexion visibly darkened by a few shades.


    Zhao Hua had a rough idea of why Xiao Jingyan treated her with such indifference,


    In that case, she no longer pursued the matter.


    They walked for an unknown period of time. When Zhao Hua arrived at Chaoyang Pce, she saw all the civil and military officials standing respectfully outside the Chaoyang Gate''s audience court,


    And Xiao Jingheng stood on the corridor in front of Chaoyang Pce, facing the sunlight, overlooking everything from a higher vantage point.


    To walk from the audience court to Chaoyang Pce, one had to cross ny-nine steps with dragon-patterned reliefs,


    The dragon-patterned wall in the middle of the steps was reserved only for the emperor,


    The right side was for court officials and imperial concubines,


    While the left side, the phoenix tform, was the exclusive path for the empress.


    In the past, Zhao Hua had walked countless times on the side of the court officials, treasuring every small w on each stone step,


    But today, when she walked on the phoenix tform for the first time,


    Although the distance was the same, she proceeded cautiously as if she had been walking for a long, long time before finally reaching Xiao Jingheng.


    She looked at the man before her with a radiant smile, respectfully curtsied, and expressed her gratitude:


    "I, Luo, have received your grace, and I will fulfill my duties as the empress, taking care of the imperial harem and fulfilling my role as the motherly figure for the world, worthy of the emperor''s great favor."


    Xiao Jingheng followed the protocol and said solemnly, "Empress, rise."


    Then, he quickly held Zhao Hua''s hand, helping her to stand up,


    And with great excitement in his tone, he whispered,


    "Zhao''er, I have finally waited for this day."


    Zhao Hua blushed at his words, and after standing up, she intended to step back one position,


    But just as she took a half step back, she felt Xiao Jingheng tightly squeezing her hand,


    Only then did she realize.


    She, now the Empress of the Central Pce, has be the motherly figure of the empire. No longer a concubine, she no longer needs to step back behind the emperor. She now has the qualification to stand side by side with Xiao Jingheng.


    At this moment, a gentle breeze swept across the high tform, lifting the luxurious phoenix robe worn by Zhao Hua, the Empress.


    Standing shoulder to shoulder with Xiao Jingheng, she listened to the congrattory cheers of the civil and military officials below, which surged like tidal waves.


    "Long live the Emperor, long live, long live! Long live the Empress, a thousand years, a thousand years, a thousand thousand years!"


    This was the first time Zhao Hua stood in Xiao Jingheng''s position, overlooking the scene from above. Only then did she realize that no matter how high the rank or the grandeur of these courtiers, standing below the hall, they were just a sea of indistinguishable heads wearing official hats, as insignificant as a grain of sand in the vast ocean.


    Xiao Jingheng''s voice resounded like a bell, "All ministers, rise."


    The officials stood up and said, "We thank Your Majesty for your grace."


    However, they still maintained a bowing posture while straightening their backs.


    Xiao Jingheng looked at Zhao Hua, who seemed a little awkward, perhaps due to nervousness or being overwhelmed by the grandeur of the asion, and forgot the etiquette taught to her by the pce maid during her coronation as the Empress.


    He smiled and whispered to her, "Does the Empress intend to keep our officials confined by strict decorum like this?"


    Only then did Zhao Hua regain herposure.


    She raised her face slightly, imitating Xiao Jingheng''s tone earlier, and smiled gracefully, saying, "Ministers, rise."


    The subsequent events were the trivialities remaining from the coronation ceremony.


    This was how life in the pce was, where even the smallest rules had to be observed.


    The higher the position and influence, the more eyes were watching for any mistakes, leaving no room forcency.


    By the time the ceremony waspletely over, it was already dark outside.


    They were supposed to move to Feng Luan Pce today, but Zhao Hua felt exhausted and reluctant to go through the hassle. So, she requested Xiao Jingheng''s permission to postpone the court''s greetings until tomorrow and nned to move from Chang Le Pce to Feng Luan Pce in the morning.


    The next morning, the servants from the Internal Affairs Department came to Chang Le Pce and busied themselves.


    It was almost noon when Zhao Hua finally settled down in Feng Luan Pce.


    At that time, Yun Shan was massaging Zhao Hua''s sore shoulders and said with a smile, "These past two days have been tiring, but now that we see the magnificence and brightness of Feng Luan Pce, and the spacious living quarters for the princes and princesses, it''s all worth it."


    Zhao Hua also smiled and said, "Yes, didn''t you hear what Cheng Yu said just now? He really likes his current living quarters, doesn''t he?"


    Yun Shan replied, "That was all Miss''s idea, specifically ordered to be arranged for the Second Prince. Miss takes good care of the Second Prince, genuinely concerned about him."


    "Where in this world would a mother not be concerned about her own child?" Zhao Hua said, grasping Yun Shan''s hand gently, and said tenderly, "You don''t need to attend to me anymore. I saw you supporting your waist while moving heavy objects earlier. Did you strain yourself? Let Xiao Fuzi take a look at itter. It''s for the best..."


    "Miss!" Yun Shan''s face instantly turned red, all the way to the roots of her ears. "This servant... this servant is perfectly fine!"


    As the master and servant bantered, the one being gossiped about arrived.


    When Xiao Fuzi entered, he saw Yun Shan blushing and turning away without looking at him. However, Zhao Hua smiled meaningfully and stared at him, leaving him puzzled for a moment.


    He scratched the back of his head but didn''t dy the matter at hand as he reported, "Your Majesty, Xiao Yinzi from the imperial court has arrived."


    Moving closer to Zhao Hua, he whispered, "The y has also been arranged."


    Zhao Hua nodded calmly and smiled, saying, "Then let hime in."


    When Xiao Yinzi arrived, he wore a face full of ttering smiles and bowed deeply to Zhao Hua, saying, "This servant pays respects to the Empress."


    Zhao Hua raised her hand to help him up and instructed Yun Shan to bring fresh tea, saying, "Why has Grand Secretary Yinzie at this hour?"


    Xiao Yinzi smiled and replied, "The Emperor has bestowed a gift upon the Empress, and Master instructed me to deliver it to you."


    As soon as he finished speaking, pce servants entered one after another, presenting a plethora of gold, silver, and precious treasures like flowing water.


    Zhao Hua was never particrly interested in material possessions, but she still expressed her gratitude for the imperial favor. She instructed Xiao Fuzi to take the people downstairs and inventory the items properly before storing them away.


    Only after all the idle people in the pce had left did Xiao Yinzi discreetly say, "There is one more thing that I, as a servant, personally wish to present to you, Your Majesty."


    Zhao Hua scrutinized him for a moment and then smiled, saying, "You have been following Grand Secretary Jiang for a long time, serving the Emperor in the imperial court. Naturally, your discernment is good as well. Whatever you have brought for me, I am sure I will like it."

 Chapter 406: One Servant, Two Masters 02

    <h4>Chapter 406</h4>


    Xiao Yinzi gave a wry smile and respectfully handed a book to Zhao Hua.


    Zhao Hua slowly flipped through the pages, reading about the discussions among the concubines regarding her elevation to the position of empress.


    There were praises and criticisms, both positive and negative.


    It was evident that the servants in each pce had eavesdropped on their masters'' conversations andpiled them for Xiao Yinzi.


    This indicated that although Xiao Yinzi was still under the control of Jiang Deshun, his ambitions had already surfaced.


    However, Zhao Hua didn''t read the entire book.


    She only casually nced through two pages and then closed it, looking at Xiao Yinzi with clear eyes as she asked, "Did Minister Yin bring me these things to let me know who in the pce sincerely supports me and who has reservations about me?"


    Xiao Yinzi bowed and said, "I serve the Emperor and also serve the Empress. Therefore, I must consider and think for the Empress in all matters."


    "Oh?" Zhao Hua smiled even more, her eyebrows raised as she casually caressed the golden armor on her little finger.


    "Then tell me, what should I do about Consort Yun''s private remarks that I am unworthy of the position, iming that I am a fox spirit reborn?"


    Xiao Yinzi''s eyes turned cold, and he lowered his voice as he said fiercely, "Your Majesty is the Empress, and Consort Yun is just a concubine. If she speaks disrespectfully, Your Majesty can personally reprimand her. Or if Your Majesty doesn''t want to lose the reputation of being gentle and virtuous, you can..."


    He paused, looking at Zhao Hua and said word by word, "You can let me privately advise the Emperor and exaggerate the matter. Consort Yun will be at a loss for words and will have to beg for Your Majesty''s help."


    "Hehe." Zhao Hua lightly touched her temple,ughing coldly as she shook her head. "Minister Yin should understand that collusion between eunuchs and concubines in front of the Emperor is a capital offense."


    Xiao Yinzi trembled and said fearfully, "If it weren''t for the Empress''s protectionst time, I''m afraid I would have already lost my life. Serving the Emperor is like being with a tiger. When the teacher retires, I fear that I will again incur the Emperor''s anger and have no one to protect my life."


    As he spoke, he suddenly dropped to his knees, kowtowing to Zhao Hua repeatedly.


    "I only hope that in the future, I can have the Empress''s protection and mercy."


    "You don''t have to wait for the future." Zhao Hua lifted the teacup by her side and took a sip, casually saying, "Right now, I can protect you."


    "Let me go! Let me go!"


    "Behave!"


    Almost as soon as Zhao Hua''s words fell, a loud argument could be heard from outside the door.


    Xiao Yinzi turned his head and saw Xiao Fuzi dragging a stumbling little eunuch inside.


    The little eunuch was the one who had apanied Xiao Yinzi to Fengluan Pce earlier to deliver gifts to Zhao Hua. Seeing him now, Xiao Yinzi was also quite astonished as he asked, "Xiao Zhuozi? May I ask, Fuzi, what crime has hemitted?"


    Xiao Fuzi solemnly said, "This rascal was peeking into the Empress''s chamber through the window in the rear courtyard, who knows what he was trying to see!"


    Xiao Zhuozi was immediately apprehended, and his face turned pale with fear. However, he still stubbornly denied, "I didn''t... I just happened to pass by. I wasn''t peeking at the Empress!"


    "Passing by?" Zhao Hua burst intoughter. "Just behind the main hall, even stray cats are toozy to wander. Where are you passing through? Yun Shan..."


    Upon Zhao Hua''s call, Yun Shan immediately understood. His face darkened in an instant as he retorted:


    "It seems you''re unwilling to speak! Xiao Fuzi, this person dared to spy on the Empress, which is a grave offense within the pce. Drag him out immediately and beat him to death with a club!"


    Yun Shan''s sternmand startled Xiao Zhuozi, and Xiao Fuzi wasted no time, grabbing him by the cor and attempting to drag him out of the room.


    Xiao Zhuozi paled, hastily pleading, "Empress, spare me! I... I''ll talk!"


    Upon hearing this, Xiao Fuzi let go of him and instead kicked his calf, forcing him to kneel before Zhao Hua. Leaning close, Xiao Fuzi threatened in a low voice:


    "If you dare utter a single false word, I''ll make sure to cut out your tongue!"


    Cold sweat the size of beans trickled down Xiao Zhuozi''s forehead as he stammered:


    "It was Jiang Deshun... Jiang Deshun sent me to keep an eye on Xiao Yinzi, to see what he was saying to the Empress..."


    These words pierced Xiao Yinzi''s ears like the icy wind of winter, freezing him to the core from the inside out.


    Among all the people in the pce, Xiao Yinzi trusted Jiang Deshun the most, and he understood Jiang Deshun''s character well.


    Jiang Deshun was unwaveringly loyal to Xiao Jingheng, always putting Xiao Jingheng''s interests above all else, even willing to sacrifice his own life for him.


    If Jiang Deshun were to learn about the conversation between Xiao Yinzi and Zhao Hua today, he would undoubtedly report it truthfully to Xiao Jingheng.


    And then, Xiao Yinzi would have no way out.


    While Xiao Yinzi was bewildered and at a loss, Zhao Hua appeared remarkablyposed.


    She calmly scrutinized Xiao Zhuozi for a moment before saying:


    "Xiao Zhuozi, how many years have you been serving in the pce?"


    "Se... Seven years."


    "Oh, I can see that you have all your limbs intact. You clearly have wit and know how to adapt to the situation. So, let me ask you, do you understand the current situation in the pce?"


    Xiao Zhuozi didn''t dare to speak rashly and could only timidly shake his head.


    Zhao Hua smiled warmly and said, "Jiang Deshun will soon retire from his position. Xiao Yinzi is the most likely candidate to rece him as the new eunuch. If you understand how to keep your mouth shut today, consider it as a favor given to Xiao Yinzi. When he assumes the position of the new eunuch, he won''t forget to promote you.


    Of course, this is just a suggestion from me. You can also choose not to listen and instead go back and tell Jiang Deshun everything you overheard from me. But..."


    At this point, Zhao Hua''s smile froze on her face, and her tone turned serious:


    "You heard it all. Every word was spoken by Xiao Yinzi alone. I didn''t entertain his words. If you reveal this to Jiang Deshun and he turns around and tells the Emperor, causing the Emperor to suspect me, thinking that I am unsettled, then you will be the culprit who destroyed the rtionship between the Emperor and me."


    Zhao Hua leaned slightly forward, her gaze sharp as she uttered each word with emphasis.


    "If that is truly the case, then I can only cut off your hands and feet and throw you into Xinze Prison, letting you fend for yourself."


    Xiao Zhuozi was terrified, kowtowing to Zhao Hua repeatedly, begging for mercy:


    "Your Majesty, please spare me! I... I will be cautious with my words and actions and will not cause any trouble for Your Majesty."


    Only then did Zhao Hua regain her gentle smile and said with satisfaction:


    "Alright, I trust you. You may leave."


    Relieved as if granted a general amnesty, Xiao Zhuozi wiped away his sweat and hurriedly left.


    After he left, Xiao Yinzi took a while to recover and still tremblingly said:


    "Your Majesty... Will Xiao Zhuozi turn around and inform his master?"


    "Who in this pce is not plotting for their own future? I have already shown him a way out. Why would anyone ignore a good path and seek death? Have you ever seen such a person?"


    Xiao Yinzi shook his head in a daze, but the cold sweat had long soaked his back.


    Zhao Hua looked him up and down, sneering, and said:


    "Do you know why, even though both of you serve the Emperor, you almost lost your head while his master has enjoyed a good life for so many years?"


    Xiao Yinzi clumsily shook his head, and Zhao Hua continued:


    "Because his master holds unwavering loyalty and understands the principle of serving only one master. What you said to me today, I will disregard it as if it were nothing. You go back and carefully think through these principles. When you have truly understood,e and tell me how you choose your own path in the future."

 Chapter 407: Brother and Sister Dispute

    <h4>Chapter 407</h4>


    Having heard Zhao Hua''s words, Xiao Yinzi left in silence.


    After he left, Yun Shan waited on Zhao Hua to retire to her inner chambers to rest.


    When the yellow pearwood door of the inner chamber was closed, leaving only the mistress and servant, she asked in a slightly puzzled tone:


    "I really don''t quite understand what happened today. The young miss originally intended to draw Xiao Yinzi over, but now that Xiao Yinzi has taken the initiative toe pledge loyalty, why did the young miss put on this act in front of him?"


    In fact, ever since early this morning, before Zhao Hua had moved from Chang Le Pce to Feng Luan Pce, she already knew that Xiao Yinzi woulde today.


    The little attendant Xiao Zhuozi in the Pce Administration Bureau had already been bribed by Xiao Fuzi to be one of Zhao Hua''s spies nted in the bureau.


    After Xiao Zhuozi passed the message to Chang Le Pce early on, Zhao Hua already had this scheme in mind.


    If Xiao Yinzi really came to pledge loyalty today, then she would put on a big show for him to see.


    But if he just did his job properly without saying much, then Zhao Hua would also stop making a fuss and greet him with a smile.


    At this moment, Zhao Hua waszily reclining on the Couch of Concubine Xiang. She picked up a silver fork and selected a lychee that had been peeled and pitted, and lightly nibbled on it between her lips.


    "The purpose of this act is very simple. First, it is to show him that if he makes a mistake in front of the Emperor, the Emperor will have him killed. But if he makes a mistake in front of me, I will think of ways to protect him. Second, it will also create distrust between him and Jiang Deshun.


    Think about it. Jiang Deshun is loyal to the Emperor. Even if he retires, he will still live in the capital and won''t neglect to instruct Xiao Yinzi on many things. Xiao Yinzi is very filial towards this teacher and has always been sincere to him. But if he first feels that Jiang Deshun is insincere to him, guess how much of that filial piety will be left?"


    After listening, Yun Shan nodded thoughtfully.


    "I see...so that was the intention...Does the young miss think that Xiao Yinzi will be our trusted aide in the future?"


    Zhao Huaughed lightly, "That depends on whether he is a smart person."


    *


    With the death of Shang Yang and Zhao Hua bing Empress,


    there was no longer anyone in the harem who had the ability to stir up trouble.


    Even unrestful ones like Concubine Yun and Concubine Ru could at most make some noise in their own corners, and could no longer kick up any huge waves.


    On the thirteenth day of the fourth month was the day for the silkworm worship ceremony.


    Early that morning, Zhao Hua led the imperial consorts and concubines of the sixth rank and above in the harem to the northern suburbs of the capital for the grand ceremony at the Altar of Silkworm Ancestor.


    The official''s wives and daughters of prominent silk farming families in the capital were also lined up in rows.


    When they saw Zhao Hua, they all bowed down respectfully and greeted her,


    "This humble wife moner) pays respect to Empress, may Empress have boundless fortune and safety."


    Zhao Hua smiled and waved her hand to tell them to rise, and gently said,


    "This ceremony was originally to be held in early March, but I was unable to get away at that time because I was nearing childbirth, which dyed it for quite some time."


    "The capital has not held the silkworm worship ceremony for four years. Now that the Empress has personally attended, I believe next year''s spring plowing and silkworm rearing will surely yield an abundant harvest."


    The speaker was a representative of all the silk farm women. Although her words were ttering and fawning, from the lingering worry between her brows and her in attire, it was not hard to see that even thergest silk farming households could barely maintain a basic living standard.


    This showed that the silkworm gue this year had dealt a heavy blow to the silk industry in the capital.


    Although the gue had been contained by April, the best season for raising silkworms had been missed. I''m afraid the famous silks of the capital would be subpar this year.


    The silk farming families relied on this for their livelihoods. After a silkworm guesting a couple of months, I''m afraid the farming families in the capital suburbs would soon have nothing to eat.


    However, Zhao Hua did not inquire further. Hearing the female official from the Ministry of Rites announce the start of the ceremony, the music for worship and sacrifice rang out sonorously.


    ording to tradition, at the start of the silkworm worship ceremony, the Empress had to enter the Hall of Silkworm Ancestor alone to make offerings on behalf of all women to Silkworm Ancestor.


    Under everyone''s gaze, Zhao Hua slowly stepped into the hall.


    Looking around, the Hall of Silkworm Ancestor was not very big, only about half the size of the main hall of Feng Luan Pce.


    In the center was an enshrined statue of Silkworm Ancestor, with the rest of the furnishings being no different from an ordinary Buddhist temple.


    Zhao Hua walked up to the statue and first bowed to offer incense. Then she knelt on the lotus mat and closed her eyes to pray devoutly to the statue.


    About halfway through the prayer,


    Zhao Hua vaguely heard a faint noise behind the statue of Silkworm Ancestor.


    But she paid it no mind and didn''t even open her eyes, continuing with her prayer.


    It was not until she heard the steady, muffled footsteps approaching her, and the faint aroma of avocado mixed with sandalwood fragrance drifting into her nostrils,


    that after a final kowtow she softly asked,


    "How long has big brother been waiting for me here?"


    Having said this, she finally looked to her side.


    Coming into view was Xiao Jingyan dressed in dark in clothes.


    He looked at Zhao Hua with knitted brows and coldly spat out,


    "Since you knew I woulde to see you, you should also know why I havee."


    A hint of a smile appeared at the corner of Zhao Hua''s mouth. She turned and reached out to Xiao Jingyan,


    "Since big brother hase, please help me up first."


    Of course, she didn''t need to say it. Xiao Jingyan was distressed for his little sister in his heart.


    Otherwise, how could an ordinary lotus mat feel as soft as kneeling on cotton when she knelt on it, as if she felt no burden at all?


    After being helped up by Xiao Jingyan, Zhao Hua leisurely straightened the pleats of her phoenix robe and heard Xiao Jingyan say sarcastically,


    "This empress attire quite bes you."


    Zhao Hua smiled bitterly, "Heavy shackles upon my body, how different from big brother''s court robes? Luxurious as it is, wearing this gilded cage still makes me ufortable."


    "Ufortable?" Xiao Jingyan gave a cold snort. "It looks to me like you''ve be more devoted to Xiao Jingheng now that you''re his principal wife."


    His tone grew colder and colder, and he almost gritted his teeth to spit out,


    "Even your methods have be more alike."


    Zhao Hua silently watched the worry on Xiao Jingyan''s face. After a while, she suddenlyughed,


    "Why does big brother say this?"


    Xiao Jingyan didn''t beat around the bush and directly revealed the matter.


    "Are you aware of the incident where Elder Brother Chen''s residence caught fire and he and his wife lost their lives in the mes?"


    "I''ve heard about it." Zhao Hua nodded indifferently.


    Xiao Jingyan''s eyes flickered. His hands hanging naturally at his sides slowly clenched into fists.


    "But I had clearly sent people to take Elder Brother Chen and his wife to Yun City. There''s no way Xiao Jingheng''s people could have found them at the ancestral home in Hengzhou. So why did they die?"


    His voice grew lower and lower, with more pain than me.


    "After all those years raising Cheng Yu, Elder Brother Chen and his wife were nothing if not devoted and diligent. I looked into it privately and found out it was your people from Tian Ji who brought them back from Yun City. Zhao''er...why?"


    Theplex emotions in Xiao Jingyan''s eyes gradually turned into a misty blur.


    "You clearly knew Xiao Jingheng would want them dead. You clearly knew sending them back would lead to their death! Why did you still do this?"


    Seeing her brother so utterly disappointed in her, Zhao Hua shook her head with a wry smile.


    "Big brother, at this point, I''ve finally realized something."


    "What is it?"


    "I used to wonder why thete emperor wavered between the Fourth Prince and Fifth Prince when choosing the heir, and never considered making you the Crown Prince. But now I understand it clearly..."


    Zhao Hua suddenly tiptoed and patted Xiao Jingyan on the shoulder, jokinglyughing,


    "Of course, with your rash and reckless temperament, how could you be fit to be emperor?"


    Hearing her mockery, Xiao Jingyan briefly put away his sternness and instead was so angry he stamped his feet, pointing at her in a somewhat ridiculous manner as he indignantly said:


    "You dare to insult me again?"

 Chapter 408: You Play Him to Death.

    <h4>Chapter 408</h4>


    The sound of ceremonial music from outside the pce drowned out the conversation, granting Zhao Hua and Xiao Jingyan ample time alone.


    Zhao Hua, who had just been teasing and joking with Xiao Jingyan, nowposed herself and spoke in a serious tone:


    "Since you know that the emperor won''t spare the lives of the Chen family couple, why did you let them go like that? If the emperor can''t find them, who do you think he will suspect? How many lives do you have, brother, to withstand his suspicions?"


    From the very beginning, Xiao Jingyan understood that Zhao Hua did all this to protect him.


    However, he was a person who appeared one way on the surface but waspletely different on the inside. He seemed carefree on the outside, but in reality, he held strong principles and valued loyalty and righteousness more than anyone else.


    Therefore, he couldn''t approve of Zhao Hua''s actions.


    "So, in order to save me, you''re willing to sacrifice the lives of others? Are you willing to sacrifice the lives of the kind people who helped raise Cheng Yu safely? What''s the difference between what you''re doing and what Xiao Jingheng did!?"


    Faced with his stern questioning, Zhao Hua didn''t back down. On the contrary, her presence grew even stronger as she retorted:


    "And what about you, brother? What have you done? You sent them to Yun City, which is your fiefdom. Under the heavens, there isn''t a ce where the emperor can''t find two living people. When the emperor finds them, he will take all three of you to the execution ground and behead you together. Will you be satisfied then?"


    Zhao Hua''s question left Xiao Jingyan momentarily speechless.


    After a while, he murmured, "At that time, I couldn''t think that far. I could only..."


    "Brother, yourck of consideration isn''t something that happened overnight. From the moment you asked me to steal the Tian Ji Secret Order, from the time you dared to have a rtionship with Elder Sister Rong in the pce, I knew that you were a person who didn''t value your own life."


    Zhao Hua interrupted Xiao Jingyan''s words with annoyance and then candidly confessed, "That''s right, I sent people to bring the Chen family couple from Yun City, and I also persuaded the emperor to have them killed quickly to avoid any trouble. If I didn''t do that, I wouldn''t have been able to find out from the emperor''s own mouth how he nned to kill the Chen family couple, nor could I arrange things properly afterwards."


    Xiao Jingyan stared at Zhao Hua with widened eyes. From her calm demeanor, he seemed to catch a glimpse of his own recklessness. His voice softened as he asked, "What do you mean by ''arranging things properly afterward''?"


    Impatiently, Zhao Hua gave him a disdainful look and said, "When I learned from the emperor himself how he nned to burn the Chen family couple alive, I had Tian Ji find a notorious ruffian from Hengzhou. They disguised themselves as the Chen family couple and were left in the old house, waiting for someone to set it on fire. Meanwhile, the real Chen family couple had long been sent to Danzhou from Yun City."


    She paused for a moment, clenched her fist, and delivered a heavy blow to Xiao Jingyan''s chest. Then, she raised her eyebrows teasingly and said, "Do you understand now, my foolish and unaware older brother?"


    After listening to Zhao Hua''s words, Xiao Jingyan felt as if his cheeks had been pped repeatedly, burning with a fiery pain.


    He scratched the back of his head, feeling a bit embarrassed. His attitude suddenly changed, and with a mischievous yet foolish smile, he said, "Hehe, I knew my sister wouldn''t do that..."


    "Stop." Zhaohua ced her index finger on Xiaojingyan''s lips, yfully saying, "I wonder who was acting so fierce earlier, as if I had taken his two pennies and he was eager to interrogate me."


    "Ah! Brother was wrong, brother was wrong!"


    Xiaojingyan quickly admitted his mistake and eagerly moved closer to Zhaohua, wearing a yful smile on his face.


    "Brother was just worried that you would take the wrong path and be someone you despise. And if we reveal everything from the beginning, I wouldn''t have to..."


    "I couldn''t have told you from the beginning," Zhaohua''s gaze yfully wandered over him.


    "You''re someone who can''t hide anything on your face. If I had told you, you would still have maintained your carefree appearance when entering and leaving the pce, thinking no one was watching. But if someone from the emperor''s side had secretly observed you, wouldn''t they have be suspicious? You value friendship the most, and the Chens are your close friends. If you couldn''t convincingly show your grief over the loss of your dear friends, it would be better to let you believe it was true. If the actors are fully immersed in their roles, then how can the audience doubt it?"


    After hearing Zhaohua''s words, Xiaojingyan was dumbfounded, and his jaw almost dropped to the ground.


    He had known that Zhaohua was intelligent, but he never expected her to be so skilled at plotting and scheming.


    At that moment, as he looked at Zhaohua, his eyes transformed from astonishment to a sense of admiration.


    He eximed repeatedly, "Wow! Xiao Jingheng is truly fortunate to have you by his side."


    He leaned closer to Zhaohua and smirked, "But aren''t you ying with fire? Could you possibly kill him?"


    Zhaohua smiled indifferently and calmly replied, "Kill him? Why would I want my husband to die? I will always remember the Emperor''s kindness and never forget it. In the future, I will repay him tenfold, a hundredfold, to fulfill the bond between us as husband and wife."


    Even a fool could understand the hidden meaning in her words.


    With that, Xiaojingyan no longer continued speaking and mischievously pointed at the idol, saying, "You enjoy yourself with him, I''ll have to go back and hide."


    Zhaohua furrowed her brows slightly upon hearing this and curiously followed his gaze. Only then did she realize that the space behind the idol was cramped, and Xiaojingyan, being tall and big, had to crouch like a turtle to hide there.


    Seeing him like this, she couldn''t help but suppress herughter.


    "Now that you''re here, enduring this ordeal, shouldn''t you meet the person you''ve been yearning for day and night?"


    "You mean..."


    "Shh." Zhaohua ced her index finger on her lips and made a hushing gesture towards Xiaojingyan, who was crouched in the dark corner. Then she raised her eyebrows and smiled.


    "Hide well, don''t let your tail stick out."


    With that, she turned around, opened the pce doors, and among the group of concubines, her gaze fell solely on Rongyue.


    "Consort Shun, you have good calligraphy skills. Did you transcribe the entire ''Earth Treasury Sutra'' that I asked you to copy?"


    Rongyue said, "Your Majesty, they are all here."


    Cai Ying was originally holding a Buddhist scripture to show to Zhao Hua, but Zhao Hua waved her hand and said,


    "No need, let Consort Shun personally take them inside and burn these Buddhist scriptures."


    Upon hearing this,


    Rongyue cast a deep gaze at Zhao Hua, suppressing the waves in her heart, and nodded heavily in response,


    "I, your humble servant... shall obey the order!"

 Chapter 409: Grace of the Queen

    <h4>Chapter 409</h4>


    After Rongyue entered the hall alone, Zhao Hua led the others to finish the rest of the grand ceremony procedures.


    When the rituals were over, Zhao Hua ordered Yun Shan to hand an ount book to the head silkworm breeder.


    After looking through the ount book, the silkworm breeder''s face revealed surprise,


    "This...this is the ie details of all mulberry growers in the capitalst year, recorded very thoroughly."


    Zhao Hua gently said, "This concubine has seen the ount book. The total ie of the capital''s mulberry growersst year was about 30,000 taels of silver. Since the silkworm gue this year has caused damage to the mulberry growers, this concubine would like to ask, have you privately calcted how much ie you can have this year?"


    The silkworm breeder said bitterly, "It is estimated to be less than 30 percent ofst year..."


    After hearing this, Zhao Hua casually said,


    "Then this concubine will take out ten years of the queen''s sry to subsidize you."


    At this remark, everyone was stunned, and the buzz of discussion rose one after another.


    "The queen''s ten years of sry is enough to have 20,000 taels of silver! Privately counting, although we have suffered a disaster, but our ie has still increased!"


    "That''s right! No one can predict such a natural disaster, but the Queen is willing to take out ten years of her sry for us! I remember that during the previous famine, only the Emperor opened the national treasury for disaster relief, but the former Queen did not show any intention at all..."


    "Speak softly, do you want to die! But it is true, the Emperor cares about the world, and now the Queen also has the heart of a Bodhisattva who cares about themon people. Our days ahead will be blessed!"


    "..."


    Thesements were all admiration and praise, but Zhao Hua did not listen to any of them, only busy finishing her words,


    "However, there is no free lunch in this world. I subsidized you, but if you don''t work, the farmers will see you get money for nothing, and it will inevitably cause someints. So I will provide this silver, but you can''t be idle."


    She took the map of mountains and rivers handed over by Xiao Fuzi and unfolded it.


    The people saw that a piece of vacantnd near the suburbs of the capital was circled out.


    Someone immediately said, "This wastnd is near my house. I saw that the weeds on it were all cleared some days ago, and thend was re-tilled. I thought some rich family wanted to build a house here."


    Xiao Fuzi smiled and exined, "Someone is rich, but not to build a house, but to share this wealth with you."


    He bowed respectfully to Zhao Hua, and then said loudly to themoners,


    "The Queen is benevolent. She has discussed with the Emperor and reimed a piece of vacantnd in the outskirts of the capital, specifically for the mulberry growers to nt mulberry trees. What the Queen just said about not letting you be idle is to have you work together to nt mulberry trees here, take good care of them, and gain more through more work."


    In this way,


    not only the ie problem of mulberry growers was solved, but also their future ie was increased unconsciously, and agricultural taxes in the future could be raised.


    This wonderful n of triple benefits seemed to benefit everyone except Zhao Hua.


    The people all love Guanyin,


    not because of her solemn dharma form, but because she can relieve suffering and distress, and sacrifice herself for others.


    People are selfish,


    if someone else''s sacrifice can fulfill themselves, who would not be happy to see such a sacrifice?


    So at this moment, almost all the silkworm breeders knelt in front of Zhao Hua, kowtowed to her repeatedly to thank her grace, and they all looked extremely delighted.


    Yun Fei observed from the side, she couldn''t help muttering,


    "Ten years of sry? Is the Queen crazy? With the support from our maternal families, plus the sry, the little silver we get every month is barely enough. The Queen took out ten years of sry all at once, her maternal family probably doesn''t have much oil and water to support her. How tight will the days in the harem be for her in the future?"


    Consort Yin nced at her and disdainfully said,


    "You''d better mind your own business. The Queen is seeking the well-being of the people of the world. The Queen''s benevolence is the Emperor''s benevolence. This move stabilizes the people''s hearts and also gives the Emperor face. Besides, what does ten years of sry count for? The Emperor dotes on the Queen so much, how could he bear to let her live in such difficulties?"


    Consort Yin saw through this matter clearly.


    Zhao Hua''s move was to win face for Xiao Jingheng, and also to win a reputation for herself as virtuous and wise.


    What Xiao Jingheng cared most about was the face of the imperial n and the people''s evaluation of him as the emperor.


    If he knew about Zhao Hua''s move, he would probably rush to thank her, how could he let her pay out of her own pocket?


    Yun Fei realized it now, and said reluctantly,


    "She really knows how to handle things. Look at thosemoners, they are so excited that they can''t wait to build a shrine for her on the spot. I see that in the future, the silkworm worship ceremony will no longer worship any Silkworm Ancestor, just worship her directly!"


    While she was mocking Zhao Hua maliciously behind her back,


    suddenly she caught sight of the bustle in the crowd, as if Jiang Deshun was rushing over limping,


    "Jiang Deshun? Why did hee at this time?"


    Jiang Deshun squeezed through the crowded people and came to Zhao Hua.


    Seeing his livid face, Zhao Hua frowned and asked,


    "What''s the matter?"


    But Jiang Deshun didn''t even care about proper manners,


    he moved close to Zhao Hua''s side, and said in a low, solemn voice,


    "Queen, please return to the pce quickly. Something big has happened in the pce!"

 Chapter 410: Trouble in the Skin

    <h4>Chapter 410</h4>


    Because of therge number of foreign officials here, Jiang Deshun also did not say much. He only whispered to Zhao Hua when he was close, "The situation of Princess Jinghe falling into the water does not look good."


    Later on the way back to the pce, Jiang Deshun told Zhao Hua about the disaster in detail:


    "Today, after the emperor finished the morning court session, he was free and went to the Office of the Imperial Secretariat to ask about the schoolwork of Prince Huan and Prince Er. The emperor was very satisfied with the performance of the two princes and allowed them to take a day off to refresh themselves today.


    The two princes were about to return to their own pces after leaving the Office of the Imperial Secretariat, but when they passed the Imperial Garden, they happened to meet the nannies who were taking the three princesses to y in the Imperial Garden. Princess Ruoxin and Princess Jinyue wanted their brothers to stay and y with them.


    Originally, the children were just flying kites, picking flowers, and ying normally, butter Concubine Ru happened to pass by this ce, and she was even holding a lot of leather puppets... "


    "Leather puppets?" Zhao Hua asked in puzzlement: "What are those?"


    Jiang Deshun exined: "It was an old Mongolian custom. Using high-quality calfskin, stitching it with soft brocade, making it into a hooded robe, and then drawing various animal shapes on it, decorating it with various gems to make it look vivid.


    When a person wears thisyer of leather and pretends to be a beast, it is an indispensable part of the Mongols''rge-scale sacrificial celebrations. Concubine Ru has been in the pce for a long time without seeing her family, so she really misses them. She made these things, thinking of taking them back to her own pce and letting the pce maids dress up and y with them, in order to relieve her homesickness."


    The children were at an age when they loved to y and make trouble. Seeing such a novel thing, they must have wanted to y with it. It was not Concubine Ru''s fault.


    So Zhao Hua continued to ask, "What happened afterward? How did Princess Jinghe fall into the water?"


    "Concubine Ru left the leather puppets behind for the children to choose their favorite animal styles to wear. Then they yed hide and seek in the Imperial Garden. The nannies lost sight of them for a moment, and the children ran away in all directions. The nannies were afraid something might happen, so they hurriedly called the guards to help find them, but still..."


    Jiang Deshun''s eyes turned red as he gritted his teeth and said, "It is unknown why Princess Jinghe fell into the Imperial Lake. When she was found, she was already at herst gasp..."


    Upon hearing this, Zhao Hua let down her heart a little,


    but she did not feel relieved at all.


    She felt at ease because her child, Princess Wan''s child, were safe and sound.


    But she did not feel relieved, because although Princess Jinghe was born to Concubine Jiarui, she was not at all like Concubine Jiarui''s temperament before.


    Although she was a little lonely on weekdays, she still took care of her two younger sisters, Princess Ruoxin and Princess Jinyue.


    As a child, Zhao Hua was also sincerely concerned:


    "How is the Princess now?"


    "When this ve came out of the pce to seek the Empress, the imperial doctors were still trying their best to diagnose and treat her. Because of this matter, the emperor was furious. He immediately decreed to not only deal with the nannies who looked after the princes, but also severely reprimanded Concubine Ru..."


    Perhaps Jiang Deshun could not agree with Xiao Jingheng''s handling of the matter either, so he hurried to find Zhao Hua toe back and advise,


    "Empress, this matter really has nothing to do with Concubine Ru. This ve did not dare to advise when the emperor was angry, but this... If the emperor really dealt with Concubine Ru because of this, I''m afraid the various Mongol tribes would find it hard to exin when they learned of it..."


    After listening, Zhao Hua slowly nodded and said firmly: "This pce understands. But now, nothing is more important than Princess Jinghe''s safety. Let people hurry back to the pce."


    The carriage raced all the way. The journey that usually took an hour waspleted in less than half an hour.


    With Yun Shang''s support, Zhao Hua got off the carriage and looked up. The first thing she saw were the two faded golden characters "Shou Kang" above the gate.


    Princess Jinghe had always been raised under the Grand Empress Dowager before she passed away. After the Grand Empress Dowager''s death, Princess Jinghe was sent to live in the Shoukang Pce where Concubine Jinggui, the mother of Prince An, lived.


    At this time, Zhao Hua hurried into the courtyard,


    but saw Concubine Ru kneeling awkwardly in the middle of the empty courtyard, with an oily face from the sun''s scorching heat.


    Beside her hand were stacks of leather puppets.


    Zhao Hua nced roughly at the clothes,


    the workmanship was very delicate, and the animal fur on it seemed to be peeled off from living things and glued back one by one,


    if someone wore such a suit in the dark night, it would not be surprising to be mistaken for a beast.


    At this time, the dazed Concubine Ru who was dizzy from the sun also saw Zhao Hua.


    She seemed to see a lifesaver and hurriedly kowtowed to Zhao Hua, crying,


    "Empress, please save this concubine! This matter really has nothing to do with me! The clothes were what the children insisted on wearing. If they had asked for them and I was unwilling to give them to the children, Concubine Ning would surely scold me again if she knew about it."


    As she spoke, she seemed to recall the ps she had suffered from Ning Wanshuang, and couldn''t help covering her face as she cried even more grievously,


    "These clothes, this concubine originally intended to let her pce maids dress up in order to relieve homesickness. This concubine did not intend any harm to the Princess at all. Empress, you must believe me!"


    Facing her cries, Zhao Hua didn''t even nce at her and walked straight past her.


    Concubine Ru was stunned for a moment, but she also understood Zhao Hua''s attitude.


    That''s right, with Princess Jinghe''s life and death at stake, Xiao Jingheng''s thunderous wrath did not diminish. Who would be willing to plead for her at this time and do such a thankless thing?


    But just as she was hopeless,


    a grey green handkerchief suddenly floated down before her.


    She nkly looked up to see Zhao Hua standing ten feet away in front of her, her eyebrows and eyes coldly raised at her,


    "Aren''t you always saying that Mongolian women''s courage and wisdom are no less than men''s? Pick up the handkerchief, wipe away the tears, don''t embarrass your homnd."

 Chapter 411: (The Princess)

    <h4>Chapter 411</h4>


    As usual when hearing her words, Zhao Hua felt there was an opportunity.


    She picked up her silk handkerchief and clutched it tightly in her hand, just about to continue pleading,


    But this time, Zhao Hua walked away decisively without looking back as she entered the main hall.


    When Zhao Hua entered, she saw Princess Dowager Jinggui sitting in a yellow boxwood chair under thettice window.


    Her right elbow leaned against the table, palms propping up her forehead. Her eyes still seemed to hold a faint red glow.


    Princess Dowager Jinggui was naturally aloof, seldom interacting with other imperial concubines.


    Each day she just stayed in her own courtyard, leisurely spending her days.


    But ever since Jinghe came to her pce, everything had changed.


    Zhao Hua had grown tired of just hearing about it.


    Everyone in the pce said Princess Dowager Jinggui treated Jinghe extremely well, doting on her like a granddaughter.


    Ruohua had even privately told Zhao Hua before that when she went to visit Jinghe at Shoukang Pce when no one else was around, Jinghe would affectionately call Princess Dowager Jinggui "Imperial Grandmother."


    It showed the deep bond between the two as grandmother and granddaughter.


    Now something like this had suddenly happened. Without much thought, one could tell Princess Dowager Jinggui must not be feeling well.


    At this moment, Princess Dowager Jinggui was immersed in grief and anxiety,pletely unaware that Zhao Hua was already standing before her.


    "Greetings to Imperial Concubine."


    Hearing the movement, Princess Dowager Jinggui suddenly raised her head.


    When her gaze met Zhao Hua''s for a moment, it seemed tock some of the disgust and astonishment from their first meeting.


    She just quietly looked at Zhao Hua for a few moments, then nodded lightly and said:


    "The Empress has arrived. The Emperor is inside apanying Jinghe."


    Zhao Hua bowed her head in acknowledgment, then softly asked:


    "How is the Imperial Princess?"


    Princess Dowager Jinggui seemed unwilling to face this question.


    She just mutely shook her head as tears fell.


    Zhao Hua understood at this time Princess Dowager Jinggui did not wish to be disturbed by anyone,


    so she bowed to Princess Dowager Jinggui and slowly walked towards the inner chamber.


    As soon as she lifted the curtain separating the inner chamber, a rich, bitter medicinal smell suddenly rushed into Zhao Hua¡¯s nostrils.


    She saw the simmering medicine pot by Jinghe''s bedside bubbling away.


    The medicine inside was nearly boiled dry, yet none of the imperial physicians surrounding Jinghe''s bed noticed.


    They had undressed Jinghe, vigorously massaging her chest and abdomen.


    But Jinghe seemed to show no reaction at all.


    Zhao Hua silently prayed as a mother, hoping the child would be safe and sound.


    Xiao Jingheng as the father paced back and forth not far away, his face full of worry.


    Zhao Hua stepped forward to greet and bow to him, but before she could kneel down, he helped her up.


    His palms were very cold,


    extremely frightened and losing warmth.


    "Jingheng, Jinghe she..."


    "Jinghe is Our imperial princess, she is Our daughter! She will definitely be fine!"


    Zhao Hua held his hand in return, gently consoling:


    "Don''t worry, Jinghe has the imperial favor''s protection, she certainly won''t..."


    ¡ª"The Imperial Princess!"


    Zhao Hua''s auspicious words had just been spoken halfway when they were suddenly interrupted by the imperial physician''s sudden mournful cry.


    She looked in panic towards the direction of the voice. She only saw the imperial physicians kneeling on the ground before Jinghe''s bed.


    Their faces were grief-stricken, weeping and wailing.


    Seeing this, Xiao Jingheng was even more stunned in ce, with an expression of disbelief.


    Until,


    Imperial Academy Chancellor Guo staggered over and knelt before him, choking back sobs as he said word for word:


    "Your Majesty! The Imperial Princess, she...passed away!"


    "Impossible! Jinghe is Our daughter! She can''t die!"


    Xiao Jingheng circumvented him and stumbled step by step to Jinghe¡¯s bedside.


    He saw Jinghe lying on the bed, serene and peaceful. Aside from the dampness in her hair that had not yet dried,


    looking at her this way, she seemed to just be sleeping as usual.


    For a moment he lost control and suddenly grabbed Jinghe''s arm, vigorously shaking her:


    "Jinghe! Wake up! Your Father Emperor hase to see you!"


    However, no matter how much Xiao Jingheng was unwilling to believe it,


    this matter could not be reversed.


    Jinghe had died, sudden and without warning,


    just like a tender peony or lotus hastily falling in a season before it could fully bloom.


    The ninth year of the Qiyuan Era, fourth month, thirteenth day. Imperial Princess Xiao Jinghe passed away in Shoukang Pce, at the age of five.


    Three dayster was Jinghe''s funeral procession.


    The entire pce was in grief, the princes were frightened and terrified,


    and during this time, Chenghuan cried the most bitterly.


    Jinghe and him were born on the same day, though she was a bit earlier. So he had always respected and treated her as his elder sister.


    The child originally had eczema, not to mention his eyes bing red and swollen from crying for so long, the ces on his cheeks where his tears had flowed would also crack and split even more severely.


    Seeing him this way, Zhao Hua felt heartache but also quietly reminded Ning Wanshuang:


    "Sister Ning, why not bring Chenghuan back first? With summer approaching, that is when his illness will re up again. Crying like this will only damage his face, how can that be good?"


    "How could I not know that?" Ning Wanshuang helplessly sighed, "Not only today, ever since knowing Jinghe had died, this child''s tears have not ceased.


    Sometimes he suddenly wakes up sobbing in the night. Seeing him like this, I also don''t feel well. Today is sending off the Imperial Princess, so I won''t persuade him. Let this child properly send off his elder sister."


    Hearing this, Zhao Hua deeply looked at Chenghuan once, also feeling moved by how well Ning Wanshuang had raised this child.


    Until...


    That night, servant Fuzi brought the testimonies of the wet nurses who served the princes on that day for Zhao Hua.


    From these testimonies she sensed something amiss.


    "Look at what they said. They all said the Imperial Princess first picked a green phoenix costume, while Cheng Yu picked a red lion costume. But why...when the Imperial Princess was found drowned in the Imperial Lake, she was wearing the red lion costume?"


    The more Zhao Hua thought about it, the more she felt everything about this matter revealed an indescribable strangeness.


    "I''ve seen that costume. It pulls over the head with eye holes dug out to see the path. Judging only by appearance, it is impossible to see who is wearing the costume... Go ask Cheng Yu why heter switched costumes with the Imperial Princess."


    Hearing the order, Yun Shan took the chance while bringing cow''s milk to Cheng Yu to casually ask him.


    Cheng Yu said: "Elder sister said she liked the lion and thought it looked majestic, and wanted to switch with me. I am a man, of course I would concede to a girl, so I switched with her."


    Yun Shan also asked: "Did anyone see you switching costumes?"


    Cheng Yu shook his head: "No, we secretly switched behind the artificial mountain."


    After hearing this, Yun Shan soothed Cheng Yu to sleep before hurrying to inform Zhao Hua.


    Zhao Hua''s slender brows furrowed tightly as the ominous feeling lingering in her heart grew stronger:


    "No one knew Cheng Yu and Jinghe switched costumes...Yun Shan, what if this wasn''t an ident, but someone deliberately tried to harm the child?"


    She raised her brow, looking at Yun Shan with a heavy gaze,


    "If this is really the case, then who do you think that person wanted to harm - Jinghe, or Cheng Yu who switched costumes with Jinghe?"


    [Busy with live testing stuff today, so just two updates for now. Hopefully no issues tomorrow so I can update more. Please understand, love you all, take care~]

 Chapter 412: Child Eating Addiction

    <h4>Chapter 412</h4>


    Upon hearing Zhao Hua''s words, Yun Shan was taken aback and felt a sense of astonishment.


    She hesitated for a while before finally revealing her concerns with a cold tone, "Miss, are you saying that someone genuinely intends to harm our Second Prince?"


    Frowning, Zhao Hua shook her head, unable to spare the time for further contemtion. She was already trembling with fear. "I''m just specting, but I can''t understand who would plot against him. Shang Yang is already dead, so there shouldn''t be anyone left in the pce with a motive to harm the heir to the throne, unless..."


    She tapped her fingers on the table from time to time, the sound as chaotic as her tangled thoughts.


    A preposterous idea shed through Zhao Hua''s mind but was quickly suppressed.


    Without voicing her spections, she only instructed Yun Shan, "Tomorrow morning, go and summon Zhang Imperial Physician. Tell him that the Second Prince is experiencing palpitations and needs his examination. Also, pay a visit to the Office of the Imperial Secretariat and inform Cheng Yu that he can take a break."


    Yun Shan nodded in agreement. "Miss, your considerations are thorough. If someone is truly targeting the Second Prince, they won''t give up after one failed attempt. Until we have conclusive evidence, it''s safest for the Second Prince to remain in our pce."


    She believed wholeheartedly that Zhao Hua wanted to keep Cheng Yu under close watch to protect him from hidden dangers.


    Little did she know that Zhao Hua''s true concerny with their elder brother, who attended school and sses with Cheng Yu every day...


    That night, Zhao Hua tossed and turned, unable to find sleep. It was almost a sleepless night for her.


    Every time she closed her eyes, memories shed through her mind like a revolvingntern.


    She recalled Chenghuan''s well-behaved and sensible demeanor in front of her, his teary eyes filled with grief and mourning, and...


    Chengjing''s death.


    When the first soft morning light spilled onto Cheng Yu''s face, Zhao Hua had been quietly sitting by his bedside, keeping watch.


    As she looked at his handsome sleeping face, many emotions surged within her.


    She felt a deep sense of guilt for failing to protect Cheng Yu in the past. Now that they had finally reunited after oveing countless obstacles,


    if anyone dared to plot against her son,


    regardless of who harbored ill intentions, she would not let them off easily!


    She had no idea how long she had been guarding her child like this,


    until the gentle morning light cast its first ray upon Cheng Yu''s face, and the little onezily opened his eyes.


    He was somewhat surprised to see Zhao Hua sitting by his bedside. "Mother?"


    With a gentle touch, Zhao Hua stroked Cheng Yu''s forehead and smiled, "You''re awake."


    Under the guidance of the Chen family couple, Cheng Yu had already developed the habit of rising early. Now that he was in the pce, he didn''t need the maidservants to wake him up when he went to the Office of the Imperial Secretariat.


    Seeing Zhao Hua today, he thought he had overslept and hurriedly sat up from the bed, eager to change and freshen up.


    Zhao Hua stopped him and spoke softly, "Yesterday, your mother noticed that you were also deeply saddened during your elder sister''s mourning ceremony. So, she asked for you to have a break today. Take a good rest for a couple of days, and your studies can wait."


    Although Cheng Yu had only recently returned to the pce and had only yed with Jinghe three or four times,


    But he knew that was his older sister and it was also his first experience of losing someone close to him, so he felt uneasy in his heart.


    However, he said, "Actually, the one who should be the most devastated by the passing of our older sister is our eldest brother. Yesterday, I saw him crying so much at our sister''s funeral that his voice went hoarse. From that, I knew that their rtionship must have been very good in the past."


    Zhao Hua followed the child''s words and asked without showing any trace, "What about you? Since you returned to the pce, you have been closest to your eldest brother. How do you get along with each other?"


    Cheng Yu nodded without hesitation, "My eldest brother treats me very well. When we were in Hengzhou before, there was also an older brother who was slightly older than me and yed with me, but they were not like my eldest brother. He always protects me, pampers me, and even takes the initiative to teach me my lessons."


    The goodness of Chenghuan, as mentioned by Cheng Yu, goes far beyond these words,


    The child went on and on, but Zhao Hua didn''t really pay much attention to the words that followed,


    Instead, a sense of self-me arose within her.


    She med herself, perhaps her suspicion was too heavy, or perhaps after soaking in the pce for many years, she had be afraid of the hearts of people in the harem, to the point where she even had to be cautious and suspicious of a five-year-old child...


    No matter how treacherous the hearts of the people in the pce may be, children should always be the purest beings in this world,


    And Chenghuan, raised under the care of his sister Wan, who treated him as her own, how could he not bear it?


    So, Zhao Hua temporarily set aside her spections about Jinghe''s death,


    Convincing herself that all of this should be viewed as an ident.


    Later, Imperial Physician Zhang came to Feng Luan Pce, took Cheng Yu''s pulse in a perfunctory manner, and then requested a day off from the Office of the Imperial Secretariat, allowing the child to rest well.


    After morning court, Xiao Jingheng heard that Cheng Yu was sick. With the early death of Jinghe, he was like a startled bird, fearing any further loss to the heir to the throne. So he went straight to Feng Luan Pce to visit.


    Zhao Hua apanied him, and when they saw Cheng Yu still asleep, she also heard Zhao Hua say that the child was just staying upte due to excessive worries and there was nothing serious. Xiao Jingheng felt a little relieved,


    "For the matter of Jinghe, several children were frightened. Especially Chenghuan, he is the most sensitive and delicate. Just by looking at him during the funeral yesterday, he seemed to have lost weight in just a few days."


    Zhao Hua said, "The brothers and sisters share the same bloodline. It''s difficult for us adults to ept such a sudden event, let alone the children."


    As she gently stroked the dark circles under Xiao Jingheng''s eyes, she couldn''t help but feel sorry, saying, "Xiao Lang, you have also be haggard. I think you probably didn''t sleepst night either?"


    Xiao Jingheng took a deep breath, then let out a long sigh, and spoke with a hint of helplessness and bitterness,


    "I always feel that heaven has been too cruel to me. First, it took away Chengjing, and then it took away Jinghe. I have few heirs, and one by one, the children have abandoned me. I can''t help but feel...unpleasant in my heart."


    As he said these words, his eyes inadvertently turned red,


    Zhao Hua believed in his sincerity, butpared to his past actions, his sincerity was ratherughable.


    Was hisck of offspring a result of heaven''s indifference?


    Ning Wanshuang, the child she carried for six months in her womb all those years ago, the male twin among the twins, and Cheng Yu, who was now cradled in Xiao Jingheng''s hands¡ªweren''t they all the ones he had ordered to "eliminate" himself?


    It is said that a tiger does not eat its cubs,


    yet for the sake of his throne, for his own well-being, he continuously indulged in "eating his own children,"


    such a malicious person is not even worthy of being human, so how can he me the heavens for treating him cruelly?


    Of course, Zhao Hua could only silently mock these absurdities.


    Facing Xiao Jingheng, her eyes turned red, and she held his hand, sincerelyforting him with these words:


    "Your Majesty is in the prime of your life, and in the future, you will surely have abundant offspring."

 Chapter 413: The Child Is Not Pure 01

    <h4>Chapter 413</h4>


    Whether Zhao Hua''s offspring could prosper, Zhao Hua did not dare to assert,


    She only knew that for this man, she would not bear another son or daughter in this lifetime.


    Ever since giving birth to Cheng Ye, after every intimate night with the emperor, Zhao Hua would secretly take the "medicine" given by the imperial doctor Zhang.


    With that medicine, it was impossible for Zhao Hua to get pregnant.


    Just as Rongyue said,


    Children should be had with the man you love, not used as a chip to gain power.


    And Xiao Jingheng waspletely kept in the dark about Zhao Hua''s actions,


    So much so that right now he was still dreaming,


    "After Zhao''er has recuperated, we shall have a few more children to liven up this household, shall we?"


    Zhao Hua did not respond, only smiled shyly with downcast eyes, toozy to even humor him with lies.


    That day, when Jinghe drowned, Xiao Jingheng was so furious he wanted to execute all the wet nurses who cared for the prince,


    ording to pce rules, they should have died to apany the prince for failing in their duties and allowing harm to befall their master,


    But Zhao Hua was passionate", saying that these wet nurses had cared for the royal children since they were young, and the children were attached to them, suddenly executing them would only hurt the children, which persuaded Xiao Jingheng to spare their lives.


    Later Xiao Jingheng closed the matter by punishing the wet nurses with half a year''s sry deduction.


    But he heard that afterwards, Zhao Hua had privately paid the wet nurses their full sry.


    Remembering this now, he remarked:


    "What my wife did for the silkworm farming households was very well handled. Using 10 years of the empress'' sry to subsidize the mulberry growers, and having them farm their ownnd and nt their own mulberries, increasing their future ie.


    This highlights the empress'' benevolence, and gives themon people more faith in me and the court, it is a good deed. I certainly won''t have my wife pay for this herself, otherwise you''d be living so frugally, how could I not feel distressed?"


    As they strolled hand in hand in the pce gardens, he first praised, then criticized:


    "But those wet nurses clearly made a grave mistake, I spared their lives and only deducted their pay as punishment, yet my wife secretly paid them in full behind my back, that is being toopassionate. "


    Zhao Hua smiled faintly, "In this pce if the servants don''t see money, they will inevitably bezy. These are the nurses who care for the royal children, if they bezy, wouldn''t it still be our children who suffer in the end?


    Furthermore, it''s not as if I paid their sry out of my own pocket. When giving them the money, I made it very clear, it would be deducted from the severance they receive upon retirement, I merely gave them what they were owed early, so they needn''t worry about money."


    Many of these wet nurses have families waiting for them outside the pce, some even have children of their own. My husband can say I''m toopassionate or disregarding pce rules, but as a mother myself, I would not want children to suffer."


    "You..." Xiao Jingheng knew Zhao Hua was kind-hearted, so he did not criticize her further, instead asking:


    "What about Concubine Ru? She was also involved in Jinghe''s incident, I have only confined her to quarters and not decided on any punishment yet. What does my wife think, how should I deal with her?"


    Zhao Hua knew clearly in her heart that Xiao Jingheng yelling about beating and killing Concubine Ru was only venting his frustration.


    Even if he was handed a de now, he probably wouldn''t dare harm a hair on her head.


    It was April already, the Mongol tribes would be entering the capital to pay respects early June. The Mongol King doted on his daughter and would surely want to see Concubine Ru, Xiao Jingheng could not easily refuse him this face.


    So Zhao Hua casually replied:


    "Concubine Ru is my husband''s concubine, naturally my husband shall decide how to deal with her."


    Xiao Jingheng always liked docile women. Seeing the smile on Zhao Hua''s face and in her eyes after her words, he knew she was very satisfied with this response.


    He said, "I originally nned to demote Concubine Ru to Attendant status, but the Mongol tribes areing to the capital early June, and the Mongol King misses his daughter and explicitly asked to see her, I cannot be too dismissive of the Mongols. So I have decided to first raise Concubine Ru''s status to Noble Lady. But it would only be a raised status, I will still be cold towards her."


    Zhao Hua smiled. "How wise my husband is."


    When she saw Xiao Jingheng about to summon Jiang Deshun to pass on the decree, she quickly added: "The summer bounties have arrived at the pces, Xiao Fuzi happens to be going to Chengqian Pce to deliver gifts to Consort Ying, why not have Xiao Fuzi pass on the decree since she''s going anyway, save Elder Jiang an extra trip."


    As she spoke, she looked towards Jiang Deshun warmly, her gaze falling upon his right leg as she asked with concern: "With all this rainy damp weather recently, I see Elder Jiang''s leg injury seems to be ring up. Shall I have Yun Shan prepare more medicine for youter?"


    Overwhelmed by the empress'' care, Jiang Deshun said deferentially, "This ve thanks Empress for her concern!"


    Xiao Jingheng guffawed, "As expected of my observant empress, I didn''t even notice you''ve been walking with more and more difficulty recently. Have the imperial physician take a lookter to see if there''s any way to alleviate it."


    Jiang Deshun bowed in thanks. But in his heart, he felt somewhat dejected.


    That afternoon, Xiao Jingheng stayed in Feng Luan Pce and dined with Zhao Hua and the children,


    After the meal Cheng Yu and Ruo Xin were taken by their wet nurses to y in the gardens,


    Watching the harmonious brother and sister through the window, Xiao Jingheng suddenly said to Zhao Hua:


    "I originally nned to restore Cheng Yu''s status as Crown Prince, but unexpectedly Jinghe...Jinghe was my eldest princess daughter, now that she has met this untimely end, I''m afraid it would be inappropriate to propose this so soon, I can only put it off for now."


    Zhao Hua said: "His Majesty is in his prime, what''s the hurry to establish an heir?"


    Xiao Jingheng said: "When Cheng Yu turned one year old, I announced to the court that he would be named Crown Prince. If I don''t bring this up now, in the future there will surely be spection. I have also discussed this with Cheng Yu before, but like his mother, his thoughts are the same as well, he does not actually hope for such grand status."


    "You discussed this with Cheng Yu before?" Zhao Hua asked in surprise, "When did Your Majesty talk to Cheng Yu about this?"


    Xiao Jingheng casually replied as he ate some tree fungus:


    "On the day you went out of the pce for the silkworm farming ceremony, I tested Cheng Yu and Chenghuan''s schoolwork and brought up the matter in passing. Chenghuan was there at the time as well. Hearing I wanted to make Cheng Yu Crown Prince, he was very supportive and genuinely happy for Cheng Yu."


    Upon hearing this, Zhao Hua felt as if someone had dumped a handful of ice slush over her, frozen stiff in bitter frost, shocked into speechlessness...


    The day of the silkworm farming ceremony...was the day Jinghe drowned.


    Which means...


    Right after Chenghuan found out Cheng Yu was going to be named Crown Prince,


    in a twist of fate the Jinghe wearing Cheng Yu''s clothes fell into the water and died...

 Chapter 414: Imbecile 02

    <h4>Chapter 414</h4>


    Even though she was extremely shocked in her heart, Zhao Hua did not show the slightest bit of it on her face.


    She decided to go find Ning Wanshuang to discuss this matter, feeling that something was not right about it after Xiao Jingheng left.


    But just as she was about to leave, the little eunuch Xiao Fuzi who had gone to Chengqian Pce to pass on the decree came back.


    He said, "Empress, Noble Consort Ru is waiting outside the pce gate, overjoyed after hearing the decree. She insists on following me here to thank you for your grace. Should I let her in?"


    Since Noble Consort Ru was already waiting outside, Zhao Hua would run into her anyway if she went out now.


    So she said, "Since she''s here already, go ahead and invite her in."


    Zhao Hua received Noble Consort Ru in the main hall.


    When Noble Consort Ru came in, the corners of her lips were lifted so high they almost reached the sky.


    As soon as she saw Zhao Hua, she fell to her knees with a thud, giving Zhao Hua a tremendous shock.


    "What are you doing?"


    Noble Consort Ru said, "I know Empress must have said good things about this concubine to His Majesty, which led to me being spared from punishment and having my noble status restored. That''s why it was Eunuch Fu instead of Eunuch Jiang Deshun from the imperial presence who came to pass on the decree. Empress''s great kindness and virtue, I have no way to repay. Please ept my Mongolian ceremonial kneel!"


    After speaking, she respectfully performed the Mongolian ceremonial kneeling to Zhao Hua. After getting up, she had her confidante Saiji bring out many Mongolian treasures to give to Zhao Hua.


    But Zhao Hua declined them.


    "I helped you not because I wanted to get close with you, but because you were clearly not involved in this matter. I govern the imperial harem strictly and will never wrong anyone.


    You have caused much trouble in the past with your restlessness. From now on you have to behave yourself and stop making trouble, then you won''t fail my kindness today. Otherwise..."


    Her piercing eyesnded on Noble Consort Ru''s beautiful face as she said mockingly with a slight smile,


    "I was able to reinstate you as a Noble Consort today, and I can also demote you back to amoner tomorrow. Do you understand?"


    "Of course, of course! This concubine will remember Empress''s teachings." Noble Consort Ru cleverly agreed, then muttered under her breath,


    "With that example of Consort Hui, how can people still not learn their lesson? But I still don''t understand, what malicious thing did she do that His Majesty couldn''t tolerate her anymore and sentenced her to death..."


    "Watch your words, Noble Consort." Zhao Hua sternly cut her off, "Consort Hui died from an illness, His Majesty did not sentence her to death."


    Noble Consort Ru quickly said, "Yes, yes, this concubine misspoke."


    Although she admitted her mistake verbally, she still couldn''t change her gossipy nature and kept chattering like a fly,


    "I just wonder what she did... tsk tsk, she was so young yet schemed heavily, she deserved it. If I say..."


    Listening to her endless bbering, Zhao Hua felt a headacheing. So she got up and said,


    "If you like to gossip, keep gossiping by yourself. I still have things to do and shall take my leave first."


    But just as she reached the door, she suddenly heard Noble Consort Ru mutter to herself,


    "Still, she deserved it! Everyone in the pce hid from the Eldest Prince that Noble Consort Chen was not his birth mother... Yet she actually dared tell the Eldest Prince about it..."


    Hearing this, Zhao Hua stopped dead in her tracks and turned back with shock and astonishment in her eyes, sternly pressing Noble Consort Ru, "What did you just say!?"

 Chapter 415: One’s Life is not Hidden

    <h4>Chapter 415</h4>


    As Noble Consort Ru had also not expected, she had only casually muttered a couple of sentences, yet it would arouse such a strong reaction from Zhaohua.


    At this moment, she was stared at by Zhaohua somewhat panic-stricken, busy embarrassment smiled,


    "This person is already dead, no matter what she did, it is always impossible to dig her out from the ground to pursue responsibility. Her Majesty the Empress Dowager still..."


    "What exactly did you hear, this pce wants you to tell this pce clearly word for word."


    Zhaohua''s expression was cold and solemn, almost coercing Noble Consort Ru in a threatening tone.


    Noble Consort Ru did not dare to offend her. She had to carefully recall what happened that day,


    "This concubine remembers that it was not long after the death of the Third Prince that this happened, at that time this concubine was punished by Noble Consort Chen to go to Fahua Hall to recite scriptures and pray because she said the wrong thing. This concubine prayed for half a day and was really tired and sleepy, so she went around to the back hall, thinking to hide and take a nap.


    I don''t know how long I slept, but I heard thunder outside the hall and woke up from my dream in shock. Only then did I realize that the sky was already dark and there was wind and rain outside, which was terrifying. Just as this concubine was about to leave, I heard the sound of a child reciting scriptures in the main hall. I took a peek and saw that it was the Eldest Prince burning incense for the dead Third Prince..."


    *


    Six months ago, Fahua Hall.


    A thunderstorm night.


    That day was the forty-ninth day after the death of Imperial Prince Chengjing.


    After finishing his lesson at the Academic Office, Chenghuan came to Fahua Hall to burn incense and pray for Chengjing,


    while kowtowing to the Buddha statue, the words he spoke were all hoping that Chengjing could enter the Western Paradise early,


    But in fact, every concerned sentence was used to suppress the demons in his heart.


    In fact, even he himself did not know why he would resent Chengjing so much,


    Just being scolded a few words and beaten a few times, he calcted day and night about how to make Chengjingpletely disappear from this world.


    In the end, he did it, but the taste of nightmares entangled every night was also unbearable.


    "Younger brother, you died so miserably, I..."


    Before the words of repentance were uttered, there was the sound of the hall door lightly opening behind him.


    Chenghuan immediately stopped talking and instinctively looked back,


    "Consort Hui?"


    He saw Consort Hui carrying a lot of offerings with a haggard expression walking towards him.


    Chenghuan moved his body sideways to make way for Consort Hui on the main seat. Consort Huiid out the offerings while asking indifferently:


    "What are you doing here?"


    Chenghuan said, "Today is the forty-ninth day after my younger brother''s death. I was thinking of my younger brother in my heart, so I wanted toe and burn incense for him."


    Upon hearing this, Consort Hui''s movements paused, her eyes lowered as she looked at him coldly for a long time.


    Then she saw her smile abruptly,


    "You are quite dutiful. If Xiao YuYun knew that her son did not inherit his father''s indifference, but was instead a sentimental and righteous person, I''m afraid she would be able to smile calmly even from theherworld."


    "Xiao...YuYun?" Chenghuan repeated the familiar name haltingly and pondered for a long time before saying:


    "Is Consort Hui talking about Lady Xiao? I know Lady Xiao. She was previously Mother Consort Jin Lan. Later she passed away due to illness and Mother Consort felt very sad for a long time. Last year during the Hungry Ghost Festival, Mother Consort also asked me to burn paper offerings for Lady Xiao and offered incense."


    "Humph." Consort Hui snorted contemptuously, then removed the incense Chenghuan had ced in the altar and reced it with her own freshly lit one, before lightly saying:


    "You are very smart in your studies but so dull in observing things. With Noble Consort Chen''s temperament, who could she possibly look kindly upon and be willing to get close with?"


    As she spoke, Consort Hui finished the incense offering, her gaze turned back to Chenghuan with an expression that was both sympathetic and doting,


    "Forget it, seeing that you and Chengjing had such a deep sibling affection, Consort Hui will say some things that shouldn''t be said to you."


    She leaned slightly closer to Chenghuan''s ear, speaking in a low voice,


    "Ning Wanshuang is only your foster mother, Xiao YuYun was your real mother."


    The continuous rumbling thunder and Consort Hui''s heart-piercing words crashed into Chenghuan''s ears at the same time.


    He staggered back two steps in disbelief, shaking his head and murmuring to himself,


    "Impossible, Mother Consort is so good to me, how could she possibly not be my birth mother?"


    Consort Hui said, "It''s because she was good to you for a purpose. You were the first prince after your father ascended the throne. Although you were born with an incurable disease, if the illness could be cured in theing days, your status as an imperial prince would be a major contender in the battle for the heir apparent. So after your birth mother died, Ning Wanshuang snatched you to raise at her knees, waiting for that day toe."


    Seeing that the look in the child''s eyes was bing more and more confused, as if he had listened to her words and was silently pondering them, she added fuel to the fire, patting Chenghuan on the shoulder and saying:


    "It''s a pity that your illness has never gotten better, so your father has gradually lost hope in you. You said earlier that Noble Consort Chen treats you very well? But think carefully, does Noble Consort Chen treat you well or treat Jin Yue well?


    But you can''t me Noble Consort Chen, after all, when you were born, your father saw that you were inauspicious at birth and originally wanted you killed. If it hadn''t been for Noble Consort Chen stopping your father at that time, I''m afraid you would have been long gone from this world, let alone enjoy the glory of being the Eldest Imperial Prince today?"


    The reason why Consort Hui would say this is because the imperial heirs are usually taught with "strictness towards boys and leniency towards girls". The prince will have to hold up the sky in the future, so since childhood they have to cultivate an independent and tenacious character. Even if they fall to the ground and scrape their knees, no one can show the slightest sympathy.


    But the child did not know this reason. At this moment, when Chenghuan thought about it carefully, he did feel that there was a difference between how Ning Wanshuang treated him and Jin Yue.


    Seeing him continuously fiddling with his clothes, Consort Hui knew he had listened to these words, and pretended to be flustered,


    "Chenghuan, you must promise Consort Hui that for some things, it''s enough to understand them in your heart, but you must never take this matter to Noble Consort Chen or your father to make trouble. On ordinary days, it''s not difficult to feel that your father feels very ufortable even with the slightest physical contact with you. If you dare to question him again, won''t it make him dislike you even more?"


    She stroked Chenghuan''s hot cheeks, her tone bing gentler and gentler,


    "Consort Hui couldn''t bear to see you kept in the dark your whole life, so I kindly told you these things. Chenghuan, you..."


    Before she could finish speaking, Chenghuan had already pushed away her hand and rushed out with red-rimmed eyes. His small figure soon disappeared into the pouring night rain.


    *


    Noble Consort Ru''s eyebrows danced as she vividly described to Zhaohua what she saw that night.


    Finally, she sighed while stroking her chest,


    "You say, the child was still so young, how could he endure listening to these words? After hearing these things, this concubine didn''t even dare to make a sound, and could only keep hiding behind the curtain until there was no movement outside before daring toe out..."


    After listening to Noble Consort Ru''s words and realizing the truth afterwards, Zhaohua couldn''t help but break out in cold sweat.


    Scenes of her casual chat with Ning Wanshuang in Yonghe Pce a few days ago kept shing through her mind.


    At that time, Ning Wanshuang asked Chenghuan what his greatest wish was.


    Chenghuan smiled and said,


    "My greatest wish is to grow up quickly, and then have the ability to take good care of Mother Consort and protect Mother Consort to repay Mother Consort for raising me."


    At that time, when Zhaohua and Ning Wanshuang looked at each other after hearing this, they both had a charming smile.


    But now, when the innocent and pure smile on Chenghuan''s face emerged in her mind again,


    Zhaohua only felt that the smile was exactly like a knife that killed without a trace...

 Chapter 416: A thorn in one’s side

    <h4>Chapter 416</h4>


    After Noble Consort Ru left, Zhao Hua leaned against the bed of Xiang Fei without saying a word, just sitting there in a daze.


    Chenghuan was a child she had once truly loved and cherished.


    And for Ning Wanshuang, Chenghuan was already like her own son.


    After learning about these facts, Zhao Hua felt very distressed.


    Then how should she break this heart-wrenching news to Ning Wanshuang?


    During this time, Yun Shan silently apanied Zhao Hua, until she saw Zhao Hua''s eyes redden and hurriedly handed over a handkerchief tofort her, "Miss, don''t be too sad. Maybe...these things have nothing to do with the Crown Prince, just a coincidence..."


    As she spoke, her voice grew weaker and weaker, clearly not believing her own words.


    Zhao Hua''s hands kept fiddling with the handkerchief as she said in a choked voice,


    "I''m not sad, I just feel it''s a pity. He is the son Ning Jiejie loves most, Ruo Xin''s favorite brother. I really don''t understand why he has be like this? Even if Ning Jiejie is not his birth mother, how has Ning Jiejie treated him over the years? Can''t he feel it?"


    After a brief pause, she asked Yun Shan, "Do you know who I thought of when I heard Noble Consort Ru say those things to me?"


    Yun Shan shook her head, not knowing. Zhao Hua sighed faintly,


    "The Emperor. Before the Empress Dowager passed away, she told me about her past rtionship with the Emperor. That long mother-son affection could probably be summed up in just four simple words - raising a tiger leads to cmity.


    Back then, in order to seek the throne, the Emperor did not hesitate to kill the Empress Dowager''s son. Today, in order to be the Crown Prince, Chenghuan has also lost his mind and wants to make a move against Cheng Yu..." Then she sighed and said, "But unlike the Emperor, when he harmed his siblings, he was already nearly an adult. How old is Chenghuan now?"


    In Zhao Hua''s words, there was astonishment, distress, and resentment. Theseplex emotions could not be easilyforted by Yun Shan with just a few words.


    Yun Shan knew she was clumsy, and was afraid to say more wrong words to hurt Zhao Hua. So she changed the subject and asked,


    "Then Miss...are we still going to Yonghe Pce?"


    "Go. Of course we have to go."


    Zhao Hua answered this almost unthinkingly, then wiped away her tears, tidied up her appearance, and said solemnly,


    "The lifelong regret of the Empress Dowager must not be repeated in me and Jiejie."


    Later that day, Zhao Hua went to Yonghe Pce with a heavy heart.


    When passing Yonghe Gate, the procession happened to encounter the Yonghe Pce Steward who had juste out of Yonghe Pce.


    He respectfully greeted Zhao Hua. After Zhao Hua excused his etiquette, she asked him,


    "Pce Steward Guo, what brings you to the Noble Consort''s pce today? I remember the monthly date to check on the Noble Consort''s wellbeing is at the beginning of the month. Is the Noble Consort unwell?"


    Guo shook his head. "It was about the matter of the Princess. The Crown Prince was worried and fretful, making it difficult for him to swallow food, so the Noble Consort summoned me to diagnose the Crown Prince."


    "How is Chenghuan?"


    There was a fleeting flicker in Guo''s eyes, but he quicklyposed himself and said, "All is well."


    Zhao Hua slowly nodded her head. "Thank you, Pce Steward Guo."


    The phoenix sedan continued on its way. Only after passing Guo did Zhao Hua softly instruct the little maid Fu Zi,


    "I saw he seemed reluctant to speak inly with so many people around just now. Go and ask him clearly if he is concealing anything."


    "Your servant obeys."


    When Zhao Hua entered the main hall, she saw Ning Wanshuang sitting in the chief seat.


    Her eyes were slightly red, as if she had just cried. But her expression was still calm.


    Seeing Zhao Hua, she arrogantly gestured with her brows at the chair below the hall, and said coldly to her,


    "Sit."


    She was the Noble Consort, and Zhao Hua was the Empress. By rights, when Zhao Hua came to her pce, Ning Wanshuang should have gotten up and yielded the chief seat to her.


    But if she really did that, she wouldn''t be Ning Wanshuang.


    Zhao Hua would also not haggle over such things with Ning Wanshuang.


    But this time, she did not sit down, but first signaled Yun Shan to lead all the pce maids out of the main hall,


    before bowing and walking to the center below the hall, saluting Ning Wanshuang.


    Ning Wanshuang was even more puzzled. She quickly said, "What are you doing? You are the Empress, how can you greet me like this?"


    Seeing that Zhao Hua persisted in the etiquette, she could no longer remain seated. She hurriedly got up and went below the hall, supporting Zhao Hua''s arm to help her stand,


    "What''s wrong with you today? This is so strange."


    Zhao Hua took the opportunity to hold Ning Wanshuang''s hand gently, and said warmly,


    "Today, there is no Empress or Noble Consort here, only Zhao''er and Jiejie. Zhao''er wants to say a few heartfelt words to Jiejie, but these words may make Jiejie feel unwell when said. Please don''t me me, sister."


    Ning Wanshuang was even more confused. "Just say what you have to say. There''s no need for so much circumlocution between us."


    Zhao Hua nodded slightly, and after brewing for a while, she went straight to the point, "I feel there is something wrong with Jinghe''s death."


    "What?"


    Zhao Hua said, "On the day Jinghe fell into the water, she was wearing a red lion costume that was originally worn by Cheng Yu. Jinghe thought it looked good and secretly switched clothes with Cheng Yu. I was thinking, if Jinghe had not wanted to change into that costume that day, the one who would have died might not have been her."


    Ning Wanshuang asked, "Are you saying someone wanted to harm Cheng Yu?"


    Zhao Hua slowly nodded her head, her tone also lowered slightly,


    "That day, after the Emperor went to the study to see Cheng Yu and Chenghuan, he mentioned reinstating Cheng Yu as Crown Prince. Afterwards, the two children met several princesses in the Imperial Garden after leaving the study, and stayed to y together. Then...Jinghe had her ident in the Imperial Garden. Doesn''t sister think it''s strange?


    Also, I asked the children, the one who first suggested wearing the costumes and pretending to be beasts to y catching games was Chenghuan. But Chenghuan has always been focused on his studies, seldom being a naughty ''good child'' wanting to y. "


    "Nonsense!"


    As soon as Ning Wanshuang heard who Zhao Hua was implying, before she could even let her finish speaking, she immediately pulled her hand out of Zhao Hua''s and irritably said,


    "Song Zhao, do you hear what you''re saying? Chenghuan will just be six next month. Could he do such a thing!?"


    "But..."


    "No buts needed." Ning Wanshuang waved her sleeve to cut off Zhao Hua''s words, turned her back to her, and said coldly,


    "If you''vee to tell me this, then forget it. If you have evidence, go tell the Emperor to let him handle this matter. But if this is all just your spection, I don''t want to hear you ndering my son like this. I believe my son, and believe he would never lie to me."


    Chenghuan was one of Ning Wanshuang''s earliest weaknesses.


    And now Ning Wanshuang''s stubborn stance in protecting her son was also something Zhao Hua had anticipated beforeing.


    Things hade to this point,


    She could only use the simplest, most straightforward, and also most cruel method to quickly make Ning Wanshuang sober up,


    "Is that so? Has Chenghuan ever told you that he has long known Xiao Guifei is actually his birth mother?"

 Chapter 417: Filial Piety of an Adopted Son

    <h4>Chapter 417</h4>


    When Ning Wanshuang heard this, although she still had her back to Zhao Hua, her trembling back showed that her mood must be fluctuating strongly at this moment.


    Zhao Hua was afraid that subsequent words would further stimte her, but she had to say, she could only carefully approach her step by step until she stood behind her, and then used the gentlest tone possible:


    "Half a year ago, Shang Yang had already told Chenghuan about the secret of his birth. Chenghuan was only just over five years old at that time. When he suddenly heard that he was not his sister''s own flesh and blood, and that his father had almost executed him, shouldn''t his first reaction be to ask his sister if this matter was true or false?


    But did Chenghuan ask his sister half a sentence? If he hadn''t spoken from beginning to end, do you think this calmness should appear in a five-year-old child?"


    Ning Wanshuang suddenly looked back, her face as cold as frost as she looked at Zhao Hua,


    "Who did you hear this from?"


    "It was identally mentioned by Noble Consort Ru when I interrogated her."


    "Noble Consort Ru? Hmph." Ning Wanshuang sneered contemptuously, pretending to be arrogant: "She herself is a troublemaker who loves to spread rumors. How many truths can she spit out of her mouth?"


    As she spoke, she suddenly raised her eyes, her scorching eyes staring straight at Zhao Hua, but she shook her head in disappointment,


    "Now you would rather believe the nonsense of Noble Consort Ru than believe in Chenghuan? Chenghuan is also a child you once loved and cared for, calling you Empress Mother in public and private. Have you ever thought about how heartbroken he would be if he knew about your suspicions?"


    "It is true that Noble Consort Ru loves to spread rumors, but Shang Yang is already dead. Does sister think she told me these things to spread rumors?" Zhao Hua sighed softly and helplessly, "Besides, I don''t know if Chenghuan will be hurt by what I said, but I certainly don''t want sister to be hurt by these trivial things."


    There was unspeakable gloom on Ning Wanshuang''s face. She said indifferently, "My own son, how could he hurt me."


    "Sister Wan! Why did Chengjing drill into the iron ball for the unicorn tribute that day? Why did Chengjing always bully Chenghuan before, but after he was paralyzed in bed, Chenghuan could still apany Chengjing for one or two hours every day without holding grudges?"


    Zhao Hua couldn''t help raising her voice, trying to wake up Ning Wanshuang, "I don''t want things to be as I imagined, but these coincidences are right in front of us. Sister Wan, do you really have no doubts at all, or would you rather be an ignorant person, unwilling and unwilling to believe that Chenghuan is not as simple as we see him?"


    "Chenghuan has always been the simplest and purest child!" Ning Wanshuang also raised her voice and said angrily:


    "Zhao Hua, Ruo Xin grew up by my side since she was a child. Search your heart and ask yourself, have I corrupted your daughter at all? Since I can teach Ruo Xin well, I will never teach Chenghuan badly!"


    "But sister..."


    Just as the two of them were arguing, Liu Yue, who had exited with Yun Sen earlier, came back.


    She first respectfully bowed to Zhao Hua, then said to Ning Wanshuang:


    "Noble Consort, the Crown Prince will end his lesson soon. I saw that you and the Empress still have something to talk about. Why don''t I go and decoct the medicine for the Crown Prince today?"


    "No need." Ning Wanshuang said indifferently: "It is I who decocts Chenghuan''s medicine every day. I can''t rest assured if someone else does it."


    After speaking, she walked straight out without even looking at Zhao Hua again.


    Only when she crossed the threshold, she coldly threw down,


    "I''m going to decoct medicine for my son. Empress, help yourself."


    Zhao Hua watched her leave decisively, leaving only an icy back to herself. Although there was some sourness in her heart, there was more of a feeling of powerlessness at seeing the orchid falling into the abyss but being unable to persuade her to turn back in time.


    After Zhao Hua left, Chenghuan also came backter.


    His clothes were covered in dirt and there were specks of mud on his face.


    Seeing him like a little tabby cat, Ning Wanshuang said gently with a smile:


    "You little rascal, you went to ss nicely, how did youe back with mud all over your face?"


    As she spoke, she took the handkerchief from her waist, dipped it in water, and gently and softly wiped Chenghuan''s face.


    Chenghuan mysteriously smiled and suddenly brought out a bunch of flowers from behind.


    It was a bunch of light purple osmanthus flowers, mainly with Forsythia and peonies.


    The colors were bright, the floral aroma was strong, and it looked very beautiful.


    Ning Wanshuang was fascinated by the sight for a while. Hearing Chenghuanugh and say:


    "When son came back from ss, I passed Guangyang Gate and saw the beautiful osmanthus blossoms there. Son knew Empress Mother likes them, so I picked some to give to Empress Mother."


    Ning Wanshuang held the bouquet to her nose and took a deep breath of the heart-warming fragrance, with a smile that she couldn''t stop on her face, repeatedly saying:


    "Very fragrant, also very beautiful, Empress Mother likes them very much."


    Liu Yue alsoughed from the side: "Don''t we also grow osmanthus in our pce? Why did the Crown Prince have to go far instead of picking them in our pce?"


    Chenghuan said, "The osmanthus in Yonghe Pce was personally transnted by Father for Empress Mother. Empress Mother often sits under the osmanthus tree for a whole afternoon. I feel that Empress Mother must cherish these osmanthus very much. I can''t spoil what Empress Mother likes."


    Hearing this, Liu Yue kept praising Chenghuan for being so thoughtful. Ning Wanshuang alsoughed as she stroked Chenghuan''s cheeks.


    The cracked skin on his cheeks had be increasingly rough recently, even feeling prickly to the touch, but for Ning Wanshuang, every bit and inch of her child was a treasure given by fate, even if imperfect, she would never despise it the slightest bit.


    "Tell Mother, what did the grand tutor teach today?"


    "It was Yu Qian''s poem." Chenghuan cleared his throat and seriously recited:


    "Coming out of the deep mountains after thousands of hammerings, raging fire burns as if nothing. I don''t care about smashing my body and breaking my bones, I just want to keep my conscience clear in this world."


    Ning Wanshuang listened quietly, unconsciously murmuring to herself:


    "To keep a clear conscience in this world... Yes, peoplee into this world innocent, and when they leave, they should also leave cleanly."


    "What did Empress Mother say?" Chenghuan asked curiously.


    "Nothing." Ning Wanshuang smiled and shook her head, then handed the bowl next to her to Chenghuan,


    "Good son, drink your medicine first."


    He had been drinking this medicinal soup every day since he could remember. He had always been very well-behaved in taking medicine since he was a child, but today he only took a sip and then unexpectedly raised his eyebrows and stared at Ning Wanshuang.


    Ning Wanshuang asked him, "What''s wrong? Is it still hot? Let Mother blow it for you again."


    She reached for the bowl, but Chenghuan drew back and shook his head,


    "It''s not hot anymore."


    After speaking, he picked up the medicine bowl and drank it in one gulp. Then he turned the bowl upside down as if asking for a reward, smiling sweetly at Ning Wanshuang.

 Chapter 418: Sick with Pleasure

    <h4>Chapter 418</h4>


    That day after Zhao Hua returned to the pce, her mood was depressed all along.


    She looked up at the courtyard and saw Cheng Yu ying happily with Ruo Xing. Even such a warm moment made Zhao Hua suddenly able to understand Ning Wanshuang''s motherhood.


    If she put herself in Ning Wanshuang''s shoes, Zhao Hua thought, if one day Ning Wanshuang told her that Chenghuan had done something horrifying, her first reaction would definitely beplete disbelief.


    As a mother, no matter what the situation, her nature would still make her try her best to protect her own child, not allowing others to nder.


    However, although this was the case, if Chenghuan was really such a sinister and vicious person, leaving him by Ning Wanshuang''s side would make him the second Xiao Jingheng in the future.


    Zhao Hua could not allow such a thing to happen, nor could she allow the tragedy of the previous Empress Dowager to be repeated in Ning Wanshuang.


    Therefore, even if Ning Wanshuang was going to oppose her because of this, she still had to pull Ning Wanshuang out of the fiery pit.


    Just like when she was trapped in the cold pce and could not save herself, Rong Yue and Wan Shan helped her regardless of the consequences and spared no effort, in the same way.


    Zhao Hua knew very well that now, only by presenting the damning irond evidence of Chenghuan''s evil deeds in front of Ning Wanshuang, forcing her to believe and face it, could she wake up after a short period of pain.


    So Zhao Hua ordered Yun Shan:


    "You go and call all the grannies who were protecting the imperial sons in the Imperial Garden that day. This pce wants to question them one by one."


    Yun Shan respectfully promised, and was about to go to do this when he happened to run into Xiao Fuzi who had just returned.


    Zhao Hua asked him, "How about it? Did Guo Imperial Physician conceal anything?"


    Xiao Fuzi said, "What Your Highness guessed is correct. Today Guo Imperial Physician went to Yonghe Pce to exin the condition of the Eldest Imperial Son to Imperial Concubine Ning. Over the years, the symptoms of the Eldest Imperial Son''s eczema have not diminished, and his body has repeatedly festered and drained him. He has been barely clinging to life relying on medicines and soups.


    Guo Imperial Physician said that when the weather turns dry thising autumn and winter, it will inevitably exacerbate the Eldest Imperial Son¡¯s condition. At that time...the skin all over the Eldest Imperial Son¡¯s body will crack, fester, and rot, and he will eventually die in unimaginable pain and torment after bingpletely disfigured..."


    A yed man...


    That is, without a single piece of good skin or flesh left on the body.


    Zhao Hua dared not think too much about such an image. Just hearing this description made her heart ache.


    No wonder when she went to find Ning Wanshuang today, she saw that her eyes were red, as if she had just cried.


    It was alsoughable,


    A moment ago, Zhao Hua was still thinking about how to "punish byw" Chenghuan,


    and the next moment, someone came to tell her that there was no need for her to act, Chenghuan was going to die soon anyway.


    As the saying goes, heaven''s retribution for evil is ruthless,


    But such words should not be used on a child...


    Seeing Zhao Hua silent, Yun Shan was also at a loss.


    After struggling for a long time, he finally asked Zhao Hua in a low voice,


    "Miss, should we continue to investigate the Princess'' death..."


    Zhao Hua waved her hand dejectedly and sighed,


    "Forget it. The matter ends here. Anyway, the child is going to die soon, and since Sister Ning doesn''t want to believe this, let''s not bother to bring the truth to light."


    In the days that followed, Ning Wanshuang asked for leave from the Secretary of State on behalf of Chenghuan, allowing the child to live, eat and sleep in Yonghe Pce for her convenience in taking care of him.


    With Chenghuan never setting foot outside of Yonghe Pce again, it also meant that no one could threaten Cheng Yu anymore.


    Zhao Hua was also at ease to continue letting Cheng Yu go to the Secretary of State, only he had to be personally picked up and dropped off by Xiao Fuzi every day.


    After another uneventful month passed in this way,


    In early June, the Pce Eunuch Office and the Pce Affairs Department submitted this year¡¯s list of beauties.


    Looking at the list of beauties who had just turned fourteen or fifteen years old, Zhao Hua couldn''t help but feel emotional and said,


    "It''s been several years since west selected beauties. It''s time for some new faces in the pce to extend its branches and leaves for the imperial family."


    The names on the list were endless, making people dizzy from looking at them.


    Zhao Hua simply closed the list and asked Chen Minzhong, the head eunuch of the Pce Affairs Department directly,


    "Who do you see His Majesty is interested in among the beauties?"


    Chen Minzhong said, "This ve does not dare to guess the holy will, but His Majesty did take two more nces at the legitimate daughter of the Nn family when he was looking through the list of beauties."


    "Oh?" Zhao Hua tapped lightly on the list and asked, "Which one is it?"


    Chen Minzhong immediately took out Nn''s portrait from the pile of beauty paintings beside him and respectfully presented it to Zhao Hua,


    "Reporting to Your Majesty the Empress, this is the legitimate daughter of the Nn family, Nn Ruge."


    Zhao Hua looked closely at the woman in the painting.


    She had a morous and dazzling beauty,


    and more importantly, there was a resemnce between her brows and eyes and Zhao Hua''s.


    Chen Minzhong ttered and fawned, "It''s no wonder His Majesty would look twice at her. This Nn Ruge does bear quite a resemnce to Your Majesty the Empress. In this world, if a woman could attain even one-tenth of Your Majesty¡¯s beauty, she would already be a peerless beauty among millions."


    Zhao Hua smiled gently as she stroked her hair and joked,


    "Chen respects too much. Miss Nn is only fifteen years old, while I just turned twenty-one after my birthdayst month. After all, she can¡¯tpare with her unsullied grace."


    Hearing Zhao Hua¡¯s self-deprecating words, Chen Minzhong finally realized that his words were improper. He quickly said a lot more bootlicking words trying to remedy his mistake, but Zhao Hua had no interest in whatever he said, letting his words go in one ear and out the other. She simply said,


    "Since His Majesty likes her, give her a good position at the July selection so that this flower can bloom where it should."


    "Your Majesty is virtuous and wise! This ve understands."


    As they were talking, Xiao Fuzi happened to bring in Zhang Imperial Physician to take Zhao Hua¡¯s pulse and check her health. Chen Minzhong then had his men carry away the piles of lists and paintings and withdrew respectfully.


    As Zhang Imperial Physician was taking her pulse, Zhao Hua noticed his expression was slightly solemn, so she asked him, "What''s the matter with you today? You look like you have something on your mind."


    Zhang Imperial Physician sighed, "Replying to Your Majesty the Empress, the Eldest Imperial Son¡¯s condition has deteriorated, I''m afraid... he won''t make it past these few days."


    "What did you say?" Zhao Hua looked shocked and kept asking, "Didn''t you say to nurse him carefully and he could surely make it past New Year¡¯s Eve no matter what?"


    Zhang Imperial Physician said, "That was supposed to be the case, but when Guo Imperial Physician went to take the Eldest Imperial Son''s pulse the day before yesterday, he discovered that his condition had taken a drastic turn for the worse. For it to deteriorate so quickly in such a short period of time, I''m afraid... someone has tampered with or stopped his medicines."


    Xiao Fuzi said, "Does brother mean the Eldest Imperial Son¡¯s medicines were tampered with?"


    Zhao Hua quickly denied it, "Impossible. Sister Ning loves her son dearly, and Chenghuan¡¯s medicines have always been personally decocted by Sister Ning in Yonghe Pce. How could she have..."


    When she spoke halfway, the reason for Chenghuan¡¯s deterioration was already obvious.


    Zhao Hua looked at Zhang Imperial Physician dumbfoundedly, the subtle changes in his expression.


    After a while, she murmured softly,


    "It''s... Sister Ning?"

 Chapter 419: The Queen’s Pressure

    <h4>Chapter 419</h4>


    The news that Prince Chenghui was seriously ill swirled through every corner of the pce, carried on the summer wind soaked with moisture, overnight.


    The next morning, Zhao Hua halted paying respects in the Six Pces. After apanying the children to finish breakfast, she hurried to the Yonghe Pce. Only then did she discover that the imperial concubines of the rear pce had already mostly arrived.


    Ning Wanshuang had lorded over the rear pce for many years. Under her, there was no shortage of imperial concubines who had suffered defeat. Now that they had learned the Crown Prince was at death''s door, Zhao Hua didn''t know how many hade to watch the lively scene under the pretense of caring.


    Thus, Ning Wanshuang didn''t even open the door to the main hall, letting them stand in the courtyard being roasted by the newly-risen sun.


    When Zhao Hua entered, all the imperial concubines had their backs to the pce gate and faced the door of the main hall. Therefore, no one noticed her arrival.


    Thus, Zhao Hua was able to hear Consort Yun pulling Noble Consort Ru along, speaking in a voice neither loud nor soft,


    "Ai yo, the child Grand Consort Dowager wants to raise is about to meet his end? Look at how the Noble Consort cares for the Crown Prince. If this child really dies, won''t the Noble Consort be grieved to death?"


    Noble Consort Ru, who usually chattered away without end, was actually silent now.


    But Consort Yun seemed unable to stop, speaking nonstop, "Ai, now you''ve be a m! Weren''t you the one who hated the Noble Consort the most before? Now that she''s in this state, who knows if it isn''t her retribution?"


    "Consort Yun should say less," Noble Consort Ru said impatiently, knitting her brows. "Even if the Noble Consort has done many wrongs, Prince Chenghui hasn''t offended us..."


    Consort Yun rolled her eyes at her. Just as she was about to continue speaking,


    Someone in the crowd suddenly called out, "Empress, ten thousand blessings."


    Only then did she slowly turn back. Her gaze directly met Zhao Hua''s.


    Zhao Hua looked at her expressionlessly. Although she didn''t speak, the invisible yet extremely oppressive aura she naturally emanated still frightened Consort Yun badly. Consort Yun hurriedly bent her knees and greeted Zhao Hua along with everyone else, "Empress, ten thousand blessings and good fortune."


    Zhao Hua slowly walked toward her. Only after standing in front of her did she smile thinly and say,


    "Consort Yun is quite spirited today."


    "Consort Yun?" Consort Yun didn''t understand what Zhao Hua meant for a moment and asked doubtfully, "What does Empress mean by this?"


    "Oh? You don''t understand?" Zhao Hua lightly arched a brow. The lingering smile on her face slowly dissipated as she solemnly said,


    "Noble Consort Dong is truly muddled. Come, bring Noble Consort Dong back to Changchun Pce under house arrest. Take back her edict granting the title of Imperial Consort and her robes as an imperial consort. From today on, there is no longer a Consort Yun in this pce, only Noble Consort Dong."


    Hearing this, Consort Yun was like someone who had been pped hard across the face, stunning her and leaving her dazed for a long time.


    It was only when the pce maid came to take her away that she cried out in shock,


    "Who dares touch me!"


    Her arrogance surged forth. She actually yelled at Zhao Hua,


    "I have been one of the four imperial consorts since His Majesty ascended the throne. I have served His Majesty for many years without mistake! How can the Empress be so tyrannical, saying she wants to strip me of my rank just like that!"


    Consort Yin watched coldly from the side. Shezily said,


    "The Empress oversees the Six Pces and naturally has the authority to punish errant consorts. For a consort''s promotion in rank, they need a decree or oral edict from His Majesty. But to demote in rank, the Empress has the authority to ''punish first, reportter''."


    "I''m talking to the Empress, what''s it to you, slut!" Consort Yun looked back with a vicious re at Consort Yin. Then she said, "I''ve done no wrong! With just one side of the story, the Empress wants to strip me of my rank. I refuse to ept this!"


    "You refuse to ept it?"


    Zhao Hua advanced step by step toward Consort Yun. She was already half a head taller than Consort Yun. Now, facing each other, she naturally lowered her eyes to look at Consort Yun. Her smile was cold as she said,


    "As the official wife, I have the authority to punish you concubines without needing a reason. But since you refuse to ept it, while everyone is still here, I ought to make it clear so no one thinks I''m as tyrannical as you say."


    Her expression turned solemn as she slowly and clearly enunciated,


    "Your father''s upation of Jizhou was already told to me by Noble Consort Cheng earlier. But she wanted to give you a chance to repent and reform, so she didn''t tell His Majesty.


    Now, both Noble Consort Cheng and I have given you this chance, yet you don''t know to keep your head down. It seems I have no choice but to give His Majesty a detailed report on your family''s dirty business..."


    At this point, Zhao Hua suddenly stopped.


    Seeing Consort Yun''splexion visibly turn deathly pale, she silently pondered for a good while before biting off each word,


    "You just wait for His Majesty to thoroughly investigate before seeing if you can still keep your current noble consort rank, thene yell at me again."


    Hearing Zhao Hua''s words, Consort Yun seemed to have her soul sapped away. Her body instantly went limp like mud.


    No matter what, she never expected that Ning Wanshuang would tell Zhao Hua about her family upyingnd in Jizhou!


    After all, if it wasn''t for the Ning family''s protection back then, this would have been exposed long ago. What''s more, Ning Wanshuang had used this matter to threaten her several times.


    Although the Ning father and son were dead, if this matter was brought to light, Xiao Jingheng would definitely have opinions about Ning Wanshuang.


    Amidst Consort Yun''s shock and bewilderment, she also felt it was strange.


    Wasn''t Ning Wanshuang the one who valued her rtionship with Xiao Jingheng the most?


    Why would she...


    There was no time for Consort Yun to think carefully amidst her anxiety.


    She suddenly knelt before Zhao Hua and begged for mercy, in stark contrast to her arrogance earlier.


    "Empress...this concubine has caused you much trouble before. My remarks earlier were just to vent your anger. Why must you oppose me to the bitter end?"


    Yet Zhao Hua didn''t even deign to nce at her once. Her tone was cold and detached.


    "No one is opposing you to the bitter end. It''s you who cannot tolerate yourself. Come, take her away."


    Xiao Fuzi responded at once and brought people to surround her.


    After all, Consort Yun was his mistress, so he didn''t dare to directlyy hands on her. He was still rtively courteous as he said,


    "Consort Yun...no, I should call you Noble Consort Dong now. Pleasee with me."


    He waved his horsewhip towards the pce gate, but Noble Consort Dong paid him no heed. She frantically rushed at Zhao Hua, trying to cling on.


    Xiao Fuzi hurriedly went up to pull her back. She actually struggled against Xiao Fuzi.


    "Let go of me! Don''t touch me! You..."


    p!


    Before she could finish her tantrum, a p with full forcended on her cheek.


    Noble Consort Dong held her burning red cheek. When she looked closely, she saw the person who had pped her was...


    Yun Shan!


    Yun Shan met Noble Consort Dong''s astonished gaze. Before she could speak, Yun Shan angrily roared,


    "If Noble Consort Dong dares to be impudent again and startle the Empress, don''t me this ve for calling people to carry you back to Changchun Pce! Letting you walk back yourself is already giving you face from the Empress. I ask you, do you not want this bit of face!?"


    After taking this p, Noble Consort Dong also saw the situation clearly.


    If she caused more trouble now, when Xiao Jingheng came, it would be even harder to salvage the situation.


    So she could only swallow her grievances and meekly follow Xiao Fuzi''s people away.


    After she left, the imperial consorts looked at each other, not even daring to breathe loudly. They were all frightened by Zhao Hua''s extremely oppressive aura.


    Seeing Zhao Hua slowly walk to the front of the crowd, she looked back at each imperial consort.


    After a moment, she finally assumed a fully majestic air and solemnly said,


    "Chenghuan is His Majesty''s eldest son. If I hear anyone daring to gossip about the Crown Prince behind his back in the future, what happened to Noble Consort Dong today will be an example for those recklessly disrespectful."


    "Do you all understand clearly?"

 Chapter 420: Live or Die

    <h4>Chapter 420</h4>


    When she heard this,


    all the concubines bowed down together and said in fright,


    "This servant (concubine) will obey Empress''s teachings!"


    Zhao Hua calmly smiled faintly, tilted her chin slightly towards the direction of the pce gate,


    The concubines understood her meaning and gradually dispersed.


    Among them, Rongyue deliberately lingered and walked the slowest.


    After everyone else had walked far away, she said in a low voice to Zhao Hua,


    "Zhao''er, persuade the Noble Consort properly. Her feelings for Chenghuan...are too deep."


    Zhao Hua nodded in acknowledgement, but she also did not know in her heart how to advise.


    The separations and deaths in this world, others have no way tofort.


    No matter how much advice is given, it is futile.


    Only the sufferers themselves, after struggling in pain, relying on their own will and the washing away by time, can gradually walk out from the lightless abyss bit by bit.


    "Creak¡ª"


    The quiet courtyard suddenly opened its main hall door.


    Liu Yue respectfully bowed to Zhao Hua and said,


    "Empress Mother, Noble Consort Mother said the sun outside is too hot and told this servant to invite you inside."


    When Zhao Hua entered, she saw Ning Wanshuang had just walked out from Chenghuan''s room.


    She wanted to see her child but Ning Wanshuang declined,


    "Chenghuan drank medicine and fell asleep. His sleep is light, let him rest properly."


    Zhao Hua lightly bowed her head. After sitting down, she still had many words offort in her belly, wanting tofort Ning Wanshuang''s heart.


    But just as she was about to open her mouth, she was preempted by Ning Wanshuang calling out,


    "Zhao''er."


    "Hmm?"


    "Thank you."


    When Ning Wanshuang spoke these words her voice was very light, as soft as silk gauze, unconsciously wrapping around Zhao Hua.


    Of course Zhao Hua knew what Ning Wanshuang was thanking her for.


    This gratitude was thanking her for not clinging onto Chenghuan and thoroughly investigating Jinghe''s death to the end.


    It was also thanking her for leaving Chenghuan hisst dignity.


    At this moment, the two looked at each other quietly. Even with thousands of words, just an indication with the eyes tacitly conveyed it all.


    After a long while, Zhao Hua gently said, "Wanshuang Sister, if there is anything you need, just tell me and I will do my utmost."


    "No need." Ning Wanshuang sadly shook her head with a sorrowful smile. Then unconsciously she nced back towards the direction of Chenghuan''s inner chamber.


    "I just want to quietly, apany Chenghuan to finish thisst stretch of road."


    Zhao Hua understood in her heart. The reason Ning Wanshuang did not let her see Chenghuan was because she did not want her to see Chenghuan''s terrifying appearance now.


    Zhang Imperial Physician said,


    Chenghuan''s condition sharply deteriorated. In just one month he had wasted into skin and bones. In addition, his cracked skin had sharpened into keratin,yer uponyer, like tree bark seeped with blood, truly horrifying.


    So Ning Wanshuang did not let anyone, including Zhao Hua, see Chenghuan, also wanting everyone to remember Chenghuan''s most beautiful appearance.


    Yet she who took care of Chenghuan every day, every day faced Chenghuan being swallowed bit by bit into a monster by disease. She was different from others.


    Because in a mother''s eyes, her own child is always the best looking, always the most beautiful.


    That day after Zhao Hua returned to the pce, at dusk Xiao Jingheng also came to her pce.


    When he came he was filled with grief and sorrow, brows tightly knitted. He did not eat a bite of the meal, only kept gulping down alcohol into his stomach.


    Until the wet nurse brought over the milk-fed Cheng Ye,


    did Xiao Jingheng''s brows slightly rx upon seeing theughing child.


    He took Cheng Ye from the wet nurse''s arms,


    but the previouslyughing child, not knowing if he disliked the pungent alcohol smell on his body, suddenly bawled loudly.


    Seeing Cheng Ye cry like this, Zhao Hua''s hand under the table unconsciously clenched into a fist, and her heart also ached sharply.


    Yet Xiao Jingheng was drunk. He pitifully said to himself,


    "Zhao''er, Zhen is going to lose another child..."


    "Xiao Lang, don''t be like this." Zhao Hua got up and went to his side, first gently persuaded him for two sentences, then quickly took advantage of his injured state to take Cheng Ye from his embrace into her arms, handing the child to the wet nurse to bring away.


    She sat by Xiao Jingheng''s side, looking at the candlelight''s yellow glow projected on his face. The water vapour clouding his eyes reflected a crystal clear brilliance like treasure.


    "Chenghuan is Zhen''s eldest son. The imperial doctor said if he endured past five years old he could safely grow up. But why..."


    Zhao Hua heard his hoarse voice, as if there were dense thorns stuck in his throat, unable to say anything more.


    He could only cover his forehead with his palm, bowing his head as tears fell.


    Zhao Hua believed his tears now were real.


    After all that was also the child he watched grow up, he must have some feelings.


    But even if these tears were not false, in Zhao Hua''s eyes they still made her utterly disgusted.


    Let''s not mention how decisive Xiao Jingheng was when he originally ordered Chenghuan killed to protect the royal family''s image.


    In all these years Chenghuan grew to this age, Xiao Jingheng had not hugged him even once.


    Such fatherly love, it was probably better the less there was.


    At this time, Xiao Jingheng tightly grasped Zhao Hua''s hand, solemnly saying to her


    "Zhao''er, Zhen hopes our child will have everything well."


    Zhao Hua slowly nodded her head, extremely gently saying,


    "With Xiao Lang''s blessings and protection, the children will naturally grow up safe and sound."


    In the next few days, Zhao Hua could only hear news about Chenghuan from Zhang Imperial Physician.


    But on the sixth day of the sixth lunar month, Yonghe Pce stopped consulting the Imperial Medical Bureau.


    This also meant Ning Wanshuang hadpletely given up treating Chenghuan.


    Zhang Imperial Physician also told Zhao Hua, "Actually the Noble Consort''s choice was also most correct. The Crown Prince''s illness entered the bones. Continuing treatment would only forcibly keep him in this world, to suffer for more days."


    "Zhang Imperial Physician, in your judgement, with Chenghuan stopping the united efforts of the entire Imperial Medical Bureau to hang onto thest breath for him, how many days does he have left?" Zhao Hua asked.


    Zhang Imperial Physician bowed with his hands folded, bluntly saying,


    "Replying Empress, I''m afraid...he won''t live past tomorrow."


    "Tomorrow..."


    Zhao Hua nkly gazed in Yonghe Pce''s direction. She couldn''t help recalling a scene that she would remember for the rest of her life.


    At that time, when Xiao Consort had just given birth to Chenghuan,


    Xiao Jingheng saw the snake-like infant and was greatly shocked. To preserve the royal family''s reputation he heartlessly decreed to have Chenghuan killed.


    Everyone watched on, nobody daring to anger the dragon''s face. Only Ning Wanshuang stepped forward.


    She kicked away the eunuch pulling the little prince''s arm, opened her splendid robe''s sleeve, and shielded Chenghuan behind her back.


    When the world was anxious to confer cmities and disasters upon the newly born Chenghuan,


    Ning Wanshuang became the first ray of light shone upon him after descending to the mortal world.


    At this moment, Zhao Hua crossed her hands together, unconsciously fiddling with the freshly painted cinnabar red nail varnish on her nails.


    She was distressed in her heart. After silently pondering for a very long time she finally softly sighed,


    "Tomorrow is the sixth day of the sixth month, Chenghuan''s birthday."

 Chapter 421: Mother’s kindness and Son’s Filial Piety

    <h4>Chapter 421</h4>


    ¡¾These two chapters are best enjoyed while listening to "Clover Flowers" to set the mood. The author has gone mad, mainly creating a soul-crushing story.¡¿


    The next dawn.


    In the summer days, it would brighten extremely early.


    When Ning Wanshuang opened her eyes, she saw from the window that the pitch-ck night had already shifted into a foggy morning blue.


    She had dozed off leaning against the front of the pleasure couch, and her neck ached badly when she woke up.


    But she didn¡¯t care about her own difort at all.


    The moment she opened her eyes, her gentle gaze had already fallen onto Chenghuan.


    Chenghuan¡¯s eczema had worsened severely. In just one month, almost no spot on his body retained normal skin.


    With extremely dry skin, even a tiny movement from the child would tear open a long and deep gash on the taut and wrinkled skin.


    In order to let Chenghuan sleep well,


    Ning Wanshuang had been keeping vigil by the child¡¯s couch day and night these days, applying moisturizing cream on him almost every hour to relieve his difort.


    At this moment, she lightly applied anotheryer of medicinal cream on Chenghuan,


    then tiptoed out of the room and slipped into the small kitchen to get busy.


    After some unknown period of time,


    when Chenghuan arduously lifted his droopy eyelids from his groggy sleep,


    he saw Ning Wanshuang sitting by his side, smiling at him and saying,


    ¡°My son, happy birthday.¡±


    Ning Wanshuang carefully helped prop him up.


    Chenghuan saw that the front table that used to be filled with jars of medicine now only had left a bowl of steaming longevity noodles.


    Sitting atop it was also a white and tender boiled egg.


    Chenghuan smiled weakly. He asked Ning Wanshuang,


    ¡°Imperial Concubine Mother, is that a soft-boiled egg?¡±


    Chenghuan had never eaten a soft-boiled egg before.


    Due to his taboo against raw and cold foods, he could only look on longingly as Jin Yue and Ruo Xin ate them,


    biting into them and letting the golden egg yolk flow out, looking extremely tempting.


    He had pleaded Ning Wanshuang to let him have a taste before,


    but each time, Ning Wanshuang had denied him severely.


    Yet today, Ning Wanshuang nodded at him with a smile.


    ¡°Of course.¡±


    As she spoke, she stirred the bottom of the bowl with her chopsticks, scooping up the hidden dried scallops and peeled shrimp inside,


    ¡°And here is the seafood that you, my little glutton, have always pestered me to let you try. I didn¡¯t allow you to eat them in the past, but today is your birthday, so I¡¯ll make an exception and let you have them this once.¡±


    Chenghuan''s eyes shone with delight. He thanked Imperial Concubine Mother repeatedly.


    He couldn¡¯t wait to lift the bowl and heartily dig in.


    But after just two bites, the skin splits on his body tore open widely again from the pain, and the child couldn¡¯t help but knit his brows.


    Ning Wanshuang panicked and immediately took the bowl from him,


    supporting Chenghuan as she helped him leanfortably against the headboard. After treating the new wounds on his body with medicinal cream, she picked up the bowl and chopsticks again, speaking to him with utmost gentleness,


    ¡°My good son, Imperial Concubine Mother will feed you.¡±


    She carefully picked up a small clump of longevity noodles with the tips of her chopsticks, rolled them up into a little ball,


    blew on them to cool them down before feeding them into Chenghuan¡¯s mouth.


    Chenghuan was just like a greedy little kitten, voraciously gobbling it down.


    ¡°So delicious! Thank you Imperial Concubine Mother~¡±


    But that simple chewing motion alone was enough to tear open more cracks with blood seeping out from Chenghuan¡¯s cheeks and jaw.


    The blood spilling out from the intersecting ravines resembled exquisite red ss,


    glinting faintly as it sttered into Ning Wanshuang¡¯s eyes, dying the rims of her eyes red inch by inch.


    She murmured to the child in an extremely soft voice,


    ¡°My son... I''m sorry...¡±


    Chenghuan seemed to not have heard her clearly.


    Seeing only the emerging teardrops from the corners of her eyes, he became anxious.


    ¡°Why are you crying, Imperial Concubine Mother?¡±


    He hurriedly reached out to wipe away her tears.


    But the cracked skin on his fingertips were like barbed thorns, piercing into the softest spot in Ning Wanshuang¡¯s heart.


    Her dammed up tears surged forth like floodwater.


    Chenghuan became more frantic. ¡°Don¡¯t cry, is it because I didn''t behave well and made you sad?¡±


    Ning Wanshuang felt as if her chest was clogged by a boulder.


    She didn¡¯t dare to respond, afraid that she would immediately burst into sobs if she opened her mouth,


    so she could only force herself to choke back her tears as she shook her head.


    Yet Chenghuan¡¯s tone carried traces of self-reproach.


    ¡°It must be because I didn''t behave well. Imperial Concubine Mother has always taught me that a gentleman should be frank and upright, handling everything fairly and openly. But... I have deceived you.¡±


    He lowered his head, intentionally avoiding Ning Wanshuang¡¯s gaze.


    But what entered his sight was the jade pendant on his wrist.


    It was a Ru Yi knot bracelet that Ning Wanshuang had painstakingly woven for him over many nights.


    Ning Wanshuang wasn¡¯t skilled at handiwork, and even Jin Yue didn¡¯t have something so thoughtful. Only he had one.


    At this moment, Chenghuan gently caressed the bracelet, speaking in an extremely weak voice tinged with apology,


    ¡°I... I was the one who caused Third Younger Brother¡¯s death. Eldest sister... was also my fault...¡±


    After he spoke, he forcefully held back his sorrow to stubbornly wipe away his tears.


    These light words were like deafening thunder in Ning Wanshuang¡¯s ears,


    delivering an earth-shattering impact to her mind.


    She had actually long known what Chenghuan had secretly done behind her back.


    As his mother who had raised her son before her very eyes every day, outsiders might not detect his every move, but how could his thoughts and deeds escape her eyes?


    Hence what astonished her now wasn¡¯t what wrong Chenghuan hadmitted,


    but rather...


    that he would actually admit it to her personally.


    Before Ning Wanshuang could recover from her shock, Chenghuan had already wiped his tears dry. Looking up at Ning Wanshuang, heughed bitterly,


    ¡°Actually, Imperial Concubine Mother must have already known for a long time, right?¡±


    Chenghuan was frank. Since he was being so forthright, Ning Wanshuang no longer wanted to hide anything from the child.


    Likewise, she also wanted to ask clearly about the doubts that lingered in her mind.


    Therefore, she gently caressed the child¡¯s hair, nodded, and asked in as gentle a tone as possible,


    ¡°But Imperial Concubine Mother doesn¡¯t understand why you did those things. Was it because of Chengjing¡¯s beatings and humiliations? However, why did you harm Cheng Yu?


    Imperial Concubine Mother knows that you didn¡¯t mean to harm Jing He and Eldest Sister initially, it was just a twist of fate. But Cheng Yu... he had just returned to the pce and knew his manners well. He shouldn¡¯t have ever harmed you...¡±


    Chenghuan¡¯s eyes reddened as he pursed his lips and shook his head.


    ¡°That wasn¡¯t the reason. I made Third Brother crawl into the Iron Orb, and I knew it would kill him. But I didn¡¯t do that entirely because he beat me and humiliated me. What I hate the most was him saying that Father Emperor killed Imperial Concubine Mother¡¯s rtives and hated both Imperial Concubine Mother and me...¡±


    Speaking to this point, Chenghuan¡¯s emotions suddenly grew agitated.


    He endured the pain to clench his fists and fiercely pounded the edge of the bed. Gritting his teeth, he seethed,


    ¡°I won¡¯t allow anyone to say that about Imperial Concubine Mother!¡±


    That blow wasn¡¯t light.


    It almost tore open all of the skin over his knuckles. Trickling down were countless fine gashes.


    Ning Wanshuang held Chenghuan¡¯s hand sorrowfully, shaking her head with tears shimmering on hershes.


    ¡°Foolish child. Was it worthmitting such wrongdoings for Imperial Concubine Mother¡¯s sake?¡±


    ¡°It was worth it.¡± Chenghuan nodded forcefully, gazing ardently at Ning Wanshuang as he enunciated word for word,


    ¡°Even if I know that... you aren¡¯t my birth Imperial Concubine Mother.¡±

 Chapter 422: A Clean Death

    <h4>Chapter 422</h4>


    It was as if something had been silently crushed.


    Ning Wanshuang''s heart throbbed violently, and a lump clogged in her throat, uneasy to either swallow or spit out.


    But now that Chenghuan had said those things, he seemed relieved instead, and continued, "Brother Cheng Yu... The reason I wanted to harm him was because Mother Consort Hui said that the reason Mother raised a son was so that he could seed and fight to be the Heir Apparent. If her son seeded, perhaps Father Emperor would treat Mother Consort better in the future..."


    As he spoke, he suddenly lifted his head, his gaze piercing straight through the opening and closing cracks of thetticed windows, staring at the nearly blooming osmanthus tree in the courtyard.


    Before he knew it, hatred surfaced in his eyes, and tears welled up as well.


    "I don''t want Mother Consort to keep crying while looking at the osmanthus tree in the pce..." After leaving the study, I kept studying diligently. In fact, Father Emperor had already looked at me differently. But when Brother Cheng Yu came back, everything changed..."


    His expression faded little by little, and his tone was extremely frustrated.


    "Father Emperor treated Brother Cheng Yu very well. The way he looked at him waspletely different from how he looked at me. Not long after, Father Emperor directly said he wanted to make him the Crown Prince. I didn''t want to disappoint Mother Consort, so I wanted to be the Heir Apparent, I wanted to be the Crown Prince..."


    Chenghuan took a deep breath to stop his sobs, and looked at Ning Wanshuang with tears in his eyes, somewhat aggrieved as he said:


    "I wanted Mother Consort... to treat me well for the rest of her life."


    Perhaps in the eyes of others, Chenghuan wasplicated, undeserving, ungrateful and a white-eyed wolf.


    But Ning Wanshuang had always firmly believed without a doubt -


    Her Chenghuan, her son, was absolutely not an irredeemable scoundrel.


    At this moment, she held Chenghuan in her arms, barely able to hold back her sobs as she said:


    "Silly child, why go through all this pain? Mother Consort''s affection for you has nothing to do with these things. From the day Mother Consort raised you, she had already treated you as her own son. All Mother Consort wishes is for you to be safe and healthy."


    "Son knows." Chenghuan obediently nodded his head. His eyes were misty, covered with ayer of lingering moisture that could not dissipate.


    After a while, as if remembering something, he actually smiled and said,


    "I will always remember, Mother Consort who wiped me clean every day, Mother Consort who cooked medicine for me every day, Mother Consort who stayed by my side for three whole days and nights without sleep when I had a high fever..."


    Ning Wanshuang''s heart was like an overturned jar of five vors, alternating between sourness and dull pain, constantly battering her emotions on the verge of copse.


    That''s right,


    In the child''s eyes, she would always be the best Mother Consort.


    But in the end, she still had something hidden from the child.


    Ning Wanshuang looked at Chenghuan sorrowfully, shaking her head in distress,


    "Mother Consort is not as good as you say..."


    She subconsciously nced at the decoction simmering on the stove, "Actually, Mother Consort..."


    "Son knows," Chenghuan cut off Ning Wanshuang''s words indifferently, "Son knows Mother Consort changed my medicine."


    This light sentence made Ning Wanshuang''s scalp tingle.


    She panicked and wanted to exin,


    But Chenghuan was still smiling at her,


    That smile was as bright as the countless happy moments alone between mother and son in the past.


    "I''ve taken that medicine every day, only I know how bitter it is. But the medicine Mother Consort gave me that day was sweet, it wasn''t bitter anymore."


    Chenghuan heaved a long sigh of relief, smiling even more sweetly,


    "It''s so nice. Actually, son has never liked bitter things. Mother Consort often told son that bitterness leads to sweetness. So now that I''ve had enough bitterness, I''ve finally tasted the sweetness."


    Upon hearing Chenghuan''s words, Ning Wanshuang was already crying uncontrobly.


    Her thin lips trembled violently, and all she could do was guiltily murmur ''I''m sorry'' between gritted teeth over and over again.


    In Chenghuan''s eyes,


    His Mother Consort had always been unrestrained, radiant, the elegantdy that all the other consorts feared.


    He had never seen Mother Consort so heartbroken before.


    Seeing Mother Consort heartbroken, his small hands could only clumsily wipe away the tears on Mother Consort''s cheeks.


    "Don''t cry, Mother Consort. Son has never med you. I heard everything Mother Consort and the Imperial Physician said in private that day. I''ve felt terrible every day, and I wouldn''t havested much longer anyway. It''s good now. Son won''t have to drink those bitter medicines that make my throat sore every day, and I won''t have to soak in the medicinal bath for two or three hours every day."


    As he spoke, he even had the mood to jokingly whisper to Ning Wanshuang:


    "Actually, Mother Consort doesn''t know this? After soaking for so long, son is just like Mother Consort now, a duck that can''t swim!"


    Perhaps because he had half a foot in the ghost gate ever since he was born,


    So when faced with life and death,


    Chenghuan was strong in a way that surprised yet pained others.


    Ning Wanshuang tried her best to calm her agitated emotions, hugging Chenghuan tightly in her arms.


    Hearing Chenghuan''s slightly tired voice ask her,


    "Mother Consort, has son... disappointed you?"


    "No." Ning Wanshuang shook her head firmly, "Chenghuan has never disappointed Mother Consort, you are the best, you have always been Mother Consort''s pride and joy."


    Upon hearing this, Chenghuan finally closed his eyes peacefully in Ning Wanshuang''s embrace.


    He really enjoyed his mother''s embrace,


    Just like when he was little, he would always cling to Ning Wanshuang andin that his body was itchy and sore.


    "Mother Consort, I really, really wish you were my real mother. Mother Consort, do you think there is an afterlife?"


    He asked and answered himself: "If there is an afterlife, will you be my real mother? I also won''t get sick again, so I can stay by Mother Consort''s side forever..."


    Ning Wanshuang''s tears burst forth as she blurrily promised,


    "Alright, mother promises you."


    The childy quietly in Ning Wanshuang''s embrace,


    Just like when he first came to know the world, pestering his mother to sing nursery rhymes to him.


    His eyelids grew heavier and heavier, but the deepening smile at the corners of his lips was full of anticipation for the ''future'',


    Along with the singing, he waspletely happy, softly murmuring,


    "Thank you, Mother."


    "Chenghuan... really likes Mother."


    On the seventh day of the first month of the ninth year of Qiyuan, the Eldest Imperial Prince Xiao Chenghuan passed away at the age of six.


    On the same day, it was also Princess Jinghe''s memorial ceremony. They were buried together, and the Emperor suspended court for two days as the entire nation mourned.


    ¡¾Note from author: For the downfall of all antagonists in this book, I wrote them to be very distressing and oppressive. I don''t think these people arepletely evil, nor do I think the female protagonist ispletely good. In my eyes, they are all living people with flesh and blood, whether they are the main character or supporting roles. I treat them as people who truly existed when I write them. And people are inherentlyplex and multifaceted. Alright, enough rambling, time to tidy my emotions! Starting tomorrow, we''ll officially enter thest part of the full text, and start ying dragons!¡¿

 Chapter 423: The Restoration of the Prince

    <h4>Chapter 423</h4>


    Three dayster,


    On the day of Chenghuan''s funeral, the consorts and imperial heirs all cried bitterly, grief-stricken.


    Only Ning Wanshuang, Chenghuan''s birth mother, stood before the child''s coffin, not shedding a single tear.


    Her expression was nk as she gazed at the small figure lying on the coffin, like a piece of ice.


    Zhao Hua tried tofort her, but Xiao Jingheng stood between them, making it difficult to say anything too intimate.


    "Consort, the deceased is gone, don''t grieve too much," Zhao Hua said.


    Xiao Jingheng also embraced Ning Wanshuang''s shoulders, saying, "I know you loved Chenghuan, and I know you''re hurting. If you want to cry, cry. I''m here with you, and everything will be okay."


    He applied pressure to her hand, pulling Ning Wanshuang into his embrace, sighing softly, "Wan''er, Chenghuan suffered from that illness for so long. Now that he''s gone, it''s a kind of release."


    Ning Wanshuang stared nkly at the incense burning in front of the spirit tablet, silent, but in her heart, she silently said:


    ''Son, your motheres from a family of warriors, didn''t read many books, doesn''t understand much about the grand principles. But your mother''s father and brothers taught her from a young age, debts must be repaid, a life for a life, this is the most righteous thing.


    You are your mother''s son, and also a descendant of the Ning family. Your mother has ended your life with her own hands, it''s to give this life back to Jinghe, and to Chengjing, to let you go in innocence.


    Don''t me your mother for being ruthless. Today, your mother treats you like this, personally making you pay off the blood debt you owe, and in the future...''


    She lifted her gaze, tears in her eyes, but full of tenderness as they met Xiao Jingheng''s gaze, still silently cursing:


    ''In the future, your mother will also personally make your father, the emperor, repay the debt he owes.''


    Finally, she buried her head in Xiao Jingheng''s chest,


    Still unwilling to let anyone see her tears, silently weeping.


    *


    When Ning Wanshuang had eased from her grief, it was over a monthter.


    During this time, the harem was rtively calm,


    Only the matter of Dong''s father ruling like a king in Jizhou became the focus of everyone''s attention.


    Xiao Jingheng had already ordered his secret agents to thoroughly investigate this matter in Jizhou,


    This matter was first discovered by Ning Bochuan when he passed through Jizhou with his troops,


    Because he was distracted and unable to report this matter to the court immediately,


    But he also forced Dong''s father to hand over the government to the magistrate and ensure that he would not arbitrarily oppress the people in the future,


    Seeing him make a solemn vow, Ning Bochuan finally feltpassion and let him go.


    When Xiao Jingheng interrogated Noble Consort Dong, he learned from her that Ning Wanshuang had also known about this matter early on, and had even used it as leverage, using incense to lure Noble Consort Dong into harming Empress Jia Rui.


    However, Empress Jia Rui hadmitted many evils during her lifetime, and seeing Ning Wanshuang mourning her son''s recent death, Xiao Jingheng could not bear to me her, so he did not pursue the matter further.


    On this day, when Xiao Jingheng came to Fengluan Pce for lunch, he mentioned the matter of appointing a crown prince to Zhao Hua,


    "Chenghuan''s funeral has been over for more than a month, and there have been sessive incidents with the imperial heirs in the pce. I won''t hide it from you, I''m starting to feel a little anxious."


    Yesterday, I consulted the Royal Observatory, and they said that the Purple Star is surrounded by ominous energy. It''s said that when there''s a royal pulse auspicious event, it can alleviate the ominous signs. So, I n to reinstate Cheng Yu as the crown prince soon. Zhao Hua, what do you think?"


    At this moment, Zhao Hua was chewing on a small piece of fresh mushroom heart.


    Upon hearing Xiao Jingheng''s question, she suddenly felt as though the mushroom heart in her mouth had turned into lime, making it hard to swallow.


    The first time Xiao Jingheng made Cheng Yu crown prince again,


    it was to secure his own blessings;


    the second time he made Cheng Yu crown prince again,


    it was to ward off disasters and dispel ominous energy for himself.


    Such nauseating words, yet he could say them with such dignity,


    and even looked at Zhao Hua with a pleased expression, as if making Cheng Yu crown prince was bestowing the ultimate blessing upon them mother and son...


    Zhao Hua''s heart surged, but her face quicklyposed itself, with a shallow smile, as she gazed back at Xiao Jingheng.


    She hadn''t seriously looked at Xiao Jingheng for a long time,


    even during their intimate moments, it was all just routine.


    Now, upon closer inspection,


    Zhao Hua felt like she could hardly recognize him anymore.


    Thinking back to when she first entered the pce, Xiao Jingheng was handsome, with a fit physique, broad shoulders, and faintly visible toned muscles, undeniably charming and handsome.


    But now?


    In Zhao Hua''s eyes, all she saw were the round cheeks and the slightly bulging belly,


    even when wearing a wide dragon robe, his protruding abdomen was still clearly visible.


    Weight gain in middle age ismon, but there''s also Zhang Taiyi''s ''thoughts'' involved in this.


    Not long ago, because of Shang Yang''s betrayal and Jinghe''s death, Xiao Jingheng suffered a considerable blow,


    coupled with the heavy state affairs and the increasingly hot weather, he had lost his appetite.


    It was Zhao Hua who thoughtfully suggested that Zhang Taiyi prescribe some appetizing and spleen-strengthening soups and medicines for Xiao Jingheng, and often served oily and meaty dishes to stimte his appetite when he came to her pce to dine.


    Eating too much of these things may appear full of vitality on the outside, but the internal deficiencies are gnawing away day by day, umting into hidden dangers.


    Zhao Hua gazed affectionately at Xiao Jingheng for a moment,


    while cing a stewed and tender braised elbow into Xiao Jingheng''s bowl,


    and replied with a smile, "Cheng Yu is still young andcks experience. Your Majesty, I think it''s not yet time to reinstate him as crown prince."


    Xiao Jingheng took a bite of the elbow and smiled, saying,


    "It''s alright. Bing crown prince sooner means knowing sooner how heavy the responsibilities on one''s shoulders are, and one will work even harder."


    Zhao Hua could tell that Xiao Jingheng didn''t actuallye to seek her opinion,


    in Xiao Jingheng''s view, such a great thing, no one in the world would refuse,


    so he simply informed Zhao Hua as a matter of course, and said,


    "This matter is settled. There''s another matter..."


    "Consort Yun has served me faithfully for a long time. Although I initially punished her, she has acknowledged her tendency to speak too much. She cried and assured me that she will be more cautious in the future. Therefore, I''ve decided to reinstate her title and position, with only a half-year reduction in sry as a mild punishment."


    Upon hearing this, Zhao Hua was initially surprised.


    The issue with Dong was not about her talkativeness but rather her family''s dominance in political affairs in Jizhou.


    Normally, Xiao Jingheng detests such matters.


    Why is he acting so unusually this time? Instead of severe consequences, he has even reinstated Consort Yun''s position?


    Though puzzled, Zhao Hua knew she couldn''t voice these questions. She understood that Xiao Jingheng needed apliant and sensible empress¡ªa presentable and obedient figurehead.


    So, she pretended not to take his earlier words seriously and smiled gently, saying, "I punished Consort Yun in a fit of anger. With Chenghuan''s illness being so severe, as a mother, I couldn''t tolerate someone making inappropriate remarks at such a time. Reflectingter, I felt the punishment was too harsh."


    Xiao Jingheng shook his head, "Zhao''er, you manage the harem with clear rewards and punishments, handling it quite well."


    As he spoke, he casually took her hand, giving it a reassuring squeeze.


    "Next month, new talents will enter the pce, and Zhao''er will have to put in extra effort."


    Zhao Hua chuckled, "It''s my duty, Your Majesty."

 Chapter 424: From the Throne

    <h4>Chapter 424</h4>


    The process of reinstating Cheng Yu as Crown Prince was very simple. Since the inauguration ceremony for establishing him as Crown Prince had already taken ce previously, this time it only required an imperial edict to announce it to the world. Although everything was simplified, Consort Zhao Hua''s prestige grew even more after this matter. Not only did the imperial concubines curried favor with her one after another, even when the officials'' wives entered the pce to pay respects to her, they also ttered Zhao Hua with their words, that made one''s ears grow calluses.


    Later, Zhao Hua got really tired of it, so she simply pleaded illness as an excuse to tactfully decline these trivial matters.


    On this day, when Imperial Physician Zhang came as usual to take Consort Zhao Hua''s pulse to check on her health, he heard Zhao Huaughingly ask him about something, "Imperial Physician Guo''s diarrhea has been going on for half a month, and still hasn''t gotten better?"


    Zhang the Imperial Physician shook his head and sighed, "He is also unwilling to admit that he is getting old. At 60 years old, he obstinately got obsessed with the art of longevity, and has taken quite a lot of expensive elixirs peddled by various Taoist priests. Even with my medical skills, his body is still damaged by eating the wrong things."


    Zhao Hua said, "Physicians find it hard to heal themselves. When you have time, go take a look at him."


    Zhang the Imperial Physician quickly said, "Of course, that''s natural. After all, we are colleagues. When I first entered the Imperial Medical Bureau, Imperial Physician Guo took care of me a lot too. In recent days when I was treating him, I heard him sigh with feelings. He should be nning to ask for retirement from His Majesty after his health recoverspletely, so he can go home to enjoy family happiness."


    Zhao Hua looked at him with bright, meaningful eyes, and said profoundly,


    "You are the deputy chief imperial physician. After he steps down, you will be in charge of the Imperial Medical Bureau."


    Zhang the Imperial Physician bowed with sped hands, "I am able to attain my present position today, entirely thanks to Empress''s nurturing and promotion."


    Zhao Huaughed, "What can I nurture you with? It is entirely your own capability after all."


    How Imperial Physician Guo got sick, both Zhao Hua and Zhang the Imperial Physician knew very well in their hearts. Hence, there was no need to spell it out bluntly. On the other hand, Zhang the Imperial Physician''ster words aroused Zhao Hua''s interest even more.


    She heard him say softly, "Empress, Eunuch Jiang who serves at Your Majesty''s side, his leg illness has not been very good these few days."


    Zhao Hua thought for a while and said, "I haven''t seen much of him recently. It looks like only Little Yinzi has been busy serving at my side. What happened to Jiang Deshun?"


    Zhang the Imperial Physician slowly said, "His Majesty ordered me to take a look at his illness. He is prohibited from drinking alcohol, but somehow he got greedy and drank a cup, aggravating the hidden afflictions in his body. His right leg ispletely paralyzed now."


    He paused briefly, and then suddenly added, "Fortunately... when Little Yinzi is free these days, he goes to take care of him."


    Zhao Hua carefully savored this matter. She could not help smiling sardonically,


    "An imperial physician harmed his own body by taking too much medicine. Someone who abides by the rules clearly knew he should not drink alcohol yet he got greedy and drank, harming his own body."


    She gently caressed the wide sleeves of her phoenix robe, and sighed softly,


    "This high position, there is only one of it. It is said the higher you go, the colder it gets. But who is not born wishing they could stride through the clouds and ascend to the highest point? The means to ascend may be clever or despicable, being able to remain in the light does not matter... What matters is being able to climb up smoothly."


    As she spoke, her gaze slowly focused on Zhang the Imperial Physician, and she meaningfully said,


    "The key is whether you can climb up sessfully."


    Zhang the Imperial Physician understood her implied meaning, and acquiesced, "Your Majesty is wise."


    Zhao Hua casually yawned and waved her hand, saying,


    "You may go now. Since Jiang Deshun''s leg is already crippled, just treat it perfunctorily."


    Zhang the Imperial Physician took his leave.


    As soon as he stepped out the door, Zhao Hua immediately heard Yun Shan scoff in disgust,


    "So Little Yinzi made a move against Imperial Physician Jiang? He is the mentor who helped raise him to this position! He has always said he treats Imperial Physician Jiang like his own father. How could he..."


    "He is his mentor, but also his stumbling block." Zhao Hua said unhurriedly, "For the sake of profit, some people can even murder their own fathers. Those below will follow the example of those above. It is not strange for others to do shameful things."


    Yun Shan nodded slowly, but still said worriedly,


    "But for Little Yinzi to act this way, it is really... Mydy, it would be best if you don''t get too close to him."


    "Hmph, get close?" Zhao Hua sneered coldly, "A servant, how dare he get close to Me?"


    As she spoke, she held Yun Shan''s hand, and looked at her with sincere, gentle eyes,


    "In this pce, I do not trust any of My servants. As for you and Little Fuzi, you are not ves or maidservants. I have long treated you like my own siblings."


    These words warmed one''s heart to hear,


    But Yun Shan did not dare forget propriety, and quickly said,


    "Being able to serve My Lady is this ve''s fortune. If My Lady treats this ve as a sister, it would kill this ve."


    Zhao Hua knew she was stubborn, and did not argue with her. Instead she said,


    "I see Little Yinzi''s true nature very clearly. From beginning to end, I never expected him to be loyal to Me. The rtionships between people, they can be simple, and they can beplicated.


    Unless there is a life-and-death bond, ultimately everyone interacts based on the word ''benefit''. Theye together for benefit, when the benefit is gone they separate. He wants Me to protect his life, but he must also see if he still has value that I can make use of."


    *


    Jiang Deshun''s illness could not be dyed.


    Since he could no longer get off the bed to serve at the imperial court, it was time for him to retire and return home.


    Three dayster, Jiang Deshun resigned. Little Yinzi smoothly seeded him in the position of head eunuch.


    After thanking the emperor for his grace, he naturally had toe thank the empress afterwards.


    Little Yinzi did not show the slightest disrespect to Zhao Hua.


    Upon entering the main hall, he faced the seat of honor and performed three kneelings and nine prostrations.


    Only after the ritual waspleted did Zhao Hua gentlyugh and say, "Congrattions to you."


    Little Yinzi looked up at Zhao Hua. Seeing his expression, it seemed he had private words to say.


    Thus, Zhao Hua dismissed her attendants, leaving only him alone.


    She heard Little Yinzi say,


    "Empress, regarding the question you asked this servantst time, this servant has thought it through clearly. A servant cannot serve two masters. In this imperial pce, the biggest master is naturally His Majesty. Therefore, this servant can only be loyal to His Majesty alone."


    His words made Zhao Hua feel somewhat astonished.


    But she did not show it on her face, still smiling thinly as she said,


    "There has only ever been His Majesty as the proper master in the pce. It shows your mentor taught you well that you can discern this."


    "Empress." Little Yinzi''s expression darkened. He bowed to Zhao Hua and said word for word,


    "However, the Crown Prince is the future new ruler. Therefore, serving Empress means serving the future new ruler. It is all being loyal to the emperor and loyal to the Qi Dynasty."


    Having said that, he lowered himself and respectfully kowtowed three times to Zhao Hua,


    "This servant hopes Empress will take good care of this servant from now on!"


    Hearing this, Zhao Hua looked at him with raised eyebrows, and could not helpughing.


    He was clever after all, and spoke nicely.


    Zhao Hua beckoned Little Yinzi to rise,


    "As Empress who emtes the Mother of the Nation, I care for and protect all the emperor''s subjects. Just like... how I treated Consort Yun, who made mistakes in the past."


    As she spoke, she suddenly assumed a serious expression and loudly asked,


    "I just want to know... Why did His Majesty inexplicably restore Consort Yun''s status?"

 Chapter 425: Kill Me 01

    <h4>Chapter 425</h4>


    When Xiao Yinzi heard Zhao Hua''s question, his face suddenly took on a secretive expression. He stepped closer and said in a low voice to Zhao Hua in the main hall:


    "The Emperor has made a deal with Lord Dong''s family. This can guarantee the safety of Imperial Consort Yun''s mother''s family and allow her to continue enjoying the glory of being one of the four consorts. The price is that Lord Dong must admit to something..."


    He paused at the critical part, as if to emphasize how useful he, a eunuch, could be in obtaining information from the imperial court for Zhao Hua.


    But Zhao Hua was not impressed and did not give him the slightest positive reaction. She coldly said:


    "I dislike dealing with people who stutter. If you have something to say, say it all at once."


    Xiao Yinzi was disappointed and respectfully continued:


    "The Emperor made Lord Dong write a confession, stating that his act of upying Jizhou and dering himself king at the time was instigated by someone else."


    Zhao Hua said: "Is this to pin the me on the Ning family, to find a more justifiable reason for executing the Ning father and son back then?"


    "No," Xiao Yinzi shook his head, his tone bing increasingly chilling. "The Emperor made Lord Dong admit that all of this... was secretly instigated by Prince Rui."


    "Prince Rui?" Zhao Hua was startled and quite shocked. "Prince Rui has been confined in the Imperial n Court for four years, and his family members, former subordinates, and students have all been executed. The Emperor is..."


    Zhao Hua wanted to say more but stopped. Although she did not understand it, upon further reflection, she realized it made sense.


    Xiao Jingheng was someone whose mind was more meticulous than a needlepoint or grain of rice. Shang Yang had once said that the world should have belonged to Prince Rui, but Xiao Jingheng killed his father, betrayed his ruler, colluded with officials, and falsified the imperial edict to ''steal'' this prosperousnd from Prince Rui.


    Therefore, as long as Prince Rui was not eliminated, he would remain a thorn in Xiao Jingheng''s side, a constant torment in his heart.


    He had topletely exterminate Prince Rui''s lineage before he could sit securely on the precarious dragon throne.


    After a while, Zhao Hua regained herposure and asked Xiao Yinzi:


    "When will action be taken?"


    Xiao Yinzi said: "Today. Prince Jingyan has probably already gone to the Imperial n Court by now."


    Upon hearing ''Prince Jingyan,'' Zhao Hua''s heart tightened, but she maintained her usual calm expression in front of Xiao Yinzi, only saying lightly:


    "Prince Jingyan is the brother the Emperor trusts most. By letting him handle this matter, the Emperor can be at ease."


    Xiao Yinzi agreed: "He is the brother the Emperor trusts most, and also the most well-behaved of the princes. A person like Prince Jingyan, who knows how to be a carefree prince, is truly blessed with great fortune."


    Xiao Jingyan was indeed greatly fortunate. However, fortune and misfortune are interdependent. Until the veryst moment, no one could say whether this great fortune would not turn into a de piercing his vital points in the end.


    After Xiao Yinzi left that day, Zhao Hua sat alone on the phoenix throne, lost in thought for a long while.


    Xiao Fuzi even changed the hot tea in front of her twice, but she did not notice.


    Xiao Fuzi rarely saw Zhao Hua so absentminded. After some hesitation, she asked softly:


    "Your servant sees that Your Imperial Highness seems preupied. Did Xiao Yinzi say something to you earlier?"


    Zhao Hua lowered her gaze, her brow slightly furrowed, and said: "The Emperor made Lord Dong''s safety the condition in exchange for the Dong family admitting his act of upying Jizhou and dering himself king was instigated by Prince Rui. Now... he has sent my brother to the Imperial n Court to send Prince Rui on his way."


    "He sent Prince Jingyan?" Xiao Fuzi was also extremely shocked. "For the Emperor to resolve the matter of Prince Rui, it would only require action from his secret operatives. Why make such an borate arrangement and have Prince Jingyan personally go?"


    In Xiao Jingheng''s eyes, Prince Rui''s life could not be spared. But if he eliminated him silently, he would inevitably be criticized by the former officials.


    Therefore, to eliminate Prince Rui, he needed a legitimate reason. Moreover, since Prince Rui was a prince, he could not be publicly executed to maintain the imperial family''s dignity.


    The most proper way would be to have another prince go to the Imperial n Court and personally send him on his way.


    Xiao Jingyan naturally became the only choice for this task.


    But the problemy precisely in this.


    Xiao Jingyan was the sixth prince, while Prince Rui was the fifth prince. The two brothers were close in age and had been the closest ymates when they were young.


    Given Xiao Jingyan''s character, to have him harm his own brother...


    Zhao Hua was afraid he would not have the heart to take action, and might even create some trouble instead.


    She shook her head repeatedly and sighed softly:


    "We learned of this information toote. Now, even if we wanted to warn my brother, it is already toote. I can only hope my brother does not act foolishly. If he shows any pity for Prince Rui out of brotherly affection, then the great disaster that will befall him in the future... may well be him."


    At the same time, in the Imperial n Court.


    Xiao Jingyan arrived at the Imperial n Court in the afternoon.


    Upon his arrival, Nn Cuo, the warden of the Imperial n Court, was already waiting at the gate to wee him.


    Nn Cuo was twelve years older than Xiao Jingyan, but because they were both lovers of painting, they had a close personal rtionship.


    Knowing that Xiao Jingyan would being that day, Nn Cuo had prepared some premium pre-rain Longjing tea to serve him.


    At this moment, they were sitting together in the main hall, and the tea they had brewed was neither too hot nor too cold, just the right temperature to drink.


    Nn Cuoughed heartily and urged Xiao Jingyan to raise his cup:


    "This tea was a gift from the Emperor. I have been reluctant to use it and was saving it until Your Royal Highness arrived, so that I could have the honor of drinking a pot with you. Your Highness, please try it and let me know how it tastes."


    Xiao Jingyan took a sip and praised it profusely: "Anything gifted by the Emperor is sure to be of the highest quality."


    Nn Cuo said, "I have set some aside especially for Your Royal Highness. Although I know you have no shortage of such things, it is merely a token of my appreciation. A few days ago, I obtained an authentic work by Zhao Mengfu. I was nning to visit Your Highness''s residence at my leisure to appreciate it together. Since an unexpected opportunity has arisen, I have already prepared fine wine and delicacies at my residence. After Your Highness has attended to the official matter today, please honor me with your presence for a drink."


    Xiao Jingyanughed heartily: "Nn Ge''s warm invitation is too kind for me to refuse."


    After taking a few more sips of tea, he subtly changed the subject:


    "Prince Rui has been under Nn Ge''s care in the Imperial n Court for these few years."


    Nn Cuo waved his hands repeatedly in denial. "Your Highness is too polite. In my early years, my father was punished. If not for Your Highness''s intercession with the Former Emperor on my behalf, how could the Nn family have attained such prosperity today?"


    He sighed regretfully: "s... but now that the Emperor has issued an edict to send Prince Rui on his way, there is nothing we can do."


    "Everyone has their destiny. The grave mistakemitted by the Fifth Brother this time has led him to such a fate through his own actions."


    Xiao Jingyan let out a short sigh and then stood up slowly, saying to Nn Cuo:


    "I should attend to the official matter now. Please lead the way, Nn Ge."

 Chapter 426: Kill Me 02

    <h4>Chapter 426</h4>


    Imperial n Court and Tiao havepletely differentyouts,


    Only those rted to the imperial family can be confined here,


    So, officially, it''s called confinement, but in reality, it''s just keeping people in a spacious and well-decorated room, restricting their movements.


    In addition, Xiao Jingyan had instructed Nn Cuo to take good care of Prince Rui,


    Thus, Prince Rui''s daily life, during these four years, was never neglected.


    Guided by Nn Cuo, the two stopped at a house shaded by wutong trees,


    Nn Cuo pointed to the lock on the door handle, saying,


    "Your Highness, Prince Rui has been confined in this ce."


    While speaking, an official presented two mahogany trays before Xiao Jingyan.


    One contained fine wine and delicacies,


    The other, covered with a dark cloth, hid its contents.


    Although the items on the tray couldn''t be seen, it was easy to guess: likely poisoned wine, white silk, and a dagger: the three usual things used in the pce for executions.


    Nn Cuo said, "Prince Rui, born in the imperial family, has enjoyed a luxurious life. In consideration of brotherly bonds, the Emperor allows Prince Rui to have a hearty meal before departure, hoping for prosperity in the afterlife."


    Xiao Jingyan nodded indifferently, "The Emperor is considerate."


    Nn Cuo asked, "Does Your Highness need me to apany you inside and see Prince Rui off on his final journey?"


    Xiao Jingyan waved his hand, "No need, I and Fifth Brother are true brothers. In the end, I want to send him off properly."


    Nn Cuo respectfully agreed and ordered the opening of the heavy lock in front of the door.


    Entering, Xiao Jingyan saw Prince Rui sitting cross-legged on a warm seat, turning Buddhist prayer beads in his hands, chanting scriptures.


    Despite themotion, he didn''t lift his eyelids, engrossed in his prayers.


    Observing him closely,


    He appeared much older, even though he was just a year older than Xiao Jingyan, his hair was white, and his posture was hunched,


    Looking no different from a fifty-year-old man.


    After the official ced the two mahogany trays on the table and left, Xiao Jingyan couldn''t help but sigh and said to Prince Rui,


    "Fifth Brother, how have you been?"


    The movement of Prince Rui''s turning beads paused, slowly lifting his eyelids to look at Xiao Jingyan,


    His eyes were cloudy, and he smiled with a sense of destion,


    "You''vee."


    After speaking, his gaze fell on the table, and upon seeing the conspicuous trays, he instantly understood Xiao Jingyan''s intention,


    So calmly, he said,


    "The Emperor spared my life for four years, why can''t he endure it today? What''s the reason?"


    His voice was somewhat muffled, as if there was a jujube pit in his mouth. Xiao Jingyan had to listen carefully to discern what he said before replying,


    "The exposure of the Dong family''snd-grabbing in Jizhou was all orchestrated by Fifth Brother behind the scenes. The previous dynasty couldn''t tolerate Fifth Brother''s crimes. Allowing Fifth Brother to leave with an intact corpse is already the Emperor''s mercy."


    Upon hearing this,


    Prince Rui''s gaze trembled intensely,


    But soon, he regained his calm expression, disdainfully saying,


    "Enough, it''s a matter of time."


    He stood up, staggering to the table,


    His gaze didn''t fall on the covered "corpse" but instead lingered on the fresh and hot dishes, smiling as he took his seat.


    Casually tapping the empty seat beside him with his fingers, he said, "Sit, consider it apanying me on myst journey."


    Prince Rui handed over two white jade wine cups, filling them one by one and pushing one in front of Xiao Jingyan.


    "These years, I''ve been alone every day. Now, my speech is bing unclear," he said.


    "No worries," Xiao Jingyan shook his head. "Between brothers, even a nce can convey the elder''s intentions to the younger."


    He raised his cup, clinking it with Prince Rui''s, and downed it in one gulp.


    "Hahaha, refreshing! Truly refreshing!" Prince Ruiughed loudly, then continued, "I remember when we were children, the Emperor and I were closest to you. Back then, our elder brother was still around, along with our second and fourth brothers. We were always together, practicing martial arts and exploring."


    He lowered his gaze, sighing deeply, full of mncholy. "Those days, without schemes or calctions, are truly missed. Now, the Emperor''s siblings are only you and me."


    He drank another cup, his gazending on Xiao Jingyan, and suddenly smiled, saying, "No, it''s only you left."


    "Brother..." Xiao Jingyan sensed Prince Rui''s sorrow and patted his shoulder, saying, "What''s there to be sad about? This is a good thing. Rather than being trapped here for the rest of my life, it''s better to be freed early. But what I hate most in my life is my own dullness. I''ve been manipted by the Emperor all my life, foolishly treating him as an elder brother, trusting him in everything, defending him everywhere. It''s ridiculous."


    Xiao Jingyan was stunned. "You know all this, Fifth Brother?"


    Prince Rui nodded coldly, "I know that Father favored me to be the crown prince, I know that Mother was harmed by Xiao Jingheng in the past, I know that I fought with the Ning family for so long, only to end up with both sides suffering losses. It''s all Xiao Jingheng''s cunning n. Haha, he truly deserves to be the Emperor..."


    Many of the things Prince Rui mentioned were only recently learned by Xiao Jingyan from Zhao Hua. How could he be so well-informed while being imprisoned in the Imperial n Court?


    Prince Rui saw Xiao Jingyan''s confusion and spoke before he could, "A few days ago, Consort Hui sent me a letter, delivered in secret at night, telling me many things. I didn''t believe it at first, but when you said Xiao Jingheng wants to punish me, ming me for instructing Dong Shi to imnd in Jizhou as our own, haha, he''s so eager to send me to the underworld, he wants me to see clearly."


    With a sudden fierce look in his eyes, he gritted his teeth, "He thinks that if I die, he can live a carefree life? The scoundrel is dreaming!"


    He abruptly picked up a dagger from the table and swiftly walked to the bed, lifting a piece of floor tile with the de. From underneath, he retrieved a wooden key carved out of wood and threw it to Xiao Jingyan.


    "Take this and find a cksmith to cast a key ording to the teeth marks. The Prince Rui''s Residence has been sealed, but beneath the sixth brick at the entrance to the cer, there''s a hiddenpartment. Use the key to unlock it, and you''ll find a tiger token. It''s my private army, with over twenty thousand elite soldiers. They were bestowed upon me by thete emperor. With the token, you canmand them."


    Prince Rui''s eyes sparked with deep blue fury as he spoke with solemnity:


    "Xiao Jingheng has gone mad. If therees a day when he cannot even tolerate you... do not hesitate to rise against him!"


    Xiao Jingyan looked down at the wooden key lying quietly in his palm.


    It must have been the Prince Rui who had memorized the appearance of the key to the hiddenpartment early on, and gradually carved it out from a block of wood after entering the Imperial n Court.


    Yet Xiao Jingyan did not ept the key. Instead, he ced it on the table and retrieved a brown pill from his pocket.


    He handed the pill to Prince Rui, whispering softly into his ear:


    "This is a fake death pill. Once consumed, it will induce a three-daya. After you fake your death and are carried out for burial, someone wille to rescue you. With full of resentment, you must seek vengeance on your own."


    Prince Rui''s pupils trembled, tears glistening in his eyes.


    He clutched the pill tightly in his hand, saying in a solemn tone:


    "Thank you, Sixth Brother."


    "Don''t say more, Fifth Brother. Time is of the essence. Hurry and take the pill."


    Xiao Jingyan hurriedly turned to fetch water and help Prince Rui ingest the fake death pill.


    But in the instant he turned around, he felt a scalding liquid stter on the back of his neck.


    Stiffening for a moment, he quickly turned back around, only to see...


    Prince Rui, without hesitation, plunging a dagger into his own heart,


    At that moment, he wore a radiant smile, calmly looking at Xiao Jingyan.


    "Fifth Brother!!"

 Chapter 427: Naranru Song 01

    <h4>Chapter 427</h4>


    Blood of deep crimson dripped down the de gripped by Prince Rui''s hand.


    Xiao Jingyan stepped forward, intending to wrest the dagger away.


    But the de had sunk three inches into the prince''s body, and forcibly pulling it out might cause him to bleed excessively, leaving no chance of survival.


    Prince Rui covered Xiao Jingyan''s hand with his own as he weakly smiled,


    "Jingyan, among us brothers, you were always seen as the most unruly. Since childhood, you''ve caused trouble and gotten into mischief everywhere. But I know that you also value feelings the most among all of us brothers.


    Your true character is clear to me, just as Xiao Jingheng understands it well. By allowing you toe, he was clearly testing you - to see which you would choose between loyalty and kinship when they conflicted."


    Prince Rui handed the fake death potion back to Xiao Jingyan and shook his head slightly, his smile tinged with bitterness,


    "Even if this potion could fool others, it cannot deceive him. If I took it, not only would I not survive, but it would be the very catalyst of your demise."


    Xiao Jingyan''s lips trembled uncontrobly.


    He struggled to hold back his tears, wanting to say something,


    But before he could speak, Prince Rui gripped his wrist tightly and whispered:


    "Jingyan, you must live on, you must survive!"


    With those words, giving Xiao Jingyan no chance to react, he suddenly shouted towards the door:


    "I cannot die! I have nothing to do with the Jizhou incident! I demand to see the Emperor!"


    After shouting, without hesitation, he grabbed Xiao Jingyan''s hand and thrust the dagger deeper into his own chest...


    ''BANG''


    The door was forced open from outside.


    Nn Cuo led over a dozen guards rushing in, anxiously asking:


    "What has happened?"


    Only to see


    Xiao Jingyan holding the dagger, having stabbed it directly into Prince Rui''s heart.


    His hands and face were sttered with fresh blood.


    Prince Rui had no strength left to shout.


    Like a pile of soft mud, he slid down before Xiao Jingyan.


    Finally, he red at Xiao Jingyan, but his thoughts were only of Xiao Jingheng as he bitterly said:


    "Even in death... I will not let..."


    He never finished thosest words.


    His resentful eyes bulged unnaturally until the end, unwilling to close.


    Faced with this tragic scene, even Nn Cuo shuddered as he said:


    "This... Your Highness, what has happened here?"


    Xiao Jingyan appeared utterlyposed, his voice devoid of emotion:


    "The treacherous subject refused execution, so I had to end his life myself."


    He bent down and used his bloodied palm to close Prince Rui''s eyelids.


    Then he carelessly tossed the dagger aside, while clutching the fake death potion and a wooden key in his other hand.


    Xiao Jingyan turned to leave.


    As he brushed past the still stunned Nn Cuo, he said,


    "The matter here is settled. After I return home to wash and change clothes, I shall seek out Brother Nn to enjoy some fine wine and admire exquisite paintings."


    *


    At the same time, in the Nn residence.


    As dusk approached, the brilliant golden sunlight gradually shifted to a warm red hue, filtering through thetticed window into the maiden''s boudoir and onto her desk.


    Nn Ruge was bent over the desk, intently painting something.


    Her brows furrowed at times, her face beaming with delight at others,


    Her thoughts were drawn by the subject of her painting. In her moments of contemtion, her almond-shaped peach blossom eyes shone with a radiant glow, her straight and upturned nose adding to her refined elegance. Her brows were naturally dark, her lips naturally rosy, altogether the epitome of peerless beauty that eclipsed all others.


    Simply by looking at the painter, one could imagine the exquisite visage she was capturing on canvas.


    As she was fully immersed in her painting, the maid Xiao Liu''er brought in some fresh ice.


    She ced the ice jar beside Nn Ruge, then wiped the sweat from her brow as sheined:


    "This autumn heat is really fierce. The sun has already set, yet we''re still drenched in sweat. Oh? What is the youngdy painting?"


    Curious, Xiao Liu''er leaned in for a closer look.


    Nn Ruge hastily tried to cover the painting.


    But the ink had not fully dried,


    And she feared smudging it with too much movement, so she could only feign concealment, allowing Xiao Liu''er to glimpse most of the painting.


    In the painting, a tall and extraordinarily handsome man leaned against a bamboo tree, a mischievous smile on his lips as he casually chewed on a de of cogon grass.


    A majestic ck panther lounged beside him.


    Xiao Liu''er teased, "Why hide it from me, mydy? Even if you don''t let me see, I know you''re painting His Royal Highness the Prince of An."


    Upon hearing this, Nn Ruge''s face instantly flushed red to her ears.


    She stammered in flustered protest:


    "No, no, it''s not! You mischievous girl, I was just idling away my time, yet you insist on yful banter!"


    Her voice was soft and shy, flowing like a gentle stream, melodious and captivating.


    Xiao Liu''er continued smiling as she said, "Mydy need not be coy. Hasn''t the Old Master already agreed and submitted your name to be considered as a consort? It won''t be long before he enters the pce to speak with the Emperor, and have you officially betrothed to the Prince of An."


    She leaned in close to Nn Ruge''s shoulder and mischievously added, "To have the Emperor grant you as the wife of the Prince of An."


    "Nonsense!"


    Nn Ruge yfully pinched Xiao Liu''er''s sides, tickling her until she begged for mercy.


    "Ah! Ah! Mydy, I''m sorry!"


    Only after teasing her maid for a good while did Nn Ruge relent.


    She then sat by thetticed window, resting her chin on her hand as she gazed at the reddening clouds in the evening sky. Murmuring softly:


    "But it may still be wishful thinking on my part. Who knows what the Prince of An truly thinks?"


    "What else could he think? The Prince of An is already twenty-four this year, it''s high time for him to take a wife and consorts. You are knowledgeable and cultured, beautiful, and deeply versed in the study of famous paintings. Whenever the prince visits our residence and hears your unique insights on various artworks, he is full of boundless praise."


    Xiao Liu''er leaned in close to Nn Ruge''s ear, her yful nature resurfacing.


    "All of the capital knows that the Prince of An has lofty standards - ordinary women cannot even speak with him. Yet he frequently converses andughs with you, mydy. Doesn''t this imply that you are in his heart? If you ask me, to have gained such an exceptional beauty as yourself would be great fortune for the Prince of An."


    "Enough of your teasing! I shall make you regret this today!"


    "No, no, mydy, I''m sorry!"


    The mistress and maid yfully chased each other around, filling the room with liveliness.


    It was said throughout the capital that the daughter of the Nn family was a rare talented beauty.


    Not only was she proficient in poetry, music, calligraphy and painting, but her skill in portraiture was said to rival even the masters of the Pce Painting Academy.


    Yet few knew that Nn Ruge did not actually enjoy painting, having no true understanding of the art.


    Her current abilities were developed solely to bring her closer to the one who upied her heart.


    Amid the frolicking andughter, Xiao Liu''er identally bumped into the attendant You Cai.


    You Cai stopped her sternly. "Liu''er, that''s enough mischief! Look at yourself, you''re corrupting the youngdy''s proper conduct. What if others were to see this behavior?"


    "Hmph!" Xiao Liu''er nced around before sticking her tongue out at him dismissively. "Who''s going to see? There''s no one else here."


    You Cai sighed helplessly, then turned to Nn Ruge and said,


    "Mydy, the Prince of An has arrived."


    Upon hearing this, Nn Ruge felt her heart inexplicably tugged by some unseen force.


    Her face flushed, and she swiftly turned and hurried back into her boudoir with small, hasty steps.

 Chapter 428: Naranru Song 02

    <h4>Chapter 428</h4>


    Seeing her young mistress hurry away, Xiao Liu''er followed along closely behind, nagging,


    "Miss, what are you running from? It''s been two months since Prince Anst visited our manor. Even if you''re shy, you should still go greet him."


    She chattered on as she pushed open the boudoir door.


    There, Ru Ge was putting finishing touches to her makeup in front of the vanity mirror, fixing her hair bun.


    In her flustered state, she still turned to ask Xiao Liu''er,


    "Xiao Liu''er, do I look presentable?"


    Xiao Liu''er stared at Ru Ge, momentarily dazed.


    "Miss, you look so beautiful! As pretty as a fairy!"


    Ru Ge blushed and said, "You tter me."


    After finishing her makeup, Ru Ge hurried to the main hall.


    As soon as she entered, Nn Cuo smiled at her,


    "Rongrong is here."


    Rongrong was Nn Ruge''s pet name.


    Normally, Nn Cuo wouldn''t address her so informally in front of outsiders.


    But for the Nn family, Xiao Jingyan was never considered an outsider.


    Ru Ge''s face flushed like a peach blossom. She first softly called out "Father", then curtseyed to Xiao Jingyan, sweetly saying,


    "Greetings, Prince An."


    At that moment, Xiao Jingyan was admiring a new painting by Nn Cuo.


    Upon Ru Ge''s greeting, he merely nced at her politely and smiled, dismissively saying,


    "I was just discussing your marriage with your father, and you arrive."


    Hearing this, Ru Ge''s face flushed even hotter.


    For some reason, the usually poised young woman felt flustered now.


    She fidgeted with her clothes awkwardly and stammered,


    "Father, your daughter just recalled mother had left some unfinished tasks. I''ll take my leave first."


    Saying so, she curtseyed again to Xiao Jingyan before hurriedly leaving the hall.


    But her nervousness soon turned into excitement.


    Ru Ge tightly gripped Xiao Liu''er''s hand, barely containing her joy.


    "Xiao Liu''er, did you hear that? Prince An said... he was discussing my marriage with Father? He... he really has intentions for me?"


    Xiao Liu''er nodded emphatically, stressing her words as she replied,


    "Of course! Miss, you once told the Master that if you could marry Prince An, you''d happily be his concubine. Who wouldn''t be moved by those words? But... Miss, if Prince An truly takes you as a concubine into his manor, would you truly be happy?"


    "It doesn''t matter," Ru Ge looked back at Xiao Jingyan chatting amiably with Nn Cuo in the hall, smiling contentedly. "As long as I can be by his side, able to see him every day, that''s enough for me."


    As she spoke, she took out a loveknotted silk cord from her sleeve, clutching it tightly.


    Xiao Liu''er noticed and teased,


    "Last year when we snuck out, some ruffians blocked our path. It was Prince An who rescued you then. He chased them off but dropped this loveknotted cord. You picked it up after, Miss, and have cherished it like a treasure ever since."


    "Xiao Liu''er... don''t talk nonsense," Ru Ge scolded her.


    But Xiao Liu''er grabbed her wrist, opening her palm to show the cord.


    "I speak no nonsense! This cord has the character ''Rong'' embroidered on it, and Spiritual Sagegrass adorns the top. The Sagegrass symbolizes romance, while ''Rong'' with the grass radical is your pet name ''Rongrong''. I''d say between you and Prince An, who knows who fell for the other first~"


    "Enough, enough, or I''ll get angry," Ru Ge chided.


    But the smile never left her face.


    She stood on tiptoe, ncing wistfully toward the hall once more before reluctantly walking away, full of anticipation.


    Back in the hall, however, Xiao Jingyan was telling Nn Cuo,


    "With Ru Ge''s beauty and talents, she is sure to be chosen in the pce selection. Brother Nn need not worry."


    The already troubled Nn Cuo looked even more despondent upon hearing this.


    "What the Prince says is not what this subject hopes, but rather fears. Forgive my blunt words, but if the young miss is chosen, the consorts in the pce... I''ve heard enough rumors to be wary. My daughter has been sheltered since young, naive to human conduct. If she offends someone unintentionally in the pce, what then?"


    "Brother Nn need not worry over this," Xiao Jingyan reassured him. "The Empress currently rules the harem with benevolence and discipline, having purged the pce''s improper practices. With her in charge, she would never let Ru Ge be wronged."


    "s..."


    Nn Cuo didn''t respond, only sighing deeply, as if burdened by some unspeakable troubles.


    Xiao Jingyan had never seen him so tongue-tied before, so he asked,


    "Brother Nn seems to have encountered difficulties? We are close friends - if there are troubles, feel free to speak inly. Let me see if I can offer any assistance."


    Nn Cuo seemed to struggle with how to voice his request. After hesitating, he steeled himself and said,


    "This subject has an audacious request... I wish to ask the Prince to take Ru Ge as a spouse!"


    "Me?" Xiao Jingyan was astonished, thinking it was merely a jest. He couldn''t help butugh. "Brother Nn jests with me?"


    But Nn Cuo maintained a solemn expression.


    "This matter concerning my daughter''s future is no jesting issue. To be frank with the Prince, my wife suffers from a grave illness with not many months left. We have kept this from Ru Ge, but now the pce selection draws near. If she is chosen to remain in the pce, it may be thest we see of each other... As a contingency, the only way to prevent my wife from dying without seeing our daughter again is for the Prince to take Ru Ge as a spouse."


    He spoke through tears, even preparing to kneel before Xiao Jingyan.


    Xiao Jingyan quickly helped Nn Cuo up, saying sternly,


    "Brother Nn must not do this. If you worry about Mrs. Nn passing without seeing Ru Ge again, that need not concern you. Should Mrs. Nn''s condition worsen, I can request the Emperor to allow Ru Ge leave to visit. But to ask me to take her as a spouse..."


    Xiao Jingyan shook his head firmly.


    "I have someone else in my heart, and have vowed to myself never to marry another. Moreover, I am nine years Ru Ge''s senior and have watched her grow up, seeing her as a younger rtion. For me to take her as a spouse would truly be a disservice to her future."

 Chapter 429: Women: Duty 01

    <h4>Chapter 429</h4>


    Xiao Jingyan''s watertight response nearly shut down any further words from Nn Cuo. Thus, Nn Cuo could only say:


    "I am deeply grateful for Prince''s favor."


    After having dinner and seeing Xiao Jingyan off, Nn Cuo''s principal wife Mrs. Zhou pulled him back into the room, looking anxious as she fretted:


    "What did the Prince say about that matter? Is he willing?"


    Nn Cuo shook his head and sighed, "He politely declined."


    Upon hearing this, Mrs. Zhou became even more agitated, tugging at Nn Cuo''s clothes as she pleaded repeatedly:


    "My Lord, you should have begged him! Once a girl enters the pce gates, it''s like descending into the depths of the sea. Rongrong is our only daughter; how can we let her waste away in the pce for her entire life? I shudder just hearing about those sordid affairs inside. With Rongrong''s innocent nature, if she enters the pce, won''t she be devoured alive? Cough cough..."


    Mrs. Zhou could hardly contain her agitation, and a surge of blood caused her to cough violently, even coughing up blood.


    Nn Cuo doted greatly on Mrs. Zhou, and seeing her like this, his eyes instantly reddened.


    He supported her to sit down, carefully wiping the blood from the corners of her lips with a handkerchief, and poured some warm water for her to drink and moisten her throat.


    But Mrs. Zhou refused to drink a single drop, continuing with tears in her voice:


    "My Lord, I know my days are numbered, and I''m not asking for Rongrong to stay in the capital for my sake. First, I don''t want our daughter to go to that ce that devours people without spitting out the bones. Second, if I pass away one day and our daughter has married into the pce, how will you cope, my Lord? As long as Prince An is willing to take Rongrong as his wife, all our problems will be solved. Moreover, Rongrong has feelings for Prince An..."


    Saying this, she abruptly knelt before Nn Cuo, clutching his pant legs tightly,


    "My Lord! Your wife has never asked anything of you, but for the sake of our daughter''s future, I am begging you now. You must find a way..."


    "What is the Lady doing? Get up quickly!"


    Nn Cuo hurriedly helped Mrs. Zhou up, but she kept coughing up blood and fainted in his arms.


    That night, after the pce physician secretly examined Mrs. Zhou, he sighed deeply,


    "My Lord, the Lady has been internally depleted for a long time, and her body is extremely weak. Even if I exhaust all my medical skills, I cannot ensure that the Lady will live past the Mid-Autumn Festival this year..."


    Mrs. Zhou had been suffering from lung disease for over half a year.


    Whenever they went to bed at night, she would have great difficulty breathing, sometimes gasping with a flushed face. Nn Cuo could only helplessly watch, his heart aching but powerless.


    Now that Mrs. Zhou''s life was nearing its end, and Rongrong was their only daughter,


    Nn Cuo drank bitterly under the moonlight, tormented by this dilemma. Yet he thought of an unorthodox solution.


    Since Xiao Jingyan''s stance was so firm,


    then he could only try to work around Xiao Jingheng instead.


    If the Emperor personally issued an edict bestowing marriage, then no matter how many reasons Xiao Jingyan had, he would have no way to refuse.


    The next day,


    After the morning court session, Xiao Jingheng entered the study to review memorials, with Zhao Hua attending to him, carefully grinding ink for him.


    Watching theyers of ripples forming on the fine Huizhi ink in the inkstone, Zhao Hua''s thoughts inadvertently drifted away.


    She had already heard about yesterday''s incident from Xiao Yinzi.


    The secret agents had reported back to Xiao Jingheng that Prince Rui defied the imperial edict to his death, and was ultimately killed by Xiao Jingyan''s own hand.


    Initially shocked upon hearing this, Zhao Hua felt that this did not seem like something her brother would do.


    But deep down, she felt a slight sense of relief.


    She knew that Xiao Jingyan had obtained a simted death drug from Zhang the Physician, so his original n must have been to save Prince Rui''s life. But something unexpected must have happened in between, causing him to fail.


    Nevertheless, it was better this way.


    Otherwise, if he had truly saved Prince Rui, he would have brought immense trouble upon himself.


    "What is Zhao''er thinking about?"


    Xiao Jingheng''s gentle voice pulled Zhao Hua''s wandering thoughts back.


    She smiled gracefully,


    "Your humble servant was thinking that in a few days, it will be time for the new pcedies to enter and be selected. I looked through the roster earlier; this batch of neers all seem young and fresh. But I can''t help worrying that once you have taken a new beauty, you might forget about your humble servant."


    "Ha ha ha, nonsense."


    Xiao Jinghengughed at her silliness. "They are all justmon beauties. None could rival the radiance of my Empress. I''m only letting them enter the pce to produce imperial heirs and ensure the prosperity of the dynasty. There''s no need to pay them any heed."


    In just two short sentences, while ostensibly praising Zhao Hua, he revealed the ruthless nature of an emperor''s mindset.


    Zhao Hua couldn''t help but wonder,


    When she first entered the pce, did Xiao Jingheng say simr ''heartfelt'' words to Empress Jia Rui and Ning Wanshuang?


    And now,


    Those who were once just tools for producing heirs in his eyes


    had risen above the rest to be the most noble woman in the realm.


    Zhao Hua was about to say something when she saw Xiao Yinzi hurriedly enter.


    "Your Majesty, Minister Nn is here."


    Xiao Jingheng nodded, "Let him in."


    Zhao Hua said, "Your Majesty has court matters to attend to, so your humble servant will take her leave."


    She gave a slight curtsy to Xiao Jingheng, then shot a meaningful nce at Xiao Yinzi before brushing past Nn Cuo as she exited.


    Nn Cuo respectfully saluted Zhao Hua, who only responded with a faint smile before leaving.


    Nn Cuo strode quickly to the end of the hall and paid his respects to Xiao Jingheng.


    Xiao Jingheng casually waved to exempt him from the formalities, then asked in a nonchnt tone:


    "Was it handled cleanly?"


    Nn Cuo replied, "Following Your Majesty''s orders, I had the coroners thoroughly examine Prince Rui''s body. A dagger had pierced his heart chamber, showing no signs of simted death. Afterward, an empty coffin was interred in the Prince''s mausoleum, while Prince Rui''s body was cremated immediately after the coroners'' examination."


    "Handled efficiently." Xiao Jingheng nodded in satisfaction, then asked:


    "I heard from the secret agents that it was Prince An who struck the fatal blow?"


    "This... "


    A brief struggle flickered in Nn Cuo''s heart, but ultimately he cupped his hands in a deep bow and said gravely:


    "It''s uncertain... When I rushed in, Prince An was holding the dagger plunged into Prince Rui''s heart chamber, and Prince Rui was clutching Prince An''s hand. You could say Prince An personally dealt with Prince Rui, or you could say Prince Ruimitted suicide... and merely acted out this scene before me."


    He slightly raised his eyes, only daring to observe Xiao Jingheng''s inscrutable expression from the corner of his vision.


    "Prince Rui and Prince An have always been close friends. Yesterday, Prince An even refused to have any attendants by his side, only meeting Prince Rui alone in private. I don''t know what they discussed. Moreover, when Prince Rui first entered the Ministry of Rites, Prince An privately sought me out many times, asking me to take good care of Prince Rui. Thus, in my humble opinion... the possibility of Prince An personally taking action against Prince Rui does not seem very likely..."

 Chapter 430: Girlhood 02

    <h4>Chapter 430</h4>


    Nn Cuo''s words stopped there, as he did not go into many details when exining to Xiao Jingheng.


    But people from the secret service had already given Xiao Jingheng a detailed ount earlier,


    including every word Prince Rui had shouted about not wanting to die before his death, which reached Xiao Jingheng''s ears verbatim.


    Xiao Jingheng knew of the friendship between Xiao Jingyan and Prince Rui, so he was shocked for a long time after learning that Xiao Jingyan had personally killed Prince Rui.


    However, after hearing Nn Cuo''s ount, he was almost certain that Prince Rui hadmitted suicide,


    but if it was suicide, then who was the audience for the "mutually destructive" spectacle between the two of them?


    In other words,


    if Xiao Jingyan was truly innocent, why would he cooperate with Prince Rui to stage such a performance?


    People are motivated by self-interest,


    and the deeper Xiao Jingheng pondered, the more he felt that something was amiss about this matter.


    As he deliberated, he kept caressing the jade ring on his thumb, his brows gradually darkening with an increasingly somber expression.


    After a long while, he finally snorted coldly:


    "We have imprisoned Xiao Jingran in the Imperial n Residence, yet Prince An has secretly instructed you to take good care of him? Ha, he is quite considerate towards a mere criminal."


    Nn Cuo hurriedly said, "Perhaps it is not consideration. In my humble opinion, Prince An values the bond between brothers deeply, treating Your Majesty as such, and Prince Rui likewise. Thus, he entrusted me to look after Prince Rui."


    Xiao Jingheng said coldly, "Then the spectacle of them turning against each other that you witnessed yesterday, whose brotherly bond was Prince An upholding?"


    Nn Cuo could not answer this,


    and could only stand below the hall with his head lowered in trepidation.


    Until he heard Xiao Jingheng''s sigh,


    "As my brothers grow older, I find it increasingly difficult to understand what they are truly thinking."


    Seizing the opportunity, he hurriedly said:


    "Does Your Majesty harbor doubts about Prince An?"


    Xiao Jingheng said, "Among royal brothers, there are too many potential conflicts of interest. When ourte father was alive, Prince Yangwang rebelled - in that battle, how manymoners in the capital lost their lives? The rivers of blood from that day are still vivid in my mind."


    Upon hearing this, sensing the timing was right, Nn Cuo hurriedly voiced the thoughts he had long harbored:


    "If Your Majesty has concerns about Prince An, you could perhaps ce your own people around him. Not only would this allow you to monitor the activities of Prince An''s residence, but also serve as a check on Prince An himself."


    "My own people?" Xiao Jingheng raised his voice. "Who do you have in mind?"


    "Prince An is already twenty-four, well past the age for marriage. With the selection of consorts imminent, Your Majesty could choose one of the candidates and betroth her to Prince An, making it an official arrangement."


    After saying this, Nn Cuo suddenly stepped back and bowed deeply to Xiao Jingheng,


    "If Your Majesty requires it, this humble servant can have his daughter enter Prince An''s residence to serve Your Majesty''s interests."


    "Oh?"


    Hearing these words, Xiao Jingheng''s gaze shifted, scrutinizing Nn Cuo with a hint of doubt and darkness,


    "Others hope for their daughters to be selected and serve in the pce, benefiting their families. Yet you are willing to send your daughter to a prince''s residence, solely to act as my spy?"


    He smiled meaningfully, then lowered his voice in a probing tone,


    "Lord Nn, I recall that you dote on your only daughter above all else."


    As soon as the words left his mouth, he saw Nn Cuo suddenly kneel on the ground, kowtowing towards the dragon throne:


    "This humble servant loves his daughter, but loves his country and loyalty to Your Majesty more. My father was punished by the court, and during ourte lord''s reign, I was merely a minor official in the Imperial n Residence. Without Your Majesty''s support, how could I have attained my current position as Minister of Rites? My entire Nn n owes Your Majesty''s patronage and protection. If I now have the opportunity to repay this imperial grace, it is a blessing for me, my daughter, and the entire Nn n!"


    At the Feng Luan Pce.


    A few days ago, it had rained twice, and Chenghuo had caught a chill, exhibiting symptoms of diarrhea today.


    The sick child was very fussy, so Zhao Hua could not leave his side,


    only able to take a brief respite after the little one finally fell asleep in thete night.


    Caring for a child is an arduous task, leaving Zhao Hua with an aching back and feeling utterly drained.


    After washing up, she had intended to rest early.


    However, at this moment, Xiaofuzi arrived with news from the pce.


    "Your Ladyship, a messenger just delivered a note."


    At the time, Zhao Hua was reclining on a side-couch, her right hand supporting her head as she rested her eyes with a weary expression.


    Hearing Xiaofuzi''s words, she did not open her eyes, merely uttering a single word indifferently,


    "Speak."


    Xiaofuzi said, "Nn Cuo told His Majesty that Prince Rui likelymitted suicide, but deliberately staged it to appear as if Prince An had killed him. This act was perhaps intended to deepen His Majesty''s trust in Prince An, causing His Majesty to doubt Prince An''s motives, saying that if Prince An was truly innocent, he would have no need for such deception..."


    Halfway through, Zhao Hua suddenly opened her eyes, her gaze sharpening with gravity.


    Xiaofuzi continued, "Afterwards, Nn Cuo suggested to His Majesty that he could betroth one of the pcedies selected for the harem to Prince An. In other words, have his daughter be His Majesty''s informant within Prince An''s residence, monitoring all activities there..."


    Zhao Hua expressed disgust, "Sending his own daughter to be a spy? Is Nn Cuo not renowned for doting on his daughter? Yet he would agree to this?"


    "Perhaps this is his way of showing love for his daughter?" Xiaofuzi spected. "Entering the pce to vie for the Emperor''s affections among the consorts is no guarantee of sess. But by avoiding the pce and instead bing His Majesty''s informant, she could be of use to His Majesty and bring glory to the Nn n. Moreover, Prince An is renowned for his charm and has countless admirers in the capital - marrying him would hardly be a bad oue..."


    Zhao Hua was well aware of how many influential families in the capital hoped their daughters could marry Xiao Jingyan, as his sister.


    However, she also understood her brother''s true feelings.


    Her brother was the epitome of a dual nature -


    outwardly a phnderer, yet at his core, he was more devoted than anyone else.


    His entire heart was devoted to Rongyue, leaving no room for others.


    But if Xiao Jingheng truly issued an imperial decree to betroth a woman to Xiao Jingyan,


    forcing someone into his life even if their coexistence was peaceful,


    would still be utterly vexing.


    Zhao Hua fell silent for a moment, then said:


    "I recall my brother once mentioning that he was on good terms with Nn Cuo. Yet now, regardless of whether Nn Cuo aims to tter the Emperor or truly cares for his daughter, he should not wrong someone who genuinely values him. My brother has a kind heart, but I will not allow anyone to take advantage of those I care about."


    The corners of her ravishing lips curved into a sinister smile as she mocked:


    "Nn Cuo wants his daughter to marry my brother? Ha, he dreams too sweetly. I shall ensure his daughter is selected for the pce, to be the Emperor''s bedmate. Let him know that his selfish schemes stand no chance before me."


    With that, she beckoned Xiaofuzi closer and whispered instructions in his ear:


    "Go handle a task for me."

 Chapter 431: Brothers and Wives 01

    <h4>Chapter 431</h4>


    Three dayster, it was the day for the talented maidens to enter the pce.


    Early in the morning, Ru Ge followed the grand procession of talented maidens and entered the Crimson Snow Pavilion to wait.


    She looked at these talented maidens, each with exquisite beauty and curvaceous figures. They greeted each other as sisters upon first meeting.


    Ru Ge was not ustomed to interacting with strangers, so she sat alone in an inconspicuous corner, avoiding others when possible.


    She heard the maidens chatting about their excitement and nervousness before meeting the Emperor.


    Most of the women here came to be selected,


    to seek a bright and dazzling future for themselves, and to bring security to their families.


    But Ru Ge was different.


    She was not nervous at all, because before entering the pce, her father had already told her that Xiao Jingheng had agreed to arrange her marriage to Xiao Jingran.


    She was overjoyed, eagerly hoping the selection would conclude swiftly


    so she could be closer to her beloved.


    After waiting for about an hour, Zhang Jiugui from the Respectful Service Department arrived.


    They initially thought he was here to escort them to meet the Emperor, but to their surprise, Zhang Jiugui apologized with a smile:


    "I apologize for keeping youdies waiting. I came to inform you of something. Today, the Empress is unwell, and the Emperor is deeply concerned, so he has no mind for the selection. It will have to be postponed until tomorrow."


    This statement caused amotion among the crowd.


    Zhang Jiugui cleared his throat and said solemnly:


    "I know that many of youdies do not reside in the capital. Out of consideration, the Empress has granted you permission to reside in the Crimson Snow Pavilion for the night, sparing you the arduous journey."


    Although this arrangement seemed reasonable, it did not satisfy everyone.


    Before entering the pce for the selection, the talented maidens had their makeup carefully applied by skilled beauticians,


    but staying in the pce overnight would cause their makeup to smear and be unsightly.


    Some bold maidens voiced their concerns.


    Zhang Jiugui merely smiled and waved his hand, reassuring them:


    "Ladies, do not worry. Tomorrow, pce maids wille to reapply your makeup."


    With this assurance, everyone felt at ease residing in the Crimson Snow Pavilion.


    Meanwhile, in the Phoenix Pce...


    Zhao Hua leaned against Xiao Jingheng''s embrace as he blew on the bitter medicinal soup to cool it down before feeding her spoonful by spoonful.


    "Are you feeling better?"


    Zhao Hua rinsed her mouth with the zhn jade liquid Yun Shan offered before nodding slightly in response:


    "It was nothing serious, just a chill from attending to Chengyang during the night. Zhang Imperial Physician''s acupuncture treatment has helped greatly."


    She gently ced her hand on Xiao Jingheng''s and said with a faint smile, "Today is the selection day for the talented maidens. You should not have dyed it for my minor ailment."


    Xiao Jingheng shook his head with a loving smile, "Zhao''er, you are the Empress, my principal wife. How could they enter the pce when the Empress is unwell? It is not toote to hold the selection after you have recovered."


    Touched by his words, Zhao Hua leaned deeper into Xiao Jingheng''s embrace, her lips curled in a contented smile.


    Later, after Zhao Hua fell asleep, Xiao Jingheng quietly left.


    But almost as soon as he stepped out, Zhao Hua opened her eyes.


    She merely cleared her throat, and Yun Shan outside the door understood,


    hurrying in to reassure her:


    "Mydy, rest assured, everything has been arranged."


    Zhao Hua smiled, "You and Xiao Fuzi have be increasingly adept at handling matters."


    She pulled up her nket and joked, "Then we should congratte the little master of the Nn family in advance."


    The next day...


    Early in the morning, pce maids entered the Crimson Snow Pavilion to apply makeup for the talented maidens.


    The maid attending to Ru Ge appeared young, but she was meticulous in applying Ru Ge''s makeup,


    paying particr attention to her eyes and brows, constantly adjusting and perfecting them while looking in the bronze mirror.


    Once fully made up, Ru Ge gazed at her reflection and was momentarily stunned.


    The maid''s skills were undeniable. Although the makeup was heavy, it appeared natural,


    only making her look more refined, especially around her eyes and brows which looked strikingly beautiful.


    Ru Ge stared for a long while, hardly recognizing the person in the mirror.


    "The maid''s skills are truly exquisite. With this makeup, I barely recognize myself."


    The maid smiled, "It is Your Ladyship''s natural beauty. I merely entuated it. This subtle yet elegant style is most favored by His Majesty."


    Ru Ge thought to herself that she was not entering the pce to marry Xiao Jingheng, so whether he liked her makeup or not did not matter.


    But perhaps this was the pce custom her mother had warned her about - to follow instructions and do as others say without questioning.


    Thus, Ru Ge did not respond, only offering the maid a slight nod of thanks with a smile.


    After her makeup was done, about a quarter of an hourter, pce servants came to escort the talented maidens to the Imperial Garden.


    The selection was held at the Imperial Dragon Pavilion in the Imperial Garden.


    The maidens stood in rows, bowing respectfully as they awaited the Emperor and Empress.


    Under the scorching sun, their bodies soon glistened with sweat.


    After an arduous wait, an announcer finally proimed,


    "His Majesty the Emperor arrives. Her Majesty the Empress arrives."


    All the maidens knelt in reverence.


    As the imperial couple passed by, Ru Ge could not help but steal a nce like the others.


    The Emperor walked on the left, the Empress on the right.


    As they brushed past her, Ru Ge''s gaze fell upon Zhao Hua''s radiant face, and she froze, instinctively touching her own cheek...


    With this makeup, she looked remarkably simr to the Empress.


    So much so that after the imperial couple entered the Imperial Dragon Pavilion, the other maidens began whispering:


    "Look, the daughter of the Nn family resembles the Empress so much."


    "Yes, they could be sisters."


    "What great fortune! Everyone knows how deeply the Emperor loves the Empress. The mere fact that this Nn girl looks like her might be enough for her to be selected."


    Overhearing these murmurs, Ru Ge felt uneasy,


    but before she could think of a response, an announcer called out her name among the first group to meet the Emperor.


    Still dazed, she was ushered before the Emperor.


    Of the five maidens presented, Ru Ge was positioned in the most prominent center spot.


    After announcing the family backgrounds of the other maidens, it was her turn:


    "Nn Ru Ge, daughter of Nn Cuo, Minister of the n Affairs Ministry, aged fifteen."


    Upon hearing this, Ru Ge stepped forward and bowed deeply to the Emperor and Empress on the throne, greeting them:


    "Your humble subject Nn Ru Ge pays respects to Your Majesties. May the Emperor live forever in prosperity, and may the Empress enjoy eternal peace and security."


    She kept her head bowed low, in stark contrast to the other maidens who held their heads high.


    Xiao Jingheng seemed displeased and said, "Raise your head."


    Ru Ge had no choice but to lift her head obediently.


    But as soon as Xiao Jingheng caught sight of her face, his pupils dted in shock as he froze...

 Chapter 432: Brothers and Wives 02

    <h4>Chapter 432</h4>


    Upon first seeing Ru Ge, Xiao Jingheng could not help but be reminded of the initial night he spent with Zhao Hua in his bedchamber many years ago.


    The youngdy had washed off the rouge and ck makeup from her face, bearing no cosmetics, and appeared as pure and pristine as a lotus emerging from the water, possessing a beauty that captivated hearts.


    To the extent that when he gazed at Ru Ge in a daze, his mind conjured up the intimate moments he had shared with Zhao Hua in the past.


    After observing her for quite some time, Xiao Jingheng turned his head slightly and said in a low voice to Zhao Hua:


    "Does Zhao''er think that Mrs. Nn bears some resemnce to you?"


    Zhao Hua gently caressed her porcin-like skin and softly sang:


    "Upon closer inspection, there does seem to be some simrity in her features. However, this concubine is nearly seven years older than her, after all, and cannot match the youthful radiance of a youngdy."


    "Nonsense," Xiao Jingheng said with a smile, gently stroking Zhao Hua''s tender cheek with the back of his finger. "Zhao''er possesses unparalleled beauty that none canpare to. The fact that Mrs. Nn bears some resemnce to Zhao''er is already her good fortune."


    Zhao Hua shyly pushed away Xiao Jingheng''s hand and chided him yfully:


    "My lord... there are so many people watching us."


    Seeing her blushing cheeks flushed with a rosy hue, Xiao Jingheng finally broke into a radiant smile and withdrew his hand.


    At this moment, Xiao Yinzi leaned forward and whispered a reminder into Xiao Jingheng''s ear:


    "Your Majesty, this is the daughter of Lord Nn Cuo."


    On that day, during his secret conversation with Nn Cuo, Xiao Jingheng had epted his proposal and agreed to bestow Ru Ge as the principal wife to Xiao Jingyan during the selection of pcedies.


    However, at this moment, he found himself in a dilemma.


    Initially, when he saw the portrait, he only thought Ru Ge bore a slight resemnce to Zhao Hua.


    But upon seeing her in person today, he realized that they could very well pass for sisters.


    If he were to bestow Ru Ge to Xiao Jingyan, then on the day of Xiao Jingyan''s grand wedding, all the imperial kinsmen and nobles would witness her, and what would be of that?


    Therefore, after carefully weighing the pros and cons, Xiao Jingheng had abandoned the idea of arranging this marriage.


    Moreover, he had no intention of keeping Ru Ge by his side either.


    For no matter how much she resembled Zhao Hua, she could never match her beauty.


    But the selection of pcedies by the emperor was never as simple as merely choosing favored women to serve him.


    It also involved maintaining a bnce in court politics.


    Nn Cuo was loyal, and he was willing to send his only daughter to the Anwang Mansion as a spy, but if Xiao Jingheng not only refused to bestow Ru Ge to Xiao Jingyan but also rejected her, it would inevitably dampen Nn Cuo''s enthusiasm.


    After careful consideration, Xiao Jingheng said in a low voice to Zhao Hua:


    "I originally did not intend to keep Mrs. Nn''s token, as she resembles Zhao''er, and I feared that having her in the pce would cause Zhao''er to overthink and damage our marital bond. However, Nn Cuo has only this one daughter, and he has always been diligent and hardworking in serving me, so I cannot be too disrespectful to him..."


    He observed Zhao Hua''s expression and continued:


    "If Zhao''er objects, I will only grant her a nominal position and have her relocated to a distant pce chamber, merely treating her as an idle person within the pce."


    Upon hearing his words, Zhao Hua''s emotions surfaced, and her expression immediately darkened as she coldly said:


    "Of course this concubine objects."


    Xiao Jingheng fell silent for a moment, intending to say something to soothe her, but then he saw Zhao Hua suddenly smile:


    "This concubine objects to the fact that my lord would think this concubine is such a petty and narrow-minded person?"


    Realizing that Zhao Hua was teasing him, Xiao Jingheng''s expression finally rxed, and he smiled too:


    "Indeed, I have misjudged my wife''s character."


    Zhao Hua, emboldened by her favored status, spoke without restraint, yfully remarking:


    "My lord has spoken correctly. Although this concubine cannot be considered a noble person, I am capable of understanding reason. There are many people in this world who resemble one another in appearance. I cannot deprive someone else of their future just because they happen to look like me.


    In fact, if this concubine were to speak, since you intend to keep her token, granting her merely a nominal position is too low. Lord Nn has managed the Imperial n Affairs for many years and has rendered great service and endured much hardship. Now that his only daughter has entered the pce, this concubine believes that at the very least, she should be granted the rank of a noble consort."


    Zhao Hua''s words were quite unexpected to Xiao Jingheng.


    In the past, when thete Empress Jia Rui was alive, if he elevated the status of a new consort even slightly, she would lecture him by citing ancestral precedents.


    On the surface, her words were meant for Xiao Jingheng''s benefit,


    But in reality, she was afraid that the new consort would overshadow her own prominence.


    Yet now that Zhao Hua was the empress, her actions and words werepletely different from those of Empress Jia Rui, acting as one with her husband and considering everything for his benefit.


    Xiao Jingheng was touched and could not help but take Zhao Hua''s hand, saying in a gentle and affectionate tone:


    "Very well, from now on, whatever ranks or pce chambers are assigned to these selecteddies, it shall be as Zhao''er decides."


    Zhao Hua nodded in agreement and added:


    "I hear that Mrs. Nn is quite renowned in the capital for her painting skills."


    Xiao Jingheng said, "Nn Cuo is indeed an ardent painter, and his daughter has been immersed in the art from a young age, so she too has acquired the skill."


    Zhao Hua nced at Ru Ge, who had been standing properly under the pavilion.


    Unknown to her, Ru Ge had been paying respects for over an hour, and beads of sweat had formed on her forehead.


    So Zhao Hua said to Xiao Jingheng, "Since we intend to keep her, my lord should not make Miss Nn suffer too much."


    Xiao Jingheng had been so preupied with his thoughts and conversation with Zhao Hua that he hadpletely overlooked Ru Ge.


    Only when Zhao Hua reminded him did his gaze return to Ru Ge, and he asked:


    "I hear you are well-versed in painting?"


    Ru Ge respectfully replied, "In response to Your Majesty, this subject is merely a novice with superficial knowledge."


    Xiao Jingheng smiled, "To be renowned as a talenteddy in the capital despite only having superficial knowledge, if you further hone your skills, even the painters of the Ruyi Gallery would pale inparison. The pce houses many famous artworks, and I happen tock a knowledgeable interpreter by my side, so you shall remain here."


    As soon as he finished speaking, the eunuch at the imperial court solemnly announced:


    "Nn Ruge, keep your token, and adorn the velvet flower."


    The velvet flower symbolized glory and honor.


    When a selecteddy adorned the velvet flower, it signified that her future would be as glorious as brocade.


    The ceremonial governess pinned an exquisite velvet plum blossom on Ru Ge''s hair bun.


    Seeing Ru Ge standing there dazed and stupefied, as if she had not yet regained her senses,


    the governess smiled and gently reminded her:


    "Deardy, you must be overjoyed. This is in the imperial presence, so you should express your gratitude."


    Still not fullyprehending the situation, Ru Ge felt her heart tremble upon hearing the words "express gratitude"...


    She was perplexed and even wanted to ask Xiao Jingheng directly why he had changed his mind after promising her father to betroth her to Xiao Jingyan, only to instead take her into the imperial harem.


    But she was also acutely aware that Xiao Jingheng was the emperor, and his imperial favor could not be defied. If she dared to speak disrespectfully against the imperial authority, her entire family would suffer the consequences.


    The other selecteddies around her looked at Ru Ge with envious eyes.


    She could only kneel down slowly, her voice trembling as she expressed gratitude for the imperial grace:


    "This subject... thanks Your Majesties for your great kindness!"


    Yet as she kowtowed, tears streamed uncontrobly from her eyes...


    [One more chapter today, as I had too many things to do this week. I''ll try to make up for it, please bear with me!]

 Chapter 433: Dafeng Six Palaces

    <h4>Chapter 433</h4>


    In this selection, Xiao Jingheng has chosen nine new talents.


    That night, the roster of these talented women was delivered to the Phoenix Pce by Xiao Yinz.


    He said, "Your Majesty, the Emperor has instructed this servant to bring the roster and let Your Majesty arrange the positions and pce rooms for the new entrants."


    There are only so many eligible women in the court each year,


    and they must have both family background and appearance. Choosing from them leaves only a few.


    Zhao Hua carefully looked through the roster of these new talents, lightly writing down their positions and pce rooms,


    When it came to Ru Ge''s turn, Zhao Hua was about to write, but suddenly heard Xiao Yinz say,


    "Among this group of new talents, the Emperor has granted a title to Mrs. Nn, calling her ''Precious.''"


    Zhao Hua understood and casually said with a smile,


    "The Emperor values Mrs. Nn, so let''s grant her a noble position."


    Xiao Yinz continued, "Regardless of how Your Majesty arranges the positions and pce rooms, the Emperor hopes that Mrs. Nn''s residence can be closer to the Ruyi Gallery."


    Zhao Hua paused with her pen in the air, her eyes flickering.


    In the six pces, the closest pce to the Ruyi Gallery is the Zhuixia Pce where Rongyue resides alone. Now that Mrs. Nn Ru Ge is of unknown depth, Zhao Hua truly doesn''t want to arrange for them to live together.


    But Xiao Jingheng has already sent a message through Xiao Yinz. If Zhao Hua refuses, it will likely cause more trouble.


    So she can only temporarily arrange for Ru Ge to stay at Zhuixia Pce, and remind Rongyue to be more cautious in the future.


    After everything was arranged, Zhao Hua handed the roster back to Xiao Yinz and said,


    "Let the Pce Affairs Department handle the arrangements. The new talents will enter the pce in two days. You all will be busy, so be sure to serve diligently."


    Xiao Yinz smiled obsequiously and said, "In this pce, there are only two proper masters, Your Majesty and Your Majesty the Queen Mother. Among the consorts, only you, Your Majesty the Queen Mother, can be served diligently."


    Zhao Hua coldly sneered, unable to tolerate Xiao Yinz''s ttery even a bit,


    and said, "I''m tired. You can go back and report. Also, tell His Majesty for me that regarding the entry of the new talents into the pce, after His Majesty attends the morning court tomorrow, I will personally report to him."


    Xiao Yinz said, "This servant understands. However, Consort Yin has informed the Imperial Household Department in advance that her maternal family has sent some top-quality beef, which His Majesty loves. She intends to cook and send it over during tomorrow''s lunch. If Your Majesty the Queen Mother has matters to discuss with His Majesty, then this servant will inform Consort Yin to choose another day toe."


    After saying this, Xiao Yinz bowed and left,


    But just as he was about to step out of the main hall''s pce door, he was called back by Zhao Hua,


    "Wait."


    Xiao Yinz hurriedly stopped and turned back, "Does Your Majesty the Queen Mother have any more orders?"


    After thinking for a moment, Zhao Hua said, "There''s no need to inform Consort Yin. She has always had His Majesty''s favor, and it wouldn''t be right to disappoint her. If shees to the Chaoyang Pce tomorrow, just announce it when you enter. I will take care of her after I finish talking with His Majesty."


    Xiao Yinz said, "Your Majesty the Queen Mother is truly considerate of the consorts, setting an example for all women."


    Zhao Hua nced at him, toozy to respond, and waved her hand to dismiss him.


    After he left, Zhao Hua instructed Xiaofuzi, "Tomorrow, you go and keep an eye on the entrance of Consort Yin''s pce. When she leaves, hurry to Chao Yang Pce to find me. Have Xiaoyinzi go inside and report back, saying that Cheng Ye is a bit fussy, and the wet nurse can''t soothe him. Only I can return to calm him."


    Xiaofuzi nodded in understanding without asking for more details.


    The next day, as soon as Xiao Jingheng finished morning court, Zhao Hua rushed to Chao Yang Pce and detailed the arrangements for the new courtdies to him.


    "Nn Shi is the only one among this group ofdies whom Lord Xiao personally granted a title. So, the other courtdies should respect her. Hence, I granted her the position of Consort. Additionally, she is skilled in painting, so I ced her in the Zhaixia Pce to live with Consort Shun. It''s close to Ruyi Gallery and aligns with her preferences. As for the remaining courtdies, their arrangements and names have been submitted to the Pce Affairs Department. If Lord Xiao finds anything inappropriate, modifications can be made."


    "No need," Xiao Jingheng waved his hand, smiling. "Zhao''er has arranged everything perfectly. Why would I nitpick?"


    Zhao Hua also smiled, "Ideally, Lord Xiao should be the one to decide the positions of the new courtdies. However, I can''t fathom your thoughts, so how can I arrange everything to your satisfaction?"


    Hearing a hint of jealousy in her words, Xiao Jingheng quickly embraced her slender waist,ughing aloud, "As long as it''s Zhao''er''s arrangement, I''m satisfied. A harmonious husband and wife, that''s how it should be."


    His hands wandered restlessly around Zhao Hua''s waist, tickling her.


    Zhao Hua skillfully dodged, slipping out of his embrace, then circled behind him, gently massaging his shoulders.


    "I''m just thinking, now that the new courtdies have entered the pce, there are too many promises being made. The main positions are somewhat vacant. For instance, among the consorts, there are only Consort Yin and Consort Yun. As for concubines, there''s only Consort Shun."


    Xiao Jingheng pondered for a moment, saying, "I promised the positions of Noble Consort Chen and Noble Consort Ru before. However, the establishment of Empress or Noble Consort usually happens when the Empress is absent or unwell. With you managing the six pces efficiently, it''s not appropriate to establish a Noble Consort at this time."


    Zhao Hua expressed indifference, "If I manage the harem, there are times when I might be too lenient. If Noble Consort Chen could assist me in governance, bncing leniency and strictness, it might be a good solution for the stability of the six pces. Just don''t elevate Noble Consort Chen and neglect the elderly ones who have served you for a long time. Unequal treatment might lead toints, not only on the surface but also in private."


    Xiao Jingheng said, "Since my enthronement, there hasn''t been a grand conferment of the six pces. Now, with peace across thend, it''s amendation for meritorious officials and a positive event. Let''s elevate Consort Shun to Consort, and Consort Ru to Concubine. As for the others who have long served in the pce, let''s sequentially promote their positions."


    As he finished speaking, Xiaoyinzi hurriedly arrived and, after bowing to them, spoke to Zhao Hua.


    "Your Majesty, Gong Gong from the pce is here to see you," said Xiao Yinzi, "Prince Four is crying loudly, his throat is hoarse. The nurses can''t calm him down, so they''ve asked you toe and see..."


    Hearing this, Zhao Hua furrowed her brows slightly, concern evident in her expression.


    Xiao Jingheng knew she was worried about their child, so he said, "The child has been with you since infancy and can''t bear to be apart from you. You should go."


    Zhao Hua understood that at this moment when Xiao Yinzi came to deliver the message, Consort Yin would soon arrive outside the Chaoyang Pce gates.


    Taking a moment topose herself, she raised her voice slightly and said to Xiao Jingheng, "Xiao Lang, recently the Mongols and the North Tribe have been very stable. In October of this year, envoys from all nations wille to pay tribute, especially the Mongols and the North Tribe. When the two tribes enter the pce, they''ll see the situation inside. The people of the North Tribe might feel ufortable seeing other nobles elevated to the rank of consort while Consort Yin remains a concubine. It might cause some discontent among the North Tribe''s Ada Kehan."


    Consort Yin''s personality was too strong for Xiao Jingheng''s liking. Lately, he had been favoring the Mongols and distancing himself from the North Tribe, intending to provoke rivalry between the two tribes.


    At the beginning of the year, the tribute from the Mongols to the court exceeded that of the North Tribe by more than double. Xiao Jingheng''s closeness to the Mongols was meant to show the North Tribe that if they wanted the court''s policies to favor them and ensure afortable life for their daughter in the pce, they would have to sacrifice some benefits and show loyalty to the court.


    So when Zhao Hua made this proposal, he almost immediately rejected it, "Although Consort Yin has served in the pce for a long time, she has no children of her own. If she were to be promoted again, it would be inappropriate. Let''s discuss this matterter."


    Zhao Hua didn''t insist further, only smiling and saying, "The Emperor''s decision is final. Cheng Ye is still waiting for me in the pce, so I will take my leave first."


    Upon leaving the Chaoyang Pce gate, Zhao Hua didn''t see Consort Yin''s figure. She quietly asked Xiao Fuzi, "Where is she?"


    Xiao Fuzi replied in a low voice, "She heard the Emperor and Empress''s conversation outside the gate and didn''t look too good. She asked this servant to pretend not to have seen her and left."


    Zhao Hua listened quietly, then with Xiao Fuzi''s support, she boarded the phoenix sedan without saying anything more.

 Chapter 434: Misloyalty

    <h4>Chapter 434</h4>


    After leaving the Chaoyang Pce, not far along the way, Zhao Hua suddenly heard someone calling her from outside the carriage.


    She lifted the carriage curtain and saw that the person blocking the way was Consort Yin.


    Zhao Hua smiled and asked her, "Consort Yin? You''re carrying a food basket, are you going to find His Majesty?"


    Consort Yin nced at the attendant Xiao Fuzi, then smiled bitterly and said:


    "Xiao Fuzi is loyal to you, Your Majesty. What I tell him, he may not divulge to others, but he would never hide it from you."


    Consort Yin had always been blunt, but she was not a simpleton.


    Zhao Hua preferred conversing with intelligent people.


    She nodded slightly, not responding verbally, but arched her eyebrows as she gazed ahead, saying:


    "After passing through the Zhongsi Gate, we''ll enter the Imperial Garden. The chrysanthemums are in full bloom this autumn. I haven''t had a chance to see them yet. Would Consort Yin kindly apany me for a stroll?"


    Consort Yin knelt and said, "It would be my pleasure."


    With Consort Yin''s assistance, Zhao Hua alighted from the phoenix carriage, and they walked side by side.


    The servants followed at a distance to attend to them. Upon arriving at the Imperial Garden, Zhao Hua nced at the food basket that Consort Yin had been carrying and asked:


    "I noticed you wouldn''t even let your maid carry this food basket. Is the food inside a token of your affection for His Majesty?"


    Consort Yin nodded. "My family''s estate recently presented some premium yak. His Majesty bestowed them all upon me."


    Then, she suddenly smiled bitterly.


    "I thought His Majesty was being considerate of my homesickness, but I heard that Mongolia sent sixteen tribute horses of the finest bloodstock... Compared to those precious horses, my family''s little gesture pales inparison.


    No wonder His Majesty treats Noble Consort Ru with such favor, far more intimately than me. Last month, Noble Consort Ru attended His Majesty''s bedchamber twice, while I can''t even remember thest time His Majesty visited my pce."


    Hearing the sorrow in her words, Zhao Hua tried to console her.


    "You mustn''t be too disheartened. You''ve served His Majesty for so long, how could he neglect you? It''s just that state affairs have been demandingtely, so he..."


    "I know His Majesty''s intentions as clear as a mirror," Consort Yin shook her head with a light sigh, interrupting Zhao Hua. "Since the Crown Prince went missing at his first birthday celebration, I''ve realized that I''m merely a pawn for His Majesty to keep the North Tribe in check. Now that the North Tribe''s power ispletely diminished, His Majesty has no need to cate this pawn any longer."


    Zhao Hua said, "Consort Yin, you are mistaken. His Majesty has always treated all nations and tribes with respect, never neglecting Mongolia or the North Tribe."


    Consort Yinughed, "His Majesty must think I''m a fool, just as he seems to think the entire Ada Tribe are fools. The day the Crown Prince disappeared without a trace, His Majesty suspected the North Tribe was responsible and ordered his troops to attack, severely crippling the North Tribe. Do you know why the North Tribe''s annual tribute to the court pales inparison to Mongolia''s, Your Majesty?


    It''s because of that war... The Qi Dynasty practically plundered everything of value from the North Tribe. The North Tribe now faces starvation and destitution... Surely His Majesty himself is aware of this situation?


    Later, when the Crown Prince returned to the pce, returned to you, His Majesty imed it was to protect the Crown Prince. But to protect the Crown Prince, must he sacrifice the entire North Tribe''s loyalty to the Qi Dynasty?"


    What Consort Yin said, Zhao Hua had heard before from Xiao Jingyan.


    That day, Xiao Jingheng used the Crown Prince''s disappearance as an excuse to attack the North Tribe. Zhao Hua initially thought he was trying to find a pretext to cover up his act of burying his own child alive, but his schemes went far beyond that.


    He took the opportunity to brutally attack the North Tribe, burning, looting, and piging, turning the North Tribe into a living hell.


    Xiao Jingyan had asked Xiao Jingheng if such treatment of the North Tribe was appropriate,


    but Xiao Jingheng''s reply was,


    "The North Tribe is a foreign tribe that only submits to the Qi Dynasty to eke out a living. I use their abundant resources to nourish the millions of Qi Dynasty subjects, and that is for the greater good."


    In other words, in Xiao Jingheng''s eyes, except for the Qi Dynasty, all foreign tribes and nations, even if they submit, will eventually be consumed and drained dry by him.


    Zhao Hua remained silent, listening as Consort Yin continued:


    "When the Crown Prince disappeared, everyone in the pce suspected the North Tribe was responsible and thought I must have been involved. Even His Majesty treated me with coldness. Only you, Your Majesty, were willing to give me the benefit of the doubt."


    Her eyes glistened with tears as she said emotionally:


    "As the saying goes, we of the barbaric tribes may be lowly, but we always repay kindness with lifelong gratitude. So I have always tried not to disappoint the trust you once ced in me. But His Majesty..."


    Consort Yin slowly opened the food basket, gazing at the still-warm roasted beef inside, and her tears flowed.


    "My little gesture was unworthy of him. Never mind..."


    With that, she poured the entire tray of beef into the Imperial Lake.


    Seeing her actions, Zhao Hua first nced back at the pce maids following behind, then lowered her voice and said to Consort Yin:


    "Consort Yin, no matter what, His Majesty is your husband. Such words and actions from you are eptable in my presence to vent your feelings. But if you were to say or do this in front of His Majesty, it would be a grave insult. Not only would you bring misfortune upon yourself, but you would also implicate your family."


    Consort Yin wiped her tears and took a deep breath, then said fearlessly:


    "I know everyone in the pce is acting in front of His Majesty. After all this time, how many people are truly sincere with him? Affection calcted and weighed based on self-interest - what else can it bring but others'' calctions in return?"


    She clenched her fists tightly and said through gritted teeth:


    "I only regret that the North Tribe has been so loyal to the Qi Dynasty, only to end up beingpletely plundered and left as an empty shell!"


    Zhao Hua heard Consort Yin''s breathing grow heavier, and suddenly said softly in her ear:


    "If I had a way to make His Majesty return everything plundered from your North Tribe, would you be willing to try it?"


    Consort Yin was taken aback and hurriedly asked in bewilderment:


    "What?"

 Chapter 435: The Rookie Enters the Palace

    <h4>Chapter 435</h4>


    Zhao Hua faced Consort Yin''s questioning look, and calmly exined:


    "The North Tribe has a formidable army, and the North Tribe''s soldiers are loyal to their tribe. No matter what, they would never submit to the Qi Dynasty. I remember that when Ning Grand General conquered the North Tribe, he urged the North Tribe''s soldiers to surrender, but tens of thousands of them would rather die than submit. That''s why the Qi Dynasty gave up on the idea of conquering the North Tribe''s army.


    So you must understand, what the Emperor desires is not the abundant resources of the North Tribe, but the military power held in your father Ada Kehan''s hands, which cannot be shaken by anyone."


    Consort Yin did not understand, "Does the Empress Dowager want me to persuade my father to hand over the military power to the Qi Dynasty?"


    She shook her head repeatedly, "Impossible! With the military power in my father''s hands, the North Tribe is already on the verge of copse. If he hands over the military power, wouldn''t the North Tribe be in even greater danger?"


    Zhao Hua said, "I''m not asking your father to hand over the military power, but to lead the North Tribe''s army into Qi territory and request that the Emperor bestow a military rank upon him. In this way, the North Tribe''s army would be part of the Qi army, and the North Tribe would naturally be part of the Qi Dynasty. How could the Emperor then mistreat the North Tribe? Furthermore, with your father serving as an official in the capital, you two could see each other frequently and ease your homesickness."


    This solution seemed like a win-win situation, but allowing Ada Kehan to serve in the court would be equivalent to making the North Tribe a subordinate state of the Qi Dynasty. In a few generations, this nation may even be assimted and cease to exist.


    Consort Yin pondered briefly, but firmly refused to agree.


    "No way! If we follow the Empress Dowager''s suggestion, wouldn''t the North Tribe be a vassal of the Qi Dynasty? In the future, there would be no more North Tribe, and our ancestors'' territory would be lost. How is that any different from selling out our country for glory? The men of the North Tribe all have a backbone and would never do such a thing!"


    "You''re wrong," Zhao Hua firmly cut her off. "It''s not about seeking glory, but survival. You said it yourself, the people of the North Tribe are starving to death, with corpses littering thend. Think carefully, is pride more important than human life? Or do you think you can preserve your ancestors'' territory when all the people have died out?"


    Upon hearing this, Consort Yin stood dazed, remaining silent for a long while.


    Ever since learning of her homnd''s plight, Consort Yin often wept for the innocent lives lost.


    She was the legitimate daughter of the North Tribe''s ruler, and the beloved celestial maiden of all the people.


    She still vividly remembered the scene when she entered the pce as a consort, with the people seeing her off in jubtion. At that time, everyone wore a smile, thinking that with the celestial maiden bing a consort, their lives would only improve.


    But now...


    Most of those who lined the streets for miles to send her off were probably gone...


    Thinking of this, Consort Yin''s eyes turned red with tears.


    She turned away, unwilling to let Zhao Hua see her sorrow, and said faintly,


    "Thank you, Empress Dowager. This servant will carefully consider your words when I return to the pce. I shall take my leave now."


    She walked away swiftly, her figure disappearing around the corner in an instant.


    As Xiao Fuzi helped Zhao Hua return to her phoenix carriage, she asked in puzzlement:


    "Your Majesty, why did you urge Consort Yin to hand over the North Tribe''s military power? This matter has nothing to do with us."


    "How can you say it has nothing to do with us? The lives of the North Tribe''s people are also lives. The Emperor maymit such atrocities, but I cannot bear to watch. Moreover, I''m not doing this solely for Consort Yin''s sake."


    Zhao Hua nced back at Xiao Fuzi, arching her brow as she asked, "What do you think the Emperor will do next if the North Tribe''s army submits to the Qi Dynasty and the North Tribe bes a vassal state?"


    Xiao Fuzi pondered for a moment, then shook her head uncertainly.


    Zhao Hua then exined, "Once the Emperor tastes sess, he will set his sights on the armies of the Mongolians, the Zhu Yin, and even other nations. The North Tribe is now backed into a corner, and surrendering their military power to be a vassal of the Qi Dynasty is their only chance for survival. But for other tribes whose situations differ from the North Tribe, demanding they hand over their military power would be even more difficult than taking their lives."


    Xiao Fuzi said, "Your Majesty has thought this through, but the Emperor must have as well. Perhaps he won''t act hastily against the other tribes and nations?"


    Zhao Hua smiled, "Whether he acts or not, the oue will be the same. As you said, if I can think of it, the Emperor can think of it too. How could the parties involved not anticipate this? As soon as they have this thought, they will prepare for the worst. If someone behind the scenes encourages them to unite, the Emperor will have a headache on his hands."


    She flicked the sleeves of her phoenix robe, her eyes shing with sharp brilliance.


    "I have to give him a headache, so he won''t have time to nitpick and find fault with those around him."


    Three dayster, at the grand bestowal ceremony in the Rear Pce,


    Chen was promoted from Noble Consort to Imperial Noble Consort, Consort Shun became Consort Shun, Ru became Concubine Ru, He became Noble Consort He, the low-ranking pce woman Li became Concubine Li, and Kang Daying became Concubine Kang.


    After the ceremony concluded in the Rear Pce,


    the next day, the new consorts entered the pce to pay respects to Zhao Hua at the Phoenix Pce.


    After the new consortspleted their courtesies, Zhao Hua first smiled kindly and said:


    "Now that you have entered the pce to serve the Emperor, you are all like sisters. If you encounter any difficulties, you can tell me, and I will be happy to help resolve your troubles."


    After saying this, she suddenly became solemn, her voice grave.


    "However, there is one point I hope you understand: do not make the mistake of vying for the Emperor''s favor. From now on, if anyone behaves improperly under my watch, there will be no chance for redemption. Anyone whomits an offense will be punished, either by demotion or being sent to the Cold Pce, and no one''s pleas will be heeded. Do you all understand?"


    The consorts and concubines responded in unison: "We servants understand the Empress Dowager''s instructions and will behave properly and maintain harmony in the Rear Pce."


    After paying their respects, the new consorts returned to their respective residences.


    Ru Ge followed Rongyue to the Xiunuai Pce, so they walked back together.


    Along the way, Ru Ge remained silent like a mute, trailing behind Rongyue.


    Upon entering the pce, Ru Ge noticed that the courtyard was filled with blooming lingxiangcao, the light purple flowers stretching out in a continuous swath - an umon sight within the pce.


    Lingxiangcao was Xiao Jingyan''s favorite flower, and also adorned the Unity Knot.


    Ru Ge couldn''t help but ask, "Does Consort Shun also like lingxiangcao?"


    Rongyue nced at the light purple hue and said indifferently, "I simply thought the color was vibrant yet not gaudy, so I casually nted them."


    Then she pointed to the east wing and added, "I have ordered the east wing to be prepared for you. Take a look and let me know if there is anything unsatisfactory."


    Ru Ge knelt and bowed to Rongyue.


    "Consort Shun has been so considerate in making these arrangements. This servant is deeply grateful and would not dare to nitpick."


    Rongyue gave her a slight nod before returning to the main hall.

 Chapter 436: One Heart and One Heart

    <h4>Chapter 436</h4>


    After Ru Ge and Xiao Liu''er, the two of them, entered the East Side Hall, they hadn''t even taken their seats when Xiao Liu''er couldn''t help but exim,


    "This residence is truly magnificent! It seems that Consort Shun treats Miss very well. When others enter the pce, they usually stay in the West Side Hall or the Warm Pavilion, but only Miss gets to stay in the East Side Hall."


    She pursed her lips and there was a hint of pride in her tone as she said, "But it''s also because Consort Shun considered the Emperor''s face. Everyone knows that among the newly entered concubines, it was His Majesty who personally bestowed Miss with a title."


    "It''s not what I wanted," Ru Ge said, showing little interest.


    She leaned back on the pearwood chair and took out the heart-shaped pendant with the character ''Rong'' engraved on it, tightly clenching it in her hand.


    The dried herbs adorned on it had long withered, and the straw prickled her delicate palm, causing her pain.


    The pain made her shed tears.


    Xiao Liu''er hurriedly took out a handkerchief and wiped her tears, tenderly advising, "Miss, please don''t be sad. After entering the pce, you and Prince An are separated by mountains and oceans. This lifetime, we may never... I know Miss is feeling sad, but even for the sake of Master and Madam, we must live our days well. Isn''t that right? Moreover, Consort Shun and Miss have simr preferences, so it shouldn''t be difficult for them to get along."


    "Simr preferences?" Ru Ge raised her weary eyes and looked at the blooming fields of fragrant grass outside the window, smiling bitterly as she said, "Are you referring to those fragrant grass?"


    Xiao Liu''er said, "Doesn''t Miss always want fresh fragrant grass in her chamber? And when we came here earlier, I saw that Shunxiang Gate is right ahead, and not far from there is the Ruyi Gallery. Isn''t it more convenient for Miss to appreciate paintings in her daily life?"


    A bitter smile formed at the corner of Ru Ge''s lips, and she stopped speaking.


    What she liked was not fragrant grass, but the resolute and steadfast plum blossoms that withstood the harshest snowstorm winds.


    But because Xiao Jingyan liked fragrant grass, she felt that she should like it too.


    She didn''t like paintings, yet she stayed next to the Ruyi Gallery, which housed countless famous artworks.


    Others always thought that Ru Ge had obtained everything she liked,


    but only Ru Ge knew in her heart that there would be no joy in her life anymore.


    She got up and walked to the side of the bed, lifted the pillow, and carefully ced the heart-shaped pendant under it,


    then quietlyid down on the bed, pulling the thin curtain, and whispered to Xiao Liu''er,


    "I''m tired, let''s settle down."


    *


    Nightfall, the main hall of Zhuixia Pce.


    Rongyue sat alone on a warm seat, holding a heart-shaped pendant in her hand, her gaze fixed upon it.


    This pendant was no different from the one in Ru Ge''s hand,


    except that it was embroidered with a single character, ''Yan'',


    and the stitches were crooked and twisted, clearly not made by a woman''s hand.


    In the past, Rongyue and Xiao Jingyan had exchanged these heart-shaped pendants as a pledge of their love,


    each sewing their own name, presenting them to each other in anticipation, bing ''hearts as one''.


    After entering the pce, Rongyue often found herself lost in thoughts while looking at this heart-shaped pendant,


    resulting in slight yellowing around the edges.


    "Squeak"


    The pce doors were pushed open, startling Rongyue. She hurriedly hid the intertwined heart-shaped knot under a soft cushion made of goose feathers. Looking up, she saw Cai Ying enter with a calming drink. Only then did she ce her hand on her chest and let out a sigh of relief.


    "You walk so silently that you almost scared me," Rongyue said.


    Cai Ying smiled and replied, "Perhaps the mistress was lost in thought, not even noticing the sound of her maidservant knocking."


    She ced the calming drink on the table next to Rongyue and continued, "These past few nights, the mistress has been having trouble sleeping. This is a calming drink prescribed by Imperial Physician Zhang. Drinking it will help you sleep peacefully."


    Rongyue picked up the calming drink, frowned, and drank it in one gulp. Just as Cai Ying was about to leave with an empty cup in her hand, Rongyue took out the intertwined heart-shaped knot hidden behind her and handed it to her.


    "Take it and burn it carefully," Rongyue said.


    Cai Ying was startled and asked, "Why would the mistress want to burn such a precious item?"


    Rongyue smiled bitterly and shook her head. "Zhao is right. This pce is no longer just mine. I don''t know the depths of Mrs. Nn''s intentions. Keeping this thing by my side will only invite trouble in the future."


    She tightened her grip on the intertwined heart-shaped knot, took onest reluctant look at it, and said, "I don''t want to involve him. I only hope that he will be fine."


    Cai Ying nodded and replied, "Mistress, rest assured, I understand."


    With that, Cai Ying took the intertwined heart-shaped knot and respectfully left the room.


    The next morning,


    When the concubines went to pay their respects to the empress, Zhi Lan, who was beside Consort Yun, came forward to ask for leave.


    "Reporting to the empress, my mistress is feeling unwell this morning and cannote to pay her respects."


    Zhao Hua said, "It''s alright, let her rest well."


    While speaking, she noticed a tinge of pink and slight swelling in Ru Ge''s eyes and asked, "Precious one, did you not rest wellst night?"


    Ru Ge replied, "Thank you for your concern, Empress. I''m fine, but I miss my parents..."


    Zhao Hua said, "Once you enter the pce, this bes your home. You must let go of many unnecessary thoughts."


    These ambiguous words, Zhao Hua didn''t know if Ru Ge caught their meaning, but she saw Ru Ge nod slightly and didn''t continue speaking.


    Afterwards, the concubines exchanged a few idle words, mostly the neers tteringly praising Zhao Hua and expressing gratitude for her arrangements.


    As the audience came to an end, Zhao Hua saw Rongyue stepping out of the pce gate, but she was stopped by Xiao Yinzi.


    Not knowing what Xiao Yinzi said to Rongyue, after a brief conversation, Rongyue followed him.


    Zhao Hua quickly ordered Xiao Fuzi to inquire about the situation.


    About fifteen minutester, Xiao Fuzi hurriedly ran back and said to Zhao Hua,


    "Just now, Xiao Yinzi said that Consort Yun went to Chaoyang Pce early this morning and waited for the Emperor to finish court before requesting the Emperor to dismiss the attendants and had a long conversation with him inside.


    When Xiao Yinzi went in again, the Emperor''s expression was already not good, and he suppressed his anger and ordered him to inform Consort Shun to go to Chaoyang Pce to ask questions."


    Hearing this, Zhao Hua''s brows furrowed, and she had a vague sense of unease.


    She quickly said, "Yun Shan, prepare some refreshments. We will go to Chaoyang Pce."


    Meanwhile, in Chaoyang Pce.


    As Rongyue entered the hall, she was surprised to find that there were no pce maids in such arge main hall. Xiao Jingheng sat at the head, his face covered in a gray haze, his gaze fixed sternly upon her.


    Consort Yun, on the other hand, sat below on the tform, raising her delicate eyebrows and observing Rongyue as if watching a y.


    The atmosphere in the hall was heavy, and Rongyue felt the pressure weighing on her chest.


    Standing at the tform, she kneeled down and greeted Xiao Jingheng with a respectful gesture, "Your Majesty, I offer my greetings and well wishes."


    Before Xiao Jingheng could respond, Consort Yun threw something dark and faintly red in front of her, eximing, "Consort Shun! How dare you!"


    Rongyue was momentarily startled, her gaze falling upon the object in front of her.


    Upon closer inspection, she realized it was a half-burnt intertwined love knot!

 Chapter 437: Woe to the Heart 02

    <h4>Chapter 437</h4>


    Rongyue struggled to suppress the flickering light in her eyes as she carefully examined the partially burned heart-shaped knot in her hands.


    Fortunately,


    The middle character had already been mostly burned away,


    The original character "Yan" now only had the character "Wang" remaining beside it, cleverly resembling Xiao Jingheng''s character "Heng" but not exactly.


    With that, her panicked emotions finally settled, and she calmly picked up the heart-shaped knot from the ground and said,


    "This heart-shaped knot belongs to me. I don''t know which servant in the pce was careless and let it catch fire."


    "Hmph." Consort Yun sneered, "It''s good that you admitted it. The name on this heart-shaped knot has been burned halfway, and now only the character ''Wang'' remains. I wonder whose name you embroidered on it?"


    Rongyue furrowed her brows and looked at Consort Yun, confidently stating, "What do you mean by that, Consort Yun? Of course, it''s the Emperor''s name."


    "Oh? Is that so?" Consort Yun scoffed, then turned to Xiao Jingheng and said,


    "The Emperor just looked at it earlier. The needlework on this heart-shaped knot has already yellowed. This item is made of the finest silkworm silk and wouldn''t have aged to this extent without five or six years of wear. How many years has Concubine Shun been in the pce? Could it be that she secretly captured the Emperor''s heart even before entering the pce?"


    After speaking, she looked at Rongyue and raised an eyebrow yfully, "You had never even seen the Emperor before, and yet you suffered from lovesickness? Tsk, tsk, I''m not so sure about that. Perhaps... the name on this heart-shaped knot belongs to someone else."


    "Someone else?" Rongyue straightened her posture, anger gleaming in her eyes as she stared directly at Consort Yun.


    "What exactly are you trying to say?"


    "Naturally, I will say what you have done." Consort Yun casually brushed her hair and mockingly said, "You live in Lin''an, and it so happens that Prince An also served there for two years seven years ago. You even had a close rtionship with the Admiral of the Navy. Considering your simr ages, it''s possible that something inappropriate happened between you two as your youthful hearts couldn''t resist it."


    Hearing Consort Yun mention Xiao Jingyan, Rongyue''s heart tightened involuntarily.


    She looked at Xiao Jingheng, who remained silent throughout, and had to assert herself, raising her voice,


    "Consort Yun! The purity of this pce and the prince is not something you, as a consort, can casually tarnish with baseless usations."


    Saying that, she deeply bowed to Xiao Jingheng and choked up as she spoke,


    "Emperor, I have never done any of these unfounded things. I believe you understand my heart. From beginning to end, I have been wholeheartedly devoted to you. Consort Yun''s unwee words today are truly malicious..."


    "Hehe, Consort Yun is malicious?"


    Consort Yun pped her hands three times and loudly proimed outside the hall,


    "Bring the person in."


    As she spoke, Rongyue turned her gaze and saw Cai Jie entering with small, hesitant steps, apanied by the pce attendants.


    Cai Jie was assigned to serve Rongyue by the Imperial Household Department after she entered the pce,


    But they had never been close, and for most of these years, she had been doing some menial tasks in the courtyard.


    At this moment, Cai Jie knelt beside Rongyue, bowing her head and not daring to look at her.


    Consort Yun said to Xiao Jingheng, "This girl has witnessed many things. The Emperor should ask her."


    Only then did Xiao Jingheng speak in a deep voice, "Speak the truth. If you dare to utter a single false word, be careful of your tongue."


    The Emperor''s anger shook the air, intimidating everyone. Cai Jie was frightened and kowtowed, trembling as she spoke:


    "Your Majesty, the servant... Last night, while I was gathering firewood in the woodshed, I saw Cai Ying sneak into the rear courtyard. I suspected something was amiss, so I followed and saw her crouching in a corner, setting something on fire. Later, when Wang Gonggong called for her, she hurriedly left. I went closer to see what she was burning after she extinguished the fire... To my surprise, I found a half-burnt pair of intertwined rings. Such rings are exchanged between lovers, and if they were presented by Your Majesty to Consort Shun, she would surely treasure them and not burn them. I was filled with fear, coupled with some things I unintentionally witnessed before... I was at a loss, so I reported this matter to Consort Yun."


    "You servant, always causing trouble!" Rongyue red at her and rebuked, "Even if you found something amiss, why didn''t you inform the Empress or the Noble Consort? Instead, you went to tell Consort Yun? I wonder if the harem is now under the management of Consort Yun?"


    "Well..." Cai Jie was momentarily speechless. After a struggle, she anxiously exined, "Originally, the servant intended to inform the Empress, but on the way, I encountered Consort Yun. Seeing that the servant looked flustered, she asked about the reason..."


    Such an exnation would not convince Rongyue, let alone Xiao Jingheng.


    But the cement of spies among the newly entered pce maids in the harem was not an umon practice.


    This prevalent corrupt practice was not what Xiao Jingheng intended to investigate.


    What he wanted was a usible and self-exnatory response from Rongyue.


    Therefore, he did not delve into the affair between Consort Yun and Cai Jie but asked Cai Jie instead,


    "You mentioned earlier that you unintentionally witnessed certain things that made you anxious. Tell me in detail, what did you see?"


    "Cai... Cai Jie saw..." Cai Jie trembled as if recalling something horrifying. Her entire body quivered as she replied,


    "After Consort Shun was promoted to the status of a concubine, she has been residing alone in the Zhuixia Pce. Three years ago on New Year''s Eve, when I waste to bed, I heard somemotion in the courtyard. I hurriedly went out to take a look and saw a tall figure sneaking over the wall and entering Consort Shun''s inner chamber..."


    "Cai Jie! What nonsense are you spouting!?" Rongyue was shocked beyond measure.


    Since entering the pce, she had never had much contact with Xiao Jingyan, let alone meeting him ndestinely by scaling walls in the middle of the night.


    Cai Jie must have been instigated by someone else to make such ims.


    The trap had been set, waiting for her to fall into it, leaving her with no room for defense.


    Cai Jie was scolded by Rongyue, but instead of changing his words, his tone became even more resolute.


    "Even if Your Majesty wants to send me to the Judicial Department, I still have to tell the truth... The Emperor has been kind to you all these years, why would you..."


    *Smack!*


    Rongyue pped Cai Jie hard across the face and shouted, "I have not done anything! Don''t conspire with others and spread false usations!"


    "Conspire with others? Is Shunfei referring to me?" Consort Yun smirked, a trace of contempt in her voice. "It doesn''t matter what she says, but your family''s servant Cai Ying has already been taken by my people and imprisoned in the Judicial Department for severe interrogation. If she can withstand the tortures of the Judicial Department and not implicate you and Prince An, then perhaps there is some truth to this matter. As for you..."


    Consort Yun paused for a moment and turned to Xiao Jingheng, saying, "Your Majesty, Li Changzai requested an audience earlier, presumably for this matter. She also has something to say."


    Xiao Jingheng absentmindedly yed with the thumb ring on his finger andnguidly replied, "Let here in."

 Chapter 438: The Trouble with One Heart 03

    <h4>Chapter 438</h4>


    Concubine Li entered slowly, standing beside Rongyue, and paid her respects to Xiao Jingheng, saying:


    "Long live Your Majesty."


    Xiao Jingheng raised his hand and said, "No need for ceremony. Consort Yun said you had something to tell me. What is it?"


    Concubine Li cast a sidelong nce at Rongyue, then said solemnly:


    "Does Your Majesty still remember the day when I and the Empress witnessed Prince An and Consort Shun seemingly in an altercation? Later, the Empress said it was because Consort Shun had picked up Prince An''s jade whistle and gave it to the Crown Prince, which led to their quarrel. So Your Majesty did not pursue the matter further.


    But I found it rather strange. At that time, I saw it clearly: when Prince An and Consort Shun were struggling, Consort Shun seemed to have tears in her eyes. If Prince An had merely lost something and asked her about it, why would she be on the verge of tears? However, since Your Majesty did not investigate further, I dared not specte..."


    "Are you implying, Concubine Li, that I deliberately helped Prince An and Consort Shun carry on an illicit affair?"


    From outside the door came Empress Zhao Hua''s resounding question, cutting off Concubine Li''s fabrication.


    Concubine Li was startled to hear Zhao Hua''s voice, stumbling in fright and almost falling to the ground.


    Everyone turned towards the pce entrance. Rongyue, Consort Yun, and Concubine Li all paid their respects to Zhao Hua, saying:


    "Greetings to Your Majesty the Empress."


    But Zhao Hua did not even nce at them. She walked directly to Xiao Jingheng''s side, took out some pastries from a food box, and presented them to him.


    "The autumn air is dry, so I made some pear jelly. I intended to have Yun Shan deliver it to you, but she said there was amotion in the pce and dared not disturb you. So I had to bring it myself. I didn''t expect..."


    She narrowed her phoenix-like eyes, sweeping her gaze across the three who were still bowing, and said coldly:


    "To catch such a grand performance."


    Her eyes then settled on Consort Yun as she sternly asked:


    "Consort Yun, do you not see me as the Empress anymore?"


    Consort Yun hurriedly replied, "I would never dare!"


    Zhao Hua said, "You wouldn''t dare? You went over my head and brought these petty harem affairs to trouble His Majesty. Are you trying to overstep your bounds?"


    Ever since Zhao Hua had severely punished Consort Yunst time, Consort Yun had harbored a thousand grievances against her.


    Now, she no longer bothered to pretend, and her words wereced with barbs:


    "Your Majesty need not be so suspicious. I only felt that Consort Shun''s crime was no longer just a petty harem affair. The rights and wrongs need to be determined by His Majesty himself."


    Zhao Hua let out a coldugh at her, leaving her to continue bowing, and turned to offer a pear jelly to Xiao Jingheng.


    Xiao Jingheng had no appetite and swallowed it indifferently before saying:


    "I believe what happened that day. Zhao''er would never, and had no reason to, deceive me. But as for Consort Shun..."


    Zhao Hua said meaningfully, "Many voices may sound like solid gold, but they could also just be ayer of goldcquer applied to a stubborn stone, gradually deceiving one''s eyes. In my opinion, Your Majesty should not only refrain from punishing Consort Shun, but reward her instead."


    "Reward?" Consort Yun seemed to have heard something unthinkable, staring in astonishment. "I didn''t hear that wrong, did I? Consort Shun..."


    "When I''m speaking to His Majesty, you have no right to interrupt," Xiao Jingheng coldly rebuked Consort Yun, leaving her embarrassed as she bowed deeply and said:


    "I was wrong..."


    Only then did Xiao Jingheng''s expression soften as he turned to Zhao Hua and asked:


    "Zhao''er, what do you mean by that?"


    Zhao Hua did not respond immediately. Instead, she nced at Rongyue and shook her head helplessly.


    "Consort Shun, you''re too honest. When His Majesty asks you something, you should just answer. For the sake of a cherished person, must you endure such mudslinging without exining the truth?"


    Zhao Hua''s words seemed incoherent, leaving not only the others bewildered, but Rongyue as well.


    But Rongyue knew Zhao Hua was trying to help her, so she responded ordingly:


    "Your Majesty knows about it? I..."


    Before she could finish, Zhao Hua cut her off:


    "Your Highness, some things are best exined by the cherished person herself."


    As she spoke, Ru Ge entered the hall gracefully.


    Only when she came closer did everyone realize that in her hand was a heart-shaped pendant: an exact replica of the one Rongyue had been clutching that was burned.


    Everyone was shocked, especially Rongyue...


    By then, Ru Ge had paid her respects to Xiao Jingheng.


    She respectfully presented the heart-shaped pendant to Xiao Jingheng and said:


    "Your Majesty, this heart-shaped pendant belongs to me, as does the one that Consort Shun had that was burned. I originally intended to give one to Your Majesty and keep one for myself when I attended you. However, after moving into the Xiuxia Pce, Consort Shun saw the one with Your Majesty''s name embroidered on it first."


    She knelt down, full of remorse. "I had just entered the pce and was unfamiliar with many of the rules, unaware that these heart-shaped pendants could only be exchanged between husband and wife. My actions were presumptuous. Consort Shun, understanding my youthful ignorance, took the pendant and had it burned, saying she would keep this secret for me. However..."


    As she spoke, Xiao Jingheng was carefully examining the pendant she had presented to him.


    In terms of craftsmanship, stitching, and discoloration from age, it was nearly identical to the one that had been burned.


    The only difference was that the character embroidered in the center of this pendant was ''Rong.''


    Xiao Jingheng asked, puzzled, "You said this pendant was meant for me, but why is your courtesy name not embroidered on it?"


    Ru Ge replied, "My pet name is ''Rong Rong,'' which is simr to Consort Shun''s name, leading to this whole misunderstanding."


    Seeing Xiao Jingheng''s skepticism remain, she added:


    "My pet name is known to my family and rtives. Even officials visiting our home have heard my father address me as such. If Your Majesty does not believe me, you can inquire with them."


    Since ''Rong'' and ''Rong'' (her name) were pronounced the same, and pet names were never formally written, Ru Ge''s exnation made sense.


    However, Consort Yun did not believe it at all.


    "You im this belongs to you? The discoloration of the silk thread indicates it''s at least five or six years old."


    She let out a derisiveugh. "If my calctions are correct, you were only ten years old then. You must have blossomed at a remarkably young age."

 Chapter 439: The Trouble with One Heart 04

    <h4>Chapter 439</h4>


    Facing Consort Yun''s pressing inquiries, Ru Ge remained utterly calm andposed.


    "Your humble servant''s family gained the Emperor''s favor and support, lifting us from destitution to our current honored status. Thus, from a young age, your servant often heard her father speak highly of the Emperor.


    Living in deep seclusion, your servant rarely saw other men, but we had a portrait of the Emperor hung in our home - he was the man your servant saw most often."


    A thin smile yed on her lips, her eyes brimming with innocent yet profoundly touching shyness and emotion.


    "Back then, your servant would often gaze at the Emperor''s portrait, lost in thought, wondering what kind of person he might be.


    One day, my mother caught me doing so and informed me that as the daughter of an official family, I would eventually have to attend the pce selection to potentially be one of the Emperor''s consorts.


    Although young at the time, your servant understood that if chosen, the Emperor would be her husband..."


    Her voice trailed off as she lifted her gaze, eyes glistening with tears like ake brimming with spring waters, rendering one deeply moved.


    "So from a very early age, your servant regarded the Emperor as her husband. When first learning embroidery, the first item your servant made was this pair of interlocked hearts, as she wished to present her initial devotion to her future husband. Your servant sees no fault in this."


    Ru Ge''s gaze met Xiao Jingheng''s softening eyes, realizing she had finally gained favor before the Emperor.


    Though unwilling to draw attention to herself, she couldn''t help but recite a line:


    "Eight hundred clouds return to the lonely mountain temple, inch by inch stretching, inch by inch shaded..."


    Hearing this poem, Xiao Jingheng expressed surprise: "These are verses Iposed in memory of thete Empress Jiarui. They were never made public - how did youe to know them?"


    Ru Ge nodded lightly, "Your humble servant admires the Emperor''s talents, and any poemsposed by the Emperor that I have heard, Imit to memory and study in private. There are many others besides this one..."


    After a brief silence, rity gradually dawned on Xiao Jingheng.


    So Ru Ge''s affections for him had taken deep root long ago.


    No wonder she had willingly married the Prince of An and remained in his household as a spy,


    and when selected for the pce, she had been overwhelmed with tears of joy, far more emotional than others chosen.


    At this moment, he addressed her with a warm tone:


    "Rise. I understand your intentions now."


    As she stood, Zhao Hua retrieved the interlocked hearts Xiao Jingheng had set aside and tossed them to Ru Ge.


    Ru Ge caught them, cradling them preciously against her chest, before speaking softly:


    "Your humble servant begs the Empress''s forgiveness..."


    "These were made for the Emperor as a pair, but one has been burned. I permit you to keep this as a model to make an identical recement. When finished, you may present it to the Emperor yourself, fulfilling your original intent."


    Hearing Zhao Hua''s words surprised even Xiao Jingheng.


    He looked at her with a hint of pleasant surprise in his expression.


    Ru Ge, too, stared wide-eyed in bewilderment: "Your Majesty means to..."


    Zhao Hua smiled, "Your sincere admiration for the Emperor far exceeds the petty schemes of many in the pce pursuing selfish desires. I am not so petty as to deny you. I will grant the genuine feelings you and others have for the Emperor. However..."


    She paused, then shyly met Xiao Jingheng''s gaze.


    "My lord, I find the idea delightful. In time, I too shall embroider a pouch for you, with your name on the surface and mine hidden within. You must wear it daily, agreed?"


    Xiao Jingheng smiled faintly and nodded. "Of course."


    Then, turning his gaze to the now pale and trembling Cai Jie kneeling below, he said coldly:


    "This servant has uttered vile nders. Guards, drag her away and cut out her tongue before executing her."


    Cai Jie cried out in horror, pleading desperately as she kowtowed, the sound of her head striking the floor echoing loudly.


    Just as she was about to be dragged away, Zhao Hua called out: "Wait."


    She halted the guards, then addressed Xiao Jingheng: "My lord, allow me to handle these pce trivialities."


    Xiao Jingheng nodded impassively, his face betraying clear annoyance.


    Zhao Hua then turned her gaze to Consort Yun, her toneden with meaning:


    "No need to cut out her tongue. We should allow her to speak and reveal who instructed her to utter such vile falsehoods."


    Consort Yun''s face, already pale and flushed, turned even more unsightly at these words.


    At Zhao Hua''smand, the guard Yun Shu approached Cai Jie and said softly:


    "Will you confess willingly, or do you need some ''encouragement'' from the Empress to behave?"


    Cai Jie''s trembling lips parted slightly, as if to speak,


    but after a furtive, fearful nce at Consort Yun, she gritted her teeth and protested shakily:


    "No... no! Everything this servant said is true!"


    Zhao Hua looked at her sternly. "Before the Emperor and myself, you need fear no one. I will give you one final chance. If you confess truthfully, I will spare your life and allow you to leave the pce. But if you persist in this defiance, do not me me for being merciless."


    Her voice grew cold as she added:


    "And your family will be punished alongside you for your transgressions."


    Zhao Hua''s words offered Cai Jie a chance at life she dared not refuse to protect Consort Yun.


    Once a single thread began unraveling the woven sack of lies, everything woulde undone.


    Trembling, she spoke: "Your Majesty is merciful! Consort Yun forced me to say those things! My younger brother is being held hostage by her. Since Consort An entered the pce, Consort Yun has had me watching her every move."


    She kowtowed repeatedly, her forehead bleeding profusely yet she dared not stop.


    "Your Majesty is wise! I have never witnessed any inappropriate behavior between Consort An and any man. I spoke foolishly - please have mercy, Your Majesty!"


    Hearing this, Xiao Jingheng turned his cold, frightening gaze on Consort Yun, his eyes suggesting he might devour her alive at any moment.


    Seeing Consort Yun''s lips part as if to protest,


    Zhao Hua swiftly cut her off, instructing the maid Xiao Fu:


    "Take Cai Jie away."


    Xiao Fu helped the bloodied Cai Jie to her feet. Thinking she would live, Cai Jie wept joyfully, profusely thanking the Empress''s mercy.


    But before her tion could swell, she heard Zhao Hua''s voice, chillingly emotionless:


    "No need to cut out her tongue. Give her a cup of poisoned wine so she may die with some dignity."


    Upon hearing this, Cai Jie froze.


    By the time she reacted and tried to plead, Xiao Fu had already gagged her and was dragging her away.


    Silence fell over the hall once more.


    After a moment, Xiao Jingheng said to Zhao Hua, "Handled efficiently."


    Zhao Hua smiled lightly and nodded. "Allowing such a person to leave the pce with their life risks ndering the imperial family''s reputation if they speak recklessly again. As husband and wife sharing one heart, I naturally understand the gravity of the matter and will show no womanly mercy in such cases."


    Her gaze then turned coolly to Consort Yun as she said in a detached tone:


    "As for Consort Yun... I do not understand her motivations for acting this way or what schemes she harbors. But ultimately, she is your consort, so how to deal with her rests on your decision, my lord."

 Chapter 440: The Martyrs of the Faithful

    <h4>Chapter 440</h4>


    This affair had reached a point where it was entirely tied to Consort Yun.


    Xiao Jingheng darkened his gaze as he scrutinized Consort Yun for a moment before angrily asking, "I want to know, what was your aim inmitting all these sinister acts?"


    Seeing that the matter was exposed, before Consort Yun could speak, it was Concubine Li who hurriedly went ahead and fearfully said:


    "Your Majesty, forgive me! Those words from earlier, Consort Yun came to seek this concubinest night and told this concubine to say them deliberately! This was not of this concubine''s own volition! This concubine truly..."


    "You simply did whatever Consort Yun told you to do, as if you have no mind of your own!" Xiao Jingheng roared, then said, "Since you listen to Consort Yun''s words so obediently, then go be her senior pce maid in her pce!"


    Concubine Li was startled with widened eyes, her whole body sweating as she cried, "This concubine knows her mistake! Your Majesty, please calm your anger! Forgive this concubine!"


    Yet her tears at this moment only served to annoy Xiao Jingheng.


    He coldly said, "If you keep rambling, you''ll be sent to the Cold Pce to reside."


    Thus, Concubine Li dared not speak further, only silently weeping like rain.


    Consort Yun, who had been coldly watching all this, suddenly let out a coldugh.


    She disdainfully nced at Xiao Jingheng, then impatiently said to the still-sobbing Concubine Li, "His Majesty has always been so heartless, what is there for you to cry about?"


    Zhao Hua asked her in a solemn voice, "Consort Yun, Consort Shun had no grievances with you. For no reason at all, why did you have to tarnish her reputation?"


    Consort Yunughed, "Hah, tarnish her? It was her own fault for stumbling into it, she''s just unlucky. What I wanted was simply to let His Majesty lose all face, to let the entire imperial court and masses know of his immoral behavior!"


    As she spoke, she seemed to muster a great deal of courage from somewhere, pointing at Xiao Jingheng as she scolded, "I intend to let all under heaven know that you, this Emperor, are ipetent in every way, a useless waste who cannot even control his own consorts!"


    "You''re insolent!" Xiao Jingheng angrily mmed the table, his body lurching forward as he tightly clenched his teeth, forcing out each word through the gaps, "Vile woman! You''ve gone mad!"


    "Mad? Haha, you''re right, I have gone mad! You just look around, how many women in this pce have you not driven to madness? No... no." She shook her head bitterly, endlessly wry smiles on her face. "It was you who went mad long ago! You''re the one who ispletely, thoroughly mad! You forced my father to admit that his attempt to establish his own kingdom was instigated by the Prince of Rui, deceiving him by saying that after this, there would be no further consequences! But what was the reality?"


    Tears streamed down her face, tracing the increasingly prominent wrinkles down to her thin, bright red lips.


    "A few days ago, when Xiao Yinzi went out of the pce to make purchases, she saw that my family home was holding a funeral. Upon asking, she learned that my father had tripped over a loose brick in the courtyard at night and identally hit his forehead, killing him! How could this be an ident? It was clearly your doing, going back on your word! Settling scores after the fact!"


    Xiao Jingheng knew he could not hide this from Consort Yun, and truthfully, he had no intention of hiding it from her in the first ce.


    After all, in his eyes, a woman was not worthy of causing any sort of upheaval.


    Now, facing Consort Yun''s hysterical usations, he only lightly said, "Your fathermitted a crime deserving of death. I preserved his reputation after his death, which was already giving face to him and your Dong n!"


    "Face? Hahahahaha!" Consort Yunughed angrily, raising her hand to wipe away her tears. "Was that giving face to my Dong n, or were you afraid that your dirty deeds would one day be discovered, so you hurriedly killed my father to silence him in order to preserve your own reputation!?


    Xiao Jingheng, do these lofty excuses not make you sick when you hear them yourself?"


    "You..." Xiao Jingheng was so angered by her words that even his breathing became hurried.


    But Consort Yun did not let him get a word in, only venting all her resentment and loathing in one breath:


    "You what? This is simply the kind of person you are, so untrustworthy and inconsistent, calcting against everyone! Someone like you will inevitably lose the hearts of the people! I''ll wait! I''ll wait to see the day when you are spurned by all the officials andmon people under heaven!"


    Amidst the argument, Xiao Yinzi respectfully entered and quietly reported to Xiao Jingheng, "Your Majesty, an envoy from the Hu nation has arrived, saying they have an important matter to discuss with Your Majesty."


    With his facade exposed by Consort Yun, Xiao Jingheng did not know if it was out of guilt or what, but he now looked at her with only disdain. No longer acknowledging the madwoman, he only patted Consort Rong''s shoulder and gently said to her tear-filled self, "I''ve troubled you."


    Then, turning back, he said, "As for the remaining matters here, let Zhao Hua handle them. Only one thing..." He nced coldly at Consort Yun, saying, "I do not wish to see this poisonous woman in the pce again."


    With those words, he swiftly turned and left.


    Zhao Hua knelt and bowed to his departing figure, "This servant will see Your Majesty off."


    After raising her head and seeing him board the carriage, she turned a cold gaze toward Consort Yun.


    "Trying to hit a rock with an egg, to avenge your father you even dragged innocent people down with you. Is this the way of conduct for your Dong n?"


    "Innocent people? Heh..." Consort Yun scoffed with a mocking smile. "Who in this pce is innocent? On the path to your current position as Empress, do you think you were pure and innocent? Have you never schemed against His Majesty or the other consorts?"


    Zhao Hua idly stroked her hair, an ambiguous smile on her face as she said, "Whether I am innocent or not is something I have no need to exin to someone like you who is about to die."


    She then said in an extremely light voice to Xiao Yinzi:


    "Go and inform the ministry, Consort Yun... is deceased."


    The implication of her words was that Consort Yun would be eliminated silently, without even a shred of dignity left.


    Upon hearing Zhao Hua''s decree, Consort Yun could only bitterly smile, no longer bothering to argue.


    Xiao Yinzi responded, "This servant understands, but what about this Concubine Li..."


    Concubine Li, seeing that Consort Yun would not be spared, became even more terrified.


    Already kneeling on the ground, she crawled all the way to Zhao Hua''s feet, desperately clutching at the hems of her phoenix robe as she begged incoherently:


    "Empress Dowager, show mercy! This concubine knows her mistake, please give this concubine another chance! This concubine... ah!"


    But before she could finish speaking, she was forcefully kicked in the shoulder by Yun Shan, sending her flying over a yard away.


    "You vile maid! Don''t let your dirty ws defile the Empress Dowager''s phoenix robe!"


    Concubine Li looked on in bewilderment, "You..."


    Zhao Hua said, "Yun Shan''s words do have a point. Xiao Yinzi, did His Majesty not just give Concubine Li to Consort Yun as her personal maid?"


    "Yes."


    Zhao Hua smiled pleasantly, sping her hands in her sleeves as she calmly walked toward the exit. Only as she passed the still-uncontrobly weeping Concubine Li did she casually remark,


    "Since Consort Yun is deceased, as a loyal servant, Li should... follow her master in death."

 Chapter 441: The Same Care

    <h4>Chapter 441</h4>


    Upon hearing the death sentence for Zhao Hua, Concubine Li wept uncontrobly,


    When the court attendants dragged her away, she struggled fiercely for a moment before bing emotionally overwhelmed and fainting.


    In contrast, Consort Yun remained eerilyposed, soposed that she seemed devoid of a soul, merely a walking corpse,


    Her face betrayed no emotion as she was arrested by the pce maids like amon prisoner and led away,


    Yet upon seeing Song Zhao''s figure about to leave Chaoyang Pce in the distance, she suddenly shouted:


    "Song Zhao! Go tell the Emperor that although I am his concubine, I am also a living, breathing human! I lost my mother at a young age and depended solely on my father. Xiao Jingheng has wronged me too greatly - even if I die, I will never let him off the hook!"


    Consort Yun''s screams grew increasingly shrill, nearly turning into blood-curdling roars of rage,


    "He shouldn''t think that my death will free him from me! My restless spirit will haunt him ceaselessly, and I will make him lose face before all his subjects! Hahahahahahaha~"


    Consort Yun''sughter was chilling like the cry of an owl,


    Yet Song Zhao remained utterly unfazed,


    She didn''t even pause for Consort Yun''s ghostly wails and howls, calmly boarding the phoenix pnquin.


    Consort Yun''s outburst as she vented her emotions before death was something Song Zhao had heard countless times over the years.


    She never took such words to heart,


    For after all,


    If the notion of ghosts and spirits were true, then the number of those seeking Xiao Jingheng''s life would be innumerable, far beyond Consort Yun''s ce in line.


    After leaving Chaoyang Pce, Song Zhao and Rongyue rode in separate pnquins, one after the other,


    With Ru Ge following at a distance behind them.


    As they traveled further, the pce maids carrying Rongyue''s pnquin quickened their pace,


    Soon catching up to Song Zhao, nearly walking abreast.


    Song Zhao nced sidelong at Rongyue, sensing her unease, and spoke softly:


    "Cai Ying has already been released from the Judicial Department. She has suffered, but the imperial physicians are treating her. Rest assured, Sister, her life is no longer in danger."


    Hearing this, Rongyue expressed both guilt and dejection as she said:


    "Zhao''er, thank you for this time..."


    Song Zhao shook her head slightly, "Between us sisters, there is no need for such formalities. However...Sister was rather careless this time. You should not have brought such a sensitive item into the pce. And even if you did, you should not have been so reckless in disposing of it, giving them an opportunity to seize upon it."


    She paused, brows furrowed, "Sister is not usually so careless. What happened this time?"


    Rongyue lowered her gaze, self-reproachfully murmuring, "I was normally cautious, but on that day, my mind was unsettled, and I foolishly caused this great mess through my thoughtless actions."


    As she spoke, Rongyue pretended to nce back nonchntly, stealing a look at Ru Ge following distantly behind them,


    Then lowered her voice to ask Song Zhao, "But I am curious about that precious one..."


    Song Zhao met her gaze and said firmly, "Her thoughts are the same as yours."


    In truth, when Rongyue saw Ru Ge produce the twin jade pendant she had once gifted to Xiao Jingyan in the imperial court earlier, she already had her suspicions,


    But to hear Song Zhao confirm it now still came as a surprise,


    "Then how did Zhao''er persuade her to say those words in the imperial court?"


    Song Zhao''s smile held an ambiguous depth as she shook her head, "I do not have that ability. It was entirely her own idea."


    Sheposed her expression and looked straight ahead at the wide path before them, speaking slowly:


    "Today, I sensed something was amiss when I saw Sister following Xiao Ying, so I sent Xiao Fu to the imperial court to investigate what had happened. Later, Xiao Fu returned and told me about the trouble caused by that twin jade pendant. Fortunately, half of the embroidered characters had burned off, so nothing could be made out.


    Xiao Ying and Xiao Fu described the style of the burned pendant to me, and I recalled that years ago, Sister had gifted me a simr twin jade pendant.


    So I thought perhaps I could take that pendant to the imperial court and im it was found in Sister''s pce, and Sister would understand my intention and corroborate my story - that the pendant was embroidered for the Emperor and me, symbolizing the harmony between ruler and consort."


    Rongyue''s elegant brows furrowed slightly as she shook her head, "Consort Yun''s schemes run deep. She had even untangled the years of fading on the yellow silk thread. If Zhao''er had truly done that, it would have backfired."


    Song Zhao exined, "At that urgent moment, I had considered that risk as well, but it was the only way I could think of to help Sister escape her predicament. Just as I was about to head to the imperial court, Xiao Fu informed me of another detail.


    He said the Emperor had originally summoned Ru Ge to attend to writing tasks in Chaoyang Pce that day. Ru Ge arrived on time, but the Emperor was inside discussing matters with Consort Yun, so whatever Xiao Ying overheard, Ru Ge also heard.


    Xiao Fu said that after hearing the incident, Ru Ge lost herposure and rushed back to her pce in a daze.


    I found it rather strange, so I detoured to Zhuixia Pce first and encountered Ru Ge on the way.


    As soon as she saw me, she took out that twin jade pendant and gave the same exnation in the imperial court that I had nned.


    She is an intelligent woman. It is only a matter of whether that sachet was meant to protect the Prince Consort or Sister, which Sister will have to rify with her directly."


    After a moment''s contemtion, Rongyue nodded in understanding.


    Shortly after, the phoenix pnquins halted at the entrance of Zhuixia Pce. Song Zhao raised her voice to address Rongyue:


    "Consort Rong, you were much inconvenienced today. Do not let it trouble you further."


    Rongyue alighted and respectfully bowed before Song Zhao''s pnquin,


    "Thank you, Your Imperial Majesty, for clearing this servant''s name today."


    "The Empress merely ryed Ru Ge''s ount to the Emperor, stating the facts. Consort Yun and Concubine Li brought their fates upon themselves through their own misdeeds."


    As she spoke, Ru Ge hurried to join them.


    Song Zhao raised her hand slightly and said coolly, "You may both rest now. The Empress shall take her leave."


    Rongyue and Ru Ge knelt in unison, respectfully bidding farewell:


    "This servant (consort) humbly sees off Your Imperial Majesty."


    After seeing off Song Zhao, the two entered Zhuixia Pce,


    Intending to part ways in the courtyard and return to their respective quarters, but Rongyue suddenly called out to Ru Ge,


    "Does the Precious Consort have a moment?"


    Ru Ge startled, turning but not daring to meet Rongyue''s gaze, only lowering her head in acknowledgment.


    Rongyue said, "Then please join me in my pce for a while."


    Once inside the main hall, Rongyue took a seat while Ru Ge stood awkwardly to the side. Seeing this, Rongyue said,


    "Please, have a seat. We reside in the same pce, so we will have a long time to interact. There is no need to always stand on ceremony - it will only tire you out. May I address you as Ru Ge from now on? Do you mind?"


    Ru Ge did not respond, as if she had not heard the question,


    But Rongyue did not press her, saying instead, "Thank you for your assistance with today''s incident."


    Hearing this, Ru Ge finally raised her head,


    Taking a deep breath to gather her courage, she said,


    "Your Highness is a wise woman, so you must realize that this servant did not act to protect you..."

 Chapter 442: The Care of the Dead 01

    <h4>Chapter 442</h4>


    Faced with Ru Ge''s candor, Rongyue also opened up and spoke frankly with her,


    "But you still helped me out of the predicament, didn''t you?"


    She smiled, "I want to hear the story between you and Jing Yan. Are you willing to tell me?"


    Upon hearing the name ''Jing Yan'', Ru Ge''s heart trembled violently.


    She had known Xiao Jingyan for quite some time, but in the past, whether it was meeting him or in private, she had always addressed him politely as ''Prince An''.


    But Rongyue could utter Xiao Jingyan''s name so naturally.


    Just this one point alone made herpletely different.


    Ru Ge remained silent for a brief moment, then smiled bitterly and unnaturally,


    "It''s not that the concubine wants to hide anything from Consort Shun, but between the concubine and Prince An...there truly isn''t anything worth mentioning. Or perhaps I should say, in all these years, the concubine had only that one chance to be alone with Prince An."


    She took out the Double Happiness Knot that Zhao Hua had returned to her from her bosom,


    Lowering her gaze, she fixed her eyes on the ''Rong'' character embroidered in the center, feeling bitter in her heart.


    She had been infatuated and mistaken for so many years, and now that she had discovered the truth, she felt as if she had just woken up from a dream. She didn''t know who to me anymore.


    She sighed almost inaudibly, noticing the doubtful look in Rongyue''s eyes, and asked:


    "Consort Shun is looking at the concubine like this, wondering why this Double Happiness Knot with your name embroidered on it should have been in Prince An''s possession, but has ended up in the concubine''s hands, am I right?"


    Rongyue nodded in curiosity, but Ru Ge said:


    "Because I stole it from Prince An."


    "Stole?"


    Ru Ge said the word ''stole'' very lightly, but it sounded particrly jarring to Rongyue''s ears.


    Ru Ge was born into a prestigious family and was considered wealthy in the Capital City.


    Although the Double Happiness Knot was made of the precious and rare Celestial Silkworm Silk, it should not have driven her, a well-bred youngdy, to do anything improper.


    So Rongyue probed further, "What do you mean by that?"


    Ru Ge said half-jokingly: "Keeping something that was lost without reporting it counts as taking it as one''s own. How is that different from stealing or robbing? This Double Happiness Knot was something I picked up after Prince An lost it, and that was the only time I had a chance to be alone with him briefly."


    Mentioning Xiao Jingyan, the bitter smile on Ru Ge''s face turned warm, and her clear eyes shone with delight.


    She no longer adhered to propriety and referred to herself as ''the concubine'' in front of Rongyue.


    "From a young age, my father and mother taught me how to be a well-educated and virtuous youngdy. Etiquette, music, chess, calligraphy, and painting - I had to master everything. I diligently studied every day, but no matter how hard I tried, it never seemed enough.


    The only person I could talk to and relieve my boredom was Little Willow. Sometimes, when I did well in my studies, my mother would reward me by taking me out. But I couldn''t show my face in public, and had to stay inside the sedan chair the whole time.


    I could only hear the bustling sounds, or catch glimpses of the lively crowds on the streets through the thin veil, like hazy masses of shadows.


    Until...I met Prince An."


    Ru Ge gazed wistfully out the window, her eyes shining with an enchanting brilliance,


    "It was a sunny afternoon like today. Prince An came to visit our family, and I happened to be ying in the courtyard with Little Willow and bumped into him by ident.


    The first time I saw Prince An, I felt my breath catch in my throat. I was flustered and my face turned red all the way to my ears. I ran away in embarrassment.


    After that, Prince An frequently visited our home to drink wine and appreciate paintings with my father. Over time, our encounters became more frequent. I knew he enjoyed appreciating paintings, so I worked even harder to learn painting, just to have him nce at me.


    Gradually, I became known in the Capital City as the ''Painting Fairy''. Sometimes when Prince An and my father appreciated paintings together, even when my father couldn''t keep up with the conversation, I could exchange a few words with Prince An.


    Seeing my interest in painting, he would often lend me his fine paintings for appreciation. From then on, Prince An became the only person I looked forward to in my monotonous days."


    Recalling these memories, Ru Ge''s expression was filled with delight.


    But as she continued, the smile on her face gradually turned more and more bitter,


    "I always looked forward to his visits, hoping to exchange a few more words with him and have him look at me a little longer. But gradually, his visits to our home became less and less frequent. At one point, he didn''te for four whole months. I asked my father, and he said Prince An was busy with court affairs and might not have time to visit for a while.


    I was gloomy and depressed every day. Little Willow was the only one who knew my feelings, and she suggested that since Prince An wasn''ting, I should go and find him instead.


    So when my parents went out of town, I had Little Willow help me climb over the high walls and sneak out of our home. I thought, even if I could just catch a glimpse of him from afar, that would be enough.


    But shortly after leaving, Little Willow and I encountered some ruffians blocking our way. They were reeking of alcohol and saying all sorts of indecent things, even trying toy their hands on me.


    I was terrified and unable to defend myself, curling up in fear. It was then that Prince An happened to pass by and rescued me. When I tried to thank him, he said the Emperor had summoned him urgently and hurried away. And this Double Happiness Knot was something he had dropped at that time."


    Ru Ge looked disheartened,


    Having been strictly sheltered from a young age, she had no one to confide in about the many things bottled up in her heart.


    That was why she rambled on so sincerely to Rongyue.


    She then went on to describe how she had mistaken the ''Rong'' character embroidered on the Double Happiness Knot as her own nickname, and how she had clung to this illusion, eagerly awaiting each passing day...


    After listening to her ount of the years of longing and eventual disappointment, Rongyue couldn''t help but feel pity for her,


    "I don''t know how to console you. To suffer from unrequited love for so many years, only to realize in the end that it was all a misunderstanding - no matter who experienced this, it would be a difficult blow. Perhaps...you might even resent me?"


    "No." Ru Ge shook her head in denial, but tears still welled up in her eyes,


    "Everything from beginning to end was my own one-sided infatuation. I knew that, so how could I force others to take responsibility for my one-sided feelings? Let alone me others for it."


    She wiped away her tears and took a deep breath.


    After pouring out all those secrets that had been suppressed deep within her heart, Ru Ge appeared much more rxed.


    A relieved smile curved her lips,


    "Now that I understand that ''the fairy had a dream, but Prince Xiang had no intentions'', it was all just an illusion, a mere mirage. Reflecting on how I wasted so many years on a naive girl''s fancies, it does seem ratherughable."


    After a pause, she asked Rongyue,


    "What about you, Your Highness? After all these years, you still keep that Double Happiness Knot. Could it be that you haven''t let go of what''s in your heart?"


    Rongyue remained silent for a moment, not directly answering her question, but said:


    "I have my parents and rtives behind me, the entire Tong n. That''s why, once I entered the pce, no matter what past baggage I couldn''t let go of, I had to. For us women, many things are predetermined from the moment we are born. I have no choice, and neither do you. But...while my physical body may be confined within the Imperial City for life, I can still freely choose where to ce my heart."


    Her words were profound, and Ru Ge nodded in understanding, but then suddenly asked:


    "Your Highness, do you believe that in this world, many things are actually predestined in the grand scheme of things?"


    Rongyue paused, "What do you mean?"


    Ru Ge wanted to give the Double Happiness Knot to Rongyue, but Rongyue waved her hand in refusal. As a result, Ru Ge could only suspend her hand in midair, smiling faintly as she said:


    "If I had not left home impetuously that day, I would not have encountered danger and been rescued by Prince An, nor would I have found this Double Happiness Knot and mistakenly developed feelings for Prince An. Without this Double Happiness Knot, Consort Yun and Concubine Li''s schemes against my Lady would have seeded, and no matter howposed and intelligent my Lady is, it would have been extremely difficult for you to extricate yourself from this situation. So......"


    As she spoke, she took advantage of Rongyue''sck of attention and slipped the Double Happiness Knot into her palm,


    "Instead of saying that I saved my Lady, it would be more urate to say that Prince An, who is connected to you by fate, was able to protect you from the unseen forces through this knot."

 Chapter 443: Care of the Dead 02

    <h4>Chapter 443</h4>


    Rongyue opened her palm and looked at the serene concentric knot resting in her hand, which reminded her of many past memories with Xiao Jingyan. Whether sour, sweet, or bitter, she cherished and treasured them all, not daring to forget even a bit.


    Zhao Hua had once told her that Jiang Muye was the only thought that kept Shang Yang surviving in the pce. And for Rongyue, wasn''t Xiao Jingyan her own cherished thought?


    After a while, Rongyue regained herposure and slowly lifted her gaze to look at Ruge, meaningfully saying, "This concentric knot protects me, and it protects you too."


    Ruge was puzzled, "Huh?"


    Rongyue nced in the direction of the eastern side hall, "Let your people carefully examine everything in your pce."


    Yesterday, after Ruge moved into Zhuixia Pce, many newly appointed concubines hade to meet her and brought her many eye-catching gifts.


    Ruge''s mother had instructed her that people in the pce were unpredictable, so she must not harbor ill intentions but also not fully trust others. Therefore, Ruge had already instructed Xiaoliu''er to carefully inspect each gift and only keep them after confirming that there were no issues.


    So she said, "Why does Your Majesty suspect something? I have already examined each gift brought by the concubines yesterday."


    "Is that so?" Rongyue sneered, "Then bring your makeup box and let me have a look."


    Ruge was confused but still instructed Xiaoliu''er to bring the makeup box.


    She first opened the box and inspected the makeup, making sure everything was fine before handing it to Rongyue, "I used this makeup this morning. Is there anything wrong with it?"


    Rongyue remained silent, only raising her eyes to look at the bright sun outside the window.


    Although it was already autumn, the mornings and evenings were still cool. But at noon, the ring sun was still scorching, capable of burning people.


    Rongyue opened the makeup box and casually ced it on the window sill, where it could be exposed to the sun.


    Then she continued talking to Ruge as if nothing had happened.


    After about half an hour, Ruge suddenly saw that the makeup, which had been neatly ced on the window sill, inexplicably caught fire!


    She was startled and took several steps back, looking at Rongyue with astonishment, "Consort Shun, what...?"


    But Rongyue calmly took a handkerchief from a basin and covered the burning makeup, extinguishing the fire.


    Then she said to Ruge, "Wash your face, or else when you go outter, the fire might burn on your face."


    Ruge had been well-protected since childhood, and she had never encountered such a dangerous situation. She had to repeatedly wash her face seven or eight times, rubbing it until her skin turned red, before finally asking with lingering fear, "Consort Shun, can you please tell me what exactly happened?"


    Rongyue replied, "Have you noticed that your makeup today appears somewhat grayish in dim light, unlike the snow-white and translucent appearance when I first saw you?"


    Ruge silently recalled that Rongyue''s words were indeed true. She had noticed it while doing her makeup in the morning.


    Ru Ge did not think anything was amiss at that moment. She simply believed that her restless night caused her to look a bit off.


    Seeing her palpitations, Rongyue spoke:


    "You''re using pear blossom powder, but when I approached you earlier, I caught a faint, pungent scent mixed with the pear fragrance.


    My father is an admiral in the navy and often carries phosphorus powder when he goes to sea. That stuff is highly mmable and can spontaneously ignite after being exposed to the sun for a short while. It''s a good material for starting fires at sea by adding it to damp firewood.


    So, that faint pungent smell on your face may go unnoticed by others, but I can discern it instantly. Additionally, phosphorus powder has a white-gray color, and your makeup has a pale gray hue. Therefore, I deduced that someone took advantage of yesterday when they were ttering you in your pce and surreptitiously mixed phosphorus powder into your makeup box."


    Upon hearing this, Ru Ge couldn''t believe it and touched her cheek in disbelief, her face instantly drained of color...


    If it weren''t for Rongyue''s reminder, her face would have been burned by the midday sun.


    Rongyue could sense Ru Ge''s shock and continued:


    "You''re not an ordinary fish in the pond. Among this group of selecteddies, only you have received a title bestowed by the Emperor. It''s a favor, but it''s also bound to attract the jealousy of many.


    Yesterday, the consorts who visited your side chamber all came to pay their respects. Those seven or eight consorts have all been in your inner chambers. If you want to thoroughly investigate who did this or who conspired together, I''m afraid it may be toote. For now, the best course of action is to be cautious and vignt in all matters to minimize the possibility of being targeted by others."


    Ru Ge felt a wave of lingering fear, so much so that she couldn''t find her voice.


    She could only nod repeatedly in response to Rongyue''s words.


    Just when she was in shock, she suddenly felt a gentle touch on the back of her hand.


    Regaining her senses, she saw Rongyue holding her hand and gently patting the back of it, speaking softly:


    "You''ve helped me today, and I will protect you in the future. Don''t be afraid."


    [Traditional arts, happy Monday~ It''s Monday, so starting tomorrow, there will be three updates every day! Let''s begin!]

 Chapter 444: One voice

    <h4>Chapter 444</h4>


    On the day Rongyue and Ru Ge returned to the pce, what they said,


    Zhao Hua did not know, nor did she care to ask.


    She only saw afterwards during the morning greetings that the two often went together,ughing and chatting, so she knew that they had resolved many things with each other.


    The new consorts had quite an opinion of Ru Ge, discussing her privately:


    "She is a coquettish minx. She''s only been in the pce for a few days, and she has already been intimate with the Emperor twice, while he hasn''t even seen our faces."


    "The Emperor doesn''t flip our cards, so what can we do? We can only look on enviously, it''s no wonder when she was born looking a bit like the Empress."


    "I don''t think so. Haven''t you noticed she''s always close to Consort Shun, the two of themughing together like sisters? It''s not like us, the chief consorts never have good expressions when they see us, this life is truly dull."


    Seven dayster, an autumn rainpletely swept away the lingering summer heat,


    Almost overnight, even the short gusts of wind sweeping down the streets turned cold and harsh.


    At sunrise,


    Zhao Hua saw Cheng Yu off to the Office of the Imperial Secretariat, deliberately changing him into a new small jacket she had made.


    Don''t be fooled by the small size, every stitch was imbued with a mother''s thoughts, taking Zhao Hua a couple of months toplete.


    Now worn by Cheng Yu, it looked a bitrge, but fit him well.


    Zhao Hua smiled and said, "Boys at this age are growing quickly, so the sleeves are a bit wide, otherwise they''ll be too tight in just a couple of days and ufortable."


    Cheng Yu looked in the mirror,


    Seeing that the jacket''s style and material were both exquisite,


    But what caught his eye most were the embroidered patterns.


    The clusters of vibrant purple blossoms were called purple bougainvillea.


    This flower couldn''t survive in the capital, but in Hengzhou it bloomed across the mountains in summer.


    Cheng Yu understood that this was his birth mother''s way offorting his homesickness.


    But the pce had always been his home,


    And the woman before him was his birth mother.


    His daily glumness and mncholy only hurt his closest kin.


    Since returning to the pce, how Zhao Hua treated him, though he seldom expressed gratitude verbally, he was clear in his heart.


    The rift caused by their separation was difficult to mend,


    But for Cheng Yu, Zhao Hua now held the same position as his foster mother who raised him.


    The more mature he became, the more guilty he felt seeing the little jacket stitched by his caring mother''s hands.


    Zhao Hua keenly sensed Cheng Yu''s low spirits and gently asked,


    "What''s wrong, son? Do you not like it?"


    Cheng Yu first shook his head, then quickly nodded and said firmly, "I really like it!"


    "Mother~"


    The sweet voice of Ruo Xin came from behind,


    Zhao Hua turned to see the little maid bouncing over like an energetic white rabbit,


    Clutching at Zhao Hua''s robe hem and swaying it,


    "Mother, mother~ Jin Yue is taking me to the Imperial Garden to admire the chrysanthemums today, can I walk with brother?"


    The path to the Office of the Imperial Secretariat had to pass through the Yonghe Pce,


    So Zhao Hua smiled and nodded, stroking Ruo Xin''s neatlybed fringe, "Of course. Just be careful, it rained yesterday so the path is slippery, don''t fall."


    "I know~" Ruo Xin mischievously stuck out her tongue, "Mother Consort Chen always says I don''t act like a properdy, that I''m wilder than the boys when I''m rowdy. She wants me to learn to be demure and be a gentledy."


    Zhao Hua shook her head with a smile, "In my opinion, girls don''t necessarily have to be quiet and restrained. As long as you livefortably without harming others, you can live however you like."


    "Really?" Ruo Xin grabbed her little head skeptically, "But the instructing governess tells us girls that we must obey the three obediences and four virtues, and cannot be willful, otherwise no one will like us."


    Zhao Hua slowly squatted down, took Ruo Xin''s hand, and said,


    "Everyone grows up constrained by rules and teachings. If everyone lived by the same mold, wouldn''t they all be the same? Think about it, the reason the flowers in the Imperial Garden are so beautiful is because of their myriad colors and shapes, all unique. If you looked around and they were all the same color and shape, no matter how beautiful, it would be dull."


    Ruo Xin puffed out her cheeks, her lively ck eyes rolling in their sockets,


    It was unclear if she understood what Zhao Hua said, but she nodded dazedly in acknowledgment.


    Then she grabbed Cheng Yu''s hand and hurriedly said, "Brother, let''s go! Jin Yue is going to be waiting for us."


    With that, she turned and waved to Zhao Hua, "Mother, your daughter is leaving first~"


    Ruo Xin pulled Cheng Yu along stumbling towards the exit,


    At the entrance to the inner chambers, he suddenly turned back, meeting Zhao Hua''s affectionate gaze upon the two siblings,


    With just that exchanged nce, the window in Cheng Yu''s heart that had long been closed was gently pushed open by an invisible, warm force.


    In that sudden rity, heughed heartily, waving energetically at Zhao Hua and saying brightly,


    "Mother! Your son will return for the noon meal with you!"


    Mother...


    Zhao Hua''s calm heart was enveloped in warmth.


    This was the first time Cheng Yu addressed her so,


    A simple form of address, yet it made Zhao Hua feel the joy of bing a mother again.


    She was dazed for a moment before nodding vigorously at the children, her smile tinged with tears as she said tenderly,


    "Good, mother will wait for you."

 Chapter 445: Leaves Without Roots

    <h4>Chapter 445</h4>


    Today was the bathing day for the consorts of the Six Pces.


    After seeing off Cheng Yu and Ruo Xin, Zhao Hua performed a simple cleansing ritual before returning to her room and leaning against the warm seat.


    Taking advantage of the bright sunshine after the rain, she took out the nearlypleted silk purse to continue embroidering it.


    This silk purse was intended as a gift for Xiao Jingheng,


    so every material used was exceptionally precious.


    The choice of materials needs no exnation, but more remarkably, each stitch in the embroidery of this silk purse was made with thread soaked in fragrant medicine personally prepared by Zhang Imperial Physician.


    Carrying a purse made with these, worn close to the body daily, would bring numerous benefits.


    As Zhao Hua was about to finish the embroidery, she heard a knock at the door.


    She set aside the silk purse, massaged her aching knuckles, and casually said:


    "Come in."


    The one who entered with a bow was Xiao Fuzi. He said:


    "Reporting to Her Majesty the Empress, Consort Yun''s seventh-month memorial was held properly. As for thete Concubine Li, given her low rank and her mother''s family being of no great prominence in the previous dynasty, the ceremony was kept simple."


    Zhao Hua nodded faintly in acknowledgment, then smiled and said to Xiao Fuzi: "Congrattions to you, as Guo Imperial Physician has taken leave due to illness, and your brother has gained the Emperor''s favor and been promoted to be the new Judge."


    Xiao Fuzi respectfully replied: "Your Majesty''s kindness towards this servant and his brother will never be forgotten."


    Seeing him about to kneel, Zhao Hua hurriedly said:


    "You and your brother have served me sincerely, and I have treated you both with equal sincerity. If such a small matter still warrants your kneeling and thanks, then you are being too distant with me."


    Thus, Xiao Fuzi straightened his back and stood up, hisical appearance barely suppressing Zhao Hua''sughter.


    Suddenly remembering something, she stoppedughing and asked: "I heard that the Emperor did not permit Concubine Li to be buried in the Concubine Mausoleum. Where was she buried?"


    Xiao Fuzi replied: "The Emperor ordered that she be buried together with the former Noble Consort Li... that is, her elder sister Li Qiao''er."


    "Li Qiao''er..."


    Hearing this name again, Zhao Hua''s mind shed with many old memories, and she could not help but feel pensive:


    "It has been a long time since Ist heard this name. I still remember when I first entered the pce, she arrogantly told me to rely on her, that if she gained favor, she would look after me to some degree."


    Speaking of this, she could not help butugh bitterly, "Looking back now, those events from the past seem to have urred so long ago."


    "Your Majesty has been in the pce for nearly seven years."


    "Seven years. Yes, seven years, and most of the people I knew when I first entered the pce are no longer here, are they?"


    Zhao Hua watched the withered yellow leaves mercilessly swept up by the autumn wind outside the window,


    watching them spin, dance, and swirl in the air before eventually plunging into the mud, unable to even return to their roots.


    "Li Ruo, Li Qiao''er, Xiao YuYun, Dai Chunying, Zhao Junruo, Dong Zhun, Shang Yang, Wang Xihua, and... the Empress Dowager.


    They have all departed, harming me and I harming them, struggling intensely, until atst I have attained my wish and sit upon this Phoenix throne. Yet I cannot feel any happiness."


    Zhao Hua listed all these names one by one,


    the names of these women confined within the pce walls, given only a title and rank that did not belong to them, their true names long forgotten,


    and felt an inexplicable unease in her heart.


    Seeing Zhao Hua''s mncholy, Xiao Fuzi quickly advised:


    "Those whomit many evil deeds rarely meet a good end. Your Majesty need not grieve for evil people, for aside from the Empress Dowager, which of these deceased consorts did not scheme against you?"


    "The Empress Dowager..." Zhao Hua pondered for a moment, then said: "Among these people, aside from the Empress Dowager, the eldest was likely Shang Yang, right? Yet even she did not live to see her thirtieth year. Heh..."


    She shook her head and scoffed, her voice suddenly lowering but filled with biting sarcasm,


    "Indeed, everyone says the Forbidden City''s feng shui nourishes people, that the eligible daughters of official and noble families would do anything to enter the pce.


    This feng shui does indeed nourish people, but as Consort Yun said before her death, perhaps in the eyes of some, women are not even regarded as human beings? Nothing more than ornaments, ythings, tools for procreation and relieving desires."


    Seeing Zhao Hua''s words bing increasingly inappropriate and bold, Xiao Fuzi hurriedly interjected:


    "What others think of them is unimportant. I only know that Your Majesty is the mother of all under Heaven, most cherished by the Emperor."


    Zhao Hua smiled wryly, "Yes, the Emperor treats me well, and I too wish to present him with personal items, to demonstrate the deep affection between Emperor and Empress."


    With that, she picked up the silk purse from the side table, deftly embroidered thest two stitches, snipped off the thread end, and handed it to Xiao Fuzi.


    "Take a look at this purse, isn''t it exquisite?"


    Xiao Fuzi said: "Your Majesty''s handiwork is skillful. The two golden dragons embroidered on it look powerful and magnificent. The Emperor will surely love it."


    As the words left his mouth, a calm male voice suddenly sounded from outside the door:


    "What will We surely love?"

 Chapter 446: Death is Safe

    <h4>Chapter 446</h4>


    The door of the bedchamber was gently pushed open,


    Zhao Hua raised her eyebrows and looked over to see Xiao Jingheng entering with a beaming smile, appearing in a very good mood.


    She rose to greet him, and feigned annoyance, saying:


    "The servants outside truly don''t know how to properly serve, they didn''t even announce when Your Majesty arrived?"


    As she spoke, she bent her knee to kneel, but as expected, Xiao Jingheng supported her and helped her up,


    "I ordered them not to announce it, so you wouldn''t have to go to the pce gates to wee me."


    As he spoke, his gaze naturally fell upon the conspicuous purse ced on the small table by the warm seat,


    He reached out to take it, but saw Zhao Hua swiftly grab the purse and hide it behind her back,


    "My prince, you mustn''t look. This is something I intend to gift you during the Longevity Festival."


    "But I''ve already seen it."


    Xiao Jingheng smiled mischievously, and then began to tickle Zhao Hua''s sides,


    Zhao Hua,ughing uncontrobly from his teasing, could only try to fend him off, which gave Xiao Jingheng the opportunity to snatch the purse.


    He held the purse in his hand, examining it carefully, admiring every stitch and thread, and asionally praising:


    "How exquisite, I love it."


    Zhao Hua pouted, "My prince has seen so many fine things, how could my humble workpare to those from the Imperial Workshop?"


    Xiao Jinghengughed heartily, "It''s the thought behind it that surpasses many others."


    Seeing that Xiao Jingheng had arrived in such a delighted mood, Zhao Hua changed the subject and asked him,


    "My prince, ever since you entered my chamber today, the smile hasn''t left your face. Has something wonderful happened?"


    "You and I share the same heart, my dear. Indeed, something wonderful has happened - or rather, the citizens and subjects of the Qi Dynasty have encountered an excellent turn of events."


    Xiao Jingheng spoke as he took Zhao Hua''s hand and had her sit down,


    "Ada Kehan of the North Tribe has voluntarily led his troops through the Shanhai Pass. After passing through, the North Tribe''s army has be an inseparable part of the Qi Army. Ada is a wise man - the North Tribe currentlycks resources, and the people are starving and unclothed. If he continued as their Kehan, he would be powerless to save his people from this plight.


    Therefore, he has decided to have the North Tribe fully submit to the Qi Dynasty and be a vassal state. In doing so, the people of the North Tribe will be citizens of the Qi Dynasty, and the Qi Dynasty never allows its citizens to suffer hardship without aid. So I will also do my utmost to resolve the current difficulties faced by the North Tribe."


    This predicament was indeed caused by his own actions toward the North Tribe,


    Yet in his present words, he portrayed himself as a great benefactor to them.


    Although Zhao Hua felt disgusted inwardly, she still followed Xiao Jingheng''s cheerful demeanor and said:


    "With Your Majesty''s protection, the people of the North Tribe will no longer have to worry about food and clothing, and will surely be grateful to you and the Qi Dynasty."


    Xiao Jingheng also felt self-satisfied as he mused:


    "Myte father tried for so many years, yet could never make the North Tribe fully submit to Great Qi. But under my rule, not only has the North Tribe submitted to Great Qi, they have willingly be a vassal state. As the emperor, I have not disappointed my father''s expectations."


    Zhao Hua''s smile did not falter as she ttered:


    "I have always known that it is a great fortune for the citizens to have such an enlightened ruler as Your Majesty."


    But in her heart, she saw clearly,


    The reason herte father-inw could not subdue the North Tribe for years was because he ruled with benevolence and put the people first, never allowing innocents to suffer for the sake of an objective.


    Xiao Jingheng, however, was different.


    The methods he used against the North Tribe could only be described, euphemistically, as "strategic maneuvering" - but to put it bluntly, they were simply shameless.


    And the shameless do often achieve their aims most readily.


    As Zhao Hua and Xiao Jingheng chatted idly, he continuously yed with the purse in his hands,


    The gentle swaying motion released the faint fragrance from the purse, which wafted into Xiao Jingheng''s breath,


    He inhaled deeply, remarking with appreciation:


    "Zhao Hua must have put so much effort into making this purse that she could hardly bear to let it go, to the extent that it has taken on her own scent."


    As he spoke, his fingertips brushed against Zhao Hua''s tresses, caressing the fragrance of her hair,


    "It is this very scent that I find so soothing whenever I catch a whiff of it."


    Zhao Hua blushed and said, "My prince is just teasing me again."


    With tender banter, she found herself embraced by Xiao Jingheng, resting quietly in his arms.


    The light, delicate fragrance of the purse lingered around Zhao Hua,


    She held her breath slightly, a gentle smile on her face, while inwardly pondering Xiao Jingheng''s earlier words.


    The scent from this purse brought him a sense of serenity?


    Hah,


    Some live in a way that disturbs the peace of all around them.


    Only the dead can truly find ''serenity''.


    However, since Xiao Jingheng desires serenity,


    Then this purse, a symbol of love between emperor and concubine,


    If he wears it every day,


    I believe his ''wonderful'' wish will soon be fulfilled.

 Chapter 447: Borrow Flowers to offer Buddha

    <h4>Chapter 447</h4>


    On this day, when Xiao Jingheng left the Feng Luan Pce, Zhao Hua carefully tied the pouch to his imperial jade belt around his waist.


    He treasured it so much that even as he was leaving, his naturally drooping right hand would asionally fiddle with the pouch.


    Yun Shan, observing this, said softly to Zhao Hua:


    "It seems the Emperor is quite fond of the Lady''s good intentions."


    Zhao Hua scoffed disdainfully, "One who has schemed his entire life, how could he cherish the worthless intentions of others?"


    Indeed, upon returning to the Chaoyang Pce, it was at that moment when Judge Zhang came to feel Xiao Jingheng''s pulse for his wellbeing.


    After finding no issues with the pulse-reading, Xiao Jingheng then removed the pouch and handed it to Xiao Yinzi, saying:


    "Take a look at this item and see if there is anything amiss with it."


    Judge Zhang received the pouch, carefully inspecting and examining it before bowing to Xiao Jingheng and reporting:


    "Your Majesty, this pouch is in no way wed, and the faint Auspicious Brain Fragrance on it can refresh and awaken the mind, beneficial to Your Majesty''s dragon body."


    Xiao Jingheng nodded calmly and waved his hand, dismissing Judge Zhang.


    After the man left, he instructed Xiao Yinzi, "Take this pouch and have the Secret Agency examine it again."


    Xiao Yinzi asked doubtfully, "But Your Majesty, did you not just have Judge Zhang inspect it?"


    Xiao Jingheng said, "I am not suspicious of anyone, but for items used so close to the body, one must have them thoroughly examined many times before feeling at ease."


    Thus, Xiao Yinzi did not raise any further objections and, following Xiao Jingheng''s orders, secretly had the Secret Agency re-examine the pouch.


    The next day, after Xiao Jingheng finished court, Xiao Yinzi brought the Secret Agency''s people to report back to Xiao Jingheng.


    Their words matched Judge Zhang''s: the pouch was wless and even beneficial to the dragon body.


    Only then did Xiao Jingheng feel at ease wearing the pouch.


    Having received such a thoughtful gift from Zhao Hua, Xiao Jingheng felt he should reward her in return to show his affection.


    He thus instructed Xiao Yinzi to open the treasury and take out all the remaining pearls, sending them all to the Feng Luan Pce.


    When the entire bushel of pearls arrived at the Feng Luan Pce, Zhao Hua was idly chatting with Consort Yin in the main hall.


    Seeing these treasures, Zhao Hua selected one pearl, holding it up to the light and admiring its luster, remarking in praise:


    "Truly exquisite items. However, this entire bushel of pearls is worth a fortune, and I feel unworthy receiving them."


    She carefully pocketed the one pearl she had selected, then pushed the rest away from her, saying:


    "Now that the North Tribe has submitted to the Qi Dynasty, bing a vassal state, the North Tribe''s people are also subjects of the Qi Dynasty. I just heard from Consort Yin that the court has begun relief efforts for the North Tribe people. As the nation''s mother, I too must contribute my part to aid the people.


    Xiao Yinzi, please ry to the Emperor that I wish to exchange these remaining pearls for silver to distribute to the North Tribe people. It is one thing for themon people to have food and clothing, but having actual silver in their hands will give them a true sense of security, allowing them to live stable and peaceful lives."


    Since Xiao Jingheng had bestowed these pearls to Zhao Hua, she naturally had the authority to dispose of them as she wished.


    Thus, Xiao Yinzi respectfully agreed and heaped praises on Zhao Hua''s benevolence.


    Consort Yin, too, was moved to grateful tears, rising to bow deeply to Zhao Hua and attempting to express her gratitude through choked sobs.


    Zhao Hua helped her up with a gentle hand and said warmly:


    "You need not thank me, but rather the Emperor. I am merely the messenger - first there must be a gift to deliver. The Emperor''s favor towards the North Tribe and his employment of your father are great blessings from the imperial family that you must never betray. Do you understand?"


    The nation may be broken, the mountains and rivers remain; cities still see the spring grass and deep woods.


    Who truly bestowed blessings upon the North Tribe, and who had ulterior motives - Ada Kehan and the entire North Tribe people understood this clearly in their hearts.


    At this, Consort Yin spoke through gritted teeth, her words insincere:


    "The North Tribe is deeply grateful for the Emperor''s boundless favor. This subject, along with my father and the hundred thousand North Tribe people, will forever remember this kindness and never forget."


    Zhao Hua simply pretended to be an ordinary person, feigningprehension of only the surface meaning of her words as she smiled and nodded:


    "Since you understand, then take these pearls and go thank the Emperor first."


    After sending Consort Yin away, Zhao Hua noticed Xiao Yinzi still lingering and asked:


    "Do you have something else to say to me?"


    Xiao Yinzi approached with an ingratiating smile and whispered conspiratorially:


    "Your Majesty, the Emperor seems to have grown suspicious of you. The pouch you sent him - not only did he have Judge Zhang inspect it, but he even had this servant summon the Secret Agency to examine it thoroughly as well."


    "And what is the purpose of telling me this?" Zhao Hua scoffed coldly. "Is it not proper procedure to carefully inspect anything the Emperor uses, especially items so close to his person? Have you not been serving the Emperor for years to know this? Is this even worth mentioning to me?"


    Xiao Yinzi had ttered the wrong subject and felt abashed,ughing awkwardly.


    Zhao Hua continued, "What I sent the Emperor are all fine items that can withstand any scrutiny. The Emperor''s inspection does not necessarily mean he suspects me of anything. If even you cannot discern this, Xiao Yinzi, then perhaps I truly must reconsider whether you are an intelligent man."


    "This servant was foolish, this servant was foolish..." Xiao Yinzi pped himself twice before saying, "There are many things this servant does not understand. But anything the Emperor does rted to Your Majesty, this servant will report to you immediately."


    Zhao Hua gave him a sidelong nce with a faint smile, not addressing his words, and merely said tly:


    "I am weary. You may leave."

 Chapter 448: Indefatigable

    <h4>Chapter 448</h4>


    Xiao Yinzi didn''t get what he wanted, so he had to retreat in dejection.


    After he left, Xiao Fuzi spat in the direction of his retreating back, resentfully saying:


    "Your Majesty, this Xiao Yinzi is fickle and unsteady. Is this the kind of person Your Majesty still wants to use?"


    Of course, Zhao Hua understood where Xiao Fuzi wasing from.


    Xiao Yinzi had just said that Xiao Jingheng gave him the silk purse and asked him to take it to the Secret Service for verification himself.


    If he was truly loyal, he should have reported this to Zhao Hua first, instead of justifying himself after the fact and trying to curry favor.


    Butpared to Xiao Fuzi''s indignation, Zhao Hua appeared quite calm and said evenly:


    "Xiao Yinzi hid it from me first and followed the Emperor''s wishes to take the purse to the Secret Service for verification. He did this solely to save his own skin.


    Think about it - if he had told me first, and that purse turned out to be problematic, leading the Emperor to face some kind of consequence, how could Xiao Yinzi, a mere eunuch, possibly escape responsibility?


    So he hid it from me and had it verified first to put the Emperor''s mind at ease, as well as his own. I won''t hold these things against him."


    As she spoke, Zhao Hua used a silver spoon to sprinkle fragrance powder into the incense burner and ignited it.


    "From start to finish, Xiao Yinzi''s aim has been very clear - he wants to save his own life and keep his privileged position. Earlier, he surrendered to me to save his life. Now, he''s wavering to save his life. We never had any deep connection to begin with, so how could I expect him to be wholeheartedly loyal to me? It''s simply a rtionship of mutual exploitation and checks and bnces."


    Xiao Fuzi nodded, saying: "Your Majesty speaks true. It''s fortunate that the purse showed no obvious issues, otherwise..."


    "There is no ''otherwise''," Zhao Hua calmly interrupted Xiao Fuzi, smiling wryly. "I never take on tasks without being certain of the oue."


    She gently closed her eyes and lightly inhaled the faint fragrance wafting from the incense burner, saying with satisfaction:


    "The Purple Incense Scent blended by your brother is truly exquisite."


    Every stitch used by Zhao Hua to make the purse was soaked in the Auspicious Brain Fragrance carefully prepared by Judge Zhang.


    That substance has an invigorating and refreshing effect that causes no harm to the body even with daily use - its benefits far outweigh any drawbacks.


    And the Purple Incense Scent burned in Zhao Hua''s pce just happened to amplify the effects of the Auspicious Brain Fragrance.


    Moreover, the tonic Judge Zhang prescribed for Xiao Jingheng also contained ample ingredients to enhance vitality and energy.


    With this three-pronged approach, Xiao Jingheng''s physical condition became unprecedented - lively and tireless.


    The less fatigued a person feels, the more they subconsciously feel their body is in peak condition, leading them to carelessly expend energy until their internal reserves are depleted, resulting in a deceptively strong exterior covering an increasingly weakened interior.


    By then, their body is like a leaky vessel that cannot be refilled, toote for remedy.


    Furthermore, when one''s energy peaks, especially for an energetic man, desire and need for sex naturally increases as well.


    Just look at how frequently the concubines have been entering and leaving Chaoyang Pce these days -


    Xiao Jingheng has regained the vigor of his youth, eager to have all the beauties bow to his masculine prowess.


    But even as Emperor, there are still limits to how much indulgence is permitted.


    ording to ancestral rules, aside from staying in the Empress''s quarters on the 15th of each month, the Emperor cannot exceed nine instances of "flipping the card" requesting a concubine''spany per month in total.


    Yet not even halfway through the 10th month, Xiao Jingheng has already exhausted his quota of flipping the card.


    If the Emperor wishes to request a concubine''spany beyond the limit, the eunuchs of the Pce Eunuch Office must ask the Empress to advise him first.


    That evening, after Zhao Hua and the children finished dinner and were ying in the courtyard, Zhang Jiugui came with a troubled expression, awkwardly saying:


    "This servant pays respects to the Empress. Your Majesty, please have pity on this servant. It''s only the 11th of the 10th month, but the Emperor has already flipped the card ten times, practically summoning concubines to his bedchamber every night...


    You know the ancestral rules set by our forebears. This servant dares not advise the Emperor directly, but these records will be preserved, which could tarnish the Emperor''s reputation. I am truly at a loss, so I must request that the Empress advise the Emperor..."


    Seated under the courtyard phoenix tree, having removed her armor to help the children peel pomegranates, Zhao Hua lightly asked:


    "How many years has Pce Eunuch Zhang served in the pce?"


    Zhang Jiugui was taken aback. "In response to Your Majesty, this servant has served in the pce since the time of thete Emperor - over twenty years now."


    Zhao Hua smiled. "Having served for twenty years, it''s no wonder Pce Eunuch Zhang still clings to these outdated rules and regtions. No wonder the Emperor has always treated the Pce Eunuch Office with indifference, not even raising your sries for years."


    "This... This servant is ignorant. Please enlighten me, Your Majesty."


    Zhao Hua said, "Let Pce Eunuch Zhang think about it himself - our ancestors set those rules to prevent the Emperor from indulging in excessive desires that distract from governing. But times have changed. Now that the realm is united and at peace, with no threats from abroad, the key issue is ''internal worries''.


    The Emperor currently has few offspring, with only my two sons Cheng Yu and Cheng Ye as princes, far fewer than thete Emperor. Ensuring the imperial bloodline is the foundation of the nation. The Emperor''s diligent efforts to sire more descendants is for the sake of the nation''s great cause, is it not?"


    Zhao Hua paused, her bright eyes gazing at Zhang Jiugui.


    "Therefore, not only will I not advise the Emperor, I urge you not to bring up a single word before him, lest you hinder the nation''s vital affairs and be a sinner whose foul reputationsts for eternity.


    As for the records of the Pce Eunuch Office, falsify the public logs and send the true records to me to keep on file. Do you understand?"


    Trapped by ancestral rules, Zhang Jiugui was in a difficult position.


    Of course, he did not wish to dampen Xiao Jingheng''s enthusiasm.


    Now that Zhao Hua had spoken, providing a solution to this hot potato issue, Zhang Jiugui hurriedly agreed with a smile:


    "The Empress is truly wise. This servant understands and will not disrupt the Emperor''s interests or impede the nation''s vital affairs!"


    Zhao Hua nodded with a gentle smile, exuding the dignified grace of the Mother of the Nation, and said solemnly:


    "Since you understand, then quickly send young and lovely beauties to the Emperor''s quarters."

 Chapter 449: Both Vomiting Blood

    <h4>Chapter 449</h4>


    In the following days, Xiao Jingheng''s life became even more ''busy''.


    Due to the surrender of the North Tribe, other foreign tribes and groups such as the Mongols, Zhu Yin, and Xiliang became fearful, dreading that Xiao Jingheng''s next move would be to deal with them in the same manner as he had dealt with the North Tribe.


    As a result, both openly and secretly, they began making preparations and forming alliances.


    Xiao Jingheng had nted his own spies among the various nations and tribes,


    so news of their secret movements quickly reached the imperial court.


    In order to mediate the conflicts between the nations and handle these thorny issues, the morning court sessions had to be extended by more than two hours recently. Even after the morning court sessions ended, Xiao Jingheng had to keep summoning officials from various departments to the Chaoyang Pce to discuss ns for dealing with this matter.


    After such a busy day, he wanted to fully unwind at night.


    Thus, he had to handle court affairs during the day, and then visit his concubines at night, only sleeping for two hours or less each day.


    However, since he did not feel any fatigue, Xiao Jingheng did not take these matters to heart at all.


    His arrogance and self-importance made him believe that as the Son of Heaven, the chosen one, his dragon body was naturally much stronger than ordinary people.


    More than two months passed like this, and through the joint efforts of the nation''s capable individuals, the hidden unrest in the various nations and tribes was finally suppressed in its infancy.


    When the New Year arrived this year, Xiao Jingheng was overjoyed and hosted a grand banquet to celebrate.


    At the banquet, the new consorts prepared various performances to curry favor,


    and among the new consorts, aside from Zhao Hua, there was another who Xiao Jingheng particrly favored.


    That was Concubine Jing, who had just performed a Hu folk dance and won the apuse of the entire court.


    Concubine Jing''s appearance and figure were not particrly outstanding, and her family was merely thergest winery in the Capital City, with her father using his wealth to purchase a minor official position, which gave her the opportunity to enter the pce selection.


    The imperial court strictly observed the hierarchy of ''schrs, farmers, artisans, and merchants'',


    and merchants, no matter how wealthy or influential, like the wealthy family of Wei Lin, were still looked down upon.


    With such a lowly family background, Concubine Jing naturally had no advantages.


    The reason she gained favor was likely because her entire being was as soft as a puddle of water,


    with every gesture and movement exuding a coquettish charm. To put it politely, she was alluring, but to put it bluntly, she was a foxy seductress who had mastered the skills of a courtesan.


    Zhao Hua had overheard the little eunuchughingly saying that whenever Concubine Jing attended the imperial bedchamber, her cries were as delicate as the shattering of Kunshan jade and the calls of a phoenix, giving the servants on night duty goosebumps.


    On this asion, Concubine Jing had a particr intention,


    as her family was in the wine business. Thus, all the wine served at tonight''s banquet had been brewed by her months in advance, in order to enliven the gathering.


    At this moment, Xiao Jingheng invited everyone to raise their cups and drink to theing year''s peace and harmony.


    After Zhao Hua drank her cup and wiped her lips with a handkerchief,


    she caught a glimpse of Ning Wanshuang and Rongyue seated below, both gazing at her with concern in their eyes. Rongyue, after looking at Zhao Hua, even stole a nce at Xiao Jingyan.


    Zhao Hua looked down at her empty wine cup, which had only contained ordinary Osmanthus Wine, and saw nothing unusual.


    Zhao Hua was puzzled as to why Ning Wanshuang and Rongyue looked at her with such worried expressions.


    In the next moment, a man''s violent coughing suddenly rang out from below,


    and Zhao Hua quickly turned her gaze towards the source of the sound.


    It was Xiao Jingyan, clutching his chest and coughing uncontrobly,


    and in the midst of his violent coughing, he spat out a mouthful of fresh blood!


    Everyone watching turned pale with shock, and the entire hall erupted in chaos.


    Xiao Jingheng anxiously asked, "What''s wrong with my sixth brother?"


    Unexpectedly,


    before he had finished speaking, a sudden surge from his stomach caused him to vomit a mouthful of blood as well,


    and then his vision went ck as he copsed unconscious onto the table...

 Chapter 450: Become Ill from Overwork

    <h4>Chapter 450</h4>


    "Your Majesty!"


    "Send for the imperial physicians at once!"


    From below the hall, cries of rm and the tter of chairs and tables colliding with the jostling of heads echoed, causing Zhao Hua''s ears to ring incessantly.


    The royal rtives and consorts almost instantly surrounded the high seat in a swarm,


    a dark wall of people pushing in so densely that it was nearly suffocating.


    Zhao Hua was closest to Xiao Jingheng, and she called out ''Xiao Lang'' several times in a low voice, but received no response from him.


    She could only muster her courage and extend her hand to check his breath.


    Unfortunately, he still had a faint breath remaining.


    Someone was heard saying, "Quickly move His Majesty to a side pce!"


    Zhao Hua hurriedly shouted, "Don''t move him! His Majesty has suddenly fainted for unknown reasons. Before the imperial physicians arrive, he must not be moved carelessly, lest the situation worsens!"


    She calmed her mind and peered through the gaps in the human wall to catch a glimpse of Xiao Jingyan.


    Although he had coughed up blood and hisplexion was not good, fortunately, he remained conscious and had not fainted.


    As for Rongyue, she was in a state of frantic concern. While all the other consorts rushed towards Xiao Jingheng, she remained standing in her original position, slightly turned sideways, with a subtle urge to run towards Xiao Jingyan.


    At this moment, if she made the wrong decision, how would that be any different from courting disaster?


    In her desperation, Zhao Hua could only angrily rebuke those below the hall:


    "Come! Arrest Concubine Jing!"


    A loud shout instantly drew everyone''s attention to Concubine Jing, who was standing dumbfounded below the hall.


    And the restless Rongyue, under the scrutiny of all those eyes, could only restrain herself.


    Several pce maids, upon receiving the order, immediately apprehended Concubine Jing.


    Concubine Jing, with a face full of terror, cried out in a hoarse voice:


    "Your Majesty the Empress, please calm your anger. This has nothing to do with your humble servant!"


    The Internal Supervisors who tasted the food and drink at the banquet also came to Concubine Jing''s defense, saying:


    "We report to Your Majesty the Empress that the wine and food served at the banquet were repeatedly inspected by the pce maids from the Imperial Food Management Bureau, and there should be no problem."


    "You say there''s no problem?" Zhao Hua red fiercely at the little eunuch, intimidating him without anger: "If His Majesty and the Prince of An have any mishap, will you take responsibility for it?"


    The little eunuch, cowed by Zhao Hua''s formidable presence, dared not utter another word and could only kneel and kowtow repeatedly, begging the Empress to forgive him.


    Zhao Hua paid him no further attention and instead turned her gaze back to Concubine Jing.


    "His Majesty and the Prince of An both suddenly fell ill after drinking the wine and water you brewed. How can you still cry foul?"


    Concubine Jing wept as she pleaded her case, but before she could say more than a couple of sentences, Judge Zhang arrived in a rush with a group of imperial physicians.


    Given the urgency of the situation, he did not even have time to observe proper etiquette and immediately proceeded to diagnose and treat Xiao Jingheng.


    After examining his pulse for a while, seeing the furrowed brow and increasing concern on Judge Zhang''s face, Zhao Hua asked:


    "What has happened to His Majesty? Could he have been poisoned?"


    Judge Zhang replied, "In response to Your Majesty the Empress, His Majesty has not been poisoned. From his pulse, it appears that His Majesty has been overly taxed by state affairs recently, exhausting his heart and blood, damaging his spleen and energy, and depleting his kidney essence... This has led to an illness caused by umted fatigue.


    In my humble opinion, we should first move His Majesty back to the Chaoyang Pce to rest. During this period, His Majesty should also refrain from overexertion."


    Judge Zhang only mentioned the burden of state affairs in his exnation,


    but whether consorts or high-ranking officials present, who did not know about Xiao Jingheng''s excessive indulgence in sensual pleasures?


    Busy with court affairs during the day and revelry every night, let alone Xiao Jingheng being of middle age, even a young man in his prime would not withstand such exertion.


    However, as this was ultimately a private matter of the Emperor, no one dared toment.


    Upon hearing Judge Zhang''s words, Zhao Hua swiftly arranged for Xiao Jingheng to be carried back to the Chaoyang Pce for treatment.


    As for Xiao Jingyan, although she was deeply concerned about him, she could not show the slightest hint of it outwardly.


    She only casually instructed, "Leave two imperial physicians to also attend to the Prince of An."


    Having said that, she hurriedly boarded the phoenix pnquin and apanied Xiao Jingheng to the Chaoyang Pce.


    With the Emperor''s sudden illness, it was an opportune time for the consorts to showcase their skills and devotion.


    Hence, whether out of true sentiment or pretense, these women had to follow and wait outside the Chaoyang Pce.


    Those of lower rank could only stand in the snowy courtyard, enduring the cold while awaiting news.


    Those of higher rank could sit and wait in the main hall.


    As for Zhao Hua and Ning Wanshuang, the highest-rankingdies in the harem, they could wait in the Warm Pavilion outside the inner chambers.


    In private, Zhao Hua noticed Ning Wanshuang''s restlessness, constantly rising on her tiptoes to peek towards the inner chambers.


    It was evident that despite Xiao Jingheng''s mistreatment of her, she still held lingering concern for him.


    Zhao Hua did not pass judgment but simply asked her a question that had been bothering her:


    "Earlier at the banquet, after we all drank the toast, why did you look at me with such an expression, Sister Wan?"


    Ning Wanshuang furrowed her brow, "It''s fortunate that you''re unharmed. I thought for a moment that Concubine Jing had truly be so reckless as to present something like that. Is she tired of living?"


    "What?" Zhao Hua asked.


    Ning Wanshuang exined, "I don''t know what was in your cup, but the wine and water we drank, after the effects kicked in, turned out to be Peach Blossom Wine."


    Upon hearing this, Zhao Hua was momentarily stunned, remaining in a daze for quite a while before saying:


    "My cup contained nothing more than ordinary osmanthus flower tea."


    Ning Wanshuang said, "On New Year''s Eve, Concubine Jing intended to present her own brewed wine to curry favor with His Majesty. She must have discussed this with His Majesty beforehand. Since His Majesty knew you dislike peach blossom wine, he had her rece your drink, which is understandable. However, I am perplexed..."


    Ning Wanshuang''s face grew increasingly puzzled as she wondered:


    "If His Majesty''s coughing up blood and fainting was due to illness caused by umted fatigue, then what about the Prince of An? He was perfectly fine, so why would he also fall ill like that?"

 Chapter 451: The Peach Blossom

    <h4>Chapter 451</h4>


    Many things, the more people who knew about them, the more hidden perils would be sown.


    Therefore, unless it was something Ning Wanshuang must know, Zhao Hua always chose to conceal things with good intentions.


    Yet in her own heart, she was very clear.


    She and Xiao Jingyan came from the same lineage, both afflicted with Peach Blossom Intolerance Syndrome.


    If their parents did not have this syndrome, then the chance of their offspring contracting the disease was almost negligible.


    Today, Xiao Jingyan had consumed Peach Blossom Wine, which must have triggered his Peach Blossom Intolerance symptoms, causing him to cough up blood and feel unwell.


    If Xiao Jingheng knew about this, with his suspicious nature, he would likely immediately doubt Xiao Jingyan''s identity.


    "His Majesty has regained consciousness!"


    The joyful report from the inner chambers interrupted Zhao Hua''s contemtion.


    She followed Ning Wanshuang into the inner chambers and saw Xiao Jingheng sitting up on the bed, his shoulders drooping, his back bent, his breathing heavy and ragged, hisplexion ashen gray. His entire state clearly aged him at least ten years.


    Although short of breath and panting heavily even when speaking,


    he still unleashed a torrent of scolding towards Judge Zhang,


    "Useless thing! I kept you by my side to meticulously nourish my dragon body, yet you still managed to cause such a sudden illness. You... cough cough cough!"


    Judge Zhang deeply bowed and said repeatedly, "I am ipetent, please forgive me, Your Majesty."


    Any discerning person would know that Xiao Jingheng''s current state was caused by either Judge Zhang''s ipetence or his ownplete disregard for his own body.


    Seeing Xiao Jingheng''s persistent coughing, Zhao Hua quickly went forward and gently patted his back, advising:


    "My lord, you are ill, it''s not good to get angry."


    As she spoke, she gave Judge Zhang a stern look and said sternly:


    "If my lord feels Judge Zhang''s medical skills are inadequate, he can find someone to rece him and attend to him closely. Why get angry?"


    Judge Zhang had once told Zhao Hua that he was using the ''Three Pronged Approach'' to ''nourish'' Xiao Jingheng''s body.


    One day, if he fell ill and his body became too weak to be nourished, like a leaky vessel beyond the help of even Hua Tuo reborn, there would be no way for Xiao Jingheng to recover his former state.


    Since there was now no possibility of a cure, keeping Judge Zhang by Xiao Jingheng''s side to tend to him would only lead to him eventually punishing Judge Zhang for ipetence.


    Therefore, the best approach now was to force Xiao Jingheng to rece the attending physician himself.


    Then, if Xiao Jingheng''s condition did not improve, even if he got angry, he could only take it out on the new attendant, sparing Judge Zhang from harm.


    And Xiao Jingheng was always one to cherish his life. Seeing his body failing, and no longer trusting Judge Zhang''s medical skills, he instructed his young attendant:


    "Go and summon Xia Ze from the Secret Agency into the pce. From now on, he will tend to me. If he can properly nourish my body, then I will grant him the position of Attending Physician."


    Zhao Hua had heard of Xia Ze''s name before.


    He was from the Miao Territory, a shaman physician of the Secret Agency, reputed to be a capable person with skills.


    Since Xiao Jingheng trusted him, let''s see if this Miao shaman had any life-restoring abilities.


    After Xiao Jingheng''s condition stabilized somewhat, he still cared about his siblings, asking:


    "What of the Prince of An? Why would he suddenly cough up blood for no reason?"


    Fortunately, the physician examining Xiao Jingyan had not returned yet, so Zhao Hua advised Xiao Jingheng,


    "The physician examining the Prince of An has not returned yet, so the situation is unknown. My lord, you need to rest and recuperate from this illness, do not overthink it. The Prince of An has your grace and protection, and good fortune shines upon him, surely he will be fine."


    Zhao Hua thought that by deflecting Xiao Jingheng like this, she would have time to make ns.


    However, unexpectedly,


    as soon as she stepped out of the inner chambers and into the courtyard, she came face to face with the physician who had examined Xiao Jingyan.


    There were many consorts waiting in the courtyard, so Zhao Hua could not stop the physician and prevent him from reporting to Xiao Jingheng in front of everyone.


    Thus, when they met, Zhao Hua only gave a slight nod in acknowledgment, avoiding any inappropriate questions in front of the others.


    After the physician entered, Zhao Hua saw off Judge Zhang to the gates of Chaoyang Pce, raising her voice to say:


    "This time, His Majesty has fallen ill from overwork, and you, Judge Zhang, bear some responsibility for it. For the next few days, you should reflect deeply at the Imperial Physician''s Quarters. The attending matters for His Majesty will be handled by Physician Xia, so you need not trouble yourself."


    Judge Zhang said regretfully, "I have done my utmost in caring for His Majesty''s dragon body, but... s, I shall obey Your Majesty the Empress Dowager''s wise decree and reflect deeply in seclusion."


    These words were merely for show to outsiders.


    When there were no consorts paying attention to them, Zhao Hua spoke in a voice that would not carry and said to Judge Zhang:


    "Do you have any medications that can induce intolerance symptoms after someone takes them?"


    Judge Zhang nodded silently, and Zhao Hua hurriedly said, "Quickly go and prepare a few doses."


    Then she gave instructions in a low voice to Xiao Fuzi, "Follow your brother back and bring the medicine, deliver it to Princess Dowager Jinggui, and also inform her of today''s events. Tell her to... start making preparations early."


    Xiao Fuzi respectfully replied, "Rest assured, Empress Dowager, this servant knows what to do."


    After temporarily dealing with the hidden threat, Zhao Hua returned to the inner chambers without showing any sign, just as the physician was reporting Xiao Jingyan''s condition to Xiao Jingheng,


    "The Prince of An''s sudden illness was caused by an intolerance syndrome. This humble one has already administered an emetic to the Prince of An, allowing him to purge his stomach contentspletely. His condition has stabilized now and there is no danger to his life."


    "Intolerance syndrome?" Xiao Jingheng was puzzled. "I grew up together with him since childhood, and have never heard of him being intolerant to anything. Investigate thoroughly, what was the cause?"


    The physician said, "Thest thing the Prince of An consumed was Peach Blossom Wine brewed by Well Steward Chang, so this intolerant substance was most likely... peach blossoms."

 Chapter 452: Reverse Temptation

    <h4>Chapter 452</h4>


    "You have ''Peach Blossom Mdy''?"


    Upon hearing this condition, Xiao Jingheng''s gaze unconsciously fell upon Zhao Hua.


    Zhao Hua was also surprised to say, "Prince An has the same hidden illness as I do? But...during the banquet today, what was served was the Osmanthus Drink, wasn''t it? How did Prince An end up drinking Peach Blossom Wine instead?"


    Xiao Jingheng said, "Concubine Jing always brews Peach Blossom Wine. I knew that you, Zhao Hua, suffer from Peach Blossom Mdy, so I had your wine changed to the Osmanthus Drink. But for Prince An..."


    He fell silent in thought for a moment before asking the court physician:


    "When the Empress previously suffered from this hidden illness, I had asked Chief Physician Chu about it. He told me that this disease is almost always an innate weakness one is born with. If the parents do not have this condition, then the chances of their offspring contracting it are extremely low. The Former Emperor would not have had this illness, so could it be that Princess Dowager Jinggui is also averse to peach blossoms?"


    The court physician confirmed Xiao Jingheng''s spection, and as Xiao Jingheng recalled carefully, it did seem that Princess Dowager Jinggui had indeed never visited areas where peach blossoms were nted.


    Xiao Jingheng did not explicitly mention this matter afterward, but from his expression, Zhao Hua could easily discern that although he did not voice it, he certainly harbored suspicions in his heart.


    Xiao Jingheng''s illness required rest, so he should have stopped attending court sessions.


    But with the unrest in the outer regions only just stabilized, he thought ahead and how could he rest at such a time?


    So the next morning, he still stubbornly attended the court session.


    However, not even halfway through the morning court session, he suddenly copsed from physical weakness and was hastily sent back to the Chaoyang Pce.


    When news of this reached the Feng Luan Pce, the consorts of the six pces were paying their respects to Zhao Hua.


    Upon hearing the maid Xiao Fu ry this news, Zhao Hua disyed a worried expression, quickly dispersed the audience, and hurried in a sedan to the Chaoyang Pce.


    Along the way, Xiao Fu quietly told Zhao Hua:


    "Your Majesty,st night the Emperor ordered a jar of wine to be sent as a gift to Princess Dowager Jinggui, saying it was a reward for the New Year''s Eve."


    Zhao Hua asked with concern, "What is her current condition?"


    Xiao Fu said, "She was treated promptly and is not in any serious danger."


    Only then did Zhao Hua''s worries ease slightly.


    Now that it was confirmed that Princess Dowager Jinggui also suffered from Peach Blossom Mdy, Xiao Jingheng, beset by his own illness, should have no time to harbor further suspicions.


    The sedan hurried along and soon arrived at the Chaoyang Pce, where Zhao Hua saw a man dressed in ck robes kneeling before Xiao Jingheng''s dragon bed.


    The man had his hood pulled down low, nearly covering half his face, cutting an ominous figure that sent chills down one''s spine.


    In his hand, he held an ugly insect talisman and was guiding it to feed on something from Xiao Jingheng''s wrist.


    From his attire and treatment methods, this person was most likely the shaman doctor Xia Ze mentioned by Xiao Jingheng.


    Under his treatment, Xiao Jingheng, who had previously looked exhausted, now appeared full of vigor and much more energetic.


    After the treatment, Xia Ze packed his medicine box and solemnly instructed Xiao Jingheng:


    "Your Majesty is deficient in vital essence and needs to rest in order to replenish the lost energy. You must not overexert yourself during this period - attending court sessions is absolutely forbidden."


    After today''s episode, how could Xiao Jingheng dare to defy the doctor''s orders?


    "I understand. Thank you for your efforts today. You may leave now."


    After Xia Ze departed, Zhao Hua walked slowly to the side of the dragon bed and sat down, her expression displeased as she said:


    "Xiao Lang, do you not care for your own health, or do you simply not care about your consorts? If something were to happen to you, what would be of me?"


    She was extremely concerned about Xiao Jingheng. Hearing of his repeated illness had given her quite a fright.


    Now, sitting before her husband, her emotions welled up, and she could not help but burst into tears.


    Xiao Jingheng reached out and gently wiped away her tears, quickly reassuring her:


    "This was my own arrogance. I have done wrong. Zhao Hua, do not cry. I promise you that from now on, I will take good care of my health and not cause you any more worry."


    "Really?" Zhao Hua looked at Xiao Jingheng with glistening, anxious eyes. "But Xiao Lang is devoted to the affairs of the world. How can you possibly put aside matters of state?"


    Xiao Jingheng said, "State affairs cannot be neglected, so I n to have the Crown Prince act as Regent in my stead."


    "Cheng Yu?" Zhao Hua''s eyes widened in surprise as she shook her head. "Cheng Yu is only six years old. How can he take on such a heavy responsibility?"


    Xiao Jingheng took Zhao Hua''s hand and gently tightened his grip on her palm.


    "I know. That is why I intend for you to handle court affairs behind the screen. During the morning court sessions, you will listen and report to me what you have heard. I will teach you how to handle each matter, and the following day, you can convey my instructions on my behalf."


    Zhao Hua had exhausted all her efforts to drain Xiao Jingheng''s vigor, step-by-step taking away his authority, just to have him arrange for her to be a puppet ruler. Although she would only be a figurehead, it brought her one step closer to the throne, which delighted her immensely.


    But outwardly, she only appeared anxious and uneasy.


    "Xiao Lang, I cannot handle such matters... And even if I could, you would still be overexerting yourself. Did you not intend to appoint Prince An as the Regent long ago? Why not let him handle affairs during this period..."


    "Him? Hmph."


    At the mention of Prince An, Xiao Jingheng''s expression darkened momentarily as he sneered with veiled meaning:


    "I have yet to determine from where this bastard crawled out!"


    Upon hearing these words, Zhao Hua''s heart skipped a beat.


    She struggled to remain calm, feigning disinterest as she asked, "Xiao Lang, why do you say that?"


    Xiao Jingheng said gravely, "Zhao Hua, did you know that Princess Dowager Jinggui reported a sudden attack of Peach Blossom Mdy to the Imperial Physician''s Quartersst night?"


    Zhao Hua nodded calmly, "The servants from the Shoukang Pce informed me early this morning, and I have already arranged for a physician to examine her."


    "What is there to examine? It would be better if she died from this attack."


    Xiao Jingheng bluntly uttered this jarring remark. After his agitated emotions had calmed somewhat, he managed topose himself.


    "The Former Emperor did not suffer from Peach Blossom Mdy, yet Prince An does. So I wanted to know if Princess Dowager Jinggui has this hidden illness. Last night, I deliberately awarded her a jar of Peach Blossom Wine as a New Year''s gift.


    What no one knew was that the Peach Blossom Wine was merely an imitation brewed by Concubine Jing to have a peach blossom aftertaste, but was in fact simply the Osmanthus Drink with no rtion to peach blossoms whatsoever."


    At this point, Xiao Jingheng''s eyes narrowed slightly, and his right hand unconsciously clenched into a fist, the veins on his forearm protruding.


    "I very much want to know how Princess Dowager Jinggui, after drinking the Osmanthus Drinkst night... could have suffered an attack of Peach Blossom Mdy!"

 Chapter 453: Never Again

    <h4>Chapter 453</h4>


    The bleak autumn wind blew through thetticed windows, carrying a faint Yuelin Fragrance that softly enveloped Zhao Hua.


    That scent was usually soothing, yet at this moment, it dragged Zhao Hua''s heart into a bottomless abyss.


    Zhao Hua had always prided herself on her intelligence and believed she had a n for every situation.


    However, in recent years, whenever she found herself in dire straits, it was due to Xiao Jingheng''s far more profound and far-reaching calctions than her own.


    At this juncture, she could only disy an expression of utter shock and exim:


    "For Princess Dowager Jinggui to be so apprehensive, could it be that... Prince An is not the Former Emperor''s true flesh and blood?"


    Xiao Jingheng lowered his eyelids, his expression gradually growing ashen,


    "Last night, I recalled from my youth that Prince Rui''s birth mother, Princess Dowager Yu, kept many small animals in her pce and often invited the Princes and Princesses to y there. Of all us brothers, Jingyan was the only one who never entered Princess Dowager Yu''s pce.


    Thinking carefully, Princess Dowager Yu adored peach blossoms and nted many in her pce, which must have been the reason Jingyan avoided it. It wasn''t that he didn''t want toe, but that he dared not."


    After a long sigh, he continued:


    "The Former Emperor passed away many years ago. To investigate whether Prince An is of imperial lineage now would be difficult. However... if he truly is not of the Former Emperor''s blood, then he cannot be considered my brother. Keeping such an outsider by my side would only lead to future troubles."


    From Xiao Jingheng''s tone and demeanor, Zhao Hua sensed profound helplessness,


    A sense of powerlessness,


    Like a brother who loved his sibling, only to suddenly discover that years of fraternal affection had been false, leaving him utterly shaken and dejected.


    But in reality?


    Zhao Hua knew Xiao Jingheng all too well.


    She knew that even if Xiao Jingyan''s identity was unquestionable, Xiao Jingheng would never allow him to live.


    Previously, when Xiao Jingheng was healthy, it didn''t matter. But now, with his health declining, he undoubtedly needed to n ahead for his realm.


    Among the surviving princes, only Xiao Jingyan remained.


    If Xiao Jingheng passed away and the young Cheng Yu ascended the throne, Xiao Jingyan would naturally be the regent.


    And if the regent harbored ill intentions, he could wield the authority of the Emperor tomand the feudal lords.


    Would that not be akin to Xiao Jingheng handing over the realm he had painstakingly built over so many years?


    From Xiao Jingheng''s previous treatment of Xiao Jingyan, it was evident that he could not tolerate him, and this was not a recent development.


    It just so happened that today''s coincidence provided him with a usible excuse to easily eliminate his "brother."


    At this moment, Xiao Jingheng gazed deeply into Zhao Hua''s eyes and sighed with feigned uncertainty:


    "At this stage, I truly do not know what to do."


    Zhao Hua understood that he was seeking a dignified path,


    And as his principal wife, it was Zhao Hua''s duty to provide him with that dignity.


    After a brief contemtion, Zhao Hua solemnly dered:


    "Whether Prince An is the Former Emperor''s true flesh and blood is unverifiable, but based on the current situation, Princess Dowager Jinggui''s baseless usations only raise suspicions about Prince An''s identity. Keeping someone of a different bloodline around is no different from harboring a tiger.


    Your Majesty mentioned that Prince An avoided ces with peach blossoms since childhood. Could it be that he knew the truth about his identity early on? If he has known all along that he is not of imperial blood, then his apparent dedication and loyalty over the years must have been false pretenses. In that case, what has he been plotting all this time?"


    At this point, Zhao Hua gasped in horror,


    "I dare not ponder such a scenario any further. If I may speak frankly, Your Majesty, rather than clinging to this false fraternal bond and nurturing a hidden threat, it would be better to..."


    She paused and grasped Xiao Jingheng''s hand tightly, lowering her voice as she enunciated each word:


    "Kill him, and eliminate the threat forever."


    Upon hearing Zhao Hua''s words, Xiao Jingheng gazed at her silently.


    Her clear and logical analysis struck a chord with his own thoughts.


    It also made Xiao Jingheng realize how different the present Zhao Hua was from the naive girl who had first entered the pce.


    The former Zhao Hua was only known for her gentleness, while the current Zhao Hua could stand on the same ground as him and consider matters from the perspective of national interests.


    This was excellent.


    Xiao Jingheng nodded in response to Zhao Hua, then grasped her hand and feigned hesitation:


    "I have considered this as well. But Jingyan and I have been like brothers for so many years, and we were very close..."


    "Which is why Your Majesty can grant him a swift death."


    Zhao Hua did not wish to hear Xiao Jingheng continue his act, and interrupted him, "This matter cannot be made public, or it will tarnish the imperial family''s reputation. Your Majesty''s Secret Agency specializes in handling sensitive matters discreetly. You can have them take care of Prince An swiftly."


    Upon hearing this, Xiao Jingheng fell silent for a long while, his gaze gradually bing distant.


    The Secret Agency...


    When the Secret Agency was first established, due to Xiao Jingheng''s trust in Xiao Jingyan, many of the capable individuals within it were recruited from various regions at Xiao Jingyan''s behest and on Xiao Jingheng''s orders.


    Now, if he were to order the Secret Agency to carry out this task, it was inevitable that some members would be reluctant to harm Xiao Jingyan and might spare his life.


    As he pondered this, Zhao Hua secretly observed his expression, able to guess his thoughts. She then steered the conversation in another direction,


    "There is another issue that I find unsettling. If Prince An is not of the Former Emperor''s blood, how should he be buried? If he is interred in the Tombs of Prince next to the Former Emperor''s mausoleum, would that not disturb the Former Emperor''s eternal rest?"


    Her words reminded the ailing Xiao Jingheng, who could no longer consider suchprehensive matters, of an important point.


    Disturbing the Former Emperor''s rest was not Xiao Jingheng''s concern.


    He was more concerned that since Prince An was not of the imperial lineage, burying him in the Tombs of Prince could potentially impact the entire imperial bloodline.


    Therefore, he needed to carefully devise aprehensive n


    That would not only silently eliminate Xiao Jingyan but also provide a legitimate justification for denying him burial in the Tombs of Prince.

 Chapter 454: Mother and Child Are Dead

    <h4>Chapter 454</h4>


    On that day after, Zhao Hua and Xiao Jingheng no longer discussed the matter concerning Xiao Jingyan.


    During the noon hours, the two had their midday meal together. Zhao Hua assisted Xiao Jingheng in taking his medicine.


    "After you have taken your medicine, my dear Xiao Lang, please rest well. For now, set aside the affairs of state. Do not exhaust your mind reviewing memorials anymore."


    Xiao Jingheng nodded in agreement. "Tomorrow, I shall take a day of respite and bathing. Zhao''er, you should return to the pce and make proper preparations with Cheng Yu. The day after tomorrow, you shall take my ce and attend the court session."


    Zhao Hua timidly pursed her lips and remained silent for a good while before giving a slight nod and saying:


    "Your humble servant can only muster the courage to walk into the court because of you, my dear Xiao Lang. If there is anything I do improperly, please do not me me."


    "No matter," Xiao Jingheng waved his sleeve with a brilliant smile on his face and said assuringly:


    "My Zhao''er is no longer the frail woman she once was when she first entered the pce. I have faith in you."


    Zhao Hua gracefully nodded, and in the gaze they exchanged, there was a profound tenderness.


    Yet within this tenderness, there was also a tinge of slight disdain towards Xiao Jingheng.


    In Zhao Hua''s eyes,


    frailty should never be an innate shackle on a woman.


    It stems from the disdain men hold in their hearts towards women, from the contemptuous preconceptions of the strong towards the weak.


    What she aimed to do was to break free of these shackles before Xiao Jingheng''s eyes,


    to let him understand that in this world, be it man or woman, all are living beings.


    No one should be subordinate to another, reduced to mere ornaments or ythings.


    After Zhao Hua departed, Xiao Jingheng, who had initially settled to rest, suddenly sat up and summoned the little eunuch guarding outside into his chambers.


    "Go and have the Tianji Office handle a matter for me."


    *


    The following day.


    Early in the morning, after Zhao Hua had finished her grooming, she headed to the main hall to receive the greetings from the concubines of the six pces.


    However, it seemed that they had heard some sensational news, as they were clustered in small groups, whispering and discussing something intently.


    As Yunshan assisted Zhao Hua in taking her seat on the phoenix throne, she deliberately cleared her throat to remind the concubines.


    Below the hall, the concubines hurriedly greeted Zhao Hua upon her arrival.


    "This humble servant/consort respectfully greets the Empress, wishing Her Majesty peace and blessings."


    "Rise and be seated," Zhao Hua gestured for them to sit, then asked, "What are you all discussing so early in the morning?"


    The talkative Consort Ru, as expected, was the first to speak.


    "Your Majesty is unaware? The Prince of An is a notorious phnderer. Even before fully recovering, he has already gone out to pursue flowers and chase after beauties. This time, he has caused an uproar!"


    She lowered her voice, pretending to be mysterious, "Last night, while he was intimate with a courtesan, he suddenly suffered a stroke and perished right on top of that prostitute!"


    Such indecent talk was only something a Mongolian woman like Consort Ru would dare to utter.


    As she spoke, she even chuckled:


    "Can you imagine? He truly deserved it, didn''t he? This scandal has spread throughout the capital, and it has brought shame to the imperial family."


    After Consort Ru set the topic, the other concubines also joined in idly gossiping about the matter.


    Amidst the chaos, the usually quiet Ru Ge suddenly shouted sternly:


    "Enough of your chatter! The Prince of An is still a member of the imperial family. Furthermore, we women of the rear pce are discussing an outsider man - is this not shameful?"


    Her sudden outburst startled Consort Ru, who jumped.


    "Why the fuss? Hah, what kind of imperial family member is the Prince of An? Once this matter reaches the Emperor''s ears, let''s see if he will still grant the Prince of An any posthumous honors!"


    As the two exchanged barbs,


    Zhao Hua and Rongyue exchanged a meaningful nce,


    and everything was understood without words.


    Later, the news from the imperial court stated that Xiao Jingheng felt that Xiao Jingyan''s death was undignified and had brought shame to the imperial family. Thus, he did not permit Xiao Jingyan to be buried in the Tombs of Prince, but instead had his men find an auspicious burial ground toy him to rest properly.


    So-called auspicious burial ground - they merely wrapped the body and cremated it in an open field.


    When the men from the Tianji Office came to report to Xiao Jingheng that everything had been arranged, Zhao Hua was attending to him, stirring the medicine bowl to cool it down.


    Just as the medicine reached a drinkable temperature and Zhao Hua had scooped up a spoonful, ready to bring it to Xiao Jingheng''s lips, the little eunuch hurriedly rushed in, stammering as he delivered the news:


    "Your humble servant reports to Your Majesty... Princess Dowager Jinggui, upon learning of the Prince of An''s matter... she could not bear it and hasmitted suicide!"


    Upon hearing this, Xiao Jingheng merely replied lightly,


    "Matters of the rear pce shall be handled by the Empress."


    Zhao Hua brought the medicine to Xiao Jingheng''s mouth and, without turning her head, calmly said:


    "For a consort tomit suicide is a grave offense. Princess Dowager Jinggui was foolish to resort to such actions, thus she is unworthy of being buried in the Former Emperor''s Imperial Tombs. Since she is dead and her maternal family has no one, we shall handle her in secret without any funerary rites. Wrap her in a straw mat and bury her outside the pce."


    Hearing Zhao Hua''s cold imperial decree, the little eunuch grew apprehensive.


    He gasped and responded with a trembling voice,


    "This... this servant shall follow the decree."


    He then quickly fled the scene.


    After he left, Xiao Jingheng smiled and gently caressed Zhao Hua''s face, expressing his approval:


    "Zhao''er''s manner of handling matters is bing more and more befitting of an Empress Dowager."


    Zhao Hua smiled shyly. "Your humble servant can only reach this point thanks to your guidance and nurturing, my dear Xiao Lang. I am overjoyed."


    She then scooped up another spoonful of medicine and brought it to Xiao Jingheng''s lips.


    "Come, my dear Xiao Lang, drink your medicine."

 Chapter 455: Ruling from Behind a Curtain

    <h4>Chapter 455</h4>


    That evening, while Zhao Hua was dining with the children in the pce, a servant from the Wardrobe Bureau hurried over with Cheng Yu''s court robes.


    "Your Majesty, this servant has beenmanded to deliver the Prince''s court robes to you."


    Zhao Hua nodded, "Thank you for your trouble."


    Xiao Fuzi stepped forward, took the robes, and disyed them before Zhao Hua.


    It was a long yellow robe, embroidered all over with dragons rising from the sea, with a yellow sash tied around the waist embedded with jade from Khotan. The hem was adorned with silver thread depicting rolling waves inke blue, intertwined in three strands, and embellished with precious gems, giving it an exceptionally stately appearance.


    The servant ttered:


    "This court robe was made by one hundred and twenty-six pcedies from the Wardrobe Bureau and the Embroidery Workshop, working non-stop for three days and nights. Despite the tight schedule, they spared no effort in crafting it meticulously."


    Zhao Hua gave a faint smile, "You''ve worked hard. Go and receive your reward from Eunuch Fu."


    "Thank you, Your Majesty!" The servant joyfully replied and followed Xiao Fuzi out.


    At the dining table, the two children reacted very differently to Cheng Yu''s court robes.


    Cheng Yu didn''t even nce at them, focused only on eating his meal.


    One could hardly call it eating, as the child was simply shoveling in white rice into his mouth without any apanying dishes.


    On the other hand, Ruo Xin''s gaze was immediately drawn to the robes as soon as they were presented, unable to look away.


    Now that the pcedies had left, she put down her chopsticks, wiped her hands, and hurried over to Zhao Hua''s side, gently caressing the robes as she said:


    "So beautiful! Just like Father''s dragon robe!"


    Zhao Hua smiled, "Your mother has also made you a new outfit. Later, Aunt Yun Shan will take you to try it on."


    "Yay!" Ruo Xin nodded with a smile, "Mother has made me so many new outfits that I can''t even wear them all. Even Jin Yue often says she envies me!"


    Hearing about a new outfit, Ruo Xin lost all interest in her meal and kept pestering Yun Shan to take her for the fitting right away.


    Seeing the child''s enthusiasm, Zhao Hua smiled and allowed Yun Shan to take her first.


    Turning to Cheng Yu, she noticed he had nearly finished his bowl of in rice, but hadn''t touched any dishes. Concerned, she asked:


    "What''s wrong, Yu''er?"


    Cheng Yu swallowed the rice in his mouth with difficulty and replied with a gloomy expression:


    "Mother... I''m afraid."


    "Are you afraid of attending court tomorrow?"


    The child nodded vigorously, "To face so many officials, your son feels anxious."


    Zhao Hua pulled him into her embrace and gently reassured him, "Good child, don''t be afraid. Tomorrow, Mother will be by your side. Just treat it like going to the Study for your daily lessons. Listen to what they say, answer if you can, and ignore them if you can''t."


    She coaxed Cheng Yu into trying on the court robes, checking if they fit properly.


    Dressed in the court robes, Cheng Yu looked like a miniature adult, even losing some of his childish innocence.


    Yet he still wore a dejected expression as he said, "Mother, I don''t like these robes..."


    He shook his sleeves andined, "These robes are so heavy, like a mountain weighing me down."


    Zhao Hua smiled silently, gently stroking his hair.


    Perhaps Cheng Yu didn''t understand yet, butpared to the burden of the nation that would one day rest on his shoulders, the weight of these court robes was trivial.


    The next day,


    At daybreak, Zhao Hua brought Cheng Yu to the Chaoyang Pce.


    As the Prince was to observe court proceedings, he could not sit on the Dragon Throne.


    Instead, a lower side seat was added beside the throne for Cheng Yu to observe.


    As for Zhao Hua, being a woman, she could not appear in the court itself.


    Therefore, a curtained enclosure was set up behind the Dragon Throne, where she could only listen to the discussions from behind the curtain.


    After mother and son took their seats, Zhao Hua peeked through the curtain and saw Cheng Yu was very afraid.


    He sat on the side seat with his head lowered, not daring to look up at the sea of officials standing below.


    From behind this veil of silk, Zhao Hua could only make out the blurred figures of officials standing rigidly before the throne.


    Suddenly, she heard the Court Usher announce in a drawn-out voice, "Court is in session!"


    The officials immediately responded in unison:


    "We humble subjects wish the Prince good health and the Empress longevity."


    This thunderous chorus startled Cheng Yu, and he took a deep breath to calm himself, recalling Zhao Hua''s instructions from the previous night.


    After the officials kowtowed, he was supposed to rise, wave his hand, and permit them to rise.


    Mustering his courage, the little boy stood up and stammered:


    "Esteemed ministers... You may ri-Uh?"


    However, the side seat was too high, and in his nervousness, Cheng Yu failed to watch his step. Before he could finish the words to allow the officials to rise, he stumbled and tumbled down the steps,nding sprawled in front of them all.


    The Crown Prince''s blunder promptedughter from the amused officials.


    Hearing the jeers, Cheng Yu felt utterly humiliated and terrified, not knowing what to do.


    He tried to get up but was hampered by a painful knee, unable to stand for some time.


    At that moment,


    The officials were startled to see the curtain behind the Dragon Throne swept aside as Zhao Hua emerged, her expression calm. She stepped towards Cheng Yu without hesitation.


    Murmurs arose from the officials below, but Zhao Hua paid them no heed, focused only on helping Cheng Yu up, dusting off his knees, and gently saying:


    "My son, don''t be afraid. You''ve already done very well."


    Suddenly, someone spoke up:


    "As a woman, the Empress has already overstepped by listening to court proceedings from behind the curtain, which is against protocol. How dare she now brazenly appear in the court itself!"


    Hearing this, Zhao Hua turned to nce at the speaker.


    Earlier behind the curtain, she had noticed he wasughing the loudest. Now, recognizing the ceremonial tablet he held, she raised an eyebrow and said:


    "So you were the oneughing?"


    "This... This humble subject meant no disrespect to the Prince, Your Majesty, please do not..."


    "Lord Liu disrespected the Prince''s dignity and the Emperor''s grace. Take him out and give him thirtyshes as a warning to others."


    The guards obeyed and surrounded Lord Liu, who protested:


    "The Empress is but a consort from the inner pce. How can she punish a high-ranking minister from the previous reign?"


    Zhao Hua sternly replied, "The Emperor himself has permitted me to assist the Prince in court proceedings from behind the curtain. Disrespecting the Prince is disrespecting the Emperor. The Qi Dynasty Laws clearly state that disrespecting imperial authority is punishable by fiftyshes. I am only giving you thirty, which is already a show of leniency! If you disagree, you may report me to the Emperor. But before that, you must first endure theseshes! Take him away!"


    What Zhao Hua said was indeed prescribed by the Qi Dynasty Laws, and seeing her adamant stance, no one dared to speak up for Lord Liu. They could only watch helplessly as he was dragged away.


    After Zhao Hua helped Cheng Yu back onto the side seat, she fixed the officials with a cold stare and asked:


    "Does anyone else wish tough?"


    The officials chorused, "We do not dare, Your Majesty!"


    Zhao Hua silently returned to the curtained enclosure, and only after taking her seat did she sternly dere:


    "Since you do not dare, then proceed with your memorials. If there are none, court is dismissed!"

 Chapter 456: The Joy of Family

    <h4>Chapter 456</h4>


    On the first day of the Crown Prince''s rule, peace reigned throughout the realm, and naturally, there were no significant state affairs for the court officials to report.


    After listening to the morning court session for two hours, all they discussed were trivial matters from various regions.


    The court recorder meticulously recorded the officials'' remarks, and then Zhao Hua selected the slightly more important matters to present to Xiao Jingheng for his judgment after the morning court session.


    The Chaoyang Pce was the grandest building in the entire imperial pce, with a considerable area.


    It could be divided into two main sections.


    The front section was the Jinluan Hall, which could be essed directly from the Wumen Gate and served as the ce for the daily court sessions.


    The rear section was not connected to the front and required walking through the corridors of the eastern six pces to reach it.


    This ce was where the emperor rested during his daily activities, with courtyards, main halls, study rooms, and inner chambers, among other things.


    After the morning court session, Zhao Hua followed the corridor to the rear of the Chaoyang Pce.


    But just as she entered the courtyard, a sh of scarlet rushed toward her, nearly colliding with her.


    Upon closer inspection, she saw that it was Ning Wanshuang, hurrying and in a great hurry to leave.


    Her behavior today was very peculiar. Not only did she not stop when she saw Zhao Hua, but she also hurried away as if there was a strong wind beneath her feet.


    Zhao Hua noticed the redness in Ning Wanshuang''s eyes, as if she had just finished crying, and she wondered about it in her heart.


    At this moment, Liu Yue, who had been chasing after Ning Wanshuang, caught up and respectfully greeted Zhao Hua, saying:


    "Empress, please don''t argue with mydy. This morning, news came from the mansion that the olddy is critically ill and beyond the reach of medicine... The Emperor specially allowed the Imperial Noble Consort to leave the pce to see her off, so that''s why the Imperial Noble Consort...¡±


    "I understand," Zhao Hua interrupted Liu Yue, gently advising, "Go and serve her quickly, and be careful not to let the Imperial Noble Consort fall."


    Life, old age, sickness, and death are the norms of life.


    When Zhao Hua was six years old, her mother passed away, and at that time, she had no ability to give her mother a dignified farewell. She watched her mother being hastily buried without even leaving a memorial tablet, leaving her with regrets to this day.


    Now that Ning Wanshuang could personally apany her mother on her final journey, it was also a fortunate thing for the women confined within the pce walls.


    She quietly instructed Xiaofuzi:


    "Have someone guard the Ning Mansion. After Lady Ning''s passing, send the funeral offerings in the name of the Empress. The Ning family has fallen on hard times, relying on the monthly support from the Imperial Noble Consort. It wouldn''t be appropriate for Lady Ning to depart in a simple and undignified manner."


    After giving these instructions, Zhao Hua adjusted her mood and entered her inner chamber.


    When she arrived, Xia Ze was brewing medicine for Xiao Jingheng.


    The medicine had a pungent and slightly fishy smell that made one''s stomach churn.


    Upon seeing Zhao Hua, Xiao Jingheng instructed Xia Ze to wait and gestured for Zhao Hua to sit beside him.


    "On the Prince''s first day at court, how did Cheng Yu perform?" he asked.


    Zhao Hua smiled helplessly. "The child is still young and needs more experience. When faced with so many court officials standing before him, it''s only natural for him to feel apprehensive."


    Xiao Jingheng said, "When I was five years old, I already apanied thete Emperor in handling state affairs. Where would there be any fear? It''s not just me; even Prince Rui and Prince An, when they first handled court affairs, were younger than Cheng Yu and yet managed with ease."


    In his words, there was a clear expression of dissatisfaction with Cheng Yu''s timidity. "Never mind others, even Cheng Huan''s courage and spirit surpass Cheng Yu''s. Zhaohua, don''t spoil Cheng Yu too much. He is the crown prince, the future ruler who will bear the heavy burden of the nation. How can he be afraid of his own subjects?"


    Xiao Jingheng''s presumptuous words made Zhaohua feel even more disgusted than the pungent smell of medicine.


    Cheng Yu was raised outside the pce since childhood and was only brought back when he was five years old. Everything around him was unfamiliar.


    How can a child raised amongmonerspare in courage and spirit to a child raised in the pce?


    Children born in themon folk only need to be healthy and self-sufficient in the future, and their parents have no other demands.


    But as a prince, from the day he could remember, he had to study day and night to learn how to be a good prince, how to be a future ruler.


    Everyone spends seven or eight hours a day in the study, bing ves to the imperial power, naturally broadening their horizons and having extraordinary courage and spirit.


    In Zhaohua''s heart, she only wished for her child to be healthy and safe.


    But at this moment, she couldn''t go against Xiao Jingheng''s intentions.


    So she had to go along with his words and continue speaking somewhat seriously.


    "I have already reprimanded Cheng Yu. However, he was not raised in the pce since childhood, so he needs time to gradually adapt to many things. Lord Xiao, please be patient. Cheng Yu is intelligent, and I believe that with some time for him to experience and grow, he will be a qualified future ruler, sharing your worries and solving problems."


    Xiao Jingheng''s slightly furrowed brow finally rxed, and he smiled, saying, "No rush, I believe in our son. It''s just that these days, Zhaohua will have to work hard. Just now, the noble consort came to find me. There have been changes in her family, and her mother is seriously ill and may not live much longer. I granted her permission to leave the pce to apany her, and if she needs to observe the mourning period, it will take about half a month before she can return to the pce.


    With her presence, she could still take care of the matters in the harem for Zhaohua. But now that she''s gone, Zhaohua has to take care of the previous dynasty''s affairs and deal with the trivial matters of the six pces, which is truly burdensome."


    Zhaohua grasped Xiao Jingheng''s hand in return and smiled, her words gentle and charming.


    "Everything I do is for Lord Xiao. As long as I can apany Lord Xiao by your side and help you solve your worries and difficulties, I won''t feel tired no matter what I do."


    Seeing the deepening smile lines on Xiao Jingheng''s face, Zhaohua knew that these words, so insincere, were what Xiao Jingheng appreciated the most.


    Perhaps, what he wanted was never the genuine affection of those around him, but their unconditional obedience.


    Later, when attending to Xiao Jingheng taking his medicine, Zhaohua suddenly thought that Ning Wanshuang had left in a hurry and probably didn''t have time to arrange Jin Yue properly.


    So she said, "With the noble consort gone, the Second Princess will be living alone. She is still young and needs someone to take care of her. The Second Princess gets along well with Ruo Xin. How about we bring her back to the pce and let her stay in the Feng Luan Pce for now?"


    Xiao Jingheng objected, "Zhaohua, the harem affairs will be taken care of by Zhaohua from the previous dynasty. Besides, you already have three children in the pce. Adding one more will only make you more overwhelmed, won''t it?"


    After some consideration, he said, "I have thought it over and it might be best to have Jin Yue temporarily move to the Chaoyang Pce. Each day, when you apany Cheng Yu to court, bring Ruo Xin along as well. In my presence, Jin Yue can also have a ymate."


    I have been preupied with state affairs and have had little time to enjoy the pleasures of family in recent years. I have neglected the children. Now that I am unwell, having the children by my side, ying and having fun, will uplift my spirits and perhaps aid in a speedier recovery."


    Deep down, Zhao Hua did not want Ruo Xin to have too much contact with Xiao Jingheng.


    The conflicts and grudges between adults should not involve innocent children. After all, Xiao Jingheng is Ruo Xin''s father.


    In the future, when the emperor passes away, if Ruo Xin suddenly loses her father, due to their limited interaction since childhood, the child will cry for a while and then move on, without experiencing much grief.


    But if the bond between father and daughter deepens, the young child will suffer greatly from the loss of her father.


    However, since Xiao Jingheng has already made the request, Zhao Hua has no reason to prevent him from getting closer to their children.


    Thus, she could only softly reply, "That would be fine. The children must also long to have a closer rtionship with their father."

 Chapter 457: Orphan Girl Frost 01

    <h4>Chapter 457</h4>


    In the following days, Zhao Hua brought Ruo Xin along when she apanied Cheng Yu to court.


    The young Cheng Ye, however, had to remain in the pce, tended to by wet nurses.


    Upon arriving at the Chaoyang Pce, Zhao Hua and Cheng Yu headed to the Jinluan Hall, while Yun Shan took Ruo Xin to the inner chambers to y with Jin Yue.


    After four or five days,


    On this day, when Zhao Hua was taking Ruo Xin back to the pce after court, she noticed Ruo Xin staggering as she walked, nearly falling over.


    Zhao Hua quickly grabbed the child''s arm to steady her and asked anxiously, "What''s wrong?"


    Ruo Xin tapped her little head, stuck out her tongue, and giggled, "Perhaps I slept too long during the nap and haven''t fully woken up yet."


    "A nap?" Zhao Hua said, as if she had heard something highly amusing and couldn''t help butugh. "You little mischievous girl, this is quite rare. When you were in my pce, I could never coax you to sleep no matter what. But now that you''ve been to your father''s pce, you''re napping in the afternoon?"


    Ruo Xin exined, "Every day when I go to Father''s pce, I y with Sister Jin Yue. We y hopscotch, toss sandbags, and even yed chess with Father yesterday. But whenever it''s noon, after we''ve had our meal, Father always has us take an afternoon nap."


    Curious, Zhao Hua asked Yun Shan, "With Ruo Xin''s yful nature, can she really fall asleep?"


    Before Yun Shan could respond, Ruo Xin nodded vigorously and raised her voice, "I can sleep! The fragrance in Father''s pce is so lovely. Sister Jin Yue and I would lie down and smell it, and before long, we''d fall asleep."


    Despite Ruo Xin''s effusive praise for the Chaoyang Pce, Zhao Hua still found the matter peculiar.


    Although she had sent Yun Shan to apany them, when Ruo Xin and Jin Yue were ying and enjoying family time with Xiao Jingheng in the inner chambers, Yun Shan could not always be present.


    After returning to the pce, Judge Zhang happened toe to check on Zhao Hua''s pulse.


    She asked him to examine Ruo Xin as well.


    After carefully checking Ruo Xin''s pulse, Judge Zhang said as usual, "The Third Princess is in good health, only slightly anemic."


    Ruo Xin has always been a picky eater. Previously, she was under Zhao Hua''s supervision, but these past few days at Xiao Jingheng''s pce, he had spoiled her.


    He let her eat whatever she wanted, and if she didn''t want something, she wouldn''t touch it with her chopsticks.


    "Is Ruo Xin''s dizziness today also due to her anemia?"


    Judge Zhang nodded, "Indeed. The Third Princess was born prematurely, so her body has always been somewhat frail. Moreover, she''s picky about food, so her nutrition is oftencking, causing this anemic condition, which is normal. It''s not a major issue, she just needs to have a proper dietary supplement."


    Zhao Hua fell silent for a moment, then recalled something and asked in a low voice, "Ruo Xin said that whenever she napped in the Chaoyang Pce, she could smell a peculiar fragrance. She said the scent was soforting that she would easily fall asleep..."


    Judge Zhang exined, "When I examined her pulse, I did notice traces of her having been exposed to a sedative incense. However, that sedative incense, mixed with the Yuelin Fragrance, is always burned in the Emperor''s pce.


    The sedative incense has a calming effect. For adults, it soothes the mind, while for children, it aids sleep.


    It''s a gentle substance, and even with daily use, it won''t have any adverse effects on the body."


    After hearing this, Zhao Hua was finally fully reassured.


    She realized she had been frightened by Xiao Jingheng into seeing dangers everywhere.


    After all, she had witnessed firsthand how Xiao Jingheng could be viciously cruel.


    He was a madman, and who knew when the beast inside him might resurface, causing him tomit more heinous acts?


    As Zhao Hua was talking with Judge Zhang, she saw the maid Xiaofuzi enter with a solemn expression.


    She stood by Zhao Hua''s side, observed the proper etiquette, and said in a somber voice, "Your Highness, news hase from outside the pce. Lady Ning... is on her deathbed."


    In the Capital City, at the Ning Residence.


    Lady Ning had just coughed up blood again.


    Since Ning Wanshuang returned home, she had been by Lady Ning''s side.


    At this moment, Lady Ning was asleep, and Liu Yue, seeing Ning Wanshuang''s exhausted appearance, couldn''t bear it and gently advised her,


    "Your Highness, you''ve been awake for five days now. Continuing like this isn''t the answer. The Lady is resting now, why don''t you return to your room and sleep for a while?"


    Wearily, Ning Wanshuang nodded and quietly left the room.


    The night wasn''t too deep, and the bustling sounds of people in the streets could still be heard.


    However, in the Ning Family''s courtyard, fallen leaves were scattered everywhere, leaving only destion.


    The once bustling Ning Residence now had only three or four servants remaining.


    Ning Wanshuang tread through the wild overgrown weeds, slowly making her way back to her room.


    A flock of crows perched on the branches of a willow tree, pping their wings and descending to the ground, pecking at the scraps of meat that had spilled from the servants'' discarded dishwater.


    In the night, their silhouettes resembled ghostly shadows.


    Ning Wanshuang stood there, staring nkly.


    Puzzled, Liu Yue said, "Your Highness, why are you looking at those filthy creatures? Those ominous things only bring bad luck!"


    With that, she stomped her feet, startling the crows into taking flight and scattering.


    Ning Wanshuang watched their small bodies easily fly over the courtyard walls and disappear into the unknown heights, a bitter smile forming on her lips.


    "Cough cough... cough cough cough!"


    The violent coughing soundsing from Lady Ning''s room interrupted Ning Wanshuang''s wandering thoughts.


    She panicked and rushed back.


    Perhaps she had opened the door too forcefully, for the gust of wind extinguished two of the three candles burning in the room.


    Only one candle remained, flickering precariously on a soot-covered candlestick.


    Ning Wanshuang hurried to the bed, and by the faint moonlight filtering through thetticed window, she saw her mother covering her mouth as she coughed violently.


    Blood... it was seeping through the gaps in her fingers.


    Ning Wanshuang took a white handkerchief and kept wiping away the fresh blood that her mother was coughing up.


    The blood stains dyed the handkerchief red, and her eyes grew misty with tears.


    "Liu Yue! Go and summon the imperial physician back! Call the best physicians in the Capital City, all of them, toe here!"


    "There''s no need," Lady Ning''s coughing eased somewhat.


    She feebly waved Liu Yue away, then wiped her blood-stained hand on the bedsheet before calmly taking Ning Wanshuang''s hand and smiling, "Wanshuang, your mother wishes to speak with you peacefully for a while."

 Chapter 458: Orphan Girl Frost 02

    <h4>Chapter 458</h4>


    Seeing her mother struggling to sit up, Ning Wanshuang carefully helped her, propping her against the headboard of the bed. She then ced a thick cushion behind her lower back to make her asfortable as possible.


    After Lady Ning coughed a few times, she smiled and said, "In recent days, I often find myself thinking of your father and your brother. It''s as if they''re still here, but in a blurry way."


    With effort, she raised her hand and pointed in the direction of the main hall. Ning Wanshuang followed her gaze and saw only a slightly worn-out mahogany dining table, which used to be where their family shared meals. The table, once filled withughter and joy, nowy covered in a thinyer of dust.


    "We used to have lively meals as a family. We would drink, make merry, and your father would boast about how he could single-handedly take on fifty enemy soldiers. Even though you were young back then, you already understood how to tease people," Lady Ning said, as she gently patted Ning Wanshuang''s cheek. "You used to mimic him, patting your own cheek like this and teasing your father. It was adorable. Haha, it would have been wonderful if Xiu Qi were still here. He should have married and had children by now. But he would have neglected your sister-inw for sure. After all, that child''s mind was filled with thoughts of protecting the family and winning battles..."


    Her withered hand moved inch by inch to rest on Ning Wanshuang''s hand. She wanted to hold her daughter''s hand tightly, but she no longer had the strength.


    Ning Wanshuang understood and quickly grasped Lady Ning''s hand, holding it tightly.


    She was not a woman who cried easily, but in front of her mother, she had long since be a tearful person.


    "Mother, I''m unfilial. It''s because of me that Father and Brother..." Ning Wanshuang''s voice choked with tears.


    "Silly child, it''s not your fault," Lady Ning said with a gentle smile. "If you hadn''t married the Emperor, your father and brother might not even have this posthumous honor. But my child, I want to ask you, the person you were so infatuated with back then, the one you couldn''t bear not to marry, have you found the life you wanted after ten years by his side?"


    Ning Wanshuang shook her head tearfully, unable to meet her mother''s clouded eyes.


    "Mother, I know I was wrong..."


    Lady Ning shook her head gently. "Wan''er, you must understand that in life, there is no right or wrong. It''s like shooting an arrow; once it''s released, you can''t turn it back. Even if you''ve chosen the wrong path, you have to walk it with determination."


    She leaned back, her voice gradually weakening.


    "I will soon go and find your father. I hope everything will be well for you, my child. Let go of your resentment. Over these years, the Emperor has not been without genuine affection for you. Otherwise, after the fall of the Ning Family, you wouldn''t still be adorned with such honor and be the esteemed Imperial Noble Consort."


    Lady Ning whispered softly, forcing Ning Wanshuang to meet her gaze, and then spoke with unwavering resolve:


    "Wan''er, your mother has let go, do you still want to hold on? Your mother knows your temperament. You and your mother were originally the same, seemingly free-spirited but actually deeply emotional. Since the Emperor is the person you liked when you were young, then try to forgive him, try to ept him again, and get along well with him. For yourself, and for Jin Yue as well, do you understand?"


    Ning Wanshuang clearly understood the meaning behind her mother''s words.


    Her mother hadn''t really forgiven Xiao Jingheng, the man who killed her husband. She was just worried about her ignorant daughter, which was why she said she forgave that man on her deathbed.


    Even if she didn''t forgive him, what could she do?


    Xiao Jingheng was the Emperor, and he was Ning Wanshuang''s husband. Once she entered the pce, there was no turning back.


    The dead could not be brought back to life. Did she want her daughter to resent Xiao Jingheng for the rest of her life and end up with a miserable fate?


    Lady Ning knew that only when Ning Wanshuangpletely dissipated her hatred for Xiao Jingheng from the bottom of her heart would her future path be smoother.


    In that case, as a mother, she could also rest in peace in the underworld.


    During countless nights after her father and brothers'' deaths, Ning Wanshuang had shed her pretenses and faced her own heart.


    She had to admit that she had lost her integrity. Until now, she still loved Xiao Jingheng.


    But this love was mixed with hatred and had long since turned sour.


    Love can be in through repeated duration, while hatred can continuously gain momentum from persistent actions.


    She could no longer sincerely treat Xiao Jingheng as an equal, but in order to put her mother''s mind at ease, she still said:


    "Mother, rest assured. Your daughter knows how to walk her path from now on. You have worried and cared for your daughter all your life, and it''s my filial duty to make you suffer in this life. If there is a next life, I hope you won''t abandon me and let me be a daughter of the Ning family again, so that I can serve you and father well."


    Lady Ning nodded gently, then struggled to raise her hand and wiped away the tears that had broken free from Ning Wanshuang''s eyes.


    "Silly girl, you will always be my daughter, the best daughter."


    On the ninth day of the second month of the tenth year of the Qiyuan era, Lady Ning passed away at the family mansion in the capital city at the age of forty-six.


    The Imperial Noble Consort, Ning Wanshuang, observed a seven-day mourning period and returned to the pce on the sixteenth day of the second month.


    It was Jin Yue''s birthday, but it was also the death anniversary of Ning Wanshuang''s two previous sons.


    [Let''s review: The first child died from a miscarriage, and there was no child born on the 16th of February. The second child, a pair of twins, was born on the 16th of February, but the male child died shortly after birth, and Jin Yue, the female child, was also born on the 16th of February.]


    On her way back to the pce, passing by the Jinxiu Building in the capital city, Ning Wanshuang saw a crimson peony short shirt disyed near the entrance.


    She remembered that Jin Yue, just like herself, loved this colorful and vibrant color the most.


    So Ning Wanshuang bought that garment as a birthday gift for her child.


    While returning to the pce, as she passed by the Imperial Garden, Ning Wanshuang noticed a crowd of pce attendants gathered near the rockery, creating a lively scene.


    Curious about what was happening, suddenly, a young eunuch appeared out of nowhere and almost bumped into Ning Wanshuang.


    Liu Yue stood protectively in front of Ning Wanshuang, reprimanding the young eunuch in a stern voice.


    "Why are you rushing around like that? Be careful not to collide with the esteemed Empress!"


    The eunuch looked up and saw Ning Wanshuang, his face turning pale with fear.


    Then, with a thud, he knelt down on the ground, his voice filled with tears as his lips trembled.


    "Esteemed Empress... Princess Jin, she... she fell from the artificial mountain!"

 Chapter 459: Orphan Girl Frost 03

    <h4>Chapter 459</h4>


    As Ning Wanshuang heard the eunuch''s words, she suddenly felt a wave of dizziness, her vision ckened, and her legs gave way, nearly causing her to copse.


    Supported by Liu Yue, she barely steadied herself, but couldn''t recover even for a moment. She abruptly pushed Liu Yue away and rushed hurriedly towards the artificial mountain.


    Having gone without proper rest for a long time, and with her spirits perpetually low, Ning Wanshuang''s strength failed her, causing her to stumble every few steps.


    Yet, despite her tattered clothes and bruised body, she gritted her teeth and made her way to the crowd.


    She heard piercing wails rising and falling from within the crowd.


    Pushing through, she first saw Ruo Xin trembling uncontrobly, sobbing in Yun Shan''s embrace.


    Then, lowering her gaze, she saw Jin Yue lying on the ground, covered in blood, with Kang Yubin pressing hard on her chest, shouting loudly:


    "Quick, summon the imperial physicians!"


    For a fleeting moment, Ning Wanshuang felt as though the world around her had grown hazy.


    She could no longer make out the figures kneeling before her, nor hear their voices.


    All she could see was Jin Yue, lying still in Kang Yubin''s arms.


    Step by step, she approached Jin Yue, knelt down, and gently stroked the blood-stained hair from her brow, murmuring in a daze:


    "Don''t be afraid, Jin Yue, Mother is here. Be good, nothing will happen to you, you''ll be fine..."


    Later, when Jin Yue was carried back to the Yonghe Pce, the Imperial Medical Bureau, under the leadership of Judge Zhang, marshaled all its resources to treat her critical condition.


    Ning Wanshuang stayed by her bedside the entire time, refusing to leave for even a moment.


    She sat silently, watching as Jin Yue was surrounded by the imperial physicians, her clenched fists at her sides, fingernails digging into her flesh, oblivious to the pain.


    The only sound was her incessant murmuring:


    "Nothing will happen, she''ll be fine, she''ll be fine..."


    Outside the pce,


    When Zhao Hua arrived, the terrified Ruo Xin flung herself into her embrace, sobbing:


    "Wah wah wah, Mother, I''m scared...there was blood! Sister Jin Yue bled so much!"


    Zhao Hua patted the child''s back soothingly, saying: "Don''t be afraid, Ruo Xin. With Mother here, with the Empress Dowager here, and so many imperial physicians, Sister Jin Yue will definitely be alright."


    Turning to Yun Shan, she asked in bewilderment:


    "But what exactly happened? Ruo Xin was merely apanying Jin Yue on her birthday, with so many maids attending them. How could Jin Yue have fallen from the artificial mountain?"


    Yun Shan answered remorsefully with tears in her eyes: "The Second and Third Princesses saw a butterfly and wanted to chase it, so they climbed up the artificial mountain. The mountain had steps, and the path wasn''t very steep. I was guarding the Third Princess, and Pce Attendant Kang guarded the Second Princess, staying right beside them.


    But once we reached the t area at the top, for some unknown reason, the Second Princess suddenly fainted and fell to the ground. And since that area was sloped, Pce Attendant Kang rushed to try and catch the Second Princess but failed... he could only watch helplessly as the Second Princess tumbled down the mountain..."


    It wasn''t really Yun Shan''s fault.


    The maids each had their assigned duties: once outside the pce, their sole responsibility was to guard their respective mistresses.


    Such an ident was never something anyone wanted to see.


    At this moment, Kang Yubin was also overwhelmed with guilt, kneeling on the ground and pping himself repeatedly, crying:


    "It''s all my fault! It''s all my fault! The Second Princess didn''t let me hold her hand, so I let go. I shouldn''t have let go! If anything happens to the Second Princess, I might as well be dead!"


    Zhao Hua looked down at him with rising resentment, reproaching him:


    "Let me tell you, if the Second Princess is unharmed, it will be fine. But if anything happens to her, even if the Empress Dowager spares you, I will make sure you pay with your life!"


    The artificial mountain was about thirty feet high.


    To fall vertically from such a height, even a grown adult might not survive, let alone a delicate five-year-old girl.


    As everyone in the pce fretted, a voice announced from outside:


    "His Majesty the Emperor has arrived!"


    Zhao Hua turned to see Xiao Jingheng, supported by a young eunuch, making his way towards her with halting steps.


    She hurried to greet him, feigning concern: "But didn''t the imperial physicians instruct Your Majesty not to exert yourself? Why..."


    "Jin Yue is my daughter. How could I remain calm when she is in such a state?" Xiao Jingheng asked anxiously, looking towards the inner chambers. "How is she? What did the imperial physicians say?"


    Zhao Hua replied: "Judge Zhang has brought all the imperial physicians on duty to treat her. The Second Princess has the blessings of Heaven, so she should be..."


    "Jin Yue!!"


    Before Zhao Hua could finish, Ning Wanshuang''s heart-rending wails erupted from the inner chambers:


    "No! Who said Jin Yue is dead!? Why are you all kneeling before me? Save her! I order you to save my daughter!"


    Hearing that something was amiss, Zhao Hua and Xiao Jingheng rushed inside.


    In the inner chamber, the imperial physicians knelt on the ground, their expressions despondent, heads bowed in sorrow.


    Jin Yuey in Ning Wanshuang''s arms, still and peaceful, as if merely asleep.


    And Ning Wanshuang, on the verge of copse, had descended into incoherent wails:


    "Jin Yue! My daughter... you can''t leave Mother, Mother has nothing left, Mother begs you, begs you to open your eyes, look at Mother..."


    Before these heart-wrenching words could fade, Ning Wanshuang, ovee with grief, had fainted.


    "Your Highness the Empress!"


    The crowd rushed forward to support Ning Wanshuang. Xiao Jingheng, his eyes red, staggered towards them.


    After taking one final look at Jin Yue, hecked even the courage to touch the child.


    Turning away, he fell silent, tears streaming down his face.


    And Zhao Hua''s heart felt as though it had been battered by a thousand blows, aching to the point of suffocation.


    On the sixteenth day of the second month of the tenth year of the Qiyuan era, Her Highness Princess Jin Yue, aged five, tragically died from a fatal head injury after identally falling from a great height.

 Chapter 460: The Law of Passing Blood

    <h4>Chapter 460</h4>


    Ning Wanshuang lost another child.


    On this sixteenth day of the second month, she had lost a total of three children.


    The second month was the season when the Magnolia flowers bloomed.


    The Magnolia was her lifelong favorite, and it was under a Magnolia tree that she first met and developed an affinity with Xiao Jingheng through a dance.


    At one time, Ning Wanshuang had always felt that during the spring breeze of the second month every year, it should be her most joyful, most prideful, and most glorious day.


    But now,


    she could no longer face that joy from the past.


    Ning Wanshuang''s awakening happened on the evening of the second day.


    This so-called awakening was merely opening her eyes and staring nkly at the painted ceiling.


    Liu Yue had been keeping watch over her, and upon seeing her awake, she first cried tears of joy, then quickly seemed to console her, saying:


    "His Majesty is arranging the Second Princess''s funeral rites ording to the protocols for a Legitimate Princess. Your Highness, you should restrain your grief, actually..."


    "Where''s Jin Yue?" Ning Wanshuang asked numbly as she struggled to sit up.


    Liu Yue said weakly, "The Second Princess''s remains have been ced in the Smoke and Rain Pavilion..."


    Upon hearing this, Ning Wanshuang abruptly threw off the bedding, ignoring Liu Yue''s attempts to stop her as she rushed outside.


    At the door, she turned back, frantically searching for something in the pce.


    "What is Your Highness looking for? Let this servant help you!"


    "Where are her clothes?" Ning Wanshuang asked in near madness. "The birthday gift I bought for Jin Yue? Jin Yue loved beautiful things, I can''t let her walk in a cold mourning robe!"


    "Here! Here, Your Highness!"


    Liu Yue took out new clothes from the wardrobe and handed them to Ning Wanshuang.


    Ning Wanshuang clutched them tightly in her hand and rushed madly towards the Smoke and Rain Pavilion without stopping for a moment.


    Outside the Smoke and Rain Pavilion, she saw Kang Yubing kneeling in a corner, holding a dagger in his hand, tears streaming down his face as he muttered something incoherently.


    Ning Wanshuang called out to him, "What are you doing?"


    "Your High...Your Imperial Noble Consort?" Kang Yubing''s tears flowed even more torrentially upon seeing Ning Wanshuang.


    He prostrated himself on the ground, kowtowing forcefully three times to Ning Wanshuang, before choking out:


    "This ve has wronged Your Highness, wronged the young miss. This ve deserves to die! This ve will go to the afterlife now to beg the young miss''s forgiveness!"


    Seeing him brandish the dagger to take his own life, Ning Wanshuang rebuked him dispiritedly,


    "If you want to die, go do it elsewhere, don''t make a mess in front of Jin Yue."


    Kang Yubing froze, the dagger that was already at his chest ckened.


    Ning Wanshuang then asked him, "You said Jin Yue suddenly fainted, but she had never had this problem before, so why would..."


    Kang Yubing choked back his sobs and said, "After Your Highness left the pce and returned home, the Second Princess had been residing in His Majesty''s pce. When the Empress went to court with the Crown Prince, she would also send the Third Princess to keep the Second Princesspany every day. Perhaps the two Princesses yed until they were tired. The Third Princess often felt lethargic, and the Second Princess was the same."


    Ning Wanshuang had seen Jin Yue and Ruo Xin ying mischievously like that before.


    If they frolicked like that every day, it was understandable that they would feel fatigued and lethargic.


    With that, Ning Wanshuang no longer med Kang Yubing, only saying coldly:


    "Jin Yue will be buried in the Princess Tomb. If you have a heart, you can go and keep vigil for her for three years. As for after that... you can find your own way outside the pce."


    After all, they had been master and servant for many years. No matter how resentful Ning Wanshuang was towards Kang Yubing, she did not wish to see him throw his life away in vain like this.


    Kang Yubing expressed his gratitude with tears, kowtowing to thank Ning Wanshuang for her grace.


    But Ning Wanshuang paid him no heed, entering the Smoke and Rain Pavilion on her own.


    Jin Yue wasid in a Golden Silk Walnut wood coffin, sleeping peacefully, just like countless ordinary nights, except that no matter how Ning Wanshuang called her, she would never wake up again.


    "Jin Yue, look, this is the new dress Mother bought for you. Isn''t it beautiful?"


    "Mother knew you would like it. Come, shall Mother dress you in it?"


    She no longer shed tears,


    but smiled and chatted idly with Jin Yue, as if her daughter would still respond to her.


    With Liu Yue''s assistance, Ning Wanshuang slowly removed the lifeless mourning robe from her child''s body and carefully dressed her in the crimson peony dress.


    At that moment, she inadvertently nced down and suddenly noticed a strange bruise on her child''s upper thigh.


    The bruise was patchy, its color should not have been obvious,


    but because Jin Yue''s skin was naturally so fair, and even paler after death, the bruise appeared particrly prominent.


    Moreover, that location was not where one would expect bruising from a fall.


    Upon closer inspection, Ning Wanshuang discovered a tiny scabbed puncture wound amidst the bruising, as if something sharp had pierced through.


    The more she thought about it, the stranger it seemed.


    So after returning to the pce, under the pretext of physical difort, she summoned the Judge of Medicine to Yonghe Pce.


    When the Judge of Medicine took her pulse, she did not mention Jin Yue, only describing in detail the bruising and injury she had seen.


    The Judge of Medicine listened, then said, "Based on what Your Highness has described, those bruises and wounds appear to be from bloodletting."


    "Bloodletting?"


    Ning Wanshuang was momentarily dumbfounded, a terrifying thought suddenly upying her mind.


    ording to Kang Yubing, after moving into Chaoyang Pce, Jin Yue and Ruo Xin had both experienced mild fainting and lethargy,


    symptoms that matched what one would expect from blood loss.


    Furthermore, the location of the puncture wound was so discreet, and the wound itself so small and painless, that it would not be noticed even during daily bathing.


    She dared not think further, only leading the Judge of Medicine directly to the Feng Luan Pce.


    When they arrived, Song Zhao was properly arranging Jin Yue''s funeral rites.


    Upon seeing Ning Wanshuang''s hurried arrival, before she could ask after her well-being, Ning Wanshuang inquired,


    "Where is Ruo Xin?"


    Song Zhao replied, "Ruo Xin has been crying nonstop since returning to the pce. She just took a calming draught and finally managed to fall asleep."


    Without saying another word to Song Zhao, Ning Wanshuang turned and headed straight for Ruo Xin''s residence.


    Song Zhao followed behind her, watching as she entered Ruo Xin''s chambers, then slowly rolled up the girl''s pant legs.


    Having taken the calming draught, Ruo Xin was sleeping very soundly, and such movements were not enough to wake her.


    Song Zhao wondered, "Sister, what is the meaning of this?"


    "Look quickly!" Ning Wanshuang eximed in rm, hurriedly pulling Song Zhao to the bedside and pointing to Ruo Xin''s upper thigh. "Look at this!"


    Song Zhao frowned as she looked closely, indeed noticing a scabbed puncture wound of considerable size on Ruo Xin''s upper thigh.


    She felt a ringing in her head and was momentarily speechless.


    Ning Wanshuang then angrily used, "Song Zhao! Don''t you understand yet? Our children have be Xiao Jingheng''s Blood-passing method test subjects!"


    The Judge of Medicine stepped forward to examine Ruo Xin''s wound closely, also gasping in shock:


    "I originally thought the Third Princess was suffering from blood deficiency, never imagining... This humble official has heard of a medicinal practice used by the Witch Doctors of the Miao Territory. They take the blood of an offspring, preferably a virgin, and use it as a catalytic ingredient in medicine. It is said that this Blood-passing method can help restore one''s vitality."


    [Two chapters today. My ability to empathize was so strong that these few chapters made me cry. Please don''t criticize me for why Jin Yue had to die, because we''re nearing the grand finale, and this plot point was needed for Ning Wanshuang''s final character arc transformation.]

 Chapter 461: Death for Sin

    <h4>Chapter 461</h4>


    The night was pitch ck and heavy.


    Despite the bitter cold of early spring in February, Ruo Xin had always been afraid of the cold, so her room was still heated by several braziers, making the space warm and cozy.


    Yet at this moment, Zhao Hua was clearly standing beside the brazier, but she felt no warmth at all.


    Instead, it seemed as if the blood in her body was slowly turning cold, almost congealing.


    A chilling sensation welled up in her chest, spreading until it froze her throat.


    She couldn''t think of what to say to Ning Wanshuang.


    Having learned the whole truth, Zhao Hua did not me Xiao Jingheng for anything, because in her heart, she had long ceased to see him as a human being, only as a beast waiting to be hunted and killed.


    But she would me herself.


    That day, she had clearly smelled the stench of blood from the medicine bowl in Xiao Jingheng''s room.


    She had noticed that Ruo Xin easily became dizzy and drowsy.


    She had also known that Ruo Xin had developed a blood deficiency syndrome at that time.


    But she had failed to connect all the dots and investigate thoroughly.


    The heavy affairs of state and trivial matters of the harem had upied nearly all of her time, as if twopletely different forces were pulling her apart, threatening to tear her asunder.


    She was too exhausted to be vignt about every single thing.


    And it was this momentarypse that had indirectly led to Jin Yue''s death.


    Zhao Hua clenched her fists tightly, her anger and frustration intertwining in her heart.


    She was so close to seeding, so close to being able to strip Xiao Jingheng of his throne.


    Just one more step, yet Xiao Jingheng had still managed to shatter Ning Wanshuang''s only wish.


    The more Zhao Hua thought about it, the more guilt-ridden she felt. As tears streamed down her face, she needed to summon immense courage just to look at Ning Wanshuang.


    She tightly embraced Ning Wanshuang and sobbed softly in her ear, "Sister, I''m sorry..."


    Ning Wanshuang did not return the embrace.


    She simply stood there, tears silently falling, "You have nothing to apologize for. It is I who have wronged Jin Yue. I already knew before I left that Xiao Jingheng was going to take Jin Yue to live in Chaoyang Pce, but not only did I not stop him, I even felt a sense of relief in my heart because Jin Yue had always been moring for her father''spany!"


    Her emotions gradually became more agitated, her voice growing harsher and sharper, each word like a hammer striking Zhao Hua''s ears.


    "I was truly as foolish as a pig! I never thought Xiao Jingheng would go this far! Why would he treat me like this? Why?!"


    Ning Wanshuang''s chest felt as if it were blocked by a stubborn stone, almost suffocating her.


    She pushed Zhao Hua away and began raining down frenzied blows upon herself, her behavior bing utterly deranged.


    Afraid that she might harm herself, Zhao Hua rushed forward and tightly embraced her, restraining her hands, not letting go even when identally struck.


    After a long while, Ning Wanshuang finally calmed down in Zhao Hua''s soft embrace.


    Zhao Hua tentatively loosened her hold, and seeing that Ning Wanshuang no longer intended to hurt herself, she helped her sit down nearby.


    She gazed at her silently, noticing that Ning Wanshuang''s eyes seemed to have run dry of tears.


    And when she raised her hand to wipe the tear stains from her cheeks, it was no longer a gentle brush with her palm facing upward, but a careless swipe, and that was the end of it.


    Her pride was gone,


    Or perhaps it had long been devoured like a delicacy by this cannibalistic harem, washed down with wine.


    The hall fell into silence for a while.


    Suddenly, Ning Wanshuang spoke in a slightly hoarse, cold voice:


    "I want him dead."


    Zhao Hua''s heart sank, and she quickly tried to dissuade her in a low voice:


    "Even if you hate him, sister, it''s not wise to move against him directly. If the emperor dies unexpectedly, there will be suspicions about the cause of death. The seasoned officials and military leaders from the previous dynasty could then extend their ws into the harem and request that the most experienced coroners in the capital examine the emperor''s body.


    Those coroners have spent more time dealing with corpses than with living people. No matter how well concealed, they would be able to uncover the true cause of the emperor''s death. So if you take action against him, sister, it means you cannot survive either."


    Zhao Hua knew that in Ning Wanshuang''s current state of utter despair, she might entertain thoughts of suicide as a means of liberation.


    Therefore, to persuade her to live, Zhao Hua had to ''take a different tack'', changing the subject:


    "For the sake of that filthy beast, does sister really deserve to sacrifice her own life and apany him in death?"


    She took Ning Wanshuang''s hand and gripped it tightly.


    "I know you''re heartbroken, and I understand that your disappointment with that man far exceeds mine. But if you trust me, sister, don''t be too hasty. I already have a foolproof n; only the final step remains to bring it to fruition.


    Sister, please be patient for a while longer. I promise you, I will make the emperor pay back the debts he owes you, me, and all the women of the harem, with interest, atoning for his crimes with his life!"


    As she spoke, a voice came from outside the door, announcing, "Your Majesty, Consort Yin and Consort Ru have arrived."


    "I understand, take them to the main hall to wait."


    Upon hearing this, Ning Wanshuang did not linger, immediately rising and saying, "I understand what you''ve told me. I need to return and stay with Jin Yue, so I''ll be going now."


    She stood up and started to leave, her foot already crossing the threshold.


    But suddenly, she stopped, quickly turned back into the hall, and stood before Ruo Xin''s bed, gently bending down to caress the child''s face with a pained expression.


    "If Xiao Jingheng really used that method, and Jin Yue is gone, he will only be more cruel toward Ruo Xin," she said softly.


    Then, looking up at Zhao Hua, her voice grew solemn. "Ruo Xin is also my child. We must protect her well."


    Zhao Hua nodded tearfully, "You are Ruo Xin''s mother, sister. You still have Ruo Xin, and you have me. In this world, you are not alone."


    Ning Wanshuang smiled bitterly and nodded, then left without another word.

 Chapter 462: Half-chapter Egg

    <h4>Chapter 462</h4>


    After seeing off Ning Wanshuang, Zhao Hua returned to the main hall to meet with Consort Yin and Consort Ru.


    Upon seeing Zhao Hua, they said in session:


    "For the funeral of Princess Jin Yue, the Empress has taken much burden and looks haggard."


    "Yes, in recent days, the Empress has had to attend court with the Crown Prince as well as manage the rear pce affairs. She has truly been overworked."


    Faced with their concerned words, Zhao Hua merely smiled faintly, then arched her brow towards the empty seats and said:


    "Sit down."


    After they took their seats, Zhao Hua pointedly jested:


    "Consort Yin and Consort Rue to see me at this time, surely not just to ask after my health?"


    Hearing this, Consort Yin nced around, surveying the pce maids attending them one by one.


    Understanding, Zhao Hua instructed Yun Shan: "Dismiss the maids to attend elsewhere."


    Only after Yun Shan had removed all the maids from the hall and the doors were firmly shut did Consort Yin say in a low voice:


    "To respond to the Empress, my father sent word that he is willing to follow the Empress and take a chance!"


    Consort Ru also spat out: "This is no life for a person, I cannot bear another day of this!"


    She roughly untied her hair bun, letting her dark tresses cascade down like a waterfall.


    "That miserable Emperor likes to force everyone to bind their hair into those unsightly bun sacks! Since he likes it so much, he should tie one on his own head! We Mongolian women have never had so many ridiculous rules!


    Empress, the Mongols fear bing the next North Tribe. Father also said that if the Empress does not go back on the conditions she has proposed, the Mongols are willing to lend her their strength!"


    Since the day Cheng Yu began acting as regent, the entire rear pce understood that the position of sovereign would eventually fall to him.


    Thus, Zhao Hua had secretly persuaded Consort Yin and Consort Ru, exploiting the predicament of their home tribes and their hatred towards Xiao Jingheng, to secretlymunicate with their families and urge the North Tribe and Mongols to submit to the next Emperor of the Qi Dynasty.


    By choosing a wise ruler, they could protect their homnds from invasion.


    Otherwise, if Xiao Jingheng continued to hold power, all nations and tribes would eventually be territories of the Qi Dynasty under his oppressive rule.


    Now with such responses from the North Tribe and Mongols, it was within Zhao Hua''s expectations.


    With this,bined with the 20,000 Danzhou warriors given by thete Prince Rui to Xiao Jingheng, as well as the forces of Tian Ji and others, Zhao Hua already had enough strength to temporarily contend against Xiao Jingheng''s power.


    A swift sword could cut through the tangled mess.


    As long as Xiao Jingheng''s demise came swiftly enough, this realm would be atplete peace.


    At this point, Zhao Hua smiled thinly in response to Consort Ru''s earlier words:


    "It is to help me, and to help you, and... to help all the women in this realm who are suppressed by men."


    At the same time, in Zhaoyangong Pce.


    Xiao Jingheng reclined on his sickbed, grasping a painted scroll in his hand.


    It was a portrait painted by an artist from the Ruyi Gallery during Jin Yue''s childhood, depicting the innocent and joyful child dancing amidst vibrant colors.


    Xiao Jingheng had no intent to harm Jin Yue, yet she died because of him.


    As a father mourning his child, his heart was filled with sorrow and remorse, his eyes reddening as he murmured to himself:


    "Retribution, it is all retribution... I killed my own daughter, I..."


    As Xia Ze finished preparing Xiao Jingheng''s medicinal soup for the day, he came forward with the bowl and gently advised:


    "When I drew blood from Princess Gulun, I was always very careful with the quantity. That slight blood loss would only cause drowsiness and brief dizziness for the Princess, not much harm to her body. This time, the Princess met with an idental fall from a height, leading to her demise. Your Majesty need not me yourself excessively."


    The healing medicine was right beside Xiao Jingheng.


    He had taken over a dozen doses already, his body indeed improving day by day.


    The faint bloody scent from the medicine was something he had grown ustomed to.


    Yet today, upon smelling that scent again, Jin Yue''s innocent smile shed unbidden in his mind, causing Xiao Jingheng''s stomach to churn - he could not bring himself to drink it no matter what...


    Seeing him retch, Xiao Yinzi hurriedly brought a jade basin and ordered someone to fetch the Laneige jade rinse for Xiao Jingheng to gargle.


    Meanwhile, Xia Ze continued:


    "Now that Princess Gulun has passed, only the Third Princess can be used to..."


    "Enough." Xiao Jingheng''s brows furrowed as he waved his hands dismissively. "From now on, we will only use ordinary methods to treat me. No matter how slow my recovery, it does not matter. I... cannot harm my children any further."


    Xia Ze fell silent for a moment before obediently agreeing.


    Afterward, Xiao Jingheng instructed Xiao Yinzi to see Xia Ze out.


    Alone in his inner chambers, Xiao Jingheng gazed at Jin Yue''s portrait, weeping uncontrobly.


    Xia Ze was not a court physician, nor did he reside within the pce.


    As an outsider male, he could not stay overnight in the rear pce. Thus, he was escorted in and out by carriage each day.


    Yet today, as Xia Ze sat in the carriage, the journey out of the pce seemed unusually long.


    He peeked through the window curtain and realized this was not the route to the Shunchang Gate, and the night was so dark that not even two pcenterns could be seen along the way.


    Finding this odd, he called for the carriage to stop and asked Xiao Yinzi:


    "This does not seem to be the way out of the pce. Where are you taking me, Sir Xiao Yinzi?"


    Xiao Yinzi arched a brow at him, the corners of his mouth curling into a chilling smile as he said:


    "Taking you... on your way!"


    With those words, he struck Xia Ze with a heavy blow, knocking him unconscious.


    "Take him away!"


    *


    A small bonus scene about Zhao Hua''s typical day for those who think she has be stupid. Feel free to skip over this if not interested - there is another chapter of the main story after this.


    This bonus is mainly aimed at those who im Zhao Hua has be less intelligent. You may think she has, but consider her current circumstances:


    As regent, Zhao Hua must attend court sessions starting at 5 AM, listening to all the officials'' reports. She leaves court around 11 AM, then spends time organizing that day''s court matters until around noon.


    She then rushes to attend to the wretched Emperor - pretending affection, assisting him with medicine, and dining together while reporting on court affairs. This takes until around 3 PM.


    After returning to her own pce with Ruo Xin, it is already afternoon. In the rear pce, many new consorts have entered, and the Empress must arrange for their matters. Not only that, but the Empress oversees all rear pce expenditures, rewards for officials'' wives, and various other chaotic responsibilities.


    Previously, Ning Wanshuang could assist her, but she has now left the pce to observe mourning rites. So Zhao Hua must handle everything alone. After finishing her duties and dining, it is likely around 7 or 8 PM.


    There are three children in the pce - the young Cheng Ye still needs Zhao Hua''s attention andforting. The timid Cheng Yu attending court also requires her care to manage his emotions. The most low-maintenance is Ruo Xin, who can entertain herself all day without troubling Zhao Hua.


    After the children have gone to sleep, Zhao Hua must organize the matters the Emperor told her about that day, so she can report them to the court officials the next morning.


    By the time this entire routine isplete, it is around midnight. With court beginning at 5 AM, even if she falls asleep immediately, she only gets about 3 hours of rest.


    Unlike modern routines of just brushing teeth and leaving for work, in ancient times she must spend time fully dressing and styling herself properly. So she must wake at 3 AM to prepare.


    These things, I didn''t write about because I didn''t want to muddle through these trivial matters in this wordy text. I''lly it out simply: Zhao Hua could only sleep three hours at most per day, sometimes she even had to go on night patrols, and then secretly plot with Consort Yin and others. I estimate she didn''t even get two hours of sleep per day.


    It''s been over half a month since Ning Wanshuang left the pce and returned home, so Zhao Hua has had to endure this high-pressure situation for over half a month. I even saw some adorablementers say that she herself didn''t give Ruo Xin a bath, not being careful at all, not discovering the pinhole mark...


    Oh my god, let me kowtow to you, why don''t you first care about whether she even has time to bathe herself (cryingughing emoji)


    From start to finish in this book, I haven''t given the female lead any particrly explosive cheat codes. In my eyes, she''s just an intelligent, normal woman. She can''t possibly guess and calcte everything. If that were the case, I might as well just make her a irvoyant prophet.


    Moreover, from the perspective of the plot in the book, the Jin Yue incident was undoubtedly Xiao Jingheng''s fault. I don''t think the me should be ced on the female lead for not discovering this matter. What''s the difference between that and victim-ming? Of course, if you want to me the female lead, that''s fine too. You''re reading for entertainment, and you''re ming her, not me, haha~


    Also, if some adorable readers feel unsatisfied and don''t want to continue reading, you can directly drop the book. There''s no need to solemnly tell me. Anyway, I didn''t intend to make money with this book from the moment I decided not to write about noble maidens. I just wanted to earnestly tell the story I wanted to tell, rather than scratching for gimmicks and rotten money. That''s all.


    Alright, the introduction to Zhao Hua''s day is done, and thank you for listening to me ramble on! There''s one more chapter ahead, mwah.

 Chapter 463: Famous Doctors of the Yellow Spring

    <h4>Chapter 463</h4>


    When Xia Ze regained consciousness, he had no idea where he was.


    Surrounded by darkness, his limbs were tightly bound with ropes, and a rough cloth gagged his mouth, rendering him unable to cry out.


    Suddenly, someone lit a candle in the room.


    It was then that Xia Ze saw he was confined to a dark chamber, and sitting before him, looking down imperiously, was Zhao Hua!


    With augh, Zhao Hua remarked, "Xia Ze, if memory serves, this is the first time we''ve been alone without His Majesty."


    Xia Ze mumbled unintelligibly, unable to make out his own words.


    With a gesture, Zhao Hua instructed Xiao Fuzi to remove the cloth from his mouth.


    As soon as his mouth was freed, he eximed, "Your Majesty, what is the meaning of this! I am the Imperial Physician appointed by His Majesty, how dare you..."


    *Smack!*


    Before he could finish, Xiao Fuzi''s pnded squarely on his face.


    "In front of Her Majesty, dare you raise your voice?" she retorted.


    Cornered, Xia Ze had to soften his stance.


    He asked Zhao Hua, "Does His Majesty know about this?"


    With a smirk, Zhao Hua replied, "You have no right to question me. But I do wonder, did you ever tell His Majesty about using the blood ritual to hasten his recovery?"


    At her words, Xia Ze''s pupils quivered in shock.


    Xiao Jingheng had forbidden him from revealing this to anyone, so he had to vehemently deny evermitting such an atrocity.


    While Xia Ze spoke firmly, Zhao Hua remained silent, a sly smile ying on her lips.


    Yun Shan, standing behind her, calmly retrieved a long, thick needle from her sleeve.


    She brandished it before Xia Ze and, with feigned respect, said, "Will you not speak, Imperial Physician Xia?"


    "What nonsense are you expecting me to confess to!?" Xia Ze retorted.


    Hearing this, Yun Shan chose not to engage further in debate.


    Swiftly grabbing Xia Ze''s hand, she unhesitatingly drove the needle into the crevice beneath his right index fingernail.


    "Ahhh!!!" Xia Ze screamed in agony, as Yun Shan ruthlessly twisted the needle deep into his finger.


    Amidst his cries, Yun Shan casually remarked, "If you refuse to talk, this needle won''t just pierce your finger, but your eyes, your belly button, every crevice of your body. I have all the time in the world to spend torturing you here!"


    With tears streaming down his face, Xia Ze hastily eximed, "Stop! I''ll talk! I''ll talk! Ahhh!!"


    Seeing him capitte, Yun Shan ceased her torment, promptly removing the needle before retreating behind Zhao Hua.


    Having obtained the answer she desired, Zhao Hua smirked and said coldly, "You''ve admitted, that''s all that matters. As for why the Second Princess fainted and fell from the artificial mountain, I suspect you have some idea. With this, I no longer consider you guilty."


    With azy p, Zhao Hua''s cue was met by the entrance of Judge Zhang.


    He held a hollow needle in his hand, a tool specifically for piercing veins to draw blood, much like the one Xia Ze used on the children, only thicker and faster in bloodletting speed.


    Xia Ze panicked instantly. Bound hand and foot, he wriggled towards the corner of the room like a trapped insect.


    "You can''t do this to me! If I die, the Emperor will surely investigate thoroughly! You..."


    "Don''t worry, if I dare to touch you, it means the Emperor''s end is near as well," Zhao Hua interrupted.


    Rising to her feet, Zhao Hua advanced step by step towards Xia Ze, who had nowhere to retreat, pressed against the wall.


    She leaned in, delivering two sharp ps to Xia Ze''s cheek, murmuring with a mocking tone, "I''ll send him down shortly to reunite you two. Xia Ze, with all your skills, you''ll stay on the Road to Underworld, continuing to tend to the Emperor''s dragon body."


    With that, Zhao Hua decisively turned away and headed out.


    She took the handkerchief Yun Shan handed to her, wiped her hands clean, then tossed the handkerchief lightly to the ground. She then removed the honey-amber Buddhist beads from her wrist,


    rolling them between her fingers, chanting a Buddhist prayer. As she was about to step across the threshold,


    she casually instructed, "Drain his blood, crush his breath, and feed the dogs once he''s gone."

 Chapter 464: Grass Snake Grey Thread

    <h4>Chapter 464</h4>


    The next day, at Chaoyang Pce.


    In recent days, after finishing his early morning meal, it wasn''t long before Xia Ze would enter the pce to treat Xiao Jingheng''s ailments with acupuncture and the art of witch insect.


    But today, as the hour approached noon, there was still no sign of Xia Ze.


    Xiao Jingheng urged Xiao Yinzi to investigate repeatedly, only to hear him timidly reply,


    "Your Maj-Majesty, Master Xia Ze is... gone."


    "Gone? How so?" Xiao Jingheng asked with barely concealed anger.


    "The pce maid sent to fetch him from his residence said his doors were tightly shut, and no one answered no matter how much they knocked. When they broke in, they found he was not present, and... all his belongings were gone, including the gifts bestowed by Your Majesty."


    Xiao Yinzi kept his head down, stealing a nce at Xiao Jingheng''s expression before adding, "In truth, when this servant escorted Master Xia Ze out of the pce yesterday, I noticed his demeanor seemed rather off..."


    Prompted by these words, Xiao Jingheng recalled his private moment with Xia Ze the previous day.


    At the time, he had been lost in sorrowful reminiscence before Jin Yue''s portrait. He refused to drink Xia Ze''s medicine and stopped him from taking Ruo Xin''s virginal blood to treat his draconic body.


    It was only natural that this exchange might have led Xia Ze to believe Xiao Jingheng med him for Jin Yue''s death.


    Thus, it was not impossible that he prepared for the worst and fled.


    For Xiao Jingheng, whose supreme imperial authority permitted no challenge, Xia Ze''s abrupt departure was a tant disrespect to the Son of Heaven. He could not let it go unpunished.


    "Send men to find him! I want him alive or his corpse!"


    Just as he erupted in anger, Zhao Hua happened to enter the bedchamber.


    Seeing Xiao Jingheng''s face flushed with rage, she hurried to his side and gently rubbed his back to soothe him.


    "My dear, what has angered you again?"


    Xiao Jingheng did not wish to discuss the matter with Zhao Hua. He waved Xiao Yinzi away to attend to his task, then told Zhao Hua dismissively, "It''s nothing, just a servant''s carelessness that displeased me."


    Since he did not wish to say more, Zhao Hua did not pry further.


    After all, she hade with official business in mind.


    After helping Xiao Jingheng settle onto the warm seat, Zhao Hua took out a thick bundle of documents and ced them before him.


    "These are the important matters raised by the officials today. I have selected the key points for your attention."


    In recent days, Zhao Hua had been bringing Xiao Jingheng an increasing number of documents rted to court affairs.


    She knew that although indifferent and callous, Xiao Jingheng had always been a diligent ruler when it came to governing the kingdom.


    Of course, an able ruler could not be at ease leaving court affairs unattended.


    Zhao Hua thus indulged him by providing more and more records and memorials, allowing him to remain upied in mind even as his body rested.


    As Zhao Hua detailed the matters of state, Xiao Jingheng suddenly asked her, "Why didn''t Ruo Xine today?"


    Zhao Hua fell silent for a moment before replying with a hint of sorrow, "Ruo Xin witnessed Jin Yue''s incident firsthand and was deeply shaken. Her child fell ill with a high fever this morning, so the imperial physicians must be attending to them."


    As she spoke, tears glistened in her eyes.


    Understanding the hardship she had endured recently, Xiao Jingheng patted her shoulder in constion and said gently, "You have worked hard these days. With Ruo Xin''s child ill, you must be worried. Go and tend to the child. Leave these documents here; I will review them slowly."


    Zhao Hua was overjoyed, too delighted even to feign her usual pretense before this beast.


    With a shallow smile and a curtsy, she replied, "Then I shall return to apany you tomorrow, my lord."


    And with that, she hurried away.


    For the rest of the afternoon, Xiao Jingheng pored over the dense records of court affairs and memorials.


    Before he knew it, night had fallen outside.


    The men Xiao Yinzi had sent out still had not found any trace of Xia Ze, but agents from the secret service had returned with a report for Xiao Jingheng.


    "Your Majesty, we have retrieved all the records of imperial concubines'' activities stored in the Tianji Office. However, after careful inspection, we cannot find the volume for the twenty-fourth year of the Qianyuan era."


    The twenty-fourth year of the Qianyuan era...


    Xiao Jingheng had ordered the agents to retrieve the records of imperial concubines'' activities from the Tianji Office primarily to examine that particr year''s records.


    Xiao Jingyan was born in the twenty-fifth year of the Qianyuan era, which meant Princess Dowager Jinggui must have conceived him in the twenty-fourth year.


    That summer of the twenty-fourth year was precisely when the Former Emperor made his third expedition to the Jiangnan region. Based on the typical ten-month gestation period, Princess Dowager Jinggui would have be pregnant around that time.


    And during that period when she apanied the Former Emperor outside the pce, she would have had the greatest opportunity to interact with outside men.


    Now, with all other years'' records intact, the inexplicable disappearance of that one year''s volume only deepened Xiao Jingheng''s suspicions.


    He asked, "Did you investigate the officials who apanied them at the time, as I instructed?"


    "That is precisely what I wish to report. Among the officials in the entourage... Song Shicheng was in charge of security arrangements."


    "Song Shicheng?" Xiao Jingheng was nearly taken aback.


    The agent continued, "Yes. He is the birth father of the current Empress, and the only one among all the officials whose children were afflicted with the Peach Blossom Intolerance Syndrome..."

 Chapter 465: The Grounded Queen

    <h4>Chapter 465</h4>


    As these words left her lips, it was as if a thunderp exploded in Xiao Jingheng''s mind.


    His ears rang with a violent hum, and his entire being felt as though it had been doused with freezing snow, his breath nearly stopping.


    After a while, when he regained hisposure, Xiao Jingheng''s brow furrowed tightly, his mind constantly pondering:


    Princess Dowager Jinggui conceived Xiao Jingyan during her southern tour, and Song Shicheng happened to be there during that tour as well.


    Now that both Zhao Hua and Xiao Jingyan suffer from Peach Blossom Intolerance Syndrome, the person who had an illicit affair with Princess Dowager Jinggui is highly likely to be Song Shicheng!


    Recalling how Zhao Hua once advocated for him to execute Prince An and his son,


    Zhao Hua''s decisive and ruthless demeanor was vastly different from her usual gentle and kind manner, strongly suggesting her desire to distance herself from the matter.


    Could it be... that they had already known each other''s identities long ago, and this entire charade was just a performance for his benefit?


    No wonder!


    No wonder the usually obedient Xiao Jingyan defied his decree to bury Cheng Yu alive that day,


    and secretly rescued Cheng Yu instead.


    Previously, Xiao Jingyan had only said that it was all done for his sake,


    but now that Xiao Jingheng carefully examined the situation, it seemed more likely that Xiao Jingyan did it to save his own nephew!


    He connected all the events, forming a perfect closed loop,


    a perfect closed loop that filled him with dread upon further contemtion.


    At this moment, his surging anger reddened Xiao Jingheng''s cheeks,


    and he trembled with rage as he furiously told the agents of the Secret Agency:


    "Investigate! Dig up the burial sites of Prince An and Princess Dowager Jinggui, and see if you can still unearth their corpses!"


    The agents were terrified by his ferocious expression, and it took them a while to stammer:


    "We will obey yourmand, Your Majesty!"


    Afterwards, Xiao Jingheng summoned a messenger and decreed:


    "Go and surround the Feng Luan Pce. Under the pretext of an inauspicious celestial omen, confine the Empress within the Feng Luan Pce. No one is permitted to see her without my decree!"


    The messenger, frightened and perplexed, said: "Your Majesty, you wish to confine the Empress? But the Crown Prince still needs to attend court, this..."


    "Inform the ministers, court will be suspended for three days!"


    Xiao Jingheng roared, cutting off the messenger''s query.


    Seeing the messenger still standing there dazed, he even grabbed the inkstone and hurled it at him in a rage,


    "What are you waiting for? Go!"


    Only then did the messenger stammer his acknowledgment and scramble away in panic.


    In the following days, Ning Wanshuang was deeply affected by Jin Yue''s death and preupied with handling Jin Yue''s affairs, leaving her no time to attend to Xiao Jingheng.


    Thus, the person attending to Xiao Jingheng in the Yang Pce each day changed from Zhao Hua to Consort Yin.


    Previously in the harem, both Consort Yin and Ning Wanshuang were renowned for their unyielding demeanors,


    but during these two days attending to Xiao Jingheng, Consort Yin was as gentle as flowing water, meticulous in every task and attentive to every detail.


    On this day, as she served Xiao Jingheng his medicinal soup, Xiao Jingheng could not help but remark:


    "You are surprisingly docile. Throughout these few days attending to me, you have never questioned why I have confined the Empress."


    Consort Yin stirred the murky soup slowly with a spoon, offering a thin smile, "Your Majesty must have his reasons for doing what he does. It is not my ce to inquire."


    With that, she scooped up another spoonful of soup and fed it to Xiao Jingheng.


    After he had swallowed the medicine, she added, "Ever since your father defected to the Qi Dynasty, Your Majesty has treated the North Tribe well, and your temperament has be much gentler."


    He took Consort Yin''s hand, feeling a sense of wonder,


    "You have attended to me for nearly a decade. I n to soon elevate you to the rank of Noble Consort."


    Upon hearing this, Consort Yin did not show excessive delight, merely responding with a forced smile:


    "I am deeply honored, Your Majesty."


    Xiao Jingheng let out a long, weary sigh, offering a helpless, bitter smile,


    "I have so many consorts, yettely I increasingly struggle to understand what they are thinking, or what secret schemes they are hiding from me."


    ¡ª"Is my husband referring to me?"


    Suddenly, aughing voice came from outside the door.


    Xiao Jingheng''s gaze shot up in shock,


    only to see Zhao Hua gracefully enter, her ruby lips curved in a smile, adorned in a phoenix robe and glowing with radiance.


    Meeting Xiao Jingheng''s astonished gaze, she said in a gentle voice:


    "I have been away for just a few days, yet my husband already misses me so. Truly, our marital bond is deep."


    "What are you doing here?"


    Unfazed by Xiao Jingheng''s harsh questioning tone, Zhao Hua stepped up to his bedside, nodding with a smile at Consort Yin.


    She then naturally took the medicinal soup from Consort Yin''s hands and said to her:


    "You may leave now."


    Xiao Jingheng loudly told Consort Yin, "Stay!"


    Then he shouted towards the door, "Guards, take the Empress away!"


    As the words left his lips,


    Xiao Jingheng, whose slightestmand was once obeyed without question, heard only the hoarse echo of his own furious order resounding in the Chaoyang Pce.


    Outside, an eerie silence reigned, so quiet that it was unsettling, with no one responding to him, of course.


    Before Xiao Jingheng could regain his senses, he saw Consort Yin bow respectfully to Zhao Hua, wearing a faint smile,


    "My apologies for the trouble, Your Majesty." Then she took her leave.


    After Consort Yin''s departure, Zhao Hua settled herself at Xiao Jingheng''s side, as natural as countless times before when attending to him.


    She moved to help him drink the medicinal soup, but as soon as she lifted the bowl, Xiao Jingheng knocked it from her hands, spilling its contents onto the ground.


    "What are you doing here?"


    "My husband should not dwell on troubling thoughts during his illness. Thus, I havee to rify the confusion for you."


    The smile frozen on Zhao Hua''s face grew increasingly enigmatic.


    She idly yed with the corner of her phoenix robe, her words drifting like smoke as she said:


    "The agents from the Secret Agency have already been killed by me. I know what you instructed them to investigate. Why did you not simply ask me directly?"


    She raised an eyebrow at Xiao Jingheng, leaning closer as she lowered her voice,


    "We have been husband and wife for many years. I should be able to tell you everything, leaving nothing unsaid."

 Chapter 466: To be Given First

    <h4>Chapter 466</h4>


    It was clearly noon, yet the sky outside suddenly grew dark inch by inch.


    Dark clouds covered the bright sun, taking away the starlight flickering in Zhao Hua''s eyes.


    ''Rumble''


    Thunder roared,


    Soon, the sound of scattered raindrops entered the ears.


    Xiao Jingheng looked out at the rain hitting the windowsill, then saw the person lying on the couch as usual. In a daze, he recalled the night when Zhao Hua first attended to him.


    At that time, she was still an innocent young girl.


    Upon hearing the sudden thunder, she would be afraid, timid, and tremble as she crawled into his embrace.


    The young girl was so bright and so beautiful that one could not help but want to possess and protect her.


    But now,


    When the thunder roared again,


    Zhao Hua could sit calmly by his side, with no trace of fear on her face, and even a faint, cryptic smile at the corners of her lips.


    Xiao Jingheng pondered and shook his head with a bitter smile after a moment:


    "I remember when you first entered the pce, you were most afraid of thunderstorms. Now it seems everything has changed."


    Zhao Hua gently stroked her cloudy hair and said softly and obediently:


    "Your servant still fears thunder and rain, but your servant also often remembers that Xiao Lang once told your servant that with you by your servant''s side, your servant need not fear anything."


    She pressed the partially opened quilt on Xiao Jingheng''s body tighter, and took his cold hand in hers.


    "Now that Xiao Lang is here, your servant is naturally not afraid of anything."


    But this time, Xiao Jingheng stiffly withdrew his hand from her palm.


    "You knew long ago that Jing Yan and you share a blood rtion, didn''t you?"


    Zhao Hua smiled calmly and nodded without evasion.


    "Jing Yan is your servant''s brother, and the Tianji Office acts only on your servant''s orders in secret, merely putting on an act for Xiao Lang. Does Xiao Lang want to ask your servant anything else?"


    "The Tianji Office... the Tianji Office... Hahahahaha!"


    Xiao Jingheng''s gaze grew colder inch by inch, like the burnt-out ashes in a censer.


    And when it reached the extreme of coldness, heughed madly,


    "The Empress Dowager... she was scheming against me even until her death."


    "The Empress Dowager schemed against you? Then between Xiao Lang and the Empress Dowager, the mother and son, there was no scheming at all?"


    Hearing this, Xiao Jingheng fell into a long silence.


    Outside, the rain grew heavier.


    Zhao Hua got up and closed thettice window, then extinguished the candles except for one lit on a yellowish pear wood stand.


    "The Empress Dowager raised Xiao Lang and treated him and the Fourth Master equally, never mistreating him. But how did Xiao Lang repay the Empress Dowager? You took advantage of the Fourth Master''s grave illness under the guise of caring for him, and ''cared for him to death''. Your servant is foolish and does not know if this counts as Xiao Lang''s scheming against the Empress Dowager?"


    Xiao Jingheng gasped, "In their struggle for power and profit, which prince did not scheme? Even if I schemed against the fourth brother, I was sincere in my dealings with the Empress Dowager!"


    "Sincere?" Zhao Hua covered her lips and smiled mockingly, gazing at Xiao Jingheng with taunting eyes.


    Xiao Jingheng angrily demanded, "What do you mean by looking at me like that?"


    He struggled to get up from the sickbed and grabbed Zhao Hua''s wrist, intending to hit her, but was surprised to find his whole body soft and weak, unable to exert any force.


    So much so that Zhao Hua only needed a light flick of her sleeve to knock him down, causing him to fall clumsily to the floor.


    And next to him was the medicine bowl he had just shattered.


    He stared at the deep brown stain of the medicine and finally realized, "This medicine... did Consort Yin tamper with it? Or was it you!?"


    He red fiercely at Zhao Hua.


    Zhao Hua did not answer, only smiling at him, raising her delicate brows in a provocative manner.


    Enraged, protruding veins appeared on Xiao Jingheng''s forehead, and his temples throbbed uncontrobly.


    His voice, as if ground by sand and gravel, came out in a rasping roar,


    "Tell me, what do you want? I have already given you the most honored position for a woman in this world, and I have also granted you the position of Crown Prince Cheng Yu. What more do you want? Zhao Hua, I have not beencking in my treatment of you, and you have truly disappointed me!"


    The smile on Zhao Hua''s face froze for a moment. She lowered her eyelids, looking down at Xiao Jingheng from a high position.


    This was also the first time she had looked down on him from the position of a superior,


    Seeing him more lowly, more sickening.


    "Xiao Lang has not beencking in his treatment of your servant, so he ordered Cheng Yu to be buried alive and had your servant sent to the Cold Pce. He was notcking in his treatment of the Imperial Noble Consort, so he killed her entire family, causing all her children to die by unnatural causes. He was notcking in his treatment of Consort Yin, so he allowed her maternal n to bepletely erased from history''s dust, forcibly changing her from a Hu person to a Han person..."


    "But when have they ever been sincere towards me?" Xiao Jingheng was caught with his false mask, and instead cried thief first.


    "Among the consorts in the harem, which one dare say that she approached me and ttered me without any ulterior motive? Which one was not after my power, which one did not seek to gain benefits from me?


    If I were not the emperor today, but merely an ordinary farmer tilling the fields, do you think anyone would still greet me with smiles? Do you think anyone would follow me wholeheartedly? Would you?"


    Zhao Hua shook her head firmly, "To be honest, of course your servant would not. But in the past, the Imperial Noble Consort, I can affirm that she would agree without hesitation, whether it be living in luxury or wandering in hardship, as long as you nodded, she would follow you regardless of the future path. Because what she loved was not your imperial power, but you as a person."


    "Her?" Xiao Jingheng scoffed coldly. "The former Imperial Noble Consort was close to me, but now that I am ill, how many times has shee to see me?"


    Zhao Hua said indifferently, "Why is she unwilling to see you? Don''t you know the reason in your heart? To gain something in the end, one must first give. Is this simple principle not understood by Xiao Lang?"

 Chapter 467: Forced to make an edict

    <h4>Chapter 467</h4>


    Zhao Hua''s words left Xiao Jingheng speechless.


    Yet he would never admit to any wrongdoing,


    So they gazed at each other in prolonged silence.


    Outside, the thunderstorm raged on,


    Zhao Hua saw Xiao Jingheng struggling to rise, but his armscked even the strength to prop himself up,


    So she leaned down, as if bestowing favor upon a weakling, extending her hand to help Xiao Jingheng up.


    "Don''t touch me!" Xiao Jingheng firmly swatted away Zhao Hua''s hand.


    She paused briefly, not angered, and still gentlyughed, "Does my lord not wish for this concubine to help you rise? Then shall I summon Xiao Yinzi instead?"


    Saying this, she called out softly toward the door, "Xiao Yinzi,e in."


    Before the words had fully left her mouth,


    Xiao Yinzi, who had not appeared despite Xiao Jingheng''s earlier loud summons, now obediently entered with a bow.


    Xiao Jingheng red at him with furrowed brows,


    Seeing him holding a brush and ink in one hand, and a bright yellow imperial edict in the other, walking step by step toward them.


    Standing before them, he ced the items on the table, first bowing to Zhao Hua and respectfully saying:


    "Long live the Empress, may she be blessed with eternal happiness."


    Then turning to Xiao Jingheng, he said, "May the Emperor be in good health."


    With those words, he supported Xiao Jingheng''s arms and helped him rise.


    Xiao Jingheng clenched his right fist tightly, mustering all his strength to swing at Xiao Yinzi,


    "You traitorous dog!"


    This punchnded softly on Xiao Yinzi''s chest, like a pebble dropped into the ocean, only provokingughter from him.


    "When I serve the Emperor wholeheartedly, he calls me a dog servant. When I serve the Emperor in his time of distress, he calls me a traitorous dog. Either way, in your eyes, I''m just a subhuman ything, so what''s the difference?"


    Xiao Jingheng realized that when even Xiao Yinzi dared to speak such mocking words to him, it meant Zhao Hua''s power had already permeated every corner around him, and she no longer feared his imperial authority.


    But none of that mattered now.


    Xiao Jingheng nced absentmindedly at the water clock,


    There was still one hour left,


    One more hour until General Yuan Hongyuan would lead his troops directly into the Chaoyang Pce,


    At that time, he would definitely subject these traitors to a thousand cuts and innumerable tortures!


    As his gaze returned, he inadvertently glimpsed the imperial edict that Xiao Yinzi had ced on the table.


    The edicty open, but waspletely nk, without the Emperor''s jade seal.


    Puzzled by Zhao Hua''s intent, he suddenly heard herughingly say:


    "Xiao Yinzi, don''t just stand there, go and assist the Emperor with the brush and ink."


    Xiao Jingheng turned his gaze, ring at Zhao Hua in bewildered fury,


    "What trick are you ying now?"


    Zhao Hua lightly pursed her red lips, adopting a meek demeanor, and softly mused:


    "How could this concubine have any ill intentions? I merely wish for my lord to draft a final edict, to secure the safety of this concubine and her son."


    At this moment, due to the effects of the drug, Xiao Jingheng was unable to move freely, only able to obediently submit to however others manipted him.


    Xiao Yinzi ced the inked brush in Xiao Jingheng''s hand, but he still hesitated to put brush to paper, only lifting his gaze to re fiercely at Zhao Hua.


    Zhao Hua gently caressed her jade-like skin and shyly smiled,


    "Why does the Emperor dy in putting brush to paper? Is it because you have no words to write and know not what to say?"


    She took elegant steps forward, standing behind Xiao Jingheng, skillfully taking up the inkstone to grind ink for him,


    Such ''intimate spousal attendance'', just like countless days and nights in the past when Xiao Jingheng would read imperial edicts while Zhao Hua attended him.


    Only now, the concubine''s smile remained, but the lord''s fury burned unquenched.


    Zhao Hua gently said, "Since my lord seems unable to write, how about this - this concubine will recite a line, and my lord will write it down. Would that be eptable?"


    Saying this, she cleared her throat and solemnly began:


    "The Emperor''s second son, Cheng Yu, is benevolent, filial, and aplished, with innate virtues bestowed by Heaven. He shall immediately assume the position of Crown Prince, and if I depart this world, he shall seed to the throne. All civil and military officials, within and without the country, shall wholeheartedly assist in his reign and fulfill my aspirations."


    But Cheng Yu had already been made Crown Prince, so the content of this final edict seemed rather inappropriate.


    Xiao Yinzi, unable to discern the implications, simply looked puzzled,


    While Xiao Jingheng, upon hearing it, was struck with utter shock beyond words.


    What Zhao Hua had just recited was clearly thete Emperor''s intended final edict to establish Prince Rui as the heir apparent, but how could she...


    That edict had definitely been burned by him, so how did Zhao Hua know every single word of it so precisely?¡¾Chapter 401¡¿


    Meeting Xiao Jingheng''s astonished gaze, Zhao Hua arched her brows triumphantly:


    "Why do you look at this concubine with such an expression? Is it because you begrudge the imperial throne you stole? Or perhaps you believe that after using this stolen possession for so long, you''ve even convinced yourself that it rightfully belongs to you?"


    "How dare you!"


    With thest shred of his shame stripped away by Zhao Hua''s taunts, Xiao Jingheng once again revealed his impotent, raging visage.


    He flung the brush aside and practically shouted hoarsely at Zhao Hua, his face flushed red with rage:


    "You''re dreaming! I will never write this edict! Song Zhao, if you darey a hand on me today, the officials from the previous dynasty will surely have doubts about the Emperor''s death, and they will never let you and your son off!"


    His furious roar coincided perfectly with the thunderp outside,


    Startling Zhao Hua, who clutched her chest and sighed, "This concubine is so afraid..."


    But before she could finish, she suddenly raised her hand and pped Xiao Jingheng''s face with the swiftness of lightning,


    More forcefully than any p Xiao Jingheng had ever given her.


    After the p, before Xiao Jingheng could recover from his dazed state,


    Zhao Hua abruptly grabbed the back of his neck with her right hand and forcefully mmed his head onto the table,


    Though she still wore a smile, her voice was as cold and harsh as she said:


    "This pce is informing you, not discussing with you! Today, you will write this edict, whether you want to or not!"

 Chapter 468: Morning Call of the Hen

    <h4>Chapter 468</h4>


    At this moment, Xiao Jingheng, who was being held down by Zhao Hua, was furious to the point of a nk mind, almost losing his sanity.


    He had never experienced such a humiliating disgrace in his life, especially this indignity, which was inflicted by a woman!


    He cursed out filthy and vulgar words,pletely losing the majesty of an emperor, like a dog barking incessantly.


    And no matter how he struggled,


    the dog,


    could never break free from its master''s constraints.


    Just as his emotions were at their peak, the door to the inner chamber suddenly opened.


    He fell silent for a moment, looking up with a slight hope,


    but what he saw was the indifferent face of Judge Zhang.


    He stepped forward quickly, only paying his respects to Zhao Hua, and then took out a small bamboo basket from his sleeve, tossing it in front of Xiao Jingheng.


    Xiao Jingheng looked closely, and in the small basket was a parasitic worm with a reddish-brown spotted head, its green bean-sized eyes wide open, staring at him intently.


    Xiao Jingheng reacted instinctively, desperately trying to back away,


    but Zhao Hua''s grip on him tightened, and seeing him in such a pitiful state, she joked:


    "You should recognize this parasitic worm, right? This is a ''good thing'' raised by Xia Ze. You had the secret agency''s sorcerers use this worm on prisoners of war. Once it enters the body, it will burrow into the host''s organs, making them unable to live or die.


    With this method, you forced the prisoners to reveal the military secrets of their homnd, forcing them to betray their country for glory.


    At first, this Empress thought you were a beast, but now, it seems like a wonderful method."


    Zhao Hua casually picked up the basket, purposefully bringing it close to Xiao Jingheng''s face, slowly swinging it back and forth,


    "For example, using it on you."


    "Put it away! Keep it far away from me!"


    Xiao Jingheng roared in a hoarse voice, the higher his tone, the more panicked he felt inside.


    He knew all too well the fearsome power of that parasitic worm.


    If Zhao Hua really used that worm on him, even if he didn''t die, he would live the rest of his life in endless agony.


    Seeing Zhao Hua about to open the basket, Xiao Jingheng hurriedly said:


    "Release me! I''ll write it!"


    Zhao Hua sneered, then released Xiao Jingheng, standing behind him and watching as he carefully wrote out the will, not daring to take any risks.


    Then the little eunuch brought the jade seal to stamp it, solemnly telling Xiao Jingheng:


    "If Your Majesty meets with an ident, I will be the first to take out this will and fulfill Your Majesty''sst wishes."


    As soon as he finished speaking, Cloud Fir hurriedly entered, whispering to Zhao Hua:


    "Imperial Consort, the pce concubines have heard that Your Majesty is unwell and have all rushed over."


    Zhao Hua nodded in acknowledgment, then leaned in close to Xiao Jingheng with a gentle tone:


    "My dear Xiao, this subject has summoned the high-ranking pce concubines toe see you. They are the ones who have been by your side the longest, and now that you are gravely ill, they cannot bear to part with you and have many heartfelt words to share with you."


    With that, Zhao Hua unhurriedly pped her hands, summoning the waiting pce consorts to enter.


    Xiao Jingheng looked at them with a bleak expression as they filed in one by one:


    Imperial Consort Ning Wanshuang, Consort Tong Rongyue, Consort Ada Qimu Ge, Consort Nn Ruge, and even Consort Naran, who had only recently been elevated to a Consort position for her diligent service.


    They stood in a line before Xiao Jingheng,


    and the looks in their eyes, once gentle and soft, had been reced by undisguised hatred.


    Zhao Hua, her robes in order, addressed them in a loud voice:


    "Since you are all here, Xiao is also your husband, so you should say your goodbyes to him properly."


    With that, she turned and left the inner chamber without a backward nce.


    Sitting in the Chaoyang Pce, Zhao Hua should have felt a great sense of relief,


    but as she looked at the familiar walls and tiles of the pce, she felt no joy at all.


    She had finally reached this day,


    finally had a so-called resolution with Xiao Jingheng,


    but had she really won?


    The best years of her life had been wasted within these red walls and green tiles,


    what had she truly gained?


    After sighing for an unknown length of time,


    she was suddenly disturbed by themotion outside.


    Zhao Hua frowned and asked, "What''s thatmotion?"


    Only to see the little eunuche running in, kneeling on the ground and trembling as he spoke:


    "Imperial Consort! General Yan has brought many Imperial Guards and stormed in, surrounding the Chaoyang Pce!"


    The General Yan mentioned was Yan Hong, the Marquis of the Cavalry of this dynasty, a close confidant of Xiao Jingheng who held considerable military power.


    He had recently been sent to Wenzhou by Xiao Jingheng, so why would he suddenly return at this time?


    Since the troops had arrived, Zhao Hua had to go see them.


    She decisively rose to her feet and strode out of the pce, with the little eunuch quickly instructing the imperial guards to "Protect the Imperial Consort, and do not let anyone approach her!"


    Once Zhao Hua was escorted out of the Chaoyang Pce by the guards, she looked at the formidable Imperial Guards assembled before her, finally fixing her gaze on the leading General Yan Hong, and sternly asked:


    "General Yan, have you brought these troops to the pce to rebel?"


    Yan Hong raised his hands in salute above his head and dered in a loud voice:


    "I have received secret orders from His Majesty, stating that there are treacherous elements in the pce, a ''hen crowing at dawn,'' intending to plot a rebellion, so I havee to protect His Majesty!"


    "A ''hen crowing at dawn''?" Zhao Hua sneered. "The implication of these words is that His Majesty has told you that this subject intends to rebel? This is an utterly ridiculous joke. This subject is the Empress, and my son is the Crown Prince, what would this subject need to rebel against?"


    As a military general, Yan Hong clearly had no desire to engage in further discourse with Zhao Hua.


    He ced his hand on the sword at his waist, determinedly moving towards the pce,


    but Zhao Hua sharply rebuked him, "His Majesty is currently speaking with the pce consorts inside, if you must go in, you must wait until His Majesty has finished his personal business."


    But Yan Hongpletely ignored Zhao Hua''s words, quickening his pace, about to cross the threshold.


    At this moment, Zhao Hua suddenly drew the sword from one of the imperial guards at her side, swinging it in an arc directly at Yan Hong''s throat.


    This caused an uproar among the troops below, and Yan Hong''s eyes widened in shock.


    Before he could even question her, he heard Zhao Hua''s authoritative voice boom out:


    "If you dare take another step forward, this subject will charge you with the crime of rebellion and have your entire Yan family n exterminated!"

 Chapter 469: The Palace Wall

    <h4>Chapter 469</h4>


    Half an incense time earlier.


    The group ofdies watched as Zhao Hua left the inner chambers, gazing as the heavy gilded rosewood door closed tightly behind him.


    They then turned their attention back to Xiao Jingheng.


    At that moment, Xiao Jingheng was hunched over the desk, his hands straining to prop up his slumped body.


    He scanned the familiar faces before him with fury barely contained:


    "What benefits did Song Zhao offer you, that you would be deceived into conspiring against me!"


    Thedies exchanged nces in silence,


    only responding with mocking smiles at one another.


    Xiao Jingheng knew they wereughing at him, further inming his rage.


    "What are youughing at? Do you think Song Zhao has won against me? I''m not afraid to tell you, I have already summoned Yan Hong back to the capital to lead troops and restore order!


    I imagine at this very moment, he should have already brought men into the Capital City, soon to storm the pce!


    You have all been bewitched by Song Zhao''s lies intomitting these grave errors, a crime punishable by the extermination of your ns! But considering your years of service to me, I can give you a chance to redeem yourselves. As long as you remain obedient, once this storm passes, I vow not to take issue with you!"


    He spoke at length with the arrogance of a victor, prompting Qimu Ge to scratch her ear in annoyance. Turning to Ru Naren, she smiled, "Sister, did you hear something?"


    Ru Naren feigned listening intently beforeughing, "Forgive me, sister, but it sounded like the Pekinese dog I keep in the pce."


    Being likened to a dog was even more infuriating to Xiao Jingheng than being publicly pped.


    He bellowed furiously, "Consort Yin! Consort Ru! Have you lost your minds!?"


    Qimu Gepletely ignored Xiao Jingheng''s incessant barking, continuing to Ru Naren, "The Pekinese is a breed unique to the capital city. You were raised in Mongolia, sister, ustomed torger, fiercer breeds. Dealing with these ill-temperedpdogs may be a challenge.


    But no matter, I have been in the pce since I was eighteen years old, a decade now. I know how to tame the dogs of the capital city. Watch closely, sister."


    She fetched a long, slender curtain rod from the window seat,


    then returned to stand before Xiao Jingheng. Without hesitation, she struck his back forcefully.


    "Ah!!"


    The thinner the rod, the sharper the pain upon impact.


    Xiao Jingheng cried out in agony, drenched in cold sweat.


    Qimu Ge leaned in close, sneering, "What use is Yan Hong entering the pce? Oh, I forgot to mention, my father has already surrounded the Four Guards of the Capital City with the Ada Tribe Army sincest night."


    Ru Naren feigned shock, covering her mouth, "Why, how convenient. My father also surrounded Tongling Pass and Shanhai Pass a few days ago. Yan Hong may rush back to the capital at full gallop, but his troops will arrive at least three or four days behind.


    They will have to battle the Mongolian Army at the borders first and win, before they cane to your rescue. But the Mongolian Army numbers nearly a hundred thousand. If that battle trulymences, your bones may well be cold by the time they settle the victor on the front lines.


    Even if Yan Hong returns now, the men he can call upon are only the three hundred Imperial Guards and the hundred personal guards he brought with him.


    If those four or five hundred men surround Chaoyang Pce, what noise could they possibly make? Enough to eat your feast, perhaps?"


    Initially, though humiliated, Xiao Jingheng was not afraid.


    In his eyes, these pcedies, no matter how much they caused a ruckus, could never amount to more than a storm in a teacup even if they joined forces.


    But upon learning that their families had also allied against him,


    he realized the true gravity of his situation.


    While the Ada Tribe and Mongols as foreigners could be easily swayed by outside influences,


    it was Rongyue''s subsequent words that truly horrified him.


    All these years, Rongyue had presented herself as quiet and reserved, serene and dignified before Xiao Jingheng.


    Yet even now, she spoke to him gently with a cid smile, "Your Majesty, my father the Navy Commander has cut off all waterways for the navy to enter the interiornds. The Capital City is now surrounded, isted bynd and water. Please, calm yourself."


    "You... you all..."


    Xiao Jingheng''s heart raced violently, as if it would cease beating at any moment.


    Fortunately,


    seeing his change in demeanor, Ru Ge hurried to massage his chest, albeit with a hint of anger as she addressed the otherdies,


    "Sisters, you go too far!"


    But before Xiao Jingheng could find sce in those words, Ru Ge whispered in his ear,


    "You always said I was the most gentle and understanding, that you would treat me well. But in the month since I entered the pce, when my mother passed away and my father duly informed the court, not only did you refuse to let me leave to mourn her, you took the guise offorting me to strip me bare, forcing me to engage in lewd acts with you as I held my mother''s memorial rites..."


    Xiao Jingheng panted in protest, "You said you had fancied me for years when you entered the pce. I kept you by my side tofort you after your mother''s death - how is that my fault?"


    "Fancied you? Hah..." Ru Ge scoffed, her voice growing increasingly harsh,


    "The one I fancied was always Prince An, not you... You would have been better off dead!"


    With those words, she shoved him forcefully, sending him crashing to the ground once more.

 Chapter 470: No Boy Boy 01

    <h4>Chapter 470</h4>


    Xiao Jingheng looked at these women who had shared his bed, their faces now beaming with bright smiles that seemed to conceal sharp daggers aimed at taking his life.


    He didn''t understand.


    He was the Son of Heaven, the finest man in this world.


    He had given them status, honor, and everything that would make all women in the world envy them.


    Why then, in the end, did they all hate him to the bone?


    He was the Son of Heaven!


    Xiao Jingheng feebly raised his trembling hand, pointing at them as he gasped:


    "Treacherous ministers and rebels! You are all treacherous ministers and rebels!"


    Qimu Geughed, "A deluded and unvirtuous ruler deserves to be overthrown by all. You just asked what the Empress promised us, didn''t you? The Empress promised that before long, the Crown Prince will ascend the throne, and the Qi Dynasty will permit the North Tribe to secede and establish their own state, and will never invade the Mongols again. She also promised that any consorts who wish to leave the pce can jump out of the red walls and start their lives anew, without having to suffer in the pce until their deaths and be buried with you in the Imperial Tombs."


    "Aiya, sister, why bother exining so much to this wretch?" Ru Naren saidzily through a yawn, ring at Xiao Jingheng with disdain. "You usurped this throne and now you think you deserve to be buried in the Imperial Tombs? You don''t deserve it!"


    Ru Naren had grown up on horseback and was a bold character.


    Now riled up, she grabbed a curtain rod andshed at Xiao Jingheng as if breaking in a wild horse.


    Just as she was indulging in this gratification, someone suddenly seized her wrist from behind.


    "Stop."


    Ru Naren turned to see it was Ning Wanshuang who had restrained her.


    Ning Wanshuang snatched the curtain rod from Ru Naren''s hand and tossed it aside, then quickly strode over to Xiao Jingheng and helped him up.


    Her actions left the other consorts gaping in astonishment.


    "Wanshuang, have you lost your mind? Have you forgotten how he treated your family and your children? At a time like this, you still protect him!?"


    Ning Wanshuang turned a deaf ear to these grating words.


    Only after she had helped Xiao Jingheng lean against the dragon couch did she say coldly to them:


    "I have something to say to the Emperor. Leave."


    "But..."


    "Get out!"


    Some wanted to persuade her further, but seeing Ning Wanshuang''s firm attitude, Rong Yuxin knew the general situation was settled and did not want to obstruct Ning Wanshuang, so she urged everyone to withdraw from the bedchamber.


    Outside, the rain seemed to have subsided somewhat.


    Hearing Xiao Jingheng''s incessant coughing, Ning Wanshuang quickly turned to pour him a cup of warm water, offering it to him with anxious concern:


    "Your Majesty, don''t be upset. Have some water first, soothe your throat."


    Those few near-roars of fury had left Xiao Jingheng''s throat feeling like it had been shed by a knife.


    He gulped down a mouthful of water, then casually set the cup on the small table beside him, took Ning Wanshuang''s hand, and gazed intently into her eyes.


    "Wanr, many things are unknown to others, but you know them clearly. On that day, I intended to spare the lives of your father and brother, and even gave you a life-sparing token so you could go and rescue them. The subsequent ident was not what I wanted to happen. When your father and brother died, the Qi Dynasty lost loyal ministers, and I was deeply grieved. So I orded them full honors after their deaths and did not treat them as criminal ministers. As for the children..."


    Xiao Jingheng swallowed difficultly, then raised his voice slightly, saying with utmost seriousness:


    "I have never harmed our children! Cheng Yu was the doing of thete Empress. The twin boys died by ident, and as for Jin Yue...I had no idea that Xia Ze would use such a sinister method as taking a child''s blood to treat me. Had I known earlier, I would never have allowed it!"


    He was already greatly weakened, yet when saying these words, he appeared exceptionally vigorous.


    Moreover, he kept his gaze fixed on Ning Wanshuang, as if afraid that the slightest diversion of her eyes would reveal his uneasiness.


    Ning Wanshuang, for her part, remained utterly calm.


    She squeezed Xiao Jingheng''s hand and nodded forcefully:


    "I believe you. I have always believed whatever Your Majesty says."


    Indeed, Ning Wanshuang was sincere, and Xiao Jingheng believed she had always been such a naive woman.


    It was precisely for this reason that he saw hope in her.


    He clung to Ning Wanshuang as if she were hisst lifeline, gripping her hand so tightly it hurt.


    "Wanr, listen to me. Song Zhao has gone mad; she only cares about power. She is using all of you! Help me, call Consort Yin and the others back for me. Tell them, whatever Song Zhao promised to give them, I will double it!


    If Consort Yin wants the North Tribe to secede from the Qi Dynasty as an independent state, I can grant her wish. I can even cede some of the Qi Dynasty''s frontiernds to the North Tribe! Only I can give them the greatest benefits! And you..."


    Summoning all his strength, he embraced Ning Wanshuang, his tone full of tenderness.


    "I will execute Song Zhao and Cheng Yu, and make you the Empress. You are still young, and we will have more children together, and our child will be designated as the Crown Prince by me! Wanr, I have been truly good to you, and I know you feel the same way about me. Help me, please?"

 Chapter 471: Farewell Boy 02

    <h4>Chapter 471</h4>


    After hearing what Xiao Jingheng said, Ning Wanshuang felt his embrace was very cold, a chill that sent shivers down her spine.


    Cheng Yu was his own flesh and blood.


    Even if he truly believed that Zhao Hua was unforgivable and wished to kill her to vent his anger, what had the child done wrong?


    If he could so easily speak of executing Cheng Yu,


    one could only imagine how much easier it would have been for him to order the death of her child back then.


    Ning Wanshuang gently pushed against Xiao Jingheng''s chest, freeing herself from his embrace.


    After sitting closely in silence for a while, Ning Wanshuang did not acquiesce to his request. Instead, she rather abruptly asked,


    "Does Your Majesty know what day it is today?"


    Xiao Jingheng was taken aback, "The first of the third month."


    "Your Majesty has forgotten," Ning Wanshuang said with a bitter smile, lowering her eyes. "Eleven years ago on the first of the third month was the day this concubine first met Your Majesty."


    Hearing the hint of sorrow in her words, Xiao Jingheng hastily made amends:


    "I remember. How could I forget such a day?"


    Outside, the thunderstorm seemed to start and stop abruptly.


    The dark clouds dispersed, revealing a clear sky,


    as if the downpour had never happened.


    Ning Wanshuang leaned against Xiao Jingheng''s embrace, her face beaming with happiness.


    She closed her eyes lightly, lost in her reverie of the past.


    "I have always remembered. That year, I apanied my father to the pce and waited for him outside the Guangyang Gate. It was March, the season when the sweet olive blossoms bloom. Countless sweet olive trees were nted near the Guangyang Gate, creating an exquisite sight. On a whim, I danced amid the trees in a drunken reverie. After I finished dancing, I suddenly heard someone pping and praising me from behind.


    When I turned around, I saw Your Majesty standing not far away with hands behind your back, smiling at me warmly. That smile of yours is something I can never forget in this lifetime...


    The pale purple sweet olive petals swirled in the wind, enveloping us in a shower of flowers. You said, ''Thedy dances beautifully, more graceful than the flowers themselves. May I have the honor of knowing your name?''


    My face flushed instantly, and I shyly lowered my head, watching my hesitant feet kicking at the small stones, weakly replying, ''This humble woman is of the Ning family, with the courtesy name Wanshuang.''"


    The sweet smile on her lips was pure, as if she had been dipped in honey her entire life, untouched by the bitterness of the mundane world.


    "This concubine has been by Your Majesty''s side all these years, every detail etched into my heart, never to be forgotten. But what of Your Majesty? I suppose you must have forgotten it all long ago?"


    Ning Wanshuang spoke these heartfelt words, but Xiao Jingheng did not hear a single one.


    Instead, consumed by thoughts of life and death, he found her sentimental words rather irksome.


    But he still had to humor Ning Wanshuang, putting his arm around her slim shoulders and gently replying:


    "I remember, I remember it all."


    At that moment,


    Xiao Jingheng suddenly heard the sound ofmotion and argumenting from outside the pce halls.


    He knew it must be Yan Hong leading the soldiers to break in!


    Xiao Jingheng was overjoyed. Instinctively, he pushed Ning Wanshuang away from his embrace, throwing off the covers and excitedly shouting:


    "Wanshuang, did you hear that? It''s Yan Hong! He hase to save me!"


    As he stepped onto the floor with one foot, he felt as if he were stepping on cotton, unable to exert any force.


    He quickly turned back to Ning Wanshuang with a smile, saying:


    "Wanshuang, help me up! I need to... cough... cough cough..."


    As he spoke, Xiao Jingheng felt a violent, unbearable pain wrenching his stomach, causing him to cough uncontrobly while covering his mouth.


    Suddenly, he became rmed by the ominous warmth and moisture seeping into his cupped palm.


    Slowly, he moved his hand away to look down,


    finally seeing the ring ssh of red spreading across his palm.


    His heart skipped a beat as he looked up at Ning Wanshuang in shock, his lips trembling as he uttered:


    "Wan... Wanshuang?"


    "Does it hurt?" Ning Wanshuang asked with concern, then very calmly picked up the bowl and cup that Xiao Jingheng had ced on the small table earlier.


    She presented them before Xiao Jingheng, swirling them slightly, and said in a t tone:


    "This concubine forgot to tell Your Majesty, I added a lethal dose of realgar to the water."

 Chapter 472: Farewell Boy 03

    <h4>Chapter 472</h4>


    In the long silence within the pce hall,


    Xiao Jingheng stumbled backward and copsed onto the couch, with fresh blood constantly surging out from his lungs, spilling from the corners of his mouth,


    yet hecked even the strength to raise a hand to wipe it away.


    Perhaps knowing that his death was now inevitable, after a brief moment of shock, he actually felt a sense of relief.


    He gazed calmly at Ning Wanshuang, and after a short while, said weakly:


    "You trulyck skill. If I die from poisoning, the coroners will uncover the truth upon examination, and you too will die."


    "Die? Does Your Majesty think death is what I fear?" Ning Wanshuang countered, not waiting for Xiao Jingheng''s reply before continuing:


    "In my view, I was already dead when my beloved ruler issued the order to behead my father and brothers, and personally ughtered our children. Your Majesty killed me long ago, so why would I fear death now?"


    She spoke these words with great calm, then picked up a bowl, intending to drink the deadly poison herself.


    Perhaps misinterpreting her raised hand as an attempt to poison him further,


    the already weakened Xiao Jingheng, spurred by instinct, violently shoved Ning Wanshuang, causing the bowl in her hand to shatter on the floor, sttering shards and liquid.


    Ning Wanshuang looked on in bewilderment, unable to react before hearing Xiao Jingheng''s coldughter:


    "No, you will not die. Song Zhao has unmatched skills - she managed to rescue Princess Dowager Jinggui and Prince An right under my nose, so she can surely keep you alive too. But there is one thing I wish to ask you clearly."


    As he spoke, he tried to grasp Ning Wanshuang''s hand, but she nimbly evaded him,


    leaving him to clench his fist dejectedly before sighing bitterly:


    "Was it Song Zhao whopelled you to poison me, or did you act of your own true will?"


    Ning Wanshuang lowered her eyes and said with conviction:


    "Your Majesty should know that no one canpel me to do what I am unwilling to do."


    Xiao Jingheng fell silent for a moment, then slowly nodded: "I understand."


    Ning Wanshuang could no longer recall how long it had been since shest had a private conversation with Xiao Jingheng like this,


    for such ordinary days of the past could now only resurface at the precipice of life and death, evoking profound mncholy.


    She took a handkerchief from her waist and gently wiped the blood from Xiao Jingheng''s lips, then softly said:


    "There is something Your Majesty may not yet know. The deaths of Princess Jinggui and Princess Chenghuan were no ident - Chenghuan sought to harm Cheng Yu out of jealousy, but instead mistakenly killed Jinggui and Chenghuan. As for Chenghuan''s death, it was because I substituted the medicine he took daily, leading to his terminal illness.


    I am not Chenghuan''s birth mother, but the love I poured into him was no less than what I felt for Jin Yue. Though I have read few books, I understand well the principles of being human. A life for a life, a debt repaid - these are naturalws. Many wrongs cannot be easily erased with a simple apology once harm has been done.


    So on that day, I personally bid farewell to Chenghuan, ending his sins and allowing him to depart in peace. Just as today, I will personally bid farewell to Your Majesty."


    Upon hearing this, Xiao Jingheng had much he wished to say, but the words died on his lips as he suddenly felt it unnecessary.


    He merely smiled weakly and waved his hand feebly,


    "Enough, enough. I have offered many high-sounding excuses to conceal my despicable side. I am the Son of Heaven, I should be perfection itself - how could I let my subjects see me in such a pathetic state? Thus one mistake after another, covered up and hidden away, leading to the suffering of so many. Like your father and brothers, like our children... I have wronged them, and I have wronged you."


    Ning Wanshuang never imagined she would hear such words from Xiao Jingheng''s mouth.


    In her view, he had always been an extremely arrogant man,


    the kind who, even when in the wrong, could me the entire world instead,


    the kind who, now admitting his faults and confessing to her, was almost unrecognizable.


    In a daze, she saw Xiao Jingheng struggle to raise his hand, as if intending to caress her cheek.


    And this time, she did not evade him, sitting still and allowing it.


    His rough fingertips traced across Ning Wanshuang''s no longer delicate skin, and he could not help butment:


    "In this life, if speaking of love, you alone have stirred such feeling in me. But for the sake of ruling, for solidifying my throne, I had no choice but to exploit you, to hurt you time and again. Until I had thoroughly broken your heart, causing an irreparable rift between us. This conclusion we have reached today is perhaps my just punishment."


    Ning Wanshuang shook her head with a bitter smile, "What meaning is there in Your Majesty saying such things now? Whether we wish it or not, we have alreadye to this point. And ultimately, it was you who betrayed my true heart."


    Her hand slowly moved to rest atop Xiao Jingheng''s, gently guiding it away from her cheek,


    "You should know that true love is among the rarest things in this world. And you obtained it all too easily, so you never learned to cherish it."

 Chapter 473: Don’t Be Boy 04

    <h4>Chapter 473</h4>


    As Ning Wanshuang mentioned her wasted true love, Xiao Jingheng was struck with a sense of bewilderment.


    He recalled his former self, how he had yearned so desperately for love and to be loved, yet in the end, all he sought was unfulfilled.


    He let out a bitterugh and sighed, "In this life, people constantly pursue love and self-actualization. If one cannot be attained, they be even more fixated on grasping the other.


    From a young age, I craved love but never received it, so I focused all my thoughts on bing an heir apparent, a wise ruler. I wanted everyone in this world to bow before me, I... didn''t want to be looked down upon anymore."


    He gazed out the window,


    watching as the fresh rain dyed the deep red walls the color of blood, suddenly feeling as though it was a surging sea of blood that would drown and submerge him.


    Pce maidens often said, "Once you enter the pce gates, it''s as deep as the sea," confining their entire lives within these four walls.


    But he, at the center of the vortex of power, was he not also trapped within it?


    In the end, the imperial authority he had pursued his entire life was merely exchanging one prison for another.


    And this prison wasmonly known as desire.


    Xiao Jingheng said in a mncholic tone, "My birth mother was jealous and overbearing, she ughtered the concubines and imperial heirs, causing the Former Emperor to despise and execute her.


    The Former Emperor rejected my mother, and by extension, me, as he did not favor me.


    I still remember when I was nine years old, apanying the Former Emperor to the autumn hunt. I fell from my horse and broke my right leg, the pain was excruciating. But the Former Emperor merely nced at me from his saddle, coldly remarking ''useless'' before personally leading my Fourth Brother and the others on the hunt."


    Recounting this buried memory, Xiao Jingheng sounded as fragile as a child, his voice gradually weakening, slightly choked with sobs,


    "I will never forget the way he looked at me then, so cold, so disdainful, as if he wished I were not his son."


    He tightly closed his eyes, forcefully holding back the moisture gathering in his eyes.


    When he opened them again, his gaze was filled with a grayish destion.


    "And then there was the Empress Dowager. She treated me well, to the point that I always felt she truly regarded me as her own flesh and blood. But one day, I overheard her telling the Former Emperor, ''Jingheng''s thoughts are too heavy, his temperament is simply unsuitable to be an heir apparent. Jinglian or Jing Xuan would be far better choices.''


    Only then did I realize that all her kindness towards me was merely superficial. She would make Fourth Brother practice martial arts in the rain while allowing me to rest in the pce, iming it was to prevent me from falling ill in the rain.


    When I studied by candlelight at night, she would bring me milkced with a sedative, insisting I drink it and sleep early, concerned I would overtax myself. Yet she permitted Fourth Brother to read until dawn without a moment''s rest...


    I knew then that Fourth Brother was her true son whom she pinned her hopes on, while I was merely the ''leftover'' of a ''monstrous concubine.'' In her eyes, providing me with food and clothing was already treating me extremely well. In return, I had to be a qualified ornament, an ornament to highlight Fourth Brother''s superiority.


    It was then that I understood a truth - after my birth mother''s death, no one in this world would truly love me. Anyone who imed to love me had ulterior motives."


    His voice grew weaker, to the point that even though Ning Wanshuang was right beside him, she had to strain to hear some of his words.


    "So... I no longer wished to give my true heart to others, nor did I hope for anyone''s sincere affection. What I aimed for was to climb step by step to the highest position. I always thought that as long as I became the Son of Heaven, no one in this world would defy me or look down on me. The higher one climbs, the lonelier it is, so those in power do not need love. But there was an unexpected development."


    Xiao Jingheng shifted his gaze back from the window to Ning Wanshuang''s face,


    smiling as purely as when they first met, untainted by any impurities.


    "The unexpected was that I met you. You showed me that I was still worthy of being wholeheartedly loved. It''s just a pity that by then, I had no path of return. Your father and brothers knew the secret of how I attained the throne, so they had to die..."


    "It was toote... everything was toote..." Xiao Jingheng shook his head in anguish. Suddenly, he tightly grasped Ning Wanshuang''s hand and asked in a pleading tone he had never used before, "If there is a next life, and I am born into an ordinary family, would you still be willing to..."


    He left the rest unspoken, too embarrassed to voice it.


    Ning Wanshuang merely gazed at him silently, watching as he coughed up blood, went mad, and smiled.


    "I know I have wronged you terribly, and you no longer wish to have anything to do with me. In this life, I have brought you suffering, and my stubborn pursuit has amounted to nothing but a dream..."


    He lowered his head, his gaze fixed on the ink jade ring adorning his right thumb,


    the only gift the Former Emperor had given him, and a piece of jewelry he had never removed for over a decade.


    Now, Xiao Jingheng gently caressed the ring.


    His movements slowed bit by bit, his breathing calmed inch by inch, as if he had simply fallen asleep.


    It was only when he becamepletely still that Ning Wanshuang leaned down and rested her head on his chest.


    The familiar, powerful heartbeat from before was now eerily silent.


    She slowly closed her eyes as tears flowed uncontrobly, murmuring a disconnected phrase,


    "Wanshuang... is willing."

 Chapter 474: The Emperor Is Dead

    <h4>Chapter 474</h4>


    "If you dare to take one step forward again, this pce will use you of treason and exterminate your entire Yan family!"


    Zhao Hua''s sword was pointed at Yan Hong''s throat, which momentarily subdued him.


    As a military general, he was ustomed to battlefield killings, but he was astonished to find a woman like Zhao Hua daring to confront him with a sword.


    After regaining hisposure, Yan Hong suddenly grabbed Zhao Hua''s de, causing a deep and long cut on his palm, blood dripping down the cold steel.


    Seemingly oblivious to the pain, he tightened his grip even more, "Is the Empress trying to stop me from protecting the emperor because she has ulterior motives?"


    In the midst of the dispute, soldiers from both sides were ready for battle at any moment.


    *Squeak*


    Suddenly, the door to the inner chamber was pushed open.


    Hearing themotion, everyone''s gaze turned towards Ning Wanshuang, who walked out alone with her head held high.


    Facing the astonished crowd, she calmly approached Zhao Hua and stood by her side before coldly addressing everyone, "No need to protect the emperor anymore. His Majesty has ascended to the heavens."


    Her words caused an uproar, and Yan Hong pushed aside Zhao Hua''s sword, confronting Ning Wanshuang, demanding, "What did you say?"


    Ning Wanshuang met his intense gaze with indifference, casually stating, "I said, the Emperor is dead. And I killed him with poison."


    Her words were so casual, as if the Emperor''s death was inconsequential, like that of an insignificant animal.


    Zhao Hua''s heart clenched upon hearing her words.


    Firstly, she never expected Ning Wanshuang to take matters into her own hands and kill Xiao Jingheng at such a critical moment.


    Secondly, now that she had spoken these words in front of Yan Hong, if Xiao Jingheng''s poisoning were to be confirmed, Ning Wanshuang would have no way out.


    To protect Ning Wanshuang, Zhao Hua had to steady herself and loudly rebuke her, "Empress Dowager, you must not speak nonsense. His Majesty was gravely ill and unable to bear the suffering. He once told me he wanted a swift end, and you simply granted his wish?"


    Ning Wanshuang smiled but didn''t answer, pushing through the crowd and leaving without looking back.


    Yan Hong couldn''t let her leave like this. He quickly stepped forward and grabbed her arm, blocking her path, "Empress Dowager, I''m afraid you can''t leave at this moment!"


    Ning Wanshuang nced back at him with a cold gaze, taunting, "You don''t need to stop me. With these high pce walls surrounding me, where can I go? The investigation hasn''t started yet, and you, a former general of the previous dynasty, have no authority to meddle in harem affairs. If you want to use me, wait until there is concrete evidence that the Emperor was poisoned with Crimson Crest Poison, then it won''t be toote toe after me."


    With a forceful shake, she broke free from Yan Hong''s grip and walked out of the Chaoyang Pce.


    At this moment, the concubines attending to the emperor''s illness, the historians recording events, and countless pce maids and eunuchs rushed into the inner chamber.


    Yan Hong couldn''t afford to dy for a moment and hurried inside to check on Xiao Jingheng''s condition.


    At this time, Zhao Hua couldn''t chase after Ning Wanshuang to get some rity.


    She must stay, awaiting Xiao Yinzi to present Xiao Jingheng''s posthumous decree, stabilizing the court''s situation before discussing other matters.


    Moreover, if it''s indeed revealed that Xiao Jingheng''s death was caused by Ning Wanshuang, then Zhao Hua can also promptly consider countermeasures.


    She instructed Xiao Fuzi in a low voice, saying:


    "Inform the guards under my brother''smand, if Yan Hong insists on holding Ning Wanshuang ountable, I am willing to resort to rebellion to protect her!"


    Xiao Fuzi repeatedly agreed and promptly went to carry out the task.


    Meanwhile, Zhao Hua, supported by Yun Shan, slowly made her way to the inner chamber.


    At the doorstep, Zhao Hua already heard the continuous sobbinging from the inner chamber.


    As she pushed the door open and entered, Xiao Yinzi, kneeling by Xiao Jingheng''s bedside, turned around hastily to kowtow to her, crying:


    "Empress! The Emperor... has passed away!"


    Upon hearing this, Zhao Hua''s legs went weak, stumbling for a moment.


    Fortunately, the attendants around her steadied her, preventing her from falling to the ground.


    With steps as heavy as lead, sheboriously walked to Xiao Jingheng''s bedside.


    Looking at the person lying quietly on the bed, a myriad of emotions flooded Zhao Hua''s heart.


    She recalled the verdant days she had spent with Xiao Jingheng when she first entered the pce.


    At that time, she had indeed, for a moment, believed that Xiao Jingheng was a man worthy of entrusting her lifetime to.


    Now that her beloved had passed away, with their marriage dissolved, she could only kneel on the ground in shock, grasping Xiao Jingheng''s cold and stiff hand, unable to hold back her tears, murmuring:


    "Xiao Lang... Your Majesty!"


    In the first day of the third month of the tenth year of Qiyuan, Emperor Qilong, Xiao Jingheng, passed away at the age of thirty-one.

 Chapter 475: Xin Yi Hua Luo

    <h4>Chapter 475</h4>


    That night,


    The entire imperial pce was submerged in the wailing sounds, as if mountains and seas were pouring down.


    Amidst this noise, after returning to the pce, Ning Wanshuang changed into ake-blue long dress.


    The dress differed from her usual favorite colors of yellow, red, and purple: not as vibrant, but rather appearing quite in.


    Yet when she wore this dress, with her hair simply tied in a bun with a silver hairpin, she did not seem out of ce. Instead, she gained an air of pure, unadorned beauty.


    Ning Wanshuang rarely dressed like this, and even Liu Yue felt that this attire suited her much better than her usual morous makeup.


    Or perhaps, this was her true self?


    After entering the pce, everyone inevitably became entangled in endless struggles and countless insidious harms.


    Perhaps Ning Wanshuang was not that formidable, but she had to pretend to be, so that no one would dare bully her.


    Liu Yue said softly, "Your Majesty, this dress is very in, but with the Emperor''s passing, the entire pce is in mourning white. Thiske-blue color stands out too much among the white. Perhaps..."


    But before she could finish, Ning Wanshuang had already hurried out of the pce gates.


    She almost ran along the long streets. The pce maids who saw her lowered their heads and avoided her, but after she had gone, they inevitably gossiped about her.


    Liu Yue followed closely behind her, anxiously saying:


    "Your Majesty, where are you going? It''s deep night, and the whole pce is in mourning for the Emperor''s passing. Your Majesty should not wander around!"


    She nagged like this the whole way, but Ning Wanshuang did not hear a single word.


    Only when she entered the Guangyang Gate and saw the Magnolia flowers blooming there did she finally stop and smile contentedly.


    She closed her eyes, deeply inhaling the fragrant scent, then turned around and smiled brightly like a child, asking Liu Yue,


    "Do I look good in this dress?"


    Liu Yue nodded vigorously, "Beautiful! But it seems I''ve never seen Your Majesty wear it before."


    Ning Wanshuang yed with the hem of her dress, saying half-proudly, "This is the dress I wore when I first met the Emperor."


    A breeze blew,


    scattering Magnolia petals all around.


    The pale purple petals fluttered around Ning Wanshuang, close enough for her to touch, but they quickly slipped through her fingers.


    She asked Liu Yue, "Do you know why I like Magnolia flowers?"


    Liu Yue pursed her lips, guessing, "Perhaps because the flowers are beautiful and fragrant?"


    Ning Wanshuang shook her head with a smile, "Not quite. It''s also because these flowers bloom before the leaves appear, so the tree is either covered in pale purple blossoms or fresh green leaves. Unlike other flowers, they don''t have a mix of red and green, but I''ve always felt that this singr color is what makes them beautiful.


    If we liken them to people, it''s as if one''s heart can only hold one person, unable to bear any other distractions, no matter how splendid."


    Later, the evening breeze gradually grew stronger.


    Ning Wanshuang danced freely amidst the falling petals, murmuring a soft chant,


    "Only now do I realize my mistake back then, my heart lost in mncholy."


    "Tears of red secretly fall, spring winds fill my eyes with regrets."


    "I know there''s no way forward, yet I force myself to anticipate joy."


    "After this parting, the Magnolia petals have all fallen, the moon drifting westward."


    Upon finishing her chant, she suddenly copsed amidst the scattered petals.


    Liu Yue thought she had tripped and fell, so she hurried to help her up.


    But then,


    She saw dark blood trickling from the corner of Ning Wanshuang''s lips.


    Liu Yue panicked, "Oh no! Your Majesty, what''s wrong? Someone, quick, someonee!"


    Ning Wanshuangy in Liu Yue''s arms, her hand naturally falling to the ground, easily grasping a petal stained with mud.


    She gazed at it silently, smiling silently.


    In a daze, she seemed to hear someone pping behind her.


    Looking back, through the hazy moonlight, she saw Xiao Jingheng.


    The young man exuded vigor and uprightness,


    Gazing at her from afar, he gave her a warm smile.


    Just like the first time they met here on the first day of the third month, eleven years ago.


    Back then, Xiao Jingheng had not yet ascended the throne,


    And back then, Ning Wanshuang was simply Ning Wanshuang.


    On the first day of the third month in the tenth year of the Qiyuan era, Imperial Consort Ning Wanshuang passed away at the age of twenty-seven.

 Chapter 476: Untitled

    <h4>Chapter 476</h4>


    In the eighth day of the third month of the tenth year of Qiyuan, during the seven-day mourning period for Emperor Qilong, the court officials knelt to escort the former emperor to his tomb.


    Before the court, the chief eunuch Xiao Yinzi presented thete emperor''s testament, which stated:


    "Crown Prince Cheng Xu, virtuous and filial, endowed with wisdom since youth, is fit to ascend to the throne. Let all civil and military officials inside and outside the court assist him wholeheartedly to fulfill my aspirations."


    Crown Prince Cheng Xu was appointed by thete emperor himself, and the testament bore thete emperor''s own handwriting, with the chief eunuch as witness, leaving no doubt for the ministers.


    On that day, Crown Prince Cheng Xu ascended the throne in front of thete emperor''s spirit.


    Empress Zhao Hua was also honored as the Empress Dowager on the same day, with the posthumous title of Kind and Diligent Empress Dowager.


    Empress Zhao Hua, at the age of twenty-two, was the youngest empress dowager since the founding of the Qilong Dynasty.


    As the funerary chamber of thete emperor was enshrined in the imperial tomb, Empress Zhao Hua showed unusually sorrowful emotions, nearly fainting in deep grief.


    The civil and military officials all praised the deep affection between the emperor and empress, but few knew that Zhao Hua''s tears were not shed for the emperor but for the guilty concubine, Ning Wanshuang.


    Imperial Noble Consort Ning Wanshuang poisoned the former emperor, and the evidence was irrefutable, leaving no room for doubt.


    Although Ning Wanshuang had taken her own life out of fear of punishment, her remains were still cold.


    The next day, Xiao Yinzi entered the Xian Shou Pce to seek Empress Zhao Hua''s decree on how to bury Ning Wanshuang.


    Zhao Hua said, "Ning Wanshuang poisoned the former emperor with a wicked heart. How can she still be honored as the Imperial Noble Consort? Let her be demoted to amoner, not listed in the records of imperial consorts, and buried hastily in her family''s ancestral tomb."


    Xiao Yinzi agreed repeatedly, "Empress Dowager''s mercy is giving Ning Wanshuang some dignity after death."


    Seeing his anxious expression, it was obvious he had a lot on his mind. After some hesitation, he finally mustered the courage to say to Zhao Hua:


    "Empress Dowager, this humble servant dares to ask about one matter. The position of chief eunuch serving in the imperial court is yet to be decided... "


    His words were a subtle reminder to Zhao Hua of the promise she had made to him earlier.


    Zhao Hua smiled faintly and said slowly,


    "The selection for the position of chief eunuch has been made. Xiao Fuzi will assume the role next month."


    "Xiao Fuzi?" Xiao Yinzi was taken aback, feeling somewhat out of ce. "But Empress Dowager, you clearly said..."


    "You need not remind me of what I said to you in the past. I have an excellent memory and do not forget. But now, I have a question for you. Did you know about the incident when the blood of Princess Gu Lun was extracted by thete emperor?"


    "Well..." Xiao Yinzi stuttered, his gaze bing evasive. It was obvious he dared not answer the question directly.


    He knew about the blood extraction from Jin Yue and Ruo Xin, as he served Xiao Jingheng up close.


    But at that time, he chose to conceal the matter and not inform Zhao Hua.


    Calcting privately, if he were to inform Zhao Hua about this matter, she would surely find a reason to keep Jin Yue and Ruo Xin away from Xiao Jingheng, and with Xiao Jingheng''s suspicion, he would inevitably suspect something about Zhao Hua.


    Apart from Xiao Jingheng, only Xia Ze and he knew about the use of virgin blood to cure the dragon body.


    When the truth came out, Xiao Jingheng would definitely suspect him.


    This time, considering the immense danger involved, it might be wiser to feign ignorance and stay silent.


    After all, it''s just a matter of drawing blood, unlikely to result in loss of life.


    The treatment will onlyst a month, and as long as we can keep this hidden for that duration, Zhao Hua may never find out about it in her lifetime.


    From Xiao Yinzi''s perspective, handling the situation in this manner minimizes risk and maximizes benefits, avoiding offense on either side.


    Seeing him remain silent for a while, Zhao Hua spoke first,


    "The key to survival in the pce is to understand when to steer with the wind and to protect oneself wisely. I understand all this. You''ve been following me in secret, but in reality, you''re like a reed swaying with the wind, trying to please both sides. I can understand your position. But for someone like you, do you think I can trust leaving you by the new emperor''s side?"


    Although Xiao Yinzi hadn''t been with Zhao Hua for long, he knew her to be decisive, more so than many men.


    Now that Zhao Hua had seen through his thoughts, he paled with fear, immediately kneeling before her and repeatedly kowtowing,


    "Your Majesty, please spare my life! I know my mistake!"


    Zhao Hua nced at him, her tone calm as she said,


    "Get up. I won''t kill you. Instead, I''ll give you enough money to ensure afortable life for the rest of your days, allowing you to leave the pce and live with dignity. Serving in the pce for a lifetime, even if it''s morous, is still just being a servant. With this matter between us, there will inevitably be resentment, and you''ll have to constantly worry about your own safety. Isn''t that exhausting?


    You''re a smart person; you should know when the y is over. Some can continue to stay on the stage, while others must exit."


    What do eunuchs seek during their lifetime in the pce?


    Isn''t it just to live as decently as possible, earn as much as they can each month, and when the timees to retire, to enjoy their remaining years?


    Now, Zhao Hua has granted Xiao Yinzi everything he sought in life. Naturally, he epted with gratitude.


    Seeing his tearful gratitude towards her, after repeatedly kowtowing seven or eight times, he sincerely said,


    "Your Majesty, many officials from the previous dynasty have some reservations about your assumption of power behind the curtain. You need to be careful in dealing with them."


    Zhao Hua smiled lightly and nodded, "Thank you for reminding me of these matters. You may leave."


    As Xiao Yinzi bowed to take his leave, Yun Shan passed by him, standing before Zhao Hua, bowing respectfully before saying,


    "Miss, the consorts are all here. They are waiting for you in the main hall."

 Chapter 477: The Golden Cage is Broken

    <h4>Chapter 477</h4>


    The main hall of Xian Shou Pce was considerablyrger than Feng Luan Pce.


    In fact, these two pces were originally the same size, but after Zhao Hua moved in, she had the Buddha statues and shrines enshrined in the main hall transferred to the Ten Buddha Hall at Cloud Terrace, making this space appear much more open and spacious now.


    At this moment, the women seated in the hall had varied expressions on their faces.


    Some appeared serene and smiling, while others looked gloomy and distressed.


    Among them were many neers who had just entered the pce and had not yet served in the imperial bedchamber, destined to live the rest of their lives as perpetual widows.


    Most of them, however, had willingly squeezed their way into the pce in pursuit of glory and riches, like moths drawn to a me, and now faced this oue. Who could they me but themselves?


    After they paid respects to Zhao Hua, she gestured for them to take their seats.


    "For those former pcedies, maids-in-waiting, and nobles, I will bestow upon you the rank of Imperial Consort, allowing you to spend your twilight years in the pce with the monthly stipend of a consort."


    She paused, then added an unnecessary question:


    "Or if any of you still harbor feelings for thete Emperor and wish to guard his tomb, I shall also grant you permission."


    Her words were met with silence in the hall.


    Those who had once ttered and curried favor with Xiao Jingheng now found their efforts moot with his passing.


    Zhao Hua smiled wistfully and continued:


    "As Imperial Consorts, you will no longer need to follow the rule of attending morning and evening court sessions as you did when you were Consorts. Instead, you may choose your preferred activities within the pce. I will also permit your family members to visit you once a year for a reunion."


    The women replied in unison, "We are deeply grateful for the Empress Dowager''s benevolence."


    Zhao Hua smiled faintly and nodded. "Thete Emperor''s funeral has just concluded, and you all must be weary. Let us adjourn for today."


    The women paid their respects and prepared to leave, but a few remained seated, unwilling to depart.


    Once most had left, Qimu Ge let out a short sigh and said wistfully:


    "Finally, we have waited for this day. In the past, I always thought that once he was gone, I would feel relieved. But somehow,st night, I still dreamed of him... To be honest, which of us women did not give our true hearts to thete Emperor? But now that we mention this, it all seems like a fleeting dream."


    Ru Naren said, "Speaking of regrets, I truly feel sorry for Sister Ning. Sisters, why did she go to such lengths? Thete Emperor was already doomed, yet she insisted on poisoning him... Now, in the end, she has lost her own life as well."


    Upon hearing this, Zhao Hua smiled bitterly and said softly, "She has found her release."


    Ru Naren did not understand. "As long as one is alive, there is still hope. Now that she is dead, isn''t everything lost? Sister Ning was not even afraid of death - what was she so afraid of in life?"


    Indeed, as long as one is alive, there is still hope.


    But for someone who has experienced utter despair,


    is living really better?


    If Ning Wanshuang were still alive, she would likely spend the rest of her life consumed by guilt towards her family, resentment towards her lover, and remorse towards her children.


    For her, perhaps death was the better oue.


    The past is now behind her, and with herst breath, this life of hers hase to an end. If she could not hope for a sweet ending, may she find peace and protection in her next life, free from the torments of this mortal world.


    Whenever Zhao Hua discussed Ning Wanshuang, she still felt a pang of sorrow, her eyes brimming with tears.


    Not wishing to shed tears in public, she turned to Qimu Ge and Ru Naren and changed the subject lightheartedly:


    "I had promised that after this matter is resolved, I would allow both of you to return to your hometowns. We can merely say that you have gone to mourn thete Emperor. No one will question a dead man."


    "It is time to leave," Qimu Ge said with a dashing smile, a glimmer of hope in her eyes. "It has been years since I rode a horse, and just thinking about it makes my bones feel weak."


    Ru Naren also smiled in agreement, "Yes, yes, when you have time, Sister, you muste to Mongolia. I will treat you to the tenderest beef and mutton, and take you to the Gegent Grasnd to watch the sunrise. We can ride horses and drink amid the waving grass!"


    Qimu Ge nodded vigorously and high-fived her in perfect ord.


    "It''s a deal!"


    The two of them had grown up on the grasnds, and without Xiao Jingheng''s interference, they had be good friends.


    As they joked andughed, Zhao Hua cast an envious nce at Ru Ge, who was seated nearby, and softly asked her, "What about you, Sister Nn? Do you wish to return home?"


    Ru Ge looked at Zhao Hua in surprise, and after a long pause, she timidly said, "Can I?"


    "Of course," Zhao Hua smiled warmly. "However, you can no longer use the surname Nn. You will have to live in obscurity. You are a wonderful girl, and perhaps in the not-too-distant future, you will encounter a man who truly cherishes you."


    These seemingly simple words were filled with aforting power.


    Ru Ge was an introverted and sensitive soul. At this moment, she nodded with tears in her eyes, choked with emotion. After a while, she struggled to say, "Thank you, Sister Zhao Hua!"


    These women, who had lived their entire lives bound by etiquette and rules, had finally found the courage to stand up against the oppression of imperial power over women - a truly remarkable feat.


    And Zhao Hua had promised them all a fulfilling conclusion.


    These beautiful flowers deserved to bloom in lush valleys and by clear springs,


    not trapped in this gilded cage for others'' amusement.


    Later that day, Zhao Hua dismissed the others but kept Rongyue behind.


    The two sisters looked at each other, their unspoken understanding apparent.


    Zhao Hua yfully teased Rongyue, "Sister Rong... no, wait. I should call you Sister-inw now."


    "Zhao Hua!" Rongyue chided her with a flushed face. "What nonsense are you saying......"


    "How is it nonsense?"


    Zhao Hua arched an eyebrow and gestured behind Rongyue, saying softly:


    "Sister, look who has arrived."


    Rongyue was momentarily taken aback.


    As she slowly turned around and made eye contact with the person behind her, her pupils trembled, and tears streamed down her face.

 Chapter 478: Once upon a Time

    <h4>Chapter 478</h4>


    Back then,


    Xiao Jingyan was dressed in a light blue bamboo-patterned casual attire, wearing a white jade hairpin and cap, with a de of grass hanging from his mouth, leaning against the doorframe with a roguish smile.


    He still had that unkempt look that Zhao Hua found unsightly, but after months apart, he remained handsome and vigorous.


    His bright eyes met Zhao Hua''s gaze briefly before softening with affection as they rested on Rongyue, unwilling to shift even an inch.


    It was unclear who had taken more steps towards whom,


    but by the time Zhao Hua regained her senses, she saw that Rongyue had already melted into Xiao Jingyan''s embrace, weeping tears of joy.


    Xiao Jingyan gently stroked Rongyue''s back to soothe her, then nced mischievously at Zhao Hua, shaking his head as he pointed to Rongyue and mouthed:


    "Your sister-inw... is such a crybaby."


    Zhao Hua couldn''t help but smile, silently watching the couple, musing:


    Xiao Jingyan was once Rongyue''s young love,


    and after all the storms they had weathered, they could finally embrace each other without restraint, no longer young.


    This scene also made Zhao Hua think of many others,


    of Ning Wanshuang, of Shang Yang, and of herself.


    In the end, all the bitterness faded into a genuine sigh:


    How wonderful.


    She said, "I have arranged a residence for you in Yun City. Sister Rongyue, after all these years of yearning in the pce, you have finally achieved your wish and be united with your brother.


    Since we depart tomorrow, and the Former Emperor also retires tomorrow, stay the night at the Xian Shou Pce. I have arranged for avish feast tonight as a sendoff for you both."


    Seeing the couple''s affection, Zhao Hua did not wish to disturb them. She motioned for Yun Shan to assist her as she stood, casually saying,


    "It''s a beautiful clear day. Come, apany me for a walk."


    As they passed Xiao Jingyan, she stopped, yfully rising on her toes to pat his shoulder and said with feigned seriousness,


    "If you dare mistreat Sister Rongyue in the slightest, this princess will make you pay!"


    "Understood, my dear sister princess," Xiao Jingyan teased, flicking her brow in return.


    "Ow..."


    Zhao Hua winced, furrowing her brow as she clutched her forehead.


    The next moment, she threw a ''fierce'' punch at Xiao Jingyan''s chest.


    Having vented, the siblings exchanged a smile, neither saying anything sentimental.


    Zhao Hua gave them time to be alone.


    She had meant to take a stroll through the Imperial Garden with Yun Shan, but upon reaching the courtyard, she spotted a familiar figure sitting alone under a schr tree,


    casually weeding the flowerbeds.


    After a moment''s thought, Zhao Hua called out from behind,


    "Madam Jing?"


    She should have addressed Xiao Jingyan''s mother as Noble Consort Jing,


    but what imprisoned woman would enjoy such a title?


    Madam Jing turned at the sound, smiling kindly when her eyes met Zhao Hua''s.


    Out of respect for her elders, Zhao Hua bowed slightly,


    "It has been months, Madam Jing. I hope you have been well?"


    Madam Jing nodded faintly, "Thanks to the princess'' efforts, all is well."


    Zhao Hua smiled in response, and in the ensuing silence, Madam Jing spoke first:


    "Princess... would you spare me thepany of a stroll?"


    Zhao Hua blinked, her smile deepening as she hastily nodded, "Of course."


    Though initially strangers, their intertwined fates had brought these two women to walk side-by-side, reminiscing.


    Zhao Hua listened quietly as Madam Jing recounted her past with the Former Emperor, stories of Xiao Jingyan''s youth, and... her unspeakable history with Song Shicheng.


    At the end, Madam Jing could not help but sigh heavily,


    "So many years have passed, and for things beyond my control, I was imprisoned for a lifetime. It seems hardly worth it."


    She lifted her head, bathed in the warm sunlight, her smile weary yet radiant,


    "It is time to let go."


    Zhao Hua said, "Madam Jing was never at fault. There is no need to me and punish yourself for others'' mistakes."


    Madam Jing nodded in agreement, then turned her gaze slowly towards Zhao Hua, asking softly:


    "And you? Have you let go?"


    The sun shone beautifully today, reminiscent of countless afternoons in her youth, sitting under the courtyard tree as her mother told stories.


    Zhao Hua always remembered her mother saying:


    ''As a woman, the world often looks down upon you. But you must remember, my child, no matter the circumstances, never disgrace yourself or belittle yourself. Learn to be strong, and learn to take things in stride, and to let go.''


    As a girl, Zhao Hua did not understand her mother''s meaning,


    but now, with her mother''s teachings echoing in her mind, Zhao Hua smiled serenely,


    "My mother would not want me to live with hatred. The departed are gone, so why dwell on the past?"

 Chapter 479: Return to the Good Things

    <h4>Chapter 479</h4>


    That night,


    The Xian Shou Pce was filled with joy and merriment,ughter echoing beyond the pce walls and into the heavens.


    Drunk and ted, Ru Naren performed a lively Hu folk dance,


    Her graceful moves and captivating gestures were mesmerizing,


    Though she stumbled in her inebriated state,


    Her carefree abandon and radiant smile made her even more alluring than Zhao Hua had seen her at Xiao Jingheng''s birthday celebration.


    When she finished dancing, Rongyue was so enthralled that she nearly jumped onto the table to apud.


    After a few more drinks, Ru Naren even set up a grill in the Xian Shou Pce, insisting on grilling meat for Zhao Hua herself.


    But the tender beef ended up charred and dry under her hand. She tried to make excuses, saying:


    "This beef isn''t good quality! If we used Mongolian beef, it wouldn''t turn out like this! Sister Zhao Hua, you muste to Mongolia sometime. I''ll treat you to really delicious grilled meat!"


    Tipsy, Zhao Hua nced at the ckened skewers in Ru Naren''s hand and teased:


    "Treat me to what? Charcoal from your hands?"


    "Hahahahahahaha!"


    Her words made Ru Naren blush with embarrassment, while the hall erupted inughter.


    This was how women should interact, harmoniously and joyfully,


    Instead of endless scheming and fighting over a man.


    The world should be like this.


    Later, as the banquet drew to a close, almost everyone was drunk.


    Xiao Jingyan took off his outer robe to drape over Rongyue, intending to brew some sobering tea for everyone,


    And behind him followed a timid shadow.


    He turned to find Ru Ge shyly trailing him, and smiled:


    "You''ll be going home tomorrow, why the glum face?"


    Ru Ge bit her lip and shook her head, then slowly brought her hand from behind her back before Xiao Jingyan,


    Revealing two auspicious knot charms clenched in her fist.


    One was the charm he had lost long ago, embroidered with Rongyue''s maiden name,


    While the newer one, made of the same materials and craftsmanship, had a nk center without any embroidery.


    "Prince An, this auspicious knot is the one you dropped when you saved me. I selfishly kept it, going against my parents'' teachings. When you gifted Rongyue the charm embroidered with your name, it nearly caused trouble when thete Emperor found out. This nk one is my way of making amends to you both."


    Ru Ge insisted on cing both charms in the bewildered Xiao Jingyan''s hand, then smiled with relief:


    "Embroider your name on this one, and give it to Rongyue. I hope you two can be together forever."


    Xiao Jingyan was tipsy and slow toprehend what was happening,


    Assuming this was merely Ru Ge''s well-wish for him and Rongyue.


    And so, in his drunken oblivion, Ru Ge''s affection for him finally came to a full stop.


    Seeing her turn to leave, he hurriedly said:


    "You''ve gifted us, I should give you something in return. You like paintings, don''t you? I have a few you asked for before that I didn''t want to part with. I''ll send them to your residence as a thank-you gift!"


    Upon hearing this, Ru Ge paused mid-step,


    Turning back with a hopeful smile on her face,


    She shook her head gently and said with radiance:


    "No need. In the future, someone will surely gift me something better."

 Chapter 480: The Family is Happy

    <h4>Chapter 480</h4>


    The Next Day.


    Due to a night of revelry, when Zhao Hua rose from her slumber, the sun was already high in the sky.


    Sunlight streamed through thettice window, casting scattered shadows and illuminating the floating dust particles in the air.


    Zhao Hua stared at those tiny specks of dust trapped in the light for a while, feeling an inexplicable emptiness in her heart.


    Yun Shan heard movement in the inner chambers and entered quietly, attending to her. Zhao Hua asked her, "What time is it?"


    "Noon," Yun Shan replied.


    "Noon... Consort Elder Sisters have already left the pce, haven''t they?" Zhao Hua asked, her tone subdued.


    Yun Shan hesitated for a moment, then replied with a touch of sadness, "ording to Miss''s arrangements, Consort Dowager Ying, Consort Dowager Ru, Consort Dowager Zhen, Sister Tong, and Prince An have all safely left the pce."


    Zhao Hua nodded faintly, refraining from further inquiry, and absently rose to let the pce attendants help her with dressing.


    Today, Zhao Hua was taking a rest from her usual routine, so she instructed her maidservants to only style her hair in a simple bun.


    In the dressing chamber, as she rxed, Zhao Hua noticed that the maidservants'' skills were somewhatcking. Even the simple task of hairdressing caused her scalp to tighten for a moment.


    But she didn''t me them, merely saying, "Be gentler with your hands, take your time."


    As she spoke, the maidservant remained silent, which struck Zhao Hua as odd. Then she felt something being applied to her face without her knowledge.


    She looked up in surprise and caught sight of her reflection in the bronze mirror. Her face bore no makeup, but someone had applied three thin streaks of rouge to each cheek, making her resemble a disheveled kitten.


    Then she heard mockingughter. She nced sideways to see Xiao Jingyan holding a box of rouge,ughing heartily at her. The maid who had been styling her hair had been reced by Rongyue, who was covering her mouth and giggling.


    Madam Jing stood by quietly, smiling at their antics.


    Zhao Hua was both surprised and delighted. "But... didn''t you already leave?" she asked.


    Rongyue approached her, taking her hand. "At the banquetst night, you said we could finally be together as a family, and that was a beautiful thing. But Zhao Er, you forgot, you are part of our family too."


    She squeezed Zhao Hua''s hand tightly. "We agreed that as a family, we should stick together. So of course, we''re going to be with you."


    Xiao Jingyan, who had been lounging on Zhao Hua''s warm seat, eating the meal she had no appetite for, spoke upzily, "I''m just azy bum, living off your fortune! Losing an emperor for an older brother, gaining a princess sister-inw, how could I bear to leave?"


    Zhao Hua knew why they had stayed.


    Even though there were a thousand words she wanted to say, they all turned into tears of joy in the end.


    Later, Xiao Jingyan and Rongyue stayed at Peni Pavilion.


    Located on Lake Heart Ind, a ce inessible without imperial decree, it provided them with a quiet retreat within the pce.


    It was said that Xiao Jingyan and Rongyue had decided to stay to apany Zhao Hua. At first, they were worried that Madam Jing might not agree, considering she had spent a lifetime in the pce and surely longed for life outside.


    But unexpectedly, Madam Jing said:


    "At my age, I''ve grown ustomed to pce life and feel at ease there. So, when they suddenly summoned me to leave the pce, I didn''t know what to expect."


    Although she didn''t explicitly say it, anyone could tell she was praising Zhao Hua''s kindness.


    After all, in this world, those who treat others sincerely always receive sincere treatment in return.


    In the days that followed, Zhao Hua once went to Peni Pavilion to chat with Rongyue,


    and as they were parting ways, they happened upon Madam Jing fishing by theke.


    She sat with Madam Jing by thekeside, enjoying the breeze, when Madam Jing suddenly spoke:


    "I actually had a daughter before, but she passed away at a young age, which was a regret. Look at your brother, he''s still mischievous at his age, making me, as his mother, worried."


    As she said this, she took Zhao Hua''s hand, and in her cloudy eyes, a glimmer of stars appeared,


    "Now that we have Rong''er as a daughter-inw, I find myself longing for a daughter even more. If you don''t mind, I''d like to treat you as my own daughter."


    The words came straight from her heart, and after saying them, Madam Jing suddenly felt it was inappropriate,


    so she shook her head, awkwardly smiled, and said,


    "But then again, now that you''re the reigning Empress, do you really need someone else to take care of you?"


    Zhao Hua smiled, her eyes gazing at Madam Jing,


    and for a moment,


    the shimmering light reflected on theke''s surface cast a radiant glow onto Madam Jing''s smiling face,


    and Zhao Hua seemed to see the image of her birth mother in that kind and gentle smile.


    She didn''t respond to Madam Jing''s words, just nodded faintly,


    and Madam Jing, overjoyed, immediately embraced her, gently stroking her forehead, and softly said,


    "Good child, you''ve endured so much these years."


    During this time, apart from her brother and sister-inw being allowed to stay in the pce, Zhao Hua also experienced another joyful event.


    She arranged a marriage between Yun Shan and Xiao Fuzi.


    Xiao Fuzi was quite timid. When it came to proposing marriage, he actually sent a girl to talk to Zhao Hua on his behalf.


    Zhao Hua agreed, but Xiao Fuzi kept hesitating, repeatedly saying,


    "I''m not worthy. How can I match Miss Yun Shan?"


    He stubbornly refused, waiting until Yun Shan became annoyed and started crying before he realized the urgency,


    standing there dumbfounded, scratching the back of his head, before finally grabbing Yun Shan''s hand, resolutely saying,


    "Even though I can''t give you much, I''ll make sure you never shed another tear in the future!"


    Originally, life continued happily and smoothly like this,


    until one day three monthster,


    Zhao Hua had just finished dressing and was about to take Cheng Yu to morning court when Xiao Fuzi rushed in, breathless, reporting to her:


    "Empress! Lord Kang and Lord Yang, along with many courtiers, have gathered outside Chaoyang Pce and started causing trouble!"


    As Zhao Hua looked at herself in the mirror, leisurely applied deep red lipstick, and casually asked,


    "What''s themotion about?"


    Xiao Fuzi lowered her voice, trembling as she said, "They say since the new emperor ascended the throne, all political affairs are controlled by the Empress Dowager, implying that she holds sway over the court, causing turmoil and disorder... Hence, the gathering today is to pressure the Empress Dowager to abdicate, with the intention of... separating mother and son."


    "Hmph." Zhao Hua sneered coldly. "They certainly have some nerve."


    With those words, she rose and walked resolutely towards the pce gates.


    Seeing the formation of the former courtiers gathered in front of her just now, Xiao Fuzi couldn''t help but sweat for Zhao Hua, so she intercepted her.


    "Empress Dowager... They havee prepared this time. Perhaps the Empress Dowager should retreat for now?"


    But Zhao Hua deftly brushed aside Xiao Fuzi''s hand blocking her path, asserting with a calm authority, "This widow insists on going. This widow wants to see for herself. Even thete emperor fell to this widow''s hand. These remnants of the former court, what storms can they stir up under this widow''s watchful eye?"

 Chapter 481: Book of Life and Death 01

    <h4>Chapter 481</h4>


    The Chaoyang Pce today was very different from the usual tranquility before the morning court.


    The Emperor had not yet arrived, but the court officials had already abandoned propriety and were loudly debating in the Jinluan Hall.


    Among them, Lord Yang was the most emotional, sighing repeatedly with grief and indignation:


    "In our great nation, it is an absurdity unprecedented in a hundred years for a woman to hold political power! Now the Empress Dowager controls the affairs of the court, wielding the Son of Heaven tomand the feudal lords. When the bordends and foreign countries see this, how can they not burst outughing!? And a woman ruling the country, with the tenderness of a woman, if this continues, I fear the foreign powers will oppress us until we are left powerless to resist!"


    Someone echoed him, "How can the great matters of the state be decided by a mere woman? I heard that all the memorials sent to the Chaoyang Pce are scrutinized by the Empress Dowager herself - this is an unheard-of rarity throughout history! Today, we ministers must unite to force the Empress Dowager to abdicate and return the government to the Emperor! Otherwise, this realm will eventually be ruined by her."


    Amidst the chorus of agreement, there were also officials with dissenting opinions:


    "Although the Empress Dowager is a woman, since the former Emperor''s passing and the new Emperor''s ession, her decisions over the past two months have all been beneficial to our Qi Dynasty. The Mongols, the North Tribe, and Zhu Yin have all increased their annual tribute by 30%, and have signed treaties with us, providing our army with free reinforcements to guard our borders. The Southern Barbarians, who have long coveted ournd, have also be much less aggressive under external pressure."


    But these words of praise were selectively ignored by the officials who wished to stir up trouble.


    In their eyes, women should be subordinate to men from birth, and allowing a woman to reign over them was simply unthinkable.


    As Zhao Hua''s adoptive father, Lord Luo, chose to remain neutral at the moment to avoid bias, and only said:


    "Now that the Emperor is still young, how can he alone handle all theseplex political affairs?"


    Lord Yang seemed to have been watching Lord Luo the whole time, and as soon as he spoke, he eagerly retorted:


    "The former Emperor''s decree states that after the new Emperor''s ession, ''the civil and military officials both at home and abroad should assist him with one heart.'' It certainly did not permit a mere woman to usurp political power! Furthermore, Lord Luo is the Empress Dowager''s adoptive father, naturally he wants the Empress Dowager to continue holding power, to maintain the glory of the Luo family!"


    "You..."


    --"The Emperor has arrived, the Empress Dowager is here~"


    Just as the two were about to continue their heated debate, the Pce Eunuch Xiao Fuzi solemnly announced, immediately halting themotion.


    Cheng Yu and Zhao Hua took their respective positions in front of and behind the curtain, and only after they were both seated did they hear Zhao Huaughing from behind the curtain:


    "The ministers seem quite lively today."


    However,


    even before Xiao Fuzi could call out "The morning court is in session," Lord Yang had already stepped out from the crowd, bowing deeply towards the high seat and saying:


    "Your Majesty, I have an important matter to report."


    Just as Cheng Yu was about to let him speak, he suddenly heard Zhao Hua interrupt:


    "Lord Yang, please wait a moment, I happen to have a matter to discuss with you."


    Lord Yang replied unhappily, "I have a state affair to report to the Emperor, those trivial matters the Empress Dowager wishes to discuss can wait."


    Zhao Hua also refused to back down, sternly saying, "What trivial matters do I have to discuss with you? What I need to discuss is a state affair."


    With that, she lightly pped her hands three times, and soon Xiao Fuzi came carrying a thick volume, handing it to her from behind the curtain.

 Chapter 482: Book of Life and Death 02

    <h4>Chapter 482</h4>


    The ministers heard the rustling sound of turning pages behind the curtain,


    After a moment, the noise ceased,


    Then they heard Zhao Hua chuckle and ask:


    "Lord Yang, I see your monthly sry as a Minister of the Privy Council is five hundred taels of silver, is that correct?"


    Lord Yang said impatiently, "What does the Empress Dowager ask such things for?"


    Zhao Hua said, "I''m just concerned about you. You have one wife and three concubines, two sons and one daughter, this whole family relies on your sry for sustenance, it must be a tough life."


    Lord Yang was silent for a moment, then suddenly raised his voice to cover his uneasiness,


    "Your Majesty is jesting. Ordinary folksbor the whole year and can''t even earn a hundred or so taels of silver. My humble sry as a minister is equivalent to several years of their ie, how could it be insufficient to support my family? Even if the household isrge with substantial expenses, we can livefortably by being frugal and economical."


    "Frugal and economical? Haha~" Zhao Huaughed as if she had heard an extremely amusing joke,


    The usually solemn former Empress was nowughing unrestrainedly,


    "You have no side business, and your wives and concubines don''t work either. Even if I subsidize your entire five hundred tael monthly sry for household expenses,st month alone you purchased arge red coral from Huzhou spending three hundred taels;


    Your wives and concubines bought the first batch of embroidery from the Capital City, costing four hundred and eighty taels; and the tuition fees for your children studying at Mr. Wanyan''s private school amounted to two hundred and ten taels.


    Just these few items alone cost nearly a thousand taels, exceeding double your monthly sry. I''d like to ask you, whose eating have you economized, whose living have you frugalized? Huh?"


    Hearing Zhao Hua enumerate his household expenses down to thest detail, Lord Yang panicked, and could only argue feebly:


    "The manor still has some savings, asional higher expenditures are not a big deal......"


    "asional?" Zhao Hua toyed with the record book in her hand and sneered, "What I have here is a record of your manor''s expenses for the entire year. It lists everything in detail, showing that your manor spent at least thirteen thousand and six hundred taelsst year. Lord Yang must have a poor memory, should I read out all these itemized entries for you?"


    "This......"


    Lord Yang stammered for a while, unable toe up with a reasonable exnation.


    In desperation, he could only try to divert the topic:


    "As ady of the inner pce, how does the Empress Dowager know so much about my private affairs?"


    "Private affairs? Do you also consider the silver you''ve embezzled as your private affair?" Zhao Hua sternly questioned him,


    "Your annual sry and bonus amount to no more than seven thousand taels, where did these extra thousands of taels for your expensese from? Did they sprout from the grave of your ancestors?


    No wonder you were eager for me to abdicate, once I''m gone, you ministers can seize control of the court? With me watching over you here, you all dare to be so audacious, if I abdicate, your manor might as well start sprouting gold!"


    Zhao Hua''s words left Lord Yang speechless,


    As he was racking his brains for a rebuttal, Zhao Hua didn''t give him the slightest chance,


    "You say a woman''s benevolence is unfit to govern the nation. Well, today I shall set an example of decisive action for you ministers. The imperialw clearly states that those guilty of corruption and abuse of power, if the amount exceeds three thousand taels of silver, shall be executed by beheading."


    With that, she abruptly raised her voice and ordered:


    "Guards, take Lord Yang away and behead him immediately!"


    Her words caused an uproar in the hall.


    Lord Yang pleaded for leniency, arguing that such an act would lose her the people''s support,


    But Zhao Hua couldn''t care less about that.


    In her view, these ministers standing below were all scheming and calcting,


    After the previous Emperor''s demise and the turmoil in the country, who didn''t want to take advantage of the chaos for personal gain?


    If they forced her to abdicate, the ministers could bypass Cheng Yu and make him a mere puppet, gradually devouring the nation''s interests for themselves.


    Zhao Hua has always been clear about her likes and dislikes,


    She hated Xiao Jingheng, not the country that gave birth to and nurtured her.


    When someone gagged Lord Yang and dragged him away for execution, the ministers finally noticed


    That the Chaoyang Pce was already surrounded by countless guards.


    These guards were neither from the imperial army nor the pce guards, judging from their attire and demeanor, they looked more like loyal soldiers answering only to Zhao Hua''smands......


    Under such circumstances, no one dared to plead for Lord Yang.


    They were all court officials, and how many of those standing below could truly im to be clean?


    Especially sincest year, Xiao Jingheng had neglected to deal with corruption, and the ministers followed suit, all of them earning money on the side. Maintaining integrity and honesty seemed out of ce.


    At this moment, the record book in Zhao Hua''s hand appeared to them like a book of life and death,


    Using thew as a pretext and life as a threat, itpletely silenced them.


    However, what they didn''t know was that


    The reason Xiao Jingheng had ignored corruptionst year was entirely due to Zhao Hua''s advice.


    She had told Xiao Jingheng:


    "Since ascending the throne, Your Majesty has cracked down on corruption every year, and now the ministers dare notmit any outrageous transgressions. The illicit gains confiscated from corrupt officials each year have also been diminishing.


    In my humble opinion, Your Majesty should ease up a bit. If the ministers see that you''re no longer dealing with this issue, various wealthy individuals will discreetly bribe officials to facilitate their affairs, thinking the policy has loosened. This pool is too clean to nurture fat fish.


    Your Majesty, let it go for a year or two, allow them to get fat andcent, then settle ounts afterwards, forcing them to surrender all the money they''ve embezzled to the national treasury.


    Not only will this replenish the treasury, but this method will only harm the interests of those wealthy individuals who seek to exploit officials for their own desires, without affecting themon people. In fact, it may even provide them with more security due to the enriched treasury."


    At the time, Xiao Jingheng thought Zhao Hua''s suggestion was excellent,


    But he hadn''t realized that Zhao Hua''s intention was not to benefit him, but to prepare for her own future rule.


    Now, the hall was deathly silent, the ministers didn''t even dare to breathe, fearing that the next one to be punished ording to thew would be them.


    Only when a guard returned to report that Lord Yang had been beheaded,


    Did Zhao Hua nod slightly and calmly address the ministers:


    "The Emperor is my son, and if you wish for me to abdicate, so be it. But before I abdicate, I must first deal with the corrupt officials in the court on behalf of the Emperor, only then can I rest at ease.


    This record book in my hand documents many of the ministers'' private affairs. If you need, I can read out the entries one by one for you today when I have time."


    [8.30 Main storypleted, just in time before most readers start school. After the book showspleted status, an additional 100,000 words can be updated for bonus chapters. There will be a bonus chapter voting poll on thepletion day, and the bonus chapters with the most votes will be updated. Additionally, happy Monday!]

 Chapter 483: Right the Wrong

    <h4>Chapter 483</h4>


    As Zhao Hua spoke, the officials in the hall grew timid and dared not speak further.


    However, there was an exception among them.


    That was Yan Qi, the former "Great Censor" who used to give Xiao Jingheng a headache.


    He was upright and upromising, yet also extremely conservative and obstinate.


    The imperial edict in Zhao Hua''s hands contained no fault of his, so he had full confidence to question her,


    "Your Majesty ims that there was corruption in the previous dynasty, which can be thoroughly investigated. Those corrupt officials should return their ill-gotten gains to the national treasury. However, this should not be used as a threat to force us officials to ept your control over court affairs.


    Since ancient times, men have handled external affairs while women have attended to internal matters. As ady born into a prestigious household, you should know that even for ordinary women, it is unbing for them to appear in public, let alone a woman ruling the state, which would make us theughingstock of the world."


    Yan Qi pressed on relentlessly, almost standing right beneath the high tform, his voice resounding like a great bell:


    "State affairs areplicated. This humble official advises Your Majesty to retire to the inner pce and leave governance to the Emperor, so as not tomit a great impropriety."


    "Does Sir Yan think that if I retire to the inner pce, the realm will be at peace?" Zhao Hua sternly countered. "If the officials assist in governing and there are achievements, it is your credit. But if there are issues, the Emperor has to take responsibility?"


    As she spoke, she walked out from behind the curtain,


    standing beside the Dragon Throne.


    She spread her sleeves and asked all the officials,


    "If you insist on having the officials assist in governing, then we shall choose a Regent King. I will retire to the inner pce and not meddle in state affairs. Before the Emperores of age to rule independently, all decisions in court shall be made under the Regent King''s guidance. However, if there are any missteps that harm the interests of the Qi Dynasty, the Regent King shall bear the responsibility. I will have his entire n executed to atone for the crime before the world!"


    Yan Qi said solemnly, "Your Majesty threatens with life and death on every matter. Is it because you wield military power that you treat us officials like pieces of meat on a chopping board?"


    "Threaten with life and death? Has Sir Yan, having served three dynasties, not realized that the decisions made from this Dragon Throne, with the stroke of a vermilion brush, determine the life and death of countlessmoners?"


    Zhao Hua stepped down the tform, approaching Yan Qi step by step, and asked forcefully:


    "In the present state of affairs, the Southern Barbarians have been invading for years,unching attacks on the borders, taking advantage of the internal turmoil of the Qi Dynasty to try to seize a share of the spoils;


    The Jiangnan region suffers from unending floods, leaving the people unsettled;


    Yu Province faces droughts and locust gues. If not handled properly, famine could strike, repeating the tragedy of twenty-six years ago when people resorted to selling their children for food;


    Officials high and low collude to line their own pockets, evading taxes, smuggling salt, and the list goes on. Which decisions are more or less important, which shoulde first orter? A misstep could lead to millions of people being disced in the best case, or the copse of the nation in the worst!


    You officials insist on governing yourselves, but in reality, you want to remove the Emperor and rule exclusively. Now I want to ask you, if power is not centralized and disasters ur, who will take responsibility?"


    Her barrage of questions left the officials in the hall speechless.


    Even Yan Qi, who had been so lofty in his rhetoric earlier, was now cowed by Zhao Hua''s formidable aura as a powerful woman and could not utter a word in response.


    Zhao Hua red at him fiercely.


    "Earlier, Sir Yan spoke so decisively. Now, can you take on that responsibility?"


    Seeing Yan Qi lower his head in silence, Zhao Hua turned away and ascended the high tform, standing beside the Dragon Throne. She gently patted Cheng Yu''s shoulder and said softly:


    "Yu''er, get up now."


    Only after Cheng Yu stood up did Zhao Hua point to the empty Dragon Throne and sternly addressed all the officials:


    "Now this Dragon Throne is vacant. I give you an opportunity - whoever can turn the tide and restore order, step forward and take this seat!"


    The situation had reached an impasse. Who would dare to step forward?


    After a moment, the officials simultaneously bowed and said in unison:


    "Your Majesty, please be appeased. We are trembling with fear..."


    Zhao Hua coldly scanned them and said, "I have given you a chance, but you are unwilling to take it. From now on, if anyone dares to bring up this matter and bother me again, do not me me for being merciless!"


    With that, she took Cheng Yu''s hand and helped the child ascend the Dragon Throne once more.


    As she turned her back to the officials, the solemn and dignified expression on her face unexpectedly softened into a warm smile towards Cheng Yu.


    Then she retreated behind the curtain and sternly announced:


    "All officials, rise. If you have matters to report, do so. Otherwise, you are dismissed!"


    In fact, themon people had little objection to Zhao Hua governing from behind the curtain.


    After all, during the Silkworm Worship Ceremony, Zhao Hua had used ten years'' worth of her empress''s sry topensate the farming families for their losses.


    In the eyes of the people, she was willing to sacrifice her own interests for the sake of themoners. In the future, when faced with major issues, she would surely put the interests of the people first.


    Moreover, the truemoners were too preupied with making a living to care about the power struggles among the rulers.


    They only recognized one principle:


    Whoever could make their lives better was the most suitable person to wield supreme power.


    As for the various foreign tribes, the most powerful were the Hu and Mongol tribes.


    These two tribes had pledged allegiance to the Qi Dynasty and openly supported Zhao Hua.


    Would the smaller nations dare to cause any trouble at this time?


    As long as the conflicts from the previous dynasty were resolved and the mouths of these officials were sealed, Zhao Hua could govern from behind the curtain or remove the veil and appear in front of the court without any more obstructions in the future.


    The simplest and most effective way to dispel the officials'' outdated prejudices against female rulers was to kill the chicken to scare the monkeys.


    That night, Xiao Fuzi brought Zhao Hua a message from the Tianji Office.


    "Your Majesty, since the passing of thete Emperor, you have instructed the Tianji Office to monitor which officials strongly opposed your governing from behind the curtain and might attempt to cause unrest. Now the Tianji Office haspiled a list of people who have almost formed a conspiracy and are secretly plotting something."


    Zhao Hua nced indifferently at the list and said disdainfully:


    "Look, those who fear me controlling court affairs the most are precisely the ones who have been the most corrupt in recent years. With such scourges in the court, lining their own pockets by abusing their power, how can the people live in peace?"


    Xiao Fuzi asked, "Then does Your Majesty want the Tianji Office to continue monitoring them, just in case?"


    "No need," Zhao Hua nodded slightly, a brilliant smile curling her lips.


    "Since they are so displeased with me, I shall send them on their way. When they are dead, they will no longer see me and won''t be troubled anymore."


    She raised an eyebrow at Xiao Fuzi, "Don''t you agree?"


    Xiao Fuzi smiled knowingly and hastily replied, "Your Majesty is so considerate. It will be their good fortune." He continued, "I shall make the arrangements immediately."

 Chapter 484: Phoenix Comes to the World

    <h4>Chapter 484</h4>


    These past few days, as winter sets in, the weather has been erratic, and Cheng Ye often feels the chill, leading to bouts of fever in the middle of the night.


    Despite the care provided by the maids, Zhao Hua still worries and finds it hard to sleep soundly at night, often checking on the children''s condition.


    On this particr night, after checking on Cheng Ye and seeing that his high fever had subsided, Zhao Hua decided to stop by Cheng Yu and Ruo Xin''s chambers to see if they were tucked in properly.


    Especially Cheng Yu,


    who originally resided in the Chaoyang Pce but had temporarily moved to a side hall in Zhao Hua Pce while Chaoyang Pce was under renovation these past few days.


    During court sessions, Zhao Hua always felt that he appeared somewhat weary, as if he hadn''t rested well.


    After checking on Ruo Xin and approaching Cheng Yu''s chamber door,


    though it was dark inside, Zhao Hua heard a faint sound before she could push the door,


    "May the ministers be at ease."


    Curious, she peeked through the crack and saw Cheng Yu dressed neatly in court attire, sitting upright on a pear wood chair, hands slightly raised, addressing an empty space before him.


    She gently knocked on the door and softly asked,


    "Yu''er, are you asleep?"


    Hearing Zhao Hua''s voice, Cheng Yu seemed visibly flustered.


    He hurriedly took off his court attire, rushed to the bed, and wrapped himself tightly in the nket before mumbling a vague response,


    "Mother?"


    Zhao Hua entered the room, smiling, and sat on the edge of the child''s bed,


    under the moonlight, she nced at the court attire strewn haphazardly on the warm seat, and gently stroked Cheng Yu''s forehead as she inquired,


    "I heard just now that you were practicing court etiquette in your room, is that true?"


    Cheng Yu never lied in front of Zhao Hua,


    so when she asked, he didn''t deny it either,


    just nodded, but always seemed a bit timid.


    Zhao Hua spoke softly, "It''s alreadyte at night, and you have to rise for court in just a short while, why can''t you sleep?"


    Sitting up halfway on the bed, Cheng Yu said with a downcast tone,


    "Your son wants to do better, maybe then the courtiers won''t misunderstand you so much."


    Hearing this, Zhao Hua''s heart was touched in the softest spot, making her feel even more sorry for Cheng Yu.


    In fact, Cheng Yu was already very mature,


    getting up before dawn every day to wash and change, and then heading to Chaoyang Pce for court hearings, which wouldst for at least two hours.


    After the morning court session and lunch, although he didn''t have to review memorials, the Grand Secretary would alwayse at the appointed time to teach Cheng Yu his lessons.


    Being a qualified emperor, proficiency in both civil and military matters is a necessary condition,


    so after dinner, there would be imperial guardsing to teach him martial arts.


    The day was always scheduled tightly, with no room for rxation.


    Zhao Hua gently caressed the child''s cheek, her eyes full of tenderness as she asked,


    "Aren''t you tired?"


    Cheng Yu nodded, unable to conceal his disappointment as he said:


    "Tired. But my son has been trying very hard, yet he still feels he cannot be a good emperor. Even now, every night before bed, he is still very afraid. Afraid that as soon as he opens his eyes... he will have to attend court again..."


    He lowered his gaze, his eyes evasive, and weakly asked:


    "Mother... have I disappointed you?"


    Zhao Hua embraced the child,forting him gently:


    "Silly child, you have already done very well. Everyone has the right to choose their own life and to reject anything they do not like. You were born into the imperial family, with many unnecessary burdens on your shoulderspared to children from ordinary families, but these so-called inherent responsibilities are not necessarily yours to bear."


    If you really don''t like attending court, or even feel afraid of it, you should have told Mother earlier. In Mother''s eyes, as long as you live peacefully and happily, it is the best thing. If you don''t like attending court, we won''t go. No one can force you to do anything. You can bravely be yourself and do what you think is more meaningful."


    Cheng Yu suddenly looked up, a fleeting glint of stars in his eyes, somewhat incredulously saying:


    "Really? Can I really do whatever I want?"


    Zhao Hua smiled, "Of course. But in life, one must have preferences. To live a life of idleness is to waste one''s own life and be irresponsible to oneself.


    Mother noticed that you are always exceptionally focused when practicing martial arts every day, and Zhao Attendant also said that although you are young, you have your own unique insights into military tactics, and you always discuss with him. Is that true?"


    Upon hearing Zhao Hua''s question, the usually introverted Cheng Yu''s eyes suddenly became firm, staring straight at Zhao Hua, his joy evident,


    "Your son really enjoys practicing martial arts and riding horses, and also enjoys reading military books and studying the art of deployment, finding it very interesting."


    Infected by his emotions, Zhao Hua also happily said:


    "In that case, Mother will arrange for General Zhao and General Chen toe and teach you, alright?"


    Cheng Yu nodded heavily, "Alright!"


    Seeing her son''s heartfelt smile, Zhao Hua''s heart melted along with it.


    Her son didn''t need to grow up to be the pride of heaven,


    He can live in any way he likes, do anything he wants,


    As parents, they always hope their children will excel,


    But what is the definition of excellence?


    In Zhao Hua''s view, as long as her children can focus on what they like, and find joy in it,


    Then the day they show a heartfelt smile will be the day they excel.


    In the days that followed, Cheng Yu imed illness and stopped attending court,


    The dragon seat remained empty, while Zhao Hua continued to sit behind the curtains, handling court affairs.


    What she wanted was not this world, but to give Cheng Yu a freedom that rightfully belonged to him.


    And sitting in this position for a long time, sometimes Zhao Hua would also hear some ''interesting things.''


    She heard that the Commander of the Imperial Guard favored his concubine and drove his wife to despair and suicide at home,


    And she saw General of the Frontier Defense with a colorful face, only to find out upon closer inspection that it was his two concubines fighting at home, he went to stop them but was identally injured,


    Zhao Hua inquired about the situation of the womenfolk, and he merely brushed it off with a casual remark,


    "Chen''s mischief led to this, she also suffered facial injuries. I''ve divorced her, putting an end to the disturbance."


    He uttered the words of divorce so casually, as if discarding something worn out, casually disposed of.


    But in the Qi Dynasty, a woman who has been injured and divorced by her husband cannot return to her natal home,


    All that awaits her is the incessant gossip and the destined miserable life.


    At that moment, Zhao Hua suddenly felt that she should change something,


    She wanted to change the social status of women in the Qi Dynasty,


    She wanted women to have a voice,


    She wanted them to be valued like men,


    She wanted them to live as vibrant individuals, not merely appendages to others, not mere ythings to be kept or discarded at will.


    She knew deeply that even if she became the empress dowager of the regency, the most respected woman in the realm, the courtiers below would only show superficial respect to her.


    To grant Qi Dynasty''s women equal rights as men, to change deeply entrenched beliefs, was bound to be difficult and arduous.


    But even if it''s tough,


    Someone in this world must take the first step.


    [To be concluded tomorrow night at midnight.]

 Chapter 485: The Blink of an Eye 01

    <h4>Chapter 485</h4>


    Ten yearster.


    Danzhou, Chen Manor.


    On a winter afternoon, the sun shone gently as Madam Chen and Rongyue sat in the courtyard, embroidering knee pads for their respective husbands.


    Madam Chen chuckled as she said, "Yesterday, my husband mentioned that once the military training ends, we''ll have a month of leisure. We can travel around with Jing Yan and enjoy ourselves. It''s been a while since we''ve had a chance to rx."


    Rongyue smiled in agreement, "Danzhou doesn''t see snow, and Nian Wan has been eager to see what it''s like. With this extended break, coinciding with the New Year''s Eve, it''s perfect timing to take Nian Wan back to the capital city."


    Nian Wan, mentioned by Rongyue, is the adopted daughter of her and Xiao Jingyan.


    Five years ago, Lady Jing passed away, and at that time, Zhao Hua needed a trusted person to train her personal guards. Xiao Jingyan volunteered for the task, and Rongyue apanied him to Danzhou.


    At that time, Prince An of the Qi Dynasty had ''died'', and as a concubine of the former emperor, Rongyue couldn''t openly establish a residence outside. Fortunately, the Chen couple, Cheng Yu''s foster parents, were in Danzhou.


    So Zhao Hua arranged for them to live together in arge mansion, creating a lively atmosphere.


    Every New Year''s Eve, when Xiao Jingyan returned to the capital to report on his duties, he would spend some time with Rongyue in the capital.


    Nian Wan is the abandoned baby adopted by Xiao Jingyan and Rongyue after they arrived in Danzhou by chance.


    The small knee pad by Rongyue''s side is meant for her precious daughter.


    Madam Chen took the knee pad and joked, "Rongyue, you''re so skilled. If it were me, I''d never be able to handle such delicate work."


    Rongyue chuckled, "Sister is being too modest. When you took care of Cheng Yu, you paid attention to every detail. You wouldn''t have any trouble with these small tasks of taking care of children."


    Mentioning Cheng Yu, Madam Chen''s eyes softened even more.


    Though they hadn''t seen each other for over a decade, they exchanged letters every year.


    In his letters, Cheng Yu addressed Zhao Hua as ''mother'', and Madam Chen as ''mother'', all of which were approved by Zhao Hua.


    "Speaking of Cheng Yu, now he''s be the General of the Valiant Cavalry, achieving great military feats for the Qi Dynasty at a young age. His prestige intimidates even the southern barbarians, surpassing even the achievements of the former General Ning."


    As Madam Chen spoke, pride filled her tone, yet Rongyue knew there was also regret in her heart.


    So she gently patted Madam Chen''s hand andforted, "Last New Year''s Eve, Zhao Er mentioned to me that if given the chance, he would personallye to thank you both for raising him."


    Madam Chen''s eyes welled up with tears, but she waved it off, saying nonchntly, "Why bring this up? Being able to take care of Zhao Er is already a blessing for us."


    Then, she changed the subject and asked, "Have you heard that this year''s top schr is a woman?"


    Rongyue smiled and nodded, "We should start from Danzhou. With such a joyous event, the news will spread far and wide. How could anyone not know?"


    Madam Chen couldn''t help but sigh, "In the past, it was believed that women without talent were virtuous. But now, with the civil service examination system reformed for five years, women, like men, can change their own destiny through education.


    Many people used to dismiss it, saying that even if the civil service examination is open to both men and women, it would still be difficult for women to achieve top rankings. Yet now, in just a few years, there are women who have achieved top honors. It''s truly a wonderful thing."


    As they spoke, Madam Chen nced sideways at the slightly openedttice window of the side hall.


    Inside the hall, Nian Wan was busy scribbling and doodling on the imperial decree.


    Madam Chen smiled and asked Rongyue, "Nian Wan is six years old now. But I see that you and Jing Yan don''t intend to steer her towards an official career?"


    Rongyue looked at Nian Wan with affection and tranquility, saying:


    "Her interests lie elsewhere, much like her father''s passion for poetry and painting. We, as a couple, believe that we should let her pursue whatever she likes. After all, nowadays, women and men are almost equal in the world. Even if she focuses on music, chess, calligraphy, and painting, she won''t be easily looked down upon as we were in the past."


    It''s unknown whether the two''s conversation was heard by the little one inside the hall.


    Nian Wan subconsciously nced in their direction, then picked up the drawing paper beside her and happily walked over to them.


    She unfolded the paper in front of them and asked with her head tilted:


    "Mother, aunt, do you think my drawing is good?"


    The child''s drawing depicted a spring flower scene,


    with various flowers in full bloom, each radiant and charming, creating a dazzling array of colors,


    although the strokes were a bitcking due to her young age, for a child of only five years old, achieving this was already quite remarkable.


    Rongyue didn''t simply praise Nian Wan because she was her daughter; instead, she offered constructive criticism,


    "Overall, it''s good, but the colors are too bright, making it difficult to focus on the main point. It''s somewhat overwhelming."


    But Nian Wan didn''t seem to fully agree with her opinion,


    "But flowers should each have their own brilliance when they bloom, shouldn''t they? Mother, don''t you often say that every flower in this world should bloom to its fullest and be its most beautiful self?"


    Rongyue couldn''t help but smile, then teasingly said to Madam Chen,


    "Look at this, her little mouth is already starting to preach like her father, haha~"


    Madam Chen gently stroked Nian Wan''s fair cheek and asked her,


    "What do you want to be when you grow up, little Nian Wan?"


    Nian Wan said earnestly, "When I grow up, I want to be the best painter in Qi Dynasty, just like Master Nn."


    The Master Nn she mentioned was Nn Ruo, the most prestigious immortal brush master in the Ruyi Gallery of the Qi Dynasty.


    She was the most famous painter in Qi Dynasty, also known as a remarkable woman.


    Madam Chen encouraged Nian Wan,


    "Then work hard, my dear. Aunt believes you will fulfill your wish sooner orter."


    After Nian Wan went off to y, Madam Chen whispered to Rongyue again,


    "I heard that Nn Ruo used to be the cherished concubine in the former pce, Nn Ruguo. But the Nn family denies it, insisting that she is their second daughter. Didn''t your younger sister enter the pce duringst year''s New Year''s Eve banquet? You had a brief encounter with Concubine Zhen, so you shouldn''t fail to recognize her."


    Rongyue shook her head with a smile, "Concubine Zhen was deeply devoted to thete Emperor. After his passing, she followed suit. How could she enjoy such prosperity today? Moreover, Lord Nn is already married and has a harmonious rtionship with her husband, and they have two sons. If she were truly thete Emperor''s concubine, who would dare to marry her? I believe His Majesty would not allow her to remain in the pce."


    "You''re right," Madam Chen sighed with a smile, picking up her needlework to continue sewing knee pads.


    "After all, this is not something we should worry about. We should focus on living our own lives well, and that would be excellent."


    As they spoke, they heardughter and chattering from the entrance.


    Looking up, they saw the door being pushed open, with Xiao Jingyan and Chen Ge entering side by side.


    Rongyue noticed that Xiao Jingyan was carrying a lot of fresh meat, eggs, and fish, while Chen Ge was carrying two jugs of wine.


    Both men were facing backward, engaged in conversation with someone out of sight.


    Thinking that guests had arrived, Rongyue was about to get up to greet them when Xiao Jingyan suddenly looked at her and eximed, "Rong''er, guess who''s here?"


    Only after the two men entered did Rongyue see a man in military attire, leading a ck horse, slowly stepping across the threshold...


    The young man was tall and slender, with broad shoulders and a narrow waist, handsome and imposing.


    At this moment, he was looking at Rongyue and Madam Chen from a distance, showing a confident smile.


    Madam Chen, upon seeing the neer, seemed even more excited than Rongyue. Her hand, which had been tightly gripping the needle, now trembled so much that she identally pricked her finger.


    Looking at her, flustered and staring at the neer, it took her a moment before she tremulously called out, "Yuyan... Yuyan?"

 Chapter 486: The Blink of an Eye 02

    <h4>Chapter 486</h4>


    A young man approached at a leisurely pace, first bowing respectfully to Madam Chen, then bending his knees as if to kneel in reverence to her.


    Madam Chen quickly reached out to stop him, holding back her tears as she shook her head and said, "You mustn''t. You are now the Grand General of the Qi Dynasty. How can you kneel before me, a meremon woman?"


    Cheng Yu, however, just smiled and grasped Madam Chen''s hand, speaking gently, "A Grand General cannot kneel, but a son can bow in gratitude for his mother''s nurturing."


    Unable to resist him, Madam Chen allowed him to perform the gesture of respect, then hurriedly helped him up, embracing him tightly and choking back tears as she said, "Good child, Mother... has missed you dearly."


    The term ''Mother'' spoken by her carried a hint of obvious timidity.


    Her guilty conscience stemmed from the fact that she had only raised Cheng Yu for a few years when he was young. How could she bear the title ''Mother''?


    Yet, despite not being his biological mother, her longing and affection for him were just the same.


    Fortunately,


    after years apart, Cheng Yu was still as sensible as he was in his childhood,


    gently wiping away Madam Chen''s tears with a smile, he said, "Reunion is a joyous asion. If it causes Mother to cry like this, then it''s my fault."


    Chen Ge chimed in from the side, "Yu is right. Today is a great celebration. Instead of crying here, you should be in the kitchen helping with the preparations."


    Although his tone was filled with disdain, his gaze towards Madam Chen was filled with unmistakable love.


    While instructing Madam Chen to prepare the ingredients, he smoothly epted the raw meat and vegetables from Xiao Jingyan''s hands before heading to the kitchen.


    Seeing him ''fleeing'' with a smile, Xiao Jingyan teased Madam Chen, "Sister-inw, don''t mind him. When Cheng Yu arrived at the military camp earlier, he was already crying his eyes out. Now, he''s trying to act tough, but it''s clear he''s quite magnanimous, haha~"


    Amidstughter and joy, everyone weed Cheng Yu into the main hall.


    That evening, the Chen residence was bustling,


    with a table full of delicious dishes, almost all of which were cooked by Madam Chen herself,


    Rongyue busied herself in the kitchen, merely assisting Madam Chen.


    As Madam Chen cooked, she couldn''t stop smiling, constantly saying, "These are all dishes Cheng Yu loved to eat when he was young. I wonder if his tastes have changed now after eating all those delicacies in the pce. Perhaps he won''t be used to these rustic home-cooked meals anymore?"


    She was both excited and anxious, asionally pulling Rongyue over to taste the freshly cooked dishes, "Youngdy, you''ve spent a long time in the pce. Try these and see if Cheng Yu will like them."


    After tasting a bite, Rongyue immediately nodded and said, "Madam''s cooking is so good. Cheng Yu is fortunate to have a foster mother like you who cares for him so much."


    Madam Chen originally had some concerns,


    but after the dishes were served and she saw Cheng Yu enjoying every single one, she finally let go of her lingering worries and couldn''t help but smile with relief.


    Cheng Yu had now grown into a young man,


    and with three men gathered around the dining table, it was inevitable that they would enjoy a hearty drink.


    Amidst clinking cups and lively conversation, Chen Ge inquired, "Why did Yuer suddenlye to Danzhou? Without prior notice, leaving us no time to prepare? Last month when I asked about your uncle, he mentioned you were off to the Southern Barbarian territories to suppress two defeated remnants, estimating you''d only return to the pce by New Year''s Eve. Was the campaign sessful?"


    After downing a cup of wine, Cheng Yu, unable to conceal his pride, replied, "Mere remnants of the Southern Barbarians, nothing to speak of. With troops from three directions, we swiftly eradicated them in just ten days of battle. Thinking of passing through Danzhou on my way back to the capital from the Southern Barbarian territories, I decided to pay a visit to father and mother."


    He still addressed the Chen couple as father and mother,


    Now that Chen Ge serves as a martial instructor under Xiao Jingyan, a Qi Dynasty official,


    Cheng Yu''s use of these titles made him uneasy, prompting him to say, "I understand the General''s sense of gratitude, remembering the kindness my wife and I showed you in the past. But to call us father and mother, my wife and I truly feel unworthy. Please forgive us, General..."


    "When did Chen Ge be so awkward?"


    Xiao Jingyan lightly tapped Chen Ge''s chest and joked, "You keep emphasizing this issue of titles, what are you afraid of? Cheng Yu is virtuous and filial, and my sister is not a petty person."


    Hearing this, Chen Ge immediately replied respectfully, "Of course, Your Majesty''s magnanimity is beyond doubt. How could we quibble over such trivial matters?"


    Xiao Jingyan raised his wine cup, urging him to clink sses, "Come on, enough talk. Chen Ge must first punish himself with two cups."


    Even the most rule-abiding person, after drinking too much, would loosen up a bit.


    After three rounds of drinks, they chatted about many things,


    Discussing the hardships Zhao Hua endured over the years, Cheng Yu''s military achievements over the years,


    They also talked about women in the world, under Zhao Hua''s leadership, finally taking the first step out of the cage.


    Then Cheng Yu said, "After returning to the pce this time, I intend to request permission from Mother to establish a fief in the Capital City. When the timees, if Father and Mother have the leisure, they can oftene to the Capital City for leisure, and I will be sure to entertain them."


    "Establish a fief?" Chen Ge expressed some surprise, "Back then, Your Majesty temporarily assumed your sacred duties to silence the rumors, andter, after experiencing numerous trials, you were able to emerge from behind the curtains and be the unprecedented female emperor. I may not be in the court, but I can imagine that even today, there are still constant oppositions to Your Majesty from the former dynasty. At this time, if you establish a fief in the Capital City, won''t it give those people more reason to criticize Your Majesty behind your back?"


    "You''re underestimating my sister." Xiao Jingyan, slightly tipsy, spoke of Zhao Hua with pride,


    "Those old relics from the former dynasty, whatever they say, can onlyment behind closed doors,cking the courage to speak out in court. Today, all military and political power in the Qi Dynasty is concentrated in the hands of my sister alone. Furthermore, take the Mongols and the Hu tribes for example, their support for the Qi Dynastyes entirely from their trust in my sister.


    Not to mention the recent increase in ie for the people of the Qi Dynasty, life has been getting better day by day. In such circumstances, anyone daring to cause trouble would not only be defying the Qi Dynasty''s military might but also challenging the various foreign powers and the well-being of its people. Those who act recklessly might find themselves facing consequences long before they threaten my sister''s position, perhaps meeting their end countless times over."


    What Xiao Jingyan summarized is precisely the current state of the nation.


    Zhao Hua''s assumption of the throne as a female ruler has sparked much debate across the realm. However, as her reign continues, opposition to her seems to be waning. Now, Cheng Yu''s desire to establish his own residence outside the pce suggests he has entirely abandoned the pursuit of the throne.


    Although the courtiers and generals may privately express discontent over a few drinks, publicly, they must show utmost respect to Zhao Hua, not daring to cken in the slightest.


    Cheng Yu also remarked, "Mother has been in politics for many years, and she has never faltered in making crucial decisions. She is undoubtedly the most suitable ruler for the Qi Dynasty at present. In the past, when Mother sought to elevate the status of women in Qi, many men opposed her, thinking she intended to establish Qi as a purely matriarchal society, hence the collective opposition.


    However, under Mother''s resolute leadership over the years, it has be evident to all that her aim is simply to ensure women receive equal rights as men, leading to diminishing opposition.


    Such bold decisions require great courage. Personally, I doubt if I were to be emperor, I could withstand the pressure and implement such reforms. Therefore, I have always admired Mother deeply.


    My heart lies not in the court but in riding across the desert, fighting enemies. That kind of unfettered freedom, the hot blood of a man, is what I truly desire. Whether as a subject or as an emperor, isn''t the most important thing to protect the people? So, whether as a subject or as an emperor, it makes no difference to me."


    Cheng Yu spoke at length, and Madam Chen understood his aspirations to some extent.


    Yet, she still had some confusion, "Yu''er, your ambition to protect the country and the family is noble, but there''s no need to rush into establishing your residence outside the pce. With your uncle already out of the pce, there are few old associates left by the emperor''s side. If you leave as well, won''t His Majesty be..."


    "There will still be Ruo Xin and Cheng Ye apanying Mother. And my haste to establish my residence is not just a momentary impulse..."


    As he spoke, Cheng Yu, whether due to the effects of alcohol or out of shyness, found his cheeks flushing momentarily.


    Lowering his head, he no longer met the gazes of those around him, only smiling softly as he murmured, "Also, because I have found my beloved, and I wish to give her aplete home."

 Chapter 487: The Blink of an Eye 03

    <h4>Chapter 487</h4>


    Cheng Yu''s remarks instantly sparked everyone''s interest.


    Xiao Jingyan and Chen Ge were both somewhat sobered by Cheng Yu''s words and eagerly asked:


    "Who is this youngdy? How long have you known her? Is she beautiful?"


    "Why have you kept this a secret so well? Your mother, the Empress, has never mentioned a word about her to me, her own imperial uncle?"


    "Will she being back with you this time? Do you have a portrait of her that you could show Mother first?"


    Faced with the barrage of questions from everyone, Cheng Yu could only sigh and confess,


    "She is a female general who fought alongside me on the battlefield. In terms of age, she is actually two years older than me... I just don''t know if Mother... will agree."


    Rongyue smiled and said, "Your mother has never been so conservative. If two people are in love, regardless of their backgrounds or age difference, as long as it''s someone you''ve chosen and she approves of, that would be the most beautiful thing in the world. Let me tell you, if your mother hears this news, she will be overjoyed."


    Madam Chen also beamed with joy,


    She tightly held Cheng Yu''s hand, and earnestly advised him,


    "Yu, Mother is truly happy for you to find your beloved. But there are some words that Mother must remind you of. You must be sure of your feelings before proposing to the youngdy.


    You also know that nowadays, the customs in the Qi Dynasty are very different from before. Now, men in Qi no longer have concubines, just like women, they only have one partner for life.


    So even though you are of royal descent, with His Majesty''s strict governance and clearws, there is no exception. If you are with that youngdy, you must treat her seriously, and you cannot marry another in this lifetime. You must treat the youngdy well, don''t cause any jokes about separation in the future, and don''t ruin the youngdy''s life."


    Faced with Madam Chen''s lengthy sermon,


    Cheng Yu blushed and joked, "Mother is afraid that I might dy her, but it''s actually the other way around."


    His words causedughter throughout the room.


    To celebrate this joyous asion, everyone chatted for a while longer,


    Until it was almost time to disperse, a servant came to report:


    "Master and Madam, there''s someone outside asking for you. They say theye from the pce."


    Chen Ge hurriedly instructed the servant to bring the visitor in,


    Curious as to why someone from the pce would suddenly visit Danzhou,


    They were surprised to see the cheerful visitor was Xiao Fuzi.


    Xiao Fuzi bowed to everyone and said with a smile,


    "General, Your Highness, the servant hase from the pce on an errand. On the way to Danzhou, I received a letter from His Majesty and was instructed to inform General Cheng Yu personally."


    Turning to Cheng Yu, he bowed again,


    "His Majesty congrattes General Cheng Yu on his victory in the recent battle and allows him to stay in Danzhou for a few more days to recuperate. It''s not toote to return to the pce after the New Year''s Eve."


    Cheng Yu had barely had time to inform Zhao Hua of his victory and arrival in Danzhou,


    Yet Xiao Fuzi had arrived promptly, indicating that everything was within Zhao Hua''s expectations.


    Everyone naturally understood that Zhao Hua had said this in order to allow Cheng Yu to spend more time with his foster parents.


    Mr. and Mrs. Chen immediately rose to thank His Majesty, and Cheng Yu replied:


    "Many thanks, Grand Eunuch. Please convey my gratitude to the Empress Mother. Before New Year''s Eve, I will return to the pce with His Majesty, and I will also remind the Empress Mother to take care of herself and not overexert for state affairs."


    Xiao Fuzi smiled and responded, "General, you''re thoughtful. I will definitely convey your message."


    Later, everyone insisted that Xiao Fuzi stay and dine and drink with them, but he politely declined, citing pressing matters.


    After leaving the Chen residence and boarding the carriage, while sitting inside, Yun Shan asked him:


    "Did you inform General Chen about everything?"


    Xiao Fuzi nodded and said, "I''ve informed him. The household is full of joy and merriment."


    Yun Shan chuckled, "Miss has always known that General Chen cares deeply for his foster parents. By sending him on this expedition to the Southern Barbarians, His Majesty has also provided him with an opportunity to be alone with them. If Miss knew about the joy at the Chen residence today, she would surely be happy for them."


    Xiao Fuzi smiled faintly and nodded in agreement, then said:


    "Now that His Majesty has ascended to the throne, you still refer to him as ''Miss.'' Isn''t that a bit inappropriate?"


    Yun Shan nudged him yfully and said, "What do you know? In my eyes, Miss has always been the same as she was at the beginning, whether she''s a concubine, an empress, or an emperor, Miss has never changed."


    After a moment of reflection, Yun Shan urged Xiao Fuzi again,


    "This time, it was out of consideration for my uing birthday that Miss kindly allowed us this half-month of leisure outside the pce. Now that the message has been conveyed, it''s time for us to return to the pce. Otherwise, having others attend to Miss''s needs, I''m always uneasy."


    When the two of them hurried back to the pce, it was already early December.


    Upon their arrival at the pce, an attendant handed a letter to Yun Shan,


    "Aunt Yun Shan, this is a letter from Mongolia to His Majesty, it has been three days. All correspondence between departments must be reviewed by you and Grand Eunuch Xiao Fuzi before being presented to His Majesty, so that''s why I dyed delivering it."


    Upon hearing this, Yun Shan responded lightly and gestured for the young eunuch to leave.


    She looked at the signature on the letter, those crooked characters that resembled Qimu Ge''s handwriting.


    Qimu Ge had lived in the pce for ten years and still hadn''t learned how to write Chinese characters properly.


    But when she left the pce, every year when she wrote to Zhao Hua, she used Chinese characters.


    Though these characters were crooked and unattractive,


    each character symbolized the sisterly bond between her and Zhao Hua.


    Learning that Zhao Hua was currently in the Hall of Political Affairs discussing matters with several courtiers, Yun Shan took the letter and headed towards the hall.


    Standing outside the hall, she saw Zhao Hua, dressed in a phoenix robe, smiling and discussing something with the courtiers.


    Yes,


    she was still wearing the phoenix robe, not the dragon robe,


    Yun Shan had asked her once, "Now that you have ascended to the throne, why not switch your phoenix robe for a dragon robe?"


    Zhao Hua smiled back, "Since I seek absolute gender equality between men and women, why should there be distinctions of superiority or inferiority between dragon and phoenix?"


    At this moment, beyond the gates where Yun Shan couldn''t hear the political affairs, Zhao Hua was discussing with her courtiers, contemting releasing all the concubines and consorts from the pce, allowing them to return to their families and live out their remaining years in peace.


    Naturally, the courtiers were opposed to this proposal.


    "Since the founding of the Qi Dynasty, there has never been such a precedent. It was already benevolent of His Majesty not to let the concubines and consorts be buried alive with thete Emperor. Now, Your Majesty wishes to let them leave the pce? Among these concubines and consorts, many are barely twenty-five or twenty-six years old. If they were to seek other men and remarry, or worse, if they were to conceive offspring, where would that leave thete Emperor''s reputation?"


    Zhao Hua, now much moreposedpared to when she first took the reins of power, calmly faced the courtiers'' numerous inquiries. She neither grew angry nor flustered, but simply smiled gently and asked,


    "Lord Zhu, you''ve asked me so many questions, but may I ask you one first? When His Majesty was alive, did he not always prioritize the interests of the people, wholeheartedly considering the welfare of the popce?"


    Lord Zhu respectfully replied, "That is true."


    Zhao Hua continued, "Perhaps Lord Zhu is unaware of the expenses incurred by the pce''s women. After thete Emperor and the founding Emperor ascended to heaven, there were a total of forty-six women left in the pce. Calcting their annual expenditures and monthly allowances, the total expenses for the year amounted to nearly ten thousand taels. I believe that if we let them leave the pce, the money saved could be used to aid the impoverished popce. Lord Zhu, do you think this can be considered amendable deed?"


    After pondering for a moment, Lord Zhu responded, "While this method is beneficial, it may damage thete Emperor''s prestige..."


    "Oh, I see." Zhao Hua interrupted him with a smile, "So, in your eyes, thete Emperor''s prestige outweighs the livelihoods of the people. But during the Jiangnan floods, thete Emperor spared no effort to rescue the people from the waters, even going as far as tightening his own belt to help those in need. I recall that during that time, thete Emperor even reduced his daily meals by half, demonstrating his love for the country and its people.


    Lord Zhu, you are reluctant to let these widows leave the pce because you fear it may lead to criticism of the court. But deep down, you actually agree with my decision to distribute the saved money to the needy, don''t you?"


    Lord Zhu nodded, "Yes."


    With a slight pause, Zhao Hua''s smile grew even wider, "Very well, then this matter is settled. Since thete Emperor never cared about such matters, if Lord Zhu attaches such importance to it, then from now on, the daily expenses of the concubines and consorts will be entirely your responsibility. Consider it a token of your loyalty to thete Emperor."


    "This..."


    "Oh... I remember your annual sry is only three thousand eight hundred taels. But no matter, out of consideration for your righteousness, I will increase your sry by one hundred taels each month. Thus, your annual sry will be enough to cover the shortfall of five thousand taels for the concubines and consorts. The remaining five thousand taels will have toe from Lord Zhu himself."


    At these words, Lord Zhu''s face turned green, and inwardly, he cursed vehemently:


    Where could he possibly conjure up so much silver to support those widows in the harem?


    Seeing him remain silent for so long, Zhao Hua teased, "Well..."


    "Lord Zhu, why are you silent now? Weren''t you just arguing with me a moment ago?"


    Zhao Hua knew these courtiers too well.


    As long as it didn''t directly harm their interests, they could eloquently debate about the righteousness of the nation and family for days, with Zhao Hua finding it hard to gain an upper hand.


    But once their interests were truly affected, they could see through things clearer than anyone else.


    Sure enough, shortly after Zhao Hua finished speaking, Lord Zhu bowed respectfully and said, "Your Majesty''s words are indeed reasonable. I have beencking in consideration."


    Zhao Hua smiled faintly and said, "Since Lord Zhu also agrees with my approach, I''ll entrust this matter to you. Before New Year''s Eve, I want to see all the female rtives leaving the pce and returning home. If anyone remains in the pce, their monthly expenses will be deducted from your budget. What do you think, Lord Zhu?"


    "I... will certainly not fail in my mission!"


    After sending away these courtiers, settling a lingering matter, Zhao Hua saw Yun Shan approaching with a smile.


    She teased, "I finally managed to persuade Xiao Fuzi to take you out for a stroll. Why did you return so soon?"


    "I couldn''t help worrying about you, Miss."


    "What''s there to worry about? I''m not a child who needs you to attend to me every day."


    "Whatever Miss says, I will always want to be by your side, never leaving even half a step!"


    In this entire pce, only Yun Shan dared to speak so freely to Zhao Hua.


    Zhao Hua wasn''t annoyed with her. Instead, her gaze fell on the letter Yun Shan held in her hand, and she asked, "What''s this?"


    "It''s a letter from Mongolia, Miss, take a look."


    Yun Shan handed the letter to Zhao Hua.


    Seeing Zhao Hua silently reading its contents, a faint smile remained on her lips, prompting Yun Shan to ask, "Miss, what amusing thing did you find?"


    After sealing the letter, Zhao Hua said slowly, "It''s an invitation from Qimu Ge and Ru Naren. They say Mongolia will have a warm winter this year and invite me for a gathering."


    She looked at the bright sun outside the window,zily stretched, and said with a smile, "With the festival approaching, let''s wait until next year. It''s time to leave the pce and explore the world when spring arrives next year."

 Chapter 488: Zhaohua Chaos [Main body Finale]

    <h4>Chapter 488</h4>


    After the spring began, Zhao Hua embarked on her first "incognito inspection tour" in six years of governance.


    Unlike previous emperors,


    Zhao Hua did not journey to the rivers andkes of Jiangnan to enjoy peace and prosperity through a southern tour,


    instead, she went to Mongolia and then to the North Tribe,


    finally, she even went to Zhuyin, a ce she had never set foot in before.


    Nowadays, the emperor of Zhuyin is the younger brother of Jiang Muye.


    When Zhao Hua arrived, she saw that Zhuyin City was filled with beautiful sunflowers in bloom, which she found rather rare,


    so she asked, "Zhuyin is known for its abundant blood-red coral production. It''s not easy for sunflowers to thrive here. Why go to such lengths to nt them here?"


    The emperor exined, "This is my elder brother''s wish. My elder brother once had a beloved woman named Shang Yang. Many years ago, for reasons unknown to others, Shang Yang left her hometown and never returned. After my brother ascended to the throne, he ordered the nting of sunflowers throughout the country, hoping that in his lifetime, he could wee back the woman he loved."


    Upon hearing this, Zhao Hua was slightly astonished,


    "Your elder brother has countless wives and concubines, yet he is so devoted to another woman?"


    The emperor smiled mysteriously, "It''s all arranged by Father Emperor. If my brother truly desired it, how could he remain married for so many years without a single child?"


    The emperor''s words made Zhao Hua tremble involuntarily,


    all along, she had thought that Jiang Muye was nothing but a heartless man.


    In her eyes, if Jiang Muye truly loved Shang Yang, how could he bear to send her to a foreignnd to serve as a spy for so many years?


    But now that she was in power, Zhao Hua gradually understood


    that in life, there are not only romantic entanglements, but also the greater causes of family and country,


    born into the royal family, the fate of the people hangs on one''s decisions day and night,


    to sacrifice one''s love for the sake of the world is admirable and worthy of praise,


    yet those who utter such words may never bear a burdenparable to that of those in power.


    Just like Jiang Muye,


    he owed Shang Yang a lifetime of apologies,


    yet he had never let Shang Yang down.


    Strolling leisurely, Zhao Hua plucked the most beautiful sunflower she could find,


    holding it in her palm, facing the sunniest spot, she smiled and sighed,


    "This flower is beautiful, and I quite like it."


    *


    During this inspection tour, amidst the frequent stops, Zhao Hua didn''t need to worry about taking care of the children; instead, the children took care of her more.


    Ruoxin has grown into a youngdy now, and Cheng Ye is twelve this year, just as sensible as his older brother.


    These two siblings also had insightful views on political matters,


    especially Ruoxin, who stood out even more in this regard.


    ()


    However, as Cheng Ye grew older day by day, Ruoxin also became more reserved, no longer as outspoken as before.


    One day, while Zhao Hua was reviewing memorials in her chamber,


    she saw Ruoxin bringing her a calming drink, prompting Zhao Hua to pause and smile at her, saying,


    "Mother heard that you handled the Yun City snow disaster very well a few days ago. Several ministers praised you in their reports. Why didn''t you mention it to me?"


    This was a good thing, but unexpectedly, Ruoxin timidly replied,


    "These matters should have been dealt with by my younger brother. It''s presumptuous for a daughter to take credit..."


    "Usurpation? How could it be usurpation when you''re also the Empress''s child, sharing the burden of court affairs with her?"


    "But my brother is a man, and he''s likely to be the future heir. Many matters should rightfully be his to experience."


    Zhao Hua finally understood her daughter''s thoughts, so she embraced her and said gently,


    "The throne of the Qi Dynasty, after the Empress, is for the capable. If you prove to be more outstanding than your brother, who''s to say the heir won''t be you someday?"


    At these words, a gleam of joy shed in Ruo Xin''s eyes.


    "Really? Does Mother mean that I''ll have a chance in the future to govern the country like you, for the welfare of the people?"


    Zhao Hua nodded lightly. "Of course."


    "Mother, rest assured, I will work hard. I won''t disappoint you or the people of the realm!"


    Seeing Ruo Xin''s earnest expression, Zhao Hua gently stroked her forehead and smiled silently.


    For the final leg of her inspection tour, Zhao Hua decided on the Qinling Mountains.


    It was the resting ce of the loyal Ning family.


    On this day, Zhao Hua didn''t allow anyone to apany her, instead, she bought two pots of fine wine and went alone to the ancestral tomb of the Ning family at the foot of the Qinling Mountains.


    It was her first time personally sweeping Ning Wanshuang''s grave.


    After cleaning the tombstone, Zhao Hua sat leaning against it,


    two pots of wine,


    one poured out before Ning Wanshuang''s grave, the other she drank herself.


    Countless nights, Zhao Hua would dream of Ning Wanshuang,


    In her dreams, her sister Wan would always be young,


    always so carefree, so bright, and would even roll her eyes at her during conversations.


    Now Zhao Hua thought of her past appearance and couldn''t help but smile,


    "Wan Sister, can you see it? This realm now is the one you longed for. I know you will see it."


    "Someday the history books will paint me as a viin for seizing power. Perhaps in the eyes of future generations, I''m just a cmity for the country and the people. But so what? I know what I''m doing, and that''s enough."


    "Wan Sister, on the day you poisoned Xiao Jingheng, everyone said you were foolish, but I know you were fighting with yourst breath to protect me, to protect all the concubines who rose up against the unjust imperial power. You also... fulfilled yourself."


    Having drunk the wine to the dregs,


    slightly intoxicated, Zhao Hua rose slowly,


    recalling the past, only to sigh deeply, thenughed heartily,


    "Wan Sister, you''ve protected me so much in this life. If there''s another life, call me sister, and let me protect you well for once, alright?"


    As the sky darkened, a cold wind rose in the mountain stream.


    Zhao Hua bowed three times in front of the grave before turning to leave.


    In a trance, she suddenly heard a familiar female voice behind her,


    That voice was bright and carefree, lifting its tone to call her,


    "Zhao''er?"


    Startled by the voice,


    she turned her head, and in the blink of an eye, millennia had passed.


    End of text.


    The process of Zhao Hua''s ascension to the throne, which could have been borated on for another four or five hundred thousand words, could have beenpleted by the end of the winter break. However, I feel that if I were to describe it in detail, this text would somewhat shift from a female-oriented novel to a male-oriented one.


    Therefore, sticking to the principle of avoiding unnecessary words throughout the entire text, I will simply provide a brief description of the entire process based on their pleasing narratives, without adding too many extra words.


    As for the extra chapters, I will list the names of the characters with higher demand below. You canment after the name of the character you want to see, and I will write based on the character with the mostments.


    Then, the extra chapters are expected to be updated in October orter, as I intend to write independent stories for them, which may require some reconsideration.


    Darlings who want to read the extra chapters can leave the book on the shelf for now. If the book is still on the shelf, you will be notified when the extra chapters are updated.


    There are approximately nine directions for the extra chapters. After the voting ispleted, I will select two or three to write based on the results of the vote.


    Or if you have any particr preferences, you can also leave ament under the "other" option. I will read allments and if there are suitable ones, I will write ordingly.


    Below are the votingments:


    1. Zhao Hua


    2. Xiao Jingheng


    3. Ning Wanshuang


    4. Tong Rongyue


    5. Xiao Jingyan


    6. Shang Yang


    7. Empress Dowager


    8. Chenghuan, Cheng Yu, Cheng Ye, Ruo Xin


    9. Past events (the harem before Zhao Hua entered the pce)


    10. Other


    Well, it''s time to say goodbye~ [In a whisper: "If you haven''t written ament by now, hurry up and leave one for me, don''t make me cry for you on such a good day!"]


    Thank you all for yourpanionship over the past six months. As for the new book...


    Since I have never written contemporary fiction before, there is a high probability that the new book will be a contemporary short story, expanding into a new field!


    It is estimated that it will beunched in mid-October or early November. If fate allows, let''s meet again in the future!


    Best wishes,


    Yi Jian Sheng Cai Miao


    January 18, 2023 ¡ª August 30, 2023


    To be continued.

 Chapter 489: Shang Yang [1]

    <h4>Chapter 489</h4>


    Hello, long time no see.


    This is the long-awaited final words.


    Let me first report to everyone on the current status of this book~


    When I was serializing it, I had told you all that this book would have its name changed to the short title "Zhao Hua''s Chaos" after the serialization. Now that it has beenpleted, the book title has indeed been changed!


    However, the system of Western Tomato is like this: if you had added this book to your bookshelf before I changed the name, then you won''t be able to see the new book title and cover. Since it''spleted, I can''t insert pictures in the extras, so I''ll post the cover picture in thements sectionter. As for whether it gets swallowed up or not, that''s just a matter of fate...


    As for the copyright situation, a short drama version has been sold now, an audiobook is being recorded, and future publications are also being negotiated. You can follow the progress of the copyrights on Weibo, the Weibo name is the same as Tomato (remember it''s ''miao'' not ''miao''!)


    Weibo will asionally update some of the useless author''s useless daily life. When I write a modernnguage novel next time, some uncensored content may be posted on Weibo. After the short drama goes online, there will also be lucky draw giveaways on Weibo to let you watch the drama for free, and if there are publications, there will also be lucky draws to win autographed copies or peripherals.


    Since it''s a newly registered ount, there will be a lucky draw when it reaches 5,000 and 10,000 followers, the kind where you can directly get a red envelope. So it''s not a loss to follow it!


    Finally, wishing all my darlings a happy holiday~ Let''s dive into the extras!


    *


    Shang Yang [1]


    Ever since I can remember, I have always been the beloved child of Father and Mother.


    I was born in Zhuyin Country, the capital by the sea, Father works in fishing, and Mother inherited the legacy of my grandfather and opened a medical clinic in the capital.


    Originally, the three of us lived afortable and affluent life, until the day before my fourth birthday, when Father left.


    Mother said Father had some important matters to attend to outside the city, and it would take a year and a half before he returned.


    I was sensible from a young age, not crying or throwing a fit, just quietly waiting at home with Mother.


    Later, I found that Uncle Ge, who used to go fishing with Father, and Younger Brother Qi had also gradually disappeared, as well as the neighbor Huzi, whose father left on the same day as my father.


    Huzi and I would often run to the seaside and just stare at the sea, watching the distant ships sail back, hoping that one day our fathers would also step off the ship and reunite with us, never to part again.


    But one day, when I went to Huzi''s house to look for him, I saw him kneeling in the hall, crying almost to the point of fainting in front of a mud jar.


    I was scared and stood at the door, not daring to go in. My small body blocked the light that should have fallen on him, and he looked up from the darkness, pointing a trembling finger at the jar and choking out:


    "Father hase back."


    From then on, I realized what had happened in my hometown.


    The men who had suddenly disappeared from the city had all been conscripted by the court to defend the country.


    At that time, Zhuyin had experienced an unprecedented disaster, as the Qi Dynasty attacked with the ferocity of a fierce tiger, and all the men of Zhuyin had to put down their hoes and pick up knives and axes to defend their homes and protect their families.


    When I got home, I told Mother everything I knew, and said I was scared.


    Mother stroked my head and said:


    "Yangzi, don''t be afraid. Your father wille back safe and sound soon. When hees back, he''ll bring you the coral bracelet you love the most. Your father won''t lie to you, right?"


    Yes,


    Father has never lied to me.


    So a monthter, he came back.


    I finally got the blood coral I loved the most,


    but it


    was ced on top of a dirty mud jar.


    And inside that jar was Father''s ashes.

 Chapter 490: Shang Yang [2]

    <h4>Chapter 490</h4>


    After Father died, we received a jar of rice and half a jar of flour from the court, which were the scarcest resources during the war, and also Father''s greatest love for Mother and me.


    As humans, we always need something to spiritually sustain us.


    Before, Mother''s sustenance had always been Father, but after Father died, Mother began to believe in Buddhism.


    Later, as the Qi Dynasty''s attacks became increasingly fierce,


    and as Zhu Yin''s retreat became more and more defeated, the number of wounded soldiers returning home increased. Our Hundred Herb Hall became a semi-charitable hall, where Mother would help any wounded soldier returning from the frontline, without conditions.


    At that time, Mother could only sleep for at most two hours a day. She was so exhausted that she fell ill, but refused to rest.


    When I urged Mother to rest, she told me:


    "Your Father sacrificed himself to protect our country. As a woman, Mother cannot go to battle and kill the enemy, but I cannot watch our country be trampled by foreigners."


    I looked at all kinds of people on the streets.


    The stingy olddy from the rice shop opened her family''s granary to help the poor;


    The charming courtesans from the brothels put on rough cloth to help carry the wounded;


    The gangsters from the gambling dens smashed their own signboards, discarded their gambling tables, and turned their huge courtyards into refugee shelters;


    And my mother, it had been a long time since she asked any patient for diagnosis fees.


    It was then that I realized,


    Every person around me was passionately loving our home country in their own way.


    It was also from that time that I began to learn medical skills from Mother, hoping to contribute my own effort for our country.


    I often asked then:


    "Mother, do you think we can win this war?"


    Mother said:


    "Definitely. Good people will eventually be rewarded. The people of Zhu Yin are extremely kind at heart."


    I always believed what Mother said,


    Until the year I turned six, when Mother went to the mountains to gather herbs and never came back.


    The neighbors said Mother had identally fell off a cliff and died.


    But I secretly went to see Mother''s corpse,


    The bloody holes pierced by swords were clearly telling me that she had been cruelly killed by the approaching Qi Army.


    After Mother died, I did not shed a single tear.


    I buried their ashes on the hillside behind the mountain.


    Looking at the protruding grave mound with withered yellow flowers blooming on it, I wondered:


    Will kind people in this world truly be rewarded?


    Why did my Father, who protected our home, and my Mother, who umted virtues through good deeds, ultimately meet such a tragic end?


    If the kind are to be bullied by the world, while the wicked can live in luxury and indulge in pleasures,


    Then I do not wish to be a kind person who cannot have a good ending!


    The Qi Army was about to attack the capital city. There was no longer a safe ce in Zhu Yin City.


    Due to my parents'' outstanding contributions to Zhu Yin during the war, I, as their orphan, was sent to serve in the Zhu Yin Hall.


    It was the imperial city of Zhu Yin, a ce I could see every day when I went out with Mother to see patients.


    I was taken in as a maid to serve the second prince, Jiang Muye.


    I had heard of this person before.


    He was a few years older than me, the son most favored by the Emperor.


    However, these past few days, he had been following the Empress to the traveling pce, so he was not in the pce.


    At first in the Zhu Yin Hall, I only did simple cleaning chores. I tried to keep myself busy to avoid dwelling on Mother''s unjust death.


    But one day, when I was picking up firewood in the woodshed, a thorn from the firewood slightly pricked my finger.


    As I squeezed my finger hard to push out the thorn, drawing blood,


    For some reason, the pain in my finger triggered the sorrow hidden deep in my heart.


    The long suppressed emotions suddenly rebounded, surging towards me.


    I felt a severe pain in my heart, curled up in the corner of the woodshed, and cried until I could hardly breathe.


    At that moment, I suddenly heard someone reprimanding:


    "No crying is allowed in the Zhu Yin Hall. If you cry again, someone might gouge out your eyes."


    I looked up towards the voice, and through my blurred tearful eyes, I saw the silhouette of a boy.


    He was about half a head taller than me and quite handsome. But his expression was both cold and rigid, which frightened me when I looked at him.


    Seeing him dressed in the ck dragon robe of Zhu Yin, I knew his identity.


    Only the second prince, Jiang Muye, could dress like that inside the pce.


    I hurriedly wiped away my tears and acknowledged my mistake verbally, but I still couldn''t stop sobbing.


    He asked with disgust:


    "Why are you crying?"


    I replied softly:


    "Mother died, and I feel saddened..."


    He froze for a moment, then stiffly took out a in handkerchief from his pocket and tossed it to me.


    Then he said casually:


    "My Empress Mother died too."


    The Empress Mother of Jiang Muye was the Empress of Zhu Yin, the most revered woman in this country. How could she...


    Hearing this, I was shocked, forgetting to wipe my tears. I just stared at him with my tear-filled eyes.


    Noticing my puzzlement, he exined in a tone as if speaking of someone else''s idle gossip:


    "On our way back from the traveling pce, we encountered an ambush by the Qi Army. To protect me, Mother was hit by a poisoned arrow. In the chaos of battle, not even her remains could be found."

 Chapter 491: Extra Chapter Shang Yang [Three]

    <h4>Chapter 491</h4>


    The day I first saw Jiang Muye, before we had even exchanged two words, the muffled toll of bells echoed through the pce.


    Jiang Muye turned to leave upon hearing the sound, but paused at the doorway. Half in jest, he turned back and said to me:


    "Now you can cry openly."


    After that, the head maid gathered all the maids of Zhu Yin Hall and made us kneel on the long street to weep towards the deserted brick path.


    That was when I learned the sudden ringing of bells signaled a national mourning period.


    For a long time after that, I did not see Jiang Muye again.


    One day while on duty, I happened to be helping the head maid clear fallen leaves from a side garden. Curious, I asked her:


    "Maid, Zhu Yin Hall is Prince Jiang''s bedchamber, but why does he never return?"


    The head maid did not pause in her work, instead swinging her broom more vigorously, as if using the swishing of fallen leaves to mask the loss in her voice:


    "He will note back."


    Will note back...


    Does that mean he has died?


    The ravages of war had blurred the distinctions between nobility andmoners; even emperors and empresses could not escape unscathed.


    People died unnatural deaths every day. If even a prince met with misfortune, it would hardly be surprising.


    These thoughts crossed my mind, but I knew they were disrespectful, so I dared not ask the maid.


    I was young then, so the maid took special care of me, never assigning me the more arduous tasks.


    But the other pce maids liked to order me around, secretly giving me their undesirable chores behind the maid''s back.


    If I recall correctly, it was in early October of that year that Zhu Yin Hall saw its first winter snowfall.


    On the day of the first snow, each pce had to send offerings to Candle Dragon Pce, the shrine dedicated to the spirits of past emperors and empresses.


    This duty was meant for a pce maid named Yun''er, but she shirked her responsibility and forced the offerings upon me, ordering me to go in her ce.


    Since entering the pce, I had always served in Zhu Yin Hall, rarely venturing out.


    On my first journey through the vast pce grounds, unfamiliar with the routes and hindered by the slippery snow, I struggled greatly. By the time I reached Candle Dragon Pce, night had already fallen.


    After neatly arranging the offerings, I prepared to leave when I heard amotion outside.


    The pce had many rules, and as a mere lowly maid with no status, anyone could order me around as they pleased. Fearing I might be given more tasks, I hid behind a pir to secretly observe.


    The partially open pce door was pushed wide, and by the faint moonlight I clearly saw the small figure enter.


    It was Jiang Muye!


    He brushed the wind-blown snow off his ck and gold cloak, then knelt before the ancestral shrines. After bowing thrice, he said in a low voice:


    "Mother, your son has decided to go to the Qi Dynasty as a hostage. My elder brother is far wiser than I, more suited to assist our father the king. Let him remain; the troubles of Zhu Yin Hall may yet find a solution one day."


    ''Bang!''


    I had been straining to listen curiously to his words when the sudden mming shut of the door made me jump, nearly crying out.


    The heavy yellow pear wood doors of Candle Dragon Pce closed firmly, the clink of iron chains securing the lock faintly audible from outside.


    Jiang Muye rushed over and pushed against the doors, finding them immovable. Clenching his small fists, he pounded and struck the doors, shouting:


    "Open the door! The prince is still inside!"


    "That''s precisely why I''ve locked you in, you brat," a mature male voice replied from outside. "You always fall shortpared to me. You have the gall topete with me over going as a hostage to the enemy state?"


    Jiang Muye paused, then yelled hoarsely:


    "Brother? What are you doing? Quick, let me out!"


    The man outside chuckled casually:


    "No need to rush. The pce staff attending to Candle Dragon Pce will return in the morning and release you. As for me... I''ve already informed our father the king. Tonight, I depart with the vanguard for the capital of the Qi Dynasty."


    "Brother! I won''t let you go! Father said the Qi Emperor is not a benevolent man. If you go as a hostage, how will they treat you? I''ve already lost Mother, I can''t lose my brother too!"


    Outside, a lengthy silence followed before a low voice drifted in:


    "Foolish little brother. Take care."


    After that, no matter how Jiang Muye raged and howled, the only response was the deathly stillness of the snowy night.


    He began pounding on the doors like a madman, repeatedly charging and ramming them with his shoulder.


    But the doors did not give way; instead, he copsed unconscious onto the floor from exhaustion.

 Chapter 492: Extra Story: Shang Yang [Four]

    <h4>Chapter 492</h4>


    His wild, beast-like behavior truly frightened me.


    At first, when I saw him go still, I merely watched him from afar, not daring to breathe heavily.


    Gradually, I noticed him copsed on the ground, motionless, and a sense of fear crept into my heart, wondering if he had died. If someone discovered him tomorrow, I would have a hard time exining myself...


    So I mustered my courage, approached him, squatted down, and gently shook his shoulder, calling out to him.


    He didn''t respond. Upon closer inspection, I saw arge lump swelling on his head, which looked ratherical, and his knuckles were scraped and bleeding profusely.


    I took some ash and applied it to his wounds, then tore a piece of cloth from my outer garment to bandage him.


    At that time, I had no sympathy for him. I merely thought that if anything happened to him, I would be implicated too.


    And so I sat by his side, keeping watch over him for half the night.


    As dawn broke, he awoke.


    Looking at me, then at the still-locked door, he couldn''t help but ask in surprise:


    "Why are you here?"


    "Last night, I brought offerings and saw His Highness Jiang Muye performing rituals, so I hid and didn''t dare disturb," I replied truthfully.


    I had thought that, considering I had tended to him all night, he would at least not make things difficult for me, even if he didn''t express gratitude.


    But who would have imagined that when I tried to help him up, he pushed me away unceremoniously and questioned me:


    "Why didn''t you wake me up?"


    I fell heavily to the ground, my tailbone aching so much that tears nearly welled up in my eyes.


    The next moment, when the pce maid on duty opened the hall''s door, he ran off in a panic.


    Iy on the ground, rubbing my bottom while watching his hurried retreating figure, and muttered under my breath:


    "What an unpleasant wretch. I shouldn''t have cared whether he lived or died - he deserved to die!"


    I had originally thought the incident was over, but I never expected Jiang Muye to be such a petty and narrow-minded person!


    The next day, when he returned to Zhu Yin Hall, he happened to cross paths with me as I was cleaning fallen leaves in the courtyard.


    I respectfully greeted him, but he ignored me like a blind man, and even deliberately bumped my shoulder as he brushed past me!


    Fortunately, I was prepared this time, or else my bottom would have suffered again...


    From that day on, I rarely saw him leave his quarters.


    Concurrently, my daily meals also became increasingly inadequate to satisfy my hunger.


    At first, there were still some non-greasy side dishes and two steamed buns, enough to fill me up.


    But gradually, the side dishes turned into a small te of dry radish cubes, and the steamed buns disappeared, leaving me with only a small bowl of watery porridge for two meals a day.


    Not only that, but the pce maids serving in Zhu Yin Hall also began treating me worse, and even the head maid became increasingly impatient with me.


    When I told her that I often felt faint from hunger, contrary to her usual demeanor, she snapped at me:


    "You should be grateful to have food at all. What are youining about?"


    In my heart, I suspected that Jiang Muye must have secretly instructed them to make things difficult for me.


    The more I thought about how he had repaid my kindness with resentment, the more I disliked him.


    But what good did disliking him do?


    As a servant in Zhu Yin Hall, I had to ept whatever food the master provided, and had no right to dislike him.


    If they hadn''t rescued me that day, I would likely have died when the Qi Army attacked and conquered the capital.


    In the time that followed, I could only drink a bit of porridge every day, with a steamed bun every three to five days - not to mention any hope of having vegetables to eat with it.


    After being hungry for so long, I naturally had no energy to work.


    One day, while gathering firewood in the woodshed, I suddenly felt dizzy and passed out from hunger.


    I must have been extremely famished, for even in my dreams, I could smell the aroma of chicken.


    That scent only made my hunger pangs worse. With great difficulty, I managed to open my eyes, only to find myself lying on the warm bed in Jiang Muye''s quarters.


    And he was seated beside me, waving a chicken drumstick tantalizingly in front of my face...


    Startled, I was about to ask what had happened, but before I could open my mouth, he mercilessly shoved the drumstick into it:


    "Don''t talk, eat first."


    The oily chicken skin exploded with vor in my mouth. Ravenously hungry, I didn''t care about disliking him anymore and snatched the drumstick from his hand, wolfing it down.


    It was onlyter that I learned from Jiang Muye that he had never instructed anyone to mistreat me. Not only had my rations worsened, but all the pce servants were essentially living on a shoestring budget.


    The head maid hadn''t treated me poorly either. The steamed bun I could get every three to five days had actually been her own portion - she had given me her best.


    The reason for this situation was that Zhu Yin had signed an unequal treaty with the Qi Dynasty. Zhu Yin had agreed to pay the Qi Dynasty hundreds of thousands of taels of silver and tens of thousands of stones of grain annually, as well as send a Zhu Yin prince to the Qi Dynasty as a hostage prince. Only then did the Qi Dynasty agree to cease their invasion, temporarily withdrawing their troops.


    After I had eaten a long-awaited filling meal, Jiang Muye told me:


    "The one who locked us in Candle Dragon Pce that night was my elder brother. I was the one originally meant to go to the Qi Dynasty as a hostage prince, but my brother took my ce..."


    He spoke with such sadness that I didn''t know how to console him. All I could do was share half of my drumstick with him and gently say, as my mother hadforted me before:


    "Don''t worry, everything will get better."


    But life often defies our wishes. On New Year''s Eve that year, the crown prince was sent back.


    The Qi Dynasty imed he had suddenly fallen ill and died, and on that joyous night of family reunion, they returned his corpse to spend the New Year with his family.

 Chapter 493: Extra Chapter Shang Yang [Five]

    <h4>Chapter 493</h4>


    Due to the sudden passing of the Crown Prince, on New Year''s Eve of that year, the Zhu Yin dynasty shed its red attire and donnedyers of pure white mourning clothes.


    The winter day was cool, suitable for preserving the body, but thete Crown Prince''s remains had already decayed beyond recognition during the journey from the Capital City back to Zhu Yin.


    Thus, the Emperor decided to hold the national mourning ceremony the next day, despite the haste. At least the wandering soul would have a resting ce in the homnd soil.


    At the funeral, the entire court of civil and military officials grieved deeply, but none was as emotionally shaken as Jiang Muye.


    He deeply cherished the bond with his sworn brother. Afterying his brother to rest, he clenched his fists and wept, vowing to seek justice for his brother.


    In front of the entire court, he passionately urged everyone to rise up and overthrow the Qi Dynasty.


    The officials fell silent upon hearing his words, while he stood alone like a solitary fighter, futilely defying the powers that be.


    It was the Emperor''s harsh p across his face that finally silenced his ravings.


    "How will you avenge your brother? With your brash defiance that knows no bounds, or with your meager stature that cannot wield a sword steadily?"


    Later, as the officials bowed their heads, I attended closely to Jiang Muye, standing less than ten paces away from him.


    I heard his muffled sobs, and I also heard the Emperor''s unusually weary tone as he passed by Jiang Muye, saying:


    "I am not only the father of you and Mu Qiu, but also the pir of support for the people of Zhu Yin. Your brother is gone, and no one can change that fact. As my only remaining son, you must learn to endure and ept."


    Endure the humiliation, ept fate.


    It was then that I realized,


    in times of chaos, even those we perceive as lofty emperors are merely mortals donning splendid robes to conceal their lowly existence, much like ants desperately clinging to survival.


    From that day onwards, I never saw Jiang Muye cry again.


    He emted histe brother''s diligence, rising before dawn each day to either practice martial arts or study statecraft, filling his entire day with activities.


    He seemed to have abandoned the hatred in his heart and ovee his grief over his brother''s death, no longer wallowing in sorrow.


    But I knew that for a long time after, he lived behind the door of the Candle Dragon Pce, which his brother had firmly locked:


    that same powerlessness, fear, and darkness beyond sight.


    Perhaps because we shared the pain of losing a loved one and being utterly helpless, I could deeply empathize with his feelings at the time. Our private interactions became more frequent from then on.


    Gradually, we were no longer master and servant, but rather... friends?


    Just like Huzi and I used to be.


    At least, that was how I perceived it back then.


    A few yearster, due to budget constraints, the pce had reached a point where maids had to be dismissed and sent away.


    The head matron was also let go during that time, and I became the head of the Zhu Yin Hall after her departure.


    I was barely eleven years old then, hardly capable of shouldering such responsibilities.


    I asked Jiang Muye, "The head matron managed the Zhu Yin Hall so well, why must she be sent away?"


    Outside the Zhuyin Imperial City, chaos reigned, and themon people struggled to find enough food, with cases of parents selling their children for sustenance urring frequently. For a woman dismissed from the pce, without means of making a living, starvation or being devoured by others was a grim possibility.


    Yet Jiang Muye coldly replied, "Nothing in particr. I simply cannot stand her lectures to me. You and I are of simr age, so you won''t nag me as much, which is less vexing."


    As he said this, I saw a flicker of sorrow in his eyes.


    Thus, I did not pursue the matter further.


    The duties of the head matron were no easy task.


    From then on, in addition to attending to Jiang Muye daily, I had to spend my free time with other pce maids doing needlework, which would be handed over to the grand matron to be sold or traded for money in the Qi Dynasty.


    Not just me, but almost all the women in the Zhu Yin Hall did the same:


    we sacrificed all our leisure time, doing what little we could to help our country repay the debts owed to the Qi Dynasty, one by one.


    Although life was harsh, I seldom heard anyonein,


    for we all understood clearly that if the taxes were not paid in full, the Qi Dynasty would attack again at any moment.


    Our collective endurance at this moment was simply our shared desire to protect our home.


    Days passed by in this manner, the routine busyness numbing us.


    When I turned thirteen, Jiang Muye was sixteen.


    Unlike other realms where girls came of age at fifteen, in Zhu Yin, boys underwent the ceremonial capping at sixteen.


    At the beginning of that year, the Emperor had already started arranging Jiang Muye''s marriage.


    Daughters of noble families were scheduled to enter the pce two days after Jiang Muye''s birthday, and he would personally select his bride.


    As the one responsible for his daily needs, I naturally had to be especially attentive during this important asion.


    So the night before, I brought him new clothes and carefully groomed his hair and headpiece, even cheerfully remarking, "Lord Muye, you look so handsome dressed up like this!"


    But he was annoyed, "Once I''m married and establish my own household, I won''t need you attending to me anymore. What? Are you looking forward to being rid of me and feeling relieved?"


    We had grown up together, and now facing separation, I naturally felt a sense of loss too.


    At first, I didn''t understand that hollow, sour feeling.


    But hearing his harsh words, I retorted impulsively without decorum, "Of course. Once you''re gone, my lord, there won''t be anyone nagging me anymore."


    Upon hearing this, he stared at me intently for a long while, his eyes glistening with a strange moisture.


    Then, he abruptly turned away, angrily throwing the clothes he was supposed to wear the next day onto the floor before storming out of the room.


    [Note: Resuming regr updates from 10.7 onwards. Too many family matters these past few days to write. A humble author, bowing in apology.]

 Chapter 494: Extra Chapter Shang Yang [6]

    <h4>Chapter 494</h4>


    At that time, I felt his sudden outburst of temper was bewildering. Perhaps he felt I was an eyesore again?


    After all, he always teased me, saying that I drifted in front of him day after day, making him dizzy just looking at me.


    So I didn''t seek him out. Instead, I quietly tidied up the clothes he had stained and creased in my room.


    As I gazed at the azure blue everyday robe, for some reason, the feeling of heartache from before surged even stronger. I couldn''t help but feel a stinging sensation in my nose.


    Tomorrow,


    If Jiang Muye takes a fancy to some youngdy and chooses an auspicious date to leave the pce to start his own household, perhaps I will never see him again in this lifetime.


    After Mother and Father passed away, he became the person I interacted with the most each day.


    Although he was the master and I the servant, in my heart, I had already regarded him as the most important person long ago.


    That night, I waited for Jiang Muye in my room all night, but he never returned.


    The following day, when the official''s daughter entered the pce, he still did not show up.


    It was only after the Emperor personally came to Zhu Yin Hall to question him that the matter became serious, and he finally showed upte.


    On that day, I did not follow them when he met the official''s daughter, but Iter heard that he and the Holy Maiden of the Chi Tribe hit it off very well. The Emperor immediately decided on their marriage.


    After that, the Holy Maiden took the opportunity to stay in the pce, and she could cultivate their rtionship with Jiang Muye before the wedding.


    During that time, Jiang Muye seldom returned to Zhu Yin Hall.


    In addition to his official duties, the leisure time he used to spend with me was now entirely devoted to apanying the Holy Maiden of the Chi Tribe.


    I happened to see them once in the Azure Garden of Heavenly Water.


    From a distance, I saw their backs side by side, chatting andughing as they strolled amidst the falling flower petals, a perfect match.


    I stood still, not daring to approach and disturb them. My gaze followed Jiang Muye intently,


    Until his figure disappeared along with the setting sun, it felt like a part of my heart was missing, taken away by his lingering presence.


    It was then that I realized, after beingfortably by his side for so long, I had never imagined that our vastly different statuses would eventually lead to our separation.


    As that day gradually approached, I understood that without him, I would likely be a drifting speck once again.


    On the eve of Jiang Muye''s wedding, he unexpectedly returned to Zhu Yin Hall.


    Seeing his joyful expression, likely immersed in the happiness of his impending marriage, I concealed my little thoughts and smiled as I joked with him:


    "Tomorrow you''ll be married. Have youe back to take onest look at this ce?"


    My remark was presumptuous, drawing the attention of the pce maids.


    But in private, I had always spoken to him in this manner.


    Since today would be ourst meeting, what was the point of observing so many rules?


    I was a little reckless, perhaps then he would not forget me so easily.


    As for him?


    He did not respond to my teasing. Instead, in front of everyone''s eyes, he grabbed my wrist and forcefully pulled me out of the hall, without telling me where we were going.


    He gripped my wrist tightly, not causing me pain but not allowing me to easily break free either.


    I could only follow him.


    We walked a long way until we entered an abandoned house that had been forsaken long ago. Only then did he release me.


    That house had suffered a fire before, though no one was hurt. But since it seemed ominous, it was left unused.


    I noticed there was not a single piece of furniture inside, only a dark oilcloth in the center, covering something underneath.


    Before I could voice my confusion, he asked me first:


    "Xiang Yun said you cried all night yesterday. Is it because you can''t bear to part with me?"


    How could I have expected him to ask such a shameless question?


    Caught off guard, I blushed uncontrobly and stuttered in denial:


    "I had a stomachache. What does it have to do with you?"


    But he gazed at me with tender eyes and gently said:


    "Then it is I who cannot bear to part with you."


    With that, he bent down and lifted the mysterious oilcloth.


    To my surprise, beneath the cloth were dozens of pots of lush, blooming sunflowers.


    They held their heads high, all stretching towards one direction, vibrant and full of life.


    I was stunned by this scene, my heart pounding.


    Sunflowers were the flowers Father and Mother used to express their love, and also the origin of my given name, Yang.


    As a child, I had seen Father bring this flower back from abroad. But since the red soil of Zhu Yin was not conducive to growing them, I rarely saw them afterwards.


    Perhaps it was because of their rarity that I became so fond of them.


    In the past, during our idle chats at night, Jiang Muye had asked me what kind of flowers I liked, and I immediately answered with these.


    I asked him in astonishment, "This is..."


    Without looking at me, he bent down and carefully arranged the flower branches, casually exining:


    "I''ve been busy with these during the time I haven''t been back at Zhu Yin Hall."


    Even someone as dull as me could understand his intentions from his actions and words.


    At that moment, my heart felt like it was going to leap out of my throat.


    I couldn''t utter a single word, my legs felt like they were filled with lead, standing as still as a wooden post.


    It wasn''t until he turned to look at me that I hurriedly averted my gaze to avoid eye contact, feigning ignorance as I said awkwardly:


    "Thank you, my lord. On the eve of your marriage, you still thought to give me a parting gift. But I have been rude and didn''t prepare anything to give you in return."


    "What marriage? I''m just a pitiful person who has been abandoned," he first shook his head with a bitter sigh, thenughed. "I told the girl from the Chi Tribe that if they ever attack Zhu Yin while I''m the crown prince, I would have no chance of survival. She is my wife, she must die with me. She became afraid and fled back to the Chi Tribe overnight, calling off the wedding."


    Upon hearing this, I was first shocked, then realized it was just his trick to tease the girl.


    If the Emperor found out about this, he would surely punish Jiang Muye severely!


    I hurriedly advised him: "My lord, you are no longer young. How can you still act so recklessly ording to your whims?"


    But he stepped closer and closer until he had me backed against the wall. Then he suddenly embraced my waist and pulled me into his arms without warning.


    We were so close that I could even hear his frantic heartbeat, matching my own.


    Seeing him lower his head and gradually lean towards my ear, he asked softly:


    "There is someone on my mind, to the point that I have neglected this marriage. In your opinion, should the one I have in mind be responsible for this situation?"


    "Whoever you have in mind, let them be responsible. Why are you telling me this?" I said flustered, pushing against his chest. But the moment my palmsnded on his chest, I lost my strength.


    He held me even tighter. As our breaths intertwined, I could no longer avoid his gaze.


    In that moment, I saw an unwavering determination in his eyes.


    He told me:


    "Yang, when youe of age, I will ask the Emperor for permission to take you as my consort."


    With that, he ced a light kiss on the tip of my nose, then added emphatically:


    "My one and only. Forever and always."

 Chapter 495: Extra Story: Shang Yang [Seven]

    <h4>Chapter 495</h4>


    I am an extremely awkward person.


    When I was young, I liked to eat fish but not shrimp. But when fish and shrimp were served on the table together, and my father asked me what I liked to eat, I timidly pointed to the te full of shrimp. It was as if letting others know my preference was something very embarrassing.


    To the extent that even now, I find it difficult to admit my fondness for Jiang Muye.


    At that time, he desperately wanted me to give him an answer. Faced with his repeated questioning, I merely blushed and remained silent, not even giving him a nod or shake of the head in response.


    Fortunately, though I had a thin face, he had a thick one.


    Seeing that I did not speak, he took my hand directly and held it to his chest, smiling as he said:


    "No response is a positive response."


    After that, the two of us naturally fell into a rtionship.


    It was also from that day onwards that I discovered that a cold, wooden person like him could actually look so good when he smiled.


    At that time, since he had already gone through theing of age ceremony, he was able to freely enter the pce.


    Whenever he had free time, he would take me out to wander around the city. With my own hidden motive, I would gradually guide him to where my former home used to be.


    To call it home, in fact, my home was long gone.


    A few years after I entered the pce, the old site of my family home was requisitioned by the court, demolished, and turned into a crop field.


    When all was said and done, the old scenery was gone, and the people were no more. As I gazed at the golden wheat fields that now covered thend, I felt a sense of mncholy in my heart.


    I don''t know if Jiang Muye noticed my declining mood, but he embraced me from behind, affectionately resting his chin on my shoulder, and gently said:


    "Come, I''ll take you somewhere."


    He took me all the way to the seaside, where I saw a solitary house standing in the distance.


    As we drew closer, it became more and more familiar.


    It looked, so much like...!


    This house was almost an exact replica of my former home!


    He led me to stand outside the door, my feet feeling as though they were filled with lead, unable to move another step.


    He tightened his grip on my hand and smiled brilliantly:


    "Why are you dazed? We''re home."


    It wasn''t untilter that I learned that years ago, when I found out my home was being requisitioned by the court and demolished, I had painted a picture.


    I painted my memory of what my home looked like, and looking at the painting, I remembered my parents and cried uncontrobly.


    At that time, Jiang Muye happened to see me crying,


    and casually asked me the reason.


    After I told him the circumstances, I myself almost forgot about the incident.


    Little did I expect that he would take it so much to heart, and even secretly instructed someone to visit my family home, noting theyout of the house and the interior arrangements, and had an exact replica built by the seaside.


    Although I was delighted, I also curiously asked him:


    "At that time, you were only thirteen years old, constantly criticizing me here and there, so why did you keep my words in your heart and secretly do all this without telling me?"


    He merely smiled: "When I saw you crying like a little kitten, I couldn''t help but feel distressed too, and I wanted to do something for you."


    Indeed,


    he had been silently caring for me from an early age, but never spoke of it.


    I was thinking, perhaps it was precisely because of his wordless protection that I have always been able to feel a constant sense of security from him?


    Like me, he was someone who disliked being overly sentimental.


    Seeing that the situation was bing a bit too emotional, he hurriedly changed the subject, saying:


    "From now on, this will also be our home. If you ever tire of living in the pce, we cane here. Listen to the sea, watch the sunset - I think it would be wonderful."


    In my heart, I also felt that this scene was incredibly blissful, but I couldn''t resist teasing him:


    "Oh, doesn''t Your Highness Jiang think that living here with me, eating simple fare day after day, would be beneath your status?"


    He gave me a sideways nce and pinched my cheek, saying:


    "Any dish made by my wife is a heavenly delicacy that cannot be found on earth. How could I everin?"


    Iughed at his yful banter, and he had indeed be increasingly smooth-tongued and unrestrained.


    On that day, after dining at home, as we idled by the seaside watching the sunset, I leaned against his embrace, feeling the sea breeze while basking in the warmth of his breath.


    As the horizon was dyed a warm orange-yellow by the lingering rays of the setting sun, I heard an infatuated man excitedly tell me:


    "Yangr, look, this sky is the exact color of the sunflowers you love. I n that on the day I take you as my wife, I will nt these flowers all over Zhu Yin!"


    I chided him with a smile: "Those flowers will not easily thrive in Zhu Yin, so why nt them everywhere?"


    He said: "With determination, nothing is difficult."

 Chapter 496: Extra Chapter Shang Yang [Eight]

    <h4>Chapter 496</h4>


    Afterwards, my days with Ye Lang were filled with delight.


    We tasted all the world''s delicacies, traveled to see beautiful sights by candlelight, and were always fascinated by each other''spany, with endless stories to tell.


    But two months before mying-of-age ceremony, one night, I seemed to overhear something I shouldn''t have.


    It was an exceptionally sultry night, and I tossed and turned on the couch, unable to sleep. Thinking Ye Lang must be suffering from the heat as well, I decided to find him for some refreshing conversation.


    But just as I stood outside his door, about to knock, I vaguely heard the Emperor''s voiceing from within.


    ["The Crown Prince''s most eligible heir, his fourth son, has passed away. The most likely candidates to seed the throne of the Qi Dynasty are now the third prince, Xiao Jingheng, and the fifth prince, Xiao Jinglian. If we can get close to them and be their confidants, then when the Qi Dynasty has a new ruler, we will have someone by their side who can speak for Zhu Yin."]


    I didn''t fully understand these words, but Ye Lang seemed toprehend them.


    After a moment of silence in the room, he suddenly questioned the Emperor:


    ["So if we are to have a voice, it must be through someone close to them? Is Your Majesty suggesting sending a woman to the Qi Dynasty as an insider for Zhu Yin?"]


    ["Yes, I intend to send someone. But this woman must be someone we can trust, and possess considerable beauty. If she cannot be trusted, she may turn traitor, only adding to our troubles. And if shecks beauty, she will not be able to bewitch their hearts."]


    The Emperor sighed deeply at this point, then continued:


    ["I have decided to have Zhi Lan, who has never shown her face before, get close to the fifth prince, Xiao Jinglian."]


    Upon hearing this, I was greatly rmed.


    Zhi Lan was the Emperor''s most beloved young daughter, yet he was willing to send his own daughter to the enemy nation as a spy?


    Ye Lang''s reaction was much the same as mine:


    ["Little sister? She is only twelve years old, barely two years from hering-of-age ceremony. How can Your Majesty bear to send her into the den of those viins as an insider? Would that not rob her of her entire life?"]


    ["In the face of national crisis, greater righteousness takes priority. My mind is made up, and Zhi Lan has no objections. Now we stillck one person to be installed by the third prince, Xiao Jingheng''s side. And for this, I already have the perfect candidate in mind. Your attendant, Shang Yang, is beautiful, intelligent, and meticulous. Moreover, she is devoted to you, making her the ideal choice."]


    Hearing these words, my heart almost skipped a beat!


    Ye Lang was also unusually defiant towards the Emperor:


    ["Does Your Majesty realize what you are saying? Yang and I share true love. How could you make her do such a humiliating and demeaning thing?"]


    ''p''


    Before Ye Lang could finish his objection, a loud p rang out from the room,


    Followed immediately by the Emperor''s furious roar:


    ["Nonsense! You are the Crown Prince of Zhu Yin, you should be prepared to sacrifice everything for the people! Now I only ask that you sacrifice an insignificant orphan girl, yet you dare speak to me like this?"]


    ["Yang is not an orphan girl. As long as I live in this world, she will have someone to rely on!"]


    Ye Lang abandoned his usual reverence for the Emperor with that retort, then asked in a daze:


    ["So Your Majesty never intended to allow our union from the beginning, and never nned for Yang to be my wife at all? This entire thing was just a ploy to find a suitable pawn to install by the Qi princes'' sides?"]


    ["If that is how you wish to interpret it, I have no furtherment."]


    Upon hearing this, I became utterly terrified and hurried away, afraid the Emperor would discover me, afraid Ye Lang would see me, and unable to cope with the situation.


    I do not know what else the Emperor said to Ye Lang afterwards, but from that day on, Ye Lang acted as if nothing had happened, never mentioning a word about going to the Qi Dynasty as a spy.


    I understood Ye Lang''s intentions - he would never betray me.


    But after several days of contemtion, my attitude changed.


    At first I wanted to remain ignorant and selfishly continue as we were, living happily ever after with Ye Lang.


    But I truly did not wish to make things difficult for Ye Lang, and I genuinely wanted to contribute to my country''s cause, to avenge my parents, and protect my loved ones.


    I am a conflicted person, but also a determined one.


    When I finally made my decision after much thought, I did not tell Ye Lang.


    One month before mying-of-age ceremony, Ye Lang personally cooked a meal for me, though his culinary skills were quitecking. Still, I savored every bite.


    Ye Lang said he was very nervous, as if a long-held dream was about toe true when he took me as his wife.


    And wasn''t I the same?


    Only this dream might have to wait a little longer to be realized.


    That night, after he fell into a deep sleep, I quietly went to seek out the Emperor.


    I wanted to tell him that I was willing to go to the Qi Dynasty, willing to act as a spy by Xiao Jingheng''s side. I was willing to do everything in my power for my country and for my love.


    This is the responsibility that every Zhu Yin citizen bears from birth - my parents shouldered it, as did Ye Lang, and now I would too.


    At the time, I was still young, reluctant to let go, and afraid.


    I stood vaciting outside the Emperor''s grand pce for a long while.


    His pce was the most magnificent and towering structure in all of Zhu Yin.


    Standing high up, I turned to gaze far into the distance, at the myriad twinkling lights of Zhu Yin city - those tiny, warm yellow flickers like the hue of sunflowers.


    I thought, here lies my homnd, my love, my home.


    I will eventually return safe and sound,


    And see Zhu Yin nketed in sunflowers once more.


    [Author''s Note: There''s more bonus content, but I recently had surgery and am resting. Future updates will be on Tomato Novel and announced on my Weibo. Thanks for your support! Pen Heart ??]

 Chapter 497: Extra Story: Wanshuang [Part One]

    <h4>Chapter 497</h4>


    It felt as though I had had a long dream.


    But when I woke up, I couldn''t quite remember what I had dreamt about, only that I felt very tired.


    When I opened my eyes, I was sitting on the warm seat at home, one hand supporting my chin, the other holding a book that covered half my face.


    Ying Xiang moved a small stool to sit next to me, holding a scroll in her hands, trying to teach me to read.


    "Zhuangzi dreamed of being a butterfly, the emperor''s spring heart is entrusted to the oriole..."


    These past two days, father had her teaching me to read. But I was not made for this, only doing it to make father happy. I didn''t dare to disobey, so I suffered silently here.


    Ying Xiang knows me best. We grew up together, and she knows I''m unwilling to learn but doesn''t force me. Even when she clearly sees me falling asleep, she just turns a blind eye and continues reading her book, considering it as fulfilling her duty.


    Now, she continued with her recitations, and I just rested my cheek on my hand, looking at the bright courtyard, thinking about the dream I just had.


    But like many other times, I only remember the dream being so clear, so real,


    But now, when I try to recall what exactly I had dreamt about, it''s hard to remember.


    I vaguely remember the scene just before I woke up, which was somewhat terrifying.


    ¡ªI seemed to... have dreamt of my own tombstone.


    And I saw a beautiful woman with a hint of sorrow between her brows, standing in front of the tombstone, offering me two cups of turbid wine, saying incoherently that I had protected her so much, and in the next life, she would protect me.


    As for the rest of the details, I couldn''t remember anything no matter how hard I tried.


    I felt that dreaming about my own grave was a bad omen, so I stopped Ying Xiang and said to her:


    "I had a dream just now, in which I saw my own tombstone."


    Ying Xiang looked up from her book and stared at me nkly.


    I saw her furrowing her brows at first, but then sheughed,


    "That''s a good thing! People often say that dreams are opposite to reality. If you dream of your own tombstone, doesn''t that mean you''ll live a long life?"


    Hearing her nonsense, I couldn''t help but roll my eyes at her, "You''ve read too much, and now you can''t stop saying foolish things. My dream was very real. I should be relieved that I''m still alive after such a terrifying dream, but now I feel empty inside. It''s really strange."


    Hearing this, Ying Xiang started toin, "I would say it''s all the eldest young master''s fault. He''s always away fighting with our father, and when he finally returns once a year or so, he keeps telling you about the bloody battles he''s been in. If you hear too much of that, won''t you have nightmares?"


    She made sense, but I didn''t think that was the reason.


    After all, I''ve always been tomboyish since I was little, always loved to hear stories about battles from my father when I was young, andter from my brother when father got busy with his military duties.


    Those were the stories I was used to hearing, how could they scare me?


    I was about to argue when suddenly, the window next to the warm seat was pushed open from outside. I quickly looked over to see my brother sticking half his head in, looking gloomy, and said to Ying Xiang:


    "What bad things are you saying about me behind my back?"


    Ying Xiang and I grew up together, so she naturally became something of a ymate to my elder brother during his youth. Whenever the two of them met, they would bicker, and I found it amusing to watch.


    Now, Ying Xiang was not even afraid of my brother, and instead, she made a face at him,


    "I dare not speak ill of the eldest son. However, I suddenly remembered that when you left homest time, you promised to buy a hairpin for Miss. Now, you''ve been home for five days, yet I haven''t seen you give it to her?"


    "You..."


    My brother, as if his secret had been exposed, turned red in an instant.


    He red at Ying Xiang and then nced at me somewhat guiltily,


    "Wan''er... listen to me, I promise to buy it for you next time!"


    Seeing his embarrassed look, I couldn''t help butugh in my heart.


    Ever since we were children, I knew how much my brother loved me and how careless he could be.


    If he forgot to buy the hairpin this time, it wouldn''t matter. After all, we are siblings for life, and he will have to spoil me for a long time toe. A momentarypse wouldn''t make a difference.


    But just as I was about to yfully demand a pair from him next time, I saw something terrifying in his eyes, a horrifying image shed through my mind.


    I saw...


    My brother in prisoner''s clothing, kneeling in the middle of the execution ground, covered in blood.


    The noisy crowd of spectators surrounded him. At the executioner''smand, the headsman''s broadsword was raised high!


    "Ah!!"


    I screamed aloud, and only then did the horrifying image in my mind dissipate.


    "Wan¡¯er?"


    My brother climbed in through the diamond-shaped window and asked me, holding my shoulders,


    "What happened?"


    I didn''t answer, I didn''t know what to say, all I felt was fear.


    I held my brother tight, trying to feel his warmth, his heartbeat.


    Thankfully, he was alright.


    I thought, maybe Ying Xiang was right?


    Was it because I had heard too many bloody stories from the battlefield from my father and brother, that I had been having these hallucinations recently?


    I shook my head vigorously, trying to drive these strange thoughts out of my mind.


    After a long while, I finally said to my brother, "Brother, you will always be with us, right?"


    My brother ruffled my hair,ughing at my silliness, "Of course. You know I have a bad memory. This time I went back on my word about the hairpin, next time I''ll make it up to you double. You can''t think that just because I was careless this one time, I would abandon you, right?"


    "Of course not."


    I smiled, feeling relieved.


    "It''s a silver willow hairpin, right?" he asked.


    "Mm-hmm." I nodded.


    Unlike most girls who like roses or peonies,


    I''ve loved silver willows since I was a child.


    The flower symbolizes freedom andck of restraint, which is the kind of life I want to live.


    You could say my brother is scatterbrained, but he remembers all of my likes and dislikes.


    So do my father and mother.


    In this family, whatever I love, everyone hopes for.


    So even though I reached the age of marriagest year, my parents didn''t hurry to arrange a marriage for me like other noble families. Instead, they allowed me to find my own perfect match ording to my heart''s desire.


    With the status of the Ning Family in the Qi Dynasty, as the legitimate daughter of the Ning Family, it''s expected that I marry someone of high status, otherwise it would be a disgrace to my father''s reputation.


    But my father doesn''t think so.


    I once asked him, "What if the man my daughter loves has no power or influence, and makes you lose face in front of your colleagues?"


    My father dismissed it with a wave of his hand, "Compared to my daughter''s happiness, they don''t matter at all! I''ve helped the emperor conquer this world, why would I care about the opinions of those old farts?"


    Women in the Qi Dynasty have always been adjuncts to men,


    From fathers, brothers, to husbands, they were never allowed to be their own.


    Yet in such a ce, where even princesses must marry far away, my family only hopes for my happiness and well-being.


    These things have left a deep imprint on my heart. Every time I think about them, I feel that being born into the Ning Family, having such family members, is a blessing I have cultivated over three lifetimes.


    "What are you thinking about?"


    I was lost in thought when my brother suddenly pinched my nose and peeled a lychee for me. Suddenly, he said seriously:


    "The Empress has just recovered from a serious illness. Tomorrow, officials from all departments will bring their female family members to the Feng Luan Pce to pay their respects. You cannot be this absent-minded in front of the Empress. The pce has many rules, it''s not like home."


    The Pce...


    I let out a soft sigh, peering out of the window in the direction of the pce, taking a deep look.


    From my boudoir, I could only see a small golden dome in the distance,


    My brother said that it was the top of the Chaoyang Pce, where the Emperor lived, the most noble person in the world.


    There are so many rules near the Emperor, enough to stifle a person, and I, ustomed to freedom and casualness, naturally do not want to follow my father into the pce.


    In the past, I didn''t go, and my mother went to the pce for me, but recently my mother has been sick and should not be overworked.


    So even if I''m reluctant,


    This time,


    I can''t avoid it.

 Chapter 498: Extra Story: Wanshuang [Part Two]

    <h4>Chapter 498</h4>


    The next morning, I hurried to greet the first day of the third month. After simply grooming and dressing, I went to the ancestral shrine to burn incense.


    While having breakfast with my family, my father''s gaze fell upon me, asionally looking me up and down.


    I put down my chopsticks, and before I could ask what he was examining, I heard him speak with a half-mocking tone,


    "Other girls your age dress in vibrant reds and greens. But you always appear so in."


    I nced down at myke-blue robe without any cloud patterns, not even wearing a single piece of jewelry, and smiled.


    It''s not that I dislike dressing up, but anything beautifules at a cost.


    To look morous requires carefully coordinating colors andyers, resulting in an umtion of burdens that confine oneself.


    It may appear beautiful, but such a burden is uninteresting.


    "Father, do you think my attire is unappealing?" I asked.


    "It looks fine, but today you will be entering the pce to meet the Empress. This in dress seems too humble."


    I was about to respond, but my mother straightened my cor and spoke to my father ahead of me:


    "Wan''er is going to the pce to pay respects to the Empress, not to outshine others with her dress. Standing out would only draw unwanted attention."


    This is typical in our family - my father likes to disy wealth in public, while my mother is exceptionally modest. Just by looking at her in attire, one can see that she and I share the same mindset.


    With that, my father had no more to say.


    Before leaving after the meal, my mother secretly pulled me aside and whispered,


    "This is your first time entering the pce to meet the Empress. Be mindful of everything, and if you can delight the Empress, it would be wonderful."


    I''ve heard from my brother that whenever my mother enters the pce, she attends to the Empress diligently like a servant, which he finds infuriating.


    But everyone knows my mother''s good intentions - as our ancestors never had a daughter serve as a consort in the pce, there are many things that cannot be helped by the pcedies. My mother tries to please the Empress so she can contribute her small efforts to help my father.


    If any unpleasant incident arises in the future, the Empress would remember her past kindness and put in a good word for my father in front of the Emperor.


    As a daughter of the Ning family, I should understand my mother''s concerns, so I nodded in agreement to put her mind at ease.


    After entering the pce with my father, he went to the Study Hall to meet the Emperor, while I and other officials'' wives were taken to the Feng Luan Pce to pay respects to the Empress.


    This was my first time seeing the Empress. In her forties, her face showed no trace of aging, and she was dressed in a dignified and stately manner.


    She wore a bright yellow phoenix robe and an borate Kunshan Feng Ying hairstyle. The hairstyle was beautiful but intricate, requiring over an hour of preparation just to style it properly.


    I secretly thought that despite the Empress'' noble status, her resting time was even shorter than mine. Just looking at it made me feel weary.


    After paying respects, the Empress invited everyone to view the flowers in her pce. I originally intended to stay close to her and personally attend to her.


    However, I had underestimated the situation. While the Ning family wanted to curry favor with the Empress, the other officials'' wives had the same intention.


    Before I could move closer, the Empress was already surrounded by people, and through some unseen jostling, I found myself pushed to the outermost edge.


    Seeing thismotion, I realized it was futile to try to attend to the Empress, so I decided to simply stand back and avoid any issues.


    While admiring the flowers with the group, I suddenly heard the Empress mutter something about losing her finger ring.


    Her words immediately drew everyone''s attention to the ground as they all bent down to search carefully.


    After a while with no sess, I heard the attendant near the Empress say:


    "Your Majesty was viewing the forsythia flowers at the Guangyang Gate earlier. Perhaps it fell there?"


    The Empress'' expression showed urgency. "Ah yes, I was careless. You go and search there."


    Guangyang Gate...


    Upon hearing that location, my ears perked up involuntarily.


    Today, among all the officials'' wives who entered the pce, I was the only one apanying my father. The officials'' wives were not permitted to wander around after paying respects to the Empress. Meanwhile, my father was in the Study Hall discussing the campaign against Zhu Yin with the Emperor. He had reported to the Empress and the Internal Affairs Ministry in advance, allowing me to wait for him outside the Guangyang Gate after paying respects, so we could return home together.


    No one else could go there, only I could. Wasn''t this the perfect opportunity to delight the Empress?


    So I hurried out from the crowd, respectfully bowed to the Empress, and said,


    "Your Majesty, this subject is about to go to the Guangyang Gate to wait for my father to return home together. May I assist in searching for Your Majesty''s ring as well?"


    I did not dare raise my head to see the Empress'' expression, but I could feel her gaze fixed upon me.


    "You are Wanshuang? Ning General''s daughter?"


    "Your Majesty is correct, I am."


    "Your mother has raised you well. You are a thoughtful and considerate girl. Since you are willing, you may go."


    With the Empress'' permission, I left the Feng Luan Pce amid the envious and jealous looks of the other wives, feeling that I had at least gained some favor in the Empress'' eyes, not disappointing my mother''s wishes.


    However, halfway there, my maid Yinxiang suddenly asked me:


    "Miss... do you know what the Empress'' finger ring looks like?"


    I smiled, "This is the first time I''ve seen her. I can''t even remember her appearance, let alone her ring."


    Yinxiang''s expression turned even more embarrassed. "...Then how are we going to find it?"


    Upon hearing this, I was momentarily stumped. But seeing the numerous pce maids sweeping along the way, I said:


    "There are so many pce maids sweeping along this route towards the Guangyang Gate. We can simply ask some of them to join the search. Since it''s the Empress'' matter, they wouldn''t dare neglect it."


    "That''s true, but earlier the Empress seemed so anxious about losing her ring. Why would she now feel at ease letting you search for it alone?"


    Yinxiang''s words made me ponder as well.


    But we had alreadye this far, so there was no point in turning back. I could only harden my resolve and quicken my pace.


    Until we reached the Guangyang Gate, I realized that for some reason, there was not a single pce maid in sight.


    Instead, the only thing present was the seemingly endless rows of flowering trees lining the path.


    The branches were covered in pale purple blossoms, and with the wind, they formed an enchanting sea of flowers as far as the eye could see.


    I stood rooted to the spot, momentarily dazed.


    Yingxiang also pointed at the flowering tree in delight, saying:


    "Miss, look! This tree has only flowers and no leaves, it''s so beautiful, and fragrant too!"


    Such a beautiful sight captivated me, and I couldn''t help but start dancing amidst the flowers, utterly forgetting why I hade here.


    Midway through my dance, I suddenly heard crisp apuse from behind.


    Startled, I immediately stopped and turned around somewhat awkwardly.


    I saw a tall, handsome man standing at the edge of the flower field.


    He was standing with his hands behind his back, facing me, with a gentle smile on his lips.


    I was certain I had never seen him before,


    Yet at that one nce, my heart inexplicably wrenched painfully,


    Aching terribly.

 Chapter 499: Extra Chapter: Wanshuang [Three]

    <h4>Chapter 499</h4>


    He was wearing a python robe.


    Only a prince could freely enter the pce wearing a python robe.


    No matter which prince he was, he certainly held a noble status. I should not have kept standing there idly, so I hurried to bow and said,


    "This servant girl is rude. May I ask which prince you are?"


    "The Third Prince, Xiao Jingheng."


    Xiao Jingheng...


    His name rolled off his tongue and into my ears with the swirling flower petals in the wind, stirring the softest ce in my heart with pain.


    At the same time, unrealistic scenes shed through my mind.


    I seemed to have been once held in his embrace, treasured like the moon in the sky,


    Yet shattered like the mirror moon, then cruelly cast down into the abyss by him...


    The immense contrast was enough to suffocate me.


    But I... was clearly seeing him for the first time.


    The wind grew stronger, unknowingly carrying him in front of me. I heard him say:


    "Thedy dances beautifully, more graceful than the flowers. May I ask for thedy''s name?"


    He was too close to me, his presencepletely blocking the light that should have shone on me.


    I rarely had the opportunity to interact with men outside my family, let alone be alone in such privacy.


    A faint scent of musk wafted from him, silently invading me.


    Growing increasingly flustered, I lowered my head to avoid his gaze and shyly kicked at the stones on the ground, weakly replying:


    "This servant girl is from the Ning family, with the courtesy name Wanshuang."


    "You like forsythia too?" he smiled and asked me.


    I looked at the swirling purple haze of petals and silently nodded,


    Yet I saw his smile fade into a hollow, forlorn expression. After a while, he murmured:


    "My mother and I also loved them dearly."


    I was stunned for a moment, unsure how to respond.


    Although I had never crossed paths with him before, I had heard about his background to some extent.


    His birth mother had previously vited the pce taboos and was shunned by the Emperor, banished to the Cold Pce, and died not long after without illness.


    At that time, he was still young and was soon adopted by the current Empress.


    Among the many princes, perhaps due to his birth mother being shunned by the Emperor, he was the one the Emperor least favored.


    A prince disliked by the Emperor might have lived a life worse than an ordinary wealthy family''s son.


    I had asionally heard my father and brother mention that the tasks the Emperor assigned him received little cooperation from the courtiers below. On the surface, he maintained appearances, but in reality, he was merely paid lip service.


    Although he was the first prince to establish a separate residence, outsiders might see it as the Emperor and Empress doting on him, but in truth, it was merely their attempt to send him away early.


    In the imperial court, seniority and hierarchy were paramount. If the Emperor truly favored him, how could the Fifth Prince''s marriage have preceded his?


    With the elder brother yet unmarried, the younger was already surrounded by wives and concubines.


    Just this one incident alone was enough to make him theughingstock of the capital.


    "These days, as my mother''s anniversary approaches, the forsythia in the pce is what she missed the most. So I picked them tomemorate her."


    He said this out of the blue, then slowly crouched down, carefully selecting the unpolluted petals to gather.


    Seeing his tall figure curl into a small shadow against the swirling flowers, he appeared infinitely deste.


    Having grown up surrounded by my family''s love, I found it difficult to imagine the harsh and aggrieved life he must have endured in his early years.


    After much contemtion, I couldn''t help but feel some sympathy for him.


    As a petal fell on my shoulder, I brushed it off and respectfully handed it to him.


    "Your Highness the Third Prince''s filial piety will surely be known to yourte mother."


    He looked up at me, his gaze clear and lucid.


    As he took the petal from my hand, our fingertips identally touched.


    "Thank you," he said.


    I quickly withdrew my hand and smiled, saying it was nothing.


    Suddenly, I heard Ying Xiang whisper to me, "Miss, we should hurry and help the Empress find her hairpin. Otherwise, once the sun sets, it will be even harder to find."


    I nodded in agreement and gave him a polite smile before hurrying off with Ying Xiang.


    There were so many forsythia nted at the Guangyang Gate.


    The fallen petals covered the groundyer uponyer, almost obscuring the bluestone path.


    Finding a small hairpin in this ce would not be an easy task.


    However, having epted the Empress''s request, failure would bring shame to the Ning family.


    So despite my inconvenient attire, I rolled up my sleeves and crouched down, painstakingly searching through the sea of petals.


    This floral scene should have been a beautiful sight, but it was ruined by Ying Xiang and I, a pair of ''fallen'' mistress and servant.


    We crouched on the ground, our bodies bent lower and lower, looking utterly disheveled.


    After an unknown period, as I grew weary and sore, I suddenly heard someone calling me from behind.


    Turning around, I saw none other than Xiao Jingheng standing there, though I couldn''t recall when he had arrived.


    Unlike our initial meeting, this time I couldn''t help butugh when I saw him.


    He was even more disheveled than I was, with the hem and sleeves of his python robe stained with mud, and even his face was smudged with grime, which he haphazardly wiped, making him look like a flower cat.


    Seeing meugh at him, he chuckled sheepishly in response.


    Then, he reached out his hand towards me, revealing a bright green hairpin resting in his palm.


    "This is..."


    "My mother''s hairpin."


    I took the hairpin and rubbed it between my fingertips, still warm from his body heat, which unexpectedly warmed my heart.


    [A jade hairpin, if picked up, would be cool, not warm. The warmth suggests Xiao Jingheng had kept it close to his body, meaning he did not just coincidentally find it.]


    I sincerely thanked him, but he merely smiled, scratching the back of his head in a somewhat awkward manner, and waved his hand dismissively.


    "There''s no need to thank me. I just happened to find it while collecting petals."


    However, his cat-like appearance clearly told me this ''coincidence'' was the result of his thoughtfulness.


    As the sky gradually darkened, knowing my father would soon finish meeting with the Emperor, I hurried to return the hairpin to the Empress. After bidding him a hasty farewell, I left with Ying Xiang.


    Before we had taken two steps, I noticed Ying Xiang patting herself, so I asked:


    "What are you looking for?"


    "Miss, your face and clothes are covered in dust and grime. How could you see the Empress in such a disheveled state?"


    Ying Xiang said as she helped pat the dust off my robes. "Strange, where has your handkerchief gone?"


    I''ve never been one to fuss over trifles, so I was about to simply wipe my face with my hands.


    But as I raised my hand, someone pressed a bright yellow handkerchief into my palm.


    I froze for a moment, hearing Xiao Jingheng say with a hint of yfulness:


    "If you wipe your face with your hands, you''ll just end up looking like a bedraggled cat."


    I knew what it meant for a woman to gift a man her handkerchief, and though men may not put much stock in such gestures, it still felt awkward. I hurried to return it to him.


    But in that fleeting moment of distraction, he had already turned and walked away.


    I called out to his retreating form:


    "I''ll borrow this handkerchief, and have someone return it to your residence once it''s been washed clean."


    He didn''t turn back, simply raising his right arm in a carefree wave.


    Then, in the next instant, he had vanished into the flurry of falling blossoms.

 Chapter 500: Extra Chapter: Wanshuang [Four]

    <h4>Chapter 500</h4>


    The day I returned the hairpin to the Empress, she was overjoyed and instructed someone to reward me with two cloaks of Shu brocade.


    Those cloaks were bright in color and exquisitely made. As soon as I saw them, I knew they were not cheap, so I hastened to decline.


    But the Empress said, "My reward is for you and the Ning Family. You deserve it, and the Ning Family deserves it."


    Initially, I did not understand the deeper meaning behind the Empress''s words. It was not untilter, as I was on my way home with the gifts, that Ying Xiangmented,


    "I''vepared the measurements, and these robes fit the Young Miss perfectly. It seems that even if the Young Miss had not found the Empress''s hairpin today, the Empress would still have gifted these robes to her."


    "Why is that?"


    "The Master won a great victory in the previous dynasty and was a renowned hero before the Emperor. The Emperor values the Master, so naturally the Empress values the Young Miss."


    "Values me for what? The Fourth Prince passed away a couple of years ago due to sudden illness. With the Empress having no son, it''s unlikely she intends for me to be her daughter-inw."


    "Who says the Empress has no son?"


    Ying Xiang suppressed a mischievous grin and produced the handkerchief Xiao Jingheng had given me, waving it in front of my face.


    "The Third Prince is the Empress''s adopted son. If the Young Miss were to match with the Third Prince, it would be quite a romantic tale~"


    "Nonsense!" I rebuked Ying Xiang, and she immediately stuck her tongue out yfully before changing the subject:


    "In my opinion, the Third Prince is not worthy of the Young Miss. Although he is handsome, the Emperor does not favor him. Not only does he have no chance of inheriting the throne, but his household also lives in poverty,cking the dignity of a prince. The Young Miss is a precious gem and deserves a lofty marriage."


    I listened silently, not responding to her words.


    In truth, a lofty marriage was unimportant to me. My family''s wealth was already sufficient for me to live a life of luxury. Material possessions held little interest for me.


    If I were to marry, I would seek apatible husband with whom I could share mutual affection and happiness, growing old together day by day.


    Just like Father and Mother.


    A few dayster, Father and Elder Brother led troops to suppress the rebellion in Zhu Yin. With the disparity in military strength between the two nations, this battle was almost a foregone victory. Nevertheless, Mother and I still saw them off outside the city gates, offering endless reminders and advice.


    The following day, Mother went to stay with Aunt for a while, leaving me alone at home to enjoy my freedom.


    With no one watching over me, I hardly studied at all.


    Instead, I spent my days strolling the streets with Ying Xiang and herpanions, listening to music and leading a leisurely, carefree life.


    One day, as I passed by Xiao Jingheng''s residence, I suddenly remembered that I still had his handkerchief in my possession.


    It was improper for me to keep his personal belongings for so long, so I hurried home and instructed Ying Xiang to return the washed handkerchief to Xiao Jingheng after lunch.


    In the afternoon, I saw Ying Xiang trimming branches in the courtyard and inquired, "Have you returned the item?"


    Ying Xiang replied, "Ruo Lan was nning to go out for errands, so I asked her to deliver it."


    Ruo Lan was young and loved to y, so it was already night by the time she returned to the residence.


    As she came back humming a tune, seeming in good spirits, I was sitting in the courtyard enjoying the cool evening air. I teased her, "I asked you to return something, but you managed to dawdle half the day. Now you''re back, whistling happily?"


    I never scolded my servants harshly, and Ruo Lan knew I wasn''t truly angry. She firstughed shyly, promising not to repeat her tardiness. Then she told me, "Young Miss, you wouldn''t believe what I saw today when I went to the Third Prince''s residence to deliver the handkerchief. In his chambers, I encountered an extremely beautiful and charming maid. The Third Prince asked her to see me off after I delivered the item. She was very talkative, and we hit it off, losing track of time as we chatted..."


    I didn''t care to listen to her exnation and casually replied that I wouldn''t reprimand her, dismissing her to rest.


    However, the next day at dawn, I was awakened by a shrill scream.


    I got up and went outside to investigate, finding Ying Xiang and several maids standing disheveled outside the servants'' quarters, pale and trembling.


    As I hurried over, I asked from a distance what had happened.


    But just as I was about to enter the servants'' quarters, Ying Xiang stopped me, tearfully saying, "Young Miss... Ruo Lan has passed away..."

 Chapter 501: Extra Chapter: Wan Shuang [Five]

    <h4>Chapter 501</h4>


    I was stunned by her words at first, but quickly pushed away Ying Xiang''s hand, insisting on going in to see the situation.


    I saw Ruo Lan lying sideways on the couch, with purple-ck blood oozing from the corner of her mouth, and her body had already gone stiff.


    I gasped in horror, stumbling backwards and nearly falling, but luckily Ying Xiang caught me.


    Everyone was in a panic, with the household having lost its mistress, and I could not afford to lose myposure at this critical moment. After calming myself down for a while, I asked Ying Xiang to summon the Coroner to examine the body, as I had a feeling that Ruo Lan''s death was suspicious.


    As expected, the Coroner quickly determined the cause of Ruo Lan''s death after examining her -


    she had been poisoned with a potent toxin.


    I couldn''t help but feel rmed and perplexed. "The food and supplies for everyone in the household are the same, so why was it only her that was poisoned?"


    Of course, the Coroner could not answer this question, and the only difference between Ruo Lan and others yesterday was that she had visited the household of Prince Xiao Jingheng.


    Although a servant girl had signed a contract to sell herself, she was still a human life, and I did not want Ruo Lan''s death to remain a mystery. No matter what, I had to go to Xiao Jingheng''s residence and get to the bottom of this.


    I instructed Ying Xiang to make arrangements for Ruo Lan''s funeral, notify her family toe and collect her remains, and give them some extra silver to help with the arrangements. After that, I went alone to his residence.


    Upon arrival, the gatekeepers stopped me outside, saying that Xiao Jingheng had gone to a temple in the suburbs and was not at the residence.


    I thought to myself that my Aunt lives in the suburbs, so I could look for Xiao Jingheng and visit my Aunt along the way, which wouldn''t be a detour.


    On the way to the temple, there was a secluded little path, and since it wasn''t a day for Buddhist worship, there were hardly any people on the road.


    Halfway along, I saw Xiao Jingheng and a young servanting towards me.


    He seemed surprised to see me and called out from a distance, "Miss Ning, have you also found the time to visit the temple for worship?"


    I shook my head and got straight to the point, "I''vee specifically to look for the Third Prince."


    "Looking for me?" he seemed somewhat taken aback. "Miss Ning, you''vee all this way to look for me, is there something important?"


    I was about to speak when his expression suddenly became guarded. "Be careful!" he shouted.


    He abruptly pulled me into his embrace, and an arrow whizzed past us. I looked towards the distance and saw five or six men in ck robes riding towards us on horseback with bows drawn.


    The servant stood in front of Xiao Jingheng, drew his sword, and warned cautiously, "The arrivals have ill intentions, be careful, my lord!"


    I had never witnessed such a scene before, and even though Xiao Jingheng was shielding me, I was terrified.


    I saw the bandits getting closer and closer, and initially thought they were after Xiao Jingheng, but when they approached, I saw them all ring ferociously at me and shouting angrily for Xiao Jingheng to move aside.


    "Leave the viinous Ning''s daughter, and we''ll spare your life, you dog!"


    I was petrified with fear, my heart pounding violently.


    Yet Xiao Jingheng did not retreat a single step. In fact, upon hearing that they were after me, he held me even tighter.


    He leaned close and asked me in a very low voice, "Do you know them?"


    I shook my head vigorously, then heard the bandits spit out:


    "The viinous Ning killed so many of our brothers, yet his family gained great glory in exchange! Although we can''t get to him, making him taste the pain of losing a daughter is just retribution!"


    "Yesterday''s poison failed to kill you, but today we''ll make you join the ranks of the departed!"


    From their attire, they seemed to be barbarians. My father had just recently crushed a barbarian force, so it seemed they hade for revenge.


    And yesterday...


    Suddenly, I recalled thatst night I had a poor appetite and didn''t touch my evening meal, asking for it to be taken away. Normally, the master''s leftover food would be disposed of, but Ruo Lan was young and greedy, always sneaking bites of her favorite dishes.


    Perhaps she had eaten my poisoned evening meal yesterday, bing my unintended victim?


    Those bandits dismounted and advanced toward me with swords drawn.


    I knew I was outnumbered, and Xiao Jingheng, being a Prince, should not have been dragged into this because of me. So although I was terrified, I tried to remain calm and told him not to get involved and to ensure his own safety.


    But he...


    kept shielding me behind him, drawing his sword, his gaze sharp and determined as he faced the bandits,


    "As long as I''m here, no one will harm her!"

 Chapter 502: Extra Chapter Wan Shuang [Six]

    <h4>Chapter 502</h4>


    The barbarians, taking advantage of their numbers, did not waste a word with us.


    Just as their leader was about to strike with his sword, he pulled out a grey object from his sleeve with his left hand and threw it at us.


    The dust was as fine as smoke, and Xiao Jingheng immediately shouted, "It''s a smoke bomb! Hold your breath!"


    But in my panic, I was already breathing heavily. How could I hold my breath?


    I watched as the smoke quickly enveloped me, and then I knew no more.


    When I woke up, I found myself lying in my boudoir, with Ying Xiang and the others watching over me.


    Seeing me awake, they all started talking at once. My head was pounding as if something was burning inside my brain.


    I pressed hard on my temples, and as the pain lessened slightly, images from before I passed out shed across my mind.


    The barbarians were fierce, and now I was safe at home. What about Xiao Jingheng?


    I quickly asked Ying Xiang, "Did the third prince bring me back?"


    Ying Xiang choked out, "Yes...but it scared me to death!"


    "Where is he? How is he? Is he hurt?"


    I threw out several questions in a row, but Ying Xiang started to evade, "Miss, you''ve been unconscious for a day. You must be hungry. Let me get you some of your favorite food..."


    I knew she was hiding something from me, and my heart sank. So I forced myself to get up and said, "If you won''t tell me, I''ll go find him."


    Ying Xiang couldn''t argue with me. While trying to stop me, she finally admitted, "The third prince is not in life-threatening danger, but he is indeed injured...his body was covered in blood when he brought you back..."


    Hearing this, I became even more anxious and insisted on going to his house to check on him, despite Ying Xiang''s attempts to stop me.


    Stumbling along the way, I finally saw him.


    When I arrived, I saw his right arm tightly bandaged and elevated, with fresh blood seeping out from the bandages.


    He was pale and looked very weak, indicating that his injuries were serious.


    Despite this, when he saw me, his face showed concern.


    "Miss Ning, why are you here? The smoke bomb is quite potent. You should rest more..."


    "I know you were seriously injured saving me. If I can still rest peacefully at home, then I am not worthy to be my father''s daughter."


    I sat on a small stool by his window and asked him about his injuries.


    He kept saying it was just a minor injury and nothing serious, but I could see that every tiny movement seemed to cause him intense pain.


    He tried his best to hide it, but the barely noticeable twitching of his eyebrows didn''t escape my eyes.


    I was worried about his condition, but he kept trying to reassure me.


    He told me, "I didn''t tell your father and mother about this. Firstly, General Ning is on a campaign. If he knows you are in danger, he will be distracted. This is a major taboo on the battlefield and could be disastrous."


    "As for Lady Ning...after all, she''s a woman, and I''m afraid it would scare her. But don''t worry, Miss Ning. I have already dispatched my personal soldiers to guard the Ning residence day and night. We also captured a live barbarian from the attackers that day and are interrogating them for the whereabouts of the rest. I believe there won''t be any more trouble for the time being."


    He was eager to exin things to me, his emotions slightly stirred, causing the blood from his wounds to flow more fiercely.


    I remembered that the imperial court had once rewarded my father with a top-grade gold wound medicine that could stop bleeding and alleviate pain. So, I settled him down to rest and hurriedly returned home to fetch it for him.


    Halfway back to my residence, I saw a crowd gathered in the distance, apparently watching some spectacle.


    As I passed by, I couldn''t help but look. A richly dressed woman was publicly pushing and scolding a girl in the street.


    The woman had a harsh and cruel face, fiercely pointing at the girl and shouting:


    "You illegitimate wretch! You and your mother are both dirty thieves! Hand over the silver!"


    Upon closer inspection, the girl seemed to be four or five years younger than me. Her small face was still childlike. Despite her simple attire, it was clear that she was a remarkably pretty girl.


    At this moment, her small hand was tightly clenched into a fist, gripping a money pouch.


    No matter how forcefully the woman tried to snatch it, she refused to let go.


    Annoyed by the tussle, the girl pushed the woman away. Her beautiful eyes were aze as she indignantly said:


    "This is the silver my mother left me! Yun Shan has been running a high fever for days, and you wouldn''t get her a doctor. I''m using my own silver to hire a physician. What''s wrong with that?!"

 Chapter 503: Extra Chapter: Wan Shuang [Seven]

    <h4>Chapter 503</h4>


    "Pah! The silver your wretched mother left for you? That shameless woman was punished for theft by the family all those years ago. Where would she have gotten silver to leave you? You clearly stole this from Miss Jade!"


    The woman became increasingly infuriated by the girl''s shove.


    Feeling she had lost face in front of the crowd, she not only raised her voice in scolding but also became more physically aggressive, lunging at the girl and pinching her arms and pulling her hair. Just watching made me wince in vicarious pain.


    At this point, I took a closer look and felt that the woman seemed increasingly familiar.


    Suddenly, I realized she appeared to be Jiang, the legitimate wife of the Duke of Protector.


    In our dynasty, the Duke of Protector had long been stripped of real power by the Emperor, reduced to an empty title. The decent status his family still enjoyed was solely due to the Emperor''s recognition of the merits and efforts his ancestors made in founding the Qi Dynasty.


    Seeking patronage, the Duke of Protector frequently came to fawn over my father.


    I had seen them a few times at home, and back then, this Jiang woman was the embodiment of servility and submission, far from her current arrogant and overbearing demeanor.


    "You insolent brat, release it at once!"


    The struggle between the two tore open the money pouch, scattering the broken silver pieces across the ground.


    The girl, no longer focused on the argument, hurriedly crouched down to collect the silver,


    while Jiang viciously stomped down on the back of the girl''s hand.


    Seeing how pitiful the girl was, I rushed out from the crowd, unable to hold back from advising,


    "Madam Jiang, are you trying to kill her?"


    Hearing themotion, Jiang turned to look at me, and in the instant our eyes met, the viciousness on her face dissipated by ny percent, reced by a smile as obsequious as a court jester''s.


    "Oh my! If it isn''t the daughter of Ning Grand General? It has been quite some time since Ist saw you! Why is Lady Ning out unapanied, with no servants following? That won''t do! Chun''er, you follow Lady Ning and watch over her. If Lady Ning wishes to purchase anything, you can assist her as well."


    "There''s no need for that."


    I coldly rejected her obsequiousness, then cast my gaze down to her foot stomping on the girl''s hand.


    Laughing awkwardly, she quickly lifted her foot, then grumbled,


    "That insolent brat startled Lady Ning. She is merely my unfilial illegitimate daughter who stole from our household''s silver and tried to run away, causing this whole ridiculous scene. Please forgive her, Lady Ning."


    I ignored her still, seeing the girl''s swollen, reddened fingers as she painstakingly collected the scattered broken silver pieces from the ground.


    I bent down to help her up, stopping her actions.


    The girl looked at me timidly, and I smiled as I brushed aside the disheveled strands of hair on her forehead.


    "I believe this money pouch wasn''t stolen by you."


    Just an ordinary statement, yet it brought tears to the stubborn girl''s eyes.


    She quickly wiped them away before they could spill over, her gaze fixed longingly on the scattered silver as her voice trembled,


    "Yun Shan is gravely ill, and I need money to save her."


    "Don''t mind her, Lady Ning! A child born of a concubine is beneath contempt. How could you extend sympathy to a ve girl who has sold her body? That vixen has corrupted you with her wiles. She''d be better off dead from her illness!"


    Jiang tried to strike at the girl again from behind me,


    but I caught her wrist before her p couldnd, ring at her before coldly stating,


    "Even ves are human beings. There are no such ruthless acts condoned even within the pce walls. Madam Jiang, you really do have quite the audacity."


    Jiang clearly did not expect me to rebuke her so harshly, her face twisting into an extremely unpleasant expression as she tried to make excuses,


    "Please don''t misunderstand me, Lady Ning, I... I didn''t mean that..."


    "There''s no need to exin your intentions to me," I said dismissively, ncing at the dust-covered broken silver on the ground. "Wasn''t this silver yours? Then quickly pick it all up and disperse, instead of making a scene beneath the Emperor''s feet."


    No sooner had I finished speaking than Jiang immediately bent down and beganughing obsequiously as she collected the money.


    Her behavior was utterly degrading, embarrassing even the onlookingmoners into murmurs and whispers.


    But I couldn''t care less about any of that.


    Since her husband loved ying the dog in front of my father, I was simply granting her wish to y the dog for me today.


    Ignoring Jiang, I turned to gently reassure the young girl instead.


    "What is your name?"


    "Song Zhao," she replied meekly.


    I took out a silver note from my pocket and ced it in her hands, smiling,


    "Go on. Take this silver and save whomever you wish to save."


    After receiving the silver note, she froze for a moment, then turned and scurried away like a frightened rabbit.


    I called out to her hasty retreating figure,


    "Be careful not to trip and fall!"


    She stopped in her tracks and looked back at me, staring intently before shouting out,


    "Thank you, Sister Wan!"


    With that, she vanished into the crowd in the blink of an eye.


    Heh... Sister Wan.


    That was the first time anyone had addressed me as such.


    Initially, I found it novel, but upon further reflection, I found it strange!


    We must have been meeting for the very first time,


    so why...


    did she know my name?

 Chapter 504: Extra Chapter: Wanshuang [Eight]

    <h4>Chapter 504</h4>


    The incident of Xiao Jingheng''s injury should not be made public, and many of the servants in his household were originally assigned from the pce during his time as a high official, so he could not trust them entirely. Therefore, he took the opportunity of the spring festival to let many of his house servants take a vacation.


    There were not many attendants in his household to begin with, and after dismissing them, he found himself even more short-handed in handling many tasks.


    I privately felt indebted to him for getting injured while rescuing me, so I went to his residence frequently these days to check on him.


    Though it was to check on him, his injury was on his forearm, and it was improper for a man and woman to have close contact. Whenever he changed his dressings, I would respectfully avoid being present.


    Yet I could still clearly hear his muffled groans of enduranceing from inside the room.


    The wound had to be cleaned and medicated daily, and ording to the doctor, the cut was so deep that it nearly exposed the bone. One can imagine how much suffering he had to endure.


    However, he never mentioned these things in front of me, but rather worried that I would overthink it, and intentionally avoided such topics whenever we chatted.


    Initially, I went to take care of him out of a sense of guilt.


    But after spending time together, I gradually found him to be an interesting person.


    He would tell me many amusing stories from his experiences in the pce.


    He said the city wall on the southern side of the pce was the highest, and from the top, one could enjoy a breathtaking view of the sunrise.


    He said after a winter snowfall, the camellia trees near the Crimson Snow Pavilion would be covered in snow, resembling winter-blooming camellias.


    He said the red plum blossoms in the Plum Garden were more vibrantly red than any plum blossoms he had seen in the capital.


    He said he hoped to have the opportunity to view these beautiful sights with me one day, if fate allowed.


    One day, he said to me:


    "I''ve heard that the azaleas in the western suburbs haven''t faded yet this year. Miss Ning, would you be willing to join me in visiting them if you have time?"


    It seemed I had never told him that my favorite flower was actually the willow, but after spending time with him, I had graduallye to appreciate the beauty of azaleas as well.


    So I nodded in agreement to his invitation.


    On the chosen day, we set off toward the western suburbs, chatting merrily along the way. I enjoyed sharing my whimsical thoughts with him, as few would indulge me, but he was always willing to engage in lengthy discussions with me.


    I found this feeling quite wondrous, as if I had found someone who truly understood me, knowing my thoughts and intentions from just a nce or gesture.


    As we were conversing joyfully, I suddenly felt someone tugging at my sleeve from behind.


    Puzzled, I turned around to find the young Miss Song standing behind me, I knew not when she had arrived.


    Half of her face was covered by a veil, revealing only a pair of watery eyes.


    Through the thin veil, I could vaguely make out what seemed to be an injury on her face. So I gently asked her,


    "Did your stepmother beat you again?"


    She shook her head and quickly took out a crumpled silver note from her waist, handing it to me.


    "This is the silver I borrowed from youst time, sister. I''m returning it now."


    Seeing her pitiful circumstances, I did not wish to ept the silver note, but she insisted, forcibly cing it in my hand. Then she shook the wine jug in her other hand, saying:


    "I bought wine for my father. I''m in a hurry to deliver it home, but I''lle back another day to express my gratitude properly."


    As she turned to leave in haste, I instinctively reached out to stop her, causing her to stumble forward and lose her bnce.


    The wine jug she was carrying flew out of her hand, its stopper dislodging, and the wine sshed toward Xiao Jingheng.


    I managed to grab her arm, preventing her from falling, but a good portion of the wine had spilled onto Xiao Jingheng''s bandaged wound.


    Song Zhao was terrified and kept apologizing profusely to Xiao Jingheng. I didn''t even have a chance to console her, as I was more concerned that Xiao Jingheng''s wound on his arm, which had just started healing in the past two days, would be aggravated by the irritation of the wine.


    At that moment, I could think of nothing else but quickly removing the bandages and rolling up his sleeve to let the wound air out.


    But to my surprise...


    Xiao Jingheng abruptly pulled his arm away from my grasp, looking somewhat distressed.


    His expression was unpleasant as he hurriedly said, "It''s not a problem. I wouldn''t want to cause any impropriety for Miss Ning."


    I''m not foolish; I understood his refusal clearly.


    It would be improper for a woman to undress a man in public.


    I was speechless for a moment, feeling quite awkward.


    I thought to myself, it seems we won''t be able to appreciate the azaleas today.


    The next moment, I heard Xiao Jingheng say that he had just remembered some urgent matters at home, and he hastily left.


    I stood there dazed, watching his hurried departure, feeling an inexplicable tightness in my heart, a strange and unpleasant sensation.


    "Sister Ning, did I anger that gentleman? It was my fault..."


    I heard Song Zhao''s faint voice apologizing to me.


    Turning back, I saw her hanging her head in a remorseful manner.


    It wasn''t her intention, and if I hadn''t stopped her, the wine would not have spilled. I had no intention of ming her, and instead consoled her gently, telling her not to take it to heart.


    Her emotions came and went quickly. After letting go of her self-reproach, she soon marveled aloud,


    "But that gentleman is truly brave. The wine I bought for my father was the most potent from the Tianxiang Building, enough to burn one''s stomach upon drinking. Yet when it spilled onto his wound, he didn''t even frown."


    I absent-mindedly responded, "Yes..."


    But soon, I found it strange:


    If even potent wine spilling onto his wound could not faze him, then why could I clearly hear his muffled groans of enduring pain whenever his dressings were changed, from outside his room?

 Chapter 505: Extra Chapter: Wanshuang [Nine]

    <h4>Chapter 505</h4>


    In a moment of uncertainty, I saw Song Zhao''s wrist as she was arranging the wine jug,


    The newly added injury on her wrist was ringly red, yet she acted as if nothing was amiss, casually rolling up her sleeve, seemingly unfazed by the pain that the wound''s friction might bring.


    Perhaps she noticed my gaze fixated on her wound. With a sly smile, she said,


    "This is fake~"


    She winked at me, lightly rubbing her wrist with a finger dipped in wine, and most of the red color faded away.


    I was slightly surprised, while she seemed quite pleased with herself,


    "The other day, Sister Wan saw how my stepmother treated me. If I didn''t use my wits, I''m afraid one day she might beat me to death and no one would know. To escape her beatings, I would deliberately apply rouge to the wounds she inflicted the day before, making them look even redder. Seeing my wounds get worse, she would fear my father''s inquiries and naturally restrain herself."


    I have been pampered by my parents since childhood,


    I naturally don''t possess such clever tricks.


    But indeed, her wit has brought her benefits.


    Thinking about it, in a daze, I somehow associated it with Xiao Jingheng.


    If Song Zhao''s wounds were fabricated, what about his?


    But then again, I have nothing to do with him. He has no need to deceive me in this way.


    When we were about to part, Song Zhao mentioned that a lot of wine was spilled, and she needed to buy more, so as not to anger her stepmother again.


    But seeing her rubbing her hands together in an obviously penniless manner, I knew she was running low on money, so I said,


    "It just so happens that the drunken crab from Tianxiang Building is quite good, let''s go together."


    We bought wine, bought crabs, and went home together.


    Near her residence, a street vendor was selling some copper-made hairpins and earrings.


    Song Zhao stood in front of the stall, finding everything intriguing. She seriously asked the vendor about the price, and upon hearing that each item was only a few cents, she immediately turned to me and asked,


    "Sister Wan, choose a hairpin you like? You''ve helped me many times, you can''t refuse this gift."


    Since childhood, I''ve only worn the finest things, so I seldom stop by such street stalls.


    But looking closely today, I found these trinkets, though made of cheap materials, were intricately crafted.


    I scanned briefly, and my gaze was quickly drawn to a magnolia flower hairpin,


    Lately, I hear Xiao Jingheng mentioning magnolias every day. Seeing one now, I instinctively wanted to pick it up and take a closer look.


    But just as I touched the hairpin, I saw Song Zhao take out a willow flower hairpin from the corner and put it on my temple.


    Touching the side of my hair, I was inevitably surprised,


    "How did you know I like willow?"


    She shook her head, "I don''t know, I just thought this hairpin was pretty, and it suits Sister Wan."


    She took a bronze mirror from the vendor and ced it in front of me. Looking at my reflection, I couldn''t help but joke with her,


    "Although we''ve only met twice, I always feel like we''ve met before. Only my family knows I like willow, but you picked out my preference at a nce. It seems we have a good rapport."


    Her smile grew even brighter, "I''m d you like it, Sister Wan. But if you like the silver willow, why did I see you wanting to choose the Magnolia flower just now?"


    I was slightly taken aback and remained silent for a while before responding, "Maybe it''s because I''ve heard people around me mention it a lot recently, and I subconsciously wanted to try it."


    Song Zhao pursed her lips and shook her head, saying, "I can''tpare to my elder sister at home in terms of obedience and understanding. I don''t receive the love of my parents. There are only two daughters in our family, and my parents are biased towards my elder sister. Every gift they buy is based on my elder sister''s preferences, and they buy two of each. They im that one is for each of us, which makes it seem like they are not favoring anyone.


    Over time, I even thought my likes were the same as my elder sister''s. Those gifts originally meant for her, I should like as well. But as I grew older, I realized I never wore any of the jewelry in the room because I didn''t like them. Seeing them even made me feel annoyed. That''s when I realized that I chose to silently ept things just because I was afraid that if I refused, I wouldn''t get the little love my parents had for me."


    She let out all these words in one breath, her eyes gradually became nk, and she seemed a bit lost.


    "What happened then?" I asked.


    "Then....." Her ck eyes danced in their sockets, and after a moment she smiled, shrugged, and said: "Then I figured it out. Whatever I like is what matters. I don''t have to pretend to like something to please anyone. Those things that I don''t like, even if they are forced on me, only add to my troubles."


    I looked at her steadily, feeling for a moment that she was living much more clearly than I was. So, I tapped her forehead lightly andughed, "You''re young, but you''ve got a lot of wisdom."


    "What about you, Sister Wan?" She asked me back, and casually picked up the Magnolia flower hairpin and waved it in front of me, "This Magnolia flower hairpin also looks good. Do you want to try it?"


    I nced at the hairpin in her hand, then at the silver willow by my temples in the mirror, shook my head, and smiled, "Since it''s already on, let''s not change it."


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