Gu Jiangli was stunned for a moment, then burst into laughter.

"Lotus, you have revealed the principles of the world."

"Men all love beauty, and emperors are no exception."

Lotus smiled foolishly, agreeing with Gu Jiangli's words.

Gu Jiangli felt much better and returned to the table to start the breakfast she hadn't finished.

She really liked Lotus very much.

It's not just because she has a strong sense of justice, but also because she speaks her mind.

Whether she directly stated that she disliked Poria cocos, or openly revealed the emperor's preferences...

She doesn't keep to herself what she believes is right.

Coincidentally, the role she's playing now happens to be a manipulative, scheming woman.

Some things are less effective when said by her own mouth, but more effective when said by someone else.

Therefore, the lotus will surely become her capable assistant.

"Zizai, you've done a good deed."

She mentally praised the system.

[You flatter me, dear! Everything I do is for your benefit. I'll let you know as soon as possible about anything that can help you complete your mission quickly~]

Gu Jiangli smiled and continued eating.

This time at the meal, Lotus no longer avoided eye contact.

She looked at him with a smile and trust, and Gu Jiangli didn't feel awkward or uncomfortable at all.

This meal was of great significance to her, as it was the first step in completing her mission, and she ate it with exceptional relish.

However, at the same time, someone might not enjoy their meal.

————

Cheng'en Hall.

With a loud crash, the exquisite dishes on the mahogany round table were all overturned and thrown to the ground.

"Granny! You're still telling me to relax, relax! But look at how things have progressed!"

“That lowly...that Consort Gu, the chains have been removed, the meals have been changed, what’s next? Is the next step to lift the confinement and restore her to the status of Consort Zhaoyi?”

"I said back then, this person can't be kept alive! But what did you do? You kept telling me that she's already been banished to the cold palace and has no chance of making a comeback! She's nothing to be afraid of!"

"But what about now! Granny! Tell me! What about now!"

In her fury, Consort Shu abandoned all pretense of composure and dignity, and her jeweled headdress became a complete mess.

She got to her current position not because of a good family background, nor because of her outstanding appearance.

It's entirely because she had been pregnant with a child before.

And coincidentally, this child was harmed by Gu Jiangli, causing her to miscarry unexpectedly. His Majesty, moved by her suffering, felt particularly guilty towards her. Meanwhile, a thought lingered in her heart—

She can get pregnant with one, and maybe she can get pregnant with a second one later.

For various reasons, she was elevated to the high position of Imperial Concubine.

Since her miscarriage, she has been the sole recipient of imperial favor in the harem.

She knew that as long as a man still felt guilty towards her, he would still shower her with affection.

Therefore, she believed that no one in the harem could be considered her enemy.

There is only one...

That was Gu Jiangli, the one who caused her miscarriage.

That woman who became her nemesis the moment she entered the palace!

Granny Du had been a servant who had followed her from home to the palace, and she had always been loyal to her, so she was unwilling to scold her.

But she couldn't help it, she really couldn't help it.

Back then, when His Majesty did not imprison Gu Jiangli, the old woman advised her to relax. A woman who is imprisoned will not even be visited by dogs. No matter what secrets she is hiding, she will have no chance to tell anyone.

She believed it.

She also believed that the emperor would no longer develop feelings for this "enemy who killed his son".

Therefore, she has always enjoyed His Majesty's favor with a clear conscience.

But everything changed starting last night!

At this moment, Granny Du lowered her head, her face solemn.

"Your Majesty, you...don't be too anxious. It's just that the chains have been removed. His Majesty's confinement of her has not been lifted. Right now, she's just eating a little better."

"That's it? The chains are off, so how far is it from letting her out of Yilan Palace! But if... if His Majesty decides to go see her again, and she says something to His Majesty, then... then we're doomed!"

Consort Shu's fury gradually turned into fear.

The assumption she mentioned was something she wouldn't even dare to consider.

"No, no, she didn't have a chance to see His Majesty!" Granny Du said repeatedly.

This hypothesis terrified not only Consort Shu, but also her.

"Really not?" A ruthless glint flashed in Consort Shu's eyes. "His Majesty came to Cheng'en Palace later than usual last night, and he seemed distracted when he arrived. And just today, news of Gu Jiangli came out."

"Granny, do you really think this is just a coincidence?"

Du Mama looked flustered. "Does Your Majesty mean that His Majesty already saw Consort Gu last night?"

After saying that, he seemed to realize something was amiss and continued, "But Your Majesty, if His Majesty really saw Consort Gu, shouldn't he hate her to the core? After all, she killed your child, who was His Majesty's only child! Why is he being kind to her instead?"

Consort Shu sneered, her gaze icy cold: "Granny, haven't you thought about this? Gu Jiangli committed such a serious crime, why didn't His Majesty kill her, but only imprisoned her?"

"Is it because her father is the Tiger General of the Imperial Guard? His Majesty wanted to avoid upsetting the general?"

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