Chapter 1 Beloved Concubine 1

Imperial Garden

That day, the Empress went to the Imperial Garden. As she walked, she encountered the most favored concubine in the harem, a woman of stunning beauty.

Fifteen minutes later,

The Empress glanced at the beautiful and stunning Consort beside her, sighed, and said with a worried expression, "Consort, the Empress Dowager has summoned Princess Yu to the palace again today."

Luo Xi: "Perhaps the Empress Dowager misses Princess Yu."

Seeing that Luo Xi's expression remained unchanged, the Empress's eyes flickered slightly, and she said in a low voice, "Just now, the Emperor also went to the Empress Dowager's palace."

Princess Yu, a renowned woman of talent and beauty in the capital, is the Empress Dowager's niece and the Emperor's childhood sweetheart.

As for why Princess Yu married Prince Yu, it was because the late emperor knew how much the emperor liked Princess Yu, so he issued an edict to bestow Princess Yu, who was then the daughter of the Grand Tutor, upon Prince Yu.

As for the Empress Dowager, for the sake of the Song family's future, she naturally hoped that the Emperor and Princess Yu could have a prince.

As for the Imperial Concubine, the Emperor's favor towards her may be genuine, but in the Emperor's heart, she cannot compare to Princess Yu.

With the Empress Dowager as her backer, Princess Yu's position as empress is greatly threatened. Who knows if the Empress Dowager and the Emperor will allow Princess Yu to fake her death and enter the palace under a different identity?

The Imperial Concubine's father was a great general, and her maternal grandfather was the Duke of Zhenguo. The Empress knew the Emperor was very rational and wouldn't allow the Imperial Concubine to become Empress. However, she was still jealous of the Emperor's favor towards the Imperial Concubine; the Imperial Concubine's beauty was unparalleled, and the Emperor frequently visited her palace. The Imperial Concubine's presence always made her uncomfortable.

Therefore, neither of them can live.

She cannot act directly, but she can make them attack each other.

Princess Yu must also resent the Emperor's favoritism towards Consort Gui. She may not show it on her face, but she probably cares a lot about Consort Gui, this favored concubine!

After all, with the face of a noble consort, she wouldn't lack favor.

She spoke so clearly; this imperial concubine, who had been kept in the dark by the emperor's "favor," should also know about the improper relationship between the emperor and Princess Yu.

Upon hearing this, Luo Xi paused for a moment while picking flowers.

Did the Empress really have the kindness to tell her that?

The Empress wants her to deal with Princess Yu so she can reap the benefits.

Luo Xi wasn't stupid; she knew the Empress was worried that if Princess Yu entered the palace, it would affect her position as Empress.

The Empress noticed the change in Luo Xi's expression and knew she had some doubts. She continued, "Your Highness, the Emperor dotes on you, but this Princess Yu and he are childhood sweethearts, and their feelings for each other run deep!"

Luo Xi feigned surprise, her face darkening. "Your Majesty, I have matters to attend to in the palace, so I will take my leave now."

Empress: "Hmm."

Luo Xi turned around and walked towards the Jade Palace with a cold expression.

The Empress watched Luo Xi's hurried figure and smiled faintly.

Hopefully, the Imperial Concubine will not disappoint her!

When Luo Xi was about to reach the entrance of Yuqiong Palace, she took a detour and went to Cifu Palace.

Cifu Palace.

In a courtyard,

Li Qinrou (Princess Consort Yu) turned her head to look at Si Chen, who was lost in thought beside her, and asked, "Your Majesty, have you fallen for the Imperial Consort?"

Upon hearing this, Si Chen remained silent for a long time.

Upon seeing this, Li Qinrou understood; the Emperor had indeed fallen for the Imperial Concubine.

Indeed, with the Imperial Concubine's beauty, it would be difficult for the Emperor not to like her.

Li Qinrou opened her mouth, as if she wanted to say something.

Just then, a palace maid knocked on the door.

"Your Majesty, the Imperial Concubine has arrived!"

Si Chen: !!!

Why is she here?

He hurriedly opened the door and went out.

As for Princess Yu, she followed behind Si Chen.

As soon as Luo Xi burst in, she saw Si Chen and Princess Yu coming out of a courtyard one after the other.

"Your Majesty, do you like Princess Yu?"

Si Chen's face stiffened. He strode up to Luo Xi, took her small hand, and said, "My beloved consort, don't talk nonsense. There's nothing between me and Princess Yu."

"Did someone say something to you?"

Luo Xi: ...........

Does anyone even need to say that?

He and Princess Yu came out of the same courtyard.

Just then, the Empress Dowager, who was in the Buddhist hall, came out after hearing the commotion.

"Your Highness, how dare you! You have barged into Cifu Palace!"

Si Chen shielded Luo Xi behind him, saying, "Mother, don't be harsh with the Consort; she's timid."

"It was I who just let the Imperial Concubine in."

Empress Dowager: !!!

She glanced at Princess Yu, who looked forlorn, not far away.

It seems the Emperor has fallen in love with the Imperial Concubine!

Seeing that they were all silent, Luo Xi tugged at Si Chen's sleeve, "Your Majesty, I just ran into the Empress in the Imperial Garden. She told me..."

She told the Emperor and Empress Dowager everything the Empress had told her.

Si Chen: !!!

Empress Dowager: !!!

She knew the Empress wasn't as virtuous as she thought.