Chapter 51 The Little Beauty's Attack

Watching Eunuch Chen, who had received his orders, hurried off to Changli Palace to deliver the emperor's edict.

Ah Zhu, who had taken her revenge without even waiting for a night, nestled in Emperor Xuanpei's arms like a seductive concubine who had successfully bewitched the emperor, and whispered softly, "Your Majesty is so kind."

This statement sounds simple, but life in the palace is not so simple.

Ah Zhu's pregnancy was just a farcical "fake pregnancy," and it was all thanks to their elaborate scheme to "use someone else's knife to kill her."

The fact that Consort Jieyu from Changli Palace dared to come and offer advice, and then resorted to insults when she couldn't achieve her goal, shows that she simply didn't take Azhu, this newly promoted person, seriously at all.

In order to survive, Ah Zhu struggled and tried many methods.

But never before has wealth and power been more dazzling than those who clung to the emperor.

Humans are greedy.

It is easier to go from frugality to extravagance than from extravagance to frugality.

In the past, Ah Zhu was able to endure, but it was mostly out of necessity.

Decades of mediocrity or a decade of glory?

If it were before, A-Zhu would have chosen the former without hesitation... because A-Zhu had never been in a position of glory before, and she couldn't imagine what a glorious life would be like. At most, she could only imagine the dignity of being the head of the Imperial Household Department.

"The people in the inner palace really do have sharp eyes," A-Zhu thought. "I really am a smug and arrogant little man."

Watching the emperor issue an imperial edict with such ease, A-Zhu couldn't help but want to experience what it was like to be a "favored concubine."

If I'm going to fall to my death someday... then I'll have some fun before I die.

After all, others have to worry about their families, their offspring, and many other unavoidable circumstances... Ah Zhu is all alone, what can she do?

There was nothing there.

A-Zhu hugged Emperor Xuanpei tightly, even tighter and tighter.

She needed to find something sweet to comfort her empty body, which was filled with bitterness.

She wants to use the highest power and the most luxurious and glorious life to make up for all the suffering she suffered in the past.

She was able to curry favor with the emperor.

No matter who he is, as long as he's in that position and can give her the most benefits, that's fine.

When A-Zhu was lost in thought, Emperor Xuanpei remained silent, simply looking down at her quietly.

If the gerbils on the border are made of yellow sand, then Ah Zhu in his arms is made of water from Jade Spring Mountain, so smooth and lustrous that it seems as if you could squeeze water out of her.

She had just shed tears, but not a lot. Her nose was pink, her eyes were moist, and the corners of her eyes looked like they were tinted with rouge.

Ah Zhusheng's white skin, when paired with such vibrant pink, is truly stunning, creating a dazzling, almost unreal effect.

She was in his arms, pressed tightly against him, clinging to her only support as if she couldn't live without him... It felt so good. Emperor Xuanpei felt a sense of contentment and pleasure, a pleasure that seemed to permeate his limbs, making them feel weak and sore.

He thought—perhaps he could be more magnanimous.

He didn't care what Azhu thought.

As long as she stays nestled tightly in his arms like this, all the future—life and death, glory and suffering—will be inextricably intertwined with his.

There could be no more wonderful idea than this.

Emperor Xuanpei gently wiped away the tears from Azhu's eyelashes.

He even wanted to suck on it to see if it was sweet, but fearing to wake her, he tentatively explored it, like Ah Zhu taking root and climbing deeper, which startled her and made her shrink back into those trembling, soft tendrils. Emperor Xuanpei could only regretfully give up this idea.

"Your Majesty."

Emperor Xuanpei grunted in acknowledgment.

"The Jiang family..."

A-Zhu bit her lip, looking at Emperor Xuanpei with a pitiful expression.

"Does my status as a concubine, a slave, or a palace maid tarnish His Majesty's reputation?"

No, never.

"I have already begun preparations to exonerate the Jiang family and restore their reputation."

!!

A-Zhu's eyes widened immediately.

She was so stunned that she almost stammered, "Your Majesty, Your Majesty, you, you are saying, it's true, it's..."

"When have I ever lied to you?"

Emperor Xuanpei looked at Azhu with an incredibly gentle voice. He seemed to be looking for a crack, trying to pry open Azhu's hard shell and touch or even scoop out that soft and juicy clam meat.

Ah Zhu's mind was in complete chaos.

She was only pretending to bring it up because of her current status as Miss Jiang.

How far-reaching and how deep were the implications of what happened back then?

Countless influential people died in droves, and Ah Zhu never even considered the so-called exoneration.

In an instant, Ah Zhu felt a chill run down her spine and her hair stood on end; she was truly terrified.

She vowed that she would keep the fact that she knew she wasn't Jiang Liu Gu Niang a complete secret.

Otherwise, I'm afraid Emperor Xuanpei might personally skin her alive in the future.

"Your Majesty..."

Ah-Zhu felt a tightness in her chest and tried her best to calm down, but she couldn't stop her body from trembling.

"Your Majesty, I am already content to be by your side. You really don't need to go to such lengths..."

Looking at A-Zhu, who was trembling with excitement and disbelief, Emperor Xuanpei slowly stroked her back.

"You are always saddened by your status as a slave, and you have cried in my arms several times."

As he spoke, Emperor Xuanpei reached out and touched Azhu's lower abdomen.

"If our child is born, we can't let him bear a bad reputation unjustly."

Moreover, Emperor Xuanpei was truly "stingy".

He hates it most when someone threatens him.

Empress Dowager Shu thought that this matter would allow her to control him for life?

Don't even think about it!

When Crown Prince Chongde was still alive, Emperor Xuanpei had no intention of fighting him and went far away from the capital to the border.

But now that the person is dead, turned to ashes, how can he still be so apprehensive and sleepless over a dead person?

So what if he exonerated Crown Prince Chongde?

So many years have passed, if someone were to swear allegiance to a dead man, Emperor Xuanpei would gladly grant his wish and send him to the underworld to continue serving Crown Prince Chongde.

Now that Empress Dowager Shu has played her cards openly, Emperor Xuanpei is not hesitant to be even more aggressive.

He will lure out all those who hid back then, and no matter what their intentions are, he will deal with them all.

The Jiang family... The Jiang family only has his poor little Zhu left. Even if they regain their glory, what then?

Now that the decision has been made to exonerate the Jiang family, their affairs are no longer taboo.

Emperor Xuanpei stroked Azhu's soft, long hair, thought for a moment, and then said, "I saw you when I entered the capital years ago."

? ? ?

Did the emperor meet the sixth daughter of the Jiang family?

When did this happen?

Where?

Oh no, she's not really Miss Jiang Liu, she really doesn't know anything about this.

Seeing that A-Zhu looked somewhat flustered, Emperor Xuanpei gently patted A-Zhu on the back and then gestured with his hand.

"When I first met you, you were only this tall."

“That day you were just released from the prison, and you were covered in filth... except for your big eyes, which are still the same as they are now.”

The young girl, with her eyes wide with fear and tears, hurriedly looked over. It was just a fleeting glance, but Emperor Xuanpei remembered it for a long time.

Ah Zhu's heart slowly settled back into her stomach.

She was the one who took Jiang Liu's place in the prison at that time.

Even if she forgot about it, it wouldn't be at any other time that she would give herself away.

"So, Your Majesty was already seen by me back then?"

Ah Zhu nestled in Emperor Xuanpei's arms, saying with utmost regret, "I bumped my head and injured the back of my head. I can no longer remember many things from the past."

Did you bump yourself?

Emperor Xuanpei frowned, but it was normal for Azhu to stumble and fall during his time in prison.

If only he had come earlier...

Emperor Xuanpei quickly dismissed these meaningless assumptions and gently reached out to rub the back of Azhu's head.

"It's alright. You were young when you left the manor to enter the palace. Even if you have a good memory, how much could you possibly remember?"

"Since you've forgotten, there's no need to force yourself to remember."

Alright, Ah Zhu, nestled in Emperor Xuanpei's arms, smiled slightly. With the last weakness addressed, she could finally rest easy from now on.

It was as if the last obstacle between the two had disappeared. Facing Ah Zhu, whom he could only rely on for the rest of his life, Emperor Xuanpei slowly rubbed the bruises on Ah Zhu's hands.

"Don't hurt yourself so carelessly next time."

A-Zhu didn't argue pointlessly; she nodded repeatedly.

"Your concubine will remember this."

"The Jiang family's affairs cannot be rushed..." Emperor Xuanpei comforted Azhu, "If everything goes smoothly, we can proceed with this matter after the imperial examinations next year."

At that time, it will be natural to appoint Azhu as the head of the palace.

A-Zhu nodded repeatedly, and then, when she looked up, she reached out and gently brushed the hair that had fallen from Emperor Xuanpei's temple.

"I used to live in constant fear and tears over this matter, but now decades have passed..."

Ah Zhu could tell which one was the "real thigh." She bit her lip and said, "Now that His Majesty cares about me so much, I'm really not afraid of anything. I only hope to stay by His Majesty's side and that His Majesty can live a long and worry-free life."

Emperor Xuanpei smiled and hugged Azhu, "Alright, I promise you."

*

Jangrye Palace

Hearing that the imperial procession was heading to Guanju Palace again tonight, Consort Jing was extremely depressed.

That vixen was physically weak and unable to serve the emperor, yet she still clung to him desperately.

As Consort Jing was muttering to herself, a palace servant at the palace gate suddenly entered the hall with a joyful expression and reported this.

"Your Majesty, Chief Eunuch Chen from the Imperial Household Department has arrived."

Jing Jieyu was stunned for a moment, then suddenly burst into joy.

Hehehe, she knew it. She knew that this lowly palace maid, born a slave, was a worthless wretch. She wouldn't listen to any kind words. She would learn her lesson after a good scolding.

"Quickly, quickly, help me out to greet His Majesty."

The hall was bustling with activity, yet everyone was filled with joy. They hurriedly helped Consort Jing get dressed, and a group of people escorted her out.

Remembering that Consort Jing was the mother of the Prince of Ying, Eunuch Chen still bowed and greeted her after she left the palace.

"I have met Consort Jing."

"Steward Chen, there's no need for such formalities."

Jing Jieyu smiled and waved her hands repeatedly, then looked behind Eunuch Chen.

Seeing that she hadn't seen Emperor Xuanpei's carriage, she quickly looked at Steward Chen with anticipation.

"But His Majesty has summoned his concubines to serve him?"

"Your Highness, this servant has come to relay a message from His Majesty."

To avoid feeling awkward, Eunuch Chen said no more, only straightened his back and said solemnly, "Reveal the Emperor's decree—"

With a whoosh, everyone in the palace immediately knelt down.

"...The Lady of Changli Palace has committed misconduct, her words and actions have been inappropriate, and she is habitually jealous and has not changed despite repeated admonitions. Therefore, she is hereby stripped of her title and fined one year's salary, and is confined to Changli Palace to reflect on her mistakes. This is the imperial decree."

Looking at Consort Jing, who was kneeling there in disbelief and whose face was deathly pale—no, she should now be called Consort Zhao—Eunuch Chen bowed slightly again.

"I urge Your Highness to reflect on your mistakes in Changli Palace. This servant will take his leave now."

Even as the palace gates were being closed, Eunuch Chen could still hear cries of alarm coming from inside, "Your Majesty, Your Majesty, what's wrong?"

"Your Majesty, Your Majesty, please wake up."

It sounded like Consort Zhao had fainted from anger, but Eunuch Chen shook his head.

It's good that she fainted... It'll prevent this Consort Jieyu from saying something she shouldn't in her emotional state and causing further trouble.

Tsk, just think about it, this Consort Zhao was only released from confinement less than a month ago, and now she's being confined again. Eunuch Chen doesn't know what to say.

So he said nothing and rushed back to Guanju Palace.

It seems His Majesty is resting here again tonight. Green Lotus and Sixi are guarding the door, and Eunuch Chen has been taken to the side room to rest by Sancai.

......

next day

Because of the small court assembly, Emperor Xuanpei got up very early, and Azhu also got up with him.

"Your Majesty."

A-Zhu, who had just gotten up, didn't rush off the bed.

She reached out and hugged Emperor Xuanpei, who was standing on the footstool, resting her chin on his waist and looking up at him.

Emperor Xuanpei subtly tensed his waist and abdomen.

It is said that if you are going to put on an act, you have to go all the way. During the time that A-Zhu "miscarried", Emperor Xuanpei really did not touch her.

Previously, in order to cure Ah Zhu's "eagerness for a child," Emperor Xuanpei had indeed lost control and played around a bit too much. Now, he was truly very energetic.

But A-Zhu had always known that Emperor Xuanpei was good at putting on airs, because he was really good at pretending to be serious, so A-Zhu didn't notice anything amiss.

Her eyes crinkled with laughter as she softly said, "I have been recuperating for more than half a month and I am feeling much better now. I would like to go out for a walk... But I have also been thinking that I have not paid my respects to Her Majesty the Empress for a long time. Would Your Majesty grant me permission to leave Guanju Palace?"

A-Zhu would tell him wherever she went, clinging to him completely, and even when she went somewhere, the first thing she would think of was her soft, cuddly face... Emperor Xuanpei not only didn't find it annoying at all, but he was extremely satisfied.

"Go then." Emperor Xuanpei gently stroked Azhu's head. "Autumn is getting cooler, and your health is weak; don't catch a cold."

A-Zhu repeatedly nodded, kowtowing to Emperor Xuanpei's waist and abdomen.

"Yes, Your Highness, I understand."

Emperor Xuanpei took a breath, squinted, and pinched the cheek of the mischievous Azhu.

"Your Majesty, I was wrong."

A-Zhu quickly stepped back, covering Emperor Xuanpei's hand, her eyes blinking rapidly, "This concubine knows her mistake."

Emperor Xuanpei chuckled, glanced at Azhu once, and then reached out and ruffled Azhu's hair.

"I'm going to court."

Still wearing her nightgown, A-Zhu's expression became serious again, and she knelt properly on the couch to pay her respects.

"Your Majesty, I, your humble servant, respectfully see you off."

Emperor Xuanpei paused, looking at Azhu, who was lying in a small ball with her long black hair spread out on her pink and white nightgown, before turning around and leaving the palace.

Eunuch Chen, who was following the imperial carriage toward Hanyuan Hall, noticed that the emperor's expression was rather cold and stern, and he seemed rather unhappy... There hadn't been any trouble in the court lately, had there?

Eunuch Chen wasn't mistaken; Emperor Xuanpei was indeed somewhat displeased—his Azhu couldn't shrink, nor could he be taken away directly in his sleeve...

No sooner had Emperor Xuanpei left than Azhu got off his bed.

Upon hearing that A-Zhu was going to Kunning Palace to pay his respects to the Empress, Qingliu and Lüfu quickly helped A-Zhu with his makeup and dressing.

Looking at the light blue silk skirt that Qingliu brought over, Azhu shook her head and pointed to the apricot-yellow high-waisted skirt that was embroidered with peony flowers.

This was made by the Imperial Clothing Bureau after A-Zhu said it looked good in the clothing catalog that day. In addition to the clothes, there was also a matching gold hairpin with phoenix and peony design.

When the pair of gold hairpins were first delivered, Emperor Xuanpei personally placed them in Azhu's hair and nodded in approval, praising how well they suited her.

Before the miscarriage, Empress Wang, or rather, the higher-ranking concubines in the palace, were only verbally harsh but didn't actually resort to any real methods.

Ah Zhu, who was content with her lot, had reservations and was unwilling to be flattered by Emperor Xuanpei, so she ultimately did not dare to wear this outfit and the pair of golden hairpins to attract attention.

But now... this palace can no longer tolerate her, let alone allow her to have a child.

What else does Ah Zhu have to worry about?

She was determined to carve out her own path to wealth and glory, because if she had painstakingly tried to become a concubine of Emperor Xuanpei but ended up poor and miserable, what difference would that make from being dead?

Seeing that Ah Zhu had chosen this dress, and then looking at the dazzling, over-the-top phoenix and peony design on the gold hairpin...

Green Lotus hesitated, and after much deliberation, she finally said, "Your Majesty, today is the first day for the entire palace to pay respects after your long period of rest. This hair ornament..."

Seeing the worried expressions on Qingliu and Lvfu's faces, Azhu smiled slowly and said, "Bring Sancai and Sixi in."

San Cai and Sixi, who were guarding the entrance to the hall, immediately came in upon hearing the instructions.

The four of them stood together inside the hall.

“I used to be a palace maid in the Yeting Palace, as you all probably know.” Azhu spoke of this without any hesitation: “Even though the Emperor took pity on me, I was always quite apprehensive because of my status.”

"After the miscarriage some time ago, I was in a daze and seemed to know nothing."

Azhu looked at Qingliu and Lvfu.

"You were beaten black and blue by the old women and palace servants in Shou Kang Palace for protecting me that day... I, I've been in a daze all this time, and I haven't thanked you yet."

Qingliu and Lüfu were slightly taken aback, then their eyes welled up with tears. They shook their heads repeatedly, filled with regret for their carelessness, "Your Majesty..."

Ah Zhu calmed herself down, then looked at San Cai and Sixi, "I have never thanked you for risking your lives to disturb the Emperor's presence for my sake that day."

San Cai and Sixi knelt down with a thud.

"It's all what we servants should do, and we don't deserve Your Highness's thanks."

Si Xi couldn't help but sniffle as he spoke, his voice choked with emotion, "The servants were ultimately too foolish to protect..."

Ah Zhu tilted her head back and blinked, then touched her lower abdomen.

"This child arrived suddenly and is always playing tricks on people... Who could have imagined it?"

As she spoke, Ah Zhu quickly wiped away her tears and told San Cai and Sixi to get up.

"When the Japanese princess knelt and recited sutras at the Shou Kang Palace, not a single person in the entire palace was willing to feign plead for her. Even when I miscarried, they were not surprised at all."

San Cai was startled and hurriedly asked, "Your Majesty means..."

Ah Zhu shook his head.

"I have no evidence, but from now on I will never sit idly by and wait for my death."

Her gaze swept over each of them, and A-Zhu said earnestly, "In the past, I suffered because of my status and thought of living in seclusion... But now, I want to fight for a way to survive for myself and my future children."

"This road is too treacherous. I might suffer a crushing defeat and lose my life."

"If any of you are afraid or have any concerns, you can receive a large sum of money right now and find a peaceful place to go. I mean what I say and I swear on the child I had in my womb."

Everyone in the room knelt down in unison.

Qingliu and Lvfu looked at Azhu, their eyes filled with tears.

"Your Majesty, when we were still in Hanyuan Palace, His Majesty repeatedly instructed us to take good care of you."

"But we never expected that we would be so careless as to cause Your Highness to miscarry. If it weren't for Your Highness's insistence on saving us both... If Your Highness had any orders, we would gladly die for you."

San Cai and Sixi stared wide-eyed, especially San Cai, who said, "Once we servants enter this Guanju Palace, we will never have another place to go in this lifetime."

"Your Majesty, now that you wish to compete, this servant only regrets that I cannot carry you up and share in your glory to see the beautiful scenery."

It is said that true friendship is revealed in times of adversity. Regardless of how people's hearts may change in the future, at least at this moment, everyone is sincere.

Feeling full of energy, Ah Zhu, on the advice of Consort Feng, generously bestowed not only lavish rewards upon Qing Liu and Lü Fu, but also upon the palace servants in Guan Ju Palace, as a way of celebrating her recovery.

After getting dressed and ready, A-Zhu arrived at Kunning Palace almost at the last minute.

"Consort Jiang has arrived!"

Upon hearing the announcement from outside, the entire hall fell silent for a moment.

We had just started talking about Consort Jing being confined to her palace to reflect on her mistakes when the main character suddenly arrived?

Empress Wang, who had not received any news that A-Zhu had recovered and left the palace to pay his respects at Kunning Palace, felt a sudden sinking feeling in her heart.

After all, how could Empress Wang not know what kind of person Ah Zhu was?

That's the kind of person who hides their head and avoids trouble, and avoids things whenever possible. This time, instead of using the excuse of "miscarriage" to hide in Guanju Palace for a while longer, what are they trying to do in such a hurry to come out?

With Qingliu's help, Azhu gracefully entered the hall.

She stepped forward and gave Empress Wang a slow and deliberate bow, a smile on her face throughout.

"This concubine greets Your Majesty the Empress. May Your Majesty be blessed with good fortune and happiness."

Empress Wang maintained a stern expression, but in front of all the concubines in the hall, she managed to project a somewhat lenient demeanor.

"You only recently suffered a miscarriage, and we were thinking you'd need to rest and recover for a while..."

Seeing that Empress Wang, who maintained a kind and benevolent demeanor and was gesturing to her with concern, had not asked her to get up, A-Zhu leisurely got up on her own.

"Thank you for your concern, Your Majesty."

"It's just that I've been resting in the palace these past few days, and unexpectedly, Consort Jing suddenly came to visit yesterday..."

Ah Zhu covered her mouth with a handkerchief and laughed.

"I suppose Your Majesty the Empress was worried that I might be bored resting alone, so you sent someone here to keep me entertained."

"I thought to myself, I can't let Your Majesty's concern go to waste, so I asked His Majesty to grant me permission to come to Kunning Palace to express my gratitude."

Empress Wang was annoyed by A-Zhu's ambiguous words and was about to speak when she noticed the golden hairpin with phoenix and peony design swaying behind A-Zhu's head.

Upon seeing the design of the gold hairpin, Empress Wang's eyes narrowed sharply, and her expression instantly darkened.

"Consort Jiang, how dare you!"

......

-----------------------

Author's Note: Finally got to the synopsis! Let's go! It's just a melodramatic story, *pat pat*. Thank you all for your support, my little darlings! May you prosper, prosper, let's go! [heart][heart][heart]