Chapter 67 will show you what it means to win without using any moves. ...

March 25th

As dawn broke, several small blue sedan chairs were carried to the palace gate.

They disembarked at Shunzhen Gate, and emerged the newly chosen concubines who had entered the palace after being selected in this imperial concubine selection.

Accompanied by their personal maids, they were led by eunuchs who had been waiting at the palace gate to their assigned rooms.

"Please follow me, Your Highness."

The speaker was a round-faced eunuch who quickly led the way for Lu Yinyue.

After the group had taken a few steps, Lianxin, who was supporting Lu Yinyue, received a signal and smiled as she slipped a purse into the little eunuch's hand.

"Excuse me, young master, where are we headed?"

In this palace, pure silver is truly useful.

The young eunuch, upon receiving the reward, immediately wore a warm smile.

He continued to lead the way, bowing slightly as he replied, "My lady, the palace arranged for you is Jangrye Palace."

"The main seat in Changli Palace belongs to Consort Zhao, who is the mother of the Prince of Ying."

The young eunuch lowered his voice as he spoke.

“My beauty, this Changli Palace is a wonderful place. Not only is it close to the Emperor’s presence, but it’s also just across the long street from Guanju Palace.”

It's possible that Lu Yinyue, having just entered the palace, is unaware of the name of Guanju Palace.

The young eunuch further explained, "This Guanju Palace was bestowed upon Consort Jiang by His Majesty..."

Even if the eunuch didn't explain, how could Lu Yinyue not know about Guanju Palace?

She knows all too well.

Lu Yinyue even planned to move into Guanju Palace as soon as possible.

As they were talking, they arrived at Jangryeong Palace.

As was customary, Lu Yinyue went to the main hall to pay her respects to Consort Zhao, who was seated in the main seat.

Zhao Jieyu, however, had a smile on her face, appearing generous and easy to get along with.

She showed no sign of being arrogant or making things difficult for Lu Yinyue. Not only did she quickly raise her hand to waive the formalities, but she also had an embroidered stool brought over for her to sit on.

"Lu Meiren".

"You have just left home and entered the palace. Since fate has brought you to Changli Palace, I should naturally take good care of you."

While sitting and talking properly, Zhao Jieyu couldn't help but sigh.

"Our Changli Palace used to be a truly peaceful and elegant place with little trouble, but ever since the Guanju Palace was renovated next door, well..."

Seeing Zhao Jieyu say these words, Lu Yinyue couldn't help but mutter to herself—

She had only just entered the palace and had only met her for the first time when Consort Zhao brought up the matter of Guanju Palace, seemingly eager to sow discord between her and Azhu. How much hatred must Consort Zhao have harbored?

"Look at me, I've really been confused. Why did I bring up these things with you out of the blue?"

Consort Zhao, keeping everyone in suspense, stopped talking about Guanju Palace.

Looking at Lu Yinyue, who was young and very beautiful, and seeing her leaning slightly forward and listening attentively, Zhao Jieyu was very satisfied.

She then said with concern, "Lady Lu, you have just entered the palace and must be exhausted from your journey. You must need to take good care of yourself when you get back..."

"By the way, Lady Lu, if you lack anything or are short of anything, just send someone to inform me."

"I felt an instant connection with you and considered you like a sister. You don't need to be so polite with me."

"Thank you, Your Majesty."

Lu Yinyue stood up, thanked Zhao Jieyu repeatedly, and then left the main hall to go to the side hall of her residence, Lingyue Hall.

......

Changli Palace is separated from Guanju Palace by a long street.

A-Zhu also heard the news of the new concubine entering the palace, and she even knew that Lu Yin-yue lived in the Changli Palace next door.

"It was His Majesty's word that forbade anyone else from coming to Guanju Palace to cause trouble from the very beginning..." A-Zhu chuckled and snapped the box shut in his hand.

"Otherwise, I'm afraid our Empress would love to send all the young ladies to Guanju Palace to cause trouble."

Qingliu took the box from Azhu and placed it on the table.

Ah Zhu still had a smile on her face.

"Now that the new concubine has entered the palace, she must be subjected to my criticisms from morning till night."

"How can I, as their favored concubine, not teach them a lesson?"

If one enters the palace without seeking wealth, honor, or imperial favor, and without seeking to elevate one's family... then what is the point of entering the palace?

She just needed to find a suitable husband outside the palace and marry him.

The two of them were a perfect match, living in harmony and mutual respect. Wasn't that better than being squeezed among a group of women and having to look longingly at the cold and stern-faced emperor?

It would be too conspicuous to make things difficult for Lu Yinyue, a newly arrived concubine. So, Azhu decided to treat everyone equally and suppress all of them.

And it would be most appropriate for A-Zhu to be the one to go from "competing for favor" to openly being arrogant and domineering and throwing a tantrum.

"Tomorrow is the day for the emperor to have an audience with the emperor."

A-Zhu pointed to the box that had just been placed on the table, "I'll wear this gold hairpin when I go to Kunning Palace tomorrow."

Newlyweds would not be summoned on their first night in the palace.

After the emperor has been received by the palace, the head steward of the imperial bedchamber will place the ivory plaque on the plaque and present it to the emperor.

Here's the process.

But whether they were newly arrived concubines or ladies-in-waiting who had entered the palace early to watch the spectacle, they were all waiting to see if the Emperor would favor the newly arrived concubines tonight... just in case.

To everyone's disappointment, the emperor's carriage still went to Guanju Palace.

Even though she knew this would be the outcome, Zhao Jieyu's expression was still not very pleasant.

After all, Changli Palace was the closest—every time they heard that the imperial procession was coming, the sound of eunuchs clearing the streets outside always gave them a glimmer of hope, making their hearts tremble slightly... but the result was always disappointing without exception.

Amidst this tense atmosphere, where the entire Changli Palace seemed to be on tenterhooks, clinging to a sliver of hope, even Lu Yinyue was inevitably affected to some extent.

After all, she hoped more than anyone else to receive imperial favor as soon as possible so that the Jiang family could be exonerated.

When you have something to ask for, you tend to be a bit impatient.

Upon hearing the news that the imperial carriage had entered Guanju Palace, Lu Yinyue let out a soft sigh.

Looking at Lianxin, who had just been guarding the door and was now walking in dejectedly, Lu Yinyue gently patted her hand, as if to comfort Lianxin, or as if to talk to herself.

"This is only the first day since I entered the palace."

"You can't rush it, and you absolutely mustn't rush it."

......

Guanju Palace

Hearing the emperor enter the palace, Ah Zhu, as if playing with joy, enthusiastically rushed towards Emperor Xuanpei.

Emperor Xuanpei, who had been smiling, darkened his expression when he saw the thin clothes on Azhu's body.

He carried A-Zhu into the inner hall and wrapped her in a thin quilt embroidered with begonias and the moon.

"The chill of spring has just passed."

Emperor Xuanpei, with a stern face, reprimanded the palace servants who were attending him.

"It's the transition from spring to summer when it's easiest to catch a cold, and this is how you 'attentively' serve your empress?"

With a whoosh, all the palace servants in the hall knelt down, their faces filled with fear. Qingliu, who was kneeling at the front, kowtowed repeatedly, admitting her mistake.

Azhu quickly grabbed Emperor Xuanpei's sleeve.

"I was just changing my clothes and rushed out because I was eager to see Your Majesty."

A-Zhu, who had admitted her mistake, kept shaking Emperor Xuanpei's sleeve and pleaded softly, "I know I was wrong, there won't be a next time."

"Your Majesty, Your Majesty, please don't be angry..."

Seeing A-Zhu's pleading expression, Emperor Xuanpei patted her head, gave a few cold instructions to the palace maids, and then gestured for them to leave.

Holding A-Zhu, Emperor Xuanpei sat on the couch and glanced at the many clothes hanging in the palace.

"Why are you still changing your clothes at this hour?"

"But the new clothes recently sent by the Imperial Clothing Bureau are not to my liking."

Ah Zhu quickly shook his head.

"Having received His Majesty's orders, how could the palace servants of the Imperial Wardrobe dare not do their utmost?"

“Aunt Chun Gu personally delivered the clothes to Guanju Palace every time, never being careless in the slightest.”

“That’s right, that’s right…” A-Zhu stammered a few times, glanced at Emperor Xuanpei, and finally lowered her eyes, her eyelashes trembling slightly, and even her voice became softer.

"It's tomorrow. Tomorrow is the day when the newly entered concubines have their audience with the emperor. I want to dress up nicely."

Rooted in Emperor Xuanpei, slowly absorbing everything he gave it, it took a lot of effort and careful nurturing to bloom into a flower bud called "Azhu's Little Flower Bud". Even a slight "wind" can make people's hearts tremble.

Emperor Xuanpei, who found Azhu utterly adorable and pitiful, reached out and gently stroked Azhu's long hair.

He stroked Ah Zhu's back again and again, asking her in a low, earnest, and tender voice.

"What do I need to do to make you feel more at ease? Why don't you tell me, hmm?"

Azhu raised her eyes and looked at Emperor Xuanpei.

Ah Zhu, born with almond-shaped eyes, always had bright, moist eyes, like spring water and autumn waves brushing against people's hearts.

She was indeed very well cared for, radiating a vibrant energy.

Her porcelain-white cheeks were tinged with a faint pink, and her lips were as if they had been lightly tinted with rouge.

Bright eyes, red lips and white teeth.

She climbed onto Emperor Xuanpei's neck, her heart pressed tightly against his chest, a sweet, faint fragrance lingering around her nose as if warmed by his body.

"When His Majesty was in power, no matter what I did, even if I had nightmares at night..."

"The moment I open my eyes and see Your Majesty, I feel as if I've suddenly stepped onto solid ground."

"I feel exceptionally at ease."

"It seems there is nothing in this world that I should be afraid of."

Emperor Xuanpei closed his eyes and slowly inhaled the soft and sweet fragrance emanating from Azhu's body. He felt weak all over, and the throbbing sensation spread from his limbs to his fingertips.

"I always think that I should wait until everything is truly settled before telling you, so that you won't worry about it so much..."

Emperor Xuanpei murmured softly, "Azhu, this time I have granted an additional imperial favor, and it will be held in May."

Ah Zhu was still a little confused.

After all, they were just trying to please the emperor, so why did the conversation suddenly turn to the imperial examination?

"I never intended for you to toss and turn in anxiety, to be so deeply involved..."

Emperor Xuanpei had never intended for Azhu to be involved in the matter of clearing Jiang's name.

From the very beginning, he planned to pick out a "living signboard" of "loyalty, bravery, benevolence and righteousness" directly from the court to jump out and open the "curtain" of this drama.

But now... his Ah Zhu could clearly get more.

"You should personally take charge of clearing the name of the Jiang family."

Emperor Xuanpei stroked Azhu's head and said, "Azhu, I'm all prepared. You don't need to be afraid."

If we can't silence the gossip, then let's just let them speak for Ah Zhu.

Emperor Xuanpei carefully and patiently explained to his poor and timid Azhu, "At that time, no matter what I say or do, you don't need to be worried or anxious."

"After all, if I really wanted to abandon you, I wouldn't have gone through all this trouble."

"A-Zhu, I will not let you bear the stigma of a sinner any longer, nor suffer the pain of hearing those foul words."

"I have already made arrangements for the people in the court. Don't be afraid, it won't be long."

Emperor Xuanpei spoke very seriously, and Azhu's heart skipped a beat. Who wanted to live in fear because of Jiang's affairs?

But because of her status, the Jiang family's affairs would haunt her like a ghost.

After a while, Azhu nestled back into Emperor Xuanpei's arms.

"In this world, Your Majesty is the only one I have."

"And they only trust the Emperor."

“As long as His Majesty doesn’t find me tiresome and want to abandon me, I’m not afraid of whatever His Majesty wants to do.”

The atmosphere had been a little tense for a short while when A-Zhu naturally steered the conversation back to "competing for favor."

Even if Jiang's reputation is cleared, she is not completely free from worries.

The real Miss Jiang Liu was like a guillotine hanging over her neck, ready to fall at any moment.

"Your Majesty."

A-Zhu nuzzled against Emperor Xuanpei's chest and blinked, saying, "You haven't told me yet which dress I should wear to Kunning Palace tomorrow."

Ah Zhu's desire to "compete for favor" is obvious.

But Emperor Xuanpei only felt that A-Zhu, who was nestled tightly in his heart, even putting the Jiang family behind him, and who only wanted to possess him and hold him, and who didn't even want to give anyone else a second glance, was extremely cute.

Following A-Zhu's words, Emperor Xuanpei looked at the pile of brocade robes and fine clothes.

"Lightly painted with fragrant ointment, brushing against purple cotton, peonies heavy with emerald clouds."

Emperor Xuanpei pointed to the lotus-colored cloud-patterned hibiscus skirt placed on the corner of the table and said, "Choose this one, and pair it with a white jade plum blossom hairpin."

A-Zhu nodded, and then heard Emperor Xuanpei instruct Eunuch Chen to fetch a jade hairpin shaped like a plum blossom.

......

The next morning, Emperor Xuanpei went to the front court.

Ah Zhu, who always goes to Kunning Palace right on time, is going to "put on airs" today; it's impossible for her to go early.

"Lightly painted with fragrant ointment, brushing against purple cotton, peonies heavy with emerald clouds... The emperor has allowed all sorts of transgressions to be done, so there's no reason for him to be hesitant now?"

As A-Zhu changed her clothes, she subconsciously muttered the poem she had heard last night. After muttering for a long time, she finally chose plum blossom instead of peony.

After getting ready, A-Zhu got into the sedan chair and went to Kunning Palace.

The newly arrived concubines had come much earlier than A-Zhu, and they all waited respectfully.

Ah Zhu, with her head held high, entered the palace without even glancing at the new concubines standing there, acting as if no one else was there.

Only when he stepped forward to pay his respects to Empress Wang did A-Zhu finally smile.

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

Empress Wang, who had gotten used to it, was too lazy to scold A-Zhu anymore, and simply nodded at her.

"Please take a seat."

But Ah Zhu stood there and refused to leave.

She reached up to touch her temples, glanced around the hall, and looked at Empress Wang again. "Please forgive me, Your Majesty. I truly did not mean to be late."

"Today is the day when the newlyweds enter the palace and pay their respects to the emperor."

"Since last night, I've been thinking about how to dress so as not to be impolite."

"But His Majesty said that I look good in this dress and with this hairpin."

Ah Zhu looked shy and bashful.

"Your Majesty, as you know, His Majesty rarely praises people like that. I was so happy that I stayed up a little late..."

Here she comes again, here she comes again, she's here again.

The concubines in the hall looked at A-Zhu, who was putting on airs and showing off again, with a lot of speechlessness.

For the past few months, this Consort Jiang has been stirring up trouble even when there's nothing wrong with her, and she won't stop until everyone is unhappy.

I don't know what she's after.

Ah Zhu: Of course, it's because Empress Tu Wang is unhappy.

Empress Wang: ......

Even though she was disgusted by Ah Zhu's repeated acts of taking advantage of her, Empress Wang still subconsciously chose to save face in front of the newly arrived concubines.

Empress Wang, who had "gained experience," could even laugh.

She said to A-Zhu, "Consort Jiang, you are young and beautiful, so His Majesty naturally likes to see you dressed in bright colors."

As she spoke, Empress Wang looked at all the concubines in the hall.

"In this palace, serving His Majesty well is of utmost importance."

“You should all learn from Lady Jiang’s thoughtfulness and dress up nicely so that the Emperor will be pleased.”

Consort Tang felt a pang of pain in her eyes looking at A-Zhu's smug face. She snorted, "When it comes to palace attire, who can compare to Consort Jiang? Everyone in the palace knows that..."

"Alright." Consort Zhang waved her hand, not letting Consort Tang finish speaking, and looked at the newly entered concubines.

"It's fine if you two bicker occasionally."

"Why are you making such a scene in front of the newlyweds? You're making a fool of yourself."

That's why there are so many talented people in the palace.

Consort Zhang, who had enjoyed the Emperor's favor for many years, watched as Empress Wang suffered repeated setbacks with Jiang, the "new favorite," and she actually held back.

She refrained from striking to gauge A-Zhu's strength, and instead quickly changed the direction of her exertion, now appearing even more like an "Empress Dowager" than the Empress herself.

Empress Wang, sitting high above, sneered inwardly upon hearing Consort Zhang's words.

She stared coldly at Consort Zhang and Azhu—

These two vile women, one of them coveting her position as empress is relentless.

One of them monopolized the emperor's favor, deliberately instigated trouble, and went too far in bullying others.

Empress Wang had no other choice; otherwise, she would have loved to give each of them a cup of poison and have them killed immediately.

After thoroughly disgusting Empress Wang, A-Zhu, holding Qing Liu's hand, leisurely returned to his seat.

"My lords, come forward and pay your respects, kneel down—" At the command of Eunuch Luo, the "main characters" of the day finally made their grand entrance.

Lu Yinyue, along with the other newly arrived concubines, performed a grand salute towards the head of the palace, but her attention was not on Empress Wang, but entirely on Azhu.

Indeed, hearing about something a thousand times is not as good as seeing it with your own eyes.

Everyone in the palace says that A-Zhu is favored, but these words are easy to say and sound light and meaningless.

Until he saw Ah Zhu so arrogantly "calling a deer a horse" and shamelessly "distorting the truth" in public.

When the entire hall was silent and no one dared to refute it, this heavy weight truly pressed down on everyone's hearts.

Lu Yinyue felt a mixture of annoyance and joy, surprise and sigh.

Standing behind Lu Yinyue, Zhao Shunu couldn't help but let her eyes light up slightly, her initial apprehension turning into relief.

After all, Ah Zhu's outburst made the other concubines in the palace seem rather weak and easily bullied.

After the newly arrived concubines performed the full kneeling ceremony, Empress Wang gave them a series of instructions and then led the group to Shou Kang Palace.

After all, with the Shu sisters entering the palace, Empress Dowager Shu, who was "bedridden" and needed someone to take care of her, naturally recovered.

Empress Dowager Shu's status was indeed different, so Azhu restrained himself and didn't provoke this narrow-minded "Buddha".

Tonight is the first night that the newly arrived concubines will spend with the emperor. Empress Dowager Shu does not want to step on A-Zhu's "dog excrement" and get tainted by her stench, thus ruining the good time of the Shu sisters.

After Empress Dowager Shu bestowed gifts, the audience with the entire palace was considered over.

After leaving Shou Kang Palace, A Zhu did not return to Guan Ju Palace, but instead, as usual, led a group of palace servants to Qian Li Pond.

After all, we can't completely deny others a chance to stir up trouble, can we?

What if Empress Wang or someone else had a sudden, impulsive idea?

You have to give people a chance to make a move.

A-Zhu broke off a willow branch, scattered some bait, and then lowered the branch into the pond to start "fishing".

As the willow branches in the pond were being touched and swayed back and forth, Qingliu said, "Your Majesty, Consort Lu has arrived and is waiting to greet you."

A-Zhu waved the branch in his hand, looking at Qing Liu with a face full of doubt, and lied through his teeth.

"What, Lady Lu?"

When did such a person appear in the palace?

"I'm enjoying the scenery here," Ah Zhu waved his hand. "Now, do you think just any Tom, Dick, or Harry dares to harass me?"

Qingliu, who immediately understood, smiled and nodded.

"Your Majesty, rest assured, this servant understands and will not allow just anyone to come and disturb Your Majesty."

As she spoke, Qingliu stepped back a few paces and waved to her left and right. Immediately, four eunuchs followed Qingliu out of Qianhong Pavilion.

Qingliu hadn't even finished descending the steps when she looked down at Lu Yinyue and said, "Our lady is enjoying the scenery up there and doesn't want to be disturbed. You should find somewhere else, my beauty."

Ah Zhu's attitude is hateful, and the "dog" beside her is no less so.

Lu Yinyue, who was so disrespected by Qingliu, clenched her fists tightly.

Suppressing the surge of anger welling up inside her, she said softly, "Miss Qing, this concubine does indeed have a past relationship with Consort Jiang..."

Lu Yinyue's words only fueled Qingliu's anger.

Isn't there some old grudge?

I wonder how they bullied their mistress before, causing her to be so frightened and anxious.

"Lu Meiren".

Qingliu didn't want to waste words with Lu Yinyue at all, and just waved her hand with a forced smile.

Please—

Seeing the four eunuchs following Qingliu walking towards her, Lu Yinyue gave Qingliu a deep look, ultimately deciding not to suffer the loss.

"Since Consort Jiang is enjoying the scenery here, I will not disturb her any longer."

Qingliu chuckled, her words polite but her demeanor rude.

"Please take care, Miss Lu. I will not see you off further!"

Watching Lu Yinyue leave with her back straight, Qingliu snorted disdainfully again.

Nowadays, who doesn't know that their empress is highly favored by the emperor?

It's not surprising that even newly arrived palace women would try to curry favor with the Empress.

But since they're here to bask in the glory of their empress, they should be more sincere and show that they need something from her.

Who else is like the Lu family, who want to benefit from the situation while putting on an aloof and superior attitude, as if their mistress owes them something and is begging them to take advantage of her?

Pooh!

What the hell?

......

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

Author's Note: A friendly reminder from Azhu: Be wary of scam messages. Do not answer calls, do not lend money, and do not transfer funds. Adhere to the "three no's" policy.

Thank you for your support, my little cuties! Hahaha. [Dog head with rose in its mouth][Dog head with rose in its mouth][Dog head with rose in its mouth]