Chapter 185: Bad Intentions
In the blink of an eye, the cold winter passed, the ice and snow melted, and all things lived in harmony.
Yue Li knew that Xiao Mingcheng had left the capital before the end of the first month of the year. She didn't feel too upset, but after all, they had been together for more than a year, so it was inevitable that she had some inexplicable emotions.
He Yanchen soon noticed her emotion, so he demonstrated to her through his own actions what the consequences of thinking about other men would be.
Yueli lay on the bed and thought angrily that she would not continue to live in Linde Palace tonight no matter what.
Being so busy with He Yanchen that Yue Li had no time to be sad about the passing of time. In addition, the annual spring hunting was about to begin, and the palace was very lively. Even she, who never went to pay her respects, had heard about it.
"Your Majesty, Dong Xu from the Empress's palace has just arrived and wants to invite you to Fengyang Palace to discuss matters related to the Spring Hunt."
Yueli turned over and sat up: "What are you discussing?"
Fei Lan shook her head. Nian Xia said, "If Your Majesty doesn't want to go, I will go and report back. His Majesty hasn't left the court yet. If Your Majesty wants to embarrass you..."
Yue Li snorted softly. The Queen wasn't stupid. To embarrass her now would be the same as going against He Yanchen. Besides, she wouldn't let anyone embarrass her.
During the two months in the palace, Yue Li felt that her courage and temper were growing. How could she not know before that she was such a person who relied on the power of others to bully others?
Thinking of this, Yueli got off the bed and said, "I'll go see what the Queen wants to discuss."
Nian Xia said, "Then I will accompany you. I am a servant in the imperial court, and the Empress will be somewhat wary of me."
Yueli agreed. She felt that Nianxia described Fengyang Palace as a den of dragons and tigers.
She had met the queen and some concubines several times when she went out for a walk recently. They seemed to be friendly, but she didn't know if they were saying one thing to her face and another behind her back.
Yueli changed into a goose yellow skirt with gardenia pattern, the bright color made her look even more charming and lovely.
When she arrived, Fengyang Palace was already full of people, except for the seat below Concubine De on the left which was empty.
The bead curtain made a crisp clash sound. Everyone looked in the direction of the sound and saw Concubine Yu, who had never appeared in Fengyang Palace before, stepping in.
The woman has a graceful figure, and her movements are like a willow swaying in the wind, bringing a hint of fragrance. The tassel hanging on one side of her bun sways gently, drawing a beautiful arc in the air.
Everyone couldn't help but hold their breath and sigh inwardly that she was indeed a beauty. No wonder His Majesty was willing to take away his wife.
Yue Li's identity was no secret. After all, many people had seen her at the palace banquet on New Year's Eve. However, His Majesty and the Xiao family had explained it publicly, and others only dared to gossip about it in private.
"Your servant pays respects to Her Majesty the Queen." Yue Li's posture of saluting was as unstandard as ever.
The Empress Dowager had sent two teaching maids over before, but Yueli complained of being tired after only one day of study. He Yanchen felt sorry for her and did not let her learn these things.
The Queen was momentarily stunned, but she quickly adjusted her expression and smiled, offering a small helping of support: "Sister Yu Fei, please get up quickly. It's a rare occasion for you to come, and you really bring honor to our humble palace."
Concubine Jin curled the corners of her lips sarcastically and picked up the teacup to cover the curve of her mouth.
Yueli felt that there was something wrong with this statement, but she couldn't put her finger on what it was, so she said sincerely, "Your Majesty, you are too kind."
The Queen's face froze for a moment, then she chuckled and changed the subject: "I asked Sister Yufei to come here today because of the spring hunt."
"Spring hunting is a tradition passed down from our ancestors. All civil and military officials will accompany us. I thought that since Concubine Yu is new to the palace and may not have seen such excitement, I added your name to the list."
Yue Li could tell something was amiss with the Queen. Her words made it seem as if she was indebted to her. But He Yanchen would definitely take her with him on his hunts, so why would the Queen need to do such a thing?
Yueli stopped talking.
The queen's expression became even more embarrassed. Yueli's reaction was too disrespectful.
She took a deep breath and continued, "The enclosure is not like the palace. The concubines live in tents, three tents apart, and guards are placed on each side. I called you here today to ask if Concubine Yu is willing to live with Concubine Shen Zhaoyi and Jiang Ronghua?"
The Queen's words were flawless. In fact, she was afraid that He Yanchen would personally arrange Yue Li's accommodation later, so she asked Yue Li to come in advance. In front of so many people, she would not offend him and would definitely agree.
As long as she agrees, the rest will be easy.
But she forgot that Yueli did not follow the beaten path.
The woman frowned and put down the orange she had just picked up: "I want to live with Your Majesty."
As soon as these words were spoken, the whole room fell silent.
The Queen opened her mouth but didn't know what to say for a long moment. She managed to utter, "Fei Yu, even if His Majesty dotes on you, you shouldn't be so presumptuous. The enclosure is filled with civil and military officials. How can you live with His Majesty?"
Yue Li said nonchalantly, "I am your Majesty's concubine. If I don't live with your Majesty, where else can I live? Besides, your Majesty thinks the same. If you don't believe me, your Majesty, go ask it yourself."
The Queen spoke sternly, "Fei Yu, you have been living in front of the Emperor these days, and I have never said anything to you. This is totally against the rules."
Yue Li glanced at her sideways and said, "If His Majesty asked you, the Empress, to live with him, would you refuse?"
The Queen said sternly, "As the role model for the other six concubines, I certainly cannot be so disrespectful."
Yueli said, "I understand. I will tell Your Majesty when I get back that the Empress is not happy to live with him."
"You!" The queen almost slammed the table and stood up.
Yueli also realized that the queen had called her here with bad intentions.
Just as He Yanchen said, everyone outside has ulterior motives, and he is the only one who treats him well.
Yueli was unhappy and didn't want to stay outside at all. She just wanted to go back to Linde Palace.
She stood up and said, "I'm leaving now."
After saying that, she took Nianxia away. Nianxia was amazed when she heard this. Concubine Yu could debate with many scholars on her own, so why did she need her?
The Queen looked at her back, her chest heaving with anger: "How outrageous! She is so outrageous!"
Concubine Zheng, who was standing below, tried to console her, saying, "Queen, calm down. Concubine Yu is in favor now, so naturally she's spoiled. Nothing lasts forever, and she'll eventually fall out of favor."
The others remained silent, but Concubine Jin glanced at Concubine Zheng. This idiot felt uncomfortable if she didn't speak for a day.
When Concubine Zheng caught Concubine Jin's gaze, she quickly shut up.
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