Consort Han was the emperor's favorite, and she had been favored ever since she entered the palace.
Regardless of the fact that other concubines received the emperor's favor at different times, even overshadowing Consort Han, only Consort Han was able to maintain her position. This made it seem that the emperor's favor towards other concubines was like a fleeting novelty, while his affection for Consort Han was a genuine and heartfelt appreciation.
Therefore, many concubines in the harem were jealous of Consort Han. Consort Han was no pushover either, but the emperor always turned a blind eye to her actions. As long as she did not harm the interests of the imperial power, he let her do whatever she wanted.
Unexpectedly, this time she directly snatched the emperor's favorite lychees and a large durian of the tribute standard.
The emperor lowered his eyes, seemingly deep in thought, his aura unfathomable, and Qiao Lian'er did not disturb him.
"Perhaps I spoiled her too much, making her feel that she could act recklessly and cross the line." The emperor's tone was calm, but Qiao Lian'er could hear a hint of dissatisfaction hidden in it.
In this world, there are some things that only the Emperor can enjoy. These are special cases, distinguishing him from princes, nobles, and ordinary ministers.
Is this overstepping of boundaries an attempt to seize the throne? Consort Han cannot covet it, but the eldest prince, in the palace, gains power through his son.
The emperor was inherently suspicious and sensitive, and the more he thought about it, the more uneasy he felt.
I looked at the box of lychees again; it was smaller than the ones presented before, and the more I looked at it, the more irritating it became.
Durian is one thing; noble families can buy smaller ones, and it's fine if his favorite person eats the same size as him. But lychee is specially for him; how can that be?
The emperor took a deep breath and personally helped Qiao Lian'er up from the ground: "I understand your intentions. You may go back now."
It's not Qiao Lian'er's fault; Consort Han is someone you really can't afford to offend.
Qiao Lian'er seemed relieved and quickly thanked her, saying, "This time it was also my fault. I accidentally left the goods in the shop, which is why they were noticed. Next time I have good goods, I will send them to the palace as soon as possible."
The emperor snorted: "Those who are determined to overstep their bounds will always find an opportunity. Lian'er always gives me the best, and I understand your filial piety."
Qiao Lian'er sighed slightly: "Indeed, that old woman has gone there four times already. She complained the first three times that the durians weren't big enough."
The emperor's eyes darkened further. His repeated visits were either to demand his special treatment or to target the Qiao family. Regardless of the purpose, the final result was always an overstepping of boundaries, which infuriated him.
After Qiao Lian'er left, the emperor headed straight for Consort Han's palace.
Qiao Lian'er didn't actually go home. Instead, she changed into an invisibility cloak and followed them with the intention of watching the gossip and the excitement.
Consort Han longed to eat her fill of lychees every day. When a large box of lychees was delivered, she felt she could never get enough of them.
So after she finished eating, she rested for a while before eating again.
Granny Zhou also roasted durians; eating roasted durians in winter is a real treat.
Just then, they heard a servant outside say respectfully, "Your Majesty, the Emperor has arrived."
His voice carried a hint of panic.
Consort Han was startled. This box of lychees had been forcibly purchased. The Qiao family's lychees were only for the Emperor to eat, and she knew very well that this was against the rules.
It's fine if the Emperor didn't see it, but if he did, it's a different story.
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