Shi Xiuzhu was already used to Yinreng's sharp tongue.
"So, will you see him or not?" Shi Xiuzhu asked.
Yinreng crossed his legs, looking roguish: "Look, I see the people in the back courtyard are starting to have their own ideas again. Lately, those few have been coming here often. They must have gotten used to the good life and forgotten how Fucha and Lijia died. I'll take advantage of Consort Tong's visit to remind them."
The bloody undertones in Yinreng's words silenced Shi Xiuzhu.
"After Consort Tong arrives, tell her to wait for me and Xiao Yan. Now that she's here, I need to see her clearly and see what kind of celestial beauty she is." Yinreng's face was cold.
During Shi Xiuzhu and Yinreng's conversation, everyone except their trusted confidants stayed far away.
Those unaware of the truth might think that the Crown Prince and Crown Princess treated each other with utmost respect, that the Crown Princess was highly favored, and that she could rival Consort Tong.
It was precisely because of this that Tang Gege and Fan Gege, who were raised in the small courtyard with rosy complexions, began to have their little schemes rekindled, wanting to seek refuge with Shi Xiuzhu and curry favor with her.
Even Consort Tong was the same.
Upon receiving Shi Xiuzhu's reply, Consort Tong raised an eyebrow, clearly pleased with herself.
She gently stroked Chen Jia's face: "The Crown Prince has loved beautiful women since childhood. Anything that looks good can make him look at it differently. Look at Consort Tong. When she first entered Yuqing Palace, she was just a concubine and had to bow her head to everyone. But her beautiful face captivated the Crown Prince's heart. Now, how many people in the Forbidden City can rival her? Even the Imperial Concubine treats her with kindness. Her arrogance is evident."
"Yun'er, you are beautiful and come from a respectable family. As long as you can win the Crown Prince's favor, you might live a better life than Consort Tong." The sandalwood scent that Consort Tong had absorbed in Mount Wutai was not peaceful, but rather made her seem even more frantic at this moment.
Chen Jia replied in a soft, gentle voice, "Your Majesty saved my life, and I will naturally serve Your Majesty."
Consort Tong calmed down: "No need for service. I just want to see you live well, better than that Consort Tong whom everyone envies and fawns over. Flowers don't bloom for a hundred days, and people don't stay good forever. Yun'er, you can make the Crown Prince take a liking to you, right?"
Chen Jia lowered her head, appearing very docile: "This servant will not disappoint Your Majesty."
“Good girl, I would never harm you. The Crown Prince is handsome and refined, valued by the Emperor and praised by the court officials. If you enter Yuqing Palace, your life will be much better than marrying into an ordinary family as the principal wife. After all, you have no parents or brothers to rely on.” Consort Tong inserted a hairpin into Chen Jia’s hair.
The lotus-shaped hairpin, exquisitely crafted, was nestled among Chen Jia's dark hair, adding to her beauty.
When Consort Tong was about to lead Lady Chen to Yuqing Palace, her trusted servant was so frightened that her legs went weak and she knelt down.
“Your Majesty, this is unacceptable! Princess Chen Jia is unmarried and has no relation to the Crown Prince. It is not appropriate for her to go to Yuqing Palace!” A sensible palace maid, in order to prevent Consort Tong from being sent to Mount Wutai again, spoke frankly.
Consort Tong couldn't stand the cowardice and weakness of those around her: "The Crown Prince's harem is sparsely populated and empty. As an elder, I should show him consideration and care by sending him a good girl. Isn't that a good thing? If you're afraid, then stay here and don't serve me anymore. I never force anyone to do anything against their will."
Chen Jia followed behind Consort Tong, keeping her head down and remaining silent.
She was both afraid and expectant. Since childhood, people had praised her for her beauty, comparing her to Xi Shi, and saying she was a rare beauty.
If she could become the Crown Prince's concubine, she might become the Emperor's consort in a decade or so.
Even when her parents were alive, she wouldn't have dared to dream of such a prestigious place.
"Your Majesty, it's getting late. If we wait any longer, the sun will be too strong, and Your Majesty will be exposed to the sun on the way." Chen Jia's ambition was stirring under the encouragement of Consort Tong.
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
