Chapter 25 With Me Protecting You
The news that Consort Yi had been released from confinement spread like wildfire throughout the six palaces the next morning.
Almost as soon as the news spread, Shui Xian, suppressing the lingering discomfort from the previous night's pleasure, knelt on the cold blue brick floor of Zhaoyang Palace.
"You nausea! I was truly blind!"
Consort Li threw the jade bracelet that she had once given to Narcissus on the ground, and it shattered into pieces!
She said bitterly, "A few days ago you were putting on a pitiful act, saying you were being coerced by Consort Yi! I've always wondered why you would wander around the walls of that unlucky Changxin Palace for no reason!"
"As expected! This morning, the Emperor had just left your Chengming Palace when that vile woman was released from confinement! Tell me! Was it you who whispered in the Emperor's ear?!"
Narcissus lowered her head, her long eyelashes concealing the fleeting sneer in her eyes.
Consort Li's reaction was exactly what she had expected.
The waters of the harem must be stirred up like this!
The more chaotic the situation, the more she, with neither family background nor connections, can rise step by step amidst the chaos!
Consort Li had managed Zhaoyang Palace like an iron barrel, strictly guarding against Consort Yi's infiltration, a fact that Shui Xian had no doubt about.
At this moment, only Consort Li, Fangfei, and herself were inside the hall; even Yinzhu was kept outside by Consort Li's men.
Instead of directly answering Consort Li's question, Narcissus posed a question:
"Your Highness, please calm your anger. May I ask, why are you so angry today? Is it because you are upset that Consort Yi has been released from confinement...?"
"Or are you still angry that you couldn't take this opportunity to completely bring her down and eliminate any future trouble?"
Consort Li was taken aback by the question, then her anger flared even more: "What do you mean by that?! Of course it means..."
Her words came to an abrupt end.
There are some things she won't tell Narcissus.
She wished she could crush Consort Yi to death!
That slut who pretends to be gentle all day long, relying on her good family background, is always going against her!
The Empress, that sickly woman, is one thing; she might die any day now... But what is Yi Guichun anyway?!
If something were to happen to the Empress, Consort Yi would be the biggest obstacle to her becoming Empress!
Although Consort Li did not say it, her expression clearly revealed what she was thinking.
Shui Xian understood that what Consort Li cared about most was never some superficial matter that could not be tolerated, but rather the threat that Consort Yi's existence itself posed to her ultimate goal!
Throughout the entire harem, Consort Li was most wary of Consort Yi, whose family background was equally outstanding!
"Your Majesty is wise," Shui Xian said calmly. "Consort Yi's confinement this time may seem like a punishment, but in reality, it has not caused any serious damage. Her rank has not been lowered, and the foundation of the Yi family remains completely unshaken."
Shui Xian paused, giving Consort Li time to think, before continuing, "A month of confinement is merely a minor punishment. If she can be released today, she can regain favor tomorrow. Does Your Majesty think such a punishment will be effective in bringing her down?"
Consort Li frowned and subconsciously glanced at Fangfei beside her.
Fangfei nodded slightly to Consort Li, indicating that what Shuixian said was true.
Seeing that her confidante agreed, Consort Li's anger subsided slightly, and she looked at Narcissus with a hint of urgency: "Then, in your opinion, what should be done?"
Meeting her gaze, Shui Xian said softly, "Your Majesty, it is by no means easy to completely bring down Consort Yi. It requires opportunity, planning, and even more so... ability. At present, I am willing but powerless."
"Ability?" Consort Li raised an eyebrow. "Am I not capable enough?"
"Your Majesty is naturally awe-inspiring," Shui Xian began by offering a compliment, then subtly changed the subject:
"However... Consort Yi can threaten me because of the lives of my parents and sister! As long as my family is a slave in the Yi household, they will be hostages in Consort Yi's hands, and my actions will be hindered at every turn!"
"If Your Majesty truly intends to use me as a pawn to deal with Consort Yi, shouldn't you first ensure that I, as a pawn, can break free of my chains and act without restraint?"
She looked intently at Consort Li: "Your Highness, you just said you would protect me. I dare to beg Your Highness to lend a helping hand and save my family from the clutches of the Yi family!"
"Only when they are safe can I serve Your Majesty without any distractions!"
A hint of guilt flashed quickly across Consort Li's eyes.
Saving her family? Saving a bunch of lowly servants... The Ruan family's hands are reaching into the private quarters of court officials to rescue a few servants? What kind of decorum is this! What if they get impeached by the censor...?
From beginning to end, Consort Li never intended to go to such lengths! In her view, Narcissus was merely a tool that could be discarded at any time after use, so why bother with such a fuss?
“This…” Consort Li’s eyes flickered as she picked up her teacup to cover up her embarrassment.
"Since I have made a promise, I will naturally find a way. Rest assured, with me here, Consort Yi would not dare to do anything to your family!"
Upon hearing Consort Li's casual, perfunctory reply, Narcissus sneered inwardly.
Just as I expected.
Consort Li and Consort Yi are two scoundrels at heart, treating human life as worthless, especially the lives of their servants.
From the very beginning, Shui Xian knew that Consort Li would never genuinely save her family.
Having lived a second life, she had long seen through it all: the only one she could ever rely on was herself!
What she needed was never for Consort Li to personally save people, but to use the Ruan family behind Consort Li to deal with the Yi family!
Consort Li assumed that she was only thinking of her family's future, so she put down her teacup and urged, "Tell me quickly, what exactly is your plan!"
"Your Majesty, please do not be anxious," said Narcissus, her words enigmatic.
"This plan requires the right time, place, and people. I need time to get back to her side and regain her trust."
She paused, then looked earnestly at Consort Li:
"Therefore, I implore Your Majesty to expel me from Zhaoyang Palace! And please let everyone, especially Consort Yi, know that you are furious because of my plea for Consort Yi's release from confinement!"
Shui Xian looked at Consort Li and said slowly, "When the time is right, I will definitely find a way to inform Your Highness. At that time, please be swift and decisive, and do not be soft-hearted!"
......
The news of the falling out between Narcissus and Consort Li quickly spread throughout the palace.
On the surface, it seems that she and Consort Yi can never return to the deep bond they once shared as mistress and servant.
For a time, although Narcissus was favored, she was like a rootless duckweed in the harem. Every concubine avoided her, afraid of offending the two high-ranking officials by associating with her.
Little did she know that Narcissus had already secretly met with Consort Yi. She adopted a very humble posture, appearing as if her family was being controlled by the Yi family.
Seeing Shui Xian's angry but speechless expression, Consort Yi felt extremely pleased.
She felt she held Narcissus's life in her hands; from that moment on, Narcissus was her servant in life and in death.
Whether Narcissus is loyal or not, she can no longer escape her control!
Before the Emperor's birthday celebration, Emperor Zhaoheng once chose the narcissus flower.
At dinner time, Emperor Zhaoheng came to Chengming Hall.
If Consort Li and Consort Yi each had their own spies in the palace, Shui Xian knew in her heart that even combined they couldn't match Emperor Zhaoheng's power.
This harem was originally his hunting ground.
So Shui Xian said nothing, but quietly accompanied Emperor Zhaoheng during his meal.
Emperor Zhaoheng knew that Shuixian was obedient, but he did not expect that Shuixian would not cry or make a fuss in front of him after suffering so many grievances recently.
Recently, several thorny political matters at court have been troubling him, and he doesn't want to delve into the squabbles among the women in the harem at this time.
During the meal, the emperor deliberately ignored Narcissus's recent condition, only saying sweet words and talking about things that could help him relax after the stress of government affairs.
Emperor Zhaoheng was so infatuated with her that he entered her tent before it was time for bed.
Although Shui Xian was unaware of Emperor Zhaoheng's recent anxieties about state affairs, she could vaguely sense his venting.
Emperor Zhaoheng seemed to be holding back a lot of anger, and his brows would unconsciously furrow.
Narcissus couldn't help but stroke his furrowed brow with her hand.
Emperor Zhaoheng took her hand, kissed it, and suddenly asked, "Will you blame me?"
As their emotions ran high, Emperor Zhaoheng felt a pang of guilt for the recent grievances she had suffered.
Narcissus shook her head; she had never considered relying on Emperor Zhaoheng to solve the problem.
Without expectations, how can there be disappointment?
"Narcissus doesn't blame the emperor."
She propped herself up slightly and kissed his cheek, which he was biting hard.
Narcissus never had any expectations of him, but she knew how to make him feel guilty.
Emperor Zhaoheng was deeply moved. He leaned against her, wanting to give her all the love he had in his heart.
As the night wore on, the noise inside the tent gradually subsided.
After the water had been drained and the world had become dry and clean again, Emperor Zhaoheng held the narcissus in his arms.
In the darkness, other senses become clearer.
"Xian'er," he pulled her closer to him, his voice reassuring, "stay by my side. In this harem... with me protecting you, you have nothing to worry about."
Narcissus closed her eyes, nestled in his warm embrace, and nodded very slightly.
Yet, he was more clear-headed than anyone else.
Protect her?
He didn't even ask her why she had recently been targeted by Consort Li, or why she had acted so subserviently in front of Consort Yi.
This so-called protection is nothing more than a light, empty promise made by a man when he's in a good mood.
She remained calm inside, but on the surface, she simply snuggled closer to him, as if drawing on the sense of security he provided.
Unlike usual, after serving the emperor, Shui Xian did not take the opportunity to get out of bed and take the contraceptive pills prepared by Xiao Chuanzi.
Tonight, she simply turned over in his arms, finding a more comfortable position, letting herself sink into this false, warm embrace, scented with ambergris...
......
Soon, the Emperor's birthday arrived.
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