Chapter 23 What she wanted was power.
The warm pavilion of Chengming Hall was filled with the elegant fragrance of styrax.
A pearl-white curtain hung down from the top, and a few rays of light shone through the gaps, just enough to illuminate two figures leaning against each other.
Emperor Zhaoheng leaned lazily against the soft couch, holding a book in one hand and wrapping his other arm around Shuixian's slender waist, holding her firmly in his embrace.
Burning incense, I peruse the books of sages and worthies; bowing my head, I skillfully manipulate the fragrant jade.
Emperor Zhaoheng felt a surge of satisfaction. He gently kissed her smooth forehead and asked, seemingly casually:
"I heard you went to Zhaoyang Palace a few days ago. Did Consort Li give you any trouble?"
His voice was low and tinged with concern.
The narcissus nestled against his strong chest like a docile cat.
She turned her face slightly to the side, and with her small, fair feet, she subtly tugged at the hem of his dragon robe, her movements filled with intimate dependence.
“Your Majesty need not worry,” she said in a soft voice, “Consort Li is being treated very well.”
As she spoke, Shui Xian raised her slender wrist and extended it in front of Emperor Zhaoheng.
On her fair wrist, a jade bracelet of excellent quality shone with a warm luster, making her skin appear even more delicate.
"Look, this was a gift from the Imperial Concubine."
Emperor Zhaoheng's gaze fell on the jade bracelet, then looked at the beautiful profile of the woman in his arms.
He knew Consort Li's temperament all too well, so how could he not know that Shui Xian would definitely suffer grievances if she went to Zhaoyang Palace?
She was so sensible that she didn't complain even when she was wronged; instead, she spoke up for Consort Li.
A warm current quietly flowed through the emperor's heart.
Which man doesn't like to see his women living in harmony and his household in peace?
Narcissus's obedience greatly satisfied his desire for control as an emperor, as well as his vanity as a man.
"Xian'er..." he called softly, his fingers caressing the jade bracelet on her wrist, saying tenderly:
"You are always so sensible. But if you suffer any injustice, you must tell me, don't suffer in silence."
Shui Xian wrapped her arms around his strong waist: "I am not afraid of being wronged. As long as I can stay by Your Majesty's side, it is nothing to suffer some troubles occasionally. Your Majesty is busy with many affairs of state and works hard for the country. I only wish that Your Majesty is at ease and does not have to worry about these trivial matters in the harem."
These words, coupled with her current affectionate posture, completely softened Emperor Zhaoheng's heart.
He couldn't help but lean down, find her soft lips, and kissed them deeply with tenderness and emotion.
As their breaths mingled, the temperature inside the room seemed to rise a few degrees.
Just as they were enjoying their tender moment, a eunuch's voice suddenly came from outside Chengming Hall.
"Your Majesty, Consort Li has arrived!"
The enchanting atmosphere was instantly shattered.
Emperor Zhaoheng frowned slightly and released the person in his arms with some displeasure.
Narcissus also sat up at the opportune moment, quickly tidying her slightly disheveled hair and clothes.
Consort Li strode into the palace in a hurry, clearly without waiting to be announced.
She was clearly dressed up carefully, wearing a gorgeous palace dress interwoven with gold powder, the skirt trailing on the ground, and her hair adorned with gold and kingfisher feathers. Her bright and flamboyant appearance made Chengming Hall look even more magnificent.
The moment Consort Li saw Emperor Zhaoheng, a smile of surprise immediately spread across her face.
"Oh dear!" Consort Li covered her mouth and chuckled. "I was unaware that His Majesty was also here with my sister. I have truly disturbed His Majesty and my sister's enjoyment."
Consort Li's excuse was clumsy; the Emperor's guards standing outside Chengming Hall could see it from anyone with eyes.
However, neither Emperor Zhaoheng nor Shuixian saw through the loophole in Consort Li's words.
Shui Xian rose and gracefully bowed to Consort Li, saying, "May Consort Li enjoy boundless blessings."
Consort Li seemed to have just noticed Narcissus, and gently helped her up, saying, "Sister, please get up quickly."
"I acquired some excellent fresh venison today. Thinking that my younger sister is young, she might enjoy this novelty, so I specially invited her to my Zhaoyang Palace for a small gathering. We can roast the venison together, enjoy wine and the scenery. Wouldn't that be delightful?"
Although she said this, her gaze remained fixed on Emperor Zhaoheng.
Behind her, Fangfei promptly presented a delicate jade plate, on which were neatly arranged thin, evenly sliced, and beautifully textured slices of bright red venison, their color enticing.
Emperor Zhaoheng's gaze was also drawn to the venison.
He had always enjoyed riding and archery, so he naturally had a fondness for wild game. "Oh? The Imperial Concubine certainly has a refined taste."
Seeing the Emperor's interest, Consort Li was secretly delighted and warmly invited him, "Indeed! I've made all the arrangements in the back garden of Zhaoyang Palace. There are pavilions and waterside terraces, red clay stoves, freshly hunted venison, and a pot of fine wine—it's a perfect match! Your Majesty, why don't you come and join the fun?"
As she spoke, her eyes sparkled with anticipation as she looked at Emperor Zhaoheng, then at Shuixian, adding, "Sister, come along too! It's more lively with more people!"
Narcissus immediately caught the warning in Consort Li's eyes.
She understood that this meant she had to refuse.
Narcissus said in a gentle voice, "Thank you for your kindness, Consort. However... the imperial physician just examined my pulse a couple of days ago and said that my constitution is too dry and I need to eat a light diet. I should not eat hot foods like venison. I'm afraid I will have to disappoint you."
After she finished speaking, she looked apologetically at Emperor Zhaoheng, "Your Majesty, you and Consort Gui should go ahead, please don't let me spoil your enjoyment."
That's exactly what Consort Li wanted to hear!
Upon hearing this, a triumphant smile flashed across his eyes, but he feigned regret on his face: "Oh dear, that's such a pity. My sister's health is the most important thing."
She immediately turned to Emperor Zhaoheng and casually took his arm: "Your Majesty, look how sensible my sister is, afraid of disturbing us. Then... I dare to ask Your Majesty to move to Zhaoyang Palace? The venison will lose its flavor if it gets cold."
Emperor Zhaoheng looked at the gentle and sensible Narcissus, who had taken the initiative to back down, and then at the radiant and enthusiastic Consort Li.
With a beautiful woman inviting him and delicious food before him, he naturally had no reason to refuse.
He patted Narcissus's hand: "You should rest well. I will come to see you again later."
"Yes, Your Majesty, and Consort Li, we respectfully see you off."
The narcissus bowed its head in a gesture of respect, its posture gentle and graceful.
Consort Li glanced triumphantly at Narcissus, then took Emperor Zhaoheng's arm and led him away from Chengming Palace with a smile.
The room instantly fell silent, leaving only a faint scent of ambergris and a lingering, ambiguous atmosphere in the air.
Narcissus slowly straightened up, her face showing only a cold calm.
She walked to the soft couch and looked at the book that Emperor Zhaoheng had only half-read on the table.
But that man was easily abducted by another woman with just a few words.
Sour and astringent?
No, not at all.
Her heart was calm and still, even tinged with a cold mockery.
This has always been the case in the imperial harem.
The emperor's favor is as fleeting as clouds; it may be with you today but in someone else's arms tomorrow.
What she sought was never that illusory love.
What she wanted was power, the power to control her own destiny!
“Silver Pearl.” Narcissus’s clear, cold voice rang out.
Yinzhu, who had been waiting outside the door, immediately responded and entered: "My lady."
"Come with me for a walk." Narcissus straightened her sleeves and looked outside the palace. "Let's take a stroll around the vicinity of Changxin Palace."
A look of understanding flashed in Yinzhu's eyes, and she silently followed.
The master and servant strolled along the palace path, seemingly at a casual pace.
When she reached a secluded spot outside the walls of Changxin Palace, Shui Xian stopped.
She raised her wrist, her voice neither too loud nor too soft, just loud enough for the spies of Changxin Palace hidden in the shadows of the palace walls to hear.
"This bracelet, bestowed by Consort Li, is of truly excellent quality," Narcissus exclaimed.
Yinzhu immediately understood and replied cooperatively, "This servant thinks it is excellent. Her Highness the Imperial Concubine truly favors Your Highness."
Narcissus smiled slightly: "Yes. The Imperial Concubine is becoming more and more favored in the harem these days."
After saying that, she didn't linger. She turned around with the silver beads and left gracefully, as if she were really just passing by to admire the scenery.
She had served Yi Guichun for nearly twenty years and knew exactly what words would most likely trigger her nerves.
Yi Guichun, you need to be provoked into coming out quickly so you can make an even bigger mistake in front of the Emperor, and also make me...
I'll put you to utter death!
——
Inside Changxin Palace, the imperial edict of confinement hung like a heavy dark cloud over the sky, making the atmosphere inside the palace extremely oppressive.
Consort Yi sat listlessly by the window, her face so gloomy it seemed to drip water.
The humiliation of being confined to copy scriptures gnawed at her day and night, making her hatred for Narcissus even more intense!
"Your Majesty!" Xue Mei hurried in.
She walked up to Consort Yi and lowered her voice to tell Consort Yi everything that her spies had overheard.
"Smack!"
The white porcelain teacup in Consort Yi's hand was smashed to the ground and shattered into pieces instantly!
"Bitch maid!"
Consort Yi suddenly stood up. "I knew it! Shui Xian's sudden betrayal of her master must mean she already has a powerful backer!"
"Consort Li, that vile woman actually dared to extend her reach into Changxin Palace! She is utterly shameless!"
"Your Majesty, please calm down!" Xuemei quickly comforted her, while carefully taking out a sealed letter and an inconspicuous brocade box from her sleeve.
"Your Highness, a reply and...something have been sent from Lord Yi's residence."
Consort Yi forcibly suppressed her surging anger, took a deep breath, and accepted the letter.
She quickly opened it, her eyes scanning the letter rapidly.
Gradually, the overwhelming anger on her face dissipated, replaced by a cold smile.
"Father, help me!"
She murmured softly, a fierce glint in her eyes.
The letter clearly gave her great confidence.
Her gaze immediately fell on the brocade box.
"Good...very good."
"Daffodils, oh daffodils..."
She took the brocade box, weighed it in her hand, and said, "You were born a servant of the Yi family, and even in death... you will never escape my grasp!"
A ruthless glint flashed in Consort Yi's eyes. She handed the brocade box to Xue Mei and whispered her instructions:
"Tonight, deliver the things to that wretched maid, Narcissus!"
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com