Since Lady Nian was poisoned, Lady Fucha began to think about her next plan. First, she would use the Empress to help her gain the Emperor's favor. Then, she would overthrow Consort Xi and finally the Empress, so that she could become the new ruler of the harem.
On this day, Lady Fucha came to Jingren Palace to request an audience with the Empress.
"To Her Majesty the Empress."
"Get up," the Queen said with a smile.
"Thank you, Your Majesty," Fucha said quickly.
Empress Fucha rose and said to the Empress, "Your Majesty, I have done as promised and nearly killed Lady Nian. Your Majesty should now fulfill your promise."
The Empress thought to herself, "This Lady Fucha really has a way with things, but unfortunately she's clueless. The Emperor's mind is now full of Consort Xi, and he can't tolerate anyone else. He might not even remember her as a Noble Lady anymore. She's still dreaming of regaining favor, which is just wishful thinking."
However, the Empress reassured her on the surface, saying, "You did very well, and I am very satisfied. Since I promised you, I will definitely keep my word. However, we cannot rush things with the Emperor."
Empress Fucha thanked the Empress and then asked, "Your Majesty, I have heard that many ministers are impeaching Nian Gengyao. Does this mean that the Nian family is about to fall and that Consort Nian has no chance of making a comeback?"
Upon hearing this, the Empress's lips curled into a faint smile, which quickly vanished as she thought to herself, "What does this vile woman mean? Is she implying that she colluded with the ministers?"
Then he said seriously, "Noble Lady Fucha, do you know how serious a crime it is for concubines to gossip about the previous dynasty in the palace?"
Hearing this, Fucha sneered inwardly—this act was so convincing! In the matter of Nian Shilan, the two of them were in the same boat, neither of them could escape responsibility. Now, she was hypocritically reminding herself; it was truly laughable.
Consort Fucha felt contempt in her heart, but her face showed fear as she hurriedly knelt down and said, "Your Majesty, I know I am guilty. I should not have talked about the affairs of the previous dynasty. I really hate that evil Nian Shi to the core, and that's why I misspoke. Please forgive me, Your Majesty."
The Empress laughed and said, "You have a quick temper and say whatever comes to mind. I don't blame you, but you should be careful in the future. Don't say such things in front of others. You should know that not everyone in the palace is as kind as I am."
Empress Fucha, as if granted a pardon, said: "This concubine understands, thank you Your Majesty the Empress."
The Empress regained her smile and had someone help Fucha to her feet: "Don't blame me for being harsh. As the Empress, it is my duty to instruct the concubines in the harem. If everyone disregards the rules left by our ancestors, how can the harem be peaceful?"
Lady Fucha lowered her head and said meekly, "Yes, Your Majesty, I understand."
"By the way, is there any news from Consort Xi?" the Empress asked.
"Consort Xi had someone check Nian's daily necessities."
"Oh! Did you find anything?"
"No, Your Highness, I was very careful. The dosage of poison was small. If Lady Nian hadn't used dew every day, she wouldn't have been poisoned."
"That's good."
The Empress picked up the tea beside her, took a sip, and placed it back on the table. Then she slowly said, "I know what you're thinking. Don't worry, I will definitely do what I promised. You should calm down and think carefully about how to win the Emperor's heart."
Mentioning Consort Xi only deepened Fucha's hatred. How dare this woman steal the favor that should have been hers!
Empress Fucha originally wanted to bring up the Emperor's matter with the Empress, but the Empress suddenly spoke up at this moment: "Now that things have been explained, Empress Fucha, you may go back first."
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