Gu Jiangli had no choice but to obey.
The other party was Consort Shu, a second-rank imperial concubine, while she was merely a ninth-rank concubine, Lady Gu.
When Gu Jiangli arrived at Chengen Hall, she was once again taken aback by the magnificent sight.
Everywhere you look, there is dazzling light.
The beams and furniture were decorated with either gold or glass.
Consort Shu's hair was adorned with dazzling pearls and jade, which made a pleasant tinkling sound when she tilted her head slightly.
It's clear that she's making a great effort to make the emperor's favoritism towards her public.
What puzzled Gu Jiangli was that Consort Shu looked at her with a very complicated expression.
It contains everything: resentment, hatred, and fear.
She did not stare at Consort Shu for long; even as she approached, she continued to strive to maintain her composure.
"Your Majesty, Gu Jiangli, greets Consort Shu."
Consort Shu's eyes flickered. Instead of telling her to rise, she instructed the surrounding palace maids:
"I need to speak with Consort Gu alone. You may all leave now."
The crowd was ordered to withdraw.
Only Lotus, who was standing next to Gu Jiangli, looked hesitant.
Gu Jiangli was deeply moved by Hehua's actions.
Lotus knew about the past grievances between her mistress and Consort Shu, and since they were on the other party's territory, she couldn't help but feel worried.
This further proves the lotus's loyalty.
"It's alright, Lotus, you can go out now."
After receiving a reassuring look from Gu Jiangli, Hehua withdrew from the room.
In the huge room, only Gu Jiangli and Consort Shu remained.
"I wonder what important matter Consort Shu wants to discuss with me? I am all ears."
Consort Shu looked at Gu Jiangli, who was still kneeling on the ground. With such a respectful expression and such outstanding appearance, it was no wonder that His Majesty had been so captivated in just two days!
"Hmph! Gu Jiangli, you don't need to act anymore in front of me! Do you think you can fool His Majesty or me with that act!"
Gu Jiangli remained expressionless, revealing a look of suspicion and confusion. "Your Majesty, I do not understand what you mean. Please speak plainly."
"Fine! I'm warning you! Don't think that just because you've attracted the Emperor's attention with your seductive face, you can act with impunity in the harem as before! His Majesty is wise; even if he is temporarily bewitched by you, he will never believe your false and slanderous words!"
"Gu Jiangli, if you dare to utter any falsehoods before His Majesty, I will make sure you suffer!"
Consort Shu's words began to show signs of becoming increasingly mad.
Gu Jiangli listened to her talk for a long time but couldn't get to the point.
She was tired of kneeling.
Fine, if you don't want to act, then you don't have to.
Gu Jiangli sighed and slowly stood up from the ground.
"Consort Shu, I know you are in a hurry, but please don't rush."
"You...how dare you! I haven't even told you to stand up yet!"
"Consort Shu, what you're really saying is that I shouldn't take advantage of my favor to whisper in His Majesty's ear and say unrealistic things."
"But what are you afraid of? Since you are so sure that His Majesty is wise and won't listen to slander, isn't your warning to me just asking for trouble?"
"Among the many concubines in this harem, you are the most anxious to hear that I will be the one to serve the emperor."
"Is Your Highness afraid that I will steal the Emperor's favor from you? Don't worry, I don't even look at what you have now."
"Whether it's His Majesty's faint pity for you, the countless jewels and gold adorning your head and body in the palace, or your current position as a Noble Consort..."
"I don't like any of them."
Gu Jiangli wore a gentle smile, and her every move exuded elegance and nobility, making her even more imposing than Consort Shu, who was already a Noble Consort.
She wasn't lying.
She certainly looked down on what Consort Shu had.
Those valuables were expensive but tasteless;
She didn't particularly value the Emperor's pity;
As for Consort Shu's position as a Noble Consort, she certainly didn't care for it.
Because her goal is to become the Empress!
Gu Jiangli's words left Consort Shu speechless.
The anger on her face gradually turned pale.
Her eyes were no longer filled with hatred for Gu Jiangli, but with utter shock and confusion.
"you......"
She stammered for a long time before finally managing to utter a single word.
What's going on with Gu Jiangli?
How did Gu Jiangli, who used to be so stubborn, stupid, and only knew how to get angry and curse, become like this now?
She was logically sound and articulate, and her speech exuded an authority that left her no room for argument.
She originally intended to use her current status as a Noble Consort to put her in a low position and make her understand that she shouldn't say things she shouldn't say.
But now, she can't say a word.
"Gu Jiangli!" Consort Shu's voice suddenly rose, "I am a Consort! How dare you, a mere concubine who has just escaped the Cold Palace, speak to me like that!"
"Your Majesty, I don't know if I said anything I shouldn't have? Every word I just spoke came from my heart. There was no disrespect intended."
"How dare you so brazenly claim that you don't want the Emperor's favor! Have you considered what will happen to you if the Emperor finds out!"
"When did I say..." Gu Jiangli hadn't finished speaking when a sudden sound popped into his mind.
[Ding-dong! Zizai is online! The important figure, the Emperor, is about to appear. You can make good use of this opportunity! This notification will cost 10 points, which will be deducted from your balance later.]
Gu Jiangli: ......
Why did you deduct my points when you were the one who gave the hint?
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