Consort Yun listened blankly to the punishment given to her by the late emperor, but did not continue her madness.
Gu Jiangli looked at her, and his arrogant face instantly became calm and still, unable to see through the hatred for the emperor in Consort Yun's eyes.
Her dark gaze kept shifting between the late emperor, Consort Yu, and her own son.
In the end, she simply bowed quietly, then straightened her back and left the banquet.
The calmer the surface, the more likely a storm is brewing.
For Consort Yun, her husband no longer had any affection for her; her only protection had been given to the woman she hated to the core.
Watching her departing figure, Gu Jiangli roughly understood that it was probably from this moment that Consort Yun made her decision.
Her madness did not subside despite being punished; rather, it remained hidden deep within her heart.
It will erupt completely at some point.
Gu Jiangli gradually understood why this memory was so profound for the young emperor, because it was from that day onward that he spent the most complicated yet happiest year of his life.
Living in Consort Yu's palace, he was no longer beaten or scolded.
No one asked him to learn the "way of governing a country" that he shouldn't have to learn; he only needed to study and learn to read with his older and younger brothers.
When he had free time, he would go to Consort Yu's side to listen to stories and appreciate various paintings together. His days were pleasant and carefree.
Being by Consort Yu's side, she saw the late emperor more often.
Although the late emperor never praised his studies, he would praise him for his excellent painting skills and calligraphy.
He received more praise and smiled more in this year than he had in the previous nine years combined.
But he was still conflicted because his mother was still imprisoned.
Whenever his father was in a good mood, he would plead for his mother and beg his father to release her.
Perhaps it was because the young emperor was too sincere, or perhaps it was because the former prime minister, Consort Yun's brother, put pressure on the late emperor. In any case, Consort Yun's confinement finally ended in the eighth month.
After gaining her freedom, Consort Yun seemed to have learned her lesson. She no longer had an arrogant look in her eyes, nor did she have the temper to hit people at the drop of a hat.
She took the initiative to apologize to the late emperor, admitting that she had spoken inappropriately.
At the same time, she asked Consort Yu to continue taking care of the young emperor, and did not allow the young emperor to return to her side.
Everyone assumed that Consort Yun's personality had changed drastically because she was confined to her quarters, and that she had realized her mistakes.
Consort Yu and the late Emperor were also pleased by this and began to greet her with smiles.
But Gu Jiangli understood that Consort Yun had not admitted her mistake; she had simply found a more effective way to do bad things.
That is to conceal one's dangerous aura and deliver a fatal blow to the opponent when necessary.
Consort Yun was waiting for an opportunity, but no one noticed her unusual behavior.
As always, the emperor devoted his whole heart to Consort Yu.
Consort Yu was eight months pregnant and about to give birth when he brought her an imperial edict.
The late emperor's favor towards Consort Yu was a well-known fact. Many imperial edicts were first shown to Consort Yu before being released.
This time is no different.
The young emperor often stayed by Consort Yu's side, and Consort Yu did not hide anything from him. He was fortunate enough to see the contents of the edict with Consort Yu.
The imperial edict stated that she would be granted the title of Imperial Concubine, but the section for bestowing the title and name was still blank. The imperial seal was already affixed at the end, and once the title was filled in, it could be announced to the world immediately.
This was supposed to be a good thing, but Consort Yu pouted, looking unhappy.
The late emperor said expectantly, "Which character does A-Yu like? I want to give you the character 'Chen,' so that you can be a high and mighty star, the most unique Consort Chen in my heart. Is that alright?"
Consort Yu shook her head and handed the imperial edict back to the emperor. "Your Majesty, although I have spent my life in the martial world and have not read many books, I know that the title 'Chen' carries too much weight for me to bear."
"What is there that I cannot bear? Ayu, in my entire life, I feel guilt towards the late Empress and gratitude towards Consort Yun, but only towards you, Ayu, is my true heart, as heaven and earth can bear witness. If you cannot bear the mere title of 'Chen,' who can? Moreover, I intend to make you supreme and exceptionally noble. What is wrong with that?"
Consort Yu still looked worried, and before she could speak, the curious young emperor peeked out and asked:
"Why did Consort Yu say that the character 'Chen' is unworthy of the title? Is the character 'Chen' particularly powerful?"
Consort Yu changed her expression and smiled at him, saying, "Yes, it's very impressive. It can refer to the North Star in the sky and also serve as a title for the emperor, making it extremely prestigious. In the hundreds of years of the previous dynasty, only one of the most favored concubines received the title of 'Chenfei'. Ah Yao, tell me, isn't this title quite weighty?"
The young emperor nodded as if he understood, "Oh, so only the most favored concubine can receive this title, right?"
The late emperor interjected, "Yes, only the most beloved, the most cherished, and the most valued can receive this title. If Ayao meets the woman he likes the most in the future, he can also give this title to her."
As soon as he finished speaking, Consort Yu and Gu Jiangli, who was watching the memories, both changed their expressions.
Gu Jiangli's heart skipped a beat, not only because she was surprised by the origin of her title "Consort Chen," but also because of the late emperor's words.
What did the late emperor mean by those words?
Gu Jiangli continued watching, her heart pounding with fear. The young emperor, looking utterly bewildered, asked:
"Huh? Can I also be given a title? When my eldest brother inherits Father's legacy, I'll be just a prince. Can a prince also bestow a title upon his wife?"
The late emperor was taken aback, as if he had suddenly realized something, and laughed awkwardly, "Hahaha, yes, yes, Ayao is right. But it doesn't matter. If Ayao really likes the character 'Chen,' then you can have your eldest brother bestow the title of 'Chen Princess' upon your princess."
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