“I summoned Consort Li here because I have something to discuss.” Lu Qingyan patted Consort Li’s hand, seeing that she looked a little uneasy, she pursed her lips, but then pressed her handkerchief to cover the corners of her mouth that were turned up: “Consort Li has served His Majesty for many years. Even if she has not made any great contributions, she has certainly worked hard. Not to mention that Consort Li has given birth to two princesses for His Majesty.”
Consort Li couldn't figure out what Lu Qingyan was up to, so she could only smile and say, "Not at all, it's all thanks to the blessings of our ancestors. The Emperor's good fortune is so great that it can protect us." Consort Li suddenly choked up at this point, because the young and beautiful Empress in front of her had no children.
She immediately shut her mouth and looked at Lu Qingyan.
Lu Qingyan chuckled: "Look how frightened Consort Li is. I'm just telling the truth. What are you afraid of? Do you think I'd eat you? The reason I called you here is actually to talk to you about promoting your rank."
Consort Li was initially a little apprehensive about coming to the Empress's palace, but upon hearing Lu Qingyan's words, she felt both joy and bewilderment, and hurriedly said, "Your Majesty, Your Majesty is terrified."
“Consort Li, there’s no need to worry.” Lu Qingyan took her hand again and patted it to comfort her. “You have done a great service in bearing children, but now that you are older, it will be difficult for you to be promoted further. You don’t need to worry about this matter. I will definitely handle it properly for you.”
Consort Li was a woman too, how could she possibly want to be told she was too old? But since the person in question was the Empress, she couldn't refuse. Now that the Empress was talking about promoting her rank, she had even more reason to be tolerant.
After seeing Consort Li off, Lu Qingyan had someone report her request to Zongzheng Shen regarding a promotion for Consort Li. Zongzheng Shen had originally planned to announce the promotion of Bai Li to Imperial Noble Consort after some time, but before he could even propose a rank to his beloved, Lu Qingyan proposed promoting Consort Li. Consort Li had been with him for a long time, since before he ascended the throne. Consort Li resembled Consort Li and had borne him two daughters; he couldn't be too heartless and could only reluctantly agree.
As for his plan to bestow the title of Imperial Noble Consort upon Bai Li, he naturally had to put it on hold. Otherwise, although he didn't care, if Bai Li and Consort Li were both bestowed the title of consort, Bai Li would inevitably see Consort Li's face, which would cause trouble.
How could someone as proud as Bai Li be happy to have someone who looks exactly like her and has been favored by her for several years longer? She would surely cry in his eyes. The thought of Bai Li crying made Zongzheng Shen feel a pang of pain in his heart.
As soon as he agreed, Lu Qingyan was afraid he would change his mind, so she quickly gave the order. Preparations for Li Fei's promotion to Noble Consort Li were quickly made in full swing. By the time Zongzheng Shen calmed down and regretted it, it was too late to change the situation.
This incident only intensified Zongzheng Shen's hatred for Lu Qingyan. This woman, already occupying the Empress's position, was even trying to block Bai Li from becoming an Imperial Noble Consort. The person he so deeply loved was suffering such injustice; he wanted nothing more than to drag her out and whip her until her skin was torn and bleeding.
Lu Qingyan had expected Zongzheng Shen's jealousy. So much hatred now? He'd suffer terribly later. The original owner of this body had endured far more hardship in her past life. Even if she couldn't make them pay for everything, she'd make their lives miserable.
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