This smile was like a mask worn on her face, deeply hiding her true emotions and revealing only superficial kindness and friendliness.
Her behavior reminded Rong Xi of the often-mentioned "smiling tiger." It might appear gentle and harmless, but it actually harbors hidden secrets. If you get close, it'll bite you hard.
Rong Xi actually didn't want to get involved in their affairs. After all, she was just a married princess, and now she wanted to escape. Even if they fought to the death, it had nothing to do with her.
But she was actually quite interested in this woman.
"Your Majesty, it's fine if you want to eat. Concubine Xia can't touch your food again."
Rong Xi spoke boldly, shocking everyone present.
Xia Yuyanye didn't expect that the Ninth Princess was so stupid.
"Ninth Princess, what are you talking about? I have always been respectful to the Empress. I heard that the Empress couldn't eat due to morning sickness, so I specially prepared food from my hometown for her. How could I possibly tamper with the Empress's food?"
The Queen has already found out about the last incident and it was she who did it. In order to protect her, the Emperor let an old maid take the blame.
She would not let this person have an easy time, but now was not the right time. She had to save the baby in her belly first before she had the energy to fight with her, so everyone was still friendly on the surface, but she did not expect Rong Xi to be so straightforward.
Rong Xi raised the corners of his mouth, his eyes full of contempt. A mere noble, who had been following the emperor without any name or status for so many years before he got his current position, meant that he was not that important in the emperor's heart.
"You know what I'm saying, but I'm advising you: if you extend a hand you shouldn't, you'll be covered in blood when you take it back. Even if you don't die, you'll be crippled."
"Princess Nine, why are you slandering me like this? No matter what, I am still your Majesty's concubine. How can I allow you to insult me like this?"
Rong Xi shook his head at her expression. "It's like talking smart to a smart person. If you keep pretending not to understand, there's no point in continuing. As for you accusing me of slander, I forgot to tell you that I have the evidence and the witnesses."
She slowly stood up and walked lightly towards where Concubine Xia was.
When she came closer, she leaned forward slightly, leaned close to Concubine Xia's ear, and whispered softly.
"I know your true identity very well. What do you think you hold in His Majesty's heart? You think he loves you and will protect you no matter what you do."
As she spoke, she slowly turned and stood behind Concubine Xia, then continued.
"Have you ever thought about this? If His Majesty truly loves you and cherishes you, then why have you served as his personal maid for so many years without receiving any official title? And even if you were granted an official title now, you would only be a lowly, insignificant noble."
With every word, Concubine Xia's face grew colder. She knew all this in her heart, of course, but it was impossible for the emperor not to love her. No one knew what happened between them, let alone felt the same way.
"What exactly does the Ninth Princess want to say?"
"What are you talking about? I don't know what I want to say, but I advise you that the child in the Queen's belly is now the Emperor's only heir. Do you think you are more important, or is there someone to carry on his throne? You can weigh the weight."
The two looked at each other, and finally Concubine Xia was the first to give in and look away.
"I don't know what the Ninth Princess is talking about. I just hope that the baby in the Queen's belly can be born safely."
"You'd better hold this mindset. Otherwise, all the children who have died in the palace over the years, regardless of whether you were the mastermind, will be revealed in court. Do you think the emperor will protect you or throw you out?"
Rong Xi finally saw panic on Concubine Xia's face. Even if His Majesty didn't know what she had done over the years at first, he probably guessed it later.
Although the emperor was angry, he never really blamed himself.
Because he said he wanted to have a child of their own.
But if it is really as she said, can Your Majesty really protect himself?
She left, feeling lonely.
Rong Xi thought this was a powerful character, but in the end, he was just a person who was arrogant and self-righteous because of his favor, and who thought he had lost himself because of a little favor.
The queen felt relieved when she saw the man leave.
If Rong Xi was not here, she would not show her worry even if she was worried in her heart, but she didn't know when it started, but Rong Xi seemed to have become her backbone.
"Thank you, Ninth Sister, for today."
She is a few years older than Rong Xi, but she was raised and cared for by her family, so naturally she has not experienced too many setbacks in her life.
"Your Majesty, you should be careful of this person in the future. After all, she relies on Your Majesty. Without Your Majesty's protection, she won't be able to survive for long."
Rong Xi could only say this much. She looked at the time and realized that it was almost time for her to leave the palace. She wondered how worried Shen Ze'an must be outside.
The queen stood up to send Rong Xi out, but was stopped by Rong Xi.
"Take care, my lady."
The queen always felt empty in her heart, and she didn't know when she would be able to return from the temple.
As for Concubine Xia, she went to the imperial study as soon as she came out of the Queen's Palace. In fact, she knew some things, but she just wanted to use various methods to verify whether the emperor had her in his heart.
Compared to himself, who is the most important in his heart?
The results of each attempt were not satisfactory. After hearing what the Ninth Princess said today, she felt like trying again.
She couldn't wait to come to the emperor, but Xiao Dezi told her that Lipin was there.
"Your Majesty has asked Concubine Li to come in."
Xiao Dezi also has a difficult job. This lady is the favorite of His Majesty, but the other ladies are also His Majesty's concubines, and he dare not offend any of them.
"Lady Xia, His Majesty and Concubine Li have important matters to discuss, and they've ordered that no one be allowed to disturb them. Your Majesty, please come back another day."
Her face was full of disappointment. Didn't His Majesty say that he only loved her? Why did he lie to her?
After she left, Xiao Dezi came in. Lipin was reading a book on the side, and the emperor was looking in the direction where Concubine Xia left.
"She's gone."
"yes."
Seeing that she had accomplished her purpose, Lipin stood up, said goodbye and was about to leave.
The emperor didn't have any important matters to discuss with Concubine Li. He only called Concubine Li over after hearing that Concubine Xia had gone to the Queen's palace, because he knew that Concubine Xia would definitely come to see him.
I don't want to argue anymore, so this is the only way.
"Lipin, the Imperial Household Department has a new batch of materials. After the Empress has finished selecting them, you can go and take a look to see if there is anything you like."
"Yes, Your Majesty."
After Lipin left, she went to the Imperial Household Department and took away most of the materials, leaving some of the poor quality ones there.
When the emperor asked Xiao Dezi to pick a few horses to send to Concubine Xia, these were the only ones he could give.
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
