Since Consort Wanrong began comforting Qi Jingxuan daily, the atmosphere in the palace subtly changed. Qi Jingxuan, who had been unsettled by Consort Mu's kidnapping, now seemed to have found a sense of peace. Consort Wanrong's gentle words were like a spring breeze, gradually calming the turmoil in his heart.
Every night, Consort Wanrong would appear in his study, bringing a bowl of warm tea or a scroll of calligraphy and painting, accompanying Qi Jingxuan with her care and wisdom. Her presence became a source of comfort for Qi Jingxuan amidst his busy and worried life.
"Your Majesty, the affairs of state are heavy, but you also need to rest appropriately," Consort Wanrong gently advised, her eyes filled with deep concern.
Qi Jingxuan sighed, put down the memorial in his hand, and his gaze fell on Consort Wanrong, feeling a long-lost warmth: "Wanrong, I have indeed been feeling tired lately. With you here, I feel much more at ease."
Empress Wanrong smiled slightly, knowing that the Emperor's trust was priceless: "Your Majesty, Consort Mu's matter will be settled. Your health is the best thing for the country and its people."
As time went on, Qi Jingxuan mentioned Consort Mu less and less, and began to rely more on Consort Wanrong's companionship and advice. In the court, the ministers also noticed this change, and they began to reassess Consort Wanrong's influence.
In the Qi Kingdom's inner palace, Qiao Siyu and Ziling were extremely anxious. Upon learning that Consort Mu had been kidnapped by enemy forces, they knew the situation was urgent and Consort Mu's safety could not be delayed. Although Emperor Qi Jingxuan seemed to have temporarily set aside Consort Mu's matter under the comfort of Consort Wanrong, Qiao Siyu and Ziling believed that action must be taken.
After discussing it, the two decided to go to Consort Wanrong's Qingyun Terrace, hoping to meet the Emperor, express their concern for Consort Mu, and beg the Emperor to come to her rescue.
Qingyuntai was the residence of Consort Wanrong, a place of tranquility and elegance. Qiao Siyu and Ziling walked through the winding corridors and arrived at the gate of Qingyuntai. They knew that requesting an audience with the Emperor without being summoned was no small matter, but for Consort Mu's sake, they were willing to take the risk.
"Please announce our presence; we have urgent business to discuss with His Majesty," Qiao Siyu said to the palace guards at the gate, her voice trembling slightly, but her eyes resolute.
Seeing their nervous expressions, the palace guard went inside to report. He returned shortly after and gestured for them to enter.
Qiao Siyu and Ziling entered the inner chamber of Qingyuntai, where they saw Qi Jingxuan discussing something with Consort Wanrong. They knelt down to pay their respects, and then Qiao Siyu mustered her courage to explain their purpose to the Emperor.
"Your Majesty, Consort Mu is trapped in the enemy camp and her situation is critical. We implore Your Majesty to consider our past relationship and find a way to rescue Consort Mu as soon as possible." Qiao Siyu's voice was slightly choked with emotion, but she still firmly expressed their request.
Qi Jingxuan fell silent, a complex emotion flashing in his eyes. Empress Wanrong glanced at Qiao Siyu and Ziling, then at Qi Jingxuan, a knowing look in her eyes.
“Your Majesty, Consort Mu is, after all, a member of the royal family, and her safety is related to the dignity of the royal family. Perhaps we can reconsider the rescue plan,” Consort Wanrong said softly, her words revealing her concern for Consort Mu and her insight into the current situation.
Inside the Qianqing Palace, the atmosphere suddenly became tense. Qiao Siyu, the former Consort Shuyi, had resentment and anger flashing in her eyes. She knew all too well the power and influence Consort Wanrong held in the palace, and she sensed obvious hypocrisy in Consort Wanrong's attitude towards Consort Mu.
"Your Highness Wanrong, are you really concerned about Consort Mu's safety?" Qiao Siyu's voice rang out in the tranquil Qingyuntai, carrying a hint of sharpness and challenge.
Consort Wanrong was taken aback; she hadn't expected Qiao Siyu to question her so directly. Maintaining her composure, she replied, "Consort Qiao, of course I care about Consort Mu."
Qiao Siyu sneered, her emotions becoming even more agitated: "Your Highness Wanrong, if you truly care, why hasn't the Emperor mentioned Consort Mu recently? Has your comforting words made the Emperor forget Consort Mu's plight?"
Consort Wanrong's expression changed slightly; she realized that Qiao Siyu's words carried accusation and dissatisfaction. She took a deep breath, trying to calm the situation: "Consort Qiao, we are all sharing the Emperor's burdens and thinking of Consort Mu. I believe the Emperor has seen your loyalty."
But Qiao Siyu was unmoved, her emotions barely contained: "Your Highness Wanrong, your actions cannot escape the eyes of everyone in the harem. If you truly want to save Consort Mu, you should encourage the Emperor to take immediate action, instead of indulging in your self-satisfaction here!"
The commotion attracted the attention of the palace servants, who watched the two empresses' confrontation with bated breath, unsure of what to do. Qi Jingxuan sat nearby, his brow furrowed, feeling an unprecedented headache.
"Enough!" Qi Jingxuan's voice suddenly rang out, interrupting the two's argument. "Consort Qiao, Consort Wanrong, you are both my concubines. You should get along well and work together to plan for Consort Mu's safety, instead of arguing here."
Qiao Siyu and Consort Wanrong both quieted down, realizing their lapse in composure and sensing Qi Jingxuan's displeasure.
Qi Jingxuan stood up, his gaze sweeping over the two of them, and then slowly said, "I will reconsider the plan to rescue Consort Mu. You may both leave."
Qiao Siyu and Consort Wanrong exchanged a glance. Although they were both unwilling, they still bowed respectfully and slowly withdrew from the Qianqing Palace.
Outside the Qianqing Palace, the palace path was brightly lit, but the atmosphere was unusually tense. Qiao Siyu and Consort Wanrong walked out of the palace one after the other, the air between them seemingly frozen. Qiao Siyu stopped and turned to face Consort Wanrong, her eyes full of disdain: "Consort Wanrong, your performance today was truly spectacular. Unfortunately, you've forgotten that I, Qiao Siyu, was once the Emperor's favored concubine. I saw through all your tricks perfectly."
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