Chapter 88 The Imperial Concubine is indeed an Imperial Concubine
Whether it's "heaven has eyes" or not, the phrase "as if divinely aided" perfectly describes the Empress.
Look—the Emperor is preoccupied with state affairs, and with that bewitching concubine Jiang, who has moved to Hanyuan Palace, by his side, he can't spare a single thought for the harem.
After assuming the regency, the Crown Prince was also given the imperial decree to "act on behalf of the Emperor" to inspect the country and quell disasters... With a worthy successor, both the Crown Prince's faction and court officials with some connection to the emperor rose in rank.
Therefore, whether in the palace or in Prince Rui's residence, Empress Wang and the Wang family were able to do things exceptionally smoothly.
As dusk approached, Huiyue, with a slightly solemn expression, hurriedly entered the hall.
"Your Majesty, Your Majesty."
Empress Wang, who had her eyes closed and was supporting her forehead with her hands, raised her head upon hearing the sound.
Her expression was rather complex. "How is it?"
"This person is indeed at Prince Rui's residence."
"However, Your Highness... Your Highness is also cautious. You've kept Lady Lu locked in her room and have been giving her medicine..."
"To prevent any trouble from arising when we brought them out, the adults also ordered some medicine to be administered..."
"When you summon the ladies of your household to the palace early tomorrow morning, they will be sent there."
Empress Wang had long ago "judged" Prince Rui in her heart.
Now that it has indeed come true, she feels indescribable resentment and helplessness.
"As expected..."
Empress Wang, who had lost all desire to speak, sighed deeply, slowly closed her eyes, and said in a deep voice, "Have Consort Zhao prepare as soon as possible, and send her over tomorrow."
"yes."
......
Jangrye Palace
Even though it hasn't snowed in the first month of the lunar calendar, the air is still bone-chillingly cold.
As darkness fell, Consort Zhao sat in the palace, somewhat lost in thought, staring blankly out the window.
The silence inside the hall was so profound that it instilled a sense of oppressive powerlessness.
Compared to the other beautiful concubines in the palace, Consort Zhao was not considered exceptionally beautiful. She came from an unremarkable family and was not particularly clever or quick-witted.
But fate smiled upon her and she gave birth to a son.
There are fools in this world who have their own "smart" methods.
If you're not smart, find a smart patron to rely on.
Therefore, while still in the mansion, Consort Zhao did not hesitate to curry favor with Empress Wang.
In fact, Zhao Jieyu knew very well from the beginning that Empress Wang had always looked down on her.
But Zhao Jieyu was not ashamed at all, and even became more and more impulsive and brainless in her actions.
Whenever Empress Wang gave an order, or anyone displeased Empress Wang—regardless of who that person was—Zhao Jieyu would dare to pounce on them and bite them with bared teeth.
Normally, she would always protect Empress Wang's face and speak up for her, no matter when or where, while also putting down Consort Zhang's face in front of others... but that was all she could do.
No major mistakes, but constant minor ones.
Therefore, even though she was extremely loyal, Empress Wang never let her get involved in these "delicate matters" in the palace, fearing that she might be foolish and do something that backfired.
Having lived in the palace for so many years, Consort Zhao could confidently say that she had never harmed anyone.
But now...
"Your Majesty, it's done!"
Hearing Hongzhu's words, Zhao Jieyu blinked, then looked at Nianqin, who had entered the hall with Hongzhu.
"Aunt Nianqin, Your Majesty the Empress... is there anything else you require?"
Nianqin stepped forward, curtsied, and said calmly, "Thank you for your trouble, Consort Jieyu."
"When Lady Lu did not come to pay her respects early the next morning, you sent someone to check the side hall and found that she had hanged herself in the palace."
Consort Zhao nodded slowly, "Please rest assured, Your Majesty, I will do my best."
“I will certainly convey Consort Jieyu’s sentiments to Her Majesty the Empress.” Nianqin said, then curtsied again, “This servant takes her leave.”
Hongzhu escorted Nianqin out.
Consort Zhao sat inside the hall.
The winter air is a silent, biting chill, and the wind outside has been relentless lately. The warmth of the incense smoke swirling inside the hall is barely perceptible, creating a stuffy, impenetrable atmosphere.
After Nianqin left, Hongzhu hurriedly returned to the palace.
"Your Majesty, you haven't eaten since this morning."
Hongzhu looked at Zhao Jieyu, who was sitting there silently, with a pang of heartache.
"I asked the kitchen to prepare some soup; please have some."
Just thinking about Prince Rui and Empress Wang's audacious madness and absurdity made Zhao Jieyu feel as if a snowball with ice shards had been stuffed into her heart, emitting a chilling aura that left her with no appetite whatsoever.
Hongzhu took the chicken soup offered by the palace maid and turned to present it to Consort Zhao.
"Your Majesty, this soup is made with dendrobium and gastrodia elata. Would you like to try some?"
"I can't eat."
Zhao Jieyu shook her head.
She looked at Hongzhu and murmured, "I understand the situation in this palace less and less."
Consort Zhao, who often spent her days in confinement in the palace, heard the news that Consort Jiang had joined the emperor's side as soon as she came out.
Before she could even figure out what was going on, the emperor issued an edict confining her to her quarters.
Then, Lady Jiang was pregnant and became the most favored concubine in the palace.
She didn't even have time to argue with Consort Jiang, as she was implicated by the people of Changli Palace and placed under house arrest.
When Consort Zhao was finally released from confinement, Consort Jiang had already given birth to twins, and the Emperor was about to promote her to the rank of Imperial Noble Consort.
“Previously, Consort Zhang was also favored, but even the Empress did not act so recklessly… The troubles that Lu’s palace is causing are going so smoothly, and it’s making me extremely anxious.”
"The Jiang family is too strange."
"Even I, the most wicked woman, feel terrified whenever I hear news about her."
Feeling uneasy, Zhao Jieyu kept talking to herself.
As they were talking, she suddenly asked, "Hongzhu, what day is tomorrow?"
"In reply to Consort Jieyu, tomorrow is an auspicious day for the 'full moon celebration' for the Ninth Prince and the Seventh Princess."
Hearing this, Hongzhu stared in astonishment, her mouth agape. These weren't her words!
Zhao Jieyu and Hongzhu snapped out of their daze after exchanging a startled glance.
The master and servant turned their heads sharply to look at the doorway and saw a figure dressed in a dark blue robe walk in.
Shocked and furious, Zhao Jieyu stood up abruptly.
Hongzhu quickly helped Zhao Jieyu up, then glared at the newcomer and sternly rebuked, "How dare you!"
"Which palace are you from?!"
"How dare you trespass into Her Majesty's palace?!"
"Someone come here!"
"Seize this audacious lackey!"
No matter how much Hongzhu called out, no one came in from outside the hall.
"......."
After Hongzhu's voice gradually stopped, the hall and the surrounding area fell into a deathly silence.
The sky was dark, and the night wind was howling.
Suddenly appearing out of nowhere, a person dressed in all dark blue had an unusually pale face and stood there, looking eerie as if surrounded by a shadow.
Seeing this silent, ghostly figure approaching the hall, Zhao Jieyu gripped the red bead so tightly that her hand turned white.
Hongzhu, trembling, supported Zhao Jieyu, and the two of them took several steps back.
"You, you, you're a human, you're..." Hongzhu didn't dare utter the word "ghost," but mustered her courage and said, "This is the imperial palace, the residence of the emperor. We even have a statue of Guanyin enshrined in our hall. You, you..."
The flickering candlelight inside the room cast an eerie glow on the face of the "ghostly figure," making it appear both bright and dark.
As the "ghostly figure" drew closer, Zhao Jieyu and Hongzhu grew increasingly terrified.
Tears welled up in the eyes of both master and servant. When their nerves were stretched to the limit, the "ghostly figure" stopped.
The "ghost figure" bowed to Zhao Jieyu.
“Your servant is Chongqing, the Grand Eunuch of the Mingli Division.”
"Greetings, Consort Zhao. May Your Highness be blessed."
"It's a person, not a ghost," Zhao Jieyu, sweating profusely, and Hongzhu, startled, slowly returned to their senses upon hearing Chongqing's words.
Thankfully, he said he was from the "Mingli Division"... Hmm?!
The shadow of a person is the name of a tree.
These eunuchs of the "Minli Division" are people that few in the world, whether inside or outside the palace, would want to encounter.
Zhao Jieyu tried her best to keep her expression calm, but it was clear that she couldn't stay calm at this moment, and her voice was trembling.
"Eunuch Chong suddenly arrived at Changli Palace..."
Chongqing's expression remained the same throughout.
When he bowed in reply, his voice was steady: "Your Majesty, tomorrow is the full moon celebration for the Ninth Prince and the Seventh Princess."
"His Majesty had given instructions long ago to ensure that the 'full moon celebration' was completed smoothly."
"Your Majesty has given the order, and this humble servant dares not disobey Your Majesty's will."
"After much deliberation, I have no choice but to trouble Your Majesty."
"Please, Consort Jieyu, go to the Empress's palace tomorrow as usual to pay your respects to Her Majesty the Empress, and offer your congratulations to Consort Jiang with peace of mind."
"As for the other unfortunate events in the palace, we'll deal with them after the 'full moon celebration'..."
"That's what His Majesty means too."
Hearing Chong Qing's words, Zhao Jieyu felt a chill run through her body and her vision blurred.
She didn't even know whether it was better to actually "encounter a ghost" or to look at this respectful and polite eunuch from the "Mingli Division".
"Struggling in the death throes" is human nature.
Zhao Jieyu was no exception.
She pretended to be confused almost reflexively.
"You, you servant, you suddenly came to my Changli Palace out of nowhere and said some nonsensical nonsense. How dare you!"
Chong Qing, who had been expressionless the whole time, finally looked up when she heard these words.
He glanced at Zhao Jieyu, who was still unwilling to give up but pretended to be calm, and a faint smile appeared on his face.
"This servant has been disrespectful and disturbed Your Majesty by not being summoned. Please forgive me."
"But tomorrow is truly an auspicious day of great joy."
"It would be best if this side hall remained closed tomorrow morning. What does Your Majesty think?"
Side hall... What's in the side hall?
There is a woman named Lu who "died by hanging".
Zhao Jieyu could stubbornly claim ignorance or continue to play dumb... but since Eunuch Qing has already laid his cards on the table, what's the point of struggling?
Looking at the composed expression on Eunuch Chongqing's face, which held a hint of a smile, Zhao Jieyu felt as if all her strength had been drained away.
She opened her mouth, but couldn't even make a sound at first.
After recovering from the initial shock, Consort Zhao spoke again, her voice slightly hoarse, "Your Majesty, Your Majesty knows everything?"
Chong Qing also lowered his head.
He said softly, "The emperor resides in the high halls of the ancestral temple, overlooking the world. What in this world can be hidden from the emperor?"
I knew it all along... I knew it all along?!
Zhao Jieyu, who seemed to be hiding a ball of fire, stared intently at Chong Qing.
"So you... you're just going to stand by and watch?!"
"Your Highness, Consort Jieyu".
Chong Qing said helplessly, "But this white silk wasn't put on by a servant after all."
"This servant naturally hopes for peace and quiet, and prefers to avoid trouble. I hoped that you would show some kindness, and that Her Majesty the Empress would be lenient... but haven't I failed to achieve that?"
Looking at the helpless and innocent-looking eunuch Chongqing in front of her, Zhao Jieyu, who had already felt very cold, felt her teeth chatter.
"So you just stood by and watched, just stood by and watched the Empress..."
"Your Majesty, it's getting late." Eunuch Chongqing's expression returned to its calm state as it had when he arrived.
"This servant needs to go back and carefully review tomorrow's procedures again, just in case anything goes wrong. What do you think..."
With reddened eyes, Zhao Jieyu looked at Chong Qing, who had a calm expression, and at his dark, lifeless eyes... All the words seemed to be stuck in her throat, unable to be uttered.
Zhao Jieyu nodded stiffly.
"...I understand."
Without a single warning or confirmation from Eunuch Chongqing, Zhao Jieyu's agreement seemed perfectly natural and taken for granted.
"Please rest early, Your Highness." Chongqing bowed again and said, "This servant takes his leave."
After a while, Consort Zhao and Hongzhu remained silent. Then, Hongzhu suddenly stumbled and ran towards the palace gate.
The palace servants waiting at the palace gate had changed to unfamiliar faces, and Hongzhu staggered back to Consort Zhao's side.
"Your Majesty... all the people in our palace have been replaced."
A distraught Zhao Jieyu simply nodded, her face deathly pale.
Thinking of the emperor who had severed all ties and stood by indifferently, and the ruthless empress who was taking desperate risks, Zhao Jieyu, caught in the middle, felt that she had embarked on a dead end.
"The palace is about to descend into chaos."
"They've gone mad, they've all gone mad."
......
Early the next morning.
The Empress got up very early.
Unlike her usual attire, Empress Wang wore a bright red phoenix robe, with bright and round pearls shining at her temples, and the phoenix on her crown seemed ready to take flight.
Today is the full moon celebration for the prince and princess.
Ah Zhu brought her two children to pay their respects to the Empress early in the morning.
It got light early today, and the sky was a clear, bright blue. Ah Zhu was dressed in a bright and elegant outfit.
She wore a hibiscus brocade dress with rounded fringes, adorned with gold and diamond patterns, and embroidered with peony and golden butterfly motifs. Cloud patterns were faintly visible through the hem of the dress.
It is said that wealth and status cultivate one's character, especially now that A-Zhu is living and eating with Emperor Xuanpei day and night, she has developed a refined demeanor.
"This humble concubine greets Your Majesty the Empress."
May Your Majesty the Empress be blessed with good fortune and lasting happiness.
As A-Zhu bowed, the two wet nurses holding the child also bowed.
Empress Wang, regaining her senses, smiled broadly and repeatedly raised her hand, saying, "No need for formalities, no need for formalities."
"You've been severely weakened because of these two children, and His Majesty has even issued an edict forbidding anyone in the palace from disturbing you. Two months have passed in the blink of an eye."
Empress Wang looked at Azhu with a face full of emotion.
"Fortunately, you and your two children have survived the ordeal thanks to the blessings of God."
"Let me see them quickly."
Not only Empress Wang, but all the concubines in the palace wanted to see the two children held by the wet nurse.
When such a small child is not crying or making a fuss, he is simply a precious gift from God to the world.
Moreover, what does Ah Zhu, who gave birth to them, look like?
Even after seeing the three thousand beauties of the imperial harem, everyone was certain that Ah Zhu harbored ambitions to "climb the social ladder" the moment she appeared.
During the nearly one hundred years of the Yuan Dynasty, several generations of beauties served the emperor in the palace, and Emperor Xuanpei was naturally no exception. It was impossible to find a fault with either of his two children's facial features.
There has been no news of a new baby in the palace for six years.
The entire hall was now filled with the sound of people talking about the two children—
"Look, the little princess has such big eyes," "The prince is so fair and delicate," "So handsome"... People would glance at this one and admire that one, and the whole hall was filled with laughter.
The Ninth Prince was handsome, quiet, and well-behaved. He clenched his little fists, his eyes were round and dark, and his chubby cheeks were so cute that they could melt anyone's heart.
After taking a few glances, even Empress Wang couldn't resist reaching out to hug the child.
Compared to the quiet Ninth Prince, the Seventh Princess was much more lively.
She's incredibly strong, and her moves are all about speed, accuracy, and ruthlessness.
When Empress Wang reached out to hand her over to the wet nurse, she grabbed the jeweled necklace around Empress Wang's neck and wouldn't let go.
No one knew how she managed to put on such a serious expression on her small, narrow face. She just furrowed her brows and strained, making all the concubines in the hall laugh.
"This means she really likes it."
"The princess is really strong."
"Haha, so young and already saving up for himself."
"......"
Empress Wang smiled and took off the necklace and gave it to the Seventh Princess, waving it in front of her eyes, saying, "I had someone make a longevity lock for you. You can wear that for now, and you can wear this necklace when you're a little older."
In a peaceful and relaxed atmosphere, Zhao Jieyu arrived late.
"I am late, Your Majesty, please forgive me."
Empress Wang's smile faded, and the wet nurse lowered her head, holding the child, and retreated behind A-Zhu.
Why are you so late?
According to the plan, Zhao Jieyu should be frantically reporting the news of Lady Lu's suicide by hanging at this moment.
But... Zhao Jieyu tried her best to control her expression, and only managed a natural smile, her gaze falling on the two children behind Azhu.
"I should have come much earlier, but as I was leaving the palace, I remembered the jade ruyi I had received years ago."
"These Ruyi scepters are exquisitely crafted and would be perfect gifts for the Seventh Princess and the Ninth Prince... I searched for a while longer, which is why I'm late."
A-Zhu quickly stood up and said, "Thank you for your trouble, Consort Jieyu."
Empress Wang still had a smile on her face, but her scrutinizing gaze instantly fell on Consort Zhao.
Without even looking, it was clear how furious Empress Wang was. Consort Zhao didn't dare to look up, but kept staring at Azhu and her two children.
Zhao Jieyu changed her mind at the last minute, and the plan was put on hold.
After all, Empress Wang went to such great lengths to make things happen naturally and logically.
Seeing Zhao Jieyu stubbornly cowering, Empress Wang slowly loosened her clenched fists—this useless Zhao Jieyu has lost all courage even to be confined.
She probably wouldn't dare to speak up at this time, fearing punishment from the Emperor.
Fine, I'll settle the score with her after the "full moon banquet" is over!
The Guanju Palace was burned down and has not been repaired yet. Even the "full moon celebration" has to be held in another place. Doesn't that sound a bit pitiful?
No!
The location was set up in Hanyuan Hall.
Emperor Xuanpei postponed the court assembly until tomorrow and is currently waiting in the palace.
The scene of the Seventh Princess and her brother, the Ninth Prince, appearing in public was over amidst the Seventh Princess's loud cries.
The next main character is Consort Jiang, no, Noble Consort Jiang.
The imperial edict had been prepared long ago, and now it was being read aloud in public.
"...Only praise the beauty of longevity and the abundance of duckweed and chrysanthemum."
"At that time, you diligently performed your duties within the palace, and were worthy of receiving imperial favor. You, Lady Jiang of Guanju Palace, have long been praised for your service, respectful and cautious without disobedience, gentle and virtuous, serving in the inner palace without slackening..."
Azhu, kneeling in the hall to receive the imperial decree, is undoubtedly the protagonist.
Looking at Emperor Xuanpei's smiling expression and listening to his long and effusive praise, Empress Wang suddenly remembered the imperial decree that had made her empress.
"...For his meritorious service in giving birth, he is hereby promoted to Imperial Concubine. Respectfully!"
"Your Majesty, I accept the decree. Long live the Emperor!"
As Emperor Xuanpei reached out his hand to Lady Jiang, Empress Wang subconsciously turned her head away. The sun hung high in the sky outside the window, and the shimmering light falling on the golden tiles was somewhat dazzling.
Because disaster relief efforts are still underway, the "full moon celebration" was not held in a particularly extravagant or grand manner.
The midday banquet was more like a "family feast".
But no one came here to dine, and He Guoxi, having no appetite, returned to his palace.
As soon as she left Hanyuan Palace, Consort Zhao was taken directly to Kunning Palace by Empress Wang before she could even hide.
"Your Majesty," Consort Zhao knelt in the hall as soon as she entered, "This concubine knows her mistake."
Empress Wang gave a cold laugh.
"I thought you'd grown a lot of guts!"
"You said you could put my mind at ease, is this how you put my mind at ease?"
No matter what Empress Wang said, Consort Zhao only said one thing over and over again: "This concubine knows her mistake."
Empress Wang was furious. "Zhao Xiulan!"
Consort Zhao trembled all over. "Your concubine is here."
"You've completely ignored my orders?!"
"Your Majesty, this concubine, this concubine..."
When Zhao Jieyu was stammering and unable to speak, Nianqin suddenly ran into the hall.
"Your Majesty, the imperial procession has arrived at the palace gate."
Shouldn't Emperor Xuanpei be spending time with that "femme fatale" at this time?
Empress Wang rose with a heart full of doubts. As she passed Consort Zhao, she glared at her and said, "Put away your pathetic attitude and come with me to greet the Emperor."
Unexpectedly, Zhao Jieyu visibly began to tremble upon hearing this, unable to even stand up.
Empress Wang was so angry she wanted to kick Consort Zhao out of the palace.
She gritted her teeth and quickly gave the order.
"Take Consort Zhao to the inner palace!"
Several palace servants rushed forward and hurriedly pulled Zhao Jieyu back.
Just as they dragged Consort Zhao into the inner palace, Emperor Xuanpei walked in from the palace entrance.
Empress Wang tugged at her sleeve and quickly stepped forward with a smile, "Your Majesty, I greet you."
Emperor Xuanpei did not speak. After entering the hall, he sat at the head of the table and looked at Empress Wang.
Empress Wang felt extremely uncomfortable being stared at.
She smiled and looked down at herself.
"Your Majesty is looking at me like this, is there something wrong with me?"
Empress Wang, who came from the Langya Wang clan, was naturally exquisite in every aspect of her attire and appearance.
She never allowed herself to lose face.
Empress Wang was just that kind of person; Emperor Xuanpei knew this even when she was still in the Prince's residence.
I've gotten used to getting angry, and even being used to it makes me angry.
Later on, he couldn't even muster the anger anymore.
Looking at Empress Wang, Emperor Xuanpei vaguely heard a soft sigh in his heart.
Empress Wang felt a little flustered under his gaze: "Your Majesty..."
"The Empress has fallen ill due to overwork and is currently unwell. From this day forward, she shall recuperate in the Kunning Palace."
......
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
