Chapter 50, you see, even whispering in someone's ear isn't so easy...
Guanju Palace
After lunch, A-Zhu sat cross-legged in the inner hall, imitating Emperor Xuanpei, and plucked the strings of his zither twice.
A-Zhu can't play the zither, so the Mingquanjian zither is more of a decoration for her.
She fiddled with it for a bit, then thought that everyone says a gentleman studies the Six Arts, so it seems that not only aristocratic families and court officials, but also princes have a lot to learn.
"Your Majesty."
While Azhu was amusing himself, Lüfu suddenly entered the palace to report.
"Consort Jing of Changli Palace has arrived outside the palace with gifts, saying she wants to visit you."
Jing Jieyu?
After a moment's thought, Ah Zhu remembered that she was the mother of the King of Ying, and said, "Please invite Consort Jieyu into the palace."
As soon as Jing Jieyu arrived, she saw Azhu greeting her.
She waited until Ah Zhu finished bowing before taking a few steps forward and feigning concern, saying, "Oh dear, Sister Jiang isn't feeling well, why are you being so polite?"
"Get up quickly."
Ah Zhu, who always believed that it was never wrong to be overly polite, was slightly surprised when she looked up at Consort Jing—wasn't this Consort Jing dressed a little too formally?
Of course, Jing Jieyu didn't come over dressed in bright red and green and dance around in a way that would annoy people.
But her high bun was covered with gold hairpins and silver rings.
On either side were not only a pair of turquoise hairpins, but behind the sparrow-head hairpins were ruby beads and tortoiseshell ruyi-shaped gold hair ornaments, and she wore a wide-sleeved dress of silver gauze with pine-flower patterns and pearls...
Her entire outfit could be described as flamboyant.
When A-Zhu looked at Jing Jieyu, Jing Jieyu was also looking at her, but she didn't see the unfortunate, sallow-faced woman she had imagined.
After all, Ah Zhu didn't really have a miscarriage, so why would she really be crying every day?
After taking various tonics and resting quietly for a while, Ah Zhu's menstruation has ended. Even though she is dressed simply, her complexion is still very good. She has beautiful eyebrows and eyes, slender shoulders and a long neck, and a light and graceful figure.
Jing Jieyu looked at Azhu, her smile stiffening slightly. She cursed inwardly—as expected of a "gifted" vixen, no wonder she couldn't resist seducing the Emperor even while in confinement.
After they sat down, Qingliu served tea, and Consort Jing quickly waved her hand, dismissing the palace servants around her.
Qingliu looked at Azhu, and seeing Azhu nod, she nodded and led the palace servants away.
"Sister Jiang".
Jing Jieyu looked at Azhu with a fake smile and held Azhu's hand tightly to show affection.
Before speaking, Jing Jieyu couldn't help but squeeze Azhu's left hand, which she was holding.
Clearly, Consort Jing was not the first to pinch her hands. Emperor Xuanpei had a habit of rubbing and squeezing A-Zhu's hands when he had nothing to do, or holding her wrists and pressing them above her head at night.
This is it now.
It feels warm and gentle to the touch, soft and fragrant. If you hold it and knead it repeatedly for a long time, it will turn pink like rouge.
While unconsciously squeezing A-Zhu's hand, Jing Jieyu said, "Sister Jiang, I haven't properly congratulated you since you moved into Guanju Palace. Please don't blame me."
"What are you saying, Consort Jieyu?"
"It's nothing, it should be me paying my respects to Your Highness, but I'm sorry to trouble you, Consort Jieyu, to come in person?"
Jing Jieyu is of high rank, and this is her first visit, so Azhu tries his best to maintain a respectable demeanor.
But she really wasn't used to it and didn't like having her hand held so warmly.
She tried to pull her hand away, but seeing that Jing Jieyu wouldn't let go, she had no choice but to use her other hand to push the teacup over.
"Your Majesty, why don't you try this tea first? Even His Majesty likes it and says it's very good."
Upon hearing that Emperor Xuanpei actually liked it, Consort Jing went to fetch a teacup.
A-Zhu successfully withdrew her hand, but dared not put either hand on the table, hiding them under the desk.
Jing Jieyu took a sip of tea and nodded repeatedly. She then looked around the room, especially at the zither on the octagonal table, and couldn't suppress her sour tone.
“Look at this rosewood screen inlaid with mother-of-pearl, look at this famille rose octagonal jade vase, and this guqin... Sister Jiang’s things are indeed excellent.”
"Your Highness is too kind. You've been in the palace all these years, what good things haven't you seen?"
Jing Jieyu also realized that she had lost her composure.
She quickly covered her lips with her embroidered handkerchief, then pretended to wipe her eyes, looking at Ah Zhu with a tearful expression.
"Sister Jiang".
"Although I entered the palace early, I have yet to win the Emperor's favor."
"Even back in the mansion, I saw this concubine and that maidservant swaggering around all day, so smug and self-satisfied..."
"After entering the palace, there were even more women in the palace."
"Today she's the daughter of this high-ranking official, tomorrow she'll be a noble lady from another family. Who knows when His Majesty will finally visit my sister's palace..."
A-Zhu couldn't respond to this, and Jing-Jie-Yu, who was genuinely complaining, came to her senses and wondered if A-Zhu, this vixen, was looking down on her.
Jing Jieyu quickly tried to save face, saying, "It was also God's mercy. My sister was very lucky back then and gave birth to a son."
"But even with the best of luck, the King of England has been their only child all these years."
Jing Jieyu originally intended to hint at Azhu, but once the King of Ying was mentioned, she couldn't help but start praising her son.
"This child has been intelligent, sensible, and exceptionally filial since he was little. He hasn't caused his sister much worry over the years, and now he's grown into a handsome and dashing young man..."
A-Zhu: ......
What exactly is this person doing here?
A-Zhu used to be a palace maid. After entering Hanyuan Palace, all she could do was try to save her life.
To be honest, Ah Zhu really doesn't have much experience.
Thinking that she had already offended Empress Wang and Empress Dowager Shu... she figured she should offend as few people as possible in the palace, so A-Zhu agreed with her for a few minutes and patiently waited for Consort Jing to continue.
After showering the King with praise, Jing Jieyu was finally satisfied, and then she quickly steered the conversation back to the main topic.
“Sister Jiang, you now live in Guanju Palace, and I live in Changli Palace. Being so close to each other, isn’t it fate that God has given us sisters?”
As she spoke, Jing Jieyu moved closer to Azhu and said earnestly, "You are currently in your period and your body is not feeling well... It's near my Changli Palace."
A-Zhu: ......
Honestly, Ah Zhu really wants to look in the mirror right now.
Do you think your forehead is etched with "idiot" on the left and "moron" on the right? That's why others might have such thoughts about you.
The fact that Jing Jieyu dared to come uninvited and say such things today shows that she doesn't take Azhu seriously.
Seeing that A-Zhu remained silent, Jing Jieyu couldn't help but raise her voice.
"Sister, don't blame me for being blunt... After all, who in this entire palace isn't waiting to see you make a fool of yourself?"
"Who else can speak to you so frankly, like I do?"
Jing Jieyu put on a "I'm doing this for your own good" expression and started to unleash her ultimate move.
“Sister Jiang, it’s not that I’m criticizing you, but your background is obvious. You’re not only a palace maid in the inner palace, but also a criminal slave in the Jiang family. Who in this palace doesn’t look down on you?”
“But my sister is different.”
"Consort Jiang, I truly regard you as my younger sister. How can you survive in this palace when you are all alone and have no one to rely on?"
“We sisters live close by, so it will be easier for me to take care of you in the future.”
A-Zhu looked coldly at Jing Jieyu.
Regardless of whether this lady was truly mentally challenged or not, or whether she was there to provoke him, A-Zhu felt extremely uncomfortable.
What are you talking about with Ah Zhu about being respectable?
Hey, that petty Ah Zhu doesn't know anything about decorum; all she knows is that she doesn't want to listen to Jing Jieyu's nagging at all.
"No need for you to trouble yourself, Consort."
"I am not feeling well, so I will not see Consort Jieyu out."
Having condescended to speak politely for so long, Consort Jing was already displeased to see that Azhu, a lowly slave, not only failed to humbly seek her guidance but also remained unmoved and silent.
Seeing that Ah Zhu dared to give her the cold shoulder and order her to leave, Jing Jieyu stood up abruptly.
"Jiang Zhu!"
"Even if I am not the best, I am still a lady from a respectable family. I was a legitimate candidate selected for the Prince of Qin's residence through the imperial selection process, and I have also contributed to the birth of the imperial heir!"
Having failed to gain the emperor's favor, Jing Jieyu, enraged and ashamed, looked down at Jiang Zhu.
And what about you?
"Who do you think you are?!"
"She's nothing but a lowly servant girl and a sinful slave."
"Who doesn't know that you tried to climb into the emperor's bed and were kicked out of Kunning Palace by the Empress?"
"Her Majesty the Empress is kind and generous, and she didn't hold it against you. But you, on the contrary, not only do you not repent, but you also try to seduce the Emperor even while riding in the 'Little Moon'. I find such a shameless thing as you an eyesore!"
Having said that, Consort Jing, who was trying her best to save face, turned and left, muttering to herself as she went, "I was really bewitched by that vixen."
"Pooh!"
"What an ungrateful wretch! You've brought me all this bad luck for no reason!"
"Hongyun, when you get back, prepare a large bucket of water for me, and also prepare plenty of mulberry and hemp leaves."
"I, I need to get rid of this bad luck!"
Hongyun: ......
Hongyun was speechless, her face showing an expression of utter misfortune, as if the sky had fallen and the earth had cracked.
Seeing that Consort Jing had turned hostile and was hurling insults, the others in Guanju Palace quickly returned to their quarters.
"Your Majesty."
Seeing that A-Zhu's face had turned pale and he was trembling with anger, gripping the teacup tightly in his hand, Qing Liu quickly stepped forward.
"Your Highness, please be careful not to burn your hand."
Jing Jieyu acted too quickly and talked to herself without giving Azhu a chance to react.
By the time Ah Zhu realized what was happening, Jing Jieyu had already smugly patted her behind and left.
Ah Zhu, who was completely wronged and felt a lot of resentment, turned red all over.
She had no interest in listening to what anyone else was saying and just waved her hand angrily.
"You all go out. I need to be alone for a while."
Even the usually charming San Cai, seeing A Zhu say this, dared not say anything more and retreated outside the hall with the others.
Consort Feng, who remained calm and composed throughout the entire process, tried her best to suppress her laughter.
Ah Zhu's personality is that of a flatterer who fawns over his superiors... In reality, he is somewhat timid and cowardly.
Consort Feng saw it very clearly—
Knowing that she had no one to rely on, Ah Zhu was actually quite timid, but also very patient.
She was like an empty, deflated sack.
Something happened, and I was so angry that I watched as the bag was inflated to a bulge, about to explode at any moment...
But as long as it didn't explode on the spot, she would quietly release the gas inside the bag herself.
She felt that things were still manageable.
So they began to live day to day, taking each day as it came, whether they were rich or poor.
Consort Feng disliked this kind of personality; she found it pathetic and looked down on it.
But she really felt she couldn't ask too much of Ah Zhu. After all, if she hadn't let herself off the hook like this... she probably would have survived when Ah Zhu was first brought from prison to the brothel.
You might say that A-Zhu resents Empress Wang, but that resentment isn't to the point where A-Zhu would risk everything and his life to fight her.
She started to drift along in her habitual way again.
As for Consort Jing's sudden visit to humiliate her today... Consort Feng felt it was both unexpected and reasonable.
After all, although "A-Zhu" held the title of a favored concubine, her background was actually quite poor, and she herself was extremely docile—
She wouldn't say much when she paid her respects each day; she would either go for a stroll in the garden or obediently return to Guanju Palace.
And just then, the Empress Dowager had punished her by making her "miscarry" in public...
All these things piled up together, making Ah Zhu seem really easy to bully.
In this palace, who wouldn't want to bully the weak?
He was also a favored but useless good-for-nothing.
Anyway, there's no harm in stepping on her, and if we actually gain something from it, wouldn't that be a huge profit?
Jing Jieyu is the first, but she will absolutely, absolutely, absolutely not be the last.
If Consort Jing is arrogant and haughty today, she will be unharmed.
Tomorrow there will soon be another "Zhang Jieyu", "Ma Jieyu", "Lin Jieyu"...
Consort Feng remained silent.
After all, a personality trait formed over more than a decade cannot be changed overnight.
If A-Zhu herself doesn't want to understand, no matter how hard others try, it will be in vain.
Therefore, Consort Feng never bothered with that; as long as A-Zhu himself felt that he was living a good life, that was enough.
Ah Zhu, who was content with the status quo and thought things were alright, covered her lower abdomen and suddenly laughed.
"Is it because you know it's fake that you're so indifferent?"
"But what if it's true?"
"Look, Consort Jiang in the palace has 'miscarried,' and Empress Dowager Shu is claiming illness and not leaving the palace... Is that enough?"
"Yes, that's enough in the eyes of outsiders."
Ah Zhu murmured, "What is Consort Jiang?"
“They’re just slaves; everyone can kick them while they’re down.”
"There will be a next time. Who will it be next time?"
Is it the Empress or the Imperial Concubine?
"Is it still this Consort Zhao and that Consort Jie?"
"Do they just need a casual remark like 'it was an unintentional mistake,' and then claim illness? Is that all they have to do with it?"
"I'm still so pathetic that I can't even save it."
At that time, even if Ah Zhu is in excruciating pain, it will be to no avail. They might even applaud and be ready to kick him while he's down.
"A favored concubine?" A-Zhu laughed mockingly. "Has Your Majesty never seen such a pathetic so-called favored concubine?"
Consort Feng smiled and nodded in affirmation.
"I've never seen it before."
"I only saw how they relied on the emperor's power."
“A-Zhu, this is an expired and invalid supreme power.”
"Women who have once received the emperor's favor in this palace are all very good at using this power."
"No, even court officials who are highly regarded by the emperor will use it well."
"They all use it to protect themselves, to build up an intimidating shell that makes them easy targets... Anyone who wants to mess with them must think carefully about whether it's worth it and whether they're willing to suffer mutual destruction."
As Consort Feng spoke, she suddenly realized something.
"And that's what I was saying."
"How come no one has bothered you during the time you've been here at Guanju Palace since you left Hanyuan Palace?"
"Even Empress Wang didn't try it... But Empress Dowager Shu returned to the capital so quickly, and immediately targeted you."
"A-Zhu, were those ladies in Shou Kang Palace surprised when you unexpectedly 'miscarried'?"
With Consort Feng having said all that, how could A-Zhu not understand?
Upon seeing A-Zhu's expression, Consort Feng felt that there was no more ridiculous joke in the world.
She couldn't stop laughing for a moment.
"Hahaha, hahaha, the current emperor's harem is indeed full of rare 'treasures'. They even used the Empress Dowager as a tool to kill people, and the key is that they actually succeeded."
"Hahaha, really, I must cheer up and open my eyes to see what the future holds."
“After all, you’re still in your postpartum period, and someone has already dared to come to your door and so brazenly humiliate and insult you.”
"Now that your 'protective charm' is gone, their tricks will be even more amazing after you finish your postpartum period."
Consort Feng smiled, and A-Zhu smiled too.
She was all alone, with no ties to the world, so what was there for her to lose?
If they don't turn the palace upside down and give her a chance to live, how will she and her child survive in the future?
She lay on the ground, undressing shamelessly and brazenly trying to coax Emperor Xuanpei, not wanting to die such a pathetic death.
"Your Majesty, please rest assured, there is no need to wait until later."
"You'll be able to enjoy the show tonight."
While laughing and talking, A-Zhu gripped her wrist tightly and pinched it hard.
"After all, the emperor only sees me as his possession."
"No one else is allowed to touch him until he's tired of playing with him or has discarded him."
......
Emperor Xuanpei dined at Guanju Palace as usual. The imperial procession had just departed from Hanyuan Hall when the palace servants from the imperial kitchen came to Guanju Palace to set out the meal.
Emperor Xuanpei always wanted to feed Azhu a lot of food, hoping to make her healthy and full of energy, so he naturally didn't let her serve him.
Therefore, it was still Eunuch Chen who stood aside to serve the meal.
Tonight's dinner features braised chicken with mushrooms and chestnuts. The chestnuts in particular are very flavorful, soft yet sweet.
Emperor Xuanpei tasted it and then instructed Eunuch Chen to serve some to Azhu.
Not only did A-Zhu fail to pick up the chestnuts, but her hands were also trembling. Eunuch Chen's eyelids twitched, and he saw that Emperor Xuanpei had already put down his silver chopsticks.
"What's wrong with you?"
Ah Zhu lowered her eyes and shook her head.
"No, I feel perfectly fine."
Emperor Xuanpei frowned, then stretched out his hand toward Azhu.
Seeing this, Eunuch Chen put down his chopsticks and quietly led the other palace servants out.
As soon as he stepped out of the hall, Eunuch Chen waved directly at San Cai.
San Cai hurriedly bowed and scurried over, his face beaming, "Manager Chen."
Eunuch Chen waved his hand.
"Tell me, what's wrong with your empress today?"
Seeing San Cai shake his head, Eunuch Chen glared at him and said, "You little brat, are you trying to cheat us?"
"What are you saying, Steward? Who would dare lie to you? Her Majesty is indeed not feeling unwell, it's just that, it's just that..."
"What do you mean? Explain yourself!"
"It was around noon when Consort Jieyu from Changli Palace came by."
"Jing Jieyu?"
"Yes, Steward." San Cai nodded, then looked pitiful and desperately tried to soothe Jing Jieyu.
"As soon as Consort Jing arrived, she dismissed all the servants."
"What she said to our Lady in the inner palace... this servant truly has no idea."
"Anyway, when Consort Jieyu came out in a huff, she seemed quite unhappy, muttering curses about bad luck and shouting that she was going to ward off bad luck..."
"Our Empress sat alone in the inner hall, clutching her stomach and not saying a word, only saying with red eyes that she wanted to be alone."
Eunuch Chen glanced at San Cai with a hint of speechlessness. "You call this not knowing?"
You're practically selling that lady from Changli Palace behind her back here.
Eunuch Chen glanced back at the hall, then turned and tapped San Cai on the head.
"Your lady's concern is more effective than any amount of arguing from you brat. Just wait and see."
*
Inside the hall, A-Zhu, who had been looking awkward, paused for a moment, then insisted on placing her undamaged hand in Emperor Xuanpei's palm.
Emperor Xuanpei held Azhu's hand, looked it over, and stroked it for a moment before gently letting go.
He shook his head at A-Zhu, and said seriously, "It's not this hand."
"Your Majesty."
Seeing that A-Zhu was being coy and refusing to show his left hand, Emperor Xuanpei got up and walked over.
"If you are injured, let the imperial physician take a look at you."
Once again carried to the chaise lounge, A-Zhu pretended to pull her left hand away when Emperor Xuanpei looked at it, but Emperor Xuanpei grabbed her arm and pinched it.
Ah Zhu, with her fair skin and beautiful features, was as white and lustrous as a ball of snow. She was prone to leaving marks on her body, but they would disappear quickly.
Ah Zhu, who had used considerable force, ended up with bruises on her own hands.
Emperor Xuanpei gently stroked the unsightly mark on Azhu's hand.
How did you get hurt?
Ah Zhu subconsciously shook his head, then quickly nodded, "It hit the table... no, it hit the corner of the cabinet."
Emperor Xuanpei looked at Azhu, who was putting on an act, and pinched her cheek.
"This doesn't look like something you'd get from hitting yourself."
"If there was no one else around, did you pinch yourself and then try to fool me with this?"
Tsk, she's starting to shed tears, Your Majesty, can't you just pretend you don't know?
A-Zhu tried her best to suppress her laughter, shook her head to break free from Emperor Xuan Pei's hand that was pinching her face, and buried her head in his arms.
"I dare not deceive His Majesty..."
Ah-Zhu started to put a lot of effort into the relationship.
"It was in the afternoon when Consort Jing from Changli Palace came to visit me with generous gifts."
"As soon as she arrived, she took the concubine's hand to show her closeness."
A-Zhu, who was forcing back tears, looked up at Emperor Xuanpei.
"She held my hand tightly. I was going to pull away, but when she said... and said... I forgot to pull my hand away."
Tears, like tiny pearls, rolled down her cheeks. A-Zhu didn't say what Consort Jing had said; she just looked at Emperor Xuanpei with teary eyes.
"Your Majesty, I am aware of my humble status and my unfortunate fate, and I have never dared to ask for anything more."
"But Heaven has been kind, allowing me to see Your Majesty's countenance."
"And I am deeply grateful for His Majesty's mercy, for he does not despise me..."
A-Zhu's eyes were filled with Emperor Xuanpei, and she began to sob as she said, "Everyone in the palace says that I am despicable and despicable, and that I only know how to cling to His Majesty."
"I am ashamed and have no words to reply."
"I can give them everything else, but Your Majesty... but Your Majesty, I can't bear to part with it."
Emperor Xuanpei lowered his eyes and stared intently into Azhu's eyes.
"really?"
A-Zhu nodded repeatedly, her face resolute, her devotion unwavering even unto death.
"Your Majesty, I am shameless and greedy. I only wish that you would spend more time with me, preferably by my side at all times... As long as Your Majesty is by my side, I would gladly accept all the insults in the palace."
Ah Zhu, who wished she could bombard Emperor Xuanpei with sweet words, suddenly changed the subject with tears in her eyes, "But, but..."
Emperor Xuanpei's voice was incredibly soft. He wiped away Azhu's tears and whispered, "But what?"
"It's just that I haven't been able to give birth to an imperial heir for Your Majesty, and I've even made a fool of myself in Shou Kang Palace, causing Your Majesty to have to clean up the mess."
Ah Zhu choked up and said, "Unlike Consort Jieyu, who gave birth to the Third Prince for Your Majesty."
A-Zhu, who had been hesitating, steeled her heart and looked at Emperor Xuanpei, saying, "Prince Ying is benevolent, filial, young, handsome, elegant, and acts with propriety. Not only has he handled his duties well, but even..."
Before A-Zhu could finish speaking, Emperor Xuanpei pinched her face and bit her mouth as she was talking.
A-Zhu, feeling the sharp pain from the bite, couldn't help but bite back fiercely, and soon she tasted blood.
A-Zhu quickly pushed Emperor Xuanpei away, only to see the emperor, with blood on his lips, staring at her with a half-smile.
Ah Zhu was a little scared.
Feeling a chill run down her spine, she hid back in Emperor Xuanpei's arms, not daring to mention Prince Ying again. She only said softly, "Your Majesty... I have never met His Highness Prince Ying. Really, these words were said by Consort Jing herself."
"I don't want to hear it, I really don't want to hear it at all, but she keeps insisting that I talk about it... When I try to stop her, she gets angry and starts scolding me, saying that I don't know what's good for me, that I'm clinging to the Emperor and that I'm a vixen reincarnated."
The wound on Emperor Xuanpei's lip was still bleeding.
He listened as Ah Zhu, who had botched the whole "show," began to openly sow discord among others.
"She also tried every means to get the concubines to push you to Changli Palace."
"Hmph, doesn't she realize that I love His Majesty the most? How could I bear to leave His Majesty even for a moment?"
The loyal Ah Zhu held Emperor Xuan Pei tightly, not daring to lift her head, only pressing herself against his chest, showering him with sweet words to express her loyalty, until the blood on Emperor Xuan Pei's lips dried up, and only then did the person she was holding move.
Emperor Xuanpei summoned the all-powerful Chief Eunuch Chen.
"Chen Delu".
"Your servant is here."
Eunuch Chen, who had been keeping a close watch on the commotion outside the hall, responded to the summons and entered the hall, not forgetting to give San Cai a look that said, "See, I told you so."
......
-----------------------
Author's Note: After things descended into chaos, everyone glared at Jing Jieyu and roared: Why did you provoke her?!
Thank you for your support, my little cuties! Haha, I'll pat you all on the back.
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
