Jingren Palace
The Empress was restless and uneasy. Ever since she heard about the jar of musk from Suiyu Pavilion, she had been deeply worried.
If outsiders were to find out what she did, even if the Empress Dowager could keep her as Empress, she would only be an Empress in name only.
The feigned virtue she displayed over the years was not only due to Consort Hua's suppression, but also largely to ensure that the Emperor would remember any good she might have done.
Her long-standing marital relationship with the Emperor should not be strained by these matters.
The Empress, with a solemn expression, gave the order, "Jianqiu."
"This servant is here."
"Have someone secretly check the flowerbeds in Suiyu Pavilion to see if that thing is still there."
Jianqiu was startled upon hearing this. "Is Your Highness worried about being discovered? But Consort Wan has already moved in. If I go to check now, I'm afraid it will only attract attention."
Seeing that the Empress remained noncommittal, Jianqiu continued, "Besides, that thing was buried very well, and a lot of osmanthus flowers were moved over to cover it up. Who would have thought that something was buried under the flower bed for no reason?"
The Empress said, "That's true, but I'm still feeling very uneasy."
"Let someone go and check. If he's still there, have someone dispose of him quietly. If he's not, Wan Chang's illness might not be solely due to seeing Fu Zi's body."
Consort Fang suffered a miscarriage, and that jar of musk played a crucial role in it. Everyone, including Consort Fang herself, believed that Consort Hua was responsible.
Therefore, after Consort Fang was sent to the Cold Palace, the Empress did not dispose of this thing, for the sake of the future.
Jianqiu said, "Your Majesty need not worry about this. Even if it is discovered, people will only assume that it was Consort Hua who did it."
"After all, Her Majesty originally arranged for Consort Wan to live in Chengqian Palace. It was Consort Hua who insisted on having her live in Suiyu Pavilion, which has nothing to do with Her Majesty."
The Empress closed her eyes. Originally, it had nothing to do with it, but in order to cover up the smell of musk, she had several osmanthus trees transplanted there.
This is a classic example of gilding the lily.
"When the golden osmanthus was transplanted, the soil was already disturbed, so it is no longer unrelated to me."
"There are other ways to prevent problems before they occur, and I have plenty of time to plan ahead."
The Empress rarely appeared so serious, and Jianqiu felt that the potential danger was nothing to worry about.
There have been far more rudimentary schemes before, after all, the Empress wasn't born knowing how to harm others. Her current skill is entirely due to years of honing her abilities.
The Emperor never doubted any of those matters, and the Empress was never worried that the Emperor would suspect her.
But this time she was being overly cautious. Jianqiu guessed that perhaps it was because this Consort Wan looked too much like Empress Chun Yuan that the Empress was so on edge.
"I understand. I will give the order immediately to have that thing removed."
"However, Consort Wan has only recently entered the palace. She has neither the emperor's favor nor a strong foundation. Your Majesty need not worry."
The Empress's gaze drifted, looking in the direction of Jianqiu, but Jianqiu was nowhere to be seen.
Sometimes I feel nostalgic, sometimes I feel indignant, and all of this is mixed with a deep sadness.
"Her face is the most solid foundation."
"Let's wait a bit. The moment I saw her, I knew she and Consort Hua couldn't coexist."
In fact, the Empress was being so careful not only because she wanted Consort Wan to get rid of Consort Hua, but also because of what happened back then.
She could target everyone in the harem. The emperor might be angry if he found out, but he wouldn't be truly enraged.
However, if the Emperor finds out that she has made a move against Consort Wan, then all the sisterly affection she has shown in front of the Emperor will be meaningless.
Once suspicion arises, many things cannot withstand scrutiny. It might be exposed at any time; many people knew about it, including Jianqiu, Huichun, Xiuxia, and Jiang Fuhai, all of whom were involved.
She knew perfectly well how she treated them normally. When her life was at stake, she didn't care about loyalty or disloyalty.
Or perhaps, this matter was already known to others, such as this Consort Cheng...
The more she thought about it, the more restless the Empress became. If she were to reveal even half a word, not only would she lose her position as Empress, but she might even lose her life.
No, she can't just sit here and wait to die!
“Jianqiu makes people pay attention to Chuxiu Palace, especially Consort Cheng.”
"Yes, ma'am."
But then the Empress thought again that someone like Consort Cheng must be no ordinary person, and since Consort Cheng was already very wary of her, she should not make enemies with her under these circumstances.
"Wait, no, tell our people not to move. Without my orders, they should not listen to or do anything else to avoid misunderstandings."
Jianqiu stared in disbelief, "A misunderstanding...?"
When did Her Majesty the Empress need to consider the opinion of a mere concubine?
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