An unexpected glimmer of surprise flashed in Xin He’s eyes. It was not surprising that Consort Shen wanted to see her alone. Either she wanted to plea for Princess Chaoyang regarding the case at the Dali Temple today, or she wanted to threaten her not to pursue the matter further. Alternatively, she might have other plots.
After all, she knew before she arrived today that this was a Hongmen Banquet fraught with machinations.
But what she did not expect was that the first thing Consort Shen said to her was this way.
Yet, such words were put forward with a hint of sincerity. Could Consort Shen be sincere to her?
Just from how the Shen family has been deliberately targeting her these days, she could tell that the Shen’s were not the type to tolerate her. As for what kind of person Consort Shen is, she really had no interest in thinking about it. All she needed to know was that her relationship with the Shen family was an absolute adversary one, which means Consort Shen would definitely not harbor any goodwill towards her.
Then what is going on with such sincerity from her right now?
A person who has committed heinous acts would probably only show a hint of sincerity and remorse just before death.
Ha, what a joke.
Xin He had a clear and cool gaze, but a smile appeared on her lips, "Your Highness flatters me."
Consort Shen laughed, "Do you not believe what I say?"
Xin He smiled, "Why does Your Highness suddenly say such words?"
"When I was still in my boudoir, even though I rarely ventured out, I saw most of the girls in our family. They are either stupid or ignorant, or intelligent, but none of them have your bravery. After I entered the Palace, I found that the women here are not much different from the girls in the family, only that they are more ruthless and more wicked," Consort Shen said melancholically, as if reminiscing about the past.
Xin He frowned slightly, what was the point of Consort Shen discussing these private matters with her?
"Your Highness is a golden phoenix and naturally looks down upon the mediocrity of others," Xin He indifferently said.
However, Consort Shen shook her head, "I used to think so too, until I saw you. It turns out there are exceptional women in the world. I took a liking to you from the first time I saw you. I like intelligent, brave girls."
As she said this, she sighed, "It’s just a pity ..."
Xin He was on high alert, "What is a pity?"
Consort Shen suddenly looked up at her, her beautiful eyes flickering, extremely touching, "There’s an ancient saying that goes ’It’s virtuous for a woman to lack talent’. Being a little foolish may not be bad for women. Take Chaoyang for example, her mind is simple, but she is extremely lucky. She is doted on by the Emperor and served by loyal servants. She doesn’t have to worry about anything and lives such a life, which is happier than clever people a thousand times over."
Xin He curled her lip, "But the glamour on her face is only given by others. She also has to strive to please her imperial brother, because she knows that even a biological brother could lose favor. Once she loses her brother’s favor, she will have nothing. So, even if she is presumptuous, she dares not be presumptuous with the Emperor. For example, when the Emperor grants marriage, even if she is unwilling, she can only grit her teeth and promise."
Consort Shen was slightly startled, then laughed, "It seems that way. Stupid people who want to be happy can only rely on others. But once they rely on others, they can only be submissive in all things. Even though they are happy, their hearts might be always stifled."
Consort Shen looked at Xin He, "I know you are not that kind of person. An intelligent person knows how to protect herself. Although it’s hard, at least they have freedom. I actually, I am very envious of you."
Although Xin He didn’t know why Consort Shen suddenly said these things to her, she agreed.
"What kind of person does Her Highness think she is? From my perspective, it seems Her Highness is not any more foolish than me. Why envy me?"
Consort Shen sighed softly, "But your freedom is something I can’t obtain. I have to rely on myself while protecting my family. I have too many concerns. That’s why I sometimes envy Chaoyang and often think how wonderful it would be to be as naive as her or as free as you."
As Xin He listened, she felt more and more that something was wrong. Something was off about these words!
Consort Shen looked at her, and suddenly laughed, "Actually, intelligent people all end up badly. It’s the same for me, and for you."
Xin He’s eyes flickered slightly, "Is that so?"
"Yes, especially smart women who have caught the eye of Marquis Mu. They will end up even worse than me." Consort Shen’s smile deepened.
These words struck Xin He’s heart with a violent blow.
Consort Shen walked a few steps closer to her, smiling, "I still remember several months ago, at the mansion of Le Yuanhou. You nearly suffered from Li Junyao’s vile play. That day, Marquis Mu appeared out of nowhere, declaring you as his woman. From then on, your name stirred the capital, and even in this deep palace where spring breeze could not penetrate, there were rumors about you. All the women in the capital were envious and jealous of you. How glorious it must be to have become the woman at the heart of a man like Marquis Mu?"
Xin He’s eyes gradually grew colder, but her face retained a somewhat confused expression, "What do Your Highness’s words mean?"
Consort Shen’s smile suddenly took on a hint of eeriness, "Actually, it’s not. The fate of any woman who catches the eye of this man is bound to be miserable because you become his only weakness. Therefore, you become the target of public criticism. You can even become his shield. You will never know how many enemies he has, who they are, or even where a sudden knife could leap out from, wanting your life!"
As the words fell, Consort Shen suddenly drew a short sword from her sleeve and thrust it straight toward Xin He’s chest.
Xin He, having been on guard, swiftly averted her body and managed to dodge it. She tried to seize the weapon, but as soon as her hand grasped the hilt of the sword, Consort Shen abruptly held her hand, holding the blade and suddenly changing direction, stabbing towards herself instead!
She wants to commit suicide?
No!
If this happened, it would be Xin He murdering the Consort!
In a split second, Xin He seemed to understand something and catch something.
Her pupils shrank, and although it was too late to withdraw her hand, Consort Shen’s determination this time was unstoppable, and she directly rushed the blade towards her own chest.
Xin He made a quick decision, her hand holding the hilt of the knife made the blade deviate slightly, but due to the urgency of time, the knife still pierced into Consort Shen’s chest.
The little maidservants outside heard the noise and came in, witnessing this scene.
Xin He was holding the knife, which was thrust into Consort Shen’s chest.
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