A trace of ruthless determination flashed in Lu Jingning’s eyes, her voice as cold as ice. “The person I despise the most is the Virtuous Consort. What good method do you have to get rid of her?”
Han Yizhi trembled slightly when he heard this, then his gaze grew firm.
He gritted his teeth and said harshly, “Your servant is willing to kill her!”
As he spoke, his fists clenched tightly. “In my previous life, it was because of her that my mother died. I wish I could tear her into pieces!”
Lu Jingning let out a soft sigh. The candlelight flickered, casting faint worry and deep calculation across her face.
“With your strength alone, it would be like striking a stone with an egg—only throwing away your life. And what of your mother? Who will take care of her?”
Han Yizhi remained kneeling, unmoving. His eyes were filled with desperation and resolve, his voice trembling. “I beg my lady to show me the way. Your servant is willing to go through fire and water without hesitation!”
Lu Jingning’s gaze was sharp as a blade as she lightly tapped the table with her finger. “We must use strategy, not brute force. There are people outside watching us on the Virtuous Consort’s orders. You need only let them discover you and pretend to obey her. When the time comes, we’ll let the mantis stalk the cicada, while the oriole waits behind.”
“Yes. Your servant will obey my lady in all things.”
Lu Jingning nodded in satisfaction, her eyes filled with calculation. “Go now. If anything happens, send me a secret message. Do not let the Virtuous Consort discover you have defected.”
“Yes. Your servant takes his leave.” Han Yizhi got up, saluted, and withdrew from Chengqian Palace with steady steps.
After he left, Lu Jingning summoned Xia’er and told her, “After we pay respects to the Empress tomorrow morning, personally deliver something to the Virtuous Consort. Tell her I’ve been in frequent contact with the guards lately. That will provoke her into taking action against me. I have my own way to keep you safe.”
“Yes, this servant obeys.”
After climbing over the wall of Chengqian Palace, Han Yizhi deliberately slowed his pace, pretending to be lost in thought. But from the corner of his eye, he keenly caught a subtle movement.
Not far away, a young palace maid half-hid her figure behind a wall, her gaze flickering as she secretly peeked in his direction.
Han Yizhi’s heart tightened, but his expression remained unchanged. He continued walking slowly, as if completely unaware.
Once he reached a corner, he tilted his head slightly and confirmed from the corner of his eye that the maid had already slipped away. A faint, cold smile tugged at his lips.
“Virtuous Consort, this time you will pay your blood debt.”
The palace maid hurried through the winding palace paths and returned to Zhongcui Palace.
Inside, the candlelight was warm and dim. The Virtuous Consort reclined against a soft couch, holding a wilted flower. Her eyes were sinister. “Did you find anything?”
The maid knelt the moment she entered, still catching her breath. “Your Ladyship, this servant has found something! This servant saw a guard climbing out over the wall of Chengqian Palace. It was very suspicious.”
Hearing this, the Virtuous Consort’s eyes gleamed. A proud smile curled her lips. She flicked the flower onto the floor, where it landed with a crisp sound. “Oh? Are you certain he came from Chengqian Palace?”
The maid nodded repeatedly, her voice filled with certainty. “This servant saw it very clearly. It was indeed a guard climbing out from Chengqian Palace. There can be no mistake.”
Madam Li, standing nearby, wore a sycophantic smile and clapped lightly in delight. “Your Ladyship can finally get rid of that wretched Lu Jingning!”
“Well done. Get up.” The Virtuous Consort’s smile widened with pride as she raised her hand for the maid to rise.
“Thank you, Your Ladyship.” The maid stood trembling and retreated to the side.
The Virtuous Consort looked down at the fallen flower, her tone vicious. “Lu Jingning, let’s see how you escape this time.”
She rose, stepping on the wilted petals and crushing them underfoot with a soft crack. “Once His Majesty finds out, he definitely will not spare her. Madam Li, tomorrow find a way to summon that maid and question her thoroughly.”
Madam Li bowed deeply with a fawning smile. “Please be at ease, Your Ladyship. This old servant will handle everything perfectly.”
With that, she waved her hand lightly, signaling a palace maid to attend to the Virtuous Consort and prepare her bed.
“Your Ladyship, it’s getting late. Please rest.”
“Good. I must be well-rested if I am to deal with her.” The Virtuous Consort yawned lazily, a sly glint flashing through her eyes before she slowly walked into the bedchamber.
Madam Li served her carefully, helping her lie down and pulling the brocade quilt over her.
The hall soon fell silent, leaving only the Virtuous Consort’s steady breathing.
The next morning, Lu Jingning wore a moon-white palace dress, her hair elegantly coiled as she went to pay respects to the Empress.
Just as she was about to step into Changchun Palace, she saw the Virtuous Consort approaching, dressed in pale-purple palace attire and wearing a smile that was anything but kind.
“My, isn’t this little Sister Lu? You look radiant today—growing more beautiful by the day.”
Her voice was sweet and false, and her gaze malicious.
Lu Jingning smiled faintly and greeted her calmly. “Greetings to Your Ladyship, the Virtuous Consort.”
The Virtuous Consort raised her hand gently, her voice soft yet edged with thorns. “You may rise.”
Then her gaze shifted toward Xia’er beside her. A meaningful smile curved her lips. “Xia’er, your family sent you a letter. After you pay respects, follow me to Zhongcui Palace to collect it.”
Xia’er’s heart tightened, and she instinctively looked toward Lu Jingning.
In the morning light, Lu Jingning’s eyes were deep and steady. She gave Xia’er a reassuring nod and a gentle smile.
Xia’er immediately felt calmer. She bit her lip and suppressed her panic before respectfully answering, “Yes, Your Ladyship.”
While the Virtuous Consort and Lu Jingning were speaking, Noble Consort Liang approached.
The Virtuous Consort’s smile vanished instantly. Reluctantly, she bowed. “Greetings to Your Ladyship, the Noble Consort.”
“Your concubine greets the Noble Consort,” Lu Jingning said, without any unwillingness.
Noble Consort Liang ignored the Virtuous Consort entirely. Her gentle eyes rested on Lu Jingning instead, a faint smile on her lips. “Lu Changzai, you truly enjoy His Majesty’s favor. Look at you—radiant and lovely. One can’t help but be envious.”
Lu Jingning bowed slightly. “I do not dare accept such praise. Your Ladyship is the one with unmatched beauty and talent. I fall far short.”
Noble Consort Liang glanced at her. “Lu Changzai, that silver tongue of yours—no wonder His Majesty favors you.”
“I would not dare,” Lu Jingning replied modestly.
Noble Consort Liang then snorted softly and led her attendants toward Changchun Palace.
The Virtuous Consort said nothing more to Lu Jingning and followed as well.
Lu Jingning leaned close to Xia’er and whispered, “It’s perfect she called you. Saves me from sending you and raising suspicion. But don’t be too eager. When you speak, act afraid. Don’t let her think you’re telling her things on purpose.”
“Yes, please rest assured, my lady. This servant will tread carefully,” Xia’er said, taking a deep breath.
“Be extremely cautious.”
“Yes, my lady.”
(End of Chapter)