Inside Changchun Palace—
“We concubines greet Her Majesty the Empress. May the Empress enjoy ten thousand blessings and peace.”
All the consorts bowed in unison to pay respects.
The Empress sat upright at the main seat, dressed in a simple palace gown. A faint smile graced her lips. She lifted her hand gently and spoke in a warm tone. “Sisters, rise.”
“Thank you, Your Majesty.”
Noble Consort Liang rose first, her posture graceful, a trace of jealousy tucked at the corner of her smile.
“After His Majesty visited you yesterday, Your Majesty’s complexion does look much better. It seems His Majesty’s favor is more effective than any miraculous medicine.”
As she finished, she brushed her fingertips lightly across her temple and cast a subtle glance toward Lu Jingning, her lips curling in a playful arc.
Hearing this, the Empress’s smile softened even more, her eyes warm as spring sunlight.
She gently tapped a finger on the table, producing a clear sound. “Naturally. His Majesty’s grace is my greatest blessing. You sisters must work hard as well—share His Majesty’s concerns and bring glory to the inner palace.”
As she spoke, her gaze swept slowly across every concubine in attendance, her eyes carrying both encouragement and warning.
Rong Concubine fluttered her gaze, lightly twirling the round fan in her hand. With a hint of veiled provocation, she looked toward Lu Jingning and smiled. “Lu Guiren enjoys His Majesty’s great favor. I truly envy you.”
She took a delicate sip of tea, the light in her eyes subtle and sharp.
Lu Jingning’s lips curved into a gentle yet composed smile. Her voice was soft. “Sister Rong Concubine flatters me. His Majesty cares for all the sisters in the harem. I merely receive a trace of His Majesty’s pity, nothing more. How could it be called great favor?”
Her tone was serene, her manner graceful and calm.
Rong Concubine chuckled softly, then set aside her fan. Her gaze moved toward the Virtuous Consort, a playful smile at her lips. “Speaking of sisters, why is it that the Virtuous Consort doesn’t receive His Majesty’s favor? Truly puzzling.”
The Virtuous Consort’s face darkened instantly. She shot Rong Concubine a vicious glare, her smile razor-thin. “Hmph. You’d best mind your own business.”
Noble Consort Liang gave Rong Concubine a mild admonishment, unfazed. “Sister Rong Concubine, why quarrel with the Virtuous Consort? She is a Consort, and you are but a Concubine. How could you be so careless?”
The implication was clear—Rong Concubine was overstepping only because she relied on Noble Consort Liang’s power.
“Yes, Your Ladyship. This concubine wouldn’t dare offend the Virtuous Consort,” Rong Concubine said with a proud smile.
She belonged to Noble Consort Liang’s faction and always followed her lead.
The Empress gently placed her teacup down. Her calm yet authoritative gaze swept across the group. Her tone left no room for defiance. “What I wish to emphasize is this—peace within the harem is what His Majesty truly wishes to see. Have you all heard clearly?”
All the consorts lowered their heads. Their expressions varied, but their replies were respectful. “This concubine hears clearly.”
The Empress nodded slightly. Her eyes revealed her earnest hope for harmony in the palace. Only by living in peace could one endure in this deep palace.
“All right, sisters may withdraw.” She spoke softly, a trace of fatigue in her voice.
“Yes, we take our leave.”
After the consorts dispersed, the Virtuous Consort waited outside Changchun Palace. Her expression was dark, her fingers tracing the embroidered patterns on her sleeves with growing impatience.
Lu Jingning slowly stepped out. Seeing the Virtuous Consort waiting, she approached leisurely and smiled. “Please calm your anger, Your Ladyship. I have kept you waiting far too long—this is my fault.”
The Virtuous Consort’s eyes flickered. Thinking of how she would soon bring Lu Jingning down, a proud smile curled her lips. “Forget it. I won’t hold it against you.”
Lu Jingning lifted her gaze slightly toward Xia’er beside her. Her voice was gentle but firm. “Xia’er, once you enter Her Ladyship’s palace, do not act rashly. Do you understand?”
“Yes, my lady.” Xia’er bowed.
The Virtuous Consort then led Xia’er back to Zhongcui Palace.
Lu Jingning bowed respectfully. “Respectfully sending off the Virtuous Consort.”
Once back at Zhongcui Palace—
As soon as Xia’er stepped through the door, she hurriedly asked, “Madam Li, how is my younger brother? Has he been eating well? Is he still healthy?”
Madam Li patted Xia’er’s shoulder, her gaze filled with false reassurance. “Xia’er, be at ease. As long as the Virtuous Consort lives well in this palace, your brother will naturally do well. A few days ago, I even had someone send a message back. They said your brother’s days are stable, and he looks even healthier than before.”
As she spoke, Madam Li took out a yellowed letter from her sleeve and handed it to Xia’er. “You must thank Her Ladyship, understand?”
Xia’er accepted it with trembling hands, tears welling in her eyes. “This servant thanks the Virtuous Consort.”
The Virtuous Consort walked toward Xia’er, resplendent in her palace robes, her presence overwhelming.
She leaned in slightly, eyes sharp as blades. “How have things been around Lu Guiren lately?”
Xia’er trembled violently. Her hands twisted her sleeves tightly, her face pale as paper. Her voice was faint, mosquito-like. “L–Lu Guiren guards against this servant and does not allow this servant to approach her.”
The Virtuous Consort’s brows creased, a cold glint flashing in her eyes.
Xia’er panicked, quickly lowering her head. “This servant is incompetent. Please punish me, Your Ladyship.”
The Virtuous Consort grabbed Xia’er’s chin between her fingertips—cold and sharp—forcing her to look up.
“Speak. Has she been in suspicious contact with anyone?”
Her voice was low and icy, like a winter wind cutting to the bone.
Xia’er was in agony from the grip. Her face was white with fear as she knelt and kowtowed repeatedly, her forehead soon oozing blood. “Your Ladyship, this servant cannot say! Please spare my life!”
The Virtuous Consort’s eyes narrowed with confusion. “Why can’t you say?”
Xia’er suddenly looked utterly terrified. Through sobs she choked out, “If I speak… Lu Guiren will have me beaten to death!”
Upon hearing this, the Virtuous Consort’s lips curled coldly. Her tone carried absolute dominance. “Xia’er, have you forgotten? You still have me. I will protect you. Do you not trust me?”
Xia’er shuddered, lifting her teary eyes, torn and hesitant.
Her eyes reddened. Tears filled her lashes as she bit her lip hard.
Madam Li stepped forward at the perfect moment, adding pressure. “If you refuse to speak now, and one day Lu Guiren is exposed, and His Majesty orders execution of her entire household, both you and your brother will die.”
Xia’er collapsed weakly onto the floor. After struggling with herself, she finally spoke.
“Your Ladyship… this servant wishes to expose Lu Guiren for secretly consorting with a guard.”
(End of Chapter)