After dealing with the two of them, Xiao Jingheng swept a cold gaze over the Virtuous Consort. That look alone seemed enough to freeze her where she stood.
His thin lips parted as he spoke, his voice sharp and icy as a winter gale.
“The Virtuous Consort is jealous and vicious. From this day forth, she is demoted to a Concubine. Her title is abolished, and she is confined for one year. Without a summons, she is not to take a single step outside.”
The Virtuous Consort’s face turned deathly pale, her body swaying as though all strength had drained from her.
“Your Majesty, this concubine knows her wrongs. Please grant me one more chance…” Her eyes widened, filled with despair and unwillingness. All her previous dignity and pride vanished completely.
Xiao Jingheng’s brows furrowed, his gaze firm and unyielding.
“Someone, escort Concubine Lu back to Zhongcui Palace.”
With a wave of his hand, two eunuchs stepped forward, lifting Lu Shiwei by the arms.
She struggled as she was taken away, still muttering, “Your Majesty, please spare me, I know my wrongs… Your Majesty… Your Majesty…”
Her voice faded into the depths of Changchun Palace.
Xiao Jingheng cast a sharp, sweeping look over all the gathered consorts. His voice was low and powerful.
“From now on, if anyone dares to slander Noble Lady Lu without cause, they will be sent to the Cold Palace.”
Consort Liang had never seen the emperor protect anyone like this. Her heart felt as though pierced by a needle.
“Your Majesty…” She rose, wanting to speak, but her personal maid tugged discreetly on her sleeve.
The maid shook her head at her. Seeing the emperor’s anger, Consort Liang had no choice but to swallow back her words.
Xiao Jingheng turned to the Empress, irritation showing between his brows.
He walked toward her. His voice dropped, steady yet powerful.
“Empress, as the mistress of the Six Palaces, you should have kept the harem in order. For what happened today, you cannot absolve yourself of responsibility. Do you know that this harem’s atmosphere has been tainted by those harboring ill intent?”
The Empress trembled slightly. In her downcast eyes flashed guilt and helplessness. She spoke softly,
“Your Majesty speaks true. This matter indeed reflects my failure in management. This concubine is willing to accept punishment.”
With that, she slowly knelt.
Lu Jingning could not bear to see the Empress suffer. She spoke gently to Xiao Jingheng,
“Your Majesty, this matter has nothing to do with Her Majesty. Please do not punish her because of me.”
Seeing her like this made him ache even more. She had been wronged, yet she still spoke for others. How could she be so softhearted?
His expression softened. He looked back at the Empress.
“Since the Empress is unwell, Consort Liang will assist her in managing the Six Palaces.”
“Yes, Your Majesty. This concubine obeys.” Consort Liang forced a smile upon hearing the imperial decree.
Xiao Jingheng cleared his throat lightly, authority returning to his brows. His gaze swept over the crowd.
“Today’s matter ends here. All may leave. Do not disturb the Empress any further.”
Then, without hesitation, he took Lu Jingning’s hand.
“Come. Keep me company for a while.”
Lu Jingning paused. Then a gentle smile blossomed across her face.
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
Consort Liang watched as the emperor naturally took Lu Jingning’s hand, the two walking side by side. Her heart soured. She could feel it—his feelings for Lu Jingning were different.
That favoritism should have belonged to her.
Eunuch Zhao had already prepared the imperial palanquin. Xiao Jingheng took Lu Jingning’s hand, ready to help her aboard.
“Your Majesty… only the Empress may sit in the dragon palanquin. My status is too low—I fear it violates the rules,” Lu Jingning said quickly.
But Xiao Jingheng paid no mind. He simply lifted her into his arms.
Lu Jingning gasped softly, “Your Majesty!”
“If I say you may sit, you may sit.”
He placed her securely on the palanquin and sat beside her, his tone firm and unquestionable.
“Your Majesty…” She looked at him, overwhelmed.
“Set off,” Eunuch Zhao commanded. The eunuchs lifted the palanquin toward the Hall of Mental Cultivation.
After everyone left, Qingming came rushing in, having heard that the emperor personally carried Lu Jingning into the dragon palanquin.
Only the Empress was supposed to sit there. And Lu Jingning was merely a noble lady!
“Your Majesty, Noble Lady Lu is truly audacious. To sit in the dragon palanquin—she clearly does not take you to heart!” Qingming fumed, indignant on the Empress’s behalf.
The Empress had witnessed everything earlier.
“Cough… cough…”
“Your Majesty! Are you unwell?” Qingming knelt beside her immediately, worry filling her face.
The Empress waved a tired hand. “It’s nothing. Qingming, you must never speak such words again.”
“But Your Majesty! It was all the Virtuous Consort’s doing—it had nothing to do with you! Yet the emperor blamed you! This servant feels wronged for you!” Qingming protested.
Hearing this, the Empress felt anger rise. She pointed at Qingming’s forehead.
“Do you know your words just now were gravely disrespectful? If the emperor heard them, your life would be forfeit! Today’s matter was indeed my failure. The emperor’s reprimand was justified!”
Qingming’s eyes reddened. She bit her lip and whispered,
“This servant only feels heartache for you. You always think of others, never for yourself.”
She moved closer, kneeling again beside the Empress.
The Empress gently patted her hand, a trace of softness and helplessness in her eyes.
“I know you care for me. But in the harem, every step is filled with schemes. Our words must be chosen with utmost caution. Do not speak such things again. Understood?”
A new coughing fit overtook her. Qingming hurried to hand her tea, eyes full of worry. She finally nodded.
“Yes, Your Majesty. This servant understands.”
The Empress added softly, still shaken,
“Noble Lady Lu was pitiful today. Wrongly accused. Had she not spoken well, she might have lost her life. Later, bring some things from the storehouse to Chengqian Palace to comfort her.”
Qingming answered reluctantly,
“Yes. This servant will fetch some good items from the storage and deliver them.”
Chengqian Palace
Today, the Pure Consort had thoroughly enjoyed the spectacle.
“As expected, I guessed right. That Virtuous Consort—no, Concubine Lu—actually fell right into Noble Lady Lu’s hands!”
Dieyi fanned her lightly, amusement in her eyes.
“Noble Lady Lu really managed to escape danger.”
The Pure Consort’s lips curved in a knowing smile. She took a light sip of tea. The liquid swayed gently in the delicate porcelain cup, reflecting her meaning-laden gaze.
“You think it’s that simple? The waters of the harem run deep. Today’s turmoil was but a few fallen leaves on the lake’s surface. The real undercurrents have yet to begin.”
“Dieyi, mark my words—Lu Jingning will stir great waves in this palace. Her methods run deep. How could that Concubine Lu ever hope to outplay her?”
(End of chapter)