Lu Jingning had slept for barely an hour when Chun’er came in. “My lady, the Virtuous Consort summons you.”
It must be because she had served the Emperor the previous night. Since the Virtuous Consort never fought for favor herself, she naturally wouldn’t allow anyone around her to gain it.
Knowing she would inevitably be scolded later, Lu Jingning reluctantly rose from the bed. “Help me get up and dress. We’re going to Zhongcui Palace.”
“Yes, my lady.”
After a simple touch of makeup, Lu Jingning set out for Zhongcui Palace.
She stepped inside slowly, and the moment she crossed the threshold, she saw the Virtuous Consort seated at the highest place, her face as black as storm clouds, fury blazing in her eyes.
“Your concubine pays respects to the Virtuous Consort.”
Upon seeing Lu Jingning, the Virtuous Consort suddenly slammed the table, making the teacups tremble. She shouted sharply, “Lu Jingning, do you know what wrong you have committed?!”
Her voice was sharp and piercing, like a blade slicing through the quiet air.
Lu Jingning flinched slightly, but maintained composure. She met the Virtuous Consort’s gaze without avoiding it. “Your concubine is dull. I do not understand what Your Ladyship means.”
“You don’t know? You dare say you don’t know? Nanny Li, tell her what she has done wrong!”
“I thought you were an honest one, yet you dared to seduce His Majesty behind Her Ladyship’s back,” Nanny Li accused coldly.
“I did not seduce the Emperor.”
The Virtuous Consort grew even more enraged at the sight of her delicate face.
She strode forward and slapped Lu Jingning hard across the face.
The blow sent Lu Jingning falling to the floor. Several bright red fingerprints immediately appeared on her tender cheek.
Seeing her mistress struck, Chun’er’s heart ached. “Your Ladyship, our mistress is also a concubine. How can you strike her?”
The Virtuous Consort finally had an outlet for her anger. She kicked Chun’er harshly. “Insolent maid, you dare interfere with this palace?!”
Lu Jingning hurriedly stepped in front of Chun’er. “Please calm your anger, Your Ladyship. His Majesty had Your Ladyship on his mind last night and did not consummate with me.”
Now was not the time to confront the Virtuous Consort head-on.
She had no favor, no power. Angering Lu Shiwei would only bring disaster, and if her aunt were implicated, it would be even worse.
She could only swallow her pride and endure for now. Once she truly gained the Emperor’s favor one day, it would not be too late to settle this score.
“Oh?”
Hearing Lu Jingning’s words, the Virtuous Consort’s rage lessened slightly, though she still looked unconvinced.
Lu Jingning could only continue, “His Majesty came to my chambers yesterday only out of regard for Your Ladyship. I know my place. How would I dare seduce the Emperor?”
The Virtuous Consort snorted, her expression softening a little as she withdrew her hand. “It had better be true. Otherwise…”
Nanny Li stepped forward. Her wrinkled face was stern and threatening, her eyes sharp like an eagle’s as she fixed them on Lu Jingning.
“In this palace, the most important thing is to know your place. Do not covet what does not belong to you. Do not entertain thoughts you shouldn’t.”
Her voice was low and forceful, brooking no argument.
Lu Jingning bit her lip, her eyes reddening, but she still lifted her head stubbornly. Though her voice was soft, it was firm. “I understand, Nanny.”
A hint of unwillingness flickered in her eyes before quickly being replaced by obedience.
Seeing her reduced to this appearance, the Virtuous Consort finally felt somewhat appeased. She returned to her seat but did not tell her to rise.
Chun’er felt distressed seeing Lu Jingning kneeling on the cold floor. She wanted to speak for her, but Lu Jingning shook her head, signaling her to stay quiet.
The Virtuous Consort reclined lazily on her beauty couch, watching coldly as Lu Jingning knelt.
After about fifteen minutes, she finally lifted her hand. “You may rise.”
Lu Jingning’s legs were numb, and she stood with difficulty, her face pale but still maintaining respectful posture.
The Virtuous Consort’s tone carried amusement. “Let me ask you—did the Pure Consort say anything to you yesterday?”
Lu Jingning shook her head slightly and answered truthfully, “Your Ladyship, the Pure Consort did not speak much with me. She only offered a simple greeting.”
The Virtuous Consort’s lips curved into a cold smile, her eyes filled with unmistakable threat. “Lu Jingning, remember this—you are a daughter of the Lu family. Your honor and disgrace are tied to them.”
“In this deep palace, if you dare harbor even half a thought of seducing the Emperor, do not blame this palace for making you wish you were dead.”
“Yes, Your Ladyship. I understand.” Lu Jingning spoke with humbled submission.
“Nanny Li, give it to her.”
“Yes.” Nanny Li took out a small bottle from her sleeve and handed it to Lu Jingning.
“Until this palace allows you to bear a child, you are not to stop taking this medicine. Do you hear me?” the Virtuous Consort said viciously.
“Yes, Your Ladyship.”
The Virtuous Consort waved impatiently. “Leave. Seeing a vixen like you annoys me.”
Lu Jingning swallowed her anger. “Your concubine withdraws.”
After leaving Zhongcui Palace, Chun’er’s eyes reddened. She gently touched Lu Jingning’s swollen cheek. “My lady, does it hurt?”
“I’m fine. Chun’er, what about you? You were shoved so roughly—are you hurt?”
As she spoke, Lu Jingning gently lifted Chun’er’s sleeve to examine her.
Chun’er quickly pulled her hand back, tears finally falling as she choked, “This servant is sturdy. It’s nothing. But you, my lady…”
Before she could finish, Lu Jingning interrupted her with a calm yet resolute look.
“Chun’er, a person with sense does not take risks for momentary anger. Right now, our power is far inferior to Lu Shiwei’s.”
“We can only endure, build our strength, and when the time is right—strike one blow that hits the mark.”
A trace of ruthless determination flashed in her eyes.
These small wounds were nothing compared to the suffering she endured in her past life.
Her goal now was to firmly grasp the Emperor’s heart; only then could she secure her footing in the harem.
Chun’er looked confused, tears still clinging to her lashes. Lu Jingning gently patted her hand, her eyes shining with resolve and intelligence.
Her voice was soft, but every word rang with strength. “Chun’er, rest assured—today’s beating will not be in vain.”
She raised her hand, lightly touching the vivid red fingerprints on her cheek. “Come, let’s go back.”
“Yes, my lady.”
On their way back, they happened to encounter the procession of the Noble Consort. Lu Jingning immediately stepped aside and saluted. “Your concubine greets the Noble Consort.”
Noble Consort Liang did not acknowledge her at all, continuing forward as though she did not exist.
The Noble Consort was the legitimate daughter of General Liang. She had accompanied the Emperor since he was the Crown Prince. With her distinguished background, the Emperor favored her greatly.
She often made things difficult for Lu Shiwei, yet that foolish Lu Shiwei could still stand on the same side as her in order to deal with Lu Jingning.
After Noble Consort Liang passed by, she asked her maid, “That girl looked unfamiliar.”
“Your Ladyship, she is the Virtuous Consort’s younger half-sister, the newly entered Lu Attendant.”
“So that’s it. That younger sister is far more pleasing to the eye than the Virtuous Consort.”
After speaking, the Noble Consort lost interest and continued walking toward the Hall of Mental Cultivation.
(End of chapter)