Chарtеr 9: Аmbitiоn Cannot Ве Hidden
Сonsort Wаn’s fасе shоwеd embаrrаssmеnt аs she uncоnsciously tightenеd hеr grip оn hеr hаndkеrсhief, fееling bоth aggrievеd аnd resеntful.
Consort Хian hаd always bеen likе this—nevеr sрaring a glаnce for thоsе оf lоwer status.
Sееing hеr аrrival, Cоnsort Dе had her mаid preрare tеa and teаsеd, “Sistеr is a rаrе guest. What brings yоu to mу humblе abodе?”
The twо werе сlоse in аge and hеld the samе rаnk, but Сonsort De deliberately аddrеssed her as “sister” tо аssert superiоritу.
Consort Xian, with her striking features and imposing demeanor, did not mind the address.
“I see that since Consort De took charge of the Six Palaces, her complexion has improved even more.”
Hearing this, Consort De couldn’t help but feel a surge of pride, though she feigned modesty. “Sister, you wouldn’t know—the affairs of the inner court are numerous and each one is a headache. Fortunately, His Majesty trusts me, otherwise… ah.”
Her words were somewhat affected.
Even Consort Wan beside her found them hard to stomach.
Consort Xian smiled faintly and continued, “Indeed. I’ve heard that Her Majesty the Empress Dowager will soon return to the palace, though I’m not sure what His Majesty’s specific plans are.”
As she spoke, she took a sip of the hot tea, a hint of amusement flickering in her eyes.
Once the Empress Dowager returned, the Empress would have a powerful ally.
Since the Emperor had not openly punished the Empress, it was uncertain who would retain the authority over the inner court.
Consort De’s eyes darkened slightly. She understood the implication behind Consort Xian’s words, and these were precisely her own concerns.
The Empress was jealous by nature. This time, the Emperor had entrusted her with the authority over the inner court, which might have already drawn the Empress’s resentment. If the Empress regained power, Consort De would likely be her first target.
“Did Consort Xian come specifically to inform me about the Empress Dowager’s return?” Consort De said, knowing that one did not visit without a purpose. If Consort Xian merely wanted to mock or watch the show, there was no need for a special visit.
Consort Xian smiled without answering, her gaze briefly shifting to the person beside her.
Consort De understood immediately and dismissed Consort Wan with a few words, then sent away her attendants.
“Consort De, the Empress lost her authority because she targeted His Majesty’s favored consort. Over the years, you’ve seen how favored Rong Zhaoyi is. If she gives birth to a prince this time, what do you think His Majesty will do?”
Consort Xian spoke calmly.
Consort De fell into thought. The Emperor had stripped the Empress of the Phoenix Seal because of Rong Zhaoyi. If Rong Zhaoyi gave birth to a prince, not only would her own authority over the inner court be at risk, but even the First Prince’s status would surely be diminished.
This was a significant threat.
Though she thought this, Consort De revealed nothing and asked curiously, “Sister, why are you telling me this? Do you have some idea in mind?”
“I’m straightforward and dislike beating around the bush. Rong Zhaoyi has monopolized too much favor. Surely you don’t feel comfortable about it either?”
Consort Xian said, setting down her teacup with a slight clink as it met the table.
Consort De looked up, and the two locked eyes, as if something unspoken passed between them.
When Consort Xian left the Palace of Accumulated Elegance, she straightened her robes and sat in her sedan chair. Her maid, Cong Mei, whispered beside her, “Mistress, do you truly intend to ally with Consort De?”
Consort Xian smiled ambiguously. “Is she worthy? The Emperor entrusted her with authority, and she truly thinks she’s capable. I merely wanted to remind her not to get too carried away. I’m sure her mind is now filled with worries—about the child in Rong Zhaoyi’s womb and the Empress.”
None of this had much to do with her.
It was just that ConsIn the Palace of Earthly Tranquility, Hua Shu was playing chess with Consort Hui, and the topic of the Empress Dowager’s return to the palace was brought up.
“Your Majesty, with the Empress Dowager’s return, you will have the opportunity to reclaim the authority over the palace,” Consort Hui said.
Hua Shu placed a chess piece on the board. “If I forcefully demand power back, the Emperor will likely harbor even more resentment.”
She had no intention of relying on the Empress Dowager. Moreover, this time, not only could she not rely on her, but she also needed to maintain an appropriate distance.
Lost in thought, Hua Shu couldn’t help but glance out the window. “Do you think those with ulterior motives outside are already stirring?”
Hearing the Empress’s words, Consort Hui seemed to realize something and couldn’t help but feel concerned. “Then Your Majesty should still be cautious.”
The ambitions outside were too great; a single misstep could bring disaster upon oneself.
“You’re right, caution is necessary,” Hua Shu said, touching a chess piece before turning to look at Consort Hui before her. “But hiding won’t solve the problem. We must wait for the right moment to decide the outcome with a single move.”
As she spoke, she placed the chess piece in her hand. Consort Hui looked at the board, unable to hide her surprise—she had lost.
“Your Majesty is truly brilliant. I am ashamed of my inferiority.”
“Keep a close watch. They will make their move. Once they do, it will surely be their downfall.”
A faint smile appeared on Hua Shu’s lips. At this moment, she exuded the demeanor of a ruler, leaving no room for doubt.
She wanted to see how this drama outside would unfold in an interesting way.
……
Chu Ze walked out of the Imperial Study, with Li Sheng following behind. Seeing the Emperor frowning in worry, Li Sheng dared not disturb him.
Recently, there had been many matters in the court, and the harem was also restless.
The bright moon hung high, casting an extraordinary glow over the palace. At this moment, the faint sound of a zither could be heard.
Chu Ze seemed lost in thought as he looked up, unsure where the sound was coming from.
Li Sheng noticed the Emperor’s reaction and listened carefully before hesitantly speaking. “Your Majesty, the sound seems to be coming from the Palace of Earthly Tranquility.”
The Palace of Earthly Tranquility?
Chu Ze pondered as he continued walking forward. The zither’s melody was light and melodious, soothing to the ears and easing one’s restlessness.
With his hands clasped behind his back, he walked on, unconsciously drawn in by the music.
Just as it reached a crucial moment, the zither’s sound suddenly stopped.
Chu Ze raised an eyebrow, somewhat displeased. His wide dragon robe fluttered slightly as he placed his hands inside. “The skill is still lacking.”
Hearing the Emperor’s words, Li Sheng couldn’t help but ponder.
There were many women in the harem skilled in the zither—Consort Shu, Consort De, and Rong Zhaoyi were all considered exceptional.
Today, the Empress played a piece. As a servant, he couldn’t discern its quality, only finding it pleasant to the ear.
The Emperor was proficient in the zither. Since he looked down on the Empress’s performance, why was he still heading there?
Chu Ze himself didn’t know what he was thinking, but his steps had already brought him to the Palace of Earthly Tranquility.
The young eunuch guarding the entrance was startled at the sight of the Emperor, trembling as he knelt. Just as he was about to announce the Emperor’s arrival loudly, he was silenced by the Emperor.
Li Sheng waved his hand, signaling for them all to step aside.
The Emperor’s heart was difficult to fathom; who could guess his thoughts?
Just like now—the Emperor neither had anyone announce his arrival nor entered. Instead, he peered inside through the gap left by the door.
The zither’s sound resumed a few more times.
The Empress was clearly practicing a piece, and the process was not going smoothly.