No matter how you looked at it, the Empress had considered everything thoroughly—there was no flaw to be found.
Naturally, the concubines had no words to counter.
Today served as a warning from Hua Shu to everyone in the harem.
As Empress, she had to maintain the dignity of her position.
She could not allow herself to be ignored in every matter, with everyone thinking they could speak freely.
Such humiliation was something Hua Shu could never tolerate.
In the Imperial Study.
Chu Ze sat upright, hands folded on the desk, his posture formal, yet his eyes were distant.
Li Sheng stood nearby, watching silently, not daring to disturb him.
Since the Emperor left Kunning Palace and even after the morning court session, he seemed to be in a daze.
Occasionally, the corner of his mouth would twitch, as if he were smiling, though it was hard to tell.
Last night, the Emperor had rested in Kunning Palace. Rumor had it that the sounds were… rather lively.
“Li Sheng, inform the kitchens to continue sending the milk to Kunning Palace,” Chu Ze said, as if snapping out of his reverie.
“Yes,” Li Sheng nodded. Now it was certain: the Emperor’s thoughts were with the Empress.
In recent days, the Empress’s transformation had been noticeable, but the Emperor’s change was baffling.
Could it be that the Empress no longer flattered him blindly?
Perhaps the Emperor preferred a headstrong woman who didn’t yield easily.
Li Sheng realized his dangerous thought and quickly shook it off.
Not only him, but no one in the entire palace would dare challenge the Emperor’s authority—not even a fraction of what the Empress had done.
Chu Ze relaxed slightly, leaning back in his chair. His mind replayed scenes from last night.
The Empress had been bold—even daring to bite him—but the way they matched, it sent shivers down his spine.
The memory of that passionate moment lingered even during the morning court session.
He now had a taste of what the phrase “once tasted, never forgotten” truly meant.
At that moment, a young eunuch entered.
“Your Majesty, Consort Wu requests an audience.”
Consort Wu?
Chu Ze came back to reality, a flicker of confusion in his eyes. The name sounded familiar, but he couldn’t immediately place her.
Li Sheng, sensing the Emperor’s thoughts, whispered, “Your Majesty, she is the beauty who danced in the imperial garden that day. The night before, you also summoned her.”
Upon hearing this, the Emperor understood. Thinking back to last night, he raised his hand, signaling for her to be brought in.
Consort Wu entered, bowing respectfully.
Her body bent low, her full form partially hidden, but from his vantage point he could see her tear-streaked eyes.
Last night had clearly distressed her. He had intended to promote her rank, yet here she was now.
“Rise.”
Consort Wu stood shakily, looking up at the Emperor. Tears fell freely.
“Your Majesty, I am of lowly status and dare not wish for anything else. I only seek your compassion.”
Chu Ze’s gaze lingered, about to speak words of comfort, when she continued.
“This morning, the Empress commanded all palace concubines to copy the palace rules and submit them daily for her inspection. I do not understand, but I obey. And thinking that I did not see Your Majesty last night, I felt sad, so I came here only to see you.”
Consort Wu, though low in rank, had some tact—her complaint was delivered subtly.
The Emperor, accustomed to such things, immediately understood her meaning.
The Empress had made all the concubines copy the palace rules?
Chu Ze was slightly astonished. His Empress was truly vindictive!
And she had done it openly, so everyone had no choice but to comply.
“Hm.” Chu Ze nodded, saying no more.
Consort Wu, seeing no further response, was puzzled. Did the Emperor not think it excessive?
The Empress had seized her favor, provided no consolation, and enforced copying the rules, drawing the resentment of the entire harem.
“You’ve already seen me. Return and rest early.” Chu Ze spoke, putting aside any thought of promoting her rank for the time being.
Knowing the rules thoroughly was basic for concubines, and since all were required to do it, why was she the only one coming to complain?
Li Sheng ushered Consort Wu out, noting her unsteady form, clearly misunderstanding the Emperor’s intentions.
He sighed inwardly.
If Consort Wu were wise, she would have mentioned only yesterday’s events. The Emperor would have ensured she received a graceful reward.
But she had involved the Empress unnecessarily.
The Emperor had just returned the phoenix seal to the Empress—why would he discuss her with a few words from this concubine?
Moreover, who could guess the Emperor’s thoughts toward the Empress at this moment?
It was a situation fraught with potential displeasure.
As Li Sheng left, he saw the Emperor rise and walk to the window, hands behind his back, gazing at the roof tiles outside.
“What do you think the Empress is like?”
“?” Li Sheng glanced around—surely the room contained only them—then steeled himself and stepped forward.
Yet no words came to him.
What kind of person was the Empress?
He, a mere servant, could not know, and dared not speak recklessly.
Observing the Emperor’s expression, Li Sheng saw no trace of reprimand toward the Empress.
“The Empress’s actions may simply be to ensure all concubines follow palace rules, so no incidents arise.”
Chu Ze said nothing, but he did not think the Empress was wrong. On the contrary, he thought her approach correct.
As mother of the nation, the Empress could not allow unchecked indulgence; it would only encourage bad behavior.
Yet he could not fully read her.
When he thought her foolish, she displayed cleverness; when he thought her bold, she revealed tender femininity.
She could protect herself while acting decisively and cleanly.
Chu Ze liked beauty, intelligence, and novelty. He had never hidden his desires.
Whatever he wanted—be it the throne, the world, or a beauty—he would have it.
Now, however, he had to restrain himself, which frustrated him.
“Go to Kunning Palace.”
Chu Ze waved his sleeve and walked out.
Li Sheng tiptoed after him, lips pressed together. At this rate, nothing could stir the Emperor’s mind further.
Upon arriving at Kunning Palace, the Emperor did not announce his arrival, and saw the maids busy at work.
Seeing him, they quickly bowed and paid respects.
Chu Ze glanced around. “Where is the Empress?”
Yun Xiu whispered, “Your Majesty, the Empress is unwell, resting. I will inform her immediately.”
Chu Ze waved. “No need. Is she being treated by the Imperial Physician?”
Wasn’t she fine last night? Had something from last night overtaxed her?
Yun Xiu quickly explained, “Your Majesty, the Empress’s menstruation began. Her abdomen was in severe pain. The Imperial Physician said her body is cold, and she often worries, which caused her current discomfort. She has taken the medicine and now rests.”
Hearing this, Chu Ze entered. The maids, surprised by his arrival, quickly bowed.
He approached the bedside and saw the Empress lying on her side, face pale, brow furrowed—clearly in pain.
Looking at her, he realized he might have been too harsh on her before.
She was only eighteen, with a naturally headstrong age.
Chu Ze’s thoughts ran deep. He sat at her bedside, staring at her for a long moment. His fingers reached to touch her face… but he slowly withdrew.
He rose and walked out, not forgetting to instruct the attendants to take good care of her.
Once the door closed, Hua Shu, lying on the bed, slowly opened her eyes.