Upon hearing this, Zhilu was somewhat puzzled.
The Consort Shu does not intend to raise the eldest prince? Then why have her keep watch over him at all times?
Consort Shu folded the letter without saying a word.
The eldest prince’s mother was, after all, a blemish—a woman who had caused the death of Consort Rong’s child. The Emperor disliked her, and Consort Rong resented her.
No matter who raised him, there would be no benefit.
“The eldest prince is old enough to understand things now. If he knew who caused his mother’s death, what do you think he would do?”
Consort Shu looked up, catching her own reflection in the mirror—a face radiating gentleness.
Her fingers lightly brushed her hair, a trace of a smile in her eyes.
Zhilu, half understanding, asked, “Consort De’s death… with Consort Xian’s stirring of the pot, is Your Highness planning to tell the eldest prince directly?”
“Zhilu, why are you being foolish?” Consort Shu glanced at her and then rose to her feet.
At first, she had only thought Consort De was too foolish—trying to frame the Empress, only to harm herself in the end.
She had not expected so many twists and turns, with Consort Xian involved as well.
This blood-written letter alone was enough to intimidate Consort Xian. Of course, she would not reveal it just yet; she would wait for the right moment.
As for the eldest prince, the Emperor was probably still considering his placement.
If the Empress were to raise the eldest prince, he would be both legitimate and eldest—a situation unfavorable to the other concubines.
A small smile appeared in Consort Shu’s eyes. “Go tell Qin Shi, if she wants to live, I can protect her, but she must understand whom she serves. Besides, the eldest prince should understand by now: the death of Consort De is inseparable from the Empress.”
Zhilu’s heart skipped a beat at these words. So, the Consort meant to tell the eldest prince…
Did the Empress cause Consort De’s death?
If so, no matter how the Empress raised the eldest prince, he could never be close to her. He might even become a serious threat.
Truly, her mistress’ strategy was brilliant.
Zhilu smiled faintly, hurried to carry out the order, but before she could leave, the Consort’s voice came again.
“Do not forget Yangwei Hall. Keep an eye on it as well.”
“Yes, your servant understands,” Zhilu replied.
In Kunning Palace, Huashu was in the rear courtyard, supervising the servants cleaning the pool.
This spot had been deliberately chosen—secluded, with a pleasant view. Once properly renovated, it would serve as a natural bath.
By noon, the water in the pool would be warmed by the sun.
She was a good swimmer and loved water. Additionally, her body suffered from severe cold symptoms, which required medicinal baths.
The combination of the two would benefit both body and mind.
“Hurry, hurry! Over here, pay more attention!” shouted Chief Steward Wang, supervising the work. He was drenched in sweat, trying hard to appear diligent.
Huashu lounged in a chair, eyes half-closed, enjoying the moment.
Servant Wen brought a fruit plate. It wasn’t chilled—her mistress’ condition did not suit cold foods.
She set it on the table, then glanced at the maid fanning her. The maid quietly withdrew, understanding the hint.
Wen squatted beside her mistress, leaning in to whisper a few words.
Huashu opened her eyes. “Consort Shu?”
Previously, she had suspected Consort Xian the most, but unexpectedly, Consort Shu was involved.
Wen nodded. “Yes. Yun Yue noticed the eldest prince’s wet nurse acting hurriedly and wanted to ask her at an appropriate moment. Unexpectedly, she was intercepted by one of Consort Shu’s maids. What happened between them is unknown. The wet nurse obediently returned. Yun Yue, unsure how to proceed, came to consult you, Madam, on whether to interrogate the wet nurse.”
Huashu shook her head. “No rush. Observe quietly and act only when the time is right.”
The matter was complicated. Without solid evidence, she could not expose them all at once. Carelessness could easily play into someone else’s trap.
These daughters of noble families were not simple women—they could survive in the palace only through cunning.
In Zhao, the situation was even more dangerous. The emperor’s previous consorts had struggled and schemed for years. Outwardly, they seemed virtuous and detached, but privately, they were venomous and ruthless.
Wen nodded, then added, “Madam, do you think Consort Shu intends to raise the eldest prince?”
Consort Shu had no children of her own. Could she be thinking of taking in the eldest prince?
Huashu smiled and stood. “The eldest prince’s placement is indeed a troublesome matter.”
Few would willingly raise him, though some might risk it—after all, he was a prince. Huashu, however, had no interest in the affair.
“Tell Yun Yue not to watch so closely. The Emperor should be considering the matter himself; we don’t want him to grow suspicious.”
Huashu walked forward, the pool clear to the bottom.
Seeing her approach, Chief Steward Wang hurried to bow. “Madam, please tell me if there’s anything unsatisfactory. I will have it improved immediately!”
“Let it be for now,” Huashu said, casting a meaningful glance at the lowered head of Wang, then turned to leave.
Wang only dared to look up after she left, wiping the sweat from his forehead.
Wen glanced at him curiously. “Chief Wang, you’ve been unusually diligent lately!”
Wang, a senior eunuch, usually moved slowly, leisurely attending to tasks. Now, he was running back and forth like a servant boy.
He smiled awkwardly. “It’s the heat… makes one restless, full of energy.”
He exaggerated his gestures as if to prove a point.
Wen rolled her eyes and left.
Wang sighed deeply.
Of course, he felt guilty! Knowing the two brats were traitors, he wouldn’t have dared to let them in, no matter the bribes!
Even though the sun was hot, thinking of it made the back of his neck feel cool.
He turned and continued shouting orders.
“Your Majesty, no matter how busy you are with state affairs, you must take care of your health and not overexert yourself,” said Empress Dowager Zhao, as she and the Emperor sat across from each other sipping tea.
Seeing her, the Emperor said, “Mother, knowing you have returned puts my mind at ease. Even this chaotic palace has some order now.”
He sipped his tea.
The Empress Dowager looked at him and sighed. “The affairs of the harem must ultimately be overseen by the Empress. She was young and inexperienced before, but I see she has improved. Let her manage things properly.”
After all, she had chosen the Empress herself. If a major mistake occurred, even her old face would be at risk.
Chu Ze smiled, changing the subject, bringing up the eldest prince’s placement.
The Empress Dowager frowned; the matter was indeed tricky.
Before she could speak further, the Emperor said, “It has not yet been decided. Perhaps we can have Mother temporarily raise him at Cining Palace. Once I determine his placement, we can arrange it properly.”
The Empress Dowager’s expression changed, reluctant to agree.
“Your Majesty, at my age, I prefer tranquility. Perhaps you should find another method—consult the Empress instead.”
Chu Ze nodded, and the matter was considered settled for the time being.
After he left, the attendants serving the Empress Dowager asked, “Madam, what do you think the Emperor is planning?”