"The Empress clearly knows that Concubine Chu loves to joke around," said Jiang Xinyue, sowing discord between Concubine Chu and Empress Zhu with hidden intentions. "Concubine Chu, I was only teasing you. Surely you're not angry?"
Of course not, of course not?
You can take a joke, can't you?
Concubine Chu gritted her teeth. "Of course not."
Concubine Li rolled her eyes, clearly unimpressed with the foolish Concubine Chu.
If not for the Chu family's usefulness as a loyal lapdog in the imperial court, she would never have taken this stupid, pig-brained woman under her wing.
Always missing out on the good opportunities, yet eager to be a trailblazer, but without the quick wit of Consort Zhen. Truly an eyesore.
"It seems Concubine Li is not looking well. Is she feeling unwell?" remarked the Empress.
If she truly was unwell, her favored status would be in jeopardy, uncertain when it could be restored.
The Empress' sinister intentions did not escape Concubine Li's notice.
Concubine Li lounged back in her chair, a mocking smile on her lips. "Your Majesty rarely bestows favor these days. How could you understand the hardships we concubines endure? Isn't that right, Consort Zhen?"
Jiang Xinyue smiled faintly, her words inscrutable. "The Empress oversees the entire harem, ever concerned for the well-being of her ladies. Who could be more diligent than Her Majesty? This concubine's ignorance knows no bounds."
Hmph!
Hypocrite!
Concubine Li shot her a disdainful glare, impatiently fiddling with the ornament on her finger. "This concubine has matters to attend to. If Your Majesty has no further need, I shall take my leave."
That Consort Zhen was but a shadow of her former self, merely a plaything for the Emperor. Why should Concubine Li lower herself to rival her?
The Empress would delight in pitting them against each other, securing her own position.
Keeping that vague resemblance of Consort Zhen around only served to announce Concubine Li's favored status.
Before the Empress could respond, Concubine Li rose and swept out of the room, her entourage of concubines trailing behind her.
Jiang Xinyue had made enemies of Concubine Li and her ally Concubine Chu from the very first day she arrived. For now, her only option was to side with the Empress.
Thus, she remained with Consort Liang and the others, making no move to leave.
"This Concubine Li shows utter disrespect for Your Majesty. You ought to punish her severely, lest she forget her place. You are the sovereign of this harem, Your Majesty."
The Empress, seated in her position of authority, showed no sign of anger, her expression gentle. "What's the use of feuding with someone of her temperament? The Emperor dotes on her, so a degree of arrogance is to be expected."
Upon hearing these words, the remaining consorts in Yikun Palace wore looks of indignation.
Jiang Xinyue thought to herself: She certainly knows how to subtly turn others against Concubine Li. No woman in this harem is as innocent as she seems.
"Your words ring true, Your Majesty..." Consort Liang's gaze shifted to Jiang Xinyue. "Yet not all who receive imperial favor are as demure and pleasing as Consort Zhen."
You give me too much credit. As a new arrival, how can I compare to the long-favored Concubine Li?
At least she had that much self-awareness.
But it seemed the Empress and Consort Liang saw her as nothing more than a pretty, empty-headed vase.
Jiang Xinyue could only sigh inwardly and continue playing the role of an innocent, outspoken girl. "Though I am favored, I am but a concubine! How could a concubine ever supersede the principal wife? Back home, any disobedient concubine would be swiftly sold off by my birth mother, the principal wife. Your Majesty is far kinder. I shall strive to show you greater respect henceforth."
Look! Even a mere plaything understood propriety. Concubine Li's affected ignorance stemmed solely from the Emperor's doting.
The Empress gazed upon the youthful, fresh-faced Jiang Xinyue, whose beauty rivaled Concubine Li's, a satisfied smile upon her lips.
One could only imagine Concubine Li's reaction if she ever realized her own replacement had usurped her place in the Emperor's affections.
The Empress smiled faintly. "Your sincerity is admirable. I once had a younger sister with a disposition much like yours. Looking at you reminds me of her, filling me with joy."
"Your kind words honor this concubine."
No doubt the Empress would say the same even if their personalities were polar opposites.
After all, she intended to pit Jiang Xinyue against Concubine Li.
After leaving Yikun Palace, Jiang Xinyue tilted her head back, gazing at the sky.
The rain had stopped.
The air was thick with the earthy scent of damp soil. The rain had washed away the dark clouds, revealing a brilliant azure expanse.
These four palace walls could never confine her lofty ambitions.
She did not fear being used. As long as she had value to exploit, they would grant her equal favor.
If they wished to use her to topple Concubine Li, they would at least have to elevate her to the status of a favored concubine.
Otherwise, how could she possibly challenge that immovable object?
The most sophisticated hunters often appeared as prey themselves.
Who knew, in the end, which would be the user and which the used?
"Your Ladyship seems delighted," remarked Xi Que, following closely behind Jiang Xinyue. "Has something fortuitous occurred?"
"The Empress' kindness and benevolence are cause for joy, are they not?" Jiang Xinyue shook her head with a smile. "As a commoner, I knew from a young age I could never become a principal wife. I merely hoped that if I became someone's concubine, I would be obedient and well-behaved, never causing grief to my lord or his principal wife. I hoped the principal wife would treat me with gentleness and care. Now my wish has been granted, so of course I am delighted."
Hearing this, Xi Que wore an expression of pity for her poor, unfortunate mistress.
She had served Jiang Xinyue since childhood and knew far more than anyone else.
Had it not been for her beauty catching Master Wang's eye, Jiang Xinyue would have long been married off to some wealthy official's household as a concubine or servant girl, on Madam Wang's orders, never attaining her current status.
Even after entering the palace, Master and Madam Wang had intended for her to attend upon the Miss as a mere handmaid.
Did they not realize that the Miss' delicate charms paled in comparison to Jiang Xinyue's breathtaking beauty?
The Emperor must have been blinded, ignoring such a stunning woman to dote upon the Miss instead.
Jiang Xinyue's words were spoken just outside Yikun Palace, reaching the ears of both the Emperor and Empress.
The Emperor thought: "Three parts affection, now seven parts."
The Empress thought: "A grateful soul, worth cultivating."
Night fell, still as water—
The Xuanwu Emperor had been pining all day for the alluring sight of the drunken Jiang Xinyue, and still heard her demure words echoing in his mind. After handling the memorials, he flipped over the nameplate of the Xihuo Palace.
If only he could coax the charming Consort Zhen to drink a few more cups of wine, then in her inebriated state...
Just thinking about it aroused certain changes in his body.
"Wang Dequan, hurry up."
The sedan chair was already swaying as if about to take flight. The eunuchs carrying it were practically wearing holes through the soles of their shoes with their haste.
But the Emperor had spoken, so Wang Dequan could only urge the palace attendants to move even faster.
What could he do?
Was this what they meant by "a day's absence feels like three autumns apart"?
