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Chapter 85
If Concubine Zhen had overheard this conversation and told him about it, he might not have believed it.
A woman's jealousy can sometimes be more dangerous than a venomous snake. He would have suspected that Concubine Zhen was exaggerating out of jealousy because he once favored Consort Shu more.
Of course, given the current situation, even if Concubine Zhen had exaggerated Consort Shu's words, he would have found her jealousy quite endearing.
But these words didn't come from Concubine Zhen. They were relayed by Wang Dequan, his trusted eunuch who had served him since childhood and had heard it with his own ears.
Concubine Zhen had only been in the for a year. Her position was still unstable, and she didn't have the power to command the Chief Eunuch of the Inner Court.
Moreover, in this , apart from him, the Emperor, no one could privately order Wang Dequan to do anything. Concubine Zhen, that foolish girl, was even worried that he would be upset and hurt. Fearing it would damage his self-esteem, she actually told Wang Dequan not to inform him.
Was she planning to face Consort Shu's persecution alone and swallow this bitter pill by herself?
No one had ever considered his feelings like this before. Even Consort Shu, in the past, would simply give him what she thought was best without ever asking what he wanted or if it might hurt his pride.
Concubine Zhen truly cared for him, fearing he might be hurt or upset. How could he let her suffer again and again because of Consort Shu?
He must teach Consort Shu a lesson and make the Empress Dowager understand that their wild ambitions were now exposed. freēwēbηovel.c૦m
If they thought he would pardon the Wu family, they were dreaming!
"Your Highness, Your Highness..."
In Hexi Palace, Jiang Xinyue, who had subtly undermined Consort Shu in front of the Emperor, was selecting new fabric patterns from the Department of Imperial Wardrobe when Jiang Chuan rushed in, out of breath. "Your Highness, this servant..."
All the women in the room paused their activities and looked at him. He glanced at Jiang Xinyue, who was having her measurements taken, and quickly lowered his head.
It was clear that he had important news that shouldn't be discussed in front of others.
Fang Rumeng, who had just finished recording Concubine Zhen's new measurements, perceptively bowed and said, "This official has safely stored the designs drawn by Concubine Zhen. Once they are completed, this official will deliver them to Your Highness."
Jiang Xinyue glanced at the two female historians behind her and deliberately elevated Fang Rumeng's status, saying, "This Concubine has always trusted Lady Fang's work. Thank you for your efforts, Lady Fang."
"Your Highness is too kind. It is merely this official's duty."
Their eyes met, both confirming that their friendship and mutual support remained unchanged. Fang Rumeng and the other two female historians were then escorted out of Hexi Palace by Shuang Jiang.
As soon as Shuang Jiang turned around, the smiles vanished from the faces of the two female historians.
"Hmph! Some flatterers are just too good at currying favor. Who knows what backdoor she used? She's got Manager Zhang and Manager Hong from the Department of Imperial Wardrobe wrapped around her finger, and now even Concubine Zhen treats her specially. I wouldn't be surprised if our department gets a new manager surnamed Fang soon."
"Exactly! She's even trying to ingratiate herself with the servants in Hexi Palace. She's clearly ambitious. Who knows, she might be hoping to encounter the Emperor in Concubine Zhen's and rise to power in one go!"
Fang Rumeng turned around, smiling at the two of them. "Indeed! If I become the manager of the Department of Imperial Wardrobe, the first thing I'll do is beat you two gossips to death. And if I become the Emperor's concubine, my first act will be to have you two brought to me as maids so I can torment you day and night."
People in the usually spoke in roundabout ways. Even if they thought such things, they would never say them so directly.
Fang Rumeng's blunt, almost naked malice shocked and frightened the two female historians. They feared that one day she might indeed rise to a high position and deal with them as she had threatened.
"You... you're... you..."
"Yes, I'm unreasonable. I'm vindictive. In the future, you two had better watch what you say about me. As you said, I got in through the back door."
Getting in through the back door implied she had connections. With such backing, they dared to gossip about her to her face? How foolish.
The two female historians shrank back, lowering their heads and no longer daring to meet Fang Rumeng's gaze.
Concubine Su was no longer in the , and as time passed, people in the Department of Household Affairs only knew that Fang Rumeng had some connections, but they didn't know who was behind her.
"Your Highness..."
When Shuang Jiang returned to the main hall, she heard Jiang Xinyue's slightly surprised voice asking, "Are you certain about what you're saying?"
Jiang Chuan nodded solemnly. "Your Highness, this servant saw it with his own two eyes. This servant dug out the medicine residue and took it to the Imperial Hospital for Yan the Imperial Physician to examine. It is indeed..."
Jiang Xinyue's index finger tapped unconsciously on the table, the urgent sound particularly jarring in the quiet room. Shuang Jiang felt inexplicably nervous as well.
"The servants in Changxin Palace are managed by Xia He. It's not as lax as when Concubine La Yue was in charge. How did you manage to see it without anyone else noticing?"
From his initial racing heart when he ran back to report to his mistress, Jiang Chuan's burning enthusiasm was now doused by a bucket of cold water. After calming his agitated emotions, he slowly spoke, "Then... does Your Highness mean... we should do nothing?"
That would be too much of a waste. What if it were true?
Concubine Li's hatred for Concubine Zhen was second only to the Empress's among all the imperial concubines.
If she were to... how could his mistress have any peace?
"No!"
Jiang Xinyue shook her head. Her finger stopped moving, and she looked up at the bright spring scenery outside the window. Standing up, she said, "Xi Que, Shuang Jiang, go to my room and bring out the new kites I made. Consort Shu was injured because of me. I should personally go to Jingren Palace to apologize to her."
And while she was at it, she could ask if Consort Shu wanted to go to the Imperial Garden to watch her fly kites, given the beautiful spring weather.
Pregnant women shouldn't stay confined to their s for too long. Some moderate exercise would be good for her health.
It was May, and the weather was neither hot nor cold. Jiang Xinyue wore a pea-green banner gown, looking like a tender spring shoot. She exuded both the charm of a young girl and a hint of mature allure, appearing beautifully captivating.
When Consort Shu saw her in Jingren Palace, the veins on her temples began to throb visibly.
Last night, the Emperor had slept alone in Chengqian Palace. Consort Shu had sent someone to invite him, but was refused. After a sleepless night, dark circles had formed under her eyes, which even a layer of powder couldn't fully conceal.
Pretending not to notice her fatigue, Jiang Xinyue smiled brightly and curtsied. "This concubine pays her respects to Consort Shu."
Initially, it was Consort Shu herself who had asked people to come to Jingren Palace for casual conversation. She could only muster her energy and say, "Concubine Zhen, there's no need for formalities. What brings you here today? It's rare for you to grace our Jingren Palace with your presence."
Jiang Xinyue looked at the bandage wrapped around her neck with some remorse and said, "Previously, this concubine was feeling weak and didn't dare come to Jingren Palace for fear of passing on any illness to sister Consort Shu. This concubine is responsible for the Consort's injury and should rightfully come to offer an apology."