Steal my marriage? Turn around and marry the tyrant to take the throne

"This is it."

A calculating glint flashed in Consort Kang's eyes: "In Consort Zhuang's eyes, I am nothing but a muddle-headed fool who doesn't even know how her own child was lost. She probably even thinks that I am grateful to her, this kind and benevolent consort."

"So... when I had nowhere else to turn, wasn't it perfectly normal for me to seek her protection and pledge my allegiance to her?"

"Only by getting close to Consort Zhuang and gaining her trust... can I find an opportunity!"

Caiju felt a chill run down her spine.

This method is too risky!

It's like trying to get something from a tiger; one wrong step and you'll be crushed to pieces!

"But...Your Highness, how could someone as shrewd as Consort Zhuang easily trust us? What if she sees through our deception..."

"Therefore, I must act convincingly."

Consort Kang stubbornly said, "The Chuxiu Palace is in ruins, and I am filled with fear and helplessness. I am also disappointed in the Imperial Noble Consort."

"Isn't it perfectly reasonable for a concubine who has lost her support and has nowhere else to turn to the only person who might be willing to lend a helping hand, the Imperial Concubine?"

"Zhuang Yumin always liked to put on an act of compassion and helping the weak, and everyone in the palace praised her for her benevolence. So, how could she not help Consort Kang, who had fallen out of favor, was sickly, and whose prince was weak, when she came to her pitifully?"

"Isn't this the perfect opportunity for her to display her noble consort demeanor and win over the hearts of the people?"

“If she is willing to lend a helping hand, things will be better for Chuxiu Palace.”

For the sake of revenge, there are some paths she has to take, no matter how dirty or dangerous!

Caiju stared blankly at Consort Kang, her heart filled with mixed emotions.

She finally understood the Empress's plan.

To get close to one's enemy, to gain a respite, and then to seek another opportunity for revenge.

This plan... is too bold, too crazy.

But upon closer reflection, in this desperate situation, this is actually the only way out for Chuxiu Palace...

However, beneath their feet lay a bottomless abyss.

"My lady..."

Caiju couldn't help but advise, "This method is too dangerous..."

"Consort Zhuang is no pushover. If, if she sees through our scheme, she will show no mercy!"

Consort Kang replied, "I know."

"Therefore, Caiju, from now on, we, master and servant, must be extra careful."

"In front of Zhuang Yumin, I am still the weak and incompetent Consort Kang. And you must suppress your resentment and hatred towards her in your heart, and not reveal even the slightest bit of it."

"We can only trust each other..."

Seeing the resolute look in Consort Kang's eyes, Caiju knew that it would be useless to persuade her any further.

She took a deep breath and said, "This servant understands!"

"This servant's life belongs to Your Majesty. From this day forward, if Your Majesty points east, this servant will never go west. Even if it's a mountain of knives or a sea of ​​fire, this servant will accompany Your Majesty through it all!"

The master and servant held hands tightly, giving each other strength.

The next day.

The weather is fine.

Consort Kang was dressing up in front of the mirror.

She chose a palace dress in a simple color, made of last year's old brocade, with a pattern that was no longer fashionable.

Her hair was simply styled, adorned with two hairpins and an inconspicuous velvet flower. Her face was lightly powdered, but it couldn't conceal the dark circles under her eyes.

She looked exactly like a concubine who had fallen out of favor and was in dire straits.

Caiju served her from the side, and seeing the Empress's haggard appearance in the mirror, she felt a pang of sorrow.

Hopefully, things will get better at Chuxiu Palace.

May Her Majesty truly achieve her wish and avenge the unborn imperial heir!

Consort Kang stood up and adjusted the velvet flower at her temple: "Let's go."

"Yes."

After leaving Chuxiu Palace, Consort Kang boarded a sedan chair and headed towards Changchun Palace.

The palace servants we encountered along the way all bowed according to palace rules, but we couldn’t see much genuine respect in them.

After all, the palace has always been a place where people fawn over the powerful and belittle the weak.

Consort Kang pretended not to see her.

Upon arriving at Changchun Palace, the atmosphere was indeed different.

The eunuchs on duty were in high spirits.

The courtyard was spacious and clean, and even the cobblestone path seemed more lustrous than elsewhere.

The palace buildings are magnificent, and the palace lanterns hanging under the corridors are also of a brand new style.

No wonder she is the second most honored empress in the harem!

Consort Kang paused briefly outside the palace gate, took a deep breath, suppressed all emotions in her eyes, and revealed a respectful yet timid expression.

A palace servant immediately went in to report.

Consort Zhuang was kind and easy to talk to. She rarely turned away any concubine who came to Changchun Palace to request an audience.

Before long, Ruoji personally came out to greet them, curtsied, and said, "Your Highness Consort Kang, the Imperial Concubine is inside. Hearing that you had arrived, she asked me to invite you in."

Consort Kang nodded slightly.

Upon entering the main hall, one finds luxurious yet elegant furnishings.

The display cabinet was filled with a dazzling array of treasures, each one a precious item.

The floor was covered with a thick Persian velvet carpet, which made no sound when you stepped on it.

Consort Zhuang sat on a warm couch by the window, sunlight falling on her profile and outlining her dignified features.

Today she wore a light autumn-colored palace dress, made of a thin and soft fabric embroidered with delicate dark patterns. A kingfisher feather phoenix hairpin was worn diagonally in her hair, and her whole demeanor was elegant and noble.

Consort Kang stepped forward and bowed deeply, her head lowered, her posture extremely humble: "Your Majesty, I pay my respects to Your Highness. May Your Highness be blessed with good fortune and peace!"

Consort Zhuang's gaze fell on Consort Kang, and she said gently, "Consort Kang, please rise and take a seat."

"Thank you, noble concubine."

Consort Kang then rose and sat halfway down on the embroidered stool brought by the palace maid. Her eyes remained lowered, and her hands were neatly folded on her knees.

"Consort Kang looks better today than she did a few days ago."

Consort Zhuang asked with concern, "I heard you were ill a while ago, are you feeling much better now?"

Consort Kang raised her head, revealing a look of deep gratitude: "Thank you for your concern, Your Highness. I am much better now. It's just an old ailment, I'll just take care of it."

"Your Highness, the Imperial Concubine, is still concerned about my health. I am truly terrified..."

She appeared grateful, but inside she was seething with hatred!

This seemingly compassionate woman used the most insidious means to kill her unborn child!

Facing her, Consort Zhuang showed no remorse whatsoever, and even offered her warm greetings without any hesitation. How terrifying was her ability to feign innocence!

Consort Zhuang nodded slightly: "It's good that Consort Kang is feeling better."

"You have always been in poor health, so you need to take extra care of yourself."

Consort Kang obediently replied, "Yes, Your Highness, thank you for your concern."

Consort Zhuang looked at her haggard appearance and her tone became even gentler: "What brings you here today, sister? Is there something you need?"

Consort Kang quickly shook her head, her tone becoming increasingly humble: "How could I dare to trouble Your Highness with such trivial matters?"

"I was just thinking back to when I was still a concubine, I had the good fortune to live in the side hall of Changchun Palace for a period of time, and I was very grateful for the care and attention of the Noble Consort."

"However... I am a useless concubine, my health is poor, and I have not won His Majesty's favor. Chuxiu Palace has been deserted lately, and I feel ashamed to see the Noble Consort."