Sunlight gently streamed down the winding paths of the palace, but Concubine He Shu was like a thick, dark cloud, casting a gloomy shadow wherever she went. She wore a shimmering, rich, brocade palace gown, its hem flowing like flowing clouds, yet the haughty expression on her face was like the bitter frosty wind of winter, chilling to the bone. The palace maids and eunuchs, seeing her approaching from afar, dropped their heads, held their breath, and trembled in fear, fearing that even the slightest misstep would bring her misfortune and unforeseen disaster.
In the court, the emperor's lips curled up at He Qiong's victory, his praise resounding and resonating in the empty hall like the sound of a mighty bell. However, after leaving the court, he seemed to have changed his expression.
In the Imperial Garden, a gentle spring breeze caressed, and blossoms bloomed in profusion, vying for splendor. Concubine He Shu happened to encounter Concubine Lin, who had been so coldly treated by the Emperor. Suddenly, a wave of bad luck washed over her. Her eyebrows arched like two sharp scimitars, her hands on her hips, her lips parted, and she launched into a barrage of insults: "You unlucky creature! You didn't even try to stay away from me when I saw you! You truly offend me!" Her words were so vulgar, like those of a street shrew, that Concubine Lin paled, tears welled up in her eyes, and her delicate body trembled.
When Concubine He Shu heard that Concubine De, who had always kept her distance from her, was pregnant with the emperor's child, she was instantly filled with jealousy. The jealousy was like a raging fire, almost burning her sanity to ashes.
One day, Concubine De was strolling through the palace accompanied by her maids. She caressed her slightly swollen belly with a cheerful smile, her face brimming with the joy of impending motherhood. Concubine He Shu, observing from afar, a fierce glint flashed in her eyes. She quickened her pace, pretending to accidentally bump into Concubine De. Caught off guard, Concubine De fell backward. The panicked maids beside her tried to support Concubine De, but it was too late.
Concubine De fell heavily to the ground, groaning in pain, her hands tightly protecting her abdomen. The palace maids were in chaos, shouting one after another.
When the news reached the Empress, she rushed over, distraught. She was dignified and majestic, her eyes filled with concern and anxiety. She held De Fei's hand tightly and comforted her, "Sister De Fei, don't be afraid. I will definitely take care of things for you."
But in the end, Concubine De still failed to keep the child. The blow of miscarriage made her heartbroken, her face turned pale as paper, and tears rolled down like beads with broken strings.
The harem erupted in fury, and the Empress, armed with irrefutable evidence, confronted the Empress head-on. However, when the Emperor heard the Empress's account of Concubine He causing Concubine De's miscarriage, his fury ignited. He clenched his fists, veins bulging on his forehead as he roared, "This Concubine He has gone too far!" However, due to the He family's current power, the Emperor, despite his anger, had to grant Concubine He some leniency, demoting her two ranks and ordering her not to leave Rouyi Palace. Concubine He's eyes widened, filled with anger and resentment, her face filled with dissatisfaction. She glared at the Empress with a fierce look that seemed to spit fire, her resentment for the Empress growing deeper and deeper, like a raging fire that was difficult to extinguish.
After retiring from court, the emperor returned to his study alone. His steps were heavy, as if each one carried a heavy burden. His brows were furrowed, like two tangled hemp ropes, unable to be untied. His worried expression filled the entire study with an oppressive atmosphere.
"The He family is now a formidable force, their military prowess garnering immense power. Consort He, relying on her brother's influence, is acting with increasing impunity within the palace, completely disregarding the royal family's dignity. If I don't keep her in check, the court and harem will be in utter chaos." The emperor muttered to himself, his thoughts tangled like a tangled web. He paused, sighed deeply, his face gloomy, as if ink could drip from it.
Eunuch Wang cautiously entered, tea in hand, and softly said, "Your Majesty." The emperor gazed out the window at the gloomy sky, his eyes deep. He was silent for a long time, his gaze seemingly piercing the thick fog and gazing into the unknown distance. After a long pause, he slowly said, "I must take the long view and not alert the enemy. This matter concerns the country and the people. The slightest carelessness could lead to chaos."
The prison was dark, damp, and filled with a foul odor. However, Concubine Su Xianfei felt as if she were in a quiet and elegant room. She sat gracefully on the simple wooden bed, her expression calm.
Every day, besides analyzing the situation with Xiao Taozi, Concubine Su Xian also studied and practiced calligraphy, cultivating her mind and body. Her focused expression made it seem as if all the suffering in the outside world had nothing to do with her.
She looked at Xiao Taozi with a deep gaze and said calmly, "Xiao Taozi, don't panic. Concubine He Shu may seem very happy now, but in fact, she is facing a disaster. Her arrogance has already aroused public anger, and there will be people who will not tolerate her. I have calculated that we will be released from prison in a few days."
Seeing Concubine Su's confidence, Xiao Taozi's uneasiness gradually dissipated, but a trace of worry remained. She frowned and said, "Your Majesty, you are always so wise. I think we can survive this. But life in prison is tough. I don't know how long we will have to stay here."
Concubine Su Xian smiled slightly, her smile as warm as a spring breeze, her eyes gleaming with confidence, as if she could see through the thick fog: "The struggles in this palace rely not only on power, but also on wisdom and patience. When I leave, I will make Concubine He Shu suffer."
Inside the Imperial Clan Court, the atmosphere was heavy and oppressive. Officials, solemn-looking, gathered around their desks, conducting an in-depth investigation into the much-discussed puppet incident. The dim candlelight flickered in the draft, its shadows illuminating their solemn faces. Their furrowed brows seemed to bear a heavy burden.
"This matter must be thoroughly investigated without any negligence." The leading official had a sharp gaze and a deep and powerful voice.
Everyone nodded and buried themselves in the piles of files, carefully comparing each testimony and not missing any clues.
After days of unraveling the mystery, the truth finally emerged. Ultimately, it was discovered that Concubine Su Xianfei had no connection to the incident and was, in fact, a victim. It turned out that the instigator of all this was a personal maidservant of Concubine He Shufei. To curry favor with Concubine He Shufei, she secretly orchestrated this farce, attempting to frame Concubine Su Xianfei.
However, the final conviction was only given to this maid. Anyone with a discerning eye could see that this was just a way to give face to Concubine He Shu. After all, the He family was now in its heyday, and Concubine He Shu could not be easily touched.
"Humph, everyone knows the trick behind this." An official was indignant, but could only sigh helplessly.
"Don't talk too much, be careful of what you say." Another official hurriedly reminded.
Behind this seemingly fair verdict lies the game of power in the court and helpless compromise.
The palace was decorated with lights and red silks everywhere, and it was extremely lively. An unprecedented grand restoration ceremony was being held for Concubine Su.
Concubine Su Xian attended the ceremony in her most elaborate attire. Her jet-black hair was piled high in a bun, adorned with a dazzling golden hairpin. The pearl on the hairpin's head shone brightly, surrounded by tiny gemstones, like twinkling stars in the night sky. A few soft strands of hair fell around her fair face, adding a touch of charm. The beads on her hairpin swayed gently, making a crisp and pleasant sound. Each movement seemed to speak of her nobility and elegance.
Her eyes are as bright as stars, clear and deep, as if containing endless wisdom and tenderness. When they are slightly curved, they are like two crescent moons, revealing agility and playfulness; and when she looks straight ahead with a firm gaze, one can feel her inner determination and courage.
Beneath her straight nose, her lips were rosy without any tint, and the corners of her mouth were slightly raised, revealing a confident and charming smile. When she spoke softly, her voice was like a yellow oriole singing in a valley, crisp and melodious yet dignified and steady: "Thank you all."
Her cheeks were fair with a natural blush, just as charming as a newly blossoming peach blossom. Her skin was so delicate that it seemed as if it were broken by a baby's, making people want to touch it gently.
Her slender neck is as graceful as a swan, adorned with an exquisite pearl necklace, which further enhances her elegance. Her rounded shoulders are beautifully contoured, perfectly set off by her gorgeous attire.
The brocade gown she wore was woven from the finest silk, embroidered with lifelike phoenixes and vibrantly blossoming peonies, the threads shimmering with multicolored light in the sunlight. The sleeves were wide and flowing, dancing in the wind like fairy wings. A jewel-encrusted belt cinched her waist, emphasizing her slender figure. The cascading hem of her skirt undulated like waves, making every step feel like walking on clouds.
Her every smile and frown exudes captivating charm, her demeanor is graceful and elegant, yet lively and agile. Every subtle movement is perfectly timed, showcasing her royal demeanor.
The Empress gazed at Consort Su from afar, her eyes full of admiration. She whispered to the Empress Dowager, "Look, Empress Dowager, Consort Su has returned even more dignified and elegant this time. Her demeanor is truly a model for the harem." The Empress Dowager nodded slightly, a pleased smile on her face. "Yes, such grace and intelligence are truly a blessing to our royal family."
Meanwhile, Concubine He Shu was in Rouyi Palace. Overhearing the laughter and joy outside, her face turned livid with rage. She clenched her hands, her knuckles white, and slammed the teacup, sending shards flying everywhere. "Hmph, let's see how long you can hold on!" she raged, her eyes blazing with jealousy, her heart brimming with resentment like a surging wave. The maids around her were terrified, hushed and afraid to utter a word.
You'll Also Like
-
Battle Through the Heavens: I Am the Righteous Path
Chapter 993 -1594 second ago -
Douluo: My dear grandson, come here quickly! Grandpa is a Title Douluo!
Chapter 270 -1594 second ago -
Douluo Continent: The All-Round Sharpshooter
Chapter 756 -1594 second ago -
American comic book muscle Saiyan
Chapter 589 -1594 second ago -
Having arrived ten thousand years late in my time travel, I was forced to become a powerful being.
Chapter 437 -1534 second ago -
One Piece: Starting from the Demon King of Song
Chapter 558 -1534 second ago -
Primordial Spirit Treasure Path
Chapter 444 -1534 second ago -
In One Piece, a cry of "Sheep, open the gates of heaven!"
Chapter 358 -1534 second ago -
Mythological Revival: I Can Enter the Apocalyptic Wilderness
Chapter 294 -1534 second ago -
Reborn on the Internet: Starting with Games
Chapter 575 -1534 second ago