"Your Majesty, news came from Zichen Palace today that during the morning court session... the Emperor is probably unable to resist and will start to favor the concubines in the harem, especially Consort Jiang."

Liang Qiuli had arranged for her own people in Zichen Palace, so Xi Zhu received the news immediately.

Upon hearing the news, Liang Qiuli picked up the teacup beside her and took a sip.

He thought to himself that Consort Jiang was no pushover either, and that she knew how to use her family's influence to put pressure on Chu Tianling.

Why doesn't she lend a hand?

Jiang Shuning was just looking forward to being openly and legitimately pampered by Chu Tianling. With a little manipulation, she could easily cause a huge fight between the two of them.

When Chu Tianling is upset, she can appear at the right time and soothe him with gentleness and consideration, which will naturally elevate her status in Chu Tianling's heart.

However, Chu Xuanming's face suddenly flashed through her mind.

If he were willing to cooperate with her, she wouldn't need to go to great lengths to scheme for Chu Tianling to favor her.

She could simply seduce Chu Xuanming into bed and get pregnant with his child.

"Clap!"

Liang Qiuli had just put down her teacup when she heard a noise outside the window, clearly indicating that someone was there.

"Xi Zhu, you go down first, then stay outside and don't let anyone get close."

Liang Qiuli guessed who it might be, but she still needed to confirm.

After Zhu Xi closed the door, she tiptoed to the window and carefully opened it.

Upon seeing that the person who arrived was Chu Xuanming, Liang Qiuli's eyes crinkled with a smile.

"Your Highness is truly efficient; he came to visit in less than a day."

The two were separated only by a window. Liang Qiuli looked at his face, her heart stirred, and she unconsciously raised her hand to touch his face.

Chu Xuanming noticed and tried to back away, but Liang Qiuli's hand had already gently touched his cheek. It was the first time in so many years that someone had touched his face, and his face immediately turned red.

This added even more beauty to Chu Xuanming, who was already exceptionally handsome.

"Consort Liang, you don't think anyone can mess with my face. Do you know the consequences?"

Chu Xuanming's words carried a hint of barely perceptible panic, but were mostly playful.

"How about I repay your kindness with my body, Your Highness?"

Liang Qiuli was slightly taken aback, then chuckled and said that as long as she was bold enough, she could tease this aloof and arrogant prince until he was at a loss.

"I am naturally willing, but Consort Liang is already a member of my nephew's harem. I am not afraid that this action will be improper and cause controversy."

Chu Xuanming was not about to admit defeat and wanted to gain the upper hand in the argument, but his eyes had already betrayed him.

He was very interested in Liang Qiuli; if he really cared about those things, he wouldn't have come to Yong'an Palace to find her at this time.

"Alright, enough teasing the prince. Let's get down to business. I hate that Chu Tianling is using me as a shield, and I hate even more the scheming women in the harem trying to please a man."

Therefore, I want absolute power, enough to protect myself and those I care about.

Liang Qiuli didn't know why she was so honest with Chu Xuanming; perhaps it was because...

"Never mind," she continued.

"I want to cooperate with the prince to have a child, and in the future, let this child ascend the throne."

"I can help Your Highness find out the truth about the late Emperor's death."

Liang Qiuli learned from the system that Chu Xuanming was willing to back down time and time again in his confrontation with Chu Tianling because Chu Xuanming felt that the late emperor's death was related to him.

I feel guilty towards my nephew, Chu Tianling.

As Liang Qiuli returned to the main topic, Chu Xuanming's expression returned to its usual aloof and arrogant demeanor.

"it is good."

Chengqian Palace.

Consort Jiang's personal maid had just received news from outside the palace and rushed in anxiously.

Just as he was about to speak, he looked hesitantly at Consort Yang standing next to Consort Jiang.

"It's alright, we're all family. Tell me, is there any news from Father and Grandfather?"

Consort Jiang gently raised her hand, indicating to the palace maid that there was no need for her to worry.

This plan was originally suggested by Consort Yang, who proposed that her family put pressure on the Emperor to have him stay in her palace more often so that she could conceive an heir sooner.

Upon hearing this, the palace maid nodded, her eyes lighting up with joy.

"Your Highness, the Minister has sent word that the Emperor should be returning to Your Highness's residence soon. However, the Emperor may be in a bad mood, so please bear with him."

The palace maids were also happy that the Emperor would visit Chengqian Palace more often. If the Consort could give birth to an imperial heir, then the Empress's position would be within reach.

Upon hearing this, Consort Jiang's smile widened, as if she could already picture herself ascending to the throne of Empress.

"I wish Your Majesty congratulations in advance. May all your wishes come true."

Consort Yang's eyes betrayed neither joy nor anger, but her words were certainly full of eloquent flattery.

"If it weren't for Sister Yang's advice, I wouldn't have been able to achieve my goal so easily. In the future, I will definitely persuade the Emperor to visit Sister Yang's palace more often."

Consort Jiang said the same thing; she would never persuade the Emperor to go to other people's palaces.

Moreover, she felt that since Yang Guifei's family worked for her father and maternal grandfather, it was only natural for them to help her with her plans.

However, winning people's hearts is still very necessary. As Consort Jiang spoke, she gently raised her hand, signaling the palace maid to add tea for Consort Yang.

Consort Yang picked up her teacup, took a sip, and exclaimed, "This tea is so fragrant! It is truly an honor for me to be able to taste it here with Your Highness."

Consort Yang's words were not only about tea, but also about Consort Jiang expressing her gratitude for her kindness.

However, she secretly thought that Consort Jiang was probably just saying that to be polite; if she really wanted to win the Emperor's favor, she would have to put in some effort.

"Your Majesty, I have a fragrance here that can help you and the Emperor deepen your affection. Your Majesty may wish to try it."

As she spoke, Consort Yang took out a small porcelain bottle from her sleeve and gently placed it on the table.

This was specially prepared by her; whether she could win the Emperor's heart depended on this.

Upon hearing this, Consort Jiang's eyes flickered slightly. She felt that she could attract the Emperor without resorting to such underhanded methods.

But it's good to have this incense just in case. Even if the Emperor finds out, it was given to her by Consort Yang, so she won't be blamed if something goes wrong.

Consort Jiang pondered in her heart while smiling on the surface.

"Sister Yang, you are so kind. I will accept your kindness."

Consort Yang breathed a sigh of relief when she saw Consort Jiang accept the incense.

The matter is half accomplished; the rest depends on the efficacy of the incense and her luck.

"It's getting late, so I won't disturb Your Highness's rest any longer. I'll take my leave now."

Having achieved her goal, Consort Yang did not linger. She bowed and left Chengqian Palace.

……

For the next ten days or so, Chu Tianling stayed in Zichen Palace and didn't even go to the palace.

This made Consort Jiang extremely anxious, so she could only ask Minister Jiang to continue putting pressure on Chu Tianling.

Chu Tianling understood that Consort Jiang was forcing him to make a choice, and he sighed inwardly.

"It seems I have no choice but to apologize to Ning'er."

"Guards, prepare the carriage for Chengqian Palace."

"Your Majesty, the Emperor has gone to Consort Jiang's palace."

Upon receiving the news, Xi Zhu immediately went inside and quietly reported to Liang Qiuli, who was painting there.

Liang Qiuli didn't stop writing; she simply said something under her breath.

"Have someone secretly leak this news to the neighbor, let the two sisters compete, and see whether the Emperor will choose Jiang Shuning or Consort Jiang."

Upon hearing this, Xi Zhu's eyes flashed with understanding, and she responded softly.

"Yes, Master, I will arrange it right away."

After saying that, she turned to leave, but Liang Qiuli seemed to remember something and suddenly called her back.

"Wait, there's one more thing."

......"

After Liang Qiuli finished speaking, Xi Zhu nodded before turning around and going out to take care of her business.

……

Chengqian Palace.

"The Emperor has arrived."

Despite his inner turmoil, the imperial carriage only took a quarter of an hour to travel from Zichen Palace to Chengqian Palace, and he finally stepped into this familiar yet unfamiliar palace.

However, thinking about his future with Ning'er, he felt that Ning'er would understand his helplessness.

"I, my concubine, see you, Your Majesty. May Your Majesty be blessed with peace and prosperity."

Consort Jiang, dressed in gorgeous clothes and with exquisite makeup, exuded elegance with her graceful bow. She didn't need Consort Yang to deliver the medicine; she still wanted to win Chu Tianling's heart on her own.

"Well, let's get flat."

Chu Tianling said calmly, his gaze lingering on Consort Jiang for a moment before shifting away.

Consort Jiang keenly noticed Chu Tianling's momentary detachment. Although she felt resentful, she remembered what her father had told her a few days ago and held back from lashing out.

She even compared herself to Liang Qiuli in her mind. Although her face was indeed not as good as Liang Qiuli's, she was not bad either!

She never expected that Liang Qiuli was actually just a shield or substitute that Chu Tianling had placed in the open.

"Your Majesty, I have specially asked the kitchen to prepare your favorite dishes for you."

Consort Jiang stepped forward to take Chu Tianling's hand. This time, he did not avoid her, allowing her to gently hold his arm. He even gave her a fake smile.

Consort Jiang did not expose the truth, and instead pulled the person into the house for a meal.

However, she secretly wondered whether she should use that fragrance.

After all, Chu Tianling still looked reluctant, and she was afraid that if their first time together didn't go smoothly, it would be difficult to get him to come again in the future.

Tonight, we must make sure Chu Tianling never wants to leave!

Consort Jiang had just personally served Chu Tianling a bowl of soup when she understood.

"Your Majesty, this soup contains some calming and nourishing herbs. I hope it will soothe your nerves."

As Consort Jiang spoke, she subtly winked at her personal maids, signaling them to quietly light the specially made incense when she and Chu Tianling had almost finished their meal.

Perhaps it was a change in mindset, but Chu Tianling felt particularly comfortable eating at Consort Jiang's restaurant today.

"Consort Jiang..."

Chu Tianling took the initiative to reach out and hold Consort Jiang's delicate hand, his eyes revealing a rare tenderness.

Consort Jiang was overjoyed. It seemed that things would go smoothly today. She just didn't know if she could conceive a child on the first try.

"Chu Tianling, how could you betray our oath!"

Jiang Shuning suddenly pushed open the palace door and walked in with a face full of anger and betrayal, instantly shattering the somewhat warm and ambiguous atmosphere.

Consort Jiang's heart, which had just been at ease, instantly jumped again. However, upon seeing the person who had arrived, she frowned slightly, a hint of doubt flashing in her eyes.

"Ning... Jiang Jieyu, what brings you here?"

Chu Tianling's expression instantly became complicated, and the name he was about to utter, Ning'er, was replaced with Jiang Jieyu.

She was already unhappy about using Liang Qiuli as a shield, and now hearing the name Jiang Jieyu made Jiang Shuning even more furious.

The reason she made this scene today, besides not wanting Chu Tianling to favor her elder sister, was also to test her position in Chu Tianling's heart, so that she could secure her position as a favored concubine in public.

"Why did I come? If I hadn't come, wouldn't I have missed this great show!"

Chu Tianling, you said that I am your favorite, and that I am the only one in this harem worthy of bearing your child. But now you not only openly favor Liang Qiuli, but also...

Jiang Shuning began to sob as she spoke.

Chu Tianling was caught in a dilemma, while Consort Jiang, who was initially unsure of the situation, instantly understood after hearing Jiang Shuning's tearful complaints.

It seems she was right; Liang Qiuli was insignificant, and her biggest rival was her half-sister!

"Outrageous! Jiang Shuning, this is the Emperor! How dare you be so bold! Guards, drag Consort Jiang away at once!"

Consort Jiang noticed Chu Tianling's hesitation. She knew that if she didn't act quickly, Chu Tianling would probably choose Jiang Shuning.

But no one knew what had happened. Consort Jiang called out several times, but no one came in to answer.

It seems there's a traitor in her palace. Otherwise, why are all the palace servants, who are usually so numerous, nowhere to be seen? And yet, Jiang Shuning was allowed to enter so easily just now.

"I don't care. When I met him, he was just an insignificant prince. Chu Tianling, if you don't come with me today, I'll die right here!"

Jiang Shuning's least favorite person to lose to is her elder sister. Even if Chu Tianling wants to favor her, it's not now.

Jiang Shuning took off a hairpin from her head and held it against her neck, her eyes revealing determination and resentment.

"Ning'er, I'll go with you. Quickly put down your hairpin; you'll hurt yourself if you do this!"

Jiang Shuning was, after all, the woman he loved most in his heart. Seeing her like this, Chu Tianling's voice involuntarily rose, and his eyes were full of anxiety.

He couldn't care less about his own plans; all he wanted was to rush to her side and make sure she was safe.

Following Chu Tianling's outstretched hand, Jiang Shuning slowly placed the hairpin in his hand.

Then Chu Tianling quickly pulled him away.

In the instant I turned around, I, Jiang Shuning, gave Consort Jiang a provocative look, my eyes full of mockery, as if to say...

"Even if you are the legitimate daughter or a noble consort, you still can't keep an emperor who doesn't love you."

Only after Chu Tianling and Jiang Shuning's figures completely disappeared did Consort Jiang's face turn ashen.

When she loosened her clenched fists, she found that her nails were digging deep into her palms, but she didn't seem to feel any pain.

However, the relationship between Chu Tianling and Jiang Shuning wasn't as harmonious as Consort Jiang perceived it to be.

Not far from Chengqian Palace, Jiang Shuning threw a tantrum and flung Chu Tianling's hand away.

"Explain yourself, or don't expect me to forgive you easily!"

Jiang Shuning now resembles a wife who has caught her husband cheating, her eyes filled with a kind of anger that has seized the moral high ground.

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