She felt that she had every right to throw a tantrum, and that Chu Tianling should comfort her.

Before Jiang Shuning noticed, Chu Tianling frowned and gradually became impatient.

"I have to make some sacrifices so that I can secure my throne and give you a better future. You must understand me."

"And I have already done as you wished, and have not stayed overnight in Consort Jiang's palace. What do you want now?"

"you……"

Jiang Shuning was speechless after Chu Tianling's words. Her anger was doused with cold water, and she couldn't speak for a long time.

Chu Tianling was very satisfied with Jiang Shuning's appearance. He was the emperor, and Jiang Shuning could not take advantage of his affection for her to throw tantrums at him.

This time, he was determined to teach her a lesson and make her understand that even his beloved must know her place and how to conduct herself in the palace.

"I, my concubine, see you, Your Majesty."

Before the two could make any further moves, Consort Yang's voice suddenly broke the tense atmosphere by paying her respects.

Chu Tianling looked in the direction of the sound and saw Consort Yang, dressed in a palace gown, walking gracefully towards him, which made him frown.

"Consort Yang, what's going on?"

Although Chu Tianling and Jiang Shuning started arguing on the palace road, he was the emperor, and how could Consort Yang be so tactless as to come and disturb them at this time?

Consort Yang was not without discernment; she had deliberately waited on the palace road not far from Chengqian Palace, arriving at the exact time.

She knew the Emperor had no affection for Consort Jiang, so she calculated that Consort Jiang would use the medicine she gave her. Once the medicine took effect, the Emperor would inevitably develop a dislike for Consort Jiang.

Even if Chu Tianling, as the emperor, was forced to favor Consort Jiang, he could not possibly tolerate her drugging him.

What's an aphrodisiac today could be poison tomorrow!

Therefore, Chu Tianling would certainly not favor Consort Jiang today, but she knew the power of this medicine. If she waited for Chu Tianling halfway there, she would have a chance to pull him into her palace.

However, things did not seem to develop in the direction that Consort Yang had anticipated.

Suddenly, Jiang Shuning appeared out of nowhere and interfered, managing to get Chu Tianling to leave Chengqian Palace before the medicine even took effect.

Consort Yang knew that if she didn't show up now, Jiang Shuning would end up benefiting from her, which was something she didn't want to see.

"Your Majesty, I ate a bit too much for dinner and wanted to take a walk in the Imperial Garden. I didn't expect to run into Your Majesty and Consort Yu. What a pleasant surprise!"

This explanation was, of course, prepared by Consort Yang beforehand, in preparation for the Emperor's possible question.

"I see, then you..."

Just as Chu Tianling was about to tell Consort Yang to leave, he saw the smug look in Jiang Shuning's eyes as she looked at Consort Yang.

He was immediately displeased. It seemed that Jiang Shuning thought he would choose her no matter what, which was why she was so unscrupulous. It seemed that he should give her a sense of crisis.

"I'm also going to the Imperial Garden to digest my food, so how about my beloved concubine accompanies me?"

Although Chu Tianling was speaking to Yang Guifei, his gaze intentionally or unintentionally swept over Jiang Shuning.

Seeing the incredulous expression on Jiang Shuning's face, a subtle smile appeared on his lips.

Consort Yang had only come with a try-it-out mentality, so when she heard Chu Tianling say that, a hint of surprise flashed in her eyes.

However, she knew what Chu Tianling needed right now, so she put on a gentle smile.

"Your Majesty, I would be happy to accompany you."

After saying that, she had already put her arm around Chu Tianling's arm.

Chu Tianling no longer hesitated, and the two walked side by side toward the Imperial Garden.

Jiang Shuning watched the two figures, who were not very close, and Chu Tianling's intentional or unintentional turning around. She knew that Chu Tianling was deliberately trying to annoy her, rather than having any special feelings for Yang Guifei.

But she was still so angry that she stomped her feet, then turned and left on her own.

Chu Tianling, however, had been keeping an eye on Jiang Shuning, so once he was completely out of Jiang Shuning's sight, he immediately quickened his pace to distance himself from Consort Yang.

Then, without turning his head, he said...

"Consort Yang, I suddenly remembered that I still have some state affairs to attend to, so I will return to Zichen Palace first. You may take a stroll in the Imperial Garden by yourself."

After saying that, Chu Tianling quickened his pace, and the two had already separated by five or six meters almost as soon as he finished speaking.

"Your Majesty, my concubine..."

Consort Yang wanted to say something to persuade him to stay, since the effects of the medicine would be very good if she could be by Chu Tianling's side when it took effect.

But Chu Tianling didn't give Yang Guifei another chance to speak, and left quickly without pausing.

As Consort Yang watched Chu Tianling's departing figure, a hint of resentment and hatred flashed in her eyes.

She now understood that Chu Tianling had agreed to her request just to spite Jiang Shuning, Consort Yang thought to herself.

Jiang Shuning, you just wait. I'll settle this score with you sooner or later.

……

Yong'an Palace.

"My lord, everything has been done as you instructed. The Regent has also replied and will be here later."

Xi Zhu entered the hall and spoke softly to Liang Qiuli, who was sitting in front of the chessboard, holding a black piece in one hand and a white piece in the other.

"Yes, we should go out and take a look. After all, there's still a good show to be performed."

As the last black piece fell, a delicate balance was achieved between the white and black pieces, and Liang Qiuli's lips curled into a faint smile.

Xi Zhu hurriedly stepped forward, reached out to help Liang Qiuli up, and asked as she straightened her clothes.

"Master, the sun is almost setting, where are we going?"

"Go and bump into them."

After saying that, Liang Qiuli stepped out of the palace gate. She had not gone far from Yong'an Palace when she bumped into Jiang Shuning on a road that was the only way to Ningxi Palace.

Jiang Shuning was filled with anger and was looking for someone to vent it on when she saw Liang Qiuli's face. She couldn't help but stop her immediately.

"Stop!"

Liang Qiuli stopped in her tracks, looking surprised. Before she could even speak, Jiang Shuning continued her barrage of words.

"When the Emperor is around, she calls me 'elder sister' and says she's worried about me. But now that the Emperor is not here, she acts like she's of higher rank than me."

You didn't even greet me when you saw me. Are you afraid I'll expose your true identity as a shield?

Liang Qiuli sneered inwardly; the fish had taken the bait.

She looked bewildered and quickly shook her head at Jiang Shuning, hurriedly offering an explanation.

"No...no, of course I respect my sister, but I always keep in mind what the Emperor said, I must be a shield to save my sister."

I was afraid that if people saw how close I was to my sister, those concubines in the harem would come back and cause trouble for her, so... I hope my sister won't misunderstand me."

As she spoke, a hint of grievance flashed in Liang Qiuli's eyes, as if she had truly been devoted to Jiang Shuning but had been let down.

“You’re still acting with me. You clearly look down on me. Apologize to me, or I’ll tell the Emperor that you’re bullying me behind my back. Let’s see if the Emperor believes you or me.”

Jiang Shuning didn't care about any of that; she was just unhappy and wanted to make things difficult for Liang Qiuli.

While Jiang Shuning couldn't see it, Chu Tianling witnessed everything.

After getting rid of Consort Yang, he felt it was still necessary to see Jiang Shuning, so he took a long detour to Jiang Shuning's Ningxi Palace.

Unexpectedly, I witnessed Jiang Shuning bullying Liang Qiuli.

My heart was filled with mixed emotions. How did Ning'er become like this?

He glanced at Liang Qiuli again and saw that she had her head down and her eyes were filled with anxiety and helplessness. He wanted to step forward and help her out of the predicament, at least he couldn't let Jiang Shuning bully her like this.

But just as he took a step forward, Liang Qiuli saw him.

A glimmer of hope flashed in Liang Qiuli's eyes, but then she seemed to remember something and shook her head at Chu Tianling, stopping him from going forward.

Her eyes seemed to be conveying some kind of silent request, which made Chu Tianling instantly understand her meaning. Although he was puzzled, he still stopped in his tracks.

"I'm sorry, sister, it's all my fault. Please don't be angry."

Liang Qiuli lowered her head and apologized to Jiang Shuning. Jiang Shuning looked at Liang Qiuli's appearance and a smug smile appeared on her lips. She did not let it go, but instead became even more arrogant.

"In that case, you shall kneel here as punishment."

After saying that, she watched Liang Qiuli slowly kneel down, then turned and walked towards Ningxi Palace, leaving behind a heartless sentence that echoed in the air.

"Kneel for half an hour before getting up."

However, as Jiang Shuning's figure gradually disappeared into the distance, Chu Tianling immediately walked quickly to Liang Qiuli and pulled her up.

Even after Liang Qiuli regained her footing, he didn't let go of her hand.

"Liang Qiuli, why did you stop me just now?"

Chu Tianling was puzzled, so he asked.

"I know that my sister has no ill intentions towards me. She is just in a bad mood. If Your Majesty intervenes, my sister and Your Majesty may develop a rift. I do not want to see any unpleasantness between Your Majesty and my sister because of me."

Liang Qiuli's words, which showed consideration for Chu Tianling and Jiang Shuning, deepened his guilt.

He stared at Liang Qiuli, a complex emotion flashing in his eyes.

"Your Majesty, please go find my sister. I'll head back now."

Liang Qiuli's words helped Chu Tianling overcome his hesitation and finally make a decision.

"No need. Let her have some peace and quiet. Where am I going tonight?"

Chu Tianling knew that Jiang Shuning's outburst today would likely make everyone in the harem aware that he still favored Jiang Shuning the most. Therefore, in order to share the burden of future troubles, he chose to go to Liang Qiuli's palace.

However, today is different from before; he will no longer secretly go to Jiang Shuning's Ningxi Palace.

"Your Majesty, you..."

Liang Qiuli looked incredulous and tried to confirm again, but Chu Tianling pulled her towards Yong'an Palace.

It wasn't until she was taken to her bedroom in Yong'an Palace that she fully came to her senses, and then she heard Chu Tianling say something.

"I'm tired, give me a massage on my temples."

After dealing with Consort Jiang and arguing with Ning'er that night, Chu Tianling felt physically and mentally exhausted, and his temples began to ache slightly.

"Yes."

Liang Qiuli knew that Chu Tianling wasn't just too tired, but that the spices Consort Jiang had been using on him were starting to take effect.

No sooner had she placed her hand on Chu Tianling's temple and gently pressed it twice than Chu Tianling grabbed her hand.

Then, with a sudden pull, he drew her into his arms.

"Ah, Your Majesty!"

Chu Tianling wasn't completely affected by the spices, but he did need some warmth to soothe the restlessness in his heart, and Liang Qiuli was the best choice.

"Why aren't you happy?"

Chu Tianling saw Liang Qiuli struggling and asked.

"No, I'm just afraid... afraid my sister will misunderstand. But if the Emperor wants... this concubine..."

Liang Qiuli seemed afraid that Chu Tianling would misunderstand, so she hurriedly explained, but her voice became softer and softer, and two red clouds rose on her cheeks, a mixture of shyness and nervousness.

Looking at that shy and lovely face, Chu Tianling gently raised his hand, his fingertips caressing it tenderly. Unable to contain the excitement in his heart any longer, he picked her up and carried her to the bed inside the palace.

But in no time, Liang Qiuli managed to escape on her own.

She straightened her slightly disheveled clothes and sat back down on the couch.

As for what happens to Chu Tianling inside, that's none of her business.

……

outside the palace.

Chu Xuanming's residence.

After receiving the news, he wanted to go directly to the palace to find Liang Qiuli, but Liang Qiuli was in the palace after all, and even if Chu Xuanming was highly skilled in martial arts, it would not be easy for him to climb over the palace walls.

So he waited until it was completely dark before he appeared at Yong'an Palace.

I climbed through the window and saw Liang Qiuli sitting under the lamp reading a book.

Looking at her face, serene and peaceful in the warm candlelight, and seeing no sign of the urgent matter the messenger had mentioned, he felt somewhat puzzled.

Chu Xuanming even tried his best to remain silent so as not to disturb Liang Qiuli, who was engrossed in reading.

He wondered to himself if he had misunderstood.

However, he did not agree to go to the palace to see Liang Qiuli, so he gently lowered the window lattice and slowly walked towards Liang Qiuli.

As he approached, he heard a strange sound coming from the direction of the inner hall behind Liang Qiuli.

This is?

"You came?"

Liang Qiuli saw a shadow slowly approaching in the candlelight. She gently closed the book in her hand and looked at Chu Xuanming with a soft gaze.

She could look at his face countless times and never tire of it. Liang Qiuli thought to herself, a smile unconsciously creeping onto her lips.

"Hmm, what's inside?"

Although Chu Xuanming hadn't had a woman in his courtyard for many years, he was still a man and had some understanding of such matters.

So now he has some guesses about what happened inside, but he is still a little confused, so he asked Liang Qiuli.

"Go and see for yourself, and you'll know."

Liang Qiuli smiled but did not give a direct explanation. She simply pointed towards the inner hall, a dark glint flashing in her eyes.

Driven by curiosity, Chu Xuanming did go in to take a look, but what he saw left him speechless with shock.

This is too...

And where did Liang Qiuli get this hallucinogenic drug? If Chu Tianling hadn't found out, wouldn't she have gotten into trouble?

"You're not feeling sorry for your nephew, are you? If you really are, then..."

Liang Qiuli's words carried a hint of playfulness and probing.

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