"No, I'm just curious how you did it."

Chu Xuanming sat down next to Liang Qiuli, looking as if he was trying his best to distance himself from Chu Tianling, and leaned close to Liang Qiuli.

He knew what Liang Qiuli was about to do, and he reached out from behind and hugged her.

"It's fine if you don't."

Liang Qiuli chuckled, finding Chu Xuanming's reaction quite amusing.

Chu Xuanming did behave completely differently than before, but he didn't care at all.

Anyway, his heart is now completely under Liang Qiuli's control.

At first, he was only curious about Liang Qiuli because the host said she was a destined person who could save his life.

Later, when Liang Qiuli asked him to cooperate with her using her brother's affairs as leverage, he didn't refuse; instead, he felt a glimmer of anticipation.

expect……

He has now completely fallen for Liang Qiuli.

She was one of his nephew's concubines, but he couldn't help himself...

“Pear, he is not good enough for you. You deserve a better match.”

Chu Xuanming remained close to Liang Qiuli's back and said weakly.

"That's natural, but what about the better ending you mentioned?"

Liang Qiuli turned around in Chu Xuanming's arms and met his gaze.

She wouldn't fall in love with anyone, but she did have feelings for a man as handsome as Chu Xuanming, who was so gentle and considerate towards her.

"Of course it's me."

Chu Xuanming stopped referring to himself as "this king" and directly confessed his feelings.

Liang Qiuli couldn't be coy and directly kissed Chu Xuanming's beautiful lips, responding to his confession with her actions.

The kiss was deeply moving for both of them.

"Carry me to the side hall; everything is prepared there."

After the kiss ended, Liang Qiuli whispered in Chu Xuanming's ear, her voice tinged with panting.

Upon hearing this, Chu Xuanming's smile deepened. He gently put his arm around Liang Qiuli's waist, picked her up, and carried her to the side hall.

The next day.

Liang Qiuli was doing her makeup at the dressing table in the bedroom when she saw Chu Tianling, who had slept alone all night, slowly wake up.

She smoothed a strand of hair at her temple, a smile playing on her lips, and spoke to Chu Tianling with a hint of shyness.

"Your Majesty, you are awake."

Chu Tianling's thoughts gradually returned, and before he could clearly see the surrounding scenery and the person in front of him, the dreamlike scenes from last night flooded into his mind.

He and Liang Qiuli...

As the memories in his mind gradually became clearer, Chu Tianling unconsciously curled up the corners of his mouth, clearly very satisfied with everything that happened last night.

The reaction below, in particular, confirmed this.

He wanted to spend another morning with Liang Qiuli, so he got out of bed and walked to Liang Qiuli's side.

But Jiang Shuning's image suddenly popped into his mind, causing him to pause slightly.

In the end, he still felt sorry for Ning'er.

Therefore, it's best to let Liang Qiuli keep it from Ning'er for now.

"Liang Qiuli, you should know what you should say and what you shouldn't say, right?"

Chu Tianling's tone carried a subtle hint of authority as he stared at Liang Qiuli through the bronze mirror, his eyes full of warning.

Liang Qiuli felt a chill in her heart. She knew Chu Tianling was heartless. Fortunately, she had given him the Illusion-Creating Pill produced by the system last night.

This elixir allows the user to fantasize about loving scenes with someone, and the first person they see upon waking will be regarded as that person in their fantasy, and the longer this continues, the more they will miss that person.

However, Liang Qiuli's eyes trembled slightly, and then she nodded gently, the smile on her lips turning into bitterness.

"Alright, I won't tell my sister. And I'll treat last night's events as a dream and let them fade away with the wind."

After speaking, he lowered his head, not daring to make eye contact with Chu Tianling.

Hearing Liang Qiuli say this, Chu Tianling should have breathed a sigh of relief, but he felt a strange tightness in his chest, making him feel an indescribable sense of unease.

Then the questioning words just came out of his mouth.

"You agreed so easily, do you really love me?"

Liang Qiuli cursed under her breath.

You told me not to tell anyone, but now that I've agreed, you think I agreed too quickly.

What a scoundrel.

May you never be able to have children in your life!

"This concubine...this concubine..."

As Chu Tianling finished speaking, Liang Qiuli's tears, which had been welling up, finally slid down her cheeks, and she choked out.

"Of course I love Your Majesty, but my love is not about possessing you or making you my sole possession. Rather, it is about wishing Your Majesty happiness. As long as Your Majesty is happy, I will be content."

Liang Qiuli's tearful and affectionate words struck a chord with Chu Tianling, filling him with remorse and causing him to completely abandon his idea of ​​clinging to Jiang Shuning alone.

He couldn't let Ning'er break the hearts of so many people in the harem, especially Liang Qiuli's heart.

“I understand your deep affection, Pear. As long as you remain obedient in the future, I will promote you later.”

Chu Tianling felt he was being very generous; someone like Liang Qiuli, who had no family background, was being promoted to the rank of concubine.

Liang Qiuli was deeply moved and turned around to throw herself into Chu Tianling's arms.

"I do not seek any promotion, I only wish that Your Majesty will have a place in my heart and that you will think of me often."

Hearing Liang Qiuli's sincere words, Chu Tianling was even more satisfied, thinking that he wished Ning'er could be as understanding as Li'er.

"In that case, how about Pear serves me a little longer?"

Chu Tianling looked down and saw the marks on Liang Qiuli's neck. He felt sorry for her. He had been reckless last night, and now he wanted to make it up to Liang Qiuli.

Just as Chu Tianling was about to pick up the person in his arms, Xiao Fuzi's voice suddenly interrupted him from outside.

"Your Majesty, Eunuch Sun has sent word that His Highness the Regent is waiting for you at the Zichen Palace. Please proceed immediately."

Chu Tianling had no choice but to give up for the time being and whispered in Liang Qiuli's ear.

"Li'er, I'm leaving now. I'll come see you later."

After saying that, he nodded at Liang Qiuli, then turned and left.

Liang Qiuli breathed a sigh of relief as she watched Chu Tianling's departing figure.

That trouble is finally over.

……

Consort Jiang's Chengqian Palace.

"See the Imperial Concubine."

Consort Yang bowed respectfully, and then looked at Consort Jiang, whose face was covered in bruises, and felt somewhat relieved.

Yesterday, the Emperor used her as a tool to annoy Jiang Shuning, which made her so angry that she couldn't sleep well all night.

"Consort Yang, how dare you come to see me! Look at your brilliant idea, not only did you fail to keep the Emperor here, but you've probably angered him even more!"

When Consort Jiang saw Consort Yang appear, she vented all her pent-up anger on her.

Consort Yang did not explain immediately, but waited until Consort Jiang had vented her anger before slowly speaking.

"Your Majesty, I have heard about what happened last night. In my opinion, His Majesty has feelings for you, but it was Jiang Shuning's instigation that caused His Majesty to develop a prejudice against you."

Consort Yang harbored resentment towards Jiang Shuning, and knowing that Consort Jiang had always been at odds with her, her half-sister, when they were in the Minister's residence, she planned to shift the blame to Consort Jiang so that she could reap the benefits.

As for Liang Qiuli, who had been favored before, she had already decided that this was just an open shield placed by the emperor and was nothing to be afraid of.

Even without Yang Guifei saying anything, Consort Jiang already hated Jiang Shuning to death.

But now the Emperor is on Jiang Shuning's side, and she worries that if she goes against her, it will only backfire.

"His Majesty naturally cherishes me; otherwise, he wouldn't have granted me the title of Noble Consort."

But right now, His Majesty is infatuated with that vile woman Jiang Shuning, so I can't rashly make a move."

As Consort Jiang spoke, she stared intently at Consort Yang with her eyes full of interest. Clearly, she wanted Consort Yang to deal with Jiang Shuning so that she could be the mantis stalking the cicada, unaware of the oriole behind.

Consort Yang sneered inwardly; she would not be so easily manipulated.

"I understand Your Majesty's meaning. Even if Your Majesty hadn't said anything, I would have volunteered. However, if my plan succeeds, I'm afraid the Emperor would be the one who feels sorry for me..."

Before Consort Yang could finish speaking, Consort Jiang understood that she was probably going to use a self-inflicted injury ruse.

This made her hesitate, after all, she urgently needed to restore her image in the Emperor's heart.

"Tell me your plan first, and then I will decide how to proceed."

Consort Jiang remained cautious.

"Your Majesty, the annual Hundred Flowers Festival is in three days. Your Majesty has already ordered a banquet to be held for all the imperial concubines, and the Emperor has also promised to attend, so we can..."

After Consort Yang finished explaining her plan, Consort Jiang was certain that the method would work, but she still frowned slightly and said with disdain.

"Isn't this the same tactic those concubines use to vie for favor? How can I, a noble consort, lower myself to this level?"

Consort Yang's inner monologue.

Even if you are a Noble Consort, you are still a concubine. Why are you putting on airs like an Empress?

However, he maintained a respectful expression and offered his advice.

"A hero's origins are irrelevant. Your Majesty's method is a good method as long as it helps you win the Emperor's heart."

"Since you put it that way, then I will reluctantly give it a try."

Consort Jiang was afraid that if she refused again, Consort Yang would really intend to use it herself, and then she would be at a loss.

She didn't want to have to deal with that bitch Jiang Shuning before another concubine like Yang Guifei appeared to compete for her favor.

……

Three days later.

"Your Highness, these are all new clothes sent by the Imperial Household Department after you were promoted to the rank of Consort. Would you like to wear this light yellow outfit today? It makes you look young and energetic."

Xi Zhu appeared beside Liang Qiuli, holding a pale yellow dress.

"it is good."

Liang Qiuli nodded and did not refuse.

"Oh, and go prepare a box of pastries; I'll need them later."

Three days ago, Chu Tianling said he would come back to keep her company that night, but obviously because of Chu Xuanming's interference, Chu Tianling has been completely unable to attend to matters of the harem these past few days.

Fortunately, the imperial decree conferring her the title of concubine was not delayed.

……

A small building next to the Imperial Garden.

Consort Jiang set up the banquet here. The banquet was about to begin, and many concubines had already gathered in twos and threes, chatting and laughing.

However, Consort Jiang, who was in charge of the event, has not yet appeared, which has made some of the concubines curious.

Consort Jiang had actually arrived long ago, but she had been waiting for someone to appear.

She frowned when she saw Jiang Shuning arrive late, but by the time she stepped out, her brows had relaxed and she even had a smile on her face.

"My sister is so late, I've been waiting for her for ages."

Jiang Shuning never expected to run into her elder sister so coincidentally.

Logically speaking, this banquet was hosted by her elder sister, so her elder sister should have arrived long ago. How could she be like her, only showing up now?

"It's the same whether it's early or late. I'm not late anyway, so why would my sister punish me?"

Jiang Shuning had no intention of backing down. In any case, when she stormed Chengqian Palace a few days ago, she had already decided that she would be arrogant and domineering.

Anyway, she had seen Liang Qiuli act arrogantly and domineeringly before, but her elder sister and the others in the harem did nothing to her. They would not dare to do anything to someone like her who was truly favored by the emperor.

So Jiang Shuning arrived late on purpose.

Of course, she also had her own selfish motives, which was to hope to meet Chu Tianling.

Since they parted ways that day, Chu Tianling had been staying in Zichen Palace and hadn't come to see her, which made her a little uneasy. Could it be that Chu Tianling was really angry with her because of what she said and did that day?

However, seeing that Chu Tianling didn't go to any other palaces, she felt somewhat relieved.

She was hoping to wait for Chu Tianling to come here, and then she could say a few kind words and Chu Tianling would forgive her.

Then the two of them went in together, which would solidify her position as a favored concubine and also disgust her elder sister.

Consort Jiang hadn't expected that before she could even begin to verbally provoke Jiang Shuning, she would start acting arrogantly on her own.

It seems she didn't learn much from her aunt, nor did she acquire those skills of pretense. That's fine, though, as it will allow her to carry out her plan more effectively.

"What are you so arrogant about? You're just like your lowly aunt, all you know is how to seduce people."

If I had known that as long as my grandfather was alive, my father would never have chosen your concubine, and the Emperor would never have chosen you; he would have chosen me instead!

Consort Jiang pretended to be angry like Jiang Shuning, and spoke in a very unfriendly tone.

"You...you've always relied on your family since you were little, but this is the palace."

Even if you are a Noble Consort, your honor and disgrace, rise and fall can still be decided by the Emperor's word.

"When the Emperor arrives, I'll make sure she punishes you!"

Jiang Shuning was not to be outdone, and deliberately picked on Consort Jiang's sore spots.

Consort Jiang seemed to be furious and directly tried to slap Jiang Shuning. Jiang Shuning naturally wouldn't stand there and take the beating, so she started to fight back.

Yang Guipin, who had arrived at the small building early in the morning and was chatting with others, saw Consort Jiang and Jiang Shuning meet and said something to the person next to her.

"The Imperial Concubine has arrived, but she seems to have been delayed by something. I'll go and see what's going on."

As soon as Consort Yang spoke, those around her immediately echoed her.

"Alright, then Sister Yang Guifei, go and come back quickly."

She had neither the emperor's favor nor a strong family background in the harem, so she dared not get involved in such matters.

As Consort Yang was walking quickly toward the two men, they suddenly started fighting, which caught Consort Yang off guard.

However, she thought that this was probably Consort Jiang's way of making the tragic scene more realistic.

I just hope she doesn't do anything foolish and actually hurt Jiang Shuning.

Otherwise, the emperor would feel sorry for Jiang Shuning if he saw her.

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