The Poisonous Consort, the Regent's Beloved

There was no other way now, so the palace maid took the box and presented it to the Empress.

When Su Wan'er saw that she had really prepared a gift, she couldn't help but feel nervous. She had seen her at the jewelry shop before and she seemed to be really rich. Could it be that she had prepared an expensive gift?

Wouldn't she have shot herself in the foot? Suddenly, she regretted reminding her.

The Empress opened the box, her brows furrowing suddenly. Everyone knew something was wrong, but they couldn't help craning their necks to watch the drama unfold.

Seeing that the Empress was about to take out the gift, Su Fuying quickly said, "Your Majesty, please take a look at this gift separately."

Upon hearing her words, the Empress's expression darkened further. She could tell at a glance what was so interesting about a letter.

Trying to fool her with something like this is simply outrageous. Just as he was about to lash out, he saw Su Fuying's face and thought of the Crown Prince.

"Fine, for the sake of the Crown Prince." He then reached out and took the item out, opening it while using the lid as a cover.

In just a few breaths, he finished reading the contents, "snap".

All anyone saw was her face turn pale, then the box was slammed shut and slammed onto the table with a bang.

At this point, the onlookers dared not utter a sound, all lowering their heads and remaining silent.

Su Fuying thought to herself, "This is bad. What kind of nonsense is this bastard writing? Judging from this, I'm probably going to die today."

Immediately afterward, the Empress rose from her seat, her sharp gaze scrutinizing Su Fuying as if she wanted to see right through him. The sinister aura emanating from her made Su Fuying's heart tighten.

Looking up, they saw the elegant and dignified person on the high platform whose chest was heaving violently and whose eyes were sharp—a sight they had never seen before.

My mind raced, trying to come up with a solution. Should I pretend I delivered it to the wrong address? But I didn't even know what was written on it. Was I really doomed today?

"Good, good, good."

The Empress said "good" three times in a row, which surprised everyone. Before they could react, they heard her continue, "I like Miss Su's gift very much. People, give her the gift."

Everyone was stunned, wondering what gift Su Fuying had given that could please the Empress so much. Just then, they heard the Empress speak again: "I will reward you handsomely. Bring up the shimmering brocade that was presented as tribute from the Western Regions a few days ago, as well as my set of white jade hair ornaments with silk threads."

The Empress's words caused an uproar in the hall. "The shimmering brocade is a piece of cloth that was presented as tribute from the Western Regions this year. There were only three pieces. The Empress Dowager has two pieces, and the Empress only received this one."

"That's right. I heard that set of jewelry was a gift from His Majesty before he ascended the throne, and it's the Empress's favorite set of jewelry."

"My goodness, what kind of gift did Su Fuying give to receive such an honor?"

Everyone speculated, their gazes towards Su Fuying filled with curiosity and envy. Meanwhile, Su Fuying felt uneasy. She knew her gift was just a letter, nothing special; why had she received such a generous reward?

Is it because this painting has some special significance? Or is the Empress trying to use this opportunity to flatter her and ruin her?

Thinking of this, Su Fuying frowned slightly, becoming secretly wary. Hearing these discussions, Su Fuying gradually recovered from her shock.

Realizing what had happened, Su Wan'er quickly knelt down to express her gratitude. Her eyes nearly popped out of their sockets; heaven knows how excited she had been when she saw the Empress lose her temper.

"I've never seen Her Majesty the Empress so angry. She always refers to herself as gentle and refined." Su Wan'er thought to herself. She originally thought Su Fuying was finished today, but she didn't expect this... What on earth is going on?

Su Fuying was also baffled. Just now, judging from the Empress's aura, it was clearly a sign of great anger. How could she suddenly be like this? She couldn't understand it at all, and her heart was full of doubt and confusion.

She had been anxious all morning, her curiosity burning so intense that she wanted to ask Lu Yanxiu right now what was going on. However, the occasion didn't allow it, so she could only suppress her curiosity and wait for the banquet to end.

As the morning passed, the Empress continued to speak to Su Fuying with a smile. Having gained the Empress's favor, more and more people came forward to chat with her, and Su Fuying was finding it difficult to keep up.

After lunch, the ladies all took their leave and went home. As they were leaving, Su Fuying saw the face of the Grand Commandant's wife. As if sensing something, the Grand Commandant's wife also suddenly turned around and looked over.

In the instant our eyes met, I suddenly felt a strange feeling in my heart, which vanished in a flash.

The Grand Commandant's wife's gaze fell on her face, staring at her intently for a few seconds, her expression somewhat indescribable.

Su Fuying looked puzzled. Why were these people acting so strangely today?

As soon as noon passed, drowsiness set in, and everyone went for a stroll in the garden. Though they called it a stroll, it was more about keeping up with each other.

She wanted to go back too, but Su Wan'er kept holding her hand, pretending to be a close sister.

Looking at Su Wan'er's face reminded her of that person, and she couldn't help but feel impatient. She couldn't keep up the act any longer and was about to pull her hand away when suddenly someone squeezed in beside her.

Ji Zhiyun squeezed in between the two with a grin, "What are you doing here? Go find your best friend and play."

These words were spoken to Su Wan'er, whose best friend was naturally Ji Nanqing.

Yes, why didn't I see Ji Nanqing looking for Su Wan'er today? Su Fuying's eyes searched around the hall and found Ji Nanqing sitting in the corner.

Su Wan'er's expression became somewhat unnatural upon hearing Ji Zhiyun's words, but she still forced a smile and said, "Sister and I are having a pleasant chat, I'll stay with you a little longer."

Ji Zhiyun raised an eyebrow, looked at Su Fuying, and said with a half-smile, "Really? What are you talking about? Tell me about it."

Su Fuying smiled awkwardly; she couldn't very well say that they hadn't talked about anything. Just as she was thinking about how to answer, Ji Zhiyun spoke up again: "But you seem quite sleepy. Why don't you come to my place to rest? I have some good tea that will surely refresh you."

Su Fuying was intrigued. She was indeed a bit tired, and she also wanted to find an opportunity to inquire about some things. So she nodded and said to Su Wan'er, "Sister, I'll go have a cup of tea with Miss Ji first. Why don't you come along?"

Su Wan'er quickly shook her head and said, "No need, I'm not thirsty, you go ahead, sister." She didn't want to go to Ji Zhiyun's place at all. Ji Nanqing had deliberately distanced herself from her today, and she considered herself to be of higher status than her, so how could she possibly lower herself?

Su Fuying didn't insist and left with Ji Zhiyun. Watching their departing figures, Su Wan'er's face turned gloomy.

Just you wait, today I'll make sure you're utterly disgraced.