"If it wasn't you, who else could it be?" Consort Xian didn't believe Consort Lin's excuses, "Among all the consorts, you are the best at pretending. I can see through your jealousy towards me. I'm more favored by the Emperor than you. That's why you deliberately plotted against the Crown Prince and also dragged me into it, isn't it?"
"Jealous of you being more favored?" Consort Lin seemed to have heard a joke. This stupid Consort Xian couldn't even secure the position of Crown Prince for her son, Ji Minghao. And yet she had the audacity to claim she was the most favored?
With Consort Xian's wooden mind, if it weren't for the Emperor's tolerance towards the harem, Lincui Palace would have long become a cold palace. And she still had the nerve to say she was favored?
She retorted, "What makes you think that the Emperor favors you?"
"Every year during changing seasons, the Emperor gives me the newest things. Even when I occasionally make mistakes, he can't bear to blame me. If I'm not the most favored one, then who is?" Consort Xian proudly said. Even when Fushou Junzhu was poisoned in her palace, the Emperor did not blame her. If this isn't favoritism, then what is?
"That doesn't count..." Consort Lin suddenly halted and her face turned pale.
Yes, that's how the Emperor treated her too.
But she never thought that she was being favored by him nor did she ever concern herself with it. Only fools like Consort Xian regarded what others also had as something special from the Emperor.
"Why doesn't it count?" Seeing Consort Lin's change in expression, Consort Xian thought that she was jealous and grew even more pleased with herself, "Even the oranges the Emperor sent to Lincui Palace last winter were bigger than the ones in your palace."
"You don't need to envy me too much. After all, I am more beautiful than you and better at pleasing the Emperor," Consort Xian sneered, "Fortunately, the wise and martial Emperor discovered that you were the true mastermind, which completely cleared suspicion on me."
So the Emperor really treated her well and never accused her wrongly.
"You don't need to feel proud in front of me," Consort Lin mockingly said, "Even if you are truly favored, so what? Your son still can't become Crown Prince. The Emperor's most favored is still Ji Yuansu, not your son."
As soon as she finished speaking, the door slammed open suddenly, with a loud sound.
"Sorry for scaring you both with my careless behavior," Hua Liuli stood at the doorway, bowing to Consort Lin and Consort Xian, "This subject greets Your Highnesses."
Consort Xian instinctively felt nervous when she saw Hua Liuli. She wished she could have all her attendants surround Hua Liuli to prevent any possible accidents.
"No need to be overly polite, Junzhu," Consort Xian glanced at the threshold, seemingly considering its height. Would Fushou Junzhu stumble when stepping inside?
If she did stumble, would others think it was intentional?
"Why are you just standing there?" Consort Xian looked displeasedly at her attendants beside her, "Aren't you going to support Fushou Junzhu?"
"This subject heard that Consort Lin is unwell so I came to visit," Hua Liuli handed over her hand to a maid from Lincui Palace and let them support her into the room.
Consort Lin, with no makeup on her face, was sitting by the window. Her hair was casually scattered behind her, and she appeared somewhat haggard. The beauty she used to carefully present had disappeared at this moment, making her look almost ten years older.
When Consort Lin saw Hua Liuli walking in with her attendants, including the steward from Shoukang Palace, she smiled self-mockingly. The one who favors the Crown Prince most in the palace is not His Majesty, but the Empress Dowager. She has put a lot of effort into taking care of the future Crown Princess, Fushou Junzhu.
Even the legitimate princesses of the imperial family don't receive this treatment.
With her true intentions exposed by His Majesty, Consort Lin no longer cared to pretend in front of others. She coldly said, "Fushou Junzhu has a delicate constitution. Don't come near a sickly person like me, or else you might catch my illness."
"From what I see, Your Highness seems to be in good health. It must not be an illness that can be transmitted to others," Seeing that Consort Lin was not welcoming of her, Hua Liuli didn't mind and walked over to a chair. She turned to Consort Xian and asked, "Consort Xian, let's sit down and talk slowly."
"You're right," replied Consort Xian as she took a seat and invited Hua Liuli to join her, "Please have a seat and let's talk."
Consort Lin frowned. Were these two intentionally here to make fun of her?
"Consort Xian, Fushou Junzhu, I am seriously ill and unable to host you. Please leave."
"It's alright. We brought our attendants with us, so there's no need for your hospitality," Consort Xian hadn't vented out her anger yet—how could she leave?
Consort Lin: "..."
She thought being despised by the Emperor might be the worst outcome possible, but being despised and forced to be scrutinized by others was even worse.
"What do you want, Consort Xian?" Although Consort Lin disliked Hua Liuli in her heart, the one she disliked, even more, was Consort Xian who was sitting beside Hua Liuli.
"Nothing much. Just came here to see you," Consort Xian hinted at something, "After today, it won't be easy for us to meet again."
Although news of Consort Lin plotting against the Crown Prince hadn't spread yet, the other palace consorts could guess what Consort Lin had done. Otherwise, with the Emperor's gentle nature, he wouldn't have treated Consort Lin so coldly.
"You don't need to come here to mock me!" Consort Lin sneered, "Even though I lost, you can't win either."
"Don't speak nonsense about winning or losing," Consort Xian nervously glanced at Hua Liuli. Seeing that she still had an innocent and ignorant look, Consort Xian secretly breathed a sigh of relief and then spoke firmly, "As an imperial consort, how dare you plot against the Crown Prince? Your current situation is what you deserve."
"All of you, including Consort Rong and Consort Shu, didn't have these thoughts?" Consort Lin disregarded all consequences, "Back then, Consort Rong and you were pregnant at the same time. In order to give birth to the eldest imperial son, Consort Rong even secretly took labor-inducing medicine. Unfortunately for her, after tossing around for half a day, she still gave birth to her son after you did."
"And why did Consort Shu teach her son to visit the Crown Prince every few days?" In Consort Lin's view, none of these women in the harem were clean, "Isn't it just to show to His Majesty how obedient Ji Yanqiu is?"
Consort Rong and Consort Shu had just entered the courtyard and felt somewhat embarrassed when they heard the conversation inside the room.
"Consort Lin, is there some misunderstanding in what you said?" Hua Liuli interrupted Consort Lin's words, "Consort Rong has always been gentle and considerate towards Ning Wang. Even the Crown Prince himself told me that Consort Rong is a good mother. There is no evidence behind your claims of labor-inducing medicine; you must not falsely accuse Consort Rong."
Hua Liuli's words reached Consort Rong's ears. She loosened her grip on the fan handle slightly. Over the years, her biggest regret was that she had been deceived by the rumors in the palace. She had believed that the Emperor would make the eldest imperial son the crown prince, so she took labor-inducing medicine.
As she watched her son lag behind other princes in his studies and martial arts, Consort Rong felt deep regret and guilt. If she hadn't taken the inducing medicine back then, perhaps her son wouldn't have fallen behind in every aspect.
She couldn't bring herself to tell her son this secret or let him know about it. All she could do was protect him and ensure his safety throughout his life, keeping him away from the struggles within the harem.
"What's more important is that Ning Wang is very filial to Consort Rong. Isn't it inappropriate for you to intentionally provoke their mother-son relationship?" Hua Liuli didn't know what had happened in the past, but as someone who had grown up being loved by her parents, she could see with one glance that Consort Rong's eyes towards Ning Wang were filled with genuine maternal love.
Consort Lin sneered, "What does this foolish girl from a border town know?"
Both Yuan Yi and Yurong glanced at Consort Lin. Their Junzhu had been commanding troops since she was eleven years old. Who was really foolish?
"Consort Lin, there's a saying: what's in your heart is reflected in your eyes," Hua Liuli smiled gently, "I believe that in life, it's most important to be optimistic. If you don't trust anyone and think everyone has ulterior motives, then everyone will appear insincere to you. When the Fifth Prince greets the Crown Prince, there is a display of brotherhood and respect, not mere submission. The Emperor treats the Fifth Prince well not because he pays respects to the Crown Prince, but because he is the Emperor's own child."
With a sigh, Hua Liuli continued, "Your Highness, you are well-read and experienced. I never expected to hear such disappointing words from you."
Consort Shu raised an eyebrow and smiled faintly.
She exchanged a glance with Consort Rong. Thanks to Fushou Junzhu's interjection, the awkwardness between them had disappeared.
However, considering Consort Xian's contentious nature where she would meddle even when it wasn't her concern, they decided not to enter the courtyard. They didn't want to be involved when Consort Xian went crazy and started berating people.
"Even if I've lost favor, you have no right to say anything. You don't need to point fingers," When Consort Lin heard the phrase "well-read", she felt annoyed because as someone from a humble background, besides being well-read, she had nothing else to boast about.
In order to maintain her image in front of the Emperor all these years, she always had books in her hand and wrote poetry. But what was the point? Her son was abnormal, and there was no difference between how the Emperor treated her and other women in the palace.
Just like that stupid Consort Xian, who had a better background than her—what else did she possess?
But for the Emperor, even this kind of stupid person could sit on equal footing with her.
"Consort Lin, how dare you speak like that?" Consort Xian scolded Consort Lin sternly, "Fushou Junzhu is the daughter of two great generals. She is also a Junzhu personally bestowed by His Majesty and the future Crown Princess chosen by His Majesty himself. She is kind-hearted and of noble birth. What's wrong with her saying a few words to you?"
Consort Xian deliberately emphasized the phrase "of noble birth".
Did Consort Xian dislike Hua Liuli?
Of course, she did.
But it's just dislike. At this moment, they were allies with the same stance. Both she and Hua Liuli were victims of the conspiracy behind the scenes in the imperial harem.
"Consort Lin, let me ask you," Consort Xian shook her head, "You and I are considered elders to Fushou Junzhu. How could anyone have a wicked mentality to intentionally arrange for someone to let their younger generation wear a green hat?"
"Consort Xian, please don't be angry," Hua Liuli smiled at Consort Xian, "Although I am deeply saddened and disappointed by Consort Lin's behavior, I believe that His Royal Highness the Crown Prince would never betray me. To be frank, I never believed what that palace maid said."
Consort Xian: "..."
She really didn't care whether there was any affection between the Crown Prince and Hua Liuli. She simply just wanted to use Hua Liuli to strike Consort Lin down. Why doesn't this Junzhu understand her intentions? Instead, she's looking at her with an expression of "you are so kind"?
How did Wei Mingyue raise her daughter? She raised her so naive and innocent. How many setbacks will she face when she enters the palace in the future?
Can't they be more serious and focused?
They were now in a palace intrigue situation, not a scene where elders care about the emotions of the younger generation.
"Consort Lin, I don't understand why you dislike His Royal Highness the Crown Prince so much and constantly try to drive a wedge between him and his brothers," Hua Liuli covered her chest and coughed several times, her expression filled with anger, "Even if others think I am being disrespectful, I still want to say it. Do you not feel guilty for bullying a poor child who lost his mother at a young age?"
Consort Xian was confused. Who was this poor child who lost his mother at a young age?
The Crown Prince?!
She didn't expect this Junzhu to not only be simple-minded but also have poor eyesight. What does that dog of a Crown Prince have to do with feeling sorry for someone?
Consort Lin also looked at Hua Liuli as if she were crazy. Bullying the Crown Prince?
In the entire harem, who hasn't been tormented by the Crown Prince?
Can someone please clarify who is bullying whom?
"Consort Lin, today I came here with good intentions to visit you when you are ill, but all you have done is sow discord between me and my future husband's brothers," Hua Liuli weakly stood up, seeming quite upset, "If I had known it would be like this, I wouldn't have come."
"It's fine if you don't like me or criticize me, but don't speak ill of my future husband," Hua Liuli looked at Consort Lin, "The Crown Prince has no mother to love him, but I love him."
Consort Xian found these words somewhat absurd, but when she looked into Fushou Junzhu's eyes, she silently shrank her shoulders.
She felt... that Fushou Junzhu seemed sincere.
Krish728
Author's Note:
The Crown Prince: pitiful, lonely, in need of hugs and kisses from Liuli.
Everyone else in the harem: That dog of a Crown Prince!
"If it wasn't you, who else could it be?" Consort Xian didn't believe Consort Lin's excuses, "Among all the consorts, you are the best at pretending. I can see through your jealousy towards me. I'm more favored by the Emperor than you. That's why you deliberately plotted against the Crown Prince and also dragged me into it, isn't it?"
"Jealous of you being more favored?" Consort Lin seemed to have heard a joke. This stupid Consort Xian couldn't even secure the position of Crown Prince for her son, Ji Minghao. And yet she had the audacity to claim she was the most favored?
With Consort Xian's wooden mind, if it weren't for the Emperor's tolerance towards the harem, Lincui Palace would have long become a cold palace. And she still had the nerve to say she was favored?
She retorted, "What makes you think that the Emperor favors you?"
"Every year during changing seasons, the Emperor gives me the newest things. Even when I occasionally make mistakes, he can't bear to blame me. If I'm not the most favored one, then who is?" Consort Xian proudly said. Even when Fushou Junzhu was poisoned in her palace, the Emperor did not blame her. If this isn't favoritism, then what is?
"That doesn't count..." Consort Lin suddenly halted and her face turned pale.
Yes, that's how the Emperor treated her too.
But she never thought that she was being favored by him nor did she ever concern herself with it. Only fools like Consort Xian regarded what others also had as something special from the Emperor.
"Why doesn't it count?" Seeing Consort Lin's change in expression, Consort Xian thought that she was jealous and grew even more pleased with herself, "Even the oranges the Emperor sent to Lincui Palace last winter were bigger than the ones in your palace."
"You don't need to envy me too much. After all, I am more beautiful than you and better at pleasing the Emperor," Consort Xian sneered, "Fortunately, the wise and martial Emperor discovered that you were the true mastermind, which completely cleared suspicion on me."
So the Emperor really treated her well and never accused her wrongly.
"You don't need to feel proud in front of me," Consort Lin mockingly said, "Even if you are truly favored, so what? Your son still can't become Crown Prince. The Emperor's most favored is still Ji Yuansu, not your son."
As soon as she finished speaking, the door slammed open suddenly, with a loud sound.
"Sorry for scaring you both with my careless behavior," Hua Liuli stood at the doorway, bowing to Consort Lin and Consort Xian, "This subject greets Your Highnesses."
Consort Xian instinctively felt nervous when she saw Hua Liuli. She wished she could have all her attendants surround Hua Liuli to prevent any possible accidents.
"No need to be overly polite, Junzhu," Consort Xian glanced at the threshold, seemingly considering its height. Would Fushou Junzhu stumble when stepping inside?
If she did stumble, would others think it was intentional?
"Why are you just standing there?" Consort Xian looked displeasedly at her attendants beside her, "Aren't you going to support Fushou Junzhu?"
"This subject heard that Consort Lin is unwell so I came to visit," Hua Liuli handed over her hand to a maid from Lincui Palace and let them support her into the room.
Consort Lin, with no makeup on her face, was sitting by the window. Her hair was casually scattered behind her, and she appeared somewhat haggard. The beauty she used to carefully present had disappeared at this moment, making her look almost ten years older.
When Consort Lin saw Hua Liuli walking in with her attendants, including the steward from Shoukang Palace, she smiled self-mockingly. The one who favors the Crown Prince most in the palace is not His Majesty, but the Empress Dowager. She has put a lot of effort into taking care of the future Crown Princess, Fushou Junzhu.
Even the legitimate princesses of the imperial family don't receive this treatment.
With her true intentions exposed by His Majesty, Consort Lin no longer cared to pretend in front of others. She coldly said, "Fushou Junzhu has a delicate constitution. Don't come near a sickly person like me, or else you might catch my illness."
"From what I see, Your Highness seems to be in good health. It must not be an illness that can be transmitted to others," Seeing that Consort Lin was not welcoming of her, Hua Liuli didn't mind and walked over to a chair. She turned to Consort Xian and asked, "Consort Xian, let's sit down and talk slowly."
"You're right," replied Consort Xian as she took a seat and invited Hua Liuli to join her, "Please have a seat and let's talk."
Consort Lin frowned. Were these two intentionally here to make fun of her?
"Consort Xian, Fushou Junzhu, I am seriously ill and unable to host you. Please leave."
"It's alright. We brought our attendants with us, so there's no need for your hospitality," Consort Xian hadn't vented out her anger yet—how could she leave?
Consort Lin: "..."
She thought being despised by the Emperor might be the worst outcome possible, but being despised and forced to be scrutinized by others was even worse.
"What do you want, Consort Xian?" Although Consort Lin disliked Hua Liuli in her heart, the one she disliked, even more, was Consort Xian who was sitting beside Hua Liuli.
"Nothing much. Just came here to see you," Consort Xian hinted at something, "After today, it won't be easy for us to meet again."
Although news of Consort Lin plotting against the Crown Prince hadn't spread yet, the other palace consorts could guess what Consort Lin had done. Otherwise, with the Emperor's gentle nature, he wouldn't have treated Consort Lin so coldly.
"You don't need to come here to mock me!" Consort Lin sneered, "Even though I lost, you can't win either."
"Don't speak nonsense about winning or losing," Consort Xian nervously glanced at Hua Liuli. Seeing that she still had an innocent and ignorant look, Consort Xian secretly breathed a sigh of relief and then spoke firmly, "As an imperial consort, how dare you plot against the Crown Prince? Your current situation is what you deserve."
"All of you, including Consort Rong and Consort Shu, didn't have these thoughts?" Consort Lin disregarded all consequences, "Back then, Consort Rong and you were pregnant at the same time. In order to give birth to the eldest imperial son, Consort Rong even secretly took labor-inducing medicine. Unfortunately for her, after tossing around for half a day, she still gave birth to her son after you did."
"And why did Consort Shu teach her son to visit the Crown Prince every few days?" In Consort Lin's view, none of these women in the harem were clean, "Isn't it just to show to His Majesty how obedient Ji Yanqiu is?"
Consort Rong and Consort Shu had just entered the courtyard and felt somewhat embarrassed when they heard the conversation inside the room.
"Consort Lin, is there some misunderstanding in what you said?" Hua Liuli interrupted Consort Lin's words, "Consort Rong has always been gentle and considerate towards Ning Wang. Even the Crown Prince himself told me that Consort Rong is a good mother. There is no evidence behind your claims of labor-inducing medicine; you must not falsely accuse Consort Rong."
Hua Liuli's words reached Consort Rong's ears. She loosened her grip on the fan handle slightly. Over the years, her biggest regret was that she had been deceived by the rumors in the palace. She had believed that the Emperor would make the eldest imperial son the crown prince, so she took labor-inducing medicine.
As she watched her son lag behind other princes in his studies and martial arts, Consort Rong felt deep regret and guilt. If she hadn't taken the inducing medicine back then, perhaps her son wouldn't have fallen behind in every aspect.
She couldn't bring herself to tell her son this secret or let him know about it. All she could do was protect him and ensure his safety throughout his life, keeping him away from the struggles within the harem.
"What's more important is that Ning Wang is very filial to Consort Rong. Isn't it inappropriate for you to intentionally provoke their mother-son relationship?" Hua Liuli didn't know what had happened in the past, but as someone who had grown up being loved by her parents, she could see with one glance that Consort Rong's eyes towards Ning Wang were filled with genuine maternal love.
Consort Lin sneered, "What does this foolish girl from a border town know?"
Both Yuan Yi and Yurong glanced at Consort Lin. Their Junzhu had been commanding troops since she was eleven years old. Who was really foolish?
"Consort Lin, there's a saying: what's in your heart is reflected in your eyes," Hua Liuli smiled gently, "I believe that in life, it's most important to be optimistic. If you don't trust anyone and think everyone has ulterior motives, then everyone will appear insincere to you. When the Fifth Prince greets the Crown Prince, there is a display of brotherhood and respect, not mere submission. The Emperor treats the Fifth Prince well not because he pays respects to the Crown Prince, but because he is the Emperor's own child."
With a sigh, Hua Liuli continued, "Your Highness, you are well-read and experienced. I never expected to hear such disappointing words from you."
Consort Shu raised an eyebrow and smiled faintly.
She exchanged a glance with Consort Rong. Thanks to Fushou Junzhu's interjection, the awkwardness between them had disappeared.
However, considering Consort Xian's contentious nature where she would meddle even when it wasn't her concern, they decided not to enter the courtyard. They didn't want to be involved when Consort Xian went crazy and started berating people.
"Even if I've lost favor, you have no right to say anything. You don't need to point fingers," When Consort Lin heard the phrase "well-read", she felt annoyed because as someone from a humble background, besides being well-read, she had nothing else to boast about.
In order to maintain her image in front of the Emperor all these years, she always had books in her hand and wrote poetry. But what was the point? Her son was abnormal, and there was no difference between how the Emperor treated her and other women in the palace.
Just like that stupid Consort Xian, who had a better background than her—what else did she possess?
But for the Emperor, even this kind of stupid person could sit on equal footing with her.
"Consort Lin, how dare you speak like that?" Consort Xian scolded Consort Lin sternly, "Fushou Junzhu is the daughter of two great generals. She is also a Junzhu personally bestowed by His Majesty and the future Crown Princess chosen by His Majesty himself. She is kind-hearted and of noble birth. What's wrong with her saying a few words to you?"
Consort Xian deliberately emphasized the phrase "of noble birth".
Did Consort Xian dislike Hua Liuli?
Of course, she did.
But it's just dislike. At this moment, they were allies with the same stance. Both she and Hua Liuli were victims of the conspiracy behind the scenes in the imperial harem.
"Consort Lin, let me ask you," Consort Xian shook her head, "You and I are considered elders to Fushou Junzhu. How could anyone have a wicked mentality to intentionally arrange for someone to let their younger generation wear a green hat?"
"Consort Xian, please don't be angry," Hua Liuli smiled at Consort Xian, "Although I am deeply saddened and disappointed by Consort Lin's behavior, I believe that His Royal Highness the Crown Prince would never betray me. To be frank, I never believed what that palace maid said."
Consort Xian: "..."
She really didn't care whether there was any affection between the Crown Prince and Hua Liuli. She simply just wanted to use Hua Liuli to strike Consort Lin down. Why doesn't this Junzhu understand her intentions? Instead, she's looking at her with an expression of "you are so kind"?
How did Wei Mingyue raise her daughter? She raised her so naive and innocent. How many setbacks will she face when she enters the palace in the future?
Can't they be more serious and focused?
They were now in a palace intrigue situation, not a scene where elders care about the emotions of the younger generation.
"Consort Lin, I don't understand why you dislike His Royal Highness the Crown Prince so much and constantly try to drive a wedge between him and his brothers," Hua Liuli covered her chest and coughed several times, her expression filled with anger, "Even if others think I am being disrespectful, I still want to say it. Do you not feel guilty for bullying a poor child who lost his mother at a young age?"
Consort Xian was confused. Who was this poor child who lost his mother at a young age?
The Crown Prince?!
She didn't expect this Junzhu to not only be simple-minded but also have poor eyesight. What does that dog of a Crown Prince have to do with feeling sorry for someone?
Consort Lin also looked at Hua Liuli as if she were crazy. Bullying the Crown Prince?
In the entire harem, who hasn't been tormented by the Crown Prince?
Can someone please clarify who is bullying whom?
"Consort Lin, today I came here with good intentions to visit you when you are ill, but all you have done is sow discord between me and my future husband's brothers," Hua Liuli weakly stood up, seeming quite upset, "If I had known it would be like this, I wouldn't have come."
"It's fine if you don't like me or criticize me, but don't speak ill of my future husband," Hua Liuli looked at Consort Lin, "The Crown Prince has no mother to love him, but I love him."
Consort Xian found these words somewhat absurd, but when she looked into Fushou Junzhu's eyes, she silently shrank her shoulders.
She felt... that Fushou Junzhu seemed sincere.
Krish728
Author's Note:
The Crown Prince: pitiful, lonely, in need of hugs and kisses from Liuli.
Everyone else in the harem: That dog of a Crown Prince!
