PFC Chapter 761 The Princess's Marriage (5)
Chapter 761 The Princess's Marriage (5)
Therefore, the empress appeared to be doing quite well in the palace.
In fact, the Emperor was always dissatisfied that she couldn't help him win over Prince Ying, and he rarely went to the Phoenix Palace, instead going to Consort Lan's Invitation to the Moon Palace.
Because of the emperor's dislike, the empress, who had her heart set on him, often felt depressed.
However, she could not influence the King's thoughts, which often put her in a difficult position and caused her to be neglected by the Emperor.
Xue Chanyi couldn't understand the idea of being obsessed with love. She thought that the concubines loved the emperor so much because of the male protagonist's halo.
The Empress's gaze swept over Xue Chanyi, Bai Wanning, and Consort Kang: "My three younger sisters, how are you all doing now that you've entered the palace?"
"Thank you for your concern, Your Majesty. Everything is fine," the three said in unison.
Yu Pin, who was sitting below Consort Kang, suddenly covered her mouth with her handkerchief and laughed out loud: "Your Majesty the Empress, the sisters have just entered the palace and have been conferred the title of Consort. They should be happy. How could they not be happy?"
What she was implying was that it was a blessing for the princesses who were sent to marry foreign rulers to enter the palace and be made concubines.
Consort Yu had been in the palace for over a year and had long coveted the rank of Consort, but unfortunately the Emperor had not given her any approval.
Therefore, she was somewhat jealous of the three princesses who were granted imperial titles and sent to marry foreign rulers as soon as they entered the palace.
"Fool," was the newcomer's first impression of this concubine.
The Empress remained unfazed and smiled as she changed the subject: "Look at me, I only remembered to show concern for my sisters, and forgot to introduce you to the other concubines in the palace."
"Your Majesty is a model of virtue for all women, and treats all concubines with the same kindness as your own sisters." Consort Jing glanced disdainfully at Consort Yu and flattered the Empress with a smile.
"Consort Jing's mouth is truly delightful," the Empress said with a smile.
Then, she looked at Lan Mengxin, who had a cold and aloof expression and seemed to look down on everyone.
A subtle glint flashed in his eyes, and he quickly introduced all the concubines.
"My three younger sisters must remember to serve the Emperor wholeheartedly from now on."
"Your Majesty's teachings will be remembered by us."
"His Majesty went to Jinglan Palace last night. It seems that among the three elder sisters, Consort Yan is still the one His Majesty favors the most," Consort Wen said with a charming smile.
Her tone was somewhat teasing and joking, but what she actually said carried a provocative undertone.
Consort Kang was someone who couldn't hide her feelings, and her face immediately showed an unpleasant expression.
Bai Wanning, however, still wore a gentle smile, showing no signs of anything amiss.
Neither of them spoke easily until they had fully grasped the situation in the harem.
Xue Chanyi originally came to watch the play and just go through the motions, but she knew there would always be troublemakers around.
Although she disliked trouble, it didn't mean she could be used to sow discord in her name: "The Emperor's preferences are not something that can be arbitrarily defined by anyone."
Upon hearing this, the Empress spoke up at the opportune moment: "Consort Wen, Consort Yan is right. Consorts in the harem should not presume to know the Emperor's preferences."
Upon seeing this, Consort Wen reacted quickly and immediately apologized, saying, "It was my slip of the tongue, please forgive me, Your Majesty."
"Considering that you didn't mean any harm, I'll let it go this time."
"Thank you for your forgiveness, Your Majesty."
"Your Majesty, I am feeling unwell and request to take my leave," Consort Lan suddenly said.
Although the Empress was somewhat displeased, she noticed that it was about time: "Consort Lan usually serves His Majesty diligently. If she suddenly falls ill, please remember to call the imperial physician to take a look."
"Thank you for your concern, Your Majesty. I shall take my leave now." Consort Lan bowed before taking her maid's hand and departing.
Xue Chanyi felt that this Consort Lan, who was also a favored concubine, showed much more respect to the Empress than Consort Hua from The Legend of Zhen Huan.
At least he arrived on time to pay his respects, spoke little and did not bully the concubines much, nor was he arrogant.
Perhaps because the Emperor was like a central air conditioner, although he was somewhat cold to the Empress, he still outwardly showed respect.
Moreover, the Empress's family background was better than everyone else's, so even if Consort Lan was favored, she wouldn't dare to be too presumptuous.
The Empress stood up, preparing to leave as well: "That concludes today's greetings. My sisters, please go back home safely as well."
"Respectfully seeing off Her Majesty the Empress."
Xue Chanyi went out and immediately had someone carry her back to Jinglan Palace, not wanting to have any contact with anyone.
She plans to decline greetings whenever possible, and just claim illness whenever she feels like it, because she's too lazy to go out. Wherever there are people, there's bound to be trouble.
Let them fight it out; we'll talk about it when the outcome is clear.
Xue Chanyi returned to her residence and went straight to bed for a nap, only getting up when it was time for lunch.
"Your Majesty, the Emperor sent Eunuch Wang to personally deliver a message, saying that he will have dinner at our Jinglan Palace tonight," Liuli said with a smile as she served her a bowl of soup.
"I understand." I still have to deal with Guan Xi tonight; he'll definitely be going to someone else's place tomorrow night.
After all, he needed to sell himself everywhere, and his previous favoritism towards Consort Lan was all a deliberate attempt to put pressure on the Empress.
He wanted to exploit the Queen's feelings for him to persuade the King of England, thus achieving his goal.
Xue Chanyi wasn't interested in the scumbag man's attempts to balance the harem; she was more interested in the master behind the person monitoring her.
After returning from paying her respects this morning, she noticed that there were no more guards near Jinglan Palace.
It seems her performance last night had some effect; otherwise, how could she not do something unexpected to pique people's curiosity?
Tangli Palace
Consort Kang's expression turned rather unpleasant after hearing what her personal maid had to say.
"His Majesty actually went to Jinglan Palace tonight. What's so good about Consort Yan? She just has a seductive, foxy face."
She was immediately attracted to the Emperor's dignified appearance when she first saw him at the palace banquet that day.
The young girl was in love, her heart and eyes were filled with the person she longed for, and she only hoped to win the emperor's favor as soon as possible.
The maid Hongxing comforted her, "Your Majesty, the Emperor only stayed one more night. He will definitely come to our Tangli Palace tomorrow."
"That's true. I'll just wait patiently for His Majesty's arrival."
Liuhua Palace
Ru Yun walked into the hall with a conflicted expression and saw Bai Wanning pruning flower branches.
She hesitated for a moment before speaking: "Your Majesty, His Majesty will have dinner at Jinglan Palace tonight."
Upon hearing this, Bai Wanning paused for a moment while holding the scissors, then continued: "Yes, I understand."
"Your Majesty, please don't be upset. Perhaps the Emperor is just going out for a meal and might stay overnight at our Liuhua Palace."
Bai Wanning chuckled lightly: "Ruyun, you don't need to comfort me. Even if the Emperor didn't come today, he would have come to Liuyun Palace sooner or later."
If she can't even handle this small matter after entering the palace, what skills will she have to establish herself?
"Your Majesty, I'm just worried about you. I'm glad you can think things through." Hongxing was concerned that Her Majesty was feeling unwell.
It would be impossible for them not to feel uncomfortable at all, since all the palaces were waiting to see them make a fool of themselves.
But Bai Wanning remained calm: "There are so many concubines in the harem, the emperor can go wherever he wants, we just need to wait."