Shen Mo turned his head slightly and saw Jiang Suyi staring at the training ground, motionless, with the same look in her eyes as she had back then.
That was the look in her eyes when she chased after Rong Yue calling him "Brother Yue".
Author's note: Is anyone still reading?
Chapter Forty-Two: Auspicious Sign
"Your Highness is truly a genius of our time, skilled in both literature and martial arts. His horsemanship is in no way inferior to that of a seasoned general who has fought countless battles! Your Majesty, this is a blessing for the nation and for all the people!" The old prime minister, seeing that the horsemanship was about to end, opened his eyes wide with surprise and kept praising Murong Yue. The emperor nodded repeatedly, overjoyed.
"If we possess such heroic spirit, we need not fear that barbarians will not tremble at the mere mention of our name..."
"His Highness the Fourth Prince is truly exceptional in his demeanor..."
The officials below echoed this sentiment. The Emperor's brows furrowed wider and wider, and Consort Yu's smile grew increasingly warm, even more gratified than her birth mother, Consort Xian.
Thump! Oh...oh...!
A long, resounding drumbeat signaling victory was followed by cheers from the soldiers that illuminated everyone's faces.
The second tactic was blade fighting. This was an indispensable tactic when facing the tenacious barbarians of the Northwest. Soldiers poured into the enemy's restricted area from the four directions: east, south, west, and north. The shouts of battle were so powerful that even the idle people sitting in the stands couldn't help but feel a chill.
They've been divided! The straw soldiers were instantly split into several pieces, and the soldiers used their numerical advantage to defeat them one by one, quickly dispersing and crushing the enemy army.
"Good!" Murong Yi couldn't help but exclaim. This was the most direct demonstration he had ever seen.
However, most of the women could no longer bear it, and some even covered their eyes. Even the Empress and Consort Xian frowned at the "suspected" bloody and terrifying scene. However, Shen Mo saw that Jiang Suying maintained a simple smile, and every move she made was imprinted in his eyes. Even Murong Yi couldn't help but nod in praise of her.
No, this is no longer Jiang Suying. Over the years, it seems that... a major event has occurred in which many people were absent.
The last item was archery. This was a skill that the Qitian Kingdom army was very proud of, and placing it last had a rather inspiring effect.
The soldiers were divided into several ranks. After the front rank finished firing, the back rank took over. A small set of steps below was used to disguise the shape of a hill. The front rank quickly became the substitute for the back rank. It is always a major taboo for military strategists to lose their formation. In this way, it looks neat and advantageous, without any pushing or shoving.
The accuracy of the shots was also very respectful to Murong Yi. The professionally trained shooting team rarely missed the bullseye, which pleased Murong Yi so much that he waved his hand and said, "Let me try too!"
"Bring the Heavenly String!" The eunuch had known the emperor would be interested, and the national treasure, the Heavenly String, was already prepared.
"Father, please." It was Murong Yue who handed him the arrow. The first arrow had just been shot by him, accurate and swift. Murong Yi seemed to be receiving not an arrow, but a feeling of satisfaction.
He drew the string, slung it over! The arrowhead flashed in Murong Yue's eyes. Suddenly, the light darted off course!
"Father!" Whoosh! With Murong Yue's low cry, the arrow left the bowstring, clang! Silence fell immediately below.
"Ah, I really am getting old. I can't even pull the string anymore." Murong Yi muttered to himself, the arrow landing on the outer edge of the target, but he showed no sign of regret for himself.
Officials all said it was a mistake, but they still couldn't hide their astonishment. How could the sharpshooter who used to hit the bullseye every time do this now?
Murong Yue was also astonished, but unlike them, his astonishment began even before the arrow left the bowstring—that deviation…
"Report!" A loud shout interrupted his thoughts and the astonishment of the crowd. The person who came was a palace guard.
"Your Majesty, there are envoys from other countries visiting the palace. The Ninth Prince has sent me to request Your Majesty's immediate return."
A roar erupted from below. It was obvious that this foreign country, which had prompted the Ninth Prince to send someone to invite the Emperor, was indeed a place where the two countries were on edge, and this envoy could not be neglected.
"Your Majesty..." Consort Yu, who had been itching to try, finally had a chance to speak when everyone was silent. "I would also like to try." She pointed to the target in the distance, completely forgetting the "matter of state" that everyone was thinking about.
Just as everyone was waiting for the Emperor to refuse her return to the palace, he walked to his seat, sat down again, and turned to stare at Murong Yue, "You don't care about this short time, do you?"
Murong Yue could only frown and agree. Although everyone remained silent, their hearts were already churning with excitement.
Consort Yu's arched eyebrows were like a spring breeze sweeping across the river, making Murong Yi's heart itch. She walked towards Murong Yue, getting closer and closer. Memories of the past flooded her mind again. Just as Shen Mo was about to lose control, Murong Yue was forced to take a step back, raising his bow to his chest to separate her. "Consort Yu, what are your orders?"
Consort Yu turned to the Emperor, whose face had darkened, and smiled sweetly. "Look how frightened the Fourth Prince is. I'm not a tiger. I just wanted to use the bow in his hand. It looks quite exquisite." As she spoke, she reached out to touch it. For a moment, she held a bow in both hands, creating an extremely ambiguous scene that made the officials gasp.
"Granted!" Almost at the same time the Emperor spoke, Murong Yue released the bow in his hand. Consort Yu lost her balance and almost dropped it, and her reproachful look was quite eye-catching.
The next Consort Yu was exceptionally agile. She abandoned her gentleness and coyness, her snow-white face hardening as she stared at the bullseye and slowly drew back the bow, like a bloodthirsty goddess on the battlefield, controlling hearts with a single thought... Swoosh!
"What a fine arrow!" Murong Yi jumped up from his seat, his eyes shining brightly as if he had found a treasure. He had never known that such a beautiful vase possessed such a skill! Only then did everyone realize the transformation of Consort Yu's appearance.
"Could you give me another arrow?" Consort Yu asked Murong Yi, but her eyes were fixed on Murong Yue.
Knowing that the Emperor was not yet satisfied, Murong Yue took the initiative to deliver arrows to her. He also wanted to see Jiang Suying, who was usually so delicate and only knew how to sing and dance, more clearly.
With the same posture and the same gaze, facing the bullseye, this time they began before Murong Yue could finish sending the arrow and turn around.
Ah! Your Majesty, be careful! Your Majesty…
Her slender feet, already perched on the edge of the small steps, suddenly slipped and fell into thin air. If no one had caught her, she would have fallen face-first... and that would have been a disaster! Thank goodness, thank goodness. A collective gasp rippled through the crowd.
Seeing that Murong Yi's expression was strange in the main seat, Murong Yue let go of Yu Pin's hand almost at the same time as he helped her to her feet.
Then, the bow, still in Consort Yu's hand, was suddenly released by him. Her hand wobbled, and she lost her grip... Bang! Ah! Bright red blood immediately gushed from her pale fingers.
"Imperial Physician! Imperial Physician!" In the midst of the panic, only the Emperor's angry roar could be heard. Amidst the commotion, the figures on the training ground gradually retreated. Rong Yue closed her eyes, and in the dim light, Jiang Suying's eyes were clear yet sorrowful.
In the Empress's palace, a sumptuous feast was laid out at the table. Two people sat at the table, one filled with joy and the other with a heavy heart.
"Your Majesty has worked hard today, and the weather outside is hot. You should eat something to take care of your health." The Empress composed herself and scooped a few slices of rock sugar pear for him.
"Hmm." Murong Yi ate quietly, then looked up after a moment. "It's getting late. Have someone prepare the inner chambers. I'll stay here tonight."
"..." The Empress was speechless for a moment. The women in the harem were pitiful, and those who had lost their beauty were especially pitiful. She didn't know how long she had been alone in her empty room, whether it was before Consort Tian gained favor or even earlier.
"Yes, Your Majesty, I will give the order immediately. I wonder if Your Majesty still has the habit of soaking your feet in the evening? I can..."
"Your Majesty!" "Your Majesty!" The eunuch outside the door interrupted her at this moment, and he sounded very anxious, unaware that he had unknowingly offended the mistress of the harem.
"What is it?" The Emperor frowned, somewhat impatient.
The eunuch outside the door trembled. He knew that the Emperor had not been in a good mood since returning from the training ground, but since this was a joyous occasion, he mustered his courage and said, "Congratulations, Your Majesty! Congratulations, Your Majesty! Just now, the imperial physician was treating Consort Yu's hand wound and discovered..." He was still trembling with excitement, "...discovered that Consort Yu is pregnant!"
"What?" Murong Yi's eyes widened. She ran over to open the door for the little eunuch, causing him to panic. "Your Majesty...Your Majesty, Consort Yu is pregnant."
"Good news! Hahaha, good news! Yongdie, did you hear that? I have another imperial heir! Hahaha..." Murong Yi had few children, and it had been many years since such a joyous occasion had occurred in the palace. He paced back and forth in front of the Empress, overjoyed and at a loss for what to do. The gloom he had felt earlier had long since dissipated.
"Your Majesty, I congratulate you. This is truly a blessing for the entire nation. Consort Yu's contribution is indispensable." While praising Consort Yu, the Empress's gaze was no longer directed at Murong Yi.
"You've made an indelible contribution, truly an indelible contribution... Let's go, let's go see!" He said, and left, completely ignoring the desolation that returned to the palace after he left. The Empress slumped on the brocade stool, completely listless, and tears streamed down her face.
"Your Highness?" The person who entered was the nanny who had watched her grow up since she was a child. Her heart felt like it was being overwhelmed, and she wanted to offer some comfort.
"What is it?" The Empress stopped crying, turned around, and left her with a relatively normal back view.
"Consort Tian requests an audience. If Your Highness does not wish to see her, this servant will..."
"No." The Empress paused for a moment, as if she had made up her mind. "Go, let her in!" When she turned back again, her gaze was sharp.
Before long, Consort Tian was brought in, her steps hurried. "Consort Tian greets Your Majesty." She addressed her as "elder sister."
"Why is Consort Tian in such high spirits today? On such a night, everyone is heading to Consort Yu's palace to join in the fun, yet you come to my palace to pay your respects?" the Empress pressed aggressively.
"Your Majesty, Consort Tian has come to..." She looked around and whispered, "I've come to invite Your Majesty to join me in the fun at Consort Yu's palace."
"How dare you!" The Empress suddenly stood up, causing Consort Tian to stagger back a step.
Uh… Consort Tian paused, “Why are you angry? Sister, you shouldn’t be angry today, you should be happy instead.”
"Hmph, happy? Rejoicing that she gave me the Emperor's favor tonight?"
Seeing that the Empress was speaking so directly, Consort Tian stopped being coy and asked, "Sister, do you know where I just came from?" After waiting for a while without receiving an answer, she had no choice but to continue, "I just came from Consort Yu's place." After waiting for a long time, the Empress still did not respond.
"Your Majesty the Empress is the mistress of the harem, and no one can touch her. Your Majesty, your concubine and Consort Yu will henceforth follow Your Majesty's lead. If we have any disloyal intentions, may we be banished from the palace and struck by lightning..."
"Shut up." The Empress calmly interrupted Consort Tian's imposing oath. "Is this how she follows my every command?" She pointed to the still steaming food on the table.
Chapter Forty-Three: Don't Leave
Consort Tian smiled gently, "I was unable to participate in today's performance at the training ground, but I have heard that it was absolutely wonderful, and His Majesty praised the Fourth Prince highly."
"I believe Empress Sister also knows," she looked at the Empress's clenched hands, "If things continue as they are now, then... in less than three years, the Empress will... probably be that one from Hua Ran Palace. Sister, you hate them, don't you?"
The scenes of Consort Yu and Murong Yue at the training ground replayed in her mind, and the Emperor's displeasure was also evident. The Empress immediately ignored Consort Tian's rudeness and smiled: "Could it be that today at the training ground, Consort Yu... was actively seducing the Fourth Prince to sow discord between him and his son?"
"Sister hopes so too, doesn't she?" Consort Tian breathed a sigh of relief.
"Even so, Consort Yu's bewitching face really does not interest me. What should I do?" The Empress picked up a strand of Consort Tian's hair, and her icy aura immediately swept over her.
"Now, here is a great gift. Does Your Majesty want it or not?" Consort Tian tried her best to control her trembling.
"Hahaha...Someone, bring me those two Western jade ruyi scepters. I'm going to Consort Yu's palace to offer my congratulations." She took a few steps but then stopped abruptly. She turned back to stare at Consort Tian, who had stopped abruptly and almost bumped into her. She smiled beautifully and whispered, "If it weren't for her advice, you wouldn't have been able to think like that just now, and you wouldn't have fallen out of favor so quickly. Hahaha..." She then turned and left.
Consort Tian was left biting her lower lip, unable to catch up for a long time, her eyes flashing with jealousy, but she had no choice but to let it dissipate with the night wind.
Imperial edict arrives!
Early in the morning, the Hua Ran Palace received an imperial edict from the chief eunuch of the Qiankun Palace. A group of people rushed around, finally kneeling and receiving the edict after Consort Xian. The edict essentially stated that the Fourth Prince was outstanding and brave, and was about to embark on a campaign. It also acknowledged the years of hardship Consort Xian had endured during her pregnancy, and bestowed upon her gifts of silk and pearls. Consort Xian listened without a trace of expression; this was a case of a mother gaining status through her son.
"Your Majesty, I will receive..."
"Your Highness, please wait a moment," the eunuch interrupted her, "His Majesty has a second decree." He then opened the imperial edict directly, ignoring the momentary embarrassment on the Empress's face.
"By the grace of Heaven, the Emperor decrees: Lady Jiang, dressed in plain clothes, has been generous, dignified, gentle, and kind since entering the palace. Now she is pregnant with an imperial heir, a blessing beyond measure. Lady Jiang has worked hard and made great contributions. After discussing with the Empress, I have decided to promote Consort Yu to Imperial Concubine Yu, ranking her among the four Imperial Concubines. The investiture ceremony will be held at the Half Moon Hall on the thirteenth of this month to congratulate the arrival of the little imperial heir..." The eunuch drew out the last sentence particularly high.
The others immediately knelt down and shouted, "Long live the Jade Consort! Long live the young imperial heir!" Seemingly satisfied with the effect, the eunuch handed over the imperial edict and left, refusing the reward money from Hua Ran Palace for the first time.
In the current situation, everyone is acting like a fence-sitter, and no one wants to get too close to Hua Ran Palace. After hearing the imperial edict, the servants sighed, whispered, or felt insecure.
Few noticed the trembling Consort Xian kneeling on the ground. Shen Mo, filled with sympathy, helped her up. The investiture ceremony was scheduled for the thirteenth, while the young master's expedition was on the twelfth. Such haste—in the Emperor's heart, which mattered more? Anyone with eyes could see it.
“From now on, Consort Yu will be on equal footing with me.” Back in the palace, with many servants still present, Consort Xian unexpectedly uttered these words.
The virtuous concubine of the past never cared about competing for favor. At this moment, everyone was silent, and no one dared to speak without permission, including Shen Mo.
“Come here.” She pointed at Chen Mo.
"Your Majesty." Shen Mo slightly curtsied.
"Has everything been arranged for the Fourth Prince? Have he brought all his clothes? Has he been eating well lately?"
Shen Mo was stunned for a long time after hearing this. She had been in Hua Ran Palace for the past few days and had never been allowed to see Murong Yue. Why was he asking her this question now?
"Your Majesty, please forgive me, this servant... this servant was unaware."
Consort Xian paused for a moment, then held her gaze and said, "Then... you should go and see him in my place. He's been busy with military training lately and probably doesn't have time to take care of himself."
"Your Majesty..."
Although he knew something was wrong with Consort Xian, Shen Mo didn't want to scheme against her in the face of the unfamiliar yet familiar Yonghe Lane. Murong Yue was still at the military camp and hadn't returned yet, so Shen Mo dismissed all the palace maids and eunuchs from the bedchamber and quietly reorganized the items in the palace according to his long-standing habits.