Accord de Mu Yucheng

Chapitre 104

Fu Jing's face flushed red and then paled, but she ultimately bit her lip and remained silent. The ten strokes of the cane had clearly frightened her, and she dared not contradict herself. Fortunately, she was in a good mood and didn't want to dwell on it. With a wave of her hand, she told Liu Shang to take the silver notes and follow her back to the palace.

"Your Majesty, have you heard that Dali is going to form a marriage alliance with our dynasty?" Consort Jing suddenly called out to me from behind, asking with a nervous expression.

I frowned. I had just walked past Chaoyang Palace when I heard about this. These women were even more well-informed than I was.

I smiled faintly, "I've never heard of it... Does my sister know anything about it?"

Consort Jing suddenly knelt down, "Your Majesty, I heard that the princess of Dali is going to marry into the palace."

"Really?" I replied casually.

Your Majesty

I have long heard rumors that this person possesses sorcery, and I fear that from now on, the harem will be unclean.

I'll clean it up even if it's not clean; she's really worrying too much! Is the imperial harem really that clean these days?

"I've heard that the Princess of Dali is exceptionally beautiful," I said with amusement, a hint of sympathy in my eyes as I looked at Consort Jing, who had suddenly become tense. Was she worried that an unexpected obstacle would hinder her path to the Empress's position?

"Your Majesty—" Other jealous women knelt down beside her. Was she really that frightening because she was just a woman from another race? Were they worried that Lu Li would be infatuated with exotic customs and that they would lose money on what they had spent today?!

“Sister, we are all women… I cannot control the affairs of the Dali princess. If she really comes, we have no reason to stop her.”

"I'm afraid that once that woman arrives, the Emperor will neglect his morning court duties..." Consort Jing's words were incisive, truly showing her courage and decisiveness.

“How can the Emperor compare to Emperor Xuanzong of Tang?” I gave her a slightly reproachful look.

"Your Majesty, I dare not."

"You better not dare!" I turned to leave, but then turned back to look at Fu Jing. "Don't think of every woman as your rival; they're all just beautiful women with tragic fates! Being ambitious isn't a bad thing, but showing it off makes it meaningless!"

The question stuck in my throat... Fu Jing, do you really want to be empress?!

————————————A fancy dividing line——————————————————————————

Xiqin Hall.

The maidservant quietly approached and handed over a cup of warm tea. Every time her mistress met that woman, she would break out in a cold sweat. She was not qualified to meet the woman in the rumors, but she could tell a thing or two from her mistress's expression every time she returned—that woman was very powerful, that woman never did things according to the rules, and that woman had no weaknesses!

"Talented Lady—" Huan'er called out, but Fang Jue realized that it was no longer appropriate to address her that way, so he quickly changed his address, "No, it should be Noble Consort."

Xu Liang's hand, which was taking the tea, froze for a moment. He said, "It's alright, we can fix it slowly."

"Your Highness, I heard you spent a lot of money today." Huan'er was confused. Although she had heard from the maids in the other courtyard about the earth-shattering deal at Changchun Pavilion today, she had been serving the Lady Consort for more than a year or two, ever since the Lady Consort became a palace maid. She knew better than anyone that the Lady Consort was not one to curry favor, much less someone who aspired to rise to power. She was dutiful and unassuming, unwilling to seek favor, and dared not overstep her bounds in the slightest. Why, then, did she have to make such a scene in the palace today?!

Xu Liang noticed Huan'er's confusion and simply smiled, "Are you worried about the money?"

"Your Majesty? I truly don't understand."

"I only went to make a scene for her sake."

"You mean...the Imperial Noble Consort? You're supporting her?"

"Huan'er, when you first came with me, I told you that if you wanted to survive, you had to follow the right master. What kind of master do you think is the right one?"

"The greatest master is, of course,...the Emperor."

"But he won't protect you."

"Does the Imperial Noble Consort know how?"

“It’s the Empress!” Xu Liang nodded firmly. This time, she must not have seen wrong.

"But...don't you think she's rather..."

"Absurd?" Xu Liang chuckled lightly. The Imperial Noble Consort was absurd, but Rong Zhaozhi was not. "What she does most and shouts the loudest is definitely not what she wants! That's just the kind of woman she is." Her smile doesn't mean she approves of you. Perhaps only when she calms down can you know she's thinking, but once she starts thinking, everything becomes uninteresting. She's just acting, playing herself, regardless of what the audience does or says; she only plays herself.

But Xu Liang had known the real Rong Zhaozhi! The year she forced her way into the palace and intervened in politics, she was merely a lowly tea-serving maid in the palace. Xu Liang had heard that Rong Zhaozhi had once held that position, under the guise of Yan Zheng. She had witnessed firsthand her power and majesty; standing atop the Chaoyang Palace, she could overshadow all the world's splendor. It turned out that women could also hold the world in their hands, touching that supreme authority. But after possessing everything, she relinquished it. She disdained to reclaim it; she was utterly carefree, letting go without a trace of regret. How could a woman who wouldn't even deign to manipulate the world be described as "absurd"?

The woman who once recklessly pursued power and wealth has now become a farcical figure in the imperial harem. Is she tired of it? Weary? Or does she truly hate it?

It was this seemingly unreal person who inspired Xu Liang to follow her, not just to survive, but to live a better life. Deep down, she felt admiration; she wanted to touch her soul and aspire to be such an extraordinary woman herself.

Imperial Concubine's Courtyard

Fu Jing was accustomed to sitting by the window drinking cold tea, cup after cup, the colder the tea, the more bitter it became. Sweetness could be intoxicating, but bitterness would bring clarity. Fu Jing was this kind of woman, as aloof and serene as a chrysanthemum. She disliked emptiness; if her husband couldn't fill her loneliness with love, she would pursue power! Of course, she also had her own trump cards, otherwise she wouldn't have entered the Imperial Concubine's Palace so easily.

She was such a proud person, always different from other girls since childhood. She was the youngest daughter of the Prime Minister's family, born late in life, and the Prime Minister's family wanted nothing more than to give her everything in the world. Her unique temperament was not formed overnight, but nurtured by more than ten years of power! She had seen all kinds of opponents. From childhood, she had been taught the ways of the master, the ways of governing, using, and harming people. She knew very well what power was.

That's how habits are; even if she becomes worthless, she can never erase the sense of superiority and pride in her heart.

Was the woman who always gave her the cold shoulder also lonely?

A maid came to refill the tea and asked softly, "Why does the Imperial Noble Consort dare to act so recklessly?"

“Because she knows her own worth!” Fu Jingqing sneered. “She knows she’s not good enough for that position!”

Because of her past "great achievements," she was destined to remain far from the position of empress! It wasn't that she couldn't sit there, but that no one dared to let her. Let her cause trouble while she still has the strength.

Chapter Twenty: Prelude to the Storm

The family banquet for the Yang Festival was held at Fourth Master's residence, and I specially led the children there early to help her with the preparations. In the late afternoon, several brothers and sisters-in-law from the Prince's residences had already arrived, waiting for Lu Li and the Emperor Emeritus's arrival. We sisters-in-law naturally gathered together to chat and laugh. Fifth Sister-in-law, who was newly pregnant and recuperating, was accompanied by Fifth Master, who brought Xiaoyu. I knew in my heart that Fifth Master wanted to make our meeting more enjoyable. Just then, Third Sister-in-law cheerfully recounted how Third Master had recently taken a liking to a butcher's daughter, and how the Emperor, recuperating in the garden, had found out. The Emperor coldly mocked him, "Third Brother, if you're short of meat, just say so; it won't hurt you." After hearing this, Third Master never dared to mention that daughter again.

Third Sister-in-law's words made everyone in the room laugh, and Xiaoyu and I laughed along. Just then, we saw Yin'er running in anxiously from outside, "Mother, Zhi'er—"

"What's all the yelling about? Are you trying to scare someone?" I said, getting up. "What happened to your sister?"

"She hit Sangsang."

I felt a sudden rush of anger; this little devil had finally caused trouble! My fourth sister-in-law, who was sitting nearby, couldn't sit still any longer and hurriedly walked into the yard. Xiaoyu pulled me along and followed.

The courtyard was a mess. I looked at the pastries scattered all over the ground. Sangsang had been pushed to the ground, her pink shirt splattered with mud. Everyone gathered around, but she just bit her lip tightly, neither crying nor making a fuss, remaining very quiet.

I glared at Zhi'er, whose face was flushed with anger, and went over to help Sangsang up. My arm slipped, and my fourth sister-in-law, realizing what was happening, pulled Sangsang into her arms. My fourth sister-in-law, after confirming with great concern that Sangsang was alright, finally breathed a sigh of relief, though she couldn't help but shed a few tears. Sangsang, being considerate, reached out her finger to wipe away her tears, saying sweetly, "Sangsang isn't in pain, Mother, don't cry."

I was so envious. Other people's daughters are so sweet and caring, while I've given birth to such a troublemaker! I turned to Zhi'er, my anger rising, and said, "How could you treat your younger sister like this?"

The light in Zhi'er's eyes dimmed instantly, and she bit her lip slightly, "Mother, I..."

"Aren't you going to apologize to Sangsang?" I sighed.

Zhi'er was clearly startled and clenched her fist. "I don't want to apologize to the daughter of a lowly concubine."

"What nonsense are you spouting?" I glared at him!

Zhi'er looked up. "She's not Fourth Aunt's child. She's the child of Fourth Uncle and his concubine, isn't she?"

Before I could even cover her mouth, a chilling silence fell behind me. "Who said that?"

I didn't need to turn around. I knew it was Fourth Master. Only he would keep his eyes glued to Sang Sang without ever taking his eyes off her.

Fourth Master walked out from the crowd and stared intently at Zhi'er. I quickly stepped forward, shielding Zhi'er with my body. "Fourth Brother, the child is just spouting nonsense. He only said he didn't mean it."

Fourth Master looked at me, a cold smile playing on his lips. "Fourth Brother?!"

I was shocked. Sure enough, his cold-faced demeanor could chill one to the bone.

The Fourth Master stared intently at Zhi'er and asked, "Zhi'er, tell your Fourth Uncle, who said that?"

Zhi'er bit her lip, "Zhi'er can't say."

The Fourth Prince narrowed his eyes, about to erupt in anger, when he heard someone respond, "Father, it was I who spoke to Zhi'er."

When I turned around, I saw Lu Lin walk out. He was the son of my fourth brother's concubine. My fourth sister-in-law was obviously startled and glared at Lu Lin's birth mother, Madam Yue, who quickly knelt down. "Your Highness, this child misspoke. Please pretend you didn't hear it."

Fourth Master gasped and walked a few steps to Lu Lin. “Lu Lin, have I never taught you not to spread rumors, not to fabricate stories, and certainly not to speak nonsense?”

Lu Lin lowered his head. "My son was wrong."

Fourth Master sneered, "You've made a huge mistake." He raised his hand, ready to slap her. I quickly reached out and pulled Fourth Master away, "Fourth Master, why bother? It's all my fault, Lin'er. Are you trying to give me a hard time by hitting Lin'er in front of me?"

"I had heard that my sister-in-law spoiled her child, but to this extent? My own child is not someone else's place to spoil him."

He finished speaking, and I gave a stiff smile. "Is Fourth Master blaming me for not disciplining them properly?!"

Fourth Master flung my hand away, landing a sharp sound on half of Lu Lin's face. Lu Lin covered his face, tears welling up, but dared not let them fall. Fourth Sister-in-law sighed, unable to bear it, and carried Sang Sang further and further away.

I felt as if the slap had landed right next to my ear, or perhaps it was meant for Zhi'er. A surge of anger welled up inside me; I didn't want to be humiliated by this. My hand tightened, and I quickly pulled Zhi'er over. "Zhi'er, kneel down before your fourth uncle."

Fourth Master looked at me in surprise. Yes, this was the first time I had ever argued with him. Fourth Master frowned. "Sister-in-law, why did you have to do this? It was my own child who caused this trouble."

His hand tightened. "Zhi'er, kneel down."

Zhi'er looked at me with a wronged expression, then at Fourth Master, biting her lip and bending her knees slightly, but someone quickly pulled her up from behind. I turned around and saw the sweat on Lu Li's forehead, only then realizing that he had rushed over.

Everyone hurriedly knelt down and shouted "Long live the Emperor!"

"Father Emperor—" Zhi'er suddenly buried herself in Lu Li's arms, her voice trembling with sobs.

Lu Li smiled slightly, straightened Zhi'er's shoulder, and reached out to wipe away the tears on Zhi'er's cheeks. "Zhi'er, don't cry. This is your fault. Your fourth uncle is not angry with you. He is only disciplining you because he cares about you."

I thought to myself, "What's the point of this?" But then I saw Lu Li straighten up and meet Fourth Master's gaze. "Fourth Brother, you know how much I spoil the child. Seeing him so frightened makes me feel terrible. Please do me a favor this time. I'll definitely discipline him more when we get back."

The Fourth Prince's gaze softened. "Your Majesty is too kind. They are all our own children. How can there not be some who are young and ignorant? You don't need to take it to heart."

Once the crowd had dispersed, I turned around and glared at Zhi'er. The child stubbornly refused to look at me. Lu Li chuckled twice, then hugged Zhi'er. "Girl, remember this: in this life, you must kneel to heaven and earth and to your parents. You must never kneel to anyone else."

I stood there stunned. Is this how you educate children?

After the banquet, the group returned to the palace. It was already very late. They glanced back at the children following behind and told them to go to sleep. Only Zhi'er was pulled to his side. "Go back to your room and change your clothes. Then come to the study."

I sat in my study, restless as I flipped through the Inner Canon and the Book of Changes. The thought of the family dinner kept flooding my mind, and I felt depressed.

"Mother." Zhi'er called softly, clinging to the door.

I waved her in.

"Tomorrow morning, come with me to Grandma's place to wait for your fourth aunt to arrive, and we'll apologize to her together," I said calmly, rubbing my temples.

"I'm not going."

I was startled, and opened my eyes to look at her.

She's grown up so much right under my nose, and she's more stubborn than other children her age.

"I'm asking you, why did you push Sangsang today?" I pulled her to my side.

Zhi'er bit her lip, "In Mother's heart, whatever I say is wrong, isn't it?"

"What did you say?"

"My mother doesn't care about me at all."

“Zhi’er.”

"Did you ever truly care about us?"

"That's enough." I waved my hand in annoyance.