Chapter 138:

Consort Qi was startled to hear Emperor Jing speak such words, yet she made no attempt to defend herself.

Naturally, any explanation would be useless.

After following Emperor Jing for so many years, she naturally understood that unless he had evidence he trusted himself, he would never confront someone.

Fang Ci still defended herself, saying, “This concubine truly didn’t know about the incompatibility. Your Majesty, please see the truth! Besides, when does the Noble Consort ever eat seafood? How would I possibly know that? Your Majesty—”

“This palace probably everyone knows how much I love seafood. It’s the perfect season now; even if it’s just a guess, the odds are still high.” Shen Layue stepped out from the side hall.

Qi Fei and Fang Ci, realizing that Noble Consort Shen had been there the entire time, immediately changed their expressions.

Concubine Qi, who had risen to her current position due to her cleverness, immediately grasped the crux of the matter.

She had helped Fang Ci only because Fang Ci’s family background was not prominent and she herself was not particularly smart, making her easier to manipulate.

If Fang Ci were to have a child in the future, Consort Qi could even claim it as her own.

However, seeing that Shen Layue was unwilling to let the matter drop this time, Consort Qi swiftly made a decision: “Your Majesty, this humble subject is at fault. Indeed, I came here after hearing Fang Wansi’s words. In the past, Fang Wansi often visited my palace, appearing so innocent and naive, which is why I rushed here immediately this time. But as for the conspiracy against Noble Consort Shen, this subject truly knew nothing about it. I implore Your Majesty to discern the truth.”

Fang Ci had not anticipated Qi Fei would say such a thing, but she was also aware that she had already displeased Noble Consort Shen. If she were to further provoke Qi Fei, it would undoubtedly bring her no advantage.

Biting her lip, she knelt there silently.

Layue sat beside Emperor Jing, followed closely by two little kids.

Seeing this, Consort Qi secretly felt resentful. She couldn’t comprehend why these children were so fond of Shen Layue. When it came to who treated them better, how could Shen Layue possibly compare to her?

Yet, deep down, Consort Qi also understood that neither Yan Yu nor Yan Jia could be raised by anyone else. One was the crown prince, while the other’s mother had only been demoted to the cold palace after attaining the rank of consort.

The most suitable candidate was actually Bai Youran, but Bai was cunning and vigilant, leaving Consort Qi with no opening to exploit.

Within the palace, without having her own child, how could she maintain her position for long?

However, Consort Qi quickly regained her composure. Although Fang Ci had displeased both the Emperor and the Empress Dowager this time, it might not necessarily be a bad thing. As long as she maintained the right attitude and remained Consort Qi, the more trouble Fang Ci stirred up, the better. In the future, if Fang Ci ever regained favor and became pregnant, the child would certainly not be allowed to stay with her. Therefore, her chances were still considerable.

Fu Jinyao was different from her; Fu was still young and would surely have her own children. Among the consorts, she was the one who most needed a child.

Provided, of course, that she managed to retain her rank this time.

Seeing that Emperor Jing remained silent, Consort Qi continued, “Your servant acted impulsively. I beseech Your Majesty to mete out punishment.”

Emperor Jing raised his eyebrows. In fact, Consort Qi had made the right move this time.

If she kept arguing or denying everything, Emperor Jing would certainly not let it go, but since she was acting like this now, he was willing to let it slide.

Observing her sincere remorse, Emperor Jing’s expression remained stern, yet he refrained from harsh reprimands: “Consort Qi, you shall forfeit six months’ stipend. Return to your palace and reflect upon your conduct.”

“Yes!” Consort Qi did not linger and left quickly.

Layue watched her leave without any expression.

Princess Qi ignored Fang Ci, while Fang Ci, knowing her place, did not cling to her either. Instead, she continued sobbing, insisting she knew nothing. Yet, if she truly had no knowledge of the matter, why had she so stubbornly refused to eat?

Emperor Jing disliked her behavior.

“Fang Wansi is demoted to deputy. Her salary will be withheld for a year. From now on, she must behave herself.”

In just a short while, the matter was resolved.

Layue sat beside Emperor Jing, looking at Fang Ci with an unfriendly gaze.

Fang Ci naturally understood that this time she had gravely offended Noble Consort Shen.

Seeing Emperor Jing wave his hand dismissively, she hastily stumbled away.

After dealing with everything, Emperor Jing turned to the Empress Dowager: “Mother, the palace still needs your careful management. Judging from this incident, the current batch of new concubines may not all be trouble-free. During our absence these past days, I hope you will look after the children more closely.”

The Empress Dowager nodded seriously: “Of course. Anyone who dares harm my precious grandchildren will regret ever being born into this world.”

Though she spoke casually, every palace maid present shivered slightly.

Layue stayed beside Emperor Jing, never trying to upstage him. She clearly knew when to speak and when to remain silent.

Earlier, she had predicted that Fang Ci would definitely refuse to eat the crab congee, and indeed it happened exactly as she had foreseen.

What others thought didn’t matter; as long as Guo’er and Little Deng remained spies in the Qian’an Palace for a day, the Emperor and Empress Dowager would trust her for a day.

If someone truly thought she, Shen Layue, was an easy target, then let them try!

This incident today was not only a warning to Fang Ci but also to others.

As for the Emperor, Layue deeply understood that Emperor Jing did not wish this matter to escalate too much. After all, plotting against a concubine was a serious crime, yet the punishment was merely demotion for a concubine’s misconduct. How could this not cause discontent?

That night, the Emperor had already arranged for Fu Jin Yan to accompany him, so it was certain he would not come to her Qian’an Palace.

Layue stayed in Hui Ci Palace for a while longer before taking her leave.

Seeing her rise to leave, the Emperor said, “Let me walk with you.”

Layue smiled and agreed.

They left together.

On the way back, looking at Layue’s smiling face, Emperor Jing murmured, “I did not punish her more severely because I did not want more trouble before our departure. If she had stubbornly denied everything and we had no solid evidence, hastily convicting her might lead to a reversal. It is better to retreat slightly.”

Layue stopped walking, surprised to hear such words from him, realizing he was actually consoling her.

Thinking further, she realized it indeed made sense.

Without a doubt, she herself also believed that if there wasn’t a solid opportunity to decisively defeat an opponent, it was better to retreat slightly and plan carefully.

Showing her small teeth, Layue grabbed his robe with her small hands, smiling sincerely and sweetly: “I understand. I’m not angry, just a bit upset. But all that discomfort has turned into butterflies, flying away because of your gentle and sincere comfort.”

Looking at her, Emperor Jing couldn’t help but pat her head.

“So childish.”

Layue glanced around; well, there were no outsiders, so she became playful.

“Your Majesty, this subject is too tired to walk anymore…” She tugged his hand, refusing to move, acting somewhat spoiled.

Seeing her like this, Emperor Jing chuckled.

Raising his eyebrows, he asked, “Then, since you can’t walk, shall I arrange a palanquin to carry you back?”

“Palanquins are uncomfortable and take time to prepare. This subject is already very tired, so very tired…” In childhood, she often acted like this, and whenever she did, her older brother would willingly carry her. Of course, as the Son of Heaven, Emperor Jing would never do such a thing.

Moreover, Layue had never expected the Emperor to carry her.

Emperor Jing looked at the sky, smiling slightly: “What should we do then?”

“This subject dares not ask the Emperor to carry her, but you could drag this subject along…”

As she said this, her small hands still clutched the hem of the Emperor’s robe, already wrinkling it slightly.

At this moment, it was Laixi and Tao’er who looked at the sky.

Their masters were flirting so openly; as servants, they felt extremely awkward.

“Oh? Drag you? How exactly?”

Layue glanced at the people behind her and lightly coughed.

The Emperor immediately ordered the eunuchs to step back a bit, maintaining some distance. Naturally, Laixi and Tao’er dared not go too far—it was a matter of protocol.

Seeing how considerate Laixi was, Layue looked around again, confident that no one would dare to look at her directly.

Smiling happily, Layue wrapped her arms around the Emperor’s waist: “Okay, you can walk now.”

Looking at her like this, the Emperor was both amused and exasperated.

She was behind him now, her small body hugging him tightly and playfully.

Her full bosom brushed against his back, causing him a strange sensation. This girl was indeed a little fox spirit.

Trying to walk a couple of steps, she giggled, clearly finding it fun.

Eventually, the Emperor could not continue walking.

Turning back, he reluctantly pulled her to the front: “Quickly walk properly.”

The Emperor had thought she was trying to keep him in Qian’an Palace.

To his surprise, when they arrived at the entrance of Qian’an Palace, Layue did not try to keep him. Standing under the red lanterns, waving her little handkerchief, she looked somewhat comically.

The Emperor had intended to enter, but upon second thought, he stopped his foot that was about to step forward.

Signaling to her, Layue refused to turn and go inside.

Laixi, watching the two act like this, secretly mused that if it hadn’t been for the summons to Concubine Fu tonight, the Emperor would certainly have stayed at Qian’an Palace.

Noble Consort Shen was indeed a strange person.

Actually, Laixi really couldn’t understand this. He and Laifu had been castrated at a young age and raised beside the Emperor, so they had long ceased to be men and naturally did not understand the flirtatious games between men and women—the teasing, the feigned reluctance, the playful entanglements.

Seeing the Emperor and Noble Consort Shen so affectionate, he was extremely puzzled.

But regardless, the Emperor finally turned and left.

After his figure was no longer visible, Layue still did not wipe the smile from her face: “Tao’er, let’s go inside.”

The three children had already fallen asleep. After checking on them in the side hall, Layue returned to her inner chamber to rest.

That smile lasted all the way into her private quarters.

When only Layue and Jin Xin remained inside, she dropped her smile.

“Did everything go smoothly for the mistress?” Still, the mistress had planned well.

Layue nodded, looking somewhat tired: “Help me bathe.”

Perhaps Layue was truly exhausted, as she sank deeply into the water, watching the floating rose petals on the surface. Thinking of the various beauties in the palace, she gave a faint, cold smile.