Chapter 40:

When Emperor Jing arrived, Bai Xiaodie sobbed even louder. Lian Xiuyun was no longer as assertive as before, instead revealing a hint of grievance. Only Shen Layue remained defiant, her eyes wide and full of resistance.

She stood there stubbornly, her expression resolute.

” Consort Lian, you speak first,” the emperor said in a calm, emotionless tone.

Lian Xiuyun hadn’t expected the emperor to call on her first, and a flicker of delight passed through her heart, though she didn’t show it on her face.

She replied sincerely, “Your Majesty, I was out for a stroll when I came upon Consort Chun and Concubine Bai arguing. I heard Consort Chun speaking harshly, and saw Concubine Bai in tears, seemingly wronged. We are all sisters, why must we make things hard for each other? I merely stepped in to mediate.”

What a statement—seemingly absolving herself completely while showcasing her wisdom and benevolence.

“Is that so?” the emperor asked Bai Xiaodie. “Concubine Bai, did Consort Chun bully you?”

Bai Xiaodie shook her head repeatedly. “No, no, Your Majesty. Consort Chun, she, Consort Chun was only trying to comfort me kindly.”

Though her words were conciliatory, the implications were profound.

Seeing their behavior, Layue had already turned the matter over in her mind countless times.

She herself had done nothing wrong, but these two had clearly ganged up on her. And the emperor—when had he arrived, and how long had he been there? Had Lian Xiuyun known he was present?

Yet, only a moment later, Layue dismissed her own speculation. If Lian Xiuyun had known the emperor was there, she certainly wouldn’t have spoken so boldly. As for Bai Xiaodie—her intentions were still unclear.

Remaining silent, Layue finally found the emperor’s gaze settling on her. “Consort Chun, is what they said true?”

Layue steadied her thoughts, then offered a bright smile and spoke slowly, “Ugly people always make trouble.”

A gasp. Not only the emperor, even Lai Xi, standing behind him, couldn’t help but be startled. “Ugly people always make trouble”—Consort Chun was truly daring to say such a thing.

Lian Xiuyun and Bai Xiaodie were naturally not as beautiful as Shen Layue. Hearing such words, they looked even more wronged.

The emperor extended his hand toward Layue. After a moment’s thought, she shuffled over to his side, and he brushed her bangs aside gently.

“Consort Chun, tell me truthfully, what exactly happened just now?” His voice was now soft, no longer impassive.

“Nothing much, really. Someone just heard that Yulan attended the emperor last night and came to provoke me a bit. After trying to disgust me, they pretended to cry, acting like the victim of my bullying. As for the other one, I can only describe her in four words—undeserved reputation. She always tries to stand out, putting on a show of righteousness and integrity, but it’s all an act.”

Such words were biting. Even Bai Xiaodie and Lian Xiuyun hadn’t expected Shen Layue to be so ruthless.

The emperor was momentarily taken aback, then laughed heartily.

He pulled her into his arms. “You little rascal, you really don’t know any better. How can you speak like that?”

“Ah, the truth is often not believed,” she said casually.

Though she appeared indifferent and sharp-tongued, the emperor could feel the subtle trembling of her body.

Looking closely at her, he realized she was clearly forcing herself to be strong. If he didn’t leave soon, those beautiful, tear-filled eyes would surely spill over.

Holding her delicate little hand, the emperor turned to the two women who were pretending to be wronged.

His voice was ice-cold. “If I hadn’t already been standing here, I might have been deceived by you two. Consort Lian, for stirring up trouble, you are demoted to the rank of Noble Lady. Bai, for sowing discord, you are demoted to the rank of Wujuan. From now on, guard your words and actions, and do not act recklessly.”

He turned away in disgust.

Then he turned back, speaking gently to comfort her. “Moon, go back to your quarters first. I have some matters to attend to, but I’ll come see you later. I know you’ve been wronged. Be a good girl and wait for me. The weather is getting colder. Lai Xi, send the snow fox fur from the Northern Que Kingdom to Consort Chun’s palace.”

“Thank you for Your Majesty’s kindness,” Layue replied without much enthusiasm.

The emperor couldn’t help but ruffle her hair again, soothing her. “I won’t let you be wronged. Be a good girl and go back first.”

“Alright.”

She didn’t cling, but instead properly took her leave, her steps somewhat hurried. Occasionally, he saw her raise her arm as if wiping her eyes.

If he had stayed a moment longer, she surely would have cried. What a stubborn little girl.

He cast a cold glance at the pale-faced Lian Xiuyun and Bai Xiaodie, then snorted and left.

Before long, the palace was buzzing with news of the three women’s quarrel.

Indeed, Layue walked quite quickly, tears streaming down her face.

Seeing this, Tao’er tried to comfort her. “My lady, don’t be too upset. The emperor truly cares for you and won’t let you be wronged.”

Layue wiped her tears, saying little.

Xing’er tugged at Tao’er’s sleeve and shook her head. The two fell silent.

Back at Tingyu Pavilion, Layue covered her face with a handkerchief. Everyone thought she was sad, but in fact, beneath the handkerchief, her face was blooming with a smile.

“My lady, Eunuch Lai has come with the snow fox fur gifted by the emperor.”

“Bring it in.”

Layue ran her hand over the soft, white fur, silently admiring its quality. This year, the Northern Que Kingdom had only offered ten pelts. Four were given to ministers, one kept by the emperor himself, and the remaining five were bestowed upon the Empress Dowager, Consort De, Noble Consort Fu, and the Eldest Prince.

This last one had been coveted by many, yet unexpectedly, the emperor had given it to her.

Regardless of the emperor’s intentions, she was pleased. She had never wanted to remain obscure in the palace. Every day smiling sweetly before him was precisely to advance her position step by step.

The gift itself wasn’t important—it was the meaning behind it that mattered.

The emperor had gone to Jiaoyun Palace, but even without his saying so, Layue naturally knew. Thinking of everyone in the palace, she ran her soft fingers over the luxurious snow fox cushion. Although the Empress Dowager seemed dissatisfied with Consort De, in reality, she entrusted her with all palace affairs and had even ordered her to investigate several major incidents.

Consort De—how could she possibly investigate Fu Jinyao’s case impartially? Perhaps the Empress Dowager had deliberately given Consort De an opportunity to place her own people.

As for the bones—since the matter was so old, it must have been done by someone else. Disturbing the pregnancy, indeed. How many people in the palace truly wished Fu Jinyao to bear this child?

Even the child’s own father might not welcome him.

The emperor needed heirs, and the Empress Dowager valued descendants, but Fu Jinyao already had one son. The emperor would never allow the Fu family to have a second.

Fu Jinyao was destined to be a sacrifice.

Thus, the child’s safety would depend entirely on Fu Jinyao’s own abilities.

“His Majesty is here!” Lai Xi’s shrill voice rang out.

Layue hurried to rise. By the time she reached the door, the emperor had already strode in.

“Quickly, get up, Moon.”

He looked closely at her eyes, his heart aching slightly. “Silly girl, you’ve been crying.”

She shook her head, wrapping her arms around his waist and nuzzling him gently.

Seeing her still seemed down, the emperor was puzzled and asked why.

Layue didn’t beat around the bush. “Your Majesty, if today you hadn’t already known they were lying, would you have protected me?”

Her voice carried a hint of uncertainty.

Seeing her pitiful expression, the emperor, upon hearing her reason for being upset, tapped her little nose.

“Fanciful thoughts. You should know how I treat you,” he didn’t answer directly, then bit her neck gently.

Seeing the snow fox fur thrown carelessly on the bed, the emperor seemed to think of something and whispered in her ear.

After listening, Layue’s face turned red. She lowered her head, clenched her fists, and playfully punched his shoulder.

“How could you? How could you?”

Seeing her blushing, he continued whispering. The two began to play and laugh together.

Judging from their behavior, the emperor must have said something indecent. Sure enough, soon the room was filled with soft panting.

After their passion, they lay together, leaning against the headboard.

The emperor caressed Layue, who had just cried, and gently kissed her cheek.

“You and Concubine Chen aren’t as close as it seems?” he asked seemingly casually.

“She came to cry to you last night?” Layue’s voice carried a hint of mockery.

“Smack!” Her bottom received a light slap.

“You’re an ungrateful girl. I care for you, yet you act like this. Truly, you’re heartless.”

She pouted at him.

She bit his chin, her eyes flashing.

The emperor, having been bitten, found the experience quite novel.

“Are you upset?”

“No,” she mumbled.

Looking as if she were the most wronged girl in the world.

Knowing why she was like this, the emperor said nothing further. Naturally, he didn’t need to explain himself to her. He was simply finding her behavior amusing and endearing.

He lifted her face. “I will always be good to you. No matter what, I won’t hurt you.”

“You love me the most, right?”

“Right. I love you the most. And you must be obedient, understand?”

“When have I ever been disobedient?”

She sighed.

Layue traced his chest with her finger, speaking slowly. “Your Majesty doesn’t understand my relationship with Yulan. We grew up together. Though girls often compete, we remained close. My younger sister was much younger, so naturally, Yulan and I were closer in age and often played together. But all that changed before we entered the palace. After entering the palace, everything was different—not because Yulan or I changed, but because the reality was no longer the same. Now that we share the same man, we can never be as close as before.”

After hearing her words, the emperor fell into thought.