On the west side of the inner palace, atop a pavilion that towered slightly above the rest of the buildings—
Melodious zither music drifted through the curved eaves, its enchanting notes setting the window bells ringing. Amidst rare flowers and delicate grass, within the luxurious pavilion, a graceful and plump figure was immersed in the beauty of this idyllic world.
“Your Highness, Your Highness…” A palace maid rushed breathlessly into the Xiangyu Palace. No servant or eunuch along the way dared to stop her, clearly indicating the status she held in the heart of the Jade Consort.
Just as the music reached its crescendo, a loud crash shattered the tranquility. The trusted maid burst through the door, knocking over an incense burner. Smoke and dust rose in all directions, replacing the dreamlike atmosphere and completely spoiling the elegance of the pavilion.
“Your Highness, something terrible has happened…”
“Don’t panic. Let me finish this piece!” The plump figure paused only briefly, without turning her head, and resumed playing as if nothing had happened.
Her melodious voice was no less enchanting than the music itself. The most beautiful woman in the palace indeed lived up to her reputation. With her calm demeanor, noble grace, and a perfect back view, she fully deserved the title—Jade Consort!
More fragrant than jade, more charming than flowers!
Moments later, the zither notes gradually faded into the sky, and those slender, graceful hands finally ceased their movement.
The Jade Consort turned around slowly. Her round, delicate face seemed to illuminate the entire pavilion. Her phoenix eyebrows arched slightly, exuding infinite charm. Her beautiful eyes blinked, revealing a thousand seductions. A single crimson mark between her brows accentuated her peerless allure.
“Cui’er, speak. What urgent matter brings you here?”
“My Lady… the Prime Minister… he… he has been assassinated!” Cui’er, the Jade Consort’s trusted maid from her family, wiped away what may or may not have been genuine tears before whispering, “The Imperial Diviner sent a secret message. Today in court, a monster suddenly appeared…”
The Jade Consort listened in silence, unmoving, until the tale was complete. Then she fell into a stillness so deep that Cui’er thought her mistress might be overwhelmed with grief. But then, as if breaking free from a trance, the Consort emerged from her silence.
Her delicate nose slightly flaring, not perfectly refined but harmonizing beautifully with her full, red lips, she gently flicked her wide sleeves and, still seated gracefully, said softly, “Cui’er, leave now. I’m fine.”
Cui’er bowed and quietly stepped out of the pavilion. The entire space once again fell into silence—an oppressive, nerve-wracking silence.
“Chief Steward Li!” As the last rays of the setting sun disappeared from the room, the Jade Consort’s ever-changing expression finally calmed. When she called for the head eunuch of Xiangyu Palace, her voice had returned to its usual commanding calmness.
“Your servant is here. What are Your Highness’s orders?” An old eunuch entered, bowing low.
The title “Your Highness” sounded far more dignified than “Consort.” Surprisingly, a faint smile appeared on the Jade Consort’s lips, despite her recent loss. In a voice as gentle as flowing water, she said, “Chief Steward Li, prepare to leave the palace immediately. Tonight, I will meet with the ministers in secret. Tell them not to panic. Though the Prime Minister is gone, I am still here. Nothing will change.”
Just as the old eunuch turned to leave, she called him back. Her expression remained calm and composed. “One more small matter. Also take care of this. Cui’er is becoming increasingly disrespectful. One day, she will bring trouble. From now on, I do not wish to ‘see’ her again. Do you understand?”
“Your servant understands. Your Highness may rest assured.”
The old steward’s expression grew even more respectful, though a cold sweat had already soaked his back. He hadn’t expected that Cui’er, the trusted maid, would be so easily “discarded” by the Jade Consort.
With a flick of her flowing sleeves, the pavilion returned to silence once more, until the sun set and the woman in the shadows made no further movements.
Hush… what a beautiful woman, and what an extraordinary one. The deadliest flowers are often the most beautiful.
※※※※※※※
The capital city, usually dignified and majestic, was thrown into chaos in a single day. Dark clouds swirled overhead, and heavily armed soldiers patrolled the streets, searching relentlessly. With the combined efforts of the imperial court and the cultivation sects, the city was turned upside down.
Pipi San—of course—was not captured.
“Useless! So many people, and you can’t even catch one little demon! Have I been feeding you good-for-nothings for nothing all this time?”
Inside the imperial study, beneath the gleam of the pearl lights, the old emperor’s face was dark with fury. Slamming the armrest of his dragon throne, he raged, his beard shaking with anger. He seemed to have completely forgotten how that “little demon” had once confronted him on that fateful day!
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