She straightened up beside Di Yunjian. Then, looking delicate yet solemn, she knelt down to pay her respects. As she bent her knees, she paused for a moment. Seeing that His Majesty didn't stop her, her knees thudded onto the ground.
"Just now, it was my improper words and hasty actions. I beg the Imperial Noble Consort not to take it to heart. I truly adore Your Majesty. I've never dared to show disrespect to you by relying on His Majesty's favor. Please spare me!"
She took out a handkerchief to wipe her tears, putting on a good show. Immersed in her act, she didn't notice that, despite being in favor, His Majesty, the Son of Heaven, just watched her kneel, and why the Imperial Noble Consort, whom His Majesty hadn't spoken to for a month, didn't need to pay respects.
All the maids and eunuchs present knelt with their heads bowed and didn't see the disgust in His Majesty's eyes.
Qing Shu and Di Yunjian just watched her perform in public.
A smile tugged at Qing Shu's lips. Her playful gaze fell on the woman. "Spare you? When did I ever try to deal with you? If you hadn't overstepped your bounds, do you think I'd even bother with you? I've been unwell and not seeing anyone. Why did I have to see you? You keep saying you came to pay your respects, but you can't even learn the proper etiquette. Now you're saying I'm deliberately targeting you?"
Concubine Jia opened her mouth, about to say something, but Di Yunjian pulled her up.
Seeing his action, a flash of pain crossed Qing Shu's eyes. "Your Majesty, every word I said is true."
"Concubine Jia overstepped her bounds. According to the palace rules, she should be punished with ten strokes of the ruler."
As she finished speaking, Concubine Jia shrank into Di Yunjian's arms in fear. She tugged at his robe coquettishly and called out softly, "Your Majesty."
The veins on Di Yunjian's forehead bulged. He didn't know how much willpower it took him to resist pushing this woman away.
The air fell silent. Qing Shu stared fixedly at the man in front of her, her eyes shining with anticipation.
After a long time, Di Yunjian said, "The Imperial Noble Consort is, after all, the Imperial Noble Consort. You must not be rude to her in the future."
This was an obvious act of favoritism.
Concubine Jia proudly raised a smile and provocatively glanced at Qing Shu.
Qing Shu gave a self - mocking smile and said, "Your Majesty is truly wise and mighty. I'm extremely impressed. May I ask if there's anyone in the world who can make more wise decisions than Your Majesty?"
The blatant sarcasm seemed to freeze the air. Everyone's hearts were filled with panic. This Imperial Noble Consort was really brave to challenge His Majesty in public.
Concubine Jia beside Di Yunjian was a bit scared. She really didn't expect this Imperial Noble Consort to be so bold.
"Imperial Noble Consort, you're being presumptuous."
Di Yunjian spoke coldly. His voice was like a storm from the abyss, carrying arrows and swords that pierced through everyone.
The maids and eunuchs present had all witnessed how His Majesty doted on the Imperial Noble Consort before. Now, His Majesty was really angry.
The situation in the palace had changed so quickly. Just a month ago, the Imperial Noble Consort was the most favored in the harem. His Majesty had even ignored the rest of the harem for her. But now, just a month later, someone else had taken her place.
Judging from Concubine Jia's promotion speed, she might be promoted to the rank of Consort soon.
"Your Majesty is right. I was being presumptuous." Qing Shu remained neither overbearing nor humble and still refused to bend her back.
She took a deep look at Di Yunjian, then turned around resolutely without paying respects and walked straight back to Guanghan Palace.
Zhu Yao and Shi Hua quickly followed her in. The great doors of Guanghan Palace slowly closed.
The maids and eunuchs didn't dare to breathe loudly.
Concubine Jia coquettishly said again, "Your Majesty, the Imperial Noble Consort said I needed to learn the rules. Look at her. She didn't even pay respects to you. She simply doesn't put you in her eyes."
Di Yunjian stared fixedly at the great doors of Guanghan Palace. An inescapable, fine pain welled up in his heart.
Although it was all an act to deceive others, seeing her stubborn eyes still made him feel heartache. He couldn't help but want to rush in and hold Shu'er in his arms to apologize.
Di Yunjian sorted out his thoughts and turned to Concubine Jia. "You were frightened today. I dote on you and don't want you to be wronged, but you can't go too far. After all, she is the Imperial Noble Consort personally appointed by me."
Concubine Jia nodded obediently and smiled. "I really just came to pay my respects to the Imperial Noble Consort, but she didn't appreciate it and even bullied me... Your Majesty, you must punish her severely."
As she said this, she coyly hugged his arm but didn't see the flash of killing intent in his eyes.
Di Yunjian really wanted to kill this woman at this moment. But with state affairs and border wars at hand, he couldn't act impulsively and alert the enemy.
Only by uprooting the Prime Minister's Mansion and investigating their entire network could he completely cut off these evils.
"Alright, go back to your palace first. I still have state affairs to deal with. I'll go to your palace for dinner later." Di Yunjian softened his voice, trying to make his tone less cold.
Concubine Jia nodded excitedly. "Okay, I'll wait for Your Majesty!"
After saying that, she took Xiaosu back to Yanxi Palace with a proud smile on her face all the time.
After watching her walk away, Di Yunjian was about to enter Guanghan Palace.
Before going in, he gave Li Dahai a look.
Li Dahai understood, nodded, and stepped back.
Although it was an act, they still had to avenge the Imperial Noble Consort.
Inside Guanghan Palace, Zhu Yao and Shi Hua were silent. Shi Hua didn't know the truth. She opened her mouth but didn't know what to say to comfort the Consort.
Seeing the Consort sitting expressionlessly on the heated kang, just reading a book, Shi Hua pulled Zhu Yao and said, "Sister Zhu Yao, this... Your Majesty..."
Zhu Yao patted the back of her hand. "It's okay. Don't worry."
"You and Xiaoshunzi go to the imperial kitchen to get the meal. The Consort said this morning that she wanted some light chicken soup. You go with Xiaoshunzi."
Shi Hua looked worriedly at the inner chamber but finally nodded.
"Then you stay with the Consort well. You grew up with the Consort. You must be able to comfort her well. I'll go get the meal first." After saying that, Shi Hua went to the side room to call Xiaoshunzi and then went to the imperial kitchen.
Inside the palace, Qing Shu was flipping through a book and humming a tune happily.
Now, it was probably all over the palace that she had fallen out of favor. The Queen and Concubine Jia's schemes were probably about to be put into action.
The beaded curtain was lifted, and the familiar sound of footsteps sounded. She smiled, put down the book, and threw herself into the person's arms.
"Liu Lang! How did I perform just now?!"
Qing Shu looked up with a big smile and then seriously took out a handkerchief to wipe his robe.
"This powder smell is so strong."
Di Yunjian saw that she was acting carefree. He knew she was sad inside but didn't show it on her face.
He sighed and stroked her head. "Shu'er, were you scared just now? It's my fault."
Hearing him say this, Qing Shu took the opportunity to hook his neck and act coquettishly. "Yes, I was scared. Your Majesty was so fierce just now... I'm so sad..."
She frowned, looking aggrieved with wet eyes.
Charming yet playful.
Di Yunjian felt even more guilty. "It's my fault. I made you suffer."
Qing Shu smiled. "I understand Your Majesty. State affairs are the most important. There's nothing more important than the country. I'm willing to act this out with Your Majesty. This way, I can also have some leisure time."
"Don't worry. I won't let you suffer this grievance for nothing." Di Yunjian grabbed her hand and placed it on his chest, then hugged her tightly.