After Helian Qi returned to the Chengqian Palace, Eunuch Li scurried over and said, "Your Majesty, there's a document sent post - haste from outside the capital. It's from Prime Minister Nangong."
After saying that, he presented a memorial wrapped in yellow cloth with both hands.
Helian Qi frowned imperceptibly, then took it and sat down in front of the desk.
When he opened the document, he found that Prime Minister Nangong had only written about some trifling and inconsequential matters.
But what could be so important that it had to be sent post - haste?
Then, at the end of the document, he saw the real intention behind this seemingly family letter.
"I've heard that my adopted daughter, Concubine Chu, seems to have offended Your Majesty recently. I wonder what crime she has committed? I hope Your Majesty will be lenient. I, your subject, will surely do my utmost to live up to Your Majesty's trust. But Your Majesty should also treat the concubines in the harem well!"
The implication in this document was obvious: Concubine Chu was from the Nangong family, and Helian Qi should dote on her.
Thinking of this, he couldn't help but sneer, his eyes filled with coldness.
Since someone wanted to control him, he'd just grant their wish.
Presumably, Concubine Chu must have resorted to some means. Otherwise, why would Nangong Liuyun sacrifice Concubine Shun to protect her? After all, in the harem, only one concubine could be protected by the Nangong family.
Thinking of this, a mysterious smile curled up on his lips. Then he said to Eunuch Li outside the palace, "I'll go to Concubine Chu's palace tonight."
Eunuch Li bowed respectfully and replied, "Yes, Your Majesty," then retreated and quickly rushed to Concubine Chu's palace to deliver the message.
Since someone was scheming, the best way was to play along and finally overthrow their entire game board. Wouldn't that be delightful?
On the other side, in Concubine Chu's palace.
Not long ago, Concubine Chu had sent a letter to Nangong Liuyun outside the capital, saying that Helian Qi still ignored her and asking him to find a way for her to regain the emperor's favor.
It had been more than three days since then.
Just as she was wondering when she'd get a reply, a voice suddenly came from outside the palace.
It was Eunuch Li. In his shrill voice, he said, "Your Highness Concubine Chu, His Majesty has said that he'll come to your palace tonight. Please wait for him."
After saying that, he left the palace.
Concubine Chu was overjoyed. She didn't expect the news to come so soon. It was truly effortless.
Thinking of this, she quickly trotted back to the dressing table and said to the maid behind her, "Quickly do a beautiful hairstyle for me!"
Since Helian Qi was coming, she had to make him never forget her tonight. This was the only way to regain his favor.
After dressing up, she chose a peach - colored printed long dress. The petal - shaped skirt swayed gracefully as she walked, truly looking like a lotus in every step. It was extremely beautiful.
She also lit an aphrodisiac incense in the palace. For a moment, the palace was filled with an amorous atmosphere.
After everything was done, she just waited for the man to arrive.
In less than a quarter of an hour, she heard the voice from outside the palace announcing, "His Majesty the Emperor is coming!"
Concubine Chu quickly ran out of the palace, bowed slightly, and said, "Your servant pays respects to Your Majesty."
Then, deliberately staggering, she leaned into his arms and coquettishly said, "Your Majesty, it's been so long since you last visited your servant. Have you forgotten about me?"
Helian Qi looked at the woman who had deliberately fallen into his arms. A pungent and strong fragrance instantly penetrated his nostrils.
He frowned involuntarily and imperceptibly distanced himself, pulling the woman out of his arms and saying, "How could I forget my beloved concubine? It's just that I've been busy with state affairs recently."
He said these words coldly, with no warmth in his eyes.
Concubine Chu of course didn't miss the moment when he tried to distance himself from her. She was displeased but still raised her hand to hold his arm and then led him into the bedroom.
As soon as they entered the bedroom, a strong fragrance filled the air. Helian Qi frowned again, seemingly very uncomfortable.
"Your Majesty, I've heard that you've set aside state affairs to visit your servant," Concubine Chu said shyly. Her fair face looked extremely alluring in the dim candlelight.
But in Helian Qi's eyes, all this was just disgusting.
"Yes, I thought it had been a long time since I last saw my beloved concubine," he said.
If it weren't for the letter sent post - haste by Nangong Liuyun, he would never have wanted to come to this woman's palace again.
He had often witnessed her abusing the palace servants. Such a vicious woman was truly unique in the world.
Thinking of this, his eyes narrowed slightly, and a murderous look flashed in them.
Concubine Chu, of course, didn't notice the expression on the man in front of her. She still used all her charm to seduce him.
The incense lit in the palace seemed to really contain some aphrodisiac ingredients. Soon, Concubine Chu was sweating slightly.
She impatiently leaned half of her body against Helian Qi.
"Your Majesty, your servant has really missed you these days," she said in a soft voice.
The ending sound rose slightly, full of charm.
But Helian Qi still looked cold, as if he wasn't the least bit moved by the woman in front of him, and there was no reaction from his body.
Concubine Chu was a bit indignant at his appearance. Then she threw her whole body into his arms and looked up at him with her eyes.
Then she wanted to kiss his lips.
Just as their lips were about to meet, Helian Qi suddenly stood up. Concubine Chu, who had been leaning on him, was suddenly thrown to the ground.
The sudden impact of hitting the ground made her unable to utter a sound from the pain. She just looked at the man in front of her with a resentful look in her eyes.
But Helian Qi just gave her a cold look and didn't offer to help her up.
"I suddenly remembered that I still have some official documents to deal with. I'll go back first. My beloved concubine should rest well."
After saying that, he turned around without hesitation and left Concubine Chu's bedroom.
Concubine Chu, who was left on the spot, still lay on the ground. The coldness from the ground gradually seeped into her internal organs and finally turned into a raging fire that had nowhere to escape.
After watching the man's back gradually disappear from her sight, she finally roared out of control.
The maids outside the palace heard the sound and rushed in. They saw their mistress lying on the ground.
They wanted to go forward to help her, but she roared and drove them away.
Why? Why did that man humiliate her like this? How could he just abandon her on the ground? What did he take her, Dongfang Chu, for?!
Thinking of this, the anger in her heart turned into hatred, and her plan in mind became even more determined.
Since he could be so heartless, then don't blame her for being unrighteous.
Thinking of this, she slowly got up from the cold ground, her eyes filled with killing intent.
At this moment, she fully determined to carry out that person's plan.