You take on two husbands, I'll turn around and marry the tyrant and rule the world.

Looking at her coquettish face, Duanmu Qingyu's lips curved slightly, filling the room with spring.

He knew she wanted to sleep with him.

The Prime Minister's family sent her to his side to test the Emperor's heart, and more importantly, for the sake of the Crown Prince's position. He could not possibly favor her or let her give birth to a prince.

But after all, Consort Shu had grown up with him since childhood, and they were like siblings. To have her serve him in bed was like sleeping with his own younger sister, which made him feel uneasy. However, he hesitated a little when he used that medicine on her, because she was different from the Empress.

He feigned a hint of indulgence, but said with a hint of refusal, "How am I being biased? You're the best at being charming. Tell me, in this palace, whose favor can surpass yours? Just the other day I bestowed upon you a bushel of luminous pearls from the Great Luo Kingdom, and yesterday I accompanied you to the Qiyuan Hall to pray for blessings... Tell me yourself, who has received more rewards than you?"

Consort Shu, however, could not understand the Emperor's refusal at all.

Instead, she smiled charmingly. Today, she had specially worn a light pink ruqun (a type of traditional Chinese dress), and with her fair skin and beautiful face, she looked like a young girl in her prime. With this smile, her beauty was enhanced: "Brother Qingyu teased me in public. I will not stand for it and will stay tonight."

Duanmu Qingyu frowned slightly, but his expression remained unchanged. He said, "In that case, so be it. Jingxi, go and prepare the peach blossom wine."

Upon hearing the words "peach blossom wine," Chu Nianci's heart skipped a beat.

Unexpectedly, he even used this on Consort Shu.

The emperor's heart is as firm as iron; the ruler's heart is unfathomable.

"You've been so busy talking, my beloved concubines, please be seated," Duanmu Qingyu said calmly.

The concubines took their seats as instructed.

After everyone was seated, Consort Shu did not sit down. Instead, she squeezed between the Emperor and Empress, ladled out a bowl of congee, and turned her elbow toward the Empress's face.

Chu Nianci chuckled inwardly upon seeing this.

The Empress, her face nudged by Consort Shu's arm, smiled and agreed, "Sister, please sit down too, no need for formalities."

Consort Shu bowed and smiled, "Thank you, Your Majesty. I was not being formal; I was simply serving His Majesty tea."

The Empress glanced at her sideways: "Consort Shu comes from a prestigious family, and she does know the rules."

Consort Shu raised the corners of her lips slightly and sneered, "As the Empress, she is the role model of the six palaces. Last time, when she was ill, she personally took care of the Empress and even managed to bleed from her handkerchief. I am merely following the Empress's example and keeping to my duty as a concubine."

This statement is a blatant slap in the face to the Empress.

Upon hearing this, the Empress almost lost her composure, her dignified and beautiful face twisting into a ball.

Consort Shu curled her lip indifferently, and was about to continue her sarcastic remarks.

Duanmu Qingyu glanced at Consort Shu without making a sound, her clear, bright gaze sweeping over her with a light and alluring look...

Consort Shu was momentarily dazed when he glanced at her.

Then, she pursed her lips, lowered her head shyly, and said nothing more.

Consort Shu has basically no chance with His Majesty; she has no choice but to surrender.

Chu Nianci lowered her head, feeling both amused and admiring. She thought that his eyes were not only capable of captivating and alluring people, but they could also turn hostility into friendship and quell conflicts and jealousy among the concubines.

This is even more exciting than watching a play.

Chu Nianci's smile may have been a little too deep, but Empress Lin happened to catch a glimpse of it.

The Empress thought to herself.

This Consort Shu, relying on her family background, doesn't take me seriously.

I tolerated it then; you're utterly worthless.

However, relying on His Majesty's slight favor, they dared to mock me. So I composed myself, smiled and said, "Consort Shu is already stunningly beautiful, and now there is Consort Hui. Their looks are truly comparable. However, I have something to say, but I don't know if I should say it."

"Speak freely," Duanmu Qingyu said.

"When Sister Hui was serving the Emperor, it was acceptable for her to stay temporarily in the Hall of Mental Cultivation. Now that she has been granted the title of Noble Lady, it would be against palace rules for her to remain here for an extended period. I wonder what Your Majesty intends to do with her?" the Empress asked slowly.

Duanmu Qingyu said casually, "I want to keep her by my side as a servant."

"No," the Empress's expression changed slightly, and she shook her head repeatedly. "Firstly, Sister Hui is of humble birth, and her sudden promotion to the rank of Noble Consort has already attracted attention. Secondly, there has never been a precedent of a concubine residing in the Hall of Mental Cultivation for an extended period. If this is forced, it will inevitably cause controversy in the court and the harem, and may damage His Majesty's reputation. As the Empress, if I turn a blind eye to this, it would be a dereliction of duty."

Duanmu Qingyu lowered his eyes and stroked the jade bowl, pondering for a moment: "In your opinion, how should this be arranged?"

"Nowadays, many palaces in the Six Palaces are in disrepair. Only the Lengyue Palace near the Eastern Six Palaces is still habitable, but it is too desolate because it is close to the Leng Palace. Therefore, the only option is the Jiaofang Palace, which is closest to the Yangxin Hall," the Empress replied.

"How can this be allowed?" Consort Shu immediately retorted, her eyes blazing with jealousy. "Who doesn't know that Jiaofang Palace was the late Empress's former residence? To let her live there would be a great disrespect to the late Empress!"

Chu Nianci listened quietly, a cold smile playing on her lips.

So that's where they were waiting for her.

The Empress's plan to "adorn with flowers and cook with oil" was truly brilliant.

But since she had already decided to pursue this wealth and glory, how could she be afraid of this raging fire?

The bait offered to the emperor may seem perilous, but its effectiveness depends entirely on his will.

She looked up at Duanmu Qingyu and saw his long, dark, sharp eyebrows with slanted ends, his eyes as calm as autumn water, and his gaze as gentle as the rising sun, as if he were not angry.

Chu Nianci pondered to himself.

She had heard Aunt Lan say that the late emperor and the empress had a very deep relationship.

Back then, the late emperor even specially built the Jiaofang Palace for Empress Yuan, with a small door connecting it to the Yangxin Hall. This story was known to everyone in the palace.

Now the Empress has suggested that she move into the Jiaofang Palace, which seems like a favor on the surface, but in reality, it puts her in a very difficult position.

Moving in there would definitely attract a lot of criticism.

If she refused, the Empress would simply go along with it and send her to a remote and quiet palace.

They calculated every step of the way with remarkable shrewdness.

"I still need her to prepare my medicine," Duanmu Qingyu said calmly, as she fumbled for the ring on her hand.

"Your Majesty, if this continues, it may lead to disorder and resentment in the harem," the Empress said gently but firmly. "I have heard that Emperor Ai of the previous dynasty always kept Consort Wan by his side, even setting up a seat for her at court, which caused the people to become disloyal. I have heard that wise rulers always have virtuous ministers by their side, and the palace is not filled with the favor of beautiful women. I hope Your Majesty will take Emperor Ai of the previous dynasty as a lesson and establish a proper palace as soon as possible to appease the hearts of the concubines."

This is a warning to His Majesty not to keep his favorite concubine by his side, otherwise he will be ruining the country by indulging in lust.

Upon hearing the Empress's words, Chu Nianci knew that she was in a safe position.

The Empress went to great lengths to try and get herself sent to the Cold Palace.

Ultimately, the emperor's mind was not understood. It is true that Emperor Ai of the previous dynasty favored Consort Wan, but the reason for the downfall of the country was that he supported treacherous officials, distanced himself from virtuous officials, and imposed heavy taxes. The young emperor often lamented to his court officials that Emperor Ai was incompetent and listened to treacherous officials. This kind of argument could not convince him.

Furthermore, the emperor tried to suppress Duanmu Qingyu with palace rules, but this was exactly what the young emperor disliked most.

really.

Duanmu Qingyu stroked the jade thumb ring, his eyes flickering like stars in the dark night, already showing displeasure.

Empress Lin immediately rose, gathered her skirts, and knelt down: "Your Majesty, I beg you to make a wise decision as soon as possible."

Consort Shu frowned upon hearing this. She sensed the Empress's words implying that the Emperor's favor was directed at her, and felt displeased. She coldly replied, "While Your Majesty's words have merit, they are too arbitrary. If we're talking about 'proximity harming the country,' my Jade Palace is closest to the Hall of Mental Cultivation; isn't it the most suspicious?"

The Empress remained gentle: "Consort Shu's younger sister, Xiuyu, comes from a noble family, which is beyond reproach. But how can Consort Hui compare to you?"

"It is important for a person to know their own limitations. In my humble opinion, Sister Hui should stay in Lengyue Palace. She will not compete or show off, which will allow her to live a long life. This is also for her own good." Consort Yue chimed in quietly, supporting the Empress's opinion.

Duanmu Qingyu took a sip of tea and said calmly, "The Empress seems to understand the words of sages."

The Empress quickly bowed again: "Your Majesty, please forgive me. I dare not speak presumptuously. I only feel that the words of sages are always applicable and relevant."

Duanmu Qingyu waved his hand: "Your Majesty, please sit down. What you said is reasonable, but this constant kowtowing is not like that of a husband and wife, but rather like those old scholars in court."

He turned his gaze aside and said, "In this matter, we might as well listen to Hui'er's own opinion."

Upon hearing this, a slight smile appeared on Chu Nianci's lips.

She knew the young emperor was testing her.

After observing him closely for so many days, he realized that he actually preferred quick-witted and intelligent women. Considering his desire for a prosperous and powerful nation in the plum grove, the woman standing beside him must be opinionated and not easily swayed by others.

So, without haste, she curtsied and then slightly raised her head, speaking in a clear voice: "Your Majesty, people often say that 'beautiful women ruin a country,' but I believe that this is merely an excuse for incompetent rulers. Corrupt officials and pedantic scholars take this opportunity to smear all women in the world. If the emperor is as wise as the late emperor, and the ministers are as powerful as those in court today, what can Consort Wan do even if she is by his side? If Your Majesty does not become the muddle-headed Emperor Ai of Jin, and if the ministers do not become treacherous officials, then there will be no Consort Wan who brings disaster to the country."

Her voice was clear and melodious, each word like a pearl.

One is to defend the woman who ruined the country.

The second praise is for the deep affection between the late emperor and his wife.

The emperor is wise and virtuous; this flattery flows like spring water, leaving no trace as still waters run deep.

But because these words were so audacious, the hall fell into a deathly silence...

Empress Lian and Consort Shu looked at each other in bewilderment.

Unexpectedly, she said this.

The Empress, along with Consort Shu and the palace maids outside the curtain, all paled and knelt on the ground.

"Consort Hui's words are indeed audacious. Your Majesty, I request that she be punished for making unwarranted comments on state affairs." A ruthless smile appeared on the Empress's face.

Consort Shu gloated, thinking about these women who were swaying around the Emperor.

They're already an eyesore; the fewer the better.

Shen Lanbing turned pale with fright, and Jiafei was also drenched in sweat. The two of them gestured to Chu Nianci to stop talking.

A cold smile appeared on Consort Yue's aloof face.

But Chu Nianci was not afraid. When she served tea, she often heard the emperor and his ministers lamenting the rise and fall of the previous dynasty.

All of them perished because Emperor Ai neglected state affairs, distanced himself from virtuous ministers, and befriended sycophants.

This resulted in nine out of ten houses being empty, and the people suffering greatly.

Therefore, she knelt forward and pleaded...