120 Offense (2)

Now that she has ascended to the position of Empress Dowager, and Nangong Zixuan has long since passed away, could Lu Ning truly harbor such deep resentment against her?

Unable to ponder further, I realized that many matters within this harem were unfamiliar to me, and no amount of reflection could yield clarity.

Arriving at the imperial garden, the delicate laughter of a group of women reached my ears. It seemed Mu Yan’s words were true; the consorts had all gathered.

“Why hasn’t Consort Tong arrived yet? Could it be that the Empress Dowager’s decree was ambiguous? Even Her Majesty the Empress is here already. Did Consort Tong return to her place yesterday only to become arrogant today, ignoring even the Empress Dowager herself?”

The speaker was Jiang Ziqian, and her words happened to reach Zhang Bitong’s ears.

Zhang Bitong snorted coldly. “While I was absent, each one of you spoke ill of me behind my back. It’s clear you cannot bear to see me prosper; you’re jealous.”

With that, Zhang Bitong chuckled softly and approached Lu Ning. “Empress Dowager, I apologize for my tardiness. I waited for quite some time at Cining Palace, only to learn later that Your Majesty was in the imperial garden. Hence, I hurried here to pay my respects.”

Lu Ning remained composed, but Jiang Ziqian laughed and said, “Consort Tong, aren’t you lying? We all knew to come here, but somehow you didn’t? Now you blame the Empress Dowager for misleading you?”

“Sister Zi, one must be careful with words. I never said it was the Empress Dowager’s fault. I truly waited long at Cining Palace, and it was only when Aunt Mu Yan returned that I learned everyone was in the garden.”

Jiang Ziqian gave a sidelong glance. “Now Aunt Mu Yan is gone, and it’s just you saying whatever you please.”

“You—”

“Enough, Consort Tong,” the Empress said. “I know you recently regained your rank, but you should learn your lesson. Is it necessary to act so haughty and reprimand others?”

Zhang Bitong’s face darkened, but she could only reply, “I thank Her Majesty the Empress for her guidance.”

“I summoned you all because the garden’s spring beauty will soon fade. The days grow warmer; soon it will be time to seek refuge from the heat. Who would think to enjoy the flowers then? Yet you all chatter ceaselessly, disturbing my mood.”

“We are frightened and beg the Empress Dowager’s pardon,” the consorts rose.

“Sit down,” Lu Ning commanded.

No sooner had they settled than Hu Yan Ya stood. “In my opinion, it’s Consort Tong’s arrival that’s ill-timed. Weren’t we all chatting happily before? Empress Dowager, wouldn’t you agree?”

“Consort Ya,” Lu Ning replied, “I admit fault and have been punished for it. Yet yesterday, His Majesty said I was merely too strict in observing palace rules. You are not without blame either. Will you continue to flaunt your favor? Besides, His Majesty’s affections no longer lie with you.”

Zhang Bitong glanced toward Xiao Ruo, seated at the far end.

Dressed in pink, her bodice revealed the fair skin of her chest, smooth as porcelain.

Only days ago, Xiao Ruo wore palace maid’s attire; now, having risen to the rank of noble consort, she seemed transformed, exuding a commanding presence.

Hu Yan Ya looked at Xiao Ruo and said, “His Majesty’s fondness for dancing is a recent whim. He said he loves me most, thinks of me every day, and only I can satisfy him.”

“Oh, Sister Ya, you’d better watch your words,” Lin Tanwei blushed slightly, waving a handkerchief near Hu Yan Ya. “Some of us might accept that, but Consort Tong, who has not been to bed with His Majesty for a long time, must feel hurt by such remarks. But truly, yesterday I thought His Majesty would visit Consort Tong, yet fate had other plans!”

The teasing was unmistakable.

Zhang Bitong had become the target of scorn, and Lin Tanwei’s words subtly incited strife between her and Xiao Ruo. Should they quarrel, the others could expect some entertainment.

Zhang Bitong sneered. “You say fate’s unpredictable, but who laughs last? Sometimes, a woman succeeds not just by youth and beauty, but by wit. You should all learn from Consort Yun, who conceived the dragon heir so quickly and continues to enjoy His Majesty’s favor, without needing to pay respects to the Empress Dowager.”

“Consort Yun carries my imperial grandson. Were she to seek audience, I would not permit it,” Lu Ning interjected, making Zhang Bitong somewhat embarrassed.

“Empress Dowager, please be considerate to us. I have not seen Your Majesty for days; you look ever more radiant,” Jiang Ziqian said with a smile.

“I spend my time tending flowers and drinking tea in the palace. Perhaps tranquility keeps one youthful,” Lu Ning replied.

---

“Empress Dowager’s temperament is beyond us mere mortals. Empress, don’t you agree?” Jiang Ziqian smiled at the Empress.

The Empress nodded. “Her Majesty has always been so composed. I have never been able to emulate it.”

“You oversee the six palaces, far busier than I, a mere idler. I know your burdens are great. Though His Majesty is busy with affairs of state, he ought to spend more time with you.”

“I thank the Empress Dowager for her understanding.”

“I hear that at this time, Yunfeng Temple on Yunfeng Mountain outside the capital is most fervent with incense offerings. I have been cooped up too long and wish to leave the palace to pray for the Great Jin. Will you all accompany me?”

Without hesitation, they rose. “We would be honored to go with Your Majesty.”

“You are kind to offer. We shall go in three days; prepare yourselves.”

“Yes!”

“By the way,” Lu Ning suddenly remembered, looking at Zhang Bitong, “Consort Tong, I heard you were unwell recently. Is that true?”

Zhang Bitong, startled by the concern, hurried to respond, “I thank Your Majesty for your care. I have fully recovered. It was only due to recent punishment and remorse that I fell ill.”

Lu Ning nodded. “In that case, continue to recuperate within the palace. Do not accompany us to Yunfeng Temple; the journey would be taxing.”

Before Zhang Bitong could respond, Lin Tanwei and others chuckled quietly.

“I am quite well, Empress Dowager. You need not—”

Her words cut short by laughter, suggesting Lu Ning clearly did not wish her to come.

“Empress Dowager, I shall stay behind. It is inconvenient to go to Yunfeng Mountain,” Zhang Bitong insisted.

Lu Ning nodded. “As the mistress of the six palaces, you cannot leave lightly. Remain in the palace; other consorts require your care.”

“Thank you for your understanding.”

“Enough. I grow weary and shall return to the palace. If you wish to continue enjoying the flowers, be my guest. At my age, I no longer make a fuss.”

At that moment, Mu Yan arrived and supported Lu Ning.

“I bid Your Majesty farewell.”

After seeing Lu Ning off, the others resumed their seats.

Hu Yan Ya, however, stood again. “I have never cared much for flowers. Given the time, I would rather ride my horse around the paddock. Empress, I take my leave.”

“Very well, you may withdraw.”

Hu Yan Ya left, and Jiang Ziqian remarked, “Consort Ya is truly unrestrained, unique among us. No wonder His Majesty fancies her.”

“Sister Zi, she’s not the only one with flair. Yesterday, His Majesty even titled someone the ‘Fairy of a Hundred Flowers,’” Lin Tanwei smiled.

All eyes turned again to Xiao Ruo, who said nothing but rose, bowing respectfully. “Your Majesty, I feel unwell and wish to return to the palace. Please grant me leave.”

“Could it be that a few words upset you, Consort Ruo? You mustn’t be so petty!” Jiang Ziqian said.

“Enough,” the Empress said. “Consort Ruo’s complexion does look pale. After all, she has endured hardships as a palace maid.”

“Her Majesty is truly considerate,” Lin Tanwei smiled. “But suddenly rising from maid to noble consort—might she still be unaccustomed? Let us hope she avoids making a fool of herself.”

---

Though the Empress appeared to defend Xiao Ruo, her words, aided by Lin Tanwei and Jiang Ziqian, were veiled mockery.

Xiao Ruo stood quietly, her expression steady, evoking my sympathy.

She bowed again. “I shall heed my elder sisters’ advice and diligently learn palace rules. If I err, please do not blame me.”

Upon hearing this, Lin Tanwei and Jiang Ziqian exchanged glances, then looked to the Empress.

“Consort Ruo, you may return. If you are ill, His Majesty will surely be concerned.”

“Thank you, Your Majesty.”

With the help of a palace maid, Xiao Ruo departed, casting a lingering glance my way.

“She seems gentle and sensible,” Jiang Ziqian observed after her departure.

Lin Tanwei smiled. “Just having climbed the ranks, it would be foolish to act arrogantly. She made a splash last night; today she dares not show off. If I were her, I would be just as respectful.”

“Sister Tan, you know so much; no wonder you rose from maid to consort,” Jiang Ziqian laughed.

“Still, she can’t compare to Consort Tong. In such a short time, Consort Tong has climbed swiftly. Truly, she is the wisest among us.”

Zhang Bitong chuckled lightly. “I’ve always said, a woman’s success is not just youth and beauty, but brains.”

“Consort Tong,” the Empress said, “Are you implying you used cunning to win the Emperor’s favor?”

“I—” Zhang Bitong hesitated. “I misspoke and meant no such thing.”

“Enough. I grow tired. We have conversed and enjoyed the flowers; it is time to return. Ming He, assist me back to the palace.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

As the Empress left, others began to depart, leaving only Zhang Bitong, Lin Tanwei, Meng Pingjun, and Liu Yunmeng.

Meng Pingjun rose to leave, but Lin Tanwei suddenly asked, “Sister Jun, you seemed unwell yesterday?”

Meng Pingjun stopped. “Thank you for your concern. Serving His Majesty, how could I be unwell?”

“You are generous; I hope your words are sincere.”

“Sister, I take my leave.”

“I’ll go with you. It’s late; why linger here?”

Meng Pingjun and Lin Tanwei departed together, leaving only Liu Yunmeng and Zhang Bitong.

Liu Yunmeng sat opposite me, and I glanced at her several times. As Lin Tanwei and Meng Pingjun left, Liu Yunmeng rose to leave and said to Zhang Bitong, “Consort Tong, may I borrow someone? Xihe keeps insisting on flying kites, but all the palace kites are broken. Xihe says Xiao Zi knows how to make kites. Could you let Xiao Zi come with me to make one for Xihe? You know how temperamental she is; if things don’t go her way, she won’t stop fussing.”

Zhang Bitong, unwilling to refuse outright, replied, “Let Xiao Zi go. I like Princess Xihe too. When she’s unhappy, so am I.”

“Thank you, Consort Tong!”