CHAPTER 608: CHAPTER 608 VENTING ANGER

"Tending to her properly is of utmost importance!"

Having said that, she frowned, leaned on the couch, and closed her eyes to rest.

Sister Ji had nothing more to say, so she left to make preparations.

As evening approached, news indeed came from Zhaochen Palace: the Empress was to accompany the Emperor tonight.

The servants in Jiaofang Hall busied themselves with even more vigor.

Only the Empress’s complexion was not very good.

She knew that even if the Emperor came, he would just get under the covers to sleep and wouldn’t touch her at all.

She had already forgotten how long it had been since the Emperor last touched her.

Huh... Emperor, what exactly do you want from your consort? The Empress forced a bitter smile.

「That night.」

Zhao Junyao came over after dinner.

The Empress assisted with his washing up, and then they both went to bed.

As expected, it was just sleeping—purely so, without a trace of anything carnal.

Previously, the Empress still harbored some thoughts of seducing him.

Now, she didn’t even want to make an effort anymore, just letting it be.

On the spacious dragon and phoenix bed lay two people, far apart, as if separated by a sea.

A night passed without words.

The next day, at Yin Hour, the Emperor got up to attend court, and the Empress naturally rose early to serve him as well.

He donned the bright yellow dragon robe.

The Empress extended her pale hands to fasten the buttons on his chest, one by one.

The room was silent, only their breathing entwining.

The Empress was somewhat nervous, her hands trembling slightly.

How could she not be nervous? They hadn’t been this close even when sharing the bed the previous night.

Zhao Junyao, however, paid no heed to any of this.

His clear mind was already preoccupied with state affairs.

A quarter-hour later, he was finally dressed.

He didn’t even glance at the Empress, merely leaving the words, "The Empress has worked hard!" behind as he strode away without turning his head.

"Respectfully seeing Your Majesty off!" The Empress curtsied.

When she raised her head again, he had already vanished.

Sister Ji came up to comfort her. "Your Majesty, it’s still early. Why don’t you sleep a bit more?"

The Empress, thinking she indeed hadn’t slept well the night before, nodded.

She removed her outer garments, lay down on the bed, and fell asleep again.

「Looking over the Harem,」

the Empress was not the only one who had not slept well last night.

However, the one who had probably suffered the most was the Noble Consort.

She had already heard about yesterday’s incident in Ningshou Palace, and last night, the Empress had once again attended the Emperor.

In her eyes, the Empress had completely taken everything that belonged to her.

The Empress Dowager, her aunt, was also acting strangely.

Previously, she had secluded herself for prayers, refusing to see anyone. Now that she had finally agreed to meet people, she was doting on the Empress.

"What on earth has happened to my aunt, the Empress Dowager?" Noble Concubine Shih said indignantly, her eyes red. "Has she forgotten her own surname?"

Ying Qiu hastened to caution her, "Your Grace, please lower your voice! We are in the palace, and walls have ears!"

Noble Concubine Shih smiled bitterly. "Let them listen! If they dare, let them hear it all; it would be for the best! Then at least I wouldn’t have to keep it all bottled up inside!"

Before she could finish speaking, tears streamed down her face.

Ying Qiu sighed. "Your Grace, you mustn’t be like this. We still need to pay our respects! If others were to see..." Wouldn’t we become a laughingstock?

Upon hearing this, Noble Concubine Shih quickly wiped away her tears. "Right! You’re right! I can’t let that wretched Empress laugh at me! Go, fetch me a basin of cold water. I need to apply it to my eyes!"

"Yes, Your Grace!" Ying Qiu responded and left.

Half an hour later, the exquisitely made-up Noble Concubine Shih, looking radiant and beautiful, left her quarters with her palace attendants!

「Qingya Residence.」

Xia Ruqing had been so exhausted by Little Bun during the day that she had no energy left.

So, she slept soundly that night.

She slept until only half a shi chen remained before she needed to pay her respects.

Finally, at Zi Yue’s urging, she got up.

"My lady, please choose one," Zi Yue said with a smile, gesturing to a row of palace dresses hanging on the rack.

Xia Ruqing glanced briefly and said, "The plainest one, the jasmine-colored one. For the headpiece, use plain jade—no, not plain jade, white jade. All the jewelry should be light-colored and look simple." That way, at first glance, I won’t look like I’m vying for favor.

Zi Yue was somewhat puzzled. "My lady, why the sudden desire to dress so plainly? There will be many people, and we are going to pay respects to Her Majesty the Empress. Dressing too simply might not be good!"

Xia Ruqing smiled faintly. "Last night, the Emperor stayed in Jiaofang Hall. Today, Noble Concubine Shih’s mood must be terrible! I want to be inconspicuous." Otherwise, if the Noble Consort picks on me, it will be miserable!

Zi Yue was momentarily speechless, then said, "My lady, I doubt anyone in the palace has a stronger will to live than you."

Xia Ruqing, while fiddling with her nails, replied matter-of-factly, "Who doesn’t have a strong will to live?"

Who wants to die? Ah, there are so many delicious things I haven’t tasted, so many fun places I haven’t visited. How could I bear to die! Heh heh!

「Jiaofang Hall.」

By the time Xia Ruqing arrived, the Honored Ladies had all gathered.

Consort Hui Pin had not yet arrived, but Consort Yun Pin and Consort Zheng Pin were already there.

They all greeted each other and took their seats.

A short while later, Consort Ning arrived, followed by Consort Hui Pin.

A little later, the Empress emerged from the inner chamber.

Seeing that not everyone had arrived, she sat in the main seat, chatting and drinking tea with those present.

In the entire Harem, only the Noble Consort had not yet arrived!

After the time it took for another incense stick to burn, just as the Empress was about to give up waiting, Noble Concubine Shih finally arrived, fashionably late.

She was still as strikingly beautiful and imperious as ever. Truly stunning. Xia Ruqing found herself momentarily dazzled.

I have to say, Noble Concubine Shih is truly stunning! Even after so many years in the palace, her figure is still like a young girl’s. Her oval face looks so full of collagen! How does she do it! Xia Ruqing marveled inwardly.

Heh, you see, every woman in the Harem has her own strengths. They’re either exceptionally beautiful, or intelligent and skillful with a high IQ, able to retain the Emperor’s favor. Or they’re lucky enough to have served the Emperor and borne a child, which becomes their lifelong security.

If you have none of these, chances are, no matter how hard you try, your efforts will only be counterproductive!

When the Noble Consort entered, everyone greeted her, and then they all took their seats.

The Empress glanced at the Noble Consort. Then, as usual, she smiled, gave a few instructions, and poured tea for herself.

The women chatted amongst themselves in small groups, like sisters.

Noble Concubine Shih, seeing the Empress smiling so radiantly, felt extremely annoyed.

But... retaliating against the Empress? Highly unlikely! It was impossible before, let alone now. So... what could I do?

Noble Concubine Shih’s gaze swept around the room, finally settling on Consort Ning and Consort Xian Pin, a cold smile playing on her lips.

Heh... I may not be able to deal with others, but you two? I can certainly handle you!

Xia Ruqing’s seat was just below Consort Ning’s.

Today, from the moment she had walked in, she had been sitting there quietly, behaving herself.

Her complexion wasn’t good; she looked listless, frail, and unwell.

Noble Concubine Shih lost interest looking at her.

What a sickly thing, look at her pathetic state. She might just collapse before I even do anything. Forget it, forget it! I’d better take my anger out on Consort Ning instead.