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Qixiang Palace.
Consort Xian sat by the window reading poetry.
She felt dizzy from reading.
To secure a firm foothold in the imperial harem, beauty and noble birth alone were insufficient, one must know how to cultivate one’s image.
Consort Xian’s image was that of a talented woman, with a poetic and scholarly aura.
"So tired."
Consort Xian disdainfully tossed the poetry collection onto the table.
A moment later, Liu Sande hurried over with quick, small steps and whispered a few words in Consort Xian’s ear.
Consort Xian’s expression changed: "Is it true?"
Liu Sande handed her a note: "Please take a look, Your Ladyship."
After reading it, Consort Xian’s expression turned uncertain.
She crumpled the note into a ball and said gravely, "Leave the palace and meet this Xu Qing!"
Liu Sande responded: "Yes!"
Consort Xian warned: "Be careful not to be seen by anyone."
Liu Sande said: "This servant will be cautious."
Xu Qing was waiting outside the palace.
As soon as Liu Sande’s carriage left the imperial palace, Xu Qing slipped inside so quickly like a shadow.
"Keep driving." Xu Qing said to Liu Sande from behind the carriage curtain.
Liu Sande glanced uneasily at the patrolling imperial guards approaching and broke into a cold sweat.
"But.….. Are you Lord Qin’s man?"
Xu Qing was too fast, Liu Sande hadn’t gotten a clear look at his face.
Xu Qing got straight to the point:
"My master asked me to relay a few words to Consort Xian. That young lady got married in the countryside, and her husband is Wei Ting. If Consort Xian does not want the military power of the Qin and Su families to fall into the hands of the Wei family, my master is willing to lend a hand!"
Liu Sande’s hair stood on end!
Oh my god, oh my god!
What shocking secrets had he just heard?
The real young lady of the Qin family was involved with the youngest son of the Wei family?
Wasn’t the youngest son of the Wei family supposed to have entered monastic life?
How did he end up in Qingzhou... and even get associated with the Qin family’s young lady?
"Um.….." Liu Sande turned back, wanting to ask Xu Qing more, but the carriage was already empty!
Oh my god!
Qin Jiang actually had such a highly skilled servant!
Liu Sande did not dare to slack.
He bought a box of pastries at a nearby market and returned to the palace.
He relayed Xu Qing’s words.
Consort Xian could no longer remain calm.
She stood up abruptly, clutching her handkerchief tightly, a flash of anger in her beautiful eyes.
Damn Wei Ting!
He turned down her noble and precious daughter to marry such a chubby country girl!
Did he want to seize the military power of the Qin and Su families?
In his dreams!
"Someone! Help me change my clothes. I’m going to see His Majesty!"
---
Emperor Jingxuan was considering the contents of the imperial edict when a young eunuch reported that Consort Xian had requested an audience.
Emperor Jingxuan furrowed his brow almost imperceptibly.
Eunuch Fu glanced discreetly at Emperor Jingxuan, hesitated for a moment, but ultimately said nothing.
The young eunuch bowed low outside, not even daring to breathe loudly.
Emperor Jingxuan adored Consort Xian, and he typically granted her an audience instantly.
However, today, the emperor was in a terrible mood.
Emperor Jingxuan sighed: "Fine, let Consort Xian in."
"Yes."
The young eunuch withdrew.
Before long, Consort Xian entered the imperial study with a worried expression.
Every smile, every glance, even each subtle movement was meticulously crafted to ensure that Emperor Jingxuan would find her exquisitely beautiful from any angle.
"Your Majesty!"
She performed a curtsy, her eyes glistening as if on the verge of tears.
Seeing her like this, Emperor Jingxuan knew she was about to make a scene.
He didn’t expect anything remarkable.
He suspected that his recent visit to the empress’s palace had sparked jealousy in Consort Xian.
The harem was never short of women or of those who were prone to jealousy, but Consort Xian was the only one bold enough to express her envy so openly.
Emperor Jingxuan found her forthrightness appealing.
It could be irritating at times, but it was mostly harmless.