Consort Ning invited Song Zhao to take a seat and instructed the palace maid to serve tea and refreshments. They engaged in casual conversation.
Song Zhao said, "I haven't seen Your Ladyship go out for a walk recently."
Consort Ning rolled her eyes in disgust. "What's the point of going out? The withered flowers and desolate scenery in the palace only irritate me."
In a low voice, Song Zhao asked, "Is Your Ladyship still upset with the Emperor?"
Since the incident involving the Tianyang Disaster Star was resolved, Consort Ning had not taken the initiative to seek Xiao Jingheng's company.
At this moment, a hint of disappointment filled her eyes, but she continued to put up a strong front. "He doesn't want to see me. Should I chase after him?"
There was a moment of silence before she shook her head, forcing a bitter smile. "That would be too boring."
"Doesn't the Emperor want to see Your Ladyship?" Song Zhao didn't fully agree with Consort Ning's words and shook her head. "If he doesn't want to meet you, then why does he yearn for you in his dreams and mention Your Ladyship's nickname while sleeping by the side of his concubine?"
Hearing this, Consort Ning's despondency faded away, and her eyes immediately lit up.
"Is that true?"
"Besides Your Ladyship, who else in the palace is called 'Wan'er'?"
Wan'er...
Consort Ning hadn't heard Xiao Jingheng call her by that nickname in a long time.
Before she received her title, Xiao Jingheng used to call her that both in public and private.
But after she was bestowed the title of "Consort Chen," which carried implications of an emperor, the address changed.
"Consort Chen" became the norm, and Consort Ning wasn't as happy anymore...
She didn't want to be his Consort Chen.
She just wanted to be his Wan'er.
As she reminisced about the past, her eyes turned red with emotion.
Seeing this, Song Zhao quickly spoke up.
"In fact, both Your Ladyship and the Emperor are waiting for each other to take the first step. I know that Your Ladyship thinks the Emperor doesn't trust you, and it hurts your heart. But think about it, he is the Emperor after all, and there are times when he can't easily let go of his pride. If that's the case, why wouldn't you take the first step? Is it really that important for Your Ladyship to compete with the Emperor over this matter?"
Since the moment she decided to challenge Xiao Jingheng and stopped actively seeking him out, Consort Ning hadn't felt a single moment of relief.
Longing is something that can deceive the world but not oneself.
Restraining herself from meeting Xiao Jingheng didn't mean she could stop secretly yearning for him within her heart.
She took a deep breath, unwilling to let Song Zhao see her melancholy. With her head held high and a hint of pride, she replied,
"I am not at fault, so why should I be the one to compromise first? As you said, if the Emperor truly cares about me, why would he insist on competing with me?"
Song Zhao paid no attention to what Consort Ning had said and continued, "Yesterday, the Emperor told me that the family of Consort Yin had presented some black mountain yaks as tribute. Tonight, he will visit Consort Yin's palace and enjoy the delicacy together. To reach Chengqian Palace from Chaoyang Palace, one must pass through Guangyang Gate."
She picked up a nearby magnolia flower and brought it close to her nose, taking a deep breath.
"In the past, Your Majesty was enchanted by a dance of Consort Yin amidst a sea of magnolia flowers, and since then, she has become the dearest person in your heart. Yesterday, your joy was the envy of others. Why not let those beautiful moments of the past be relived?"
Consort Ning fell silent for a moment before speaking, "I understand your intentions."
With a suspicious gaze, she stared at Song Zhao for a while and said, "According to reason, I am in the current position, and as the Queen is also pregnant, you should be the most favored person in the harem. Yet, why do you choose to speak of these matters at this time?"
Song Zhao replied gently, "If Consort helps me, I naturally have thoughts of helping Consort as well. Isn't it what sisters would do for each other? It is only right."
"Heh," Consort Chen sneered disdainfully, her face full of contempt. "Where in the harem does deep sisterly affection exist? It's nothing more than mutual exploitation between us. Today, you have told me so much and revealed the Emperor's whereabouts. I won't forget your favor."
"In a few days, my brother will return to the capital for his report, and your father, who fell ill halfway, should be returning as well, right? At that time, I will make sure my brother speaks a few kind words for him in front of the Emperor. It's all about saving his life, and I won't owe you anything."
Song Zhao hurriedly got up and bowed, saying, "I am deeply grateful for Consort Ning's great kindness."
In fact, Xiao Jingheng had already promised Song Zhao that he would spare the life of Song Shicheng and not impose excessive punishment on him, so as not to make it difficult for Song Zhao to navigate the harem.
However, Xiao Jingheng was wary of the Ning family. Whoever gets involved with the Ning family's influence would touch his bottom line.
He could maintain the outward appearance of the Song family for the sake of Song Zhao.
And because of the influence of the Ning family, he could once again push the Song family into an irreparable situation.
And this,
was the true purpose of Song Zhao's assistance to Consort Ning in regaining favor.
*
That night, when Xiao Jingheng passed through Guangyang Gate in his imperial carriage,
he happened to see Consort Ning dressed in a green gown, gracefully dancing amidst a sea of magnolia flowers.
With the wind blowing, the pale purple petals rose into the air, like a sudden rain of colored ink,
and Consort Ning's every move and expression in this magnificent scene was stunning.
This scene was exactly the same as when Xiao Jingheng first met Consort Ning.
He ordered his carriage to stop and calmly walked towards Consort Ning.
Consort Ning was intoxicated in her dance and only caught sight of Xiao Jingheng standing behind her.
With just one glance, her eyes immediately reddened.
Without saying a word, she turned her back and tried to leave,
but Xiao Jingheng grabbed her wrist and said in a deep voice, "You refuse to see Us?"
Consort Ning remained silent, sobbing softly,
Xiao Jingheng sighed, "We remember when We first met you, it was like this."
Consort Ning looked back with a touch of sorrow, tears welling in her eyes as she gazed at him. "Your Majesty still remembers? I thought you had long forgotten about me..."
In the midst of their affectionate exchange, Jiang Deshun interjected unexpectedly, saying, "Your Majesty, Consort Yin is still waiting to have dinner with you."
However, Xiao Jingheng replied, "Inform Consort Yin that I will visit her tomorrow for lunch."
And where was he going tonight?
It was self-evident.
*
The next day, while the consorts were paying respects to the Empress, Jiang Deshun arrived.
He first greeted the Empress and then delivered Xiao Jingheng's decree, saying, "Your Majesty's decree is to reinstate Consort Ning's title as Royal Consort and have Consort Chen temporarily assist you in managing the affairs of the six palaces, as Consort Yin has toiled day and night with many difficulties."
Consort Yin, of course, did not take kindly to this. Last night, she had waited the whole night for Xiao Jingheng, and today he had entrusted Consort Chen with the responsibility of managing the six palaces.
Enraged by her fiery temperament, she impulsively questioned Jiang Deshun, "I have always taken care of the six palaces on behalf of the Empress. Why did His Majesty..."
"You, a barbarian, dare to question His Majesty's decree?" A domineering and elegant voice interrupted from outside the door.
Consort Chen, wearing a crimson robe adorned with hundreds of bird motifs, applied red lipstick and drew distant mountains—a self-composed grace exuded from her, imposing and intimidating.
With a disdainful smile on her lips, she walked confidently to Consort Yin's side and said scornfully, "The black mountain yak in your palace has a taste that suits barbarians, it's quite pungent. His Majesty asked me to tell you that he will not be joining you for lunch today!"
Consort Yin trembled with anger, while Consort Chen didn't even bother to spare her a glance.
She simply sat on her designated seat, then turned to look at the pale-faced Empress on the throne, raising her eyebrows playfully, and boldly declared, "From now on, I will be in charge of managing the six palaces. Empress, you can focus on nurturing your child. Tsk tsk... What's wrong? You seem displeased?"
Leaning lazily backward, she reached for a tea cup and took a sip of fragrant tea before continuing, "If there's anything that upsets you, just say it, and I will make decisions on your behalf!"
Consort Ning invited Song Zhao to take a seat and instructed the palace maid to serve tea and refreshments. They engaged in casual conversation.
Song Zhao said, "I haven't seen Your Ladyship go out for a walk recently."
Consort Ning rolled her eyes in disgust. "What's the point of going out? The withered flowers and desolate scenery in the palace only irritate me."
In a low voice, Song Zhao asked, "Is Your Ladyship still upset with the Emperor?"
Since the incident involving the Tianyang Disaster Star was resolved, Consort Ning had not taken the initiative to seek Xiao Jingheng's company.
At this moment, a hint of disappointment filled her eyes, but she continued to put up a strong front. "He doesn't want to see me. Should I chase after him?"
There was a moment of silence before she shook her head, forcing a bitter smile. "That would be too boring."
"Doesn't the Emperor want to see Your Ladyship?" Song Zhao didn't fully agree with Consort Ning's words and shook her head. "If he doesn't want to meet you, then why does he yearn for you in his dreams and mention Your Ladyship's nickname while sleeping by the side of his concubine?"
Hearing this, Consort Ning's despondency faded away, and her eyes immediately lit up.
"Is that true?"
"Besides Your Ladyship, who else in the palace is called 'Wan'er'?"
Wan'er...
Consort Ning hadn't heard Xiao Jingheng call her by that nickname in a long time.
Before she received her title, Xiao Jingheng used to call her that both in public and private.
But after she was bestowed the title of "Consort Chen," which carried implications of an emperor, the address changed.
"Consort Chen" became the norm, and Consort Ning wasn't as happy anymore...
She didn't want to be his Consort Chen.
She just wanted to be his Wan'er.
As she reminisced about the past, her eyes turned red with emotion.
Seeing this, Song Zhao quickly spoke up.
"In fact, both Your Ladyship and the Emperor are waiting for each other to take the first step. I know that Your Ladyship thinks the Emperor doesn't trust you, and it hurts your heart. But think about it, he is the Emperor after all, and there are times when he can't easily let go of his pride. If that's the case, why wouldn't you take the first step? Is it really that important for Your Ladyship to compete with the Emperor over this matter?"
Since the moment she decided to challenge Xiao Jingheng and stopped actively seeking him out, Consort Ning hadn't felt a single moment of relief.
Longing is something that can deceive the world but not oneself.
Restraining herself from meeting Xiao Jingheng didn't mean she could stop secretly yearning for him within her heart.
She took a deep breath, unwilling to let Song Zhao see her melancholy. With her head held high and a hint of pride, she replied,
"I am not at fault, so why should I be the one to compromise first? As you said, if the Emperor truly cares about me, why would he insist on competing with me?"
Song Zhao paid no attention to what Consort Ning had said and continued, "Yesterday, the Emperor told me that the family of Consort Yin had presented some black mountain yaks as tribute. Tonight, he will visit Consort Yin's palace and enjoy the delicacy together. To reach Chengqian Palace from Chaoyang Palace, one must pass through Guangyang Gate."
She picked up a nearby magnolia flower and brought it close to her nose, taking a deep breath.
"In the past, Your Majesty was enchanted by a dance of Consort Yin amidst a sea of magnolia flowers, and since then, she has become the dearest person in your heart. Yesterday, your joy was the envy of others. Why not let those beautiful moments of the past be relived?"
Consort Ning fell silent for a moment before speaking, "I understand your intentions."
With a suspicious gaze, she stared at Song Zhao for a while and said, "According to reason, I am in the current position, and as the Queen is also pregnant, you should be the most favored person in the harem. Yet, why do you choose to speak of these matters at this time?"
Song Zhao replied gently, "If Consort helps me, I naturally have thoughts of helping Consort as well. Isn't it what sisters would do for each other? It is only right."
"Heh," Consort Chen sneered disdainfully, her face full of contempt. "Where in the harem does deep sisterly affection exist? It's nothing more than mutual exploitation between us. Today, you have told me so much and revealed the Emperor's whereabouts. I won't forget your favor."
"In a few days, my brother will return to the capital for his report, and your father, who fell ill halfway, should be returning as well, right? At that time, I will make sure my brother speaks a few kind words for him in front of the Emperor. It's all about saving his life, and I won't owe you anything."
Song Zhao hurriedly got up and bowed, saying, "I am deeply grateful for Consort Ning's great kindness."
In fact, Xiao Jingheng had already promised Song Zhao that he would spare the life of Song Shicheng and not impose excessive punishment on him, so as not to make it difficult for Song Zhao to navigate the harem.
However, Xiao Jingheng was wary of the Ning family. Whoever gets involved with the Ning family's influence would touch his bottom line.
He could maintain the outward appearance of the Song family for the sake of Song Zhao.
And because of the influence of the Ning family, he could once again push the Song family into an irreparable situation.
And this,
was the true purpose of Song Zhao's assistance to Consort Ning in regaining favor.
*
That night, when Xiao Jingheng passed through Guangyang Gate in his imperial carriage,
he happened to see Consort Ning dressed in a green gown, gracefully dancing amidst a sea of magnolia flowers.
With the wind blowing, the pale purple petals rose into the air, like a sudden rain of colored ink,
and Consort Ning's every move and expression in this magnificent scene was stunning.
This scene was exactly the same as when Xiao Jingheng first met Consort Ning.
He ordered his carriage to stop and calmly walked towards Consort Ning.
Consort Ning was intoxicated in her dance and only caught sight of Xiao Jingheng standing behind her.
With just one glance, her eyes immediately reddened.
Without saying a word, she turned her back and tried to leave,
but Xiao Jingheng grabbed her wrist and said in a deep voice, "You refuse to see Us?"
Consort Ning remained silent, sobbing softly,
Xiao Jingheng sighed, "We remember when We first met you, it was like this."
Consort Ning looked back with a touch of sorrow, tears welling in her eyes as she gazed at him. "Your Majesty still remembers? I thought you had long forgotten about me..."
In the midst of their affectionate exchange, Jiang Deshun interjected unexpectedly, saying, "Your Majesty, Consort Yin is still waiting to have dinner with you."
However, Xiao Jingheng replied, "Inform Consort Yin that I will visit her tomorrow for lunch."
And where was he going tonight?
It was self-evident.
*
The next day, while the consorts were paying respects to the Empress, Jiang Deshun arrived.
He first greeted the Empress and then delivered Xiao Jingheng's decree, saying, "Your Majesty's decree is to reinstate Consort Ning's title as Royal Consort and have Consort Chen temporarily assist you in managing the affairs of the six palaces, as Consort Yin has toiled day and night with many difficulties."
Consort Yin, of course, did not take kindly to this. Last night, she had waited the whole night for Xiao Jingheng, and today he had entrusted Consort Chen with the responsibility of managing the six palaces.
Enraged by her fiery temperament, she impulsively questioned Jiang Deshun, "I have always taken care of the six palaces on behalf of the Empress. Why did His Majesty..."
"You, a barbarian, dare to question His Majesty's decree?" A domineering and elegant voice interrupted from outside the door.
Consort Chen, wearing a crimson robe adorned with hundreds of bird motifs, applied red lipstick and drew distant mountains—a self-composed grace exuded from her, imposing and intimidating.
With a disdainful smile on her lips, she walked confidently to Consort Yin's side and said scornfully, "The black mountain yak in your palace has a taste that suits barbarians, it's quite pungent. His Majesty asked me to tell you that he will not be joining you for lunch today!"
Consort Yin trembled with anger, while Consort Chen didn't even bother to spare her a glance.
She simply sat on her designated seat, then turned to look at the pale-faced Empress on the throne, raising her eyebrows playfully, and boldly declared, "From now on, I will be in charge of managing the six palaces. Empress, you can focus on nurturing your child. Tsk tsk... What's wrong? You seem displeased?"
Leaning lazily backward, she reached for a tea cup and took a sip of fragrant tea before continuing, "If there's anything that upsets you, just say it, and I will make decisions on your behalf!"
