N-A-A Chapter 968 suddenly became the target of public criticism!
Chapter 968 suddenly became the target of public criticism!
Lü Zhi's response was a powerful yet effective move. She first blurred the newly established hierarchy by using their sisterly status, appearing magnanimous and approachable. Then, she shifted the focus back to Gao Yao's instructions, demonstrating her commitment to the king's orders and her concern for the greater good. Finally, she accurately praised Concubine Qi's "specialties" of singing and dancing. Her earnest words undoubtedly positioned her as a favored concubine whose beauty and artistic talents entertained, creating a stark contrast to her own, the soon-to-be-dominant harem master, tasked with handling practical matters.
This is both a counterattack and a subtle way of defining each other's positions in the new power structure.
The flawless smile on Qi Ji's face froze for a moment, a hint of anger at being pricked at the heart like an undercurrent, quickly passing through her charming eyes. But she was ultimately a wise woman who knew the ways of survival well, and she knew that she must not show any dissatisfaction at this moment. She quickly suppressed the unhappiness, and her smile became bright again, even a little flattered:
"Sister, you are too kind. This little trick of mine is just to make the king smile. Since you have ordered me to do so, I will go and make careful preparations. I will not let the king and sister down." She bowed again with a gentle gesture, then turned around and left with her personal maid. Her back was still graceful, but revealed a subtle hint of haste and unwillingness.
Lü Zhi watched her leave, her gentle smile gradually fading as she turned her gaze to the other side. She saw Yu Shu, Xiao Yue, and the foreign women Tu Er Na, Na Zha, and Nata Sha, all standing together without a trace. They didn't approach to offer congratulations like Concubine Qi had, but simply stood quietly in the shadows of the columns, their gazes fixed on Lü Zhi.
Their gazes were extremely complex, a mixture of scrutiny, consideration, an inexplicable dread, and a hint of alienation at the sudden change in the situation. Yu Shu's expression remained calm, but her autumn-water eyes were less detached and more composed of quiet observation. Xiao Yue's was a palpable wariness. Tu Erna, Nazha, and Natasha, the three foreign women, had more direct expressions, reflecting an instinctive awe of the powerful and a subtle apprehension about the uncertain future.
They didn't speak to each other, but they formed an invisible tacit understanding and aura, forming a brief, silent confrontation with Lu Zhi. After a moment, as if Yu Shu nodded slightly, the few of them turned together and walked away silently along the other side of the corridor, without saying a word from beginning to end.
This scene, like a cold needle, was clearly reflected in Lu Zhi's eyes, making her heart sink slightly and her brows unconsciously frowned.
She recalled that since the capital had been relocated to Xianyang, and especially after the sudden crisis, the atmosphere in the harem had indeed eased considerably. Yu Shu, Xiao Yue, and she maintained at least a semblance of harmony, even occasionally meeting in the garden and chatting about family matters. And Tu Erna, Nazha, and Natasha, due to their similar ethnic backgrounds and somewhat foreign status, naturally gathered around the relatively mild-mannered and equally exotic Yu Shu, forming a subtle clique.
Everyone knew all of this tacitly. Before the final harem leader was chosen, any overt attempts at favoritism or framing were foolish and would only incur Gao Yao's resentment. Appearing generous, approachable, and understanding would, in fact, earn Gao Yao's favor. Their previous displays of "unity" and "friendship" were largely a cautious, strategic display of self-preservation during a power vacuum.
However, the balance had been broken. Gao Yao's words had thrust Lü Zhi directly onto the throne of the harem's mistress, like a huge rock thrown into a seemingly calm lake, instantly stirring up the undercurrents and whirlpools hidden deep beneath the surface.
First, there was the small group headed by Yu Shu. Lü Zhi was well aware that there was a deep-seated grudge between her and Yu Shu. Back in the Nanjun period, Yu Shu had once assisted in managing the imperial court, but Lü Zhi's strong personality and strong opinions inevitably clashed with Yu Shu's on many matters.
Furthermore, Lü Zhi, deep down, harbored a persistent sense of alienation and contempt for Yu Shu, Xiao Yue, and especially the other concubines of foreign descent, rooted in cultural identity and orthodoxy. Though she never expressed it out loud, the subtle overtones of superiority, coupled with the subtle gossip and disrespect directed at Yu Shu and the others by her servants, who observed her expressions, had already inadvertently exacerbated the conflict. Now that she held immense power, how could Yu Shu and the others not be wary and band together for self-protection?
As for Concubine Qi, Lu Zhi saw her through her. This woman was a shrewd woman, seemingly noncompetitive in the past, because she knew her background was shallow, her family background couldn't compare to the Lu sisters, and her uniqueness wasn't comparable to Yu Shu and the others. Fighting for the position of empress was nothing but a pipe dream. Her goal had always been clear and pragmatic: to firmly grasp Gao Yao's favor and establish herself in the harem through her beauty and charm. Now pregnant, she had a solid foundation. As long as her favor continued, her future was uncertain.
Even so, Concubine Qi was undoubtedly unhappy with Lü Zhi's leadership of the harem. She knew that Lü Zhi was a ruthless, forceful, and vindictive woman, making her no easy target. Living under such a shrewd and overbearing mistress was far less comfortable than living under someone more lenient or detached.
Therefore, her seemingly flattering but actually stinging words were both an unwilling test to see Lu Zhi's attitude after she came to power, and a subtle trap set for Lu Zhi in front of many concubines - if Lu Zhi overreacted or got carried away, she would immediately give her an excuse.
After figuring out the key, Lü Zhi took a deep breath. The slight joy she had felt at firsthand had been replaced by a heavy sense of pressure. The position of harem master was indeed not an easy one to sit on. While the front court had its share of political worries, the back court was also a battlefield, a battleground where no smoke could be seen, yet hidden strategies were everywhere.
As night fell, the Xianyang Palace was ablaze with lights, and the melodious sounds of stringed instruments and orchestras drowned out the aftershocks and undercurrents of power that had settled during the day. A grand banquet was prepared. Following Gao Yao's instructions, the dishes were exquisite, the portions just right, and extravagance and waste were avoided. This was both a unique self-discipline of this otherworldly king and a hint of a new court ethos.
However, Lü Zhi, the newly appointed mistress of the harem, seated next to Gao Yao, was in no mood to enjoy the feast. She wore a more solemn and ornate black gown with a phoenix pattern and a pearl crown symbolizing her status. Her posture was impeccable, but her hands, hidden within her wide sleeves, were slightly clenched. This sudden honor weighed on her shoulders like a heavy burden, leaving her feeling not joy but an unprecedented pressure and vigilance.