N-A-A Chapter 79 Pride
Chapter 79 Pride
The Empress remained noncommittal, then smiled and asked, "Consort Yuan, what exactly was the reason you locked the Emperor out yesterday?"
Shen Shixi glanced at the Empress, a hint of interest in her eyes, and said, "Yesterday, I went through a lot of trouble to arrange the banquet at Cining Palace. I was exhausted and unable to serve the Emperor. I wanted to give this opportunity to my sisters in the harem, but alas, they didn't care. So, I had no choice."
That's really awful.
The Empress said, "Even if you cannot serve the Emperor in bed, you should not lock him out. If this gets out, what will people think of the harem? What will they think of me, the Empress?"
Shen Shixi said, "I am merely unable to serve the Emperor in bed, not to shut him out. My jade token was not presented, and the Emperor did not choose my name. Your Majesty the Empress is going to pin the blame for refusing the Emperor out on me, which I cannot accept."
The Empress held back her anger. "You removed the jade plaque before the Dragon Boat Festival and haven't put it back up since. What's the reason for this?"
Shen Shixi said, "I have already said that my palace is cold and my qi is weak, which is of no benefit to the imperial heir. There are too many monks and not enough porridge in this palace, so I will not waste the Emperor's resources, so that my sisters can make more contributions. I mean well, please understand, Your Majesty."
Speechless!
Shen Shixi has never even put the jade pendant up. You say she's vying for favor? Is this how you vie for favor?
She had already removed the jade pendant, clearly telling the Emperor that she could not serve him in bed. The Emperor insisted on going and wouldn't leave. What did that have to do with her?
The Empress said, "The Emperor favors you, but you must know when to stop. When the Emperor visits you, it doesn't necessarily mean he wants you to sleep with him. Be careful not to anger the Emperor. Remember, serving the Emperor is your duty as a concubine; everything is fine as long as the Emperor is well!"
Shen Shixi replied, "This concubine will humbly follow Her Majesty the Empress's instructions!"
Consort Qing said, "If that's what you're saying, then it's our fault. Consort Yuan's jade pendant has already been removed, but the Emperor insisted on going. Is he showing off that you're better than the other sisters?"
Shen Shixi glanced at her sideways, "If Consort Qing insists on saying this, then I can't really refute it! I don't know about others, but I'm quite confident in competing with Consort Qing for the Emperor's favor. However, since you can't beat me, why do you always try to talk to me? Shouldn't you be working on the Emperor's side?"
Even if you continue to make things difficult for me, I would never be so generous as to send the Emperor to your bed. I simply cannot do that!
"Nonsense! You've uttered such filthy words time and time again. Aren't you afraid of offending Her Majesty the Empress's ears? You are utterly ill-mannered!" said Consort Qing.
Shen Shixi was also furious. "Consort Qing, you keep targeting me. Do you really think I'm someone you can easily bully? I've been tolerating you all the time because of the Second Prince, but don't think I'm made of clay!"
"What...what do you want?" Kyung So-won asked.
Shen Shixi gave her a cool look but ultimately didn't say anything. Qing Zhaoyuan breathed a sigh of relief and sat down softly in the chair.
Consort De smiled and said, "Sister Shen, what is it that is so mysterious that even Her Majesty the Empress cannot hear about it?"
Shen Shixi said, "One should be lenient when possible. I am just too soft-hearted."
She looked at the Empress, "Your Majesty, is there anything else you wish to instruct us on today?"
The Empress said, "Tomorrow is the Mid-Autumn Festival. As is customary, His Majesty will hold a family banquet at Qian Yuan Palace. All of you ladies, dress up nicely. This year has been eventful, so let's accompany His Majesty to celebrate the festival properly."
"Your Majesty, we humbly obey Your Majesty's decree!"
The morning meeting had just ended when Shen Shixi came out of Fengyi Palace, intending to take a stroll in the Imperial Garden. Mid-Autumn Festival was approaching, and the chrysanthemums were in full bloom, making it the perfect time to display their beauty.
Chao Yu approached and whispered, "Your Highness, the Emperor has just issued an edict regarding the previous dynasty. Li Yuanjian has been removed from the imperial genealogy, and Lady Yin has been given a white silk noose. Lady Yin deceived the Emperor and her entire clan will be executed. I heard that the Emperor's men have already confirmed from Sandao Gou in Guazhou that Li Yuanjian is not a descendant of the late Emperor."
Shen Shixi was a little unsteady on her feet, and Bai Ping quickly supported her. "Master, what's wrong?"
"Get on the carriage and go back!" Shen Shixi's face was a little pale.
Upon arriving at Zhaoyang Palace, she lay down on the couch by the south window. "Bai Ping," she said, "do you think I was a bit too heartless?"
Bai Ping was puzzled. "Master, what are you saying?"
"I knew perfectly well that once this matter was exposed, no matter who the emperor was, he wouldn't let it go easily, but I still spoke out. While Lady Yin certainly deceived the emperor, how innocent her family was!"
Bai Kui spoke quickly and bluntly, "Master is really worrying about things that don't concern him. What a smart person you are, why are you still getting stuck on this? What's the situation with the Yin family? More than ten years ago, they were just blacksmiths."
The master also said that the Yin family rose to power because they raised a good daughter who gained favor upon entering the palace, became pregnant, and gave birth to a son. Consort Yin held power in the palace for over ten years; have you forgotten that even the Empress Dowager suffered at her hands?
Shen Shixi smiled. "Yes, I was too soft-hearted. I shouldn't have been!"
"Yes, if you hadn't fought back then, you might be burned to ashes on the stake by now, and you still have the nerve to feel sorry for others!"
"Hmm, I'm confused. Even with tigers and wolves lurking on the steps, we still talk about cause and effect. I can't escape this either!" Shen Shixi closed her eyes. "Bai Kui, I'm tired. I'm going to sleep for a while."
Zhaoyang Palace closed its doors again. Li Yuanke came before lunch but didn't come in. He asked Li Fude, "What did she do today?"
Li Fude said, "After Yuan Jieyu returned from her morning greetings, she hasn't left the house. I heard she's sleeping inside."
"She went to bed early this morning; did she not sleep well last night?"
Li Fude said, "She probably didn't sleep well. Although Consort Yuan didn't let the Emperor in last night, she must have been thinking about him. The more she was prevented from entering, the more she missed him. How could she possibly sleep well?"
"Who said she wouldn't let me in? This harem is mine. If I want to go in, how can I not go in? I just don't want to go in." He turned and headed towards Qian Yuan Palace.
Li Fude quickly followed, "Yes, this servant deserves to die. This servant misspoke. Your Majesty, you are just flattering Consort Yuan. How could someone like me, with no connections, understand such things!"
Just before lunch, the Empress arrived. After paying her respects, she said...
"Your Majesty, I only learned today that Consort Yuan was upset because I accompanied you to Cining Palace for dinner yesterday. It was my fault! Please, Your Majesty, consider that Sister Shen is young and has only recently entered the palace; her heart and soul are devoted to Your Majesty, and please don't be angry with her!"
The emperor became interested and asked, "Did she tell you today?"
The Empress smiled and said, "Sister Shen isn't one to speak her mind easily, so why would she say such a thing directly? However, as a woman, I understand a woman's thoughts better than Your Majesty. I'm just guessing that Sister Shen is unhappy because of her temperament!"
"Did she take it out on you?"
"Your Majesty's words are quite harsh. How could it be that Sister Shen was taking her anger out on me? Sister Shen was raised by Grand Tutor Shen and naturally knows proper etiquette! However, it was my fault that this matter was caused to misunderstand Your Majesty, leading her to believe that I was invited by Your Majesty."
She stepped forward, put her hand on the emperor's shoulder, and began to massage it. Seeing that the emperor did not object, she placed both hands on his shoulder and massaged it. Her technique was quite skillful, as if she had been trained.
"I don't blame Sister Shen. She is different from His Majesty. Back then, she was just a little girl and always followed His Majesty around. She also had the kindness of Grand Tutor Shen."
It is truly a pity that Sister Shen passed away so young. Now that Sister Shen has entered the palace, I treat her as my own sister and do not wish for her to suffer any injustice. Therefore, I must advise Your Majesty to be patient. If you are willing to coax her, this matter can be considered over. Ultimately, this matter is my fault!
Li Fude glanced at the Empress, and his words made it clear to everyone that Consort Yuan was arrogant and spoiled, relying on the Shen family's favor to the Emperor.