Chapter 32

Chapter 32: Don't Try to Provoke Me

Leng Jiu chuckled lightly, "What's there to be reluctant about? I used to care, but not anymore. With so many women entering the harem soon, there will be open and covert battles for the Empress position. Who knows how one might end up dead? I'd rather leave this thankless task to someone else and sit back to enjoy the show!"

Hearing Leng Jiu's words, Lu Chang felt relieved. It was better for the Empress Dowager to relinquish the seal, preventing those women from harboring animosity towards her, knowing she was no longer a rival yet still scheming against her.

"Your servant obeys the command!"

Just as Lu Chang was about to leave, Leng Jiu added, "Oh, and when you give it to the Emperor, convey a message from me: I said that Hua Yuxuan is dignified and appropriate. As Empress, she'll surely relieve the Emperor's worries. I hope she can bear a prince soon. With this, the House of Prince De will enjoy unparalleled favor and undoubtedly remain utterly loyal to the Emperor!"

Lu Chang's hand, holding the Phoenix Seal, paused for a moment before he bowed and retreated, "Yes!"

"Tsk tsk tsk!" Long Yue Li entered from the bathing room, his hair still damp and only wearing a simple deep purple robe, leaving much of his fair chest exposed, exuding a seductive, devil-may-care air. "I knew there had to be a reason for you to so kindly return the Phoenix Seal. By saying this, you've created a dilemma for my imperial nephew. Emperors have always been wary of powerful in-laws. Now he'll have to think twice!"

Leng Jiu withdrew her gaze from him, picking up a hairpin to gently file her nails. "I intended to get rid of the seal anyway, and I don't care who gets it. Some women think they're clever, which displeases me. I don't like others being too complacent. But I haven't done anything. It's up to the Emperor, nothing to do with me!"

Long Yue Li laughed heartily, walked over, and embraced Leng Jiu, leaning close with a flirtatious whisper, "My Jiu, even your scheming is charming!"

Leng Jiu, annoyed, kicked him away, "Get lost!"

The Emperor's selection of concubines was a major event, significant for both the court and the women of the harem. Leng Jiu had assigned Consort Hui to oversee the selection of the showgirls, so naturally, she was present, along with several consorts and noble ladies, who had arrived early in the Imperial Garden. Even Consort Li, who was frequently ill with pregnancy troubles, came, supported by two palace maids.

Consort Hui, dressed in begonia red with auspicious cloud patterns, and Consort Li, also in red, stood there, instantly creating an atmosphere of tense rivalry. With no mistress of the harem, these two consorts were the most powerful. Both aimed to intimidate the new showgirls today but ended up clashing with each other.

"Greetings to Consort Hui," said Consort Li with a shallow smile. Though her words were of respect, she made no move to bow, feigning an apology, "I'm unable to pay proper respects due to my condition. I hope you understand, sister."

As the senior of the four consorts, Consort Hui's rank was far above Consort Li. However, she couldn't feel triumphant. Every time she saw Consort Li's pregnant belly, it was as distasteful as swallowing flies. "Why say such things, sister? You're carrying the imperial heir; such formalities are unnecessary. Your well-being is precious. If anything happened, I couldn't bear the responsibility!"

In the vast Imperial Garden, three hundred similarly dressed women stood silently, daring not to utter a word. The obvious hostility between the two consorts above made them even more cautious. Success or failure hinged on today's performance; any mistake could be their undoing.

"The Emperor arrives!"

"The Empress Dowager arrives!"

The dual announcements from left and right caught everyone off guard, unsure of which direction to kneel towards. Ultimately, they knelt in place, chanting, "Long live the Emperor! Long live the Empress Dowager!"

Emperor Longyi, in his striking imperial yellow dragon robe, exuded majesty and handsomeness. He had just come from the Golden Hall, still in his morning court attire. In contrast, Empress Dowager Leng Jiu wore a black dress with vibrant red peonies, a stark combination that was eye-catching. This attire, once worn by Leng Jinghua, appeared cumbersome and garish. However, on Leng Jiu, it radiated nobility and elegance, captivating Longyi and making it hard for him to look away.

Leng Jiu's hairstyle, though not overly elaborate, was sophisticated. The faint scar on her forehead was adorned with three small bamboo leaves, adding an air of authority and fierceness to her stunning beauty.

Leng Jiu's gaze briefly fell on Consort Li and her slightly protruding belly, then she ascended the dais. Just as she was about to sit, she noticed Emperor Longyi, who had been lost in her sight, "What is the Emperor doing standing there?"

Longyi, snapping out of his reverie, quickly took his seat beside Leng Jiu without explaining his momentary distraction and gestured for everyone to rise.

"All rise!"

"Thank you, Your Majesty!"

Leng Jiu and Longyi took central seats, with Consort Li and Zhao Yan flanking them. The other concubines and noblewomen, not of high enough rank, stood watchfully, their eyes fixed on Longyi, who paid them no heed.

Zhao Yan gestured, and five palace maids brought in trays covered with red cloths. Unveiling them revealed jade pendants carved with uniform peonies and cranes. Whomever Longyi bestowed these upon would be his chosen consorts. Official titles would follow after they served in his bedchamber, except for special cases like Hua Yuxuan.

Eunuch Qu announced, "Hua Yuxuan, receive the decree!"

Among the ladies, Hua Yuxuan stepped forward, her noble upbringing evident in her composed demeanor as she knelt.

The proclamation read, "By the grace of Heaven, the Emperor decrees: Hua Yuxuan of Duke De's residence, with outstanding beauty and virtue, is hereby appointed as Noble Consort Hua, granted the Blessed and Auspicious Palace, acting as the Empress, overseeing the six palaces, bestowed with imperial favor."

Leng Jiu, only half-listening to the lengthy decree, caught the last part clearly. From Empress to Noble Consort, she wondered what Hua Yuxuan must be feeling.

Inside, Hua Yuxuan battled shock and resentment, masking her emotions as she accepted the decree, "I receive the decree!"

Accepting the decree, Eunuch Qu cheerfully congratulated, "Congratulations, Noble Consort!"

Hua Yuxuan nodded politely, "Thank you, Eunuch Qu."

Eunuch Qu smiled, retreating to Longyi's side. Now it was time for the Emperor to make his personal selections.

Throughout the decree reading, Longyi's gaze lingered on Leng Jiu, relieved to see no displeasure on her face, yet feeling an inexplicable discomfort in his heart.

Leng Jiu, noticing his gaze, inquired, "Has Your Majesty's wound healed somewhat?"

Longyi, heartened by her concern, replied, "I am much better. But with state affairs keeping me busy, I haven't visited the Empress Dowager. I heard about your injury near the eyebrow. Recently, the South Sea tributed a coral and jade forehead ornament. I'll have it sent to you later."