Chapter 79: Watching the Tiger Fight from the Mountain 2

Chapter 79: Watching the Tiger Fight from the Mountain 2

Song Zhao privately harbored resentment about Consort Shu's previous miscarriage, where she was targeted and confined.

At that time, she thought the whole affair was a scheme by the Li family against her,

Although the logic was flawed and many aspects were unreasonable. But at that time, to protect herself, she had no choice but to pin all the blame on the Li family.

Song Zhao always remembered, when she went to send off the last journey of Lady Li, Lady Li refused to admit to the end that Consort Shu's miscarriage was her doing,

She was a dying woman, so why cling to innocence?

This matter had always lingered in Song Zhao's heart, and it was only in the last few days that she had come to understand it.

"Back then, when I was condemned by everyone and the Emperor distrusted me, I had to protect myself by having you spread rumors outside the palace, implicating the Li family in the whole affair.

But now that I think about it, besides the Li family, Consort Shu was also likely to have planted something dirty in my palace. When I was conferred as a concubine, all the consorts and concubines sent gifts, but most sent them through their maids. Only Consort Shu, a consort herself, came in person with a gift, and I entertained her in the inner chamber.

And we've always thought that the ginseng sent by the Li family was tampered with when she sent the gift. But the ginseng was in Consort Shu's palace for over a month. If she wanted to sabotage it, wouldn't it have been easy for her?"

Though Song Zhao's reasoning was sound, Xiaofuzi still found the matter implausible.

"'But Consort Shu really has no need to frame you. If, as you speculate, Consort Shu was bound to lose her child, she could have easily harmed Consort Chen or even the Empress. After all, eliminating them would directly benefit her. So, why would she choose to harm you, who is newly favored and poses no threat to her?'"

"Song Zhao calmly continued her analysis:"

"'Consort Chen is capricious and looks down on all the other consorts. She doesn’t seek closeness with anyone. It's only because I chose to ally with her that she shows me any favor. For Consort Shu to plant something harmful in Consort Chen’s palace, she would have to visit personally. Given Consort Chen’s pride, Consort Shu wouldn’t even be able to enter the palace gates without being turned away."

"As for the Empress, it’s even less likely. Firstly, the Empress would never entertain any consort in her own chambers; secondly, the Empress is devout in her Buddhism and insists on cleanliness, with her palace being swept three times a day. If Consort Shu attempted to plant evidence there, it would likely be discovered by the Empress before causing any harm."

"Song Zhao paused, then continued:"

"'But if it were placed in my palace, it would be different. Being new to the palace and without stable favor, my words carry little weight and nobody would believe me. If I couldn’t protect myself, I would be unable to clear my name in this matter. Should the Emperor investigate and find nothing, he might well have me executed, just like Lady Li in the past."

"But the Emperor is naturally suspicious; he wouldn’t believe that I wasn’t being manipulated. Think about it, who would he suspect first?'"

"Xiaofuzi thought for a moment and said, 'Consort Shu's pregnancy almost coincided with Consort Chen’s miscarriage. Consort Chen has always harbored a grudge about this, so naturally, the Emperor would suspect her…'"

"He paused, then suddenly added, 'And the Empress. After all, if Consort Shu safely delivers, her child will be a noble heir. Even if the Empress later gives birth to a direct heir, their status would be comparable. If the Emperor becomes suspicious, he would definitely suspect them.'"

"Song Zhao nodded slightly, smiling coldly, 'As the saying goes, suspicion breeds phantoms. Once the Emperor becomes doubtful, he will start to distance himself from them."

"Think about it, I am the Emperor’s new favorite, Consort Chen has been his favorite for so many years, and the Empress is the central consort. With one stroke, Consort Shu has brought all three of us down, while she can play the victim to gain the Emperor’s sympathy. If her plan succeeds, isn’t it the perfect opportunity for her to monopolize the Emperor’s affection and rise to power?'"

"Hearing Song Zhao’s words, Xiaofuzi couldn’t help but inhale sharply, feeling a chill run down his spine."

"Xiaofuzi prided himself on being somewhat clever,"

"But even Xiaofuzi, with all his wits, could not have come up with the analysis Song Zhao provided today."

"On the surface, Consort Shu appeared gentle and kind, with a soft and compliant nature. She was known for her quiet and peaceful demeanor, always being kind to others,"

"No one would have thought that someone who seemed so devoid of schemes could be plotting such intricate and vile schemes behind the scenes."

"Such cunning and deep calculation is truly astonishing."

Xiaofuzi fell silent for a moment before bowing respectfully to Song Zhao, saying:

"My lady's insight is as fine as dust, able to discern opportunities from the slightest clues. I am in awe. Today's incident at the Qianli Pond involving Qingyue also indirectly confirms your speculation. Consort Shu, so cunning and scheming, is not an easy adversary. Perhaps you should inform Consort Chen of this matter as a favor, and use Consort Chen's influence to take down Consort Shu in one fell swoop."

Song Zhao heard this without any expression, merely shaking her head in disapproval of Xiaofuzi's suggestion,

"Would Consort Chen believe me if I told her? It might even make her think that I'm too scheming for coming up with such a convoluted plot."

Saying this, she waved her hand dismissively and sighed, "Forget it, as long as we are aware and stay on guard, that's enough. As for the others, let them fend for themselves."

Later, she claimed to be tired and asked Xiaofuzi to leave to rest, while specifically instructing him to keep today's matters confidential and not tell anyone.

After Xiaofuzi left, Song Zhao casually picked up a pair of silver scissors, idly playing with the candlewick that was almost submerged in the wax.

The flickering flames cast a fluctuating light and shadow on her face,

Her thin, beautiful lips curved slightly, revealing an inscrutable and somewhat chilling smile.

She certainly wouldn't tell Consort Chen or the Empress about this,

Not only would she not tell them, but she would also keep it a secret for Consort Shu.

In doing so, she could watch as the Empress and Consort Chen became increasingly hostile towards each other,

While she and Consort Shu could just hide in the shadows, quietly watching the tiger fight from the mountain.

When the Empress and Consort Chen, the two most powerful women in the harem, were both weakened from their battle, and Consort Shu thought she could take the lead,

Song Zhao would find a way to subtly let Xiao Jingheng know of all the ‘good deeds’ Consort Shu had done,

By then, she wouldn't need to do anything and could eliminate the three mountains – the Empress, Consort Chen, and Consort Shu – in one go, bringing her a step closer to the coveted throne of the Empress.

Thinking this way, the smile on her lips deepened, and she murmured to herself,

"The days in this palace are becoming more and more interesting."

She thought:

"These women fighting among themselves is already quite a spectacle, saving me the trouble of getting involved."

"It also frees up my hands, allowing me time to focus on Xiao Jingheng."

With these thoughts, her hand holding the scissors suddenly tightened, cutting off the candlewick,

The shadow behind her instantly merged into the darkness...