Chapter 86: Clear Love and Hate

Chapter 86: Clear Love and Hate

When they climbed to the top of the Cloud Platform again, Song Zhao and Yunshan were even more cautious.

"The master and servant cautiously stayed close to the mountain wall, ensuring each step was firm before proceeding."

"Upon reaching Yuntai and entering the Ten Heavenly Bodhisattvas Temple, Song Zhao knelt and bowed before the Buddha statues. She then carefully took down the peace charm, wrapped it in a silk handkerchief, and placed it in her waist pouch."

"Before leaving, she instructed the attending palace maid,"

"'The protective chains on both sides of Yuntai have broken. Arrange for someone to fix them quickly to avoid any accidents.'"

"The maid agreed repeatedly, but her face was filled with confusion as she muttered,"

"'The chains were just refixed last month. How could they have broken so soon?'"

"Song Zhao didn't comment on this,"

"On the way down, a remark Consort Chen had made kept echoing in Song Zhao's mind,"

"'The protective chains on either side of Yuntai are as cold as ice in winter. It's best not to touch them, lest you freeze your delicate hands, making it difficult to serve the Empress properly later!'"

"Had it not been for Consort Chen's seemingly abrupt warning,"

"Song Zhao might have been in grave danger by now."

"After safely descending Yuntai, Yunshan breathed a sigh of relief,"

"'Such a dangerous path. The Empress ascends Yuntai twice every month, and I thought it was merely strenuous. I never imagined that a single misstep could be life-threatening.'"

"Song Zhao replied with a cold laugh, 'She must go to such lengths to demonstrate her devotion to the Emperor, doesn’t she?'"

"'If she’s willing to risk her life just to make the Emperor think well of her, I think such affection is hardly worth having,' Yunshan opined."

"In this matter, Yunshan saw things more clearly than even the Empress."

"All the consorts care for Emperor Xiao, but the Empress's concern seems excessively intense."

"When concern exceeds bounds, it ceases to be wifely and becomes more maternal."

"No wonder Emperor Xiao always treats her with formal respect but lacks the intimacy of a husband."

"Having walked a dozen yards away from Yuntai, Yunshan looked back apprehensively at the chains hanging off the cliff mid-mountain and couldn't help but inhale sharply,"

"'That was close. If Consort Chen hadn’t sarcastically mentioned the chain in passing, you might have been in danger had you relied on it.'"

"'She didn’t mention it by mere coincidence,' Song Zhao said gravely. 'She did it intentionally.'"

"'Intentionally? My lady, are you saying Consort Chen knew about the chain’s fault beforehand?'"

"Song Zhao remained silent, her eyes fixed straight ahead."

"After a moment of contemplation, Yunshan suddenly realized, 'Or do you mean that the chain was actually tampered with by Consort Chen...'"

"Song Zhao glanced sidelong at Yunshan,"

"In the palace, walls have ears, and even the wind is capable of eavesdropping,"

"Understanding the implication, Yunshan immediately clamped her mouth shut."

"Actually, this matter has become quite clear by now,"

"Chen Consort thought the snake incident in Mei Garden was an attempt by the Empress to harm her, thus she was single-mindedly focused on revenge."

"The Empress’s routine of ascending Yuntai on the 15th and 16th of each month is well-known in the palace,"

"So, the most direct way for Chen Consort to harm the Empress was to sabotage the chains on Yuntai."

"This method is simple and brainless. If exposed, it could easily be traced back,"

"But this does seem to align with Chen Consort’s usual approach..."

"Moreover, Chen Consort is not a devotee of Buddhism. Why would her palanquin be at Yuntai out of the blue?"

"Most likely, she was hiding in the shadows, eager to witness the Empress's fall and satisfy her vendetta."

"The unexpected element in the entire plan was the sudden appearance of Song Zhao."

"After returning the peace talisman to the Empress and exchanging a few pleasantries, Song Zhao excused herself."

"Upon leaving the Empress's palace, Song Zhao didn’t head straight back but detoured to Chen Consort’s palace."

"On her arrival, Chen Consort was engrossed in a play. Song Zhao stood by, waiting for about half an hour."

"Once the actors had left, Song Zhao approached the center of the hall and knelt before Chen Consort, expressing her gratitude without hesitation,"

"'I thank Your Highness, Consort Chen.'"

"Despite her air of disdain for everyone, Chen Consort rolled her eyes at Song Zhao and said,"

"'What are you thanking me for? I didn’t do anything. If you must thank someone, thank yourself.'"

"Of course, Chen Consort had to pretend she didn’t understand Song Zhao’s words,"

"Otherwise, wouldn’t it be an indirect admission that she was the one who tampered with the chains on Yuntai?"

"Song Zhao, being astute herself, simply said,"

"'My hands have developed frostbite, and the cold exacerbates the condition. Had not Consort Chen reminded me today, I would have certainly held the icy chains to ascend Yuntai, risking my hands becoming numb, even hindering basic tasks like dressing and eating.'"

"After a moment of silence, Consort Chen motioned for Song Zhao to rise, then said with a cold laugh,"

"'Now that your hands are saved, remember who you should serve with them in the future, understand?'"

"Song Zhao nodded repeatedly, respectfully responding, 'I owe my current standing to Your Highness's support all along. Your Highness has shown great kindness to me, and I will never forget my roots.'"

"Consort Chen’s gaze fixated on Song Zhao’s flawless beauty,"

"Privately admiring the woman’s stunning looks every time they were alone,"

"Especially when she saw the fervent and intense way Emperor Xiao looked at Song Zhao,"

"She almost wished she could tear off that perfect visage of Song Zhao."

"She was capable of doing so,"

"Yet, it was this very woman, whom she envied, who had saved her life..."

"Consort Chen narrowed her eyes, her gaze sharp as daggers, scouring Song Zhao’s figure menacingly,"

"Then spoke with disdain, 'You indeed shouldn’t forget your roots. If I could elevate you to the Emperor’s bed, I can also bury you beneath the earth of the imperial concubines’ tomb! Yingxiang, show her out!'"

"That day, Song Zhao was eventually driven out of Yonghe Palace by Consort Chen."

"However, she wasn’t at all upset,"

"But rather thought to herself how foolish Consort Chen was, too foolish to be truly hated."

"Compared to others in the harem who always scheme in the shadows, Consort Chen’s straightforward and candid nature in love and hatred makes her somewhat less detestable."

"Back in Yao Hua Palace, Song Zhao quickly packed some essentials, placing her travel bag by the bedside, intending to organize it later."

"At this moment, Emperor Xiao arrived unexpectedly."

"He came without prior announcement, surprising Song Zhao with his sudden appearance."

"At that time, Song Zhao was busy with the travel bag. Seeing Emperor Xiao, she hastily covered the bag with a quilt and went forward to greet him."

"'Your Majesty, may you be blessed with longevity.'"

"Emperor Xiao noticed her hurried actions,"

"He helped her up and led her towards the bed, holding her hand."

"'What treasures are you hiding? Not even allowing me to see?'"

"'N-nothing... It’s just some personal items I need to take to the hot spring resort.' Song Zhao stuttered, avoiding eye contact, making Emperor Xiao more suspicious."

"Suddenly, he flipped open the quilt, sending the tied-up travel bag tumbling to the floor."

"Emperor Xiao bent down to pick up the bag, about to untie it when he saw Song Zhao nervously biting her lip, blushing and timidly saying,"

"'It’s just some ordinary daily necessities, Your Majesty... Maybe you shouldn’t look...'"