Chapter 430 The Pitiful Person Planning an Escape Route

Chapter 430: Pitiful Souls Plotting Their Futures

Virtuous Consort gave a half-hearted curtsey and replied, "Understood."

After the gathering dispersed, Gongsun Noble Lady approached Virtuous Consort with an ingratiating smile. "The Imperial Noble Consort is way too petty. Such a trivial matter, yet she insists on making Elder Sister copy the rules."

"Let this humble one take on the task of copying the palace regulations for you, Elder Sister."

"To have your delicate hands toil over such menial work would be nothing short of a waste."

She spoke these words without hesitation, despite Virtuous Consort’s thick fingers.

Virtuous Consort, equally oblivious to her own hands, proudly lifted her little finger adorned with a nail guard.

She glanced at Gongsun Noble Lady and gave a haughty nod.

"Very well. My thanks."

Jumping at the chance, Gongsun Noble Lady lingered to butter her up further, coaxing her into a pleasant mood before finally taking her leave—returning to her own palace to copy the regulations on her behalf.

In the Hall of Celebrations, Worthy Consort stayed behind after the gathering dispersed. As usual, she mooched food and drinks before returning to her own palace.

Rubbing her sore shoulders after sword practice, she remarked, "Whenever Virtuous Consort gets punished, the handwriting submitted is different."

"Look at how she still behaves as she pleases. Your plan to discipline her probably won’t work."

"If you truly want her to fear consequences, you must first stop the suck-ups."

The Imperial Noble Consort sighed. "They have no children to rely on in their old age. Their future livelihood hangs on the new emperor’s word. They’re merely betting on the King of Qin."

"Ah... They’re just pitiful souls scrambling for safety."

"If Virtuous Consort breaks the rules, I must punish her. Those are the rules."

Rubbing her temples, she added, "As for the rest—so long as they don’t interfere with my management of the palace affairs, leave them alone."

Worthy Consort studied her for a moment. The typically stoic beauty curled her lips into a faint smile and inexplicably remarked, "No wonder Chuer clicks with you."

Both of you can sympathize with others’ hardships.

Meanwhile, in the Eastern Palace, Bei Jingchu faced another emergency after court.

Changyan reported, "Your Highness, at Wanyuan, Armory Supervisor Zhou Huanjiu requests the Chief Imperial Physician’s treatment. She urgently needs your order."

Officials of Zhou Huanjiu’s rank could petition for an imperial physician’s care, but only the ordinary ones. Higher-ranking physicians like the Chief Imperial Physician could only be dispatched by Bei Jingchu, the Imperial Noble Consort, or others of similar authority.

If Zhou Huanjiu came to her, it must be a serious illness.

Bei Jingchu froze. "Is Jiu Jiu sick?"

Changyan shook her head. "It’s Supervisor Zhou’s mother."

Bei Jingchu relaxed. Though Madam Li’s illness would upset Jiu Jiu, in terms of personal concern, it was far more bearable than if Jiu Jiu herself had fallen ill.

She issued an edict dispatching two Chief Imperial Physicians to Wanyuan for the examination, then got ready to head over herself.

Since the emperor hadn't given her any duties and she didn't need to help review memorials, Bei Jingchu had no urgent matters at hand.

Upon arriving at Wanyuan, Zhou Huanjiu came out to greet her, her delicate face looking utterly exhausted.

"You didn't have to come all this way," she apologized. "Just sending the imperial physicians would have been enough."

"I had nothing better to do anyway," Bei Jingchu replied casually as she followed her inside. "Hearing you're in difficulty, of course I had to come see."

Zhou Huanjiu led her to the guest chamber and spoke about Madam Li's current illness, explaining with worry, "The previous imperial physician said it was beyond cure; otherwise I wouldn't have bothered you."

She began to tear up.

"People are so fragile—just a small illness or bit of bad luck can take a life."

"If Mother leaves too, I'll be completely alone in all of Wanyuan."

Bei Jingchu could only comfort her: "The imperial physician-in-chief's medical skills are much better than regular imperial physicians. Perhaps it's not that serious."