Chapter 25: Hidden Poison Needle

Chapter 25: Hidden Poison Needle

The Decree of Promotion

Upon hearing these words, the Queen's gentle and dignified smile froze on her face.

But she only lost her composure for a moment, quickly regaining her demeanor and smiling at Su Jiaojiao, who had tears in her eyes.

Su Jiaojiao was slightly startled, perhaps not expecting the Emperor to call her.

She hesitated for a moment when she looked at the Queen, her eyes showing apology and a bit of difficulty, but eventually, she extended a slightly cool, soft hand and placed it in the Emperor's palm.

Shen Huai encircled Su Jiaojiao in his arms, looking down at Min Chongyi, and calmly issued the order: "Min Chongyi has violated palace rules, harmed palace servants, and is unworthy of being a palace mistress. From this day forward, she is demoted to Jieyu and will reflect on her actions behind closed doors."

"The remaining matters can be handled by the Queen."

As the words fell, Shen Huai's imperial carriage headed south towards the direction of the Tai Chi Hall.

Min Jieyu's face turned pale, her eyes filled with disbelief, and she murmured, "Your Majesty, I did not..."

The Queen turned to look at her, a fleeting sense of satisfaction flashing in her eyes.

Back in the Crown Prince's residence, Min Jieyu had allied with Noble Consort Wang, forming a faction to compete for power and favor, opposing her in everything.

Noble Consort Wang's family was powerful, and Min Jieyu was her distant cousin. The two worked together, making her feel constrained at every turn.

After entering the palace, both were granted positions of authority, especially Noble Consort Wang, who soon gave birth to the Emperor's eldest son, making her even more prominent.

The Queen was wise and patient, and she knew exactly what Noble Consort Wang was plotting.

Noble Consort Wang wanted to pull her down from the position of Queen so she could become the Queen herself and make her son the legitimate heir. To achieve this, she would resort to any underhanded means.

Min Jieyu had followed Noble Consort Wang for so long, doing countless things for her and covering up for her. Now, being pulled down from her position as a palace mistress and placed under house arrest, it was only natural for her to panic!

The Queen coldly glanced at Min Jieyu, her eyes icy.

What a joke!

As long as she was the Queen, she would remain the Queen for life. How could she allow concubines to be so insolent!

"Attendants," the Queen smiled gracefully, elegantly turning around, and calmly ordered, "Take Min Jieyu back to the Zhui Xia Palace to reflect on her actions, and prepare a side chamber."

"She is not to leave without summons."

Tai Chi Hall

Su Jiaojiao clung to Shen Huai's neck as he carried her towards the inner hall, her eyes still red, her nose slightly sniffling. She buried her head in his chest, a pitiful and delicate appearance.

Shen Huai looked down at her and said leisurely, "I have already dealt with Min Jieyu, are you still upset?"

Su Jiaojiao peeked out at him with half her face, then hid again, her soft voice slightly hoarse, "I know Your Majesty is wise."

"If you know, then why are you crying?"

Placing her on the table, Shen Huai slightly lowered his head to touch her forehead, his jade-like fingers brushing her nose, "Did I carry you here to listen to you cry?"

The Emperor's actions and voice were clearly doting on her, but Su Jiaojiao's eyes sharpened, knowing it was time to stop.

As the Son of Heaven, with three palaces and six courtyards, the Emperor's patience with women was always limited.

Especially their emperor, who does everything as he pleases.

Although he currently favors her more than others, Su Jiaojiao knows that despite her meticulous planning, she is only slightly different in the emperor's eyes.

He likes her, but it's just that—liking.

No different from liking a beautiful cat.

If she wants to elevate her status in the emperor's heart, every interaction is crucial, and every opportunity must be seized.

Su Jiaojiao slightly raised her eyes to meet the emperor's gaze. His eyes were dark, like a deep pool, making her feel a bit dizzy.

Shen Huai leisurely waited to see what she would do. In just a few seconds, her soft lips actively pressed against his. Amidst their intertwined breaths, she trembled and said, "Your servant is very happy..."

His voice was slightly hoarse: "Happy about what?"

Su Jiaojiao, as if boneless, melted into his arms like spring water: "Your servant's husband is a benevolent ruler who cares for the world. If Luo Luo knew, she would surely rest in peace."

Her lips and voice were equally sweet and moving, and her words pleased him.

Shen Huai's heart stirred, and he smiled, then took Su Jiaojiao's delicate wrist and asked in a low voice: "Luo Luo?"

Seeing his reaction, Su Jiaojiao knew that as an emperor, no man could resist his beloved woman praising him in such an adoring and admiring tone.

She nodded, nestled in his arms, and said in a heartbreaking tone: "Luo Luo was a maid in Your servant's Pixiang Palace, and she... died because of Min Jieyu. If Your servant had been more capable, she wouldn't have lost her own people..."

As she spoke, Su Jiaojiao's voice trembled again, truly aggrieved.

Shen Huai was in a good mood, and the tears of the woman in his arms only evoked pity rather than annoyance. His desire grew, and he was too lazy to discuss others' matters with her. He picked her up from the table and said hoarsely: "What's so difficult about that? Tomorrow, I will assign someone from the imperial court to you."

"Your rank should also be promoted, so you know how much I favor you, and I won't have to see you cry so often."

Su Jiaojiao tilted her head softly, her eyes filled with charm: "Does Your Majesty really not like it when Your servant cries?"

Shen Huai never thought he would be manipulated by Su Jiaojiao one day. Remembering her soft, obedient crying in the past, his throat tightened: "Come, I'll show you."

On the dragon bed, Su Jiaojiao actively used her toes to pull aside the curtains, leaving the room filled with lingering charm.

No one would have thought that someone as delicate as Su Jiaojiao, who could be so heartbroken over losing a maid, would be the one to first harbor murderous intent.

Who could have guessed that such a timid and delicate beauty would also have blood on her hands.

The thief who tried to steal a chicken ended up losing the rice.

This time, Noble Consort Wang and Min Jieyu were the ones who lost.

The next day, after Su Jiaojiao left the Taiji Hall, Cai Shan immediately went to Pixiang Palace to announce the imperial decree.

Su Jiaojiao, along with everyone in Pixiang Palace, knelt to receive the decree. Cai Shan read aloud: "By the decree of heaven, the emperor proclaims—Lady Su, gentle and virtuous, graceful and elegant, is hereby promoted to the fifth rank of Noble Consort, so it is decreed—!"

Su Jiaojiao stepped forward and performed a grand salute of gratitude: "Your servant Su, thanks Your Majesty for the grace."

Cai Shan handed the decree to Su Jiaojiao with both hands, smiling warmly: "Noble Consort Lian, please rest. This old servant will return to the Taiji Hall to serve His Majesty."

He then lightly flicked his horsetail whisk behind him and called out: "Ling Yun, come and greet Noble Consort Lian."

From behind Cai Shan, a graceful maid stepped forward and bowed respectfully: "Your servant Ling Yun, greets Noble Consort Lian."

Su Jiaojiao looked her up and down and praised: "The Grand Steward indeed chooses the best. Jiaojiao thanks you here."

Seeing her being so polite, Cai Shan admired the currently prominent Noble Consort Lian even more, saying, "Your Ladyship need not be so courteous. Just make good use of His Majesty's favor."

"Yu Ying," Su Jiaojiao called softly, and Yu Ying immediately stepped forward to quietly hand Cai Shan a pouch. She then continued, "There may be more to trouble the Chief Eunuch in the future. A small token of appreciation, please do not disdain it."

Cai Shan glanced at it without showing any expression and smiled, "Noble Consort Lian, you are too kind."

He looked at the people from the Taiji Hall and bowed, saying, "This old servant will take his leave now."

After Cai Shan and his entourage left, the palace servants of Pixiang Hall joyfully bowed and said, "This servant congratulates Your Ladyship on your promotion!"

Su Jiaojiao gave a cold smile, lightly raised her hand, and said, "Everyone shall be rewarded."

Not far away, Ling Xiao showed a look of surprise, clearly taken aback, and stepped forward, saying, "Ling Yun, how come it's you who came?"

Ling Yun smiled, first went to pay respects to Su Jiaojiao, and then said, "This morning, His Majesty ordered the Chief Eunuch to select someone from the imperial presence to come to Pixiang Hall. Knowing that Ling Xiao was also here, I volunteered. The Chief Eunuch, knowing that Ling Xiao and I have a close relationship, agreed to let me come. I hope Your Ladyship trusts me, and I will serve with all my heart."

Su Jiaojiao glanced at Ling Xiao, who nodded repeatedly and said in a low voice, "Ling Yun and I have known each other since childhood and entered the palace together. We know each other well, so please rest assured, Your Ladyship."

The palace maids from the imperial presence were all top-notch, so Su Jiaojiao was not worried, but trust could not be established without some time of observation.

The palace was full of uncertainties. Even the best people could change overnight. Su Jiaojiao had to tread carefully in the palace, always on high alert.

In the blink of an eye, summer arrived, and the weather became increasingly hot. Just walking outside for a short while felt like entering a steamer, making people irritable and uncomfortable all over.

For the past half month, it seemed that because of the incident with Min Jieyu, Yun Baolin had also been affected. She had only been favored once on the day of the Dragon Boat Festival and had not seen His Majesty since. Her initial appointment was surprising, but it only lasted one night before she fell into obscurity.

Both of Noble Consort Wang's schemes had failed.

Now, everyone in the palace knew that the most favored concubine was Noble Consort Lian. Since her first favor, she had been continuously well-treated, and now she had been promoted to the rank of Noble Consort, becoming a favorite of His Majesty.

On the day Su Jiaojiao was promoted to Noble Consort, many people in the palace sent gifts to congratulate her on her promotion, and for a time, her residence was bustling with visitors, with many seeking to befriend her.

During this period, Ling Xiao and Yu Ying went over the palace situation with her, allowing her to see more clearly and understand that her current position was the most dangerous.

Among the new concubines, she was the most conspicuous, yet she could not compare to the high-ranking ladies in terms of power and influence. Every move she made was watched by countless people.

In fact, Su Jiaojiao herself knew that it was not advisable to go it alone in the palace, but among the current palace members, she had no desire to make friends. Ordinary good family women were of no help to her, and the respectable official daughters were all troublesome.

Every time she thought about it, Su Jiaojiao herself felt a headache.

Among the noble ladies, the only one who seemed somewhat normal was Beauty Zhong. She had contacted her several times, both openly and secretly, and although she found her to be decent and not colluding with the likes of Min Jieyu and Noble Consort Wang, she was still Min Jieyu's cousin and had a cold and aloof personality.

She was not on the same path as Su Jiaojiao.

Since she could not find a good companion, Su Jiaojiao simply gave up on the idea and decided to live her life peacefully.

According to the usual schedule, it was almost time for the summer retreat, and it was uncertain who would be on this year's list.

The summer heat was intense, and although Pixiang Hall had ice, there was still a hint of stuffiness.

The daily ice ration for a Noble Consort was twenty catties, which sounded like a lot, but ice was heavy, and when transported, it amounted to just one large block.

To ensure a good night's sleep, Yu Ying had to carefully allocate the ice, which was just barely enough. Even a fifth-rank Noble Consort had to manage like this, and one could only imagine how those of lower ranks survived.

Su Jiaojiao was listless from the heat, leaning on the soft couch to rest.

She didn't even have the appetite for lunch.

Yu Ying came in from outside, holding the curtain, and said with a smile, "Your Ladyship, the Shangshi Bureau has sent some chilled plum soup. Please have some to cool off."

Hearing it was chilled, Su Jiaojiao perked up a bit, slightly opening her eyes to ask, "How much did they give?"

Yu Ying slightly raised the food box in her hand and smiled, "Now that you're favored, the people from the Shangshi Bureau dare not neglect you. They gave two full pots, enough to quench your thirst."

She stepped forward, took out the sour plum soup, and poured it into an ice bowl, bringing it to Su Jiaojiao, but her tone was concerned, "My lady, drink less, be careful not to overdo it."

Su Jiaojiao sat up on the couch and took a sip. The sweet and sour taste was refreshing and very palatable. Unconsciously, she finished a bowl. She seemed more spirited, her fan lightly tapping on the table, saying, "Yu Ying, take one of the pots and share it with the others below."

Yu Ying paused for a moment, turning her head in surprise, "My lady, you only have two pots of this chilled sour plum soup. It's a very precious treat in this hot summer. If you share it with us, you might not have enough for yourself."

Su Jiaojiao smiled gently, "You do know how to take care of me."

She coaxed Yu Ying softly, "Life is hard for the palace servants. I know you're all hot. After sharing, take a rest, only those with tasks and on duty should stay. I remember today it's you and Yu Ye on duty in the hall, right? After lunch, have her bring a small mat, and you can take turns napping."

Su Jiaojiao often thought of the palace servants, which was extremely rare in the harem where status and position were everything. But others might not know why, Yu Ying and Yu Ye did.

Back in the mansion, Su Jiaojiao was not liked by her stepmother and rarely saw her father. Although she was the legitimate daughter of a minister, life in the small courtyard was very hard.

When she was young, only her wet nurse took good care of her. When she grew older, the wet nurse fell seriously ill and passed away, leaving only Madam Liu and the young master who were kind and often helped her.

For the lady, those who had been with her since childhood were these so-called servants, but these servants were more humane than the lofty nobles. Yu Ying knew that after entering the palace, the lady's greatest desire was to gain status and power, so that those who treated her well could live a good life, and to step on those who looked down on her, no longer being bullied.

Now that she was the emperor's favored concubine, she still often thought of them. Just this sentiment was enough to move people. Yu Ying's eyes unconsciously reddened, and she curtsied, saying, "I thank the lady on behalf of everyone."

She was a legitimate daughter but not arrogant, knowing to sympathize with the hardships of ordinary people.

This was extremely precious to palace servants like them who came from humble backgrounds.

During lunch, Yu Ye came back with Man Xia from outside, carrying a food box. They arranged the exquisite dishes on the table one by one, tested them with a silver needle, and then knelt down, smiling, "My lady, it's time to eat. The Shangshi Bureau specially added a steamed sea bass for you today, it's very plump."

Su Jiaojiao sat at the table, spreading her skirt, but she felt really hot. No matter how delicious the sea bass was, it was still hot food, making it hard to eat. She hastily picked a couple of cold dishes to eat.

Just as she was about to call someone to serve a bowl of sour plum soup, a loud announcement came from outside.

"The Emperor is here—"

Su Jiaojiao was slightly startled, put down her chopsticks, dabbed her lips with a handkerchief, and then got up to greet him.

As the door opened, a wave of heat hit her. Su Jiaojiao felt uncomfortable but still smiled delicately and charmingly, curtsying, "Your servant greets Your Majesty."

Shen Huai naturally took her hand, not thinking that holding hands in such hot weather was not a good thing.

Su Jiaojiao had no choice but to let her hand be enveloped by his large one, and they entered the Pixiang Hall together.

As the door closed, Shen Huai frowned slightly and asked, "Is it always this hot?"

Su Jiaojiao was slightly stunned, then realized what the emperor was talking about. The emperor's palace always had ice, making it comfortable and cool at all times, but it was different for the concubines.

He rarely visited the harem, mostly summoning people to the Taiji Palace for the night. Coming to the Pixiang Hall in such weather was indeed unusual.

But Su Jiaojiao was now a fifth-rank noble lady, not a low status. The daily ice ration was limited, and during the day, there was only so much, no more.

She had to softly remind him, "The palace has a daily ice quota. I get twenty catties a day, so it can get a bit hot."

Su Jiaojiao seemed a bit uneasy and sad, her moist eyes looking over, whispering, "Will Your Majesty find the Pixiang Hall too hot and never come again?"

Now she seemed to know that Shen Huai had more patience with her, often acting delicate to evoke his pity.

Shen Huai liked her this way, and a bit more ice was nothing. He glanced at her and said casually, "If you're worried I won't come, doubling the ice quota for the Pixiang Hall should be enough?"

Su Jiaojiao didn't push her luck, her soft fingertips gently teasing the Emperor's palm, causing his hand to itch, and her cool, spring-like eyes smiled: "Your Majesty is so kind."

This subtle gesture was barely noticeable even in the palace surrounded by palace servants. Seemingly unintentional, it carried a hint of subtle seduction.

Shen Huai glanced at her casually: "Can't wait? I'll rest in your palace tonight."

Su Jiaojiao blushed, biting her lip, unsure of what to say.

Shen Huai observed her expression and lazily instructed the palace servants to add enough ice to cool the heat, then took Su Jiaojiao's hand and sat at the table, saying, "Isn't it time for lunch? I'll accompany you."

Ling Yun, with great tact, pulled out another pair of silver chopsticks, served a small bowl of rice, and respectfully placed it in front of the Emperor before stepping back, not raising her head again.

Shen Huai glanced at Ling Yun, recalling something: "Did Cai Shan choose you?"

Ling Yun nodded and curtsied, replying, "Yes, Your Majesty."

Shen Huai said no more, picking up a shrimp with his chopsticks, and said lightly, "Every year at this time in summer, we go to the mountain villa to escape the heat. Counting the days, it will be in seven days this year."

"The mountain villa is cool. If you're afraid of the heat, you'll surely like it there."

The number of people accompanying the Emperor to the mountain villa each year is fixed. With over forty concubines in the palace, not everyone has the chance to accompany the Emperor to the mountain villa. Except for those who have children, who are usually on the list, one must at least have some favor to be included in the list.

Su Jiaojiao remembered that in the three years since the Emperor ascended the throne, the Empress, Noble Consort Wang, Consort Mi, and Lady Wen had gone to the mountain villa every year, while the rest of the list was uncertain.

In those three years, she was only of selected rank and naturally had no chance to go.

The Emperor's earlier words implied that he would take her along, which naturally made her very happy.

She had heard that the mountain villa was cool, with ice constantly supplied, and the scenery was beautiful, making it a great place to visit. Every year at this time, many people tried their best to secure a spot.

Apart from these benefits, there was also the most practical one: with fewer concubines in the mountain villa, the chance of catching the Emperor's eye was greater.

Two months were enough for a concubine to gain favor.

Su Jiaojiao thanked the Emperor, and after some casual conversation, Shen Huai embraced her and went to the inner chamber for a nap.

Usually, she slept alone, accustomed to sleeping on the outer edge, but now with someone lying beside her, Su Jiaojiao naturally moved inward.

She glanced at the soft pillow on the inner side, the old pillow from when she was of selected rank in the Yunwu Pavilion. She found it comfortable and couldn't bear to throw it away, but Yu Ying said that since they had moved to a new place, it was better to use a new set. So she simply threw it inside, thinking it might come in handy someday.

Today, with the Emperor's arrival, it indeed proved useful.

Su Jiaojiao lay on the inner side, obediently closing her eyes to rest, but soon, a hand slid around her waist.

The thin curtain fell, vaguely revealing Shen Huai towering over her, pressing against her waist.

Su Jiaojiao, unable to bear the fatigue, leaned onto the soft pillow, but as soon as she moved—

"Ah."

A thin, long cut suddenly appeared on her fair collarbone, and soon, blood gushed out, contrasting sharply with her delicate skin.