Chapter 126: Attempting to Silence

Chapter 126: Intent to Eliminate

Destroy to Reconstruct

Consort Yu was inept. Even after being poisoned, she still managed to evade death—truly a survivor.

These were merely her late-spring arrangements. She never expected perfection from Consort Yu. She had even specifically instructed Yu He to ensure the assigned personnel didn’t act too conspicuously. Yet, Consort Yu proved utterly incompetent, failing at such a simple task.

However, her original plan had been to let others do the dirty work—killing two birds with one stone.

Consort Yu was arrogant, looking down on everyone, relying on her past ties with His Majesty to act domineeringly. Enough to breed contempt in anyone.

If she bore a child, she’d surely exploit it for power, even disregarding the Empress herself.

The Marquis of Dingguo doted on his daughter, and as part of the Empress Dowager’s maternal family, if Consort Yu truly bore a prince, how could the Empress keep her in check? Best to remove her entirely.

His Majesty had already grown displeased with Consort Yu over this matter and had acted in anger. Consort Yu wouldn’t blame His Majesty—she would only direct her hatred toward Su Jiaojiao.

Though no genius, her hatred for Su Jiaojiao was still useful.

Among the Imperial Consorts, none needed to hold a special place in His Majesty’s heart, nor did they need to be overly intelligent or favored. Obedience and pliability mattered most.

With the autumn hunt approaching, her plans were about to unfold. For now, there was neither time nor need to deal with Su Jiaojiao.

The Empress glanced at Noble Consort Shu, knowing she had been recently managing palace affairs, overwhelmed and unable to spare a moment. She sneered inwardly.

Yet, her expression remained perfectly calm, even gentle as she inquired, "Noble Consort Shu."

Hearing the Empress address her, Noble Consort Shu lifted her gaze. Her striking face betrayed no emotion as she gave a slight nod and curtsied. "Your Majesty."

"His Majesty has graciously entrusted you with managing palace affairs. These tasks seem trivial from afar, but once taken on, their complexity becomes clear—tedious and intricate, requiring careful planning at every turn. It is no easy task," the Empress said with a faint smile. "If there’s anything you don’t understand, you may come to me anytime. I will guide you slowly."

Having long stayed by Su Jiaojiao’s side, Noble Consort Shu was well aware that the Empress was a wolf in sheep’s clothing—full of malice, caring only for her own interests, incapable of genuine kindness toward anyone.

Her current display of warmth and benevolence was undoubtedly a weasel’s hollow courtesy because she knew of Noble Consort Shu’s closeness to Su Jiaojiao, thus stirring some ulterior motive. In short, it harbored no good intentions.

Noble Consort Shu straightened her posture, neither submissive nor arrogant, her red lips parting slightly. "This consort once lived idly, fortunate to have earned His Majesty’s favor, thus granted the privilege of managing palace affairs. Your Majesty is most benevolent, but this consort is no clever woman, nor does she harbor ambitions to overstep her bounds. One tenet stays etched in her mind."

"Harm none unless harmed first. Does Your Majesty not agree?"

The Empress met her gaze briefly, a faint smile curling her lips. "Naturally. Noble Consort Shu and Consort Zhen share such a close bond—truly a model for the harem. If everyone in the palace could coexist as harmoniously as you two, this Empress would have far fewer troubles to worry about."

Noble Consort Shu replied coolly, "Your Majesty flatters us. Consort Zhen is unwell, and this consort must attend to her. His Majesty mentioned earlier that Your Majesty, having just recovered, should avoid the wind. It would be best to return and rest early, lest His Majesty worry."

By now, dusk had faded into twilight, the sky darkening into an ink-blue hue.

Guanju Palace glowed like daylight. Clad in her radiant phoenix robes, the Empress stood before Yaoxian Hall, gazing at the scattering of stars, her voice gentle. "Noble Consort Shu."

"You’re blessed with wit and charm. Even without following Consort Zhen’s lead, you could carve your own path. You have pride—why submit to another?"

Noble Consort Shu’s brows furrowed slightly, her tone even. "Your Majesty need not waste your thoughts on this consort. Night approaches—this consort will not escort Your Majesty back."

With a curtsy, she crossed the threshold, disappearing from the Empress’s sight.

The Empress smiled faintly, draping her hand over Yu He’s wrist as she leisurely exited Guanju Palace.

Yu He followed closely, whispering, "Why did Your Majesty not visit Consort Zhen? Noble Consort Shu’s usual frostiness showed her claws today, addressing Your Majesty so boldly."

"And what’s so special about Consort Zhen? His Majesty dotes on her so, and Noble Consort Shu remains fiercely loyal. She has served His Majesty for so long without conceiving, yet after merely suffering poisoning, His Majesty secured her rank among the Nine Consorts."

These words were not just Yu He's doubt, but also the shared doubt among everyone in the palace who disliked Su Jiaojiao. Yet in truth, the answer was quite simple, and there was really nothing to complain about.

With over forty Imperial Consorts in the palace, even without the Su family, there would still be favorites and non-favorites—all depending on the Emperor's preference. But whether her maternal family was useful or not, Su Jiaojiao had all the advantages of right timing, perfect position, and powerful connections. Reaching this point was hardly surprising.

"Earlier, before I even entered, His Majesty said I had just recovered from a serious illness and should not be exposed to the wind. What does that mean? Does His Majesty need to spell it out? It was merely a hint for me to return early and not visit Consort Zhen."

"She is beautiful, favored by His Majesty, and has a capable father. Such fortune is not something everyone can have," the Empress said calmly. "Noble Consort Shu's stance toward Consort Zhen is firm, and she has no interest in competing for favor. There’s no need to waste effort on her."

The Empress boarded her phoenix carriage, propping her head on her hand as she asked, "How are the preparations for the autumn hunt going? I must ensure everything is flawless."

Yu He lowered her head and replied, "Your Majesty, this matter has been under your careful preparation since the decision was made. We have been in constant communication with the other side, with no room for error."

After hesitating for a long while and glancing at Le He, she added, "But Your Majesty, the stakes are too high, and there are many uncertainties. Must we really take this path...?"

"What you’ve considered, I have naturally thought of as well," the Empress said lazily, closing her eyes, though her tone allowed no argument. "In the past, for the sake of the princess, I would never have taken such risks. Stability was always best, because I was the unshakable Empress. Maintaining my current position was the most crucial thing."

With that, she opened her eyes and scoffed. "But now, who doesn’t look at her without feeling fear?"

The Empress chose this move to break the deadlock, secure her position, and rebuild after destruction—it was a last resort.

Before Su Jiaojiao appeared, she had never taken any risks. Even if she acted in secret, it was always with extreme subtlety, never drawing fire to herself.

She had believed she understood the Emperor—that he was focused on state affairs and indifferent toward women. Even if he favored someone temporarily, he would never cross boundaries to embarrass her as Empress, nor make her feel threatened in her position.

But ever since Su Jiaojiao gained favor, her unease had grown deeper by the day.

Su Jiaojiao’s intelligence and methods forced the Empress to take notice, and she had suffered several covert setbacks because of her.

Especially now, with Su Chang holding high standing at court.

Originally holding the powerful position of Minister of Revenue, with the Emperor’s support, his influence had risen to rival even the Left and Right Vice Directors.

Su Jiaojiao remained favored, and the Emperor’s affection for her only grew. This year at the imperial summer retreat, news even spread that the Emperor was devoted to her alone.

With such a family background and such skill, even without a child, she had reached this point. If she were to bear a prince, what would become of an Empress who only maintained formal courtesy with the Emperor? It wouldn’t be impossible for her to be deposed one day on some pretext.

By then, her family's glory and the future and safety of the princess would vanish in an instant.

She couldn't just stand by and watch this happen.

Su Jiaojiao was cautious and clever—killing her was too risky. Even if successful, it might provoke the Emperor’s suspicion and displeasure, leaving her own position vulnerable.

Rather than focusing on the woman, it was better to gamble and target the Emperor himself.

Let him, out of his own consideration and under the scrutiny of the world, safeguard her position as Empress and the honor of her maternal family.

And then, she would bear a legitimate heir.

By then, no matter how favored Su Jiaojiao was, she'd be in a position to compete.

Hearing this, Yu He understood what the Empress meant and nodded. "Yes, I understand."

"Your Majesty, what about Jia Xi...?"

Without hesitation, the Empress replied calmly, "Consort Zhen has already grown suspicious. From now on, she is of no further use. Since this matter is already concluded, it's best to avoid complications."

She glanced down at the phoenix-tail gilded nails on her fingertips. "Wait a few more days before acting. Be more cautious."