"Hearing the Emperor mentioned, Eunuch Wang's expression tightened, then he calmly said, 'His Majesty personally enfeoffed the Qingsheng Goddess as Consort Shu in front of the court. She is currently with Her Highness in Zichen Hall changing into court attire. Therefore, His Majesty said the consorts need not wait for him and may proceed first.' 'What!'
Consort Wei's face turned ashen at this news. Her eyes seemed to have lost something precious, and she glared fiercely at Eunuch Wang, saying, 'The Qingsheng Goddess? Wasn't she an envoy? How could His Majesty enfeoff her as a consort? Isn't that a violation of the laws of our Great Jin? Is His Majesty muddled?'
Her words were spoken in haste, disregarding even the basic relationship between ruler and subject.
Eunuch Wang secretly shook his head. As expected, they were family; even their tone of speech was remarkably similar. Yet, the Emperor's thoughts were the most difficult to fathom. Duke Wei's misstep had already displeased His Majesty. If Consort Wei were to add fuel to the fire, wouldn't the entire Wei family incur His Majesty's wrath?
Not wishing to worsen the situation, Eunuch Wang said, resignedly, since the matter would eventually be revealed, 'Your Highness, this matter is already settled. The Duke was demoted to guard the imperial mausoleum for intervening. Therefore, you should speak with caution.'
'Father has been demoted by His Majesty to guard the imperial mausoleum?! Eunuch Wang, you are not joking with this consort, are you?'
'These are important court matters; how would this old servant dare to speak falsely? The decree has already been delivered to the Duke. He will likely depart in the next few days.'
Stumbling backward and collapsing into a fauteuil, Consort Wei lost all her former arrogance. Her heart was consumed with anxiety. 'How could His Majesty do this? Father is old. How can he endure the hardships of travel to guard the imperial mausoleum? No, this consort must see His Majesty and beg for his grace!'
With that, she moved to walk outside, but was reprimanded by the Empress at the head of the table, 'Presumptuous! Everyone is waiting for the banquet to begin in the palace. If Consort Wei seeks out His Majesty now and delays official business, how can that be tolerated? Do you still want this Consort's attire?'
'You!'
Consort Wei was burning with rage and wanted to lash out.
The Empress and the First Prince's Consort must be overjoyed now, thinking that with her father sent to the imperial mausoleum, their influence would be weakened, and they would seize the opportunity to advance?
Glancing back at the Empress, she saw that she would not yield an inch, using her imperial authority to suppress her at every turn. Consort Wei sneered at the Empress, 'Empress, do not speak too soon. It is yet to be determined who will emerge victorious. Are you so eager to condemn me now? Dream on.' She had always been at loggerheads with the Empress and refused to back down at such a moment. She berated the palace attendants blocking her path and headed towards Zichen Hall.
The First Prince's Consort was displeased with her arrogance and said to the Empress,
'Mother, how can you tolerate her attitude? You are the mother of all people, the mistress of the harem. Consort Wei's actions are too presumptuous.'
A faint smile played on the Empress's lips. 'What is there to fear? She is so eager to incur His Majesty's displeasure; naturally, good consequences await her. Just watch, a decree dealing with her will be sent soon.'
Her words were spoken with confidence. This Consort Wei was merely a beautiful but foolish woman. For years, she had relied on her beauty and family background to treat everyone in the harem with disdain. Now that the even more beautiful Consort Shu had arrived, a fight between two tigers would inevitably result in casualties. Why should she get involved?
After they had fought to the death, she could then clean up the mess. Wouldn't that be wonderful?
For a moment, the resentment that had festered in her heart for years suddenly dissipated. She took the First Prince's Consort's hand and said, 'Let's go. Our son is waiting for us in Ninghui Hall.'
Once some things were understood, they became less important, such as His Majesty's favor.
In Zichen Hall, Emperor Qi watched as the palace servants dressed Consort Shu from head to toe. She was not only completely transformed but her beauty had also increased by several notches.
The light purple palace gown made her skin appear even fairer than snow. Her already breathtaking beauty was now even more striking.
Looking at her charming smile, he felt as if he had returned to thirty years ago.
'Hibiscus cannot match a beauty's makeup, and pearls and emeralds exude fragrance when the wind blows through the water pavilion. My beloved concubine, such a beauty that could overthrow kingdoms, is truly the most beautiful woman in this world!'
Emperor Qi praised her without reservation. If not for the envoys waiting in Ninghui Hall, he feared he might neglect his courtly duties.
Consort Shu looked at Emperor Qi, her eyes as clear and elegant as chrysanthemums in September. 'Your Majesty is too kind. I have heard that the Noble Consort in your harem also possesses unparalleled beauty. I wonder how I compare to Sister Wei?'
Before Emperor Qi could speak, a sharp reprimand was heard from outside, 'How dare you compare yourself to me? Haven't you looked in the mirror to see what you are!'
Emperor Qi frowned at these words and turned to see the impetuous Consort Wei storming in. Her usual charm had been replaced by harshness. 'Consort, you are presumptuous!' The husband who had always been obedient to her now seemed like a completely different person. Hearing his reprimand, Consort Wei looked at him with tear-filled eyes, 'Your Majesty, I have served you for twenty years, and all I receive is this word, 'presumptuous'?'
With a beauty by his side, yet facing a companion of many years, how could Emperor Qi bear to see her heartbroken? He sighed and said, 'Consort Shu has come from afar. From now on, you will be like sisters. Why must you speak in this manner?'
'Sisters? This consort does not have sisters who can seduce other people's husbands!'
Emperor Qi was rebuffed by her words, nearly losing face.
What was wrong with the Wei family today? Had their past indulgence made them too bold, daring to question him one by one? Where was the imperial majesty?
'Enough. If Consort wishes to attend the banquet in Ninghui Hall, then put away your arrogant temper. If you do not wish to go, then return to your Hanzhang Palace!'
His impatient tone pierced Consort Wei like a knife. 'Does Your Majesty now despise this consort? All for this woman beside you?'
At this moment, she was like a resentful wife, blaming the infatuated Emperor Qi and hating the newcomer Consort Shu.
If her eyes could spew fire, she would have burned Consort Shu to death for seducing His Majesty!
'Consort! You are becoming more and more unruly. Guards, escort Consort Wei back to her palace. She is not to leave the palace gates without my decree!'
Emperor Qi's command was harsh. In all the years since she entered the palace and enjoyed his sole favor, this was the first time she had been treated in such a manner.
Consort Wei stood up with a bitter smile. The palace attendants who came to escort her dared not approach, standing by fearfully.
'Even Father has been demoted by Your Majesty to guard the imperial mausoleum. Since that is the case, what difference does it make whether this palace gate is locked or not? If Your Majesty is still not appeased, you may as well take away this consort's title.'
With that, she turned and left, completely disregarding Emperor Qi.
The palace servants inside lowered their heads even further, fearing that an inadvertent glance might make them the unlucky recipients of His Majesty's wrath."