Empress Consort in Peril

ress looked at him softly, saying, "You're also no longer young. I've heard that the Duchess of Ding Wang already has a child. You are the same age as Ding Wang, so you should find a good woman to mar...286. Empress Concubine's Hardship

286. The Empress Concubine's Misfortune

The moment Consort Liu returned to her palace, she found it filled with people despite having been empty before. Everyone from the Dowager Empress down to various concubines and ladies-in-waiting were present. Seated next to the Dowager Empress was Li Shengfei, referred to as Li Nangong due to her status similar to that of a queen mother because of her relationship with Prince Ten. On the left side of the Dowager Empress sat Zheng Xianfei, the birth mother of Prince Six. As soon as Consort Liu stepped into the hall, Zheng Xianfei glared at her nastily; her not-so-young face was filled with malicious pleasure. Consort Liu frowned slightly, sensing a bad feeling.

"Dowager Empress, what does it mean that you've brought so many people to my palace" Fixing the Dowager Empress in her gaze, Consort Liu haughtily raised her chin.

The Dowager Empress sneered and said, "Auntie must ask you. The emperor's remains are still cold, yet you're not mourning in the palace as a concubine; where have you been"

Standing beside Consort Liu was Zheng Xianfei, who looked at her before turning to say with feigned shock, "Dowager Empress, it seems that Lady Consort has suffered an injury. Look... even her clothes are torn." Everyone's eyes immediately fell on Consort Liu; she pulled the cape around herself tightly and her face darkened. She was supposed to change into new clothes before returning, but having severed ties with the Chancellor’s Mansion, there was no way a proud consort like her would return there. The Li Royal Family also wouldn't provide clothing for her. Consort Liu naturally didn’t look down on the poor people or servants' clothes either, so she directly covered herself up and returned to her palace despite her bloodstains and torn clothes. She hadn't expected to be blocked in the main hall.

A sinister smile flashed across the Dowager Empress's weathered face as she coldly said, "Where did you go What did you do there Come clean!"

The faces of those present turned a bit strange when they looked at Consort Liu. These women had spent half their lives in the palace; stepping on others was second nature to them. They naturally harbored resentment toward Consort Liu, who had been favored by the emperor for over ten years without rival. If Emperor Mo Jingqi were still alive and Consort Liu were still favored, no one would dare say anything. But once she fell from grace, there would be many more people ready to take advantage of her misfortune. A woman in mourning with a blood-stained body returning secretly was a sight that everyone could imagine.

Consort Liu looked disdainfully at the women and knew what they were thinking. She scoffed as she looked up at the Dowager Empress and said, "What I did has nothing to do with you."

"Wretch!" The Dowager Empress shouted angrily, "I am the mother of the former emperor and the grandmother of the new one; can't I manage you You were the one who incited the former emperor to turn against Prince Li. Because of that, our relationship has become thin as ice. Do you think anyone will support you now The moment the body of the late emperor was not yet cold, you couldn't bear your loneliness and rushed off to Duke Ding’s palace; truly... shameless! You have disgraced this royal family!"

The Dowager Empress glared at Consort Liu with hatred as she railed against her. If Mo Jingqi had not favored Consort Liu so exclusively that even his own mother couldn’t stand up to him, the dowager would never have nurtured her youngest son. It was because of fear that if he were to become emperor, this woman might bewitch him and leave no place for her in the palace. Without this wretch, they wouldn't be in their current situation.

Consort Liu curled her lips into a cold sneer. "If you can’t raise your sons properly, how can you blame me"

"Wretched woman! If I don't teach you a lesson today, do you know who you are" The Dowager Empress said with a cold smile. Consort Liu’s phoenix eyes flickered slightly as she looked at the dowager and sneered, "You dare to touch me!"

The Dowager Empress laughed and said, "Try if I dare! Servants, drag this shameless woman down for thirty whippings! Let everyone see what happens to those who are shameless. Also, demote Consort Liu to the rank of Noblewoman."

"You dare! Guard!" Consort Liu shouted in anger. However, her trusted guards did not respond, and the Dowager Empress smiled triumphantly. Eunuchs had entered to drag her away.

Consort Liu struggled as she said, "Old hag! If you touch me, I won’t let you off!"

The Dowager Empress didn’t care about the threat at all and sneered, "The Liu Family has already abandoned you. What do you have to prevent me Besides…do you still think that I fear the Liu family" Consort Liu was stunned as she looked at the dowager’s confident expression; it wasn't like her usual nervousness. She knew that the Dowager Empress must have gotten some leverage, otherwise she wouldn’t dare treat her so disrespectfully.

"You dare to touch me..."

The Dowager Empress said coldly, "Drag her out and beat her!"

Soon after, the sound of whips beating flesh echoed in the empty hall. The more timid concubines paled at the sound. The dowager drank tea calmly while listening to the sounds outside; a gleam flashed through her eyes.

"Dowager Empress... is it…" Li Shengfei, pale-faced and trembling slightly, looked worriedly towards the dowager as she hesitated.

The Dowager Empress said calmly, "You’re going to be a dowager one day. Learn and watch more. Some people won’t know their limits unless you put them in place." Li Shengfei moved her lips but eventually nodded softly, "Yes, Dowager Empress."

The Dowager Empress nodded with satisfaction.

Consort Liu was already injured all over; she lost consciousness before the thirty strokes were even complete. The dowager had long harbored resentment towards Consort Liu and wouldn’t let her off so easily. She ordered water to be used to revive her and continued beating her until Consort Liu, who had fainted several times from pain, wished for death to come quickly. Finally, after the last stroke was given, Consort Liu fell into darkness once more.

In the Zhangde Palace, Empress Dowager dismissed her attendants and entered the sleeping quarters alone. At this time, in the lavishly decorated chamber sat a plain-looking palace maid who would be easily overlooked if placed among others. Seeing the Empress Dowager enter, she neither looked surprised nor got up to greet her. Instead, she said with a smile, "I’ve heard about what happened earlier. I’m sure His Royal Highness will be very pleased."

The Empress Dowager lowered her eyes and asked cautiously, as if not acting like the mother of an entire nation, “Then... What about Prince Ding’s promise”

With a smile, the palace maid said, "Empress Dowager can rest assured. Although our prince has some grudges with Mo Jingqi, each man should be responsible for his own actions; he will certainly not make things difficult for you. As long as Empress Dowager handles the matters Prince instructed, not only would the problem of being buried alive be solved, but even the power originally held by Queen Huo could also be handed over to you. At that time... Who in the palace would dare to challenge your authority And at that point, what more will Empress Dowager fear" Although her appearance was ordinary, her expression and words were full of persuasiveness. Particularly, the power Queen Huo once held had always been something the Empress Dowager coveted; now being able to easily obtain it was a great boon.

"Tell Prince Ding not to worry. As for Concubine Liu, I will ensure that she is treated well," said the Empress Dowager. "Even if Li Er wants to save her, I can make sure she dies quietly!" At this point, a glint of killing intent flashed across her eyes. She didn’t understand why her son refused to help his own mother but chose to assist an unrelated woman. Could it be that Concubine Liu was truly bewitching and not only lured her eldest son but now sought to charm her youngest too.

The palace maid smiled, "I hope Empress Dowager can fulfill this promise. As for the matter of Queen Huo..."

"After the new emperor ascends the throne, I’ll have it announced that she died from grief over the late emperor’s death," said the Empress Dowager assuredly.

The palace maid was even more satisfied with her smile and stood up to say, "Since this is so, I won’t trouble you further. Also, our prince asked me to remind you: If you want your life to be stable, you must ensure the new emperor’s safety. After all... Prince Li has grown into a man who doesn’t like others telling him what to do."

Previously, Empress Dowager might have hesitated, but after experiencing her son's coldness and cruelty, she knew Mo Xiuyao was right. She nodded, "Then, this is how I will proceed."

"Very well, I bid you farewell," the palace maid respectfully bowed to Empress Dowager before leaving.

In the sleeping quarters, Empress Dowager stared blankly at a delicate and intricate carved incense burner on the table. After a while, she sneered: Even if she cooperates with Mo Xiuyao, what difference does it make She only wants to live comfortably and in luxury! To achieve this, she would do anything!

In an icy palace, Concubine Liu woke up from a deep sleep. The pain all over her body made her moan involuntarily. Still wearing the tattered blood-stained clothes from when she returned, there were no attentive maids or eunuchs around as before. Struggling through the pain to sit up, she found that she wasn’t in her elegant and clean palace chamber but rather a dusty and desolate small room. The partly open window took away any mustiness inside but also let in chilly winds, making her shiver from cold.

It was already the third watch of the night; a gust of wind made her tremble uncontrollably. Moving to get out of bed, she fell back down due to pain at her backside. The lower part of her clothes were no longer just blood-stained but soaked with it, turning white into dark red—a sight chilling to behold. Recalling the humiliation she had faced earlier that day, Concubine Liu’s fingers gripping the bedding snapped, leaving bloody marks without feeling any sensation; her beautiful face twisted in rage. How could they dare treat her like this

And those wicked women! Those who delighted in seeing others fall into misfortune! She would make sure each and every one of them suffered!

The old creaky door made a slight noise. Looking up, Concubine Liu saw a teenage girl with a frightened expression staring back at her. Seeing the tragic sight before her, tears immediately welled in the girl’s eyes, "Mother... Mother, are you alright" She hurriedly entered the room and approached Concubine Liu, but seeing how bloody she was, dared not move.

Seeing her frightened daughter, Concubine Liu narrowed her eyes slightly and asked coldly, “Where am I What are you doing here”

Zhenning Princess sobbed, "This is Qiu Liang Hall. Grandmother forbade Zhenning and my brothers from visiting Mother so I came secretly... Are you hungry, Mother..." She carefully took out a wrapped silk bundle from her sleeve, unwrapped it revealing some exquisite pastries which she offered to Concubine Liu.

"Bang!" Concubine Liu slapped the food on the ground. Staring coldly at Zhenning Princess, she said, "Fool! What good are these trinkets Go immediately and get my father and brothers to come save me! Also, don’t call that old witch ‘grandmother’!”

Zhenning Princess was stunned, a wounded expression crossing her eyes. Lowering her head slowly, she whispered, "Father... Father and brothers refused to enter the palace. He said... Mother has offended those you shouldn’t offend; the Liu family cannot risk being wiped out for your sake. My younger brother... he wouldn’t come see me either, nor would he let my second brother come..." She had stayed in the palace not knowing what happened to her mother and why neither father nor brothers wanted to help anymore. Trying but failing to persuade them, she came secretly late at night through most of the palace just to visit.

Concubine Liu’s face turned ashen; her face twisted eerily in the dim candlelight, terrifying Zhenning Princess who stepped back.

"Mother... Mother, whom did you offend Tell your daughter so that I can beg Father and Prince Li to help. Or ask Grandmother..."

Lying on the floor with her eyes closed, Concubine Liu asked herself: Who had she offended A name flashed across her mind—besides Prince Li, there was only one person in the capital who dared treat her this way. Since Prince Li wouldn’t act now, it must be... Thinking of the possibility, a sharp pain twisted at her heart. Just because she scolded Ye Li once, he treated her like this Even going so far as to support Empress Dowager—without someone backing him up, that old witch would never dare such treatment!

Moxiu Yao! How ruthless...

"Mother..."

Lady Guifei drew a breath and said softly with her gaze lowered, "I'm not in the mood. Could you pick up those pastries for me"

Princess Zhenning was stunned. She hurriedly picked up several relatively clean pastries and handed them to Lady Guifei before taking an apple from her sleeve and offering it as well. “Mother, eat slowly. I’ll bring more over tomorrow. I will go see Grandfather and my brother again. They must hurry and save you.”

"I know you’re a good child," said Lady Guifei.

For the first time in her life to hear praise from her mother, Princess Zhenning’s delicate face flushed with bashful smiles. "Then... I’ll leave now. Mother rest well. I will come see you again tomorrow."

"Bring some medicine next time," Lady Guifei reminded her with displeasure at the daughter’s foolishness for only bringing a few pastries that were of little use when she knew she was injured.

“Yes, Mother.” Princess Zhenning felt rather guilty as she cast a glance at Lady Guifei’s injuries. She had never gone out alone in the dead of night before so had forgotten to bring medicine for her mother. Perhaps it would be best if she went back and came again quickly, for her mother seemed badly injured.

In the silent and dim imperial palace, a girl around thirteen or fourteen years old carefully wove through small paths. The magnificent pavilions and exotic flowers that were awe-inspiring by day appeared ghost-like under nightfall. Finally returning to her residence, she let out a sigh of relief quietly when she was almost startled into screaming at the hand that suddenly fell on her shoulder.

"It’s me!" A low male voice tinged with youth and maturity sounded from behind.

Hearing his familiar voice, Princess Zhenning hurriedly covered her mouth before patting her racing heart and turning to look at him. “Xiaoer, why are you here” The visitor was none other than the eldest son of Lady Guifei, Mo Xiaoyun, who had been demoted from crown prince to Duke of Qin. With a frown, he looked at his sister and said in a low tone, "You went to see her"

Princess Zhenning was somewhat afraid of this younger brother whom she raised. She twisted the hem of her clothes uneasily as she asked, “Xiaoer, that’s our birth mother.”

Moxiayun snorted, "Birth mother When did she ever treat us like her own children Do you know what your current status is in the palace If you’re implicated because of her…" Despite his young age, Duke of Qin was concerned for this sister who had taken care of them. Lady Guifei treated all her children with coldness from birth; it was Princess Zhenning who cared for him and her younger brother most of the time. Now that he was exiled to live outside the palace as an ordinary duke while his eight-year-old brother remained inside, she would be responsible for looking after him.

“But… can’t we help her” Princess Zhenning asked carefully.

Moxiayun sneered. "Do you know what she’s done"

"What" Princess Zhenning was stunned; subconsciously, she didn't believe that her mother would do anything unforgivable.

“She went to Prince Ding’s mansion and threatened him into marrying her as a concubine. She even insulted Lady Ding. If she really becomes his wife, regardless of whether it's as an equal-ranking consort or secondary consort, what will become of our family” Mo Xiaoyun was not stupid; taught by Chancellor Liu since childhood, he understood that shortly after Prince Ding returned to the capital, Mother had rushed out of the palace and Father promoted several princes and concubines in succession. He knew that her plan wasn't just something she thought up after his father’s death.

Originally, he didn’t believe it. But when he saw how desolate and pitiful his mother looked as she was escorted to Prince Ding's mansion and refused to give up even then, his heart turned cold. Grandfather was right; Mother never took them seriously. For the sake of himself, his sister, and brother, he could no longer be connected with her.

“How… how” Princess Zhenning’s eyes widened in shock. She had grown up in the palace, learning lessons from the imperial nannies about proper behavior for women; her mother’s actions clearly violated every rule she knew.

Moxiayun looked at her and said, "Understood Then don’t see her anymore."

"But... If she doesn’t go, she will..." She would die, right Even if Princess Zhen Ning is naive and inexperienced, she still lives in the palace. Naturally, she knows what happens to women who are sent to the cold palace. Not to mention her mother was seriously injured.

Seeing her brother's determined gaze, Princess Zhen Ning finally lowered her head, her voice barely audible, "I understand..."

Moxiuyun’s expression softened upon seeing her agreement. In a solemn tone, he said, "Sister, I am doing this for our benefit. It would be better to have her in the cold palace than to let her cause trouble outside. Do you want others to know we have such a... mother"

Moxiuyun didn’t finish his sentence, but Princess Zhen Ning understood what he meant. She nodded and said, "I understand."

"That’s good then. Sister should rest early. I am going out of the palace," Moxiuyun whispered softly, "Take care of Little Brother and make sure he doesn’t cause trouble everywhere."

“Yes.” Princess Zhen Ning nodded with some concern as she asked, “What time is it How can you leave the palace” It was already four in the morning when the palace gates were closed. Moxiuyun smiled and said, "If I could come in, naturally, I can also go out. Don't worry about me. Sister, take care."

Watching her brother leave, Princess Zhen Ning turned around to enter the palace. On the way, she didn’t see a single maidservant or eunuch. Because they were not favored by their birth mother, there weren’t many servants assigned to them in the first place. Now that Lady Liu was in trouble, these people openly shirked their duties. Therefore, Princess Zhen Ning could go for such a long time without being noticed.

Back in her room, she took out the medicine she had kept as backup and gritted her teeth before going back out.

She didn’t want others to know that she has an unscrupulous mother. She wasn't ignorant; naturally, she knew what would happen to them if Lady Liu succeeded in entering Ding Prince's mansion. Especially for her... a princess approaching adulthood. Their birth mother couldn’t take them to the Ding residence, and as imperial children, they couldn’t go there either. But even so… it was impossible to let their mother die because of an injury that could not be treated.

Deliver the medicine… then come back. Princess Zhen Ning thought silently in her mind.

"... It’s unlikely she will survive..." A faint voice entered Princess Zhen Ning's ears, causing her to jump and quickly hide behind a flowering tree by the roadside. At this time of month, the crescent moon was dim and hidden under the shade without leaving any trace. Two eunuchs patrolling at night came slowly from afar. Perhaps due to fatigue from staying up late, the two began chatting.

"Of course, although she used to be favored by Emperor Wu, now that he is dead and has offended Empress Dowager, there are rumors spreading in Changde Palace about her death..."

"Puh puh... Don't spread such nonsense. If it gets out..."

"Feng Gonggong from Changde Palace is my godfather; his words can’t be false."

“Of course… Feng Gonggong is a trusted aide to Empress Dowager and rumors are circulating that she has regained favor…”

"Indeed... It’s heard that Lady Liu offended Ding Prince. Ah, have you heard about it"

The companion on the side gave an understanding smile, "How could I not hear The whole imperial city is abuzz with it; only out of respect for royal dignity do people refrain from spreading it further. Who doesn’t know that Prince Ding is devoted to his wife and hasn’t taken a single concubine in all these years"

"She used to be so cold, but who would have thought..." The rest was too inappropriate to hear. Fortunately, the two eunuchs were gradually moving away.

Under the dim moonlight, a delicate young lady with pale complexion trembled slightly as she looked at the empty path ahead of her.

——Even though he may trust Chancellor Liu and Lady Empress Liu, it was impossible for him not to have someone watching over them. Xu Qingchen pondered silently before saying, "Then it must be that Mo Ji...