Free Web NovelChapter 172: Chapter 75: Promotion and a Raise
Of all the people present, Song Yunzhao wasn’t particularly concerned about any of them, with the sole exception of the protagonist. The protagonist’s halo was like a curse; if she wasn’t careful, she was bound to suffer for it.
That was why, even though Song Yunzhao suspected Qin Xiyue this time, she didn’t make any move to drag her into the mess.
Besides, she had no evidence.
’Messing with the protagonist without any proof is just asking for trouble. Given past experience, I have no desire to test her indestructible plot armor. I’d better wait until I’m absolutely certain.’
However, Qin Xiyue’s overly calm expression made Song Yunzhao feel her suspicions were likely true. Even if Qin Xiyue hadn’t orchestrated the whole thing, she had at least played a part in it.
At that thought, she shifted her gaze back to Zhu Ruolan. It was truly unexpected that the first of the newcomers to be bought off would be the one who looked the most harmless, Zhu Ruolan.
Things having come to this, Zhu Ruolan knew denial was useless. Consort Shu would not save her, only protect herself. And she still had family; if she dared to implicate Consort Shu, she feared she would only bring disaster upon her household.
Zhu Ruolan was filled with regret, but regret was useless now.
Framing Lu Pin and slandering Song Yunzhao—either one was a capital offense. She wasn’t even given the chance to be sent to the Cold Palace; she was sentenced directly to death.
Watching Zhu Ruolan being dragged away like a lifeless doll, Song Yunzhao fell silent.
The harem was a woman’s battlefield, and this was the fate of the defeated.
She saw that the Emperor hadn’t yet decided on Consort Shu’s punishment and knew it just needed one final push. ’That damn Emperor insists on putting on another act. Fine, I’ll indulge him.’
Song Yunzhao raised her eyes to look at Consort Shu. Coincidentally, Consort Shu was also looking over, and their gazes clashed in midair.
There was a hint of triumph in Consort Shu’s eyes. The Emperor had sentenced Zhu Ruolan to death, which meant he was protecting her. Song Yunzhao’s efforts had been all for nothing.
Song Yunzhao stared back at Consort Shu, her face devoid of expression. Then, right under the other woman’s gaze, her eyes rolled back, and her body went limp as she fainted.
"My Lady!"
Song Yunzhao heard Xiangxue’s panicked cry. Before she could hit the ground, an arm wrapped tightly around her waist, lifting her up. Immediately after, she heard the Emperor’s furious voice declare, "Consort Shu has been showered with imperial favor, yet she heeds the words of sycophants, unable to distinguish the loyal from the treacherous. She is arrogant, domineering, and has failed in her womanly virtues. Strip her of her title as a warning to all."
"Your Majesty!" Consort Shu cried out, shocked and furious. But the Emperor had already scooped up Song Yunzhao and was striding away, his shouts for the Imperial Physician echoing behind him.
Everyone present looked at one another, utterly stunned. No one had expected that after sentencing Zhu Ruolan to death, the Emperor would also punish Consort Shu.
One had to admit, Consort Song had timed her faint perfectly.
Princess Consort Zhuang found it a bit of a pity. Consort Shu... oh, she was Consort Lu now. She had only been stripped of her title. In the end, the Emperor had still shown deference to Chancellor Lu and allowed Consort Lu to retain some dignity.
All of the three concubines held a special title. Now that Consort Shu had been stripped of hers, she had clearly fallen to the bottom of the trio.
Princess Consort Zhuang slowly walked over to Consort Lu, a particularly sincere smile on her face. "Consort Lu, how could you be so foolish as to trust the words of a mere talented person? But don’t be too heartbroken. Once His Majesty’s anger subsides, you might get your title back."
Consort Lu stared at Princess Consort Zhuang, knowing she was being deliberately taunted. In the past, she would never have swallowed such an insult, but now... she couldn’t risk leaving another bad impression on His Majesty. She shot Princess Consort Zhuang a single glare before turning, flicking her sleeves, and stalking away.
Watching Consort Lu’s pathetic retreating figure, Princess Consort Zhuang let out a soft sigh. She then turned to the others. "It’s getting late. I’m heading back. All of you may disperse."
Princess Consort Wan scoffed inwardly at Princess Consort Zhuang’s pretentious act and left without a word.
Princess Consort Zhuang paid her no mind; Princess Consort Wan had always been that way. ’However, if that one doesn’t learn to read the situation, who’s to say she won’t be the next to fall?’
Once the three concubines had departed, the remaining women finally let out a collective sigh of relief.
Feng Yunjin, wanting no part in the drama, was the first to quietly slip away.
Fan Qingru and Qin Xiyue were headed in the same direction, so they left together. The remaining women dispersed in twos and threes.
On the way back, Fan Qingru had no intention of speaking and remained silent. To be honest, the day’s events had been a great shock to her. It was the first time she had witnessed such a brutal scene firsthand, and her limbs still felt weak.
Qin Xiyue didn’t feel like talking either, so the two walked on in silence until they reached a fork in the path, where they bid each other farewell and parted ways.
Although Fan Qingru’s rank was a step below Qin Xiyue’s, she came from the Han State Duke Mansion, a truly prestigious noble family. As long as she seized an opportunity, her promotion was only a matter of time. Therefore, Qin Xiyue never looked down on her despite her own higher rank, and the two of them were on fairly good terms.
