Reborn as the Crippled King's Beloved
Chapter 415: Master Mei Indeed Went to See Consort Jing

Chapter 415: Chapter 415: Master Mei Indeed Went to See Consort Jing

At the Chrysanthemum Banquet.

Princess Consort Xiu, Yun Weiwei, who usually kept to herself due to poor health, outdid herself this time by preparing a variety of chrysanthemum dishes and brewing chrysanthemum wine that filled the air with its fragrance, outshining all the other women.

Since Princess Consort Rui, Li Yuhuan, had prepared so little and was of a calm disposition, not competing or seizing, Consort Jing could not heap much praise upon her and thus turned to praise the ingenuity and craft of Princess Consort Xiu, bestowing upon her many rewards.

It was clear to all that Consort Jing was elevating Princess Consort Xiu while belittling Princess Consort Ling.

Prince Xiu was disabled, and his mother had been an empress who was put to death for her crimes, so he had no chance at the throne in this life, Naturally, Consort Jing would point her spearhead at Prince Ling, the only one who could contest her son for the crown.

However, Murong Jiu paid no mind to these underlying currents and pointed barbs—it was not as if they could cause her any actual harm.

Consort Qi’s complexion, on the other hand, grew uglier by the moment, unavoidably exchanging sharp words with Consort Jing, leading to a somewhat rigid atmosphere, with all the ladies present hardly daring to breathe.

Consort Yun smoothed things over with a smile, "Today’s weather is splendid; surely, the Emperor is also making smooth progress on his end. The Third Prince is bound to come out on top."

Consort Jing’s eyes sparkled with a hint of smugness, for who didn’t know that today’s dragon boat race was prepared by the Emperor for the Third Prince? Of course, the Third Prince was expected to come out on top and gain prestige among the people.

Consort Yun continued, "Since we have enjoyed this Chrysanthemum Banquet, why don’t we also listen to a play ’Nine Splendors Chrysanthemum Grade’ and celebrate this fine festival with the ’Nine Splendors Fairy’?"

Clapping her hands, she summoned the performers in their theatrical costumes.

Today’s Chrysanthemum Banquet was held in the Imperial Garden, which already had an open space with carpets laid out in advance. When the performers arrived in full array, they bowed to the Noble Ladies and began their high-pitched singing.

They had arrived so quickly that Consort Jing only realized what was happening when they started performing.

She turned to Consort Yun, her voice heavy, "Consort Yun dear sister, if my memory serves, didn’t the Emperor already send this troupe out of the palace? How dare you defy His Majesty?"

At her words, the performers in front stopped singing, and the middle-aged troupe leader hung his head, not revealing his countenance.

"Oh my, Consort Jing elder sister, your words are far too grave. How would I dare defy His Majesty? The Emperor permitted this, because I have always wanted to watch a play, but the Young Prince was unwell recently, so I hadn’t been able to. His Majesty specially kept this troupe here, and I held off until today, thinking we could all enjoy some lively entertainment together. I never expected you, elder sister, to react so strongly."

As Consort Yun spoke, she showed a hint of grievance.

Consort Qi comforted her with a laugh, "Dear sister Consort Yun, do not be upset. Consort Jing gets heart palpitations and can’t stand the noise; just listening to a play would surely aggravate her condition, and it’s unknown whether she cannot bear to hear a play or not. In my opinion, we better not continue with this play, to avoid any trouble from Consort Jing feeling unwell later."

"Is that so?"

Consort Yun covered her mouth in surprise and looked at Consort Jing, "But elder sister Consort Jing seems to be looking quite well. Princess Consort Ling, do you think this heart palpitation truly relates to listening to a play?"

Murong Jiu answered with a beaming smile, "There are many causes for heart palpitations, and previously, when I examined Consort Jing, she had ailments stemming from overthinking, but her physical condition had no problems; it might be influenced by emotions."

Consort Yun feigned realization, "Could it be that Consort Jing is reminded of unpleasant memories from the past when hearing a play?"

Without waiting for Consort Jing to respond, she stood up and waved her hand dismissively, "Forget it, forget it, all of you may leave for now. I will find a spot far from Consort Jing’s palace later on to set up a stage, invite elder sister Jing over, and we can all listen and enjoy a good performance."

With that said, the performers hurried out, fearing the temper of these women of the harem might bring them misfortune.

Master Mei bowed deeply and led his troupe away.

Consort Jing looked quite upset, her gaze lingering on the retreating back of Master Mei before she excused herself early from the event, citing discomfort.

Seeing Consort Jing deflate, Consort Qi felt increasingly convinced that there was an issue between Consort Jing and Master Mei, but she did not leave; her mood had considerably lightened.

Consort Yun also stayed behind.

Lower-ranked concubines, including Beauty Lin and Talented Lady Xu, did not dare to follow Consort Jing’s lead and leave, as Consort Yun and Consort Qi outranked them.

The chrysanthemum banquet was not yet over. The high-ranked consorts had not left. If the lower-ranked consorts were favored, that would be fine, having the Emperor’s support. But if they weren’t favored and also of low rank, they only had a choice to be humble, otherwise, provoking dislike from someone of higher rank, they wouldn’t have enough shoes to wear from the ensuing trouble.

"Everyone, please don’t be restrained and just enjoy the chrysanthemums in the garden. When His Majesty returns to the palace, our feast should also come to an end. Consort Qi Eldest Sister, you agree, don’t you?"

Consort Yun said with a smile.

Consort Qi had no grudge with Consort Yun, and today they had targeted Consort Qi together, so she naturally had nothing to object to.

However, once everyone went to look at the chrysanthemums, Consort Qi immediately waved Murong Jiu over.

"Mother."

"So you do remember that I am your mother. I think you are closer to Consort Yun, having forgotten this palace completely."

Since Princess Consort Rui was still sitting and not viewing the chrysanthemums, Consort Qi lowered her voice and spoke unhappily.

Murong Jiu did not respond.

Consort Qi, annoyed by her silence but unable to reprimand her publicly, only said, "After you return home today, have Jun Yuyan come to the palace to see me; I have a very important matter to tell him."

It was then that Murong Jiu turned sideways, her back to Princess Consort Rui, and said softly, "If what mother wishes to speak of is about Consort Jing, I believe Prince does not need to make a special trip to the palace."

"What! You know? How is that possible!"

Consort Qi’s face revealed shock.

"Mother, people are watching us now. If you want to know, we can discuss it with you later. For now, just pretend you know nothing. It won’t be long before Consort Jing can no longer ride over your head."

After speaking, Murong Jiu stepped forward to view the chrysanthemums, leaving Consort Qi with a face full of changing expressions.

Princess Consort Rui got up and came over, saying gently, "Consort Qi, are you alright?"

"It’s nothing, I appreciate Princess Consort Rui’s concern."

Consort Qi waved her hand, her expression darkened, making it seem as though she had a significant complaint about Murong Jiu.

But in fact, she wasn’t that seriously upset with Murong Jiu; naturally, she was annoyed, but what was more surprising at that moment was her astonishment.

She purposefully put on a cold face because she was worried that Princess Consort Rui might have noticed something.

This Principal Consort of The Third Prince might look plain, but she was well-educated and came from a high-status family, having been personally chosen by the Emperor for The Third Prince. She definitely wasn’t as simple as she appeared on the surface.

"Troupe leader, that master indeed went towards the path Consort Jing must take," Hong Yi quietly said to Murong Jiu.

So it turned out, today’s act was arranged in advance by her and Jun Yuyan; Consort Yun had also deliberately invited the theatrical troupe to provoke Consort Jing.

Security was lax in the palace that day, with many guards dispatched outside. This was common knowledge among the palace residents. Additionally, some palace maids and eunuchs were arranged in advance to talk about how Consort Jing was feeling down and liked to stay in certain places as Troupe Leader Mei passed by.

After a moment’s hesitation, Troupe Leader Mei turned back.