Reborn as the Crippled King's Beloved
Chapter 428: Putting Two People Together

Chapter 428: Chapter 428: Putting Two People Together

The Third Imperial Princess Consort, meticulously selected by the Emperor, was not just simply lacking in private virtue.

If such a woman really became the Empress of Great Yan, who knows how many would die in the future within the palace.

Murong Jiu also did not completely ignore Princess Consort Rui Li Yuhuan, to avoid leaving any gossip.

Li Yuhuan noticed Princess Consort Ling’s displeasure but did not show any irritation; instead, she appeared very eager to make friends with her, very enthusiastically.

Those around could not help but praise Princess Consort Rui for her generous demeanor.

As for Princess Consort Ling, perhaps it was because Prince Ling had recently fallen out of favor with the Emperor, which upset her.

But setting aside Princess Consort Ling’s attitude, her presence was hard to ignore once she sat down, for her beauty was too striking, like a delicate flower; no woman here could compare with her, probably not even Noble Consort Qi who was extremely favored in earlier years.

Although Princess Consort Rui was generous in her demeanor, sitting beside Murong Jiu, her beauty was largely overshadowed, leaving only her proper manners to be praised.

Yun Weiwei sneered in her heart, as she really disliked Murong Jiu. Earlier on, Murong Jiu used to hover around the Second Prince, being ordered around by her like a dog, just to please her. Yun Weiwei still remembered how cautious Murong Jiu was.

It’s only been a few years; truly, how fortunes change—now even Murong Jiu throws her weight around.

But so what?

The struggle for the throne isn’t over until the very end; she doesn’t believe Murong Jiu will have the last laugh.

Not to mention the distant future, just consider the present; who doesn’t know that the Emperor wishes to name the Third Prince as the Crown Prince?

Now Murong Jiu is posturing in front of Princess Consort Rui—perhaps in a few days, Murong Jiu will be eagerly trying to please Princess Consort Rui, who might not even deign to notice her.

She was not alone in her thinking.

Many felt that Murong Jiu was being foolish; why bother?

By thinking this way, they were playing right into Li Yuhuan’s hands.

Murong Jiu was well aware of Li Yuhuan’s little schemes, but she didn’t care, because soon people’s attention would not be on her, nor would they remember her coldness toward Li Yuhuan.

On the stage, a poignant opera script was already performing, drawing everyone’s attention.

"This young player sings really well; no wonder the ladies in the palace love to listen."

"Yes, and he looks good too! In a few more years, his fame might grow even more."

As they watched, everyone quietly marveled and whispered praises.

The opera was reaching its climax, enthralling the audience, when suddenly a crisp sound was heard; a teapot smashed on the floor as a palace maid kneeled, apologizing to Consort Qi, having tripped and spilled tea all over Consort Qi.

Consort Qi had an ugly expression but could not afford to lose her temper in front of everyone.

Consort Jing softly said, "On such a great day as Consort Qi Younger Sister’s birthday, to have such a careless palace maid, Consort Qi Younger Sister, don’t be upset, go change your clothes."

Consort Qi glared fiercely at the maid and, supported by Hua Ping, returned to the palace to change her clothes.

The audience continued watching the play until it was over, still lost in its spell.

Once they left, another group of performers took the stage, equally thrilling, capturing the audience’s attention once more.

Yet some murmured, wondering if that young player would come on stage again.

Off to the upper right side of the stage, Mei Yuzong nodded at her then turned and left.

Consort Jing, with a faint smile, exchanged a look with Su Jin, a triumphant gleam flickered in their eyes.

From today onward, no one could block her son’s path anymore.

Once the Third Prince became the Crown Prince and gained more support from the court officials, the Emperor could then die an abrupt death, couldn’t he?

The more she thought about it, the faster Consort Jing’s heart beat, and the deeper the smile on her face became.

Murong Jiu saw everything.

She also noticed that Li Yuhuan had looked at Consort Jing several times.

It seemed Li Yuhuan was much smarter than she had thought, associating Consort Jing with Consort Qi’s clothing being splashed with tea water were it not for the quick thinking.

Of course, Consort Jing was Li Yuhuan’s mother-in-law, and they were in cahoots. Even if Li Yuhuan realized something, she would not expose Consort Jing but would instead help cover for her.

Murong Jiu was just about to get up when Li Yuhuan, as if facing a great enemy, turned around and started a conversation with her.

Murong Jiu had no choice but to sit back down.

Consort Jing was triumphant, and soon, she saw Mei Yuzong, who had changed into eunuch’s attire at some point, waving at her.

Changing into eunuch’s attire was for ease of accomplishing tasks, Consort Jing thought; surely that young performer had also been disguised as a little eunuch and sent to Consort Qi’s palace where she was changing.

The banquet was held in the specific banquet hall, the Yu Xi Palace, which was a considerable distance from Consort Qi’s sleeping quarters. She naturally couldn’t return to her own palace to change but would change in one nearby.

Attending a palace banquet, it was customary for all ladies and misses to bring an extra set of clothes in case, as losing face would be unseemly, let alone for the imperial women.

The palaces near Yu Xi Palace had long been arranged by Consort Jing, and by now, Consort Qi should have entered one of those with the seductive incense as planned.

According to the plan, they would abandon that handsome young performer, deceive him into taking a lust-inducing potion, and then implicate Consort Qi with him.

The children in the opera troupe all listened to Mei Yuzong.

Mei Yuzong was willing to sacrifice a member for her cause.

There was no choice in the matter. To frame someone, they needed to catch them in the act, which would let the Emperor deal with it decisively. Prince Ling would also be embarrassed, and every imperial woman present would be an eyewitness. Thus, sacrifices were inevitable.

Consort Jing did not feel any remorse about such a sacrifice; it was Mei Yuzong who had provided these children with a way out. For Mei Yuzong’s future, they should be willing to give their lives.

Moreover, to sleep with the Emperor’s consort, even if the young performer were to be beheaded afterward, it would be worth it, wouldn’t it?

But the plan didn’t involve her going over yet, was it not yet time?

Mei Yuzong looked somewhat anxious.

Consort Jing’s heart skipped a beat, could it be that something unexpected had occurred?

She stood up, supported by Su Jin, and walked out.

Murong Jiu showed a puzzled expression, also thinking about getting up.

Li Yuhuan grabbed her and smiled, "Princess Consort Sister, Consort Jing surely has gone to see Consort Qi. Perhaps they have something to discuss that’s not suitable for us younger ones to hear. Let’s just stay here and enjoy the show rather than joining that commotion."

It sounded reasonable, and Murong Jiu showed a few appropriate signs of concern but was persuaded by Li Yuhuan.

On the other side, Mei Yuzong led the way like an eunuch would.

Upon entering the side palace, he immediately whispered to Consort Jing, "Your Majesty, Qiu Sheng just now realized our intentions. During a struggle, I knocked him out, and Consort Qi and her palace maid have also been knocked out by me. Should we adjust the plan?"

Consort Jing furrowed her brows, "Then strip them both and shove them under the bed covers together!"

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