[1]The Consort is Both Charming and Scheming, Rising Through Palace Intrigue

Consort Zhuang stormed out of Fengqi Palace with a darkened expression, waiting under a tree nearby for Ning Shuyan.

When Ning Shuyan approached, Consort Zhuang swayed her hips arrogantly as she stepped forward, her posture domineering: "It was you who brought Lü Rui into my palace, wasn't it?"

Ning Shuyan bowed slightly, her lips curled in a calm smile: "If Your Highness wishes to plant someone in my palace again, I suggest choosing someone a bit more loyal and reliable."

Consort Zhuang narrowed her cold eyes, her expression dark: "That wretched maid Lü Rui betrayed me?"

Ning Shuyan said nothing, but her silence only confirmed Consort Zhuang's suspicion. It must have been Lü Rui who betrayed her—otherwise, how else would Ning Shuyan have managed to bring her to the front?

"Did you tell His Majesty on me?" she asked sharply, her gaze icy.

Ning Shuyan smiled faintly: "His Majesty is always wise and just—why would I need to tattle?"

Consort Zhuang saw the mocking smile on her face and forcibly suppressed her fury. She didn't yet know the emperor's stance, so she had to hold back and avoid making a mistake.

She glared at Ning Shuyan. "You're no better. I don't believe your luck will last forever. Just you wait."

The pearl pendant by Ning Shuyan's ear shimmered faintly under the sun, making her fair complexion even more radiant. She smiled gracefully: "Why not rise with the wind and soar ninety thousand miles? Compared to Your Highness, your methods are naturally superior."

Consort Zhuang frowned, not understanding the poetic phrase. She curled her lip in a sneer and snorted coldly.

Just then, Imperial Concubine Xi approached and passed Ning Shuyan, deliberately bumping into her hard. But Ning Shuyan stood firm, showing no hint of instability.

After enduring Consort Zhuang's oppression time and again, she could no longer remain meek and submissive like before.

She could endure—but when there was no need to, she would strike back.

Imperial Concubine Xi gave a slight bow. Consort Zhuang ignored her and walked past.

She said to Ning Shuyan in a flat tone, "Why are you standing there? Let's go back."

The two happened to be headed in the same direction.

Imperial Concubine Xi glanced at Ning Shuyan and sighed lightly: "You're really quite naive. You didn't even realize your maid had other intentions."

Ning Shuyan lowered her gaze with a gentle smile.

Seeing how oblivious she seemed, Imperial Concubine Xi rolled her eyes. "Still able to smile, huh? I suppose. Even though His Majesty promoted her, he still took you to the Zhaoshen Hall for the night and raised your rank. He must feel guilty."

"Oh, and this whole affair really pissed off Consort Zhuang. Her face turned green with anger. I don't know why His Majesty reassigned Lü Rui to Yihe Palace—he basically threw her into the wolves' den. Could it be that he doesn't like her at all?"

Imperial Concubine Xi was unusually talkative today, unlike her normally cool and quiet demeanor.

Ning Shuyan softly replied, "Whether he likes her or not, we'll know in time."

Back at the palace, Qiu Le hurried forward to greet her, smiling: "My lady, His Majesty sent over quite a few gifts, and even a new bed. He said it's to replace the old one."

Ning Shuyan was surprised, but also pleased. Xiao Yu had actually thought it through this time.

Qiu Le leaned in and whispered, "When I was making the bed, I didn't see any signs of consummation."