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

Night had fallen, thick and dark as if the sky had been splashed with ink. Not even a glimmer of starlight could be seen.

Lü Rui wore a pink dress, lightly painted her eyebrows, dabbed a bit of rouge on her lips, and applied some blush to her cheeks. She tucked the silk flower bestowed by Xiao Yu into her hair, slanted a jade hairpin beside it, and looked quite lovely overall.

As she entered the inner chamber, she focused on the figure ahead—Xiao Yu was reclining slightly on the bed, holding a book in his hands. His profile was sharply defined, every feature radiating a regal aura.

To her, no man in the world was more handsome than the Emperor.

Xiao Yu heard the sound of her entering and looked up at her.

Lü Rui quickly lowered her gaze. She wasn't sure if it was her imagination, but she felt a sharpness and disgust in his eyes.

She drew in a deep breath to calm herself and respectfully greeted him, "Your Majesty."

Still holding his book, Xiao Yu asked mildly, "Have you ever read any books?"

Lü Rui stole a glance at him and, seeing his expression calm and unreadable, responded softly, "A little, Your Majesty."

She intentionally lowered her voice, making it as gentle as possible.

Xiao Yu lowered his eyes and said with indifference, "Your voice is pleasant."

Upon hearing that, Lü Rui smiled like a blooming flower, shy yet charming. "Thank you for the compliment, Your Majesty."

Without emotion, Xiao Yu flipped to the next page of his book. "In that case, read to me."

With that, Yang An brought over a large basket. As he got closer, Lü Rui saw that it was filled with books, stacked one on top of another. The color instantly drained from her face like a withered eggplant.

"Which one would Your Majesty like to hear?"

"All of them," he replied casually.

Lü Rui felt her knees go weak. She stepped back, staring at him in disbelief.

Wasn't she summoned to serve in the bedchamber?

Xiao Yu's gaze turned frosty. "Why are you still not reading?"

She quickly grabbed a book and began reading aloud:
"The Master said: 'Is it not a pleasure, having learned something, to try it out at due intervals? Is it not a joy to have friends come from afar? Is it not gentlemanly not to take offense when others fail to appreciate your abilities...'"

"You didn't have dinner? Read louder." His tone wasn't harsh, but it carried weight.

Biting her lip, Lü Rui raised her voice, though it trembled:
"You Zi said: 'He who is filial and respectful to elders is rarely one to defy superiors. And one who does not defy superiors will not stir up rebellion. A gentleman focuses on the root. With the root established, the Way grows. Filial piety and respect for elders—surely this is the root of benevolence?'"

After the time it takes to drink a cup of tea, Xiao Yu already had a headache. He rubbed his temples and lazily said, "Too loud. Go kneel outside and read. Read all of them."

Looking at the overflowing basket of books, Lü Rui was on the verge of tears.

"Your Majesty... didn't you summon me to serve you tonight?"

"When you can read well enough that I find it pleasant, then you may serve me," he said lightly.

Lü Rui's face turned deathly pale. She stared blankly at him. Under the dim candlelight, his tightly pressed lips held a cold edge. His expression was so calm, it was terrifying.

"Yes... I obey, Your Majesty."

That night, despite not recognizing many characters, she forced herself to keep reading.

No matter what, she had chosen this path. She could blame no one but herself.

The world thinks being a consort of the emperor is glamorous, but not everyone can actually enjoy that status.

For two nights in a row, Lü Rui served in the Emperor's bedchamber.

The palace was abuzz: it seemed the Emperor favored this newly promoted Cairen Lü Rui, especially since he stayed the second night as well.

In Fengqi Palace, all the imperial consorts were gathered.

The last to arrive was Lü Rui. As she entered, Ning Shuyan glanced at her face.

She looked completely exhausted, with dark circles under her eyes like a moon halo. Her whole demeanor was worn and haggard.

Lü Rui, seeing everyone present, hurried forward and bowed. "Greetings to the Empress. I apologize for being late. Please forgive me."

Her voice was hoarse, and her legs trembled as she knelt. The other women exchanged surprised glances.

The Empress maintained a calm expression. "You may rise. You've worked hard serving His Majesty. You don't look well."

Consort Zhuang glared at Lü Rui, fingers clenching the armrest tightly.

Consort Rong murmured softly, "Such a little seductress."

Though quietly said, most in the hall heard it.

Ning Shuyan instantly understood. Could it be that Xiao Yu had truly tormented Lü Rui last night? Had he really let her serve him?

Seeing Lü Rui's pale face, hollow eyes, and dry voice—it was clear she'd suffered. Xiao Yu really could be... intense. Ning Shuyan pursed her lips at the thought.

But on second thought, something felt off. Xiao Yu's disgust for Lü Rui had never seemed faked.

Nearby, Concubine Xi clenched her handkerchief so tightly it ripped slightly. Only then did she realize she was out of decorum. She took a sip of tea, but the bitterness only spread on her tongue.

Consort Zhuang fumed internally. Even she had never stayed the night in Zhaoshen Palace. Ning Shuyan had—but now her own maid got that honor?

She couldn't accept it. The fury in her chest built with nowhere to go.

"Cairen Lü, you've only just started serving the Emperor and you've already lost all decorum. As the head of Yihe Palace, I must remind you—lest others say our palace lacks discipline."

Ning Shuyan lazily fiddled with her jade bracelet. Consort Zhuang had lost her cool. The Empress hadn't even spoken, and yet here she was lecturing already.

Internal strife among their own? Delicious.

Lü Rui hurried to stand, though her legs barely held her.

"I admit my mistakes, but Your Majesty the Emperor—"

"Don't try to use His Majesty against me—"

"The Emperor has arrived!"

Before Zhuang could finish, the sharp cry of a eunuch echoed from outside.

They all looked up to see Xiao Yu enter. Lü Rui, seated last, was closest. He smiled and helped her up.

"You're unwell. No need to bow."

Ning Shuyan frowned. It was hard to believe those words came from Xiao Yu. She didn't buy for a second that he genuinely favored Lü Rui.

Then it hit her—Xiao Yu's actions...

She looked up at him, his expression as calm and cold as ever, and watched him take his seat like nothing unusual had occurred.