Chapter 357: Chapter 357 Kidnapping for Blackmail (1)
The Emperor had spent nearly every night in Moon Fairy Palace recently, and Consort Lian’s favor had been unceasing. Rewards came in different styles every day, ceaselessly delivered. The consorts of the other palaces were red-eyed with envy, jealousy, and hatred—especially Consort Xiang. Not only was she of a higher rank than Consort Lian, but she was also a princess of a nation, yet she couldn’t match a mere merchant’s daughter. How could that not breed jealousy and bitterness?
The breeze at the end of April lightly blew the willows by the riverbank. The tender willow branches gently caressed the water’s surface, producing ripples that slowly spread out.
Dressed in a light pink gauze gown that trailed behind her, embroidered with blooming roses, her delicate face showed a touch of sadness. It seemed as if one could even catch a faint scent wafting from her. Her soft, ink-black hair was simply tied with just a traditional hairpin, with a few small, light pink gemstone flowers as adornment: "Sister, it has been some days since the Emperor stepped into Baihua Palace."
Feeling helpless, Consort Xuan smiled wryly. Was she not in the same position? She reached out to brush a willow branch on the bank and casually plucked a twig, toying with it in her hand. Turning her head, she spoke with slightly parted, rosy lips to Consort Xiang beside her: "Sister, we have grown up in the palace since childhood, and deep down, we both understand; which woman can keep the Emperor’s favor for long?"
Consort Xiang paused her step, looked deeply at Ming Xuan, then gave a bitter smile, hastened her pace, and caught up with Ming Xuan: "Sister, since you entered the palace, you have neither competed nor been forceful, yet you see things very clearly."
"What’s seized by struggle doesn’t necessarily last long." Dropping the twig in her hand, she turned her head to look at Consort Xiang, who was still in contemplation, then turned around and began to cross the stone arch bridge.
Just as she stepped onto the bridge, she encountered a lady in a white gown that clung to her ample figure, a bodice embracing a pair of proud peaks, and a fair, beguiling face with soul-captivating almond eyes. Red gemstone earrings hung from her delicate, tender earlobes, further accentuating her paleness.
Clenching her handkerchief in angry frustration, Luo Qianxiang rolled her eyes, pursed her lips, and turned her head to the other side. Even a simple stroll through the garden had to be marred by an encounter with her—such bad luck.
Ming Xuan approached with a smile, well aware that without the Emperor’s affection, high status was meaningless in the palace.
Seeing Luo Qianxiang glance at her, Consort Lian sneered inwardly. So what if you’re ranked higher than me? The Emperor’s favor is clearly not on your side.
"I haven’t seen you for a few days, Sister Lian, and you seem to have become increasingly radiant," Consort Xuan greeted Consort Lian warmly as she reached forward and took her hand with a coquettish smile.
Bowing her head and lowering her brows in a show of modesty, Consort Lian replied shyly, "This consort pays respect to Consort Xuan, may you be auspicious."
"My good sister, please rise quickly." Ming Xuan extended her hand in a gesture of assistance, stopping Consort Lian from continuing her formal greeting.
Luo Qianxiang glanced at them, her chest heaving with anger. Remembering what Consort Xuan had said just moments ago, she held her breath in frustration and forcibly turned her head aside.
Raising her eyebrows, Xiu Yang let go of Consort Xuan’s hand, took a few small steps and leaned down gently in front of Luo Qianxiang. Lifting her gaze defiantly, she spoke to Luo Qianxiang: "This consort pays respects to Consort Xiang. May you be auspicious."
When Luo Qianxiang saw her challenge, memories of the Emperor’s recent neglect of her own palace fueled her anger, and she lost her composure. Her eyes reddened as she impulsively reached out and slapped Consort Lian hard across the face, the sound sharp and clear, shocking everyone around them.
"Consort Xiang, this consort was merely paying respects to you. Why would you strike me under the broad light of day?" Holding her now-swollen cheek, her eyes brimming with tears, every word uttered was full of grievance.
Hearing this, Luo Qianxiang’s anger intensified. She lifted her chin, a look of disdain on her face as she retorted, "Hmph, why? It’s because you showed disrespect to this consort. When one performs a greeting, it’s with a bow, not a full kowtow—the very act of which gives me the right to slap your mouth."
"Sister Xiang, Sister Lian has just entered the palace and may not be familiar with all the etiquette. You should be more forgiving," Consort Xuan said with a hint of reprimand while glancing at Luo Qianxiang, then took out her handkerchief to wipe away Consort Lian’s tears.
