Chapter 131: Chapter 3: Imperial Concubine Has a System (3)

When the Imperial Concubine was weeping bitterly in Nuoxiang Palace, Li Shuning was teasing the Crown Prince with a little tiger.

Li Shuning still rather liked children. This child was the beloved treasure of the original protagonist, and his tragic end really made one’s heart ache.

When the Emperor came to Fengling Palace, he saw Li Shuning playing with the Crown Prince, and he felt a strange feeling in his heart.

He did not announce his arrival. When Li Shuning noticed him, she was startled. Holding the child, she was about to bow, but the Emperor already supported her.

“An’an, no need for formalities. Was the Crown Prince mischievous today?”

“Your Majesty, the Crown Prince was very well-behaved.”

Li Shuning held the child, but she found the Emperor’s gaze somewhat peculiar.

It seemed a bit suspicious, and perhaps a bit surprised. Overall, the gaze was very complex.

He brought up various topics, mentioning casually, “I heard the Imperial Concubine wanted to see Mrs. Huang, and you didn’t agree?”

Li Shuning feigned surprise and said, “Please forgive me, Your Majesty. The Imperial Concubine mentioned making a set of clothes for the Crown Prince. I was quite pleased, feeling that the Imperial Concubine was considerate and gratified. However, she wanted Warm Jade from Mrs. Huang. I thought, since I also have Warm Jade, asking Mrs. Huang for it might give the impression that the Royal Family is soliciting goods from courtiers, which would be inappropriate. Hence, I didn’t mention her request to see Mrs. Huang.”

The Emperor laughed, “An’an, what fault do you have? It’s the Imperial Concubine who acted improperly.”

Upon returning to Qinzheng Hall, the Emperor looked at the memorials, but his mouth carried a smile.

“Empress, it’s interesting. I wonder what intriguing matters we’ll encounter this time.”

Li Shuning also felt something strange. This Emperor seemed somewhat different from the one in the plot.

If it were the Emperor from the plot, he would have rejected the Imperial Concubine’s clothes, and specifically reprimanded her for not recognizing goodwill, later rewarding the Imperial Concubine with a bolt of Snow Silk, causing embarrassment for the Empress.

However, this time, she accepted the clothes but refused the Imperial Concubine’s request to see her mother. Is there a problem somewhere? Many things differ from the plot.

Li Shuning didn’t want to be too passive. Having spiritual power, besides accompanying the Crown Prince daily, she diligently practiced her spiritual power, quickly dealing with palace affairs.

In a few days, she heard a piece of news: the Imperial Concubine seemingly made a joke of herself. She wore a veil daily, even when seeing the Emperor, who wished to remove it, disagreeing, resulting in a scolding and a half-month confinement.

Li Shuning laughed heartily, thinking the Imperial Concubine likely veiled herself due to deteriorating skin, making her feel too unattractive to be seen.

Although the Imperial Concubine could apply powder, her skin remained somewhat dark, making powdered application appear odd.

Especially as her skin worsened, the powder made her face seem grainy, leading her to veil it. These insights were discovered by specific investigations Li Shuning conducted.

Half a month went by quickly.

On this day, the Imperial Concubine’s confinement ended, and she arose early to pay respects to Li Shuning.

Seeing the Imperial Concubine, Li Shuning was momentarily stunned. Indeed, defying reality, her skin had become smooth and fair after half a month of confinement, leaving one to wonder what mission the Imperial Concubine accomplished.

“Fairness covers three flaws. At this moment, the Imperial Concubine appears much more attractive.”

After the Imperial Concubine sat down, she heard a voice in her mind.

“Anger the Empress, causing her to be humiliated before the Emperor.”

“Even if you anger the Empress, how can you ensure she humiliates herself before the Emperor?”

“The Emperor is already on his way to Fengling Palace.”

The Imperial Concubine’s eyes shifted upon hearing the Concubines chatting about trivial matters, prompting a smile: “Mistress, I’ve heard the Crown Prince can lift his head now? Truly befitting a Crown Prince, so clever and lively, already so remarkable at such a young age. It’s said Prince Yu Hua was equally intelligent in his youth.”

Li Shuning’s gaze turned cold. Prince Yu Hua was a deposed Crown Prince. The Imperial Concubine’s words carried ill intentions.

Li Shuning thought directly of setting down her teacup heavily on the table, the sound causing the Concubines below to tremble.

They knew well enough about Prince Yu Hua’s circumstances, aware that the Imperial Concubine’s words might anger the Empress.

“Heard from whom? The Emperor confined you. What did you do during that time? The fact the Crown Prince lifts his head is known solely by people in Fengling Palace. I was unaware, meaning the information came both from my people and the Imperial Concubine’s party. Is your ’concern’ during confinement what surprises me?”

As Li Shuning spoke, there was no hint of anger, yet her words stunned the Imperial Concubine.

She pondered and immediately stood, kneeling on the floor, and resolutely struck her head on the ground until it swelled red: “I beg the Empress to forgive me. During confinement, I reflected on my faults daily, not daring to do anything else. Knowing about the Crown Prince came from waiting outside the hall early today. I beg the Empress to discern my sincerity.”

“What happened?” a deep male voice asked.

It was unclear when the Emperor had entered.

Everyone stood up, with Li Shuning also rising from her seat to greet him.

“May Your Majesty enjoy great fortune and peace.”

“All rise. An’an, what’s with the Imperial Concubine this time?”

“Regarding Your Majesty, just now the Imperial Concubine paid respects to me and mentioned the Crown Prince. I wondered, as she had just finished confinement, how she knew the Crown Prince lifts his head now, as he only started doing so last night.”

Princess Consort Shu suddenly smiled, “Your Majesty, the Imperial Concubine mentioned the Crown Prince being just as intelligent as Prince Yu Hua previously.”

The Imperial Concubine shot a fierce glance at Princess Consort Shu.

Princess Consort Shu covered her mouth with a laugh, wholly indifferent to the Imperial Concubine’s reaction.

The Emperor’s face darkened.

The Imperial Concubine felt anxious inside. Why were things always unpredictable?

She originally thought comparing the Crown Prince to Prince Yu Hua would anger the Empress, who would certainly act in some way. This situation was supposed to expose the Empress’s lack of virtue before the Emperor, allowing her to complete her mission.

“Nonsense, Imperial Concubine. Are you unaware of Prince Yu Hua’s situation? Comparing my Crown Prince with him, what are you implying?”

The Imperial Concubine truly felt panicked, “Forgive me, Your Majesty. I meant no harm. I struggle with articulation, merely thinking the Crown Prince is clever and obedient, without other intentions. Forgive me, Your Majesty. Forgive me, Empress.”

The Imperial Concubine felt utterly disgraced, repeatedly embarrassed before Concubines and now scolded by the Emperor, wondering what influence she retained in the harem.

Pondering this, anxiousness appeared on the Imperial Concubine’s face.

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