I insist

Chapter 545: Insolence

"Greetings, Your Majesty the Empress."

All the noblewomen knelt on the ground and bowed to Song Miqiu, who was seated at the head of the table.

Song Miqiu said in a very calm tone, "Rise, everyone. Please take a seat. I am indeed late today and have kept you ladies waiting. It is my fault."

"Your Majesty is too kind."

Although people disdain and resent her, they still have to maintain appearances, since their husbands are still officials.

"Your Majesty got married yesterday. We women are all experienced and understand. Your Majesty need not do this."

"Yes, and you and the Emperor are still young. You have experienced a lot and it is only with great difficulty that you have finally gotten married. Of course you are happy. We women all understand that."

Upon hearing this, Song Miqiu nodded slightly. She could tell that these people were just trying to curry favor with her, after all, her status was now extraordinary.

In truth, they didn't dare say much, after all, they knew clearly how much Yu Huailin cared about them, and they really had no thoughts about this matter.

Just then, the Duchess of Wu suddenly snorted coldly: "Now you're saying nice things, aren't you? Say the same things you were saying just now!"

People like you who change their attitude just because of someone's status are truly disgusting.

Everyone else had their eyes on the Duchess of Wu, including Song Miqiu.

"Who was this person who just spoke? Can anyone tell me?" Song Miqiu asked.

Lady Wu stood up abruptly and said sarcastically, "Why bother asking others? Just ask me. I am the wife of the Duke of Wu."

You probably don't know me, right? I heard that you weren't in the capital before, but in a remote city. I'm curious, why did the Emperor choose you to be his empress?

You don't seem like someone who knows the rules. If you did, you wouldn't be late today, making us newbies wait for so long.

"Your identity? Ha, forgive my bluntness, but you probably don't have a respectable identity. Besides this face, you have no other redeeming qualities. Could it be that the Emperor was attracted to your looks?"

The others were shocked that the Duchess of Wu would be so bold as to say these things in front of Song Miqiu, and they were so frightened that they immediately knelt on the ground.

"Your Majesty, please calm your anger."

Apart from Lady Wu, who was standing, only Song Miqiu was sitting.

Song Miqiu didn't take her words to heart at all. She looked at the women below her and said, "Everyone, please rise. I am not angry."

The noblewomen stood up shakily, filled with hatred for the Lady of Wu, feeling that she was truly courting death, not knowing what to say and what not to say.

They were somewhat puzzled. Did she really think the Emperor wouldn't remove her husband's official hat?

After everyone had stood up, Song Miqiu spoke, "It seems the Duchess of Wu is quite dissatisfied with me. In that case, speak your mind today."

"I've heard that the civil and military officials are dissatisfied with me, and I'd like to hear what they have to say about me. Please continue, Lady of Wu."

These words sent chills down the spines of everyone present. They now deeply regretted being there and experiencing such a bloody storm.

"Since the Empress told me to say it, then I will. People say that one should marry a virtuous wife, but Your Majesty, I haven't seen any virtuousness in you."

The news has spread far and wide that the Empress forbids the Emperor from taking concubines. Your Majesty, you cannot be so unfaithful! You must be magnanimous when your husband takes concubines.

This is the kind of example women should set for all. And you must understand, you are merely a country woman; the Emperor is only doing this to repay a life-saving debt.

That's why I made you Empress. You should be grateful and not be too domineering. Although what I'm saying may sound harsh, it's all for Your Majesty's good.

Only in this way can your relationship with the Emperor improve, right?

Lady Wu looked at Song Miqiu very seriously and said, word by word.

After hearing what she said, Song Miqiu didn't say a word. He just looked at her calmly, without a ripple in his eyes, not even anger.

Before saying these words, Lady Wu had been thinking about how the woman would react. She had considered anger and sadness, but she had not expected her to be so calm.

She stared into Song Miqiu's eyes, and the more she looked, the more uncomfortable she felt. She felt as if she was about to die, and her legs almost gave way and she knelt on the ground.

Seeing that she was about to give up, Song Miqiu slowly withdrew her gaze and said calmly, "I do not agree with what the Duchess of Wu said."

Since you've pointed out my faults, shouldn't you first examine your own actions? You say I lack manners? Well, your manners aren't much better.

I am the Empress, and you are merely a noblewoman. How dare you refer to yourself as "I" in front of me? Is this the rule of your Wu State Duke's Mansion?

If that's really the case, it seems I'll have to find a way to teach you all proper manners.

Upon hearing this, Lady Wu's face immediately darkened, and she glared fiercely at Song Miqiu.

"As for my identity, that's not something you can know. As for the Emperor taking concubines, that's something I won't allow."

What I desire is a lifelong, monogamous relationship. His desire to take concubines is impossible. Lady of the Duke of Wu, just because you lack ability doesn't mean all women are incompetent.

Since the Lady of Wu is so generous and virtuous, I will naturally bestow a reward upon her.

Song Miqiu looked at Lady Wu with a half-smile.

Seeing that look in her eyes, Lady Wu suddenly had a bad feeling for some reason, and sure enough, her premonition came true the next moment.

"I will bestow these two beauties upon the Duke of Wu. I will personally select them, so please rest assured, Lady of Wu, I will definitely choose two."

A young, beautiful woman who knows how to serve others—that way, you and the Duke of Wu can be at peace. What do you think?

Those present lowered their heads upon hearing this. They had been curious about how Song Miqiu would deal with the Lady of Wu, but they hadn't expected her to be so ruthless.

No household wants to see women younger and more beautiful than themselves, as they feel these women will steal their husbands' favor.

These noblewomen relied on their husbands' favor. Song Miqiu gave the Duke of Wu two beauties, which was a deliberate attempt to annoy the Duke of Wu's wife.

"This is deliberate revenge. With your vindictive nature, how can anyone become empress?" Lady Wu was furious.

Song Miqiu slowly stood up: "Lady of the Duke of Wu, this is what you said, to be magnanimous and virtuous, and I have done as you said."

Why were you so eloquent just now, but now you're unhappy when it comes to your own situation? You can't be so jealous.