frightfiction Chapter 1750 His Majesty is So Cruel (Bonus Chapter for 209 Million Votes)
Chapter 1750 His Majesty is So Cruel (Bonus Chapter for 209 Million Votes)
His Majesty is appeasing the Qin family and making up for what he owes to Consort Qin.
But Consort Mei had already come this far, and there was no turning back.
The people in the pavilion seemed to have noticed the commotion and looked over.
Consort Mei immediately smiled sweetly, gracefully stepped forward, and knelt down at the foot of the steps outside the pavilion, exclaiming with delight, "Your Majesty, I pay my respects! Long live Your Majesty!"
"What a coincidence! I was feeling bored this evening and wanted to take a walk in the Imperial Garden, and I unexpectedly ran into Your Majesty and Consort Qin here."
Nangong Xuanyu's gaze fell on Consort Mei.
Under the lamplight, her begonia-red palace dress shone brightly, making her even more beautiful than the flowers.
The emperor showed no displeasure at being disturbed and said calmly, "Get up."
"Thank you, Your Majesty!"
Although both were concubines, Consort Qin had no title and was half a rank lower than Consort Mei. She gave a slight curtsy and said, "Consort Mei has also come to admire the lotus blossoms at night? You seem to be in quite a good mood."
"Yes."
Consort Mei's gaze fell on Consort Qin, and she smiled, "Consort Qin, you are so elegant, accompanying His Majesty to admire the flowers. The late lotus buds are quite charming."
As she spoke, she naturally took a small half-step forward, getting closer to the emperor.
Then he looked up, his eyes filled with admiration: "Your Majesty, look at the biggest one, doesn't it look like a little lantern? It's quite interesting to look at at night."
Consort Qin watched this scene without saying a word or showing any displeasure.
Nangong Xuanyu glanced in the direction Consort Mei was pointing and casually said, "It's acceptable."
Consort Mei was overjoyed, thinking she had a chance, and was about to use her charm and coquettishness: "Your Majesty, the night is just right..."
The emperor interrupted her, saying, "I will speak with Consort Qin here. As night deepens and the dew in the Imperial Garden grows heavy, Consort Mei is frail; she should return to the palace to rest as soon as possible."
These words were spoken gently, but the meaning of refusal couldn't be clearer.
The smile on Consort Mei's face froze instantly.
How could Your Majesty... how could you reject Consort Qin so bluntly in front of her?
She arrived in her finest attire, full of anticipation, only to be met with His Majesty's merciless rejection...
"His Majesty……"
Consort Mei, unwilling to accept this, said aggrievedly, "Your Majesty, I am not afraid of the dew, I just want to spend more time with you..."
Nangong Xuanyu's tone became slightly more forceful: "Alright."
He came to accompany Consort Qin on her walk tonight with the intention of comforting and making amends. If he were to change his plans now because of Consort Mei's appearance, or show any particular interest in Consort Mei, wouldn't that embarrass Consort Qin?
The emperor's harem needed to be balanced.
While Consort Mei's charm was certainly appealing, Consort Qin and the Qin family behind her clearly needed this dignity more at this moment.
Consort Mei's eyes reddened: "Your Majesty..."
Nangong Xuanyu felt little pity; he only found it troublesome.
But he didn't say anything definitive, softening his tone: "Go back now, I'll visit you at Xianfu Palace when I have time."
The emperor holds the bowl of water perfectly level.
Consort Mei's last hope was also shattered.
His Majesty would rather give her a vague promise than look at her at this moment.
All the careful dressing up turned into a complete joke.
Consort Mei lowered her head, forcing herself to maintain a composed demeanor, and said, "Yes..."
"Your Majesty and Consort Qin will not disturb your enjoyment any longer."
"This concubine takes her leave..."
Only Nangong Xuanyu and Consort Qin remained among the waterside pavilions and terraces.
Consort Qin glanced in the direction Consort Mei had left, smiled knowingly, and looked at Nangong Xuanyu, teasingly saying, "Your Majesty is so ruthless."
"Just now, Consort Mei arrived in full regalia, her eyes sparkling with a captivating charm. She clearly came specifically to invite Your Majesty to enjoy this beautiful time together."
"Your Majesty sent her back without the slightest hesitation. Wouldn't that break the beauty's heart?"
Her eyes were clear when she spoke, without any sourness or probing; she was very open and honest.
Nangong Xuanyu knew that Consort Qin was straightforward and insightful. She wasn't the shallow woman who only knew how to be jealous and gossip.
Sometimes talking to her is actually more reassuring.
Nangong Xuanyu said gently, "Since I said tonight that I would accompany you for a walk and to admire the flowers, there is naturally no reason to go somewhere else halfway through."
The emperor's mind was incredibly perceptive. How could he not see through Consort Mei's deliberately staged "chance encounter" and the almost overflowing anticipation in her eyes? He simply couldn't be bothered to point it out.
He was also unwilling to tolerate such behavior, which was full of the intention to win favor, in front of Consort Qin.
Consort Qin simply smiled and didn't continue the conversation.
She knew exactly what was going on.
Why is Consort Mei in such a hurry?
What was the purpose of the Zhuang family sending her to the palace? Anyone in the harem with a modicum of sense knew perfectly well.
Using her beauty to seduce the emperor and quickly produce an heir with the bloodline of the Zhuang family, thereby consolidating Consort Zhuang's power in the palace.
However, despite being favored by the Zhuang family and receiving their favor quite a few times, Mei Pin's belly remained empty for a long time.
As the ban was lifted, the emperor's favor waned. The Imperial Noble Consort's belly grew larger each day, and the struggle for the empress's position began to brew...
How could Consort Mei not be anxious?
Consort Zhuang is probably even more anxious than she is.
Tonight's "chance encounter" in the Imperial Garden was nothing more than...
Unfortunately, acting too hastily led to a poor outcome.
What kind of person is His Majesty? How could he be moved by such a simple trick?
However... Consort Qin felt no pride, but rather a sense of melancholy.
Let alone Consort Mei, which woman in the harem doesn't yearn for children?
Favor is fleeting; it comes today and may be gone tomorrow.
The "beloved concubine" mentioned by the emperor could be her or someone else.
Only children with blood ties can truly provide a foothold in the deep palace and a support when one grows old and loses their beauty.
It is also a source of family honor and hope for its continuation.
Doesn't Consort Qin want to conceive a royal heir?
she thinks.
Even more than many people.
Consort Qin came from a distinguished family, and her family background was the foundation of her power. Therefore, the Qin family needed her to make a difference in the harem.
A prince with the blood of the Qin family can ensure the Qin family's wealth and stability for decades to come.
Although her father did not say it explicitly in his letter, how could she not understand his earnest expectations?
However, Consort Qin understood better than Consort Mei that some things cannot be rushed or forced.
The emperor's favor requires cultivation, and the affinity for offspring requires even more favorable timing and location.
Blindly forcing things, like Consort Mei who wears her motives on her sleeve, will only annoy people and push away potential opportunities.
When His Majesty rejected Consort Mei just now, Consort Qin must have felt a pang of sympathy for her.
His Majesty chose to protect her dignity at this moment, so that she would not be at a disadvantage in her covert battle with the Zhuang family woman.
However, the women in the imperial harem, regardless of their social status or appearance, could not escape the curse of having no offspring.
They all strive and scheme for this, even to the point of becoming repulsive...
His Majesty treated her gently tonight, but how long can this gentleness last?
If she remains childless, while Consort Mei, Consort Yue, or someone else gives birth to a prince first, how will His Majesty's heart be tipped?
Unreliable...