frightfiction Chapter 1374 The Imperial Concubine Would Never Use Such Despicable Means to Harm Her (178)
Chapter 1374 The Imperial Concubine Would Never Use Such Despicable Means to Harm Her (178)
"It's just that... this disease came on quickly. To get the rash to completely subside and return to normal in a short period of time... forgive my frankness, but it's truly difficult to do."
"Even with the most potent ointment, it will take at least one or two hours to see initial relief. During this time, you still need to rest and avoid being agitated. Otherwise, the circulation of Qi and blood will be accelerated, which will actually aggravate the symptoms."
One or two hours...
The last glimmer of light in Concubine Kang's eyes was completely extinguished.
The auspicious time for the enthronement ceremony was just around the corner, how could she wait for an hour or two?
Even if she reluctantly went, appearing in front of the other concubines in this miserable state with her face covered in rashes and scratching constantly, what was the difference between that and being tortured in public?
That would be truly embarrassing!
Concubine Kang closed her eyes and stopped looking at anyone, as if all her strength had been drained away.
Cai Ju was heartbroken when she saw Concubine Kang like this, but she could only force herself to remain calm. She waved to the imperial physician and said with a sob, "Thank you, imperial physician. Please prescribe the medicine first."
"Yes."
Concubine Kang clenched her fists tightly and pinched her palms with her nails. The sharp pain forced her to wake up from the blow.
Having missed today's enthronement ceremony, she fell one step behind Concubine Dun and Concubine Xuan in terms of legitimacy.
If the harem is slow in one step, then every step may be slow...
Concubine Kang took a deep breath, her whole body itching unbearably. She instructed Caiju, "Caiju, go to Changchun Palace in person and apologize to the Imperial Concubine and all the sisters on my behalf."
"I'll just say I've suddenly fallen ill and am in a terrible state. I'm afraid I'll be disrespectful and taint the ceremony. As a last resort, I can't come in person. I beg the Imperial Concubine and all the sisters to forgive me!"
"Yes, my dear, I will go right away."
Caiju wiped away her tears. Knowing that this matter concerned the Empress's reputation, she did not dare to delay and immediately took the order and left.
Chu Er, who had been taking care of the Fifth Prince in the side hall, rushed over upon hearing the news. Seeing Concubine Kang's condition, she turned pale with fear and rushed to the bedside, "Your Majesty! What's wrong with you?!"
She was originally someone left behind by Concubine Hao. Seeing that Concubine Kang was truly devoted to the Fifth Prince, over time, Chu'er also came to regard Concubine Kang as her real master.
Seeing Concubine Kang suffering, Chu'er was worried.
After listening to the palace maid's brief account of what happened, Chu'er frowned.
"...My Lady, this is absolutely not a coincidence. Someone must have deliberately murdered me!"
"This servant, this servant, will go to Yongshou Palace and ask to see the Imperial Noble Consort. I will report this matter to you and ask her to make the decision for you and investigate this matter thoroughly!"
When Concubine Kang heard this, a complex and dark light flashed across her eyes...
She recalled the decree to keep the enthronement ceremony simple. Although it was issued by His Majesty, the Imperial Noble Consort... had never said a word for the concubines.
Yes, the Imperial Noble Consort now holds a high position, so how could she be willing to see another disturbance in the harem, or someone taking away the Empress’s heart and threatening her position?
Concubine Kang and the Imperial Noble Concubine are allies, and she believes that the Imperial Noble Concubine would never use such despicable means to harm her.
But times have changed, and the gap in status between himself and the imperial concubine has long been huge.
Would the current Imperial Noble Consort still make a big fuss for a concubine who is not so favored and turn the harem upside down?
I'm afraid that in the end it will just be a lot of noise but little action, and they'll just find a scapegoat...
This thought made Concubine Kang sober instantly.
It is better to rely on oneself than to rely on others.
Even if you want to ask for help, you need to find someone who really cares about this matter.
Concubine Kang grabbed Chu'er's hand and said, "We are not going to Yongshou Palace."
"Chu'er, go to the Yangxin Palace and try to ask for an audience with His Majesty, or have Eunuch Li pass on a message."
She panted, her words punctuated by the pain of the itch: "Just say...just say that I am unlucky and have suffered this unforeseen disaster, missing the auspicious date for the coronation, and that I deserve death."
"But I am terrified... I have contracted an inexplicable illness today. If the bad guys use their methods against the Fifth Prince someday..."
"Your Majesty, I can only thank you with my death!"
"Your Majesty, please consider the Fifth Prince's youth and frailty and thoroughly investigate this matter and make a decision for us mother and son!"
Concubine Kang deliberately emphasized the words "Fifth Prince".
His Majesty might not delve into the injustice she suffered, but when it comes to the safety of the royal heirs, especially the already frail Fifth Prince, it is a violation of the emperor's reverse scale!
Chu'er's heart trembled, and she immediately understood Concubine Kang's deep meaning. This was to lead the matter towards the murder of the imperial heir, so as to attract His Majesty's utmost attention.
She nodded heavily: "I understand!"
"Don't worry, Madam. I will deliver your message even at the risk of my life!"
After saying that, Chu'er no longer hesitated, turned around and walked away quickly, hurried towards the direction of the Yangxin Palace.
Concubine Kang looked at Chu'er's departing back, and her whole body was still itchy and painful.
……
There was a solemn and dignified atmosphere in Changchun Palace.
The virtuous concubine is as cold as frost.
There was a hint of nervousness and anticipation between Concubine Xuan's eyebrows.
Concubine Dun raised her chin slightly.
Tongpin, as always, lowered her head and tried to reduce her presence as much as possible.
The four of them had all put on court robes and crowns appropriate to their respective ranks, and stood solemnly behind Imperial Concubine Zhuang, who was dressed in the imperial concubine's court robes and had a solemn appearance.
As the auspicious time approached, the eunuch in charge of ceremonies kept looking at the sundial outside the hall, but there was no sign of Concubine Kang.
There was a slight commotion among the palace servants, and whispers like mosquitoes rang out: "Why hasn't Concubine Kang arrived yet?"
"It seems the auspicious time is approaching..."
"Isn't it? The enthronement ceremony is such a big deal, how can it be delayed?"
"Did something unexpected happen?"
"..."
When Concubine Dun heard these discussions, a hint of sarcasm appeared at the corner of her lips.
She didn't turn around, her voice neither too loud nor too soft, just loud enough for those around her to hear clearly: "Who knows? Perhaps Concubine Kang feels that the position of Concubine has already been secured, so she is not so concerned about the canonization ceremony."
Concubine Xuan stood beside Concubine Dun. Upon hearing this, she frowned slightly and could not help but softly retort, "Concubine Dun, please be careful with your words."
"The enthronement ceremony is a matter of etiquette and decorum. Concubine Kang has always been strict in observing the rules and would never be so disrespectful. Perhaps... perhaps she was really delayed by something..."
Concubine Dun turned her head and glanced at Concubine Xuan's face. The sneer in her eyes deepened, and her tone was filled with undisguised irony: "Sister Xuan is truly kind-hearted and considerate of others."
"But people in this palace are fickle. Some people say one thing in public and another in private. Sister, please don't let yourself be sold out and help count the money..."
Everyone in the palace knew that Concubine Xuan was the Imperial Noble Concubine's lackey. If Concubine Xuan knew that Concubine Kang was plotting to use a knife to kill someone else and deal with Imperial Noble Concubine He, would she still speak up for Concubine Kang?
Concubine Dun turned back, frowning and saying, "We can't let Concubine Kang's fault delay everyone's auspicious time, leaving the Imperial Concubine and all the sisters waiting in vain? How shameful!"
Concubine Xuan was also a little anxious, but thinking of being a mother, she couldn't help but say, "It's not easy for Concubine Kang to raise the Fifth Prince. Perhaps something really delayed him..."
"All right."
Imperial Concubine Zhuang, who had remained silent the entire time, finally spoke. Her voice was gentle, yet carried the dignity of an Imperial Concubine, instantly suppressing all whispers and arguments: "With the grand ceremony of enthronement approaching, please refrain from meaningless verbal disputes."