Seeing the confusion on Consort Gui’s face, Consort Shu sighed helplessly. “I knew you wouldn’t be aware of this.”
Consort Gui immediately tensed. She knew Consort Shu’s temperament—she wouldn’t speak so cryptically unless something was… truly amiss.
“What is it? Don’t scare me. We’ve been sisters for years—just tell me plainly.” For the first time, Consort Gui felt a trace of unease. Consort Shu had always been cautious and steady in her actions. if she was bringing this up, it had to be something serious.
Consort Shu hesitated for a moment, glancing at Consort Gui.
“Say it already!” Consort Gui was growing anxious. Consort Shu was deliberately being mysterious!
“I just received the news, and I haven’t confirmed its authenticity yet, but…”
“Enough with the ‘but’—just say it!” Consort Gui was exasperated. If even Consort Shu was acknowledging the uncertainty of the information, it had to be something of great importance.
Normally, she would never speak so carelessly.
Consort Shu glanced at her once more before adding, “After I tell you, you can have Zhang Gelao investigate.”
Zhang Gelao was Consort Gui’s Father, highly regarded by the Emperor. He had also been instrumental in supporting the Crown Prince’s appointment.
Consort Gui: …
If you don’t speak soon, I’m going to hit you!
Since she was now involving her Father, Consort Gui knew this was no trivial matter. Strangely, the sense of foreboding steadied her nerves.
What was there to fear? She had her Father’s backing!
Consort Shu noted the shift in Consort Gui’s demeanor and nodded slightly before explaining the matter—but from a perspective that centered on Consort Gui and Jin Wang.
A change in perspective altered everything.
Consort Gui trembled with fury, nearly overturning the table in her rage.
What was this?
Were they treating her and her son like fools?
Good! Very good!
The Xingan Marquis Household!
The Jingyuan Marquis Household!
Duke Cao!
After her initial outburst, Consort Gui quickly calmed herself. She wouldn’t give Consort Shu the satisfaction of seeing her lose composure.
“I won’t bother with empty words of gratitude—consider this a favor I owe you,” she said through gritted teeth.
Debts of gratitude were troublesome.
She’d rather owe money!
Consort Shu chuckled. “No need for favors, Consort Gui. I simply don’t want that woman to succeed. Today it’s Yu Wang, next time it’ll be Jin Wang, and after that, it will be my own son.”
“My child has never been one to vie for power, and I once thought that would protect him from others’ jealousy. But after seeing what has happened to Jin Wang… I am no longer so sure. You and I are both mothers—we share the same love for our sons.”
With that, she rose to take her leave. Before departing, she turned back to Consort Gui. “Consort Gui, we consorts cannot see everything that happens outside the palace. You should explain the situation clearly to Zhang Gelao and let him make the call.”
Consort Gui personally escorted her to the hall’s entrance, her expression heavy as she nodded. “You’re right—this is beyond what I can handle alone.”
Then, her expression shifted as she grabbed Consort Shu’s hand. “After lunch, the Emperor will likely continue questioning Yu Wang and He Wanyi. Will you be there?”
Consort Shu hesitated.
Consort Gui knew she disliked getting involved in palace disputes, so she quickly added, “Didn’t you just say we are both mothers?”
Consort Shu sighed. “I’ll go.”
Consort Gui finally smiled. “Then it’s settled.”
She couldn’t extend her influence beyond the palace, but within its walls, she wouldn’t rest until He Wanyi’s reputation was utterly ruined!
As for the Empress…
Consort Gui’s expression darkened. if only she had evidence—Kunde Palace wouldn’t escape unscathed either.
Her thoughts turning sharp, she immediately summoned Jin Wang to the palace. Time was running out; she couldn’t let Duke Cao and the Empress have their way.
When Jin Wang was urgently called into the palace, he assumed it was about Yu Wang’s scandal. In his opinion, taking the woman into his household would resolve the issue. it would be a stain on his reputation, but after a while, no one would care.
But after hearing his mother’s words, he was dumbfounded.
His own wangfei had betrayed him!
She had conspired with her family behind his back—was she now aligned with the Crown Prince?
In an instant, Jin Wangfei understood. This was all because of Side Consort Qian. His wife resented him for favoring another woman, and so she had turned against him!
The more he thought about it, the angrier he became. He slammed the table and turned to his mother. “I told you from the start—I never wanted this marriage!”
Consort Gui rolled her eyes. “Oh? And were you planning to defy an imperial edict?”
This daughter-in-law had been chosen by the Emperor. She would have preferred someone else, but she hadn’t had a choice.
Besides, Jin Wangfei had always been respectful and dutiful. Even when her husband favored Side Consort Qian, she had never shown discontent. Consort Gui had been satisfied with her.
Who would have thought… You can know a person’s face but not their heart. She was hiding such ambition all along!
“I’m going to see grandfather!” Jin Wang shot to his feet. He wouldn’t let this slide—how dare they treat him like a fool?
Good, good, good! Truly wonderful!
Consort Gui nodded. “Go and explain the situation clearly to your maternal grandfather. This news came from Consort Shu’s side, so to be cautious, it still needs to be investigated for authenticity.”
“I understand.” Jin Wang’s expression darkened as he strode away.
Seeing her son like this, Consort Gui felt just as unsettled.
Fine, this matter isn’t over!
Her eyes flickered, and she turned to Song Momo. “Is Yu Wangfei still in the palace?”
Song Momo immediately replied, “Your Majesty, Consort Xian has kept her back. The palace matters have yet to be settled, so even if she leaves, it won’t be until the evening.”
“Do you think Consort Xian is aware of this matter?” Consort Gui’s dark eyes narrowed slightly.
Song Momo shook her head. “This old servant dares not make reckless guesses. Regardless of whether Consort Xian knows or not, what matters now is ensuring Yu Wang’s safety. Yu Wangfei will undoubtedly have to endure grievances.”
“Indeed, as a mother, I can’t let my son suffer. That only leaves the daughter-in-law.” Consort Gui let out a mocking laugh. “Send word to Jin Wang’s residence—have Jin Wangfei come to the palace.”
She had been too lenient with this daughter-in-law, allowing her to act so presumptuously!
“Yes.” Song Momo could tell that Consort Gui was truly angry. She immediately turned to relay the message, instructing someone to head to Jin Wang’s residence.
When she returned, Consort Gui spoke again. “Find someone reliable to secretly pass a message to Yu Wangfei. Let her know what’s really going on—don’t let her be sold off and still help count the money.”
Song Momo chuckled. “Your Majesty is right. Yu Wangfei lost her mother at a young age, and to think her stepmother would scheme against her like this—it’s truly pitiful. But Your Majesty is merciful, reaching out to help her now. Surely, she will be deeply grateful to you.”
“I’m not interested in her gratitude,” Consort Gui sneered. “What matters is whether she’s capable enough to use this situation to seize control over Yu Wang and his household.”
Consort Xian…
Consort Gui’s gaze grew even colder. Biting dogs truly don’t bark. And to think she had always maintained a cordial relationship with Consort Xian.
Song Momo arranged for a third-class palace maid from Yuzhen Palace—someone unfamiliar to most, rarely seen outside the palace—to deliver the secret message. This way, even if someone noticed her, they wouldn’t immediately trace it back to Yuzhen Palace.
After sending off the maid, Song Momo lifted her head slightly. This palace… was about to become very turbulent.
