Chapter Six: Consort Wan

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It was impossible for her not to feel it deep down. Yet, she refused to voice it herself. She wanted everything to inevitably fall upon her, so that she could reluctantly shoulder the burden. After all, wasn’t she just that kind of person—calm and unassuming like a chrysanthemum? Not competing or fighting was her true nature. The Emperor favored her precisely for this kind and sincere demeanor. The Empress Dowager smiled gently upon hearing this and nodded, “Good child, so well-mannered and knowing her place, truly deserving to be the Emperor’s favorite.” Bai Wanwan’s face remained composed and serene; she bowed slightly and spoke in a calm tone. “It is all by His Majesty’s grace.” This time, the little palace maid accompanying Bai Wanwan was naturally Ren Xixi. Standing nearby, she was immediately recognizable to anyone. Why? Because she looked as if she had fleas all over her body, constantly making faces and winking, utterly lacking in proper etiquette. When Gu Shijin saw Ren Xixi, his first reaction was one of wild joy; he stepped forward and nearly stumbled over the screen. Fortunately, Su Zhinian’s quick eyes and hands pulled him back just in time. Gu Shijin turned away angrily and met Su Zhinian’s threatening gaze. He pressed his lips together, shook off the hand gripping his sleeve, and stood still without making another move. Seeing this, Su Zhinian breathed a sigh of relief. Had Gu Shijin rushed out recklessly and ruined their feigned death plan, seeking revenge would not have been so easy. The Empress Dowager chatted a bit more, simply urging her to bear an heir soon, then allowed Bai Wanwan to leave. Once outside Cining Palace, Ren Xixi could no longer contain herself; she bounced over to Bai Wanwan, her words dripping with disdain. “That old hag is so hypocritical. If she truly wanted to give you authority over the six palaces, would she need your permission? She’d simply grant it to you.” “Today’s act was just for show; she’s definitely afraid the Emperor will blame her.” But Bai Wanwan’s thoughts were completely different. She narrowed her eyes. “Something about today’s matter is strange. Xiao Li, go check who came to Cining Palace today.” “Yes, Your Highness,” the little attendant replied and withdrew. “Wanwan, there are so many rules in the harem; I don’t know how you bear it. It’s killing me.” Meeting the Emperor and Empress Dowager meant bowing; encountering higher-ranking concubines also required bows; even peers demanded the same. With every bow and stretch, the legs of these concubines and maids were nearly spring-loaded. Ren Xixi still thought life at the General’s residence was better—Gu Shijin cared for her and didn’t make her learn all these formalities.

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He let her remain her most genuine self. Such a person was truly worthy of entrusting one’s heart to. At this moment, Gu Shijin was probably going crazy looking for her! Thinking of that image, Ren Xixi’s heart swelled with delight and she couldn’t help but laugh aloud. “Xixi, endure it a little longer these couple of days. Once this matter is over, we will have the Emperor’s heart completely.” “Then we won’t have to care about anyone else’s attitude anymore.” Bai Wanwan’s eyes gleamed with ambition and pride. Soon, Xiao Li returned with news. “Reporting to Your Highness, it is said that the General’s wife came to pay respects to the Empress Dowager today, but only stayed about the time of a tea cup. Someone saw her leave Cining Palace in tears.” “What? That wretched Su Zhinian must have gone to complain to the Empress Dowager!” Upon hearing that Su Zhinian had gone to Cining Palace, Ren Xixi immediately flared up and screamed. “Xixi, can you be more composed?” Bai Wanwan glanced at her with mild disdain. If she weren’t from the same place as her, she wouldn’t bother with this fool. “Wanwan! If Su Zhinian seeks the Empress Dowager’s help, then I can’t marry Gu Shijin anymore! That scheming woman infuriates me!” Ren Xixi’s mind was consumed with the fear that she wouldn’t be able to marry Gu Shijin, unable to hear Bai Wanwan’s words. “No, I must go back now!” “If I go back, Gu Shijin will surely marry me!” Hot-headed, Ren Xixi wanted to rush out. “Ren Xixi, calm down!” Bai Wanwan called sternly. “If you go back now, all our efforts will be wasted!” “But I truly love Gu Shijin. I want to marry him. I really hate that scheming Su Zhinian!” Ren Xixi stopped in her tracks, sorrow filling her eyes. Only when she spoke of Su Zhinian did she show some bitterness and anger. Love truly makes one helpless! Bai Wanwan suppressed the urge to roll her eyes and placed her hand on Ren Xixi’s shoulder. “Didn’t you just hear Xiao Li? Su Zhinian left Cining Palace in tears.” Hearing this, Ren Xixi’s eyes lit up. She spun around and grasped Bai Wanwan’s hand. “So, the Empress Dowager refused to help her!” Thinking this, a smile immediately blossomed on Ren Xixi’s face. Bai Wanwan’s lips curved slightly without a sound. “Besides, Gu Shijin exchanged his military merits with His Majesty for his demands. How could the Empress Dowager be more powerful than the Emperor?” “Right!”

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“Wanwan, you see things so clearly. I almost messed up!” Ren Xixi slapped her small head in frustration. Just thinking of Gu Shijin made her uncontrollably happy. Soon, she would rightfully become Gu Shijin’s wife. As for Su Zhinian, knowing full well that Gu Shijin didn’t love her and refusing to step aside, she had no choice but to use this method to pressure her. If the Emperor learned that his most beloved Wan Concubine left because Su Zhinian interfered with her best friend’s feelings, who knew what fate awaited her? Bai Wanwan lowered her gaze, her eyes dark and ambiguous. If not for needing Ren Xixi’s help, she really would not want to be with such a foolish, brainless person. If the Emperor discovered she had been taken away by Ren Xixi, he would only feel pity that she left filled with disappointment. If anyone were to blame, it would be Ren Xixi. What fault did she have? She was merely a woman desperately seeking the Emperor’s love but unable to obtain it. Her sincere and earnest heart would surely move the Emperor to guilt and sorrow. Though their thoughts differed, both were in high spirits. Now that everything was ready, they were destined to be extraordinary in this time and space. Even after Wan Concubine left with her entourage, Gu Shijin remained stunned, unable to recover his senses. He could not persuade himself why Ren Xixi appeared in the palace, and worse, why she was beside the Emperor’s most favored Wan Concubine. Su Zhinian ignored him and walked past the screen to bow to the Empress Dowager. “Thank you, Empress Dowager, for your assistance.” Only then did Gu Shijin realize he was still in the Empress Dowager’s palace and hurriedly knelt on the ground. The Empress Dowager looked down at those kneeling beneath her and snorted coldly. “Some people mistake the worthless for treasure; in the future, they will only have regrets.” “I am tired; you may leave now.” “Yes, Your Majesty, we respectfully take our leave.” Gu Shijin felt a chill down his spine; he couldn’t shake the feeling that the Empress Dowager’s words were directed at him. Could it be that Su Zhinian had told the Empress Dowager something again? Hmph, he always knew that woman was not one to behave quietly!