Chapter 8: Reactions from All Sides to Consort Fucha (Part 8)
Chapter 8: Reactions from All Sides to Consort Fucha (Part 8)
Meanwhile, in Jingren Palace, Empress Ulanara Yixiu felt a burning pain on her face after being scratched by pine needles.
My head started buzzing, the pain was unbearable, and my headache had relapsed, so I felt terrible.
Seeing this, Physician Zhang quickly prescribed some calming medicine for the Empress.
The medicine was very potent; the empress fell asleep quickly after taking it and slept very soundly.
It wasn't until almost evening that the Empress slowly woke up.
She felt as if she had slept for a century, and her body and mind had recovered very well.
However, as she sat up and touched her cheek, she suddenly remembered what had happened that day.
She held a flower-viewing banquet today, intending to use the cat's attack to cause Consort Fucha to miscarry.
But who would have thought that in the end she would hurt herself!
She couldn't help but feel a little annoyed, but she was more worried about whether her appearance would be damaged as a result.
After all, a woman cares most about her appearance. If she is disfigured, how can she face people in the future?
So she quickly called over Jianqiu, who was beside her, and asked anxiously:
"How are the injuries on my face? Are there any scars?"
Jianqiu quickly replied, "Your Majesty, the imperial physician said it's just a superficial injury and nothing serious."
With proper care and rest over a period of time, it can fully recover.
Jianqiu didn't dare tell the truth, thinking that the scar-reducing gel could heal her master's face.
She downplayed her master's injuries, hoping to delay the inevitable, as she feared her master couldn't withstand the pain.
Hearing this, the Empress finally breathed a sigh of relief, a huge weight lifted from her heart.
But then she remembered something else important and asked with a frown:
"Does anyone else know about what happened today?"
Jianqiu bowed her head and replied, "Your Majesty, this matter has not been spread outside; only a few of our trusted confidants and Consort An know about it."
The Empress nodded and said with satisfaction:
“Well done. This matter must not be leaked, otherwise my position as Empress will be in jeopardy.”
She thought of Consort Fucha and asked, "How is Consort Fucha? Is the baby alright?"
Jianqiu shook her head and said in a heavy tone, "Your Majesty, Consort Fucha's pregnancy... has been saved."
And...and..."
The Empress impatiently urged, "And what? Stop stammering! Speak quickly!"
Jianqiu answered cautiously, "Consort Wan is also pregnant."
Upon hearing this, the Empress's face immediately turned extremely gloomy, and she said through gritted teeth:
"That bitch is pregnant too!"
She harbored deep resentment, for Zhen Huan had been the Emperor's favorite since entering the palace.
Now that she is pregnant again, this is undoubtedly a huge threat to her.
Upon hearing this, the Empress's expression froze instantly, her face turning extremely grim.
She was initially confident that the plan was flawless.
They could have easily gotten rid of the child in Consort Fucha's womb, but the result was unexpected.
The news struck her like a bolt from the blue, leaving her in disbelief.
This is the first time she's had abortions after all these attempts.
However, what shocked her even more was that Zhen Huan was also pregnant!
This sudden news came as a heavy blow, catching her completely off guard.
Her eyes widened as she stared ahead in disbelief, a surge of intense unease and fear welling up inside her.
The queen bit her lip tightly, her teeth chattering, as if she wanted to vent all her anger and resentment.
Her eyes held a complex light, a mixture of regret for the lost opportunity and worry about the future.
One was from the Fucha clan, born into the Manchu banner system; the other was Zhen Huan, who shared similarities with her beloved older sister.
These two people, besides Consort Hua, were the biggest threats to her position.
She would not allow these people's children to be born safely, no matter what; she wanted them to experience the pain of losing a child!
Her Honghui is gone, so why are those despicable people's children allowed to be born safely? Why!
The queen clenched her fists tightly, her nails digging deep into her palms, as if only in this way could she slightly alleviate the anger and hatred in her heart.
At this moment, the Empress suddenly remembered something. She turned to Jianqiu beside her and asked:
Where is An Lingrong?
Upon hearing this, Jianqiu's heart tightened, but she still forced herself to speak:
"Your Majesty, Consort An... also had her face scratched by Songzi."
Upon hearing this, the Empress's previously barely calm expression instantly turned extremely gloomy.
She frowned deeply, her eyes flashing with fury.
She abruptly swept the things off the bed and onto the floor, angrily cursing:
"Useless things, more trouble than they're worth!"
I had hoped she could get rid of Consort Fucha's pregnancy, but she couldn't even handle such a small matter. It's utterly disappointing!
The Empress was so angry that she trembled all over, her chest heaving violently.
She never imagined that her meticulously planned scheme would encounter so many unexpected events.
"Go and have someone inform Consort An to take good care of herself and to keep her in touch with Zhen Huan."
"Don't do anything more to Consort Fucha for now."
Jianqiu responded and then turned and left.
The empress sat on the bed, her hands clenched into fists, her face filled with anger and resentment.
She secretly vowed to find a way to get rid of Consort Fucha and the child in Zhen Huan's womb.
We must never allow them to give birth to the dragon prince smoothly.
Inside the Broken Jade Pavilion, Zhen Huan soon welcomed Consort Duan. After exchanging pleasantries and formalities,
Consort Duan nodded to Jixiang beside her, and then Jixiang took out a small paper packet from her bosom and handed it to Consort Duan.
After taking the paper package, Consort Duan gently placed it in Zhen Huan's hand and gestured for her to open it and take a look.
Zhen Huan opened the paper package with a puzzled look, only to find that it contained some powder mixed with dust.
She frowned, brought the powder to her nose and smelled it, then said:
"This scent is familiar...it seems to be the perfume powder that Consort Fucha often used."
Did you obtain this in the Empress's courtyard?
Hearing Zhen Huan's words, Consort Duan nodded in agreement. She said softly:
"Indeed, everyone's attention is focused on you injured people today."
I took the opportunity to sweep these things up.
Zhen Huan's eyes widened, a sense of unease rising within her. She couldn't help but ask:
"Your Majesty, do you have any doubts about this matter?"
Consort Duan put down her teacup, a hint of doubt flashing in her eyes: "I heard that you were injured today because the Empress's pine cones suddenly pounced on you. Don't you find that strange, sister?"
Of course, cats are bound to be more irritable in winter, but the animals in the palace were all well-trained.
Why would pine nuts suddenly attack people, and why would they only attack those who have come into contact with the incense powder?
Consort Fucha, Consort An, and the Empress were all treated the same way.
Zhen Huan frowned slightly, pondering Consort Duan's words, and replied softly, "Perhaps it was just... a coincidence."
Consort Duan smiled slightly, her eyes revealing a mixture of understanding and helplessness:
"You're so hesitant in your answer, you probably don't believe it either."
Zhen Huan looked at Consort Duan with suspicion, trying to find more clues from her expression:
"What does Your Majesty mean?"
Consort Duan sighed, her tone filled with sympathy and pity:
“The child is innocent; I only pity him.”
Zhen Huan stood up and respectfully bowed to Consort Duan to express her gratitude.
"Thank you, Your Majesty, for your kindness towards the child in my womb."
Consort Duan stood up and quickly helped Zhen Huan up, saying:
"Get up quickly, there's no need for such formalities. Since I've already said it, I'll say one more thing."
Consort Cao is far more troublesome than Consort Hua!
Zhen Huan was slightly taken aback, then echoed:
"This person is indeed difficult to deal with; I have almost suffered losses at her hands several times."
Zhen Huan understood that Consort Duan was implying to her that this incident was deliberately framed by Consort Cao.
Moreover, today's flower-viewing banquet may have been secretly planned and orchestrated by Consort Hua.
Thinking of this, Zhen Huan couldn't help but feel a sense of worry.
After saying this, Consort Duan quietly left Suiyu Pavilion.
The night was as dark as ink, deep and still. Fucha Peiyun lay quietly on the bed, waiting for time to pass.
When everything around her quieted down, she knew it was time to act.
She carefully got up, put on her clothes, and tried not to make a sound.
Then, she tiptoed to the window and gently pushed it open.
The night breeze outside the window was cool and pleasant. She took a deep breath and climbed out the window.
She landed lightly on the ground and quickly looked around. After confirming that she hadn't been spotted, she strode forward.
Her steps were firm and decisive, with only one goal in mind—the Cold Palace.
After passing through quiet corridors and avoiding patrolling guards, Fucha Peiyun finally arrived at that desolate place.
The gates of the Cold Palace were tightly shut, and a deathly silence permeated the surroundings.
She stood quietly in front of the door, her gaze fixed on the tightly closed door.
Then, she gently pushed open the door.
The door hinges creaked faintly, as if protesting her intrusion.
Fucha Peiyun cautiously stepped into the Cold Palace, and a stench of decay washed over her like a tide, causing her to frown involuntarily.
She looked around and saw nothing but desolation.
The palace is now dilapidated, with crumbling walls revealing mottled bricks, and overgrown weeds in the courtyard, a scene of utter desolation.
This place was once the prison for countless concubines and palace maids, and their fates ended here.
Fucha Peiyun walked slowly through the courtyard. The stone path under her feet was uneven, as if bearing the vicissitudes of time.
With each step she took, she could feel the desolation and loneliness. A sudden pang of sorrow welled up in her heart; it was the emotion that belonged to the original owner of the body.
She couldn't help but think of the original owner of this body in her previous life, who had also spent a long time here.
Those pains and torments are still vivid in my mind.
Following the route she remembered, she quickly found the person she was looking for.
The person lay quietly on the bed, seemingly fast asleep.
Her once jet-black hair had turned slightly yellow and dry, lying haphazardly on the pillow, looking quite messy.
He was wearing a tattered garment that had long lost its former luster.
An unpleasant odor filled the air, but upon closer inspection, one could see that the person had a beautiful face.
Even though it is now fast asleep, its extraordinary appearance can still be vaguely discerned in the moonlight.
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