vrcanaries Chapter 553 The Powerful Queen
Chapter 553 The Powerful Queen
Empress Dowager Li smiled nonchalantly, "How can it be that serious? Although the Queen is under house arrest, she has always been lenient. How could she care about such trivial matters? Isn't that right, Queen?"
Lan Qingwu just smiled without responding, "I guess that Concubine Deng has also come to the Cining Palace today!"
Concubine Deng sat on the embroidered cushion at the very end. She wasn't qualified to sit on the large mahogany chair. Listening to the verbal battles of the most distinguished women in the harem, Concubine Deng couldn't help but turn pale. She was leaning on Empress Dowager Li wholeheartedly and naturally wouldn't do anything to displease her. However, she certainly didn't go to Fengqi Palace! If she wasn't favored by the mistress, it would be difficult for her to move forward as a concubine.
But in a moment, Deng Cairen rejected her previous idea, because if she showed up at this time, or no matter who showed up at this time, they would not be welcomed by the Queen.
When Concubine Deng thought of this, she immediately adjusted her smile. Now that she had already relied on the Cining Palace, she could no longer retreat. With the support of Empress Dowager Li, she believed that the Empress would not make things too difficult for her.
Empress Dowager Li, who was sitting at the head of the table, was already smiling. "Of course she came! The Queen just took this opportunity to meet her. She comes from a good family and is a very well-behaved person! Today, just think of it as Concubine Deng paying her respects to you. What a coincidence, isn't it! Concubine Deng!"
Upon hearing the voice, Concubine Deng stepped out. She took a few steps forward, her steps light and graceful, her waist swaying slightly, and then she prostrated herself on the ground: "Your concubine, Concubine Deng, greets the Empress! May the Empress be blessed with good health!"
Lan Qingwu picked up the teacup in his hand and gently stirred the emerald green tea leaves without saying a word.
Imperial Concubine Jiang turned her gaze to the pale-faced Concubine Deng, "Concubine Deng's etiquette is not quite right! Your Majesty, she is currently in the Cining Palace. Her first homage to the Empress should be in the Fengqi Palace!"
Concubine Deng raised her head slightly. Lan Qingwu remained silent, but Empress Dowager Li gave Concubine Deng a meaningful look. She had already set up the ladder for her; she couldn't let the Empress Dowager do everything. Concubine Deng also had to be able to stand on her own feet!
Deng Cairen understood the implication of that glance. She adjusted her expression, knelt on her knees, and slightly straightened her back. "To answer the Empress Dowager, the Empress, and Noble Concubine Jiang, when I first served His Majesty, His Majesty specifically instructed me not to disturb the Empress, as she was still under house arrest. I was only following His Majesty's orders!"
Anyway, no one would bring this matter to the Emperor Shenwu, so Deng Cairen was not worried at all.
Concubine Jiang and Concubine Wan's expressions changed. They hadn't expected Concubine Deng to be so arrogant with Empress Dowager Li's support. Concubine Liang sneered, "What a fool! She's become arrogant because of her favor!"
Ruhan glared at Lan Qingwu from behind!
Empress Dowager Li was satisfied. She smiled and said directly, "Since it is the Emperor's wish, there is nothing more to say! The Empress has always put the Emperor first, so I believe she will not make things difficult for Concubine Deng! Just have Concubine Deng go to Fengqi Palace to pay her respects another day!"
The masters of the six palaces have been released from their restrictions, and the gates of Fengqi Palace have been reopened. Empress Dowager Li also asked Concubine Deng to pay a visit to the Queen on another day. If Lan Qingwu responded, it would be truly looked down upon. In the eyes of others, it would be like a small talented person who had just gained favor was stepping on the head of the Queen.
Lan Qingwu put down the teacup in her hand and said with a smile: "How could it be? Mother, you know that Your Majesty and I have always been husband and wife, with the same heart and mind. Since it is Your Majesty's wish——"
Lan Qingwu suddenly straightened her back, folded her hands on her knees, looked straight ahead, and said solemnly, "Come here! Pass on this imperial decree: Concubine Deng will never again have to pay her respects to me at Fengqi Palace! Your Majesty is compassionate, and I will grant your wish!"
"All the concubines in the six palaces are here today, and you can all listen to my imperial decree!"
The concubines in the hall were already in a silent uproar, their gazes intertwined as they stared at each other in shock! Imperial Concubine Jiang and Concubine Wan exchanged a glance, never expecting the Empress to choose to fight back head-on, with no sign of a change of heart.
Concubine Deng was stunned. The Queen Mother's decree was intended to deny her status as a concubine in the Six Palaces. If she was not recognized by the mistress of the house and her greetings were not accepted, how could His Majesty tolerate her? She was trembling all over and felt cold in her heart. She could no longer bear it and collapsed to the ground.
Empress Dowager Li was so shocked by such a powerful queen that she couldn't even speak at the first moment!
"Queen! You!..."
Lan Qingwu continued, "Ms. Deng just mentioned that His Majesty is considerate of you. If you have anything else, please tell me here. While I am here, I will issue imperial decrees for you one by one—and I will grant you all your wishes!"
"Queen!"
Empress Dowager Li was shocked and said, "What do you mean? You are acting like this—it's against the rules!"
"I am acting in accordance with your Majesty's wishes. Your Majesty's wishes are the most important. Your Majesty is the rule!"
Lan Qingwu looked straight at Empress Dowager Li: "Your Majesty, isn't that right? Your Majesty is the true master of this palace! I will never go against his wishes!"
Empress Dowager Li was still in a trance. She had not expected that this daughter-in-law, who had always been submissive, would fall out with her in public like this!
Lan Qingwu turned to the concubines who were sitting upright and solemnly: "I am here to teach you!"
Imperial Concubine Jiang didn't dare to sit any longer, and took the lead in kneeling down. All the concubines followed suit and knelt all over the hall.
Lan Qingwu's voice was solemn and majestic: "The Cining Palace is the head of the harem, and all palaces must put filial piety and kindness first! I am the master of the harem, and all palaces must obey my orders!"
All the concubines bowed their heads and said, "We will follow the Queen's instructions!"
"As for Concubine Deng, you've been filial to the Empress Dowager these days, and your contributions are invaluable. I think it's inconvenient for you to continue living in Yayu Pavilion. There's a pavilion near Cining Palace, and there's no need to change its name. I'll name it Yayu Pavilion, and you can move in immediately! With you by my mother's side, taking care of everything, I'm sure she'll be happier! I'm sure she'll recover soon! If she ever becomes unwell again, I'll hold you responsible!"
Concubine Deng had collapsed into a pile of mud. She couldn't respond. Her teeth were chattering as she tried to lift her head. She saw the Empress looking down from the highest platform. The pearl on her forehead shone brightly, complementing the Empress's delicate face. Her elegance was fully displayed, but it also made Deng feel a chill in her heart!
Deng Cairen vaguely felt that this was the Queen's counterattack against her blind provocation!
The Yayu Pavilion where she just lived was gone, and she even had to rely on serving Empress Dowager Li every day to make a living. The Empress Dowager did not recognize her, and Emperor Shenwu would definitely not let her go because of him and offended the Empress Dowager's kindness!
Cairen Deng looked at Empress Dowager Li with hope, but saw that Empress Dowager Li also looked dazed.
Before Empress Dowager Li could speak again, Lan Qingwu had already picked up her teacup and ordered them to leave: "Let's stop here today! Imperial Concubine Jiang, take them and take your leave!"
He didn't care at all whether Deng Cairen responded or not.
He even took the initiative and gave orders without authorization from Empress Dowager Li, and this was in the Cining Palace!
The concubines did not dare to stay for another quarter of an hour, for fear that the war would spread to them. In an instant, everyone in the hall left. Concubine Deng's legs were weak, and she was half-dragged and half-supported by the eunuchs as she was sent out of the Cining Palace.
Empress Dowager Li finally came to her senses. This was Lan Qingwu's formal declaration of war against her! She narrowed her eyes and looked at Lan Qingwu: "I thought the Queen was always kind and soft-hearted! How could you so easily ruin a woman's life today!"
Lan Qingwu looked up with a hint of helplessness: "Mother, weren't you the one who dragged these women into this vortex? I have too many things to worry about, and I can't take care of those who have ulterior motives towards me!"
It was ridiculous. Empress Dowager Li had personally chosen these women to oppose Lan Qingwu. Did he still have to worry about their lives? He must be a clay figure, so impervious to anger.
"But don't worry, mother. As long as I manage the harem, I will ensure that Concubine Deng's share of food and clothing is not neglected!"
But that’s all.