vrcanaries Chapter 1138: Shen Zhinian's Secret Conversation with the Emperor
Chapter 1138: Shen Zhinian's Secret Conversation with the Emperor
"Duke Dingguo's Mansion wants to use your death to stir up trouble in the enclosure?"
The corners of Nangong Xuanyu's lips slowly curled up into an icy arc. There was no warmth in his smile, only a chilling murderous intent and the confidence to control everything: "Haha... you are so brave!"
This sneer was like the cold ice of the Netherworld, announcing that the demise of Duke Dingguo's Mansion was inevitable.
The candlelight flickered inside the tent, illuminating the two figures close to each other.
Nangong Xuanyu's deep gaze and Shen Zhinian's calm fox eyes met in the air.
Since the Duke Dingguo's Mansion wanted to use her death to create chaos, why not let them get what they want?
"Niannian..."
Next, no one knew what the emperor and Shen Zhinian had a secret conversation about.
The moment their eyes met, their tacit understanding was unspoken.
All that’s left is to wait for the fish to bite the hook, and then... pull in the net!
The secret meeting was concluded, and the tense atmosphere relaxed quietly.
Shen Zhinian took off all his disguises, and fatigue surged over him like a tide.
Nangong Xuanyu no longer sat upright. He reached out and held her in his arms. His strong arms carried an irresistible warmth.
Shen Zhinian leaned against the emperor's chest tenderly, listening to his steady and strong heartbeat.
Since when, the boundary between them that belonged to the emperor and the favorite concubine quietly melted away in the storms and plots again and again.
He was no longer just a monarch who was high above her and controlled her life and death; she was no longer just a concubine who needed to depend on and please him.
They are chess players and hunters.
They are allies who can see through each other's minds and face the huge waves side by side.
Nangong Xuanyu gently rested his chin against Shen Zhinian's fragrant head. He closed his eyes and felt a sense of relief that he himself was not even aware of.
On this lonely road to becoming an emperor, he actually found someone who shared his thoughts and ideas and could share the same ambitions with him!
There was no conversation that night, only the howling sound of the wind outside the tent.
The next morning, the sky was dim.
Shen Zhinian stood up and was helped by Fuqiu to dress up. After having breakfast with Nangong Xuanyu, he left the imperial tent with light steps.
Returning to his Zhai Niao Xiangyun tent, Shen Zhinian dismissed his attendants and left only Fuqiu and Handan.
The tent was warm as spring, with the aroma wafting in the air.
She sat in front of the mirror, looking at her radiant self in the mirror, with the confidence deep in her eyes as if the ice and snow had melted.
Duke Dingguo's Mansion, Liu Shixiu, Shen Nanqiao...their death is at hand!
But a very faint ripple still flashed across Shen Zhinian's eyes.
She recalled the face of the princess in the imperial tent last night, which instantly lost all color and was filled with humiliation and despair.
She went to discuss life and death matters with Nangong Xuanyu, not to fight for a little favor in bed.
But the princess didn't know.
In the eyes of that woman, he was just relying on his great favor to rudely and unreasonably ruin the opportunity she had been waiting for so hard to sleep with him.
This misunderstanding will inevitably turn into the strongest hatred.
In the deep palace, it is easy to dodge an open spear but hard to guard against an arrow from the dark.
Although Wang Fei is not a serious threat, at this critical juncture when the net is about to be closed, any spark from the backyard may bring unnecessary trouble.
Shen Zhinian pondered for a moment, looked up at Fuqiu, and instructed, "Go to my dressing box and take out the newly acquired red gold crabapple hairpin with kingfisher feathers and rubies, along with the two pieces of brocade material newly offered by the Ministry of Internal Affairs, and the box of top-grade blood swallows awarded by His Majesty a few days ago, and pack them up and send them to Concubine Wang."
She tilted her head slightly, her eyes calm and calm: "Just say... I disturbed the mood of the princess and His Majesty last night, so I offer this small gift as an apology. I hope she won't mind."
Fuqiu immediately bowed and responded, "Yes, Madam. I will do it right away."
She took the order and left, quickly preparing the reward.
……
In late autumn, the dry grass in the paddock was covered with frost, and the chill was biting, but it could not stop the idle chatter that flowed freely between the tents and around the campfire.
The news that Concubine Wang was "asked" to leave the emperor's bed last night because of a word from Concubine Chen spread like wings to every corner of the camp overnight.
"Have you heard? Last night, Concubine Wang was just one step away from serving the emperor in the emperor's bedchamber, but she was snatched away by that person!"
"That's right! She was dressed up beautifully, but she came out looking so miserable. Her face was... it was really interesting."
"Hey, what can I do? After all, I am Concubine Chen, the apple of His Majesty's eye. A word from her is more effective than an imperial decree."
"Humph, hasn't the Wang family always followed the lead of the Duke Dingguo Mansion? They are usually quite proud of themselves. But now they are being trampled underfoot!"
"The reputation of the Duke Dingguo Mansion is not worth mentioning in front of the Royal Concubine Chen!"
"..."
These comments, whether explicit or implicit, sympathetic or gloating, were like countless needles soaked in salt, piercing Wang Pin's heart!
She huddled in her tent; even the thick brocade curtains could not keep her away from the invisible humiliation.
The carefully applied makeup of Concubine Wang could not hide the dark circles and haggardness under her eyes.
The anger and humiliation from a sleepless night burned fiercely in her chest, almost burning her to death!
Those people who were at odds with the Duke Dingguo's Mansion and those who were jealous of her beauty on weekdays, were probably laughing behind her back at this moment!
She became the biggest joke of this autumn hunt!
And all this is thanks to Concubine Chen!
That hypocritical woman, not only has she taken away all of His Majesty's favor, she is also taking away even these leftovers!
Just when Wangpin was shaking with anger and wished to tear everything to pieces, Xiao Tianzi cautiously lifted the curtain and came in, his voice with a hint of panic: "Your Majesty... Miss Fuqiu... requests an audience."
Lotus?
The most capable maidservant beside Concubine Chen!
What is she doing here?!
Are you seeing this?!
The rage in Concubine Wang's heart grew even more intense, and fire almost spewed from her eyes!
She took a few deep breaths, suppressed the urge to kick the person out immediately, used force from her knuckles until they turned white, and squeezed out a few words from between her teeth: "Let her... come in!"
Odazi said respectfully, "Yes."
The curtain was lifted, and Fuqiu walked in steadily.
She was wearing a palace dress that symbolized her status as a senior palace maid. She was well-mannered and had an impeccable and respectful smile on her face. She bowed deeply to Concubine Wang: "This servant greets Concubine Wang. May your majesty be blessed with good health!"
Fuqiu was followed by two young eunuchs, each holding a heavy sandalwood carved tray.
On a tray, there lay a dazzling red gold and kingfisher-emerald-colored crabapple hairpin. Under the light in the tent, the ruby glittered like coagulated pigeon blood.
On the other tray were two pieces of tribute brocade with bright colors and flowing luster, and a box of blood swallows of excellent quality tied with bright yellow ribbons.
Fuqiu's voice was clear and pleasant, like pearls falling on a plate, with just the right amount of humility: "The Imperial Concubine Chen specifically ordered this servant to come here."
"The queen said that she disturbed the peace of the Queen Concubine Wang last night and she felt very uneasy."