Chapter 9

I let Murong Su off the hook, but his consorts had no intention of doing the same for me.

They called me a scheming vixen vying for his favor.

At first, I didn’t realize. I was still considering prying a few pieces of jade out of the path at the empress dowager’s residence to sell.

Only when Wei Qinghe angrily rebuked them and I went over to comfort her did I discover they were talking about me.

Me?

Competing for favor? Clinging to Murong Su? So busy tumbling in bed with him that I’d forgotten the rest of the world?

I pointed at Noble Consort Li in disbelief. “You’re saying I seduce him for favors???”

What a monstrous accusation to dump on me!

The empress’s reprimand had left Noble Consort Li red-faced and humiliated. She couldn’t resist snapping back. “Don’t you? You cling to His Majesty every day! Last time, you even chased him around. Shameless!”

The woman beside her chimed in. “Exactly. Her Majesty is generous and hasn’t criticized you, so you think you can do as you please?”

I drew a deep breath.

The next instant, I opened fire. “None of you can even compete for favor properly, and you dare criticize me? What are you yapping about?”

I’d decided to mend my ways and stop judging people. I hadn’t converted to Buddhism.

Noble Consort Li pointed at me. I pointed right back. “Save your energy for the emperor. Look at your brainless face, you pig-defending idiot. If you like fatty meat so much, go to the imperial kitchens.”

Finished with her, I pointed at Beauty Qi beside her. “And you! All you can do is parrot other people. Not a thought of your own. You’re dressed like a parrot too. Come on, say ‘Daddy’ for me.”

Beauty Qi stamped her foot. “You… you! You’re vulgar!”

“Sister Mei, why lose your temper? They’re only joking.” Consort Xian, ever the peacemaker, stepped in again.

I gave a cold laugh. “Haven’t I insulted you yet? They’re shit, and you’re the stick stirring it. Don’t you disgust yourself? What’s wrong? Upset? I’m being so funny. Why aren’t you laughing?”

After making the rounds, I surveyed them all. “Anyone else dissatisfied? Step forward and have a go.”

Into the dead silence came a clear laugh from behind me.

Wei Qinghe had laughed.

She seldom laughed aloud in front of me.

Everyone turned toward her. Belatedly remembering her position, she composed her face and scolded me. “Consort Mei, your behavior is outrageous. You are confined to your residence.”

I knew it was a reward. Where no one else could see, I blew her a kiss, then whimpered, “Your Majesty, I know I was wrong. You govern the inner palace, yet I dared make a scene. I deserve ten thousand deaths. I’ll return at once to accept my punishment!”

With that, I turned and fled.

Another moment and they might have worked out that she was rewarding me.