allonlinenovel Chapter 65, 9th Lifetime: The Madwoman Yan Wins Hearts and Ascends to Power
Chapter 65, 9th Lifetime: The Madwoman Yan Wins Hearts and Ascends to Power
Chapter Sixty-Five: Palace Intrigue: The Madwoman Yan's Rise to Power Through Mind Control
After giving Consort Shu a sound slap in the face last time, the palace appeared calm on the surface, but undercurrents were surging beneath. Luo Qingci knew perfectly well that Consort Shu, with her vengeful nature, was definitely brewing a big move.
And she, like a lurking cheetah, quietly waits for the next opportunity to strike and kill her enemy.
On this day, the Empress suddenly issued an edict, ordering all the concubines to gather in the Imperial Garden for a tea party.
Upon receiving the message, Luo Qingci smiled knowingly, thinking to herself, "The Empress has set up a new stage. Let's see who will put on this good show. But it's perfect timing, I'm itching to join in too."
She dressed herself up carefully, wearing a light blue gauze dress with delicate iris flowers embroidered on the hem and cuffs. As she moved, the flowers seemed to sway gently in the breeze, exuding a mysterious and charming aura.
Paired with a ribbon in the same color scheme, it perfectly accentuated her slender waist, making her look like a fairy who stepped out of a painting, fresh and refined yet noble and elegant.
As soon as Luo Qingci stepped into the Imperial Garden, she sensed the intense tension. The other concubines had already arrived, each dressed in their finest attire, vying for attention like a flock of butterflies competing in beauty.
Consort Shu stood in the crowd, dressed in a magnificent bright red palace gown. Her makeup was so heavy it looked like a layer of powder could be scraped off. When she saw Luo Qingci enter, her eyes widened instantly like copper bells, a hint of resentment flashing in them. She snorted heavily through her nose and deliberately covered her mouth and nose with a handkerchief, as if Luo Qingci was carrying something dirty.
He muttered to himself, "I don't know where this wild girl came from, she really thinks she's something."
Luo Qingci acted as if she hadn't heard anything, a sweet smile on her face. She walked slowly and gracefully to the Empress, gave a deep bow, and said in a clear and melodious voice, "Your Majesty, I pay my respects to Your Majesty. May Your Majesty enjoy good health and abundant blessings."
The Empress looked at her with a hint of appreciation in her eyes, nodded slightly and said, "Consort Yan, you are dressed in a fresh and elegant manner today. Please rise."
Everyone took their seats, and the palace maids began to serve fragrant tea. Luo Qingci picked up her teacup, took a small sip, and savored the aroma spreading on her tongue. She thought to herself, "This tea party is not as simple as it seems. Let's see how these people put on their show."
Sure enough, halfway through the tea party, Consort Shu couldn't sit still any longer. Her eyes darted around like a cunning little fox, and she said in a loud voice, "Your Majesty, with such a wonderful atmosphere today, why don't we let the ladies showcase their talents to amuse you?"
The Empress glanced at her, a slight smile playing on her lips, and said, "Oh? What suggestion does the Imperial Concubine have?"
Upon hearing this, Consort Shu smiled smugly and quickly said, "I've heard that Consort Yan is highly skilled in playing the zither. Why don't we have Consort Yan play a piece first to broaden our horizons?"
Upon hearing this, the other concubines echoed each other, some even whispering among themselves: "This Consort Yan is currently riding high on her popularity, but we wonder if she has any real skills." "That's right, let's hope she doesn't embarrass herself later."
Luo Qingci rolled her eyes inwardly, but still maintained a gentle smile on her face, and said, "Your Highness is too kind. I haven't played the zither for a long time, and my skills have become rusty. I'm afraid I will disappoint everyone."
Upon hearing this, Consort Shu assumed that Yan was afraid and became even more smug. She crossed her arms, raised her chin slightly, and said in a high-pitched voice, "Oh, is Consort Yan being modest or is she afraid? Everyone still remembers her brilliance during the previous selection."
Luo Qingci sneered inwardly: "You, Consort Shu, have tried to embarrass me time and time again. Don't blame me for being impolite."
She raised her head, a sharp glint in her eyes, and said with a smile, "Since Your Highness and all the ladies are so eager for this, then I shall respectfully comply."
After speaking, she stood up, walked gracefully to the zither table, and sat down gently. She stretched out her slender fingers, gently plucked the strings, tested the sound, and then a melodious tune flowed from her fingertips.
The music was sometimes like a babbling brook, clear and melodious; sometimes like a sudden storm, powerful and majestic; and sometimes like the song of a nightingale, melodious and graceful.
As she played, the surroundings gradually quieted down, and everyone was immersed in the beautiful music, watching her intently. The smug smile on Consort Shu's face gradually disappeared, replaced by shock and jealousy.
She clenched her fists so tightly that her nails dug deep into her palms, her anger burning fiercely, wishing she could rush up and smash the violin immediately.
After the piece was finished, the entire audience erupted in enthusiastic applause. The Empress couldn't help but praise, "Consort Yan's musical skills are superb; they have truly broadened my horizons."
Luo Qingci bowed slightly and said humbly, "Thank you for your praise, Your Majesty. I was just playing randomly, and I hope Your Majesty and my fellow ladies will forgive my poor playing."
At this moment, Consort Shu suddenly stood up and said sarcastically, "Hmph, it's just playing a tune, what's so great about it?"
Luo Qingci turned to look at her, a hint of mockery flashing in her eyes. She walked slowly to Consort Shu, bowed slightly, and said softly, "If Your Highness thinks that I played poorly, why don't you show us your talent? Let us younger sisters also see your skill."
Consort Shu's face instantly turned bright red. What talent did she have? She usually relied on the emperor's favor to act arrogantly and domineeringly in the palace.
Caught off guard by Luo Qingci's words, she panicked and stammered, unable to speak, her face turning pale and red in turns.
Seeing this, the surrounding concubines couldn't help but chuckle. Some whispered, "This Consort Shu is really asking for trouble." "That's right, she should be the one making a fuss."
Consort Shu was both ashamed and angry upon hearing these words. She glared at Luo Qingci and turned to leave.
Luo Qingci watched her retreating figure, a cold smile playing on her lips. She silently thought, "This is just the beginning, Consort Shu. You just wait. You'll regret this. I'll show you that in this palace, not everyone is someone you can bully."
Her eyes revealed a firmness and determination, as if declaring to the entire palace that the timid and cowardly soft-hearted girl of the past was gone forever. Now, she was a calm, clear-headed, rational, and ruthless queen who was skilled at winning hearts and minds and was decisive in killing. Anyone who dared to provoke her would pay a heavy price.