Flowery Hair: A Maidservant

Chapter 327 Your concubine, Meng, begs forgiveness from Your Majesty.

However, what Consort Mei said next made her stiffen, and the sharp light in her eyes dimmed.

"...But whoever makes the move will not leave any evidence. Jing Neiguan's investigation is destined to be futile. Your Highness should simply observe from the sidelines and avoid confronting the Empress, otherwise wouldn't that allow Consort Chun to reap the benefits?"

Consort Mei sneered: "I summoned you here not to hear these evasive words."

Pei Yunu hesitated, her gaze sweeping over everyone in the hall.

Consort Mei waved for Granny Yu and the others to leave, leaving only her personal maid, Liuli, to serve her.

"Your Majesty, why bother arguing with Consort Chun? The Marquis of Lin'an's mansion is not what it used to be, and it has enormous wealth. His Majesty has only recently ascended the throne, and this is precisely the time when he needs to rely on Consort Chun's family. Look at Her Majesty the Empress, when has she never been polite to Consort Chun?"

“Consort Chun and Consort Meng have a deep bond, but I, Your Majesty, am watching from the sidelines. If Your Majesty is thinking long-term, you may not be happy to see Consort Chun getting too close to the ‘selected consort’.”

The future is long, and who can always stay on top of the good times?

Consort Mei was stunned for a moment.

She was well aware of these principles, but whenever she saw Consort Chun and Lady Meng inseparable, she couldn't suppress her nameless anger...

Pei Yunu carefully observed Consort Mei's expression and saw that the anger between her brows had subsided slightly, so she moved forward with light steps.

"Sit down and let's talk."

Liuli understood and immediately brought over a peony-patterned embroidered stool, gently placing it three steps in front of the chaise longue.

Pei Yunu curtsied and sat down by the embroidered stool. Following up on what she had just said, she continued, "Furthermore, Your Majesty is wise. Our Emperor does not have exclusive favor. Whoever is favored now is only enjoying temporary glory."

The most urgent matter is for Your Majesty to conceive a royal heir as soon as possible. The Duke also gave me this instruction when he sent me to the palace.”

These words were reasonable and persuasive, but both she and Consort Mei tacitly overlooked the hidden worry of "weak constitution and difficulty conceiving." Neither of them showed any sign of concern on their faces.

Upon hearing this, Consort Mei slumped back onto the couch, a bitter smile tugging at the corner of her lips. "Although His Majesty does not favor Consort Meng exclusively, he has not set foot in my palace for some time now."

Pei Yunu hesitated slightly, then whispered, "Your Highness, the Madam instructed that if Your Highness were in the palace... it wouldn't be impossible..."

......

As dawn breaks, birds begin to sing.

Bilangxuan.

Inside the bedchamber, Meng Shu hadn't slept all night, only managing to drift off to sleep around dawn. Her hair was disheveled, her almond-shaped eyes half-closed, still drowsy, and the brocade quilt beside her was piled high like clouds, still warm.

"Her Majesty has woken up."

Green Willow, hearing the sound, stepped inside, her delicate hands lifting the silk curtains. The crisp sound of golden hooks clashing mingled as dawn light streamed through the gauze curtains.

"What time is it? Has His Majesty set off yet?" Meng Shu's voice was slightly hoarse.

"Shu'er didn't sleep well last night, so it's not a rush for her to take a nap before getting up." A clear voice came from behind the screen. The Emperor was seen wearing a black robe and jade belt, his black hair tied up high, clearly having finished washing and dressing.

Meng Shu sat up: "Why didn't Your Majesty call me? I mustn't be late for my morning audience at Fengyi Palace. Green Willow, go prepare..."

Before she finished speaking, the Emperor had already walked to the bedside and gently placed his palm on her shoulder. "Shu'er is not feeling well, so she is exempt from paying her respects today. I have already sent someone to ask the Empress for leave."

Seeing that she was about to get up again, the Emperor leaned down and suddenly spoke: "So eager... could it be that you're in a hurry to use the contraceptive soup?"

The voice suddenly turned deep, catching Meng Shu off guard.

As the morning light slanted in, the tent fell into a sudden silence.

Meng Shu paused, her fingertips trembling slightly, and slowly stroked the Emperor's hand before kneeling on the bed: "Your Majesty, I, Meng Shu, beg for forgiveness."

Her eyelashes trembled slightly, and her dark hair was scattered and spread out on the embroidered pillow.

The Emperor stood silently before the bed, watching this scene with a deep gaze.

Last night, when he went to bed, he waited for her to speak first, but all he got in return was a word of apology.

A cold glint appeared on his lips as he tugged at a strand of her loose hair with his fingertips, chuckling softly, "'Selected Concubines' are ordered by the 'Mistress' to take a contraceptive potion every time they serve the Emperor. Consort Jieyu rose from humble beginnings and has always been most compliant with the rules. What crime have you committed?"

Her icy voice, like shattered jade falling onto a plate, echoed eerily in the bedchamber.

Upon hearing this, Green Willow's pupils contracted sharply, and she lowered her head, holding her breath, not daring to even move the hem of her clothes.

(I only got back tonight after a two-day company team-building event, so I only wrote this much in a rush. I'll add two more chapters tomorrow as an apology.)