Yinzhi recovered his senses and looked at Fang He with a self-righteous expression, laughing in anger.
He looked down coldly at Fang He sitting in the pavilion and said, “Imperial Consort Zhao, did you perhaps drink before coming out today?”
Consort Hui and the others immediately recalled Fang He’s ‘monkey observation’ remark in Qianqing Palace.
A mocking smile appeared at the corner of their lips, and even the Crown Prince, who was reluctantly hiding nearby, couldn’t help but chuckle.
No kidding, it really did look quite similar.
Fang He was indifferent and replied, “Just assume I came out drunk, if that pleases you.”
Seeing Yinzhi was about to say more, Fang He impatiently took out the jade pendant and waved it in front of Consort Hui, Yinzhi, and the others.
“If you have something to say, kneel first!”
Consort Hui and Yinzhi’s faces instantly changed when they saw it clearly.
Consort Hui exclaimed, “Why is the Emperor’s Dragon Pattern Jade Pendant with you?!”
The Crown Prince and the others were stunned for a moment, then hurriedly leaned forward to see.
It really was the Dragon Pattern Jade Pendant that Kangxi wore when he ascended the throne.
They exchanged uneasy looks.
‘Father actually gave this to Imperial Consort Zhao?’
This was the item second only to the Imperial Seal that could prove the Emperor’s identity!
The Crown Prince’s heart sank slightly.
He was beginning to understand why the harem frequently targeted Imperial Consort Zhao.
If she continued to receive Father’s favor endlessly, perhaps in the future, he, the Crown Prince, would no longer be Father’s favorite son…
Inside the pavilion, Fang He saw that they were still standing and was amused.
“So the Emperor’s claim that seeing this pendant is like the Imperial Presence was just a bluff—he’s not that formidable after all.”
“Or… does imperial authority mean nothing to you? Chunlai, bear witness for me. Later, I’ll have a good laugh at the Emperor.”
Consort Hui ground her teeth in frustration but dared not refuse to kneel.
Yinzhi could only kneel with a sullen face.
Gritting his teeth, he asked, “May I ask what advice Imperial Consort Zhao has for us?”
“There’s far too much.” Fang He held the Dragon Pattern Jade Pendant and stood in front of the mother and son, smiling pleasantly.
“Let me think about where to start. How about with your filial impiety first?”
Consort Hui shouted in objection, “Imperial Consort Zhao, be careful with your words. Do you know what crime it is to attack a prince?”
“Chunlai, slap him!” Fang He’s smile suddenly disappeared.
Yinzhi’s eyes widened fiercely as he glared coldly at Chunlai and said, “I want to see who dares—”
Before he could finish, a sharp slap landed, perfectly symmetrical to the two slaps Fang He had just dealt to Consort Hui’s face.
The Crown Prince’s breath hitched.
Actually, if all of Imperial Consort Zhao’s brothers and sisters were this fierce, maybe he wouldn’t have to worry too much?
The Crown prince and Yinzhen both involuntarily took a breath.
‘Good heavens, Imperial Consort Zhao wasn’t just mad, she was outright crazy! ‘
“You’re courting death!” Yinzhi’s eyes nearly bled as he shouted in rage.
Anyone watching their mother be humiliated before their eyes without reacting wouldn’t deserve to be called a man.
Yinzhi was ready to erupt.
“Does the Elder Prince want to hit me?” Fang He stood expressionless before Chunlai, her voice colder than Yinzhi’s.
“I’m hitting Consort Hui, and I can take responsibility for it. As long as the Eldest Prince thinks you can bear the consequences, I’ll stand right here. If you want to hide, be my guest.”
Consort Hui hurriedly grabbed Yinzhi.
“Son, calm down!”
She glared at Fang He with a pale face.
“Imperial Consort Zhao, you have insulted me repeatedly today. Shouldn’t this be enough? If you persist in harassing me before the Emperor, I will settle this with you to the death!”
Fang He sneered in her mind, ‘So now the Emperor comes to mind?’
“Then let’s start with the Eldest Prince’s filial impiety. Consort Hui just now accused the Eldest Prince’s two younger sisters of being useless and questioned the education of the Noble Consort. She openly dismissed the Emperor’s arranged marriage. Eldest Prince, are you aware?”
Yinzhi instinctively looked toward the Noble Consort beside him.
The Noble Consort, just waking from unconsciousness, silently knelt behind Fang He, tears falling, not looking at Eldest Prince at all.
Seeing Yinzhi remain silent, Fang He sneered, “If you know and still allow your mother to insult a great Qing meritorious official’s family, then that is unfilial to the Emperor.”
“If you don’t know, then you disrespect your legitimate wife and are unfaithful to her. Marrying a husband like you is a misfortune for the Noble Consort!”
Consort Hui grew increasingly anxious, unwilling to let Fang He continue.
“Imperial Consort Zhao, don’t spout nonsense. That’s not what I meant at all!”
“Then you admit you were speaking metaphorically?” Fang He’s sarcasm deepened.
Fang He snorted, “Eldest Prince, your mother publicly insulted Nine Princess in the entire Imperial Garden and scolded me for monopolizing favor, doubting my upbringing. Wasn’t it justified for me to slap her twice?”
Yinzhi: “…..”
‘Did Mother also come out drunk? I shouldn’t have come here!’
Fang He pressed her advantage, “Are the Crown Prince and the princes your brothers, but the princesses aren’t your sisters? Even if they are, does that mean your mother can bully them?”
“Have you read so much that your brains have turned to mush? If the princesses have the face to call you brother in the future, do you have the face to respond?”
“If you think my slaps were wrong, then you are disobedient. I told you to kneel before the Dragon Pattern Jade Pendant and reflect—was that wrong?”
The Crown Prince listened to Imperial Consort Zhao’s pointed questions and inwardly thought, ‘well done’.
He wanted to slap her a few times in encouragement.
For some reason, even though he knew Suo’etu was right and he should be wary of Imperial Consort Zhao, he felt it better to stay on friendly terms with her.
Such a fierce woman…
A clever person like her surely wouldn’t do anything foolish.
Yinzhi was extremely aggrieved by the accusations but could only swallow it all.
“Let today’s matter be my fault. There were things I didn’t explain clearly to Mother, which caused her misunderstanding. I apologize to Imperial Consort Zhao. Is that enough?”
He helplessly pulled back Consort Hui who was about to speak, shaking his head at Mother.
He had already told her many times that he wanted a legitimate son.
Now that Suo’etu had fallen from favor, his situation in the palace was difficult.
‘Why was Mother still…’
“Baoqing, why should you apologize to her? Imperial Consort Zhao insulted me like this, I’d rather die!” Consort Hui, unwilling to see her son forced to kowtow, stood up and tried to slam herself against a pillar.
“Mother!”
“Master!”
Yinzhi and the palace maids quickly stopped her.
“Let her hit!” Fang He raised the Dragon Pattern Jade Pendant and blocked Yinzhi.
“I want to see who dares stop her!”
She didn’t actually think Consort Hui would really kill herself… but the maids had already restrained her.
If today was to establish authority, she wouldn’t hold back in the slightest.
If Consort Hui did really die, Fang He could bear the consequences.
Yinzhi’s killing intent flashed in his eyes.
“Imperial Consort Zhao, killing is a crime. If you push Mother to death today, I will certainly take your life before Father!”
Fang He tilted her head to look at Consort Hui mockingly.
“Fine, I’ll be waiting for you both.”
“If Consort Hui dares to commit suicide today, she will be disregarding Eldest Prince and her own clan. Seems like no matter whether it’s a princess or a son, your own face matters more than anything.”
“Then go ahead and hit yourself. I’ll take full responsibility before the Emperor!”
Consort Hui’s movement faltered; the surge of anger overwhelmed her, and she collapsed weakly.
Yinzhi swallowed the blood in his throat and lowered his voice, speaking each word slowly.
“Imperial Consort Zhao, let mercy prevail. You’ve already hit and scolded enough, isn’t it?”
“Of course not!” Fang He stared firmly at Yinzhi.
“Who gave you the courage to look down on women? Who in this world wasn’t born from a woman? Even beasts know this truth!
“Consort Hui relies on what to insult me indirectly? You. Your maternal family.”
Fang He’s gaze grew colder, “You might want to recall: since I entered the palace, was there ever a conflict with your mother that I started without reason?”
“I don’t like trouble, but that doesn’t mean I fear it. I endured repeatedly, and what did I get? Do they really think I have no temper?”
“She relies on you, I rely on the Emperor. Even if your maternal family has great merit, aren’t they just royal servants? Why should I suffer this humiliation?”
She looked toward Consort Hui, who was trembling lightly in a maid’s arms.
“To use Consort Hui’s own words, she doesn’t even deserve it!”
Yinzhi was pushed to the brink by Fang He’s merciless words.
The world seemed to blur before his eyes.
It was as if he were standing before Father, each word burning his heart but impossible to refute.
“You…” Yinzhi looked at the tears in Mother’s eyes, digging his nails into his palms, closing his eyes, then helplessly knelt.
“I, your son, apologize on Mother’s behalf to Imperial Consort Zhao. We will not offend again. If Imperial Consort Zhao has any dissatisfaction, you may take it out on me. Yinzhi will fully bear it!”
Unconsciously, more and more palace residents quietly gathered to watch the commotion.
The Crown Prince and the other princes forgot to hide and were standing at the side of the pavilion.
Seeing Yinzhi forced to kneel and admit guilt, everyone’s breathing involuntarily quieted.
Despite the many people, the Imperial Garden was as silent as if no one were there.
Fang He sneered, ‘now they know to kneel?’
She bypassed Yinzhi and, with Chunlai, expressionless, walked outside.
Passing the Crown Prince and others, the Crown Prince hadn’t reacted yet but involuntarily lowered his eyes in respect.
Yinzhen instinctively said, “Please be at ease, Imperial Consort Zhao.”
The older princes cursed the brat inwardly for losing his composure but also bowed and greeted.
The Ninth Princess, who had been playing quietly nearby, blinked her big eyes curiously when she heard someone call “Imperial Consort.”
When she realized who it was, the Nine Princess panicked and struggled toward Fang He.
“Mommy! Jiujiu! Mommy!!”
Mommy is hers.
No one is allowed to take her away!
Seeing Fang He walk over, Nine Princess pouted.
Seeing the Crown Prince and others watching them, she suddenly burst into tears.
The people awakened by her cries:
“No way, no way, with such a tigress as Mommy, no one would dare compete with Nine Princess!”
Yinzhi pinched himself hard, watching Fang He and her daughter leave the Imperial Garden, murmuring,
“It doesn’t hurt, so it must be a dream…”
Just now, that glance Fang He casually gave was like standing before Father.
Even if Yinzhen hadn’t spoken first, he wouldn’t have dared not to ask.
Yin Qi suddenly shouted, “Third Brother, why are you pinching me? It hurts!”
Yinzhi: “…”
‘So, what miraculous medicine has Imperial Consort Zhao taken?’
Originally gentle, obedient, and somewhat lacking in dignity, how did she suddenly become a completely different person, slaying everyone at first encounter?
It’s just not reasonable!
After the Emperor and Empress Dowager returned to the palace in the afternoon, they also heard about the commotion in the Imperial Garden.
Since Nine Princess was ‘stolen’ from her mother and refused to leave Fang He, she had been crying all day and was low in spirits.
Fang He brought Nine Princess to play in the flower room at Shoukang Palace.
The Empress Dowager was also curious and asked Fang He similar questions.
“Why did you suddenly come to your senses and stop making trouble with the Emperor?”
Fang He had just washed her hands and was peeling an orange beside the Empress Dowager.
She chuckled, “You speak as if I used to be a fool.”
“More or less, a perfectly good life not wanting to be lived properly, but choosing to make things hard on yourself. No wonder the consorts in the harem don’t take you seriously. Half of it is your own fault.”
Fang He smiled even brighter and replied, “That’s a bit one-sided. Maybe at least seventy percent.”
Empress Dowager: “……”
‘You have quite the sense of proportion.’
Seeing the Empress Dowager’s puzzled expression, Fang He didn’t know how to explain the complicated truth of love in a more subtle way.
She placed orange slices on the plate in front of the Empress Dowager, wiped her hands, and then spoke.
“If I had acted like this a month ago, even if the Emperor favored me, he would still weigh the pros and cons, patching up Consort Hui and her son’s face in private and urging me to tone down my sharpness in public and in secret.”
“But today, just watch carefully. The commotion in Qianqing Palace will surely be even louder than mine.”
Before the Empress Dowager could urge Wuyunzhu to ask the reason, Liu Momo entered from outside.
She glanced at Fang He before reporting to the Empress Dowager, “Your Majesty, several princes skipped studies today. The Emperor had them whipped twenty strokes each in front of Qianqing Palace’s courtyard, even the Crown Prince wasn’t spared. They were just carried out.”
The Empress Dowager was stunned and asked, “What about Consort Hui and Eldest Prince?”
“Consort Hui’s side is completely silent.” Liu Momo shook her head.
“But as for the Elder Prince’s side, the Emperor sent an imperial physician to examine the Noble Consort’s pulse and left a prescription for health.”
The Empress Dowager thought carefully and, looking at Fang He’s smiling eyes, understood everything.
In the palace, one fears not the master’s scolding or punishment, but indifference.
The incident with Fang He was proof.
The Emperor didn’t reprimand Consort Hui or Yinzhi but made a grand show of punishing the princes for skipping studies.
Others wouldn’t think Consort Hui and Yinzhi held much influence with the Emperor.
Everyone could soon understand the Emperor’s meaning: regarding the Imperial Garden incident, he believed Imperial Consort Zhao was right.
The Empress Dowager suddenly remembered Hailanzhu and Dong’e Shi.
It was well known how much Huang Taiji and Shizu favored these two, but they loved them in their own way, which ultimately destroyed their lives.
That kind of love is more like doing whatever one wants with a beloved object, completely ignoring the feelings of the loved one.
When Kangxi was young, he liked that Persian cat, but he didn’t care for the cat’s preferences, hiding it under the dragon bed as he pleased…
Now, he loved Fang He more with weight and favored her temperament, tacitly walking alongside her.
“You…” The Empress Dowager carefully examined Fang He as if she were meeting her for the first time.
“You quarreled endlessly with the Emperor before and even tolerated the consorts’ ridicule. You argued with the Emperor repeatedly, but it was all for this moment.”
“You’re neither timid nor greedy, nor foolish, but you play a very good game!”
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