Chapter 7: Prosecution

The younger sister enjoys great favor and privilege, far surpassing the other ladies in the palace. Provoked, Queen Wang smiled faintly, employing a subtle strategy to counter the challenge. At this moment, Concubine Gong timidly approached to pay her respects. However, Noble Consort Zheng ignored her completely and continued conversing with Queen Wang

My younger sister is very courteous. A few days ago, she was elevated in rank, but unfortunately, I was unwell and unable to attend the celebration. Not being able to share in the joy is my misfortune. Now, seeing my sister in high spirits, it is indeed true that one feels invigorated when encountering happy events

Please, Your Highness, take a stand for this servant. This servant has diligently conveyed the imperial edict and has made no mistakes. Yet they say to strike when they please and to scold as they wish. If this servant has erred, it is still under Your Highness's authority; even if there are mistakes, there are still masters to administer punishment. What are they to be considered... With tears and snot streaming down her face, and coupled with the dried purple bloodstains, it truly looks rather disgusting.

Consort Zheng glanced at it with disdain and turned her head away. An unnamed fire of resentment burned fiercely in her heart! She thought to herself, having roamed freely through the six palaces, even the Empress had to retreat in deference; if the tiger does not show its power, do you take me for a sick cat! Very well, if I bring about my own demise, do not blame this palace for being ruthless. With a sullen face, she looked at the letter in her hand, "I was just worried about finding a reason to deal with you all, and today you have come to my door uninvited. This palace will not be disrespectful; I will fulfill your wishes and grant you what you desire!"

The center of the storm comes from the imperial concubine Zheng, adorned in a bright yellow palace gown. Seated high on her throne, she holds a letter in her hand, seemingly having read it for quite some time. Her dress moves as if stirred by an unseen wind, her face is ashen, her lips tremble, all of which reveal that this most powerful woman in the palace is now exceedingly furious, on the verge of losing control.

Later, the old man told me that if one cannot live proudly like a peacock, one should at least charge forward like a crab; only then will no one dare to bully you

"Mother, I would like to tell you a story first." Compared to the anxious and pale-faced Concubine Gong, Zhu Changluo's demeanor appeared somewhat bold and carefree. Was this really the time for storytelling? Concubine Gong was nearly at her wits' end.

I chose crab! Zhu Changluo's answer astonished everyone! Although he is pleasing in the eyes of Empress Wang no matter what he does, if she had to choose, it would definitely be the peacock. "Can you tell the Empress Mother why you chose crab?"

I do not understand what he means by bringing this up now; could it be that this child knows some inside information? Before Empress Wang could think further, Zhu Changluo's clear voice rang out. "In my daze while unconscious, I saw an old man; he showed me two things."

The various actions before the Queen, in the eyes of Consort Zheng, were nothing short of a direct challenge. But what was the reason behind it? Consort Zheng's gaze swept over the pale and reserved Consort Gong, and then suspiciously glanced at the Queen. Was it to stand up for this wretched woman? ... Has she lost her mind ...

The peacock is large and beautiful, and many people like it, but even if I do not choose it, there will still be many who will. The little crab is small and fierce, and no one likes it. Since I became aware, I have known that no one likes me and my mother. Looking at this little crab feels like looking at myself; who else would choose it but me? This answer left everyone in silence.

If it were not for that wretched person, then why would the queen, who has always kept to herself, behave so unusually? Such abnormality is akin to being a demon. At this moment, Consort Zheng suddenly felt that her decision to come to Yonghe Palace in anger was perhaps not the most rational action. A sense of foreboding spread through her and the books in her heart.

The praised Consort Zheng showed no signs of joy; would that old woman praise herself? Consort Zheng let out a cold laugh in her heart! But what does the Empress's behavior mean? For the first time, Consort Zheng felt a formal sense of vigilance arise within her.

Well! It's turned upside down! Looking at the letter in her hand and seeing Gui Zhi weeping on the ground, Consort Zheng felt her mind racing, causing her great pain. An unnamed fury surged from the soles of her feet straight to the crown of her head! A lowly maid has given birth to a lowly offspring, without even having developed proper wings or feathers, yet dares to ride on top of this palace!

The noble consort Zheng displayed such arrogance in front of herself, indicating that she seemed to regard her as if she were already dead, a flash of anger crossed Queen Wang's face

With a loud bang, she slammed the table heavily. The palace servants collectively gasped in shock, and even Gui Zhi, who was pretending to cry, quietly ceased her sobbing. Then, Zheng Guifei spoke in a deep voice: "Summon someone, we shall proceed to Yonghe Palace!"

Consort Zheng has always placed great importance on grandeur, and even when seeking to hold someone accountable, she cannot afford to be careless. The eunuchs and palace maids, in a grand procession, carried out their full ceremonial regalia as they accompanied her on her journey. Along the way, the atmosphere was so menacing that birds took flight and beasts fled, as they made their way towards Yonghe Palace.

The Empress is, after all, the Empress. Although she feels as anxious as a hen with its head cut off, she cannot neglect the formalities of etiquette. Suppressing her anger, she forced a smile as Consort Zheng gracefully approached to pay her respects. "I did not know Your Majesty the Empress was here, and I failed to pay my respects earlier. It is my fault for being discourteous."

The commotion was quite significant, and news had already reached Yonghe Palace. Hui Chun quietly whispered to Empress Wang, who nodded in response. Given the temperament of Concubine Zheng, it would indeed be strange if she did not come.

The old man took me to see a peacock and a crab, asking me to choose one. The crowd, puzzled by the meaning, continued to watch, waiting for what would come next

Sisters and younger sisters speak politely to each other, yet deep down, they wish they could just kick each other to death without hesitation.

There is still time to laugh, as Consort Zheng is already on her way. You have boldly defied her this time; how could she easily let you off the hook?

I do not understand what "old grandpa" means. The old grandpa explained to me that the peacock is the king of birds, proud of its splendor. And the crab, with its iron armor, is the overlord of the water, and then he asked me which one I would choose

Lowering his head, he whispered a few words to Hui Chun. After listening, Hui Chun displayed a look of surprise, seemingly perplexed by her master's actions. Empress Wang said little more, merely casting a glance at Zhu Changluo, slowly and firmly nodding her head.

The voice of a five-year-old child is crisp and clear, and the stories they tell are unremarkable. Yet, for some reason, everyone listening to the stories feels a sense of bittersweetness in their hearts

Gui Zhi was immediately overjoyed, as she understood the temperament of Consort Zheng very well. Whenever someone angered her, if she erupted with thunderous rage, smashing plates and striking boards, that was a minor issue; once it was over, it was done. However, if it was like the current situation, where her feelings were concealed and her demeanor was ambiguous, that was a sign of impending fury, which could lead to dire consequences

Every move made by Zhu Changluo gives Empress Wang a sense of illusion in her daze. Just based on this child's composure and appropriate responses in the face of events, even an adult might not necessarily perform better than he does

Since Gui Zhi's return, the atmosphere in the Chuxiu Palace has not cleared. The impending storm looms like a mountain rain, with a heavy low pressure pressing down on the hearts of the people in the palace. One by one, they lower their heads and close their eyes, even breathing cautiously, fearing that they might suffer collateral damage when the thunderstorm strikes.

As before, there was no communication. Guizhi, who was ready to take revenge, charged in at the forefront. However, when she caught sight of the Empress sitting upright in the main hall, Guizhi was taken aback, and even Zheng Guifei, who entered shortly after, was momentarily stunned.

"Noble Consort, as sisters, there is no need for such formalities between us. Consort Zheng has always been gracious and magnanimous, disliking to quibble with others. The Empress Dowager often mentions her, saying that Consort Zheng can serve as a model within the palace." Following the Empress's cue, Hui Chun stepped forward to assist the Noble Consort, silently freeing her from the encirclement.

With a complex expression, she glanced at the still smiling Crown Prince kneeling on the ground, and Hui Chun said nothing more before turning to leave

At this moment, Consort Gong had also made up her mind. With matters having come to this point, what was there to fear? Resolving in her heart, she thought that if today’s situation could not be resolved favorably, she would risk her own life and let her be humiliated. As long as it could appease her anger and protect Luo'er, she would not regret her own demise.

The noble Consort Zheng deliberately insulted Consort Gong, which was tantamount to insulting the mother already recognized by Zhu Changluo. How could this be tolerated! Instinctively, my hand reached for the teacup on the table; whether I hit one or two, it would still be a strike, and this woman had to be shown a lesson! However, at that moment, Empress Wang timely spoke up.

This has piqued everyone's interest, leading to a flurry of whispers. People are mostly thinking about the peacock, as it is only natural; the peacock is both beautiful and noble, who would want to be a clawing crab? However, Queen Wang is curious about which one this child will choose

One could detect the subtle sarcasm in the Empress's words, and Consort Zheng was not one to be easily dealt with. Halfway through the ceremony, she stood up and, without waiting for the Empress to speak, sat down beside her. "What fortune could I possibly have? It is all due to His Majesty's great favor; I can only feel ashamed to accept it, sister."

The current behavior of Consort Zheng clearly indicates the latter, which greatly satisfies Gui Zhi. She harbors intense hatred towards Consort Gong and Zhu Changluo, wishing nothing more than for this mother and son to encounter misfortune and calamity, which would align with her desires

In that era, there were no television movies, no online concerts, and everyone, out of boredom, loved to listen to stories. Moreover, the storyteller was a child just over five years old, and the tales he told seemed somewhat mystical, instantly capturing everyone's attention

This time, the Empress came with only her personal maid, Hui Chun, and a few eunuchs, without any display of grandeur. This is why Consort Zheng did not notice anything amiss when she entered. Although the Empress was surprised by this, who is Consort Zheng? Even if she had come here with a grievance, would she fear a mere Empress? Ridiculous!

Zhu Changluo stood up with a smile and cleared his throat. "Mother, you know that I almost drowned a few days ago after falling into the water." Upon mentioning this matter, Empress Wang nodded solemnly. There were many suspicions surrounding Zhu Changluo's incident of falling into the water; however, Emperor Wanli, having listened to Concubine Zheng's words, did not order a thorough investigation, but merely executed a few palace servants to take the blame and put the matter to rest

Afraid? If you are afraid, then do not provoke! He is not afraid at all. For a mere servant, would he risk the life of the crown prince? Moreover, there is a ready-made powerful ally right in front of us

This is the child that Queen Wang dreams of having. If this child is carefully nurtured in her hands, it will surely shine brightly in a few years. Once again, Queen Wang complains about how harsh fate has been to her. If destiny favors me and I can have this child, what does it matter if I live ten years less? Complaints aside, life without a son must go on. Yet, Queen Wang's resolve regarding her initial decision has only grown stronger. If destiny favors me and I can have this child, what does it matter if I live ten years less? Complaints aside, life without a son must go on. Yet, Queen Wang's resolve regarding her initial decision has only grown stronger.

When the Empress Dowager called out, a wave of inexplicable comfort surged within Queen Wang, and her smile nearly overflowed. "I like the story, let's talk about it."