Chapter 14: Volume 1, Chapter 14 Princess Consort Shou Provokes

Consort Ming's features were bright and sharp, especially her eyes when she stared at people showed even more authority. She looked at the two in the hall and felt annoyed, saying with a slightly impatient tone: "Rong clan, now that you have entered the palace, you must strictly observe the rules, bear children early, and let this palace hold a grandson."

Rong Luoge: …

Rong Dai: …

Rong Luoge's face went stiff. What does this mean? Did Han Yifeng, that dog, not tell Consort Ming about their plan to separate?

Rong Dai was also in a tangled mess of thoughts. What does Consort Ming mean? She knows that the prince likes her, and saying this in front of her— is she trying to give Rong Luoge a backhanded support?

Han Yifeng was also stunned, not knowing why Mother Consort suddenly said that, he hurried forward and said: "Mother Consort, the hour is near, we should also head to Feng Yi Palace."

Consort Ming glanced at her son, said somewhat displeased: "What's the hurry? His Majesty is attending the court ceremony of his birthday in the former dynasty, you, as a son, should hurry over, don't linger here."

Han Yifeng, hearing Mother Consort's words, couldn't help but think of the Crown Prince. If the Crown Prince were present now and he were not, it would indeed be bad. After a moment he said: "I will go right away, and also deliver the birthday gifts prepared for Father Emperor."

"Go then." Consort Ming nodded.

Han Yifeng lifted his foot to leave, looked up at Rong Dai's soft gaze, his heart softened, and said to Mother Consort: "Mother Consort, this is Dai'er's first time entering the palace; please look after her."

Consort Ming, without changing expression, nodded, "You attend to your duties. How can a prince be distracted by women? If your father‑emperor finds out you have a pretty one, he'll be displeased."

Han Yifeng said no more, quickly lifted his foot and headed toward the front hall.

As soon as Han Yifeng left, the smile on Consort Ming's face vanished completely, her eyes fixed on the Rong sisters, then she sneered, "Didn't expect the Protector Duke to have raised two fine daughters, one after another entering my son's residence. If this spreads, I wonder how the Protector Duke's old face will hold up."

Rong Luoge stood there indifferently; what did the Protector Duke's face have to do with her?

Rong Dai's expression turned sour; she didn't know what Consort Ming meant, but she had a bad premonition and instinctively tensed.

"You'd better remember your positions, what you should do and what you must not do. If you overstep, don't blame me for being impolite."

Rong Luoge slightly frowned. Was she scolding her or Rong Dai? Either way, it felt uncomfortable.

But she currently lacked the means to confront Consort Ming openly; today's humiliation she would repay with interest another day.

"Your Highness is right." Rong Luoge was about to separate from Han Yifeng, and today Han Yifeng and Rong Dai would surely act against her; if she could seize the chance, perhaps she could overturn the situation and succeed in the separation today.

Enduring a moment's anger is worthwhile.

Rong Dai's eyes went black with anger, what does 'overstep' mean?

Consort Ming was clearly scolding her, telling her not to be delusional.

Rong Dai lowered her head in silence, her complexion wavering; was becoming an outer‑chamber woman something she herself had chosen? Did she have a choice?

Consort Ming was indeed proud. Why did she, at a flower‑like age, enter the palace to become a consort of the emperor who could be a father? Wasn't it for wealth and honor, and now she has the nerve to scold others for dreaming?

At least she and Prince Qi were of similar age, with deep affection; His Majesty is over a decade older than Consort Ming.

Rong Dai suppressed her fury, recalling today's plan with the prince; since Consort Ming was so tactless, she shouldn't blame her for being ruthless.

"Let's go, we should go pay respects to the Empress." Consort Ming stood and walked out, not caring whether the Rong sisters felt uncomfortable; discomfort was to be endured.

Rong Luoge, calm, followed Consort Ming out; Rong Dai hesitated briefly then stepped up, and since Consort Ming hadn't forbid her, she could go.

Such a good opportunity today, she absolutely could not miss showing her face before everyone.

If she could gain His Majesty's favor, perhaps the marriage with the prince would proceed more smoothly; if Consort Ming were dissatisfied, what could she do? Could she still defy the decree?

Feng Yi Palace was even more bustling now; the Hou Gong's consorts and the former dynasty's imperial maidens all came to pay respects to Feng Yi Palace. Rong Luoge followed Consort Ming into the hall to pay respects to the Empress; the hall was crowded, they quickly performed the rites and left.

Rong Luoge didn't even catch a clear look at the Empress. The Empress and Consort Ming were at odds; as Consort Ming's daughter‑in‑law, the Empress naturally gave her no face, and after she finished the rites she was ushered out.

With the crispness of autumn wind sweeping fallen leaves, she sensed many around her watching with amused looks, but she didn't care; whether Consort Ming felt embarrassed was a matter between her and the Empress.

The outer hall also seated many people at this moment; a glance revealed faces both unfamiliar and vaguely familiar.

"Princess Consort Qi is a bit late, hey, whose daughter is following you?"

Rong Luoge heard the somewhat unfriendly voice, looked up, and it matched her memory: it was Lan Xianfei's daughter‑in‑law, the daughter of He Gang, Grand Scholar of Prince Shou's consort, He Wan.

"Princess Consort Shou did arrive early, didn't she? She's just waiting in the outer hall like me." Rong Luoge couldn't confront the higher‑rank consorts in the main hall, but here in the outer hall she could walk boldly; after all, Prince Qi is highly favored before His Majesty, so as Princess Consort Qi she naturally rides the rising tide.

Of course, if the original owner were here, with her temperament she'd probably just be a victim of bullying, but she… that doesn't exist.

"You…" He Wan didn't expect Rong Luoge to speak so boldly; she had been timid as a mouse before, weak and easy to bully, yet now she seemed a different person. "In the short time we haven't seen each other, Princess Consort Qi has become quite sharp‑tongued."

"I don't deserve it; I can't compare to Princess Consort Shou, whose teapot broke and only left a mouth."

As soon as Rong Luoge finished speaking, laughter rang continuously around, not necessarily to embarrass Princess Consort Shou, but everyone stifled their laughs, giving an indescribable mocking flavor.

He Wan's face turned angry, she looked at Rong Dai behind Rong Luoge, her eyes flicked, and she said with a smiling grin: "Princess Consort Qi loves jokes. I know you grew up on Zhuangzi, so I won't argue about your uncouth speech, but the girl you're bringing is unfamiliar— which family is she from? Why not introduce her to everyone?"

Mocking her rural upbringing and trying to use Rong Dai to disgust her, He Wan was indeed good at causing trouble.

Rong Luoge looked at He Wan in surprise and said: "Princess Consort Shou, how can a young lady have such a poor memory? I clearly recall half a month ago you and Rong Dai were drinking merrily at Zhen Guo Gong Fu, and now you've forgotten. Oh dear, a young memory is weak; when I see Fourth Brother later, I must remind him."

Prince Shou, fourth rank, and Han Yifeng, third rank, uttered "Fourth Brother" aloud, and the outer hall fell silent.

Everyone stared at Rong Luoge in astonishment, thinking she might really be crazy.