Chapter 65: Volume 1 Chapter 65 Consort Ming Really Wants to Curse Someone

Han Xinglan took Rong Luoge straight back to Dong Gong, and the entire Dong Gong fell into chaos.

After settling Rong Luoge, Han Xinglan kept moving and entered the palace at once; he had to arrange everything properly before Han Yifeng entered the palace.

Han Xinglan first went to see the Empress; she knew the biggest obstacle to this matter was the Empress Dowager.

The Empress was first shocked by her son's assassination attempt, then equally shocked that the rescuer was Rong Luoge, and her complexion turned terribly sour.

Han Xinglan watched the Empress Dowager's expression, calmly withdrew his gaze, his face neutral, his tone even as he said, "My son thinks this is truly a providential opportunity. Consort Ming has always been at odds with you; if her former daughter‑in‑law becomes a Good Lady of Dong Gong, what expression will she have when she faces you?"

The Empress, furious, replied, "What expression? She'll probably be smug. After all, Rong Luoge is someone Han Yifeng doesn't want."

"Empress Dowager, it was Rong Luoge who voluntarily brought up the matter of divorce, and she plainly stated before Father Emperor that she has never consummated with Prince Qi, remaining chaste." Han Xinglan showed a faint smile, "My son, citing a life‑saving debt, has admitted Rong Luoge into Dong Gong and granted her the rank of Good Lady. Think about it: Rong Luoge was once Princess Consort Qi; now she is merely a Good Lady of Dong Gong."

What does this imply?

The Empress's eyes lit up. Indeed, the status of a Princess Consort Qi is so lofty, yet placed in her son's inner court it's just a Good Lady—this blatantly slaps Consort Ming and her son's faces!

When the breath that the Empress had been holding in her chest finally released, her fury subsided, and she saw the matter in a different light.

Earlier, all her anger was directed at her son's desire to admit Rong Luoge into Dong Gong; she felt embarrassed.

But, conversely, if handled properly, the most shameful would be Consort Ming and her son, making the slight displeasure caused by Rong Luoge's entry into Dong Gong insignificant.

The Empress murmured softly, looking at her son, "Is a Good Lady too high a rank? An Attendant would be enough."

Attendant is the lowest tier among Dong Gong concubines; Han Xinglan's mouth twitched—if Rong Luoge found out, she'd probably quit!

"Empress Dowager, an Attendant is not impossible, but… if Rong Luoge entered the palace as an Attendant, Consort Ming could easily manipulate her. A Good Lady, however, holds a status equivalent to Consort Ming's in the Hou Gong; Consort Ming could not easily deal with her. Wouldn't that make Consort Ming even more vexed each time she sees Rong Luoge?"

The Empress still seemed displeased, looking at her son, "Do you really think so?"

Han Xinglan sighed, "Empress Dowager, regardless, today Rong Luoge saved my life; otherwise you would have seen my son's corpse. Exchanging that life‑saving debt for a Good Lady rank—does my son's life not merit it? Moreover, once this spreads, everyone will praise my son's generosity; it's just a Good Lady rank, why not?"

"Fine, let it be," the Empress said, standing, "Come with me to see your Father Emperor."

Han Xinglan knew the matter was settled; if he had gone alone to request an audience with the Father Emperor, it would likely have failed, but with the Empress Dowager's involvement it was secure.

Han Yifeng hurried into the palace, and like the Crown Prince, first went to see Consort Ming. After they finished discussing, they were to see His Majesty, but hearing that His Majesty was currently meeting the Empress and her son gave them a uneasy feeling.

Consort Ming's face turned ashen, her fingernails digging into her palm as she looked at her son, "I don't believe this is mere coincidence; there must be something strange."

Han Yifeng nodded slightly, "My son also feels something's off; it will prompt further investigation. But right now the priorities are: first, how Father Emperor will handle the Crown Prince's assassination attempt; second, Rong Luoge—we must not let her enter Dong Gong."

"Of course!" Consort Ming, unusually irritated, replied, "Why does Rong Luoge always cause trouble? Had I known, I would never have settled on her in the first place."

Han Yifeng lowered his eyes, paused, then said, "In short, we must not let Rong Luoge enter Dong Gong."

If Rong Luoge entered Dong Gong, how would he face everyone later?

He'd probably never be able to remove the green hat above his head!

The mother and son waited outside for a long time, their hearts and strength exhausted, and only after half an hour did they see the Empress and the Crown Prince emerge from the inner hall.

When the Empress saw Consort Ming and her son, her eyes instantly brightened; she stepped toward them, smiling gently, "Consort Ming, why are you and Prince Qi here?"

Even though Consort Ming was displeased with the Empress, she could not show open hostility under everyone's gaze. She brought her son to pay respects to the Empress first, then smiled and said, "I heard of the Crown Prince's assassination attempt and was deeply worried. Knowing my sister was coming with the Crown Prince to the front hall, I hurried over to check on things. Now that I see the Crown Prince safe, I am relieved."

She did not mention Rong Luoge at all.

Han Xinglan gave a gentle smile but said nothing.

The Empress glanced at Consort Ming, nodded slightly, "Consort Ming, you're thoughtful. As the Crown Prince, Xinglan is protected by the Owl Kingdom and His Majesty; even if those mischievous little devils cause trouble, they cannot succeed."

Consort Ming: …

She really wants to curse someone.

Consort Ming's smile was about to fade; after the Empress left with the Crown Prince, she then composed herself and requested an audience with His Majesty.

Meanwhile, the Empress said to her son, "Although your Father Emperor has approved Rong Luoge's request to become a Good Lady of Dong Gong, it should not be too high‑profile; you must keep it in mind."

The Empress, worried, her eyes bearing a hint of ruthlessness, said, "Your Father Emperor favors Consort Ming and her son; your position as Crown Prince makes you nervous. If you fall from this spot, you know what awaits us. In any case, I will follow your wishes regarding Rong Luoge, hoping she will not become a burden to you."

She then softened her tone, "If that day ever comes, I will personally deal with her!"

The Empress strode away; Han Xinglan watched her retreating back, then turned and headed toward Dong Gong.

Along the long palace corridor, two figures ran in opposite directions.

Han Xinglan returned to Dong Gong and went straight to the rear hall, only to discover Rong Luoge had not yet awakened.

The Court Officer happened to be present, stepped forward and replied, "Miss Rong's condition is weak and she's been poisoned by toxic fumes. I have already prepared a remedy; she should awaken by tomorrow morning. Your Highness, please be at ease."

Han Xinglan exhaled slightly, looking at the Court Officer, "Is this poison non‑lethal?"

The Court Officer, hearing this, was unsure what the Crown Prince meant, felt a tremor in his heart, cold sweat breaking out on his back, and after steadying himself replied, "Your Highness, although this poison is not fatal, an excessive dose would weaken the body and eventually lead to decay and death. Fortunately Miss Rong only sustained a minor injury; the dosage was insufficient, otherwise the consequences would be unimaginable."

Han Xinglan waved his hand to send them away, then sat at the bedside, watching the still‑sleeping figure.

The sleeping Rong Luoge was entirely different from the awake her; her pallid complexion looked frail and pitiful, and seeing her reminded him of the time she had shielded him beneath her body, blocking a blade.