Chapter 242: The Quiet Consort Goes Mad

Under the moonlight, Su Yanci still wore a white robe, leaning sideways against the wall, the sword at their waist glinting coldly in the moon.

Their brow and eye contours seemed deeper, yet that unhurried temperament.

It was as if the years of battlefield smoke had never left a trace on them.

"How did you return?" she exclaimed, rising, her hem fluttering in the night wind, "Didn't you say the main army wouldn't arrive at Jingjiao until tomorrow at noon?"

The person by the wall had a gentle ripple of light in their eyes, their gaze tracing her face in fine detail.

Who would know, to make this night, they rode day and night until two swift horses were exhausted to death.

In each military report, the brief "Sister safe"—every character was a worry they wanted to ask but could not voice. Wan Tang, may you be safe and joyful?!

"Those tedious formalities are the most irritating."

"I just don't like their sluggish manner."

They brushed past lightly, a familiar curve lifting the corner of their lip, "But you, why are you alone here braving the cold wind?"

Speaking, their gaze shifted again toward the peach tree in the courtyard.

Their voice tinged with melancholy: "All the peach leaves have fallen; I wonder if there's still a cup of Peach Blossom Brew?"

Wan Tang heard this, and the tension of recent days suddenly eased, her brows and eyes relaxing.

"I don't have any Peach Blossom Brew."

"But your dear sister once said she would bury the last jar beneath the Ginkgo tree, saying it was for her triumphant brother."

Mentioning the sister, Su Yanci's smile reappeared on their face.

In their eyes was an unabashed affection.

Su Yanci leapt down, their robes fluttering as they settled before her.

They took half a step forward, then Kedan halted them, the hand hanging at their side tightening slightly.

Moonlight revealed the swirling emotions in their eyes, which finally turned into a light laugh: "Shall we dig it up right now?"

"It would go well with this autumn moon, to sip a fine wine."

Su Yanci spoke lightly, yet the corner of their eye kept, intentionally or not, glancing at Wan Tang.

The night wind brushed by, Yín xìng leaves rustling, a few golden leaves spiraling down onto their shoulder.

Wan Tang covered her lips with a light laugh, a flicker of light in her eyes: "Better wait for your sister to open it herself for you."

"General Su, in pacifying Kedan this time, is a true great hero; she cherishes this reunion more than anyone."

Su Yanci's eyes radiated genuine warmth: "Is that girl still safe in the palace?"

Wan Tang's fingertips curled slightly, yet her face smiled gently: "She is fine; the Emperor treats her very kindly."

Su Yanci's expression relaxed a bit as they looked toward Wan Tang.

From the bottom of their heart, gratitude: "It seems this cannot be done without the Madam's maneuvering."

Mentioning Su Guiren, Wan Tang felt a lingering blockage in her heart.

Many words reached her lips, but were forced back.

When the mood was already happy, why speak of unhappiness?

"I have a gift for you," Wan Tang suddenly turned and entered the house, returning shortly with a blue cloth-wrapped parcel.

Su Yanci raised an eyebrow, feigning ease as they leaned against the Ginkgo tree: "The army doesn't lack clothes or shoes. It's just missing a Fragrance pouch..."

Their voice lowered a few tones, "The embroidered emerald bamboo ones are the best."

Wan Tang placed the item into their hand.

Before the words finished, they weighed the parcel in their hand, their complexion shifting abruptly.

The weight, the texture—hardly those of a gift.

Undoing the strap, a yellowed Account Book came into view.

Flipping through a few pages at random, each recorded the Su Family members' crimes, with dates and locations crystal clear.

Su Yanci restrained their expression, slowly lifted their head to look at Wan Tang, their eyes full of incomprehension.

"Presented by Liu Guiren," Wan Tang's voice was pressed extremely low, "The Su Family has been targeted; be careful in all matters."

Su Yanci closed the account book, their knuckles turning white.

They closed their eyes, took a deep breath, and when they opened them again their eyes were all icy: "I am fighting bloodily, while they gnaw at the court... truly sickening."

Though they said so, they were still members of the Su Family.

In a great clan, honor is shared, and loss is shared.

Even if one cannot stand it, one can still strive to tolerate.

"Liu Guiren's identity..."

Wan Tang gave a faint smile: "It is said she is Liu Ducha's daughter."

They clearly did not believe that.

They suddenly lifted their gaze, eyes blazing: "Xu Yanchuan now holds the Tiger Tally; when he returns from the campaign..."

Their gazes met, Yín xìng leaves rustling in the wind.

Unspoken words spread in the silence, turning into an unvoiced solemnity.

"Madam, I have found the item you wanted," Nubi said.

"It's a bit chilly outside; I have already tidied the bed," Nubi added.

Xiao Luzi's voice came from afar, growing nearer, accompanied by hurried footsteps.

His tone also carried a hint of doubt: "Madam, are you speaking with someone?"

Wan Tang's heart tightened, she hurriedly turned to face the Moon Gate: "It's nothing, just admiring the moon."

When she turned back, the wall was empty of people.

Only the branches and leaves of the old Ginkgo tree still swayed gently.

The night breeze swept through the courtyard, carrying the lingering scent of tea.

The next day, the triumph ceremony was held outside Xuanwu Gate.

Banners fluttered, iron armor loomed.

Chu Yunzheng, dressed in a bright yellow dragon robe, stood atop the high platform.

Wan Tang wore the consort‑mandated court attire, standing a half step behind him, her bearing graceful and elegant.

Empress Dowager sat upright on the phoenix throne behind, her expression calm, yet her gaze occasionally swept over the two imperial consorts standing side by side ahead.

Wan Tang was merely a consort, having no right to stand beside the Emperor and receive the kneeling of civil and military officials.

Logically, this position should belong to Xiao Mingshu.

Even with the Empress's seat vacant, it should be the Virtuous Consort's.

But Hui Guifei's temperament is aloof; she never liked bustling gatherings.

Yet she did not come.

At the Emperor's command, Wan Tang was summoned.

Su Yanci, in silver armor and white robe, knelt on one knee and said, "Subject, I am honored not to disgrace the command."

Chu Yunzheng stepped forward himself to help her up, laughing loudly, "Rise, dear minister; this battle is a great victory, raising our nation's prestige."

He turned his head to Wan Tang and said warmly, "Virtuous Consort, on behalf of the Six Palaces, presents wine."

Wan Tang stepped forward steadily, receiving the golden cup from a palace attendant, her voice clear, "General Su, your labor and merit are great; please drink this cup to the brim."

Su Yanci lowered his eyes to take it, his fingertip inadvertently brushing her wrist, a fleeting touch.

After the ceremony, Chu Yunzheng led the ministers to Yangxin Hall for deliberation.

Before departing, he deliberately halted and said softly to Wan Tang, "Prepare only simple home‑style dishes for the evening meal."

Then turning to Su Yanci, a smile in his eyes, "Virtuous Consort's culinary skill is superb, surpassing ordinary imperial chefs."

"Tonight I, the Emperor, will dine with you, dear minister, at Changle Palace; you siblings may also reunite."

Wan Tang bowed and replied, "Your servant obeys the decree."

Seeing the Imperial Majesty depart, she held a palace maid's hand and walked slowly back to the palace.

The autumn wind lifted the sash on her palace robes, and Yín xìng leaves rustled down onto the path she must pass.

Wan Tang had just entered the Palace Gate when she saw the Quiet Consort Xiao Mingshu standing in the courtyard's center.

"Quiet Consort sister, you missed the triumph ceremony; I thought you were truly gravely ill," Wan Tang said evenly.

Xiao Mingshu snapped her head up, blood vessels darkening her eyes, and suddenly lunged at her like a madwoman.

Her gaunt fingers clenched Wan Tang's throat tightly, "Are you feeling smug?!"

Wan Tang, trembling, asked, "Quiet Consort, what does this mean? What have I done to be proud?"

"It's you, let go of me quickly."

The palace attendants shouted in alarm, ready to intervene, but she brandished a dagger from her sleeve, pressing it to Wan Tang's throat, "Don't move!"

The blade's cold seeped into her skin; Wan Tang's breathing faltered slightly, yet she remained composed, "You're overthinking."

"In the past, you were the form I despised most."

"How could I become the very image I loathe?"

"You will never become me!"

"Forever!"

Xiao Mingshu roared, the dagger grazing the surface slightly, "The Empress position belongs to the Xiao family!"

"You destroyed everything of mine; today you dare stand beside the Emperor and receive the officials' homage......"

She suddenly exerted force on her wrist, and Xiao Luzi shouted as he lunged, "Your Highness, be careful!"

The blade skimmed along Wan Tang's neck side; Xiao Luzi grabbed the sharp edge with his bare hands, and blood spurted instantly.

Seizing the chance, Wan Tang stepped back, watching the frenzied Xiao Mingshu restrained by palace attendants, she lightly brushed the bloodstain on her neck, frost gathering in her eyes.

"Stop!"

A commanding shout rang out suddenly.

Empress Dowager, flanked by palace attendants, hurried forward; seeing the chaotic scene, her well‑kept face turned an instant iron‑blue.

"In broad daylight, what decorum is this!" Empress Dowager's gaze was knife‑sharp as it swept over everyone present.

Wan Tang immediately knelt, her voice clear and calm, "Answer, Empress Dowager, the Quiet Consort suddenly brandished a knife and acted wildly, as if mad."

"Today was supposed to be General Su's glorious triumph day, yet bloodshed appeared here……"

She paused deliberately, her peripheral glance catching Xiao Luzi's blood‑soaked hand, "The Quiet Consort's misconduct is truly worrisome."

Empress Dowager's complexion grew even more displeased, a cold snort escaping her nose.

Turning to the restrained Xiao Mingshu, she ordered, "Roll back!"

"Aunt, I was harmed by her!"

Xiao Mingshu lunged, clutching the Empress Dowager's leg, tears streaming, "Why is she allowed to stand beside the Emperor? I am—"

"Take her away!" Empress Dowager brusquely pushed her aside, giving a signal to the two stout matriarchs beside her.

The two robust matriarchs immediately stepped forward and restrained Xiao Mingshu.

She was dragged backward, yet she stared fiercely at Wan Tang.

"Don't be smug; you think toppling me will let you ascend to the Empress seat? Dream on!"

Wan Tang lowered her gaze, kneeling in place, her fingertips gently brushing the bloodstain on her neck.

【Xiao Mingshu has lost her mind!】

【In fact, Xiao Mingshu is also a pitiful creature, having adored the Emperor since childhood. Later she sought to marry Chu Yunzheng, turning the entire Xiao family's power into a dowry.】

【Indeed, the Empress Dowager originally had several options. But because Xiao Mingshu was indispensable as a bride, and Chu Yunzheng had no support, she chose him.】

Take a look—what the final outcome is, how tragic the fate.

The once lofty Empress, now has fallen to the point of committing murder, truly a shrew.

If it weren't for Xiao Luzi stepping in, Wan Tang would have been injured again.

Just kidding—when they sent Xiao Luzi over, the Dog Emperor said, "Take good care of her; if she even loses a single hair, bring her head to me."

Wow, wow, wow—so protection is the main thing, surveillance is just a side effect.

Barrage erupted.

Wan Tang slowly turned, her gaze falling on Xiao Luzi's blood‑soaked hand.

Protection and surveillance—are they truly contradictory?

"Nubi, I'm fine!" Xiao Luzi hurriedly hid his wounded hand behind him, his pale face full of worry, "Is Your Majesty's injury serious?"

Wan Tang gently shook her head, the bloodstain on her neck throbbing faintly.

"Ignorant thing that knows no rules!" the Empress Dowager's cold, sharp gaze pierced like an ice spear, "Always stirring up trouble."

Wan Tang slightly bent a knee, a perfectly timed faint smile playing at her lips: "I, a humble concubine, only know how to obey the Emperor's arrangements."

"Even if it breaks the rules, draws criticism, I have no regrets."

The Empress Dowager's eyes flashed coldly: "You'd better restrain yourself; as long as I'm still here, even if you are the Emperor's beloved, you might not be able to keep him!"