Chapter 317: What Is She, Anyway?

"Huan Guifei, isn't that just the Zhaoying?"

"Yes! It was bestowed by the Emperor; how could she possibly refuse?"

"Honestly, don't even mention it— with this attire, those who know think she's entered the palace. Those who don't would think she's mourning for someone."

"Pear Concubine, how could I think of that Pear Blossom Goddess who doesn't even know how to die?"

"Ah, I've already said, she's a stand‑in…"

"If she still wants to move into Kunning Palace, better to go to Cuivei Palace; after all, only such a tranquil place suits her attire."

"The Imperial Concubines have never liked her and have long been restraining themselves."

"At this moment, such nonsense spilling out could no longer be held back."

"A few restrained snickers suddenly rang in the hall."

"Bai Li's complexion shifted from red to pale; all the grandeur she just displayed turned into a joke."

"Then look at Wan Tang, seated steadily on the Phoenix Throne."

"Clearly the two faces are so similar, yet Wan Tang is dignified and imposing, while she looks like a living clown."

"It's you!"

"Bai Li gritted her teeth: 'You're scared of me, aren't you? That's why you deliberately did all this?'"

"The Emperor would never arrange it that way."

"Wan Tang sat upright, her voice calm: 'Bestowing the Zhaoying upon you was indeed my decision.'"

"'As for where you will reside, the Emperor truly does not know yet.'"

"She gave Bai Li a faint smile, with hidden meaning: 'After all, I intend to give the Emperor a surprise.'"

"Sure enough, it was this woman who did it!"

"Bai Li's gaze was icy."

"At first, she never placed any woman in her sights."

"She knows that as long as she is in the Forbidden City, that's enough to drive Chu Yunzheng mad."

"Even if she never gives him a favorable expression, she can still obtain all the Emperor's love."

"But after Bai Zijun's incident, she began to panic."

"She even offered her body, yet it's only a tiny Zhaoying— how could she be content?"

"'Do you think that being the Empress allows you to crush me?'"

"'You still underestimate my standing in the Emperor's heart.'"

"Bai Li let out a cold laugh, warning: 'Now I'll let you know that even a single casual tear from me can cause you to die a terrible death.'"

"Wan Tang gave a cold smile."

"Staring at her face, she was somewhat disappointed."

"'I've always wondered what kind of woman could occupy the Emperor's thoughts for ten years?'"

"Speaking, Wan Tang landed a snort on her face and sneered: 'Aside from this face, which was expected, everything else is worlds apart from what I imagined.'"

"Bai Li's face turned white in an instant: 'What do you mean?'"

"'It's just that another person has appeared in the Imperial harem,' Wan Tang said with a faint smile, no longer giving her any regard."

"The meaning is clear; such a presence doesn't even warrant a battle."

"Bai Li, furious, spun around and rushed outward: 'I want to see the Emperor!'"

"'Stop,' Wan Tang said softly, yet the surrounding Guanren immediately blocked the doorway, 'The Emperor is in Yangxin Hall discussing important matters with ministers; you may not disturb.'"

"'By what right do you block me!' Bai Li turned, glaring, fire almost spitting from her eyes, 'The Emperor has never been unwilling to let me suffer any grievance!'"

"Wan Tang still calmly looked at her: 'Attendants, please return Pear Concubine to her quarters.'"

"Such a dismissive stance completely enraged Bai Li."

"She suddenly gathered strength, pushed aside the blocking palace maid, lifted her skirt, and charged toward Yangxin Hall."

"'Your Highness!' Chun Xing hurriedly chased after her in panic."

"The Imperial Concubines exchanged glances; Li Pin leaned toward Wan Tang and whispered, 'Your Highness, if she goes to Yangxin Hall, we still don't know how to speak before the Emperor.'"

"'Should we follow?'"

"Wan Tang lowered her gaze, adjusted her sleeve cuff, and a faint curve brushed her lips: 'Let her go.'"

"'This Imperial harem has always been a place without secrets.'"

"Li Pin watched Wan Tang carefully and asked softly, 'Your Highness, aren't you afraid she'll make some small moves?'"

"After all, she is the person at the Emperor's heart."

"Wan Tang's tone remained calm: 'Her appearance is merely a reason for me to spar with the Emperor.'"

"They're all our own, and Wan Tang has nothing to hide."

"She looked at Li Pin again: 'Speaking of it, you raised the Second Prince; your merit is considerable.'"

"'Such a maid indeed needs to be disciplined; after all, her existence would corrupt Pear Concubine.'"

"Li Pin's eyes flicked, and she immediately understood."

"She covered her mouth with a smile: 'Yes, it's that maid's lack of discipline.'"

"'I, the Subject, now know what to say.'"

"Inside Yangxin Hall."

"Chu Yunzheng was discussing canal transport reforms with several senior ministers."

"Xiao Dongzi knelt on the ground, his head thudding loudly: 'Your Highness, don't go in!'"

"Unfortunately, no one dares to stop her."

"Bai Li pushed the door open and went straight in, regardless of who was chanting, and saw the Emperor rush over at once."

She collapsed into Chu Yunzheng's arms.

Chu Yunzheng was about to lose his temper, but seeing it was Bai Li, his gaze gradually softened.

He gently patted her back.

"Emperor… Wuwuwu, you must take my side!" she began, tears already flowing, sobbing: "I have already said I don't want to enter the palace."

"But now, it's for the Emperor, so I reluctantly agreed."

"You see, today I just entered the palace, just as I had expected."

Chu Yunzheng's expression tightened instantly, his tone rising: "But what happened?"

"It's all the Empress; she even allied with the six palace sisters to humiliate me."

Chu Yunzheng furrowed his brows.

Seeing her tears, he felt especially pained and softened his voice: "Li Er, get up first."

Several ministers were about to leave, but the Minister of Revenue couldn't help but speak: "Emperor…"

"I have my own judgment." Chu Yunzheng cut him off directly.

He continued to coax his Bai Yueguang.

Bai Li's crying grew even more heartrending, and she nestled into his arms: "I only wanted to see the Emperor once, but the Empress kept blocking me in every way."

"Am I not even worthy of seeing the Emperor once?"

"If the Emperor wants me so busy, then I will leave…"

"Li Er, don't be hasty; tell me slowly whatever it is." Chu Yunzheng patiently coaxed.

The Minister of Works could no longer stand it and shouted: "Emperor, with state affairs at hand, how can a woman be crying and making a scene here!"

"Insulting!" Chu Yunzheng barked sharply, shielding Bai Li behind him.

Bai Li flinched at his shout, tears streaming as she looked at the ministers, appearing even more pitiful.

Seeing her like that, Chu Yunzheng felt deep compassion and waved to the ministers: "We'll adjourn for today; you honored officials may withdraw."

The old ministers turned a furious shade of iron, and the Minister of Rites tossed his sleeve heavily: "We retire!"

The senior officials left in anger.

Xiao Dongzi hurriedly caught up.

"Senior officials, please calm your anger."

"Emperor, let this Nubi escort each of you."

"Hmph!" the Minister of Works sneered coldly: "The Emperor is diligent and loves the people, yet now for a woman he can set aside state affairs."

"The Duke of Ning truly gave birth to a disastrous daughter."

"Sir, watch your words!" Xiao Dongzi was quite frightened.

The Minister of Revenue sighed: "In the end, among the wild children outside, the only one truly capable is the legitimate daughter."

"Look at Hui Guifei, skilled in both civil and martial arts, not only leading troops to aid the Northern Border but also rescuing the nation from peril. Moreover, she bears the Emperor's offspring, extending the lineage…"

"The Bai family has always been untouchable in public."

They disregarded whether Xiao Dongzi was nearby, acting recklessly.

"Poor Empress! All her sorrow can only be kept inside, yet she must be tormented by such a woman."

"Hmph! If the Emperor truly harms the Empress for this woman, I would stake my life to remonstrate."

"We are no different."

……

The senior officials' indignation faded as their figures receded.

Xiao Dongzi, listening from behind, broke out in cold sweat and could only sigh deeply.

Wan Tang sat inside Kunning Palace.

Through the barrage, she had heard all the circumstances clearly.

She watched the sun outside gradually set.

Only then did she slowly rise and order Xiao Luzi: "Prepare the Emperor's favorite dishes; tonight Kunning Palace will surely be lively."

Sure enough.

At dusk, Xiao Dongzi's voice came from outside.

"Emperor arrives, Concubine Li arrives…"

Wan Tang rose to greet respectfully.

Before she could reach Chu Yunzheng, she saw his cold face.

He stepped up to Wan Tang, his bright yellow shoes visible.

And Chu Yunzheng's cold voice: "The Empress truly has great skill!"

"Is this why you no longer regard me?"