Chapter 136: A Sip of Lotus Seed Soup

Though many harbored their own grievances, it was Consort Yu who displayed her discontent most openly. Coupled with Consort Wen’s seemingly casual yet provocative remark, she abruptly turned on her heel and left.

But that night stretched endlessly before her.

Consort Yu tossed and turned, unable to find rest. “This is too much. That wretched Hua Yue is clearly provoking me on purpose. I will never let her off easy!”

Her fists pounded heavily upon the table, betraying her restless spirit. Changing into a subdued outfit, she pushed the door open and slipped out.

Behind an artificial rockery, she clenched a small slip of paper tightly in her hand and waited quietly, though anxiety gnawed at her heart. “I wonder if that person will come as promised.”

After nearly the time it takes an incense stick to burn, impatience crept in. “Why hasn’t that person arrived yet? Is this some kind of trick?”

Just as she was about to leave, a low voice came from the shadows: “What’s the matter? Even a noble consort can’t wait through a brief moment?”

Startled, Consort Yu turned to see a figure dressed in black. Her face lit up with hope. “You’ve finally come. You’re the one from this note—can you truly help me become the head of the harem, the emperor’s rightful wife?”

The figure nodded silently and extended a hand. “Give me the note.”

Obediently, she handed it over, eyes shining with anticipation, and quickly recounted the troubles with Hua Yue.

“If you’re willing to help me, then start by dealing with a woman named Hua Yue. As long as she lives, I’ll never gain the emperor’s favor or pity.”

Had she possessed any real power in the palace, she wouldn’t have been forced to resort to such desperation.

The man in black regarded her intently, then nodded thoughtfully. “You know well that everything comes at a price. I trust you won’t mind.”

“Rest assured, if I ascend to the position of head consort, you will be my benefactor and receive all the rewards you desire. I won’t shortchange you in the slightest.”

His arrogant words were smooth and flattering.

Satisfied, the man produced a small packet of powder. “If you truly want to eliminate her, this poison will do the trick. Dissolve it in water—it won’t be easily detected, and death is certain.”

Consort Yu stared at the packet, her expression conflicted.

“If discovered, it’s a capital offense…”

Only recently, a consort had died poisoning someone, and her corpse was still not fully stiffened. Could she really follow in her footsteps?

Seeing her hesitation, the man sneered coldly. “You know the palace guards are strict. If I kill on your behalf and we’re caught, your safety cannot be guaranteed. But if you do it yourself, using a subtle poison, no one will suspect a thing.”

At this point, with his relentless urging, Consort Yu steeled herself and nodded.

“Fine—since that wretched woman provoked me first, today she will see the consequences.”

With determination, the man accepted her and, as compensation for his aid, handed her a hairpin before departing satisfied.

Before dawn, with eyes swollen from sleeplessness, Consort Yu crept silently to the imperial kitchen.

At this hour, the chefs had not yet begun their duties, and the kitchen was quiet, filled only with lingering aromas from the previous night’s meals.

Carefully, she sprinkled the powder into lotus seeds that had been soaking overnight.

“Don’t blame me for being ruthless. It’s your arrogance that seals your fate. If you don’t die, the emperor will never spare me a glance.”

After stirring gently, she gathered her things and left swiftly.

Unbeknownst to her, every move had been observed.

Xiao Li reported the news to Jun Yeli, a rare moment of surprise for him. “So it’s indeed this woman. I knew she was arrogant, but I never thought she’d be so brazen.”

He took a deep breath. Though vexing, it wasn’t entirely a bad thing—it could clear Hua Rong’s name.

“Your Majesty, what shall we do now?” Xiao Li asked cautiously, unable to read his expression.

Without a word, Jun Yeli strode toward Hua Yue’s chambers, his intent unmistakable.

“Send an order to summon all the consorts to gather. We shall all drink lotus seed soup together.”

Hua Yue was known to drink lotus seed soup daily, the very fact that Consort Yu had targeted the lotus seeds revealed her plan. Yet no one expected an entire banquet of lotus seed soup to appear.

The consorts gathered, some even pleased by the occasion. Only one wore a grim expression.

“Today, Your Majesty seems in good spirits. These lotus seeds are freshly picked—nourishing and delicious, good for your skin. Drink up, everyone.”

Grateful, many began to eat.

Seeing this, Consort Yu panicked and hurriedly called out, “Don’t drink!”

It wasn’t that she feared their deaths, but with so many involved, a thorough investigation would surely follow, and she would be implicated.

Her warning stunned the assembly, all eyes turning toward her in confusion.

“Consort Yu, what are you doing?”

“Exactly, if you won’t drink, why prevent others? What kind of mindset is that?”

Voices of suspicion and displeasure arose, but only Consort Yu’s face betrayed her anxiety, while Hua Yue smiled serenely, lowering her gaze.

The more nervous Consort Yu became, the more obvious her guilt.

Hua Yue’s laughter rang out softly. “Sister, what’s the matter? Don’t you like the lotus seed soup? It’s the emperor’s kind gesture—you wouldn’t want to offend him, would you?”

“No, it’s just—” Consort Yu stammered, unable to offer a clear explanation.

Jun Yeli’s expression darkened. Angrily, he said, “Consort Yu, don’t be ungrateful. Drink it at once.”