NOVPUBConsort Shu never expected that Xu Lianggen would uncover such a matter.
She quickly understood her son’s intentions.
“Well, who would’ve thought that Zhao Huan’er would eventually fall into the hands of our Bai family.”
Xu Lianggen laughed along with her.
“Mother, this is also for avenging my unborn brother.”
Consort Shu had never told Xu Lianggen about the child, only managing a bitter smile.
“That’s in the past; let’s not bring it up again. Geng’er, from now on, your mother will rely on you.”
Xu Lianggen, filled with filial piety, nodded. “Mother, you’ve worked hard all your life. It’s time for me to take care of you.”
The mother and son quickly reached an agreement, their goals clear, and everything was arranged transparently.
Consort Shu’s birthday banquet coincided with the one-month celebration of Consort Jia’s son.
However, since Consort Jia was still under punishment, she was only granted the privilege of attending with her child due to special favor.
After such a long period of quiet in the harem, it was time for a happy event to wash away the worries.
The Emperor probably thought the same, so he made Consort Shu’s birthday banquet exceptionally grand.
It was almost on par with the standards of the Empress’s celebrations.
Shen Roujia hid quietly behind the crowd, covered up tightly, only her eyes visible.
Xu Zening frowned as he looked at Shen Roujia.
“What are you doing?”
Shen Roujia blinked her eyes. “Me? The imperial physician said my facial wounds shouldn’t be exposed to the wind.”
Xu Zening was speechless and turned away.
The banquet was lively, and since Shen Roujia arrived, she had gradually gotten used to the atmosphere.
She had become accustomed to various settings, remaining calm and composed.
Until the music and dance started, Shen Roujia began to feel bored.
“Your Highness, I would like to go to the garden to sober up.”
Xu Zening glanced at the darkening sky and nodded slightly.
“Go ahead.”
Shen Roujia’s eyes lit up, and she allowed Xiao Fu to help her up.
She walked briskly along the path, unable to stop her inner grumbling.
Everyone seemed to be watching them like monkeys, staring at her and Xu Zening.
Shen Roujia was annoyed and wanted to find a quiet place to relax.
Seeing her heading towards the lake, Xiao Fu rushed to stop her.
“Your Highness, there are many insects by the lake!”
Shen Roujia looked at Xiao Fu, puzzled. “It’s cool over there.”
Xiao Fu was now so protective of Shen Roujia, she treated her like a fragile treasure.
“The path there is slippery. It’s better to be cautious, Your Highness.”
Shen Roujia couldn’t help but laugh at her.
“Alright, we’ll sit over there.”
Shen Roujia had a few sips of fruit wine and was feeling a bit tipsy.
Xiao Fu, seeing a stone bench by the rockery, finally felt at ease.
“Alright.”
Shen Roujia lazily squinted her eyes, leaning against the stone bench by the rockery.
She hadn’t relaxed for long before she heard some playful banter.
“Consort Li, now that you’re pregnant, you must take extra care of your health.”
Shen Roujia frowned slightly. Why did that voice sound familiar?
A clear, gentle voice followed, “Yunqing, no need to be so formal with me.”
Gu Yunqing, playfully clinging to Consort Li’s arm, said, “Cousin, you treat me the best.”
Hearing Gu Yunqing’s voice, Shen Roujia felt inexplicably irritated. She scratched her ear, turned over, and continued her nap.
Suddenly, she overheard something that made her pause, hearing Gu Yunqing’s mocking laughter.
“It’s quite a match, the cripple and the ugly woman…”
This must be a major dog-eat-dog scene.
