Rong Pin's forehead veins were jumping, clearly stung by the words, "What did you say?"
"What I said, you know your own heart. Don't think that just because you've become the Emperor's woman, you're truly high and mighty, superior to others." Li Man'er knew that with people like Rong Pin, one had to strike at their vulnerable spot and hit hard; minor irritations were nothing to her.
"Li Man'er, how dare you? I am the Emperor's personally enfeoffed Rong Pin."
"So what?" Li Man'er sneered, "You are merely a dispensable woman, while I have rendered meritorious service in battle. There are many women in the palace, and you can't even bear a child. What are you pretending to be a big shot for? You look down on A Si now, but in my eyes, A Si is far more precious than you, this so-called 'Shuang'. At least she doesn't flatter or fawn, doesn't covet what isn't hers, and certainly doesn't sell her body and soul to achieve her goals."
Rong Pin was about to explode, but Li Man'er's grip on her wrist was so tight she couldn't move. Li Man'er's eyes were bright and round, but devoid of any warmth, sending a chill down her spine. The words she wanted to say were immediately swallowed back.
"Be sensible, and we can all go our separate ways," Li Man'er raised an eyebrow slightly. "Otherwise, do you think you can win against me?"
Li Man'er released her grip, and Rong Pin stumbled. Her attending palace maid rushed forward to support her, only to be slapped by Rong Pin and sent sprawling to the ground.
Li Man'er smiled slightly, "It seems Noble Consort Rong is quite well, with no discomfort. I shall take my leave then. I wish Noble Consort well."
Li Man'er beckoned to A Si and led her entourage out of Qitai Palace.
A Si had maintained a stern expression until they were out of Qitai Palace, when a faint sadness appeared in her eyes. A Shuang had truly changed, becoming someone she no longer recognized.
However, her attempt to climb into the Emperor's bed was also a betrayal. From this day forward, their sisterly bond was severed.
Li Man'er tilted her head slightly, seeing the resolute look in A Si's eyes, and nodded with satisfaction. Soon, the mistress and servant arrived at the palace of Consort Shu.
Aunty Wen Xiu had been waiting for her, and Zi Yan was also with her. Both were overjoyed to see Li Man'er arrive.
"Greetings, County Princess."
"Aunty, no need for formalities." Li Man'er's immediate assessment of Wen Xiu's demeanor told her that Li Qing Shu was likely an understanding person. While the death of Cui Shi might have left some lingering resentment in her heart, it would not become a torment. In other words, Li Qing Shu would not hate her for this matter.
"Her Ladyship has been waiting for you, please follow this servant, County Princess."
Li Man'er nodded and followed Aunty Wen Xiu to see Li Qing Shu.
Li Qing Shu was dressed very plainly, as Cui Shi had died less than a month ago, which was considered a show of filial piety.
"Greetings, Your Ladyship."
Li Qing Shu smiled faintly, "We haven't seen each other for only a short while, and you've become so distant. Why call me 'Your Ladyship'?"
Seeing this, Aunty Wen Xiu quickly ushered all the servants outside and personally brought tea for Li Man'er.
"It's not that I'm distant, Your Ladyship, but the revenge for my mother's death, after all..." To this day, Li Man'er was still testing Li Qing Shu. If this distant aunt of hers possessed some strategic foresight, Li Man'er wouldn't mind bestowing upon her some wealth and status.
"The Emperor breaks the law, but he is the same as a commoner. Moreover, it was she who wronged you." Li Qing Shu took Li Man'er's hand and said, "Man'er, you had no mother when you were in swaddling clothes. What is wrong with seeking justice for your mother? Furthermore, she also harmed my father."
The old Marquis, wise in his lifetime, likely never imagined he would marry such a venomous woman. Now, the Iron Gallant Marquis's estate, Li Qing Shu, had become the laughingstock of the capital.
"Aunt is understanding and righteous; it is rather Man'er who has been narrow-minded."
Li Qing Shu smiled and then asked, "How is the Emperor's health?"
"He is doing very well!" Li Man'er said confidently, "The Emperor is in good health, Aunt can rest assured."
"What do I have to worry about? To be frank, when the Emperor was unwell, he hardly came to the inner court. Now that his health has improved, he mostly summons only Rong Pin. Even if we inquire, it would be in vain."
The implication was that she was out of favor, her beauty fading with age.
"In this palace, it's always the new faces who smile, and the old ones who weep. In this palace, let alone me, even Consort Chen, what can she do?"
Aunty Wen Xiu was so anxious she stamped her foot, "Your Ladyship..." Discussing the Emperor so lightly was a serious offense.
"Aunt, please set your mind at ease. Better days are ahead."
Li Qing Shu was puzzled and stared at her blankly.
Li Man'er was unwilling to reveal heavenly secrets, merely smiling knowingly, everything was under control.
That night, Emperor Chenghua felt an unprecedented sense of ease. Previously, Li Man'er's treatments and medicine had gradually improved his declining health, but that improvement had only reached the point of not being uncomfortable. Now, he felt as if he had returned to ten years ago, light as a swallow, his body brimming with vitality and passion.
He now felt a warmth in his dantian, as if some power was about to surge forth.
"Xia Ruhai..."
"Your Majesty."
"Summon Rong..." He had initially intended to summon Rong Pin for the night, but then he changed his mind, "Summon Consort Shu instead."
Eunuch Xia immediately lowered his eyes, "Yes." He then turned to find a young eunuch to fetch the sedan chair to escort the person.
The palace was not solely filled with schemes and conflicts; there were also human sentiments.
Li Qing Shu never dreamed that the moment of vindication would come so quickly. She had just said that the Emperor only summoned newcomers and ignored the old, and that evening she received an imperial edict to attend him.
Fortunately, Man'er had already gone to bed, otherwise, where would she hide her old face?
Li Qing Shu did not dare to delay. She hastily bathed and changed, and went to Emperor Chenghua's sleeping quarters.
On the way, she was filled with unease, and somewhat understood that it was probably because of Li Man'er that the Emperor had remembered her, an old acquaintance.
At Qitai Palace, Rong Pin also received the news that Li Qing Shu was to attend the Emperor, and immediately threw things around her room in a fit of rage.
"Bitch!" Rong Pin's face was contorted with fury. She knew that if it weren't for Li Man'er, such a fortunate event would not have fallen to Consort Shu.
"She is already a Consort, what is she still fighting with me for? If she can't raise children herself, can't she let others?" Rong Pin spoke recklessly, without thinking, and uttered an insult.
"Your Ladyship."
"Your Ladyship, please calm your anger." Everyone in the room knelt down. To joke about royal bloodlines was to court death!
Seeing the trembling servants, Rong Pin finally calmed down.
Li Man'er, you think I am useless? You think whether I am in the palace or not makes no difference?
Then let's wait and see.
That night, Li Qing Shu did not return to her own chambers. Emperor Chenghua, full of vigor, toiled until the latter half of the night, allowing her to stay the night.
Being allowed to stay in the Emperor's sleeping quarters was naturally something to be proud of, but at the same time, it also made one an easy target for resentment.
Consort Chen, while trimming her potted plants, whispered, "Watch, the winds are about to change in this palace again."