novelraw Chapter 590: The Arrogant Imperial Noble Consort Who Failed in the Succession Struggle
Chapter 590: The Arrogant Imperial Noble Consort Who Failed in the Succession Struggle
"You're lying! I don't believe it! His Majesty would never treat me this way!"
From the inner hall, occasional rustling sounds could be heard, mixed with a woman's distinctly petulant and angry shouts:
As an Imperial Noble Consort who had enjoyed the emperor's favor for over a decade, someone who would often provoke and trample over even the Empress herself, who had enemies everywhere, and whose reputation for arrogance had almost spread throughout the entire palace, she was undoubtedly breathtakingly beautiful. However, the original owner was not someone with a good temper.
Especially now, when she was in a fit of rage, she had even thrown out her favorite jade comb. Forget about her nominal son; even if the emperor himself came now, he would likely receive a piece of her mind.
This explosive temper was something An Ning now comfortably inherited. She leaned back lazily in her soft chair, completely ignoring the clamoring Third Prince outside the hall.
The ever-luxurious dressing table reflected the face of a beauty in her most exquisite state.
Even though she had seen many beauties, An Ning couldn't help but feel a flicker of appreciation in her eyes.
In her early thirties, this was precisely when a woman's beauty was at its peak.
This was undoubtedly a face of extreme brilliance and radiance. Snow-white skin, bright eyes, and an aura of fragrant charm. At first glance, it was even more stunning than a peony in its fullest bloom.
Especially at this moment, dressed in a luxurious crimson peony-patterned cloud brocade palace gown, with golden threads woven into phoenix patterns on the sleeves and hem that shimmered brilliantly in the morning light. The nine-phoenix gold hairpin in her hair was particularly ostentatious and eye-catching.Looking around, every object was exquisitely crafted and luxurious, yet it didn't affect comfort in the slightest.
Honestly, although this starting point was also a bit tricky, at least materially speaking, it was much better than the previous few times.
It was just this attire... Hearing the instructions, Hong Yu and the others nearby couldn't help but freeze for a moment.
Logically speaking, shouldn't she dress more vulnerably at a time like this, to make His Majesty feel heartache, thus increasing the chances of him revoking the decree?
Her Ladyship's current appearance... it's as if she's going to make trouble!
Thinking of this, the young palace maid was almost frightened out of her wits.
Unfortunately, the original owner was never one to conceal her actions, nor was she someone who would endure quietly. Before long, the entire entourage marched grandly toward the Hall of Diligent Governance where the current emperor was.
Once the news spread, spies from every palace practically mobilized simultaneously.
Along the way, on the vast palace pathways, An Ning could see with a glance that there were many secretly peeking. As for those who, seeing the Imperial Noble Consort's fall from favor, couldn't resist provoking her... there wasn't a single one.
Honestly, the original owner's "prestige" was truly something else!
In fact, not only was the original owner utterly incredulous upon receiving the news, but even the various palace servants and consorts found it hard to believe.
After all, how His Majesty had treated their Luan Yi Palace over the years was evident to everyone.
If not for that, given this Imperial Noble Consort's level of skill, if the current emperor hadn't been so blatantly biased, forget about the Empress, this woman probably wouldn't have lasted a single round against any of them.
And the Crown Prince—no, he should be called Prince Ning now—was said to be inferior in literary talent to the Eldest Prince, Prince Jing, born of Consort Shu, and even inferior in martial prowess to the Fourth Prince, who was two years younger. Such a thoroughly mediocre person had somehow occupied the Crown Prince position for so many years.
Thinking about it, it simply didn't seem like something their emperor would do.
Thank goodness, thank goodness, His Majesty has finally come to his senses now!
At this thought, the consorts couldn't help but weep for joy. Wonderful! Just imagining that in the future, everyone would have to scrape by under this woman's thumb made the imperial consorts shake their heads frantically.
However, recalling the Imperial Noble Consort's past track record, everyone present still felt somewhat uneasy:
"Your Ladyship, are we just letting her go like this? What if... what if..."
What if she really makes a scene and His Majesty genuinely softens?
Among those present, holding the five-year-old Fifth Prince, Lady Zhou was the first to voice her worries anxiously.
At the head of the gathering, a middle-aged woman in phoenix robes, appearing dignified and gentle, shook her head almost imperceptibly:
"Don't worry. Since ancient times, an emperor's word is his bond. His Majesty has always been sagacious and wise. The establishment of the Crown Prince concerns the very foundation of the state; how could it be lightly revoked or altered?"
"His Majesty's decision must have been made after deep consideration."
The implication was clear: at this point, there was no need to worry about the emperor going back on his word.
This statement was somewhat excessive coming from the consistently magnanimous Empress, who rarely showed her emotions.
Yet, everyone exchanged glances, their inner worries not diminishing much...
After all, who didn't know how that Crown Prince position had been established in the first place?
Meanwhile, encountering no obstruction along the way, An Ning soon arrived outside the Hall of Diligent Governance. Without the slightest regard for the eunuchs attempting to block her, she lifted her leg to stride inside.
Judging by her expression, she meant trouble!
But did anyone dare to stop her forcefully now? They truly didn't! Even the chief eunuch, who hurried forward to greet her the moment she arrived, now only dared to stand hesitantly to the side:
"Oh, Imperial Noble Consort! Your Ladyship! His Majesty... he is resting now..."
In fact, the chief eunuch's concerns were justified.
Sure enough, before long, a somewhat weak voice came from inside the hall:
"Let the Imperial Noble Consort enter!"