“Honorable Consort An possesses such noble character, sacrificing herself for others and even disregarding her own wellbeing for the Emperor. Such behavior clearly demonstrates her deep feelings for His Majesty. How could I, in good conscience, stand in the way of your heartfelt devotion?
I have been childless for many years, a clear sign that I lack the fate for children. Honorable Consort An, focus on nurturing your pregnancy.”
The words Xuanyuan Mo had prepared to say were left unsaid.
Today’s events had indeed been unexpected. He never anticipated someone would dare to attempt an assassination in broad daylight. An Ningxiang shielding him from the blade moved him deeply, and the decision to make her Empress was now irrevocable.
He had expected Tang Guo to react to the news of An Ningxiang’s pregnancy with outrage and protest. Yet, she surprised him with her gracious and magnanimous response.
The Imperial Concubine he remembered had always been accustomed to indulgence and exclusivity, unwilling to tolerate other consorts by his side.
When he recalled her earlier, wielding a sword to dispatch the assassins, his gaze lingered on her, unable to look away. He suddenly realized that the Imperial Concubine was utterly captivating, exuding a charm that could bewitch anyone.
“Your Majesty must have much to discuss with Honorable Consort An. I will take my leave.”
Tang Guo turned and left. Concubine Meng De bowed and quickly followed her. Concubine Yin Shu hesitated briefly, offered some words of comfort, and then also departed.
Concubine Meng De trailed Tang Guo back to her quarters. Upon entering, she saw Tang Guo’s pale face and let out a sigh before softly asking, “Imperial Concubine, are you feeling well?”
“I’m fine,” Tang Guo replied as she wiped her bloodstained soft sword with a pristine white silk handkerchief. “It’s been a long time since I’ve taken action. It seems my body isn’t as strong as it used to be.”
Concubine Meng De had heard about the earlier events and knew that most of the assassins had fallen to the Imperial Concubine’s blade, each strike a fatal blow.
She thought to herself, It seems I still don’t understand her well enough.
This peerless woman, a vision of unparalleled elegance and talent, was merely a consort in the imperial harem.
Stepping forward, Concubine Meng De grasped Tang Guo’s hand, only to find it ice-cold. Alarmed, she asked, “Should I summon an imperial physician?”
“We only brought two imperial physicians on this journey. Who would I call?”
“The Imperial Concubine’s health is important.”
“It’s nothing. I’ll recover after some rest.”
Concubine Meng De’s lips curled into a bitter smile. “You’ve been wronged.”
“I haven’t.” Tang Guo had Mei Lan prepare hot tea, which she drank to soothe herself. Leaning against a soft cushion, she finally said, “Prepare to return to the palace.”
Concubine Meng De hesitated, unsure of what to say. In the end, she leaned close to Tang Guo’s ear and whispered, “I’ve received news from my father. The court officials are preparing to petition His Majesty to elevate Honorable Consort An to Empress.”
“Sister, do you have any thoughts on this?”
“None at all. I’ve been waiting for this day.”
Concubine Meng De was taken aback. Did the Imperial Concubine know this all along?
She smiled bitterly. Of course. A woman as brilliant as Tang Guo couldn’t possibly have missed it. Over the years, hadn’t they all witnessed her unmatched cleverness?
“Sister, if you ever feel troubled, you can always come to us.”
Concubine Meng De felt she couldn’t say much more. After all, many matters were beyond the influence of a mere consort.
All she could do was relay what she knew to Tang Guo. Beyond that, she had no ability to intervene.
“General, we didn’t expect the Imperial Concubine to appear midway and wipe out all the assassins we painstakingly trained.”
General An’s expression darkened. After a moment, he recalled the latest news and sighed. “Forget it. Let’s pretend this never happened. At least we achieved our objective.”
“With Ningxiang becoming Empress, all sacrifices are worth it.”
The Emperor would indeed elevate Ningxiang. Yet, based on his daughter’s cryptic remarks, General An felt compelled to give events a slight nudge, lest the Imperial Concubine cause unexpected changes.
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