Novel Full Chapter 2242: Worried
Chapter 2242: Worried
“Consort Su, instead of worrying about us, why not focus on bearing a son for the Emperor to secure your position? Jiangnan boasts a myriad of beauties, each more enchanting than the last. After being away from Jiangning for so long, aren’t you concerned that the Emperor might be tempted by new beauties?”
Consort Su’s heart skipped a beat. She truly felt a twinge of worry.
The Emperor’s harem boasted over a dozen concubines and countless low-ranking palace maids.
The beauties of Jiangnan were renowned for their allure. If she wasn’t in the palace, there could be many vying for the Emperor’s favor.
“I don’t need your concern! The Emperor’s affection for me surpasses all. Regardless of how many others he surrounds himself with, they’re mere playthings for his amusement.”
Qiao Xuan smiled knowingly. “As they say, a mother’s status rises with the birth of a son. It would solidify your position.”
Consort Su’s eyelids twitched violently.
She had been with the Emperor for over a year, yet she hadn’t conceived. It was a sore point she avoided acknowledging, and no one dared mention it around her.
Qiao Xuan’s mention of it made Consort Su glare at her, discomfort evident in her expression.
Facing Qiao Xuan, Consort Su could only simmer in discomfort. Had it been anyone else, she might have resorted to violence.
Refusing to concede, Consort Su exclaimed, “What benefactor? The child of a wretch is nothing more than a wretch!”
Consort Fu couldn’t help but shoot her a sidelong glance, silently thinking, “What right does a woman of questionable origin like you have to speak so? Your own child isn’t exactly noble either…”
Qiao Xuan opted not to engage further, offering a serene smile instead. “Let me know when you’re ready to depart, Your Majesty. If you need more rest, feel free to stay here.”
She ensured they lacked for nothing in terms of comfort and provisions.
Truthfully, Qiao Xuan anticipated their departure and hoped they’d leave sooner.
Consort Su would undoubtedly spin tales upon her return, but Qiao Xuan wouldn’t let her monopolize the gossip. She had already stoked the flames and taken the initiative, spreading carefully crafted rumors far and wide about Consort Su’s arrogance, tyranny, and other alleged misdeeds. Naturally, these stories were embellished, if not entirely fabricated.
What did it matter? After all, this person was not a kind person to begin with. If she did not say it, she would definitely not be polite when she said it.
Then what was there to be polite about?
If they stayed for a few more days, these comments would spread outside for a few more days. She would not lose out…
Qiao Xuan’s words had a profound effect on Consort Su.
That night, Consort Su was so agitated that she couldn’t sleep a wink.
The next day, Nanny Ling managed to calm her down.
Consort Su reasoned that Shao Yunduan and Qiao Xuan were ambitious and cared little for the Emperor’s authority. Despite her status as an Imperial Concubine, she felt powerless and trapped in the inn at the intermediate province.
“What’s the use of staying here?” she wondered. “If I scold them, they ignore me. If I try to strike them, they retaliate!”
“Why are we still here?”
Consort Su instructed Consort Fu to approach Qiao Xuan and convey her desire to return. Reluctantly, they departed with Consort Fu leading the way.