diskusbooks Chapter 287: Arrogant Concubine Rong
Chapter 287: Arrogant Concubine Rong
The Queen was somewhat bewildered by Emperor Zhao's abnormal behavior today. She had originally thought that Emperor Zhao would be furious with her cold words. After all, in this deep palace, the emperor's majesty could not be violated.
But the Emperor Zhao in front of her was not angry at all. Instead, he spoke kindly to her and comforted her, which made her a little confused for a moment.
After a brief moment of daze, the queen came to her senses, snorted coldly, then walked to the edge of the bed and slowly sat down.
She gently exposed Zhao Hao's legs, her movements as gentle as if she were treating a rare treasure.
Afterwards, as usual, she personally rubbed Zhao Hao's legs, again and again, with skillful and focused movements, as if everything around her had nothing to do with her. She only had her unconscious son in her eyes and no longer paid any attention to Emperor Zhao.
Emperor Zhao looked at this scene which was against the palace rules, but did not reprimand it.
Although he rarely came to the East Palace during the day, he knew that the Queen came almost every day and stayed for a long time.
Every time she came, she would personally massage the prince's legs and arms, taking care of him meticulously, no matter how big or small. She did everything herself and never delegated it to others.
Seeing the queen's deep love for her son, Emperor Zhao was filled with emotion. He knew very well that the queen had endured too much pain and grievances alone over the years, and he really couldn't bear to blame her anymore.
In the bedroom of the East Palace, it was so quiet for a while that the only sounds could be heard: the Queen's gentle massage and the occasional bird song outside the window.
Emperor Zhao sat on a chair nearby, his eyes occasionally falling on the Queen and Zhao Hao, his expression complicated, as if he was thinking about something.
The queen was immersed in her own world, concentrating on rubbing her son's legs. Every movement was filled with a mother's tenderness and concern. There was only Zhao Hao in her eyes, as if everything around her had nothing to do with her.
At this moment, Concubine Rong, surrounded by palace maids and eunuchs, hurried towards the East Palace.
She was already brooding over the Emperor Zhao's sudden trip to the Eastern Palace, and when she heard that the Queen was also there, she suddenly felt a strong sense of resentment and jealousy.
She wondered why the queen could be by the prince's side while she was kept in the dark?
So, despite everyone's dissuasion, she insisted on coming to find out what was going on.
Concubine Rong arrived at the gate of the East Palace, but was blocked outside by Eunuch Zhao with a serious face.
Eunuch Zhao looked respectful, but his tone was firm: "Your Highness, the Emperor has ordered that no one should disturb His Royal Highness the Crown Prince's recuperation."
This was the first time that Concubine Rong came to the Eastern Palace. She thought she could enter smoothly, but she was unexpectedly turned away again. Her face instantly became gloomy, and anger burned in her heart.
Recalling that she was blocked outside the Yuhedian Hall before, and now she was blocked outside the East Palace Gate, how could she swallow this so easily?
If she just let it go like this, how would she survive in this palace in the future? How could she let the Queen look down on her?
"Get out of the way!" Concubine Rong shouted angrily, her voice filled with unquestionable majesty.
Eunuch Zhao was complaining in his heart. He did not mean to make things difficult for Concubine Rong. It was really because of the emperor's order. Moreover, he knew very well that the conflict between the queen and Concubine Rong was a long-standing one. If he let Concubine Rong in now, it would definitely cause an uproar.
If he disturbed the unconscious prince, he would not be able to bear the blame from the emperor.
Seeing that Eunuch Zhao was unmoved, Concubine Rong was completely enraged. She turned to look at her trusted palace maid Liu'er beside her, and a hint flashed in her eyes.
Liu'er understood what he meant, gritted her teeth, and rushed towards Eunuch Zhao. She used all her strength to push Eunuch Zhao away, and then she pushed open the tightly closed palace door.
"I'm sorry, I really have no choice." The moment Concubine Rong stepped in, Liu'er quickly whispered something to Eunuch Zhao, and then hurriedly closed the door.
"You!" Eunuch Zhao's face flushed with anger. He had been by the emperor's side for many years, but when had he ever suffered such humiliation? But the other party was a top-class maidservant beside Concubine Rong, and she had Concubine Rong's support behind her, so he was helpless for the time being.
Eunuch Zhao secretly took note of this account in his heart. He was not a soft persimmon that could be bullied by others. He would avenge this grudge sooner or later.
Although Liu'er appeared calm on the surface, she couldn't help but feel a little scared when faced with the murderous look of Eunuch Zhao.
However, when she thought of the favored Concubine Rong behind her, she mustered up her courage again. She knew very well that Concubine Rong was extremely protective of her. As long as Concubine Rong was around, even if Eunuch Zhao was angry, he would not dare to do anything to her.
Concubine Rong forced her way into the East Palace's bedroom. At that time, the Queen had just finished massaging Zhao Hao's legs. Hearing the noise, she immediately pulled the quilt over Zhao Hao's legs with quick and skillful movements.
Then she turned her head and shot a sharp gaze like a knife at Concubine Rong who walked in.
"How dare you! Concubine Rong, what do you intend to do by doing this? The Eastern Palace is not a place where a mere concubine like you can trespass without permission." The Queen's voice was icy cold, carrying the majesty of a superior.
Concubine Rong, however, was not in the least afraid of the Empress's rebuke. She looked at Emperor Zhao, who had been sitting motionless at the table, with a look of grievance on her face. Tears glistened in her eyes, and she looked pitiful. "Your Majesty, I was truly worried about the Crown Prince. I heard that Your Majesty and my sister were both in the Eastern Palace, and I was afraid something might happen to the Crown Prince again, so I rushed here in a panic. But who could have known that Eunuch Zhao would actually block me outside the door? I had no other choice but to force my way in."
After saying this, Concubine Rong turned to the Queen and pretended to feel guilty: "Sister, I really didn't mean it. I was just too worried about the Crown Prince, so I made you angry. I hope you will forgive me."
However, there was a hint of provocation and complacency in her eyes as she looked at the queen.
In the past, Concubine Rong relied on the favor of Emperor Zhao and acted recklessly in the palace. Even if she did something excessive, Emperor Zhao never reprimanded her.
It was this favor that made her become more and more bold, and today she dared to enter the Eastern Palace so recklessly.
As expected, Emperor Zhao spoke up: "Since the Imperial Concubine has no intention, the Queen should not bother with her."
When the queen heard this, her face turned pale instantly. She bit her lower lip tightly, her eyes full of unwillingness and anger.
However, Emperor Zhao seemed oblivious to her emotional fluctuations and continued to speak to himself, "Forget it, forget it. This is the Eastern Palace, and it's not a place for you to be. Rong'er, it's best for you to return first. I'll come visit you after I've taken care of some business."
When Concubine Rong heard this, she not only did not show any intention of leaving, but instead gave a smug smile to the Queen beside her.
Then, she nodded slightly, took light steps, and slowly approached Emperor Zhao's side.
Her red lips parted slightly, and her voice, as gentle as a nightingale, rang out: "Your Majesty! I have not yet had the opportunity to visit His Royal Highness the Crown Prince! If I leave in such a hurry, wouldn't it seem disrespectful? I only ask for a glance, to confirm that the Crown Prince is well and to show him some concern. I hereby swear to uphold my duty and never disturb his rest."
As she spoke, Concubine Rong took a few steps forward without hesitation. Her firm steps and resolute posture clearly showed that she was determined to stay in the East Palace this time.