Night, Qin Country Palace.
Within the heavy palace walls, hidden are the Emperor of Qin's beautiful consorts.
Phoenix Palace, the residence of the Emperor's favored Concubine, Lady Jiang. Just by hearing the name of this palace, one can infer the status of the noble consort within the palace.
Moreover, she is the biological mother of Prince Rui, Qin Jinhao.
The Palace Maids moved gracefully, lighting the lamps within the palace, dispelling the darkness of the night.
Today is the first day of the month.
By the rules of the Qin Country's harem, on the first and fifteenth of each month, the Emperor must retire to the Empress's chamber. Thus, tonight, the Phoenix Palace appeared especially deserted.
Inside the luxurious palace, light gauze draped softly, layers of curtains hung down.
A noble woman, dressed in the most dazzling attire, yet her head was bare of any decorative ornaments. It seemed she was preparing to remove her makeup and retire, but was suddenly called out.
"All of you, leave." Behind the curtains, the noble woman command in a tone of arrogance and laziness to the Palace Maids who attended her.
The Palace Maids complied, bowing and retreating, leaving the vast palace with only the stately and alluring silhouette behind the curtain and the tall figure standing before it.
"Coming over so late, is there an urgent matter?" The woman's voice sounded once more, naturally addressing that tall figure.
The tall figure, dressed in dark attire, highlighted his magnificent stature. Even without others around for comparison, his charisma was unmissable. Hearing the woman's inquiry, he respectfully bowed slightly: "Mother, He Cheng has already returned. However..." Speaking, he succinctly recounted the events that occurred at the Flower Picking House.
After he finished speaking, an alabaster and delicate arm stretched out from behind the curtain, gently lifting the curtain open as she gracefully stepped forward.
Candlelight illuminated her, revealing her alluring beauty, with an entirely charming demeanor. As radiant as a flower, as gentle as water. Every gesture exuded countless charms, captivating the heart.
Yet, hidden in her brows was a proud expression, seemingly carrying an unattainable air.
She is the Emperor's favored Concubine, Lady Jiang, and the biological mother of Prince Rui, Qin Jinhao, and Princess Changle.
Lady Jiang's sharp eyes fell on her son, secretly severe. Her son, whom she was proud of. Compared to that wench's son, she believed her son was more suitable to be the Crown Prince.
Unfortunately, seniority precedes, and there's a difference between legitimate and illegitimate. Even though she was favored, she couldn't change the fact that her son was born of a concubine.
"Hao'er, you were too careless this time." Lady Jiang reprimanded.
The typically aloof and indifferent Qin Jinhao did not dare to defend himself at this moment. Because in his heart, his mother was a woman as capable as any man, her various means earning his admiration.
Lady Jiang raised her hand to gently brush her hair, then said, "You came tonight, I suppose to tell me to give up on this chess piece of the He Family."
Qin Jinhao did not deny: "Yes, Mother. Now, He Cheng has become the biggest laughingstock in Luodu. If I continue to use him, my reputation might suffer, especially since this He Cheng is not someone of talent, unable to handle even minor matters."
In his words, Qin Jinhao's anger and dissatisfaction did not escape Lady Jiang's notice.
Lady Jiang's eyes shifted slightly: "What you speak of is the matter of teaching Mu Family's Mu Qingge a lesson."
Qin Jinhao acknowledged.
Seeing her outstanding son could not remain calm, Lady Jiang was somewhat angry. She descended the steps, approached Qin Jinhao, and sternly said: "I've told you many times to endure, to prioritize the bigger picture. Yet you secretly dispatched He Cheng to humiliate Mu Qingge, leading him to danger. If not for his trusted aide's life-saving efforts, he might have already been dead. His death would affect our entire layout, and as for Mu Xiong, no one would know what actions he might take in overwhelming grief."