readsfreenovel Chapter 199 Grasshoppers in Autumn
Chapter 199 Grasshoppers in Autumn
"what's up?"
Chu Qingyin stopped in her tracks, her expression turning slightly cold.
"The younger sister has not seen her older sister for many days and misses her very much, which is why she called out to her older sister."
Qiao Qingling pouted, seemingly a little aggrieved, "Yesterday, my aunt wrote a letter saying that Father has recently been promoted again. Despite being busy with official duties, he still remembered to have my aunt write to remind us that you and I, as sisters, should help each other in the palace."
She blinked her big, bright eyes, looking innocent and carefree: "Sister, we are both daughters of the Qiao family. Now that we are in this deep palace, we should support each other even more. I know that you are intelligent, and I hope you will give me more guidance in the future."
"Qiao Qingling, you only have these same excuses over and over again. Don't you have anything else to say?"
Chu Qingyin frowned, then suddenly thought of something and said sarcastically, "Father was promoted this time because I saved the emperor. Why would he tell you these things that upset me? Could it be that Aunt Jiang is falsely conveying Father's intentions?"
Seemingly having her secret exposed, Qiao Qingling's face paled instantly. She stammered, "This... how could this be? How could Aunt do such a thing?"
Chu Qingyin sneered, "Whether you can or not, you two know better than anyone else."
Back when she was still living in the manor, Aunt Jiang had done many such despicable things, sowing discord between the father and daughter, causing the original owner to lose trust in her father, and also making Qiao Gongquan feel disgusted with the original owner.
Thinking of this, a cold glint flashed in her eyes, and she warned Qiao Qingling, "Furthermore, what makes you think that just because Father instructed me, I should do as he says?"
"Qiao Qingling, I advise you not to cause any more trouble in front of me, otherwise I have plenty of ways to torment you."
Qiao Qingling trembled, and the smile on her face froze completely: "Sister, are you really going to be so heartless?"
Her voice was choked with sobs, making her sound rather pitiful.
Chu Qingyin didn't even glance at her, only turning her face away, "Xianglan, let's go."
The most important thing right now is Empress Wang; as for Qiao Qingling—
Like a grasshopper in autumn, let her hop around for a while longer.
Watching Chu Qingyin's departing figure, Qiao Qingling bit her lower lip, her nails digging deep into her palm.
"Chu Qingyin, don't be so smug. You've treated me like this today, but one day I'll make you kneel before me and beg for mercy!"
At this moment, Ya'er, who had been standing silently behind her, cautiously spoke up: "Master, what should we do?"
"You're asking me what to do?"
Qiao Qingling suddenly turned her head and glared fiercely at Ya'er: "Aren't you always full of ideas? Now give me some ideas!"
Crow trembled at her shout and stammered, unable to speak.
"No, I can't just let this go."
Qiao Qingling took a deep breath and tried to calm herself down: "Chu Qingyin is now favored in the palace, and my father also treats her differently. If I don't do something, I'm afraid I'll be trampled under her feet for the rest of my life."
Now that Empress Wang is ill, her patron has fallen.
In addition, Empress Wang had previously preferred to promote Consort Li, who appeared out of nowhere, rather than help her, which created a rift between her and Empress Wang.
If she doesn't come up with a solution soon, her situation in the palace will likely become increasingly difficult.
No, she was determined to change the current situation.
***
After leaving Consort Qin's palace, Chu Qingyin went straight back to Feixue Palace.
"Your Majesty, why did you say those things to the Second Miss..."
Xianglan asked in a low voice, "Aren't you afraid that she might do something outrageous in a corner?"
"I'm afraid she won't do it."
Chu Qingyin's lips curled into a cold smile, her tone full of disdain: "If she really had the guts, it wouldn't be in vain that I'm so wary of her. I'm just afraid that she only has a heart full of hatred, but no ability to actually do it."
Xianglan still looked worried: "It's better to be safe than sorry. Your Majesty should be careful."
"Don't worry, I know what I'm doing."
Chu Qingyin gently patted Xianglan's hand: "I've long understood Qiao Qingling's thoughts. She wouldn't dare to act rashly, and even if she did do something, I have ways to deal with it."
Now that the matter of attending to the Empress is settled, it will be her turn in a couple of days, so it's best to make preparations as soon as possible.
Chu Qingyin hurriedly instructed Xianglan to give orders to prepare all the necessary items.
The first two days were naturally for Consort Qin, followed by Consort De.
Four days later, according to rank, it was Chu Qingyin's turn.
On the day she was to attend to the sick, Chu Qingyin packed her things early and took Xianglan to Fengyi Palace.
Because the Empress had been ill for many days, the entire Fengyi Palace was shrouded in a deathly gloom, and the air was filled with a strong smell of medicine.
Guided by the maids of Fengyi Palace, Chu Qingyin entered the inner hall.
Through the pale yellow curtain, she could see the Empress lying on her side on the couch.
"Your Majesty, I pay my respects."
"Consort Liang has arrived..."
Empress Wang's voice was weak. "Rise, there's no need for such formalities."
She slightly raised her hand to signal Chu Qingyin to stand up, her gaze falling on the face that was extremely similar to that of the late Consort, and she immediately felt a sense of disgust.
Chu Qingyin slowly got up and saw that Empress Wang on the bed looked haggard with sunken eyes, appearing even more sickly than before.
"Your Majesty, how are you feeling today?"
Chu Qingyin asked softly, her tone carrying just the right amount of concern.
Empress Wang sighed: "It's still the same old story. I can't sleep well at night, and I can't muster any energy during the day."
"Your Majesty, please rest assured. The imperial physicians are highly skilled and will do their utmost to cure you."
Chu Qingyin stepped forward and bowed to comfort her: "Your Majesty, I have come to attend to your illness today. If you have any instructions, please do not hesitate to speak."
"Thank you so much for your help."
Empress Wang nodded slightly, her eyes gazing blankly ahead: "Consort Liang, do you think there are truly vengeful spirits in this palace?"
Upon hearing this, Chu Qingyin's brow twitched slightly.
After a moment of silence, she asked softly, "Why would Your Majesty ask such a question?"
Empress Wang seemed to hesitate for a long time before slowly saying, "These days, I keep dreaming of the late Consort Wang. She has disheveled hair, her face is covered in blood, and she is shouting that she wants me to take her life..."
At this point, Empress Wang trembled slightly, her eyes filled with fear.
Chu Qingyin was taken aback, but feigned surprise and worry: "It's just a nightmare. The late Consort is gone, so she probably doesn't have any resentment. Your Highness, please don't frighten yourself."