readsfreenovel Chapter 43 Little Beast
Chapter 43 Little Beast
The Lu residence.
Lu Zhiheng listened quietly to Ling Xiao's report, his eyes turning slightly cold: "Did His Majesty really give the late Consort's beloved pet to Qiao Qingyin?"
"Yes, the Imperial Concubine used to cherish that cat like a child, and everyone in the palace knew how precious it was. Now it has been sent to Diecui Pavilion. I'm afraid the concubines in the harem will become even more resentful towards Consort Qiao, and the rumors that the Imperial Concubine possessed her will only intensify." Ling Xiao dared not hide anything and told them all the information he had gathered.
Upon hearing this, Lu Zhiheng's cold eyes revealed a hint of a smile: "It seems that His Majesty has deep suspicions about this Miss Qiao."
"Doubt? What do you mean by that, sir?"
"Don't you think our Emperor's treatment of Consort Qiao is too abnormal?"
If it's really just because he looks somewhat like the Imperial Concubine, there are many people in the palace who look alike. When has the Emperor ever paid so much attention to anyone else?
Could it be that this Qiao Qingyin is really related to the deceased Chu Qingyin?
Thinking of this, a bright and beautiful face flashed into Lu Zhiheng's mind. That face was beautiful, but it was like a vase clinging to Pei Yuanling.
Aside from gaining Pei Yuanling's favor, she knew nothing else; otherwise, how could she have succumbed to the slightest hardship and died a violent death in the palace?
Qiao Qingyin, on the other hand, is completely different. She is like a bewitching red spider lily blooming in the darkest hell, seemingly quiet and beautiful, yet possessing a tenacious spirit that can rise from the ashes.
But as Qiao Gongquan's only legitimate daughter, whom he doted on and spoiled, what reason could possibly drive her to disregard everything and head to those layers of palace walls to live such a life of intrigue and scheming?
He became increasingly curious about this Miss Qiao.
"My lord, I have also learned that these rumors in the palace all originated from the Third Miss. If Consort Qiao can escape unscathed, then the source of these rumors is probably..."
Ling Xiao hesitated for a long time, but finally couldn't help but speak.
Lu Mingzhu?
Lu Zhiheng frowned slightly. That stupid fool who doesn't even realize it, with such despicable methods, does she still think she can move around in the palace?
Even if he helps this time, what about next time, and the time after that? He doesn't want to keep cleaning up the messes left by the Lu family's various branches.
However, thinking of the kindness that Old Master Lu had shown him back then...
Lu Zhiheng let out a deep breath and instructed, "Go and inform the Third Branch of the family to discipline their daughter properly. If she accidentally loses her life in the palace one day, don't come begging me."
"Yes."
Upon entering the Zichen Palace, as dawn broke, Pei Yuanling, having just finished a long court session, was still unsteady on his feet when he heard Chen Zhongliang's report.
"Consort Qiao played with Little Snowball in the Imperial Garden today, and they got along very well."
As Chen Zhongliang spoke, he seemed to recall the scene of the Imperial Concubine playing with cats in the garden, and a hint of melancholy appeared in his eyes: "This servant is somewhat dazed, that Imperial Concubine really does resemble the Imperial Concubine of yesteryear..."
"How dare you!" Pei Yuanling suddenly shouted in a low voice.
Chen Zhongliang immediately came to his senses and lowered his head, saying, "Your Majesty, please forgive me, this servant misspoke!"
He was well aware that the Imperial Concubine was now a taboo subject in the palace. If he hadn't seen His Majesty give Little Snowball to Concubine Qiao to raise, he wouldn't have blurted out those words.
Now I only hope that Your Majesty will not blame me.
Pei Yuanling remained silent for a long time, seemingly deep in thought.
"Chen Zhongliang, you are an old servant who has followed me. Tell me the truth, do you believe Consort Qiao's claim that she is possessed by the Imperial Concubine?"
Pei Yuanling's voice came from above, but Chen Zhongliang could guess what the young emperor was thinking.
But he would never dare to speak of such a thing.
Chen Zhongliang lowered his head and dodged, "Your Majesty, please forgive me, this servant is foolish."
Upon hearing this, Pei Yuanling sighed, did not insist, and waved his hand to signal him to leave.
On the other side, amidst the lush greenery of the Imperial Garden, Chu Qingyin was playing with Little Snowball.
She was having so much fun that fine beads of sweat appeared on her forehead, glistening and reflecting her bright smile. Just as she was getting tired and was about to take the cat back to the palace, she saw Lu Mingzhu and Qiao Qingling walking towards her.
Lu Mingzhu, dressed in a light pink dress, looked radiant and beautiful in the sunlight. She smiled broadly, as if Qiao Qingling had said something funny to her.
But when his gaze fell upon Chu Qingyin in front of him, his expression instantly turned cold.
"That annoying person is showing off again. Sister Yi, how can someone be so shameless?" Lu Mingzhu's eyes fell on Little Snowball, her jealousy barely concealed.
It was common knowledge that His Majesty favored Consort Qiao and had given her the Noble Consort's favorite pet. Not only her, but everyone in the palace hated this matter with a passion.
Chu Qingyin glanced at Qiao Qingling, who was trying to ingratiate herself by nodding but then seemed hesitant when she noticed her gaze, and a mocking smile flashed across her face.
She was, after all, a concubine's daughter. She had been by Aunt Wei's side all along, but she hadn't learned anything else but flattery and ingratiation. She was truly not presentable.
"Sister Lu, let's go admire the flowers up ahead!"
Aunt Wei from the family sent another message, telling her that she must humble herself and flatter Qiao Qingyin, first tricking her father into taking her back, and then settling scores with Qiao Qingyin.
At this moment, she had no choice but to pull Lu Mingzhu away to avoid their conflict, thus dragging her into the situation.
After all, she had seen the disdain and mockery in Qiao Qingyin's eyes just now. Although she was unwilling, she had to swallow her anger.
"Get out of my way, you useless thing! You're afraid of her, but I'm not!"
Lu Mingzhu angrily flung Qiao Qingling's hand away, looked up at Qiao Qingyin, and said with disdain, "It's just a cat, what's so special about it?"
"The imperial concubine is dead, so her cat is nothing more than an unwanted little beast."