At the Noble Consort’s Feet

aw for over two decades.
Speaking candidly, she said, “I’ve always known that His Majesty may appear obedient, but deep down, he has a strong will.
Your Highness, as an elder, the more you try to counsel him, the more he’ll resist.”

The Empress Dowager didn’t want to dwell on the matter and waved her hand, dismissing it with a sigh.
“You’re right.
I’m getting older, and he’s growing more and more into the role of an Emperor.
He won’t heed my advice anymore.”

The Grand Princess skillfully changed the topic and cast a sidelong glance at Pei Ji, smiling slyly.
“Children grow up and develop their own ideas.
Your Highness, do you happen to know what I witnessed at Third Son’s place yesterday?”

Pei Ji’s heart sank as soon as he heard his own name brought up.

The Grand Princess went on, “To my surprise, Third Son had a small porcelain box with medicinal powder hidden on him.
He had never used such things before as a young nobleman.
When I saw it yesterday, he was visibly anxious and refused to show it to me, clutching it tightly in his hand.”

The Empress Dowager, her interest piqued, leaned in and inquired, “Really? Could it be a present from a young lady?”

The Grand Princess chuckled softly, “That’s exactly what I suspected as well.”

Pei Ji frowned as he interjected, “Mother!”

The two older women found Pei Ji’s reaction amusing and burst into laughter.
However, before they could probe further, a palace maid interrupted, “Your Highness, Lady Lian Zhen has arrived and seeks an audience with the Empress Dowager.”

The smile on the Empress Dowager’s face faded slightly, but she didn’t say anything.

The palace maid saw her like this and led the person into the hall.

Graceful and poised, Li Zhi followed the palace maid’s lead and entered the room.
Her eyes flickered over the three figures before her, briefly lingering on Pei Ji’s composed form.
She then lowered her gaze, adhering to the formalities she had just learned, and knelt in reverence.

The Empress gave her a cool glance before looking away, neither acknowledging nor dismissing her presence.

The Grand Princess held her tongue, not daring to intrude.

Silence settled in the room, thick and heavy, as if time had come to a standstill.

Pei Ji sat on the couch, unmoving, but his hand tightened into a fist on his knee.

He couldn’t fathom why, but the sight of the woman kneeling on the ground caught his eye.
Devoid of her usual coquettishness, she appeared fragile and pitiable, stirring a subtle ripple in his heart.

The Empress let out a disdainful hum, then disregarded her as if she were invisible, turning her attention back to the Grand Princess with a smile.
“Could it be that the Third Son has taken a liking to some young lady? Do you know who she is? If he truly intends to marry, he should put an end to Ling Yue’s infatuation sooner rather than later.”

The Grand Princess shook her head.
“I’m not sure.
All I saw was a delicate porcelain box in a shade of emerald, exquisitely crafted and clearly a girl’s possession.
The child concealed it carefully, as if afraid of being discovered.”

As soon as these words were spoken, Pei Ji inexplicably felt that the woman kneeling on the ground was looking at him with a smile that was not quite a smile.

He casually stole a glance at her, pretending indifference, and saw that she remained unmoving, not even glancing in his direction.

“Mother, it’s a jar of spring water that Shi Quan bought for me from the Eastern Market when I injured my hand during military drills a few days ago,” he explained calmly, though his tightly clenched fist betrayed his inner tension.

The Empress Dowager made a few more teasing remarks, then finally noticed the graceful figure still kneeling immaculately.
Her expression turned cold as she spoke slowly, “Raise your face, let me have a look.”

The condescending tone and undisguised disdain from above made Li Zhi exert a slight force with her hands.

She stayed on her knees, docilely lifting her head and avoiding direct eye contact as the Empress Dowager inspected her closely.

The Empress Dowager had seen a portrait of the woman before, but in person, her beauty was even more mesmerizing.
The Empress Dowager found herself entranced by her exquisite features.

The woman’s flawless complexion, curvaceous figure, and delicate limbs exuded an otherworldly beauty.
Her face was a work of art, with a combination of alluring features and a pure innocence that captivated all who beheld her.
Among the beauties in the imperial court, she was a vision of unparalleled grace and beauty.

Who would have thought that someone from such a humble background could possess such captivating beauty? No wonder her two sons were enchanted by her.

“You are indeed a beauty, but sadly, we are not destined to be in-laws.” She sneered with a sense of disgust, waving her hand dismissively.
“I have seen you today, now you may leave.
Remember to conduct yourself appropriately in the future, and don’t let success go to your head.
Also, refrain from visiting me frequently.
My palace is not spacious enough for someone like you.”

“Yes, Your Highness.” Li Zhi lowered her gaze and responded with utmost respect.
She then gracefully rose to her feet and exited the hall without uttering another word.

Having knelt for nearly a quarter of an hour, Li Zhi’s knees were numb and tingling.
As she crossed the threshold, she lost her balance and stumbled forward, nearly falling.

“Miss!” Chun Yue, who was waiting outside, moved quickly and caught Li Zhi just as she stumbled.
The two of them steadied themselves.
“Miss, are your legs alright?”

Li Zhi glanced at the palace maids standing around with lowered brows and heads, as if she hadn’t seen them nearly stumble just now, and a chill spread in her heart.

Clearly, it wasn’t her choice to marry Prince Rui or enter the imperial harem, yet these women, who were also females like her, made no distinctions and laid all the blame on her without discrimination.

It was indeed a world dominated by men.

Li Zhi remained silent, her eyes glinting with coldness as she reassured Chun Yue with a gentle squeeze of her hand.
Leaning on her for support, she walked slowly until they reached a dense grove of trees, where she finally stopped and said, “I’m fine.
My knees just feel a bit numb from kneeling for a while.
It will pass after resting.”

Li Zhi found a secluded spot under the shade of the trees and settled herself on a large stone.
Peering through the dense foliage and lush grass, she caught sight of a tall figure dressed in regal purple robes passing by with an air of nobility.

A flicker of emotion crossed her heart, and a knowing smile curved her lips.

As she was about to call out, she noticed a young woman in luxurious garments being accompanied by a retinue of palace maids, approaching her with an air of arrogance.

“So, you are the infamous Third Miss Zhong from Wangxian Temple?” The young woman walked briskly towards her, looking down on her from a higher position with a scornful tone.
“Such a shameless woman, daring to reside in Chenghuan Palace!”

Li Zhi’s expression turned frosty.

Li Zhi observed the young woman in front of her, noting the resemblance in facial features to Emperor Li Jing Ye.
She had already deduced her identity – Princess Li Ling Yue of Wuyang, the younger sister of the current Emperor.