boyutpedia Chapter 256 The Cowardly Concubine 6
Chapter 256 The Cowardly Concubine 6
The concubine's face is definitely beyond repair; how could Qingmo's actions possibly restore it?
With her face ruined, Consort Liang was too ashamed to show her face in public, so she stayed in her courtyard every day, beating and scolding the servants and taking her anger out on them.
In the stillness of the night, she would secretly shed tears.
After she became like this, Prince Rong never visited her again. Her own daughter, who was still a child, was so frightened by seeing her once that she had nightmares. Prince Rong then forbade the child from getting close to her.
Consort Liang had clearly fallen out of favor and was now all alone. However, her family still existed, so Prince Rong wouldn't treat her too harshly. She would just never set foot in this courtyard again.
"Xizhi, go do me a favor. After you do it, I will give you your indenture and a large sum of money. From now on, you will have a bright future and you will no longer have to suffer by my side."
"My concubine, I..."
"What? You don't want to? I remember where your family is. I'll have my father check on them another day."
Upon hearing Consort Liang's words, Xizhi quickly knelt on the ground. "I will do whatever Consort Liang commands, and I will certainly fulfill my mistress's instructions."
Seeing her like this, Consort Liang nodded in satisfaction, a smile appearing on her face. She gestured for Xizhi to come forward and whisper softly in her ear.
"You do this... and then this..."
"Do you understand? Do you know what the consequences will be if you don't complete it?"
Hearing about the concubine's scheme, Xizhi felt uneasy. If this matter were discovered, she would surely die. But if she didn't do it, the concubine wouldn't let her off the hook, nor would she let her family off the hook.
The concubine has gone mad and takes her anger out on others at the drop of a hat, including her personal maid.
She often stared at their perfectly intact faces, a sight that sent chills down one's spine. She had no choice but to obey her orders.
"Yes, Consort, rest assured, this servant will do her best."
"Yes, Xizhi, I won't treat you badly after it's done."
Despite saying this, Consort Liang's smile became even more ferocious, and a flash of ruthlessness appeared in her eyes, but unfortunately Xizhi did not notice it.
......
"Your Highness, that concubine is ruined. I heard that many imperial physicians have been consulted about her face, but they all say that it cannot be cured."
"I don't know which little bitch did it, but she was so ruthless. But at least she got rid of a major threat for us."
Hearing Qiuju say this, Princess Rong showed no joy on her face, but her brows were furrowed, as if she was thinking about something.
"Qiuju, tell me, who did this to the concubine? And who has such skill, doing it so secretly without anyone noticing, without any clues?"
Qiuju: "Your Highness, why do you care who did it? This is retribution. Who told that concubine to be so arrogant and dare to disregard you? Now she's being punished."
The princess sighed.
"Sigh, I won't feel at ease until I find the mastermind behind this. What if this person uses these methods on me? I don't want to end up like a concubine without knowing the truth."
"Your Highness need not worry. I will carefully check your diet and daily life, and I will make sure you do not fall into the trap of villains."
Despite her deep concern, Princess Rong had no other choice but to wait and see, hoping that her worries were unfounded.
While Princess Rong was still worried, Xizhi had already taken action as instructed by Consort Liang.
Soon, it was May 17th.
This day was Princess Rong's birthday banquet. Although it wasn't a grand affair, everyone in the household still needed to gather together to celebrate her birthday.
Prince Rong returned to the mansion early to accompany his wife. The two sat in the main seats, with the concubines and their children sitting below them.
Consort Liang also left the courtyard today, contrary to her usual behavior. However, she wore a veil on her face and even wrapped a scarf around her forehead, revealing only her eyes. She drank tea as if no one else was around, completely unconcerned about the gazes of others.
Her daughter sat beside her, not daring to look at her mother. She herself did not want to sit there, but Consort Liang insisted that she sit next to her, so she had no choice.
Suddenly a voice rang out, and Aunt Lan sneered, "Oh! Why is Consort Liang out of the courtyard today? Tsk tsk tsk, dressed like that, is Consort Liang ashamed to be seen by others?"
Aunt Mei covered her mouth and chuckled: "Hehehe, Sister Lan, you don't know yet? I heard that Consort's face was injured, and she's been staying in her own courtyard lately, afraid of scaring the other ladies."
"Oh, is that so? I wonder if the concubine's veil will fall off later? It would be bad if it frightened my Chen'er."
As she spoke, Aunt Lan affectionately stroked her son, her pride evident in her eyes.
However, Consort Liang ignored their mockery and remained sitting there quietly as if nothing had happened.
Seeing that she didn't speak, the two concubines chuckled a few times and didn't want to make a fool of themselves. They started flattering the princess again, wishing her a happy birthday.
No one else turned their attention to Consort Liang.
Only Qingmo stared at her with a half-smile, as if she could see her face clearly through the veil.
At this point, everyone began to present gifts to the princess, including fine clothes and jewelry, fabrics, and tonics.
The princess accepted all the gifts with a smile. When it was Qingmo's turn, she followed suit and presented a painting. It was just so-so, but it was clear that she had painted it herself.
There's no other way; this is the only free and simple option. It's just that she's so stingy.
"Heh, Qing-meimei's painting is truly exquisite. I appreciate your kind intentions," the princess said with a forced smile.
Qingmo: "Please forgive me, Your Highness. Unlike my other sisters, I don't have a family to support me. The rewards from the Prince are also meager. I am truly short of money and can only give you this painting. Please don't take offense, Your Highness."
As she spoke, she glanced at Prince Rong with a resentful look in her eyes.
It seems to be saying, "It's all your fault, you gave me such a small reward, you stingy old man."
The Prince Rong was so angry he laughed. He had always bestowed upon her large amounts of gold, silver, jewels, and fine silks, but in this little girl's mouth, it turned into him being stingy.
Everyone presented their congratulatory gifts, but Consort Liang did not touch them. Because Prince Rong was present, the princess did not say anything.
Prince Rong didn't even bother to give Consort Liang a glance, fearing that she might experience another physical discomfort that night.
Consort Liang silently observed all of this, lowering her eyes to conceal the turmoil within.
Oh, giving gifts?
She will give everyone a big gift.
The banquet continued, and soon after several rounds of drinks and dishes, the atmosphere was filled with singing and dancing.
Suddenly, a scream shattered the atmosphere.
"Your Highness, Your Highness, Your Highness, Your Highness, Your Highness, Your Highness, the Prince has vomited blood and fainted."
Upon hearing the maid's voice, everyone turned their gaze toward the young prince sitting at the lower seat. There, they saw the boy cough up a mouthful of black blood and fall to the ground unconscious.
"Ah, Auntie, the Second Young Master has also vomited blood."
"Fourth Miss, Fourth Miss, what's wrong?"
Screams erupted everywhere, and the scene was in chaos. Aunts with children rushed to check on their kids, while those without children gloated.
Prince Rong hurriedly sent someone to fetch the imperial physician. At that moment, he couldn't care about anything else but worrying about the crown prince.
After all, he is the legitimate son, so his importance in people's hearts is naturally different.