nashuaworldcup Chapter 14 Noble Lady Fucha Apologizes
Chapter 14 Noble Lady Fucha Apologizes
Nian Shilan already had a plan in mind, thinking about how to make a good impression on the emperor.
She not only had to demonstrate that she was sensible and mindful of the bigger picture, but also had to find a way to cleverly clear herself of suspicion.
After all, she hadn't done it in the first place, and she absolutely couldn't let the Emperor mistakenly believe that she was responsible.
Cao Qinmo carefully selected a gorgeous yet dignified palace dress for Nian Shilan and helped her put it on.
Next, she carefully selected a gold hairpin inlaid with rubies and gently inserted it diagonally into Nian Shilan's hair bun.
This outfit made Nian Shilan look both dignified and elegant, yet also charming and alluring.
It must be said that Nian Shilan, as Consort Hua, could be considered the most beautiful woman in the palace.
Cao Qinmo once felt jealous, but she was a rational and intelligent person.
She knew full well that she didn't have a powerful family background, nor was she particularly beautiful.
Without Nian Shilan, she would have been unable to protect her daughter.
Therefore, she had no choice but to rely on Nian Shilan.
After everything was ready, Nian Shilan stood up, carefully examined herself in the mirror, and nodded in satisfaction.
Then, she turned around, smiled at Cao Qinmo, and said:
"I am very grateful for your help today. When I return from the Hall of Mental Cultivation, I will reward you handsomely."
Cao Qinmo quickly bowed and said, "Thank you for your kindness, Your Majesty. It is my honor to be able to share your burdens. Your Majesty, I will take my leave now."
Nian Shilan nodded.
Zhou Ninghai had prepared the sedan chair and waited for a long time. He stood respectfully to the side, watching Nian Shilan, Songzhi and the others approach.
Nian Shilan was dressed in gorgeous clothes and had exquisite makeup on her face. Songzhi carefully supported her as the two slowly walked towards the sedan chair.
Nian Shilan stepped into the sedan chair, and after she was settled, Songzhi gently lowered the curtain.
Zhou Ninghai waved to the eunuchs carrying the sedan chair, signaling them to set off.
The eunuchs lifted the sedan chair and carried it forward steadily. Nian Shilan sat inside, her eyes closed, but her thoughts were racing.
She knew the importance of this meeting with the Emperor and knew she had to find a way to resolve the current crisis, and ideally, invite the Emperor to her palace.
They slapped the old woman, the Empress, in the face hard; the cunning old woman had framed her time and time again.
She silently pondered her words and attitude upon meeting the Emperor, hoping to find the most suitable way to win his heart.
Time flies, and in the blink of an eye, the Hall of Mental Cultivation appeared before them.
Nian Shilan opened her eyes, took a deep breath, and then adjusted her expression and posture.
Songzhi followed closely behind, carefully helping Nian Shilan down from the sedan chair.
Outside the Hall of Mental Cultivation, Su Peisheng was scolding his disciple Xia Xiazi when he suddenly heard footsteps approaching.
He looked up and saw a group of palace maids escorting Consort Hua's palanquin as it approached.
He hurried forward and respectfully greeted them.
"Su Peisheng greets Consort Hua. His Majesty is currently attending to state affairs. May I ask what brings Your Highness here?"
Su Peisheng stood respectfully to the side and asked cautiously.
Consort Hua smiled slightly and said in a gentle tone:
"Eunuch Su, please excuse the formalities. I do indeed have important matters to report to the Emperor in person, and I hope you will convey my message."
After speaking, Consort Hua tilted her head slightly, her eyes sparkling with anticipation and confidence.
"Very well, this servant will go and inform them immediately."
Su Peisheng turned and left. He knew that Consort Hua held a very important position in the palace and dared not be negligent in the slightest.
At this moment, the chubby orange was sitting on the dragon throne, intently reviewing memorials.
Hearing the door open, he looked up, his brow furrowed slightly, and asked, "Su Peisheng, what is it?"
"Your Majesty, it was Consort Hua outside the palace who said she had something important to report," Su Peisheng replied respectfully.
The chubby orange cat frowned, thought for a moment, and then said, "Let her in."
He put down his pen, leaned back in his chair, and a hint of doubt appeared in his eyes.
After receiving permission, Consort Hua led the group slowly into the main hall.
Her steps were elegant and her demeanor graceful, like a blooming peony.
Upon entering the palace, Nian Shilan immediately spotted the figure engrossed in handling state affairs—the current emperor.
She took a deep breath and carefully straightened her clothes.
Then, she gracefully walked to the Emperor, knelt down to pay her respects, her back straight, and said in a melodious voice, "Your Majesty, I pay my respects!"
The chubby orange still dotes on Consort Hua.
Seeing her bow, he hurriedly got up to help her up.
However, this time, Consort Hua did not take the large, chubby orange's hand and stand up as usual.
Instead, she remained kneeling in place, solemnly saying, "Your Majesty, I have come here to beg for forgiveness."
When the chubby orange heard that Consort Hua was apologizing, it slowly released its hand that was about to support her, and the expression on its face became serious.
When he heard Consort Hua apologize, the fat orange subconsciously recalled what happened at the last flower viewing banquet, and a surge of anger welled up in his heart.
Murdering a royal heir is a grave crime! But considering Nian Gengyao's power, the fat orange-haired woman couldn't bring herself to severely punish her.
Big Fat Orange could only suppress his anger and said calmly, "Shilan, what crime have you asked me to commit?"
Although the Emperor's voice was calm, Nian Shilan could still detect the displeasure in it and knew that the Emperor was angry.
Fortunately, she was prepared this time. Nian Shilan, her face filled with self-reproach and guilt, said softly:
"His Majesty has granted me the power to assist in managing the six palaces, and I should therefore help the Empress manage them well."
However, due to my oversight, a cat went berserk at the flower-viewing banquet in Jingren Palace.
"It was my dereliction of duty that resulted in the injuries to Her Majesty the Empress, Consort Shu, Consort Wan, and Consort An. I beg Your Majesty to punish me."
Hearing this, the chubby orange secretly breathed a sigh of relief.
The crime of negligence can be serious or minor, depending entirely on how he handles it, which will also give the public an explanation.
Of course, this does not mean that Big Fat Orange has given up his suspicions about Nian Shilan.
After all, even the chubby orange cat knew that Consort Hua was usually quite arrogant and domineering.
It's hard to say they won't do something outrageous. However, there's currently insufficient evidence, and further investigation is needed.
However, the chubby orange cat also overheard the key point: the last flower-viewing banquet was held at the Empress's Jingren Palace.
Given Consort Hua's power and methods, it wouldn't be an easy thing to do something there.
Even though Consort Hua had the power to assist in managing the six palaces, she actually had no control over the Empress's Jingren Palace.
The Empress, on the other hand, caused such a huge incident at her own flower-viewing banquet. How could she be the mistress of the harem?
They're utterly useless if they can't even organize a proper flower-viewing party.
As for the scented powder that drove the cat mad, it came from the Imperial Household Department.
Although the Nian family was powerful, they could not control everything within the Imperial Household Department.
Nian Shilan then said with a face full of grievance:
"I never imagined that such a thing would happen in Her Majesty the Empress's Jingren Palace!"
If I had known, I would have made sure to keep a close eye on Matsuko's cat.
"We will absolutely not allow that cat to appear at the flower-viewing banquet, lest it harm the Empress and the others."
Big Fatty Orange nodded after hearing this. He knew very well that there was indeed something strange about this matter.
Moreover, although the Nian family wields immense power, they probably don't have the ability to control the Imperial Household Department and harm the Empress.
It's highly likely that there are other conspiracies and schemes behind this.
However, Big Fat Orange was inherently suspicious, and even with things having progressed this far, he still couldn't completely dispel his doubts about Nian Shilan.
Nian Shilan pressed on, continuing:
"If I were to host a flower-viewing banquet, I would certainly keep a close eye on my pets, for fear that they might offend the other ladies in the palace."
These words reminded Big Fat Orange of Songzi's cat, who was the Empress's beloved pet and, it was said, a gift from Consort Qi.
So, could this matter be related to them?
Let Su Peisheng investigate this matter to find out the truth.
Big Fat Orange helped Nian Shilan up. "Shilan, you were indeed negligent in this matter, so punish Shilan..."
The big, fat orange cat leaned down slightly and whispered something in Nian Shilan's ear.
Nian Shilan was taken aback at first, then a smile as radiant as spring flowers bloomed on her face.
She let out a clear, melodious laugh, like the tinkling of silver bells: "Hehehe... Your Majesty, I obey."
Big Orange smiled and gently patted Nian Shilan's soft, boneless hand, saying gently:
"Shilan, you should go back to Yikun Palace first. I still have many official duties to attend to and cannot spare the time to accompany you."
When I have some free time, I will visit you.
Nian Shilan understood that although she hadn't succeeded in directly luring the big fat orange to Yikun Palace this time,
However, since my main objective has been achieved, it is best to take the profits and call it a day.
So she nodded obediently, gazing tenderly at the big, fat orange cat, and replied in a sweet voice:
"Your Majesty, I will wait here quietly for you to come and find me. I will take my leave now."
Having said that, Nian Shilan gracefully bowed and performed a salute.
Then, like a noble peacock, she turned and led her personal maid, Songzhi, out of the Hall of Mental Cultivation.
After leaving the Hall of Mental Cultivation, Zhou Ninghai and other palace maids and eunuchs quickly came forward to greet them.
At this moment, Nian Shilan was in an exceptionally pleasant mood.
Because she had successfully resolved the matter that had been weighing on her mind, she radiated happiness.
His former arrogant and domineering attitude, which he used to have no fear of anything and no one else, has reignited.
She sat in the ornately decorated palanquin, her figure graceful and her demeanor elegant.
Despite being arrogant and overbearing, she is captivating.
As the palanquin moved slowly forward, the palace maids and eunuchs on both sides of the road saw this.
They all knelt down in utmost fear and trepidation, not daring to raise their heads even slightly.
They were afraid that the slightest mistake would anger this powerful empress.
And so, the palanquin carrying Nian Shilan traveled in a grand procession through numerous palaces and pavilions, returning to Yikun Palace.
Meanwhile, the scene inside the Hall of Mental Cultivation was quite different.
Big Fat Orange stood by the window, his gaze fixed on the direction where Nian Shilan had left, and he didn't look away for a long time.
Only after Nian Shilan's figure had completely disappeared from sight did he slowly turn around and ask Su Peisheng, who was standing beside him with his hands at his sides:
"Su Peisheng, I previously instructed you to select suitable people for the nannies and servants in Consort Shu's palace. I wonder if this matter has been completed?"
"Your Majesty, this servant has prepared everything and is about to send it over."