Book Synopsis
Book Tags
Donation Rankings
Comment
0 Comments
You May Also Like
墨書 Inktalez
Her jet-black hair was tied beneath a golden phoenix crown, adorned with various gold and jade hairpins that left no gaps. Wherever one looked, there was a dazzling display of gold that captivated the heart. Around her neck, a red-gold necklace with dragon motifs complemented the crimson silk robe embroidered with golden and silver threads depicting phoenixes, perfectly matching her exquisite makeup. She exuded an air of grandeur and elegance, embodying the essence of an Empress.
This striking red attire was not unfamiliar to Mei Shuang; just a few hours ago, she had worn an identical outfit to pay her respects alongside the man before her.
In the blink of an eye, her ceremonial robes had changed, the palace had a new master, and the world had shifted.
As the saying goes, "Buddha relies on gold adornments, and people rely on their attire." In comparison, when Mei Shuang glanced at her own disheveled appearance, it was impossible not to feel a pang of inferiority.
"The Emperor and Empress have arrived! Kneel and pay your respects!"
Though the new Emperor and Empress had been present for some time, the woman in the cell stood defiantly instead of kneeling. The Eunuch felt a surge of disdain and couldn't help but scold Mei Shuang in a low voice.
It seemed that the daughter of Chancellor Mei was far from the cultured and refined person she was rumored to be; she likely still believed herself to be the previous Empress! After such drastic changes in fortune, it would be strange if she weren't mad!
The Eunuch's reprimand jolted Mei Shuang back to reality. She was now at their mercy; it was best to comply.
Lowering her gaze, she managed to kneel down, but the movement aggravated her rib injury, causing her to stifle a groan as pain shot through her. Her brows furrowed as beads of sweat formed on her forehead.
One hand grasped the wooden bars while the other trembled as it brushed against her injured side. Clearly, the bloodstains on her white garment were spreading.
Although Mei Shuang was in disgrace, the sudden pain made her appear pitiful in the eyes of those outside, stirring a sense of pity in the nearby Eunuch.
However, this scene appeared entirely deliberate in the eyes of Xiao Luo, the new ruler of the Great Qin Empire.
The woman before him had merely relied on her good handwriting and sweet demeanor to frequently enter the palace to copy sutras for the Empress Dowager, thus winning her favor. Yet despite her noble status, she behaved erratically. Those who knew her understood that Chancellor Mei's daughter wore two faces—one for public display and another behind closed doors—and would stop at nothing to eliminate other noblewomen vying for the title of Empress.
Now that he witnessed such disgraceful behavior firsthand while she feigned innocence before him, it was clear she was skilled at playing roles!
Moreover, with Mei Shuang's long hair disheveled and her once-white clothing now filthy, Xiao Luo turned his gaze away in disgust after just one glance. He couldn't suppress a cold laugh within; this was what the Empress Dowager considered a "cultured and gentle" daughter from Mei Manor—the perfect choice for Empress of the Great Qin Empire.
If only the Empress Dowager knew that the Empress she personally selected possessed such character flaws—would she still hold onto her misguided beliefs?
Though Mei Shuang’s vision blurred from pain, when she inadvertently raised her eyes, she caught sight of Xiao Luo's cold and deep gaze suddenly filled with intense disdain that pierced through her like icy daggers.
If looks could kill, Mei Shuang felt as if countless holes had been stabbed into her by those icy stares; she would be left utterly unrecognizable.
Now, the only thing she could do was lower her gaze and kneel carefully.
All of this made Mei Ru beside Xiao Luo see Mei Shuang as even more pretentious.
Looking at the tears still hanging on Mei Shuang's delicate cheeks beneath her disheveled hair, her pale face appeared slightly translucent from blood loss, and her lips were a faint pink. She looked like a pear blossom after the rain—lacking vitality but even more pitiful. A trace of barely noticeable malice flashed in Mei Ru's eyes.
She regretted having talked too much with Mei Shuang at that time and being too lenient, allowing Mei Shuang to survive until now. However, in an instant, she concealed this trace of ruthlessness deep in her eyes, fluttering towards Mei Shuang like a butterfly, tightly grasping the hand that Mei Shuang held onto the railing with, her expression sorrowful and voice mournful, "Sister, how foolish you are!"
Mei Shuang froze in shock, looking up in astonishment to meet the exquisitely made-up face of Mei Ru before her.
Just one glance made Mei Shuang shiver inexplicably.
Although Mei Ru's expression was sorrowful, the depth of her gaze was something Mei Shuang could understand.
In an instant, Mei Shuang felt cold from head to toe. Remembering what Mei Ru had said when she stabbed her with the dagger, she suddenly felt so hopeless that she didn't even have the courage to crash into a wall.
An emperor who hated himself for being cuckolded and a new Empress who had already declared open war against her—what good could come when they both stood before you in the dead of night?!
Unexpectedly, in the next moment, Mei Ru withdrew her hand, lowered her gaze to take out a Silk Handkerchief, gently wiped her face, and when she looked up again, her eyes were already red-rimmed. She unexpectedly turned to Xiao Luo and solemnly knelt down, her voice choked with emotion, "Your Majesty, my sister is in such pain; I cannot bear it. I am willing to suffer in place of my sister. I implore Your Majesty to show mercy and heal her..."
Her voice was so soft and so heartfelt that it made Mei Shuang, who had just been on the verge of fainting from pain, think she was hearing things.
Mei Ru's voice was inherently gentle; just a few sentences sounded like weeping and lamenting. Coupled with her sorrowful expression, it truly moved people.
Watching Mei Ru's expression change like a Sichuan opera mask, after a moment of daze, Mei Shuang still saw the intricate meaning flashing in Mei Ru's eyes.
Sure enough, after hearing Mei Ru's "plea," Xiao Luo turned to look at Mei Shuang. His brows furrowed slightly as his face grew more disgusted.
To be honest, among the two daughters of the Mei Manor—one legitimate and one illegitimate—they each had their own merits in beauty and talent. However, regarding virtue, although the Empress Dowager favored the legitimate daughter Mei Shuang, among the noble ladies and ministers' families, their views were quite different.
The legitimate daughter Mei Shuang was proud and often bullied Mei Ru openly and covertly due to her status. In contrast, Mei Ru's mother came from humble beginnings; thus, Mei Ru developed a character of submission without complaints and respected her sister greatly. The current situation not only highlighted their stark contrast but also confirmed the credibility of the rumors.
Xiao Luo pondered for a moment before speaking with his thin lips slightly parted in a deep magnetic yet cold voice: "The Empress need not feel guilty; the Vile Woman brought this upon herself!"
It truly is a harmonious relationship between Qinse and the deep bond of love!
Mei Shuang stiffened, realizing that this emperor wouldn't say anything kind.
After all, given the crimes she committed, not being executed on the spot was already a great mercy, let alone the fact that she was still kneeling here in good health.
And this sister, who was so eager for her demise, wouldn't be so kind-hearted. Her earlier emotional performance was likely meant to show outsiders just how strong their Sisterly Bond was.
Clearly, Mei Ru wanted this effect as well.
Just now, Xiao Luo coldly stated, "The Empress need not blame herself," which made her feel sweeter than honey, with every pore in her body swelling with indescribable joy.
Did you hear that? The emperor's words confirmed that she was the Empress of the Great Qin Empire without a doubt!
Even if she came from a concubine's background, so what? After being mocked and bullied by the legitimate daughter Mei Shuang for so many years, she finally had a chance to hold her head high.
There was a hint of smugness in Mei Ru's eyes as she maintained a sorrowful expression. Her voice became even more pitiful as she pleaded again, "Your Majesty, although my sister was momentarily confused and attempted Suicide Attempt, her injuries are already the greatest punishment! Surely my sister has realized her mistake. I humbly request Your Majesty to show mercy and release my sister—"
Comment 0 Comment Count