Chapter 111: She Did It on Purpose

“The emperor’s choice is naturally the best!” Shen Fuyu giggled, brushing aside the dish that Shen Tangyu had brought over with a heavy heart and humiliation.

Upon seeing this, Madam Gu’s expression immediately darkened. She was about to stand up but was firmly restrained by Shen Shucheng.

Gritting her teeth, she whispered beside Shen Shucheng, barely able to contain her frustration, “Master, must we really watch her disgrace our daughter like this?”

“His Majesty is present. Do you want to cause a scene?” Shen Shucheng’s heart ached as well, but the one who had punished Shen Tangyu was none other than the emperor himself. When the emperor gives an order, who dares to oppose it?

After his legitimate daughter was punished, no one in the court dared to submit memorials criticizing his failure as a father. Fortunately, he still had another daughter favored in the palace, so the emperor never paid heed to those accusations. Shen Shucheng was always cautious; after that incident, he understood that the mother and daughter were anxious, but imperial favor cannot be won through impatience.

Madam Gu gritted her teeth; this was the most humiliating experience of her life! Her daughter was outstanding, yet the emperor neglected her, choosing instead to lavish affection on a lowborn girl!

“Mother, why the long face? Is the food not to your liking?” Shen Fuyu raised an eyebrow, noticing that Madam Gu’s face was even grimmer than the bottom of a burnt pot. Then she glanced at Shen Tangyu and smiled slyly. “Or is mother unhappy that I and the emperor have punished Tang’er?”

After all, Shen Tangyu’s act of drugging and seduction was enough to bring calamity upon the Shen family. The only reason the scandal had not spread was because Shen Fuyu had kept it under wraps; otherwise, the family’s reputation would have been utterly ruined!

Madam Gu hurriedly rose and knelt. Despite her anger, she knew the rules could not be broken. If she admitted to sulking over Shen Tangyu’s punishment, it would be a clear sign of disrespect to both the emperor and Shen Fuyu.

“I dare not,” Madam Gu bit her lip, swallowing her anger. “Tang’er entered the palace to serve the consort. If she erred, punishment is only just. I am grateful beyond words and would never dare to blame the consort.”

Yet, inwardly, Madam Gu was furious. If not for the strict protocols, she would have torn that little wretch apart on the spot! Just like her mother, the girl was nothing but a despicable wretch—equally detestable!

“Then is the food simply not to your taste?” Shen Fuyu suddenly blinked and, pulling Qin Zhiyi’s arm, began to whine, “Your Majesty! Look at the Pure Consort! She must be doing this on purpose! Because I requested a few more dishes, the banquet only serves these mediocre ones. I’m not pleased!”

The Pure Consort’s expression darkened instantly.

This palace feast was organized solely by the Pure Consort. When Qin Zhiyi had specially requested her to celebrate Shen Fuyu’s birthday, the Pure Consort had thought the emperor was finally paying attention to her, unaware that it was all Shen Fuyu’s scheme.

—

The palace hall was quiet except for the soft music and the rhythmic movements of the dancing girls. Everyone was silent.

Qin Zhiyi lowered his head and glanced at Shen Fuyu. “My beloved consort, as long as the food suits your palate, what others think matters little. What matters most is that you and the child do not go hungry.”

Yet, beneath his gaze lay another meaning: I see you’re deliberately stirring trouble! Never a moment’s peace!

Qin Zhiyi’s conciliatory words appeared to the Pure Consort as if he was rescuing her from an awkward situation. She blushed faintly, thinking that the emperor still cared for her.

“It is my oversight. I only considered that Consort Xian’s tastes changed during her pregnancy and neglected others,” the Pure Consort said softly, rising with a face full of apology, taking the blame upon herself.

Shen Shucheng forced a polite but awkward smile. He couldn’t accept the Pure Consort’s apology outright, but if it could ease relations with the Lin family, it wouldn’t be a bad thing. “Consort, you are too serious. The lady has been unwell these past few days. It is not that the food is unsuitable.”

Both parties exchanged humble refusals, and the atmosphere shifted quickly.

“Fortunately, mother is only unwell and it is nothing serious. But, Pure Consort,” Shen Fuyu smiled devilishly, her tone mocking and rude, “your management of the Six Palaces still leaves much to be desired. How can such a small banquet have any oversights or omissions? The Mid-Autumn Festival is just days away—perhaps you should try harder, or else how will you justify the hair you’ve lost from all your busy work?”

The Pure Consort’s eyes flashed dangerously, nearly snapping back in anger. Hair! Her once glossy black hair had always been healthy, and if not for Shen Fuyu’s constant provocations leaving her with no outlet for her frustration, she wouldn’t have been so overwhelmed as to lose hair!

She instinctively covered her head, already distressed, now even more enraged.

The atmosphere turned awkward. The Shen family members wore grim expressions. At such an important occasion, people like them cared deeply about their reputation. Yet Shen Fuyu, as a disgrace to the family, dragged their name through the mud without anyone daring to confront her.

Shen Shucheng struggled to maintain a calm face and rose to smooth things over. “Consort, managing a household is difficult, let alone the palace. If I may be so bold, your conduct today lacked propriety.”

Not polite at all.

Shen Fuyu blinked, realizing Shen Shucheng was subtly criticizing her for being impolite.

Polite Shen Fuyu retorted, “You, huh.”

...

“Knowing it’s inappropriate yet still saying it—that’s like knowingly eating excrement!” Shen Fuyu shook her head. Shen Shucheng was hopeless!

No one could save him now.

With Shen Fuyu around, there was only awkward silence.

Shen Shucheng sat down awkwardly, his face darkening. He even wondered if she really was his daughter—who publicly insults her own father like that? He couldn’t understand either way! He tried to advise her once, only to be insulted in return! His dignity was utterly disregarded! Thankfully, the emperor seemed not to take offense.

“Don’t be angry. Don’t upset the child in your belly,” Qin Zhiyi said, pretending not to notice Shen Shucheng’s expression. Since learning to ignore the courtiers’ gazes, life had become much easier. No wonder Shen Fuyu was so detestable—she lived so freely that others envied and resented her. “If you like this dish, eat more.”

“Tang’er, serve me some,” Shen Fuyu said without care, turning back to demean Shen Tangyu once more. “Hurry up!”

Shen Tangyu glared fiercely at her in secret, biting back her anger, and served a plate of food to Shen Fuyu. One day, she would make Shen Fuyu pay dearly.

“Your Majesty, Consort,” Chang Fu entered from outside the hall, stepping forward quickly. “Lady Jiang has arrived with gifts to celebrate Consort Xian’s birthday.”

Lady Jiang had been quiet for some time. No one expected her to show up now. Shen Fuyu paused mid-bite, not touching the food Shen Tangyu had served. This seemingly indifferent act only further infuriated Shen Tangyu!