The Dog Emperor Has Gained Telepathy - Chapter 06 【6】

Chapter 06 【6】

【6】

The atmosphere in the flower hall was so oppressive that Lu Zhiwan instinctively held her breath.

Her gaze swept quickly around the room, confirming that the hall full of young beauties were only attacking with their eyes and wouldn’t rush forward to pull her hair. Only then did she calm her nerves and continue stepping inside.

Go ahead and stare, she thought. Staring a few more times wouldn’t make her lose any flesh.

After entering the hall, Lu Zhiwan first followed Qiurong Gugu’s instructions to pay respects and greet the several higher-ranking imperial consorts present. Above the third-rank Jieyu position were second-rank Zhaoyi and Pin positions, followed by first-rank Fei positions and the highest-ranking Guifei position.

Though the damned emperor was worthless, his harem wasn’t lacking in beauties. Most of these high-ranking consorts were daughters of capital officials, their positions determined by their fathers’ and brothers’ official ranks—completely unrelated to their appearance or the emperor’s personal preferences.

Feeling their scrutinizing gazes, Lu Zhiwan remained utterly unperturbed. After all, none of them had entered the harem to make friends—maintaining surface courtesy was sufficient.

She performed the rituals properly, every movement impeccable. The high-ranking consorts merely said Jieyu Lu need not stand on ceremony before lowering their eyelids, appearing cold and indifferent.

After this awkward round of preliminary socializing, Suyi, the chief palace maid of Yonghe Palace, emerged slowly from behind the golden Hundred Birds Paying Homage to the Phoenix screen. Surveying everyone in the hall, she announced solemnly: Her Highness the Guifei will arrive shortly. All consorts please cease talking and take your seats

The consorts straightened their expressions and responded in unison: Yes

Soon, the previously somewhat chaotic flower hall fell silent. The radiant beauties returned to their positions, seating themselves on either side—leaving only Lu Zhiwan standing alone in place, conspicuously out of place as she looked at the already filled seats on both sides.

No one acknowledged her, nor did anyone indicate where she should sit. They sat on both sides watching her with mocking smiles, like spectators observing a clown performance.

Lu Zhiwan secretly clenched her palms. Now she understood why the original host had been depressed and tearful all day. Never mind the originally sensitive and gentle-natured host—even she, who considered herself thick-skinned, felt extremely uncomfortable under such collective exclusion.

But what was this supposed to be? The harem version of musical chairs?

Tch, how childish.

Snorting coldly inwardly, Lu Zhiwan raised her head and looked directly at chief maid Suyi: Madam, I am Jieyu Lu from Liuxia Pavilion. This is my first time coming to Yonghe Palace to pay respects to Her Highness the Guifei. May I ask where my seat is?

Everyone in the hall was startled. No one expected her to ask directly, and with such composure—as if she didn’t feel awkward at all.

Suyi also froze momentarily. Meeting Lu Zhiwan’s clear, bright dark eyes, she inexplicably felt a jolt of alarm and awkwardly lowered her gaze: Please forgive this oversight, Jieyu. It must have been negligence by those foolish subordinates

With this, she sternly scolded two young maids nearby: What are you foolish girls standing around for? Hurry and bring a chair for Jieyu Lu!

The two young maids, inexplicably scolded, looked frightened and quickly responded before rushing off to follow orders.

Soon, a brand new round-backed chair was brought to the front hall.

A young maid asked nervously: Sister Suyi, where should this chair be placed?

There, put it over there

The maid in plain clothes raised her hand, signaling a young palace maid to place the chair between Consort Hu and Beauty Zhao. Then, with an apologetic smile, she addressed Beauty Zhao: Beauty Zhao, Lu Zhiwan holds a higher rank than you, so you must move aside. We ask for your understanding

Beauty Zhao’s face stiffened, resentment brewing in her heart, yet she dared not vent it at the maid in plain clothes—after all, she represented Gu Guifei. Instead, she directed her grudge toward Lu Zhiwan, forcing out a tight-lipped, gritted smile: Of course

She flicked her handkerchief and moved aside, while the maid in plain clothes turned to Lu Zhiwan with a gesture of invitation: Lu Zhiwan, please take your seat

Lu Zhiwan raised an eyebrow slightly, giving a deep, thoughtful look at the senior palace maid in the blue court attire.

Truly, someone serving by the Guifei’s side—with just one chair, she had masterfully stirred up a wave of animosity against her.

Consort Hu and Beauty Zhao already disliked her; with this maneuver, that clique of bullies would surely despise her even more—what a clever move to sow discord!

Though inwardly grumbling, Lu Zhiwan did her best to ignore the sharp glares from both sides and calmly took her seat on the chair that symbolized her rank.

Let them hate, she didn’t care.

Seeing her sit unflinchingly between Consort Hu and Beauty Zhao, the onlookers couldn’t help but wonder: Previously, they had heard that this Lu woman was timid and fearful, shrinking like a mouse before a cat in the presence of Consort Hu and the others. Why was she so different today?

Consort Hu also stole several discreet glances at Lu Zhiwan. Ever since yesterday afternoon, this Lu Zhiwan seemed like a changed person. Had her previous timidity and caution all been an act? Or had a single night of favor from His Majesty made her arrogant?

While everyone harbored their own thoughts, a eunuch’s thin, drawn-out announcement came slowly from behind the screen: Guifei niangniang has arrived—

The consorts and beauties immediately straightened their expressions and rose to their feet: Your humble servants/concubines greet Guifei niangniang. May niangniang enjoy boundless fortune and peace

Lu Zhiwan followed the crowd, bowing respectfully.

In the quiet flower hall, the sound of light, unhurried footsteps could be heard, accompanied by the delicate jingling of waist ornaments. An inscrutable gaze seemed to sweep over the top of her head before leisurely moving away.

Rise, all of you, a lazy yet clear woman’s voice came from above.

Thank you, Guifei niangniang The consorts and beauties straightened up and resumed their seats.

Lu Zhiwan took the opportunity to catch a glimpse of the true appearance of this influential Guifei niangniang.

Seated on the carved, gem-encrusted throne, the Guifei was dressed in a bright purple palace robe woven with silver thread and peony motifs. Her cloud-like hair was lush and beautiful, her brows delicate and teeth pearly white. On her fair, oval face, the most striking feature was her slightly upturned fox-like eyes, which, when narrowed in scrutiny, exuded the noble aura of a daughter of heaven.

The dog emperor certainly had good taste in women!

Lu Zhiwan’s eyes sparkled, but then she thought again, what a pity. With so many beauties of varying charms and grace, he was impotent—ah, truly, If you ask how much sorrow I bear, it’s like a group of eunuchs visiting a brothel

For a moment, Lu Zhiwan didn’t know whether to envy or pity the emperor.

While she was inwardly sighing for the emperor, the seated Gu Guifei was secretly observing her.

Seeing Lu Zhiwan sitting meekly and quietly with lowered eyes, like a quail, Gu Guifei’s rosy lips curled slightly in disdain.

Though this Lu woman’s looks were passable, she was, after all, the daughter of a minor rural official, exuding an air of pettiness unfit for grand occasions. She wondered what her imperial cousin, the emperor, saw in her.

Suppressing the frustration in her heart, Gu Guifei exchanged a few pleasantries with the seated consorts as usual, then leisurely took a sip of tea from the cup beside her. Clearing her throat, she cast her gaze toward Lu Zhiwan below: This must be Sister Lu, who received His Majesty’s favor last night? Lift your head and let this consort see what kind of peerless beauty could make His Majesty so enamored that he promoted you two ranks at once

Lu Zhiwan’s brow twitched—here it comes, the challenge begins.

Clenching her slender fingers inside her sleeve, she rose from the armchair and bowed to the purple-robed beauty seated above, projecting an image of pure innocence and deference: This humble consort, Lu, pays respects to Your Highness. May Your Highness enjoy eternal health and prosperity

Gu Guifei narrowed her eyes, her jade-like fingers lightly tapping the armrest of her throne. Come closer

After a moment’s hesitation, Lu Zhiwan stepped forward. Your Highness

Closer still

..

Only when Lu Zhiwan stood three steps away from the throne did Gu Guifei appear satisfied. Her fox-like eyes studied Lu Zhiwan’s face with an unreadable tone: Indeed, a budding beauty..

Suddenly raising her hand, her fingers adorned with sharp golden-filigree glass nail guards reached directly toward Lu Zhiwan’s face.

Lu Zhiwan’s pupils contracted, instinctively wanting to dodge, but reason told her to stay calm!

No matter how arrogant or jealous the noble consort might be, she wouldn’t dare disfigure her in front of everyone—that would be no different from slapping the emperor directly in the face.

The other consorts in the hall gasped sharply at Gu Guifei’s sudden movement, their expressions a mix of anxiety and barely concealed excitement for the drama unfolding.

As everyone held their breath, the cold, hard glass nail guard finally landed on Lu Zhiwan’s fair, tender right cheek.

There was a slight stinging pain, but not the kind that breaks skin.

Lu Zhiwan’s brow furrowed slightly, certain her face must be scratched red. But she couldn’t afford to offend the woman before her, so she had to endure it for now.

The sharp nail guard trailed down her delicate, flawless cheek like a dagger sliding over fine silk, exuding danger at every point: Sister Lu’s flawless jade-like skin is so captivating that even this consort can’t look away. No wonder you’ve managed to please His Majesty

She emphasized the words please His Majesty particularly heavily, increasing the pressure slightly.

Lu Zhiwan gasped in pain. Damn, had she misjudged? Was this beautiful noble consort actually unhinged, truly intending to disfigure her?!

When the nail guard approached again, survival instinct made Lu Zhiwan swiftly evade.

Gu Guifei’s expression darkened. Consort Lu?

Lu Zhiwan took a step back, offering an awkward smile. Your Highness flatters me too much. How could my humble appearance dare to show off before Your Highness? Your Highness’s nail guards are so exquisite—it would be unfortunate if they were damaged by my coarse skin

Gu Guifei blinked, clearly not expecting this seemingly delicate Lu Zhiwan to be so glib-tongued?

As she recovered and was about to speak, the chief eunuch hurried in from outside, bowing respectfully: Reporting to Your Highness, the Empress Dowager has sent word that after your morning greetings conclude, Consort Lu is to go to the Palace of Compassionate Tranquility

Not only Lu Zhiwan, but all the other consorts present showed astonishment.

Everyone in the rear palace knew the Empress Dowager devoted herself to Buddhist prayers, living in seclusion and rarely concerning herself with harem affairs. Now she was actively summoning this Lu Zhiwan?

Gu Guifei’s expression stiffened slightly. Her gaze swept over the two red marks on Lu Zhiwan’s cheek, her eyes flickering with relief that they weren’t deep—otherwise, if her aunt saw them, it would cause additional trouble.

But why was her aunt summoning Lu Zhiwan?

Gu Guifei was puzzled, but Lu Zhiwan herself was even more bewildered—she hadn’t even managed to handle all these imperial consorts, and now the Empress Dowager wanted to see her? Couldn’t she catch a break?

Since the Empress Dowager wishes to see you, you should go now. Don’t keep Her Majesty waiting

Gu Guifei stroked her long nail guards, her dark eyes slanting toward Lu Zhiwan with a tone neither warm nor cold: But I must remind you, though you have His Majesty’s favor, as an imperial consort in the rear palace, you should still be cautious in your words and actions. Do not become arrogant due to favor and break the rules

Lu Zhiwan lowered her eyelashes, putting on a humble and fearful demeanor: This humble consort will remember Your Highness’s teachings. From now on, I will certainly restrain myself and act prudently, maintaining harmony with all the sisters in the rear palace

Better be so Gu Guifei curled her lips in a light snort: When you meet my aunt later, you should know what to say and what not to say

This humble consort understands Lu Zhiwan bowed to Gu Guifei: Then I shall take my leave now

Gu Guifei waved her hand impatiently. Without lingering further, Lu Zhiwan withdrew with Qiurong Gugu.

Watching the slender figure disappear from the flower hall, Gu Guifei lost interest in continuing pleasantries with the other consorts. Rubbing her temples, she declared herself tired and dismissed everyone.

Your Highness, it seemed there were some marks left on Lady Lu’s face.. Suyi supported Gu Guifei as they walked toward the inner chamber: Do you think she might speak ill of you before the Empress Dowager?

Gu Guifei played with her nail guards, speaking leisurely: The Empress Dowager is my own aunt—of course she’ll side with family. What is there to worry about?

Your Highness is right Suyi nodded in agreement, then recounted the earlier incident of having Beauty Zhao vacate her seat. She concluded: Probably because she’s gained favor—this servant observed she doesn’t regard Lady Du and Beauty Zhao with any respect at all

Just one night of favor—the emperor’s heart is unpredictable. Can she guarantee his favor will last? Gu Guifei sneered coldly: I think His Majesty is just indulging a momentary novelty. Once this phase passes, that wild girl will taste bitterness… By the way, have you found out about His Majesty’s whereabouts yesterday as I asked?

We’ve discovered it. His Majesty yesterday..

Suyi hesitated, then after dismissing the surrounding palace servants, she mysteriously leaned close to Gu Guifei and whispered in her ear.

Gu Guifei listened quietly, her willow-leaf eyebrows gradually furrowing. She murmured in disbelief: Such a wretched place… why would he care so much about it..

***

Hall of Supreme Harmony. By the time the lengthy, tedious court session concluded, it was nearly noon.

Bright, clear sunlight enveloped the majestic golden splendor of the imperial city. The blooming crabapple branches lining the pathways cast dappled shadows against the vermilion high walls—vague yet brilliant and lush.

Seated in the imperial palanquin, Xiao Jingting propped his chin on one hand, staring at the flowering trees blooming between the palace walls. Suddenly remembering something, he turned to Yu Mingjiang walking alongside the palanquin: Old companion

Yu Mingjiang stepped forward: This old servant is here

Is that woman still in the Hall of Mental Cultivation?

Your Majesty means Lady Lu? Yu Mingjiang slightly raised his face, answering gently: Not long after you left for court, she went to Yonghe Palace to pay respects to the Noble Consort

As if hearing something interesting, Xiao Jingting narrowed his dark eyes: She went to see Gu Yu’er? That’s someone not to be trifled with

Yu Mingjiang refrained from commenting on the Noble Consort, keeping his eyes lowered in silence.

The young emperor in the palanquin didn’t seem to mind, unconsciously rubbing his palm with his thumb.

He had never noticed it before, but now he could clearly distinguish the sensation of others touching him from the sensation of touching himself—they were so distinctly different.

After a moment of contemplation, he asked Yu Mingjiang, Did Gu Yu’er do anything to her?

A subtle flicker passed through Yu Mingjiang’s eyes. It seemed His Majesty was indeed somewhat concerned about this Consort Lu.

Your Majesty need not worry. Consort Lu had only been in the Palace of Eternal Harmony for a short while before Her Majesty the Empress Dowager summoned her

Is she still in the Palace of Compassionate Tranquility now?

Yes. Just moments ago, Xiao Xizi reported that Consort Lu remains with the Empress Dowager and has not yet emerged While answering, Yu Mingjiang cautiously glanced at the emperor seated above. Seeing that pale, handsome face—already cold and fair, now appearing almost translucent under the sunlight—his gaze momentarily grew dazed.

Coming back to himself, he asked softly, Would Your Majesty like to go and see?

No need

Xiao Jingting waved a hand dismissively, his tall frame leaning lazily against the chair back as he allowed the dazzling sunlight to wash over his face. His voice was as cold as ice: As long as she remains alive until I figure out this anomaly, that is sufficient