chsdbacks Chapter 72: 72 How did Noble Lady Hui's face become ulcerated?
Chapter 72: 72 How did Noble Lady Hui's face become ulcerated?
Chapter 72: Chapter 72 How did Noble Lady Hui’s face become ulcerated?
Noble Lady Hui swayed seductively towards the Emperor and leaned into his embrace with a frail and boneless grace.
Her beauty was not outstanding among the host of beauties in the imperial harem, but her provocative attire, reminiscent of a dancing girl, combined with waves of fragrance emanating from her, left even the eunuchs present feeling bewildered and entranced.
Even the Second Prince couldn’t help but steal several glances at Noble Lady Hui.
Noble Consort Qi covered her nose and mouth with a handkerchief, a look of disgust flashing in her eyes. The properly maintained harem had been turned into a den of foulness by Noble Lady Hui. She forced herself to remain calm to avoid being targeted by the Empress and others when the Emperor was addicted to the bewitching fragrance.
She had already collected much evidence of Noble Lady Hui’s seduction of the Emperor but was also aware that the time to expose Noble Lady Hui was not yet ripe.
The key lay with the Emperor himself; she had to make him realize that his health was deteriorating, and it was Noble Lady Hui’s doing.
...
Yet now, she felt that the Emperor’s condition was worse than it had been a few days ago.
Could it be that the Empress planned to directly have the Emperor killed to quickly have her son, the Second Prince, ascend the throne for good?
With this thought, Noble Consort Qi grew anxious.
As she watched the Emperor, seemingly entranced, sniffing Noble Lady Hui’s body fragrance, his eyes glazing over, she had a bad premonition.
“Your Majesty, come, have a drink~”
Noble Lady Hui, with a seductive posture, brought a cup of wine to the Emperor’s lips.
The Emperor, with a smile, touched Noble Lady Hui’s hand and drank it down in one gulp.
Noble Lady Hui continued to serve him wine, cup after cup.
No one among the concubines present dared to advise against it.
Just two days ago, Consort Lan Pin, having advised a little too much, was thrown into the Cold Palace at Noble Lady Hui’s instigation, and that very night, a white silk rope was granted to her to take her life to the west.
Although Consort Lan Pin was no longer favored, she had been with the Emperor since his days as the Crown Prince and had shared decades of affection; yet, she was killed without hesitation.
It was clear to everyone that Noble Lady Hui was making an example of her to show how obedient the Emperor was to her.
Soon, the Emperor had drunk half a pot, his eyes growing increasingly unfocused.
By the time Jun Yuyan arrived, supporting Murong Jiu, the Emperor was already leaning on Noble Lady Hui, calling her his beloved consort with every other word.
“How is Princess Consort Ling feeling?”
And how did Jun Yuyan find out?
Was it because of Murong Jiu?
Murong Jiu was always spoiling his plans.
But he was not at all panicked.
Noble Consort Qi’s exposure couldn’t have come at a worse time—it would lead her down a path of self-destruction.
Sure enough, the Emperor didn’t just disbelieve her, but felt that Noble Consort Qi, blinded by jealousy, was making up stories.
Under Noble Lady Hui’s tearful manipulation, the Emperor became even angrier and ordered on the spot for Noble Consort Qi to be dragged out for thirty strokes of the cane.
“Your Majesty!”
Noble Consort Qi could hardly believe it. For so many years, the Emperor had cherished her immensely, and yet now, he was willing to give her a severe punishment for Noble Lady Hui!
“Father Emperor.”
At that moment, Jun Yuyan, who had been quiet, spoke softly.
His voice, clear and cold, quieted the commotion in the Imperial Garden.
The Emperor spoke sternly, “You, too, wish to anger me like your mother Noble Consort?”
“Your son wouldn’t dare.”
Jun Yuyan spoke neither humbly nor arrogantly, “Your son merely wishes to remind you, Father Emperor, to take a look at Noble Lady Hui. What’s happened to her face? Should we call for Imperial Doctor Xu to check on her?”
As soon as he said this, everyone’s gaze turned towards Noble Lady Hui.
Indeed!
Pus-filled blisters emerged one after another on Noble Lady Hui’s delicately made-up face, a sight so revolting it could make one nauseous.
The Emperor glanced at her for just a moment before suddenly snapping to lucidity, especially after detecting the faint, rotten stench, his previously agitated mind felt as if it had been doused with cold water.
“What, what?”
When Noble Lady Hui met the Emperor’s disgusted look, she instinctively touched her own face, only to feel pus on her hands.
“Ah!!” Noble Lady Hui let out an incredulous scream.
As the stench from her body grew stronger, the Emperor’s mind cleared even more, and he pushed her to the ground with a shove.