Everyone had the same thought as Consort Shu:
Could there really be such a shamelessly brazen person in the world?!
...
However, Mingshu did not find herself shameless. With her lovely chin lifted, she stared with a pair of clear, large eyes, eagerly looking at Si Chu, hoping he would stand up for her.
Why was she so certain that he would take her side?
After all, he had a notorious reputation, known for his cruel killings, especially for taking pleasure in the torture and murder of imperial consorts.
Sometimes, Si Chu couldn't help but maliciously think that shattering that light in her eyes and seeing her bewildered would be quite amusing.
He casually curled his lip, a trace of light fleeting through his eyes, "The Emperor lacks for those few pastries of yours? You are indeed pampered and arrogant, acting with such dominance. Is this how the Prince of Zhenbei raises his daughter?"
As expected.
The Tyrant wouldn't fall for such tricks—he detested the delicate and tearful type of woman most of all, and the new Noble Consort was no exception!
Consort Shu's hanging heart settled back into place, her heart couldn't help but bask in satisfaction.
So what if she was the Noble Consort?
Offending the Emperor, she would still suffer the consequences!
Mingshu bit her lip as she watched him, the light in her eyes gradually fading. Her long eyelashes trembled twice before slowly drooping, and her whole figure seemed to dim in that instant, even her hair exuding dejection.
Suddenly, Si Chu felt an unexplained irritation.
Was she actually feeling wronged now?
What did she have to feel wronged about?
Oh right, her hand was injured, and she had also sprained her ankle, as he heard.
His gaze turned slightly hostile as he swept a look at Consort Shu, this foolish woman was growing more and more irritating by the second—perhaps it would be better to kill her?
It would just be a bit troublesome dealing with that old witch, the Empress Dowager.
Si Chu glanced again at the pitiful Mingshu and couldn't help but feel annoyed.
With a tongue so sharp she could argue black was white, why didn't she put up a persistent fight? She was so unreasonable, and as the Emperor, how could he stoop to argue with a mere girl? Wouldn't it just be annoying and, out of reluctance, agree to support her?
Now she seemed to know when to advance and retreat, understanding her boundaries!
Mingshu was unaware of Si Chu's inner thoughts. She stared down at the floor, inwardly fidgeting as she picked at the palm of her hand. She had put so much effort into her performance, at least give her some reaction, right?
Based on what she knew about Si Chu, he was the type with a tough exterior but a soft heart. His earlier words didn't seem angry, so she planned to retreat as a way to advance, shaping herself into a pitiable figure to stir up his protective instincts.
However, it seemed the plot was not unfolding as she had expected?
Mingshu was utterly perplexed; could it be she hadn't seemed fragile enough?
That couldn't be—she felt she deserved an Oscar for her performance!
She bit her lip, pondering whether she should pretend to faint in a moment of white-eyed weakness, reinforcing her image as a delicate and pitiable little flower, when she heard Si Chu speak in a cold, hard voice, "Consort Shu, are you aware of your mistake?"
Consort Shu: ???
Mingshu also paused for a moment, catching a glimpse of the confused face of Consort Shu, almost laughing out loud, unable to suppress the smile tugging at the corner of her lips.
Si Chu glanced over without showing any sign, instantly seeing through her little ploy, pretending to be pathetic to provoke him to act. It must have been hard for her.
Tch, women are such trouble.
Consort Shu was enjoying the show when suddenly she was called out. She lifted her head abruptly, her eyes genuine in their bewilderment, "Emperor, what wrong has your concubine committed?"
Si Chu withdrew his gaze, returning it to Consort Shu, his eyes darkening, penetrating and sharp, exuding a chilly ferocity. He smiled slowly and asked methodically, "Are you suggesting that the Noble Consort has wronged you?"
Consort Shu opened her mouth, glared viciously at Mingshu, a wave of grievance swelling within her, "Emperor, do not be deceived by this wretched woman's words; it's not just that she is wronging your concubine, she is outright spouting nonsense!"
Mingshu blinked innocently, her eyes gleaming with a message: I am spouting nonsense, what are you going to do about it?