Reborn as the Crippled King's Beloved-Chapter 509: Pretentious, Not Fit for the Public Eye

Chapter 509: Chapter 509: Pretentious, Not Fit for the Public Eye

Wang Yingluo had harbored the thought of sowing discord between the Empress Dowager and the Empress.

But she didn’t feel there was anything wrong with what she had just said; she was merely a person who spoke her mind.

The look of seeing through everything on Empress Dowager Qi’s face was really annoying.

Including the other Consort Dowagers.

They all acted so high and mighty, merely being older than her, they assumed the posture of elders and looked down upon her from their high position.

In the end, no one took her seriously.

They all thought she was just a lowly country girl with no background who relied entirely on the Emperor’s favor and a life-saving grace.

She sneered inwardly, waiting for the day when they would be shocked by the inventions and creations she had made.

However, outwardly, she still defended herself a few times to avoid the atmosphere becoming rigid.

Finally, the Empress arrived.

After paying her respects, Wang Yingluo did not speak out of turn again but waited until their pleasantries were over before she spoke with an apologetic tone:

"I heard that Your Majesty has sent Kai Xuan out of the palace. I feel deeply ashamed since I was not at all afraid of Kai Xuan. It was only out of fear that the wolf might bump into the Empress Dowager and the likes of myself that the Emperor did so. Please, Her Majesty the Empress, do not blame me."

Empress Dowager Qi looked at Murong Jiu.

Truthfully, she too did not like the intimidating wolf; it was too big and its presence alone was enough to terrify. However, the snow wolf had its merits, having previously obeyed Murong Jiu’s commands to search for Jun Yuyan outside the palace, showing its intelligence.

But its running amok in the palace was indeed the Empress’s fault.

Murong Jiu chuckled lightly and said, "Originally, I was going to send it out of the palace myself. It has a keen nose and it was Kai Xuan who found a precious ingredient in the Burn Ointment for Miss Wang. Lately, her Majesty the Empress Dowager has had a poor appetite, and it was just right that I intended to let Kai Xuan go search for herbs deep in the mountains to help the Empress Dowager’s digestion."

Upon hearing this, Empress Dowager Qi’s face broke into a smile, and she nodded, saying, "This wolf is too human-like, you really are thoughtful, Empress."

Previously, Murong Jiu would never seek to please her like this, and Empress Dowager Qi was indeed swayed by such gestures.

She always responded better to softness than hardness. With Murong Jiu treating her respectfully, she responded in kind.

Of course, part of it was also to dampen Wang Yingluo’s edge.

Don’t think you can do whatever you want just because you have the Emperor’s favor.

She had originally thought Murong Jiu was quite out of line, but ever since Wang Yingluo appeared, she felt Murong Jiu was actually quite restrained.

Truly, nothing shines like comparison.

With comparison, the flaws that were glaring in her eyes before now became merits.

Wang Yingluo sneered inwardly again, lowered her head, and kept quiet.

When the Empress Dowager became tired and everyone withdrew, Wang Yingluo followed Murong Jiu out the gates of Cining Palace and said,

"Her Majesty the Empress, please wait a moment, I have something I wish to discuss with you."

Murong Jiu glanced back at her and said, "I have nothing to discuss with you."

"Why so cold, Your Majesty? Didn’t you say you could tolerate me? Since that’s the case, why don’t we become good sisters, joyfully serving His Majesty together, and being virtuous consorts to His Majesty?"

Murong Jiu looked her up and down, then scoffed, "Good sisters? Do you think you’re worthy? Why don’t you take a good look in the mirror? On what grounds do you think you can compare to me? A vulgar village girl actually dares to think she can be sisters with me, you’re really overestimating yourself."

Even Wang Yingluo did not expect Murong Jiu to speak so harshly; her original intent had been to provoke Murong Jiu, but she ended up being the one provoked.

The other Consort Dowagers were not even far away yet, and upon hearing the commotion, they quickened their pace.

Murong Jiu didn’t give her any face whatsoever and didn’t even care if the Emperor would find out, clearly showing how deeply she despised her.

With this thought, Wang Yingluo deliberately showed a sad expression.

"I hold Your Majesty in the highest regard. You are a paragon among women and stand unique in the hearts of all. When I entered the palace, it was not to compete for His Majesty’s affection but to become good friends with Your Majesty. Moreover, you might not know this, but I had already formed an acquaintance with His Majesty before your marriage..."

Murong Jiu interrupted her coldly, "Are you suggesting that I’m the third party?"

Wang Yingluo replied grievously, "I didn’t mean that..."

"If that’s not what you mean, then who are you putting on this pitiful act for? The Emperor is not in the palace, and there’s no one to admire your feigned frailty, least of all me. Besides, remember this, Wang Yingluo, I am his principal consort, and even if you have some ability to entrap His Majesty, you will never surpass me. When His Majesty and I were in love, you didn’t even know where you were!"

Murong Jiu was successfully provoked, speaking harshly and with anger in her eyes, Wang Yingluo felt relieved upon seeing this.

She couldn’t stand the sight of Murong Jiu being so high and mighty, as if seated above the clouds, always giving her an unreal sensation and a sense of distance.

It was as if Murong Jiu was still the Empress Murong she read about in history books.

Now that she had become real, she was even more hopeful of bringing her down from the clouds.

Wang Yingluo lowered her voice, "Your Majesty, don’t be angry. Although His Majesty has expressed a wish to be with one person for life, since you have given birth to his children, he won’t cast you aside lightly."

Murong Jiu’s frown deepened even more.

That beautiful and delicate face became more realistic.

Wang Yingluo leaned in closer and whispered, "Your Majesty refuses to treat me as a sister, but I, in turn, do not wish to share a husband with another. Fortunately, His Majesty promised me he would only grant you the title but would not touch you from now on."

"What did you say?" Murong Jiu’s rage was uncontrollable.

"How dare you!"

Chun Tao, who was at the side, struck Wang Yingluo’s face with a slap faster than lightning could cover one’s ears.

Wang Yingluo was caught off guard with a slap, her face stinging painfully.

She looked incredulously at Chun Tao, this damned Palace Maid, never having imagined that this minor maid would dare to lay hands on her.

"Presumptuous!"

Eunuch Li immediately stepped forward to reprimand, while Fu Rong hurried over to support Wang Yingluo, "Miss, are you all right?"

Eunuch Li raised his hand to strike Chun Tao.

Murong Jiu shielded her behind, "I’d like to see who dares to touch her!"

Eunuch Li’s hand hung in mid-air.

"Eunuch, stand down."

Wang Yingluo spoke to make Eunuch Li pause.

Palace Maids and eunuchs from inside Cining Palace peeked out upon hearing the commotion.

With her cheeks swollen and her eyes reddening, she said with grievance, "With His Majesty absent and Her Majesty the Empress in a rage, I can only endure. If it will alleviate Your Majesty’s anger, even if you strike me a hundred times, I am willing to accept it."

Murong Jiu looked at her with utter indifference, "Stop putting on an act here; no one in the palace falls for your tricks. A mere country girl like you, your methods are not even fit for the public eye."

After listening, Wang Yingluo’s tears silently fell from the corners of her eyes as she sobbed softly.

"Miss..."

Fu Rong was frantic, "I will go and ask the Empress Dowager to seek justice for you!"

"Don’t go, Fu Rong. I am willing to bear Her Majesty’s wrath, as long as it can cool her temper."

Wang Yingluo spoke while glancing towards Eunuch Li.

The time was ripe. Now was the best moment.

Eunuch Li caught her gaze, nodded discreetly, and his hand also reached into his sleeve.