Palace Harem is a Mess (3): White Lotus Strategy
*Disclaimer: None of this work belongs to me. Credits go to the original manhua.*
Inside the Prosperity palace:
The Fourth-prince, now the adopted son of the Consort Su Luxia, was feasting on every plate like a hungry bear ready for hibernation. Dishes piled up on the sides, as the young prince ate ravaged everything like a starving man from war.
Even Su Luxia lost her appetite while watching her adopted son, and left the dining hall to watch from a distance.
[Just how long has this young prince been starved for?] The Chubby Bamboo rat called out. Su Luxia laughed, "Now you know, why I hadn't accompanied him to eat?"
"Besides... the news of me taking in the Fourth Young Prince has been spread among the Palance like a fire– Liu Ruyan should be making her move about now." Su Luxia said seriously.
[Host, what can the malicious woman be planning now?]
"Hmm... let's wait in see, it's not good to be impatient now, is it? Besides we can start preparing for countermoves." Su Luxia smiled sinisterly.
A few days later, Su Luxia's hunch about Liu Ruyan making her move became correct. It was convenient that only after three days of adopting a Royal Prince that Liu Ruyan sent out an invitation to the Grand Banquet.
[Looks like a trap to me!] The Bamboo rat peeked from Su Luxia's shoulder to look at the fancy invitation letter sent by Liu Ruyan.
"I think, she most likely wants to investigate the Falsified decree." Su Luxia smirked, "And accusing me of taking in the Fourth Prince without authorization."
The Chubby Bamboo Rat became pale immediately after hearing Su Luxia and yelled [Esteemed Host! Please quickly think of a solution!]
[And also speaking of a Harem Fighting story, why take in a child?! Shouldn't we be prettying ourselves up and seducing the Emperor?!]
"Little one," Su Luxia slowly patted the system, "Haven't you heard of the saying, a respected son increases his mother's honor?"
[Then?]
"Hah... you see this Grand Banquet will be interesting. I need to quickly regain the title of Noble Consort. I do not want to be referred to as the Lady who never retaliates." Su Luxia said.
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Meanwhile, on the other side of the Palace:
A wonderfully relaxed woman was sitting peacefully, with her feet crossed. Her beauty was soft and gorgeous, looking like she had never worked in the day of her life. Liu Ruyan sat carelessly as she looked out the window.
Suddenly a maid came to her, bowing and fell by her side, and whispered, "My Lady, could there be something suspicious about the fact that Consort Su falsified an Imperial Decree to take in her son? I mean, it's punishable by death! Consort Su, isn't that foolish!"
"Hah?" Liu Ruyan opened her eyes and said, "Su Luxia is that foolish of a woman. She was only able to achieve her noble status due to her appearance and family background. While at the present, the Emperor completely abandoned her and ignored her family status."
"If she had any brains, she should know that this is the time to sit down and make yourself pretty. But of course not, now– she falsified an Imperial Decree out of desperation to turn around the situation. How foolish, indeed." Liu Ruyan scoffed.
The maid giggled and pleased Liu Ruyan saying, "If this matter is exposed, even Consort Su's family would reap the consequences too!"
Liu Ruyan stood up elegantly and ordered, "For today's banquet, find that White Moon Dress. The Emperor likes it when I wear neat and elegant clothing."
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The Banquet:
Liu Ruyan smiled shyly when she clutched the Emperor's hands and looked towards the audience who praised her gentle and elegant beauty. All of them blessing her fortune and health. The Emperor barely said anything but watch this entire ploy.
Finally, the door opened, and Liu Ruyan's face was filled with anticipation when she saw her so-called Guest of Honor: Su Luxia walking in.
"Lady Consort Su has arrived!"
Su Luxia smiled elegantly when she entered, her face gleaming with youth and beauty. Her crimson floral red Hanfu, dressed in golden linen looked refined and extravagant. Her makeup was also done boldly and matched her dress. Her hairpins were shining within the night.
Everybody looked at her in surprise and were at awe at her new complexion. They all murmured and complimented her looks, calling in refreshing and new style. Even the Emperor's eyes were round as he stared at her.
Liu Ruyan, who was not expecting this turnout, quickly said, "Oh Older sister has come so late, that this younger sister thought you were unwilling to come to my Palace–"
"–Have you done something to offend me? If not, do not say such ambiguous things." Su Luxia cut off Liu Ruyan's offsetting words. "It makes you look dumb." She said straightforwardly.
Liu Ruyan was caught off surprised at such a remark and quickly looked over the Emperor, slowly calling, "Y-your Majesty," clutching his arms tightly, as tears pooled over her eyes.
The Emperor then glared, saying, "Su Luxia."
Then tears fell from Su Luxia's eyes, as she slowly wiped them and gently looked at the Emperor. 'You think, you're the only one who knows how to fake cry?'
"You-" The Emperor became surprised by such an action and looked at Su Luxia waveringly.
Su Luxia quickly looked away from his gaze and covered her teary eyes saying, "I, this Consort is not crying! Your Consort already has a son! What is there to cry about?"
The Emperor became shocked as he stood up saying, "Son?!"
Liu Ruyan also shockingly grabbed his arm and said, "Y-yes, I also heard of this only today, Older sister." Liu Ruyan gritted her teeth, she would not allow Su Luxia to make the moves first.
But the Emperor already released himself from Liu Ruyan's clutch and ran towards to Su Luxia and carefully grabbed her hand asking anxiously, "A son? When?"
Su Luxia snatched her hand away and looked away sadly from the Emperor. "Well, your consort has taken in the Fourth Young Prince. From today onwards, he is my son."
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