The Rebirth of an Ill-Fated Consort (Chapters 1- 203)

Chapter 150 : Xiao Shao Made A Move

Translated by : Mazu

Edited by : Anks & Ely

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The flowers in the palace gardens seemed to bloom more luxuriantly as early autumn progressed, especially the large chrysanthemums with their brilliant purple and scarlet colours. Layers upon layers of petals curved gracefully and were placed in a stunning display. There was a fragrant scent everywhere. These days, the eunuchs and maids' hands were engaged in welcoming a batch of newly enlisted young women into the palace. Every year, as new people were added, conversely countless nameless souls of beautiful ladies would fertilize the soil of the ostensibly abundant flowers. As terrifying as this might sound, fresh fertilizer was never scarce because there were always plenty of ladies who wished to be phoenixes who ascended the upper branch.

Imperial Consort Shu reclined leisurely on her couch. Under the candlelight halo, the silhouette of her exotic charm looked especially lovely. She was very much aware of her own advantages. She wore a silk upper garment woven with gold threads, a delicate piece of gem in the middle of her brow, and her toes under the long sapphire blue skirt were as delicate and fair as if carved out of jade.

Her entire body oozed a beauty's elegance and seductive allure. It was no surprise that she still remained in first place after all these years, despite the presence of many beautiful young women constantly entering the palace.

Imperial Consort Shu studied her fingernails as she was served peeled purple grapes from the crystal bowl beside her. The grapes were round and lovely, her cherry lips were exquisite, and her pink tongue was nimble; it was almost as though eating one grape at a time allowed one to taste and savor its distinct flavor.

The Crane beak-shaped copper burner was slowly emitting a scent from an incense that was unique to the Western Regions (Xinjiang and Central Asia kingdoms). Its bold and warm fragrance, combined with the cosy candlelight, made people feel as if they were in a foreign land.

Imperial Consort Shu's life had become increasingly prosperous since Imperial Consort Chen was banished to the Cold Palace. Imperial Consort De and Imperial Consort Chen had fought for a lifetime. Even though Imperial Consort Chen had lost power, Fourth Prince and Fifth Prince were still fighting tooth and nail for the highest position.

Imperial Consort Shu had only one child, Princess He Yi. Obviously, she had no aspirations she shouldn't have had and competing for the title of the di wife was a remote matter for her. Instead, Imperial Consort Shu placed a lot more attention on winning the Emperor's heart in the harem.

When Imperial Consort Chen was around, the Emperor focused his attention almost entirely on her. Imperial Consort Shu's numerous ruses and flirtations paled in comparison to Imperial Consort Chen's gentle smile and her simple multicoloured embroidered pouches. Therefore, Imperial Consort Shu hated Imperial Consort Chen the most in this palace and everybody knew that Imperial Consort Shu and Imperial Consort Chen were natural enemies. However, now that Imperial Consort Chen had no chance of being released, Imperial Consort Shu had no strong opponents. Naturally, she was in her element like a fish in water.

It's just that it's normal for a beauty to lose her prime in the palace. Although Imperial Consort Chen had lost her position of power, it was inevitable that a second and third Imperial Consort Chen would emerge from the group of beautiful women chosen for the Emperor's harem. The young women were all at the stage in their lives when they were most beautiful, just like flowers. Imperial Consort Shu might be fortunate enough to defeat the middle-aged Imperial Consort Chen, but she could never defeat a young Imperial Consort Chen.

Even so, Imperial Consort Shu's life was much more comfortable these days.

A dainty figure rushed in angrily and went straight to the imperial consort's couch without even looking. The person's tone conveyed her rage. "Mother Consort!"