amaotonovel Chapter 209 Qiao Qingling Takes Advantage of Others' Misfortune
Chapter 209 Qiao Qingling Takes Advantage of Others' Misfortune
Ever since that unpleasant incident, the two of them have been stubborn.
Even after Pei Yuanling calmed down and specially sent Chen Zhongliang to deliver the reward, it was to no avail.
He had already given her a way out; if she just apologized to him, they could reconcile.
But no matter how long he waited, she never bowed her head.
Today, he finally set aside his pride as a king to seek her out, but he never expected it to end like this.
Pei Yuanling's already gloomy mood suddenly became even more turbulent.
Xianglan had already knelt down to pay her respects with trepidation, but Chu Qingyin didn't even turn her head. The snowball in her arms was startled by the sudden sound and shrank back.
Chu Qingyin gently patted it, soothingly saying, "Your Majesty is the ruler of a nation; how could I dare to resent Your Majesty?"
Hearing these angry words, Pei Yuanling approached step by step.
The man's tall figure stretched long in the autumn afterglow, enveloping Chu Qingyin's petite frame.
"Yinyin, I was blinded by rage that day, I..."
His words were urgent, but he gradually fell silent in response to Chu Qingyin's indifference.
Xianglan stood to the side, head down, not daring to breathe.
She glanced up at her mistress and then at His Majesty, feeling a suffocating atmosphere.
Finally, Pei Yuanling sighed and left.
Before long, the news that His Majesty had been turned away at Feixue Palace spread throughout the entire palace.
When Qiao Qingling learned that His Majesty had stormed out of Feixue Palace in a rage, she was overjoyed and immediately dressed up in her finest attire before heading to the Imperial Garden.
She chose a light purple dress, with a lilac velvet flower pinned to her temple. Her makeup was light, yet it exuded a unique charm.
In short, this outfit was based on what was rumored in the palace to be the favorite attire of the late Consort.
Upon learning that Pei Yuanling was returning to Zichen Palace, she hurriedly positioned herself on the only path through the Imperial Garden.
Pei Yuanling dragged his heavy steps toward Zichen Palace, his mind filled with Chu Qingyin's aloof and unapproachable demeanor.
He knew he had acted impulsively, but he was, after all, a monarch. He had already offered her a way out, but she was too proud to accept it. Did he expect him to grovel and beg for her forgiveness?
As soon as he stepped into the Imperial Garden, he saw Qiao Qingling wearing a lotus-root colored dress.
Like a delicate flower blooming in autumn, it stands gracefully on the only road to pass.
Although it is already autumn, the sun is shining brightly and it is still quite hot. At this moment, a thin layer of sweat has formed on her forehead.
Seeing the emperor approach, a hint of barely perceptible joy flashed in Qiao Qingling's eyes. She took light steps, swayed her waist gracefully, and stepped forward to give a graceful bow: "Your Majesty, may you be well."
Her voice was soft and melodious, like the song of a nightingale in spring.
Pei Yuanling frowned slightly, fully aware of her deliberate attire and the timing of her appearance, but he couldn't retaliate. He simply said, "Get up."
Having said that, he ignored her and walked around her.
Qiao Qingling was unwilling to be ignored like this. She stepped aside to block Pei Yuanling's way, her eyes filled with tears, and said aggrievedly, "Does Your Majesty not remember me? I am Consort Liang's younger sister, and I am here to wait for Your Majesty."
Pei Yuanling frowned as he looked at her. "What are you waiting for me for?"
Qiao Qingling bit her lower lip and mustered her courage to say, "I heard that Your Majesty and my sister have had a misunderstanding, and I am very worried. I have come up with a way to help Your Majesty resolve this problem."
Upon hearing her bring this up, Pei Yuanling's face darkened, and he exuded a cold aura: "What's your plan?"
"I know that His Majesty has deep feelings for my sister, and my sister must understand that too. It's just that my sister shouldn't have argued with His Majesty over some trivial matters."
Fearing that she might make a mistake and offend the other party, Qiao Qingling said cautiously, "I suppose you, sister, are also deeply in love with His Majesty, but you just don't understand your own feelings yet."
"If His Majesty occasionally favors other concubines, and lets my sister know that being too spoiled will only hurt His Majesty's feelings and push him further and further away, perhaps my sister will understand."
Upon hearing this, a dark glint flashed in Pei Yuanling's eyes.
He naturally understood Qiao Qingling's intention, but he had to admit that there was some truth to it.
I have indeed spoiled Yinyin too much lately, making her so ignorant of her place!
Seeing that he was wavering, Qiao Qingling was greatly encouraged and continued, "I know that Your Majesty only has my sister in your heart and does not want to hurt her. I am willing to put on this show with Your Majesty. As long as my sister can get back together with Your Majesty, I will be satisfied."
Pei Yuanling lowered his eyes, his gaze towards Qiao Qingling carrying a hint of scrutiny: "You seem quite concerned about the matter between me and your sister."
Qiao Qingling's heart skipped a beat, and she quickly knelt down, saying in a trembling voice, "Your Majesty, please forgive me. I only feel sorry for my sister and hope that Your Majesty and my sister can reconcile. I have no other intentions."
Pei Yuanling stared at her for a long time before finally looking away.
"Come back to Zichen Palace with me."
Qiao Qingling was overjoyed and immediately bowed, "Your concubine obeys!"
Gazing at the emperor's imposing figure, Qiao Qingling's lips curled up slightly, revealing a barely perceptible smile.
Sister, you're the one who's being ungrateful. Don't blame your sister for taking advantage of you.
***
That night, Qiao Qingling stayed at Zichen Palace.
The next morning, Pei Yuanling's imperial edict conferring titles spread throughout the palace.
In just one night, Consort Qiao, who had been in the palace for many days without receiving the emperor's favor, was promoted to Consort Qiao.
The two Qiao sisters in the palace were promoted in rank, which made everyone else extremely jealous.
Qiao Qingling suddenly became a rising star in the palace, and even Empress Wang sent her a congratulatory gift.
Upon returning to the palace, Qiao Qingling couldn't hide her pride as she looked at the piles of rewards and gifts in the hall.
“Ya’er, pick out some that look nice and send them to Feixue Palace. Just say that I personally selected them to give to my sister.”
Qiao Qingling sat on the soft couch, wearing only a gauze dress, her slender, fair skin faintly visible, and the marks of last night's intense passion faintly visible on her arms.
"Yes." The palace maid, Ya'er, nodded.
Qiao Qingling thought for a moment and then instructed, "My sister has always been favored and has seen all kinds of rare and precious things. You must choose something exquisite."
"The servant knows."
Ya'er agreed, then hesitated, "Your Majesty, what should we do if His Majesty finds out about this?"
"Didn't Your Majesty want to make my sister jealous?"
Qiao Qingling casually fiddled with her newly painted nail polish, her smile undiminished. "Isn't what I'm doing exactly what he wants?"
Soon, Ya'er brought a host of gifts to Feixue Palace.
Seeing Chu Qingyin resting in the pavilion, Ya'er quickly bowed and said with a smile, "Greetings, Consort Liang."
“My master is thinking of the Empress and specially sent me to deliver some items bestowed by His Majesty.”