Chapter 74 The Altar (2/2)

”Yes, Your Grace.” The maid bowed and stepped out respectfully.

Later, when it was dark outside, Lengmei left her chamber alone and went to Zui Linglong's place.

”Concubine Leng, you're really bold. His Majesty hasn't repealed the order to confine you, yet you left your chamber.” Zui Linglong greeted Lengmei upon her arrival, not a bit surprised. She was half lying on the bed in white pajamas, reading a book.

”Ah, frankly speaking, I fear being seen by anyone else but you.” Lengmei was a little displeased at Zui Linglong's sarcasm, and she made no more effort to hide it.

”Oh? What do you mean?” Zui Linglong cast a sidelong glance at her while leaning on a cushion with her hair bun loosely bound.

”Let's be honest with each other, shall we? Do you admit that you were helping me in secret?”

”Oh? You confused me, Lengmei. You were confined to your chamber, and I have always been staying indoors these days.”

”We didn't see each other, and we didn't exchange letters. What on earth made you think I helped you? And what did I help you with?”

”Hehe, you're still feigning ignorance with me?” Lengmei said, her eyes full of contempt.

”You really misunderstood me. I didn't help you with anything. But please forgive me for not interceding with His Majesty on your behalf. I was not feeling well these days, so I didn't seek an audience with His Majesty.” Zui Linglong replied with a bit of uneasiness in her tone.

Then she abruptly raised her head and asked, seemingly perplexed, ”But could you explain for me what 'feigning ignorance' means?”

”...” Lengmei was almost amused despite her fierce anger at Zui Linglong's affectation and said, ”I'm treating you with honesty and good will, yet you're not speaking frankly with me. I thought you would be disappointed and angry after your nuptial night was sabotaged, and perhaps I could give you a hand now that we're sisters. Maybe it was all my wishful thinking. Carry on with your reading then!”

Lengmei stood up, poised to leave.

”Please stay, my dear sister.” Zui Linglong stepped down from her bed and grabbed Lengmei's hand warmly. ”You rarely came to my place, and if you leave without even drinking a cup of tea, you will think me as inhospitable and impolite, right?”

”No need for tea. Let's talk without beating about the bushes!” Lengmei abruptly pushed her hand away and said, looking straight into her eyes.

”The gossip spreading in the harem these days came from me. That's right. It was my plan.”

Lengmei ignored Zui Linglong's surprised look and continued, ”But I don't believe there was no one out there offering help. And the secret helper is you.”

They looked at each other straight in the eyes quietly for a long time.

Zui Linglong remained silent, and Lengmei took her silence for acquiescence.

”We're fully aware of each other's position and attitude. A straightforward person should never resort to insinuations. That's smart people's strategy. I dislike Tang Xia, and she sabotaged your nuptial night.

”So to speak, she's our common enemy. So why don't we be honest with each other and join hands against her?”

”Well, it seems we're indeed in the same camp. But she's favored by His Majesty, and your plan is in progress. So what do you want to discuss with me?”

”Hmmpf! You underestimated her! My plan is merely able to obstruct her for a short time, but unable to trap her forever. And it turned out it didn't do any harm to her,” Lengmei said, her eyes burning with coldness.

”You had a great reputation long before you entered the palace, so I wonder if you have any good idea to deal with the current situation.”

”Don't worry, my dear sister. Public clamor can melt even metals. How can she withstand the pressure from the gossip?”

”You're wrong! That sly siren has enchanted His Majesty and made him obsessed with her. My rage will not be eased until she is smashed to ashes!” Lengmei punched the table heavily and said, her entire body shrouded in coldness and cruelty, making her forbidding to behold.

Zui Linglong looked at Lengmei with a vague expression and said after a long pause, ”The altar.”

”What do you mean?” Lengmei was confused.

”Hehe, please be careful on your way back. Sorry I can't walk outside with you.” Zui Linglong smiled and said goodbye to Lengmei all of a sudden.

Lengmei didn't catch on even after she walked out of Zui Linglong's chamber. She looked back at the shut windows, gave a sneer and stamped her foot before turning on her heel.

After returning to her chamber, Lengmei mulled for a long time and figured Zui Linglong should not be saying that without purpose. She sent for Nian and asked her about the altar, but she had no idea either.

”Your Grace, perhaps it's better to ask an old maid.”

”Go and bring one to me.”

”Yes, Your Grace.” Nian went outside immediately to carry out the order.

Shortly afterwards, she brought an old maid back.

”Granny, you have been living in the imperial palace for a long time. Have you ever heard of an altar?”

The old maid knelt down immediately.