Chapter 80 Acting (2/2)

”What did you say?” Lengmei's chest heaved intensely as she exploded with rage, ”Who the hell do you think you are? How dare you speak to me like this!”

”Your Majesty, you saw it yourself. This maid was bold enough to offend me in your face. Now you know how bad they treated me behind your back! Please distinguish the truth from lies and hold justice for me. You should punish this maid for restoring my reputation!” said Lengmei as she looked at Chu Tiankuo in a grievance, her eyes on the verge of shedding tears.

”That's not true! You can't let her deceive you, Your Majesty!” explained Lyuyou hastily, only to be interrupted by Chu Tiankuo.

”Impertinence! You're only a maid after all. Who taught you to speak to an imperial concubine like that?”

”I...”

”I don't want to hear your explanation. I recognize your exploit to protect your mistress, and I will pardon your misbehavior this time,” Chu Tiankuo picked up Tang Xia, held her in his arms and continued, ”It was despicable of you, Concubine Lengmei, to be impertinent to the queen, but considering your pregnancy, I pardon you too this time. However, if you ever commit that again, you will be locked in the cold palace and not allowed to step out of the palace all your life!”

Lengmei was shivering with fury at her total fiasco. She had no choice but to hold her anger and accepted Chu Tiankuo's criticism under his daunting pressure.

With cold eyes, Lengmei watched Chu Tiankuo leaving with Tang Xia in his arms, and she almost tore the fine silk in her hands into pieces. She narrowed her eyes and thought, ”I miscalculated Tang Xia's ability. She snatched the initiative this time and dropped me in unjust treatment. Well, well, this was but a small interruption, and one step closer to my plan.”

Lengmei walked slowly to her chamber and shut the door as soon as she arrived. She called her trusted maid and said, ”Did you see everything that happened there just now”?

”Yes, Your Grace. I was plucking flowers there with a bunch of little maids and saw the queen's frame-up of you from beginning to end.” said the maid as she smiled proudly and walked over to pound Lengmei's shoulders lightly.

”Good. How did they react?”

”They were indignant at your unjust suffering and wanted to step up to testify in your favor, but I stopped them. Don't worry, Your Grace. Before they left, they told me they would never let your grievance go unavenged.”

”Hahaha, well done. You take some silver knobs and buy them some drinks and rouge. Keep a close eye on this matter, and make sure to make it a big story.”

”Don't worry, Your Grace. I know what I'm doing.”

In the meantime at another place in the palace, Chu Tiankuo gently placed Tang Xia on the bed and made her lie on her stomach. He then massaged her on her waist considerately.

”Don't. I'm fine. I'm fine. You go back to continue your own business.” Tang Xia blushed with shyness, pressed down Chu Tiankuo's hand and buried her face inside the quilt.

”No! A sprained back is a big problem. Let me give you a massage to avoid possible sequela.” said Chu Tiankuo as he moved his hands all over Tang Xia's back with an ulterior motive, his eyes growing darker.

”Keep your dirty hand away!” Tang Xia turned over and sat up abruptly, her face redder than the sunset glow.

”Um? Be careful with your words, my queen. Whose hand are you describing as a dirty hand?” said Chu Tiankuo as he looked at Tang Xia aggressively, acting as if he was about to pounce on her.

”The one that bullies me, whoever it is! You said you would give me a massage. Why did you stroke all over my back?” said Tang Xia as she bit her lips, her big eyes glistened with watery luster.

”Tut! You silly girl of little life experience! Healing such an injury is not child's play in your eyes. There is so much specialized knowledge that you don't know about.” Chu Tiankuo pounced over abruptly and pushed her down onto the bed. They faced each other closely, eyes to eyes, nose to nose.

”Well? I took your side completely this time. You won't get jealous this time, will you?”

”Hmmpf! I... I couldn't care less about you!”

Both of them burst into laughter on the bed. While outside the chamber, the story that Chu Tiankuo took Tang Xia's side in the imperial garden was spread out in the palace within a short time by some people intentionally.

Opinions were exchanged and gossip spread. People all believed Tang Xia won the favor of the emperor again. Some were envious, and some made witty remarks.

And all of a sudden, Lengmei adopted a high profile. She was not only active in public, but even invited a theatrical troupe to perform in the imperial garden and made it known to all.

”Tell them to put up a play of Huangmei.”