Chapter 6: The Majesty of the Empress

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Feng Ruqing stepped into the imperial study, where the atmosphere was tense. Ji Ran sat upright on the dragon throne, his piercing gaze locking onto her like a hawk’s, sending a chill down her spine. On either side of the study, Consort Su weakly leaned against a chair, her eyes gleaming with schadenfreude; Granny Li stood with hands folded, a barely perceptible cold smile playing on her lips.

“Empress, you have been in the palace for several days, yet I never imagined you to be so... ‘versatile.’” Ji Ran’s voice was icy, laced with sarcasm.

He referred to Feng Ruqing’s actions over the past few days—so different from the timid and incapable young lady of the Feng family that rumors had painted her to be. For instance, she had seen through the poisonous snacks sent from the imperial kitchen, and she had tamed the fiercely spirited sweat-blooded horse with ease.

Consort Su covered her mouth to cough softly, her frail voice tinged with grievance. “Your Majesty, I have long said that the eldest Miss Feng is no ordinary person. It seems now that I was right.”

Granny Li added fuel to the fire, her voice thick with insinuation. “Before Her Majesty entered the palace, this old servant instructed her in court etiquette, but it seems she paid no heed. Such conduct—how can it be proper?”

Feng Ruqing’s expression remained calm, ignoring their provocations. She understood that tonight’s charade was aimed squarely at her.

She lifted her gaze to meet Ji Ran’s eyes steadily, her tone neither humble nor arrogant. “If Your Majesty has questions, I shall answer without reservation.”

“Ah, so you speak without reserve,” Ji Ran sneered coldly, suddenly flinging his teacup to the ground. The cup shattered, tea scent wafting through the air, unable to mask the rising tension. “Then tell me, why do you train in martial arts in the imperial garden at midnight? What kind of skills could a secluded young lady possibly have?”

Feng Ruqing’s eyes swept over the scattered shards on the floor, a meaningful smile curling at the corner of her lips.

“Your Majesty, I…” She did not defend herself. Instead, she abruptly knelt, her voice resonant and firm. “I am not skilled in needlework nor versed in poetry and books, but I have some knowledge of military strategy. I boldly request permission to train the Imperial Guards alone for one day to prove my innocence.”

The sudden request stunned all present.

Consort Su covered her mouth to stifle a laugh, while Granny Li wore an expression of disbelief.

Even Ji Ran furrowed his brow slightly, evidently surprised by the request.

“Train the Imperial Guards? Empress, you must be jesting,” Ji Ran’s voice carried a trace of amusement.

Feng Ruqing’s expression was resolute. “I am not joking. I believe that after tomorrow, Your Majesty will understand my intentions.”

Ji Ran looked into her determined eyes, curiosity unexpectedly kindling within him. He wanted to see what game this woman was playing.

“Granted.”

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The next day, at the training ground, sunlight bathed the sandy field in a golden glow. Feng Ruqing, dressed in martial attire, stood before the Imperial Guards with an imposing presence.

Her gaze swept over the gathering before she shouted, “Today, I will show you what true training looks like!” With that, she was the first to demonstrate her martial skill.

Her movements were lightning-fast as she charged toward a wooden stake in the center of the ground. Her fists and feet struck with force, each move fierce and powerful, sending splinters flying.

She then drew the long sword at her waist, its blade gleaming coldly in the sunlight. Her swordplay flowed like a river, graceful and fluid, casting shadowy streaks that made the Imperial Guards feel as if they were amidst a battlefield.

When she applied military strategy to the training, the guards were astounded.

Dividing them into squads, she stood upon a raised platform, her voice clear and commanding: “Left wing, encircle the right flank. Maintain stealth!” Calmly assessing the situation, she directed with unwavering confidence. The once lax Imperial Guards quickly transformed under her leadership, their every movement filled with strength. The training ground became a true battlefield, filled with cries of command and the clash of arms.

As evening fell, Ji Ran arrived at the training ground. Seeing the renewed Imperial Guards, his eyes shone with surprise and admiration. Before all the guards, he declared loudly, “I never imagined my Empress to possess such extraordinary military talent. I was mistaken. From today onward, the training of the Imperial Guards shall be entirely under the Empress’s charge.”

The Imperial Guards cheered in unison, “Long live the Empress!”

The shout echoed through the palace, instantly elevating Feng Ruqing’s prestige. Meanwhile, Consort Su and Granny Li’s faces darkened with displeasure.

Feng Ruqing returned to the Phoenix Palace, shedding her armor for a phoenix-embroidered robe. She regarded her reflection in the mirror, a cold smile curling her lips.

This was only the first step. Next, those who had harmed her sister would pay dearly.

Late at night, the candlelight flickered in Consort Su’s chamber. She slammed her teacup to the floor in fury. “Feng Ruqing, I will never let you live in peace!” Having been thwarted by Feng Ruqing, she could not swallow her resentment.

Biting her lip silently, she vowed, “I refuse to believe you can escape danger every time!”

At a palace banquet, as cups clinked and music played, Feng Ruqing sat composed on the Empress’s throne, regal in her bearing.

Consort Su’s eyes flickered with malice, a sinister smile twisting her lips. The real show was about to begin.

A troupe of dancers twirled gracefully. Suddenly, the lead dancer stumbled and fell straight toward Feng Ruqing, spilling the wine in her hand, threatening to stain Feng Ruqing’s exquisite gown.

Gasps arose from the crowd, tension mounting.

At the critical moment, Feng Ruqing moved with agility, dodging the collision deftly. The spilled wine splattered on the floor, a few crimson drops glistening.

The dancer knelt in panic, trembling. “Your Majesty, forgive me, I did not do it on purpose…”

Consort Su immediately stepped forward, feigning concern. “Your Majesty, are you all right? This clumsy dancer deserves death for colliding with the Empress!” She cast a pointed glance at a palace maid nearby.

The maid understood instantly. Pointing at the dancer, she shouted, “How dare you deliberately attack the Empress! You show no respect for the royal family! Tell us, who ordered you?”

The dancer turned pale, stammering, “I... I was not ordered by anyone…”

Consort Su sneered. “No orders? Do you think we would believe that? Someone clearly instructed you to frame the Empress!” Her gaze turned to Feng Ruqing, taunting, “Empress, what say you?”

Feng Ruqing smiled faintly and replied calmly, “Consort Su, there is no need to rush. The truth will be revealed upon investigation.” She clapped her hands, and two guards immediately seized the dancer.

A short while later, the guards returned with a trembling eunuch—Consort Su’s personal attendant.

He confessed without hesitation: Consort Su had bribed the dancer to deliberately implicate Feng Ruqing.

Consort Su’s face turned ashen as she shouted, “Lies! When did I ever order you?”

Feng Ruqing produced a slip of paper from her sleeve, bearing Consort Su’s handwriting and seal—evidence of the bribery scheme.

Those present gasped at the unmistakable proof. The concubines whispered among themselves, eyes filled with shock and disdain for Consort Su.

Like an ant on a hot pan, Consort Su desperately tried to snatch the paper but was blocked by the guards. Her hair fell loose, her appearance disheveled, while Feng Ruqing stood cold and triumphant.

Feng Ruqing approached her, eyes blazing. “Consort Su, did you think I would be unprepared? You have caused chaos in this harem for too long. Today marks your end.”

Ji Ran’s face darkened, disappointment evident in his gaze toward Consort Su.

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He waved his hand coldly. “Consort Su’s conduct is reprehensible. She is confined for three months to reflect.”

Feng Ruqing added, “Consort Su, this is only the beginning. If you dare act again, next time it will be more than just confinement.”

With that, she cast a disdainful glance at Consort Su. As Consort Su was dragged away, the surrounding concubines looked at Feng Ruqing with reverence.

Feng Ruqing slowly stood, surveying the room with eyes sharp as a hawk’s.

She raised her chin slightly, her voice cold and authoritative. “Today, I declare this truth—no one with ill intent can remain in this palace. Should anyone dare to conspire, I will show no mercy.”

Her words fell into a heavy silence.

All eyes fixed on her, a chill creeping into their hearts. After Consort Su’s removal, the concubines lowered their gazes, unwilling to meet Feng Ruqing’s stare. Even those usually haughty and self-important felt unease.

Feng Ruqing continued, “I am not a frail and incompetent woman. Those who seek to find fault in me are merely dreaming. I stand here today, and tomorrow I will ensure you all crumble to dust.”

Her words were like a sharp blade piercing each soul.

Ji Ran watched Feng Ruqing, a complex emotion flickering in his eyes.

He had never seen such a formidable Empress, his doubts and curiosity growing stronger.

“Your Majesty’s wisdom is unmatched. We shall all be cautious and diligent, not daring to slacken.” An elder consort bowed first, and others quickly followed, without hesitation.

Feng Ruqing nodded slightly, her tone softening. “I do not wish for turmoil in the harem. After all, the palace needs harmony and peace. But those who seek their own destruction will find no mercy.”

Silence fell once more.

Taking a sip of tea, Feng Ruqing’s gaze swept over everyone present, as if seeing through their thoughts.

She knew her position seemed secure, but the path of vengeance had only just begun.

She needed to uncover the truth behind her sister’s death—no easy task amid the palace’s web of intrigue.

Late at night, Feng Ruqing walked alone in the imperial garden. Looking at the surrounding flowers, her thoughts turned to her sister.

Her sister had loved the butterfly orchids here most of all, but now she was gone. In this palace filled with conspiracies, every step Feng Ruqing took was in pursuit of the truth behind her sister’s death.

A flicker of sorrow crossed her eyes, quickly replaced by determination. She silently vowed to make those responsible pay a heavy price.

Reaching a secluded corner, she gently touched a blooming peony.

Suddenly, a breeze stirred, carrying not only the fragrance of flowers but also a subtle sense of unease.

“Someone is following me?” Feng Ruqing’s heart tightened. Her sharp eyes scanned the surroundings, but no one was in sight.

She smiled faintly and continued forward, her mind already formulating new plans.