“What do you mean by crime? There is no need for you to make it sound so serious. I just thought that you were at fault for gossiping and wanted to sentence you with a minor punishment. If you don’t agree with me, just treat it as if I haven’t said anything,” Lu Liangwei’s expression softened slightly as she said this casually.
However, the Pure Consort mistook her words as Lu Liangwei being unnerved at the mention of His Majesty. She was not prepared to let this go as she replied, “I would never dare to disagree. Your Highness has the authority to sentence punishment. However, you should inform His Majesty about the punishment you have given me.”
Lu Liangwei knew exactly what the Pure Consort was thinking, so she said in a grudging manner, “But His Majesty has been extremely busy these few days over the conquest of Danjue. If I were to disturb him blatantly, His Majesty might not be happy.”
When the Pure Consort heard this, she was even more convinced that Lu Liangwei was afraid and did not dare to see His Majesty.
Could it be that Lu Liangwei had been ignored by His Majesty because she had done something to anger him?
The Pure Consort immediately got excited at the thought.
The Virtuous Consort and Prudence Consort, who were both present, had the same thought.
If this was true, it would make His Majesty even angrier if he found out Lu Liangwei had made a mountain out of an anthill by punis.h.i.+ng the Pure Consort. If he was extra enraged, he might even cast Lu Liangwei aside.
All three of them got even more excited as they thought about this, and for once, they stood on the same side in unison.
The Virtuous Consort spoke out first, “Your Highness, you worry too much. No matter how busy His Majesty is with his work, he would still have time to see the Empress. How could you not inform His Majesty over a major issue such as punis.h.i.+ng the Pure Consort?”
Lu Liangwei glanced at all three of them and was secretly amused.
How would punis.h.i.+ng the Pure Consort be a major issue?
Lu Liangwei possessed the Phoenix Seal that governed the imperial harem. Would she even need to ask for Long Yang’s permission to hand out a little punishment to the concubines who had done something wrong?
Were these people trying to manipulate her because they thought she was young and was not familiar with the rules of the Palace?
There was a slightly cold look in Lu Liangwei’s eyes, but she still acted hesitantly. “That’s not entirely right. His Majesty has a myriad of problems to attend to every day and can hardly be everywhere at once. Who would bear the responsibility if I disturbed him over something so menial?”
A meaningful look flashed in the Prudence Consort’s eyes. She said gently, “His Majesty would never bear to punish your Highness because he adores you so much.”
Lu Liangwei glanced at her. The Prudence Consort was trying to pump Lu Liangwei up with false confidence. The Prudence Consort was probably picking on her since she was young, thinking that a few praises would make Lu Liangwei lose her rationale.
“You must be kidding, Prudence Consort. Who isn’t adored by His Majesty here? Your words would chill His Majesty’s heart, Prudence Consort.”
Ji Linghui choked. Her fingers wrapped around the handkerchief quietly clenched tight.
This Lu Liangwei was not easy to trick!
“Although, I haven’t seen His Majesty for quite a few days. I believe everyone here is the same as well. Since you’re all wanting to see His Majesty, let’s go over together.” Lu Liangwei stood up as she said this. She was a little eager to leave the main hall.
Another look flashed in Ji Linghui’s eyes when she saw this, and a cold smile appeared on her lips.
Ji Linghui had thought she had underestimated Lu Liangwei, thinking that Lu Liangwei was not easy to deal with. However, it looked like Lu Liangwei was indeed nothing but a little girl.
All it had taken were a few nice words and Lu Liangwei was already acting all giddy with them. Lu Liangwei really needed to have more self-awareness.
All three of the concubines shared the same thought and felt condescending toward Lu Liangwei.
However, Lu Liangwei’s stupidity was exactly what they were happy to see.
So what if such a person snared the t.i.tle of Empress? She still ended up being manipulated by them in the end.
Everyone left the Grand Phoenix Palace and headed toward the imperial study.
Long Yang was marking Palace Memorials in the imperial study when he heard that Lu Liangwei was on her way. For a moment, he was unable to react to the news.
It took him quite a while before he turned to Zhao Qian to ask, “Who did you say was coming?”