Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios
Although Meng Ruxue was smart, she knew nothing about medicinal herbs. Naturally, she could not guess the meaning behind it. However, if she had really seen it, she would definitely not give such an answer.
She paused for a moment before continuing, “There were originally four lines in this poem. Fu’er only wrote the first and last lines. Why did Sister only write the first and last lines?”
Meng Fuying once again added this sentence in a calm and collected manner, but it was also aimed at Meng Ruxue’s vital points. No matter how telepathic, it couldn’t be so coincidental, right?
At this moment, the truth of the matter was clearly laid out before them.
She wanted to see how the empress would cover up for Meng Ruxue. She wanted to see how Meng Ruxue would explain herself.
Meng Ruxue’s expression instantly changed a few times. The empress’s expression was also a little gloomy. She never expected Meng Ruxue to be unable to explain the meaning of the poem.
At this moment, even the wise empress was speechless. However, when she looked at Meng Ruxue, there was a hint of blame and disappointment in her eyes.
Xuanyuan Ye’s slender fingers picked up the teacup in front of him and slowly tasted it.
The emperor took another look at the contents of the book, and his eyes darkened slightly. When he looked at Meng Ruxue, he became a little more stern. “Meng Ruxue, how do you explain this matter?”
“Your Majesty, everyone knows that Xue’er is extremely intelligent. Writing a poem is a piece of cake for her. Is there a need for her to copy other people’s poems? In the past, during the banquets, which poem of hers that she prepared on the spot was any less outstanding than this?” Before Meng Ruxue could speak, the woman sitting on the left of the Emperor suddenly spoke up. Her voice was very soft and gentle, sounding very comfortable. She paused for a moment before continuing, “Ye’er should have already chosen someone in his heart for this selection of concubines. It’s impossible for Ye’er’s feelings to change because of anything.”
Her final words were clearly directed at Meng Fuying.
It meant that in order to become Xuanyuan Ye’s consort, Meng Fuying had resorted to underhanded means, and Meng Ruxue had become the victim.
Meng Fuying raised her eyes slightly and looked at her. She was very beautiful, truly very beautiful. She was so beautiful that it caused one to be in a daze. She was so beautiful that it made one intoxicated. With a single glance, Meng Fuying was actually unable to guess her age. However, when she recalled how she had just called Xuanyuan Ye as Ye’er and how her looks resembled Xuanyuan Ye, she guessed that she was Xuanyuan Ye’s biological mother—Consort Rou.
As her name suggested, she was as gentle(Rou) as water and moon.
Meng Fuying met her gaze and did not discover any malice. There was only some dissatisfaction and protective feelings towards Meng Ruxue. Moreover, there was a pure spiritual aura in her beautiful eyes, as well as an innocence that no woman in the palace could have.
For such a woman to be able to survive in the palace until now, she must have either hidden herself too deeply or was deeply loved by the emperor.
As expected, after hearing her words, the stern look on the emperor’s face instantly disappeared. When he looked at her, there was a rare tenderness in his eyes.
If it was said that the emperor was made of steel, then this Consort Rou would be the only person to alter that.
The emperor was the oldest here, but Consort Rou’s words could easily affect the emperor.
And it was clear that Consort Rou was usually bewitched by Meng Ruxue’s appearance. In terms of relationships, she was biased towards Meng Ruxue.
“Alright, let’s forget about this matter. The matter of choosing a concubine is important. Don’t waste any more time.” When the emperor looked at Meng Fuying again, there was a hint of apology in his eyes, but his tone was unquestionable.
“Xue’er thanks Consort Rou.” Meng Ruxue bowed gratefully. At that moment, she really should thank Consort Rou properly.
Consort Rou looked at her with a friendly smile.
Meng Ruxue looked at Meng Fuying and said with a cordial expression, “Sister, don’t be angry. Take it that your sister is in the wrong. Have some tea. Take it as your sister apologizing to you.”
However, those two ‘take it that’s were cleverly covering up for herself and even displayed her magnanimity in front of Consort Rou.
As she spoke, she picked up the cup on the table and slowly filled it with tea. However, when she poured the tea, a small object hidden in her sleeve quickly slid into the teacup.
Instantly, it melted into the tea.
Colorless, odorless, silent, traceless.
The ancient sleeves were rather wide to begin with, so Meng Ruxue’s movements under the sleeves were extremely difficult to notice.
However, she was a Godly Thief. Her hands were fast and her eyes were even faster. How could such a small skill be hidden from her Fiery Golden Eyes?
Meng Fuying’s eyes narrowed slightly. Meng Ruxue actually dared to drug her?
Drugging her at such an occasion?
Moreover, under such circumstances, she couldn’t refuse at all. If she rejected Meng Ruxue, it would be disrespecting Consort Rou and not giving the emperor any face.
Meng Ruxue was indeed ruthless.
Humph. Meng Fuying sneered inwardly. She had originally wanted to let Meng Ruxue off just like that. It was truly a pity. She did not expect Meng Ruxue to deliver herself to her door again.
Fine. Today, she would let Meng Ruxue taste her own medicine and taste the poison she had poisoned herself.
A faint smile bloomed on Meng Fuying’s lips. She pretended to be oblivious as he took the tea from Meng Ruxue’s hands and said with a chuckle, “Fu’er toasts to Sister.”
She had the same smile on her face and a friendly expression. In terms of acting, how could a new woman from the modern world lose to an ancient person?
Meng Ruxue was stunned for a moment. Then, she quickly picked up another cup and filled it with tea. There was a hint of smugness in her eyes.
“Younger Sister, please.” Meng Ruxue raised her teacup slightly, and the smile on her face became even brighter.
“Sister, please.” Meng Fuying also smiled and raised her cup. The cup in her hand touched hers slightly. At the instant the two cups touched, her fingers moved slightly, and the two cups quickly changed positions.
The highest level of a Godly Thief was to take something from the hands of others without being discovered.
Meng Fuying drank the cup of tea she had just exchanged from Meng Ruxue.
Meng Ruxue, who was secretly pleased with herself, had no idea that she had drunk the drugged tea.
Meng Fuying’s lips curled into a cold sneer. What poison did Meng Ruxue add? She should be able to find the answer soon.
“Mm, good, good. Such deep sisterly affection, truly enviable.” Consort Rou’s intoxicating voice rang out once more.
When she looked at Meng Ruxue, she was even more satisfied.
For so many years, Ye’er had only allowed Xue’er to be by his side. Hence, she had long believed that Meng Ruxue would be her daughter-in-law.
Meng Fuying suddenly felt a gaze directed at her. She raised her eyes slightly and met Xuanyuan Ye’s icy, blood-curdling eyes..