The Rebirth of the Malicious Empress of Military Lineage novel · Chapter 4 of 24

Chapter 4: The Consort's Garden

The Noble Consort's garden was all peonies and gold thread.

Fifty ladies sat under silk awnings, fanning themselves and watching the gate for new arrivals.

Shuyao came in on her grandmother's arm, in the dark green robe, and the whole garden looked at her.

By the time she reached the Consort's seat, she knew the story was already around.

The Tang girl threw the prince's ring into a pond.

"So this is the child," said the Noble Consort.

She was forty and beautiful, with Wei's long eyes, and she wore a gown that cost more than a company of soldiers.

"Come closer, Miss Tang. Let me see the girl who thinks my son is not good enough."

"I think no such thing, Your Ladyship."

"Do you not?"

"I think I am too young to be good enough for him."

A few ladies hid smiles behind their fans.

The Consort's own smile did not move.

"How modest. Sit beside your cousin. Miss Jiang is such a comfort to me."

Wanrou was already there, in peach, at the Consort's elbow, and she gave Shuyao a small wet-eyed smile.

Shuyao sat.

For an hour, the Consort did what she did best, which was to wound without leaving a mark.

She praised Wanrou's embroidery.

She wondered aloud whether the Tang house still had a proper tutor for its daughters.

She asked whether it was true the Marquis had marched in such a hurry, and whether the girl's temper was the reason.

Shuyao answered each question exactly, in the shortest sentence that fit.

Then the Consort called for the gifts.

Her maid, a plump woman in lilac with a gold hairpin, came forward carrying a tray of silk.

"A birthday gift from His Majesty's tribute stores," said the Consort. "The finest cloud-pattern brocade in the empire. One bolt for each lady present."

The ladies cooed.

The maid laid a bolt in Shuyao's hands.

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