Story of Consort Xi

Chapter 10.2: To be Meat on Somebody's Chopping Block 2

Upon hearing that her family were not to be spared, Ling Ruo panicked even more. She kowtowed endlessly and vehemently denied the claims while begging for forgiveness. But she didn't know that Noble Consort Rong and Consort Yi had already made up their minds to get rid of her, regardless of the truth.

Noble Consort Rong initially intended to strip Ling Ruo of her rights to participate in the Imperial Harem Selection, and to quietly send her out of the Imperial Palace. After all, such issues must be done secretly without Emperor Kang Xi's knowledge. However, Consort Yi reminded Noble Consort Rong that Ling Ruo will be back three years later for the next Imperial Harem Selection, since she had "missed" the current one.

Leaving Ling Ruo in the main hall, Noble Consort Rong and Consort Yi retreated to the side hall for further discussion. Noble Consort Rong asked: "So, what do you suggest?"

Consort Yi replied: "I would personally suggest prosecuting her according to the law of the Qing dynasty. Except that we do it immediately, instead of going through the Imperial Household Department [1]. Get rid of her such that she will not pose any threat to us in the future."

"Definitely not!" Noble Consort Rong objected. "If a candidate dies under my care, I will not be able to answer to His Majesty. If His Majesty decides to investigate the death, would you like to take up the blame?"

Hearing the response, Consort Yi sighed inwardly. She initially planned to make use of the situation to overthrow Noble Consort Rong, thus killing two birds with one stone. It was such a pity that Noble Consort Rong refused to be tricked into it.

After some thoughts, Noble Consort Rong made up her mind. Returning to the main hall, Noble Consort Rong said: "Based on your crime, you should have been sentenced to death. However, I shall pardon you from death this time round." After a slight pause, she continued: "Although you are spared from death, you will still be punished. You definitely cannot participate in the Imperial Harem Selection anymore. But I will not treat you unkindly, I will gift you to the Fourth Prince as an Escort." Consort De has always been a thorn in the side for Noble Consort Rong. As such, Noble Consort Rong decided to create trouble for Consort De's son, the fourth prince.

This showed how cruel and merciless Noble Consort Rong could be. Nobody in the Imperial Harem was simple. While Noble Consort Rong could not kill Ling Ruo, she could make her life a living hell.

Escort?! Ling Ruo could not believe her ears, for once she felt a hint of anger within her. Escorts were women of lowly status, who were not considered to be concubines or secondary wives. They were considered to be no better than the servants, and their sole purpose was to satisfy their master.

Ever since the beginning of the Qing dynasty, no daughter of Imperial officials was ever appointed as Escorts. This blow dealt by Noble Consort Rong not only significantly reduced Ling Ruo's status, it also mercilessly shamed the entire Niohuru clan.

For several moments, Ling Ruo tightly bit her lower lip, unwilling to comment. Only until she felt the metallic blood taste in her mouth, did Ling Ruo slowly loosen her mouth and replied: "Your humble servant is grateful to Your Highness Noble Consort Rong's favour."

Nodding in satisfaction, Noble Consort Rong signalled Eunuch Lin Quan to bring Ling Ruo out. He was instructed to send Ling Ruo out of the Imperial Palace immediately and to deliver her to the Fourth Prince's residence overnight.

In a daze, Ling Ruo was sent out of Jing Ren Palace, out of the Imperial Palace, which once held all her hopes and dreams...

By the time she recovered from her daze, Ling Ruo has already arrived in a room located in the backyard of the Fourth Prince's residence. The housekeeper Gao Fu then assigned maid Mo Yu to serve Ling Ruo.

"Miss, your clothes are all wet. Would you want your humble servant to assist in changing before you rest?" Maid Mo Yu asked.

Miss... In the future, this would be how she would be addressed as. No longer Lady Niohuru, but an Escort in the Fourth Prince's residence. Not even a concubine or secondary wife, merely a prostitute of the Fourth Prince.

Suddenly, Ling Ruo erupted in laughter. Her sharp and desolate laughter echoed loudly in the room. She continued her maniac-like laughter for a long, long time... Until finally, her laughter was gradually replaced by tears.

Abandoning her true love, giving up her freedom and dreams, with the sole wish to be successfully selected into the Imperial Harem. And yet, this was how it would all end. This must be heaven's revenge on her. Revenge for harming the man who have loved and waited for her over ten years! Revenge for being over-ambitious, for assuming that her power alone could change the fate of Niohuru family!

Meanwhile, Mo Yu was shocked and scared by Ling Ruo's display. Mo Yu never expected that her question would trigger such a drastic reaction. Just when Mo Yu was about to retreat and leave Ling Ruo alone, she saw Ling Ruo swaying. Mo Yu rushed forward immediately to catch hold of Ling Ruo. Upon contact, she felt the feverish heat radiating from Ling Ruo. Mo Yu asked worriedly: "Miss? Miss, are you alright?"

The blow tonight has already forced Ling Ruo to the brink of insanity. While on the way from the Imperial Palace, she was caught in heavy rain, causing her to quickly fall sick. As her world slowly dimmed, the last thing Ling Ruo saw was Mo Yu's concerned face...

[1] 内务府The Imperial Household Department was an institution of the Qing dynasty of China. Its primary purpose was to manage the internal affairs of the Qing imperial family and the activities of the inner palace. It was also in charge of the ceremonial and spiritual activities of the Qing imperial household. These activities include the maintenance of the mausoleums of Qing emperors, polytheist worships and post-humous affairs of the royal.