Chapter 196: Banishment

The news reached Lan Wu’s ears just as Chu Mingheng arrived for the meal.

The palace messenger delivering the message was visibly excited, and truth be told, everyone in the palace who had learned of this news was equally stirred. It wouldn’t be long before the news spread beyond the palace walls.

This was the establishment of an Empress—the sole rightful wife of His Majesty. Such a momentous event was surely cause for celebration throughout the land.

It was also a testament to the foresight of the palace servants who had aligned themselves with the right person from the start. After all, who could have imagined that this consort, who had risen from a dancer to such heights, would now ascend to the throne as Empress?

Lan Wu had already heard about this from Chu Mingheng the day before, but upon hearing the official announcement, she still paused for a moment before slowly nodding and dismissing the messenger.

Not long after, Chu Mingheng arrived.

He did not come empty-handed. The items he had promised Lan Wu earlier were brought along by his attendants.

Hearing the greetings from outside, Lan Wu turned her head and first saw him enter the hall, followed by the palace servants placing box after box on the wooden table inside.

Hesitating briefly, she rose and walked over.

It was all Chu Mingheng’s fault—she still felt a bit unsteady on her feet.

Just as she was about to pass by him, he stopped her.

Once the servants had placed all the items, Chu Mingheng ordered them to withdraw.

Lan Wu looked up at him in confusion.

Chu Mingheng bent down, picked her up, and carried her to the front of the room.

“These are all the things I mentioned to you earlier. See if you like them.”

He opened each wooden box one by one for Lan Wu to examine clearly. In addition to what Chu Mingheng had previously mentioned, there were also silks and satins in vibrant colors, perfectly suited for Lan Wu.

As she looked through them, Lan Wu suddenly asked him, “Have you already issued the edict?”

Chu Mingheng took out a crystal lotus flower and gently placed it in Lan Wu’s hand. With a slight, noncommittal nod, he said, “It was settled during the morning court assembly. Now, it’s up to the Ministry of Rites to handle the rest.”

Lan Wu pondered for a moment, lowering her gaze to the lotus flower in her hand, her mind seemingly lost in thought.

“Your Majesty, may I visit the Cold Palace?” Finally, she remembered this matter and asked Chu Mingheng.

Chu Mingheng, however, frowned slightly and subtly tightened his arm around Lan Wu’s waist, as if curious. “Why go to the Cold Palace?”

It was worth noting that both Consort Rou, née Zeng, and Consort Shu, née Song, had been sent to the Cold Palace. After their affairs were settled, news of them seemed to vanish without a trace, as if everyone had forgotten.

Lan Wu’s desire to see them was not a sudden whim. After all, they were her enemies from her past life, and it felt as though something would weigh on her heart if she didn’t go.

As for Noble Consort Li…

Lan Wu had no time to bother with her. With her temperament, even if things seemed peaceful now, she would inevitably bring trouble upon herself in the future.

Lan Wu was in no hurry.

“I just want to see…” Lan Wu still harbored a bit of mischief in her heart. Seeing her enemies suffer would bring her satisfaction, especially since both of them had harmed her in her past life and even in this one. Chu Mingheng’s handling of them was his own affair, but her intentions were her own.

Coincidentally, Chu Mingheng understood her thoughts all too well.

“What if you get scared when you go?” he countered.

Lan Wu was visibly taken aback, momentarily puzzled as to why she would be afraid.

But she quickly remembered how Chu Mingheng had ordered these people tortured in her past life.

She swallowed hard and looked at him. “You…”

Chu Mingheng did not deny it, merely nodding slightly as he asked Lan Wu, “Still planning to go?”

Then… better not go.

Going would only upset her.

Lan Wu shook her head.

Chu Mingheng kissed her cheek and called for servants to store the items in the treasury.

On the fifth day after returning to the palace, the imperial concubines came to Yilan Hall to pay their respects to Lan Wu.

Previously, Chu Mingheng had specifically ordered that no one disturb Lan Wu’s rest, so the concubines had not come to pay their respects. After waiting five days, they deemed it appropriate to visit.

Lan Wu was sleeping soundly and felt somewhat dazed when awakened. She glanced toward the bedside and saw that Chu Mingheng was already dressed.

“From now on, you will set the rules for the inner palace. If you don’t want them to pay respects, just say so. But you should still make an appearance.” Chu Mingheng helped her up, holding her close as he whispered in her ear, “Now, managing palace affairs shouldn’t be too difficult. Dan Shan will assist you. If anything proves too challenging, remember to come find me.”

Lan Wu’s eyes were still closed. Hearing this, she slightly lifted her eyelids, seeming to find it troublesome. She responded with a reluctant, indistinct murmur.

“Alright, I’m off to the morning court assembly.”

Lan Wu took her time but eventually woke up.

After washing up and entering the main hall, she saw the people inside rise one after another to bow and greet her. In that moment, Lan Wu became fully awake—more awake than ever before.

She was the youngest among the imperial concubines, yet held the highest rank. After the grand ceremony, she would become the Empress. She had to carry herself with authority and not let others look down on her.

“All rise.” Today, Lan Wu wore a lilac-colored fuguang brocade dress, with cranes embroidered in silver thread on the sash and delicate jade beads adorning the hem. Butterfly hairpins adorned her chignon, giving her a gentle, serene yet dignified and elegant appearance.

As Lan Wu’s gaze swept across the room, she noticed something.

Why were there so few people? And almost all of them were familiar faces.

In the days since returning to the palace, Lan Wu had not specifically sent anyone to gather information, as there was no need. With several precedents set, the remaining concubines in the palace should not dare to cause trouble.

As if sensing Lan Wu’s confusion, someone below spoke softly, “Your Highness may not know, but His Majesty issued an edict two months ago, sending some of the palace concubines away to marry as they please.”

So now, only those present remained in the palace.

Wh-what—?

Lan Wu had not anticipated this at all. She had even wondered if the small number of attendees was part of some deliberate scheme.

Chu Mingheng had never mentioned this to her.

Two months ago?

Wasn’t that the month she had just left for Changyong Mountain?

Lan Wu slowly composed herself, masking her surprise as she looked again at those who remained.

No wonder Chu Mingheng said managing palace affairs wouldn’t be difficult. With so few people left, it naturally wouldn’t be a challenge.

After the greetings, as was customary, Consort Zhuang and Liang Fei stayed behind.

Last time they stayed, it was to hand over their authority over palace affairs. This time was no different.

The two glanced at each other, saying nothing else, showing no attachment to their former power. They quickly said what needed to be said.

And this time, Lan Wu did not refuse.

After everyone had left, Lan Wu went to the Imperial Study to find Chu Mingheng.

She arrived just as the morning court assembly had ended. Chu Mingheng had not yet returned, but the servants in the Imperial Study dared not keep her outside, allowing her to enter the hall directly.

After waiting a while, she finally saw him return.