HRPM – Chapter 293 Punishing the Treacherous Consort (2)

“So that’s how it was. I finally understand the full sequence of events. Consort Hui, as an imperial consort of your rank, you have shown none of the dignity expected of an elder. Instead, you have wantonly humiliated a junior and attempted to administer private punishment without authorization, seriously violating palace regulations.”

The Empress assumed the imposing authority befitting the mistress of the six palaces and said sternly, “For the sake of your devoted service to His Majesty, I shall sentence you to ten days of confinement to your quarters. After this incident, you are to reflect carefully upon your faults and amend your conduct. If I ever see you acting so arrogantly and recklessly again, do not blame me for dealing with you according to the ancestral laws.”

“Yes, Your Majesty. I shall certainly keep the Empress’s teachings firmly in mind.”

Consort Hui was seething with rage inwardly, but she knew she was in the wrong and wisely adopted an obedient and submissive demeanor. In her heart, however, she had already formed a deep grudge against Jin Luoluo.

The Empress was quite satisfied. In this latest clash with Consort Hui, she had finally regained some ground, and it was all thanks to Jin Luoluo’s sharp tongue and quick wit. As a result, she found herself liking Jin Luoluo even more.

A temperament like Jin Luoluo’s was ideal. She neither endured humiliation in silence nor resorted to unreasonable tantrums. Instead, she retaliated intelligently, not only ensuring that her opponent received punishment but also avoiding trouble for herself.

“Enough. Just look at the state you’re all in. Hurry back and tidy your appearances,” the Empress said. Then, taking Jin Luoluo’s hand, she patted it affectionately. “Luoluo, it’s not often that you come to the palace. Why don’t you visit my palace for a while?”

Jin Luoluo felt goosebumps rise all over her body. She had the distinct impression that the Empress was far too intelligent and perceptive.

If she herself was a little fox, then the woman before her was an old fox—one that would not be easy to deal with.

Moreover, why did the Empress seem so fond of her? She truly couldn’t understand the Empress’s standards of judgment. Faced with a prospective daughter-in-law like this, most people would have been so angry they would cough up blood. Yet the Empress could still smile so warmly.

An extraordinary woman. The Empress was undoubtedly a formidable woman in every sense of the word.

“Mother Empress, why are you inviting only Luoluo and ignoring your son?” Xiao Yu squeezed over with a playful grin.

Seeing that his mother had not become angry with Jin Luoluo and instead seemed to admire her, the heavy burden in his heart finally lifted. Once relieved, he returned to his usual carefree self and began acting spoiled toward the Empress.

The Empress immediately revealed a motherly smile and teased him, “You’re already grown up, yet you’re still acting spoiled. Aren’t you ashamed? Look at how clever and adorable Luoluo is. She’s nothing like you, you little rascal. You’re never serious about anything. Do you even resemble a prince? You’re more like a mischievous child who loves causing trouble.”

Xiao Yu became even more pleased with himself and edged closer to his mother’s side.