Everyone in the Harem Has a Cheat Except Me - Chapter 7

Before I could find a solution, I happened upon the Noble Consort.

The Virtuous Consort bore a grudge after her humiliation. I had barely entered the imperial garden when she followed me in. With a sigh, I gave her a perfunctory curtsy. “Your Highness.”

“Insolence!” she shouted. “A mere Palace Beauty dares meet me without kneeling?”

I knew my rank was lower, and I ought to kneel. But I hated that sort of thing. If I hadn’t feared someone would kill Qin Jun, would I have given up my good life outside the palace to come here? I was unhappy enough already. I didn’t care whether the Virtuous Consort was pleased.

I straightened. “Your Highness, His Majesty ordered that, owing to my poor health, I need not pay formal respects to anyone.”

Her eyes widened. “Absurd!”

“I think so too. Why don’t you ask His Majesty to withdraw the order?” I suggested “helpfully.”

She was furious. “Sheng Lianyi, His Majesty is only briefly infatuated with you. Do you truly think his favor lets you run wild in the palace?”

I nodded repeatedly. “What keen insight, Your Highness.”

Trusting a man was about as wise as waiting for a sow to climb a tree. I’d never depended on Qin Jun. I relied on being able to beat people up.

Her face went blue with rage. Unable to outtalk me or swallow her anger, she ordered, “Palace Beauty Sheng has offended her superior. Slap her mouth!”

Again with this “offending a superior” business? Qin Jun had plainly sided with me. Perhaps she thought that with him absent, she could make me suffer first. But in fact—

“Your Highness, have you forgotten my illness?” I sighed.

My reminder only enraged her further. “Ah! Slap her!”

Her attendants advanced. The result was never in doubt. An ordinary Palace Beauty like me knocked every one of them to the ground.

The Virtuous Consort ran off weeping, but not before threatening me. “Sheng Lianyi, I won’t let this go! I’ll make you wish you were dead!”

I paid her no mind and headed toward a nearby artificial hill. I’d sensed someone there during our exchange. I hadn’t expected that person to be the Noble Consort.

“Wow, the emperor’s unattainable love can fight like that? She’s so fierce! The Virtuous Consort is hopeless. No, no, I’m rooting for his true love.”

What?

Still muttering, she turned. When our eyes met, she staggered in fright. “P-Palace Beauty Sheng.” She edged back.

“I don’t usually hit people,” I said.

Her face brightened instantly. “Really?”

I nodded, feeling rather conflicted. She came forward as though we’d known each other forever and linked arms with me.

“Can you tell me about your love story with His Majesty?” she asked.

What?

“Though a man who seeks a substitute is no good for you,” she added under her breath.

“That’s only a rumor. His Majesty isn’t like that.”

“Mm-hmm,” she said without conviction. “But he kept himself pure for you! Aren’t you moved?”

Poor girl. She was far too easy to fool. Since Qin Jun had spread the rumor, I couldn’t openly contradict it. “We grew up together,” I said instead.

Her eyes lit up. “Oh, that makes you two even better to ship!”

Ship… what did that mean?