Long Yang’s gaze was lazy as he looked at Matron Chen, but there was no doubt that his tone was intimidating and foreboding. “Inform Her Imperial Highness on my behalf that the purity cloth from the Empress’ first night is mine. I can’t give it to you.”
Matron Chen snapped out of her shock and tried to suppress her feelings. She disapproved of the actions of His Majesty.
The others might not be aware, but she was very clear about His Majesty’s difficulty with performing in bed, which was why she was sure that the dotted reds on the purity cloth shown must be fake.
Given that, His Majesty was pretty thick-skinned to be showing it off.
While this thought ran through her mind, her face displayed a look of hesitation. “But… this isn’t appropriate, it’s against the rules…”
“This is the Empress’ purity cloth, so there’s no need for her to report anything to anyone. If not for Her Imperial Highness wanting to have a look at it, I would never have revealed it in front of anyone.” Long Yang’s tone became lower as he said these words nonchalantly, but the look he gave Matron Chen was unfathomable, striking fear in anyone who saw it.
Matron Chen shuddered and did not dare say another word.
The Emperor had always respected Her Imperial Highness, but it was all for show.
The truth was that the Emperor did not like the Empress Dowager, just as how the Empress Dowager did not like him.
Regardless, even if His Majesty did not show much respect for her, there was nothing much for others to comment on. After all, the Emperor was not the biological son of the Empress Dowager.
The Emperor bestowed the respected title to the Empress Dowager because his biological mother had passed away early. Otherwise, if the Worthy Consort was still alive, the current Empress Dowager would never own this title.
“I understand. I’ll take my leave now.” Matron Chen suppressed the shock and fear in her heart as she left the Grand Phoenix Palace.
Long Yang now turned his gaze toward Long Chi and the rest. “You should all wait in the main hall. The Empress will be out in a while.”
The Grand Phoenix Palace was divided into the main hall, the Empress’ bedroom, and the side hall. The main hall was used to entertain guests.
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
Right as the group was about to make their way to the main hall, Lu Liangwei walked out from behind Long Yang.
Everyone paused in their steps, then quickly bowed at her.
Lu Liangwei knew that the people from the Palace would come to serve her tea on the second day of her marriage, which was why she was not surprised to see so many people there.
However, she had woken up late today and, by the looks of everyone, she could tell that they had been waiting for quite a while. She felt slightly embarrassed about this.
“You all must have waited for quite some time.”
“Your Highness worries too much. We’ve just arrived not long ago,” the Virtuous Consort replied with a smile, but her hand clenched on her handkerchief in a death grip.
Lu Liangwei had actually made them wait for such a long time on her first day as Empress.
If she did not do this on purpose, then…
His Majesty mentioned earlier that the Empress had tired herself out yesterday.
What would cause her to tire herself out?
Even if she had been worn out by the events in the daytime, she had rested for the entire night. That should be more than enough rest. Unless…
The Virtuous Consort suddenly thought of something, and she turned her gaze quietly toward Lu Liangwei to size her up.
She noticed Lu Liangwei’s eyes were moist, and the way her facial expressions changed showed less of her original child-like mannerism; it now had more of the charm unique to that of a woman.
The realization made the Virtuous Consort immediately dig her fingernails into her palms.
She was not the only one who noticed it; Ji Linghui and the Pure Consort had noticed it too.
Long Chi and Lu Yunshuang naturally realized it too, especially given that they had experienced the same situation before. They immediately understood what had changed with Lu Liangwei.
They quietly looked at each other with slight disbelief.
Could the Emperor have really bedded Lu Liangwei?
He was afflicted with Frostbite and had been unable to perform in bed for many years. It was impossible for him to suddenly become virile the moment Lu Liangwei entered the Palace.
Long Chi thought of something and a dark look crossed his eyes.
No matter what, he would never believe that his Royal Uncle was suddenly virile again.
He must have used some despicable tactic and tarnished Lu Liangwei’s body.
A violent rage emerged within Long Chi at the thought of this possibility.
He had always thought that it would not matter if Lu Liangwei married his Royal Uncle. Once his Royal Uncle passed, he would claim her for himself while Lu Liangwei still had her chastity intact, but now…