The Conspiracy of Gong Shaohua

**The Conspiracy of Gong Shaohua**

The hall fell into a profound silence as the ministers, who had been laughing and raising their cups, froze at the sight of the kneeling Zhou Yun. 

Though Zhou Yun was an elder statesman of three reigns, had he lost his senses? Did he not know that the Queen had always championed the idea of lifelong monogamy? The King had tacitly agreed with this notion as well. 

While it was common for men to have multiple wives, especially for a king, it appeared that the monarch had never entertained such intentions. Moreover, given the ministers' fear of Xuan Yue, few dared to voice any thoughts on the matter, even if they privately harbored such desires.

Nonetheless, Zhou's words were not without merit. It had been three months since the wedding between the King and the Queen; although this period was not particularly long, the King had only her by his side. Even the maids attending him rarely had the opportunity to be near him, and as of yet, there was no news of the Queen's pregnancy. With the impending military campaign against the formidable forces of Xuanyuan, it was uncertain when the King would return. As a man, he would inevitably experience loneliness in the palace; it was indeed prudent to enrich the harem and ensure the birth of a royal heir to secure the future of Lan Kingdom.

The King was not an ordinary man; no matter how capable the Queen was, it was impossible for him to remain devoted to only her throughout his life.

The gazes of the ministers shifted nervously among Lan Yixuan, Xuan Yue, and the kneeling Zhou Yun. The depth of affection between the King and Queen was palpable, especially as they had just partaken in a ceremonial cup of wine before their eyes. While they deemed Zhou's suggestion foolish, they couldn't help but feel a twinge of anticipation. The hearts of the ladies accompanying them also hung in the balance.

Lan Yixuan, dignified and charismatic, was irresistible even without power. As the king of the Lan Kingdom, any woman would dream of becoming his concubine; giving birth to a royal heir would elevate her status beyond measure. Thus, many ministers with suitable daughters were undoubtedly plotting their ambitions.

Though aware that some old ministers had repeatedly suggested to Lan Yixuan the idea of taking concubines to enrich his harem, Xuan Yue was still taken aback, struggling to accept the notion. She had just shared a ceremonial drink with Lan Yixuan in front of the ministers, and now someone was proposing that her man take concubines. When she made her decision to leave, she had anticipated such a day and had even informed Lan Yixuan of her consent for him to take concubines. Yet, hearing someone raise such a suggestion in her presence, and witnessing the eager expressions of the young women in attendance, her heart couldn't help but ache.

"Zhou Yun, your words are utterly excessive," White Pingting interjected, stepping forward. "Our princess embarks on this campaign not only for the sake of Feng Kingdom but also to spare the citizens of Lan Kingdom and you ministers from the ravages of war, enabling you to continue your peaceful lives. Have you considered the feelings of our King by so hastily advocating for the establishment of a harem?"

White Pingting's words were sharp, and since arriving in Lan Kingdom, she had noticed the princess smiling less and less.

"I do this for the sake of Lan Kingdom's future," Zhou Yun retorted. 

Before he could finish, another group of ministers stood up from their seats, moved behind him, and collectively knelt before Xuan Yue.

Enraged, White Pingting opened her mouth to say more but was stopped by Xuan Yue: "Then let it be as you wish—"

Before she could complete her sentence, Ye Kanze, seated next to her, suddenly rose. "As ministers, you should focus on your own duties and assist me in governing Lan Kingdom. Matters beyond that need not concern you," he stated firmly.

Lan Yixuan turned slightly, casting a faint glance at her. He did not want to hear her suggest that he take concubines and had no intention of yielding to the desires of the ministers. He was unwilling to lose even the slightest chance to secure his position; if one day he were to entertain the idea of multiple consorts, he would have lost the opportunity to retain her.

Standing behind Lan Yixuan, Lei Yun and Lei An nodded in agreement, displeased with the ministers who had made such requests. The prince and Xuan Yue were perfectly fine together; why would he need to marry another woman? In their eyes, one Xuan Yue was more than enough for him.

"Your Majesty," the ministers had broached the subject with Lan Yixuan multiple times, but each time, their suggestions had been ignored. This is why they had chosen today, in front of Xuan Yue, to present their case once again.

"If any of you have daughters of marrying age, seek suitable husbands for them without delay; do not hinder their happiness," Lan Yixuan replied, his meaning clear. Placing hopes on him would only lead to wasted time.

"Let us discuss all matters upon the Queen's triumphant return," he concluded, taking his seat without instructing the kneeling ministers to rise. The atmosphere grew tense, and Xuan Yue lowered her gaze, sipping her wine in silence. Although she had silently acquiesced to Lan Yixuan taking concubines, the fact that these individuals chose this moment to bring it up made her already sour mood even worse. Glancing subtly at Lan Yixuan, she managed a faint smile, her lips curling gently.

As the two sides remained locked in this stalemate, a maid entered, holding a delicately carved box. She stopped before Xuan Yue and Lan Yixuan and bowed, saying, "This is a carefully prepared gift from Her Majesty the Queen for His Majesty."

Seeing the exquisite box, Xuan Yue couldn't help but recall the warmth of fragrant incense and the events that transpired in the Rouge Pavilion. Her expression changed dramatically, a chill running down her spine.

The man's physique had been robust; she was well aware of whom she had selected. And then there was that icy woman, Qiu Ju, who would require potent aphrodisiacs. Yet, she had only used a hint of the incense, and it was placed in water. If this incense was intended for herself and Lan Yixuan, she shuddered at the potential consequences.

"Mother truly is biased; why is it that only Lan Yixuan receives a gift? What about mine?" Xuan Yue exclaimed as she stood, snatching the box from the maid and cradling it protectively against her chest as she returned to her original position. With a smile, she turned to Lan Yixuan, saying, "Lan Yixuan, let me see what delightful item Mother has prepared for you."

As Xuan Yue opened the box, she found a pear blossom inside, pristine and white, its petals glistening with dew as though freshly picked from the tree.

Lowering her gaze, she took the blossom in her palm, smiling as she admired it. A faint fragrance wafted through the night air, but it was not the scent of a pear blossom—this aroma seemed familiar, stirring memories of something she couldn't quite place.

The other ministers regarded the pear blossom in Xuan Yue's hand with intrigue. How could there still be such a vibrant, pristine blossom at this time? Was there some hidden significance in the pear blossom?

Cautiously, Xuan Yue quickly returned the blossom to the box and closed the lid, handing it to Lei Yun. "Please keep this safe for the King."

Retrieving her hand, she lifted her wine cup, inhaling the rich fragrance of the wine. A wave of dizziness washed over her, prompting her to support her forehead and gently sway.

"Princess, what is wrong with you?"

White Pingting quickly sensed something amiss with Xuan Yue. Supporting her by the shoulders, she softly inquired, "What's wrong?"

Xuan Yue smiled and shook her head. "Perhaps I've indulged a bit too much tonight; I feel a little dizzy. Sister Pingting, please assist me back to rest."

She flashed a smile at Lan Yixuan as White Pingting helped her depart.

"Pingting, hurry, I need my sleep pressure point," Xuan Yue commanded softly, resting her head against White Pingting's shoulder.

"Princess, what is the matter?" 

"Just do as I say."

Although she was uncertain of what lay hidden within the pear blossom, it was clear that Gong Shaohua had sent it at this moment with intentions akin to those of aphrodisiac incense. She must have realized that Xuan Yue hadn't followed her previous instructions and had thus orchestrated this scheme.

"Quickly," Xuan Yue urged in a hushed tone. Not understanding the situation but sensing the urgency in Xuan Yue's demeanor, White Pingting complied and pressed the point.

As Xuan Yue departed, Lan Yixuan felt a gnawing sense of unease. He had noticed the stark change in Xuan Yue's expression upon learning that the item was sent by Gong Shaohua; though fleeting, it hadn't escaped his attention.

Taking an excuse to leave, Lan Yixuan hurried back to Xuesang Palace.

"Xuan Er, where are you rushing off to?" 

A familiar voice halted him in his tracks as he recognized the face bearing a striking resemblance to his own.

"What did you place inside that pear blossom?" 

With a slight curl of his lips, Lan Yixuan's expression turned icy, his typically gentle tone now laced with a hint of menace. He was not at all surprised by Gong Shaohua's sudden appearance.

Gong Shaohua chuckled softly, clearly amused by the barely contained fury emanating from Lan Yixuan. "I'm not entirely sure."

Her laughter grew, evident delight painting her features. "That substance was given to me by her master, Liu Xinyou; it only affects those bound by the love lock. I've heard that the effects are intensified with wine."

Previously, at Jinxian Temple, she had provided Xuan Yue with aphrodisiac incense to sow distrust. In doing so, she ensured that Xuan Yue would be cautious of whatever she sent to Lan Yixuan. What she hadn't anticipated was that the pear blossom had been prepared specifically for Xuan Yue. She had long known that Xuan Yue wouldn't employ the aphrodisiac incense on Lan Yixuan, yet she hadn't expected Xuan Yue to send someone to test its potency. Truly a clever girl! This tactic of misdirection had proven effective. Had it not been for the aphrodisiac incense, such an outcome might not have been possible.

"And the antidote?" 

Lan Yixuan opened his palm, his voice frigid.

"Intercourse," Gong Shaohua replied triumphantly, regarding Lan Yixuan with satisfaction. "Only by consummating the marriage can the poison be undone."

That was her objective all along.

Gong Shaohua regarded Lan Yixuan, her laughter ringing out. "If you and Xuan Yue were to engage, Feng Jiulan, the vessel of the childworm, would surely feel jealous and heartbroken. He had just fallen ill; I wonder if he can endure it."

"Xuan Er, don't even entertain the thought of finding another way. That was specifically concocted for Yue by Liu Xinyou. Do you truly wish for another man to take your place with her?" 

Gong Shaohua clicked her tongue, feigning concern. "If that were to happen, and if the ministers and citizens were to discover it, how would you show your face? How could Xuan Yue possibly face the world afterward?"