Chapter 11 Killing the Chicken to Warn the Monkey

Everyone fell silent and rose to greet her.

"Greetings to the Noble Consort."

After a short while, that voice lazily said, "All my sisters, please rise."

Everyone got up and looked over.

Despite the sourness in their hearts, they had to admit that the Noble Consort's appearance was indeed outstanding.

If Consort Shu could be described as delicate and charming, then the Noble Consort was bright and distinguished.

Her bone structure was excellent, her features were exquisite without being overly flamboyant, and her skin glowed so white that she didn't even need to apply makeup, just a light touch of lip rouge.

It was as if she disdained the use of makeup for fear it would stain her natural beauty.

Her eyes were also well-shaped; slightly round with a subtle upward tilt at the corners, capable of conveying annoyance or joy. Her innocent demeanor was just right and not at all irritating.

Mingshu's gaze swept across each face, and supported by Yun Zhi, she settled into her seat, casually raising an eyebrow, "Oh, why so silent all of a sudden?"

Utter silence.

Even without prior interaction, given that the domineering Consort Shu had suffered a setback, everyone could roughly understand that this Noble Consort was not a beauty without brains.

And so, nobody wanted to be the one to stick their neck out.

After scanning the room, Mingshu's eyes landed directly on someone, her finger pointed with interest, "There, you."

Noble Lady Wei, the one singled out, felt her heart skip a beat. Her composure tensed, and she forced an unnatural smile, "What would the Noble Consort like to command?"

Mingshu smiled, her demeanor appearing friendly, but her words caused a shift in mood, "I found your curses most delightful just now. I'm very pleased. Would you mind repeating them for me to hear?"

Everyone remained silent, their gazes full of sympathy for her.

Noble Lady Wei's face paled, her smile faltering, her voice strained, "Your Highness must be joking. I wouldn't dare…"

To her dismay, before she could finish speaking, Mingshu's expression turned severe as if flipping through a book, "You wouldn't dare? So are you suggesting that I misheard you earlier?"

Noble Lady Wei's heart raced in shock, biting down on her molars before kneeling with a "thump," her eyes slightly red, "Your Highness, I realize my mistake. I should not have spoken out of turn regarding your Highness. I beg for your forgiveness!"

Her calculations were cunning. Having overstepped earlier, she lowered her stance; the worst she could get was a verbal rebuke. If Lady Ji persisted, she would risk seeming petty and bullying.

What did the Emperor dislike the most?

Strife within the harem, concubines scheming.

What he loathed were arrogant and unyielding women!

Ji Mingshu, new to the scene and not yet secure in her position, let the taste of victory go to her head and became lawless; her fall from grace was inevitable!

Just endure for a while and see how long she could stay arrogant!

Noble Lady Wei thought that by showing such humility, Mingshu wouldn't bother to nitpick with her, but she had overestimated the other's magnanimity.

"Wrong?" A faint laugh echoed from above. "You are indeed wrong."

Numbly, she looked up to see Mingshu's dark pupils gazing at her, a hint of pity flickering in her eyes, "Since I've not been here long, you probably don't quite understand my temperament. I am someone who always repays an eye for an eye. If you have the skill to curse me without my knowledge, then you indeed have talent. But if you lack that skill..."

Her eyes suddenly darkened, a mocking smile on her red lips, she continued articulately, "If you lack that skill, when I settle accounts, it means you deserve it!"

Ji Mingshu straightened, nonchalantly sipping her warm tea, "Didn't you say you knew you were wrong? Then go out and kneel. When I tell you to get up, then you may rise."

Noble Lady Wei's eyes widened in disbelief as Yun Zhi eagerly rolled up her sleeves to drag her away.

This sort of thing was bound to recur, and Mingshu lacked the patience for it; best to make an example of one to warn the others.

And incidentally, to send a message to certain individuals as well.