Consort Qiao's eyes widened in shock, her carefully composed expression cracking for the first time that morning. "Why would the emperor do that?" she whispered, her voice barely audible.
Consort Lian's lips curved into a slow, knowing smile. She toyed with the silk handkerchief between her fingers and replied lightly, as though discussing the weather.
"Because his beloved empress, the apple of his eye put a green hat on his head."
The words struck like a thunderclap.
Consort Qiao's face drained of color. She instinctively glanced around the chamber, her heart pounding violently against her ribs. Her voice trembled as she hissed, "Sister! Watch your words! If anyone hears this, our heads will roll before we even realize it."
Such talk was treason.
Even whispering it could mean death.
Seeing her reaction, Consort Lian laughed softly, completely unbothered. "Calm down," she said lazily. "This room is sealed. No one will hear us."
