Chapter 1957: Surrounded by Enemies

Attendant Zhou had planned to cooperate with Consort Zhuang, but after several days of waiting for a reply, she knew that Consort Zhuang had given up on this collaboration.

With another door closed, Attendant Zhou had to find a different way. She was unwilling to remain trapped in the Jade Court.

More importantly, the system’s punishment was unbearable.

While there were no wounds on her body, she clearly felt the pain of needles piercing flesh and bones for what seemed like a lifetime.

What should she do now!?

Attendant Zhou glanced at Mama Li, who stared back at her. She was surrounded by enemies, which wasn’t conducive to taking action. Mama Li had been in the palace for so many years that she definitely had connections.

Endure. She had to endure this first. Han Xin had been able to endure the humiliation of crawling between the legs of his enemy and here she only had to show a little weakness in front of Mama Li.

Attendant Zhou curtsied towards Mama Li. However, Mama Li was a person who respected the rules of palace etiquette. A concubine had curtsied towards her, and although she was a mere attendant, she was still the emperor’s woman. Mama Li immediately curtsied deeply. “Attendant, you’re the master and this old servant is a slave. It’s inappropriate for you to salute a slave like this.”

Attendant Zhou suppressed her fury. This old servant was ridiculously stubborn.

“Mama Li, I’ve exhausted you during this period of time. I’m very grateful. You deserve this curtsy,” Attendant Zhou said.

“It’s what this old slave should do. Don’t take it to heart, Attendant,” Mama Li said and began lecturing her. “Attendant, you are the emperor’s concubine! How could you salute a servant? You represent the heavenly family and His Majesty’s reputation! It’d cause trouble if anyone saw you curtsying towards a servant so casually in the future, Attendant.”

Attendant Zhou took a deep breath. “Understood.”

“Issuing a new task: rescue the emperor at the Mid-Autumn banquet. Task reward: peerless temperament.” The favored concubine system sounded in Attendant Zhou’s mind.

Attendant Zhou flinched inwardly whenever she heard the system’s mechanical voice. Though she was more startled when she heard Zhao Xu was in need of rescue. She asked, “But I can’t leave the Moonlight Palace at all now. How am I supposed to see Zhao Xu? Even if he encountered some danger during the banquet, it’s not like I could save him.

“How am I supposed to save him?” Attendant Zhou decided to ask first.

“You can save Zhao Xu in whatever way you feel will best make an impression.” The system’s voice was emotionless. “Usually a woman dying in a man’s arms has the greatest psychological impact.”

“Die? How can I rule the harem if I’m dead?” Attendant Zhou shook her head at that. What was the point of glory, if she wasn’t alive to enjoy it? Zhao Xu would only reward her with a coffin and an empty title. It was just a show for the living and she would be completely forgotten after a while. With so many women in the harem, it would only take a few days before it became hard to remember who she was.

Dying for such a man wasn’t worth it.

“I’ll release energy. That way, you could survive even if you’re fatally injured,” said the favored concubine system.

Attendant Zhou grimaced. The option was a painful one but she had to give something to gain something. Going along with the system’s plan was her only choice for now.

“But I can’t participate in the Mid-Autumn banquet,” Attendant Zhou said helplessly.

“All the harem concubines aside from those in the cold palace and the sick can participate in the Mid-Autumn Festival. All these consorts fight for favor every year,” the favored concubine system replied mechanically.

Attendant Zhou sighed in relief. As long as she could go, she had a chance to make a comeback.

“But how will I attend to the emperor when I’m injured?” This was completely suicidal.

Translator: Kaho