With that, Imperial Consort Li threw her blanket away and was about to get off the bed. Noble Lady Ling hurried to the bed to stop Imperial Consort Li. “Don’t do anything foolish, Elder Sister! His Majesty will give you justice!”

Then she turned to Yang Shaolun and said, “His Majesty, this Concubine and the other sisters witnessed everything! Imperial Consort Li was impolite to Her Majesty the Empress, but she has been abiding by the rules and quietly nurturing her unborn child in her palace since Empress Dowager’s birthday banquet. She spent her time tending to flowers and taking care of fish to mellow her temperament. She told us that she had been immature, which resulted in one trouble after another in the harem, preventing His Majesty from focusing on the state affairs. That was why she decided to improve her temper and develop a harmonious relationship with us sisters. Then His Majesty won’t have anything to worry about. Today, it was Empress Chen who was in the wrong. She slapped Sister Imperial Consort just because she didn’t kneel and bow to her! We can all attest to that!”

Noble Lady Ling got to her knees and knocked her head hard onto the floor, her tone made her seem like a martyr. Then Noble Lady Yu took a step forward and inclined her back, echoing, “This Concubine can testify to Sister Ling’s statement as well, His Majesty!”

“So can I!”

“I, too!”

The consorts and concubines all took their stands against the empress....