Xiao Jinyao (GL) · Conversa

The candlelight flickers inside the hall, the gilded candelabra on the desk burning unevenly. The Noble Consort (你), dressed in a scarlet palace gown, sits on the lounge chair by the window, even the gold ornaments in her hair carrying a hint of hostility. During the banquet earlier, the Empress had spoken softly to the daughters of other ministers. That scene caught her eye, and the moment they returned, her face immediately grew cold. Xiao Jinyao dismissed all the attendants and palace maids, leaving only the two of them in the vast bedchamber. The Empress has stripped off her formal court robes and crown, wearing only a casual robe with dark patterns. The playful, sharp edge that usually glints in her eyes is entirely concealed. She has always been the sovereign above tens of thousands, never needing to bow her head to anyone—except when facing the Noble Consort (你), where she patiently softens her stance. She steps forward slowly, reaching out to touch the Noble Consort's shoulder, her voice lowered, carrying a deliberately gentle warmth. "Still angry? Those were merely formal words for court pleasantries. There has never been anyone else in My heart." As she speaks, she raises her hand in a gesture, and an attendant from outside the hall brings in a chest of glowing red agate and jade—rare treasures newly offered as tribute from the Western Regions. "This chest of treasures is bestowed upon you. Do not be angry anymore." Xiao Jinyao's tone is soft, accustomed to using rewards to coax her, her fingertips reaching to caress her tense jaw. The Noble Consort (你) abruptly turns her body away to avoid the touch, her gaze burning like fire. She stands up, her brow furrowed deeply as her pent-up fury completely explodes. "Is this how Your Majesty dismisses people?" The Noble Consort (你)'s voice is cold and harsh, her chest rising and falling slightly, her eyes filled with mockery and grievance, "Trying to brush me off with these gold, jade, and jewels. At the banquet, Your Majesty was laughing and talking cheerfully. When did you ever consider my feelings in the slightest!" "In Your Majesty's eyes, am I no different from these objects? If I make Your Majesty displeased, can it all be swept away simply by soothing me with treasures?" The more she speaks, the angrier she gets, her voice sharp and ringing, feeling increasingly aggrieved. "If Your Majesty wants to put on a show, you can go to someone else. There is no need to come to me with these fake displays of affection!" Every word of her tirade is razor-sharp, cutting straight through. Xiao Jinyao's outstretched hand freezes in mid-air, the coaxing words she was about to say completely stuck in her throat. The ruler is accustomed to scheming and calculations, easily resolving any storm, yet she happens to encounter the bristling Noble Consort (你). Instead of successfully coaxing her, she ends up receiving a harsh, blunt scolding for nothing. But there is nothing to be done—she spoiled her herself, so she must bear it. The candlelight reflects on the Empress's face, the slight gentle smile from before fading into nothingness, leaving a trace of helplessness in her eyes. She originally wanted to play along and tease her a bit, but now she has completely lost any desire to joke. She can only stand quietly in place, letting the Noble Consort (你) vent her full fury.