The Comeback of the Cannon-Fodder Supporting Actress

The concubines gathered in the harem to play and amuse themselves; there was nothing unusual about it. Even in the harem of Emperor Wenzong, concubines often gathered together to guess riddles and drink, which was quite common.

The Empress Dowager thought of this and said to Anning, ”You’re thoughtful. Since you’re willing to entertain everyone, I agree. Let’s give it a try and see if it brings more peace to the harem.”

”Rest assured, Mother. I’ll start with a few simple games to play with everyone and take the opportunity to bond with the sisters.”

”You know what’s best.”

Anning had lunch at the Empress Dowager’s place and only left after the Empress Dowager went to her afternoon nap.

As soon as Anning had left, Empress Dowager Liu said to Nanny Sun, who had been with her for many years, ”What do you think the Empress is planning?”

Nanny Sun laughed, ”I reckon those officials from the previous dynasty have been saying that the Empress is jealous and intolerant, so the Empress wants to create some activities to relieve the resentful energy of the concubines.”

Empress Dowager Liu nodded, ”It might be the case. Frankly speaking, our Empress is not someone who is genuinely jealous. She has indeed advised the Emperor, but when the Emperor doesn’t listen, there’s nothing she can do. It’s not like she can drug the Emperor and send him to the concubines’ bed, right? Alas, even I have no way because our Emperor is so sentimental.”

Empress Dowager Liu speculated on what Anning was up to.

Anning returned to Changle Palace and drew some designs, asking the Imperial Household Department to make them quickly.

After sending out the blueprints, Anning finally took a short rest.

To be honest, Anning truly felt pity for these women in the harem.

These women were sent into the palace during their youthful years, only to face indifference upon arrival. Year after year, they wouldn’t see Emperor Kang He. Living deep within the palace, they’re isolated from family and lack their husband’s affection. Without incidents or squabbles, their lives would truly be unbearable.

Therefore, Anning planned to organize some entertaining activities to bring joy to everyone and provide them with something to do.

Additionally, Anning intended to set up Consort Rou.

As for Emperor Kang He.

Anning was left with nothing but sarcasm.

She had lived through many lifetimes, encountered numerous emperors, but never one as foolish as Emperor Kang He, foolish to such an extent. This was the first time she saw one.

Anning herself had been an emperor, Xiao Yuan had been an emperor too, and Anning didn’t believe in an emperor’s true affection for someone by keeping them hidden, letting them remain discreet, or erecting a target to bear the concubines’ jealousy.

No emperor would live so miserably, nor make their beloved live so cautiously.

Only an incompetent, mindless emperor would commit such foolish acts.

Just look through the historical records, and you’ll see how carefree the favored concubines really lived. They truly have the emperor’s affection all to themselves, overshadowing the splendor of the Six Palaces, not only for themselves but also empowering their families throughout the history of every dynasty.

Yet, for the sake of protecting Consort Rou, Emperor Kang He created such a situation.

Moreover, he was brainless enough to let another man sleep with his legitimate wife; that was unheard of.

Anning had seen many cuckolded men, but it was rare to see someone put a green hat on themselves, especially like Emperor Kang He, with his head full of greenery enough for horses to gallop. Yet, he was smug, thinking himself smart and outstanding. This was the first time Anning had ever seen such a thing.

Anning internally grumbled to An Xin about Emperor Kang He, and Emperor Kang He actually arrived.

Upon entering, he asked Anning, ”What happened with Consort Li?”

Anning smiled, stood up, poured a glass of water for Emperor Kang He, and handed it over, ”I didn’t expect the issue with Sister Consort Li would cause Jiulang such concern. It’s nothing major, just that Sister Consort Li and Consort Wu were bickering and almost got into a fight. I was somewhat impatient with their quarrel and wanted to deter others in the palace, so I confined them both.”

With a radiant smile on her face, seemingly as bright as peaches, Anning’s charm was overwhelming, captivating Emperor Kang He for a long moment.

”What are you looking at, Your Majesty?”

Anning touched her face, ”Is there something on my face?”

”No, no.”

Emperor Kang He waved his hand, ”I’ve noticed Zitong has become increasingly radiant these days.”

Anning sat down with a smile, ”In Jiulang’s eyes, I’m consistently good. But Jiulang, I must talk about something we’ve discussed before. We’ve been married for years now; I know Jiulang cares deeply for me. But regardless, we need offspring. Jiulang holds the nation’s security in his hands; having no prince is unacceptable. I wish to urge Jiulang to visit the sisters, and regardless of which sister bears a prince, I’ll respect her and treat the prince as my own.”

Emperor Kang He’s face suddenly changed, ”Who’s been talking gossip before you again?”

Anning shook her head, ”No one, it’s just my thoughts...”

Emperor Kang He stood up and started to leave, ”I have some matters to attend to; I won’t have dinner with you tonight.”

Anning got up to see him off.

After Emperor Kang He left, Anning turned around, the corners of her mouth drew a cold smile.

Emperor Kang He had administered a sterility drug to Anning, and well, Anning reciprocated.

Earlier, Anning had also drugged Emperor Kang He’s drink, and the medication she administered was far more potent. Once Emperor Kang He drank it, he could forget about having children in his lifetime, moreover, there exists no antidote in the world.

The drug Emperor Kang He gave Anning, on the other hand, was not as fierce. With Anning’s medical skills, it could be cured.

Without Emperor Kang He, Anning ate more comfortably.

After dinner, Emperor Kang He returned.

”Ningning, in my heart, there’s only you. From now on, don’t persuade me to shower love evenly; I can’t bear hearing it.”

Emperor Kang He embraced Anning and sat beside the bed.

Anning laughed lightly, ”I accept the order.”

Anning observed that since Emperor Kang He entered, his eyes were filled with tenderness and compassion, containing an undeniable deep love.

Anning then knew that the Emperor Kang He had been replaced.

”The evening is upon us; let’s settle down.”

Anning grabbed the impostor Emperor Kang He by the back and pulled him onto the bed, then lowered the curtain.

The palace maids and nannies quickly retreated.

Once the curtain was down, Anning and the impostor Emperor Kang He communicated through Divine Soul Power.

”When did you arrive?”

”It’s been a few days; I’ve been locked in a dark room until today.”

While exchanging thoughts, Anning had also shed her clothes, breathing passionately.

It turned out this impostor Emperor Kang He was Xiao Yuan.

Seeing the half-clad Anning, Xiao Yuan couldn’t care less about Emperor Kang He or any schemes. Being separated from Anning for a long time, upon meeting her, it’s natural to first satisfy their longing before discussing anything else.

After their passionate affairs, Xiao Yuan embraced Anning and lay down.

”In the near future, I’ll carefully understand Emperor Kang He’s Hidden Guards, then gradually find a way to replace him.”

Anning couldn’t help but chuckle.

She thought Emperor Kang He was truly digging his own grave.

You say, out of all replacements, why did you choose Xiao Yuan? Isn’t that actively seeking death?

Anning and Xiao Yuan shared a tender romance.

Meanwhile, the actual Emperor Kang He was in Consort Rou’s palace.

They too, indulged passionately, Emperor Kang He embracing Consort Rou, promising, ”Rest assured, soon after I seize control of the court, I’ll dethrone the Empress and elevate you as Empress. By then, we can have several sons and daughters; I will pass the throne to our son and grant you the highest honor.”