Peerless Little Palace Maids

Song Qingshu could hardly help finding it strange. Emperor Xizong was weak and ineffectual now, and the great powers of the court had been divided among the Empress and several powerful ministers. Given Empress Peiman's current status and authority, there was no reason for her to fear a young man so much, especially when she was his elder.

As it turned out, Emperor Xizong was in poor health. After so many years on the throne, he had only fathered one son. Peiman's son had been made Crown Prince, but the good times did not last. The Crown Prince died not long after his birth. From then on, Peiman never bore another son, while another consort in the harem gave Emperor Xizong a prince—the present Prince Wei.

Although Prince Wei was not the legitimate son, he was Emperor Xizong's only son. Anyone with eyes could see that he would certainly inherit the throne someday. Prince Wei and his mother both understood this. His mother was somewhat restrained, but Prince Wei lacked such depth and displayed everything in his heart openly. He had humiliated Peiman several times already, yet she had chosen to avoid confrontation every time.

Naturally, Song Qingshu did not know any of this yet. Only after returning and making inquiries from various sources did he come to understand these complicated relationships within the imperial palace.

"Your Majesty truly rewards and punishes fairly. For a slave who shows such contempt for his superiors, not beating him to death is already letting him off easy," Prince Wei said with a laugh.

Empress Peiman suppressed her anger and said flatly, "May I ask why Prince Wei has come to my quarters so early in the morning?"

"Oh." Prince Wei answered carelessly, "I came to pay my respects to Your Majesty."

"Prince Wei