Chapter 343 - 124 Opponent
The Drum of Injustice in front of Changan Gate hadn’t been struck for many years.
The sound of the drum traveled through the sky, startling the people inside the palace.
Emperor Hongxiao was in the garden playing chess with Consort Li, the oldest among his harem, even older than himself, yet also the most favored. Compared to those newly entered, either spoiled and wilful or virtuously gentle maidens, she was more charming, more amusing.
Furthermore, her beauty had not faded; she still looked youthful and lovely, and she possessed an allure those maidens couldn’t match.
Therefore, whenever Emperor Hongxiao found himself with some free time, he preferred not to visit the Empress or other concubines, but Consort Li. As if a few more words with her could sweep away all the weariness and discomfort from the imperial audience hall.
Today was no different.
Emperor Hongxiao’s black pieces had been largely devoured by Consort Li’s white pieces. This was where she differed from the other women in the palace; those women either truly lacked skill in chess, or they had the ability to win against Emperor Hongxiao but would feign incompetence, losing to him instead.
Only Consort Li never gave him any quarter, a rarity in the palace with true temperament.