Substitute Bride Phoenix, The Tyrant's Pampered Demon Empress

Qing’er rubbed her chin. “Young Miss, when do you think you can get the antidote?”

Liu Rushuang also rubbed her chin. “It’ll probably take a long time.”

Qing’er silently pitied Liu Rushuang.

A palace maid reported back to Consort Rou, to which she gingerly said, “It looks like that wench really lost her martial art skills. That’s good.”

“Yeah, milady Consort Rou. If you got rid of Her Majesty the Empress, then His Majesty would definitely pay attention to you,” replied the palace maid dressed in yellow.

Consort Rou smiled viciously.

The next day, Consort Rou arrived at the Dark Moon Palace and softy asked, “Your Majesty, I have plans with Consort Wei and Consort Ning to practice playing the Guqin at Mirror Lake, would Your Majesty please grace us with your presence and give me advice on how to improve?”

Liu Rushuang liked playing the Guqin, so she smiled and replied, “Alright.”

Liu Rushuang and Consort Rou passed the pavilions and kiosks, the rock gardens, flowers and plants, then reached the beautifully limpid lakeside. In the center of the lake, there was a hexagon pavilion with six red columns, a green rooftop and railings. It looks great.

There was a swaying willow by the lake, and a slight breeze which blew over the tranquil lake and caused ripples.

Consort Wei and Consort Ning saw Liu Rushuang arrive at the Mirror Lake and immediately paid their respects. “Hail her majesty the empress.”

“Rise,” Liu Rushuang said flatly.

So, she walked straight ahead and sat on the stool.

“I will be playing a song for Your Majesty,” said Consort Rou with a smile.

Consort Rou softly raised her jade pick, and caressed the surface of the Guqin, deeply in thought. The sound of the Guqin echoed around the palace hall. Although it was mellow, it wasn’t too piercing. Although it sounded clear, it wasn’t stirring… But to those who didn’t play the Guqin, it was considerably well played.

So, Consort Ning who didn’t know much about Guqin, nodded endlessly with praise.

Consort Rou stood up after she finished playing, then curtsied to L.

“Your Majesty, I’ve finished playing. I wonder if Your Majesty may please point out where I lacked?” She asked a gentle voice.

Liu Rushuang looked over at Consort Rou and replied in a calm voice. “Although you played quite well, you don’t press hard enough on the strings. Also, your right hand isn’t elegant enough. If you practice pressing harder, you will undoubtedly improve.”

Consort Rou suddenly looked extremely happy and thankful, then smiled at Liu Rushuang. “Thank you, Your Majesty for your suggestions. I know I am lacking in skill.”

Liu Rushuang nodded her head emotionlessly, then Consort Rou curtsied and returned to her seat.

Consort Wei and Consort Ning then played a song each, to which Liu Rushuang gave her criticism.

Consort Rou sneaked a glance at Liu Rushuang, and shot a vicious glint. ‘Today will be the day you die!’

After an hour, several of them crossed the bridge over the lake to head back, when all of a sudden, a large swarm of bees flew towards them.

*Buuuzzzz buzzzz buzzzz…* There were at least a thousand slender yellow bees.

“W-what’s… going on?” Consort Ning cried whilst she covered her delicate face.

The people on the bridge swatted the bees away non-stop.

“Help! Men, hurry and help!” Dressed in red, Consort Wei was a uniquely beautiful woman, but in that very moment, her face looked completely frightening.

Liu Rushuang wanted to conjure her inner breath and burn the bees to death, but realized she wasn’t the least bit useful. Instead, she got bit in the hand by the bee.

“Help! Men!” The four palace maids of the bridge panicked like crazy.

In the chaos, Consort Rou bumped into a maid who couldn’t help fall and bump forcefully into Liu Rushuang.

Thump! Because Liu Rushuang’s body was weak, she abruptly fell into the water.