Chapter 80: The Radiance of Consort Rou

Consort Rou, who had endured years of hidden suffering, finally secured her place among the four favored consorts upon being named a consort herself. With this new title, she was thrust into the watchful gaze of both the court and the palace’s schemers. The shrewd among them began to notice things they had previously overlooked, including the emperor’s affections—though not yet overt, they were enough to warrant a ruthless preemptive strike. Rather than risk letting her slip through their grasp, these people, united by a common interest, formed an unspoken alliance. The air was thick with the sense of a brewing conspiracy.

No matter how cunning she was, Consort Rou could not have foreseen that, amidst the ensuing chaos, she would become the prime target, a rallying point for all those factions. Suddenly, she found herself beset on all sides, the focus of every hidden ambition. The young emperor, inexperienced in such matters, was caught off guard. He could not fully shield the woman he loved, forced instead to watch helplessly as she was assailed from every direction.

The emperor’s heart soared above the heavens, but this ordeal with Consort Rou would be the greatest price he ever paid. It would shatter his illusions and teach him the hard truths of kingship. This became the crucible that forged the Iron-Blood Emperor of later years—a sovereign who reigned with absolute authority, who commanded the realm with a mere gesture, who gazed upon the world with disdain, and whom none dared oppose.

Perhaps it was Consort Rou’s wisdom that allowed her to perceive the shape of things to come. She seemed to sense that her days were numbered, and so, at the very end, she shone with a brilliance that would leave the audience with the memory of a consort both clever and courageous—regretted by all, yet unforgettable.

“Your Majesty, I fear this time, I truly cannot stay by your side…” On the eve of the coming storm, Consort Rou, foreseeing her fate, spoke with a gentle smile, though her face was pale and drawn with exhaustion. Her tenderness and love shone as ever, unfaltering even in the face of despair.

Hearing this, the emperor’s eyes reddened. He embraced her fiercely, as if he could fuse her into his very bones. He understood all too well what she meant. Yet as emperor, he was powerless but to sacrifice his beloved for the sake of peace—how helpless, how humiliating. “It is my failing, Rou’er. If only this had happened later… If only I had more time… If they dared…”

For the first time, the youthful emperor felt the bitter lack of true power. Had he commanded absolute authority, he would never have been at the mercy of others, never been forced to stand by as the woman he loved was left defenceless. Day after day, he could only watch as she navigated the perilous court, treading on thin ice, always vigilant—even sacrificing her life to quell the wolves and tigers that threatened them.

Though his grip hurt her to the bone and her lips turned a shade paler, Consort Rou’s smile was radiant. Her eyes, bright as stars, glimmered with unshed tears, but not a single drop fell. “To have Your Majesty’s love is enough for me in this life. Were it not so, those people would never have revealed their hand. Your Majesty, do not let this chance slip by. Seize this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. In that way, I will have been of worth…”

Her fingers brushed tenderly across her lover’s face, lingering with infinite reluctance and longing. She left him her most dazzling smile, etched deeply into his heart. “Your Majesty, I have done all I could. This is as far as I can go. The rest is up to you. And our son—I cannot watch him grow up, but you must protect him well…”

Their hearts had been as one, their devotion unbreakable. Now, fate would part them forever. When the emperor stepped from Consort Rou’s chamber, he, the Son of Heaven, shed a single tear—a drop of pain that pierced to the marrow and splashed into the hearts of all who witnessed it.

At the same time, within the room, Consort Rou finally wept as well. Gazing after his departing figure, she felt both unwilling to let go and indignant toward her enemies—yet she had no choice but to accept the end.

“Madam Yun…” Consort Rou stood, wiped away her tears, her eyes turning cold and resolute.

“Your Grace, I am here.” A middle-aged woman entered, composed and determined, her answer ringing with clarity and conviction.

“Dress me. Tonight, I shall visit the Empress.” Consort Rou narrowed her eyes, her aura formidable. Since she could not change her fate, she would not let her enemies rest easy. Before tomorrow dawned, she would leave the Empress and the other consorts a grand parting gift. Let those overreaching courtiers take heed: the man Consort Rou loved would one day rule the world, and avenge her yet!

“Cut!” Director Qiu’s vigorous voice rang out, as if flipping a switch—at once the set erupted with noise, and everyone breathed a sigh of relief.

With a quiet exhale, Chu Luoxi, who had just portrayed Consort Rou, lost all the character’s imposing presence. She broke into a smile, accepting everyone’s congratulations.

Consort Rou’s story had reached its final, firework-bright scene, which had already been filmed. Thus, Chu Luoxi’s work on “Empire” was now complete.

She had joined the production last, nearly two months after shooting began, yet among all the major supporting and lead actors, she was the first to wrap her scenes—a fact that drew much admiration.

“Oh my, Director Qiu, Sister Rou leaves tomorrow and you haven’t prepared anything for her?” After more than a month together, the cast had grown close. Yao Xiao teased openly, unafraid of offending the director’s authority.

“That’s right! At least our emperor shed a manly tear for her—what about you, Director?” Yu Yuyun chimed in, glancing meaningfully at Huang Zixue.

Poor Huang Zixue, ever since Chu Luoxi’s disastrous first scene, had lost all authority. As emperor on set he had no gravitas; off set, he was the butt of many jokes, often pretending to be invisible.

“Heh, alright then—tonight, the whole cast is going out for dinner to send Xiao Chu off!” Director Qiu announced generously. This was no private dinner, but a grand banquet for everyone, crew and all—a truly lively affair.

With the director’s word, the group burst into cheers, everyone working faster in anticipation. The evening scene was already scheduled, and everyone was eager to finish; most hadn’t eaten yet and were starving.

Chu Luoxi offered a “bashful” smile, cheeks tinged with red, as if from excitement or embarrassment, earning her a wave of good-natured support.

Later, as Liu Yun helped remove her makeup, he could not help but laugh. “Come on now, you’re done filming—no need to keep up the shy newcomer act. Aren’t you tired?”

“A role must be played to the very end, don’t you know?” Chu Luoxi shot him a look. By now, they were thoroughly acquainted, and she was unafraid to show her true self. “Some things are simply necessary.”

A newcomer cannot afford to be arrogant, no matter how talented, or the road ahead becomes difficult. She wanted to act in roles she desired, and so she had to lay the groundwork. Without future opportunities, how could she make a career?

“I wouldn’t know. I’m no actor, just a makeup artist,” Liu Yun replied leisurely, his work relaxed and unhurried.