Huang Liangyuan's smile stiffened, and she stammered, "Y-Yes… It's Zhang Yao."
Song Wanhua didn't dare raise her head.
The Grand Commandant's death in Pingzhou had initially sparked endless debate in the court. Eventually, public opinion began to turn against the Lu Family, though there were still dissenting voices. Never mind the common folk; even within the harem, rumors were rampant, with all sorts of stories circulating. Furthermore, the Emperor had yet to give a definitive ruling, so it was inappropriate to discuss the matter publicly until it was officially concluded.
It was a matter of court politics, something they neither understood nor particularly cared about. But for the Emperor to bring the former Lady Yurui into the harem at such a sensitive time, and even grant her the title of Left Consort—how could it not invite speculation? How could anyone still claim it had nothing to do with the harem?
