Her Graceful War Song by Summer's Blaze

Chapter 1421

Before long, Helen stormed back into Serenity Palace, her temper flaring.

Ignoring Keith's presence, she angrily exclaimed, "It's as if those living in the palace have no world beyond their own little corner! Narrow-minded, petty, with hearts as small as the tip of a needle! They can't stand to see anyone else succeed.

"Carissa has earned His Majesty's favor and is always by his side during discussions. But what do those people say? They talk about the so-called 'propriety between men and women' and even suggest it's improper for her to be alone with him in the royal study.

"How ridiculous! Have they forgotten that Carissa is a court official? Where else is she supposed to be if not in the royal study? In the harem, competing for His Majesty's favor?"

Victoria slowly sipped her coffee. "Is that what they're saying?"

Helen's eyes practically bulged with fury. "At first, I didn't know. They praised Carissa endlessly, saying she had changed and was always accompanying the king in the royal study. I was proud for a while. "But the more I heard, the more off it seemed. They said they hoped no unpleasant rumors would come up, and even hinted that Carissa might be trying to climb the ranks... Oh, it makes me furious! And they covered their mouths and laughed like gossiping village women!"

Keith handed Helen a cup of coffee and offered some comfort, "Don't let it trouble you too much, Your Grace. They're just jealous. They envy you for having such an accomplished daughter-in-law. That's why they speak so recklessly."

"I know," Helen replied, her anger still simmering. "I gave them a piece of my mind, though. After I scolded them, they said I should go back and think things over. They even suggested that poor Rafael had been made a fool of behind his back and doesn't even know it."

Victoria smiled, but her eyes were cold. "Who said that?"

Josephine," Helen reported

she turned to Keith. "It seems the ones talking to Helen today have too

mood lightened instantly. "The Eternal Wisdom Scriptures? That will wear

thousand words, and they were to copy it ten times. Victoria knew the punishment would leave them little time

glanced at Helen with cool indifference before continuing, "Since they're copying scriptures, they should clear their minds. No distractions. I'll have their allowances withheld, and they are to be forbidden

For her, both punishments were unbearable. Copying scriptures was hard enough, but being forbidden to wear jewelry or fine clothes meant she couldn't adorn herself. It was

sister

royal edict had already reached the other concubines. The entire harem fell into a sudden, uncomfortable silence. No one dared

the people in the palace gossiped incessantly.

stop the rumors. Only severe punishment

up chatting with someone. Those people, thinking Helen simple-minded, freely spoke of all sorts of things in her presence,

was the perfect opportunity to strike back and make

noble concubines were punished, would Victoria show mercy to the others? In other words, the people in

quell

concerned, Keith said, "Your Majesty, His Majesty hasn't been going to

things can't be forced. If he doesn't want to go, should I send someone to drag him there?"

waved her hand