"Honestly, who does she think she is?"
The apple of the Emperor’s eye was still Xia Jieyu. She was the one carrying the precious child. If Honored Lady Du offended her, they would certainly not let Honored Lady Du off easy.
Everyone knew about that incident at Taiye Pool where Honored Lady Du had strutted around in front of Xia Jieyu, only to be brushed off by the Emperor in the end.
It was quite obvious.
Without needing any instructions from Xia Jieyu.
As long as Xia Jieyu was favored, Honored Lady Du couldn’t even dream of having a good life.
Unless she had the ability to gain favor herself!
Of course, showing off wasn’t considered a real ability!
The Little Eunuch said he was going to urge them on, but in reality, as soon as he turned around, he was sent elsewhere.
He didn’t take the matter seriously at all.
Honored Lady Du sat there and waited and waited, but no one came.
After about a Shi Chen, the Little Eunuch still hadn’t returned.
When she finally came to her senses, she was shaking with anger.
"Tricking me!"
"How dare a mere Little Eunuch toy with me!"
She looked at Ding Xiang in disbelief.
Ding Xiang buried her head even lower.
My lady, you’re just realizing this now?
Honored Lady Du finally understood why Ding Xiang had become increasingly reluctant to run errands outside.
Every time she went out, she was met with cold shoulders!
"Let’s go! We’re going back!"
After all, she wasn’t someone like Noble Concubine Shih, with strong backing and status.
So, Honored Lady Du didn’t dare to make a fuss.
At most, she would go back and continue her scheming.
How can I find a way to be favored!
In fact, everyone who had entered the palace in this cohort was pondering this problem.
Including Lady Shih.
「At the Crimson Moon Pavilion in Yaoyue Palace.」
Ever since Lady Shih had been taken under the wing of Noble Concubine Shih, Consort Yun Pin dared not bully her anymore.
So, her days were still bearable.
Lady Shih was sitting by the window, embroidering a purse.
The pearlescent white fabric was embellished with green waves and a pair of mandarin ducks playing in the water.
The embroidery was so exquisite, it appeared lifelike.
"Zhaoer, do you think... the Emperor will like it?"
Even though she knew her situation was not good, the Emperor was still her husband.
That night, even though his movements had been rough, and he had even called out someone else’s name, he was still her husband!
The Emperor was truly handsome.
So handsome that whenever Lady Shih remembered his face, she would blush.
And whenever she thought about their physical intimacy, her face would turn entirely red with embarrassment.
Seeing her like this, Zhaoer swallowed the words on the tip of her tongue and said instead, "My lady, the Emperor should like it; this purse is so beautiful!"
Lady Shih was instantly immersed in joy.
It was as if she could immediately see the Emperor cherishingly tucking her purse away and hanging it on his belt.
"That would be great. Next time I see the Emperor, I must personally put it on him!"
Zhaoer hesitated, wanting to say something, but ultimately remained silent.
She sighed internally.
What could she say when her lady was like this?
Actually, this might not be a bad thing.
The Emperor dislikes it when the women of the Harem employ schemes.
Although he may not like my lady’s manner, perhaps he won’t hate it either.
Just live your life well, don’t think too much. As for having children...
Well, that relies on fate.
...
「At lunchtime.」
Honored Lady Du, who had just returned from being reprimanded at the Ministry of Internal Affairs, suffered another blow from... the Imperial Kitchen.
Looking at the dishes on the table, none of them were fresh. Even the sautéed cucumbers had turned yellow, probably leftovers from who knows when.
That bowl of chicken soup didn’t seem freshly stewed either, with a thick layer of oil congealed on top.
There was also a cold dish of vegetable leaves, still with tough stems attached. The vegetables were so old, it was questionable if they were even edible.
And a bowl of egg custard.
One glance told her it was oversteamed, likely rejected from another master’s table.
Honored Lady Du wanted to cry but had no tears to shed.
"What in heaven’s name is this!"
"Is Xia Jieyu trying to drive me to a dead end!"
Ding Xiang was at a loss, sighing repeatedly as she looked at the dishes.
Xiao Quanzi was downcast, his face etched with grievance.
"My lady, please just make do with this food. Even this, I had to beg everyone I could for; otherwise, there would be nothing at all!"
Honored Lady Du was so angry that she slammed her chopsticks down.
"Lady Xia!"
"Lady Xia, you truly have skillful means, sending servants to cause trouble for me while you play the innocent!"
Neither Ding Xiang nor Xiao Quanzi dared to speak.
Fortunately, Honored Lady Du was not entirely witless.
She knew that making a fuss now would be like throwing an egg against a rock.
So, after some thought, she suppressed her anger and endured it.
"Lady Xia, you may be favored now, but that doesn’t mean I can’t be!"
"Don’t be smug too soon. Just you wait and see!"
...
As Xia Ruqing was having her midday meal, she felt a sudden chill run down her spine.
The hand holding her chopsticks paused.
Zi Yue quickly asked, "My lady, is the Little Prince kicking you again?"
Xia Ruqing smiled and shook her head. "No!"