Attendant Luo respectfully accepted Li Shengan’s decree and kowtowed to thank him.
"Thank you, Eunuch Li!"
Li Shengan smiled and said,
"There’s no need for formality, Honored Lady. However, there’s another message from the Emperor I need to convey."
"What message?" Honored Lady Luo asked eagerly.
Li Shengan chuckled.
"The Emperor said that you should walk around the harem these days and inform him if you fancy any palace."
Luo Manman was instantly overjoyed upon hearing this.
But in front of Li Shengan, she maintained her composure and calmly nodded.
"Thank you, Eunuch Li!"
Li Shengan laughed again.
"Why, Honored Lady, it’s just us old acquaintances here; no need for such formalities!"
"Even after years, Honored Lady, you remain as charming as ever!"
Luo Manman quickly replied with a smile.
"Eunuch Li, I dare not accept such praise. You are now the Chief Steward by the Emperor’s side; even the Empress treats you with some respect!"
Li Shengan smiled without responding.
Then they exchanged a few pleasantries and reminisced about the past.
After burning incense for a while, Li Shengan took his leave.
Exiting Luo Manman’s residence,
Li Shengan, accompanied by Little Zhuzi, headed through the Imperial Garden towards Zhaochen Palace.
Along the way, Little Zhuzi was somewhat indignant.
"Master, do you know this Honored Lady Luo from before?"
Li Shengan glanced at him indifferently and said,
"What’s to know or not know? We all served by the Emperor’s side before, but she was expelled from the palace by the Empress Dowager and is now summoned back!"
"Oh!"
Little Zhuzi thought deeply and nodded.
Li Shengan never liked discussing matters of the consorts.
Not out of fear, but out of disdain.
If he ever wanted to talk about it, no need for discretion or avoidance.
There was no fear of anything being spread around.
Whatever he said, no servant in the harem dared to spread it carelessly.
Seeing his master express an opinion rare as ever, Little Zhuzi pushed forward to inquire thoroughly.
"Master, do you think... the Emperor truly favors Honored Lady Luo?"
Li Shengan leisurely glanced at him and tapped his disciple’s head with his dust whisk, coldly laughing.
"What do you think?"
After speaking, he paused and continued.
"Stop overthinking!"
"Whom the Emperor favors is none of a eunuch’s concern!"
With that, he strode off.
Little Zhuzi rubbed his head, quickly running to catch up.
Though his master was reluctant to speak.
He always felt things were not as simple as they seemed.
As for what it was, well... that was not his concern!
...
A day later, news circulated within the harem.
Luo Manman picked Xifu Palace, the closest to the Emperor’s Zhaochen Palace.
Though she couldn’t be the main mistress, a proper Honored Lady living in a courtyard was more than sufficient.
Her choice was mainly for the location.
First, it was near the Emperor, making it convenient for... enjoying his favor in the future.
Second, Xifu Palace, the largest and most beautiful in the West Six Palaces, had no overseeing mistress, so she didn’t need to pay daily respects and follow rules or read moods!
Third, Xifu Palace faced Duanning Palace across the Imperial Garden, vaguely suggesting defiance towards the Empress.
Though the status difference between a mere Honored Lady and the Empress was huge, logically, she possessed no such power.
Yet, however lacking in status, emotionally...
Having accompanied the Emperor for so long, she understood him more or less.
The Emperor was nostalgic.
Besides Shih Wanxin, she was the woman who stayed by him the longest.
Though the Empress was his new love.
Being an old acquaintance must hold special significance in the Emperor’s heart.
So... why not?!
These were things she was meant to claim!
She wasn’t genuinely a Palace Maid; she was originally a Palace Maid.
If she hadn’t offended Shih Wanxin then and been expelled by the Empress Dowager...
After the Emperor ascended, she should have been at least a Lady status.
Given the past affection...
It wouldn’t be difficult to bear a child or two; then a first-rank concubine title would be inevitable.
Though a first-rank concubine couldn’t compare with the Empress’s status,
she’d still be a proper mistress of the harem, wouldn’t she?
So... why should she give up on these?!
She intended to reclaim what she lost years ago.
...
In the harem,
The concubines heard of Luo Manman’s rise in status and rewards, and the Emperor allowing her to choose her residence personally!
Each was extremely jealous.
Though jealousy is jealousy; they could gossip, they ultimately couldn’t do much.
In the midst of the consorts’ varied commotion, Xia Ruqing became aware of this.