TJOAIC (101+)

101-103

TJOAIC 101

Zhuang Laoyan approached the women with a smile, stopping by Wanyi Qian’s side. Still smiling, she said to Consort Rou and the others, “You sisters seem to be in high spirits, having tea and refreshments here.”　　

Standing, Noble Consort Shu made her way to Zhuang Laoyan’s side, personally supporting her into the pavilion. With a light smile, she said, “We were thinking that it’s inadvisable for Younger Sister to have tea due to your pregnancy. Yet, it escaped our minds that Younger Sister may be bored all alone in the palace. We have been thoughtless.”　

“Your Highness the noble consort is too serious.” Zhuang Laoyan had feigned the start of a salute when she saw Noble Consort Shu come to support her, and as such, did not insist on continuing to do so. She took a seat to the right of Consort Rou. Looked at the cheese the palace maids had specially placed before her. Smiling at Noble Consort Shu, she said, “Your Highness the noble consort, there’s no need for this.”　　　　

Consort Rou watched the two go back and forth in conversation, only holding a tea cup without a word. Once the other two women had finished speaking words of courtesy, she said, “Why has Consort Zhao come out today?”　　

Pointing outside the pavilion, Zhuang Laoyan once again smiled. “Seldom do we see such a nice sunny day. Going out for a stroll is a good idea.”　　

Consort Rou nodded. “Taking a stroll and soaking up some sun is beneficial for the fetus too.”　　

“How unexpected that Your Highness Consort Rou would know how to take care of a fetus without ever being pregnant.” Xiuyi Su smiled with a face full of ridicule. “You surely are better than us in this regard.”　　

Without batting an eyelash, Consort Rou did not spare Xiuyi Su even a glance. In a normal manner, she said, “Although this palace is not an intelligent person, this palace still has common sense. Xiuyi Su is praising me too much.” 　　　　

Did these words mean she was stupid? Xiuyi Su’s expression changed a shade. However, she was unable to flare up due to her status. She could only look at Noble Consort Shu and wait for her to stand up for herself.　　

Noble Consort Shu bore a deep resentment toward her cousin’s brainless way of doing things. But she could only suppress it. A smile blossomed on her lips. “This younger sister of mine has a pure temperament, speaking without thinking. May you sisters take no offense.” Following that, she sent a gentle look Xiuyi Su’s way. “Hurry and apologize to Her Highness Consort Rou.”　　

Although Xiuyi Su wasn’t skilled at scheming and calculating against others, she still listened to Noble Consort Shu’s words. In response, she merely apologized to Consort Rou unwillingly. She was very unresigned doing this. Nowadays, there were less and less imperial concubines with high ranks in the palace, and the lower-ranked imperial concubines would now curry favor with her. So the fact that she had to apologize to Consort Rou made her feel as if she were losing face.　　　

“Enough. Who doesn’t know Xiuyi Su’s personality? I’m not the unreasonable type,” said Consort Rou carelessly. Although she had said she didn’t mind, her bearing gave out a feeling that said “Xiuyi Su isn’t worth much.”　　

Zhuang Laoyan noticed Xiuyi Su’s complexion growing more and more unsightly. And she looked up to Consort Rou ever more. To be able to disrespect the Su family cousins so directly yet still sit on her position steadily illustrated this: She had a place in the emperor’s heart. Zhuang Laoyan smiled. “It rained recently. I thought the temperature would drop. Never had I expected the weather to clear up.”