TPITWOHEF

Chapter 48

The Ministry of Works sent five foot-operated spinning wheels, one of which was intended for delivery to the Empress Dowager.

However, the Empress Dowager was so eager that upon hearing the Ministry of Works had first delivered to the residence of Concubine Liu, which was closer to the South Gate, she immediately rushed over with her entourage to see.

"Concubine Liu, has the spinning wheel arrived?" The Empress Dowager's steps even quickened.

Behind her were the Empress, Consort Li, and others who had come to pay their respects to the Empress Dowager earlier in the day.

The Empress and Consort Li had heard that Concubine Liu had presented an improved weaving machine and intentionally went to pay their respects to the Empress Dowager today, wanting to take a look.

"Your Majesty, please slow down," Consort Li said with a smile, supporting the Empress Dowager's arm. "In the past century, our silk weaving techniques have hardly changed."

"Can Concubine Liu's method change much, let alone surpass the women who weave at home regularly or the scholars at the Ministry of Works?" Consort Li dismissed Concubine Liu's so-called improved spinning technique with disdain.

If Concubine Liu could come up with something like this, what would she need to be a concubine for?

The Liu family had long been prosperous.

"Even a slight improvement of ten or twenty percent would be good," the Empress, being simple-minded, didn't catch Consort Li's disdain at all. She was eager to see the spinning wheels and eagerly walked inside.

The Empress smiled, "Mother, Consort Li means well. She's afraid that if you have high expectations, you'll be more disappointed."

Upon hearing this, the Empress Dowager pursed her lips, feeling a bit unhappy.

These days, she had been eagerly awaiting news from the Ministry of Works. If Concubine Liu's new machine didn't work or its effect was poor, disappointment was certain.

The Empress Dowager patted the Empress's hand, "Let's go in and see."

The group entered the Donghua Palace in grand procession.

Concubine Liu and Consort Min, who were busy around the five spinning wheels in the side hall, were startled and quickly came out to greet them.

Before they could pay their respects, Consort Li immediately criticized, "Concubine Liu, the Empress Dowager was so eager to see your improved technique that she even skipped breakfast and came all the way from the Cining Palace to the Donghua Palace."

"If your new machine doesn't work well, it'll be a big trouble!"

Hearing this, the Empress Dowager couldn't help but smile bitterly.

It was her impulsiveness that led her to come in such a hurry.

She brought a group of consorts with her, eager to see.

If the new machine proved to be useless, then this group of consorts would essentially be watching her and Concubine Liu's joke!

With that in mind, the smile on the Empress Dowager's face completely faded.

"I'm just casually strolling around."

"Alright, Concubine Liu, don't mind me, just continue."

Consort Li held the Empress Dowager's hand and watched Concubine Liu as if she were watching a play.

The expectant gaze, hoping to see her make a fool of herself, was clearly observed by Xiao Chuchu, who was held by the nanny.

Xiao Chuchu immediately vented her thoughts, "Consort Li isn't a good person at all. In the palace, she's just a weather vane."