The Enchanting Imperial Concubine (Book 1)

Chapter 104 - Learning a Lesson

"I pay my respects to Your Majesty and to Ming Jieyu," Sudiya approached, awkwardly bowing.

Ning Chen waved his hand, "No need for formalities..."

He only uttered those two words and fell silent, while Ye Yun, playing the innocent role, looked down and didn't speak.

This left Sudiya feeling extremely embarrassed.

But she couldn't just leave without saying anything, so she mustered the courage to speak again.

"Seeing that the weather is nice today, I came to stroll in the Imperial Garden, and I didn't expect to encounter Your Majesty and Ming Jieyu. If Your Majesty doesn't mind, may I walk with you?"

After all, she was a princess from Zhasake; previously, in Zhasake, she represented her father, Zhuoligetu, but now in the capital, she represented the entire Zhasake.

Therefore, some courtesy was due, and Ning Chen nodded in acknowledgment.

However, he wasn't overly concerned; Zhuoligetu had too much ambition and had already made other arrangements.

Ecstatic at being allowed, Sudiya followed closely behind the two.

Ye Yun wasn't actually someone who refused others; everyone in the palace wanted to vie for favor. It was fine to make an appearance, as long as they didn't think about taking her place.

But it was clear that Sudiya had her own intentions. When Ye Yun asked Bai Zhu to pick some roses, she made an unwelcome comment.

"Although people praise the plum blossoms for choosing to die on the fragrant branch, I think all flowers are equally beautiful. Why must Ming Jieyu pick them? Isn't it better to let them bloom on the branches for everyone to admire?"

Once those words were out, not only did Ye Yun feel disgusted, but Ning Chen's expression also darkened a few shades.

Yet Sudiya was completely oblivious, continuing her act of virtue, "I haven't seen many flowers on the grassland before; now that I have the fortune to see these blooming flowers, I cherish them greatly."

"Your Majesty, everyone in the palace thinks I am too harsh. Last year, it was Fang Xiuyi who said I shouldn't pick the plum blossoms, and this year, Su Wanrong won't let me pick the roses. Am I the only one who loves arranging flowers in this palace? Are the other concubines just staring at the flower pots?" Ye Jun said lightly.

As she spoke, she cast a smirk at Sudiya.

Ning Chen did not respond but personally plucked a large, blossoming rose and placed it in Ye Jun's hair.

Today, she wasn't wearing any jewelry, and the addition of the flower made her look even more beautiful.

"Why are you arguing with her? There aren't any of these in the grassland; she hasn't seen them before. It's natural to be curious."

This statement was quite dismissive of Sudiya, directly saying she had no experience and was treating a few roses as precious.

Sudiya's face turned red immediately, and she quickly bowed, "I misspoke, I hope Ming Jieyu can forgive me. I didn't know Jieyu was using it for flower arranging."

She didn't even know what the activity of flower arranging was. Although Sudiya's mother was from the Central Plains, she wasn't a distinguished lady and had no knowledge of things like flower arranging or tea tasting, nor did she teach her daughter about them.

"Your Majesty, I see that Su Wanrong isn't completely familiar with the palace rules yet. Once she becomes a consort, she really should learn these things. Even if she doesn't understand, she can't be completely ignorant. After all, she's now part of the royal family; we can't let her embarrass the royal name," Ye Yun said, her tone dripping with disdain for Su Wanrong.