The Enchanting Imperial Concubine

Chapter 114

Ye Yun's expression darkened as she pondered for a moment.

"If something unusual happens, there's always a reason. If she suddenly came looking for you, she must be plotting something. You should listen to what she has to say first," Ye Yun instructed.

"As you command," Shen Pingzhi replied with a bow.

Huiyue personally saw him out and returned looking troubled.

"I can't shake the feeling that Fang Xiuyi has a deep and calculating mind. Dealing with her feels unsettling."

Nanzhi chimed in, "Lately, Fang Xiuyi has gained favor, and there are many rumors in the palace. They say that during the previous Emperor's reign, Chen Wanrong and Fang Xiuyi would often accompany their aunts in the palace. The two girls came from similar family backgrounds, so they were always competing. For a long time, they were evenly matched, but after the age of twelve, Fang Xiuyi suddenly became more formidable, putting Chen Wanrong in a tough spot several times. After that, Chen Wanrong rarely entered the palace."

"Did she just grow clever earlier than the others? If that's the case, then I must have been smart from birth," Ye Yun joked, smiling.

Huiyue laughed, "Our Jieyu has been clever since childhood—this one's a late bloomer."

"So, there's no need to worry. I'm still quite formidable," Ye Yun said playfully, teasingly tapping Huiyue's nose, making her blush.

But still, the matter needed careful attention. People in the palace never did anything without a reason. If Fang Xiuyi was seeking out Shen Pingzhi, it certainly meant something was afoot.

Since Shen Pingzhi wasn't someone she had deep trust in yet, Ye Yun instructed Bai Zhu and Luhe to keep a close eye on things.

Ning Chen had ordered that movement in the harem be restricted, and the Empress took the opportunity to excuse the consorts from their morning greetings.

Now they neither had to kneel in the prayer hall nor attend the morning greetings, so they could comfortably live behind closed doors.

Ye Yun lacked nothing, but others certainly did.

At Feihong Pavilion, Su Wanrong looked at the meager monthly silver and fabric sent by the Office of Internal Affairs, her face flushed with anger.

"I am a dignified Lady of the Sixth Rank, and you dare to treat me like this?"

"Oh, Su Wanrong, please don't be too picky. We servants are in a difficult position too. Do you know what kind of times we're living in? It's chaos outside, even the Empress Dowager and Empress aren't getting any fresh fruit. The fact that you're still getting your supplies is better than some who are getting nothing at all!" The old eunuch delivering the goods said with a pained expression.

Baicao, unable to hold back her frustration, rifled through the four rolls of fabric and pointed accusingly.

"It's already June, and you're sending us such heavy fabric? Do you want to cook Wanrong alive? These colors are so dull and old-fashioned. I don't believe there aren't better fabrics in the palace!"

The old eunuch smiled. "Good things are scarce, so naturally, they must go to the higher-ranking consorts first. You were a princess before entering the palace, so you likely brought many things with you. It's understandable if you're not impressed by what we bring, but this is all we have."

Su Wanrong glared. "What I brought with me is mine. These items are part of my monthly provisions, and you've skimmed off the top! How dare you make excuses!"

After all, with some fiery spirit from her prairie ancestry, Su Wanrong grabbed a teacup from the table and threw it.

It struck the old eunuch squarely on the head, and blood began to flow immediately.