The Noble Consort is the most favored in the harem

Chapter 35 - Protecting Each Other

Lin Daying listened intently from inside the room, her expression darkening.

The conflict between Chu Guiren and her had begun the moment Lin entered the palace. Now, as Chu Guiren came to her own side palace to flaunt her power, it was clear that their enmity would deepen.

So, she immediately got out of bed, changed her clothes, gritted her teeth, and walked out, trying her best not to be at a disadvantage in front of Chu Guiren.

"Sister Chu, a noble guest has arrived. It's my fault for not welcoming you properly. I hope you can forgive me," she said.

Then, she scolded the kneeling Chunqi and Xia'an, saying, "What are you two doing kneeling here? Hurry up and prepare the tea!"

Chunqi was quick to respond. "It's all my fault; I'll serve tea to the noble guest to apologize."

As soon as she finished speaking and tried to get up to leave, Chu Guiren shot her a glance, and the attendant Yuejian immediately stepped forward and pressed her back down to kneel again.

Chunqi struggled in vain, as both Yuejian and Yuepei held her down, raising her arms high behind her, causing her face to pale in pain, rendering her unable to speak.

After all, they were martial artists, and their methods of punishment were truly severe.

Seeing this, Lin Daying's eyes filled with anger.

Her tone turned unfriendly. "What is Chu Guiren doing? Did my maid offend you in any way?"

"I am the highest-ranking person in Yihua Palace, so I naturally have the right to discipline you and the maidservants in Mu Daying's quarters. How dare the moon door be locked, forcing me to go through so much trouble just to speak with you? Don't you think these servant girls should be punished?"

After saying this, she glanced at the bowing Xia'an.

Yuejian quickly understood Chu Guiren's intent, stepped forward, and slapped Xia'an four or five times, each strike infused with force, causing Xia'an's face to swell and blood to seep from the corner of her mouth.

"Stop it!"

Lin Daying's anger reached its peak, but she knew that if she acted out now, it wouldn't save the two of them and would instead give Chu Guiren a reason to hold it against her.

So, she walked straight up to Chu Guiren and, with a tone full of resentment, said, "The moon door was not locked; we can simply call someone from the inner court to verify. As for your desire to speak with me, it would suffice to send a maid to convey your message. I am just a lowly servant, unworthy of this grand display."

"Lin Guifei has currently canceled all palace greetings to focus on preparing for the Dragon Boat Festival. If any unfavorable rumors spread at this time, it might cause trouble for you later."

After speaking, Lin Daying turned to Yuejian and coldly said, "I don't know how others would be treated, but Lin Guifei detests those who use their power to bully the weak. If it comes to cleansing the harem, it's not impossible that a couple of those at fault might be used as examples."

While she didn't mention Yuejian by name, the implication sent a shiver through her.

She had never seen Lin Guifei's methods, but there was no way someone could survive in this ruthless palace without being ruthless themselves.

She was still young and did not want to become a scapegoat for Lin Guifei's anger by offending Lin Daying.

Her own master had the general and Yi Fei protecting her, so she wouldn't come to harm. But as for Yuejian...

If it came down to it, and someone had to be blamed, Chu Guiren would never hesitate to throw her under the bus.

Yuejian was so frightened that she stepped back repeatedly, even Yuepei, who was still holding Chunqi's wrist, immediately released her grip.

They stood there with their heads down, devoid of the arrogance they had when they first arrived.

Lin Daying's words caused all the servants following Chu Guiren to hush up, and their confidence dwindled. Chu Guiren had never experienced such indignity and immediately exploded in anger.

"Oh, I didn't know Lin Daying had such capabilities that even Lin Guifei must heed your commands! Truly, a thief's heart is never dead!"

Lin Daying's face was cold, and she was too lazy to engage in further feigned politeness with Chu Guiren. Lowering her voice, she replied, "Your ability to turn things around is quite eye-opening for me. Perhaps you haven't spent enough time in Yonghua Palace praying for blessings, and thus your temper hasn't yet settled; you're snapping at everyone you see, quite impressive indeed!"

"What! You dare to call me a dog?"

Chu Guiren's eyes bulged, and her voice became shrill, clearly enraged by Lin Daying's words.

"Fine! I'm not one to engage in your kind of sophistry, so let me show you what happens when you oppose me."

With that, she pulled out a soft satin waistband from her waist and, with a flick, transformed it into a weapon resembling a thorny whip.

Lin Daying's eyes darkened, and she shouted, "You dare to bring a weapon into the palace!"

As she spoke, she saw Chu Guiren raise the whip to strike her. She intended to retreat to avoid it, but suddenly felt a sharp pain in her knee and fell to the ground.

Just as that thorny whip was about to hit Lin Daying, Chunqi lunged forward, and the whip landed heavily on her back.

Immediately, blood began to seep through her clothing.

The pain caused Chunqi to gasp, tears welling in her eyes.

"Chunqi!"

"My lady, are you alright?"

Chunqi's face turned pale, and Xia'an rushed over, kneeling in front of Chu Guiren with her arms spread wide.

"If you want to vent your anger, then punish me, I won't complain! But my lady and you are both favored by His Majesty; if anything happens to her, and His Majesty sees any marks on her, you will surely face his displeasure, and wouldn't that be troublesome?"

Her eyes were firm, and her voice resonated with strength.

No matter how furious Chu Guiren was, she still had her reservations.

Xia'an's words hit the mark of her concerns! Chu Guiren glared angrily at Lin Daying, let out a cold snort, and retracted the soft whip.

"Since you're unwell, I'll come to talk to you another day. But let me make one thing clear: if that moon door is locked again and blocks my path, don't blame me for being merciless."

Then she leaned towards Lin Daying, threateningly saying, "You have only three servants by your side; if I want to deal with you, it'll only take a moment. Next time, don't be so sharp-tongued in front of me, understand?"

Lin Daying clenched her fists and remained silent.

But she looked directly at Chu Guiren and calmly replied, "I will remember your words today."

Seeing Lin Daying's earlier fierceness fade, Chu Guiren straightened up, dusted herself off, and then said, "It's such a hot day, and I've worked up a sweat. Let's go back and prepare water to serve me a bath and change of clothes!"

Each word carried an undeniable authority and mockery.

As they came in a rush, they left in a calm manner, leaving the side palace littered with the wounded.