The Enchanting Imperial Concubine (Book 1)

Chapter 162 - Temper

The small carriage swayed all the way to Fengxi Palace, and Ye Yun was not particularly early.

Because she had taken a detour, she actually arrived later than Zhao Jieyu.

Now that Zhao Shi dared not provoke her, they exchanged courtesies and entered the palace one after the other.

Sun Xiurong was seriously ill and did not attend, while Yi Jieyu was exempted from the morning greetings due to her pregnancy. Ye Yun found herself seated beside Lin Xiurong and Xia Meiren.

"Elder Sister Ming, your hairpin is truly beautiful. The orchid leaves are carved so vividly— is that white jade?"

Xia Meiren chimed in with a smile.

Ye Yun curved her lips in response, "Sister has a keen eye. This hairpin is from outside the palace; while it may not be as precious as the ones made in the palace, it's still exquisite. My uncle brought it back from the south while doing business, thinking it looked good, so he gifted it to me. If you like it, I have some other styles as well; come with me later and I'll get them for you."

"Then I'd be more than happy to accept," Xia Meiren replied with a gentle smile.

The two of them exchanged pleasant banter.

"However, for just a hairpin, it's a bit embarrassing for Xia Meiren to be so eager. Isn't it rather undignified?"

Suddenly, with the sound of approaching footsteps, sarcastic remarks filled the air.

Looking up, Ye Yun saw that it was Shu Fei.

Dressed in a brocade palace gown adorned with a golden floral design and a soaring hairdo, she wore an elaborate headdress with embedded red and blue gemstones, exuding opulence.

At this moment, she didn't seem to be there for the morning greetings but rather to show off her grandeur.

It was unclear if she had been cooped up in her palace for too long, coming out to flaunt her authority or if she was looking to provoke someone.

"I am but a humble servant and naturally possess nothing valuable; how could I compare to the grandeur of your ladyship? I merely thought since Elder Sister Ming wears it beautifully, perhaps the Emperor would like it, so I shamelessly asked for one. After all, no matter how precious an item is, if the Emperor does not favor it, then it isn't worth much at all."

Xia Meiren's face grew cold as she retorted in a nonchalant tone.

Since losing that child, Xia Meiren's temperament had changed significantly; she was no longer as easy to manipulate and had developed a bit of backbone.

"Valuable things are precious in their own right, unlike your lowly self; no matter how good your attire, you will still remain lowly!" Shu Fei shot her a glare.

Knowing the Emperor's decree was at play, she didn't press further.

In truth, everyone understood that Shu Fei likely didn't intend to make things difficult for Xia Meiren but was too afraid to confront Ye Yun directly.

This exchange was merely a way to take a jab at Xia Meiren while simultaneously speaking to Ye Yun.

Ye Yun understood this as well, but she couldn't be bothered to engage.

Why bother? Shu Fei's lack of intelligence was not a new development.

After a cup of tea had passed, Su Meiren entered with her head lowered.

A closer look revealed that her right cheek was slightly swollen, as if she had been struck.

But no one seemed to care, as she had become quite inconspicuous.