The next day was the day to pay respects at Wutong Hall.
Yesterday, Chen Jieyu had taken the initiative to go to Jingqian Palace and was allowed to spend the night, making her the center of attention today.
"The Emperor indeed values kinships. Chen Jieyu should come out more often; after all, you are His Majesty's close cousin, and he still cares for you."
At the main seat, the Empress wore a gentle and gracious smile as she spoke softly.
"That's right. Just yesterday, the Emperor dined with the Empress Dowager. Perhaps this sibling bond runs deep. Chen Jieyu went back to Jingqian Palace right away; such mutual feelings are something we cannot hope to attain," Yi Xiuyuan remarked.
She fanned herself with a hand fan, her gaze cold and distant.
In recent days, the Emperor had visited Jiaotang Garden frequently, overshadowing her presence. Just when it seemed he wouldn't go anymore, Chen Jieyu took the lead, making her feel stifled.
"The Emperor is the Son of Heaven; how could I dare to casually speculate on his intentions? I wouldn't presume to accept Xiuyuan's comment about mutual feelings," Chen Jieyu said, bowing respectfully.
Her tone was calm and composed.
"I remember when we were in the boudoir, Chen Jieyu was quite headstrong. Now she seems much gentler. In just two or three years in the palace, her temperament has changed quite a bit," Yao Xiang said with a smile.
The Empress glanced at her and nodded, "Having been in the palace for a long time, one should indeed have made some progress."
"If one doesn't progress, they might just be forgotten by the Emperor," Shu Fei mocked, pausing for a moment before sneering, "Oh, that's not right. Chen Jieyu is different from us; she has the Empress Dowager's support and care."
"Alright, Shu Fei, how old are you now? Why are you still saying such sour words to them?" The Empress timely interrupted everyone. "It's good that the Emperor is visiting the inner palace more often. If he keeps fixating on one place, it's not beneficial for the heir. You all need to be more clever; learn to flatter him, make the Emperor happy—that is the most important matter."
At this point, Yi Xiuyuan's gaze shifted to the side.
"Speaking of flattery, it seems that you've served him well. With such royal favor, there hasn't been any good news. Could it be...?"
"Could it be that Yi Xiuyuan is usually too idle and constantly staring at my belly?"
Ye Yun shot her a fierce glare, interrupting her.
"If Yi Xiuyuan is so free, next time I see the Emperor, I'll definitely suggest he spend more time with Xiuyuan, so she can focus her thoughts on him and stop staring at what she shouldn't."
Her words were quick and sharp, instantly silencing Yi Xiuyuan.
When it comes to sharp-tongued remarks, no one in the harem could surpass her.
Mainly, Ye Yun was bold and unrestrained, unafraid to speak her mind.
"Oh, why is Ming Xiurong so angry? Yi Xiuyuan hasn't said anything, yet it seems like you've hit a sore spot," Yao Xiang smirked.
"Oh, I hadn't realized before that Fang Xiuyuan could act so well. Next time, I'll set up a stage and invite Xiuyuan to sing a couple of songs."
Ye Yun cast her a cool glance, equally impolite.
Yi Xiuyuan finally regained her composure, her face flushed with anger as she stood up and spoke to the Empress.
"Your Majesty, look at Ming Xiurong; she is too sharp-tongued! Both I and Fang Xiuyuan hold higher ranks than her, yet she insists on squeezing us out like this. It's truly a disregard for status and a lack of understanding of the rules!"
YOU ARE READING
The Enchanting Imperial Concubine (Book 2)
Historical FictionNote: This is a translated novel by me (Xiao Bai) Title: 贵妃她千娇百媚 Ye Yun was supposed to be the prince's concubine, but due to the sudden death of the late emperor, her entry into the palace was delayed for over a year. She entered the palace with th...
