The Enchanting Imperial Concubine (Book 2)

Chapter 388 - Disgusting to the Core

It had been over half a month since the new arrivals entered the palace, but Ning Chen showed no intention of summoning them. During this period, he had only visited Ye Yun and Qi Jieyu.

At first, the two new arrivals eagerly awaited his summons, but after more than half a month, they were growing desperate.

Ying Cairen was anxious but kept her composure. Daughters from scholarly families always seemed more calm and steady.

She was, however, somewhat implicated by Xu Cairen. Ning Chen had ordered a thorough investigation into the situation, but nothing suspicious had been uncovered. The Xu family had planned everything well in advance, and any traces had been neatly concealed.

Despite this, Ning Chen still felt uneasy about the situation, so he had no desire to summon the newcomers.

Xu Cairen, unaware of the Emperor's thoughts, grew increasingly anxious as she hadn't yet been granted the opportunity to serve him. She had entered the palace with great ambitions, after all.

Her impatience became especially evident when Ning Chen decided to head to the Lingxi Garden for a retreat after the Mid-Autumn Festival.

Xu Cairen was desperate—she wanted to accompany him, but since she hadn't even met him yet, she feared he might have forgotten about her entirely.

She felt the need to make herself known, to remind him of her existence.

So, during the Mid-Autumn Festival, she dared to wear an outfit identical to one Ye Yun had worn in the past.

With similar features and a similar outfit, it was hard to tell the difference without a close look—she almost appeared just like Ye Yun from back then.

Ye Yun's face immediately darkened.

This was truly the pinnacle of disgust—it was like disgust itself opened the door to even more disgust.

The various consorts all had different thoughts, but they were eagerly waiting to see some drama unfold. The noblewomen and ministers were also holding their breath. Ming Zhaoyi was currently in high favor, and here was someone blatantly imitating her. One wrong move, and she could very well end up destroying herself.

Sure enough, Ye Yun wasn't going to show Xu Cairen any mercy. She immediately instructed Kong Qing to take some people over to inform Xu Cairen to return and change her outfit.

"What? Is there something wrong with my clothes?" Xu Cairen feigned innocence, looking down at her attire. "There's nothing about this outfit that looks similar to anyone else's."

"It's better if Cairen doesn't ask too many questions. You know full well whether it looks similar or not. Today is a festival, so I'm being polite. Causing a scene in the hall won't look good," Kong Qing sneered.

Xu Cairen was somewhat afraid, but she wasn't willing to give in. The Emperor hadn't arrived yet, and he hadn't seen her appearance. How could she give up now?

So, she stiffened her resolve and refused to leave. "If you don't explain this clearly, I won't go back to change. Delaying the banquet could get both you and me in serious trouble."

"Don't worry, Cairen. Zhaoyi will explain everything to the Emperor on behalf of us both," Kong Qing replied firmly, making a gesture for her to leave. Two young eunuchs stepped forward, ready to act if needed.

Ying Cairen, sitting beside Xu Cairen, acted as if she hadn't heard a thing and didn't even glance in their direction. Xu Cairen was foolish. From the moment she entered the palace, she had crossed paths with Ming Zhaoyi, only thinking about pleasing the Emperor without considering whether she'd live to see him first.