The Noble Consort is the most favored in the harem

Chapter 146 - Disputes Among Women

"Hmph, what bad luck."

Du Changzai muttered softly, and since Ming Changzai was standing right beside the two of them, she naturally heard it. Yet her expression remained unruffled, still wearing a faint smile.

Ye Guiren's eyes deepened at this sight, and with a smile, she picked up the conversation.

"Have you been to the garden up ahead?"

"Not yet."

"I heard there's a large grove of golden osmanthus trees planted there. Even though it's not yet August, some of them have already bloomed. I adore the scent of golden osmanthus, so I invited Du Changzai to join me. If Ming Changzai is free, you could join us as well."

Upon hearing this, Du Changzai became visibly displeased. She grabbed Ye Guiren's hand, about to protest, but Ye Guiren simply patted her hand, frowning and shaking her head, which managed to calm Du Changzai down. She pursed her lips, standing aside in silence.

Ming Changzai hadn't intended to spend time with them, but seeing Du Changzai's disgruntled expression, she gladly accepted. What started as a lighthearted stroll for two soon became a journey for three. While Ye Guiren and Ming Changzai continued to chat cheerfully, Du Changzai followed reluctantly.

The villa grounds were filled with many gardens, each carefully cultivated by skilled gardeners, making them exceptionally vibrant. After a short walk, the fragrance of golden osmanthus began to fill the air. They say August brings the fragrance of osmanthus, but in the palace, even the blooming season could be advanced by a month. Although not many flowers were in bloom yet, the few that adorned the branches were quite beautiful. The golden osmanthus, as its name suggests, bore yellow and white blossoms. Despite their delicate size, they emitted a strong fragrance that could initially seem overwhelming but soon became sweet and intoxicating.

Watching Ye Guiren lean forward to take in the flower's scent, Ming Changzai couldn't help but observe her. This one seemed to be quite discreet yet skillful.

"When did Ye Guiren enter the palace? As I've only recently arrived, there's much I don't know about palace matters," Ming Changzai asked, feigning curiosity.

Du Changzai, however, was not pleased.

"Oh, I thought that since Ming Changzai has recently gained favor, her ears must be sharp enough by now to have picked up on the palace's affairs. Why play ignorant here?"

Repeated provocations would stir even the calmest temper. Ming Changzai's expression cooled momentarily, but she soon forced a smile again. Instead of looking at Du Changzai, she directed her gaze toward Ye Guiren, treating Du Changzai as if she were invisible.

"I used to be a maid in the Inner Palace and have been here for quite some time, but I haven't been a consort for very long—six years now, I suppose."

Five or six years, so that would have been in the eleventh year of Yuanhe when she was favored. No wonder Du Changzai had befriended her; they were both former palace maids who rose through the ranks. The difference was that one remembered to stay composed and restrained, while the other was brazen, always eager to assert herself. Understanding this, Ming Changzai's smile deepened as she spoke to Ye Guiren.

"Sister has such a gentle nature; I greatly admire it. If you don't mind, I'd love to seek your advice more often in the future."

Having been in the palace for a while meant that she might know many palace secrets, so building a good relationship with her could only be beneficial.

Ye Guiren responded with a serene smile as usual.

"Of course, that would be lovely."

Seeing them so quickly becoming "sisters," Du Changzai's anger simmered. She wanted to turn and leave, but with Ye Guiren present, offending her wouldn't be wise. Du Changzai had no strong foundation in the palace. She had only recently aligned herself with Lin Guifei, but her patron had been confined shortly after. Attempting to curry favor with Nanny Du had also failed, as the old woman was as stubborn as a rock. Now, her only connection was Ye Guiren, and here was Ming Changzai disrupting things. She truly felt that nothing was going right for her in the villa.

Though she was bitter, she dared not act out, merely clutching her handkerchief tightly, trailing behind the other two with a look of frustration.

As they continued walking, they spotted Bai Pin seated in the Yiran Pavilion ahead. Recently, Bai Pin had been so furious that she hadn't left her quarters, reportedly smashing things daily. Yet here she was, relaxing in the garden.

Ming Changzai knew better than to underestimate Bai Pin's anger toward her. She took a deep breath, steeling herself as she followed Ye Guiren and Du Changzai to pay respects at the pavilion. Bai Pin's rank was above theirs, so it was only proper to greet her.

"We pay respects to Bai Pin, wishing Your Ladyship well."

Bai Pin had no intention of acknowledging them initially, but the sight of Ming Changzai soured her mood. After all the effort she'd put into preparing herself, she had lost favor to an obscure Changzai! Since the Qiqiao Banquet, the Emperor had summoned Ming Changzai several times, fueling Bai Pin's resentment. Now that Ming Changzai had walked right into her path, it was the perfect chance to vent her frustration.

With a forced smile, Bai Pin spoke.

"Rise, sisters. What a coincidence—my first time stepping out, and I happen to run into you."

The words sounded casual, yet the tone was undeniably cold. Everyone present understood who the chill was directed at.

Du Changzai stood quietly to the side, head slightly bowed, but clearly enjoying the unfolding drama. Ming Changzai kept her composure outwardly, though inwardly she felt anxious. If she truly held the Emperor's favor, she'd have some confidence. But right now, if Bai Pin sought to provoke her, how would she respond?

Just as she pondered this, Bai Pin spoke again.

"How thoughtless of me—I forgot to invite you three sisters up for tea."

"Offering unwarranted kindness—there's always a hidden agenda."

Even though they knew Bai Pin's intentions weren't genuine, the three of them couldn't find an excuse to leave. Otherwise, it would truly mean starting a feud with her. Du Changzai, however, seemed more than willing and, with a smile, stepped up first, walking straight into the pavilion.

As expected, there were tea sets on the stone table in the center of the pavilion. A cup was set before Bai Pin, and her maid, Baizhi, was pouring tea into the other cups, serving one to each of the three as they arrived.