The Noble Consort is the most favored in the harem

Chapter 147 - A Private Rebuke

There was nothing wrong with the formalities. Ming Changzai subtly avoided drinking the tea by shielding herself with her sleeve, allowing the tea to spill onto her handkerchief instead. Although young, she wasn't foolish. Who knew what Bai Pin might have put in the tea? If it were harmful, her future would be ruined right here. So she remained especially cautious.

Ye Guiren noticed this out of the corner of her eye, feeling even more certain that Ming Changzai was no ordinary person. Smiling, she remarked to Bai Pin as she set down her cup.

"This tea is truly delightful, with a lingering sweetness and a rich aroma."

"Ye Guiren knows her tea well. I suppose back when you were a maid in the Inner Palace, you had the chance to encounter some fine teas."

Bai Pin entered the palace a year after Ye Guiren received favor but had risen quickly despite having no children, a sign of her once great favor. Naturally, she felt superior to Ye Guiren, who was only made a Guiren after suffering a stillbirth and relying on the Emperor's lingering guilt.

Ye Guiren, however, showed no sign of offense. She didn't seem to mind her past as a palace maid, as if it weren't something to hide. Smiling, she replied, "As you say, Your Ladyship."

This left Bai Pin somewhat frustrated, feeling as though her punches had landed on soft cotton. Changing her focus, she looked at Ming Changzai with a meaningful gaze.

"Ming Changzai, you should cherish this rare favor. If you get the chance, climb higher quickly, for it's hard to be the master of the palace once beauty fades."

Her words cast a shadow over all three women. Ye Guiren maintained her calm demeanor, seemingly unperturbed. Du Changzai frowned, visibly annoyed but unwilling to speak. Ming Changzai knew the comment was directed at her and the others, but now wasn't the time to retaliate. Bowing her head obediently, she responded, "Your Highness speaks wisely. I will remember your advice."

Bai Pin cast a mocking look her way. Another timid little thing, she thought, who wouldn't even dare speak up when bullied. She couldn't understand what the Emperor saw in her.

Still seething, Bai Pin glanced sideways at her maid, Baizhi, their intentions clear to each other. Adjusting the delicate hibiscus hairpin gifted by the Emperor, she shifted the conversation.

"Sisters, look at this—it's a gift from the Emperor. Isn't it exquisite?"

The hibiscus hairpin was indeed a masterpiece, with each petal meticulously crafted from fine gold threads and adorned with Eastern pearls at the center. The three women assumed Bai Pin was flaunting her former favor, and all put on slightly awkward smiles.

"What do you think, Ming Changzai?"

Bai Pin directed the question at her. Ignoring it wasn't an option, so Ming Changzai feigned admiration and replied with envy.

"Your Ladyship is truly blessed. The Emperor must cherish you dearly."

What woman in the palace wouldn't want to hear such words? Even the likes of Lin Guifei or Yi Fei would appreciate the compliment. As expected, Bai Pin pretended to be pleased, standing up and heading toward the garden's edge.

"Ming Changzai, you have a way with words. No wonder the Emperor likes you; even I find myself liking you more. Come, accompany me for a stroll. It would be a shame not to admire these lovely blooms."

Singling out Ming Changzai to accompany her left her somewhat taken aback. Ye Guiren and Du Changzai tactfully rose and said, "If Your Ladyship and Ming Changzai are going for a walk, we won't disturb you further. We have matters to attend to in our quarters."

Ye Guiren's words pleased Bai Pin, who acknowledged with a brief nod before descending the steps. Seeing that Ming Changzai hadn't followed, Bai Pin turned and, with a hint of challenge, asked, "What's the matter? You're unwilling?"

Ming Changzai knew she couldn't openly oppose Bai Pin, so she mustered her courage and followed. Their maids also left, leaving only Ye Guiren and Du Changzai in Yiran Pavilion.

At last, Du Changzai voiced her frustration.

"Bai Pin's words are so unpleasant! It's true we were once palace maids, but she's no nobler herself—just a girl from the south with no family backing, always flaunting herself!"

"Come now," Ye Guiren replied, maintaining her calm. "You've dealt with her for years; you know her temperament. Let's head back."

"Aren't you going to follow them?"

"Why would you?"

Ye Guiren's steady gaze was tinged with satisfaction. "Hmph, do you think Bai Pin will let Ming Changzai off so easily? I doubt it. What would I gain from watching, other than seeing a spectacle?"

"If you're not afraid of punishment, go yourself. Bai Pin intentionally took Ming Changzai away to avoid suspicion. Following them now would make you a witness. If this escalates to the Emperor, who would you rather offend—Bai Pin or Ming Changzai?"

Ye Guiren's words hit the mark. Du Changzai mumbled her agreement, then reluctantly followed her back.

Meanwhile, Bai Pin led Ming Changzai farther and farther off the garden path, deep into the woods. Ming Changzai tightly clasped her hands to conceal any trace of fear. She couldn't allow Bai Pin to see her falter—it would only make her a target.

Pei'er, who was following behind her, was also extremely anxious. If Bai Pin were to cause trouble here, wouldn't their young mistress be completely helpless, with no one to turn to?

Just as Pei'er was contemplating how to slip away to seek help, she saw Bai Pin approaching with the crabapple hairpin in hand.

Ming Changzai assumed Bai Pin was going to use the hairpin to scratch her face and immediately stepped back in fright.

In her panic, she stepped on a few branches, snapping them underfoot. Losing her balance, she began to fall backward.

Instinctively, she lurched forward to regain her footing, but just as she steadied herself, Bai Pin kicked her sharply on the kneecap, causing her to gasp in pain.

She fell straight to her knees, and, as luck would have it, landed on a sharp branch on the ground, aggravating her injury.

"Oh, Ming Changzai, how courteous you are! You just paid your respects, and now you're kneeling again? Are you here to beg me for mercy, or perhaps something else?"

Bai Pin laughed with pleasure, while Ming Changzai knelt on the ground, too pained to respond.

Pei'er, the maid beside her, immediately knelt and started crying, pleading with Bai Pin for mercy.

"Your Ladyship, please have mercy! Spare us, Your Highness!"

Bai Pin glanced at her and let out a mocking laugh.

"What have I done that warrants your pleas? Heaven forbid people hear of this and think I'm here to pick on Ming Changzai!"