The word ‘palace concubine’ was like a loud slap to Worthy Consort Xu’s face. Worthy Consort Xu had endured for so many years in the harem, waited for Consort Li to die and waited for the Empress to collapse. There were also many women who had fought with her for His Majesty’s favor. Finally, she obtained the phoenix seal that she had dreamed of and became the true owner of the harem. After she was intoxicated by it and thought that she was the uncrowned Empress, Yu Wan’s words beat her back to her original state. She clearly told her that no matter how high she climbed, she was still a concubine by the Emperor’s side.
Worthy Consort Xu’s expression darkened.
However, Yu Wan was right. The future Princess Consort Yan indeed did not have to kneel down to a palace concubine.
Looking at this slut’s arrogant and despotic appearance, Worthy Consort Xu hated the fact that she had not let her kneel more in the Xianfu Palace back then.
Worthy Consort Xu sneered. “Do you think I can’t do anything to you without kneeling?”
Yu Wan said indifferently, “Of course, Your Highness, if you want to make things difficult for me, you have many ways. But don’t forget, you’re not the number one person in the harem who can cover the sky now. The Empress has moved into Zhaoyang Palace. Don’t you have to ask the Empress first if you want to do anything to me?”
Do I need to ask her? She’s just an Empress without any power. Worthy Consort Xu thought this in her heart, but on the surface, she said tactfully, “Don’t use the Empress to pressure me. The Empress is not feeling well. Why should you disturb her with such a small matter?”
As soon as she finished speaking, Emissary Cui led a few palace maids and eunuchs over. She first bowed to Worthy Consort Xu. “Greetings, Your Highness.” Then, she turned to look at Yu Wan and smiled gently. “Just now, I heard that Young Madam entered the palace to meet the Empress. Her Majesty has been waiting for a long time, but she hasn’t seen Young Madam. So you’ve been delayed here.”
Yu Wan looked at Worthy Consort Xu and said, “It was thanks to Worthy Consort Xu’s kindness. We exchanged a few pleasantries.”
Worthy Consort Xu’s gaze swept back and forth between Yu Wan and Emissary Cui. The two of them looked familiar, so no one would believe that they had just met. A meaningful glint flashed across Worthy Consort Xu’s eyes as she said to Emissary Cui, “I also want to visit the Empress. Why don’t we go together?”
The Empress was seriously injured. Worthy Consort Xu was dressed so beautifully. Only a fool would believe that she had specially gone to see the Empress. It was more likely she’s going to seduce the Emperor.
Emissary Cui and Yu Wan did not expose her and followed Worthy Consort Xu’s palanquin to Zhaoyang Palace.
The Emperor asked Eunuch Wang to pick a group of palace servants to send to the Empress. The Empress’s side was finally no longer cheerless.
The Empress was sitting at the head of the bed with a headband on her forehead. Her face was still a little pale, but she was in good spirits. It seemed that the news of the Empress’s return had already spread. Other than Yu Wan, there were also a few daughters of the Zanying family and a noble lady from the imperial family who came to visit today.
The noble lady was the Empress’s daughter-in-law—the Eldest Princess Consort.
Yu Wan learned a little from Nanny Wan and did not understand what this meant. She only knew that Worthy Consort Xu’s expression became a little unhappy when she saw those young ladies.
“Your Majesty, Worthy Consort and Mrs. Yan have come to visit you,” Emissary Cui reported.
The Empress had long seen them and was just waiting for Emissary Cui to speak. When she heard this, she revealed a surprised smile and said, “Why did Sister come with Young Madam?”
Yu Wan went forward and bowed. When they first met, she had already bowed deeply. Today, she would just bow respectfully.
Worthy Consort Xu walked forward and bowed indifferently. “Greetings, Sister.”
The Empress’s smile was dignified and benevolent. “After so many years, Sister is still as charming as before, but I’m already old.”
Charming as before? In front of this group of little girls? She really did not know if she was sincerely praising her or mocking her. Worthy Consort Xu smiled insincerely and said, “Sister, you must be joking. You’re just seriously injured and your face is a little pale. When you’re healthy, you’ll definitely be as beautiful as a peony.”
The Empress smiled dotingly. “Sister, your mouth is still so sweet.”
With that, the Empress looked at Yu Wan. “Young Madam, you haven’t seen the Eldest Princess Consort and my maternal relatives, right?”
The women stood up.
The Eldest Princess Consort sat upright.
Yu Wan bowed to her. She bowed in return, and then the women bowed to Yu Wan.
The Empress personally introduced her maternal relatives. In the end, there was only one young lady left who accompanied the Eldest Princess Consort. The Empress smiled and said, “This is Miss Yun from the Duke Ding Manor.”
No wonder Worthy Consort Xu’s expression turned ugly. Duke Ding Manor had three generations of loyal officials. Their descendants were outstanding, and they had both civil and military officials. Their influence in the court and in His Majesty’s heart was not inferior to the Prime Minister Manor. The Empress has the intention of choosing a secondary consort for the Eldest Prince.
